((AN: CREDIT TO OVERTHELOVEOFYOU, WE MADE THIS CHAPTER HAPPEN.))
Claudia and Ciel were snickering to themselves. Sebastian had a smear of cake frosting on his face and did not look happy. Claudia had smeared it on his face while Ciel had distracted him. Of course he took it like a pro.
"I'm assuming this will continue as long as you are here." Sebastian said flatly, earning a snort and a amused look from Ciel. "Yup." She said with a wide grin, almost mirroring the Undertaker's.
Sebastian then sighed, "Please excuse me to the wash room." He said to Ciel who nodded, trying to hold back his laughter. Sebastian then left. Claudia then bellowed out a laugh, holding her sides. Ciel just snickered, not one for laughing.
"Lets see how many times I can make him go to the washroom." Claudia grinned, earning a nod of approval from Ciel.
…/\/\/\...
Claudia was silently snickering in the kitchen. Sebastian just gave her a odd look. "Found something amusing?" He asked, reaching to open the cabinet door.
"...Not yet." Claudia said, and it was too late for Sebastian to react as the cabinet door swung open, flinging a bag of flour into his face. He just stood there, eyes shut and looking like he was about to strangle Claudia.
"Now I did." She cackled as she ran quickly out of the room. She had succeeded yet again. It was the only thing she could do. She couldn't harm Sebastian in any way due to the contract. But she could tease him until he would go mad.
And the best part was, Sebastian could not tease her back because Ciel quickly saved her from such torment.
After a rather annoying day, Sebastian had snuck outside, hoping to run into his little Cat friend. Only to have his eyes widen.
Claudia was laying in a field of flowers, the cat in her lap and purring. That was the ultimate insult. She had stolen his cat. He narrowed his eyes, before going back inside. Claudia giggled, gently rubbing the cats ears. "It's fun to torture Sebastian, Yes it is little kitty." She giggled, earning a meow from the sleek black cat.
Claudia then looked up, watching as the trees swayed in the wind. The weather was perfect. And the air was fresh. She could easily breathe there. The cat then grew bored with her and simply wandered away.
Soon, she laid back in the flowers, watching the flowers slowly moving to the wind. It comforted her. She held her hand out, watching the sunlight pour through the cracks. She remembered a faint memory.
Little Claudia held her hand out, wincing at the bright light. She heard the movement of fabric and a sleeve covered her eyes. She gave a squeak, pushing the Arm away and staring at the familiar face of Undertaker. He grinned mischievously.
Claudia then booped his nose, something Rachel would do when she was being naughty. He sneezed then, rubbing his nose with his sleeve. Claudia giggled. Her father was at the hospital with Rachel. She came down with a asthma attack. And she wished for Claudia to stay home, luckily, Undertaker happened to be visiting.
Claudia wasn't much of a problem to watch. Tanaka was around, but he wasn't much fun. Claudia enjoyed Undertakers company anyways. He usually played games with her. But for right now, she wanted to lay in the flowers.
But soon, something caught her attention. A tiny red dot landed on Undertaker's sleeve. It had black polka dots on it's shell. She perked, pointing to the bug on his arm. "Bug..." She said simply.
Undertaker turned his head, seeing the strange insect on his arm. "My my. A lady bug." He said, revealing his long fingers and gently plucking the bug from his arm. Claudia looked at the strange creature, unsure of it's purpose. "It won't hurt you, luv." He said, holding the bug out. It crawled along his hand, seeming friendly.
Claudia reached out, putting her finger next to the bug. It simply crawled onto her hand, tickling her as it went. Claudia giggled, watching it make it's way up her arm. "See? You don't taste good so it won't eat you." He said with a smirk. Claudia stuck her tongue out, before squeaking as the bug lifted its shell and revealed it's wings, taking flight and buzzing away. "Aww...Bye bye!" She giggled.
"Busy bug they are." He mentioned, a smile on his face. Claudia smiled, waving her arms around. "I wanna flyyyyyyyyy!" She giggled, making small buzzing sounds. He giggled softly. Children had such imagination. "But if you flew away, your father wouldn't be able to catch you." He said with a smile.
Claudia then blinked and flushed scarlet. "O-oh..." She mumbled, feeling silly now. Undertaker snickered, standing up swiftly. He then leaned down and picked up Claudia. "But I can do this." He then carefully tossed Claudia into the air and caught her as she came down. Claudia squealed and giggled. She felt so light before coming down.
