A/N: So, a week(ish) later and here we are. Lol, admittedly, I forgot how stressful writing is if you're not all caught up, oops. Anyhow, thank y'all for your patience and here's to another SebbyxOC chappie! A whopping 7.03k words. I have no idea how it happened but I guess I have their chemistry to thank lmao.

Onto the reviews:

bunnyxstar: Thank you for staying with me this long! 3 Hope you appreciate this new one also! Happy reading!

Enjoy!

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.

Reader's Special Continued

Morning After

I awoke and was immediately on edge. This wasn't my room, and it wasn't until I stopped panicking that I remembered I wasn't at Undertaker's mortuary anymore.

Immediately, the idea of dealing with the demon another day already had an impending headache making itself known.

Yippee.

Knock knock.

And speak of the devil.

Just as I'd redirected my glare to the door, there in the doorway was presented the nuisance of the day himself: Sebastian.

His smile brightened considerably upon witnessing my suffering that not only consisted of early mornings. "Well now, glad to see you up and early, Miss Rose."

I sighed. "Wish I could say the same."

A fine eyebrow arched but he paid it no mind as he, rather, whipped open the curtains with much gusto to attempt to blind me with sun's oh-so-nourishing rays.

"Now, now, we can't have that so early in the morning. Fortunately, I've taken it upon myself to personally prepare your breakfast."

It was my turn to arch an eyebrow. Personally? How concerning.

"And why is it that you're here and not Mey-rin?"

He brightened especially at that. "Seeing as today may be your last day, I had Mey-Rin take care of cleaning your clothes so it will be ready when you go."

I deadpanned. He didn't have to do that. I had no problem doing my own chores, buuuut, knowing him and his stubbornness, there'd be no point saying so. "Sure, thanks."

Currently, he'd been setting up the lap tray for me to have breakfast in bed, so hearing my gratitude emboldened him to lean forward, once more invading my personal space. "My pleasure," his voice rumbled deep in his throat.

Me being me, I leaned back before shooing him away with my hand to eat in peace. Surprisingly, he gave in easily with a chuckle before leaning back to grab the breakfast tray and place it over the lap tray.

"Now, seeing as some manners may be lacking, perhaps a light-hearted breakfast may revive them. Keeping in mind your sentiment the last time we had breakfast, I prepared a lighter breakfast of garden salad with some fruit. A few side dishes of toast, scones, & campagne are also provided. Any preference?"

My eyebrows rose. So many just to choose one? "Just the campagne, thanks."

"As you wish." Once he set the desired plates and utensils, he began pouring some tea, explaining it was at the Earl's suggestion that I try his brands first before expanding despite my love for berry teas. "This is Ceylon tea which has a lighter aroma compared to the Assam leaves. Both have a malted taste along with dried fruit, but the latter is far more robust. The former is rather aromatic with a light citrus and floral flair."

"I see." Once he set it down, I took a sip and albeit sweet, at least was buffed by its lightness. "Bocchan has some good recommendations. Speaking of, has he already eaten breakfast?"

He bowed his head before returning the unwanted dishes onto the cart. "The Young Master chose to have breakfast in his office in order to finish his paperwork early in an attempt to finish his game with you. He's quite eager to determine the winner by the end of today."

"Uh-huh." The lighter portions compared to the first time they served were a relief. I'd remembered stressing about not wasting food, and despite Sebastian's and Bocchan's former nonchalance to it, now take care to curb my portions lest I blow a fuse again.

"And is the breakfast to my Lady's liking?" The slight pause in his movements as he was preparing my attire for the day only meant he was fishing for compliments. But knowing him, he'd use it as an excuse as relaying information to the Young Master.

"Definitely, and the portions aren't as overwhelming." Noticeably, his eyebrow ticked at my informal language, which I half-smirked at. Serves him right.

He sighed. "Seeing as the Young Master holds you in high regard, perhaps it is best you exercise proper manners in the presence of nobility? After all, I doubt you have many chances to do so, working in the morgue which you so highly favor."

I stared blankly at him. The absolute gall of this demon. "Last I remember, a butler doesn't boss around a guest. Second, I am no Lady, nor am I of nobility."

He chortled. "I do not 'boss around', I heavily advise for the sake of your and the Young Master's reputation."

