Chapter Thirty-Seven: His Butler, Coworker, His Friend, Losing a Friend

The three of them watched William walk away. Sebastian and Ciel had narrowed gazes while Frances had a look of concern and worry for what was to come.

"Yes." Ciel agreed, "That confirms there's something going on in this circus. It seems like there could be some value in sounding him out, Sebast—"

Ciel was cut off when Dagger cut off his air by wrapping an arm around his neck.

"What 're you doing, Smile? You gotta practice so you don't lose to Black or Enchantress! Practice!" Dagger said, dragging him away.

"Y-Yes!" Ciel agreed reluctantly.

Sebastian and Frances understood what Ciel wanted.

"As you wish." Sebastian said.

The two of them walked over to William as he reached the blue barrier of the training tent.

"Pardon me (William turned his head to look at them.), but there's something I'd like for you to tell me, sir."

William stared silently at Sebastian for a second. The anger and annoyance evident within his stare. He pushed up his glasses. He turned his face away.

"I have nothing to say to you."

William turned to walk away. Sebastian wasn't having any of that. He grabbed onto William's wrist in a tight death grip.

"Don't say that. Let's go outside."

William tried to tug away. Frances could feel Dagger's curiosity and happiness followed by Ciel's annoyance and incredulousness. She could also feel someone's disdain. Then a few seconds later, a group of reluctance, unease, defeat, and reluctant acceptance. She looked back at the two supernatural beings as they continued their tug-a-war with one another. Suddenly feeling annoyed with their childish behavior, she took a hold of each of their wrists.

"Let go of each other right now." She commanded.

They looked at her as she pried them apart. She let go of their wrists. She looked at William.

"Look. I understand you're mad at me and Sebastian, but if this wasn't supposed to happen, someone would have done something about it. (William gritted his teeth. She was correct, however, he would never admit that and that was part of the reason he was angry. He didn't want her to be this foul creature.) So, can we please set that aside for now? We just want to know why you're here. They wouldn't send an administrator to do a Grim Reaper's job if it wasn't serious…"

William stared at her in silence. He hated that she knew so much about his line of work. She's always been a smart and curious person. He let out a reluctant sigh.

"Very well."

"Thank you."

William walked away from them. They followed right behind him. He led them to where the wagons were parked with crates on the other side of them. It was far enough away that the humans wouldn't easily see or hear them.

"Why am I here, you ask? (William pushed up his glasses with his scythe. He glanced sideways.) They sent me, from the management division, to clean up after that trash officer who's undergoing punishment. What a disaster."

"What did Grell do this time?" Frances asked, exasperatingly.

If it wasn't one thing, it was another with Grell. She had had a feeling it was because he was being punished… again.

"Because he threw a fit when he was invited to yours and his wedding." William hissed.

Frances' eyes widened. She looked at Sebastian in surprise.

"You invited them?" She asked, shocked.

He smiled at her.

"Of course, I did. They are your friends, are they not?"

She smiled. She wondered if he invited Undertaker too. The smile on his face faltered a bit. She frowned slightly. She wondered why he didn't invite Undertaker. William scoffed, bringing their attention back to him.

"Honestly, I didn't think I'd be forced out just because I was in the same class as that."

"For a Grim Reaper to sneak into an investigation… is it some sort of special situation?" Sebastian asked.

William pushed his glasses up.

"There's no way I'd release information related to souls to a demon and body mutilating hybrid. It'd be like throwing a rabbit in front of a carnivorous beast and tempting an uncontrolled beast."

Frances flinched back. Sebastian released a growl.

"You were there…" She whispered.

"Of course. I had to collect his soul."

She didn't feel him that night. There was too much happening that night so it didn't surprise her that she didn't feel he was there. But, he knew her. This was just anger. She knew that. She could feel it.

"I know each person that I killed. I remember how I killed them and why I killed them. The man who threatened my siblings, the twenty dozen men whom have attacked the manor in order to try to kill the Young Master or myself, and this man who tried to rape a young lady. Every time I kill, it kills a part of my soul. As a Grim Reaper, you should be able to see that. If you were there, you would have seen the horror that I felt when I came to realize what I had done. I do not take pleasure in taking a life, even if it is necessary in this world…" Frances said slowly and evenly despite the pain and sadness his words caused.

"And I have no interest in poor quality souls." Sebastian said with a bright controlled smile, hiding the anger he felt towards the Grim Reaper over the pain he could feel radiating from his mate.

"Well said for a starving demon. (Sebastian's eyes changed to fuchsia.) Despite being so hungry you cannot help yourself."

