Welcome back, readers,
Hope everyone is doing well! Pretty soon depressing Rina will get a break soon, as there will be more matters to take care beside her feelings for this arc. I already wrote the next chapter and it flowed pretty well, so expect that sooner than this one!
Thanks for reading the follows and reviews,
Take care, y'all.
o0o0o0o
Sneaking out of the mansion, was no easy feat. However, I am fortunate to have picked a day where everyone is busy. I called for a carriage while Sebastian was busy with Snake. See, today is Snake's first day on the job. I am also fortunate enough to get a coach so early in the morning. The ride to London as per usual is boring as hell. But I have much time for thinking and simply relaxing against the window. Away from all the chaos and mayhem of the Phantomhive household. Not being near Sebastian is weird, but not all the way bad. It's not like we're really on a talking basis right now. I've been feeling like a dark, depressing cloud for the past couple of days. Getting out of the house really does feel better.
The carriage pulls up to the curb somewhere in town. I step off, my skirts flowing eloquently around my ankles. The streets and sidewalks are bustling, nothing new about that. I reach into my sleeve and take out a piece of paper, "Two Upper Wimpole Street..." I drift off and search for a map around the city. I almost pass one which hangs in a window.
I find where I am located, and I search the address on it. I follow all the complicated lines until I come across the street name. I retrace the lines to where I am until I nod to myself, memorizing it. I head toward the location and become lost once or twice on the way. But eventually, I find myself on the corner of the street. I look around for a business or office, I do not know the name of the building. I guess something that sounds like a publishing company or writers' workshop. I speed walk down the sidewalk, some giving me crazy looks.
I peer inside every window until I spot who I am looking for. I pause in the window, staring at him with a frown. I can feel the guilt still eat at my heart. I know I shouldn't be here, but I feel too horrible about what happened. I take note of the baggy eyes and unkempt hair he wears. I notice my reflection finding the same on my face. I ignore my depleted look and examine him through the window. He is writing something with a fountain pen, appearing concentrated. It takes me a few seconds to build up the courage to walk to the door. I pull it open with a deep breath and a bell chimes at my arrival. I can hear the pen scribbling like crazy as I round the corner. Arthur does not seem to notice me standing here.
I search the room and don't find any else here. Is it just him today? Perfect, that's exactly what I needed. I take a few steps closer to him, making sure my steps are silent. He seems to be concentrated but also so very troubled. I clear my throat softly, and he peers up in a flash, "Oh my, I'm so sorry—" he starts to apologize but pauses halfway. His eyes widen when he takes my form in. I smile gently and I reach up to take my hat off.
I hold it to my chest, "Hello, Arthur." I greet.
His mouth moves, trying to say something, anything. He stands from his chair abruptly and glues himself to the wall. I can practically feel the fear rolling off him in wave after wave. I notice how his body trembles slightly, "I-I promised to say nothing! I haven't!" he whimpers and squeezes his eyes shut.
I sigh, feeling even worse for traumatizing him. But I need to apologize for being a bad person. "Arthur," I call out but he only grimaces. "Arthur!" I shout and he opens his eyes instantly. I stare down at my feet then, "I'm not here to threaten you like my brother and Sebastian."
I hear the floorboards creak, indicating he took a step. I peer up at him through my eyelashes and bangs. "W-What are you here for then?" he stutters, still on guard. As I am about to take a step closer, he jumps for his desk. I watch in fascination as he whips a pistol out of a drawer. He holds it up to me with shaky arms, "Don't. Move." he warns.
With widened eyes, I drop my hat and raise my arms in the air. I did not think he would point a gun at me but this an interesting notion I did not think of. He does not know I could easily dodge any bullet but whatever makes him feel safest, I'm fine with it. Not that I could dodge one with how weak I feel currently. Regardless, if someone like Sebastian threatened me, I would be scared for my life too and buy a weapon for defense.
"Let me repeat myself, I'm not here to hurt you."
"Then why are you here?" he asks right after, his gaze wavering. I frown again and slowly get onto my knees. "Wha-What are you doing?!" he shouts.
I ignore him and kneel on the ground, "I'm here to apologize." I clarify.
He lowers his gun slowly as he stares at me in disbelief. "What did you just say?"
