Practice was over. It was done for holidays at least, Harmony felt glad. Irene gave a little speech and a small gift to each child before her. Her eyes fall on Harmony the longest though made sure to make it quick so the others would not see. After her kind words and tender cheer, practice was complete. While she waited as always to be picked up, Harmony over heard something that her ears took interest in. Something one of the children said. They spoke like it was a precious secret, giggling and gasping in awe.
It wasn't another language, still in English. It was just whom this person they talked about. Wanting to know she timidly takes steps towards them, stopping when her eyes caught sight of someone and she hurries back to her spot. Holding her gift from Miss Irene, she hadn't noticed the shadow cast over her until she looked up finding Miss Irene herself smiling down at the darling girl.
"Why, Lady Harmony, what are you doing here all alone?"
A question that was answered by Harmony's eyes sweptwing across her peers, watching the exchanging small gifts when their parents came to pick then up. Her eyes fall a bit.
Irene seem to understand. Poor child. "Oh, I see. Come." She holds out a hand, Harmony takes it. "Why don't you take a nice walk with me. It is rather chill alone."
It was rather chilly and nice walk seem nice. A small smile shone on Harmony's face follows the woman. They stay on the stage looking over things. Harmony spoke a bit. When she seem to stop Irene spoke with questions. Which Harmony answered.
"What shall you do for the holidays?"
"Ciel said we are going to have lovely time with Auntie, uncle, cousin Lizzy, cousin Edward and all our friends. It's our very first Hearth day together."
"Hearth Day? What is that?"
A question Harmony was happy to answer. "It is the day were everyone gathers around the fire and gives gifts that are to be opened. Under a tree."
"Like Christmas?"
"I suppose, I'm not sure. Mr. Finnan said that too, Hearth Day was the same as Christmas."
Her words surprised Irene, Harmony talked as if Christmas was forgine to her. "Have you not celebrated Christmas before?" The lost look in the girls eyes gave the answer. It was so innocent and curious. "Well, why don't I inform you of such a holiday."
Eyes lighting up at the thought. "Yes. Please. I love stories!"
Smiling sweetly Irene tells her.
And telling her she did, though unable to get everything out as Harmony shot question after question about anything and everything she said. Each question lite more than the last one, the most she has ever spoken here. Irene was barely able to follow her. But, it was enjoyable. Especially with Harmony's wild imagination on what she thought some of what Irene said.
"You are quite a character, Lady Harmony." Irene giggles. They found a nice spot to sit and talk so more. "My," she looks up seeing most of the children had left. "in our talk it seems most of your friends have gone."
Harmony's eyes drop to the side. "I don't..."
"How is your sister?" Irene changes the topic. Harmony's eyes slightly lite up. They cast up fondly. Hopping with joy. "She's doing well," her voice even cheery. "two days ago I talked to her. She sounds better. It makes me happy. Ciel said we shall be visiting her soon, we can all be together. Mr. Tanaka is taking really good care of May."
"Oh, how wonderful."
Yes, it was wonderful. Though what Harmony said next surprised the woman. "Though Mr. Tanaka is taking care of May," her voice drops to a whisper. Secretively looking around first gestures for Irene to move closer tells her. "I think Mr. Sebastian would take much better care of my sister."
Irene didn't know what to say, the smile on Harmony's face made even more so. The fondness in her eyes when she spoke the man's name. "Really?" Was all Irene could say.
Harmony nods assuring. "Yes. He would. Mr. Sebastian is really good. He takes care of everyone and everything." She jumps up from where she sit bursting with glee that remain at bay from her instilled manners. "He always lets me bake with him."
Not sure how this was part of what she was saying before Irene let her keep going. "Yes. He brings me cookies every morning. He made me soup when I was sick. Which made me better, so I know he will do the same with May. I really like him." Her voice settles a bit. Takes a sit back down. "He always smiles, he makes my sister smile. They smile at each other a lot."
Irene thinks about it, as far as he was concerned May held no such thing towards the man. That she could think of, it was just a child's active imagination.
"It seems you truly enjoy Mr. Sebastian."
Harmony nods. "Yes. Can I tell you something?" She asked nervously. Irene nods. Swallowing Harmony moves closer to. "Sometimes...sometimes I wish...that..."she bites her lip. "Mr. Sebastian was-"
"Harmony, are you ready?" Ciel appears with Sebastian. Harmony's head whips around her eyes wide like saucers. He was here...to pick her up. Excepting one of the others. Not him, she sat frozen. He seem not to noticed walking over. Acknowledging Irene who does the same back, standing respectfully. Begins talking to him about the practice and Harmony over all.
