Chapter 4
…
"There's no way I'm doing it." I said flatly.
This was like a bad dream, a nightmare really. I had to resist the urge to pinch myself to see if I really was dreaming.
It had been two hours since I had woken up, two very long, very dragged out hours. Just as he had said the night before, Sebastian was there to greet me when I came out of my room, fresh as a daisy and wide awake. It made me wonder just how early he awoke just to start the day, given how late it was last night.
Did he even sleep? I was almost too afraid to ask, he didn't look the least bit tired.
All the while he had patiently waited for me to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and get dressed.
Breakfast was given to the servants as they liked, and I was free to choose.
So I sat there, re-reading Ciels letter like I would win a grand prize if I read it enough times, chewing the last remnants of the sloppy pancake I managed to make.
"It will grow back." Sebastians patience was waning, I could tell by the frown, which was more arched than usual.
He stood at the edge of the kitchen counter, looking like he'd give about anything just to get me to agree. Who would ever agree to that? No woman would, certainly not me.
I glanced at the letter again, eyes scanning every word, still trying to make sense of it.
'Dear miss Voss,
I apologize for contacting you in such short notice, and so soon upon arriving, however, I am in dire need of your help. I am currently attending Weston college for a short period of time on behalf of the Queen. I am not here merely for luxurious or academic reasons, rather, I am here with a goal in mind. If it's not too much, as not only my servant but a fellow phantomhive member, I humbly request that you attend Weston college on my behalf and help me attain this goal. I promise to explain further details in person. Weston college is a prestigious male only school, as I am fully aware you are female, there is a plan in mind. I have sent Sebastian to assist you in the necessary changes
-Ciel Phantomhive'
The more I read it, the more ludicrous it sounded. Did they both have any idea how much trouble I'd be in if I was found out? Of course a noble would get a slap on the wrist, but I was no noble.
I stressed my concerns to the butler, and was only greeted with a smile.
I'd be under the protection of Ciel and the queen, that's what he had said.
I didn't know what was more surprising, the fact that Ciel had ties to the queen or the fact that they both expected me to go along with this.
One day, that's all I had. One day to adopt an accent similar to theirs and learn proper etiquette. After all, as far as anyone at that school was concerned, I was to be the earl's brother. Would anyone even believe that?
"It's not going to work anyway, we're not even the same race." I sighed, leaning back into my chair.
"You look so alike, no one would tell the difference." Sebastian assured, lips curled into a slight frown.
"I don't even look like a boy." I retorted.
"A haircut would fix that, I dare say you could easily pass as an adolescent." This time, he looked amused.
My eyes narrowed as I stood up from my chair, plate in hand. I didn't want Mey-Rin nor the butler to clean up after my own mess.
"You aren't touching my hair." It was final.
Breakfast was nearly over, the other servants were sure to be up at any moment. What would they think?
"Why does he need me to go there and pretend to be a student anyway?" I couldn't help it, I was curious.
I could almost feel Sebastian's laugh, even with my back turned to him.
"The young master has promised to explain in person, it would be easier to understand." His tone was stoic.
"I got that, but I can't agree to something if I don't know what I'm getting myself into…" I muttered cautiously.
"You don't trust the young master?" Sebastian tilted his head to the side.
I paused, unsure of how to answer. I didn't want to say I did, I would be lying if I did so. I barely knew the earl of this manor, that was reason enough not to trust him, especially for such a crazy request. Still…he had given me much in the short amount of time I had known him. Part of me felt guilty.
"About that incentive…" I muttered softly, eyes staring out into the window.
I could see them, Finny and the maid, working together to carry a large crop plot out into the back garden. The other two must have been up by now.
"That, the young master will also discuss with you, I am assuming you will be paid handsomely-I'll do it." I cut him off curtly.
I didn't have to turn around to know he held surprise, and relief, I was sure.
"Splendid." Yes, he was relieved, but not for long.
"Under one condition." I turned around then, staring up into warm brown hues with a firmness that suddenly arose. "I will not be fooled, tell me everything you know about this request, now please."
He stiffened, eyes widening if only for a split second before being replaced with a squint of annoyance. I didn't feel bad about it, Sebastian and I were equals under this roof after all, and I was growing tired of having my concerns ignored. If I was going to have a boy's cut, I deserved to know why. Before I agreed to anything.
