A/N: Hello everyone, I'm back, almost two years later (internally cringing). Truthfully, I already had started this chapter a while back, but nursing school really did kick butt, ngl. The break was appreciated, but lemme tell you, it's definitely gonna take a lot of catching up to prevent lapses in flow, so forgive me if there's any down below. Today's chapter will have the resolution of the case but will also have a TW for depressive themes, but there is some fluff at the end. So hopefully, many hearts won't be too wilted.

Now, I want to thank everyone for waiting so patiently, and for keeping faith that I'd come back. Occasionally, this story plagues my mind and I'm always thinking of ideas for new characters and such. So, any suggestions are helpful down in comments or PMs.

Now, onto the reviews:

Lestatsgirl15: Thank you! I'm currently working on a part 2 to upload by tomorrow if not later today and am debating whether or not to alternate between Sebby and UT chapters to keep readers engaged. It'll definitely be interesting and require some finesse on my part, but lmk what you think! Hope you'll enjoy today's chapter as well, and if you or any other Sebby lovers got some good ideas, help a girl out! :P

Guest: Thank you for thinking so! Definitely, Sebastian is a hard one to keep in line, and there's so much he's capable of that poor Rachel wouldn't be able to handle lol. UT's reaction is definitely gonna be a huge role in determining if there would even be a relationship lol. Depending on where they stand, Sebby may or may not have the upper hand~ We'll have to see ^^ Either way, thank you for reading and enjoy today's chapter!

skaterrockgirl: I'm so glad you loved it! We're way overdue for a SebbyxOC chapter, so I'll be sure to include more later on. Keeps in variety and we may have two timelines mesh into one eventually, so that'll be loads of fun. And thank you, I worried whether Sebastian might be too OOC, definitely want him interested but not too head-over-heels lol. And yes, our beloved demon boi is opportunistic, so look forward to that! And, keep your eyes peeled for part 2! Enjoy!

Guest: Depending on the manga and if it has any importance impacting UT's and Rachel's relationship, Claudia may or may not have a heavy role. It all depends on the manga and how much they show, but I'm also just as interested to see how much of her influence directs UT's actions. Definitely an idea looking into, tho, thank you for that. For now, hope you enjoy today's chapter!

Happy reading, y'all!

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 26 Rachel's POV (1st)

September 12, 1885 - Saturday

He must've noticed that I was staring too long at him since his smile widened. "Yes~?"

I looked away disgruntled. "Still can't get used to it. Your makeover."

He giggled. "Well now, at least it's giving you a facade of shyness for the masses to fall for."

"Sure, sure." My hand twitched in his but I ignored it.

He smiled. "Anyhow, do you reckon the target will approach you after this dance?"

"Probably, he hasn't moved from his spot yet."

"Very well, the moment he makes his move, you are on your own and the plan is in motion."

"Mm."

Silence reigned for a moment or two, perhaps to give me time to mentally prepare before Undertaker squeezed my hand gently. "You've mastered the basics, now~"

I looked up at him questioningly but he only smiled vaguely.

"Should you panic, simply think of me, neh?" He smirked at the deadpan on my face, but since I could sense our target closing in now that the orchestra was coming to a conclusion, I couldn't chance anything that could blow my cover.

I settled for a demure nod but lowered my face so my little hat shaded my face.

The man observing us approached naturally, if not a bit shy. "You two make for a rather splendid couple! Forgive me for my sudden intrusion, but I am George Villin. Delighted to make your acquaintance."

Undertaker shook his hand and with a slight bow of his head. "James Hughes and my fiancé, Lena Williams. Likewise."

"Ah, engaged. Reminds me of a time when I was young at love with my past wife, as you two are, now." His eyes were downcast.

Fake sorrow?

I tipped my head downwards in acknowledgment of his pain. "My condolences, good sir. I should hope the future offers you a chance at romance once more."

His eyes seemed to twinkle at that. His smile became longing.

Good, going along smoothly.

"I would be very delighted at the thought. Had it not been for your beau, I would've claimed that chance tonight." There was a light blush on his cheeks that somehow softened his advances.

My eyebrow jerked up in surprise. That was surprisingly bold, but not that aggressive. I chanced a glance at Un to see his response, but he only smiled.

