Helloooo,
Sorry this took forever guys. Ah, I'm so sleepy, it's 3 am right now. Anyways, I saw a lot of your questions and reviews I will answer those here in a second. Btw, this chapter is wayyyy longer than I predicted, but that is probably because I enjoyed writing it so much that 4 hrs went by without me noticing. I hope people like this chapter as there's a lot of Rina x everyone but Elizabeth's relationship development going on. So, yea, there's that!
Review Questions:
Steph557:
Q: Do you think you're gonna have her reveal herself soon? Or is it gonna be a secret for a while longer?
A: -I don't think I am going to quite yet. I thought of doing it during the Luxury Liner Arc. We will see when we get there. I do plan on Rina showing more of her future thoughts and knowledge more often as we accumulate up to that point though for sure.
Petra0suomesta:
Q: Does she not like churches, because of Sebastian? Or something else?
A: Yes and no, Rina has never liked churches because 1. she is originally an atheist. 2. They make her uncomfortable because of Sebastian, but we haven't gotten to that part yet. ;)
That is all the questions I believe I saw, however, two other reviews caught my attention as well. I appreciate it very much! Thank you for letting me know honestly. I realize I have been concentrating too much on getting the original characters correct and not really putting Rina in the scene. I will be working on this and sorry to anyone who has been feeling this way also. This is my first fanfic, so please be patient with me on this journey. I will take this into consideration for all seeable chapters and I hope they improve.
Thank you guys, really. Please enjoy this lovely long ass chapter. :)
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Waking up early for once, I hop out of bed with the energy I had trouble containing throughout most of the night. Opening the curtains, I could catch the sun slowly rising in the distance. I raise my arms up in the air as I walk over to my mirror stand. I comb out my hair quickly and tie it up into a high ponytail with a steel blue ribbon. I rush into the bathroom doing the morning routine. I walk back out in ten minutes flat and go over to my closet next, I pick out a matching dress with a smile.
Today was a special day, after all, I had to appear well for the occasion.
I hum a random tune as I get ready for the day. After I got my dress on, I decide to wear a pair of flats with the outfit. I grab the present sitting on my desk with a light blush. That's right, today was my brother's birthday! This is probably the most cheerful and horrible day after a long while since Madam Red died. Well, the memories of this specific day were not the best. Last time the twin's birthday passed; I would get flashbacks of that dreadful night.
The event was quite trauma filled. But I try to not let that weigh me down too much. Although, that's what ends up happening, this time I will try to remain happy for Ciel. I know this day was rough on him too. I grab my cloak that hangs nearby, and I tie it on around under my chin. I slip on a scarf and lightweight gloves as well.
I exit my bedroom and head downstairs, hoping to not run into Sebastian. Though I severely doubt I will not, he seems to pop out of nowhere sometimes. Walking down the stairs, I make my way to the servant's kitchen. Poking my head inside once I arrive, I find no one inside yet. I use the back entrance door and sneak outside without so much as a sound.
It was December and the winter chill makes me shiver involuntarily. I huddle further into my cloak as I walk towards the one place I only visit on this day. I felt a bit sad there was no snow on the ground. Finally arriving at the fence, I walk through the fence door and gray gravestones greet me solemnly.
I smile sadly at the sight of them and stand in front of Vincent's grave. The wind blows my hair back and I shove the scarf to cover my mouth. I decide to sit in front of the gravestone to pay my respects to the family I lost on this very day; well most of it...
I set the present beside me and sit silently, thinking of anything and everything. I do not consider this a prayer but more of a reassurance to the couple in front of me. I doubt they could hear my thoughts, but it would be wonderful if they could. I would talk out loud, but I don't want to sound like a lunatic. The sun slowly moves upwards with the time I spent here. I recognize how long I have been out here at the height the sun has reached and I decide to call it quits now.
It was still early morning, but I have been sitting out here for two hours long. My bottom was frozen, and my ears were numb from the cold. I pick Ciel's present up again and get up with a heavy sigh. My knees pop and I wince at the feeling.
I bow low to the gravestones in front of me with a small smile, "Thank you." I murmur into the air.
Turning around, I walk back with the present firmly in my grasp. I believe Sebastian would be waking my brother around this time. With that thought, I run inside and past the servants with a quick 'Good morning!'. I dash up the stairs, three at a time and make my way to my brother's bedroom. I spot Sebastian about to open his door with the morning tea on a cart.
"Wait!" I call out to him.
He turns his head to look at me curiously as I pummel down the hallway. I reach him and the door while breathing heavy. Taking a big gulp of air, I open Ciel's door with a giddy smile. I skip inside with the present behind my back. He was in a deep sleep, but he was sweating lightly I realize.
"Brother!" I exclaim but I receive no response besides a furrowing of eyebrows on his face. "Brother!" I try again but a bit louder. I begin to reach out to him, but suddenly his eyes open widely, and a gun is shoved against my forehead within a second. I blink in surprise and tense up at the action. He was breathing heavy and I could tell he was not exactly seeing me right now.
"Don't...touch me." Ciel pants, his hands unsteady as the gun wobbles in his grip.
