A/N: It's been a long time since I uploaded, so here's the first part. Yes I know it's not much but I-Let's just get to the point. I procrastinate a lot. In June, I lost my grandma. And then even though some of you might not believe in ghosts, I also had a few ghost problems to the point where it scares me to sleep with the lights off. Just wanted to say why I wasn't uploading much, but I still think of this story constantly. Now, let's march onwards, shall we? Also! There might be spelling errors because I only proof read two times so I'm sorry for that.

Chapter 23 Part One

Stumbling into my room, I grabbed a few clothes and cram them down into a black traveling backpack. It's actually a laptop backpack, but it has padded shoulder straps and I need that. I am, also, currently packing for London and placing Onyx's care supplies on my bed. I can't bring her with; Ciel's allergic to cats and I don't wanna be that much of a burden. Only a little bit of a burden, just a tad, everyone needs a sassy Cassie. Everyone needs a sassy Cassie! This should be law.

You see, just five minutes ago, I was handed a letter and it's from Sebastian, Ciel's butler. It said that there is going to be a small gathering for Ciel's thirteenth birthday and I should come. Well, actually, there were a lot of fancy words, but this is just cutting it short. I have six hours before the plane leaves so everything is going to be cut short. Hah, that meaning can go SEVERAL ways if ya catch my drift. Oh, I just threw my mind in the gutter. Chuckling as I lift Onyx onto my shoulders, I grab my bag and passport/ticket and headed towards the stairs. I left my door open for Onyx since her litter box is in the bathroom. When I reached the second staircase, I ran into Chaotic who was coming up.

"So what's going on? Where are you going exactly?" I really don't have time for his shit. "Oi! Don't slow me down, I have to leave now. I'm going to England for Ciel's birthday. He's gonna turn thirteen and I wanna be there damnit!" I moved to the left and so did he. Is he going to be this difficult? "Did you ask the Headmaster to go? It's two weeks before winter break, you have homework right? Also, did you ask Kaname if you can-" "Why the fuck would I have to ask Kaname? I got permission from the Chairman dude, that's all I need! And I'll do homework on the plane ride to England. Plus, I'll ask Ciel for help. He might be younger, but he's smart about business shit. So back off! I have to go gift shopping." I pushed on his shoulder but he wouldn't budge. Stupid pureblood asshole! "Go ask Kaname, he's the Dorm President." "Why are you acting like you got a stick shoved up yer ass?" He continues to glare up at me, fine let's get this over with. I turn around to meet a broad chest.

"Where the fuck did you come from?! How long were you there?!" I hurdled back from Kaname. Anyone would! Usually I can sense if someone was sneaking up on me! Holy shit, my heart is about to jump out of my chest! "Yo Kaname, I'm gonna head towards England for the week. Rest assured; I'll bring you a souvenir too. So I bid thee farewell until next week," I brought my hand up to my forehead and saluted him. I'm totally not getting cocky at all.

"I told you to ask him, not tell him."

"I told you to move but you didn't do shit."

"I told you first-"

"I'm about to shove you down these stairs! I have less than six hours to get to the airport and then ten hours on the flight. No one wants a pissed off Cassie on the plane, man. And not only-"

"As long as you do your work, I'm fine with you leaving." Kaname spoke up as he slipped pass us on the stairs. I swear, I saw a tiny smile on his face! What's so funny?!

Finally, making it down to the lobby, I came up behind Shiki and Takuma on the couch. "Hey Senri~?" I spoke in that tone, were you want a person to do something, "Do ya mind if you take care of Onyx while I'm gone? October and Chaotic will overfeed her and you're the second closest to my room~ It's a job only you can do~" I'm on the verge of doing the puppy eyes. He looks at Takuma and then back at me before he nods. I give my thanks and promise him a really great souvenir. Then I look at Takuma, "Ne Takuma, can I borrow you for an hour ish? I need to get a gift for Ciel in town and I don't want to get ripped off. I want to get him a tea set of some sort and he's rich like you guys. So he'll know if something is not genuine. Also I only have 10,254 yen which is around 100 dollars I think. So yeah, come help me choose a set and not get ripped off.." I pushed out the puppy eyes but ended up snorting as soon as our eyes met. It was just so funny! Plus, I will end up dragging him if he disagrees to go with me. He looks behind me for a few seconds and then gave me an uncomfortable smile, "Sure, but we must hurry before class." And then we were off for town. I kissed Onyx's head, handed her over to Chaotic, and then said my goodbyes.

