Chapter Twenty-Two: Preparations

The leaves were finally changing and falling. The air was turning crisp and cold, even more so than the beginning of the month. Autumn had finally made its appearance. Frances asked Ciel if he would mind taking her workload of paperwork on Friday in exchange for freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and candy and a day where he could give her his paperwork on a day of his choosing if he wished to have a day off. He agreed with a smirk/smile as he leaned back in his chair. She convinced Malphas through… pleasurable means in order to go to London by herself. He had agreed only if she alerted him the second Will or Grell made an appearance or anything untoward happened. She promised, knowing that he was even more possessive of her than before, though she had been surprised about Grell seeing as she had him over for tea a few weeks ago.

It was now Friday. Frances had finished breakfast with Ciel and was heading to the front door with Malphas behind her to see her off while Ciel made his way to the stairs. Just before they parted, Frances turned to him. He turned to her.

"Have a good day, Ciel. Thank you again." She said with a bright smile.

He nodded.

"You're welcome. Stay safe." He said, turning from her.

She glanced at Sebastian with a smile as he glanced at her with a smirk. Sebastian stepped forward and opened the door for her. Her smile widened.

"Thank you."

"You're quite welcome, my Lady."

A carriage was waiting for her to take her to London. Sebastian led her to the carriage. He opened the door for her and assisted her inside. Once she was settled, he leaned further into the carriage. He looked at her sternly.

"You remember your promise." He stated more than asked.

She smiled, squeezing his hand gently, sending him reassurance.

"Yes. I'll let you know if anything untoward happens or I run into Grell or William."

He smiled.

"Good. Be safe."

"I will."

He gave a nod. He backed out of the carriage with an expressionless look. He closed the door. He looked at the driver and signaled him. Frances watched as Sebastian disappeared from view. The trip to London was quick. Her driver dropped her off in the shopping district. He assisted her out of the carriage.

"Thank you." She said, once she was safely on the ground, "I shall meet you here at four thirty."

He bowed.

"Yes, my Lady."

She smiled. She turned and began walking down the walkway. She was wearing her black lined with white cloak and matching gloves. Underneath her cloak she wore a grey day dress that held white flowers on the bottom of the skirt with a matching thick white ribbon that went around her waist. Upon her feet were matching grey boots. Her hair was half up and half down with elegant curls. Around her throat was the black rose necklace Sebastian gave her. She sang hers and Sebastian's song in her mind as she went to the various places to pick up supplies and presents for her demon. She would duck into any alleyway to send things to her hiding place. She talked extensively with a music box company. After their long talk, she left satisfied and excited they would be able to do what they discussed. She then paid a visit to Nina Hopkins' dress shop.

"Francesssss" She squealed, dropping the measuring tape she was using.

She raced over and hugged Frances tightly.

"It's good to see you! How are you liking the dresses I've made for you?" She asked in excitement.

Frances laughed, hugging the eccentric woman back.

"They are lovely as ever, Nina. (She pulled away causing Nina to do the same, moving her hands to hold her arms.) I am in need of another dress and a few other things."

"Oooh! Yes, yes, yes!" Nina exclaimed, moving her arms up and down, "Come! Come! Tell me!"

Nina dragged her over to where she dropped her tape measure. She whipped out a drawing pad and pencil. Frances explained that it was for a celebration and that she would like to design them. Nina agreed. Frances told her what she would like and described in detail exactly what she wanted for each item. Nina looked at her with a blush on her cheeks after she had drawn what she described. Once she finished drawing the dress she wanted, she exclaimed,

"It is lovely! Though, I am curious who's celebration it's for."

"I'm afraid I can't say as I want it to be a surprise."

"Hmph!" Nina said with a slight pout, "Fine. But I will hear about it later."

Frances smiled widely.

She spent a few more minutes with Nina, making small talk and when to expect her dress and other items which she would send to the manor. Frances bid Nina Hopkins a good day before stopping for lunch at a small café. After she ate, she did a little more shopping for her demon and bought Ciel his candy that she promised. When two o'clock made its appearance, she headed for Undertaker's parlor.

