"..And then," Harmony exclaimed looking up at you smiles at all. She hadn't stopped smiling since you came back. "playing with Mr. Finnian and Mr. Snake was so much fun! I really loved the gits that Soma gave me. Easter was so much fun today!"

You smiled listening to her regal her time today, even into her bed time, where she was now. Comfortably sitting up in her bed, dressed in her night gown, holding her favorite bunny close, with her new plushie tiger on her side. Her gift from Soma, one of the few gifts he gave her today. He had a imported some yummy and delicious cookies from his country for her, that she turned around to share with everyone. She also had her basket of eggs from Phipps, a basket from Lizzy and her family, a few more gifts from Soma that he surprisingly had. More clothes for her, from his country. He got her something from Dottie who was cleaned up nicely and presented to her by Finnian and Snake.

Even though you were there, she wanted to tell you again, you knew why, why her mouth like a motor talked and talked. Everything she had build up since your absence was coming out. She wanted to tell you so much, it all just came out. You didn't mind, hearing her voice again was all you wanted.

"And remember," she kept going. "Soma and Edward where acting so funny with you. They were making funny angry faces." She giggled. "Miss Nina kept hugging Miss Mey-Rin. Then Baldory accidently spilled some food on Mr. Finnian." Her laughter rose, it rose so much it filled the manor.

Everyone could hear her, the sound of it melted away all the dullness that gloomed around her before, smiles appeared on them hearing it. Finnian shed a few tear hearing Harmony's laughter again. The best kind of music to him.

You nod. She kept going. "All the flowers where so pretty! They all came in so many wonderful colors! I loved them! It was like a sea of colors. I'm glad everyone walked in the gardens. I had fun making crowns for everyone! Mr. Phipps helped me get the high ones! He's so nice! I loved his new little chick! It's adorable."

"Yes, I know it was very cute." You agree, lightly laughing. "You also looked cuter in your new outfit."

Her cheeks beamed from your words. "I did! Yes I did! Everyone said it. I loved my new outfit. You lo-looked nice too! You looked so pretty, no, beautiful in yours."

That was true, you did have a outfit for the holiday, Nina surprisingly had. You where dressed in after your reveal to every, after all the hugs, tears, and welcome backs. Tenaka escorted you back to change. Nina went with him to get you dressed. It was a lovely dress, a beautiful if not stunning, she was truly a master in her craft. She used lavender and cream colors in the dress you wore, the main color lavender. Even the choker necklace. She designed it to where the dress slightly off your shoulders, the sleeves smoothly ran down to your wrist. Your hair was styled formal yet elegant pony tail, it curled and bounced at the ends. Your make-up was light and natural. The dress made you feel free and fresh, it was perfect for coming to everyone. You forgot all about your pain, it was the furthest from your mind. Being around everyone made it fade away.

"Thank you," you kiss Harmony. "I suppose I did."

She smiled from your tender affection. "You did! You really did! Everyone thought so. I could see it in their eyes. Edward and Soma wanted to spend the most time with you, it was funny how they did it."

You join her in her laughter. Yes, those two, they where...pressuring when wanted to escort you through the garden. It ended with them almost barking at the other one, which you wish they hadn't. Grey came over and took you, much to your discomfort. But you had to remain poised and a bit playful. It was Spring after all. You didn't stay with Grey much, the moment you got, left him and hurried over to...well..Angi. Lizzy remained with Ciel. Nina tried with Mey-Rin. Harmony was with Phipps, Finnian, Snake, and Bardlory. And Tenaka.

"The food was good too!" Harmony chimed rubbing her eyes, yawning a bit. "A-And.."she started to slur from sleep creeping on her. She tired to fight it. "...e-everything...w-was..." she yawned again. Rubbing her eyes more, her lids were becoming heavy and head.

She was trying so hard to stay awake, she reached out resting a hand on yours. "M-May..."she asked groggily. You give her your attention. Slowly she crawled over to you, laid her head down and rest her head in your lap. Curled up, like she did back in the cottage.

This moment held your heart, with a hand you gently stroke her hair, watch her eyes slowly close and soft smile spread. She hadn't finished what she was started saying, though you had an idea, still you waited.

She was completely under, just yet. One eye opened, halfway. "May..."she quietly spoke. "ca...can...can you tell m..me a s..story..please?"

"Of course, which one?"

It took her a moment to think of it. But she knew. "T-The one..about..th..the...pretty and kind...kind woman. T..The M..Maiden..Tang..Tang..."

"Tang Shen," you say for her, she nodded. "and the warrior, Hamato Yoshi?" Harmony nodded again, her eyes closed. You chuckled quietly. "Alright, Once Upon a time, there the most loveliest and kindest of maidens," you start. "her name was Tang Shen. Her skin was beautiful as the moon, and heart as pure as gold. She was loved by many, but none held her heart as much as the warrior Hamato Yoshi. He was the bravest and strongest of all. With a heart equal pure and kind as Tang Shen. Their love for one another made the Heavens cry and rejoice..."

