Chapter 2: His Sister, Strongest

   

“Bloody hell! This wire’s done for!” Baldroy yelled, lying upside down on the floor while holding a chewed up wire. Finny and Mey-Rin were by his side.

        “Oh, not the rats again.” The latter whined.

        “This is gettin’ ridiculous. I mean, I heard they’d been plaguing London lately, but I never expected them to be such a problem this far out in the city.” A little squeak sounded in front of them, and they looked down only to see a small rat running across the hallway.

        “AHH!!” They all jumped back.

        “Aww, he’s kinda cute.” You said as you were passing by, carrying two glasses of juice. You crouched down to the little furry creature, admiring it. All three servants gasped. 

        “What kinda talk are you talking woman??” Baldroy exclaimed, making you a little nervous.

        “It’s just a little rat, calm down.” 

        “They’re quite dirty and nasty, yes they are.” Mey-Rin said.

        “And they carry diseases, (N/N)! We can’t let it roam around the manor and have it affect you or the master!” Finny scolded. He backed away, grabbed a column with a bust on it, and lifted it over his head. “Now I’ve got you, rat!” 

        “No!” You all shouted, but it was too late, he already threw it. The column smashed the floorboards, creating a small cloud of wooden dust, while the rat jumped away unharmed. Finny sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

        “Looks like it got away, heh heh.” Baldroy glared at him.

        “What are you laughin’ for? Are you trying to kill us too, you igit!?” Tanaka merely stood off to the side, watching the ruckus that ensued.

        “Ho ho ho.” You blew some wood dust off your hair and continued walking down the corridor. You opened the door to the billard room, as a man at the pool table in the middle made his shot. The room itself was full of nobles sitting around wherever they pleased, including your brother. You gently closed the door behind you, muffling the sounds of the three servants still unsuccessfully trying to catch the rat. You rolled your eyes, smiling at their funny antics, then made your way across the dimly lit room to Ciel’s dark brown leather chair. You sat on the armrest and handed your brother his drink, all the while taking a sip of your own. 

        “Thank you (Y/N).” 

        “No problem Ciel.” Yelling still sounded on the other side of the wall, which caused the current lord at the pool table, Randall, to halt his turn. 

        “Quite a commotion going on out there. It seems you’re experiencing a rat problem as well.” You smirked.

        “Nothing that we can’t handle, of course.” Randall in turn smirked himself.

        “I wouldn’t presume otherwise.” 

        “Speaking of which, how long are you going to let the vermin run wild?” Another lord, on a green chair next to a plate of sandwiches, spoke as he chewed a bite of the sandwich in his hand. He swallowed it and began to grumble. “Filthy monsters. Someone really ought to take care of them, don’t you think?” 

        “And someone will.” Lau, a close friend of you and Ciel’s, said in a calm tone. His eyes were closed in relaxation as Ran Mao, ‘his girl’ as you liked to call her, sat on his cross legged lap, her hands on his shoulders in a seemingly seductive manner. “He is just waiting for the opportune moment.” 

        “Indeed.” Madame Red, you and Ciel’s aunt, lifted her head, her red hat revealing more of the red features of her face. Madame Red always dressed in red, as apparent by her red trench coat and hat. It never failed to compliment her short red hair and especially her unusual red eyes. She playfully smirked at the lords in the room. “He prefers to settle things with one blow.” Ciel smirked as well. “Will you pass on this turn too, Lord Phantomhive?” 

        “I’ll pass. It’s my policy not to shoot if I know that I’ll miss.” You clicked your tongue.

        “Then I’ll take it for you.” Your eyes locked with each other’s for a brief moment, a silent message passing between the two of you. Without a word, Ciel reluctantly handed you the pool stick, and you smirked as you took it. Confidently, you headed over to the pool table and began to line up your shot.

        “That’s all very well, but when will you handle the problem? I doubt you will hand your sister the reigns for that, will you.” You ignored this comment, instead focusing on your aim.

        “Anytime you like.” You shot, successfully hitting balls 2 and 5 into holes. Randall looked impressed, while Lord Vanel, a lord with long tied back blonde hair and a large scar that ran from the center of his forehead down to the middle of his left cheek, quietly scoffed, and began to line up his shot next. 

        “You’re not bad for a…” You raised a warning brow at Lord Randall, causing him to pause with a gulp and reconsider his wording, “…young lady such as yourself.” You nodded approvingly, though knowing full well what he was originally going to say, and took your seat on the armrest of Ciel’s chair once more. You handed the pool stick back to him, and once again you both exchanged glances, before staring back at Randall and teasingly smiling at him.

        “The rats will soon come looking for their forbidden cheese, and I have the key to the storehouse.” 

        “Ugh.” You saw Vanel straighten up, looking irritated down at the pool table, and you could see why. He had a bad shot.

        “Even so, locating the nest and eliminating the vermin promises to be a tedious task. You should concentrate on preparing me and my sister a suitable reward.” You smirked, as Randall’s expression fell into a frustrated one.

        “What a vulture!” Both yours and Ciel’s eyes narrowed, and traveled slowly over to him. 

        “Sir Randall.” Ciel’s voice was laced in a threatening authoritative tone. “I’d be careful how you besmear our family name.” Your eyes remained locked onto his, and his visage dropped. It was truly terrifying to see both the hardened glares of the Phantomhive siblings. On the other side of the room, Vanel laughed.

        “Ha, you’re in trouble now, Randall.” You didn’t necessarily appreciate the tone Vanel used, as it almost sounded like he was doubting you and your brother’s strength, but the joke did lift the atmosphere in the room, so you held your tongue. “What next, Lord Phantomhive?” Ciel closed his eye and stood up from his chair.

        “It’s time to put an end to this worthless game, don’t you think?” He walked over in the direction of Randall, and stopped just a few steps past him. Neither gentlemen made eye contact with the other. “How soon can you secure the payment?” 

        “Tonight, I’ll have it by then.” Ciel continued past him and seated himself on the edge of the pool table.

        “Then I’ll send a carriage for you later.” He aimed to take his shot, and smirked. “I’ll even prepare some light entertainment for you. Does that sound good?” You saw the sandwich eating noble widen his eyes, as he realized the move Ciel was about to make.

        “You passed your turn twice now, and you’re after them all in one go?” You quietly cursed Ciel, since he wouldn’t have had this opportunity if you hadn’t taken his turn for him, yet he was taking all the credit.

        “Naturally.” You rolled your eyes.

        “Careful, or your greed will undo you.” Randall warned, glaring at him. Ciel merely smiled a faux smile. He took the shot, the red ball being the first knocked into a hole, followed by the black one into another.

        “Am I undone?”

        Carriages left the manor on the stone path, and from the window in the drawing room, you watched each and every one. Those lords were either dependent pigs, overconfident jackasses, or both, and it annoyed you to have to take part in the family business today. The only reason you showed your face to them, and why Ciel allowed it, was because they knew of you too well to become irritated, or for whatever reason suspicious, if you were to carry out your usual business of helping the Phantomhive servants.

        “Your tea. We have a special Darjeeling blend to offer from Fortnum & Mason today.” Sebastian’s voice, though addressed to the entire room, drew you out of your thoughts. Everyone, except for yourself, held up their cup of tea. Lau brought his up to his nose, as well as Ran Mao.

        “Smells lovely. Tea can be excellent when made well.” Sebastian approached you next with a smirk on his face.

        “Would you like some tea, my lady.” For the second time today, you held your tongue, since you were in front of more people than just Ciel. God how you hated that nickname of his. 

