You tried not to think about the nightmare you had. It was hard, but you managed to contain it to yourself. Although, you did think about what Sebastian said. Every day, your friendship with the troublesome trio grew. Though they were different, a good different, the way they never ceased to make you smile. Heck, even your relationship with Ciel was less awkward. You spent time with him and somehow, you got a lot of things in common. How you both were into books, dislikes crowds, and you like how he respected you. And you... Somehow... felt like he was a friend.

>>>

"Hmm... is it just me or has the weather is being funny these past days?" You sighed, putting the big pot on the stove as you looked outside the window of the kitchen. Bard glanced at you as he then turned his head to the same window. He shrugged, "That's just how this country is, nothing but rainy days."

"Gloomy days like this. I wish it's just--"

The double suddenly busted open, the dust flew off, filling the room. Your head immediately snapped towards the door, spotting two gentlemen in white coats. You waved off the dust as one of the two spoke up, "Sorry. Is the Earl Phantomhive home?" They wore the same outfit and had the same silver hair, one's was a bit longer on the back and taller than the other.

You scowled, "What?! Who the hell are you?!" Sensing how he somehow was putting up a fight, the three of you geared yourselves up. Honestly, how come this manor always got visited by these kinds of people?

As you thought, the shorter one replied, "Are you guys willing to play with me?" In a blink of an eye, he pulled out his sword, dashing towards you. You were quick to move, bending your body back, the silver sword inches away from your face. You rolled over, seeing the man wouldn't stop.

The other two took their chances while the taller male attacked them. "Oh, you're a tough one, now." Seemed like the shorter one was fond of you. You huffed a breath, hitting an empty spot on a table and kicking it to him. The pot surprisingly hit him, providing you a chance to jump over the table and grabbed a couple of knives. On the other side, Meyrin held her guns in each of her hands, shooting at the other man as he circled the room.

"No sword in hand but still eager to fight me, how cool!" The silver-haired man said. You weren't playing along with his words, dodging his attack as he kept poking his sword at you. A bullet flew across his face, nearly making a scratch. He smirked and turns to Meyrin who had a gun pointed at him. "Pistols, huh? But with close-ranged, I still win!" He dragged his attention to her, slicing her pistols in half.

He turned back to you, but before he could do more, you slung your arm to his, twisting it slightly. He let out a small groan as you kicked his sword in the air, catching it in your hand. The two males stared at you in confusion. "Oh, please if anyone is good with melee here, it's me!" You smirked, glancing at the two whose mouths were gaping at you. You swung the weird towards him before a dessert tray went in your way, the sword pierced through one of the pastries on there.

Of course who else would it be?

Sebastian smiled amusingly, holding up the tray, "Custard cream puffs, the filling is made by our very own Phantomhive chicken and it is the highest quality. We would be very honored if you try one." He said calmly. The short male dropped his stare to the pastry pierced on the sword before he took it and tasted it. "It's pretty good, I guess."

Sebastian nodded, putting his hand to his chest. "Now, I believe that's mine, miss?" The unknown male said to you, smiling at you as he expected you to hand him his sword. You scoffed, pointing the sword below his jaw.

"Not until you tell us who you are." You inquired, lowering your head as you stared at him from your brows. He raised his hand at you, one putting away the tip from his neck. "My name is Charles Grey." He finally said. "And my name is Charles Phipps." Said the other.

"Together, we go by 'Double Charles'. We are the queen's secretary officers and butlers." Once the word 'Queen' came out their lips, you lowered the sword, still keeping it in your hand. "Does that scare you, missy?" He continued. You let out another scoff, flicking off the cream from his sword before giving it back to him. "You're not worthy to be feared of."

He raised his brow at you as if finding it amusing and impressing him. "You're a biter, aren't you? I like that." He winked at you. Sebastian cleared his throat, getting frustrated by his words to you. "Mind telling us why you're here?"

"We're here to deliver this message to the Earl." This tall one said, holding a letter with the queen's wax seal with his index finger and middle finger. Sebastian took it in his hand, studying it before putting it in his suit.

