4. The Frightening Powers of Cute

JO here...

By now its clear to see that the rest of my chapters will be long, like around 24-25 pages on Word long. I'll try not to make them too lengthy but if it strays, it strays.

Also I'll be deleting replies to reviews that I answered for each chapter. Why? I'm try to save room and clean up around so I'll keep some that I think are important for future readers to know. If you want me to reply to any reviews, let me in your comment. I'll only be able to respond if you have a fanfic account though because the system won't let me respond to guests.

EDITED 06/27/23

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji (sigh)

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4. The Frightening Powers of Cute

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.

Red.

A sea of red, crimson red, scarlet red. It was never ending. But where did it all come from?

I'm frightened, unable to breathe. The red is warm and wet between my small fingers. It smells odd too. Why was it on my fingers again? My hands? I'm covered in it. My hair is sticky with it.

I don't understand what's happening. I'm scared and alone. I'm always alone. I don't want to be alone!

I hear screams and sobs. I turn and smile.

Company! I'm not alone anymore!

I run towards them, but they run away from me.

Don't leave, I think desperatly, my vision a blur. I don't want to be alone! They always run away. Why? My fingers touch flesh and they fall.

I creep closer and smile again. Someone screams. Why are they screaming? They look, I squint my eyes, scared. Why are they scared? I reach towards them, to hug them. I never get hugs. They scream again.

Crack.

Oh, I think, blinking rapidly.

Silence.

There's more red on my hands. I wonder what it is. I release the company and they fall. Sleeping. Why do they always sleep? I always wait for them to wake up, but they never do. One remains. I look up. They start crying. I frown. Why are they crying? Are they sad? I have wondered what it would take for tears to fall from my own eyes. I've asked before, I think, but I'm told I can't possibly know what anything feels like because I am an… abomination.

What is that? I'm sure it does not compare to being alone, not having anyone to hold your hand or stroke your forehead.

I turn my head and spot a figure approaching me. That almost never happens.

I smile. They have something shiny and pointy in their hands. I hold out my hand in curiosity. They swipe the shiny. I look at my hand. It stings. More red. I frown.

I'm pushed down hard, throat held tightly as the person opens and closes their mouth. The sounds are indistinguishable as they reach my ears. Everything sounds muffled to me, as if I were underwater. I don't understand, but at least I'm not alone anymore.

Then…then that person comes.

He grabs the person on top of me by the throat. I hear a sharp crack before the man sleeps. That person drops him, then faces me.

"You really shouldn't run off like that," he says softly, voice deep and soothing.

I blink, brows furrowed because I don't understand what he's saying. He's speaking a different language, I think. I don't understand him. And I don't like him. I don't smile. His laugh is soft.

"If you keep doing that no one will like you." He comes towards me and bends down. He takes a white cloth from his pocket and wipes my face. The cloth is red now. "Oh well. You're still just a child. I doubt you understand me." He wipes the hand that is hurting. He licks my cut, it doesn't sting anymore. I look up. He smiles. "Try not to leave my side. You'll get messy again. Not that red isn't a good color on you."

I don't understand him. I want to walk away, away from him, towards him. I'm confused, but at least I'm not alone. My lids begin to feel heavy. I grow sleepy. The stranger who has been minding me picks up my small body and carries me away.

"Let's go. Or you'll be discovered again."

Blackness.

.

I gasp as I sit straight up in bed.

Coughing and groaning, I grip my head, trying to recall the nightmare I had dreamt. It escapes me, but I'm glad I don't remember. It felt like I had been watching a gory horror film. I shuddered, hoping the strange hollow sensation in my chest goes away.

As I glance around the darkened room, wondering what time it was, I yawn and stretch, my stomach rumbling. I look beside me and find Ciel sleeping peacefully, his arm draped across my waist, his expression angelic. I smiled. You sure don't see that every day. His face is usually so cold and closed off that this vulnerability he was exhibiting reminded me of—Wait, what?

Rewind: his arm was draped across my waist? I stared down at his appendage in shock. Should I get it off me? Sebastian chose that precise moment to enter the bedroom. He was surprised to see me awake.

"Good morning, Miss Hero. I wasn't aware you were up," Sebastian greeted. A second later he noticed Ciel's arm and smiled, as if amused. I flushed.

"Say not a word!" I tell him, crossing my arms. The curtains were drawn back swiftly, sunshine invaded the room.

I groaned, bringing my hand to block the sudden light.

"No," I protested. "The light is evil."

Sebastian chuckled at my choice of words as he began pouring the tea. Beside me Ciel stirred before he groggily got up. I smiled and poked him in the forehead. "Morning, sleeping beauty. I'm glad someone decided to wake up."

"Says the girl who wakes up later then the entire household," replied Ciel, unamused, probably feeling zombie tired like me. "How come you're up early?"

I shrugged, grinning. "I dunno. So what's new for breakfast Sebastian?" The butler had just handed Ciel his tea.

"I almost forgot. A package came for you this morning," he replies, walking over to the trolley. On the bottom tray is a medium sized wrapped package. My eyes go big before I clap my hands together.

"Ooh! A present! I love presents! Who's it from?" I ask eagerly as Sebastian hands it to me. I tear off the paper and peek inside before blushing.

I jump off the bed and begin walking backwards towards the door, the package now behind my back. "Well, Sebastian, breakfast sounds nice. I'll be down shortly, Ciel." I gave the confused duo a cheery smile before performing an about-face and racing out the room.

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Ciel remained puzzled after Hero left the room.

"What was that Sebastian? What did you give her?"

"It was a package from Miss Hopkins. I can only guess at a few possibilities for such a reaction. Perhaps she was eager to try on whatever Miss Hopkins sent her," Sebastian answered innocently.

Ciel returned his gaze back to the newspaper he had been reading before taking a sip of his tea.

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It wasn't long before Ciel announced that we would be going into Town, a.k.a. London.

I was rather excited at the prospect of seeing it. After all, I hadn't exactly gotten a cheery look at modern day London; my luggage having been stolen before I immediately set off tracking it down to the slums. I didn't even get a chance to see Big Ben or even Harrods before I was transported here via time traveling oven. What a rip off.

Hopefully though, I'll be able to see the famous giant clock, even if it is thirty something years after its construction. And I do believe Harrods is also just as popular in Victorian times as it is in modern times.

The first truckload of specially made clothes finally came in for me today and I was rather eager to try to some outfits on, especially my newly arrived bra and panty sets (which by the way Nina made lacey, like extra lacey) from this morning. I admit that I was rather relieved that the undergarments had arrived before everything else. There was only so much rewashing I could do without Sebastian noticing.

I made sure no one saw a single new article of clothing before I could use them. I had drooled over how cute and girly the dresses were, so much softer then my wrinkled T-shirts that I normally wore at home. Nina also took the liberty of packing in some "casual" dresses that I could wear here at the manor. I was dying to show Ciel, just so I could shock him with the "modern" alterations Nina had added.

Once I checked everything out, I choose today's outfit for my little trip to London: a cute pale green Victorian dress with puffed up sleeves—I had to have Mey-Rin help me put it on, her face was beat red when she saw the amount of skin my undergarments had been exposing. I gave up on my hair half-way and just kept it in its "bleh" style, pulling only a few strands into the ribbon before I went downstairs. At least I tried.

