" Anyone seen my headpiece? "

" Here it is. "

" Oi, there aren't enough knives! Where are the spares!? "

" Here! "

" It's almost showtime, so look lively! "

It was chaotic in the main tent as everyone was getting ready for the show. You ran around helping everyone get their needed supplies and bringing them back up in case they needed it. Ciel and Sebastian were in the same circumstance as you were. William was also helping around, and when everyone was out of the tent, Ciel ran up to you and Sebastian after you finished organizing the costumes.

" Sebastian! Y/n! Freckles isn't watching. Let's check the tents right now. We'll get it done in ten minutes. "

" Yes, my lord. "

" Alright. "

Together you walked out of the tent and started heading toward the living quarters but were stopped by Joker.

" Black! "

Joker's jacket was gone, revealing the long white sleeves of his shirt. Wendy was on his back, holding his shoulders, while her partner Peter ran beside Joker. Joker stopped in front of Sebastian, looking worried but desperate.

" We've got trouble! Old Wendy's twisted 'er ankle! The show's already on, so I need 'ee to take her place! "

" But surely I'm not a fit substitute. . ."

" Fit and ready, me 'ansome. We'll count on 'ee. 'Ee haven't much time, so be quick! "

Joker disappeared among the carts, tents, and cages with the two acrobats. You turned toward your two companions, and Ciel gestured for Sebastian to go.

" Go, Y/n, and I will take care of it. But don't be long. When you're finished, immediately come to me, that's an order. "

" Will you be alright, without me, my lord? "

" Yes, Y/n, can get through the snakes. "

Sebastian nodded and ran off, leaving you alone with Ciel. Together you ran toward the baby blue tents, and you could see the snakes on the ground. You easily stepped into the area, but Ciel was hesitant. You took his hand with yours, pulled him in, and started walking through the snakes. Not one snake attacked you or Ciel since they had gotten used to you, and you led the way, covering for Ciel.

You went toward the first tent and opened the flap, walking inside with Ciel behind you. The tent was bare, except for a bed, mirror, lantern, and a trunk with a photograph on top of it, framed.

" These are certainly bare quarters. " Ciel said, walking toward the suitcase.

" Not all of them are. Beast's is decorated in red and black. "

Ciel picked up the photograph, and you looked at the photo behind him. The picture consisted of children, and it looked like it was all of the first stringers, but there was an odd man out in the photo. There was a man that stood next to Joker and was older. His face was round, and he had a square mustache with sideburns and thick eyebrows.

" Who is this? "

" I don't know, but if he's in a photo with all of the first stringers, where is he now? "

" I don't know, but let's keep looking. "

You led Ciel through each tent and helped him look through their items. Each time, the snakes were docile and wouldn't attack. You were in Beast's tent now, and he was searching. He went through her trunk and found a photograph. It was a young Beast with the same old man.

" Here, too. . .It's the same man with her. The sign behind them--'workhouse.' An orphanage? "

" That's right. joker told me that he and his group had been on their own for some time. He said they lived on the streets and stole to survive, but most couldn't. "

" Couldn't? "

" At the time, he didn't have an arm, Beast didn't have a leg, and the others were sickly, leaving him to provide and steal for them. I think at some point they were like that, and then they went to this orphanage, and that man came into the picture. And he took care of them, until now. "

" That's a good assumption. He also said, 'We all come from the same place.' But where is this workhouse? I need a clearer shot of it. . ."

You looked through the trunk with Ciel but stopped hearing footsteps. You quickly shoved Ciel in the chest and closed it.

' Thank the heavens the trunk is huge! Ciel's too tall! '

You ran to the bed, sat down, and rested your head in your hands, acting. The flaps open to the tent, and you raised your head, looking at Beast.

" Y/n, what are you doing in here? You should be working. "

" I wasn't feeling good. I got lightheaded for a second, so I thought it was best if I took a break for a few minutes. "

Beast nodded and entered her tent, taking off the purple sash around her shoulders.