        “No thank you, Sebastian, but I appreciate the offer.” Next to you, Ciel rose a brow, but didn’t question your answer. Sebastian’s smirk remained, as he already knew you would refuse his offer, just like every other time. You never took anything he would prepare for you; he wasn’t your butler or your servant, so it wouldn’t feel right. He knew your view on this, but he always persisted, probably on orders or to purposefully annoy you, or both. Whatever the reason he pulled his shenanigans was, he moved on nonetheless, pouring some more tea for one of the other guests. Out of the corners of your eye, you noticed a distance behind Sebastian Madame Red’s butler, Grell, admiring him. 

        “Grell.” The lady called sternly.

        “Ah yes, my lady.” She fixed him with a scolding glare.

        “Learn something from Sebastian.” Grell’s worry formed into a sad frown, and he looked down at the floor dejectedly.

        “Uh, yes.” He sounded so sad, and you felt bad for him. He always seemed like a really nice man, and although he was clumsy with his work sometimes, he still at least did his job. This was one of the reasons why you didn’t want to live like a noble. Not to say that your aunt was bad, she wasn’t, but this kind of treatment with servants was just a lifestyle you saw many times over, and you wanted nothing of it. Although, you had to admit, your aunt was a bit… eccentric at times, and she was never shy of showing it. Like now.

        “I mean just look at him.” She brought her hand up to Sebastian’s bottom and started feeling it up and down, and the shivers that went up his body were visible to everyone in the room. Even though it was highly inappropriate, it was funny to watch Sebastian’s clear discomfort, and a giggle escaped your lips at the sight. Ciel cleared his throat.

        “Ahem! Madame Red.” A blush decorated her cheeks.

        “Oh, sorry. Couldn’t help it.” She sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. “He looked like he needed a physical. Just a doctor’s habit.” Yeah, doctor’s habit alright. Lau set his cup of tea down on the table.

        “So, do you believe the drag trafficker you’re after was one of your guests today?” He stood up, awaiting Ciel’s answer.

        “Perhaps.”

        “Yes.” You voiced instantly. Everyone turned their attention to you. “The trafficker was definitely in that room alright.”

        “Already?” Madame Red asked in surprise. “Well, that’s why you’re the best (Y/N).” This was the other reason you were in that room, to discover Ciel’s intended target. Besides helping Finny, Baldroy, and Mey-Rin around the manor, you were Funtom’s secret security. You were the one mainly responsible for double checking the company’s accounts to see that no one tampered with them, as well as root out any traitors that managed to sneak their way into the company. You were an excellent judge of character, part of it being natural, and the other part of it from observing Sebastian’s deceit to people on a daily basis. Lying was easy to pick up on. It was how the pig, Damiano, was found out, because you had found something off about the transactions from his branch of the company. 

        “So you did figure it out.” Ciel spoke.

        “It was obvious, I knew from the start. I think you know who it is too, brother.”

        “Oh, then might you tell us lady (Y/N)?” Lau pressed.

        “I’m afraid I don’t have substantial condemning evidence against him. Not yet at least, so I can’t reveal his identity, but I’m confident as to who it is.” You could see Sebastian smirking as he stood to attention. 

        “Then why don’t you leave the extermination to Lau?” Madame Red questioned, while Lau walked over to you and Ciel’s chairs and crossed his arms over the top of them. “A rat knows best where a rat’s nest is, doesn’t he?”

        “I’m but a tame guinea pig dedicated to my lord and lady.” He placed his hands on top of both yours and Ciel’s head, and leaned down next to you two. “If the earl instructs me not to act, I’m bound to do nothing.” Suddenly your necks were snatched away by a very angry Madame Red, who’s emotion matched the color she was named after.

        “Watch it! Keep your filthy paws off my darling niece and nephew!” Lau casually leaned against Ciel’s chair.

        “You wound me. I would never paw at them in their own home.” Her hands immediately released you two, which made you two almost fall to the ground if not for the fact that Ciel grabbed your hand and hoisted you up. You mouthed a ‘thanks’ while Madame Red continued to argue with Lau.

        “Are you saying you would if you were elsewhere? Careful, you’re on thin ice now, sir!” You sighed at your aunt’s overprotectiveness, but you understood why she was like this. After the fire, it was only reasonable that she would be more than just concerned of something happening again. She lost her sister and a dear friend, so she wasn’t about to lose her only remaining family. Lau merely laughed off her behavior, having grown accustomed to it by now.

        “Sorry, I’m joking of course.” Sebastian turned around, and saw Ciel and you leaving the room. 

        “Master?” Ciel and you stopped at the open doors, both of you looking tired as Madame Red and Lau continued her bickering.

        “You’d better be! I hope you understand how protective I am of my dear niece and nephew. I would lay down my own life for them and I’ll…” You couldn’t hear the rest, as it was blocked out by Lau’s laughter.

        “Oh, the rats are here.” Your brother mumbled.

        “You could say that again.” You both trudged through the hallway with the sound of Madame Red’s voice fading in the distance, only to be replaced by Baldroy’s loud crescendo. 

        “It went that way!” 

        “And here too.” Ciel mumbled as Finny ran past the two of you in a gray cat suit holding a tabby cat. Mey-Rin followed with a pile of mouse traps.

        “Get it!” She yelled. Finny ran back past you two with the cat now biting the top of his cat suit, while Baldroy ran past you again as well with a ladle. Now Mey-Rin returned struggling to hold even more mouse traps in her hands. Here’s a real circus. You sighed.

        “I guess I’ll go help them.” You turned around and called out to them. “Fin! Get back here! Finny!” You were about to head off after him when Sebastian suddenly blocked your way.

        “Master, milady.” Of course he acknowledged you as well. Ciel turned around and faced his butler. “Today’s dessert. It’s a deep dish pie prepared with fresh apples and raisins. It will be ready soon. Would you like to eat with your guests?” 

        “Bring it to my study.” He turned around, his back facing the both of you now. “I’m done here.”

        “Certainly, my lord.” Sebastian put his hand to his chest and bowed. You sighed as Ciel’s form grew smaller. 

        “Yeesh, he’s grumpy today.” You muttered under your breath. 

        “Lady (Y/N), would you like some too?” A small fake smile graced your lips, knowing that he was simply teasing you.

        “No thanks. It’s for Ciel.” 

        “Ah!” Finny came running up the hall, still in the cat suit, with the cat latched onto his butt by its fangs, and Baldroy came running after him in the same predicament. Mey-Rin almost ran into Sebastian with the mouse traps, and his playful smirk quickly turned into a very visible frown. As Tanaka came by with a small butterfly net, the rats squeaked, directing your attention to the floor. There were two rats, one on your right and one approaching from the left. Sebastian’s eyes acquired a predatory gleam to them, then he swiftly dipped down and snatched the rat on the right. As the rat came up from the left, you quickly stomped your foot on the ground and caught the rat by the tip of its tail. You picked it up and dropped it into Tanaka’s net along with the one Sebastian caught. 

        “That’s enough of that. Stop playing and get back to work.” Sebastian said while clapping his hands together. All three of them looked down in shame. You sighed.

        “Alright Finny, let’s get that cat costume off you and-” Finny instantly put his hands out to stop you. 

        “No no no, it’s alright (Y/N).”

        “Yeah, after all that trouble, we can get it ourselves.” Baldroy gave you a thumbs up.

        “So don’t you worry about us now.” Mey-Rin said, holding up the extra mouse traps. You rose a brow.