I remain in place, not daring to move an inch. Sebastian decides to move me out of the way gently and slowly until he takes my spot. He gives my brother his signature smile and I stand in place to make sure I don't set Ciel off by accident. Sebastian turns around and takes a couple of steps toward the tea cart he rolled in with him.
"Today's morning tea is Assam black tea with added milk. It is a milk tea I prepared." Sebastian states calmly while pouring tea into a cup. My brother continues to pant slightly and slowly lowers the gun. "Milk can help soothe one's nerves and calm you down," he explains while turning back around with the teacup in his hands. "Especially, after a nightmare."
It seems Ciel snaps back into reality and lets out a deep sigh. I relax now that he was much calmer. I watch as my brother accepts the cup.
"It must be because you were reading Edgar Allen Poe's works before bedtime." Sebastian hints at.
I spot the book on the other side of the bed with a raised eyebrow, "Not exactly the wisest decision." I remark. "I wasn't expecting a gun against my head to start the day either."
Ciel sends me a semi-guilty look and clears his throat, "I have the pleasure of doing anything I please." he mentions and grabs the cup from Sebastian, taking a sip swiftly before resuming to talk. "What's the schedule for today?"
I kept the present behind my back, waiting for an opportune time to give it to him. Preferably when Sebastian wasn't here. Did my brother not realize it was his birthday today?
"Today, you will need to assess the files and sent by the company, you will be having the Marchioness Midford and Lady Elizabeth as guests in the afternoon."
I pale slowly at his news, "W-What wait?!" I shriek.
"Oh no!" Ciel exclaims with a panicked look afterward.
"And also, young master," Sebastian continues but Ciel interrupts him by getting out of his bed in a rush.
"Hurry up and make preparations! HURRY!" Ciel shouts as he begins to unbutton his nightshirt.
"There's no need to be anxious, the Marchioness will only arrive in the afternoon."
"Sebastian, how long have you lived in this household?! That woman is always super early!" I yell at him nervously. Oh god, she could be here any minute.
Sebastian realizes soon after what I meant, and I can't believe the thought slipped his head. Ciel turns to look at me with confusion scribbled on his face. "Rina, why are you in here anyway?" Ciel asks curiously.
Sebastian drifts over to Ciel's closet and selects an outfit. I smile happily as I quickly remember why. "It's because today is-"
"Young master, we must be swift. I'm afraid breakfast will have to be skipped." Sebastian pipes up and helps my brother undress.
I glare at him heatedly for cutting me off which he only smirks in response as he pulls a shirt over my brother's head. Honestly, what was the point of interrupting me? Clearly, he did not want me to mention anything to do with this day. Did he find it funny that my brother has not realized it? I fume internally and as I clutch the present tighter. I slip the present into my dress pocket, and yes, you did hear me right. Bless Nina and her amazing sewing skills!
My brother was dressed in a matter of minutes. I remember he was missing his eyepatch and I walk over to the nightstand near his bed, grabbing it. Coming back to him I place it over his contracted eye which I find quite fascinating honestly. But I do not have much time to dwell over it as I tie the strings into a knot at the back of his head. Once my brother was done with a standard hygiene routine, we all rush down the hallway immediately.
Ciel was pacing a little away in front of us and we pace a little slower behind him. I flicked my gaze to Sebastian which held a significant amount of suspicion in them.
"Why won't you let me mention his birthday?" I ask with a whisper as we walk side by side.
He gives me a side smirk, "I want to watch him figure it out on his own."
I sigh slightly as I bring the present back out in front of me. My gift for him wasn't much but I did have it custom made. I smile down at the tiny box; I got him an ornament (not sure what it's really called) for his cane. It held a detailed metal hummingbird on it. Basically, it goes on the back of the handle of the cane as decoration. I thought it was a cute idea, not too childish but not mature either. Not to mention, it brings back old memories.
"Did you get him anything?" I ask quietly with a tilt of my head.
Sebastian raises an eyebrow as if confused, "What would I have to give?"
Frowning, I could not help but agree. What would a demon give a human, not to mention the soul he was going to take, for a present? "I suppose you are not wrong there." I chuckle awkwardly. "Now that I think about it, do you have a birthday?" I ask while looking at him in wonder.
He shakes his head no, "Demons are manifested, not usually born. It is rare."
"Do demons not populate like humans?"
He smirks as if he found something funny, "Hardly, most female demons are infertile."
I gawk at him with at this news, "What? Why?"
He shrugs as if it did not matter, "We are damned. It is not an issue as most of the time demon's come into the world through the exposure of many sins. Sometimes humans turn so after they die. It all depends on multiple variables."
I let out a low whistle as we approach the stairs, "So, you were manifested?" I ask.
"That is correct."
I tap my chin as we go down the stairs, "Can I ask how old you are?"
He smirks and his eyes glow a little, "Aren't you a curious little cat?" he taunts.
My cheeks redden a bit in embarrassment, "I can't help it. It's not every day I live with a demon."
He hums slightly while staring me down for a couple of seconds until we are by my brother once more as we wait by the front foyer's door. The minute we arrive, Sebastian, walks forward to the door and I come up to my brothers' side. We could hear our aunt and Elizabeth at the door. The demon butler opens it and light streams in.
