Heya Readers! So I am skipping a few episodes in the anime and chapters in the manga, the reason being is that I can't seem to fit Alice in some of them. So this chapter takes place in episode 3.
I should also mention the title of this chapter; In the BB short "Ciel in Wonderland", Elizabeth is the mouse, that in the actual book, is the first creature Alice meets, (here are 2 mice in the book, the other being the door-mouse) and Grell is the deck of cards to the Red Queen, being Madam Red.
A few weeks had passed and it seemed like nothing had changed. Everyone was the same, doing the sames things day after day. Mother was working five days a week and since she didn't like me staying at the manor by myself, mostly stayed over at the Phantomhive manor. However I of course wasn't on holiday, for mother asked if Sebastian could take over as my tutor, which was very uncomfortable for me. I kept trying to tell myself that I was over reacting, and that my mind was messing with me. But even then I was use to being around him, I never felt comfortable being alone with him. My heart would keep racing, and my face would flush... But I tried to be level headed and mindful, that this feelings were nothing more then a silly teenage crush. I had never been crushing on anyone, even with the record number of parties I've attended with mother, so why of all people must I being crushing on a butler in black?!
It was noon and Alice was sharing lunch with Ciel, with Sebastian and the four servants standing by if needed. But as the two nobles enjoyed their food and tea in silence, their was a faint screaming down the hall, which got louder and louder the closer it got. Until suddenly the door flung open and Madam Red's butler, Grell came flying in riding the tea cart. He screamed in a panic not looking where he was going, and the gardener, Finny wasn't able to move in time. Alice and Ciel could only close their eyes as the two servants crashed into each other; the tea set and plants were shattered.
Hot tea was spilt right onto poor Finny's shirt. He cried out trying to hold his shirt away from his chest, "Hot! Hot, hot, hot!"
Grell (unharmed somehow) was dazed but snapped out of it. Realizing what he had done, he rushed over to the young man, "I-I'm so so sorry!" he panicked, "I'll wipe it off right away!" he reached for a handkerchief that was on the table, but as he grabbed it he also tugged the table-cloth. Alice scooted her chair back, as the food and tea spilt down onto the floor, making an even bigger mess. Grell screamed again, as the servants groaned, know they would have to clean it up.
Alice sighed, Mother, why did you think this was a good idea? While Alice was spending more time at the Phantomhive manor, Madam Red decided Grell should accompany her, and be trained by Sebastian. You know, cause he's absolutely useless! Why her mother hasn't fired him was beyond her, unless he was a good assistant for a doctor? She took a glance at her mother's butler as he fumbled around to pick everything that spilt, Just like a deck of cards, they fumble and fall and like many, are practically useless.
"I thought Sebastian would be the only one inconvenienced, and I wouldn't suffer any harm..." Ciel grumbled, placing his hand over his irritated face. Alice gave him a deadpan expression.
"I'm terribly sorry for causing you all such trouble... I don't know how I could ever apologize now..." Grell begged on his knees, as the rest of the servants glared down at him. "Wait that's it! The only thing I could now is die! I shall atone with my death!" Grell stood up, pulling out a large knife (from somewhere) and pointed it at his neck.
Alice's eyes widened, "Are you bloody mad?!" she stood up for her chair, about to grab the knife away.
But thankfully Sebastian took hold of the situation, placing his gloved hand of Grell's shoulder, "There is no need for that," Grell opened his eyes, turning his head as he looked up at the smiling butler, "Just think of the horrible mess you'd make. It'd take hours to clean up all of the blood."
Alice felt her face fall, What the hell? but it seemed to have worked.
Grell dropped the knife, getting down on his knees, he gazed dreamily at Sebastian, "Thank you Sebastian, you're so very kind..."
That was kind? Alice thought.
Sebastian picked up the silver teapot that Grell was bring for Alice and Ciel. Thankfully it was metal not glass, so it didn't break, "Now, what I'd like to know, is how you could ever think of serving such weak tea to the master and lady?" Moving at the a fast pace he cleaned up the food, and put a fresh tablecloth on the table. He then pulled out Alice's chair, "M'lady." he smiled, making her cheeks flush, sitting back down as he seated her. He then set up an unbroken teapot, he started to demonstrating how to make proper tea, "What closely; a spoon full for each person and one more for the pot," he scooped the tea leaves into the pot, then pored boiling water inside, "finally, add half a pint of boiling water and let it set until dark." The servants watched in ah, while taking notes.
Sebastian pored the tea into two cups, and placed them in front of Ciel and Alice. The two nobles picked up their cups, drinking. Alice hummed in peace, the smell and taste of earl gray was very refreshing. Sebastian noticed her reaction and smiled, "Is it to your liking, lady Alice."
Moment ruined. Alice's face went red and she avoided eye contact, "Yes..." she muttered.
