A Second Chance

by half-breed vampire

"Are you sure though? You don't have to start a new life at the place you were dropped in." Sebastian told me. I gave a half hearted smirk as I stared at the ground, "A life as a servant? It might not be so bad... SebasXOc. Warning: Yaoi.

14. It soon begins

I'm so happy for the reviews that I received, thank you everyone who's still keeping up with the story. Now then, I've had this one question for quite a while now, and I've been mulling it over, but want other's opinion on the matter. Someone asked me if the idea of making Kuroshitsuji II involving Matthew, mostly cause they want to see what will happen between Claude, Matthew, and Sebastian. But it's a pretty good question, and sounds good. Even though this story is following the manga, should I think about making a second story involving the second season? Anyways, just a little thing, I would like to hear from all of you. But, I'll stop talking now, please enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 14

~ASC~

Ciel felt incredibly warm, and something heavy was on him. He opened his eyes and saw a soft glow coming from a candle on the bedside drawer. He heard snoring and looked to his left, only to see Freckle's face mere inches in front of him. He sighed Now I'm the one with the sleeping problem.

He then whispered a silent command, "Come, Sebastian."

"You rang." Sebastian said, as he stepped from the shadows. Ciel brought his hand out and waved him over with a finger. He tapped at his palm and Sebastian brought his forward. Ciel started tapping his finger on the palm, in morse code.

Sebastian, this is an order. Go to the Crest office and find out who owns that seal. The Crest office in London is the England Heraldry College of Arms. At Edinburgh there is a Scotland Heraldry, the Lord of Lyon. Waking him could cause too much trouble so I will escape with Matthew in the morning, come pick us up.

Sebastian smirked and tapped in morse code, Yes, my lord.

Sebastian stood up and turned to leave, but stopped, "By the way." Sebastian whispered, "I'll keep it a secret from Lady Elizabeth that you shared a bed with another girl. Please do not worry." Ciel blushed in embarrassment. He mouthed, You knew since the start didn't you! Sebastian smiled and left the tent. "Now..." Sebastian looked to the side and his eyes widen as a pair of hedge clippers came at him. He quickly flipped over, dodging William's attack, and the reaper, still in his night clothes, glared at him as he said, "Where do you think you're going? I'm quite sure I told you not to wander around without your owner." Sebastian smirked as he stared at the pajama-wearing shinigami. "I'm sorry but my master can't make this move himself so he asked me to do it instead."

"I'm not listening to excuses. Now get back in the tent. Until my inspection is finished you are not allowed to carry out any independent actions." He thrusted his weapon at Sebastian, "One small mistake can lead to lots of overtime!" William froze, his eyes wide as saucers as he looked at Sebastian who had caught his attack with his hand. "My apologies. I also have my duty as a butler. I must not disturb the sleeping master." Sebastian's eyes were glowing red as he tried to persuade William, "You don't want to cause trouble here either, do you? How about it? Would you like to make a deal with me?" William's face remained stoic as Sebastian continued, "If you let me go for one hour, I vow that I will never eat souls in your assigned area again. It's only one hour. What do you say?" Sebastian's blood started to drip down to the ground, but he held the weapon tightly in his hand.

"I refuse. To deceive prey with sweet words and drag them into the darkness." William retracted his weapon, "Isn't that a demon's signature ability?"

Sebastian smirked, and then sighed, "Indeed. As expected, it didn't work." Sebastian removed the bloody glove from his hand, "You have left me with no choice." Sebastian brought his hand up and licked the blood; fangs appeared in his smile as his form shifted, "Let's think of another way."

~ASC~

My eyes snapped open when I heard the hissing. My knife was already in my hands and I cautiously opened my eyes and was face to face with Snake. I stood up and almost fell backwards, but he caught my wrist. "What have you done to my friends?" He whispered his grip tight on my wrist.

"I did nothing!" I whispered back as I tried to pull my hand away.

The two snakes around his neck slithered down and wrapped around my waist, "See!" He said as the snakes slithered into my clothing. I shivered, they're skin was to smooth and cold, and they were crawling on my back up to my neck. "Control them!" I said, suddenly remembering that they were venomous.

"They keep saying something about their king. What king?" One of the snakes came from the front of my shirt and it flicked its tongue at me, "We won't tell what happened if you only tell us if our king is doing well. Says Wordsworth." I looked at the snakes, and it seems that they have kept the fact that I was in the tent today. "Which one? There's Basilisk and Uroboros." They seemed to tighten around my neck at Uroboros name. "He's ok, he's ok!" I tried to pry them off, not being able to breathe.

"Thank you. Says Wordsworth." Both snakes slithered off of me and went to their handler. I rubbed my throat and stared at him, "How is it that you're a half-demon?" I mused out loud, only to slap my mouth at what I said. His eyes were wide and he stared at me. "Ho-"

"Shouldn't you be guarding or something?" William shouted as he entered the tent, looking ragged and weak. Snake looked at him and then me, and he left with curt bow to us.

"What the hell happened to you?" I said as I jumped off the bed, stepping on 'William's' side. "None of your business, Deserter." I rushed over to him and looked closely, he was covered in blood and from the looks of it, all of it was his own. "Good god man, you look like you got in a fight with a Rottweiler!" He snorted at this and clutched his arm, "It was your lover who did this."

