Hey Ho!

There's a lot of stuff going on in this chapter, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you re-read it again. I am going to warn that there is a mild flirt scene that suggests inappropriate behavior(ish) for those who are young and reading, but other than that I do not have much more to offer. I'm sure many of you will be surprised by this chapter, as it is a bit odd.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments :)

Thanks for reading and enjoy!

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It was clear into the late morning that we were on our way to my aunt's funeral. The Yard found her body along with Mary's remains the day before and Undertaker prepped her for showing for today. I stare at the crimson dress next to Ciel's seat. I do not think I like the color red anymore. The color was too much to handle because all it did was remind me of her.

My brother is staring out the window as we slowly come into London. Sebastian is driving as usual. Ciel and I have yet to talk to one another. I was up the whole night trying to think of what to say; I ended up getting no sleep as I assumed. He has only given me a passing glance but nothing else. I fiddle with my fingers nervously, wanting to talk to him. Though every time I think of something to say, it disappears the minute I open my mouth slightly.

The day was not as dark as our hearts and minds I note while flickering my gaze to the window as well. A song comes to my mind not long after. I play the lyrics in my head and hum the tune under my breath. His dark blue eye turns to look at me. I smile sadly, even though I was quite angry at him. I will let him off the hook for this moment. Today was not the day to be mad at him; I could not bring myself to either.

He stares emotionlessly at me as if he did not want to show anything he was feeling. I stop humming and he looks away from me again. My hand clenches into a fist automatically at the action. I wonder if we will remain the same while knowing part of his secret. I do not want to be left in the dark no more. I was tired of it, it hurt like hell.

I notice London buildings begin to surround us and I stare aimlessly. I think we were a bit late for the funeral but eventually, we pull up to the church. Sebastian stops the carriage directly in front of it. I wait for him to approach the door from the outside. When he appears, he opens it and I make my way out first. I grab ahold of my black mourning dress and Sebastian helps me down.

There were many people inside already and I spot Elizabeth by Madam Red's body that rests on an altar. I stand next to the open doors, I did not like churches. Plus, I don't want to look at my aunt like this. The woman I have known since I was first brought into this world. No one remains who knows me so familiarly besides the Midford family and my brother. Speaking of him, he climbs down from the carriage next carrying the beautiful dress over his shoulder.

He walks past me confidently and many people turn to stare at him. Immediately, everyone whispers about our appearance but mostly the dress. Sebastian comes to stand by my side as we both watch him walk down the aisle.

"My lady, will you not go in?" Sebastian mutters.

I watch as my brother sits down next to our aunt's body and drapes the dress over her. "...no. I don't really like churches."

"Any particular reason?" he asks with a low tone.

I shrug and hug myself, in an effort to comfort my nerves and sadness. "They make me feel weird." I relay.

I continue to watch my brother who leans over our aunt's body now. Something red flutters past me into the building. Soon enough, multiple red rose petals scattered everywhere and inside the building. Ah, this was quite beautiful, and auntie deserves it. Even though she did not favor the color red much anymore. She still wore it like she owned the color itself. As if it were stained into her soul.

I found Undertaker next to us suddenly and I pretend I knew he was there. Sebastian had a frown on his face and Undertaker has his cheshire smile on like usual. I narrow my eyes at him in question. He knows about my brother and Sebastian somehow. I don't know how though, and it irritates me. This man knows everything about this family.

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Not long after the funeral, we had Undertaker bury Madam Red in a graveyard not far from here. People slowly left one by one with condolences; they were only words to my ears that I did not care for. I sit by the dirt mound and pick at the grass nearby. How much more death was I to witness during my time here in this world? How many more people that I have come to love, will die?

I automatically look up at my brother in question. I think I will die when Sebastian takes my brother's soul. I don't want to deal with that heartache afterward.

Lau, Sebastian, Ciel, and I were the only ones on the hill, and it was silent between us all. The only sound nearby was the rustling wind.

