Under mild lighting, you lounged about indulged in a wonderful book comfortably on the dark red couch in the new library added to the manor. Apparently, it was here before but was never used. From what Ciel said. It needed to be clean and that was when he discovered this place, which was rather odd, one who owns a manor would surely know of each room. It was a perfect size, at least 800 . Decorated with a cozy setting, reminding you of the cottage. It was rustic and natural. Colors of browns, tinges of greens, and yellows. Though subtle colors of reds. Books lined all along the wall, a large bay window that gave a lovely view of calming sea of green. There was a ladder provided should you need it to get books higher up. Rich green curtains with yellow patterns covered the window, tied back to allow light from both sun and moon to come in. And a fireplace on the left side. It was on.

The furniture was simple and soft. A couch presented in the center, next to it a nightstand. There as a cushioned chair by the window if you wanted to use. Another chair on the other side, with a desk, if you decided to use too. Electricity reached the room or if you wanted just candlelight that was there as well. Everything in the room was considered..."old" but smelled the excat opposite.

Oh well, there was clearly no reason to look pass his words, he made it rather clear not too. Though the thought made you smile a bit, turning the page to continue. Which number book was this? How many have you read so far? You weren't really sure, having lost track after the fifth one. So immersed in each book that passed through your hands. How many hours have you been in here since being back?

You never bothered to look at the clock when you came, only know when Mey-Rin came to fetch you for lunch or dinner if it wasn't hard to pry you from the world you cast yourself in. Books, you loved the smell of them and adored the knowledge it provided always. Donnie was the one who got you hooked, also it was the only way for you learn about the world around. No matter the subject, nothing was ever boring. It shined a light inside you that you couldn't fully understand. When you finished one you couldn't wait to pick up another one, sighing softly turning the page. It was quiet and peaceful. Though you would never admit it, you did miss this the most from the manor. Of course the others too, but this was on a different level.

The smell of each page was of its own scent, the words crafted with its own print. Though some words the same, there was indifference between them.

You may come here as much as you like, so you can be out of my hair.

Ciel's exact words when he brought you here. He claiming you came too much into his personal study to seek his books in the most improper times. If you let him be, he'd let you be. So you played along and thanked him, turning the page a light knock just barely breaks your attention.

"Come in." You tell whoever it was, adjusting your position as Mey-Rin comes in holding a tray.

Walks over carefully counting her steps while watching the tray she carried. Hearing the china trembling a bit, a sound that made fondly made you smile. One you missed. The tenseness in her breathing was relaxing as her clammy words mumbled between breaths. You knew she'd make it over, she always did. Even if she shook.

Each step from the maid was carefully thought out, lightly watching, Mey-Rin makes it over and sets it down. Wiping her brow. "Excuse me, Baroness, I've come to bring you your evening tea."

Sitting up, set the book down and look to see what it was. It smelled like cinnamon, mixed with...rose petals. Why was it always floral? Sighing inside smile. "Thank you, it smells lovely." Pat the spot next to you. "Please, sit and join me. Won't you?"

A response she happily obliges and takes the spot. Taking one of the cups hands it to her, grabbing the pot fill it for her before you own. "Honey or sugar?"

"Sugar, please."

Nodding give her two a teaspoon, while you took honey. The two of you enjoy it first before talking. Mey-Rin's eyes wander around, this place was magical and wonderful. "The master really put a lot of thought in here." You just smile hiding it behind another sip. Allowing her to talk. "He made sure to fill it up with so many books, I don't believe I can read them all. No. I can't."

"Now, why would you say such a thing?" She looks at you, you lightly chuckle. Taking another sip."If you want, you are more than welcome to borrow any book you like."

Nearly dropping her cup from your words, her words stagger out. "W-Well...I...no! It's alright!"

Nearly choking on your tea from her reaction, throw your head to the side and laugh. Which she mistook. "Baroness! A-are you alright?"

Nodding you calm yourself. "Yes, please forgive me. I just could not resist." Inhaling letting out a few chuckles. Cast your eyes down to the dark brown liquid in the cup. Stare long and deep. Your reflection stares back. "...This tea gives off a warm and wonderful feeling, through the body. Most likely the cinnamon or the small hint of nutmeg I taste. Either way...it is wonderful."

