Harmony's birthday was more than delightful, her smile never faded, not even once. She laughed, giggled, and danced around in a mood so light, it was contagious. Smiles rose on every one, the merriment exceeded far beyond what she expected, what you expected. You had to admit, Ciel did a wonderful job, despite the lack of interaction and eye contact between the two of you, which he did not hold that with Harmony. Your sister marveled at her Spring themed party. Though it was small, it had all whom cherished her. Even Dottie, the venue was held in the center of the garden next to one of the fountains. Rows and rows of flowers surrounded everywhere, they hung like an enchanting display. Some arched creating doorways into the floral world, each dish of food was special prepared for Harmony's liking.
Of course there were an assortment of cookies, that she adored greatly. Music was played in a sweet and flowing tempo, because of her love for the zoo, it surprised everyone, including yourself, Ciel had rented to put it plainly some animals to come. So Harmony could enjoy them, her favorite, the peacock and snakes. You couldn't imagine how much he spent on it, if that wasn't enough, her gifts kept coming. Besides new dresses and toys like most children of high society, she was given a new bookcase filled stories of every kind of fairy tale that could be named. A new art room was fixed up for her, she had a section in the garden added just for her, two new horses...the list went on and on. It was almost hard to follow, clearly she was being spoiled. Everyone just lavished her, Soma came and boosted about the gifts he had for her. Irking Edward, starting him up. Francis quickly whipped her son to stop such a foolish behavior. Allowing Soma to get the last word.
Lau, whom you wished hadn't come though Ran-Mao you didn't mind, presented Harmony with gifts from his country. Clothing appropriate for her age, he even had two gifts for you that you reminded yourself to burn later, he presented her with some games as well a special woven silk bedding. He even managed to some how import...an exotic bird. It was a chick actually, a baby, golden pheasant. Whom she named, Tippy because when it walked it tipped forward. An odd thing for a chick to do. But, Harmony loved it. Holding a few times, being careful. Introducing her new pet to Dottie and Snake's snakes. Nearly frightening everyone, to be surprised they didn't bother to attack or eat the bird.
From her gifts, came games to be played. She partnered with Lizzy, in fun lawn games. Games...a few that Madam Red use to play with her when she came. Horseshoes, one Harmony's favorite, watching her play rose the wonderful memories. Made you laugh, how her and Madam Red would go at with, sometimes with Grell too. Or they'd play croquette, tag especially...freeze tag was her favorite. Even if it was just with four people back then...Harmony enjoyed it. She enjoyed it even more with more than four, which became rather...interesting. But, fun none the less. You couldn't stop chuckling each time you could get. This feeling, made everything negative that's happened fade and disappear away.
After games, and a game of leap frog, something Francis was against...but let it be since it was Harmony's day. Though her sharp eyes whipped at you, knowing it was you who taught her, broke you into a nerves sweat and cower a bit. From the games, came a bit of dancing. Lizzy and Harmony danced together, Harmony included Ran-Mao. You stood back to watch, not really up for dancing at the moment. That didn't stop Soma and Edward from asking...and pushing the other one away. You declined, you still some minor pain so you felt it was best to sit out. Or so you thought...that damn Lau managed to trick you into dancing...with him. You wanted to knee him bad, but kept it up.
It was Harmony's birthday after all.
There was dance that Harmony wanted to do...one that was important...one she loved. One that was done with Madam, you, and her. This time around..it include more, Lizzy, Ran-Mau, Mey-Rin...nearly everyone. Even yourself. The dance went well, it lite Harmony's face beyond words. And she thanked everyone for doing it with her.
Once dancing was done, came the cake...and what a cake it was. Elegant white frosting, with mixed Spring colored flowers delicately placed around like winding tower of three layers. Silver pearl dust gently around it. The smell was softly sweet...Sebastian presented her with the cake and candles. Everyone came around and sung happy birthday to her. You whispered to make a wish or wishes.
She closed her eyes...opened them for a moment, gazed around quickly, closed them back and blew out her candles. Everyone applauded, cake was severed. You helped with it, despite Sebastian being in charged with it, it was out of habit for you. Having done it for some time. Francis didn't scold you for it, you didn't even feel her eyes on you.
Thank goodness.
