Chapter 37: Meeting Again

It was the night of the costume ball Alois had planned. Of course, Alois was gone most of the day, planning, but you would see him at random times, and he would leave his work to talk with you. Claude would grab Alois and take him back to his work, but you found yourself wandering the estate and looking at the beautiful garden in the back. Soon, the sun had set, and people started to gather in the great hall, dancing to the violinist. Hannah helped you put your costume on, but as she was doing so, you noticed a small stand of dry blood on the side of her head.

   " Hannah, is your head okay? There's dry blood on the side of your head. "

   " Yes, I had failed my orders, and received my punishment. "

You didn't say anything more, but you left Hannah and grabbed a rag from the bathroom, wetting the towel, before returning to the bedroom. You moved Hannah's lilac hair and started to clean her face of the dry blood. You questioned what she had done to receive the punishment, but you didn't ask.

   " Thank you, my lady. "

   " It's nothing. "

You placed the rag aside, and Hannah finished preparing you for the ball. It took a long while, but once you were ready, you left your room and went to the grand ballroom. What you weren't expecting was for your name to be shouted out.

   " Y/n! "

You looked toward the source of the yelling and saw the entire Pahtomhive Staff, Prince Soma, Agni, and Elizabeth. You smiled after seeing them and approached them. Finny ran toward you and leaped at you, wrapping his arms around your neck and hugging you closely.

   " It's been a while, my lady! "

   " It really has! How are ye!? "

Bard slapped your back and hugged you and Finny tightly.

   " I'm great, but you're squeezing me too much! " You said with joy in your voice.

   " Sorry! "

Bard let you go, and Mey-Rin hugged you, smiling as brightly as the stars outside.

   " It's wonderful to see you, yes it is! "

   " It's been so long, Y/n! "

Prince Soma had taken you from Mey-RIn and hugged you, crying over your shoulder, after not seeing you for a while. You pat Prince Soma's back, and he let you go, but you were hugged by Agni next.

   " It is wonderful to be able to see you after all this time. What happened? I understand that Sebastian and Ciel had gone missing, but we never heard word from you. "

   " Well, I took over my father's company and my mother's many hospitals. I'm here at the Trancy Manor to talk about a project between Y/n and Trancy, but we have not talked about business yet. "

   " Really? That's odd, you'd think you'd talk by now. " Bard said, scratching the back of his head.

   " But, now that you're here. You can help Ciel! " Prince Soma cheered.

   " What do you mean? " You asked, turning toward Prince Soma.

   " Shorty is here with Sebastian. I remember how much he kept you close and dotted over you. Maybe you could help him regian his memories, by letting him see you! "

You were unsure since you had already cried over Ciel forgetting you, but you nodded. Everyone started to search for Ciel or Sebastian at least, but neither man was in the room. While everyone searched the room, Hannah wheeled in an instrument and pulled the red cover off. Hannah sat in front of the purple harmonica in a very revealing dress and started to play. Everyone gathered around Hannah and listened to the mesmerizing tune but soon covered their ears in pain. You were one of those people that covered their ears and collapsed to the floor. But, some of the eyes of the people changed color and were now purple.

   " What's going on!? " Prince Soma shouted.

   " It must be that instrument! It must be controlling everyone! " Agni shouted.

   ' This reminded me of what happened at the curry cookoff! Except it was a spice used, not an instrument! '

Everyone with purple eyes started charging toward your friends and those you held dear. You were not attacked, and the people who were taken control ran past you. You remained on the floor, covering your ears while everything was happening. Everyone was fighting, and even Prince Agni had to swing a few times to defend himself.

   " Y/n! They're not attacking you! " Finny shouted.

   " I don't know, why! But take of yourselves if that's the case! "

Soon after, everyone paused on the ballroom floor. No one moved, and it was like someone stopped time. Above you on the balcony, Sebastian was playing, harmonizing with Hannah, and creating a beautiful melody that made a sound to counteract Hannah's. There were many wine cups filled with different levels of water to play other notes, creating a peaceful song that cured everyone. You stood up from the floor and uncovered your ears, looking toward the balcony Sebastian stood at. Glancing at Sebastian made you remember his letter and realize how much you missed the demon butler. 

   " I can hardly believe it. Sebastian's performance is merging with hers and transforming the quality of the sound. To think those ominous uncanny sound waves could change into something so full of warmth and loving-kindness. . .It truly proves the performer's purity of heart! Magnificent. . .You are magnificent indeed, Sebastian! " Agni cried out to his friend.

Everyone started to return to normal and watched Sebastian as he played. His performance was outstanding and so good that it broke Hannah's instrument by shattering the purple glass she used to play with. Once the glass shattered, Sebastian stopped playing with the water-filled wine glasses and jumped down to Hannah, speaking with her.

