Alois did nothing to conceal his giddiness throughout the day and couldn't even if he wanted to. He was thrilled with how his day was going thus far, even if he was unfortunately stuck attending classes. He had been escorted there by his beloved and left chocolates as a surprise. There was nothing that could bring him down right then, even if he was afraid of being an annoyance to others. He had lunch with Kristopherson as usual, who was almost disturbed by the amount of happiness that radiated off of the menace.
"Can you tone it down a little?" the Miles questioned. "It's starting to hurt my eyes."
"I'm sorry. I've been trying this whole time." Alois answered as he sat across from the other man. "I'm just not really good at it."
"You're obsessed..."
"Wouldn't you be? Imagine if it were you for a second. The guy you're in love with dressing up to take you to school when he doesn't have to, and leaving candy in your bag while he plans your date in the afternoon. Tell me you wouldn't be a little crazy for that."
"That does sound nice..." Kristopherson sighed. "Just let my sorry single self be sorry and single, though. Not everybody has a perfect demonic husband, you know. Your mushiness is making me sick."
"Sorry. I'm trying."
"Well try harder."
Alois laughed at his friend's unreasonable demand, knowing that Kristopherson was fibbing. Indeed, the Miles was sincerely happy for the demons, even if he was a little jealous of what they had sometimes. It must be nice, but Kristopherson, unfortunately, didn't see himself in a relationship anytime soon.
"Do you not have anybody you're into?" asked the menace, being nosy. The slight pink colour that dusted the faux-blonde's cheeks gave him his answer, but he was willing to wait for the man to tell him on his own.
"None of your business." Kristopherson replied. "Promise that you won't be an ass about it, and I might tell you."
"I promise~!" Alois answered.
"I don't believe that tone of yours. Shithead."
"Okay, okay, you don't have to tell me, then." the menace said. "Tell me when you're ready to tell me instead of when I need distracting from my own feelings."
"You have enough feelings for the both of us, right now." chuckled Kristopherson, creating a moment when Alois' restraint laxed, causing him to don a big grin once more. The Phantomhive tried not to smile. Really, he did. It just caused his cheeks to puff up a bit further the more he tried. "God, you're hopeless..."
"I can't help it! I'm just happy!"
"Well, I'm glad you're doing alright." the faux-blonde said. "You were out of it for a while..."
"Getting captured will do that to ya. Still, I've had worse." Alois replied, prompting the other's smile to fall. A look of concern came over Kristopherson's expression.
"Are you sure you're okay?" the wolfman inquired further.
"Yeah. The scars have all healed up and everything. I'm good."
"No, I mean, like… Mentally..."
"Well, I did need a lot of rest, and I didn't like staying in one spot for long, but I've calmed down a lot since then." the menace stated. "I feel safe and sound, and that's all that matters. If I collapsed into a heap with every mission, I'd never stand up long."
"I just worry about you, sometimes, is all..." Kristopherson sighed. "You're a busy guy. I don't know how you maintain your sanity."
"The answer to that will most likely disturb you, so I'm afraid I won't answer that." bluntly replied Alois, doing nothing for Kristopherson's worry. The two continued to chat, eventually moving back to lighter topics before parting ways once again.
Alois still had a few more classes to attend and he did so without much interest. His fascination was elsewhere as he anxiously awaited the end of the day. The menace couldn't sit still, becoming increasingly restless and fidgety as the lesson progressed. It didn't last forever, however, even if it felt like it. At last, Alois was free. His first reaction was to race home to his awaiting husband.
It wasn't out of curiosity for what the Watchdog had in store for him, although there was a touch of that there. In truth, he simply wanted to be with the other man. Part of him hoped that the date wouldn't get in the way of him canoodling with his spouse, holding and being held by the other man. If he knew Ciel, however, the bluenette most likely scheduled this date rather tightly, even though this wasn't always the case. At least he would be with Ciel. That was the most important thing.
He parked a little wonky in his haste, being at a slight angle in the garage. It wasn't hindering to others, so the blonde made the decision to walk inside anyway. Upon entering the home, he was greeted by the family butler, whom he secretly hoped didn't know about his bad parking.
