A/N: Chapter's a day late, my huge apologies, but I only had 1k more words to go. This chapter ended up being about 5.1k? Anyhow, still polishing the Future AU, but it is coming out this week. And it'll most likely be 10k words. Maybe. Hope that doesn't put off some readers, but oh well. Anyhow, I left the ending as a bit of a cliffhanger and you'll see as you get to the end, but it will get resolved next chapter. Promise.

Otherwise, I don't have much else to note besides a bit of German language. Hopefully it's used correctly, but if not, I'll gladly take grammar corrections. Either way, a huge thanks for everyone who waited this long and stuck with me on this journey. I appreciate it very much.

Onto the reviews:

KohanaHitachiin: Thanks so much for the input, I appreciate it, and as a UT fan, I do hope to end it with UT as well, but it's too early in the story to tell. You never know, lol, but I will keep it in mind to allow their dynamic to rival against Seb/Rachel. It'll be interesting to see who votes for who, but in the meantime, stay tuned! Thanks again for the review and I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji nor will I ever. Everything read not included in the manga are my ideas and characters alone unless mentioned otherwise.

Chapter 21 Rachel's POV (1st)
August 30, 1885 - Sunday
Undertaker was lazing about, complaining about having nothing to do, which was odd despite the fact that we had a major big case coming around. As of now, he was lying on his desk, munching on a biscuit forlornly while I sat at my desk.

Eventually, I had enough and reached into my bag to pull out my laptop. Apparently, me pulling out a "brand new electronic" was more than enough to grab his attention if the sound of his tush landing onto my seat next to me was any indication.

"Whatcha doin~"

"Something besides lazing about," I retorted dryly.

He only pouted before laying his head on my shoulder and watching me pull up my music playlist before hitting play. Then I just sat back and relaxed.

He looked mildly puzzled, but went along with it. Some lo-fi songs were streaming, and eventually I was tapping my feet to the tune, occasionally humming. I sensed Undertaker getting up and going into the kitchen before coming back holding two cups of tea and a saucer of biscuits, food, and whatever else.

I cracked open an eyelid to snatch a cookie and stick it in my mouth before resuming my relaxation. However, the heavy weight of his stare was a mild nuisance, especially since I knew he could feel that I was a bit off.

"You're more restless than usual, dear~"

I hummed. "I guess…"

"Why is that, I wonder?~"

I stayed silent for a while before chancing a glance at him to find him smiling patiently at me. I squinted an eye at him before looking back at the laptop, hearing an amused chuckle. He was letting me take my time, at least.

"… Have you ever regretted something in your life? Or wanted to change something you did in the past?" I finally asked, the suspension already getting to me.

He tilted his head at me before replying, "Now, where is this coming from~"

I looked back to find a small smile on his face. Then I noticed that he was gauging my mental status if the glimpses of green behind his bangs were supposed to mean anything.

I looked away again. I could feel it coming, that overbearing guilt crushing my soul. It was on the horizon, but it wasn't here yet.

"Just… is there something you've done that… you'd rather it never happen, or prevent it from happening."

Undertaker's silence was pretty unsettling, and for him to be quiet for that long wasn't necessarily bad or good. It did tell me, however, that he knew exactly what I was… would be going through in a few days.

Then to my utter surprise, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders before pulling me into a side hug. Of course, I didn't reciprocate any of it considering I was still trying to figure out what he was up to.

But I didn't look up either.

If it was from fear or nervousness, I couldn't tell, but I didn't want to know the look on his face yet.

"Love, are you asking me or yourself?"

I shrugged. His silence, though, told me he wasn't going to take that for an answer. "I guess both…"

He hummed a sigh, contemplating my meaning. "Some things do happen for a reason, as you well know~ But some things must happen in order for us to grow."

I looked up at him, slightly concerned. "Even if it requires the sacrifices of others?"

He smiled gently. "Perhaps."

"But what justifies it? Why should they suffer it?"

"Hm~, one of many questions I'd like to ask if there is such a thing as God~"

I frowned, flicking his fingers away to let go of my shoulder. "Simple logic. For creation to have a design, it must have a Creator."

"And who decided that?~"

"Who else would? Why would we require such a thing as 10 fingers or ten toes? Why is there such a thing as beauty? Or ugliness? Or what about the overall appearance? Why is there a certain standard to how humans look?" I shrugged, but his grin told me I'd made my point.

