Heat flushed through Edward's body and his eyes sharply glared knotted at none other than, that..that pompous and fanfare, Soma. He dare not even bother putting the title before the name, no, that would show too much respect. And right now he hadn't an ounce in him to spare to the young man. None more than he had for Ciel, but the time being was just being well...somewhat tolerable of the Earl, because well...he had his reason(s).

A reason that for a brief moment cooled his heat, swelled his heart beyond anything, and put a loving smile on his lips. When he watched the way their smile smoothed across their face from the gift they opened and received from Soma. They their eyes gasped and misted joyfully from what laid in her lap. The way they gentle and lightly touched it, sent a sweet shiver through his body from the same touch they had with him. Whenever they came in proper contact. He could feel it, his skin could, his heart too.

It was racing with each passing thought of every memory and moment played in his head, he had to place a light touch over it incase others would hear. He didn't want them too, it was only for her, for his dearest cousin.

For May.

She was only allowed to hear his hearts secrets, that he wished to say. But, his words seem to withhold and came out in actions at times he didn't mean to show. That left her confused and most importantly hurt. That shattered look in her eyes, shot a pain through him, he was sure he was bleeding. Finding he wasn't. This affect he felt, his body felt. He knew what it was, it wasn't like the feelings he had for Lizzie.

No.

That would be silly, these were most genuine. Innocent. Virtuous. Pure. Like the wings of an angel. It made him nervous and...lost. Yet found. There was not a moment he wouldn't smile thinking about it. His whole body just lite up every time. Like the sun never set, it was bright everytime they were present, it was always warm. Not cold. As he felt right now, standing and watching them in the company of that...Soma. Who so easily slipped in to what was suppose to be a pleasant Christmas. With family together and well. (Minus Lau and Ran Mao) It was just to be family, which was fine. It was what Edward wanted, he wanted this time to maybe...hopefully-he and May were rather far and it hadn't come to where they could call each other up. That would be rather rude, neither of them were fitted to be engaged or married.

Yet.

That would be unethical. Not gentlemen like at all. He didn't want to scare her off, then again writing to one another wasn't bad either. He had written a few times to her and she him, maybe...had he? Or was this just a fantasy he had in his mind? From his rising emotions? Sweating now on his face, burning...he could feel it. As his mind took him to what he wanted, what his heart desired...

Yes, he could see it...they would become engaged (of course after courting)...and then...after marriage. The two of them, it would a big and marvelous ceremony (of course if May would want it. It might be a small humble one, seeing as it fits. That was what he loved most about her. Her modesty. Was so kind and true.) Lilies, the flowers would be lilies. White to show her purity and of course. Pink tulips to show his love for her and match her lovely hair...and a yellow flower. To match those bright eyes that held his attention always.

Unsure which kind of yellow flower that would be correct, anyone could match..but he wanted them to be perfect. To be right. Yes, it would a lovely. The wedding would be one to nearly...if almost match the Queen's. Almost. May, she would dressed so lovely, he'd think he was marrying one of God's angels. He dress would wrap on her like a glove, dressed in all white. He'd be standing at the alter waiting...as she was led to him. He'd stand proud, proud to be marrying her...and when he took her hand. He'd hold it tight, he might even...maybe shed a tear. Their eyes would meet and hold, no one else would matter. He'd delicately step down and allow her to go before him, leading her up. They'd stand before each other, before everyone...God too. He'd never let her hands go. His eyes staring deeply into her pools of golden-yellow. That held a bright future, that reflected his love for her. His tongue would jittery, ready to speak the words he'd been dying to say.

To speak.

They'd be spoken, no sooner had he said them, she would follow. To hear his voice speak them, would mean more than life itself. Right then, he had to hold himself together, if she shed a few tears...he'd let her and wipe them tenderly. He wouldn't care to show such affection, it wouldn't matter. Those tears that would come, he make sure they would never be sorrow ones. He'd be there to wipe them away, happy or sad.

After marriage, after it all...they'd begin a family (of course Harmony would come). The second their first child is born, before it would be born he'd make sure she had everything she needed. A doctor to live on the premises, should May need it. He'd be a nervous wreak, he knew it...but..he would want to be there when their child was born. Be by her side, not out of the room. And when their child was born...he'd shed his tears.

