.
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Mia did her best not to dwell on, or mention, the events that surrounded Noah's Ark Circus; most of what happened was being kept under tight lock and key. The bit she was so gracious told, didn't exactly paint the circus in a good light.
Not that she was any less traumatized by the experience, of course.
If nothing else, this provided a perfect opportunity to catch glimpses of what an utter worry-wart Sebastian could be. Maybe he could just sense her general distress and it made him distressed, or maybe some subconscious part of his brain was telling him to show what a good mate he could be— either way, the entire week he seemed to be serving her more than Ciel. Unless absolutely dire, of course. But afternoon tea and sweets could wait an extra minute or two, if an offered snack was accepted.
Being waited on definitely had it's perks — no wonder everyone wanted to be rich, they wouldn't have to life a damn finger — but she could only take it so much without it making her feel invalid. Plus, it wasn't really her choice of lifestyle, so anything more than a temporary indulgence was more or less out of the question.
That much he certainly seemed to be able to pick up on easily enough. "A human who does not actively seek to be pampered is quite unusual from my experience." Pouring some more of her preferred cup of coffee, he was, in many ways, pleased to see she was already reaching for the milk and sugar. It was unusual for someone not to expect him to simply do things, however it was an interesting, and welcomed, change.
She gave a tentative taste from her cup, ensuring it wasn't too sweet, nor too hot, before a more fulfilling sup was taken. Perfect. Those overly sweet frappe's were nice on a hot summer day, but right now nothing beat a strong cup of coffee. Except maybe the coffee and a donut, like a true American.
"Don't get me wrong, it's nice, but I don't like sitting around and having everything done for me. Most people in my time are the same— they might like a few days now and then where that isn't the case, but mostly we really like getting that sense of accomplishment. I'm sure there are still people who are completely spoiled, but they're outnumbered by the amount of people who've worked their asses off to get what they have, and take pride in what they did."
"It seems as though many things will change. Moreso than I could have ever anticipated at this moment; but, I have seen humanity evolve from the beginning. Continuing to do so will be….interesting, to say the least." His head turned toward the kitchen, hearing the tell-tale ring of his master requesting his presence, and likely, something sweet to eat.
Unluckily for the Earl, the demon was quite adamant about upholding a new diet for him, whether he liked it or not. Make so mistake, Ciel was not very pleased with Sebastian's decision on the matter. As such, he made sure not to mention it had been Mia's idea— after all, they had such potential to form a close bond
The butler's aesthetic to was to place his Master's well-being above all else; it had become abundantly clear that social interaction was, more often than not, required.
While the young heir would hardly admit to it, even after a tense conversation with Mia (or an afternoon spent in the company of the other staff members) he seemed more at ease. Allowing him a proper chance indulge in a basic human need was certainly the least he could do, while still in possession of his soul.
"Interesting good, or interesting bad? And yes, there is a distinction."
Tearing his thoughts away from his little lord, he was, at first, a tad perplexed by her meaning. Interesting was simply that to him: interesting. And many things in the mortal realm were interesting, even if fleetingly. But, if forced to name it precisely, "I believe it is in a good way, though that does not matter as much to myself. As you can imagine, I have lived a long life— longer than most could possibly ever fathom. Very little surprises me, or holds my attention. Any break in the, often repetitive, nature of my existence is like a breath of fresh air."
That was surprisingly…deep? Guess sooner or later, I'll really know the meaning behind those words, too. How the hell do you keep from getting bored?
All in all, she couldn't help grinning to herself as she finished off the last bit of her coffee, and purposefully waited until he was preparing to tend to Ciel's needs before speaking, "You're old as hell."
She was definitely counting his sudden chuckle as a win.
Puns, of all things, made a demon laugh. Who knew?
xxx
No one in the mansion seemed to be making a sound.
Everything was quiet, and serene, much to the butler's enjoyment. Seldom was there ever a day wherein firearms were not shot inside the household, nor a disaster ready to unfold due to the staff's incompetence with their mundane tasks.
That is, until:
"What, exactly, is the point of this so-called game?"
Ciel's voice echoed through the hall, only faintly drawing his attention away from the paperwork that laid out before him. As customary, he handled the Funtom Company's finances, ensuring the steady growth and stability of sales, and investments. It was idle, but necessary work.
Normally at this hour, his Young Lord was enjoying time away from his own work — no letters from the Queen, no parties, no fiancee barging through the door. Moments like these were few and far in between. Though saddled with a (mostly) mature disposition, the Earl was still a child in many ways. Games being a prime example. It was not surprising at all to hear he was engaging in one; though, not one of his choosing, it seemed.
That was probably for the best. Ciel Phanthomhive thrived on games he had already cracked, after all.
"To avoid falling while looking ridiculous."
Sebastian's brow furrowed faintly. No game he was familiar with had that kind of objective— nor did his Lord participate in physical play.
"We've already accomplished that."
