A/N Thank you to my lovely reviewers! XD
Sorry if this chapter contains a little too much rambling...
Anyway, enjoy~
(Hopefully!)
Chapter 4
As I rushed towards the ballroom, I cut through a number of crew passageways in attempt to get there faster.
"Hey, what're you doing here?" an irritated blonde crewman snapped at me, another with dark hair coming up just behind me.
"My apologies, but I'm in a rush," I stated hurriedly, looking past him.
"A pretty little thing like you ought not to wander the ship alone," the man behind me chuckled, "someone might try something."
The pair closed in on me, their lecherous grins making their intentions more than obvious.
"Are we really about to go through this?" I sighed in annoyance, having neither the time nor the patience to put up with them, "I don't want to hurt you."
"Well, Miss, if you don't make a fuss, we won't make it hurt," the blonde one chuckled, making me spin around to lean against the wall with a huff, so I could see both, "so don't bother with the empty threats."
Not regarding my words in the slightest, the blonde man reached a hand towards my face, and I could see the other move to do the same to my hip.
Wanting to get rid of them quickly, I summoned my scythe so that I could scare the annoyances away, but I didn't- couldn't stop there.
It wasn't my fault that they provoked me, and it wasn't my fault that I couldn't control my temper.
It was simply my nature.
My body automatically swung the blade, revving its engine as it made contact with the brown haired man's chest, driving the spikes deep into his body.
"Bloody hell!" the blonde squeaked, eyes wide and mouth agape as his fellow crewman's body slid down the wall, leaving a bloody trail, "What are you?"
"Out of your league," I growled, pressing the metal to his throat, "that's dead certain."
Those were the last words he heard before the roar of my scythe deafened him to all else, depriving him of all feeling.
It would be a lie to say that I didn't feel the high of getting the opportunity to take a life; especially those of men so unfitting for life itself, but I didn't have the time to enjoy it.
Letting my scythe disappear, I made sure that nobody else was around before skipping out of the narrow pathway without a backwards glance.
After all my years of practice, I'd aced my killing strategies so that I got no blood on my clothing, no matter how fast it all happened.
A perfect killer.
I dashed to the ballroom in under a minute, pausing only to straighten out my clothes and flatten down my hair a little, before proceeding through the door held open by the doorman.
I finally exhaled once I'd reached the staircase and caught a look at the grand clock to see that I was only a few minutes late.
The large room was alive with the chatter of the aristocrats and the clatter of silverware against plates.
Everyone other than waiters, hand servants and butlers were already seated, making my arrival more than a little awkward, but I skipped over to our table in a reasonably upbeat manner nonetheless.
After all, I'd get to see Will again.
Perhaps I wouldn't have to talk to the rest of the nobles, and just carry on my relaxed conversations with him.
When I reached the large, round table I let my eyes skim over the occupants and the empty spaces that lay between Angelina and my father, as well as between Will and Alois.
Speaking of Will, Alois had managed the impossible: he'd made the black haired man even more alluring.
The handsome man's hair was no longer combed back, but brushed forwards to give him a less restrained look that suited him so well, as did the long, elegant, black tailcoat that joined with blood red laces instead of plain black buttons, matching the brilliant waistcoat beneath.
It seemed that the little blonde Earl had managed to coordinate Will's outfit perfectly with mine.
Upon my arrival, my father, fiancé and Ciel rolled their eyes at me in perfect synchronisation.
"Oh, we had started wondering if you were ever going to show up," the woman in the red dress remarked with an ill-willed laugh.
Well, that decided where I was going to sit.
I chuckled at the snide comment as I made myself comfortable between Will and Alois.
"I'm afraid I had to stop to get rid of some rats," I grinned, leaning back in my chair, waiting for the chaos that ensued, shooting an arrogant look in Madam Red's direction, "but I'm sure there will be one or two more to dispose of sooner or later."
"Rats?" Elizabeth, Ciel's fiancé, squeaked, horror-struck.
"Just a figure of speech; he's trying to be funny," the blue haired child muttered, glaring daggers at me, only provoking a grin that fully exposed my razors.
Neither the scowl from the angel behind my fiancé, or the burning pink glare from the demon on the other side of Will could break my grin.
