A/N: Hello, everyone! I'm sorry I didn't post last week. Fanfiction wasn't allowing me to log in. :O Anyway, I will be posting two chapters to make up for last week! I hope you all have a joyous, merry holiday! Love ya! ~DarknessandLight665

Chapter Fifty-Nine: Deals

A half an hour run through London and the forest found them both in front of the Trancy Estate. They walked up to the front door. Sebastian raised his gloved hand to knock upon the door. It opened before his knuckles could make contact. Claude stood there, an eyebrow raised.

"Lady Frances, you returned to us rather quickly. So late as well. May I inquire why?"

"Good evening, Claude. I am sorry for the late call, however, I must speak with Alois, please."

Claude's eyebrow crawled further up. His golden eyes flickered to Sebastian, hatred deep in the orbs and she could feel it. They flickered back to Frances with intrigue. Another moment of silence passed. He nodded.

"Very well. Come in."

"Thank you." She said.

The both of them walked through the doorway into the darkened entryway. Claude closed the door, encasing them in darkness. The only light was from his candelabra. The flames flickered, casting shadows and making his glasses glint. He led them to the drawing room. He opened the door for them. Hannah, Thompson, Timber, and Canterbury were already inside, standing beside the roaring fireplace.

"Thank you, Claude." Frances said, walking through the doorway.

He bowed.

"I shall get his Highness."

She inclined her head.

"Thank you, Claude." She said, again.

Claude left the room. They remained in a calm silence. After a few minutes, everyone's eyes went to the door. It opened. Claude walked in with a sleepy Alois in his arms.

"Bloody hell, Frances. Couldn't this wait until… (Claude placed him on the couch. He lifted his hand to cover a yawn.) morning?" He asked, using the hand he covered his mouth with to rub his eye.

Claude moved to the side with the other servants.

"I'm afraid not." She said, "Though, I hope this makes up for it."

He scrunched up his eyebrows together as he lowered his hand. He opened his eyes. They widened. Bluebell flowers fell all around the drawing room.

"Bluebell flowers." He whispered in awe.

The other demons (Except Sebastian.) looked around in confusion. Their eyes landed on her. She was the one making these flowers that their Master loved fall all around them. Could that mean…? But, they couldn't feel it because she was hiding it from them, so they weren't one hundred percent positive she was. A soft familiar song played all around them that sounded like her voice, though her mouth wasn't open.

"How-How are you doing this? These aren't a part of your powers." He said, looking at her with wide awed eyes.

She smiled softly. She made her eyes flash for a second and opened her mouth, exposing her sharpening teeth. He gasped softly as the others' eyes widened. She just confirmed it.

"You're a demoness."

She nodded her head as she closed her mouth.

"Yes. I know you hate demons, but I promise I'm still the same person, just much more stronger and powerful."

His eyes softened.

"How is it… that you know me so well?"

Frances smiled sadly. She took his hand in hers.

"Because you and I are the same. We lost the people we love and needed new outlets for the love in our hearts. You chose anger and lies to harden your heart which is fine, however, it will not get you what you desire, Alois."

"You know what I desire?" He asked her.

His eyes flickered to Claude for a moment before looking back at her. She nodded.

"I do. And… I regret to tell you, but demons do not love. They are not incapable of never feeling such emotion. It just takes them quite a while to come to terms with such a strange emotion. For love is strange. It can drive a person to insanity, it can drive a person to do amazing feats, it can drive a person to act a certain way to try to gain a person's love... I regret to say that Claude does not love you in that way. He barely even cares for the contract with you."

Claude stiffened slightly. She mentally smirked. She could feel Sebastian's pride.

"But… he has to love me." Alois said, sadly.

"Oh, Alois." She sighed, pulling him into a hug, "You know that is not love. Not the kind you experienced with Luka or me."

He looked up at her with wide eyes. She could feel him thinking it over, quickly coming to a realization. He snuggled into her warmth.