We ended up at this really modern building; just from the building appearance I could tell that I won't have any money left… damnit. A lady came up to us and Takuma immediately took charge. I also noticed that the lady was checking out Takuma. She must be at least in her forties! Luckily, for me, Shiki went with us and he was translating what they were saying. I am so grateful for him. Also he just confirmed that the lady is trying to flirt with Takuma… Yeah, we pretty much ditched that conversation at that point.

"Yo dude, look at this!" I pointed down at this unique set, "and it's in my price range too!" It's a different kind of tea set, like there's no handles, just the cup itself. And the teapot is quite small but very cute. The set is mostly brown but it gives off this marble texture, like there are some reds and whites, but in a way it looks like its smoke. "I want this," I stated confidently, even slammed my fist in my left palm. I've been reading too much manga. Shiki calls over the lady and an uncomfortable Takuma; obviously the lady just doesn't know when to stop, because now she's looking at Shiki as if he's a piece of meat.

Upon further explanation, this set is called "Fume". There's a glaze that reacts to heat of a kiln and actually changes the look. Thus, each piece is completely different. I love this so much. I love to give gifts that are either tasty or useful and have a meaning. Besides, what a better way to describe Ciel then this? He's not the average twelve year old. He's a man-child that had a rough past.

Within five minutes, the tea set was mine and all my money was gone. That was the most I have spent on a person. Don't tell my other friends that! Also, Takuma got the lady to wrap my gift in this really cool dark blue rice paper. I didn't even know rice wrapping paper existed! This is one classy motherfucking gift, I'll tell ya that for free! And as we were leaving the shop, Takuma offered to buy some sweets and who wouldn't take that offer?! This is the best last minute shopping trip that I ever had!

Now, we're at the station where the bullet train is. I'm becoming nervous of just the thought of being on a plane. Especially, when I'm by myself, I become very anxious and will question EVERY sound. What if the engine—

"You'll be fine, Cassie," Takuma places his hand on my shoulder, "We need our Night Class Perfect to come back in flawless health after all." He smiles brightly and nudges Shiki, who nods in agreement, "Now go have a safe and fun trip~!" Takuma spins me around and towards the train. I climb inside the train and took a window seat to look back at the two dorks and flash them a toothy grin along with a peace sign. It's a bit warm in this train; I'm beginning to regret not changing out of my uniform.

Ø~‡~*~*~‡~Ø

Chewing on my gum rapidly, I covered my face and steadied my breathing. We just had liftoff and I'm going to throw up. Okay, I'm not going to, but I feel as if it can happen very easily if we were to hit an air pocket. I'm serious. I'm in the middle isle and the people next to me are passed out. They were passed out before we even took off! They're crazy! How do people do that? What if we crashed and they died in their sleep, but didn't know they were dead! I would hate that. Thus, is why I don't fall asleep on planes. We left here at six in the evening and if nothing bad happens, we should land in London around noon on this same Friday. Yeah, you just got to love time zones. We're going through eight time zones in a total of ten hours. I'm going to be so jetlag.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm riding first class! I actually don't mind which class I ride in; as long I'm not by the window, I'm fine. It's just pretty generous that I got a first class ticket, but that's expected from a Phantomhive's butler. Oh god, I'm going to have to hear "I'm one hell of a butler" about ten thousand times! That's Sebastian's catchphrase, which is fine, but it doesn't stop my eye rolling.

