Black Lotus [Vintaker]

Chapter Nine

"Are you sure you really want to do this?" Ciel looked at Vincent staring into the depths of his closet. The more he stared the less human he seemed to be. Was this what it was like staring into the abyss? 

Vincent didn't say anything but he finally started moving. He pushed all of his clothes aside for the items in the back. He grabbed old things from his Satanic Siblings days and hastily adjusted them so they'd fit him. It had been so long. He didn't know if he could play that role anymore. But, he'd have to try if he was going to join this band. 

He took out all of his obnoxious earring arrangements and replaced them with smaller studs to make them less noticeable. He gelled back his hair, allowing for some of it to cover the tip of his more heavily pierced ear. Then, he got changed. He found the only decent pair of shoes he had and some suit pants. All that was left was this white shirt he tried to bleach a few days ago to remove stains and this vest. 

Vincent finished up the final touches, attempting to make the outfit look less like something he dragged out of the closet of a homeless man and more like something a rich person would wear. It was passable, but not the best. It would have to do for an introduction to how well Vincent could change his 'personality'. William should be thrilled. 

Now he just had to get into character. 

He closed his eyes and placed his hand over his chest. Ciel watched as his entire aura shifted slightly. He'd seen this happen a few times before, way back when they were first starting, but since that was so long ago it was impossible for him to remember how creepy it was. 

"You look rather startled, are you certain you're alright?" Vincent held out his hand with a smile and caught Ciel as he stumbled forward. Vincent? Smiling instead of scowling? That didn't seem real. 

"Uhm, yeah, you're definitely getting into that band or whatever," Ciel muttered, standing up properly again. 

"One can only hope, I suppose," Vincent chuckled lightly and walked out into the unknown world. People turned their heads left and right wondering who this guy was and why he was in this side of town. But, he just smiled and waved a bit, continuing on his merry way all the way to his destination. 

He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to come outside. William should know he was on his way. Or something like that. He opened the door and stared at Vincent. He squinted, without his glasses, and asked, "Do I know you?" 

"Will, I told you to put your glasses on fir-" Grell's jaw dropped and she ran back inside. "Excuse me! Adrian you never told me cleaned up so nicely how could you keep this from me!" 

"What are you talking abou-" Adrian stopped talking when he saw Vincent. He stared for a moment and then walked backward right inside. He hid his face in his hands and dropped to the floor after hiding in the nearest corner. "Ohmyfuckinggodwhyishesohotallthegoddamntimeiwasn'treadyforthisfuckingglowuphewashotbeforebutlikewhattheabsolutefuck-" and continued muttering words that no one was able to hear. 

"So, you're Vincent?" William glared, without meaning to, he just couldn't see a single thing right now without his glasses on. He could barely see even with his glasses on. 

Vincent placed his hand on his chest and continued smiling, "Vincent Phantomhive, at your service," he replied. "Do I meet your requirements?" 

"Yes, honey, yes, say yes Will, look at him, look at him!" Grell grabbed William's arms and gestured to Vincent wildly. She didn't want to let that pretty face with raw talent out of her sight. They needed a surprise new member. It would raise sales. Plus the dramatic change from punk to a gentleman? People would eat that right up. Or, should they keep it a secret to make it more dramatic? They hadn't decided yet. 

"We'll see what the fans think," William reluctantly agreed. "You'll have a guest performance as a temporary member and we'll use Heart Radius to decide if you're worth keeping or not." 

"So, I passed the test?" Vincent asked. 

"I suppose." 

"Fantastic." Vincent grinned but after a few moments of standing still and doing nothing he reverted back into his usual self. Vincent tore the tie off of his neck and slammed it down into the ground. "Fucking piece of shit! I never want to see you again, damnit!" he complained, stomping up and down on the tie that wasn't worthy of being called a tie. "Agrhhhhhaaahhhh!" He stopped jumping and ruffled his hair to get the gell out. "Fucking nasty," he stared at his hands covered in gell and then pushed by William and Grell to get inside. He went to the nearest sink and started washing his hands. 

"Uhm..." 

"What?" Vincent glared, without really meaning too, and for some reason Adrian was relieved. He held out a towel for Vincent to use and smiled awkwardly. "Oh, right," Vincent snatched the towel and dried his hands. 

"Can you go back?" Grell started sobbing. "You were so handsome. Why did you ruin it?" she sobbed into her arm and retreated into her room, mourning the loss of dapper Vincent. It was too soon. He was gone too quickly.