        “Okay, then. If you say so.” Sebastian walked past the three servants and you followed him. When you both were a good distance away, he looked down at you, his frown replaced with his usual smirk.

        “And where are you going, my lady?” 

        “I’m helping you with the cooking, of course, because apparently now there’s nothing else to do.” 

        “You always trouble yourself with work, when you could be doing something you enjoy.”

        “Maybe I enjoy cooking, and no, I’m not leaving you be. It doesn’t take a genius to hear that underlying wish. Besides, I really don’t want to deal with my aunt right now.” 

        “That… certainly makes sense.” He all but shuddered, which you were positive was from recalling how your aunt felt him up.

        “Are you thinking about your new lady friend?” You taunted.

        “Besides that little… disturbing comment, I actually find you quite entertaining.” 

        “Do my ears deceive me? An actual compliment from Sebastian Michaelis? Shoot me now.” 

        “It appears you’ve just made my point.” You laughed.

        “Well, it’s nice to know I mean something then.” As you stared up at his smirk, an image of his frown from earlier crossed your mind, making you let out a small chuckle.

        “And what are you laughing at now?” 

        “When Mey-Rin almost fell on you, you looked so damn annoyed, and it was just too funny. Usually don’t show your displeasure so much.”

        “Yes, I suppose I don’t. A butler does not show their emotions when caring for their masters, but I felt in this instance that the servants were being incompetent, especially over two little rodents.”

        “You forget how much weaker humans are than you.”

        “Believe me, I have not forgotten that.” You swore his eyes flashed a different color, but you brushed it off.

        “Still, it’s nice to know something bothers you so much, since your little antics bother me.”

        “I have no idea what you’re talking about, my lady.” You frowned at him. 

        “I’m going to find more rats and let them loose.”

        “And as a Phantomhive butler, I will catch them before you have the chance to do so.”

        “Let’s just go finish the cooking oh great butler sir.” 

        “Of course, my lady.” He smirked down at you as he emphasized the title once again. You muttered a few small curses under your breath as you both continued on your way to the kitchen.

        Ciel sighed a out of relief as he entered his study and closed the door, effectively shutting the chaos out behind him. Between his overprotective aunt and all the rats he had to deal with, he was glad to have escaped it all for the moment. 

        “Finally. Some piece and quiet.” He took one step forward, without ever knowing the outstretched hand reaching towards him, until it was too late. His cries of worry were muffled by the rag pressed against his mouth, silencing him, until he eventually fell into the void of unconsciousness.

        “No Sebastian, I did not add any ‘special ingredient’ to mess with my brother.” You walked beside Sebastian, both of you holding a tray of pie.

        “You’ve done it before.”

        “It was one time! And for your information, I took responsibility.” Sebastian raised a brow. “Oh come on, you have to admit, it was pretty funny when he bit into his eggs and all he got was a mouthful of salt.”

        “To think you’ve called me evil.” 

        “Well he deserved it at the time, and you let it happen too.” Sebastian sighed just as you arrived at Ciel’s study. He knocked on the door.

        “Young Master. I brought your pie and afternoon tea.” When there was no answer, you got a bad feeling, and Sebastian sported the same suspicious look as your own. “Master?”

        “Ciel?” He slowly opened the door, and you peered in only to see a mess. Books and papers were scattered all over the floor, the few chairs in there were overturned, and the large windows behind Ciel’s desk were wide open, the curtains flowing slightly by a breeze from the outside. It was clear what happened. Sebastian and you both gasped simultaneously.

        “This is terrible!” Sebastian looked down to the floor. “The refreshments will all be wasted now.” You sighed.

        “You’re always so pessimistic. If we find him quick, everything may still be warm. C’mon! We have no time to lose!”

        In a far away part of England, in an area full of crowded slum cities, smog clouding the air, and run-down construction sites, a mansion lies on its borders, surrounded by armed men patrolling its perimeters. Its owner, confident in his security, begins to berate his captive, who was unconscious only moments ago.

        “The policeman of England’s underworld, one of the nobles who have done the royal family’s dirty work for generations. The Queen’s guard dog, tasked with disposing anyone who disagrees with her.” The man grabbed a cigar from a full box, and clipped the edge of it off. “Just how many nicknames do you have, and how many families have you crushed, Ciel Phantomhive.” The captive lifted his head, his one blue eye glaring directly at his captor. Clear signs of a fresh beating shown on his face from the various cuts and bruises. Blood trickled down his no longer fresh skin. 

        “I thought it would be you.” The man lit his cigar and took a whiff of it, smirking down at Ciel the entire time, his giant scar standing out among the rest of his features. “You shame your family, Azzurro Vanel.”

        “Haha, come now, my little lord Phantomhive.” He began to approach Ciel. “Do you know how hard it is for the Italian Mafia here? You Englishmen have nothing but tea on the brain.” He crouched down so that he was now eye level with his captive. “It’s difficult to penetrate those small minds of yours, so we have to think outside the box to make money. So, I found the drug trade.”

        “The Pharmacy Act of 1868 listed opium as a restricted substance. It is the Queen’s decree.” Ciel opened his one blue eye. “And I will eliminate those drugs and the vermin who sell them.” 

        “Ugh!” The vermin placed his hand on his head. “You know, this is why I hate all you Englishmen. The Queen this, the Queen that. You act like this woman is your own mother.” He leaned in and cupped Ciel’s chin. “You line your pockets while pretending the whole time that you’re better than the rest of us. But in the end we’re no different from each other. Why can’t we get along?”

        “I’ve left orders about your key. If I don’t come back, my servants will make sure the authorities get it.” Ciel smirked. “I’m sorry. I have no interest in getting along with someone like you.” The vermin stood up and pointed his gun at his captive. 

        “You brat! Don’t underestimate me! My men are already waiting at your estate. Where is the key? Spit it out soon or your servants will start dying one by one.” Ciel tilted his head and mockingly smiled.

        “Oh, I think they’ll be alright. But you’d better hope your lap-dogs know how to fetch.” He was met with a swift kick to the cheek, making him fall to the ground. Vanel’s cigar dropped to the floor, but his angered state paid no mind to this as he put a phone up to his ear. 

        “Did you hear that? The time for talk is over.”

        “Oh dear, this is most troubling. Where could the master have been taken?” Sebastian put his hand not holding a tray, up to his chin, pondering the current situation. 

        “Hm, where indeed.” You mumbled sarcastically.

        “Sebastian! (Y/N)!” At the sound of your names, you both looked up to see Mey-Rin, out of breath, running towards you. In her raised hand was a piece of paper she frantically waved about. “I just found a letter, yes I did!”

        “Addressed to whom?” Sebastian questioned. 

        “To the servant of the Earl of Phantomhive!” As Mey-Rin continued trying to make her way to you, another presence was outside in the trees, eyeing the window you happened to be standing next to. He pointed his sniper rifle and focused his aim on Sebastian, and he was about to pull the trigger, when the butler turned his head and looked directly at him. He immediately lost his composure, almost dropping in his gun from shock. Noticing this little exchange yourself, you followed Sebastian’s gaze and saw what he was eyeing. You smirked at the startled man perched in the tree, his attack at the moment failing.