"You did not inform the Queen of Jack the Ripper's true identity?" Lau breaks the peace with his question.

"...I did not think it was necessary." Ciel claims. "After all, Jack the Ripper is no longer in London."

"—By doing so, your feet steadily sink into the bog." Lau comments which we all look at him in confusion. "Even if you're dragged forcefully into unfamiliar territory, you never show your unsightly, weeping for help form." he clarifies darkly with a dangerous smile. "You prideful, Queen's dog. I also do not wish to trouble you, Earl. Take care of yourself the best you can."

"If opium and intoxicants from China become viewed as a problem, regulations and time both will be an issue. If that happened, I do not think the Yard would release your administrative opium den." Ciel informs while righting the hat on his head.

I huff on my spot on the ground, "You better think of a better 'business' option. Drugs aren't exactly user-friendly." I point out thinking of all the people from my world dying because of them.

Lau smirks down at me, "If that happens, I will take that into consideration. My interest in this country remains inexhaustible." he states. "As you do, Earl." he says while leaning down to whisper in my brother's ear. "It is my hope that you will show me more interesting things."

Lau begins to walk away after that, and we all watch as his form slowly disappears into the distance. A moment of silence greets us again till Ciel starts to walk away from Sebastian and me.

"Sebastian, Rina, come. There is somewhere else to visit." he commands.

Wow, he addressed me finally I think sarcastically. I start to push myself up from the ground, but Sebastian offers a hand to me. I take it with a thankful smile, and he helps me up when I put my hand in his. I wonder if my brother ordered him to be nice to me today.

I let go right after though and we follow behind my brother quietly. We went somewhere else in the graveyard and I was a bit confused as to why. I spot Undertaker in the distance and displeasure seeps into my mind. I didn't want to deal with him. He was sitting on a gravestone patiently and I can only assume he was waiting for us.

"Undertaker, are you finished?" Ciel asks as we approach him.

"Of course. I gave her a reliably pretty little burial." Undertaker swears while gesturing to the name on it. I gawk at it in surprise, not expecting for Ciel to even have her buried. Wow, talk about history in the making right here. "See?"

It appears Sebastian did not expect my brother to bury the victim either. His face was scribbled with surprise as well.

"The final customer of Jack the Ripper affair. It seems she was a foreign immigrant. No one could be found to take charge of the corpse." Undertaker informs while holding a shovel now next to us. He drops it suddenly and moves to stand behind my brother, beginning to poke his cheek with his long nails. "That's why the kind Earl gave even a nameless prostitute her own grave.~"

I smile faintly at my brother's kind act despite his denial of being kind just now.

"I came to an understanding of why I could not save this woman." Ciel entails while brushing his hair behind his ear. "That night if I had made her life my priority, there would have been countless opportunities to save her. But I did not. While I understand there was the possibility of saving her, I made capturing Jack the Ripper my priority. I know that I did not save her." he summarizes with a blank look. "My blood relative...I understand, and I let her die."

The wind blows grimly, and I shiver in response. My brother was feeling...I could not even guess if I tried. By the despondent look on his face, I could only guess there was no guilt in this realization. I sigh quietly and cradle my arm to my chest. My brother was going down a deep dark hole that I was unsure I could pull him out of. No, it has always been like this since he returned. I cannot tell if it was my fault or not, just like auntie mentioned that one night.

"Are you regretting it?" Undertaker asks with a slight tilt of his head.

"I am not. Jack the Ripper no longer exists. Queen Victoria's sadness has been alleviated."

"Victoria, huh? I don't like her~" Undertaker replies nonchalantly. I narrow my eyes at him in thought. Undertaker usually likes anybody, right? Or at least, he acts as he does. He continues his thoughts on her though, "She does nothing but sightsees from way up high, and forces eeee-very-thing harsh and dirty on the Earl."

Hah, something I can agree on with Undertaker. I don't give two shits about the Queen beside the fact she is part of history in the making.

Ciel brings the family ring on his thumb and closes his eye in thought. "That is the karma my family has been burdened with. I inherited it with this ring."