"You're right. You've tried to tell me, several times. This (He squeezed her tightly.) is what love is. (He leaned back, still keeping his arms around her waist, looking at her.) You've stayed by my side as much as you could, gave me comfort, played games with me, read and sang to me, asked about my day with real interest. Just like my real Mother did."

Frances smiled. She kissed his forehead like a Mother would.

"I need to tell you something." She said, leaning back from the hug to look at him properly.

He looked up at her curiously.

"Claude lied to you, Jim Macken. (Everyone could see how said demon stiffened further as his eyes widened. The triplets and Alois' eyes widened. A gasp escaped Jim's lips. Hannah's lips curved into a gentle smile.) Sebastian never made a contract with Luka."

Alois'/Jim's eyes widened further.

"What?!" He asked, pulling away from her, "Wait. How did you know my true name?!"

"Claude only wanted to blame Sebastian because he knows him and desires Ciel for himself. You see, it was your brother Luka who loved you so much that he summoned Hannah to fulfill his wish, your wish." She amended, "As for your name, it came to me when I first heard your song."

He stared at her for a moment. She could feel the shock, confusion, overwhelmingness, and love. He looked over at Hannah with tears in his eyes.

"Is-Is that true, Hannah?"

Hannah walked over with a small smile. She knelt down beside Frances and took his hand into hers.

"It is, your Highness."

"Why… have you never told me this before?" Alois asked.

"Would you have listened properly?" Frances asked, pointedly.

He looked away with a slight pout. She could feel he knew it was true.

"If you wish to make a contract with Hannah (Claude's eyes widened.)," Frances spoke causing Alois to look at her, "I won't stop you. You deserve to be with the ones you love."

His eyes widened further. He could see the sadness in her eyes. She slowly stood up, turned, and began making her way to Sebastian. Claude's eyes narrowed as he opened his mouth to speak. Frances moved past him, opening her mouth a little, letting out a breath. His eyes widened. They flashed fuchsia for a split second. He appeared in front of her. Frances smirked as she felt his shock.

"How is that possible?" He asked in a whisper.

Her smirk widened.

"Would you like to make a deal?" She asked, also in a whisper.

"Yes." He said instantly.

Her smirk widened into a creepy grin. She inclined her head slightly.

"Very well then."

She moved past Claude and continued making her way to Sebastian.

"Wait!" Alois cried.

Frances stopped. She mentally smirked. She slowly turned to the boy. He walked towards her. He stopped directly in front of her.

"What were you and Claude talking about just now?" He asked.

She smiled softly.

"I am offering him a deal. A soul in exchange for Ciel's partial soul."

He smiled softly. He held out his hand. She took it. He gripped it gently.

"This place has held a web full of lies and secrets. You have told me the truth time and time again without being disgusting about it. You have always been by my side, even when I punched and kicked you that day you gave me a hug (Sebastian growled mentally. She sent him calmness.). You never hurt me, intentionally. And… while I love Luka…"

He looked at Hannah.

"It's all right, big brother." Hannah said, softly.

Jim's eyes widened. A smile upon his lips. He turned back to Frances.

"I-I want you. I want to make a contract with you."

Frances smiled softly. She wrapped her arms around him as he did her.

"Love is so warm." He murmured.

She squeezed him softly.

"It is indeed." She agreed, placing a kiss on top of his head.

She moved back, however, she didn't release him. She still held onto his shoulders.

"What do you wish?" She asked.

He smiled at her.

"You already know what it is."

She smirked.

"Indeed. And it shall be fulfilled."

A whole music note surrounded by a star appeared above Jim's heart. It flickered between hers and Claude's until it settled on her mark. She ran her hand through his blond locks.

"Thank you, Jim. I will come for you tomorrow. Oh! I have something for you."

"What is it?" He asked.

She produced a letter with his name on the envelope. His true name. He took it. He opened it. He pulled out the letter. His eyes widened. He looked up at her.

