Before leaving, the undertaker tapped you on the shoulder as the rest of the group made their way to the carriage. "How's this world been treatin' ya, dearie?"

"Oh, I'm fine, I think." You tugged at the hem of your gloves, trying to decide how you really did feel about the whole situation. For the most part, all you had been doing for the past couple of weeks was tend to your chores and sleep. Of course with the occasional strange run in with Sebastian.

Undertaker cocked his head to the side with his ever present smile, "Is there somethin' that troubles ye?"

You wondered if you should say anything, after all, was this not the same grim reaper who played a yet unknown role in the story, another sower of chaos in the young earl's life?

His gaze didn't falter, that piercing green tearing its way through the thick mop of grey, "I suppose..." you responded after a beat, looking towards the door you'd hoped to be leaving through soon.

"Consida me intrigued."

You brought your hands to the front of your dress, threading your fingers together to dig into your knuckles. "I suppose... There are some things that have been troubling me."

The reaper waved for you to continue and so you complied.

"Sebastian said something to me the other day. Something I was curious to ask another supernatural being, such as yourself, about." You pointedly left out the details of the exchange, he needn't know the actions that preceded or followed the conversation. "He said something about a curse on my soul."

At that, Undertaker hummed, back straightened in interest. "Who better t' ask about a soul than a collector of 'em, retired though I may be."

"So I figured. Apparently it's a supernatural curse and has something to do with the uhh, curse-ee having some immense hatred of me."

He nodded, in affirmation and consideration, "I 'ave 'eard of such curses. I see it now, maybe if i'd 'a looked closer I'd 'ave noticed it upon our first meetin'. I can't see it too well without me spectacles, as 'm sure y'know we reapers are quite nearsigh'ed"

Stupidly, you responded before thinking too hard, "You don't need to like, smell me or something?"

The reaper looked like he was holding in laughter as he responded through a tight jaw, "No, not person'ly. Though all bein's perceive souls differen'ly I s'pose." Embarrassing.

With hands clenched tighter you looked anywhere but at the man's face, "Okay, so what does it mean? Am I going to die?"

"With certainty, dearie." He responded eagerly.

"Because of this curse, am I going to die as a result of being cursed?"

That earned you a shrug as the reaper shook his head more in uncertainty than in absolute dismissal, "'s hard ta say. Those types 'a curses can manifest in many ways, and being that yours is of supernatural origin, it's even more up in th' air."

Maybe you should have just walked out with the rest of the group. The endeavour for clarity proved more laborious than it was worth.

It was only as you started heading for the door that the reaper decided to divulge some useful information, "If ye' wish t'know more about tha' curse, find a reaper wearin' their spectacles. The abili'y to perceive one's soul could prove useful to ya'."

"Can't you just put your glasses on and have a look?"

Undertaker chuckled and patted his body in a mock search before throwing his hands up in defeat, "Would love ta', dearie, but 'm afraid I've misplaced 'em." Sceptical, you huffed, what was the use in telling you to ask a reaper when the one reaper you could ask wasn't willing to help?

"Now, off y'go. Best not to keep the earl waiting," he nudged you to the door and reluctantly you dropped the subject and allowed him to usher you out of his shop. With a "Ta-ta, dearie." He closed the door behind you and a faint jingle sounded from the bell above the entrance.

You'd made it out just in time to watch the nobles and Lau pile themselves into the carriage, noting that Grell was firmly situated in the driver's seat as opposed to the back pedals. You predicted a bumpy ride in your future. Making your way to the butler's side as he closed the carriage door you asked why it wasn't him sitting in coach.

"My duties lie elsewhere. I am to compile a list of possible suspects and then confirm their alibi for the night of the latest murder," as he told you that, it didn't escape you that Grell made a motion as though trying to listen in to your conversation, "I will be back at the town house in time for tea."

You nodded, understanding that the whole endeavour was more a formality than anything else given the butler already knew who the perpetrator was, on account of you telling him. He helped you up into the passenger seat beside Grell and you made a point to put as much distance as safely possible between the two of you.

The reaper cleared their throat, tugging on the reins to then slap them forward, commanding the horses into a trot. You kept your eyes on the demon as he made his way into an alley between two buildings, the darkness of it welcoming him like an old friend.