She smiled softly as she stood outside the building. She knocked on the door.

"Undertaker, are you here?" She asked, entering the shop.

Silence greeted her for a moment. She looked around. He had redecorated. There were skulls lining the shelves on either side of the jars that carried various organs. His laughter echoed out, surrounding her.

"Good afternoon, Fearless Frances." His voice called out all around her.

She looked around, this time for him. A smirk appeared upon her lips. She spun around and tickled his sides. Undertaker began laughing madly and loudly. He tried to push her away. He was not successful.

"Now dearie (He laughed, his hands pushing against her shoulders.), that isn't… (He laughed louder as she tickled harder.) Stop!"

She joined in the laughter. She didn't stop tickling the crazy mortician until his sign clattered to the ground. He would have fallen as well, had she not caught him.

"How's that for laughter, Mr. Mortician?" She asked, cheekily.

He gave a few chuckles as he calmed down. He pulled back to look at her with a smirk.

"Mr. Mortician is very pleased." He said.

She smiled brightly.

"I just baked a cake. Would you like a piece?"

"Yes, please." She said.

He smiled and nodded. He disappeared to the back. She sat down on a coffin. He returned a short time later with a golden cake on a tray alongside some tea in some grey urn shaped mugs she bought him for Christmas last year. He placed it on his desk. He cut a slice placing it on a plate for her. He handed her the slice on a grey plate along with the urn cup.

"Thank you." She said as she accepted them.

"You're welcome."

He sat on the coffin beside her. She took a bite of her cake, sighing at the lightness of the flavor and cake. She swallowed. She looked at Undertaker with a smile.

"How are you doing, Undertaker?"

"Busy as usual during this time. Though, mostly easy work, but still no bodies I can make super, super pretty."

"I see."

"And how have you been?"

"I've been good. Thank you for your help with the case. We found the man responsible. Sadly, he… was not quite right in the mind. He murdered them and drank their blood for he believed that if he drank their blood, he would become pure as he believed they were angels." Frances explained.

Undertaker chuckled.

"Ah, humans never cease to amaze me with their thoughts or how they can be affected by words or anything really. Tell me, how does the little lord still work for the Queen, despite all that she's done to him?" He inquired.

Frances shrugged lightly.

"This is a different Queen than the one who caused him pain. Someone who understands that despite best efforts, there will always be someone around who does bad things and needs someone like Ciel to handle them."

He chuckled.

"Good point."

They spent the afternoon together, catching up with one another. Though, as usual, time seemed to speed up when she was with Undertaker. Soon enough, it was time for her to leave. She stood with a smile.

"Well, I should probably get going."

He nodded.

"Very well. Until next time. Perhaps you will feel ravenous then." He cackled.

She shook her head.

"Goodbye, Undertaker. See you later." She waved as she exited the shop.

He waved back.

"Farewell (He waited until she left.), fearless creature." A strange glint gleamed within his eyes that peeked out of his silver hair.

Frances made her way to the shopping district where she asked her carriage driver to pick her up. As she walked past a bakery, she inhaled deeply. At the same time, a feeling that something was going to happen coursed through her. A soft hum escaped her lips. It smelled delicious. Her stomach growled. She was about to walk inside when suddenly a little boy with red hair and green eyes in tattered light tan pants and a dirty white shirt pushed past her. The owner of the baker (A slightly portly man with greying black hair and grey eyes in a white chef's uniform.) raced past her, holding a rolling pin in his hand chasing after the boy with a loud,

"Hey, you brat!"

Frances' eyes widened as she saw the man grab the boy by the back of his shirt and pulled him down. The boy curled protectively over his quarry, a load of bread. The owner of the bakery raised the rolling pin. Frances raced over to him and grabbed the pin as it came down.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" The baker asked, looking at her harshly.

Frances looked back at him just as harshly. She felt Malphas' protectiveness. Her eyes felt as if they were almost burning. They felt like when Malphas burned other people's kisses from her cheek or when he marked her. Still, she maintained her glare.

"You shouldn't hit a child." She stated, icily.

She felt his presence as the man gritted his teeth.

"He stole from me…"

"How much is that loaf of bread?" She interrupted.

