Kuroshitsuji © Yana Toboso
OCs © reaper-of-lost-souls
A/N: Yeah let me just say in advance that I'm using online translators so if the spelling/word is wrong then I apologize in advance. Hey guys! It's nice to see you again. Well in this chapter we go a little more in-depth into Sophie's past. As always, I added dancing because I just wanted to! I'm hoping in the next chapter or so I'll be able to move on from this ballroom scene stuff, but we'll see. Sorry for making so many OCs. I tried to add some characters from Kuroshitsuji, but there are not a lot of older characters I can work off of. I hoping to get back to introducing shinigami, but that'll come later. Now, enjoy!
!#$%^&*()
Sophie let out a huff as she looked out the window, watching the scenery change from block to block. "I don't see why we're going," she grumbled to herself, looking over at the man sitting from across from her.
The Undertaker chuckled, wearing his usual mortician outfit with matching top hat. "It wouldn't be appropriate to show up at a dinner party without my dear little maiden." She stared back at him, her blue/green eyes glaring at him and piercing through his bangs, making him flinch slightly. Sophie crossed her arms, slouching in the poufy dress he was making her wear.
He chuckled, staring at her. She wore a combination of a dark blue and green dress with black rimming around. She had poufy sleeves, much to her disappointment, with a v-neck with no straps. The dress went past her legs and hid her shoes, which were the black high heels that Maria said she could keep. Her auburn hair was pinned up in a bun, though some fringes of her hair still fell to her side. She touched her green necklace with her long black gloves, which hanged around her neck. Sophie moved slightly, the corset feeling excruciatingly tight. "I just don't like it," she grumbled.
"That we are going to dear Earl Phantomhive's house? ~" he mused.
"No," she groaned, "That I have to wear this tight thing around my waist," she grumbled, sitting uncomfortably in the stagecoach. He laughed loudly, slamming his hand on the seat of the stagecoach and holding his side. Sophie rolled her eyes, "It's not that funny Undertaker," she grumbled. "Are you sure you didn't tighten it too tightly?" she frowned, crossing her arms uncomfortably.
"Nope. That's how they're worn," he giggled, watching her wiggling around in distress, "though if it's too much for you to bear, I can loosen it for you if you'd like."
She looked at him, unsure. Letting out a sigh she settled down by crossing her legs and looking out the window, setting an elbow on the windowsill and placing her head on it. "No it's okay…" she sighed, "It's just… I hope I don't run into those relatives of mine… Hey Undertaker," she asked, looking over at him.
"Hmmm?" he asked, glancing over at her.
"W-what would you do if they asked for me to go back with them?" she frowned, terror surging in her eyes.
He chuckled, "Is that what you're worried about? ~"
She nodded, a whimper escaping her lips. "I know I shouldn't be afraid of them, but… they've treated me so horribly. I've never understood why… Every now and again they'd treat my mom decently, but never me. Were they just disappointed that I wasn't a boy? I just don't understand it," she sighed, looking at the floor.
Suddenly Sophie felt arms wrapping around her body, scooting her over into the middle of the stagecoach. She flinched and looked up, looking at the white bangs that brushed her face. Her cheeks turned pink, feeling the Undertaker brushing a nail on her soft-pale skin. "Even if they try to force you to go with them, I'll be there to make sure they don't." She smiled from the sincere but serious tone in his voice. He set his head on top of hers. "Besides," he began, breathing in the scent of her hair, "You're mine Sophia. They threw you to the abyss and I saved you from the darkness. You're mine ~" She gasped, wrapping her arms around his and gripping him tightly, "and no one will take that away from you, okay?"
Sophie looked up at him and giggled, "Okay Undertaker. I'm yours," she smiled happily, nuzzling her nose into his sleeve. "You don't have to be so serious about that."
"Oh is that so? ~" he snickered, causing her to giggle in response. "Well don't worry about it little maiden. I'll be there keeping an eye on you."
"Oh an eye huh?" she giggled, "I don't think anyone will be able to see those eyes of yours on me." He chuckled, letting another giggle escape her lips. "Though I've wondered what color your eyes are… huh," she said to herself, "I've known you for years, but you never let me see your eyes…" she frowned.
He nuzzled into her hair, causing her to wiggle and giggle in response. "Don't worry about it. You may just get to see it, in due time ~" he whispered in her ear, causing her to flinch. Then he chuckled, leaning back in the seat. "Looks like we're here little maiden."
Sophie looked out the window, seeing the massive mansion. "I guess we are," she sighed, watching as the stagecoach winded around the hill before making it to the top.
!#$%^&*()
"Sorry I was mean to you when you can by the morgue," Sophie curtsied, looking up at the man she was talking to. "I'm just a very testy person in front of people I first meet. I'd like to personally apologize, Earl Phantomhive, and thank you for inviting my dad and I to your mansion," she smiled, waiting for his response.
He chuckled, "Your apology is accepted, but you really don't have to apologize to me. I didn't even notice you till half way in the conversation, so you were allowed to be crossed with me. I hope you accept my apology," he smiled back.
"Of course," she smirked, "but it doesn't mean I'll be any different then I normally am. I'll still be testing you, okay boy?"
He smirked, "Okay Lady Sophie," he finished, taking her hand and kissing it. "I hope you enjoy the festivities here."
"Sure," she shrugged, wrapping her arm around Undertaker's arm. The three of them bowed and the Undertaker and she walked away, Sophie letting out a long-awaited sigh. "I hope his apology wasn't just an act," she grumbled under her breath.
"Don't worry about it little maiden," he said with a smirk, "the worst is over."