The product of love being made into flesh. Their child would be so small, fragile but deeply loved. A boy or girl, which would be first? It didn't matter, he'd love them none the less. He'd be a proud man, a chaste and loving wife, their child(ren), and...

May's adoring soft chuckle brought him back, that and light pressure on his forehead. Looking up finding a gloved hand, belong to Sebastian. "My Lord, are you alright? You seem a bit warm and distracted."

"Ah!" Edward flusters quickly moving away, knocking Sebastian's hand away. "I am alright!"

The demon couldn't help but purr a smirk, his eyes having a sense what went through the young man's mind. He wondered what kind of fantasy Edward was dreaming of, what he believed would or should happen. Silly human, if only he knew. How amusing. Following Edward with his eyes move away, the knotted look returned towards Soma.

Jealousy, how easily it took over humans. They became rather possessive, it nearly mirrored a demon's possessive nature. Nearly.

All over the attention of, the innocent Spring flower, Edward and Soma believed she was. His moved and remained fixed up May, who just finished opening up another gift from Soma (he brought gifts for Ciel and Harmony as well, even the rest of the staff), the prince remained rather close. Laxed and content, a warm smile on his lips that beamed in eyes from each delighted gasp from May. Swelled the young man up. He held that same tenderness as Edward, that burned into a desire that sent a burning sneer sensation through Sebastian. He had to restrain himself from anything further.

Oddly.

Humans, just odd.

Soma needed to stop closing the minimal distant between himself and May. The prince was becoming too familiar. It seem as though it did not bother you, nor that dreamy look Soma glanced at you. You just kept smiling and thanking him. Finally, done with the last gift a lovely set of bangle bracelets that oddly matched Soma's in color. Which he insisted you try them on now, but you declined.

"Thank you, Soma for such wonderful gifts." you said eyes still on the last gift, that shifted to Harmony who was elaborated by her new clothes Soma had given from his country.

She loved the colors, you had too had received new clothes. One was white with gold. It was lovely, another was red with purple, and one of them oddly matched Soma's clothing in color. Which he wanted you wear, especially the white one, that Edward highly objected to along with Ciel. You didn't but promised you would on special occasions. An occasion Soma insisted would be for you to travel with him back to his country, again Edward and Ciel objected. Quicker than before.

Harmony though wanted to go, winning a point for Soma. Their behavior was rather...interesting if not unnecessary. Made it worse with Lau's comment, your hand was itching to smack him across the face. He did throw in that you come with him back his home, which was denied and hushed quickly by Ciel and Edward including nearly everyone. To Lau's sadness. That you enjoyed.

"You are very welcome, May." Soma smiled sitting up. "I am glad you enjoyed you gifts, I made sure each one was picked out perfectly. I'm pleased you accepted them."

A weird thing to say. "Of course," you place a hand on his, ran a shiver down his spine. He kept himself composed(It was hard). "you went out your way, Soma. You have been very kind. And Harmony has never smiled so much." Quickly look at her, she was now stuffing her mouth with something called Turkish Delights.

Sharing with Finnian and the others. It was quickly taken away by Sebastian, though he gave her one more. He never liked her eating to many sweets, always blaming it on Ciel. You chuckle softly to yourself, there was no point interfering.

"Yes," Soma looks over at Harmony, happily goggling up her Delight. A smiled. "I would never forget Harmony. She deserves gifts too, she is very precious."

His words were so true. "Yes." You whisper, unintentionally give his hand a squeeze. His eyes drop quickly to it, watching your hand quiver as it continued squeezing.

It was like you were...you where..his squeezes back for your hand to slip away. He quickly stands reaching for you, to get the air instead. You moved away over to Harmony and Ciel, who handed his gifts off to Sebastian to put away. Soma's eyes fall to his empty hand, that felt hurt. He could feel it. Agni noticing his prince's downturn, quickly hurried to his side.

"My prince, are you alright?"

