A/N at the end!
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I toss onto my right side with a content sigh. My bed was a bit stiff though but that didn't make much sense. I grumble a curse word and blink awake with a tired yawn. I saw a familiar wallpaper and it made me wonder if I was still dreaming. It was the same design as the one in the Phantomhive manor before it burned down. I woke up to the design for eleven years.
I sit up with a start as confusion begins to seep into my mind. What my sight greeted me with was my old bedroom from the manor. I swear I was at the townhouse, living there actually. I cup my forehead as my headaches. I fumble out of the bed and stare at my interior more. Was I going insane? Did I dream all that? Vincent and Racheal dying, the twins being taken, the manor burning down...
I dash out of my bedroom with a surge full of hope. Maybe it was all just a nightmare! The hallways were the same as well. That's it! Maybe I had a terrible nightmare and my life wasn't drowning in misery. My family was still alive!
I let out a squeal of happiness and run to Vincent's study. I must confirm my guardian did not die and tell him how much I care for him. I don't want something like that ever happening again! I could still see his pale dead face from my dream. It made me sick to think that he was truly dead. I was breathing heavily as I approach the door. A smile stamped across my face and I don't bother to knock on it.
I slam the door open with all my strength and stroll inside, "Vincent-" I begin to cheer, only to not find him in front of me.
What I saw was a man in a butler uniform who was handsome and was serving Fenian tea in his chair. They both stare at me in surprise and Fenian stands up abruptly at my presence, "Rina, you're awake." he observes while eying me with concern.
I falter a couple of steps back and I grab my head, shaking it back in forth. I'm an idiot, I really am. It wasn't a dream, all that happened. Memories flood into my brain along with its attaching emotions. I crouch onto the ground in a hurdled position while my body trembles with distraught. I hide my head in my knees, trying my best to not bawl like a baby and not have another mental breakdown.
I feel someone touch my back lightly and I flinch slightly, "Rina..." Fenian calls my name once more.
"How...?" I mutter while staring at the carpet underneath me. I remember spilling tea all over Vincent once. The carpet stained slightly, and I remember having to clean it up for hours until he was satisfied. I notice the tea stains were gone and I let out a shuttering gasp, "H-How is the manor back?"
I feel him stiffen next to me and pat my back to help calm me down, "Sebastian restored it."
My face flies up in disbelief and looks around the study incredibly, "There's no way. It's like it never left!" I deny, my face paling slightly.
"Sebastian, leave us." Fenian commands and the butler bows politely while taking the tea tray out without a word. "I remembered the colors, details, and the such. To have it appear the same as it was before."
"Why," I begin with a heart-wrenching cry and I notice his face wince notably. "Why would you want to recreate it? I cannot bear to even look at it."
His face was blank once more, but he tenderly wipes the tears away from my cheeks. I didn't even notice I was crying again. "I have come back with a mission."
"Mission?" I ask with a sniffle.
He nods and steps away from me. He travels to the window behind the desk that overlooks the backyard with his hands behind his back. "I came back to take revenge to those who did this to us."
Fenian glances back at me, half his face exposed to my sight. It feels as if an arrow has gone through my body with his statement. I sit on the ground, still as possible, and I shortly realize what he was saying. Revenge...Fenian wants revenge? I couldn't deny that I too want revenge for what they did to us. I get from my position and calmly walk up behind him.
He watches emotionlessly and I stare down at him feeling quite melancholy. I bend down and wrap my arms around his shoulders, entangling my hands together on his chest. He does not resist my embrace but instead leans back onto my chest with a long sigh. I peck the side of his head lovingly, "I'm sorry..." I mumble thoughtlessly. He deserves more than an apology; he deserves everything I can give him.
He reaches up to grasp my arm and tightens his grip, but it doesn't hurt. His form slightly trembles against my own, "Don't apologize. I don't blame you in the slightest. You tried your best for us." he explains lowly.
