Oh. Wow. Four months since my last update; four freakin' months. LOL, I'm so sorry to all those who had to wait to see what happened. xD But don't be expecting another update for another few months. I'm really, actually so surprised with myself that I even forced myself to continue writing this. I'm really bad with this stuff. And I have summer school (TT^TT) so that sucks many balls. SOOO BADDDD. UGH.
This is something I really must say before you begin to read this chapter - thank you to all those who reviewed. :'D it just makes me so happy. I love you all. *spreads around the hugs and kisses*
ANYWAYS. PLEASE ENJOY THIS CHAPTER.
Kuroshitsuji belongs to Toboso Yana; Spring Jade and the rest of the members of the Pearl Pagoda belong to me. :D
I felt… oddly content in the arms of this young boy as we stepped gracefully across the dance floor; the sounds of the orchestra floating behind us, leading us back and forth as we twirled and spun. At first, he seemed awkward, as though he was unused to dancing, but gradually I could feel his body relax against mine as we waltzed past other dapper couples moving just as elegantly as we. His grip on my hand was firm, yet gentle; the lingering touch on my waist hesitant. His face was set as though in deep concentration, and I resisted laughing at the spectacle. And yet, whenever those beautiful sapphire blue-eyes of his held mine, I could not help but flash him a tender smile; one that he would return with his own.
As we waltzed, I could feel the smooth silk of my kimono brush my bare legs, swelling and falling like ocean waves as they crashed against a sandy beach. The scent of my perfume wafted around us alluringly; I wondered if he enjoyed the fragrance of lilies and jasmine?
The song was soon over, much too quickly. I felt disappointment weigh heavily in my chest, but hardened my heart to the emotion; this was stupid. I was being stupid. Have I already became smitten with this boy; this stranger? I barely knew him. And yet, when I stared into those eyes, I couldn't help that compelling feeling as I was sucked into him, yearning for the stories of his past and present and future, hidden and yet unveiled within his gaze. I was struck by his beautifully boyish features; the pertness of his high nose; the gentle smile that would spread across his full lips. How I yearned to touch his smooth skin, to feel the softness of his lips upon mine… He was only inches away… I fought against the urge, pushing it from my mind. I was being girlish and silly; besides, I was already betrothed to Jianyu. He was my only one, true love.
Releasing his hand and stepping away, I felt flattered at the discontent that flashed upon his androgynous features, before they settled once more to one of neutrality, that small frown appearing in place of his gentle smile. We applauded politely along with the rest of the crowd.
"You are a wonderful dancer, Miss Spring Jade," he said in his lilting voice; one that struck the chords of my heart. I grit my teeth, refusing to let any words of my infatuation to spill from my mouth. "I hope I was not a burden."
I smiled at that, my teeth still grit together. Attempting to straighten out my chaotic qi, I took in a deep breath. "No," I said in a sugary-sweet voice; one I used with my customers. "You proved to be quite the dancer yourself, Sir Phantomhive." My smile widens. From the corner of my eye, I see one of the young men step forwards, to whisk me away from this young Earl. I feel something akin to horror suddenly spark through me, and I stepped towards him once more. He seems momentarily surprised; we're centimeters apart. Lowering my voice to a pitch that left most men panting, I murmured, "But why end the night now? Why not one more dance?"
I see the blush color Ciel's face. He opens his mouth, about to speak. Then, with another gentle smile that left my heart pounding in my chest, he nodded, his eyes holding a tenderness that had been so prominent in Jianyu. I bite my lip; my heart swells with pain.
"Of course," he said. "One last dance for you, Miss Spring Jade." And with that, he whisks me into his arms, and we begin to glide gracefully across the gleaming dance floor once more. Settling into his embrace, I close my eyes as he now leads me across the room, losing myself to the soft sounds of the orchestra, to the delicious scents all around me, and to the guilt and passion and lust that clutched my very being so tightly.
Sir Tyler's lips closed around the smoking tip of his pipe, inhaling the lusciously sweet scent of opium. He watched the men as they carried the crates back and forth, feeling minor pity for the pathetic spectacle. Silently, he wondered how heavy those boxes were, what with them being filled to the brim with opium poppies. Looking around, his lips curled into a leisurely smirk; everything was going as planned, and with the that nosy Phantomhive boy entertained by Lau's 'sister', things were running so smoothly. Without him in the way, this shipment could be delivered with ease and in return, he would soon find his pockets filled with more money than he could possibly need. Perhaps he'd buy his daughter another horse; buy his wife that diamond necklace she wanted so dearly…?
The sharp clicks of wooden heeled shoes caused the man to turn. As though materializing from the shadows, Lau stepped towards him, his infamous grin stretching across his handsome features, making him seem almost devilish underneath the firelight, like some sort of Chinese demon. Just beyond his shoulder was his personal assistant, Ran-Mao, that seemingly permanent look of boredom shaping her doll-like face.
