-Ciel's pov-

It was late at night and I desperately wanted to go back to my mansion, but I knew I had to stay to complete this mission and make sure that in the process of doing so protect Phoenix. There's a feeling I've never had when I'm around her. She makes me genuinely smile. I want to know who she really is though. I know she's not telling me something, and I know I have to find out what.

"The only way to leave quickly is to go and then we can leave." said Smile. "Now if we can search the first-stringer's tents we can go home. I plan to work my our way up the ladder, but I don't wish to spend this much time in these conditions." "Personally I think brute force is easier than infiltration." said black. "Maybe I can get close to Phoenix then she'll tell me everything." said Smile. "She has grown exceptionally close to you." said black. "Yes, and if she confides in me enough she'll let me on everything." said Smile. "First I need to slip away from that Freckled chap who is always on my tail, and the quiet one who I don't think we even need to worry about. That's when we'll strike."

-Later. -

When I was struggling with a box of Dagger's spare knives Phoenix saw me struggling and she decided to help me. "S-Smile, do you need any help?" she asked. She was wearing her costume which she had dried before the show went on. Phoenix you looked as lively as ever and she was yet she was still her quiet self around me. "Yes, that would be quite helpful. Thank you." I said "But shouldn't you be at the stage entrance?" "Yes, but I know if I run I can make it. Besides helping those who need it is more important than helping myself get to the stage entrance"Phoenix said as she set down the knives and ran off.

"Freckles isn't watching right now. Let's go check the tents before we miss our chance." I said. "We can get this done in 10 minutes if we hurry." "Yes my lord." said Sebastian. As we were about to make a run for it we were stopped by the ringleader Joker. "Black!" he shouted. "We have some trouble. Wendy twisted 'er ankle." said Joker. "The show's already started so we need you to take her place." he said.

"Surely I'm not a fit substitute." said Sebastian "You're fit, and ready and 'ansome. We can count on 'ee." replied Joker. " 'ee haven't much time,so be quick." With that final note Joker ran off to tend to Wendy's injury. "There's nothing we can do. We'll have to find another chance young master." said Sebastian. "We don't know when our next chance is, when he isn't with me. You may be in the show, but I have time." I confirmed. "The only obstacle we'll face are the snakes that are in Snake's tent." said Sebastian. "Right. Come with me Sebastian." I agreed.

Soon we went to Snake's tent and we tied up all the snakes. "According to the program, your act ends at 7:50 and the encore is at 8, which means we have about a ten-minute time frame." I said "to do what?" Asked sebastian. "As soon as your act ends, we will release all these snakes and then go back for the encore. I'll look through their tents." I explained. "Will you be alright by yourself young master?" Asked Sebastian. "Fine. Now get back to the show, they'll become suspicious of you're late." I said

As I entered the first tent that belonged to a first stringer it was bare. Soon I found a picture of some children. In the photo freckles being held by someone and the quiet one is being held by some people who looked like Dagger and Joker. "Are these the first-stringers?" I thought out loud. Upon closer inspection there was another man in the photograph who I had never seen in my life. Or so I thought.

When I went to the next tent the same man in the photo was with another first stringer. Suddenly I realized that the sign behind the man and woman in the photo said "workhouse" "Is that an orphanage?" I thought to myself. Suddenly I started thinking of Phoenix's words. "We all Coke from the same place." She once told me. I soon realized they all must have come from the same workhouse. My only problem was I didn't know where this workhouse is.

Suddenly I heard footsteps approaching which only meant trouble was abound. When out of nowhere Sebastian arrived and shoved me into a chest. He too got inside with me. For a moment we were both safe. When she left we got out of the stuffy chest. "I was right to return ahead of schedule." He said. "Oi! Get off me." I said.

When Beast left the tent I immediately started explaining to Sebastian what I saw and what I thought could be proven as useful. "I see. You think the photographs in the first-stringer's tents will be proven to be useful." said Sebastian. "Yes. Do you notice anything?." I said as we kept looking in Beast's chest. I found a picture of her, Phoenix,and the same man that was in all the other pictures. When she was younger Phoenix had (h/l) (h/c). She had the same beautiful (e/c) as she always had. She still looks as innocent as she always does and she was wearing a smile.

