It was so grand. So marvelous. Exquisite. A beauty itself to behold, the lights lite up the night London sky like lights upon a tree. No, like the bright stars in the sky. Stairs of stone, carved with delicate and fine touch. It was just so exciting and thrilling, the chill of the night couldn't stop the warmth of joy running through Harmony.
Gleefully carefully running up the steps like a mountain, of the theatre. Stopping in-between the spiraling pillars, looking straight up; mouth wide open and eyes just as big. She couldn't help it and lightly twirls around, making sure to be careful in her lovely satin cerulean blue. White frills layered under, it wasn't a short one, normally going to her knees. No, this was on nearly reached her ankles. Delicately picking up the tip of her dress, with her gloved hands. Gloves made of satin too, same color as her dress.
Others walking inside casually glanced in her direction, some smiled, others finding it rather amusing, while some where rather indifferent. Harmony, she didn't care. Her mind wasn't upon them. It was on the thrill of this event. This whole night. She was dressed so well and proper. Everything about her, down to her shoes and up to her hair. Which was elegantly styled in soft pinned up curls.
Squealing and giggling to herself."Harmony, don't stray to far."Ciel lightly scolds her, coming up the stairs. Opening her eyes and transferring her attention to him.
He too was dressed up for the performance, dark blue long-sleeved waistcoat with matching trouser to match. Gray vest, under the waistcoat with white high stand collar shirt; silk red puff tie, dark top hat, with dark gloves and silver plated governor cane. Which she always found rather odd he used one. He looks straight down at her. Upon reaching her, quickly glancing to Sebastian behind him, nods and settles. Though of course with a smile.
"I'm sorry."She apologizes. Slightly tilting her head."I am just really, really happy!"
"Even so, you must keep your composure."
"Okay."She agrees. Moving her eyes to her sister, to you standing next to Ciel on his right.
You eyes weren't on her nor noticed her looking at you. They glanced upward at the elegant architect, what was once in history books, stood right here before your eyes. Stunning. Feeling history itself. The integrated design and pattern made you a flutter. You had to keep your mouth from dropping open. Not wanting to be punished later in a lessons, from Sebastian.
The thought upset you."Is everything alright?"Sebastian ask, seemingly sensing your feeling.
"No. Nothing."You quickly deny in a small huff. Adverting your eyes away. Turning them back, surprised finding him with his hand out for you. Which was rather strange. You give him a quizzing look, trying to see his play.
He just simply smiles humbly, like an harmless soul. Yet, that smile always seem to hold some sort of deviousness."I do hope it is alright, if I escort you in? The young master is escorting Lady Harmony."Following his eyes, you see that Ciel and Harmony had already entered.
She holding onto his arm, staying close. Resisting the urge to point at everything she saw. It was just so strange, so very strange. Just yesterday she was terrified of Ciel. After what he frighten her out of the Townhouse. She fled away. From his harshness. Seemed like there was nothing wrong. Behaving adoring and springing. Like nothing happened. Ever since the morning she, the second she awoke. It was good to see her back to herself, but it just puzzled you. It seem to with Ciel too. Soma and Agni didn't see anything wrong. Gladly accepting her turn around. Praising her with good fortune.
Listening to Ciel when he told her something and even you. Not arguing back.
"Baroness?"Sebastian speaks, breaking your thought. He still had his hand out for you. Awaiting your decision."Shall I?"
Quickly looking around at those coming with another, their escorts. The women clung to the man, with smiles on. There was slight pressure, not like that, just the idea of it. In this time, it was consider the thing to do. Having some sort of escort. Clenching your dark gloved hand, delicately pick up the skirt's edges of your dark rose dress. With ruffles and black trim on it. Round collar and long sleeves. Gave you a graceful and elegant look. Hair styled in softer curls than Harmony and remained half up and down with a brooch assent with deep red and pink and ivory jewels. Which kept your hair up.