I knew he disliked it, nevertheless, his mouth opened, and he began to talk.
.
…
.
"Bloody hell, it's like they're twins."
"I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference, not at all!"
"She still looks more feminine, it's the eyelashes and the hands."
"Wut? I don't see it, I don't!"
"Take ya glasses off for once Mey-Rin."
"Can someone tell me why we're doing this again?"
They have been talking non stop for the last hour, and the more they did the more I was afraid to look at the outstretched mirror Finny held.
Sebastian was the one who took it upon himself to cut it, and he did so with quick precision. He was fast, focused, and skilled.
I had to give him that much credit.
I would have been a nervous wreck if the tables were turned, no doubt cutting way more than was necessary.
He had done this before, many times, I could tell.
I had to wonder if Sebastian had any experience working as a barber.
Now the servants were cleaning up the hair decorating the floor, all the while hearing Sebastian's explanation of the whole situation.
It was vague, even more vague than what I was first told, but they didn't press him for any additional information.
"She's got to help out the young master with some issue." Bard breathed out, scratching the back of his head.
He was just as confused as Finny was, they all were, hell, so was I. I still couldn't believe I had agreed to this, actually, I was certain Sebastian wouldn't go against Ciels wish to keep the details secret. He wouldn't, a butler was loyal, but when he did I couldn't refuse. I wasn't one to go back on my word.
I said I'd do it under the condition of his honesty, and he complied.
It helped me make sense of the situation at hand if only a little. Ciel worked for the queen, secretly, like some sort of underground detective.
The queen's guard dog is what he called it, it was a family title that was inherited into his name.
He was in that school looking for someone who was missing, someone who was related to the queen. I had to admit, when Sebastian said it, it sounded like something straight out of a cheesy thriller novel. It was hard to believe, I would have taken it for a joke if it wasn't for the letter.
When I agreed to go through with it, I also had to admit, it wasn't just because I didn't want to go back on my word. Sure, honesty meant a lot to me, I hated being lied to.
However, there was a certain thrill that arose, an excitement. A missing person, a prestigious school, sneaking around as a boy pretending to be a noble.
Dare I say it? The thought was exhilarating.
I loved reading a good mystery, and I never thought I'd get to actually help solve one.
Ciel was not only a toy company owner, he lived a double life.
What other secrets did the Phantomhive name have to hide?
I glanced at Sebastian, who held a small smile of satisfaction.
It was also the money, who could say no to such a bribe? I needed it, sis needed it.
"Would you like to take a look?" His voice was smooth when he spoke, brown eyes downcast as he peered down at me.
I hesitated for a moment, reaching up to slide my fingers down fine, smooth locks that fell just a bit above my eyes. My head felt tremendously lighter, I hadn't realized just how much hair I had.
Finny held out the mirror, smiling.
"It's not so bad, I actually think you look better! Your face was hidden under all that hair but now I can see your face." There was a small tint to his cheeks.
It gave me the courage to look, and I stifled a small gasp. I looked…like a different person.
Yes, my face was a lot more visible, with finer and thinner strands that were neatly combed over my forehead. Murky blue, like water at dawn. A hairstyle like the earls, I was the spitting image of him.
I understood then, Sebastian didn't have experience in any hair shop.
He simply was the one that cut the young earls hair, or so I assumed.
"I suppose." I muttered, still processing that this was really happening.
"Well now, If you'd please follow me this way." Sebastian said after putting away the last of the tools he had used.
I gave a quiet nod, brushing off remnants of hair that had snuck it's way down my neck. It was starting to itch.
"Mey-Rin, please see to it that you accompany our new recruit." The tall butler added, as if this was some sort of camp scout group.
"Y-yes sir mister Sebastian!" The red haired maid breathed out, marching forward rather clumsily to follow behind.
I had to briefly wonder what the butler had in store for me now. One thing was for sure, I was not doing anything as crazy as cropping my lashes. There was such a thing as going too far, especially for a lady.
Each step we took echoed throughout the hallway as he exited the pool room and ventured closer to the front stairs. Because his legs were much longer, his strides were wider. It was hard to keep up, and I gave quick puffs of air as I struggled to follow behind.