Nothing could destroy the pleasant buzz I felt from my previous activity.
And having Will by my side.
That certainly had something to do with my upbeat mood too.
Luckily Mr Lau was there to wash away the awkward atmosphere created, striking up a conversation with my father, Marquess Midford, Ciel and the Indian prince, about trading companies.
"Evening," I smiled at Will, raising a glass of beautiful red wine at him.
"You certainly know how to make an entrance," he smirked, though it was a warm, joking gesture.
It was hard to tell whether or not he was actually nervous or uncomfortable in such company, but if he was, he certainly didn't show it.
The whole group consisted of myself, Will, my father, Angelina, Ciel, Elizabeth Midford, Marquess Midford, Marchioness Midford, Edward Midford, Mr Lau, Miss Ran Mao, Prince Soma, Alois, and the trio of butlers; one of which stood pompously behind Angelina, another leaning loyally over his Prince's shoulder, and the third lurking in Alois' shadow, daring anyone to make a move on his 'Highness'.
"By the way, Grell," Will whispered, leaning in closer to me, "you've got blood on your cheek."
My eyes widened in shock for a moment, before I composed myself and smiled my thanks as I inspected myself on the back of a spoon.
I quickly used a napkin to get rid of the blood, just catching my father's amused smirk as I did so.
Following that, I had to listen the Marchioness' lecture on how a man should comb their hair back and certainly never keep it anywhere near as long as mine.
It was then decided, after a lengthy conversation about everyone's tea preferences, that it was time to eat.
As per usual, a pair of waiters saw to us, asking each of us what we'd like; the majority asking for pork, with the exception of Soma, who requested chicken, and my father and fiancé, along with myself.
"Grell and I will take the steak, well done," Angelina ordered for both of us before I could say a word, and then glanced at me with challenging eyes, "that's what you like, isn't it Darling?"
I rose to her challenge with a low chuckle.
"Almost, Dear," I smirked at the woman, and then rose a finger at the waiter, "I'll take my steak as rare as possible."
"Of course," the man nodded, and then looked to my father, "Sir?"
"I'll take the same as Grell," he answered, a hint of amusement on that crafty face as he gestured to me, and then resumed the group's conversation, "enough of this idle chatter, what everyone really wants to hear about is Grell's little accident from last night."
The smile that was in residence on my lips left at my father's reminder.
"Yes, do tell," Ciel sneered, leaning forwards eagerly, "I want to hear this story for myself."
All eyes rested on me, making me suddenly feel very uneasy, which, in all honesty, was rare for me.
I looked hopefully to Will, who gave a nod, saving me from my doom.
"Well," he started, and then proceeded to relay everyone a more detailed version of the story he'd weaved the previous night to keep my suicidal intentions a secret.
Everyone listened intently to Will's words- even those that didn't want to believe that it was such an innocent string of events, each of them keeping their eyes fixed on the man, even when dinner was delivered.
"That was lovely," Lady Elizabeth beamed at the end, eyes huge in awe, earning her a range of worried looks, especially from her parents.
"Who knew that a third class man would save have it in him to save a first class man; especially someone like him," Mr Lau mused, eyes closing once more, "if you get my meaning."
"Yeah, I had no idea Grell was a grim reaper!" the prince gasped, running his eyes over me as his butler prevented the purple ponytail from getting dipped in his food.
The Midford family, with the exception of Elizabeth, exchanged uneasy murmurs and glances.
"He's a reaper?" the Chinese man exclaimed perhaps a little too loud, chocolate brown eyes flying open in shock.
"What the bloody hell did you think all the talk of a death scythe was about?" Ciel yelled at him, and then leaned his face in his palm.
"I had no idea, but I never know what kids these days are talking about," he shrugged with a closed-eye grin, causing Ciel to sigh.
"What's a reaper?" the young blonde girl asked quietly, gaining a chuckle from a few of us.
"Nothing, Elizabeth, don't worry about it," Ciel grumbled, opting to nudge a potato around his plate.
"Oh, okay," she nodded, slightly put down by her fiancé; I knew how she felt, "Mr Sutcliff?"
I met her huge, innocent emerald orbs with interest.