He soon tossed her again, earning yet another happy squeal and a giggle. Though this time it was higher. He was strong. It was like she weighed nothing to him. Once she came back down she giggled, hugging Undertaker tightly. But suddenly, a cough escaped her. Undertaker paused, waiting for her approval to do it again. But it appeared she was done. Another cough escaped her.
"Thats enough excitement for today little luv." He said softly, starting to stroll back to the manor. "No wait!" She whined in his ear. He paused, hearing her finally clear her throat. "I wanna Stay outsiiiiide!" She whined. Undertaker's mouth parted into a soft smile. The little Lady knew what she wanted. He walked back to the field of flowers, taking a seat.
She smiled then, taking a flower and pulling it from the ground. She then reached up and placed the flower in his hair. He grinned then, giving a playful pose. "Am I pretty yet dear?" He asked.
Claudia giggled, before leaning in and surprisingly gave him a gentle kiss to his cheek. He huffed out a laugh."You're such a dear. I suppose I should make you somethin' then?" He asked, earning a curious look. "What chu gonna make me?" She asked, blinking.
"Close your eyes dear." He said gently. Claudia blinked, wondering if this was like hide and seek. She covered her eyes. "And no peekin'..." He said, his fingers getting to work quickly.
It was only seconds until she felt something on her head. And a pair of warm lips to her forehead. Claudia snapped opened her eyes, her hands feeling at her head. She felt soft petals. "Oh! A crown!" She realized, giggling. Undertaker smiled softly, running his fingers through her hair. "You are a princess after all."
She wonder how he made the flower crown in just seconds. It was odd. But she didn't complain. And she didn't complain about the kiss either. She was happy. She then gave him a hug, giggling into his chest.
Undertaker soon laid back into the flowers, a smile still on his face, like he knew things were going his way. Things were falling into place. Claudia crawled onto his stomach, earning a giggle. Undertaker was ticklish. Claudia giggled, latching onto his sides and tickling him.
What came next was a roar of laughter from Undertaker. He tried to lightly push her off. But she was persistent. "Yell uncle!" She laughed maniacally. She was quite the evil child. In a fit of laughter he soon yelled out uncle. Claudia giggled, crawling to his face. She was now sitting on his chest. "I wiiin!" She cheered.
Undertaker then stretched, Claudia feeling his body stretch underneath, before putting his arms behind his head. Her face was soon in his line of vision as he was staring at the sky. "Why do you hide under your hair?" She asked him.
He didn't answer at first, which made Claudia pout. He then chuckled and grinned. She was a cute tiny thing. "Because theres …..." He replied simply for her to understand. Claudia blinked, her eyes showing curiosity. "Can I see?" She asked innocently.
The memory was foggy after that. She couldn't remember much. A lot of things were foggy. But memories of school was always there. She was glad she decided to stay with Ciel. She wanted to stay by his side. She soon got up from where she stood and made her way inside. It would be a long day in the morrow...Ciel's birthday...
…/\/\/\...
Claudia stayed near the stables, thinking she would be safe from her aunt Francis. She had been forewarned beforehand by Sebastian. She did not want to run into her today. Her and her aunt were always fighting.
She always complained that Claudia was improper. That she would never be suited to marry any man. She wasn't looking to marry any time soon anyways. She was fond of being alone at the moment.
She heard voices in the distance and snapped her head up, only to see her aunt Francis glaring at her. She knew what was coming. If only Sebastian had not let her out here. Bad timing.
"Claudia Phantomhive! What are you doing wearing trousers on a day like this! How improper!" She said, seething with anger. Claudia rolled her eyes. This had been going on for much too long. "If someone told you a codfish on your head was proper, would you still do it?" She asked.
Now Francis was fuming. Ciel was now actually looking frightened. Since when did Ciel had his hair combed back? Even Sebastian's was combed back...Lizzie was even here. What was going on today.
Quickly, Sebastian interrupted, standing by a blueish black horse. "How do you like this, Marchioness?" We sent for a horse with a magnificent Bluish black coat to serve as our masters steed. And we have been looking forward to the day you might take a look at it, Marchioness."
She was interested, looking at it's coat in admiration. "Oooh... A fine course horse indeed. The hip is sturdy, and it looks well." The horse nickered softly, seeming to agree with her. Claudia smiled at it.