"Two pounds." He sneered.

"I'll pay for it. And anything else the young lad wants."

The baker snarled, his stormy eyes glaring at her. She held his gaze. A millisecond passed. He let out a sigh.

"Very well. However (He looked at the boy.), this does not mean you can steal from me again, understand?"

The boy meekly nodded. The baker pushed himself up. He turned and walked back to the bakery. The boy slowly uncurled around his food. Frances knelt down, her eyes cooled. She offered her hand to the boy. He hesitated (Which Frances felt.) before accepting her hand. She helped him up. They released one another's hands. Frances smiled gently at the boy. As she turned and led him back inside the bakery, she saw him looking at her from around the corner. They entered the bakery. The boy looked around hesitantly. His green eyes met her brown ones. She smiled gently.

"Anything you want." She reassured.

She pulled out a brown bag from her cloak. She handed it to the boy who looked at her confused. She still maintained her smile.

"For your bread or any sweets. Personally, I like chocolate chip and sugar cookies the best." She said, grabbing a few of said cookies from the box and placing them in a bag.

The boy smiled. He began to pick a few more pieces of bread. Soon enough, the bag was filled with bread and a few sweets, but mostly bread. Frances selected a French bread for herself. She paid the baker a few sovereigns more, telling him to keep the change. She walked out with the boy. They stopped on the side of the bakery.

"Here. Take this." She said, handing him some coins. He looked at her with wide eyes, "Keep it safe. (The boy nodded, absentmindedly.) Once more thing. (Frances reached into her cloak and summoned a blanket to her hand. She pulled it out. She handed it to the boy who accepted it with awe.) Would you like me to take you to a shelter?"

He shook his head. She nodded.

"Very well. Be safe. Try to stay warm."

She turned and began walking away, pulling a piece off her loaf of bread.

"Thank you." She heard the boy's voice whisper.

Frances smiled softly as she put the piece of bread in her mouth and began to chew. She was about to walk past the bakery when…

"You have to help everyone, don't you?" Malphas asked, walking out of the alleyway.

Frances turned her gaze to him and smiled up at him.

"I wasn't about to let him get beaten over food." She retorted.

Malphas shook his head with an exasperated sigh.

"Whatever am I going to do with you?"

She smiled brightly. The demon growled. He lowered his head to her ear.

"You... make me lose control." He whispered, lustfully into her ear.

A shiver raced up her spine. Malphas smirked. He leaned back, smugness and arousal radiating off him. They walked back to her carriage. When they were almost to her carriage, he took her hand into his and kissed her hand, his tongue darted out for a moment. He pulled away, lowering her hand.

"I'll see you when you arrive home."

"See you when I return home, Sebastian." She agreed.

He smirked. He disappeared from sight. Frances continued to her carriage. The driver smiled in relief when he saw her.

"Everything all right, my lady?" He asked.

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry about returning a little later than we discussed."

"That's quite all right, mi'lady." He said, opening the door for her.

She smiled at him. He held out his hand to assist her inside. She accepted the hand with a, "Thank you." And allowed him to assist her inside. Once she was seated, he closed the door. He climbed onto the driver's seat and with a flick of the reigns, began the journey to Phantomhive Manor.

Once Frances arrived back home, the door was immediately opened by Malphas.

"My Lady." He greeted calmly, though Frances could feel the underline arousal in his words.

"Sebastian." She greeted, accepting his hand.

Sebastian's hand squeezed hers gently. Once she was safely on the ground, she tried to release his hand, however, Sebastian's grip tightened, refusing to release her. She tilted her head at the demon butler. His eyes flashed briefly. A shiver raced through her. She turned to look at the driver.

"Thank you, sir."

He looked at her with a smile. He inclined his head.

"You're welcome, mi'lady."

