3. Busy Days Hurt

JO here...

A few things:

I've made a Kuroshitsuji community on fanficition.net called Behind The Kuroshitsuji Door if you're into stories with OCs as the main character and isekaid into the Kuroshitsuji world. Or even the MC in Kuroshitsuji in general. I'm a huge so I add stories when I can. If you have one or want to recommend, feel free to PM me. Guidelines are stated in the description.

Also, if you want to see illustrations of Hero and anything relating to this story, my profile has information about my DeviantArt and where to find the goods. Special thanks as well to Darkkami for the very first review to this story. Its amazing looking at where I started. So first time writers, don't get discouraged! 

EDITED 06/27/23

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji

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3. Busy Days Hurt

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I woke up to the sound of Ciel's indignant voice and the movement of rustling bed covers. The scent of fresh bread and tea helped rouse me further from the depths of dreamland.

When I rolled over, I found a surprised but amused Sebastian standing by as a blushing Ciel claimed that us sleeping together was very clearly my idea. He's not wrong, but way to throw me under the bus.

I slowly sat up and looked around the room, feeling stiff and groggy like a zombie. I hope I didn't look like one. When I spotted the cart full of hot tea and morning treats, my lips curved into a grateful smile.

"Food!" I exclaimed happily, struggling off the bed.

"I'll have breakfast ready shortly," announced Sebastian as he went to change his master. He paused when he saw my PJ's. Ciel turned his head and looked too, shocked once more.

"What are you wearing?" he exclaimed, face red.

Confused, I looked down at myself, unable to see what the big deal was. I had extra clothes packed away in my knapsack, just in case of any emergencies. I was currently dressed in my XL Marlins T-shirt and tight yoga shorts. I swiped a biscuit and started munching on it, eyeing them blankly.

"Your legs are showing!" Ciel informed me, as if the mere thought was utterly scandalous.

"Well of course they are. I'm wearing my tights, some skin is bound to show. And you didn't say anything last night," I pointed out.

Sebastian chuckled quietly, receiving Ciel's embarrassed glare. "Well I wasn't aware you were so scantily clad! Thank goodness Nina Hopkins is coming over. Hopefully you'll have something suitable to wear before my guests arrive."

I blinked. "Guests?"

"A few associates that I work with as the Earl Phantomhive," Ciel explained, letting Sebastian unbutton his night gown. I turned away in thought. Hmm, was this when Ciel looked all bad ass on his large plush chair, talking about getting rid of rats?

I smiled. Yes please!

I turned around and raised my hand in excitement.

"Count me in! I wanna make an entrance and look just as cool!" I paused for a few seconds when I noticed Ciel in a state of near nakedness. I quickly turned around and laughed nervously. "I'll just go back to my room and wait for you to finish changing. By the way, be sure to eat plenty. You'll keep looking scrawny if you don't."

"Hey!" Ciel shouted as I closed the door, giggling.

=/=/=

There were three possible words to describe Nina Hopkins: I FUCKING LOVE HER!

Okay, that was four but whatever.

I was made to wait in a room built especially for wardrobes. I sat on of the ornate chairs in the room, upside down, listening to Ghost Town by Shiny Toy Guns while also ignoring Ciel as he tried telling me to sit up and "act" like a proper lady for a little bit when the door was slammed open, revealing Miss Fashion Trend in all her glory. Tall, busty, and dressed in the sweetest most trendy Victorian outfit, I instantly knew my days wearing t-shirts and shorts were over.

She set about her work and made me stand on a round platform where she measured every inch of me. Apparently she was told to get me a little of everything; day dresses, evening dresses, coats, night gowns, undergarments, petticoats, riding habits, boots, shoes, gloves, hats and headpieces, stockings, garters and practically everything a Victorian lady needed.

"Why Miss Hero, aren't you a doll? I absolutely love your coloring!" she complimented as she recorded the measurements. "And your hip measurements, very impressive." I flushed. "But unfortunately, your breasts are so small," she sighed, squeezing them as to show me the point.

I sighed as well, feeling her disappointment. "I know. They're my greatest weakness. I've been told that massaging them helps them grow larger but I never have time. I think I'll just let puberty finish its work and see what I get."

"I could help you with that, simply call upon me! I also hear for a fact drinking plenty of milk and papaya fruit also helps," Nina supplied. In the background I saw Ciel blush and Sebastian look away.

I laughed. Boys.

"But don't worry, I'm sure they'll grow bigger in no time. You're at that ripe age where they'll swell up when you least expect them too! Now on to business~! You've inspired me, Miss Hero. And I love that American originality of yours. To think that there's someone who shares my views! Not only that, but I've got one word for you: exotic."

I raised my brows. "Exotic? How? I'm like the Latina plain Jane. I even remind myself of the color brown."

"But that's the thing! Nowhere have I seen a person of your coloring and that my dear, makes you exotic. In fact, there a few designs that I want to try on you already. Since you're sixteen I'll put you in mature dresses, but I'll add some little girl ribbons and ruffles to add to that alluring yet naive air about you. Maybe even do a bit of rule-breaking~!" Nina squealed, hugging me tightly until my face was mashed against her ample bosom.

I had half a mind to warn her that my "naïve air" wasn't an act. I've been told by countless persons that, apparently, I'm the most dense person in the world.

"Can you make them comfortable to wear? In case I have to run away or fight someone?" I asked her once I separated my cheeks from her cleavage.

Sebastian and Ciel looked surprised by that harmless statement.

"Fight someone?" Ciel echoed. "Why would you say that?"

I wagged my finger at him. "The life of a Detective Extraordinaire is always filled with perilous danger. And I've always gotta be ready."

Ciel made a gesture that was close to a face palm. "…of course."

"Detective, eh?" Nina said, stroking her chin. "I like that. I know just what patterns and fabrics to use. Oh and the color! Only the darkest of greens and the deepest of reds will be used to enhance that sultry look. And the whitest of whites would bring out that unsuspecting innocence. Ooh~! You'll be the most sought after lady in all of London!" drooled Nina. "Oh Miss Hero, you will be a tease!"

Ordinarily, I would have been nervous, but the prospect of wearing girly clothes had me excited. I've only ever worn boyish looking clothes and that was purely out of convenience (that and I was afraid putting on a skirt would make people laugh at me). But that didn't mean I stopped dreaming about heeled shoes and pretty girly things. Nina looked like she knew what she was doing so I trusted her.

Eventually, Ciel and Sebastian excused themselves in preparation for their upcoming guests.

"Guests?" Grinned Nina evily. "I was just gonna let you go with a simple dress until my creations were done. But since guests are coming, I have to make you look like a seductress."

I'm not sure about that. "Are you sure? I just wanted to make an impression."

That grin only widened. "Oh, you will."

