I sat in the back of the car with Master Phantomhive while Sebastian drove.
"Master Phantomhive? May I ask you a question?" I asked.
"What is it?" Master Phantomhive asked.
"Won't we be over dressed at bit? I mean this gown is beautiful but I don't think anyone will be wearing something like this." I said running my hands over the gown.
"This is a Masquerade Ball. Everyone will be dressed in clothes like these. Don't worry." he said.
"Okay. Thank you." I nodded.
"One thing though Charlotte." Master Phantomhive said.
"Yes Master Phantomhive?" I asked.
"For tonight I will ask that you call me Ciel instead of Master Phantomhive. We are supposed to be on a date. It would look strange if you were to call me Master Phantomhive." he said.
I felt my mouth go a little dry but I nodded, "Of course….Ciel."
I saw Sebastian give a small smile but was distracted when we pulled up to a large building. People were getting in and out of cars in beautiful dresses. I got a little nervous. These people had money and did this all the time. The closest I have ever come was Senior Prom and that had only lasted a half hour because some of the jocks had spiked the punch and the teachers had shut it down.
Suddenly the door beside me opened and I saw Master Phantomhive standing with his hand out.
"Oh! Sorry." I said and reached out and took his hand as he helped me out of the car.
I picked up my skirts and we headed inside. The building was huge. Marble was everywhere and in the center of it all was a huge chandelier that lit up the room.
"Surprised?" Master Phantomhive asked.
"A bit. I wasn't expecting it to be this beautiful." I said looking around.
"Would you like something to drink?" Master Phantomhive asked pointing to a table not far from where we stood.
"That would be nice." I nodded, my mouth dry with nerves.
Master Phantomhive and I walked over and he picked up a flute of champagne and handed it to me. I took a small drink from it, never having actually drank the bubbly drink before. However it wasn't that bad so I took another.
For a while Master Phantomhive and I wandered around and I stood at his side as he talked to different people. I chose to remain quiet and only speak when I was asked. I didn't know these people but I did know they were important contacts of Master Phantomhive's and I didn't want to mess something up.
Eventually Sebastian appeared behind the two of us, "You know Young Master you really should dance." he said motioning to the people that were dancing.
"I'd really rather not." Master Phantomhive replied.
"And your date?" Sebastian asked.
Master Phantomhive looked at me, "Do you want to dance Charlotte?"
"Dance? Well…" I said not sure what to say.
I wouldn't have minded dancing but if Master Phantomhive didn't want to then I didn't want to press the subject.
"Charlotte I demand that you answer me." Master Phantomhive said.
"I do enjoy dancing." I replied at once.
He gave a slightly weary sigh but nodded and took the champagne from my hand and handed our flutes over to Sebastian before taking my hand. He led me towards the dance floor and pulling me closer. One hand came up to hold mine and the other rested on my hip.
As much as I wanted to dance I wasn't entirely certain on what to do. I wasn't used to heels and despite the fact that they weren't very high I felt a little unsteady. Master Phantomhive must have must have sensed this and gripped me tighter.
"Just follow my lead." he whispered and a moment later we were moving around the dance floor.
Soon my feet became sure underneath me and we moved together fluidly. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't having fun dancing with him. He smelled of some expensive cologne and something darker. I wasn't sure if it was the fact he was a demon or it was just naturally him but it was attractive.
We danced until the room got warm. He didn't need a rest but I was still human enough that I did.
"Can we rest for a minute?" I asked.
"Of course." he nodded and led me from the dance floor and out to a balcony near by.
It was cool outside but it felt good on my flushed skin. I removed my mask and leaned against the railing of the balcony.
"You danced well for someone who didn't know what they were doing." Master Phantomhive said as he removed his own mask.
"Thank you. Honestly I wasn't sure how to dance in heels." I smiled.
"You've never worn them?" he asked.
I shook my head, "Not really no. I didn't go to dances when I was back in the States. I stayed home and played my violin."
"I must say I've heard you play and you're quite exceptional." Master Phantomhive said.
"It always came natural for me as a kid. All the instructor had to do was show me where to put my fingers and it just seemed to play itself." I said.
"That would be the demon part of you. Things will come easier as you come into your powers. I already can see that you're learning to control yourself." Master Phantomhive said.
"Really?" I asked.
"Indeed. Lady Decord is in one piece still after all." he said.
I laughed, "I guess so."