"Yeah, well the round doesn't end until someone falls. And judging by your weak ankles, I'm gonna assume you're going to fall first. (pause) Right foot on blue, Phantomhive."
While not exceptionally familiar with games humans tended to play, this did not sound like one he had ever heard of, let alone seen or heard his Master play. He tended to prefer board games that required strategy and critical thinking. Somehow, the demon doubted whatever game Mia roped Ciel into playing was any of those things.
It was the sudden burst if sound emanating from the lounge that prompted him to set aside the small pile of paperwork in favor of satisfying the bubbling curiosity that had grown. The noises continued, having tapered off only slightly as he stood outside the door — distinct laughter from Mia, mixed in with half-hearted grumbling belonging to the Earl. Gloved fingers gently pushed open the door, and almost immediately his brows rose, threatening to disappear into his bangs.
"What on Earth are you two doing?"
A sheet was spread out on the floor, covered in large spots, is ghastly shades of color that were too bright to possibly look fashionable together. Yet there they were, tangled mess of limbs in a strange display of balance, feet and hands centered on various colors while they attempted to remain upright.
Utterly contorted, he briefly wondered if this was some form of modern torture, and were it not for the amusement he sensed radiating from both of them, he likely would have continued to do so.
His futuristic mate (that would still take some getting used to) was the first to speak, perhaps because Ciel looked a tad embarrassed at having been caught in such a strange position by his butler. "We're just playing a game. Or, trying to. Someone keeps complaining about it every step of the way."
"This is ridiculous—"
"Sometimes a little ridiculous does people some good. You're only like twelve and you are already so damn uptight, it's sickening."
"I'm thirteen."
"Because that makes it less worrying."
"If I may interject, the Young Lord is simply mature beyond his years, and has isolated his more childish behavior to restrained tantrums upon not receiving his desired sweets, and the odd board game." If that hadn't been ready to push Ciel to promptly leave, Mey-Rin appearing at the door with a newly received letter from his fiancee definitely did the trick.
Which left her dusting off imaginary dirt from her trousers, before beginning to pull her boots back on. "Has anyone ever told you how mean you can be?"
"Yes, though you've certainly done so more than most. However, can the truth truly be mean, when it is merely fact, stated aloud?"
"Of course it can, it's all in how you say it to people. Though this is where a criticism sandwich come in handy, to avoid sounding like an asshole, while still saying what you want. You acknowledge something positive, then give your criticism constructively, and then end with, again, something nice. Gets the job done, no one feels belittled, and it's usually taken to heart, in a good way."
"Humans are so very fragile, in mind and body, it seems."
"…Well, that's what makes us human I guess? We can be pretty strong and brave and do all of these things, but things other people think about us can really hurt— especially if we hold that someone in high esteem. And, for the record, he holds you in very high esteem. Not just because you can do all of this crazy shit, but because you're the only thing he allows himself to count on one hundred percent of the time. Also, clearly you aren't a moron, which helps a lot, I think."
He watched idly as she pulled her hair up into what she had called a 'messy bun', attempting not to smile too proudly. Their strides were small, but certainly far from nonexistent. "Was that a compliment?"
"Maybe, but I'll never tell. I'm more interested in seeing what you have planned for dinner. I can't remember a time when I never had to eat leftovers because there was something different every day. Your recipe list must be insane."
Three hundred sixty five days a year; breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with ample snacks in between to keep his Lord content. Two years and never has he served the same thing twice within a six month period— perhaps even more. Unless specifically requested for, or particularly liked, naturally.
Lips quirking upward in the corners, he appeared thoughtful for a moment, before allowing a a lazy gaze to sweep over to Mia. Her hair could be rather lovely, even when in such a mussed state.
"It is rather extensive."
xxx
Fingers working through the assortment of cards while sitting on the far end of the counter, she stayed out of the way while the demon worked on dinner preparations; for once, not at all frustrated by her presence.
Delicious aromas had already begun lifting into the air, spices and herbs that were handled with care and precision. She doesn't think she's ever seen someone cook so smoothly, fully confident in their decisions without the need to constantly check the time. The only time he did so was to ensure he was on schedule — but everything else simply seemed to be instinctual.
And, he hadn't been lying about his recipe collection.
It was incredibly packed, and filled with things she had never heard of, but there wasn't anything in there that didn't sound delicious. Unsurprisingly, there was as many dessert selects as there were for dinner. Of which, she noted, there were more reduced-sugar ( or entirely sugar free ) ones that seemed to be recently added.
It was probably for his own benefit in the end, but it was still fairly telling that he had actually taken her advice. At least it showed he wasn't as thick headed all the time. There was still plenty about him that was still infuriating, but a glimmer of hope shined in the bleak sentencing of her future. Sebastian didn't have to be a dick.
He just wanted to be one.
"We should have a latin night. Or Mexican. Gourmet food is great and all, but I've been subconsciously dying for a rice and means — or a few tacos loaded with sour cream — for almost two weeks."
