Why...Arthur asked himself shaking with nerves staring down at the polished clean floor, standing alone from the other guest in lobby. Am I here again?
All those around him he could clearly see where of higher and of more importance status than someone like himself. A Oculist. A simple oculist. Who someone like himself had not right in being here, so why did he receive an invitation? Was beyond his thoughts. The others wore much elaborate and expensive clothing than his plain brown one. They all looked fresh and clean. Not saying he wasn't himself, he was just well...not as 'clean' and 'polished'. Just simple...average. To be standing in such a grand manor was amazing. Not many could say they laid their eyes upon such. Status and riches rang all around. This Earl of Phantomhive was truly one to upheld.
Lifting his eyes, serves the other guest around. The older man with the dark goatee, slick back dark hair nearly greying dressed in sophisticated tuxedo with a bow tie, and loud voice dressed in diamonds on nearly each of his fingers, flaunting his wealth was one with money. Arthur wondered how much money he had, standing to next to him or better yet pulled into the loud-flashy man's company, a young man. A mild-manner and rather timid looking individual.
He was shorter than the older man, well-dressed in a black tuxedo with a bow tie as well. The son of a shipbuilding King. Moving along to the other two, it would seem the two of them where rather close. The man and woman. The woman he right away, Irene Diaz the well-known opera singer. Dawned in a lovely lavender, looking as delicate as flower. With her was the equally famous producer Grimsby Keane.
All these people...they were indeed higher than himself. Again he wondered how he managed to end up here? Just..
Lost in his thoughts he didn't notice someone coming over, until he felt a tug on his arm. A light tug, like child's. He turns and looks around, finding no one, only to look down when he felt the tug again.
Finds a little girl. A cute little one with a head full of beautiful black bouncy curls, that seemed to move when she giggled. Big and bright amber eyes that reminded him of sweet maple. She was lovely fair skin complexion. For some reason she looked oriental, dressed in a lovely plum and white dress, with cute little laced gloves and well shined shoes. She had all attributes of an adorable child. A precious one. And with that bow tied behind on her dress just added to it. His heart just melted, while his mind wondered why a child would be here at this late hour? Better yet at such a invite. Did she belong to one of the other guest here?
Looking around quickly to see, none of them physically matched the girl, at all. Was she lost?
"Why, hello." Arthur addresses her with a friendly tone. "What's your name? Little one."
"Harmony."
"What pretty and lovely name, Harmony." He smiles kindly to her. "Um, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"
Right away Harmony just giggles and springs up and down grabbing his hand. To Arthur's surprise. "I've come for the party! Just like you."
"The party? Yes, I see, but I mean..what abou-" he steps back a bit, bumps into something soft and bouncy. Turning to see what it was, Arthur's cheeks flush red for a moment at what his eyes saw.
A chest, a rather endowed chest of.."Ran-Mao!" Harmony nearly yelps, she quickly grabs the woman's hands happily. Ran-Mao returns the gesture taking hers. If Ran-Mao was here, than that meant for Harmony..she looks up fully finding Lau. "Mr. Lau!"
Letting Ran-Mao go hugs the man's leg, Lau lightly pats her on the head. "Ah, well, if it not my most daringly treasure."
So, Harmony was their child. Arthur presumed, good her family found her. Then again, why would Harmony call her father...Mr.? Then again Harmony was so familiar with them, they could be her parents. They certainly looked the part.
Noticing Arthur's eyes, Lau addresses him. "Ah, excuse me." He apologizes. "This here is my little sister, Ran-Mao." He introduces her and lightly scolds her to apologize for bumping into Arthur.
Taking her attention from Harmony for a moment apologizes. Then goes straight back to the girl. "I'm glad you found her." Arthur expresses. "Your daughter and," he looks to Ran-Mao. "your niece is quite delightful." Lau couldn't help but chuckle behind his sleeve. Tempted to correct the man choose against it.
Instead rolled with. "Why thank you." He said resting a hand on Harmony's head lightly. "Yes, she is, isn't she?"