"Hah, you're the Queen's guards and you say hello by assaulting us? Have you not heard something like... Oh, I don't know, a front door?" You scoffed, crossing your arms. The short male laughed, looking back at you. "No, I just wanted to see if you're willing to play with me. And looks to me you're fun to play with." You raised a brow skeptically. Sebastian interrupted, standing before you. "If there's more to discuss, the young master is upstairs, I shall take you to him."

>>>

The conversation between Ciel and the two Charles went briefly. They mainly talked about a banquet that the Queen required Ciel to provide within two weeks. Said there was a guest that needed entertainment and while so, Charles Grey was participating to supervise the event.

You stood in the corner of the conversation, just listening to them as you waited. And you didn't even bother to listen to the flirting that Charles Grey said to you. Sebastian seemed more irritated by it more than you. 

"It's settled then. We'll be taking our leave." They said, standing up from their seat. Walking to the double door, Charles Grey turned around, "We look forward to seeing you in two weeks."

He glanced at you, lips curving slightly, "And I hope we get to know each other later, miss Y/n." His hand reached one of yours before you grabbed his wrist, twisting it and locking it with your arms. Oh, the audacity of this man.

"Calm down, Y/n." You heard Ciel warned. Your gaze didn't move from the man, seeing him still grinning at you. "I think I'll break it." You playfully grinned.

"He's not a threat. You can let him go."

"He kinda is to me." You shrugged unknowingly, dragging your view to Ciel. He stared at you sternly. You breathed out a groan and eventually let him go. He chuckled shortly, rubbing his arm. "See? That's why. Feisty." Later on, the two butlers left the manor.

For the next few hours, Ciel held you back to tell you his real plan for the banquet. About the upcoming murders which they had predicted, how one of the guests would be smart to figure out the alibis.

"Sebastian... Dead? And what? He then came back?"

"Well, yes. He said he's got is a plan for that." Stated Ciel, glancing at his butler. You shrugged, "Alright... I guess." Playing along with his plan.

>>>

The day of the banquet came. The rain started to pour on the same evening. You helped Ciel with his outfit for the evening, along with his signature cane. "Also, Y/n. For tonight, please don't cause a ruckus."

You brushed his coat and replied, "Depends on the people." You said, giving him his cane. You left him to look at himself in the mirror as you peeked out the window, seeing the guests coming out of their carriages. "Ugh, look at all those people."

"Noble people or 'people' people?" Ciel looked at you through the mirror. You looked at him, "...People. If anything, I agree with you on this one. Social events give me headaches."

Sebastian suddenly came through the door, his eyes landed on you. "Y/n, I'll take care of him from here. You can greet the guests, tell them to wait."

"Can't Shorty just come out a greet them right away?" You glanced at Ciel.

"I am average size for my age!" Ciel stomped his feet and you found it amusing to watch him pout. "Sure thing, shortcake." You smiled, patting his head as he gritted his teeth. You skidded off the room, leaving him behind. Ciel huffed a breath, fixing his hair. Though he did not want to admit it, just like you, he saw you more as a friend than a servant. And that was what he needed. A friend.

>>>

When all the guests had finally arrived, they were rushed to the dining room as then the party started. In the corner of the room, you saw Arthur, he just stood there alone, feeling outcasted. Ciel told you that he was Arthur Conan Doyle, the writer of one of your favorite stories, A Study in Scarlet.

You took care of the table as the other guests enjoyed themselves. Across the table, Irene screamed at Siemens, telling him to stop harassing her, which quickly perked your ears. "Whaaat? You're at fault for wearing those clothes!" Siemens slurred his words, his face red all from the alcohol. You rolled your eyes, making your way to them.

I can't believe I'm defending a noble.

"I have my right to wear this outfit!" Irene defended herself. Before Siemens could throw another word, you stepped in. Noble or not, no one deserved to be treated like that. Going by your experiences, you hated seeing other women being harassed by another man without her consent.

"As much as I hate to say it, she's right. This is a banquet that the young Earl had specially arranged. I'm not at a place to tell you what to do but please respect the other guests here." You said, hopefully, people find it polite. You could use verbal words if only Ciel hadn't said you to behave. Siemens raised his brows at you, his grin getting wider. "What do we have here? A fighter, huh? You can work... Maybe."

