A/N: Welcome, Madames and Messiers, to my Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo fanfic! This is just something i was fooling around with, figured i'd put it on here 2 see if anyone ends up liking it.
Disclaimer: i do not own Gankutsuou or anything to do with The Count of Monte Cristo.
Chapter 1: Meeting at a Ball
Iris stared out the carriage window, her violet eyes following random streams of water the rain drops made down the glass. Letting out a sigh, she jutted out her lower lip to blow at her auburn bangs that swept to the side, her elbow length hair half pulled into a loose bun atop her head, the rest let down around her shoulders. She sat back against the seat and turned her gaze to her sleeping father and her mother who fanned herself as a hot-flash had come upon her.
Boredom. There was no worse a torture than that. It seemed her lot in life, though, to suffer from it at least once a day. Living among the high societies of London made it all the more difficult to find something eventful to partake of. The balls and parties were all wonderful, to be sure, but they were full of dull people, aside, of course from her dear friend Jenna, who always brightened a room when she entered.
It was one of these balls they found themselves heading to now. Though, she wasn't sure how they would stay for more than an hour. Her father, Leonardo, was already asleep, (probably filled to the brim with boredom) while her mother, Hannah, fanned herself still, her face flush from her hot flash. Iris attributed this to anxiety. The ball was being hosted by an old sweetheart of hers who was now one of the many most handsome, still eligible bachelors in the city who had wealth from both sides of the family.
Iris sighed loudly, drawing her mother's attention. Hannah's water blue eyes stared at the young woman and Iris looked back, raising her brows in wonder.
"What is it, mother?" she asked, sitting up slightly.
"Why do you sigh so heavily?" Hannah wondered, pulling at one of her auburn curls.
"I only wonder how long we have been in this carriage," Iris replied, gazing out her window again. "And I am upset that I've forgotten my umbrella."
"No need to worry about that, my dear," Hannah replied with a smile, turning back to her window as well, still fanning herself rapidly. "I am sure the rain will let up before we arrive at Isaac--- I mean, Sir Quin's mansion."
Iris shut her eyes to keep her mother from seeing her roll them in exasperation. She had nearly forgotten what this ball they were going to was for. The man had just been knighted. It was a wonder her mother wasn't chattering the whole way, telling her to be charming and attentive to the host when they arrived. Iris guessed it was because Hannah would try to be charming and attentive to him herself. No doubt she would want to start an affair with him in the hopes he still wanted her.
"Were the Hale's invited to this ball?" Iris wondered, not looking away from her window.
"I know not, dearest," Hannah replied. "I cannot imagine they were, considering they are not as close to him as we are."
You mean you are, Iris thought to say aloud but instead replied with a vacant, "Oh."
She had hoped at least to have someone entertaining to talk to. She wouldn't know anyone there. The carriage came to a stop and Leonardo snorted before starting awake and looking around with tired, violet eyes.
"Have we reached the mansion already?" he wondered groggily, running a hand through his short, salt and peppered hair.
"Already?" Iris muttered, sarcastically and Hannah only nodded as she gestured her husband to hurry out of the carriage.
As Iris had expected, the rain hadn't stopped and a few servants held up umbrella's to escort them to the front door. The Evans family stood at the door as a servant opened it for them and another servant took their cloaks and Leonardo's hat as the three headed deeper into the mansion. Everything was elaborate and expensive around them as they headed down the hall to the ball room. Iris couldn't help but look around her in awe, for she'd never seen a hall so richly decorated.
Once in the ball room she drew her gaze from the hall behind her and searched the room for Jenna. She didn't find her. Her mother suddenly pulled her at her arm and dragged her toward a man with side-swept silver hair and glowing gray eyes in an immaculate uniform scattered with medals.
"Sir Quin!" Hannah called and Iris didn't even try to keep herself from rolling her eyes at her mother's tone. She sounded as though they were still sweethearts. The two women stopped in front of him as he looked up with a warm smile and he bowed as they curtsied to him.
"Sir Quin," Hannah nodded again then turned to Iris saying, "This is my daughter, Iris. She has just come out into society this summer and I've been introducing her to only the finest of London's higher society."
"I'm flattered that you believe me to be one of those, Madame Evans," Isaac smiled, taking her hand and kissing it politely. Hannah giggled giddily, flipping her fan open and flirtatiously fanning it in front of her. Iris could have hurled at the scene her mother was making, but somehow restrained herself.
"And look," Isaac continued with a warm smile, turning to Iris and making her jump with a start, "your daughter is just as lovely as you, Madame."
He took Iris's hand as well and kissed it, only this kiss lingered longer than the one he had placed on her mother's hand. Iris couldn't hide her blush and Hannah couldn't hide her look of jealousy as she gently pushed her daughter aside with her hip to part their hands and flirt a bit more with Isaac.