"Are you actors?" Arthur asked.
"No, no, I am but a humble branch manger working at a trading company, my name is Lau. And who might you be?" He inquires. Still lightly stroking Harmony's head. "That my darling Harmony has taking such an interest."
Surprised by such a question, Arthur tells him. Modestly. "I-I'm an eye specialist and also a bit of writer." He twiddles with his fingers.
"That's amazing!" Lau said amazed. "A wordsmith. Huh."
Harmony chimes in hearing Lau. "Wordsmith! Wordsmith!"
Arthur blushes insisting no such praise. "No such thing! I'm nothing special at all!" He swallows. "See, I've..I've never met before. So I really don't know why I've been invited. Is he really so moody?"
"Who knows?" Lau vaguely says. "I don't know what that moody guy is thinking. Without a doubt, something interesting will happen..." He opens his eyes to Arthur.
Leaving the man stunned with thoughts of confusion and a further explanation."Huh?"
"Moreover, the earl hates the staunch social life and is famous for being a rare character that hardly ever shows himself. Though I believe that has slightly changed. I do believe this is one of first time he's invited people into his own house?" Lau adds.
Arthur swallows the lump in his throat. "What kind of person is he?"
Lau thinks about it. "Let's see..Basically he has either a sour or angry look and extremely high pride." An image popped into Arthur's mind from Lau's words. Frighting him. Lau added more. "It's also said that he wears a pirate-like eye patch."
Hearing that Harmony confirms it. "Yes! Like a pirate! A pirate!" She giggles.
"Yes, my dear. Good job." Lau praises patting her head sweetly. A smile burst from her, throwing herself onto Arthur's leg squeezing it.
If not for her laughter that calmed him a bit, Arthur surely would have trembled and perspired through his suit.
"Harmony, you know better than to throw yourself upon another." A stern voice tells the little girl. Getting not just her attention but also Lau's and Arthur's.
Turning the man finds standing there at the top of the stairs, with such a serious expression that it masked the fact he was just a boy. Ciel, the Earl. Standing next to him, Arthur saw another. A young lady, a gentle and lovely looking lady. Dressed elegantly. She carried herself with airs of charm and purity. Arthur couldn't stop staring, maybe it was the light and humble smile rested on her lips. Or it was those eyes that were like first morning light. Whatever it was, held his attention.
He wondered her name, which was quickly given. "May! Ciel!" Harmony leaves Arthur's side and goes to greet the two as they walked down the stairs with Sebastian behind. "Mr. Sebastian!" Harmony stops and waits for them.
Right away May leaves Ciel's side and goes to Harmony, quickly tending to her. "Dear, Harmony what has become of you?" Arthur watches May lightly tap Harmony's nose.
Making the girl giggle. "I wanted to come and see the party. To see everyone. And look," she turns to the Arthur who freezes up the second May's eyes land on him. "I meet a friend."
She's come over! Arthur screams in his mind, watching May glide over to him. His heart pounded louder than a drum on his chest. He prayed she wouldn't hear it. Holding his breath, trying to think of what to say or how to introduce himself. Should he bow first? Or should he say his name? Does he take her hand a kiss the top? Which was the right thing to do. Which was the right thing?!
He shuts his eyes tight trying to find the right choice to make. To open them at the sound of your rosy voice, that was just as sweet and lovely. "Hello, Mr. Doyle. It seems Harmony has taken a wonderful interest upon you." He felt your lovely smile.
That only depend his flaring cheeks, he wished to hide. Swallowing harder than before, opens his mouth only to stutter. He quickly shuts it embarrassed. Using a hand cover your mouth and laugh silently. It seem to ease him, he scratches the back of his head with a light nervous laugh.
"S-Sorry," he said sheepishly.
There was no harm done, that is until Lau came over just as you were about to speak. He stood by your side, rather close. You suppress the rising growl and glare you wish to send his way. Made it more so when linked his arm with yours. Did a rush of heat run through you. But, you kept yourself cool and composed.
