A/N:
Here's the new chapter! I have 2-3 chapters more in mind before the fire occurs. I'm gonna try and be quick for the rest of the peaceful chapters so please be patient. Without further ado, enjoy you guys!
Thanks for reading!
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Back at the mansion, I sat next to Fenian and pat his back calmly as he coughs relentlessly. He said he wanted to read me a story instead of vice versa. I thought the idea was cute and decided to let him. Not long into the session, he began to cough harshly, and, in the end, I was reading him the story as he sat in my lap. I comb his hair back, my nails scraping across his scalp.
He was almost sleeping in my embrace, but his coughing kept him awake.
"...the man wonders the valley in hopes to find his home after the war. A brave defeat leaves a longing inside his hurting heart as he detects the red hues in the sky as the sun sets." I continue the story, my voice mellowing enough to make myself sleepy.
I let out a brief yawn, having trouble sleeping again from my recurring dreams. The man and his presence most repetitive in my daily routine. He doesn't talk either, as if that one dream was a special visit for me. These have occurred throughout my time here. They only affect me at times of my life but disappear one day and I don't think much about it after that.
Shaking my head, I toss those thoughts out the window and adjust the novella in my hands. I kiss the back of Fenian's head subconsciously, "Are you feeling any better?" I ask quietly.
"Mhm, a little bit." Fenian mutters, ready to pass out.
I chuckle, taking my hand out of his soft blueish hair. "I don't know about you but reading made me sleepy. I could use a cat nap..." I say slowly, my eyes heavy.
I rest my cheek on the top of his head, finding it to be a good pillow momentarily. My eyes were closed long before and I nuzzle into his hair, feeling incredibly sleepy. I feel him rustle in my arms, trying to become comfy.
"Sis..." I hear Fenian mumble under his breath.
"Mmm?" I hum in response, not wanting to talk.
He snuggles into my chest, "I wish I didn't have asthma..."
I frown, wishing he also did not have the disease either. "Sometimes, we have to accept things for what they are. Because we cannot have the best of both worlds." He stays silent, not sure what to say after what I said. Sighing, I cuddle him into my lap more, "Not that I don't mind you having it because then I get to have you all for myself." I joke lightly, tickling his side with my pointer finger.
He giggles cutely, squirming in my lap. "It's not so bad when I think of it like that." Fenian beams, sending me a small smile.
Copying the smile, "I am the best big sister, no?"
He shakes nods enthusiastically, "Most definitely!"
Not long after, Fenian starts coughing again and I pat his back gently. The coughing stops momentarily, not lasting long this roundabout. Suddenly, the door opens to Fenian's bedroom. Ciel comes in carrying a tray with a bright smile, "Sorry for the wait! Supper is ready!"
A bit surprised, I get up from behind Fenian and walk over to Ciel. "How come you're bringing it, Ciel?" Fenian asks, genuinely surprised.
"That's what I would like to know also." I comment sternly.
Ciel shakes off my tiny glare of protest and sets the tray of food down in front of Fenian. "Because I helped cook it today, with father and Diedrich!" Ciel exclaims proudly.
I hear Fenian make a distinct 'wow' in the background and my eyes widen in surprise, "Diedrich is here? Since when? Vincent helped cook, that's truly surprising." I say to myself, processing my thoughts out loud.
"Make sure to eat lots so you'll get better!" Ciel encourages with a charming smile.
Fenian smiles back naturally, "Okay!"
Gushing over the two, I pinch their cheeks playfully. "Ah, the two of you are so adorable."
Ciel tries to pry my fingers off, "Stop it, Rinaaaa. ~" Ciel whines.
Fenian doesn't pull away nor complain, instead opting to continue smiling at me. I shake my head at the difference between the two and let go afterward. "Alright, alright, now how about we get you fed." I point at Fenian in reference.
Before I could grab the fork, Ciel beats me to it and scoops some food up with it. He offers food to Fenian who appears semi-confused why his brother was spoon-feeding him. He gives up afterward with a shrug and eats it with a smile. I quietly watch finding Ciel's big brother mode adoring. Fenian eventually offers to do it himself and Ciel lets him do so while getting up.
