"You're here again?" Bard spoke, looking up from the sink. I smiled back at him, the door clicking shut as I pressed my back against it.

"Don't tell Mister Sebastian," I spoke, a finger rising to my lips. "Now, let's get to cooking, Bard. I've got a thing or two to show you this morning!"

The days after the discussion with Ciel Phantomhive had been quite boring. I had stayed here, at first just acquainting myself with the strange people of the mansion. Maylene was the maid, and a quite clumsy one at that. There was not a day that passed that I didn't hear a dish clash to the ground. And the gardener, Finnian. I remembered him on sight. He was the kid with unearthly power. I was so...unsettled. And this was Bard. The "cook" that really couldn't cook.

Ciel and his butler Sebastian had insisted on me lazing around, being free of duty as I was a "proper" lady. But it just didn't feel right. I had never been one to be unproductive, and I didn't like just simply having tons of time to ponder the strangeness of the world. So. I had started cooking with this man named Bard to keep myself busy. And the more time I spent around him, the more interesting my days here at the Phantomhvie manor had been.

"So what do you wanna make this morning Miss Haruka?" He spoke, drawing me out my thoughts. I realized I had just sort of been staring at him, thinking about what led me here in the first place.

"Midori," I corrected. "Miss Haruka sounds far too formal. I've told you a million times too many!"

He laughed. "Not too fond of your last name?"

"Ah, it's not that," I replied. I walked further into the kitchen, checking the cabinets distractedly. As I opened and shut them, Bard came to my side, curious I suppose. I sort of tensed when I felt his body heat so close to mine, so I turned to look up at him with a bewildered look on my face.

"Say, where do you keep your flour and sugar?" I asked, offering a sheepish smile.

"Ah, this cabinet," he replied, reaching over me. He was..really close. And for some reason, it sort of caught me off guard. This musky cologne wafted to my nose, and I took in his scent for a second as his chest came close to my face. It was only for a second that it happened, but I'm sure he could tell something was wrong, because I wasn't fast to react as he pulled the sugar and flour out from the cabinet.

"Midori?" He spoke. I'd heard him at last. I blinked slowly, looking up to meet the blonde. He was holding the sugar and flour.

"Oh, sorry!" I exclaimed, laughing embarrassedly. "Thanks Bard! I must've been in another world there."

He smiled slowly. I wasn't sure why, but he didn't say anything for a second, just looking me over.

"So, what were you planning on making?" He asked, setting the ingredients down on the counter area.

"Ah...Well, I was thinking maybe black pudding and a scone. That seems nutritious enough. And quick. His morning routine starts pretty soon."

Bard nodded, his eyes lighting in excitement. "I can help!"

I shook my head. "I've seen your tactics," I chided. "I don't want that gun fire taste!"

In the past few days, my helping out became more of a cover for Bard. I'd noticed that a lot of the meals he tried to prepare...Well. They were burnt to a crisp. And I just couldn't understand why until I found the gun powder below the sink, along with some guns. Which scared the living daylights out of me, but Bard seemed like a nice guy so I didn't ask too many questions. Bu anyway, I just wanted to help him learn to cook. Because it was obvious that he was using some unorthodox methods. Under the false presumption that Bard was using a cookbook, he was getting much more credit as a cook from Sebastian. Which filled me with some strange joy for this..well. "still" stranger.

At any case, Bard was pouting now, crossing his arms stubbornly. "Well then what am I 'pposed to do?" He asked.

I looked away from him, beginning to make the batter.

"Well, I would really appreciate it if you could make the black pudding." I suggested. "It's a really easy recipe. I can tell it to you," I paused to smirk. "As long as you don't

burn it with your flame thrower."

He begrudgingly agreed. And I recounted the recipe as I continued to make the scone. I tried to keep a watchful eye on Bard as he cooked, but I couldn't be too observant with my hands so

full. I trusted that he knew what he was doing, because after a while the kitchen smelled scrumptious. It wasn't too long before breakfast was made. I pulled my prepared piece out

of the oven, as did he, and I smiled back at him

"You did great Bard! This looks awesome!" I grinned cheesily up at him. His face turned a little red, but he smiled in return.

"You think so?" he asked.

"Yeah! It looks awesome!"

We didn't revel in his success for long though. Suddenly, we could hear these footsteps just outside the kitchen. Had so much time passed already? The other servants shouldn't have been up so early! I tensed, a thought occurring to me. It could only be Sebastian. And I didn't want to be caught by him again. He'd found me in here once, and I hadn't heard the end of it from him. And I'm pretty sure Bard hadn't had too pleasant of a chat either with him. The guy kept trying to shoo me out since then.

