#earl charles phipps

[janus-cadet]

Guys, guys, I've got the opportunity to do another collab' with my fav artist ever, @mimmixerenard !! And this one, well, it's about the Double Charles, from Black Butler.

See, whenever we write something together, those guys always seems to pop at one point or another, a special cameo. Modern Setting, Star Trek, Leijiverse... everywhere. And so, we kinda picture what would happen if we put them in a sort of Sandman setting, as dreams or nightmares. Therefore, that concept was born.

But first, the drawing.

(I'm absolutely in love with @mimmixerenard's part of the drawing. Look at that, how fluid Grey's movement is. Please, please, if you see this post, please consider going to check their profile, you'll be amazed. It's a garantee.)

So, in this, Grey is a Dream, always appearing quite feral and menacing to the dreamer ; meanwhile, Phipps is a Nightmare, always appearing calm and kind. Both of them work in tandem, enjoying to confuse the dreamer about their true nature. Before each dream, they have an over-the-top fight to decide if the dreamer will have a Pleasant Dream or a Nightmare ; of course, they can't hurt each other for real, but sure as hell enjoy pretend otherwise.

(Look at that, the proportion are so neat on Grey, and the clothes design-)

And sooo... yep, this drawing is born. It was fantastic to work with them. Thank you again, my friend, and keep on being absolutely amazing. You deserve the praises.

Hope you'll all like it, for how weird and seemingly random it can be!

[grey-and-stuff]

A little throwback haha

I did this two years ago. Enjoy

[anonymousewrites]

One Hell of a Love (Book 2) Chapter Nine

Sebastian Michaelis x Demon! Reader

Chapter Nine: One Hell of a Banquet

Summary: A new game begins for Ciel to prove himself.

            “Well? How much longer do you two plan on staying here at the manor?” demanded Ciel from across the table. Soma was still clinging to Ciel and staying in the manor with seemingly no intention on leaving.

            “I’m staying just so I can spend the long-awaited winter holiday with you, so how could you say that?!” cried Soma dramatically.

            “Don’t go making up your own holidays,” said Ciel.

            “You see, today is that day I beat you at chess!” declared Soma.

            Ciel stood. “Forgive me, but I have to work today. Come, Sebastian, (Y/N).”

            “Yes, Young Master,” said Sebastian.

            “Yes, sir,” said (Y/N).

            Soma pouted. “But you said that yesterday too and played only one game with me!”

            Ciel leveled a look at Soma. “Why don’t you try improving your game by studying up on chess problems while I’m working? You’re too weak.”

            “Dammit! I’ll get you! Agni, assist me with my special training!” cried Soma as Ciel sighed and left the room.

l

            “Sebastian, I’m hungry,” said Ciel as he set down the latest stack of papers from Funtom companies.

            Sebastian consulted his pocket watch. “It is nearly teatime. (Y/N) and I will fetch it.”

            As soon as they stepped out of the office, (Y/N) and Sebastian glanced at each other. They could hear the commotion from the kitchen.

            “It looks like we have some guests,” said (Y/N).

            “The Queen’s butlers, judging by the voices,” said Sebastian.

            “We should probably intervene before we have to clean up blood,” said (Y/N). As for the issue of death…a non-issue to (Y/N).

            “Yes, that would be quite tiresome,” agreed Sebastian as they headed to the kitchen.

            Sure enough, as they opened the door, a man with long white hair and a sword lunged at Mey-Rin, who had her glasses off and pistols in hand. Sebastian sighed and jumped between them, holding a platter of pastries and blocking Mey-Rin from attacking. (Y/N) grabbed one and skewered it on one of the butler’s swords to redirect his attack.

            The servants blinked in surprise as (Y/N) and Sebastian straightened. The demon butler smiled and said, “May we present to you these custard cream puffs, made with plenty of traditionally-raised eggs produced on the Phantomhive estates?”

            “Please, try one,” said (Y/N), smiling and nodding to the puff they had placed on the sword.

            The man with long white hair took a curious bite. “Hm, not bad! I suppose I can give it a passing mark.”

            “Hey, Sebastian, (Y/N)! Who the hell are these guys?” demanded Baldroy.

            “These two gentlemen are—”

            The man with long hair interrupted him. “Oh, right, right, this is our first time meeting you. I’m Charles Grey.”

            “I am Charles Phipps,” said the taller one.

            “We are commonly known as the ‘Double Charleses.’ Weare Her Majesty’s private secretarial officers, as well as her butlers. Nice to meet you,” said Grey. He removed a letter from his pocket and grinned. “And today we’re messengers who’ve come to deliver a letter to the Earl!”

l

            “—And so, per Her Majesty’s urgent request, she would like you to hold a banquet in two weeks’ time in honor of a particular visitor to England and treat him to the kindest hospitality,” said Grey to Ciel after the Earl read the letter.

            “Why me?” asked Ciel. “As I’m not acquainted with him, I find it hard to believe that your guest will derive much pleasure from being entertained by me.”

            “The gentleman in question is a certain German personage, who also happens to be a distant relative of Her Majesty’s,” said Phipps. “He travels here in secret. It appears that he is interested in the industry of Great Britian—the factory of all the world—as well as in popular literature and wishes to discourse with those who have profound knowledge in such matters. Your Funtom firm is one of the British enterprises about which we may boast to the world. With your numerous connections, we believe you will be more than capable of summoning guests in whom our visitor will delight.”

            “If it’s connections you want, would Her Majesty not be better off receiving this visitor herself?” said Ciel.

            “Are you sure you ought to be saying such a thing?” Grey’s smirk was vicious. “Her Majesty harbors doubts regarding your report about the ‘recent incident,’ Earl Phantomhive.”

            Ciel’s eyes narrowed. His report on the incident with Baron Kelvin had been kept vague to disguise how he ignored the Queen’s directive to save the children and had instead destroyed the manor and everyone inside.

            “Are you quite certain that story contains no hint of subterfuge?” said Grey. He leaned forward. “Aren’t these marching orders the perfect chance for you to restore the gleam to your dulled image? You might say this request from Her Majesty is not to the Earl, her Guard Dog, but one simple to the Earl, a nobleman.”

            “Noblesse oblige,” said Phipps. “We should like you to consider it an obligation of the haves.”

            A moment of silence before Ciel inevitably placed the letter down. “Very well. I shall accept the request.”

            Grey grinned happily as if he hadn’t been threatening Ciel. “By the way, I’ll be participating as a supervisor. You’ve no objections, do you?”

            “As you wish,” said Ciel.

            “We’ve already confirmed the safety of this manor. It doesn’t seem like you’ll need additional guards,” said Grey.

            “No need to worry on that account,” said Ciel. “This manor is absolutely secure.”

            (Y/N) and Sebastian smirked at one another.

            “I’m against inviting superfluous personnel into the manor and raising the risk from within,” said Ciel.

            “Very well,” said Phipps. “Then we shall take our leave. You do not need to see us off. We look forward to seeing you again in two weeks.” He bowed with Grey and then set off.

            Ciel waited until they left to address (Y/N) and Sebastian. “Well, you heard the man. Prepare the invitations right away.”

            “Yes, my Lord,” said Sebastian.

            “And get in touch with Lau and the Undertaker as well,” said Ciel.

            “Very good,” said (Y/N).

            They glanced at one another. They knew the tone of Ciel’s voice. There was something more going on here. (Y/N) grinned. They had a feeling they were about to have some real fun at some humans’ expenses, if only in seeing them humiliate themselves.

l

            Two weeks later, (Y/N) felt the same but had yet to see the fruits of their instinct since, as usual, there was plenty of work to be done to prepare for the arrival of the guests. Outside, rain poured down heavily, and inside, Sebastian and (Y/N) kept the other servants on track before they managed to start the dinner off with a disaster as guests milled about in the foyer. Ciel was readied to make an entrance from his office above, and his demonic servants flanked him as he descended towards his guests.

            “Why don’t you leave your teasing of my guest at that?” declared Ciel, leveling his infamous glare at Lau as the man teased Arthur, the writer ((Y/N) and Sebastian had easily memorized all the information available about their guests), about what type of man Ciel was.

            “Eh…a child?” said Arthur in surprise, looking up at Ciel.

            “That little boy is Earl Phantomhive!” said Lau happily.

            “The ‘little’ is unnecessary!” said Ciel before collecting himself. He gazed over his guests and smiled. “I thank you for accepting my invitation on this occasion. I am the head of this family, Ciel Phantomhive. Ladies and gentlemen, those of you with whom I am acquainted through your continued patronage and those I am meeting for the first time, I hope you will allow me to extend my greetings to you anew in person once the banquet is underway.” He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sebastian and (Y/N). “The guest of honor appears to be missing?”

            “The weather is delaying him, it seems,” said (Y/N).

            “Well, that’s just great,” huffed Ciel. “We can’t have everyone waiting in the hall like this—”

            Mey-Rin barged into the room and hurriedly bowed. Behind her, the doors opened up to reveal Grey and another man. “The guest has arrived, he has!”

            “Pleased to make your acquaintance,” said the German. “I am Georg von Siemens. Thank you for your kind invitation.”

            “Hiya!” said Grey. “Is the party all set to go?”

            Siemens shook Ciel’s hand. “I apologize for having kept you waiting on my account.”

            “Not at all,” responded Ciel. “I thank you for traveling at such length to be here. Let us exchange greetings once the party has begun. Tonight’s dinner is buffet-style, so everyone may speak freely with one another. This way, please.”

