A bunch of people are faving yay! Thank yous go out to everyone who's been following the story, and especially to Yoai-Beloved who's kind reviews keep me going! :) Also sorry for updating so late, I've been busy with school and testing. Anyways here is the next chapter.
Chapter 6
~ASC~
The bell tolled, its loud voice echoing down to the town. The morning sun was shining on the church, giving it a bright glow on its weathered walls. It would have been a good day, except, today wasn't. Three small children were running around outside the gates of the church, and they looked towards it as the bell continued to ring. The youngest, a small boy looked at it with big eyes and he called to his oldest brother, "Hey bro."
"Eh?" The oldest asked.
"That place sure is packed out today. Why is that?" The younger sibling asked.
"Don't know." The oldest shrugged.
"Big bro you don't know? I thought you were smart?" Said the younger brother, his small sister snickering behind him. The oldest one blushed in embarrassment and shouted at his brother and sister, "Hey I'm only twelve so I can't be expected to know everything!"
"Correct." A voice said. The three kids spun around and were now face to face with Undertaker. "It's only natural for a child to not understand." They huddled together, obviously scared of him. I smacked him and the kids looked at me. Choosing my words carefully I said to them, "Today...is a particular woman's special gala."
"Gala?" The oldest said.
Undertaker butted in and spoke, "Yeah, the finally great ceremony in each human's life. A funeral." They stared at the church, the word processing in their mind, and I looked towards the church and headed my way there as the final ringing of the bell echoed through the town.
It was time.
Lizzie looked down into the casket; Madam Red was inside surrounded by white flowers, while wearing a white dress. "Aunt Ann..." She sniffled softly. She was not the only one who was mourning, as the people in the church cried, even Lau's smile was wiped from his face. The door to the church opened with a loud groan, and Elizabeth and everyone inside turned around to see who would come in. Ciel stepped into the church, dressed in black, with a red flower in his left breast pocket, and in his hands he carried a beautiful red dress. Sebastian and I stood next to a carriage outside the door as we watched him walked down the aisle. All eyes were on him, and many of the people there whispered saying things like how rude he was to bring in such a flamboyant dress, and how he has no respect for the dead. He ignored all of this and kept his head held up high and Sebastian and I opened the doors wider. He stopped in front of the casket and covered her white dress with the red one. "You know...these white flowers and plain clothes do not suit you at all. What suits you can only be passionate red." He removed the red rose and tucked the stem behind her ear. "The color of licorice that burns the earth. Aunt Ann." He brought his face close to her and pressed his forehead with her own.
Lizzie stared at Ciel, tears trying to fall once more again, and she gasped when a red petal passed her vision. It was soon followed with more and more petals, coating the church, and everyone turned to look at where the petals came from. The carriage was filled to the brim with red petals; a gentle wind blew and carried off the petals into the church. They all landed safely into Madam Red's casket, covering the white flowers. Sebastian grabbed my hand and rubbed his thumbs over my fingers. We stood side by side next to the carriage, and I did the sign of the cross as I sent a silent prayer to her.
"Rest in peace...Madam Red." Ciel said softly.
We stood before a grave, I had placed red lilies on them, a gift from Lilith, the petals came from her as well. My hand brushed my hair away from my face, only to touch the black feather. When I had woken up, the feather was attached to a chain that connected to a ruby earring. It was a gift from Sebastian, one that came from him. I looked at Sebastian, then Ciel, and my gazed landed on Lao, his expression difficult to read. "So you never did inform the Queen of Jack the Ripper's true identity?" Lao asked.
Ciel stared at the grave, "I didn't find it necessary. Besides London is now free of Jack the Ripper."
"That means you...will steadily sink into the mud." Ciel turned to look at him in question. "Even if you step towards a place from which you can't return, you choose not to reveal you're screaming for help to other people eh? You cocky little Queen's dog." Ciel glared at him, not amused. "I also hope that I will not bring you any trouble Earl. I will try to keep things with myself tidy."
"If the opium that you import from China is regarded as an intoxicant, it's only a matter of time before regulations are made. Police won't ignore the angora you Chinese merchants are running if it turns out that way will they?"
