Chapter One
"It's time to wake up, my lord."
Ciel groaned as sunlight hit his face. He rolled over to hide his face in his pillows, hoping to get a little extra rest. But he was startled completely by a new voice.
"Today's breakfast will be a Spanish omelet with your choice of toast or an apple muffin."
Ciel rolled over and quickly sat up, staring at the new person.
She smiled, "Ohayō, Bocchan!"
"Neko… what on earth are you doing? Sebastian, what is she doing?"
The black clad butler smiled, "I am merely instructing my daughter on the duties of the servants of Phantomhive. Is it a problem?"
Ciel sighed, "I suppose not." He looked at Neko, tilting his head. Something was different about her.
Neko smiled brightly and hummed a gentle tune as she poured Ciel's tea, appearing to be waiting for something. She handed Ciel his tea, looking at him expectantly.
"What is it?"
"Toast or muffin, Bocchan?"
"Toast." He sipped his tea mindlessly then looked into the cup, "This taste. I don't know this tea."
Sebastian beamed, looking down at his daughter, "It is Neko's special blend. I find that she has great skill, especially in the culinary arts."
Neko blushed, then bowed, mimicking her father, "Watashi wa akumade shitsuji desu kara; I'm simply one hell of a butler."
Sebastian looked as though he didn't know whether to smile or frown, and Ciel smirked at him, "Isn't that your line, Sebastian?"
Neko smiled at her father and remained silent. Sebastian shook his head and smiled, "You are finished here. You may join Finnian in the garden. Please ensure he and Pluto do not destroy the grounds."
"Hai!" She ran out of the room into the garden. Pluto was sitting, in his human form, watching Finnian run around with a hose. Upon noticing Neko, he ran to her and would have knocked her over if not for the harsh look she gave him. Contrary to what might be believed, Neko and Pluto did not hate each other. Pluto adored Neko, even more so than Sebastian, and she took pleasure in his company. He eagerly obeyed her commands, and preferred to stay by her side when she was around. Needless to say, Sebastian and Ciel were highly amused by this and Ciel declared Neko as Pluto's official caretaker.
Neko, with a suited Pluto trailing behind, went to assist Finnian with the plants. Together they watered the plants, pulled weeds, tended to the greenhouse, and Neko kept Finny from accidentally destroying anything. Then she took Pluto for a walk, well ride, through the woods, and returned in time to assist her father with lunch. As she was heading inside, Finnian looked at her and tilted his head. Something was a little different about her.