Love Is Not a Choice

Chapter Five

The Kidnapping of the Young Master and his Governess

"It went that way!" Bard's called out, running past you and nearly knocking you over. You just barely managed to regain your balance before falling. Sighing, you made sure all of the rats you and Meyrin had caught were in the net, and turned to look in the direction Finny and Bard were running in, only to startle back when you nearly collided with someone.

Gasping, you accidentally let go of the net, your hands outstretched to cover your eyes from the fall- only you didn't hit the ground. Heart pounding, you slowly opened your eyes and instantly felt the heat cover your cheeks when you looked straight into the red/brown eyes of the tall Phantomhive butler.

"U-um..." You stuttered, looking down to see Mr. Michaelis' rather strong arms wrapped around your waist, preventing you from falling. "T-thank you for, uh, catching me." Mr. Michaelis didn't reply. In fact, he didn't seem to be doing anything other than stare at you, and rather intently as well. You were a little unnerved with all the staring, but you couldn't help stare back into his eyes. They were so beautiful, shining with a glint of mischief and...something else you couldn't quite understand.

You could feel it, the urges to just let yourself fall further and further within those tempting eyes. It's quite hard trying to resist the temptation of one so...beautiful.

"Get it! Aghh!" Meyrin grunted suddenly, and you jumped. Shaking your head, you realized you were almost an inch away from placing your lips upon Mr. Michaelis'. Oh my god. What are you doing, (Y/N)? Don't kiss him! You pulled away quickly, tugging a bit when Mr. Michaelis didn't seem to want to let go. He's probably wondering why I'm being such an idiot as well. I mean, kissing him! What am I thinking?!

Finally out of his strong embrace - one I want to be in forev- no! -, you coughed and straightening your skirts, you tried to ignore the odd look Mr. Michaelis was giving you. Instead, you walked around him and tried to run after the other three servants, who were now catching extra rats because you decided to trip and fall, dropping them as you did. Why must I be such a klutz?

However, before you could run off, you nearly - once again - collided with someone, this time the Young Master. Luckily, you managed to catch your balance, steadying yourself before bowing an apology to the twelve-year-old Earl. "Oh, I'm sorry, Master. I didn't see you there."

The twelve-year-old huffed before shaking his head, thumb and index finger pinching the bridge of his nose. He didn't reply. Instead he walked around you, managing to avoid the oncoming servants running his way even with his eyes shut. Well at least someone in this mansion isn't clumsy. Is he alright though? He sounds quite tired. Should I go after him? Maybe he just wants to be left alone, but...

Meyrin rushed past you, huffing as she went. Bard and Finny followed, huffing as well. Sighing, you decided to follow after them. Turning, you noticed you were all alone in the hallway. Mr. Michaelis must have went after the Young Master. Ah, I better hurry then. Lifting up your dress, you ran down the hallway. You slowed down when you saw Mr. Michaelis following after Master Ciel, and the other three servants racing back and forth.

You dodged out of the way of the rats, sidestepping all of them until you had to stop, lest you bump into Mr. Michaelis. And we don't want a repeat of that, do we? you thought, and it took everything in you to not blush - that much, anyway. Shaking your head, you tried to focus on what Mr. Michaelis was saying to Master Ciel, "-with fresh apples and raisins. It will be ready soon. Would you like to eat with your guests?"

Ah, so, they're talking about dinner. And the guests. You had forgotten there were guests in the Manor, to preoccupied with catching rats to remember, or care really.

"Bring it to my study," Ciel ordered, still sounding as tired as he did before, "I'm done here." He continued to walk ahead, even as Mr. Michaelis bowed, one hand over his heart, the other behind his back and said, "Certainly, my lord."

Alright, I want to see what's wrong with Master Ciel. I don't care if he doesn't want my company. He shouldn't be depressed alone. It's what sent my family and I into the mess we are in now, him turning depressed and then loosing his job because of it. I don't want Ciel to go down that dark spiral.