"Welcome home, Master Alois." Sebastian said as he held out his hands to take the other demon's coat. "The Master is in the drawing room."
"Alright. Thanks." the menace replied, smiling as he made his way there. Pausing, however, he stopped to turn around and face the butler. "Sebastian?" he called, piquing the other's interest.
"Yes?"
"These girls in my class were talking about this thing called a 'cat cafe'." he explained. "It's just a place where to hang out with cats. You should probably go sometime this weekend."
"Are you giving me a day off, sir?"
"Mmmmaaayyybe~!"
"What of Luka?"
"I can handle him for a day." Grinned the menace as the older demon stared back at him in wonder. "Just make sure things can stand running without you before you go, and tell us in advance. We'll discuss it in detail then."
"Well..." Sebastian began, stiffening his posture as he struggled to hold in a smile. "I'll look forward to it, then."
With that, Alois left the older demon in search of his spouse. He hadn't even stopped to put up his school bag. As he got closer, he could sense the other man's presence. The feeling that his sixth sense was picking up only grew stronger as he drew nearer, reaching its peak as he stood before the door to the drawing room. As his fingertips dusted the handle of the door, however, he stopped.
Letting go of he handle, he took a moment to fuss with his appearance, making sure his hair was parted nicely and his clothes were straight. Well, he did what he could without a mirror, at the very least. Once he both decided that he had stalled enough and realised that his husband could sense him loitering on the other side of the door, the blonde Phantomhive took hold of the handle again and walked through the door.
"Hello~?" he called out, his pace slowing as he scanned the oddly dim room.
It confused the menace momentarily. The furniture that was ordinarily in the room was either taken out of moved up against the walls. On tables there were candles lit, illuminating the room a bit with the assistance of the fireplace. It didn't take Alois long to figure out what was going on, especially when he saw the figure standing in front of the fire. Calmly, he closed the door behind him with a smile and put down his bag. Shaking his head, he put his hands on his hips as he waited for his spouse to acknowledge him.
He knew that Ciel was aware of his presence, but then again, Ciel did have some degree of melodrama to him. The Watchdog turned, putting the needle in place on the record player so that music would waft into the room. He then fully faced Alois, smiling warmly at the sight of his spouse despite feeling a bit silly.
The Watchdog was dressed to kill in a classic tuxedo. His hair was done the way that Alois likes, with blue locks slicked back behind his ear on the side with his good eye. He was even wearing earrings and cufflinks that the menace had bought for him. Really, he looked like a man who would upstage James Bond at any party before killing him. Indeed, this was a look that Alois appreciated greatly.
Despite his intimidating appearance, his expression was inviting as he walked toward the menace with his hand outstretched. Alois met him halfway, doing the same before finally taking his hand. The Watchdog kissed his spouse's ring before pulling him into a firm embrace.
"Hello, darling." Ciel greeted. "How was your day."
"Long, but from the looks of things, I'd say it's worth it." Grinned the other, nuzzling Ciel's shoulder with great contentment. His eyes closed as he took in the Watchdog's scent, only to need another whiff as he caught something peculiar in the mix. "Are you wearing cologne?"
"You noticed?" questioned the bluenette. "I thought I was subtle..."
"You can't fool my nose. I know your smell anywhere."
"I love you too, dear." Ciel chuckled, pecking the blonde's forehead and prompting him to open his eyes again. "Is it a problem?"
"You put it on your neck, right?" asked Alois. "Well, I can't kiss it, now 'cause it tastes funny on my lips. I guess I can make due with your face, though." As he spoke, he stood up straight, caressing the other man's cheek with one hand while the other slid up to his shoulder. Affectionately, he pressed their lips together, although they both smiled into it.
"So…" he began, pulling away again. "What's on the agenda?"
"Well, I was hoping his highness wouldn't be too object to having a night in." the blue Phantomhive replied. "Most places are full up tonight, and selfishly, I just want to spend the evening with you. That said, we can go on a proper date tomorrow, if his highness finds it permissible."