"Oh, Sir Quin, you have always been a flatterer!" Hannah giggled as Iris sighed in exasperation and her mother looked at her over her shoulder. "I think I saw Jenna's father on the dance floor. Perhaps she, too, is here?"
Iris knew full well that Jenna's father no longer danced, and knew full well that Hannah only said that to hint that she look for Jenna and leave her alone with Sir Quin. However, she nodded and obeyed, giving a curtsy to Isaac then sauntering toward the dance floor, Isaac's eyes following her and not even trying to be subtle about it.
She sighed, and gazed around the room, thinking maybe her mother was right, that her friend was here. When she didn't see her, she just began wandering, listening to the music, passing up any food or drink that was offered her, though. She didn't even notice when she started swaying to the music as she walked, watching the people on the floor waltz as she passed.
"You are graceful, Miss," a deep voice observed from behind her and she spun around with a gasp to see a tall man in black with dark hair, oddly blue skin and just as odd mismatched eyes, one of ruby red, the other of jade green. His black jacket was patterned with flames running up the sleeves and red and gold cuffs. She stared up at him for a moment in shock by his sudden and strange appearance.
"It would be a waste to let that grace stay off of the dance floor," he smiled, his blue lips parting to reveal sharpened fangs that made Iris's eyes widen in slight terror. "Would you do me the honor of a waltz?"
The man held up a gloved hand, palm faced down, entreating her to place hers atop it to lead her onto the floor. Iris glanced at his hand then turned her wide eyes to his face again as he only continued to smile at her. She thought to ask who he was, but glancing from the dance floor to his hand again, she finally placed hers on top of his and his smile grew a touch wider.
She shrugged at herself inwardly. Who was she to refuse a dance? She didn't want to be bored the whole night. Leading her around and framing her in his arms, the man began to lead, and she followed. After a few moments of silence, Iris could no longer hold in her question.
"Pray, Sir," she began and he looked at her with undivided attention. "Whom do I have the honor of dancing with at this moment?"
"I will tell you, only if you promise to grant me anything I ask of you," the man replied and Iris frowned in wonder and surprise.
"That would depend on what you would ask of me," Iris retorted, making him smirk. "Tell me what it is you want if it is something reasonable I shall agree. If not, you shall remain nameless to me, or shall make up a name for you."
"You are very prudent, Miss," he complimented and Iris smiled sweetly as if to thank him for the compliment. "Very well, here is what I wish from you. I shall give you my name, if you give me yours."
"I accept," Iris smiled widely. "My name is Iris Evans."
"And I am the Count of Monte Cristo," the man replied, kissing the hand that he held in his as his other was wrapped chastely around her waist. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Evans. Your grace when dancing is sublime."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," Iris nodded, a slight blush revealing itself on her cheeks. "I truly love to dance. It's one of my favorite things to do."
"And it is not hard to see that, Miss Evans," the Count replied.
"Please, call me Iris," she smiled, sweetly. "I have a feeling that we shall be very good friends."
"In that case, may I call upon you and your parents some time?" the Count asked.
"Of course," Iris smiled, her heart fluttering, but she chose to address it later. "Do you know of our mansion?"
"I am sure it will not be hard to find," the Count nodded as the waltz ended and they each took a step back to bow, but he still held her hand. "Thank you for the dance, Iris."
"It was a pleasure, Count," Iris smiled widely, curtsying once more.
"Iris!"
The two turned to see Hannah approaching them and they met her off the dance floor.
"What is it, mother?" Iris wondered as Hannah rapidly fanned herself again. "Are you well?"
"I am fine," Hannah replied, either not noticing the Count or choosing to ignore his presence. "Your father is feeling tired. He wished me to collect you so that we may go."
"But, we've only just arrived," Iris pointed out.
"I know you are probably enjoying yourself, but your father---"
"Forgive my interruption," the Count suddenly chimed in, drawing both women's attentions. "I would be happy to escort Miss Evans home when she has had her fill of revelry for the night."
"And who would do this for her?" Hannah wondered, trying in vain to hide her astonishment.
"The Count of Monte Cristo, Mrs. Evans," the Count replied, bowing and lifting Hannah's hand to place a polite kiss upon it.
"C-Count did you say?" Hannah wondered if she'd heard right and turned a wide eyed gaze at her daughter. Iris held back a groan. She was sure that this would be the man her mother pushed her toward for marriage.
"Well, Sir, this would be doing me a great kindness, as well as my daughter," Hannah smiled and stepped next to Iris to hold her hands in hers. "After all, my daughter's happiness is foremost in this world."
The Count didn't fail to notice the flutter of Iris's eyes as she shut them slightly to hide her eye-roll and smirked as he glanced at the floor to hide his amusement and keep himself from chuckling.