It felt as a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and my arms go slack, "R-Really? You really don't?" I insist weakly, not believing what I was hearing.
I blamed myself this whole month, thinking the twins would spite my being for not protecting them. He shakes his head, "Yes, really. So, stop worrying about it and let it be in the past." he murmurs. My gaze flickers to the glass that reflects our faces. His expression was dark, and his nails dig into my wrist slightly. "I can't stand seeing you like this..." he confesses so softly; I barely pick up the sentence.
A ghost of a smile settles upon my lips, "Isn't that something I should be saying?"
"Let me protect you now." Fenian declares while twisting around in my arms to face me head-on.
A tiny glare was in his eye, his eyebrows scrunched in determination. I let out a small giggle, happy to know his cuteness hasn't faded in the slightest. He may not know it of course, but it gives me a little hope my brother was still the same deep down.
I straighten my stance, so I was back to looking down at him, "Sorry but not sorry, but I believe that is still my job."
Smirking, I flick his forehead teasingly and he lets out a tiny 'ow.' He begins to glare at me again with more force, "My word is final about the matter. I will protect you from now on. So, stop worrying and stay here by my side."
I find his attitude one hundred percent adorable. "Okay, fine. I will stay by your side..." I admit while tapping my chin dramatically. He appears satisfied that I submit to his demand. "...while protecting you." I finish with a little smirk.
A tick mark sticks out above his eyebrow, "Listen to me-"
"No." I interrupt while turning my back on him.
I hear him sputter in the background and I walk to the door, "Hold on just a minute, where do you think you're going?!" he fumes angrily.
I shrug nonchalantly, "Wherever I want as this is my manor too."
I grasp the doorknob waiting for him to catch on, "W-What?" he stutters in confusion.
I tilt my head back slightly with another smirk, "Apparently your father adopted me into the family." I turn around again with a beam. "I'm a Phantomhive and officially your big sister." I smile happily.
For the longest time, I wondered where this emotion went, and it came back so suddenly; it was quite refreshing, and I crave for the spring season with it. I want to sit in the grass with a book underneath the warming sun. I giggle at his stunned expression and I think it may be a little pale, "He really did that?"
I nod, "He did, really." His face steels slowly but I was hoping for a smile at least; even if it was a small one at that. I could tell he was in awe with the news by the way he was looking at me. "So, that's why I'm going to make sure to take care of you from now on, little brother." I beam again with excitement and a bit proud if I dare say so myself.
His face only sinks lower into darkness and I could tell something was on his mind. I frown at his reaction and let out a sigh. Turning him back to a normal child may never happen. If revenge is the only thing on his mind, then that is the only thing keeping him aware of life. I hope for one day, that I can see him smile again. Whether it be in joy, sadness, or any other emotion.
I leave him be by leaving the study and I lean against the door to collect my thoughts. After a few minutes, I decide to head down to the kitchen. Even though it's been a month without being in this manor, I remember its pathways like the back of my hand. Everything appears so original, it sort of spooks me out. Like, how do you even get the same exact paintings back? The wallpaper? Even most of the furniture.
Fenian was very vague in his answers and I feel suspicion arise within me. I must keep tabs on him to discover what is that he was hiding. Of course, it will take time as does everything else in life. I was patient though. I can be patient enough to find out what happened in this month that made him lose an eye, his brother, and his innocence.
I hum a random tune as I walk down the hallways with remanence. I come back to the stairs where I walked down with Tanaka on my back. I could remember it so clearly as if it was yesterday. The burns on my legs pulse at the memory and I wince. I slowly make my way down them with caution as if it was going to light on fire any second. When I reach the last step, I realize I was being ridiculous. How did I even get here? Now that I think about it.
I was at the townhouse when I fainted, so how did they manage to get me here? I immediately remember Sebastian and have an 'aha' moment. Yes, the recently hired handsome as hell butler; I should go greet him officially. Though, first food takes over my thoughts before meeting him.
