Story: A Touch of Colour in the Gray

Book 1: Shading the Black.

Date: July 25, 2020, corrected February 2023

Beta: Nouillesverte (2020) and Nobody (2023)

Fandom: D Gray Man

Disclaimer: No, I don't own D Gray Man, and I'm not making any money on this story.

Summary: After landing in the 19th century, Estelle, taking the name Eve, becomes Tricia Kamelott's lady-in-waiting. Eve quickly becomes aware of the social and gender differences of the time and begins to fear for her future, especially when Road, the twins, Tyki and even Allen arrive. But the exorcist leaves for India and the twins are sent to boarding school. She meets Baroness Lucie Belle, the twins' older sister and her feline counterpart, and then follows her employers to Portugal when Sheryl wins the election.

Chapter trigger: Warning! It's one of the three chapters for which this trigger was created, spoiler alert, we're talking broken leg (in a bike accident) accidental attempted murder, choking and loss of self-control. If any of these things can affect your sanity, you can quietly read up to "I'd better slow down" and the three stars *** and then move on to the next chapter! A summary of what happened will be available at the beginning of the chapter.

So, this chapter is like an exponential function: it starts off slowly but then quickly goes to shit. So quickly, in fact, that I didn't see it coming myself, it wasn't supposed to go that far...

hum

Anyway

Enjoy your reading!

Shading the Black Chapter 34: The Bicycle

Saturday 17 July 1886

One thing that was particularly difficult for me to measure was time.

Before, as soon as I was on holiday for more than a few days, I immediately lost all notion of days, confusing Tuesday and Wednesday without even realising it. As soon as school stopped, with no fixed timetable, I couldn't remember when I was and to tell you the truth, it didn't really matter to me.

Now, however, after months of blurred or even absent memories, then more than a year with no clearly defined schedule other than a daily ritual that rarely deviated, it was very difficult to find one's bearings. I often found myself surprised at how much time had passed, when I read the date in the newspaper, for example.

It had happened again that Saturday when I'd woken up after a long night of miserably recounting what I remembered of "Toby Lolness" to the twins, only to discover that it was already the middle of July. It seemed like only the day before I'd escaped the Earl and Lulubell's infamous trap and gone off with Tyki to make fun of some ladies' outrageous clothes. The evening had been a lot more fun than last time, that's for sure, because I'd been able to spend it quietly hidden upstairs, on the balcony reserved for the family, and watch the masses without being spotted. We even invented some funny dialogues, hidden with Road, imagining what the nobles below us could be talking about. I'd even done a bit of damage control for Sheryl, keeping the twins busy by giving them stupid challenges like betting that Devit wouldn't be able to ask a girl to dance or Jasdero to learn someone's hobby by starting a conversation. I might as well say that I'd lost a lot of sweets, but I'd gained some much-needed bonus points with Sheryl. Even he was impressed that the Twins had gone and interacted with the guests and that it hadn't ended in disaster. And the highlight of the evening was that I'd even been able to leave early to read quietly in my room while Tyki continued to suffer on the dance floor. It was glorious.

Ah, sweet revenge!

The next three weeks had been terribly quiet. Sheryl had gone back on a business trip and Road was receiving numerous tutors at the manor during the summer break, much to her dismay. The twins, for their part, continued their lessons and Tricia fell victim to a bad cold which kept her bedridden for the best part of two weeks.

As for Tyki, he happily took advantage of Sheryl's absence to wander around the neighbouring villages, or even London, and didn't even come home every night. No doubt he spent them in pleasant company, only returning through the window in the early hours under the amused gaze of Road and me. I did, however, go out with him a couple of times during the day to explore a bit, feeling much more comfortable doing it with him than on my own. It was reassuring to know that you were accompanied by the most dangerous thing around. Or terrifying. Depended on your mood, really.

I saw Lulu the cat occasionally too. She often wandered around the manor, but only came to see me twice. Once so I could take her to the kitchen to drink some milk (no idea why she couldn't go in human form, but hey...) and again when I woke up from an impromptu nap in the library to find her on my lap. I only saw her in human form once in those three weeks, though, and that was when she came to tea with Tricia in the company of the Earl. The Earl, on the other hand, I'd seen practically twice a week, and we'd continued the solfeggio lessons we'd started when I'd met Lulubelle. He was surprisingly nicer than I'd feared, and infinitely kinder and more pedagogical than the (perhaps) former akuma he'd sent to give us lessons before.

