lol, soooo ur all probably going "what took ya so long?", cause i'm asking myself the same question. the truth is I've been having a major writers' block, I was also a little lazy and wasn't in the mood, than there is also the issue with the end of the school year and having to study for all of my finals. XS -but I made sure to make this ch. longer than the others!
anyways, this next ch. is well, ...ya...I don'y know~~~ u'll have to read to find out :)...lol, sry it's like...3:00 a.m. right now and I usually go to bed at 10:30 every night :P
lol, I should be sleeping but i didn't want to lose the ideas that were in my mind at the time. XD ...if my parents find me still awake and using the lap top... I'm dead O_O
anyways just in case u don't know:
Thinking: Sebastian can tie a sakura branch into a bow knot with his tongue.
Talking: "Sebastian can tie a sakura branch into a bow knot with his tongue."
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Chapter 6: Awaited Guests
For once the manor felt calm, almost peaceful—god knows how long that would last.
Sebastian had wanted to get things done smoothly without any annoyances, for the awaited dog would be arriving this afternoon. He had taken the time to make a lemon meringue pie, specially made for the other servants.
Of course it wasn't out of kindness that he had offered it to them, it was simply made to be an undisruptive distraction. But of course the other servants still gushed and ranted about how "amazing" and "thoughtful" he was.
He allowed them to have their minute of gratitude and then quickly excused himself saying he had "much work to do."
...
After finishing with the final touches of the guest room he went to the second one across the hall, for all he knew there would be more than one visitor.
He swiftly replaced the bed with clean sheets and dusted every surface with inhuman speed. The room looked perfect, to say the least.
With a quick inspection of his work he walked over to the curtains and pulled them open further, allowing more light to flow through. The sunlight streamed though and painted the room with a warm glow.
He stood there for a minute. He was very much ahead of schedule so he took the time to let his mind wander.
He smirked at the memory of his Master—asking him to stay with him the other night. And not just stay but actually sleep and cuddle him. It was so strange for the Young Master to be so bold with his actions, especially those types of actions. Maybe it was just his inner-child wanting to be loved and coddled...or maybe it was something else.
What could be going on in the Young Master's pretty little head?
...
Sebastian pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at the time. They would be here any minute. He walked soundlessly down the hall to his Master's study and lightly tapped on the door. He heard a curt reply and let himself in.
"Young Master."
"What is it?" Ciel had his head between his hands looking at all of the evidence and information they had accumulated. There was so much of it but it helped so little.
Sebastian smirked a bit. The young boy's expressions never ceased to amuse him; he especially loved that distressed face he would sometimes make.
"They will be here in exactly five minutes." He said casually.
Ciel looked up from his papers. "Then let's go greet them."
.
.
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Ciel stood in front of the steps at the entrance of the mansion when the carriage pulled up. His butler was already beside the carriage door, opening it for the awaited quests.
"Welcome to the Phantomhive manor." Sebastian raised his hand to offer assistance.
"Thank you." A delicate hand took Sebastian's gloved one.
Ciel's eye widened slightly at the voice. A girl?
The one who came out of the carriage was a very beautiful girl with strait maroon coloured hair and sapphire blue eyes. Ciel could tell she was taller than him, probably a couple inches taller than Elizabeth; she looked to be around sixteen years of age.
"Welcome." He greeted. "I'm Earl Ciel Phantomhive, the Master of this manor."
The girl smiled lightly. "My name is Alessandra Knight."
Ciel's visible eye widened for a second. Knight?
"But please call me Aless." She raised her hand in a shaking motion. "Like Alice only not spelt the same."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." He took her hand and shook it lightly. "This is my butler, Sebastian." He nodded towards him.
She looked him up and down. "He seems like quite the catch."
Sebastian bowed. "Thank you for your flattery but I am simply one hell of a butler."
Ciel rolled his eyes. He's still using that line?
Alessandra turned back to the carriage. "Are you waiting for an invitation?"
Ciel looked over to see who she had spoken to; a young man exited the carriage. He was somewhat shocked to say the least. This man was as gorgeous as Sebastian. He had black wavy hair that just touched his shoulders and light silvery grey eyes that almost looked white.
"Forgive me but I did not wish to wake Leo from his nap." A black and white cat jumped out close behind him.
Ciel grimaced. Oh for the love of god! He glanced over at his butler, who had already been entranced by the cat's simple presence. He could already imagine the thing's going through that man's head. "Oh, that beautiful coat and those soft tender paws!"
Ciel was exactly right; he could see a twinkle forming in Sebastian's eyes. He ignored it and returned his attention to Alessandra.
"Pardon me saying this but I'm allergic to cats." He informed her.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry. The thought never crossed me—but I guess it is rude of me to expect you to allow an animal to wander your home." She looked back at the cat that sat quietly beside her companion.
