It was nearing 3 o'clock am, the manor remained quiet and still. Everyone was sleeping, Sebastian made sure to keep it warm so all chills would melt and on the request of lady Harmony. As it was stated in one of her many holiday books a home should be kept warm. He knew she was confusing it with something else. Either way she wanted it and he had to follow as his master told him to do so. Oh, the nights always seem to be the longest, for a demon time wasn't an importance. No, having lived this long, it didn't bother him much, just broadness did. How many times has he walked through the manor? A couple. How many times has he walked the grounds ensure its safety? Many as well. The only break from this silence was Harmony sneaking out bed and making her way to Ciel's room. As she always did, climbing in which she struggled with. It was adorable seeing her trying to accomplish a task larger than herself.
A determine girl she was. Or was it stubbornness, something she took after with Ciel and her sister.
Sebastian would stand hidden by the door watching her through the slit as she gripped the sheets tightly, her feet dangled from the side like a kitten. Maybe that was why he found enduring. Hearing her huffing and puffing as silently as a organ pipe, silence was not her strong suit. She would get higher than last time, at least her arm muscle strength was increasing. Which was good.
When she seem about to accept defeat he'd come in quickly like the wind and host her up. A proud and accomplished smile on her tired face. Soon turned into her rubbing eyes that fell as her head did on the pillow. She'd curl up trying to move as close to Ciel as she could, his master seem to notice or care as he did before. No. He remain sleeping fine, when Sebastian was certain she was sleeping (which didn't take long) he'd come in and cover her. Once or quite a few times when came around to the room again to cheek up on the two often found with a pillow on her side to prevent her from falling off and more covered by the sheets. It was rather obvious who it was, even if the proud young man didn't want to admit it.
Those two together, made the demon chuckle to himself. Stopping in the hall, the only light source the light from the quarter moon outside, slowly turning into a full one. Casted his shadow across the dark maroon floor. A broad leaves his lips, when a dark shadow leaps across the grounds like the wind itself towards the manor. Alerted by this, it didn't take him long to reach outside. Finding not a single sign of the trespasser.
Even so, his eyes carefully and sharply swept the grounds. There was no scent that catch, his back turned the shadow appears and disappears in the flash before he could blink. He still saw it and follows in hot pursuit, stops suddenly his heart drops cold...the window on the second floor...it was open.
Open.
They managed to get in? But how? Jumping up to the open window slips right in closing and locking it. His eyes flash red, they were in here now. He'd have an advantage, even if they weren't...he'd have it. Growling lowly hunts. The halls were quiet. The walls quiet. Not a single noise except the ticking of the grandfather clock. Tuning that out focused on any unfamiliar sounds that shouldn't happen at this time. Doing at three sweeps through, heard nothing.
But the breathing of everyone. Harmony's sleep talk about peppermint. Going around again, this time checking in each room. His eyes scan, nothing was out of place. There was no unfamiliar scent. Shutting the last door, puzzled and confused. He was sure that someone was in here...he knew they were. They came in through the open window. Where could they be? Did they know he was...a noise! He heard a noise! It sounded like rattling of pots and pans. Grunting. Heaving. Humming.
Downstairs.
They were downstairs, wasting no time he arrives in mere seconds. Reaching the kitchen, fangs barred ready for...
"What...?!" He stood surprised at the...'intruder' in the kitchen. He wasn't expecting them to be here...he was sure they were in their room, he checked he saw the bed.
Wait? Did he even look at the bed?
A question that took his attention for a second, until brought back when he became noticed. "Oh, Sebastian," you said a bit startled laughing softly. Having turned around finding him at the entrance of the kitchen. His presence nearly caused you to drop what you were holding. "I hope you don't mind." Walking over to the island set down what you had. "I wanted to get up and prepare some things."
Yes, so it would seem. He noticed you had begun to make yourself quite busy. And at home it would seem. The fire already started, bowls taken out, ingredients too, not to mention your appearance was not one of your title should be in, your hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail. You had a bit of flour and rather a mess of stains on your face and apron. Which you wore like make-up, with a smile. But the most was what you wore, your nightgown. That you seem rather comfortable in. It showed, the relax in your eyes.