"It has been a while since we last met, Marchioness Midford." Ciel greets with a disheveled appearance. We did practically mall walk here. Our aunt strolls in and Elizabeth tags along with a giddy expression. "As always, you have arrived earlier than expected."
"Hello, my ladies!" I greet happily with a smile towards them and curtsey in front of her. I may be family now, but it is respectable in my position to be polite. She was my teacher after all, plus the fact that I am adopted into the family does not let me be higher than her in status. Ugh, I loathe the eighteenth century.
"Forget the formal greetings," Francis replies while looking at me. I sweatdrop and stand normally again. "Anyway, Earl Phantomhive, with that out-of-bed look, can I presume that you have just awakened?"
I had to contain a laugh as Elizabeth passes her mother and hugs Ciel tightly. I swear I could see hearts and flowers exploding around her as she rubs her cheek against my brother's. "Ahh! Ciel who has just woke up is sooooo cute!" Elizabeth exclaims.
I agree one hundred percent with her on this.
"Elizabeth!" Francis shouts with a scolding tone. "It is not proper for you to engage in such improper actions. Also, you should be greeting him first. Even though this is where I lived in the past, I have emphasized that you must still behave like a refined lady."
I shrink at her tone just a little, she reminds me of my gym teacher when he would get mad and punish the students. It does not help she used that tone during training.
"I am so sorry, mother!" Elizabeth apologizes with a horrified look.
Suddenly, Francis peers at Sebastian and I pique an eyebrow curiously. Sebastian notices her gaze on him, and he bows slightly with a hand on his chest, "It has been quite a while! Welcome, Marchioness and Lady Elizabeth." he greets as well with his signature smile. "Thank you for taking the trouble to travel all the way here..." he trails off as Francis's stare intensifies. She creeps closer with narrowed eyes and her face most displeased. "May I ask...is there something on my face?" he asks her with a sweat drop near his temple.
We all stand in the silence of what she had to say; it was almost killing me. "That face of yours! It's still the same as ever, what an indecent looks you possess." she announces with a stern frown.
Ciel struggles to contain his laugh behind me but I could not hold back. I laugh silently and smack my leg a couple of times. "T-That's not the only thing that's 'indecent' about him, y-you should see his personality." I stutter out attempting to breathe properly.
He sends me a death glare and I cower back slightly with giggles that spew past my lips. "I was born looking this way..." he attempts to point out with a fake smile.
I choke on air and suddenly her judging gaze was on me, "Rina, what is with your hair as well? No refined lady should be wearing her hair so high in such an indecent manner." she scolds.
I pout and touch my high ponytail, I rather liked it though I think with a whimper. I hear my brother snicker and I glare at him. There's nothing wrong with my ponytail! It's not like there is glitter in it or some odd shit!
I sulk to myself and Francis continues to berate Sebastian about his appearance. "And also!" she shouts and grabs Sebastian's fringe, pulling it up in a way that looks painful. I stop wallowing and I watch in much amusement. I could tell that her touching him in such a way kind of pissed him off but also stunned him altogether as she continues to correct his 'style'. "Both the master and butler are alike. The two of you are obviously men, yet both of you keep your fringe long. Seeing it irks me! Kindly learn from Tanaka!" she continues to berate as Tanaka randomly appears.
I stand there a bit aghast as my aunt literally scolds all of us by how we appear. Suddenly, she creeps closer to us with scary eyes that make me want to hide under my blankets. Before I know it, we all had new hairdos. My brother looks the most ridiculous in my opinion. Sebastian was still hot as usual, but the hair did change how he looked in a refreshing way. I, on the other hand, wore a low tight bun that reminds me of librarians. It kind of hurt from how tight she pulled it back.
We were all smiling with sweat drops as she appraises her work with her comb in hand. "I am really sorry that I have to trouble you for this, Aunt Francis." Ciel grinds out with a fake small smile and a tick mark.
"Really now!" Francis sighs disappointedly. Her tone turns back to scolding and my back straightens automatically when she calls my name, "Rina, you should be the governing lady of this household. You need to be properly educated on how to be a respectful lady and how to assist the Earl in looks, form, and success before you marry. Why aren't you married yet? Do you understand the many responsibilities you have?"
I shrink under her words as the pressure builds up of the number of things I am 'supposed' to be worrying about apparently. Can't I just freeload around? I felt like she was personally attacking me with arrows of criticism. Brother, can I be a maid again? I send Ciel a pleading look and he sweatdrops as he was unsure what to say. Ugh, useless!
I smile slightly and place my hands in front of me, "Aunt Francis, I have yet to take erm-lessons because brother needs me to help with...the company!" I add with a shit-eating grin.
It was not necessarily a lie...
"A noble lady should not be working in a business setting meant for men." Francis scolds once more.
I flinch in response, but suddenly my twenty-first-century opinion comes out without permission. "I can do-" I bite my lip so hard it bled to stop myself from starting an argument. "...yes, ma'am." I mutter lowly afterward with a side glance and a pulsing bottom lip.