Ciel glanced at the cat. He found it strange how obedient it seemed. As if it was waiting patiently for an answer to the predicament.
"I don't mind it being in my home as long as it stays in your room." Ciel responded.
She smiled. "Thank you for your hospitality."
She then motioned to the dark haired man. "This is Shiloh, my bodyguard."
His eyes focused on the young Earl, giving him a modest smile. "I hope we will be of use to you, Master Ciel."
"I have a feeling you will." Ciel turned his body around slightly. "Please follow me. And don't worry about your luggage. Sebastian will take care of it."
He began to walk to the entrance of the manor with Alessandra close behind.
She halted for a second and turned around to face Sebastian.
"I don't doubt your abilities but please do be careful with the violin case...it's a family heirloom."
He bowed slightly. "It's safe with me my Lady."
She nodded slightly and continued to follow Ciel.
...
Shiloh stood there for a minute, watching the girl very closely. Sebastian glanced at the man and could see a strange glimmer in his eyes.
"Is something the matter? Mr. Shiloh..." he asked but didn't really care about the answer; he was only acting as expected of him.
He smiled. "There's no need for formalities, just Shiloh is fine."
He nodded a farewell and started walking to catch up to his Master. "Come on, Leo." The cat followed behind and jumped onto his shoulder.
Sebastian watched in awe. Such enchanting grace and beautiful fur~, oh, how I'd love to massage those kitten-soft paws...
He sighed and smoothed out his suit. I've already wasted a good minute with my fantasizing—time to get to work.
...
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...
"Your home is so beautiful." Alessandra's eyes looked around the room in awe. "It's been a long time since I've last been in a mansion as grand as this one."
"Thank you for your compliments." Ciel said politely.
He watched her as she continued to walk around, taking in the architecture. He couldn't help but wonder how this young woman was tied to the Queen—she seemed like any other girl. Well, minus the fact that she wore pants instead of a dress.
"You say that it has been a while since you have last entered a mansion." He began.
She looked at him curious. "Yes, it has been a while."
"Pardon me, but was I wrong to assume that you were related to Christopher Knight."
She blinked once. "No, you weren't wrong. He was my uncle on my father's side."
"Then you are of a noble family."
"I am."
"Then, do you not live in a mansion of your own?"
She scratched the back of her head in a manner that told Ciel she would rather not talk about it. "It's complicated." She replied.
Ciel held off on asking anymore questions about her family, she seemed unwilling to speak of her nobility and he didn't want to be seen as an antagonist. Though he knew that there was something peculiar about the unsteady tone she had.
He inwardly sighed. He would have Sebastian do a background check on her.
"Your manor is defiantly fit for a renowned Nobleman." Shiloh stated as he entered, with Leo rested on his shoulder.
"Yes, well, my family has worked very hard to make us where we are today." Ciel replied.
He glanced over, noticing movement to the left of his vision. The servants were standing at a distance observing curiously.
"These are the other servants" He waved for them to come greet the guests.
They scurried over and stood in a line beside their master.
He waved his hand introducing them. "This is Bardroy our chef, Finnian is the gardener, Maylene is our maid, and Tanaka is the house steward."
"Welcome to the Phantomhive manor." They said in harmony.
Alessandra nodded her head. "It's an honour to be here."
Ciel started in the direction of the stairwell. "If you follow me upstairs Sebastian should be waiting and he will show you to your rooms. Dinner will be served just after six, so you may settle down until then."
"So, we will be discussing the Phoenix cases tomorrow then?" Alessandra asked steadily.
"Yes, you must be exhausted from your trip and I want us to be completely refreshed before solving this case."
"Thank you. It probably would be better."
Sebastian stood at the top of the staircase. "If you follow me I will show you to your rooms."
Alessandra and Shiloh followed the butler and Ciel walked down a different hall. "Sebastian when you are finished I would like some tea in the study, I'm feeling rather parched."
"Yes, my Lord." He replied as he led the guests to their rooms.
...
"This is where you will rest during your stay here." He opened both of the bedroom doors. "Your rooms are across from each other and the study is just down this hall." He motioned.
Alessandra walked into her room, taking in everything her eyes could see. Shiloh walked in as well.
She glanced at him with a raised brow. "You know your room is across the hall."
His eyes quickly scanned the room. "I was just looking."
He turned and left going to his own room, glancing back at her before closing the door. "Call me if you need anything."
The door made a soft click and left an awkward silence between the butler and her. She glanced up into his wine coloured eyes; there was something about them that made her feel a little uneasy.
"I guess I'll go rest for a little...thank you for bringing up my luggage." She bowed slightly and closed the door.
Sebastian grinned slightly. Bowing to a servant? She sure doesn't act like a noble.
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.
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Ciel sat on his bed getting ready for a much needed sleep as Sebastian buttoned up his night shirt.
