DISCLAIMER:

NARUTO © Masashi Kishimoto

KUROSHITSUJI © Toboso Yana

Single Approach

Naruto/Kuroshitsuji Cross Over

Sakura Haruno and Sebastian Michaelis

Romance/Adventure/Humor/Angst

Rated T: for Language

Chapter 6 – 6th Step: Comparing

Author's notes:

Hello Minna! I'm back and alive! *LOL*

Sorry for the wait... To those who reviewed and put this fic on fave and late, Kudos to all of you! *fave word Kudos... :)*

Thanks to those who answer my random question.

Virtual cookies for all of you!

And here's your chapter 6

"Talking"

Sakura's thoughts /thoughts

Inner talking

"Why?"

Ciel sighs, his left eye close as he leaned on the chair, fully aware that his butler was giving him a puzzled look. He ignored it as he was exhausted and frustrated at the same time. He had no time to think what the heck he was thinking. Right now, there are matters that needed to be discussed and that are his main concern.

Their investigation on the case was turning to a dead end. Every clues that they have had gone cold. The last time a murder occurred, it wasn't even involve to the slave-trade case. This is why he was frustrated. The case had been leaked and some of the murders that occurred have the same trademark as the one on the abandoned warehouse. Woman, age 23-26, killed with a slit on the neck. The only difference from the warehouse victims was these woman were not professionals or whatnot, had no waist-length hair and they were clearly abused. Either they were raped then killed or there was another sadist that loves to kill and they were unlucky victims – that were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It didn't help that the queen ceased his investigation and let the Yard do the job.

"How is this even possible?" He murmured while tapping his finger on the desk. A cup of tea was place on it. The delicious aroma of what he now knew as Assam tea entered his nose and calms him a little. Only a little though. "Sebastian why do you think this investigation was useless?"

"The queen said the same thing wasn't it? It's in the letter you have received a while ago."

Ciel look at his butler, his lone eye staring. "Right, but it's not like the Queen to stop an investigation abruptly." It was the truth. The queen ordered him to stop the investigation. The Scotland Yard was surprise with the idea but at the same time happy as the Earl of Phantomhive won't interfere with them anymore. He was frustrated to say that everything he had done on this investigation was now turned into dust.

"Something might have happen, Bocchama. She is the Queen after all." For now, he'll accept that answer. Maybe Sebastian was right, maybe something had happened. Whatever it is, he doesn't like it at all. He was on the verge of finding who the inhuman bastard was.

"How is she?" Ciel asked before he took the teacup and sip.

"She is fine, Bocchama."

"Define fine, Sebastian." He breathes a sigh, before he put down his tea. "She's been locking herself on her room, not even going out when I invite her for tea. Is that what you call fine?"

Sebastian sighs. "Lady Elyce was still coping, Bocchama. I think?"

Ciel raise an eyebrow when he heard that. Another addition to his "Things Sebastian didn't know and can't do's" It's been piling up more and more since Elyce came.

What the hell is happening to Sebastian? For the past few days he's being distracted by something. Was it Elyce? When they have tea together which was rare for the last few days, he can see her lingering gazes to Sebastian and every time he observed his reactions to that, he will give her a reassuring smile.

What the hell was that? Is Sebastian growing a heart? He nearly chocked at the thought. That would be impossible. He's a demon for god's sake. But if it's the truth, then he'll make no move to stop him. It will be entertaining. After all, who would have thought that Sebastian, his elegant butler, demon and his pawn would fall for a woman, a human for starters? Even the Shinigamis, will laughed at the idea.

It doesn't matter it will be entertaining anyway.

"Bocchama?" Sebastian took the opportunity to disrupt his master's thought. It's getting deeper for his own good. The way the brat would smirk and the way he almost choke means one thing – The brat was planning something, something that he will be either the victim or the suspect. When that happen it will be for his entertainment, and he won't let that occur. It was the other way around. He's the one who will be entertained.

"Where is she now?"

"Library, most likely. She's been reading books there."

Ciel stand up "What do you expect Sebastian, it is library not a wine cellar." Walking to the door he motioned Sebastian to follow. "Bring the tea in the library. I need to talk to her."

Sarcasm – that is where Ciel Phantomhive excels perfectly. His ability to insult was astonishing to the fact that only people with high I.Q and a demon like him would understand. Sebastian wondered where he inherited it. The former head and his wife were kind-hearted, while their son was the sarcasm king.

He tilted his head in confusion, maybe his experiences might have affected his brain. After all as a child he had witness and experience things that are not suitable for children his age. His maturity surfaced unwillingly in order to survive the world of adults.

