Black Swan Rising - A Black Butler Fan-Fic

5 - Porcelain Faces on Parade

We all wore black that night. The VIP guests did, at least. Anyone who received a formal invitation with the mark of the organization that runs it was to wear the color to distinguish themselves from the rest. Our masks, painted with beautiful swirling calligraphy, made our dark and mysterious gazes more so. I stared ahead, determination on my face as the butler and I approached the building at which the meeting was to be held.

A rather extravagant manor lit up with the finest technology and best orchestras looked over the darkened skies like a beacon in the midst of a desolate land. It called to us, begging us to come and play.

"Do you know these men that will be at the meeting?" Sebastian asked, sitting across from me.

I raised an eyebrow under my half mask. I turned to the window and leaned my chin on the back of my hand. "Some of them," I replied. "But something just feels odd about this being a mafia meeting. I have a feeling."

He chuckled faintly, hiding his mishap behind a curled finger. I gave a slight tsk.

"You'll have to introduce me then," he teased.

I casted him a glare and sat up, feeling the carriage come to a stop. He stepped out and offered a hand to me to help me from the carriage. I took his hand and stepped down skillfully, looking up at the scenery. I sighed shakily and tightened the strings of my mask. "Let's go then."

Sebastian smiled and offered his arm to me, and I comfortably slipped my arm in his. We walked up the stairs, my deep dress with its long train and the heels I weren't quite used to making my hips sway with each step. I felt my side brush against Sebastian's now and then, and I felt my stomach whirl with nausea. 'He'll never let me live this down,' I thought in despair.

I turned to the pitch black man and noticed that his outfit was truly doused in black. He wore a newly tailored coat and black shirt that Nina had begrudgingly made for him against her will. His scarf, a silky black that reflected his hair, added to his appearance. Both of our masks were designed with porcelain bases and decorated in bejeweled fabrics and silver paint. We were unrecognizable with my hair in dramatic curls and a long, faux ponytail attached to Sebastian's combed back hair. We looked like true nobility.

Or at least I assumed we did.

The man at the door took our invitation and let another man lead us to the party. We were escorted to a group of men, many of them worn and rough and very few smooth-faced and young. One of the men, his dark brown hair slicked back and his green eyes bright with youth, turned to us and smiled wide.

"Quinlan!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Good night, it's so good to see you!"

I gave him a warm smile and my free hand for him to kiss. "It has certainly been a time since we last met, Harrison."

He grinned and turned to Sebastian. "And who is this handsome gentleman?"

Sebastian's innocent smile sent nervous chills down my spine. "I do apologize," he began, "but I am Quinlan's fiancé. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

I blanched, tightening my hand around his arm. I felt something hard press against my finger and glanced down to see a lovely ring.

'When did that get there?...'

"By George, Quinny! Why didn't you tell me you were courting?" he exclaimed.

I could feel my eye twitch with annoyance. "Believe me, I was quite surprised at the suddenness myself..." I told him, gritting my teeth slightly to keep from raising my voice. I looked up at Sebastian, my nails subtly digging into his arm. "Isn't that right, dear?"