"I feel bad...for deceiving you. I really liked you, you seemed like a good person." I admit as tears fill my eyes. "You reminded me of an old friend from back home. Your personalities are quite similar." I reminisce. "So, I am so sorry for my brother involving you in his schemes. If I knew ahead who you were and what kind of person you are, I would have escorted you out of my cursed home as soon as possible."
I watch the gun slip from his hands and onto the floor. He sluggishly comes toward me, I can't see his face very well because of his bangs. I feel my tears drip down my cheeks as he sinks to his knees as well before me. His eyes find mine and I notice the tears dripping down his own cheeks. His teeth are gritted, and he wraps me into a tight hug. I sit in his arms, not sure how to respond. I start to sob though, not sure what else to do. He pats my back and I cry even louder. What am I doing here? Do I really want to be forgiven that badly?
"I'm so sorry for tricking you!" I sob loudly. "I had to play along even if I didn't want to in the first place." I admit as my lip wobbles.
I wail louder and hug him back finally, clutching at his back. My heart feels as if it will explode. He shushes me continuously and rocks me in his arms. I feel myself slowly calm down, taking comfort in the arms of someone I hurt, that my family hurt. I pull away slightly with a sniffle and rub at my eyes with the back of my hand. He stares at me sadly, as if I were pitiful. I probably am.
"My mind tells me not to forgive you, but my heart yearns to." Arthur breathes out with a pained look. "This is all I can offer."
I nod, "It's understandable."
He closes his eyes, as his body trembles. "I must thank you though, however. For coming to see me. I can acknowledge your determination to repent and I did consider you as a newfound friend."
I sniffle again and bow my head, "...thank you for allowing it to happen. I did something I'm not proud of and this is the first time I am able to apologize for it."
He frowns and stands up. He offers a hand out to me and I take it without hesitation. He pulls me up lightly and he hands me his handkerchief with a small soft smile. I take it gratefully and dab at my eyes and nose. "I don't know if I want to see you again, but I will admit, I do appreciate this." Arthur says.
I feel my eyes widen briefly before they crinkle as I smile again. "I get it, thank you for this opportunity."
He nods, as his hand brushes against my lower back. He guides me toward the front door, and I follow willingly. "Please take care of yourself, Rina." he urges.
"It must be hard seeing me, huh?"
He frowns and looks away, "Yes, I would like you to leave now. I do not like being reminded of that incident if I can help it."
I step outside and he holds the door open. I turn around once more, "Take care of yourself, Arthur. Don't ever stop writing great stories." I advise.
He blinks at me owlishly, "You tell me this many times and I cannot fathom why. Why do you believe in my skills so much?"
I smirk and knock my knuckles against my head, "I know a lot more about you than you will ever know."
He stares incredulously at me, "I will not miss the Phantomhive mystery behind every member. Live a good life."
I nod and turn around with a wave in the air, "You too, Arthur, take care."
I take two steps before his voice permits the air once more. "And Rina," he calls out. I glance behind me once more curiously, "Yes?" I ask.
He stares at me seriously, his lips pressed into a hard frown as he debates something internally. "Don't be scared to escape...come find me if you are ever in deep trouble."
I feel stunned as he closes the door, finalizing our goodbye and my departure.
0o0o0o0o
Pulling up into the driveway of the mansion, I step out of my carriage to find an irritated Ciel awaiting at the top of the steps. I sigh as my good luck dissolves quickly. I slowly make my way up the stairs, glaring back at him as I arrive at his side. His glare increases to match my own.
"Where were you?" he asks instantly. I huff and roll my eyes, "Why do you care?"
I brush past him on purpose, feeling too drained, and head toward the front doors. I hear his angry steps follow me until I am inside the mansion. He rounds me until he is in front. "I care because I need to know your whereabouts, not to mention, I'm in charge of running the mansion!" he declares.
I stare dejectedly at him, "Do you ever stop yelling?"
"Do you ever stop nagging?" he fires back as a tick mark pulses against his temple. I become irritated quickly, "You and your bad mouth, should I wash it out with soap?" I threaten.
He scowls at me, "You're quite hilarious, maybe I should make you help Sebastian with the dishes."
I bend down with my hands on my hips. He leans back, not liking me so close to him. "You're not going to make me do anything. You know what, you owe me an apology." I remember with a smirk, feeling some spunk flow into my system.
His eyebrow twitches, "I don't owe you anything."
"Yes, in fact, you do!" I shout and point at him.
"About what?!"
"About the fact you left me out on purpose, you asshole!"