So, eager to catch up with him, you started to move, walking around Mr. Michaelis. Luckily, just as you turned, so did the butler, who was about to begin his Master's dessert. So you didn't knock into him - that much. You did however nudge him, and you could have sworn he shivered. You shook your head, looking away to focus on walking to the Young Master. I'm just imagining things.

Hurrying your pace, you were just about to turn the corner, but before you did, you could see the enticing eyes of Mr. Michaelis staring after your figure. You resisted the urge to shiver - with lust? anticipation? .... fear? - and hurried your fast-walking to running.

The sounds of rats squeaking, Finny screaming after the rats, Tanaka's 'ho, ho, ho'ing, and then Mr. Michaelis talking could be heard, but you left it all behind, eager to just catch up with Master Ciel.

*

Ciel Phantomhive sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, walking to his office. He was tired, tired of being treated like a child by everyone! Yes, he was only twelve-years-old but he's been through a lot! He is far more mature than some think, even more mature than the blasted adults that surround him.

So, why did they all have to look down at him with pitying glances? Madam Red does this quite often, even if she's trying to do it when he's not looking, or at least when she thinks he's not looking. Her eyes always droop in sadness, her face frowning in pity as she stares at her 'poor, beaten nephew'. He was not poor nor was he beaten! He was strong, maybe not physically but mentally and emotionally. And besides he has Sebastian for the physical work. Though I'd much prefer it if he didn't constantly remind me of this unfortunate fact.

Ciel dropped his fingers as he walked, eyes opening and then blinking to clear the spots that had created as his eyes adjusted to the sudden light. He dreaded tomorrow, though he'd never admit it, because he knew he'd have to start the lessons tomorrow. As it is, it was lucky he had guests or he'd have started them today, the tour having ended sooner than he'd thought.

He didn't want these lessons. He didn't want some governess to start sticking her nose in his business. He didn't want Madam Red to start worrying over his studies. Ciel knew his aunt worried quite often about him, about his well-being, about his reputation and his health and his studies. He knew she wanted the best for her nephew. But did she really have to go ahead and hire some random lady to teach me, without my consent or even my knowledge? No. She didn't.

Finally he was in front of his office door, and landing a petite hand on the handle, he pushed open the door and walked inside. He just wanted to lock himself inside his office and ignore the outside world. Maybe I'll build that card castle I've been meaning to begin. Sighing, the twelve-year-old muttered to himself, "Finally, some peace and quiet."

Closing the door, he heard the satisfying click of the lock, and took a few steps forward, slow despite wanting to sit down straight away. Of course, he didn't reach the desk, and of course, he didn't reach the desk because someone had stopped him. Of course, this person was unexpected and of course, this person had to be kidnapping him, preventing him from his luxury, comfortable chair.

He wouldn't be Earl Ciel Phantomhive, if nothing like this happened, now would he?

Of course, though, he hadn't really expected the door to open right then and there, and the last thing he saw, being the Governess he didn't really want. The last thought he had before the chloroform knocked him out was, Well, sweet governess of mine, you just keep getting yourself involved in my things, don't you?

Later on, he'd refuse to admit to himself that he'd never thought such a childish thought.

*

Once.
Twice.
Thrice.

Four times you blinked, and still the blurriness was there, albeit not quite as much as when you first woke up. Still, you looked around, and could just about see the chairs and the furniture of the room. The design on the furniture, or even the walls, could not be seen properly.

You didn't know where you were, or what happened, and that frightened you. Trying as hard as you could, there was just nothing sparking a sense of familiarity. You had to remind yourself to breath, to take in one deep breath and another and another. The last thing you wanted was to have a panic attack.

Alright, alright, (Y/N). Let's calm down and focus. What's the last thing you remember? You thought. You remember walking off to talk to Master Ciel. He had looked tired, maybe upset even, and you wanted to see if he was alright. Maybe you'd comfort him, if he'd let you. You remember turning a corner and seeing the young boy walk into his office. You remember running down the hallway to catch up with him, standing in front of the office door, taking a deep breath, walking in and then-.... Nothing. You couldn't remember anything else.