"Sebastian?" I looked at him and pointed my knife to his neck, "What the hell did you do?"

"Nothing fool! I just went to stop him. He could have complied and come back to the tent, but he refused." I glared at him, my knife pressing to his neck and then I turned around and climbed up the beds, taking my book from under the pillow. "So if that mongrel doesn't finish me of, its lover will? This is just peachy." He reached for his weapon, he had dropped when he came in, and I cut my palm. "Shut up." I said as I drew for Lilith. She came out and went to me, not wanting to go near William. "He's already useless, let's not make it something permanent, ok Lilith." She frowned but complied. "Get that thing away-" I grabbed his arm and threw him to the ground. "Do you ever shut the hell up?" I said as I pressed my knee to his back. He grunted in pain and Lilith started to heal him.

When she finished she gave me a thumbs up and I smiled at her, "Thank you Lilith." She blushed and twirled her petal dress around, and then she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I blushed and she disappeared. "Well that was unexpected." I removed my foot from his back and he stood up. "Better?" I asked, slightly cautious, since he had his weapon still. He stayed silent and refused to look at me. "Say nothing if you feel better." He looked at me, his eyebrow raised in question, and I snickered, "You wouldn't understand."

"You're a fool to have mated yourself to a demon." He suddenly said.

I sighed in frustration, "And I care, why?"

"Demons deceive to get what they want. How do you know he means it?"

I scratched the back of my head, "It's...complicated."

"In other words, you don't know." I glared at him and he smirked, "Do you know where he is right now?"

"Of course I-" I stopped; I couldn't feel Sebastian's presence again. "Did he teach you how to block him out? How did he trick you into being his? Did he say he needed you that you were his soul mate and he would die without you?" I froze and looked at him. Something was tearing at my heart again, and I coughed harshly, blood coming out, this time more than usual. My knees felt weak and I tumbled, grabbing William before I went down. "It hurts!" I screamed, as I felt the pain increased with my cries. William grabbed my shoulders and made me look at him, "What in the world is wrong with you?" My words couldn't come out, and I clutched my heart. He removed my hand and pressed his ear to it, "It sounds weak, and isn't beating properly." He said as he moved away. "What if he's causing this?" He whispered.

My eyes looked up at him and I shook my head, "He wouldn't do that!" I grounded out. "How do you know?" I pushed him away and scrambled to my feet. "Shut up." I tried to leave but he grabbed me and pinned me to the ground, "Your obviously sick fool, stay still or else it will get worse." He shouted. My lungs refused to take in air, and my vision was getting blurry. I gripped his shoulders and he pulled me close to him, whispering for me to try to breathe calmly.

Air rushed into me and I coughed and fell on all fours, the blood dribbling down my chin. "You fool, half of your soul was given to that demon, and your body is probably suffering from being incomplete. Don't you know you can die!" He shouted. I covered my ears, not wanting to hear him, but he removed my hands and he ripped my clothes open, "Your hearts taking the burnt of this, you need to go to the hospital." He pressed his ear once more and he listened to the beating of my heart. "It's beating irregularly, first slows and almost smothered like, then in between that is five rapid beats. You're not well at all."

"M-mind your own business." I said. I pushed him away and his hand reached forward to grab me once more, but I glared at him and left the tent.

I passed the tents and crates, my heart hurting more and more as I moved. I felt faint, and my hand, I just noticed, hasn't stopped bleeding. Am I becoming a hemophiliac or something? I stopped and hid when I saw Joker out of the circus. He had a troubled look on his face, as if he wanted to return to the circus, instead he shook his head and left.

I wonder what had happened.

A few minutes ago.

Joker tightened his scarf as he walked to the gates of the circus. "Where are you going?" He stopped and turned his head, seeing Beast there. "Ah...I'm off to see father." He turned around fully and walked to her, "What about you? Can't you sleep?" He asked.

"Let's quit." Her eyes locked with his and her tone was serious, "We have the circus. We can work it out. So let's stop doing these things and escape to a place where father can't find us." He scoffed lightly and looked at her, "Cross over the mountain to you? That's impossible. I don't have time to talk about such things." He turned his back to her and started to walk away. "Wait!" Beast shouted as she wrapped her arms around him. "What's wrong? This isn't like you."

"This is what we decided." He said softly to her, "We decided to protect our most precious thing. For that we will do anything." Her arms tightened around his waist, "But...but I don't want to see your painful face anymore! Because I..." Joker removed himself from her hold and clutched her arms, "Did you forget? We can't turn back now." She looked ready to cry and Joker smiled sadly to her as he removed his scarf and wrapped it around Beast. "Staying up late is not good for your health." He walked away from her and she tried one more time to stop him, "Joker!"

"Good night." He waved to her.

~Present~

I walked around a bit and saw Beast all alone next to the gate. "My my." I froze and hid behind some crates. Sebastian was perched on a cage, he didn't seem to notice me, or if he did, he said nothing.

"Are you crying?" He said to Beast.

She froze and shouted at Sebastian. "You...this has nothing to do with you! Go away!" There was a rustling of clothes and Sebastian was behind her, "But...I think that's impossible."

"What..." She breathed out, slightly shocked.