" What happened to you? Isn't the encore starting soon? "

" It is, but the strings on my brazier, got caught and now I need to change. IT's irritating. I liked this one. "

Beast took off the top and kept her back toward you as she threw it on the other side of the room. You noticed the chest open a little and a new brazier dangle out. Beast turned around, put the new top on, and walked out of the tent.

" If you feel worse, go to the doctor okay? "

" I will, thanks. Have fun with the encore. "

Beast nodded and left the tent. You stood and ran towards the chest and opened it. Inside you saw Sebastian and Ciel, tightly pinched together.

" I was right to return ahead of schedule. "

" Oi, get off me! "

Sebastian got out of the chest, and you helped him out. Then, you took Ciel's hand and helped him out of the large trunk. Ciel also grabbed the photograph and showed Sebastian.

" This could be of some importance. This man is in the same picture, in the other tent. Do you notice anything? "

" Yes. I've seen the imprint from this signet ring recently. " Sebastian said, pointing toward the ring the man wore on his left pinky finger.

" Signet ring? Imprint? You can make out details that small? "

" Yes. If memory serves. . .This matches the seal at the joint of Beast's prosthetic leg. "

" It all connects, back to this man. We need to learn more about him, if we're going to get anywhere. " You said, pointing toward his face.

" Let's stop here for today, It's almost time. " Sebastian said, looking at his pocket watch.

" I still have Joker's tent left. I'll end it all today. You go back so they won't suspect us. Go! "

Ciel walked to the tent's exit, and you walked with him, guiding him to Joker's tent through the snakes. Upon entering Joker's green tent, you felt the calm atmosphere. Ciel started searching through his things and found the same group photo in the previous tents.

" His dress makes him either wealthy or a nobleman. Given that he's in photographs with workhouse children, he could be a philanthropist. . . "

You just fixed Joker's desk before you turned toward his bed, spotting a letter under his pillow. You took the note and turned it, looking at the same symbol Sebastian saw. There was writing in green ink at the bottom right of the corner.

" Ciel, I found a letter. It's from, 'Tom, the piper's son' "

" That's a mother goose character. "

The letter was already opened, so you just took the paper inside out and opened it. When you opened the letter, both you and Ciel flinched.

" That's my name! "

Ciel's eyes widened upon seeing his name on the paper. Underneath his name were his birthday, parents, and personal information.

" Are they on to us? "

" No, they can't be. If they were, they would have my information with yours, but they don't. "

Outside you could hear people walking around, and you realized that the encore was over. So you put the letter back and slipped it under the pillow.

" We need to go, the first stringers are back. Ciel, you need to get out. I can't go with you, since BEast saw me in her tent, not that long ago. Will you be okay? "

" I'll be fine. Meet me and Sebastian outside the tents where we were this morning. "

" Alright, be careful. "

Ciel hugged you tightly before running off, and you ran toward Beast's tent. You entered the tent and sat back down on the bed, taking a deep breath. Your skin started to grow hot from being in the cold and running around.

' I hope Ciel, gets back fine. I'll stay her for a few more moments, before meeting up with them. '

You lay on your back and slightly relaxed against the comfy bed sheets. You heard footsteps through the first stringer tents and a loud Dagger talking.

" Everyone go get changed and we'll go out and eat! "

Beast entered her tent and said hello to you, changing out of her circus clothing.

" You don't look any better, Y/n. You're breathing is harsher, and your cheeks are really red. Are you sure you're okay? "

" Yeah, I think it's just the change in temperature. Go out with everyone, I'll be fine. "

" Are you sure? "

" Yup! "

" Alright. If you need anything go to the doctor. "

" I will. "

Beast left the tent without glancing back at you. Your smile faded, and you closed your eyes, feeling the tension in your back. You had relaxed for a moment, but when Beast entered, your back tensed. The flaps to the red tent opened again, and this time it was Joker walking through without a smile on his face.

" Beast said 'ee weren't doin' good. I wanted to check on 'ee. "

" It's just the cold weather. I'll be fine in the morning. "

Joker hadn't changed from his regular clothes but wore a long jacket with a wool knitted scarf. Joker sat on the bed near your legs, and you sat up, looking at him.