I hate being deemed less just because I was a woman. What's wrong with running a business as a lady, no scratch that a female. It took every ounce of mental berate to voice my opinion about the matter. It's a part of my twenty-first-century mindset. In my head, I have the freedom to do what I want. Occasionally, I really have to remind myself that here you cannot as a woman. You are restricted from so many things. So many stereotypes and rules to follow as a woman in society.
It feels like I must keep many parts of myself locked up.
I want to work with my brother, but obviously that will never happen. As he will most likely die sometime soon. Perhaps, I could run the company when he dies? Ah, that is only if I can survive his death first. Can a woman be in charge of such an industry? I don't want to think about how fucked up life is right now I think with a long sigh.
Ciel tosses me a slightly concerned look hearing my sigh which I only nod to confirming that I was fine; though of course that is a simple lie. Francis continues with a serious tone again, accepting my answer. "I have come today conduct a surprise spot-check, and you are still lazing around like usual. Also, your butler is STILL as indecent as ever." Francis declares while crossing her arms to get her point across to us.
I already don't find this day any more exciting. The moment I give Ciel his gift will be the ultimate feeling of happiness today. I love and hate his birthday for obvious reasons. I bet he does more than me though. I plan to have Francis here serve as a distraction for Sebastian and Ciel for the day. A smirk makes its way on my face as I plan his surprise birthday party. I know he will hate it, but I want to do it anyways.
"Bearing in mind that you are going to be the man whom my daughter is marrying in the future." Francis comments again as my brother sweat drops in response to her criticism.
"I am going to retrain you today! I am going to do an extensive check!" Francis announces while pointing a finger at me, my brother, and Sebastian with a stern look. We all sweat drop in response as she continues to talk, "Firstly, I am going to check the inside of your house. Unruliness in the living environment is the thing that leads to the heart being unruly!"
Oh god, I hope the servants didn't destroy anything already I think with an internal cry.
Sebastian flashes his signature fake smile, "In that case, allow me to lead the way." he announces with a hand on his chest.
"Hey!" Ciel whisper shouts to Sebastian while tugging on his sleeve.
"Please be at ease, I have already ensured that everything is in place yesterday." he assures with a wink and holds a finger in front of his lips, gesturing like it was a secret.
I roll my eyes and begin to walk the other way, "I'll talk to y'all later. I got plans for the rest of the day."
Francis raises a questionable eyebrow at me, "Y'all?"
Sebastian, Ciel, and Elizabeth did not appear surprised by the conjunction word I used. Probably used to me saying it. I sweatdrop and curse internally, "Um, I mean you...guys?" I think out loud, a bit confused by my own language.
Her eyebrow rises higher at my wording, "You mean, 'you all'?" she asks.
I facepalm and nod, "That is what I mean."
"It is clear you need proper education." she clarifies with a sigh.
Sebastian clears his throat afterward with another fake smile, "Milady?"
Francis follows the group which took off down another hallway and I stick my tongue out at her turned back. Proper education? Do not make me laugh, I know more than everyone in this damned manor. Well...maybe not as much Sebastian but he does not count!
I huff to myself and turn around, walking to the kitchen. I grab the ribbon she used for my low bun and yank it out with a hiss. God damn, she really tied my hair ridiculously tight. Once I was at the kitchen door, I push it open. No one is inside, which is bad as I am looking for the servants. Hopefully, they will pop in as the day continues. Traveling to the counter, I bend over to open a cabinet below. I take out two large mixing bowls with a big grin.
Today, I will make Ciel's birthday cake and decorate the main hall.
I can only guess that Francis and Elizabeth are here for his birthday as well. It would seem I will need to make lots of food. While I have no problem baking, I did have issues with cooking. Welp, I will deal with that later I decide. I grab the necessary ingredients for a double layer cake. However, I am a bit stuck if I should make it chocolate or strawberry. These were tough decisions. I think I made strawberry last year for him, so this year I shall make chocolate! My ultimate favorite!
I tie my hair back up into a high ponytail again to spite my aunt; plus, I did not want to get my hair in it which would be gross. This cake must be made from scratch. Sadly, Betty Crocker's cake mix was not invented yet. Sebastian makes the best cake honestly. Though, if I had to judge it, it had no feelings put into it. I frown at the thought as I mix the dry ingredients together.
"It's been twenty-four hours and I need more hours with you.~ You spent the weekend getting even.~ Ooh ooh!~" I start to sing loudly with a smile. I miss Maroon Five, and most definitely Bruno Mars. I wanted to see those guys in concert so bad. I continue to sing loudly as I pour the wet ingredients into the dry while dancing in my spot.
"You spent the late nights, making things right between us.~ But now it's all good babe. Roll that Backwood baby and pull me close.~" I hum out underneath my breath as I search for two pans to bake this batter in. "'Cause girls like you, run around like guys like me. 'Til sundown, when I come through. I need a girl like you, yeah yeah.~"
I hear a door squeak and I automatically look up from my search of pans and pots. I find Mey-Rin with a gaping mouth, staring at me. I raise and curious eyebrow, "Is everything okay?" I ask.
"M-Miss. R-Rina! You have such a terrific voice!" she stutters and grabs my shoulders, shaking me with emphasize.