"That ring seems more like a collar. Connecting you and the Queen by a chain called Karma." Undertaker acknowledges while putting his hands on my brother's shoulders.

I am reminded of Vincent for some reason. He was always under some type of struggle because the Queen's work always stressed and busy.

"The one who decided to put that collar around my neck was me." Ciel announces while twirling around to face Undertaker.

However, Undertaker has other plans it seems and decides to lift my brother's chin up as he looms over him. Undertaker's face was quite close as well as he tugs Ciel closer by his tie, "I hope one day that collar hangs you because that's boring." he admits and let's go of his tie right after. "If anything else happens, come on by my shop."

Undertaker begins to walk away, and I watch after him. He always seems to know something; his advice is quite sketchy every time.

I hear fabric move and I realize Sebastian put his coat over my brother's shoulders. "How kind of you." Sebastian comments as the wind blows his hair back. He pushes it back with his hand and I watch in silence. I do not know how but I could feel the mock coming out Sebastian's figure. Oh boy, here we go I think with a small external sigh.

"How many times do I have to say it? I'm not kind or anything." Ciel protests calmly.

I could sense the mock increase from Sebastian as a twisted smirk settles upon his lips. His pupils dilate slightly, but not enough for them to glow I notice. I shiver unconsciously at the dark look, not sure if they were good or bad shivers.

"You are kind. If you weren't you would simply be a 'coward', isn't that right?" Sebastian jeers.

My brother turns around very quickly with a pissed off face. He clicks his tongue in response to Sebastian's claim. "You bastard-" Ciel growls out.

Sebastian intercepts before he could finish, "Why did you not shoot?" he asks. I freeze in my spot in shock. Did he have a gun on him this whole time?! I shout internally while moving closer to them. "You 'watched a blood relative die?' I do not admire lies."

I wince, I can only guess that Sebastian knows when I was lying this whole time. He knows I was taking the cake from the kitchen this whole time whenever he made it! Haha...whoops I think with a sweatdrop. Wait, why did he let me get away with it?

Sebastian continues on his observation, "That night, you carried a hidden gun with you. If you thought you were going to fire it, it would have been at her. But you hesitated. Even at my urging, you did not fire your gun. Rina nor did you use your sword when she was aiming her dagger at you." he recalls while flickering his gaze over to me as well briefly. "Why was that?"

He did have a point; I realize and look down at my hand. Why didn't I just kill her? Then again, the answer was pretty obvious. I cared for her; I knew her since I first came into this world. Not to mention, how much we have bonded over the past two years.

"Was the idea of killing Madam Red with your own hand, scary?" Sebastian asks afterward with a condescending smirk, his eyes glowing their demonic hue now.

I wouldn't say scary...it was more the fact I was more cautious. She was still a person, even if I cared about her or not. I could not take her life away when she was clearly crying for help with her actions. Grell only helped put her in that mental state. It was not her own choosing; it is how she expressed her anger though. It was wrong, still is wrong but nothing could help her besides reassurance. She needed someone to reassure in her life that it was not the end of the world. Damnit, and sadly I failed in that department.

So, no it was not scary. I did not want to keep building up my guilt and I was not going to kill her to give me more reasons to hate myself I think with determination.

"If she killed me, I would have let her." I state out loud by accident.

My brother looks at me with wide eyes, as if the thought was inexcusable. Sebastian looked quite surprised as well. But I could not deny the statement as I had no logical reason to. I was just how I felt about the matter. To settle that damn guilt in me, I would see it as protecting my brother as I should have at the moment. I would have died happily.

My brother's face becomes stony afterward, "...because it was your job." Ciel clarifies also answering Sebastian's question as if it were obvious. "It is because even if you died, I thought you would protect me. That is why I did not shoot." Sebastian stares at him in a stupor of shock. "The contract between you and I is 'Until my objective is achieved, you will become my power. Protect me to the end so that I am not killed.' If I had died there, it would have been a breach of the contract. It is said that obeying orders is a demon's aesthetics. Therefore, I expect even if you die, you would come and save me. You demons have no such thing as 'convictions' or 'loyalty', isn't that right? All you have is 'aesthetics'." Ciel explains in great detail.