She let out a sigh, "I do hope so," she finished, looking around the room. The place was big and glamorous; white painted the walls and paintings hanged to cover it up. There were live musicians playing music and a buffet table set up with little dishes of cuisine. Butlers walked by holding trays of bite-sized food and glasses of wine. In the middle of the floor people were dancing to the music and on the sides people watched and gossiped. Sophie let out a sigh, getting pulled by the Undertaker to the buffet table. She watched as he took a plate and grabbed some apple crumble. "So why are we here again?" she grumbled to herself.
"Because the Young Earl invited us, little maiden ~" he giggled, slurping down some semolina pudding and wiping his face with his sleeve.
"Oh there has to be more to this then that," she grumbled, "you're not one to going to these types of parties or even going out at all! Why did you accept his invitation anyways?"
She crossed her arms, waiting for a reply. "Perhaps he just wanted to apologize," he said it bluntly, putting some goodies under his sleeves before walking over to Sophie from behind. "Phyllo?" he chuckled, Sophie frowning at him before grabbing the tiny phyllo from his hands and eating it slowly. "Besides I'm a nobleman and you're my daughter. I get invited to these shindigs all the time and never go. I just wanted to see what the fuss was all about." He grabbed her arm, moving her over to the side of the buffet as they watched the assembly dancing around the floor. "And perhaps I wanted to show off my little maiden," he chuckled under his breath, getting louder as her eyes went wide.
"Oh is that so?" she chuckled, grabbing a glass of wine and swirling it in her black gloved hands. "Well from the looks of it, I think everyone is wondering why I'm hanging out with such a creepy nobleman like you," she smirked, taking a drink of the red wine.
"Why don't you go over there and explain to them who you are?"
She looked at him with sarcasm escaping her lips. "I'd rather not. I don't like these things anyways so why participate in their gossip about me?" she shrugged, taking another sip of her drink. "Besides," she sighed, looking down at the half-full glass in her hands, "I'm shy."
"Then do you want me to go with you and introduce you? ~" he giggled under his sleeve, causing her to roll her eyes.
"You know what," she said, "I'd rather you don't. You'd just creep them out and give them a reason to shun me." She let out a sigh, setting the glass down on the buffet table, "I-I'll go," she walked away from him, giving him a soft glare when she heard him chuckling as she left.
"Have fun ~" he giggled, taking a small trifle out from underneath his sleeve and eating it in one bite.
Sophie quickly walked away from Undertaker towards the other side of the room. In her haste she accidently ran into a little girl, both of them falling down from the collision. "Oh I'm so sorry!" Sophie gasped, helping her off of the ground.
Her eyes went wide as she stared into big, vibrant red eyes. She had freckles on her nose and bright red hair that had been braided behind her head. "It's alright," she giggled, "You don't seem to be used to these things anyways."
"Y-yeah," Sophie chuckled, scratching the back of her head. "I haven't been to a party like this in ages."
"Ages huh?" she thought, brushing her dress till it was spotless. "So who are you? I saw you coming in with that… well…" she frowned, trying to come up with the best words to not insult her.
"Creepy man? Mortician? That guy over there who sneaked deserts under is sleeve and is currently eating them in that corner over there?"
The girl's eyes went wide, then she snickered, "Yes him. So you must know him?"
She smiled, "Why yes I do. He's my… well," she chuckled, scratching the back of her head, "His name is the Undertaker and I'm his daughter Sophia, but you can just call me Sophie."
She giggled, "Oh is that so? I didn't know the Undertaker had a daughter, though it was rumored that he had a son."
"Yeah I know," she said rather gruffly. "That would be me," she chuckled, giving her a slight bow. "I'm not used to wearing these stiff corsets," she whimpered slightly, moving the dress slightly and trying to adjust the corset around her waist.
The other girl giggled, "Well that explains it." She smiled, taking her hand so she wasn't fooling around with her dress, "My name is Angelina Durless by the way, but everyone usually calls me Anne."
Sophie nodded, and then smiled. "Well it's nice to meet you Anne."
She smiled, turning around to leave, "Hey wait!" Anne called out, grabbing her hand, "If you're new to these things, then I should show you around!"
She chuckled, waving her hand in front of her face, "Oh that's not necessary –"
"Yes it is!" she smiled happily. "Here I'll bring you over to my sister. She's a really nice girl and I think you'll feel right at home once you talk with her."
Sophie looked at her unsure, quickly pinning a smile on her face, "Okay. Why not?" she shrugged, her eyes widening as she was pulled through the crowded dance floor to the opposite side of the room.
!#$%^&*()
Sophie bit down on her bottom lip, staring at the elder couple talking to her, or about her. She wasn't quite sure. "Sophia, dear little Sophia, what are you even doing here?" said the woman, a growl escaping her lips.
She gulped, trying to muster whatever courage she had stored in herself for this particular moment, "I'm here with my father –"
"Your father? Hah!" she commented, causing Sophie to frown. "That man has never shown up and he probably won't today."
"What father?" the man said, his arms crossed, "I thought we'd tied you up so tightly to that poor orphanage that you wouldn't be able to get adopted."
"Well I did," she said rather sternly. "Now you can just leave me alone. I've been adopted, and my father and I were just invited to this party. I don't see why we have to create any trouble –"
"Trouble?" the woman laughed. "The only one who is creating trouble here is you by showing your presence," she glared at her, causing Sophie to flinch.
"No I'm not!" she grumbled under her breath, "I was doing just fine until you showed up and spotted me. I honestly don't see why you guys hate me so, my own relatives. I didn't do anything wrong –"
"You look like him. That's what's wrong," the man growled at her, Sophie backing away slightly.
