Emma's POV
So, I've been in the order for about 6 months now. Everyone here is super nice and I've made great friends. Even Kanda likes talking to me! Anyways, it's about the middle of December and I was in the lounge area in the library with Lavi, Allen, Lenalee, and Kanda. The five of us are the youngest exorcists in the order. Everyone else is an adult, so we stick pretty close together. So the five of us were playing cards in the lounge.
"Royal straight flush." Allen states. He shows his hand and I see an ace, king, queen, jack, and 10 of spades.
"No way!" I yell. "There's no way you got that!"
"Beansprout, If yer cheating," Kanda starts.
"No why would I cheat?" Allen questions. I then see the end of a card sticking out of his sleeve. I pounce on him and I shake his arms and cards starting coming out.
"Allen-kun!" Lenalee gasps.
"Beansprout…" I could feel Kanda's anger from here. I move out of the way and Kanda starts attacking Allen.
"Kanda! Hey come on it was just a joke!" Allen yells as he runs for his life. Kanda keeps on chasing Allen around. Lenalee, Lavi, and I all start laughing.
"Hey guys!" I hear a voice yell. I look behind me and I see Johnny running at us.
"Hi Johnny, what's up?" Lavi questions.
"Not much." Johnny replies. "Why is Kanda chasing Allen around?" Johnny questions.
"I'll explain later." Lenalee states.
"So what brings you here?" I question.
"Oh that's right! You got a letter today." Johnny states as he rummages through his pockets. He pulls out a letter that's address to me. The paper is tinted yellow. I flip it around and I see wax stamp with a symbol. I instantly drop the letter and gasp.
"Emma, what's up? You okay?" I hear Lavi question me. I pick the letter back up and I stand.
"Everything's fine. Johnny, can you tell Komui that I got the letter? I'm gonna read this in private." I state.
"Yeah sure." Johnny replies. I walk out of the lounge and towards my room. I walk inside my room and shut the door and lock it. I look at the letter one more time along with the wax stamp. I sit on my bed.
"Ciel, what do you want?" I question myself. I open the letter and I read aloud to myself. "To Lady Emma Winston. You are cordially invited to the 15th birthday of young master Ciel Phantomhive, on this coming December 14th. Gifts are not required, but are recommended. The party will be held at the Phantomhive Estate in London, England at 8:00 sharp. You are allowed to bring one other guest to accompany you. Bring this letter as recognition that you have been invited. We look forward to seeing you. From, the Phantomhive staff." I lower the letter. I forgot all about Ciel's birthday. I left the manor right before his last one. I should go. I mean, he's some of the only family I've got left. But I don't even have a dress. I look at the letter again and I see something at the bottom. "Turn over." I read. I turn the paper over and I see more written on the back.
"Emma, I know it's been a while, but I would really appreciate it if you could come. I know that you are busy with work, but I would like to see you. If you don't have a dress, I can accommodate you for one and I can also get you a room for the night if you choose to stay. Please consider it. Ciel."
"I can't really say no to that, now can I?" I say to myself. "Better tell Komui that I'm taking a personal day." I get up and I head to the door. I open it and I see Lavi standing in the doorway like he was ready to knock. "Lavi."
"Hey. You okay? You kinda left in a hurry earlier." Lavi states.
"Yep just fine! It's just a letter from home!" I reply.
"Alright. You had us worried though. Don't scare us like that." Lavi states.
"I'm sorry. I have to talk to Komui. I'll talk to you later." I state. I start to walk away and I hear Lavi go in the opposite direction. I then stop in my tracks. The invitation did say that I could bring a guest. "Hey Lavi!" I yell.
"How would you like to come to my cousin's birthday party with me on the 14th?" I question.
"Depends, how old are they turning?" Lavi questions.
"15." I answer.
"Will there be alcohol?" Lavi adds in.
"Probably." I respond.
"Why not?" Lavi answers.
"Great, now you have to come with me to tell Komui that we're taking the day off." I state.
"Alright, then let's go." Lavi states. The two of us walk to Komui's office and I knock on the door.
"Komui, it's Emma and Lavi, can we come in?" I question. I don't hear a response. I open the door and the room is covered in papers and books. "I don't see Komui in here." Lavi and I both sigh. "Let's get this over with."
"Hey Emma, I heard that Lenalee's getting married." Lavi states. Just then a figure stands up in a pile of papers.
