Hey y'all,
I had a good time writing this chapter honestly, I hope you guys enjoy it as well. I think I will be writing the manga chapter starting next chapter for sure. I don't have much else to say.
So with that,
Enjoy!
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As time continuously moves with a steady beat. A gradual change shifts in the air in the manor accordingly. Spring was ending soon; it does sadden me a little bit. I don't want the hot summer weather quite yet. Recently, Ciel has been succeeding in Sebastian's lessons. I praise him for it and he almost will smile proudly in response whenever I do. It's refreshing to a point it lightens my heart.
Sebastian's cooking has been improving also; not to mention his tea. My god, the tea he would make was terrible. I was binging on the tea I make, which tasted one hundred percent better. I come into the kitchen often to hang out with Sebastian. Since apparently, Ciel did not want me to do anything to help around here; I am bored every single day. I think I was beginning to drive Ciel mad with my constant babble.
I don't think Sebastian cares much for my presence. Actually, I can tell he was slowly adjusting to it. Not that I mind, it was nice to talk to him. Though sometimes, I must be careful because Ciel tends to put him in a bad mood. I don't know how many times I was chased out of the kitchen by a pissed-off Sebastian. I can usually feel the mood the moment I walk into the vicinity he is located. I find it kind of weird that I can, but perhaps Sebastian is open that way.
His peeved off face is quite scary; I just turn high tailback before his wrath is pinpointed on me fully. I snicker at the thought, finding it humorous. The manor was very lonely I think while walking in the hallways in silence. I don't understand how Sebastian deals with the stress of cleaning, attending to Ciel, and the meals. I would be completely overwhelmed with all the chores. It's practically impossible to do so much in one day.
I walk to the study to go bug Ciel once again. That's all I do these days after all. I really need some friends; it gets boring to hang out with the same person repeatedly; no matter how much I love them. Ciel and I's relationship is slowly healing. I think he was mentally healing his wounds at a slow pace. But the effect on our relationship because of his past wounds are mending at its own rate. We are more comfortable with each other which was a very good sign that he was healing, and I was as well.
I miss the rest of the Phantomhive family dearly. I think about them often naturally. My grief is disappearing. I stopped making chocolate cakes to subdue my emotions with comfort eating. It's a wonder how I didn't gain a lot of weight. The amount of cakes I ate is almost terrifying to think about. I'm in a cake coma, no more for a long while.
Knocking on the door to the study, I bombard in without permission per usual. Ciel was about to open a letter I think, and Sebastian was at his side. I slouch my way inside in a bored manner and Ciel sighs seeing me.
"Can't you leave me alone for one day?" Ciel asks with an annoyed frown.
I shake my head with a giggle, "The answer to that would be no. This is your fault, you know?" I point out while sitting down into the chair in front of his desk. I sit lazily and Sebastian appears irritated with the lack of my manners.
"My fault?!" he sputters, a bit pissed at my remark.
I sit up with a start in contest, "Yes, yours. You won't let me do anything!" I exclaim while gesturing around the room. "I'm going to go mental if I can't even leave the manor!"
A tick mark pulses against his temple, "You can go to London, can you not?"
I pound my fist against the desk, and I think I accidentally cracked it. My strength has been growing recently, my body is being weird. "I can't leave!" I state loudly.
"Why not?!"
I point at the butler which only causes Sebastian's eyebrows to raise at the gesture. "I don't have someone to coach me to London because he's always serving your ass day in and day out!"
I cross my arms with a miffed pout, probably appearing as a child in their eyes but I don't care. "Huh?! I can call you a coach anytime." Ciel points out with a twitching eye.
"But did you? No!"
Ciel begins to massage his temples, "You never said you wanted to go!" he rebukes with a glare.
I let out an 'argh' and get up from the chair, "Well, I do! Thank you very much."
He sighs loudly, "Confusing woman." Ciel mutters under his breath.
I heard it clearly and multiple tick marks erupt near my temple, "Wanna repeat that, you brat?" I ask with a scary tone.