Malphas growled within her mind while he smiled tightly on the outside at the driver. Frances gently ran her thumb against the side of his hand as she sent him calmness. The driver took off as Malphas escorted her into the manor. The second the front door closed, Frances felt herself being lifted. In the next second, she fell onto the bed, her bread no longer in her hands. She looked up to see Malphas' fuchsia eyes staring at her. He licked his lips lustfully. She whimpered as she arched her back feeling his lust and her desire for him grew stronger. Malphas growled. His darkness filled the room. He began to transform. Frances began undressing as she stared transfixed on the demon transforming. Once he finished, she quickly pulled off the last article of clothing—her chemise, for she didn't want to obscure her vision. Despite seeing him transform many times, she still enjoyed watching him. Malphas let out another lust filled growled as he crawled over her. Her eyes closed as she felt the tendrils of darkness slowly caress her skin.

"Mal-ph-as." She sighed.

"Frances." He growled.

Her heart pounded loud and fast. Her eyes opened. She looked up at the demon through her lashes as he looked over her. He smiled, showing off his fangs. He leaned closer as she ran her hands up his firm chest. Her eyes fluttered close as she leaned towards him.

"Mine." He growled.

His lips crashed into hers harshly causing Frances to whimper in surprise. She quickly matched his pace as he kissed her long and deeply, her right hand trailing up his head, her hand tangling into his hair. She mewled quietly as she purred loudly. Malphas' eyes flashed in pleasure as he earnestly ravished his mate.

Early one morning, at the Trancy Manor, Alois Trancy was having a dream he's had since he lost him.

The village was burning. The flames lapped at everything and everyone in its path. He was beside him as they ran into the town in surprise. The ugly people were annihilated.

"They went and died."

"Brother?"

"That old man with the bad lungs, the baker who threw stones at you…"

"And Miz Lila who used to fling rubbish at our house?"

"And that rotten vicar who spit on us!"

A chuckle escaped Alois' lips.

"And Daniel the shoe-shiner, who always boasted about his sweets!"

Alois held up his hands with two fingers up, a bright, crazed smile upon his lips.

"All the bounders who were always so nasty to us are dead! (Luca did the same but with both hands, giggles escaping his lips.) Dead good and proper! (They leaned towards one another with their two fingers moving to the sides of their eyes.) Everyone, everything, all gone!"

"Gone!"

They side-eyed one another with bright smiles and giggles. Alois moved his arms out and ran in a small circle. Luca following after him. Alois put his arms up above his head before falling onto the ground with a contented sigh. Luca knelt down next to him. Alois looked at him.

"Let's go steal all their things!"

"Right!"

Alois laughed, moving his arms in an excited way. After a few moments of giggling to himself, he finally got up. Luca did as well. They went and started taking off anything their hands could grab as they let out giggles. Suddenly, the wind blew. A shiver ran down Alois' spine. He looked towards the dark forest. He held his arms for a moment to try to warm up. He turned to find Luca and tell him it was time to head home, but he wasn't anywhere around him. He looked all around for his precious brother. He couldn't find him. He searched through the outskirts of the village… and found him…

"Luca! There you are! (He raced over to him. A breath of relief escaping him.) I called you over and over. (He turned him over and hugged him to him, but… something was wrong. He pulled him back slightly.) What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you're… (He brushed the tears from his brother's eyes.) Are you dead? (Alois began shaking.) No… (He gathered his brother into his arms so he wouldn't have to see that look. That… horrible look.) No! Don't leave me alone! Please!"

Alois awoke with a sharp gasp. He looked around the room. The whites of his sheets were the first thing he noticed. He was back in his own room. He let out a sigh of relief, sinking into the bed. A knock sounded on the door.

"Pardon me, Your Highness."

The door opened revealing Claude in his usual butler suit. He moved over to Alois' bedside. He began pouring the tea.

"I have prepared Chamomile tea from Justin and Brooke's for this morning's tea."

He set the kettle down. He handed the cup and saucer to his Master.

"Thanks, Claude."

Claude bowed slightly. He turned and went to his closet to find his Highness a set of clothes for this outing. The butler returned with various items in his arms and hands. Once tea was finished, Alois handed Claude the cup who took it and placed it on the side table for the time being. Claude began to dress the boy for the day. As he did so, he told him his schedule.

"Today is the outing at the Botanical Garden with Miss Frances. There is nothing else planned."

Alois smiled brightly and giggled happily.