"So what if I look like my father? Isn't that what happens when you have a child? You look like both of your parents –"
"And you're eyes are unnatural. Your eyes would be beautiful like your mothers if it wasn't for that eerie green color in the center of your eyes that crept out anyone who glances into them."
"Yeah so –"
"And you act just like him," he glared, causing Sophie to frown. "Not like your mother, but like him. You are him, whatever you are."
She bit down on her bottom lip, trying to not cry. "I'm not that different from any of you. Besides I don't have to take this, because you left me in some god-forsaken orphanage to let me rot and die. Well you know what, I'm free from your hell and I don't have to take any of this nonsense you throw at me. I'm not yours," she growled, glaring back at them. "I'm not your niece anymore and you don't own me. Now if you excuse me –"
"Why hello little maiden," said a creepy voice from behind the couple and they flinched in fright. He brushed past them and wrapped his sleeves protectively around Sophie, causing her to cling to his arms. "They're not bothering you, are they?"
"And just who do you think you are?" the woman hissed. "Coming out of nowhere and scaring the living daylights out of everyone!" She yelled, causing glances from the people around them from her sudden outburst.
"And I would prefer that you don't wrap your arms around our niece like that, you creepy old man."
"I stopped being your niece when you threw me away to the hounds of hell!" Sophie cried out, biting back the tears that began to form in her eyes as she struggled to get away from them.
"Now calm down Sophie," he said in a calm and nurturing voice, to the couple's frustration. "This young lady is my daughter, and if you have a problem with her and want to do harm to her then you'll have to go through me first," he glared from under his bangs, making them cringe. Then his creepy smile crept back on his face, causing them to flinch and back away.
"You disturbing old man," the woman hissed, "get your hands away from her –"
"I'm not yours!" Sophie growled, "I'm not! I'm not yours! I belong to the Undertaker now and that's where I want to stay! Now leave me alone!" she babbled, burying her head into his chest and clinging to him, as if her life depended on it.
"Is something wrong here?" said a fairly tall butler, coming up behind them with his arms crossed. "I'd like it if you could kindly take your argument outside. You're scaring the other guests here."
"Then talk to those two over there! They're the ones making a scene," the woman said, a smirk lingering on her lips as she pointed her sausage-like hands at Sophie.
Sophie glared, "It's okay." She looked up at the butler with a smile, having the Undertaker let go of her, "I'm already leaving," she huffed, her head held high and proud till she walked out the front door.
The Undertaker cracked a smile, bowing slightly to the butler, "Sorry for the sudden occurrence our hostility caused." The man nodded, walking away as the room began to get louder with the chatter increasing around them. Then he turned to the couple, a scary glare piercing through their eyes and into their souls, causing them to flinch in terror, "If you ever make my little girl cry again you'll be spending the rest of your lives in a coffin."
"Is that a threat?" the man growled, a hiss escaping his lips.
The Undertaker smiled, a Cheshire smile on his face, "It's however you interpret it ~" he giggled, walking away from them with a skip in his step.
!#$%^&*()
Sophie ran as fast as she could, biting down on her lips tightly causing them to bleed. She couldn't let the nobility see her like this, for she had to stay strong. In her haste she ran into someone, falling straight to her butt in frustration. "Woh there!" escaped the elder woman's lips, suddenly noticing the well-dressed girl lying in the dirt about to cry. Her eyes went down, kneeling down next to the girl, "Hey are you ok?"
"I-I…" she babbled, tears, for the first time, escaping down out of her eyes. "Sorry…" she said, putting her head in her hands.
"Oh no, don't be like that!" the woman said, patting the girl on the back. "Hey you can tell Karol what's wrong."
Sophie looked up at her, still hesitant. The woman had dark bronzed hair and light brown eyes. She seemed to be carrying a pile of clothes under her arms. She opened up her hand to her, and Sophie smiled, taking the hand to help her up. "I'm sorry… I just had to get away from those no-good aristocrats in there," Sophie glared back at the door she ran out of, and then looked at the woman with a smile on her face.
"Oh I can understand," she smiled, happy the woman she ran into was okay. "I've been the same situation myself!" she giggled, causing to let out a cough from suddenly crying and then giggled along with her.
"Hey do you need help with those?" Sophie asked, watching as she fumbled around with the large stack in her hands.
"I wouldn't want to intrude –"
"Don't worry you're not," she smiled, grabbing half of the stack from her hands. The woman smiled at her, walking along side her down the road back towards the mansion. "So you're name is… Karol?"
"That would be correct," she giggled, "I'm here with my sister to perform."
"Perform?" she questioned her, as they walked around the mansion to the back.
"Yes we're dancers," she smiled happily. "I'm the littlest of the group. We're your afternoon entertainment tonight."
Sophie smiled, giving her a nod. "So do you know Ricardo and Maria?"
She thought for a second, as Sophie opened the door to the servants' door for her. Sophie followed Karol as they walked up the stairs and through the empty halls of the mansion. "I think I've heard of them…" she thought, still can't putting a finger on the names.
"What about Andrés?" Sophie asked, following her to a door.
Karol looked at her as if she was crazy as a loud fit of laughter escaping her lips, causing Sophie to jump back in surprise. "Of course I know Andrés," she giggled, giving her a wink. She knocked on the door they were standing in front of, "Yoh Andrés open up!" she yelled, pounding her hand on the door loudly. She let out an annoyed sigh, hanging the rest of the clothes in her hand to Sophie as her pounding increased.