            Sebastian smiled. “Ladies and gentlemen, I shall announce each of you, so please go through the dining room when your name is called. First, Irene Diaz and Grimsby Keane.” A famous opera singer and her producer stepped forward. “Karl Woodley.” The diamond magnate walked into the dining room. “Patrick Phelps.” The board member of the Blue Star Line Company walked forward. “Lau and Ran-Mao.” The old friends of the Phantomhive estate walked in. “Arthur Conan Doyle.” The writer walked in nervously. “Georg Von Siemens.” The guest of honor entered the dining room. (Y/N), Sebastian, and Grey walked in behind the nobles. The banquet had begun.

l

            “When his grandfather was Prime Minister, word of the man’s shrewdness reached even as far as Germany,” said Siemens, already discussing politics and history with Woodley. “Still, I must say, he is the spitting image of his grandfather.”

            “Speaking of Earl Grey, he hails from a family of such repute as to have lent its name to a tea. I never imagined the day would come when I could personally offer him my compliments,” said Woodley.

            Grey grinned at the praise of his family. “As I’ve only just inherited my title, I think Earl Phantomhive plays the part far better than I.”

            “Hardly. I still have much to learn. I’ve but managed to start up my company as Earl. As far as business is concerned, Mr. Woodley is the clear expert in such matters,” said Ciel.

            “You are much too modest, my Lord,” said Woodley. “Especially considering how the art of diamond polishing will become an important technology that supports the heavy industries. To have among her colonies diamond-producing nations is a major advantage for Great Britain to be sure.”

            “Even in my country, heavy industries such as steel and shipbuilding are showing growth of late, and our bank is considering focusing most of its efforts on them and their like,” said Siemens. “We may be no match for Great Britain now, but we will most certainly catch up one of these days, you’ll see.”

            Woodley laughed. “We mustn’t let down our guard, eh, Mr. Phelps?” He clapped the man on the shoulder.

            “Y-Yes, I suppose you’re right,” said Phels nervously.

            “Lord Earl, would you introduce me as well?” said Lau.

            “Very well,” said Ciel, though he doubted any good would come of it. Lau would cause trouble, as usual, and think himself humorous. “Allow me to introduce Mr. Lau, British Branch Manager of the Shanghai trading company ‘Kong-Rong.’ ”

            “Kong-Rong?” Phelps said nervously. Lau’s eyes narrowed on him in a single look of warning, and Phelps gulped.

            (Y/N) raised an amused eyebrow from where they watched the goings-on from the side of the room. Now that was an expression Lau rarely used. How significant.

            Lau turned to Siemens with a pleasant smile. “How do you do, sir? I am Lau.”

            “You must possess an extensive network to have a branch in Great Britian,” said Siemens. All of a sudden, Ran-Mao grabbed onto his arm. “Wha—?!” Siemens blushed as Ran-Mao pressed her breasts onto his arm.

            “Dear, dear. Really, now, Ran-Mao,” said Lau, looking barely apologetic. “I do beg your pardon, sir. She can be such a baby.” And then he continued on with the discussion as if nothing was happening. We may have a wide network, but we’ve yet to intrude upon Germany. I do hope to learn many things from you for future reference.”

            “I understand, so please get away from me!” declared Siemens, blushing as he hauled Ran-Mao away from him. He coughed and attempted to regain composure. “If it’s Germany that interests you, I’ll tell you all about it at length tomorrow. I’m curious about the situation in Asia myself.”

            “Excuse us for interrupting,” said a formal voice. Grimsby stepped up with Irene and smiled at Ciel. “Thank you for inviting us tonight.” Everyone stared at the beautiful pair.

            “I am honored to meet the songstress and director who are capable of filling every last seat at the National Theatre,” said Siemens.

            Good. He’s entertained, as was requested, thought (Y/N).

            “I am Irene Diaz,” said the opera singer, curtseying.

            “And I, Grimsby Keane,” said her director.

            “Even people in Germany are talking about how beautiful your productions are,” said Siemens appreciatively. “I would very much like to have you perform in Germany with Miss Irene. If it’s a question of financing, we can discuss that as well.”

            “Is that so?” said Grimsby. “I find that most heartening.”

            Poor Arthur tried to interject and join the conversation, awkwardly unsure of how to converse with the nobles, and his attempts to speak were quickly spoken over. “I’m—!”

            “That should be it for introductions, so what do you say to a toast?!” said Grey energetically.

            Arthur sat down at the edge of the room awkwardly, resigning himself to silence. And so entered (Y/N) and Sebastian, playing their roles perfectly for Ciel.

            “Would you care for a drink?” said (Y/N) as Sebastian held out a platter.

            “Thank you…” Arthur trailed off as he got a look at the servants. His eyes widened. They were both captivating, high-class. It was quite something. And as he stared, he didn’t notice Ciel approaching.

            “May I sit here next to you?” said Ciel.

            “O-oh, yes, of course,” said Arthur.

            Satisfied at having given Ciel the opportunity to speak to the author he wished to “reinspire,” Sebastian and (Y/N) retreated to their jobs as they served the other noble guests. Siemens was very quickly going through drinks, and it was clear he was tipsy as the red glow spread across his face and he grew more forward with the more feminine guests and servants. Irene was of particular interest to him, and as she huffed at his advances, (Y/N) stepped between them.

            They smiled pleasantly, playing the role of dutiful maid and servant of the host. “Sir, in the interest of all the guests present, I believe you should refrain from any inappropriate advances.” They closed their eyes with their smile to further lull Siemens into a sense of security. “That way everyone can enjoy themselves.”

            “And wha…what about me enjoyin’ myself?” Siemens slurred the words together, waving a bottle above his head. “Pretty little things…right ‘ere, and don’t want my attention…”

            (Y/N) was tempted to roll their eyes at his advances. Honestly, it would take a moment to break his arm if he reached towards them. Luckily for Siemens, Sebastian jumped into the air and stole the bottle from Siemens grasp. He popped the cork and poured the wine over a tower of glasses he had created. Sebastian smiled sweetly as everyone looked on it surprise as he easily smoothed over the situation with a distraction. Truthfully, Sebastian was inwardly sneering at Siemens for even getting near (Y/N), but he knew they didn’t have to fear Siemens and Sebastian had to keep up his reputation.

            “This is a fabled wine from Purcari village in southeast Moldova,” said Sebastian. “Please do enjoy it, ladies and gentlemen.”

            “How exquisite…” said Siemens, slightly sobered by the glittering sight. “What is this tree?”

            “When in the world did you have time…?” said Phels in awe.

            “And this aroma!” said Siemens. “I feel like I’m in a flower bed!”

            “Smells deliiish!” said Grey. “Can I have a glass?”

            “I would like one, too,” said Siemens.

            “Me too,” said Lau.

            The guests eagerly moved forward, and Ciel glanced at Sebastian.

            In French, he said, “So that’s what becomes of that stuffed shirt of a man once liquor’s involved, eh?” Ciel tsked. “Seeing him like this, I’d have to say he and the bottle are no strangers.”

            Arthur blinked as he heard him. He understood French and stood close enough to overheard.

            “Even so, seeing him incapable of self-discipline makes me think him either an utter fool or perfectly shameless,” said Sebastian in perfect French.

            “I believe he is both,” remarked (Y/N), their accent perfect.

            Arthur didn’t manage to smother a chuckle as he overheard the teasing remarks between the three. Ciel glanced at him and pressed a finger to his lips with a mischievous smile.

l

            A while later (and many drinks drunk), Siemens lay asleep and snoring on the couch. Poor Mey-Rin had barely evaded him, and Ran-Mao still hung over his shoulder. Ciel deadpanned at the sight.

            “Has Lord Siemens fallen asleep?” he said.

            “Yes, so it would seem,” said Grey.

            “Sebastian, (Y/N), take him to his room. I’ll be retiring myself,” said Ciel. He turned to the group. “Forgive me. I will be taking my leave now as well.”

            “Lord Earl, off to bed already?” remarked Lau.

            “It’s rather past bedtime for a child such as I,” said Ciel. “Please stay and enjoy yourselves at your leisure, everyone.” And then he made his escape from the party as Sebastian lifted up Siemens onto his back.

            “Past your bedtime?” commented (Y/N) with a slight smirk as they walked through the halls.

            “My, my, a child only when it’s convenient,” said Sebastain.

            An irk mark appeared on Ciel’s forehead. “Hold your tongue.”

l

            At one in the morning, Sebastian and (Y/N) were still cleaning up while Baldroy stacked dishes and Mey-Rin lamented having to deal with Siemens. A ring of a bell gained the group’s attention.

            “Gah!” Mey-Rin whined. “It’ scoming from Lord Siemens’s room, it is!”

            “Maybe he just woke up and wants some water?” said Baldroy.

            “I don’t want to go. Really, I don’t,” said Mey-Rin.

            “We shall accompany you,” said Sebastian as he and (Y/N) took off the aprons they’d been wearing while cleaning.

            “Mr. Sebastian! Are you worried about me, are you?” said Mey-Rin, blushing.

            “I am worried about Lord Siemens,” said Sebastian simply.

            Mey-Rin deflated and followed Sebastian and (Y/N) out into the corridor. She shivered as the storm raged outside, lightning flashing through the sky.

            “It is raining very hard, it is,” said Mey-Rin.

            “I do hope it lets up somewhat,” said Sebastian.

            (Y/N) paused before Siemens’s door and knocked. “Lord Siemens, did you send for us?”

            Instead of a proper answer, a scream emanated from within. Sebastian and (Y/N) paused and Mey-Rin froze.