He listens taking it all in. Nodding smiling a bit pleased. "Thank you Mis-"
"Ciel!"
Harmony jumps onto him clinging to him like a kola bear to its mother. Crying. "You came! You came to pick me up!" Bawling her eyes hysterically it filled the whole room, getting the attention of others. Much to his embarrassment.
Even more so with her hanging on his neck like a necklace. "Would you let go!"
She didn't it only made her tighten her hold, dragging him down. "I'm so happy!"
Sebastian jumped back startled by her outburst for a second, then smiles trying hard not to laugh. Always an amusement. Her crying, his master irritated by her antic. Had Ciel not learn yet? It was best to allow her to as she pleased, a quirk she learned from him. Otherwise face her crying wrath later. Oh, Ciel.
Irene wasn't sure what do, so she stood there with a lost smile. "Ciel! Ciel! You came!" Harmony kept crying.
"Harmony! You need to stop this at once!"
She shakes her head. "NO! I won't let go!" Not caring about his lack of strength. "I'm just so happy! You actually came to get me. I-I..."
This was going to be awhile, Sebastian could tell. Though he could easily put a stop to this, it was best to let it play out. Now, if her sister was present he was sure she'd do the same thing. So why shouldn't he? Of course Ciel would berate him later about it. He'd have his response ready. Until then, why not just enjoy the moment.
After what seem like hours which was only twenty minutes Harmony calmed down and left with Ciel and Sebastian. Holding Ciel's hand all the way through the theater to the carriage. Her lively self came back. Her mouth ran non-stop swing his arm up and down like a school girl. Sebastian did his best to hold in his rising chuckle. Ciel just endured it, like he always did.
"My lord. My lady." Sebastian opens the door helping them in. Harmony went in first.
Then Ciel. "Harmony, can you sit down please?" He tells her, she stops bouncing up down in seat. He takes his seat across from her, she gets up and goes over to him. "Settled?" He asked.
She nods. Sebastian enters sitting on the empty side. He gives the signal to go. The carriage pulls away. And like always, mostly, Harmony sticks her head out and waves bye to the theater. Coming back in when Ciel tells her. Winter was becoming colder, the soon to be holiday nearing made it warmer, the people on the walking on the streets smiling was wonderful see. Miss Irene said something that Christmas had this sort of affect on others. Kind of like Hearth Day.
"Harmony, it seems Miss Irene was kind and presented you with an early Christmas gift." Ciel said pulling her attention away from the window. To him.
"Oh, yes she did. She gave one to everyone." Her eyes cross to the wrapped gift Sebastian held in his lap. It was a nice size, nothing too big and nothing too small. A big smile on her face."I want it to be chocolate."
Ciel eye rolls. "I don't think you need any sweets." Rather contradicting, Sebastian held in his rising smiling. "You must remember to send her a thank you letter." Ciel tells her. "That was very kind of Miss Irene."
"Yes. I will." Harmony said rather distracted, her attention faded from him and went right back outside. Watching others walking, going in and out of shops. Children running before their family. Adults talking while still keeping a watchful eye on their young.
A few adults with children on the corner singing together. It was songs Harmony remembered Lizzie had told her about before, it was also from a book as well, the title she couldn't remember. Her face pressed against the glass tempted to, eyes taking in everything with bright curiosity and questions. Especially at a certain object and figure with a thick white bread. And a jolly looking belly. She wondered if this was what her peers were talking about, it had to be, maybe she wasn't fully sure. So many colors, so many bright colors rich ones too. The most of all the color of all that seem to take over on nearly every shop and corner...red.
"Harmony," Ciel gets her attention. She nods showing she heard him. Which was fine by him. "remember we are leaving today, to head back to the manor. To join your-"
"Auntie Red!" Harmony nearly shouts thrilled, opening and bursting out of the carriage before either Sebastian or Ciel could get her. She sprung like a spring from her seat. Taking off the second her feet touched the ground.
Ciel shrills after her to stop but she didn't. Her mind focused on one thing. "Sebastian!" He shouts to the demon, who took off before he could say his full name.
Like lighting Sebastian was out the door after the girl. She was just so quick for a human, especially a human her age. Quick as she maybe he was faster, in one swoop he had her his arms. Holding her close, her little body tried to wiggle out, but his strength was more than she could deal with.
"Lady Harmony, what on earth did you jump out for?" His tone was of shock and scolding. There was a hint of anger of displeasure, she did not care about.
She kept trying to pry herself from his arms. "Let go." Struggling. "I sa-saw Auntie Red!"