"They're finally getting married, huh?"

Frances smiled wider.

"Indeed."

He let out a huff of a chuckle.

"About damn time."

Frances laughed.

"I know, right?"

They smiled at one another. Jim let out a yawn. Frances' smile softened.

"Let's get you to bed, Bluebell." She whispered, running a hand through his hair.

"I don't want to stay in this mansion of webs."

"I know. I will take you somewhere in the morning."

"Where?"

She smiled mysteriously.

"It's a surprise." She whispered.

He pouted.

"Why can't you take me now?"

"I have a few other things to take care of. But, I promise, I will be here before you wake to take you there."

He stared at her for a long time. He let out a sigh.

"Fine. Will you tuck me in, please?"

She smiled.

"Of course."

She picked up the boy in a bridal carry. She turned to the other demons and demoness.

"Excuse me." She said.

They all nodded. The song and bluebell flowers continued to swirl around them as Frances walked to Jim's room. As she did so, she heard Claude inquire how they gained his brother's soul. She could feel Sebastian's smugness then heard his explanation. She made it to his room. She opened the door, walked through the doorway, closing it behind her. She walked to his bed. She easily moved him to one arm. He smiled widely as she leaned over to pull the covers. She carefully placed the boy onto the bed. She pulled the covers over him then tucked them around his body.

"There we are." She said, softly.

"Thank you." Alois said, smiling at her.

"You're welcome."

There was a very short pause. She leaned in and gently kissed his forehead.

"Good night, Jim Macken. I will see you when you wake tomorrow."

He smiled.

"Good night, Mother."

His eyes fluttered close. She smiled at his peaceful look. She turned and walked out of his room, closing the door quietly behind her. She placed her hand on the door itself. A dark purple barrier formed on the door and surrounded the inside of Jim's room. She gave a sharp nod. She turned and made her way back to the drawing room. She opened the door. She stood in the doorway. The demons and demoness turned to look at her.

"Claude." She called.

Claude walked towards her. She kept her eyes on him despite Sebastian's seductive embrace stroking her.

*Keep me in the conversation.*

She mentally smiled.

*Of course, my mate.*

He mentally smirked at her.

*Such a good demoness.*

Her mental smile grew wider. Claude appeared before her. She turned and walked from the room. Claude easily made his way beside her. They were soon at a brown door on the first floor of the manor. He opened the door for her and gestured her inside. She inclined her head with a, "Thank you.". Claude followed her in. Frances looked around the room. It was a beautifully strange room. There were green walls with golden detailed leaves and other patterns. There were also strange vine-like marble coming down the walls with statues of animals and body parts, mostly of toros. There was an arched golden framed mirror across from them with a golden banister and two torsos holding up lit golden candelabras. A table sat before them in a golden cloth, a red vase filled with white, purple stem roses in the center. On either side of the table, a purple with golden frame chairs sat, directly across one another with a silver plate and silver chalice with two forks, knife, and spoon sat upon the table. Even from here, she could see the strange design of the plate setting and gleam of turquoise in the plate and utensils. Frances took a seat in the chair on the right while Claude took the seat on the left. They sat down at the same time. They pulled a white rose from the vase in the center, placing it on the plate. They cut into their wrists with the knife in their set of utensils. Their blood dripped on the white rose. Frances lifted her fuchsia eyes to meet Claude's.

"I will give you the true soul of Ciel Phantomhive in exchange for the part of the soul you stole from Finnian Phantomhive. We place this seal…" Frances started, lifting up her now red rose in front of herself.

Claude held up his now red rose in front of his face.

"On this pact." He completed.

Frances threw her rose towards Claude who caught hers then threw his rose towards her which she caught. They placed their still bleeding wrists over the roses, turning them a dark red. Their fuchsia eyes turned back to their gold and brown. Frances' cut healed instantly once she finished. Claude's did as well. They both nodded towards one another.

