Artemis sat on Ciel left, waiting. As Sebastian began to serve Ciel his breakfast everyone heard screaming. Heads turned and Grell crashed through the doors. Artemis watched as Grell crashed the cart into Finny,' No one can be that hopeless' Artemis thought as he watched Grell pull the table-cloth off, taking Ciel's breakfast with it. A loud sigh came from Ciel as he placed a hand to his head.
Bard Roy leaned close to Ciel. "Master why'd you take on a useless idiot?" he asked.
"You're one to talk." Ciel said. "It didn't seem like a bad idea at the time."
Artemis watched as Ciel closed his eyes, frustrated. Then Artemis moved his eyes to Grell. ' Was that…' Artemis narrowed his eyes '…red hair?' Artemis looked closer. 'There!' Artemis looked at Grell and saw a glimmer of red in the brown hair.
"I thought only Sebastian would be the one inconvenienced. I never expected for me to be affected by it as well." Ciel explained. Tanaka laughed.
"I'm so sorry for causing this much trouble." Artemis looked back at Grell. The butler was on his knees. "I simply don't know how I'll atone... Wait!" He yelled, grabbing a knife. 'What!?' Artemis thought, standing, 'Is he going to kill himself!?'
" The only thing I can do now is kill myself." Grell said, bring the knife close to his neck. Artemis ran over to Grell or was about to when a gloved hand stopped him. Artemis looked up to see Sebastian's smiling face.
" Please, let me take care of this." Sebastian said. Artemis slowly nodded and the butler walked off.
"There's no need to kill yourself." Everyone was giving Sebastian a strange look. Artemis looked at Sebastian like he was a complete stranger. " Think about the mess you would make, It'll take hours to clean up all the blood." All of a sudden Grell looked like he was blessed by god. " Thank You Sebastian, you're so very kind." Artemis just stared. 'That is not kindness'
The other servants thought so as well. "That's kindness?" Bard asked the other two servants. They shook there heads 'no'.
"What I want to know is how you can serve the Master such weak tea." Sebastian walked over to a table, placing a teapot on the wood. "Now watch me a spoon for each person and one more for the pot." Sebastian said as he put the dried tea leaves inside the teapot. "Next add a pint of boiling water and let it steep until dark." Sebastian said as he placed hot water in the pot.
Artemis glanced at the other servants, noticing that the destructive servants were awfully quiet. They were taking notes, while Grell had his hands clasped together and stared dreamily at Sebastian.
Sebastian served the tea. Master are you ready it is almost time we have the carriage waiting for you outside." Sebastian said, taking out his silver pocket watch. Ciel stood. " Fine." Ciel glanced at Artemis. " Let's go Artemis." The genius stood, following Ciel out of the building. " Now I want this place absolutely spotless understand." Artemis heard Sebastian say as he walked. ' Everything is going to be a mess when we come back.'
It was noon when they reached that cane shop. Walking inside Artemis looked around. "Oh, hello boy" the man behind the counter said. "Did your father send you for something?" Artemis saw Ciel's eyes narrow. ' This might not end well.'
"Actually he's here on his own business we need to pick this up" Sebastian handed the old man a piece of paper.
"Oh you here for that walking stick," The man walked behind to the drawers "I was wondering who would have a use as short as this" The man opened a drawer." Naturally I didn't think a child-"He was cut off as Sebastian held the end of the walking stick to the man's face.
Straight as an arrow, a magnificent stick indeed sir. "Sebastian paid the man and they walked out. "Keep the change, good day" Sebastian said as they left. Artemis sighed.
"That ridiculous strength of Finny is a menace. How could someone accidentally break a walking stick? It's a pain to order a new one" Ciel complained. "Indeed sir, pity to go into all that trouble, you haven't had a growth spurt in years." Artemis lifted a hand to his mouth, smiling.
"And speaking of trouble I don't how well Grell is going to work out. We shouldn't stay away for too long." Artemis glanced at Sebastian " What about the other servants, last time there was a hole in the roof." Sebastian sighed " Yes, the others might cause even more trouble, especially with Grell."
"Look mama! It's the brand new toy from Funtom, see!" A boy said. Artemis looked at the boy pointing at a stuffed rabbit with an eye patch.
Ciel walked up to the huge double doors with Artemis and Sebastian following. Sebastian opened the door and Artemis's eyes widened. " What on earth?" Artemis whispered. Ciel just stared in shock. Sebastian looked at them both strangely. "What's the matter?" and he turned to see the inside.
