Snake knew he was to watch and be with Harmony during this time, he was fine with it, he just wasn't sure really why he was playing with dolls. Harmony had given him one, actually two. Both males, one had dark brown hair and the other had blonde. Harmony had one too, she was holding one with red hair, a male one. He noticed she seemed rather fond of it, especially flipping its hair back over its shoulder and the way she stroked it. What he also noticed was she hadn't bother to pick up anyone of her female dolls. Though she did have one already in the house they sat before in his room, that one was the Auntie.
Not a mother.
A part of him wondered why, while the other part felt for her.
"Now," Harmony said getting his attention, sounding serious and playfully all at once. She was thrilled to have someone playing with her, it just glisten in her eyes, he saw it and it brought a small to him. Oscar who was around the girl's shoulders seem to smile too. "we're going play house, kind of," those words trailed to the side like her eyes for a moment. She points at him. "you're going to be the daddy and uncle. I'm," she points to herself. "going to be the son." Holding up her doll. "His name is...is..."
Snake watches her think about the right now, seeing a couple of name flicker in her eyes. Pop when she found it. "His name is Grell! Okay."
That was an unusual name, Snake nods. Harmony gives him his name. The blond was Sam, he going to be the father and the brown hair was Robert, he was the other son. With names given it was time to play. Snake listens to whatever Harmony told him to do. Sam had a job as a doctor (what where the odds), Robert was the young son, Grell was the oldest and prettiest. Their auntie lived with them and loved everyone very much. Always showering her two favorite nephews with gifts, over and over again. There was not a moment she didn't smile. The brothers enjoyed playing together all the time, Robert loved Grell a lot. Looked up to him even.
They loved to go horse riding and play catch the ball. With the story given it was time to play. Harmony started off first coming over and asking Robert to play. Their father was at work so their Auntie was watching them. Snake moves the doll over, Harmony's voice changed to a slightly high and flamboyant one for Grell. She kept flipping the hair back every so often pompous, he wondered where this was coming from. Cause it was strange. But, it made Harmony smile and laugh every time, so it was okay.
It was time for lunch, their Auntie was calling them. Harmony stands, Snake just extended an arm and they put their dolls inside where the kitchen was, the Auntie was sitting in there at the table. Kind of. For lunch, sandwiches with cookies and candy. Not the most typical meal to eat, but it was clearly what Harmony wanted. She even added honey as the drink. It was a good thing this was a dramatic play because Snake knew what she desired to eat was not what Ciel, May, nor Sebastian would allow it to cross her lips. So this was the closest she could get to it.
Humoring her Snake makes eating and swallowing sounds for Robert. Emily slithers from him and into one of the rooms. Harmony sees her and couldn't hep but laugh.
"Silly Emily, what are you doing?" she asked through giggles.
"I want to play too, says Emily jealously." Snake spoke. Emily hisses lowly, Harmony giggles and pats her head lightly. Which seem to calm the female. Her hissing was less.
"Now," Harmony spoke in her normal voice stands dusting her off her nightgown, she hadn't changed since waking up. Wanting to stay like this for some time and with no one to come and change her it was fine. Snake didn't mind. Whatever made her comfortable.
It was just the two of them down here, the others where handling the affairs upstairs. Which seem to becoming to a conclusion. That was both good and then not, the good part was that things could in a sense go back to normal, the downside he and Harmony's time would end. No more sleepovers or playing. He'd grown accustom to her playing his hair and reading to him, the best way she could.
Yeah, he sad it was coming to an end. Then there was the matter of Sebastian, his death, and Harmony believing he was to be coming back after all this. But, that wasn't the case with him dead. How, he wondered would any of them be able to tell her? She hadn't learned about her Aunt Red and her death. Lips where to remain sealed by Ciel, May, and Sebastian. Harmony was to stay in a state of bliss that her beloved aunt was just on a very long trip. She had gone a very long trip, yet what she hoped and wanted for her birthday, Snake's shoulders and eyes fall at the thought, what she desired and spoke. Telling himself, Baldory, and Finnian her perfect gift, she hoped Ciel would be able to deliver. Snake knew the young boy could give her anything, just...not that. Harmony would be heart broken, her eyes wouldn't shine or shimmer with endless joy, they'd become dull. She wouldn't smile, her smile would remain overturned. She wouldn't the Harmony he'd come to know and...
She was much like himself, Snake lifts his eyes to her. She was still talking and pretending with the dolls. The only difference was...
"Mr. Snake," Harmony said, his ears listen and eyes remaining watching. She was looking upward out the window at the peeking rays of light that come in lighting the room up."it's not raining anymore. Look." She points.