Once the last details were seen to, shoes were the only thing left. Nina encouraged I circle the ones I liked when she handed me a catalogue and ink pen. This way she had a visual of which ones she should order for me. I ended up circling every shoe with a heel on it, including the boots (after all, short girls gotta have some height). I did choose some with low heels and others that looked like flats.

It was fun hanging with Nina. I knew her ideals were practically those of a modern woman's. And it was refreshing to talk with her about it. She promised me she'd do some 'modern' alterations to my dresses, enough so that they wouldn't get in the way when fighting. Of course, I also told her that I'd like to wear some shorts (shorts are like an essential must in Florida, you just gotta have at least one in your wardrobe) which she conceeded only because she planned to pair them with something so I'd still look "proper". In no time, Nina had me ready.

I couldn't believe the mirror when I saw my reflection. My stupid grin wouldn't go away. I twirled the dress, happy that I wasn't subjected to wearing a corset yet (she said they'd help make my boobs look bigger and even though I dreaded the corset, I'd have to check that out in the future). I was later guided through the halls by Sebastian—who by the way I was sure became speechless for a quick second before he recovered—dressed to impress and so ready to kick ass and take names.

=/=/=

In another part of the manor, darkly lit with the lingering scent of tobacco, sat a small boy in a large leather chair, pool stick in hand as he gazed round the room in silence. In the background, one could hear the servants and their frantic pursuit of the recent mice infestation along with the obvious ruckus of crashing furniture and screams.

A man dressed neatly with an impressive mustache, beard and spectacles looked up from his missed shot when he heard the noise draw closer. He turned toward the boy. "Quite the commotion out there. It seems you have rats here as well."

Another man with a severe expression munching on a sandwich interrupted impatiently, "How long do you intend to let those vermin run wild? Someone really ought to take care of them."

"And someone will," spoke a tall Chinese man dressed in traditional silk robes, looking amused. A Chinese woman with a stoic face garbed in a beautiful but provocative dress straddled him. "He's just waiting for the opportune moment."

"Yes," added a tall beautiful woman in scarlet, her large red hat obscuring half her face. "He always aims to settle things with one blow. Will you pass this turn too, Lord Phantomhive?"

Ciel Phantomhive smirked. "Pass. It's my policy not to shoot if I know I'll miss."

The man with the mustache and glasses, formally known as Sir Randall, looked annoyed. "Never mind the pompous talk. When will you exterminate the vermin?"

"Any time you like," Ciel answered calmly. "The rats will soon come looking for their forbidden cheese. And I hold the key to the storehouse."

An Italian man with a scar running through his face missed his shot, cursing under his breath. Ciel continued, his expression a smug one.

"Even so, locating the nests and exterminating them promises to be a tedious task. You should concentrate on preparing me a suitable reward."

Sir Randall clenched his fist. "Vulture…"

Before Ciel could say a thing, a feminine voice took the words right out of his mouth.

"Sir Randall," she drawled, coming a little into the light from where she had been standing silently beside Ciel's chair. Everyone started at the unexpected intrusion. "Your manners towards your superiors is really quite shocking for an esteemed man such as your self. Careful now. You'd best not smear the Phantomhive name."

=/=/=

I rested against Ciel's armchair and channeled my inner Irene Adler. Boy, was it doing wonders for my ego. I hadn't known I could play the part of an alluring seductress. I leaned my face close to Ciel and smiled at Sir Randall. "Is that not so, Lord Phantomhive?"

"My, my," the Chinese man known as Lau said, opening his eyes just a smidgen. "And who might this lovely creature be?"

"Indeed," the lady in red known to all as Madame Red commented curiously. Lovely eyes widening. "I didn't notice her before. Was she here the whole time?"

"Of course," I answered with a smile. "It's my specialty to sometimes remain unseen until the right moment, Madame Red."

"As for who she is," Ciel joined in. "Her name is Miss Hero Sanders, a weapon to use at my disposal."

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders playfully. It gave me great delight to see that his cheeks were stained a light red, barely noticeable in the dimly lit room.

"Specially ordered from America," I smiled. "I shall be helping Lord Phantomhive exterminate the rats as well as assist him in other things. How do you all do?"

"What?" exclaimed Sir Randall in disgusted surprise. "What a preposterous notion! To use a woman as a weapon? What can she do?"

"I think I might know," Lau interrupted.

"As do I," said the Italian gangster, known as Azzurro Vanel, chuckling as he puffed on his cigar. Didn't the douche know second hand smoking was just as bad? I frowned, arching a brow before I decided to take action.

"How about I finish the game for you, my lord?" I asked, turning towards the astonished Ciel. He could tell just by looking at my eyes that I definitely wanted to show these guys up. He nodded and handed me the stick. I turned around, an innocent cheery smile plastered on my face. "It's so typical of men to underestimate women, but I'm afraid my usefulness is not around the area you boys are thinking of."

I leaned against the billiard table and positioned my pool stick ever so slightly, smirking. They don't call me Hero the Hustler for nothing after all.

"You see, I'm a woman of many talents. And as Lord Phantomhive's pawn, you'd better watch out." My audience was spellbound as the balls cracked against each other. The white ball solidly smacking the red solid ball into the puck before it menacingly rolled over to the black one as it also hit home. And the winner was Phantomhive!

Ciel merely smirked at Lord Randall. "Well said Hero. How soon can you prepare the reward, Sir Randall?"

"By tonight," he muttered, defeated for the moment.

"Good. I'll send a carriage for you later."

Much later, Ciel, Madame Red, Lau, Ran Mao, Sebastian and I gathered together in one of the drawing rooms downstairs. I watched as the carriages containing the other guests left without so much as a good-bye. With them gone, the atmosphere between all of us suddenly became light.

Sebastian, beautifully sexy as always, stood behind the trolley, gracefully pouring the tea into their respective teacups.

"Today's tea is a Darjeeling from Fortnum & Mason," he informed us.

"It smells delicious. Tea can be exceptional when well brewed, hmm?" Lau commented. Ran Mao was perched on his lap, expression as stoic as ever.

As Sebastian poured another cup of tea, Grell was seen gazing at him in awe and adoration. I stifled a smile, knowing it was the death reaper Grell Sutcliff who was hidden underneath all those clothes and makeup. It had amused Amanda and me to no end when Grell had finally revealed himself, laughing hard at Sebastian's reactions around the unwanted gay and proud death reaper. I came back from my thoughts only to see Madame Red groping Sebastian's fine ass. I giggled as Ciel looked both shocked and slightly annoyed.

"Quit serving in this silly country house and come work for me in the city!" Madame Red insisted with a leery smile.

Ciel coughed. "Madame Red," he admonished.

