"That must be weird, seeing your own relatives like that on a daily basis. I know Rosie is still freaked out… Are you going to ever tell them?" Michael asked, and you shrugged your shoulders in reply.
"Why should I? Besides, if he's really~ a Phantomhive, he needs to work to get that information… It's a lot more fun to be vague, after all," you told him, and he smirked at your resolve.
"… And what do you plan on doing, then? Just be an assistant? Marry or look for a relationship? Possibly… start practicing magic, again?" he asked, curiously, but you thought his words over before shrugging your shoulders.
"I'm still not sure. That's my biggest problem, right now… I like the dead. I don't think I want to replace that part of me," you began, glancing towards the Undertaker's desk and the bookshelf right beside it, staring at the rows of books and jars filled with organs, and your eyes slowly went to a skull before your turned back to him and smiled meekly. "… But maybe I should try other things? You know how Will was. It was always work, with him… I may be smart, but I kind of wanted to go into the arts. I just knew he wouldn't approve," you admitted, and he gave you a curious look in return.
"Oh? Like what?"
"I-I don't know. A lot of it is a hobby… but you know how I started that utube account and started animating? And people liked my music. I was even coming up with some original content… but life got in the way," you told him with a huff, and he smiled lightly in response.
"Yes… and it's not like we have computers. Sure, the reaper realm is a bit more advanced, but that doesn't mean we're as advanced as the 21st century… technology is a bit lacking."
"I miss electricity," you admitted with a tired sigh before giving him a light smile, "but, oh well. There's not much we can do about it now."
"True," he responded, the two of you nodded to each other as you began to grow quiet. "… You could buy an instrument, or maybe art supplies? Or writing. You could try that, right?"
"Maybe… but that'll just give me a hand cramp," you scoffed, "and you've seem my work, right? It's a bit grotesque, maybe eerie. Abstract. Ominous. Sometimes just odd. Like Tim Burton. His work was my inspiration, at first," you smiled, and he chuckled lightly in reply.
"Well, maybe political cartoons? You know, parodying this day and age. I get that your work wouldn't be appreciated till you're dead, so… you could try that. Or, if not, maybe there's something else you've wanted to try? Perhaps~… what about that investigation stuff you were talking about, before?"
"Criminal justice? Yeah. I-I wanted to do something in that field… but how can I? Scotland Yard hasn't even been a thing for a long period of time, and to have women as investigators? I'm not sure if that'd work –"
"Yes, but that is what your family used to do, right? And then everything changed and… well, you're a pretty good spy when you want to be. Or an assassin," he smirked slyly, and you chuckled as you rubbed the back of your neck.
"True, true… I guess there is some stuff I could try, huh," you decided to say, and you smiled lightly as he patted the top of your shoulder before sitting back on the casket he was propped upon.
"Exactly. Your life isn't hopeless, Lara. Don't think that way. Be positive. Becoming depressed is what causes humans to become grim reapers… and even though you're a very good one, I don't want to see you reanimated into a reaper. Okay?"
"No guarantees," you chuckled, causing the man to pout, but, well, Michael was right. You don't have to accept the norms. Besides, if worse comes to worse, you could always start dressing up like a guy and pretending you're a proper gentleman. It's really not that hard, after reading a few books about manners and customs… Yeah, you still don't like your 'role' in this society, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to their ideals, all the time.
Plus, you shouldn't have to worry about being accused as a witch and being burnt at a stake… So there's that to look forward to.
But as you thought, before you began to ask Michael another question, you heard the door open, the door bell dinging as it was opened and closed, and you turned to widen your eyes slightly, before your gaze dulled a little and you stood to your feet, giving the two who walked in a light smile. "Ah. Earl Phantomhive," you began, getting your companion's attention as you continued, "if you wish to talk to the Undertaker I can go get him for you."
"No need to rush. I didn't realize you had company over," he began, glancing to your reaper friend, eyeing his clothes, but before you could respond Michael stood up, smoothing out his suit, before giving you a light smile.
