Guys, you have no idea how sorry I am that I haven't updated. However, I did have a valid reason for going on a hiatus. I had to endure life-shaping exams from the 5th to the 13th of June, and leading up to those exam, I had to study (meaning, I had to try to study). I basically had no time for typing up fanfiction for you lovely readers. That's why, in chapter 22, I was all over the place (and suffering from some sort of virus), and I apologise for that. But I'm free now so I'm going to try and update more often. I really want to complete this story so hopefully you will all join me on the slow ride to completion… Believe me, that sounded much better in my head!

This chapter shall be in Ciel's point of view. I genuinely didn't realise that I was switching between first person narrative and third person all the time. I'm sorry about that! Thank you hanabiflowergirl for pointing that out. If you hadn't of, I wouldn't have noticed. So thank you!

We have 99 Favs people! Can this story make it to 100?!

JadelynNightmare © Luna

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji and I never will. I make no money from this. It's just a story written by an obsessed fan.

Show Me You Love Me, Forever

Kuroshitsuji / Beauty and the Beast

Chapter XXIII: Mission Complete?

xMiss Shizaya Michaelisx

"I hate you."

I stood glaring at the grinning grim reaper. She stood in front me, admiring her handiwork of squeezing the life out of me.

"You should dress like that more often." She suggested, ducking quickly as I threw one of the horrid black boots I was to wear at her head.

"Shut up! And honestly, did you have to pull the corset so tight? I can't breathe!" I placed my hands over my stomach and attempted to calm my breathing.

"It's the norm for a woman to wear a corset, Ciel." Luna reprimanded, flicking my nose in the process, "Now. Head up and let me look at you. Ah, yes. You're too adorable for your own good. No. Don't give me that scowl. It's not cute at all."

"You sound just like my cousin."

"Great minds think alike."

"I beg to differ." I shot back, "And all this just for cake?" I demanded, gesturing to the pale pink and white disaster I was wearing.

"Not just any cake, Ciel. Sebastian's cake. Believe me, it will be worth it."

I crossed my arms over my chest while she clipped two hair pieces in place on each side of my head. I huffed a sigh as she placed a matching had atop my head and tied the white ribbon under my jaw. It didn't take her long to lace up the black boots. I was used to wearing shoes with a high heel. Undertaker always insisted that I do due to my shorter-than-average stature. But these heals were ridiculous. Luna then ordered that I walk about the room. I did so without complaint. I had clearly lost this battle so I took everything in my stride. I wasn't a sore loser.

"You remind me of a porcelain doll." She said suddenly as she quickly applied a weird smelling powder to my face. Her fingers reached up to tousle my fringe so that it prettily covered my right eye.

"Thanks." I replied dryly.

"I can see why Sebastian likes you." She said then, as if she were searching for a reaction. I cringed as a triumphant smirk graced her lips, "Suddenly found something very interesting on the floor, Ciel?" She teased.

"L-let's go. We have delayed enough as it is."

She helped me up off the bed and soon enough, we were back to where we had started, near the entrance of the dining hall.

"You know Luna, I can't help but feel like this plan is going backfire."

"It won't, trust me. Even a demon will easily mistake you for a female. Just be prepared one thing though."

With higher heels than usual, I was able to see over the shoulders of the gathered demons to eye the dancing couples gracing the floor, "Like what?"

"Be prepared to dance."

"What?!"

I instantly began backing away towards the door before she promptly grabbed my wrist and gently pulled me back to her side.

"What' wrong?"

"I… I can't exactly dance." I whispered, cheeks suddenly blooming with a red hue as I admitted that I couldn't perform the one thing that was most certainly necessary at a social gathering.

"You'll be fine." She reassured me and offered me a smile, "Don't worry. I won't be far."

"Wait! Aren't they going to "sense" that I'm in a contract with a demon and that I'm a human too? Sebastian said that they will. And won't he know that it's me if he does happen to see me?"

Luna stared down at the ground, suddenly stumped for answers, "Eh…"

"Well?" I demanded, growing more nervous with each passing second.

"Sebastian… he's all talk. He likes to milk it."

She didn't sound too sure of herself.

"What does that mean?"

"Oh would you like at that? I've got to go. Have fun, dearie!"

"Hey, wait!"

Before I could bat an eyelid, she had disappeared from my sight. I'm sure my face was a picture when I glared about the room of demons.

Ugh.

I took a step forward and almost tripped as I was bumped into from behind.

