Hello, faithful fans of my works. I apologize for my hiatus. Alas, I have returned with another chapter for you and to answer questions regarding the enigma known as Collin. I found myself having a bit of a soft spot for the young brunette who seems to have a heated luster for our dear Ciel. That is partly because he is conjuring of my own creation. Never mind Alois.

But fret not, I will return back to our main characters in later chapters soon enough but first we must get the issue of Collin out of the way. Oh by the way, some people will not be alive by the end of this fiction. I will not reveal any spoilers only that it will be rather tragic and you may cuss me out when it happens. For now enjoy the fiction.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji; manga or anime. I do own the O.C.'s and the events that take place in the chapters. There will also be some Hana Yori Dango references in here.

Warnings: some language, Anti-Semitism, drugs, dark thoughts, plenty of angst.

Bold: Narrative

Italics: past-tense or thought process

Underline: Flashback

Chapter 21: Wealth is not always glamorous (Part I)

Last time…

"Collin McCrullin?"

At once the two young men stood a hair length apart. Both stared at one another in apparent shock and apprehension. There were no words exchanged. Collin wiped off his remaining tears and smirked deviously at his rival.

"So this is where you have been hiding out, eh Phantomhive?" with that said, it would be the beginning of a series of questions that neither was willing to answer.

Present…

Ciel's lips thinned. It was shocking and unnerving to see his self proclaimed 'rival' standing in the same place as him. A part of him was relieved; someone he knew was in the same situation. Another part of him generalized the dangers included. Collin could just as easily ride on back to London and tell the press his true whereabouts thus brining shame to his family name. It would also include possibly being blackmailed by the taller brunette to do his bidding to keep him quiet. Thankfully, it appeared the boy had other things on his mind then blackmail.

"What are you doing here?" the Earl asked. Collin gave Ciel a twisted smirk. "Oh me, nothing much just passing by here visiting an old colleague of my father and such" he lied shakily. Ciel raised a brow. Collin scrutinized the other boy's appearance. "Well Phantomhive, you certainly look worst for wears the last time I saw you. You practically look like a half-starved dog under all those rags" he laughed. Ciel grimaced at him.

"Why are you here, McCrullin?" he asked again. Collin's jovial demeanor disappeared instantly. Unshed tears formed in his eyes. "I guess you didn't hear. As of right now, I am sort of the new occupant" he stated truthfully. Ciel's eyes widened. "But why and how?" Collin continued staring at the floor. "Can we talk this over somewhere else?" he asked in a small voice. Ciel gripped the boy's shoulders. "Come with me" he ordered. The older gave no protest as he was led to another location. They stopped at the Recreation Hall. It was completely empty since everyone was somewhere else. Ciel stood up. "Stay here and I will have Clarice get us some tea and cakes if possible" he said.

"Who is Clarice?" the boy asked. "Clarice is one of the nurses here and has been tending to me since I got here. She is rather nice, I think you will like her" he explained. Ciel paused thinking over the irony of his statement. (1) Those treats were the sole reason he was here to begin with and was determined not to fill his body with anymore "fatty" substances. He was also talking about how wonderful Clarice was even though he resented her for forcing all this food down his throat. However, if he wanted Collin to talk he would have to compromise for now. Clarice was rather dumbfounded when Ciel had requested such treats but agreed. She came by and greeted Collin while thus delivering the treats to the two boys. "Well I am off to tend to other patients. Have fun talking with you friend Ciel" she said cheerfully. Collin waved back awkwardly.

"You're right she is nice". Ciel only nodded. He poured some tea in the cup before speaking again. "Now that all niceties are out of the way, are you going to tell me how and why you are here of all places? And why you are crying" Collin inhaled before speaking.

"You probably already know that I was not born into wealth like some of our peers" he sneered disdainfully. Ciel nodded for Collin to continue. Collin clasped his hands together in pensive silence. It started some time after you supposedly "died" in that fire.

