Chapter 12

A blur of blond and pink ran to the earl hugging the life out of him. It was hard not to chuckle at the sight, but Luciana tried to refrain from it. The stern looking woman behind her, Marchioness Francis Midford, reminded her a little of her former headmistress and if she was anything like her then first impressions were important, but she hoped to god they wouldn't be alike.

"Elizabeth!" The two kids paled and looked towards the Marchioness. "It is not proper for you to engage in such improper actions." Well, so much for hoping to god. "Also, you should greet him first! Even though this used to be my home as well, you must behave like a refined lady." Yes, her old headmistress and the Marchioness would have been great friends. Luciana groaned internally.

"I'm so sorry, Mother!" The little girl squeaked. 'That's Elizabeth, huh? Then she's the kid's famous fiancée.' Luciana mused to herself. The three idiots had already warned her about the bouncy girl and her love for pink, but Luce wasn't all that worried. She was so used to Kat's rambling and fangirling- not to mention the constant explosions, broken dishes and ruined garden here -that a little pink probably wouldn't faze her anymore. It was kind of pitiful now that she thought about it. She let out an almost inaudible sigh. But what really amazed Luciana about the young blond was her amazing acting ability. It was probably the work of that dear strict mother of hers.

That woman really brought back old memories and Luce instinctively straightened her back as her mind conjured up the headmistress's words. Luciana! How do you expect people to take you seriously? Stop acting like that! Proper virtuous ladies keep their backs straight. Speak when spoken to! Your answers should be precise and proper. Clear diction. Don't speak so fast! Oh the good old headmistress. She would be laughing now, with a huge smirk on her face that practically screamed 'I told you so.' Luce sighed as the Marchioness turned to Sebastian. Now wasn't the time to remember.

"That face of yours! Such indecent looks..." 'As long as it's not me...' Luciana had to bite her cheeks in an effort not to laugh; it was just too funny as Lady Midford scowled at the butler.

"I was born this way..." 'Aww~' She had never heard Sebastian sound so meek. It was kind of sad and hilarious at the same time making her want to cuddle him all the more.

"AND! Both the master and his butler are alike. You two are obviously men, yet you both keep your fringe long. Learn from Tanaka!" In seconds she had both their hair combed back tightly, their forehead shined in the sunlight as the kid was obviously trying to keep his composure. "I came to conduct a surprise check and all I see is that you are still as lazy as always. Also, your butler is as indecent as ever. Bear in mind, you are the man who will be marrying my daughter- I see you have a new servant." The marchioness had finally noticed the maid. The boys seemed a little nervous about that.

"Welcome to the Phantomhive manor, Marchioness Midford, Lady Elizabeth." Luciana curtseyed with a gentle smile, as if she were reliving the hours spent with her former headmistress on 'proper' conduct. 'More like old school...' she mentally rolled her eyes.

Lady Midford eyed her critically from head to toe. "At least you have one decent servant." If it were any other instance Luce would have probably smirked victoriously at the butler but alas, she didn't want to be caught by the marchioness. "What's your name?"

"Luciana Kaligan." She appeased to the Marchioness.

"I see. Now then," Lady Midford turned back to her nephew. The master and butler duo were shocked with how easily the Marchioness accepted the new maid. "I am going to retrain you today!"

The butler then led them around the house. First, he intended on showing their guests the newly arrived german winter roses. 'They were indeed quite pretty.' Luciana smiled, picturing the roses. Too bad their guests never got to see them. 'Seems like Finny destroyed them.' She chuckled silently as Ciel and Sebastian visibly paled. Then they were led to the drawing room to show off the newly decorated space. That was a bust too. 'Well done Mey-Rin.' She could barely keep a grin off her face- oh, how nice it was to see the perfect butler struggle. When Sebastian insisted on serving tea, the kitchen exploded. Luciana would have done a happy dance then and there, if the strict Lady had not been there and the butler hadn't found another way out. "I forgot there was something I wanted to show the Marchioness. I'm sure you will enjoy it." Said woman only quirked a brow.