He was in a hurry, no doubt.
He wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"What time are we leaving?" I breathed out, deciding to break out into a brisk walk.
Mey-rin sped up as well, boots clacking against the smooth and shiny floor that seemed to glisten under the sun's rays that slipped through glass windows.
"That depends on how fast you can pack." Sebastian said, hastily ascending the stairs.
I blinked, not sure how to answer. So I was going to take my things, just how long was my stay at this school going to take? The idea of staying longer than a week made my skin crawl with nervousness and worry. So many things could go wrong. For one, I obviously was NOT a boy, I had nothing that was boyish and possessed a female frame. No haircut was going to hide my voice and body.
Seriously, just what exactly was the earl thinking?
"About that…I have nothing but skirts and dresses…how is that going to work?" I stressed, raising a hand to bite into a nail.
Sebastian paused just before a door so abruptly I almost crashed into him for the second time in the past few days. I watched, puzzled, as he wrapped a gloved hand around the knob and flashed the all too familiar fox-like smile.
"Indeed, that's what Mey-Rin is for." His response only served to increase my confusion.
"What?" I looked to the maid, who was looking just as puzzled.
Sebastian was a man of few words, and it was aggravating. Nevertheless, I stood by silently as he closed the door, hands holding onto some sort of gauze-like wrapping.
"What's that?" I asked, eyeing the material curiously.
"Mey-Rin will help you use these to bind your chest, it's soft enough to be comfortable, there should be very minimal pain." The black-clad butler explained.
My jaw nearly dropped, even more so when Mey-Rin accepted the bindings without hesitation, clumsily adjusting those large glasses that decorated her face.
"Yes mister Sebastian!" She huffed.
"Wait, why is she going to help me?" I blurted, clearly not liking the idea of the maid seeing me undressed.
"You'd prefer for me to help you?" His eyebrow rose, gloved hand coming up to caress his chin as he stifled an amused grin. "How bold."
There it was, that leer. It was the same expression he wore on that day before he freaked me out. I couldn't help but gasp, cheeks growing hot in embarrassment.
"N-no! Don't be absurd…nevermind what I asked!" I stammered, sidestepping him to make my way towards my room.
Mey-Rin followed close behind, her skirt dress jumping with each quick step she took to catch up.
"I'll be waiting by the door, a carriage will arrive shortly." He called out, voice sounding a little too cheerful.
Too cheerful for my liking.
I ignored him, picking up my pace and swinging my door open once I approached it.
My room was just as I had left it the night prior, the sheets were still undone, and my cards were still out. I was so caught up in last night's adventure downstairs I had forgotten to put them away.
The manor was that grand, just going to the bathroom seemed like a trip.
"Sela? Is somethin wrong?" Mey-Rin entered the room looking a little out of breath.
Was I walking that fast? I should have slowed down for her.
"Sorry…I just wish he wouldn't tease me like that, it makes me feel uncomfortable." I sighed, regaining my composure.
"Does it? I'm sure mister Sebastian is only joking, what I wouldn't give for him to tease me like that!" She gushed, cheeks growing pink as she held them with both hands.
I almost choked on my own saliva. She liked the butler, but then again, it shouldn't have been a surprise. He was a good looking man with good stature and a well built body.
It was his personality that ruined it, he was just so….so….rude?
I wasn't sure if that was the right word for it.
"Right." My voice trailed off, eyes spotting the clothes resting on the bed.
A light black coat that hid a white dress shirt, so light it looked almost blue, with fine pants and a pair of boys shoes. The scarf that curled around the coat was a good match for it, and soft to the touch.
"Mister Sebastian must have left it here for you to wear." The maid chirped from behind me.
"That's what it looks like, why do you call him by his first name anyway?" I asked, fingers coming up to unbutton my own shirt.
There was no use being shy about it now, and the maid was sensible enough to close the door behind us.
"I don't actually know Sebastian's surname, so I go with mister Sebastian." She gave a shrug.
"I see, didn't he ever introduce himself with his full name?" I didn't know how long that man was working here for, but I knew it was long enough for his full name to be known.
"Yes the young master did! I don't recall it, we all call each other by our first names anyway!" She cheered.
I nodded, removing my shirt once the last button was undone and letting it slide down my shoulders onto the floor.
