The Flower Blooming Out Of Season

Episode 4

Oz was dressing himself in a dark Brown and purple dress when the bedroom door burst open and a familiar raven haired male wrapped him in a tight embrace.

"G-gil!" Oz's muffled voice shouted.

"Master! I was so worried! I knew I shouldn't have let you ride alone!"

Oz managed to wriggle himself out of the older male's grasp before sighing in relief.

"Since you're here  does that mean I'm going home now?" Oz inquired.

The male known as Gilbert Nightray nodded before walking behind Oz and tying the back of his dress.

"Everyone's worried about you, even that stupid Rabbit. She wanted to come for you personally but luckily Sharon held her back," Gilbert said.

Oz smiled to himself. "She did huh?"

"Yeah,"

After Oz's dress had been tied he turned to Gilbert with a serious expression. "How did it go?"

"No luck. The Viscount Druitt didn't do anything explicit and Ada stayed away from him. We didn't get any dirt on him. As far as I can tell he may not have anything to do with those girl's disappearances,"

Oz crossed his arms, "I should've been there. If only the snow hasn't been so bad."

"I'm just glad you're safe. I was worried sick! I'd never have forgiven myself if  anything were to happen to you!" Gilbert declared, hugging Oz tight.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted the embrace. Gilbert let go of Oz and took a step back as Oz collected himself.

Brushing down his dress, Oz caught sight of a  flicker of annoyance crossing Ciel's eye before returning to normal.

"The snow had cleared considerably since yesterday. I've prepared a carriage for Lady Ozina. I hope you've enjoyed your stay at the Phantomhive Manor and visit again," Ciel stated.

The sound of his voice struck Oz as odd. It sounded as if Ciel was annoyed and feigning politeness.

Ciel turned and promptly walked away, saying something briefly to the butler before continuing on.

The butler approached and bowed, "If you will follow me I will escort you to the carriage."

Oz and Gilbert followed behind Sebastian as he led them to the carriage. Once entering the carriage, Oz glanced back to see Ciel's look of dissatisfaction.

A pang was felt through Oz's chest and when he settled in He instinctively touched his heart.

"Master Oz are you alright?" Gilbert whispered as he sat beside him.

"I'm fine Gil," Oz responded, flashing him a smile.

"I'm glad,"

Oz's smile faded and he glanced down at his folded hands. These hands that still wore Ciel's gloves.

Oz wriggled his fingers. The gloves were made of a  soft material. Oz wondered if this was how Ciel's hands felt. A blush creeped onto his cheeks at the thought of this and he couldn't help but cup his cheeks with his soft gloves hands.

Oz was faintly aware of the confused look Gilbert was giving him but he chose to ignore it.

A short bump and a yell from the driver alerted the pair that they had arrived at the Vessalius mansion.

Gilbert got out first and assisted Oz out of the carriage.

"Oz! Where have you been?!"

"Ah, Alice I was-ouch!"

Oz was suddenly tackled to the ground as the black haired Alice gave him a puffed angry look before biting him hard on the cheek.

"My servant shouldn't just abandon me!" She said through mumbled lips.

"Ouch,  I'm sorry Alice!" Oz whined, feeling his cheek stretch.

Alice was pulled off by Gilbert who held her by the scruff of her neck.

"Don't do that to Master Oz! He just got back you stupid Rabbit!"

"Let go of me seaweed head!" Alice shouted, growling.

A mini fight ensued as Oz watched on in mild amusement.

"Oz you're back. How was the Phantomhive Manor?"

"Ah Sharon!" Oz said seeing the lady.

Sharon flashed Oz a smile As she stood beside him. Her smile faded as she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him closer.

"I'm glad you're alright. The Phantomhive family is known as the Queen's Guard dog famous for handling the underworld's affairs," She said.

"Ciel seemed pretty nice to me," Oz responded, "He's only thirteen and already and Earl."

"The Phantomhive head is dangerous. The rumors that plague him and his butler are immense. But in any case, you're safe and that's all that matters," Lady Sharon said, letting go of him.

"Wait, you guys thought Ciel would hurt me?" Oz questioned.

The question was left unanswered and hung in the air.

Oz was about to press the matter further when His sister Ada came and gave him a hug.

"Oz I missed you! I thought you disappeared again," She said, burying her face in his chest.

Oz gently pat her on the head, "I'm fine. I promise I won't leave you like that so don't cry," he said.

Ada pulled back and smiled as she nodded her head.