Hi peeps,

Oh my gosh, another chapter in such a short time? How surprising! I really wanted to write some of the school arc. I am quite sick right now so I didn't have anything else to do. Either way, thanks for being patient with me. FYI, the made-up character in this will probably not appear again lmao.

Review Question from Wonderwomanbatmanfan:

Q: does Sebastian know about the mark on her back or is it gonna be a surprise?

A: It is going to be a surprise, for sure. XD

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Thanks for reading!

0o0o0o0o

Snip.

Snip.

Snip.

Pieces of hair fall in front of my eyes. I automatically close them when a couple of strands tickle my eyelashes. I bite my lip nervously, not used to my hair being cut. It slowly gets shorter and lighter as I sit here. "Is it bad?" I ask out loud.

Nina hums in thought, "No, but you're poor hair, dear. It's a shame."

"It's just hair." I sigh.

I feel Nina's hands run through it, shaking it as she does. "That may be so, but what will you do when people confront you about it in the near future?" she asks.

I hear the scissors slice through my hair again. I begin to tap my foot unconsciously against the tile flooring in the greenhouse. "Uh, well. I suppose just wear a wig?"

Nina sighs a little but resumes her task in my cutting my brown wavy hair. Really, I know I've wanted to chop it off in the past. But it's different when it's getting done. "Do you think I'll fit in with the school?" I question.

Her hands pause before I feel her tug on my hair slightly. "Fit in? It's likely. But fit in without being noticed? Impossible."

I open my eyes and glance up at her, "Why do you say that?"

She chuckles and turns my head to the left, "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror, dear?"

My eyebrows scrunch with confusion. I'm not sure what she means by that. "Duh. But what about my appearance?"

She groans at my response before circling around to peer down at me with her glasses. "You do know how beautiful you are, right?"

I gap at her, not expecting that compliment. I feel my cheeks flame. "W-What?" I sputter.

She waves the scissors around with an eye roll. "May the Lord have mercy on you. Do you not know?" she asks.

I blink owlishly, "No, know what?"

Her eyes widen comically with disbelief. "You must know surely."

I start to feel a little irritated, "Know what?" I repeat with a small bite in my tone. Just tell me, woman!

"The amount of gossip over you, you're quite known for your beauty."

Again, I gap at her in response. Since when?! I shout in my mind. I point a finger at me slowly, making sure I heard her right. She nods.

"Me? Being gossiped about?" I scoff in disbelief. "Impossible."

Nina sighs again, "You've been good for my business. I'll give you that. The number of men who come strolling into my boutique in Londen. All of them ask if my boutique is the one which the Phantomhives order from!"

"No way. Maybe they just want to be in touch with the nobles?" I offer.

She gives me a long look, "Oh yes, because they all want to look like you're brooding brother."

I almost snort at that but hold it back. Feeling exasperated, I slouch into my chair with a groan. "Am I really that pretty?" I ask meekly.

"Hah!" Nina laughs. "I don't believe how blind you are."

I grit down on my teeth. Good to know I'm a gossip daydream. If they really knew me, I'm sure I'd be kidnapped for my knowledge. "Great. I'm every man's poster girl. Marilyn Monroe? Who knows who that is?" I say sarcastically.

"Oh, stop frettin'." Nina lectures before grabbing my mostly short hair again. "Either way, you'll be the most beautiful boy at that college anyone's ever seen."

I close my eyes, feeling a headache slowly come forth. That's right. I'm transforming into a boy. As in, I'm going to be pretending to be a boy at a boy's college. Aka, where Ciel and Sebastian are currently for a mission. They left yesterday. I plan on leaving later tonight and arriving in the early morning. I sent my application in the same day Ciel did secretly. I got it back a day later after his and got accepted. I had to create a fake identity. This is going to be an interesting time.

I almost nod off in my chair until Nina squeezes my shoulders. My eyes fly open, and I find her standing in front of me again. "Ready?" she asks with a grin.

I reach up and touch my very short hair. I gulp nervously and nod. She hands me a handheld mirror. I slowly raise it to my face. I gasp at the sight. Holy shit! I lean forward in horror. I barely look like a boy! My hair is super flat, the wavy hair is gone with nothing to weigh it down anymore. I twist my head around, following with my gaze. My hair ends to mid-neck.

I glance up at Nina, "I look like a pretty boy." I admit.

