"Interesting." Ciel had been listening to Sebastians explanation about what happened. "So another demon like you has appeared."
"yes. and the girl he's contracted to seems very resistant to the contract."
"Then she shouldn't have made the contract."
"She cared enough about another soul to protect someone elses."
"Still idiotic. What does it matter? If someone else throws their souls away then why is that her problem?" He stands. "Where is she?"
"I believe she went outside for some air." Ciel nods, then heads downstairs and outside. He finds Aiko leaning on a tree, looking up at the sky. It was dark right now, and it was the first time she'd left her room since Jaz had shown up.
"Can I help you Ciel?"
"Why are you such a fool?"
"I'm a fool?" she glares at him. "Look at the kettle calling the pot black."
"You sold your soul, and you think now you should whine about it? and even worse, you sold it for someone else. Useless."
"To someone without a heart it may seem that way. Someone like you, a near-sighted fool, I wouldn't expect to understand why I did what I did." She looks back up at the stars, irritating Ciel. "Tell me Ciel. Would you have sold your soul to save your parents?"
"What?" Ciel frowns.
"If it would have kept your parents from dying, and the mansion from being destroyed, would you have allowed your soul to be destroyed?" She glares at him. "Or is your heart that far gone? Is your revenge purely for yourself? Like a selfish little child." She shakes her head. "nevermind, i know the answer." she walks away. "Call me a fool Ciel, and I'll tell you to look in the mirror and say you don't see a fool looking back at you." Ciel watches her walk away, then smirks. He was entertained now...
Aiko groans as she opens her eyes. Her head was pounding, she was cold, and lying on something hard and uncomfortable. She sits up, holding her head, and looks around. Suddenly she feels something warm on her fingers. She looks at them and goes pale.
"B-b-blood..." She gently feels the back of her head, and there was indeed an open wound. She winces, then starts to remember what had happened to her. She jumps to her feet, though regrets it for a few moments as she nearly passes out again. Then she walks to the bars of her cell, her cage, and starts shouting. "Let me out! Whoever you are! Let me go! Now!"
"You're awake." She frowns as a couple of men in white coats walk over to her. "Good."
"Who are you? why am i here?"
"You're energetic, aren't you? Well, that's always good for what you're going to go through."
"Wh-what are you talking about?" The open the door to her cell, then the men walk in. Aiko tries to fight them off, but they overpower her. She's dragged out of the cell, to the lab that would soon become all to familiar to her.
"Here. Strap her down." Aiko is strapped down.
"Let me go! Set me free, now! I demand it you rats!" She shouts at the men, but it doesn't change anything. She spots one grabbing a needle and frowns. Needles were never good. Add the situation she was in and that only meant the needle was even worse. "what are you doing? Stay away!"
"Trust me young one, you'll be glad we did this later on. And so will the world." He sticks the needle in her arm, and pain rushes through Aiko. She screams and struggles, the pain overwhelming her. Finally she can't take it anymore, and Aiko passes out...
"Stop!" Aiko sits up in her bed, breathing heavily. She looks around. She was in her room. It was still early, maybe 3 or 4 in the morning. She runs her fingers through her hair, trying to calm herself down.
"Is everything alright?" her door is opened and Alex peeks in. She glares at him.
"E-everything is fine."
"Are you sure my lady? That shout didn't make it sound like everything was alright."
"I'm fine! It was merely a dream." She looks away. Alex walks in and closes the door behind himself. He then walks over and sits on the edge of Aiko's bed.
"Merely a dream? to cause you to have so much fear?" he reaches over and grabs Aiko's chin. Then he turns her head so she's looking into his eyes. "Tell me about this dream."
"J-just go!" She smacks his hand away, blushing. "It's none of your concern! You irritant!" He sighs, then smiles.
"As you wish my lady." He stands and walks out of the room. Aiko shakes her head.
"Every day now..." She looks back out the window. "I wish I could die and get this over with." She lies back down, then closes her eyes. She quickly opens them though, the image of Sebastian popping into her mind. She growls. "Even when I try to rest those disgusting creatures are ruining everything." She curls up on her side, face to the moonlight, then again shuts her eyes, trying to get some sleep...