I snorted. "Then advise it when proper. Otherwise, I'd prefer he relax around me. I doubt he has friends among socialites beyond his work to relax with, and with his revenge forefront, it is better he take a break every now and then." The bread suddenly looked more appetizing, so I bit into it as the demon hummed in thought. While savoring the taste, I washed it down with tea and observed him finish the preparations.

"So long as you do not interfere with my meal, I suppose I can allow some leeway." He peered at me with mock exasperation.

I returned the gesture. "Oh so kind of you, good sir. As the slavedriver you are, someone has to step in for the sake of remediation."

His expression then morphed into smug pride. "And yet you say you wouldn't fit well here. Perhaps you underestimate your abilities, my dear."

I frowned. "Quit the endearments, we're hardly there yet."

"Yet?" His risen eyebrow had me chucking a chunk of bread formerly intended for my gut onto his forehead. Which he suavely ducked. He then tutted. "Oh, what to do?"

My eye twitched. "Oh, save it. That kid will be an old man by the time he's 15. He needs to relax."

His eyes then slitted. "So, would it be favorable for you to have me wait until he's 15 to eat his soul?"

Mine narrowed but I didn't fall for the bait. Just to gain favor with me by extending his time? "Shouldn't this be a conversation between you and him?"

He smirked and stalked closer to the bed until he could lean over me and place a hand against the headboard of the bed.

Unlike before where I could easily swat him away, the change in power dynamic now wouldn't allow me to show any weakness anymore. Damn him.

"Albeit a formidable point, demons are quite patient in the consummation of their contract. Therefore, it would be similar as killing two birds with one stone."

My brows furrowed in thought. He wanted to trap me within the contract? No, thinking further, if I theoretically approved his proposal, not only is it guaranteeing him my hand, but my submission. It would mean that I wouldn't interfere. "In summary, you'd have my hand and my obedience to not interfere."

His eyes brightened with pride. "Bingo." A gloved finger bravely twirled a strand of my hair. "While I'd have to seek permission from the contractor prior, of course, I've no doubt he'd approve."

I deadpanned. "But this would forego waiting until he was 15 based on his terms."

"Correct. So, are we in accord?"

I snorted and pushed him back with a hand on his chest, effectively cutting off access to my hair also. "Of course not. Bocchan is as good as family, and I'm not of the principle of selling them off as food." His eyes narrowed dangerously but I cut him off with a raised hand. "But, nor will I interfere. He's as mentally matured as an adult and he makes his own choices."

He visibly relaxed at this.

But, I was still irked. "Even if, theoretically, I went along with this plan of yours, Bocchan wouldn't agree either if for the second part of me being your mate. Mostly because we come from the same reasoning."

Although disappointment was heavily prevalent, he at least understood when he relented easily. "A shame, but to be expected should human affection be factored. Now then, seeing as you're mostly done, the Young Master has presented you a gift to wear for today, should you wish it."

I.e. wear it but whatever.

"Sure."

He sighed again. "Do you require assistance?"

"Nope, I'll just take my bath. When should I expect him to conclude the game?"

"Most likely in time for afternoon tea."

"So noon then?"

An arched eyebrow was all the response I got.

"Fine, I'll just wait like a good dog and wait until the good butler fetches me." Feeling properly snubbed, I handed him my dishes without even glancing at him save for the bread for me to snack on during my bath.

He chuckled. "All in good time." And just before the door closed on his way out, he managed to sneak in, "And personally, I'd rather liken you to a kitten."

The pillow smacking the door concluded his departure.

…

After the quick bath, I trotted down to where the servants would be, hoping to get in on some more trouble, but anytime I would approach one, they'd make up some feeble excuse and then get away.

At first I was stumped. I had no idea if they were trying to plan something or Sebastian had given them firm instructions not to let me interfere. I didn't know nor did I care.

All I knew was that perhaps it were time I take advantage of some R&R with the piano. At least, that was one of the advantages of visiting the Earl. Although I missed giving piano lessons to the twins, I was unsure of bringing up the topic for fear of recovering gruesome memories that Bocchan would rather forget.

For those scenarios, better to let him assert himself with that decision.

With that in mind, I made my way down to the music room. Along the way, it was a bit disturbing to find the manor so quiet compared to the bustle it previously had with the late Earl. It would also be my first time revisiting again since the incident.

I sighed. Well, time to face the music… Literally.

Opening the door, I was hit with a bit of nostalgia and a flashback of teaching them both piano. Shivers ran down my spine. The fact that nothing seemed out of place inspired chills of their own.