"Understandably so, hence why I spared no hesitation in asking for her hand." He tilted his head to look down fondly at me, even going so far as to take my hand and press his lips against it. The look in his eyes weren't as uncommon as the other times he revealed his eyes to me - intimidation tactic not included, of course - but the harsh blue of his eye contacts clashed with the memory.

He's only acting… right?

My confusion left me scrambling for a response, and seeing as I had none, glanced back at our target to find him observing a little too closely than I would've considered normal.

However, my gaze on him had him resume his shy bachelor facade. "Is that so? Well, it seems fate isn't as forgiving as you say, Ms. Williams."

I smiled nervously for the part. "It seems so. Perhaps in a different life, or time."

Undertaker's grip on my hand suddenly squeezed. "Why don't I get drinks for us all. Mr. Villin, would you be so kind as to watch after my dear fiancé? She has quite the terrible habit of getting lost easily."

I frowned but hoped it came across as a pout.

"It is of no trouble, thank you for the consideration."

We waited for Undertaker to be enveloped by the crowd before the target looked at me again. There was a spark in his eye not present before, but I was prepared.

"Well now, seeing as your beau is preoccupied, what say we partake in a dance in the meantime?"

I cocked my head innocently but acquiesced. Although I was iffy on the "properness" of accepting a stranger's request to dance while having a beau, it's not like it was forbidden to dance with another partner. "But of course."

As he led me back to the floor, I took the time to analyze his appearance and found nothing significant about it. He would be the typical handsome face yet easily forgettable. His features were rather average at best, so it would be easy for him to be lost in a crowd unless you were actually looking for him.

Average looks must be what softened up the women before he lured them away, so it would make sense he'd use the pity card.

"What draws you to him?"

I blinked. "Pardon?"

His hand gripped mine tighter, nowhere near as gentle as Undertaker's. However, his gentle tone betrayed his seemingly desperate grip on my hand. "Your beau. There is a reason you accepted his hand in such a short amount of time, no?"

I blinked. I'd expected everything else but this conversation. I didn't think he'd want to evaluate this faux relationship of mine with "James Hughes". But I humored him.

"Well, James is rather kind, reliable, and trustworthy. He is brilliant with sciences and the sort."

"Ah, so an aspiring doctor, eh?"

"If he wishes to."

That garnered a raised eyebrow from him but the mirth dispersed just as quickly. "What is the one trait that stands out to you most?"

I blinked again. Well, I guess I can't wing that one. Well, considering I didn't know "James Hughes" that well, I decided to base it off Undertaker. They were the same person after all. Ironically.

"His gentleness."

Now both his eyebrows were raised and I had the feeling he wanted to scoff. "Isn't that the basis of Victorian men?"

He talked as though it were supposed to be obvious but I merely shook my head. "Perhaps so, but his is far more genuine out of most people I've met."

The dancing wasn't as daunting when supplied with conversation, but our talk nearly had me miss the ending if it weren't for William pulling me to the side for new couples to occupy the dance floor.

He led me to a corner of the room that was somewhat more discreet, and I'd assume he would have some idea in mind to capture me. Through all this motion, he'd been disturbingly silent. I didn't feel like I had to elaborate anymore than that. Then he started to mutter.

"She quite liked being protected. Perhaps gentleness in respect to femininity? Would make sense…"

My brow creased, but I took the lapse in conversation as opportunity to sense for my company's presence. Madame Red was the only obvious one so far, but Undertaker's and Zero's signature were already hidden as expected. As for Vincent and Diedrich, they were likely in other parts of the manor by now.

"Say, if I were to offer you more than just gentleness, would you be swayed?" The target was now looking at me with soft eyes, hand extended.

I frowned. So this was the ploy, but of course, I knew my role. "My apologies, but I cannot accept. I must return to James' side now."

Predictably, his hand grabbed my wrist before I could escape, tugging with enough force to face my front to his and trap a cloth over my nose and mouth, the distinct aroma of chloroform invading my senses. "Unfortunately for you, I cannot allow that."

Of course, being in half-demon form, I would've been unaffected, but for the sake of the show, I fainted, listening to the commotion as he made some half-assed excuse of me tiring myself out.