"And say there is a God…~"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "So what?"

"Wouldn't He be to blame for all this guilt?"

I blinked, confused. He was pinning this on God? Why?

"What would I have to gain from doing that?"

"Well, certainly, if God is so great, wouldn't He have just prevented it from happening?"

"But weren't you the one to say that 'things happen for a reason in order for us to grow'?"

He started smirking and it took me a minute of reigning in my self-control to not slap him to realize that I'd just answered my own question.

My face blanked and I frowned before looking forward again, crossing my arms.

"Ara~ You're pouting, dear~"

I scoffed. I, then, sensed a presence outside the door which was odd considering Undertaker had closed shop for today in order for us to relax. I looked at him oddly and he only smiled.

"Why don't you go ahead and make some tea?~ I'm sure this won't take long~"

I gave him an odd look but shrugged and went to the kitchen anyway. As I reached into the cupboards, I could hear the conversation but didn't particularly take note of it until the unwelcome guest's voice rose.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

Eyebrow quirked, I briskly walked back into the foyer to find a burly man confronting Undertaker so much as to even grab him by the front of his clothes and attempt to intimidate him.

Of course, Undertaker being nonplussed, simply smiled insanely, probably amused that he even tried.

However, as per my job description, I intervened.

Faster than the intruder could blink, I had his arm wrenched behind his back before fully disabling his motion by shoving him up against the door. Then, as a warning, I proceeded to almost break his arm as a warning to which he cried out.

"Please refrain from touching my Master. All and any manner of action perceived as violence to my Master will require force. Do I make myself clear?"

"Who the hell do you think you are, wench?! Let go of me! I'll have the police arrest you!" He squirmed under my hold, resulting in me twisting his arm even more, to the point that I could simply break the bone easily if I needed to.

My chin lifted as I looked down at him, lowering my voice. "I said, do I make myself clear?"

He whimpered as he felt the twist threatening to crush his bone before relenting pathetically. "Alright, alright, whatever you want! Just get this wench off me!"

"Wonderful. Then have a great rest of the day, sir." Acknowledging his concession of defeat, I then promptly shove him out the door. The presence lingered but went away not long after, no longer making him a threat. After the door swinged shut, I turned to Undertaker who'd kept a sleeve to his mouth. "What?"

"Did you really have to take it that far?~"

I rose an eyebrow. "You hired me to protect you, didn't you?"

He tilted his head in agreement.

"Then that's what I'll do." I brushed passed him to the kitchen to finish brewing the tea. I didn't want to oversteep them too long or the flavor would be ruined.

After removing the bags, I then brought the container of honey and sugar onto a tray before walking back to the foyer to find he was still standing in the same spot. I quirked an eyebrow but went to my desk, placing two beakers of tea plus the containers of sugar and honey.

As per our daily ritual, he'd have a "lunch break" with me around this time, bringing a jar of those bone cookies of his and we'd chat. Sometimes it would be philosophical, other times he would tease me for a reaction, and - depending on my mood and/or patience - was either successful or not, or we'd sit in comfortable silence, sometimes listening to music.

Undertaker expressed boundless fascination for my time period to a degree that I couldn't even understand. Just the people themselves turned me off, but remove them from the equation, and the advancements in technology, medicine, etc. made it appealing enough to the outside stranger.

I frowned, looking down at my tea. If only they knew. I looked back up before deadpanning.

Undertaker was still staring at me from the same spot.

"Are you going to just stand there or not?" I snapped, already riled up from his unusual quietness.

Only a soft giggle gave me any indication that he heard me before grabbing his jar and setting his rump next to mine at my desk. He still held the sleeve up to his mouth, likely trying to contain any laughter as he observed me placing a cup of tea before him before grabbing my own and moving the sugar saucer closer to him.

Disdainfully, I watched him grab lumps of sugar with his hands before dumping them into his cup. I curled my nose in disgust but said nothing otherwise, only taking a cookie to nibble on.

"You know, I've not seen you smile once~ Not since the beginning of this month~"

I looked to him, confused. "And why would that be any of your concern?"

He pouted at me, acting as though it were obvious. "Surely, you understand the importance of happiness?~"

An eyebrow arched. "What's that have to do with me smiling? I can be happy without having to express it. For example, you leaving me alone makes me quite happy." I snobbishly sipped my tea, hearing him in whine in offense.

"That doesn't count~!"

