Two essays due. Multiple tests. I am getting overwhelmed. But I am trying to write, and though it is painful to wait for a long time, please keep doing it. Review and enjoy! Side not: Ciel is a grade-A jerk!

Sebastian's POV

My company is buzzing today. More than usual, and I suspect that it comes from the news of my engagement. I am proved right when I catch some of my worker's lips forming words. Words that turn into sentences such as, "Of course he would be gay." and "I always knew that he had something weird with Mr. Phantomhive." and "There goes my chance." My favorite, by far, is when one of my employees said, "I hope that Ciel Phantomhive treats him right. Mr. Michaelis deserves happiness." I must admit that once I read that off her lips, a smile occupied mine.

When I am close to my office, Bard pulls the back of my sleeve, and I immediately turn around. I catch sight of Will Spears, a reporter. I glance around the building, trying to see if maybe I will have problems today, but I don't catch sight of him. I turn my eyes back to Will.

"…interview. You don't mind, do you? Oh, you don't need to worry about Grell showing up. I made him stay and cover a different piece." I missed a part of what he said, but I get the gist and reply.

"I don't have a lot of time today. But if it is quick, I can answer a few questions."

"Quick is fine." I walk over to my desk, take a seat, and gesture for Spears to sit in the chair across from me. Bard stands behind him. "Let's begin, shall we?" I nod. "How long have you and Phantomhive been together?"

I glance away, remembering the past, thinking of the future, and trying to come up with answer for the present. I lay my eyes back to him. "Well, we met when we were fourteen, so I guess you could say about fourteen, fifteen years." I get a look from him. "Oh, if you mean romantically, then I would have to say…Would you believe me if I said I didn't know?"

"Yes because that would mean that your engagement is a farce. Is it?"

"No. What I meant is that there was no magical moment were he and I started to be more than friends. It just happened gradually. Our touches became more intimate. Our conversations more deep. Our feelings more powerful. 'I love you's weren't just words of affection, but declarations of our hearts. You know, Ciel and I may not have a set date of when we became a couple, but even if we did, I can assure you that I have loved him much longer than that." I catch Bard holding back his laughter in the back of room.

"Wow. The ladies will love this. Who knew you were such a romantic?" I chuckle in response. "Why have you come out now and not before?"

"We didn't want to put our businesses at risk, but our fathers took it out of our hands. We had been ousted, but it is a relief. I can love Ciel freely, without hiding my intentions to the world. It feels good to let everyone know that my source of joy is caused by my fiancé."

"May I say something off the record? I am really happy for you. It's not everyday that society accepts a powerful gay man. Let alone two. I wish I had the courage to take your step too."

"I hope you will do whatever it takes to obtain your true love." I wish I could take my own advice, but I do not know how to. I can speak of what I wish to do.

"Thanks. I think I took enough of your time. I am going to go. Thanks for the exclusive interview. I appreciate it." I nod. "Have a great day Sebastian and Bard. I will see you later." He leaves the room, and as soon as he does, my friend throws himself onto the newly vacant seat.

"Sebastian, my oldest friend, will you nut up and maybe, I don't know, heed to your own words? I would be oh so proud. Then I could be your best man at your real wedding."

"Don't hold your breath. Or do. Let's not talk about this now. I have a lot to think about. Before I forget, will you make reservations at Il Mulino. For two."

"Oh, you are taking me on a date? I'm flattered!"

"Har-har. Can you call Ciel and convince him to join me? And can you call him now? I am a little anxious." And why wouldn't I be? He may have agreed to my father's proposition, but that didn't mean he would take on the duties of being my lover or friend, for that matter. If he agrees to my invitation, then that would mean that our relationship, whatever kind of relationship we have, will be progressing.

"So bossy." He complains, but he takes out his phone and dials Ciel's number. "Hey, you still mad at me?" He pauses as he listens. "Could have fooled me. Dimitri heard from your dad that you said you wanted me fired." My forehead crinkles in confusion. "Drunk or not, I am offended. I'm just kidding. I will forgive you if you have dinner with Sebastian." I clench my hands in anticipation. Bard locks eyes with me for a second, then pivots his body in a way that makes me unable to see his lips. I hate that they can do that to me.

I get up quickly and walk over to him. I grab his face, and I can already tell the answer without having to read it. Ciel rejected me, and after all the times, I shouldn't be surprised. I shouldn't even be hurt. I should be numb to it, and I would welcome that numbness. Unfortunately, I am weak to pain, and he only makes me weaker.

I let Bard go, and I all back into my chair. I have things to do, but my will to move has depleted. Meetings, signatures, and overseeing mean nothing to me.

Ciel's POV

Think. All I have to do is just think! Were there any signs? Did I miss something? For a whole year, he was in love with me? Impossible. But when I remember, when I really look back, there were moments when I questioned his feelings for me. Did he really…love me?

"You're lying." It is all I can say, and I don't even know why I said it. Who was I trying to fool? Finnian or myself.

"You know that I am not, Ciel. Maybe it is time you give him a chance. Maybe you should forgive him, too." We are quiet. "You are not the only one he left behind ten years ago, Ciel."

"It's different! And you know it!" I glare at him, but he holds my stare.

"How? I've known him as long or even longer than you. Why are you the only one still holding a grudge against him? Why can I accept him back into my life while you can't?"

"Because! You don't know what it was like! Waiting every day for a reply! A phone call or a text message or an email or anything! He broke every promise he ever made to me. He broke our friendship…He didn't just leave, Finny! He broke my heart."

"Get over it. If you don't, you are going to lose him. For good." After that, he storms away, and his threat echoes in my head. So much so, that it almost makes me miss the ringing of my phone, but I manage to snap out enough to answer. I respond when needed, mechanically, until I hear Sebastian's name, and then I become aware.

When I hear the offer to eat with Sebastian, I refuse. Mostly on instinct. This is what I have been doing for the past three years. And Finnian is probably right. I should get over it, but I can't because I waited for seven straight years for a phone call that I knew that wouldn't come, and it is not just my heart that needs healing. It is also my mind because it is just as broken as the thing that beats for him.