He shrinks back in his seat slightly and clears his throat, avoiding my eyes with good measure. I smirk at my result and sit back down in the seat. I take notice of the letter again with curious eyes, "Who's the letter from?" I ask, leaning onto the desk trying to view the stamp on it.
I let a gasp in surprise and stand once more to travel to Ciel's side. He opens it with a nod, confirming my suspicions. I watch intensely while he unfolds the letter open. What was inside, shocks me to my core. No way...
"This is..." Sebastian begins while also taking notice of the contents in the letter while raising a finger up to his chin in thought.
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I sneak into the kitchen with a goal in mind. It was slightly embarrassing, but I really need help with it. Ugh, he's going to make me pay him back somehow. I stand at the kitchen door and let out a heavy sigh. I might as well get this over with. I push the door open slightly and peer inside with contempt. I found Sebastian preparing breakfast for the special day.
I gulp anxiously and walk inside slowly, "M-Morning, Sebastian." I begin with a stutter and cringe at my nerves. He nods at my presence while flashing his eyes toward me momentarily in greeting. I wonder if he noticed my stutter but outwardly it doesn't seem so. I shuffle into the kitchen awkwardly and make my way to his side. The food smelt wonderful and it made my stomach make grumble automatically. "What'cha makin'?" I ask curiously.
"The breakfast for today will be scrambled eggs, slivers of ham, and an option of either toast or a croissant." he announces while mixing the yolks of the egg in a bowl together.
I nod simply, "Sounds good to me."
Silence ensues not long after and I sigh at myself, my confidence levels for this task weigh heavily on my shoulders. I know I need help to do this, but asking Sebastian makes me want to struggle instead. We had to leave soon for Ciel's ceremony with the Queen. I bite my lip nervously, trying to keep my cool about the situation. I was going to be around so many important people and I need to be ready to face them. Not to mention, Vincent and Racheal's families were going to be present and they don't know about me being a Phantomhive yet.
I need to make good impressions, I think worryingly.
I reach up to tug on Sebastian's sleeve while avoiding his eyes in fear of giving up again. "What is it?" he asks monotonously.
I whimper internally, hoping he will help without teasing me. "I-I need your help with something," I confess. "I need help getting ready for the ceremony."
I peer up at him through my bangs that cover my eyes slightly. I was curious about his reaction as he hardly ever shows any facial expressions. He was staring down at me, appearing to be thinking about it. Was he going to make me beg? I wonder briefly, knowing he would attempt to make me.
"Fine," he answers while turning his attention back to the breakfast.
I squeal happily and hug his side in a fit of relief, "Thank you! Thank you!"
He squirms slightly in my grip, so I quickly let go of him. I grab a piece of lukewarm toast sitting on the counter and begin to backtrack out. "I'll be in my bedroom waiting!" I mention before I leave with a laugh.
What I did miss when I left was hear Sebastian sigh slightly, "If I don't help her, we will be behind schedule by an hour." he mutters to himself while dashing some pepper into the eggs.
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I take out the dress Miss. Nina made for this special occasion. It was a stunning gown; I have never owned anything so fancy. I was a bit scared to put it on truthfully. My clothing usually consists of commoner clothing that I would buy at the stores down in London whenever I got paid. Ciel had this dress commissioned for me and I thought it was very sweet of him to buy me it. Even though I own the money too, I don't feel comfortable using it as I was originally not a Phantomhive in the first place.
I wonder if the maroon dress will outshine me. I raise it up in front of me curiously and walk to my stand-up mirror. I hang it in front of me, trying to imagine myself in it. I already did my makeup and hair; I was now waiting for Sebastian to come in and help me with the damn contraction of a dress. The corset was a bit different compared to what I was used to. A lot more tightening was involved for this type of dress, so I need some help but there is no other female in the manor to help me.