"I can't wait to see her and explore the gardens with her! We're gonna buy flowers and play tag and maybe capture some butterflies!"

Claude stared at him stoically. Alois continued to giggle excitedly.

Frances met with Alois in a Botanical Garden in the heart of London. Alois had brought his other servants as they apparently needed to go shopping. Frances and Alois walked through the gardens by themselves once again. Frances was wearing a dark green long sleeve day dress with a red rose on her right hip with a matching red ribbon around her waist with red ribbon flowing down to the bottom of her dress, a black cloak around her waist with the hood covering her hair that was half up and half down with a red rose in the right corner of her hair. Around her neck being covered by the tie of the cloak was the red and black rose necklace that Malphas got her for Christmas. Upon her feet were black boots. Alois was wearing black pants with a white shirt, light green vest, black bowtie, and purple jacket, black boots upon his feet. On his hands he wore black gloves that were clasped behind his back currently.

"This damn fog is too thick." He complained.

Frances nodded. A fog had rolled in at the beginning of the week and was growing thicker with each day it seemed. She tilted her face further to the cloudy sky and inhaled deeply. Alois raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you do that?" He asked her.

Frances straightened her head and looked at him with a smile.

"I've noticed you do that all the time." He commented.

"I like all the weather. Feeling it on my face, no matter what kind."

He leaned closer to her with a hum.

"Why's that?" He asked.

"I used to be locked away in a basement (Alois stopped walking, staring at her incredulously.) for months at a time with no windows so I couldn't feel or see any weather."

"WHAT?!" Alois asked.

Frances hadn't stopped walking until he shouted that. She turned to him with a small smile. He ran up to her with anger in his eyes. Anger she could feel. He grabbed the front of her cloak.

"Tell me who would do such a disgusting thing! I'll have Claude—"

"Alois." She said, softly yet sternly.

He looked up at her. She smiled.

"They are long gone and cannot hurt me any longer."

He smiled evilly at her with a firm nod. She could feel his satisfaction and interest.

"Good."

He took her hand in his and swung it back and forth while his other hand was lifted so he could tap his pointer finger on his chin in thought.

"Did they lock you up because they wanted to use you?" He asked looking at her.

She nodded.

"Yes."

His face twisted into a scowl.

"Disgusting." He snarled.

"It was, however, it made me who I am. I am much stronger because it happened. If it didn't, perhaps I wouldn't be here with you." She said.

He looked at her with awe. Suddenly, he released her hand to hug her tightly.

"You have to promise me you won't leave me. I will tie you with spider threads myself in order to keep you with me."

Malphas growled viciously come that remark. She sent him calmness as she responded, pushing Alois back slightly so he would look into her eyes.

"Alois, if you love something you have to set it free. If it returns to you, it is yours, if it doesn't return, it was never yours to begin with. I have left and come back to you several times however, life is unpredictable. I do not wish to leave any one, but, if it is my time, I need you to be strong enough to continue on. (He looked at her worriedly and with fear. She could feel both emotions. She heard the growl from Malphas as he too voiced his displeasure of such talk. She smiled reassuringly, sending both of them reassurance.) I am not so easily killed. After all, as a member of the Phantomhive family, if I were to be killed so easily, I wouldn't be worth any salt."

He looked at her with wide eyes. Malphas' warble/purr grew loudly within her mind as did his pride for her. Alois began laughing. He hugged her tightly.

"I'll never let you leave without returning to me." He stated, hugging her tighter, burying his head between her bosom.

Frances tightened her own arms around him. A few minutes passed by when he pulled away, he touched her arm with a smirk.

"Tag, you're it!"

He ran away from her. She laughed and chased after him. They played several rounds of tag for a few hours, tagging one another. Frances ran and hid herself in the tall walls of the sunflowers. She could hear Alois searching for her nearby.

"Where are you, Frances?" He asked.

She didn't answer and held her breath. She heard his footsteps walk away. A few minutes later, she could feel him panicking.

Alois couldn't find her. It had been an hour at least. It never took him that long to find her, usually just half an hour. He thought to that morning's nightmare where he lost his brother. Seeing his dead eyes as he held him in his arms.