"Hah!?" he voices as his eyebrow twitches again. "Why should I apologize for that!?"
We are literally butting heads right now in the foyer. I grit my teeth and lock him in a chokehold. I knock on his forehead and he struggles in my arm, "Hello? McFly you home? Wake up and smell the flowers, Ciel. You owe me multiple apologies, oh, and a promise you little shit!" I snarl sarcastically.
His jaw sets forward and he smacks my arm pathetically, "Let me go! No, I don't!"
"You know, we wouldn't fight so much if you weren't so stubborn!" I remind him.
"Whatever, fine! You want an apology, then fine."
I let him go and he massages his neck.
"Come on, I'm waiting," I say. He glances at me and sticks his tongue at me, "...that's what you thought I'd say." he snickers and dashes off. I stare in shock before anger takes hold of me again. "Oi! Get back here!" I holler and run after him. I chase after him until we reach the second floor. "Ciel!" I snarl his name.
I stop running when Sebastian turns a corner, rolling a tea cart down the hallway. Ciel stops as well, realizing it is time to serve tea. I march up next to him, completely ignoring Sebastian. Ciel smirks at my anger, finding it funny. "What?" he asks innocently.
"I said you owe me an apology—" I remark but he cuts me off by waving his hand lazily. "Yeah, yeah, let's discuss it over tea." he says.
I feel multiple tick marks pulse against my temple at his nonchalant behavior. Weren't we just budding heads?! Is it because the all-mighty Sebastian is here? I glare at Sebastian for once and he continues to walk down the hallway with the cart. We follow behind him until he leads us to Ciel's office. I sit down in one of the chairs in front of the desk. Ciel makes his way behind it and sits down across from me. I wait very patiently as Sebastian serves the tea and snacks out.
"The mid-day tea is green tea with honey and sugar added. The snack is madeleines to pair with it." Sebastian announces.
I stare at the menu presented before me, wondering why two of my favorite things to consume are in front of me. This is no coincidence. My all-time favorite tea and one of my favored snacks is making me suspicious. I peer up at my brother in thought to find him with his elbow propped up on the desk as he rests his chin on his hand. "Er, what is exactly is going on?" I ask in confusion.
"This is for cooperating with the mission." Ciel clarifies and gestures to the food with a nod of his head. I narrow my eyes at him, "Right. The mission you could've just told me about from the beginning." I say snarkily.
His eye twitches in response, "I needed it to be real."
"You could've just told me to act directly until the last minute!" I shout with irritation. I grab one of the madeleines and wave it around, "If you think my favorite things are going to soothe whatever anger I got with you, think again!"
I toss it back onto the plate with a 'hmph'. He sighs heavily, "Stop making such a big deal over it."
I cross my arms and glared at him, "Well, I will make a deal out of it, I'm tired of being treated like someone who's too fragile to help out."
"I never said that—"
"But you are implying it or something like it. Unless you're saying I'm a nuisance...but either way, you said that you would include me from now on. Was that a lie to make me feel better then?"
He glances away randomly, "No, I just thought it would be easier to handle this case if you didn't know. I will apologize to that; I really did not think you would be so upset."
I sigh, relaxing a little. It really seems he didn't think it through all the way. "That's all I needed to hear."
He nods and leans back in his chair, "So...will you stop being moody now?" he asks.
"Moody?" I question, feeling irritation spark in me again. Just when I thought things were going well.
"I'm tired of seeing you mope around the manor for the last couple of days. I heard you weren't eating anything either. I thought it was because of me." Ciel explains.
I tilt my head in thought, realizing I wasn't really eating. I just...wasn't hungry. The whole Sebastian dilemma really made me upset and heartbroken. Fuck I still am, I'll probably start feeling weary again soon. My guilt toward Arthur made me feel shitty too. This morning felt like an energy boost. But now that I realize it, my eyes feel extremely heavy. I bite my lip and nod, "I guess that was one of the reasons."
"One of them?"
I smile sadly and grab a madeleine, "You could say I've been dealing with other stuff too."
"Like what? Anything I can do to help?" Ciel asks, becoming eager suddenly.
I shake my head and tear the snack in half, "There are some things I need to deal with on my own." I eat one half and stand from my seat, putting the other one down. "I better get going. I have stuff to do for the remainder of the day. Thank you, Ciel."
I smile kindly and turn around, heading towards the door. I barely give Sebastian a glance, even though all I want to do is simply be acknowledged by him. I stroll down the hallway back to my bedroom, time to write for a little bit.