Claude led her out of the room and down to the kitchens to the cellar where she could hear the screams of the Phantomhive's heads like she had before. This time though, nothing would make her forget. Claude went to the New Moon Drop tea box and opened it. He popped the wrappings of the tea leaves. His gloved hand dug around for a moment. He then pulled out Finnian's ring. He held it out to her. She reached up, brown eyes locked with golden ones. She slowly took it into her right hand. Instantly, she could feel all the previous heads' fear, terror, and despair. She shuddered.

"Finnian's ring." She whispered, running a thumb over it. She looked up at Claude, "Thank you."

He merely stared at her. She stared back for a long time. Suddenly, a ghost of a smirk appeared on his face.

"He taught you well."

She returned the smirk. He walked past her. She followed after him. He led her to the drawing room. Sebastian walked over to her when she entered the room. He wrapped an arm around her. He led out a low growl, the smell of despair was still deliciously strong. Frances smiled up at him. He returned the smile. They both turned to Claude.

"We shall see you at the wedding." Sebastian stated.

Claude nodded. Hannah made her way towards Frances. Frances sent the ring to the inner pocket of Sebastian's suit. Hannah took Frances' hands into her own.

"You are an amazing demoness." She complimented.

"Thank you, Hannah. Please, excuse us. We have a few more matters to take care of." She said, releasing the older demoness' hands.

She nodded.

"Of course."

The Trancy servants escorted them to the front door. Claude opened the door for them. Frances looked at Claude giving him a nod in thanks.

"See you soon." She said.

Claude gave a sharp nod. Sebastian and Frances took off down the road. When they got to the forest, Sebastian turned to her with a seductive smile.

"If we didn't have so much to do, I would mate you harshly right now."

Frances blushed even as the darkness swirled with anticipation, a small seductive smirk curled upon her lips.

They returned to Phantomhive Manor. They made their way towards the lords' room. Once in front of the door, they raised their marked hands. The black and purple smoke went back to their hands. They walked in to see both boys safe and sound.

Frances went over to the right side of the armoire where the smell of Ciel's soul grew stronger. Meanwhile, Sebastian went to the boys. Frances knelt down. She carefully dislodged the piece of wood. She found all the photos containing both boys, books with their names in them, and… the blue roses that she gave them. One of them was glowing a whitish blue. It was Ciel's soul. It smelled delicious. It was similar to Finnian's scent— tart and sour, but with a hint of death's pungent perfume. She pulled the glowing rose into her hand. She closed the floorboard properly. She walked over towards Sebastian. Once beside him. Sebastian knelt in front of Finnian. He lifted the boy into a seated position as Frances sat next to Ciel. She ran a hand through his black hair before pulling him too into a seated position. Sebastian took the golden band ring off Finnian's thumb. He pocketed it before pulling the silver ring out. He slipped it onto the boy's thumb as Frances gently placed the rose in front of Ciel's face. She blew onto it. Both souls glowed a brilliant blueish-white as it slipped into Ciel's mouth while Finnian's darted up to his heart.

"Now then, my lords…" Sebastian started.

"It is time to wake up." Frances finished.

The sun made its way over the horizon, filtering through the window.

Both boys blinked their eyes open. They looked at one another. A gasp escaped their lips.

"Finnian?"

"Ciel?"

"How are you alive?! Wait… Are you…?"

"No, Young Master, he isn't a product of Undertaker's handiwork…" Frances paused. Both boys looked at her as Sebastian smirked, "Well the body is, but his soul in there. He gave him to us." She amended.

"Hmph. I suppose that is the least He could do." Finnian said.

Frances smiled.

"Come, my lords. We have places we need to be." Sebastian said, holding out his hand.

Frances held out her hand at the same time as Sebastian held out his. Finnian took Sebastian's hand as Ciel took Frances'. They helped them stand. Ciel stumbled slightly. Frances steadied him. Once steadied, he looked up at her. His eyes widened.

