Chartreuse phosphorescent eyes lag across the words on the document, reading the case file that they had submitted to be given back for it lack missing components. Frustrated felt tempted to rip it to shreds but knew that it would prolong their time here in headquarters. Huffing grudgingly go over and fill and fix the mistakes circled in bold circles.
Flipping their long red hair over their shoulder. "Hmm...how I do hate paperwork. It interferes with my time, I could be right now at this very moment..." they pause with a gazing look in their eyes shimmering and tainted red checks. Squealing at the fantasy in which their mind produced. "Oh, how romantic it would be. Just the two of us." They sigh deeply. "Yes. I could be doing that right now. Instead, I'm stuck with this." They spit.
Glossing their eyes over the document. "What was is that I missed anyway? I wasn't the only one there, I'm sure they messed up with their paperwork too." Looking closer when a shadow looms over their shoulder.
"Still correcting? Eh?"
A frown drops on their face, knowing who it was and not in the mood for their presence, try to ignore them. Submerging themselves deeper in the document. That didn't stop their colleague.
Casually they lean on their head, looking down at the document, their same colored eyes gloss over the document in their colleague's hands. Arching an eyebrow. "You know what was weird? About that town?" They speak out loud. "In our collection, we were supposed to gather all the souls, yet, there two that weren't there. Actually, no that wasn't it. There felt like some sort of...what's the word...hiccup? No. That's not it." Tapping their chin, get up from leaning to change their position and lean their back on them instead.
Oblivious to their enlarging engorged vein on their forehead. "What is it? That town...I from before. You'd think I'd remember, but, for some reason, my mind...is just drawing a blank. Hey, "they snap their finger turning to their friend. "weren't you dispatched there? To that town before?"
"Get off me!" They shoot up snapping with a deep snarl. "I am not some piece of furniture!"
Hands up they chuckle nervously, scratching their cheek. "Sorry, I was just caught up in thinking, that's all. Relax Grell."
Grell's eyes slice at them, rolling their eyes at the young man. "What do you want Ronald? Can't you see that I'm busy right now." Holding up their papers. To pout. "I can't believe Willam will be so cruel to me...oh behind those cold eyes he does care, giving me such special attention to call me to his office." They gush swaying.
Ronald stood there shaking his head. Mumbling."Yeah, sure."
"What was that?" Grell sneers.
"Nothing. Anyway, back to what I was saying, about that town. Don't you find it odd? Like it seem familiar being there or something?"
Grell thinks about it. "Not that I can recall, a first for me, well...in so many words first." Mumbling the last part to himself reflecting on past history. Back when he was in service. "It doesn't matter now, we collected all the souls. So, there's nothing to worry about."
"I don't know, we were supposed to collect all the souls in that town," Ronald refutes. Something was itching at him, he wasn't sure why. That town...something just seem..displaced. "You know that cottage, the one that was still flourishing even this cold season."
"Yes." Grell's face tightens. "what about it? It was rather dull and did not have a bit of beauty. Ah, my eyes died. I should have collected their cinematic records. I mean those drapes," he turns his head repulsed. "Urg white? Out of all the colors they choose? White? And that furniture...did they make it? Where was the class? I should have taught them something."
"Taught who?" Ronald asked.
Realizing he slipped up Grell discards it to the side. "Nothing, now, if you're done with your outrageous theory, then leave me be. Unless you are going to make the corrections for me?"
Ronald snatches the papers from them. Finding something. "See! Look there!" He points, Grell, comes and looks. Not sure what it was he found.
"What? I don't see anything?"
Sighing Ronald jabs the spot. "This, right here. Look." Looking closer, Grell sees and their eyes widen.
Snatching the papers back their eyes couldn't believe this. "Well, this is...is..." they look to Ronald who was beaming with a face. Then back to the papers, something began unearthing in their mind. It seem bleak but...familiar. Their eyes move back to Ronald. "You said...before right? This town?"