"It's pointless to pursue a human like him. He cannot return your feelings; he thinks he should treat you nicely as least. But he knows that it'll hurt you more in the end." He smirked; his eyes glowed as he touched the scarf. "How cruel. When did you start this?" He said as he stroked the knitted scarf. "These miserable tears and a relationship that relies on nothing more than sentimentality." She spun around and swung a fist at him, "What would you understand!"

"Nothing." He smirked as he dodged, "But there is one thing I do know." He grabbed her arm and held her close to his body, my body went cold and the horrid pain in my heart disappeared, instead something else filled it, a strange hollow sensation. "The way to release you from that pain just for a while." His tone was seductive, the way he pressed his body to her's showed his intentions. "Stop kidding me. Let me go!" She tried to pull away, but Sebastian just smiled at this, "I'm not joking around." He brought his face close to her's and whispered, "What will you do with this pile of painful thoughts?"

There was something whispering in my mind, it was William's voice, Demons deceive to get what they want. How do you know he means it?' I shook my head trying to shake away the voice. "The weight of it will move neither forward, nor backward. Even if you desperately call out to him, he will never look back at you. How pitiable." Sebastian's voice changed, almost hypnotic to the ears, "It's painful isn't it? Don't you want to feel comfort?" His hand went up Beast stomach, between her breast, to her neck, "Forget him who is kind and cruel."

The Prey is deceived with sweet words and dragged into the darkness. I clutched my head as Beast stuttered, "I...I..."

"Wouldn't it be good to forget everything even if it's just for tonight?" Dark tendrils gathered around Sebastian and Beast, she wouldn't be able to resist now. I knew that for sure.

To not notice the demon's concealed power.

"Indulge in pleasure..." He whispered in her ear.

Skillfully.

"Breathe a sweet poison deep into your lungs." He said to her, tears fell from her face.

Sweetly...quietly...

The scarf was slowly being pulled away from Beast, "It's a demon's whisper...I only want to get in and explore that secret place deep inside of you." My mind wandered to Joker, I wanted to tell him about Beast, tell him to come back and pull her away from Sebastian...but I stayed there, my heart calm, and the voice in my head stronger than ever, William had warned me. But I refused to listen or at least tried to.

Follow them.

I stood on my feet and silently followed the two. They were inside her tent now; I had opened up the one-way mirror spell and stared as Beast was on her bed, Sebastian hovering over her. "It's been this way for ages. He never gives me the words I desire. Since father left the circus to us he has distanced himself from me." Beast said as she looked away from him.

"Father?" Sebastian asked as he held Beast prosthetic leg, his fingers lightly rubbing it up and down. "Our patron. He helped us develop our artificial limbs gave us new bodies." His hand trailed down to her inner thigh, touching the hallmark resting on it. "So this hallmark is Father's?"

"Yes, we are all fathers' possessions."

Sebastian's other hand went on the bed as he crawled over her body, "By what name did you call him?" Whatever Sebastian had asked, was lost to me as I watched him pleasure Beast? The way he held her, the way he touched and even kissed her...it reminded me of my night with him. I spun around on my heel and started to walk away, He took what he wanted from you, there's nothing left you can give him now. The voice said to me. My heart feels heavy with grief, and yet I knew why he was doing it, why he is touching her, it wasn't at all what I think it is, it was for information, I knew it...but it still hurts. I can't do anything about this, except to watch from a distance, and hope I won't be discarded.

After all, we are servants of Phantomhive house. We do what is expected of us.

~ASC~

The sun rose and I had greeted Freckles as she stumbled out of bed and went back to her own tent. Sebastian came in, he briefly smiled at me, his gloves gone, and he went to Ciel, checking his temperature. Ciel eyebrows furrowed from the touch and his eyes opened up, "Sebastian?"

"Good morning, your fever has lowered considerably hasn't it? How are you feeling?" Ciel stood up and coughed lightly, "I wouldn't call it good, but it's better than yesterday." He turned his head and noticed that Freckles wasn't by his side.

"Has she gone for breakfast?" I nodded to him.

"Have some water." Sebastian said as he brought a glass forward.

"Yeah...hm?" He stared at Sebastian's hands as he took a sip, "What happened to your gloves?"

Sebastian stared at me and then looked at his seal, "Oh. I got them a little dirty." He said.

Ciel coughed again and said, "More importantly, I hope you carried out my request."

"Yes, of course." He lifted Ciel up, "There's no need for us to be here anymore. Let's go while everyone is having their meal. We can talk with ease when we get back." Sebastian said. We changed Ciel, I remained silent and we walked out of the tent. William was there, standing and Sebastian walked passed him.

"We've finished our business here, so we'll excuse ourselves now."

"It's none of my business where you go with your master. Be my guest. I can move around at ease again." I walked by him, and he grabbed my arm.

"Your heart?" He asked.

"...still there." I mumbled. He pressed a hand to it, and nodded, "It seems fine. I'll return the favor for healing me someday." He gave me a small bow, and I smiled. I suppose he isn't an asshole always, "I'll hold you to that then." I said to him, and walked away, I didn't see him opened his book, nor did I see him frowning as he looked at the names inside.

~ASC~

"Ciel!'' Soma shouted as we entered the mansion, "Where the hell did you go for two days without telling me anything! If you were gone any longer I would have had to send out a search party!" Behind him Agni welcomed us back.

"It's none of your business." Ciel coughed into his hand. It didn't go unnoticed by Soma or Agni.