Decline his proposal to be your escort and walk around him. Without a word and walk inside, over to Ciel and Harmony. Who was gazed upon the glory her eyes held for the interior of the place. It lite up like the city of El Dorado. Lights casting a hue of golds and yellows, mixing with glittering soft browns and soft hazels. It seem slightly magical. You could barely hold in your surprised and astound gasp. So light and so gentle. You stopped walking gazing around, your head and eyes moved in circles. Taking in ever single square inch of the place, even the bronze stairs that lead up to different levels, with its warm and rich velvet red carpet. With emerald and golden embroidery. It just captivated you, that you ensured your attention. Walking to it as it if called with its sweet and alluring words.
Trace your fingers lightly on the rallying of the rich wood and concert stairs. So smooth. So tender. Gliding your fingers upon it, reminded you of...of...*Wham*You accidentally bump into someone. Not pay attention.
"Pardon me."You quickly apologize and go around them, before they could even answer, catch a glimpse. Reaching the top, you turn around and gaze alluring at the grandness before you. It was beautiful, as it was stunning. Magical even. The lights flickered delicately with a light touch of warmth, lights reflection bouncing off the mirrors added more.
Honestly, you could stay out here instead of going to see the performance. As it just held your attention, to be broken by Harmony. Who reaches out and takes your hand. You look down at her, she huge smile on her face."It's so pretty, isn't?"She gasp turning around to look just like you."Auntie Red, this is what she said. OH! Auntie Red loves this place! Maybe she might be here!"Her eyes search through the faces of people for any sign of the woman.
You cringe with grief, looking at her with a heavy heart. There where no words you could say. As she kept searching, Ciel and Sebastian arrive. He slightly snorts seeing Harmony's 'unruly' behavior.
"What in the world is she...Harmony! Stop that this instant."He chides in a low voice. She hears him and stops, though her eyes didn't and kept searching vigorously. Becoming a bit upset she hadn't found the one she needed."Just what are you looking for?"A question he regretted and wish not to have left his lips.
She looks at him with the brightest hope and adornment in her eyes."Auntie..Red!"She smiles innocently."She loves really bright and sparkly places like this. Doesn't she May?"She looks to you. Not a single thought came, guilt and grief gripped you from even speaking. Along with the pressure. What words could you even say to her? Quickly you and Ciel exchange speechless glances.
Stalled and staled neither you or him said a single word. Your eyes sadly look at her, though you manage to hide it the best you could. Looking to the side, so she could not see, cover your mouth to prevent yourself from weeping from the betrayal you carried. Being to throb.
"Harmony, she cannot know."You strongly tell Ciel."She can't know. It'll crush. And you are not to tell her either."
That day, that time you made sure to keep the death a secret along with Ciel. Making him formally swear he would not. Upon his family's name, Harmony was not to know a single thing. You had your reasons, you didn't want her to experience any tragedy in life. None at all. You'd swore you would keep her safe no matter what. Be her shield for everything. But, this right here...this was not making it easy.
"I don't see her."Harmony whimpers disappointed. Hanging her head rather low. To shot back up at a thought. Turns to Ciel and takes hold of his hand, with a begging squeeze."Ciel! Can we go and see Auntie Red?! Huh? Can we? I'll bring her some really pretty red flowers."
The situation was becoming more uncomfortable and insufferable. Ciel, all he repeatedly say constantly was 'Ummmm...', like a broken record. If not for Sebastian for stepping in and manages to quickly fix it and redirect her.
"It does sound like a wonderful thought."He tells her."Though, Madame Red is sadly away. She will be for a long time."
"Why?"
He kept his wholesome perpetual smile on."Well, I am not quite sure. But, I do know that is why she has left you in care of her nephew. Your cousin the young master. So you too and your sister as well, enjoy her love and generosity of the lifestyle she had experienced."
You and Ciel hold your breath, keeping the nervous at bay. Waiting to see if Harmony would take it, watching her think about it. She wasn't going to take it, you feared. She wasn't. She would see straight through his ploy and find out everything. Dreading, you step forward."Harmony, plea-"
"Alright!"She believes him. Stopping you."That is really, really kind of Auntie Red. She's always so nice. One time she brought me new ribbons for my hair."Tells him, to whisper rather loud in his ear."Don't tell my sister. Auntie said not tell her."
Playing along he nods and promises."I won't."He whispers back."Now then, let us continue. The performance will start rather soon."Holding out his hand to her, she takes with a smile and walks with. Completely forgetting about what was just said.