"Not to worry, wordsmith." Lau said. "Many are known for freezing upon the face of beauty. As did many for the lovely Medusa. Though of course they were turned to stone. Then again there the lovely sirens that capture any man's heart or the lovely goddess of love. That with one glance can cause extreme infatuation. Yes," he moves in closer to you. "My lovely flower can do such, a forbidden fruit one might say."
Hearing Lau speak your pet name, Arthur's cheeks returned back to normal. Looking from Lau to you, then to Harmony. His mind putting two and two together. "Oh, so you are the mother. Well, you have a lovely daughter."
Your body went ridge heading those words, you where sure you heard Ciel nearly choke and Sebastian. Lau on the other hand had smile from ear to ear. A proud one. "Did you hear that, my lovely flower," he turns to you. "we have a lovely child."
Every fiber in you wanted to clench into a fist and wanted to hurl. Such a vile thought was just...feeling your sustained anger ready to explode. Ciel steps in, coughing breaking this thickness now created.
Sebastian comes to clarify it all. "All me to introduce the Baroness Dallas-Burnett. Cousin and ward of the Earl of Phantomhive, along with her sister the Lady Harmony."
Arthur again at a lost looks from you to Harmony, to Ciel to Lau and back to Harmony. Then again to you. "Cousin..." he said to himself both puzzled and shocked.
You confirm Sebastian's words. Quickly. "Yes! I mean, yes I am the elder cousin of the Earl of Phantomhive and elder sister of the Lady Harmony. A pleasure to meet you. Mr. Doyle."
"Ah!" Arthur bows his head to you. "A pleasure, Baroness."
You couldn't help but laugh slightly. "Why, thank you. Please, I insist you call me for this evening simply, May. If that is alright?" He nods, accepting the terms. "Wonderful! Then we shall have a wonderful time tonight."
After the clearing up, Ciel politely greets all the guests with you and Harmony. Who was happy to see Irene, you were as well. As it had been some time since the last time you saw her. Insisting that once you were done you would come and exchange talk. You meet the young mild-manner man, Patrick Phelps, who had trouble making eye-contact with you. Despite your efforts to be kind. He was alright. Though Karl Woodley, the man dressed in diamond rings was a bit vocal and stuffy for your taste. Harmony frowned deeply at him, while you remained with a smile. Though kept a good distance away. He tired to impress you it seem with his many diamonds.
Even tried to pass a joke that made your eyes darken at him briefly. Such a rude man. With all the guest greeted, Harmony goes to Ran-Man, while you make your way over to Irene. Just as you did Mey-Rin comes, announcing the arrival of a guest. Or better guests. Two. One you hadn't a face to put, the other you detestably did.
Charles Grey.
That damn man. Your eyes lock on him like daggers, which Irene saw though took as something else. Covering her lips behind her fan smiles. The other man with Charles was much older, elderly man. With a large nose and short, slicked-back grey hair. He had a considerable assortment of thick facial hair, from sideburns to eyebrows, and a goatee. Dressed in a tailored tuxedo.
Georg von Siemens was his name. introduced by Mey-Rin. He was German. Interesting. You wondered if this was what Ciel meant by you playing the 'part'. He told you such a day before. With his arrival everyone introduced themselves respectfully. All except Arthur, who took to sit along and watch.
"You look most lovely, Irene." you compliment her. "The color brings out your eyes in the most mystical way. Like a pool of lavender itself."
She takes your praise. Humbly. "Why thank you, May. You as well look lovely it not beyond. The colors surely compliment you and your fitting role."
You smile. "Yes, why thank you. My dear cousin, Ciel insisted a new attire was needed." You give a light twirl and you both share a friendly laugh once you stop. "I do believe he spoil me and my dear sister some times."
She touches your wrist lightly. "I do believe that is his way of expressing his love for you both. The dearness you two hold in his eye shows." That was unexpected.
You weren't what to say. For that moment. Resting a hand lightly over your head. Smile to yourself. "Yes, I suppose. That is quite true. I suppose I shall have to find a way to show my love equally. Shouldn't I?"
