" And with that, our business is done. "

You picked up the papers from the table and tapped them so they would even out and settle. You looked across the dining hall at Alois, who didn't look bored but didn't also look entertained either. Finally, after another week, you completed the paperwork necessary for the upcoming business project. Together your company would combine with Alois's own company for a short period. Within that time, you and Alois would work as partners until the project was over. 

You stood up from the table, slipped the papers into a large file envelope, and sealed it, ensuring the documents were safe.

   "Paperwork is never fun. " Alois complained, standing up from the table and stretching.

   " Yeah, but as I said, it has to be done before you can relax. That way, you don't have to worry about it later. "

   " You are very correct. Now, what shall we do, since we have the time? " Alois asked with a bright smile.

   " Excuse me? "

   " Now, that the mediocre, paper work is done, what fun shall we have? " The man asked, leaning on the table.

   " Alois, I'm leaving. "

   " Leaving? "

   " Yes, to go back to my estate. Since our business is officially done, I can return to my estate and continue business there. I might even visit Ci-"

   " No! "

You slightly flinched from the unexpected shout from the blonde in front of you. Alois's eyes were wide, brows furrowed, and his mouth in a sad frown. Alois started walking around the table, coming closer to you as he spoke.

   " You can't leave just yet! There are still many things we can do! "

   " But, I've been here for two weeks, Alois. "

   " And? What's wrong with staying a little longer? You already have your own room within my estate, and you call me by name. "

Alois grasped your shoulders tightly, making you tense up. Alois's face was close to yours, and you couldn't believe the quick change from calm to tears he had just performed. It only took three seconds for him to turn angry, sad, and now upset altogether. 

   " Alois--"

   " Please, don't leave me, Y/n. It hasn't been that long, but I find your comfort and presence. . .warm. I don't like sleeping unless I'm with you because you won't take advantage of me, unlike the other vile wenches out there! And like the previous Trancy. . . "

Alois let his head fall and leaned against yours, wrapping his arms around your shoulders and gently hugging you. His head rested on your shoulder, and he hugged you as if you were made of glass.

The mention of being taken advantage of sparked a memory within you. A memory from your childhood that you discovered with Undertaker. How one of the Harveys almost took advantage of you, and how they destroyed your childhood self. 

   " Alois. . .did the old earl. . ."

   " Yes. . .he did. "

You didn't know what to say, so you didn't say anything. Instead, you slowly set your orange file folder down and wrapped your arms around Alois's waist, hugging him back and resting your head on his shoulder.

   " I'll stay with you. "

   " Really!? "

Alois raised his head and smiled at you brightly, and you raised your head, showing him a small smile.

   " For a little while longer, I will. "

   " You promise? "

   " I promise. "

Maybe it was the spur of the moment or that emotions were high, but Alois's following action caught you completely off guard. Alois pulled your neck, and your head lurched forward while Alois leaned forward and connected your lips for a split second. The kiss was quick and very unexpected. When his lips left yours, he was smiling like a child and laughing like he had so much joy.

   " Wonderful! Then, what shall we do first? "

You didn't respond, still trying to process the kiss Alois had given you. You had no thoughts running through your head, and you could not think to save your life at that moment. 

   " Alois. . .you just. . ."

   " What? Kiss you? Yes, I did! What? Do you want more? " He asked, with his tone, becoming smoother. 

   " Wait--"

Before you could respond appropriately, Alois pressed his lips against yours again; this kiss longer than the first one. Furthermore, you could feel warmth emit from Alois's lips and into your own. His kiss was warm and longing, making a shiver journey through your body, instilling your face to turn red. Alois pulled away and tried to connect his lips with yours again, but you leaned back, only letting your foreheads meet.

   " Isn't that a little fast? "

   " Only if you think it is. We already share the same bed and see each other every morning. " He said with a lovestruck smile.

   " U-Umm, I think I'll travel to my estate to gather more clothes. And I'll return a little later. "

   " I can have the carriage prepared for us right away. Claude! "

   " Yes, your highness? "

   " What the!? "

You jumped a little bit after hearing Claude's voice. You turned your head to see him standing near the door to the room, expressionless and waiting for orders. 

   ' When did he get here!? '

   " Prepare the carriage for us right away! We are going on a trip. "

   " But, I want to go by myself. "

Alois's joyful attitude changed when you mentioned going by yourself, and he became sad again. You quickly reassured him that you would be back, and if it wasn't for Claude's mention of a scheduled meeting, Alois had, Alois would have continued to protest. Hannah helped you pack your bags, and you left the Trancy manor to go back to your estate. 