"Hey enough!" came a voice from the door, the door swinging open with a tall man staring at Karol with anger in his eyes. "You don't have to yell!" he yelled back, just as loudly as Karol was yelling.
Sophie rolled her eyes, walking past them and throwing the clothes on the nearest thing she could spot, a bed. "Well maybe you should open the door right when I call," Karol smirked, walking into the room as the man rolled his eyes.
Sophie let out a sigh, turning behind to see the man peck Karol's lips as he closed the door behind them. "So who's this young Schönheit?" the man asked, going over to inspect her. Sophie let out a nervous chuckle, his face to close to hers for comfort. "Very mysterious eyes…" he said, causing her to blush.
"That's… actually I didn't catch your name," Karol said, walking over to her to investigate her too. "I just knocked into her and all of the sudden she was bursting out in tears."
"Bösen fürsten," he hissed under his breath. "Well it's ok young lady. You can hang out with us until you have to go home."
Sophie smiled, sincerity in her eyes, "Thank you kindly."
Hearing the door open they turned to see two other men and women come in with food in their hand. "Look what we grabbed from the buffet table," one of them laughed, throwing a croissant at Karol. "Hey Fred Boy, why did you let a noble in here?" he said, walking over to Sophie and staring in her eyes. She flinched back, bumping into the bed. "They're not supposed to see us till our grand début!" he said, a laugh escaping his lips.
"Don't scare the poor girl," a woman said, wrapping an arm around Sophie's arm. "You can tell she's been through a rough night."
Sophie looked over at the man in the corner, who seemed to be thinking intently. She blinked in surprise, at the exact same time he did. He laughed, causing the others to look over at him in confusion. "It's nice to meet you here, white swan," he chuckled, walking over to her and pecking her hand. "Guys this is the girl from a few weeks ago, the White Swan."
They eyes widened in shock, before they let out fits of laughter. "Wow! I would have never believed that girl was the same woman you described!"
"Well let me introduce us," he said, wrapping an arm around Sophie's shoulder. "White Swan, over there is Charlotte and her younger sister Karol, next to Karol is Frédéric, that snotty boy over there is Marc, and this is Aurora," he smiled happily towards her, "and guys, this is Miss Sophia, who prefers the name Sophie as I recall," she smiled at the last comment. "So what's a young swan like you doing here?" Andrés asked, everyone staring at her intently.
"W-well…" she thought, trying to come up with the best words here to say. "Well my dad and I help the Earl who lives here with a few things from time to time. Because of that, my dad decided that we go to this party."
"So why did I find you crying?" Karol asked.
"What! You were crying?" Andrés asked, sympathy in his eyes.
"Oh it was nothing," Sophie shrugged. "Long story short I got fed up with a couple of the nobles in the room and had to leave. Then I accidently ran into Karol and yeah! That's it!" she smiled, scratching her red eyes.
Andrés smile, "Well you're welcome to hang out with us for the rest of the night if you'd like."
"Thank you," she smiled, "I'd love to," she chuckled.
"Hey and while you're here," Marc began saying, "would you like to dance with us?"
Sophie's eyes went wide in shock, her hands immediately going in front of her hands, "Oh no! I couldn't possibly," she shook her hands, causing him to frown. "I don't even know your guy's routine! I wouldn't want to intrude –"
"Well actually you wouldn't be. We need a third female dancer for the show because she got sick," Andrés said, much to Sophie's disappointment. "Besides it's not a hard job," he chuckled, "You'll be following Frédéric and Charlotte from behind as they dance around. We'll behind a curtain where no one will see our faces, if that's what you're worried about."
Sophie paused, "Wait us?"
"Why sure. It was my dane partner that couldn't come. Since I've danced with you before, I might as well dance with you now. Besides I wasn't going to dance tonight, but if you dance with me then I'll be able to."
Sophie looked at him unsure, looking around the room at the eyes staring at her. She let out a sigh of defeat, "Well okay," she smiled, to everyone's amusement, "but I really don't want to be seen."
"I promise none of those fürsten will be able recognize you," Frédéric said, causing Sophie to chuckle.
"Now to find you something to wear…" Aurora said in a huff, rustling through the clothes.
"Ehhh?" Sophie said in protest as dresses were being thrown at her from left and from right.
!#$%^&*()
Undertaker let an annoyed sigh escape his lips, frustration showing through his Cheshire smile. 'Where is that girl?' he grumbled, popping a piece of mille-feuille into his mouth, 'If only I had gotten there sooner…. Ugh I've failed you little maiden,' he frowned.
"Hey Undertaker," he heard someone say. He looked over to see Earl Vincent Phantomhive walking over to him, "Did you find your daughter yet?"
He shook his head no, cracking a smile, "It's okay though."
"Oh?" he said, looking at him suspiciously, "Why's that?"
"I know that my little maiden is alright ~" he giggled, "I think she's just roaming around your mansion, probably lost."
He smiled, "Well I'll have someone go out and search for her." Vincent looked up to see the lights turn off, "Oh it must be that the entertainment will start soon. If you'll excuse me Undertaker," he bowed quickly, hastily walking to the front of the room.
The Undertaker raised his sleeve over his mouth, letting out a chuckle, "She's closer then you think, Young Earl ~" he mused, walking away from his spot so he could have a better spot.
"Noble ladies and gentlemen of the court," Andrés began, a rob hiding his outfit. "The Juvéniles of Dance would like to present you with a short interpretation of the White Swan. Maestro, if you'd please." He ran back behind a white curtain, the crowd politely clapping for them to begin.