Bard and I met eyes, faces both white with fear.

"What do we do?" I sputtered, cupping my face. Pressure and I did not mix well.

"Here!" he whispered, pushing me gently backward. I was confused for a second, wondering why he was shoving me backwards.

"Get into the pantry. There's no time for you to leave through the back door."

"W-Wait!" I whimpered, but Bard was already shoving me into the pantry, locking it up behind him, darkness enveloping around me. Well, hopefully this was a good hiding spot. And hopefully I didn't have to keep myself in here for long, because the space was fairly small. If it weren't for me being so petite and smallish, there was no way I would've successfully fit myself in here. In any case, I could hear the kitchen door creaking open, the footsteps finally finding themselves inside.

"Ah. Good morning Bard," came Sebastian's silky deep voice.

"'Morning Sebastian!" Bard had replied cheerily. There was a pause, which made me even more nervous. What were they thinking about? What was Sebastian thinking?

"Uh Hey! Don't worry about breakfast," Bard spoke. "I've got it all made right 'ere." The plates were sliding around on the counter now. Or at least I assumed by the sound of glass. Perhaps I should've taken a closer look? It's not

as if the keyhole of the pantry was impossible to see through. But I stopped myself from kneeling down when I heard Sebastian's footsteps drawing further into the kitchen.

"What a nice surprise," Sebastian replied. "And you've made this yourself, Bard?"

"Well of course!" Bard had said, his voice sounding a bit offended now. "I mean, who else would be cookin', Sebastian? It's just..That cook book you got me last Christmas turned out to be really handy."

I wasn't sure if Sebastian was entirely convinced. I couldn't see his face, but I could so clearly visualize him narrowing his eyes in suspicion, an eyebrow raising questionably. That look. There

was a silence, before I heard the familiar chuckle of Sebastian's.

"Well, it looks edible. Which is a bit of a first for you. Great work, Bard." That was a bit of back-handed compliment. But I knew Bard would've taken any compliment from the guy. He talked about Sebastian with stars in his eyes. As if he was an idol. I couldn't understand, but again, I didn't question.

"Really? Gee, thanks Sebastian!"

Making as little noise as possible, I shrunk to my knees, trying to see out of the keyhole of the door handle. They were standing beside one another. I could tell because I could see both of their backsides. Pure white uniform next to ink black. What I was seeing was their...tushies. Which admittedly, I was mildly interested in. I didn't look away at least. Both of their uniforms clung to their body in all the right places. But, I had to hand the best butt to Sebastian. It was a lot rounder. Not as flat as Bard's. Not that butts really came that handy in the bedroom.

And..not that I was thinking of bedding either one...? What kind of thought was that? Goodness. I'd made myself blush now, giggling nervously with my hand clasping over my mouth to stifle the sound.

This was the stuff girls did amongst friends. I was 21. A lady. And I was thinking about two men's butt? But I have to say, there wasn't much reason not to was there? They were both attractive men. And I was widowed. I couldn't go on for too much longer before getting stamped a prude. So why not?

I heard their conversation stop abruptly and began to get nervous. Why was that? No. They hadn't heard me in here, right? My crummy giggling must have given me away.

"Was that a little mouse I heard?" Sebastian spoke.

Crumbs...!

Bard was silent at first. But then came that hearty laugh.

"A mouse? In the Phantomhive manor? That's silly even for you!" He laughed. I sighed in relief, hoping that was the end of it. Of course; Why would there be a mouse in the Phantomhive Manor? That should've given Sebastian enough reason to stop questioning. Though I was wrong. There were quick footsteps towards the door. I heard the door handle turn, and instantly I clamped my hand down on it,

trying to prevent Sebastian from opening the pantry.

"That's strange," He spoke. "This door won't come open."

But Bard didn't reply. Or if he did, I was too busy panicking to hear it. What should I do? The grip on the door was so powerful. I couldn't keep him from opening the door if he persisted. But as quickly as it had started, the quickly it ended. He took a step away from the door now, shoes clacking against concrete floor.

"How interesting. I'll have to get that door checked," Sebastian commented. I heard him take a step back. "And mice...well. Mice should be punished for trespassing. Isn't that right Bard?"

Bard didn't say too much at first. I think we were both in shock that he'd known to come to the pantry first.

"Ah...yeah." Bard had said after a while. "I'l take care of it Sebastian."

