Gentle murmurs tickling my ears slowly stirred me awake, drawing a tired moan from my lips. A light chuckle breeze through my ears, causing my lips to twitch into a smile. Reluctantly, I fluttered my eyes open against the bright sunlight piercing the dark blinds. Sebastian's amused smile greeted me as it usually did as he gently coaxed me out of the warm bed. I sleepily allowed him to strip me out of my sleeping gown and dress me in one of the many dresses he had finished adjusting last night. My tail contently swayed as it poked through the hole he created for it. Purrs erupted from my throat as Sebastian ran a brush through my hair, expertly creating a braided headband with my white hair and clipping it across from ear to ear. As he finished, I smiled at him and gave him a small twirl, playfully curtsying low at the end. Sebastian affectionately rubbed my ears at my playful display and ushered me out for breakfast. Before we exited his room, I lightly tugged at his sleeve earning his attention. With a shy grin, I reached my hands out for a hug. Apparently amused and pleased with my frequent request, he pulled me into a warm embrace and allowed my tail to comfortably wrap around his leg. I let out another string of purrs before mumbling out, "Good morning, Sebastian."
Sebastian's chest rumbled as he replied, "Good morning, little one." Satisfied with my slice of attention before the work day, I followed him to the kitchen where breakfast was already set up. The other servants were, of course, absent from their chairs causing Sebastian to wearily sigh. "It seems we must wake them up," he frowned, leading me to where the servants quarters was.
Deciding I could at least help with this, I detached myself from Sebastian's side and entered the women's quarters where Mey-Rin soundly slept. I giggled as I poked her cheek getting no response. I tried to sweetly ask her to get up like Sebastian did for me but again got no reaction. My tail swayed back and forth as I tried to think of how to go about waking her up without getting a scream hurting my ears. A mischievous grin grew on my lips as an idea popped into my head. I plopped myself on Mey-Rin, placing my thighs on both sides of her waist before bringing my tail close to her nose. With the silky tips of my tail, I brushed it across Mey-Rin's face earning a snort of laughter. I grinned and continued to tickle her face with my tail and reached for her foot. Lightly tracing the lines of her foot pulled a shriek of laughter from the maid. She shot up, dazed and sleepily trying to understand why she was getting tickled so early in the morning. As she finally put the pieces together, she let out a burst of giggles.
"This may have been the first time I've been woken up so gently," she laughed, crawling out from under my body. I quickly rolled off her bed and allowed her to make her way to her closet. "Sebastian usually bangs something really loud to startle us awake, he does."
"Really? Sebastian has only been soft and gentle when waking me up," I mused out-loud, receiving a shocked look from Mey-Rin. I could practically see a dark cloud form over her head as she learned of my special treatment. I racked my brain for some excuse to comfort her and finally said, "It's probably because I'm still injured." My words seemed to sooth the maid because she let out a sigh of relief and grinned happily at me. When she was finished tying her hair, we exited the room together to see the others waiting for us. I sheepishly apologized for taking so long and was promptly reassured that waking Mey-Rin usually took time. I took my place next to Sebastian as we made our way to breakfast, a small smile forming on his lips as he rubbed my ears. I let out a soft purr before taking my seat at the table in the kitchen. Sebastian continued his way towards the stove and started to boil water while starting to create the young master's breakfast. I wondered for a second if he ever ate before remembering he was a full demon. Being a half demon had it's perks. Although I wasn't nearly as strong as a full demon, I could eat both souls and human food to obtain energy. I was pulled from my silent musings as Finny struck up a new conversation.
"Actually, Lucille, what are you going to be doing here?" he asked, curiosity brimming in his innocent eyes.
"Wouldn't she be a maid?" Bard asked, kindly smiling at me. "A very cute maid," he continued, his smile taking on a wolfish nature. I shifted nervously under his gaze but the clearing of a certain demon butler's throat had Bard looking back at his breakfast.
