Hola, Tomi here with a new chapter! Sadly, Thanksgiving break is over *sobs internally* but I had fun and I got a Black Butler poster for my wall too! I was happy for that and other things! Anyway, enjoy chapter eight. I'm hoping to make this series up to twenty chapters let us hope I can achieve that goal!
After Cecilia dismissed her servants, they all scattered to what they found most appealing in the ball. Cortez and Cora both made their way to the dance floor right away as they promised each other their first dance. They both enjoyed their company and danced to the lovely music performed by the orchestra. Jupita, Juno, and Junee all went towards a small group of ladies that were conversing. Juno did most of the talking, of course, and Junee hide behind Jupita who remained silent throughout the whole conversation, occasionally making her own remarks on the subject. As for Bibiano and Nico, Bibi took his little brother towards the food, for they were both immensely hungry.
"Brother Bibi, can really eat all this food?" the young boy asked his mustached older brother. Bibiano observed the food while grooming his small mustache with his fore finger and thumb.
"I believe we can, but we should at least leave some for the rest of the guests. It would be the kind thing to do." He exclaimed to his younger brother. Nico observed the platters of snacks and food with his big childish eyes. He picked a small cream puff off one of the platters carefully with fore finger and thumb. The small boy gave the sweet dessert a good sniff, almost tasting the aroma through his nose.
"It has a sweet scent, and it's warm. Fresh out of the oven, I bet." The boy exclaimed mostly to himself. He took a small bite out of the puff his eyes closed in concentration, as he savored and tasted the sweet puff. "It has a fluffy texture, and the cream filling and the crust balances it out. The cream itself is a little too sweet, but the bread's normal taste contrasts with it. Overall it's well made and smells fantastic." The young boy explained. Bibiano chuckled at his little brother's talent. He always was proud of his Nico's talent and quite grateful too. Before Bibiano and Nico worked for Señorita Cecilia, they used to live in the States. It was quite an adventure for both of them. For they were both born and raised in Italy, but after losing money and not being able to support the big family they had, Bibiano decided to find a way to make money for them. This objective caused Bibi to get caught in some bad situations where it threatened his family life. Bibi was devastated with the fact that he dragged his own family into his own mistake that he made the decision to leave his home land and go into hiding himself. After hearing that his older brother was leaving, Nico refused. He, out of all the siblings and relatives they had, wanted to maintain their strong connection with Bibiano. Though Bibi forbade Nico's decision to coming with him, Nico was stubborn and refused to let his brother leave without him. In the end, Bibiano had taken Nico with him. They both made it to the States where they discovered Nico's talent with food and where they met an acquaintance and good friend that helped them through a lot. Bibiano remembered that he became an American soldier before he and Nico left the States. They wrote to each other for quite some time, but after awhile they lost contact, the last thing that their friend wrote back was that he quit the army and became a chef at some aristocrat's manor. Bibi hasn't heard from him since for over eight years.
Bibiano watched his little brother Nico as he observed and taste tested other foods on the display. He let out a low chuckle before picking up the small boy in his arms causing him to get frosting on his face. Nico laughed and licked the frosting off his own face. Bibiano laughed with him.
"Huh…Bibiano, is that you, and Lil' Nic!" Bibi and Nico both turned to see where the voice came from. To their amazement and pleasant surprise, their long lost friend stood before them with a serving tray full of glasses of refreshments in one hand and an unlit cigarette in his mouth. Bibiano let a crooked smile etch into his face, Nico smiled and laughed in amazement, his mouth still full of crème puff.
"Well I'll be, if it ain't Bardroy the Brave. How has been ol' pal?" Bibiano asked. He set Nico back down before going to shake Bard's hand. "I guess you weren't lying about the whole aristocrat thing, now weren't you?" Bibiano admitted, quite proud.
"Gah, since when do I lie, and look at you Lil' Nic you've grown so much since last I saw you!" Bard exclaimed patting the young boy with his free hand. Nico nodded proudly and whipped his mouth free from crumbs with his sleeve. "And are those cooking skills still working for you?" Bard asked.
Nico nodded again with a proud smile, "Yes, sir. They're still working well!" he reported happily.
Bard ruffled the young boy's hair, "Well, that's great. Listen, I'm kind of busy, but maybe we can catch up sometime, what do you say ol' pal?"
"Of course, my friend, we hope to see you again!" Bibiano exclaimed, "It was great seeing you again, Bard." He said as he waved at the blonde chef. It was good bumping into an old friend like this and quite the coincidence.
As Alois guided both Ciel and himself towards Cecilia he watched Earl Phantomhive's reaction, he seemed almost anxious to meet her. He talked with her for a while and he had to admit, she is quite charming. He might even consider becoming betrothed to her if possible. Of course he would have to speak with the head of the Avaline family and all. Though he wasn't quite sure why Ciel was anxious. On the brighter side he managed to keep Ciel away from Cecilia. The fact that he managed to switch them was beyond him and he felt quite proud of himself.
Once again the cue came for partners to switch, with a slight turn Alois swung Ciel and reached for his next partner. Hoping to have the lovely Cecilia in his arms once more, but to his dismay, he was met with the Phantomhive maid. Alois sighed in frustration as he looked up at the blushing maid.
