You know what you wanted right now? Two things, one to shake this unsettling feeling in your stomach that kept knotting itself in you not to mention the slight chill that ran over you, second...some of Sebastian's cooking. Yeah, that thought crossed your mind, one you wished hadn't because if could read minds then well...he'd never let you live it down.
Thank goodness he didn't.
Staring at the... breakfast meal before you for the workers, it didn't look bad nor was it bad. It was pretty good, the chef was talented and made sure to make delicious items before everyone went off and started their day. It was just...you weren't really much in the mood right now, your mind was in a haze..from the feeling you felt. About Harmony and about..this place. That and another reason, having to do with Ciel. There was a rift and you knew between you two, for the last two days he hadn't bother to call on you or summon you or even ask for any sort of information. He kept his distance, even more so than before. Which was both good as it would beneficial for this assignment, but then again...it left an achiness that wouldn't stop. And most likely wasn't going to stop, consider well...yeah.
Sighing a bit to yourself, use your fork and move some of the food around on your plate. Again, if you could do anything to fix this you would and...maybe things would go back. But, so far it wasn't. Now rolling a sausage across your plate, brought Harmony into your mind. Bite the bottom of your lip, preventing it from quivering, that dream...that dream you've been having with her just...just walking off with..him.
With Undertaker, just...sent your pulse racing. The way she happily greeted him, running out arms up and opened wide. He scooped her up immediately, their cheeks pressed together. Both of them smiling, smiles that ran your blood cold. Those smiles, the last time you remember seeing them your heart clenched, just thinking of it...was a moment that back then filled you with joy it showed. You too, as much as you wish not admit it, smiled along with them. Smiles like that, your thoughts remained, where only shared between the three. He had a way of making Harmony smile brighter than anyone. When laid unable to move, unable to tend to her he took care of her despite your protest and when you heard her laugh...he made her laugh it was bliss to your ears. And from there after you got well (from his twisted ways) smiles and laughter was all that echoed in his dark world.
Harmony never stopped, she kept going and going. Preferring his company more than your own, even once you made the choice to leave and never go back. She cried for two weeks straight day and night for that smile. No matter what you tired, no matter what you did with your patience wearing thin, it obvious she wanted him. You had separated her from what truly...you dare think that word, but in your gut knew it was true. What Harmony loved. When she learned to walk a bit she waddled over to him, and he'd scoop right up in his arms, while laughing teasingly at you.
He always laughed, it was harmful, but still fun for him.
You could still hear the echoes of his snickering mixed with Harmony's sweet and innocent laughter. That put a small smile on your lips, Harmony's laughter. His...turned your smile sour and down. It wrinkled hot on your brows.
It didn't go unnoticed, looking up from her food Miss Angus old eyes softly rest on you. The darken worry she saw swelling in your eyes and the scrunched pain that knotted in your brows that misted your eyes, she was sure a tear was about to fall into your food your eyes remained drowned in. Though her eyes might be old they could see well enough.
Setting her fork down and in voice so warm and comforting spoke. "April, dearie," she called to you. "are you alright?"
There was no response from you, but she saw a flicker of you that told you heard her. While the others at the table chatted away finishing their food, Miss Agnus kept her focus on the young lady before her. She knew something was wrong, the moment you came in, your eyes weren't as bright as they normal would be. There were traces of small bags under your eyes that spoke without you saying a thing. They were easily overlooked by others, but Miss Agnus saw. There was also not smile, just a rather quiet and somber look that could be seen as tired. But, it wasn't. Whatever it was, Miss Angus wanted to know.
Clearing her throat, deeper than last time. She saw that flicker in your eyes that you heard. Opened her mouth and-
A knock came to the door stopping her. One of the maids rose to go answer. Through the chatter your ears had drowned out all the sound around you, yet honed in to the brief conversation that was exchanged at the door.
"The Red House?"
"Yes, there is a new student enrolling and the Perfect would like their room set up, before they arrive."
"Yes, of course, I will make sure-"
You sprung up. "I'll go!"
All heads and eyes look to you, you looked over them at the messenger at the door. Your eyes held tight on them. The maid at the door shifted her eyes back to the messenger, then to you.
"That's kind of you to volunteer, April, but Sarah and myself will cov-"
"Actually," the messenger interrupts. Turning to you with a mild smile. Pointing a finger. "The Perfect did request if you'd be able to so. April correct?" You nod. His smile grew further. "Wonderful, Edgar will be expecting you. If you could please come after breakfast that would wonderful." With that he left.
Your heart raced, the Red house, this was wonderful! This would work out well, you now had access to it and that meant...a gleam flashed in your eyes. Your smile returned slightly, color came back. It was hard not to noticed the sudden up lift in spirit. Sitting back down, you waste no time and finish eating. Humming merrily the whole time. A humming that made the others raise a questionable brow.