Lao smirked, "If that happens I will just have to come up with a new business idea. My interest in this country is far from exhausted. The same goes for you Earl." Sebastian and I both stared at Lao as he went down and whispered in Ciel's ear, "I do hope that you will show me many more interesting things." He turned and left.
"Sebastian, Matthew. There is somewhere else I would like to visit. Let's go." We followed after and spotted Undertaker leaning on a headstone. "Undertaker are you done?""
He straightened up, and grinned at us, "But of course. As expect I gave her a beautiful little burial. Take a look." He pointed to the headstone; it said 'Mary Jane Kelly.' The last victim of Jack the Ripper. As if reading my thoughts Undertaker spoke, "The final victim of Jack the Ripper. It turns out that she was a foreign immigrant. No one came forward to claim the corpse." He went to Ciel and started poking his cheek, "That's why our kind Earl here gave her, a nameless prostitute, her own grave."
"I'm not that kind." His hand gripped his cane as he stared at her grave, "I...I came to realize why I could not save this woman. I knew there was a chance of saving her. But I made the capture of Jack the Ripper my priority. I...knew that I would let the chance slip away. I kept that in my mind, and let her die. Even my own relative."
Undertaker tilted his head to the side and he asked Ciel, "Do you regret it?"
"I do not. Jack the Ripper is gone. Queen Victoria's melancholy has been put to rest." I scoffed at that.
"Victoria aye? I'm not a fan- she sits herself so high above everyone else...and leaves all the painful dirty work to the Earl." Ciel kissed his ring and stared at it, "This is the fate my family has always been burdened with. It was passed on to me with this ring." Undertaker grinned and grabbed Ciel's shoulders, his face near Ciel's own, and he tugged on Ciel's tie. "The ring seems more like a collar to me. Connecting you to the Queen with this chain of fate." Ciel turned away from Undertaker, he looked angry. Then Ciel spun around to face Undertaker, "The one that decided I would wear this 'collar' around my neck was me." Undertaker grabbed Ciel's tie and pulled him close to him. "I hope that one day that collar chokes you. Otherwise it's just boring." He pulled tightly at the tie, choking Ciel and Sebastian tightened his grip on my wrist. My knife was in my hand, and I was ready to kill Undertaker.
"If something else happens, drop by the shop." He released Ciel and started to walk away, "For the Earl and his butler my doors are always open." I didn't miss the fact that he didn't mention me; in fact I felt a glare coming from him as he laughed and skipped away. Sebastian draped Ciel's coat over his shoulders as the wind blew harder, chilling us to the bone. "It was very kind of you." He said.
"Bah for the hundredth time, I'm not really all that kind..."
"You are kind. Otherwise...wouldn't you just be a 'coward,' am I right?" Ceil glared at Sebastian, "You jerk." Ciel muttered.
"Why didn't you pull the trigger?" I knew what Sebastian was talking about; we would never let Ciel go around without some sort of protection for himself. He had a revolver hidden behind his back almost all the time. "You let a relative die? I don't appreciate lies." He smirked at Ciel, and I moved away from them, this talk was between master and servant. "On the night you wore a concealed gun, yet if you fired it; it would have been at her. However you hesitated." Why is Sebastian doing this I wonder? "Even when I insisted, you still would not fire. Tell me why?" What was it so important for him to know? "Was the thought of killing the Madam yourself, scary?" Now I knew why he was asking questions. He was enjoying the look on Ciel's face. "Even if you did let an unknown woman die... killing someone from your own family was just too much in the end?" There was a dead silence between them and Ciel took in a breath and he stared up at Sebastian, "It was because that is your job. I thought that even if you died somehow you would protect me. That's why I did not fire." Sebastian stared at Ciel, slightly surprised by his words.
"It was a part of the contract between you and me. Until I reach my goals...you shall be my power. You would protect me until the end and see that I am not killed. If I was killed there you would have breached the contract." I smiled at Ciel, such a clever little master. "It's said that obeying orders is demons aesthetics so, I must expect that even if you were killed you would somehow come and save me. Demons have no convictions or loyalties yeah? All they have is aesthetics, because of this you will protect me for the sake of your aesthetics so... without an explicit order... if I just remained silent, you would kill Madam, or am I mistaken?"