Mey-Rin picked it up, and I muttered a thanks when she set it down on the bed.
My bra was next, I had no trouble unhooking it from the back and moved to set it down next to the shirt. I quickly pulled my arms over my chest in an effort to keep the warmth that the shirt had provided.
Now that my long locks were gone, I could feel even the slightest breeze caress my skin, and I shivered.
You'll have to put your arms up." Mey-Rin hovered behind.
"Ah, sorry!" I obeyed, stretching my arms forward to make it easier for her.
She wasted no time in clipping the material around my upper torso, pulling hard and wrapping it around once, twice.
I buckled under the sudden movement, legs stiffening to keep myself from falling back.
"Ya might want to hold on to something." The maid warned.
I nodded, reaching forward to hold onto the bed frame, wheezing when she pulled back harder. I felt as if the wind was being knocked out of my lungs, I couldn't breath. This was precisely the reason why I didn't wear corsets.
"Too…tight." I pleaded, hoping she would loosen it up a bit.
"Just a bit more!" She pulled one last time before quickly latching the end, making it stick to the side like glue.
I let out a breath of relief, hands coming down to feel around the makeshift bra designed to hide my cleavage. It was smooth under my fingers, soft, as Sebastian had said.
Yes it felt tight, but it wasn't completely uncomfortable. It was only a matter of getting used to it.
"Is it too much? I can loosen it up somet." The red haired maid offered, full lips curled up into a smile.
"I think it's fine, thank you Mey-Rin." I shot her a smile of my own.
"You're welcome, good thing you're not too big!" I knew she meant well, but I couldn't help but eye her own chest with slight envy.
"Right…" removing my skirt was the last thing I needed to do.
I did so with ease, all shyness long gone now that I felt comfortable around the maid. The pants were a perfect fit, as was the shirt, and the coat was thin enough to not overheat my body. It was more of a fashion item really, it felt good against my skin.
Sebastian knew how to measure with his eyes, he was accurate.
"Are those tarot cards?" Mey-Rin's sudden question caused me to pause midway of putting on the shoes.
She was holding the box, peering into the gold design with a curiousness that could be seen in the curve of her lips.
"Ah…yes." I was hoping to keep it a secret from the servants before, but after meeting snake last night it didn't feel like it mattered now.
"That's interestin, do ya read them?" She set the cards down.
""Yes I do." I finished towing the last shoelace and proceeded to eye my reflection in the wardrobe mirror.
I looked like a paperboy, all I needed was a hat and a basket full of newspapers to complete the look. My chest was well hidden, there was no way to tell save for my voice and my eyes if you looked closely. Then again, the earl also had a pretty face, I suppose it all depended on how I was perceived.
"They aren't very popular in China, but I hear about em in Britian, just never met anyone who read em." She mused.
I gave her a curious glance, eyes wide with surprise.
"Are you Chinese Mey-Rin?" I couldn't see her face well with those glasses, but she didn't sound Chinese at all.
Her accent was definitely English.
"Oh yes! I know it can be hard to tell!" She scratched the back of her head, flustered.
"It's the glasses." I pointed out, removing my suitcase from the wardrobe and opening it to throw in the little belongings I planned to take.
It wasn't much. Underwear, a combe, toothbrush and toothpaste, and my cards.
"When I get back, I can read them to you." My hand came up to feel around for my pendant.
It wasn't there, there was nothing to feel but the scarf. Did I drop it somewhere? Maybe in the kitchen last night. Why did I have to lose it now of all times?
"Really? I don't want to impose, but if ya don't mind." She was looking forward to it, I had to make sure not to forget.
"Have you seen a gold necklace lying around?" I looked around the room with aggravation.
I didn't mean to change the subject, but finding that pendant was important to me.
"A gold necklace, I haven't no." She replied apologetically.
I gave a low sigh, bending down to peer under the bed. Where could it have gone? I wasn't sure just how long it had been missing, but I was sure I didn't leave it at the inn.
I walked all throughout the manor just yesterday, it had to be somewhere here.
"I can keep it for ya until you return if I happen to see it." Mey-Rin offered in an attempt to calm me.
I bit my lip.
"I'd hate to leave without it." I muttered, trying to hide the distress in my tone and failing.