Ciel took a quick glance at the two, but left them alone. Sebastian then pulled out his pocket watched, "Young master, it's almost time. I have the carriage waiting for you out front."
"Fine." Ciel said, placing his cup of tea down.
"Going into town?" Alice asked.
"I have some things I must do." Ciel said, getting up.
"That's a shame, I'll be board without you." Alice smiled, resting her chin on her hand.
"I'm sure you'll find entertainment with the servants." That got Alice to giggle, which made Ciel slightly blush. She was always able to make him feel embarrassment, even if she was just giggling.
Sebastian turned to the servants, "As for the rest of you, I won't this place absolutely spotless understand?" he turned to Grell, "Grell, perhaps you should just sit there and relax so you won't cause any more trouble." before he followed Ciel out the door, he added, "And if you do decided to seek your eternal rest, please see to it outside would you, and try not to make a big mess."
"What generosity. What great kindness..." Grell sighed, Alice rolled her eyes.
Since Ciel and Sebastian were away, and Alice didn't have any classes or games to play by herself, she decided to read outside while the servants were out working in the garden. Mey-Rin set out a blanket for the lady in the shade, as Alice read through some books.
Alice glanced up at the blue sky, "What a beautiful afternoon..." she sighed. While she was reading, she once in a while glanced up at the servants, watching as they put Grell to work helping trim the bushes.
The group started small talk, as Grell began to ask questions about Ciel, "The Funtom Company, the toy and confection maker, that achieved rapid growth in under three years. And this is a magnificent manor that really show the greatness of the company! The manor is magnificent, don't you think?" Grell commented, while trimming the bushes. (not looking what he was doing)
"You know it's only been around for two years now," Brad said, while smoking a cigarette.
Grell's eyes widened slightly, "What? But it looks so stately and dignified..."
"Of course it does that was the intention," Everyone turned to see Tanaka in his regular form, startling Grell.
"Oh look, it's the real Tanaka!" Finny said, excitedly.
"We haven't seen you in months!" Mey-Rin smiled.
Alice smiled as well, "It is good to see you again," to which the former butler bowed smiling back. Before Sebastian; Tanaka was the original Phantomhive butler, but after what happened to the Rachel and Vincent and when Ciel was found, Tanaka let Sebastian take over, leaving him as a 'sort of' retired servant. And over the years he had taken a more... stable and relaxed form, but some times when needed he would turn back into his real form.
Tanaka went on explaining to Grell about the Phantomhives, "This manor was pacifically build to be an exact replica of the previous one. It is identical in every singer detail; from the windows vines, to the stairways and even the cracks in the pillars."
"Identical?" Grell asked.
"Yes, the original Phantomhive manor was burned down three years ago... It was a great tragedy," Alice frowned down at her book, thinking back to that awful night. Even to this day she still could remember the sight of the manor being engulfed in flames.
"O-Oh, I see... Forgive me for asking, but master Ciel's parents did they..."
Tanka looked down, "Yes. Sadly they both perished in the fire." Alice shut her eyes, refusing to let her tears fall.
Grell frowned in pity, as he went back to trimming, "Oh dear, that poor boy..."
After the little background story, Tanaka's body let out some steam, like a balloon deflating, before he turned back to his lazy form. "Tanaka?!" Gell panicked, but Bard explained.
"His normal heat consumption is very low, so when he's real Tanaka for more then three minutes it makes him sleepy."
"Oh... that's interesting"
Suddenly Mey-Rin let out a scream, startling everyone. The grouped looked at the her and Finnie's distraught faces, turning to where they were looking, Alice, Bradford and Grell's eyes widened, dumbfounded. Unbeknownst to everyone including Grell, while he was busy trimming the bushes, he trim them into skull shapes. Every. Single. ONE. The back garden looked like a wired creepy grave yard.
Alice was so stunned, she dropped her book onto her lap, "What the..."
"Why are they all skulls?!" Bard shouted.
"No! Not again! I have once again made an unacceptable mistake! I can't go any longer!" Grell cried. He ran up a step stood and put a random noose over his neck.
"For the love of god Grell, stop it!" Alice screamed, as she ran over with the rest of the servants trying to stop him.
"Quit trying to die all the time!" Bard shouted, as he grabbed the ladder.
"But I have to! It's the only way to redeem my honor!"
Suddenly someone pulled out the stood from under Grell, he hung by his neck suffocating. Everyone screamed his name. Alice turned to whoever attempted to murder her mother's butler, when she noticed a familiar figure. "Lizzie?!"
The young lady; wearing an orange frilly dress, her blonde hair tied in curly ponytails, looked at her cousin and smiled, "Alice!" she dropped the stool, and ran towards her, hugging her tightly. "Oh how I've missed you! It's been a long time since we've seen each other!" she squeaked loudly like a mouse.