"My Lady! Are you alright? Someone, I need assistance!"

"Oh, my! Poor thing."

"She must have tired herself out."

I could feel myself being lifted into his arms as a male voice directed George to a spare room. Most likely a servant.

"Sir, right this way. We have a spare room provided for the lady to rest in."

"My thanks. A proper rest is long overdue." A door was opened before I could feel myself deposited on a soft bed. The door was shut but I could still feel the additional presence with us.

Surely, Mr. Villin needed to find a way to remove the second presence seeing as a chaperone would be required for any two people of opposing genders to be in the same room. Unless said chaperone was his partner.

"Such appalling manners. To leave a young lady's welfare at the hands of a stranger." There was angry muttering from George again, although the concern wasn't unwarranted. A normal person would've had the same reaction. Part of the act?

As I laid on the bed, there was a sudden knock on the door before a familiar gruff voice had me struggling to look asleep. "Pardon me. Water has been provided for the lady."

Diedrich?!

Of all the roles he'd be playing, I hadn't imagined it would be one of a servant. But, it was probably meant for solace. The Earl had the situation under control, perhaps.

"Ah, much appreciated. You may take your leave now." The door was closed and my pulse picked up a bit. Footsteps neared my bed with the sound of china being placed down with a clink nearby and suddenly, I could feel myself being picked up before being silently carried out the door.

Seems the lady wouldn't be needing water any time soon.

Given my affiliation to darkness as he tread down the hallway, I could tell we were going somewhere far more secluded, away from the party, if the decreasing clamor were any indication. And given no light source, George knew the exact layout of this manor. What I couldn't decide on was if he merely memorized it or committed his deeds here.

Another door opened and then we were descending down a set of steps, and most likely into a cellar. Gosh, those seem to be popular in demand for crime scenes now, no?

There was the grating sound of wood on floor before I felt myself being deposited onto a chair. Quickly, that same unknown presence made quick work on binding my hands and feet to the chair before a gag was tied over my mouth, and lastly a blindfold.

I was seriously criticizing the use of a blindfold when we were already in a room that was dark until I heard the strike of a match and what was likely him lighting up a lamp.

How mysterious~

All that was left was time. I'd say, give or take quarter to a half hour. The time lapsed since me "fainting" and us traversing here would've been about ten minutes, so all I had to do was countdown…

…

Ah, yes, as I expected. There was an accomplice. There's never an end to these surprise rendezvous, is there?

I opened my eyes. "Ah, so you're…"

"…the partner of that time traveler."

He sneered. "Couldn't even be bothered to remember our names, huh?"

I smirked. "I was never good with them anyhow."

A hand suddenly grabbed my hair, pulling it up to force me to submit as he growled. George could only emit a small sound of protest, but the aggressor of the situation merely had to glare for him to stop.

Once reassured of his control, he looked back at me gritting my teeth stubbornly. His hand jerked my hair again, but my mouth remained shut. "Because of that stupid stunt of yours, we're now stuck in this stupid timeline with no way back. Where is it?!"

I arched an eyebrow, but I knew exactly what he was talking about. The Albert. Thank God I had the foresight to relinquish it to Undertaker beforehand.

"I don't have it."

He growled impatiently and jerked my hair again. "The hell do you mean you don't have it?! Before everything went to shit, you were the last one in contact with it!"

I shrugged. "So? It could've gone anywhere or to anyone. Maybe even my partner or yours. Speaking of, how's she doing?"

His fingers were twitching with just barely restrained anger. My blasé response on the overall situation must've grated his nerves which is probably why what seemed like the next few seconds would've been a blur to the naked eye.

So I'll explain.

One. The hand gripping my hair suddenly disappeared only to pull out a hidden gun. Surprisingly, his first move was to shoot George in the leg to disable his escape, likely to become the scapegoat, before aiming it at my face. Two. In a low tone, he seethed out, "An eye for an eye."

Three. But, before the trigger could be pulled, a blur of white crashed into him, resulting in a resounding crack against the adjacent wall. Then, a figure stood up, and I could register a shock of white hair.

Zero.

My subordinate turned to flash me a wide grin before directing his attention back at his prey. "Now now, this won't do. Prey aren't allowed to touch little Ruth over there."

