Alex is off to track down the owner and a musician who can play a glass harp, only to find that her employer actually both owns and plays one. Which raises the question why didn't he tell her and what's really going on?

William and Ronald are struggling with their relationship, both have been swamped however Ronald wants to be more than just a hobby. He's tired of waiting outside of William's apparent, so he goes to a party. Only guess who shows up when Ronald is about to snag a cute girl for the night.

Why does Sebastian's true for flare up when he hears a glass harp?

Why doesn't he tell her he can play one?

What's going on in Switzerland this December which she can't miss?

What will happen to William who collapsed at the bar?

I hope you enjoy,

~Kuro

P.s. I do not own Kuroshitsuji.

Chapter 52: The Ringing of Glass

Alex walked into an instrumental repair shop and called, "Yo Neil! Where are you lurking?" There was the muffled sound of a violin being played by a student it was a very slow and weak variation of the Duet of the Flowers. She smiled and guessed that the student was around seven or eight years old. "Yeah," he called, his voice was rather raspy and she watched a mass of untidy hair peak around the corner. His blue eyes were filled with excitement and seemed to be hidden behind the tinted glasses he wore. "Oh what a surprise! I haven't seen you here in a while!" he said joyously before looking back in the studio room. "I'm working with a student we end in about five minutes, do you mind hanging around until then?" he asked sweetly. Alex nodded and Neil gave a wide smile, "Sure," she said. Neil wheeled around and Alex heard the door latch before the sound of a fluid bow. The sound was as warm as she had remembered a smile of bliss spread across her lips and she closed her eyes. She was itching to play the complimenting line of the piece, in truth Alex she could play the violin as well as a turn table. However when ever someone inquired as to her experience, she had no idea how to respond. She only knew how to play, it was like asking her who had taught her to breath.

The Flower Duet was the one piece which always seemed to calm her nerves. Her fingers moved mysteriously through the air as she remembered the sweet sound of the bow sweeping across each string. Her fingers gently pressing her lover's neck, that sweet sound of the violin singing softly. Such a sweet sound it made her heart ache. The door to the rehearsal room opened and Neil whispered, "Do you think you can help me?" he rubbed his neck sheepishly. Alex looked at him and noticed the girl poking her head around the corner, she looked a little nervous and Alex chuckled. She sighed and looked at them, "If I must," she said softly before slowly walking over to the rack of violins, in moments she had selected the one she desired, which was also in her size, and pulled proper size bow. She looked at Neil and asked, "Top or bottom?" Neil chuckled, it was apparent he was simply happy to see her. "I'll take the top, and we can switch on the ending," he responded. Alex nodded and the girl walked out of the room, she was the same age Alex had estimated and she smiled. Neil drew his bow and Alex nodded, it was as though they had both consented to a beautiful dance. The girl stared in shock as she listened to the two violins, as they complimented each other. Neil's fingers didn't miss a note and Alex's were just as nimble. The sound of her violin seemed to resonate in the girl's soul and she stared. Alex's blue eyes closed as she jumped to the top line. Neil slipped underneath elegantly as they slowly came to an end; it was as thought the pair were actually one musician. The sound of the violins faded into the silence which had filled the room and Alex slowly exhaled. "That's the sound which you should aim for," said Neil affectionately. The girl nodded, it was obvious she was aware of the sound and Alex smiled. "Well then off you go," he said brightly as he pat her on the head. He turned to her and sighed, "Kids," he commented with a smile.

Neil placed his violin in the case and held his hand out for the one she had taken off the wall. Alex gladly handed it to him, his fingers were heavily calloused and she could tell he had taken on a lot of work. Seasonal repairs and tunings prior to concerts were the most demanding part of his occupation. "So what brings you here?" asked Neil after a moment. He leaned on the glass case and Alex looked at his tanned forearms, she noticed the silver wedding band around his finger. "I'm looking for a pair of musicians who are able to play a Glass Harp," she said firmly. Neil's eyes widened with shock and he looked slightly frightened. "A what?" he asked after a moment there was a hint of disbelief in his voice. Neil knew almost every musician in the industry who played rare and unconventional instruments. He had worked with a number of them in tuning and finding pieces for them, however this time it appeared that Neil was frightened. He pushed his glasses up his nosed and asked, "Why?" The single word hung in the silence for a moment and finally Alex responded, "It's for a commercial, I was asked to create." Neil looked at the glass case, it was clear he was uncomfortable. "There are only a few in Europe and as far as I know all of the musicians who can play them are booked for the year," he said. Alex sighed with defeat and looked at him, "However I can run a search to see if there are harps available, usually privately owned ones are played by the owner," said Neil. It was noticeable that he understood her situation. Alex smiled, "That would be wonderful," she said happily.