"U-Uh- yes!" Alice grunted, for a girl half the size of her she could knock the wind out of someone. While Elizabeth was hugging Alice, she motioned her head to the servants to get Grell down, "So, what are you doing here? Doesn't Aunt Francis forbid you from leaving home without supervision?"
Elizabeth giggled looking up at her cousin, "I sneaked away to surprises Ciel!"
"...What?!"
"Is he here?" Elizabeth looked behind Alice.
"He went into town with Sebastian." Alice explained, which made the young lady pout.
"Aww... Oh I know! Let's surprise them!" she beamed with joy.
Alice raised her brow, "Surprise?"
"Yes! We'll give the manor a makeover! including the servants! Ciel will be so surprised!" Elizabeth let go of Alice, jumping with joy while clapping her hands. She rushed over towards the manor, with the servants chasing after her.
Alice sighed as she watched, "You haven't changed at all..." and quickly followed.
I felt all the color drain form my face as I stared at the finished project. The Phantomhive manor now looked like every little girls paradise. Bright pastel ribbons tied in big bows were hung on the walls, with large cut out pink hearts and blue stars and glitter, decorative charms dangled from the ceiling, and there was a enough stuffed animals to fill a toy shop. And while I did try to stop Elizabeth, she was on a one track mind with no one able to stop her, including the servants, who also got a makeover. Thankfully nothing happened to me... not yet anyway.
"Ciel is going to have a melt down..." Alice groaned, she could already see the look on his face.
"Nonsense! He's going to love it!" Elizabeth waved her cousin off, as she arranged the stuffed teddy bears on chairs, like there was a tea party, "There, perfect! Now all we have to do dress the servants, so they match!" Bard, Mey-Rin, Finny and Grell coward as Elizabeth stared at them with hawk eyes.
Alice, knowing that she couldn't have them, decided to wait for Ciel, hopping that she might be able to calm his rage down. Looking out the window she saw the carriage pull up to the manor. Groaning out loud she stepped outside to greet her cousin, "Welcome back Ciel."
Ciel along with Sebastian were curious to know why Alice was waiting for them outside, "Alice? What are you doing?" Ciel asked.
Alice clenched her hands into fists, sighing out, "Before you asked, let me just say, I tried to stop her."
"...What are you talking about?"
Now they were very curious and a little worried, Sebastian walked passed Alice and opened the door for his master and the lady. Alice, not wanting to turn around, shut her eyes as she heard the two men gawk in shock. Oh lord...
"My mansion!" Ciel shouted, starstruck of all the pretty colors and ribbons decorated around the manor. Alice walked up behind him, Ciel turned to his cousin wanting to asked what the hell happened, but he couldn't find his voice. And all Alice did was shrug while shaking her head.
Suddenly the Mey-Rin, Bard, and Finny came running at them. there faces were white with panic, Bard and Finny were dressed up, no doubt Elisabeth got to them, though Mey-Rin seemed to be fine. "SEBASTIAN!" They cried, clutching the butler for deer life.
"What is going on here? And why are you dressed like lunatics?" Sebastian asked, seeming like he was ready to blame someone for what they had done to the manor.
"Help us! She's crazy!" Bard screamed, pointing to the salon. The two nobles along with the servants headed towards the room; where they saw Grell wearing an orange bonnet, while hanging in the air by the neck. He looked like a dead decoration.
"What on earth are you doing?!" Ciel demanded.
"At the moment I believe I'm in the posses of dying master Ciel..." Grell wheezed out.
Ciel let out an irritated sigh, "Get him down, Sebastian."
"Yes, my lord," but as Sebastian walked over to help the other butler, a blur of orange ran right passed him.
Elizabeth came out from her hiding spot, and pounced on Ciel hugging him tightly, "Ciel! You're back I've missed you so much!" she cried happily.
Ciel quickly recovered from his shock, "E- Elizabeth! W-What a surprises!"
Alice could tell that he was trying very hard not to shout at her. Elizabeth pulled away from him and smiled, "Aw, how many times to I have to tell you call me Lizzie! Alice does. Oh, you are just the cutest thing every, really you are!" she squealed as she continued to hug him.
As the two nobles her hugging, Sebastian released Grell from his hanging. "Lady Elizabeth," the butler in black greeted the young lady, getting her attention away from Ciel.
Being polite, Elizabeth turned towards him and curtsy, "Oh, hello Sebastian, how are you?" she then noticed Grell being held by the collar of his coat, like a puppy in his hand, "Aw, you took him down?"
Sebastian just smiled, "Yes, he mars the beauty of the room."
"But I made such a lovely decoration out of him." Elizabeth pouted lightly.
"A decoration?"
"Yes! Just look at it all, isn't the salon is so cute now, isn't it?" Everyone looked around the decorated room, but only Elizabeth was beaming happily, while everyone else was cringing.