When Ciel saw me, he congratulated me for dressing like a proper Victorian lady. He added "sort of" after that, which resulted in me throwing my scone at him. He dodged it in the nick of time. The missile scone smacked Finny's face instead. Sebastian walked in then, telling us to settle down and not bicker like the children we were.

"And young master, you should try to give a proper compliment to a lady, no matter how unladylike they may behave or look," he admonished.

I huffed indignantly. "I'm right here you know! Gosh, you guys obviously don't know how to treat women right. And here I thought this was the refined Victorian age where men treated women like flowers," I said, staring at them both critically.

Ciel scoffed and Sebastian smiled before apologizing. These kids were really grinding my gears because I knew they weren't sorry at all! Men were the same whether from the future or the past.

Just as I continued to eat my breakfast, there was a commotion outside the dining room doors. I looked over and was startled when Grell burst into the room, colliding into poor Finny—this just wasn't his day. The hot tea from the cart spilled onto the boy's shirt and Grell panicked. Ordinarily this scene would have been hilarious had I not already known that Grell was gonna make a mess with the trolley cart.

"I'm so, so sorry! I, uh…!" Grell stumbled as he looked around wildly, his hands acting fast.

"Grell no!" I said. But it was too late. The reaper had grabbed the tablecloth along with the napkins and pulled all the dishes and plates with him to the floor in one fell swoop. I mentally cried over my ruined breakfast while Ciel looked positively annoyed.

"Master," Bard whispered as he appeared behind Ciel. "Why did you agree to take on such a useless idiot?"

Ciel eyed him. "You're one to talk, Bard. It didn't seem like such a bad idea," he muttered, remembering Madame Red and how she tricked him into taking on Grell for the day.

"Well, I told you it would be," I reminded him smugly.

"I thought Sebastian would be the only one inconvenienced. I never expected that I would be as well," Ciel sighed. Behind him, Tanaka did his famous Santa Clause chuckle.

I grinned. "Told ya so, again."

I turned my head in time to see Grell take out a knife, about to stab his throat. I smiled, knowing that no matter what he did to himself, he wouldn't die that easily. Of course it didn't help that Sebastian was trying to involuntarily seduce Grell. It only added fuel to his fire.

"Master, are you ready? It is almost time. I have the carriage waiting for you in the front drive now," Sebastian informed him.

"Fine, come along Hero."

Sebastian faced the servants. "The rest of you, I want this place absolutely spotless, alright?" He looked at Grell. "Grell, perhaps you should sit there and relax and not cause any more trouble. Oh and if you do decide to seek your eternal rest, please do it outside and try not to make a big mess."

Grell just gave him the sparkle eyes. "What generosity, what great kindness."

I giggled as I followed Ciel out of the room.

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The bell rang as Sebastian, Ciel and I entered the cane shop in the shopping district of London. The heavy set man at the counter glanced at us with a wide grin.

"Welcome boy," greeted the shop owner as Ciel approached him. "On an errand for your father?"

Ciel's gaze darkened. I swallowed, feeling the atmosphere change. Sebastian neatly came into the man's line of vision.

"Excuse me, I have come to retrieve my master's walking stick," he said with a dazzling smile.

He handed the paper to the shop owner who recognized the order. He retrieved a rather mini looking cane made of rich black wood. Sebastian inspected it.

"Ah, yes," said the shop owner. "The owner of this stick. I was wondering who in the world would use a stick as short as this. I never considered it might be a child—"

Quick as a flash, Sebastian pointed the end of the cane in the man's face as if it were a gun. The man froze in fear, a bead of sweat running down the side of his face. I giggled quietly as I turned away to stare at a case filled with finely crafted cane handles. This was why idiots who couldn't read the mood shouldn't run free.

"Why, I detect not a single bend. What a magnificent walking stick," Sebastian complimented him. He threw a bag of coins onto the counter before Ciel and I started to walk out of the shop. "Keep the change," Sebastian added before following us.

Outside, Sebastian handed Ciel his cane and the poor boy kept muttering something about useless shop owners. "Really," he said at last. "Finny's ridiculous strength is nothing but a pain. I had to get a new stick because of him."

"He said he was sorry," I reminded him. "It was an accident, after all."

Ciel kept muttering under his breath. Behind him, Sebastian smiled cheerfully. "Indeed, though the young master failed to grow any taller, he still had to go to all this trouble. You have my apologies, sir."

Ciel glared at him as I giggled behind my gloved hand. As we passed by a window, something shiny caught my eye. I looked over and found a cute toy shop. A kid had his nose smushed up aganist the colorful but high-class display window and pointed at a stuffed rabbit with a top hat.

"Look mama! It's the Funtom Bitter Rabbit! And it's a new one!"

"Come along. I just bought you some sweets, didn't I?" said the mother as she pulled her son along.

I went over to the display window and looked at it with wide eyes. Since I was young I never really had toys. Toys were forbidden (including stuffed animals) in the orphanage. They were the cause of fights and were always getting stolen. After I was adopted by Phil when I was ten, I was far more interested in his job and my detective books to really have a care for toys. Then I grew as a teenager and electronics were all the rage. Toys were just never a thing. How sad.

I glanced at the sweets instead. I would have probably gone for the candies on the display anyway.

"Hero?" said Ciel as he walked over. "What are you doing?"

I pointed at the window. "That's your company's stuff, right? The whole thing looks wicked cool! Everything is adorable and appeals to the consumer. It's even better than some of the toys and candy companies back home."

"Really?" He looked surprised but I recognized that smug and satisfied look in his eye.

I laughed. "Of course, but don't get a big head just yet. It's not like you have teddy bears and teddy bears are essential to a child."

"Teddy bears?"

"Stuffed bears. They're ever classic and always a popular gift for any special occasion," I informed him. That made Ciel look thoughtful. "Anyhow, I congratulate you for a job well done. Makes me wish I had a toy. I've never really owned one before." I turned around and found Sebastian waiting for us. "Come on, Ciel! Let's get going!"

I didn't notice the look Ciel gave me as I passed him, but when I turned to look at him he quickly looked away.

Back in the carriage, I insisted they take me to see some touristy landmarks, seeing as I've yet to witness one. In the end, they took me to both Big Ben and the famous Harrods where I ooh'ed and aw'ed and flitted to everything my brown eyes landed on. It was kind of funny to see Ciel try to keep up. Needless to say, after an hour or so of taking in my fill, I was finally dragged back into the carriage to go home.

"That was so cool! And it was so big! Is the Eiffel Tower bigger or what? I'm totally curious," I gushed as we made it the Phantomhive driveway. "And Harrods was so freaking amazing! No wonder Victorian women love it so much! It's like the equivalent of a modern mall. They seriously have everything there!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed your time, Miss Hero," said Sebastian as he opened the tall front door for us.

"Yeah it was…," I trailed off, eyes wide as I took in the foyer. Oh snap! Next to me Ciel looked both shocked and horrified to see the inside of his mansion. Sebastian looked at us in confusion before he looked inside and became just as disturbed as Ciel.