I must rely on Sebastian to help but this thing on. No matter how embarrassing it was I think with a sweatdrop. I was only in my slip which is what is considered as undergarments of the eighteen century. I only wear these things if I must wear a dress; otherwise, I find them completely horrid in design. I prefer my bra and panties, but can I use those often, no.
I hear someone knock on my door and I let out a nervous sigh. "Miss. Rina, I am here to help you dress."
Oh boy, here we go; why am I nervous again? It's not like I'm naked, right? Most definitely not. Whoever thought legs were scandalous needs some common sense in life. I clear my throat and set my dress back down on the bed next to its assigned corset. "Come in." I call out.
Sebastian walks in without a second's hesitation with a blank stare. I squirm under his gaze uncomfortably, "Don't look at me like that."
"Like what?" he asks with a closed eye smile.
A tick mark appears on my temple, "Let's just get this over with." I insist on with a small sigh.
Okay, I don't remember why I was nervous now. His attitude just pisses me off sometimes. He walks over to my bed to grab the corset, "You know how to dress a woman, right?" I ask as I turn around to face the wall and lean onto with my arms on it.
"I wouldn't be 'one hell of a butler' as you mentioned if I did not know how to dress my lady for the day." he comments, and I could swear he was smirking.
I blush slightly at the 'my lady' part but it wasn't like he could see anyways. I scoff in response as he places the corset over my torso and chest. "Hey now, if you call me a 'lady' I sound like an old woman. I'm not that age yet." I clarify, a bit offended.
He tightens the first string of the corset and I wince at the pain of its tightness. "This shouldn't take too long, my lady." he teases and continues to tighten the strings painfully.
I let out a hiss of pain and clutch the wall desperately, "Fuck you. Goddamnit, can't you tie the strings less tight? I feel like my organs are being crushed." I object with a scowl.
"My apologies, my lady." he states while slightly loosening the strings as he continues to pull the corset on.
My scowl turns deeper and I tilt my head back with a raged glare, "Once this damn thing is on, I'm going to punch you in the face." I threaten.
His smirk widens and painfully tightens the corset again to irk me. "A lady shouldn't swear, we must fix that mouth of yours."
I shake in a fit of anger, ready to punch the living daylights out of him. "Well, this lady will say what's on her mind and not give two flying fucks what the other thinks! How about that?!" I shriek loudly, my nails digging into the wall slightly.
I could swear his eyes glowed for a brief second, but I must be hallucinating due to the air escaping my lungs from the corset becoming more restricting. He turns my head back around to face the wall and I stand still in shock at the action. "Truly, how unattractive." he comments lowly behind me.
Did he just call me unattractive?! This guy right here, he wants to die, doesn't he?! He finishes the last string and I shake in aggravation. I automatically turn around and throw a fist at him which he dodges effortlessly. I growl in irritation and continue to try and take hits at him. It only fails every time and pisses me off more.
He had another smirk on his face, clearly finding amusement in his teasing. I finally stop as I was running out of breath easily. "Giving up already?" he mocks.
"Just get the hell out of my room!" I shout while shaking a fist in his direction as I pant loudly.
He laughs slightly and does as I say. He leaves without another word and I stomp to my bed, swiping the dress off it. I toss it over my head and struggle to get in it slightly. It takes a couple of minutes till I have it on properly.
"That good for nothing, egotistical, sadistic man. I hope he rots in hell." I snarl to myself as I shove my shoes on. "I'll show him unattractive and it's going to be his perfect face covered in bruises."
I practically slam my door open, not even checking my appearance once more. I didn't give a damn how I appear because I was filled to the brim with irritation. I knew I shouldn't have asked him for help. I grumble under my breath as I make my way back down the stairs in these ridiculous heels. What's the point in wearing them if no one can see your legs? It's like the pain is there for just to aggravate and not entice.
I spot the child and butler duo at the bottom of the stairs. I rush slightly and come to the last step, making my way towards them. Ciel stood at the door wearing a dashing dark blue suit that is specifically tailored for this kind of ceremony he was to take part of. His hair was slicked back, and it made his eyepatch stand out against on his face. My sudden bad mood dissipates instantly at the sight of my cute brother.