0o0o0o0o
Time Skip to the Next Day:
I walk down the stairs which leads to the front foyer. I tiredly rub my eyes as I descend. I woke up from sleep not long ago. I'm glad I did because of the nightmare I was having scared me. It takes a lot for me to even get scared. I guess the one thing that scares me most is everyone disappearing and I'm back in that alleyway. Where I am terrified, lost, confused, and hopeless. No matter how much I cried and begged no one seemed to care for the little lost child with no home.
I remember crying every night to the stars, in hopes my mother would come to find me. There were starving dogs that would try to eat me in the alleyways too. It is a nightmare I wish to never relive again. I would probably fair better now that I am older. But those types of memories tend to stick as time goes on. I sigh tiredly, not wanting to think about it any longer. I comb my long hair back with my fingers. I venture down to the kitchen, finally feeling something akin to hunger.
I feel like if I don't eat something soon, I'll die from starvation. My mouth is as dry as sandpaper and my lips are peeling. I really did avoid all substances of needs for the past few days. My bedroom was my escape and reflective world. I only came out to make appearances but that's where that ended. Until I realized, sitting around doing nothing will not help my heartache go away. But my body will not be able to hang on any longer if I don't take care of myself.
As I walk down the hallway, I notice how slow everything is. Yeah, no, I need more rest and my needs are taken care of. How am I even standing right now? Ugh, I feel terrible, literally. I accidently trip over my own two feet and I cling to the wall. My head spins a little, but I trudge on. This is nothing compared to the fire at this damned mansion. I can walk through flames and exhaustion, then I can beat this thing I brought upon myself. I smile slightly at that encouraging thought and lean off the wall.
I take it much slower until I pass the dining room. I hear people chatting inside and I recognize Ciel's voice. I come closer to the cracked door and peek inside. Oh my god, I smell fish. My mouth salivates at the thought and scent of food. I open the door wider and it creaks, sounding my arrival. Ciel perks up and looks around his newspaper. Sebastian stands next to him, attending to the meal.
I shuffle inside, avoiding my brother's intense gaze. I look like a train wreck probably. "Rina..." I hear him say and I barely manage to get to the chair normally. "You look even worse since I last saw you..."
I sit down in the chair next to him and I rub my eyes again. "Hungry..." I mumble, not even registering his voice anymore. I'm trying not to snooze as I sit here. The sleep I am getting is so restless, all I do is toss and turn every night. But I would not leave my bedroom in case Sebastian was roaming about the hallways.
Speaking of the demon, I glance up at him. His face is a bit blurry, "Sebastian..." I mutter. His black form moves slightly, as if twitchy. "Yes, my lady?" he asks, his tone deep. I shiver at the sound of his acknowledgment. It's sad, but I can't stop the grin from spreading across my lips.
"Can I have some?" I ask with a soft and slurred voice. If I don't eat this food now, I might just crash here on the table. I can hear a dish being prepared and is it then I snap my eyes open. When did I close them!? I smack my cheeks repeatedly and stretch the skin beneath my eyes to keep them open.
"Rina, are you feeling alright? Do you need a doctor?" Ciel asks, his voice worried for once.
I grab my fork aggressively, "What I need is some damn food!" I snap.
He reels back and I can feel my eye twitch. Even Sebastian seems reluctant to set the plate down before me. I watch it appear as if it were magic. I take a deep inhale of the amazing aroma wafting off this dish. My stomach rumbles very loudly. "Ah, it's beautiful." I cry, feeling my eyes water.
"Sebastian, do you know what's wrong with her?" Ciel asks with a sweatdrop.
"I am not quite sure, young master..." Sebastian drifts off, watching me with cautious eyes. I barely care about their reactions and begin to dig into the food. I moan at the taste and practically inhale all of it. I drink the water at my side, "More water please!" I order after finishing the cup. Sebastian is quick to refill.
"Rina, slow down..." Ciel says. I smile happily, "But it's so good, I don't wanna. ~" I sing-song. He sweat drops again, expressing his exasperation. "You really didn't eat this whole time." he notes.
I nod and gulp more water to chase down the fish and other sides I stuffed into my mouth. "I felt no hunger, thirst, or desire in general since Arthur left the mansion that day." I recall, stopping for a second. "I was barely living I guess you could say."