A smirk grew on the demon's face.

"I tired of the behavior of messily sampling every dish available a long time ago. If you're hungry (Frances could feel his sharp teeth appeared as he rubbed his stomach.), the extent of the hunger determines how delicious the dinner is (He stopped rubbing his stomach.)."

"What poor taste."

"William, he has proven that he does not take souls that he isn't contracted to. He could have eaten any number of souls, including my own, but he hasn't. So, your argument of him eating souls is invalid."

"Besides that, (William's gaze slid to Sebastian. Sebastian lifted his gloved hands. The right one pulled the fabric of the left to reveal his contract mark.) right now I'm collared, so…Please do not worry yourself."

William stared at him for a moment then returned his gaze to her, staring in silence for a long while. He returned his gaze to Sebastian's whose eyes had returned to their normal red eye color.

"All right." He agreed. He threw his scythe into the ground beside him, "I'll say it clearly. In a few days, there will be an inspection of a large quantity of souls. This is a special case, so please refrain from getting in my way. (He turned his gaze to Frances.) That includes whatever urges you feel as well."

"Sounds difficult. Would you like us to help you?"

William's death scythe flew at Sebastian quicker than one could blink. Frances gasped. It only caught Sebastian's hat. Once she realized he was all right, she glared at William.

"William!" She scolded.

"I won't forgive any overtime. If either of you interfere, I'll reap you both."

Frances flinched back again in shock and hurt. Sebastian let out a growl. William retracted his death scythe. Sebastian's hat floated down.

"I would never interfere with your work unless I felt called to help someone. You of all people know that William…" Frances whispered.

A brief look of pain flashed on the Reaper's face, but he quickly replaced it was a glare.

"It's not as though I want to be associated with a Grim Reaper. (Sebastian looked at her as he caught his top hat.) I try for her sake (He looked back at William with a hardened gaze.) because you made her happy. (He placed the top hat onto his head, moving his hand across the rim.) And we made clear I have no interest in poor-quality souls. As for Frances (His eyes flashed again to fuchsia as they narrowed into the thinnest of slits as his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.), if you harm her physically, I will not hesitate to end your existence. Though, with what you've put her through already, I'm tempted to hurt you as you have her."

"Sebastian." She whispered, sending him calmness as she felt his anger and darkness swirling angrily through him as a vicious wind of dark feathers.

There was silence from the three of them as William watched the couple watch him. The tension and sadness thick in the air.

"Hey, the show is about to begin." Ciel warned, breaking the tension as he approached them, "That noisy knife thrower is calling."

William pushed up his glasses.

"I don't see him being that high class. Especially with part of his soul missing. Honestly, demons are so…"

"Stop saying that here." Ciel cut him off, glaring at him, "It's good they thought you were joking earlier, but not being able to blend in with humans is worse than even that vulgar Grim Reaper."

William's eyebrow twitched. Frances could feel he was insulted by the notion, but Ciel had a point. She too had tried to warn him about using those terms and it worked, but he was too angry and hurt about her being turned into a half demon that he didn't care.

"Really, we shall not interfere with your job, so will you keep from doing the same to ours?" Sebastian asked.

"I'm grateful. (The twitches in his brow said otherwise.) Since I do not wish for you lot to enter my field of vision." William said, looking at Sebastian then Frances then back at Sebastian again.

"Perfect. Then tonight it's decided that we will absolutely not interfere with each other."

A low rumble rolled through the Earth as if to agree. However, Frances had the feeling that it wasn't in actual agreement. That they may have to work together, just slightly.

"Then, Smile (Ciel gritted his teeth at the call of his stage name.), I'll ask you to keep an iron grip on your pet dog."

"I don't want to hear that from some glasses who can't even sneak in properly."

"It's not glasses. (William turned away from them. He pushed up his glasses.) It's Suit."

"Let's go, Sebastian, Frances."

"Sir." Sebastian agreed.

He pulled Frances along. Frances would have admonished the boy for insulting William however, she was still hurt by the fact that William would say such things to her in that… disgusted tone. She had never heard his tone be that disgusted, even when talking to and about Sebastian. She knew he was upset about all of this, but did he really just see her as a monster now? Could he really not see that she was the same person, just a bit stronger?

Sebastian pulled her closer, feeling how upset William made her. Once they were close to the costume tent, Sebastian stopped. Frances stopped as well, not looking at anything in particular. Ciel continued for a moment before stopping in the tent's entryway. He turned to look at his butler and friend. He could tell that whatever William had said, made her upset. His hands tightened into fists. He would find out what was said from Sebastian later, though he had a feeling it was in regard to her being a half demon.