I deadpanned. "In that respect, you've failed then."

"Eh?! What do you mean?"

I stared at him. Wasn't he here for the whole thing?!

"Hihihi! I quite agree~ My poor fiancé has endured such harsh treatment~"

My brow twitched. Undertaker, yet still clinging to the facade. Just barely.

I felt another presence start to undo the bindings on my hands and feet before a gruff voice spoke up. "Oi, you alright?"

My brow twitched. "I'll manage." As soon as the ropes were loosened, I massaged the sore skin. The somewhat unknown partner hadn't held back on how tight he restrained me. And for good reason. He'd probably assumed I'd be solo for this mission.

My gaze landed on the Earl who'd finally caught up, a self-assured smile on his face. He'd probably weaned information off Zero and countered the enemy's expectation with seamless teamwork. His gaze caught mine and he tipped his hat.

I nodded back. Not bad.

"So, have we found out the culprit's name?" Vincent eyed Diedrich who was now standing sentry to an already bandaged Mr. Villin.

"The assailant? We were getting to that."

Vincent then took note of the bruise on my cheek that I exposed when I had angled my head to respond. But, seeing that I was eyeing him guardedly and hadn't mentioned it, he merely smiled and patted me on the shoulder.

"Once your associate concludes the case, you and the Undertaker are free to go."

I tilted my head. "You're taking both of them alive?"

He smiled slyly. "But of course, Her Majesty has some questions that need answering."

The fight was suddenly concluded with the clear resonance of Zero's daggers disarming the assassin of his gun and pressing it to his neck. He grinned wildly back at us.

"Got any cuffs?"

My brow arched. How anticlimactic.

Vincent wordlessly held up a pair of lengthy chain cuffs with which Diedrich secured around the partner before seating him next to the wounded half.

"Well, it seems we're done here. If there's nothing more, we should go, Un."

Undertaker's mysterious smile hadn't waned during the length of his stay, but once I neared his side, his hand suddenly came up to my cheek, making me freeze warily. However, the back of his hand only skimmed the bruise before taking my hand. "Hihi, we should get that checked, ne~ Milords, we'll be on our way…" With a lazy dip of his hat, he gently pulled me along.

I took one last look at the scene, drinking in the shock on George Villin's face, the anger on the time traveler's partner, Vincent and Diedrich's familiar demeanor and Zero who'd nodded back at me self-assuredly. He'd stay behind to make sure the transaction was smooth.

In the case of the culprits, I'm sure George was still reeling from the pain, and not the betrayal itself as much. As for the other…

Undertaker tugged me out of the room before leading me up the stairs, permanently breaking my train of thought. Another time, perhaps.

He was silent as we traipsed our way back to the entrance, albeit in a roundabout manner. I'm sure he could tell I wasn't up for dealing with more crowds, and used the back entrance so that we were back outside. The familiar lullaby of nighttime coaxed me to relax a bit despite the slight chill in the air.

"Well now, we can expect Abberline and his hounds to show up any minute, now, so why don't we head off?" He offered a hand, and just as I had placed it in his, he tugged me forward, using the momentum as an advantage to easily gather me in his arms bridal style before literally taking off.

Already, the sensation of leaving the ground not unlike riding a rollercoaster flitted through my mind, making me grasp his coat tighter subconsciously. But with how quickly he moved, vertigo threatened to overwhelm my senses, so I closed my eyes. In little under a minute, we were at his home, and even then, he didn't put me down.

As he opened the door, I reminded him, "You know, I can walk."

He grinned down at me. "Ah, so she speaks~"

My brow twitched. "Your point?"

He smirked, still not letting me down as he traversed the short distance from the entrance to the stairs and heading to my room. "You've been uncharacteristically quiet. Not that you aren't, my dear, but it is quite unsettling."

I huffed in annoyance. "Just processing."

I could imagine a brow would've been arched on his face had it been exposed. Much less even having a brow. However, it seemed he could see through my fib but surprisingly chose to let it slide.

Of course, my quietness was due to the heaviness in my chest and that displeasing churning of my stomach. I could suspect that would be happening soon. I only hoped it would be over with promptly.

I turned to find him observing me with a tilt of his head. Fuck. He'd been waiting. Watching.