        Unfortunately, the distraction caused you both to miss Mey-Rin trip over her boots and fall right into Sebastian, the pie from his tray catapulting into the air. The sniper, meanwhile, cocked his gun, found his target once again, and pulled the trigger. Glass shattered from the now broken window, and Sebastian immediately grabbed your hand and pulled you down along with him and Mey-Rin, your pie now airborne as well. You both landed on your backs, while Mey-Rin collapsed onto Sebastian’s chest, as a bullet whizzed by and shattered an expensive pot into pieces on the floor, joining the ones from the broken window. The pies from before fell onto Sebastian’s tray, and you sighed out of annoyance at the predicament.

        “Mey-Rin… the letter please.” Sebastian spoke calmly with an indifferent expression. The girl’s face turned a deep shade of red as she propped herself up from the handsome butler’s chest.

        “Eh? Letter? Oh, yes sir!” She quickly scurried off of Sebastian as he leaned up and gave him the letter. You and him both stood to your feet, and you peered over Sebastian’s arm as he opened the letter so you could see what was written.

        “‘If you want to return your master safely, come to Nova Garden Bethmal Green as soon as possible’… Goodness, what a dreadfully written letter.” If you don’t come before sunset, we will cut your master’s fingers off one by one and send it…

“Yeesh, talk about overkill.” You muttered.

        “Sebastian!” Finny called out down the hall, as he approached you two with Baldroy in tow.

        “What is going on here?” Madame Red asked angrily as she appeared behind you two with Lau. Sebastian smiled.

        “Sorry for the noise, my lady. I assure you nothing’s wrong. Please don’t concern yourself.” As Madame Red observed the mess around you, Ran Mao peeped out behind Lau to see the chaos as well. Even Grell was present, and squeaked at the sight of the broken glass. 

        “Humph! Nothing, are you sure? Would my dear niece agree with you?” Sebastian glanced down at you, curiously awaiting your response. You simply smiled at your aunt, identical to Sebastian’s.

        “I would in fact agree, dearest aunt.” Another benefit of observing Sebastian’s behavior: you learned to mimic it. Lying, when necessary, was almost as easy as breathing. Your aunt huffed again, though this time in reluctant approval, then Sebastian addressed the three servants.

        “Everyone, I have business to attend. Would you mind cleaning this up?” He handed the tray with the two pies over to Baldroy, who happily took it. Sebastian walked past the cluster of people, and you followed him.

        “So when you say clean, that means we can eat it, right?” Baldroy asked with a closed eye smile, but as he turned around to hear an answer, he found the hallway empty. “…Sebastian?”

        Your footsteps echoed through the corridor as you fell in sync with Sebastian’s pace.

        “Excellent job holding yourself, milady.”

        “It was no big deal, just an annoyance.”

        “Even after discovering your brother missing and reading that dreadful letter?” The sarcasm practically dripped from his tone.

        “It doesn’t surprise me, not at all. Like I said, it’s a huge annoyance.”

        “I assumed this would upset you of all people.” 

        “No, I knew the rat would strike at one point. I just didn’t think it would be so soon.” You sighed heavily again. “Now we have to go and retrieve my brother. This certainly puts a damper on the schedule, doesn’t it?”

        “Indeed, for me it will.” 

        “What?”

        “You will be staying here, of course.”

        “Awe come on! I can take this guy on! He’s a coward, after all.”

        “I have been ordered by the master to keep you safe, and that means remaining here in the manor, away from danger.” 

        “I can fight though, you’ve taught me everything I know. But what’s the point of your lessons if I can’t utilize them? If anything, allowing me to go will let me gain experience in the field, which in a way, is actually protecting me.” You placed your hands on your hips. “Besides, if there are shooters here, I might as well stay with someone who can stop them, which is you.” A smirk graced his lips once more.

        “You really do have a knack for finding loopholes in the master’s orders, don’t you?” You beamed.

        “It’s one of my specialties to get under my brother’s skin. Don’t worry though, it’ll be fun.” Sebastian was hesitant in giving you an answer, thinking your logic over. “Time’s ticking.” He chuckled.

        “Alright then.”

        “Yes!” You fist bumped the air, and you could feel Sebastian’s smirk widen at your enthusiasm.

        A car was speeding down a dirt road like a lightning bolt, the engine revving like thunder. Two men were at the head of it, one of them on the phone with an angry rat.

        “Sorry, I missed!” 

        “What do you mean you missed!? You are complete idiots! Never should have hired scum like you!” The phone started to go static, and his next words were only barely understood. “Just get back here.” The man holding the phone thought he saw something out of the corner of his eyes, and when he turned around, through the dust the car was kicking up, there was indeed something there. A figure was running right towards them.

        “Sir, something’s off. I see something… What’s that!?” On the other side of the staticky phone, sitting in his purple leather chair, Azzurro Vanel smirked.

        “Ah, you little girls see a bear in the woods?” The men on the other side whimpered then screamed like banshees, and Vanel now took the matter seriously. “What is it? Did someone find you? Talk to me.” He rushed out every word, desperate for an answer. 

        “Hurry it up!” The men on the other side ignored their boss, and sharply turned the car. The driver floored it, but it did no good. “It’s coming… closer!” 

        “That’s it! I’ve had enough of your games already!” 

        “No good, it’s here!” All Vanel heard was the scream of the men, the static of the phone, then the crash of the car. Sweat poured down his brow in disbelief. “Ah… hello? What happened?” On the carpeted floor in front of Vanel, with blood still dripping from the wounds on his face, Ciel chuckled.

        “That’s too bad. Sounds like your little game of fetch is over.” Vanel’s eye twitched out of irritation, and without another word, he landed a kick in Ciel’s gut, then another, and another, until he couldn’t control himself anymore and a flurry of kicks followed.

        “Just shut your mouth, you damn brat!” After a few more kicks of now released anger, he snatched up his phone and tried talking to his men. “You listen to me! If one of you don’t answer right now, I swear I will kill you!” Through the static, an unfamiliar voice picked up.

        “…Hello…” 

        “Who is this?” 

        “…Pardon me, but I represent the Phantomhive Estate.” Vanel gasped, and his eyes widened. They slowly traveled over to Ciel, who’s unmoving body faced the wall. “I was wondering if my master might be available.” The Italian shook with fear. “Hello? Is anyone there?” He thought he heard a feminine chuckle in the background as well. “Hello?” 

        “A-Ah… I-I…” He was a stuttery mess, all he could hear was his heart pounding against his chest. 

        “Woof.” Ciel’s voice was heard loud and clear, and the already terrified vermin froze. A second passed, then Ciel heard another voice on the other end of the phone chuckle, and he froze as well.

        “…Very good, young master. I will come to get you momentarily.” Sebastian hung up the phone before Ciel could respond, and stared ahead at the two gentlemen still in the car he had hunted down. He smirked. “Thank you for letting me use your field telephone.” The car teetered off the edge of the cliff, the only thing keeping it there was Sebastian crouched on the hood of the car, and you leaning down on its side. You checked your nails nonchalantly, a little bored at the pace this was unfolding, while the men shuddered in fear. “And now there are a few things I’d like to ask you about, if that’s alright.” 

        “And don’t keep us waiting. One of us is very impatient.” Your narrowed (E/C) eyes met their terrified ones, and their jumpy reactions made you smirk.

        “Yes, don’t disappoint the lady, if you don’t mind.” The men nodded their heads.

        “First, I’d like to know who you work for.” They merely sat there, trembling, ignoring what you had told them seconds ago. “Hurry up now. Like the young lady said, we’re not exactly what you would call patient. And you do remember what happened to the Humpty-Dumpty, don’t you?” You had to stop yourself from laughing at Sebastian’s sense of humor during such a serious situation. When they still continued to say nothing, you and Sebastian exchanged looks, and with a nod of your head, you heaved yourself off the car and walked a few steps away. The car rocked more dangerously this time, and the two started squealing and whining.

