Note: Posting early for AlexBeoulve cause she drew Seb and Ciel hat shopping for me :3 I'm sure she will hate me before long, though (in fact, I'm sure all of you will =^=) because you all seem so happy about the baby... I will warn you now: NOTHING has happened yet. Everything in this whole Part One has been setup. So, with that haunting your little fangirl/boy brains, on with chapter fourteen... (and no this does not mean ch. 15 is coming any earlier)

The sun was so bright it was painful even without looking at it the morning they left to go back to the main house. Ciel held a hand up to cover his eyes as they walked out to the carriage, Lizzie hanging off of his arm. Sebastian held the door open for them, and after he shut it Ciel half-closed the curtains as to not be blinded.

The carriage didn't shift at all to show for Sebastian getting into the driver's seat, and suddenly they jolted into motion.

"Ciel?"

He tore his gaze from his hands, looking over at her. "Yes, Elizabeth?"

"I… I wanted to ask you… Why… Why didn't you ever…" She couldn't seem to get the words to come out right. Ciel shifted in his seat, leaning over to try and see her face.

"Lizzie…?"

"Why didn't you ever propose?"

"Why didn't I… propose…?" He frowned. "It would have been unnecessary, Elizabeth, seeing as the wedding was planned since we were small children."

"Oh…" She looked away, out at the blinding sun through the window.

Ciel stared at her for a long moment before moving off the bench to kneel in front of her. "Before I do this," he said, "I want to say that this is completely pointless, but I hope you're happy."

Lizzie's cheeks flushed a pale pink as Ciel held her left hand, looking up at her through his bangs. "Elizabeth Mid - er, Phantomhive," he said, "I think I'm doing this a bit behind schedule, but if it's what will make you happy then it's okay."

"Ciel…"

"Shush. I'm doing this for you." He cleared his throat. "Elizabeth, are you happy to marry me?"

Elizabeth nodded, holding Ciel's face between her hands and pressing her lips to his. "Yes," she muttered, "I'm very, very happy to marry you."

Without even having to think about it like he usually did, he kissed her back. Almost unconsciously he brushed his hand over her belly. She didn't seem to notice.

And for once Sebastian was the last thing on his mind.

.

Too bad for the demon, however, Ciel was never the last on his. He wanted nothing more than to wring Elizabeth's neck at the moment. He did not like sharing his things. And Ciel was, without a doubt, his.

Sebastian's everlasting patience was nearly gone. He wasn't sure how much longer he could last.

.

As soon as they arrived at the manor Ciel's orders no longer applied, and Sebastian wanted nothing more than to ravish him. However that wasn't an option at the moment. Ciel seemed to be ignoring him anyway, walking arm in arm with Elizabeth to be greeted by the servants.

Sebastian broodingly collected their things and went ahead of them into the manor. As he passed Snake he ordered that the carriage be parked properly and the horses were taken back to the stables.

He was pleased to find that the manor had not been completely demolished in his absence. When he entered Ciel's room it was apparent that Mey Rin had moved Lady Elizabeth's things in. The wardrobe was overflowing with poofy dresses and an array of hair styling products had been set on the dresser.

Sebastian set down the suitcases and wandered over to the bed. Ciel's scent clung to the blankets; Sebastian had to restrain himself as to not just bury himself in that smell, so familiar to him. It had become like a drug over the years.

He closed his eyes, sinking onto the mattress and massaging his forehead. It wasn't good to remain in a human body for this long a time period, and it was even worse to have this sort of obsession with his master.

This had to end quickly. But he couldn't bring himself to let that happen.

.

Dinner was some chicken dish that Sebastian hadn't ever made before. Ciel didn't like the recipe much; there was something in it that gave the dish an unsatisfying spice.

"Is something not to your liking, my lord?" he asked innocently.

"The whole meal. Do not make it again."

Sebastian smirked, leaning down. "Oh? What if I fed you?" Ciel hoped Lizzie didn't see him blushing.

"Keep your distance, butler," he hissed. "I'm no child that needs to be coddled. Know your place."

Sebastian's was still smiling as he straightened up. "Yes, my lord."

Lizzie shot them an odd look, but clearly didn't linger on it. Everyone knew that Sebastian had a bad habit of treating Ciel like a baby, and often dismissed it when he did things like this.