"You must be mistaken, Lady Harmony. Madam Red is not here, remember?" he does his best to be careful with the right words. "She has gone. Away."
Harmony knew what she saw, she was sure of it. There was someone in red, a beautiful red, it was long just like her Auntie. They wore the same red as she did, so it had to be. The woman loved this holiday for its bright color of red. So, that meant she came back to surprise Harmony and May. Still struggling against Sebastian's grip digging her nails in his arms to get him to let her go.
But he didn't. "Lady Harmony," his said stricter. "Lady Harmony stop this-" Something warm dropped on his skin, a few more followed with soft whimpers. Looking down finding her head lowered if not buried in his arm to hide her sadness. Or was is frustration. He understood and calmed down. Feeling her body had relaxed set her down taking hold of her hand.
Bending down a bit straightening her up, dusting her off. She refused to look at him which was alright. Even so, there was something in her eyes. He noticed. "There we go." He said dusting the last bit. Hearing approaching footsteps, there was no need to look he knew that scent right away.
Ciel.
Panic rising in anger upon his face, gearing up to reprimand her, stops seeing the mess in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, messaging the tension in his brow holds out a hand. "Come, Harmony."
Taking her hand lead her back to the carriage, Sebastian following. Who stops feeling a shift in the air, his eyes slide back noticing nothing out of place. That didn't stop his eyes flashing a burning warning and baring his teeth a bit.
Eyes from not to far watch the three amused and delighted. Especially the girl, they couldn't help but snicker in their sleeve. "My precious, precious little mouse."
The carriage reaches the townhouse, Finnian and the others outside with all the bags packed nicely to Sebastian surprise. Of course it was clear that Angi helped, Finnian and Snake had their arms wide open for Harmony. Finnian a huge smile, Snake...it was there.
"Are you excited Lady Harmony?" Finnian asked thrilled as she would be. "We get to go back to the manor. Back home!"
While his words rang in the clouded afternoon, Soma had to lean on Agni to hide his own tears. "There, there my prince." The man tries to console the sobbing prince.
"Sebastian." Ciel orders about the luggage.
Understanding, Sebastian gets straight to it. Stepping out without a jacket. If he didn't have Soma Agni would have offered his assistance. While he loaded everything, Finnian popped his head into the carriage along with Snake and the others. Wondering why Harmony hadn't come out.
"Lady Harmony? Are you alright?" He asked his eyes landed right on her in the corner, her eyes closed and curled up covered by Sebastian's jacket. "Oh, she's sleeping." He whispers with a smile. The other crowd around to see and share the same expression as the young man.
With their attention on Harmony, it gave Sebastian some peace, though not really Sebastian. Soma throws himself on the boy using him now instead of Agni to sustain his emotional state. While Agni went to help Sebastian smiling at the two young men.
Chuckling lightly. "It seems prince Soma is more emotional than before." Sebastian notices making light talk.
"Yes. So it seems. He always misses Lord Phantomhive."
"So it shows. Oh, thank you."
Agni passes some luggage to him. "Is Lady Harmony excited to see her sister again? I am sure that she is, it has been some time."
"Yes, the young lady is rather thrilled. It has been quite some time."
"How is the Baroness? Is she feeling well?"
Sebastian for a second thought he heard something different in Agni's voice realizing it was just concern. Smiles. "Yes, she is. Doing much better, the master is glad she is in wonderful health. Tanaka has kept her well."
Agni smiles fondly hearing so. "That is wonderful, I know," he turns to Soma who was being away by Ciel. "Prince Soma was rather worried. The Baroness has the strangest effect upon others. Her presence," his tone softens like rose petal. "changes the mood. One is not the same when she not around." He lock for a second with Sebastian.
Who arches a brow confused by the look he was given. Simply smiles. Agni seeing through it at the confusion chuckles to himself. Pats Sebastian the shoulder. "Please, give the Baroness my wishes on her health returning."
"Yes, I shall."
Finally freeing himself from Soma Ciel hurries over to the carriage. "Let's go." He growls climbing quickly, the others follow.
A nice long rest was well needed, you felt healthier now. If not better. What effected you no left, there was not a single trace your body could feel. No sort of side effects. All that mattered now was finishing this nice cup of tea Tanaka made you and the current chapter you were reading.
Sitting in one of the sunrooms, getting the bit of sun that poked through the clouds. It felt nice on your skin, bringing a small smile to your lips. Turning the page to the book, it was rather interesting, while your eyes read your mind thought of the joy rushing through your body on seeing Harmony again. It had been so long, though you were able to talk to her on the phone it was not the same. You could hear it in her voice her desire to see you again, her attempt to hold back her cries with her motor of a mouth trying to tell you everything she has been doing.