I reached the piano, seamlessly flawless and without a speck of dust. Either the butler was as thorough with his job or the maid finally upgraded.

I smirked a bit. That was rather mean. The lid was then lifted and set against the lid prop.

I sat on the bench, lifted the fallboard, and warmed up with an hour of Hanon before playing whatever songs came to mind. Either Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff… It was while I was playing Howl's Moving Castle theme that the infamous butler came to investigate.

"I haven't quite heard of a piece such as this. Pray tell, is this of your own inspiration?"

I opened my eyes to find him seated at the edge of the bench. If not for his question, I would've triple-decked him. Then, when it sunk in, I had to suppress a snort. How I wish.

"No, where I come from, it was composed by Joe Hisaishi for a story. He's well renowned for creating many pieces like these. Another one being A Town with an Ocean View. All of them are just complex and beautiful in their own way. But, the pieces I've learned are arrangements from others."

He arched an eyebrow. "You haven't the mettle to make your own?"

I glanced back at him guardedly. "As flattering as the idea would be, I've hardly the time to sit at a piano and freely waste the day on music."

He then proceeded to blind me with a smile full of teeth that made me feel more like a meal than being welcomed. "Hence the convenience of becoming a Phantomhive staff member. After all, your ties within nobility, including that of Madam Red's, puts you at an advantageous position to have any job you desired. Furthermore, with the support of an Earl, your music would have far greater influence within a short period of time. You'd be on the way to fame in no time!"

I stared at him rather concerned. It's like this guy only ever looked at the surface level of things. "As much as I appreciate the very well-thought-out plan, I don't have plans on pursuing music nor do I care to further my position in anything regarding my ties to nobility. That's quite underhanded, regardless of whether they offered, and I'd rather make it on my own credibility. Lastly, I particularly hate anything to do with fame."

He squinted an eye at me before tilting his head. "You women never fail to confound me." He sighed before a self-assured smirk took its place. "Fortunately for you, I find it rather endearing. Perhaps even a challenge?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm pretty sure I'm very simple with what I desire. Sounds like a personal problem if you like complicating every single thing I do with a complex grandiose plan without my consent."

I went back to fiddling with the keys on the piano, using the lower bass part to construct a melody. Hoping against all hope that he'd get the message and leave me alone. The whole point of an R&R was so that I'd have a break before dealing with more assholes, e.g. Sebastian and Undertaker.

To my surprise, he seamlessly interjected using the upper soprano until we'd impromptu'ed a melody. When it came time for a key change, I was able to steer it back to the theme of Howl's Moving Castle as a challenge to see how well he'd paid attention. Of course, this produced a smirk from him and he was more than willing to oblige. And, begrudgingly, I had to admit, he did have skill in terms of piano playing, but how much was due in part to skill, talent, or confidence, I couldn't say.

Eventually, it came to a point where the melody was predictable, so I tried throwing him for a loop. As soon as the piece ended, I ended up playing Fly Me to the Moon with the lower bass, giving him a sample of the melody before retreating to the lower and he took over the treble portion. The jazzy disposition had him raising an eyebrow given that it didn't really exist until 1890's and wouldn't be popular until the 1920s. But, surprisingly enough, he adopted the style easily enough.

"Never quite heard music such as this." His eyebrow had quirked at having to familiarize to the technique at first.

I shrugged. "Well, it's still in the works." When I glanced over at him, he'd given me a bland look of doubt. I simply beamed. "It's a song I heard recently."

Eventually, we came to a standstill, and to really test him, I challenged him with playing a piece after only hearing it once. "I'll be playing an arrangement of one the pieces by Hiraishi: A Town With an Ocean View. Think you can manage? No notes missed?"

He smirked. "And should I pass, of what type of reward would you be willing to bestow?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You can't just accept the challenge for the fun of it?"

He chuckled. "And what would you call the first two times?"

"Um, I don't know, having fun?" This man really thought he could throw me for a loop.

He hummed before gesturing to the piano. "Why not play for now? I'll surely have something by then."

"Sure." I was already feeling the broiling feeling of nervousness in my stomach, but didn't let it deter me. If he'd pick up on it, he'd surely up the stakes.

Once I'd finished my demonstration, he seamlessly took over without a word, even taking the time to play it a bit faster. Once finished, he beamed at me.