!#$%^&*()
"I-I've never done this before Karol," Sophie said, letting out a nervous sigh.
"Don't worry about it," she giggled, fiddling around with the white tutu she was wearing, "this is my first time too."
"Really?" her eyes widened in disbelief.
Karol nodded, a smile planted on her face, "Yep! I'm just as nervous as you. I hope we break a leg!" she giggled, the two girls looking up as the ballroom went dark.
"Get to your place Sophie," Charlotte said with a gentle smile on her face, ushering her to run behind the white screen before Andrés stood in the center of the stage.
As soon as Andrés was done Sophie stood up, waiting patiently for him to run behind the screen. He chuckled, "Are you ready White Swan?" he whispered to her.
She nodded, "I'm still nervous though."
"Hey don't worry about it," he shrugged, "You're a born natural. Hey how do you like your outfit?"
She shrugged, "Can't complain. It could be worse, like wearing a corset," she shuddered. Sophie then smiled, looking down at her outfit. It was a dress, not a tutu or anything fancy, but just a simple white dress. A gold colored cord was tied around her waist and small plastic wings were sewed to the back. A thin gold headband laid on her head as waves of auburn hair laid on her shoulders as it fluttered in the breeze from the open door behind them.
Andrés smiled back at her, "Good," he chuckled, mentally preparing himself. They heard the music starting next to them, but it wasn't their time to begin dancing yet. Sophie stared at him. He wore a simple outfit, obviously an old sword fighter outfit. He attached a sword around his waist, before looking over at her. "Are you ready?"
"I-I guess so…" she smiled meekly.
He let a chuckle escape his lips, "It's okay to be nervous about this. Just remember what you've been taught about dance and just enjoy the moment," he smiled. He looked, noticing the music beginning to quiet down. "Okay come here and pose like Frédéric and Charlotte are doing."
Sophie nodded, wrapping her arms around his with her back in his chest. "Are the wings hurting you?"
He chuckled, "No, you're lucky they're very flexible. Okay pay attention now. It's beginning."
Sophie's eyes widened, a bright light shining on them from the front of the stage. She let out a sigh, looking at Charlotte as she posed with Frédéric exactly like Sophie had done with Andrés. She noticed out of the corner of her eyes that Karol and Marc were closer to the audience, making a pose from the sides of Frédéric and Charlotte. She smiled, her heart beating faster as the music began to play again.
Opening her arms Andrés spun her around, revealing the wings on her back. Following Charlotte's moves, Sophie fluttered around Andrés. As the climax came in the music, Sophie took a couple of steps before she jumped into Andrés' arms. The crowd let out awes and gasps as the music died back down, the light on the white screen fading away as they posed again. As the crowd clapped for them, Frédéric and Charlotte walked off stage and ran back to the room, to change for the next dance. Aurora called Andrés over as Sophie stayed behind the screen and waited. He let out an annoyed sigh as he came back around, "Apparently Karol and Marc aren't ready for the next dance! So we'll have to stall."
Sophie's eyes widened, "A-are you sure we have to?"
He looked at her worried, "Hey if you don't want to come out its okay –"
She put a finger on his lips, "I'll do it," she quickly said before Andrés could say anymore.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded, before planting a smile on her face, "Now what are we going to do?" Andrés whispered something in her ear before she let out a giggle. "Sure I can do that."
Andrés ran back to the musicians before running to the front. "Noble ladies and gentlemen of the court, sorry for the delay," he said with a bow towards the audience. "We are now ready for our next piece. Maestro," he glanced over his shoulder, standing in front of the stage waiting as the music began. Then he started dancing by himself, the music slow and dark. The music suddenly stopped, revealing a cloaked woman peering from behind the white sheet. Andrés chuckled, not expecting her to do that. Then Sophie walked in front of Andrés, turning to him and making eye contact once the music began to play, this time soft and delightful.
Andrés took her hand, Sophie quickly refusing it and running off to the corner. She looked up to the ceiling, her hand reaching out. Andrés grabbed her hand softly, causing her to look down and take a couple of steps before leaping up into the air. She played a game with Andrés, trying to keep away from him as the music continued. Then the music became to speed up; Sophie spinning faster and faster around Andrés. He grabbed her hand and she let a soft smile escape her lips. Then they danced across the stage, Sophie grabbing for her cloak. In one big swoosh Sophie took off her cloak as she leapt into the air, throwing her cloak to the audience. They let out a gasp, Sophie leaping a few more times before running back to Andrés. He grabbed her waist and lifted her higher into the air, her white dress and auburn hair flowing behind her. Then the music began to die down, causing Andrés and Sophie's steps to be slower. Eventually they stopped dancing right when the musicians stopped playing, posing in the style they had began behind the screen.
The silence in the room was unsettling, causing Sophie's heart to beat faster and faster. Then they heard clapping, causing Andrés and Sophie to look up. The audience was clapping wildly, some of them even going as far as bawling. Sophie looked over at her aunt and uncle in the audience, their mouths open in surprise. She chuckled, taking a curtsy as Andrés bowed. "So are you feeling better now?" Andrés asked, looking over at her with a smirk.
She looked at him dumfounded, before giving him a smile back, "A lot better. Thank you."
He chuckled, "Good. I don't want a little white swan to be crying."
She giggled, the two of them curtsying/bowing to the audience. Sophie looked back out to the audience, spotting the Undertaker in the corner. She smiled at him happily, before being escorted off stage by Andrés. She watched as the other 4 dancers ran on stage, in flamingo outfits. "The flamingo?" she asked.
"Yep," he smirked, "would you like to change quickly?"