A smile formed on her face. "Ciel, would you excuse me for a moment?"

"Ah… Of course," he said.

She pushed back her chair and started to the door, motioning to Sebastian.

Sebastian glanced down at Ciel, who waved his hand dismissively. With a small bow he went to follow Elizabeth. The door closed behind them and Ciel was left alone.

.

Lizzie was unable to look into Sebastian's eyes. She often thought he looked like great, beautiful statue that would live in a graveyard, and those eyes were two rubies inset in a flawless white marble face; haunting, yet so artful and gorgeous he was impossible to not admire.

"Sebastian… I wanted to thank you."

He blinked. "Pardon… but what for?"

"For… for taking care of Ciel. For teaching him and protecting him and loving him."

"Loving him?" Sebastian's lips curved into an infuriating smirk.

Lizzie frowned. "He… He said…" She paused, thinking. "The other day I suggested that we replace you and find a new butler, and Ciel got very upset. He said that you'd saved him and haven't left his side for seven years, at least." Sebastian didn't reply, so she went on, "I… I don't particularly like you, Sebastian. In fact, to be quite honest, I'm jealous of you."

"Why on earth would the beautiful, young wife of a rich noble be jealous of a mere butler?"

Lizzie's cheeks flushed. "Ciel… he trusts you. He looks up to you. You're clearly very important to him, and… I wish he felt like that about me." She looked down, tears forming. "I really, really hate you for that... How could someone like their butler more than their own wife?"

"Is that why you wished to replace me?"

She was silent for a moment, but then said, very softly, "Yes. Yes, it is. I don't want you to possess him like this anymore."

Sebastian laughed softly. "I'm afraid you're terribly naïve, my lady. I am simply a butler, nothing more. The master sees me no better than any other servant, and, most certainly, not at all any better than you. I believe I've told you this before, but he does love you."

She shook her head, her shoulders trembling. "Sebastian… I don't believe you…"

"I tell no lies."

"To Ciel! You tell no lies to Ciel! You lie as freely as you'd like to me!" She looked up at him, tears leaving wet streaks on her pink cheeks. "Tell me… are you really just a butler to Ciel? I am your mistress now, and I order you to tell me!"

Sebastian tapped his jaw with a slim gloved finger. "Just what do you think I am to him?"

"I… I don't know…"

"Just as I thought." Sebastian sighed. "My lady, please calm down. I promise you, I am nothing more than the Phantomhive butler, and the master does love you. This is a very silly thing for you to concern yourself with."

Lizzie swallowed, trying to wipe away her tears. "I'm sorry… Please do not tell Ciel about this…"

Heaving another irritated sigh Sebastian produced a handkerchief from his coat and offered it to Lizzie. "Of course not, my lady." He turned to open the door to the dining room, but Lizzie stopped him.

"I have one more question, Sebastian."

"Yes, my lady?"

"Even… Even if you say you're nothing more than a butler to Ciel… what is he to you?"

Sebastian frowned, contemplating his answer for only a moment. "My master is the most important thing. My number one priority."

This obviously wasn't the answer she was looking for, but didn't press the matter. Sebastian tried, again, to open the door but was once again stopped.

"Do I look okay?" Lizzie asked.

"Yes, you look lovely, as always."

She nodded, handing the handkerchief back to Sebastian, who tucked it away into one of his coat pockets, only with the intent to toss it into the fireplace later.

"Are you ready?"

She nodded, and he was finally allowed to open the door into the dining room.

.

Ciel didn't even look up when Sebastian and Lizzie entered again. He sat poking at his dinner with a fork halfheartedly. "Shall I prepare dessert, my lord?"

Ciel sighed. "If Elizabeth is finished eating."

Sebastian glanced at her and she nodded. Collecting their plates he bowed smoothly before disappearing to the kitchen.

Note: Filler, filler, filler... la-di-da... Anyway. I was wondering who you guys thought the murder was, because I've gotten no theories about it yet. I feel like it should be obvious by now xD But oh well... and about the Q and A, I am not doing it because I have no questions *secretly happy* But still feel free to ask if anything confused you. I feel like I've been being very vague this whole time. Blah blah blah. Love you all. I will see you in chapter fifteen x3