"Anyways, I'll turn in for now."

"Would you like some chamomile? Perhaps some cold vinegar for the bruise~"

My gaze that had been drifting to the bed snapped back to his, confused. What was he doing?

"I'm fine." It would've been unconvincing if not for the uncertain way it ended, almost like a question.

As though thinking the same, his smile sharpened, but again, he didn't react to it. Only set me down and releasing me once he deemed me fit to stand on my own. "Very well then, dear. At least the bruise has begun healing nicely~ If that's the case, I hope to see you bright and early~" He wiggled his fingers before closing the door softly.

I snorted.

As if.

…

September 13, 1885 - Sunday

Undertaker's POV (3rd)

The moment she came down, he could already tell something was off. Exceedingly so.

Normally her entry was silent. But this time, it felt muted, like she herself didn't want to be noticed.

Hm, curiouser and curiouser, ne~?

"Dear?"

The moment she glanced at him, he felt his intrigue and worry spike. What was wrong with her?

Her posture was slouched, dead eyes somehow pronouncing her frown even more.

What a sight for sore eyes. For once in his life, he thought she'd look happier dead than alive.

Then immediately he smirked just as she coincidentally turned her back. It was an awful thought indeed, and one that ought to be berated but was just as true. She'd likely agree, as well.

He gave her time to reach her desk and settle in before getting up from his desk to brew some tea. Perhaps a literal ice-breaker could warm her up. Heh.

He'd recently purchased black currant teas after noticing her love of citrus or berries. Therefore, he reserved that particular brand for when it was only them alone.

Having set the tea bags to infuse, he walked back with two beakers full, setting one down at her desk. She was working albeit mechanically and he noted no reaction to his return nor the tea.

"Dear?~"

Still nothing. His smile thinned but he didn't say anything. Perhaps more time would do.

Unfortunately, ever since leaving her alone, he'd noted that she worked at half the rate she usually did, and by the afternoon, the tea had been left untouched.

He knew it was none of his business, and yet the longer the worry tarried, the more he hated seeing her like this. He seriously contemplated his offer from the bar. If the demon truly made her this miserable, what would be the reason for enduring more of this pain?

He approached her desk again, making sure his footsteps were audible. Again, no response, but he didn't allow it to deter him. He reached out with his hand, giving ample time for her to react it, and when there was none, he gave her a firm shake.

"Rachel."

At the sound of her name, the pen did stop moving. She lethargically turned to look at the hand before looking at him. Except, it seemed that she was looking right through him.

"Dear, are you alright?" He knew it was a pointless question, but he was focused on getting a response. A sarcastic one would be the ideal response, but he'd settle for any.

Respond, she did, but it was as lackluster as her behavior had been the entire day. A sluggish "I'm fine" slipped, and she half-heartedly shrugged his hand away.

He stood there for quite some time, watching her as he debated his options before leaving swiftly to the phone. He hated having to resort to this, but if it meant a better means to the end, so be it.

…

Rachel's POV (1st)

Everything hurt. It hurt to breathe, to move. Even to eat.

Somehow, I'd managed to get downstairs and to my work station to do work. Was it a crappy job? Most likely. But right now, I couldn't be bothered to care. I just didn't want to be a burden.

The majority of the day passed by in a haze. I do remember at some point Undertaker disturbing me, but since I didn't know what he wanted, I shrugged it off. Obviously, anything I said would've been unconvincing, but he didn't persist anymore after that.

I was thankful. But at the same time, I wished he would've done more. But that's wishful thinking.

What makes you think you deserve his time and attention?

I curled up slightly. No, can't let him see.

You're weak.

Her voice reverberated in my head and I grit my teeth. I need to get out of here.

I got up, praying to any deity that he wouldn't see how bad I was shaking. "Un, I'm gonna… turn in for today…"

He smiled as always. "Of course, dear. Rest up since we have a long day ahead tomorrow~"

I forced myself to nod before making my escape. I was lucky enough to reach my room before collapsing on the floor, shutting the door quickly. It was getting harder to breathe and my vision was becoming blurry.

After a brief recovery on the floor, I forced myself onto the bed, curling into a ball as I wheezed. The pain returned with intensity as I tried to breathe.