"My apologies, Earl Trancy, but I had to let the young master have his turn, yes I did." She explained. Alois let out another sigh and looked for the eye patch wearing boy and the Lady Avaline. He spotted Cecilia with a nervous looking Ciel. This made Alois's blood began to boil.
After I switched partners again, I was paired with a blue haired boy about my age. I noticed he had his one a closed for the other was covered by a black eye patch. 'I wonder what caused that.' I wondered to myself. The boy began to open his eye revealing a deep blue orb that shined with a kind of shock when it met my vision.
"Uh…Hello." I greeted with a small smile. The boy seemed to freeze, but continued to dance, "Is everything alright?" I asked, this seemed quite similar now, doesn't it? The boy nodded before looking down at his feet with what seemed like a blush on his face. "May I ask for your name?" I tried to start a conversation. The boy looked back up at me with a shy nod.
"I'm the Earl Phantomhive, though you can address me as Ciel." He said in soft voice. I starred. 'Another Earl who is also the same age as I am? England must have many young earls, it's quite surprising.' I thought to myself. I smiled at the Earl and nodded respectfully.
"Well, it is an honor Earl Phantomhive. Thank you for inviting my family to this gorgeous ball." I exclaimed which earned a relieved smile from the earl. "To be honest, this is my first official ball. It's a very wonderful experience." I said honestly.
The Earl looked at me surprised then smiled again, "I find that hard to believe. Aren't you the youngest daughter of the Avaline family? I saw you conducting the orchestra; that was quite the performance." He exclaimed with an excited smile. I blushed, forgetting that I had indeed done that.
"Yes, my name is Cecilia Avaline and thank you, I was very nervous, but the original conductor encouraged me. Honestly, I was so embarrassed when I heard them applause." I said, this time it was I who looked down with an embarrassed look. He let out a soft chuckle which caused me to look back up at him.
"Well, I thought it was wonderful, Lady Cecilia." His chuckle caused me to giggle.
We danced for the rest of the song; we didn't have to switch partners again. After the end of the dance, Earl Phantomhive or Ciel guided me off the dance floor and towards a table in the corner of the ballroom for a short rest; though he seemed more worn out than I was. We both took a glass of fresh cool water and took a sip, refreshing ourselves after that, quite occasional, dance.
I took a seat next to Ciel and patted him on the back softly as he took deep breathes, "I'm guessing you don't dance much." I say with a small giggle. He blushed a bit.
"I usually don't go to balls, let alone throw one, but Earl Trancy decided upon this ball. He would sometimes force me to dance." I giggled again. The earl's breath seemed to have come back to him.
"You both seem like very close friends." I smiled. Ciel looked at me with an almost horrified expression before his eyes softened and he smiled in response. The smile seemed forced to me, though. My eyes then fell to the eye patch upon his right eye. 'What could have possible caused such an injury?' I asked myself.
"It was cause by fencing dual." He stated almost as if he heard the question in my mind, "I won." He finished.
I winced at the thought of a fencing dual gone horribly wrong, "Does it hurt?" I asked instinctively bringing my hand up to touch it. Before I could even comprehend what I was doing, the blue haired Earl had my arm in a tight, but not harmful grip.
"Please do not touch my injured eye, Lady Cecilia." He quietly ordered. I hesitantly nodded.
"Is there a reason why you are holding my mistress's hand in such a brute way?" I turned hearing Fransisco's voice. I was supposed to return to him, but after the dance I ended up with the other earl. Ciel let go over my arm and turned to Fransisco as well.
"Fransisco," I called as I made my way to him. Knowing Fransisco, he doesn't quite like when someone touches me in an ungentlemanly manner, "please, don't make a fuss over it. It was my fault." I explained as I held his left hand with my right. He looked down at my with those kind blue eyes before glaring back at the Earl.
"Please, I ask that you show respect towards my mistress, Earl Phantomhive. Mi princesa, por favor. Tenga cuidado." He asked, politely bowing to the earl before kneeling to my level and warning me. I nodded and patted his head before he stood back up. "Very well, then. I leave my mistress with you Earl Phantomhive."
"Go enjoy yourself, Fransisco, please take a break!" I called out before he took his leave of us.
"What exactly did he say?" Ciel asked after my butler left. I giggled; he must be referring to Fransisco's speaking Spanish.
"He said 'My princess, please, do be careful.' I apologies for his tone and behavior, he doesn't take kindly to those who pose or show to be a threat to me." I explained. Ciel nodded understandingly.
"He seems like a loyal servant. Is it alright to leave him loose?" he asked.
I looked at him confused, "Well, he most certainly isn't a hound to be kept on a leash. I thought he deserves his time alone for all he has done for me." I stated. The Earl simply nodded in agreement I assumed. After that we just conversed and enjoyed each other's company. I had to admit, the Earl Phantomhive seemed quite nice. Although, he was hesitant and shy at first; he seemed to get comfortable with talking to me. Yet, I can't help but notice a dark almost gloom atmosphere around him, even when he smiles. Perhaps, there is more to this boy than just being the Earl and owning the Funtom Corporation.
Translations:
Senorita- Miss or Lady
Mi princesa- My princess
Por Favor- Please
Tenga Cuidado- Be careful
I think that's it. Anyway, chapter eight, be honest do you people understand the changes in the point of views because if it's confusing I'll start like fixing and labeling it. Thanks for favoriting and following and reviewing! See ya next time!
~Tomiko Hinamori