I knocked on Alois' door, biting my lip.

"My lord did you ask for me?" I asked through the door.

"Enter, please," the boy said through the door.

I opened the door, shutting it quietly behind me, and turned to Alois.

"How may I be of service to you my lord?" I asked him, curtsying.

"Avril...you seem scared and ashamed. What did you do? Been a naughty girl have you?" he said, with a wicked smile upon his face.

I came a bit closer, frowning.

"Do you want the absolute truth my lord? You may not like what I have to say and Claude won't be pleased with me,"

The boy sat up and looked at me.

"Tell me the truth, Avril. Always tell me the truth!"

I nodded and sat on my knees, my face level with the bed. I looked down at my hands, folded in my lap.

"I am Avril Phantomhive, Ciel Phantomhive's sister. And I was the one who took his soul from his body. That is why I am guilty. My fear however my lord I shan't say because knowing you, you would use it against me, as other's have,"

"You are the Lost Avril Phantomhive? We heard you died by the hand of your captors. So you've been nothing but a slut 'aven't you?" he asked me.

I tensed up. I closed my eyes, forcing back anything that dare threaten to come up.

"Yes sir,"I looked up at him, forcing a dead smile,"I suppose now you wish to take advantage of that don't you? Well, I may come from royal blood but that doesn't change the fact that I am your servant. I am here to accommodate you and your every whim. I will do whatever necessary to please you,"

I bowed my head. Suddenly Alois burst into laughter.

"Didn't I tell you from the beginning you weren't worth that? As such, Avril...I know how you feel,"The boy said, then looked down.

My head shot up and I looked at him in surprise. I knew he was raped and such, but I didn't quite understand what he meant, nor expect him to treat me so kindly.

"Excuse me sir but what do you mean?"

"Once one loses that kind of innocence...They remain in darkness forever. And to have it happen on countless occasions, it can tear one apart. You have suffered so much Avril. I see it in your eyes everyday. You look so sad. You hide it very well but sometimes, during the times when you sing and when you are sent to bed every night, you get this look in your eyes. Like you have lost everything. I ask you to sing so to try and grip onto your pain a little bit. Avril, sweet Avril, I couldn't bear to hurt you. I know you'd probably love to leave me to be with your brother now but Claude forbids it doesn't he?"Alois said, looking at me with a kind look upon his face.

I stared at him, feeling a knot swell large in my throat.

"Your highness...I...You shouldn't need to worry about me my lord. And I could never leave you. You are quiet correct, I would love to be with my brother once more, but I couldn't bear it. The guilt I have for stealing his soul, it sits too great in my heart. As for Claude, regardless of if he permited me leave or to stay it wouldn't matter highness. I care for you and my brother equally. You have suffered greatly too young lord,"I told him, looking down, trying to fight tears.

"Avril...Do you think you'll ever leave me? Please come sit on my bed Avril,"he said, patting a spot next to him on the bed.

I obliged the boys request and sat on the bed, and thought about his question. I looked at him and smiled weakly.

My lord I fear you shall leave me before I leave you. I shall stay by your side, singing you a bedtime lullaby, until the very end my lord,"I said, looking him right in the eyes.

"There is it again,"

I frowned and looked at Alois confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Your eyes. So much emotion. Fear. Pain. Regret. Sadness. Compassion. Kindness. Doesn't it hurt to feel that much all at once?"Alois asked, sadness in his voice.

I shook my head. Now I understood why he was so mad. All the emotions...they were too much for him to handle. He could handle it so he just shot one out violently at a time.

"They hurt sometimes yes. But see...they are what keep me alive. I am a demon as well Alois, but only half. I didn't..no couldn't, give up my emotions. They are the very essence that, even when being raped, tortured, etcetera, kept me going. Even something so small as determination to protect a younger brother who doesn't even know I exist. I'd rather die feeling everything at once, then live forever not feeling at all," I told the boy.

He looked at me and tears welled in his eyes. Suddenly, he did something that shocked me entirely.

"Oh Avril!"the boy cried as he hugged me tightly around my waist.

I looked down at the boy and stared, in utter shock.

"Young master..."I said surprised.

"I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. You tell me if Claude dare try to harm you! I'll make sure he pays in full! Just promise you'll protect me too Avril! Please promise me!"he cried to me.

I gasped and felt tears falling down my face.

"Sir, I am merely a servant I-"

"No! You are more! You are more than a servant! You deserve to be free! To be happy! I wish I could help you but I can't! You are a girl, woman, who has endured torments greater than anyone should ever have to face! Don't you dare say you mean nothing than my happiness! Your happiness counts too!" he said, looking up at me then looked taken aback by my tears, "Avril...I made you cry...I'm so sorry!"

I touched my face and felt the tears fall down my hand. It had been so long since I cried. Not since I claimed Ciel's soul. I hugged Alois Trancy tightly.

"Please do not apologize. I promise my lord. I will protect you. I promise," I told him gently.

"Avril...Sing me a song please," he asked.

I smiled and laid the boy down, tucking him in.

"As you wish," I whispered to him, wiping his own tears away.

I cleared my throat and began my song.

"There's a place for us,

Somewhere a place for us.

Peace and quiet and open air,

Wait for us,

Somewhere.

There's a time for us,

Some day a time for us,

Time together with time spare,

Time to learn, time to care,

Some day!

Somewhere.

We'll find a new way of living,

We'll find a way of forgiving,

Somewhere.

There's a place for us,

A time and place for us.

Hold my hand and we're halfway there.

Hold my hand and I'll take you there,

Somehow,

Someday,

Somewhere."