Ciel, Jaz, and Aiko are sitting alone in a room, playing a board game. Aiko doesn't look at either of the guys, but both watch her every movement. Jaz was suddenly heartbroken at the fact that not only was he not going to have Aiko as his wife, but she was going to lose her soul. He had even begged to have his soul taken right now to save hers, but apparently any amount of his soul wasn't worth hers. Ciel was interested in seeing how Aiko would act from this point forward.
"I despise being the center of attention." She glares up at the two guys, and both look away. The anger in her eyes suddenly terrified both of them. After a few moments she sighs. "If either of you has something you so desperately want to say, then say it now."
"Aiko, I..." Jaz starts.
"You're an idiot, i know." She glares at him. "One I will be glad to never again see."
"But..."
"You two are entertaining." ciel smirks. "really. all of this bickering over something you can't change."
"Shut up." Aiko growls and glares at Ciel. "You wouldn't understand anything you heartless little brat."
"Now that you are again a guest you shouldn't be so mean to your host."
"Then I'll leave." She stands and walks towards the door. "Better to be further away from as many demons as possible..." She opens the door and nearly bumps into Sebastian.
"My, you should be more careful." Sebastian smirks. "I've brought afternoon tea." Aiko growls, then walks out past Sebastian. He watches her go, then sighs and looks at Ciel. "Really, you drove her away?"
"I did nothing like that." Ciel flicks Aiko's piece over. "She merely chose to run."
"Shut up!" Jaz glares at Ciel. "Aiko never runs away! She always has a plan! And she always fights back! She isn't a coward!"
"No, but she is a fool."
"shut up!"
"Why are you still defending her? She hates you. Plain and simple. As well, its your fault her soul is now contracted to a demon, now isn't it?"
"I..." Jaz looks down.
"Lets finish the game. She'll return after a while." Ciel rolls some dice, then moves his piece...
"That little brat..." Aiko is back in her room, packing her bag.
"Going somewhere my lady?" Alex walks in. She glares athim, then glares at her messy packing.
"The little brat... Two idiots, thats all they are." She shuts her eyes. "Tch... men, they're all fools. I could have smiled and Jaz would have done whatever I asked."
"Humans in general are very weak." Aiko opens her eyes and looks at her hands, holding one of her shirts.
"yes... humans are weak... and few have any sort of intelligence..."
"My lady, you are a rare exception." She shus her eyes again, though this time not in anger.
"I suppose I am... and... I suppose, when i think of things such as strength, and intelligence, i prefer a demon to a human..." she opens her eyes again, sadly staring at her clothes. "In too many ways I'd prefer a demons company to a humans. and yet you demons, you all disgust me."
"I'm sorry my lady." She sighs, then shakes her head.
"There is nothing to be sorry about. I hate you, you know this. Now we have ten years of me giving you cruel orders to make up for the cruel thing you will do to me once those years are done."
"Is there an order you would like to give me now my lady?" Aiko looks out her window, then back at Alex, smiling sadly.
"No, not right now Alex... I just need some time to relax and think through what will become of me, and how I am going to possibly get out of this contract." Alex smirks.
"Well then my lady, I will leave you alone for now." He bows, then walks out, leaving Aiko alone in her room. She sits on her bed, then lies back, sighing.
"How am I going to manage this?" she stairs sadly up at the cieling. "What a cruel hand to be dealt. And I'm not sure I'm capable of playing this game..."
"Ciel, our guests today are a bit older than you and Elizibeth, but I think you two will get along well with them. They are like you and Elizibeth in many ways, and you should play well with them."
"Yes father." Ciel sighs. He then follows his father to the main stairs just as the front door is being opened. A young girl and boy walk in with their parents. The boy seems shy, but the girl looks around curiously. She spots Ciel, then smiles and waves at him. He hides behind his father, slightly frightened by her. the girl frowns, then sighs and smiles at the boy. He smiles back, then walks to her, away from the protection of his father.
"Welcome to my home." Ciel's father smiles.
"Earl Phantomhive! Long time no see!"
"I see you brought your children. Allow me to introduce my son, Ciel."