It was at dawn on the nineteenth day of his absence that Sheryl returned to the manor. No doubt he had tried to enter quietly, but unfortunately that was not the way in the house, and he had not taken two steps into the hall when the servants arrived in a frenzy, welcoming their master and preparing the room, hot water and food. Attracted by this unusual commotion, the dogs barked confusedly, dragging the whole yard in their wake and waking the inhabitants of the manor some two hours early. The only way I could go back to sleep was to smother myself with my pillow, but unfortunately Tricia was way too excited after three long weeks to let me do so. In her defence, Sheryl had never been away that long since I'd been here. Even if he only came back for a few days, or even a few hours, he always came back in less than two weeks.

He must have noticed too, because he hadn't come back empty-handed. Of course, he'd given impromptu presents on several occasions, often knick-knacks for Tyki, jewellery for Tricia and toys for Road, but this time he brought something that caught my eye: a bike.

Now that I thought about it, I couldn't remember seeing many of them in the streets. Well, I had, but not ones like the one the master of the house was proudly displaying. I wasn't sure when it had been invented, but knowing Sheryl and his penchant for expensive gifts, I doubted it was something easily accessible. This was quickly confirmed when Sheryl proudly boasted that it was the latest model, not even on sale yet.

So, far from being the only one intrigued, we all went down to the garden to see Tyki try out his new bike.

It was a strange thing that looked like the old bicycles in the world war movies so, again, they seemed a bit too new for 1885. I wondered if it was another invention discovered earlier because of the ongoing holy war? Well, I say that, but it wasn't as if I was a cycling history pro and for all I knew, it was exactly the same as in my world.

I don't know why, maybe because bikes were taught at nursery school in my world, but I didn't think for a second that Tyki didn't know how to ride a bike. So when he awkwardly swung a foot over the saddle and shyly sat down on it, I barely looked at him, being more focused on how I was going to try the bike myself. I doubted Tyki would mind, the obstacle was more Tricia and Sheryl. Tricia, because she'd be worried about my safety and surely "a woman doesn't ride a bike, Eve !" And Sheryl more because of my rank and the time I was spending with Tyki. So there I was in my thoughts, wondering if I could take advantage of the reunion of the masters to slip my trousers on under my skirt and test them out near the barn, when Tyki pulled back violently after just one pedal stroke.

I was so unfocused on the whole thing that before my brain could get out a bit of decorum, I'd already burst out laughing alongside Road before trying to restrain myself, one hand over my mouth and my shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles.

"Road! Eve!" Tricia exclaimed in outrage, already at Tyki's bedside as he struggled to his feet. "He could have hurt himself!"

Despite her reproving tone, I couldn't help but keep laughing because, really, Tyki Mikk? Super-human, Noah extraordinaire? Falling off his bike? Pffff.

Still trying to calm down, I moved back a little to keep away from the family and make myself more discreet. Luckily for me, Tricia was helping Tyki to get up and Sheryl was concentrating more on Road. Eliott, who'd brought the bike with him, gave me a disapproving look, but I was a master at pretending he didn't exist. Deciding that there had already been too much excitement for one day, Tricia led everyone into the living room for a nice cup of tea (much to the dismay of Tyki, who seemed ready for a rematch with the bike) and we chatted quietly about Sheryl's travels until dinner when the Earl joined us. Tricia was far too cheerful and suggested we eat on the terrace instead of in the dining room. Sheryl seemed a little reluctant, not liking to deviate from the protocol, but the Earl was delighted by the idea and the master of the house quickly gave in. I was ready to retire to the kitchen, as I did when Sheryl was eating with the family, when Tricia slipped her arm around mine. Pulling me along, she led me as if nothing had happened outside, where a beautiful table surrounded by elegantly hung lamps was catching the last rays of the evening sun.

"That's a lovely idea you've had there, Tricia." Smiled the Earl as he sat down at the end of the table amidst the beautiful gardens in full bloom.

"This is the third time I've let myself be tempted, and I find it particularly enjoyable." She nodded, still pulling me to her side so that I was sitting in the adjoining seat, opposite Tyki and next to the Earl. Road was on Sheryl's left at the end of the table, as usual, and Tricia on his right, with the Earl presiding instead of her.

For my part, I had no idea what I was doing there, and, particularly anxious about Sheryl's presence, I hurriedly recalled the etiquette that Tricia had drilled into my head after so many lunches together. Of course, the fact that no one had changed into their nice clothes for the meal or that we were eating out and that the nicest crockery wasn't out was a big clue that this wasn't as important a dinner as usual (hence my tolerated presence, I supposed). Still, if I could avoid the slightest faux pas that would allow me not to sink any lower in Sheryl's esteem, that would be perfect, thank you very much.