"What happened to you? You look horrible."

"It's nothing, get out of the way."

"There's no way it's nothing. You definitely have a cold. Do you have a fever?" Soma asked, acting like a mother hen more than an 'older brother.'

"I don't! My temperature is fine." Ciel shouted, not liking to be fussed about.

Sebastian started walking towards the stairs and Soma followed after, "Liar!" He shouted.

"I'm fine." Ciel said.

Soma wanted to stomp up after him, but I stopped him, "Let him have some time to rest ok." He frowned slightly, wanting to help Ciel, but nodded. I followed after Sebastian, as we went to Ciel's room. He laid the sick boy on the bed and Ciel ripped the scarf off as he tried to breathe and cool down. "Young master certainly has a lot of lies and secrets." Sebastian said as he poured some warm water into a bowl. "Young master didn't even tell me about the chronic illness he's had since childhood. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Matthew knew." Sebastian stared at me, and I nodded. "I thought you knew, so I never said anything about it."

"Is that so?" Sebastian wringed out the water from a towel, "Still it's better to be careful. I'll read a medical book about asthma for next time."

"Is that aesthetics too?" Ciel asked, I gave a small smile, "Even Superman wasn't so super." He didn't respond to me as he took Ciel's hand and lifted the boy up, "I have to be able to react to any kind of situation as a butler." Sebastian washed Ciel's body of the dirt and grime from the circus. "Hmph. More importantly, report about your findings on the Heraldry College of Arms already." Ciel demanded.

"Heraldry College of Arms...you mean the owner of that Hallmark. He's called Baron Kelvin."

"Kelvin?" Ciel said.

"You know him?" I asked Ciel.

"I'm not too fond of charity events so he isn't one of my direct acquaintances, but I did greet him at some parties, my predecessor took me to." Sebastian changed Ciel's clothing, "After this, you can do what you'd like Matthew." I nodded to him, "Thank you."

"Anyway, knowing his name is enough. Let's go." Ciel dressed in his aristocratic outfit, walked to the door and Sebastian opened it for him. "Yes my lord." We said as we followed after, we paused when Agni was in front of us.

"...eh?" I said.

"Fufufu, too naive, Ciel." Soma poked his head from behind Agni's body, "Don't think you can easily get out of this townhouse while it is guarded by me!" Oh boy, this is not going to be good. "You definitely have a cold. I, as governor of this mansion and your best friend can't overlook this!" Soma wiggled himself into the room and Ciel passed him, "Who's my best friend? Don't say such ridiculous things."

"Argh! Agni, don't let Ciel pass!" Agni removed his bandages and I slapped my forehead, Don't break anything. I thought in my head.

"Jo ajna." Agni said.

Ciel's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, "Now listen here, you...I have a job to do! I don't have time to play your games!" He coughed harshly again and he said, "Out of the way!"

"Your job is to lie in bed and be nursed at a hospital!" Soma argued.

"I'm different form you! This much is-" He started to cough violently again.

"Master Ciel!" Agni rushed over and held Ciel up, "Master Ciel, please return to bed. That kind of coughing is characteristic of asthma, there's no way you're okay!" Ciel pushed Agni away, "Don't touch me so easily!" He choked out between coughs.

"Sebastian, get these guys out of my sight."

"Understood."

Agni stood up and looked at Sebastian, fury in his eyes, "Mr. Sebastian is also Mr. Sebastian!" What? "Not to mention you're Master Ciel's butler!"

"Eh?" Sebastian said.

"As a fellow butler...no. As your friend, I'll say this: Your master's body is your first priority! Even though it goes against orders, don't you think that, considering Master Ciel's condition, you should have stopped him?" Agni was right; I really don't think he should be going out in his condition as well. "It's for my master to be bright and healthy...that I would risk my life. Isn't that what you would call a butler's aesthetics?" He shouted. Sebastian's eyes widen, he must have realized his mistake.

"I also think...that Ciel should rest a bit." I muttered.

"Matthew!" Ciel stared at me in shock.

"I thought that granting my Master's wishes was my job, but...certainly. You may have a point in thinking that too." Sebastian mumbled.

"Why you...what are you being persuaded for, my orders are-" Soma grabbed Ciel, "Now that that's decided the patient will sleep. I'll nurse you personally!" Soma said, "Agni prepare rice porridge and an herb bath!"

Ciel started sputtering and he shouted, "Don't just-"

"Understood." Agni said as he rushed off.

"Ciel's butler can get his night clothes, Mr. Matthew can get the ice pillow!" We nodded to him.

"Yes." Sebastian said.

"Hey!" Ciel shouted.

We ignored him and set off to do what we were told to do. When we had finished, there was a frowning Ciel in his nightshirt with a thermometer sticking out of his mouth. Soma sighed in relief, "Now you're at ease!" Well at ease as a prisoner I suppose. "Yes." Agni said, agreeing with his prince.

Sebastian tucked Ciel into bed and he grumbled, "I said I'm busy..."