            “What is going on in there, Lord Siemens?!” cried Mey-Rin, banging on the door. “Lord siemens! Lord Siemens!”

            “Something wrong? What’s all the fuss?” The other guests rushed towards the room as the distress was overheard.

            “We have to break down the door,” said (Y/N) to Sebastian. He nodded and stepped back. (Y/N) kicked the door and let it flying off the hinges. Everyone watching gasped.

            Siemens lay in his armchair before the fire. Pure red stained his shirt as he stared vacantly into the air. Phelps promptly feinted, and Irene screamed.

            Arthur spoke the words on everyone’s mind. “…He’s dead!”

            (Y/N) was tempted to smirk. Now things were getting interesting. It's time for everything to go into action.

Taglist:

@technikerin23

@im-making-an-effort

@izzieg3987

@jinxxangel13

@alexpangender

@otomyoli

@neenieweenie

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@anxious-chick

@bellacastiel

@v1l-ismissing

@agentdedf1sh

@idkhowtoplayhoyoversegames

@iamsexytrash

@oceansfloor

[abybweisse]

Hello! Hope you're having a nice day. I just wanted to ask something about Charles phipps because it's been one of my shower thoughts lol. So we know Charles grey is an earl right? How about Charles Phipps? I don't think there's a mention of his peerage title or anything. He's only called by 'sir' and if he was from a noble family afaik he would be called 'Lord'. Is it possible that he's not from a noble family? No one mentioned he was an earl or anything. It doesn't seem like he's the son of a noble either. Just very curious about this miniscule detail. '

Is Phipps a noble?

We must assume that Charles Phipps is in the nobility. And here's why: generally speaking, any high-ranking servant of the queen is going to be of high birth. Even the queen's chambermaids or ladies-in-waiting are in the peerage. Victoria even calls him Phipps, which places him higher than he would have been if she'd called him Charles.

Charles Grey becomes earl when his father dies, which occurs during the manga series. Idk Phipps' rank, but I suspect he might be even higher than an earl. However, if his father is still alive, he won't have the title just yet. He'd just be Lord Phipps... but the queen doesn't have to call him by that, and she definitely seems comfortable enough skipping the formality.

I have not noticed him being called sir, but if that's true, then he's knighted. And I'd believe it.

Anyway, that link also mentions how the court is filled by nepotism. Grey and Phipps likely got their positions because of their noble parents. They had to train, of course, and they must have various skills already, but they would have been selected among the sons of noble families.

[villain-in-love]

Ohh I see that you're crushing on Mr Charles Gray? 👀 He's quite an interesting character, I'm looking forward to getting more info of him and Charles Phipps later on in the manga! I personally feel like there's much more to them than simply being the Queen's guards.

If you do create some lore about their relationship and how they met sometime, I would love to know. He seems like a very smug guy, so I can imagine them having some funny interactions. Especially while your S/I is working with Undertaker. Considering his opinions on the queen, and the fact that Charles is her guard... I think that can be a very interesting dynamic.

He's arrogant, has (kinda) long hair and propensity for violence, so obviously I couldn’t resist him.

And yes, I really wish queen's butlers (I'm pretty sure that they were more than just guards, but also secretaries and someone who executes her will) would get more attention. Queen Victoria and her servants are really one of the most mysterious characters at this point. And while I don’t think I’ve noticed any details that would hint at some other hidden but important information about Grey specifically, there’s still more than enough room to elaborate on his character.

When it comes to my ship... Charles might be smug, but don't think that I’m any better. For now I think their dynamic could involve them trying to one up each other, each in their own way, and truly making a contest out of being the most obnoxious person in the room. Both equally annoyed and amused by each other. My s/i would definitely dial up her creepiness to the max for the sake of messing with Grey. (And I can see Undertaker enabling her at that.)

Though the part that is the most fun starts a few years later down the timeline (my s/i needs time to graduate the Reaper’s Academy). Considering the fact that Charles is scared of ghosts, I can only imagine his reaction to meeting a legit dead person. They would most likely meet again when he kills someone (and I’m 100% sure that this guy will kill someone again, and not once) with my s/i coming to collect the soul… and scare Charles half to death just because she can.

There might also be an opportunity to explore both characters' psychology through their relationship with death and, by extension, life… But I really need more canon information on Grey.

Speaking of death, when it comes to Undertaker, I don’t think that he will have, like, any serious problems with his apprentice taking a liking to a queen’s butler. He would be wary of Charles, but I wouldn’t expect him to express this in anything more than a few passing comments about the earl in question not being the best person to trust.

And off the top of my head, there are at least two possible situations where my s/i and Charles could meet:

1. Charles somehow gets involved in one of Ciel’s investigations and end up going to the Undertaker with him. And then hilarity ensues…

2. The Book of Murder arc. Since Undertaker is an old family friend of Phantomhives, he could get invited, but perhaps Undertaker himself had some immediate business to attend (maybe tied to his resurrection experiments, maybe not) so my s/i goes instead as his representative. She probably didn't really have to go but this unhinged duo of father and daughter decided that this party still needs someone spooky and eccentric, so she went purely to make it funny and freak out the nobles.

I’m currently thinking about the ways in which the presence of a mortician on the scene could influence the murder investigation they had going on in this arc. Some things are bound to be different if she went there. And I can also use this as an opportunity to foreshadow my s/i’s suicide by showing how little she cared whether she lives or dies in that whole situation…

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

Can you do the prompt cottage for Doll x Our Ciel ?

https://at.tumblr.com/blackbutlerfandomnerddomain/some-phowill-smiledoll-short-fic-prompts/wvstz0icxfeh

A couple of a man and woman walk arm linked to arm along the dirt path, the night consuming their vision but they giggle and walk along either way. The gentleman stepped forward and opened a door of the cottage they walk to with a grin, the woman giggles and pulls him inside when she walks in.

The second the door was shut, after a moment of silence, screams of terror and pain beckons out as banging happens against the door much to no one's rescue.

"Murders within a town?"

The young Earl look up to the man dressed in black, the second Earl of youth laying in the bed beside him. Sebastian nods and continues, "They supposedly take place in Dublin's countryside. No police reports were made nor any press created." The weaker twin of the two sat up slowly and speaks, "Then how are we summoned to this case? Is it in favor of the Queen?" "Not this time."

The twins look at each other before looking back to Sebastian, who hands his master a letter with a odd seal he never seen before.

The Earl, lost within his title and name, wanders up the street in cover before hurrying to a male with long silver hair dressed in fine clothes. The man look up, grey eyes clashing with the lone blue.

"Ah, I see you got the letter." "Why are you asking me and Ciel to investigate a unaware murder in Dublin? All you know there is no murders to begin with."

Charles Grey tsked a sigh and walks in the gardens, the small following like a dog. Once beside some roses, he speaks, "I received a letter a few nights ago from a lad I went to Weston with. He was a bright eye noble with a good name and spirit. His letter, however, mentioned he was running away from home to a area in Dublin's countryside with some maiden brothel's owner's daughter to elope. In this letter he mentioned the area was somehow a secret place for lovers run and be wedded."

Ciel look at him confused, "An eloping spot? And you suspect murder?" "He failed to return home. Which I would've guessed since he's eloping with a girl no one would approve of. But even I haven't gotten a letter on it. Upon me going to this location, I was shunned away. And me and Phipps took a look in this small investigation, there we found many people of different ranks who went to this location never returned."

Hmm... A secret location where people elope never returning...

"You want me and Ciel to look into it?" The Queen's loyal butler plucks a rose and sniffs it, losing his fingers' grip he watch it fall to the floor unwavered. With a grim voice he speaks, "If anyone could do this justice, it would be the Queen's little pups that guard London's sickest Hell."

The sounds of some sort of dripping and a wheeze of a pump fills the room as long black finger nails tap a needle's head before it goes into pale flesh that turn a flush tone fast. Undertaker sits by his master loyally as Doll stands by the bed's other side staring at the blood within the glass container.

Ever since the events and effects of the two Phantomhives meeting again and fighting tooth and nail with one another, they found a ground. They both had a goal to fix, find those who caused their terrible memories and bring justice to each other. After fixing the damage Ciel, or as some preferred as Sirius still after it all when addressing him, caused for his baby brother, the two began to work on the shared title of Earl Phantomhive and the Queen's Guard Dogs. On many occasions the twins swap places of their names to attend a party or do a piece of work, Ciel took back his Funtom company and has been working hard still, the engagement of Lady Elizabeth Midford was place on hold for the now and neither boys have went to the world outside the manor that much. As for Doll, Sirius' very good donor helper from the F.O.L. Orphanage, she was captured by Snake and Finny, two workers of Ciel's staff, and forced to stay beside her Lord until he says she's free to go. Despite the still bickers of the brother and her.

The bedroom door creaked opened and the demon butler dressed in black and the small Lord he follows and listens to step in the room, the butler holding some papers. "I recon you got some words on the matter Young Earl?" Said Undertaker, his face cheeky. Sebastian showed the papers to the bed sheets to show what he had found in the forms of names and drawings of locations, "Heaven's Cottages is a secret valley of cottages placed in the deep countryside of Dublin Ireland, reports for those who hear of this place, more of people who went and returned, describe it as a couple get away that helps couples in search of elopement an escape of society. Two people who arrived to Heaven's Cottages and returned safe and sound talked about the two owners of the land helping them set up a small wedding of sorts. However, upon deeper look, the pattern of missing persons become very clear."