"You go ahead, Young Master. We'll be just a moment." Sebastian said.

Ciel nodded. He would give them the time they needed for her to calm down. He turned and entered the tent.

Sebastian led Frances towards the back of the tent where no one would hear them. Once he was sure they wouldn't be disturbed, he closed the gap between them and gently placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her head up so her brown eyes met his red ones. He leaned close to her face, his thumb rubbing her chin, repeatedly.

"Tell me, Frances." He murmured, softly.

Tears instantly filled her eyes. She turned her face away. He allowed her to, understandingly. After a few minutes, she turned back to him. Her eyes looked at him with such hurt and betrayal that it caused his heart to clench at the sight. He would kill that Grim Reaper for causing her this pain, if it wouldn't hurt her as well.

"I understand that he is angry, upset, and betrayed, but to assume that I'm a completely different person… (She paused for a bit, looking away from him. She returned her gaze to him with a sigh.) I know Grim Reapers and demons hate each other, but… Why can't we just get along?"

Sebastian tenderly caressed her chin repeatedly.

"Not everyone is as understanding and accepting as you are, my dear." He said, gently.

"I know." She sighed, "I just wish he would be a little more open minded… We used to be able to talk and now… (She looked away from him, a tear slipped down her cheek.) I'm sorry, it's just… he was my…"

Sebastian gently moved her head back towards him, his pointer finger on her lips, silencing her, the other hand gently wiped the tear away.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Frances. I know he was your friend. He's hurt you. I understand you need to mourn this loss."

She smiled and lifted her hands to cup his face, caressing his left cheek. He moved his finger from her lips to gently trail her other cheek.

"You have grown so much, Sebastian. (She would have used his true name, if someone wasn't watching them.) Thank you for trying to accept my friends and for inviting them to our wedding. I love you, so much."

He smirked at her. His thumb caressing her cheek.

"I love you, my Frances."

They leaned towards one another and embraced each other's lips. Their flames and souls danced within and entwined with one another. His soul calming hers. After a few minutes, they pulled away with her gasping for air. Sebastian smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist, nuzzling into her hair, deeply inhaling, and running a hand down her hair and back. She wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face into his chest, inhaling deeply. A smile spread across her lips as her soul calmed completely. Sebastian tightened his hold, continuing to run his hand up and down, soothing his mate. After another moment, they pulled away. He gently placed a hand on her cheek, caressing it softly. She leaned into his touch, looking into his red eyes, lovingly. She turned her head and placed a kiss on his palm. She turned her head back, feeling his hand on her cheek once more. He slowly moved his hand from her cheek, down her shoulder to her hand where he lifted it to his lips.

"Come." He said, placing a kiss on her knuckles, "We must assist the troupe."

Frances nodded.

"Yes, Sebastian."

He smiled. The two of them walked hand in hand towards the front of the dressing tents. They helped people get ready for the show then once the show started, they helped move boxes, balls, equipment, anything the performers needed moved. Poor Ciel struggled quite a bit with moving some of the heavier boxes. Frances lent him a hand time to time. When she first approached him to help, he nearly let it go so she could carry it herself.

"We're moving this together." She explained, "Heavier items such as these take two people to carry."

"Oh…" He said, looking away as a blush appeared, "Sorry."

She smiled.

"It's all right."

They continued to help clean up even after the customers were gone. Joker called them for a very special announcement. They followed him to the training tent side where some cages and crates were held. William and Dagger stood waiting for them. Ciel wasted no time sitting on the crate, breathing heavily. Frances moved behind him, gently squeezing his shoulder. He absentmindedly patted her hand. Sebastian stood beside her, Dagger was between Sebastian and William. Joker took out a piece of paper from his pocket and held it up in the air.

"What you've been waiting for is finally here! The new arrival's room assignments!" Joker exclaimed, brightly.

"Yeah…" Ciel muttered, exhausted.

Joker invaded Ciel's personal space yet again. Ciel flinched back, uncomfortably.

"What's up, Smile? You're not very cheerful. Smile, Smile!" Joker instructed, leaning closer to the boy and pointing to his own bright smile.

Ciel forced a small tight smile.

"Y-Yes…"

Joker leaned back and stepped away from him a moment. Another girl who was dressed as a boy approached Joker. She had short brown hair that covered her left eye, a pale blue eye, and freckles upon her face. She was just a little bit taller than Ciel.