It was then that I remembered that I'd forgotten the tea he'd made for me. The tightness in my chest doubled as guilt flooded my conscience. I felt like such a piece of shit. Here I was wishing for attention and I couldn't even return the favor.

My hands fisted in the bedding, but alas, it was already too late. It would seem that morning would come with no reprieve.

…

September 14, 1885 - Monday

Morning came sooner than I was prepared for. With it also came a series of events that Undertaker had seemingly in store for me that I wouldn't know to be either thankful or cuss him out for. Either way, what transpired yesterday clearly wasn't going to be swept under the rug.

I still felt as shitty as I did the previous day, but at least I could function through it, if not barely. Yesterday could hardly count as productive. I could only hope Un wasn't as pissed about it today as he was yesterday. His cold response didn't help a bit.

With much trepidation, I began to prepare for the day, taking a quick bath before changing clothes. By the time I was ready to head out the door, a knock sounded. My eyebrows lifted in slight surprise.

He must've timed this.

It worried me, but time to face the music, I guess. "Come in."

He opened the door with a breakfast tray in hand, far more than I knew my stomach could handle. I barely ate yesterday, and although it made sense to compensate for that, I still lacked any appetite.

My eyes darted from the food to his face, but his facial expression had assumed its usual smile. Closed off. He placed the tray onto the desk before taking a seat at the foot of my bed. His smile seemed colder now.

I swallowed nervously, not quite meeting his eyes… bangs. "Um, I know my work wasn't… up to par yesterday." A slight awkward pause. Ill-disguised wheeze. "I'll make up for it today." I was fisting my hands in my jacket nervously, trying to stop the shaking. No matter how old I was, nerves would always show, and already I was bone-white from nervousness. I'd be rather fitting among the corpses.

After realizing I'd been stuck in my head too long, I looked up to find him still watching me. My breath hitched. This was it. I'm finally being let go cuz I can't do jackshit as anything besides killing. I sighed. Well, nice knowing you while it lasted.

"How unlike you~"

My lips creased. He noticed?

"You're so concerned with such trivial matters~ Hihi, you think it matters that much to me?" His grin was encroaching on sharp. Dead cold.

"I mean, why else would you allow me to stay here?" I was getting confused.

He tilted his head. "That is one thing. This is another, dear~"

I stared blankly at him. What was?

He smirked. "So you mean to tell me you still expect to work in the condition you're in and not yield the same result?"

My brows furrowed. I mean, I felt better now if by a minuscule bit, so yes, it'd be different today. But as soon as I opened my mouth, I knew he could tell what I mean to say and his grin darkened so I snapped it shut.

What could I do to recover? He was too perceptive for me to fool, and there'd be no point in scheming my way out of this. He'd figure it out in a second. So I just settled for a defeated glare and he perked up again with that stupid grin of his.

I was starting to get suspicious, and before I could glower at his happy-go-lucky vibe, he beckoned me back to the bed. "Come, sit."

I huffed before perching on the edge of the bed. This was a brand new situation to deal with. Sure, he wasn't pleased, but what was he after?

The tray was pushed my way filled with toast with jam, boiled eggs, and tea. At first, I had to hold down my vomit reflex since he was watching and, not wanting to insult him further, went for the easier choice of eating the toast. The jam, I'd noticed, was blackcurrant, which eased the nausea. After taking a few small bites, I glanced back at him, but he was patiently waiting for me. He seemed to remain stubbornly tight-lipped until he'd determined that I'd eaten enough. I crinkled my nose and stared at the toast. I couldn't even manage a fourth of this.

"You should try the eggs, good source of protein~"

I snuck a quick glance before retorting, "I can barely hold down the toast as is." I grabbed the tea, hoping the warmth could stimulate some appetite.

As much as I'd love to argue, there'd be no point convincing him otherwise. His tight expression wouldn't leave room for leeway until he'd determined I'd eaten enough.

"Even so, just try~" He nudged the plate again.

I sighed and just rolled my eyes before dragging it to me, watching the eggs roll innocently. He'd lightly sprinkled both with salt and pepper but it wouldn't be enough.

