Author's Note: Happy birthday, daigranon! I'm sorry this isn't the fic you deserve; I totally realize there's a bigger, better story lurking in the prompt you gave me, but for the life of me, this was all I could squeeze out. XD; Maybe I'll return to this idea later…

Warnings: Takes place in the manga-verse, I guess, since there is a distinct lack of Paula. I imagine Lizzie as being older— 16ish, give or take.

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Combing

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"Say… Maylene?"

"Y-yes, young mistress?"

"Have you ever been in love?"

"Wh… why do you ask, Lady Elizabeth?"

"Well, I was… that is, I was… I was wondering something."

"Oh, er… I doubt that any counsel I could offer would be of much help to the lady. P-perhaps her mother, or—"

"My mother wouldn't understand— my father lives to worship her. And I can't ask my girlfriends, either, because… Well, you know how society talks. I don't need nasty rumors."

"Um… then, if I may be so bold… what makes the lady think that I…?"

"Because I see the way you look at Sebastian."

"…oh."

"It's just… we both try so hard, don't we? You do your best at your chores every day, even if you never manage to do them properly. And I continue to decorate Ciel's manor for him, and bring him pretty clothes, and try to make him smile, even if things never quite work out the way I plan… We're in the same boat, you see? So you're the best person to go to for advice."

"As you say… But what sort of advice are you seeking? Her ladyship just said so herself— I have not… um… had much luck where Mr. Sebastian is concerned…"

"Well, perhaps 'advice' isn't the right word. It's just… it gets to be a bit tiring, doesn't it? Constantly working so hard and rarely getting any sort of reward. So I wanted to know… well, I wanted to ask what it is that you see in Sebastian. What keeps you doing your best, attempting to please him."

"O-oh… w-well…. This is all very sudden and embarrassing, b-but… he is very handsome, isn't he? Not to mention skilled at his job. And… um… well, he may not be nice, but he's kinder to me than he is to some of the young master's gue—oh, I probably shouldn't say that… um… and… and… goodness, surely that can't be it, can it? Uh..."

"…so you like him because he's attractive and good at pouring tea? That doesn't really… Um, I mean, to each their own, and all of that, but…"

"I- I'm sorry, I told you that I wouldn't be of much help… Why don't you tell me why you love the young master, instead? Maybe in the telling you'll find the answer you're looking for."

"Why don't I love Ciel? He's beautiful, and when he was little, he was so kind and cute… Nowadays he doesn't laugh as much, but he's still incredibly adorable! And… well, he's my cousin, so of course there's that. And… and… uh…"

"…er, the young master is a pretty boy, no one can deny that!"

"Oh, but that's not the point! Don't you see, Maylene? This is exactly why I'm so confused! I can hardly give you reasons why— I just… I just love Ciel. I love him because I do. Because I always have! Shouldn't there be more to it than that?"

"…well, why? Ah, that is… Does there really need to be another reason? I'm not a smart girl, Lady Elizabeth, but it seems to me— from what I've heard— that no one truly understands anything about love. It's still a mystery, and that's why we all find it so fascinating. The only thing we know for certain is that it's unconditional… like yours is, yes?"

"I suppose…"

"Of course it is. I know that it's draining to always be trying so hard, especially when things never seem to work out and no one appreciates your efforts… but it'll all be right, in the end. You'll see. If it helps, though, I can tell you this— the young master has eyes for no girl but Lady Elizabeth."

"…really? You really mean that, Maylene?"

"I wouldn't dare lie! A maid knows these things, doesn't she? Knows all about her master. I mean, granted, he doesn't see many other girls, but… oh, but Lady Elizabeth, he could if he wanted! And he doesn't! So see? He loves you. He's just shy. And at that age, you know. The young master really does have a big heart, and I know so much of it belongs to you. You need only be patient, and I'm sure— I'm sure— that your feelings will reach him, and someday, he won't be afraid to return them."

"…you're wrong, you know."

"I— b-beg pardon?"

"I said you're wrong. You told me that you're not smart. I think you're brilliant."

"Oh—? O-oh, oh no… as a servant of Phantomhive, it's only natural that I should be able to comfort my master's future bride. That's all."

"Well then, Sebastian would be proud. You preformed your duty perfectly."

"D-did I…?"

"One more question, though."

"Yes…?"

"When you say that no one appreciates my efforts…"

"Er—! Um, oh— oh dear, I best be off to help Mr. Bard with suppe— ow, when did the door clo—? Until later, Lady Elizabeth…!"

"…oh, Maylene. You're too cute, sometimes."

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