"Sorry." I mumbled apologetically, not even bothering to look the person- or rather, demon, in the eye.

"I believe it is I who should be apologising, sweet robin."

I'm sure I felt the bile in my stomach rise up my throat.

Sweet robin?

Planning to glare the demon down, I swivelled on my heel, only to have my hand grabbed and kissed by a being dressed in a white tailcoat. His attire was ridiculous flashy. He stuck out like a sore thumb. His long blonde hair framed his pale face as he bent down low and placed the chaste kiss up my gloved hand. My immediate reaction was to hastily pull my hand from his, but I knew he had the strength to each snap my wrist if I did so.

Making a face, I carefully slipped my hand out from his, or at least, tried to.

"And who might you be?" He inquired, standing too close for my liking.

Shit.

"Oh come now, my lord," I began, inwardly wishing that the ground would somehow swallow me whole at the sound of the girlish voice I suddenly adopted. I had never felt so embarrassed, "there's-"

"A new song has begun, little robin." He said excitedly, cutting me off, for which I was grateful. The relief soon left as swiftly as it came, however, "Would you give me the honour of a dance, my lady?"

Before I could answer, I was already on the floor and in his arms. I could feel my face heat up with each passing second. My fringe luckily covered some of my face, while my hat provided a shadow over the rest.

I recognised the musical piece to be composed by Johann Strauss. However, the name given to it escaped me.

The other dancing couples seemed to pave the way for us as the lunatic of a demon twirled me around. I felt the need to be sick. I admit the demon was certainly graceful. His steps were so fluid and strong that I found it hard to keep up.

I found myself leaning back, just like the other females dancing. It was difficult though, what with the corset inhibiting my movement. It was best to follow their lead, I realised. So I attempted to lean back, with my partner's help of course.

I was, by far, the shortest "female" on the floor, which seemed to cause quite a commotion with the on-looking gathered demons. It seemed obvious to them that I was quite young, causing some of the females to 'coo' and 'ah' at me while they fanned themselves with their feathered fans. Others looked on in curiosity, while the males smiled charmingly.

It was certainly not what I was expecting.

They were all so civilised. I was expecting something far different, maybe even bared fangs.

But I suppose their acting skills were second to none.

I began wondering if they knew I was human, but I knew that was a silly question. It was obvious. I was nowhere near as perfect or immaculate as those congregated in the beautiful ballroom.

I found myself soon struggling to breath. I was thankful to whoever was looking down on me when the music ended.

"You dance so beautifully, my precious little thing." My partner complimented, again kissing my hand as if he had the right to, "I am the Viscount Druitt. I must say, it was such a pleasure dancing with you. Perhaps you would permit me another dance?"

I almost glared up at him.

Another dance?

Another dance?!

Could he not see I was struggling to remain living?

"I think I should rest, my lord Druitt." I replied courteously, offering him some sort of curtsy, if it could even be called that.

"Ah, my little robin must rest. But I suggest you try some of the treats beforehand. They are marvellously delicious."

I gazed up at him dryly.

"That's the plan, my lord." I replied, swiftly taking my leave of him.

Luna was most certainly going to receive an earful.

What made her think this plan would ever work?

The grim reaper in question was certainly having a grand old time surrounded by male company. Her laughter rang about the room. Was she not even trying to disguise herself? Or had she simply given up, considering this plan was never going to work in the first place?

I eyed the table drowned with treats. They looked just as the Viscount described them.

I honestly never knew demons ate. It was odd to see these supernatural beings eating human food, considering they survive on the souls of humans.

My nerves heightened at that thought.

I stared idly at the different coloured cakes trying to calm my breathing. I swallowed thickly and decided on a piece of particularly appetising chocolate cake topped with juicy raspberries. Beside the cake was a complementary little silver jug of chocolate sauce. I hated that my hand trembled as I reached over to pick up the accompanying knife to slice a piece of the cake.

"Allow me."

I swear my heart almost flipped over in my chest.

"The chocolate cake, yes? My," the demon chuckled darkly, his hand ghosting up along my spine. It was then that I was became aware of a certain livid aura behind me, blocking me from the outsiders, "for such a small lady, you sure have quite the sweet tooth." He whispered, his voice sooth like velvet.

Momentarily forgetting how to speak English, I just stood there, frozen with my hand half-outstretched before me. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I'm sure that if I listened close enough, I could hear it myself.

His gloved hand soon came into my line of vision as it surpassed my own and picked up the dessert knife. The knife easily sliced through the chocolate sponge and he quickly presented me the cake on a shining plate and doused it in creamy chocolate sauce.