With a satisfied from your lips, lift your napkin and lightly dab away any extra crumbs or residue left over, stand from the table and excuse yourself. Hurry to your room to change and to the closet to gather the items you needed to get the room ready. Opening the door of the closet gather what you needed, shut it, turn around and nearly scream.
"Oh, forgive me," Miss Angus apologized. "I didn't mean to frighten you, dearie."
That was an understatement, she just snuck up on you like some sort of ninja. Relaxing, calm yourself after a few breaths. "T-That's alright, I should have been paying attention. Umm, yes?"
She adjusted her small spectacles, a wrinkled smile on. That just...remained plastered on, you weren't sure what it was only that time was ticking and you needed to go. This...stale silence was a bit uncomfortable.
"Well," you clear your throat, a nervous smile. "I should, umm, go. The Red Perfect is expecting me an-"
She took a step, you stopped, and leaned back. What did she want? Clearing your throat kept your nervous smile on even as the corners quivered. A bit. Could she just say something and not...smile. Your stomach wouldn't stop quivering. After what seemed like an hour she finally spoke in a voice so sweet.
"May I come with you?"
That was it!? You wanted to scream hearing those words, all she wanted to say was if she could come? Feeling your jaw clench, force yourself to smile and nod, stiffly.
"Yes," you reply. "I-I don't mind."
"Oh, wonderful! Now, let me just get my things and we'll be on our way, excuse me dearie." She gently swatted you aside and went into the closet. She rustled around a bit, cheerfully whistling that took every ounce of you not to snap. She was older after all. Once she was done, having everything she needed, you and her were off to the Red House.
You wanted to walk fast, your legs were hot, your mind eager to arrive. But, you couldn't and had to take your time, Miss Angus though quick in her work did take awhile to walk. So out of...respect you kept it at her pace. Which felt like forever. Just this time. Normally, the two of you would be talking, but right now your mind wasn't on exchanging words. You just needed to hurry up. That didn't stop Miss Angus from trying.
"Oh, today seems extra lovely. Wouldn't you agree?"
Suppressing a groan, give a light nod and short response. "Yes."
"The sun is brighter now, oh I do enjoy the warmth it's giving. Reminds me back when I was a little girl and I use to sunbathe. I felt like a flower, of course," she lightly laughed. "I was much a looker back then."
You forced yourself to laugh with her, if you didn't then it would be rude. And you couldn't have that.
No.
Not with all the lessons you've hand, thinking about them rush a shiver up your spine. Those were some dark days...very dark days.
Nearly there, you could see the house not too far. Wonderful, you had it all planned out in your mind. Though you had to switch it with Miss Angus tagging along. It would still go well, while the two of you cleaned and prepared the room, you'd excuse yourself as Miss Angus had a tendency to get caught up in her work. Slip out find Maruce's room slip in and find as much as you could on what he did. Then hurry back before anyone noticed or if someone did just tell them you came to clean his room as well.
It was perfect!
Speaking of perfect, at the Red House Edger stood waiting for the maid to arrive. It ran ten minutes pass her arrival time she should have been here. If he were either Lawrence or Herman he'd be rather furious by her tardiness. But, he was neither so it didn't bother him the least, standing took in the scent of the delicate rose he held gently between his fingers. Be careful of the thorns. His eyes admiring its beauty, he didn't noticed two approaching figures until they stopped and spoke.
A voice he sort of knew, only heard it spoke maybe three times. But he knew it, he couldn't forget a lady's voice.
Removing his eyes from the rose, lifted them to the bright golden-yellow ones staring back. A smile played coolly on his lips to them.
"Ah, April, good morning," he said smoothly like silk holding out a hand to match. You didn't take it. He dropped it away. Though the smile remained. "I hope you don-Oh!" he noticed Miss Agnus. "Well, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you to bring another."
You thought quickly. "Oh, umm, yes well...Miss Agnus and myself work well in tandem, she also taught me much so I thought it would be ashamed if I went without her. If.."your voice lowered a bit. "that's alright with you, sir."
"Oh," he said breathless. "such manners you have. Why one might think you are of nobility."
Your spine ran cold, damn it! You nearly forgot! Your heart pounding in your ears, swallow the lump that formed. If he put two and two together then...then...
Crap! He walking over now! What to do! What to do?! Wha-
His hand came down on your cheek. You flinched a bit. "And such yummy skin, reminds me of delicious sweet caramel." He stroked your cheek. "And your eyes..."he leaned further to get a better look. "..Yes those eyes of yours, well, hmm..."
You wanted to move away from his face and hold, but resisted and let him finishing...looking. It was hard not to shift your eyes here, there, and everywhere. But you managed to remain still, time was ticking away and you needed to get in. Noticing it in your eyes, Edger released you.
