Author's Note: Alrighty! The new version of Chapter Ten from Kitten is Angry! The moment of truth for my big ass plot issues. I think this chapter is going to give me way more trouble than the last one. It is such a shame that Ciel is at an all boys' boarding school; it would have been fun to stick Ivy in a uniform for a bit. Sebby would certainly get a kick out of it xD! Don't really know why I even write these notes… I guess it just makes my chapters just look so much prettier lol. I'm hoping that nobody finds any of my writing rushed, cause even though I do try hard to update quickly so that I can get back to my regular chapter updates, I also want to make the events in my plot run at a natural pace. So in the end… don't hold your breath for this update, though it pains me to say it. It honestly took me so long because I was so completely unsatisfied with it… and I still kinda am but… damn it, oh well. Here it goes… ugh.
Disclaimer: Okay… this is a fanfic. Enough said. I do not own the kuroverse, or our favorite butler. If I did do you think I'd be sitting around writing fan-fiction like the sad bored unaccomplished human being that I am? No, I would be off high-rollin it like a boss. Giving my friends and family the good treatment, and giving the butler ridiculous random orders for the hell of it. Ah, the amusement xD.
Chapter Ten: That Maid, Impulsive
"He is every other inch a gentleman." – Rebecca West
Mrs. Bright: a young and talented tutor whom Ivy had honestly expected to be much older to be any sort of temporary teacher with a reputation like hers. Quite the contrary actually, she was indeed young and lovely, though stern, and detail oriented… and like most women –in spite of her marital status made obvious by the diamond ring she wore- sickeningly sweet on Sebastian Michaelis. More importantly however, Ivy found that today this lady was going to be her savior. The prideful butler's dashing good looks would ensure that she had time both to get that key and perform a quick survey of that wooden drawer.
She provided the perfect opportunity for the neko girl. Thank Ivy's lucky stars that she also had the speed of her clan to back her up. Well that was one thing those bastards were good for: genetics.
Anyway, during her stay at the manor the neko had made it a point to closely observe both boy and butler for a while. That would be what that she needed to make an educated decision as to when would be her best opportunity to start her nosing about. It seemed that the tutor had the habit of making attempts at conversation with the boy and his butler that lasted quite a bit. Perhaps in order to extend the amount of time she spent there. It did tend to work rather well. Thus, a perfect opportunity was presented.
Good thing lessons were not held in Ciel's study. Today she would be coming again. This time however Ivy deemed it best that she try harder to stay out of the way while she was present.
It seemed that her presence mucked things up now and then. Mrs. Bright did not seem particularly fond of her company when Sebastian had asked Ivy to serve the young tutor her tea in his stead. She would have to keep scarce so that he did not repeat the request a second time or all would be blundered up.
However, her current predicament that had her skulking about like a shadow this early morning was the attainment of those damned keys. They were not suspended from a chain conveniently placed on the exposed plain of the butler's vest. They were obscured somewhere inside of his jacket. It would be horrifying enough of a thought that she'd have to somehow slip her hand unnoticed into the front of his coat, but heaven knew just how many pockets an anal prick like him had on his person. How the hell would she guess which one it was? What are the odds that she would get it on her first guess? She was more likely to get a handful of the knives and forks he carried with him… that is to say if he did not catch her. If he did catch her…-and it would be near impossible that he didn't-… Dear. God. How the bleeding sodding hell would she explain what the bugger she was doing with her hands under his clothes?
A slender hand reached up to slap its palm against a -mortified at the mere notion- forehead. As if granted by providence to her… a thought flittered across her mind. Whenever Sebastian was working with an especially messy scenario, or cooking something in the kitchens… he removed his coat. She loudly clasped her hands almost as if ready to applaud herself with a swell of giggles. This caused Bard who had been nearby -and hadn't noticed her presence- to jump nearly five feet into the air at the sudden sound and stare oddly at her, backing away a few feet. She looked at him and cleared her throat awkwardly, having forgotten about him being there. He did the same and straightened himself up before walking away… slowly.
Ivy curiously watched him leave and had to stifle a small laugh. Oops. Ever since she snapped at him seemingly out of the blue the other day, he had been very jumpy about her. Oh dear what could he possibly be so worried about? Her temper tantrums were not nearly as bad as they once were when she was a child. With a shrug she ignored it. It was a pointless topic to waste time on when she had a self-assigned mission to accomplish.
Any moment now if she was not mistaken Sebastian was going to step into the kitchen to make preparations for the Earl's breakfast. The timing would be excellent. The neko girl scurried down the hall toward her destination. Getting there before him would not be to her advantage because he might give her an assignment if he thought she was being idle. A few minutes afterward sounded like a good idea, once the tailcoat was already removed and he was in the zone. Then with her speed she could quickly rifle through the article and split without a hitch.
Still it would be difficult to accomplish, as she would still be in a very close proximity to him. He could turn around at any moment to see her poking around his pockets. It was a hell of a risk. No pun intended. It was too much of a gamble for her to be confident with, but how the devil could she avoid taking such a risk?
"Ah, Maylene!" She called perkily after her fellow maid; upon catching sight of the shock of her maroon-esque hair pass her in the corridor. "Where are you off to?" Her bespectacled friend paused at the address with an airy morning smile. It seemed she was a morning person, unlike Ivy who was pretty sure that if she required the same amount of sleep that the average human required, that she would probably be one poke on the arm away from mass murder every early morning.