"Oh, sorry! I just couldn't help it. He looked like he needed a physical. Just a doctor's habit," Madame Red explained, laughing in embarrassment. I laughing myself, purposely annoying Ciel. He glanced at me with his dark blue eye.

"What?" I said, smiling. "It was funny. You don't see Sebastian getting groped like that every day. Right, Sebby?" Using Grell's nickname for the man would turn out to be either a good thing or a bad thing in the future. Sebastian merely composed himself before resuming his fake smile and serving the tea.

"Of course, Miss Hero."

"Which reminds me, what did you think of my little performance Ciel?" I asked eagerly. I seriously never knew I had that persona deep within me. It's usually Amanda who does the seductions. I just throw punches and take names.

Ciel sipped his tea calmly. "Yes, you did a rather nice job. Maybe a little too nice. Next time, try not to flaunt yourself too much."

"Flaunt? How?" Then it came to me and I couldn't help but turn towards him and grin.

"What's the matter Ciel? You sound a little jealous there," I teased.

Ciel flushed as Madame Red laughed. "Oh Ciel! Really, now! Where ever did you find this girl? She is an absolute card! I completely loved that performance she displayed back there!"

"I can agree with that," Lau added, sipping his tea. "Miss Hero was certainly alluring."

I smiled, blushing. "Thanks. I just channeled my inner Irene Adler. I really didn't think it would work."

"Irene Adler? The character in the Holmes novel?" Sebastian asked, handing me my tea, along with the sugar and milk. Oh my gosh, he remembered! Brownie points for the smexy butler in black!

I beamed as I added a ton of sugar and milk to my tea before I continued.

"Yup. After all, a Detective Extraordinaire has to have inspiration from somewhere," I informed him matter o' factly. "And Randall and the Italian gangster were kind of pissing me off. I had to do something. But I honestly didn't think you would be jealous, Ciel," I added, patting his hair lightly, purposefully teasing him.

Ciel angrily slapped my hand away. "I wasn't jealous! I was only noting that you started catching some unwanted attention."

"Unwanted attention? From who?"

"I think my lord might be referring to me," said Lau, standing behind the seat both Ciel and I occupied. We both jumped in surprise at his sudden appearance. Over by the couch, Ran Mao sat alone, looking a little miffed as she lounged away. "I admit I was eyeing you. And how could I not when you were so exotic?"

I could practically hear Nina's smug laugh and the words 'I told you so'. I giggled. "I'm exotic? We're the only non-white looking people in here."

Lau smiled, leaning closer to me as he grabbed my hand. "Then as non-white exotic creatures, we should stick together."

Ciel cleared his throat angrily, glaring at Lau as he snatched my hand back. "Would you mind? Need I remind you that Hero is my pawn?"

Lau held his hands up in the air as a 'don't shoot me' gesture. "I am but a tame guinea pig. If you tell me not to act, my lord, then I won't."

Ciel scoffed. "I highly doubt that, especially with my new pawn."

I looked at them both in confusion before I felt sweat beads forming. What was with the atmosphere? What happened to it being light?

Madam Red chuckled to herself.

"Ciel," she chided. "It's so unusual to see you possessive. I thought I taught you that women aren't pawns. They are beautiful individuals with a mind that should be respected and treated with the utmost care and fairness."

"I second that idea," I added in. "Like, facing against a gun is most unfair. How is anyone supposed to even fight with that thing pointed at you?"

"Gun?" Ciel repeated with a stunned expression. "You've fought against a gun?"

I nodded, not sensing the tense mood Ciel was in. "Unfortunately. But hey, how was I supposed to know they were armed? This is why you can't trust hoodlums now a days. They don't fight fair anymore."

"Are you demented?" Ciel snapped at me. I blinked in surprise. "It's dangerous and foolish going up against such opponents, especially when you know you're going to lose!"

I winced at his scolding tone. I have never seen Ciel this upset, towards me at least. I didn't think he'd care about my past misadventures that much. He doesn't even really know me either. What was his deal?

Before I could say anything, Ciel abruptly got up and walked out the room.

"Hey, Ciel, where are you going?" I asked in worry. I quickly set my tea down and chased after him into the hall. The others stayed behind in the room, looking after my retreating back.

=/=/=

Madame Red frowned at the commotion of her retreating nephew and Hero before glaring at Lau. "Oh Lau, this is all your fault! If you hadn't gone and messed with my nephew then Hero and Ciel wouldn't have fought."

"Me? But what did I do? I was merely stating my opinions."

"Opinions? Why you~!"

Sebastian sighed and decided to follow after his young master and Miss Hero instead. Goodness knew what the two would be doing. In the very short time Sebastian had to observe Miss Hero, as well as his long time familiarity with the young master, it didn't take long for him to conclude that those two equated double the trouble.

And another thing...

It was rather strange, but for some reason, he had a vague sense of where the pair were and it wasn't his young master he mostly sensed. It was the girl. In fact, he always sensed her whereabouts first before the young master's. It was just easier to pick her up and he'd only known her for about two days tops. This caused the demon butler to think a little, confirming the fact that there was something odd about Miss Hero.

=/=/=

For a slim twelve year old boy, Ciel was pretty fast and he was only walking. I put a little extra strength in my legs before I managed to catch up with him in a few seconds.

"Ciel! Wait up! Why are you so mad?"

Maybe it was the extra strength that did it or the dress, but either way I tripped and fell flat on my face without an ounce of grace. Ciel turned around and sighed when he saw me sprawled on the floor. He walked back and helped me up.

"I am not angry. I am just returning to my study," he told me.

"B.S.! You were so angry!"

"B.S.?"

I waved that away with my hand. "Not important. You were totally angry. And you can't just walk away and expect me to let it slip by."

Ciel looked away, his expression annoyed. "Alright. I was a bit angry. Now let it go. If you need me for something other than this interrogation, you know where the study is."

With that, he turned around and walked away. Again.

I was left alone, mouth hanging open.

Did he just do what I think he did? He did! He brushed me off! That kid! That dumpling! I didn't know whether to be amused or offended. I decided on the former, seeing as he still looked cute while doing it. Then I remembered my original purpose and ran towards Ciel again.

"Wait! Ciel! Wait! Stop!" I said, careful not to trip.

Ciel looked back at me and paused. "What is it now?"

"Don't go into your study! You're going to get kidnapped!" I informed him seriously. How could I have let such a big thing slip my mind?

Ciel merely raised his right brow in question.

"Kidnapped? By whom?"

"By that Italian gangster's henchmen, Vanel something. His name escapes me."

"Azzurro Vanel, from the Ferro family," Ciel said, looking smug. "Yes, I suspected as much. I had a feeling that he was the rat."

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, yes. You were right. Now let's get Sebastian to smoke out the idiots in your study."