"Hello Ciel." The young girl happily shouts. Her mother frowns.
"Aiko, a lady shouldn't shout."
"A lady shouldn't act like a human being either according to you." aiko mumbles loudly. Ciel smiles slightly.
"Well, the children can get aquainted in the game room. Ciel, would you show them there?"
"Yes father." The two kids then run up the stairs and follow Ciel in silence to a game room where they meet a young Elizibeth.
"Lizzy, we have guests."
"Hi!" Lizzy smiles. Aiko smiles back.
"Hi. My name is Aiko, and this is Jazmik. But you can call him Jaz."
"Jazmik! How cute!" Lizzy giggles. Aiko smirks at Jaz's irritated expression.
"It is not 'cute'!" Aiko giggles.
"It's adorable Jazzy." Aiko kisses his cheek. He blushes, then smiles, happy. Lizzy giggles and hugs Ciel.
"Ciel! Why can't we be more like them?"
"What? B-but..." Ciel blushes. Aiko smiles.
"Why don't we all play some games?"
"Alright!" The group pulls out different games, playing each one until they find themselves bored, then moving on to the next. Finally, they are brought downstairs to the dinning hall where they enjoy some dinner. Then Ciel and Lizzy watch as Aiko and Jaz stand in front of the door, ready to leave.
"Thank you for having us today Mr. Phantomhive." Aiko bows to Ciel's father, who smiles.
"You are very welcome my dear."
"And thanks for being so much fun Ciel and Lizzy." Aiko smiles at them. "I hope we can play again some day."
"Bye." Ciel smiles.
"Bu-bye!" Lizzy shouts. Aiko giggles and waves back. Jaz waves shyly, then walks out with his parents. The last to walk out the doors is Aiko, who turns back as the doors close to give Ciel one last smile...
"Is something wrong young master?" Ciel blinks. Once he and Jaz had finished their game he went to his room to finish some paperwork. before dinner. but after he had finished Ciel had drifted off in a memory.
"Its nothing." Ciel sighs.
"I'm curious. Have you met either of your guests before?"
"Why would you ask?"
"The way you act, it makes me think you know them from somewhere."
"Well, i met them once before, when i was still a small child. my father was entertaining their parents, so Lizzy and I entertained them." Ciel looks down at the papers. "Back then, Aiko was different. She was far happier. she was never weak though."
"Oh?"
"No, she was very strong, and very defiant towards her mother and towards tradition. She always refused to act like a proper lady." he smirks. "I was honestly surprised that she actually wore dresses with the way she acted."
"You sound as if you're a bit taken by her."
"No." Ciel frowns. "She was different, thats all. Most women are not like her. The closest person I could compare her to would be my aunt frances... but even she isn't quite close enough."
"I see." Ciel sighs.
"She's far too complicated to explain."
"Young master, if I may ask, what is it that makes her be in the same class as yourself?"
"Her family... They have two things going for them. One is that her father, and Jaz's mother, are second cousins of the queen. Then, Aiko's family has a business. they are known as the flowers of England."
"Really?"
"Yes. They own a very special business. They grow plants, and these plants sell so well that not a single one has ever wilted in a store. Aiko in particular is known as the Rose of england."
"Why is that?"
"Besides being known for extreme beauty and elegance, her personality is that of a rose. On the surface you see someone who is sweet, desireable even. But when you reach for her, when you get to know her, you find the thorns. Anyone who tried to be close to Aiko ended up in a hospital or a grave."
"What would happen to them?"
"No one knows. Not even the family claims to know. The only person that has ever gotten away with being close to Aiko would be Jaz. All other guys, even girls who wanted to merely be her friend, they all would mysteriously be injured or killed, and those who survived never remembered what happened to them when the injuries occured."
"My."
"When her family was killed, and she disappeared, all the plants her family had taken care of suddenly died. it was a very big problem for England."
"And she disappeared only a year before yourself."
"yes. i remember that day. I woke up and went downstairs, and the boquet of lilies and tulips my father had bought for my mother were on the ground, dead. I didn't understand what had happened. I had gone with my father and bought the flowers with him. It was strange."