"Yes, I've seen the imprint on the ring that the man is wearing recently." said Sebastian snapping me out of my daydream, and causing me to blush. "Imprint? Sigment ring? You can you make out that small of a detail?" I asked as I regained my composure. "Yes, If my memory serves… It matches the seal on the joint of Beast's prosthetic leg." Explained Sebastian. "This seal, this workhouse… We need to know more about this man." I said. "It's almost time for the encore. Let's stop here today. I need an adequate amount of time to free the snakes." Said Sebastian. "I still have to search Joker's tent and Phoenix's tent." I said. "But my lord-" argued Sebastian. "If I work through the encore I should be able to complete the task." I said. "I will end it all today. Sebastian go back so they won't suspect us. When it's over get back here before the others do and free the snakes. Got that?" With that final note I ran to Phoenix's tent.

When I got there the only thing that was there were her books that she got from all over the world, her spare costume, and her chest full of belongings. I didn't want to invade her privacy, but I knew it was the only way to carry out this mission. When I went through I saw her journal was inside the chest. I decided not to look through it because I knew nothing of importance would be inside. Then I found a picture of Phoenix with Dagger and Joker together having a picnic over the hills. She was wearing a dress and she was wearing a flower crown. She was the picture of beauty and happiness. I decided to take the picture with me, so that when I leave I can remember her.

After I left her tent I went to Joker's tent. When I went inside I found the same picture of Phoenix, Joker, and dagger on the table beside Joker's bed. 'He must really care about her.'I thought to myself. I kept recalling the picture of Beast with the strange man and noticed that because of his attire he must be a nobleman or wealthy to say the least. "Given the photograph's that I have seen him in he could possibly be a philanthropist." I said as I stood up to leave.

As I crossed the room I noticed that there was a not under Joker's pillow. It said it was from Tom, piper's son. I decided to examine it, because it could be proven as useful. When I opened the envelope it seemed like an ordinary letter at the time, but I was mistaken. "Why?! This...This has my name on it." I said. "What's my name doing here? Are they onto us?" Soon I heard footsteps approaching which only meant one thing. "Oh hell, the first stringers are back." I said outloud.

I put the letter back where I found it and ran outside. I hid behind two crates that were stacked on top of each other, which made it harder to be seen by anyone. When I looked back over I saw Joker, Dagger, Peter, Wendy, and Phoenix. "I'm feeling peckish. Do you want to go eat?" Asked Joker. "Yes. Is it alright if I invite Smile and Black too?"asked Phoenix. "Is it because you have a-" Joker was about to say until you playfully put a hand over his mouth. You were blushing a deep crimson red when he said that.

Then she said a few remarks that I couldn't hear, but in an instant she was gone. I soon felt a erratic slight breeze and I saw a shadow. It looked like a human, but with wings. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, so I ignored whatever it was"I should have stopped sooner. I have to get back without being seen." I said. As I stood up there was a snake, which scared me so much it made me go back down into the position I was originally in.

Suddenly there was a glow. I looked up and Phoenix and doll were standing in front of me. Doll was holding a lamp and for some reason Phoenix's fake wings were still on fire. "Oi. What are you doing there?" Asked Doll as Phoenix just stood there in silence. " Don't move." Said Doll as she hopped over one of the boxes to take care of the snake. "Sebas-!" I was about to say until Phoenix put a finger to my lips as if to say that they were going to take care of this ordeal for me.

"We can't allow you to get caught. Doll has this under control."you said as you lifted your finger off of his lips. Then you went over to the side of the box to watch what Doll was about to do. "Oi doll! What are you waiting for? Phoenix said she was going to bring Smile and black. She also said she was going to cook. Get changed and we'll go eat-" said Dagger "The snake was loose. We've told him not to let them outside." Said doll. Dagger just stood there in so much fear that he could hardly scream.

"I don't want a careless step to send me to my maker." She said. "Please keep them locked away, snake!" Said dagger as Doll handed snake back his snake. "We'll see you later, doll." Said dagger as he walked away with Snake. When you saw doll coming back you instantly grabbed his hand and ran with him to a place where you knew it was safe. "Right, I think we're clear now." Said doll. Smile was still catching his breath, and you didn't realize it at the time, but you were still holding his hand.

"Why did you help me?" I asked. "You still don't get it do you? Sure you would have known by now." You said. "It's me" said doll as she took her wing off. "It is I." You said as you took your hair out of its performance style revealing your (h/c). "Freckles! And…" He said as he drifted off realizing that he didn't know your name or nickname. " call me by my nickname (n/n)." You said as you looked away, a little ashamed.