Irene glances back to Ciel. Smiling to herself. But, kept her comment to herself. Returns back to you. "It seems all is well between you and Grimsby." You whisper to her, her cheeks flush lightly. You couldn't help but smile at her reaction. It was the same as..her. The way Irene's cheeks turned was just like...her. Her who? Lightly you poke Irene. Teasingly. "Why, Irene, I would never.." you lasciviously chide. With a sly grin.
Her cheeks just burned she had to open her fan and hide behind it. "May! Must you?"
You couldn't stop laughing. After a few moments you did. "I am sorry, forgive me. I just could not stop myself. I do enjoy a bit of teasing. If that is alright."
Though she had her chin up a bit, smiles to you. "It was only a bit of teasing. Now, tell me something,"
"What?" you tilt your head a bit.
Her eyes fall to what was around your neck. "Where did you get such a lovely neck piece? It is very lovely."
Not sure what she was talking about, drop your eyes to your neck and find to you dismay and shock...the gift Grey gave you! Shrieking inside, how in the hell did it get on you?! When did...Mey-Rin! When she was helping you get ready and when you rushed out. Not seeing what accessory she used. How could...and now Grey was here?
Burying your face in your hands, Irene saw heating up, she was sure she saw steam rising. Aw, you were flustered. No wonder you looked the way you did when Grey came that intense look. The way your eyes locked on him. There was no doubt about it.
Damnit! Damnit! You curse to yourself over and over again.
You hadn't noticed the figure walking over, until their arm wrap around your waist and pulled you close. Their body pressed against your own from behind, sent your body in shock. Gave them the opening to take your hand in theirs. Keeping it still. Irene turned her head to allow privacy.
Right away your body knew that uncomfortable touch, feeling their breath on the back of your neck. Curled your skin. And their voice made it flare. "Why, hello my darling." Grey hummed with a thin smile. Lightly swaying you back and further. His eyes fall to what you wore around your throat, surprised for a moment. "Well, it seems my, darling you're wearing my gift. I'm rather flattered. Really. You're causing my cheeks to turn rather rosy."
Wanting to stomp on his foot, resist the urge. Resist it badly. If you had claws, you'd claw at him. His arm removes itself from your waist and he spins you around to face him. That damn smile on his face, at this moment you rather be standing by Lau. Grey catches you gently with his other hand by the waist. Removes it and holds the flower necklace between his fingers.
"Wearing my gift, my, my..am I forever flattered." he said.
Overheard by Lau who comes over. "Why, Baroness, you have not yet worn my gift it would seem." He said rather hurt. "And here I thought you would have. I suppose it was not up to par. Perhaps at another time, you will delight me?"
Like hell, I will! You sneer. Remaining calm outside. A plastered smile on. With words that shot like darts. "To delight you, Lau would be delight the stillness of boredom."
"Oh, Lovely Flower, you wound me." He whimpers smiling.
Grey smile gleams with pricks with glee from your words. "Now, such a sharp tongue."
Nearly forgetting he was there and still in his hold. Remove yourself quickly and equal distance with a scowl that made Grey for a moment see Ciel. He couldn't help but smirk at the temperamental you displayed. Holds out a hand.
"I would rather contain my company with a still board." You said turning your chin up and back to hi. Right away Lau comes over to offer such, you quickly reject it. "No, thank you. Now, excuse," you leave them. "I need clean air."
They let you be and went to mingle with the others. Arthur still remain sitting watched you make your way across the room. He saw the heated flare in your eyes from Grey and Lau. That quickly doused in the presence of Harmony. He smiles to himself, the sight before brought memories with his own siblings. It was sensational feeling.
"Hard to believe they are sisters," he speaks to himself, still watching the interaction the two shared. It was quite clear who the free-spirited one was and who the maternal one was.