"Ah," Lau said, stretching his arms open, the long silk sleeves of his teal Tangzhuang glimmering like the wings of a butterfly as they slipped down his arms, revealing the pale cream of his skin. "Isn't this just splendid? With the Earl occupied, there will be no one to distract us, or catch us." There was a hitch in his voice, Sir Tyler found, one that he didn't completely trust. However, he still flashed the Chinese man a broad grin.
"Yes," he replied, nodding his agreement. "This is wonderful. I cannot -" But he was cut off as a yell echoed off the stone walls of his garage. Whirling, the two watched as a boy no older than sixteen came sprinting towards them, sweat pouring down his dirty face, eyes wide in his fear.
Finally coming to a standstill before them, the boy doubled over, clutching his knees as he strained for breath. "Sir… Tyler…" He gasped out, mouth flapping open like a dying fish. "Sir… Tyler… There's been a-a… problem…"
Sir Tyler's eyes narrowed at that, his surprise clutching him in its firm grasp, his uncertainty a knot in his belly. Taking the pipe away from his mouth, he exhaled, overlooking the boy up and down. Beside him, the grin seemed to disappear off Lau's face as he watched the boy, his stance wary. However, several tense moments passed, and still, the boy was heaving for breath. Irritated now, Sir Tyler stamped his foot, catching everyone's attention.
"Well, what is this problem, boy?" He snapped, glaring at the gasping teenager. "Spit it out!"
"T-there was a man up there," the boy said, pointing at the balcony that overlooked the garage. "He was dressed in all black - a butler to one of the guests, I think. He saw us, Sir Tyler! I think he saw the men moving the crates and saw the opium being packaged away."
Now, Sir Tyler felt his fear suddenly overwhelm him. Dropping his pipe, the sound of the porcelain shattering filled the room as the white ashes spilled onto the cobblestone floor. Stumbling backwards, he was quickly helped upright by Lau, the Chinese man's grip firm on his shoulders. His fingers dug into thickness of his blazer, his hold surprisingly strong for one so slender. Face grave, Lau asked the boy,
"And what did this 'butler' look like?"
The boy was silent for a moment, hesitating. Then, he answered, "He was tall, with white skin, and eyes, red like a demons."
Red eyes? Lau thought to himself. No. It can't be… In a jolt, his eyes opened, revealing the dark brown of cunning chocolate orbs. "Aiya!" He swore, his hands tightening around Sir Tyler's shoulders. "And I thought that Sebastian would still be at the party…" He cursed himself, furious he forget to key in Sebastian as a factor. He knew that man was probably going to the young Earl now, and if the Earl found out about the opium shipment, he would tell the Queen, and their operation would be immediately shut down with him arrested.
"I-I can't go to jail!" Sir Tyler wailed, body trembling as he looked around wildly, his face whitening. "My family name would be ruined! This cannot go public!" Lau hissed something unintelligible under his breath as he whirled the man to face him. Drawing him close, he whispered in low, hushed tones, "Sir Tyler, please, I beg of you to calm down. What you need to do is to get the men organized and get the crates out as soon as you possibly can. This is extremely vital, and I assure you, this way we will not be arrested. Now hurry!" Then pulling away, he shoved the man forwards as he turned his attention to his ever-silent assassin. "Ran-Mao!" He called out, voice urgent. "Let's get Spring Jade; we're leaving."
Charles Grey let out a yawn as he turned onto his side, his naked body sliding against the smooth sheets of the silk covers. Beside him, Ivory Blossom was asleep, her expression serene as she breathed slowly, in and out, in and out. Her long lashes trembled as her eyes flickered underneath the thinness of her eyelids. For a moment, her expression seemed to twist to one of pain, before her features smoothed out, her face becoming that of a perfect mask once more.
Charles Grey was silent as he examined the beautiful woman, his heart filling with a sense of fluffy pleasure and absolute bliss. She was such a divine creature, so gorgeous and so elegant, and as such he felt himself so pulled towards her; she was like an enigma, her secrets waiting to be solved only by him.
Silently, he pushed himself up onto his elbow, reaching forwards to caress her smooth cheek. Yet, as his fingers lingered inches away from her face, he hesitated as a sense of guilt began to knot in his stomach - a heavy burden against the joy he had previously felt. This was wrong what he was doing, so absolutely and completely wrong. He felt disgusted with himself - why had he so willingly submitted himself to this… this… whore? Suddenly angry, he shoved away from Ivory Blossom as he sat up in a swift movement, the silk of her bed covers sliding off his chest as he turned away from the slumbering woman, his legs swinging over the side of the bed. Brooding in his self-disgust, he let his eyes trail absentmindedly over the plains of his now exposed body. Was that a… bruise on his inner left thigh? And when had he gained that massive red welt on his right hip? In a moment of childish fury, he brought his fist down on the bed, his chest heaving as he fought for breath.
