"Now then…remember to…eat well…and if…there's…any more…problems…come back…" the doctor said monotonously. "Now…the nurse…will show you…out…"

The doctor was obviously sick from a sort of drug or alcohol, and Merianna quickly shuffled out. The hospital gown was ripped away from her and her green pack of cards, container and jacket tossed back to her. She had needed treatment for the wounds that she couldn't heal herself. Thankfully, the hospital-run, hence the quack doctors and run down clinic. But it was better than nothing at all. The servants had only visited her the day she woke up, leaving her to heal quietly afterwards. She had spent 3 days in their treatment, and she was glad to finally be released.

"Release" is a strong word. She was more or less hastily pushed out of the hospital doors, the next patient quickly taking up her place. The only problem was the she was completely barren except for Cuff's jacket. Thankfully it was adult-sized, or else she would have fainted from embarrassment. Merianna looked down at her bare feet that grew cold upon the shabby road. She'd better find home soon or at least get some clothes.

She didn't recognize this neighbourhood at all.

Fretting a bit, she clasped her hands together in front of her, trying to grasp the landmarks and streets around her. She could've opened up her wings, but she was too inexperienced with her wings to attempt to fly, and there was the risk of indecent exposure as well. She would have to walk. She past by a man and turned around to ask him for direction, but her voice caught in her throat and he was too far down the road already. She gave up and kept walking up the street. Surely she would come across someplace she would recognize.

"I hear your street skills are quite useful, Mr. Hawkins." Ciel Phantomhive praised.

"C'mon, yous can't be sayin' that to me." He scoffed, awkwardly scratching his head.

"So? Will you accept my proposal?" Ciel smirked. "This means that I will be your master as well"

Cuffs turned his head angrily to the side. "What ev's get yous offa my back."

"It's a deal then. Welcome to the Company. It'll be like a new life for you."

Merianna eventually found Stikes, who was once again roaming around the city. She wondered how he always popped up, disappeared and reappeared around. Nevertheless, she gave him a good rubdown and patted him affectionately. He seemed to have been okay, despite his owners abandoning him. In fact, he seemed to have gained a bit of weight. Merianna sighed and held Cuffs' jacket sleeve to his nose, asking him to lead her to him. He would know the streets here like it was the back of his hand. Stikes drew away immediately, but he looked up to Merianna, like he was trying to tell her something.

"Should I…follow you?" she whispered.

Of course, Stikes didn't answer. He didn't even have a proficient neck enough to nod yes or shake no. He started up along the path anyways, his claws clicking against the road. Merianna followed, although he was going back the way she came. It was already midday and she was sweating underneath the jacket. This part of the city was almost a ghost town, unlike where she was used to. Eventually, the hospital came back into view. She stopped and called out to Stikes.

But where did he go? Suddenly, a hand caught the sleeve of the jacket and pulled it up.

"Yes, as always, don't fits yous at all." Cuffs sneered, appearing out from nowhere.

"C-Cuffs…!"

"They sents me to pick yous up. Gotta go back to the mansion now."

"They...? Oh…You mean…oh…" she said in a quiet voice.

"But let's spend some time together…okay?"

Never had his voice been so soft and low. Merianna stared at him like something was wrong.

"I'm just tryin' ta correct my speech!" He hissed.

She kept her gaze.

"We should go… and get yous…clothes…"

She nodded, and felt her body getting smaller. Her feet hurt from walking (and back to the same exact place too!) and even though she was sweating, it soon became a cold sweat from the air around her. Cuffs took off his shoes and forced Merianna to wear them. This odd pair walked down the streets.

"Cuffs…I mean…Jake…Mr…Hawkins…" She muttered. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

His expression widened, and then softened again.

"I don't know." Came the simple reply.

They both knew how spiteful he was, and yet he was only following the crowd. They both knew how he was drawn into Merianna's sudden change of life, and how he changed it in return. Yet neither of them knew exactly why. Whilst Merianna was expecting a trip to the local dump site or charity neighbourhood, she was surprised when Cuffs opened the door to a dress parlour. She bit her lip. Even if both thieves were skilled, they wouldn't be able to pull this deal off.