I rush up to him and bend down as much as I can in the corset. I give him a big hug with a slight blush, "Oh my gosh, you are so handsome!" I squeal with a high-pitched voice.
He tries to push me away with a yelp accompanied by a small blush at my overwhelming hug, "R-Rina, get off me!"
I pull away slightly, "Ah, you look all grown." I smile warmly while caressing his cheek lovingly. I feel some tears sting my eyes and I let them fall freely. Vincent and Racheal would be so proud to see him rising like this. He watches me a bit stunned by my watery face.
He soon relaxes though and pats my head without a word. I stop my happy tears because I forgot Sebastian was here. I stand up back to full height and send him a heated glare. A smirk sat on his face, knowing exactly why I was looking at him so.
He opens the front doors abruptly and gestures to outside, "Shall we go, my lord, my lady?" he asks.
Ciel walks through the door threshold first and I keep my gaze on the ground below me as I pass Sebastian as well to restrain myself to fighting again. I open the door to the carriage that awaits outside and I allow Ciel in first. I follow him and close the door. Sitting down, I prepare for the trip to London with a burst of nerves and excitement. Sebastian takes place of the coach and begins to drive us to our destination.
I can't believe I'll get to see Queen Victoria in the flesh! I wish I had a portable camera!
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We were brought to a glorious room that steals my breath away. Not to mention we were in the castle of the Queen herself. I was soaking in the external and internal structure of the whole place for memory sake. I probably had stars floating around me in awe of the entirety of the walk to where Ciel had to go. I would keep pointing out things I found fascinating but Ciel and Sebastian didn't even look entertained by anything.
In the end, they made this trip a party pooper for me.
I was pouting the rest of the way to the room we are in currently. The room was full of earls of various estates. I think I recognized a few from parties Vincent would host/attend. The Queen sat at the other end of the room with two young knights (?) next to her that wore all white. The Queen was in her mourning dress and I smile seeing it. While the story behind it was quite heart throbbing, the fact I could see it in person was just mind-blowing.
The room we were in was very eloquent and Ciel went to take place in one of the chairs. Sebastian and I decided to hang back at the door's threshold while Queen Victoria began her speech. I had a big grin on my face by this point.
"Can you believe it, Sebastian?" I ask with an excited whisper.
He peers down at me, looking a bit confused. "Believe what?"
I send him a bewildered look, wondering why he didn't even find this exhilarating to be in the presence of a royal. Not to mention, the naming of Ciel's official title under the Queen. I gesture around the whole room with my hands with an expression of disbelief, "You know, being in the presence of royalty!" I whisper shout.
He shrugs slightly and I feel a bit down by his indifference to the situation. "It matters not to me."
I gasp lightly and facepalm, "How can it not?! We're practically in the presence of history in the making." I continue to whisper but more aggressively.
"Time drags infinitely, I could easily read this in a book later on." he mutters with a tiny frown.
I stare at him feeling my disbelief increase at his poor reactions and thoughts. "Do you find anything entertaining?" I ask in exasperation.
He gazes intensely into my eyes and my own widen at the stabilizing action, "Yes, in fact, I do."
I turn my face away from him, feeling slightly uncomfortable with his captivating eyes; talk about Deja-vu. The room quiets and Ciel is asked to stand up. He slowly approaches and I watch in anticipation. This is amazing, really. I am so proud of him. He has been through so much over the past couple of months. I found this groundbreaking and definite stamp his and my life. I smile warmly watching the scene unfold.
Ciel bows in front of the Queen in respect and a man approaches him. I feel someone brush my arm slightly and I find Madam Red next to me. My smile widens in greeting with a tilt of my head. She does the same back and both of us continue to watch the scene play out in front of us. The man in front of Ciel bestows a royal blue cape and wraps it around him. Ciel walks forward after receiving the cape and continues up the small number of stairs, closer to the Queen.
