I own nothing but my OC's.
Later that day in the late afternoon, once Madam Red, Ciel, Lau and Grell had returned, Sebastian was going over the list of suspects. Nyra stood quietly, off in a dark corner. She had quickly reapplied her makeup, which not only his her burns but the slight redness in her cheeks. She couldn't do anything about the redness in her eyes. She simply avoided the gaze of everyone, Sebastian especially. It was embarrassing to think that he had heard her crying. Demon's weren't known for sympathy or caring for someone else's feelings. The butler had reached the end of his suspect list.
"To be a doctor and knowledgeable about anatomy, to have no alibi on the day before the incident, followed with being connected to a secret society or black magic, there is only one person who fits this criteria." Sebastian said. "The Viscount Druitt, Lord Aleister Chamber. Although he graduated from medical school, he has never worked at a hospital, and he has not been involved in the profession."
"He has also hosted a number of seasonal parties, but there is a rumor that he has hosted parties where only those close to him could attend." Sebastian said.
"Viscount Druitt huh..." Madam Red said. "Now that you mention it, I do recall he's been into black magic quite recently..."
"So he is suspected of carrying out some sort of ceremony at that secret party," Lau said. "And to use those prostitutes as altar sacrifices?"
Ciel hummed in thought.
"At the nineteenth hour today, Viscount Druitt will be hosting a party. The seasonal period will be ending soon, I believe tonight would be the best time to go investigate." Sebastian said.
"Madam Red," Ciel said, setting down his fork. "Can you find a solution for this?"
Madam Red smirked. "Aren't you underestimating me? Aren't I rather popular? A few words here and there and it'll all be arranged."
"It has been decided then." Ciel said. "No matter what, I must get into that secret party. You will not be going in the name of Phantomhive, so you must use this chance properly! We only have one chance!"
"Such grandeur." Madam Red said, touching her black lace fan to her lips as she looked around at the mansion and various guests. "It really is the last day of the social season." Madam Red had worn a corseted red dress and a black feather boa.
"It seems tonight will be rather enjoyable." Lau said. He had changed into a tuxedo.
"If he suspects anything than it is all over, understand?" Ciel stepped out of the carriage clad in a pink dress, pink hat with roses and a white ribbon and hair extensions that had been styled into a ponytail. "Were not here to play, so don't let your guard down."
Madam Red squealed and hugged Ciel as tight as she could. "So cute!"
"Let go of me!" Ciel snapped as he struggled to get out of his aunt's grip. "Why do I have to be dressed like this?!"
"What? You don't like it?" Madam Red asked. "But a lot of cloth was used to make this dress in France."
"Why would I like it!" Ciel yelled while Madam Red talked about how the style of dress was in Vogue.
"Oh my, oh my. A lady should not be shouting so loudly." Sebastian said, adjusting the glasses he was using for his disguise. Nyra stood beside him adjusting one of her long black gloves and dusting off the black skirt of her dark blue halter style dress. Her hair had been curled and was pinned back with a large hair clip with dark blue roses on it. Her hair covered half of her back, which was completely exposed by her dress. Nyra was slightly surprised when Sebastian didn't make a sexual joke after the last thing he said.
"Sebastian...you..." Ciel said, a large vein popping in his forehead. Madam Red then began to assign roles to everyone.
"Lau's role is my lover, Ciel is my niece visiting from the country side, Sebastian is my niece's tutor, Nyra is his wife and Ciel's older sister and Grell can be as he is." Madam Red said before handing Sebastian a large wedding ring.
He smirked before turning to the witch and lifting her left hand. "Nyra Stark, will you marry me?"
Nyra couldn't resist a small smile. While her emotions were still a little frayed due to all her resurfacing memories, playing with Sebastian made her feel better. "Yes, my feathered lover, until the end of this investigation do us part." She giggled a little when Sebastian slid the ring onto her finger.
"So...why do I have to act like your niece?" Ciel asked, flushing in embarrassment.
"Because I've always wanted a daughter." Madam Red laughed. "A cute daughter, who would look lovely in those long flowing dresses." Madam Red said.
"And for that reason you-"
"I was just joking." Madam Red said. "To have your cover blown as Earl Phantomhive would be a troublesome thing, no? Anyone who sees a one-eyed young boy with two attractive servants would know it's you. Isn't this the best solution?" Madam Red smiled. "Anyway, the Viscount's security is tight, and he likes girls so you're perfect!"