Just seeing him standing there disgusted you. He smirked and slithered his hand to your rear. But you took his wrist, twisting it, pushing it on his back. He groaned in pain as you pushed him to the table. You felt Ciel's gaze from across the room, he didn't seem to mind, knowing how much you hate perverts.

"Please, just enjoy the goddamn party." You warned him before you let him free. He released a breath, watching you leave. He gritted his teeth, grabbing a glass of alcohol. "How dare you?! Do you know who I am?!" In split seconds, Ciel blocked you with his own body, soaking his attire with alcohol.

"Earl!"

"This is a banquet. I think it's enough from you today." Ciel calmly said, glaring at Siemens. On the other side, Grimsby became extremely angry, "How dare you?! Don't you have any respect towards a woman?" He yelled as he threw Siemens a bottle. You pulled Ciel aside as you saw Sebastian flying through the air, catching the bottle in his hand.

He planned on top of the ladder next to the pyramid of glasses. "This is a fantastic wine from the village in Moldavia," Sebastian announced, showing off his act as usual. Everyone's mood was lifted as if nothing happened.

"What part of 'not create a ruckus' you did not understand?" Ciel talked to you as you both made your way to the side. "I told you, depends on the people. I could've contained myself but he went too far. Not to mention that Charles keeps flirting with me. Nevertheless, I never thought you would defend me. Speaking like a gentleman and all. I appreciate that, actually. Thank you." You replied. Ciel looked up at you, "I feel like I should, after what you did to Irene. Besides, I never thought you would defend an aristocrat." He slightly grinned, seeing you grumbling from his words. "Don't backfire me like that, Shorty."

Sebastian came by, bringing a towel for Ciel. You took it, dropping it over him. While drying him out, he started a conversation with Sebastian in another language, French you guessed. They glanced at Arthur, who laughed at their conversation. They glanced at you as if waiting for your answer. You furrowed your brows, shaking your head, "What are you looking at me for? You think there are French lessons in the streets?"

"How do you know it's French then?" Ciel raised his head at you. You threw your hands up, "I know what it sounds like but I don't get it."

They continued to speak in French, looking back at the guests. You shook your head, leaving them behind. "You guys are weird."

The night went on. Siemens still spiraling around the room being drunk. Charles was busy hitting on you, failing miserably. "You know, I like the way you stand up for yourself." He said, walking beside you. You released a tired breath, moving away. "Listen, lover boy. I had enough with people like you for today. So why don't you keep it in your pants, okay? Or I'll break your arm for real." You playfully smiled and quickly skidded off. You found yourself out of the crowd.

"Enjoying the party?" Your gaze turned to Sebastian who was walking to you. You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms. "Do I look like I am?" He only replied with a chuckle. "Also, I'm sorry I could get to you in time." He suddenly said. Seeing him suddenly became quiet, you looked up at him. "I know women don't get the same respect around here. I can't control that, I'm sorry. But to be fair, I count your actions as self-defense. You see, you don't need men to protect you. You don't even need me. You have quick reflexes, that's one of the reasons why I love you. Just like what you did when I first met you, how you 'greeted' me for the first time." He spoke up. You didn't realize how hard his words hit you that you blushed uncontrollably. "I... Am ashamed of what I did that day...to the girl." Sebastian continued, looking down to the floor, avoiding your gaze. "I should've known. I should've done something else rather than... I know how much you hate those kinds of things. I truly am sorry, Y/n." He finished.

You blinked a couple of times, letting his words sink in. "T-That's very sweet of you," you said.

Did he just made me stutter?!

You shook your head, focusing on him. "But yeah... You should be!... But at least you make it up to me and what you just said, Sebastian. God!" You clenched your teeth, staring at him. The way he admitted his mistakes, begging for your forgiveness as if you saying no would kill him. You sighed, lifting his chin. "I said this over and over. You're stupid to even think about doing that stuff. But you didn't do it for your pleasure." You talked him out, giving him a half-smile. You saw the corner of his lips started to curve, his mood back on track.

"Also, I couldn't get enough of your face when Charles Grey was flirting with me all night long. If looks could kill, heck you were staring at him when he talked to me as if you're medusa or something." You snickered, tapping his chest. He released a delicate chuckle, taking your hand.

"Well, believe me. It itches me more than it is to you."