As the demon explained, Ciel glanced to Doll who look back at him, her face quickly twisting in a scowl, "What?" "Could you please leave? This is important matters-" "When do I listen to you?"

Lord, if storms can be made by the tension the two show when they glare at each other-

Sirius throat clear interrupts any angry bursts that may crack soon, "Not now you two."

The two humphed and turned away from each other.

As Sebastian poured the two nobles tea, they chatted more, "What shall we do with this case? Your condition seemed to have been getting worst due to the cold weather." Said Ciel, his eye now showing the worry Sirius must've felt all these years with his asthma. Sirius shrugs and sighs, "It has but it also gotten better. We can't ignore this case, it won't be fair to the families or dare I even say Grey since he asked for us special." "And it isn't like we could easily send someone in. Even with Sebastian or Undertaker, not knowing much what we're getting into is far more dangerous. Especially with your health lately."

As Ciel reached for one of Undertaker's well known biscuits, Doll reached over and snatched it in front of his eyes, earning a glare from the boy and a cackle of Undertaker. "The answer of the problem is simple me Lord," The two boys looked to the silver fox of a ex reaper with curious eyes, "You must go in guise as a eloper."

The very thought made Ciel's head spin.

Why in Hell would he need to pretend to be someone who's running away from their family to get married in a murdery cottage village?

What's worst, who the hell would even be the bride?

Ciel groaned into his cold hands, his cheeks and knuckles already flushed with the nippy autumn air. His less than his normal well tailored attire not helping in the case as he has only one of Sebastian's tail coats keeping him warm. "Why must this happen?" He cursed some as he tucked his hands in the coat's armpits in secret as the tall handsome devil dressed in black stand beside him snickering. "Come now Young Master," Said Sebastian, "You will be on holiday with your beloved at long last."

This earned a glare from his master in return. "She is not my beloved. Tell me again why it has to be me and her alone working this case?" He hissed, sneezing at the slight ping of stray cat fur hits his nose. Sebastian hummed with a grin as he answer the question in hand, "It seems easier for Miss Doll to be the one to make sure the Young Lord is safe and sound as he solves this case sooner than later. Besides, Lady Elizabeth wouldn't be able to help this case and we had no time to politely ask Mr Lau if we could borrow one of his kind female workers to help pretend to be the little Earl's bride, no?"

Before Ciel could snap at Sebastian again, a carriage rides up, catching their attentions. The doors open and Finny helps a woman out of the carriage. The young woman is dressed in a fine silk robin blue dress with a high white lacy and robin blue neckline of buttons coated in silver, soft white Engageantes with frilly white lace pokes out the somewhat puffed sleeves, the skirt reaching the little top above the ankles with lace and beautiful silk all around with a clean sign of a bustle, her short brown hair tied up in a up-do with a hair pin stabbing the softness of the hair's texture to keep the average sided blue and white rose styled poke bonnet with a white ribbon tied perfectly under the chin but the bangs sweep the right side of her face, her face lightly powdered with a soft pink tint as her lashes are fluffed and well groomed like her eyebrows as her cheeks have a flushed tint to it.

The boy's cheeks warmed some seeing her, a soft hum filling his chest like summer bees. That feel quickly dipped into a sour flavor when that typical scowl comes across the coated face.

"Remember you two, your names for this place are Jane Swiften and Tom Maurice," Said Sebastian as he gives the two the money they need and train tickets as well as some few small items that could sell their pitch of two love-birds, "You will play the role of a noble woman running away to elope with her family's recently fired servant boy." The butler gave his master's hand a light squeeze as he mutters lower than the previous words, "Due call me when you are in trouble."

The two teens glance at each other, almost seeing if the other one would chicken out and they don't have to do this game of masks and fake names, before nodding in unison answer.

Ciel leans on the railing of the very short boat trip as his throat heaves. The two teens have just gotten off their second train ride and hopped to the ferry ride that only lasts 3 extra hours to guide them to the beautiful lands of Dublin. Beside the lad is Doll who does nothing but watch and scold the person she's meant to pretend to be running off with, "You serious should've eaten before we left."

The young man with dark hair turns to her with a frown, a tsk hitting his teeth. "Alright listen," He started, earning the attention of his "bride". He continued, "In order for this to work we have to lay some sort of ground we can step on. Without it this case would fall apart faster than we could take a step in Heaven's Cottages."

Sapphire eye roll but the girl sighs, "Okay, I'll start. I'll call you Smile in this trip." Ciel's cheeks burn from that terrible circus name. Instantly be protest but a gloved hand stopped him, "And you will call me Doll. It'll be easier for us to spread information to each other but also to add a lair to this whole "lovey-dovey" guise understood?"

Not willing to lose, Ciel nods and grumbled a "fine". But before Doll could share a cocky grin of victory, he quickly added, "I'll go next. If anything we do make each other uncomfortable we speak up fast and stop whatever it is. That means I'll stop if you say I do something that makes you uncomfortable as you will do the same if I say something you did made me uncomfortable." Doll tsked and nodded, arms folded over her chest.

After a moment, the ferry stops to the port and those on it hurried out with their luggage. For the two they had only one bag for each so it was easy to grab onto their items and leave the boat.

Peacock-blue eyes scan the waves of people as he tries to locate what would make this search of a hidden elopes valley is, "Reports say there's a man with a carriage who'd take your there, a man in a blue coat." Doll started looking around before pointing to the grass area, away from everyone else, sitting by a wooden wagon with a cigarette in his mouth. A blue coat over his baggy shirt.

After looking at each other, the two nod and made their way over to the man with their luggage. "Evening sir, could we request a ride?" Asked Ciel, taking a second to glance at Doll who suddenly wrapped her arm around his. The man scoffs, "Piss off lad, Ay ain't takin no body to anywhere." Before Ciel could protest, Doll spoke, her voice soft toned almost like when she was performing in the circus, "We must've gotten the wrong man Smile. Best we try looking for the cottages soon before the weather gets colder." Misty eyes of age stare at the two some before a grin of teeth that hasn't been taken cared of shine as the man speaks through his smoke, "Ahh, ye shoul'da told me yer were goin' to the cottages. Hop on up lov birds."

The two teens listened fast and hurried on, Ciel helping Doll up due to her new outfit having a limit stretching course.

The smell of dirt fills the senses of smell as the city disappear from view, the aches of pains already settling in in the asses of the travelers sitting in this wonky wooden wagon and their feets being sore from the standings and walkings they endured already. With a softer volume, Ciel spoke to his partner in this case as the wind cancels most of the conversations, "That was some fast thinking back there." As he turned he caught Doll as she was removing the bonnet and undoing her hair for a moment, the setting sun making a painting of her cold weather flushed face. There's that warmth and buzzing again...

They must've been riding for a few minutes, maybe some hours, but time was lost within the somewhat tired head of Ciel as the wagon stopped in front of a small valley dip of grass and dirt. "'His how far ay take ye. Best of luck lov' birds."

Grabbing their luggage and waves the wagon man away for their free ride, the two wandered south down the hill. That wander wasn't so easy with Doll's new fashion not used to her and Ciel's lacking of such movements growing up. How they not fall on their faces and rolled down the hill was a shock to them!

But luckily, they stumped upon many small one story cottages far across the valley only being guarded by one single wooden fence and a small two story brick home right beside it.

"Cute." Said Doll in a mutter, a smile on her lips. Ciel looked around the fence until two figured walked out, a middle aged woman with her equal aged male. "Hello there, this is private property." Said the woman, her voice was sweet and gentle toned despite the small threat laced in there. Ciel walked forward, "Uh- I'm Tom Maurice. This is my lover Jane. We were hoping you can give us a room tonight-" The man snarled down to him, "This is private property!" He howled. His voice, unlike the woman's, was rough and harsh with a thick coat of British accents.

Doll stepped forward in a sign of plea of her voice, "Oh please sir and ma'am. Just for a night we'll be out of your hairs right after." Ciel could easily sense the raise of boiling tension, fear of losing this mission already settling in his small thin body. Then a idea hit him. Shaking knees, the dark haired boy fell to the dirt. This got the attention of Doll who hurried over. "Smile! Are you alright?" She asked, her voice a clear sign of worry. With a quiver of his lip, Ciel spoke, "I am so terribly sorry m'lady. I thought at long last we found the patch of Heaven's grounds that'll welcome us openly no matter our titles. I have failed to bring us happiness...Forgive me Doll." As he brought his hands to his face to "hide his shame", Doll caught on and gently cupped his face, forcing their blue eyes to lock. With a soft voice, she said, "You didn't fail us my love. We just made a misstep. We will find the cottages and be together."

With a small but secret glance, Ciel can see the faces of the lands' owners that are soft and sympathetic.

Ciel stared at the ceiling of their cottage. The cottage was cute and simple sized with only one other door beside the front door was the bathroom which was now shut with the sound of someone bathing on the other side.

The two were so happy they managed to "prove" they were elopers to the cottage land's owners, Mary-Anne and Roger Thompson, and to let them stay. The one downside of the whole finally getting a cottage was the single one bed fit for two.

He sighs, "I'm willing to sleep on the floor if you feel uncomfortable." He can hear Doll's voice through the door, "No it's fine. I rather you sleep in the bed with me. Makes me sleep better y'know?" Ciel remembers her reasoning back in the circus of them sharing a tent, nodding as it made sense to him. Still, they are a unsupervised unmarried boy and girl sharing a bed, his parents would be rolling in their graves upon hearing such things of their son.