"Now, about that reward…"

I arched an eyebrow. "You haven't said a thing since."

"Well now, that ought to be rectified." Once again, his thumb and forefinger grasped my chin, leaning forward for easier access. "Perhaps a kiss?"

My deadpan returned with squinted eyes. "If you're willing to exchange it for a triple decked fist combo, sure."

"A little pain is worth the pleasure."

I cringed with a shiver, and being the sadist he was, delighted in it if the curved eyes meant anything. "No."

He sighed. "Thought so. Then, an hour of your time."

I snorted. "What, you actually want a date?" His wicked smirk actually had me reconsidering running first chance I got.

"Wouldn't it be fair? After all, your employer has time to spare for you to invest in those hobbies of yours." The crinkle of his nose amused me a bit, but intuitively, I could pick up the jealousy he was trying to disguise.

"So what, just one invite to rejoin during my break?"

"No, I'm asking for unsolicited access to you for an outing."

I frowned at him. "And you think an hour's enough?"

He tilted his head with a coy smile. "Are you offering?"

I squinted again. "Fine, how's this, we have a day for an outing." I paused. Who would protect Bocchan though? And what about a chaperone?

Seeing the contemplative look on my face, he wiggled my chin not so uncommon to how one would a parent to a child. Which was probably the case in terms of age.

I twitched. Not the best thought to have at the moment.

"Should the outing occur, Finnian will take my place if not Tanaka."

"And what of a chaperone?"

He snickered. "Such traditions are adherent only to the nobility, of which you are not."

"Obviously, no, it's for the fact that I don't trust you."

"Hm, smart of you to suggest but it would have to be an impartial party. Your employer is out of the question."

"Then so is Madame Red. They have to be someone who can interject and have some skill in self-defense." I paused and then my eyes brightened. "The Marchioness!"

Even just the slight stiffening of his shoulders was indicative enough of her intimidating presence, but he shrugged it off. "To ask Marchioness Midford of such a trivial task would be quite wasteful of her time as well as offensive. Furthermore, she would likely rely on your own prowess in combat to deter me."

I sighed in exasperation. Despite the well-woven compliment in his explanation, he likely had a point. Didn't mean we couldn't try, but to risk offending her? Hmm. "What about my associate?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Aren't we forgetting the impartial bit?"

I rolled my eyes. "Zero and I have an antagonistic relationship but we look out for each other. He knows when I can handle myself or not. Doesn't mean he always helps, but it's better than nothing." Only issue would be him having front row seats to my humiliation. Hopefully not, but still.

He held his chin in thought before nodding in approval. "Very well. Then, I'll simply have to schedule with the Young Master and we should go on from there."

I actually deadpanned. What the fuck did I get myself into?

Just as I finished processing, a huge ruckus made itself known just outside the door. The double doors gave way to the infamous trio who'd likely been listening in since his arrival. It was no surprise given it's one of the few times I'm able to play without interruptions.

"Well now, it seemed the manor was awfully quiet today. I would wonder what that was all about." Sebastian already had stood up, putting a hand to a temple to assuage the headache likely building up. "Now then, care to explain yourselves?"

"Ehehehe…" All three looked at each other awkwardly before Bard, the oldest and leader of the three, decided to take accountability. "Well, since the little lady might be going, we've been planning a little surprise! See!"

Each one pulled out a small gift tailored by their own skillset… day-job speaking.

For Finny, he had some red roses that, although some places on the stem were suspiciously thinner than others (probably from his strength of ripping out the thorns), still looked pretty healthy. "I tried following your advice with the roses. I hope you like them!"

My talent for gift receiving was no better than last time, but with the innocent look on his face, it'd be awful to refuse him. Much less anyone of the servants. "I appreciate it a lot, Finny, but you didn't have to. I'll still visit every once in a while."

He beamed. "No problem~ Just our way of appreciating you is all!"

As for Mey-rin, she had my clothes from the previous day, and by the strong floral scent, may have overdone the oils. "Well, I'd thought you might appreciate some floral perfume so I added some, I did. Although, I may have overdone it, eh-heh~" Her fingers nervously fumbled with her glasses as she handed me my clothes.

"No problem, at least I won't have to worry about smell after a long day. Thanks, quite ingenious of you." I could hear a slight scoff from Sebastian but deigned to ignore him in favor of complimenting Mey-rin's thoughtfulness.

