Was this is right? Was it okay? Should...should she be doing this? Harmony wasn't completely sure twiddling her fingers while keeping her eyes on the floor. Sure she was thankful to be in a sense...saved by them, she just couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach from moving around. Especially right now, her sister told her this wasn't the right thing to do, her Ciel too and the others. Mr. Sebastian would remind her and Finnian would tell her too. That it wasn't right.
So why was she staying? Well, one her eyes haven't landed on anyone she knew and this seem like the best...option right now. Why where parties so big? The one Ciel gave wasn't this big, it didn't have...so many people. She was always by someone she knew no matter where she stood in the room. She could see her sister, Ciel...Mr. Sebastian, Finnian, Snake, Mey-Rin, Badroly Mr. Tanaka, Lizzie and her family. But, mainly her sister and Ciel and the rest of her family.
Not, all this. Lost in a faceless sea. She wasn't going to cry, she wasn't going to do it, she promised. She promised she wouldn't do it, just...as her lip quivered why didn't they come? She called for them to come, but they didn't, no one did. Now she was left alone. Shutting her eyes finding herself alone with a strong sugary smell. Wait? A strong sugary smell, that wasn't right. Slowly opening her eyes as they lite up at the delicious sweet treat before her and next thing she knew it was sitting in the palm of her little hands, glistening with its richness.
So, so sparkly. She thought as a bit of drool showed in the corner of her mouth. Would it...would it taste as good as it looked? Only one way to find out, taking a bite everything melted away and found herself in a state of sweet bliss. She wanted more and more was held before her.
She takes it from them eating it just as quick as the first one, licking her lips with pleasure and a smile to match. "It's so yummy!" she chimes giggling wh bits of frosting around the corner of her mouth.
"See! I told you! There's a lot more good things to eat. Do you want to eat all of them?"
A question that she quickly responded, ignoring the words of Ciel's in her mind to not. "Yes! Let's get more!"
A small hand is held out to her with an agreeing smile. "Yeah!" Taking her hand in their's leads her to the sweet treasure which she gladly follows. Allowing the young boy dark haired boy to lead. He was able to maneuver his way through the guests, remaining undetected.
He was quick, she was sure she'd trip over her own feet, which surprisingly she didn't. It didn't take long for them to reach their treasure and it was beautiful. Chocolate piled high, small cakes decorated in elaborate icing and toppings. Some had liquid drizzling on it, colorful candies wrapped up in vibrant wrappers, cookies of different sizes and shapes. Some she's never seen or tired. Her mind making a photographic image to have later or have Sebastian make them. She wanted them all, all of them right now. Standing next to the boy who was also looking at the spread on the table before with greedy intention and impulse starts to grab as many as his little hands could carry, stuffing some in his mouth.
Turns to Harmony, wondering why she hadn't started. Looking to him she wasn't sure at first but quickly throws it aside when he gives her a cookie. A bite from it fired up her grabbing. Just like him, she ate some while trying to gather as much as she could. Both children tried to suppress their laughter at their misdeed, but it was all in vain. As they enjoyed their finding a displeased shadow hangs over them. With an interrupting cough. One that made both turn white and freeze instantly.
As the children froze, your blood turned just the same with daggered eyes towards Earl Gray, who took joy in your sharp expression. Teasing a bit too. "Why, such a bladed look, Baroness. Come now?" He clicks his tongue with a small curled smile. Leading in the dance.
His touch on you made your skin burn and your body tighten, it took a great deal of mental suppression from reacting with a hit. Itching to clench your hand into a fist resist from the light squeeze he gave to the hand he held. With a light laugh, spinning around and around with care. Oh, he was a character, so you played his game carrying a proper smile as a lady should. Locking away your response to the question he whispered in your ear. His eyes noticed and slanted on you, giving your hand another squeeze. Humming.
Humming which turned into a low whistle. He sweeps you around again. Nearly causing you to lose your balance, your feet slightly trip over each other. "Whoa, careful." He catches you chivalrously. "You aren't normally this clumsy, Baroness. Why in the garden you danced like a perfect snowflake."
Again about the garden, averting your eyes from his refusing to answer. He causes you stumble again, catching you once more. Shaking his head commenting, again. "Baroness," he clicks his tongue woefully. "are you alright? I hope someone as tender as yourself is alright."
"I am well, thank you Lord Gray." you subtle spit back. Trying to remove yourself from him, but realize he had taken you in the center among the others dancing. Around others who could see even as they danced. There was no way to get away.
Cursing mentally, you had remained solid and would with his constant pressuring. A game his eyes sparked with interest but also becoming rather intolerable. Growling a bit. Kept up his gentleman facade. Even engaging in idle talk.
"I was rather surprised you and your sister do not live with the Earl anymore, what's the matter? He became tired and decided to release his obligation to another? Hmm?" He leans closer. Laughing behind his words.
