I know you guys probably don't wanna hear this considering the fact that everyone has been saying this but please stay safe out there no matter what. Yes, the Virus is something serious but you cannot let your hopes down and know that things will get better. We just have to make the right choices for the next few weeks and maybe even months but know that we can get through this. Please stay safe and find solace in the form of fanfiction.

Chapter 30:

Sebastian and I stared at each other, completely unwavering and completely unfazed. Yes, Sebastian is a demon but that does not mean I will not stand my ground.

"So...," I started slowly.

"Aren't you supposed to be doing your duties?" he said with a mocking grin.

"Well, seeing as how I'm not as incompetent as the trio I really would've expected you to figure that out by now."

He and I looked at each other, one with malcontent and one with irritation. At this point, it was normal for both of us to butt heads from time to time, but it was getting tiring having to put up with Sebastian's constant complaints. Especially since it wasn't my fault 99% of the time. But there were the other times where we could sit there, content with the silence in between us. Awkward silence, but comfortable silence.

"Make sure the fools do not destroy anything else. I will be tending to the rest of the preparations for Lady Elizabeth's arrival."

Without another word, Sebastian left the kitchen without a single glance back to me. Seeing the door closing after his retreating form, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and continued eating the rest of the apple I was eating.

I threw the remains away and began walking to the place where I sensed Snake to be. I wanted to see how his first day at the Phantomhive manor was and I wanted to see if the servants, mainly Sebastian, were treating him right. I couldn't help but feel horrible for not taking care of Snake better. I could have stayed with him when Doll went to see Father. I could have been the one person he relied on when the others died but I wasn't and nothing but guilt ridiculed me whenever I thought about him. But I also had to be strong.

Burying the thought of guilt down into my subconscious mind, I went to the gardens where we had first found Snake. It wasn't too difficult in finding him considering the fact that his snakes were everywhere. But I didn't mind them because I knew they wouldn't bite me.

"Snake? Where are you?" There was a pregnant pause. "Are you-"

"Achoo!"

I turned to the direction of the sneeze and found Snake sitting on the floor in between the bushes. It looked as if he was just admiring the flowers with his friends. It was adorable. But it was also weird to think that it was just a few days ago that he was trying to attack the young master, and now he was content with being here. But I guess, he was content because I was content. At least, that's what I assumed.

"Hey Snake. How has your day been?"

"'Alright', says Keets."

"The young master's fiance is coming over for dinner today so your help is needed. Not now but I'll come back when I know she'll be here." I turned to leave but was stopped by his voice.

"Bird..."

"Yes..."

"Do you like it here?"

I was a bit taken back. It made me realize that the look in his eyes was something that I knew all too well. Sadness, frustration and a hint of guilt. It brought the emotions that I tried so hard to hold back to come forth at full throttle. Without a second thought, I hugged him. I hugged him because I felt guilty. I hugged him because I felt sorry for him. I hugged him because I wanted him to know that no matter what happened that I would always be his friend. But I also did it because I wanted to feel him and know that even though everyone else was gone, that he wasn't.

Snake resembled the happier memories of the circus members. He was a reminder that I wasn't just that circus girl anymore. I was now a Phantomhive maid. I was now the mate of a demon.

But it also made me the person I despised the most. I could have prevented the others from getting killed. I could have saved Doll but I stood there doing nothing as the light left her eyes. I felt like a traitor to myself and to them.

"I can't say for sure if I do. But I will tell you this... the servants of the household are very nice once you get to know them. Except for Sebastian."

"' Will the others ever come back', says Emily."

I looked at him, hope held in his eyes. "I'm not sure. But let's hope so." Giving him a partly genuine smile, I turned to walk away but thought I should take Snake with me.

"Snake come with me. I want you to clean up a bit."

I grabbed his hand and started leading him to the manor. We both walked in a comfortable silence that neither of us wanted to ruin.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Why the hell does she have so much pink on her? And why the hell is she so LOUD?

It was later in the day, and Lady Elizabeth had finally come to the manor, albeit rather early. But early was an understatement. Lady Elizabeth was supposed to be here around 6 pm, but instead, she showed up at 3. I barely knew her and she was already giving me a throbbing headache with how noisy she was; both visually and noisily.

"CIEL!"

Why does she have to be so LOUD?!

"Ciel! I missed you so much! I was so worried when I heard about what happened to you!"

My head twitched slightly as her volumous voice resounded in my ears. I stepped back a little each time she spoke.

"It's completely fine Elizabeth. I'm alright." Judging by the tone of his voice, one could easily tell that Ciel was irritated.

"Ciel you could have been hurt!"

"Lady Elizabeth if I may, he wasn't truly in danger because he still had us servants' watching out for him," I said.

With confusion, Lady Elizabeth turned to me. Her eyes widened a little seeing as how she saw there was one more girl added to the Phantomhive crew.

"Ciel who's this?"

"She is my new maid."

"She's so cute! I have so many dresses she can try on-"

"Elizabeth! She is a maid, she is busy."

I smiled at the two children talking and placed my arms in front me, entertwining my hands wiht each other as a small feeling of relief flooded over me.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

No. It isn't that simple. I can't do it.

This is the craziest thing that I've been forced to do in this stupid manor...

"Celesta! Stop moving!"

I knew I was goin to die soon but I didn't think it would be like this!

" I can't tie the corset for the dress if you keep moving!"

"I'm - oof - sorry if I - oof - can't breathe Lady Elizabeth! I don't have my corsets on this tight!"

"But you need it on if you want to be even prettier!"

"I think I'm - oof - alright with my face right now!"

"Your dress style is extremely bland! I can make you cuter if you just let me tie the corset!"

Ok so I hope you at least exhaled through your nose as you read that last sentence. But like always I hope you enjoyed it and see you next time. BYE _