And, as for Bard… He didn't particularly have anything obvious besides his hands behind his back and a goofy smirk on his face. "Well, little lady, seeing as to your inevitable departure, I decided to whip up something for ya! Behold, good ole 'Merican apple pie!" With a grand flourish, he revealed a deceitfully normal looking pie.

The taste however…

The skeptical look on my face must've been obvious since he took exaggerated offense. "Y'know, I can cook pretty decent."

I quirked an eyebrow, smirking. "Then I suppose the taste will determine that. Would you be opposed to me sharing with y'all?"

Immediately, three sets of eyes became big and sparkly. "REALLY?!"

"Even though it's your cake?" Sebastian's expression would've deemed it blasphemy that it were such a crime to share a gift.

"Well, if you're gonna complain about it, then fine, don't have any." I shrugged before heading my way down to the kitchen with the trio following. Although I did mean it, it was also partially to prevent Sebastian from actually revealing his true nature.

Upon my arrival, I had Mey-rin grab six plates while Bard had the honors of cutting up the pie. Half was left untouched for Undertaker to have some when I got back. When Mey-Rin returned, I could tell she was getting excited again with her rushing.

"I found the plates, I did!" And just in record time, she tripped again, resulting in the plates flying out of her hands. Thanks to yesterday, we could anticipate the mistake.

Sebastian caught the plates, I caught the maid. "Mey-Rin, remember we talked about how 'haste makes waste'?"

She froze then fervently nodded. "Oh, yes, yes, I do! I remembered quite well, I did!" With renewed vigor, she grabbed the plates from Sebastian before marching to the table and laying them out for Bard to leave a slice each. Once the trio plus Tanaka had a slice, I grabbed two slices and two forks before making my way to the exit.

"Now, just where do you think you're going?" A gloved hand pushed the door closed just as I'd picked up the plate again from freeing a hand to perform that which would've lead to my freedom.

I sighed before rolling my eyes. "To the Young Master? I'm pretty sure he'd want something to eat while we finish our game?"

His eyebrow arched in barely concealed contempt. "And you actually believe our chef's skill is sufficient enough for his tastes?"

I could just hear the offended choke from Bard as well as a "Hey!" before aptly turning it to the chef's favor. "Well, surely you wouldn't have hired him otherwise~" I shrugged before using my elbow again to open the door.

Once more, his hand closed it shut. With an exasperated sigh, he conceded, "If you must, then I must prepare tea in order to soothe his offended taste buds." And he did just that, pulling out a cart to grab the plates out of my hands before preparing a tea set.

"Hah! As if he'd doubt my intellect."

He scoffed. "Perhaps after today, he should."

"Wishful thinking." I leaned against the counter to watch.

"Have you even tasted the pie?"

At that accusation, four sets of eyes landed on me curiously. They hadn't touched theirs yet, which I suppose was customary for the recipient to have the first bite before anyone else.

I sighed aggravated before grabbing a fork and sectioning off a reasonable portion. Pointedly staring at the demon not even watching although I sensed otherwise, I took a bite. It took a second for the sourness to hit full force, but much to the chagrin of the demon, my love for sour came through. "Well, hits just the spot for me. I'm not sure about the rest of you however…"

Although they looked comforted at my "normal" reaction, their own individual preferences would decide if Bard's skill would be generally tolerated. Each one looked at the other before taking a fork and digging in.

By this time, Sebastian had already placed the tea leaves into the pot to steep and set it onto the cart. We were out the door when we could clearly hear the clamoring of Bard's recipe being too overwhelmingly sour and the need for relieve.

I snickered to myself.

"Something funny you would like to share?" The butler had no problem keeping up with my tempo despite my attempts to leave him behind.

"No, just that his pie had a sourness comparable to that of a warhead."

"Hmm, I'm sure I wouldn't know."

"Of course you wouldn't. Its a candy where I come from."

His lip arched. "Care to spare me a sample?"

I crinkled my nose. "Hell no, get your own."

His finger bopped my nose playfully but said no mention of my language. "Come now, surely you'd know that human food isn't quite as tasteful to a demon's appetite."

I rolled my eyes. "So then what would be the point?"

"Surely the thought counts~" The simper in his voice was obvious but he wouldn't give up til I gave in.

…Or compromised.

"Fine, I'll give what's left of what I don't finish."