And your humming.
The way you cleaned your hands on the apron and guided yourself through the kitchen. Going from place to the other, opening cabinets taking out what you needed. Putting it back when you realized you didn't need it.
He just watched you...no studied you. It seem like you were either dancing or gliding across the floor. Content. What was more startling was what you said next.
"How was your stroll or better strolls around the manor?" You asked picking out a wooden spoon from the drawer. "I know it must be rather long for you and lonely," there actually was sadness in your words. Or was empathy. "while everyone sleeps you have to be up. I know that feeling.."your voice fades a bit.
You did know that feeling, those nights you'd have to stay up with Harmony. When she was sick, when she couldn't sleep. When you felt..the shadows wanting to take her. The nights were long, always long, but you did it. You stayed up to ensure her to always have the time, to her life. Some times it would be for a week to two straight. Every part of you ran on fumes, but you did it. So, you understood.
"Yes, my stroll around the manor was fine." He answers warily which you caught.
Looking up from what you were doing. "Sebastian? What is it?" Noticing his attention elsewhere. Your eyes follow his surveying ones around the kitchen. "What are you looking for?"
"You didn't happen..."he pauses for a second, turning around his eyes do the same thing. He was sure...he was sure, yet there was nothing. Not a single scent he did not recognized. Not a single sound. It was if they vanished upon coming in, did they find another way out?
"What are we looking for?" you asked appearing by his side, looking down the dark hall with mild light. Seeing no one. "Is Finnian up again? I know he likes to sleep walk."
"No. I would know. Baroness, did you happen to see anything unusual? Or hear anything?"
You thought about it for a minute, did you? "No, not that I can recall. I just woke up and came to the kitchen to get started. Why?"
"Are you sure? Do you sense anything?"
Knowing what he was talking about, shake your head. "No. I haven't. Everyone is here and accounted for. Harmony is with Ciel in his room. The others," you look in the direction Finnian and the others slept in their rooms. "are in their rooms. Dottie with them. And you and I here. There is no one else."
His eyes slide to you unconvinced. Yet, you saw the tight look in his eyes, that unsettled feeling. You've seen it before. Sighing lift up and hand grab him by the arm pulling him back into the kitchen to his surprise.
"Sit." You said which came out more like an order.
"I prefer to stand."
Fine with you, leaving his side go and put on some water. The flames high, so it took less time. Once it was done you pour it in a cup and put somethings in it, then stir it. Tapping the spoon on the side set it down. Picking up the drink walk back to him and set it down before him.
"Though I am aware you don't really eat, I insist you drink this at least. It will help you to relax."
He looks at the toxin you made or drink. There was a spice in it, he could smell it. What else you put was blended well he couldn't separate them. Noticing his uncertain gleam in his red eyes couldn't help but laugh a bit.
Picking up place it in his hands. "Here, I promise you, it is nothing that will ill you. Give me some credit Sebastian," you said rather lightly. Turning around. "I am not that shriveled."
A light joke, you gave. Watching you go back to cutting apples into slices, Sebastian looked back down at his drink. Its heat was slowly slipping to warm. Steam still rose. Why would you make him something? What was your angle?
Something you catch on and answered his unspoken questions. Scooping up the apples put them in a bowl, adding spices and sugars. "There is no angle. None at all. It is the holidays." You tell him mixing the fruit. "There is no ill intentions from me, so your eyes can stop trying to see if there is. Oh, do you mind getting me a pie pan please?"
He does.
"Thank you. An apple pie warms up many. I won't be able to actually warm it up, but if you could be so kind as to do it for me when Milfords come, I would be forever grateful. If Aunt Francis saw what I was doing she'd have back in home faster than you can run."
You chuckle softly at your joke, even though shivers ran down your spine at the thought of the woman discovering you. That you jumped slightly when something fell. She really had a hold many.