I blush at her compliment and scratch my cheek when she lets go of me, "You think so? Thanks."
She nods enthusiastically till she tilts her head in confusion with a finger up to her lip, "I don't think I have ever heard that song before."
I laugh nervously, "Hmm, yes, well. It was made by a small group of men in my old hometown."
"Oh! In America, yes?!"
I nod with a smile, "Yep!" I confirm while popping the 'p' at the end.
She accepts my answer with her own smile, "What are you doing in the kitchen, my lady?" she asks afterward while eyeing the bowl on the counter behind me.
"Oh!" I exclaim and turn my attention back to it. I bend down onto my knees and continue to pull out various pots and pans. Why do we have this many?! This is ridiculous, Sebastian! No human has this many! I think in exasperation. "Well, today's my brother's birthday. I want to throw him a surprise party." I explain with a small smile.
She gasps and comes to my side, "Finny, Bard, and I was planning on throwing one, yes! We have begun to set up already, yes!" she informs.
I look up at her in wonder, "Really? How convenient. I'm touched you guys care so much for him." I grin.
She smiles back, "Yes! Bard and Finny are still prepping in the main hall."
"You guys are so awesome, no matter the messes you make." I praise with twinkling eyes.
I look down underneath the cabinet I am still searching until I finally spot what I am looking for. "Ah-ha!" I exclaim while pulling out two cake pans.
I get back up and set them next to the cake batter, "How much do y'all—er—you all have done?" I ask while correcting myself unconsciously with a wince. I am so used to using that conjunction. Then again, I am originally from Florida. Though, Florida doesn't typically have a Southern dialect. Eh, close enough.
"The decorations are done. I am looking for a tea set to use, Finny is picking flowers in the garden for the vases, and Bard is supposed to making food. But I can see, he is not in here oddly."
I nod, listing down most of what she said into my head. "Make sure to not break the china, Mey-Rin." I remind.
She nods with confidence, "I will not fail the young master, yes!"
I smile at her, "Alrighty, then, better get to it before time runs out." I point out. "I'm counting on you three!" I persuade while putting a fist in the air. "Fighting!" I exclaim with encouragement.
With that, she swiftly takes her exit. Please, don't wreak havoc on the manor I think in a mantra. I spread the butter around the inside of the pans, so the cake does not stick. I proceed to pour the chocolate cake into them. Grabbing an oven glove next, I set the pans into the already heated oven and close it with a satisfactory grin. I set the timer which sits nearby for an hour. Hopefully, it'll be done by the time Ciel finds out about the birthday bash.
I decide to make the cocoa frosting quickly and it does not take too long. I set the homemade frosting into the cooler, so it stays fresh. I wipe my forehead with my hand as it becomes a little warm from the oven heat. I probably just got powdered sugar all over my forehead, whoops. I blow a stray piece of hair that escaped my ponytail and begin to clean up some of the mess I made by accident. Taking a rag, I wet it under the faucet and collect all the flour that is all over the counter.
However, after a couple of moments pass, Bard stampedes through the door with a crazy smile. I pale instantly and finally realize a piece of dynamite is in his hand.
"B-Bard!" I shriek as he wonders over to the tangerines sitting on the counter in a bowl. He is chewing a cigarette in his mouth as he also grabs the said fruit. "Bard!" I shout to grab his attention.
"Wha'?" he asks as comes over to the stove.
He sets the tangerines down next to it and grabs a tea kettle nearby. I sweatdrop, not liking where this is going. "What in the bloody Earth are ya' doin'?!"
"Makin' tea. What else?"
I pace over to his side and peer over his tall build, "With the stovetop, right?" I ask suspiciously as he turns on the stovetop heater on.
"Is there another way to?"
I toss him a blank-face, not impressed with his sass. "Well, considering how you blow up everything, yes." I offer sarcastically. He fills the tea kettle with the tangerines, and I try to stop him. "Seriously! What are you thinking?! You can't just put tangerines and a tea packet in it!" I exclaim in irritation.
I swipe the bowl away from him with a slight glare. He shrugs and I watch as he lights a match. I pale again and drop the bowl at my feet, "Bard..." I utter. He lights the dynamite in his hand and I pale drastically. He plants it in the tea kettle with a manic grin.
"This is how you make tea!" he exclaims giddily. I shove him out of the way and grab the kettle that burns my hands painfully. I whimper and rush to the door as the string on the dynamite counts down my time to get rid of the thing.
"Hey!" Bard exclaims angrily. I slam the back door open that leads to the backyard. I toss it so fast as tears stream down my cheeks. It explodes within seconds, sending tangerine skin and china all over the ground. I let out a sigh in relief and I place a burning hand on my chest, the adrenaline blocking out some of the pain.
I turn to glare at him menacingly, "YOU CRAZY BASTARD! YOU COULD HAVE KILLED ME, US!" I scream and shake my fists at him.
"So what?! I would have lived, unlike a prissy woman like you."
Multiple tick marks pulse against my temple, "Hah?! Say that again, you asshole!" I snarl, very pissed off.
"What was that?" he asks with a smirk, putting a finger in his ear like it was blocked or something.