What happened to me? you thought, worried, and why was I waking up in some unknown place?

Suddenly the sound of doors opening could be heard, causing you to jump. That was when you realized two things; one, your arms were chained behind your back in a rather tight bond, your legs trapped at the ankles with the same bond, forcing you to stay sat hunched over against a wall, your legs outstretched; and two, you could see properly again, well, there wasn't any more blurriness at least. Though you still felt quite heavy, like a bag of rocks had been placed atop your head, weighing it down to the point of pain.

(E/C)-coloured eyes searching, you eventually stopped at a muscular, male figure who's shaggy blonde hair was held up in a half-hearted ponytail. He turned suddenly, walking over in your direction, his small, green eyes surviving the room with utter disgust and annoyance before they landed on you. He smirked and winked, but you ignored it, and instead looked away. Though the scar on his face was clear on your face; it looked quite old, starting from the left side of his forehead and stopping on his right cheek. You couldn't help but wonder how he got it, or who he even was.

He looked away from you, only to stop beside you, in front of... Master Ciel. You did a double check out of the corner of your eye, your head still feeling quite heavy upon your shoulders to lift up high. He knelt in front of the Young Earl, a smirk clear on his. Lifting a hand, he gripped the pointed, thin chin of the twelve-year-old, turning the boy's face this way and that as harshly as he could. Master Ciel did not even flinch, and so you had the resist the sudden protective urge to call out, to get this strange man to stop.

After a while, the older man suddenly let go of Master Ciel's chin and stood up, turning and walking away to a table which held a box of something. As he walked off, he began to talk, and you focused on what he was saying. Maybe I'll understand what he wants from us - or just Master Ciel - if I listen.

"The policeman of England's underworld, one of the nobles who have done the Royal Family's dirty works for generations. The Queen's Guard Dog, tasked with disposing of anyone who disagrees with her. Just how many nicknames do you have, and how many families have you crushed, Ciel Phantomhive?" The older man asked, chuckling harshly nearer the end of his talking.

Yeah, still confused, you thought, resisting the urge to frown confusedly, Just what is he on about? 'The Queen's Guard Dog'? 'Tasked with disposing of anyone who disagrees with her'? Families crushed and nicknames and- just what?!

Master Ciel looked up, and you had to stop yourself from gasping. There was a faint line of blood flowing down from his nose, and just a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth. Just what did they do to him while I was unconscious? You thought, angry that someone would hurt such a young boy. I do not care what he has done! He is still a young boy! You do not beat a young boy, or anyone for that matter!

Clenching your jaw, you listened to Master Ciel's reply, noticing the way he sneered ever-so-slightly at the elder man, "I thought it would be you. You shame your family, Azzurro Vanel."

Who? You looked over at the elder man, and noticed he was just lighting a thick cigar held between thin lips. The man just chuckled, taking away the lit match to mockingly chide the young boy, "Come now, my little Lord Phantomhive. Do you know how hard it is for the Italian Mafia here?" What?! Italian Mafia? This man, this Azzurro Vanel, is apart of the Italian Mafia... Oh god. What does the Italian Mafia want with Lord Phantomhive?!

You wanted to ask, no matter how terrified you were to know the answer. However, neither Earl Phantomhive or Mr. Vanel gave you a chance, because soon the elder man was continuing on, "You Englishmen have nothing but tea on the brain," Well, that's not true. We also have scones, you thought jokingly, despite the situation at hand, "It's difficult to penetrate those small minds of yours, so we have to think outside the box to make money. So we found the drug trade."

Azzurro Vanel knelt in front of Master Ciel again, gesturing with his hand as he spoke. Oh, just brilliant. Drug trade. Italian Mafia. What else? You exclaimed in your head, and it took everything in you to control your breathing. You were scared, and the way your chest was rising faster and faster showed it.

