My waking thought on Saturday morning was one of dread, despair, and misery. If Jamison wanted a follow up on Ciel, I'd be more than happy to deliver. I'd have no problem going back to Phantomhive Manor. But like this…?

I had to RSVP, though. I had to swallow my pride to keep food in my stomach and a roof over my head. And I'm sure there would be no way I could possibly fake sick to get out of it. If I know Ciel as well as I think I do, he'd call on Sebastian to take care of whatever ailment I came up with…Joy…I just had to take the interview, didn't I?

There was a plus side to this. Jamison gave me a bonus for a new dress, so I had that going for me. That meant going shopping, though. Unless I was surrounded by some sort of literature, my desire for shopping was virtually nonexistent. Come on, Lumi. You can do it. Just get out of bed and maybe you can find something in the secondhand shop.

I liked the secondhand shop. Even if I didn't find anything to wear tonight, I still wouldn't walk out of there disappointed or empty handed. Their tea kettles were usually pretty neat and nicely kept and their book section felt like something out of a fairy tale…There was no way I'd walk out of there let down.

Or not. Two hours. Two hours! I scoured the shops in London for something to wear tonight and nothing! Why did Ciel have to invite me to this thing in the first place? Maybe if I go home and regroup, I'll come down from my meltdown. If I don't get a raise for this, Jamison and I are going to have some not so nice words…

When I got back to my house, one of my neighbors brought me a big box that had been dropped off on my porch. I didn't remember ordering anything. Why would I have gotten a package, let alone a box of this magnitude? I brought it inside and got a knife from the kitchen to cut the tape.

Sure enough, in my big box was the answer to my prayers. A big, gorgeous, royal blue ball gown stared back at me. I…I couldn't…This was too beautiful for someone like me. Definitely too rich for my blood. I could only guess where it came from. I took the dress out of the box (along with coordinating silver heels and jewelry, of course…) and found the envelope at the bottom.

Saw you out and about today. Figured this is what you were looking for. Looking forward to seeing you again. Best wishes, Ciel.

That boy…He was too much…And engaged, Lumi! I couldn't say no to his ridiculously kind gesture. I didn't have any other options and I was running short on time. I yanked on my corset laces, cinching as much as I could, and let my loose, soft, blonde curls cascade over my shoulders. I gave myself one last look in the mirror. I didn't have to like the idea of this party, but I didn't look half bad…

As I stepped outside, I was getting some very unsavory looks and unappreciated catcalls from of my more disgusting neighbors and a few passers-by. Also, in typical Ciel fashion, I had a coach outside my door waiting for me. What do you want from me, Ciel Phantomhive? What have I done to deserve this?

Soon enough, I was brought to the front gates of Phantomhive Manor. Alone. Wonderful. I just hoped I wouldn't have my arrival announced. I wouldn't see why I would. I'm not any sort of nobility. Maybe I'd get lucky and sneak in unnoticed.

By the time I dug up the courage to actually go inside, the party was in full swing. People were dancing and talking and having a good time. I caught a glimpse of Ciel standing with a beautiful young lady by his side that I could only assume was Lady Elizabeth, and Sebastian not too far away. All I could think of was finding a place to watch everyone. Jamison wanted to know about the party, not the people.

I sat by myself in a secluded corner like a fly on the wall. It really was just people having a good time. All just well mannered fun. I didn't get why Jamison would want this…or why Ciel would've invited me…

"Is this seat taken, my little angel?" a soft, sweet voice spoke to me, somehow finding a way to shake me to the core.

"Not at all," I looked up from my notebook. Dear God…This man was beautiful…Painfully, heartbreakingly beautiful…His soft, steel blue eyes stared into mine. His little angel…?

"What are you doing?" he wondered, looking over my shoulder.

"Taking notes," I averted my gaze before his beauty turned me to stone.

"Why?"

I pulled myself together, recovering from his mesmerizing and hypnotizing perfection, "I-I'm a j-journalist…"

"Are you now?" the man took my pencil from me, setting it down on my notebook, and took my quivering hands, "You are so lovely, my sweet…"

Immediately, I started blushing. I could feel it. Some had struck a match and put it under my skin, "Thank you…"

"What's your name…?"

Oh, God, why, Ciel? Why would you have invited me to this? As I continued to mentally curse the Phantomhive name, I could still barely speak, "Ol-Olivier."

"Well, Ms. Olivier," his smile put butterflies in my stomach and brought on heart palpitations as he slid a flute of champagne to me, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Such a beautiful name for an even more beautiful lady. You may call me Alistair."

"Alistair," I sighed his name out like he was a god. Completely involuntarily, of course. I was there to do a job, not find a man. Come on, Lumi. Pull yourself together. Drink your champagne, "It's nice to meet you, too, Alistair."