You could hear the dull thud of your heartbeat at the proximity of the brunette butler to your side, daring not to cast a look their way for fear they would be looking right back. Even as they cleared their throat a second time like they wished to start a conversation, your eyes remained transfixed on the little specs of lint nestled in the seam of your glove. You felt rude. Grell hadn't done anything in particular to earn your avoidance but the knowledge you had made it hard to feel comfortable.

A large part of you wanted to talk to the reaper given that she had been a favoured character of yours in the show, but an even larger, more prey-like part of you was aware of the situation you had found yourself in. As far as you were aware, you were as fragile in this world as you were your own. Attracting the ire of an infinitely more powerful being than yourself was not high on your list of priorities, all it would take would be a little bit of misplaced trust in the wrong supernatural being. One misspoken word.

Looking away from your gloves you relented, preferring not to sit in silence at the very least. You just had to control your words, "So... Grell,"

The reaper's back straightened, happy now that you finally accepted the invitation of a conversation, "What is it, miss?"

You didn't have anything in particular to talk about, opting for casual pleasantries, "How do you find working with the duchess?"

Grell looked at you for a brief pause with a smirk on their lips, "I believe you mean for the duchess?"

You didn't really understand what they were implying by the difference, but you apologised for the mistake prompting them to continue, "I doubt what I have to say would be interesting, unless you count all the gossip," there was an underlying franticness to their voice, like they were eager to talk about something else, "what would be interesting is what it's like to work with that butler of the young Earl's."

"He's strict to say the least."

The look the reaper gave you suggested they wanted more, and when you payed attention to the green irises situated behind thick spectacles you would swear you saw them brighten a shade for a mere millisecond, "Surely that's not all, a man of such calibre has to be more than-" Grells lips tightened around the word with an almost animalistic grumble, "strict."

You didn't miss the way Grell's tongue slithered between their lips like waiting for a meal. Your posture became rigid as you looked off to the side. Sure, you could tell the reaper all of the tantalising tales that came with sharing a roof with a demon. You could also share the more intimate details of your time spent at the manor, pining over a being that seemed more than happy to let you indulge in a little self satisfaction every now and again so long as he got to feed off of it.

"Sebastian is... interesting. I'd almost describe him as otherworldly, in skill and physical appearance. I doubt there is a task he couldn't complete." You'd settled for praise of the butler, not wanting to suffer the wrath of giving him a bad reputation.

Grell seemed to shiver, looking at the road ahead with a sharkish grin, "Nor a woman he could not swoon, wouldn't you say?"

It got you thinking of the women he had bedded in the series and you almost wanted to nod, though fearing that in doing so you would be admitting that you yourself were one of the women he could manage to swoon. You sure knew Grell was one of them.

The two of you fell into another silence after that, thankfully not uncomfortable like the last.

"Oh no, I think I've taken a wrong turn."

┈ ┈ ┈ ⋞ 〈 ⏣ 〉 ⋟ ┈ ┈ ┈

Your group arrived back at the town house, after a prolonged delay, greeted by Sebastian who smiled as he opened the door. "Welcome back everyone, I have awaited your return." Those not members of the Phantomhive estate were taken aback, surprised at the apparent completion of the butler's task.

Ciel was the first to shove past him with his hat ready to be taken. "The afternoon tea is ready for you in the drawing room and a cornmeal cake of pears and blackberries will be accompanying it," Sebastian placed the boy's hat on the coat rack.

"Hold on!" the duchess sputtered, "How are you already here?"

He turned to her with that ever present smirk, "I finished up that little errand," he stated as if it was a task as simple as tying his shoe, "so I made my way back to edify you."

In utter shock and disbelief, Red took a step forward past Lau who lingered in the doorway, astounded, "You made the suspect list already?" she asked.

"Well, yes. I compiled a list of possible suspects based on what we had discussed and then I paid a visit to each individual to ask them the relevant questions." He produced a few tightly wound scrolls bound with ribbon and the Phantomhive insignia, "However, it did take some time because I investigated the aristocracy's family physicians as well."

With a hand on her hip she flicked her other hand out as though swatting him away, "Come now, Sebastian. That's impossible, even for you."

You had to admit, even you thought it was a bit much to be able to complete in the time he had. How no one had called him out on his inhuman capabilities was beyond you. If you were any other person you would have notified the church by now.

His smirk grew as he slipped the scrolls free of their bindings to list off the information he had gathered. The madam deflated the longer he went on, the reaper by your side looked up in awe and you couldn't determine if it was feigned or a pure reaction to Sebastian's capabilities. Lau on the other hand was Lau, nodding his head with a look of understanding that you guessed was misplaced.

