A/N: Thanks to all who read and reviewed and such.
XxxxxX
I must admit, I always found the concept of reincarnation fascinating. Of course, I never actually believed in it, But I did have a soft spot for stories of someone dying and then being born again, in another body and time. But now I was wondering if perhaps those stories had some stock to them, after all.
A part of me argued that I was being ridiculous. That this boy could not possibly be my young master's reincarnation. But...I wanted to believe that he was. When I looked at him, all I could see was my master. And the more I watched him, the more I was right.
He had all of the same mannerisms and speech patterns as my young master. They held themselves the same way and had the same mature air about them. They absentmindedly played with their fingers the same way. They never really smiled, but their eyes would light up the same way when something amused them. (I believe I may have made him uncomfortable with my close scrutiny. I made a note to apologize later.)
The final thing that convinced me happened when the house's new occupants were having dinner. It was odd for me to not have had any part in making their meal, and that there was more than one person seated at the table. But it happened when his very name was mentioned.
"So, Ciel, what do you think of the place?" his father asked him eagerly. My eyes widened in shock. The boy's name was Ciel? I chuckled to myself. Really, what were the odds? This boy had to be my young master!
"It's very...big," he replied. "And yet, it already feels like home." I beamed at this. Of course the young master felt at home. He was home.
"That's wonderful!" his mother cried. "Tell us, how did you like your room?"
He obviously forced a smile and replied "It's like there are a bunch of different rooms in one. It's more than I know what to do with." Odd, I thought. Shouldn't he be used to this sort of splendor?
"It's the biggest bedroom in the house," his father informed him. "It belonged to the last Ciel who lived here." I smiled again. Of course the young master should have his room back. It was only fitting.
"Don't you think it's rather cold in here?" the young master suddenly asked. Oh, dear. I was really going to have to work on that.
"It's cooler than outside," his father commented.
"I don't feel cold at all," his mother said. She looked at him worriedly. "Are you feeling alright, darling?"
I hoped not. It wouldn't do for him to become sick so soon after returning. I wasn't sure I would be able to take adequate care of him in this...condition.
"Actually, mum, I'm feeling kind of tired," he answered as he rose from his chair. "I think I'm going to head off to bed."
"Oh, are you getting sick, darling?" she asked, looking concerned.
"No, it's just been a long day," he replied.
Good, I thought. He was cranky when he was ill. They bid each other goodnight before he left to go upstairs. I eagerly followed him. It had been a long while since I prepared him for bed.
XxxxxX
I assumed that he would want a bath before bed, so I went ahead of him to fill the tub. It took me a moment to figure out how to use the new knobs on it. Luckily, they were labeled hot and cold. I turned the one that was 'hot' and watched as a stream of water came out of the faucet. This was much more efficient than that water heater we had.
The tub had just become filled when the young master entered, letting out a tired yawn as he walked in. He seem surprised to see the tub already filled. Did his servants not do this simple task for him?
"Did the faucet leak or something?" he asked himself. I was going top have to reveal myself soon. This being invisible was becoming tiresome. And not to sound arrogant, but I was sure he would be happy to see me again.
I flinched as he grimaced at the water's temperature. It must have been too hot. I would hate if he had to wait for it to cool down. Thankfully, he merely added cool water and got in. I found it odd that nobody came to assist him. Perhaps he was going through some independence phase? I would need to have a talk with him. It was most unbecoming for a gentlemen of his stature to do such menial tasks by himself.
I went over to fetch some towels and a robe for him. I could do that much, at least. I put them on a small table and carried them back to the young master. To my surprise, I realized that he had fallen asleep in the tub. Really, now. It was like he was wanting to die again.
I put down the table with more force than necessary. The noise it made had the desired effect, for he instantly woke up. He then got out and began to dry himself off. While he was doing that, I went to fetch a pair of his night ware and pull back his blankets for him. I returned just in time to get the door for him. I then followed him back to his bedroom. He seemed confused to see his night ware already laid out.
"Mum must have done this," he murmured. His mother? I supposed that would be a motherly thing to do, but it was no duty for a lady.
I could not help but assist him as he dressed himself. He always did have trouble with buttons. As he climbed into bed, I tried to tuck him in, but then he suddenly lashed out.
"That does it, who's there," he demanded. "Show yourself!"
I was more than glad to obey his order. It was a simple task to make myself visible. And I must say, the look of shock on his face was quite amusing.
"You called, my lord?" I asked. It was so nice to say those words again...
"W-who are you?" he demanded. "And where did you come from?"
I was shocked at this. "Young master, what do you mean?" I asked. "I know that you have been gone from the manor for some time, but to have forgotten me completely? Are you feeling alright?" Perhaps he really was ill.
"I'm perfectly fine!" he snapped. "Now answer my questions!"
He was as demanding as always. "Of course, young master, forgive me," I answered. "My name is Sebastian Michaelis, and I am the butler of this estate. I have been here for quite some time."
"How long?" he asked. "The real estate agent told us that this place hasn't been occupied for years!"
"Well, by nobody that they could see," I chuckled. It felt...empowering to make yourself invisible to the living and manipulate them.
"Are you saying that you're some sort of- of- bloody ghost?" he asked, looking aghast. It seemed that he still did not a believer in the spiritual realm. I was loathe to prove him wrong, but I refused to hide myself in the shadows.
"Well, yes, young master, I am," I said with a small smile. It was odd how easy that was to admit. I must have truly grown used to this predicament of mine. "I have waited many years for your return."
"My return?" he asked. "What are you talking about? I've never been here before today!"
Oh, dear. I hoped he would listen to what I had come to believe. "Perhaps not in this life," I explained. "But in your previous one, you lived here all your life. After you perished in the fire – along with me and the rest of the servants-, I was sure that I was never going to see you again, but here you are now. Though I must say that it was rather naughty of you to wait so long to return. It's rather rude to keep people waiting, you know." It never hurt to scold him a bit. He was still a child, after all.
"Are you saying that I'm some sort of reincarnation of your past master?" he asked incredulously. That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard in my life!"
Hm. It seemed that he wasn't going to listen. How troubling. I gave him the smile I always gave when he was obviously wrong about something but didn't want to admit it. "Of course, sir," I said soothingly. "Even so, I look forward to resuming my duties as your butler." He had no idea how much I did. After all these years, I could serve the master I'd dedicated my entire existence to once again.
He had reached his point for the night, for he told me to leave the room. I bowed and went into the next room. I doubted anyone would attack the manor tonight, but with the Phantomhive family one could never be too sure.
I smiled as I thought over our first encounter in over a century. Yes, this little master was going to be very fun to serve.
XxxxxX
A/N: Thanks to Raverlynn for beta-ing.