With a mighty ripe Miguel tears away the colorful wrapped paper on his gift, his eyes gleamed greedily as a smile curled on his lips. Picking up the item in his hands hold it high over his head. He finally had it. He finally got it! It was all his and no one else, just his. Every piece was here and accounted for, one of the many things checked off his list of gifts he wanted. Whether it be from that jolly red-suit wearing man, with the long and fluffy bread he sent his letter to or from his parents, it didn't matter.
As his father said many times, As long as you get your prize, it doesn't matter how it came about.
Not caring for the name upon the tag, he had what his little heart desired. What any six year old's heart desired he couldn't wait to play with it, his new wooden toy boat. All decorative and everything, like a true sailor. It had its mast, deck, stern in the right place. It moved too! How lucky was he, even luckier as it was painted in his favorite color, a deep orange with burnt orange, and regular orange. He wasn't sure why he love this color, there was a bit of amber, the sails were the color. His eyes remained fixed on them the longest. Gazing at them fondly, that color...it remined him so much of...of...feeling his cheeks heat, a hand comes and pinches it tightly.
A teasing snicker followed behind the pinch. "Aww, come and look at this lot? He's got his little cheeks burning like a fire."
Miguel knew that voice well, furrowing tries to swat their hand away. "Stop it! Leave me alone! Rafa!"
The young man didn't and kept pulling upon Miguel's cheek. Stretching. Laughing in enjoyment at his brother's torment, Rafa's dark eyes share in the laughter. Erupting now. Miguel whimpers rose too. The rest of their siblings gathered around the tree opening their gifts tried their best to ignore them, but it was rather hard. Alejandro having enough snaps at them to be settle, to be snapped back from Rafa. An object thrown at Rafa's head grazed it. His head whips to the one responsible, it was none other than his other brother, who pushed up his spectacles. Eyes deadly commanding Rafa to stop, angering the young man who stood up. His brother just as fast, waiting and accepting the challenge.
Each gripping something in their hand, neither caring on what was happening around them. Using this Miguel hurries and moves away running straight to their mother entered the room, Libby closely behind who was utterly shocked at the behavior befalling before them. While her mistress remained pleasant and airy. Her to pre-teen sons tussling around the floor. Rafa throwing punches, while her other Daniel throwing insulting words. It was a good thing both boys were still in their nightwear, otherwise, well, they would have ruin clothes.
Every nerve in her body screamed, yet Libby kept her mouth tightly shut as steamed build up, it poured out her ears. All the while her mistress tended to Miguel who clung to her crying and pointing at Rafa, showing her his red cheek. Offering her youngest son comfort, patting him lightly on the head with a light embrace.
Fuming now, Libby pushes up her sleeves and proceeds to stride strongly over to the two, when a powerful and modulated voice stops and hushes everything. Lady Constatine heart leapt, Rafa and Daniel stop and quickly straighten themselves up. Just as their father enters, all eyes and head turn to large open double doors. Their mother arms greeted the man first before anyone.
Embracing him. "Dearest, welcome home."
"Welcome, Lord Constatine." Libby greets. "Merry Christmas."
"Thank you, Libby." He said kindly, his eyes warmly meeting each family member. Beaming brightly, brightest meeting his wife's. "It is truly a blessing to see you all, again. All of you."
The others knew the last words were for his wife. As were her own. "I am glad you have returned and made it for the holidays. I was worried, you would not be able too. Work, it did not hold you up?"
He shakes his head. "No. It would never. I just had make sure time was no being wasted, that is all. This time right here, will not be."
A smile filled Lady's Constantine's face. "That is wonderful to hear. It truly is." Rest her head upon his chest. A soft sigh of joy and tears. "It is good to have you home."
"Of course, home is my haven." He kisses the top of her head tenderly.
Soma was sure this work, it had too. After all he heard about it from Harmony, after all he had Agni help him research about it. This would be prefect. Harmony would be most surprised and on top of that...May she would be so...so happy. Yes, he could picture it, the adoring look in those bright eyes showing him with love. He could hear very words leave those delicate lips, praising and if lucky a kiss on his cheek.
Harmony would forever call him Veerji. Forever and ever. Retained in his dream, Agni made sure all was well and right with each, from the large red coat down to the black boots. And even the white fluffy wool bread that hung a bit off the prince's face. It was just a bit of a challenge in the carriage, but he managed. It was worth it, his prince was going through this length to ensure...to surprise...trying hard to hold back his own tears Angi proudly praises the young man. He devotion, his love radiated off Soma like the sun. It glew more in the presence of the...Baroness. Never had he seen Soma with a such smile, a smile of a man deeply in love. Having his heart guide him.
What a wedding it would, between the two. His prince and the Baroness, yes, it would be glorious. Such a sweet and lovely union. Their story would be more meaning than gods and goddess themselves, their story would be written in the stars. And after the wedding...their family would bloom. Three maybe five kids they'd have. Yes! His prince...a father...the though tearfully welled up in his eyes.
His prince. The future princess. A union of pure love.
It must happen!