"From this information, I have narrowed down our list to one possible suspect."

Red broke from her shock to make a joke, "How in the world did you manage such a thing, are you certain you are just a butler and not on her majesty's secret service?" You agreed that it was more believable than him just being a talented butler, which he stated was all that he was.

Ciel was already up the stairs and reluctantly the other two standing in the doorway followed. Grell turned to you with a look of adoration, "Oh my, such inspiring talent," the reaper leant closer to you, "What I would do to be under the same roof as a man like that." Sebastian looked at the both of you and told you to make your way inside.

Upstairs in the drawing room, the three had made themselves comfortable as they sipped on their tea. When all the servants had made it into the room with them Ciel brought his cup down to address his butler, "So, who is this one possible suspect?"

Sebastian busied himself with the refilling of his master's cup before standing back to speak. "The Viscount of Druitt, also known as Aleister Chamber. He graduated from medical school but has never gone into practice and lately he's thrown several parties at his home. But behind the scenes at these same soirees are secret gatherings only his intimates may attend."

The duchess, now settled from her earlier disbelief, pondered the information for a moment before she interjected, "I heard that he's into black magic, the occult and those sorts of things."

The group sipped their tea and processed, then Lau spoke up over the brim of his cup, "So your suspicion is that he's holding these parties to perform ritualistic sacrifices of local prostitutes?" There was a nod of agreement shared amongst them.

"Tonight, there will be yet another party at the viscount's residence beginning at nineteen hundred hours. As the season will soon be coming to an end it is safe to assume tonight will be our final opportunity to steal in," informed the butler, the urgency of the situation hung heavy in the room.

The young earl sat his cup on the lowered table with a soft clink to rest a thoughtful hand on his chin, "Our last chance." He was annoyed, ending the statement with a sigh.

"Well, I will be able to get an invitation without problem as I have a reason to attend such an event but what about you, Ciel?" the madam asked, "Even Lau has reason, those in the underworld often seek out his attendance at parties given his... trade."

Lau shrugged with a catty grin, "Business is business," his head lowered with a gleam in his eyes, "and business during this period is always great."

Ciel glanced at the man sidelong before rolling his eye, "What do you suppose I do, madam?"

You almost jumped in with the solution you knew they would eventually come up with, however, something about telling the group that you expected your master to parade himself around as a young girl didn't sit right. You thought it best that they come up with that idea on their own. That was, of course, if Sebastian could manage to steer them in the right direction using the information you'd given him earlier about the espionage.

"If I may, my lord," Sebastian began, stepping from the tea cart to produce 3 slices of cake to place on the centre table, "I believe our best course of action would be to attend under aliases. Your position with the queen will likely see you turned down from such an event."

The boy didn't dignify his attendant with a look, "Who do you suppose we attend as?"

"Oh, I have the perfect disguise!" the madam interrupted, "You should attend as my niece and your butler shall be your tutor. No one would think twice about it."

Ciel's brow twitched, "Why on earth would you have me attend as your niece?"

Red chuckled as she picked up her slice of cake, "Because, dear, I've always wanted a girl."

"I refuse, I will not sully the Phantomhive name in such a way. I can wear a disguise but to be a girl would be humiliating." He crossed his arms with a hard glare cast his aunts way, "and why is it we must be related, would it not raise less questions if I am simply the child of a friend?"

She sighed and shrugged as if to say it was worth a shot, "Well I can guarantee the viscount will not be as willing to approach you if you are just a boy. He favours any pretty little thing in a skirt."

The pause was long and silent, save for the clinking of silverware, until a voice from behind shocked you, "Could I make a suggestion?" You felt a shiver run down your spine as Sebastian pressed a hand to your back, "If we require a woman to curry favour from the viscount then maybe we should utilise all of the pawns currently at our disposal."

"[Y/N]?" Ciel questioned.

"Yes. She is unknown to the noble society and thus she can be whomever we need her to be." You turned your head to look at the man behind you with a furrow in your brow, "And a new face in the crowd should attract the attention of the viscount with ease."

Ciel's eye flitted off to the side in thought, "I suppose that could work."

You wanted to throw your hands up in disagreement but they clearly were not looking for your input in the matter, just your compliance.