Soma said nothing, but remain fixed on his hand. That pain...no...it wasn't pain it was something else he could feel it. Something that resonated from you, that very moment when he talked about Harmony. The way you squeezed his hand...it was crying. Not sad tears...no...it was something else. He wasn't sure what, but knew it was deep, deep in you. There was joy and yet...sorrow? Was it sorrow? He heard the whisper crack in your voice, that he...

"My prince?" Agni's voice brings him back. Finding the man looking down eyes swimming with concern, Soma rest his hand to the side and smiles to himself softly.

A smile Agni wasn't sure what to make of, but, he saw happiness in it. It relaxed him, he seem to grasp some sort of understanding. "Come Angi, let us go and continue the rest of the holiday." Soma said back to his regular self, rushes to the join the others.

And the rest of the holiday went on, Soma add more character and joy than anything. There was not a moment that wasn't bursting with his presence, it was nice and kept a smile on your lips and laughter coming out. There was not a moment you did not produce a chuckle here or there. Harmony enjoyed him too, she was ever so glad he was here. In fact she was just glad, just thriving with energy brighter than any star. Her smile grew more and more, her spirits soring. You couldn't remember the last time she was like this. It filled you. Seeing her this way, this life. Surrounded by all that made her happy. Made her life wonderful.

Surrounded by those who love her and adore her, this was the life...the life she deserved more than anything. A bright and kind one. Where nothing bad happens. She was safe, the warm and fond look in everyone's eyes that followed her. She filled them as well, who knew a child had that much of a spell? Her world was opening up, before...it was just the two of you the past couple of years, of course with Madam Red, but really it was just you and her. From dawn till dusk. Morning to night.

The world was small, you and her in that small cottage. It was homey, it was wonderful. But this...this life right here...was perfect.

Perfect.

You wouldn't trade it for anything, it felt weird...to share her with others after first, but now..it was right. Natural.

Just look at her being tickled by her uncle Alexis's mustache, wrapped in the man's affectionate arms. Her a Lizzie gossiping and giggling. Dancing hand in hand, Lizzie sure took an instant liking and tutelage with Harmony. Determined to turn Harmony into the...'Proper Lady' in her mind. Their smiles were nearly identical. Aunt Francis even melted with a tiny smile that said how much she adored and loved her youngest niece. Allowing the girl to pull upon her skirt, she even took hold of her hand so preciously.

Edward too, his eyes shone with the same love he held for Lizzie. When Harmony laughed he laughed with her. He didn't mind her being silly, with Soma those two were goof-balls all the way. He encouraged her burning passion, as he called it. She loved and was glued to nearly every word he spoke about his homeland. You knew most of Soma's adventures were fabricated, but it was to entertain her. He didn't have the heart to take away her amazed innocents. You were glad, anyway Harmony could remain innocent that was good. Agni helped too. He cared for her like treasure, as he did Soma. He was there to assure she was safe.

Now, for her friends. Finnian and the others (Even Ran Mao). There was not a moment neither of them enjoyed. They were like her second family. Harmony loved them as much as they loved her. Finnian and Snake it would seem more. Playing games, getting into trouble, getting roped into things. She managed to do that with them or they with her. To the point it started to become a headache not just for Sebastian or yourself but Ciel. The halls of the manor were always filled with noises of their daily shenanigans. That would mostly end with something breaking. They would do anything for her, you saw it, their devotion. Since day one, it was there...even now. Despite the few bumps, you knew they never meant any harm. None at all.

Ciel, moving to him next. Such a hardheaded boy, the times living here were just...you had half a mind to get Harmony and walk right out. There was not one week the two of you weren't yelling at the others. Dancing around with words. He was forcing you into something you didn't want and you were fighting back. This life, right here...it wasn't what you wanted. Not for Harmony, Harmony...how he was with her. Treating her more like a fly that buzzed around he could barely tolerate...it was fun now that you think about it...Ciel wasn't sure how to deal with a child. That puzzled look in his eye the second he met her, that pure flush of scare in his eyes for that second on what to do...it wasn't what he was expecting. His eyes trembled whenever she was in his presence, no wonder he didn't make eye contact with her for a bit and kept his distance. But, Harmony warmed to him right away and kept coming. Till it melted away, that iciness he had with her. Though cold and direct his words started to change and his handling with her. His tone was calm and comforting. There was no acting behind it, in his eye you saw warmth beginning to heat.