"According to the results of the lottery, Smile's in tent eight. Here's your roommate. (The girl smiled brightly at Ciel. Frances remained quiet about a boy and girl having to room with each other. Though, she sensed no ill intentions. She also sensed Ciel's dislike of the fact that he was sharing with someone he didn't know. She watched him nod in acknowledgement. She squeezed his shoulder gently.) Black and Enchantress 're in tent nine."

"Sebas— (Ciel jumped off the crate. Frances placed her hand at her side.) Black, Enchantress and I aren't rooming together?" He asked, gesturing to them.

Joker looked at his paper. He scratched his head.

"Guess not."

Dagger let out a laugh. He bent down to Ciel's height, pointing a finger in his face.

"Smile really sticks close to Black and Enchantress, huh? (He moved over to the other side of Ciel and wrapped an arm around his neck causing Frances to let go of him.) You should be independent soon, 'specially since these two are married. They wouldn't want some kid around while they make their own circus group."

Frances blushed. Sebastian smirked, a predatory gaze in his eyes. Ciel had a look of embarrassed horror as a blush also crossed his face. William glared.

"Th-That's not it…" Ciel trailed off.

"We actually wouldn't mind sharing with him, if need be. (They all looked at Frances.) He is like a younger brother to me." She explained.

Sebastian mentally scowled at her. She sent him calmness.

*I said if need be.*

*Still.*

"Yeah! Black, Enchantress, and I—"

"And their roommate is… Suit!"

Frances' eyes widened. She literally heard both beings' worlds shatter like glass. Ciel gasped in absolute shock.

"What?!" Frances asked in disbelief.

Sebastian and William sent heated glares to one another. Joker burst out laughing.

"They took it well." He laughed.

Frances turned her stare to Joker with incredulousness clearly on her face.

*Are you kidding me?! You are clearly blind!*

"Why would you stick another person with a married couple?!" She asked, unable to help herself.

"You all 're rising stars." He said as if that explained everything, "Let's all split up so you young folks can go to bed."

Joker waved them carelessly goodnight. Dagger followed after him.

"Um… Hey—" Ciel tried.

"Good night!" Dagger called.

A cold wind blew. Frances looked up at the patchy cloudy sky in exasperation.

*This is not going to end well…*

She lifted her head when she heard Ciel's roommate clear her throat.

"Hey, my name's Freckles. Let's go get your stuff so I can show you to our tent."

"We need to get our stuff as well, so we'll join you, if that's all right." Frances said.

"'Course it is!" Freckles said, smiling brightly, "Let's go."

Frances took Sebastian's hand, sending him calmness.

*Let's go, my love.* She sent him.

Sebastian continued to glare at William for another second before he turned his gaze to Frances and allowed her to pull him along. She smiled softly at him, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She was worried as well what rooming with the Reaper would entail. He gently squeezed her hand. She squeezed his back. They made their way to their luggage, hand in hand. Once there, Sebastian pulled out each of their luggage for them. Frances thanked him before picking up her own luggage. Sebastian asked Freckles where tent nine was located at. After she gave them directions, Frances thanked her. They once again traveled together until Freckles led Ciel away to their tent. Frances wished Finnian and Freckles a "Good night.". They responded with their own "Good night." before they parted. Frances and Sebastian arrived at their tent. Sebastian held the tent flap open for her. She thanked him. She stepped inside to see William already inside. There was a bunkbed with three crates stacked beside it, a full length mirror sat next to the ladder of the brown bed, another crate beside that one too, another bed on the right side with a changing screen in front of the bed, another crate beside that. William was sitting on the bottom bunk. He glanced at them when they came in. He stood.

"I want to make myself clear: I do not want any fornications going on when I am trying to sleep. Therefore (He looked at Sebastian.), your bed is the upper bunk (He looked at Frances.) and your bed is the single one."

Frances nodded.

"Very well." She said, moving her luggage over to the single bed.

She heard the scrap of his death scythe. She glanced to see what he was doing. She nearly shook her head. He was drawing lines in the ground. He drew a line about halfway from the second set of crates to where the end of the bed was at. He drew another line that connected the end of that line to the end of the bunkbed. He had boxed himself in.

"Behind these lines lies my private property. (He swung his scythe, pulling it upright.) Now, and as such, please do not set foot in here at any cost. (He glanced at Frances. She looked at him as she stopped rummaging through her luggage.) Either of you."

"Understood." Sebastian agreed.

William's eyes returned to him. Frances looked at her luggage, pulling out a dark blue nightgown.

"I have previously informed you both, but unlike demons, Reapers require sleep. I hope you will not create any noises at night to interrupt my sleep."