She chuckles, "Indeed. I might have you model my men's clothing line. However, I find Sebastian a better candidate for such fine clothes."

I blush as I imagine him in different suits and some futuristic clothing. The modern-suited future Sebastian comes forth to my mind. "Yeah, I agree." I hum as a small spark of desire settles in my stomach. I clear my throat and stand up, "I'm going to gather the clothes you brought me. Time to find my disguise."

"Okay, I'll be waiting in the foyer."

I nod again and quickly brush by her. I leave the greenhouse and make a steady pace toward my bedroom. I try to avoid the servants as best I can. I don't need Bard making fun of me right now. I'll punch him if he does. I huff as I travel down the exaggerated hallways of this manor. Imagine if I was the only one living here? I'd be scared to death. I come to my bedroom door eventually and head inside.

I find the clothes Nina brought me laid out before me on the bed. I pace on over and set my hands on my hips in thought. The college is strictly for noblemen. I got to dress accordingly. Apparently, I will receive my uniform when I arrive tomorrow though. I must dress to impress. I grab a blue-grey suit, it reminds me of Ciel's hair color. I smile at the small thought. I shed my dress off. It doesn't take long due to how simple it was. I take off the undergarments required for the women of this era.

I walk to my dresser next and pull out a drawer. I take out a pair of panties with a smirk. Finally, I can go a few days with these instead of using them for workouts. I quickly put those on with a relieved sigh. Yes, I love the modern world. I decide to forego a bra. That would make me even more noticeable as a woman. I find a binding on my bed. I thank Nina internally and grab it. It takes me a few tries to wrap it around my breasts. The damn thing won't stay in place. Nina was nice enough to sew buttons onto it. I clasp them with the ending of the binding.

I take a deep breath and still find the ability to breathe rather normally. I wander over to my standing mirror in the corner of my bedroom. I move to stand so I can see the side of my body. My breasts are slightly noticeable but not enough with clothes on I quickly deduce. Good thing I have a smaller breast size. This is the one time I'm thankful for them. I nod to myself in the mirror and take my suit off my bed. Men have many layers too. But they are rather flat compared to a women's gown. Not that I'm complaining.

I slip those on rather easily. I fix my lapels to make them more comfortable. I mess with it until I come to the mirror to examine myself. I shake my arms a little and the sleeves right themselves with the action. I inhale deeply as I stare at myself in the mirror. The suit appears quite foreign to me. I twist my body around and notice my breasts are pretty much nonexistent. I play with the sleeves of my jacket anxiously. It looks nice to me. Different, but not a bad different. I kind of like the style.

Nina was right though; I notice and lean forward in the mirror. I look like a pretty boy for sure. Wide brown feminine eyes, thick lashes, a small but perky nose, and pouty lips brushed pink from natural tones. My eyebrows are long but neatly plucked and styled. I feel like myself, but also not myself. The hair is really throwing me through a loop. It's still flat against my head. I frown at the appearance of it. I miss my volume my hair naturally held with long hair.

I wander over to my make-up stand and find a thing of men's hair gel. I use this when my stray hairs won't flatten. Of course, very little is applied. I purse my lips and unscrew the lid. I dip three fingers inside of it. With the gel on my fingers, I set the container down and scoop some more up with my other hand. I sit down in front of my make-up stand and begin to card my fingers through my short locks. They begin to stick up wildly as I pull at the strands. I look like a cute nerd now.

I giggle at my appearance and continue to apply more until I'm satisfied. I stare at my hair with a crinkled nose. This would be hot on an actual guy. It's a bit hard to pull off. I do so wonderfully though, I smirk. I stand up again and go back to my bed. I find a pair of fake glasses and put those on. Coming back to the mirror, I full-out laugh at my appearance. Oh man, no one will think I'm pretty now. These glasses are so thick, they barely fit on my face. If I thought I was a nerd before now, then I was wrong. Mad scientists' kid is the look I'm rocking. I'll get weird stares for sure. However, I can't bring myself to change my new hairstyle.

I pack the rest of the clothes in a leather bag and clamp it together once I stuff everything I need inside. I pick it up, the heaviness not bothering me a bit. I bet I look like a skinny nerdy bloke, maybe I should have worn tweed. I snicker at my imagination as I play dress-up in my mind. I walk down the stairs which lead to the foyer and find Nina waiting for me. She looks up at me and her mouth drops open in shock.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PRETTY BOY? YOU LOOK LIKE A WRECK NOW!" she screeches at me.