She looked up at him, and then flicked his forehead, "Of course," she giggled, before Andrés and Sophie disappeared into the hallways.
!#$%^&*()
As the music stopped, Karol let out a deep sigh as Marc had his hand around her waist. "I wonder if this is the last one," she said quietly to Marc, as the audience clapped for them.
He chuckled, "Oh I don't think so. See," he said looking off to the crowd. Karol looked up and smirked as she walked off stage. Marc ran back on as the crowd began dispersing, "Noble ladies and gentlemen of the court, we have one more dance for you tonight. This will have audience participation so please remain where you are standing." The audience looked at each other, talking amongst each other. "Now may I present you with, the Dance of Passion," he chuckled to himself, quickly running off stage before the lights went completely out.
After a few seconds the music began again. The music began dramatically, a thud stopped the music and a spotlight shown in the area, revealing Andrés standing tall and proud. He wore a typical suit, the fabric light so he could dance. He also had his sword secured tightly around his waist. He looked over at the closest woman next to him, gently grabbing her hand and giving a little kiss on her hand. "May I have the pleasure of having this dance?" Her face went red with embarrassment, "O-of course, good sir," she curtsied with Andrés giving her a quick bow. He grabbed her hand, and, as soon as the music began, they started dancing the waltz, the spectators making room for them as they danced. They whispered amongst each other what was going on; even the Young Earl Phantomhive didn't know what was going on. Then Frédéric, Marc, Charlotte, and Karol came out of nowhere, taking dance partners and joining Andrés on the dance floor. The lights were still out, except for the one spotlight on Andrés and his partner. The nobles seem to loosen up, taking each other's hands and dancing with them on the dance floor. Everyone was happy and gay, with the waltz being played for a couple of minutes.
Then the music dramatically changed, going from the light music of the waltz to the dramatic start of the flamenco. The five dancers looked over to an opened door, everyone following them. Then a black fan flew open, flapping to the person hiding behind the door. Then the music paused again, the woman spinning out into the room in a black and red dress, the fan only showing the eyes of her eyes. "Miradas a ser un aburrido poco partido de la danza," Sophie smirked as the music began, walking confidently onto the dance floor. Everyone looked in her in awe. Her dress was mostly black, but had tasteful amounts of red fabric. Her wavy auburn hair flowed behind her, a black rose attached to the right side of her head, which had a silver skull attached just underneath the rose with two black ribbons underneath that. Her bangs showed through, the bangs on the left side of her face slightly longer then on the right side. She had her green ring around her neck on a silver chain, which flowed freely with her steps.
Then the music began again, this time it was flamenco music. She raised the black fan up in the air, "I wonder, en un pequeño lugar apropiado tenga gusto de esto, if there are any decent dancers here." She smirked, waiting for a reply. "I guess no one wants to dance with little me?" she chuckled, flirting with a random man from across the room as she fanned her face.
"I'll dance with you Miss Sophia," came Marc to the rescue, taking Sophie's hand and began dancing with her.
She rolled her eyes, the boredom with Marc dancing the waltz with her to the music of flamenco. Sophie pushed his hands down in a huff, flipping the fan in front of his face. "Un pequeño muchacho tan aburrido." She frowned, "You don't have the passion I seek." Then she walked away, leaving Marc stunned. "Does anyone else have the valor to dance with me?" She sighed, fanning her fan in front of her face.
"I'll dance with you, White Swan," Andrés smirked.
Sophie rolled her eyes, "How bothersome."
She began walking away as Andrés grabbed her hand, spinning her around to meet his eyes. She gasped, pushing away as he spun her around. They playfully fought each other, Andrés trying to get her to dance with him and Sophie trying to get away. Then they stopped, staring intently into each other's eyes. "You have mysterious eyes White Swan." She chuckled, pushing on his chest as he spun her around into a dip.
"Perhaps there are some passionate men here," she smirked, dancing with him across the dance floor. Going with the beat of the music they danced, dancing fast and quickly. Everything Sophie did was hit with such precision and power that caused the audience to gasp in awe. As the music came to a close Andrés spun Sophie towards him. He wrapped his arms around her waist in a dip, right when the music ended. Then Karol began clapping excitedly, followed by everyone else in the crowd.
Andrés chuckled with their applause and Sophie smile happily, giving the crowd a bow/curtsy as they clapped. "I would like to thank everyone's cooperation in our last piece. Please give a round of applause to Karol and Sophia, which was their first time dancing in front of a crowd." Sophie walked over to Karol and they both curtsied, Karol giggling happily at the applause, "and a special thank you to Earl Vincent Phantomhive for inviting us as your entertainment for the evening." He raised his hand toward the Earl, Vincent giving the crowd a bow as they clapped, "and of course, everyone who made this night memorable. The Maestro," he pointed to the musicians, "our lovely dancers," he smirked, pointing over at Frédéric, Marc, Charlotte, Karol, and Sophie, "and Aurora, who helped me put everything together," he smiled, waiting for Aurora to come out of hiding from behind the scenes. Andrés took Aurora's hand, the both of them bowing/curtsying to the applauding audience. "Now enjoy the rest of your evening!" he smiled, walking with Aurora and walking out of the room.
Karol took Sophie's hand, giggling as she did so. "Would you like to come with us? We're going to go celebrate for our new success!"
Sophie smiled, "I'd love to, but I have to stay here until the party's over. Thank you so much for making me feel better!"
"Oh that's no problem," Karol giggled, pulling Sophie out of the room towards the room with their stuff inside, "It was a pleasure meeting you."
"Same here," Sophie smiled. "We'll have to meet up sometime."