Settling back into my seat to watch Finding Nemo on the screen ahead of me, my mind began to wonder back to the past when I first met Ciel. It wasn't too long ago, but I was so shy back then.

****Flashback Six Months Ago****

Surprisingly, today is a beautiful summer morning in England. For the last four days that I've been here, it's been nothing but pouring rain. I'm so happy that I can actually see the sun today. The weather here is different than Nebraska, but the humidity hardly changed. No wonder Sammy boi is so pale!

I look past him and out the car window; his uncle continued organizing papers in front of us. Today, we were awoken quite early to go on an "educational field trip" is what his uncle is calling it. I'm calling it torture; this is my summer vacation, also known as "your parents don't want you so now you're another's problem". His uncle, what's his name again? Oh, Chandler Millington, he's Sammy boi's mom's brother. I don't care much for him, I met him just two hours ago, but the way he looks at us is as if we're trash. He has a very snobby personality and from what Sammy boi told me, he's single for that reason too. Also it could be the fact that just a few minutes ago, he told us to not talk. "Children are meant to be seen, not heard from," were his exact words. Even in this car or small limo we're supposed to remain quiet and not disturb him. If I want to talk to Sammy boi, I have to text him; which is stupid since he's right next to me.

Yo, so we have to be quiet this whole time? I mean I can but still dude we're not even at the place so why now? Also what's his business again?

Lol Cassie. It's just a simple request. It'll be fun just pretend it's a game of who can stay quiet the longest. Also weren't you listening? He owns a law office. He checks in on his clients to make sure that their companies are insured and of the sort.

Dude. He demanded us to stop talkin. And even though I'm quiet around strangers, I will still lose to you, Mr. Watch-Me-Stop-Talking-for-6-Months! Also its 10:33am. I don't even remember what I had for breakfast! This this pointless why did we even had to come along?

Haha fair enough. But let's just not cause any trouble now, shall we? xx

I looked up from my phone to look back at him; he was staring down at me with a small smile tugging at his lips. I stuck my tongue out at him and rolled my eyes.

"Ah, here we are," his uncle broke the silence. I didn't even notice that the car had stopped. "Remember what I said earlier," he scowls down at us, "Unless if you're spoken to, then respond in a quick polite sentence." Yeah I have a feeling that, that scowl was just for me.

I was about to text something sarcastic to Sammy boi when my side door opened. Tom, Sammy boi's driver, looked as if he was a bit stressed out. I can only imagine how his uncle treats the servants… Just the thought of that made me cringed and I gave a bleak smile at Tom as I climbed out. I nearly shit my pants when I finally got a good look at the house—I mean mansion because holy fuck! Sammy boi's house is pretty fucking big but since it's still in London it doesn't even compete against this. This mansion had to be a hundred feet long, if not more. I can only imagine all the hiding places—

"Keep moving, please. So he doesn't become impatient." Sammy boi whispered in my left ear and lightly pushed me forward. He should know better to whisper in an American girl's ear! Especially with that accent! As I was in my drooling mode, Sammy boi hooked arms with me because I kept falling behind. The accents, the beast house mansion, and humidity were getting to me.

Right as we reach the top of the left curved staircase, the double doors opened up to this slick man in a butler suit…wait he's a butler? He looks like a model! He had black medium length hair that seems to frame his face; it sticks out because most butlers I've seen have short hair. He is very pale too in his lean stature. Wait, is that… red eyes?

Goosebumps shot across my body as I hid behind Sammy boi. This is bad, I feel bad. It feels as if we're rabbits walking into a lion's den. He doesn't feel…right? I know he can't be human. If he was, he wouldn't give off this dark, suffocating feeling.

My friends back at home, Chaotic and October, they're vampires, but they don't give off this aura! They're even at different ranks in the vampire system, but it doesn't compare to this! Most vampires, well, I only know two vampires, give off this mystical atmosphere, like you know that there's something different, but can't understand what it is. This butler guy; is a whole new ball game and I am truly terrified…yet, I'm still curious.