"What are you planning Sebastian?" He just smiles as he pushed the cart towards the hallway. "Tell me."

"She's just like you, Bocchama."

Ciel raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Do tell me where?"

"Hatred" His strides never faltered.

"Anger" He saw him clenched his fist.

"Revenge, but"

"But what?"

"But compared to you, she's reeking with betrayal." This time Ciel stopped. Taking a sharp turn, he glared at the black-haired butler.

"What have you done?"

Sebastian was not fazed at Ciel's anger. He's used to it, no, it was normal. "I am her knight, for now."

"You…"

"It is not what you think, Bocchama."

"Explain"

"I merely gave her reassurance, comfort and trust."

Ciel scoffs as he finally got what Sebastian meant. "You're such a greedy demon Sebastian."

"Do know" he stopped as he looks at Ciel and then later smirk. "That demons are really greedy, Bocchama."

"You do know that you are my pawn."

Sebastian smiles "I didn't make a contract with her Bocchama. The Faustian Contract is all yours."

"Good."

"It was an order. Father and the clan was planning coup." Sasuke can't forget it. His brother's words ran through his mind like the river's water, steadily and continuously flowing, like his blood that keeps on flowing no matter how many cuts and wounds he got. He sighs. At first he thought it was nothing but a fraud, that Sakura was playing tricks on her, that her letter was a lie.

"I didn't want you to see how evil and corrupt our clan was." He hated the fact that his brother was that kind-hearted and pacifist at the same time.

"I want peace, Sasuke. We can't achieve that with blood and death. If we can, we can absolutely gain peace." He scoffs at his brother's idea. He already spilled blood in his hands, and it's already late for him to say that.

"Move on and live a beautiful life." He can't. Not until he find Sakura.

Traveling to Kiri by boat while in the middle of a storm was harder than they thought. Of course, you were not supposed to set sail when there's a storm but Sasuke can't afford any more delays. He had been delay for 9 months and waiting for another 24 hours to let the storm subside before sailing felt like hell to him.

Since Kiri was their only lead to Sakura, they had to get there as sooner as possible. They knew her tracks were long gone, but her appearance was not that easy to forget. A pink-haired girl was not that common and they were certain Sakura stayed in Kiri before she disappeared.

"Tell me Uchiha, why are you so pent up at finding Sakura?"

"Why are you calling her that?" Genma tilt his head in question. "Everyone in the village was calling her Haruno?"

"Are you calling her Haruno?" Sasuke shook his head as an answer. "Listen here Uchiha, you may have been her teammate, but you knew nothing about her."

"Then tell me." Genma frowned. There is no way in hell he would do that. Sakura is his most valuable friend and he won't tell anything to the duck-butted hair brat. "You will tell me." He saw him activated his Sharingan. It scared him actually, and the light from the simple oil lamp was not helping. The way the shadows and darkness seems to cling on the Uchiha, unnerved him. He sighs. He only hopes Sakura will forgive him.

"How long have you been back in Konoha?" Silence answers him. The Uchiha was just staring at him. His lips close in a thin line, his Sharingan spinning wildly. He scratches the back of his head while letting out a dejected sigh. "At least be cooperative Uchiha, answer the questions I'll ask then I'll tell you the rest."

"Hn. Just tell me what really happen."

"We have a day and a half before we even arrive to Kiri, so I suggest be a little sociable and you'll find the truth, ne?" Maybe suggesting the Uchiha to socialize when there are only 3 of them on the boat was a bad idea. He was so damn bored and travelling with a social sociopath, only speaking two syllables one at a time almost killed him.

"Hn"

"I'll take that as a yes." Sasuke just rolled his eyes. "Alright, I'll get straight to the point then."

"Finally"

"The reason everyone calls her Haruno because no one misses her, no one regarded her, no one deemed to question where was she, and how was she doing. Do you wanna know why?"

"Hn"

"She got herself a replacement." It draws Sasuke's attention. Replacement?

"I am useless ne, Sasuke-kun?" That sentence kept playing on his mind.

"You won't even notice that I'm gone" She was right. No one notice that she was gone. That she was missing.

"Guess who took her position?"

There's one name that passed through his lips. "Karin."

Genma nodded. "I'm not against her or anything. But compare them. Sakura and Karin"

"Hokage's apprentice" "I am no longer the Hokage's apprentice."

"Medic and both becomes the head medic." "I can no longer save lives."