Catching yourself relax. "Oh, it was just the spoon." Sighing walk over and put in the sink. "By the way, Sebastian. Harmony told me you took care of her when she was sick."
Now he spoke. "Yes. The young lady was ill for some time."
Your eyes roll. "I am sure she was. Let me guess, the spoon was licked clean of honey?"
He nods. "Yes. It was. Quite a few times."
That girl, was all you could think. She still did it. "I am not surprise. She can become rather...dramatic when it comes to being sick. Especially if it is to escape something. What was she trying to escape this time?"
He opens his mouth to tell you, quickly closing it. The answer on his tongue decided against it. "I am not sure really."
"Well, I would say not to give in next time, but something tells me that won't work." You sigh deeply, rolling the top of the pie crust flat. "Anyway, I would like to say thank you for taking care of her in my steed. Considering how much you have to do. Did she enjoy her time with Soma? I was told there was not a moment the two did not laugh or smile."
A stressed sigh silently leaves his lips. The way his brows fell told you. "Yes. They were quite the pair. Including the others too made it even more..."
You understood, putting the crust on top. Sealing it well. "There." You set it aside he noticed you had three other pies. "Oh, yes well, I was just a busy bee. I also managed to make some drinks too. My apple cider the most and set aside some ingredients for hot chocolate. All you have to do is just well, heat everything up. I know it's early too, but I've seasoned the meat already. Packed it away."
"You did all that? You clearly aren't human are you?"
He joked at you. At first you did recognize the humor but did. "I suppose I am not." You share in it. Folding your arms a bit. "Do you ever wonder," your tone changes to a curious one. "what it would be like to be human?"
"No." He answers picking up two of the pies to put away. "Why?"
Your eyes stare distantly at the entrance of the kitchen. "I just ask, because in these bodies that look of course human, it is clearly not. Yet, we parade around like we are and well, you act as such. I merely well...adapt their characteristics."
He comes back picking up the few pies. "Is it not the same?"
You lean a bit on counter. "Not really, you do yours out of gain, I do mine out of affection. I do genuinely love Harmony. You are just seeking a meal, at times."
He heard your last to words. "At times?" He repeats to himself.
Your eyes wander around the room. "So different from life months ago. Time sure does go by fast, wouldn't you agree?" Turning to him, he comes over and leans with you on your side.
"For humans yes. It does. It explains why they enjoy celebrating such holidays to have as many good times as they can before everything ends. That is why you took in raising Lady Harmony as you sister correct?"
You scoff lightly. "You've read. You know. But, if I must say it, then yes. I wish for her to have a life better than the one she would have had to endure. Honestly, I would like for Ciel to have one as well. Earl or not, he is still a child in my eyes. Despite you believing his soul to be tainted I know for a fact no child's soul is forever tainted, there is still innocence left. There is this longing behind those cold sapphire eyes. Even if he doesn't want to admit it, he enjoys these moments."
"You speak like innocence."
You shrug your shoulders a bit. "I suppose I do. This time, is well..."the words fade away from your mind. "Never mind. So, can you tell me why Ciel insist on burning away letters from suitors?"
Sebastian was speechless. Surprised you knew.
You laugh lightly. "Such a possessive boy isn't he?"
"Yes, he can be."
Calming yourself adjust yourself a bit. "There is nothing to worry about, I have no interest in such affairs. My concern is for Harmony. I want her life to well, before I worry about my own. Also, I would never our children."
He caught on to what you said. "Our children?"
"Yes. Our children, Ciel and Harmony they all our children." You explain. "Wouldn't you agree? We all take care of them. Right?"
A odd way of saying, Sebastian thought, there were many other ways you could said. But you chose those two words, 'Our children'. He wasn't sure why it rung in his mind. Over and over again nor why it affected oddly. A tingly oddness through his body. And why his mind focused on those words, Ciel and Harmony came to his mind. The two of them. Sliding his eyes to you, what was it that you meant? Was it because of what the two of you...