"You called Miss Hero?" answered a voice I was beginning to recognize all too well from behind Ciel and I. We turned to find Sebastian standing dutifully in the corridor. "You both left so suddenly that I wasn't sure if you wanted to have dessert with your guests."

"No, we'll take it in the garden," I said. "It's so nice outside and not humid like Florida. I'm sure Ciel would rather be away from his guests."

Ciel merely nodded, looking bored. "That's fine, I suppose. Sebastian, be sure to dispose of the rats lurking in my study. I want to be able to return after dessert."

Sebastian bowed. "Yes, my lord."

"Sweet," I smiled, grabbing Ciel's hand (much to his surprise) before I dragged him along. "See ya later!"

As we left, Ciel kept insisting that I let his hand go, but I ignored him when we made it outside to his garden. I smiled towards the sunshine and looked around at the greenery curiously.

"Ooh," I said in awe. "This is so pretty! It's so lush and green. And not a palm tree in sight."

"Hero, my hand please?"

"Oh right." I let his hand go. "Did you know that in Florida, everywhere you look you'll always be able to spot a palm tree? I used to think that they were annoying and dull, but now that I'm here, I kind of miss them."

"A palm tree? What does that look like?"

"Oh," I said in thought. "Ah, I'd have to draw it for you. But they also grow coconuts, that is if you were lucky enough to have a coconut palm tree. Anyways, where's the place we're supposed to eat?"

Ciel stared at me for a moment before pointing right. "Honestly, you suggest it, but you don't even know where it is."

"I'm just an instigator. It's a part of my job as Detective Extraordinaire."

Ciel glanced at me as we walked forward. "I'd like to see what skills you possess as this detective thing."

I grinned. "Sweetie, I have loads of skills to offer. I've been working since I was ten and I've always managed to catch the perp, much to my dad's worry. There's practically no mystery I can't crack. Well, sort of, but whatever. It's like I have this inner homing device for clues. I bet Sherlock would be impressed."

The blunette didn't seem very impressed. "When I actually witness you in action, I shall praise you then. For now, let us wait for Sebastian."

I crossed my arms and pouted. "If you say so."

Before I took another step, I spotted them. They were probably waiting for their buddies in Ciel's room to kidnap the boy. Imagine their shock when they spotted us out here.

"Ciel!"

He turned around to ask what was wrong when one of the guys jumped forward from the hidden bush and quickly covered his mouth using a cloth filled with chloroform. His blue eye went wide in surprise before it slowly closed in sleep.

"Ciel! Unhand him you bastard!"

I was ready to run forward and tackle the guy when someone hit my head from behind. I was out like a light. I didn't even feel when they picked me up and left with Ciel in tow.

Honestly, I was slackin'.

=/=/=

When Sebastian arrived outside, dessert in hand, twenty-minutes later, he frowned. Miss Hero and the young master were nowhere in sight.

Sebastian had already disposed of the rats in the master's study and had quickly set up the dessert and tea on the trolley. He was about to return inside when he spotted a flash of color that looked out of place with the green of the grass.

It was Miss Hero's dark red ribbon, the very one she had worn in her hair today, he noted. He looked around carefully before he straightened, sighing as if inconvenienced.

"How terrible," he said. "Now the tea I've worked so hard to prepare will go to waste."

=/=/=

"Well, this is new," I said, struggling against my bonds, curious if they were tight and strong to properly hold me.

I remembered sticking my nose in a similar situation once with the Cuban mafia. I had been so damn convinced that they had something to with the socialite's kidnapped daughter' case I had been pursuing. Not much had resulted from that since said "kidnapped" daughter had apparently been faking it as it turns out. Thank goodness for the emergency stress signal embedded into my phone. The very one the Cuban mafia had confiscated. After that, I learned not to get too involved with cases that dealt with ruffians with lots of guns.

And now here I was. Involved with ruffians who owned lots of guns.

In another part of London, somewhere in East End probably, Ciel and I were tied up tight, leaning against a wall as Vanel Azzu-zo-ru something spoke about Ciel being the Queen's Watchdog and doing all her dirty work.

Yawn. Heard it.

Vanel Azzu-ru-ro-ru something (I'll get his name eventually) stood smoking his cigar, looking all grim. My eyes shifted towards Ciel, who was wide awake and sporting a stoic expression as he stared at the Italian gangster.

"Just as I thought. I knew it was you Azzurro Vanel," he said with an air of deadly calm.

Vanel (that's what I'm gonna call him cuz screw the last name) merely laughed. "You know, little Phantomhive, the Italian Mafia really finds this country bothersome. You Englishmen have nothing but tea in your brains. People like us have to rack our brains to come up with smart ways to make money. And that's exactly what drugs are for."

Ugh, I groaned mentally. Not another drug case. I've seen enough druggies, sleazy drug dealers, and drug rings to last me a life time. Why can't people just settle down with a churro? Even though Amanda lured me into watching Black Butler using said tasty pastry treat and then attacking me with it, at least it was a healthy addiction (sort of, you could always walk off the carbs later).

"In the Pharmacy Act of '68, drugs were listed as a restricted substance," stated Ciel calmly. "It was the Queen's decree and I will eliminate those drugs and the vermin themselves."

"This is why I hate you Englishmen. The Queen this, the Queen that, you act as though this woman is your own mother," he grabbed Ciel's face, making his face upwards. "You try to line your pockets while you bind us to the rules, but we're no different from each other. Why can't we get along?"

"Cuz you're a bastard. Just being near you would ruin Ciel's image. He's not stupid, after all," I snapped, garnering Ciel and the Italian's attention. The Italian glared while Ciel merely smirked as he looked back at Vanel.

"Well said, Hero. I've left orders with my servants to give your storehouse key to the authorities if I don't come back," that smirk grew. "Sorry, but I have no intention of making friends with a filthy rat."

That angered Vanel. He stood up and pointed the gun at Ciel. "Don't you underestimate me, you damn brat! My men are already waiting at your estate. Where's the key? Spit it out fast or I'll kill your servants one by one."

That was when Ciel gave him quite a breath taking smile. It was a true sight for sore eyes. Far more impressive than the manga or anime. "Oh I think they'll be alright. I just hope your lapdogs know how to play fetch."

I knew what was coming and there was no way I was letting Vanel ruin that cute face! I timed myself right so that when Vanel went to kick Ciel in anger, I got hit instead. Ciel gasped in shock as I landed in front of him. Ow. That hurt! And to think Ciel had been about to receive that. If I wasn't tied up and threatened with a gun, I would have so pawned Vanel's ass.

"Hero!" Ciel choked out in astonishment.

Vanel laughed. "I guess she was, but that's all she amounted to? Being your little shield? How pathetic." Ciel glared furiously at him with his eye.