"That dress suits you well." Master Phantomhive said.
"Sebastian said it was one of your mother's." I replied.
"Yes. I remember her wearing it when I was young." he said.
"Do you remember them?" I asked looking at him.
"My parents? Yes. Very well." he said growing stiff.
I realized that it was making him uncomfortable so I moved away from the subject.
"It's pretty out here."
"It is a nice night." he nodded.
"It's a little chilly though." I said. The warmth from dancing had dissipated by now and I was getting a bit cold.
"Would you like to go back in?" Master Phantomhive asked.
I shook my head, "It's pretty out here."
"Then here." Master Phantomhive said and removed his jacket, draping it around my shoulders.
"Thank you Mas-Ciel." I said catching myself.
"You're welcome." he said.
We stood quietly for a bit just enjoying the lights of the city and the stars. After a while the noise inside changed and I realized that they were moving towards the dining room for dinner.
"We should head in." I said turning towards Master Phantomhive.
"It seems so." he said and we started for the door.
However a moment later my inexperience with heels got the best of me and I felt my ankle twist.
"Ah!" I gasped as I started to fall but before I could hit the ground I felt a pair of arms around me.
"Thank you." I said looking up at Master Phantomhive.
"You're welcome. Can you walk?" he asked.
"Um…" I said and tried to stand but pain shot up my ankle.
"No! No!" I said through gritted teeth.
"Very well." he nodded and half carried me over to a stone bench near the doors.
"Master is there something wrong?" Sebastian asked appearing suddenly.
"Yes. It seems that Charlotte has twisted her ankle." Master Phantomhive replied.
Sebastian dropped to a knee and carefully pulled back my skirts. With gentle hands he lifted my foot and inspected it.
"It is nothing but a sprain. However a bad one. I will see to the car. We'll treat her back at the Manor." Sebastian said.
"See to it then." Ciel nodded.
Sebastian nodded and hurried off.
"Man I'm such a klutz. I'm sorry I ruined your night. First I run off your date and then I ruin the ball." I sighed.
"I don't see the night as ruined. Especially when I didn't want to be here in the first place." he replied.
"If you didn't want to go then why did you?" I asked.
"I have my duties as an Earl and a business man." he replied.
I nodded, "Maybe we should go downstairs and meet Sebastian."
"Do you'll be able to make it that far?" Master Phantomhive asked.
"I'll manage." I nodded.
"At least let me help you." he said and I gave a nod.
Master Phantomhive stood up and carefully helped me up. Together the two of us started for the door. However thanks to the fact I was half hopping my way I tripped again. Thankfully I didn't twist my good ankle but I did fall, bringing Master Phantomhive down with and on top of me.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Yeah. I'm sorry." I sighed.
"It's fine." he said and sat up, pulling me into a similar position.
"Still…I'm sorry." I repeated.
"You have dirt on your face." Master Phantomhive said.
"Where?" I asked.
"On your cheek." he replied.
I reached up and tried to wipe it away but I must have missed it because a second later he reached forward and brushed his thumb over my cheek. His hand was warm on my cold cheek and I subconsciously leaned my face more into his hand.
His thumb caressed my cheek again and a second later he leaned forward. I could smell his scent again. It was almost intoxicating this time though.
"Master Phantomhive I…" I started but he cut me off.
"I thought I asked you to call me Ciel tonight." he replied.
"I'm sorry. I forgot." I said looking at him.
"You must learn to heed commands." he said.
"You never commanded me to. You asked." I replied.
"If I give you a command now will you follow it?"
"Do I have a choice?" I asked.
A wry smile crossed his face, "Not really."
"What is it?" I asked.
"I command you to kiss me." he said.
"Ciel…you didn't have to make it a command." I replied and with that I pressed my lips to his.
The kiss sent shivers through my body. He kissed me soft but there was an edge to it that sent my heart racing. This wasn't my first kiss but it felt like it was. I hadn't experienced anything like this before.
Suddenly someone cleared their throat and we broke apart. Sebastian was standing at the patio doors looking amused.
"The car is waiting My Lord." Sebastian said.
"Very well." Master Phantomhive said and stood up.
A moment later Sebastian had scooped me into his arms. He carried me all the way out to the car before settling me into the backseat. Master Phantomhive climbed in beside me and we were off.
The two of us didn't say anything during the ride back to the manor. Once we were there Sebastian picked me up and carried me into the house.