I file all this information slowly into my brain, trying to understand it all. It would be interesting to write an informative book about demons. No wonder Sebastian mentioned heavily on the subject of trust. It was hard for his kind to do so. How peculiar, I find myself quite fascinated. Good to know that my brother has rules in place with this 'contract'. I would have never known but this makes a lot more sense between their relationship which I have pondered over since meeting Sebastian.

"...If that is the case, you will protect me for the sake of your aesthetics. Therefore, to not expressly hand down an order if I said nothing, you would have killed Madam Red, am I wrong?" Ciel finishes with an intense gaze.

I think my brother was smarter than me...I could never think that deeply on something so technical.

Sebastian tilts his head slightly, appearing a bit confused, "Then why...was I stopped?" he asks with a short pause.

"She had been contaminated with power from the flip side of the world. If you step out of your proper place, the rule is that you will be punished. That is the duty Scotland Yard stands upon, and I." Ciel summarizes. I wanted to protest his explanation, but I think I rather keep Madam Red's suffering and issues to myself. "When it looked as though she would kill me, there was doubt in her eyes. It was most identifiable when she attacked Rina. Madam Red could not kill us, her blood and non-blood relatives. That is what I believed."

I nod at this point, agreeing to some degree on her resistance. From what I could hear from her film, she did not want to kill me at a specific moment. She remembered the first time she met me as a little tween who appeared dead to the world. I was in such a shock back then; I was almost mute. Eventually, I opened up though from the convincing of Vincent. He helped me a lot, the only thing I can do now is taking care of his son till the day he dies. I feel as if I failed Vincent in some way, I could not protect Fenian. He has a demon coming after him now and not the metaphorical kind.

"...even a moment's hesitation will be fatal. Chess and a moment. She was hesitant and lost sight of her next move. That is all. That is why I did not hesitate." Ciel concludes and walks away from us who stand in heavy silence.

I scoff and brush my hair back as the wind tosses it playfully, "So bleak, you really don't know a person's heart, brother. She had no next move. She was acting on an emotional whim the whole time." I inform with a light smile. "You two will never understand." I sigh out and clasp my hands behind my back while staring into the distance filled with gravestones.

I do not think my brother heard me, but I know Sebastian did.

I turn my attention towards them again and find Sebastian watching my brother with a look of awe. That is until he smirks suddenly, "That is not it, is it to survive, it is always good for the King to be able to skillfully manipulate the pieces. To use both the Knight and the Queen. Under that throne, the fallen bodies of the chessmen gather as your sins increase. If the King is taken, the game is over. You must not lose." Sebastian relays morbidly.

Ciel stops walking for a moment, "I will not halt. I will not regret any step that has advanced me. Therefore," he begins while turning toward us with a serious look. "This is an order. You two alone will not betray me. You will never leave my side. No matter what!" Ciel proclaims loudly over the rushing wind.

I stare blankly at him as Sebastian gets on one knee with a smirk and bows to my brother, "Yes, my lord." he accepts.

I cross my arms with a frown, "I will make no such promises." I state seriously.

Ciel's eye widens at my refusal, "W-What?!" I start to walk past him, but he catches my arm, pulling me towards him. "You will do what I say." he urges with a deep scowl.

I rip my arm from his grasp in fury, "I. Will. Not." I emphasize with a heated glare at him.

He glares back just as much, "You will!" he declares.

"Why should I?" I retort.

I notice he was trembling slightly as the glare increases on his face, "You vowed you would not."

I laugh to myself while covering my mouth, it held no humor though. "Y-You, you seriously think I will not consider it. After what you just did to me? Do you not realize?" I spat.

