Mey Rin awoke as small beams of sunlight began to shine through her curtains. She stretched widely before kicking off the blankets. She sat upright and felt a cold chill travel up her nightgown as her feet touched the icy wooden floor. She had forgotten to close the window before dozing off. She quickly got up to shut it again, yawning loudly the whole way.
"Its Halloween!" she gasped, suddenly not feeling so sluggish. She felt a quiver of excitement overcome her cold morning chill. Mey Rin made up her bed quickly, and got dressed. The earlier she went to town, the faster she could get back to help with cleaning and decorations. She knew Sebastian and Young Master Ciel wouldn't appreciate her prolonged absence when there is so much to be done.
It was a lot earlier than Mey Rin and the other servants normally woke in the morning. Bard, Finny, Tanaka, and Young Master were still sound asleep.
Mey Rin made her way to the kitchen, hoping to catch a quick bite to eat and some tea before heading out. As she neared the kitchen, Mey Rin smelled something delicious cooking already. She turned the doorknob and opened it slowly, peeking her head in.
"Ah, you're awake."
She was locked in his red velvet gaze again. He smiled warmly as she entered. He seemed to be in a good mood this morning. Mey Rin sighed; she rather enjoyed it when he looked this way.
"That makes us ahead of schedule now."
"Mornin' Mey Rin!"
Bard greeted, busy cooking away. The harsh sound of bacon sizzling over a hot skillet filled her ears, muffling their voices. Sebastian had his sleeves rolled up, finishing up a few dishes in the sink.
"Good morning." Mey Rin said, shutting the kitchen door behind her.
"Want some pancakes?" Bard offered, gesturing towards a large stack on the counter. "Comes with bacon and eggs; just like me Mum used to make!"
Mey Rin smiled. "Thank you, Bard. But, Is there something I can help with?" she responded, feeling sort of guilty already.
"No need." Sebastian said quickly. "You and I need to hurry now."
"What do you mean?" Mey Rin's eyebrows shot up.
"You didn't think, I, or the Young Master expected you to go into town on your own, did you?" He responded,
A hot blush rose to Mey Rin's cheeks.
"Bard has prepared us rather large breakfast. You should eat quickly so we can stay ahead of schedule like this." He said, flipping open his pocket watch.
Mey Rin suddenly felt too flustered to eat, the butterflies in her stomach wouldn't allow it.
"Bard will make sure the Young Master will wake on time in my absence. Lizzie is expected to be here early to help with things as well."
Sebastian wiped his hands dry, standing in front of the maid. She stared, hesitant to say anything. He smiled down at her, as if amused by something.
"Pardon me, while I get my coat. I suggest you do the same, it's rather chilly outside today."

.

.