You stopped for a moment, gaze at Harmony, her small body rose and fell slowly. Sleep had taken, still, you continued with the story all the way to end. To the very last part where Tang Shen and Hamato had their precious daughter, named Miwa. Whom they treasured deeply. That when they meet their end, this part you always said to yourself, trusted Miwa to one who would always love Miwa as they would and would continue too. It stung...but you told the story...because you knew you had too. Even if it brought up feelings, it was worth it for Harmony. With the story done, you scoop her up carefully and lay her down, rest her carefully on her many pillows, tuck her in, set her plushies by her. Bunny under her arm, tiger next to her, bend down and lay a kiss upon her forehead. Whisper good-night.

By now, Finnian and the others would come or Mey-Rin to get you, even Ciel, but none did. Not because they didn't want too, but, they knew this time...this moment wasn't meant for them. Which you respected, standing you quietly and softly cross the room, turn off the lights and shut the door.

"M-May.."Harmony called. You stop. Hearing her roll over in her bed, wait to hear what she was going to say. "...You have too..."she yawned a few times, but eventually muttered what she needed to say.

It surprised you, but, you knew she was right. Quietly nod. "Yes, alright. Goodnight, Harmony." Shut her door.

The bath water was done and ready for you, slowly you get in, it felt nice on you and the soreness. It was hard not to let out a sigh of relaxation, leaning your head back, take it all in. Even the aroma of the steam, it was very therapeutic...the rosemary, peppermint, and chamomile where an excellent choice. They combined well in both fragrance and treatment. You could feel them working, like a warm message upon your skin that slowly drifted you asleep. For a moment your eyes closed, flashed a blade, shot you awake quickly hold your abdomen. Shaking.

There...was nothing...there was nothing, you kept telling yourself, still you looked down. Finding just your stomach and no blade protruding out or blood. Just...the stillness of the water minus the gentle ripples from your movement. There was nothing...other than that...that didn't stop you from rubbing that area and from remembering that...horrid moment.

Time...just stopped, it just stopped. Everything thing..everything went cold and dark...so dark. Until...your hand moves to your lips gentle rest...until life was breathed back into you. You weren't sure...you hadn't taken anyone's time..yet you came back. When you shouldn't have, but...you did. And you where glad that you did.

You rest back against the wall of the tub, yes, you where glad you did live. Now, thinking on what Harmony said...sometimes you wondered about that girl...smile to yourself, she was as wise as her father, without even or ever realizing it. You still had to..that. It was only right after all. Even if well...actually...you didn't mind. Though it would have to wait until well, everyone was asleep.

Taking a few more minutes, finish and step out. A towel was there waiting for you, you grab it and wrap it around. Just as you did a knock came to the door, it was Mey-Rin. You told her to enter, she did, perkier than normal. That was everyone around, well the help at least. Her smile never left her face. Walking over, with your robe held it open and out for you, you exchange the towel for the robe. She tied it for you and the two of you leave to your room. Where she had your nightwear ready, she helped you put it on.

"I warmed the room for you just as you liked," she informed you. "I hope it's not too hot." She fumbled. Twiddling her fingers. "If it is, I'll fix it for you."

The room was warm, a nice warm. "No," you tell her kindly. "it's perfect. Thank you, Mey-Rin."

Her face lite up hearing that, not what you said, but her name. Her heart fluttered. "You're very welcome!" She timidly stepped to you, gripping her apron, flush on her cheeks, and eyes to the side.

"Mey-Rin, what is it? What's wrong?" you asked worried.

She said nothing but swallowed. Gripping her apron tighter, he knuckles began to turn white. "Mey-Rin," you call to her again, reaching out taking her hands in yours. She began squeezing yours.

Still she remained silent, until you heard her soft cries, and droplets of tears that ran down. "B-Baroness..." her voice broke looking to you. "I know..I know said it before, today, I'm so glad to have...to have you back. I missed you, you gave me...quite. I wasn't sure if you would come back at all, everyone was nervous. I like having you here! I don't want you to leave, ever! I'll protect you! Like I do the master! I swear, just don't...don't leave."

She cried. Tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry," you cup her face in your hands, use your thumbs to wipe to her tears away. "I had no intention of worrying you, as I did. I promise, not do so in the near future. There is much I have to live for and I enjoy our time together as well. You have my word."

Taking your hands back, pull her into a hug. Her cries lessen each second into the hug. That she returned. When her tears had gone, you both release. She was back to her normal self. No more tears, just Mey-Rin.

She wiped the rest away. "S-Sorry 'bout that," she smiled a bit embarrassed. Cleaned herself up, went to your bed and pulled the covers back. "ready for you, Baroness."

Laughing slightly inside, nod and get into bed. She covered you, double checking if the heat was alright, you assured it was. Happy to hear, she wished you a goodnight, turned off the lights, and shut the door.

You remained in bed...sleeping, until you awoke and got out. The only sound, the ticking of the clock in your room. Quietly as you could lightly cross the floor, open the door peer out, the hall and whole manor was quiet and asleep. Well, except for one, whom could be roaming anywhere in the halls. He didn't sleep after all, sighing this was going to be a bit of a challenge. Then again, it might be a good thing...then again maybe not. Sighing, you had to do this.