I pace toward the kitchen and open the door quietly. Walking inside, I found Sebastian standing there conveniently. He appears to be concentrating on a lunch dish from the smell of the cooked food. It makes my mouth water instantly. I don't think he noticed I walked in yet. I smirk at an idea; this would be a great opportunity to find if he really is suited for a Phantomhive butler.
A knife lays on the counter and I stroll toward it while silencing my footsteps. It's not like I wore any shoes, but the idea is to be silent either way. I pick it up and watch him closely for any indication he knows I was in the vicinity. I aim the knife to swerve by his head because I was intentionally not trying to kill him. Letting out a deep but silent breath, I chuck the knife as swift as possible by using half my strength.
I watch it fly with interest if he would pick up on it. He drops the bowl he was stirring in a flash, the knife suddenly in his hand. I watch in amazement because I don't think I've ever seen anyone react so fast. He turns around with a closed eye smile while holding the knife in between his two fingers. "Did you need something, my lady?"
My mouth was certainly ajar, and I rush up to him. I take the knife out of his hand in a fit of awe. "That was awesome! I've never seen someone react so quick!" I praise him.
He was giving me the same expression and it irritates me slightly, "Yes, how extraordinary of me."
He begins to stir whatever he was making again and ignores my presence. I pout at the lack of reaction, "I was testing you, sorry." I apologize with an awkward chuckle and rub the back of my head.
"I see." he utters emotionlessly.
I frown at his behavior, not sure how to approach him. Okay, maybe throwing a knife his way was not the friendliest introduction to a relationship with a co-worker. Then again, it felt as if I was talking to a wall. I cough to gather his attention once more and he narrows his eyes at me in irritation. I stick my hand out and he peers at it in confusion.
"My name is Rina. Nice to meet you." I mutter with a slight blush in embarrassment. I don't particularly like strangers. The servants at the manor before it burned down were familiar but still a stranger to me. I was a little shy.
I avoid his gaze by looking back and forth between his face and the cabinet next to us. He sighs loudly after a moment and takes my hand with his white-gloved one, "A pleasure to meet you, Miss. Rina."
He turns back to his work without another word. Basically, ignoring my whole existence as if I was never there. My eyebrow twitched in irritation and I step away from his coldness. Internally, I was crying because I failed to start a relationship with a co-worker again. I wish Tanaka was back I wail mindlessly in my head.
I do as he did and begin to ignore his presence in the room. It felt as if it was in tension anyways as he did not want me near him at all. Was he a child or something? I could feel it coming off him in waves in detest. I find the cabinets were a bit different and search around for something to eat. I find my favorite dried oats; I wanted to cry in joy at the sight of them. I grin happily and find a bowl quick. Dumping some of it inside, I grab some milk from the cooler.
Next, I search around for sugar and cinnamon, the best ingredients to anything in my opinion. Well, besides chocolate, it was another best ingredient ever made. It takes me a moment of opening and closing of cabinets till I find them super high up on a shelf. I stare at it above me and I stand on my tippy toes to try to reach them. I let out grumbles and curses of struggle. I take pride in my height usually as I was a couple of inches taller than the normal female height.
Though the kitchen is built to contain so many products and ingredients. The outcome of the cabinets to be towering high in some areas. I let out a huff in defeat and debate on asking Sebastian for some help. Though I think he may opt-out to watch me struggle. I barely know the guy and I can already predict his asshole personality. I decide to grab a chair and push it to the counter. It makes an awful creaking sound against the floor for a split second and I wince.
I hear something slam down on the counter to find Sebastian walking over the cabinet. "I shall get it if you stop making all this noise."
He grabs the two ingredients without effort and sets them down on the counter. I smile sheepishly and lift the chair back to the table. He resumes his work without a beat, and I dash some cinnamon and sugar into my bowl. I stare it in admiration and look at him, "Thanks."