"Oh! Then I wouldn't have to do all the cleaning by myself!" Mey-Rin chirped happily.
"You mean you might not break as many valuable items as you usually do," Sebastian sighed, placing the young master's finished meal onto a cart. Mey-Rin blushed and muttered a jumble of words but I didn't try to comfort her when a bottle of milk was set in front of me. I grinned and wasted no time take speedy small sips at the milk. Far too quick, the milk in the bottle disappeared leaving me unsatisfied. Knowing it was probably fruitless, I cast a pleading look to Sebastian and got the expected shake of the head.
"Come, little one, the young master wants to see you this morning," Sebastian beckoned. I silently obeyed, latching myself to his side as I followed him to the young master's bedroom. I held back a small coo when I saw the young earl curled up under his covers, peacefully sleeping. I watched Sebastian wake the small earl and recite the schedule for the day. The young master muttered a confirmation before taking his tea. As he did, the young master finally turned his attention to me, gaze down at me with curious eyes.
"Come here, Lucille," he commanded. I was quick to do so, curiously peering at him as he stared at me blankly. After a long moment of silence, Ciel surprised me by rubbing my ears. A purr of satisfaction rumbled in my throat and Ciel seemed pleased by the noise. After a good minute of light rubbing, he returned to his breakfast and spoke to me of my place at the manor. "Like the other servants, you will protect the manor and do your best to serve me. Sebastian will look after you and give you the education you need while you preform the tasks of a maid."
Although I immediately nodded, I hesitated before asking, "Is it okay to educate me?" Education was a luxury for nobel men and not for servants. The idea of learning was exciting but surprised me.
"If I say so then it is," Ciel childishly reasoned. I held back from a giggle at his words and instead affectionately hugged the young master. He froze in shock but quickly relaxed in my hold as I stroked his head while purring in thanks. Knowing he was unused to such attention, I released my hold on him and padded my way back to the demon butler's side. Sebastian smiled at me with a newfound interest in his eyes, almost applauding me for my unexpected actions. I turned away as Sebastian helped Ciel dress for the day and politely curtsied before leaving when Ciel excused. Unsure of what to do, I made my way to the kitchen where the other servants were cleaning up. Mey-Rin wobbled as she shakily balanced herself on a chair to put the plates in a high cupboard. As fast as my reflexes let me, I rushed myself to the unsteady maid as she fell from the chair, catching Mey-Rin in my arms and the plates on my shin. A dull pain rippled through me as the maid landed on one of my many healing bruises but I gently eased her off and placed the plates safely on the counter.
"Lucille?" she asked, still flustered from her fall. I smiled at her before hoping on the chair she had been on. With my tail expertly keeping me steady, I picked the plates off the counter and placed them in the cupboard Mey-Rin had been trying to before jumping off.
"Maybe you should leave heights to me," I suggested. Mey-Rin nodded, still stunned by my display of swift speed.
"Good thing you caught her, Sebastian would've definitely gotten mad if we broke anymore things this early in the morning," Bard sighed, scrubbing away at some silverware. I silently nodded and moved the chair back to the table.
"Yeah, I got Mister Sebastian pretty mad yesterday," whimpered Finny. "I was trimming the shrubs but accidentally cut too much off when I got distracted by a bunny passing by. After that, I tried to fix it but I kept on messing up so I kept cutting and cutting until there was just a stump." I held back from chuckling at the young gardener's tale and thought of a way to comfort him.
"Well, maybe next time if you cut too much off, you could switch to smaller sheers so you don't cut too much off my accident again," I suggested. Finny beamed and agreed that would at least slow down his process of destroying the shrubs. I silently sent my sympathies to the garden before turning my attention to Bard as he pulled out a large flamethrower. "B-Bard! What are you doing?" I stuttered, as he aimed the large weapon towards the silver ware he just finished washing.
"Drying the silverware one by one takes too long. This thing can dry it in a jiffy," he grinned reassuringly. I quickly pulled the weapon out of his hand and lightly flicked his forehead.