And in no time, Luciana and Sebastian were playing referee for a hunting game between the earl and marchioness. By lunch break their points were tied.

"It seems that we have hunted all the animals here." Lady Midford remarked.

The butler took a moment before answering. "You shouldn't be worried Marchioness. There is still larger prey lurking around." Luciana narrowed her eyes suspiciously. 'That smug-'

Suddenly, a shadow came over the young Midford. Everything happened so quickly. The girl screamed. Ciel jumped to Elizabeth. He pulled her to the ground. The Marchioness aimed. A shot fired. The bear fell.

"It would seem you have won, Aunt Francis." Ciel smiled at her with Elizabeth still in his arms.

"Hmph, it will take you at least ten more years to be as good as me." Her strict attitude softened and she smiled appreciatively at the kid. "However, you are indeed worthy to be my daughter's husband. You gave it your all to protect her and I appreciate that." And on that note the group returned to the manor.

Once there the group was faced with a rather lacking display of decorations and food. Apparently it was the young earl's birthday so the servants had decided to prepare him a surprise party. 'It's the thought that counts.' Luce smiled fondly at the scene. Normally she would have stuck around but today she was just so tired. Despite the hilariousness of Sebastian's misery, she had to act all prim and proper with their guests. It took a lot out of her. She sighed walking into the kitchen. She just wanted to be alone and chill or let loose. 'A smoke or drink would do well right about now...' She mused noticing that Sebastian had also escaped the celebration.

There he was; standing by the counter dipping his hand in cake. Luce wasn't even going to acknowledge how hot that looked. His hair ruffled out of that combed back look. One of his gloves was off; revealing black tinted nails and a tetragrammaton on the back of his hand. 'Is that the demon mark?' She shook her head lightly, restraining her curiosity. "Oh my, he's not wearing gloves- the world must be ending."

The butler smirked as he could almost see the sarcasm roll off her tongue. "Not joining the celebrations?"

She skipped over his question with an incredulous look before her eyes found the cake. "Is that chocolate?" She didn't want to go back to the party just so she could swipe a few of Bard's cigarettes and cake would be much healthier than alcohol. Usually she would let out her frustration while going for a run or dancing but it was snowing outside and she may have picked up bad habits from Nick.

"Yes." The butler eyed her. "Also, you forgot something this afternoon." He held out her switchblade with a raised eyebrow. "Quite the reflexes." When the bear appeared behind Elizabeth, Luciana had flung her switchblade at the animal's throat before she could even realize what happened. Actually she should probably thank the idiot trio for that; because of them she was definitely developing better reflexes- but honestly this time was doing strange things to her.

"Thank you. Now can I have some?" She pointedly looked at the cake pocketing her blade. Luce watched as the butler cut her a piece, placed it on a plate, offering it to her.

As she was about to take it, he held it out of her reach. "What are you hiding?" His red eyes peered into her icy grey ones.

"Everyone hides something." She frowned as he kept the plate away from her. "Can I?" She moved her eyes to the deliciousness. All she wanted was that piece of cake and then go to sleep. She was too tired for word games. Luce was beginning to get impatient, so she hopped up trying to reach for the plate.

He just held it higher. "Tell me."

'Stupid tall people, always using their height to their advantage.' She huffed, crossing her arms and sent the butler an icy glare. It amused him. "Well, you first."

"You already know." He smirked. It was a simple statement but the implication was clear. Her eyes widened in shock. 'Is that why he didn't bother putting his glove back on?'

She scowled. "Conniving bastard." A deep chuckle was her response. It annoyed her that he sounded so sexy right now. Luce turned, intent on leaving the kitchen, but his bare hand reached for her.

The grip on her shoulder was tight but it didn't hurt. He turned the girl around so she was facing him again. "Luciana." His voice was stern and his eyes flashed fuchsia.

'Pretty...' "Sebastian." She peered at him not all that bothered as his eyes changed into cat like slits and burned like fire. She sighed; there was no way he would let her go now. "Whatever, just give me the cake first."

Revealing her secrets for a piece of cake? Well, if it's one of Sebastian's who wouldn't?
Anyway thank you for reading and the reviews!