Ronald nods.
Groaning drop their shoulders. "Argh...I truly hate paperwork."
The halls were quiet. The rooms quiet. Outside quiet. Everything was quiet, normal quiet. No running or chasing footsteps. No gleeful laughing lighting the halls or bright eyes peering around the corner. No extra shadow trailing behind with a mouth full of questions and words. No dancing recital. No sudden appearance or taste tester. No special tea parties or outrageous incidents happening out of the blue.
No gifts of bright smiles that warmed up the manor. No begging of stories being read or doll playing before the desk. No sudden hug attacks for reason. No kind and loving words for all to have. Not even crude drawings displayed around. There was no tag being played or adventures in the garden. The beds remained empty and dead. Toys left untouched and orderly.
There were no heart attack screams. No special...blend of tea...thank goodness. No...tears to clean up. Hands remained free and empty, yet felt its phantom effect. There was no correction needed or simplest joys and wonder over falling leaves. No cookies to serve before one awoke to be greeted by a hug. No light pats of praise to give. Or tucking in securely in the bed. To watch them snuggle. No small pitter patter feet in the night, sneaking out the room to another. In hopes to join them in slumber only to be kicked out, but, they would just go back in and join them anyway in bed.
Always a cute sight, even if one awoke furrow look and pillows used as dividers to keep them at bay.
Nothing. There was just nothing. The fun was gone, with no life running through the halls and all around. Everything was just...normal as normal can get. Sure, the usual screw-ups but...nothing else. It just felt...lonely. The garden...though vast and open felt closed and sullen. Finnian empty eyes stared at nothing. There was no life with all these beautiful colors. It felt so cold outside now. Right now...he'd have them on his shoulders, lifting his hands up find the spot empty.
It hurt. How long was forever? Was it going to be forever?
He didn't want it to. Looking to the leaves that needed raking, they loved making the pile and jumping into it. Both of them did, causing a bigger mess, but, it was fun. Laughing and smiling. There was not a moment they didn't smile at each other.
"Lady..lady Harmony." his voice breaks a little. Fighting back the tears.
Mr. Finnian!
His head shoots up looking around, her voice...he heard it. No. It was the wind. Just the wind. And nothing else. The aching in his chest tighten, looking at one of the trees, he would rip it out of the ground and put it right by her room window. Every morning, to greet her. She loved it. It was always a different one if he could find it. To hear that delighted gasp every morning made all the difference.
It always did.
And now, not anymore.
In the kitchen, that was thankfully not charred from any sort of arson. Pancakes! Please! Baldroy heard that pleasing voice. Please! Mr. Baldroy? Her eyes would light up and shine. Bouncing up and down with a smile in awe too, from his stories.
Oh! Wow! You're really incredible! Mr. Baldroy.
A proud smile appears on him to fade realizing he wouldn't saying those stories anytime soon or having pancakes. The one thing he could make and she loved. "It's so boring." He yawns. "I hope they're doing alright..." his eyes drop. "especially lady Harmony."
Though there was nothing to be done, Mey-Rin still went to make sure rooms where tidy. Smoothing out the covers, tucking them in. Putting the toys away properly. There wasn't much to do in an unused room. Except open the window to air it out. So she did, allowing the light to come in and fresh air. A gentle gust blew sweeping away the only presence. Quickly she tries to close the windows to stop it from leaving, realizing it was too late.
Your hair is so pretty! Ms. Mey-Rin!
Swoon by the words, the woman gushes with a wide smile turning around. "Thank you! Lady Har-" Stopping. Remembering there was no one here. Her eyes drop to the floor behind her glasses. Looking around the room to a certain corner where the young one would play. Toys would normally be everywhere. Or if it was morning a cookie in their mouth staring out the window clapping her small hands at the presented gift from Finnian. She would remain quiet as possible and fetch her outfit for the day. Sometimes dressing her, if allowed. She could feel the young lady's hands still playing with her hair if at her level.