"You are the woman who gave us these blue roses." Ciel said, looking at the rose in her hand.

"Yes, indeed." She said, inclining her head.

"I don't understand. Why am I here?"

"I assume Undertaker had a plan to resurrect you, which is why he kept your body. However, you are here now because I made a deal with a demon name Claude that he could consume you."

Both boys looked at her startled.

"You gave me to a demon?!"

"You gave him to a demon?!"

"She believes demons and demonesses should eat, my lords." Sebastian explained.

Both boys snarled.

"Demons."

"You both will be by each other's side until early morning three days from now." Frances explained, attempting to soften the news.

They both looked at her with confusion. She looked at Finnian.

"Lizzie deserves to marry the love of her life (She looked at Ciel for a moment before returning her gaze back to Finnian.) before he is TRULY gone for good so she can take over the company without too many people trying to dispute her legitimacy of ownership."

They looked at her with blushes forming on their cheeks. She and Sebastian had to bite back a laugh. After a few minutes of silence, Finnian spoke,

"It is the least I could do for her. (He looked at Ciel. Ciel looked at him.) Will you marry Lizzie?"

Everyone was silent as they looked at Ciel. Frances could feel his wonder, jealousy, contemplation, then finally acceptance. A smile spread upon his lips. He nodded.

"Very well. This will be MUCH BETTER than Undertaker doing his experiments on me."

The three of them looked at Ciel startled.

"You… You saw what happened?" Frances asked, horrified.

Ciel had a thoughtful look upon his face. After a moment, he said,

"No. I could just… sense something? It was mostly blurs of people and flashes of light. I could hear Undertaker's laughter and your soft voice (He looked at Frances who looked at him surprised and even more horrified.) I… knew he was doing something. I just didn't know what."

"Oh, Ciel." Frances sighed, distressed and disgusted that he saw his experiments.

He shook his head.

"I know if you knew I was there, you would have stopped him." He said with a firmness, looking her in the eyes.

She smiled softly and nodded.

"Come. I must get you two dressed."

They nodded.

"Very well."

Frances excused herself. She returned to the Trancy household. She stopped in front of the door. She didn't bother raising her hand to knock. The door opened revealing Claude. She nodded to him.

"Good morning, Claude."

"Frances."

She walked past him into the manor. She inhaled deeply. She smiled. Nothing was out of place. She walked to his Highness' room, humming his song. She entered his room. She walked over to the boy. She knelt down and began to run her hand through his hair.

Frances: Good morn~~~~ing, your Highness. It is time~~~ to wake up.*

She sang in the tune of his song before continuing to sing it. He stirred before rubbing his eye.

"Good morning, Mother." He yawned.

She kissed his forehead. He wrapped his arms around her neck. She wrapped her arms around him. She pulled him into her arms.

Frances: …How on Earth~~ (She spun around. Alois giggled.) can I get to the straw~~~berry field?

(She walked with pointed toes to his closet.) The full~~ moon slightly chipped~~ (She grabbed his favorite attire.) uncertain oh please~~ (She spun on pointe.) save me and let me smile~~~ (She stopped and dragged her right foot from the front in an arc to the back.) just make me all right~~~ (Once again, she began walking on pointed toes back to his bed.) over the bed~~ of trees~~ my heart spins around~~ (She did a pointed spin forward.).

My howl~~~ in the dawn~~~ (She reached his bed and placed him on it.) to the is~~olated star~~~ (She began to dress him.) 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~~~?*

He was fully dressed. She kissed his forehead.

"I'm going to get your belongings. I'll be right back."

"Okay." He said.

She quickly gathered everything he would need, placing it in a golden suitcase. She gathered the boy into her arms. She took off leaving the Trancy Manor behind.

A few minutes later, she came to a stop. Alois looked to see the field of bluebells and red roses that he, Claude, and Sebastian took her to for her birthday. He gasped when he saw a small green cottage with a lovely dark purple roof nestled in the center of the trees. There were long rectangular windows on either side of the black door. He turned to Frances. She smiled.