I looked at Vanel, but smiled. "Sadly, you're right. At the moment I can only amount to this. But now isn't my time to show off. It's Sebastian's. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn't hit him again. Something horrible might happen to you later. Also, could you stop puffing that cigar? I don't do second hand smoking and neither does Ciel."

Vanel sucked his teeth and threw down the cigar, stomping it in anger. He angrily grabbed those old-fashioned looking phones.

"Did you hear that? Negotiations broke down."

With that he slammed down on the receiver.

=/=/=

Back at the Phantomhive manor, Sebastian was seen walking down the hall, carrying the pie he had baked to perfection so that his young master and Hero could enjoy a slice with their tea.

"Oh dear," Sebastian murmured in thought. "This is most troubling. Where could the master and Miss Hero have been taken?"

In the distance he heard Mey-Rin call out his name, running towards him as she frantically waved a rectangular envelope. "I just found a letter, yes I did!"

"Addressed to whom?" Sebastian asked.

"To the servants of the Earl of Phantomhive!"

It was at that moment that Sebastian noticed a sniper not too far away outside, hidden in the foliage of the trees, and at that exact moment, Mey-Rin stepped on her laces and tripped, tumbling into Sebastian and sending them both down before the window exploded and the vase shattered. The water from the vase drizzled down on them from its sudden forced freedom. Thankfully, the delectable raisin pie merely flew into the air before landing back on plate Sebastian still carried.

"Mey-Rin, the letter please," he stated calmly.

"Huh? Oh, oh yes sir!" She stuttered with a red face as she handed it to him.

Sebastian opened it up before reading. It only took him a few seconds before he sighed, folding the letter back up and tucking it away. To his left he heard Finny call his name and to his right, Madame Red and Lau approached him.

"What is going on here? And where's my nephew and Miss Hero?" she questioned.

Sebastian gave her a gentle smile. "Sorry for the noise my lady. I assure you nothing is wrong. Please don't concern yourself. The master and Miss Hero are somewhere outside the manor, probably tied up together."

"Why Sebastian!" Madame Red said with a smile. "What an implication!" She then glanced at the window and frowned, lips pursed. "Nothing? Are you sure?"

"Quite." Sebastian faced Finny and Bard. "Everyone, I have business to attend. Do you mind cleaning this up?" he said, handing the pie over to Bard as he walked past him.

Bard looked at the pie. "So, um, by cleaning, you mean we can eat it, right?" Bard turned around, but found Sebastian gone. "Sebastian?"

=/=/=

"What? What do you mean you failed?" Vanel demanded, barking into the phone at full volume. "You are complete idiots! I never should have hired scum like you! Just get back here!"

Ciel and I looked at each other knowingly.

It was then, with the connection still on, that everyone in the room clearly heard the guy on the other end of the telephone start spouting on and on about something coming closer, approaching their vehicle rather quickly. Eventually, terrified shouts and screams were heard. Vanel looked disturbed, nervous even. The line was still on, but there was static now, followed by silence.

"H-Hello? Hey, what happened?" said Vanel.

Ciel chuckled. "That's too bad. It looks like your little game of fetch is over."

Vanel gritted his teeth angrily before he looked over at me and grinned.

So instead of Ciel receiving the blow, I was the one that took the brunt of his anger. I was kicked repeatedly (and none too gently by the way) until I felt blood trickle down the side of my mouth, not to mention something sticky and wet was framing the side of my face. Luckily, I was used to getting hurt by people (the career of a Detective Extraordinaire is a hard one and people hate it when you pry). Therefore I was rather glad that I was sparing Ciel this fun activity. The boy suffers enough as it is.

Still, after a long period of not getting beat by anyone, my body was taking it hard.

"That'll teach you, you brat. You best stay quiet or I'll shoot her!" Vanel threatened, laughing in triumph. But underneath that bravado, I could hear his anxiety and rising fear. I couldn't see Ciel from where I was lying on the floor but I definitely heard his voice clearly. And boy it caused me to shiver in goose bumps by how cold and lethal it sounded.

"You'll pay dearly for that, Vanel Azzurro."

I shuddered slightly at the serious tone. Wasn't he supposed to be a twelve year old boy? How come he sounded like that? So serious and mature? Something niggled at the back of my mind, some lost forgotten memory, but I lost it as soon as I tried focusing on it. I mentally shrugged, probably nothing important.

"Heh, we'll see about that," said Vanel. He walked over to the phone and shouted into it. "You listen to me! If one of you doesn't answer right now, I'll kill you!"

Eventually a cultured, smooth voice spoke from the other line. "Hello?"

Silence sliced into the room.

I winced when I made an attempt to move my mouth. My eyes widened as I realized what type of damage my face had taken. That mofo! He cut my lip! Now it'll definitely be difficult to eat anything for a day or two. I glared at the idiot Italian man, glad that Sebastian was coming soon.

"Who is this?" shouted Vanel, beads of perspiration sliding down the side of his face as he looked tense.

"Pardon me," came the voice again. "But I represent the Phantomhive Estate. I was wondering if my master and Miss Hero might be there?"

No one said anything and Vanel looked at us from his peripheral vision. He said nothing.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?" Vanel looked like he was struggling to form some kind of reply. Then Ciel said one simple little word that I thought was pretty cool back when I read it. Now, I only felt relief.

"Woof."

I suppose I should say something too but my response was a pathetic groan of frustration. Ugh, sucks not being able to speak. If I did, the cut on my bottom lip could end up widening and hell to the no on that score.

On the other end of the telephone line, you could practically hear Sebastian smirk as he spoke, "Very good young master, Miss Hero. I shall come and get you momentarily."

Static sounded as the line suddenly went dead. Venal was done for now. I kind of feel bad for the two guys that were gonna die via car falling off the cliff no thanks to Sebastian. But oh well. They made their beds and now they gotta lie on it.

=/=/=

In the forest near the Phantomhive manor, a carriage carrying three occupants inside was seen going down a well-worn road. One of the occupants, known as Madame Red, looked a little worried as she glanced out the window.

"Are we certain that nothing is wrong?"

Lau, at ease and enjoying the leisure quiet with the infamous apathetic Ran Mao, answered, "If that butler says everything is fine, then I'm inclined to believe it. He's been in the Earl's service for so long that its quite plain see that there's some sort of unshakable bond between those two. You can always find him by the Earl's side, like a shadow."

"So long? But Sebastian didn't arrive till two years ago. That's not much time at all," Madame Red said in confusion.

"Oh really? How odd. My memory is so unreliable. Isn't that right, Ran Mao?"

Ran Mao looked rather clueless and Madame Red glared at Lau. "Useless. Anyhow, what do you think of Miss Hero? Isn't it rather odd that she's there all of a sudden? I do quite like the girl's company, however, and did you see the way Ciel acted? It was very unlike him."