"I have it! Ciel. What say we do a little hunting together?" She asked a rather shocked Ciel. Claudia raised her eyebrows. That should be interesting...
"With you aunt Francis?" He looked sweaty at the thought of having to face off against her. It will be a good opportunity to see how good a man my daughter's fiancé is. Or... Is hunting too demanding for earl Phantomhive, who possesses a constitution more common to the fairer sex?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Very well. Sebastian prepare for the hunt." His butler bowed his head.
"The game is afoot Ciel."
Soon, the whole family were on horse back, taking a stroll deep into the woods. Claudia having her own horse that was given to her years ago. She was smirking at seeing Ciel with Lizzie sitting on the same horse together. It was just too cute.
"We shall begin here. The rules are as follows: maintain your territory, Twenty five meters on either side... And avoid shooting at any birds flying lower than the prescribed altitude... Are we agreed?" Sebastian Asked a clear tone.
They both answered. "Yes."
"The game is now underway." He said as he closed his pocket watch. "The time limit shall be three hours."
Aunt Francis took off like a shot. "See you Ciel!" She said with a grin as she galloped away.
Ciel sighed. "Lizzie, get off here. I can't hunt otherwise." Elizabeth looked sad. "Ehhhhhh? But we finally get to spend time together!"
Sebastian soon perked, his eyes looking to his left. "1 to Nil..." Ciel and Lizzie looked shocked that she already shot something. Claudia watched in amusement.
"As expected of the Marchioness... She has already shot a bird... It seems and she will be a formidable opponent, even for you, young master, hmm?" Ciel glared. He wouldn't let her win.
He suddenly aimed the gun into the tree tops and fired, startling Claudia and Lizzie. A bird screeched and fell to the ground beside the horse. The horse showed no reaction to the gunshot. Claudia's however, whinnied softly in surprise and slightly reared. She patted her head, shushing her. "Calm down, sweetie."
"Too bad for aunt Francis...But I'm not very good at losing any kind of game..." He said with heightened determination. Lizzie was surprised at his confidence. So was Claudia. So he really was growing up.
"Lizzie, it's dangerous here so stay with Sebastian. All right?" He asked as Sebastian helped her down. She continued to stare at him, realizing how far he had come in life.
They watched a Ciel rode away. Soon Elizabeth spoke. "I'm glad...Ciel seems to be feeling a little better. Aunt An loved him so much. I was worried..." She looked almost teary eyed. Claudia listened, knowing how much she loved Ciel.
"I don't want Ciel to suffer anymore... I always try to cheer him up in my own way, but... It never seems to work out... I always overdo things and make him angry."
Claudia blinked. She quickly interrupted. "Ciel loves you so much Lizzie. He will protect you with his life. All men get irritated at some point. But he would never hate you."
"I agree." Sebastian said suddenly, and Claudia went quiet. "I am certain my master senses... Your kind consideration as well my lady." He said, kneeling down to smile at her. Claudia felt like throwing up right there. He was nothing but a disgusting demon. Swaying people with his words.
She gave a sudden blush and smiled happily. "Thank you. You're very sweet Sebastian." Claudia glared at him. But soon a gunshot went off in the distance. And several more followed.
" 5 to 4... It is a close contest... Let us cheer them both on." He said, they waited, Claudia remained on her horse, her horse nibbling at grass. She couldn't get up and down from the horse too often. She was trying to conserve her energy and keep herself from getting sick. Her health was regrettably worse then Ciel's.
Soon, it was over and it was time to check the results and eat. "The Marchioness shot ten pheasants. A brace of foxes. And three rabbits for a total of fifteen points. Young master shot 11 pheasants, three fox's, and one rabbit for a total of 15 points. the result is a draw... Is that acceptable?
"it most certainly is not! I prefer definitive results, one way or another!" Francis said with a huff, crossing her arms.
"How odd. Aunt Francis. It seems we agree on this point..." They shot each other a glare. Sebastian tried not to smirk. "Then, the tie will be broken with another round this afternoon... and now if I may."
"Fine!."
"No complaints here."
"But I daresay we've over hunted here. We'll have to find a new location for the afternoon." She said with a bored expression.
Sebastian briefly looked up before exhaling softly. "Not to worry, Marchioness. Big game still lurks on these grounds." He said as he poured her wine. Claudia turned her head slightly, facing the woods. Why did she suddenly have a bad feeling...