"Once you're done eating, what game should we play?" Ciel asks in thought. "Chess? Cribbage?" he lists off different games, not sure what to play.
I hum in thought, wishing the game Twister existed because that would be so hilarious. Fenian sets his silverware down with a 'clink' and glances up at his brother. "Ciel, you know...you don't have to worry about me. You can go outside and play if you want to. Plus, I got Rina here if I get bored."
I watch the two with curiosity, the outcome always different when the two of them discuss Fenian's weakness. Ciel pauses for a moment, speechless what to say until he sighs silently. He tosses his brother a quick smile, "You are so silly, you know?" Ciel says lightheartedly.
I smirk, ready to hear full scolding mode from Ciel. "You and father are the only ones who can put up a good match against me in chess!" Ciel mentions, wagging a finger in front of Fenian's face. "Lizzie, Aunt Anne, Tanaka, Rina, and everyone else are terrible!"
"Hey!" I shout in indignation.
They both ignore me and Ciel continues, "I'm here with you because I want to be. Playing here with you is the best!" he declares whilst gesturing to the room surrounding us. "So, let's have a lot of fun together on tomorrow's boat trip, too!"
Oh, I forgot about that; the boat trip the family was going on. I was strictly not allowed to not come courtesy of Racheal. I know Vincent tried to convince her to let me come, but she kept denying his requests along with the twins. Clearly, she did not want to see nor speak to me, not that I cannot say the same.
Glancing at Ciel's happy expression, I smile too being affected by it like usual. It will be weird when the family leaves the mansion. "Okay!" Fenian agrees afterward and they bump their noses together.
I would kill for a camera right now because the scene was too cute to pass up. Leaving them be, I take the empty tray and stand up. "I'll see you kiddos later. I might go to try and take a nap." I try and take my leave.
"Now that you mention, you've been looking really tired lately." Ciel pipes up before I could step through the door.
"Your eyes are really baggy, sis." Fenian comments. "Are you okay?"
Both were frowning at me with concern filled eyes. I smile reassuringly and nod, "Yeah, I've been having bad dreams lately. Nothing for you to worry about though." I wave them off while turning towards the door before they could ask more.
Closing the door, I head down to the kitchen to empty the tray. Placing it next to the piling dirty dishes, I take a deep breath and lean against the counter. "I hope I return to normal soon."
0-0-0-0-0-0
Another sleepless night passed by and I had a difficult time getting out of bed. I wanted to pass out so bad, but I had to help the twins get ready for their trip. I walk to their bedrooms, tripping over my feet constantly on the way there. Knocking on both their doors, I open both afterward. Yawning, I make my way into Ciel's first.
"Time to get up." I call out to Ciel, shaking him awake.
He makes some muffled noises and tries to hide underneath the blanket. I roll my eyes and toss the blankets off him with a smirk. He lurches up with a scowl scribbled on his face. I stick my tongue at him and walk out of the room. "Get ready!" I call out from the hallway.
Fenian was next and so I walk into his bedroom quietly. After I open his curtains, I sit down on his bed and I shake him awake also. "Feni, time to wake up," I call out lightly. He moves slightly and tries to flip over, away from me. "Fenian, come on now." I continue.
He turns his head towards me eventually, peering at me from underneath his eyelids. "Rina?" he mutters quietly while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
I smile softly, "The one and only."
He sits up with a little yawn which I found cute like always. Ciel was a big grumpy pants when he woke up compared to Fenian who woke up like a baby. I'm sure that'll change once puberty hits though. I snicker inwardly at my thoughts. Fenian's face was a little pale, now that I look at him but I don't think much of it at first.
"Alrighty, I'll pack your stuff up if you go into the washroom and get ready with your brother, 'kay?"
He nods slowly, climbing out of bed. I watch him head out of the bedroom to go just that. Getting up from the bed, I grab a suitcase from his closet. Taking a couple of outfits out and folding them inside, I grab a couple of other necessities also. They weren't going to be gone for too long. Setting out another outfit for him to wear today, I make my way to Ciel's room to do the same. Once both suitcases were packed, I have them get dressed in the same room.
I help them slightly as we were in a hurry because they had to get going soon. Doing Ciel's bowtie, I let out another yawn by accident. "Sis, are you coming with us?" Ciel asks randomly.