"He knows to keep silent while people and beings sleep." Frances said, gaining his attention, "For I do as well. And besides, demons do sleep as a luxury. Excuse me, gentlemen."

Frances went behind the curtain. She changed into her nightgown. She took out the hair extensions and shook out her hair. She stepped from the changing screen. She placed her outfit onto the rope on the other side of the changing screen by her bed. William stood up with striped pajamas in his bag. He stepped behind the changing screen. Sebastian looked at the changing screen. He made his way over to her with a wet towel. She smiled at him. He was free of make-up.

"Thank you."

She took it and cleaned her make-up off. As she did that, he took her extensions from her hand. Once she was free of make-up, she lowered the towel to see him sticking the extensions into her luggage. He returned to her side. She smiled at him as she handed him the towel, thanking him again. He gently caressed her cheek. She leaned into his touch. Her eyes reopened as her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Good night, Sebastian."

"Good night, Frances."

They leaned towards one another, sharing a good night kiss. They pulled away, humming in pleasure. Her hands lightly trailed down his shoulders. His hand lightly caressed her back while the other trailed down her cheek. They slowly released one another. Frances stepped away towards her bed. Their fingers slowly left one another. She turned to her bed and made her way to it. She sat down as William emerged. Sebastian went behind the curtain next. Frances laid down and covered herself with the sheets they provided. She laid on her right side for a moment. Her eyes opened.

"Good night, William." She whispered.

His yellowish-green eyes slid over to her in surprise. She turned around to lay on her left side, still feeling his eyes on her. They left when Sebastian stepped from the changing screen. Frances moved to lie on her back, her eyes watched Sebastian move to hang his clothes on the rope by the mirror. After he finished, he climbed into bed. Sebastian caught her eye. He smiled at her. She smiled at him. They stared at one another until the both of them fell asleep.

Two hours passed by when Frances awoke feeling those distressed emotions moving away from the circus grounds. She wanted to follow them, however, she didn't feel called to help. She glanced to her right when she saw Sebastian then William move. Sebastian moved closer to the bed's ladder. William shot up his death scythe, blocking his path. Frances sat up.

"Where are you going?" William asked, "It's long past lights-out time. Honestly…"

"You noticed it too, right?" Sebastian asked, calmly, "Shouldn't you go?"

Sebastian looked towards the tent's entrance.

"I don't need someone like you worrying about me. Those matters don't concern me. Please limit your wandering without a Master while I sleep."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes slightly. Frances could feel his slight irritation before his acceptance. He looked away.

"Understood."

"You're being oddly docile."

Sebastian looked back at him with a calm smirk.

"Following the circus is not an order I received from my Master. (He placed his white glove on the death scythe and pushed it down, smiling brighter.) I may not look it, but I am a loyal dog."

William looked away. Frances could feel the bitter slow acceptance.

"Hmph." He muttered, retracting his scythe.

Sebastian laid down on his bed. His eyes wandered over to his mate as she too laid down at the same time he did. He could feel her unease about the case. He sent her calmness. She shivered as she always did, her body instantly relaxed. Her beautiful brown eyes opened to look at him. He could feel and see the love in them. He yearned to touch her, run his fingers through her hair to calm her further. His hands tingled. Her smiled widened. Her hands were tingling as well, yearning to touch him.

*Thank you, Malphas.*

*You're welcome, my mate. Get some sleep now.*

*You too.*

He smirked at her. She smiled at him. Her eyes began to close. Once he felt her slip into sleep, his gaze drifted to the Reaper underneath him who was slowly, yet reluctantly accepting him. He returned his gaze to his wonderous mate, a smug smile graced his lips, then allowed himself to sleep.

The following morning, Frances awoke to Sebastian calling her name. She smiled softly, her eyelashes fluttered open to see him hovering over her, a hand on her cheek.

"Good morning, Sebastian." She greeted, reaching up to caress his cheek.

"Good morning, my precious Frances. It's time to wake up. We must help the troupe make breakfast."

She nodded.

"All right."

He moved back, allowing her to stand. Frances realized William wasn't in the tent and it was a little chilly. She stretched her body out. Sebastian's hands ran down the sides of her body. She whimpered as she shivered violently.

"Malphas." She whined.

He chuckled. He wrapped his warm arms around her waist, pulling her close.

"It was painful to have you so close yet so far." He groaned, inhaling her scent deeply.

She snuggled into his chest.

"It was painful for me as well." She agreed.

After a few minutes, they reluctantly pulled away.

"Allow me to dress you." He said holding up a light purple dress with a dark purple ribbon around the waist and two pieces hanging down the front.