The red head tilted her head, pigtails bouncing with the movement.
It was precious to me, it was the only memory of mom I had.
"I think that's the best we can do for now, it will take all day looking for something that small in the manor." Mey-Rin said reasonably.
I thought about it for a moment. She was right, and Sebastian had mentioned a carriage was arriving soon. The trip would take a few hours, and we were expected to arrive at dawn. Leaving early was crucial.
"Thanks Mey-Rin." I smiled through the disappointment.
I had to trust someone here would find it.
I would go crazy if I had lost it forever.
"Yes young mast-I mean Sela!" She stammered, tripping over her own tongue.
I couldn't help but give a low chuckle. I was sure I looked like the earl without the eyepatch, It was going to take some time to get used to. For everyone.
"I should go." I shut my suitcase, pleased when I heard the familiar click of the lock closing.
I hated to admit it, but my stomach was turned into knots. Despite being curious and a little excited about the prospect of delving into an elite boys school, I was also nervous.
Nervous that I would get caught and suffer the consequences.
'You'll be protected under the queens and the young masters orders'
Sebastian's voice came back to me, offering me solace in all the cluttered mess that made up my mind.
I was putting immense trust in people I hardly knew, and it somehow felt right that I did.
I had to trust my intuition. Everything was going to be alright.
"Sela." Mey-Rin's voice stopped me, and I was surprised to feel her arms suddenly wrap around my torso.
She squeezed, the hug was tight, but held warmth that felt both pleasing and new. She peered down at me, eyes visible through the cracks underneath the lens of her glasses.
A sharp light brown, similar to Sebastians but a tone darker. They were almost scary.
"Y-yes?" It was my turn to stutter, eyes wide and quizzical.
"Thank you for helping the young master, he's done much for us, gave us a home, sometimes I feel my skills aren't enough." She muttered, tone suddenly a lot more serious and reserved.
It was alarming seeing such a quick shift, I knew at that moment that the maid wasn't quite as ditzy as she appeared.
"Ah…you're welcome." I said with a half smile.
She let go and adjusted her glasses, giving me space to gather myself. I didn't know Mey-Rin's backstory, or how she came to work here, but I knew she was devoted to the earl.
Not just out of duty but out of feeling.
This was not the first time I had seen such a sudden change in personality , and I felt it wouldn't be the last. London had a lot of surprises.
There was a very brief moment there, when she looked down at me, when she chose those words. It only lasted a second but I felt like it was important.
Something about London attracted such a crowd, but I wasn't put off. It made me all the more curious. There was definitely more to her than I had previously thought and I couldn't wait to unlock her story.
I gave a full smile this time, waving as I backed out of the room in my shiny new shoes.
"Thank you as well, keep a lookout for that necklace!" I turned to leave then, short hair light with the new cropped locks.
"Will do!" She called out, voice no longer holding that reserved seriousness.
She was back to her usual self.
I trotted towards the stairs with a huff, taking care not to lean too close to the paintings. The last thing I wanted to do was knock something over and break it.
Was there ever a rule about running inside the manor? I couldn't recall.
Snake was standing near the door when I found the stairs and descended them. There was that same green snake coiled around his arm, and the red one hung around his neck, little heads arched up as Sebastian held the door open.
The taller male was writing something on a booklet, pen scribbling down frantically as he talked, no doubt giving out a list of things to do to the strange snake tamer.
I approached cautiously, slowing down my pace to eye the reptiles wearily. There was a new snake on his other arm, a brown one with black rings and surrounding orange blotches.
How many did he have?
"There you are, our ride has arrived, we need to leave as soon as you're ready." Sebastian checked his pocket watch before handing the booklet to Snake.
"I'm ready." I said, stepping closer to the door to feel the cold breeze seep in.
It was daylight, but the clouds covered a good deal of it. I could only hope it wasn't going to rain.
"Good, I do hope you find the clothes to be satisfactory." Sebastian's gaze flickered over to my frame, brown hues shiny over sun beams that made their way through the door.
Scrutinizing.
"Yes, they're fine, thank you." I nodded in approval, sliding a hand into the coat's front pockets.
It was weird, I was dressed like a male and was going to go out in public looking like this. I wondered what sis would say if she saw me now. She would certainly think I had gone mad.