"You already learned various things. Like they're saying isn't it ok to rest for today at least?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes Ciel. We always have tomorrow; I doubt the mice will go into hiding." He looked at me doubtfully, but just sighed. "Mice?" Soma said. I placed a finger to my lips and smiled at them. Sebastian made a move to place his hand on Ciel's forehead, but he turned his head away, pouting like a child. "Ciel." I said. He frowned and I went to him. I pressed my forehead to his and turned back to Sebastian, "The fever is slowly going down." He nodded and everyone started to leave, Sebastian whispered to Ciel, whose eyelids were feeling heavy, "We'll do everything tomorrow." He promised.

We went outside the room, and Soma and Agni whispered that they were going back downstairs. I nodded and looked to Sebastian, "I'm going to pay a visit to the kids." I made a move to leave and Sebastian snatched my wrist, it was tight and felt like it was going to cut my hand off. He started dragging me down the hall till we ended up at an empty guest room.

"Sebas-Bam!" My back hit the wall as Sebastian's hands were gripping my shoulders, "What did you do with the reaper that he would owe you a favor. Why would you help an enemy of mine?" He was angry, his fury being only held down for Ciel who may wake up if he were to unleash his full potential. "..." I didn't say anything, I didn't want to make him any angrier then he already was. "Answer me!" He slammed my body once more on the wall and this time I released a gasp as my head hit the wall. "S-" Sebastian sealed his mouth to my own and bit my lips. I gasped and he shoved his tongue into my mouth. His whole body pressed against me as he ravaged my mouth, biting me till I bled. My heart was beating loudly, and I started to get scared as his hands clawed at my clothing. I pulled away from the kiss and slammed my forehead to his. It hurts like hell; it felt like I rammed my head into cement backed by titanium with a diamond in the center.

He shook his head of the small pain, not expecting my attack. "Why?" He suddenly said. I touched my forehead, there was blood coming from it and I looked at him. "You stupid...!" I didn't bother finishing my sentence. He walked up to me, my hand went for my knife in case he tried to do something stupid again, but I couldn't even grip it as it fell from my hand, I didn't want to argue, not now, not here. He touched my forehead with his hand then he pressed his forehead to mine. "Why aren't you upset at me?" He whispered.

I looked away, "What makes you think I'm not... we must do what we must do." I said. He slammed his hand onto the wall, "That's not good enough! What I did...I-I..." I pushed passed him, "I don't hate you for what you did Sebastian. I just hate myself since I am bringing my own suffering. After all...I'm only human. If only I could rid myself of theses useless emotions," I smirked at the thought, not able to look him in the eye, "So you wouldn't be troubled over me." I gave him a false smile, and I walked out. I can suddenly feel his presence again. Was it me who was blocking it, or was it Sebastian? If it was him, he should have stopped the block this morning instead of just now, or was he trying to avoid my thoughts, or am I trying to avoid his. It felt like there was a lock in my mind, and I begin to suspect that I figured out how to enclose my mind.

I stopped and shook my head, now wasn't the time to be acting like this, I have a promise to uphold. I left the mansion and rode Andrew to the orphanage. I hopped off and walked to the building, the woman was outside watering some of the plants she had growing. "Excuse me, my good lady." She turned around and frowned, "Oh it's you. What do you want now?"

"I've come for the children; I would like to give them a home." She froze and looked at me, "What?" I smiled to her, "Yes, I've come to adopt all three. Can you get them? Or no wait, I'll go get them, I want to surprise them." I made a move to go into the building and she stopped me. "I'm sorry sir. If you were only here earlier you could have taken the poor children." I stared at her, not understanding what she meant. "A man came here in the wee hours of the morning and told me he needed children for the workhouse. He said he needed three of them and he picked those three. They didn't want to go, especially that Damien, he was kicking and screaming, saying you were coming to adopt them. If only I had believed him..." She frowned at this.

My eyes stung and the grief in my heart grew bigger, "Oh...I see." My feet trudged back to Andrew, "I'm sorry for the trouble." She nodded to me and I rode back, my own voice in my head blamed me for this.

You promised him, and yet you couldn't even keep it. Once more, you couldn't do anything for them.

My tears prickled my eyes, but I held them back, and suddenly wished for Sebastian.

Are you ok? Sebastian asked in my mind.

I made a promise that I couldn't keep.

He remained silent and I rode back home.

~ASC~

Doll hit the ground, as Peter kept his hand raised; ready to strike her again, "I thought I told you not to believe outsiders so much." Peter glared at her, a scowl on his face. "Bu...But. He's still a child. He said he didn't have anywhere else to go." She argued, "Plus, we made a promise." Peter raised his hand again, "That's why I'm saying you're still just a kid." He backed his hand, fury in his eyes, and Jumbo, the fire-breather grabbed his hand. "Brother Peter."

"Jumbo!"

"This is now what we should be doing right now." The tall man said to the small boy. "The ones who trespassed into our tent, Smile and Black, and I'm sure even Feather had something to do with this as well, even the one who possessed skills equal to theirs, Suit, have all disappeared. To stay here any longer would be dangerous."

Dagger thought for a second and said, "Then, as soon as Joker comes back-"

"He's at Father's right now. Even if he hurries it'll take 3 days." Beast interjected.

Missy Wendy pouted, "By then it'll be too late. We need to move fast."

Doll looked away from the others, to ashamed of herself to look at them. Jumbo placed a hand on her head and he said, "Father said this time's target is special. If we don't do something while we're here... If we fail he will be angry for sure."