He sighed. As much as he wanted to solve this case they did not speak a word about Phoenix during dinner. Though he didn't really mind not bringing it up, he needed a break from all of the stress. It was actually quite nice to have a simple conversation, talking about themselves, politics, new technology, and anything else that didn't involve the sad realities in life—torture, sadness, poverty, greed, death... the list could go on when it came to the worst circumstances.
"Is there something on the Young Master's mind?" Sebastian asked quietly.
Ciel glanced up, not realizing he had totally blanked out in thought.
"My mind was just wandering." He replied.
"Young Master seems to be doing that a lot these last couple of days."
Ciel continued to look into those eyes—eyes that seemed to look right through him, right into his soul.
"It's quite late Young Master, the moon is already very high." His long gloved fingers went to the boys eye patch and removed it gently.
Sebastian lifted the covers allowing his Master to scoot under. Once Ciel was snug in the middle he pulled the sheets up to his neck, leaving his head the only visible part.
Ciel observed every move his butler made. The man's grace was so enchanting and the way the candle light hit his face made his features even more breathe taking than usual—it seemed clichéd but he was defiantly 'too good to be human.'
"Good night Young Master." He bowed and made his way to the door.
"Good night Sebastian." The boy whispered.
He stood in the door way and looked back slightly surprised. Ciel blushed slightly and rolled over on his side, his back now to Sebastian.
He smiled and closed the door. He felt a little content with his Master's small comment, but the truth be told—he had no idea why.
...
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...
The moon was now at its highest peak, he never tired of watching the moon as it slowly changed positions in the sky—altering the picture and depth in the colour of the trees and shrubs.
"My Lord." A masculine voice spoke.
Shiloh looked to Leo who was curled up on a chair. "You've been staring outside for quite a while now."
"Is there something wrong with that?" He questioned.
"No, my Lord may do as he wishes. But you've looked distracted since we got here."
He looked at the cat disappointed. "Are you telling me you haven't noticed?"
Leo tilted his head. "Noticed what?"
He sighed. "And you call yourself my familiar, I'm not impressed."
The cat pouted and jumped off the chair. "You know I am not as capable of doing things when I am in this form."
He looked at Shiloh with a questioning look in his green eyes. "Is it ok?"
Shiloh glanced at the cat and then went back to gazing out the window. "As long as you aren't seen by anyone."
He gave a Cheshire smile, a shadow swiftly glided around him as he stood up on his hind legs. The overall transformation was quick and painless; the only thing that could be felt was a slight chill against his naked skin.
He guided his hands to his arms and caressed himself, he truly liked this form so much better. To look like a strong and beautiful human, one that would make those gaze in awe and others glare in envy.
The only issue he had with transforming was that he would always end up being naked; the only article of clothing was the green and white ribbon that was always tied around his neck.
He brushed his fingers through his pale white hair, enjoying this moment with content. It had been over a week since he was last in is human form—which was far too long for him to handle.
Shiloh continued to focus on the scenery outside. "Your clothes are in my suitcase."
Leo looked over at the suitcase and back to Shiloh. "I'll be changing back soon anyways." He walked over and sat across from him on the bench seat.
"Do you notice it now?" He asked.
"I do."
Shiloh looked down and caressed the locket around his neck. "I have a bad feeling that things are not going to turn out well."
"Are you sure that's not just her?"
"No, I feel it to. That there is more to this Phoenix than just going around and killing people...like he's waiting for something, and killing all these humans is just a way to pass the time."
Leo looked at him worried. "Killing to pass the time you say...you're not just talking about your prior self, are you?"
He chuckled. "No. But it seems that way, doesn't it?"
He stood and walked over to the bed, lying down on his stomach. "Once you get to be as old as me there's far too much to recall. Many things aren't even worth remembering." He rolled over onto his back. "Slaughtering others is the only thing I can remember clearly because I've done so much of it—can't say I didn't enjoy it though, because I did." His voice sounded sad, almost regretful.
Leo looked at him. He always found it refreshing when his Lord would freely talk about himself and his past—even if the subject was not a great one.
"My Lord."
"Hmm?"
"Have you noticed?"
"Noticed what?"
"The change in you." He stated.
"Change in me?" He raised a brow.
Leo laughed quietly. "And you call yourself a Devil? I'm not impressed."
Shiloh glared at his familiar. "You're getting far too cheeky."
Leo smiled. That young girl is changing you and you don't even know it.
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yaaayyyyy~ I'm so happy that I finished this ch! thank god.
I hope you liked it, and I'm sry if that last bit was confusing in anyway- don't worry though cause it should make more sence later! :D
R&R~~~
btw, I've drawn some character sketches of Leo, Alessandra, and Shiloh.! You can go to my profile- the links are there~ :D