"Now that the rules have been decided let's eat!" Lizzie said excitedly. "This smells divine-" A dark shadow suddenly loomed over her. Claudia's eyes widened at what she was seeing. A bear had come from the woods and was going to attack Lizzie. "O-Oh my god! LIZZIE!" Without thinking, Claudia dashed forward, at the same time as Ciel. "LIZZIE!" Screamed Ciel as he clutched her tightly to his body.
Claudia put her arms around them both, covering them with her body. She would protect them with her life. It was pure instinct. She closed her eyes tightly.
BANG
Claudia soon noticed it was all quiet after the gunshot. She opened her eyes, seeing a dead bear laying on the ground. It was eerie. And it was too close for comfort.
She turned to look at her aunt, who's gun was smoking. "Aunt Francis..." Claudia breathed in relief, releasing her sibling and cousin only slightly. Her heart was racing. She could feel her arms shaking from the sudden attack. To think her loved ones would be so easily killed...
Ciel suddenly smirked. "Heh...16 to 15... It looks like I've lost this game...Aunt Francis." Claudia let out a annoyed grunt. Her brother and future sister were almost killed and he was still worried about the damn game?
Francis appeared a little sweaty. She then huffed and smirked. You still got at least got a decade to go before you can even think of winning against me. However..."
She gave a slight nod to Claudia and Ciel. "I commend you two for daring to protect my daughter... With your life. And..."
She gave a sudden bow. "I am in your debt... I would expect nothing less from the man who is to become my son...Lord Ciel Phantomhive." Ciel looked like he would blush. She looked at Claudia. "And I suppose I can expect no less from you as well. Lady Claudia." Claudia just swallowed in response. She needed to rest after an event like that.
"Now this game is over...Lets head back..."
One the way back, Claudia was thinking to herself. Her little brother was only an inch from death. Ciel was everything to her...To think they could have died on the spot. Claudia needed to be quicker in her movements. She was getting weak...
Ash they returned to the manor, Sebastian was the first inside like always. "As the hunt was a success...I shall do my best to-"
He was soon interrupted by the servants looking quite excited. "WELCOME BAAAACK!" They squealed. The house looked covered in roses and birthday trinkets. The Servants covered in bruises and dirt. Finny soon showed what looked like a very odd cake on a plate. "Look look! We made this together!"
Ciel sweat dropped, obviously unsure what to do.
"See! I decorated everything with roses!"
"I made donburi full up with young masters favorites!"
"I set the table!"
Sebastian and Ciel looked like they would lose their hair. Claudia smiled wide. It was very considerate. They showed how much they cared for Ciel.
"Mhph. They beat me to it." Spoke Aunt Francis. "Thats what I came up here to say..." Ciel looked surprised, and was shocked as she patted him on the head. "Happy thirteenth birthday,... Ciel..." Claudia had never seen such a tender look from her in ages. A soft smile entered her face. "And everyone...I hope you will continue taking care of both my daughter's and my son..." Claudia looked surprised. She had been welcomed into her family as well?...
Lizzie lit up in happiness and quickly hugged Claudia. "I GOT A BIG SISTER!" She squealed. Claudia laughed. Everyone was smiling. It was a wonderful birthday. Claudia soon hugged her brother, a smile went over his face. "Thank you, all of you, so much." He said, his tone sounding genuine.
The party went on for a while. Claudia felt more happy then ever. Ciel seemed to try to enjoy himself. He was smiling. Music was playing. Lizzie forcing him to dance with her. Claudia being asked to dance with Bardroy and Finny. It was wonderful. Everyone was enjoying their time tonight. What made the night more wonderful, was that it was snowing.
Claudia's eyes lit up in happiness as she stared out the window. It was truly magical. She wasn't even feeling sick at the moment and it was great. She wished the night didn't have to end...
…/\/\/\...
After a long day of celebrating Ciel's birthday. Everyone had finally settled in for the night. Claudia had returned to her room, finally taking a breather from that exciting day. She scribbled some things in her notes, putting down her summery for the day, and her lingering concerns about her brother.
My brother had the most wonderful birthday, besides the frighting moment with the bear. I know for a fact Sebastian had killed it and not Francis. It doesn't matter though. No credit should be given to that creature. I am happy I was accepted into her family. We all proved our worth this evening.