3 years ago:

A boy of ten years old laughed as he ran up and down the multiple grassy plains. He was just the happiest ten year old boy you could see. His family owned a small ranch that had been passed down his family for generations. (2) His family was not one of the wealthiest but it did not matter to the young boy. He loved his home in the small farming village of Eastern England. His village was of a tight knit community where everyone knew each other and treated one another as equals regardless of their status. Little did young Collin suspect; that his life would change indefinitely.

Collin past the wooden gates leading up to his family's ranch home. As he approached the door, he noticed a rustic horse-drawn buggy. He blinked in confusion. That buggy belonged to his uncle Trish. He exclaimed excitedly and pushed open the door to his home.

"Mother! Father! Uncle Trish is here. His buggy…" he paused upon noticing his parents sitting down with his uncle. His parents Seth and Odessa were quite well to do people. His father Seth had short brown hair and a slight mustache with grey eyes while his mother was a woman with wavy brown hair kept in a bun and two ringlets on the side of her face with brown eyes. They wore moderately refined clothing. He noticed his uncle Trish was of smooth complexion and was in what looked to be a tweed suit. That was strange. They all turned to Collin.

"Collin, me boy come sit down. I want to show you and your parents something" he said in his cockney accent. Collin did as he said. Trish's face became serious. "Now that everyone is all here, there is something I want to show all of you" with that he began rummaging through his duffel and pulled out a large object. Once he set it on the table, a plethora of reactions lit up on people's faces. "This, my family is a fragment from an underground copper mine beneath my farm. And it so happened that sometime after this bit of copper gold, a rather wealthy gentleman has offered me triple for the use of the mine".

Odessa beamed. "You mean to say that-" she paused wanting Trish to finish. Trish smiled gallantly at the woman. "As of right now, our family is now officially wealthy and the proud owner of several copper mining franchises". All the adults clapped and cheered for the newfound happiness. Odessa stood up and closed her eyes dreamily imagining the life she would have now that she had wealth. Seth laughed and congratulated Trish on his new success that he so thankfully decided to share. Odessa cleared her throat summoning the attention of all.

"Now that is settled, it is time to discuss more important things. Has it not occurred to you that with all this wealth, this ranch looks like a disheveled dump in comparison?" she inquired. Seth guffawed. "Disheveled dump?! Odessa this dump has been in my family for the last several generations. How can you say you want to sell it?" Odessa sighed. "But Seth, she began, 'if you think about it. With our newfound wealth, we can now afford the things we could never before. As you haven't noticed, the ranch has not been doing so well lately. Even some of the neighbors are starting to talk" she stated. Seth groaned. Leave it to his wife to bring up the matters of their family's social status. Collin and Trish shared in the dismay. Seth straightened up dignified. "Now, Odessa we have done pretty well for ourselves these last few years and Collin has never once complained. As a matter of fact, we are quite happy where we are" Seth defended sternly. Odessa put her hands on her hips. "But Seth, surely we could afford a better change of scenery? And besides, with the money we can finally be able to send Collin to school and give him a far better life than out in the country" she countered snootily. "I truly believe Collin would surely benefit from…"

"NO!"

All the adults turned to their young charge. Collin was on his feet glaring at all the adults. "I don't want to be rich. Or sell the ranch. I like it here" he shouted desperately. Odessa frowned. "Don't yell. And besides what do you mean you do not wish to be wealthy? This is a golden opportunity offered to all but a few and you say you don't want any of it" she chastised. Collin glared heatedly at his mother. "I like it here in the country mother. It's wide, open, everyone here is kind and besides who will manage the ranch once dad dies?" the boy asked. Odessa sighed. "Alas, if we did sell the ranch, we would never have to worry about the mountain of debt that would come with it and besides even if someone like your father were to work his entire life on the place, they would never be able to compensate for the amount it is worth. (3) Trish finding that copper vein is like manna falling from the sky. And besides…what do you find so wrong with a new rich lifestyle?" she retorted speculatively. Collin huffed through his nose.