He saw the basking love in May's eyes for her sister, that was strong enough he felt it all the way from where he sat. It was either his eyes or something but there was this illuminating glow that seem to come from the young lady. Was the tender smile she had or was something else. In his mind he felt she'd make an excellent character. Of what genre he wasn't sure.
He smile remained to quickly drop when May looks his wave and waves. Did his head drop to hide his cherry face. Only to turn tomato red hearing or so he thought her soft chuckle. That caused him to sweat. He needed something to cool down.
A tray with a glass of wine was put offered for him. "Would you like glass?"
Arthur takes it. "Thanks." Following the arm of the one who survived it, Sebastian. For a moment he stricken by the butler's beauty and ambiance. Seeing the guest was quenched Sebastian takes his leave.
Not a moment after another comes over asking to sit with Arthur who doesn't mind. To find it was Ciel. He sprung out his seat nearly choking on his drink. Which you saw out the corner of your eye. Sigh, that Ciel was too much at times and now putting on a humble smile, you weren't whether he meant it or not. But it seem to calm Arthur, yet you felt the man still rattled inside. Even as he and Ciel made small talk. Though your attention was with Irene and Ran-Mao, gently wave your hand lightly towards Arthur.
There, much better. you smile feeling him calming down.
Feeling a tug on your dress find it was Harmony who pointed to the table where Sebastian was severing food. You nod allowing her, she happily skips over quickly remembering that this was sort of a formal event and walks instead. That and the sharp look Sebastian gave her spotting her coming. Reaching the table he had plate already for her.
"Lady Harmony, you must remember not skip, you need to walk. There are others here and you must uphold your presence." he reminds her. Handing her the plate. There was little on it, just enough for her. Along with a cookie or two. Which her eye went to automatically.
Her treat for being good. Just like a puppy, Sebastian couldn't help but smile. Even more so when she quickly devoured them, instead of the actual food. Getting a napkin he gently cleans the crumbs off. Making her ticklish and laugh. "There." He said seeing she was well. "Much better."
"Thank you, Mr. Sebastian!" she thanks him, with a slight yawn. He saw sleep slowly gripping at her. It was nearly pass her bed time, she yawns once again.
Yep, it was time she be off. Walking around the table to her, gets ready to scoop her up when she shakes it off and hurries back to May and the others. She was such a stubborn girl. She surely was taking after Ciel in more ways than one. Leaving her be turns back around and walks behind the table, when he hears a scream and loud crash from across the room. Did his head whip around, to scene before him that he quickly reacted too.
Irene had screamed at Georg to stop harassing her, which led to further harassment by the older man. That wasn't all either, Georg's intoxicated caused another incident to happen. Harmony who was making her way back over to Irene was instantly knocked down by the man harshly. Not on purpose but it looked so, she just happen to be there. And his belligerent yelling and actions frightened her. She screamed too, earning the older man's ear and temperament. He yells at her to hush raising a hand a hand to her, you quickly react and race to her. To be beaten by Irene slapping the man across the face to leave her be and Harmony. A surprise to you, but it only made matters worse. Georg reacts by throwing a glass of alcohol on them. You spring in response to Harmony's rescue, stop when Ciel stands before them blocking and taking it with his own body.
Insisting that is enough.
Glad he did manage to protect Harmony, remember her and rush to her side. At the same as Mey-Rin. Get down to her level. "M'Lady are you alright?" Mey-Rin asked frantic looking her over.
You do the same, Harmony remained quiet and silent. Shaken up, her eyes fall to the broken plate and food on the floor. You and Mey-Rin look at each other. "Harmony, sweetie, it's.."you try to get attention. But it would be given. The tears that slowly swelled up in her eyes, you barely touch her and she flinches.
Even more so when Grimsby became enraged and threw a bottle at Georg. Harmony yelps springs up and runs off. "Harmony!" you and Mey-Rin stand up quickly, you hurry after her. Excusing yourself. Irene tries to utter an apology but you ignored it.
Sebastian who flew through the air catching the bottle uses to make a pyramid of glasses pouring the wine noticed the sight out the corner of his eyes. Smiles seeing who Harmony went and clung to. You were surprise as well, she went straight to Arthur, who kneeled by her and did his best to clam her.