"My mansion…," Ciel cried in horror.

"Why it's a disaster," stated Sebastian.

"What are you guys babbling about? It's so cute!" I complimented, stepping inside and feeling giddy at all the girly stuff as I whirled around. Clearly I have been deprived of much if I'm excited over pink ribbons and sparkles. "That must mean Lizzy's here!"

"Elizabeth?" he echoed in surprise. "You know about Elizabeth?

"Duh, little ducky and remember to call her Lizzy. You know she'll absolutely insist," I reminded him. That was when Bard, Finny and Mey-Rin choose that moment to tackle Sebastian's tall form.

"What is going on?" he asked as they continued their bear crushing hug. "Rather, why are you dressed like lunatics?"

I laughed when I saw Bard in a frilly bib and maid hat. He was pretty ticked and pointed at a door to his left. "Ask that crazy girl!"

We all hovered over by the door, peeking through the opening. I noticed Grell hanging by the neck, choking, a giant yellow ribbon on his head.

"Poor Grell." I kind of forgot about Lizzy coming over to be honest. Probably should have warned them.

"What are you doing now?" Ciel demanded, looking annoyed as we stepped inside.

"At the moment I believe I'm in the process of dying, Master Ciel," choked out Grell.

Ciel sighed. "Get him down, Sebastian."

"Yes, sir," Sebastian walked over to Grell and was about to take him down when a blur of orange and yellow blew past them and tackled Ciel.

"Ah! Ciiieeel! I missed you soooo!" Exclaimed Lady Elizabeth "Lizzy" Midford in excitement. She was a tall slender girl with shiny blonde hair and bright green eyes. Flawless perfect skin, layers of ruffles and a lingering scent of expensive perfume. Lady Elizabeth Midford was the epitome of a priviledged English rose.

"Elizabeth," Ciel tried saying before she crushed him tighter in delight.

"Come on! I'm always telling you to call me Lizzy! Ah! You're so cute as always I could almost eat you up!"

"Ahem," Sebastian interrupted. "Lady Elizabeth—"

"Why good day Sebastian!" she greeted happily as she performed an about face before curtsing. "How are you?" She noticed Grell in his hand. "Aw, you took him down?"

Sebastian smiled. "Yes, he detracted from the beauty of the room."

"Oh," she pouted, "but I made such a lovely decoration out of him."

"Decoration?"

"Yes!" she said excitedly, arms outstretched. "Just look at it all! Isn't the salon so cute now?"

"Oh my gosh," I said mesmerized, not having noticed it at first. Ciel looked like he'd rather hurl. I had to admit that Lizzy had skills. If I had tried making something look cute it would have probably looked discombobulated and weird. She definitely had skills as an interior decorator. Just imagine when she finally outgrew the cutesy phase.

"There's a giant penguin in a witch's hat by the corner," I pointed out to Ciel who only looked like he had indigestion.

"Ugh, my mansion. It's so pink," he grumbled.

I giggled. "Pink makes the world go round Ciel, despite what many people believe." I walked over to the giant penguin. "And I really do like this penguin. Isn't it grand?"

"From now on only the cutest things belong in the Phantomhive manor," she said with a giggle. "Isn't that right, Antoinette?"

I burst out laughing when I saw Phantomhive's former butler. Ciel, along with everyone, looked flabbergasted at Mr. Tanaka's new hair-do.

"It's okay Tanaka," I said sincerely. "You seriously look fabulous."

He merely did his signature chuckle.

"Oh, and Tanaka," Sebastian began, looking uncomfortable.

"And I have a present for you too!" Lizzy added.

I poked Ciel in the ribs and grinned.

"What?" he asked.

"Just look at Sebastian," I whispered in his ear.

Ciel's face turned red from how close I was to his. He redirected his focus on Sebastian and Lizzy instead. He was definitely amused that Lizzy had gotten his butler something and was even more entertained when she placed a pink frilly bonnet on his head.

I tried holding in my laughter, as did everyone else in the room. Sebastian glanced at the servants with a look of bloody murder before smiling charmingly at Elizabeth. I let a giggle escape as the B-M-F trio laid on the floor, having been metaphorically killed by Sebastian's stare.

"I am exceedingly, grateful, for your kindness towards someone such as myself," Sebastian replied smoothly.

"Don't mention it!" she said cheerfully.

I recovered quickly and approached Sebastian with a grin, patting him on the back. "Well, Sebastian. This is definitely a new look for you. And Lizzy's right, pink does suit you the best!"

"Oh!" Lizzy said as she looked at me. "That reminds me! Who may you be?"

I smiled. "Hero Sanders, Detective Extraordinaire, at your service!"

"She's a guest of mine from America. She'll be staying with me for the time being," Ciel added quickly before I let slip anything crucial and strictly need-to-know.

"America," Lizzy said in wonder. "That explains your charming accent! And it's definitely cute when you speak it. No wait! Your dress also looks cute! Did Miss Nina Hopkins design and make it?"

"The one and only," I agreed merrily. "She has such great style. And really knows what suits you best."

"Yes, I know! She's even making a cute dress for me to wear at an upcoming ball. It's going to be white and green and have lots of ruffles and ribbons. It'll look super cute for sure!"

"By the way, Lizzy," interrupted Ciel, cutting our girl chatter short. "Why are you here? Where is your mother?"

Lizzy hugged him again when she replied. "I wanted to see you so I came here without telling her!"

In the background, Grell came over to stand beside Sebastian and I, asking who she was.

"She's Ciel's fiancée," I told Grell before Sebastian could speak. "Didn't you know that?"

Everyone but Sebastian looked shocked.

“F-Fiancée?" They all exclaimed in surprise.

Sebastian looked at me. I smiled. "What?"

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you know," he said. "But out of curiosity, does the situation bother you?"

I looked puzzled. "Bother me? Why should it?"

Sebastian took a second to study me before he smiled innocently again. "Oh nothing, but your ignorance on certain matters is certainly entertaining. It makes the manipulation quite entertaining."

I was about to ask him what the hell he was talking about when Ciel approached us with Lizzy in tow. "Your mother must be worried," he told her, "if you came here without informing her. Sebastian—"

"Oh I know!" Lizzy added excitedly, whirling away from Ciel. "Say Ciel? Since the salon is all lively now. Let's have a dance party today!"

Everyone looked surprised, but I thought the idea a great one, especially if there will be food.

"Great idea Lizzy! I'm sure it'll be a success!" I said, clapping my hands in enthusiasm before Ciel could protest.

"Thank you, Miss Sanders! I'm so glad you agree with me!"

"Please," I insisted, "just Hero will do."

"Goodness, you've got such a cute name too! This party will be wonderful! My fiancé will escort me, and together, we'll dance the night away!"

Ciel's right eye twitched. "Wh—!"

"A dance is it?" Sebastian contemplated.

Lizzy grabbed Ciel's hand. "Make sure you wear the clothes I chose for you! They'll look really cute on you!" With that she twirled away and clasped her hands together, dreamily staring into space, ignoring Ciel's attempt at reason. "Of course I'll be dressed to the nines as well!"

"Hey! Listen when people are talking to you!" he shouted, easily ignored by Lizzy in her own dream world. Lizzy walked over to Grell and grabbed the rope around his neck.