The cake was the last for Harmony's birthday, the day ended well...by four. Everyone left by five, wishing Harmony another wonderful birthday. Some smothered her in a cuddled and affection hug, the two of them nuzzled cheeks together. Sparking a giggle from Harmony, Lizzy was the next one, the two girls clung together squeezing it went longer than Soma's...prying them apart was even harder. If not for Francis words that separated them. Edward gave a simple yet loving hug, Alexis like Lizzy hugged Harmony affectionately. Agni presented her with a hug, patting her head. Lau gave her a pat on the head, Ran-Mao gave a...umm...hug.
With everyone's good-byes, it was time retire. Dinner was severed as usual. It was quiet between you and Ciel, though Harmony filled that silence. He returned her conversation. Completely blocking you out. You felt it and retired from the table, Mey-Rin followed you. You took your bath early, to pass the time, you remained in your room until Harmony came in, dressed and ready for bed. In one of her new nightgowns. That was nearly identical to Lizzy's. No surprise who it was from, Harmony came over to you asking for you to come with her to look through her other presents that where delivered.
Finnian and the others were going to help and she wanted you. So you accompanied her. Just as she said, Finnian and the others where in one of the drawing rooms opening some of the presents.
You took a spot on the floor, picked up the gift closest to you. Read who it was from: Phipps. Opened it, a pair of new satin gloves. You set them aside, picked up another one, from Phipps again. This time it was a silver pendant, a heart shaped one. How cute, you smiled, set it down. Hear a yelp of joy, it was Finnian and Harmony.
Smiling to yourself quietly, pick up another one, it was from Miguel Constantine. It was a long one...in orange wrapping paper. Opening it, find a lovely doll. From where she was Harmony saw it out the corner of her eyes, gasped, came running over. She scooped it up, cheeks rosy, Snake frowned on the other side of the room. With his snakes hissing.
Delighted from the gift, Harmony kept it close. Returned back to Finnian, you went through a few more. Find one wrapped all in...red? Curious, open it, a red ball with green dots. The ball seemed oddly familiar. Humming on who it was, set it aside. With one more gift to go, this one small thin, rectangle one...wrapped in...maroon paper. And odd color, you open it, take off the lid...what you saw turned your blood cold...icy cold. Ran a cold shiver down your spine..lodged a hard lump in your throat.
This wasn't...this wasn't possible? How...your mind spun...was it him? Did he do this? He knew whom you stayed with...did he...no...your heart quickened and clenched so tight, you winced. Why would someone send this...to...no...No...NO! Fear rose in your eyes...you had to get rid of this...you had too...Harmony, she couldn't see this...she...
"Oh wow!" Harmony gasped, over your shoulder. "That's so pretty!"
She reached and grabbed the item, before you could stop her. She opened and closed it...naturally. You cringed and silent shutter watching her easily use it. Swallowed hard. Reached out to take it back. "H-Harmony," your voice came out dry. Coughing, clear it. "Harmony, sweetie," you call her in a sweet voice you could muster. "Why don't you let me have that?"
She moved it away. Giggling. Hiding half her face with it. "No, it's mine. It's pretty."
You try to smile. "Yes, I know, but," you continued to reach. "it is quite dangerous to be using. So-"
Again she moved it away, stepping back. "Mr. Finnian!" She called. "Look what I have!" Held it up high for him, he turned from what he was doing.
The moment his eyes landed on it, widen. "Oh! Wow! That's really neat!"
Harmony's smile spread further. As she kept fanning herself. "It is, I really love it. Even if it's not pink, I like the round flower design." Her eyes stare at it. Yours too.
Finnian came over to look at it further. "It is nice. Remind me of turtles. Just a bit."
"Yeah," Harmony tilted her head a bit. At the crest in the center of the black iron fan, a crest she had no idea how important and significant it was, but...you did. You knew well. A crest you hope not to see...ever. "it does. Like turtles, the flower does."
Turtles, a misconception...with the Japanese bell flower. Its print did look like...turtles.
"Hey," Bardlory came over noticing the fan. Scratched his head. With a grin. "it's one of those...iron fans. From Japan, that's a interesting gift. Pretty neat."
"An iron fan?" Harmony looked to him, he nodded. "Neat!" Looked back to the fan, eyes and smile widening.
You wished wouldn't have...but they kept growing and remained locked on the fan. Like some sort of trance, a trance you wished she didn't get in...you needed to get it away from her. You needed to get that...fan away from her. Standing, hold a hand out. Open your mouth...