"My mansion... it's so pink..." Ciel groaned.
"From now on only the cutest things belong in the Phantomhive manor. Don't you agree, Antoinette?" Elizabeth smiled, turning to Tanaka. Even the poor old butler was forced to wear a curly wig, though he didn't seemed to mind or know he was wearing it. She then turned to Sebastian, "And I also have a gift for you too, Sebastian!" in half a second she put on a pink frilly bonnet on top of the butler's head, "There much better! You always wear black, I thought the color would be a nice change!" she smiled.
Bard, Finny and Mey-Rin were trying to hold in their laughter, as Sebastain stared them down with intent on killing them. They quickly shut up, knowing they'd get it later. The butler then noticed Alice turning the other way, her hand covering her mouth, as she shoulder shook uncontrollably. But unlike the servants, he couldn't stop her from laughing at him.
Still, the butler played it off, smiling and bowing at the young mistress, "I am deeply honored that you went to so much trouble for a humble servant. Your generosity overwhelms me."
Elizabeth smiled, "Happy to help!"
Ciel cleared his throat, getting their attention, "More importantly, Lizzie, what are you doing here? Auntie didn't let you come along?"
Elizabeth rushed back over to his side, grabbing his hands into her's, "I sneaked away because I wanted to see you silly!" she explained, pulling him into another bear hug.
"Y-You sneaked away?! Don't you think you'll get into trouble?" Ciel asked, trying to break free.
While the two young nobles were hugging, Alice walked over to Sebastian and Grell's side. The other butler readjusted his glasses looking at the blonde girl, "Excuse me, Sebastian, but who is this girl?"
"She is the daughter of the Marquess of Scotney. Her full christian name is Lady Elizabeth Ethal Cordelia Midford." Sebastian explained. Grell tried to re-say her full name but couldn't, "She is actually my young master's betrothed in several years."
"Ah, his fiance yes of course..." Grell nodded. It took him a moment to let those words sink into his brain, before he gasped out, "WHAT?!"
Even Bard, Finny and Mey-Rin were shocked, "MASTER?!" "MARRYING?!" "HER?!"
Of course Alice and Sebastian had know about Ciel and Elizabeth's relationship for years, "Lady Elizabeth is the daughter of a marquess after all. Nobles marry other nobbles, that is how it works." Sebastian added. He then noticed Alice turn away for a moment. She looked irritated, but she quickly turned back to her cousins, giving them a pity smile.
"Oh I know! Now that the manor is decorated so prettily, why don't we have a ball tonight?!" Elizabeth suggested pulling away from Ciel, who wasn't took keen on the idea, "You can be my escort and we'll dance around all night long! Isn't that I wonderful idea!" she asked, twirling Ciel around one last time.
"A ball? No-" Ciel tried to protest, but Elizabeth wasn't listening.
"You will wear the clothes I picked out for you, won't you? Pretty please? they'll look so cute on you!"
Ciel was loosing his passions, "Listen I don't want-"
"And of course I'll be dressed to the nines as well! Oh and so will Alice!" the brunettes eyes widened in worry, "Yes! We'll all dress up, and dance the night away!" Elizabeth rushed over, grabbing Alice's hand, and the noose around Grell's neck, "Let's go Alice and pick out our dresses! And you come with me, I want to make you cuter then you already are!" with unbelievable force she dragged Alice and Grell out of the room.
Alice gasped in surprise as Grell, screamed for help. Just as soon as they were out the door, Alice heard Ciel shout, "Wait, but I said no ball!"
Elizabeth had dragged Alice and Grell into her gust bedroom, before barricading the poor butler in the bathroom, allowing for the girls to get dressed. Alice groaned tiredly, laying her body down on the bed.
"Lizzie... I don't know if this is a good idea..."
"Oh come on! it will be fun! It will be just like old times!" Elizabeth smiled, while she was rubbishing through the wrapped packages she had bought in town today.
"Like old times..." Back then, we didn't realize just how lucky we really were. Ciel and Lizzie were so young back then, but so was I. We were all happy, with not a care in the world. Even when we were given everything because we were wealthy and spoiled, all really wanted was to be together. But the deaths of Auntie Rachel and Uncle Vincent still lingered in our minds, and whatever happened to Ciel when he was missing. It was like the world just decided to be cruel on the innocent. Why though? Why Ciel and his family, as well as my mother and Baron, why did they have to suffer when they didn't do anything wrong? Everyone wants to move on, mother, Ciel... except for Lizzie, who was still holding on. I wanted to hold on just as badly, but... I'm too old to hold on to childish things...