She smiled.

"Yes, Malphas."

He quickly dressed her with black stockings and purple heels upon her feel, and black cloak around her shoulders. Her hair he placed in a half up and half down do. When he finished, he turned to her face him. He handed her her ballet flats. She accepted them with a, "Thank you.". He smiled at her.

"Shall we?" He asked, holding out his arm for her.

"Let's." She agreed, taking his arm.

He led her to where the second-tier was prepping, cooking, and cleaning. They noticed Ciel peeling some potatoes, shivering from the cold. They glanced at one another. Sebastian's smile grew into a cocky grin, Frances shook her head with an amused smile. They approached him.

"Good morning, Finnian." Frances greeted, ignoring the slight pain that occurred whenever that name was spoken as she looked at him.

Ciel looked up at her. She noticed his clothes and hair was rather disheveled.

"What is your outfit? (Ciel turned to Sebastian.) It seems that you remain unaccustomed to changing clothes on your own."

Ciel stood up and turned away from them.

"I was hurrying." He grumbled.

They noticed the knot on Ciel's eyepatch.

"Oh dear," Sebastian said, reaching to redo the badly knotted eyepatch, "you're going to have a difficult time untying a dead knot on your own."

Frances pulled out a comb from her pocket and began combing out his hair to make it look neater.

"I should begin teaching you how to take care of yourself." She sighed.

The other circus members looked at them. Frances could feel the amusement and adoration from them while Ciel was mortified and embarrassed. The group started laughing.

"Oi, Smile, Black and Enchantress ain't your parents!" Freckles commented, laughter still evident in her voice.

Frances walked towards them as Ciel pulled away from Sebastian, holding his hands up in front of himself.

"No! It's a habit—well, no, just sometimes…" He trailed off as he tightened the knot to his eyepatch.

"Actually, I think of him as a little brother." Frances said, smiling brightly.

The laughter stopped. They looked at her as Ciel whispered his order to Sebastian.

"I like to help him when he needs it."

Ciel blushed.

"That's so sweet." Freckles said, "I—"

"Smile." Sebastian's harsh voice cut her off, drawing their attention to him, "What are you planning on making with those potatoes with peels thicker than the meat?"

Ciel flinched in shock. Frances looked pointedly at Sebastian. He sent her a smug grin. Frances shook her head in exasperation.

"Smile, whaddya think you're doin'?" Freckles demanded.

Ciel bowed.

"I'm sorry!"

Freckles scratched her head.

"Aye, aye. What part of this can we eat?"

Sebastian bent down and picked up one of the pieces of potatoes. He placed a hand to his chin.

"It cannot be helped. I believe I saw some fish too, so let's deep fry them as they are into crisps and make them into fish and chips."

Freckles shoved an irritated Ciel away, happiness radiating from her.

"I love those!"

"That is good to hear. Frances?"

"Coming!"

Frances helped fry up the potatoes as Sebastian cooked the fish after Freckles gathered it for them. Once everything was deemed ready, the head cook called out,

"Food's ready!"

The crowd gathered bounced with excitement. Frances and Sebastian were helping serve the group of hungry performers. Suddenly, they heard,

"Outta my way!"

Frances' eyes widened as she saw Freckles barreling through the line with Ciel in tow. They cut to the next people in line for fish and chips. Frances served both of them some chips then handed the plate to Sebastian. When Sebastian served Ciel, he held a wicked smug grin on his face.

*Sebastian, play nice.* Frances commanded, sternly.

He mentally pouted at her.

*He's the one who ordered me not to act as his butler.*

*He's still got to eat though, especially today.*

Sebastian sighed.

*Very well.*

He handed the boy the plate.

"Keep a firm grip on it, Finnian." Frances said.

Ciel looked at her in annoyance. Though it shifted into thankfulness for the second Freckles let him go, he was pushed and shoved from the other food. The only thing that he wasn't shoved away from was some bread as there was a gap between the crazy crowd. He went to sit at one of the tables, out of breath.

*That was ridiculous!* He thought to himself.

Freckles slammed his plate that was LOADED with food onto the table.

"What? Looks like you only got some fish and chips and bread in the end. Well, that's that. I'll share some of my grub with you. (He began to pile on some of his helpings of bacon, eggs, and sausage onto his plate.) You're skin 'n bones and so tiny, so eat up and grow some!"

"Thank you very much…" Ciel said, tiredly.

*This kid has way too much energy.*

Freckles took his first bit. His eye widened in delight.

"Black's and Enchantress' are so good at cooking."