Neil walked over to the computer and opened the client lists, "There is only one in England which you may be able to get your hands on," he said after a moment. Alex heard the mouse click as he opened the order number, "It's owned by a Sebastian Michaelis," he said after a moment. Alex's heart stopped and her ocean blue eyes widened. Neil was still looking at the computer screen and he said, "I can print his office information if you like." Alex took a step back, she had turned pale white and replied, "That won't be necessary, I already have it." Neil looked over his computer and noticed how uncomfortable she looked. "Al?" he asked and slowly reached out to touch her. Alex shuddered and took another step back. Her mind was in chaos, Sebastian told her it would be difficult to find a musician and a glass harp, and yet he failed to mention he was a musician. Nothing made sense; he usually assisted her on every assignment when she ran into a snag. "Al?" Neil asked again, Alex's eyes flickered and she noticed he was a breath away. She smiled and responded, "It's nothing, excuse me," her voice sounded calm however her eyes showed the turbulence inside her. They were like a stormy sea, just as unpredictable and dangerous. Neil sighed and leaned on the counter again, his eyebrows lifted and he said, "I'm sorry I wasn't much help." Alex smiled and shook her head, "No you were plenty," she said after a moment. There was silence again as Alex left the store, "What are you hiding?" she asked.

Alex closed her eyes, Sebastian had always been enthusiastically assisting her, and yet now he wasn't. The very sound of a glass harp set Sebastian on edge, now why he owned one baffled her. "Claude," she whispered after realizing that he was the only one who had known Sebastian long enough. She looked at her phone and groaned, Claude hated being disturbed at work, however they were going to be shooting the commercial soon, and she couldn't afford to loose anymore time. Her fingers slowly swept across the screen as she selected Claude's name. She was honestly dreading talking to Claude since he was usually unhappy about her calling during his office hourse. "Harrington and Winston Firm, Claude Faustus speaking," he said generically. Alex was taken aback it was apparent Claude hadn't looked at the caller ID. "Claude I have a question," said Alex after a moment. She could hear the sound of his pen falling from his fingertips. "Are you alright?" he asked, there was a noticeable tone of concern. Alex paused; she had forgotten that the last time she had called him she was in trouble. "I'm fine, I was at the instrumental repair shop looking for a musician and instrument, only to learn something unusual," she said. Claude sighed with relief and she could tell he had returned to work, "Oh?" he asked, he no longer seemed interested. "Sebastian owns a glass harp, doesn't he?" she asked. Claude was silent and Alex waited for his answer, "Why do you need a Glass Harp?" he asked, his voice was unyielding and she could tell she had just asked something she shouldn't have. "It's for a commercial," she replied honestly. Claude sighed and she heard a book close. "I'm finishing off here at the office, I will meet you at Shadow Pont in thirty minutes, in my study," he said quickly before hanging up. Alex stared at her phone in disbelief; she had never heard Claude order anyone before. He was demanding occasionally however he had never out right ordered her to do something, it was clear that this was even more serious than she had believed. Alex looked at the time and was quick to call a cab, "Shadow Pont," she said and handed the cabby the address of the estate.

The Cabby pulled up the driveway and Alex stared in shock to see the Austin Martin sitting in the driveway and watched the door open. Claude reached into his inside pocket and pulled out his wallet. His strides were long and quick as he made his way to the driver's side. The Cabby's eyes widened with fear as he watched Claude approach. Claude rapped on his window and handed the man a wad of money. The Cabby was hesitant, "This should cover the fare," said Claude firmly. The Cabby was silent and Alex stared as Claude opened the door for Alex, she was silent as she got out and walked toward the door. Claude was quiet and she felt even more irritated, her heart was pounding and she began to feel nervous. Claude pushed open the door of his office and nodded, "After you," he said softly. Alex slowly entered, his study was clean, yet she noticed the massive vases of roses and smiled. They had been vacant for a while and now shoed both color and life. He took a seat on the sofa and indicated for her to sit across from him. Alex watched as he pulled his tie loose, it rustled as he placed it on the table and he unbuttoned the top two buttons. Alex watched the larger demon relax, as he slipped off his rectangular glasses and place them on the coffee table. His golden eyes looked at her and she noticed how even for a demon he appeared exhausted.