"Hey! That's not a very nice thing to call people." She said. "You're a bloke who wears dresses onstage?!" He said. "That's rude! I'll have you know I'm a genuine maid." She said. You were watching from the side unsure of what to do, so you just flew away into a nearby a tree and watched it unfold without anyone noticing. "See!" she said. "Want to check down under while you're at it?" She asked.

"Doll, c'mon be at least a little nicer about this."said phoenix. I couldn't see her anywhere, but then I saw a light coming from one of the nearby trees. I walked over and saw her sitting on a tree branch. Her wings were still glowing, and she was sitting in a rather cute position. When she jumped down she landed next to me.

"Smile, what were you doing back there? Didn't you know it was dangerous to be back there?" asked Phoenix. "Well…" I started. "It's okay. We won't be mad at you." said Phoenix as she held both of my hands in hers. "Damn. She really knows how to get things out of people with that cute smile, that quiet voice, and innocent eyes." I thought to myself. "I'm sorry! I haven't stolen anything today!" I said. "I promise! Please don't chase me out!"

She looked shocked and a little taken back. She lifted up my chin so I was looking directly into those beautiful (e/c)s and said: "We won't do that-" she was about to say until doll interrupted her. "Wait today?!" she yelled. "The truth is I used to live in the East End before I became a pageboy. I got by however I could." I said as I looked away not daring to meet those (e/c) that kept its gaze on me.

"I know I shouldn't steal, but I can't shake old habits! My last master found out… If the rest of this troupe finds out I'll surely be sent back to the East End." I said. I was suddenly embraced by Phoenix. "I won't turn you in. I promise." she said. "I may have laid it on a bit thick." said Doll. "You swear you didn't take anything?" "Yes! I swear to God!" I lied. I knew I took a picture of Phoenix, but I knew if she didn't live on I would still want to remember her somehow. Even if it was only by a measly photograph. "Well alright then." said Doll. Then Phoenix got up and stood next to Doll, but didn't look at me. "Thank you so much." I said as I got up from my begging position I was in.

"It's fine. Besides I owe you one." she said. "We all have our secrets we have to keep." said Phoenix. Suddenly the moon came from behind the clouds and illuminated something. It made it seem like Phoenix's fake wings were actually bigger and were actually real. It made her look angelic, which made me blush. "What I did earlier was wrong. Will you forgive me?" asked Doll not daring to look at Phoenix who had just started to remember what happened. She still seemed very hurt from the events of earlier.

"I'll keep quiet. Now we're even." said Doll. "But no more sneaking out." "Right." I said. "Can I ask you guys a question? If you are first stringers, then why did you choose to bunk with me?" I asked. "I sleep better when someone's with me." said Doll. Phoenix however turned bright red and looked away. "E-even though I'm a f-first stringer, do you still w-want to room with me?" she asked as her shyness started to take over. With that I knew she what her true intents were, and then I soon realized I had the same ones.

"Yes! Of course!" I said hoping that she would realize what I was trying to say. She looked up with a look of happiness plastered across every single feature on her face. "What happens here stays here." said doll. "Yes." said Phoenix. "Right!" I said. Then I shook Doll's hand as she walked off leaving only Phoenix and I in silence. Soon I finally decided to speak up. "Phoenix, I'm sorry…" I said.

"There's no need to apologize. I know you like Doll and she seems to have taken a liking to you too." she said. "Phoenix that's not true at all." I said. "What? But you seem to like her so much." she said as she finally lifted her gaze to me. Then I got and idea and started to walk towards her. Since Sebastian did it all the time to win women I thought it was time to win mine.

She backed up until she finally hit the wall and realized she was cornered. Then I slammed my hands to keep her from escaping. "S-Smile…" she said. "What are you doing?" Her cheeks were tinted a deep crimson, like the color of strawberries. "I'll never be satisfied unless I have you." I said. We have only known each other for at least two weeks, but I have already developed feeling for her. I knew what I had to do next since I knew the end was near.

I pressed my lips to hers and she turned an even deeper shade of red, even though I didn't know that was even possible. Her soft lips were perfect. (n/n)'s kisses felt like something of a dream. She wrapped her arms around my neck and then I put my hands on her waist. When she pulled back she looked at me and smiled. "Since the day you came I've been so helpless. When I looked into your eyes, the sky was the limit." she said.