Ciel frowns, "What can bother you to such a point?"
I frown too, knowing exactly what would. My gaze flickers to Sebastian briefly and I barely meet his eyes, "Stupid reasons, don't worry about it. I'm going to try and work on it." I say, trying to sound convincing. I mean, it's not really a lie, but I'm not sure how long it will take to feel better. It feels like never, but that could just be heartache talking.
"If you're sure," Ciel hums, and he looks at his paper after making sure I seemed okay enough. He picks it up in interest and reads it. I continue to eat my food, trying to savor the moment. Who knows if I will go through another one of those spells? I really don't want to die from a lack of needs. I wasn't even this bad when Vincent died, how horrid.
"Is something wrong?" I hear Sebastian ask. I peer up and find my brother and him staring at each other. Ciel simply looks at him in question before going back to his paper, "No, it's nothing." Ciel dismisses.
I tilt my head at the odd behavior, but the sound of shouting catches my attention. I look at the dining room doors curiously with the fork in my mouth. "Hey Earl, how are you doing?" Lau asks as he bursts through the doors with a grin. I notice Ran-Mao and fretting Mey-Rin in the background.
I sigh loudly and take the fork out of my mouth. "There goes any peace for the day." I comment dryly.
"Lau?!" Ciel shouts, obviously surprised by his visit.
The Chinese man saunters further in and stares at the food. "I was aiming for your breakfast, but you are done already." Lau pouts. "What on Earth could you—" Ciel starts but Lau notices Sebastian suddenly. He stares at him for a solid second, "Say, didn't you die recently?" he asks and interrupts my brother. I snicker quietly, that reaction was so unsurprising.
"Listen when people are talking!" Ciel shouts in irritation, his temple pulsing in sync. My brother crosses his arms, calming down when Lau looks at him. "What on Earth could you want at this hour?" he asks. "Surely, you didn't just come all the way here to a mooch breakfast off me."
Lau smirks and sits down next to me and Ran-Mao takes the seat beside him. Sebastian serves the newly arrived guests their dishes. Lau takes a bite first before looking directly at my brother, "Have you heard? About the hospital that revives the dead?"
My brain shuts down at such a question. Did I hear him right? "A hospital that revives the dead?" Ciel repeats, obviously confused, and confirming that it was right. "You mean the thing on the paper?"
"Yeah, that," Lau confirms and points his fork at Ciel. My brother sighs in disinterest, "Unfortunately, I have little interest in the occult so—"
"It may not be occult though?" Lau persists, munching on his food.
"What?" I question, not believing a word I hear.
"Karnstein hospital. They seem to be doing lots of shopping down at the back doors the Earl has me in charge of." Lau informs and takes another bite of his fish.
"Drugs?" Ciel inquiries.
"No, people." Lau corrects nonchalantly. I make a disgusted face; I forget we are involved with knowing about the human trafficking situation. If I ever get to take over the Phantomhive name, I'm not going to sit on my ass and let shit just happen. I will be installing programs and such to help others while doing the dirty work. I stab a piece of fish at the thought and eat it a bit aggressively.
"They come shopping for foreign slaves illegally quite often, but lately the amounts are quite unusual," Lau mentions. "I highly doubt a hospital could fit so many. Don't they dispose of them once they are not needed? Not that I really care about that, but isn't it bad for a hospital like that to feature in the regular society's news?"
I am containing all my laughter. This sounds like a horrible set up of a B rating movie. I mean, come on, there's no way the dead can be revived, right? What a bunch of horse shit. I can't take this seriously.
"In other words, you're saying there's a possibility that the revival of the dead is occurring as a result of illegal human experimentation?" Sebastian simplifies while resting his knuckles on his chin in thought.
"That's right." Lau confirms.
"If that's true then it's interference in the regular society by an underground power." Ciel sighs. "However, remove the thorns from the rose in advance and you won't hurt your hand. Sebastian, investigate immediately." Ciel orders.
Sebastian bows with his hand on his chest, "Yes, my lord."
"You can't be serious, right?" I utter. How can they be so serious?!
Ciel stands from his chair and Sebastian begins to clean up the mess. I stand with him, feeling full for the first time in a while, not to mention, greatly humored. We dismiss Lau and wish him a good trip back to London. I follow Ciel back to his office and I lunge on the sofa chair in front of his desk. Ciel travels to his window and watches Lau leave.