"Get out! Get out of here! No cake for you!" I shriek and hit him with my closed fists that were slowly beginning to cry in pain.
"Ouch! Jesus Christ, woman! Why are you so strong?!" he whines as I smack his back, taking pleasure in his pain until his dumbass was out the door.
I huff and stomp my foot on the ground repeatedly like the child I am. Ugh! He pisses me off more than Sebastian sometimes, I swear. I open my clenched fists with a small whimper, they were quite red. They were burned. I rush over to the sink and turn on the water, making sure it was cold. I hiss at the feeling; tears leak out of my now closed eyes at the pain it causes.
Burning, burns, it hurts. It was so warm; no, it was hell. I open my eyes to find the kitchen on fire, the walls were becoming charcoal black and smoke filters through the air. I couldn't breathe, I start to cough uncontrollably, and I smell the scent of burning flesh. Oh god, it was a terrible smell. My vision became hazy and I stumble, as I try to reach for the door to my right. I needed to get out of here before I die. My coughing increases until I am hacking. I need to save them. I need to save my brothers I think helplessly. When my hand touches the handle of the door, it cools the heat on my palms. Which is odd, I think as I pull the door open.
I am only met with hibernating trees and cold air as it pushes against my flushed cheeks. I could hear my terrified breathing, gasping for air. I cough and fall to the floor in confusion as sweat drops down the side of my face. What happened? Holy shit, my head hurt so much. My hands feel as if they were melting against the cool floor beneath me as I hold myself up. I did not realize I was trembling, and I know it was not from the winter chill.
I slowly breathe air correctly, counting in my head and it calms me down. I thought I was in the burning manor again. Much like my nightmares, I get once in a while. I bite my lip in thought as I sort through the moment. This wasn't the first time I have done this in daylight. But it is usually in my bedroom where nobody knows. Eventually, I sat there on the floor for who knows how long. My hands still burn as a reminder this is the reality, not the memories that contain the events that have passed. Ugh, fuck this PTSD bullshit.
"Miss. Rina?" I hear a high-pitched voice say behind me. I startle in my spot on the floor and turn around to look at Finny. "Are you alright?" he asks with a tilt of his head, appearing concerned.
I nod meekly, "Yes..." I mutter lowly.
"Why are you on the grou—What happened?!" he gasps suddenly while gesturing to my open red palms.
I hold them up questionably, "I burnt them."
He begins to panic and begins to walk away in a rush, "I-I'll grab the aid kit!" he shouts, and the door slams open to his anxiousness.
I wince as cracks take place on the wall and I hope Sebastian does not blame me. The last thing I need is his scolding. The pain was nothing new as it was not my first time experiencing it. It was a minor injury and would heal eventually. No scars, unlike my ankles and upper calves I think with a frown. My legs stick out from underneath my dress and I stare my feet solemnly.
I reach over with my burnt hands and ignore the pain slightly; I shove the tights down and expose my healed over scars from the fire from two years ago. I don't particularly like looking at them. They always brought unpleasant memories back. Not to mention, they were quite ugly. Most of the time, I forget they are there as well. I was not sure if Ciel really knew about them either. Rolling them back up, I stand, and my legs wobble a little. I catch myself with a deep breath. The timer on by the oven blares like a call. I groan and walk slowly over to it.
Shutting it off, I grab two oven gloves and slide them on. I take the cake pans out without a cry in pain which I pride myself in. I grab a silver fork from the drawer and poke it into both cakes. Finding them perfectly done, I turn off the oven with a small smile. I hear Finny come back, bumbling down the hallway in a rush. I smile softly as he enters, breathing hard as if he ran a marathon.
"I-I brought it!" he exclaims proudly.
I nod in thanks as he sets it on the counter, opening it up. "Thanks, kid. I appreciate it."
I start to reach for it so I can tend to my wounds. However, Finny pushes my hands away somewhat gently with a frown, "No! I-I will wrap them for you!" he announces with a slight blush.
I stand still, a bit stunned by his proclamation. "Well, then. I will let you if you wish to."
He smiles happily like a puppy and it makes me feel warm. Finny reminds of a man child, well he was still a boy if I really thought about it. He takes out some gauze and I hold my hands out to him, holding them in the air. He reaches for one of them ever so slowly and lightly holds one up. I don't wince because he was controlling his strength for once which I appreciate extremely.
He sticks out his tongue as he starts to unwrap the gauze, wrapping it around my hand afterward. Once he was done, he grabs some surgical tape, "One down, another to go!" he exclaims seriously.
"When did you learn how to patch up wounds so well?" I ask curiously.
He forgot the cooling gel, but I will apply that later without him knowing. He starts on my other hand with great concentration, as if the world depended on him. "I get hurt a lot."
I decide to accept his answer with a low hum. I'm not surprised, all the servants were bumbling idiots most of the time. But they are kind down the very depths of them which is why I love them so much. He finishes my other hand with a joyful smile, "There! All done! How did I do?!" he asks with a puppy dog eyes.
I could not resist and smile back, "You did well, young one."
He jumps in the air with a 'yay!'. I'm pretty sure I saw sparkles fly into the air around him with such an action.
"Is the main hall ready?" I ask curiously after he calms down.