He sighed in feigned sadness. "Good enough, I suppose."

"You better hope it is."

He eyed me with waning patience as we arrived at Bocchan's office before shaking his head mirthfully and knocking on the door. "Young Master, I have arrived with Miss Rachel and some pastries for afternoon tea." He opened the door, allowing me in to find the Earl glaring at the door vehemently.

"You're late." The barely restrained vitriol probably meant he'd wanted to start sooner. "I've been waiting half an hour. What sort of foolishness were you on about down there?" His eye then caught the servant's gifts in my arms. "And why do you have so many gifts with you?"

My brow arched in obvious confusion, looking down at the dress as I lifted up a portion of the skirt. "Um, isn't this dress courtesy of you, then? I don't quite remember having an outfit such as this before."

The Earl suddenly leaned back haughtily. "Are you to say you dislike it?"

I sighed, exasperated. "Of course not, I'm just saying that its rather convenient for my departure. You didn't plan this, did you?"

Bocchan chuckled. "Of course not, rather, it's a gift from Madame Red and I combined. Of course, I decided on the finishing touches."

My half-smirk of amusement rose before I could contain it as I assessed the outfit again. It wasn't too over-the-top and even the style agreed with me. I just didn't understand why Madame Red felt the need to spoil me so much.

"Well, thank you both for your consideration. I don't need to be spoiled so much."

He waved a hand. "Nonsense, I did so because I wanted to."

I stared at him with squinted eyes. "Did you also manage to get Lady Elizabeth a gift."

The confident stature faltered a bit before resuming smoothly. With a cough, he recovered with, "I'll think of something."

I scoffed lightly. "Huh, think of that. Bocchan leaving gifts to his former nanny yet comes up empty-handed for his fiancée. What would the masses say!" I pretended to fan my "outrage" with a dainty hand as he glared at me. I snickered. "Relax, anything you get her, she'll appreciate that."

"I know that," he grouched as I took a seat. "Sebastian, what are we having?"

The butler bowed before placing both plates on the side so as to not disrupt the game. Then he poured tea into the teacups, explaining as he did so. "As it appears, the chef took it upon himself to craft a recipe befitting Miss Rachel's origin with a sour apple pie. I took the liberty of preparing a sweetened floral tea should the taste not be to your liking."

The butler had already conceded his fate. Now it was up to the Earl to either save face and push through or spare himself potential embarrassment and have Sebastian prepare an alternative.

Interestingly enough, he chose the former. "If Miss Rachel trusts his judgement, then so shall I." He waited until Sebastian had distributed the teacups before sampling the pie, attempting to hide a grimace, and then drinking the tea to soothe the acrid flavor. "What on earth did he put in that pie?"

His glare of course, was directed at me given his "misplaced" judgement so I shrugged. "Personally, I find nothing wrong with it. It's exactly my preference of sour." I took another bite before adding on. "Plus, what you just sampled is somewhat the equivalent to a warhead which is an American candy that is extremely sour from my time. You won't find it here however given how unpopular it is."

Ciel's smile seemed short of bitter as he attempted to maintain his serious facade. "I see. Now, back to the game at hand."

"Yep, if I remember correctly, it was my turn?"

"Indeed."

It tickled me that he'd preserved the game simply because of his affinity for them. It was childishly endearing if not for its grim disposition nor the macabre reminder standing at his side.

Once the spinner landed, I moved my game piece, landing on "Ensnared by Roses". "Well, that's a bleeding wound."

Ciel smirked. "So now, you can only move one less space." He twirled the spinning top and then landed on A Quiet Sunday In London. "Hm, a bit dull. Nothing happens, your turn."

I took the spinning top, moving spaces minus one thanks to the current affliction.

"So, is this game flexible by one's interpretation or was I just lucky?"

"Hmph, lucky guess in your case. Now, back to the original question: Why so many gifts?"

I shrugged again. "Dunno, guess your servants just really like me."

He stared, short of exasperated but still bemused. "Hm, I can see that. Perhaps they're in on persuading you to join us."

I sighed. "Will there ever be a day where I won't be offered a job?"

He smirked. "Accept if its so troublesome then."

"Har dee har."

We continued playing, until one of us reached the end. By mere luck, it happened to be me despite my bleeding.

"Happy ending." His tone was short of mocking.

"Truly. But at what cost?" At "Popular Fallacies", I'd lost a tongue and Ciel lost a leg.