"What are you talking about?" the blonde asked through a toothy grin. "This is a date, isn't it? It certainly feels romantic. My only complaint is that I feel a bit underdressed. If you told me, I would have come dressed up too, you know..."
"You're perfect as you are. Besides, I wanted you to be surprised. Did it work?"
"It did. Goof. I found your chocolates, too, by the way."
"Were they good?"
"I haven't eaten them all yet." Alois stated. "I wanted to save them so that we could share them, but I had to sneak a couple of pieces." Tilting his chin upward, he placed another kiss to the side of his husband's mouth. "Now, are we going to talk all day or have you got somethin' else in mind?"
"Well, I was hoping his highness might grant me a dance." replied the bluenette, taking the other's hand off of his cheek and intertwining their fingers. His other arm stayed where it was around Alois' waist as the blonde's cheeks began to hurt from smiling.
"You have my blessing." the menace answered haughtily with a pleased expression.
Despite the first song being almost over, the two began to dance slowly, making no effort to be fancy. A pleased sigh escaped Alois's lips. He knew that his spouse wasn't exactly partial to dancing, but knew that Ciel was willing to make an effort for his happiness. When the next song hit, however, his eyes widened and his brows raised in surprise as the tempo changed. With it, Ciel's movements did as well.
Alois almost tripped over the Watchdog's feet with the sudden change, but there was no way that Ciel was going to allow him to fall. Inevitably, the menace's shock changed into delight as he began to laugh whole-heartedly from deep within his chest. The demon leading him flashed his teeth as well as he chuckled along with him. Then, Ciel let go of his hand.
There was nothing for the menace to worry about, however, as it wrapped around the blonde's middle and lifted him up at the song's climax. Alois let out a particularly loud laugh at being picked up by those strong arms, but the candles went out in that instant. All of them were extinguished, but quickly replaced by the chandelier coming to life, brightening the previously dim room and revealing the flowers on the tables. Alois could see the roses as they twirled, getting a good view at the change in scenery before he was gently set down and dipped so that his back was parallel to the floor.
The blonde was in no danger of falling, however, as he was firmly held by the man responsible. He could clearly see the somewhat smug expression on Ciel's face although he wore one of astonishment, himself. Alois' gaze was focused on the other's eye, even as he was lifted back into a standing position. Fortunately, he was eventually snapped out of his daze by this and he realised that he was spacing out. His cheeks flushed and his heart beat faster with hopes that the other man wouldn't notice flooding his mind.
Alas, Ciel was paying a great deal of attention to his husband and was not going to be fooled. However, a moment of worry shot through the Watchdog but was swiftly quelled when his husband smiled against all attempts to suppress it. With a kiss to Alois' cheek, Ciel held the man closely.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Jim." he said with a warm smile, but when he saw his beau's face, it immediately fell. "Jim? What's wrong?"
Watered gathered in the eyes of the menace before it became too much and it began to pour out. It streamed down his pained cheeks despite his joyous smile. His tears were not out of sadness, but of elation.
"Nothing." Alois answered, shaking his head. "I'm just happy. You really are a Prince Charming, you know."
"W-well… I wouldn't go that far..." replied Ciel with a slight pink tint to his own cheeks in return.
"Oh, c'mon, you know you're the best." the blonde stated. "I'm also impressed that you're so intent on dancing with me."
"I actually enjoy dancing, if it's with you."
"So before you just hadn't found the right partner?"
"Yes, and now that I've found him, I feel the need to keep him impressed so he won't tire of me."
"I could never." Alois said, pressing his face against the other's chest. "You're the best, after all."
"Is it really something to shed a tear over?"
"It is! I'm just happy! Sometimes I worry, though… It's all like a dream… I'm afraid that one day I'll wake up from it." His smile took on a more sombre look while that of the Watchdog fell completely. "Well, I feel like missions are a bit of reality, don't you think? Happiness can't last forever. There has to be hardship in between."
"Jim..." Ciel began, unsure of what to say. He wore a look of concern as he fretted over his husband's sudden shift in mood. He hadn't the faintest idea as to where this was all coming from. Was something troubling his beau? Quickly, he felt the compulsion to try and fix it. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." the menace answered, his smile brightening once again. His tears were dry as he looked at the Watchdog, now. "What I'm trying to say is that I love you. Things suck sometimes, but with you, I always feel happy."