"Perhaps there was something darker involved with the family."
"Perhaps..."
Come dinner time Aiko still hasn't left her room. Ciel is about to order Sebastian to go get Aiko when Alex walks in. He bows.
"I'm sorry to say that my mistress will not be joining you for dinner tonight."
"Why not?" Ciel frowns.
"It seems she is very upset. I have tried to convince her to come down, but she refuses to leave her room. I am sorry." Alex walks out, then heads up to Aiko's room. He walks in and sees Aiko sitting on her bed, staring out the window. "My lady..."
"hmm?" Aiko looks back at Alex, then sighs and returns to staring out the window. "Is there something you want Alex?"
"I just came to check on you my lady." Aiko looks down, then shakes her head.
"Alex, I actually wish I could die."
"Why?"
"So I could get this over with. So i don't have to spend 10 years wasting my time."
"In that case, I feel the same way." He smirks, but then ducks to avoid a pillow that was thrown at his head.
"you're annoying." Aiko glares at him.
"I'm sorry."
"No you aren't. You enjoy making me upset."
"You enjoy making me upset."
"I suppose we're two of a kind then." She grumbles. Alex walks over.
"My lady, you really should eat something. You may be immortal, but your health can still be affected. and neither of us want you to be sick."
"I don't want to eat right now."
"Aiko..."
"I don't want to eat!" She sighs angrily. "I'm just going to get some sleep." Alex sighs.
"Alright. I'll wake you in the morning for breakfast." he walks out. Aiko continues to stare out the window until she falls asleep...
"Aiko, come here." Jaz is standing outside Aiko's cell door. Aiko stands shakily. "So much blood... What did they do to you?" she shakes her head. "Alright, well, whatever it is, they're being punished for it now." He smiles. Aiko walks up to the bars and reaches out. Jaz grabs her hands, and the two smile at each other.
"Jaz..." Aiko's smile suddenly disappears. "What did you do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who were you talking to? whats going on? What did you do?"
"I..." Aiko suddenly lets go of Jaz and jumps back.
"They're all dead now, my master."
"Jaz... what did you do?"
"Aiko..." Jaz smiles at Aiko. "I just gave us our freedom. Please, don't be upset with me."
"Yes. He sold his soul to help you." Aiko growls.
"You smell disgusting, demon." He smirks. "Jaz! You're such an idiot! Why did you do this!?"
"Aiko, they were torturing you. I couldnt..."
"you're a fool Jazmik." The demon unlocks Aiko's cell. She doesn't come out until he backs away a few steps. Then she walks out and stands on the other side of Jaz, who is upset still because of her reaction.
"Aiko..." Jaz reaches to grab Aiko's hand, but she pulls away.
"Don't touch me." she growls. "I only barely prefer you to that thing..." Aiko then notices the mark on Jaz's neck, and she becomes more disgusted. Jaz sighs.
"Alright, then we should just return home." He looks at the demon. "Whats your name demon?"
"Whatever you desire my young master."
"I'd like to call you Alexander than. Or, maybe just Alex for short."
"If you wish."
"Also, you can't look like that every day. Change your appearance. Perhaps a butler or something so you can stay close and no one will question you."
"Of course." Alex bows, and his form changes to that of a butlers. He then takes the two out of the dungeons and they return to their homes, which are in disrepair but haven't been touched by humans since the day they were taken away...
"My lady, good morning." Aiko opens hey eyes then looks over at Alex, who is pouring some tea. "I thought I'd wake you a bit earlier so that you might go for a walk outside. It seemed to be a favorite part of your morning before."
"Yes..." Aiko sits up and takes the cup she's handed. She sips the tea, it was mint, very fresh. "Did you take the leaves for this tea from my greenhouse?"
"Yes."
"Did you trim the plant properly?"
"Properly?" aiko frowns, then shakes her head.
"I suppose I've never taught anyone else how to properly care for the plants." She sighs. "When we return home remind me to show you what to do."
"Yes my lady."
"Those plants must be in such desperation after this long of a time. How have they been surviving?"
"I've been watering and triming them."