"Just on my way to do the linens." She responded pleasantly. Ivy hummed, absorbing the information. Whenever it was Maylene's turn to do the linens, disaster often struck… and when disaster struck it was almost always Sebastian who had to come to the rescue. Wait a minute now! Wait. One. Moment. Her eyes brightened marginally at the opportunity that had presented itself to her.
"Ah yes, it is your turn today after all." She beamed with a breezy air. "Well do not let me to delay you in that case. Lunch outside today?" The neko invited, feeling a bit in the mood for a picnic in half-decent company.
"Good idea." Maylene responded over her shoulder.
"Capital!" Ivy called back with a slight wave and hurried straight for the kitchens once again.
….
As Ivy lurked outside the kitchen, she took note that the butler had the tendency to leave the door to it slightly ajar. Something told her the habit had been developed from all the times his cooking duties were interrupted by the amazing blunders of the other servants, causing him to constantly be running in and out. Ha, so even demons like him had their lazy moments. To be fair there was a difference between convenience and laziness. If it were she in that situation she would probably do the same.
It was only a matter of time. Maylene always repeated the same mistakes, just like the others did. In the meantime Ivy made sure to lurk in the nearest corridor-in her cat form just to be safe- until she heard the tell tale signal of her fellow maid's scream. She felt terrible to be hoping that she would mess up a little faster but damn it really? Getting this over with was more prominent in her mind than her pity for her new friend. She would be fine, albeit a tad embarrassed as she usually was. Ironically the one who seemed to suffer the most ended up always being Sebastian. It was rather refreshing, since she had grown accustomed to seeing him as the inflictor of all misfortune rather than the recipient.
Finally the moment arrived in all of its tragic glory. The wails of the ex-sniper echoed unmistakably down the hall and the neko girl hung back ever so slightly. She did not have to see Sebastian leave his work in agitation to know he was on his way. The over-whelming powerful presence he carried announced his movements well enough to her detection. The sudden plunging and rolling of his dark storm cloud aura gave her pause and made her shudder to think that she was attempting to undermine him in any way. It seemed to growl soundlessly with a life of its own as he moved down the hall. Perhaps going so far to learn something that might not even have been anything of real significance was a bit presumptuous of her! Perhaps it was not worth it!
But… oh dear… No. No turning back now. Even if it turned out to be an entirely pointless waste of her time and concern. 'I am seeing those papers… if only for the sake of having an adventure in this tedious English manor environment.' Ivy then decided to deem it as a way to test out her abilities. He was gone down the hall almost all too suddenly and the Halfling did not waste a second. Heaven knows how much time one had in a scenario like this. Crouching low to the ground she made a diagonal beeline patting along on all fours with her ears flattened back against her head, and a fluffy tail between her hind legs.
As she slipped through the partially open doors of her destination -gently so as not to disturb the hinges too much- she transformed back to her normal form. Then, looking about like a nervous ferret emerging from a hole, she hurried over to where the crisp black tailcoat hung innocently on the back of a chair. Her heart pounded and her hands shook ever so slightly as she clasped the crisp woolen fabric. In her haste she dug frantically in the pockets hoping beyond all hope to find what she was after as soon as possible. First try: nothing… and the jingle of butter knives made her jump in her paranoid frenzy. "Damn it." The other pocket proved far more generous toward her cause when the jolly tinkling of the master keys met her ears and her fingers brushed the many little metal barrels. Quickly her fingers grasped the cool ring and pulled out the object of her search.
That was the wonderful moment when she noted just how many keys this manor had. Holy jumping bleeding shit balls. Why hadn't she thought of this before? She began to frantically search through the many keys for the one she needed. "No. No. No! No! No! Damn it where are you?" She whispered harshly, she accidentally dropped the coat in the process but didn't pause to pick it up. Cursing repeatedly under her breath in a way that would make the local street urchins of Bedfordshire quite proud.
"Ah!" she squeaked when she finally found it and quickly covered her mouth in self-reprieve. "There you are. Now come on. Come on. Come to mama. Come ooonnn!" She danced in place as she twisted the key to get it off of the chain, murmuring to it in breathy singsong tones. She was familiar enough with the simple mechanism to be able to remove a simple key from a ring of them. "Gotcha." She whispered, eyeing the stubborn thing triumphantly only to go into a panic when she felt a surge of stifling immovable dormant power moving back up the hall.
"Oh! Curse you Sebastian Michaelis." She hissed expressively as she shoved the key into her apron pocket and practically dove for the tailcoat she had dropped so carelessly to the ground. It was like he was fated to be her all time life's biggest obstacle. He wouldn't let her get a job, he wouldn't let her run away, he wouldn't let her have chocolate, and now he was in her way yet again! She growled and stuffed the key into her apron pocket and returned the keys into his coat pocket at the same time as he entered through the door.
Ivy froze, clutching his jacket and blinking up at him from her crouch on the tiled floor. He looked mildly amused, but puzzled none the less. "Miss Ivy, whatever are you doing?" An elegant eyebrow arched as he smoothly questioned her current situation. The neko girl very gracefully maneuvered her predicament with a flustered but immediate response. The back of her neck felt hot.