"Both have like .. you know.. perfect chakra control." "I am weak"

"Red hair, pink hair, I think?" "I am just a copy" Sakura's not a copy. If he was asked, it was Karin who copied her. He doesn't hate Karin; he knew Karin was asked by the Hokage to train her, he knew her limitations, he knew her weakness and he knew she was annoying.

That is all.

Nothing else

If Sakura's letter was all what she felt to Konoha, to him, to everyone, then he wanted to tell her that she's wrong. That the every word "weak" she spoke of was not real, that every "useless" word that she wrote was wrong.

He will tell that to her when he find her.

He will tell her the truth.

He will tell her what he felt.

He will tell her everything.

"So, you know now?" Of course, he have to get rid this man-whore first. His knowledge to Sakura's past irritates him to the highest level. He hated it. How come this man-whore knew everything about Sakura? He sighs in annoyance as he watched Genma lean on the wall of the ship.

He never really knew Genma. The truth is he hardly remembers him on the Chūnin exam almost 8 years ago. He never bothered knowing him even if they were both in the same mission. For him he was just another Shinobi with mediocre skills and he's not even worth his time.

He was deeply disappointed when he heard that he's a friend of Sakura. Who would want a playboy or a man-whore as a friend? He understands that Kakashi was his friend as they were both perverts, to say at least.

But Sakura? That was, indeed disturbing...

He wouldn't deny that he felt a little jealous – not that he would tell the man-whore, anyway. He just can't accept the fact that he was oblivious of their so-called friendship when all the shinobis of Konoha knew it. If it weren't to the Ino and Karin's gossips, he would never found out. How come he didn't notice it was a huge blow to his ego. He was an Uchiha, for Kami's sake and he was unaware of a simple information about his teammate's new friend.

What hurts more was he even didn't know how he and Sakura become friends. For how long they knew each other.

Fuck. For the first time in his life, Uchiha Sasuke will admit one thing loudly. "I'm fucked up."

"Yes, Uchiha. You're fucked up." Genma heard it loud and clear. He was surprise. The Uchiha just admitted though indirectly that he was right. He was really fucked up. Genma knows what is on his mind right now. If he would guess it's about Sakura – no surprise there – but he knew that it was about him as well. His mind must be running in circles on asking – How in the 7 gates of hell did Sakura and Genma become friends?

Simple

They left her, he came to her.

They abandon her, he reassure her.

They hurt her, he healed her.

That's the answer.

And Uchiha is so fucked up. Yeah!

Elizabeth Midford was a happy child. Elyce can tell. The way her eyes would glitter tremendously, her laughs that even made the scowling Ciel on her side smirk and her smiles that everyone seems to love.

Yes, Elizabeth was a happy child and she can't help but feel a little jealous.

At that age were children were supposed to be studying, she was training herself to kill.

At that age were children were supposed to be at the playground playing with their friends, she was on a mission.

At that age were children were supposed to be spending their nights at home, she was on the forest; awake and alert for intruders.

At that age were children were supposed to be naïve and oblivious, she had seen blood and death.

At that age were children were supposed to be precious and loved, she was just a tool.

At that age were children were supposed to be having crushes and puppy loves, she was already heartbroken.

And at that age were children were supposed to be happy and smiling, she was dull and void in emotion.

She knew she was comparing her past with Elizabeth and she knows it's unfair for her.

Inwardly sighing, she stared at her tea. Its color seems dull but its flavor was so alive. So alive that she wanted to kill it. She felt disgusted. Right now, she's jealous with Elizabeth's guileless character and to her tea.

Seriously a tea?

A tea that's more alive than her, a tea that has more use than her. Scoffing, she turns her attention to Elizabeth, she suddenly had the urge to grab a knife and wipe that smile on her face.

No!

"Lady Elyce? Lady Elyce?" The woman in question jolts at the call of her name. Elizabeth was calling her and she was thankful for that. Her desire to kill her disappears as she heard her voice. Of course, she wouldn't kill her. She wouldn't.

"I am sorry. What is it Lady Elizabeth?" The said blonde child pouted at what she heard. She leans in to Elyce and looks straight to her eyes. Green hues clash with emerald ones as Elizabeth slowly said "Didn't I told you to call me Lizzie."

All Elyce did was nod, her ability to speak was gone for now. She'll speak again after she had calmed herself. On the other hand Ciel scowled. "Lizzie stop leaning on Lady Elyce, I'm sure she knew what to call you from now on."

Lizzie pouted again and looks at the blue eyed child. "Aw, you're no fun Ciel." Taking her attention back to Elyce she sat properly on her seat and smile. "Tell me Lady Elyce, is being a doctor fun?"