Relieved you and Ciel sigh silently. The pressure was off, you had to admit, that was rather quick thinking on Sebastian's part. But, you should have been on your toes and been able to cover it up. Not him.
"You're sloppy."Ciel said. It was hard to tell if he was teasing or mocking you. With that infuriatingly smug smirk. You glare down at him. As he fixes his cuffs."You nearly gave yourself away, pathetic. Didn't you say, you'd protect her? You're sure doing a poor job about it. Nearly getting yourself found out."
Crossing your arms, rebuke."You stood there too, with no words. As I recall, as well you too made commitment to conceal from her finding out. For someone who is an Earl, you surely took your time. You couldn't formulate a single response back. So, don't come at me about it."
He growls, locking glares with you. Temperaments and irritation rising between you both. About to say something, Harmony calls for the two of you hurry and come. Giving it a rest, put on a smile and hurry over to her. Though of course not before including Ciel. Turning back to him with a sweet, yet patronizing smile."Yes, come my dear...dear cousin. We don't want to miss the show."Turn around and hurry to Harmony.
The seats where grand and magnificent. A private box. On the side, in the center right by the stage. Harmony's eyes nearly exploded once she entered. It was roomy and spacious. Four seats, one for everyone. She said and even took charge with the seating. Ciel had to sit by her, there was no objection to it. Though you did with your seating pal, Sebastian. Who sat right behind Harmony, herself, while you sat behind Ciel.
"Sister?"She she calls to you, peering around her chair at you.
"Yes? What is it?"
"I hope it's just like the story you read. In the garden."
You give her a soft reassuring smile."I'm sure it will be. Now, shhh...it's starting."You whisper, pointing to the stage. She nods and turns around just as the lights dim. Sits up proper, covering her mouth to conceal her squeal as the curtains rise. Grips onto Ciel's arms trembling with excitement.
It hadn't even started yet and she was all ready engaged into it. The light falls upon the stage and someone comes out, the narrator. Speaks a small intro of the story. It was just magical. Pointing to Ciel, squealing quietly as she could. Trying to share her own enthusiasm, especially once the actors and actresses came. The music played below, it was a beautiful and charming. Light and kind. Harmony's mouth remained open, only to wide bigger, her eyes stare captivated once the main actress who played Beauty, the main character came out.
Though it was dark, you saw Harmony's cheeks flush in awe. That she even calmed down, to Ciel's relief and joy. It was adorable and made you smile. Seeing her like this, enjoying herself. Happy. You paid little attention to the performance and more on Harmony. Ten Shen would happy and so would Master Yoshi/Master Splinter. If they saw their daughter this exhilarated. What a precious memories, what a happy life she was having. Watching her gushing and nearly jumping out of her seat, Ciel had to kind of hold her down. That didn't stop her, she got up and wanted Ciel to dance with her during the musical numbers, which he refused. Only to give in, when she sadly quiets.
"Fine."He gets up and dances with her. It was rather sweet, you couldn't help but chortle just a little at it. Even gently applauding.
"Bravo. Very good."Harmony smiled from your praise, Ciel scowled. Mumbling under his breath it was degrading and ridiculous. Which you heard, but just ignored it. And applaud.
Their dance finished and she playfully thanks him. Doing her best to conceal her giggles."Thank."Bowing with a cute curtsy. He grudgingly bows back.
"You are most welcome. Now, let's finish the performance and no more of this."He firmly says, escorting her back into her seat. Taking his seat right, when she jolts up.
"May! You need to dance too!"She says. This took you by surprise."Come on. You can dance at this part!"
Though a sweet thing for her say, you decline."No. It's alright. Besides, you've already danced with, Ciel. He seems little tired."Taking a crack him subtly. Earning his hidden angry. When knew a way to get even.
"Oh."Harmony noticed."Never mind. Tha-"
"Why don't you have Sebastian dance with her."He suggest to her. Bringing her idea back. Which she agrees.
"Yes. Mr. Sebastian. He can dance with you!"She chimes, looking to the man."Would you? Mr. Sebastian?"
He returns with a humble and pleased smile."Why, I would be delighted. Thank you, Lady Harmony."
She turns to you with her smile still on."See! He will!"