"As I thought, they must be in desperation." Alex frowns.
"My lady, why do you think I can't properly care for plants?"
"Not our plants. I have my family name to protect. And if you don't care for the plants in a particular way they won't be up to the standard my family has set."
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
"Not that I expected you to." She sets the cup down. Alex sets some clothes on her bed.
"I'll be waiting outside your door." He walks out, and Aiko gets dressed. She then walks over to a mirror and brushes her hair in front of it. Then she heads out of her room. Alex follows her downstairs and outside. While she walks Alex stands back and watches her. When Aiko is far away she looks back. She sees Alex is still standing backby the front doors. It reminds her of what happened after Alex had taken her and Jaz home...
"Aiko, I was ordered to make sure you were ready to go present yourself to the queen."
"Don't touch me!" Aiko growls. She was in a bathroom, refusing to get undressed and into the water. Alex is standing in front of the door, Aiko's only escape. He sighs.
"If I leave will you wash up?"
"I don't want to see the queen."
"Fine then. I'll just have to force you into the bath." Aiko squeaks in fear. Alex walks out to grab her, but she ducks under his arms and runs for the door. Alex spins around and catches her.
"Let go!"
"How did you get such speed? and strength?"
"Let go!" Aiko fights to get free of Alex. However, she is no match. Alex manages to force her out of her clothes, though he decides not to take off her underwear so she wouldn't be completely embarrassed. He then sighs and looks at the blood on the clothes.
"I suppose he'll want me to get some new clothes for you two." Alex shakes his head, then tosses the clothes aside. He looks at his hand and realizes some blood is still on his hands. He licks it off, then blinks, surprised. He smirks and looks at Aiko who is grumbling about how the water is too hot, and how she is going to kill Jaz later. "Can I leave you to scrub yourself? Or do you need assistance?"
"Get out." She throws a sponge and it hits Alex's face. He frowns, then glares at Aiko.
"Little brat!" Aiko squeaks and ducks under the water to avoid Alex. The two then get in a fight that results in Alex being exhausted, and Aiko being cleaned and exhausted. Both are soaked.
"I-I hate you." Aiko glares at Alex.
"I know." He smirks at her. "Now come with me and we'll make you a dress real quick." Aiko grabs a towel and wraps it around herself, then follows Alex out of the bathroom. He dresses her almost instantly in an extremely frilly pink dress. She cringes.
"what is this? are you insane!?"
"What?" He frowns. She sighs angrily.
"I am not going to wear this! it's hideous! for one, i don't like pink! nor do I like frills! This is horrible!" Alex sighs angrily. He tries again. Aiko looks down at her slim red dress with a black silk ribbon tied around her waist, and a black rose on her shoulder. As well, she has elbow-length white gloves, and her hair is up in a loose bun.
"Better?"
"I suppose." Aiko sighs, then glares at Alex. "I still hate you." He smirks.
"I know..."
Aiko's thoughts drift back to the present when she trips. "ow!"
"My lady!" Alex runs over. Aiko stands up, then looks down and is surprised.
"Finni?" Aiko kneels next to Finni and lightly shakes him. "Finni, are you okay?" His eyes open and he yawns, then looks at Aiko.
"Oh, miss Aiko. what are you doing out here so late?"
"Late? Finni, its the morning."
"Morning..." He frowns, then jumps to his feet, surprising Aiko. "Oh no! The young master!"
"Finni, whats wrong?" Finni runs inside. Aiko sighs, then she and Alex follow. When Finni runs into Ciel's room he yelps.
"The young master! He's gone?"
"Finni, don't..." Sebastian walks in, then frowns. "My, this is bad."
"I was attacked when I was walking around. I thought I heard something. I knew I wasn't going to win because I didn't have anything to throw and they weren't close enough for hand to hand and so i was going to run inside and tell Mr. Sebastian but everything went black."
"What?" aiko frowns, then sighs. "The fool got himself kidnapped. Wonderful." Just then an arrow breaks through the window and hits the wall next to them. Sebastian takes a note thats attached and reads it, then sighs.
"This isn't good." Sebastian sighs. Aiko snatches the note then quickly reads it over.