Ciel's thoughts were stopped when he heard Doll's call out of "No! This is terrible!" "Is there a problem?" There was a pause. Now Ciel was thinking something happened. Should he run in? What if she isn't clothed? That'll be a dishonor on her part for his worry. Would she care though? She did offer to bathe with him and made him touch her breast in the circus.

After a pause as his mind race, Ciel decided to hurry into the bathroom to check on her. But he was stopped when the door opened to show Doll dressed for bed, angry embarrassment on her face.

Ah, seems Sebastian offered Doll the night gown Lizzie gifted him but customized it to her size.

"This is terrible! I can't wear something so frilly and cute, it doesn't suit me at all!" Groaned Doll, her hands gripping the ends of the skirt of the dress in a grumble as her cheeks burn pink deeply. A snort from the small Earl stops the girl of her rant of her sleep attire, his face was a snickering mess. That boy got a punch in the arm in return.

The warm morning sun drips through the curtains, the scent of the late night rain seeping pass the roof and walls as it makes it a gentle warmth of protection of the two souls resting in bed. Two bodies were softly rested together under the covers, their arms lazily locked around each other as so their legs, a brunette's head was laid to rest on the thin small chest frame of a pretty boy who looks so peaceful.

Peacock blue eyes slowly fluttered open and glanced to the freckled peaceful sleeping face so close to him. He blinks for a moment before he feels his face go red.

Before the young man could shake her awake or crawl away, there's a knock at the door that awoken the sleeping maiden. "Breakfast for the happy couple~!" Said a cherry female voice, the woman who runs the cottages. The two didn't have time to part away before the door open to show Mrs Mary-Anne with a younger woman holding a trey of food.

The older woman giggles at the sight and spoke with a soft posh Irish accent coo, "You two are simply adorable. Must be nice to finally freely cuddle like this yes?" Ciel put his arms around Doll and puts on a smile, silently thanking he slept with his eyepatch on this time. "Oh yes ma'am. Thank you so much." He said with chipper chirp. Doll groaned tiredly in response, a small nuzzle deeper in the lad's arms was her words, but her head lifted some upon smelling food.

"We had prepared some breakfast for you two to enjoy. Eat up and wash up, cause you two can join the activities with the others." This perked the interests of Ciel while Doll watch the trey get placed down, he asked, "Activities?" Mary-Anne smiles, her voice soft again, "It's to help the bond of a fated pair grow stronger. You'll meet others through these and have lots of memories."

The two women left, the sound of the door being locked being heard and then footsteps walking away. "I didn't notice it last night, but the cottages must be locked from the outside instead of inside. Why would they be the case if she or her husband have free rein to come in at anytime?" Mumbled Ciel, finally glancing to the breakfast of two of each item: Sausages, preserves with a side of breads and one stick of butter to split, bacon, and eggs. Beside the plates are two cups of freshly squeezed orange juice.

He sighs and joined in on eating with Doll, for a moment the two forgetting they are in a bed alone together just for the moment of bliss of eating at last after barely anything the day before and the comforting warmth the cottage brought.

The open fields were filled with people going about their merry way in lovers bliss. The skies were clear and happy. What a beautiful day to be.

After eating breakfast and getting dressed without dare speaking or looking at each other, Ciel and Doll went and followed Mary-Anne and George to these "activities" where they met many other people living in the cottages to be free to love each other.

After introductions were made and small talk was created, the activities started.

Oh boy did the two want to pause on these activities.

Each one was a sort of bond activity, like "I trust the person to catch me" and bonding with the other elopers. Ciel wound up going to the land with some other men while Doll watched with some of the women and some other men who they would guess be the "bride" of certain relationships giggling away before she stabs her fingers with the needle work. In one moment Ciel fell in some mud getting dirty, and upon seeing Doll's laughing face, he grinned and chased her until he wrapped his arms around her as she laughs and playfully pleas for mercy.

Oh how they would want to pause these activities this very moment. . .

George finished tying the fabric around the two's ankles and readjust the knot of their wrists as Mary-Anne speaks, "To know you're perfect for one another, you must have full trust with each other. You must trust your partner will guide you through the toughest times. With these knots symbolized the strength and bond you and your true love will share as you go on a small adventure together to gather berries and flowers for tonight." Ciel bit back the urge to roll his eyes as he senses Doll is doing the same.

After everyone looked at each other, the elopers went to the forest area as Doll and Ciel carefully try to walk and not drag each other.

"No no we should go this way." Argued Ciel as he tugged his body left. Doll firmly stood still before tugging right. "No. I saw Angel and Pepper go this direction, that must mean we can get food there." The two tugged back and forth for a bit before they stumbled and fall to the floor beside a bush.

Ciel sat up and looked to Doll, seeing as she laid in a pile of dead leafs as her brown hair wavy from the two times she had it up sprawled out like a halo around her head, the gentle light coming through the leafs and branches of the trees making a beam to show the nature around the two. His beautiful eye glance down to the lips of her partner, the buzzing feeling within his chest returning once more as his though moved about; Is this okay? I should move. But how would we do that with our wrists and ankles bound together? She's not voicing a concern imminently. Is she okay? She...looks beautiful...as always...

The moment he snapped out of his thoughts he realized how much closer the two got and instantly sat up with each other's help. W-What just-? Why were we so close?

Ciel noticed some of Doll's dress got some cuts from the bushes and hang his head, "I apologize. Your dress-" A finger pressed on his lips stopped him from speaking further, he looked up to see Doll standing with a smile with some leafs still in her hair. "It's fine Smile. It's just a dress."

It's a chilly wind, that's why it feels warm...

A peacock blue eye glance away to get away from the buzzing feeling of unknown, spotting a odd silhouette far deep within the valley's trees. "Look there." He said. Doll turned her head to the spot he seeks and makes a curious noise, "Is that a cottage?" Locking eyes again, the two nod and made their way over there.

Indeed, it was a cottage. A single two story cottage with a loft being a second story and resting area and a small sized dining area to see when they stepped in the dusty home. Yes, dusty. Dust was floating about and on bits and pieces of the cottage, plants of grown in and through the walls that gives the nature scent a bigger feel. It was oddly beautiful for the two.

They walked around inside some, seeing each bits and piece for any hints of why this was hidden. "Oi Smile, looking over here." Said Doll as she stands near one of the beams holding the loft. Ciel turned his head and looked at the wooden piece, covered in some plants and age, to see a small carving of sorts right in the center. "CP AC..?" As he examines the carving, he sees small hooks with silver rings on them. "Hmm, now why would these still be here if this place is abandoned?" He asked. Doll looked to his view and cracked a grin as she snorted, "Maybe to keep Tam Lin at bay." "Tam Lin?" The brunette look at him confused, "You don't know the Balled of Tam Lin?? You're much richer then I am!" "Well I apologize for not knowing a kids story!"

Doll snorted and laugh, "It's no kids story Smile. It's a tale that tells when you wander the forest you must leave a green coat or ring behind or else Tam Lin would take your virginity instead." Ciel's face turns red as he blubbers, "What?! What kind of tale is that?!" His face burned redder as Doll howled in laughter.

The sky has grown dark by the time the final activity ended, a large fire was built as the elopers and land owners sit around eating some food and drink some drinks, George being a large barrel of beer and many bottles of wine for all. So it implies they get some sort of income, noted Ciel as he watched his cup be filled with some booze.

"You two took a while in the forest, I hope you were alright." Said the soft tone of one of the brides, Maggie, beside the two detectives of this odd case as food is passed around. Ciel luckily came up with the lie, "Oh, yes. It's just been a while since I was in the forest, never with my hand and ankle bound of course." Maggie's lover, Lucille, looked between the two and chirped a rather odd question, "Why are one of your eyes covered?" Maggie smacked her love's arm lightly in response. "Don't be rude." Before Ciel could possibly try and think of a lie, he was first taken aback from Doll's voice, "He was in the yard when a tree branch nearly hit my family's dog. Smile pushed him out of the way and got injured. Had to be in bed for a long while. As for me," She touched her bangs softly as her voice dipped, "My father did this...Never been one to treat a daughter as one you know? It doesn't hurt much now but it will never heal." Suddenly, a smile came upon that cute freckled face, "It was only then was when I decided to run off. I would rather be beside the one I love most who loves me regardless then with him any longer. Blood or not."

Both women smile and praise, "You two truly are brave." Ciel only smiled and slowly realized upon looking down his hand was locked with Doll's. He has been doing that a lot huh? Spacing out at random moment...

With a few blinks, the lad answered the sudden question of their nicknames rather easily, "O-Oh..well...look at her. She's preciously beautiful." There was a pause. Did he...did he mess up? Slowly, he glanced to Doll who's face was pink as roses. Her voice was suddenly meek as she looked away, "U-Um...well...you should really see the world when he smiles..."

Ciel and Doll soon ate together in silence, sometimes chatting the ears off of the people around them as they drank. Before either noticed, dancing was done my some of the lovers. Before he realized, Ciel was forced to his feet as Doll pulled him to the crowd giggling. "Wait, Doll-I-I can't dance properly-" "Relax Smile, just be calm."

One hand went to his shoulder and soon his hand went to her waist as they danced on the grass barefoot, albeit clumsy and awkward which earned snorts from the brunette.

By the time the night activities were a end, both teens simply collapsed to bed with sore tired souls, only having moved was Ciel when both had to change to their night attire.