"You come with me! I want to make you even prettier then you are now!" she said giggling as she dragged the poor butler away.

Much later, Sebastian, Ciel and I situated ourselves in Ciel's study. Poor little boy blue looked exhausted and I couldn't help but giggle. The situation was just too funny.

"Miss Elizabeth is the daughter of the Midford Marquess, the family into which Lady Francis, the younger sister of the previous head of this family, married. There is nothing to be done. You can't brusquely turn your fiancée away," explained Sebastian calmly as he prepared our tea.

"So young and you already have a fiancée," I murmured absently. How unfair. Eventually I'll have to go out and hunt down my significant other. This kid already had one for him and she was the most adorable thing in the world! I never thought I'd actually encounter someone with an arranged marriage to be honest. The concept sounded strange to my freedom raised ears. And I'm not even going to touch the fact that he's marrying his cousin. Brits were weird in this time period. You'd think there weren't other humans out there.

Ciel looked at me. "I didn't want to become her fiancé. I was forced to," he emphasized. "It was planned since I was a child."

I patted his head playfully. "It's okay. These things happen. As the Brits say, just keep a stiff upper lip," I told him cheerfully. "Besides, she's such an angel. I wish I had a sibling as cute as her. No wonder Edward is so overprotective."

Ciel looked defeated, feeling a bit confused with his own emotions for reasons he couldn't understand. "I really can't believe how stupid you are," he mumbled to himself.

I blinked. "What?"

Sebastian interrupted us with a chuckle. "Regardless, the best course for the day would be to acquiesce to her fancy, and then ask her to leave." He placed our tea down on the table along with plenty of sugar and milk.

"That's right. Just stuff some food in that mouth of hers and send her on her way. I have no time to deal with a little girl's whim," announced Ciel, sipping his tea.

I tsked as I added the milk to my tea. "Goodness, if I was your fiancée and you had said that about me, I would be crushed. Probably would have cried too."

Ciel flinched. "Wha-What?"

Sebastian smiled as Ciel tried to recapture his composure. "Besides," he continued. "Lady Elizabeth wishes to dance with you." Ciel stilled for a fraction of a second which Sebastian quickly caught. "Young master?"

"What is it?" he asked, trying to appear calm.

"I have never seen you do so myself, but you do know how to dance?"

Ciel swiveled his chair around, not saying a word.

"He doesn't," I told him, adding the sugar next.

"I see," Sebastian sighed, cutting into the dessert. "That explains why you are such a wallflower even when invited to parties."

Ciel turned around slightly. "I'm busy with my work. I haven't the time to waste on such sports."

Sebastian turned Ciel's chair around.

"I beg to differ young master. Social dancing is called 'social' for a reason. It is a necessary skill at balls and banquets," he said, bring the piece of cake in front of Ciel's face temptingly before he handed it to me. I beamed and watched him go back and cut another slice. "A gentleman of the aristocracy must be able to dance. For if you were to refuse the daughter of a business acquaintance a dance," Sebastian said seriously, presenting Ciel with a delicious slice of orchard fruit cake with pears, plums, and blackberries. I licked my fork. Damn this stuff was delicious. "Young master's reputation in social circles would plummet."

Ciel sighed, throwing down his papers. "All right, fine! I'll just have to do it then. Call for a tutor!"

"We do not have the time to enlist one of the madams as your instructor, sir. A pretense of skill is enough for today, so let us have you master the waltz, a basic ballroom dance. But not to worry sir," assured Sebastian as he closed his pocket watch and smile brilliantly at Ciel. I giggled, knowing what was coming next. "Brazen though it may be of me, please allow me to teach you how to dance."

Ciel looked like he was waiting for the punch line and when he realized Sebastian was serious, he flushed angrily. "Don't be ridiculous. I can't dance with a tall fellow like you! You can't dance the waltz anyway."

"I wouldn't be too sure," I told him.

"Miss Hero is correct. Permit me to teach you the Viennese waltz as I have often visited the Schönbrunn palace in the past," then Sebastian made a face that could give women orgasms without even having to touch themselves. "Will you not grant me this dance, my lord?"

Needless to say, Sebastian got his way and had Ciel practicing with him within minutes, much to the poor boy's embarrassment. It was pretty funny to see Ciel struggling to dance. I felt sorry for the poor kid, but it was better that he know how to dance the waltz than learn any 21st century dance moves. I mean, seriously, all people seem to know how to do is grind to random strangers. The sole reason I dislike my school dances; people just don't know how to dance properly anymore without being horny.

I eyed Ciel's piece of pie. I grabbed my dessert fork and swiped a few bites, relishing in the dish.

"Miss Hero?"

I jumped to my feet in surprise, almost choking as I quickly hid the fork behind my back.

"What? What is it? I didn't do anything!"

Ciel only looked confused while Sebastian smiled knowingly. "I thought it would be prudent if you'd become the young master's dancing partner. He seems to be having a hard time with me as his partner."

"I told you! Ladies don't come in such monstrous heights!" Ciel argued with him, flushing angrily in embarrassment. He looked at me before quickly looking away with a furious blush.

"Oh." I was relived I hadn't been caught (course, I think Sebastian already knew my intentions towards Ciel's pie slice). "No problem. I can do that."

I walked up to Ciel confidentally before stopping short. Was the waltz the same as the one done in the future?

"Don't worry," reassured Sebastian, as if reading my thoughts. "The master will lead you through the steps. I can see you're new to this as well."

"Yes and no. My people don't really dance this often, not unless they're at a fancy rich social function," I explained while scratching my cheek guiltily. "I myself haven't gotten this far in my dancing class, so I'm sorry if I mess up."

I was told to place my hand on Ciel's shoulder and give my other hand to him. As we practiced, I noticed that it was surprisingly easy, at least for me. All I had to do was follow Ciel's lead and the rhythm was pretty much cake. This was fun!

The closeness between Ciel and I afforded me the chance to study his cute face. I noticed that I was only about half an inch shorter than him. I don't know whether to feel depressed about this information or, well, depressed. I guess it wasn't all bad. I'm still sixteen, after all. I'll gain another inch or two before winter approaches.

Ciel blushed again when our eyes met. I smiled. "You're doing really great," I told him.

He looked away. "You're not so bad," he muttered bashfully.

"Thanks! I am a pretty skilled dancer, believe it or not. Maybe later I'll show you how us modern people throw down."

Ciel blinked. "Throw down?"

"Dance, I mean."

"Oh. You use such strange terms," stated Ciel with a frown.

I grinned. "It's the perk of being an American. Besides, you Brits are weird too. Crisp for chips? Chips for fries? Biscuits for cookies? Ya'll are killing me here."

Sebastian interrupted us when he cleared his throat. "Very good, young master," he complimented. "And very well done, Miss Hero."

"Well, I do try," I said with a flourish as I gave them a half bow.

"In any case," Sebastian continued as he suddenly grabbed Ciel's cheek. "We must first address that gloomy demeanor, sir. Miss Hero may be used to it, but other ladies are not. You do not wish to appear rude so please pretend you are having fun, at the very least." The cheek stretching continued. "All right, now give us a joyful smile."