His eye widens slightly, "Rina..." he trails off. "I-"

"I really am not in the mood for this talk right now." I interrupt and start to walk away again.

This time he did not stop me, and the wind carries my tears somehow as I travel back to the carriage. Alone.

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Again, the carriage ride was much less than pleasant. Ciel glared at me more than once and then it would switch to slight guilt. More or less, I tried to ignore his pesky stare that crawls on my skin uncomfortably. We were back at the manor now, as the Season was over, and the case resolved. When we pulled up to it, I did not even give Sebastian a chance to open the door for me.

I immediately paced to my bedroom without looking back once.

When I was inside, I slam my door with a slight shout in frustration. I honestly do not know how to face my brother about the whole spectacle. From what I know, he made a contract with Sebastian, the reasons are still quite unknown. Though, I can deduce that Sebastian had to do with saving him from wherever he was. I remember his branding mark from a couple of nights ago. Where does one usually obtain such a thing? Especially a child.

The only thing I could really think of was an auctioneering house or a human trafficking service. To think my brother's both had to endure all that brought a black cloud above my head. With a deep sigh, I head over to my dresser and drag out my secret special clothes. I am surprised no one has ever caught me in them before. I take off this dumb dress and corset; I slip on comfy pajama shorts and a regular t-shirt. I leave my clothes on the floor as I was too lazy to bother with them right now.

I trudge over to my bed and land on it with my belly side down. I lay across it with a soft sigh at the softness. My eyes catch the photograph on my nightstand, and I perk up at it. Crawling over to it, I snatch it and hold it gently in my hands. I was smart enough before the manor burned down to create extra copies of old photos and stuff them into that emergency backpack. A girl always had to be prepared for these times of things, you know?

I examine the picture as I turn to lay on my back, holding the frame above me. The smiling faces of Vincent and Racheal greet me once more. Ciel banned any picture of him and his twin being shown anywhere as it was 'top' secret that he was in the first place. I press a fingertip on their faces and stroke them with my thumb thoughtlessly. Oh, how I wish Vincent was still here...

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Memory Lane:

"Racheal, look, look!" I shout in excitement.

She giggles lightly and nods her head, "I know, I can feel it."

My hands were on her rounded tummy and I could feel her baby kick against it. "How many months until the baby is born?" I ask curiously as I eye her stomach in wonder.

She taps her chin in thought, "Hm, I believe two."

My eyes widen in awe and I smile widely, "I can't wait to meet the baby! Can I help you take care of it?!" I ask again with sparkles in my eyes.

She smiles as well, "Yes!"

I clutch the dress around her tummy and lean really close to it, "You hear that little baby? I'm going to be like a big sister to you! I'll be there for you, play with you!" I whisper shout to it.

I receive a kick in response, and I giggle at the feeling of it hitting my head with whatever limb.

"Rina, are you disturbing my wife again?" I hear someone familiar ask behind me.

I twirl around, almost falling till my eyes lay on Vincent. I smile happily and run towards him, "Your back from your business trip!" I exclaim.

He smiles lightly and picks me up when I reach him. I let out a squeal as he lifts me into the air. "Fortunately, it was so boring." he drawls with a boring look.

"Aren't I heavy?" I ask as I was a bit past the age to be picked up by an adult.

He shrugs, "Not really."

I don't complain that he was holding me, and I give his cheek a kiss. "Welcome home!" I greet with a smile.

His eyes were wide slightly till he gives me a small smile as well. "I'm home."

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I smile sadly at the memory that plays through my head. I didn't realize I was crying until I felt the warmth of a tear slide by my ear. I pull the frame closer till it rests against my forehead. I clutch it firmly as I begin to sob.

"What do I do? Vincent, I am so lost. Everything's so fucked up, why did you take me in?" I wail loudly, so loud I don't care if anyone heard.

It has been a long time since I have gotten a good cry. I cry for Madam Red, my brother, loved one's deaths, and lastly myself.

