It took some convincing to get permission to publish Grell's note in the papers, but Sebastian was very persuasive. Now all there was to do was wait for nightfall…
Sebastian stepped into the study with a tray of tea and Ceil looked up immediately, "What exactly are your plans for the evening, Sebastian?" he watched the butler set the tray down,
"Sweep the city, stalk the streets of London like the rippers do and look for potential prey."
"Sounds a bit 'at random' for you." the boy observed, taking his cup. Sebastian smiled that strange sort of grin that had been bugging Ciel as of late.
"Do not worry yourself with my methods, I'll bring you your rippers. Will that be all?"
"Yes." the butler turned to leave, "Wait, Sebastian."
"Hm?"
"I trust you." Ceil said firmly, and was given another knowing grin.
"I know you do." and with that he was gone.
With the first street lights beginning to appear in the coming darkness Sebastian stalked onto the street, his dark hair and dark clothes obscured in the shadows. He lurked around the doors of pubs and the well lit streets where women's voices collected in a relaxed hush. Standing in the dimmest fringe of a light, a group of saucy women calling to him and otherwise trying to capture his attention, Sebastian saw a flash of a figure come to turn out onto the street from an ally on the other side of the pub. At once, as if from spotting him, the figure disappeared down the ally once more. Sebastian didn't hesitate, he started across to the ally the way the other had gone, nearly picking up a small wind as he did, leaving five or so woman in a tizzy as they caught their now billowing skirts. The butler rounded the corner and sped on, in hot pursuit of the figure ahead of him. Suddenly he heaved himself up onto a building with inhuman speed, sprinted across several rooftops and came down before the other, feet landing hard against the cobblestone. He looked up with a shocking amount of composure. "Grell Sutcliff." He was given a high-pitch cry of sheer delight.
"Ah~! Do my eyes deceive me? Oh could it possibly be you? The darling of my daydreams these lonely months gone by! Darling Sebas-chan, you've returned!" the redhead sang, bolting towards the butler.
"But of coarse. The Lord Phantomhive is not about to have anymore of your nonsense." Sebastian replied, dodging out of the path of the elated man and his chainsaw.
"Had I known it was you I would't have changed directions! Oh don't make me chase you Sebastian~" the reaper sang.
"I do apologize, but sharp objects make me nervous." Sebastian then swiftly relived the other of his weapon and slammed him against the ally wall. This had Grell in fits,
"Oh Sebastian dear this is better than I could have dreamed up! Your such a harsh man, you are! Do be gentle!" he cried out joyfully. He was then silened by a single gloved hand to his mouth.
"You are a loud one, aren't you. I rather miss that subdued little character you played when we met." Sebastian sighed, removing his hand. Grell giggled,
"Did you~? I might be persuaded to play him again~"
"Oh?" Sebastian could have killed him then, he had the other's scythe in his hand…but demons did love a deal. "Persuaded? What sort of deal are you willing to make, Sutcliff?"
Out elsewhere in the dark of the night a petite woman's form paced the sidewalk quietly- some distance from the group of girls that seemed to be of a similar occupation. Gypsy had her hair done in very high pigtails, an intricate piece with ribbons and pearl strands entwined in each. She wore a dark collar around her pale neck, drawing attention to her pale bust left rather exposed by a low, square neckline. Her dress was something like a toy doll, done up in ribbons and lace and ruffled skirts- only her skirts road up to her thighs. When she leaned forward to adjust the garter-clip on one of her silk stockings one could very easily peek under her back ruffles. Each pace she strayed herself further from the chatter of the other women, searching the darkness with wide eyes, made up to make her look much younger, sweeter, and more innocent than she would normally appear. Just as she had began to feel a touch discouraged, she saw a figure peek around an ally then vanish- not unlike Sebastian's spotting Grell- only this figure was in no hurry. Gypsy made her way towards the ally, trying her best to put on the air of a lost little lamb. Alone in the ally she wandered about slowly before hearing someone move about. "Hello?" she called in a frightened tone. "Who is there? Are you a friend?" she asked timidly in a voice like a little girl.
"Yes, a friend." a man's voice replied, moving towards her the brute grabbled the little woman from behind and to his surprise received a stinging slash across his face.
"Jack the Ripper?" Gypsy demanded, turning to face the startled man, brandishing her small but mean-looking knife. The man wiped the blood off his face, then laughed insanely,
"Spunk!" he laughed in a gruff tone. "Thats new, I like it." added menacingly, peering from his eye that was not bleeding. Gypsy looked some mix of horror and disappointment,
"Are you Jack the ripper?" she demanded again.
"The Ripper is dead, pretty lady. Took 'is name to confuse them police." he laughed, "'e had te right idea, killn' you pretty critters. More fun, ya got such nice little screams." he blinked in confusion as the shock on Gypsy's face turned to bitter hatred.
"How dare you." her voice dropped several levels, becoming a velvety, womanly bellow. Her eyes flashed, her small form seeming so much taller paired with this new, dark temperament.