She stands up and places chained medals over his head that encase his upper body. I couldn't see much from here, as his back was literally towards us.
"Welcome home, Earl Phantomhive." Queen Victoria announces crisply with a smile. "We warmly welcome your return."
Everyone claps afterward in congrats and I follow their example, probably clapping a little more quickly than others.
Madam Red speaks up afterward, "You two should've gone and watched up closer." she comments with a smile and Sebastian gives her his attention. "Rina, you are already officially family and Sebastian, you are close enough to be so now."
My mouth opens ajar at her sentence in shock, how did she know I was part of the family already?! Did Ciel tell her?! That brat! I curse my cunning brother's back with a mini glare. Though I was also surprised Madam Red referred to Sebastian as family.
"It would be presumptuous to call myself something like family," Sebastian corrects while turning his attention back to Ciel. I wonder briefly if Sebastian has a family somewhere. Maybe he was alone too? I should ask him some time I mentally note for later. "I'm just one hell of a butler." he states with a slight sly smile.
I gasp and a teasing smirk appears on my face, "Oho. ~" I chime and poke his arm repeatedly. "You liked my catchphrase I made up, huh?" I boast, feeling a bit proud he likes it.
He sighs, his smile disappearing quickly, "Would you stop your childish pestering?"
I giggle with a bright smile, "I'm happy." I confess.
He doesn't comment further on the matter but opts to stare blankly at me. I blink in confusion, hating that stare more than anything.
"Rina, the Midford's are here as well. Why don't we go talk to them? It's been a while, no?" Madam Red asks randomly.
I nod, agreeing with her. I need to speak to them about being adopted into the family; unless Ciel told them already. I follow Madam Red down the hallway but quickly turn around for a moment, "Don't leave me here!" I exclaim not too loudly but enough for Sebastian to hear.
I assume he heard me, and I continue to follow Madam Red down the beautifully decorated hallway. "Madam?" I call out while biting my lip nervously. She hums her that I got her attention and I continue with some effort, "Does it offend you any that I am now part of the family?"
She blinks in shock at my question, but she smiles warmly afterward. "I was more bewildered than you were, but I don't think badly about it. I think it's good you are. Someone needs to watch over Ciel." she explains.
"Even though Racheal didn't like me much?"
She frowns at the question and sighs lightly, "My sister is a complicated person. She was never jealous easily, but somehow you crawled under her skin. Though I do know one thing."
"What?" I ask, feeling saddened from the reminder of the dead mother of my brothers. Her love for them was undeniable and she wasn't a horrible mother.
Madam Red smiles at me sadly and stops me in the middle of the hallway. She grabs my shoulder while giving it a comforting squeeze, "I know that deep down in her soul. She did love and care about you to some extent, no matter how jealous she was of your connections."
Madam Red leaks some tears and that automatically made me want to cry. I sniffle, trying to hold some back but they end up pouring out. I grab her for a hug, and she welcomes it with open arms. I hug her tightly, but not too hard in case I accidentally break her back with my abnormal strength. "I-I miss everybody s-so much. Even Racheal's s-scolding!" I sob against her shoulder.
She chuckles lowly and I feel some of her own tears drop onto my skin, "I-I shall miss everyone too, my dear." she strokes the back of my head and it briefly reminds me of my own mother from the future. No one's touched me like that in a very long time. A deep ache throbs in my heart, making my body pulse with an intense longing for my mom's embrace. I take what Madam Red has to offer though.
I choke on my tears and pull back slightly from the hug, "We'll get over it together, yeah?"
She nods and begins to wipe at her eyes, I copy her action also. "We will try our best." she vows.
We give each other reassuring smiles and try to clean each other up. Our eyes swelled with emotions; she loops her arm through mine, "Shall we head to the others now?"
"Yes, lets." I agree.
Somehow, I feel more connected to this woman in front of me. I wouldn't mind becoming close to her; after all, we are family now.
