Alois struggled to figure out just what to do with his lifeboat and was about to give up and wait for Ciel to come help him, but the bluenette was still engaging with Preston. Curiously, the two no longer seemed to be fighting. Instead, they seemed to be talking? It didn't matter, despite Alois' attempts to listen in. He began receiving messages from headquarters, taking up all of his attention at that moment. His eyes widened at the realization that the ship was now in international waters, and that there was nothing more H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. could do. The Navy could no longer sink the ship.
"Ciel!" Alois called, waving toward the bluenette and grabbing his attention momentarily. "The mission's a bust! We're not in Britain anymore!"
Nodding, the Phantomhive shouted back. "I'm working on it!" he said before turning his gaze back to Preston, his expression serious, yet concerned.
"Are you certain?" he asked. "What's the catch?"
"You get the fuck off of my ship." The Omid answered. "That's all I really want right now. I'll let you go, and I'll give you the samples in the laboratory. Just as long as you get the hell away from me."
"But why?"
"Think of it as a gift." Preston stated. "You're a nasty son of a bitch, and I still hate you. In fact, the next time I see you, I'll be taking that head of yours. But for now… I can't keep fighting this battle. It's obvious."
"Is that all?" Ciel questioned. "Why are you giving this back to me?" he added, taking the small, black box from the hand of his former friend.
"Well, that's because I'm not a heartless bastard, Ciel." His foe replied. "I don't have it in me to take that away. From anybody; even a monster like you. Just take the samples, take the box, take your man, and get off my ship."
Pausing, Ciel looked the other man over before nodding. He slipped the box into a different pocket and made certain that it was safe and secure in its new place before looking at Preston again.
"Thank you, Preston." He said earnestly. His eye and his expression were softer than usual, albeit somewhat melancholic. "I really mean it." Holding out his hand, he offered to sportingly shake his foe's in what was an immensely unusual display of fair play on the Phantomhive's part. Preston looked at it, and paused, before shaking his head.
"Whatever." He replied. "Just come clean out the lab." Preston said, gesturing the demon to follow him. He was forced to wait, however, as the bluenette didn't go right away.
"Not yet. I should update Jim on the plan." Ciel answered, shaking his head.
"Make it quick." Instructed the Omid, to which his foe agreed. Quickly, Ciel made his way over to the lifeboat where his beau was standing, only to be met by the blonde on his way there.
"Jesus Christ, you look terrible!" Alois said, reaching out and cupping the Phantomhive's face. "Are you alright? Does it still hurt?"
"I'm fine." Ciel said assuringly with a small smile. "There's been a change of plans."
"What is it? What's going on?"
"Preston has decided to make a strategic retreat, and as part of our agreement, he will let us go, as well as allow us to take all of the samples back." The bluenette said, reaching up to brush his fingers against his love's hands as they stayed fixed on his face. "We have to go and get the samples, and then we can leave."
"So he figured out that he couldn't win, and instead of continuing to fight a futile battle, he's going to cut his losses, eh?" asked the menace. "But what's going to happen to him?"
"He's going to go his own way." The Phantomhive informed, gently pulling the other man's hands away from his face and holding them. "Can you notify H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G?"
"Alright. Just go get that shit so we can go home."
"Yes, you're highness." The Watchdog quickly pressed his lips against the menace's hand and then his cheek before letting go. He made haste to get back to Preston, not wishing to keep him waiting.
As for the blonde, he sat patiently in the boat, watching the two leave. They paused to untie Wink while Preston instructed her to make sure that Hobbs wasn't dead, but then they went inside. Alois observed the woman following her instructions, as there wasn't much else to do but worry about Ciel. It was a long walk down to the laboratory, and a long walk back. It would take him some time to collect everything he needed, and Alois really didn't like him being alone with their supposed "enemy" for that long. He was afraid that something might happen to his beau, but he wasn't picking up any form of distress with his contract.
He fidgeted and tapped his feet while he sat, keeping his eyes peeled for the bluenette despite the fact that he could sense when he was getting close. When he did, he immediately perked up. Icy blue eyes honed in on the door that led to the inside of the ship, and when he saw Ciel exit while carrying two duffelbags, he stood up. He walked over to his beau and took one of the bags before starting to walk alongside him back to the boat, adjusting the weight of the strap over his shoulder.
