INSTALLMENT 7

The Big Ben stroked two in the morning. They had been there all night.

"Oh, no," Grell pulled out a black book and flipped through its pages. "I'm afraid I have an appointment in just a few hours." She looked up. "I have to go."

"An appointment at five?"

"Yes, forgive me," she said with a lady-like nod of her head. One hand flew to his and touched it with scalding warmth. She flitted from her seat at the bar, brushing against his knees as she tumbled slightly to the floor. She was leaving him. He had spent the night with her—unheard of for any lady in Victorian society—and the sight of her escaping him now pushed logic out of Vivien's mind.

"Grell!" She turned to face him. In a moment of madness, he was holding out a card; he was breaking all his rules. Every last one. "If you like, we could do this again." Her eyes lit in fluorescent green. She snatched the card, looked down at it, fleetingly, and disappeared into the darkness with four long strides.

Vivien sunk into the seat. It was late, but the loss of sleep had not yet affected him. He was torn between enchantment, between bliss, and the realization that he had just given this bright-eyed beauty his card. And soon they would meet again, under the expectation that he would remain as he was now, enshrouded in darkness. Dread crept into his throat, but still the fantasy was fresh.

Vivien looked along the bar to find Grell's whisky. He lifted the glass and studied the traces of lipstick marking the rim. His finger outlined them, carefully, and he put his lips to the edge, claiming a ghost kiss from her absent lips and finishing the drink. The liquor, along with the trace of moist rouge exacted a sigh from his chest.

He returned home walking along the cobblestone path of London, with a rare, electric energy. When he returned home, even Clifton's admonishment (for staying out so late in such a dangerous part of town) were deflected like feathers against an armour of elation.

TBC.

This is the end of the first part. The second part involves Ciel, Sebastian, and banter. It will be uploaded under the name of Sanguisorba Part II. If you enjoyed this, go check it out! Thank you! R&R.