I reach the last step with a smug look, "Nah, I think I look great." I hum. "I need to not stand out, Nina. And the best way to do that, is this way. No one wants to make talk with the weird kid."

She facepalms, "You could've been a masterpiece!" she cries.

I shake my head humorously at her reaction.

"What's the racket?" Bard asks whilst rubbing his head. He walks toward us with interest. He raises his eyebrow at me, "Who's the boy?" he asks in confusion.

My lips press into a firm line, and I set my bag down. I reach for my glasses and take them off, "Good to know I'm unrecognizable. My plan works then."

Bard narrows his eyes at me until he blanches with realization. "W-What a minute there!" he shouts and points a shaking finger at me. "Don't tell me you're our lady!"

I snicker at that and give him a small wave, "Hey, Bard. Like my new-do?" I ask.

He simply gaps at me in disbelief, "What did you do to your hair?!"

"I cut it."

His face pales horribly, "What on Earth for!?"

"I'm going undercover." I respond easily with a small shrug.

"With the young master?" he asks, still horrified.

"Yep!" I admit, popping the 'p' for emphasis. "Although, he doesn't know that..."

Bard pinches the bridge of his nose, "Woman, are you nuts?" he asks.

A large grin breaks out across my face. "Oh, definitely." I hum.

I hear Nina sigh in disappointment, "Well, at least you look the part."

I glance down at my suit once more. I gaze at my expensive black Oxfords wistfully. I've always wanted to wear a pair of these. Classy. "I feel very off-putting but strangely attractive." I laugh.

Bards face screws uptight with disgust, "What woman in their right mind would find that attractive?"

"Women like me." I rebuke with raised eyebrows.

"Off their kelter?" he offers with a teasing glance.

I purse my lips at him, "Well, if you wanna be an asshole. Then sure."

Nina comes between us with a stern look, "Okay, you two. Enough bickering. Rina, you need to get moving. It's quite late as it is."

I nod in agreement and Nina moves to open the door for me. It creaks open and I glance behind me once I acknowledge the carriage waiting for me. I offer Bard a soft look, "Look after the manor for me while we're gone, please."

His back straightens and his lips tighten with seriousness. "Yes, ma'am."

I give him one last smile, "Be careful, all of you. AND I better not come home to a half-depleted home again!" I point out with a joking look.

His lips quirk up a little, "Yes, yes. I hear ya'. You be careful too. Watch over the young master for us."

I offer a wave and descend the stairs. I hear Nina follow me down the steps. I approach the carriage and give my suitcase to the driver. He puts it away and I climb into the carriage. Nina follows my example and sits across from me. The driver closes the door for us before hopping up onto the driver's seat. He begins to take off, the familiar trot of the horse's hooves dances in my ears. I stare at the manor with an anxious look. Hopefully, all of us will live and return. It's always on my mind that the worst can happen.

I look away from the window to find Nina staring at me. I give her a small smile before leaning back into my seat. "So, have any advice on how to act like the other opposite gender?" I ask humorously.

She smirks and crosses her arms, "Oh, I have plenty of information on the male species."

I mirror the smirk and get ready for her pointers.

0o0o0o0o

I dropped Nina off at her boutique first before coming straight to the college. The trek was not as far as in the college was near the Thames River. For I was already in London, and I could deduce it is early in the morning. My eyes are rather tired, but I still have a bunch of energy surprisingly enough. I don't think I could sleep anyways. The sun is slowly beginning to start the day and it's around five in the morning by the time I arrive. It was recommended I arrive early due to setting up my classes, my room and house, my tour, initiation, and the clothing which is mandatory.

I gaze at the sign above the gates to the college, Weston College. Apparently, it's a public school. However, I think the idea of public school is quite different in this era. Public school meaning it was open to everyone and anyone. Though, here, it means open to anyone who had a lot of money. I would classify this to be a private school. I had to lie about my age for I was too old to even enter college. It was not the type of college I thought it was. This more like a high school. I lied about my age, so now I'm randomly seventeen again.

The driver comes to a stop directly at the gates. I resume getting out of the carriage in confusion. The driver peers down at me with a regretful look.