Thank goodness, you sighed inside. Feel something light bounce up and down on the top of your head. "And your hair," he exclaimed while lightly petting it. "it's so lush and full of volume. Smooth too, you must brush it often or at least everyday. No?"
You didn't know what to say, your throat was three times its size. So you faintly nodded. If only you could swat his hand away and why did you get this strange feeling Sebastian was laughing?
A ways away, feeling something coming and rising, Sebastian sneezed suddenly. Unsure why, he just smiled to himself.
Back with Edger, he gave a few more pats and finished. "Now, if you beautiful ladies can follow me," he instructed turning around, though not before placing the rose he was holding in your hair, lead you and Miss Angus inside. Through the foyer, up the stairs, the inside was rich and tasteful. Colors of red, scarlet red and gold where the most prominent. It was lavishing like one from high birth.
The ceilings high, windows large and open. One place you did enjoy about coming here was the simple garden they had surrounding it. The flowers brought you back to the cottage days.
"-Here we are!" Edger stopped, before a door, and opened it. "I know you will make the room immaculate, after all I've heard you've been over at the Purple House April. Making the place shine bright."
"Oh, umm, yes!"
He smiled. "Wonderful! Take your time ladies, our newest arrival should be here after lunch. Meaning after the tour he is given he will be. If you need anything please, let me know."
"Yes, of course," Miss Angus said. "April, dear, let's get to work."
You nodded and walked in, she followed. Before leaving, Edger had one more thing to say. "Oh, if you could make it fit for a prince, that would wonderful."
A prince? you wondered, what a strange thing to request. What prince could be coming here? You set your things down still thinking about it, Soma was the only one Prince you knew and he was back at the townhouse.
It didn't matter, you didn't need to wonder about that. Right now you needed to find Maurice's Room. Stripping the bed of its own linen, change it. Tucking away the corners of sheet carefully, smooth a hand over it taking out any creases. Next, add the comforter. It was quiet large and dense, some what of a struggle getting it on and covering the bed properly. Or it could just be you've been out of the game for some time, you forgot how to work like this.
Goodness, you've become lazy.
Sighing, complete the task. After, you had gathered the pillows, at least maybe...ten you counted. Each one of them needed to full, so you did. Squeezing and pounding them a bit, set them straight and line them well.
"There," you said wiping your brow with a satisfied smile. Turn around. "now, to the matter at han-"
"April, dearie," Miss Angus called.
"Yes?"
She stopped polishing the oak closet, turned around to you. There was something different this mask of reserve on her face, despite the light smile she had. Which made you wonder, what was with the smile and why...did make your heart swell?
Setting the rag down, Miss Angus comes over, takes your hand and gives it a tender squeeze. Sent a small jolt through you. Not sure why, but it did. A touch like this you hadn't felt in some time and...
"It's nothing," she said. "I'm just glad, that's all."
That was all? Really? Wanting to slap your face, do so mentally. Instead, tenderly squeeze her hand back and smile. "That's wonderful to hear, if you will excuse me," take your hand back. "I, must go ask the, sir something."
Keeping your smile on inch around her and hurry out.
Finally away, began your search down and through the halls for Maurice's room. Skimming through each door you came across. Quickly stepping, glancing around if nothing stood out or showed indication of Maurice you'd leave hastily. You had to keep track of time, if you were gone for too long then it could raise suspicions. Opening another door, find another room...nothing.
"Damn!" you huff, shutting the door.
His room had to be here, fold your arms think for a moment, checking off each room you've been in so far. The rooms you've cleaned, since you've been called to the Purple House so much you hadn't the time to go to each house like you should. Making this a bit more challenging, but a challenge you could get through. There was something else, that pinched in your mind. About the Red House, something Ciel told you as you continued looking. It was about the case, about...what the young man's name this investigation was on? Someone related to the Queen...
"What was his name?" you mused to yourself quietly. Thinking further, open a few more doors, same thing. That name, it was starting to form slowly but arose..."Oh!" You snap your fingers. "Derrick Arden! He was apart of this house, maybe.."you mutter to yourself. Formulate a plan. "While I'm here, maybe I can look for further information. If it'll help Ciel then-" your voice cracked a moment. "..." His harsh words echoed in your mind. They stung, they still did. "I'll do it either way."
Pushing that feeling aside, now wasn't the time to be emotional. You had a task at hand and needed to complete it. Not sure how long you've been out, pick up the pace, unaware of a figure down the hall spotted you.
After a few more doors, finally, you finally found the room!
Maurice's room and it was quite a surprise. Really, then again considering how he looked rather...handsome young man with those long eyelashes and everything. His room was much like it, clean and pretty. You thought for a moment you stepped into a young lady's room. Just a bit, after another minute of gawking you get to work and search through what you could. The bed, closet, even the drawers...all the way to his...vanity. Anything you touched put back in its rightful place.