"No Lenalee! You're too young to get married!" Komui cries. Komui turns and sees the two of us. "Oh, if it isn't Emma and Lavi, what can I do for the two of you?"
"I was wondering if the two of us could have the day off on the 14th. My cousin's turning 15 and I haven't seen him in a while." I explain.
"I'm assuming that Lavi is a plus one?" Koumi states.
"That's right." I reply. "Depending on how late we stay, we may spend the night as his house, so we may not be back until the 15th."
"Alright. I suppose that's fine. The two of you have been working hard the past few weeks so you two deserve a break." Komui states.
"Thanks Komui!" I state.
"You two have fun!" Komui states. The two of us walk out of Komui's office and head to our rooms.
So today is December 14th and Lavi and I head down to the waterway to get to London. I pack an overnight bag just in case we do stay the night. I tell Lavi to do the same. The two of us ride the boat until we reach the train station to get to London. From there we would take a carriage to get to the Phantomhive estate. We got on the boat and after an hour, we got to the train station. I had booked seats ahead of time and the two of us got on the train.
"So Emma I forgot to ask you. What's your cousin like?" Lavi questions.
"Well, he used to be the sweetest thing on the planet. He always smiled playing with his toys. But, his parents died when he was little and he was bought and sold by different people. He lived like that for years. Then, he was found somehow. He's been untrusting and cold since he came back. He only really trusts his staff, his fiancée, and me. But he's still the same old little boy that I knew all those years ago." I reply. I look at Lavi and he looks surprised. "I'm sorry."
"No it's fine." Lavi responds. "Wait, you said he's got a fiancée and he's only 15?!"
"Yeah. It's normal in the kind of family he was raised in." I respond. "Also, I need you to promise me to be on your best behavior when you meet him."
"Yeah sure. What kind of family did you come from?" Lavi questions.
"A weird one." I respond with a sigh. We sit on the train for a while before we reach London. I then find a carriage that will take us to the manor and we hop on. We ride further away from town and I start to see the hedges that surround the property.
"Alright Emma, time to cough up, what kind of family are you from?" Lavi questions.
"You would've found out by the time we get there, but I guess I'll tell you now. On my dad's side, I come from a small family. He only had one brother, who's my uncle Charlie. He runs the pub in Ireland that I told you about. But on my mom's side, her brother was Vincent Phantomhive. The Phantomhives run a successful toy company that has made them rich beyond your wildest dreams. My uncle's son, Ciel, is the one who's birthday it is today."
"Wait a minute, does that mean you're loaded?!" Lavi yells.
"Shh! Not so loud! Technically yes. But after my parents died, they said that they would keep the money in a savings account under my name so that if I needed any money I just take it out of there." I reply.
"Geez, that's unexpected." Lavi replies.
"Now you know why you have to be on your best behavior?" I respond.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll be polite." Lavi replies. I sigh. Why am I so worried about tonight? I feel the carriage come to a stop and I look out the window. I see the giant mansion that I left last year. The two of us exit the carriage and the carriage leaves. Well here goes nothing. I knock on the door and I hear someone coming down the main staircase.
"Coming!" I hear a female voice yell. I see the door open and I see with her cracked glasses. "Yes? Can I help you two?" She questions.
"Mey-Rin it's me." I respond. She adjusts her glasses and she goes into shock.
"Is that you Lady Emma?" Mey-Rin questions.
"I'm home!" I reply with a smile. I feel her arms wrap around my neck as she squeezes as tight as she can.
"It's so great to have you back!" Mey-Rin mumbles. The three of us walk into the manor and stand in the middle of the entryway. "Bard, Finnian, Tanaka! Lady Emma is home!" Mey-Rin yells. I see Finnian, Bard, and even Tanaka running from all different directions.
"Lady Emma!" They all yell as they all run at me. All of them bear hug me and I can barely stand. The three boys let go and Finnian looks behind me.
"Hey Lady Emma, who's the man behind you?" Finnian questions as he points at Lavi.
"This is my friend Lavi. He works with me." I respond.
"It's nice to meet all of you." Lavi greets. I see Mey-Rin grin.
"You've got yourself quite a catch there, don't you my lady?" Mey-Rin whispers in my ear. I feel my face heat up.
"Mey-Rin!" I yell.
"Now, what's with all this noise? The master is rehearsing his speech for the party tonight." I hear a male voice. I look at the main staircase and I see the Phantomhive butler walking down.