"I'm sorry, sir. They don't allow carriages in at this hour," he informs me. I sigh at this information and nod. He gets down from his seat and hands me my bag. He tips his hat at me before jumping back up to the driver's seat and turning away. I watch the carriage slowly distance itself away from me. I turn back toward the gates and find them locked when I shake them.

"How the fuck to I get in?" I mutter in confusion. Should I jump the gate? No. That's a bad idea. I'll have to explain how I get in then.

I adjust the bags handle in my hands in thought. However, before I can contemplate yelling for assistance; I notice a man in black slowly approaching the gate. I sigh in relief when they come closer. It's a man, perhaps a teacher. His hair is really long. He stops at the gate with a raised eyebrow, "Howell I presume?" he questions.

I nod with a small smile and straighten my back. "Yes, sir." I reply.

He nods back and takes out a large key. He puts it in the lock, and it clicks when he twists it to the left. The teacher swings the gate open and allows me inside. I walk inside and he locks it behind me. I examine the man's features, finding him to be close to my true age. His gaze flickers to mine, also examining me. He then begins to walk to the college, and I travel behind him.

"Where are you taking me, sir?" I ask politely.

"To my office. I oversee the new students. You may call me, Professor Redstein."

"Thank you for letting me in, Professor." I smile, although, it feels quite tense. I'm too nervous, I need to calm down. My biggest fear is being caught for being a girl.

I follow the man inside the building, and I admire the architecture. It's older but rather beautiful. It's well maintained. I find no students in the hallways, but I presume they must be still asleep or just waking. Redstein opens the door and I follow in like an obedient lost child. Gods, this feels so weird. I haven't been to school in how long?

He takes me to his desk and gestures for me to sit down. I set my back down by the chair and take a seat. He copies me and scoots closer to his desk. He takes out a folder and opens it before him. He skims through a dozen sheets of papers before he stops. He takes it out and puts the folder away after. I stare at it with narrowed eyes and read the information I submitted along with the money I put down to settle.

"So, Peter Howell, is it?" he asks without glancing at me.

"Yes, Professor." I respond quickly. Best not make a fool of myself.

He hums quietly as his eyes flicker around reading the paper. "You're from Oxford, and your family owns several bookstores around the country, correct?"

"Correct."

"The last name Howell does ring a bell somewhere." he comments offhandedly.

I lick my lips nervously, "Our stores are rather small for what they are. But it is the books which matter most." I point out.

A ghost of a smile appears on Redstein's face, "Quite."

He reads over the paper some more before glancing back up at me. "Well then, welcome to Weston College, Peter." he mentions in a friendly way. "Today, I shall give you a tour, your class arrangements, housing, and uniform. These things will not take long. Would you like to start your classes immediately?" he asks.

I eagerly nod and lean forward, "Yes, Professor. I would rather love that."

He smiles and stands up, "We shall get started then. No time to waste."

I get up as well and grab my bag once more. I follow him out the door and happily chat the friendly teacher up.

0o0o0o0o

I stare at the Saphire Owl house with contempt. You know, it never crossed my mind that I would have to get dressed in front of other men. I blush at the thought of it happening. How scandalous, I shiver internally. That's too much for me even. Redstein leads me to a bedroom with multiple beds in it. Okay, maybe I should have stayed at the manor like a good little girl.

I gulp nervously and Redstein decides to push me in a little. "You may not be used to sharing a room with others, but it is not so bad." he comments. I watch him walk over to a bed and gesture towards it. "This one is yours. It comes with your own dresser."

I find the dresser on the opposite side of the room, across from my bed. I nod in acknowledgment. "Bathrooms?" I ask curiously. Oh God, I gotta use the bathroom with men too!

"It is down the hall to the left. It is not far or hard to find."

I nod silently. He puts down my new schedule on the bed along with my two sets of uniforms. I creep closer so as not to seem weird. "Thank you, Professor."

"You're welcome. You may have to skip morning tea, but class begins at seven-thirty sharp. It is best to be on time, it is policy." he informs and pulls out a pocket watch. He reads the time and shuts it promptly. "You have fifteen minutes before the first class begins. I already pointed out where it will be held. Do you need anything else?" he asks.

"No..." I trail off, my mind trying to cooperate. "No, I think that's all."

Redstein nods politely before taking off for the door, "Let me know if you have any further questions. Good day."