Glancing up at him with a raised eyebrow, I eventually shake my head. "No, sadly I cannot accompany you guys."
"I don't understand why mother won't let you come." Fenian insists, clearly still upset with the matter.
Letting out a sigh, I switch to Fenian's tie to do after finishing Ciel's. "Well, I think she simply wants to have a family vacation, hun."
"Oh..." Fenian says afterward, a bit confused. "But you are family?"
My eyes widen in surprise and my mouth drops slightly, totally not expecting him to say that. Ciel grins and nods, agreeing with his brother. "You're our sister after all!" Ciel urges.
I laugh and feel a light blush appear on my cheeks, "You guys, really..." I begin, feeling overjoyed by the claims. "Maybe to you guys, but not everyone sees it that way."
"Why doesn't father adopt you?" Ciel asks, even more curious.
I tense, never really thinking of that option before. "Eh..." I think out loud, my mind drawing a blank.
"Yeah! Then you really could be our big sis! You wouldn't have to clean or anything either!" Fenian shouts, loving the idea with a huge smile spread across his face.
"Wait, wait just a minute," I begin, panicking over their awe-stricken faces. Suddenly, Fenian begins to cough harshly from shouting. My face pales in worry and I watch as he keeps coughing harder. "Come here," I call lightly to Fenian. "Ciel, grab the suitcases, will you?"
I share a concerned look with Ciel as Fenian comes closer to me. I pick him up and pat his back as he continues to cough. Ciel makes his way out the door and I follow shortly after. He leads me to the bottom of the stairs where Racheal and Vincent were waiting along with some staff including Tanaka. I could feel Fenian shivering in my arms and I could already tell he might have to stay home. His coughs were a little lighter now.
Stopping next to the parents, I continue to hold Fenian. "Ready to go?" Vincent asks, not noticing Fenian's health right away.
I frown and lean back to search Fenian's features. He gazes back at me, practically telling me with his eyes he did not feel good. His face was paler, and I adjust him in my arms to hold him with one. Raising my hand, I put it against his forehead; he was slightly warm. I glance at the family with furrowed eyebrows, showing my worry.
He coughs loudly again, covering his mouth as he does so. "He has a slight fever, but his cough is terrible." I relay to them.
Racheal gasps and reaches to take Fenian out of my arms. I let her, although feeling reluctant to do so. She feels his head personally with frowns slightly quickly after. "Looks like we'll have to cancel the boat trip." she conveys to everyone.
"We can go another time, dear." Vincent calls out from behind her, also worried about his son.
Fenian asks to be put down and his mother does so. "I'll be fine, so the rest of you should go on the trip." Fenian urges, looking saddened.
His cheeks were flushed, and I could tell this roundabout of sickness was going to be annoying for him. "Huh?" I hear Ciel say.
"Mother, you're finally feeling well again. I don't want you all to miss this chance because of me." Fenian explains, wanting his family to have fun instead of worrying about him.
"But..." Racheal starts, not liking the idea of leaving him by his self.
Fenian interrupts with a small smile, "I have Tanaka and Rina here with me, so I'll be fine. I'll be a good boy and wait here."
My heart lurches out for the boy, he was brave. I knew it was hurting him inside though. "So, please..." Fenian continues, his hands clenched into fists while looking down at the floor in confliction.
This made me want to cry, seeing him like this. Ciel comes up to his brother, "...alright." He then proceeds to smile and opens his arms out, "Then we'll make sure to bring lots of souvenirs back for you! We'll bring back tons of flowers and mountains of pretty rocks!"
"Okay!" Fenian exclaims, happy his brother was thinking of him like so.
"Tanaka, Rina, take care of him." Vincent says with a nod in both our directions.
I curtesy and Tanaka bows as we both chant, "Yes, my lord."
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We see the family off with waves at the front door of the manor. When they took off finally, Tanaka leads us to one of the sitting rooms. Tanaka offers Fenian a chair to sit and he does just that. I share a knowing look with the old man, and he nods.