        “Ah! O-Our employer’s name is Azzurro Vanel! He has a hideout up in the city! It’s in the East End.” Sebastian closed his eyes and smiled, then stood up, making the car rock again. “We just work for him!” You scoffed at their pointless pleading, but Sebastian showed no distaste.

        “But of course, I understand. I’m very sorry to have interrupted your work, gentlemen.” He bowed. “I’ll let you go now. Have a safe trip.” He jumped off the car and landed in front of it. With an indifferent frown, he tossed the men their phone back, and you joined him at his side as the vehicle toppled off the cliff and plummeted into the trees. You both turned away when they disappeared beneath the trees.

        “Told you the rat was him.”

        “One must always be sure, my lady.” You rolled your eyes as he took out his pocket watch. “Oh dear. Look at how late it’s gotten.” An explosion sounded behind you, followed by an enormous flash of light. Fiery smoke billowed up from the cliff, and you looked behind you to catch a glimpse of the light show. However, the putrid smell of burning earth invaded your nostrils, making you turn back around instantly. “If we don’t move quickly, we shall never have dinner on time.” Sebastian began walking ahead, and you quickly caught up with him.

        “I kinda feel bad for them now.” 

        “And why is that? They tried to kill us, after all, and they work for the one who’s captured your brother.”

        “It’s not like they ever had a chance to succeed, and they did only work for him. And, I don’t know if you know this, being a demon and all, but death by explosion off a cliff isn’t exactly the best way to go.”

        “Aw, do you have a soft spot for other humans?”

        “Of course I do. I wouldn’t be if I didn’t.”

        “There are many who don’t care for their own kind though.” He sighed dramatically. “One of the reasons I will never understand humans.”

        “Trust me, I don’t understand them either.” It was silent for a moment. “Empathy is just another emotion you won’t understand, will you, Sebastian?”

        “I guess not.” Another moment of silence passed, until you smirked. 

        “When did you read about Humpty-Dumpty, hm?” Sebastian chuckled.

        “You’re never going to let that joke go, aren’t you?” You smiled innocently.

        “Not in the slightest.”

        Back at the Phantomhive manor, Madame Red, Lau, and Ran Mao were all riding in a carriage home since neither Sebastian nor you had returned with Ciel yet. Madame Red appeared unusually dejected. 

        “Are we certain nothing’s wrong?”

        “If that butler says everything’s fine, I’m inclined to believe it.” Lau responded calmly with his usual expression. He pulled Ran Mao closer to him. “He’s been in the earl’s service for so long, and it’s quite plain to see there’s some sort of unshakable bond between those two. You can always find him at the earl’s side, like a shadow. It’s the same with his sister as well. Wherever those two are, that butler isn’t far behind.” 

        “So long? But Sebastian didn’t arrive until two years ago. That’s not much time at all…”

        “Oh really? How odd. My memory is so unreliable. Isn’t that right, Ran Mao?” The girl said nothing, and Madame Red frowned and crossed her arms.

        “Useless.” Somewhere in the carriage, Grell whined, thinking it was directed at him. 

        Meanwhile, at the rat’s nest, everything turned to mass chaos, as the rat himself was losing it.

        “Listen up! The Phantomhive boy has help on the way!” All around the manor, footsteps echoed as the men rushed through the interior and perimeter of the manor. “Move it! Tighten security at the gate! Not so much as a single rat gets through!” Men lined up along the balcony and around the gate, readying their guns, and focusing on anything in front of them that moved. Behind them, two figures walked up the steps to the porch. One of them, a male, put their hand to their head, pretending to get a better view of the place.

        “My my, what a splendid home.” 

        “It could use a touch of nicer color, but otherwise I’d have to agree.” They all gasped and turned around, spotting a butler and a weirdly dressed lady.

        “Hey! Who the hell are these two?” One of them called out as they all quickly pointed their guns at the two. The intruders didn’t even flinch. 

        “Ah, my apologies.” Sebastian put his hand on his heart, and you both smirked. “You see… we represent the Phantomhive household.”

        “Oh dear, we need Sebastian here, and (Y/N). Where did they go now?” Mey-Rin groaned as she leaned her chin on the kitchen table.

        “I wish I knew… I hope they’re okay.” Finny groaned, in the same position as Mey-Rin.

        “(Y/N) can take care of herself, and I don’t care where Sebastian is or what he’s doing.” Baldroy removed his chin from the table and slammed his palms on the surface, on which held the two pies. “This is all I’m worried about.” He turned to Finny. “Does ‘clean it up’ mean we can eat the pies or not!?” He brought his head back and grabbed the back of his head with his hands. “I have to knooooowwww!” 

        “I’m sure one bite each would be okay.” Finny suggested.

        “No, Finny! You know how Sebastian is! If we eat something we’re not supposed to he’ll bake us into his next pie!” Mey-Rin got up and slammed a bottle of milk down on the table, a serious glint shined in her glasses. 

        “You need to calm yourself down Baldroy. Like (Y/N) always says, a soothing drink may help. Here, give this a try.” Baldroy crossed his arms.

        “Milk… not that it’s gonna help me.”

        “Milk is an important part of your diet! It’ll help you grow strong bones, yes it will!” Finny remained on the table, his stomach grumbling. How I wish they were all home now.

        All around you were broken bodies twisted in ways they shouldn’t be twisted, soaking in their own blood. You were breathing a little heavily as you stood in front of the last person you knocked out, one of the other men’s guns in your hands. Though, you hadn’t even needed to shoot it yet. Those lessons Sebastian gave you really did pay off, otherwise you would’ve never been able to take on as many as you did, which was still significantly less than Sebastian’s count. 

        “My arm! He’s shattered the bone!” You turned around to see one man left standing, or rather crouching, with his left arm indeed shattered. You twirled the gun in your hand as you walked over to the scene, Sebastian still standing in front of him.

        “Pardon me, but I’m in a bit of a hurry.” He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. “5:34.” You stared down at the screaming man with indifferent eyes, then brought the gun up and struck him in the head. He fell to the ground with a thud as Sebastian put away his watch. “I thought you had a soft spot for other humans.”

        “Not when their screaming is so annoying, and when they deserve it for working with vermin. Besides, I did him a favor; he won’t be feeling pain now that he’s unconscious. Nice moves, by the way.”

        “Thank you for the compliment. Now, we must be heading in. The young master is still waiting, after all.” 

        “Right, of course.” Sebastian opened the front door without hesitation, and you followed him in. The first thing to grace your vision was a long dining table with plates and bowls set out as if they were prepared for dinner, yet no food was in them. How strange. Dark marble flooring led into the dark walled two story dining room, and you looked around for any suspicious places gunmen could be hiding, as Sebastian shut the door. Your eyes narrowed ahead, noticing movement, and you took one step forward, but was stopped short by gunshots from above to your left. You sidestepped behind Sebastian, who used one of the trays to block the barrage of bullets coming from the railings of the second floor. “I think I deserve a tray, don’t you think?” He smirked and handed you one without a word. With Sebastian at the lead, you both ran towards the table, still blocking more oncoming bullets. “I call the ones on the right.” 