He walks out of the room and closes the door behind him. I release a breath I did not realize I was holding. Holy shit, what have I gotten myself into? I cry internally. I hurriedly get dressed in my new suit. I find a mirror nearby and stare at myself in wonder. Alright, you can do this Rina, you got this!

I heave a sigh and grab my schedule. I read the first class and find Sebastian's name. Oh dear, I'm sure this will go over well. At least, I'm in proximity to someone I know. I travel out of the dorm room and head to the building where classes are held. I huff and puff as I mall walk toward the class. I might not make it in time. I enter the building and I can feel sweat fall down my back as I do. I race for the class, and I find a clock near the wall. I have exactly one minute before seven-thirty. What a pain in the ass!

I open the door with a huff and find the room filled with students already. Everyone turns to look at me with surprise. I smooth down my jacket awkwardly and clear my throat. I glance around and I find a rather disinterested Ciel behind the class. I almost snort at him. He's never going to believe I'm here. He might just kill me himself.

Someone clears their throat and I find a very angry Sebastian in front of me. I can literally feel his anger pouring in waves around the area. His fake smile graces his lovely pale face whilst peering down at me. I must admit, he looks rather sexy dressed like a professor. Not that I'd ever tell him that. I fidget in my spot, "Er, my name is Peter Howell and I'm the new student starting today. Pleased to meet you, Professor Michaelis. Please take care of me." I ramble and bow slightly toward him.

"Ah, so you are the new student. The pleasure is all mine, Peter." he drawls. I stand up straight again and plaster a sweet fake smile on my face.

I chuckle nervously, "Yes, thank you. Where shall I sit, professor?"

He turns toward the class and surveys the seats. However, they are all taken it seems. He glances at the pedestal he was standing on earlier when I came in. A small table is settled next to it with a chair. I can hear him sigh quietly before gesturing to the seat with his riding crop. I try not to think about what he can do with such a tool. "Over here will have to do for now."

I nod and walk around the table to sit down. I scoot the chair in and set my supplies on the table. A book to write in and a fountain pen. Sebastian begins to teach the class about the past century, and I am eager to learn. I hate to admit it, but he's a rather great teacher. I take down multiple notes and I must twist in my chair here and there to copy what he wrote on the board. I notice Ciel has yet to recognize me yet. Though, it's another story for Sebastian. I can feel his irritation and anger being directed at me at a constant rate.

I should have known I couldn't fool him.

When class ends and I move to get up to follow my fellow students, Sebastian clears his throat rather pointedly. "Peter, stay after class, please. There is much which I need to discuss with you."

I grit my teeth down and freeze in my spot until the last student trickles out of the room. The door to the classroom shuts harshly with the click of Sebastian's fingers. I bite my lip nervously and slowly turn toward him. I meet his heavy glare with a nervous look. "Hey, Sebastian..." I trail off awkwardly.

He taps his finger against his arm and it's just another clue to he's mad. "I should've known when I saw the last name on my register last night."

I wince at his stone-dead tone, "How did you know it was me?" I ask.

He leans against one of the student's desks, still glaring at me. I fidget in my spot. "I think the more important question is why you decided to come here despite how much we insisted you not to."

I decide to take off my glasses as they were beginning to bother my face. I twist them in my hands, feeling like a child being scolded. "Um, well, I just wanted to come along is all."

He raises an eyebrow at me, "Even though, you said it would be best not to."

"I was saying that so you guys would get off my back. It was obvious enough you didn't want me to come." I mutter and pout at him.

He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose which pushes his fake glasses upward, "Why do you never listen to us?" he asks. "Must you be so rebellious?"

"I just wanted to come along, okay? I thought it'd be fun to go back to school." I admit and set my glasses down on my desk.

"Doesn't matter, the matter of the fact is you never listen. Even if it's for your own well-being." Sebastian resumes, ignoring my defense.

I narrow my eyes at him, "I don't need someone to look out for me. I got my own back." I counter, fully believing that too.

He stands and I swear a crackle of power strikes the air, "You're so stubborn." he growls deeply.

I fold my arms across my chest, "If you're looking for an apology, I'm not giving you one. I came along because I thought I could be useful. Better to have three instead of two."

He paces a little, his robes floundering around him elegantly. "How exactly will you be useful?" he questions.

"I can scout, fight, make friends, gain information, you name it."