"If Miss Evans does not mind, then, I shall escort her home?" he asked, looking at Iris.
She glanced between him and her mother as the latter stared at her expectantly and silently demanded that she accept the offer with her eyes. Iris only nodded and Hannah patted her daughter's hands as if to tell her she made the right choice, then bidding her good-byes to the Count and of course the host of the ball, Mr. and Mrs. Evans left. Iris let out a sigh as if she'd been holding her breath and the Count gave a slight smirk as she turned to him.
"Thank you, Your Excellency," she smiled, warmly. "You have no idea how long it took us to arrive. I was sure this would be a wasted trip for myself."
"You're welcome, then," the Count replied with a nod. "If you would excuse me now, Iris, there are a few people I wish to meet. Meet me on the balcony when you are ready to leave."
"I fear, you will have to come and tear me away from this place," Iris smiled, widely. "This is the first time I've been able to stay so long at a gathering!"
"Then perhaps you should stay with me?" the Count smirked, holding his hand up and Iris smiled, placing hers atop it and he led her through the room.
"Perhaps I could introduce you to those you don't know here?" Iris offered and the Count only nodded. "I'll assume you've been introduced to the host, or else you would not have been invited."
"Correct," the Count nodded again and Iris looked around the room to see anyone she had been introduced to. Her face lit up and the Count frowned in wonder as he looked in the direction she was grinning in. A young woman with an older man had just entered the room.
"Jenna!" Iris grinned and turned to the Count. "If you'll excuse me, Your Excellency. I shall bring my friend to introduce her to you."
Again, the Count nodded and Iris rushed from his side to fetch the girl and her father.
"Iris!" Jenna giggled, her sea-green eyes alight with happiness as her dark auburn hair was pulled up into a bun on top of her head. Her father, Richard, close behind her. Jenna flung her arms around Iris and they hugged fiercely before Iris pulled away and greeted Richard then pulled Jenna close to whisper to her.
"There is someone the two of you must meet," she smiled, giddily.
"Who?! Who is it?!" Jenna asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. Iris led Jenna and Richard back to the place she had left the Count as he waited patiently for her return.
"May I present the Count of Monte Cristo," Iris introduced him first as she came close enough. "Your Excellency, this is Mr. Richard Hale and Miss Jenna Hale, his daughter and my dearest friend."
Richard and the Count bowed as Jenna curtsied and the father and daughter couldn't help but stare wide eyes at the Count.
"Miss Evans is being good enough to introduce me to those I am unfamiliar with here," the Count explained and Jenna turned a smirk to her friend which Iris glared at her for.
"Pray, tell us, Count, when did you arrive in London?" Richard asked, wrapping an arm around his daughter's shoulders.
"A week ago," the Count replied. "I have some business I must prepare for in Paris soon, but I shall stay here for an undetermined amount of time before then."
"Have you found a place to stay until you leave for Paris?" Richard wondered.
"Yes, I have," the Count answered. "I haven't really had a chance to make myself at home though so I won't be receiving anyone as of yet."
"May I inquire about your business in Paris?" Jenna asked, not wanting to sit idle in the conversation. Something passed through the Count's mismatched eyes before he made his reply.
"Only a personal matter that should have resolved years ago," he answered vaguely and Iris gave a slight frown but said nothing. As far as she was concerned it was his business and if he wanted it known he would have told them what it was then.
"Have you been to London before, Your Excellency?" Iris wondered, changing the subject.
"Not at all," the Count replied. "This is my first visit here."
"Then someone should take the time to give you a tour of the city!" Jenna grinned, her face lighting up and she stepped up next to Iris. "Perhaps Miss Evans and I could do just that tomorrow?!"
Iris stared at her friend in horror and sputtered, "W-What? U-Us?"
"Now, Jenna," Richard scolded, and Iris could have kissed the man in gratitude for his tone was hinting at what he would say next. "Did you not hear His Excellency when he said he had yet to settle in?" He sighed and turned to the Count. "You must forgive my daughter. She can be impulsive."
"Actually, I rather like that idea," the Count assured him then turned to the two girls, one still grinning and the other stiffening in horror. "Would you two mind showing me around the city tomorrow?"
"Actually---"
"Of course not!" Jenna grinned, slapping a hand over Iris's mouth. The Count smirked in amusement at the scene and turned back to Richard.
"I hope you don't mind my stealing your daughter for the day, Sir," he hoped as Iris struggled against her friend's hand, but Jenna wouldn't let her go just yet.
"Of course not," Richard nodded then turned to Jenna as he continued, "as long as she behaves herself."
"Why would I not behave myself, father?" Jenna wondered with a slight frown, still holding Iris against her will until the girl turned a burning gaze at Jenna.