Peter tsked, "As Jumbo said, this time the boy's house isn't in a town close by. We should do it while he is still in London. If we start now then by the time we go and come back it will be dawn already. I guess it can't be helped."

Peter crossed his arms and stated, "We'll carry it out tomorrow!"

Beast clutched her arm and looked away. Dagger scratched his chin and said, "If any case, if we don't report this to Joker-"

"I'll go." Beast said.

"If you're missing we'll lack in battle power might the need come." Missy said.

"Doll, you go." Peter ordered.

Doll looked down, "Got it." She said glumly, knowing that it was all her fault for not reporting. Beast looked at the girl; she knew it wasn't entirely her fault, "I'll get a horse, so come on." She led Doll to the stables. Beast helped Doll up the horse and Doll looked down at her, "I'm sorry sister, because of me-"

"You're not to blame..."

"Eh?" She said.

"It's nothing. Quickly, to where Joker is." She ordered.

"Y-yeah." Doll whipped the reins and the horse ran out of the circus, Beast watched as she left, just like Joker had left.

~ASC~

William stared at his notes, "Well then. Originally it was to clean up their synchronized mistakes...but this is something outside of an accounting manager like myself's jurisdiction. It's also uncalled for to force a civil servant to harshly stand night-watch for a little over a month. Honestly." He fixed his glasses as he stared down at the forest that surrounded the mansion.

"However...Tomorrow everything will end."

~ASC~

"Tom, he was a Piper's son, he learnt to play when he was young," Joker sang softly as he changed his clothing, "And all the tune that he could play, was 'over the hills and far away..." He grabbed his make up and drew the long tear drop on his left eye, "Over the hills and a great way off, the wind shall blow my top-knot off." He stopped and looked at a picture from long ago.

"Of the hills, to the other side...huh."

He walked down the hallways, the entire house was dark, and only the soft glow of candles lit the rooms. He opened the double doors to another hallway and called out, "Father...I have returned home just now." He walked up a row of stairs and knocked on a door. "Father, please excuse me." He entered the room and placed his hand to his heart, "I'm sorry for coming at such a late hour. But actually, I would like to tell you tha-"

"Ooh, ooh. Welcome back Joker. What a good child you are, coming back so soon, and with such beautiful gifts you have brought for me. So pretty, that I took them downstairs to the basement. But, forget about those gifts." The man said most of his body was wrapped up in bandages; clothes were over some of them, and two children by his side one on his lap, a small girl, the other by his left, a little boy. Both had hollowed eyes, no longer there in spirit.

"And what about him? He is with you right?" The bandaged man asked.

"No, that's still..."

"What." The man said, "Well doesn't that make you a bad child then."

Joker sweated a bit and fell to one knee. "I'm extremely sorry. In relation to that matter...it seems that we might have been marked by the yard."

"Please elaborate." He said, as he pointed to something the little girl had on the serving tray. Not wasting any minutes, Joker reported to him, "It seems some new guys we recruited the other day snuck into one of our tents. There is a chance that they saw Father's letter." The little girl brought the teacup up to the man's lips and he took a sip, "If they're from the yard, we can't take this lightly. It's like we are the suspected criminals." The boy on his left started to file his nails, and Joker cleared his throat, "From the start, I thought they were a rather unusual trio. That boy-" The cup fell when the man moved, the girl looked at it, but her eyes didn't show any emotions. "A child?" The man started to tremble.

"Father?" Joker said.

"It was a child?"

"Y...yes. The other was all dressed in black, and the-"

"A child and a butler!" The man gripped the little boy's face.

"Now that you mention it..." Joker said in shock, "One said he was a former butler."

"It must be so. It's so. It must be." His father said his left eye wide and crazed like, while his other eye was covered in bandages along with the rest of his face. "We did it! It's him! It's the Earl Ciel Phantomhive!" He shouted standing up from the couch.

Joker's eyes widen in shock, "Smile! He didn't seem-"

"Ever since that day I've been dreaming of this." He stumbled over to Joker, "When he comes here, we must give him the best service possible. Joker! Please hurry and start preparing a splendid banquet!"

"Hold on a sec!" Joker shouted, "If that is really true, Noah's Arc will be in trouble! We must issue orders immediately! On top of that-"

"Joker." He froze, his father's voice was stern as he said, "Are you talking back to me?" Joker sweated as he realized what he had done. "I raised you, you who had been abandoned since birth. I gave you limbs that moved freely. You will talk back to that father?"

"I- I didn't mean it like tha-"

"Isn't it true? I raised you to be a good child. You do want your siblings still at the workhouse to be raised into splendid adults also, right?" The man threatened. Joker trembled in fear at that, a terrified look on his face, "The good little Joker, will listen to what father says right?"

"Yes...father..."

"I'm glad to have a son who is so devoted to his parents. Come here." Father waved him over and he took Joker's bone hand, "Let's take a picture together, we haven't taken one in such a long time. To capture a devoted son and his happy father." Two kids appeared with a box camera and Joker and his father stood side by side. "Smile." He said, Joker's face had nothing but fear for his siblings as the camera clicked.

He was back in his room and he stared at the old picture he had in his room.

"I'm..."

~ASC~

Beast stared at the picture of her and everyone in the picture, from when they were younger, and happier. She sighed as she sat down and lowered the picture frame. "Aren't you done packing yet?" Wendy asked as she stepped in.