"Hmm?" I smiled at her inquisitive little expression, "Call me Grell, please."
I didn't know her very well and had only seen her a few times, but while she seemed like the usual type of proud and self righteous noble, if you looked past the pretty face and designer clothes, she was actually a sweet and honest person.
It seemed that we were quite alike in ways, after all.
"Right, Grell," she nodded, looking slightly embarrassed at her empty plate, "I've been wondering for a while, what happened to your mouth?"
I stared blankly at her for a moment before laughing.
"Oh, have I bitten through my lip again? I always end up doing that after eating," I chuckled, and then searched around for a cut with my forefinger.
"No, that's not what I meant," she mumbled, cheeks reddening.
When I offered only a confused look, my father sighed and took over.
"He was born with those ridiculous razors," the demon explained with a heartless smile that ensued a silent response from everyone but Ciel, who laughed spitefully at me.
I stopped poking around in my mouth with a frown and glared into my lap.
"I think they're unique," Will piped up, looking to me after an awkward moment without speech, "and elegant yet deadly- much like yourself."
I stared in shock at the man, and then let a gentle smile slide to my lips, mouth slightly open to expose the teeth he complimented so kindly.
I could swear that I felt my cheeks heat up at his words.
"Listen people, let's stop being so serious and enjoy the evening," Prince Soma announced, and I inwardly thanked him for taking the spotlight away from myself and Will.
The evening drew on through many boring conversations and just a few entertaining ones that, for once, I actually laughed at.
It was different with Will there; I didn't feel so superficial- even though I still hid behind my mask with the other people on the table, I felt as though I wasn't living a lie.
Yet, it didn't make any sense.
Why should I feel so happy and free around him?
Sure, his life was the very definition of freedom and he was happy travelling with his brother, but why were his feelings affecting mine?
I barely knew him.
But I felt as though I needed to be with him in any way I could.
Perhaps it would be better not to question the attraction and simply see how everything plays out.
Maybe even encourage the feeling.
He could be my way out; an escape from my cursed life.
"Mr Spears, what's third class like?" Ciel asked in a falsely innocent tone.
"Not bad at all; I haven't seen a single spider," he shrugged nonchalantly, causing a giggle to slip from Alois, and a smirk from Claude, "how's first class? The champagne is certainly exquisite."
I laughed at his boldness, especially when he took a sip from his glass to emphasise that, and the taken aback took on Ciel's face at that.
Utterly priceless.
"It's the best I've experienced, and I've experienced a lot," the red eyed man grinned, causing the knowing few to laugh aloud in agreement.
"So, Mr Spears, where are you from?" the Marquess asked casually, "Where do you live?"
"I'm from London originally, but I don't really live anywhere exactly," he shrugged calmly, "my brother and I travel around a lot, so we never make roots anywhere. Our home for now is this ship. Once we get off, we'll go wherever the wind takes us."
There was a flood of sudden conversation between pairs, discussing their opinions of what Will had just explained.
"William?" Angelina called, getting the mysterious man's attention, "Out of interest, how did someone of limited means such as yourself acquire a ticket onto this luxurious ship?"
Trust her to be the obnoxious, snobbish woman that she was- she just had to provoke the people that she deemed lesser than herself.
In my mind there was no one lower than her.
"It was a combination of events that led to my brother and I getting tickets- we didn't steal them if that was what anyone was thinking. We may be poor but we are honourable men," Will started, tone sharp enough to make anyone that had suspected them to be thieves to think twice, before his voice sounded slightly pained, "usually we travel around as stowaways, or due to funding from Alan's employers."
"So you live off of your brother then?" Ciel cut in, making the target of the interrogation's eyebrows twitch.
"Not exactly- we work together," Will explained in an empty voice, "I also generate a small amount with my artwork."
"And what, pray tell, do you two do?" Angelina continued, trying to latch onto something she could provoke him with, completely ignoring the latter part of his answer due to her distaste and disapproval of art in general.
Then again, it was probably much better that she didn't ask about his art as it wouldn't exactly suit anyone at the table's taste- other than myself, and possibly my father.
"Dear, wouldn't it be more ladylike to stop harassing the guest to our table?" I asked Madam Red condescendingly, sending a glare at the bluenette as well, "You too, Ciel. It's most improper behaviour."