He comes to a stop in front of me, his glare still steeling his eyes. "The young master and I could have taken care of this mission by ourselves, Rina. You know that well enough." he glowers and levels his stare to her own. "So why did you come?"

I swallow anxiously and grab my arm, "I—" I stutter. "I didn't want to be alone." I mutter quietly. My shoulders sink as weight is off them. They are my family, the closest people I have. I don't want them to disappear at any given moment.

His eyes widen in surprise, probably not expecting that answer. "Oh?" he breathes.

"Yes, 'oh'." I bite and throw him my own glare. "Forgive me for being a little scared. Give me a break. The last time you guys went on a mission, you almost died, and I disappeared. I don't want that to happen again." I explain and rub at my watering eye.

His eyes widen even further if that was even possible. His expression cools down quickly though. "I see," he utters before standing straight once more. He walks away from me to the door to leave. "What will you do when someone figures out your gender?" he asks.

I scratch at my neck nervously, feeling a little on edge from his reaction. It was rather, well dry. I grab my stuff and meet him at the door. "I don't really know honestly. It never crossed my mind I'd be sharing intimate space with boys. Not that it really matters." I sigh in exasperation.

He grabs the handle to the door, but he does not open it. His gaze flickers down to mine. "You should be more bothered." he insists.

I raise an eyebrow at him, "Why would I be complaining about being in a room full of men who decide to dress in front of me? It's all eye candy." I defend. But then, I think about it for a second and my face pales. "Never mind, I just realized how big the age gap is. I'm not a pedo I swear." I blanch.

He frowns and I can feel some of his anger diminish. "You should be more...careful." he mutters before opening the door and leaving me behind. I stare after his towering form with confusion. That demon is plain odd sometimes. I don't know what to make of him ten percent of the time. Stepping out of the classroom, I travel toward the dining hall. My stomach is starting to growl at me. My energy is falling low as it is.

0o0o0o0o

I sit down at the table full of chattering children of the Saphire Owl house. Some are older and some are younger. However, I'm rather starving and could care less now. I lean forward and survey my options. I reach for a blueberry muffin and some cantaloupe. I put them on my plate and eat quietly. Before I know it, two people settle themselves at my sides. I perk up at the random strangers, only to find two handsome men.

"So, you're the new student then?" he asks quizzically. He examines my face and attire with interest. I do the same to him, he looks like he's seventeen or so. A little handsome too. Hopefully, he's not an asshole.

"That's me." I smile.

The boy to my left leans against the table, also trying to get a good look at me. "More like the second new student."

"Second?" I ask with a tilt of my head.

He nods and points to where Ciel is sitting amongst other students. It appears he already has made a friend. I smile at the fact. "Oh, I see," I reply after a few seconds.

"Have you heard the Phantomhive's before?" the guy to my right asks.

I rush of panic runs through me at the mention of the last name. This is so weird. I decide not to answer but the boy to my right does. "They run a toy and chocolate confectionery business, don't they?"

I watch the conversation like a ping-pong match. "So, I've heard. My little sister enjoys their sweets."

I smile a little at that, "They are pretty good." I comment. "What are your names again?" I ask randomly.

The boy to my right perks up, "My name is Fredrick Goodmen."

"My name is George Nevern." the other boy says to my left.

I nod and a smile appears on my lips naturally, "Nice to meet you both. My name is Peter Howell."

"We'll show you around if you need it. However, there is something you should know." Fredrick interjects.

I take a bite of my muffin and look at him with interest, "What?" I ask.

However, before he can tell me, a voice breaks through the room. My head swivels to find a boy with the ugliest haircut I've ever seen. He has glasses and he looks like he may have a stick up his ass. Oh, look, another William. "Phantomhive! Howell!" the boy shouts. Both of us stand up quickly in question. The other students begin to file out of the room.

He stares at both of us. I glance at Ciel and finding him staring at me oddly. Like he's confused about something.

"Clayton!" Ciel responds. I take in the name and add it to my memory. He seems like he runs things here.

Clayton points at both of us, "Until you both have been assigned to an upper-year, you're on cleaning duty for the dining hall." he instructs.

I glance around at the mess around me. You have got to be kidding me. I move around my table and come closer to the pair in the middle of the room. "Everything?" I squeak out as I eye the dishes.