Feeling the mood suddenly shift Mey-Rin watches the young lady next to her. A tender smile on her lips and soft eyes. She couldn't help but mirror. "Yes, it is wonderful."

Taking a deep breath, you lift your eyes. "How is Harmony fairing with her...gratuity." Choose the word carefully.

Thinking for a minute before speaking, Mey-Rin goes through. Her hesitant reaction and fumbling told you it was going well. In some aspects. There was no need for words, no doubt Harmony was on cloud nine. The first day returning, she found her room filled with new toys and clothes. New everything. A bed, mirror anything she found just...wow. If that wasn't enough, she too was given a room. Her own parlor room or in your mind a toy room. Where she could spend her days playing. That was just day one. The next day she was presented with a house for Dottie to sleep in, in her room. And hall so she could play tag as long as she needed.

Again, Ciel said it made it easier for her to stay out of his hair. Giving him a piece of mind. But, it didn't seem work as he thought, she went to color in his study. The most interesting gift was her leniency on lessons. Though you didn't get out of it as easy as she did. He even presented her with a new horse, that she would soon get lessons to ride after the weather warmed up a bit. Until then, she stuck with Dottie.

The sheep was her stead.

"You know," you stand quickly looking around. "I think it might want to turn in."

Mey-Rin pops up right by you. "I'll get a bath started!" Rushes out. Taking a seat back down again pick up the book and read.

"My dear, you want more books?" Madam Red looks on shocked. You nod, clenching the one to your chest. "Are you sure, there isn't anything else?" Crossing her arms.

Shaking your head, this was what you wanted. Books, you needed them. "I prefer books, they provide me with the knowledge I need...to..." whispering the last part.

Seeing how much it meant she sighs deeply. "Alright, if that is what you want. Then I shall make sure to bring them back." Smiling fondly to herself, her eyes look at the 14-year girl standing before her. Seeing herself in so many aspects within the darling young one. Preferring books rather than clothes and bows for someone her age.

It was just like herself. Raising a hand grabs your chest and squeezes it. "Such well-developing one you are." She lightly teases, to your embarrassment, try to push her away. She lightly chuckles a few more times before releasing. With a dismissal fan of the hand. While you cover your chest. Still, in shock from what she did.

"Oh, sorry my dear. I can't help, I am a doctor after all. It's only natural."

She tries to defend her action, though it made no sense. "I highly doubt that is the reason, please..don't touch my chest."

"But, you're developing so well, just as I did at your age. Oh, there nothing to be ashamed about. It is only natural. Many find it su-"

You snap. "Please! Just bring me some books!" She was unphased and kept laughing. Pulls you into a hug. Patting your head.

The time was around 9 'o'clock when small pitter patter feet ran through the halls, clenching to their chest a pillow. The sound of their running feet brought attention to themselves. From the corners of the shadows, red eyes watch little Harmony approach Ciel's room. Reaching out to the knob jiggles it a bit to see if it was unlocked. Seeing that it was, goes inside, quietly.

With light tip-toeing Harmony makes her way over to the empty side of Ciel's bed, peeps her eyes over making sure he wasn't there and tosses her pillow to spot. Now, for the hard part, his bed being a bit different in height compared to her own, struggles a bit. Gripping the bedding, claws at it. Pulling herself up with feet hanging off the side. Her sheer determination was not going to stop her, kicking the air in hopes it would help grunting. Soon finds herself defeated, hanging there off the side, tears rising to in the corner buries her chin in the sheets then her whole face. Sobs silently when she suddenly gets some mysterious assistance like before and finds herself on the bed.

Not sure how only that she's now could sleep with a smile on her face. Crawling over like a kitten scoots the rest of the way. Carefully watching Ciel as he slept soundly. He even scowled in his sleep, trying hard not to giggle. Buries her face in her pillow, if she woke him, he'd surely kick her out. Moving closer till his scent filled her nose. Spreading her pillow out, curls up and allows sleep to take her.

About an hour or so after her eyes closed a figure enters and spots the two asleep together. Ciel warm and comforted under his blankets, Harmony tightly curled for warmth. So she would not disturb him, what she wouldn't do. A hand reaches out looming over her, grabs some of the blankets and lightly as possible they lift it up and slides her under. Then proceeds to tuck them both in. The hand guides down to Ciel and briskly brushes a few of his bangs out of his face. Then moves to Harmony and lightly creases her cheek.