"Good to hear." The words hung in the air for a moment. And then I could hear his footsteps trailing out of the kitchen. Thank goodness. I breathed a sigh of relief. But again, those footsteps came to an abrupt stop.

Goodness. Would he charge back over here and plummet the door down? I tensed at the thought.

"Bard," He added, "If you see , can you please let her know her presence has been requested by the Young Master? I went to her chambers, and found that the Lady had "scurried" off again."

"You got it Sebastian," Bard replied, but his voice was unsure. And with that, I heard the butler finally leave. Bard came to unlock the pantry door, looking down at me, still on my knees. I was visibly distraught I'm sure.

"He knew I was in here," I blurted, my slim fingers cupping my face. "He absolutely knew, Bard. Oh my goodness! I won't hear the end of it! YOU won't hear the end of it!"

Bard knelt down, helping me up from my knees.

"Calm your nerves. It was more of a warning than anything," he replied. "And besides, this relationship helps more than hurts! What bad could come from you helping me out in the kitchen?"

"Anyway, you'd best get going through that backdoor before he comes back. I'd hate to see his reaction if he found out I was lyin' to him." I nodded in response. It was probably best I get going now. It wasn't as if I would be cooking anymore that morning, especially with that cloud of anxiety looming over me. So I started out of the kitchen, the door clicking behind me as I left.

What should I do next? Sebastian knew I had climbed out of bed, so there was no point in going back. And Bard and I had already completed breakfast. So, instead of doing the rational thing and going to go see Ciel immediately, I decided to wander the hallways for a bit. Passing some time. I mean, if I had gone there immediately, Sebastian would've known, right? Not that he didn't already know. I just sort of wanted to avoid that confrontation.

So I just sort of dilly dallied in the vast and long hallways of the manor, reveling in all the beautiful portraitry that hung along the walls. I let my feet take me where they wanted to go. Essentially losing track of both time and place. Even as the days dragged by, and I had wandered aimlessly, I had never seen this part of the manor. Or at least, never had paid as much attention to it a I was now. But after a bit, I grew curious. There were a lot of things that were strange. I had questions. How could this artwork have been restored when it underwent such great lengths of stress? Fire engulfs and destroys everything it touches.

I stopped.

So why was the painting, this particular painting of the complete Phantomhive family, in such perfect condition?

I looked at it now. Really studied it. This was so...peculiar. I reached out to touch it, wanting to see if my eyes believed me. How was this painting real? Was it genuine? Maybe it was a replica-

"Miss Haruka," I heard. I yelped in surprised, turning quickly to see Sebastian. My heart was hammering in my chest. Where in God's name had he come from?

"I've been looking for you all morning. How have you ended up on such a far side of the manor, Miss?"

"Ah...Uh," I stammered. "I was just mesmerized by the beauty of it is all." I laughed nervously. "I decided to take a morning walk.

"You've been missing since 6 AM Miss. What a long walk. Your legs must be worked to death."

He took a step closer. I took a step back, forcing a laugh.

"Of course. They're a bit wobbly. But a nice walk never hurt anyone."

His eyebrows raised.

"This wing is almost never frequented. A bit of dusting here and there, but there's not too much to see or do on this end." He looked at me with that same questionable look. Narrowed eyes, rising eyebrows.

"I beg to differ," I spoke. "This painting is quite a miraculous sight. Whoever worked to restore it must have put so much time and effort into it. It's truly amazing how extensive this person's talent was." I was getting caught up in a wind of curiosity before realizing Sebastian hadn't said anything. There was a a pause. And I wondered momentarily if I had something I shouldn't. Though, I realized Sebastian was just taking the time to look over it himself, as well as taking another step closer to me. A..really close step.

"Ah yes. It was a bit of a trial I'm sure. But nothing that capable man couldn't handle." He chuckled. I was already tense from the closing gap between us. But when I heard that familiar tone of voice. That dishonest, playfulness, I became even more nervous. It sounded... flirtatious?

"Did you...know the man?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"Of course," He replied. "He's a close friend to the young master. I know him as well as I know myself."

"But, I digress," He spoke. "The young master has been awaiting your presence for quite some time. He has important matters to discuss with you."

It was me raising an eyebrow now.

"What matters?"

"He wishes for your opinion on matters I have no charge to discuss," He replied shortly. He smiled back at me, and I'm sure I looked quite grumpy. I hated his short answer.

"Shall we?" He outstretched his hand. I sort of looked at it confusion at first, but unsurely placed my hand in his, feeling the soft, warm fabric underneath my fingertips.