He nods quickly, "Yep! We need your cake, that's it!"
I raise my hands up in front of me, "Since my hands are hurt, do you want to frost the cake for me?" I ask.
He stares at me, a little unsure with his gaze, "O-Oh, I don't know. Mister Sebastian doesn't usually let me help with the food..."
I pout while giving him my own puppy dog eyes, "Pretty please, Finny." I ask with a fake sniffle.
His face melts with a blush, "F-Fine! I can do it!" he announces.
I let up on the look and walk over to the cooler. I open it slowly and take the bowl of frosting out. I set it on the counter, "I'll tell you how to do it, okay?"
He nods, "Yes!"
"Let's get to frostin'!" I shout with a giggle.
0-0-0-0-0-0
We all wait in the main hall for the guests, my brother, and Sebastian to enter. My nerves were on an all-time high, as my brother will either be furious or surprised. Maybe a combo? He wasn't so happy that I invited people over for his birthday last year. It was a bad decision on my part because I ended up getting sad drunk. I was mopey and cried all night...bad times I think with a shiver.
The servants looked worse for wear, Finny was dirty when he was helping me too. I can only guess why he was so dirty when I saw multiple winter roses littered everywhere with only the head of it, no stem. Mey-Rin was banged up also and I think I saw a piece of china in her hair. Bard legit had a cast and I wonder if he blew something else up in my absence earlier. I sigh looking at the three, I was a bit messy as well. I had flour on my dress and probably my face. I did not have time to clean up as I was unsure when my brother and the gang returned.
The cake I made is amazing, Finny did a good job. I gave him a gold star sticker on his chest; he wore it proudly. I put the number my brother was turning as the number of candles. I wished the big fat number candles were invented already. I could not write a happy birthday message on the cake sadly because of my hands. Finny did not know how to write either.
I could hear Sebastian's voice suddenly along with everyone else as they enter the hall.
"Ah!" the servants and I exclaim when they come into view.
"Welcome back!" Finny greets excitedly.
Ciel stares at us with a sweat drop, "What happened? Why does everyone look like this?" he asks curiously with a hint of mild concern. He was paying special attention to me while staring at my hands with furrowed eyebrows as I smile stupidly. "Rina! Your hands." he frets as he grabs them quickly into his own.
I wince and takes his hands back with an apologetical look, "They got burnt." I utter lamely.
"What? Why?!" he shouts with an angry undertone.
Before I could explain, Finny decides the push the cake in front of my brother and me with a large grin. "This was made by all of us!" Finny cheers.
I smile warmly at the act, "Well, mostly by me. But I did have some help." I acknowledge, nodding to the blonde-haired kid next to me.
"Huh?" Ciel utters in confusion.
I sigh hopelessly at him as the servants continue to explain what else they did. "We even used roses for decorations!" Finny exclaims.
"I made donburi filled with the young master's favorite food!" Bard says proudly.
Ah, I see how he got those injuries now I think with an internal facepalm.
"The table setting was done by me." Mey-Rin shares with a bashful look.
Sebastian and Ciel stare at us with a dead look in their eyes. I pout at the look, hoping at least my brother to be at least a little warmed by thoughts they put in for him. I spot Francis lurking behind them with a discontent look and the butler-child duo turn around in fear of her reaction.
I know better than my aunt and teacher to care about how it was set up. She would take the act of kindness more than the failed attempt of a surprise party.
"Hmph, they are actually one step quicker than me..." Francis sighs out while taking a step forward. "I came here especially today just for the sake of saying this." she explains and places a hand gently on the top of Ciel's head. "Happy thirteenth birthday, Ciel!" Francis exclaims with a warm smile.
"Ah, I wanted to be the one to say it." I pout and rush over to my brother with a large grin. I pull him into a loving hug and nuzzle my face next to his. I watch as a blush settles on his cheeks as he gives me a half hug back, "Happy birthday, to you too." I mutter in his ear quietly, so no one else would hear the double meaning.
He stills in my grasp and clutches the back of my dress, "Thank you...very much!" he states while fixing a smile on his face and let's go of me with a knowing look in his eye.
I smile warmly, I think my cheeks will be sore from doing it so much.
"And also, everyone," Francis begins while staring at my brother and me with a loving look in her gaze. "...I'll be counting on all of you to take care of my daughter and her husband in the future." Francis reminds them and me.
I frown slightly if only things lasted that long...I think with a deep sigh.
Next thing my aunt does, surprises me slightly. She approaches Sebastian with a devious look in her eyes, "Sebastian, thanks for all the trouble today."
Sebastian bows deeply with a hand to his chest and a signature smile, "Your welcome."
"However, there are still things which I need to remind you of. The broken tea set, the ridiculously bare garden, as well as the dinner that has been burnt to charcoal...I trust you will be taking better care of them." Francis reprimands with a teasing lilt and smirk.
Sebastian stands in a stupor until he smirks as well, "You found out?" he rumbles with a slightly nervous chuckle. "Yes, of course." he acknowledges.
"Let's all party!" Finny shouts with excitement.
I let out a loud 'whoop', "Hell yeah! Bard, where's the alcohol? I need a drink since my baby brother is getting older."
