Alex, Claude, Sebastian and the triplets have been in Switzerland however there is an issue. Alex's advertisements have broken the contract. Now they have to figure out how to ensure that the firm is paid. Claude decides it's time to get creative and sends Canterbury as legal advisement with Sebastian while he plays the bartender. Yet none of them realize what they are up against until Lucius d' Argent comes on the scene, Marcus's father.

William has taken time off to spend with Ronald, and ironically they go to Switzerland as well. However, Ronald is unsure of what William's motives are after the death of his family on Christmas.

Why is Claude dressed as a bartender?

What does Lucius know?

Why did William take Ronald to Switzerland?

What kind of "relief" is Claude offering Sebastian?

Enjoy,

~Kuro

P.s. I'm sorry I haven't been on finals and computer problems have been plaguing me.

Chapter 55: Black Velvet

Alex stood at the bar; she stood in a strapless dress with a Borolo around her to cover her scars. Tonight she was going to dine with Marcus and his father; it wasn't until about ten minutes ago she had learned of the last minute changes. Apparently the first advertisement was a hit, however the second required an audience with Lucius d' Argent personally. She closed her eyes for a moment and drew a deep breath, her heart was pounding and she began to wonder how this night would end. Lucius was perhaps one of the most difficult clients to design for, everything depended on his mood and what was worse was that it often swung freely like a swing in strong winds. It was impossible to predict what this man was ever thinking. "Can I get you a drink Miss?" asked a tender voice from the other side of the counter. Alex looked up to find Timber standing there smiling, "Wait what are you doing here?" she asked curiously. Timber smiled and placed the glass he had been polishing down. "It should be 'what are we doing here?' don't you think?" he asked with a smile. Alex paused and looked at him, Timber pointed over her shoulder and said, "Look." Alex fallowed his gesture and she noticed Thompson with a bottle of wine serving a customer. "Where is Canterbury?" she asked after a moment. Timber paused and looked at her, other than Claude and Hannah no one could tell them apart. "He is speaking with security," said a familiar deep voice. Alex looked over and noticed Claude, "You bar tend " she asked in astonishment. He was standing dressed as the head bartender, however his glistening silver rimmed glasses had disappeared and he was wearing a pair of black hipster glasses, which threw her for a moment. Claude nodded and smiled, "You didn't think I was always a lawyer did you?" he asked.

Timber expected Alex to be insulted however she cover her lips with her hand as she giggled, "Is this your equivalent to a college job?" she asked. Claude grinned and shrugged, "I suppose that's a way to look at it," he replied. Timber looked at Claude in shock and then back to Alex, she was trembling a little and Claude glanced at her over his glasses. "You know a drink would take the edge off, in fact I know just the one for you," he said softly. Alex shook her head and sighed, "Claude alcohol and I are very poor friends," she commented. Claude looked at her and replied, "I'm certain I can make you a cocktail which you wouldn't get intoxicated off of," there was a note of confidence in his voice which made Alex a little irritated. "Oh and what would that be?" she asked, coolly. Claude simply smiled and replied, "A Cranberry Sparkler." Alex and Timber looked at him in confusion and Claude grinned. It was clear she had no idea what he was talking about as he washed black berries in the sink behind the bar and then dumped them into a blender. The sound of the tool ripped through the air causing a group of people to gather around the bar curiously. Once the black berries were purred, he poured the black berry juice into a champagne flute. He grinned as he measured two ounces of cranberry juice and poured it into the flute before turning away from her. She watched him curiously and was about to ask what he was up to when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Sebastian standing beside her with Marcus and Lucius at his side. "Good evening," she said brightly, she was slightly embarrassed for not noticing their entrance.