Fortunately, dinner passed without incident. I just stared at my plate and didn't say a word if I wasn't spoken to. Sheryl seemed to relax and Tricia was so pleased with the outcome that I couldn't help but think that there would be more opportunities for informal dinners with Sheryl in the future.

It was... nice in the end. If you didn't think about it too much.

Sunday 18 July 1886

The next day, after reading some poetry to Tricia for her afternoon nap, I looked for Tyki to see if he was available. Luckily, I found him in the library and not with Sheryl, so it was easy to ask him if I could try the bicycle.

"I'm not against it, but it's already a struggle for me, you'll only get hurt." He said nonchalantly, causing me to stare at him in disbelief. But I suppose, from his point of view, it was quite true. Still, I couldn't help feeling offended...

"Oh, don't worry, I'm sure I can manage." I assured him, a smile with perhaps a few too many teeth on my lips.

"I don't doubt it." He said with an amused air that reeked of irony. Stopping myself from sticking my tongue out at him, I followed Tyki, who went to get the bike before heading off into the forest. It was a good idea, that way we'd be hidden from view, but still on paths that were more or less pleasant, being regularly beaten by horses' hooves.

"Her ladyship's carriage is here." Said Tyki, holding the handlebars in one hand and making the most ridiculous curtsy I'd ever seen someone do.

As I tried to stop myself from giggling, I took off my skirt, so glad I'd remembered to put my trousers on underneath just in case, and climbed over the bike.

Determined to shut his beak (being better than Tyki Mikk at a physical activity? Yes, please.) I took the time to settle in properly and check my balance before giving a timid pedal stroke, then another and another until I was rolling quietly along the dirt track. Surprisingly, the start was difficult and if I'd started off as fast as I usually do, I'm sure I'd have been down on my behind in no time. Here, I only wobbled a bit, moving the handlebars too much and almost slipping a few times, but in the end everything went fine. I wondered why it was so difficult, though, don't they say you never forget how to ride a bike? I was at that point in my thoughts when I carefully turned around a grove to go back and saw Tyki with his eyes round and mouth agape.

"How did you do it!?" He asked as I dug my feet into the ground to slow down and stop at his level.

"Talent," I replied with a stupid grin, causing him to roll his eyes so violently I was afraid he was going to hurt himself. "Come on, let's see if I can teach you." I smiled before reaching down to pass it to him. I'd never taught anyone else to ride a bike, but it couldn't be that complicated, could it? Well yes, for once it wasn't. Noah's genes must have made things easier, because I'd barely had to tell him how I felt, explain how the bike worked and get him to practise a bit before he'd understood enough to ride a straight line without falling off in two tries. I had absolutely no idea whether it was good or not for an adult's first time, but I was a bit jealous all the same: I never learn things that quickly... Perhaps it was because of this frustration that I dared him to race afterwards.

"Even on a bike, you can't outrun me." he teased. Grabbing the bike, I barely waited for him to get into position before shouting a hasty start and pedalling as fast as I could down the dirt track determined to win, for once. And, I'd like to point that I actually managed to win! Well, obviously he wasn't going at Noah speed, but still! Despite the sounds of running getting closer and closer, I reached the tree stump before Tyki. I was so happy that it took me a few seconds before I realised I'd better slow down.***

And that's when I finally noticed that there were no brakes.

No matter how hard I strangled my handlebars, I couldn't find my usual grips, and the bend was getting dangerously close. Of course, we were also going downhill, and I was going so fast that I was afraid of planting my feet in the ground and breaking my ankles.

"Jump!" Tyki shouted behind me. Close to hitting a tree, I swung my leg over the bike and let myself fall to the ground, protecting my head, just as a hand came to grab my jacket and pull me backwards. I landed on the grass with a thud, half slumped over Tyki who had broken my fall. I could already feel the typical burn of a badly scraped knee and my right ankle was throbbing with pain.

"What on earth possessed you to go so fast?" grumbled Tyki with annoyance as he sat back down on the ground, the bike a few metres away from us in a sorry state next to a tree. Opening my mouth to reply, I let out a cry of pain as I moved to sit up, forcing myself to look down at my ankle, which was already doubling in size. Kneeling down in front of me, Tyki brushed his fingers over my ankle to check its condition as, realising the pain, I hit his hand with a sob.

"Don't touch me!" I shouted, the pain spreading throughout my leg.