As you tried not to have a panic attack in front of the Italian Mafia Boss-person (you did not know what part he took within the Mafia, nor did you care) and the Queen's Guard Dog (apparently), Master Ciel continued on tormenting the elder man as if you weren't sitting there. Maybe he doesn't even realize I'm here.

"The Pharmacy Act of 1868 listed opium as a restricted substance. It is the Queen's decree," Ciel opened his eyes, his one dark-blue eye narrowed piercingly at the elder man as he continued, his jaw clenched as he spoke, "and I will eliminate those drugs and the vermin who sell them."

Azzurro Vanel sighed, as if he had expected this answer and it bored him. Ohh, I want to punch you so badly right now! You narrowed your (E/C) eyes at him, head lifted a little bit now that your strength seemed to slowly come back to you. He slid a hand through his hair, letting it rest upon his head as if he was about to speak to a child but was too impatient to do so. "Ugh! You know this is-a why I hate all you Englishmen. The Queen this, the Queen that." His hand fell from his head and Azzurro Vanel narrowed his eyes at the twelve-year-old, "You act like this-a woman is your own mother! You line-a your pockets while pretending the whole time you're better than the rest of us!" He clenched the chin of Master Ciel, forcing him to stare at the elder man. "But in the end, we are no different from each other. Why can't we get along?"

You clenched your jaw. You wanted this man to let go of Ciel! He was not allowed to touch him! You resisted against the bonds around your wrists, struggling to the best of your ability. This gained the attention of Azzurro Vanel, who turned and smirked. His attention however was switched back to Master Ciel when the boy spoke up, and with each word, his smirk fell, quickly replaced with a narrow-eyed, annoyed sneer. "I've left orders about your key. If I don't come back, my servants will make sure the authorities get it. I'm sorry," He didn't sound sorry at all. In fact, he sounded rather bored. "I have no interest in getting along with someone like you."

The man stood up, roughly letting go of Master Ciel's chin, and once stood, he pulled out a gun, pointing it at Ciel. You struggled even harder. No! Don't you dare shoot or I swear...!

"You brat! Don't underestimate me! My men are already waiting at your estate. Where is the key? Spit it out soon or your servants will start-a dying one by one." Azzurro Vanel threatened, and your struggling slowed. What? No! He can't hurt Meyrin or Bard or Finny or Tanaka or...Mr. Michaelis. You blushed at the thought of him, only to quickly shaking your head. Really?! Not the time!

As you focused, you realized Master Ciel was rather quiet, as if the thought of his servants being threatened and/or killed did not bother him. Confused - and a bit hurt; did he not care about them? -, you looked over to him- only to see his head titled to the side and a faint, almost kind - though there was a hint of smugness behind it - smile was on his head. "Oh, I think they'll be alright. But you'd better hope your lap-dogs know how to fetch."

Startled, you were frozen as Azzurro Vanel, angered at the thought of someone insulting his men, kicked Ciel. Though you quickly shook yourself out of your frozen state when he hit the floor with a pained grunt, and resumed your struggling. Don't worry Master Ciel! I signed that contract remember. I'll protect you. But first, I need to get out of his bloody ropes.

The cigarette fell to the ground, hitting it with a soft thud, and Azzurro Vanel turned, picking up the phone. Apparently someone was already on it and had been listening to the whole conversation, for he did not even dial a number before he was speaking to the other person, "Did you hear that? The time for talk is over."

As he spoke, you had the sudden urge, stupid as it may be, to just scream. Why, you didn't know. But for some reason, screaming seemed to be the right thing to do. Maybe it was because of the fear and the confusion you were feeling, maybe because you were fearing if you didn't, you and the Young Master would be hurt or worse... You don't know why you felt the urge, and so, when you opened your mouth and let out the most ear-piercing scream ever, you definitely don't know why you went through with it.

Though, when Azzurro Vanel jumped and turned, glaring at you with his small eyes, it wasn't really much of a surprise when he roughly pointed at you, ordering something you couldn't quite hear because you were screaming, nor was it when you saw something move out of the corner of your eye, something being raised and then-....

Nothing. Just silence and darkness.