I snorted. "That's not for you to decide."

"Hm, then perhaps I shall try my hand at making you laugh~" He grinned, leaning forward and rubbing his hands.

I only cringed inwardly, knowing that it could possibly be a lot of terrible dad jokes or whatnot.

He grinned sharply. "Here's one~ What kind of personality did the dead man have?"

I stayed silent, hoping that my blank face would give him a clue to stop while he still can.

"He gave you the cold shoulder~" He waited, and when I gave no reaction, he continued.

"How about the time a skeleton dropped out of medical school?"

Nothing.

"He just didn't have the stomach for it!" He slapped his knee and guffawed, but I made no comment. But that didn't stop him.

"What happened to the skeleton who stayed by the fire for too long? He became bone dry!~"

"Wanna know why graveyards are so noisy? Because of all the coffin~ Bwa ha hahaha~"

"What about the skeleton who couldn't dance? He had no body to dance with!~"

He was wheezing by the time he finished, having nudged my side enough that I had scooted away, calmly sipping my tea as he collected himself. When he noticed that I hadn't even cracked a smile, he pouted mightily. "Ellie-san~ Why am I the only one laughing!~"

"Probably cuz your jokes suck."

"Hmph~ Perhaps leaving you alone ought to do the trick~"

I rolled my eyes. "How could you tell?"

He only smirked. "You'll see."

…

August 31, 1885 - Monday
When I came down from my bedroom, I was surprised to be greeted with silence. I scanned the area, even trying to sense for presences besides the ones outside, but nothing.

Then I checked my desk for any clues or letters, and seeing none, went to his next. Still nothing.

My brows furrowed. Perhaps he had an errand to do.

It wasn't uncommon for Undertaker to go out and do a funeral without me or fetch supplies. Sometimes it took him the whole day or even two, but he always left a note.

Perhaps he was in a rush.

That made sense in my mind and I shrugged before sitting at my desk. I could always have breakfast anytime. It's not like I needed food. I'll just save some for Undertaker.

…

September 1, 1885 - Tuesday
Still no sign of him.

Yesterday had been pretty uneventful. All that happened was that I took care of all the paperwork. Some customers had come in to purchase a coffin, give the corpse's measurements, and then leave. Other times, I simply cleaned up the shop. When I had nothing else to do, I finished up cleaning the guests, stitching, then dressing them for their final day. Their funerals wouldn't be until the next week or so, so I had nothing to worry about.

Nothing except Undertaker. Where was he?

I looked around. Same as yesterday, there was no sign that he came back nor a telegram or letter to explain his absence.

I had felt a little pang in my chest, but dismissed it. This was his shop, so he had to come back eventually. The thought comforted me enough to dismiss my doubt that he would abandon me. Besides, he still had his job as the Evil Noblemen, otherwise the Earl would've said something, too.

I paused in my stitching, looking down at the corpse. "That's just it. He's just taking his time." I sighed. "Moron, give me a warning at least."

I shook my head and continued stitching.

…

September 2, 1885 - Wednesday
Evening
I only had a couple hours until the meeting with the Evil Noblemen. I had no idea how to call the event, but I had informed Zero to meet me an hour before.

What eluded me still was the lack of Undertaker's presence. He still hadn't shown up, and I had half the mind to inform the earl and ask for his whereabouts. However, seeing that I would be meeting him tonight, I decided to simply be patient.

Undertaker could take care of himself, so there shouldn't be any problems. At least, that's what I hoped.

The little bell to the shop ringed as the door opened, signaling the arrival of someone. My hopes soared only to find Zero.

"Hey, you ready? Oh, where's your boss?"

I shrugged, a bit annoyed at myself for expecting to see Undertaker. "Beats me. He left three days ago and hasn't said anything."

"Not even a letter? Or a sign? Heads up?"

I shook my head.

"Uh, shouldn't you report this to the police? It's been more than twenty-four hours, mate."

"But it's not unusual for him to take a couple days to run some errands or collect some supplies. He's done it before."

"But he warned you ahead of time, didn't he?"

"Well, yeah, but that was when I was still recovering. I'm pretty sure he doesn't need to tell me everything he does. He's an adult, for Christ's sake."

He gave me a strange look. "Well, yeah, I agree, but still, it's strange - and rude - to not warn you ahead of time."

I shrugged again. "Maybe he was in a rush?"