Opening drawers, looking under the bed...running a hand in small places. Opening the few books he had. Still, find nothing. There had to be something, you glance around the room further, going through a few more things a second time. Rifling through a few more things quicker than last time, accidently knock something off onto the floor.
It was a small decent size chest, picking it up open it and find...paper flowers. Decorative paper flowers, an odd thing. Studying it further wondering why he would have a few of these, set them back inside and place the chest back, hopefully its right spot. Perhaps your methods weren't working, you should have found something by now. But, it seemed not the case. Trying not to become frustrated while equally downhearted, turn around and leave. Carefully shutting the door behind you, you needed to come back to give the room a deeper check. To make sure you wouldn't forget this was his room, raise a finger and with your nail scratch away in the corner making a very small mark. Chipping away at the paint and material, there, you had your mark.
Pleased, stand, turn and..WHACK! Hit something hard. A body.
Your heart dropped, was someone following you this whole time? If so...how didn't you notice them? What did they see? So many questions swirling and clouding your mind, didn't notice two hands come up until they rested on your shoulder.
"April," Edger's voice came, "are you alright?"
Your heart sunk to your stomach, he was following you?! Oh goodness...this wasn't good. Your eyes shot up to him, wide and shaking. He met your look calm and curious. Your mind was just firing off, on what he might have seen or...worse...
Stopping yourself from swallowing the harden lump in your throat, try to recall what he said but it was all a blur. So, there was only one thing to do. Biting your lip quickly, bow your head deep to him.
"Sir, fo-forgive me!"
Your rise in volume took him by surprise. Blinking a few times, a soft chuckle came out. Not what you were expecting, but even so, you remained careful. "Forgive you for what?" he repeated through his chuckles.
You weren't sure, you just thought saying this would work...it did with Gregory. "Well...I um..."you fumble over your words, cheeks heating. "D-Did you need something, sir?"
"Well," he said giving it a minute thought. "I did come by to check up on the progress of the room. But you were absent, I was told by your lovely friend you went off to find me. So," using a finger he slide under your chin and lifted up so he could have full eye contact. "I went to find. Is there something you needed to ask me?"
Crap! This wasn't what you were expecting, what could you ask him? Really what could you, you hadn't calculated him finding you or better yet him coming by. Thinking quickly, your eyes shuffle around to find something that could give you an idea...spot it!
"I-I was...wondering..flower!"
He rose a brow. "Flowers?"
You nod. "Yes! From the garden, flowers for the room. To brighten it up, for the prince! Flowers always make everything wonderful!"
"Oh!" He gushed, setting his hands on either side of your face. "You are quite thoughtful, what a beautiful idea. You may use the garden to gather some flower, in fact," he held out an arm or you. "we can go together. Come."
You didn't want to take it, but did so. Graciously. "T-Thank you, sir."
He beamed a suave smile at you. "You are most welcome. Now, let us go." Taking the lead, led you to the garden.
The garden was lovely, the colors vibrant and spellbinding. Despite your heated mood, you took some joy being in here. Even if Edger was rather close, almost like a shadow. The way he talked about each flower and its beauty comparing it something else was familiar to someone else. Not sure why he was so close, endure it, there wasn't much choice you had. Going from bush to the other hear in distant yet it seem throughout the campus, festive and vibrant music. It was almost like a parade, a lively one. There was also the sound of an...elephant?
"What?" you lift your attention to the noise. "An elephant? What's going on?"
Edger stood up and listen. "It seems our newest student has arrived. Earlier than I thought. Have you figured out the flowers?"
"Oh," you gasped a bit, nearly forgot your reason for being out here. Quickly look at them and quickly pick some. "These!" Snatching up, forgetting some had thorns hold them tight and rush back inside. Yell back to Edger. "Thank you, sir!"
Before he could say anything you were already inside. "I can see why, Violet fancy's her," he chuckled to himself turning back to the flowers. Gently petting one. "oh! I forgot to deliver her the message ."
Racing back inside, you sprint up the stairs, down the hall, reach the room. Find two things, one it was empty Miss Angus was gone and two the room was ready. She did work first.
The only thing left for you to do, was set up the flower, and there was...no vase. Wonderful, setting them down drawer, run back out and search for a one. Keeping up this ruse was more trouble than you needed. Eventually you find one, of course you had to empty the flowers that were already in it. Clenching it, hurry back to the room, heart racing in your ear and chest, sprint up the stairs and head straight to the room. Unaware of the surprise that was there the moment you arrived, grab the door knob, turn it and push it open. Stumble over your footing, fall forward, hands shoot out and grab you just in time. They set you up, carefully.
That was close, taking a breath stand on your own and prepare a smile for your savior. "T-Than-" your words froze, your eyes couldn't believe what...no who they saw. Their eyes stared back the same.
Your mouth nearly dropped the same with them, gasped each others name.
"Soma!"
"May?"