As the earl climbed back into bed, he watched as Doll look and stare at him, "What is it?" He asked, his voice a rasp whisper of hush which given his usual voice and cute face made Doll giggle. "Do you always have to wear that patch to bed? I've seen what it looks like. Unless he comes when you take it off?" Ciel shook his head at her question and replied, "No. He comes when I ask him. It's just a habit. Especially since there's a chance they'll come into the room."

Slowly, both scooted closer to seek warmth from the chilly night. Their breaths lingered of wine and food against their hot breaths. Doll's finger tips lazily undid the knot of Ciel's eye patch and let it fall. Ciel's hand slowly rose up and softly rubs the bangs that cover half her face.

"That story was true you know..."

That voice caught Ciel by surprise as he stares at Doll, her wound now shown pass her hair. "My father really did that to me...Hit me with a fire poker fresh off the fireplace...Right after he left me in the East End..." Suddenly, a meek yet weak sad chuckle left those lips he's been staring at the whole time, "I can't remember my own name. Pathetic ain't it?" "... No." Doll look at him, tear eye widen in surprise. He continued, "He's the pathetic one to hurt someone so precious to begin with."

Doll smile, a tear sliding from her damaged eye caught on Ciel's thumb, "Thanks Smile..." She muttered before she seemingly drifted off to the land of sleep.

Ciel stared at the girl sleeping beside him, the realm of night calling to him to sleep as he stares so longingly to her resting face. How damned would he be to desire to order Sebastian to find her father just so he could yell at him? How wrong is it he wants to comforts all her tears like this and kiss away her sorrows? How bloody tortuous does it feels in his chest right now as memories pluck away the feeling of happy glow hidden in the darkness of shadows and moonlight?

A sudden jerk awaken Doll from her slumber, as her mind woke up so did her body as she slowly began to feel the senses of being cold and in some place new. She opened her eye and sees herself in darkness, then her eyes readjusted to see the ceiling and walls of what seems to be a carriage.

She sat up and looked around, she was still dressed in her nigh gown with a black coat over her, her bags at the carriage's floor, and just across from her seated nicely is a gent dressed in black as the nightly shadows dance across his handsome face. "Did you have a good rest my lady? I would be heartbroken if you were discomforted." Said his deep handsome voice as his dark eyes glimmer in smirk.

Doll glares at him and barks, "Why are you here? Where am I?" Sebastian tilted his head like a curious bird while his grin lingers, "The Young Lord requested you to leave. I am simply following orders to take you back."

She felt her heart sink at the words. Smile was... asking her to leave...

Was it her past? Her scar? Could it be he never liked hanging out with her to begin with?

"Humans are strange aren't they?"

Doll, blue eye tearing up for her emotions, glare back at the butler, "What the bloody fuck are you talking about demon?" Sebastian's grin grew as he speaks, "You two can't stand to even look at each other yet you both have the same face at the idea of being away. He says he doesn't want to spend another day with you hating his being then orders me to take you away for safety. Indeed, humans are strange."

Flashes of memories of the circus hit Doll's vision as each blink recreated a moment of the two all the way up to now. Yes, she still remembers that feeling of fire warmth near her skin, she'll never forget that. Yes, her eye still stings with tears but she still wants to cry, she'll never forget that. Yes, she still thinks on those moments, she'll never forget that...

Like she'll never forget Smile now... She'll never forget his betrayal... She'l never forget his smile... She'l never forget his glimmer of shine of his peacock blue eye... She'll never forget the warmth of his hands... She'll never forget those words her aching heart desperately desired more than air...

Without warning, hands grabbed to the butler much to his shock, pulling his face towards the face of the small bitter female.

"Take me back right now you demon!"

Dark eyes shine a glow of magenta for a moment before a grin appeared once again.

"Of course my lady."

A weak back hits against the wall, cold wind spiking out the lips of it's owner.

It was mere hours since Ciel curled back into bed after Sebastian took Doll from the cottage, the scent of lavender and jasmine filling his sense of smell making him crawl deeper in sleep by force. Just when his eyes grew so heavy and his arms can't move he heard the door unlock and open-

Ciel coughs when he gets punched rather hard in his soft stomach by George, unable to hear the man's grumblings of questions on "Jane Swiften". Oh, right, Doll's alias...

The boy shivered slightly at the feelings of cold wrapped around his wrists as he's forced to stand up right, only then through his dark hair he was able to glance up at the man and the room itself. The room seemed to be darker than a normal one, bigger, with tables of trinkets and items that shine and glimmer under oil lamp light, another table with cut up clothes and picked apart bags of many, and a large pile of what he knows are corpses stayed back in the corner in the shadows so he's unable to see who the bodies belong to. So, they've been taken in elopers and taking away any valuables from the richer folk and killing their partners. Thought Ciel as he examines the remains and tried to think of a way to get out. Surely Sebastian had just finished getting Doll to the manor by now yes?

Before the name of his demon left his tongue, Ciel paused upon hearing a voice of a young woman calling out for Mary-Anne and George. "DOLL! Leave!" He coughed as he shook in his chain. It was no use, it's clear he can hear the outside by the outside can't hear him.

His heart was beating so fast as he tried to think of a way to get out and get Doll out. No, get Doll out first. She's most important now!

"..tian..."

He breathed in before his blood turned freezing cold, his body aching from the cold and pain, his heart beating so hard and so loud it's for sure bruising his insides.

"SEBASTIAN! SAVE HER NOW!"

The feeling of sunlight touches tired eyelids as they slowly opened up to see a field of moving grass and pink skies of a rising sun. Ciel head spun lightly as he shifted to his side and see a swollen red eyed brunette staring at him. "Doll-" "Don't move too much. You still have to rest Smile."

After a pause, he realized he's on a wagon going up the hill with his butler driving them. He feels the warm blanket over their still nightly attire bodies. His wounds have felt more sore than painful now. And Doll is here... Doll is safe...

The little lord let out a sigh of relief as he rests his head against her tender chest, his eyes feeling pure water as he shook not from cold or pain but the feeling of many emotions leaving him at once. "U-Uh...Smile..." "Never leave me...I beg you...The world has been cruel to you...has as I...I plea for forgiveness and will plea forever...I will do whatever it takes to repair every pain you feel no matter the cost...Ever since that night I never once had a thought without you in them... You have bewitched me my dear Doll...and for that I...and I...I...I love you..."

His words were flowing out like water down a fountain, his heart was aching and oozing out each word like a gospel of a Bible verse. She can hate him forever. She can hit him and spit at his name. But while he's here he shall lay down his crumbling walls and show off his tender feelings he will never forget nor remove no matter what life gives him. He wants to see her smile. He wants to see her eye shine. He wants to hold her hand. He wants to wipe away her tears. He wants to hear her voice. He wants to taste her sorrow...

He wants her...all of her...and he felt like a idiot that it took a few nights in a deadly cottage town to realize how special she is...

[the-letter-horror-lover]

The stables were at the far back of the Mews, near the open fields, where the sun was casting its rays on the soft swaying trees. The air inside was filled with the smell of hay. (Y/N) heard the soft thumping sound of hooves, and the neighs of the horses.

“We keep both Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays here. They pull the carriages and are used by the guards and other personnel. Her majesty’s private horses are at a stable far closer to the palace,” Charles explained, his arms behind his head.

“Aw, they are lovely,” (Y/N) said as they rounded the corner, and her eyes beheld the rows upon rows of grey and bay coloured horses. Their stables were marked with shiny plaques embedded with their names in gold. (Y/N) began passing the horses, reading their names out loud and petting the horses. All the while, Charles kept a close distance.

“Sarge James Pudding Phipps…” (Y/N) read by one of the last horses.

“That’s Charles Phipps’ horse,” Charles explained. “He named it after his favourite dessert, and James for his father.”

“I see…”

“This one is mine,” Charles patted a horse.

“Duke Howick…” (Y/N) read.

“Howick is a Viscount name in my family.” Charles opened the door of the stable, and let his horse walk out. “Say pageboy, would you be so kind to saddle my horse, and one for the lady as well?” He asked a figure sitting in the corner, cleaning a hoof scraper. The boy jumped up and got to work.

Not much later, Charles and (Y/N) were galloping through the sunny fields, the wind in their hair. The pageboy had prepared a rather easygoing horse for (Y/N), which she appreciated. It kept up steady with Charles’ horse. Once they got to the rim of the fields, near the flowerbeds, Charles ordered the horses to take a stepping pace.

“Are you enjoying yourself, (Y/N)?”

“I’m having a great time!” (Y/N) exclaimed, out of breath from laughter. Charles smiled. They walked on in silence for a bit. Then, (Y/N) inhaled deeply, and stopped her horse. Charles noticed, and halted his as well.

“I there something the matter?” He sounded a little concerned. (Y/N) felt a blush creep onto her cheeks. Her heart was pounding hard in her chest. “Charles, I-”

(Y/N) was cut off by a shout in the distance. The figure with the sunglasses from the queen’s ball was racing towards them, also on horseback.

“John Brown, is something the matter?” Charles inquired.

“Earl Ciel Phantomhive delivered a package from Germany. Her majesty bids us to investigate its contents immediately.”

Charles looked at (Y/N). “I’m very sorry (Y/N)...”

(Y/N)’s heart sank. She tried to sound as calm as possible, though she felt herself tremble. “It’s fine. Duty comes first, especially regarding her majesty the queen.”

Charles nodded. Thank you for understanding. I will be in touch with you soon. You can remain on horseback for as long as you’d like.”

“That’s okay, I figure Lord Midford is done with his visit as well anyways.”

Charles bowed. “Then I bid you farewell for now.” Then, he spurred his horse towards the castle, followed by John Brown.