"There are a number of instruments over the centuries which had been deemed as inappropriate to play," said Claude and Alex watched as he leaned his elbows on his thighs. "Do you know which one was nicknamed the instrument of the devil?" he asked. Alex felt as though she had been caught in his web, it was clear that he was seriously concerned. She shook her head and Claude responded, "The Armonica." Alex's eyes lit up, and she immediately remembered what Sebastian had said after stepping out of his office. "In the 18th century it was deemed the instrument of the devil, since a number of musicians went insane as well as listeners," he stated, a grin swept across his lips, "Hannah played Armonica, it would drive humans insane since the brain can only interoperate a few sounds, for a demon it was sweet and affectionate. A lovely sound which we had taken a liking to," said Claude. Alex looked at him and watched as he rose, his strides were quick and Alex noticed how he motioned for her to fallow. "Then why would a recording make Sebastian's demonic side flare?" she asked. Claude looked over his shoulder and responded, "Simple it was played by a human, guaranteed the key was off." Alex looked slightly confused as Claude led her into a part of the mansion which had been closed off to nearly everyone. He pushed open a pair of massive wooden doors, behind them was a music studio, she had never been in this annex of the house. Alex looked at him as he flicked on the lights and walked over to the center of the room, there stood two tables covered in white sheets.

Claude's fingers wrapped around the corner and he swiftly pulled the sheet off of one, and then the other. To reveal two large and long black boxes, each resting on a table like structure. He slowly walked around the back of them and lifted the lid of the first and then the lid of the second. She listened to the latches click open, "The one on the left is an Armonica, which is mine," he said. Alex stared as he gently lifted the Glass Harp from the case and placed it on the table. Her eyes widened, she had never seen something so beautiful, each of the wine goblets sparkled in the light, they looked like diamonds as the sun light hit them. Her breath caught as Claude snapped his fingers, the triplets arrived side by side by side, Timber held a pitcher of water and Canterbury held the glass. She watched as Timber poured the liquid into the glass and then placed it in a golden stand, which Thompson had pulled from the other side of the room. Claude dipped his fingers in the water and gently rubbed his fingers around the rim of one of the goblets. The sound was clear and enchantingly sweet, "That's not right," said a lush and teasing voice. Claude looked up and Alex wheeled around to see Sebastian standing there grinning. "Claude, perhaps you should stick to the Armnoica and leave the wine goblets to me," he commented, there was an air of playfulness as she watched the slender demon dip his fingers in the water goblet in the rack. His black nails glistened after becoming damp, he smirked and looked to Claude who seemed slightly irritated. He crossed his arms and said, "Well then go on," he said. Sebastian's fingers gently caressed the rim they began ringing beautifully and Alex's eyes widened. His fingers ran the rim effortlessly and the sound they produced was much sweeter than any musician could possibly produce. Alex felt a tingle of warmth sweep over her, it was welcome and the sound was so sweet that it was difficult to believe it had been produced by a demon. Alex closed her eyes as he played the main melody and she began to swap unconsciously. The piece faded to an end and Alex's eyes opened. Sebastian was smiling however his eyes didn't flicker pink, he was calm and relaxed. "Hear the difference?" Claude asked after a moment. Alex nodded, she didn't realize that Sebastian was able to play something so sweet. "Claude failed to mention that it had been called an angel's voice prior to a number of musicians going insane thanks to it's uncanny sound," he said softly.

After a moment Alex began to feel guilty she had asked for the impractical from him and she sighed, "I'm so sorry," she whispered. Claude was in shock and looked at her Sebastian sighed, "It's not your fault." Alex looked at him, her eyes were filled with wonder and she watched as he dried his fingers on a towel which was in the hands of Canterbury. "I'm willing to play the music for the advertisement, it will decrease the chance of someone becoming irritated," he said smoothly. She looked at him in confusion, "Demons have a wider range of hearing and are able to control the sounds which the Harp produces more accurately," he explained. Alex nodded and Sebastian grinned happily. However there was something which began to eat away at her, a question which she honestly desired an answer to. She shook her head and pushed the question to the back of her mind. Now wasn't the time to ask, not after clearing up one issue. It would only create tension in the room again, "What's wrong?' asked Claude. Alex jumped and looked at him. She smiled weakly and replied softly, "Nothing," her voice was anything but convincing. Claude looked at her skeptically and then to Sebastian, "You know there's something which has been bugging me," said Claude after a moment. Alex looked at him and Claude sighed, "When do you finish all of your work?" he asked. Alex's eyes looked up at the pair who were smiling, Claude had wrapped an arm around Sebastian's waist. They looked like the perfect couple, "Why?" she asked curiously. Claude smiled and looked down at Sebastian, it was as though he was asking permission to speak.

