A/N: Thanks so much for all the reviews, guys! I love you. . . seriously. XD Anyway, to show my gratitude, chapter 6 comes early. Enjoy!

Warnings: none

Earl Ciel Phantomhive, with the help of his wretched aunt, was now back to his old self. Rather than an emerald gown, he now wore a crushed velvet frock of midnight blue, complete with black stockings and his own heeled boots, as well as the very same gold mask he wore to the last masquerade he attended. The raven man would be sure to recognize him now. (Not that he wouldn't have been able to without the mask)

He then made his way back down to the ballroom, making sure to avoid his fiancée. Should she spot him, she will spend the entire night haunting him and crying about Ginger. He simply didn't have the time for that. He could only be thankful that Ginger was gone and he no longer had to concern himself with her.

For nearly a half hour Ciel searched. He even returned to the courtyard, but the raven man was nowhere to be seen. He wondered, if perhaps he had run off again. It wouldn't be a surprise, he'd done it before. However, Ciel concluded that he simply couldn't have left; the evening was still too young. So, he persisted in his search.

While scouring the corridors, Ciel was startled when a frigid hand reached out and grasped his wrist, pulling him backwards, toward his assaulter. He almost screamed, merely out of surprise, but he somehow managed to suppress it.

"There you are, little butterfly. I was wondering when I'd see you again," the raven grinned, taking Ciel's hand and placing a chaste kiss atop it. The boy was, once again, quite embarrassed by the man's outward and unashamed form of affection. Ciel reclaimed his hand with a forceful tug.

"Hello again. What, might I ask, are you doing wandering about the corridors of the Marquess' manor?" the boy demanded.

"I was simply using the lavatory. What of yourself?" the raven replied, without hesitation.

"I feel no desire to answer that," Ciel countered. As if this night hadn't gone badly enough? Now Ciel found himself in a position where the ghastly fowl had the advantage. The next move, as much as Ciel hated to admit it, was in the hands of his adversary.

"I've so been looking forward to our meeting this evening, won't you walk with me?" the man asked, a smile stretched across his ghostly face. (or, what little Ciel could see of it, anyway) A walk would indeed be an opportunity to win the game, presuming he could turn the tables.

"Very well, let us retire to the courtyard then." It would be the second time Ciel would traverse the Midford's courtyard with the raven man that night. 'How very annoying. Oh well, it can't be helped, I suppose,' the boy thought spitefully.

The pair made their way to the courtyard and continued to stroll, casually, down the stone path that ran through it. Neither spoke a word for a few minutes. They just walked, side by side, in silence. The raven man's mind fixed upon how delighted he felt to be in the boy's presence again, while Ciel's mind could only focus on how to go about his next move. Finally, he decided.

"So tell me, why is it that you are so keen to see me again? You don't even know who I am," the boy asked, a bit unsure if he was making a dire mistake. The raven's first response was simply a joyous chuckle.

"Don't be so naïve, Ciel Phantomhive, I know precisely who you are," he finally managed to say through his mild laughter. Ciel couldn't say that he was surprised. He wasn't really as naïve as the raven had accused him of being. Rather, he just wanted to be sure the man knew who he was toying with. Though, the infuriating avian's laughter at his expense further boiled the Earl's blood.

"So, you know me then. Whereas, I haven't the slightest idea who you might be. Perhaps you wouldn't mind enlightening me?" the boy ventured. The raven's smile only grew wider.

"You know, Lord Phantomhive, I've heard some wonderful things about you," he began. Ciel's heart sunk deeper into his chest. It was unthinkable that this beast could know so much about him and yet he, Ciel; the master of games, know so little about his challenger. It almost made him sick, in fact. "One being, that you are quite the intellectual. I'm sure you could certainly figure that out on your own," the dark haired man concluded. Ciel absolutely had to turn the tables, this game was beginning to get rather unnerving.

"Yes, I suppose I could. If I honestly cared to," Ciel replied with a sly smile.

"You don't care to?" the raven asked.

"Of course not. I've got much more important things to worry about than the identity of a man I've only encountered twice," The Earl retorted, sounding every bit like the man's question had offended him.

"You mean to say, you're not the least bit curious?"

"Well, perhaps a little. But I doubt I would recognize you even if you did reveal your name and face to me. After all, you couldn't be that high on the social ladder if I don't recognize you now," Ciel scoffed, using his status to intimidate the audacious man.

"You're quite right, my Lord. I am not nearly as influential and important as, say, a toymaker," the raven teased. Ciel wanted to be offended, but he found that he rather enjoyed the man's joke. It was clear that it was meant in a playful manner and came across as. . . charming.

"Oh really? I'll have you know that toys and confections are a blossoming industry. They provide a much needed service to the populace," Ciel explained, half jokingly.

"And what might that service be?" the raven urged.

"Joy. Heaven knows we could all use more of that these days." The raven's expression changed, from wearing a cocky smirk to a very clear smile of fondness.

"You're quite right, Lord Phantomhive. It is a very important service you provide. I apologize for taking it in jest," he said, very sincerely.

Just then, as in the story of Aschenputtel, the clock struck midnight. It was quite clear to Ciel that the man wasn't going to forfeit his name so easily. He was going to have to find it out on his own. It wouldn't be difficult to do now. He could easily learn the names of every gentleman in attendance. That would give him a good head start.

"Well, it seems as though the hour has drawn late. I do suppose I shall see you again very soon," the raven said, "Good day to you then." He gave the Earl a polite bow before swiftly disappearing off into the low lying fog, which was beginning to drown the courtyard in a deep midnight haze. Ciel was left, once again, quite bewildered by the man in black. Still, he had to admit; this time around, it didn't feel quite so terrible.

A/N: Well, another chapter down. Only four left. As always, thanks for reading! I hope you guys continue to enjoy the story. Please review if you have the time. Thanks! n_n And chapter 7 will be out next Wednesday.

Also: For those unfamiliar, Aschenputtel is the German version of the story of Cinderella. It was popularized by the Grimm brothers early in the 19th century and remains a very popular (and one of the original) versions of the story.