"Excuse me," Sebastian appeared. Getting everyone's attention, he had his pocket watch out, looking at the time. "Lady Harmony, though you have turned a year older, you are still required to have a bed time."
"Sebastian! Look!" She walked over to him holding up her fan. "Isn't pretty? The flower looks likes turtles!"
He leaned down to look further, "Yes, so I see. An iron fan with the kikkyo flower, hmm, interesting sort of crest."
"Crest?" Harmony yawned, your heart jumped. "What kind of crest?" Rubbing her eyes.
Another yawn slipped out. Sebastian smiled. "That will have to told another time, now," he held out a hand for her to take. "it is time for bed. Come."
Nodding Harmony took it, Sebastian with his other hand took her fan, handed it off to Baldory telling him and the others clean up the mess and put the gifts away. Perfect, you could help them and get the fan.
Turn to Finnian and the others. "Please, allow me to-"
"May!" Harmony cried..."tuck me in, please?"
Damn it! Clenching your teeth...turn and smile. "Yes of course." Go over to her, carefully scoop her up, take her to her room.
Her head dropped to your shoulder, you felt it, along with her drool. Reaching her, open it, cross the room to her bed, lay her down. Pull the covers back and tuck her in, she snuggled herself deeper...satisfied. A comfortable smile settled on her face.
Smooth out the wrinkles of her sheets, "May...May.."she whispered sleepily. You give her your attention. "I had a good birthday."
You push a smile. "I'm glad to hear that...Ciel did make it magical for you. I'm glad he did."
She nodded slowly. Yawned. Rubbing her eyes. Gushed softly. "Everyone came. I wished though...A-Auntie...Re...Red came." You stop, feel your heart sink.
Swallow. Screaming not respond, but you did. "I-Is that what you wished for?"
Harmony nodded...slowly. Then shook her head. "No...n..not really...I want something...else."
"Something else?" you weren't expecting that. Began looking for her rabbit and tiger. "What else did you wish for?" Lift up some pillows in a chair, nothing. Where did they go?
A staggered giggle came from her. You found one. The tiger. It was really cute. Harmony hummed. Lightly. With a giggled smile on her lips. "You're not going to tell me?" you tease lightly, moving to the other side of the room, find the rabbit. Walk back over to the bed. Set them on either side of her. Harmony giggled, shaking her head.
But, sleep held its hold over her and it slipped out, as she drifted to slumber. What she said...you weren't sure if it was a joke or the sleep talking. Whatever it was, your mind...gave it...a...no! You shake it away, messaging away the rising heat.
No. NO! Shaking it from your head and thoughts, lean over and kiss her forehead. Tuck her in a little more. "Happy Birthday, Harmony." Whisper above her, quietly leave. Back up, turn off the light, shut the door softly. Stepped back hit something firm and hard.
Sigh.
Pinch your brow. Growl lowly, feeling their amused smile on their lips. "Yes, Sebastian?" Drag his name out. With another sigh.
"My, your heart rate seems to have increased." He said, leaning closer. You step away. Back still to him. He chuckled lightly. "The Lady Harmony is sleeping, good." Purred the last word softly.
Your hand shot back over his mouth. Slide your eyes back narrowed at him. "Don't...just don't...what do you want?"
He removed your hand. A glint in his eyes. "Now, you should know not to ask me such a question. I might take you up on that."
A flush prickled your skin, snatch your wrist from him. Turn a sharp shoulder to him. Arms crossed. "Do not read into my words, I can assure you that is not what any of them mean, now, what is it?"
"So uptight," he sighed smirking. You did your best to ignore it. "you are correct I have come to inform you of something." You listen. He moved closer, pressing his chest against your back. You could feel his heart beat match with yours. Leaned closer to your ear, whispered. "The young master wanted me to inform you that he will out for a while," you held in the quiver, he kept going. "we will be departing early coming morning."
Everyone ounce of you held it together. "...Why?" you managed to ask.
"Her majesty has assigned a new assignment. That requires and educational approach."
Educational? You arch a brow. Just what was he talking about? "What do you mean?" Turn around finding him gone, lift a hand touch the side of your cheek lightly. It still lingered...damn that Sebastian.
Though, what did he mean by an educational approach?
I will be doing the Public school arc as a request.