"Hello Sebastian." I smile. Sebastian has a surprised look on his face.
"Lady Emma." He replies. He walks towards me and Lavi. "I'm happy to see that you could make it tonight. I'll have a room prepared for you immediately." Sebastian states as he bows. He looks up and he sees Lavi behind me. "Pardon me sir. I didn't see you behind my Lady. I shall prepare you a room as well."
"Thanks Sebastian. This is Lavi. He'll be my plus one for tonight." I explain.
"I'm very pleased to meet you Sir Lavi." Sebastian states.
"The pleasure is mine." Lavi replies. I'm surprised about how well behaved Lavi is being around everyone.
"Now I assume that you are in need of a dress Lady Emma and that you are in need of a tuxedo Sir Lavi?" Sebastian questions.
"That's correct." I reply.
"Well, then, I'll have you two fitted immediately. Finnian, please take our guests' bags to the rooms in the west wing." Sebastian commands.
"Yes sir!" Finnian states. He takes my and Lavi's bag and runs off to the west wing.
"Mey-Rin, would you please take Emma to the dress room? I don't think we'll have enough time to make her a dress before tonight. Baldroy, you go to the tuxedo room and find Sir Lavi a tuxedo for tonight's event." Sebastian orders.
"Yes sir!" The two reply. Mey-Rin takes my hands and we run off. She takes me down the hallway and we head into a room. I look around and I see dresses of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
"Mey-Rin, they're all gorgeous. I don't know if I can pick just one." I reply as I look at all the dresses.
"Well, take your time Lady Emma. While, you're doing that, I'll look for a corset." Mey-Rin replies. I feel shivers up my spine. I hate those stupid corsets! I continue to look at the dresses until I see a dark blue one that catches my eye. I pull it out of the rack and I look at it closer. The sleeves look like they go down to about the middle of my forearm and the bottom is poufy with white beads scattered throughout. I also see a white ribbon on the hanger. It must go around the waistline. I hear Mey-Rin come back and I look at her.
"Mey-Rin, I want this one." I state. Mey-Rin comes and looks at the dress.
"It's perfect for you!" Mey-Rin states. "I'll bring it up to your room at once!" Mey-Rin takes the dress and runs off. I walk out of the dress room and I start to explore the manor. I reach the main hall and I look at the pictures hanging on the walls. I see my uncle Vincent, Aunt Francis, and my mother in one picture. I then see a picture of Ciel, Elizabeth, Edward, and Me before Ciel's and my parents died.
"Remembering the past Lady Emma?" I hear a voice question. I look and I see Sebastian walking towards me.
"Yes. I still can't believe that it's been almost 10 years since they died and Ciel went missing." I reply. Sebastian looks at the picture of my mother, uncle, and aunt.
"You are the spitting image of your mother." I heard Sebastian say.
"Everyone who knew my mother tells me that. But everyone who knew my father says I'm him in my mother's body." I reply.
"I would have to agree with you there. But I know that you will grow up into a civilized young lady in the future." Sebastian states.
"Thanks you Sebastian." I reply.
"By the way. I forgot to mention, the Midford's will be attending tonight's event." Sebastian states. I feel my whole body go stiff. Aunt Francis is coming?! There's no way that she'll approve of Lavi! I'm doomed!
"T-that's great!" I stutter as I start to sweat.
"Oh and don't worry about your friend. I'm having Baldroy train him in high society etiquette." Sebastian states.
"Sebastian, as much as I trust you, that doesn't make me feel any better. This is Aunt Francis we're talking about." I reply.
"Don't worry, I'm sure that between myself, Finnian, and Baldroy we can manage to make him a proper gentlemen by tonight's affair." Sebastian states. I sigh. Tonight is going to be interesting.
So, it's now about 7:00 and I haven't seen Lavi all day. I really hope Sebastian pulled through. Anyways, I start to get ready with the help of Mey-Rin. The corset took a good 30 minutes because I still hate it. She then helps me into my dress. When she finishes buttoning up the dress. I look at myself in the mirror. I can't believe that it's me in the mirror. I feel like a princess.
"Lady Emma you look stunning! Now let's do your hair!" Mey-Rin squeals. I sit in a chair and I look in the mirror. Mey-Rin combs through my hair and she tries to figure out what to do with it. She then puts my hair in a low bun. I look at my hair in the mirror. I hear a knock on the door.