"Good evening, I was wondering where you were," he said softly. Alex smiled nervously and replied, "I was about to order a drink, when the bartender asked if I was willing to taste a cocktail he created." Marcus looked at her and shrugged, "I don't see the harm in that," he responded. However, Lucius looked anything but amused. Sebastian was about to say something Claude turned around, he held a green bottle in his hands and looked at Sebastian before flashing his typical grin of overconfidence. Alex watched in awe as he measured three ounce of the bubbling liquid which gently fell from the spout of the bottle and into the jigger which was between his fingers of his right hand. Sebastian sighed and nodded in approval before Claude reached for the flute with his left hand. His long slender fingers wrapped around the stem and he gently tilted the flute slightly as he slowly added the sparkling liquid. As the liquid filled the glass it mixed the two juices and Lucius slowly became more interested. As the ruby red contents of the glass rose, Claude began leveling out the glass until it was vertical. He closed his eyes before placing it on the counter and then reaching behind the bar. "What is he doing now?" asked Lucius with agitation edging on his voice. Claude held a wide mint leaf between his fingers and slipped it into the glass; it just touched the contents of the glass and leaned against the rim. He smiled and gazed into Alex's ocean blue eyes; his narrow golden eyes were brimming with confidence and seemed to silently reassure her. "Your Cranberry Sparkler, Miss," he said smoothly as he slid the glass in front of her.

Alex looked at the ruby liquid in the glass before slowly picking it up, she was tentative. There were a number of times she had seen cocktails mixed however none of them were done with such class. It smelled oddly sweet as she slowly tipped the flute to her lips. It was oddly sweet with a tart nip at the end, yet there was something missing for it to be a cocktail. She couldn't taste any liquor, she was about to comment when Claude gave her a crooked smile. "It tastes wonderful," she commented and Claude nodded. "I'll have one as well," said Marcus, and Claude looked at him. "I'm afraid those were all I had left of the black berries," he said quickly. Alex smiled at him and silently thanked him for being on his best behavior and saving her. "Oh what a pity it looked so good too," said Marcus. Lucius glared at his son and turned to Sebastian, "Well let's head to our table then," he said tartly. The cranberry juice which had been used to mix her cocktail was sweeter than he had been. Alex fallowed Sebastian and paused when she noticed Canterbury in a suite, it was perfectly tailored and he smiled. He looked great in the suite; however she didn't quite understand what he was doing at the dinner. "Ah Canterbury, thank you for joining us, this is Claude Faustus's new paralegal Canterbury Wilson " said Sebastian with a smirk. Alex smiled and realized that Sebastian had specifically asked for Canterbury and was playing Lucius and Marcus. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Wilson " said Lucius as he reached for the young man's hand. Canterbury nodded and commented, "Canterbury please, save the formalities for those who deserve them." Lucius was confused until he remembered Sebastian referring to him as a paralegal. "It's a pleasure all the same," he said and turned his attention to Alex, "You are?" he asked after a moment. His hazel eyes glided over her body, as though he was evaluating her and looking for imperfections. "I'm Alexandra Stark," she replied sweetly.

Lucius nodded, his brown hair had begun to grey slowly and she could tell his hair line was receding His face was etched with wrinkles and she marveled at his sun kissed skin. "The graphic designer?" he asked slowly, there was a hint of disbelief in his voice. Marcus looked slightly uneasy and Alex realized that he had expected something very different. Alex nodded after a moment and replied, "Yes, I am." She started to feel nervous again, she had grown accustomed to working with Sterling and Marcus as well as various other people of high social standing. However facing Lucius, who was perhaps one of the most intimidating people she had ever met, in fact he made Claude seem approachable. He looked at her and then to Marcus, "This was the woman who convinced you to make that move?" he asked sharply. It was clear he didn't believe his son. "Yes," responded Marcus, before smiling at Alex. Sebastian looked at her and then cleared his throat, "Well then, it seems our table is this way, shall we?" he asked smoothly. Alex smiled with relief as Canterbury held out his arm, he looked over at Claude as though he were asking for permission. Her fingers slowly slipped into his waiting palm and he guided her to the table, he wasn't as elegant as Claude or Sebastian, however he did have style. Sebastian pulled her chair out for her and she slowly took her seat. Once she had done so Marcus, Lucius, and Canterbury slowly took theirs as Sebastian turned to Thompson who was standing there with a bottle of wine. Thompson nodded before placing the wine in the ice bath beside the table and walking away.