"Ah...sorry." She placed the picture inside her trunk and held the sides of it, "Sister Wendy." She turned around and looked at the smaller girl, "Won't we wait for Joker after all?" She asked, "I really need to talk to him about something..."

"If we wait until we get caught, we will lose everything. Can't you talk to him once this job is over?" Wendy walked to Beast and placed a hand on her shoulder, "You've been acting kinda weird since yesterday, did something happen?" Beast stayed silent as she looked up to her, "Don't worry. You will be able to meet with him tomorrow." She nodded and they were all outside, getting ready to leave.

"Going out again? Says Emily." Snake looked at the three males in front of him; they were waiting for Beast and Wendy. "Me and sis have some private stuff going on~" Dagger exaggerated. "It might be a date with sis, it might~" little hearts danced around Dagger's head.

Jumbo sighed, "We are just inspecting the new town..."

"We won't be in tonight's performance cuz of this." Peter said, ignoring Dagger who was yelling at Jumbo.

"If you give a shitty performance I'll kill you!" Dagger threatened at Snake.

One of the snakes moved slightly forward from Snake's neck and it hissed at Dagger, "Though you must be nervous, do your best. Says Emily." Dagger smiled at the little snake, "We'll be back by tomorrow morning." Snake looked at Emily and he said in a ridiculous voice, "I'll be lonely, so hurry back ok~ I'll keep the bed warm while waiting~ Says Emily."

"Oh aren't you lucky Dagger, its spring already huh?" Jumbo joked.

"I don't wanna have a snake coming on to me!" He shouted in embarrassment.

~ASC~

"It seems the fever has dropped." Agni said as he walked over to his sleeping prince, "His respiratory sounds are normal too, and his color has improved immensely since yesterday." They both moved closer to the sleeping Ciel and smiled, "It's a relief, isn't it." Agni said.

"They say sleep is the best medicine for humans. Let's not wake him yet." Sebastian stepped out of the room, Agni followed carrying Soma. "Uh...Mister Sebastian. I'm sorry for being so forward and yelling so loudly at you yesterday."

Sebastian smirked, "Not at all. It was a deeply interesting point and good guidance."

Agni smiled at him, "You shouldn't say such things! For me to give guidance...I think Mister Sebastian is a far more perfect butler than I am!"

"But you're to mean!"

They both paused and said, "Eh?"

Agni's eyes widen and he stuttered, "Pr-prince! Did I wake-"

"I'm sleeping! The one talking right now is Agni!" Soma's body shook in fear, hoping Sebastian wouldn't try to scare him again. "Eeeh?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow at this. Agni sighed and lip synched for Soma, "Compared to me, you're not nice to your master at all."

"Not nice?"

"Exactly. Ciel is still a child! He's at the age where you want to be fawned over and cuddled by your parents all day when you have a cold. But he doesn't have parents...well, it's not like I had anything like that, but...I had a grandpa and Meena who fawned over me completely and were nice to me. That's why..." Soma stood up a little on Agni's shoulder and stared at Sebastian with determined eyes, "You should be nice to him and fawn over him with all your might." Soma jumped off Agni's back and ran away. "Okay, be nice!" He shouted. Agni clapped his hands together, "Prince what a kind heart!" He cried as he followed after. Sebastian stood silent for a bit and then went to the living room to empty out the fireplace of ashes. "Be nice and fawn over him huh..."

"Fawn over whom?" Matthew walked into the room, and sat down on a chair. "A little prince told me that children must be fawned over and coddled." Matthew just hm'ed at him as he rested his head on his fist and one leg was crossed over the other.

Sebastian frowned and he walked over to him. "I'm sorry abo-"

Brrring brrriiing.

"Better get that. Answering machines haven't been invented yet." Sebastian sighed as Matthew stared off into space, he didn't look like he wanted to speak about what had happened. He walked over to the phone and picked it up, "Yes?" Matthew couldn't hear the voice very well, but it sounded like the older butler was on the line. "Tanaka? Yes. Yes..." Sebastian grabbed a notepad and a pencil as he wrote what Tanaka told him, "Certainly, I'll pass on the message." He hanged up the phone and walked over to Matthew.

"Come, I'll make you something to eat, you must be starving." Matthew didn't budge and Sebastian went down on his knees, and he took Matthew's hand, "Please don't do this." He whispered as he placed his head on Matthew's lap. Matthew released a breath as he ran his fingers threw his yellow hair. "It feels like every time I try to make myself happy, something comes and takes it away."

"And me?"

Matthew chuckled at that as he placed his hand on Sebastian's head, "You came to me first. I never did anything. You where the one that would bring me happiness, it seems I must depend on you even now. I just hope... I don't jinx it." Sebastian grabbed the hand that stroked his hair and he kissed it, "I wish you would get mad at me, take your anger out on me. It will make you feel better." Matthew shook his head, This pain is nostalgic, I would rather keep it for a while longer. Matthew thought as Sebastian sighed and looked up at Matthew, "Do you know that your eyes dim when you're sad, they make your face look older, as if you've lived to long, and seen too much."