This was just sad, really, he was still bothered by what happened that much you could see. It was hard not to think this was rather childish of not...just crude. Even so, you did not take kindly to his words.
A flame back. "You are correct, my sister and I do not currently live with my cousin. We are in the care of our dear Aunt and her family. All who are masters of the blade which I believe you are ranked below them correct? Oh, it is my dear cousin Elizbeth whom you are inferior too, right?"
That stuck a string a sour one. It pleased you as you couldn't help but smile. To quickly drop feeling his grip tighten more warning. "Your words are sharp, as well misguided one. I would be careful with them."
"Or what?" you step unfazed and turn your chin up. "I informed you before to not say such words about my cousin. Now, release me I have grown exhausted of dancing, good sir."
A release he didn't give you and kept you. You could feel his anger gripping at you and burn from the glare he gave which you refused to address. Along with the low growl emitting from his throat. "You have taken after the Earl in more ways than once. Now," his tone lowers. "you will tell me why you disappeared and became curious? On such a fun night."
"Why does it matter? I just wanted some air."
"You can get that anywhere."
"I like the cold."
"Hard to believe that, then again..." he lifts your chin forcing your look at him. "I wouldn't be surprised. No," his eyes begin to dig further in yours. "no it was something else. Some..."
The way he held your attention from afar made onlookers assume something else. Those who saw whispered to others doing their best to hide it. While another at first enjoyed what they saw for their own pleasure, quickly dissolved the feeling. About to react when their eyes noticed two little others sneaking their way through. Trying hard not to be noticed, which they weren't until they spotted them. Sighing they head after them.
Gray's eye remained searching in your fortress eyes, he kept his hold on you. If this wasn't a social evening you and not many around you would have struck back, but since it was, bound you to remain submissive. For now.
"Tell me? What was it?" he hums to you, a bit curious. Pulls you close. So you shut your eyes and look to the side, only to get jerked back to look at him. "There isn't anyone here to save you, you cannot hide behind the earl. Now, tell me my answer. Or," he leans in whispering words that broke your resistance and caused you to react.
Yanking your hand back raise. Snarling. "Don't you dare!" Deliver a blow when something fast comes, restaining your wrist, and pulls you back swiftly behind them from the Earl. It was fast it took you a while to realize what happened. All you knew was that you saw black. And heard muffled words soon found yourself being led away. By who? You didn't care, your mind was on and still flared from what Grey said, you wanted to hit him back so hard. He crossed the line, he did and he would pay should he follow through. He couldn't...you wouldn't let him.
No...no one would take...take...your feet begin to drag before they stop. Gripped by the thought, try to fight back against it. Those screams...you could hear them, even if it wasn't present if it wasn't real. You could hear screaming and call out to you, for you. Her amber eyes wet with tears as she is being torn away, ripped from you. No, that couldn't happen, Madam Red promised...she made sure that...she did the documents even at the cost of her own professional career. So, it wouldn't come to past, right? Then again he...it sounded like he already begun. And if he had then...was there only a matter of time that...Harmony she couldn't be taken away, she couldn't.
You wouldn't allow it, you'd stop by any means necessary...any means. Grey would burn before he did that, you've gotten this far with Harmony, you'd go further at any cost.
But, what if it wasn't enough? What if...trembling you grip the blackness before you and cling to it. Keeping it still as you whisper in it for comfort, for direction. Not realizing the words you spoke came back formed differently and spoken differently. The blackness spoke back to you, offering what you spoke but like sweet nectar, it was hard to resist. Even if it laced with a fowl taste. All your mind thought about was Harmony so there was no need to decide. Opening your mouth to deliver your answer to the blackness...when a familiar voice of light interrupts.
"May, there you are."
The blackness fades away as the light pushes it back, it leaves just quickly as it came. Quickly your eyes look around finding no one but Edward standing before you with his eyebrows drawn together as his eyes clung to you. His pained eyes lighten seeing everything was well. Sighs. "May." He takes your hands in his hugging them, that you felt them trembling just a little. "May, why...why did you," he tries to hide his cracking voice. "run off like that?"
Run off? When did you run? For some reason, it felt like a blur. All you saw was fuzz and nothing else. Except being forced to dance with Grey other than that nothing. Besides...this strange feeling. An answer that you felt would only cause Edward more confusion and seek an answer. So you what would tell him?
"I...I..." your mind tries to search for the words, as he waited patiently for it. Staying with you as you figured it out. "I...the reason.."
Your words never came out this chopped before, that much Edward knew, something was wrong he could not only hear it but see it as you eyes remained fogged. Something happened, the paleness creeping over you told him and watching you struggle to give him an answer saw the suffering it was causing. He shouldn't be doing this to do, especially with your concern over Harmony.
Harmony! He remembered suddenly. "May! I have wonderful news." his voice elates with a smile. "It is about Harmony." Hearing her name and the way he said it brought light back, he takes your hand without properly having you link with his arm and leads you with him. Taking the lead. Each step you took after him, drew you away from the blackness watches with a glare.