"Do you remember a few years ago, telling dad that rich people were nothing more than spoiled assholes who were just showing off by flaunting their wealth in people's faces and downtrodden the lower class?" he half-yelled. Odessa wagged a reprimanding finger.

"Watch your language" she chastised. "Besides, that was back when it was someone else's situation and I was jealous of them" she said dismissively. Do you know of the many opportunities getting with the high class can get us?" she exclaimed giddily. Collin clasped his hands behind his back and sighed. "I still like things as they are" he retorted grumpily. He walked away toward his room. Feeling rather unsatisfied with her son's response, she shouted out to him. "But Collin, you always used to say you would like to go to the big city and go to a nice school" she protested. Collin spun around to give his mother a nasty look. "What do you take me for? I am not some child who will be swayed away by the idea of some fancy building and some hoity-toity school" he declared heatedly. Before Odessa could say anymore, Seth quickly clasped his hand over his obstinate wife's mouth.

"Collin, why don't you go upstairs and prepare for dinner? We'll call you down when it's time" Seth asked. Trish who had stayed quiet during the heated discussion between mother and son decided it was time to put in his two cents. "I have a better idea. Why don't we go out for dinner instead?" he inquired. That was all that was needed to be said to alleviate the growing tension; for now that is.

Collin shook his head. "Of course, the dinner wasn't enough to distract my mother away from the discussion. During dinner, we would normally talk about whenever but the promise of a better life seemed to stay on her mind." Ciel grinned sarcastically. "I think you mother would get along well with my Aunt Francis. She can at the very least be most status conscious and quite stern when the circumstances call for it. Other times she can be quite pleasant to talk with". Collin smiled half-heartedly. "Anyways, how exactly did your mother finally convince you to accept the deal?" Ciel asked. Collin huffed. "The answer is quite easy: mother dearest method of persuasion" he dawled sarcastically.

Collin lied in his bed clutching his pillow close to him. Downstairs he could hear his parents arguing.

"Odessa, how can you expect me to just give up our home? We have it good in this place and Collin will become a fine individual. You won't find that in the city. And furthermore, the people in the city have next to little to no tolerance for our kind" Seth complained.

"But Seth, Collin could have a far better life handed to him. He can even afford to go to a fine school and attend a top university. Imagine us in about ten years, sitting in that podium watching our son obtain his diploma and possibly even joining a top law firm". Seth stopped what he was doing and allowed that train of thought. Seth dismissed his wife's claim and went back to sharpening wool scissors. "As I said before, we are fine where we are and Collin has never had reason to complain. He seems perfectly happy with how things are and might one day want to inherit ownership of the ranch once he gets older" he shouted with frustration.

Odessa's brown eyes hardened. "It takes more than inheriting a ranch from family it also requires one to have a certain level of education. Collin could definitely benefit from experiencing a bit from city life. Show him how the real world works" she pushed. Seth ignored his wife and continued sharpening his tools. Odessa was not finished. "You remember Trish telling us, that we can get triple on the ranch and rise ourselves up to greater heights as well as a more dignified reputation than small ranch owners?", she whisper the last part to herself. That was the spark that finally lit up Seth's anger.

He got still not facing his wife and keeping his hands flat against the table. "Odessa', his voice strained with repressed ire 'when we got married, you knew exactly what was expected being the wife of a ranch owner. I even offered to move up to the city if that is what you wanted but you said in your own words: No, I am the daughter of a farmer and always will be. The city life is not for me". Odessa exhaled and shifted her weight on her right foot. "That was something I said to make you happy so you wouldn't feel too guilty about not being able to provide me with a higher living. I surmised in time after Collin was born, I could accept that we would never join the ranks of higher society and that I could fulfill my duties as both mother and wife. Now things are completely different". Seth put down his shearing tools and clasped his hands. Odessa walked up to her husband and put her hand on his shoulder. "I am not asking you this out of greed. If you won't do this for me, will you do it for Collin?" she pleaded. Seth craned his head to give his wife a slight smile. He stood up and hugged her. "Alright Odessa if this truly is the will of God and what is best for Collin, I will do it". Odessa beamed excitedly before embracing her husband. Laughter and excitement was exchanged before the parents. The joy was not shared by the one laying in bed with shock on his features.