"What!?" Ciel said loudly.
"Did you not say so before, to use any means necessary?" Sebastian smirked. Ciel glared at the butler, as though trying to kill him with his eyes. Sebastian smiled his butler's smile. "Then shall we go, my lady?"
"Then...first of all, we'll look for the viscount..." Ciel said as he and the others walked through the ballroom amongst the other partygoers.
"Viscount Druitt is a good man! And because of this, I am so fired up!" Madam Red said with a gleam in her eye.
"It's terrible. This dress is heavy. My feet hurt. I want to go home." Ciel said, looking absolutely miserable.
"Now will you appreciate what we have to go through?" Nyra asked, raising an arched eyebrow.
"I really do not want my fiancé to see me like this..." Ciel said.
Suddenly from right behind the trio, "Wow, what a pretty dress! That head-piece is exquisite too!"
"You heard that too, right?" Nyra asked, to make sure she wasn't just hearing things.
The three of them turned around and saw Lady Elizabeth standing next to two other ladies. "There's a lot of pretty dresses. So cute!" She said with a bright smile.
"S-s-s-s-Sebastian!" Ciel whispered, panicking.
"M-my lady, please be quieter!" Sebastian said before placing his hand on Ciel's back. "Let's go that way first."
"Ah! That dress that child is wearing is so cute!" Lizzie said, no doubt referring to Ciel.
"My lady, come this way." Sebastian said, leading Ciel away with Nyra right behind them.
They hid behind a table with a large and decorative three tier cake on it. Lizzie looked around in confusion before wandering off to look for the cute 'girl.'
"Why is Elizabeth here!" Ciel whispered frantically. "Anyway, lets go to where Madam Red is."
Madam Red was lounging in a large chair with a glass of wine in her hand, surrounded by young men as Lau fanned her with a leaf. She laughed. "This is not bad at all!" Ciel growled in frustration at the sight as Nyra tried to calm him down by rubbing soothing circles on his back.
"How strange..." Sebastian said. "For your fiancé to be here, it is quite unexpected..."
"Regardless of the disguise...if she were to see me..." Ciel said.
"You'll be found out." Sebastian said with a continuously blank face.
"If the Viscount discovers me, I won't be able to investigate!" Ciel said, paling.
"Further, everyone here will learn that the young lady is in fact a young master." Sebastian said. Ciel paled even more.
"You're not helping." Nyra said, squeezing Ciel's shoulder. The young Earl turned beet red and clutched the table cloth in a tight fist.
"If people find out I'm dressed like this, it'll be the ultimate humiliation for the Phantomhive family!" Ciel turned to face his servants. "If it comes to that, I'd rather die! Anyway, we cannot-"
"Viscount Druitt is so handsome tonight! His light blonde hair is like gold thread!" A woman's voice said.
The trio turned and saw Viscount Druitt, a man with long blonde hair and an expensive suit.
"I'm going over to greet him." Ciel said.
"If there's a man beside you he'll had his guard up. I'll be here waiting for you, with Nyra." Sebastian whispered to Ciel. "Please act like a lady according to what we have taught you."
"...I know." Ciel said. He walked over to the Viscount, appearing slightly nervous and very uncomfortable. Ciel curtsied and spoke quietly. "G-good evening, Viscount..." So quietly that the Viscount didn't notice him.
"Ahhh! Found her!" Lizzie said, pointing at Ciel from a few feet across the room.
"Damn it!" Ciel said loudly, trying to run from his fiancé. The Viscount heard that but when he turned to look Ciel was already gone.
"And I was so close too!" Ciel cursed his luck.
"The child in front! Please wait!" Lizzie called out, finding Ciel again. Luckily, Sebastian grabbed Ciel first, Nyra right beside him.
"Over here, my lady." Sebastian said, grabbing Ciel's arm and taking him across the ballroom.
"Sir!" Nyra said turning to a waiter holding a serving tray of glasses. "Please give a glass of lemonade to that girl." Nyra said, pointing towards Lizzie.
"Certainly." The servant said with a smile before proceeding to fulfill her order.
"That was close." Sebastian said as Ciel gasped for breath. Suddenly, the orchestra started playing a waltz and numerous couples filled the dance floor.