I continue to sob rightfully the whole time until I notice it was nighttime out suddenly. My sniffles could be heard echoing throughout the room, and I lay there in a mindless daze. My eyes were so dry and irritated, my throat was a little raw. Ugh, I need some water because I could feel a headache beginning to form.

I lean up from my lain position and grab my robe at the end of the bed. Shrugging that on, I walk over to my door and open it quietly. I did not want Sebastian to find me lurking about. The hallways were dim with an oil light on the wall barely lighting up the hall. If Sebastian decides it is funny to scare the shit out of me, I will slap him regardless of his species. I hug myself on the way down the stairs, being as silent as possible.

I was practically tiptoeing to the kitchen. I finally made it and I was not caught it seems. Opening the door to it, I let out a small sigh. Walking inside, I grab a cup from the cabinet and use the tap water nearby. I better make this quick before anyone finds me here. I do not think I was in the mind state to be talking to anyone right now.

"My lady, the quieter you are, the more curious I am." Sebastian's voice rumbles near my ear.

I bring the cup away from my lips, choking harshly on the water that suddenly went down the wrong pipe. I cough loudly, trying to clear my airways. This bastard! I snarl in my head as my heart pounds a mile a minute. A blush was already on my cheeks from what he said.

Shaking in my spot, I massage my neck as my coughs lessen. I twirl around in my spot with a glare, "You, honestly. Wasn't there a better way to phrase that sentence!?" I shout while setting my cup down on the counter rather harshly.

He shrugs slightly, appearing uncaring about the matter. "I do believe you have an inappropriate mind." he comments with a smirk.

I poke his chest a couple of times as my cheeks heat up more, "You would like that, wouldn't you?" I fume.

His smirk increases and his eyes glow a little, "I do not deny such claims."

I really want space away from him now. "Oh my god, I knew you were a pervert."

He raises an eyebrow at that, appearing amused in some way. "What do you take a demon for? We are made up of all the sins."

I cringe, forgetting that fact. "Really?" I ask while crossing my arms.

He nods, "Some more than others, but yes."

"Huh, I learn more every day." I state with a tiny nod of confirmation to myself. "Anyways, I will be heading off to bed." I announce while walking past him.

"If you get any sleep, you mean." he hints.

I freeze in my spot and glance at him from behind, "I haven't gotten sleep in two days. I don't know how I am standing."

He sneaks behind me again, placing his hands on my hips which causes my body to tense up. I could feel his hair tickle my neck lightly, indicating he was very close indeed. "Perhaps, you need some help relaxing." he whispers with a low seductive tone.

I'm pretty sure my face was the color of a tomato. Don't tell me he was hinting at what I think. I gulp nervously, not liking this situation. I mean, Sebastian wanting to be intimate with me was a little strange, but I was not exactly complaining. As much as I want to accept, I also want to deny it. My heart was screaming I accept, my body practically on fire under his touch. My back was burning like an inferno. What the hell is wrong with me?! My mind was begging for me to escape while I could, it was slowly becoming foggy.

As I was about to protest, I felt his lips ghost over my neck and shivers erupt over my body. H-Hold up, I just declared we were companions yesterday! This is not what I meant!

"S-Sebastian..." I mutter his name under my breath that was picking up in speed. I felt his eyelashes dance on my jawline in response. "W-What are you doing?!" I find my voice which wobbles.

He chuckles deeply near my ear, "You should take advantage of what I offer, who knows what splendors you may encounter?"

His grip tightens slightly, his voice was very convincing. It was extremely hard to resist, and I could not understand it. How can a man make me lose my breath so quickly? That's when I freeze in his grip when I realize he was purposely seducing me. What did he want from me in such a vulnerable state? This was very dangerous, and I do not think he realizes how badly he was affecting me. For crying out loud, he's a fucking demon! I shouldn't be interested in this in the first place! He's going to eat my brother eventually! I bet he doesn't randomly feel up humans willingly unless it gets him something. What a confusing creature. Wow, he's still an actual asshole.