He gripped my hand gently for a second. Tenderly. And then, with some unexplained aggression, suddenly pulled me closer to him. Much closer than what was appropriate. I stumbled into him because of it. And I gazed up, nervously and with all the flustered curiosity in the world. What was this? What was he doing?

And as if in response to my confused look, he leaned down, his perfect porcelain face inches away from my face to speak.

"I wouldn't want you to get lost again, Miss Haruka." He'd said. Slowly and surely. His voice was low and soft, and sent these strange chills down my body."After all, the worst things happen to us when we scurry off alone."

I stood there frozen as I watched in awe at his expression. Those excited, crazy red eyes. Looking into them felt like gazing into a predatory beast. And he was so eagerly taking in my reaction. My very awkward one. Blushing would have been fine, but I could feel heat searing from my cheeks, a hot blush engulfing my face. I'm sure I was beetroot red. Why had he pulled me so close. I felt so awkward, demure, and coy; What was his purpose for making me feel this way? I was frozen, still gazing up into his eyes unsure, becoming more and more flustered. And as if to make everything worse, the memory of his round butt popped to mind.

Sebastian pulled away, still grasping my hand as if I was going to run away from him. Which, partially made sense as I had been running from him all morning. Though, similarly as our encounter had happened before, he had quickly dismissed my awkwardness and tomato red face, continuing on about his routine without a hitch. He was talking now about different paintings in the Phantomhive mansion, and the history behind each. Which, I really didn't catch a lick of. I obediently let Sebastian lead me to Ciel's office, even though my mind was somewhere much less orderly.

"Leaving for London?" I exclaimed in surprise. "I don't know, Ciel. I haven't left the country side in such a long time. I don't know if it would be a great idea to show my face."

"And why not?" Ciel spoke, reclining back in seat. "You'd be filling in for your deceased. His assistance is something that would've been required in a job like this."

"A job?" I perked up. "Is this one of your underground investigations?"'

"Yes, of course. Would I have a reason for calling upon you if it wasn't?"

"I suppose not," I spoke unsurely. "But, I am admittedly nervous. What sort of case is this?"

He leaned forward.

"The notorious prostitute killer. Jack the Ripper."

"J-Jack the Ripper?!" I exclaimed. I could feel the blood drain from my face,my soul trying to escape from my body.

"Ciel Phantomhive, to be anywhere near that sort of catastrophe endangers my very well being!"

"Yours? Why not mine? I'm just involved in the case as you would be."

"Yes, but I am a woman. A clear target."

"Exactly. A clear target. An even better reason to bring you along. You could become a valuable asset."

A valuable asset? This boy was willing to throw me into the crossfire?

"Ciel, I am no investigator. That was the life of my husband. Not me! I am a weak, nimble woman. I don't know that I..I have the courage for that sort of thing."

"I think you do," Ciel spoke.

"What sort of weak, nimble woman wanders off alone in the country side? You're much bolder than you give yourself credit for."

"I suppose."

"And your curiosity. Your investigate spark. You may have never pursued such a thing before, but Midori, you're not too different from Charles. You like adventure right? There's a reason he would've married you."

"I suppose..." It was the only thing I could manage to say. Maybe taking on this case with Ciel would let me feel closer to Charles. Just maybe.

"So join me and Sebastian this week." He spoke plainly. Him..and Sebastian? I didn't want to spend anymore time with Sebastian than I had to. Not when I was having thoughts about his butt. Not when he was reeling me in and leaving me out to dry. But...it was necessary. I couldn't flat out tell him No when he was allowing me to stay in his home. Or when this case could lead me to knowing more about Charles death. And...if he was truly right about this curiosity factor. If I really had this "investigative spark."

"We'll be leaving fairly soon," Sebastian announced. He had been standing behind the chair like a statue, and I had almost forgotten about him if it weren't for the interjection.

"So sudden? What about breakfast?"

"I'll eat it later. I want to get there as promptly as possible," Ciel spoke.

This meeting..No, this request was so sudden and abrupt. I almost feel offended he hadn't told me sooner, but then again, I had been slinking off into the kitchen the past few days. Meeting with Bard. Cooking. Ah. It felt so homely when I was around him.

"I estimate we'll be gone for at least a few days, Midori. I'd say your goodbyes. If need be."

"London should be a fun adventure." Sebastian spoke. He'd come to Ciel's side now, that smile on his face. Again. What in the world was I agreeing to?

Abrupt end to a another chapter. idk. i think I may stop writing.