"Let your friend go, before you suffocate her," Richard advised and Jenna nodded, letting her hand down from Iris's mouth who still glared at her. The Count gave a cough, trying to keep from snickering, but he couldn't hide his smirk. He was sure these two would be entertaining when guiding him through the city tomorrow.
"We shall all meet at the Evans mansion, then," the Count decided, making Iris look back at him. "Shall we say, ten o'clock?"
"Perfect!" Jenna grinned and Iris was about to say something but Jenna gripped her hand tightly to silence her. Iris could feel her heart pounding in her chest in panic, but remained quiet. All she would get for arguing was more insistence from Jenna.
The four parted, Jenna with her father and Iris with the Count so she might introduce him to everyone she knew. As they greeted and mingled around the room, Iris couldn't help but remain tense the whole time. She felt as though she was being watched. She would glance at the Count to see if it was him, or if he felt the same way she did, but he seemed unfazed. She chanced to look around to find the source of the feeling while the Count spoke to the people she'd just introduced him to, but found no one staring at her.
"Miss Evans?"
She jumped at the sound of the Count's voice and whipped her head around to see him frowning at her in wonder.
"Is something wrong?" he wondered and she glanced around at the other people in their little group before shaking her head. She was sure if she told any of them she felt like someone was watching her they would say she was arrogant as soon as she walked away with the Count.
He, however, didn't think it was nothing but said nothing. He would address the matter later. They continued talking and the whole time, Iris felt the hair on the back of her neck standing at attention. Someone was watching her, she was sure. As soon as they walked off so that she might introduce him to someone new, she turned her gaze, quite by chance, to a far corner and found the source of the feeling.
Sir Isaac Quin was staring his gray eyes at her, as if he were a predator waiting for her to separate from the herd so that he might pounce onto his prey. She shuddered in disgust which drew the Count's attention and he looked at her in wonder again.
"Are you alright, Iris?" he hoped and she looked up at him with wide eyes then smiled tightly and nodded. She glanced toward the place Isaac stood only to find him approaching her. She gave a small gasp and looked away from him and the Count's frown deepened.
"Miss, Iris?" Isaac called from behind her and she groaned inwardly as the Count looked up at him as well and she turned to Isaac.
"Yes, Sir Isaac?" she replied, forcing a smile.
"I was wondering if I might have the honor of a dance?" he asked, his eyes not leaving her hand as it still sat on the Count's.
"Forgive me, Sir Isaac," she began, thinking quickly. "But I was introducing my friend, the Count, to all of your fine and respectable guests."
"I am sure he would not mind sparing you for a dance with the host of this party," Isaac assured her then looked the Count in the eye. "Is that not so, Your Grace?"
The Count narrowed his eyes only slightly at Isaac, seeing the not so subtle impatience in the man's eyes that he answer with a cordial "Of course not." However, the Count of Monte Cristo was not so easily rattled. Glancing at Iris he could tell she wanted nothing to do with this man, and reasoned that he was the reason she had been constantly glancing over her shoulder. He made a decision and turned back to meet Isaac's gaze.
"Actually," he began, tactfully. "I am rather lost in a crowd such as this. Iris has been so kind to me in guiding me, I'm afraid I cannot spare her."
Isaac's eyes widened in disbelief and Iris stared at the Count with wide eyes as well, though her gaze reflected subtle relief.
"Forgive me, Sir," the Count said with an undertone of irritation at the man. He gave a slight bow and quickly walked away to another group of people he had yet to meet, leaving a stunned and becoming agitated Isaac in his wake, Iris hurrying next to him.
"I hope he is not angry with me for not objecting," Iris muttered, making the Count look at her with a slight frown. "I would not want a man like that angry with me."
"Well, if that is the case, I shall not hesitate to rescue you once more," the Count replied and Iris stared up at him with wide eyes again. "Oh, was it wrong of me to object to you leaving my side?"
"N-No," Iris sputtered. "I only wonder, how did you know---?"
"He is not a subtle man," the Count replied before she could finish her question. "I could see him staring at you the entire time, though I didn't realize that was what was unnerving you until he approached us."
"Thank you," Iris smiled meekly, and he gave a very small smile in return as they continued walking.
"You are too welcome, Iris," he nodded.
She couldn't help but smile wider but sensed not only that she was being stared at again, but that it was a seething gaze. She didn't need to look around to know that it was Isaac, and she didn't need to see him to know that he was most likely gazing at the Count with that same gaze as well. She only hoped that the two of them wouldn't end up dueling and killing each other. She knew it would be Isaac who challenged him, and the Count seemed like a man who wouldn't hesitate to except a challenge.
A/N: so, i started this right after i read the book, so gradually the proper prissy writer hoefully went away and was replaced by the writer i truly am. not that it wasn't fun writing that way, i just kinda don't like when that happens cuz it's not me, it's technically someone else...if that makes any sense. anyway, how is it so far? reviews are appreciated, thank you.