"Sebastian," I call out firmly. He stops automatically like he has been caught. He was tense behind me, waiting for me to say more. I take his hands off me with a light glare because now I was sorrowful and turned on. Not exactly a pleasant combo I was expecting on this night. "Care to tell me why you suggest such activities?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

I was not exactly angry about it, but it did bother me to an extent. As I am more confused by my reaction and his thought process of why he did it.

He stares at me impassively, "The young master requested I gather information about you. Your thoughts and feelings toward him, toward us."

I stare at him in bewilderment, "And you thought sex was the best course of action?" I ask with a high pitch at the thought of doing it with him.

He tosses me his signature smile, "It is an easy method. One I am surprised you broke out of. A demon's influence is quite powerful. I thought you wouldn't mind such a gesture as well."

I nod my head slowly, digesting this information. "Did I sound like I was wanton? No." I scowl at him. "You do know that my brother would kill you for even laying your hands on me in such a way, right?" I ask.

He smirks then, "Yes."

I stare at him incredulously, "You're crazy. You got some balls to even try to seduce me. Out of all the methods, I doubt that was the easiest."

"But it almost worked, no? It is easy for me to seduce a human, but I found the idea of doing so to you was most entertaining. And I was right."

I glare and push away his suddenly closing in face away from mine, "You are trying to distract me again."

"I simply wish for you and the young master to touch base again. It is a nuisance to deal with when the young master is upset."

I glower and cross my arms, "He sent you to check up on me. If he wants my trust again, he must earn it along with a full explanation from him. Not some half-assed excuse."

He bows with a hand on his chest, "I shall let him know."

I nod and turn away from him, wanting to go back into my bedroom before he attacks me again. What I did not notice when walking away from him, was his glowing eyes in the darkness of the kitchen watching my retreating back nor the way my back tingles oddly on the way out.

0-0-0-0-0-0

Tossing and turning in my bed, I really could not fall asleep. I kick the sheets off me with an 'argh' of frustration. My mind kept racing from Sebastian's actions along with other various thoughts. I could still feel his touch on my hips, it burns a bit. I dig the palm of my hands into my eyes, wanting to get some god damn sleep for once.

The sound of my door being knocked upon when it is past midnight really did spook me. But that spook turned into a glare at the door, "I swear to god, if that is you, Sebastian. Turn back around and go find someone else to entertain your devious thoughts for the night." I bark.

The door creaks open and I spot Ciel's face through the crack. My eyes widen at his presence and he looked god awful tired as well.

"You're still awake?" I ask curiously.

He opens the door fully and steps inside wearing Sebastian's shirt. I notice his eyepatch was off and I could see the contract symbol more clearly. When he shuts the door, darkness envelopes my bedroom as I had no lights on.

"Rina..." he mutters in the darkness. I could hear his footsteps slap against the wooden floor as he comes closer to my bed.

"What is it?" I ask, a bit concerned as he never does this.

He flicks on the oil lamp near my nightstand and I squint my eyes to adjust to the random light.

"Let's talk," he states and climbs up to sit on my bed. "Ask your questions."

I stare at him and bite my lip, feeling unsure. Was he going to answer me truthfully? I may have no choice in whether he did or not. I clutch the blankets that lay over me thoughtfully, "Tell me from the beginning. I beg."

His face was downcast, and I could see him fiddle with the family ring on his finger. He slips his gaze over to me, "Fine...just, just promise to not get mad." he mutters with a dead look in his eyes, yet they plead to me.

I nod and grab his smaller hand in mine, "Take your time, we have all night." I encourage with a small smile.

He clutches it tightly and starts to tell me about it. How he and Ciel were kidnapped, where they were taken, and the events after that. How he watched Ciel die in front of him and how Sebastian came into the picture. He summoned him by accident, how he tossed his faith down a hole. I didn't cry because I don't think he would appreciate my pity. He explained the contract rules, how he is using to Sebastian for revenge on the Phantomhive family. All in exchange for his soul at the end of his objective.