He saw. She was right. "That means," a smile slowly brighten upon her face. Powdering her cheeks. "Mr. Sebastian is coming back."
Snake's heart plummet and throat went dry, dryer than a dessert. Not a single word filled his emptied mind at the moment. What was that he could say, really, what was it? The way she said like she was waiting for him to respond or agree back. But, he couldn't...his heart only tighten with pain.
A light touch from Harmony returned him, she had a hand on his knee. The happiness in her eyes only add further pain to his cringing heart. He couldn't meet her eyes and had to look away. To hide the truth. Which she mistook as him being overjoyed like she was. A light knock came to the door, good, saved Snake sighs. Getting up he goes over and opens the door, finding you (still dressed in a cheongsam).
"May!" Harmony chimes running over to you, instantly your arms scoop her up and encase her. Cover her with kisses that she laughed. "So many, stop it!" She giggles.
Hearing her laugh to yourself and eventually stop. Though after two more. "It seems you and Snake have made it rather entertaining here." You noticed the wide range of toys, books, and other items laid and scattered about. It was rather clear what went on here or what you believed. Noticing something else too, about Snake, his hair.
He seem to be wearing some of Harmony's bows, even a few of his snakes had bows tied around their necks. The sight nearly made you chock on laughter that slipped out. Snake slightly glares at you, his snakes hissed just a bit. Taking a few deep breaths settle your laughter. Snake watches you carefully making sure, it still lingered in your eyes that you nearly chocked on it in your throat.
"Did you have fun?" you said to Harmony, turning to her. Touching noses. She nods showing her red hair doll. "Oh, you two where playing dolls. How wonderful. Where you playing family again?"
She nods. Looking at the doll, stroking its red hair. "Yes. It was very fun. Mr. Snake was the daddy and brother. I was the older brother, Grell." She was using his name, your eyes soften a bit. Quickly lighten when her eyes return back to you. "Grell is the prettiest of all two brothers. He loves his red hair a lot. Because it's the best color. But, Grell also loves his little brother. They're always happy together." She explains the whole thing.
Seeing this was going to take some time, sit down next to Snake adjusting Harmony in your lap. She continues. "Because, they love being with each other. All the time. Ever since they were little. They put smiles on each other's faces."
As she kept talking with her story-telling, your eyes slide to Snake for a moment with a smirk and soft chuckle. He understood and smiled back, Harmony's went on for the nearly forty-five minutes. Once she spoke the last word, you applaud her.
"Quite an interesting story." you stretch a bit, use a hand to comb lightly through Harmony's hair. "Tell me though," you take a bit and twirl it around your finger. Let it go forming a small bouncy curl. "why are you still in your nightwear? Hm?" Lean slightly to the side. Bop her nose playfully. She wrinkles it with laughter. "Shouldn't you be out of this by now? Are you being lazy Harmony?"
She said nothing but laughed behind her hands that clasped over her mouth. Giving you your answer. "As cute as you are, you cannot stay in your nightwear forever. Come, you must change." Getting up, she stands too, though sets her doll down, then takes your held out hand. "Before we go, what do you say to Snake?"
Harmony turns to him, he gets up and beings to clean. Expecting her words a gratitude instead gets something more surprising.
A hug.
She ran to him and hugged his leg, tightly he might add. Nearly knocked him down. And in voice that was a pure as the girl herself that would stay in his mind and that filled his heart with a warmth that melted something.
"Thank you, Mr. Snake. I had a wonderful time."
Just as quickly as those words came out, Harmony released him and ran back to her sister, and leaves.
How long has been? Since you did something like this with Harmony? Bathing her. It's been some time since if you had to think about it. The splashing of water, soaking of clothes and hair from her wild waving arms that made small and medium size waves and splashes everywhere. Coating the floor with a puddle of water. Her laughable yelping that echoed in the spacious room. From your tickling fingers that found its way on her stomach and under her arms. Causing her to splash more, soaking you further. It was alright, you never mind really. She's been doing this since she was little and clearly you didn't make any better.
"May, is everyone gone?" Harmony asked. Raising her arms out and up so you could clean them well.
Unsure who she was talking about at first, realized it. "Oh, you mean our guest. Yes, they've left."
"Even that mean Grey man." she growls lowly. Furrowing.
She just didn't like that man, good. Though sometimes you wished she showed that sort of dislike towards another thorn in your side, Lau. But, she didn't and actually enjoyed him. Wonderful.