Doctor? Right that's what I told her.

Flashback

The sound of a door closing woken up Elyce from her deep slumber, she groans never noticing the two figures idly standing near the library's door. She didn't even notice she had fallen asleep again in the library. That was the 2nd time she did. The first one, she knew fell asleep but she have woken up on her bed. She sighs, maybe she should go out.

"You're right Lady Elyce. You should go out" Did she said that aloud? Looking for the voice's source, she saw Ciel and Sebastian near the door, a cart of tea and treats were with them.

"I am sure that a little sunlight would rouse you from your sleep state." He nodded at Sebastian. "Call Mey-Rin so she can assist, Lady Elyce."

"There is no need." Elyce replied as she stood from her seat. She had been reading since morning and Mey-Rin already helped her a while ago. "I assume she had a lot to do."

"Nonsense" He dismissed. "Call Mey-Rin, Sebastian. I am sure she would be delighted aiding you." Sebastian nodded then leaves. But not before he had an eye contact with Elyce.

She shrugged it off as she bowed a little. "Thank you, Lord Ciel."

"Ciel will do fine."

"Then, thank you, Ciel." She smiled.

And Ciel was content.

Everything then went silent. She always asks herself why every single time that she 'thanked' Ciel, silence followed? She inwardly sighs as she looks at Ciel. She was not surprise when she saw him already walking towards her.

Grabbing a fallen book, he raised an eyebrow when he saw the title. 'Cellular Pathology by Rudolf Virchow' His eyes shifted to the books that were on the desk. 'Religio Medici by Thomas Browne, A Treatise of the Diseases of the Chest by Laennec, R. T. H.' "Medicine?"

"Ah, yes. I am a doctor."

"But you said before that you're only 20?"

Elyce nodded.

"And you're a doctor?"

She just smiles.

He wanted to smack himself. Of course! 'Those women were prominent in terms of profession back in their countries' Lau said that. He sighs, she was a doctor. She was part of the trade-slave case. She was the witness and only survivor. How could he forget about it? He inwardly laughed at his stupidity.

"I hope these books are helpful to you."

"Of course, I can't thank you enough for all the things you have done."

"It is –" A loud shout interrupt him. His eye widened, he knew whose voice is that. He groaned, of all the time she'll come, it was today.

"Ciel!" A happy shout was heard on the hallway. Footsteps that are getting louder in every second indicate that whoever shouted was running and nearing their destination.

She saw Ciel scowl. Whoever shouted must have been a normal occurrence in this Manor. She knew that scowl doesn't mean he's angry but more likely irritated. The more she observes Ciel, the more she fascinates the blue-eyed lad. He never smile, smirk; that was all he did. Sometimes she would find herself comparing Ciel to a certain someone. She shook her head to dismiss the thought.

She was surprise when a blonde girl jumps in, tackling Ciel on the ground.

"Ah, my dear Ciel, I miss you so much."

This earns a deep scowl from Ciel. "Lizzie, get off me."

The scene continued for about a minute or so. The blonde lass wearing a pink dress decorated with bows and laces was hugging and tickling Ciel on the floor. She can't help but to smile. Seeing Ciel's scowl and the girl's mirth was entertaining. He was really trying hard to pry her away from him. It was useless though as the girl had a tight hold. She wondered if she was really a child. The scene was ridiculous now, and a smile grace on her lips, then she laughed.

It was sort of good.

Her laugh reaches the 2 children, stopping the both of them.

Getting off from Ciel was sort of disappointing for Lizzie, but she was curious to where the laugh came from. She stood up much to Ciel's happiness but he scowled again when she squealed. She smoothed her dress, lifted it and bow to Elyce.

"My name is Elizabeth Ethel Cordelia Midford, but you can call me Lizzie." Elyce' reply was a giggle. She was so cute. Her green eyes shines brightly as she smiles at her. She guesses she's the same age as Ciel.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lizzie, I am Elyce Quenell."

Lizzie beamed. Her eyes caught the exotic color of her hair. Her hair was tied in a low ponytail; a simple black headband with a purple ribbon was on top. It was so cute and beautiful. She wanted to throw herself at her and touch it. Her dress was cute too. She was wearing a purple and black floor-length dress, adorned with ribbons in each sleeves, its chest and hem. Large purple ribbon was on her back, firmly tied and another one on her front. Black laces decorate the whole dress.

She had never seen her before. Was she a guest here? As if reading her thoughts, Ciel joined their conversation.