"There, there, it's alright." He comforts her. She squeezed his leg like a snake. Burying her face in it. He couldn't help but chuckle. Lightly patting her."It's alright Lady Harmony, there everyone it alright."
A soft sigh brought his attention away from her finding you standing there. Relieved. "Oh, thank goodness. Thank you Mr. Doyle for providing my sister with comfort. She can be rather frighten easily."
Arthur froze for a moment, scratching the back of his head again. "Yes, well...umm..."
"My, you are very good with children, it would seem. A rare gift." you compliment him. "One would think you are a natural."
He gushes sheepishly from such praise. "Y-Yes, I suppose. You are one as well."
What kind words, that lite a genuine smile to your lips. "Yes, well, I must be seeing as in some way take care of two. My sister and my cousin." You put a finger to your lips shushing him with a wink and slightly chuckle. He caught on and shared the silent laugh with you. "Now," you turn to Harmony. "Harmony, sweetie come, let us take you to bed. I believe you have had enough for the evening."
Hold out a hand to her, she lifts one eye up from Arthur's leg. Then to Arthur himself, he nods that it was alright. With that she takes your hand rather quickly. Tugging on it a bit, meaning she wanted you to carry her. Which you did, to Arthur's surprise. He thought those of your status didn't do something like this, he assumed a servant would. But, it special to you, he saw it. Watching you leave, Harmony gives him a small wave as sleep slowly took her. He waves back too.
Taking Harmony up the stairs, to her room lay her down and quickly get her things to change her to rest. She was nearly taken by sleep by the time you took off her dress. You had to hold her up as her body tattered back and forth. Her head was so big, it made you laugh. Slipping on her gown, let her body fall gently of course. Tuck her in, getting her rabbit put it under her arm. Softly smooth out her blanket each stroke softer than the last. Hum lovingly to her. While creasing her cheek, watching as the sleep began to fully take her. A few times she stretched then curled up with her rabbit.
Lightly smiling, lean down and kiss her carefully good-night. Raise and turn to the two who entered. Ciel and Sebastian. Ciel's eye resting on Harmony. "How is she?" he asked.
"She is fine. A little shaken up a bit, but she is fine." you tell him. "There is no need to worry. She will sleep well. I am to assume you are also heading to bed, Ciel? Is it a little bit pass your bed time?"
He frowns at you for your jest at him. Sebastian holds in his own laughter. "Yes." Ciel said fuming a bit. "Though for the time being and I know this is not normal, I would like Harmony to be moved to the servants quarters for right now."
"What?! Why?" you asked more so demand. He didn't say. "Why does she have to be moved?" Your voice rises, which woke Harmony a bit.
She whimpers a bit opening her eyes, rubbing them a little. Seeing Sebastian and Ciel. "I-I want a story." She yawns, clearly talking in her sleep. "Mr. Sebastian."
"I shall make sure to give you a lovely story tomorrow night, Lady Harmony." he promises, she smiles and goes back to sleep.
Keeping your voice calm but your demand in your words there. Ask again. "Why must she be moved? Whom will she be with? Why can she not be with me?"
Ciel doesn't answer all of your questions. "She will be lodging with Mey-Rin for the time, Mey-Rin has been made aware. Do not worry, Sebastian had made sure it is wells suited for Harmony to be warm and kept. Sebastian will take her there tonight. Sebastian."
Doing as his master says, Sebastian went and scooped up Harmony, he kept her still wrapped in her cover. Like a cocoon. And leaves, bidding you good-night. You try to go after them, but Ciel's hold on your wrist stops you. Your head whipped to him sharply, demanding a reason.
All he said was. "Play your part."
Still not sure what he meant, your concern on Harmony. Watch being taken from your sight, unaware of what was soon to occur. Outside the sky crashed and boomed with thunder and lighting. Exposing for a second a dark figure hidden among the trees, their eyes set on manor.