  >>>

Later that night, after the guests were escorted to their rooms for the night, the six of you handled the rest. The bell to one of the bedrooms rang in a sudden. "Siemens. What does that bastard want now?" You sighed, wiping your hands off with a cloth. Though you knew what was it all about. Meyrin shook at the sound. "I-I don't want to go there!!!" She quivered. You brushed your skirt, "Fine. I'll go."

"I'll come with you," Sebastian said, putting on his outer coat. You two went down to the hall together, side by side. "You're worried about me?" He replied, "You need an alibi, though Arthur may suspect us for being there first."

You arrived at his door and Sebastian took over.  He knocked on his door a couple of times, asking him what he needed. There was no response for a while but then you heard a glass shattering and a scream. "This is going to be a long night." You sighed.

The other guests emerged from their rooms, approaching the two of you. "What's all the racket?" One of them said.

"I'll kick down the door," Sebastian told, shielding you with his arm before he kicked the door open. Everyone stepped inside as they all let out a terrified gasp. Georg Siemens was 'dead'.

Arthur pushed through the crowd, checking his pulse. "He's dead." Said Arthur, turning back to the crowd. Ciel decided to came by, hearing all the noise "What is going on?!"

You scanned the room thoroughly, looking for any unusual sign. "That's weird. I was sure I heard—" Sebastian put up a hand to you, signaling you to stop. You did, he was right.

"I'm pretty sure the wound on his chest was the cause of his death," Arthur exclaimed. Sebastian sent Finny and Tanaka to bring his body to the cellar until the Yard arrived. Then the rest of you discussed this.

"But I doubt that the Yard will come anytime soon. Look at this storm! And perhaps the culprit is still in the manor somewhere." Lau explained. Everyone murmured in response.

"And if you think it logically, wouldn't one of us is the culprit?" Charles stepped in. Some of the guests refused to believe the fact that any of them could be a suspect. And then they all started to unravel this case. You didn't bother to listen. Just some kind of a missing puzzle piece. Some of their words caught your interest. The culprit seemed to be smart. Ciel and Arthur agreed that the culprit uses the 'needle and thread' method to exit the scene. So Arthur was smart after all.

"Then does that mean the culprit could be any of us?" Arthur informed. Grimsby refused with this, he defended himself and Irene. "That's not me! The only suspect here is you." Woodly pointed to Grimsby.

"What are you saying?!" He protested.

"You're the one who argued with him!" Woodly struck back. And the rest continued one protest after another. Eventually, the fight died down as Arthur told them to tell what they were doing to draw out an alibi. All of them were busy with different activities. When he asked Ciel, all of them suspected him as the culprit since he was the only one alone.

>>>

"I'm getting tired of this." You yawned, leaning onto Sebastian as you walked down the hall for the night. The both of you were clearing the night after you witnessed Charles Gray 'murdered' Sebastian. That was stupid of him to not see you on the other side of the room.

Sebastian held your hand, continuing his task. "Now, just a little bit. You go outside, recover the shards of the bottle the Earl thrown in the garden and it back in the fireplace. Then, wait for a while. When you see the owl Meyrin had sent, cath I before it flew off, bring it to me." He ordered, shaking you awake. You nodded, "Alright... Wait but it's raining."

"Exactly, if I do it, my body will become wet and they will become suspicious." He replied. You sighed, figuring he was right. "Now whatever you do. Don't be seen."

"Yeah yeah. So you'll come back in disguise?"

"Yes, with the owl and the ticket as my alibi. Pity, I thought maybe I could watch the performance with you."

"No. Not into those things. But... Maybe it will be less boring when I'm with you." You mumbled the last part under your earth which Sebastian heard. He chuckled lightly, leaning down to give you a short kiss. You didn't see that coming. Covering your lips with the back of your hand, you didn't realize you brushed slightly.

"Now, we should get going."

>>>

You caught the owl just in time. Putting it back on the cage, you rest hid him in a bush outside near the back door so Sebastian can get his hands to it. With the pieces of the bottle in your hand, you waited for the right moment to put it in the hearth.

You made your way back to Sebastian's crime scene, only to see him troubling with the poker to his back. You released a short laugh, leaning onto the door frame. "Need a hand there, buddy?" Sebastian turned to you. "Well... Maybe..."