"I agree," said Lau. "The Earl's usually so composed and rather cold, but I find I quite like it when he's all flustered. And Miss Hero certainly brings that out of him, among other things. I also can't help but feel that she's definitely more than meets the eye."

"Really? I thought it was because she was American." Madame Red smiled fondly. "Still, it's a delight to see Ciel act so differently. I do hope we meet again."

"Indeed. I might even snatch her away from the Earl, should he ever lose his focus. It will definitely prove to be amusing, I'm sure."

"Hey! Don't think I'm going to let any scandalous behavior occur! So you just stop those thoughts right now! Besides," she added. "I probably shouldn't be saying this, but they look quite cute together."

Lau tilted his head slightly as if in thought. "Yes, but who are we talking about again?"

"Useless!"

=/=/=

"Listen up," Vanel told his men. "The Phantomhive boy has help on the way. Move it! Secure every gate. Not so much as a rat gets through!"

I would have said something smart, but my lip was hurting so I stayed quiet. It didn't take long before we all heard gunshots and shouts from the men outside, some screaming in pain. I shifted in my bonds a little. If the threat of a gun hadn't been present, I would gotten Cirl and out of this situation hours ago. My hair shifted forward until it hid my face from the light. Great. I huffed, trying to move it aside so I could see something.

Eventually, a firm tap tap of soft foot falls were heard outside the hall. Vanel pointed his gun at the door, his arms shaking a little. He's heeere, I said to myself using the famous creepy voice. The doors were then opened wide and Sebastian's tall form entered the room. He took slow sure steps then stopped, bowing towards a surprised Vanel.

"I have come to retrieve my master and Miss Hero," Sebastian said smoothly before straightening.

"…is this a joke?" questioned Vanel. "I was expecting a giant and instead I got some scrawny dandy in a tailcoat. Who are you anyway? There's no way you're just a butler."

"No sir. You see I'm just simply one hell of a butler," came Sebastian's famous reply. There's that quote of his; it always seems to get to me. If the cut on my lip didn't hurt so much I would have shrieked like a fangirl and acting like that right now is so not cool; not to mention it downgrades my image as Detective Extraordinaire.

Vanel chuckled, looking surprised yet relieved. "That does not matter anyway. I've no intention of fighting you, not yet." He went over and grabbed Ciel by the hair, pulling him upright. "You better have what I ask for."

I rolled over and saw poor Ciel grit his teeth, glaring at Vanel before his eyes shifted to me. Even though my hair covered my face, I could still see through the strands, still see how roughly and rather unfairly Ciel was being treated.

And…something in me just snapped.

It was unexplainable, but I just felt so done with this. I've had it with this Italian gangster wannabe doing what he pleases at the expense of others. Not to mention the kidnapping Ciel endured and I'm not even including damages inflicted upon my person (you'd think Vanel would be gentle with a lady, but nooo). The man was going down.

Before Sebastian could say another word, I used the position my legs were in and gave Vanel a swift high kick, layers of skirt surprisingly not getting in my way. Vanel hadn't been expecting that bit of action from me so he was unable to completely avoid it. The gun was thrown from his hand; it went soaring, landing a few feet away from him.

"You bitch!" he roared, letting go of Ciel before he rushed over to retrieve it.

"Sebastian, get out of the way before—" That's when I heard the incessant shots of gunfire. I rolled over and saw through my hair what I'd been hoping to avoid. Now, I know that in the anime and manga, Sebastian getting shot at was rather bloody, not to mention it startled the crap out of me in the anime, but I didn't think it'd be THIS BAD IN REAL LIFE. From the various gunshots, his death would have been obvious before he even fell to the flat cold floor. Had he been human that was.

Blood was splattered everywhere, some of it even landing on parts of my exposed face. My eyes went wide with shock, the emotion gripping me despite knowing what was going to happen next.

Sebastian fell with a heavy thud. His uniform was filled with holes as he soaked in his own blood. A part of me, a distant thought at the back of my mind, was surprised to see his blood red. With him being a demon I'd always thought black blood appropriate. I smelled the acrid smoke pouring out of the guns that shot Sebastian. The men hidden behind the false paintings came out and surrounded the body, guns still pointed. Vanel started laughing.

"Oh, sorry dandy. I really am, but this round is mine. There was no way I was going up against Phantomhive, Lord of Games, without a trump card hidden," said the man as he walked over where Ciel and I lay. He grabbed me by my hair (freaking ow by the way) and pulled me up, revealing my battered face (hideous I'm sure) to Ciel. Ciel's eye widened at just how badly I had taken the hits. His gaze blazed before narrowing. Vanel continued to talk, oblivious to the furious, helplessly tied blunette. "And you, little girl, will pay for that stunt. I may have damaged you a little," a little? Really? "but I'm sure you'll fetch a pretty price. Hmm, maybe I'd even give you try before I sell you. Even in your condition, you're still quite fetching."

Vanel looked at Ciel and with the tip of his gun, removed the eye patch, revealing Ciel's normal but closed eye. The boy's other eye kept staring at my face, a deadly calm overtaking his features.

"You, little Phantomhive, will sell quite high as well I'm sure," Vanel continued. "But you both don't need to feel frightened. By the time you kids fall into the hands of those perverts, we'll have you so drugged up you won't feel a thing—"

"Alright," Ciel interrupted. "Hero and I have had enough of this farce. How long do you intend to play dead, Sebastian?"

Sebastian's hand twitched. "…not long, master."

Vanel looked stunned as he whirled around. "What? B-But how? That's not possible! Y-You just…" Vanel's men backed away slowly in fright as Sebastian stood to his feet like a demon possessed, no pun intended.

"My, my, guns these days are so much more efficient than they used to be. They can shoot so much more bullets now; quite a difference from a hundred years ago." With that, Sebastian coughed out the bullets into his bloodied hand before he smiled with those sinful lips. "I'm sure you'd like these back."

Vanel looked positively frightened. "What are you all doing? Kill him!"

His terrified henchmen took to their guns but Sebastian was too quick. He threw the bullets right back at the men, killing them instantly. I whistled, grimacing slightly at the sting on my lip.

Sebastian smiled at me before he noticed my face. He frowned in disapproval. I hope I didn't look that terrible to garner such a reaction.

"Oh dear, I do hope you're alright, Miss Hero," he said in concern.

I rolled my eyes and ignored the sting. "I'm alive. You look worse."

He glanced down as if just noticing his garments were ruined. He definitley looked upset now.

"You're right, Miss Hero. What a travesty."

"You could have avoided that, idiot," muttered an irate Ciel.

"True. Too much on the theatrics, sweetie," I agreed, wincing again.