While the double meaning wasn't lost on him, he didn't allow it to dampen the atmosphere. "Whatever it takes to acquire total victory."

I related to it wholeheartedly. After all, as an assassin, sometimes it meant risking life and limb to complete the mission. Something I'm sure Undertaker wouldn't appreciate if he really knew the truth.

"So, where was it that Sebastian found you that took such a long time?"

"Ah, I was in the music room." Censoring out the misconceived cold shoulder bit, he didn't particularly need to know about that.

He looked at me with an arched eyebrow. I could basically hear the heavy question. "It's been some time since you played."

Since his parents' deaths, he meant.

I smiled tightly. "I suppose."

"Hmph, I would deduce that its those tunes you are so fond of that captured his curiosity." He took another dainty sip as I grimaced.

"Among other things." When he abruptly stopped drinking, I already felt two sets of eyes on me.

The Earl was already looking back at his demon accusatorially before glancing at me to confirm his suspicions. "Such as?"

I kept my lips sealed, so Sebastian took it upon to initiate my doom. "Miss Rose here took it upon herself to challenge me with musical skill out of friendly curiosity and agreed to an outing this coming Saturday."

The offending look he gave me as though expecting me to be above such stupidity had me defensively retort, "First of all, I wasn't expecting him to come up with that, nor do I remember agreeing to it." Seeing Sebastian about to open his mouth, I cut him off with, "Secondly, me suggesting the fairness of the outcome did not mean I inherently consented to it."

The Earl simply looked at me, pitifully and skeptically, chin on his hand.

I narrowed my eye at him. "Lastly, don't underestimate how stupid I can be. Like I said, it was just a friendly challenge. That's all."

He rolled his eye. "And you are aware this is Sebastian we're speaking of, yes?"

I sighed. "Whatever."

He waved a hand tiredly. "It is what it is. Since he undoubtedly won the challenge, you must go through with it. Was this one-sided?"

My cringe gave me away.

He rolled his eye exasperatedly. "Right, and who is the chaperone?"

"Zero."

"Your companion?"

"If you could call it that, sure." Another skeptical look had me bristling with annoyance. "Unless you have a better idea."

He smirked at the irony. "Of course, it will have to be me."

"You? You'd actually waste your time on this?"

He glared at me seemingly offended. "Of course, you are as good as family and I don't trust him to be around you. Besides, should the time come to rein him in, I doubt Zero would do much to dissuade him. I'm surprised you didn't consider Undertaker."

I snorted. "Your beloved butler shot that out of the ballpark on claims of bias. Not that I blame him considering Un is just as likely to disagree and may very well attempt to prevent it from happening at all."

"I see. Well then, we'll consider this my 'day off'. Finny will act as my shadow in this case while I supervise you two." He then proceeded to sip from his cup maturely, leaving me to ponder the irony of the situation.

A 13-year old boy would be supervising a date comprising of two adults. What has this world come to?

Sebastian himself chortled. "My, such astounding maturity in the Young Master despite his inexperience for romance."

Ciel glared at him with his side eye. "Quiet, you. If not for you, we wouldn't be in this predicament."

Sebastian's eyes slide to mine smoothly. "No, I do believe the pleasure is derived from the lady herself."

I astutely kept my gaze away from him which only seemed to satiate his amusement for the time being. It was then that Tanaka had announced the arrival of the carriage that would take me home to Undertaker.

"Well, it seems that its time to go." I was about to pick up the gifts when Sebastian interceded.

"Allow me," he purred, but smartly didn't push further than that. He knew he'd have more chances on the upcoming date. Which would be two days from now. Fuck.

"Well, Miss Rachel, it was a pleasure, as always, to have you here. It would be greatly recommended you visit more."

I smiled. "Of course, bocchan. So long as it doesn't interfere with Madame Red's social calls, also."

He smirked. "Ah yes, she's been quite adamant of those as of late. Well, I expect to see you sooner, excluding this weekend's activity."

"Yes yes, see you then, Earl." With a nod, I was out the door. I could tell he missed having the piano lessons, but bringing it up in front of the demon would only cause more trouble.

Sebastian led me down to the entrance with my gifts in tow. "You played for the Young Master when he was younger?"

"Something like that. He really enjoyed it then, but now he hardly has the time."

"Perhaps you should arrange a performance. He'd be more than happy to attend."