" What happened?" Artemis asked. I'd like to know that as well." Said Sebastian walking inside. All of a sudden a door slammed opened. Bard, Finny, and Meirin ran out screaming "Sebastian!". They latched on Sebastian. "What's going on here?" asked Sebastian. "And what are you wearing. You look ridiculous." "She's crazy, crazy!" Bard yelled
"Who is crazy?" demanded Ciel tired of not knowing what was going on. Artemis heard the sound of choking over the crying servants. " In here." Artemis said as he walked to a door. Sebastian and Ciel followed. Inside Artemis saw Grell hanging from a cord.
"What are you doing now?" Ciel yelled as they walked inside the room. "I believe I'm in the process of dying, Master Ciel." Ciel sighed. "Get him down." Ciel ordered Sebastian. As Sebastian went to get Grell down something ran past and grabbed Ciel. ' Who is that?' thought Artemis. The girl had blond hair and green eyes, wearing a orange and white dress.
" Ciel!" the girl yelled. ' He must know her…family or fiancée?' Artemis pondered. " Elizabeth what are you doing here?" Ciel asked, while he was being hugged. " I came to see you silly and call me Lizzy." she said, smiling happily. " Don't you love what I did to the place." Elizabeth said gesturing to the room.
"Only the cutest things will belong in the Phantomhive Mansion, right Aunt Twelet." Everyone turned to see Tanaka in a wig. ' What on earth?' "Oh and Tanaka." Sebastian sounded disturbed.
" I have a present for you too Sebastian." Elizabeth said. "Oh?" Sebastian turned to Elizabeth and she put a pink burette on him. "You're always dressed in black I thought this would be a nice change, what do you think?" Artemis wanted to laugh, but seeing Sebastian's glare at the other servants made him be quiet. Being quiet was the right choice as Bard, Finny, and Meirin were on the ground, bleeding, with a sword passing through them.
Artemis turned to Sebastian. He was bowing and thanking Elizabeth, no matter how much he hated the gift. Elizabeth glanced at Artemis. " Oh! And who are you?!" She asked as she ran up to Artemis. Blinking Artemis introduced himself. " My name is Artemis, and you are?" Elizabeth smiled. " My name is Elizabeth, but call me Lizzy!"
" Elizabeth what are you doing here?" Ciel asked. " Sebastian who is the young lady?" Artemis turned to see Grell had recovered. " Her name is Elizabeth Middleford. She is Master's fiancée." Artemis wasn't that surprised.
" I have an idea." Everyone turned to Elizabeth " Let's have a ball!" Ciel looked shocked. " Wait what-!" Elizabeth ignored Ciel " I have the cutest outfit for the ball!" Ciel tried to stop Elizabeth, but she ran out of the room.
Artemis was working on his paperwork. Ciel rested his head on the desk. "I believe the wises choice will be to go along with her plan. I don't think she'll listen to reason." Sebastian said, pouring tea. Ciel pulled his head up. "Can't you give her some tea or something and get her out of here? I don't have time for a stupid ball." Ciel said.
"My Lord, Lady Elizabeth would like a dance with you. You cannot refuse her." Ciel look away. It was quiet for a few moments. The only sound was Artemis's quill writing. "Master." Ciel looked at Sebastian. "What is it now?" he asked.
"I've never seen you dance, but I assume that you can." Ciel just put papers in front of his face. '' So he can't dance' Artemis noted. "Oh I see. That explains why you're a wall flower at social engagements." Sebastian said as he cut a slice of cake.
"My Lord." Sebastian said as he leaned into Ciel's face. " Dancing is a necessary skill for someone in your position to have. Social contacts are important to maintain. The world expects noble gentleman to have some dancing skills. If you turn down many invitations because you cannot dance your status will suffer greatly." Sebastian explained. Artemis hid a smirk.
"Alright I'll do it, now stop the lecture." Ciel said "Call me a private tutor."
Sebastian looked at his stopwatch. "I'm afraid we don't have time for a tutor My Lord. There's only one option." Sebastian closed his stopwatch and put a hand on his chest. "With your permission I'll become your tutor." Artemis stopped writing.
"Don't be ridiculous! I will not take dancing instructing from a man! Do you even know how to dance!?" Ciel yelled.
"The Victorian Waltz is my specialty. I was a guest from a few royal balls from time to time." Sebastian explained, hand on his chin. "Now will you do me the honor of a dance My Lady?" Sebastian held out a hand to a bewildered and possibly horrified Ciel.