She grew intensely anxious as Cuffs felt the different fabrics; no doubt some fetched a higher price than others. Her anxiety did not get better now that the store owner's eyes were affixed to the poor souls touching up her masterpieces. Her nose wrinkled every time they put their hands on something, although Merianna mostly ignored it.

"Choose…" Cuffs whispered.

Merianna looked at him with wide eyes. Not again…She would stop him this time.

"I can't let you do this." She whispered back.

"Just choose one yous like!"

"Why?!" she hissed.

"'Cause you'd look pretty instead o'-"

"Can I help you?"

The shopkeeper's voice was high-strung and forced, which made the two break their conversation. Merianna breathed a sigh of relief. It would be absolutely stupid if Cuffs made it like they were customers. He'd have much better luck pinning water to a tree if he wanted to get away with stealing a poofy dress.

"Hello…Madam. This girl is buying a dress today."

Merianna's heart sank and she couldn't help but raise her hand up to smack her own forehead. The overgrown sleeve that she had made it even more hilarious. The shopkeeper looked her up and down and then to Cuffs. Obviously they did not look like they had enough money to buy anything particularly fancy.

The woman directed the pair to another set. She explained that these ones were much simpler and cheaper (obviously she knew what was up), and required fewer measurements. In fact, the dress was fit to wear before they left shop. Although she was initially cold, the woman started to warm up to Merianna, suggesting various textures that would match her. Of course, she questioned the nature of Merianna's white hair. Merianna tried to hold her opinions in, but her eyes kept glancing to a thin and frilled gown, all of it a snowy, soft white.

"I think we can try on a few…see which ones you like." The shopkeeper decided.

She loaded a few onto her arm and ushered Merianna into the dressing room. Suddenly, Merianna understood Cuff's plot. While she was dressing, he could steal anything while the shopkeeper was busy with her.

"J-Jake! Don't do anything stupid!"

Merianna felt the various frills and plaits along the white dress she had her eyes on. In the mirror, it had fit her much more than she thought, although the shopkeeper frowned and had to make adjustments to accommodate her flat chest. She wondered if she could ask to borrow the dress, to wear it just for a day and return it. It felt like it blended in with her, and Merianna couldn't help but stare at the princess standing before the mirror.

The shopkeeper chatted while she was being fitted. She told Merianna that she had a daughter who she was reminded of- except that her daughter did not have white hair of course. The shopkeeper was putting the jacket of the set of Merianna when she asked her about herself.

"Is that young man there, your brother?" she asked.

Merianna replied with a small 'no', helping herself into the brocaded jacket.

"Oh~ A husband then? Your figure is perfect for children, dear."

Again, Merianna replied with a no. "He could be, but I don't see why." she replied monotonously.

The set also came with lace gloves, a delicate accessory, but Merianna put them on anyways. After putting on proper shoes, the shopkeeper helped her back to the front. Merianna followed, crawling out slowly and gathering her cards and container in her hands. She half-expected to see various police officers taking Cuffs away to jail or him not being there at all. Instead, he had a decorated red parasol in his hands, saying that he would like to buy it as well. Today was so full of surprises.

Merianna quietly stepped beside Cuffs, wondering what he was going to do when the transaction was being done. She would not be able to run in this dress, not only because it was difficult to run in a gown alone, but that she had developed a sort of friendship with the shop owner. She was surprised when Cuffs reached into his pocket and brought a stack of paper notes. Merianna had always heard of paper that the banks will pay for someone's purchase, but never saw them in her life.

"My deepest regrets, sir, but we don't accept bank notes."

Cuffs hastily put the bank notes back into his pocket and brought out an official-looking paper.

"Please send the bill towards this company then." He said coolly.

Merianna tried to peek at the other side of the paper, but the shop keeper took it and read it over.

"Very well sir, and would you like me to dispose of the large jacket?"

Merianna opened her mouth to protest burning such a memorable object, but Cuffs immediately said:

"No, Miss. Please go ahead and throw it away."

Merianna puffed her cheek while Cuffs opened the door to leave the shop. It wasn't until they were outside until she started talking.

"Why did you leave your jacket behind?" she snapped.

"I didns't need it anymore, Merianna."

She looked him up and down. Although she was sure that his clothes were as old as the overgrown jacket was, they were decent. Still, she wanted the memories of that jacket with them in some way.

