Wow! I'm on a roll with making new stories! Anywho, this one is not entirely my creation. My good friend Eli-chan and I are writing this one as a roleplay. And we decided to post it here, since we think it's a pretty awesome story, if a bit sad. This is the first chapter, to kind of give you an introduction to the new character. Yes, there's an OC or two in this fic. But they're pretty good. Rosaline in particular was born from a convention, truthfully. (Thank you, Aki-Con...)

Disclaimer: Neither I nor Eli-chan own Kuroshitsuji. I own Lady Rosaline Gabrielis and Duke La'Arrsienne.

Warnings: OC. And possible OOCness for the other characters (considering this was one of our first Kuro rps)

Enjoy!


Moonlight streamed in through the windows of the candle-lit hall, illuminating a string quartet. Masked figures danced and socialized, the candles creating distorted shadows along the walls. It was All Hallows Eve, and the prestigious Count Vladimir Nightshade was holding his annual masquerade ball. All of the nobles were invited, of course. At the least, the prominent ones were. The ball was in full swing, and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Ciel Phantomhive walked along, shifting with the crowd of suited men and well-dressed women. He didn't care much for dancing, but was forced to do so due to his title of nobility. As a result, he was bored. But then the dancing nobles shifted again and he switched partners.

A girl about his age in a regal red gown and a black and white feline mask took Ciel's previous partner's place. Her long silver hair was pulled back in a braid and she smiled as she curtsied to the young earl. Ciel bowed, quickly recovering from staring at the girl that had taken his breath away. He slipped an arm around her waist, gazing into her eyes. A faint blush was noticeable beneath the girl's mask as she put her hand in his. Her icy blue eyes never left Ciel's as they danced.

What is this sudden feeling? Ciel thought as the world around them seemed to fade. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "What is your name, lovely maiden?"

The girl smiled lightly. "I am Lady Rosaline." She twirled in his hand. "And who might you be, kind sir?"

"Ciel, Ciel Phantomhive." He spun her, and then pulled her closer.

Rosaline's eyes widened briefly. "You are the Earl of Phantomhive? I never would have guessed."

"I guess I am very young." Ciel stared deeply into her eyes.

"Only as young as I." She smiled shyly. "Even so, it is an amazing feat for one so young to manage such a large company."

"It takes hard work, but I manage." The young earl said with a faint smile. "And you, my lady? I've never seen you before. Where are you from?"

Rosaline glanced away. "I have been to many of the noble gatherings. Perhaps you've seen me at one of those before."

"I do not see how I could have missed your beauty."

"I have been told that I can be quite elusive." The girl smiled sweetly at him.

Ciel smiled back, a little flushed. He twirled Rosaline, once more pulling her close. "You're very light on your feet, my Lady Rose."

"Why thank you, my lord." Her eyes grew sad as the quartet finished playing their song and the time came to switch partners.

Ciel thought for a moment, and then twirled with the last note, pulling Rosaline off to the side unseen by other eyes. He smiled at her, his hands not loosening.

Rosaline's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Care for another dance, my lord?" She smiled.

"Of course, my Rose." He danced her around until they were on the balcony. The maiden blushed and glanced around nervously as the sounds of the ball faded away. Nonetheless, her hand remained clasped with Ciel's.

"Are you nervous? I'm sorry. I guess my feet led the way." Ciel gave her a small smile.

"No, it is alright. I just have someone that may come looking for me." She smiled in return.

"Oh." His expression darkened. "I'm sorry to lead you astray."

Rosaline turned to face him. "It is no trouble. The ball is far from over. We have plenty of time."

Ciel smiled, picking her up at the waist and spinning her around. "What household are you from?"

Rosaline blushed, letting out a quiet squeak. "My maiden name is Gabrielis. I'm certain you have not heard of it. I live in the household of Duke La'Arrsienne." She nodded.

"Oh." He stopped. "I haven't heard of him."

"He has a very…obscure name." She moved to stand at the balcony railing. "So, Earl Phantomhive, what are your hobbies? What do you do for…amusement?"

"Amusement? Games, I suppose. Anything to make me think hard. I don't really know." He stepped to her side. "And you?"

"Cooking. I love to cook. And I play the piano." Rosaline smiled. "And I like to garden sometimes."
"Really? Those are odd hobbies." Ciel pondered the ideas. "Well then, what do you like to cook the most?"

"I like baking the most. Pies and cakes, mostly. And sometimes I'll try to make a pastry. But really, I like making anything with cherries." Rosaline blushed faintly.

"Really?" He suddenly perked up. "That's great." The Earl nervously cleared his throat. "My butler makes excellent dessert."

"I do not mean to raise a challenge, but I must insist that I am better at baking than he is." She smiled.

"What? You believe so? Maybe we should have a competition then." Ciel smiled back at the girl.

"Perhaps. Though I do not want to make a show of myself." She looked away shyly.

"No, I'm sure my butler would like the challenge. And it would amuse me greatly."

"So…" Rosaline paused, her voice almost sounding hurt. "I am just another pawn to amuse you?"

"No! No, of course not!" Ciel protested. "I just enjoy making challenges for my butler."

"Do you wish for him to fail?" She raised an eyebrow.

Ciel thought for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I would like to see him fail at least once… He really is one hell of a butler. He does very little wrong."

"Then perhaps we could have a competition." Rosaline smiled softly, looking off into the garden. "If only to entertain you."

"Not just for entertainment." The boy stated. "I'm not making you do this."

"I think it would be amusing. If this butler is as good as you say, then I would be delighted to test precisely how skilled he is." She giggled quietly.

Ciel smiled at her. "Your laugh is so beautiful." He said, seeming thoroughly mesmerized.

Rosaline blushed and glanced at him, looking away shyly. "Th-thank you, my lord."

He blushed as well, realizing what he just said. "Um…" He looked out from the balcony. "So, another dance?"

The girl hesitated and nodded, stepping over to Ciel. "One more could not hurt."

He had just wrapped his arm around her when they heard a throat clear. Rosaline's eyes widened when she saw Sebastian. She quickly stepped away from Ciel and watched Sebastian with a wary expression. "Good evening."

"Good evening." The butler bowed. "Young master, are you ready to retire?"

Ciel blinked, and then shook his head. "Not quite, Sebastian."

"I… I'm sorry. I must leave. My…someone is looking for me." Rosaline curtsied to Ciel. "It was a pleasure dancing with you, my lord."

As she turned away, he grabbed her arm gently. "How could I send for you, my lady? For our…competition?"

She hesitated, glancing briefly at Sebastian. "I will send a message."

Ciel smiled at that. "Alright, my lady." He bowed, kissing her hand. "I will be waiting."

Sebastian blinked at the scene, thinking. "Bocchan, your carriage is waiting." Ciel nodded and turned to leave.

"Farewell, my lord." Rosaline smiled, turning back to the garden. "I hope we shall meet again."

Later that night, Ciel heard a tapping on his window, which was revealed to be a white dove. It held out a rolled up piece of paper.

It was from Rosaline.


Please review! We have much, much more on the way! Next chapter is a series of letters between Ciel and Rosaline, so please stay tuned!

Kitsune Curoryu