You nod. "Yes, he's gone." You answer grabbing the pitcher pour the water over her head. Cleaning her off. "Everyone is gone. Though Miss Irene told me to tell you good-bye. Also, she hopes you have been practicing for the performance soon." Harmony stiffens for a moment. As you thought. "Well, I suppose we will have to get to that, it is coming up soon. Now," you stand and reach into the water pull the stopper out.
Within a few seconds all the water drained out. Walking over to the small stand take the towel on top of it and come back. "Arms up," you tell Harmony. She does as you say, quickly you wrap the towel around her and pick her out.
Instead of setting her on the floor carry her back to her room and dry her off there. Giving her a thorough dry, her hair would take some time to dry off. Other than that you did a pretty good job. Wiping her face dry stop and look at her for a moment. She looked different, you noticed. Her face looked different, for a moment you saw as two years old, now she was older. She still smiled, that hadn't changed. So caught up you hadn't heard her calling you, till she her hand waved before your eyes.
"Hm? Yes?"
She huffs, finally having your attention. "I was asking you something."
"Really? And what is that?" You asked wrapping the towel around her tightly, go to her closet and pick out her outfit. A light green and white dress with brown shoes. White stockings. "Hm? What is your question?" Turn around and walk back.
"Is Mr. Sebastian, he's coming back from his vacation?"
You nearly dropped her clothes. Grip them to hide your trembling hands. "He's coming back right? From his vacation, to come back home. So we can all be together."
Her words clenched your throat. Sebastian, you had nearly pushed that to the back of your mind. Why did everyone have to go along with him being on vacation? What could you tell Harmony? She knew no vacation would last that long at least with Sebastian, how much more must you keep using this lie? With her. It stung when you swallowed. With your tongue swelling from each word rested upon it.
"We should make something really nice for Mr. Sebastian. When he comes back." She kept going despite your lack of answering. "I know! I can make him a picture! Mr. Sebastian loves my pictures. I'll make him a cat one! Okay, ready." Her arms shoot up waiting to be dressed.
You stood there in a state of lost and guilt. Inside was screaming over and over again and again, it came out as a tremble on your chin. That you bite back and push forward a quivering smile. Go over to Harmony and dress her.
"Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea." You agree, painfully.
If all the guest where gone, why did Ciel and the others leave? Harmony wondered, she was instructed to stay back with May. She was fine with that just not about the idea of everyone leaving. Also, why where they mostly dressed in black. She didn't know. No one seem to tell her, it did give her an idea of what color to use for her drawing. For Sebastian. Taking out her crayons and paper (sneaking into Ciel's study to use his paper, it was better quality). Took the floor of the sunroom all spread out and drew her gift for the returning butler. Humming happily at the thoughts of his return. All while you watched from doorway shudder inside. It was hard to look, to watch.
Again how much longer could you do this? You wondered, eventually you have to...no...you couldn't do that to her. She didn't have to know, that was why...why this life was to be...shutting your eyes for a moment of peace. Peace being smiles Harmony had as she grew, it couldn't end. Not like this. It was your job to keep her happy. To make sure her life was better. No, the best. No, the greatest. Not miserable. Hurtful or unkind. And especially not cruel. Death was to be the furthest thing from her mind, yet, it seem to fall a few behind her, following her itself.
Her joyful gasp brought returned you. She had just finished her picture and she loved it. Standing up with a proud smile from ear to ear. "He'll love it! May! May! Look!" she comes running over and shows you.
Taking it from her, your heart just fell. As you stared at the picture. It was a picture of a black cat, with a pink bow around it, or as best of a pink bow and cat she could draw. It seem to be under a tree. It had a yellow eye and a red one, why she choose those colors was beyond you. But, it was clear she put a lot of hard work and dedication in it.
"I-It's..." you try to find the words, pushing the truthful one back that demanded to be said. Biting your lip was the only way that allowed you to suppress it. "It's...it's..." What words could you honestly say?
Each one enraged you, that you cursed that damn demon. That made you curse yourself. Nearly dropped to your knees that weakened, managed to hold yourself up by use of the wall. Harmony noticed.
"May?" she said softly. "Are you okay? What's...what's wrong?" her hand takes hold of yours lightly, you squeezed instantly. She squeezed back, clearly something was bothering her sister, what it was, Harmony wasn't sure. Though in her mind she believed what it might be. "Don't worry, Mr. Sebastian will come back. Ciel said so."
That was it, those words stabbed you through the heart. Turn away from her grinding your teeth, draw a deep breath to collect yourself, turn back around to her. Take her hands in yours, squeeze them staring straight into her eyes.