   " So flashy. . ."

   ' That's CIel! '

You turned around and saw Ciel leaning against the large fireplace, with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Everyone looked toward him in haste, but you felt like stepping away. To you, it was weird seeing the man. You wanted to hug him, but at the same time, you knew if you did, he would push you away.

   " What is that instrument? " Ciel asked his approaching butler.

   " An armonica. It was extremely popular in the 18th century. People called it "the voice of the angels," Some feared that it disturbed the minds of those it enchanted, and it was banished to the dark corners of our history as a demon's instrument. "

   " In other words, a "demon's instrument" created by humans could be no match for you? "

   " Yes, I found the sound rather pleasant. "

   " But what was all this fuss about? " Prince Soma asked, still confused.

   " It was a simple diversion for my guests. "

At last, Alois entered, with a  purple suit and red bat wings on his back. On his teeth were fake fangs to sell the point of looking like a vampire.

   " I'm Alois Trancy. I'm honored to make your acquaintance. "

Alois walked to the center of the room and smiled at everyone, showing the world the charm he developed over the years.

   " I'm relieved to see you enjoyed the entertainment while I was away. "

Alois walked toward Ciel, and Ciel walked toward Alois, both staring at the other with malice. 

   ' This is. . .intense. . .I think I'll back out of this one situation, and go sleep. '

You turned to make your way to the stairs, but Prince Soma stopped you by placing his hands on your shoulders.

   " Please, do not leave until we try this. We might have a chance at bringing our Ciel back. "

With his hands on his shoulders, you knew you weren't going anywhere, and after Ciel returned to everyone, did Prince Soma walk over with you in tow. Ciel connected eyes with Prince Soma first before looking into yours. Both of you went still for a moment; you were afraid of what was to happen, and Ciel, because he slowly started remembering how you first met after years on the steps of his estate.

   " Ciel! I have brought over an old friend! "

Neither side said anything, and eventually, you swallowed the sadness and held your hand out to Ciel.

   " Hello, Ciel, it's been some time. I'm--"

   " Y/n. . .Yes, I know. "

   " You do? "

   " Yes, there's a picture of us together on my dresser, and I've remembered bits and pieces about you. "

   ' So, he's starting to remember. '

   " Would you mind if I--"

   " Y/n! Why don't you dance with me? I have been saving my first dance for my partner! " Alois said, pulling your hand and dragging you away from Ciel.

Alois pulled you toward the dance floor, leaving everyone unsettled. Prince Soma realized they were getting somewhere with his memories, but Alois had taken you from figuring out more. Alois turned to you and held your hand tightly while his other arm wrapped around your waist. 

   " So, what were you and Ciel talking about? " Alois asked, with a high pitch in his tone.

   " We were reminiscing after not seeing each other for so long. "

   " Hmm, you looked close. "

   " We once were, but then he went missing for a while, and now returned, so it feels a bit awkward. "

   " Well, you're with me anyhow, so forget about him. " Alois said, looking you dead in the eyes.

You figured they had some rivalry between them, and you didn't want to be in the middle.

   " So, Alois, your costume looks nice. The fangs looked real, almost. "

   " Would you expect anything less of a Trancy? Of course not. How did you sleep, during the night? "

   " I didn't sleep at all. I couldn't go to sleep after hearing the news. "

   " What an awful thing to do. That's why your face looks so washed, because you didn't sleep. "

   " Yeah. Maybe I'll get more sleep tonight. "

   " Hopefully, and hopefully, you don't snore in your sleep. I would like a pleasant rest, too. "

   " You're sleeping in my bed again? "

   " Of course! It is very comfortable, after all. So what? Are you going to tell me what rooms to sleep in and not sleep in? " he teased.

   " No, I just thought you would like your space, and to sleep on your own. "

   " I've slept on my own for years; it's somewhat different when you have someone sleeping in the bed with you. "

   " Excuse me. "

Skillfully, your dance was interrupted, by Ciel, stepping in between you both and taking your hands in his. Ciel spun you away from Alois and continued dancing on the floor, leaving the blonde behind. You slightly smiled, from the sudden action, finding the situation amusing.

   " An eye for an eye. He stole my time, with you, so I shall steal his time from him. "

   " I've never known you to be a skillful dancer, how did you do that without flaws? " You asked.

   " I've been practicing. I meant to ask what you are doing at the Trancy Manor. "

   " Well, I've taken over my father's company and my mother's hospitals while they have retired to the countryside. I have been on projects with Trancy before, and we have a new one that we need to discuss. I came here yesterday, but no business has been discussed. "

   " Of course. That man seems more like a child. "

You nodded, but things became silent. You were unsure of what to talk about with Ciel because he didn't remember a lot, and you were still a little saddened. 