"Lizzie, this is Lady Elyce, she's the Phantomhive's family doctor."

What she heard surprised her. She glances at Ciel who was smirking at her, as if telling her that was the truth. She smiled in return and nodded.

"Yes, I am the Phantomhive's Family Doctor."

End of Flashback

"It is enjoyable." She replied calmly. "The feeling when you saved someone lives was incredible, but at the same time when you can't help, it was devastating."

"I see, so it was not fun?" Elyce chuckled before taking a sip on her tea. Being a doctor has its advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes, the patients will love you, sometimes they will be harsh. When you're a doctor, people immediately thought you can cure them, and once they found out the truth, they immediately lose their hopes.

She hated those moments.

She hated it.

A soft laughter broke her thoughts. She looked around her, seems everyone was laughing with exception of Ciel and her. She tried to laugh too, but she hesitates. Why would she laugh anyway?

Why would she?

Sebastian notices her silence. Then he felt it, the malice, envy, the pure intent to kill. He frowned; the brat won't be lenient if something happens to Lizzie. And all his plans would crumble to dust. He moves next to her and pour tea on her now empty cup, startling Elyce at the same time. He put a hand on her shoulder and whispers "Relax, my cherry blossom."

He saw her flinched, allowing him to smirk. He knew that flinch wasn't because of her getting caught but because of the nickname. Oh, he really loves teasing her.

"Is there something bothering you, Lady Elyce?" he asked gaining the attention of everyone. The chatters stops, the laughter dissipates, a tense atmosphere replaces the once happy and joyful feeling. Their eyes of worry look at her. Elyce suddenly become shy. She wanted to recoil from their gazes. And it didn't help that Sebastian caught her radiating such intent, and his nickname.

Ugh. What is wrong with me?

Ciel frowned; he knew something was wrong. He now knew that the sudden shift in the air a while ago was cause by her. Then he suddenly remembers the day when she woke up almost 2 weeks ago. She was exactly the same. She was panicking, he can tell. He looked at Sebastian and nodded.

"Sebastian, take Lady Elyce to –"

"No, I am fine."

"But you look pale."

Elyce took a deep breath, before replying. "I am really fine, Ciel." She then smiles to reassure them. But Ciel didn't buy it. She was scared, she was really scared for a reason he didn't know. Her hands were shaking, and she was pale. He sighs and stood up.

"Sebastian, take Lady Elyce to her room." He looks straight to Elyce. "No buts."

Did he just say 'no buts'? She was expecting someone to answer but since Inner was gone, she answered her own question. Yes, he did. And goddammit she was not a kid. It was the other way around.

When she saw his stern glarer, she finally gave out a sigh. She totally forgot that Ciel was the rule. The authority was always on his voice. Though he's still a kid, he can make you fall on knees and obey his orders. It was fascinating to think that he can do what he wants with no questions ask.

Taking a deep breath she slowly stands up.

"I am sorry about this Lizzie. I hope you wouldn't mind this."

"Oh no, not at all. Take a good rest Lady Elyce."

She nodded to Ciel and to the others and then turns around. She was thinking of walking slowly to her room, when someone scooped her up and carried her bridal style. She heard Lizzie and Mey-Rin's squeals. Ciel's grunts fall on deaf as Sebastian trotted away from the scene.

She was shocked. Her widened eyes look at Sebastian. And she regretted it. The goddamn butler was smiling.

"Relax milady."

"Put me down" her voice wavering, and almost immediately she wanted to die. The heat on her face was evidence that she was blushing. Why? Maybe it's because of his eyes, those dark red eyes that were seeing her thoroughly, as if he can see her soul.

"Stay put, cherry blossom."

"Stop calling me that." She huffed and Sebastian chuckled in response.

"Just put me down."

"I won't. I like carrying you. I am your knight, am I not?"

And yes he was.

He was her knight.

He was hers.

And yes, I put in Lizzie. It was fun writing her there though she has only few lines.

This wasn't the original chapter 6 actually but when I read the chapters once again, I had thought that maybe giving Sakura a role in the manor would be fun. Also it's from the comment of my dear brother who had read my draft accidentally – he said – and pointed out that being a guest in the manor must be boring. So the Phantomhive family doctor was done. Kudos to him and his brilliant mind.

Random question again: Why are you reading fanfics?

My answer: I was bored then accidentally discovered fanfiction and got addicted to it.

Tell me what you think. If you have notice any errors, kindly point it out for me... Thanks :)

Thanks for reading this chapter. See you all again next chapter.

Review and No flames please.

~2008roseelixir out