A/N: *see end of chapter*
It had been a few weeks since the Earl had come, and Grell came to visit every now and again when I was working. We had a couple nice talks 'Lady to Lady' as Grell called it, though I highly doubt that he is a she. Right now though, I was making dinner for the girls on a Monday.
Suddenly one of the girls came in and said, "Madame Richardson has some news!" before rushing out.
I turned off the stove and followed her out to the dining hall, where the announcement was to be made.
"Listen up you hooligans!" the Madame started, "We have all been invited to attend a play that is being held by the Funtom Toy Company. I want you all in your very best outfits, and we will be watching a production of Hamlet. There will be kids from other orphanages there, so don't get rowdy. It will be held at the end of the week. That is all."
I was surprised to say the least. Yes the Earl Phantomhive was the owner of a toy company, and sometimes he even held outings for orphans, but this was the first time since I became old enough to leave that I was considered to be invited as well. Given part of that was the fact that I usually work Thursdays and Saturdays during times when these events would usually be held. Still, I knew that one of the girls wouldn't have been sent to get me if I wasn't invited. Most likely it was because Madame Richardson believed that she would need help with the girls during the performance.
I went back and finished making dinner. After we ate I tucked the youngest girls into bed and went out for a walk. Before going out, i put on my coat. It was supposed to be windy today.
As I walked through the park, someone bumped into me, sending us both flying. I got up and wiped myself off before checking to see if the other person was alright. To my surprise it was Grell! I helped him up.
"I'm so sorry for bumping into you darling, I'm in a bit of a hurry." Grell said. He looked very excited and starstruck.
"It's alright Grell. Where are you going in such a rush?" I asked.
Grell smiled before saying, "Well, I was just popping in for a visit to the Phantomhive Manor when I overheard that the actors that were going to preform a charity play wouldn't be able to make it. Of course being the person passionate about the arts, I entered and suggested that we do the play ourselves. The show must go on and all that you know. Now I must go find a dress to fit my part and finish my work before Will demotes me again!"
I look at him, surprised, "I know about that performance. The girls from the orphanage I grew up in and I will be attending. I wish you good luck at finding what to wear and getting your work done!"
Grell just looked at me for a moment, an idea seeming to come to his mind before asking, "Wait! Ana, didn't you tell me that you work in complimenting fabric with a person's personality for their coffins?"
"Yes." I answer hesitantly.
"Would you mind coming with me then? I could use your eye to find something that fits my role, and we could get you an outfit to wear while being in the audience! It will be lovely!"
His enthusiasm rubbed off on me a bit and I said, "Sure. That sounds like fun."
Before I knew what was happening, I was being dragged into a department store by a very happy Grell. After searching for a while I picked out a simple red gown for his female role in the play. He loved it so much that he randomly hugged me after trying it on.
I had only searched for his outfit while we shopped, so I was surprised when he pulled out a blood red dress for me to try on. It also came as a surprise that it was the right size, even with out a corset to my relief. I liked it, but my face fell when I saw the price tag.
"What's wrong Ana? You look like someone held your coat in front of your face, and pulled it away right when you were going to grab it." Grell said.
"It's nothing." I said as I started to put the dress away.
Suddenly he seemed to realize what was happening because he said, "Don't worry about the price of the dress. I'll pay for it."
"You don't need to do that, I have plenty of dresses that with a little work would do just fine for the occasion." I replied, thinking of which dress I would have to do what to.
"Darling every Lady needs a 'special occasion' dress. You're no exception. Consider it a gift from a friend." he said smiling.
I knew he wouldn't take no for an answer so I said, "Fine, but I'm paying you back for this."
"It's a gift. No payment required." Grell stated while he payed for everything.
He handed me my bag and ran off to wherever his work was.
A/N I wasn't sure where to go with this to get to my goal point, but then it hit me. One of the OVA's. The one that has Grell, Undertaker, Ranmao, Sebastian, and Ciel in the play Hamlet. Add in Grell giving Ana a dress, and it is perfect. Her reaction to said play will be displayed in the next chapter.