Tanaka begins to kneel in front of Fenian, "Young Master..." Tanaka begins and takes both of Fenian's hands and holds them in his. "Your show of consideration for everyone earlier was magnificent. This old grandpa doesn't have the slightest doubt that you will become a wonderful and kindhearted gentleman in the future." Tanaka preaches with a smile.
The scene warms my heart incredibly, making me forget my sleepiness briefly. I watch as Fenian has tears gather in his eyes, his cheeks flushed from his sickness. It made me want to cry just as bad. "Gramps..." Fenian says breathlessly.
Getting down on my knees also, I flash him a watery smile. "I'm really proud of you, Feni. I know it hurts but being selfless is an admirable feat in itself." I encourage.
Fenian stares at me lost in thought with some tears sliding down his cheeks. Tanaka picks up the conversation after I said my piece, "As a reward for your gentlemanly acts, you may have whatever you would like for today's afternoon tea." Tanaka offers with a kind smile.
Getting up from his chair, Fenian smiles innocently, "Well, I think I would like some chocolate cake...also I want to play chess."
I smirk and Tanaka laughs, "Though I may be no match, I will gladly be your opponent."
I nod in agreement, "Same here. I will kick you and Ciel's butt one day in the game." I comment.
Fenian giggles and hugs the old man's side, "Can't wait to see that!"
"How do you feel Fenian?" I ask, still concerned about his health.
He smiles up at me, "I think I'll be okay."
I hum in response, "Tanaka, I shall go prepare some tea and cake while you two play."
Tanaka's eyes widen in surprise, "Miss. Rina, you don't have to trouble yourself with that."
I insist and push them forward slightly, "Old man, I got this, you go relax with Fenian."
He sighs with a shake of his head and a distinct smile on his face. He takes Fenian along with him to go play in the game room.
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It was a relatively nice couple of days, it certainly was odd that the family wasn't here. Although I was having fun with Fenian, it felt peaceful in a way. Fenian didn't appear to be so lonely, but I could tell he deep down he was. I would be too if I was stuck at home while my family left me to go have fun I couldn't. Let's just say, I spoiled him plenty as we waited for their return.
"Aha! I found you!" I shout with a hearty laugh.
We were currently playing a game of hide and seek.
Fenian pouts up at me with quivering eyes, but I could tell it was an act. "How do you always find me?!" he exclaims, appearing baffled.
I snicker and lean against the closet which he was still sitting in, "Maybe it's because you always pick the same spots?"
"I do not!"
I shake my head in amusement and hold my hand out to him to take, "You sure about that?"
He nods determinedly and ignores my hand, trying to get out himself. "Yes! I swear it's like my you can sniff me out or hear me!"
I tilt my head in thought, "I doubt that as much as you."
He frowns angrily with a 'hmph' and avoids my gaze. I sigh at his behavior and throw a smile onto my lips, "Fine, I'll give you a retry. Plus, you get an extra five seconds." I bribe, hoping he will take the deal.
He glances back at me with a calculating look in his eyes and I wait for an answer.
"Ten."
Blinking in confusion, I stare at him in question, "Ten?" I repeat.
"Ten seconds." Fenian rephrases while crossing his arms with a stern face.
My mouth opens slightly in astonishment, he was bargaining for the time I realize. Quickly after, I let out an accidental 'pft' and cover my hand due to his cuteness and stubbornness. "Okay, okay. Ten seconds." I confirm with a smirk.
I begin to count to fifty as he takes off out of the room with a resolving grin. I quit counting knowing he wouldn't hear me eventually and silently do so in my head. Maybe I spoiled him too much since they left; it could be getting to his head. Sometimes I wonder what I would be like if I was born in this century. Would I be a poor family? Rich? It certainly would influence my personality and character I would think.
Once I reach fifty, I walk out of the room with my hands clasped behind my back. I check each room I pass with a quick examination. I come back empty every time I check his usual hiding spots. It seems he finally found a new spot to hide. This is a good challenge I do not mind partaking in. Coming down the main staircase, I saw flowers petals spread out all over the floor near the doorway. The flowers lead to Vincent, Racheal, Fenian, and Ciel; they were talking animatedly, and the twins were hugging each other.
I pause at the middle of the stairwell with a warm smile at the loving familial scene and turn back around to go up to my bedroom.