"Oh! Good morning, Mister Michaelis. I saw the dishes unfinished and I thought you might be busy so I was going to wash them but… I seem to have knocked over your coat in the process." She informed briskly, rising to stand. "You see, erm… some silverware fell out in the aftermath and I was putting them back in." The weight of the pilfered item secured within her apron almost seemed to burn against her thigh through her various petticoats.
"Indeed." The butler remarked as he plucked the article from her hands and draped it back over the chair where it rested before. Internally Ivy face palmed at herself for just standing there holding his coat like a little dolt. Sebastian seemed to pay it very little mind and she was not sure whether or not to feel secure about that. It was difficult to tell whether he knew something or didn't. "Well, I see no reason why you shouldn't finish up, it would save my schedule from Miss Maylene's interruption to be able to skip straight to preparing the young master's breakfast."
Whether or not he believed her statement she had no idea, but boy was she overjoyed that he did not feel the need to press the issue. She rolled up her sleeves, hoping that neither boy nor butler would find themselves in need of the key that she had just pilfered until well after the tutor had left.
What was the young master doing that very moment? Something time consuming and long she hoped. In her anxiety she felt extra paranoid, washing the left over dishes as quickly as she possibly could manage without being negligent. 'Be cool.' She told herself. 'Be cool. He doesn't know about the bloody keys. Oh dear what have I gotten myself into! No. Stop that. No use regretting it now, no turning back.'
All internal pep talks and musings were abruptly interrupted by the sudden touch of a large warm hand against the small of her back. Really it had been a simple, fairly harmless gesture, meant to nudge the girl slightly forward and out of the butler's path as he moved to take care of his young master's scones. However… Ivy being a mildly paranoid, anxious, and currently distracted petty thief on the edge, was greatly startled by it reflexively. She squeaked and turned swiftly, nearly dropping Bard's favorite mug in the process. Fortunately she caught it mid air. However, in the process she also ended up splashing Sebastian, square in the face. So much for helping him out.
He blinked stiffly and in her flustered state she stiffly placed the mug in his fingers, gave an apologetic nod and immediately dismissed herself, all before he could kick her out himself. Making an attempted beeline for the door with her ears back and her tail between her legs. His hand shot out to grasp her wrist earning another yelp as he easily twirled her back to her spot in front of the counter like a wayward ballerina doll.
"Where pray are you going, Miss Ivy?"
"I'm sorry okay?" She protested loudly tugging away her appendage as he loosened his grasp.
"Are you going to complete your task? Or would you prefer to discuss whatever it is that has turned you into such a bundle of nerves this morning?" He inquired. She blinked once or twice before covering her mouth as her eyes fluttered shut and she had to quell the surge of giggles that suddenly assaulted her. He simply blinked flatly at her outburst and folded his arms.
"Yes… I-…I'll wash." She managed. How scatterbrained of her. "I am really very sorry. Oh dear, look at you Mister Michaels, all sopped from face to shirt collar, and frowning like- pfft!" Her laughter returned, cheeks flushing pink, too tickled to complete her sentiment. "Hahahahaha! Of all the cowardliness in the world I can't believe that I was just going to run off without finishing over this foolishness!" She shook her head. "You'll be fine, you deserve much worse after all. What can you do about it anyway?" The little neko babbled, waving him off dismissively.
There was a swift move of his arm that gave her a start and she jumped, only to relax upon the realization that he was only holding out the mug for her to take back. He raised his eyebrows; she was too funny to remain cross with. Ivy silenced herself contritely with a smile and took it from his grasp. "Try to keep your sudden case of butterfingers under control, little one. If you please." He nudged her toward her task in a similar manner that he had before. The neko deemed it best that she avoid his attention, grateful that he seemed to be having a rough morning so far. This way he was far less inclined to take the time from his schedule to man handle her dignity over a proverbial river of lava. His usual behavior with her would have made it very difficult for her to hide the hand that was currently still in the proverbial cookie jar.
…
Flashback:
"I know you're following me." A boy with green eyes growled over his shoulder in annoyance. No response awaited him as usual. This was all his father's fault. "I can feel you, same as you feel me. As much as it pains me to admit that you share a piece of my lineage, presumptuous little thing." He continued to walk hoping that the abominable embarrassment of a cousin that he had would relent and move on to some other past time.. It is what she usually did with all of the others.
Still much to his disappointment he could feel the breezy little tingle that she did not even bother to attempt concealing, still lingering a distance behind him. "Go away." He glared at nothing in particular.
Nothing. He kept walking. "Just because your mother keeps you around like some sort of pet to flaunt her outrageous gall around, doesn't mean the rest of the Ashcrofts want you around. My father is charitable to the both of you beyond what is appropriate, but I refuse to be mistaken as one who would follow his outrageous and appalling example. If you won't stop following I will make you." At the end of his rant there was still nothing but utter silence. Satisfied the older of the two children trudged on, confident that his words would be heeded. Only they weren't. Insolent! Just like her father.