Sebastian smiled nevertheless and walked toward us. "Master, Miss Hero, it would seem that they didn't take care of the two of you very well."

"No! Stay back!" Vanel shouted, scared out of his wits.

"Master, you look like a helpless little child, bound like that, but I guess that's appropriate. And you, Miss Hero, that bruised visage wounds me, makes me a little angry even," that scary passive-aggressive face of his didn't look "a little" angry to me.

"Don't come any closer!" Vanel warned. "I'll shoot her!"

Her? Oh right, his gun was still pointed at my temple. Swell. My only consolation was that Ciel was safe, though I'm really upset for leaving myself so vulnerable. That almost never happens. Almost.

Sebastian stopped walking. Ciel narrowed his eye.

"What are you doing? Hurry up. I don't want us here a moment longer," he snapped.

"But if I do, Miss Hero will be shot."

"Do you intend to go against the contract?" Ciel asked, his voice cold.

Sebastian placed a hand over his heart. "That would be unthinkable. I'm still your faithful servant and will remain so until the end."

"W-What kind of an answer is that? What are you two saying?" Vanel asked, looking at them both.

The next moment should have been preserved and placed in Too Sexy For Words magazine as Sebastian held up a finger and tilted his head, smiling mischievously. "Master, I thought I taught you how to beg. Now just say the words."

Ciel opened his closed eye, revealing the purple pentagram, the symbolic medium of their contract. "Sebastian. This is an order, save Hero now!"

"This is impossible!" Vanel screamed before he pulled the trigger.

POP!

That's all I heard ringing in my ears. I turned my head to look at a stunned Vanel. "W-What? But that's impossible," he claimed in terror, eyes wide, pupils small.

"Are you looking for this?" came Sebastian's smooth voice from above his shoulder. He had the bullet in between his thumb and forefinger. "Here then. Let me give it back to you," he said before dropping it into Vanel's jacket pocket.

That was when (and I'll never understand how) the man's arm that had been holding me started to inhumanly twist itself, letting me. Sebastian caught me before I fell and placed me on top of a near-by table, breaking my bonds. I lifted my arms and smiled, squeezing them to get the circulation going. Sebastian then went over to Ciel before he picked him up and deposited him on the chair next to me, freeing him of his bonds as well.

"Wait," begged Vanel. "Come serve me. Be my bodyguard and I'll pay you five times what he does. No ten times! And you can have all the wine and women you want—"

"Unfortunately, Mr. Vanel," replied Sebastian calmly. "I have no interest in such materialistic things. You see," he then activated his scary demon eyes as he stared at Vanel. "I'm simply one hell of a butler."

The room started to darken eerily. I glanced at Ciel and found him staring down at Vanel. As I listened to Sebastian tell Vanel about the contract, I found myself feeling pity for the man. But he made his bed. And now he's gotta lie on it.

"Like I had said, Vanel," said Ciel calmly. A flash of fury passing through his eyes, betraying his cold demeanor. "You'll pay dearly for hurting Hero. She is my pawn. And now, it's game over for you."

Sometime later, when I opened my eyes again, I realized we were home, a few minutes walk from the front entrance. Sebastian had carried both Ciel and I all the way from Vanel's mansion. Ciel appeared asleep. I looked up and found Sebastian smiling at me.

"You're awake. Are you feeling alright?"

I noticed his face was way too close to mine. My cheeks reddened. Sheesh, no wonder Mey-Rin was like how she was. Sebastian was dangerously handsome.

I nodded, noticing that my cut lip didn't hurt so much. "Will you let me down? I can walk fine."

"I'm afraid I cannot. My master gave me strict orders not to let you walk."

Ciel! I flushed some more, pouting. Sebastian merely chuckled at my reaction. Ciel chose then to wake up.

"Hey Ciel!" I greeted him impatiently. "Tell Sebastian to let me walk!"

The boy looked at me before he yawned. "No."

"No?"

"You're hurt, therefore you shouldn't strain yourself with unnecessary walking."

I was about to retort when I heard Finny's voice, along with Mey-Rin's. "Young master! Miss Hero! Welcome back!" They gasped when they caught sight us. "Master Ciel! Miss Hero! You're both injured!"

"I tripped when I was out. It's nothing to worry about," Ciel bluffed.

I smiled as well. "Yeah, and I just smacked my face into a tree. Darn things."

Ciel and I looked at each other before looking away. Both of our excuses sucked if the slight vibrations coming from Sebastian's chest was any indication. We glared at him before we noticed Mey-Rin and Finny gasping again.

"What is it?" asked Ciel. "You don't believe what your master tells you?"

"Oh no! We do," Mey-Rin assured him.

"It's just, you look so cute, being held like a baby," Finny explained, staring in awe.

I snickered as Ciel flushed and demanded he be put down. Sebastian acquiesced.

"Except for Hero," the little jerk added with a smirk. I made a noise of outrage at the back of my throat.

"Excuse me? What do you mean except me? Sebastian put me down!" I shouted as I struggled uselessly. I stopped after a few minutes, feeling exhausted.

"Master," announced Sebastian, looking wounded as a tearful puppy. "I have made a grievous error as the Phantomhive butler. I hang my head in shame. Unfortunately, Dinner...is not ready."

We all stared at him in silence for one full minute. At last, I shook my head.

"You're such a drama queen, Sebastian."

=/=/=

Night time rolled around a few hours later. I sat in a porcelain tub filled with warm water and scented bubbles Sebastian had prepared earlier for me in Ciel's bathroom.

That's right. Ciel's bathroom.

The boy had insisted for reasons still not clear to me, but I didn't mind. It felt good to get rid of all the grime and dried blood. I sank further in bliss, surprised to find that baths could be quite refreshing if you ignored the whole swimming in your own filth bit.

I closed my eyes and almost drifted off to sleep when I heard the bathroom door open. I quickly opened my eyes and sat up, thinking it was Ciel. Instead, Sebastian walked in, two buckets in each hand filled to the brim with water.

"W-What are you doing?" I questioned nervously, eyeing him as he walked round the room. I was really glad that the bubbles hid everything essential. Sebastian gave me a pleasant smile.

"I was ordered to assist you in bathing," he answered smoothly.

"What?" I sputtered. "But I can do it myself! I'm not a child!"

"You missed a spot," he said, pointing at my head.

"Where?" I involuntarily looked up, lifting my arms to wash away the perp. That was when Sebastian, without warning, poured a bucket of warm water over me. I spluttered and tried wiping the water away from my eyes. The liar! I felt Sebastian's bare hands scrubbing away at my head.

"Are you insane? What are you doing!" I demanded, unable to see clearly.

"Fear not, Miss Hero. I shall make this quick."