Reaching up, he cupped the sides of Ciel's face and pressed their lips together again. He smiled into the kiss as he felt the bluenette's grip on him tighten. When he pulled away, however, his brow raised as he saw the other man's flushed face and twitching eye.
"What is it?"
Taking a deep breath, Ciel tried to contain himself, but the menace could very clearly feel the quick pace of his beating heart. It was no use. Looking the blonde straight in the eyes, Ciel answered him with the most serious expression he could muster.
"I am about to do something extremely uncool if you keep this up." the Watchdog said. "I can't keep up this suave charade much longer if you're going to be like that."
"Like what?" questioned the menace, tilting his head. "What am I doing?"
"Being ridiculously cute." Ciel replied. "That amount of cuteness should be a crime."
"What, are you going to arrest me, officer?" Alois giggled.
"Yes." the blue Phantomhive answered with a grin, leaning down slightly to kiss his husband's blushing cheeks. "You think this is some kind of game, Phantomhive?"
"What more can you do? You've already given me a life sentence." With this, Alois held up his hand and showed the other his ring, but the bluenette simply took hold of it and began to kiss it.
"I'm not sure, but I don't think I'll ever have enough." Releasing Alois' hand, the bluenette turned his attention to the chain around his beau's neck. He took the ring attached to it between his fingers and inspected it. "My little leo…" He smiled lovingly at his spouse before pecking his forehead. His kisses then moved to the blonde's cheeks and along his jaw, ending at his chin. "I love you."
"I love you, too. You've made me the happiest man in the world."
"I think that title belongs to me."
"Oh, hush." Alois playfully scolded. "Don't try to one-up me."
"Well, what should we do instead? Have you had your fill of dancing?"
"Knew you don't like dancing." the blonde smirked.
"Not at all!" defensively answered Ciel. "Like I said, it's fun when it's with you. I don't always have an ulterior motive."
"Unless it's those chocolates in my bag, huh?" There was a pause before Alois received an answer.
"Well, if you're not opposed to it..." the bluenette replied, prompting his spouse to snort.
"I'm not, but you have to let me feed you." instructed the menace, stepping out of his beau's embrace.
"Yes, your highness." said Ciel with a smile as he was dragged away by the hand.
"And sit in your lap."
"Yes, your highness."
"And tease you."
"Yes, your highne-" The bluenette paused and arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Pester you, what did you expect?"
"N-nothing at all." fibbed the blue Phantomhive. "I don't have any ulterior motives today."
"Good. That comes later."
"Yes, your high- Wait..."
"Dumb dog..." the menace said, leading Ciel away with a slight blush.
A/N: Whelp. This chapter was actually a lot longer than expected. I can't help but have the sinking suspicion that something bad needs to happen soon though...
No ideas for that yet, so you guys got LUCKY this time! Appreciate it!
Also, Happy Birthday to Zoe! I meant to post this earlier in the day but I hope this still counts!
Your sibling sold their soul for this shout out.
They don't know it yet but they did.
Still, Happy Birthday~! uwu
Until the next chapter, my duckies~!
CHARACTER SHET
Question: "Samantha, are you excited to see what you big brother has in store for that perv?" by Guest
Samantha: "Honestly, I don't know what he's going to do or what to expect. I can't really remember him ever conspiring something before..."
000000000000000
Question: "CAn I ask 'Lois? You do know that you miss a lot in school because of the past events...the question is does the school know about your knick knacs? Or just school like "do whatever you like?"" by toDAZZLINGDARKNESS
Alois: "They know I'm a cop, and having a husband who donates to the school certainly helps. Getting out of class really isn't a problem 'cause of that. This last absence was ruled as a 'medical emergency', though. The story is that I fell down the stairs or something and hit my head really bad. It's a lie, but not really. I did need some time to recover and all of it was generally not fun. Ciel and the others visited me in the infirmary ward, though, so that was nice."