Sebastian had not planned on a festival to be going on in London; and in full swing nonetheless. He sighed, displeased at the throngs of people crowding the streets.
"So much for being on schedule." He shook his head in dismay. He glanced over at Mey Rin, irked at her silence. She merely smiled awkwardly, unable to think of a correct response.
Why?! She cursed to herself. Why must he look at me like that?
"Well, we may as well stay together. If we split up, we may never find one another again."
Sebastian stopped to face Mey Rin, offering his hand with his head bowed forward.
"Take my hand, and hold it tight. We can't afford to lose our Maid at the Phantomhive manor today."
"Y-Yes Sir."
She squeaked, grasping the man's hand hesitantly.
"Stay close." He said, lacing his fingers through hers; pulling her to his side. Mey Rin felt like she was melting, even in this cold weather. The feeling alone was enough to keep her warm for days. She sighed quietly, trying to steady her breathing.
"Excuse us."
"Pardon me, sir."
Mey Rin couldn't help but be distracted by all the festivities. The smell of sweets baking, and meats being roasted along with the cheerful, happy voices of the townspeople made her heart feel full to burst with joy. Children ran about in their costumes while participating in silly Halloween themed games.
"What a lovely day it is indeed." Sebastian seemed to agree, taking notice to Mey Rin's wandering eyes. A large smile had formed across her face without her realizing. Sebastian laughed quietly before directing his gaze to the street signs.
"Ah, here we are." He said. "You can shop for your costume here. I will be at the shop next door when you're finished. I have to pick up a few last-minute things for the Ball."
Mey Rin nodded as Sebastian let go of her hand. She stood frozen at the door for a minute before entering. She realized she didn't even think about what she wanted to dress up as.
It wasn't as crowded as the other shops in town; likely because most people had already purchased a costume. She searched what remained on display. Someone at the register caught her eye. A man wearing a black cloak, and a large crooked top hat was buying a rather large amount of Halloween decorations. Plastic skulls, bats, spiders, and fake spider web littered the counter. He giggled manically to himself as he rummaged through his worn-out satchel of coins to pay the store clerk. She looked at him, her expression a unamused as he slowly counted out each individual coin.
"Ah, what a wonderful day, Halloween!" He cackled excitedly. He gathered his items in his arms, stuffing as much as he could into the various pockets of his cloak. The clerk sighed in relief, as the man turned to leave. "Wouldn't you agree, my Lady?" He said to Mey Rin, as he caught her eye; his questioning gaze barely visible beneath his long, silvery hair.
"Uh-Uh, Yes sir, it is wonderful, yes it is!" She stammered, feeling sort of threatened by the man's eccentric demeanor.
The strange man stopped to observe Mey Rin, scratching his chin thoughtfully with his long black nails.
"Shopping for a costume are we?"
Mey Rin shook her head, "Yes sir. I certainly like your costume. Did you get it here?"
The man went into a fit of laughter.
"Oh my, dear no." he said, catching his breath. "This is my uniform, you see. I am the Undertaker."
"Oh, I see…" Mey Rin blushed. "Sorry."
"No need, no need." He said, waving his hand about. "I just came here to get some decorations for me workplace. It needs some sprucing up."
He grinned again, batting the plastic skulls between his hands. "I know you from somewhere." He continued poking at the Maid.
"You work for Phantomhive don't you? I recognize that smell anywhere…"
Mey Rin jumped in surprise. "Why, yes I do. I'm the Maid there."
"Ah, I can see why you're here now. Picking out something for the Ball eh? I hear it shall be one Hell of a Party. But alas, I cannot make it there tonight. I've much work to do back at the morgue, you see."
Mey Rin smiled, not feeling so threatened by the man anymore.
"I'll be sure to let everyone know, then." She responded.
"Might I make a suggestion?"
"Sure."
The man quickly reached out and grabbed a costume hanging on the display in front of them, as if he knew it had been there the whole time.
"This would be perfect for Phantomhive's little soiree!" he said, dangling the hanger back and forth on one finger.
"A black cat costume?" It was merely fluffy black cat ears, and a tail on a hanger. Nothing extravagant. It was simple, yet somehow fitting. It didn't cost much; she would have enough left over for other accessories as well.
"You strike me a shy little kitten." He teased, evoking a small laugh from the maid.
"Its perfect." She marveled. "Thank you."
The man smiled mischievously.
"My pleasure, love. Happy to help."

The man turned once again to leave, musing to himself out loud;
"Ah yes, Halloween is wonderful and beautiful indeed. People willingly celebrate and imitate the spirits they are so very much afraid of the rest of the year."

.
Mey Rin was happy to have Sebastian's hand again; it seemed the later it got, the more crowded it became. It was getting increasingly difficult to maneuver around people.
Sebastian kept looking down at his pocket watch, making small noises of impatience every time he took a glance.
"We shall be lucky to be able to move the carriage." He huffed.
Just then, two men wielding bulky camera equipment jumped in front of Mey Rin and Sebastian's path.
"Ah, what a cute couple, indeed!" one exclaimed. "Having a nice day out at the festival I see! Might I take a quick picture for the paper?"
Mey Rin blushed, ready to decline quickly, as she thought Sebastian would do the same.
"No, no..we're not—"
"Certainly." Sebastian responded without hesitancy. He placed their shopping bags down at their feet for the moment.
"Wait, wha-?!"
Sebastian scooped Mey Rin closer with one arm, placing his hand on the small of her back. He placed his other hand upon her cheek, forcing her to look him in the eyes.
He smirked mischievously, his expression unflinching. He seemed amused by the Maid's reaction. He reached up and removed the Maid's glasses.
"Ready?" he asked softly. His face was so close, she could feel his breath on her lips.
Is he serious? This is too much! Mey Rin screamed internally.
The photographers positioned themselves just so.
"Say, cheese!"
Instead, Sebastian forced Mey Rin's lips to his. The sensation sent chills up the maid's body. So warm, and soft; just as she imagined. Though a small and brief kiss, it seemed like an eternity before the click and flash of the camera. Sebastian pulled away gently, leaving the Maid dazed.
"Wonderful shot!" The man exclaimed, he shook Sebastian's hand before disappearing in the crowd once more.
Sebastian turned to the Maid; her face a deep shade of red as she stood frozen in place.
He released her from their embrace, and wrapped his hand around her cold fingers once more. He handed her glasses back and smiled.
"Shall we be on our way now, My Lady?"