"Oh yes! This one you must wear, I picked it out just for you!" Elizabeth cried out, getting her cousin's attention. Alice stood up, her eye's nearly popped out of her skull, as her face went white. The dress was light purple with off the shoulder sleeves, it was big and puff, with white frills and fake dark purple flowers attached along the corset, the shoulders and the front and back skirt. "You will look so stunning in it!" Alice could see the sparkles in the young girl's eyes.
"That looks more like a wedding cake then a dress!" Alice argued back.
"Oh come on Alice! Please! You always wear dark blue and black. Why not try a different color?"
Alice frowned at her cousin's puppy face and the dress she was clutching. Now of course this ball was just between three cousins, and nobody else besides the servants would be attending, which is fine. The only problem for Alice was that the current butler in black would see her in it and that along was enough to make her skin crawl. Like he doesn't look at me enough already! "Sorry Lizzie, but your ball is only going to have two guests." she crossed her arms, closed her eyes and turned her head, trying to be firm.
There was a moment of silence, which bothered Alice, usually Elizabeth would be throwing a little tantrum, or try to negotiate her into doing something different but still in the way she wants it. Opening one eye, Alice saw Elizabeth's wide eyes full of tears, ready to fall down her face, as her shoulders shook. "That is not going to work Lizzie," the young girl then blinked, and a waterfall of salty tears fell down her cheeks. Yet she didn't cry out. Alice clutched her fists, "Stop it right now," the tears didn't stop, and her noise started to run. Alice could feel her heart beat faster, as much as she wanted to be strict, she couldn't do it to Elizabeth. She crashed, "OH FINE!"
Like a switch Elizabeth's face was dry with a big happy smile, "Yay!" she pushed the dress into Alice's arms. "You go get dressed in your room, and I'll get the servants ready!"
"But, don't you need help getting dressed?" Alice asked.
"I'll get the maid to do it, after she's done with you! Now hurry!" Elizabeth ordered, shooing her hand away. As Alice walked out closing the door, she could hear from inside, "Okay Grell, your turn!" followed by him screaming for mercy.
Alice sighed out, carrying the dress with her back to her room, "Why can't this day just end?" while walking down the hall, she passed by Ciel's study, the door was slightly opened and she heard talking. Wondering what her cousin was up to, she peeked her eyes through the door. She was shocked to see Ciel taking dancing lessons with Sebastian; his hand was around the butler's waist as they held hands together, Sebastian started to guide Ciel as they twirled. Alice tried to hold in her giggles, seeing how embarrassed Ciel was acting. Awe, poor boy. She watched them a little closer as Ciel kept stepping on Sebastian's feet.
Finally they stopped, "Your instinct for dancing is not so much as lacking as catastrophic, my lord," Sebastian sighed with a smile, "You mustn't simply hang off me-"
"You're too tall, it's not working!" Ciel snapped, pulling away from the butler.
"Most importantly, you must first do something about that glum expression," Sebastian leaned down, placing one hand on Ciel's shoulder while using his other one to pull at his cheek, trying to get him to smile, "It's rude to the lady. Now, let's have a smile, pretend like you're having fun." Sebastian smiled, to which Alice guessed that this was probably the only time he was allowed to mess with his master.
But the lady saw how ticked off Ciel was getting, "That's enough! Let me go!" he shouted swatting Sebastian's hand away, turning his back on the butler, "I can't smile, I forgot how... I don't know how to pretend like I'm having fun..." Ciel frowned, as he rubbed his thumb over his father's ring he wore.
Alice frowned as well, hearing her cousin's struggle. She leaned her back against the wall, sighing quietly. She wished she could help him, but he had become so isolated that not even she is allowed to get too close to him. You are still loved Ciel, don't ever forget that... With a heavy heart, Alice kept walking to her room.
Alice shut her door and went over to the large mirror on the wall, since she mostly wore dresses that weren't big and frilly, it was easy to undress herself. Untying her corset dress, and taking off her dressed shirt, she place her clothes neatly on her bed, before grabbing the purple frilly ball gown. She stared down at it in her hands, wondering how this situation couldn't get any worse?
Apparently the universes hated her, because someone knocked on her door, before opening it. Alice assumed it was the maid, "Ah, Mey-Rin, I could use some assi- AAAAAHHHHH!" her eyes were as wide as dinner plates as Sebastian stood by the door. Her mouth was opened, and her face was now red as an apple. Thank god the dress she was holding was three-times her size, as she held it up to covering herself, "S-Sebastian?! What are you- Get out!"
However the butler didn't listen to her order, as he shut the door behind him, "I noticed that while you were 'checking in' on my lord in his study, you were carrying that dress. And I thought that you might need some help." his cat-like grin sent a shiver down Alice's back, her palms went sweaty, being called out that she was spying.
"Then why not call Mey-Rin? It's her job to help 'women' get dressed!" Alice glared at him, trying to act firm and not so embarrassed.
"Mey-Rin is unfortunately busy with lady Elizabeth at the moment."