"Unhand me! I—" Ciel's anger meter was quickly rising as Sebastian's attempts to make him smile continued. I was about to warn Sebastian that it would be better to let go when Ciel slapped his hand away. He somberly looked down at the blue ring he was wearing on his left thumb. "I've long since forgotten how to smile joyfully."

Sebastian looked at Ciel. "Young master," he said in a sigh.

The tension was getting a little too thick here. And because I couldn't help it, I hugged the unsuspecting boy from behind "Hero! What are you doing?"

I poked his cheek. "You know, whether it's just a fake smile or not, don't let the past beat you down. Even if you're not feeling it, you should at least look like you're having a great time. And eventually you will. Besides, aren't balls and parties supposed to be when you forget the bad things and just dance the night away as an escape?" I said, poking his cheek again. "And if there's one thing you take away from all this, it's that it only takes forty-three muscles to frown, but seventeen to smile. That way you can exercise less!" I added with a smile.

Ciel looked at me with an arched brow. "That can't possibly be accurate."

I shrugged. "Who knows?" I backed away and walked towards the door backwards. "Anyways, I'll get going. Sebastian be sure to make Ciel look all cute for tonight!"

When I left, I didn't notice the looks Sebastian and Ciel exchanged with each other. As I walked down the hall I thought about what I would wear. It had to be frilly and girly to fit the theme of Lizzy's party. And to be honest, I couldn't wait! I've always drooled over girly things, secretly wishing I could one day wear a pretty dress without people giving me weird looks.

It took me a lot longer to decide what to wear, but eventually, I found something that Nina had conjured for this occasion, sans corset of course. Putting on all the necessary accessories and materials was a bit of a pain but I managed. I added a smidge of makeup (I had forgotten I had been holding Amanda's emergency stash when we got on the airplane). Thanks to Amanda and Pepper, the Makeup Experts, I was taught how to properly apply a smoky eye shadow without messing up. After some mascara and lip gloss, I looked at myself in the mirror and nodded. I was ready.

I later asked Mey-Rin to help me lace up the back when I realized that was the only thing missing. She blushed in awe when she saw me.

"My, you look pretty in that," she gushed.

I smiled, feeling my confidence boost a little. "Thank you! I was hoping you could lace the back. I can't quite reach it."

Mey-Rin nodded eagerly and laced them up with quick hands. I stayed silent for a few minutes before I thought of something. "Hey Mey-Rin, why don't you dress up too? After all, rare opportunities like these don't happen very often."

"Oh, but I'd look silly," she mumbled as she finished helping. I whirled around and grabbed her wrists.

"Nonsense! I'm sure you'd look better than me any day! And honestly I wish I had red hair like yours. If it'll make you feel better, you can keep your glasses on," I added.

Mey-Rin hesitated until she nodded the tiniest bit. I cheered as I looked in the closet for something she could wear. We both decided on a dark green and maroon dress. We worked quickly and by the time we finished, Mey-Rin looked impressive. Even with her glasses on, she looked good. Her hair was pulled into a one sided ponytail, complete with a ribbon. Her shoes looked adorable yet edgy. I gave her the thumbs up as she twirled around in front of the mirror.

"I feel so strange, but I like it," she said with a shy smile.

"You should normally feel this way. It is your right as a woman. And you look sexy as hell," I added with a smile.

Mey-Rin blushed. "W-We should get going. I'm sure everyone is downstairs with Lady Elizabeth."

We made our downstairs. I was probably only a few doors away from the cutesy salon when I suddenly stopped.

"Damn! I just remembered that I left something important in my room," I exclaimed, lightly tapping my forehead in reprimand. "You go on downstairs. It won't take me long."

I rushed back upstairs and grabbed my knapsack, fishing around for Louie. When I felt him, I held him up like a fisherman holding his finest catch of the day. Louie was my magnifying glass; one my dad had gotten for me when I was ten. It went everywhere I went and never strayed from my side. He's helped crack some serious and not so serious cases. And till death do us part, he shall keep staying by my side.

I placed Louie in a clever holder designed onto the dress and suddenly remembered something ingenious. I took out my pink camera from my knapsack and grinned. This party definitely needed pictures and heck yeah was I going to covertly take them.

As I made my way downstairs, I remembered that Lizzy would get upset at Ciel for not wearing the ring she had gotten him, resulting in her attempting to destroy his blue ring in her misunderstanding. I debated whether I should interfere. I mean, Sebastian was going to make everything right in the end. But still, I didn't want Lizzy frightened. The girl was such a sweetheart, like the cute bubbly little sister I never had. And I didn't want Ciel to go through more emotional trauma.

Damn, what to do, what to do! To interfere or not? This was truly the question. One I would keep asking myself throughout the night.

=/=/=

Grell looked at himself in the mirror with a disatisfied frown. Misery was clearly etched on his smooth face.

"How awful!" he cried.

"I think you're going to have to make peace with it," Bard said, trying to comfort the incompetent butler.

"This dress, it's atrocious. So white and girly and frilly," Grell explained dejectedly. He looked at the heavens, clasping his hands in earnestness. "If I had to dress up, why couldn't it be in the sexy shade of red? With a waist line that would flatter my figure?"

"That's your problem?" Bard snapped.

It didn't take long for Grell to attempt suicide again, but no one bothered to care or stop him this time. Luckily, Grell decided not to throw himself out the window tonight now that his audience was bored with it. Not quite a show if no one was going to care.

"You see, I think Ciel looks best in blue!" gushed Lizzy as Mey-Rin also helped with the finishing touches to Lizzy's dress. "When I was out shopping in London today, I fell in love with the clothes I bought for him," she said, looking at Mey-Rin up and down, noticing her dress. "I love those clothes you have on. I can tell Miss Hero had a hand in that. It's absolutely cute! Oh, but let's take off your glasses first!"

"But, um, I-I am terribly far sighted, miss. I can see nary a thing without my glasses!" Mey-Rin insisted nervously.

"If you can see far away, that'll do just fine!" Lizzy was about to grab the poor woman's glasses when a familiar voice stopped her.

"That's enough," Ciel said firmly, looking both bored and calm as he appeared in the salon with Sebastian in tow. Lizzy looked him over and squealed her little heart out.

"Ciel! You're so cute! I knew I was right!" She said happily, twirling the poor boy around. That's when Hero finally entered the salon.

=/=/=

"Sup people," I greeted everyone with a grin. I made sure to take a few hidden snap shots before I made myself known. Ciel and Sebastian looked over. Surprise and some other emotion ran through their faces before I could identify it.

"What? I think the dress looks nice," I said nervously, looking down at the cutesy dress I was wearing. Maybe I shouldn't have gussied up after all if I wasn't even going to look good to them. Not that I was placing my value on my looks, but a compliment would be appreciated! Especially if I was out of my element!

But then Lizzy made a sound of disbelief. "Don't say that, Miss Hero! That dress looks so cute on you! You look absolutely pretty! Right Ciel?" Lizzy asked, looking at her fiancé. He blushed, but nodded, not bothering to glance at me.