"You surprised me Mr. Michaelis, I didn't expect your firm to have such a firm bottom line," commented Lucius as he looked at the bottle of wine. Sebastian smiled, his blood red eyes sparkled and he looked as though he were about to play a game, "I was going to be here anyway, there is an auction and I plan on purchasing another house in Monte Carlo. I was hoping to find a few pieces to put in it," he commented as he pulled the wine and slowly poured a glass. Alex's eyes fell on the lush red wine as it fell from the lip of the bottle and landed softly in the glass. Even Sebastian could handle liquor with elegance. "I see," said Marcus, the corners of his lips cured upward and she couldn't tell if it was because he was pleased or merely amused. "I was wondering what your inspiration was for the second ad?" asked Marcus after a moment. He sounded excited and Alex could tell this had been bugging him for a great deal of time. There was silence as she composed her thoughts, "Aged liquor is a special thing," she commented as she slipped her fingers around the stem of the wine glass and lifted it. Lucius glared at her skeptically, it was clear he didn't understand where she was going with this thought. Her ocean blue eyes were locked on the ruby liquid in the glass, "It represents good times, and the bad. It has seen a great deal too," she said affectionately. She tipped the glass slightly to admire the dark red color which was similar to Sebastian's eyes. "As the wine ages in a the dark cellars bellow, the world above changes. Politicians attempt reforms, musicians make their names, technology advances and the world begins to seem even smaller," she said softly, her eyes never left the glass.

"To be locked away in the dark so long, only to be brought to light on the whim of your maker," she closed her eyes, "Yet some how, even though the world above had transformed to the point that it was barely recognizable, you prevail." Marcus stared at her as she gazed over the wine glass; her ocean blue eyes were clear and gave a bone chilling contrast to the red wine. "The scent of maturity, the taste of years of waiting, the texture of loneliness and excitement," she said softly. She gazed at Marcus and smiled, "As well as the body of a tradition, the warmth of generations and the elegance of a legacy," her voice was warm and the darkness which had tainted it disappeared. "A legacy which has managed to survive decade of turmoil only to be released to sweeten life. Gems winking at us telling us we have a reason to celebrate," she commented as she lifted the glass to her lips. "That we are in fact still alive," she whispered before taking a sip, she closed her eyes as she did so. Lucius was silent and watched as she exhaled and gently placed the glass on the table, for that moment he had lost himself. Her ocean blues flickered open and she looked at Lucius, "An undying legacy, that was what inspired me," she replied after a moment. Marcus was grinning and said, "That was the woman I met the first day and the shoot." Lucius glanced over to his son and then Sebastian who simply grinned and took a sip of his wine.

"You are very good with words for a graphic designer," Lucius commented with admiration. Alex slowly relaxed and replied, "Working in marketing doesn't mean we only draw pictures." Lucius smiled and laughed, it was clear the victory had belonged to her. Thompson arrived and asked timidly, "Have you decided on your order?" he asked. Sebastian looked up at him and nodded, Alex sighed and looked at the roses on the table, and they were a stunning white each petal was perfect. "For you miss?" he asked. Alex looked over at Thompson and realized that Marcus and Lucius had just ordered their meals. "The same as Mr. Michaelis," she replied with a smile. Thompson simply nodded and made a note before turning to leave. "So tell me is Stark of noble lineage?" asked Lucius. Alex looked over at him and shook her head, "No," she replied. Lucius looked at her curiously and sat closer to the edge of his seat. His gray eyes widened a little and he asked, "Are you certain?" She nodded and looked over at Marcus, "Why?" she asked. Lucius looked at her astonished and answered, "Your eyes, they're ocean blue, the same color of the Campbells, and you look a great deal like the late Lady Campbell. I met her once at a gala, she had this beautiful three year old girl with her." Marcus looked at his father, "Oh yeah, she was cute! I remember her, she kept fallowing me around," he said happily. Lucius nodded and looked at Alex, who looked clueless, "I'm afraid I don't understand what you are talking about," she said. Marcus sighed and rubbed his head, "Dad what was her name again?" he asked. Lucius leaned back and tapped his chin with his pointer finger before replying, "Alexandra Lucinda Campbell," he said after a moment. Sebastian stiffened and looked over at Claude who had nearly dropped the glass he was polishing. She looked at him in confusion and murmured, "My name is just Alexandra." There was a pained look in Lucius's eye and he sighed, "Yes you are, my mistake," he said softly.