"And where did you get all that money?!"

He didn't answer, except for a "Don't worry."

The pair walked on, until they were along the path of a park. Merianna insisted that she share the shade of the parasol with him, but he laughingly refused. Eventually, they took a break on a nearby bench. Merianna folded the parasol and laid it beside her, just for a moment. She laid her head back and looked up at the sky, feeling a bit sleepy.

A warm hand rested on hers. She jolted back and saw Cuffs' hands clasping her own, tightly, like she would disappear from him.

"Is…being an angel…tough?" he asked.

Today was strange indeed. Cuffs had reverted back to that soft, puny voice, yet his head turned facing straight.

"I wouldn't know how to live any other way. Is being fully human hard?"

"You get all these feelings sometimes…"

"Is that so?" she commented.

She leaned her head back again to feel the breeze against her forehead. Cuffs' grip tightened.

"What would you say if I loved you?"

She brought her head back up. "I'm not old enough to be a mother."

Cuffs broke into laughter, but Merianna didn't seem to understand.

"It doesn't mean you have to be a mother, silly girl!"

"It doesn't?"

From all she knew, princesses who fell in love with their princes always lived happily ever after, had many kids and usually had those kids stolen away or eaten. Cuffs' laughter died down.

"I guess that's one thing that is hard about being human…You look pretty today."

Merianna was unsure of how to react to all this. Her friend seemed to be sad, yet overjoyed at the smallest things today. He seemed desperate for something, but Merianna wasn't sure of what.

"What would you do if I kissed you then?"

She wasn't sure how to answer that. Was she supposed to return it? She didn't know what kisses were even for, unless they broke a curse on a magical person.

Cuffs sighed, "You don't know…do you…"

Merianna was unsure of what response he wanted. She just stayed silent. She didn't notice how close his face was to hers. When she met his eyes for a moment, there was something deep within them. She had seen it in Meirin's eyes when she remembered Allen, when Bardroy started to create his explosions, when Sebastian fought her and protected Ciel and now it was in Cuffs' eyes, staring straight into her. (She was sure there was even a fruit named after it)

Yet it was something that she couldn't reflect back.

"Merianna…you might not understand me, not here and not now…but…"

"Cuffs? What…?"

"You should call me Jake, now. I gave up that name when I…when I…uh…gaves away the jacket. I shouldn't be…Cuffs no more."

Merianna felt his heavy breath, lifting his bangs with her hand to peer into the mysterious eyes again.

"I guess…if anything, it's a human thing…this emotion we feel. Even…maybe if you even never come to an understanding of it, you need to know…for a factthat I am in love with you, Merianna Carolce. And that fact will never change. Even if you are an angel, I will love you always."

He took her arms and pulled her into his chest, holding her tightly. Merianna was shocked at this statement, and didn't know how to react otherwise, other than a small gasp. She could feel his face cringing beside hers, and felt the pain in his beating heart.

"Jake…what is going on?" she asked in a small voice.

He was right in that she didn't understand, and somehow she knew that she wouldn't get an answer from him. She was getting crushed by his embrace, but somehow she was okay with it. When he finally withdrew, it looked like there was something in his eyes, but he wiped it away.

"I don't know why…Merianna…Why you like something like…such a low-life like me…If only you knew…how far apart we really are…"

Merianna tilted her head, standing and still holding his hands.

"I don't think I know either…but things like these…don't seem to need a reason to understand. Let's go."

Jake had paid a carriage to carry them all the way to the Phantomhive house, and it was already late-evening when they arrived at their destination. He paid the driver and helped Merianna down. Sebastian and Ciel were immediately there to greet them.

"You surely took your time bringing back my servant." Ciel remarked.

Merianna made sure to stay quiet, even though she glared at Sebastian.

"I ain't no delivery lad." He replied.

Ciel closed his eyes, unable to make a come back.

"Well, your job is done. I will see you tomorrow morning then. Merianna, you will find your things back in your room."

'Tomorrow it is."

Merianna noticed the frigid conversation that took place, but she was excited that Jake would be coming again tomorrow. Ciel and Sebastian took their leave and retreated back into the house. Merianna then turned to her friend excitedly, but she suddenly stopped when his eyes were shaking and shimmering.

