Yo, people! I'm baaaaack~ carrying the 9th chapter! Finally XD

Sorry if I extended my hiatus by 1 day, if I'm not mistaken ^^

And now, enjoy the show! Advance apologies for this chapter being too short! But the next chapters shall be longer, as a reward *grins*

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pandora Hearts or any of its characters. All of it belongs to Jun Mochizuki.

Enjoy if you can, people! See you… tomorrow, I guess? Who knows? *gets into box to avoid bullets*

IX. Façade

By now, it was already about 3 o' clock in the afternoon. While some Pandora members seem to have called it a day a tad too early, there were still some people who didn't even think of stopping themselves. But after some time, they finally gave in and decided to quit for a while.

"Ahhh~~ such a fine afternoon, isn't it, Ojou-sama?" Xerxes Break asked, facing Sharon.

"I can't believe you still act like that despite everything that's happening, Break," Sharon said sternly.

"Come on now, Ojou-sama… I agree there's a need to be serious," Break said, biting on a lollipop. "But of course, we still need to lighten up ourselves a bit, don't we?" Break shrugged. "Wait… aren't you the one supposedly saying these kind of things… particularly to Gilbert-kun?"

"What are you trying to imply, Brother Xerx?" Sharon asked, sipping her tea.

"You used to be interested in Gilbert-kun, right?" Break teased. "Back when he suited your—"

Break's statement was cut off by the sound of a paper fan.

"You are not to mention such a subject at a time like this!" Sharon stated, blushing. "You are indeed horrible, Brother Xerx!" she wailed.

"Now, now, Ojou-sama… no need to be so affected and defensive~" Break teased once more. With that said, Sharon whacked him again.

This kind of situation is truly inevitable with him around, Sharon thought, shaking her head in dismay.

In a random hallway, Gilbert walked mindlessly. He decided to stop sulking and he started to look for Oz.

Damn it, Gilbert thought. Where'd Oz go?

In a split second, his question was answered.

He saw Oz walking casually on the same hallway he was in. Upon seeing him, Gilbert screamed, "Young Master!"

"Gil!" Oz responded, shocked. "W-What are you doing here?"

"I was looking for you!" Gilbert shrieked. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Gil…" Oz said, pulling off a smiling façade once again, something he always did to hide his sadness. Personally, he didn't want to burden Gilbert anymore.

"A-Are you sure, Oz?" Gilbert asked in a serious tone. "You don't seem well ever since… yesterday," Gilbert said, wincing slightly at the mention of the word 'yesterday'.

"I'm fine, okay? Nothing that you need to worry about," Oz answered, his tone insistent. "Actually, I should be the one asking you that. You look pale," Oz said, tilting his head.

"I'm fine, Young Master," Gilbert replied, turning away at the same time.

Tsk, tsk tsk, Oz thought, smirking. Your actions are way too obvious, Gil.

"Are you sure?" Oz asked, keeping up an innocent face.

"Y-Yes, of course, Young Master."

"Hmph." Oz said, pouting a bit. " First of all, I believe you know about this, Gil," Oz said, coming closer. "I… am very sensitive to lies."

"O-Oz… I…" Gilbert stuttered, becoming nervous.

"You, of all people, should know me the most," Oz said slyly. "So, tell me… what's the matter?"

Gilbert sighed. "I… I can't tell you just yet. I'm sorry."

"Well… if you don't want to tell me now, you don't have to," Oz said, grinning. "But someday, you'll have to let it all out."

Gilbert looked up.

"All right, Gil?"

With that said, Gilbert broke into a smile. "Yes, Master," he responded.

As Oz left Gilbert that moment, disappearing into the darkness of the hallways, Gilbert thought about what Oz said.

"Well… if you don't want to tell me now, you don't have to… But someday, you'll have to let it all out."

Just so you know, Young Master, he thought. You also owe me.

Aaaaaand that's the 9th chapter! What do you think of it? Please tell me… anything! Anything that can help me! :D

Reviews/Comments/Criticisms/Suggestions?

P.S. Confirmed! This fanfic will have more than 20 chapters! Yay! XD