He doesn't reply but I know he heard clearly. I grab a spoon from the drawer and put it into my off-brand of cinnamon toast crunch cereal. Nowhere close to the real thing, but enough to satisfy my taste buds. I set the bowl down quietly and sit down in a chair. I spoon some up and shove it into my mouth. I almost blush with how good it tastes. It's been far too long since I had this concoction. I let out a hum in bliss, feeling like a little kid trying to wake up for breakfast before school.
"Sebastian, do you want some?" I offer politely.
He turns his attention to and grimaces as I hold the spoon up in a gesture. "No, thanks."
I pout at being rejected once again, "Ehh. Your taste buds are missing out. This is the best meal out there, I'm telling you." I coax with a wink.
"I doubt that." he mutters, and a smirk takes place on his lips.
I eat another spoonful in thought, "Oh, I was wondering, did you carry me back here?" I ask randomly.
He nods, "I did."
I laugh again, feeling embarrassed again and a bit ashamed. "Ah, sorry again. I'm a bit of a handful."
"Indeed."
He cuts the conversation off just like that and I feel a tick mark pulse against my temple. It was so awkward and irritating. I keep getting this feeling of repulsion and mockery from him. Don't ask me how I know, but it was beginning to piss me off. I set the spoon down with a 'clink' and glare at his back on purpose, "Do you have a problem with me?" I intrigue with a bite to my voice.
He gives me that fake closed eye smile again, and it only pisses me off further, "What gave you that idea?" he feigns innocently.
I begin to fume in my seat in annoyance. How dare he say that! Does he want to fight?! Bring it on buster, I may be recovering from injuries, but I'll face you head to head. I let out a 'hmph' and cross my arms across my chest, leaning back into the chair. "It's obvious. So, tell me what it is I have done to you?"
He glares harshly and turns his attention back to the dish immediately afterward, "I dislike you is all."
I get up from my seat, the chair scraping against the floor. I lean onto the table as I put my hands on it, "How?! How can you dislike someone you've barely had a conversation with?!" I argue.
I get ignored once again and I end up becoming pissed off even more. What an asswipe, honestly. I wanted to go punch something in a fit of rage. Never have I anybody so rude and dare I say conceited. I glide over to his side to purposely irritate him further. His posture stiffens slightly but he forces himself to relax. I glower at him, wondering if he may not be a people person in the first place. Perhaps, he is shy to be talking to a stranger? Nah, that couldn't be it because he was perfectly ready to kill me yesterday.
My anger subsides for a minute while I assess his character. He could just not like me; I think in conclusion. Even if it does not make much sense why he doesn't in the first place. I let out a low hum and I poke his arm. He does not react in the slightest and continues to prepare the food before him.
"Do you find me annoying by chance?" I ask curiously, wanting to get down to his reasons.
His eyes flicker over to me briefly, "You are quite a nuisance."
He grabs the bowl he was using and pours it into a pan on the counter behind us. I watch him with a steady gaze, finding his attitude a bit funny and dare I saw cute. I smirk and jump up onto the counter, swinging my legs back and forth.
"Please indulge me." I allude while gesturing around me.
He sighs slightly and stares at me blankly. I sit in anticipation, waiting to be bad mouthed by him. "You are simply in the way."
I sweatdrop, feeling a bit bewildered by his statement. That's it? I'm in the way? I couldn't contain my amusement and dumbfounder. I giggle uncontrollably and hold my chest in response. "T-That's it?" He glares intensely, not an appreciating being laughed at. "You only hate me for that?" I ask while trying to calm myself down because of his growing murderous expression.
I get up from my place on the counter and walk calmly over to him. He watches with narrowed eyes and I stop in front of him, only a couple of inches apart at the most. I stare directly into his eyes, wondering if he was childish honestly. He was clearly different, and I probably should be taking the conversation with more focus. Though, the man in front of me makes it a little difficult to do such a thing.
