Kuroshitsuji: Darkness Everlasting (SebaCiel) --*ON HOLD*--

Chapter the Fourth - In Which The Earl Belongs To His Butler

"Bocchan, it's time you prepare for the day." My lack of sleep the night before had left me extremely tired. "I'm not getting up," I refused adamantly.

"Bocchan, I must insist on your arousal at once. What if someone were to come to see you?" Sebastian tried to sway me.

"Let them come, then. I'll be here."

I heard him sigh and clothes rustle. Then, I was lifted into the air and clothes were being taken off and put on me. I groaned and drew my brows together, screwing my eyes shut in disapproval of being taken from my warm bed. However, I did nothing to stop my butler as he dressed me and combed my hair. His finishing touches were tightening my bow to a crisp perfection, sliding on my shoes, and tying on my eyepatch firmly but comfortably.

I was lain back on my bed, and I heard Sebastian announce softly, "I'll go get your tea."

There was a brief moment of silence, and then he was back with what sounded like a rolling cart. "Today I've prepared lightly whipped marnier soufflé with a lemon rind garnish and toasted croustades on the side."

Finally, I opened my eyes as I smelled a strong and wonderful aroma waft in the air. A tray was set up at my bedside and Sebastian was smirking. I sighed reluctantly and swung my legs carefully out of my bed, beginning to feast on the exquisite meal before me. Through bites, I began inquisitively, "Have you formed a tentative plan of our getting into the brothel?"

"Yes, I have. I will explain to you after you finish your meal. Right now, I have another engagement to attend, if you'll excuse me..."

I waved Sebastian off dismissively without taking my eyes from the plate. I neither knew nor cared what he was doing: it felt as if I hadn't eaten for days. Still, I hadn't yet thought of a plan of attack on the brothel, and it was urgent. I finished eating and began thinking as I sipped my tea. "Earl Grey," I murmured, smelling it.

"Yes, from Jacksons of Piccadilly. You always have had a keen sense for smells. Impeccable," I heard, and looked up to see Sebastian back again.

I smiled curtly and replied, "So? Our plan?"

"Ah, yes, I had quite a task devising a proper scheme for yours and my entry. Still, I've decided upon a plausible course of action," He began painfully slowly.

"Say it already!" I barked, getting impatient.

A huge smirk slid up Sebastian's face. "Follow me."

It was an hour later. The carriage pulled up in front of a small, unnamed shop. I sunk down in my seat and crossed my arms, trying not to blush in vain. At Sebastian opening the door gracefully and smirking, I said begrudgingly, "Why do I have be a girl, and in this type of dress?"

"Bocchan, It's crucial that you go into the brothel, and if you go as your own citizen, you'll be devoured," I had been expecting a witty comment, but Sebastian simply offered the explanation.

My eyes widened in anger and frustration. "So we're going in as a couple?!?"

He smirked and said, "Precisely. Besides, such a dress suits your small and fragile frame."

I shot a death glare. "Oh, excuse me, delicate," Sebastian corrected himself.

"That's what you corrected of that statement??" I retorted.

"Come now, it doesn't suit a lady to yell. Let's be on our way."

I looked out the window for a moment, then let out a resigned huff, allowing him to take my hand and assist me from the carriage. The part of town the market was in was dank and grimy. I drew in a breath of the polluted air and Sebastian held his elbow out, "Shall we, my Lady?"