"This thing would melt the silverware," I scolded, placing the weapon on the counter. "It may take a bit of patience, but normally drying the silverware is a part of being a cook." Bard grunted in annoyance but found a towel and started to dry the utensils one by one.
Sighing in relief, I looked over to Mey-Rin to find her struggling to hold a porcelain vase, towel and bucket filled with water. Rushing over to her, I plucked the vase from her arms and had her place the bucket down. Gently instructing her to dump half the bucket out and place the towel on the rim of the bucket instead of carrying them both in separate hands, I carried the vase to the library where Mey-Rin had been heading towards. Without wasting time, I rushed back to the kitchen to find Bard again holding a weapon, this time a bomb, and Mey-Rin encouraging his use of the thing. Quickly, I tended to the problem before lightly flicking the two on the forehead. Again I scolded them and went through the steps of properly finishing their tasks before making my way to help Finny. I quickly found the morning and afternoon gone as I ran through the manor helping the clumsy servants. By the time dinner finally came to, I was barely able to walk properly. I was able to keep them from causing an explosion, breaking anything or destroying the garden at the price of my own weariness. As I made my way to the dinning room with Mey-Rin, I found the young master feasting on a glamorous meal and Sebastian smiling his pleasant smile as he spoke to Ciel. They turned their gazes at me as I entered the room.
"I'm sorry we're late," I immediately apologized, Mey-Rin echoing my words with a flustered face. Sebastian softly chuckled at my trouble face and relaxed me with his soft strokes.
"It's fine. You were able to keep these three numbskulls from destroying anything today, after all. A feat truly worth praise," Ciel grinned, knowing each word jabbed at the three servants. I softly giggled and thanked him for his praise, holding back from yawning.
"Yes, it seems you may be more help than we first thought," Sebastian agreed, smiling down at me. He leaned down and softly whispered, "It seems you may be a pet worth her salt after all." The temptation to snuggle my face into his stomach pulled at me but the presence of the young master kept me from doing so.
"Tomorrow you will start your lessons with me. I'll also have you come Sebastian in the morning to bring me breakfast from now on. Your presence makes his less irritating," Ciel announced I bit my bottom lip in order to hold back a soft chuckle at his jab at the demon butler who seemed to be amused by the young master's words. "I'll also have you tuck me in at night."
I simply nodded and smiled. My smile only grew wider as Ciel's lips twitched up ever so slightly. It didn't take long for the young master to finish his meal and have Sebastian and me escort him to his room. The other servants went to the kitchen to prepare our dinner. As we entered Ciel's room, he didn't waste him to loosen his ribbon and kick off his shoes. I chuckled at his weariness and watched Sebastian disappear into the connected bathroom to start the bath for the young master.
"Has it been a long day?" I asked as I held the young earl ease out of his many layers.
"Yes, adults can so useless," he complained. "Tomorrow there will be an important guest visiting us. He sold one of my factories but plans of asking me for more money to expand my earnings." A disproving frown appeared on my face.
"Adults can be dull," I agreed. Free from most of his clothing, I guided Ciel to the bathroom where Sebastian best do the rest. I retreated back into the main bedroom and collected the clothing and shoes the young master had thrown across the room. As I placed the clothing into the laundry basket, a loud explosion shook the house. Holding back a weary sigh, I realized Bard must've finally used one of his many weapons. Sebastian appeared from the bathroom with a irritated frown on his face.
"Lucille, please finish bathing the young master. I will attend to whatever mess the three idiots have caused. Such a waste after you worked so hard to prevent this from happening," Sebastian muttered. I weakly nodded and decided I would get that hug I had wanted now since the young master couldn't see. I meekly rose my two arms towards Sebastian, relishing in his warmth as he complied to my silent request. His gentle petting coaxed soft purring from me as it always did. We were forced to pull away all too soon as another explosion boomed in my ears. I whimpered and slide out of Sebastian's embrace.