"No, that isn't."
"What?" Finni frowns.
"Ciel has been kidnapped, and they're keeping him out cold. They're doing that so he can't yell or escape." Aiko looks at Sebastian. That may be the reason they're using, but it had a side effect that is very problematic.
"Well then, Finni I want you to tell Bardroy and Mey-rin the situation, and I'll be back shortly." Finni nods and runs. Sebastians about to leave when Aiko grabs his wrist.
"Hold it. You're not going to do so well on your own." Aiko smirks. "Besides, I'm sure you'd enjoy our company." Sebastian frowns, then smiles, a plan forming in his mind.
"I suppose that help would be good..."
"Are you sure you want to be a part of this?"
"Of course I'm sure." Alex closes Aiko's curtains. Earlier she had gone to the city with Sebastian and visited a few of the biggest shops in London. Aiko there clearly stated who she was and even visited a store where she bought a boquet of her own roses and passed them out to all the little girls she saw. Along with all of this she mentioned she was a close friend of Ciel's, and is staying at his mansion as a friendly visit. They expect the kidnappers will get greedy, since part of their demand for Ciel was a large amount of money, and would likely attempt to kidnap Aiko as well.
"Then give the order." Aiko sighs. She holds her hand up, then shuts her eyes.
"Alex, I order you, take Sebastian and, after I've been kidnapped, follow my kidnappers, and rescue both ciel and myself."
"Yes my lady." Alex's eyes flash pink, and he smirks. Aiko opens her eyes and looks at him.
"Alex."
"Yes?"
"Understand, Ciel is your priority, not me. He is to be returned to Sebastian, alive."
"Yes my lady." Aiko shuts her eyes and curls up on her side. Alex stands, grabs his candles. he walks over to the window, looking outside, then walks away, leaving the room. Aiko sighs.
"Here goes nothing..." she tries to fall asleep, waiting for the kidnappers to come...
"They just grabbed her." Alex and Sebastian are on the roof. Alex can't help but be irritated as he watches his young mistress be carried away, knocked out by some unknown drug.
"Alright. Lets go." The two run after the kidnappers, following them for an hour to their hideout. Then Sebastian sighs.
"What?" Alex looks at Sebastian.
"This is ridiculous. I know exactly who the kidnapper is."
"who?"
Aiko looks around a corner, then sighs. She takes in a deep breath, then walks around the corner and up to Alex, who is waiting outside a door for Jaz to finish a meeting.
"Alex."
"yes?" Alex looks at Aiko. She looks away, takes in a deep breath, then looks back at him.
"I want to frm a contract." He smiles.
"You do? And what would you ask of me?"
"First, you must break your contract with Jaz."
"Well I..."
"But, you must then finish your end of the contract. Once you do, you will leave him, his soul untouched, then come and serve me for 10 years, or until I die."
"Your death? why bring up such a thing?"
"Who knows what will happen. 10 years, plus however long it takes to fullfill Jaz's requests, that is a long enough time for something to change."
"I suppose it is."
"Will you form a contract with me then?" Alex grabs Aiko's chin and leans in close.
"I've been waiting for you to ask." Aiko cringes. She had a feeling she would regret this, but if her plan worked then everything should be alright in the end...
"hmm..." Aiko opens her eyes. She's looking up at a brick cieling, and the first thing she thinks is that she's back in her old cell, a dull ache in her arm. She sits up, looking around, and everything comes back to her. She sighs, then frowns. "How am I awake?" Aiko looks around, and to her surprise she finds Ciel in a cell across from hers. "Ciel!" She grabs the bars and looks into the cell, but she sees that Ciel is out.
"Oh, you seem to have quite a resistance to the drug." Aiko frowns and looks down the hallway. She sees an unfamiliar chinese man and woman walking over.
"Who are you? and why did you kidnap us?"
"Me? No, i'm just helping the kidnappers. You see, i'm very bored right now, and they came with a request. I thought it'd be a fun little game. And the earl does like games."
"You still didn't answer my first question."
"What was it again?"
"who are you?"
"Lau. Nice to meet you."