I mentally blanched. I knew I looked bad if not even Ciel was looking at me! I walked over to Sebastian, feeling dejected. The bastard smiled innocently at me, as if nothing was the matter.

"I know I look weird," I muttered miserably.

"Nonsense," he insisted. "I was merely surprised you could look so stunning when you wanted to."

I would have stomped on his foot had I not known that he could have easily avoided it.

"Whatever," I said, flushing. I looked at the others and smiled. I gaped when I spotted Grell, rushing over to him.

"Grell! What a color! White doesn't suit you at all," I told him, totally trolling. "I personally think the sexy shade of red would look much better, with a cinched waistline that would flatter your figure. Right, Sebastian?" I quoted from the anime.

Grell eyed me like I was his hero (hero? Hero? Get it? Lol!). Bard dropped his jaw in disbelief while Sebastian looked slightly bothered. He said nothing. I giggled. Alright, enough teasing then.

"Let the party begin!"

"Ooh yes," agreed Lizzy excitedly. "And with Ciel looking so cute this will surely be a spectacular night! Look, look! Everyone's turned out so cute! I'm having them attend the party too," she motioned toward the embarrassed Bard, the smiling Finny, the nervous Mey-Rin, Cindi-Grella in white, and Japanese princess Tanaka. She turned towards Ciel. "But Ciel is certainly the cutest of a—" Lizzy stopped speaking when she noticed the ring on Ciel's left thumb. She gave him the scary eyes. "Ciel! Where is the ring I got you? The cute one that matched your clothes?"

"Huh? What ring?" he said, brushing away Lizzy's hand. "This ring is just fine."

Lizzy looked peeved. "I think not! I've made you all cute! But that ring isn't cute at all!" Then she burst into tears. "So you don't want to wear the one I brought? You're so mean! Waaaah!"

"Lizzy," I began. I had to warn her not to go too far.

Ciel sighed. "That's not it," he tried explaining. "This ring is—"

"There!" Lizzy said giggling as she took his ring from him in a whirl of skirts and ruffles.

"L—!"

"Got it!" She gleefully interrupted, running away. "See? This ring is much too big for you! The one I choose is just the right size—"

"Give it back!"

Everyone flinched at Ciel's sudden harsh tone. They were all shocked to see the little Earl look so furious. Sebastian said nothing, merely eyeing Ciel with a calm expression. My eyes shifted from both Lizzy to Ciel.

"Give it back this instant, Elizabeth."

I flinched. Ooh, he used her full name. Elizabeth looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"Wh-Why are you so angry? I-I was just…"

The serious angry look on his face didn't let up, causing Lizzy to snap. Her hands trembled as she clutched the ring.

"What is it? I was only trying to make you look cute! So how come you're so angry? You're so mean! I hate—" she began, raising her hand. "This ring!"

I dove in front of Lizzy and caught the ring before it could break into pieces. I winced at my banged up elbow and noticed my bruised knee. Well, aren't I even more lovely? Lizzy gasped and Ciel looked positively livid. He was about to strike Lizzy when Sebastian stopped him by placing his new cane in hand.

"Young master," Sebastian interrupted smoothly. "You forgot this walking stick of yours we just had made." Ciel panted, struggling to rid of the last vestiges of rage in him. Sebastian lent me a hand. I dusted myself off once I got up, ring still in hand. I could hear Lizzy sniffle, her cheeks tear stained.

"Excuse us, Lady Elizabeth," Sebastian apologized, a hand over his heart. "That ring is very important to my master. It is the only ring in the world that is handed down to each head of the Phantomhive family. Please forgive my master's discourtesy."

"Eh? It was such a precious ring and I-Oh! And Miss Hero got hurt because of me too!" Lizzy exclaimed through tears. I looked down at my knees. They weren't that bad. I've been through much worse.

"S'okay, Lizzy. No harm done," I reassured her. I felt Ciel grab the ring in my hand and walk over to the window. I sighed. I should have known that baseball dive I performed was a waste. Ciel flung the blue ring out the open window, causing everyone in the room to gasp in shock.

"Wh—! Ciel? How could you?" Lizzy cried out as she rushed to the window, peering into the darkness.

"I don't care," he said calmly. "It's just an old ring. Whether I wear that ring or not, I, Ciel Phantomhive, am still the head of the Phantomhive family."

Everyone looked touched, if not a little awed. I smiled, glad he was getting through this as maturely as possible. Still, I knew he was upset inside. If only there was something I could do to cheer him up. I mean, there's gotta be something.

I picked up Ciel's hat and handed it to him, which he promptly dusted off before placing it on. We both nodded at each other before Ciel turned to face the sobbing Lizzy.

"What's with that face?"

"B-Because," she hiccuped.

Ciel sighed, taking out his handkerchief. "That face is a fright. Can you even call yourself a lady?" he said, wiping her tears and snot away. "I don't want to ask you to dance when you're looking like that." Lizzy looked surprised, hope quickly filling her eyes. Ciel held out his hand. "The rule of the ball is to forget the bad things and dance the night away. Is that not so?" I saw Ciel look at me briefly with a knowing smile.

Oh…my…gosh. He looked utterly adorable with that smile! I beamed at him.

Lizzy smiled through her tears. "Yes!"

It was then that Sebastian had, out of nowhere, taken out a violin and started the hypnotic ballroom music. The servants looked at him in surprise.

"He's incredible!" Mey-Rin complimented, dazed.

"A violin? Is there anything he can't do?" Finny gaped.

I snickered. He probably couldn't…my eyes widened. That was it! I now knew how I was going to cheer Ciel up later! Thank you, Finny!

"Ah! I'll join him!" said Grell who went over and started to sing, much to the servants stunned shock.

Even I had to admit that he was pretty good. I'm glad I wasn't playing an instrument myself (I'm infamously known as the Instrument Murderer around Band Club; my patience and lack of skill causes unhappy consequences, thanks to my "unique" strength). I grabbed Bard's hand and started twirling him around as Finny and Tanaka did the same.

The now happy Lizzy and Ciel started their dance.

As the evening progressed and Sebastian took a break and Grell replaced him by playing the piano (I so did not expect that since the anime nor the manga said anything about Grell playing a musical instrument). He walked over to where I was sitting, having finished twirling Mey-Rin around.

"Hey Sebastian," I greeted. "That was some nice playing."

"Thank you. I assume you are enjoying your time as well?"

"Oh, of course!" I assured him. "This party has been fun, better then what they host at my school sometimes. The playlist gets manipulated and there are never any good songs. Therefore, not much dancing goes on." Just a lot of grinding and I don't grind to random strangers, no matter how harmless or hot they may be (not like they ever chose me as a partner anyway).

"I'm glad to hear that," Sebastian said with a smile. "I was wondering if you'd perhaps honor me with a dance, my lady?"

WHAT?

"Are you serious?" I asked, taken aback. This certainly hadn't happened in the anime or manga. Of course, I wasn't in the manga or anime to begin with either, but whatever!

"Quite. This seems like the perfect opportunity since no one else is on the dance floor."

Amanda will so be jealous. I smiled and took his hand.

"Okay!"