Whenever he was in her presence, he held her hand more. Kept her close, made sure her needs were met before his own and yours. Provided her with new things all the time, didn't become rattled by her constant talking and story telling during meal times. Allowed her in his office to color, allowed her in his bed. As if you didn't know, you spied on them a few times, catching him covering her and making sure her head was on the pillow, if not, he'd put it there. He kept out of the dark from anything he did. Kept her hidden from knowing the truth about Madam Red. And...this holiday, he wanted it to be perfect for her, you saw it. Noticed it. The amount of presents he bought her, was more than yours (you didn't mind.) The tree was decorated just like in her story book, he went out to get a tree, just as he had in her book.

He used her book as a checklist, allowed her put out cookies and milk. Had breakfast just as in the book, invited Lau and Ran Mao, allowed Soma and Agni. Kept the manor warm, just like her book. Allowed the festive songs to be played, he had your music lessons changed to fit Harmony's desire. You played each number just right, learned the lyrics too, he did as well. Though didn't really sing them as Lizzie did and yourself a bit. Along with Mey-Rin and the others, minus Sebastian, Francis and Dottie.

Yes, Ciel made sure everything was down to a tee. Nothing was out of place, she loved her deep green Christmas dress of velvet with white trimmings, he had made. No doubt it cost quite a good amount. She had a choker to match, her hair done in bouncy curls that went with her mood. He bought you a dress, the color was...one you wish not to wear (befitting for the name you took)...red. Velvet Red, with black trimmings. It fell off your shoulders. Red lipstick too. You truly did match the title of Madam Red.

Ciel, the change in him was amazing. Despite the nipping and bickering between you two. You adored it and took to caring for him. Especially his health, even if you wanted to smack him at times. He didn't have to keep you and Harmony, you still wondered why he did...after so long. To be honest, with yourself...a part of you wished he did...wish he didn't...your chest tighten. Clenching a hand over your heart.

Ciel, you cry. Closing your eyes for a second. In that moment saw it flash your mind, your eyes shoot open trembling with a gasp. Ciel. Biting your lip just a bit, relax. Out of all the places...the families to come to..it was his.

Was it suppose to be like this? Was it punishment because...moving your eyes to Harmony smile despite the tightness in your stomach. You'd do anything for her, moving back to Ciel that feeling tighten more. Felt your knees and legs about to buckle kept them strong. Closing your eyes again, the image came again just as quickly. Of the two...followed another one...a disoriented one, you couldn't quite make out but it felt oddly familiar. Even as it faded.

Opening your eyes finding yourself still back with everyone, now enjoying dinner. Harmony was talking the most, sitting next to Ciel and Lizzie. She talked more than she ate, making everyone smile. All attention upon her. As it should be.

The most surprising thing...besides Ciel. Sebastian. For a inhuman one, he hoovered close to Harmony. All the things they'd do, what Harmony would tell her they'd do. Especially in the kitchen, his patience with her was inhuman. Yet, he kept it. Even when he remained firm towards her. She adored him more than anyone, surprisingly. He was alright, at times.

It was nice to know there was another inhuman as yourself. A resting feeling. A resting one indeed. Taking a soft deep breath close your eyes again, opening them finding dinner over and everyone in one of the rooms with a fireplace. Harmony before it on the rug playing with Ran Mao and Lizzie. Paula right there, you had a book in your hand open, when Harmony stops and gets up.

She leaves for a moment and comes running back in, nervously standing walking to Francis. The woman puts down what she was doing waiting. You noticed Harmony holding something behind her back...a book. She gripped tightly, knuckles nearly turning white.

And in her most boldest and sweetest voice speaks, that brought everyone's attention on her and warmed the room more. "Aunt Francis...please...can you read the Christmas story?" Her words came out rather shaky as her small body trembled. Just a bit. There were tears in her eyes she kept back, looking directly at the woman. "I-In in the book...t-the mommy.." the word dropped your heart. She kept going. "reads a...a story. The last story for Christmas night and.." she swallows her tears and lump in her throat.