"Of course!" Karol giggled, "but I didn't know you knew Spanish."
She smirked, "Of course I do. I also know French."
"You do!" she gasped, "C'est si frais! Quelqu'un qui sait tant de langues!" she giggled.
"Oui. On m'a enseigné que le Latin antique, ainsi les langues romanes viennent facile pour moi," she smiled. "Now I'd better get changed and go back to the party. Thank you for letting me borrow your cloths."
"Hey no problem!" Karol giggled, "Any ami of Andrés is an ami of mine."
Sophie nodded, grabbing her dress and heading back to the changing area, "Same here Karol. You're my ami too." Karol blushed, giggling to her comment.
!#$%^&*()
Sophie walked out of the room; the blue/green dress she was wearing earlier was now back on her body. Only Karol insisted on ripping off the poufy sleeves, which Sophie was grateful for. Karol also let Sophie keep the rose/skull accessory in her hair, saying it would fit Sophie a lot better than herself. Sophie smiled, playing with her hair. She decided to keep her hair down, since it took a long time to get it up in the first place. She let out a sigh as she walked down the halls, wondering what the Undertaker would think of her now.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Andrés walking up to her, wearing a suit and tie with the sword tied around his waist. "Hey white swan," he smirked, putting his hands behind his back as he walked next to her.
"Hello," she smiled, playing with a piece of her hair. "Why are you heading back to the party?"
He chuckled, "Well I need to keep up The Juvéniles of Dance's image and perhaps some more customers. Besides, I'm used to going to these sorts of parties anyways."
Sophie paused, looking up at him questionably, "You mean you were a noble in Spain or something?"
He shrugged, "Something around those lines. You can say my dad dragged me to these parties all the time," he chuckled.
"Oh I see…" she smiled, looking towards the ground. "Hey Andrés."
"Hmmm?" he replied.
"Why do you call me the white swan?" she asked, causing him to look over at her with curiosity, "because I'm more of a black swan, you know."
He chuckled, "Well it's very simple if you think about it."
She glared, "Oh yeah, like how?"
"Well…" he thought, "have you heard of the Ugly Duckling?"
She looked at him curiously, "Yeah…"
"Well the ugly duckling is a little bird that couldn't fit in, but once the duckling grew up, he began a graceful white swan. You see what I'm getting at?" he asked.
"I think…" she thought. "So you're trying to say that I just need to spread my wings more? Or I've already done that?"
He chuckled, "It's however you interpret it." She glared at his last comment, causing him to chuckle. As soon as their conversation ended they walked into the ballroom, Sophie immediately leaving Andrés' side. He chuckled to himself, walking in the opposite direction to find someone to talk to.
Sophie let out an annoyed sigh, her eyes cast down at the ground. Out of nowhere a red glove grabbed her and pulled her into a group of gossiping women. "Wow Sophie I didn't know you could dance!" Anne giggled with her grip on Sophie's hand surprisingly strong.
"Y-yes…" she smiled weakly, feeling uncomfortable with the eyes staring at her. "Well I just know a group of dancers and they insist they teach me all they know. That's all," she shrugged.
"Still Sophie, tell us all about it," said a woman in the circle.
She shrugged, "What's there to say? I met Andrés in a pub and then I met him here. He insisted that I dance along with the group. That's all."
"Wow!" some of them gasped. Sophie felt the urge to roll her eyes, but instead she grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down in one sip.
"So are you with Andrés?" one of them asked.
Sophie blinked at her in surprise, one of them going straight to the point. "Well…" she said, looking over at Andrés, "I'm not."
"Oh so there's a someone else?" one of them groaned.
Sophie smirked, "Yes there is."
"What's her name?"
"… She doesn't want me to disclose that information if she's not here in person," Sophie said, giving them a fake smile.
"Oh well," one of them said, the group letting out a sigh.
Sophie frowned, quickly grabbing a glass of wine and gulping it down. "So," she began with a smile, "how are you guys? Anything good happening to any of you?"
Some of them chuckled at her comment, causing her to frown again. "Oh Miss Sophie," one of them giggled.
"Well is there anything you want me to say before I leave?" she asked, starting to get slightly irritated.
"Sure," another one of the clucking women said, "If you're not going out with Andrés then who are you going out with?"
Sophie shrugged, "No one right now –"
The women gasped, "Then you must meet my cousin! He'd love to meet a lovely young lady like yourself," one of them said, putting a hand on top of hers.
Sophie quickly pulled her hand away, taking a step back. "It's a nice offer, but I'm not currently looking."
"Pish-posh," another one said, waving her hand in front of her face, "Every little girl is looking for their prince charming."
"I'll have you know that I'm just fine right now," she frowned. "Now if you can excuse me, I need to get some fresh air." She smiled at them, quickly leaving before they could talk to her again. Sophie walked right out the door, having grabbed a glass of wine on her way out. She leaned over a balcony overlooking the back of the mansion, seeing how large and vast the place really was. Then she quickly gulped down the glass of wine, putting it on a table next to her. She let out a distressed sigh, noticing the door open. She smirked, seeing Andrés walk up behind her. "Oh hi," she frowned.
"Hey white swan, what's with the frown?" he asked, seeming to sulk.
"Just tired," she sighed. "Too many questions and mostly about you too."
"About me?" he gasped.
"Yeah," she shrugged. "They asked if you were married or had a girlfriend. I said you were taken."
He chuckled, "and why would you say that?" He put his hands on her shoulders, leaning into her as he whispered into her ear, "Do you want me?" She rolled her eyes, punching him in the gut and walking away. He gasped, "Geeze, what a punch…" he chuckled, rubbing his stomach as he straightened up.