A few moments later, Ciel kept stepping on Sebastian's feet. Artemis kept writing, until. " You're too tall!" Ciel yelled. Sebastian smirked." Well than let's have someone around your height." Sebastian turned to Artemis. " Artemis, could you please come here for a moment?" Artemis stopped writing. " Artemis!? Can he even dance?" Ciel demanded.
" Well let's find out." Sebastian said. Artemis sighed. " Artemis, come here." Placing his quill down Artemis walked over to Sebastian. " What is it?" Artemis asked. " I need you to help Master dance, but we need to know if you can dance." Sebastian walked up to Artemis. " So, may we dance?"
Artemis didn't feel comfortable around Sebastian, but he didn't have a choice. Artemis took Sebastian's glove hand. " Good. Now begin." Artemis didn't even step on Sebastian's feet as they danced gracefully. Soon they were finished. " Well Master?" Sebastian asked. " Will you dance with Artemis?"
Ciel grumbled, but walked up to Artemis. Sebastian help place Ciel's hand to where they were suppose to be. " Begin." It was only seconds, but Ciel started to step on Artemis's feet as well. " You're suppose to be leading." Artemis said as they danced. " Stop moving your feet forward so much."
Just leave her alone." Ciel said. They were on the stairs and saw Elizabeth trying to take Meirin's glasses.
"Ciel! You look adorable!" cried Elizabeth as she ran up to him. Artemis watched as she swung Ciel around. ' She has incredible strength.' Elizabeth kept smiling until she glanced at Ciel's hand.
"Why aren't you wearing the ring I gave you. This does not match the outfit." Elizabeth asked. Elizabeth sat on the floor crying as Ciel tried to explain what the ring meant to him. Artemis saw Elizabeth's eyes shine as she grabbed the ring from Ciel's finger.
" Now you'll have to wear the ring," Elizabeth said holding the ring up to the light. " It's perfect and-" "Give it back Elizabeth!" Ciel interrupted. Elizabeth looked hurt, " Why…Why are you looking at me like that? I just wanted everything to be perfect for our ball." Ciel still looked angry. Elizabeth looked even more hurt. "I-I Hate This Ring!" Elizabeth threw the ring onto the floor. "Here take it!"
The ring broke with a clear sound.
A small moment of silence followed. Ciel stared at the ring. His eyes widened in anger and he ran to Elizabeth with his hand raised. Artemis widened his eyes, while Elizabeth flinched. Sebastian stopped Ciel wit one hand. The other was holing on to the cane. "I believe you forgot your walking stick My Lord." Sebastian said as he handed Ciel said stick.
Artemis watched as Sebastian explained to Elizabeth what the ring meant. " It was that important? And I broke it?" asked Elizabeth. Ciel picked p his ring. " Ciel! I'm so sorry!" Ciel threw the shattered ring out the window. Everyone's eyes widened. " Why?" Elizabeth asked. "With or without the ring I'm still the head of the Phantomhives and that won't change."
' He puts up a good act, the ring means a lot to him.' Artemis thought. A hand landed on Artemis's shoulder. It was Sebastian. " You play the piano, correct?" Sebastian asked, smiling. Artemis nodded.
Ciel walked to Elizabeth. "Your face is a mess" He said, taking out a handkerchief "Completely unsuitable, how can I ask a lady to dance with puffy eyes and runny nose?" Ciel asked Elizabeth. "You want to dance with me?" Elizabeth didn't get to answer, music suddenly flowed into the room.
Everyone turned to see Sebastian playing the violin. Another source of music was heard, this time it was Artemis, playing the piano. 'He plays the piano?' Ciel thought. Graceful pale hands danced over the keys, eyes closed. Artemis didn't miss any notes. Everyone just stopped, listening to the beautiful music being produced.
"I'll join them !" said Grell. He ran near the stairs. Grell turned around and started to sing. Ciel turned to the teary eyed Elizabeth, slowly holding out a hand. With a happy look she took Ciel's hand and started to dance.
Ciel and Artemis walked down the hallway to their rooms. Artemis stopped in front of his room. Turning Artemis started their nightly ritual. " Good night ,Ciel." The earl nodded " Good night." he said finishing the ritual. Artemis walking into his room, closing the doors.
Ciel walked over to his room, opening and closing the door. Later in the night Ciel stared at his ring. It didn't even have a scratch. Ciel glanced back to the beginning of the day all the way to when Artemis gave him advice on how to dance. Ciel felt Sebastian beside him and slowly fell asleep.
Thank you A. JayLin for reviewing! I makes me so happy! Hmmm next chapter, what color should the dress I have Artemis wear be? I'm thinking light green. Alright tell me if you spot any mistakes.