You didn't stay at your manor long and departed on your carriage toward the Phatomhive Estate. Ciel's estate was closer than Alois's, so it didn't take long until you reached the manor. You left your bag inside your carriage and asked your coachman to wait for you. He gladly did so, and you walked up the stairs to the large estate and knocked on the door. It didn't take more than a minute for the door to open and reveal the demon butler who helped you during your first visit.

   " What surprise. Welcome back to the Phantomhive Manor, my lady. "

Sebastian opened the door wider and offered his hand to you. You laid your hand in his and entered the estate, with Sebastian closing the door behind you. He raised your hand to his lips and pressed his soft lips against your knuckles, making you smile at him.

   " Shall I lead you to my master's office? "

   " I can handle it. I know you're very busy. "

   " Never too busy, for my lady. "

Sebastian hadn't changed after he returned to London with Ciel. The dark purple rose tucked within his jacket pocket was the only thing different. You don't remember where he could have gotten such a dark color, but he paid no attention and headed toward Ciel's office. Upon approaching the door, you knocked and heard a faint, 'come in.' You opened the door, stepped into Ciel's office, and looked toward his desk, where he sat writing a document.

   " What is it? " Ciel asked without looking up.

   " Can I not come see you? "

Hearing your voice made Ciel snap his head up and drop the pen that was once in his hand. 

   " Y/n. . .I was not expecting a visit. "

Ciel stood up from his chair, walked toward you, and took your hands within his, running his thumb over your knuckles.

   " Did you come from the Trancy Manor? "

   " Yes, Alois has kept me there for weeks. We didn't talk about our business deal until today, and now I've promised him that I would stay for a little while longer. "

   " What? Why did you do that? " Ciel asked, his brows furrowing.

   " Because he was really upset with me leaving, and I don't know, I just promised, and he doesn't like to take 'no' for an answer. "

Ciel sighed and placed his head in his hand, looking away from you, but after taking a deep breath, he faced you again.

   " Y/n, he's my enemy. Alois Trancy was the one who killed my parents and set my house on fire. "

   " Alois? No, that was--"

   " Sebastian already showed me the proof. Trancy had papers about my family within his manor. Then in the woods, he tried to capture me; he is not your friend Y/n. "

You were confused about Ciel's explanation but didn't question him about his memories. You knew that it was Angela that caused him so much grief, and why he was accusing Alois, you didn't understand. 

   " Well, I promised him I would stay, and he hates liars. So I'll be there for a little while longer. I thought I would come visit you today, since I had the time. "

Ciel,'s eye stared at you, and you couldn't tell what emotion he was showing, but it became apparent when he leaned his forehead against yours. Then, he held your hands with his own, and you were a little surprised since he never showed a lot of emotions.

   " I don't like it, Y/n. "

   " I know, but bear with it, a little longer. Then I will come back to your estate, and we can talk about things before, and see if you remember anything else. "

   " I remember everything so far, but it's only you that I'm remembering. I remember the time when we were little, and we would play around my manor, then the fire happened. . .However, I remember when you first visited me, when your parents went away. If it's not you, then I don't remember anything more. "

Ciel's words flustered you, but you held your composure and did not shift away from the man leaning against you. 

   " This is unlike Ciel Phantomhive. He never really shows affection. "

Ciel smirked at your comment, and his arms slid behind your waist and held you close to him. 

   " The old Ciel Phantomhive didn't. But I've realized, though, I do not own my soul, and I will leave this world soon; I do not want to leave with things untied. All of my affairs are in order, except for one. "

   " And what specifically is that one? "

CIel's smirk slightly changed into a gentle smile, and he closed his eye.

   " To show the woman, I love my affection, and marry her. "

 Ciel leaned down and connected his lips with yours in a sweet kiss. Your eyes closed, and you kissed him back, feeling your heart race in your chest. The kiss was longing and full of love, but it was short. Ciel pulled his lips away from yours and smiled at you.

   " I remember that was the last time I saw you, when I kissed you for the first time in your carriage before you departed for home with a letter to your father. "

   " He was shocked when he opened it, and mom was excited beyond belief. But. . .then you disappeared. "

   " And I will never do that again, until Sebastian takes my soul to eat. " Ciel said with a hard look in his blue eye.

You nodded, and Ciel embraced you in a hug. You hugged the man back and stayed until it was dark. You finally returned to the Trancy Manor while the moon was high, and upon opening the door, Alois tackled you in a hug and yelled about how late it was.

   " Why did you stay away for so long? What could have been so important that you were gone for hours!? "

After receiving a harsh glare from Alois, he pulled you to your shared bedroom and forced you to lay on the bed and sleep. Alois slept with his back to you the entire night, and if you tried to get up, he would turn to you and yell.