"How'd it go?" he asked, looking over his shoulder to see Preston exit the ship as well.
"We got what we need so we don't come out of this empty-handed." Ciel replied as the menace gently set his bag down in the boat and reached out to take the remaining one from the bluenette. After handing it over, Ciel turned to Preston one more time.
"So I guess this is it until next time, then?" he asked, causing the other man to nod.
"Until I come and get you." Preston replied. "Better enjoy things while you're still living."
"Always." Ciel said. "Which way are you heading?"
"Why the fuck would I tell you?"
"Because it's closer to get to either the Netherlands, or Belgium from here. Honestly, I'd pick the Netherlands. I hear Catholicism is a thing in Belgium. Where the Catholics are big, then so is Iscariot. Steer clear of them if you like living. They're even worse than H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G."
"Sounds like I have a new target." Preston retorted. "I'm going to have to fix things up, first… You really caused some damage…"
"It's my job."
"You're a dick."
"Depending on a person's perspective, yes." Qupped the Phantomhive. "Best luck to you, Preston."
"Yeah, yeah… Get off my ship."
Flashing a friendly smile, Ciel turned the other way and hopped into the lifeboat. "Let's go." He said to his beau, before both of them began lowering the vessel into the water, looking up at Preston as he disappeared from their sight as it was blocked by the side of the Scarlet Order's ship. Awkwardly, they both tried to figure out how to pilot the vessel, but they somehow managed, as clumsy and fumbling as it was, to steer the blasted thing despite the panicked yelling and bickering over which way they were supposed to be going.
Somehow they made it back into English waters. Their small boat was fortunately spotted by the English Navy ships, and H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. was able to get them safely ashore. They landed slightly off from the mouth of the Thames River, and would have to be driven back to London as soon as headquarters sent them transport and was updated on the situation. The demonic duo failed their mission to eliminate the Scarlet Order and would be punished for it. However, their punishment would be mostly to save face, so it would most likely not be at all severe. It would be a slap on the wrist compared to a lower-ranking supernatural.
All they had to do until transport arrived was watch the waves while wearing filthy clothes. The H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. agents waited on their own ship while the duo sat on the rocky excuse for a beach among pebbles and the occasional discarded soda can. Alois took off his jacket for Ciel to wear, as the bluenette's own was tattered and bloodied. The blonde pulled up the sleeve of his shirt and licked it before using it to wipe the blood from his beau's face.
"Quite the gentleman, you are." Jested the Phantomhive, sitting still and simply allowing Alois to do as he wished.
"One does his best when his boyfriend gets in a fight." Alois joked back. "Honestly, I don't know how you could have gotten this fucked up. Preston's not that strong, is he?"
Silence. There was a brief silence between the two of them as Ciel hesitated. Alois simply continued his ministrations while he waited for Ciel to answer. Once the man's face was sufficiently clean, he pulled back and looked at his love. Confusion crossed over his face as he looked at his Watchdog, arching an eyebrow at the expression Ciel was wearing.
"What is it?" he asked, snapping the bluenette from his trance. Blinking, the Phantomhive shook his head.
"I was just thinking." Ciel replied. "I was having trouble fighting because I had something else on my mind. It's what convinced Preston to finally give up."
"What did?"
"I told him about my personal project." The Phantomhive said. "One of the pieces fell out of my pocket, and I couldn't let it get damaged."
Confusedly, the blonde furrowed his brow. The news that Preston would allow them to go free for this mysterious "project" of Ciel's was extremely concerning, especially since it was so secret, that the Phantomhive could even tell his boyfriend! Not only was it unfair, but it was also a cause for alarm. If the Scarlet Order had an interest in it, then just how dangerous was it?
"Ciel," began the Macken. "what on earth are you up to? You promised to tell me after the mission was over, but… Why would… Why would Preston be interested in it?"
"Because he's our friend." Answered the bluenette, taking his beau's hands. "Jim, I know I haven't been honest with you, and I'm sorry, but—"
"But what?" Alois asked, trying to take his hands away. "How dangerous is it?!"
"Jim, it's not dangerous at all." The Phantomhive stated. "I told you, I'm not going to do anything dangerous without first consulting you."