"You honestly don't believe this do you?" I ask and twirl my hair in thought. "I mean, the dead coming back to life is quite fictitious."
He glances back at me, "I find it just as foolish as you do."
"Good. I had a hard time keeping in my laughter back there." I state and yawn afterward. I'm still so fucking tired, but that food gave me a huge energy boost. Ciel continues to stare out the window and I close my eyes temporarily. Was this chair always so comfy? Even though I feel energetic, I feel the need to crash creep up. But the sound of a carriage coming closer to the mansion makes me open my eyes. I stand from the chair and wander to my brothers' side.
"Who is that?" I ask. "Do you have an appointment today?"
"No..." he mutters in confusion. That's until bright blonde hair bobs when exiting the carriage door. I sigh loudly and Ciel does the same. "Is Soma and Agni coming too?" I wonder sarcastically.
"Please don't jinx us..." Ciel says and starts to head for the door. I follow him and we exit to the hallway. We walk to the front foyer and head down the stairs. Snake opens the door rather quickly and Elizabeth bounces on in. She is wearing a huge grin and I can see her practically vibrating with excitement. Great, she's hyper.
"Ciel! ~ Rina! ~ Listen, listen!" she cries with her arms outstretched. "We're having a family trip in April!" she grabs Ciel's hands and interlocked their fingers. Ciel sweat drops at her overzealous mood. "We will travel to New York on a luxury passenger ship for three weeks from the seventeenth! And so, father was wondering if you would like to—"
"That's impossible." Ciel interrupts firmly. Elizabeth frowns immediately, "They are tickets for the Campania's Maiden Voyage! They say it's the most luxurious ship in the world! Mother said it would be good if Ciel took a rest once and a while..."
"I appreciate the thought, but I can't take that much time off." Ciel reasons, looking slightly guilty.
"Aww..." Elizabeth pouts sadly, obviously depressed he can't go now. I smirk when my brother sighs, "I'll go if it's somewhere close."
Elizabeth perks up instantly with a smile, "Eh!?"
"I can make time for a few days. Then I will go wherever you want." Ciel offers. "So—Wah!" he cries when Elizabeth grabs him for a hug. "As long as we're together, anywhere is fine! I'm so happy!" Elizabeth cheers, overjoyed.
"Anywhere is the most difficult you know..." Ciel mutters with a small blush. I would coo at the cuteness if she wasn't his blood-related cousin. Elizabeth lets him go with a super happy smile, I can feel the flowers and sparkles radiating off her.
"Elizabeth," I call out and bite my lip. "Huh?" she voices, looking at me. I tuck my hair behind my ear nervously, "Do you mind if I came with you on the trip?" I ask.
She stares at me in shock and so does Ciel. Her expression quickly brightens though, and she wraps me into a hug next. "Of course, you can, silly! Oh my, this will be so much fun!" she cheers.
I smile a little, feeling like a vacation would be good for me. Not to mention, a trip to New York sounds like fun! I can't wait to go back to America for a little while. I can feel Ciel's patronizing stare, obviously not wanting me to go. I ignore his gaze though and lead Elizabeth toward the door. Ciel follows us out until we are outside.
"Make sure to come to my residence three days before depart! I'll let my mother know." Elizabeth bubbles happily and skips down the stairs. She climbs back into the carriage she arrived in with a wave, "Will do!" I call out and she sends me another grin.
She waves goodbye out the window as she leaves, "I'll make sure to bring you back souvenirs, Ciel!" she shouts when she's a little further from the mansion.
I notice my brother smile softly and turn back to head inside. I follow along and he ends up going back to his office again. He lives and breathes this room, I swear. I'm fully prepared for his lecture once I shut the door behind me.
"Must you go?" he asks immediately.
I sigh, "I want a vacation. Can you blame me? I'm quite literally stuck in this mansion all the time."
He frowns, "Fine, I'll let you go. As long as you come back in a better mood."
I smile happily, "Really?!" I cry and grab him into a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you." I repeat and kiss his cheek. His face flames red and he struggles in my arms, "Stop that! Let me go!"
I snicker and do as he wished, not wanting to get on his bad side before I leave. That's the last thing I need. I walk over to the window and stare at the sky. Yes, this is what I need, a break from this manor, Sebastian, and everything else included. To say I'm excited is an understatement. However, before I know it, a scream flies past my lips as Sebastian swoops down from the window, "What are you grinning at?" he asks through the windowpane.