"I'm trying to help you!" He scolded me in response, his face creasing as his anger mounted. "You're completely oblivious!" He spat and if I wasn't fighting to hold back the tears, I'd probably have thought to myself that, apart from the time Tricia had been very ill last year, this was the first time I'd seen him so worried. "You never think, always acting recklessly as if there were no consequences!"

"What?" I stammered as I sniffled, not too sure what he was talking about now.

"The bike race, Allen and that other kid, that time you fell in the river trying to grab Road's hat? You could have drowned! Or when you slipped climbing that tree... Even me! Who follows a stranger into a bar like that?! "He growled, clearly letting slip a bunch of things he'd wanted to say for a long time.

"Are you kidding me?! You do the exact same! Should I remind you that you're the one who came to talk to us first? Should we talk about that one time you almost set fire to a forest just from trying to cook carps? Or that other time with the guardian's dog, who climbed up the fence and got their leg bitten?", I hissed, as I felt the anger rise as well.

"Maybe, but I've got the skills to get out of it. If it wasn't for me, you'd have crashed into a tree by now! No, in fact, you'd be dead in an East End alley a long time ago," he grumbled.

"Lucky you're there to save my life, then!" I replied, my ankle totally forgotten, before taking on a falsely contemplative tone. "Oh, wait, where else would you be considering you're fleeing the manor like the plague? Some family troubles, hmm? We could-..." but before I could elaborate further, he'd already cut me off.

"Don't you dare-...!" He began, grabbing my shoulders as if to physically prevent me from speaking, before shaking his head slightly and resuming. "You're the one to be kidding, this time, I have helped you I don't know how many times to get away from Adam when he's done nothing to you! If anyone has a problem, it's you. And let's not even talk about your faulty memory! Nothing you say makes any sense, Eve, you're completely insane!"

"Me!?" I was screaming because, really? Tyki Mikk, Noah of pleasure, was questioning my sanity!? "Of course, I do have problems, but it's nothing compared to your own bipolarity, Mr. I-could-hug-or-kill-a-puppy-in-a-matter-of-seconds! Or your dependency on the Duke, yes, let's talk about it! It's completely unhealthy, Tyki, you do everything he wants, when he wants it, even if you hate it ! Sometimes it even seems like he's pretending that you are someone else, and you let him do it like it's not-... AAH!" I yelled, as he pushed me down, his eyes filled with anger, and maybe even a hint of fear.

But I was the one who was absolutely terrified now. I had never dared to tell him my thoughts about him and the Earl, because he shut down as soon as we broached the subject. And now, now... he was frightening, and I was reliving with terror what I had glimpsed in Paris.

Crawling backward in an instinctive movement, I barely reacted when I leaned on my ankle, too busy staring at Tyki still kneeling in front of me.

"I'm not him!" he shouted, and suddenly I couldn't breathe.

Placing one hand on my throat, the other still supporting my weight, I gasped in incomprehension, searching for air but finding none. I could feel the wind blowing through my throat, yet my lungs burned more and more as if I were drowning. My vision getting spotty, my heart in a panic, I could see a dark bubble forming around us and soon nothing was visible apart from it and... Tyki! It was Tyki, he had to come to his senses, I had to wake him up, he...

"Ty...ki..." I hiccuped, my hand abandoning my neck to touch his arm and try to get his attention.

But it was no use, he didn't react, not even making a move, his now clearly golden eyes staring at me without seeing me. My hand fell to the ground as I saw his skin turn dark and the familiar yet never really seen stigmata develop on his forehead. Trembling, I dragged myself towards him, the scant meter separating us seeming to last for miles. As I reached him, I soon lost my footing and I didn't know if I was delirious or if we were actually floating. But in any case, even if I had known, it was too late. I had no breath left to speak, and my eyelids kept trying to close despite my best efforts. I'd never been very good at keeping myself awake. Even if a lecture was interesting, if my body was crying out for sleep, there was very little I could do, flick and wander included, to prevent myself from succumbing. And, it has to be said, my best wasn't very effective against an out-of-control Noah.

At least, with one last fleeting thought taking shape in my mind, I'd proved my point: he was certainly crazier than I was, even if he wasn't wrong when he said I wasn't paying too much attention to the conseque-...

I hadn't planned a murder. And I was really very, very tempted to just finish NLN there, but it would be a shame to throw away a chapter of NLB and the whole plan that goes with it, so you'll get a continuation ^^ even if I still have to figure out which one...

Enjoy your holidays, don't forget your reviews and see you on the 25th of next month!