"Damn it!" Ciel said. Lizzie was watching the dancers with wide eyes. "The hall is swarming with dancers now... I can't approach the Viscount now."
"Then it can't be helped." Sebastian said. "Do you remember everything I have taught you?" He grabbed Ciel's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor while Nyra giggled behind her fan.
"You're saying I should dance I public, with you?!" Ciel said, panicking.
"At the present, I am your home tutor. And this status allows me to dance with the young lady for today only, the sister of my beautiful wife." Nyra raised her fan a little higher to hide her flushed cheeks. Ciel looked very irritated. "I will lead you carefully, so that you will not tread on other people. Let's go."
Sebastian skillfully lead Ciel across the dance floor while giving careful instruction. "Listen to the music carefully. As long as you follow the music, I can cover you."
"There won't be a second time!" Ciel said, flushing in embarrassment.
"Mm, yes this sort of thing will be only for tonight." Sebastian said with a smirk. He skillfully hid Ciel from Lizzie's view as they made their way across the ballroom. "And we go forward...with quick steps."
When they got to the other side Ciel collapsed onto his hands and knees, gasping for breath. Sebastian sighed.
"You really have no stamina, it was only but a little while." He helped Ciel back to his feet. "I'll go get some water..." they both heard clapping and turned the Viscount Druitt with a smile on his face.
"Quite fascinating." He said. "A really lovely dancer, just like a robin!"
Sebastian bowed to Ciel. "I shall take my leave, my lady and return to your sister." He said before leaving.
"Um...I'm happy to have your praise." Ciel said, curtsying.
"Who did you come with, dear robin?" Viscount Druitt asked, kissing Ciel's hand.
"With my Auntie Angelina. Madam Red?" Ciel said with a smile while subtly wiping the back of his hand on the skirt of his dress.
"Is that so...then are you enjoying yourself?" The Viscount asked.
"This ball is wonderful, I'm impressed. However... I've always wanted to speak with you, Viscount." Ciel said, with a small smile.
"Oh?" The Viscount asked.
"I'm already tired of all the dancing and eating." Ciel said, pretending to sigh in boredom.
The Viscount smirked before leaning in and putting a hand on Ciel's waist. "You are quite a spoiled one, robin. You wish to do more pleasurable things?"
Ciel shivered in disgust before trying to pull himself back together. 'Endure! I have to endure this! It was for this moment that I endured all of those horrible lessons.' He thought to himself, remembering how he had been stuffed into a dressed by Madam Red and drilled in walking and table manners by Nyra and Sebastian.
"Are you knowledgeable of these pleasurable things?" Ciel asked innocently.
"Why of course!" The Viscount said, taking Ciel's chin in his hand and tilting his face towards his. "If it is you, then your cries would be so sweet, my dear robin..."
Ciel screamed in rage inside his mind. 'After everything's finished, I'm going to kill this creep! Anyhow, I must investigate something before this song ends...'
"What is this pleasurable thing?" Ciel asked? He then glanced over and noticed Lizzy staring at him.
"You wish to know?" Th Viscount asked.
'If Elizabeth comes over, then it's over.' Ciel thought. "I really...really want to know."
"For you, it may still be a little too early!" The Viscount said,
"I am already a lady." Ciel said, sweating a little nervously. E glanced over at Lizzy and saw that the dance had ended. Partners went their separate ways and the young earl's fiancé was running in his direction. The Viscount took Ciel's chin in his fingers and turned his face towards him.
"What has you so distracted?" He asked.
"It's nothing." Ciel said. 'My life is over!'
A couple in black lace masks suddenly descended from the ceiling. It was Sebastian and Nyra. The demon had dipped the witch before pulling her up and dancing with her to the song she sang. Lizzie, and the rest of the crowd watched, completely mesmerized.
"I don't remember having arranged a performance..." The Viscount said out loud in confusion. Ciel took advantage of the crowd's distraction.
Turning to the Viscount with large eyes, Ciel asked in the cutest voice he could muster, "Viscount, I am tired of watching these shows too. So...?"
"Of course, robin." The Viscount said with a chuckle." Ciel felt goosebumps of disgust rise on his skin.