They would sometimes skip down the hall together. Or she would have to give hasty chase if enticed by another. Sighing heavily Mey-Rin closes the window and leaves. Heading to another room, one, in particular, her favorite. Of course, she dares not say it. Out of habit knocks.
"Excuse me, Baro-" Quickly remembering again there was nobody there and opens it. Stepping inside finding everything untouched. And no one to greet her with a grateful smile. Or relieved eyes. No caring talks or inquires about her. No offer to join in morning tea. Or her opinion on what to wear and mostly...no to share and express their inner and deepest thoughts. To confide in Mey-Rin.
Just like changing of day and night, the Baroness was just like that. Presenting herself like the sun casting away the shadows to change like the night and share what is hidden. What is kept.
Walking over to the bed, find fine and crisp. Walking over to the vanity find it orderly, to the bookshelf all in order as well. The Baroness surely loved to read. Moving along to drawer, it was fine, to the closet looking inside see everything was clean. There as nothing that needed to be done in here, closing it when someone suddenly enters and quickly leaves before Mey-Rin noticed their presence. Turning she and leaves though not before giving a longing look and shuts the door.
"Wilde is still sad, says Emily." Snake spoke walking the hall. "Yes, I am too, says Oscar."
Stopping Snake stares out the window at the falling amber colored leaves. The season was soon to change. "I wonder if she will be warm, says Wordsworth." The snake hisses worried.
"Yes, I hope she is too, agrees Goethe."
Nodding Snake continues, the hall felt so long. Right about now, hide n seek would be played. Or a game of tag whichever came first. What was there to do? Now.
The mood shifted with the two absence, that was still no excuse for everything to stop. With this quiet and peace Ciel could get things done. Finishing his studies without any extra scolding or berating. Having breakfast was rather quiet but nice to actually think. Not crushed by waves upon waves of talking. He wasn't expecting any headaches which was nice. Most importantly he could enjoy his bed at last. Even if still used the pillows as a divider.
Working behind his desk, his eye drifts from the paper to a spot before the desk. No paper spread out or crayons. No crude drawing 'secretly' sliding across his desk or a hand trying to take something.
Nothing of the sort. Going back to his paperwork to look up from the light knock behind the door. "Enter."
Ciel! I made you a special tea!
He flinches cover his mouth. "Young master, are you alright?" Sebastian asked coming over carrying a silver tray with a few letters.
Seeing there was nothing to fear, Ciel composes himself. "Nothing. What is it?"
Something spooked him and Sebastian knew taking delight. "These came for you, young master." he presents the letters to him. Taking them Ciel goes through them, opening each one and reading them. "Burn it." he gives two to the butler. Who does so in an instant. "And this one."
Sebastian actually stops to read this one rolling his eyes. Crumbles it. "Honestly." He mumbles. "My lord, what is it?" Noticing Ciel reading one of the letters. Going over it with a grimacing expression. To deepen the more he read, to change into hissing one and finally smooth out though the fury still remained in his eye. Curious feeling the mood shift Sebastian calls to Ciel again. "My lord, is everything alright?"
"Who the hell do they think they are?" he spews throwing the letter aside appalled. Slamming a fist down. Leaving Sebastian lost.
Clearly, he was not going to get an answer from the flaring teen so picks up the letter and reads it, shocked from what he read. Though amused. "Well, it seems here your confections will no longer be sold at Dolly's Den, Patrick's Sugar Sweets, Corner Candy. It seems...they have a new associate. Constantine Enterprise. Well, how interesting."
"Interesting indeed." Ciel bares with a sharp glare. "I've never heard of such business. Who are they?"
"Why? My lord do hint a tad bit of jealousy?"
"I mind you to hold your words carefully, demon," Ciel warns him. Taking the letter back and glosses over it quickly. "They're sorry...psst. Wait?" He noticing something in the bottom corner. "They send this?!" Crumbling the letter. Looking at the symbol. "Just who are they?"