"What's wrong, Jake?"

He said nothing, only leaning his forehead on her shoulder.

"Thank you for today. Be good."

He raised his head and kissed her on the forehead.

He turned away to leave. Merianna replied with a good night as well and watched as he climbed into the carriage and it set off into the night. Perhaps nothing was wrong after all. She returned back to the house, tiptoeing her way into her room. Indeed it was as it was before, and a new set of her uniform on the bed. She changed and got ready to go to sleep; making sure her new dress was stowed, folded neatly, into her dresser.

Merianna awoke extra early in order to brew tea for her Master. It was usually Sebastian's job, but she was in a good mood and decided to take his place without him knowing. She was sure that her tea set and tray were proper and on the cart before heading up to his room. He should be just waking up at this hour and she knocked before entering.

"Good morning~ Master Ciel…"

How was that. He was already up and dressed, standing with a cane near the windows. She stopped like time itself had frozen.

"Merianna. You're up early today." He said.

Spying the tea cart, he added. "And I've already had my morning tea."

Merianna was dejectedly backing out of the room before he stopped her. Ciel put something on the cart. It was a small rabbit plush.

"One of my company's products. You may have one."

Somehow, she took it as an apology from his cruelty ten years ago. He also handed a letter to her. It was sealed by the Phantomhive stamp and the envelope seemed fresh.

"You won't be needed for chores today…"

Merianna wanted to ask him about the letter, but he turned away, a sign for her to exit. She pushed the cart out of the room and mentally talked to the rabbit in front of her. Since she was free from chores today, perhaps Ciel was letting her spend another day with Jake. She decided that today, she would tell him all about the Phantomhive mansion and maybe he would like to visit more often. Perhaps she could even interest him in chess.

"I see you tried to upstage me today, Miss Carolce." Came a voice.

Sebastian, of course, was taunting her as he came from the other end of the hallway. She puffed her cheek but stayed silent. Be good, Jake had said. Finny too, advised her against causing more ruckus.

"I plan on being of service to the Master." She replied flawlessly.

"I hope you can read." Was all he said.

She watched him close the door behind him before staring at the envelope delivered to her. Surely he meant that? Of course Merianna could read. She shot a look at him before opening it.

Sebastian smiled, whether or not out of happiness or not, and entered the Master's chamber.

"That was unnecessary, Sebastian." Ciel scolded.

"She will find out one way or another. Why did you, if I may ask? Because you are jealous that he is another pure soul just like you, you send him away?"

Ciel frowned. "For one thing, Sebastian. You stated yourself that he is more tainted than me because of his thievery. I have no reason to be jealous of whether his soul tastes better than mine or not."

Outside, there was a sudden crash of porcelain and sobbing erupting. Merianna must have read Jake Hawkins' last letter to her.

"And the second is that he accepted it."

At dinner, the servants stayed at bay while their Master ate, ready to be called upon. Merianna had a bright red clouding her face, as well as a tired look on her. The servants made no comment, and dinner passed with a heavy silence. Right before everyone had gone to bed, Merianna was sitting in front of the fireplace next to the Bitter Rabbit plush, swinging the letter between her fingers lightly.

"Why didn't he take me…?" She asked the Bitter Rabbit.

"Why didn't he take me to go to Africa?" She repeated. "Why did he suddenly just leave me here? When will be the next time we meet again? He didn't say…good bye to me…"

She crunched the copy of the passenger information and the envelope containing it. She buried her head into her knees and unfurled her abnormal four wings to wrap them around herself.

"I thought I wasn't supposed to be able to feel things like this…He said he loved me…"

Xis appeared, taking the body of the little plush. It stood up on its legs and patted Merianna's head, singing a lullaby.

"When you wander

Ever closer to me in your heart

Is it revealing the changes

That are falling apart?

You are locking in

Your deepest feelings

That cause you crying

But you end up finding

Broken things

From where there were no good byes

And saddening lies."

END

A/N - There will be a sequel to this story. I just didn't feel like pushing all the storyline and ideas into one story. If you liked this, please continue to look forward to A Smiling Angel 2 (I'm not so good with story titles)