I wretch the damn window open, my heart throbbing loudly in my ears. "Why are you in the window?!" I shriek at him as he slides through. However, all complaints leave my throat as I take notice of the outfit, he is dressed in. "Sebastian, are you a doctor now?" I ask him with a tilt of my head.
He smirks and pushes the fake glasses up his nose. I fight the blush from blooming on my cheeks. Why is he so good looking!? For once, I feel something other than heartache and I'm not complaining. "Wait..." my mind halts and I glare at him, "I wasn't grinning, was I?!"
"Why are you wearing that?" Ciel asks, also shocked by his random appearance and Sebastian ignores my comment. "Well as they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do." Sebastian quotes. "Moreover, I have obtained some interesting information."
I step aside and he climbs out of it to stand, "It's about the aforementioned Karnstein hospital. It seems that the upper-rank doctors, including the director Ryan Stoker, have opened an association called the Aurora society. The Aurora society's true face that of a secret society that consists solely of doctors who have 'the complete salvation of mankind through medicine' as their motto. It has been confirmed that the members conduct illegal human experiments within the hospital daily. According to a nurse who squealed, the Aurora society holds presentations for the results of their experiments regularly and collects donations from nobles. There was no sign of slaves inside the hospital and there nothing pertaining to human experiments or the revival of the dead." Sebastian informs with a lengthy analysis.
"Well, would you look at that." I hum in thought. Who knew hospitals were so dirty?
"It couldn't get any fisher than this, huh?" Ciel adds, seeming a bit curious about the situation.
"Yes, I am certain there is some definite clue to be found in this 'Aurora society'." Sebastian agrees.
"When's their next meeting?" I ask, wanting to know more about it. Sebastian glances at me, "It is scheduled to be on a passenger ship departing from Southhampton port on the seventeenth of April."
"Hmph, meeting on a ship...sounds like something nobles would...hm?" Ciel pauses in thought.
"Oh!" I exclaim with a pointer finger in the air. "Isn't that the ship Elizabeth invited us to?" I question. Ciel sits up, slamming his hands on top of his desk. "What is the name of the boat?!" he yells.
"The Blue Star Line Luxury ship..." Sebastian drifts off, appearing a bit lost on the matter as he wasn't here for the conversation earlier.
I glance over at my brother, "Looks like you're going after all, huh, brother?" I point out. He sighs heavily and sits back down. "It appears so, blimey."
"Then, it's settled," I state. "We'll all be leaving on the seventieth of April."
o0o0o0o
I crane my neck upwards, staring at the Campania, marveling in awe of its overwhelming size. I told Elizabeth I would simply meet her at the ship instead of going to the Midford mansion. Ciel and Sebastian stand at my side as loud cheers spread in the air. There are so many people here, I'm getting a bit claustrophobic. The shit is so much larger than I imagined it would be. I'm impressed, to say the least.
"So, this is the Campania!" Finnian shouts in awe. I smile at his excited voice, "I didn't know ships this big existed for pleasure." I remunerate. Is this how big the Titanic was? I ponder.
"Sure, is huge," Bard comments after with a low whistle. I take my eyes off the ship momentarily and find Sebastian checking our luggage in. Snake helps him by lifting them onto a cart. Oh yeah, Snake is joining us as well. I haven't really had the time to talk to him yet. I'm a bit bummed out Sebastian and Ciel are going, not going to lie. I mean, I enjoy their company, but I'm always around them. I wanted a short break.
I sigh at the thought of my vacation turning into work possibly. Sebastian quickly orders the servants to take care of the mansion while we are away. The gang obliges immediately with smiles on their faces. I look back at the ship, feeling a little odd when confronted with it. It's like something bad, very bad will happen. I shake my head, wanting to get rid of these thoughts. I refuse to get more depressed on this trip! It's time to relax, hopefully. Even though my brother has assigned us a mission.
Ciel starts to walk toward the ship and does to the two men in black. I follow along bristly, not wanting to get left behind. We begin to walk up the ramp and we all glance back once more. "Well then, we're off." Ciel claims with a tip of his hat. I smile at the servants and wave at them ecstatically.
"We will set sail soon! All boarding passengers please make haste!" a man shouts near the end of the ramp. I can feel a bundle of nerves settle in my stomach. I've never been on a boat before, not to mention near the ocean. We continue on our path and head inside; what can happen during this journey, I will never know.