"Can't say the same to you." Aiko smirks. "Wanna do me a favor and open this door?"
"No."
"How mean." She ducks just before the woman can stick a needle in her neck, then jumps back before the needle can be stuck in anywhere else. "Interesting."
"I've had enough of needles. I'd rather not get stuck. However, i am interested in learning about who wanted Ciel and I taken so badly."
"It was some nobles." Lau waves his hand. "Baron Clien I believe."
"you believe?"
"Well, i know, but then again, perhaps my memory is faulty."
"Faulty or not, i'll take that." She smirks. "Alex, I order you, bring Sebastian, and rescue Ciel and I, now." she shuts her eyes, then waits until she hears the sound of her cell door opening. Then she opens her eyes to see Alex smiling at her, and Sebastian glaring at a cowering Lau.
"I can't believe you're behind this. what were you thinking!? what if you hurt the young master?!"
"Does he know them?" Aiko frowns as she walks out of the cell.
"Apparently they're aquaintences of Ciel's."
"I see. How annoying." Aiko sighs. She grabs the keys from Alex's hand and opens Ciel's door. Then she walks in and gently shakes him. "Ciel, hey, wake up." After a few moments Ciel opens his eyes.
"Aiko?" She smiles.
"Yes. You went and got yourself kidnapped, you fool. Come on." She helps Ciel stand, though he takes a few moments to regain his senses. Then they walk out. Sebastian sighs and smiles at Ciel.
"Good to see you my young master. I am sorry that I wasn't more diligent."
"Who is behind this?" Sebastian steps aside, revealing Lau. "Of course." Ciel sighs angrily. "Lau!"
"Earl, good to see you awake."
"What is the meaning of this!?"
"It was a request. I'm merely helping out Baron Clien."
"I see." Ciel shakes his head. "Sebastian, just take me home."
"Yes my lord." Sebastian picks up Ciel. Aiko giggles a little, until she's picked up by Alex bridal style.
"Well my lady, its time we went back as well."
"A-Alex!" Aiko blushes. "What are you doing?! I'm in my nightgown! put me down! You're such an irritant!" Aiko growls.
"I'll deal with you later Lau." Sebastian and Ciel leave, and Aiko and Alex follow. Aiko glares at Alex's shoulder, annoyed he was holding her like this.
"My lady, are you upset about something?"
"Shut up." Aiko mumbles.
"Perhaps we should travel like this more. It may entice you to act more like a lady."
"I act like a lady!" She glares up at Alex's face. He smirks.
"I think that is debatable."
"Shut up already." Aiko growls.
"As you wish, my Lady."
"Alex!" He laughs.
"I swear, I'm going to smack you when we get back." Aiko mumbles. And true to her word, the moment they arrive back at the mansion, and Aiko is set down, she slaps Alex. He holds his cheek. "I hate you." she growls.
"I know." he smirks. She then heads back to her room, alex right behind her. When she walks in she spins around and slams the door shut. Alex sighs, then smirks.
"I hate him." Aiko growls as she gets dressed. "I swear i'm going to get my revenge on him one of these days." She sighs, then blushes, thinking about being held like that in her nightgown while Alex was running. "I hate him." She mumbles as she brushes her hair. then she walks out of her room and downstairs for something to eat...
"Aiko, you know we're heading back home tomorrow. Would you like to ride with Jaz?"
"No." Aiko is brushing her hair. She had gotten covered in mud after trying to teach Finni a trick to trimming plants, and had to take a bath. She would leave her hair a mess, but Lizzy had come over with her mother, and Aiko needed to keep a clean appearance in front of her. "Remember, if she tries to do some to you let me know. I won't let my servants be bullied by that irritating woman."
"Yes my lady." Aiko winces as she tries to brush the back of her hair. "Here." Before Aiko can protest Alex grabs the brush and starts brushing her hair.
"A-alex!"
"It's easier if I do it for you." Aiko sighs, but decides not to protest. Alex is gentle with her hair. When he finishes she holds a bottle up to him. "what's that?"
"It's made from my special rose, and essence. I always put it in my hair."
"I see." Alex takes the bottle, then sprays the liquid a few times onto Aiko's hair, then brushes it a few more times. "there you go."