…the truth is, a man's scream can be every bit as amusing as a woman's- at the hands of the right person…
"What sort of deal would want from me, Sebastian~?" Grell replied, eyelashes fluttering.
"I want Jack the Ripper dead." he hissed, wrapping a hand around the reaper's neck. Grell giggled nervously,
"Oh but he was! That is until some slob dragged him up from the grave! An impostor, can you believe it? I had to draw him out! I had to defend my honor!"
"I see, I see" Sebastian murmured with a face like stone. He arched an eyebrow, "Honor, hm?"
"Yes." Grell huffed, "Perhaps if I had a big, strong, handsome man to defend it for me, I wouldn't be out causing trouble~" he gushed, looking longingly at the butler. Sebastian quietly considered the reaper for a moment or so.
"I'll deal with this other Ripper if you stay out of the way. Would you consider such a deal?"
"Oh yes! I'll be no more trouble to you, Sebastian darling! Unless of coarse, you get lonely for me~" he giggled, and received a cold glare. "No more Jack the Ripper, I promise. If the impostor stops, I'll stop and be a good little girl I promise, really I do!" to his delight, the demon nodded. "How about a kiss to close the deal, then?"
"Perhaps another time." Sebastian sighed, looking around him. However glancing back down at the pouting face of the other he smirked the smallest bit. "I'll hold you to this agreement, reaper." he warned darkly, giving Grell a light kiss on the ear and murmuring "Behave yourself" before releasing him from against the wall. Grell nearly squealed,
"Yes, master Sebastian~" he gave a small bow, causing the butler to smirk again. Sebastian bowed as well and turned to leave, "Let me come with you~" Grell begged excitedly, taking a step towards the other. The butler whipped around and quirked an eyebrow. "Did you not hear me? I said I want you out. of. the. way." he lectured. Grell plucked up,
"I want to see the impostor handled for myself. I want to hold you to your end of this agreement too, you know~" he bit his lip and winked. Sebastian shook his head lightly, holding back a short laugh, "Stay out of trouble." he said simply before dashing off. With a sort of quiet excitement Grell collected his chainsaw and followed close behind. Sebastian stopped cold as a wretched noise perched the air, a man in terror. The demon changed directions and came running to the seen, only to find the remains of a large brute of a man, and the lesser demon Gypsy, quietly cleaning her knife. She looked up to see Sebastian, her blood ran cold. "Hello." he voice nearly a whisper. "He wanted to kill me." she said, her mind dull with terror. Sebastian resisted the urge for aggression long enough to give the body another look,
"The second Ripper?" the butler mumbled.
"Y-Yes…" Just then, Grell caught up to them,
"Is that him? Bloody impostor! Wretched fiend!" he cried, kicking the man with his heeled boot. Gypsy blinked,
"Jack the Ripper?" she asked,
"Hm~? Why ye-"
"Not any more." Sebastian cut in. Gypsy exhaled softly,
"So this is her, I could see why one might guard her jealously, Sebastian." this peaked Grell's attention, as he smiled slightly. "Absolutely stunning." Gypsy mused, walking towards the reaper.
"Oh dear, you'er going to make me blush!" he giggled. "A friend of yours, Sebastian~?"
"Friend is one word…" the butler sighed, watching the two become acquainted.
"My, my! A demon? Look at your lovely face! You'er not related to Sebastian, are you?" Grell asked, Sebastian gave a look of utter disgust.
"Certainly not." He hissed, crouching to inspect the body. Gypsy raised her chin a bit, eyes narrowing,
"Oh no! I'm of 'lesser blood' you see." She looked at Grell with glinting eyes, "May I ask what name you go by now, Ripper?" she purred. Sebastian rolled his eyes, then a hint of a smile crossed his features.
"Grell Sutlciff~"
"Charming." Gypsy offered a sweeping hand to the reaper, "My Name is Gypsy Allgood, It's a pleasure to meet you. I've wanted to meet you for some time."
"Really now? I'm flattered~" Grell took the woman's hand, awestruck. There was something odd about the woman's temperament, but also something warm and inviting- something that felt longed for.
"I think I may have fallen a bit in love with you. I see even more resin now, you are a very beautiful woman~"
A grin facing the wall spread across Sebastian's pale lips. How wicked to take such joy in another's disappointment.
"Oh." Grell giggled nervously. He was flattered, but a touch embarrassed. "What a lovely complament~!" he squeaked, cheeks turning pink. Gypsy bit her lip.
"Ah, not with your sweetheart right behind you though?" her voice was like velvet, her eyes flashing at the still crouching demon. This excited Grell a bit,
"Oh dose he speak of me? I was afraid he hadn't missed me at all~! I do love him so!" Grell squealed, looking at Sebastian. Gypsy looked crestfallen, Sebastian wished he could have seen it. Her disappointment quickly melted into a new form of sweetness,
"Oh yes! I mentioned in daydreams I had planned to steal you away from him and even then he was terribly jealous." Gypsy laughed, the look of joy on Grell's face was indescribable.