"That's right!" Clayton exclaims loudly. "Don't slack off!"

We watch as he leaves the room in long strides. I glance down at Ciel, and he does the same thing. We simply stare at one another; I can find the irritation brewing in his single eye. I smirk a little and he scowls, "What's so funny?" he asks.

"Nothing really." I hum and cross my arms. "Just how blind you are."

"E-Excuse me!?' he sputters.

"Ciel, how can you not recognize me? How long have we been together exactly?" I ask with a shake of my head. He freezes and stares at me with horror. I take off my glasses with a smug look. "Who says a girl can't pretend."

"What?!" he squawks in shock.

I card my fingers through my short hair, "I know, it's surprising, isn't it? Who knew short hair looked great on me."

His mouth continues to hang open and I snicker at the look. His expression quickly morphs into of anger. "What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" he grounds out with a glare.

I twist my fingers nervously, "I, uh, thought you might end up needing me."

He squeezes his eye shut as if he were fighting off a headache. A large sigh flies past his lips, "I'm really trying hard not to yell at you right now."

I scratch my neck awkwardly, "Yeah, well, please don't. I already got an ear full of Sebastian."

"As you should!" he snaps, his eye blazing with brewing irritation. "What were you thinking, coming here. When you even agreed to stay behind!"

"Okay, okay!" I repeat with exasperation. "I get it! I shouldn't have come, blah, blah, blah. But oh well, I'm here now and I'm ready to help."

He facepalms, "You're an idiot!" he shouts at me. I wince at his choice of title, but I know I can be sometimes. He suddenly touches his eyepatch before ripping it off. "Sebastian. Come here." he orders, and his contract sign glows lighter in his eye.

I could feel Sebastian before I could see him. He appears behind us in an elegant flow of capes and black shadows. He smirks as he comes to our side, whilst holding a clipboard. "It seems Derek was transferred..." Ciel informs with a sigh.

"Oh, the queen's cousin we're searching for?" I ask.

Ciel nods in confirmation. Sebastian flips some papers over his clipboard, searching for something. "When I checked his name was on the register of Violet Wolf indeed." Sebastian explains thoughtfully.

"He should be at the dorm now. I'll check it out so you can clean up here." Ciel suggests and begins to run toward the door.

I take a few steps to follow him, "Wait! I'll go with you!" I shout.

Ciel stops with his hand on the door handle, "No! Stay here with Sebastian and stay out of trouble. I don't need your recklessness right now."

I scoff at the insult as he disappears out the door, "Oi! Don't leave me with mister dark and brooding!"

The door closes with a quiet snap. I glance over at the said man in the same room. "Well then," Sebastian claps with a fake cheery smile toward me. "...you can help me clean."

I put my hands on my hips, "Why should I when you can get it done in seconds?" I ask.

He stalks toward me with a small smirk, "To punish you, of course. You forget I am the Saphire Owl's supervisor. You must listen to me." he mocks.

I gap at him, "Excuse me? I listen to no one but myself!"

"And look where you are right now?"

I scowl at him and stomp over to a table, "I get it, I get it. No need to rub it in my face." He smirks at me again as if enjoying me being obedient for once. "What are you smirking about?" I snark.

He shrugs innocently before coming to a table. I glare at his stupid perfect head. He suddenly morphs into blurs as he begins to clean up one of the tables. I gap at his quickness and try to go as fast as I can. Is this a contest?! I screech internally. I can hear a maniacal laugh come from the blur, probably enjoying watching my struggles to keep up. Before I know it, he's at the middle tables. The first one set up beautifully with clean plates and nicely arranged. What the actual fuck?!

"I know you're enjoying this, you freakin' asshole!" I cry as I stumble over my feet. The number of dirty plates in my hands, stacking to an insurmountable height. Before I know it, Sebastian appears in front of me. I can barely see him from the plates blocking my view. "Here let me help you." he purrs out smugly.

"NO!" I snap and dodge his offering hands. "I can clean my own table, thank you very much."

I set down the plates on the table. Only a quarter done after clearing them up. He leans against the tabletop, practically sitting on it. The smugness coming off him is overwhelming and makes me want to punch him in the face. "You sure?" he insists.

I turn to glare at him, "Maybe if you had a better attitude, I would consider it!"