We've walked through the grand doors and the eerie butler, Sebastian I think, is making small talk with Sammy boi's uncle. How can he not notice anything? I look over to Sammy only to see him…blushing. Wow, I understand that the butler is attractive, I just never seen Sammy boi blush like that.

I elbow Sammy boi in the ribs as we strolled down the corridor, "You look like a tomato." I mouthed at him with a toothy grin, failing miserably at hiding my snicker. Laughing helps me cope with stressful situations. "Shut up!" He hissed and whirled his head to look out the window probably blushing more and I burst out laughing. My laughter echoed down the corridor, completely piercing the silence. It's just the thought of him with a hardcore flushed face was too much for me. His uncle's body tensed but didn't dare look back at me. The Sebastian guy looked back at us and politely asked what was wrong. I couldn't do anything but apologize as I finished my laughing fit. Looks like I lost the silent game!

When we finally reached library/study area, Sammy boi and his uncle posture altered. They straighten themselves and Sammy boi somewhat brushed the hair out of his eyes and then turn to wink at me. I feel so out of place. This is kind of like a business trip then isn't it? I don't look the best today and I don't know how to act "proper" and I'm not so keen on the politeness. Fuck, I'm so out of my territory that I just want to throw myself out the window. I heard Sebastian say "young master". How young is he? Will he be snotty? Will he look down on me as much as Sammy boi's uncle? I can only take so much bullshit in a week.

I was lost in my train of thoughts that I didn't notice that we were already inside the room. I am not a morning person, I only got three hours of sleep, and thankfully Sammy boi is used to this routine.

At the desk, sat a little boy with an eye patch? Is he a pirate? I smiled at the thought that the boy was playing dress up at his father's desk. He had dark hair with a blue tint. His eye was the color of lapis lazuli. However, for a kid, he held a relax but serious attitude. Is his father late—

"Ah Chandler, it's been awhile, hasn't it?"

"It has, Ciel. I just got back to England last night."

"I hope you're not too jetlagged for today."

Wait. This kid is the Ciel Phantomhive? He's so young! Or it could be late puberty…but still! Boy, America got to keep up with other countries' education, because I feel so stupid right now.

"—I brought my nephew, Samuel, and his acquaintance, Casey." Hey! My name is Cassie! You're a lawyer, but yet you fucking forget my first name in two hours?! Are you serious? I frowned at the dickhead before pouting at Sammy boi. He knows I hate getting called Casey.

"Actually," Sammy boi cleared his throat, "her name is Cassie and has been a very good friend of my family." Aw look at him being so sweet. I remember the time where he would stand up for himself or anyone. I really hope this part of him will stay a little longer.

Ciel faintly smirked up at uncle dickhead and asked us if we were going to stand the whole time or sit. He sat opposite of the desk and we just a few feet away. Sammy boi was drawing in a small notepad while I burnt my tongue on hot tea. This continued for an hour before we were dismissed outside. I didn't know we were gonna have lunch here.

Once we were let outside, it opened up to this massive court yard. The sun was high above and there were very little clouds in the cerulean sky. It smelled like freshly cut grass and the flowers guarded the pathway up to the little patio. It was gorgeous; I thought I was dreaming as the breeze picked up. I honestly believed that I was home, and then I bumped into Sammy boi. I should stop daydreaming and start paying attention. The patio held this long rectangular varnished wooden table. Ciel took the head of the table, dickhead sat to the left of him and Sammy boi followed suit. I sat on the opposite side of Sammy boi and was all to myself. I'll have to ask Sammy boi later about Ciel's parent situation.

Everything was all fine until the food was brought out. I failed to notice all the silverware. Who the fuck needs three forks, two spoons, and two knives? I had a class like this back in 8th grade but it was only on the placement. What the hell do I eat with first? Giving up in frustration, I gently nudge Sammy boi's ankle under the table.