It was unheard of for a woman to be wearing pants in my old town, and every woman I saw upon arriving wore a skirt.
This whole thing was entirely bonkers.
"Good, now, Snake, I entrust you and your reptile friends to take good care of the manor while we are gone." Sebastian tore his gaze away to nod towards snake.
The smaller male nodded, eyes skimming the booklets pages briefly before closing it.
"You can count on us! says Wordsworth." He drawled, accent high-pitched and funny, as if he were reading a children's book to a crowd.
I could hardly believe Sebastian was really including the snakes in his request for the manors protection.
"Excellent, now then, I'll take that for you, please follow me outside." Sebastian reached out, smile spread wide.
I handed him the suitcase before turning to Snake. Finny and bard must have still been busy cleaning up the mess Sebastian had made with my haircut.
A shame.
That left only the black-clad snake tamer.
Perhaps it was for the best, I did owe him a proper apology.
I reached my hand out to him, patient when he stared at it quizzically.
"I'm sorry about last night, I didn't mean to almost kill your pet, I hope I can get to know you when I return." I said with honesty.
He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before slowly taking my hand and shaking it once.
He had a shy, aloof aura about him.
With the sunlight shining down I could see his face more clearly as well, and I had mistaken the rash-like blemishes on his cheeks for a birthmark.
They looked more like scales.
Snake-like scales to be exact.
It must have been some sort of birth defect.
Did he keep snakes around and talk in such a manner because he related to them physically?
It was interesting, yet another story to unlock.
It was a shame I had to go this soon.
My life was changing a little too fast so drastically, but I was determined. I came here for adventure and opportunity, and I sure found it.
"Apology accepted, just don't try to get me killed again, I won't bite if you don't strike, says Oscar" he muttered, yellow eyes boring down into mine with the same stoic expression from last night.
What was the harm in going along with his world? Everyone else was doing it.
"I promise I won't." I said to the green snake coiled around his arm.
I felt silly, but I was glad the tension between us had dissipated, at least for now. I was still afraid of snakes, but I was willing to make it work for the sake of getting along with all the servants.
If I had to conquer that fear, so be it.
Spring leaves flew past my feet as I descended the stone stairs outside the manor, smooth and half covered in flower petals that carried with the wind.
Sebastian waited, the carriage stood before me with the door opened, suitcase already inside.
He really was in a hurry to leave.
I wasted no time in climbing inside, awkwardly shifting my weight on my left side to avoid the nagging pressure of my right foot.
New shoes were the worst, I was sure to get sore feet by the time the sun fell.
Sebastian climbed in after me, closing the door and knocking against the wood to alert the coachman to go.
The sound of horses hooves reverberated as the carriage moved, speed decent enough for me to get comfortable.
The seats were soft, and it was warm. I had to remind myself not to fall asleep. I would have trouble doing so later tonight if I took a nap now.
"How long will it be till we get there?" I asked, gazing out the window and fiddling with the hem of the coat cuff.
"Shouldn't be more than four hours, do make yourself comfortable, the young master will be pleased to know you have agreed to lend a hand." He smiled, back as straight as the wall behind him.
His posture was perfect, even when he was sitting.
"I see, what do you think happened to that missing boy anyway?" If we were going to be in the same carriage for the next few hours, I may as well make small talk.
"I haven't the slightest idea, that's what the young master plans to find out." His gaze flickered over to me.
"Why does he need me? Can't he do it on his own?" I had been thinking this for a while now, Ciel was a boy, and he was a noble.
I still didn't see how I fit in all of this, he had easier access to that school than I did.
I hoped I didn't sound like I was complaining, I was just confused. I hated being kept in the dark.
I could only get so much out of Sebastian.
"He can't venture into a certain building, he thinks you'd have a better shot because of your skills, and you do look alike, posing as his relative should be an easy task." He held his chin again, eyes glazed over, deep in thought.
"Skills…what kind of skills can I possibly have that he doesn't?" It still wasn't making much sense to me.
"Let's just say this building houses a very certain kind of individual, only they are allowed to study there." He clicked his tongue, eyes closing in contemplation.
A certain type of individual. The only difference between me and Ciel that I could think of was my ability to read tarot cards. How was that going to get me into some building? Was he talking about a fraternity?