"Then what the hell is it!?" demanded the Macken. "Ciel, I swear to God…"
"Jim, please, just listen…" Ciel interjected before the blonde could go off. "I was hoping to tell you right now, if you'll let me."
Alois looked his beau over, trying to get a read on him. The ordinarily pale bluenette had a slight pink hue in his face as his eye stared straight into the Macken's. There was unease, but it wasn't the same as when dealing with a threat. Alois had seen the Phantomhive under stress many times before, but this type of nervousness was new.
"What?" the Macken asked. "What's your plan?"
The shift in Ciel's expression did nothing to quell his unrest or ease his concerns, as the man seemed obviously taken aback by the blonde's statement, despite the fact that it was exactly the one he was looking for. Anxeity was obvious as Alois sense it through his contract. He wasn't sure what to expect, especially since the Phantomhive, who was usually so dignified and sincere, even when discussing personal matters was so flustered. It grew hotter outside, at least for Ciel as his heart rattled his ribcage and the redness of his face grew darker.
"U-uh, we-well…" the Watchdog stuttered, pausing to cough into his fist and clear his throat. "I…"
"You're not doing a very good job of building confidence, you know." Alois said, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, y-you're right…" Ciel replied, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. "I just—I just don't know how to say it…"
"Then just say it. Whatever it is, it doesn't have to be perfect."
"Yes it does…" answered the Phantomhive. "Trust me."
"Ciel, as long as I can understand the basic gist of it, it's fine." Asserted the blonde. "Now just tell me. What's got you so worked up?"
"Uh…" Ciel looked down for a moment, suddenly taking great interest in the rocks they were sitting on. "The thing is… I…" He paused, taking in a deep breath in order to calm himself down.
"Jim," he began, adopting a tone of complete and utter seriousness. "I… I don't want to be your boyfriend anymore."
"Wh-what?!" the blonde gawked, pulling away from the bluenette more, as his love's words hit him like a train. Instantly, his eyes were wide and the colour drained from his face. "Ci-Ciel, if there's something th—"
"No, no, no, no! That's not what I mean!" frantically interrupted the Watchdog. "Just let me explain!"
"Then what do you mean, Ciel?!" Alois demanded, his voice cracking. His own face began to heat up as tears began to collect in his eyes, pouring out and staining his cheeks. "Do you—do you not…"
"Jim, no! I love you!" barked the Watchdog, reaching out to grip the other man's shoulders. "I love you more than anything! I'm not trying to break up with you! I'm trying to propose to you!"
Instantaneously, Ciel caught himself allowing his intentions to slip out, and his face became so red, that it would be amazing if the stain in his cheeks ever did come out. When those words slipped out, Alois immediately opened his mouth to yell back, but then they registered, and the Macken paused, tears still falling from his eyes as he looked to the other man confusedly as Ciel took a hand away to clutch at his own mouth.
"What?" he asked, eyes wide. The scanned the other man's face for any trace of insincerity, only to find none. Inhaling and exhaling, he tried to calm down enough to press the matter. "You… you wanted to… to… to me?" Hesitantly, his beau nodded in return.
Ciel had never been so nervous in all of his life. He was sweating. He was almost shaking. The Phantomhive had been planning this for months, trying to make sure everything was perfect, and here he was, messing it all up and making the blonde cry. Slowly, he took his hand away from his mouth and nodded again.
"Yes." Ciel answered. Hands unsteady, the Watchdog groped around in the inside of his pocket in order to pull out a small, black box. "Th-this is what fell out of my pocket earlier… I had to make sure it didn't get damaged so I could… S-so I could give it to you."
Alois swallowed as his beau nervously opened the box, revealing a gold ring carefully secured inside. It was intricately decorated with the head of a lion carrying a pale grey topaz in its mouth. A gasp escaped the blonde's lips at the sight of it, before his eyes quickly darted up to the bluenette's face, fresh tears. They only got worse when his love shifted, standing on one knee as he continued to display the ring.
"Jim," he began, his voice soft and earnest. Ciel looked to the menace with the same sense of marvel as though the entirety of the world stood before him. Only Alois was reflected in that sapphire orb of his, as the menace held the bluenette's complete attention.