Though it would be wise not to indulge in the young lord's mood, Sebastian couldn't resist and added more to the minor spew. "It seems they are the ones who is inviting you to a party." He holds up an invitation letter smiling.
Ciel snatches it and nearly tears it open, reading the invitation scornfully. Every fiber in his body wanted to toss it aside, then again...watching the young earl debate on what action to take due to his own personal pride. Picks up the last envelope and coos.
"Oh, how darling."
"What?"
"It seems the lady Harmony has sent you something." Sebastian shows him.
Great, just what Ciel needed. Looking at reading his name horribly written while the address was written properly. Taking it was about to toss it when he thought of what might come should he do so. Locked in a corner opens it and reads the best to his ability the...dreadful penmanship. Becoming frustrated only half way through the first sentence. All he could really make out was the equally dreadful drawing of him holding her hand with hearts around. "I can't even read this." He hands it to Sebastian who's eyesight was much better than his managed to make it out.
"Why, it says: Dear Pirate... oh she crossed it out, Ciel. I miss you very much. I hope you miss me too." He pauses touched. "Adorable. Ahem: I am feeling much better now. My stomach doesn't hurt anymore. Lizzie and I play all the time and Ms. Paula. Everyone is very kind over at Auntie's. I do not get to see much, she and May are always having lessons. I miss May, but, I know she is learning well. I get to wear pretty dresses every day! Lizzie says I look cute. Like her."
Ciel cringes.
"I am always smiling. I don't cry. I miss everyone. I miss Mr. Finnian, Ms. Mey-Rin, Mr. Snake, Wilde, Oscar, Emily, Wordsworth, Bronte, Donnie, and Goethe, Mr. Tanaka, and Mr. Sebastian. I miss his cooking."
"How thoughtful." Sebastian kept going. "Uncle Alexis is really funny, he makes me laugh. Lizzie and dance all the time. I am learning to play the piano. May is learning to play the harp. I hear her sometimes. She plays really pretty. I can speak French really good! I am turning into a cute lady. Cousin Edward..." Sebastian clears his throat. "I am having a wonderful time. Also, Auntie said we are going to a party! To meet a new family! I am so happy. I hope you go. I want to see you soon. Can you come and visit? I love you Ciel and thank you for sending me my bunny."
Sebastian looks at Ciel who dismissively rolls his eye. Smiling to himself Sebastian finishes."Please tell everyone I said hi and give them a hug please and Wilde a kiss. I love you again, Love Harmony. Well, it seems she even drew pictures for all of us, this one is yours, my lord." He sets down the letter and picture on his desk. "The lady Harmony such a generous one. She truly adores you."
"She really needs to make friends, kissing a snake? Argh.." Ciel rubs his temples. "Even when she's out of my hair, she can still produce this annoyance."
"Come now, she loves her dear cousin. You must look at it through eyes."
"Her eyes see a blanket of lies in the world."
"Yes, but is that not a child's wonder? Their innocence."
This was a surprise, the demon defending the girl. "Innocence? Is only a fantasy, that is soon to be distorted."
"Perhaps, yes. But for the lady Harmony, it seems strong in her. She truly sees goodness you, otherwise, she would easily be frightened of you. You are her family after all."
Ciel opens his mouth respond back. "And you wouldn't send her away to spare her from your under workings. Correct my lord?"
Quickly he closes his mouth and looks away. "She would have been in the way. There is no place for a child in that area. Enough of this ridiculous chattering, send my attendance to the family. I will be glad to meet them and..."
"Yes, my lord?"
"Send a thank you to the doctor for his assistance. You might as well pass out those ill works of art to the others. And...never mind I will do it myself." Ciel turns his back to Sebastian. "Leave."
Bowing out Sebastian does, though peers through the slant in the door. Watching the earl sit back down in his chair, pick up the drawing and letter, puts them away and picks up his pen to write.