All eyes look at you, Sebastian with his hidden smug smile on; holding out at hand for you. Waiting for you take it. Ciel's eye gleam with sweet revenge. With a malice smirk, laughing inside. Harmony, waiting holding close that you would not disappoint. Sighing inside defeated, take Sebastian's hand, though kept your eyes adverted away. Standing with him and curtsy to him, he gives you a bow. Taking hold of your hand and placing his other respectfully and gently on your waist, takes the lead. Slowly starting. Your hand other hand rest upon his shoulder, keeping your eyes obscured so he nor the others could see the burning annoyance written across your face. The feeling was rather mutual with him as well. Though he didn't show it and kept up a smile of enjoyment. Being this close actually helped him. He could get a really good scent from you. Study your 'physique' a bit more. Again, everything appeared normal and human looking. It was just the scent, the scent you carried did not match anything. And without you looking straight at him, he couldn't really see straight into you.
Where you doing this purpose? More questions and pieces added to this puzzle. Harmony's eyes followed with each step, content and loving it. Her sister was a good dancer, really good. She couldn't help but feel proud and thrilled. The way she step with the music, never missing a note. Lightly gliding with her footing.
"My sister, she's really beautiful."She expresses to herself. Ciel turns his attention from the performance to her. Seeing the gleam love and admiration in her amber eyes."I want to be just as beautiful."
The music ends, finally. Everyone applauds for the scene, Harmony applauds to the scene before her. Though an irksome moment with Sebastian, hearing Harmony made it bearable. Just to please her and add a little more, curtsy to her. Surprisingly Sebastian bows to her and the two of you say together."Thank you."
Laughter escaped her, settling when you and Sebastian come and sit back down. Harmony turns to the two of you, cupping her face tenderly in your hands, lightly kiss her nose. Then her forehead. She returns the affection and kisses your nose too. She turns back around to watch the rest of the performance. That went on well, very well. Everyone stood and gave a standing ovation. Harmony was the loudest, cheering and praising the actress who played Belle. Who heard her, turning towards her direction, personally bows and waves to her. Overwhelmed by such a treatment, Harmony clings to Ciel bashfully. Hiding her face. Peeking from behind him at the woman. Giving a small wave.
It was time to now leave, the performance over. Everyone begin to exit, of course it took a bit longer having a private box, reach the exit of the theater. "Excuse me. Sir! Madame! Please! Please wait!"Some flags the four of you down.
Stopping so they could catch up, Ciel addresses them."Yes?"The person was a stage crew member, it was clear by the way he dressed. Smiles politely. Looks to Harmony, who stood by you, holding your hand.
Squats down to her level. A cheerful expression."You're the little Lady, who cheered the loudest? Aren't you?"Fearing she was in trouble quickly runs behind you, then straight behind Sebastian."I'm sorry, did I scare you?"
"Please forgive her."Sebastian, speaks on her behalf."The Lady is rather shy."Resting a affection hand upon her head.
Understanding the man took no ill will, and laughs jolly."Ah, I understand. I've got children myself too. They too can be rather bashful."Standing up."Anyway, I was wondering if the young lady would like to come back stage? To meet Beauty. She was rather taken by you."
A shocked yelp comes Harmony, who hides herself more behind Sebastian. Clinging to his pants. Blushing just a bit, nods slowly."...Y-Yes."
The man was happy to hear it."Wonderful, let's go-"
"How long will this take?"You speak up."My sister is quite pass her bed time. She needs her rest."
"Ah. I almost forgot."He said a apologetic, looking down to Harmony a bit disappointed."...I guess...I'll let her know. Ah, she was really looking forward to see you too. She even had a gift for the litt-"
Hearing those words Harmony sheds her bashful skin and springs from behind Sebastian, grabs the man's hand. Pulling on it."I want a present! I want to see the present!"She was making spectacle, again. Ciel shakes his head disapproving."Ciel! Ciel! Can I go?! Can I?!"
The decision rested on Ciel, but you also had a say in this. She was your sister, it was pass her bed time and she needed to go back home and rest."Harmony, I'm sorry."You make the decision."But, you-"
"That's fine."Ciel speaks over you."Though, it must be brief." Thrilled Harmony pulls upon the man to hurry and take her. He nearly tumbles on her from the tugging. Happily shows her. You watch upset and displeased."It's not like it can be helped."Ciel said walking after them."Would you rather she be crying all the way back? Or settled?"