Fired with determination, Agni would not fail his prince. He would make sure it will go as the future sees it.
Breakfast was delicious as always, much better in Harmony's mind. The holidays, how much more could she express her like of it? A million times and more, she sung it and showed it. The manor was filled with her laughter and giggles, doors opened allowing her free entry in and out. Leaving a wet trail of wet and melted snow behind. It was alright. No one bothered to spoil her fun. They allowed her to enjoy her child wonder, riding Dottie outside in the snow. Building snowmen with Finnian and Snake. Baldroy too and Tanaka. Making snow angels, she tired to get Sebastian to do it, but he declined quickly.
She threw up snow all around, allowing it sprinkle and fall down. Ran Mao joined her, the two together it would seem. The closeness of their relationship was showing as Harmony allowed her to hold her favorite bunny. There was not a single peppermint that Harmony did not have in her mouth, Lau helped her. Sneaking them to her when she was told she could not have anymore as it would spoil her appetite.
Business was business in Lau's mind, so he didn't mind. Harmony paid him in her own form of currency, with Ciel's 'secret' stash of sweets. His personal favorites. Which he accepted. It rather hard to keep up with the girl, seeing her zip her and there. Playing with her new toys one minute and the next outside catching snowflakes with her tongue or stomping in other's footprints. Lizzie joined her delightful cousin, Paula behind. Ciel didn't mind, he even took away from his own studies to watch her outside.
(Lizzie insisted.)
Francis and her husband joined though remained at the doors watching. The woman watching her youngest niece fondly, while carefully watching her eldest niece and son's interaction. Observing the way both of them stood together side by side, calmly. Arms linked. Edward's hand lightly and strong on May's. Who squeezed his arm lightly in comfort and relax. The closeness between them was there, there barely an inch of space between them. They walked in sync and talked with great interest. Both held the other's smile not just on their lips, but also in their eyes. If only her son could get a hold his warming cheeks, that just seem to fluster more than needed.
She longed to know what they two talked about, but it would have to wait. They matched so well together, she could see the heated love in her son's green eyes beam. Growing stronger. With each passing second. As for May, it was a bit hard to tell. But, Francis knew the girl was rather shy and modest. Defiantly modest, but strong.
A strength that Francis felt mirrored her own. One that worth pride, one that she was proud of. A strength not to mistaken, one that has pushed through a great deal, that was unyielding, that burned. Burned internally, blazed when needed. She saw it, many times, during their...training.
Francis, pushed the girl. Pushed May, saw the raw young woman that was deserving of the title given to her by Angelina. There was passion in those golden eyes. A drive. Baroness, the title itself just fit, yet another did as well. One Francis desired for May to have soon...very soon. Alexis saw the determination in his wife's eyes as they narrow strongly upon his eldest niece. Smiling to himself, agreeing.
Thank goodness for her new gloves, otherwise Harmony's little hands would have frozen. Jumping up and clasping at the falling flakes coming down gently, a wide smile on chasing a few. Trips a bit on her feet, gets up quickly dusting herself off and continues. Like nothing happened. Ciel smiles to himself proud, while Lizzie gasped worried.
"Don't worry," he calms her, resting a hand on her trembling one. Calming her. She looks at him unsure. "Harmony is fine." Relived Lizzie smiles.
Still following and running through arms up high, someone comes and scoops her right up. A surprised gasped followed by elated laugh spreads through the air. Her body tossed up high and lightly, caught by strong and secure hands. Her amber eyes meet with Finnian's blue ones.
"Mr. Finnian! Again! Again!" she claps through laughter.
He smiles cheeky. "Alright!" He throws her up again, this time a bit higher. Catches her just fine. This time her eye meet with Snake's. Squealing reaching out for him, he takes her and holds her. As she flaps her arms wildly in good spirit.
A small warm smile broke on his face, from her contagious spirit. His snakes came and kissed her. Tickled and giggled by their kisses Harmony just erupts. Her wiggling, caused Snake to set her down. His snakes stop. Taking his hand and Finnian's. "Hide and Seek! Let's play!"
They agree with a nod. Harmony yells for Ran Mao to join. She comes as called. "Lizzie! Come and play!" Harmony insist, waving. Lizzie leaves Ciel's side without a second thought. Happily accepting. "Ms. Paula! Come on! You too! Mey-Rin!" Harmony soon invite everyone. Ciel declines. Quickly changing his mind to avoid any crying and whipping look he felt from his aunt.
"Shall we?" Edward asked you, hand extended out towards Harmony. You nod. "Alright then."
You and him join. Everyone was here, except Sebastian who stood back with Francis and Alexis. They listen to Harmony give the rules. The wrong ones, she wanted everyone to find her, which was quickly corrected. She would find everyone and Ciel insisted Sebastian be the one to help her. To his displeasure, but agreed. Closing her eyes, she counts...somewhat correctly as all the excitement caused her to miscount. Sebastian corrects her. Once she reached thirty (as close as she could get) begins the hunt.
She darted off to quickly be taken by the hand by Sebastian. "Stay close, Lady Harmony." He lightly tells her.