Once he saw me looking for something, he finally piped up to ask, "Missing something, are we?~"

I huffed out my nose. Hopefully, this wouldn't piss him off further. "Um. Yeah, by chance, where'd you leave the pepper and salt? I'm just gonna go…"

Before I'd even finished, he went up to go grab the condiments silently.

Seriously, he was gonna give me an aneurysm. I couldn't guess his mental temperature with only his mouth exposed, and the building nerves surely wouldn't help with keeping down my meager attempts at nutrition.

When he returned, my toast was at least half gone and both eggs had a nipped top. His smile quirked upwards in amused curiosity as he handed me the salt and pepper shakers.

I fought hard to not look too embarrassed as I made room on the plate by pushing the eggs to the side before haphazardly sprinkling the bare surface with copious amounts of salt and subsequently, pepper, deciding to just explain myself. "I just wanted to taste them."

There. Recognition at his attempts of seasoning. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but it just wasn't how I ate my boiled eggs. I then took one, smushed it against the generously coated surface, and took a bite. Much better.

He only nodded, preoccupied with watching me finish both eggs. Only half the toast and tea was left when he decided to finally speak up. "As much as I appreciate a hard worker, I don't particularly need you working yourself to the grave, dear~"

My brow furrowed. "I'd simply be wasting time then."

His smile became a deprecating smirk then. "Oh~ So I suppose working overtime to correct your mistakes ought to be perceived as productive then? Rather than do it right the first time?"

I had to really fight not to sneer. He was mocking me when we'd first talked about workplace productivity and efficiency my first time working under him. Especially when I'd stressed about learning it right the first time so he wouldn't have to keep reviewing my work. Despite his nonchalance, I wanted to prove myself valuable so he wouldn't have a reason to throw me away.

Then, I steeled myself. Why should I give a shit what he thinks? As if he knows what I've gone through. I've been on overtime my entire life that I should've been dead by now.

"Maybe you have the luxury to go easy on yourself when times are tough, but I don't. I didn't have the time to patch up my mental boo-boos and have someone pat me on the back every time I fell. Either I get up or get left behind. Every assassin is expected to work through it. We don't have time to hold hands and talk about our feelings. Either we get shit done or get shitted on. I don't know if your job's made you soft, but you don't know anything about mine. So don't presume I make mistakes on overtime because if I did, I'd already be DEAD. And I'm better off dead than a failure. At least I won't be wasting anyone's time."

By that time, my vision had already gone red, so I missed the way he tensed at my conclusion. Despite my wheezing from overexerting myself and the mental fucking over, I tried regaining control over my breathing, and while unsuccessful at first, it was enough to look up.

Unsurprisingly, he wasn't smiling, but it wasn't just that. Apparently, my vomit of mental trauma had him completely rethinking his approach.

Might as well just make it easy for him then.

"Just fire me."

His bangs jerked with the suddenness that his attention snapped to me.

"Rather than waste your time on a liability, it's better if we just get this done with." Despite my stubbornness, there was a lump in my throat that refused to subside. I didn't want it to end like this, but no way was I gonna set myself up for failure again. Nor allow anyone to suffer because of my incapability.

You were useless in the end.

This was why you don't mix jobs with feelings. Lesson learned.

I felt a sudden grip on my clothes, and, before I could even process, was tugged forward. Without thinking, I winced and braced myself for a punch but was shocked to collide with a hard chest. It took several moments of calming down, but I grounded myself. Staring at his black overcoat, the silky strands of hair occasionally brushing the side of my face, his tight but not-suffocating grip. Amassing whatever residual courage I had left, I looked up to find his bare face staring at me with pained sympathy.

"So, you've finally let it out, hm~"

His eyes were simply hypnotizing in their own right with their beauty, and after a moment of realizing just how swiftly it aided in calming me, the fiery anger was reduced to a simmer. It was an annoying revelation but better suited for another time.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I looked away, hoping to find something other than his eyes to help get my bearings.

"For all your intellectual and mental honesty, you are not so forthcoming with your feelings." His arms squeezed playfully.

I ignored it, trying to push away half-heartedly, but even then he didn't budge. "Like I said. We don't have the luxury. Besides, it just fucks things up."

"Does it? I think it's a way of perceiving the world~"

I snorted. "Emotions limit your view. Better to have a whole picture untainted by human affections."