Quietly as you could shut your door, any sound he heard, he'd be here before you knew it. Unless he believed it might be Harmony going to Ciel's room, then there wasn't need for a reaction.

Deciding to go right, take right. Again as lightly and quietly as you could cross the floor. Head to the kitchen, where you took out some things. Being careful not to wake anyone...get what you needed. Began what you had in mind.

In the halls of the manor, Sebastian strolled...through like all nights. They where long with everyone sleeping, besides hearing Harmony's door open, he heard, and tip toe towards Ciel's room. He smiled to himself, she was returning back to her normal self. Though the smile didn't last long, nor did his stroll, he got a whiff of something...amidst. It was faint, luckily, he whipped around and raced to it.

To the kitchen, where the smell was coming from, quietly approached the room, and them from behind, after seeing who it was. What in the world where they doing up? Better yet, what in the world where doing? His eyes looked at everything he saw they had out...a cup full of a warm liquid...and...a slice of cake, dark slice of cake. With some other things, all of them on a tray.

It rose a quizzingly brow over an eye. He remained quiet watching them, while grumbling at the cleaning he was going to have to do after this...all this. Closed his eyes sighed.

"Don't worry, I'll clean it up," you tell him aware of his presence, he opened his eyes a bit surprised even more so when you stood before him, holding the tray. "it was meant to be...some what of a surprise." You tell him. His brow remained risen for a moment.

Returned back to its normal state. "I am not sure as to why, but, I don't require food."

"Yes, I rather aware of that." you slightly nip back, humorously. "That doesn't mean anything really. So, here." Hold the tray further to him.

Seeing not other way, he took it. "Devil's food cake? Aren't we being poetic. I suppose a thank you is in order, though for what? You have not yet disclosed that."

You turn and make your way back to the counter to begin cleaning up. "For keeping the children safe." You simply say, picking up a few things, wincing a bit, but push it down. Carry the items over to the sink. "I asked you do so and you did. So, thank you." Set them in. Take a moment. Then go back to get the rest.

Sebastian just watched you try and remain well. But, it wasn't working. He set the tray down and walked over. "Enough," he took you by the hand, stopping you. "I don't need you passing out. Just sit, I will do the rest." He lead you to one of the stools and sat you down.

You tried to protest but held a finger your lips and gave you a look, that said: Not another word. So you didn't and sat there, while he cleaned everything. Thankfully there wasn't much to clean. It didn't take him long either, he was done rather quickly, with no one else around to see him do it supernaturally.

"There," he wiped cleaned the counter. Stood back taking a look at his work. Pleased. "now," he turned back around to have a fork full of cake nearly shoved in his mouth. He was about to spit it out, not that it didn't taste good, he just didn't want it. To have a hand, your hand follow behind and cover his mouth.

"Swallow." you tell him.

He wasn't sure why, but he did. Despite the fact he could easily have taken your hand off. Once he did you where satisfied and took your hand back. "There," you set the fork down. "now you've tried it. If you want to eat the rest, that's fine. I don't mind if you don't."

He dabbed his mouth. "I think of something, now then," he straighten himself out. "you shou-"

"Sebastian," you cut through, your voice lost its lightness to a more serious and almost somber tone. It reflected in your eyes. "I didn't come here to just thank you for protecting the children," you take a step closer, limiting the space. He waited and listened. "I wanted..." you bite your quivering lips for a moment. Take a breath. "I wanted to..."how could you say this? Your heart began racing, you were certain he heard it. He leaned in towards it a bit. This would have normal made you step back, but you didn't.

To your surprise. "You wanted to what?" He repeated. Calmly. With a low gaze on you and tilt of the head just a bit. Taking a step closer, closing the distance. Both chest where touch, you could feel his heart beat with your own.

Drop your eyes, the words where there, they really where. They just needed to come out and...and...it was horrible...you remembered, it flashed in your mind. It still did, your heart sunk that day...seeing him lay there on the floor covered in blood...never had you screamed so loud and...all because...

With his hand, Sebastian gently pinched and lifted it back up meeting your eyes with his. He held them there or was it the other way around. In the light...under the night moon lite sky...there was something different about the way the light hit...your eyes Sebastian noticed. Instead of staring into eyes...he found himself staring into...pools of a color he wasn't sure what to make of it. Only it submerged him. It was the same...that one night...in that late night carriage ride from the palace from the New Years party, the way the light of the night just...Except there was a difference...one he could not explain...one that took some sort of hold, pulled him slowly towards you...was the vulnerability your eyes showed? No, that wasn't it...the glimmer of what you wanted to say? No...the rise of slight...no...it was none of those. It was something that made his heart start beating then...hammering in his chest. That pushed him closer to you, and when his mind for a moment reminded him the horrid event, felt a heated rush that cooled. Pulling you closer.

You still hadn't said what you needed to say, he was aware of that, right now...something possessive came over him...and...