"Don't be too hard on them," I smiled as Sebastian clicked his tongue. He sighed and nodded at me before leaving. Satisfied with that, I made my way to Ciel and smiled as he seemed to be dazed in the warm water. I placed myself behind the young master and pumped some shampoo into my hands before softly lathering through Ciel's hair. Ciel seemed to sink further into his relaxed state as I did so, murmuring something about my hands being much better then Sebastian's. I only chuckled at his words and continued to wash the young earl, ridding him of the little grim he had gotten on himself throughout the day. Just as I finished drying his body and wrapping him in a cotton bathrobe, Sebastian reentered the room. He looked at Ciel approvingly and wasted no time in dressing Ciel in his sleepwear. As Ciel crawled into bed he glanced over at me.
"You've earned your place at this manor. Be proud of it," he huffed. I smiled warmly at him and nodded my thanks. Seemingly satisfied with my smile, the young earl dismissed us as he dozed off into a gentle sleep.
I followed Sebastian out of the room, ready for some dinner and my own bath before going to sleep. Sebastian noticed my own weariness and reassuringly stroked my head as he led me to the kitchen. The other servants had already started eating but were less then half way done with their food. I took my own seat and took small but fast nibbles at the food.
"We're having an important guest over tomorrow," Sebastian warned, coldly gazing down at the other three servants. "I do hope some of Lucille's lessons have sunken into your skulls. We must show them the Phantomhive hospitality after all." A slight chill ran through my spin as he emphasized the second part of his speech. The other three seemed to take note of his seriousness as well and gulped down their nervousness.
"Yes sir!" they all replied, saluting stiffly. I giggled at them as I took my last bite of dinner, taking my plate to the sink. After seeing how Bard wanted to dry the silverware, I decided it would be best if I at least did my own. As I finished drying my plate, Sebastian took it from my hands and placed it in the cupboard I couldn't naturally reach. I smiled my thanks at him and beamed when he pulled a bottle of milk into view. Like yesterday, he teased me by keeping the bottle out of reach for a few minutes before relenting and allowing me to gulp down the creamy goodness. As I finished, I noticed the others had also finished their food and were starting to argue about who's turn it was to do the dishes. I opened my mouth to volunteer but in the blink of an eye, Sebastian cleared the table and neatly put everything away. Awestruck, the servants praised the demon only to earn a reprimanding scolding. I watched silently, content with my new life. Sebastian let out a tired sigh as he finished his lectured and shooed them to their quarters. I smiled at him and latched onto his arm as he held out his hand. His weary tiredness was replaced by a warm affectionate smile as he led me to the bathroom while petting my head.
I seated myself on the counter next to the sink as Sebastian prepared the bath for me. The events of today finally caught up to me, draining me of all my energy. I slumped against the wall, letting out the yawn I had been holding back. As I watched Sebastian add bubbles into my bath, I suddenly realized he had no break today while caring for the young master and yet had to care for me when he must've been even more tired then I was.
"Se-Se, I can bath myself," I offered. He turned his gaze towards me and stared into my eyes with his brown ones.
"Do you not like me bathing you?" he questioned, arching a perfect eyebrow.
"No," I immediately denied. I did enjoy his attention after all. "It's just that you must be exhausted after taking care of the chores and the young master all day and having to take care of me on top of that must be," I trailed off as I tried to find the right word.
Sebastian chuckled as I explained my worries. "No, caring for you isn't a chore at all," he reassured, pulling me off the counter to slip me out of the dress I wore. "If it were, I wouldn't have taken you in as my pet. In fact, I find it a pleasure." Sebastian lifted me off the floor and carefully placed me into the warm tub. I bit back a moan and opted to purr loudly.
"A pleasure?" I asked, trying to think through the relaxed fog the warm waters created in my mind.