They walk through the snow, such a trivial game, he could smell everyone single person. He could find them each, dragging this out was going to be...tiresome. But, his master insisted he do it and he could disobey an order. Holding her hand tightly, kept her close. The girl was bouncing with energy. Looking in places no one was. After about three minutes they find Mey-Rin and Lizzie first. Who go back to Francis and Alexis. Two minutes after them, Tanaka and Baldroy. Around thirty seconds Snake and Lau.
There was still a few more to find. "Lady Harmony, please stop tugging." Sebastian lightly scolds her. Stopping, keeping her from moving.
"Sorry, I'm just so...so happy!" She gleams. "I want to find everyone! I've...I've never had so many to find before. It's fun!" She smiles up at him.
"I understand. But, you must stay close. Alright?"
She nods and they kept going. Looking behind bushes and trees. Sebastian peers behind a bush when his ear hears Harmony humming, humming that song. That hickory, dickory doc, song. She hummed it so familiarly, with a smile. A fondly smile. That was...he couldn't quite place it. The chipper in her humming was...odd. It actually sounded like a calling. Maybe.
Curious he inquired, this time with deeper questions. "Lady Harmony, you seem rather fond of that tune. How did you learn it again?"
"A friend."
"A friend, yes, just who and how did you meet this friend?"
He noticed her lips clamp shut from his question. "...…..."
She wasn't going to say. The way her eyes held back too. "Look!" She shouts, pointing. His attention followed her finger. "It's Mr. Finnian!" With his mind distracted for that second, Harmony slips out his hand and leaves his side.
"Lady Harmony!" He shouts after, reaching out to be blinded by a sudden gust of wind. Covering his eyes, it lasted for a few seconds and was gone as quickly as it came. Finds not Harmony in sight. "Lady Harmony! Lady Harmony. Lady Harmony? Where are you?" He calls.
Nothing came back, remaining calm relies on his senses to find her...there was not a single trace. But, there another that caused him to snarl in detest. Baring his teeth just a bit wickedly. Takes a step forward, stops when someone or something tackles him from behind on his leg. Whipping around quickly grabs them, stops dead in his tracks, when heard sweet giggles.
Harmony.
She held onto his leg, squeezing it. "I gotcha!" She giggles. Squeezing tighter.
Stunned for a moment, Sebastian was sure...that scent it was gone. Yet, oddly lingered on Harmony. Quickly went away. Putting on a smile scoops her up. "So you did. Come now, let us go and find the rest."
Yelping throwing her arms up, Harmony agrees. In two minutes they found Finnian and Ran Mao. About five minutes after they found, you, Edward, and Ciel. Who was trying not to get upset about Harmony's lack of skill. Shivering a bit, you leave Edward and go Ciel right away. A warm hand on his forehead, stopped him. The touch sent a warm tremble through his body, that made him want to melt into. When he felt your hand move to the side of his face, to the other and under his chin. It was hard, the last time he was touched like this...with such a soft touch was when...his mother...
"I'm fine!" He tears away from you. His back to you. "Don't fuss."
Edward was about to snap at him, but you step in. "Alright." You said walking to him, resting a light hand on his head. Stroking his hair for a bit. Felt his body relax for a second or could just be something else from your touch. Smile to yourself, as Harmony smiled behind you, holding onto Sebastian. Who smiled too at the sight before him.
Such a stubborn boy, was all that went through his mind, at his master's denial and want. Chuckling silently give one last pat on Ciel who steps away, wait for Edward and the two of you make it back to the rest. Still fuming with arms crossed Ciel grumbles. "Come now, master. The Baroness was just being kind." Sebastian said slightly amused.
Earning a sharp look from Ciel. "Let's just go." He huffs walking back.
On the way there, Harmony happily told Ciel how she and Sebastian found everyone and stating that Ciel was the hardest, with him being the smallest. To his anger. He could hear in her words she was maybe...teasing him. It was hard to tell.
"Alright!" He said with a small growl. "Get down off Sebastian, it is not proper for a young lady, Harmony to be seen in such a manner."
Sebastian lets her down, just as they meet with the rest. Not a second after he put her down another stood there waiting jollily in a big red and white fluffy suit. A hanging off white wool bread and nice black boots, holding a sack of gifts (by holding, Angi was) boomingly saying:
"HOHOHO! Merry Christmas!" Soma said trying to deepening his voice.
Harmony's eyes widen like saucers and fireworks, dashed away from Sebastian and Ciel, both of them thought it was supernatural how quickly she reached him. She caused an updraft trailing behind her, squealing and throwing herself on Soma, tackles him to the ground. Knocking off his wool bread.
"Ahhh!" She screams. "Sandy Claws!"
I just wanted to thank everyone for reading the story. I'm glad you enjoy it :). Also I will be doing the Book of Atlantis/ luxury liner most likely after the Christmas part. Also there was a request for the public school one, I don't mind doing that one either. There is one to the murder mystery arch, I'm not sure with that one. Unless anyone has an idea how to mold it in the story.