He reared hard around. "Where are you?" He demanded walking in the other direction now. Wait… why couldn't he tell where she was? Damn it, how embarrassing. He could feel her presence… and she didn't seem to care… but why couldn't he figure out where she was? He frowned. He had honed his senses to perfection and was the most promising tracker out of all the other children in the clan, how on earth did she manage this? A small rock pelted him in the head and he turned in that direction. "What the-!" Then again from the other side. "Ow!"
"I didn't follow you cause I like it. Mama told me to. As a test."
"What did you do?" He bellowed, ignoring her statement. Her large eyes narrowed at him as she appeared, crawling from the brush.
"It's a secret." She hissed. He began taking strides toward the little creature and she bolted away. Stopping, the full breed child huffed and folded his arms.
"Go away." He commanded. "Or I will say that you have been misbehaving, and your mother will get into trouble." The boy mentioned his 'aunt' with some disdain. Really he was bitter. Salena Ashcroft had been one of the models he intended to fashion himself after, second only to his father. How could she disappoint them all this way? To bear some…human's offspring. It had felt like such a betrayal, especially now that she had no more time to teach him. To make him her protogee like he had hoped for so long… because she chose to teach… her. Mint green orbs softened in a numb realization of some sort at his threatening words.
"I can't." Her little head hung. "My mama isn't here and your otou-chan said he couldn't stay either." At this the boy let out a deep and furious breath. That meant that his father had, had the nerve to send her off to him. What did he look like? A wet-nurse? How he hated the little thing standing in front of him. Glaring at her, he finally relented with a huff.
"Did he tell you I had to watch you?" He sounded even more disgusted than he felt. The lack of response was answer enough for him and he could feel the swell of indignation grow within his little chest. "Why didn't you just save time and tell me that, instead of following me around like an idiot?" Once again she glared up at him.
"Mama told me to. As a test." She repeated with some amount of exasperation in her tiny voice, and then she lowered her gaze once again with a seething look at the ground beneath her feet. "… and I didn't want to play with you." She hated the bigger boy before her about as much as she hated all the other mean spirited, hateful full-bred offspring that surrounded her whenever her mother was not around. The family mostly only ever tolerated her presence. She was never completely safe. The only thing that kept the family at bay when Salena was gone was his father out of respect for a most formidable and trustworthy sister. Needless to say he suffered among his other relations because of it.
For a moment there was little more that the boy could do other than glare down at the little one. "The feeling is mutual." He voiced readily, and when he took a step toward her she quickly scurried a good distance away, defensively waving the colorful little parasol that she clutched in her still slightly pudgy fingers. "Stay put." He scolded. His irritated words only seemed to spurn her to flee all the more and she took a step back.
"Stop." He put one of his feet forward. "I don't want to play with you either but if- Hey! Don't you run… come here." He warned motioning her over, if only he had been more capable of dealing with a little girl. But the sole concern on the boy's mind was that if she managed to run away, she would be wandering all on her own about the premises. And then… if anybody were to find her alone and unguarded… if something were to happen… his father would be disappointed and furious… but his aunt… she would lose her mind. If only he had been somewhat kinder back then. Instead in his childish anxiety and impatience he lunged at her.
"Get over here you! NO!" A bounce of wavy black hair and she was gone like a shot. Not uttering so much as a terrified shriek, just pure experienced flight. How many times had she needed to do that? Instantly he made chase. "Damn it! Wait! Stop!" There was no response but he kept going. "Stay where I can FEEL YOU DAMN IT! IVY!"
It was the first time he had ever used her name before and he was instantly ashamed by it. The last of his bellow echoed around him. Just as he froze in self-astonishment the boy only just realized that she was gone. Gone. Gone! Gone! That disobedient little brat had left his sights. How could she have done this? She was an idiot! If he did not find her, it would be the first time he had ever failed fulfilling a task for his father. He lost her trail as if she had been torn from her own course and he knew… he was able to get a general idea of where she was but still he knew… that he had failed.
Upon running to find his father he trembled and it seemed that havoc had already ensued between his father… and his aunt who was beyond beside herself with indignation. Then much to both his relief and dismay, there sat a slightly dull-eyed but unharmed little neko halfling. They had both yelled at him for his negligence and his father's opinion of his responsibility had never been the same afterwards. Though he had, had to stop Salena from punishing him herself, especially what with the rage she was in. He had never cried once before in his life but at that moment he had come pretty damn close.
Still it was not over. What had happened during the time he had spent trying to track her down, had set off a fuse for something that devastated his entire being. An event in which two important people vanished and a fight began.
End Flashback
Now much older, that same young Ashcroft tracker stood in a market full of oblivious human beings. His green eyes surveyed them in detail and yet with a far off indifference. He recalled how after that day, he had sworn to become the best of the best. So that nothing like this could happen to his family or himself a second time. An ironic smirk twitched back the self-mockery of a snort that wanted to come out. It seemed that even now he was unable to keep up with that green eyed little nymph.
An image of a dull-eyed little girl stared at him in his mind's eye. No doubt she would be older now. Did she look very much like her mother? Or perhaps… well he would never quite imagine what her father had looked like, though he had heard many a fearsome tale of the man. There were far too many presences around him, tickling his senses like the vibrations of a wasp's nest. Detestable.