" Ye're cheeks are all red. "

" Again, it's the weather. I'll be alright, so why don't you of out with everyone to eat. I can hear Dagger talking all about it. "

" I can carry ye to the doctor, if 'ee need to go. "

" No, no, no, trust me I'll be okay. I just need to rest. I might go on a walk. "

" I am worried, but if 'ee say its nothin', I won't push it any further, beauty. Take this, if you're goin' on a walk. "

Joker took the thick scarf off his neck and wrapped it around yours, moving closer. He tied the scarf in a knot and let one of the ends hang in front of you while the other dangling in the back. After securing the scarf and arranging it, Joker stood up and held the top of his cane out to you. He tapped the bottom part against the floor twice, and colorful flowers popped out of the top.

" Beauty for beauty. Get better darlin. "

You nodded and took the flowers, smiling at Joker. Joker smiled back and left your tent. After a few moments of silence, you left Beast's tent and walked toward where Ciel told you to meet him and his butler. When you got closer, you spotted them and ran over. Sebastian and Ciel took notice of the new scar and bouquet you had in your hands.

" There you are. What took so long? "

" I faked being ill, and everyone was coming to check on me. I'm here now, so let's discuss. Have you told Sebastian about the letter? "

" I was just talking about it. The sender used the name 'Tom, the piper's son.' A Mother Goose character. Though I don't know why. . ."

Ciel took a second to breathe, and you realized his breathing was irregular. Upon closer inspection, you saw that his cheeks and nose were red.

" And the sealing wax showed a crest with a horse and the initial K. "

" Then it's the same one I saw. " Sebastian said, referencing the letter and Beast's leg.

" Signet rings are generally engraved with a motif and initial representing the bearer or his family. Which means Tom, the piper's son, has a coat of arms featuring a horse. Would a horse mean someone awarded a knighthood, or perhaps a soldier? "

" Not necessarily, but philanthropy is most likely impossible without a certain degree of status. " You said, stepping into the conversation.

You stepped into the conversation in time because Ciel coughed the next moment harshly. You grew concerned for him instantly, but Ciel continued talking.

" You're right. The heraldic authorities have all coats of arms in their registers. We have enough criteria to narrow it down so that however many they have. . .you should be able to find the one. " Ciel said, coughing and looking toward Sebastian.

Ciel took a moment to gather his breath before he continued to speak.

" The missing children, the circus, Tom the piper's son, and me--"

Ciel started coughing again, and Sebastian finally stepped in.

" Young master? "

" We'll go back. . .to the townhouse for. . ."

Ciel stopped talking for a moment and then coughed up bile that was milky white. Ciel collapsed on the ground, and you fell with him, holding his shoulders. You hated the smell of bile, but you crouched beside Ciel, worried about his condition. Sebastian crouched beside you and looked at Ciel, worried. He tried to speak but passed out before he could utter a single word.

" Smile! Oi, what's wrong!? "

Behind you, the freckled boy ran toward you. Though he was younger than Ciel, it looked like he had connected closely with Ciel. Sebastian picked Ciel up and started running toward the medical tent, with you and the freckled boy running behind you. When swinging the tent flaps open, the doctor turned to look at you before quickly gesturing to an available bed.

" Set him down here! Open his shirt! "

Sebastian set Ciel on the bed and unbuttoned his shirt. Once Sebastian unbuttoned his shirt, you pulled the covers over him, hoping to keep him warm during the winter weather. The doc looked at him for a few moments before turning to announce what was wrong.

" It's asthma. "

This shocked both you and Sebastian. You didn't know this, and you were surprised Sebastian didn't know.

" Asthma? We've lived together three years, and I've never seen him have a fit like this. "

" If he hasn't had an attack in three years, he may be essentially cured. But when patients are exposed to abrupt stress or chill, or if they catch a cold, they sometimes relapse. "

" But he's caught colds before. . . "

" There were probably multiple triggers this time. And I hear he took a tub-bath outside with our weight-lifting addicts? It's no wonder he caught a cold! "

Ciel opened his eye from the bed and looked around the tent before his eyes landed on the tray Sebastian was holding.