*"Don't leave me. Don't leave me alone!"*

"FRANCESSSSSS!" He screamed.

Frances came running out at the call and utter fear and loneliness. She found Alois on his knees by some bluebells. A fair distance from the sunflowers.

"Alois!" Frances called, racing towards him.

He looked up at her with teary eyes.

"Don't-Don't leave me. (He wrapped his arms around her legs. She looked at him, startled.) Please, don't leave me."

Her eyes softened.

"Oh, Alois." She whispered, placing a hand on his head. She knelt down at his level, wrapping her arms around him, "I'm here. I'm not leaving. I'll always be by your side. Shh."

"You can't leave. I won't let you." He cried, moving his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly.

"I'm here. I'll always be here. Shh."

She began to sing his song.

Frances: The full moon~~ slightly chipped that's so me, so please~~ save me~~ and hold me tight~~ (He squeezed her tighter. He sniffled quietly.) just make me all right~~ under the dark clouds, wingless swans in my soul~~~ from the fortress, a pessimist~~.

My howl~~~~ in the night~~~ to the is~~olated star~~ don't drive~~ me crazy~ everything seems too far~~ the sky so deep~~~ (He looked up at her with tears streaming down his cheeks.) spread endlessly (She placed a motherly hand on his left cheek, wiping away the tears.).

How on Earth~~ can I get to the straw~~~berry field?

(She kissed his forehead in a motherly fashion. She pulled him into her lap as she maneuvered her legs so she was kneeling on the ground with her legs beside her buttocks. One arm wrapped around his waist as the other went through his hair. He leaned into her touch as he wrapped his arms around her.)

The full~~ moon slightly chipped~~ uncertain oh please~~ save me and let me smile~~~ (Alois nuzzled into her, a small smile upon his lips. "Mother." He sighed.) just make me all right~~~ over the bed~~ of trees~~ my heart spins around~~.

My howl~~~ in the dawn~~~ to the is~~olated star~~~ I dare to for~~give you everything seems too~ far~~~ but care~~ for me~~~ tenderly~~~~~.

How on Earth~~~ can I get to the straw~~~berry field~~~?*

All was quiet for a few minutes. A breeze blew through the flowers, lifting a few of the petals and leaves into the air.

"No matter where you go, I am always with you. You may not always see me, but that doesn't mean I'm not with you. We have a spider's thread and our love binding us together. You are never alone, Alois. I am always with you."

He looked up at her with bright eyes still filled with tears.

"Frances…" He whispered, "I love you."

He hugged her tightly. She returned the hug.

"I love you too, Alois."

They remained in the hug for quite a long time.

After twenty minutes, Alois spoke softly,

"I'm thinking of hosting a costume party on October thirty-first."

"That sounds like fun." Frances commented.

"Would you like to join?"

"I'm afraid I cannot. I have something planned."

He pouted. A sigh escaped his lips.

"Fine."

He pushed off her, standing up and wiping his pants. Frances slowly stood as well. Alois took her hand and they began to walk through the front entrance of the gardens. Their time together drawing to an end.

Sebastian, Claude, Hannah, and the triplets stood by their respective carriages. Frances and Alois stopped in front of them. They turned to each other. Alois hugged her tightly. Frances returned the hug just as tightly. Claude's eyes narrowed a fraction. Frances could feel his annoyance, Sebastian's pride and smugness, Hannah's love, pride, and thankfulness, and the triplets' surprise.

"I love you, Alois." She whispered.

He tightened his hold.

"I love you too, Mother."

She pulled away with a small smile. She ran her hand through his hair.

"Remember what I said, Alois."

He smiled brightly and nodded.

"If you ever need to talk, call the manor."

His smile grew wider.

"Thank you, Mother."

"You're welcome, Alois."

"Bye."

"Until next time."

They parted to their respective carriages with a wave. Their butlers assisted them inside. Sebastian climbed into the driver seat and urged the horses home.

Once back home, Malphas ravished her as he reaffirmed she was his and only his. She would whole-heartedly agree.

*'The Slightly Chipped Full Moon' belongs to Yucca.