Ciel Michaelis gathered the last of the toys that his children had left on the sitting room floor and quietly carried them up the spiral staircase. He would have to remember to have a word with them when they returned from visiting their grandparents. He moved quickly through the rooms, tossing the objects into the toy chests before returning downstairs and making his way to the library.
The Michaelis castle seemed like a completely different place when his children and Sebastian were away, far too quiet for his liking. Ciel crossed the short distance to the phonograph and turned it on. The soft music filled the room as he selected a book from the shelf.
"Ciel?" Lizzy called softly from the doorway. The former Earl turned to his cousin, she was dressed in her favorite pink dress and hat. She placed the small suitcase on the floor and entered, Ciel walked toward her, meeting the young girl halfway.
"All ready to go?"He asked. Lizzy nodded.
"Yes. I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave. Will you tell the children I love them?"Lizzy requested sadly.
"Lizzy, you'll only be gone two weeks, it's not forever. I'll tell them, but there's no need to be so unhappy, it's just a visit with your parents." Ciel paused as he realized what he was saying. "Anyway, we'll still be here when you get back."Elizabeth chuckled.
"I know you will, it's just always hard to leave you after everything that's happened." Ciel pulled her into a hug.
"It's going to be alright, I promise." Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder, returning the embrace.
"I'll miss you all so much. Do you want me to stay until Sebastian comes home? It seems like it would be lonely here with just you and some of the staff. Are you sure you don't need Mey-Rin to stay and Alois-"
"You'll miss your train if you wait for them, I'm fine. They'll make sure no one bothers you there and back, Alois will be with you only a short time on the train, but Mey-Rin will stay with you until you get back. if you need anything at all, you know how to call me. I'll be there straight away. Aside from that, I'll see you in two weeks."Ciel soothed.
"I love you all so much."The blond said, tightening her grip.
"We love you too, Lizzy." When at last Lizzy released Ciel, she offered him a sad smile, making her way back to the door, she collected her bag and was soon out of sight. Ciel couldn't blame her for not wanting to go. Since the young earl's so-called disappearance, the Midfords had been attempting to force Lizzy into marriage, a step she was not yet willing to take.
Ciel took his book and made himself comfortable on the daybed, opening it to the first page.
"Young Master?" Ciel sighed, glancing up from his book to find Finny standing in the doorway. The gardener's gaze was cast to the floor "Can I come in?" He asked softly. Ciel sat up.
"Come on then." He invited. The blond ambled into the room until he was in front of the former Earl and sat down on the floor. "What's the matter, Finny? I would've thought you'd be out in the yard playing with the dog."
"I'm not sure. I just...feel a little sad today, A little lonely maybe with everyone being away. Can I stay here for a bit? My work's all done."
Though Finny was older than Ciel, he often seemed much younger. The teen had learned quickly upon his arrival at the Michaelis household how to tap into Ciel's maternal instinct.
"Alright, but there isn't much to do here," Ciel replied.
"What book is that?"Finny asked, pointing to the object beside Ciel.
"It's just an anthology, Sebastian brought it home for me not long ago and I haven't had the chance to look at it."
"What's an anthology?" Finny asked.
"A book with different short stories inside, instead of one long one," Ciel explained.
"Would you...read some of it?"Ciel brushed back a few strands of hair from the teen's face. Finny sometimes reminded him so much of his own children it was difficult to refuse. Finny smiled up at Ciel hopefully. The younger demon lifted the book into his hand.
"The first one-"
"Pardon me, Young Master," This time it was Tanaka that called out to him, "I'm sorry to interrupt, you seem to have some visitors." The old man announced.
"Alright, send them in." Tanaka nodded. Ciel turned to Finny.
"It's okay, Young Master, I understand. I can-"
"Just stay there. As soon as they leave, we'll start the book." Ciel promised, mentally kicking himself. Sebastian had accused him many times of 'Mothering' the teen and despite his denial, Ciel now realized his mate was right.
A moment later, a tall man with auburn hair stood in front of him a look of concern in his eyes. Behind him, a woman with light brown hair sobbed into her palms. Ciel immediately stood up, surprised by his visitors.
"Abberline, what are you doing here?"
"Forgive me, Ciel for dropping by like this." The man said, placing an arm around the woman.
"Come and sit down, both of you."Ciel invited. Abberline gave a short nod, moving to the love seat and helping his companion onto it before joining her.
"Thank you. I realize it's been a while since we saw each other, I wouldn't drop in like this, but, well- this is Maria." He gestured to the distraught woman. I wish I could say this was a social visit but sadly I can't. Maria and I need your help and I know we're in a bit of a situation and we- I can't tell you how sorry I am to pull you into this but you're the only one I know that can help us now, the only one I'd trust with such a thing." The sense of urgency startled Ciel.
"Alright, what do you need?" The man sighed.
"It's a bit of a long story actually. I feel terrible asking-"
"You've said that. I can't do anything to help if you don't tell me what's going on, can I?" Ciel reasoned.
"Ciel," He began, pulling Maria closer. "I'm afraid we must ask too much of you."