His royal -butt-munch- highness would probably throw a fit if he saw him here supposedly dawdling. What did he care though? He gave the thought a mental shrug. Jet Bercarius was just as much to blame in this as he was… if not more so. "I am the best." He whispered, refocusing himself on the task at hand. "That is why I am here. Who is or is not to blame is now irrelevant." A small body stumbled somewhere nearby and abruptly collided with his. Arms instinctively clasped around this figure, breaking it's or rather her fall.
"Eep! Excuse me!" She sounded flustered, long wavy black hair covering her face and then she caught his gaze and blinked up at him. Her cheeks grew red and for some reason he felt very disappointed at the sight of bright blue eyes. Had he perhaps hoped that it would be so easy? "Excuse me." She repeated, this time in a more awed tone. The twittering sound of her giggling friends seemed to bring him back to reality.
"Excuse me, Miss." He said in a manner both gentile and well bred, steadying her gracefully and stepping away with a bow. "We were both simply distracted, whether by our own thoughts or our hustle and bustle through the wilds and signs of miraculous every day life." Oh dear, he had become such a bull-shitter… and he wasn't even sorry. They all watched him leave though he noticed it very little. Would Ivy now look something like that girl? She was so tiny the last time he had seen her. It seemed impossible to imagine her giggling and carrying on that way when he had never even seen the child smile. Would she have been that way had she been a full breed neko raised among the other females? Probably not.
"There you are."
"Missing me already?"
"Get back to work. Worthless tripe."
"Who's more worthless? The worthless tripe? Or the worthless tripe who needs assistance from worthless tripe?"
"I'll have your head once this is over."
"You will try." The two young men glared darkly at one another. Before another word could be spoken the older of the two spoke up once again. "Not to worry princess, I'm not slacking at the moment. My… associate of sorts should be meeting up with us here shortly. You may keep watch yourself if you like." Brushing past him, he ignored the scalding insult that was thrown his way in the process.
I am the best…
…That is why I'm here now.
….
"She's here?" Ivy asked softly, careful not to sound too hopeful. Carrying out her duties had been an agony, watching the clock, and feeling plain paranoid that Ciel would, by some cruel twist of fate, find himself in need of a specific key. Her luck seemed to land her in those sorts of scenarios quite a bit.
The servant trio didn't seem to catch wind of anything, though honestly if they bought some of the things that she had seen them buy, it shouldn't have been a big surprise. "Yep." Was all that Bard said, not even looking at her as he puffed away at his cigarette. "The young master is being kept pretty busy by now. I'm telling you, she may be kinda cute but… way too straight laced for my liking. Reminds me of a teacher I once had as a kid. Stuffy and so… so… British… no offense." He drawled on. Ivy rolled her eyes and shrugged. What did she care? Technically she wasn't really British. Technically she wasn't even part of this realm though she had lived here for the majority of her life so far. "What did you think?" He asked her casually as if testing water.
Again the neko girl shrugged. "You've been here longer than I. There isn't particularly much to be said for her. I've not taken enough time to observe much farther than your assessment." She admitted to this with no regret. He just nodded as if seeing her point.
"She seems to be kinda…"
"Married and still oozing her flooze up at Sebastian? Yeah I know. Isn't it gross?" The neko laughed it off airily. Bard couldn't help but at least scoff at her wording, and then he nodded.
"Oozing flooze at him, I gotta say I've never really heard that one before. You're right and I don't get it. He's fairly easy on the eyes and his pretty damn talented at just about everything… but he's still just a servant. What do you women see in him exactly that makes you like him THAT much?" He inquired. "Enough to still chase after him regardless of station that is." At this Ivy was inclined to feel insulted.
"Now how in the nine circles of Hell's outhouse would I know that?" She placed her hands on her hips. "Do you see me oozing any flooze? Certainly not, and it would be no surprise that women of nobility would want him –likely as more of a lover of no true consequence- seeing as how they are forced to pick their future spouses from among the hoards of crooked nosed, ugly ass, in-bred, aristocrats that we've all had the disdain of having to look upon in passing." At this the head chef burst out laughing, dropping his cigarette.
"Very good point!" He laughed with a slap to his knee. "I think at that rate I'd pick Sebastian too!" There was no time for her to continue idle chatter, though she was having fun criticizing the stupidity of such women and their companions. It was finally time to get moving.
"So. Did you see where they were?"
"I think they were headed for the library last time I saw them." Good. Now to make an inconspicuous exit she allowed her mind to work. She nodded with a shrug.
"I see. Well… I can't imagine why Sebastian would need to bring in a tutor at all, perhaps to avoid awkward questioning from outsiders. He's probably far better qualified to do these things himself. What sort of tutor is she?" She puzzled casually. Bard rose an eyebrow.
"Well the young master is not particularly good at dancing and he refuses to allow Sebastian to teach him ever since that last time so…yeah. How come?" He questioned her curiosity. She just raised her shoulder in a girlish shrug and went about her business. "Ivy… you jealous of Teacher Mcflooze?" He suddenly inquired. The halfling's gaze sharpened and her pupils shrank into slits. Bard felt an instinctive cold sweat break out at this reaction of hers.
"I find that implication very insulting seeing as I can't see any reason to be jealous. Do you think I should be for any reason?" Pushing off the counter she walked around the island to lean against the wall beside him. Her small figure seemed to be almost stalking him with large focused eyes. Was she cornering him into insulting her? The blond chef swallowed hard.
