Chapter 24: Danny POV

I came back from visiting the young Master in his bedroom to find a elegant ball gown sitting on a dressform. A note dangled from the side and I picked it up as I circled the dress.

"The Earl and Lady Phantomhive is invited to the King's Valentine's Ball," I read. "Romantic, but why is this in my room?" I flipped the card and saw in Sebastian's neat writing, "If I may fill your dance card?"

I blushed and trailed my fingers over the silk. The subtle green of the skirt, flowing back into a sweeping train, and the blue embroidery overcoat was made of sequins. The delicate gold sequins and lace finished the trim, making the whole dress look like it was out of a dream. I wiped my face again; lately I was very emotional. Sebastian had suggested it was part of the transitioning that as my Body and Soul burned, my Reaper self also burned, bringing me back closer to being a Human. Personally it made passing as a man all the time, very hard. And now I had a gorgeous dress in my bedroom, and an invitation to wear it.

I heard footsteps outside and I closed my eyes. I had begun to hear things more acutely, which made some conversations a bit awkward when I could hear the servants down in the kitchen as I moved across the first floor. But now the footsteps had a sure cadence and a small click - a pocket watch swinging on a chain and bouncing on a vest.

"It's open," I said, turning and watching the door open and Sebastian stepped in.

"Ah so your hearing hasn't faded."

I shook my head, we had discovered some Demonic abilities came and went, and some settled for a while. Now, a month into my transformation, I didn't need my glasses, and could usually control my Hunger and my emotions. My acute hearing had started earlier in the week.

"Sebastian," I said stepping towards him. "This is too much," I said, sweeping my left arm out to indicate the dress. "It's so beautiful."

He smiled and then grinned. "I can not wait to dance with the lady wearing it. I do wish I could have had a dance when I first discovered her hidden talent."

I looked at it and blushed. "At the time she wasn't sure if that was appropriate. I still am not sure," I added. "If I arrive at the Ball, everyone will know who I am! They know me as a man. Only you know I am not," I sighed. "Besides, my hair! It's cut like a man's, not at all appropriate for the dress."

He nodded a bit and pulled his hand from behind his back, holding a box. "Perhaps this?"

I shot him a glance and picked up the lid and looked down. There sat a dark-brown haired wig, dressed up in curls and a butterfly comb of blue, green, and gold.

"Honestly, Sebastian," I gasped, taking it out gently. "It matches my hair!" I put it on and it sat well, changing my whole face. I hardly recognized myself. "Oh… I miss my long hair." I took the wig off and set it back into the box, sighing. "How will I explain to the Earl and Lady that I am in women's clothes, and in such a dress? I… I can't do that. Besides, I will be looking over the young Master while they are at the Ball."

Sebastian frowned and took the box and placed it on the dresser. He met my gaze in the mirror. "You are not pressured to come, I simply thought it would be a nice opportunity to spend some time away from the Manor, from this," he added as he looked down at my old pair of glasses. "You must be tired teaching the young Master. I thought some more entertainment would also help."

I didn't deny that spending time outside the Manor was appealing - I had hardly left the house even to walk the gardens - but to take such a risk!

Sebastian crossed the room and cupped my face between his always gloved hands. They were warm and I closed my eyes. It felt like the sun was on my face. "Look at me, Danny," he asked softly. I opened my eyes and searched his bright red ones. "No matter what you choose, I am always going to be beside you. It is my job to protect my Master. I will do anything within my power to protect him until his perfect end is met. You were under no such obligation to even come back for the young Master." He smiled and leaned closer. "Perhaps you will become quiet powerful like I and take a Contract. How wonderful would that be?"

My eyes widened in horror. "He is a boy, Sebastian!"

"But he will not stay as such. He will grow, and one day need protection."

"I… don't think I could."

He gave me a small nod and stroked my left cheek. "Ah, perhaps not yet. I do think of the Powers you may have before you get them. It is fascinating to see you grow."

I chuckled and he loosened his grip slightly. "I'm glad you are enjoying yourself." I saw a brief flare of something zip through his eyes and he dropped his hands to his side.

"The Master calls," he said softly and left me standing, facing the beautiful gown, and an emptiness forming in my Soul.

I touched my cheeks, trying to keep the warmth on them, but found the young Master was ready for me to check his Math work. He had opened the library door and I imagined his dark head sweeping back and forth to find me. I walked down the stairs as quickly as I could and found him smiling as I approached.

Spending my time with the now polite and well mannered young Master was never a burden.