With her head and chin dropped to her chest, Harmony dare not make a peep under the eyes of her Aunt's presence. Remaining as still as stone, doing her best not to cry and most importantly lick the delicious crumbs around her mouth. She knew this was a bad idea, she just knew it but her dang..dang obsession got the best of her, it wasn't her fault she had a sweet-tooth it was...well...sweets were just so good and happy. Always happy because they tasted so yummy in her mind. Now, she was paying the price. Both with her Aunt and maybe...her tummy. Maybe. Her comrade stood with her without care. His hands rested behind his head looking around and up. Laughing with a cheeky smile, while she shriveled. She was going to get it from Francis when they returned home.
The thought scared her and she desperately wished to go back to Ciel's home. Crying inside as tears begin to form in the corner of her eye, she had to keep hidden from the woman should she see it. There was no way out, not now. Lizzie's reminding words weren't helping right now, as they echoed in her mind. She was doomed, doomed. Maybe...maybe if she called again, they could come and save her...right?
"Harmony!" The sound of your voice her head lifted as your arms pull her in holding her. Clinging to her. "Where did you go?" Break for a second look her over notice the frosting and crumbs. "Why...why..? Oh Harmony."
She wasn't sure if you were disappointed or not, all she knew was that she was glad to see you and throws her arms around you. "Sister! I'm sorry." She said with a hic-up.
"Harmony!" Lizzie comes through a few leaving Ciel behind and hugs her from the other side tightly. "Oh, I am so sorry we became lost. I would never leave you!" She cries. Nearly squeezing the life from her. Harmony lets you go and clings to Lizzie instead. Which was alright. Watching the two cry ridiculous tears that left you with a smile. That was Alexis joined becoming touched by the scene bear hugs them both.
Much to Francis dismay and Ciel's. Who stood somewhat hidden, but Harmony's radar saw him and she squiggled from Lizzie and Alexis. "Ciel!" Runs and throws herself on him, nearly tackling him to the ground, if not for a certain butler who came just in time to keep him hosted upright. But, didn't prevent nor stop the little girl from crushing his waist. Or bouncing up and down like a kangaroo. No one stopped her really, in fact, Lizzie encouraged it.
"Ciel! I am so happy to see!" Harmony nearly yelps with glee. "Did you get my pictures? Do you miss me? Are you happy to see me?" She fired question after question off. With more added on and some that didn't make any sense at least to Ciel.
Who was trying to pry her off, but her iron-clad grip did not loosen. It was hard not to laugh, standing back up with Edward's help try to hold and hide your laughter. I was worth even from the scornful look Ciel gave you. She just wasn't going to let go, not until he answered.
"Let me go!" he demands.
"Is Dottie okay? Is she? Oh! Can we make snow angels? Can we? Can we build a snowman?"
"Release me!"
"Have you had any of the cookies? I have and I like them! Did you miss me, Ciel? Did you? I love you!"
For a smart child, one would think he'd know by now to just give in, but he was just as stubborn as she was resilient. It was amazing. The more he resisted the more she keeps going. Until he finally gave in.
"Alright! Alright!" he raises his voice. "Yes! I'm happy to see you! Now release me."
Upon that she does but remains gripped to his arm, this girl was really going to...shaking his head collects himself. Rolling his eye. "Why must you make a scene, Harmony?"
"Ciel, she just misses you," Lizzie speaks for her. "She adores you."
Yes, he was aware something he wished...wasn't true. "Yes, I adore you!" Harmony repeats snugging more on his arm.
"Wonderful," he mumbles. "Harmon-"
"Mr. Sebastian!" She runs to the man hugging his leg with a squeeze. "Hello, Mr. Sebastian! It is good to see you."
He returns her affection with a light pat on the head. "You as well lady Harmony. It is always a true joy seeing you, I do hope you have been well."
"I am. I've been learning a lot."
He gasped surprised. "Why, that is wonderful. Such a smart one you are. Hmm?" She tugs on him and waves for him to close, he kneels down and she whispers in his ear, which was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Is Ciel being smart too?"
"W-what?!" Ciel offended. Growls. He stomps over to be held back by the touch you rested on his head.
With a smile, Sebastian answers knowing what she meant."Why the master is doing his best, though you are right he could be doing better. He nowhere up to your brilliance."
Happy to hear that Harmony smile spread further on her face. While Ciel steamed behind, you just kept soothingly rubbing his head. "There, there..." trying hard not to laugh. Turning your head quickly the second his head whipped around at you. Telling you to be quiet, as Sebastian twirled Harmony around. It was both sweet and kind sight to see.
The dynamics and chemistry was there and something else, that Lizzie saw looking from Ciel to Harmony, then you and lastly Sebastian and then back to Ciel. Reading her fiance there was something...something different in a good way. That warmed her heart.