"Not really…"
There was a moment of silence. "Teacher Mcflooze…I like that name. We should keep it." She chuckled lightly; the atmosphere suddenly brightened and was back to normal.
"Anyway, don't you worry, Bard. So long as Mcflooze is here I will be able to do my work in peace. I am very pleased." Now he just blinked at her. She had to be bipolar. "Oh well! I'm finished here so I guess I should get a move on." Now he would definitely not remark over her sudden departure and just be glad that she wasn't going to kill him in a fit of the insanity that he seemed so certain she possessed. 'Am I good? I think so.' She grinned to herself in satisfaction, breezing out of the room.
Now that she had been there for a while the extravagant décor, structure, and coloring of the manor seemed much less foreboding than it had originally. It was as if the shadows that made up the place had somehow now accepted her as a natural part of it rather than an outsider. Still it was frightening that the place could practically be considered to have a mind of its own in her mind's eye. Her footsteps echoed gaily on the polished hard floors. Her form soundlessly bounded up the stair well and she barely noticed the dark paintings in the hall anymore.
The young earl's office had never exactly given off the home sweet home, mi casa es su casa, vibe to it. Even now as the young neko halted before the door of said location she was still not fond of it. However as she pushed open the door it felt different. Without the presence of the ill tempered child and his aggravating, evil, ass monkey, butler from hell… it was less unnerving and more… stuffy, cold –despite the physical warmth provided by a fresh supply of coke to safeguard the manor from the chilly late autumn air-, and so devoid of any real life.
The silence felt stonier as if the atmosphere itself were staring at her with accusation for sneaking into such a place. It was like nobody had even entered the room in over a decade, even though it had clearly just been in use that morning. A gentle 'click' sounded as she shut the door behind herself and it made her wince. Quickly she scampered over to the desk and began fumbling with her apron for the pilfered key. Every noise nearly gave her a mini heart attack before she finally heard the welcome 'clink' of the now opened lock in the desk drawer.
Sliding it open, her senses met the crackle of files and the lingering scent of sandalwood. "Alright." She mouthed to herself wasting no time to begin fingering through her well-organized bounty. It was set up in order of dates. Thank all things working in the name of good and decency for that! Moistening the tip of her index finger with her tongue hastily she made her way to the front of the drawer and carefully laid a specific file onto her propped knee. 'Come on.' She thought. 'What am I looking for? Something familiar…' Her heart pounded as if afraid to see something that justified her fears. She told them that she wanted to be included in all information regarding those who hunted her.
Honestly it seemed like something so insignificant to react so strongly over if they had in fact kept something from her, however it all boiled down to this: If she could not trust them with their word on something so insignificant then how could she possibly trust them with the biggest promise of them all? –Not simply handing her over the moment they may realize how much more convenient it would be-…
All seemed well and just as she was prepared to rest easy and even begin to feel guilty for nosing around her employers –clearly private- work information, her eye happened to catch something, purely by chance. Her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed. "I'm an idiot." She muttered returning the papers to their proper place and not even bothering to maintain silence as she had before. Instead she just stood up and slammed the drawer shut. 'This is no time to blow your top Ivy.' She told herself sternly. It would only be proper to handle this calmly and rationally.
….
Ciel gave a start when she barged into his office and Ivy felt a bit vindicated by his reaction though not by much. So much for rational and calm. "Hello, Earl Phantomhive. I would have a word with you." She folded her arms. The boy raised a brow at her brashness and set down his pen. First a dance tutor and now this.
Ivy cringed when the door opened behind her and she could feel Sebastian and his fluid movements rolling in a tea tray. "Oh good! The enforcer has arrived as well, and just in time." She smiled sarcastically in his direction. Immediately rising to the occasion with a grin, –always game for a round of banter- the butler opened his mouth to respond with his own smug come back. Ciel cleared his throat first however and the butler nodded setting down his tea and pouring.
"I have just been able to get back onto my usual routine. If you wish to discuss something with me, I'm sure it can wait. I have no time-" As if to emphasize her rising ire Ivy interrupted him by loudly stabbing the pilfered key into his chocolate cake just as the demon butler was setting it down. To hell with whether or not they now knew about her nosing, paranoid venture. They both blinked from the unexpected action. She now knew she had their attention. Actions spoke louder than words after all.
"I really think you need to make time. This is concerning the terms of our agreement. Our still ongoing agreement I believe." She hissed. The boy looked absolutely outraged and as usual Sebastian remained cool, calculated, and difficult to read though a tad bit surprised. A gloved hand removed the key from the snack that he had gone through so much trouble to prepare and he placed it back down on the tray. Ciel stared, blinking at the gall she displayed… she was by no means maid material. His butler was still behind her, watching her now with unreadable darkness. With a twitch upon gazing at his now deformed cake, he pinched the bridge of his nose and spoke up once again.
"You had better have something of importance to say if I'm going to excuse your behavior, Miss Gateau." Ivy had a surge of indignant ranting to respond to that statement of his with but a sudden realization quelled the flames. Large eyes blinked and she froze momentarily distracted. Miss what now?
"What did you call me?" The boy, for a second, looked just as puzzled as her before responding in turn.