"You're home early! What happened Sebastian?" Millie asked.
"Charlotte had a mishap and twisted her ankle. Please bring her pajamans, bandages and ibuprofen to the room Charlotte occupied while she was ill." Sebastian said and with a nod Millie hurried to gather everything.
"You really don't have to do this Sebastian. I can walk and-" I started to protest but he cut me off.
"I saw the tumble you and the Young Master took. It would be irresponsible of me as the Head Butler of the Phantomhive household to not care properly for someone who was injured while residing here." Sebastian said.
I decided it was best if I didn't argue with him. He carried me to the upstairs room I had occupied before and a few moments later Millie appeared. Sebastian left while Millie helped me change out of the dress and heels and into my pajamas. When I was changed he returned.
Gently he took my swollen foot into his hands and wrapped it with bandages and tape.
"You will have to rest for a few weeks. Until then Millie will see to your chores." he said.
"Thank you Sebastian." I said.
"Of course. Now I suggest you take two of those and rest. Keep your ankle elevated." he said.
I nodded and downed the pills with water. Sebastian adjusted the pillows once more before leaving. Not long after Millie came in with a tray, a bowl of stew and a soda resting on it.
"I thought I'd bring you something to eat. It's awful cold outside and I thought this might make you feel better too." she said.
"You just want to hear the details." I smiled.
"That too." she grinned as she sat the tray in my lap.
I took a bite of the stew and found it had turned out wonderfully.
"So what happened?" she asked.
I told her everything about the ball leaving out most of what had happened on the balcony save for the fall. Once she was happy with the details she collected the tray and promised to come check on me later before scurrying off.
When she was gone I pulled the blankets over me before laying back on the pillows. In the light from the moon outside I could see the tattoo on the back of my hand. In the days since I'd acquired it I had realized subtle differences in mine and Sebastian's.
Mine was much smaller in size and was almost a different color it seemed. While his was a thick solid black mine was thinner and seemed almost a deep deep purple. Other than that they were identical. I wondered why that was but I didn't question it. Nor did I have time. After everything that had happened I was exhausted. Before I knew it my eyes grew heavy and I was asleep.
3rd POV
Ciel waited at the end of the hall until Millie had left. Once she was gone he walked towards the room Charlotte was occupying. He listened for sound of moment but only heard even breathing. Convinced she was asleep he opened the door and peered inside.
He had no clue what had come over him that night. Why he'd wanted to kiss her. He'd never felt like this for anyone. Not even Lizzy and they'd been engaged. He didn't understand it. Demons weren't capable of these emotions.
"Young Master is there something you needed?"
Ciel jumped a foot in the air, "Sebastian! Why are you sneaking up on me?!" he demanded.
"My apologies Young Master. I was merely wondering if there was something you required." Sebastian replied.
"I was just going to inquire about Charlotte's ankle." Ciel replied.
"It's a sprain and it will take time to heal. However it shouldn't be more than week." Sebastian replied.
Ciel nodded, "Very good. I have some papers to attend to."
"I saw the kiss you shared with Charlotte, Young Master." Sebastian said following Ciel down the hall.
"I'm well aware of what you witnessed. Are you feeling patriarchal towards her now?" Ciel asked with a smirk.
Sebastian smiled back at him, "I assure you nothing like that. I was merely wondering about you. You've never shown any pull towards any young woman. Not even Lady Elizabeth." he replied.
Ciel looked at him, "It was but a kiss. Nothing more."
"You do know that some demons do take mates." Sebastian said.
Ciel sighed and turned to face Sebastian all the way.
"There will be no more talks of mates. The kiss between Charlotte and I was a mistake. I will thank you to never mention it again. Now I have work to attend to." Ciel said and with that walked into his office, slamming the door behind him.
Sebastian looked at the wooden door in front of him. He knew that Ciel would deny any feelings he had until he was forced to confront them. And the time for confronting his feelings for the girl would come soon enough.
So Ciel and Charlotte kissed hmm?
I wonder where this is going...
You'll all just have to wait and see!
I would've split this into 2 parts like I usually do but it's nearly 4 AM when I'm posting this and I must go to bed.
But first comes the thank yous!
-Light Umbreon
-irgroomer
-Inigo Montaya
-Lifeisnowhere-182
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-nekomimilover
You guys are awesome and thanks for reading!