I snorted. "Who'd want to host a recital for a mortician's assistant? I'm fine as I am. If bocchan requests it, I'll play for him anytime."

He smiled. "How generous you are."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, since that means you'd also be there."

"Is that an invitation."

"Fuck off."

"Language, dear."

"That, too."

He wore a smirk the whole time through until we were outside the manor where he loaded my belongings. The servants had also bid their goodbyes outside, waving as they called out encouragements.

"Don't forget to visit soon! I'll definitely master another southern classic recipe!"

"Stay safe, Miss Rose! Hope to see you soon again!

"Take care of yourself, Miss Rose! We'll be eager to see you back, we will!"

I waved back at all three, catching Sebastian's smirk with an eyeroll before losing sight of them as the carriage headed onwards. As much as I'd miss everyone, it was not worth baiting myself with the demon's schemes as I'd done so earlier. I'd imagine Undertaker himself would have a similar sentiment.

…

As the carriage rolled up, I could already feel myself start to relax. Three years of working with Undertaker made the place more comforting than any other I'd stayed at, and that was a pretty sad realization. It would be one of the things I missed once it was time to go home.

Before I could dwell on the thought, the door was opening before the driver handed me my belongings, bid me farewell, and took off. Most likely, Undertaker's reputation was already well known and he didn't want anything to do with that. The idea had me smirking.

I knocked on the door before pushing it open, the little bell faithfully announcing my arrival.

Undertaker, of course, was at his usual spot, pouting down at the paperwork before looking up and seeing me. Magically, his grin spread like the wildfire. "Ah, the lady of the night~ How was the visit?"

I frowned at him. "No thanks to you, I now owe that stupid butler a date."

The grin dropped just as quickly. It would've been humorous if not for the fact that I felt a bit like an asshole. But then again, I did have a point.

"Now how did that happen?"

I shrugged. "You tell me. Apparently, friendly challenges don't appear in a demon's dictionary."

He smirked. "Hmph, of course not, dearest. They're opportunists. They'll take any chance they can get. My question is how he managed to get the better of you~"

I looked away in slight embarrassment. "I let my guard down for a bit, that's all."

He hummed. "And that was bit was all that was needed." He sighed with good-natured humor. "Ah well, what's done is done."

I glanced at him, concerned. He was taking this a lot better than I expected him to.

He apparently guessed as much as he looked at me with a smirk. "I trust you to take care of yourself, of course. But, I shall be there should the need arise."

"Ah, about that. The Earl already volunteered to chaperone."

He giggled. "Ah, but it's the demon I'm concerned with."

I deadpanned. "Un, trust me. You don't want to lose the element of surprise so soon."

He tilted his head, tapping his lip with a talon. "I suppooose you have a point~ The offer still stands you know~"

He then got up and I met him halfway with a hug. His head rested on top of mine as he squeezed with his arms playfully. "I did miss you, you know~ I'd even thought about bringing you along but I knew you'd be so terribly bored. Really, it's a blessing in disguise that you get to visit the Earl again, y'know~"

I rolled my eyes. "Sure, sure, if it weren't for everyone else, I would've rather dealt with the boredom."

He chuckled. "I see. Now, I take it you have some belongings to take care of?"

I nodded, still not wanting to leave the hug. It was nice feeling safe. A luxury even, given my line of work. Of course, I didn't say this, nor did Undertaker point it out, likely because it would deter me from enjoying myself again.

"Yeah, the servants there had some gifts prepared."

"Hihi, such hospitality~ Does that include the dress?"

I hummed. "Courtesy of both the Earl and Madame Red." I could literally feel his grin without seeing.

"Ah, I suspect an incoming social call~"

"Agreed. Also, the chef prepared apple pie. Its a typical Southern dessert, but not for the faint of heart."

"Ooh~ Has it been poisoned~" He started swaying back and forth, attempting to stir drama.

"Course not, otherwise the Earl would be on his way to you." He cackled at that. "Additionally, the chef too, now that I think about it. Anyways, it's the sour kind, my type of dessert. Think you can handle that?"

He looked down at me with a smirk. "We'll see about that~"

I looked up and matched his, bordering on manic. "Bet."

He was so going to regret it by the end of the night.

A/N: Thank y'all again for your continued support and patience! Hope to crank out the next chapter before school inevitably begins again. T^T Take care y'all!

05/22/2022