"Then I'll wait! So please leave!" Alice was starting to beg, her body shivering slightly.
But Sebastian would not listen, as he walked closer to her, "It's really no trouble lady Alice, I have had experiences with dressing women."
"Right, I bet you do..." Alice whispered, backing away from him, till her back hit the wall. She was cornered, looking up at the butler's crimson eyes that seemed to glow, but she figured it was the trick on the light from the window. They stared at each other for a good long minute, neither one saying anything, Alice could only hear her heart beating faster and faster. Finally she caved, looking down so not to face him, "I just need help lacing the back... But can you please turn around so I can put it on first?" she shyly said.
Sebastian smirked, "Of course , my lady," he stepped back and turned around, giving her some privacy.
Bloody bastard. Alice glared him down at the back of his head, before stepping into the large dress on. She held the front up so it wouldn't drop below her chest, before turning her back to Sebastian, "Alight, you can look now."
Sebastian smirked at her shoulder's tumbled. Moving very close he lifted her brown hair up, making her gasp in surprise, "Forgive me, my lady, but your long hair blocks the back," he gently moved her hair so it would fall over her shoulder, exposing her back and neck. His eye-lids were half closed as he stared at her fair-skin. He picked up the lace and began to lace the dress up, taking his sweet time.
Alice felt like she was holding her breath as he gently pulled the lace, not too tight just enough for the corset to keep it's support, "A-Are you done yet?" Alice asked, her voice begging he was.
"Almost..." Sebastian tied the lace up in a bow, then gently pulled her hair back down. Brushing his gloved fingers through her brown locks one more time, before stepping back, "There you go, all done."
Alice took a big sigh in relief, relaxing her shoulders. But then realized he was now going to see the final project; her wearing this purple filly dress that probably made her look like a doll. Just get it over with Alice... she told herself, before turning around for him to see.
There was another moment of silence as Sebastian stared down at the young woman in the ball gown, her cheeks blushing red, gripping the skirt as she look to the side, daring not to look at him in the face. Finally he spoke, "That is quite a gown," that was probably the nicest comment he could give her, "However," he moved close to her again, Alice shut her eyes waiting for something bad to happen, "Blue, suits you much better~" he whispered in her ear.
Alice blinked her eyes open, looking up to he him smiling like the time they were in the garden with the black cat. Alice struggled to speak, before finally saying, "T-Thank you, Sebastian..."
"You are most welcome," and just like that everything was back to normal, "Do pardon me, I must now help my master before the ball." giving a slight bow, he left her room, closing the door.
Alice placed her hand over her beating chest. Dammit why...? Why I'm a like this when I'm around you?
Alice made her way downstairs to the main room, where she saw Elizabeth and the servants. Elizabeth had made Bard, Finny, and Tanaka change into different clothes with the same theme as the rest of manor. And then she saw Grell. Elizabeth made him wear a white filly dress that was below the knees and had big bows all over that would make anyone cringe.
"How...awful! This is the most humiliation outfit ever!" he whined looking himself in the mirror.
"I think you're going to have to make peace with it," Bard said, patting the butler on the shoulder.
"This dress... it's atrocious so white and girly and frilly! If I had to dress up, why can't it be in a sexy shade of red with a waste-line that would flatter my figure?" He complained, getting on his knees dramatically.
Alice, and the other servant's raised their brows, "That's you problem?" Brad asked.
"I can't live with a shame as deep as this! No, I'd rather die!" Grell dramatically rushed to the window, opening it and was ready to jump out. This time however, everyone waited and watched. Grell turned to them, looking innocently confused, "Um... you aren't going to try and stop me this time?" they stared at him with deadpan expressions.
Alice shook her head, leaving the boys to deal with Grell's problem. She walked over to Elizabeth, who had changed into a diffrent dress that was modeled the same as her other one, except this one was cherry-red with pink frills. Elizabeth noticed Alice through the mirror and turned around, her eyes twinkled and the smile on her face grew, "Oh Alice! That dressed look absolutely wonderful on you!" she rushed over to her cousin, grabbing her hands they twirled around, "I judged right!" she giggled happily.
"I-I'm glad you think so!" Alice said, feeling dizzy, "And you look cute as well."
Elizabeth smiled, and hugged Alice around the waste, "Tonight will be so much fun!," she then turned to Mey-Rin, "Now, time to get you dressed up. I'm make you so adorable!" she smiled, reaching out to take her glasses.
Mey-Rin panicked, frantically backing away, "I-I'm really far-sighted, I can't see anything without my glasses, my lady!"
But Elizabeth wasn't listening, walking towards her again, "You don't have to see the ball to have fun! Now hand those over silly!" she tried to get a hold of the glasses again, as Mey-Rin tried to hold them in place.