"As for a dress, I believe there should be some stored here in one of the spare rooms." The boy's eye was cast downward to stare at the plate of his finished dessert. He looked forlorn and it was in moments like that which you remembered he was just a kid.

Even Red shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "Ah, yes, one of those dresses should work."

Seastian's hand dipped lower to the small of your back, "Should it need tailoring I can make short work of that." He pulled away altogether, "Madam, she will need your assistance in dressing."

┈ ┈ ┈ ⋞ 〈 ⏣ 〉 ⋟ ┈ ┈ ┈

The two of you made your way to a bedroom with a small closet and upon opening it your eyes fell upon the several beautiful gowns of all different colours and styles. Red stepped forward to brush her hand over the silk of a particular dress, lifting up the sleeve with delicacy to then pinch tightly at the hem. Her other hand draped softly over her midsection.

"I'm afraid the only dress here that should do us any good is a dinner gown." She pulled down a yellow dress along with its accompanying underskirts and bustle. As she laid it out on the bed your eyes roved over all the intricate details and folds, "The style is not quite as modern as I had hoped but that may make you stand out more."

It didn't take you long to realise that these dresses belonged to the late Rachel Phantomhive, Ciel's mother. There wasn't any other reason for such finery to be in the town house manor that belonged to his family, along with the way both he and Red were clearly uncomfortable at the mention of mere gowns.

The chosen dress did need some tailoring to fit you properly but with so much fabric it was hardly a big project and then the duchess helped you put on the gown with practised ease, stating she was more than familiar around the intricacies of high society wear. You felt encumbered by so many layers of ruffled underskirts, a corset and bustle, that combination alone was almost too much to bear and you hadn't even gotten to the main part.

After a few more minutes of being tugged this way and that so that you could be properly dressed, you stood back to look at yourself in the full length mirror in the corner of the room.

The dress was a buttery yellow, light and muted so as to not irritate the eyes of those who would cast their gaze upon it. There were a few rows of ruffles, attached at the hem of the skirt by a thick floral applique and with help from the petticoats and bustle to push out the shape of your hips, the dress draped into an a-line front silhouette, the bump at the back extending out to then swoop down as the train followed a few feet behind you.

The bodice had a slightly lowered neckline, both front and back that curved to just below your collarbones, a white ruffle poked out a couple of inches from it for more modesty. The sleeves that hugged your upper arms flared out past your elbows making it easy to put on the matching white lace gloves. Finally, two long strips of thick fabric at your waist came together at the back to form a large bow under the extended back of the bodice.

With the different textures of the dress you were sure to turn some heads, you just needed it to be the viscount who approached you as a result of it.

"I had always hoped to be blessed with a daughter." The madam remarked as she finished training your hair into a more suitable style to fit a matching floral headpiece. It caught you off guard a little as it was the first time she'd spoken since taking down the dress that wasn't to instruct you on where to put your arms or legs.

"Is that so?" You looked at her via the reflection, she wore a smile but her expression was clearly sullen.

Her hands came to the front of your neck to place a thin choker around it, "Yes. Were it not for an unfortunate accident maybe I would have." She sighed and the smile she had disappeared to be replaced by a stern, almost motherly scowl, "Forgive me saying this but I cannot understand why it is you are here." She paused for a moment and you felt your hands get clammy.

Still fiddling with the ornaments in your hair, she continued, "You cannot simply be a maid. Ciel would not have permitted you to accompany him."

She was uncertain, her emotions not clearly evident on her face as they normally seemed to be, "I love my nephew dearly but this world he has become a part of is cruel and so... I worry of what will come of him." Once done with the hairpiece she brought her hands down to fix the ruffles at your shoulders, "I can only implore that you keep him safe from all those who mean him harm." She looked you in the eyes, that whiskey brown reflecting the red of her silhouette, "All who mean him harm. He is still only a child."

The shock you had felt at her words must have been obvious on your face because she took the concern out of her voice to fall back into her casual prattle, "Oh dear, don't mind me, I'm just getting a little sentimental. I'm sure you've noticed by now but these gowns belonged to my late sister, I suppose I'm just saying what she would have were she in my place"

You weren't convinced, the way she told you to look after him was far too knowing, as though she knew she would not be around to do the job herself.

All you could do was nod, understanding her desire to keep the one remaining family member of her deceased sister safe. Though the idea that she somehow knew how the night would play out saddened you, you didn't want to imagine what it felt like to know that you were on death's door. Even if you were death's accomplice.