Both so precious. So very precious. Taking a seat on the edge watching them both. It was hard to fight the urge to cradle them. So, settle for just silently cradle. Harmony really did love it here, their eyes move to the girl. Who smiled as she slept. No doubt from her loving dreams of bliss and joy. Brought a light smile to spread across their lips. That was all that matter after all.

Her life needed to be sweet and heavenly. No matter the cost, she was meant to remain innocent and tender. It was the promise...right?

Rising from the bed the figure gives one last look at the two and leaves like a breeze. Shutting the door with kindness, they needed their rest. Hearing the click softly, walk the mid-night halls alone. Where all could be heard, could become clear. This gift of silence was precious, it allowed reflection on a life once lived centuries ahead before this time. When the world was advance and filled with...family and friends. Where their life was once their own, their sister was always there and their father.

Where a time everyone would go and defend, laughter rang all around. Smiles too. Moments that became nothing more than memories of film. To be played only when needed. It was so wonderful if not pleasant. All that was now gone, it became a painful sacrifice for the hope of another. Which was okay, because in the end, it would all be worth it.

It was...they tell themselves gripping the doorknob tightly, compressing the metal snap out from Harmony's smile. Yeah, it was. Turning the knob you enter your dark room. Something swiftly grabs you, shuts the door, and had you pinned hard against the wall. With a single grip around your throat, just barely being kind to give you air to breathe. Reacting your hand shoots up like lighting and grips them by the throat shoving yourself off the wall. Pushing back, catching your assailant off guard, but they quickly counter and with their other hand rips yours off, tripping you causing you stumble back. Hitting the floor hard, their hand latches around your throat again.

This time your natural reflexes and training spike and grab it before it does. Your eyes flash pushing back, theirs flash as well. You could tell they were trying to be rather careful while also losing their patience. It felt rather personal for some reason, feeling the tips of their fingers brush up against your throat, recall a move you learned and yank them close twisting their wrist throw them over you. With their momentary stun get up and race to the door. Your hand extending out to the knob grip it, swing it open run out to hit something hard and solid. Standing there.

A quelling smile curling on lips. Showing small fangs. Their eyes glowing with a dark thirsty purr. "Baroness," Sebastian stepping in quickly grabs your wrists to restain you. Shutting the door with his foot. "don't you think it's about time," he pauses with an alluring tinge in his eyes. Closing the distance stopping once chests touched leans in and whisper in your ear."I explore you on a deeper level? And before that mouth of yours speaks," he growls quickly, hushing you before a single word left your tongue.

Lowers his head close to your neck and inhales lightly. It nearly made you gag, your skin did crawl from his discount for personal space. He inhales once again when you felt something wet on your neck, that sent a huge shiver down your spine. Afraid to look, you do so and slide your eyes finding he had licked it.

Like candy. The delicious look he, was he toying with you or just wanted to see your reaction? The questions popped in your eyes brought a thrilling smirk to him. Snapping out of it open your mouth he quickly silences you with a finger to your lips, with his on the other side. "Shhhh...you don't want to wake the master and Lady Harmony?" He stares right at you. "Especially Lady Harmony, after all...it is what you promised her mother...Ten Shen correct?"

Your eyes widen from the name that he spoke. Adding more to his enjoyment, he kept his finger on your lips and his lips on his finger.

"Good girl...then again...I do prefer your sharp tongue, I suppose this will have to work. For now. Now," he presses his body further on you. Till it was back up against the footboard of your bed."Why? Your heart is racing?" He looks at the two compressed chest. "It seems all a flutter. I wonder why? Hmm?"

He was taunting and teasing, like ice, your eyes coldly narrow like piercing daggers. All fear you had Sebastian relished in vanished. "What do..do you want?"

Pressing his finger more slowly moves it. Till there was it was gone."As I said, to explore you..." he leans in and in a low sensual voice repeats. "on a deeper level." Strokes your chin lightly, stops and creases your lips instead, remaining fixated on them. "Yes...to get to know you..on a much..more deeper level." He licks his lips.