"And so, my father at the behest of my mother sold the farm and within a month, we moved from the country to the city. I of course was unhappy to leave my home in the country. My uncle had sold ownership of the ranch to a wealthy businessman as he had wanted to. I wonder if the ranch is still there or if my beloved countryside has remained the same. Most likely turned into some sweatshop" he narrated disdainfully. Ciel lips thinned into a fake smile. He was not a nature lover by any means. (4) Still, he was no big fan of the many factories that nestled their way into London and billow the tons of pollutants that irritated his asthma so. The water in town could also be cleaner. The only thing alleviating the people was the Kensington Gardens. Collin began speaking again pouring himself another glass.

"It was intimidating to say the least. The city was nothing like what I read or heard from the locals. We then moved into what would become my home for the next three years. Of course, to my parents it meant a life of prestige and wealth. To me, it would become a prison".

3 years later…

Collin sat at his desk by the tinted glass window. It had been three years since his parent's fateful decision to sell the ranch and move to London. The family was now living in immense wealth and glamour. But Collin was not satisfied. He noticed immense changes in his family. For one, his father had become far busier and was rarely at home. His mother had taken a more stern approach to his upbringing. No longer could Collin see remnants of the kind, generous, easy-going woman he had grown to love and respect. It seemed Odessa was eager to keep reminders of her past life behind her. She even went so far as to enroll Collin to an academy built to groom and secure the prestige and reputation of all the aristocrats young children. (5) He hated life at Shefflings Academy for Boys. Many of the teachers were strict and often bordered on cruel. The students there made no effort to welcome him upon arrival. Somehow word immediately spread of his "new money" status for which some of the boys bullied him often about. Days at that place were often shrouded in hell for the young man but he persevered choosing not to give those spoiled little brats the satisfaction of seeing him break. But alas, some things were easier said than done.

"There comes but a time when even the strongest ones break. But that will come later. The boys already difficult would be made further difficult with the return of a long lost heir to a mult-national corporation. Oh but before I continue, do you happen to know where a bathroom may be?" he asked. Ciel nodded and pointed him to the directions of the restrooms. Once he left, Ciel was left alone to think over Collins story. A part of him always felt annoyance at the boy for always picking fights with him for no reason other than being wealthier than he. At the same time, after hearing a part of McCrullin's story, Ciel could not help but to feel sor-sympathetic toward the taller male. The bluenette then recalled the first time he met or saw Collin.

Flashback…

In London, a grand ball was being held. There had been a number of many balls held in upper London before but this was particularly important. Word had spread throughout England that the long lost heir and son to the illustrious Phantomhive fortune had been found well and alive. The news aroused a mix of happiness and consternation among the London elite. Since the supposed death of the Phantomhive Family, it was up to the remaining relatives; the Midfords to keep hold of all of the Phantomhives belongs and possession until Ciel (who they never gave up hope of being alive) returned to take back control of the corporation. Now that Ciel had returned, stealing the corporation and all its factories would be near impossible to take control of or exploit. Another mystery was his whereabouts for the last three years. Ciel refused to relay any information about that time in his life. He even refused to discuss where the man known as Sebastian Michaelis came from. Whatever the truth, Ciel was definitely no longer the lively, cheerful, adventurous ten-year old they came to know.

The now 13-year old was currently walking side by side with his butler scrutinizing his homecoming. He scoffed at the concept. For him, the party was nothing more than an insult to his deceased parent's memory and just another attempt to curry his favor. Also, many of the gentry at this place aside from his relatives were nothing more than greedy hypocrites trying to obtain their few hours of fame for associating with the Phantomhive heir. He especially held distaste for the children of these noblemen. He scrunched his face as the multitude of false compliments passed his ears.