She was trying her hardest to be strong, under Francis's eyes. The hope in her words and swelling in her eyes made you react to save her, a light touch on the your shoulder stopped you. Your head whips around finding Sebastian, his eyes on Harmony shakes his head lightly at you to not do anything. You refused, your body tensed ready to react, his whole hand rest on your shoulder giving a light squeeze. Your mind screamed to help her, but somethin told you listen to Sebastian. Sitting back wait and watch.

Harmony presents Francis with the book, her head straight and up. "Since you're the only...only...mommy I know and...Auntie R-Red isn't here.." her eyes shut tightly. You saw Ciel flinch in his chair to react, stop when Francis spoke.

She stood up and walked to Harmony, standing over her trembling body, raises a hand. Harmony remained standing. Your heart leaped smiling. Raise your own hand and rest it on your shoulder. Francis rests her hand on Harmony's cheek softly, gets down to her level. Warmly staring in her eyes, her other hand took the book. With a glad smile.

"Of course."

Those words lite Harmony's face back, she nearly started to cry but didn't. To your surprise. You gasped inside. Squeeze your shoulder felt it jolt for a minute then squeeze back. To your surprise, sliding your eye back they widen suddenly. Meeting Sebastian's who also had the same expression as you. Your hand tears away as quickly as his's. Eyes too. Yet, itched to look back.

Taking her seat Francis opens the children's book, clears her throat and begins to read. "T'was the night befor-" Harmony climbs into her lap, a surprise to her and everyone. Settling herself Harmony snuggles close, resting her head on Francis. Years ago, she use to do that to you and...Madam Red. Now, your eyes smile despite sadden acceptance, she was doing it Francis. Allowing it Francis continued. "before Christmas, and all through the house-"

The story took everyone's attention, it was lovely. It was nice, it was peaceful. You never felt so, in so long. This feeling...of familial. It's been so long. It made you happy. Resting your head back, yes, it had been a long time. Closing your eyes...see nothing but feel it. Opening them, Francis finished.

"Happy Chris-"

Harmony yawns finishing for her. With one eye open. "H-Happy Christmas to all...and to all a go-good n-night." She yawns softly, rubbing her eyes head upon Francis's bosom like a pillow. With her last bit of energy, produced a sweet treasured smile. That earned tender looks. And a few words. That came out a whisper that was heard by everyone. "I..I...love my..my...family."

She rolls over a bit. Cradling her close, Francis gives her a light soothing stroke. "You as well, Harmony."

Caused Harmony to open an eye directly at you. Whimpering. "S-Sister," she cries, you get up and go to her. Her arms out to you. "I want to go to bed." Chuckling softly scoop her up gently from Francis.

Patting her on the back. "I know. Come, let's go rest." You leave excusing yourself from the others. This part right here, holding Harmony, taking her to bed and rest. It was just for you and you alone. Not even Madam Red did this, it was just you and her.

Forever.

Holding her close ascend up the stairs and down the hall towards her room. Reaching it, open the door a whiff of chill hit you. That sent a tremble through you body for a second. Harmony's soft moan took your attention, turning on the light to a dim glide softly to her bed and lay her down. She couldn't sleep in her dress, no. Going to her dresser take out her nightgown and walk back. You undress her lightly, you didn't wan to wake her. She moved a bit which was fine, she always did. Slipping off her clothes you, set them aside and slip on her nightgown. She smiled, watching her little chest rise and fall softly. Listening you could hear her little happy heartbeat. Filled all she did today. Lifting her up in your arms, reach down to move the covers back, when it was moved for you.

What? Turning around nearly jerked startled by Sebastian's presence. He tended to smoothing out the covers and fluffing the pillows. Not once looking at you. Until he was done.

His arms out takes Harmony from you and lays her down. "There." He said covering her.

You watched with twitchy hands you hand to hold, as he tucked her in. Move close and lean over his shoulder, eyes flicked with worry. You held your breath. "Not so tight. Okay? Is her pillow fluffed well?" You gasped and grab his shoulder frightfully. "Her bunny!" Seeing she didn't have it, look around frantically, rush off to find it.