He snickers in response and Francis lets out a 'tsk', "Rina! That is not lady-like in the least! Watch your profanities!"
I shrug off her scolding as Bard and I chant, "Booze! Booze!" as we search for it together.
I couldn't find any on the table, "Hey! I'm going to the kitchen to find some. Don't start blowing out the candles until I get back!" I shout and leave in a rush.
"Don't take too long or we'll start without you!" Ciel calls after me with a smirk.
I turn my head to stick my tongue out at him with a childish giggle. I jog to the kitchen which was not too far and open the door. I spot Sebastian standing there with a cake by his side on the counter. He appears a bit surprised he was caught in the act of having a fingertip with chocolate frosting held up to his mouth; as if he were about to lick it off.
I raise an eyebrow curiously at him, "While that cake looks amazing, can you even eat it?" I ask curiously I approach him.
His face becomes impassive, "Yes, though I doubt it will taste the same for me as it does for you."
That's when I realize his glove was off for the first time and I find a pentagram on the top side of his hand. I stare at it curiously and grab his wrist, bringing it closer to me. There are characters inside of it, but I am not sure what it says or what language even. Perhaps, Latin?
"What does it say?"
"I do not have to tell." he responds.
I pout a little but leave him be, as it may be personal. "Does every demon have one?" I ask.
"If contracted, yes."
I hum in thought before taking his frosted finger up to my lips. I lick it off with one swipe and let it go, but I cannot fathom as to why exactly I just did that? I have really turned insane? I wonder endlessly, refusing to meet his gaze in fear of the blush I was pushing back would proceed to come forth under his gaze.
"It's yummy..." I mutter softly as I scream in my head in disbelief. What the actual fuck am I saying and doing?! Control! Brain to mouth, control yourself!
Before I know it, he grabs my chin and pushes my head up to peer up at his. Panicking, I am panicking, my brain is going haywire and my heart felt like a rocket ship. He stares at me intensely and his ungloved thumb rises to my lips, pressing on my lower one.
"I wonder, what you taste like..." he hums out loud.
I blush intensely, taking it a whole other way. H-Hold up, HOLD THE PHONE! WHAT?!
"U-Uh..." I utter dumbly in response. Brain, help me, get out of the gutter! I shriek internally.
I laugh awkwardly all of a sudden and push him away from me; even though my heart wants him to come even closer for whatever reason. "T-Taste? Me? I probably taste like trash." I joke with another humorous laugh. I walk away from him, but I could feel his heated gaze on me.
I ignore it with every fiber of my being as I find the wine.
I grab two bottles; I should probably grab three after that encounter.
It is dead silent in the room and I am going to keep it that way. I make a swift escape without so much as a noise from either of us. I bring the wine back with me and Bard cheers at the sight of it. I try to forget the odd encounter as Ciel glares at me, tapping his foot repeatedly.
"What took you so long?" he asks with a voice filled with irritation.
"You waited?"
"...shut up and get over here." he growls, and I smile at his sassy behavior.
After we sang the birthday song, we all gave him our presents. I'm pretty buzzed by this point and Bard was heading down the same track. I keep giggling manically and call my brother adorable I don't know how many times; his blush never gets old or the flustered look I receive. He really liked my gift and I was super duper happy about this.
Eventually, the party ends and the servants begin to clean up and I was walking back with Ciel to his room with the gifts in my arms.
"Hmm.~ I can't believeee you are so old-d..." I slur slightly as I sort of stumble down the hallway.
I hear him sigh loudly, "And I cannot believe you can't hold your alcohol."
"Sssh!~ I neverrr dri-nk."
"If you did more often, I'd lock you in your bedroom."
I pout with a hiccup, "That's not nice.~"
I trip on my foot somehow and catch myself before I start flying to outer space. Oh yes, space, pretty stars! "Let's go to the moonnnnnnn!~" I shout loudly.
He winces and scowls at me, "Stop being stupid!"
"I'm n-ot stup-id. *hic* We can go to the moon!"
He pinches nose, "I'm never giving you wine ever again. Especially, last year when you started crying nonstop."
I drop the gifts with a giggle and I hold out my arms as if I were a rocket ship, "Get on board! We'reeee going to the mooon!~ I sing with a giggle as I fly down the hallway with a squeal.
"Rina! Knock it off! Stop acting like a child!" he thunders with irritation as he picks up the items that I dropped, off of the floor.
"Feni! Wh-en we go to the moon, we can li-ve there. Where no on-e can...touch uss. We float!" I keep slurring, my mind taking a dip.
"Don't call me that! You know better!" he snaps as he marches down the hallway towards me as I lean up against the wall. When did I get here? I wonder suddenly. Hmm, I was sleepy. "Humans can't go to the moon." he states seriously once at my side. "So, knock it off with the childish thoughts."
I frown, "We can, and we will. And the view is amazing! Earth is sooooooooo big!" I exclaim and gesture around me.
He stares at me with much confusion until he narrows his gaze oddly. I can't describe what it was. "I love youuuuuuu!" I squeal abruptly with a warm smile. All I hear is another deep sigh and I see a smirk being thrown at me by him.