Her eyes stare back trying to read your glossy ones. Read your quivering smile, that seem to cry. "Harmony," you manage to muster in shaky voice. Swallow hard. "Harmony, sweetheart," each word coming crushed you inside. Madam Red. Now Sebastian, two important people Harmony clearly adored if not loved. Could you really do this? Take away her...light? Those words would...they would just...her eyes would no longer be this beautiful amber. Ones she inherited from that...woman.
Every part of you trembled, despite such a lovely day. Drawing a shuttering breath, rest your forehead on hers. Continue. "My dearest, Harmony. I know that...Sebastian is..."
He was what? You paused again, Harmony wasn't sure why, you kept becoming lost with words. Why it was such a struggle, she wish to know. Seeing her sister like such worried her if not concerned her. What was it that you wanted to tell her.
It was no or never, you had to do this. Swallowing the lump once again your throat, this time it was thicker than before. Speak the words meant to be said. As your heart broke. "Harmony, Sebastian and Madam Red...they're gon-"
"Lady Harmony!"
Finnian's voice rang through out the manor. Startled both you and Harmony. "Lady Harmony!" The others scream with joy, why you weren't sure. They still screamed for Harmony, throwing your name in as well. "Lady Harmony! Baroness! Come quick! Come Quick!"
Hearing the urgency in their voices you take Harmony's hand and hurry out the room. No sooner had you stepped out did Finnian appear before you. "Finnian, what is it?" you asked hastily.
He said nothing, only having a huge smile on his face. "It's a miracle!" Was all he said running over. "Come on!" He grabs you and Harmony by the wrist and races back the way he came.
In mere seconds you and her reach the foyer, you hadn't realized what the excitement was about, but Harmony did. The minute her eyes landed upon them, she gasped so deeply she nearly sounded like a balloon. With a wide spread smile that turned into jumping and happy cries. She left your side and raced to the one standing at the door. Threw herself on leg, giving it the tightest squeeze. It almost like a snake.
"Mr. Sebastian! Welcome back!" she gushes. "I missed you!"
He raises a hand and pats her lightly on the head, deepening her gushing. "And you as well, Lady Harmony. My, what is that you have in your hand?" He noticed her drawing.
Remembering she takes it out. "I made you a present. See! It's a kitty." Shows him nearly trying to stuff it in his face. He takes it and does his best to see it.
"Why, it is quite a surprise. Thank you, Lady Harmony." he smiles patting her head tenderly.
Sebastian, was alive?! Your mind was just as surprised as you where, then again he was inhuman so...still though...your breath snatched away when his eyes meet your for a moment. Even more so when he flashed you a smile, raising a hand over your chest ball it up into a fist. That damn...that damn...sneering. Gritt your teeth that bared behind your lips. Ciel noticed your behavior was about to say something, to hushed by the stern lash your eyes gave. Sent a cold shiver down his spine and drop his eye to the side. Fuming hotter than a tea kettle, turn a sharp shoulder, flip your back and leave.
Getting everyone's attention. Ciel though kept his eye adverted. "I am pleased, to see you well, Sebastian." You said with a dropping tone. "If everyone could please go about what is you need to do, I need to talk wot Sebastian, for a moment."
Harmony cocks her head a bit. "Is May okay?" She asked. Receiving no answer. Except a cough from Ciel. "Oh, Mr. Sebastian," she tugs on him. He looks at her. "come here." She gestures.
You sat outside in the back on the deck, your back to the manor stared out across the open land and gardens before you, with burning eyes. That darken smelling the a familiar scent of jasmine and mint with a hint of zest behind you. A low growl rises from your throat, increases with each step they took minimizing the space between. You turn your shoulder away from them, scooting over providing space, a chilling space that was meet with a cup of tea being placed by you along with slice of what broke your silence.
"Really? A slice of Angel cake, isn't that a little ironic for you?"
A small laugh broke through Sebastian's lips. "I suppose it is. Is not for you as well?"
Your eyes fall hard and sharp with your voice. "Do not presume to make any sort of light banter." His laughter stopped but smiled remained. Slowly dropped from the chilled silence that replaced your voice and dark scowl set in your eyes that flashed. "And don't believe a simple slice of cake and my favorite tea will mend a single thing. Not after what you pulled."
Sebastian remained silent, you sit up without even casting a single look his way. Pick up the tea, swirl it around just a bit, set it back down with a scoff. Cross your arms kept your gaze away from him.
The two of you remain silent, that boiled with each passing second. Just erupt, spin around and strike him in anger.