The Viscount led Ciel away from the crowd towards a curtain which he pulled away to reveal a door. "Please go in." The Viscount said. Ciel clenched his fist and walked in.
After Sebastian danced away with Ciel, Nyra found herself standing before a lord. She had been standing and observing the dancers when he had made some rather insulting things about her choice of dress. He assumed that due to her revealing tire that she was an easy woman. He even invited her to join him in a more private setting. Nyra saw Sebastian standing a few feet away. He was watching her, ready to assist her but staying away unless she asked for him. He knew that she could handle it and she appreciated that.
Nyra suddenly spotted a way out of the situation when he asked her to smile. She forced a blush onto her face and she raised her fan while averting her eyes.
"I have been told my smile is...unfortunate." She said.
"I'm sure you have a lovely smile." He said. "Won't you show it to me?"
Nyra made a show of gathering herself before lowering her fan and smiling. The corners of her lips went all the way up to her cheek bones and her teeth were in their true needle like form. He jumped violently and began to tremble. Nyra fixed her features to their more human like appearance and smirked. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I should return to my husband."
She walked over to Sebastian who smirked upon her arrival. "Lords giving you trouble." He asked.
The witch chuckled. "These boys don't know boundaries."
"Well, you're quick to teach them. I'll say one thing; being married to you certainly never dull." Sebastian said.
Nyra smirked. "And you love every minute of it, you hypocrite."
"Guilty as charged." Sebastian said, making Nyra laugh. They were quite for a moment before the demon spoke again. "Are you still upset?"
That simple question made Nyra's chest tighten. She knew exactly what he was talking about. She wrapped her arms around herself in order to maker herself feel better. "If will always upset me. That girl is the one thing that, without fail, always makes me cry." She took a shaky breath. "It's a bad memory; over two hundred years old but it's always in the back of my mind...she was only ten..." She said to herself before walking over to a table and grabbing a wine glass. She was about to drink when Sebastian came up from behind her and gently took the glass away.
"I understand that you're upset but you shouldn't lose yourself in drink, at least not during an investigation." He said, offering her a glass of lemonade.
Nyra smiled and accepted the glass as Sebastian led her out onto a balcony. Her breath remained shaky but the warmth seeping through Sebastian's glove onto her back gave her a small comfort. She took a sip of the lemonade but didn't taste it. She clutched her pendant tightly.
"Are you going to cry again?" Sebastian asked. His tone wasn't mocking, he was just asking an honest question.
"I want to know." Nyra said before looking up at the sky and blinking rapidly in order to get rid of the moisture in her eyes. "God I want to but I can't here. Not right now, I don't to ruin my makeup." Nyra chuckled in a self deprecating way. "Not to be rude, but why do you even care? Demons aren't exactly known for compassion or sympathy."
"You're correct, and I'm not sympathizing with you." Sebastian said bluntly. "However, I've found that I prefer it when you're happy and not upset, with me at least. I'm not sure why, but perhaps I find you more enjoyable when you aren't sad." He said with a confused shrug.
Nyra felt a small smile tug at her lips but she needed to know one thing before she expressed her gratitude to the demon. "Are you telling me the truth?"
Demons were known for lying and speaking falsely. Ciel had ordered Sebastian to never lie to him, true, but he never included Nyra in that part of the contract. It was never said that he could only speak the truth to the witch. But in matters such as the one at hand, Nyra was wary about trusting him. Sebastian pulled back the glove on his left hand and showed Nyra his contract mark. His eyes glowed lightly in the dark.
"I swear to you, I'm not lying." Sebastian said firmly.
Nyra stared at him for a few moments before smiling gently. As Sebastian pulled the glove back on his hand, Nyra leaned up and pressed a kiss on the corner of his mouth. He seemed a little surprised which just made Nyra smile more.
"It's sweet that you care." The witch said, taking a sip of lemonade.
"I'm not sure if I'd go that far." Sebastian said, making a Nyra chuckle.
"Of course, feather brain." Nyra said, finishing her lemonade.
"It would appear as though the young master is in need of assistance." Sebastian said, looking back into the ballroom. Nyra turned and saw Lizzie heading towards Ciel. Nyra sat her glass down on the balcony railing.
"Do you have a plan?" The witch asked, brushing off her skirt.
"I always do." Sebastian said, handing Nyra a black lacy mask. He had one for himself as well.