"Which one do I use?" I mouthed while poking at the forks. He blinks at me and cocks his head to the side. "Dude. Which fucking fork do I use?" As you can see I have lost all my patience. One fork is good for almost everything. Or we could use fucking sporks, but those would be too OP (overpowered) for this. In response, Sammy boi's lips started twitching and were trying so hard to not smile. Well, safe to say I'm pissed. "You son of a dick! Fucking tell me the answer, you know exactly what I'm saying!" I snarled under my breath and kicked his shin. He burst out laughing. He's usually pretty quiet so to hear him at this volume is just priceless, though, it doesn't soothe my anger. It just reached the boiling point.

"BUAHA I'm so sorry Cassie!" He cried out before covering his mouth with his hand to smother the laughter.

"No! You're not! If you were, you wouldn't be laughing! Cállate estúpido!" I snapped my fingers at him; I'm so pissed I accidently spoke Spanish.

"…Is there a problem?" Ciel asked us, he and dickhead were staring at us in. Dickhead in shock and Ciel looked slightly amused.

"Yeah there is." I spoke calmly towards Ciel, "I don't know which fork to use," at this point uncle dickhead covered his face with his hands, "I mean in 8th grade we learnt the placement but that was only to the 2nd power. This is the 3rd power! I didn't even know this was a thing!" My hands pointed down at the triple forks of death, "Back then I thought this was useless information so I evaporate it from my mind and look at me now!" I turn back towards Sammy boi who was wheezing about the "3rd power" bullshit. "And you! You can keep laughing! Because we're going back to 3rd grade and I'm gonna tell your mom on you!"

"Pfft! Why?" He managed to choke out.

"Because yer laughin' at me! Yer supposed to be my guide," A bit of Scottish accent slipped off my tongue there, "H-h-how long has it been since we known each other? Hm? Almost… ten years?! And this is the first time I've seen you be a total jerk!" I threw my hands in the air and scooted back in my seat. I'm done with this bullshit.

"Just because I'm laughing at you?! Cassie, this is so basic—"

"Yeah! Basic for you! But for me, this is a whole new world. You know what. I'm telling your dad instead because at least he would relate! Your mom's kind but your dad lived in both worlds. That's like having a kid from… let's say South Korea and he messes up a greeting in English only for you to laugh in his face because it was so "basic" for you." He quiet down and the most apologetic expression was on his face, "You just got schooled by a sixteen year old, son." I grabbed the middle fork and shoved the delicious salad in my face. I don't care if it's the right fork or not.

****Flashback Over****

"Miss? Miss? Would you like some water?" The person on my right lightly touched my wrist. I was spacing out on the movie on the screen. I nodded and the flight attendant hands me a cup of ice cold water my throat is quite parched.

I remember back then when I first met Ciel, that little outburst with Sammy boi was the first time either of us talked that loud in front of people that we don't really know. I was only loud around my best friends and if there were strangers I would keep my mouth shut and observe. Sammy boi on the other hand was going through a bit of depression, I think at the time. Well so was I, but he went a different route. He stopped talking for six months. Didn't say why to his parents or anyone; it was really unexpected. When my parents wanted me out of the state, "Grandma" or Sammy boi's grandma thought it would be best if I was sent out to England. I might be the person to get him to talk again. And I did, I just tackle hugged him and tickled him until he begged me to stop. He later told me the reason he went silent was because he felt like a burden. His younger twin brother didn't help; he kept telling Sammy boi that he was the burden in the family and what not. I really don't understand Adam anymore.

I took a big swig of water, swirling it around my mouth to awaken the flavor in my gum again, and finally swallowing. Anyways, after that outburst at the table, both of us apologized to Ciel. Later that day, Sammy boi's uncle gave us an earful when we got back to the house, but none of that mattered. A day or two afterwards, Ciel wrote us an invite to go back to his mansion/house. He claimed it was so he can get a better understanding of common people for advertising. This was such bullshit, since I kept asking him silly questions in return. And thus I lived up to my last name and latched onto him. I, also Sammy boi in his free time, wanted to make Ciel smile, even if it's just a trace of a smile. Smirking doesn't count with him!