It felt strange dancing with Sebastian. For one thing I'd never gotten this close to him before, but it felt nice. He smelled of soap and something else, something mesmerizing. The cotton underneath my gloves felt real and his nearness was making me slightly dizzy. It was such a strange and fascinating experience for sure. Though I did have to agree with Ciel on one thing and that was the fact that Sebastian was tall!

But I kept up pretty nicely, if I do say so myself. It was certainly a first for me, having such a tall dance partner.

"Miss Hero," Sebastian began, looking at me with those reddish brown eyes. "I can't help but ask about that mark I spotted on your lower back the other day."

I blinked. "Mark? What mark?"

Sebastian's expression remained neutral, almost as if he had expected my reaction. "You're not aware then?"

"You mean a mole?" I asked, blushing furiously.

He chuckled. "No. Just a curious white mark is all." Sebastian could see me thinking really hard about it until I finally gave up.

"I don't know. It can't be a scar. I don't think I've ever gotten hurt that badly. I'm usually the one beating people up," I told him. Sebastian frowned at that. I suspected he probably wasn't pleased to hear about me getting into brawls or any allusions to it. Ciel was the same way.

"Um, maybe its some weird birthmark?"

"I was thinking the same thing," he replied smoothly as we traveled across the dance floor.

I didn't notice Ciel look over and grimace upon seeing me dance with Sebastian. When the song ended, Sebastian led me back towards the others. I was about to twirl around with Tanaka when Ciel approached me. He nervously cleared his throat and held up a hand.

"Hero, would you grant me this dance?"

Cue inner squeal here as I gasped. Dude! Ciel looked way cute trying to ask me for a dance. In fact, this also didn't happen in the manga or anime, but hey, I was game. I nodded eagerly and accepted his hand.

Now, dancing with Ciel was much different than Sebastian. I wasn't as tense as before and didn't have to strain my neck to look up. Of course, this meant I was closer to Ciel then normal. He smelled of a subtle cologne, one that lingered in his bed sheets and reminded me of tea and sandalwood. As we danced, I noticed that he kept looking away, his cheeks tinged red, sporting a small frown. I tilted my head in question.

"Hey, Ciel, is something wrong?" I asked.

He looked at me then. I couldn't help but note how blue and jewel-like his eye was. It was dazzling. "Uh," he said, flushing. He glanced down, noticed my knees, then quickly met my eyes. "Yes. Your knees. I'm sorry you ended up getting hurt."

"Oh that? It wasn't that bad. Barely hurt," I reassured him.

Ciel still looked upset. "I promised you that I'd protect you."

I grinned. "And I told you that would be impossible. So don't sweat the small stuff. I'm like the gingerbread man, you can't catch me."

"Not unless I order Sebastian to do it. And you and I both know he's quite capable," said Ciel with a smirk.

Now I frowned. This kid was determined. Not even my dad was this relentless. When he tried grounding me once, exactly three hours passed before Phil caved (as if he were on the receiving end) and lifted the punishment. His disciplinary skills were not the greatest. Instead I made sure not to get into "severe" dangerous situations that would stress him out too much. Or at least not get caught.

I leaned forward until our foreheads touched. Ciel looked taken back, blushing at the action. I briefly wondered why he blushes so much. And why does he even bother with me? I'm mean I'm flattered, don't get me wrong, but we only met a few days ago and despite going through so much drama those last couple of days, his sincerity keeps surprising me.

Still, it was nice to know that at least I was cared about even for a little bit in this strange world.

"Okay, how about this," I tell him. "I'll let you try protecting me if you promise me not to be so hard on yourself."

His eye widened. "Not be so hard on myself?"

"Yeah. Don't blame yourself for anything or allow what other people say to get you down. You're you, after all, and everyone else can go away," I said.

Ciel seemed to think about that for a minute until he finally nodded. "I suppose I could comply to that. Now you be sure to keep your end of the bargain."

I flashed him a smile which he returned with a smirk. "Of course. Now let's enjoy the rest of our dance!"

It was fun dancing with Ciel. It felt…right somehow.

=/=/=

As the two teenagers twirled around the dance floor, Lizzy spotted them having fun and smiled, glad to know that her party had been a success. Yes, there might have been a minor hiccup in the beginning, but all that was resolved now. As she watched them dance, something inside her chest tugged at Lizzy. It made her notice how much lighter and untroubled Ciel looked, dancing with the smiling Hero.

She frowned a little, not understanding the small niggling emotion creeping up at her until she gasped. It was jealousy! She was feeling slightly jealous! What an ugly feeling, definitely not cute, she thought to herself. And what was she to be jealous of anyhow? She was Ciel's fiancée and her wonderful future was set. Even Hero seemed to support it! So really now, there was nothing to be jealous of, she reassured herself.

With that logic she continued to enjoy the rest of her party. In fact, she had such a blast that she became exhausted in the end and fell asleep the minute she entered her carriage Sebastian had brought round for her.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure she gets home safely," Grell assured everyone, dressed normally once again.

"Are you sure?" Bard suspiciously asked.

By the time he left with Lizzy, everyone relaxed, glad to know that the evening was over.

Later in the night, Ciel and Sebastian were just about done for the night's preparations.

"It's finally over," Ciel sighed as he sat on his bed, waiting for a certain someone. "What a horrible day it's been."

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself there for a while, my lord," Sebastian commented absently. "Especially with Miss Hero."

"Don't be so foolish," Ciel chide, face red. "I seemed to recall you dancing with her as well. What brought that on?"

Sebastian merely smiled. "I simply thought of letting Miss Hero have a lovely time."

Ciel scoffed. He touched his left thumb subconsciously and found that his ring was missing. He sighed. Sebastian noticed and kneeled down at eye level, his expression solemn.

"I know the importance of that ring yet you put on that act for Lady Elizabeth," Sebastian said, placing his hand over Ciel's. Like magic, the ring appeared on the young boy's thumb. Ciel was speechless. "If I couldn't do this much for my master, then what kind of a butler would I be?"

It was at that moment that Hero entered Ciel's room, dressed in a long white nightgown, hair loose, and sporting a bright smile.

=/=/=

"Yo boys," I greeted cheerfully.

Sebastian stood up. "Evening Miss Hero. Off for bed I assume?"

Ciel blushed and I grinned. "Yup, but before that, I wanted to cheer Ciel up!"

The boy looked confused. "What? What for?"

I rolled my eyes. "In denial. It should be obvious, Ciel. Sebastian got you your ring, right?"

Ciel slowly nodded. Under normal circumstances, I'm sure the bluenette would have been startled that I knew things I shouldn't but I was from the "21st Century", after all. The thought was most likely hard to swallow but I know Ciel has taken it all in stride, wisely choosing not to think about it too much.

"Well, I know you're going to get a little emotional after that scenario so I thought about cheering you up the best way I know how."

"And what would that be?" he asked, almost dreading the answer.

I grinned maliciously. "You know how I told you I'd show you how modern people 'get down'? Well I thought I'd show you using my favorite song. Now mind you this came out in the eighties, but it still kicks ass," I said, placing my iPhone on the dresser. I tapped the song and got into position the minute the familiar tune started to flow into the room. I beamed at Sebastian and Ciel's puzzled expressions.