        “As you wish.” Sebastian turned his tray in his grasp and threw it at the men up top like a boomerang. It successfully hit each in the neck and knocked them down, while at the same time, you ran to the right railings, blocking more bullets with your own tray. You flung it at one of the columns, and when the men saw it stuck in the wall, they laughed, thinking you had been completely off course. How wrong they were. You sheathed the gun you had picked up earlier, and, still running towards the railing, jumped onto the tray, and used it as a leverage to leap over the railing and into the midst of the men. Before they knew it, you knocked one of them in the head and started to take the rest on.

        Meanwhile, Sebastian jumped onto the table and ran across it, easily avoiding the bullets whizzing towards him. He grabbed a handful of plates and flung them towards each shooter, all he aimed at falling as a dish crashed against their heads.

        “Move, damn it! Call the boys in the west tower! We need to rip these bastards apart!” Sebastian stayed crouched on the table, one of the bowls shattering in his hand from a bullet. 

        “An entire swarm of rats…” He mumbled, then pulled out his pocket watch. “I’ll get nowhere at this rate.” He sighed, then heard your battle cry above. He peered up at your own fight, and he smirked once again. “Perhaps it won’t be as long as I thought.”

        “That’s it! I’m gonna eat it!” Baldroy shouted. “Mey-Rin, tea! Finny, go get the silver!” Mey-Rin, Finny, and even Tanaka saluted him.

        “Sir, yes sir!” Finny immediately went to the silverware drawer and opened it.

        “It should be right in here… what the?” Mey Rin and Baldroy peered over the confused boy’s shoulder.

        “Something wrong?” Baldroy asked.

        “I don’t understand. The silver’s supposed to be here, but I don’t see a single knife or fork….” 

        Sebastian unsheathed one hand of knives and one hand of forks, the silver clinging as he did so. He leapt back from the table and landed on the railing above, then threw each utensil at once, each landing in the head of a man. He devilishly smirked.

        “Who the hell is he!?” One of the men anxiously questioned before being struck in the head himself.

        “Now now, if I couldn’t do this much at least…” He jumped into the air again and threw another hand of knives. “Then what kind of butler would I be?” They all made their mark, and then he threw another hand, which hit all the guys you were currently fighting. You rolled your eyes and frowned. 

        “Show off.” You muttered, then used the tray you had implanted into the column earlier to help yourself get back on the first floor. There were still some remaining on the ground floor, and you wasted no time in taking them on. Not too long after, all the men were down, most surrounded by a small pool of their own blood, just like outside. You twirled your borrowed gun in your hands and casually walked towards the table. You peered up at the golden chandelier above, and saw Sebastian hanging from it by his feet. “I think you can come down now.” You called up to him, though he seemed to ignore this.

        “Oh dear, that took longer than I thought.” He let his feet casually slide from the chandelier and landed gracefully on the floor. “Already 5:43.” 

        “It wouldn’t have taken so long if you weren’t so intent on playing with them.” You playfully teased him.

        “My my, I seem to recall aiding you with the ones you were responsible for.” You scoffed.

        “That’s because you just wanted to show off. Look, there’s not even a scratch on me.” He put his pocket watch back in his pocket and strode over to you. When he was just inches away, he crouched down in front of you, his crimson hues staring directly into your (E/C) ones. He raised his hand and wiped his thumb across your cheek, making you cringe a little out of surprise. He brought his gloved hand back to reveal a small streak of blood. You wiped your cheek yourself and saw a few more tiny droplets on your hand.

        “It appears there are.” After one long look at the blood, you sighed.

        “I guess I must be getting sloppy then.” Sebastian stood back up and patted your head.

        “Yes, you still have much to learn.” You swatted his hand away with a frown, and started making your way towards the stairs. 

        “Let’s just get my brother already. Wasted enough time as it is, don’t you agree?” Sebastian smirked, and followed you up the stairs.

        Azzurro Vanel stood quite a distance away from the door, shakily holding a pistol aimed directly at it. Loud footsteps echoed through the quiet room from the hallway, growing louder as they came nearer. Sweat poured down his brows as they stopped right in front of the room, and everything went silent. His jaw dropped as Sebastian slowly opened the doors, you by his side, and instantly pointed his pistol at you two. You both stepped in nonetheless, and Sebastian bowed. 

        “I have come to retrieve my master.” Your eyes fell on Ciel’s bound form on the floor just behind the rat, and instantly narrowed.

        “And my poor brother.” You saw Ciel visibly flinch as he heard your voice, but you didn’t care at the moment. The rat scoffed.

        “Is this a joke? I was expecting giants, and instead I got some scrawny dandy in a tailcoat and the earl’s little brat sister in a costume.” Your right eye twitched, and your hands balled into fists. “Who are you anyway? There’s no way that you’re just a butler.” You frowned when he didn’t acknowledge your presence.

        “No sir. You see, I’m simply one hell of a butler… I promise.” Now you smirked, but the vermin simply brushed the remark aside and chuckled, not realizing how grave that statement was.

        “It does not matter anyway, I have no intention of fighting you, either of you. Not yet…” He grabbed a tuft of Ciel’s hair and put him in a choke hold, pressing the barrel of his gun to his temple. You rolled your eyes. “But you better have what I asked for!” Sebastian frowned, clearly annoyed as well.

        “Idiot.” You muttered under your breath.

        “Yes, I do.” The butler reached into his pocket and pulled out the ransom described in the letter. “It’s right here.” A loud bang rang in your ears. Your eyes widened as much as Sebastian’s as blood spurted from the new wound in his head, some of it landing on your head. You felt two large arms encircle you and swiftly pull you out of the way before Sebastian was pelted with a barrage of bullets. Ciel gasped, and his eyes remained locked on his butler as he fell to the floor, then quickly over to you, as you tried struggling out of the man’s grasp. Through a ripped painting on the wall was a tiny room filled with the shooters responsible for the surprise attack. The rat let out an insane chuckle.

        “Oh, sorry dandy. I really am, but this round is mine.” The men began to approach Sebastian’s body. “There’s no way I was going up against the Phantomhive, lord of the game, without a trump card hidden.” He pushed the gun harder against Ciel’s head. “I damaged the goods a little bit, but that’s alright. I’m sure you’ll fetch a pretty price, even in this condition.” Using the gun, he flipped Ciel’s eye pitch over, revealing his now swollen closed eye. “As for your sister over there, imagine how much she’s worth. I’m sure it’s much more than even you, being such a pretty young thing and all.” He chuckled again. “I wonder which fat lord will want the innocent little sister of the earl of Phantomhive.” 

        “Eww.” Ciel glanced over to you, silently telling you to shut your mouth.

        “Don’t worry, you have so many enemies.” The rat tapped his gun under Ciel’s chin. “I doubt you’ll be alive for that much longer, maybe your sister too.” Ciel’s eye didn’t waver, not even under all these threats.

        “Alright. I’m tired of messing around. How much longer are you planning to play dead?” The presumed dead butler’s fingers twitched.

        “Not long.”

        “And you, (Y/N). Stop acting so pathetic. I know you’re more capable than that.” You smirked.

        “Awe, come on. I was just playing around too.” You sighed. “Oh well.” As the man behind you was distracted by Sebastian’s twitching form, you twisted his wrist then flipped him over onto the floor. You jabbed his injured hand against his back with your knee, and watched the show unfold, the rat now comically a panicked mess.

        “B-But how!? How are you…! You just…!” The men surrounding Sebastian back away as he began to rise.

        “Guns today are so much more efficient than they used to be.” His back straightened vertebrate by vertebrate, until only his neck was bent back. “They can shoot so many more bullets now.” He brought his hand up and snapped his neck forward, spitting something into the palms of his gloves. He unfolded his fingers to reveal the now blood soaked bullets that had just been shot into him, and smirked. “Perhaps you’d like these back.” The rat was certainly taken aback.