Then he shrugged. "You tell me. Did it seem like it the day before he left."

I stayed silent, reviewing the few moments before I had retired to bed three days before. "Not really."

Zero tilted his head. "What did you talk about on that day?"

My eyebrow arched. "What does that have to do with anything?"

He shrugged helplessly. "I dunno. Maybe something you said triggered it. Or maybe you pissed him off? Who knows?"

I snorted. "Undertaker? Mad? Sure, not in a million years."

He deadpanned. "C'mon. Humor me."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. We were just having our usual lunch break, some guy tried threatening Undertaker, dealt with the dumbass and threw him out, then he tried sharing a buncha terrible jokes - and no, don't ask, I'm not gonna waste brain space remembering that shit - to make me smile or whatever, then I joked about me being happy if he left me alone. And that's it."

He rose an eyebrow. "Specifically in that order?"

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Hey, just making sure. But, if you think about it, maybe it's that last part."

"What last part?"

"About you being happy if he left you alone."

What? No way. I wanted to doubt Zero. "There's no way he's that petty. I mean sure, he acts like a kid a lot of the time, but it can't be over that."

He shrugged sympathetically. "Maybe, maybe not. Maybe he's testing you. Who knows?"

A range of emotions swept over me, first disappointment, doubt, then anger. Red, hot anger. Who did this guy think he is to try and play with my feelings?

I struggled for a bit to rein it in.

No, unless if he explicitly states it himself, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

I shook my head. "There has to be a plausible reason."

"If you say so." The look on Zero's face said otherwise.

A seed of doubt was embedded, however. I may not know Undertaker, but perhaps this "joke" of his will really test how much of him I truly do understand.

Outside, I could hear a carriage pulling up, signaling the arrival of our ride.

I glanced at Zero. "C'mon, let's go. We can't be late."

He nodded. "Right behind you."

…

We arrived at the Earl's manor once again, but this time was different. I somehow had the feeling that Undertaker would be here. I don't know how.

The anticipation was brewing in my stomach ever since we left, leaving the ride silent and tense, but my associate wasn't bothered. It wasn't the first time he'd dealt with my stress, nor would it be the last.

The door opened, and with the help of the footman, led us both out. I had Zero dressed into more formal clothes and under strict orders to behave normally. I, on the other hand, simply wore my usual uniform Undertaker had tailored for me: knee-high boots and the usual dress. I didn't expect to get any fights, and hopefully, the occasion would remain civil enough for that.

A servant led us to the room where I could sense other presences, including Undertaker's.

Surprise, surprise.

"Earl Phantomhive and his guests have been waiting for you and are currently playing pool as of now. You are welcome to join them at your leisure."

I nodded to him and he opened the door, catching the attention of eight occupants in the room. Vincent, of course, with his charisma and quick thinking, saved us the awkwardness by taking initiative.

"Ah, Miss Rose and her associate, Zero. We've been expecting you. The ride wasn't too uncomfortable, I hope?"

"It's fine." I located Undertaker as soon as I entered, leaving us in a sort of impasse of stares, but I broke it to glance at the Earl out of respect. "I have no issue with it besides my boss, over there. I was hoping to have a quick chat with him over his unforetold three-day absence."

The way I was glaring at him again must've made him sweatdrop as he laughed in good humor. "Of course, of course, after we introduce you to everyone, that is." He smiled at me, indicating that I had no room for argument.

I sighed, a bit annoyed. "Sure, whatever you need."

He beamed. "Excellent. For instance, this gentlemen has been quite eager to make your acquaintance. Klaus, here's the infamous apprentice I've told you about." He gestured to the handsome, middle-aged gentleman with his hair tied back in a low pony tail. He was getting into his years, but his personality could make one think otherwise.

"Ah, Vincent, long time no see. And this must be Miss Rose, apprentice to the Undertaker. Interesting occupation, I must say. Guten amen, Fraulein." Good evening, miss. He took my hand in his before bowing and kissing it.

I blinked but curtsied. "Guten amen, mein Herr."

His lips parted in shock before exclaiming in joy, "Ah! You speak German! Wunderbar! Are you of German blood?" He let go of my hand for which I was grateful for.

I straightened. "Nein, I've simply learned through sources."

"Interesting. Quite the intellect to match a beautiful lady. I must say, Herr Undertaker, quite the catch!"