"Come in." I reply. The door opens and I see Baldroy and Finnian with boxes in there hands.
"Sebastian said he wanted you to where these tonight." Baldroy states.
"Lady Emma you look so pretty!" Finnian adds in.
"Thanks Finnian. What's in the boxes?" I question.
"I don't know. Sebastian just said to give them to you and not to open them." Baldroy answers. The boys hand me the boxes and they leave. I place the boxes on the vanity and I open them slowly. One had a pearl necklace and earrings to match. The other had a small tiara with diamonds scattered throughout.
"They're beautiful." I gasp. Mey-Rin looks over my shoulder.
"Well what are we waiting for? The party starts soon! Let's put them on!" Mey-Rin yells. I sit back down as she puts on the necklace and I put on the earrings. After the necklace and earrings are on, I slowly lift up the tiara and put it on my head. I look at myself in the mirror and I feel like I'm about to cry. "Lady Emma, you look stunning. I'm sure that Sir Lavi will think that you look beautiful."
"Thank you Mey-Rin." I reply. I hear another knock on the door. "Come in." I reply. I see Sebastian at the door.
"Lady Emma, you look stunning." Sebastian compliments.
"Thank you Sebastian." I reply.
"Now then, we must get going. You and Sir Lavi are receiving a special guest introduction tonight, being one of the few relatives of the Phantomhive family left." Sebastian explains.
"Of course. Mey-Rin, thanks again." I smile.
"Anytime my Lady!" Mey-Rin smiles back. I take Sebastian's arm and he escorts me to the ballroom staircase. I'm on one staircase and I can see Lavi across at the top of the other. He doesn't notice me. I can't wait to see his reaction. I can hear others in the ballroom.
"Attention everyone!" I hear Sebastian yell. The ballroom falls silent. "I thank you all for taking the time out of your schedule to come and wish my master a happy birthday. Now, introducing the Earl of Phantomhive and the master of this estate, Ciel Phantomhive." I see a door open where the two different staircases meet and I see Ciel walk out. I hear everyone start to clap as Ciel walks down the grand staircase.
"I thank you all for coming out tonight, for tonight not just marks my 15th year, but the Funtom Company's 30th year in production. Tonight is a night for celebration. Please enjoy yourselves." Ciel presents.
"Now, introducing tonight's special guest. Introducing Lady Emma Winston, first cousin to the Earl of Phantomhive, and her colleague Sir Lavi!" Sebastian introduces. I walk down the stairs and Lavi does the same. He looks at me and he looks stunned. I give a slight laugh. We reach the middle of the two staircases. I curtsy and Lavi bows. I extend my hand and Lavi kisses the top of it. I wrap my arm around his as he escorts me down the main staircase. We reach the ballroom floor and I look at Lavi.
"You clean up nicely." I compliment. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a white button down shirt underneath. His hair was covering his eye patch with it being slick down.
"Not too bad yourself." Lavi replies. I giggle.
"Emma!" I hear someone call my name. I look around and I see Ciel running towards me.
"Ciel!" I reply. Ciel stops in front of me. "Happy Birthday." I state as I give him a hug.
"You did manage to come." Ciel states. I let go of Ciel and I turn to Lavi.
"Ciel, this my colleague Lavi." I introduce.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sire." Lavi states as he bows.
"Thank you coming." Ciel states.
"Ciel, you haven't seen Aunt Francis anywhere have you?" I question.
"I saw her, Edward, and Elizabeth at the drink table." Ciel answers.
"Thanks Ciel!" I state. I turn to Lavi. "I'll be right back." I walk towards the drink table and I spot Edward, Elizabeth, and my Aunt Francis. "Aunt Francis!" I call out. I see her turn around and her face is in dead shock.
"Marianne…" I hear her whisper. I stop dead in my tracks as I hear my mother's name. "Emma, I'm so sorry. It's just, that was your mother's dress and tiara." My Aunt Francis explains.
"It's fine." I reply. I feel a pair of arms wrap around me.
"It's good to see you." I hear Aunt Francis say to me.
"You too." I reply. Aunt Francis lets me go and I turn to Edward and Elizabeth. "Of course I'm always happy to see the two of you!"
"Emma I missed you!" Elizabeth throws herself at me and almost knocks me off my feet.
"Elizabeth that is not the proper way to act!" Edward scolds. He rips her off of me and he stands in front of me. "My Lady, might I have the honor of this dance?" Edward asks me as he bows. I take his hand and I curtsy.