"You're brilliant." He continued, watching as the blonde tried his best to hold back his tears. "All of this time, I was trying to figure out just how to tell you just how brilliant and wonderful you are, but once again, I'm at a loss for words. I realise that explaining it all would take an eternity, as I find something new that I love about you every single day. So, will you allow me to start, by permitting me the honour of becoming your husband?"
Letting out a laugh, the blonde was smiling so hard that his cheeks hurt despite the fact that the tears would not stop. His heart was racing and his stomach fluttered with every word. He knew what he would answer with, and yet he was so overwhelmed that it was difficult to form the word.
"Jim, will you marry me?" Ciel asked, trying to remain as calm as possible, but not doing a very good job in the slightest.
Quickly, Alois nodded, not even having to think about it. A nervous laugh escaped him as he smiled genuinely, wanting nothing more. He tried his hardest to blink back his tears, but it was no use. He was overflowing with happiness.
"Yes." He said, continuing to nod. "Of course I will, Ciel."
Suddenly, his beau lit up, his body relaxing as an equally large grin graced his face. He didn't want to look away from his love, but had to in order to take the ring out of its box. He closed the container again and placed it in his pocket before gently using his newly freed hand to reach for Alois' and hold it tenderly. "Excited" did not clearly define the way that the Watchdog felt as he gently slid the ring on his beau's left ring finger.
Once it was on, he looked up at the man, inviting him to do the same before he guided his new fiancé's hand up to his lips in order to kiss his ring. Immediately, the blonde moved forward to wrap his arms around Ciel's neck and pull him into a tight embrace, absolutely loving it when the bluenette did the same around his waist. Ciel gripped Alois tightly, picking the man up from his seated position and lifting him into the air. The sound of waves was no match for the sound of their rejoiceful giggling as the Watchdog twirled them both around, only to lose his footing and slide on the rocks, forcing the two of them to the ground, with the blonde on top of him.
"Oof!" was all that was uttered by the bluenette before he continued to laugh with his beau. He moved a hand from around Alois's waist in order to cup the blonde's cheek and guide him into a kiss. Both of them tried their best, but were still forced to giggle through their nose. Once the first one broke into laughter, the other followed, but neither of them minded in the slightest as they continued to enjoy each other's embrace and their smiley, giggly kiss that both of them were too happy to break.
Soon, however, Alois had a craving to see his love's face, so he had no choice but to pull back, propping himself up with his hand pressed uncomfortably against the pebbles beneath them. Tears fell against the bluenette's cheek as he looked down at him, taking in his features and overjoyed expression, before taking his free hand and wiping Ciel's face with his thumb. Alois then caressed his face, tracing his fingers along his jawline. He continued to laugh, but desperately tried to stop in order to not spoil the romantic air.
"Why are you crying?" Ciel asked, wiping the tears of his finance.
"I can't help it!" answered the blonde. "I'm—I'm just so happy! You make me so happy."
"Good. That is my life's greatest ambition." The Watchdog playfully replied, trying to sit up. Once more, he snaked his arms around the waist of the fair haired demon and pulled him close, pecking the man on the cheek as Alois rested his hands on Ciel's chest. "God, I love you so much, Jim. I hardly know what to do."
"Let me be yours while you be mine." Alois said, closing his eyes and rubbing noses. "That's all I could ever wish for."
"So you have wished it, so it shall be, highness." Ciel answered, closing his own eye and leading forward for a kiss that would be one of many over the course of eternity.
A/N: So we're finally here...
Ugh, these two are so idiots, but they're so damn cute.
I hope this was worth the wait, duckies, but it is by no means "the end"! Prepare for so much fluff, that you might get sick from the sweetness.
Aaah, I don't really have much to say... I just thought that since it's kind of a special chapter, that I should say something!
Look forward to what comes next!
Oh, and by the way, for those of you who don't already know, I have a tumblr account, where I answer questions, talk about DLTD and other shit, and I also post (shitty) artwork sometimes. I've had it for a while, but, y'know. People forget things. My username is the same as here. In fact, it should be the first result if you type "Hateweasel" into Google.
Shameless plug, shameless plug...
Okay, now that that's done:
Until the next chapter, my duckies~!