The image of a frat house full of wiccans and tarot card readers briefly crossed my mind.
It sounded silly, didn't rich people have a different style of living?
"Are you helping too?" I didn't ask before because I was too stressed about my own involvement in this.
Sebastian didn't have to escort me back, the fact he was coming with me made me wonder if he was going to stay by Ciels side.
It didn't feel like the smartest idea. From what the butler explained earlier, Ciel was pretending to be a student.
Wouldn't people know he wasn't if he had a butler following him around?
"Certainly, I am to assist the both of you to the best of my ability." There was something in the way he said it, like he tasted something sour.
"I don't need assistance…" I murmured, squinting at him with a frown.
"I beg to differ…you lack the manners and etiquette that is expected of someone of the earl's status." He said this nonchalantly, before flashing me a look of approval.
"Although I do say, you look enough like the earl to pass if you lay low, I wonder if you even needed the binding, body and face, too alike." His smile was curled like that of a snake.
It took me a while to register the offense, it was said so vaguely it was easy to miss, but I understood what he meant.
He was calling me flat.
The nerve.
"You're one to talk." I hissed, irritated.
We weren't even ten minutes into the ride and I was already hating every minute of it. The one who needed manner coaching was him.
The thought of Sebastian teaching me how to act like a noble was both terrifying and unbelievable.
I sank into my chair, ignoring the smirk plastered on his face.
"My apologies, it was never my intention to offend you." He gave a slight bow, dark, straight hair falling over his face.
He sounded genuine, but I doubted his expression matched his tone.
"I don't like you teasing me." My tone had gone sour now too.
"Does this mean you no longer wish to have my assistance?" Sebastian sounded serious now, hopeful even.
I gave him a wry look. "What assistance?"
"The deal you had made with me, after you finished my reading, it was a silly thought, if you dislike me so much why not call it off and we can part ways, right here and now." He said softly.
I blinked, staring at him blankly.
He still remembered that? Why was he bringing that up now?
"I didn't cut my hair for nothing, so you can forget about it." I said flatly.
He flinched.
It was my turn to smirk now, I could see the slightest distress on that perfect face of his. I didn't know why he offered such a thing, it was like he was trying to get rid of me.
"Moreover…we don't have to meet up somewhere anymore right? We work together now, you're just afraid I'll be right." I teased.
The tables have turned now, I wasn't going to let him get out of any promise. Sly man, typical really.
"Suit yourself." He gave a low sigh, head hanging low, frown arched, deep in thought, like he was trying hard to remember a chore he may have missed.
I hoped he wasn't deliberately trying to get me to dislike him just for the mere purpose of saving his ego. Men hated being wrong, especially to a woman.
"There's nothing to prove, it's already begun." Sebastian's voice was just barely above a whisper, but I clearly heard it.
"Pardon?" I turned to see he had a sullen expression now.
"Pay no mind, please, do have a rest, it will be a while before we arrive." His smile was back, lips half hidden behind the raven black locks.
"Right." I looked back out through the window wearily.
What assistance was he talking about anyway? Sebastian had done nothing but cause me discomfort and embarrassment in the very short time I had known him.
All over some stupid chocolate.
I didn't understand him at all, sometimes he was nice, other times he acted like it was a nuisance just being near me. Maybe he was nice purely out of the earls wishes.
I bit my lower lip, head sinking deeper into the scarf when a particularly strong gust of wind flew by.
That wasn't entirely true.
It was because of him that I found this job, he surely told the young master I was looking.
'My butler says he gave you a fright'
That's what Ciel had said, Sebastian was honest. He not only mentioned to the young earl I needed a place, but he explained what had happened too. I had to appreciate that part about him, no matter what other bad qualities he may have possessed.
My eyes kept towards the glass, trees melting into hues of green.
A nap wouldn't hurt.
Staying up late was what I did best anyway.
If I was lucky, we may even arrive upon waking.
With that thought in mind, I let my eyes give way and I fell into a peaceful slumber.
.
…
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Authors note: I hope you all had a great thanksgiving, will update as soon as I can, first few chapters are always laggy.
Thank you for reading!
Lightseeker: thank you for the heads up, I wouldn't have gone with the manga if I didn't have access to it though ^_^
~Gummie