He simply does the same back, as if he was searching for something in me. His eyes were quite peculiar I notice now that I was up close. They were a sort of wine red mixed with a hazy brown. It reminds me of colored contacts. His face was flawless and his skin too. I don't like the fact he towers over me so. I can't explain why I feel a sudden pull towards him. I can't place where I might have seen him before either. He was a mystery man, that was for sure.
"The things that are hidden from us," I begin to indulge. I raise one of my hands up to his eyes, and cover them gently, "...are often ugly truths. But once they are open," I take my hand away from his eyes, "...those truths begin to grow into promises. Some last longer than others, but the definitive option still leaves much to our eyes. We begin to grow under those promises and keep them as self-observant wishes for the future where time hides."
I smile at the end and clasp my hands together behind my back, "Perhaps, you do not like I remain a mystery to you. I hide many things like everyone else." I continue to explain. "Although if you open your eyes to me long enough. You might find things you like about me and things you hate; after all that is something every single person out there has to deal with, even friends and family."
He stares passively but his expression was contorted into wonder at my explanation. He smirks not long after, "I doubt your words, but I shall take them into account. You are quite smart," he begins but mutters something under his breath that I could barely hear. Something about '...for a human'. His eyes appear devouring and curious as he looks at me now.
A shiver runs up my back in response from his intense gaze, "Well, I shall take my leave for now. See you later!" I shout as a jog over to the door. His whole stare was giving me the creeps, it was eating me alive! I storm out of there as fast as possible. I was not expecting our first actual conversation to end up like this. Ah, I'm such an idiot! I head back upstairs and make my way to the study. I open the door a crack and find Fenian inside still.
"Your butler is a creep and an asshole. I'm not sure which is better." I comment randomly while pushing the door wider.
He stares at me, appearing a bit bored. "Leave him be. He doesn't like people unless he is forced to interact with them. And knowing you, you probably did such a thing."
I pout innocently and bat my eyelashes, "Who? Me? That's not true."
He sends me a deadpan look and sighs, "You're a terrible liar and always will be."
I scratch my cheek and let out a giggle, "Who knows? I may be doing it on purpose. Anyways, you look bored, let's play chess!" I exclaim.
"You're just as bad at that."
I wasn't taking his shit and frown, "Shut up and play with me."
He sighs and gets up; we head to the gaming room. We play multiple rounds of chess, of course, I lost every match while Fenian smirks proudly every time. This was nice, it felt nice to play this game again. Though it saddens me because Fenian's new personality reminds me so much of Ciel's. I begin to wonder if Fenian's was consumed by something else entirely. More of Ciel keeps popping up and makes me feel sorrowful all over again. Reminding me that Ciel was no more and never coming back.
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Hey hey!
I couldn't hold myself back from posting this chapter as I enjoyed the interactions between Sebastian and Rina too much. I am sure you were all eager to read it also. Next chapter, I will officially change Fenian's name to Ciel FYI for dialogue! In Rina's thoughts, she will refer to him as Fenian sometimes too! Also, more people are reading my fanfic than I originally thought and see that most of my chapters have almost or at 200. If those extra 100 something people would please follow, I would extremely appreciate it, thanks! (Don't mean to sound annoying about it or needy)
I do have one question for you readers out there, 'What do you think Sebastian's and Rina's relationship will be? Or perhaps, what do you wish it to be?' I am curious as I have also played many ideas in my mind already. Please let me know in the comments! It will be interesting to know what you think.
Also, did anyone specifically notice Ciel's (Fenian's) dark look after Rina mentioned being his official sister? I want to hear your opinions on why that may be also in the comments. (I'll tell yea next chapter why if someone guesses right. :3)
I wish I could create a group where anyone likes this fanfic and talk about how it develops. I think it might be fun, plus we can just obsess over black butler and other anime. HAHA!
Thanks for reading!
Till next time!