After a few moments, he felt his anger slowly dissipate as he began to calm down. Turning to look over his shoulder, he saw Ivory Blossom still sleeping, her expression one of great peace. She really was so beautiful. Witty, too. A perfect woman, he thought, in almost every aspect. That is, despite her job. A tide of emotion washed through him as his grey eyes stared so deeply at her, his lips breaking into a small smile. But then, that smile only turned into a frown as he remembered his place and his duty.
Why was he so… scared? Was that even the right word? Yes, it probably was. Why was he so frightened to admit the feelings he had for the woman? Why was he acting so childish - like an adolescent boy would be scared to court the young woman he loved, he was scared to admit that yes, he was beginning to become infatuated with this Chinese woman. But why? Noblemen became infatuated with these "flower" girls all the time, didn't they? It wasn't uncommon. After all, the first time he came here, he was sure he had seen a couple men from Her Majesty's social circle. And yet, as he watched as this woman slumbered, he could feel his heart be torn in two ways - to accept that yes, he was falling in love; or, to deny that simple, obvious fact, and push her away because he had a job he had to complete. But couldn't he complete this job with her at his side?
Perhaps he should just kill her now so that he would be saved of all this trouble. On the ground, he could see the hilt of his sword glimmer underneath the messy pile of clothing.
No, no, no, no, NO. He was being stupid. Absolutely foolish. What would that accomplish anyway? He would be framed for murder, jailed, and left with nothing else but a broken heart and so much guilt. Perhaps he wouldn't be jailed, for he was the Queen's butler, but a broken heart didn't sound quite so wonderful either.
With a groan, Charles buried his face in his hands, his fingers rubbing at tired eyes. Why. Was. He. So. Goddamn. Stupid? Bringing his hands down his face, he scrubbed at his cheeks in an attempt to inflict physical pain on himself.
He was a terrible person. Really, truly, so terrible. What would happen when the mission was complete? It was obvious Ivory Blossom was infatuated with him too (and no, he was not being arrogant), so when his job was finished and his time here over, what would happen to her? Would she be sad? Depressed? Angry? Oh God, there really were way too many conflicting emotions.
But wasn't this his duty to the Queen? It had always been this way - complete something, and it'd be over with. No buts, can't's, no's, don't's. As always, he would get it done with the same ruthless efficiency - stone-cold, no emotion. But, with Ivory Blossom in the way, everything just became so much more exponentially complicated. He wasn't supposed to fall in love, so why was he? Was he really so weak as to become smitten with the first beautiful woman he became close to?
Charles let out a barely suppressed growl, his teeth chomping down on his fingers as he remembered Ivory Blossom was still sleeping. Turning once more to overlook her, he was surprised to see she was actually awake, her amber eyes staring up at him, her gaze foggy with sleep. She blinked once, twice.
"Sir Charles, is that you?"
He nodded. "Yes, Miss Ivory Blossom. It is I. I'm terribly to have awoken you," he said this sincerely, for he felt truly guilty. But why? Was it because of those murderous thoughts he had imagined just minutes ago? He pushed them away, disgusted with himself. He turned to fully face her. "Is there anything wrong?"
But the woman merely shook her head, yawning as she did so. "No, it's quite all right. I was just wondering were you were. I was surprised for a moment." As she said that, her lips curled into a lazy smile, her eyes clouding over. Was she imagining last night? "Are you fine, Sir Grey?"
"Charles," he corrected her. "Just Charles. And yes, I'm fine. Do not worry about me, Ivory Blossom."
The Chinese woman's smile just widened. "Alright then, 'Just Charles'. Please come back to me; it's cold without you at my side." With that, she mocked shivered, her voice lusty, as though craving for his body once more. Charles could only smile at that. Perhaps he should just forget his worries; for now. After all, there was this beautiful woman lying before him, all naked and that. Perhaps he should just enjoy the moment for what it was worth; enjoy all the time he had left with her. Anyways, no one could say no to that pleading glimmer in such wonderful amber eyes, could they? Crawling back over to her side, he gathered her in his arms, forgetting everything as desire once more overwhelmed his senses.
Tap, tap, tap.
His movements were as silent as a ghost's, steps fleeting as he stole through the silent hallways. This was the way, was it not? At the moment, the only thing on his mind was passing the information he had acquired to his Master.
He couldn't really care of what happened when this façade of a party was to end, and he couldn't care less of what happened to those men who were to be incriminated. Really, all he cared about was devouring Ciel's soul.