Asking you question after question on what you were doing. How things were and with Mr. Tanaka. She even told you how Ciel was doing, which was nice to hear, in fact it was nice to hear his voice too. Surprisingly. Even if the two of you kind of butted heads, with you using your bit of energy in making sure he had and was using what you made for him to help in with his asthma during the cold. He barking back that you were in no position to tell him. It always ended with the two of you hanging up on the other. Unaware both butlers, Tanaka and Sebastian smiling and the two of you throwing up arms shouting how unreasonable the other was. Stomping away.
Brat, you thought smiling softly to yourself with a light laughter.
They'd be here soon, your heart leaped with each passing second. Time crawled on your skin with impatience, your ears remain alert for Tanaka to announce their arrival. You'd spring up and greet Harmony, who's voice would fill the manor saying your name. Arms wide open for her, she'd jump right in and you'd spin her around and around. Just as you use to back at the cottage.
Her laughter would fill the manor after that. The two of you would share an embrace, she'd be home in your arms. Safe.
You'd greet the others welcoming them back, especially Mey-Rin. Pulling her into a hug, glad to have her back. To have someone to talk to. Insisting the two of you take to your library actually no, spend time with Harmony. No. There were so many things you'd want to do with her, it was hard to choose. As long as she by your side.
And Ciel. Well, you knew what to do the second he came in, that you would do when he arrives. As for that...butler. His butler...man if you choose that word well, you'd rather not think about it. It was actually peaceful without him over your shoulder. Then again...your mind trails off.
"That's it!" you stand slamming your hands on the table, that was what you would do. Your mind settled and eyes burning with the choice made take your leave. Smiling to yourself rolling up your sleeves.
Reaching the room your choice told you to go, make sure that Tanaka was not around tip toe in and start. Put your hair up in a messy ponytail. Take things down that your mind remembered, setting them on the counters. Humming merrily to yourself, this was second nature to you, it really was. Doing this filled you with swelling joy. Each step you took was kind of like ballet, going here then there. Over there, open this, heating up that. Scooping out the right amount, rolling, shaping. Chopping, mixing. Waving a small white cloud of your face.
Laughing at memories. Though of course there was no one to share your laughter with.
Bagging, squeezing, then decorating. Filling water, setting it down over the fire. Humming soon turned into singing, that started soft soon increased. You twirled and danced, talked to yourself as if others were here. Opened it, taking it out and setting it aside to cool. A few times you skipped, a few times glazed out the window at the snow gently falling. Which gave you another idea.
At the door hidden eyes watch you smiling warmly. Their eyes filling with proud joy. It would be easy to come in and stop you, but seeing the way you smiled and happiness beaming all around filling not just the room but everywhere. It cast away and shadow, it brought back something in the manor that was thought to have been gone. A single tear rolled down their wrinkled eye, they let it fall and leave.
It was nearly or barely going on five when the carriage arrived at the manor. It would have been here on time but there was a stop that needed to be made. Harmony had awoken and spent her time talking to Finnian. The two of them along with Snake stuck their heads out. Her joying demeanor returned as if nothing had happened. Nothing was wrong.
Ciel didn't seem to mind, he would prefer it that way. Considering what might happens should she not return in this sat. The thought of May's anger gave him a bit of a fright, he did not want to face.
Shuttering a bit at the thought. Seeing the manor collects himself, the door opens and Sebastian helps him out. He calls for Harmony who instead of taking Sebastian's help jump out into the snow. Throwing it up with Finnian and Snake, the two following her lead. Not even bothering to stop it, Ciel let's it be. Moving out the from any falling snow. The hysterics happening around.
Collecting all the luggage with ease, Sebastian moves out the way before a snowball hit him in the face. Follows Ciel up the steps. Seeing him leaving Harmony stops and hurries after. The others following like school children.
"Wait for me!" she chimes clinging to Ciel's arm. He sighs allowing it. "Wait." Harmony stops suddenly sniffing the air, gasping. All attention turns to her.
"What is it?" Ciel asked.
She said nothing. Her face remained either vacant and shocked. The only thing readable was the elated smile beaming on her. Still, that was not an answer. "Ah, Master, welcome." Tanaka opens the door smiling and welcoming everyone.
Harmony releases Ciel's hand and runs right in. "What has gotten into-" Baldroy stops taking a whiff, smelling some warm and kind coming from inside the manor. Everyone now could smell it.
It smelled...delicious. Finnian rubbed his belly licking his lips. "That smells yummy." He said dreamily. Allowing the savoring aroma to take control of his legs walking inside.