" Water. . ."

" Ah, you're awake? "

" Drink this. "

Sebastian helped Ciel drink some clear water, and the young earl started coughing immediately.

" Smile, did you have a bad case of asthma as a boy? "

Ciel took a while to respond, but what he said broke your heart slightly.

" Aunt An. . ."

' He called for Madam Red. '

" This is no good--his mind is muddled. We'll have to keep a sharp watch until the fever and coughing stop. " The doctor said.

" I'll go get ice! " You younger boy yelled.

The young freckled boy ran off while you and Sebastian stayed by the bed.

" What about you two? "

" I'd like to stay and help, if I may. " Sebastian replied.

" I'm much obliged. What about you, miss? " The doctor asked, turning toward you.

" I want to stay, but. . .there's a lot of people here, and I don't want to crowd him. "

" Yes, it might be best if you left. Joker and Beast also informed me that you were not feeling well either. Take some of this medicine, and be on your way. "

The doctor handed some medicine to you, and you gulped the syrup down. You glanced at Ciel and Sebastian before walking out of the tent. You walked in the darkness, past the tents and lights, thinking about everything that happened. Your thoughts were interrupted by a reaper.

" Hello, Y/n. "

You turned your head to see William, stepping out of his tent in his blue and white striped pajamas and death scythe.

" Hello, Suit. How is your night? "

" Not pleasant, there is a demon on the same grounds as me. "

" Well, I don't think it will be that way after tonight. Hey, I do have a question for you, about reapers. "

" Yes? "

" Do all grim reapers have green eyes? I noticed that you have green eyes, and so does Grell. "

" Yes, all grim reapers have the signature green eyes. We also wear spectacles to show we are on duty. If we are not wearing our spectacles, that means we are a seceded grim reaper. "

" I see. Thanks. "

You walked away from William, nodding and folding your hands together.

' Now I can say that Undertaker might be a grim reaper and a retired one. But I'll ask him when I get back. '

You walked around the circus for a little bit before walking back to Beast's tent, but as soon as you got closer, you heard things you did not want to hear and turned around to walk away from the tent.

" Y/n! Just in time, may I speak with 'ee? "

Up ahead, Joker was walking toward you with his hands in his pockets. You nodded and walked toward him, and he started walking beside you, leading you around.

" Can't sleep? "

" Well, Smile is sick, and I just got medicine, so not really. "

" Sorry to hear that, darlin. I am traveling tonight and won't be back until the morn. I won't be around to help 'ee if 'ee need me. "

" Ah, I see. Where are you going? "

" To visit our patron. The man who keeps the circus going. "

" I see. Well, have a safe trip Joker, and return tomorrow. "

Joker nodded, and at the circus entrance, his horse was waiting for him. Joker grabbed the reigns and held them in his hand. He looked at you once more and thought back on what Snake told him. You had led Smile through the snakes and into each tent, looking for something he didn't know of. But seeing his scarf around your neck made his mind dizzy. You felt somewhat uncomfortable under his long stare at you, and you waved your hand in front of his eyes.

" Joker, is everything alri--!"

You were silenced, quickly, by Joker. Joker's skeletal had grabbed the hand you had used to wave in front of his face and pulled it back. His fingers interlaced with yours, and now his face was right in front of yours, only inches apart. He knew he couldn't have feelings for you, but 'father' didn't need to know.

As you stared at Joker, your eyes were wide, and your heart was beating rapidly in your chest. You couldn't find the words to speak, and you felt like there was a lump in your throat. Then, finally, Joker leaned forward and kissed you softly, connecting his lips with yours. The kiss was gentle, and his lips felt soft, almost as light as a feather. The kiss was slow but caring. Joker soon pulled his lips off yours, and his half-lidded eyes looked into your e/c eyes.

" I'll be back in two days darlin. Don't get in anymore trouble. "

Joker let your hand go and jumped on his horse, riding away from the circus and leaving you stunned in your spot. Though you were stunned by the sudden kiss, your thoughts only had one thing in mind.

' He knows. '