        “Ah! What are you doing!? Kill him!” The men hesitantly drew their guns up, but Sebastian was quick to throw the bullets into each man, including the one you were currently holding down, killing every one of them. You rose from the corpse and clapped your hands together, pretending to dust yourself off.

        “Thanks for the help, Sebastian.”

        “It was no trouble my dear lady.” You chose to ignore that dastardly nickname and smirked at the rat, as he let go of Ciel’s hair in his terrified stupor. Sebastian merely stood there, holding out the end of his tailcoat, now tattered and covered in holes. “Oh dear. What an awful thing to do to a perfectly good tailcoat.” He feigned disappointment.

        “You could have avoided that. Idiot.”

        “Oh give him a break, Ciel. He was just having fun after all.”  

        “I don’t care.”

        “Master, how unfortunate. They don’t seem to have taken very good care of you.” 

        “Now I think that’s something you could have avoided, Ciel.” 

        “Shut up.” 

        “Hey, it’s not like I’m happy about it either. I want to kick this rat all the way down to hell.”

        “Would you like to partake then, my lady?” You smiled in mock innocence.

        “Hmmm, it’s tempting, but I think you should have the final turn in this little game.” 

        “Very well, as you wish.” He began to approach the rat. “Master, you look like a helpless little child all bound up like that. But then I guess that’s appropriate.” The rat grabbed Ciel again and pointed his gun to his head, although this time he was visibly shaking.

        “I-If you come any closer, I’ll shoot him!” 

        “Can we move this along? His breath smells awful.” You chuckled as Sebastian stopped.

        “But if I come any closer, he might kill you.” Ciel’s eye narrowed.

        “Well then, are you saying you want to break the contract?” 

        “No, of course not.” Sebastian brought his hand up to his heart. “Nothing has changed. I remain your faithful servant, my lord.” 

        “What the hell kind of nonsense are you talking about!?” 

        “You’ll find out soon enough.” You decided to speak. The rat’s pleading eyes looked your way, but you showed no sympathy, no remorse, for what was about to happen.

        “Master, you know what you have to do…” Sebastian brought his hand up to the right side of his face, and titled his head, his bangs covering the other half. “Now just say the words.” Ciel opened his normal blue eye, then his left, which displayed a purple pentagram, a devil’s mark.

        “This is an order. Save me now.” His markings glowed, and the rat, seemingly unfazed, grit his teeth. You still didn’t worry a bit.

        “No, it’s over!” The trigger was pulled, but the rat looked on in horror when he saw that no hole was put into the earl’s head. Ciel simply turned his head, both his eyes now glaring into the rat’s soul. “What the… but that’s impossible!” The very bullet he meant to shoot, was then held in front of him.

        “Are you looking for this?” He stared forward in complete shock, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets, as Sebastian stood next to him, the bullet still in between his fingers. “Here then, let me give it back to you.” He dropped the bullet in the rat’s pocket, then an excruciating pain took over the vermin. His right arm, previously holding Ciel, twisted around multiple times, and he fell back to the floor, crying in utter pain. You hummed in satisfaction. 

        “Now that’s what I’m talking about.” The rat was still whimpering as you joined your brother and Sebastian, who picked his young lord up, not bothering to untie him yet. 

        “I must say, the game wasn’t as much fun this time, Sebastian. And (Y/N), why must you always put yourself in danger?”

        “Way to spoil the moment.” You and Sebastian turned around, and were about to exit this awful place, when the rat spoke up. 

        “No wait! Come back! Be my bodyguard and I will pay you ten times what he does!” Sebastian paused, then set Ciel down in a purple lounge chair by a barren fireplace. You joined Ciel’s side, sitting on the floor next to him with your legs crossed, like an excited child. “Alright, twenty times! You can have all the liquor and women you want, too!” You snickered at the ridiculous attempts at bribing, which of course wouldn’t affect Sebastian in the slightest. Nothing of human desire would. He only abided by one principle that the rat could never hope to achieve. The butler ignored the offers thrown his way, as he knelt down and began to break Ciel’s restrains. The rat gasped.

        “I’m sorry, Mr. Vanel. It’s an attractive offer, but I have no interest in such materialistic things.” He held out the broken bonds to his side, and dropped them. Sebastian then stood and faced the rat with his usual smirk. “You see, I am simply one hell of a butler.” His eyes turned from crimson to a demonic fuchsia, his pupils now slit.

        “Ah… right, okay…” The cornered rat had nothing to say, nor could he process the sight in front of him. On the floor, shadowed feathers floated around Sebastian, and soon this vision started to spread to the entire room, with Sebastian’s demonic eyes still glowing at him. You leaned your head on the armrest of the chair, while Ciel crossed his legs and rested his chin on the knuckles of his hand. 

        “As long as my master holds the contract, I am his loyal servant.” Sebastian used his teeth to remove the glove on his left hand, as the shadows spread faster and engulfed the rat. “A wish, a sacrifice,” This time he covered the right side of his face with his left hand, which held the same mark as Ciel’s eye, “and this… all of these things keep me bound to Lord Phantomhive.” Ciel’s purple eye glowed as the rat glanced at it. “Until the day I swallow his soul.” It was then the rat truly realized what he was up against, what the nature of the Phantomhive butler was, how deep a mistake it was to challenge the master of a demon. You smiled in bliss at the scene before you, and Sebastian joined his lord’s side just behind the chair. Ciel had the final word.

“Unfortunately for you, this game is over.”

        The sky above glowed a fiery orange and pink as the sun began its descent below the horizon, indicating the end to a long day. All was quiet, yet peaceful, as you walked side by side Sebastian carrying an unconscious Ciel in his arms. Not a word was exchanged between you two the entire journey home, even as the manor came into view, simply because nothing needed to be said.

        As your feet stepped on freshly cut grass, Ciel opened his eye, the eyepatch having been put back on before your arrival. You were about to make a remark on how hilariously exhausted he was, when you noticed the way he stared at the manor ahead. His eye widened, and he gasped at something not visible to you. But unfortunately, you knew very well the illusion he was hallucinating. You of all people would know, for you had fallen victim to it as well. The fire from your childhood never really left your minds; it was always there, a permanent scar that unfortunately could never be erased, no matter what you did. 

        “You are awake, master?” Ciel seemed to snap out of his delusion, and when he realized the image wasn’t real, he lowered his gaze to the ground, refusing to answer Sebastian’s question. You placed a hand on his knee, the best comfort you could provide at the moment, but it proved enough. He seemed to accept it, as his blue eye moved up to stare into your empathetic (E/C) ones, and softened.

        “Master! (Y/N)! Welcome home!” Finny The Phantomhive servants, your friends, all excitedly ran up to you three.

        “Oh dear!” Mey-Rin exclaimed in surprise.

        “Master Ciel, you’re injured!” Finny worriedly pointed out. “And so are you (Y/N)! What happened!?” 

        “It’s okay, Fin. We’re fine.” The male started inspecting some of the fresh marks on your skin that you hadn’t noticed before, though they weren’t nearly as numerous as Ciel’s.

        “I just tripped and fell, and my idiot sister tumbled down the stairs.”

        “Hey!”

        “But it’s nothing to worry about.” The two servants suddenly stared up at Ciel with blushes on their faces and their hands bunched up under the chins. “What, you don’t believe what your master tells you?” 