Sebastian looked slightly tense as Thompson placed their orders on the table. "The contract called for a single advertisement and she completed two, so how will we handle this?" asked Canterbury swiftly, he looked at Marcus who looked as though he was about to be smacked. It was clear neither of them had thought about the kink. Marcus looked at Alex and responded, "Even if we specified a single advertisement I did ask for a preview of what else she could offer. We should pay her for both, the second one will be perfect for the New Year." Lucius looked stunned for a moment and said, "I don't think that's wise." Marcus froze, his eyes widened and he looked at Alex, she seemed relaxed and Sebastian didn't look phased. "I think it is, in fact I think we should put her on retainer to do another campainge in the future with how unique her work is," he said coolly and smiled at Alex. Lucius's gray eyes narrowed again and he shook his head, "I don't think so, yes this set was unique but I'm not certain of her," he said. Alex sliced into the chicken and took a bite when she heard a clatter, Marcus had noisily placed his silverware on the plate, "Ability? Professionalism? Or is it her age?" he asked sharply. Sebastian held up a hand it was clear things were about to get out of control. Only for Canterbury to jump in, "I have an idea, the advertisement will premier at the opening event, if it's received well you pay the full price for both, if not you pay the cost to make it."

Sebastian looked over at Canterbury in shock and it occurred to him that Claude had trained the young demon for this. Marcus and Lucius looked at one another and Alex looked at the group, "I think it's a wonderful idea," she commented. Sebastian looked at Canterbury and smiled, "I think so as well," he commented, "Canterbury please draw up the paper work, it will be in your hands later this evening." Lucius lifted his wine glass and sighed before taking a sip, "That would be much appreciated." Alex smiled and watched a crowd as it gathered around the bar, it was clear that Claude was making another exotic cocktail. Timber strode over and Sebastian realized Claude had sent him to relieve the tension, "The Bar master has made a special round of drinks in honor of your being here," said Timber. Sebastian smiled and nodded, "Certainly, after all he went through the trouble of making it," he said happily. Timber nodded and looked at Marcus and Lucius, "I'm up for it," said Marcus. Timber gave a small bow and walked over to the bar, "So what do you think he made?" asked Marcus curiously as he looked over at Lucius. His eyes then glided to the bartender, "I have no idea," he commented and looked at Sebastian who was smirking. "Knowing that bartender it's elaborate and elegant," commented Sebastian. Claude arrived with empty flutes and the five of them looked at the empty glasses and then to Claude who was grinning deviously. He held out his hand to cue Thompson to come around, he held a bottle of champagne and a basket holding five bottles of Genesis in the other. Thompson placed the bottle and basket on the table and Lucius asked, "What are you going to make for us?" Claude was quick to open the first beer and replied, "A Black Velvet."

Sebastian smiled at Claude, his red eyes seemed to glitter in appreciation and Claude nodded. "Why do you have both beer and champagne?" asked Marcus and he looked at Claude. Claude's golden eyes narrowed slightly and he responded cordially, "To make the cocktail." Marcus paled and shouted, "That's not possible, how dare you." Claude popped the champagne open and asked, "Oh? Why?" Marcus sat back in his seat and crossed his arms, "Their densities are also too different and it would displace the liquor causing it to overflow," he commented. Claude gave a crooked smile and said, "I don't think so, how about we test it?" There was a murmurer of surprise in the room and a number of guests had gathered around their table. "Beer and Champagne? Sounds like a waist of champagne," commented Marcus. Alex looked at Claude and smiled, "No it sounds impossible," commented an elderly man and Lucius sat silent. Claude picked up the two bottles and the group who had gathered watched as the two liquids hit the bottom of the flute and folded into one another, creating an elegant display of sparkling golden liquid being folded into the deep brown of the beer. "Two," he breathed and held the two bottles up right before placing the glass before Marcus. "No way," he whispered in disbelieve and Lucius smiled. "I haven't seen anyone make a black velvet with that much elegance or skill in a long time," he commented. Claude smiled and looked over at Sebastian. "Mr. Michaelis had requested the cocktail, however I was asked to tell you it was my idea," he commented as he made the second drink. Once again not a single drop slipped out of the glass, "Really?" asked Lucius and he looked over at Sebastian who nodded, his raven hair swayed and Lucius smiled. "It would appear that I completely misjudged you," he said after a moment, "However I will fallow through on the contract once I have signed it." Alex was shocked as Claude finished the final glass and placed it before her. She looked at the cocktail and smiled warmly, "No one has died Claude," she whispered. Marcus and Lucius froze and looked at her, "This cocktail was served in the late 1800s after the death of Queen Victoria," she said softly. Claude looked down at her, he could tell she was irritated, however he felt the drink was a good move. "It takes beer to lessen the joy of champagne," she said sadly.

