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“Are you excited my lady? It's not everyday one gets invited to such a lavish event. ” Day dreaming while pulling and lacing the strings of your corset to a form fitting tightness, your handmaid seemed more excited about the event than you were.

Stepping into your elaborately designed shoes, you looked at yourself in a full length mirror. The clothing really was beautiful, filled with pulls, lace, ribbons, jewels and heavy embroidery. But it wasn't the least bit practical or comfortable, which made you wince. “I suppose it is rather exciting. Though I don't quite understand the idea of costumes. Why would we want to keep our identities a secret?”

“I suppose for the fantasy of it. It must be nice to be someone other than yourself for a night.” Now having you fully dressed and ready, your maid ushered you to a carriage already waiting by your front door. “Don't forget this now, and have a good time miss.” Before you left, she handed you a matching mask, which was just as decorated if not more so than your dress.

You thanked her and stepped into the carriage, mentally preparing yourself for the long, possibly stressful night ahead. Social events like these weren't your strong point, and no amount of tutelage seemed to help. Being polite and cordial was easy enough, but you had yet to find a way to keep yourself from speaking your mind, despite who it might offend. The sun was already setting when you arrived at the Phantomhive estate. It was bustling with dignitaries and other well to do citizens. “Here goes nothing.”

The carriage door opened smoothly exposing not your doorman, but another very tall, very pale servant. “Good evening Miss, how wonderful of you to join us.” He was dressed in full costume as well, obscuring most of his features. Holding his gloved hand out for you, he offered his help as you stepped down from the carriage.

“You must be Sebastian, my father's told me quite a lot about you. He speaks very highly of your doings, so it's wonderful to finally meet you.” Trying to hide your immediate infatuation with him, you curtsied politely and tried to avoid eye contact.

“I am, but you mustn't tell anyone my lady.” Sebastian placed a finger over his lips and winked. “This is after all a masquerade.”

“O-oh of course.” As your face began to turn a rosy shade of pink, you only wished you had decided upon a large mask. “I'm sorry, I must be keeping you, how very rude of me. I'll see myself to the house, I've taken up enough of your time.” Curtsying again, you quickly hurried into the house and took your usual spot by the punch table. “So it begins.” It didn't take long for someone to ask you to dance. Once on the floor you knew it would be a long time before your feet were given a chance to rest. Still, dancing was something you were good at, and it kept the risk of you saying something offensive in idle conversation down to a minimum. For these reasons you happily accepted the offer and began dancing to an upbeat, cheerful waltz. Through the night you switched partners many, many times. All of them were sociable, and made enjoyable conversation, but for some reason unknown to you, there was truly only one person you wanted to dance with.

“Might I cut in?” Sebastian appeared behind your current partner, and tapped him gently on the shoulder.

“Of course, I can't keep her all to myself now can I?” Your partner released your hands and excused himself with a graceful bow, quickly finding another willing maiden to dance with.

“You aren't opposed to dancing with me are you? I would hate to offend such a lovely, young lady such as yourself.” Sebastian’s hand was already out and waiting for yours. A warm, kind smile adorned his face.

“N-no, I don't mind at all.” The sensation of his hand on yours made you blush reappear with a vengeance. Him holding you close caused even your ears to turn red. “I was actually hoping I would get the chance to dance with you.”

“Is that so? I find it's not very often that someone like myself would be the preferred dance partner. Therefore it is quite an honor to have you say such.” His smile widened slightly as the two of you began dancing across the room, in perfect sync to the music, and to each other. Your movements demanding the attention of others, not that you'd noticed. “However, if I might be so forthright, I am trained in the art of dancing.”

“You don't have to tell me, it's more than a little obvious. I don't believe I've ever danced with anyone who dances as well as you do.” You looked up at him in amazement, only to find he'd been staring down at you the whole time. He wasn't even thinking about his movements, they just seemed to come naturally. “Where did you learn?”

“Ah, that's a secret young mistress.” He dipped you low to the floor, his face hovering just above yours. “Seeing as tonight is all about secrets, it would be a shame to disclose such information.” Bringing you back up, his body pressed against yours, only for a second, but long enough to make your heart race. “Perhaps I can tell you another time.”

“That would be lovely.” Your words had barely escaped your lips when the music stopped. It was time for the unveiling. Though it made no sense, you were finding the idea of removing your mask nerve wracking and embarrassing.

Sebastian had already removed his mask, proving to you that even your imagination could be outdone at times, “Are you not going to remove your mask? I must admit, I'm curious to see if your beautiful personality has a face to match.” You stuttered and tried to speak, but no words came out. “Well now, I wouldn't have guessed you shy.” Once again taking your hand in his, Sebastian led you outside to a quiet secluded spot in the garden. “Would you be willing to show only me?” He brought you fingers to his lips and kissed them softly.

Never before had someone been so forward with you and it not bother you greatly. “I suppose there's no harm in that.” You awkwardly placed your hands on either side of your mask, releasing the small clips you had used to hold it in place, and pulled it away from your face.

“Ah, just as I thought, you're absolutely lovely. What a shame you had to cover yourself with a mask the entire evening.” Moving closer to you, Sebastian gently ran the backs of his fingers over the soft curves of your face. “I fear I'm about to do something most inappropriate my lady, I ask that you will forgive my impertinence in advance.” Moving his hand from your cheek to the nape of your neck, Sebastian brought you in close to him, kissing you in a way you thought only existed in fairy tales. Though your upbringing and judgment told you to pull away, you found yourself doing the exact opposite by kissing him back openly and willingly. When he began to end the kiss you found yourself wanting to whimper, instead, you closed your eyes and turned a deep shade of red. “I know that was out of line. Again, I ask your forgiveness.”

“ There's nothing to forgive. ” Ashamed of how very weak you sounded, you decided it was a much better idea not to speak.

“You truly are too kind. I shall just have to find a way to repay your kindness, whether you like it or not.” Giving your hand one final kiss, Sebastian bowed and prepared to leave. “I've enjoyed myself far more than I should have tonight, and I thank you for that. Perhaps we can meet another time, without the crowd being here.” He smiled back at you just before reentering the mansion with a glimmer in his eye. “I've yet to tell you where I learned to dance.”