"Thank you." He said catching both your wrist and you by surprised. Still surprised, he repeats himself again. "Thank you, Baroness. I am quite sure any discomfort that I caused was far beyond your limitations. You kept yourself held well. I'm rather impressed."
You didn't need his words. Growling, rip your wrist back, he allows it. "I don't need you apology." You said lowly. "It means nothing, but you have best apologize to the others and Harmony. They missed you terribly than one. Having them shed tears they weren't needed to be shed, playing with a child's heart. That is just detestable. I can handle deaths, I'm use to seeing them." Your eyes fall to your hands. That trembled. Red, it was still there. "But, not others. They're not use to seeing the body of one they care about..." your voice cracks just a bit. "I don't need your reason as to why, I kind of have my own thought as to how and whom. I didn't do any of this for you."
His eyes narrow at what left your mouth. That held some truth. He let you keep talking, holding back his own words.
"You nearly caused me to break what I dearly wish not to tell my sister and you think a simple 'thank you' would solve it? Bringing me Jasmine Mint, with zest? Angel cake? Honestly." you scoff. Biting your lip. "...…." Exhale. Shutter. Bite your lip deeper nearly breaking skin. Inhale. Drop your head and shoulders. "Like I said," clenching your teeth. "I am use to seeing bodies, even those that mean much to me. But, the others are not. I understand as a demon you have attachment really, but you should understand the gravity of your role. It means more than you know." You pause catching a soft breath. "I had you promise, Sebastian and you nearly broke it. If that promise was to be...to be.." doing your best not to choke up on your words, collect your thoughts together.
Sebastian waited saw anger rise in your eyes deepen and darken with a flush of fear and something else. You refused to speak. Struggled with. What it was clearly wasn't coming out. It came rather stagnant.
"Sebastian." your voice returned his attention to you. Finding your eyes locked with his. "I need for you to be a part of Harmony's garden. If you believe me to be upset or sadden by your false death, that is not the case." Shake your head, glance to the side at the tea and cake smile softly. Harmony on your mind gave you such a smile. Turn back to him. The corner of your lips quivered slightly. "I-"
He drapes his coat over you. "You've been a great ordeal, May." He said softly, it touched like a snowflake. "Shaken up no doubt, I believe a nice cup of tea and cake would do you good." He adjust his coat on you. Smoothing it out. "My, a young lady such as yourself shouldn't be wearing such exposing clothes. It isn't fitting for your title. There." He finishes button it up. Smiles at you.
Because of your size it rather long on you, even the sleeves. Which you used covering your mouth look to the side. Sigh, turn back to the garden, feeling a light pressure on your back stopped quivering of your chin and body. Everything settled. Under the casting shadow that hide you, stayed in its presence for a moment. Close your eyes for a second open them finding the tea held before you. Urging for you to take it. Picking it up swirl the dark liquid around a bit, bring it to your lips and take a sip.
Than another.
From inside look down below from the window on the second floor, Harmony's face pressed against the window smiling at the sight before her. Ciel who was walking through the hall spotted her. "Harmony, just what are you doing?" he asked walking to her.
"Looking." She answered.
Looking? Ciel looks too, it was just May sitting on the railing of the porch drinking some tea, wearing a tail coat. Nothing else. Why was Harmony smiling? He looks to her, she still had that smile on, a happy one.
"May isn't angry anymore." she said. Ciel wasn't sure what she was talking about. Did anyone understand child's logic, really? Moving away Harmony spins around a bit still giggling, walks away.
Back with you, done with your tea set it down pick up the cake. Harmony's idea, you had no doubt that girl was behind this. At least the cake part, it was hard to be upset if she was involved. Getting the fork get a small bite. Though it was sweet if not delicious went down bitterly. You nearly chocked. As fear lodged in your throat, the thought of it...you could feel it slowly coming. All this death here at the manor, they where indeed signs. They just had to be, what else. The barbs you found, the substance on it was meant for an instant kill. You knew...knew the ingredients that went in it. Having only made it twice, though this one was modify version than your own. Taking another bite of cake, this time it sent a shiver down your spine.
They where coming and Harmony, she would be...what about Ciel and the rest? Gulping the cake down, set the rest down. Stare at Sebastian's sleeves, should anything happen to you...he...
At the docks of London a shipment came in, it was loaded off and carried away. To its second destination, where it was stored in the warehouse and checked in. Lined up with others. Nearly ready to be shipped, again. Collected and stored. When needed they would rise again, until then they would remain here until it was time to set sail.