"Oh young master Phantomhive, we are so overjoyed you are alive and safe" replied a duke and his wife.

"Quite the striking young man…just like his father when he was that age" whispered a portly old man to his audience.

"Perhaps that the heir to the Phantomhive has now returned, perhaps we can discuss business matters" was the eager reply of a viceroy. Ciel only rolled his eyes in response.

"Oh great, months of curtailing favor with the Midford's and faking sadness over his loss, how are we going to slip the company right back in our possession?" groaned a suited up entrepreneur Ciel cared little about.

He drowned out the rest of the whispers and comments his way and continued on walking. He was thankful to have Sebastian nearby to brush away his pesky party guest. After having greeted his relatives and discussing with them about how life has been since his return to society, he decided he needed some time apart to collect his thoughts. Ciel walked his way around the crowds managing to avoid being seen. He stopped at a porcelain pillar and rested his back against it. His one eye overlooked the crowded room.

His younger self would hide behind his father's leg while Vincent chatted merrily with his colleagues or whatever. Now that time in his life was over. There was no father for him to hide behind, or mother to calm his fears or budding laughter of the adults who would coo over how "adorable" he was. He continued to scan the room with a bored expression until his eyes landed upon someone over by the horderves table. He didn't appear to be someone he knew or appear to be the son of any aristocrat. Suddenly, taunting chuckle drew his attention. Ciel whipped his head up and groaned in displeasure. Sauntering toward him was one of his classmates; Devin Norvoy; son of a large financier for a law firm. The Earl's dislike for the boy stemmed that he was not in the least bit attractive; shaggy dark hair akin to poisoned mud, face like a ferret, and his mouth was usually up in a mocking drawl. His attitude made it all the worse. The boy was short of obnoxious, arrogant and always kissed up to him (most likely due to his father's influence) in hopes of securing his social status. (6) Devin was also the leader of a posse that made it a habit of bullying the less influential students at Sheffling and was not above using physical force to prove their point. Thank god, he only had to spend a few hours at that school before attending his private lessons.

"Greetings young Ciel. What a pleasure to rejoin polite society?" Devin responded in a nasally, stuck-up voice. Ciel snorted. "What do you want Devin?" the earl sneered. Devin grinned toothily and stood next to him much to the other's dismay. But his eyes were not on him rather the boy at the table. "I see you dear old Collin McCrullin; London's newest upstart". Ciel raised up an eyebrow at him to elaborate.

"Ahh, that's right. You weren't around when news came out three years ago. See, his uncle found a copper mine beneath his family's ranch and just like that…the family is noveau riche" he dawled the last part mockingly. Ciel only nodded and stared at the young boy. That would explain a lot. He saw Collin standing next to two adults who he surmised were his parents. The mother was quite pretty with her brown hair curled up in an elegant half bun and his father was impeccable in his tweed suit. Although, sadly true was that they did not appear to entirely belong to a place like this. For one, there outfits appeared to be something bought from a hand-me-down catalogue. Ciel was interrupted from his scrutinizing by Devin.

"It is practically laughable if not pathetic that they try to act rich. However, they manage to look ridiculous. As for Collin, the poor sap, his parents are always trying to mold him into the perfect son in hopes they can shed off their former poverty". Ciel shrugged. Devin sounded as if he was sorry but the young Earl knew better. He knew hands down that Devin was just another bully playing off the pain of others. "Aye, my boys and I have been showing Collin how things are run at Sheffling and where his place is" he said in a saccharine smile. Ciel sighed. It looked like he wasn't going to get any relaxing time.