"Hmm, mayhaps limited, but it's the limits that define your interpretation. Your perception, if you will. Isn't it how one can view the same art piece and still have a different opinion?"

I huffed. He did have a point.

The pang suddenly came and my throat closed up. I felt much worse now, knowing that he'd taken the brunt of my anger when it wasn't even his fault. Again, it was simply my incapability of dealing with things. Of course it was.

After a moment to recover, I was able to murmur an apology. When his head tilted slightly, I continued on. "I hadn't meant to snap like this. Just… shit going on up here. It's hard to control sometimes."

How mortifying for a boss to witness this. At least Zero had the sense to leave me some privacy.

"Usually Zero gives me space and then I'm fine."

I heard an indignant sniff. "Hm, how careless of him."

I immediately looked at him, ready to defend Zero when I noticed his annoyed expression. "Despite knowing your pain, he simply leaves you alone to deal with it? No wonder you feel the way that you do~"

I frowned. "That's not necessarily true. He helps in other ways."

He shrugged noncommittally. "Even so, when I'd asked for advice with helping you in your state, he only offered to leave you alone. As if burying the problem would actually solve it~" His smirk widened when he focused on me again. This time, he took to patting my head, a gentler smile showing on his still exposed face.

"You work hard enough as it is. There's no crime in taking a break." His smile then fully softened, and it left me at a loss for words.

Or rather, if I'd tried to, I'd just end up choking. His kindness was just sometimes so hard to contend with. Even so, I still tried. "But-"

His arms tightened enough to silence me. "Even if you didn't have the luxury then, take advantage of it now. When the time comes, you may regret not taking the opportunity when it presented itself."

My lips tightened before I gave in to relaxing. Although he was the type that I'd want to remain on guard for, he'd also given me a reason that I could relax. Especially this one, he seemed more concerned that I didn't have a semblance of a break. His ability to persuade me to do so was so annoyingly similar to that of a businessman.

"You should be an advertiser."

His smile widened as he snickered. "Oh? How so?"

"You can be hard to refuse when you sway someone." Especially with the charm, but no use boosting his ego anymore than it already is.

"Hihihi~ And why's that?"

I sighed. "Because somehow, you can convince someone that despite it being useless and equivalent to shit, it's still worth trying."

He squinted his eyes at me playfully. "Hm~ I don't think so, otherwise you wouldn't think that~"

I squinted my eyes at him. "Oh?"

His grin was back to its usual size. "Oh, indeed~ Why, I may just have to keep practicing on you until you do understand why it's important."

I rolled my eyes hard enough that it hurt but opted to just give up. He was doing this for my own good, so I would just let him have his own fun.

He leaned back against the wall which prompted me to relax against him, adjusting until I was seated comfortably against him.

"Feeling better?~"

I nodded. But still felt like shit. He'd even went out of his way to make me feel better despite my rant. I sighed.

He giggled again and then I stopped feeling bad about it. Even shouldered him in the stomach. Laughing at my mixed signals. How dare he.

"Owwie, what did I do~"

I sighed. "You're just annoying, despite helping me."

He pouted. "Despite being a gentleman, not even I am spared the cruelty?~"

I snorted. "You get bonus points for doing it better than Diedrich, but that's all." His punctual cackle was all I needed to know I was forgiven. "Still though, sorry."

He nudged me with his shoulder. "Now now, enough of that. It's all in the past~" He gave one last solitary pat on my head before reclining against the wall again. "So, any plans for your day off~"

I relaxed, feeling the ache lighten up. Ironically, having had that meltdown helped more than I realized. Then I perked. It was an activity I'd neglected to do since arriving here.

"I've got just the thing."

His smile widened. "Oh~ Such as?"

I smirked back. "Know any shortcuts to the top of Big Ben?"

One eye popped open to squint at me. "Hmm~ Depends… What are you planning?"

The smirk became a smile. "We'll have to wait until nightfall."

"Hihi~ Not planning any life-threatening jumps, are we?"

"You'll see."

A/N: Hopefully, I can finish part 2 of the Reader's Special later today if not tomorrow. Once more, thank y'all for your patience, thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more! 3

05/13/2022