"Miss Ivy, really? How can you convince others of an alias if you begin to constantly forget it yourself?" Alias? But… hadn't she-? Slowly her gaze slid to the butler just barely standing outside of her peripheral vision, behind her. He made no reaction, simply opting to pour his master's tea before he went to replace the abused pastry. She was silent with narrowed eyes for several thoughtful moments. Ciel narrowed his eyes suspiciously at her reaction.
"Indeed. How silly of me." She almost whispered in a dark tone. Why had the demon not told his master her name? Was that not the entire reason he had sought to ask her at all? Immediately upon noticing the strained silence that she created after causing such a commotion she snapped out of her internal puzzling. A few rebellious strands that had escaped her prim and proper bun bounced slightly as she shook her head as if to clear it of a distraction. "Earl Phantomhive… when precisely –pray tell- were you planning on telling me about these new little issues concerning a few English workhouses?" She asked in a deceptively sweet manner.
A look of comprehension crossed his face briefly and what added wood to the fire was the casual way he disregarded her indignation and clearly thought nothing of the situation. Not even acknowledging that he had done anything to upset her. He simply sipped his tea and cleared his throat.
"Workhouses? Just a trifle, a dead end that gave us nothing of use." His small hand waved it off, blue sapphire on the ring twinkling slightly from the cloudy light coming through the large window. A window that was giving her ideas right about then, but she ignored it. "Thus giving me no reason to inform you of anything, as there was no intelligence acquired." Ivy's fists clenched at her side and her gaze immediately shot toward the butler with pursed lips, this was likely all due to his influence. Then she glared at the boy seated before her.
"I never said a thing about the information you gathered being useful or not. I specifically said-"
"You said 'information', 'whatever information'. No intelligence was gathered and thus we would be wasting time dwelling on it. Even to inform you about it. Time that could be better spent finding new leads." Sebastian murmured simply. The butler's obsession with saving time was not one his most appealing qualities right now. She sucked her teeth and allowed her eyes to shoot daggers at him.
"I'm sorry. I don't recall directing my argument –the one you so rudely interrupted- toward you. I was under the impression that I was in a discussion with the king of Lilliput here, not his talking snack dispenser." At her declaration, Sebastian knew that he probably should have been affronted but… he couldn't bring himself to take it too personally. He could take care of her mouth later. The young master however puffed up and his cheeks flushed pink at what she had called him.
"Hmph! You are too hasty with your words. Our agreement was that any information gathered about your case would be brought to you, not any possible-perhaps-could-be information. This term implies strictly proven facts, NOT theories such as this specific venture." He spoke coldly and harshly, with the gall to stare challengingly at her. Oh so he wanted to go there. Ivy breathed deeply and placed her hands behind her head, trying to think about ponies, cupcakes… anything but flipping his bulky overly extravagant desk over.
"You don't want to get into semantics with me. I promise you, you don't." She held up a single finger aggressively. "…Because in this particular case… you will most definitely lose." Sebastian was strangely silent, curious to see two of the most unique and particular creatures of his acquaintance clashing uninterrupted. How would they handle one another? They were both quick witted and resourceful; it was anybody's guess.
"Miss Ivy… as I have made it clear that our agreement has not been breached… I see no point in prolonging this discussion." The boy murmured. He clearly did not give her temper much consequence. "I would however like to deliberate with you over, this whole sneaking about, thieving, and rifling through my study… stint."
"You never forbade me in our terms." She responded quickly, turning his logic around on him. "So then, you are determined to be unapologetic about this I presume?" She folded her arms as if waiting for the confirmation that she needed. Ciel folded his arms.
"I see no reason to be apologetic over your lack of foresight and naiveté." He stated rather evenly, a dangerous gleam in the large blue eye that stared fiercely at her. At this, her hard gaze sharpened.
"My lack of foresight and naïveté… I suppose from you that translates to expecting common courtesy from one I've been made to collaborate with. Is it naïve of me to think of you honorably…?" Her eyes brightened somehow as if seizing upon a new scent. "If I were more clever… would I suspect that you regard me as nothing more than a pawn perhaps?" The idea was abhorrent. The very idea of being used… every feeling within her revolted. Ciel simply entwined his fingers under his nose thoughtfully before speaking again.
"Do not look so surprised. Just as the pieces on a chess board are moved and perish for their purpose…once eliminated they have no more use, and every piece must be carefully maneuvered in their own place and serve their purpose, the knight, the bishop, the queen, the rook, and the pawn." he said in a dark tone of voice. Ivy just stared at him.
"I can only think you and your inky black wall of manpower hindrances in such a case. I can't afford to trust those with such a… work ethic." Her expressionless face made the boy raise an eyebrow in suspicion. Sebastian was keen on the exchange between them, amused at their interaction. He grinned to himself, much like a child watching two fond pets scuffling. "You expect everyone around you to be pawns… to use as stepping stones for your own purposes? To die over your agenda and have it not matter, as if it were some ultimate purpose? I wish I could feel so self-important."
"I have no time to listen to such naïve idealisms. This world is unkind. There are only those who steal or are stolen from. All you can rely on is yourself. Do not speak in ignorance." He waved her off dismissively, clearly more than a little annoyed at this point. Being called ignorant was not something Ivy was willing to swallow. Ever. Her eyes smoldered. Oh consequences be damned he was about to get his. Oh, she would rip him a twelve-year-old new one.