"No need." Sebastian's hand shoots out grabbing your hand pulls you back. He stands and shows you the bunny. A calm smile on."It's right here." Places it close to Harmony, who smiles with a small yawn. For a brief moment her eyes open towards Sebastian, then move to you.

You held your breath, she yawns again, you move closer. Stroke her hair softly. Puts the spell of sleep back.

Leaving her room Sebastian shuts the door softly as he could, hearing the click held your breath and listen. He does too. Not a single nose. Both of you sigh, relieved. Smiling to yourself cover your mouth chuckle softly, Sebastian eyes you and understand shares a smile.

"Thank you, Sebastian."

He nods his head. "You are most welcome, I hope I did not interrupt, the master insisted I come and make sure everything was well."

You shake your head. "No. You did not." Rest your back on the door, let your shoulders drop. Stretch out your arms, notice extra weight. Moving your to see, find your hand was still with Sebastian's to his surprise. "Well," you chuckle a bit nervously. Taking your hand back, he noticed you didn't snatch it. Pushing away from the door. "I best head back now." You said looking down the hall. "I would like to finish up my book an-" You noticed something out the corner of your eyes over Harmony's door that made you shake your head mentally. Laughing.

Noticing your eyes above him, Sebastian looks up finding over the door to his surprise. Mistletoe. He was sure last time he came there wasn't any. Yes, there was garland throughout the halls, but not mistletoe. How in the world did get up here?

"Odd." He said pondering. Reaches up to take it down, there was no need for it. It wasn't going to be used anyway. Felt a warm shiver through his body, from the pressure on his cheek. His eyes shoot open darting to the side, finding you...no your lips on his cheeks. He didn't know what to say.

After another second, you take your lips back and laugh lightly at his reaction. Covering your mouth. Calm down. "It's tradition, isn't?" Repeat the same words he said to you before. Giggle some more. "Merry Christmas, Sebastian." Walk away.

By the time he snapped out of it, you were gone. Raising a hand lightly touches his cheek. Felt that warm tingle again. "Odd." He brings his hand in front of him and stares.

An hour after Harmony took to bed, everyone else did. Mey-Rin had the bath ready and your nightgown out. You enter your room, ready. About to climb into bed, noticed something on your desk. Two small presents. One wrapped in silver and gray wrapping and the other in...black with a grey bow. There was a note from Mey-Rin.

Picking I up read it.

Dear Baroness,

I found these two, they are addressed to you. They were buried in the back, there was one for Lady Harmony too.

Mey-Rin

Opening the silver and grey one, find a small flat black rectangle, take it out, and open it up. A breathless gasp slips out. It was lovely. Picking it up by its sterling silver chain follow it to the silver flower with yellow gem in the center. It was beautiful. Looking on the wrapping for a name, find none. Who could have bought this for you? Whoever it was, it was lovely. Setting it down, open the other one. It was small black box, the size of a ring. Opening it, drop it suddenly. Quickly you kick aside and hurry to bed.

Turning off the light pull your covers over you and shut your eyes. That grin...that wide spread grin across their face. That wicked smile, those eyes hidden behind that long...grey hair...those eyes that illuminated, they matched those who came to take Harmony away...from you. Those eye held equal wickedness, a clam one that sent a shiver down your spine. Those hands...those hands that slipped around your throat, ready to take away your very breath. To take away...Harmony's.

That chackling laughter that distracted from the real self. Echoed in your mind. The clicking of their tongue of disproval, reminding of...shutting your eyes, shot them open in a cold sweat.

Harmony, was safe? She was safe right? Yes, she was.

You made sure, you had too. She was safe, repeating it over and over again gave you solace. Curling up, they couldn't get to you or Harmony. They couldn't.

They...you wouldn't see them again, you knew that. There was no way you would. Thinking of Harmony's smile calmed you. Thinking of Ciel...calmed you even more.

No.

They couldn't you. Couldn't get Harmony. She was safe.

You wouldn't see them again.

Never.

A grin curled across their face, chackling into their sleeve. Stare up at the night sky. "We will meet sooner than you know, my Withered Flower." Hold between their fingers lightly a dark flower. Inhale it deeply. Release a sweet sigh. "Soon." Turn around to the massive coffins aligned.