"Actually I know of someone who would like to spend some time with you," Sophie said, looking back at the dancing through the glass.
"Oh really," Andrés responded, "Who?" Sophie hesitated, wanting to keep the secret a secret. "Well?" he said, "Who?"
"Ummm…" she bit down on her bottom lip, "Aurora."
"Aurora?" his eyes widened, his cheeks turning lightly red.
She smiled sweetly, walking up to him and brushing his cheek, "Yes Aurora. She actually threatened me to stay away from you or else." She chuckled, seeing the stunned expression on his face, "You're so clueless. Even when I walked into the room and met everyone I could tell she was jealous that I'd known you. Don't be so surprised."
Andrés looked at the ground, and then chuckled, "I should have known." He let out a sigh, looking towards the sky. "I've just been hesitant about it."
"Hmm?" she questioned him, "Why?"
"My parents…" he said bluntly, "They wouldn't approve of me marrying someone of lower class then us. My parents are like that."
Sophie giggled, causing Andrés to look over at her confused. She jumped onto the railing, sitting her butt down on it as she quickly crossed her legs and pushed her dress down. "That's the thing with being a noble," she sighed, "parents forcing you to marry; having to marry a person whom you may not like, but can take care of you in the future. That's why I don't like the idea. I'd rather just fall in love with someone and not have to think about the consequences. Is that too much to ask?"
She let out a sigh, looking over at Andrés seeking an answer. "I think it is," he smiled, leaning against the railing next to Sophie. "So you love someone?"
"Used to," she shrugged, "but that was a long time ago… though I don't really feel like dating right now." She chuckled, "Not unless the right guy comes along." She smiled over at him and he smiled back, both of them letting out a sigh. "You should probably bring Aurora to one of these things."
"Why?" he asked, looking at her confused.
"So she can experience how irritating nobles can be, and be able to say this boy is mine." she giggled, with Andrés chuckling back.
"Wow what's so funny? ~" came a voice from the shadows. They looked over to see the Undertaker pop out from the side of a pillar, startling Andrés.
Sophie smiled happily, "Hi dad. I thought I was alone out here."
"I was alone until you walked out. I just didn't want to reveal my hiding spot just yet ~" he chuckled under his sleeve.
Andrés looked at her confused, "H-how… w-w-ho?..."
She smiled and the Undertaker giggled with glee at his confusion. "Andrés this is the Undertaker. Dad this is Andrés," she said briefly.
"Nice to meet you young man," he chuckled, opening his right hand to him.
Andrés flinched, before cautiously grasping his hand and shaking it. "It's nice to meet you too, sir."
"Just Undertaker is fine," he smiled a Cheshire grin on his face.
"Ok…" he looked at him questionably, "Undertaker…" Andrés looked over at Sophie, a worried look on his face.
She giggled, "Don't worry about him, Andrés. Yes, with the name Undertaker that means he works at a morgue, but he's been taking care of me since I was little. I trust him with my life, so I'm hoping you can trust him too?"
He looked over at the Undertaker, who was close to laughing, and Sophie, an innocent smile on her face. "Alright," he sighed, "I'll trust you." Sophie smiled at him, her smile beaming more than the Undertaker's.
"If we're done here," the Undertaker began, "it's time for us to depart."
Sophie smiled, "Not unless you help me off of the railing," she said, holding out her hands to him.
He chuckled, "If you can get your lovely little self up there, then I think you can get yourself off."
"But it wouldn't be ladylike," she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms.
He laughed, taking Sophie's waist and helping her down. She stumbled a little, Andrés putting a hand on her back to steady herself. "Thanks," she smiled at him.
"No problem," he smiled back, looking over at the Undertaker. Andrés gulped, looking back over at Sophie. "I'll be seeing you?"
"Of course," she smiled. "We'll probably meet up sometime." Then she looked up at the Undertaker as he lifted up his arm to her. She giggled, wrapping her arm around his, "Let's get going now. I'm very tired."
"Yes it'll be a long drive home ~" he giggled under his sleeve, causing Sophie to groan in protest.
!#$%^&*()
A/N: Geeze I have a LOT of sayings and names that are introduced in this chapter. Sorry about that. ^^; Even my chapters are getting longer… why do I keep coming up with stuff! Anyways I hope you guys have been enjoying the story. I pretty much have Sophie's life planned out, just the stuff that will come later then that is still up for thought. I'm hoping it'll be… 3 more chapters? 4? I don't know. At least that much has been planned, with a lot of mystery for Sophie and you guys to solve! You'll see what I mean when I write it down and post it. I don't want to give the story away ;D Toddles!
Karol – French – free man
Charlotte – French – free man
Aurora – Latin – dawn
Frédéric – German – peaceful ruler, peace keeper
Marc – Latin – from the god Mars
Schönheit – German – beauty
Bösen fürsten – German – evil nobles
Juvéniles – French – young
miradas a ser un aburrido poco partido de la danza – Spanish – looks to be a boring little dance party
en un pequeño lugar apropiado tenga gusto de esto – Spanish – at a proper little place like this
Un pequeño muchacho tan aburrido – Spanish – Such a boring little boy
Valor – Spanish – courage
C'est si frais! Quelqu'un qui sait tant de langues! – French – That's so cool! Someone who knows so many languages!
Oui. On m'a enseigné que le Latin antique, ainsi les langues romanes viennent facile pour moi – French – Yes. I was taught ancient Latin, so the romance languages come easy for me
Ami – French – friend