"Welcome home, your Highness."

"Th-This is for me?" He asked.

She nodded.

"Yes, Jim, it's all for you."

"I love it."

"Shall we?" She gestured forward.

He nodded with a giggle.

"Yes!"

He took her hand and ran towards the cottage. They stopped in front of the door. She opened the door. A blinding white light surrounded them for a moment. It cleared. Alois let out a gasp. They could see straight through to the homely kitchen with brown cabinets, a dining room with a circular table that held a vase of bluebells with two brown chairs, and to the right of the door, was a living room with a lovely black chaise with a golden blanket on top of the couch in front of an already roaring fire in the grey fireplace, a black bookcase filled with books along the far wall in the corner, a black cabinet on the right side of the wall beside the fireplace, on it and the mantel held his scrapbook and framed pictures of them doing various activities and vases filled with bluebell flowers, on the other side of the fireplace, sat a gramophone, past the living room was a hallway with three rooms, one on the right, one in the back, and one on the left. Alois raced towards the mantel and looked over everything. He moved to the cabinet and looked over everything on that as well. He drummed his fingers on the cabinet. He bent down and opened it.

"What's in here?"

He saw records. He pulled one out as she explained.

"Records of me reading all the books that are in your bookcase."

He gasped as he saw it read "The Brother's Grim Fairy Tales Part One". He looked up at her, tears filled his eyes.

"You truly know me so well."

She smiled. She held out her hand.

"Come. I have more to show you."

He placed it back. He closed the door to the cabinet. He skipped over to her and took her hand. She led him to the door on the left. She opened it to reveal a light grey bathroom with beige tiles scattered throughout, beige facets for the tub and sink, on the sink, another vase was filled with bluebells, a small window overlooked the trees. They continued to the room at the end of the hall. She opened the door to show a beautiful ballroom also in beige with lovely dark brown floors, a lovely black piano in the right corner with another grey fireplace next to it, a beautiful golden chandelier hung in the center of the room. Once again, there were vases filled with bluebells all around the room. Alois gasped.

"Wow." He whispered.

She smiled. She led him to the last room. She opened the door. His eyes widened. It was his bedroom. There were beige walls with a large square window that showed the waterfall, trees, and roses and bluebells, a large bed sat along the wall in front of him with white sheets. On the left side, another dark brown door that led to a closet filled with clothes and shoes, a dark brown dresser beside the closet, a brown nightstand beside the bed. On the right side, sat another brown bookcase filled with games, birdcages, nets, and binoculars. In one of the birdcages, a blue butterfly stuffed animal sat inside. Alois raced over to it. He picked it up and looked at it.

"This is just like my butterfly! (He frowned.) Though, its wing is still there."

Frances nodded.

"Indeed. Because as I said before, if you let something go free and it returns to you, it is yours, if you let something free and it doesn't return, it was never yours to begin with. If you tear off their wing, they might not grow, or they maybe they will. It all depends on the person."

He smiled brightly at her.

"Like me. I grew so strong, right Mother?"

She smiled.

"Indeed, my lovely Bluebell. (She mentally tilted her head. They were ready. She knelt to one knee.) Excuse me, your Highness, I must go. (His song filled the air. His eyes widened even more.) I will return as soon as I can. I will be helping Lady Elizabeth with dress shopping. You may do whatever you wish. Just please stay away from the lake's edge. I don't want to lose you too."

He looked at her in awed, understanding silence for a moment. He nodded.

"All right."

She nodded. She straightened from her bow. She walked over to him and held out her arms. He ran into them, squeezing her tightly.

"Come back soon, Mother!"

She ran her hand through his hair.

"I will, Jim. I love you."

"I love you too, Mother."

They released one another.

"Excuse me, then."

She took off down the road to return to Phantomhive Manor.

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