He traced his finger along my jaw line and up to my lips, "Why don't you and I go somewhere a little more private? This party's a bit dull for my tastes…"

"Ok…" I was completely spellbound by this man. Alistair was almost too good to be true…I wonder what nobility he comes from. There's no way he's a commoner like me. Alistair took my hand and started to lead me upstairs. I had no idea what he had in store, but I had a feeling that it was going to be completely worth it…

"Excuse me, Ms. Olivier," a warm, familiar voice melted behind me, "Lord Phantomhive would like to have a word with you…"

"Hello, Sebastian," Alistair grumbled, getting territorial over me, "The two of us were in the middle of something. Ciel can wait, can't he?"

"Hello, Lord Druitt," Sebastian nodded, "Pleasure to see you again."

Lord Druitt…? Hold on…The Viscount Druitt? This guy was a viscount?

"As I was saying," Alistair gained a better grip on my waist, "Ms. Olivier and I were in the middle of something. Ciel can wait."

"I'm afraid not. Lord Phantomhive can be rather impatient," Sebastian took my hand, "Come, Ms. Olivier. The young master is waiting for you."

I couldn't say no to Sebastian. I could to Alistair, though. He and I just met. Even though he does have the face of Adonis. I gave a nod to my favorite butler, "Yes. It's been too long since I've seen him. Find me later, Alistair."

"I intend to," he smirked, "Oh, I intend to, my lady…"

Alistair left Sebastian and me alone to find Ciel, "You're welcome."

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"Ms. Olivier," Sebastian leaned over to me, "I suggest you stay away from the Viscount. We have reason to believe he's Jack the Ripper. He's been kidnapping prostitutes and young, beautiful girls. You're a possible target."

"Ok," I quivered. I knew he was too good to be true. Why do all the beautiful ones have to be mad as a hatter…? "So, what do we do?"

"Everything is going to be just fine," Sebastian gave me a reassuring smile, "And the young master really did want to speak with you."

"Ok…" I followed the beautiful butler to his master and his fiancée, discussing business with some others. And it was more than my little commoner brain could comprehend.

"Gentlemen," Ciel dismissed them as I caught his eye, "If you'll excuse me, I have more pressing matters to attend to. Thank you, Sebastian."

"My lord," Sebastian bowed as the others scampered off.

"Are you ok?" Ciel worried, "I saw you with the Viscount."

"I'm fine, Ciel," I brushed him off, "Sebastian got to me before he did."

"Good," Ciel nodded, "Lumi, I'd like to introduce you to my fiancée, Lady Elizabeth Midford. Lizzie, this is Lumi Olivier. She's the journalist I told you about."

"It's such a delight to meet you," Lady Elizabeth smiled sweetly, "I love your dress. It's so beautiful."

"Thank you," I smiled back, "It was a gift from a friend."

"And those diamonds!" she looked at my necklace, "Are they real?"

I looked over at Ciel, hoping he could give me an answer. Instead, I got one single nod, "Yes. They're real."

"They're absolutely stunning," Lady Elizabeth praised, "Whoever picked them out has exceptional taste. Only complemented by such perfect skin. It's no wonder someone like you caught my Ciel's eye."

"It's not like that," I defended, "I like Ciel, but I only want his friendship. Nothing more."

"I know," she nodded, "Ciel explained it to me. And I hope that you and I could, too, become friends one day."

Wow. She was the complete opposite of Ciel. Lady Elizabeth's kindness was so prominent where Ciel's was much more subdued. How they found each other will forever baffle me, but I'm glad they did.

"Ms. Olivier," Sebastian stepped back in, "Forgive me for being so forward, but would you care for a dance?"

"Me?" I forced back a slight chuckle.

"Yes. You."

"Sebastian," I couldn't help it. It couldn't be contained anymore. I erupted into a full on laughing fit.

"Did I miss something?"

"No," I wiped the tear from my eye, "It's just funny that you would ask me to dance. I'm the most uncoordinated person I've ever met. How I've managed to not trip over myself in heels is astounding."

"No need to worry," Sebastian flashed me that smirk that sent chills down my spine every time, "I am one hell of a dancer…"

"Sure," I agreed, giving him my hand, "Why not? I've had enough champagne to say yes to anything."

"Excuse us," Sebastian took my hand and led me onto the floor. Next thing I knew, we were moving. And no one was getting hurt. And I wasn't falling, "Ms. Olivier, I was hoping if I could ask you a few questions."

"Ask away," I kept my head down.

"First of all," Sebastian brought my chin up, "You really should look someone in the eye while they're trying to speak to you."

"I'm sorry," I apologized, "Prolonged eye contact makes me uncomfortable."

"Second of all," he moved on, "What all did you tell the Viscount about you?"

"He knows my last name," I told, "And he knows I'm a journalist."

"Why would he know your occupation?" Sebastian wondered, keeping my head up.

"That's the main reason why I'm here," I went on, "My editor wanted me to cover the gala. If I didn't cancel my plans for tonight for this, I would've been fired."

"So, if Lord Druitt knows your name and your place of business," Sebastian thought out loud, "it wouldn't take much for him to-"

I fell into Sebastian's arms, completely blacking out. How much champagne did I have? I thought I only had the one glass that Alistair gave me…