'No matter what happens I will protect you and care for you phoenix.' I thought to myself. Suddenly I heard someone calling her name. It was Dagger and Joker with worried looks on their faces. "Do you think she's in her tent?" asked Joker. "No, I already checked there. Do you think she's with Smile. I swear if he lays one hand on her, he will be losing his hand. Her innocence is more important than his hand." said Dagger as he held some of knives.

"I must leave. Don't worry though, I will see you tonight." said Phoenix as she quickly ran off to meet her brothers. 'Words have no meaning unless you act upon them.' I thought to myself as I kept thinking about how doll said she'd keep the secret. I ran to Sebastian's tent to confront him of his new misdeeds.

"You knew I was still in there when you freed the snakes you bastard!" I yelled. "Yes, but you did order me to free them before the first stringers got back." he said. "What are you glaring for? Rest assured my lord I won't let you die as long as the contract is still in-tact. The only problem is you may encounter some non-fatal obstacles if you order me in the wrong manner. You knew as much. Every game needs it thrills. I thought you agreed." he said.

"Your game has a sickeningly bad taste to it, demon." I said. "You flatter me." he replied. "Nevermind that. I found a note in Joker's son that was sent by someone named Tom,the piper's son. It also addressed me. It had my rank,location, and a biographical sketch." I said. Then I realized Sebastian's roommate Suit was listening,so I ushered him outside.

"As I was saying the sender used a Mother Goose character as their fake identity, although I don't know why." I said as I paused to cough. "And the sealing wax was marked with the initial K." I said. I was shaking and I was freezing. "Then it's the same seal that i saw on the ring and on Beast's leg." said Sebastian. "The ring holds the coat of arms to some family. It includes a horse, which could mean that he was possibly awarded knighthood or possibly he was a soldier."

"Not necessarily. But philanthropy is impossible without a certain degree of status. The heraldic authorities have all coats of arms in their archives. We have enough information to narrow down the suspect list, so that however many they have…" I said as I paused. I felt like I was going to pass out any moment and my shaking increased a great bit. "...you should be able to find one." I knew that I was about to have an attack, but there was nothing I could do. "The missing children, the circus, Tom, the piper's son, and me-" I said. "We'll go back… to the townhouse for…"

Suddenly I felt something coming up and before I knew it I threw up and I passed out from this asthma attack. The last thing I saw was Phoenix rushing to my aid in tears. She saying phrases like "Smile!This is all my fault!" and "Please let me take care of him. I used to be a doctor back at the orphanage I used to work at."

-Your pov;later at the doctor's tent-

Smile. My poor smile. He had an asthma attack and I knew nothing of it. "We've lived together for 3 years and I've never seen him have a fit like this." said Black. "Really? You would think he would have told you. I mean you did say you were his butler. One more thing if he hasn't had attack like this in 3 years then he could be cured… But when someone who has asthma is exposed to stress or chills or if they catch a cold they relapse." I said. "She's right." said the doctor as you began to explain to Black.

"In this case since he was exposed to multiple triggers like chill, stress, and most likely cold that's why he had his relapse. He took a bath with the weight lifting addicts, that's why he caught a cold." you said. Suddenly he woke up and asked for water. "You're awake." said the doctor. You decided to stand back and let the pros handle it from here on so that you could observe. He started so say someone's name, but then he fell asleep once more.

"He was hallucinating. That's never a good sign. I'll keep watch over him until his fever and coughing stops." you said. "I'll watch over him." "Phoenix, you have a performance…" said doc. "I know, but his health is worth more than one measly performance. People can die from asthma. That's why I must help him get better." you said. Black noticed and smiled. 'She would be great help at the manor. I will help her if Ciel approves.'

-later-

It was about midnight. Black was dabbing Smile's forehead with water and I was singing a little while preparing Smile some more ice. "How is he, Black?" you asked as you walked over to him with the ice. "He's poorly off."he replied. "I thought so." you said as you set the ice down on a tray. "Doc, do you have anything else that can help?" you asked. "Yes, I have some mint oil that will help." he said as you went to help him look for it.

When you turned back around Black was gone and Smile was asleep once again. You put the oil on the rag began to treat him. "May your sleep be well, and your dreams pleasant. I will do everything within my power to heal you, Ciel. I promise." you said as you kissed his forehead and went back to work.