"It seems we've been chatting for too long –"
"You don't have to do, you dang –"
"And if I'm gone for too long, I'll have to explain myself. So, Clara, perhaps I'll see you at a later date," he smiled, pushing up the glasses that were on his face just a tad higher, and you sighed, wishing you could just give him a hug, but you know that'd be seen as 'suspicious' if you did.
So, you simply smiled in response.
"You better come back. Within the month. Michael."
"Yes, I will. Sirs," he finished, giving the two humans a slight nod, before leaving out the front door as you rolled your eyes slightly, turning towards the hallway, that was hidden behind a fairly large coffin.
"I'll be right back," you stated before Vincent could respond, but you just barely moved around the coffin, stepping into the fairly dark hallway, only to feel a hand upon your shoulder, turning you and pushing you back out into the parlor room. "H-hey! –"
"Aaaah~! Dear earl. I had a feeling you'd be showing up today," Undertaker smirked, but before you could disappear he grabbed your shoulder, forcing you to stay put. "Now~, why don't you stick around, my little assistant?" he whispered against your ear, so low you doubt anyone heard, but you narrowed your eyes in irritation.
"… You better tell me what you overheard from my pervious conversation with Michael," you stated, bluntly, shoving his hand away with your shoulder, but you replaced your irritation with a smile, only for Vincent and his main butler to glance at the two of you with a curious gaze.
! #$%^&*())(*&^%$# !
You weren't surprised to hear that Vincent was here about the recent guests the mortuary had received… this morning… which was why Undertaker had been gone all day while you attended to the everyday business the front part of the store had to endure. Two bodies had been picked up, a funeral arrangement, and luckily said funeral was in three days. So, it wasn't too difficult.
Still, you sat there, propped up on Undertaker's desk as you listened to the two males talk, with an irritable and exhausted look on your face. Every single time you tried to make an excuse to leave, Undertaker stopped you. Saying, it wasn't necessary, or perhaps, that can be done later. Every single time! Hell, even Vincent was catching on that something was up.
And honestly, even you don't know what's gotten into the man! You're this close to tackling him to the floor and beating the crap out of him!
Giaaaaighghghgh! –
"Lady Clara," you heard a voice, your glaring eyes blinking for a few moments, as you let out a shaky breath to calm yourself as you turned to the Phantomhive butler.
"Tanaka-sensei. Is something the matter?" you asked in a curious tone, noticing that the two men must have disappeared down the hallway, towards the basement, you're assuming, and you let out a tired sigh once you realized that you missed that.
"I could ask you the same question," he responded, his graying wisps of hair bouncing on top of his head slightly as he calmly took a seat on a nearby casket, keeping his brown eyes on your person as he watched your reactions with a calculative gaze. "… Pardon my intrusion, but are you having a quarrel with the Undertaker?" he asked, and you gave him a slightly glare before glancing away, scoffing underneath your breath at the question.
"Maybe~… depends on how he answers my questions," you spat out in disgust, causing the man to raise a curious eyebrow from behind his monocle, and you looked over at him before managing to give him a slight smile, though it wasn't a very convincing smile. More like a grimacing line on your face. "… Say, Tanaka-sensei," you began, pausing for a moment before sighing to yourself, scratching behind your head as you continued, "I know this may be a personal question, but… if you were given a chance to leave the Phantomhive household and do something on your own, like maybe follow your dreams, would you do it?" you asked, causing him to give you a curious look, but you kept a rather serious, but tired look on your face, waiting for a response.
He smiled lightly in reply. "No. Not because I have no dreams, but I enjoy my life as a Phantomhive butler. But, every story is different. Why? Do you dislike your time here with the Undertaker?" he asked in a curious tone, but you shrugged your shoulders in response.
"… I mean… I thought I did, but… I'm starting to wonder if I want to stay, or if I'm just staying because it's been convenient for me… Don't get me wrong. I owe Undertaker. I would be dead if he hadn't been there, but… I-I don't know. I honestly don't know," you responded, your face glancing away from his as he smiled lightly in response, thinking over your words.
"… Do you hate the Lord Undertaker?" Tanaka asked you, and you glanced over at him and let out a slight scoff.