What he did not know, however, was that in a separate hallway, Lau and Ran-Mao were rushing back to the same ballroom he was hurrying to, their movements just as fast. What he didn't know was that they were desperate to keep their secret hidden; desperate for no one to find out of the operation that was being run behind the scenes. What he didn't know was that they were desperate word did not escape to Ciel Phantomhive.
And what he didn't know was that they only thing they wanted to do was to get the ballroom before he did.
Ciel Phantomhive was in a daze as he danced back and forth, Spring Jade in his arms. They whirled across the ballroom floor as he moved with a grace even he did not imagine he possessed. She smiled up at him, battering long lashes against the emerald of her wide eyes. Her hand was light on his shoulder; her fingers entwined with his own. To the side, he could see through the corner of his eye young men watching them as they danced past, mild loathing glimmering in their eyes. Yet, all he could focus on was the beautiful young woman that stood before him - only she filled his eyes and his thoughts at the moment. He had never met someone so stunning and yet so modest; brilliant and yet diffident. She was just so fascinating…
But why was he so intrigued by her? Was this what they called… infatuation? Was he… smitten with the girl? Really now, he had no time for trivial things such as love -
Suddenly, Spring Jade let out a gasp, her eyes widening as she noticed something just beyond his shoulder. She stumbled in his arms, almost bringing the two of them down if he had not wrapped his arm securely around her waist, suddenly pulling her into his slightly taller body. Clutching her tiny hand tighter, he straightened, her head knocking gently against his chest at the movement. To those dancing, it'd seem nothing more than an act of innocent intimacy; to those who were watching the pair closely, they could see that falter in the rhythm; in the beat and in the time.
"Are you alright, Miss Spring Jade?" He murmured when she recovered, her forehead leaning against his shoulder. "That was rather unexpected."
"I'm so terribly sorry, Sir Phantomhive," she apologized. "I think I saw Lau."
Lau? Ciel's eyes narrowed. Where had that goddamn Chinese man been this entire party? It was he who forced him to come anyways. Then again, if he had not come, he wouldn't have met this beautiful girl… God! Why was he acting like this? Shaking his head, his gaze softened as she stared back up at him, expression apologetic. Suddenly, he felt misery swell through him - she of had to leave.
"Is it time for you to depart, Miss Spring Jade?"
Spring Jade's emerald eyes glimmered with regret. "I must, Sir Phantomhive," She replied, looking away. His arm tightened around her waist, as though he refused to let her leave, though he knew she must. Before he could say anything otherwise, Spring Jade continued. "Let us finish this last dance, though."
Ciel nodded at the thought. "A wonderful idea, Miss Spring Jade." He replied, letting his lips curl into a small, genuine smile. Was it that he really was happy to have her in his company? Did he still even feel happiness? And yet, as he embraced her tighter, he couldn't stop the flood of emotion in his chest.
The song ended, much too quickly, Ciel decided. They stopped in their dancing, and he unwound his arm sullenly from around her waist. Applauding with the rest of the crowd, Spring Jade turned her attention to him as she curtsied deeply to his being; in return, he gave her a bow. As she straightened, so did he.
"It is time I go now, Sir Phantomhive," Spring Jade murmured in her gentle intonation, holding his gaze with her green eyes. Bright sapphire stared deep into vivid emerald. Her gaze flashed past his shoulder, and he turned, to see Lau smiling at her, Ran-Mao at his shoulder, his hand held up as though beckoning her over. Turning to face her once more, he saw she was staring up at him with a sad smile. "I hope to see you again."
Ciel took a step forwards as he took her small hand in his own. Leaning forwards, he pressed a soft kiss to her hand, her skin as soft as silk against his lips. "Yes," he breathed against her. "I do hope to see you again."
Ciel felt an emotion almost bordering grief fill his heart as she curtsied once more, before hurrying over to Lau's side. They exchanged a couple words, before she nodded and his grin widened. Ciel watched as she flashed him one more glance, before she was ushered away. And as she stepped away, the two sticks that had been set in her hair slid out, clattering to the floor as she disappeared, not even noticing they had gone. Ciel took a step forwards, picking them off the ground, testing their weight in his hands as he stared in the direction she had left.
There was a silent whoosh. Just beyond his shoulder, he felt a demon's presence. All of a sudden, the rosy passion he may have once previously felt all but disappeared as a sense of business-like determination filled him, darkening his heart as his expression went stone-cold. Pocketing the sticks, he did not turn to face his butler as he addressed him.
"What happened, Sebastian?"
Heh. Heh. Heh. I forgot Charles Grey had sex with Ivory Blossom in the previous chapter. xD YAY. SEX (I just had to embolden that word). And I always thought Charles Grey seemed a little... gay in the manga. ;D *insert trollface here*
So yes. That there is Chapter 7. I think. I hope you enjoyed. :P
PLEASE RATE&REVIEW. I love you all.
BAIBAI. See you later.