"A.) Steal or stolen from. Only a child could attempt to condense the ways of the world into two simple categories. I apologize but things are just a little bit more complicated than 'steal or be stolen from' sunshine. Life is kinder to some than others, you and I both got the short ends of the sticks. Should I then be gallivanting around going out of my way to make others miserable for fear that if I don't steal I will be stolen from? Of all the insidious jokes, imagine how chaotic that would be. B.) Naïve? Ignorant? You are calling me… ignorant? You who bases his life philosophy on limited board games? Once again, life proves more complicated than how you have painted it. And C.) You are referring to self-reliance! When does that part come in? When you actually do something on your own for once? After all not every miserable and dying child has had the opportunity to summon…one of those and still have the nerve to even utter the word self-reliance! Can you even brush your teeth without him!?"
"ENOUGH!" A blue eye blazed with wild unquenchable fire. Perhaps Ivy had crossed the line, even Sebastian was uncharacteristically silent. She did have the tendency of not thinking everything she said through thoroughly enough when she was angry, and clearly she had just blown it. "Sebastian. Remove a certain female from my sight-"
"DON'T! Touch. Me." She reeled away, the butler's eyes narrowed. "There is no need. I can walk out on my own." Her heart was pounding in her ears and she was breathing deeply to remain impassive. Shockingly she was not afraid. She was furious.
…
The angry spring in her steps as Ivy stormed down the corridor, and the head start she had given herself, still couldn't deter the ease with which a certain butler matched up to her pace, quickly pulling up to walk beside her. She would not even look at him to gage his expression. "Can your manners be any worse?" His voice made her back and shoulder stiffen furiously.
"Get away from me." She hissed, still not looking at him, the fur on her tail bristling and puffing. He remained where he was, impassive to her body language and tone.
"Dishes and silverware indeed. I might have known you'd never be so clumsy. I am impressed however at your proficiency."
"Why hadn't you told him my name?" She reared on him with a suspicious glare. He smirked.
"Why were you snooping about the young master's private study?"
"I was doing NOTHING against our agreement by ensuring my security. Now answer the question."
"You must think me a simpleton. I know the rules as well as you do. I have lived for quite a while-"
"Rusty old fart."
Her disruptive muttering caused him to pause and cast her a disapproving glance to which she rolled her eyes. He continued. "When a half-breed willingly gives their true name to a mortal –indirectly or not- a price must be paid by said mortal. Naturally I would not allow such a risk to be taken." So. Bleeding. Close! Ivy wanted to strangle herself for giving in so quickly when he asked, and then paused with a frown.
"Why would you even bother asking me at all then?" Her hands flew to her hips and she stopped walking, turning her body to face him. Once again he smirked.
"Would you believe perhaps, that I simply wanted to know the name of my charming companion?"
"Not for an instant."
"Then I have nothing more to say in this regard." An innocent shrug.
"Rot in hell."
"Join me."
"Mister Michaelis-!" She almost snapped and took a deep breath, smoothing her hair with both hands. "We are not going to do this. I don't care what you or the baby Polyphemus have to say about it, this mess was a breech of our original agreement." She poked him in the chest firmly.
"How can you be sure it was intentional? He is a child after all." He grinned. Ivy's eyes narrowed.
"Don't treat me like an idiot. He sent you to deal with me after my tantrum didn't he? To make sure I don't tepee his manor, poison his afternoon tea, or leave tacks on his chairs? I'm not sorry I put my point across -though perhaps I was harsh- that child has developed a massive superiority complex. I blame you." She continued to poke him for better emphasis until he caught her wrist with a chuckle. At that point she began to dig her heels into the ground and pull at her arm in a struggle to free her captured appendage.
"Miss Ivy." He pressed her into the wall slowly, deliberately, and leaned over her. One hand pinned her wrist beside her head while she pushed at his shoulder with her free hand, and the other rested on the wall beside her. "We are all doing our best to handle this situation, our treatment of you is not going to change over a childish outburst-" She very suddenly swiped at his eyes with her claws and he jerked back. "Ah-ah!" One large hand now pinned both arms against her chest by the wrists. "We need you here, just as you need our protection." He reasoned. "Why not cooperate?" He purred persuasively, a bit closer now. Her gaze trailed elsewhere, dull and tired. They were trying to make sure she didn't try to escape maybe. Something in her eyes hardened.
"I need nothing from you." She growled, eyes glowing with the slits of cat in them.
"Then why run from them?" He cornered her and she had no response. There was still no guarantee that they would not sell her out now. Perhaps she had not made that point clear enough to them yet, but no matter. Instead she settled with silence for now. "You have nowhere else to go." He reminded her. She visibly settled down but her gaze never changed.
"Mister Michaelis I promise… you wont like me this way."
Author's Note: There you have it, my long ass chapter ten. I know its not the same but w/e. At least take solace in the fact that its so damn long. I'm not fond of how it came out BUT I can fix it after I finish the general story. For now my basic events are falling into place and that's all that counts for me. Now I don't expect much reviews but feel free if you have ignored my warnings and continued reading this fic despite what it says in the summary. Thank you and to all a good night.