"Just leave her alone." Ciel's voice echoed through the room. Everyone turned to see the earl of Phantomhive, dressed in a long waistcoat and knickerbockers that was a royal blue, with a white ruffle tie. And on top of his head was a decritive hate that was the same color of blue with a striped ribbon.
Alice let out a whistle smirking, which got a tiny reaction from Ciel, his cheeks turning pink.
Elizabeth smiled, "Ciel! You look adorable!" she cheered, rushing over to her fiance as he walked down the stairs. Grabbing his hands she twirled him around, "That outfit is absolutely perfect!" but she then stopped, glancing down at his hand. Noticing the his blue ring, her smile quickly turned into a deep frown, as she narrowed her eyes at him, "Ciel, why aren't you wearing the ring I bought you? It matches your clothes perfectly now were is it?"
Ciel, though slightly nervous, gently pulled back, "The one I already have on is fine." he calmly said.
But Elizabeth immediately started throwing a tantrum, "No! I went to so much trouble that ring isn't cute at all!" she flailed her arms around barking, before she turned away dropping to her knees crying, "Why would you wear the ring I pick out especially for you? You're so cruel! I just wanted everything to be perfect..."
Alice and Ciel sighed as Elizabeth went on. Finally Ciel said, "That's not the reason, Lizzie this ring is-"
But as Ciel was trying to explain, Elizabeth smirked, and jumped at him, "Ha, fooled you!" she snatched the ring away, "It's mine now!"
Ciel did't see the humor in her little tantrum trick, "Lizzie..." narrowing his eyes, he growled slightly.
Elizabeth led up the ring to her eye, examining it, "This ring is far too big, the one I picked out will fit perfectly. Just put it on-"
Give it back!" Ciel snapped. The servant's and Alice's eyes widened, surprised to hear Ciel shout, and at Elizabeth of all people. Alice was starting to worry, something bad was about to happen. And while Ciel and Elizabeth would never admit it, one of the only things they had in common is short-patience. Ciel narrowed his eyes at Elizabeth, holding his hand out, "Give me that ring, now Elizabeth."
Elizabeth frowned, confused and slightly terrified, "W-Why are you so angry? I just... wanted..." Ciel narrowed his eyes even further, making her take a step back as she clutched the ring to her chest, "What's wrong? I just wanted to make everything look adorable that's all... So why- why are you angry?!" With tears in her eyes she shouted, "I hate this ring! Take it!" She lifted her hand high up, and throw the ring as hard as she could on the floor, breaking it as shattering the jewel.
Alice gasped out, as she saw Ciel shook in anger, glaring at Elizabeth, Oh no! He rushed out to Elizabeth, raising his arm up. Elizabeth gasped out, shutting her eyes. Alice tried to rush over and stop him, but she would reach him in time, "Ciel-!"
But just before he could lay his hand on her, Sebastian grabbed it. That seemed to snap Ciel out of it, as he turned to his butler, "Master... you forgot the walking stick we went to so much trouble to get." he wrapped his arm around Ciel, placing his walking stick in his raised hand. Ciel took deep breaths trying to calm himself down, realizing what he had almost done. Alice took a big sigh of relief.
Sebastian stood in front of Ciel, to the crying Elizabeth. He placed his hand over his chest, closing his eyes, "Forgive my master lady Elizabeth, the ring was something very impotent. It was a precious heirloom passed down to the head of the Phantomhive family. He has grown quite attached to it, it is truly one of a kind," he explained, "Please tried to understand why it upset him."
Elizabeth gasped, as gilt washed over her, "It was that important...? And I destroyed it...?" Ciel then picked up the broken ring from the floor, looking down at it. With no expression on his face, he walked over to the window Grell had left opened, "Ciel I-" Elizabeth tried to say. But then Ciel throw the ring out the window, making everyone gasp, "Ciel wait, what are you doing?!" Elizabeth cried, rushing over to the window.
"It doesn't matter. It was nothing but an old ring, after all," Ciel said, walking away from the window, "Even without it, I am still the head of the Phantomhives! And that won't change!" He declared to everyone in the room, even Sebastian got a reaction out of his master words, before going back to his cocky smile.
Elizabeth had begun to cry again. Ciel walked up to her, "How long are you going to cry?"
She looked up at him, tears running down her face, "I-I...I'm so sorry," she sniffled.
Ciel sighed, pulling out his handkerchief, and wiped her face dry, "Your face is a mess, completely unsuitable for a lady," he led it up to her noise as she blew into it. Ciel slight smiled, it was genuine, but it was enough, "How could I possibly ask a lady with a runny noise and puffy eyes to dance?"
"To dance...?"
Suddenly the elegant sound of a violin played though out the room. Everyone turned there attention to Sebastian at the top of the stair playing beautiful music. "Wow.." Alice blinked, was there nothing this butler couldn't do?