   " How much do you remember? " You asked Ciel.

   " I. . .Sebastian told me everything we had done together, and I remember bits and pieces about you. I remember meeting you in front of my estate, finding out you're allergic to raspberries, and what happened at the Circus that was once in town. As well as pieces of what happened at a party we went to at the Viscount Druitt's, but I remember nothing more. "

   " I see. I might be able to trigger a memory, right now if you don't mind. "

   " Not at all. "

You took Ciel's hand within your own and guided him out of the ballroom and through the many hallways of the estate. Ciel followed you, keeping his hand connected with yours. You could call Ciel a liar if he said his heart wasn't pounding from the slight contact.

   " This way. "

You opened the doors to the garden and guided Ciel under the moonlight through the flowers. And after finding a nice area, you started to dance with Ciel, under the stars.

   " We did this one night. I came outside to sit when--"

   " I came out and danced with you. It was the same garden you got lost in when we were little. "

   " Yeah, you remember? "

Ciel looked into your eyes and had visions of that night, how the moonlight looked around the garden, and how his garden looked at that time. You were smiling at him that night in a beautiful dress. He remembered dancing in his garden with you under the moonlight, and he could feel a slight smile on his lips.

   " Yes, I remember. Lizzy came that day, and you escaped to the garden. I followed you once Lizzy fell asleep so that we could have alone time and dance. I didn't get to dance with you until that moment. "

   " Good, you're starting to remember everything. IF we can keep it up, you'll remember everything in no time. "

   " Yes, but I do remember the emotions I was feeling. Those, haven't left me at all. "

Ciel leaned his forehead against yours and relaxed in your presence, allowing himself to smile and enjoy the dance with you.

   " Why don't you return with me to my estate? I would feel more at ease if you were with me instead of here. And I want to remember everything we had. I know you must have been very important if I were to propose. "

   " I--"

   " She won't be joining you. "

You were pulled away from Ciel by Alois. Alois held your arms and pulled you far from Ciel, keeping a tight grip on you. Both men glared at each other, but Alois was the first to talk.

   " We have a business to talk about, and I'm afraid that I need her here so we can settle that business. If you think you're on such a high horse that you can take my partner from me, you better get off that horse. Come Y/n. "

Alois dragged you from the garden and back into the estate. Leaving Ciel to watch as Alois took the love of his life from him. Alois took you into your bedroom and threw you to the bed while he glared at you.

   " Why were you alone with him! He's my rival! "

   " Well--"

   " Do you like him better than me!? "

   " We met literally, hours ago! "

   " That doesn't answer my question! "

   " Alois, what's with this attitude? We were talking and going through memories, and I was hoping he could remember some of our past. What's so wrong about that!? "

Alois paused, his tantrum, and a small smile came to his lips, and he stepped closer to you.

   " You said my first name. Don't you call people by their noble name unless told so? Of course, if you're comfortable with someone, it's only natural to say their first name. Are you already comfortable with me? "

You couldn't believe what you were hearing and stood in confidence instead of shying away in fear like Alois was used to seeing.

   " Are you serious? That's what you're taking out of this conversation? Alois I--"

   "Hearing my name out of your lips is like a melody. But I am also fatigued, so let us sleep properly. "

Alois started stripping in front of you, and you turned around in a flash, feeling your cheeks heat up. You could hear Alois' chuckle, and once he was stripped to his boxers and oversized white collared shirt, he stepped toward your back. The first few buttons were undone on his shirt, making him feel less restrained in the shirt. Unknown to you, this is how he slept every night.

   " You didn't have to turn away. "

   " Alois! "

   " Now, change or let us sleep now. "

You were exhausted, confused, and angry, so you took your nightgown and went to change into the bathroom. Then, you stripped yourself of your costume and walked back into your room, where Alois was lying in bed. You decided you wanted to sleep somewhere else, but when Alois saw you walking toward the door, he yelled at you.

   " What are you doing!? I have provided you with a room, and you wish to sleep somewhere else? How rude. "

   " You are sleeping in my bed, I don't want to--"

   " Please, don't leave! "

Alois's tone changed, and you turned to look at him. You figured, at this point, something wrong had happened in his life, causing him trauma. You knew it was true because his personality would switch too quickly. For a second, it would be happy, then he could turn angry at a pin drop, and now, he looked desperate to have you stay in the room.

You were frustrated but took a breath and walked to the other side of the bed, which was unoccupied, and laid down underneath the blankets.

   " Thank you, Y/n. Thank you. "

Alois lay down on the pillows, falling to sleep, now that there was someone's presence beside him. You shut your eyes and quickly went to sleep, facing away from Alois.

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