I could not stop myself from letting out a sob by then. I place my hand above my mouth to contain them, but I could not stop myself from hunching over. I start trembling again, the fear of losing my brother was great. Ever since he came back, I was so scared of losing him all over again. I can't handle his death when it comes.

"I-If you're just going to d-die, why did you b-bring me back?" I wail as tears stream down my eyes again.

His eyes widen but then he frowns, clenching my slack hand in his grip. "I...I needed to know if you were alright."

I bite my lip, "Feni, I-I won't be able to handle it." I whimper with a shake of my head.

He raises his other hand to wipe some of the tears away from on my cheek, "You will live through it."

He sounds so confident. I shake my head again, and I capture his hand with my own. Keeping it against my cheek, "I-I'm going to die too, when you do!" I cry out.

That makes him angry and he slaps his other hand onto my other cheek, pulling my face close to his scowling one. "You will not!" he exclaims.

"My heart cannot take any more death! I am weak! I can't live in a world where I know no one!" I shout through my tears as they well up again.

"The Midford's will take care of you." he mentions with a slight glare.

I shake my head once more in denial, shoving his hands away from my face, "I don't want them too! I want to be wherever my family is! Even if it is in death."

"You foolish girl..." he mumbles in disdain.

I dive into his chest and hug his frame closer to me, burying my face into his chest. He stiffens at first with a gasp, but then he relaxes as I tremble against him. He pats my back lightly and it comforts me greatly. I try to reduce my tears to only sniffles. He starts to play with my hair, dragging his fingers through it like I did many times to him as a child to calm him down. We were silent for quite a while, just holding each other.

My eyes were extremely heavy, beckoning me to fall asleep, "I miss...auntie." I murmur.

"I know."

"I miss...father." I accidentally say, my brain foggy with exhaustion.

He tenses slightly underneath me and stops his ministrations with my hair. "I know..." he utters softly.

I pull back slightly and peer down at him with glistening eyes, "I'm sorry...for being such a terrible big sister."

I kiss his forehead lovingly and he shuffles underneath me, probably not liking the affection. "Heh, terrible. Why do you stoop yourself so low? I am a terrible brother. I have wronged many, even you to protect myself." he argues with a wry smirk.

I frown at this and decide that I have had enough of this depressive atmosphere around us. I grab him into a full out bear hug, squeezing him tightly. He gasps and I nuzzle my cheek against his hair. "Ahh!~ My young brother is amazing!~" I squeal.

He scrambles in my arms, trying to get away from me. "R-Rina?! L-Let me go!" he shouts in surprise and horror.

I giggle and flop us down onto the bed with him pushed into my chest. "Nuh-uh!~ If you want to be forgiven at least a little bit, you gotta sleep with me all night like this."

"Hah!?" he exclaims, and I can spot an intense blush settling on his cheeks.

"In my arms alllll night!"

He squirms a little more till he gives up with a sigh, "Fine..." he grumbles.

I smile giddily and snuggle into him, curling my body around his. "Rina?" he calls out quietly.

"Hmm?" I ask with a hum while closing my eyes.

I feel him pull at my shirt and his warm legs touch mine, "What are you wearing?" he asks.

My eyes open in embarrassment, as I was still wearing shorts and a t-shirt. "Erm, comfy clothes?"

"They're weird. Where did you get them?"

"I had them made specially from Nina. I've had them for a while now, even when you were a lil' kid."

"How come I never noticed?" he asks.

I shrug and close my eyes again, "Cause' you were a kid..." I mutter sleepily.

He goes silent afterward and before I know it, I fell asleep with him in my arms. It would take some time to heal but my trust was slowly building up again in him. Maybe it was foolish to do so or it had a lot to do with his explanation, but I know for one thing is that my brother has been through hell and back. Somehow, he was still alive thanks to Sebastian. Damn that demon, trying to pull my leg, I will have to more cautious around him in the future.

All I can do is enjoy the lasting days I have with my brother till his time comes and he disappears from my life once more.