"So you are not interested in suitors?" he changes the topic. "Surely a young lady your age is quite the catch? Many have asked to start with you."
Untying your apron set it down. "They may ask, but I may also refuse." Taking your hair down. Letting it fall. "Though if you are wondering, should I ever decide that route, one would have to love Harmony as I do. Protect as I would. Be there as I would. Keep her well as I do. If not, then there no need for them. They must also do all this should I happen to have my time run out."
"Then you might as well have the master be your suitor."
Another joke for you. "I suppose I should." You smile humorously. "Or, you." Joke back.
He understood. Smiling a bit. "Well, would you look at that, the sun is nearly rising." He noticed the extra light coming in. You both turn seeing its lights peeking through the trees.
How long were you talking? You weren't sure. "So it is and I still have much cleaning to do." Remembering the dishes. Yawning. "Well, I better get to it."
You begin to start, to be stopped. "I shall do it, May." He said taking the clothing from your hand.
A surprise to you, so many questions ran through your mind he saw them. And repeats what you said. "Come now, I am not that shriveled."
"No. I suppose you are not." Releasing your grip on the cloth to him. "Thank you." Yawn again. Walk around him to the entrance. Stopping. "Sebastian."
He stops what he was doing and looks your way. "Yes?"
Your eyes fall with a quick gleam. Shaking your head. "Never mind. Good day." You leave with a smile.
It was hard, Lizzie could barely contain her joy. Squealing inside as she and her family rode their carriage together. Her heart pounding like drum, oh, how long had it been? Since she last saw them? She wasn't sure, it just felt like ages really. How much had they grown? When did they grow? Was their hair longer? Was their favorite color still pink?
So many questions, she needed them answered and answered now. Oh, how much longer was she going to have wait? She wanted to see them now. Her patience was becoming insufferable. It was unfair. In so many ways.
Trying hard not to pull on her dress held in her own frustrations. Looking out the window all she saw was nothing but snow, not a single building in sight. Not a single manor. It never took this long to reach it, maybe it was because of her own desire to see them again.
Oh, what fun it was going to be, to spend their first holiday together. They would have a lot of fun together. She wanted to share their room with them, stay up late and rise with them in the morning. Enjoy time outside. Talking about all things cute and adorable. Run around the manor, around the tree. Oh, she hoped she got them the right gifts. How many did she get them? Quite a few. If they didn't get her any that was fine too, all the gift she needed was being in the presence of her adorable, sweet cousin.
Trapped in her thoughts she hadn't realized they arrived until her brother's voice broke through. "Lizzie, we've arrived."
Her eyes shot open like firecrackers and she sprung out the carriage like a kangaroo.
"We're is my adorable cousin!" Her voice rang through the winder air, the second her feet touched the ground she sprinted off, away from her parents. Paula at toe after her.
"My lady! Wait!"
Lizzie didn't wait and raced right up the stairs, one would think she had inhuman speed. The way she arrived at the doors, before she could knock it opened and she raced right in. Her voice rang through the whole manor. Calling for her youngest cousin. Her eyes looking everywhere. That was all that mattered.
"Harmony! Harmony! My dearest cousin, I am here!"
She stood in the middle of the foyer, in a light purple dress. Bonnet at all. She called again for Harmony, in just a few seconds gleeful screaming rang through the manor. Lizzie knew who it belonged to, her arms opened wide races up the stairs, catches the body that threw themselves in them. She holds onto them tightly. Swinging them around. Their giggles and laughter merged together producing something new. It was always an adorable sight to see. The two of them, tears in the corner of their eyes showing their happiness. The smiles spread across their faces relieved to see the other one.
Edward loved that about them, the two always so happy. It melted his heart. Knowing they both got along so well, knowing they loved each other as sisters more so than cousins. It made the future seem brighter.
After a few more spins, Lizzie sets Harmony down and tenderly places hand on her cheek. Her eyes gushing abundance of joy. "Lizzie! You're here!" Harmony claps.
"Yes. Yes, I am." she cries.