        “Oh no, we do.” Mey-Rin assured.

        “It’s just… you look so cute, being held like a baby and all.” You burst out laughing, and Ciel sprouted a deep red blush. Even Sebastian appeared a little surprised by the comment.

        “Put. Me. Down.” Sebastian complied without a word, while you still bellowed, only now you were on the ground. Ciel angrily turned towards the servants, who were still aweing him with looks of adoration. “Stop looking at me like that, honestly!” Now he turned towards you. “And you, why are you laughing so much!?” His irked stated only made you laugh more. When you could breathe again, you answered.

        “Because Finny’s totally right! Ahah!” 

        “Master… I’m so terribly sorry.” Sebastian suddenly spoke ominously, as he put his hand up to his heart and took a knee. “I’ve committed a blunder unacceptable for a Phantomhive butler. How could I ever atone? I hang my head in shame.” Tense silence passed. “Dinner is not ready.”

        “Watch out, baby Ciel might throw a tantrum.” Ciel’s eye glared as you and Finny tried to stifle back your chuckles. But your brother quickly composed himself, which was suspiciously uncharacteristic.

        “Fine then. If you think it’s so funny, then you can be a baby.” 

        “Huh?” Without a second’s notice, Sebastian scooped you up and pressed you against his chest, just how Ciel was moments ago. You blushed and tried pushing yourself out of his grasp. “Hey! Let me go!”

        “Don’t put her down until we’re inside the manor. That’s an order.” Sebastian smirked, as you continued to push against him in vain.

        “As you wish, my lord.”

        “That’s a dirty trick, Ciel!” You crossed your arms and frowned, acknowledging the fact that there was unfortunately no way to escape this humiliation. What made matters worse was now Finny and Mey-Rin were fixated on you. 

        “Aww (Y/N), now you’re the baby, yes you are!” 

        “You look so cute held up like that!” Finny continuously poked your cheek, making you more annoyed by the second, until you finally exploded. 

        “Fin! What the heck!!” 

        It was going to be a long walk home.

        “You know, you could have gotten yourself killed today.” Ciel began to scold while Sebastian was bandaging him up. You playfully rolled your eyes.

        “Yet I didn’t.” Your brother sighed, as he leaned back in his study chair. 

        “(Y/N), I’m being serious.”

        “Relax then. Look, Sebastian was there, so nothing too bad was ever going to happen.” 

        “Reckless as you are, something might have. Do you realize how worried I was when I heard you on that phone? That whole time I was wondering whether or not if you would wind up with a bullet in your head.”

        “At least I’m not the one who let himself get captured by a rat.” He scoffed.

        “That is completely different than rushing blindly into danger.”

        “Well they already had shooters posted at the manor, so there wasn’t much difference in danger, if you ask me.” 

        “Were there now?” 

        “Yes, one almost shot me and Sebastian, and broke a window and a vase in the process. Had to explain that one to Madame Red.” You muttered that last bit out. “But besides all that, I held my own out there.” 

        “I have no doubt you did, with Sebastian’s help.”

        “She did handle herself quite well.” The butler chimed in. “With a little improvement, she might sustain no injuries in a fight again.” You smiled as the butler began taping up your own wounds, which weren’t much.

        “Thank you, Sebastian.” 

        “Of course, my lady.”

        “Will you ever grow tired of that nickname?”

        “It is your proper title, and I am obliged to address you by it.” 

        “All that aside Sebastian,” Ciel began, ” you should have been more adamant on having her remain here.”

        “I’m afraid she was quite persistent in attending with me. I could not deter her.”

        “Unacceptable.” 

        “Lay off. It’s not his fault I’m so annoying.”

        “If anything, you’re more stubborn than annoying.” 

        “Thanks for the compliment, brother.”

        “But you’re still reckless and irresponsible with things that don’t concern you.”

        “Not to mention worried for my brother.” At that, Ciel shut his mouth. “That’s the main reason I went, even though I knew it was going to happen, and how everything would turn out.” You laughed. “I just can’t help it, you’re my brother.” Ciel smirked, prideful of that fact. “And I was mad too, so it was a combination of both. Stupid rat. You know how much I wanted to give him a good punch to the face? Especially after he called me a brat!”

        “I think you’re the one who needs to calm down now.”

        “Are you kidding? I was calm as could be over there! It took all my self control to hold back on that stupid shit! Especially since I knew it was him all along and could have done something beforehand.” 

        “I wasn’t aware you had any self control at all until today.”

        “Ha ha, very funny, Ciel.” 

        “…And I didn’t know you were so skilled in a fight either.”

        “All thanks to Sebastian. If it wasn’t for his lessons, I really would be six feet under.” Sebastian finally finished up covering your cuts with gauze, and stood up.

        “Such kind words, milady.” Ciel sighed.

        “Yes, and even though you acted against my wishes, that’s why I’ve decided to allow those lessons to continue.” 

        “You were thinking of stopping them?”

        “I was… but I’ve made up my mind.” 

        “Thanks…” For a moment, all was silent. You could have started arguing with your brother, as you usually would, but decided against it. This time, it wasn’t worth it. You then rose from your chair, breaking the silence. “Well, I guess I’ll go help clean up the mess, now that the rats are gone” You made your way over to the door, and you were about to exit the room, but you stopped. “Words of advice, Ciel… trust in me.” You closed the door, and a minute later both Ciel and Sebastian heard your voice down the hall. “Finny! Why are you dangling from the chandelier!”

        “I saw a mouse, and got scared! I’m sorry!”

        Ciel rolled his eyes at the ruckus outside, as well as for his sister. She was such a pain, quite troublesome, but remarkable nonetheless. Indeed, (Y/N) was the only one he knew who would have no problem going up against an army of armed mercenaries and then pretend as if nothing was wrong. Ciel wondered how he’s remained relatively sane with her.

        “What a day.” Sebastian broke him out of his thoughts. “Shall we attend dinner now, master?” He rubbed hi temples as a headache was coming on.

        “Let’s wait until the mice are done scurrying outside.” He turned his chair around to face the window, thinking about today, and what you had told him earlier. He would never admit it out loud, but he admired how devoted his sister was to him, and how skilled she had become, both physically and mentally. The image of the burning mansion still haunted him from today, and he knew it did her as well, yet she never seemed to be affected by it. She never seemed forlorn, never broke down in front of anyone, never let it show. And she carried on with life, with an attitude no one else could match. Between the two of them, she was indeed strongest.

        (A/N: Yo, another chapter finally. Sorry about being slow as always, and if this one isn’t as good, but all week I’m busy, and it kinda sucks. I’m only free on Saturdays, unless I have something then ((which I have for the past three weeks)) and a little bit of Sunday depending on how much homework they give me. Plus drama that has been going on for the past three years and something else that has affected the school as well, which then ties into the drama… it’s just a whole big mess and I feel tired all the time. Senior year sucks epic butt! Yay! Anyway, hope you at least enjoyed the chapter. I’ll try to get stuff up and published as much as possible, which, by the way, includes another story on the way. Over 100 pages are written for it, just gotta edit it. No I’m not stopping this one, I just write what I’m in the mood for, otherwise it’s not good, so unfortunately y’all gotta deal with it. Also no, I’m not telling what this new story is too, though I’m probably gonna publish another story before that, which I have two chapters done for that one… before you ask, yes I’m all over the place, but I don’t care. I love it. There’s your Charlie XCX reference for the day XD . And with that, I’ll see y’all laters ~_~)