"Of course not. He's a good man. Gentleman. Whatever. I know what others think about him. That he's an oddball and probably hired me because I'm a whore or something… but that's not the case," you stated, simply, pondering your words before sighing deeply to yourself. "… He's a kind man. Lonely, but kind. A-and I do enjoy my time here, but… sometimes I wonder if I should be doing something different."
"… If I may interject," he began, causing you to look over at him as he continued promptly, "at least in my case, if you enjoy what you are doing and do not see yourself as doing anything else, perhaps you should continue to do what you do. Regardless if you fully enjoy the task or not. However, you are a smart woman. I am sure you will come up with your own solution to your problems, on your own," he stated, and you gave him a light smile in response.
"Hmm… maybe you're right," you agreed in a soft, yet tired voice, but your heads turned as you heard rustling, and soon Vincent and Undertaker came back into the parlor room, an exhausted look on Vincent's face and a light grin on Undertaker's. "Something the matter?" you decided to ask, and Vincent let out a tired sigh.
"It's just the case I'm dealing with. Nothing to worry yourself over, Lady Clara –"
"I may be a woman, but if you're trying to find a solution I can be useful. It's not like I haven't done enough therapy sessions today, anyways," you scoffed to yourself, but when you realized Vincent probably didn't know what a 'therapy session' actually is, you simply stood to your feet and calmly crossed your arms over your chest, leaning against the desk. "Then, what's the problem, exactly?"
"We're having a difficult time drawing out the killer," Vincent began, but when he noticed a look Undertaker was giving him, he closed his mouth for a moment before giving you a light smile. "However, I'm sure we'll solve this case for the Queen very soon. In the meantime, Lady Clara, I have something for you," Vincent smiled happily, suddenly handing you a sealed envelope before gently grasping your hand and giving your hand a light kiss on the top. "My lovely lady Rachel would like to invite you and the Undertaker, if he wishes, to the Phantomhive manor. I understand your job is quite busy, but ever since she learned that you are Undertaker's assistant, she's been excited to meet you.
"And, considering Undertaker makes up excuses to not arrive to the mansion, I formally extend the invitation to yourself," he smiled sweetly, casting Undertaker a rather sinister, devious smirk before looking back to you with a tender smile adorning his gentle features. "It won't be anything fancy. Just a little brunch or lunch, or perhaps dinner if you wish to come by the afternoon. A house visit, and you do not have to stay long, if you do not wish to. Plus, the family would like to see you again, Undertaker," he continued, but before Undertaker could respond you let a slight scoff leave your breath as you flipped the envelope in your hand, pointing it towards the Undertaker.
"I won't be going if you don't, Undertaker. I'd just like to make that clear," you responded, before turning to Vincent and giving him a light smile in return. "Thank you for the invitation. Hopefully I can hold you up on your offer."
"Of course," he grinned, giving the two of you slight bow. "Now, I am sure you morticians have work to do. I won't delay you for much longer. Have a pleasant evening."
"And you as well, Vincent," you smiled, and you could hear Undertaker say a quick 'goodbye' while you let the two men out the front door, only to have Undertaker move you slightly to the side, flipping the sign from 'open' to 'close'. "… What's gotten into you?" you scoffed, but before he could move away you quickly grabbed his sleeve. "Hey! Listen to me, damn it! Tell me what's wrong, you reaper," you growled lowly, your snarl only growing as he refused to look at you, and eventually you let his sleeve go. "Fine! Be that way! I don't get why you're acting like an ass, but hell, I don't want the silent treatment here. At least say something!" you huffed, pausing for a moment and waiting for an answer, before shaking your head and leaving the parlor room.
You were tired. Your day suddenly felt extremely long, and you just needed to sit down.
You trudged down the hallway, up the stairs, and grumbled underneath your breath in irritation as you turned the stove back on, lighting the burner before setting the pot roast back into place. You paused, your eyes glaring harshly at the lukewarm meat, before you turned away, walking into the living room, and plopping yourself back down on the couch.
As if nothing happened.
Nothing was wrong…
But everything is wrong, damn it! Everything!