You can't touch this…

You can't touch this…

Ever since I happened upon the song, I've declared it my lover. I knew it backwards and in Spanish—mind you, it's not really in Spanish but if it were I'd recognize it anywhere. It's gotten me out of depressing moods before and has never failed to bring a smile on my face. So I thought, why not? Let's show Ciel!

My, my, my music hits me so hard

Makes me say "Oh, my Lord"

Thank you for blessing me

With a mind to rhyme and two hype feet

It feels good, when you know you're down

A super dope homeboy from the Oak town

And I'm known as such

And this is a beat, uh, you can't touch

I zoned out the real world and concentrated on dancing the moves. My feet were quick and fast as lightning, my body used to the steps. I know the song was considered ancient to most, but there's just something about the classics that becomes timeless. You just can't beat 'em!

When the song finally ended, I stopped dancing and panted, smiling. "Ta-da! I am Hammer Time Queen!" I declared proudly. I turned my iPhone off and faced Sebastian and Ciel, waiting for their reactions. "So? Whatcha think?"

"…what was I supposed to feeling here?" Ciel asked, an unreadable expression painted on his pretty face.

Sebastian coughed lightly. "How very entertaining. Is this how people dance in your time period?"

"Yup, but everyone's got their own style. Most follow the latest trends. Some don't dance at all. What did you think, Ciel?"

"Well, it certainly distracted me from my thoughts," he said, looking away with a straight face. "Anyhow, its time for bed."

I huffed. Everyone's a critique. "You liked it, right Sebastian?" I asked, climbing onto the mattress.

The man just smiled as he grabbed the candle holder. "It was certainly interesting, in its own way."

I sighed, rolling over. "You people don't understand good dancing or good music."

I heard him chuckle. "Good night, my lord, Miss Hero."

With that, he quietly left. The room plunged into darkness.

I remained awake for a few minutes, just feeling, not really thinking, facing my bed mate's back. I faintly heard the night noises of nocturnal creatures as they came out to roam under the moon. Other than them, it was quiet in here. For a while, all I could hear was Ciel's soft steady breaths. I thought he was asleep so imagine my surprise when he suddenly rolls over, eyes staring at me. I blinked, noticing his left eye was eye-patch free. It didn't occur to me before that he hadn't been wearing it since I entered the room. How slow of me!

His left eye was colored differently, more purplish. The fuastian contract was dimly visible but glowing brightly, making it the only bit of light source in the room. I silently sucked in a breath.

Whoa.

It looked even more wicked up close. The seriousness and realness of the symbol made the anime/manga versions poorly represented. It didn't portray the severity of Ciel's actions. It hadn't seemed "real" until now. I shivered, some unknown emotion running through me, causing the hairs on my arms to raise, goosebumps appearing.

Ciel stared at me in silence for a while, neither of us talking. At last, just as I was about to say something stupid, he finally spoke.

"I know," he began, "that your little act earlier was to distract me from my thoughts. I appreciate it," he paused, a heavy look settling on his face. "But it always comes back to me. The thought of what awaits me when this is all over. Whether I think it or not. It's always in the back of my mind. This ring," he says, looking down at the accessory in question that rested between us. "It only reinforces my fate. I can't escape it. I see it and I can hear the screams of the past family heads. I thought if I threw it away, maybe I wouldn't hear them. But that was foolish. You got hurt because of this old trinket. This ring, it shall bear witness to my demise. That is its fate and mine's as well."

I'd never heard Ciel speak so solemn or look so somber before. He stared at the silver ring, the moon's light making it wink amongst the cream colored sheets.

I wasn't sure what to tell him. It was a fact that I was a rather happy person with a can-do attitude, but I didn't want to let my lack of understanding get in the way of me comforting him. I wanted Ciel to think happy thoughts and not dwell on such misery and sadness. I wanted to bring a genuine smile on his face! But how was I to do that? What did I really know about pain and suffering? I could never understand the victims of crime when I trailed after my dad during work. Their distress and woe always confused me. Sure my life had its hardships but I always brushed off the negativity and kept walking forward, head held high, unbreakable. When Ciel saw that I wasn't saying anything, he closed his eyes.

"Sorry to have bothered you with this. Let's just go to sleep," he murmured.

I don't know what made me do it, but before I could think, my hand was suddenly moving. I covered his open outstretched hand with my own. Ciel opened his eyes in surprise, clearly not expecting me to do anything. And suddenly, I knew what to do. I knew what to say to comfort this boy. I gave him a soft smile.

"Come what may, you're not alone anymore," I said. "We can get through this together, Ciel. We will get through this together. I promise."

I believed those words with all my heart. I wasn't sure if he did, however. Regardless, I knew deep inside that I wasn't going to let Ciel go through all this shit alone. We were in this together.

Suddenly my lids became heavy. Sleep was creeping up on me like a ninja, attacking quickly. Resistance was futile so I succumbed. Before Ciel knew it, I was fast asleep.

=/=/=

Ciel looked at Hero for a few minutes. Thinking. Replaying her words over and over in his head until they finally hit home. His hand tightened around hers, a mixture of emotions washing over him. He closed his eyes and smiled, just a little bit.

"Foolish girl."

Outside, Sebastian stood silently, leaning against Ciel's bedroom door. He had been standing there for almost an hour and a half, eavesdropping. He hadn't meant to, it just sort of happened. The sound of his master's voice had brought his attention and for a moment, he thought he was being called.

But no, he realized that the master was speaking to Miss Hero. Sebastian had been quite surprised to hear her response, finding it quite unlike her yet very much like her. In the couple of days their resident time-traveler had stayed, it didn't take Sebastian long to figure out her character, for to be honest, she was quite a simple girl.

Even more surprising then Miss Hero's response though, was the master's sudden attachment with the girl, which started since the first day she appeared. It was odd, almost unnatural. It was too fast. He didn't really know her after all and still didn't. Sebastian knew there was a certain quality that Miss Hero's character possessed that had people gathering to her like moths to flame, reasons all varying. What was going through the young master mind when he looked at Hero? Why was he so attached? Was something wrong with him? These questions plagued the butler daily.

He fleetingly wondered how this would all turn out in the end. His thoughts soon returned to the time traveling girl herself, however. His assumption about her had been correct.

Miss Hero was not aware of the demon mark on her, which brought about some very entertaining options, none of which he could capitalize at the moment, sadly. However, the pressing question remained: what was he to do with Miss Hero? Claim her? Wait?

If he took her now, he'd be near invincible, more so then he originally was. If he waited, who knows what and when other demons might come to her. The lure of a demon mate too strong to resist, even if it was another's. If that were to happen, then her mark would be manipulated, the symbol changed, making her not his anymore. And boy would it be an utter bitch to fix.

Sebastian would not have that on his hands. What was his was his. He was a possessive demon and didn't share. Though he had briefly explained to Miss Hero the demon mate concept, there were things she still didn't know. Sebastian sighed before he began to walk away, already seeing his days ahead get busier then usual.

Oh what was a demon to do when his demon mate tumbled out of an oven from the future and wanted to go exploring on one hand while his young master had a vengeful agenda to achieve on the other?

Sebastian chuckled quietly to himself through the darkened hallways.

"Now," he said, "to prepare for the morrow."