"Aye but enough about me. There is something else you should know in case you ever find yourself misfortunate enough to be caught in the same proximity as him" he sneered. Ciel resigned defeat and faced Devin. "The McCrullins are hiding a secret that would otherwise hinder chances of them ever entering higher into society. Their last name McCrullin was recently exchanged from McCorvin". Ciel blinked several times. Then that would mean…

"Collin's family is actually Jewish. They just do a good job of hiding such an aspect, they just do a good job of hiding it, hence the crucifix dangling from their pockets". Ciel returned his gaze back to the McC…McCrullin's with shock. Devin was many things but a liar was not one of them. Devin left before Ciel could ask to clarify. He then returned his gaze upon the unfortunate upstarts. Already at a young age, Ciel was aware of the depths of human cruelty. As if his lower midsection was any testament. (7) Jews were treated with the worst discrimination and hatred. The only way for a Jew to be respected in high society was to stop being one all together. As he continued to look, Collin's brown eyes immediately locked with his. Both boys stared at one another across the room. The brunette then narrowed his eyes at him with challenge as if to say: I will not lose to you".

Flashback ends…

That night seemed to mark the beginning of their tumultuous rivalry. Collin seemed to want to do all he could to undermine Ciel only to face defeat. After a time, the blunette decided to stop trying to make peace with the latter and acquiesced to show him just who was the better. And now, here he was hearing Collin discuss his arduous tale. Footsteps alerted the Earl that the boy had returned from his trip to the restroom and sat down with a sigh.

"Sorry about the long wait there, mate. The place apparently had more stairs than what you described" he chided lightly. Ciel shrugged his shoulders. "So now where did I leave off?" the brunette asked.

"After the part where you said the mansion was a prison" Ciel reiterated solemnly. Collin bit his lips. He looked down on his lap clasping his hands. His mind whirred trying to decide how he was going to explain that part.

"Well I did my best to cope with things at home and at school. You came in and made it all worse" he accused. Ciel gasped indignantly. "How is your life my fault?" he asked angrily despite knowing the answer. "After you came back to life, my parents became even more paranoid for my future so they pressed on to me that if I could not measure up to you, the least I could do was outdo you. And believe me, a part of me wanted to be like a companion to you. Yet, that resolve was hindered by my desire to be your better. I looked for every conceivable excuse to hate you…despise you. I assumed you were like the rest of those spoiled, arrogant brat that often gave me a hard time. After some time, it…it…got to be too much and so I…began looking for ways to cope. And did I find it" Collin forced a crooked smile 'in a tiny hovel…in the WhiteChapel region where I found my method of escape".

Ciel gulped heavily. He had a bad feeling as to what it was. Collin stared at him with an insane glint to his eyes. He pulled out a metal pipe and set on the table before Ciel. Ciel gasped in horror and choked out the words. "Opium".

Didn't see that coming now did you? Or some of you did but didn't want to risk spoiling. Collin was put into a spot where wealth did not bring happiness and he is initially the victim of unjust discrimination. Thus, even further proof that money brings out the worst in people. The question I know some people are wondering is: What is the whole point of Collin and his addiction? Simple, it will help to serve as a catalyst provoking Ciel to consider wanting to recover.

That does not mean he is out of the woods yet. Not with old crafty Dennis Reveni poking his nose in and sabotaging things. Don't worry him and his associates will get their just desserts in the end. Collin's situation will correspond with another occupant but his will be for an entirely different reason. That is all I have to say for the meantime. For now, read and review.

Chapter Footnotes:

(1) People suffering from eating disorders will often associate certain foods or beverages to their current "weight" problem.

(2) This chapter is explaining Collins former life before his noveau riche status.

(3) Manna is the name of a biblical type of bread/treat.

(4) Long before EPA and clean air and water acts, there was little to stop the accumulation of pollutants from flowing into the rivers and air. In short, lower class districts in London and part of the U.S. suffered from disease as a result of the increasing garbage on the streets.

(5) Just a made up name for a wealthy private school.

(6) I would think of Devin as being like Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter.

(7) Anti-Semitism wasn't limited to WWII Europe. Sadly, it continues today.