"Shall we then, birdbrain?" Nyra asked with a smirk.
"We shall." He picked her up and with a tremendous leap they were in the center of the dance floor, in between Ciel and Lizzy. Sebastian had dipped Nyra before he pulled her up and the witch began to sing. The orchestra seemed to know what to play to go with the song. Nyra suspected Sebastian's demon...ness
"I tried to find you at the bottom of a bottle,
laying down on the bathroom floor."
Nyra's singing had magical qualities. She could do a handful of things with it, but for the situation, she used her voice like a siren and kept all the attention on her and Sebastian so that Ciel could do his job.
"My loneliness was rattling the windows."
You said you don't want me anymore.
And you left me,"
Sebastian's hand was slightly lower than the middle of her back. One thing she liked about the demon, was that whenever he flirted while they danced he was still respectful. If he ever pressed forward, he made sure to work his way up to it. Hrs couldn't even begin to count the many dance partners she'd had in the past that would try to 'subtly' reach for her rear.
"Standing on a corner cryin',
feeling like a fool for trying."
"I don't even remember why I'm
wasting all these tears on you."
"I wish I could erase my memory,
cause you didn't give a damn about me."
"Oh finally I'm through,
wasting all these tears on you."
"These tears on you!"
Nyra felt herself begin to smile. Singing always made her feel better or help her express feeling but being with Sebastian was also helpful. While he could never sympathize with her, he would be able to distract her so she wouldn't drown in her own dark emotions. Being with him could give her a chance to clear her mind before trying to handle her memories. Even if she didn't want a distraction, simply being in the presence of someone else could help, to not have to feel like you were alone.
"You ain't worth another sleepless night,
and I'll do everything I gotta do to getcha off of my mind."
"Cause what you wanted I couldn't give
what you did, boy, I'll never forget."
The crowd was mesmerized by both the dancing and the song. Such passion and fearlessness on both ends. Even saying the word 'damn' in such an elite space didn't distract the guests from the performance. They moved with such grace and synchronization.
"And you left me,
Standing on a corner cryin',
feeling like a fool for trying."
"I don't even remember why I'm
wasting all these tears on you."
"I wish I could erase my memory,
cause you didn't give a damn about me!"
"Oh finally I'm through
wasting all these tears on you!"
"These tears on you."
Nyra couldn't help but compare the dance with all the other dances she had shared with Sebastian. King Charles coronation ball, Vienna and who knew how many other dances they had shared beyond the ones on missions for the Queen. Had she danced with him is Spain? France? Greece? China, Japan or India? Maybe Egypt? Or perhaps even in America? The earliest she knew when she and Sebastian met was in 1530, but had they met earlier? When, truly, was their first meeting?
"And you left me"
"Standing on a corner cryin',
feeling like a fool for trying."
"I don't even remember why I'm
wasting all these tears on you!"
"I wish I could erase my memory
cause you didn't give a damn about me!"
"Oh finally I'm through
Wasting all these tears on you!"
"These tears on you"
The music slowed down a bit, to a sorrowful tune that matched the beginning of the song.
"I tried to find you at the bottom of a bottle,"
Sebastian slowly twirled Nyra around.
"Laying down on the bathroom floor."
He dipped the witch and held her there as the violins played a few last cords, keeping eye contact.
The crowd roared with applause and Lizzie clapped giddily, her green eyes shining. Sebastian lifted an out of breath Nyra back to a standing position. They both smiled for the audience and bowed. Madam Red came forward, clapping with Lau and Grell behind her.
"Sebastian, Nyra that was incredible!" Madam Red said.
"Indeed, quite a show." Lau agreed.
Sebastian smirked. "As servants of the house of Phantomhive we should be able to put on one hell of a,"
"Bewitching performance." Nyra finished.
"The ball seems to be quite lively." Ciel said, glancing back in the direction of the ballroom.
The viscount opened the door to a dark room for Ciel. "The place we're going will be even happier than that." Ciel walked in and the viscount closed the door.
A sweet smell hit Ciel's nose as he walked in. 'What is that smell? It's so sweet.' The earl felt himself begin to lose consciousness. 'Damn him!' Was his last thought before he collapsed against the door.
"That's right..." The viscount said ominously as he loomed over Ciel. "This is a good place, robin."