Matthew chuckled, "I see." The mood in the living room was dark and suffocating as a smile grew on Matthew's face. "Matthew?" Sebastian asked, he couldn't read his thoughts and it worried him as he stared at the sinister smile on Matthew's face. "Sebastian, wouldn't it be interesting if I slit my throat right now, I wonder how much blood I would bleed. Enough to paint the walls maybe?" He started chuckling and Sebastian grabbed Matthew's face. "Why are you speaking like this?"

Matthew looked at Sebastian, his eyes hollow. Sebastian slapped Matthew and the blonde boy blinked and his face contorted in confusion. "Wha-" He couldn't speak and he blinked in confusion, "I...I need to go." He stood up and walked away. Sebastian went to follow him but Matthew screamed in his mind, Stay! He stopped and watched as his mate left him.

I wish you would tell me what is wrong. Sebastian thought. He sighed and took out his watch. "4:20." He murmured as he walked out of the living room.

~ASC~

"Hn..." Ciel moaned as he opened his eye, "Dark...?" He blinked for a few seconds and suddenly sat up, "What time is it now!"

"It is 7:14pm." Sebastian said as he pushed a cart with a silver dish and a candelabrum. "You finally woke up I see."

"Why didn't you wake me?" Ciel demanded. Sebastian wrapped Ciel's jacket over his shoulders, "It was a decision based on the fact that butlers should think about their Master's health first."

"Huh?" Ciel looked at his butler.

"Today's dinner is milk risotto with 3 kinds of mushrooms, with pork and wine pot-au-feu. Desert is apple compote draped with yogurt." Ciel stared at the food, it looked good, but it was a little too much. "Well then, Young master." Sebastian grabbed a plate and held out the spoon full of food to Ciel, "Say ahh."

Ciel's mouth fell open in shock, "Just what are you trying to be?"

"Ah, is it hot? I will cool it down for you then." Sebastian blew on the spoon, cooling it down. Ciel grew goose bumps as this disturbing sight and he shouted, "Stop it right now, that's an order!" Sebastian smirked, "Master Soma said patients are things to fawn over completely and be nice to. Does it not please you?"

Ciel tsk'ed in annoyance, "I don't need your 'fawning.' It's disgusting."

"Is that so, I bet you wouldn't say that if it was Matthew." Ciel froze and looked away, a small blush on his face, "That's not true." Sebastian chuckled and played with the bowl of food, "You say that, but you're like a child who wants to cling to their beloved parent." Ciel tsked and looked ready to smack Sebastian, and the demon just raised his hands in defense, "I'm sorry about that then. Now please eat." Ciel sighed and nodded, "Very well." Ciel finished the meal, on his own, and Sebastian helped him get dress. "By the way, at about 4, I got a telephone call from Tanaka. It seems Lady Elizabeth is at the main house."

"What! Why didn't you say that sooner?"

Sebastian grabbed Ciel's coat and slipped it on for him, "I wanted Young master to eat his dinner with ease. And if you don't chew well, the nutrition rate will go down too..."

"Hey. Don't get carried away with the advice from that peaceful idiot combo."

Sebastian smirked, "It seems Mistress Elizabeth has no intention of going home before seeing you. So it's for her fast return."

Ciel sighed, "Jeez...you've researched Baron Kelvin's house right?"

Sebastian handed him his top hat, "Yes seeing as there was plenty of time to do so. It's a place that's about a one day drive by coach or railroad from London." Ciel placed his hat on his head, "If it's you, we will be able to get there in one hour right?"

"If it's an order."

"Let's end this quickly and return to the main house."

"Yes, my lord." Ciel left the room and Sebastian followed him. They were down the stairs and Soma rushed over, "Ciel! You're going out again!" Soma demanded, "And if you don't heal-"

"Yesterday," Ciel interrupted, "I hear you nursed me when I was asleep."

"Eh. Y-yeah." Soma said.

Ciel smiled to him, as fake as Sebastian's own smile, "Thanks to you, I feel so much better. Thank you." Soma blushed in embarrassment as he grew big headed, "Is that so-! Thanks to me! After all, when the nursing is good, you really heal better!" Ciel and Sebastian rushed by Soma and he quickly said, "Yeah. So like that, the healthy me is gonna go. See you."

The door slammed and Soma Ah'ed in surprised.

They stopped when they saw a dark shadow down the stairs, it moved towards them and they realized it was Matthew. "Let's go." Ciel said. Matthew nodded, and Sebastian grabbed his waist and hoisted Ciel up in his other arm, "You fooled me Ciel! I'll remember this for when you come back!" Soma shouted from within the house as the three disappeared into the sky.

~ASC~

The sky was full of stars, but was blocked by the forest. Doll patted the horse's back as it drank in the pond. "There, there. It's just a little bit further, so please do your best." She walked over to a fallen log and sat down, "I'll rest a bit too." She dug around her pocket and pulled out a lollipop from Funtom. "Ah...I really...don't think Smile is with the yard. He's really sickly, weak, and doesn't seem to lie. But we..." The horse nuzzled her and she stood up, "That's right! In any case, I must go to where Brother Joker is right away!" She jumped up onto the horse's back and they ran off.

~ASC~

Up on a chimney, William stood as he balanced a pigeon on his hand. "Even at a time like this." He sighed as he placed a small note and attached it to the birds leg, "They won't increase personnel...Deliver these documents to the personnel department." Something came near the house and William looked down, "...Already." He released the bird and called out to it as it flew, "Make it an extremely urgent delivery."

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