The feel of his bare fingers against my skin was like fire. I blushed furiously as he scrubbed my hair, the sides of my face, neck, and shoulder with a cloth. I crossed my arms over my chest.

Please hurry this up!

Sebastian paused when he saw me looking away. He sighed. I looked at him. "I'm glad the injuries you received were only superficial. That face of yours shouldn't be damaged so. I'll be sure to be careful next time."

"It's not your fault. I didn't expect the guys to be waiting outside either, but I guess I should have known. It's common sense."

"Maybe so, but you're only human," he said, turning me around so he could scrub my back.

"Teh. An ordinary one. What kind of Detective Extraordinaire am I when I can't even save Ciel? Stupid guns," I muttered as I leaned forward a little in thought. Part of my lower back was exposed through the water, not that I noticed, but I felt Sebastian pause. I turned my head, looking at him as he stared at my lower back.

"What is it?" I asked. "Is it another bruise? I'm sure it'll go away."

I suddenly felt Sebastian's fingertips trace some sort of pattern on my lower back. I stilled as I felt his intense gaze burning at it. Dear Lord, the bruise wasn't that bad was it? It was almost near my butt!

"Sebastian?" I called. "Dude, you there?"

Sebastian seemed to snap out of it, his eyes meeting mine. "Oh," he said, smiling as he apologized. "Sorry. I seemed to have been lost in thought. You look clean now, let's rinse you off." With that another bucket was thrown over my head, washing away the soap that had been on me. I coughed and felt myself stand up before a large towel was placed over me. "I'm sure you know how to dry yourself. Or do you need help with that?"

I flushed and pointed towards the door. "Out!"

Sebastian just chuckled. "Certainly, Miss Hero. I left your nightgown over by the chair. Should you need anything, simply call for me," he then turned and left.

I exhaled in relief when the door clicked closed.

"Well, that was an experience."

I quickly dried myself off before I slipped into the white, long-sleeved cotton nightgown Sebastian had left on the chair. Nina was really gonna have to hurry with those modern undergarments that I told her to make. It felt weird being nude underneath. But the feel of rich cotton against my skin made the sensation slightly less uncomfortable. Still, there's no way I'm sleeping with Ciel like this. I took the towel and dried my hair completely before I brushed it with the comb Sebastian had provided for me.

I exited the bathroom and Ciel's wardrobe, finally making my way to his bedroom. The boy was sitting on his bed, staring at the carpet with a serious expression before he glanced up. I held my breath when I saw his face, undeterred by the eye patch. Wow was he was really cute! I know I've said it before, but hot damn! He'll certainly grow up to be quite the looker and the cause of many broken hearts.

"Hey, Ciel, were you waiting for me?" I asked curiously.

Ciel blushed but quickly cleared his throat. "I have something important to tell you. It's about why I was mad earlier before we got kidnapped."

My mouth made a perfect O. Ciel confessing his reason doesn't happen every day. Where's my damn recorder? I stood still and gave him my undivided attention. "Shoot."

"Shoot?"

"Means go right ahead."

"Alright," he started. "I keep hearing you mention that in your world, you were used to getting into fights and ultimately endangering yourself. I didn't really give it credit because I thought you weren't that stupid."

Hey, was he insulting me?

"Of course, you kept claiming it was true and eventually, especially after today, I now know that what you said was ultimately true. Apparently, you are that stupid."

Stupid? Hello! I kind of saved him some major bruises today.

"I can handle myself just fine. You don't need to risk yourself like that!" Ciel snapped.

I blinked. Wait, did I say that out loud? Ciel sighed.

"You shouldn't be going to such lengths just to defend me," he continued. "I have Sebastian for that. I don't want to see you get injured again. It made me feel really…angry, seeing you hurt just for my sake."

That surprised me. Ciel cared if I got hurt? I definitely wasn't expecting that. In fact, I always figured he just tolerated me because I was from a different world and could help him with his cases. I was touched. And I couldn't help but hug him for that.

"That doesn't warrant a hug from you!" Ciel said, his voice muffled by my chest.

"But I really appreciate it," I told him sincerely, smiling. "And I've been known to be a very dense girl, but I'm really happy you care. But honestly, don't worry. I'm made of sturdy stuff and I can take a few hits. Trust me when I say this, I do know how to fight. And I fight pretty damn well, if my neighbor Pepper's brothers have anything to complain about. So don't worry Ciel. In fact, consider me your unofficial bodyguard."

"No!" protested Ciel, grabbing my arms tightly, making me face him. His face was mere inches away from mine. I blushed as I stared at his eyes, serious and unsmiling. "You're not getting the point. I do not want you to fight. Instead, I'll protect you. You're too stupid to see the danger right in front of you. And I can't have my pawn getting hurt."

That went from totally sweet to totally manipulative. This kid was good. Still, I'm touched and no matter what Ciel says, come what may, I'll protect him with all I've got. I shrugged my shoulders before ruffling his hair playfully.

"How sweet, Ciel. But let's see if you can succeed at that. No one has ever protected me, not even the police. I'm my own bodyguard and I'm still alive to tell the tale."

"What kind of world have you been living in?"

I grinned. "A crazy one."

Ciel frowned, but his eyes were set in determination. "Very well, I take you up on that challenge. But don't expect me to lose. I never lose."

I rolled my eyes, giving him another smile. "We'll see. Now time for bed!"

Ciel shook his head before crawling to the right side of the bed. I hesitated. Should I? I won't really catch much sleep if I sleep alone. But I was naked underneath the gown. It felt weird sleeping next to Ciel like that. I fidgeted, not sure what to do. Ciel looked over at my still hesitating form.

"Hurry up before I blow out the candle," he said.

"Oh, right, okay," I said in nervous laughter.

I slowly slipped under the cool, crisp covers and exhaled. This was actually quite pleasant. I smiled, turning towards Ciel before I felt myself getting sleepy. Ciel blew out the candle and his room plummeted into darkness. My last thought was that Nina had better hurry up with those undergarments.

=/=/=

Outside Ciel's room stood Sebastian Michaelis, staring at the carpet below his shoes, brows furrowed. He was in deep thought, rubbing his chin with one gloved hand as he murmured "impossible" every few minutes or so.

Finally, Sebastian accepted the facts, as impossible as they seemed. At least, it would explain why he felt there was something off about Hero. In any case, what were the chances? And it would seem Miss Hero wasn't even aware of it herself.

Sebastian sighed.

He'd have to test her. It couldn't be just a mere coincidence. While his skeptecism remained, a part of him thought, finally. After all these millenniums, after he'd long given up finding his perfect partner, suddenly, she fell right onto his lap. The realization had him in a very good mood. After all, most demons died before they could ever find their demon mate.

And Sebastian Michaelis, the Head Phantomhive Butler, had just found his in one Miss Hero Sanders.