Grell then smiled, "Ah! I'll join him!" rushing over to the bottom of the stairs, he began to sing like an opera singer. Alice and the servants eyes widened.
"What the hell? He can actually sing?!" Bard gasped in shock.
Ciel reached out his hand to Elizabeth, "So then, are we to agree, will forget our cares and dance the night away? It's decided."
Elizabeth still had tears in her eyes, but she wore a big smile, as her cheeks blushed, "Yes." she took his hand.
Alice smiled, relived that everything was now okay. Watching from the sidelines as her cousins danced around. That was way too close... thinking back to that moment, as she glanced up at the butler, Incredible how you were able to pull him out like that.
"Alice!" The young woman turned, seeing the Elizabeth smiling, "Come join us!"
Alice sighed and smiled, "If I must," she joked and walked over. And like they promised they all danced the night away. They all took turns dancing together, Ciel would which off between Elizabeth and Alice, and while his older cousin was much taller then him, he quickly got the hang of dancing with a tall person. Elizabeth would then dance with Alice, as Alice would playfully twirly her around, making giggle. It went on for hours, until Elizabeth tuckered herself out.
Falling asleep, Sebastian set the young lady in the carriage, placing a blanket over her, as everyone was outside watching her departure. Grell had offered to take her home, "Don't worry, I'm make sure she gets home safely." he assured them.
"Are you sure?" Alice asked, raising her brow. She knew Grell was a cults so he better at least be good at driving a carriage.
"Indeed, I'm more deadly efficient butler then I look," Alice raised her brow, not sure where he got that from. Grell then walked up to Sebastian, taking his hands and shook them, "Thank you so much Sebastian. I'm in your det, you've taught me a lot on what it means to be a butler." as he went on Sebastian let go of his hands, "They say that before a person dies, his life flashes before his eyes. I'm sure that if I die, the dreamland I saw tonight will flash before me over and over!"
Sebastian frowned as he raised his brow, "Hu, interesting how you would say that."
However the other servants didn't take him seriously, "That's true, he hasn't been very good at dying so far has he?' Mey-Rin joked, getting Tanaka to chuckle.
Alice sighed, laying down on her bed. Today had been exhausting, and she needed some well reserved rest. This time Mey-Rin help her get out of the frilly ball gown, "This was quiet a day, wasn't it?" Alice joked.
"Indeed it was lady Alice," Mey-Rin giggled, as she untied the corset, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but how did you manage to dress yourself my lady? I could have helped."
Alice's eyes widen slightly, turning her head to look back at the maid, "You mean... Were you not helping Lizzie get dressed?"
Mey-Rin shook her head. "No my lady, she was still picking out costumes and dresses for Bard, Finny and Grell."
Alice mind went blank for a second, thinking back to what Sebastian and said to her, "Mey-Rin is unfortunately busy with lady Elizabeth at the moment." before thinking, He was lying... she wasn't busy... he saw me half naked and he dressed me! her shoulders shook with furry as her face went bright red with anger and embarrassment.
Mey-Rin noticed, "Umm, is something the matter my lady?"
"Nope!" very quickly Alice pulled the dressed down and off of her. Stepping over it, she grabbed her nightgown off her bed and pulled it over her head. "Thank you for your help." She grumbled, before storming out her room, leaving Mey-Rin utterly shocked and confused.
Alice stormed down the hall in hot pursuit, looking for the creep. Till she spotted him carrying a candelabra. Sebastian noticed her walking very quickly towards him, "Lady Alice, is som-"
Sebastian didn't have time to react, Alice swung her hand up and slapped him on the cheek. His eyes widened slightly, as he was not expecting that. She glared daggers up at him, as if she was ready to tear him apart, "YOU... disgusting, repulsive, crude, pervert!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing down the halls. "How dare you take advantage of me like that!" Sebastian was taken aback by her screaming, coming to realize that she found out the truth, "What gives you the right to do something like that?!"
Sebastian smirked like a fox, placing his free hand over his chest, "Well, considering you laughed at me when I was forced to wear that pink bonnet, I thought it was only far to get back at you~" Alice growled low like a wild animal, her face redder then ever as he kept his innocent smirk, "Whoever, I didn't laugh at the sight of you when you wore that dress. I meant what I said-"
Alice suddenly grabbed his tie and pulled him down, shocking him more, "If you ever, lay a hand on me again... I don't care if your Ciel's butler, I WILL gut you like a fish, and leave you to bleed in an alley!" Alice was now panting, her cheeks flushed from her screaming. They both were silent at the moment, before Alice released him. She then humped loudly turning around, so her hair hit his face, before she calmly walked back to her room.
Sebastian straiten his poster, as he watched her walk away. His eyes glowed in the dark, as he chucked lightly, "Lady Alice, once again you've captured my attention."