My brow ticked, but I gave no indication of my annoyance, especially since the culprit was standing right in front of me with his big fat grin.

"Hihi, oh, yes, indeed. My apprentice is quite reliant, wouldn't you say, Earl?"

Said noble smiled. "Quite. Her associate is just as unique. Remember the case we had just solved? Well, it seems he pulled enough strings to garner the attention of his superior and some unlikely officials as well." He smirked at Zero with playful reprimand.

Zero only smiled, laughing nervously, "Heh, well, what can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures. After all, it did help you solve the missing suitors, no?"

Klaus smirked. "Quite bold of you to say, young man. Not many have the guts to defend their crime."

The three dissolved into their own conversation leaving me alone with the Undertaker.

With his absence in the forefront of my mind, I decided now was a better time as any to confront him. "So, have anything to say about leaving so abruptly?"

Undertaker smirked. "Ara~ Did my underling miss me~" His condescending tone discouraged me to be less than cooperative.

I quirked an eyebrow. "Why would I? You own the mortuary, therefore you are bound to return your work. My worry is incessant and would only impede my work."

His smile seemed to have gotten colder the longer I spoke, and I had the gut feeling that my answer wasn't what he wanted.

"Oh? Then I expect that my assistant wasn't slacking in her duties and the shop is in tip-top shape~" He pat my head, but it wasn't the same.

I blinked at his condescending tone, even the way he pet me seemed far more taunting. Almost like I was a servant at his beck and call. A brow furrowed. "Yes…"

His smile thinned. "Wonderful~ Then I suppose I shouldn't have to hold your hand when you meet your new coworkers then~" Then he briskly walked off to join the Earl and the others who'd commenced their pool game once more.

Meanwhile, I stood there in shocked silence, not expecting that comment to hurt as much as it did. It didn't offend me, but it didn't mean it didn't hurt any less the way he'd treated me as though I were an obstacle to remove.

"Did you piss off your boss? I've never seen him treat you so brusquely before." He was looking in his general direction weirdly.

I glanced at Zero and then back to Undertaker who struck up a conversation with the Earl. "My thoughts exactly."

My heart plummeted. It seemed that this meeting would take forever.

…

I had already met with all of the occupants in the room, and each one I took special note of. I was sometimes met with indifference or no interest at all which didn't bother me in the slightest. Being understimated was sometimes better than being put on a pedestal. At least, in my defense.

Currently, I was thinking to myself, observing the pool game. Vincent and Diedrich waited their turns as they sat in their chairs conversing with Undertaker tagging along, and everyone else got into their own little groups. I simply stayed by my lonesome, thinking over Undertaker's last few words with me since we'd parted.

I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. I exhausted all my thoughts on why he was now giving me the cold shoulder. Maybe it was something that I said three days ago that pissed him off. Maybe he wanted me to miss him. Or maybe he was just messing with me.

I frowned even more. Any one of those could apply, especially with someone as eccentric as Undertaker.

As I was thinking, I felt a presence sneak up on me, and someone who was carrying something. And that something was likely a camera. Before the flash could go off, I grabbed his hat and covered my face before lowering it to glare at the idiot who attempted to capture my image.

"Aww, that would've made a great shot!~" He pouted as he looked at the camera as if blaming it for giving him away.

Ah, so it was the guy called Pit. I rose an eyebrow at him. "Besides the fact that it's rude to take someone's photo without their consent, I don't like having photos of myself being taken."

"Oh, come on, live a little! Everyone's gotta leave their mark one way or another!" His tongue peeked out of his mouth as he concentrated on focusing the lens of his camera.

I simply deadpanned and repeated myself. "I don't like having photos of myself being taken."

He pouted, seeing that I wouldn't budge before shrugging. "Oh well, t'was worth a shot. It's just that the expressions on your face aren't something you see commonly on a woman in this day age~"

I quirked an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He grinned before using a shoulder to gesture at Vincent's German Dog, aka Diedrich, as a clue. "Well, according to him, you seemed to be in a bad mood, but you make quite frightening faces that it deterred him from checking up on you. Said something about not wanting to deal with you getting all mad at him or something~"

My brow furrowed as I looked back at Diedrich only to find that he was looking at us, but when he noticed me staring at him questioningly, his head quickly snapped to the side, embarrassed.

"Ok, thanks for the input."

"No problem!~" With that, he jauntily made his way back to the pool table since it was his turn to sink a ball.