I probably should have hidden my smirk after saying that; as it would only have gotten me in even more trouble with my father than I already was, but it wasn't possible at the time.
"Please continue to explain how you and you brother got on board, Mr Spears," the demon Earl requested after trying to hide his entertainment behind his glass of champagne, not even scolding me with his eyes.
"Right, well, we got the tickets though a very unlikely manoeuvre on my part," Will said, a smile almost touching his lips, "we had never been men of gambling or anything of the sort, but the one time I've ever taken a chance and played one hand of poker, I won us the two tickets aboard this great ship."
"So it was complete chance that got you here?" I gasped, not really having thought about it before.
"Yes, it was chance that I won the tickets just as much as it was chance that I was outside to save you last night," he nodded, eyes sparkling with the reflections of the chandeliers above.
"Yes, it seems that all life is a game of luck," the Chinese noble chuckled, his silent partner nodding in agreement.
"Well, I have methods of making my own luck," Angelina shrugged, glancing back at her butler with an arrogant smile, "so you believe it is acceptable to live in such a reckless and unpredictable way?"
"Actually, Lady Durless, I do," he nodded, a slight frown forming for just a second before he shook it away, "I'm a man of simple needs; I've got all that I need with me- myself, my brother, the air in my lungs, and a few blank pieces of paper. I'm only making assumptions, but I doubt that any people of your stature get the opportunity to wake up and have no idea where the day will take you. However, my life is so unpredictable, and so very refreshing compared to having a schedule that plans everything out. For instance, the other day I was with my brother in an abandoned house, the next in a lodging house, then under a bridge, but now, here we are on the world's most beautiful ship, and I get the opportunity to dine with you fine people."
I grinned at Will, enjoying hearing someone who had so little, educate the people that believed they had so much, on happiness.
"The way you say it, life sounds like a fantasy," Ciel scoffed, shaking his head in ridicule, "an idiotically optimistic perception of a lie."
"Exactly," I agreed with a smile at Will, "like a fool's dream. But who is to say that a dream cannot become a reality?"
"Precisely, Grell. My brother has an incurable illness that could kill him at any moment, but he won't give up, and that's only fuelled our desires to live life to its fullest. We've had it rough, but I believe that life is a reality that was once a dream; a gift, and no matter my life's outcome, I don't intend on wasting a second," the black haired man continued confidently, "living as we do makes a man appreciate the little things and teaches you that you never know what hand you'll be dealt next, to take life as it comes at you, and make each day count- after all, it could be your last."
Each of us stared at him with wide eyes, and many different thoughts on what he'd said- but no one could ever deny the power in his words.
Everything he'd spoken of made me long to live as he did, to just live what was once a dream and find the ability to appreciate every little thing that is never developed if brought up by a powerful family.
I needed that life once more.
There had been a time, long ago, when my father and I did have such a ruthless existence, but that life was snatched away by the chance at a better life; making us lose the perfection before us to the aristocratic abomination.
Alois, who had been smiling appreciatively at Will in a daze, straightened up.
"Well said, William," he beamed, his voice sounding enlightened by the man's words.
"To making it count," I announced, raising my glass of champagne in a toast, drawing surprised glares from Angelina, Ash and Ciel.
Everyone, bar the three and my father, repeated my toast, raising their glasses also before drinking.
I met those double green eyes with a smile that reflected on his own lips; a gesture that spoke volumes to one another, yet I had no recollection of what was said in those calm, content expressions.
Small groups had their own individual discussions for a little while following the group conversation.
"In a moment all the men except the two Midfords will be led into Mr Lau's Opium infused quarters with Miss Ran Mao, where they'll get high and brag about unlimited power," I grinned as I whispered in Will's ear, drawing an amused look from the man.
Not a minute later, the Chinese nobleman gave the signal.
"Gentlemen, will you join us for some other refreshments?" Mr Lau asked, looping an arm around his tigress' slim waist.
"I'll go, but I won't be indulging in your vile product," my father announced as he stood up.
"I'll partake," Ash cheered quietly, "opium does cleanse the soul."
"Then I will be sure not to inhale any," the red eyed man chuckled arrogantly.