The boy really started to chow down.

"I see."

Ciel took a bite of bacon.

"I heard that he's an ex-butler and she a noble woman, so butlers and noble women can cook too? (Freckles continued to chow down a moment.) They made your failed potato peels this tasty!"

"I see…" Ciel said, still eating at a slow pace.

"Awright, I'm done! Is time for practice. Let's go!"

"Already?"

"You go on ahead, Freckles. Smile is kind of a slow eater. He'll meet you in the tent once he's finished." Frances said, walking in, holding a plate full of food.

Freckles frowned slightly as he thought it over.

"Hm. Awright. But, please hurry. We've got no time to lose."

He took off. Ciel released a sigh.

"Thank you." He said, genuinely to Frances.

"You're welcome." She said, sitting down and began to eat.

They ate in silence until their plates were empty. When they finished, they took their plates to where the stacks of dishes were placed. Sebastian approached them. He wrapped an arm around her waist. She smiled at him.

"Shall we go practice?" He asked.

"Let's." She agreed.

The three of them made their way to the training tent.

"Smile!" Freckles shouted, waving at him from some giant colorful balls.

Frances smiled at Ciel as Sebastian smirked.

"Have fun, Smile." Frances said, walking away with Sebastian.

"What are you going to do today, my talented husband?" Frances asked.

"Hm." He hummed looking around, "Maybe the two of us could try the trapeze?"

His gaze shifted to hers. An eyebrow raised. A smile spread upon her lips.

"Very well." She nodded.

His lips spread into a wide smile. They walked over to the platforms of the trapeze. Frances changed into her ballet shoes. They climbed up the separate platforms. They grabbed onto their own bars. They swung back and forth for two swings before Frances swung up to stand onto the bar as Sebastian swung all the way around before hooking the back of his knees to the bar. She fell forward as the bar moved towards Sebastian. She held out her hands. Sebastian caught her.

"Woah!" Someone exclaimed.

"Look at them go!" Another cheered.

The circus performers watched in awe as Sebastian spun her so she faced the way she came. When they swung forward, Sebastian released her. She spun twice before catching the bar. Sebastian swung his body upwards, his legs released. The group below gasped and cried out in anticipation. He grabbed onto the bar. He turned himself around to face Frances as Frances also turned to face him. Sebastian flung himself up to sit on the bar. He looked her in the eye. She let go, once again spinning twice. His left hand reached out and grabbed her hands. He quickly pulled her up so the two of them stood on top of the bar. Sebastian pulled Frances in for a kiss causing the group to awe and wolf-whistle, blush, and some of the younger ones to go "Ewwww!". Ciel blushed at the public display of affection. They didn't really kiss in front of him. They pulled away with hums of pleasure and smiles on her face. He looked meaningfully at her. Her smile widened. Sebastian and Frances dropped, the back of his knees hooking onto the bar as Frances continued to fall. The audience gasped once again. Sebastian caught her by her upper arms. They swung and he let her go. She flipped once before landing on the platform. Sebastian flipped himself down, caught the bar then flung himself to the platform, flipping twice before landing beside Frances. They grabbed each other's hands and threw them into the air. The circus performers applauded and cheered.

"That's some next level stuff." Freckles commented, nudging Ciel, "All right, back to practice!"

Frances and Sebastian smirked at each other.

"My Lady." He said, gesturing to the ladder.

She smiled wider. She climbed down. Once on solid ground, she moved to let Sebastian have room. She looked around to see William gathering some balls, golden tubes, and a long board. Her gaze then went to the tightrope. Sebastian landed beside her. She could feel his competitive nature stir. She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"Go have fun."

He smirked at her.

"You as well."

They parted ways.

Frances made her way to the platform of the tightrope. She readied herself for her walk by taking a deep cleansing breath. A song entered her mind as she placed her foot onto the rope.

*Some people long for a life that is simple and planned~~ tied with a ribbon. Some people won't sail the sea~ 'cause they're safer on land~~ to follow what's written but I~~'d follow you~~ to the~ great~ unknown~ (She swung her right foot forward to place onto the rope.) off~~ to a world we call~ our~ own~.

Hand in my hand (Her left leg went out to her side, bending her knee before she straightened it out and brought it forward onto the rope.)-*

She was momentarily distracted by William's and Sebastian's balancing towers when someone shouted,

"Black is amazin'!"

"Suit ain't bad either!" Another exclaimed.

Sebastian was balancing on one leg with his other leg bent on top of multiple balls while William was using what he had gathered as his tower. Frances smiled as she felt Sebastian's smugness and excitement.