Brilliant, just when she had the courage to ask Charles what he thought about her, Ciel had to intervene again, and that while he was hundreds of miles away! Furious and on the brink of tears, (Y/N) spurred her horse back towards the stables. Her stallion scurried away.

“There you are miss. Isn’t the earl with you?” The pageboy asked upon (Y/N)’s return. She swallowed her tears.

“I’m afraid not. The queen called him on an errand.”

“Ah, right.” The pageboy took the reign from the horse out of (Y/N)’s hands, and walked towards the stables. (Y/N) was now completely left alone, as she tried to make her way back to the front of the Mew. Tears blurred her vision. She tried to block her intrusive thoughts, but she couldn’t help thinking that at this rate, she would die alone. She tripped on a loose tile, and fell hard. She screamed. A sharp pain went through her ankle. Two guards ran towards her from the hallway opposite of her, and kneeled down.

“Are you okay, miss?”

“No, my ankle…”

“Let us help you…”

One of the guards picked her up. (Y/N) felt the temperature rise with embarrassment. Some kind of disastrous guest she was… She buried her head in her arms.

Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Chapter Text

Back at the Midford manor, the marquis immediately called upon a doctor. Much to everyone’s relief, (Y/N)’s ankle was merely sprained. She had to stay with her leg up against the swelling, and was not allowed to try and stand on it until the end of the week. A worried Lizzy stayed at her side the entire time, trying to make her feel better. But (Y/N) felt miserable. Her afternoon at the Royal Mews had been a disaster. Not only did she miss the opportunity to finally admit everything to Charles, she also injured herself because her feelings got hurt. She cursed herself for being such a fool.

Because of her injury, fencing practises were out of the question as well. (Y/N) now spent her time reading. Even the weather seemed to portray her mood, as the sun had made way for gloomy clouds, which would let out droplets of rain from time to time. That was Great Britain for you.

Three days after her injury, (Y/N) had already gone through all of the books Lizzy had brought up to her room. As the girl was in town together with her sister to buy some gifts for Ciel for his return, Which wouldn’t be too long anymore, (Y/N) was left to her own devices, and was set on hopscotching to the library. There, she quickly found a book to her liking: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. She had perched herself on the sofa in the library, her leg propped up on the small coffee table. She was at chapter four when she heard a knock on the door. The estate’s butler, Harold Worslaw walked in.

“Ah, there you are lady Feridge. I’m very sorry to interrupt you, but you have a visitor.”

(Y/N) put her book aside. “A visitor?”

Harold swung the door open wide, and revealed Charles Grey, behind a huge bouquet of pastel coloured peonies.

(Y/N)’s eyes grew big as he entered the room.

“I’ll fetch you some tea,” Harold offered, and walked away.

Charles walked over to (Y/N), presenting her the bouquet.

“Thank you,” she said in a soft voice.

“How are you feeling?” His tone was serious. All the playful sparks in his eyes were gone. (Y/N) set the flowers aside.

“I’m alright. Why don’t you take a seat?” She gestured next to herself. Charles carefully sat down.

“Look, (Y/N). I’m very sorry about what happened at the Mews. I didn’t intend for any work to interrupt our afternoon.”

“I said it’s alright Charles. There is no need to worry about me. Really.” (Y/N) bit her lower lip.

“But you got hurt because of me. If I had just been there to escort you-”

Harold came back in, carrying a tray with tea. He left again as soon as the tray was laid out.

“My injury is my own fault. I tripped and fell because I didn’t watch where I was going. There is nothing more to it.”

“Well, then at least I hope you like the flowers. Phipps helped me pick them out.”

“They’re lovely.”

“I’ll make sure to tell him that,” Charles said, regaining some of his old composure. He grabbed a piece of cake. (Y/N) released some of the tension she didn't realise she was holding in. At least the events hadn’t affected Charles’ appetite.

“So aside from the injury, you’re doing well?” He asked.

“Aside from things getting a little boring now that I can’t stand on two legs. I had to cancel my fencing practises with Lizzy.”

“You still haven’t figured out that playing with swords is dangerous for a woman?” He regarded her through half-closed eyelids. She grinned.

“Is that because they cutlasses and nut cutlads?” (Y/N) grinned.

“You finally got the joke!”

They both laughed. Charles looked into her (e/c) eyes.

“(Y/N)... While we were horseback riding, you wanted to tell me something…”

(Y/N) froze. She didn’t think he would come back to it now. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Well… It is… You see…”

“(Y/N)...” Charles whispered, and he grabbed her hand. There was a silence as they gazed at each other. subconsciously, they drew closer.

“I… I…”

“Yes?”

“If I wouldn’t know better, I’d say you have gained an affection for me.”

Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Chapter Text

(Y/N) pulled back as Charles smiled at her. She looked away, sighing.

“Well, obviously you don’t.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I like you, Charles Grey. I have admired you from the moment you asked me to dance with you. Your eyes captivated me. Your every movement puts me into a daze I cannot deny. Everytime you walk away, avert attention or seem to fail to notice my affection, my heart aches. I am suffering Charles. And the circumstances only make it that much worse.”

Charles merely blinked at (Y/N)’s outburst. “I already thought so.”

(Y/N) couldn’t stand it any longer. She jumped up in a rage fit, accidentally putting her injured foot down. She cried out in pain, which in turn made Charles get up and try to support her. She rejected his hands.

“Please tell me Charles. Tell me the truth. Don’t keep up this charade any longer. I am dying to know.” Tears were welling up in her eyes again.

Charles only held her tighter. “Please (Y/N), your ankle-”

“Don’t avoid the question!” (Y/N) fought against Charles, but in vain. The both of them fell to the ground, Charles atop of (Y/N). This didn’t subdue (Y/N)’s anger, however.

“Now look what you’ve done! You-”

She was cut off by Charles’ lips on her. Surprise was followed by pure bliss, as she melted into the kiss, closing her eyes. His lips were sweetened from the cake Harold had served. She could feel his pony brush against her cheekbone, his hands grabbing hers softly, the pressure of his legs stradling hers. She wanted to memorize everything in that moment. It passed too quickly. Charles released, opening his eyes slowly.

“You have absolutely no idea how long I’ve been waiting on that,” he said in a hushed tone.

“I indeed didn’t.”

“The thing is, (Y/N)...” Charles leaned in, his breath tickling her ear.

“I am not that easily won over. no matter how beautiful you are or how stunning your way of carrying yourself is.”

“Seems I’ll have to double my efforts,” (Y/N) whispered back.

“Oh you’ve convinced me…” He slyly cocked his head. “there just remains much to be done.”

Charles got up, and offered (Y/N) a hand. “First things first, You’ll have to convince Lord Phantomhive to make me your betrothed. I will not let him have the pleasure of turning me down. I won’t present myself before you until then.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

Charles set her down on the sofa again.

“Second, don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing. I know you have Lady Elizabeth in your plot as well. But really, using her like that against her own fiancé is dirty. I like the game your playing, but you can stop taking fencing lessons.”

“But I started to like them,” (Y/N) grinned as Charles knelt beside her.

“Lastly… Oh I’d just love to do that again…” He leaned in again, and kissed her forehead, her cheek and finally, her lips.

Was this what true happiness felt like? (Y/N) could feel her heartbeat pick up as she tangled her fingers in his hair. He released again.

“Expect me to swing by on many more occasions. Being apart really does make me moody as Phipps says.”

(Y/N) laughed. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Charles pressed his forehead against hers. “Unfortunately, I’ll have to go.”

“Duty calls.”

“And it won’t shut up.”

“Please don’t let this get in the way of your work. I know you love serving this beautiful country of ours.”

“Don’t worry, my love. In time, you will be there right at my side.”

He kissed her nose, and straightened himself.

“I’ll be back very soon.”

“I’ll await your return.”

He kissed her hand, and then let go fully. He opened the door of the library. With every step he got further away from the sofa, (Y/N) felt a twinge of sadness. Love was a bliss, but being apart could feel like a terrible torture. She wouldn’t let it spoil the mood, however. She had finally won Charles Grey over.

Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Chapter Text

Just as Charles left, Lizzy entered the room. She looked confused and worried.

“(Y/N)! I just saw Charles leave, are you okay? What did he do?”

(Y/N) smiled at the girl. “I’ve done it Lizzy, I won him over!”

Lizzy squealed and crossed the distance between them, taking (Y/N) in a bear hug.

“I’m so glad!”

“Me too,” (Y/N) replied. When Lizzy released, (Y/N) patted the spot beside her. Lizzy sat down.

“Lizzy… Thank you for your help. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“That’s what friends are for, silly!”

“That’s why… I’m going to ask you to step down from this plot.”

Lizzy looked at (Y/N) with disbelief. “Step down?”

“I know you just want to help, but you’ve gone against the wishes of your fiance enough. My happiness should not get in the way of yours and lord Phantomhive. I can take care of things from here on out. All I need to do is persuade the lord to let me marry Charles.”

Lizzy nodded. I’m sure you can do it! And not late either, because Ciel is on his way back to England!”

“Ciel is coming back already?” (Y/N) gasped.

“I received a letter this morning from the butler.”

“Then I’d better get packing!” (Y/N) jumped up. She struggled out of the room, Lizzy following suit.

“I know I said I wouldn’t get involved anymore, but shouldn’t devising a plan to win an argument against Ciel be your top priority now?”

(Y/N) stopped dead in her tracks.