Ronald yawned as he uncurled himself, he had wrapped himself tightly in the heavy blanket William had draped over him after they had managed to get to their room in the lodge. William was sitting beside him reading a book, his hair was untidy and he looked even more relaxed. "You're awake?" he asked softly as he slipped a book mark into the book and pleated his fingers through Ronald's hair. Ronald moaned and yawned as he stretched. "More or less," he replied sleepily, he could still remember the shock he had been in when William actually took a vacation and wanted to take him to Switzerland. He was well aware that William had lost his family on Christmas and he always visited their grave. He looked over at William and noticed how he seemed to be fighting with himself to be here with Ronald. "Will, why are we here?" he asked after a moment. William turned to him and looked at him as though he were the most precious thing in the world, "I wanted to spend time with you away from the red lady at the office," he replied. Ronald chuckled and remembered when William told Grell that he was now dating Ronald. It was a humorous sight which ended in Grell being whacked over the head with the hedge trimmer. "That and I was hoping you could," he fell silent and Ronald sat up. It was clear William was searching for the right word and fighting the urge to be blunt. "You could teach me how to have fun," he mumbled, he flushed with embarrassment and Ronald attempted to hold back his laughter. Which leaked after a moment and he held his stomach as he laughed, it filled the room and William glared at him. "What's so funny?" he asked angrily. Ronald continued to laugh as he replied, "You." William's eyes narrowed dangerously as he pouched Ronald causing them to tumble to the floor. "Oh yeah? Well then you'll love this," said William happily.

Ronald looked at him slightly confused until William began to tickle his sides, "No, oh shit Will," he squealed with delight as William began his relentless attack. Ronald closed his eyes and was laughing uncontrollably. "Mercy," he cried through the laughter, "Have mercy on me Will." William was grinning from ear to ear as he continued, "You said I was funny, so now I'll show you how funny I can be," he commented happily Ronald jerked and giggled until William's hands stilled. He looked lonesome for a moment and he sat back on his heels. Ronald looked up at him and noticed how sad he was, "Will?" he asked softly. William looked at Ronald, it seemed like he was in pain and Ronald sat up. His shirt was disheveled and his hair was array, "I'm not going anywhere Will," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around the elder dark haired shinigami. "I'll be here for you," he whispered, "I promise." William wrapped his arms around Ronald and held him for a moment. The pair were silent, all that could be heard was the slow drumming of their heart beats and the steadiness of their breath.

The rest of the meeting with Marcus and Lucius had gone rather well and Canterbury had drafted the contract perfectly, to the point that he swore it was Claude who had written it. Sebastian leaned against the bar, his back facing the bartender and he chuckled. Claude had probably taught him about contracts between humans, they did after all operate differently than those between human and demon. Sebastian ran a tired hand through his hair and sighed. He didn't expect Lucius to bring up the Campbells in that context, it would cause a great deal of trouble for them if Lucius had figured out who Alex really was. "You look like you could use a drink," said a familiar voice behind him. There was a faint tap and Sebastian looked over his shoulder to see a glass of brandy sitting near his hand, Claude black nailed fingers were wrapped around the glistening glass. "You always did know when I needed relief," he commented. Claude grinned and whispered, "You look like you could use some now." Sebastian looked at Claude, he felt heat pooling in his groin. "I close in five minutes," said Claude before he turned away.