"You may." I reply. He wraps one arm around my waist and he puts the other in my hand, while I hang onto his shoulder. The two of us start to dance slowly to the music in the background.
Lavi's POV
So Emma and I are at her cousin's birthday party in London and I find out that she's loaded! That's the last thing I would've expected. Anyways, Emma went to go and find her Aunt and she left me alone with her cousin.
"Tell me, what exactly is your connection with Emma?" I hear Ciel question.
"Well, she's my colleague and-"
"I mean what does she mean to you?" Ciel rephrases.
"I care about her. Her smile lights up any room she walks into. Her personality makes anyone happy. I hate seeing her upset or crying. She always puts others ahead of herself, even if it means costing her her life. I can't stand seeing her hurt." I confess.
"I see. In that case, stop talking to me and go dance with her." Ciel states. I look at him shocked. I look around and I see Emma dancing with a blonde dude. I suddenly feel my blood boil. I walk over calmly and I tap the man on the shoulder.
"Would you mind if I steal this lovely lady for a dance?" I ask.
"Not at all." He replies. He let's go of Emma and I take her hand. I wrap my arm around her waist her hand grabs onto my shoulder. The two of us dance slowly to the music as it plays in the background.
"So, are you having fun?" Emma asks me.
"Yes. I actually am." I reply. Emma laughs.
"Well, I'm glad." Emma states. I feel my heartbeat go faster and I feel like my chest is about to burst. I feel Emma's head rest on my chest. I look down at her and I smile.
Sebastian's POV
Everyone seems to be having a great time at the party, except for my master. He didn't even want this party. However, I insisted him when I told him that I would invite one of his few relatives left. Anyways. I stand next to the master's chair all night and watch the party unfold. It starts to get very late into the night. Suddenly I see Lady Francis make her way to me.
"Sebastian." Lady Francis states.
"Lady Francis. Is there anything I can help you with?" I question.
"No." Lady Francis responds. She stands next to me and looks at the dance floor. "What do you think Emma sees in that man she's dancing with? He's not of noble birth and he most certainly is not any gentleman." Lady Francis ponders.
"Well, you must remember, Emma wasn't raised in nobility her entire life. Her aunt and uncle raised her after her parents passing. It was her parent's choice to have her life the way she did. So even though he may no gentleman in your eyes, to her, he may be the man to sweep her off and carry her away." I explain.
"She's a strange one. Just like her mother." Lady Francis states.
Emma's POV
It's around midnight when the guests finally start to leave. Everyone was either so tired or too drunk to even walk straight. Myself along with Lavi, Ciel, Sebastian and the rest of the Phantomhive staff say our goodbyes and thank you's to the guests as they leave. Sebastian had to help a few of the men into their carriages, but other than that, the night went by smoothly. The last guest finally leaves and we make our way back into the main hall.
"Man, I'm so tired." I state.
"I believe that we should all retire for the night. It is rather late." Sebastian replies.
"Yeah. I'm gonna head back to my room. Lavi, I'll meet you down here after breakfast so that we can leave early." I reply.
"Alright. Let me walk you back to your room." Lavi replies.
"No it's fine. I can walk back on my own." I respond.
"Nope. I'm walking you back. It's the gentlemanly thing to do." Lavi responds. I look at him and he gives me a grin.
"Alright fine. But don't blame me if you get lost." I state. Lavi and I head up the main staircase and I lead the way to my room. There was an awkward silence for a while. "So, how did you like Ciel's party?"
"It was fun. I'm just surprised that Baldroy and Finnian drilled all those stupid rules into my head in a 4 hour time span. My brain still hurts." Lavi responds. I give a small laugh.
"I guess it is a lot to keep in mind." I see the door to my room just a little farther ahead.
"You know you look beautiful." I hear Lavi comment.
"Oh please. It's just a dress-"
"Emma I mean that. You look stunning." Lavi cuts me off. We make it to my door and I face him.
"Well. Thank you for the compliment." I reply. I feel my face flush all shades of red. I turn around and I start to turn my doorknob, but Lavi turns me around and presses his lips to mine. He wasn't forceful, but I returned the kiss and the two of us stood there for a while. The two of us break away and we look at each other. I then realize what I had done and I walk into my room. "Lavi, thanks for tonight. I had fun." I shut the door, leaving Lavi standing there alone. What the hell just happened?