However...I still have lingering concerns for Ciel's wellbeing. That demon that stands besides him. He stands in between our sibling love. I wish that demon had never made the contract. However, without him, Ciel would have never gotten out. My brother would be dead...But...I would had rather he had been dead then having his soul taken away. That sounds selfish. That sounds so cruel. I don't mean it to be. But-
A sudden cough escaped her throat. She sighed, knowing she needed to go to sleep now. Today was much to exciting. She closed her diary with a thud, knowing she could pick up tomorrow.
Changing into her night gown, she settled into bed for the night, her window wide open to give her cold fresh air. It was the only slight cure to her illness. Soon, she joined the dream realm. Sebastian patrolling the mansion like usual. It was eerily quiet...
It was the first night of the new moon as a figure approached the Phantomhive manor. The only physical evidence that something was there was the the glow of his eyes. The darkness meant nothing to him, he could see just fine. His feet made no sound as he walked over the sediment leading towards the front of the manor. He was far too skilled to allow such trivialities to occur, in fact, it was too easy. He had thought the demon would have better sense than this, but again, he wasn't surprised at all. Childs play.
The figure had come for one reason and one reason only and he intended to make it worth his while. Claudia Phantomhive had indeed blossomed into a woman over the time she had vanished from his sight. And now that she was back, well, she would not be leaving again.
As he approached the side of the manor that she now resides in he looked up to her open window. A grin appeared on his flawless face, his teeth bared up at the window in amusement. It wasn't a even a second later that he was standing on her windowsill and eyeing her sleeping form. She looked like a porcelain doll with her hair strewn about her pillow and he delicate silk nightgown.
He wasted no time as he stepped silently onto her desk and then onto the floor. His glowing eyes vaguely eyed over her bedroom and then they landed on her, the smirk appearing on his features. How delicate she looked, unaware and off in another world utterly oblivious to his presence. He walked slowly up the side of her bed, finger tips barely touching the blankets as he glided along. It was only when he reached her side did he turn at look down at her.
Sebastian was still not aware of the presence yet. He mainly stayed where his Bo-chan slept. He never was too far from his victim, his master. He was never concerned for anyone else. being the demon he was.
Claudia was not aware as well, being in such a deep sleep nothing could wake her. She had no idea of the devious presence in the room with her.
She shifted in her sleep, her legs rubbing against the fabric of the bed. She was still restless and stressed, even in her sleep. She appeared as innocent as ever, even though she was older.
His head tilted to the right as she shifted in her sleep, the smile never leaving his face. How precious, indeed. His eyes glowed more as he considered her for a moment longer; one of his tricks. She would never know that he was there as his hand reached out to her and gently swept away the hair from her face.
His looked from her closed eyes to her mouth, down her jaw line to her bared little throat and clavicle. He breathed in her scent, the scent that pervaded the entire room; black cherry, was it? His eyes flickered back to her facial features. He just could resist himself at this point... he leaned over, comfortably certain in himself that she wouldn't know, and gently placed his mouth on her neck. He paused, closing his eyes as he felt the strong, yet slow pace of her heart pulsating through her veins on his own lips.
The drums. The drums of her blood flow giving clue she was alive and well. The cough from before had left her. She didn't even stir from the movement or direct contact with skin on skin. She had no idea what was about to happen. Her hands twitched lightly, giving clue she was dreaming about something.
Without concern of her wakening he opened his mouth further and gently caressed his fangs on her throat, only scratching at her skin. A small trickle of blood came forth from her and with his tongue he immediately caught it. The sweet metallic taste exploded on his taste buds and he let out a pleased sigh as he closed his mouth over the wound like a soft kiss.
She only slightly twitched from his actions, but seemed to not be in any pain. She sighed softly, her hands gripping the sheets under her.
Sebastian was suddenly alerted to the smell of blood. He could smell it from that far away. He quickly left his young Master, silently seeking out the source. It was Claudia's. For that he was sure of.
The Undertaker's eyes opened suddenly, but his mouth remained fixed on the spot. He realized that his moment was shattered by his own instincts...the demon had finally taken notice. In one fluid movement he hastily licked over her the two little scratches he made, healing the cuts and then he was out the window and into the darkness.
Sebastian swiftly and quietly entered the room, his eyes looking around. He could smell her blood, but she appeared fine. Quickly thinking it was something else, he shut the door to let her rest. Claudia shifted in her sleep, seeming to be just fine. She sighed softly.
Sebastian continued his walk down the halls, holding his candles. It seemed all was well.
But was it...
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