"We would like to take you with us to Switzerland, for the holidays, well all of December," said Claude. Alex stared at him, "We plan on leaving after December third, which is when the design for Dom Perignon is due, however they are having an unveiling party in Switzerland which they would like you attend," said Sebastian. Alex's lips parted as she attempted to find the right words, "From what I heard, the current president was enchanted with the concept and wants to meet the one responsible. He would also love to meet the woman who has transformed Intrigue's image," said Sebastian. Alex's hands dropped to her sides, and she stood there silently, her heart was pounding and it looked as though she was a deer in front of headlights. Claude chuckled and said, "You don't have to if you aren't interested, however the skiing, snowboarding, and skating in the Alps is to die for." Claude gave Sebastian a squeeze and Alex felt like the third wheel again. If she went she would infringe on their time together, which was already slim. "Don't worry about us, we can find time for ourselves," said Claude. It was as though he knew what she was thinking before she even uttered a word. She looked at the pair and noticed how both crimson and gold eyes were filled with anticipation. "Alright," she said with a hint of defeat, a smile curled Sebastian's lips and Claude nodded with happiness. She was shocked that they even invited her, however something was still nagging her, they were clearly hiding something from her.

Ronald scratched his signature at the bottom of his paperwork and leaned back in his office chair, the aspect of a trapped soul was still nagging at him. He heard a pling and he slowly picked up his cell phone, he had been invited to another party. He had rejected a number of invitations recently, however William always seemed to be busy and he was tired of waiting outside of his apartment. In truth they had made a great deal of progress, however William wasn't as available as he used to be and Ronald was tired of falling asleep outside of his apparent. He grit his teeth and was quick to reply, "Yeah," he typed and hastily hit send. In moments every shinigami's cell was going off and he looked about curiously, "Knox is coming out to party, man that's going to be one hell of a night," said a young man as he rounded the corner, "Definitely," said the taller shinigami who was still in training. Ronald smiled, Allen was whispering to Eric and he realized that each shinigami who had received the text was rapidly responding that they had all intention of going. He smiled after hearing his cell ring again, it was from Grell, "So you're coming out, I'm so going to see this," his text read. Ronald nodded and looked over at William's office door, it was closed and he smiled. In reality he was doing this out of spite; he had every intention of getting smashed.

Ronald spring out of his seat and walked toward William's office, he had a stack of papers in his hands and he rapped on the door loudly. There was silence and then a muffled, "Enter." Ronald pushed the door open to see William bent over his desk, his fountain pen continued to scratch against the pages on his desk and he noticed the massive stacks of papers on either side of him. William looked up and said, "Ah Mr. Knox," there was a hint of happiness in his voice. This made Ronald feel a little guilty, however it wasn't enough of a reason for him to call off the night. "I finished my paperwork," said Ronald coldly, he was clearly placing a great distance between himself and William in the work place. "I see," he said and gestured to the basked on the side board, "I won't be home until late," William began.

Ronald was quick to interrupt, "Don't worry about it, I'm going drinking with coworkers, they asked me out." William placed his fountain pen down and looked at him, "You're going out partying?" he asked. Ronald nodded and replied, "I can't keep avoiding it, besides I haven't been out in a while." William looked at him and was quick to his feet, "What on earth are you talking about?" Ronald crossed his arms and replied, "Simple, do you know how often I have been sitting outside of your apartment?" William was slightly taken aback and he looked at Ronald, "Every night for the past week, and you haven't come home," he said curtly. William's eyes widened and his gaze softened with guilt, "Ronald," he whispered. Ronald was thankful that the door of William's office was closed and he continued, "I'm not a hobby William, I'm not your possession either, and I'm a shinigami, a living thing!" he roared. William attempted to say something only to be overruled by an irritated Ronald, "I'm sick of waiting at your door," he said. Ronald turned and stormed out the door, leaving William standing there alone and upset. His chest throbbed and he whimpered, "Why, don't you realize what I've been doing?" he asked. His eyes looked down at the drawer of his desk. He slowly opened the drawer and looked at a wooden box, "I've been working tirelessly for this, and now you're telling me you don't want me," he whimpered. William hung his head and sighed, in the end his love for the young blonde was a foolish whim.