Seeing as to how Diedrich seemed too intimidated to approach me, I didn't push it. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't to leave as soon as possible, not that that was any better. I'd be going back to the mortuary with a somewhat pissed off boss giving me the cold shoulder.

I sighed, closing my eyes. Maybe I should just stay with Zero. That would be way easier. The only downside being that I'd look like a coward.

It still bothered me that Undertaker could have such an effect on me. I'd only known him for little over a month, and for him to have so much sway over my emotions disturbed me.

He had to have a reason for this. If it were any other person who disappeared for three days, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. As eccentric as he could be, he always had methods to his madness anytime he wanted something.

He had wanted to see me smile. But he also wanted me to miss him. Why? What was so significant about him that I'd have to care enough to give a damn about what he does in relation to me or have to smile for him? Maybe he was just bored and didn't like that I wasn't playing along.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted at someone loudly scoffing. "A woman? Play the piano?! And Beethoven, no less?! Hah, your eyes must deceive you! There's absolutely no such thing!"

I looked to see who felt the need to be so loud and determined it to be Scarface. If he intentionally said it out loud to taunt me or was just surprised was beyond me, but seeing Vincent smirking in the group led me to believe the former was more likely.

As if on cue, Vincent caught my eye. "Ah, Miss Rose, it seems our conversation caught your attention."

Yeah, no shit.

"Have you any thoughts to counter this gentleman's opinion?" He tilted his head, a sly smirk on his face.

I spared him a glance before looking at Scarface, noting the smug air around him and how he looked down on me. Then shrugged. "I needn't say anything. He's welcome to his own opinion. However, if you had a piano, I'd be more than willing to demonstrate."

The Earl looked absolutely delighted at the idea and was more than willing to relocate everyone to the closest music room which was where I found myself seated at a piano.

Scarface intentionally positioned himself behind me, intending to intimidate me with his closeness and his glare, but if it truly took that much to shake me, I'd shame the name of assassin.

I lifted the cover to expose the ivory keys, scanning my mental library of piano pieces before settling on one of the hardest pieces composed by Beethoven: Pathetique.

[Grave] The piece began with heavy but slow chords, and I took my time, embellishing the form with momentary silence. By the second row, I'd already blocked out my audience and it was just the piano and me.

[Allegro di molto e con brio] Then, came the fun part. After ending the first part with a chromatic scale, most professional musicians loved speeding through part B. Of course, I decided to partake in the fun, even going so far as to repeat the section a second time before reaching the third part.

Grave [Tempo 1] Like the beginning, but an interlude to the fourth part and much more brief.

[Allegro molto e con brio] Much like the first one, but this time, it had two separate sections and relied on heavy endurance from practice and skill. But thankfully, no repeat.

[Grave] A second interlude.

[Allegro molto e con brio] Then, the finishing act. First starting off soft and deceivingly slow before finishing with abrupt, loud chords. No ritard.

I opened my eyes and looked back to find Scarface's mouth ajar before shutting it with an audible snap and turning away.

I was greeted with polite clapping and I received it with a bow before finding my way to Undertaker who was standing next to Vincent. Unfortunately, I didn't find myself in the mood to deal with his cold shoulder, so instead, I ignored him and informed Vincent instead. "I'll get going now. There's unfinished work at the mortuary, and it won't get done if no one's there." The shade towards my boss made his grin sharpen a bit since it was kind of a jab for simply leaving all his work to me, but Vincent took it good-naturedly.

"You make a solid point, Miss Rose. Very well, you're excused. Next time we meet, we'll discuss the plan we have in store for the Queen's case for you."

I nodded before finding Zero's gaze and nodding towards the door. Let's go.

He nodded and bid goodbye to his newfound friends before joining my. "Earl, as always, it's a pleasure. Hopefully, we can do this soon again."

Vincent chuckled and waved good-bye. "You can count on it, good sir."

With that, we were stuffed in the carriage, Zero, Undertaker, and I, and on our merry way to the mortuary.

Whatever Undertaker had to say would have to wait, and believe me, I had my fair share to spill. He was definitely in for it.

Nobody got away with messing with my feelings.

Nobody.

A/N: So, the list of puns came from this lovely website: jokes/kids/halloween-jokes-for-kids/skeleton-puns/

And for the piano piece, I highly suggest listening to Daniel Barenboim's performance of the piece. It's absolutely well done.

11/30/19