"Here you are." He said pleasantly, placing the plate in my outstretched hand.

He was still standing behind me, blocking me from view.

"Thank… thank you, my lord."

Shit.

"I think you will find that cake to be quite 'marvellously delicious'." He recited the earlier compliment by the Viscount.

I could almost hear the smirk he was surely wearing as his words rolled fluidly off his serpent tongue. However, I could distinctly hear an undertone of anger, and it sent chills down my spine.

I felt his breath at my ear and a growl reverberate in warning, "What the hell do you think you're doing, Ciel?"

Damn.

"It was Luna's idea." I hurriedly whispered back, a rush of anxiety swiftly kicking in.

"Do you realise the danger you have put yourself in?" He lowly demanded. His talons tightened on my hip, holding me in place, "You're lucky these demons have now realised exactly what you are to me or they would have scooped you up for dinner."

"It doesn't look like that me."

"Why do you think the Viscount was being so warm towards you?"

I wracked my brain for an answer, "Because he's a nice demon. I don't know."

"No, not because he's a nice demon. Ciel, you're more immature than I thought."

I scoffed at him, "My "immaturity" has never bothered you before."

"This is different." He snarled against my earlobe, "I have business to attend to and you are making my night more difficult than it has to be."

I shrugged my shoulders in response, unable to form a sufficient reply.

"You're ridiculous."

I glared to the side and met his scarlet eyes.

"I'm ridiculous?" I scoffed, my upper lip curling in anger, "You would much rather attend business than spend some time with me."

"That's not what I meant." He growled as I began to struggle against his grip.

"It's Christmas time and you want to attend business. Attend business. " I whispered back angrily.

The demon behind me sighed, "What is it you want?" He asked, his other hand slowly stroking up and down my stomach soothingly.

I took a deep breath, hoping to handle my emotions before they fluctuated out of control.

"To spend time with you."

I couldn't have cared less how I came across to the demon. The only other person I ever had for company since my parents died was Undertaker. I never spent Christmas with Elizabeth as I always found an excuse not to go when invited.

The demon paused, considering my wish, but he was taking his sweet time.

"You know Sebastian, if you don't want to, I-"

"Come on." He ordered, taking my hand in his. He gently pushed me forward so that I was walking in front of him.

"Where are we going?" I asked as we made our way through the crowd of curious demons.

He placed a hand on my shoulder, "You said you wanted to spend some time with me, correct?"

"Yes." I replied hesitantly.

"Then we will spend some time together." He whispered low enough that I had to strain to hear it.

But registering those words, I couldn't stop smiling.

Upon leaving the soirée behind us, I wasn't sure where to turn to, "Where are we going now?"

"We'll go wherever you wish to go." He replied. The thumb of his hand on my shoulder was gently stroking the exposed skin in circular motions as he waited patiently while I came to a decision. I could tell he was trying to be discreet with his ministrations due to those around us.

Staring at the staircase leading up the second floor, I wondered.

Should I?

Am I really bold enough to lead him to my bedroom?

Without wasting any more time, I allowed my body to move forward towards the staircase.

Deciding to lead Sebastian to my bedroom was only half the battle. Bringing myself to actually ascend the first step took all my courage.

"Oh." Came the demons surprised response, "Oh I do like where this is going." he chuckled, allowing me to lead him towards my bedroom.

"Good."

Okay, so I have a few things that I would like to say. I personally feel like my writing is going downhill for this story. I mean, this story was going strong when I first started off with it, but now I'm struggling just to type one page. I'm sure you can all see that. I seriously want to finish this story because when I first started off with it, I was so excited about it, but now I'm finding it difficult to keep up. Only fellow authors will know how frustrating it is to want to type for a story but the brain decides to be a scumbag. It's such a pity because I had a high hopes for this story. I will be continuing it, but as I've said before, it will take some time. My other story has kind of taken my interest from this one. I'm just trying so hard to make my other story a success because I feel like it's something very close to my own heart.

If you have any questions concerning this story or my other story, do not hesitate to leave your question(s) in a review or PM. I will be more than happy to answer it! Or if you have any advice or critique, never, ever hesitate to let me know. I always try and take everything on board so that I can improve. Happy reading, everyone, happy reading xD (also, if there's any grammar errors, I apologise. It's just that I'm updating quickly because I have somewhere to be so when I get back, I will be going over this chapter again to ensure that no errors occur) xD