The music was blaring so loudly that the entire room shook, the vibrations from the bass caused the glass in the windows to shake. The colorful lights flickered and Ronald noticed how Grell was dancing wildly. He shook his hips and flashed a grin to anything with legs. Ronald smiled and laughed as he watched Allen walk around in a toga fashioned out of a table cloth. The energy in the room was high and Ronald felt invincible, he walked over to the bar and leaned on the counter. Prior to attending the party he had slipped into a pair of tight fitting jeans and a tee. He had even put in contacts and looked even more mischievous with the grin which had swept across his lips. Grell walked over, he was still swinging his hips and asked, "Ronny, I'm shocked Will let you come out! What happened?" Ronald sighed and looked over at the bartender, "Gin Tonic," he ordered and looked at the crimson reaper. He was dressed in short shorts and see-through shirt. He was in heels and his long red hair was as wild as ever. "No, I'm just sick of being treated like a thing," he said with a hint of irritation. Grell laughed and collected his wine cooler, "Oh don't I know it, he's so stuffy!" he said with a grin. Ronald nodded, the bartender placed the Gin Tonic behind his hand and Ronald slipped him a few bills. "He's cold and never tells me what he's thinking, one minute he places eons between us, and the next he's snuggling into me and wants to fuck me senseless, there's no middle ground," griped Ronald. He looked over to see a beautiful young woman walking over, she was a perfect hourglass with long legs and a massive bust. "Who is that?" asked Ronald, he sounded enchanted. Grell looked over at the woman and laughed, "That's Peggy, from accounting, she's way out of your league," said Grell. Ronald smirked and looked at Grell, "Okay twenty quid says I can snag her by the end of the night," he said teasingly.

Grell stared at Ronald and grabbed his wrist before he could go, "I knew you two fought but isn't this a bit much?" he asked. Ronald looked slightly confused and yanked his arm away, "Oh? Weren't you agreeing with me a minute ago?" he asked, it was clear Ronald was frustrated. Grell sighed and nodded, "Yeah but Ronny, if you do this there is a chance William won't even look your way again," he said firmly. Ronald glared and shouted, "Enough!" He pulled away and walked over to Peggy, "Hey, nice legs," he commented. Peggy smiled, it was clear she had consumed a few drinks. Grell shook his head and muttered, "I understand wanting to clear your head but this is dangerous." He took another sip of his wine cooler, "What's dangerous?" asked a familiar tone. Grell wheeled around to see William in a suite, his hair was still perfect and it was apparent he hadn't even gone home. "Will! What are you doing here?" asked Grell, he began panicking and intentionally blocked the older reaper's view of Ronald. The older reaper sighed and looked at him, "I just finished working, I wanted to see Ronald and apologize for the past few days, I have something I want to give him," said William. Grell froze and noticed the white bag at William's side, it was clearly a gift. "Ah well he's here somewhere," said Grell, with a smile.

William nodded and turned to the bartender, "Dry Martini, shaken," he ordered. The bartender nodded and William turned to face Grell only to see Ronald flirting with Peggy. He froze, it was as though he had been stabbed through the heart. His eyes closed and he looked down at the floor, Grell noticed his sullen look and placed a hand on William's shoulder. William shrugged it off and picked up the martini. In a single gulp he took the drink and placed it on the counter, "Will?" asked Grell in shock. William ignored him and the bartender made him another, "Will drinking like a fish won't help you," shouted Grell as he attempted to stop William. However it was a feeble attempt at best, and William downed another martini. He flossed his eyes and suddenly the room spun. He gripped the counter and pulled at his tie, "Will?" asked Grell in a panic. William's forehead was covered in sweat and he began panting, "I feel strange," he commented. His heart was pounding, his ears rang. "What was in that?" he asked in confusion, William was a heavy drinker and could tolerate more than a few martinis. He felt a wave of heat in his veins and a fog began to invade all of his rational thoughts. His knees buckled and Grell shouted at the top of his lungs, "Will!" Ronald looked over to see William falling into Grell's arms and he grit his teeth. Somehow seeing this irritated Ronald and he abandoned Peggy.

"Get your hands off of him!" screamed Ronald, the room went silent and Grell looked at him in shock. Ronald grabbed William and held him close to his chest.