The others soon became enthralled by it as well and follow. Ciel and Sebastian stand there preplaxed. "What on earth?" Ciel asked looking to Tanaka.
He smiles down at the young lord stepping aside. "Your dear cousin, the Baroness decided on welcoming everyone back with heartwarming returning. The weather is rather chilly and cold. Please, she is expecting everyone."
Not sure what he was talking about, Ciel walks in. He and Sebastian greeted by a warming glow that was felt all through the manor. Tanaka shuts the door locking it. "Please, this way. Oh, Sebastian, leave those here they shall be attended to soon. The Baroness insist everyone come. It is not polite to keep a young lady waiting."
Taking the lead, he ushers them where everyone was. The closer the approached the cheerful and merriment they could hear. The stronger the delicious aroma became. Ciel's stomach growled lightly, wanting some. There was hint of spices...cloves. Carrots too. There was something that smelled sweet, there was also...music being played lightly.
Everyone's voice merged together. Light flooded the whole room and beamed when Tanaka opened the doors. Ciel and Sebastian had to cover their eyes, find themselves swept with a wave of harmonious and winter warm jubilation. Smiles on everyone's face, food and bellies being filled. Food spread on the decent size table of different colors and dishes. It was almost like a small party. The holiday wasn't even here yet, almost, yet it seem like it was. Even if it was small.
Stunned by this and not sure what to make of it. Ciel stood frozen. Trying to process this, this was not what he was expecting nor what happened next. Something soft and light touched both sides of his face and something gentle pressed delicately on his forehead. That took him back...back to years ago. Years that included smiles, just like now. This feeling and this touch was just like his...he could still remember her touch on his forehead just like now. So kind. So delicate. He could hear her voice too.
Just this voice was different, but, still had the same effect. His body wanted to react but didn't. Blinking his eye bringing himself back finding you standing there before him covered a bit in some flour on the cheek and something on the forehead. Food no doubt. Smiling. It wasn't your normal smile, no, there was something different about this one. Even in the way you looked at him. It was tender. It was mild. It was rosy. That seem to grow a bit.
"Ciel, why are you looking at me like that?" you asked with a soft chuckle, hands on your hip. Your voice softens. "You look well, welcome back. Now," your voice perks back up. Clasping your hands together. "why don't we eat? Hmm?" Turn back to the others, who cheer for him to join. "And of course," you swallow quickly. "you may join as well, Sebastian. If you'd like."
Not a single drop of malice in your voice was what actually surprised him. "Ciel! Ciel come and join! Please!" Harmony climbs down from her chair and goes over to him. "Come on, Ciel. Come on." Taking his hand pulling him. Smiles and all.
A sharp question stuck out in his eye, you saw it and answered. "There is no reason." You simply put it. "Now, you can either join or stand here. Your choice. But," there was a but, just as he thought. "if you must know, Harmony and myself use to celebrate the coming holiday with a small enjoyable dinner. We did it quite a lot. Especially, with them."
He knew who you were talking about. He scoffs with lite smirk. "So, you're sharing? Well, that is a surprise."
If not for the current mood, you would have easily said something back. But, it wasn't the time nor place. So you let it be. "Yes, I suppose that I am."
Not a quip from you, Ciel smirk remain, and his words ready to launch left. "Yes. I suppose you are."
"Ciel! Come.." Harmony now struggling to push him from behind. "let's go."
Sighing he tells her to stop and starts walking towards the others. Harmony comes around taking his hand happily. You stand back watching as Tanaka helps him in the chair. Harmony right by his side. Your eyes move to every face. A job well done was what you saw and felt. Folding your arms a glimmer of merry laughter in your eyes, rose above the spell of sleep. It quickly leaves when felt something soft wipe across your cheek.
Your eyes snap like a whip to the side, finding Sebastian cleaning off the side of your face with a napkin. You hold in your rising growl and step swiftly to the side. Your lips pressed together to avoid saying anything.
He smiled as if reading your thoughts. "It is good to see you awake and well, Baroness and my," turning his attention to the others. "this quite the surprise. I had no idea you were so kind."
"It is the holidays," you said coolly. Turning your shoulder to him. "even if wasn't. Do not be surprised by myself." Mumbling the last bit yourself. Which he heard.
"Oh," he leans over your shoulder closely. You could feel his breath tickle your skin. "do not worry, Baroness."
Shuttering inside, hold yourself together outside and smile up at him. To his surprise. There was no malice in it. It left him speechless. "You are more than welcome to join us. If you choose so."
"May! Come on!" Harmony calls you over, answering you walk over. "And you too, Mr. Sebastian!" She chimes.