"Likewise," the butler in black agreed as his master got up.
In total, my father, Ciel, Ash, Claude, Alois, Soma and Agni left with the Chinese couple, leaving me with the Midfords, Angelina and Will.
"Won't you be joining them, Mr Spears?" the Marquess asked with raised eyebrows, "Myself, my wife and my son are heading off- you don't want to be left with the women, do you?"
Uh, did he just call me a woman or simply ignore my presence?
"No, I think I'll be turning in for the night too," the semi-reaper smoothly declined.
After watching the family leave, I let out a sigh.
"Do you really have to go?" I pouted at the green eyed man.
"Yes, I think I've overstayed my welcome," he nodded quietly, eyes flicking towards my fiancé, who was chatting with Elizabeth, "besides, I belong below with the others that don't belong anywhere."
I allowed a small smile at his words as he shook my hand formally, the ladies' gazes drifting to us.
"Well, Mr Spears, it was interesting to speak with you," Angelina stated, seeming to struggle for the correct term, Elizabeth happily nodding.
"Yes, it was an educational experience," Will agreed curtly, making the woman sniff in indifference and resume talking to the young blonde.
"Goodnight, Grell," he whispered, taking my hand again, and gently kissing the back of it, pressing a piece of paper into my palm, before shaking it as a man usually would with the hand of another man.
My eyes widened at the smooth, intimate gesture, and my cheeks heated up to almost an impossible temperature.
A kiss, from Will!
I'd never expected to be graced with anything from my heroic Will, but there it was; something I'd always desired: a kiss from someone that I was really in love with.
Wait, I couldn't be in love with him after just a day.
Or could I?
It was possible, some people did just click together very quickly like Will told me that Alan and Eric had.
I'd earlier been wondering if I just generally wanted him, but it seemed to be more than that.
Perhaps I really had found the right person after so many centuries.
And maybe, just maybe, I did have a chance.
"Goodnight, Will," I replied softly to hide my hyperventilation, giving an understanding nod before he bode the other two goodnight and left.
As soon as the ladies were chatting again- mostly about Ciel, I unfolded the paper to read the note.
'Just this once, don't let their chains bind you. Listen to what you really want, and take a chance at freedom; make it count. Meet me at the clock.'
He really wanted me to meet him?
I screwed up the paper and slipped it into my pocket before standing.
"Sorry to interrupt, Lady Elizabeth," I nodded to the young Midford girl, and then looked to Madam Red, "Angelina, I'm not feeling too well again, so I'm heading back to the room or out to the deck for some fresh air. I would offer to escort you back, but you can't leave Elizabeth here on her own."
"Oh, right," she nodded in surprise, and then narrowed her scarlet eyes at me, "I hope you haven't contracted a disease; you've been ill a lot lately and your cheeks are awfully flushed. I'll have to check you over later."
"Don't worry, demons and reapers can't get ill," I chuckled at her ridiculousness, and then felt an internal guilt as I recalled Will's brother's state.
"Fine, I'll see you later," she huffed, turning back to the blonde.
"Goodnight, Grell," Elizabeth said quietly with a smile, "I hope you feel better soon."
"Thanks," I nodded appreciatively to the young lady, "night, Elizabeth."
Without a word or even a glance at my fiancé, I strolled away, weaving past waiters bearing drinks and other retiring nobles as I made my way towards the grand staircase, on which stood the great clock.
As expected, that brilliant man in black was stood right in the centre where the lower banister ended, facing the aforementioned clock.
I couldn't help but notice that he had a flawlessly straight back that carried the flowing fabric of the tailcoat so well.
He just seemed to look perfect from every angle.
Careful not to let my heels make a sound on the floor, I sneaked up behind him to sit on the banister just behind him.
"Evening, Mr Spears," I sang quietly, with a playful grin that he turned around to chuckle very lightly at.
"So, Grell, do you want to see what kind of parties Ronald and Eric enjoy?" he asked, the slight smile evolving into a grin that almost mirrored my own as he offered me a hand.
I took the soft hand with an excited nod, still holding onto it as we eagerly raced through the decks, laughing at the incredulous expressions of the first class passengers as we flew past them.