Without another word he leaves, clenching your dress to relinquish you frustration. Your eyes being to glow."Baroness?"Sebastian face appears on your side. Stopping you."Shall we? The Master did say brief."Releasing the fabric, smooth out the skirt and follow.
"Here we are."The stage member stops at door with Harmony, knocks upon it."She's really going to be happy you've come."He knocks again, when there was no answer, which was rather strange."Hmm...strange...She should be here?"
Disappointment started to replace Harmony's joy. It slowly being drop. When she notices someone, her smile returns."There she is!"Pointing. The man looks and sees the actress as well.
"Ah, good eye."He praises her."Come on then, let's go."Holding her hand leads her over to the woman."Miss, I've brought her."Getting her attention. Holding her breath, Harmony sharply inhales, eyes shine wide with pure glee. Awing at her beauty.
Lost for words, blurts out the first thing. Without thinking."Your hair is like the sun!"
"What a lovely thing to say."She said adoringly."You're such a sweet little girl. I just had to meet you, from your kind praises. Did you like the performance?"
"Yes! Yes I did! It was really beautiful!"
"I'm glad. Have you heard of the story?"
"Yes. My sister read it to me before we came."
"Well, you have a wonderful sister. Oh, Lord Phantomhive."She notices Ciel coming and pays her respect, with a courteous curtsy."I do hope you enjoyed the show."
He gives her a nod."I did. Thank you. I see you've made acquaintances with my cousin."
This shocked her."Your cousin!?"Looking at Harmony, who goes and stands by him. Smiling.
"Yes. Me and my sister are his cousins."She adds, looking back to you. The woman looks at you, surprised again. You could read her unspoken words behind her eyes."May, this is the pretty woman who is Beauty."
Looking at the woman, you give her a warm smile."Hello, you did quite a wonderful performance. My sister really loved it."
"I'm glad she did and you as well. My name is Irene Diaz."She formally introduces herself."You have a very charming sister."
"Thank you."You stand behind Harmony, placing your hands upon her shoulder."What do you say, Harmony?"
Looking up at Irene, thanks her."Thank you. Miss Irene."
"Adorable. And what good manners. Now, I believe I have a gift for you."She remembers and starts back to her room."Please, this way."Looking to Ciel, who gives a nod of approval, Harmony follows. Quickly finding herself by Irene's side. You watch Harmony start up a conversation."Wait here."Irene tells her reaching the door and goes inside. Coming out in a few seconds, holding a single rose, presents it to the girl.
Speechless and shocked, Harmony reluctant to take it, with a kind smile from Irene, she does."T-Thank you."
"You're most welcome. And of course your sister may have one too."She presents you with a rose, surprising you."A lovely flower, for a lovely young lady."Touched by her words accept the gift.
"Thank you. Miss Irene."The two of you curtsy. Harmony does the same, though her's was deeper. She nearly fell over from her exhaustion. Sebastian managed to catch her, scooping her up in his arms.
"It seems the lady is tired. I do believe it might be best to head home."He suggest to Ciel. Who agrees.
"Yes. Miss Irene."He tilts his hat, she tilts her head back."Let's go."He begins to walk away, with you and Sebastian following.
The ride back to the townhouse was quiet, Harmony rest her head in your lap. Gently you stroke her hair, humming to her softly. Keep her close and safe. Lean down and plant a kiss upon her brow, whispering in her ear. Come up and look at Ciel, sitting across, who had his eye closed. Either he was sleeping or just decided to remain quiet. Either way, he looked less harmless and gentle, compared to when he was awake. Like a child. Your prospective him slightly shifted. Rethinking of the evening, no from the whole day. At the very start. In his own way, he was rather kind. Especially towards Harmony, she had a new dress that morning for the evening. He even allowed her skip her lessons and let her help out with Sebastian and Agni in the kitchen to make treats. Even allowed her to read to him and join him. This evening, letting her sit everyone and allowing her to receive her gift.
Making her happy. "Thank you, Ciel."You whisper to yourself.