"thank you." Aiko takes the brush and bottle back, then sighs. She slips on her shoes, then Alex follows her out into the hallway, and down to the dinning room where lunch is almost ready to be served. Alex opens the door, and Aiko walks in.
"Aiko?" Lizzy blinks. Niether Lizzy nor her mother knew Aiko was there. She smiles.
"Hello Lizzy. It's good to see you again. It's been a long while, hasn't it?"
"Yes!" Lizzy runs over and hugs Aiko, who laughs and hugs back. "How are you? It's been such a long time!"
"I know. I've missed spending time with you." The two hold hands and smile.
"Elizibeth!" Lizzy winces. The two let go and look at Frances as she walks over. Aiko then finds herself under inspection. Frances circles her. "Why are you in pants? no dress?"
"No. I don't wear dresses." Aiko steps back, not wanting to be studied.
"hmm." Frances then turns and looks at Alex. She frowns. "You look indecent. And your hair. You're as bad as Ciel's butler." She goes to 'fix' Alex's hair, when Aiko steps in front of Alex.
"Lady Midford, I request you keep your dirty hands off of my butler."
"Dirty?"
"Yes. Your hands are filthy, and I do not want you touching my butler. As well, even when your hands are clean I do not want you touching my servants. They will be as I see fit, and thus you have no right to change them." Frances glares at Aiko, who smirks at her.
"Fine." Frances returns to her seat. Lizzy is surprised, and so is Ciel. Both expected Aiko to be smacked or something.
"Oh Aiko!" Lizzy giggles. "You know, you must come by and visit! Or perhaps I shall visit you! Doesn't that sound wonderful?"
"Yes." Aiko smiles. "Simply wonderful."
"Then we must!"
"If you wish. I have no objections, and at the moment my schedule is clear." The two sit down across from each other. Ciel smiles, watching the girls chat and giggle. When Jaz comes downstairs Frances smiles. She always prefered Jaz to Aiko. Jaz sits closer to Frances than the others. Finally lunch is served. Once its over Ciel, Aiko, and Lizzy go upstairs and start to play a game. While they play Lizzy smiles at Aiko.
"Aiko, when is your birthday?"
"My birthday?" Aiko blinks, trying to remember. She smiles. "Well, my birthday is coming up fairly soon I suppose. it's about a month before Ciel's."
"Really? so soon?" Lizzy smiles. "We must hold a party!"
"No." Aiko smiles. "Thats alright. I think I'll be fine without that. I'm not really up to any big parties right now. I'm just lately getting comfortable with my life again."
"Oh, that reminds me. When you were gone, what happened?"
"What?" Aiko frowns. "Uh, well, i..." She looks down. "I'd rather not talk about it Lizzy. I'm sorry."
"But..." Lizzy sighs, then smiles. "alright, i understand. Some things people don't want to talk about."
"I'm sorry your curiosity won't be satisfied." Aiko moves her piece.
"Aiko, are you leaving tomorrow?"
"yes, i am."
"Well then, tonight I'll have Sebastian cook something special."
"Alright..."
"You stood up well to lady midford." Alex closes Aiko's curtains. It was late, and Aiko had just been stuffed by a fancy dinner. She was ready for sleep.
"It's just holding your ground with her. She's very... particular. So you must be particular back without being totally rude and you can win."
"It seems your the only person who knows this."
"Yes, well, i'm one of the few people who aren't afraid of her." Aiko falls onto her bed.
"You should change into your nightgown before you go to sleep."
"I don't want to." Aiko groans. She sits up, then sighs. Alex smiles.
"Well, its important that you do." He grabs Aiko's bag and pulls out a nightgown. "Here you go."
"Don't go through my bag." Aiko blushes and takes the outfit. "alright, get out."
"Alright. I'll see you in the morning my lady. And I'll have the carriages ready for our departure after breakfast."
"Alright." As Alex heads for the door Aiko looks at her gloved hands. "Alex, don't confuse my actions these past few days with surrender. I still plan to escape this contract, and i still hate you." Alex smirks as he walks out of the room.
"I know..."