"Yes," he smiled, not elaborating further. I decided to drop the subject and just allow the demon to caress my limbs with soap. My favorite part came as he started to stroke through my tail, earning purrs of pure delight from me. He seemed to be more then amused as he continued his ministrations. The bath ended far too quickly for my liking but I didn't complain as he patted me dry with a fluffy towel and slipped a nightgown after my head. Enjoying the feeling go the silk dress, I snuggled myself back into Sebastian's arm as he led me out into the hallway. The smell of gunpowder wafted the air.
"Sebastian," I whimpered, crinkling my nose. He looked at me with concern. "I can smell gunpowder." Surprise flickered across his face before a proud smirk settled.
"It seems your nose is more sensitive then mine, little one," he seemed to muse out-loud. "I must go tend to some rats. Will you be alright going back to our room by yourself?" he asked. I cheerfully nodded, smiling at him brightly. He patted my head before disappearing from my side. I glanced down the dark hallway and made my way down. It didn't take long for me to loose my way. As I wondered down another hallway, a door suddenly opened and I walked into Bard's bare chest.
"Woah there, little lady," he chuckled as I stumbled backwards.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled as I wiggled my squished nose. Bard bellowed out in laughter.
"It's fine, I got to see you in that tiny sleeping gown," he grinned, dying my cheeks with red embarrassment. "You look lost. You're probably sleeping with Mey-Rin so your room's right there," he pointed at one of the many rooms.
"Actually, I'm sleeping in Sebastian's room," I smiled, confusion washing over my face as shock appeared on Bard's.
"You're sleeping in the same room as a man?" he asked in disbelief. "You do know what that means right?" Bard grunted out with a serious gaze. My confusion only grew and it showed on my face. Bard took a long drawl from his cigarette before huffing out. "It means this," he growled, shoving me against the wall. Fear nipped at me as I stared wide eyed at the cook. I squirmed to get out of his arms but he trapped me by shoving his knees between my legs and painfully rubbing against one of my bruises. I let out a gasp of pain but Bard's lustful look told me he mistook it for pleasure. "The only reason a man would allow a woman in the same bed as him is if he means to do something like this," he huskily whispered in my ears. Tears of fear pricked in my eyes as I struggled to push the man away from me. The malnourishment and beating the scientists had put me through hindered me from healing and my current strength was no better then a normal human girl. I squeezed my eyes shut as Bard's cigarette stained breath came closer to my face. Before his lips could graze mine, a growl froze Bard and had me fluttering my eyes open in relief. Sebastian appeared from the darkness, a spark of rage burning in his eyes as he stared at Bard.
"Bard, what are you doing?" he gritted out.
Bard seemed ready to apologize and leave it at that but held his ground and instead asked, "What about you? Why is she sleeping in your room and not with Mey-Rin?"
His questioning seemed to anger Sebastian more. "What I do is none of your business," Sebastian grounded out. "But if you must know, the young master has told young Lucille to room with me because she is the most comfortable with me and so I can care for her wounds. Such as the one you're pressing against with your knee."
Bard quickly released me from his entrapment as he realized I was still hurt. Surprised by the sudden movement, I lost balance and started to fall but Sebastian's warm arms caught me before I hit the floor. Bard stared at me regretfully and choked out his apologies to Sebastian and me before retreating his the men's quarters. I took the privacy to wrap my arms around Sebastian's neck and take shaky breaths to calm myself. Sebastian stroked my head as he carried me to his room, lighting hushing me along the way. I looked up at him teary eyed to see his scarlet eyes barely containing his own anger. The warm feeling of being protected blanketed my fear and I pulled myself closer to the demon.
"I'm okay," I whispered into his neck, letting out a sigh of relief as we entered his room.
"He stepped out of line," Sebastian hissed, gently guiding our bodies under the warm blanket. "He dared touch my pet."
"Bard was just worried about us sleeping together," I reassured, burying myself in his firm hold.
"And are you worried about us sleeping together?" he asked, the tense anger in his voice slowly slipping from his tone.
"No."