"I am unsure how the Young Master will respond—"
"There isn't anyone alive with working taste buds who doesn't like tacos. They can even be high class tacos if you want. Too bad Doritos haven't been invented yet."
"Doritos?"
"…..Don't worry about it. You'll see them eventually."
Because we're going to be around when it makes it's debut.
Now that was a dangerous train of thought, wasn't it? She'll get to see things most people only ever read about, she live through the eras and experience it all. But it'll be decades before she gets to see her family and friends again — and to them, it will only be a few days since they saw each other. That was going to be….difficult.
Being saddled with Sebastian was, at present, looking only slightly better than facing all that time alone. Of course most people had time to acclimate to one another, and decide if they were likable enough before deciding to be together. This was no such case, so she couldn't be too surprised that it was bumpy.
Downright bat-shit crazy, to tell the truth.
And maybe it was all an intricate, long dream that she would wake up from; perhaps brought on by a fever. The possibilities were endless. If it wasn't, though, there really wasn't any choice but to handle it day-by-day and try not to get lost in the madness.
"I will consider it."
What.
"I said, I shall consider your request." Oh, man. Did she say that out loud?
"That would be….great? If it wouldn't be too much of a bother, I'd really like to start helping out again. Preferably in here, even if it's just cleaning up after. You may not have noticed, but I'm starting to get really bored, and I'm staring to get cabin fever. Maybe whenever you go out to get supplies I could go, so I don't feel like a complete prisoner?"
His immaculate chopping skills were hardly phased by her request, though she could see his eyebrows furrow ever so slightly. "You are far from a prisoner, Mia. It isn't as if you are locked up in the manor." Given their situation, and the added implication of her not belonging in this particular year, it was to be expected to a degree.
But that did not ease the sense of dissatisfaction that came with it.
"I didn't mean I felt locked up." Just chained to you.
Extra care had been taken to ensure she did not speak what was on her mind, though she easily could have; in the end, the unspoken confession seemed to be inferred soon after. If given the choice, avoidance could be much more truthful than confrontation in some regards.
Her lack of eye-contact (which usually was given) gave him the answer needed.
Placing the chopped vegetables in a bowl to marinate, the impact of what she very clearly felt settled on his mind. Misplaced in history, tangled in an unwanted arrangement, and left without any clues or reasons as to why had to be frustrating, and even maddening. Left in this world that she had little first-hand knowledge of, and kept cooped up in the mansion — though luxurious — must feel no better than an extravagant was no fault of her own.
Though it should have, it did not occur to him that venturing outside of the Phanthomhive grounds would be beneficial in more ways than one. Odd, as it should have; yet, perhaps he was still too caught up in his own displeasure to come to that conclusion on his own.
And, thus far, he was not giving many reasons, if any, to be considered trustworthy or particularly likable outside of the civil realm. Hostilities had died down, certainly, yet there was still quite a bit that remained a mystery. Not only to the reason for her arrival, but neither of them knew much about the other, nor had there been any effort on either of their parts to find out.
Given the confirmation that the bond would, in fact, remain, as per the Undertaker's words, it would only do more harm to continue delaying the inevitable. As it stood, his concentration was beginning take effort, the link making it nearly impossible to think properly when she was not in the same room. She did not seem to be affected to the same length as he was, but notable differences could be made when around one another.
He could breathe, not fretting over his mind wandering, and Mia seemed far more relaxed. Far from entirely at ease, however not nearly as uptight as she usually appeared to be.
"—Just as well, you will be needing some new clothes shortly. Tomorrow I must gather more groceries for upcoming events. One of which will be formal, and thrown by the Young Master this coming weekend."
Relief that had come quickly began ebbing away into utter horror. Formal events. Socializing. People. Dancing. The whole shebang. "Oh no."
Someone should not look so pleased with themselves while whisking gravy in a bowl with flower patterns engraved into the side. Especially if that person was tall, dark, and demon. It wasn't right. Not at all.
"Oh, yes. A dress or two will certainly do you nicely, don't you agree?"
A/N (8/21/14): Bam! You can't have a Black Butler fanfic without a ball. It's just not allowed. I should probably warn you guys that from here on out I'll be taking bits & pieces from the Kuroshitsuji manga ( which you can read online, or on mobile for free! i'll put a link in my profile ) to incorporate into the story, as it'll give me more to work with than the anime which is only on the circus arc. Some things may be different simply for the sake of the story, but If you don't mind that, then awesome! If you don't want to be spoiled for anything that may happen in the anime in the future, I recommend reading the Phanthomhive Murders arc— which will otherwise be known as Book of Murder, to be released as an OVA this Fall.
In general I honestly recommend reading the manga, because it's great, and there are so many sources online to read it, there's no reason not to, really. I'm also excited because almost four hundred people have checked out this story; that's pretty crazy in my opinion. But awesome! I have some exciting things planned, and as always, if you like what you've read please leave a review. uwu
Stay tuned for the next chapter!