"Oh Sebas! I didn't know you could be so passionate!" Grell squealed, hugging the other from behind excitedly. Sebastian stood and held the other out at arms length,
"Please control yourself." he sighed. Grell giggled then looked back at the doll-like woman.
"Oh dear, I hope this doesn't upset you." he said with sudden urgency, fearing that warmth might slip from the woman's presence. It hadn't, Gypsy smiled at him.
"Oh no, I am simply glad to have met you." she looked at Sebastian, his face was quiet save for his eyes which held a sort of triumph that Gypsy simply could not allow to continue. "Still, I do wonder if...I could have a kiss? Just one?" she asked softly. Grell looked embarrassed again,
"Well, I suppose a little one wouldn't hurt. You are simply darling and I would love to call you a friend!" He turned to the petite demon and leaned forward to her hight, red hair falling around his shoulders. Gypsy gave the other a strangely precious kiss on the cheek with a small feeling of triumph. Grell laughed embarrassedly and the smugness left Sebastian's face.
Sebastian's boots crunched against the dead leaves, chilly mist gathered on his coat. He reached the small, sluggish-looking hill beside the rickety old shop, Gypsy was leaning on the tree.
"Expecting me?"
"Yes, I suppose I was." Gypsy looked up with eyes like aqua ice. "I was afraid for a while you might pop over to kill me at some point tonight. I see now I shouldn't have worried."
"Oh? And what leads you to believe I haven't come to kill you?" Sebastian watched the woman turn towards the moon, a right proper full moon now.
"I wouldn't have heard you coming."
"Fair enough." Sebastian nodded. "Disappointed about the Ripper?"
"No, not at all. I kissed her." She looked up and met one of Sebastian's rare candid smiles. "What? I tolled you that was what I wanted. How do you find that funny?"
"I only find it funny you call it 'she'." he sighed, looking at the moon. Gypsy looked a bit indignant, but her words came out calm with a quirked eyebrow,
"Why should I call her anything else?" she watched Sebastian exhale luxuriously, as if he was really enjoying his next words.
"You called her Jackie, did you not?" he received and slow nod and a skeptical look, "Well you see, 'she' is really more of a Jack than a Jackie, physically anyway." Sebastian looked at the other, searching her features for the first sign of a reaction.
"Oh." Gypsy said simply, her eyes held a wide glossy look of a doll's for several moments. "Physically."
"Yes. However, mentally I suppose you might call Grell a she."
"Oh~" the lesser demon's voice turned to one low velvety coo. "Oh I like that." She giggled. Sebastian hand't anticipated this reaction, he wasn't sure if it was upsetting or not. "So he- pardon me, she is really a he? Oh~ Now that is fun! No thing for girls, huh? A shame! Ah well there are other fish in the sea for me, I suppose."
"No, just men. Well, he had a partner in crime at one point, a woman- though she wasn't a lover so much as a loved one. I fear he might find that same attachment to you."
"I don't see a reason to fear such a thing~" she watched a little smirk return to Sebastian's features,
"Oh, not for me I suppose. He killed the last woman~" He watched the other demon go cold for a beat, but that little nat recovered fast!
"So was she…was she half of 'Jack the ripper?"
"Yes."
"Human?"
"Yes, but a reaper's blade will cut through most anything."
"Really now?"
"Quite, I have a mark still."
"I see~ You leave any marks on him?"
"Oh he was rather ruffled by the time our little scuffle ended that night."
"Ah, and was this the night you discovered she was male or did the blade not become involved until later~?"
"Well I-" this time Sebastian paused a beat. "Why! Miss Allgood! That is a rather boldly personal thing to be asking me! I am surprised at you!" there was a touch of playfulness Gypsy had never heard in the other's voice before and it was almost as amusing at the irritated tone. She let out a low laugh,
"You seem rather whimsical tonight, Master Butler! It's nice to know I'm dying on a high note of your evening!" she chuckled. Sebastian's eyes flickered,
"Oh no, no such luck. The master would be more than irritated with me if I so much a rearranged a hair on you'er head." he brooded. "I simply took a hike up to give you the Master's thanks for aiding the apprehension of the Ripper and his imitator."
"Apprehension?" Gypsy mused.
"Well, you disposed of one and I subdued the other. I would say it was a team effort."
"Seduced?"
"Subdued." Sebastian glared down at the woman, which only entertained her further.
"Ah, so you'll be wanting my help again, eh?" she grinned. Sebastian gave a look true exasperation,
"Don't call us, we'll call you." he sighed.
"Anytime!" she purred as Sebastian turned to leave,
"Right, right. "
"You still don't like me, do you Sebastian?"
"No, not in the slightest. However at this rate you may simply ware me down." he grumbled.
"Nice talking with you, Master Butler!" Gypsy called, "and you tell your darling Grell she may call me 'friend' anytime she likes and that if she has any dresses loose around the bust I'll take them in for her!"
No rest for the wicked. Never rest for the wicked. At this rate Sebastian might consider a holiday...