*And we promised to never le~t go (She spun on pointe.)-*

However, because she was overly excited, she miscalculated and overshot her foot causing her to slip off the rope. She let out a sharp gasp as she began to fall.

"Oh!" A few gasped.

"Enchantress!" Another shouted.

She grabbed onto the rope. She could feel Sebastian and William's concern and eyes on her.

*Frances!*

*I'm fine.* She sent him.

She was. She swung up and over the rope. She carefully maneuvered herself to stand back onto the rope. When her feet were steady, she slowly stood up to her full height. She continued her way across the tightrope.

"She recovered." Someone said.

"That's amazin'!" Another said.

Frances blocked out the audience as the song replayed the verse she messed up on once again.

*Hand in my hand and we promised to never le~t go~~ we're walking a tightrope, high in the sky we can see the whole world down~~ below~~ we're walking a tightrope, never sure~~~, never know how far we could fall~~~~~ (She spun yet again on pointe, but this time she remained on the rope. She continued her walk.) but it's all an adventure that comes with a breathtaking view~~ walking a tightrope~~~.

With you, oh, oh, oh, oh (After each 'oh' she took a step.). With you, oh, oh, oh, oh~~~ (After each 'oh' she took a step.), with you~~ (She spun once again before continuing her walk at a calm pace.).

Hand in my hand and we promised to never le~~t go~~ we're walking a tightrope (She spun once again.), high in the sky we can see the whole world down~ below~~, we're walking a tightrope (She spun again.), never sure~, will you catch me if I should fall~~~~~~~~~~ (She dipped her body slightly. She lifted it back up at the end of the note.)?

Well, it's all an adventure that comes with a breathtaking view~~ walking a tightrope~~~

With you, oh, oh, oh, oh, (There was a pause in the song.) oh, oh, oh, oh (After each 'oh' she took a step.). With you, oh, oh, oh, oh (She took a step after each 'oh'.)~~~~~, with you~~~~~~**

She leapt off of the rope and onto the platform. She spun once. There were a few applauses. She curtsied. She climbed down the platform. A few of the circus performers congratulated her and asked if she was all right. She told them she was.

The day flew by. When Sebastian and William stopped their balancing war, they put their supplies away and Sebastian checked on her.

"Are you all right, my precious tightrope walker?" He asked, wrapping his arms around her, his front to her back.

She smiled as she looked over her shoulder at him.

"I'm fine. You two distracted me, that's all."

"Oh? Is that so?" He asked, smugly.

A smirk grew across his lips. She turned in his arms.

"Yes, my talented husband." She said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

His smirk widened. He captured her lips. She kissed him back. Their souls entwined as their song soared through them. They pulled away with sighs of pleasure. They overheard people saying they were going to take a bath. It seemed training was coming to an end.

"I'm going to get ready for the show. I'll meet you here after?"

He nodded.

"Very well." He said.

"All right. See you later, Black."

"See you later, Enchantress."

Frances went to their tent to change into her costume. Once she finished changing and placing the extensions into her hair, she went to the costume tent to put on her make-up. There were a few people already in there, including Dark Pink Hatters.

"Enchantress! You okay?! I heard what happened!"

"I'm fine."

"That's good." She breathed out in relief. She noticed her costume, "Ah, you're here for make-up."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Dark Pink Hatters, can you fix my pants please?" A man's voice asked from the tent's entrance.

"Argh! Yes, Tailsman. Give 'em here."

She disappeared. Frances began working on her make-up. When she started on her second eye, she could feel Ciel's shock and appalment followed by his reluctance and fear then his anger, embarrassment, and horror. Frances quickly finished her make-up. She raced out the door, rushing past Dark Pink Hatters.

"'Ey, Enchantress! Where's the fire?!"

"Sorry, Dark Pink Hatters! Excuse me!"

She continued running off.

*I've got him, my love.* Sebastian sent her.

*What happened?* She asked, slowing to a fast walk.

*The Young Master was forced to take a bath in the open bath where everyone could see.*

They could feel his disgust for the mark on his body even after getting his revenge. Frances sighed.

*I'll bring him some hot chocolate since they don't have tea. I'll be there soon.*

*Very well, my mate.*

She made her way to the kitchens and looked around for the hot chocolate. Once she found it, she boiled some water. As she waited for the water to boil, she could feel Ciel's remembrance and realization then determination and eagerness and command to get this done. A smirk grew upon her lips.

*There's the strong young man we know.*

*'Tightrope' from "The Greatest Showman" belongs to Michelle Williams