“True… I have no idea what to tell him yet…”

Lizzy grabbed her hands. “Don’t worry. Let me help you pack, so you can think of what you’re going to say once he’s back.”

“Thank you, Lizzy.”

Then, the girls went their separate ways.

The waters were calm, with the exception of the ripples made by the ship. Ciel boredly stared towards the shrinking French coast, as they left the mainland of Europe behind.

“My lord.”

Sebastian’s voice shook Ciel out of his thoughts. He looked up at his butler, who continued.

“Lady Sullivan is now sound asleep. Wolfram claimed he was a little seasick, so he went to rest as well.”

“It shouldn’t be too long before we reached the docks of London. I’m sick of Europe already, I want to get home and have some proper tea already.”

“Speaking of which, my lord.” Sebastian rummaged around in his waistcoat. “I retrieved this letter from the mansion as I was delivering the samples to the palace.” He handed his master an envelope.

“Signed by the Feridge tea company? To me? Why wouldn’t they send it to lady (Y/N)?”

Ciel opened the envelope, and began reading. HIs eye grew wide, as he clutched the paper.

“My lord, is everything alright?” Sebastian asked.

“This is…” Ciel handed the letter back to Sebastian, who began reading aloud.

My dear sir,

I am glad to inform you that the sales in Feridge & Co. Have thrived once again past season. According to our quarterly calculations, this means that your interests have now risen to a monthly payment of £820,00 starting with the first payment due on the 27th forthcoming.

We look forward to a fruitful cooperation.

Yours truly,

Sir Louis K.M. Saphuis

Secretary of Feridge & Co

“Interests in lady (Y/N)’s tea company…” Sebastian stroked his chin. Ciel smirked.

“Brilliant. Surely a daring but clever move.”

“What do you mean, my lord?”

“My ancestor had it planned from the start. he offered Lord Feridge his help in setting up a company, in the trade that he could promise lady (Y/N)’s to someone of his choosing. Preferably, of course, a rivaling tea company, creating a bigger corporation. Our interests would then double as a profit.”

“So you’re saying that the vacant spot of a suitor to lady (Y/N) was intentional?”

“Yes, and unfortunately, I also know who my predecessor intended to choose as a betrothed for (Y/N).”

“Is that so?”

“Earl Grey. The only future owner of a tea company without a finacée of his own, and someone both the previous earl Phantomhive and earl Feridge were familiar with.”

“Well then, my lord, what shall you do? Promise lady (Y/N)’s hand to earl Charles Grey?”

“I seems like I have no other choice. His tea company is the only one big enough to have any influence on the interests of the Phantomhive estate. Sebastian, your orders.”

Sebastian kneeled.

“We shall make this betrothal a success for the Phantomhive name!”

“Yes, my lord. If I couldn’t arrange a simple marriage, what kind of butler would I be?”

This is by Chapterdaze (this doesn't belong to me)

[slytherin-bunny]

The Queen's Gift for Double Charles

The Queen: Grey. Phipps. You should go on a vacation! How about you go on a cruise with the Campania? John can watch over me.

~later~

Phipps: Grey, do you think this is going to be a normal vacation?

Grey: Well, it's not like they'll have zombies!

[loveanimehatereality]

Black Butler #448 - It was such a heartwarming scene too. ;-; ~ LoveAnimeHateReality

[tassjis]

The Double Charles’

[spryfilm]

Blu-ray review: “Five” (1951)

Blu-ray review: “Five” (1951)

“Five” (1951) Sci-Fi/Horror Running time: 91 minutes Written and Directed by: Arch Oboler Featuring: William Phipps, Susan Douglas Rubeš, James Anderson, Charles Lampkin and Earl Lee Michael: “He’s dead, they’re all dead! We live in a dead world! And I’m glad it’s dead… cheap, honky-tonk of a world.” Released recently on Blu-ray for the very first time anywhere is the classic horror/sci-fi…

[janus-cadet]

I needed more fanart of these two. So, I did one.

Art is mine ! Do not use without consent, pretty please :P

Have a lovely day !

[grey-and-stuff]

Happy White Day ya’ll 🤍🤍🤍

Old art, but hey, still gotta show some love to John Brown yes? Yes.

Grey and Phipps art (c) Yana Toboso

John Brown art (c) by me

[cheerfulbattles]

{Tag Revamp; 3}

[abybweisse]

Hi, I love Undertaker’s outfit from the newest poster too (these trousers are legit, I want to unbutton them one by one). It would be great if UT and that brat were to appear at a resort (or somewhere else) pretending to be: 1. Young master and his tutor, 2. Grandfather and grandson. Any other idea here? I really want to see that brat and UT putting on a show in public.

I want to unbutton them one by one.

I wouldn’t mind at all if they made an appearance/scene at the resort hotel in Brighton, but I suspect our earl and Sebastian will run into other people there... like perhaps the Viscount of Druitt or even the queen and John Brown (possibly also Double Charles). If Undertaker and his reanimated ward did show up in Brighton, it might be with Undertaker dressed as a gentleman again, like at Weston... and they could play (grand)father and (grand)son, though it wouldn’t be much of a pretense for Undertaker, as far as I can tell. It would very interesting to see Undertaker openly play that role, since he’s played “informant to the watchdog” for so long.

But I would expect our earl and Sebastian to deal with the queen and other adversaries in Brighton then head back to Phantomhive Manor and deal with real Ciel, Undertaker, Polaris, and whoever else is there. Tanaka would have to expose what side he’s truly on (our earl’s, I should think). It would be fitting if they ended their “game of chess” on the checkered floor where they officially started it.

[sicaron]

50 Shades of Earl Grey (pt. 1)

“The Black Cat café….” A white haired teen stared at the lackluster sign in amusement. The teen, Earl Charles Grey, also known simply as “Earl Grey” by his peers had been looking for a new location of interest in his quest to defeat boredom. He had wandered around for a bit before deciding to walk down to the poorer districts to satisfy both his curiosity and lethargy. 

Eventually he chanced upon a run-down café with a sign that boldly stated Black Cat Café in a stout shade of ebony. There was even a black cat next to the words with its long tail being an underline for the name.

While not his first choice, the poor looking restaurant in front of him would have sufficed in quenching his hunger from walking all day; well that and Grey didn’t really feel like walking another fifteen minutes to another establishment just to get similar food. Walking through the door he heard the jingle of a bell as well as a chipper “Welcome!” that came from a feminine source.

Looking in front of him there seemed to be a display full of delectable assortments and confections ranging from cakes to candies. However, in the middle of the displays standing at a desk with a cash register was a woman, one with striking (color) hair and (color) eyes. She was wearing a handkerchief above her head not unlike the ones he saw the housekeep wear, around her waist was an apron in the same shade as her hair and her blouse was a simple shade of white with the sleeves rolled up. The desk she was standing at prevented Grey from seeing what she wore on her legs, but that was a trivial matter, he came for food, not for some woman of lower class. She’d probably grovel at his feet anyway, the poor usually did that on their own without his input. 

When he reached the register the woman finally asked him, “So what’ll ya have?” in a slightly annoyed tone. “A slice of strawberry cake.” Grey responded, a bit taken aback by the woman’s shift in attitude. The young earl had always found it odd how the poor would use contractions in an attempt to shorten the amount of words they say, things like “y’all” or “should’ve”. 

It was as if they were too lax to even say the full spectrum of words. That was what he thought anyways. After he paid her the woman left him to his own devices, which meant he was left standing at the counter until she came back with his order. 

The white haired teen took a gander at the cafe in full, curious to see how rundown it was. Immediately he saw the peeling paint from the yellowish-orange walls as well as a couple of decently sized cracks on the infrastructure. The corners of the café were covered in spider webs which already had multitudes of insects, trapped inside their webs. The floor he stood on was fairly clean, though it could be neater, every clean spot Grey saw would immediately be occupied by a speck of dust or a piece of random debris. The chairs and tables were of similar disappointment, being rusted at the bottom and slightly dusty on the top, overall Grey was surprised the café had not been shutdown by health inspectors. 

He had also noticed he was the only customer which fueled his confusion at the woman’s shift in animosity to him. When he had first arrived she had been courteous and greeted him with a smile and not a second later it had turned into a frown. Because of his musing he hadn’t noticed her return with his order in hand. 

“Here’s your cake mister.” “I am Earl Charles Grey.” He introduced himself with a smile, the woman obviously was asking for his name. It never occurred to him that she was just saying “mister” as a form of begrudging respect for a stranger. “I don’t care, you want this cake or not?” That took the wind out of Grey’s tails immediately, he stood shocked and just took the plate from her hand in silence and strode over to the dirty tables, his feelings hurt just a little and a tear almost escaped his eye. 

Such a thing had never happened to him before! The lower class usually treated him with respect and women swooned when they heard his name! But the (color)-headed girl was just plain mean! Deciding he would probably feel better with a some cake in his mouth, he prepared himself for whatever he was about to taste, considering the disrepair of practically everything (except for the counter and displays, both of which were the neatest things in the café) he had low expectations.

As soon as he bit into the cake he stood straight up cover his mouth with his hand. He immediately marched on over to the woman who was still at the counter counting the money in the register. 

Grey stood in front of her, plate in hand, for a full five seconds before she finally acknowledged him. “…What!?” She yelled, feeling uncomfortable under Grey’s gaze. Instead of an immediate answer, all she saw was Grey stuffing his face with the entire slice of cake she had prepared for him and get down on one knee. Then he spoke, although it was hard to hear underneath all the cake in his throat, the Earl stated with complete seriousness, 

“Vhery vee.”