I begin to collect the silverware, trying to ignore his presence overall. It is rather difficult though. I don't think I can ever dismiss his actual presence. He's like a looming black cloud; one which I fancy way too much. He tosses me almost the equivalent of puppy dog eyes. I blanch at the look. Can demons even be cute!? He keeps directing the gaze at me as I move around the table.

I huff after a few minutes, not being able to handle it any longer. "Fine, help me." I sigh in defeat.

Another smug smirk appears on his lips as he stands to full height. "Whatever, milady wishes."

0o0o0o0o

I mutter under my breath as I walk down the hallway. Leave it to Sebastian to irritate me for a whole day. He does it on purpose! I know he does! If anything, I know he likes to mess with me. The gall of that demon. He's a sadist. Not that I need to be wondering what his sexual preferences are. Do demons even have those? I ponder briefly. The old memory of him fucking Beast comes into my mind's eye. I feel my mood go from irritated to downright pissy. I just had to go and think about that occasion.

I grumble some more, incoherent words of filth flying out of my mouth as bad a sailor. The sound of people distracts me momentarily though. I perk up and turn the corner to find all the students gathering at the dining hall I was in earlier. I find Ciel just ahead in front of me. I come to his side with interest. "What's going on?" I whisper to him.

He startles slightly, "No idea."

Clayton comes into view suddenly, he grabs Ciel and me by the shoulders. His glasses glinting with astonishment. "Phantomhive! Howell!" he cries.

"Y-Yes?!" we both shout back.

"I don't easily praise anyone...however." Clayton drawls. "Just today, I shall grant you some praise."

"What?" we both utter in confusion as Clayton's face creeps closer to ours.

He begins to steer us toward the dining hall. I already know how marvelous it looks. Courtesy of Sebastian, of course. I ended up not doing shit at all. I watched Sebastian with a miffed attitude throughout the process. He knows how he affects me, it's not fair. He pushes us inside whilst gesturing around the room. I can literally see the sparkles bouncing off the walls and neatly arranged plates/silverware. I roll my eyes at how impressive it is. That demon is a show-off. He likes his ego stroked.

"Our old—I mean traditional dormitory dining hall looks completely new!" Clayton exclaims. "Well done, Phantomhive and Howell!"

"No! It wasn't that—" Ciel begins to protest beside me. But Clayton interrupts him with an 'ah!'. I follow his eyes and find Sebastian entering the room with a smile. I sweatdrop, still feeling his smugness and humor. Really, this guy is something else.

"Mr. Michaelis!" Clayton shouts.

"What is it?" Sebastian asks innocently with a tilt of his head.

"Look at the dining hall!" Clayton insists. Sebastian surveys the hall briefly before his gaze returns to Clayton. "Phantomhive and Howell," he starts and claps our shoulders with each of his hands. We jump in his grasp, "...cleaned it up!" he finishes, appearing quite impressed with us.

"My, my," Sebastian hums with a fake smile. "Thank you for your hard work, Phantomhive and Howell."

I simply glare at him and cross my arms, "No, thank you, mister Michaelis."

He meets my eyes with a brief curling smile. I scowl at him with beady eyes. Stupid demon. I notice movement in the corner of my eye and find a smile turning toward Clayton with a Cheshire cat look. "I'm glad you are pleased! Actually, I'm really good at doing housework." Ciel informs with a bow. He stands straight again with a brilliant smile, something so young and childish. It makes my heartthrob with awe. He raises his arm in the form of a salute. "So, if you've got anything, please just ask, Clayton!" he chirps with a higher tone of pitch than I'm used to coming from him.

I gap at his performance. His acting is astonishing sometimes. I can take note that Ciel is out for something. Hopefully, gaining something from this Clayton person. I remember hearing a conversation about a 'fag'. Not the insulting rude word 'fag', but a fag here is different entirely. It is a person who helps upperclassmen. In other words, it sounds like a slave. But in nicer words, unpaid assistant. I do not look forward to gaining the position of fag. Fuck that. How long was I a maid for again? Nuh-uh, I refuse to go back to doing that work. Not without a motivation of some type.

I sigh, this whole school persona is really sapping the energy out of me. The only benefit is the learning portion. I smile wistfully, I have many questions from what I've learned so far. All thanks to Sebastian for that. I glance at the said demon to find him gazing at the pair of students who chatter without reason. Once again, in my life, I am wondering what Sebastian is thinking.