"Then explain why we were stopped." Sebastian just doesn't give up does he?
"She had been corrupted with power from the other side of this world. The rule is that you will be punished for stepping out of your place in this world. This is the duty Scotland Yard clings to, as do I." Ciel turned around and started walking away. "There was doubt in her eyes when she went to kill me. Madam...she could not kill me...her own relative. That is how I felt. Besides, if you really did die, I always have Matthew, at least he does what he is told without twisting my words." My smile grew and I started walking after Ciel, leaving Sebastian standing there alone. "Hesitating for just one second can be fatal. Like a moment in chess, she hesitated and lost sight of her next move. That's all it was. That's why I did not hesitate."
Sebastian turned around a smirk on his face, "That's not it at all is it? For a king to survive it's good for him to be able to skillfully manipulate the other pieces. Using both the Knight and the Queen." I looked down at Ciel, "Beneath the throne the bodies of your pieces will pile up along with your sins." Sebastian said.
"You must not lose yourself." I said to him. "If the king is taken its game over." Sebastian spoke almost as if he was foreseeing an event.
Ciel spoke to us both then, "I will not stop. I will not regret moves that have allowed me to advance. Therefore..." He spun around to us both, "This is an order," He looked to Sebastian, "You shall never betray me." Then at me he said, "You shall never leave my side." He stared at us with blazing eyes, "No matter what!" Sebastian smirked and I smiled, as he and I went down on one knee, "Yes, my lord." We said together. Ciel turned around and I followed beside him, with Sebastian at our rear. And as I thought of Ciel's words, I knew that Sebastian and I were thinking of the same thing.
If it's your wish, we will follow you everywhere. Even if your throne crumbles, and your shiny crown turns to rust. Even if the bodies pile up endlessly above the bottomless pile of corpses. Beside you as you lie softly down, we will be. Until we hear the words check mate.
We arrived back to our home at last. The others had destroyed the house to the point that it was only staying up because of a single base line. Unfortunately for me, I had to help Sebastian fix everything; I had two summonings that can fix things. Bad thing was, I was close to fainting, and my body was threatening to collapse, since it was adjusting to having my...s-soul mate's life merged with my own. My gosh every time I think of that word, my face turns red from embarrassment, I don't know how girls can handle this, how do they not find this so...sappy! Seriously I could die from the giddiness that for some reason comes out when I think of being together with him! Am I secretly a girl or something?
I stumbled into my room, tired as hell, and I spotted Midnight curled up in my bed. She opened her eyes and stared at me, "Meow!" She purred at me and I smiled. Sebastian had told me that he can now hide Midnight in his own room, but I refused, which surprised me a lot since I'm more of a dog person really, and I kept her here in my room. The window always left open for her so she can travel around outside. The bed creaked as I sat on the edge of it, and she stood up and rubbed against my arm, till I finally lifted my hand up to pet her. She enthusiastically rubbed her head against the palm of my hand and she climbed up my chest and licked my chin. "Hehe, stop that you silly cat." I rubbed her ears and she meowed happily at me. I lay down on the bed and she lightly scratched at my clothing, "Midnight you're to playful, sorry I have no energy to play back." She just laid down, her tail twitching from side to side and she meowed at me. I chuckled softly and petted her, till I fell asleep.
~ASC~
Matthew looked around, and he smiled as a warm gentle breeze brushed passed him. It was another memory of the time he was with his parents at the park where the angel fountain was spewing water, the sunlight passing through it creating a small rainbow...Except, his parents weren't there. In fact, nothing was around, and he wasn't a child. He ignored this fact and sat down on the rim of the fountain. He placed his hands by his sides and he stared up at the sky, not a cloud in sight, and yet the stars were out during the day. "So nice, to have this place all to myself..." His smile fell and he gave out a sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair, "...right all by myself..."
Arms wrapped around him and he turned his head, thinking his dream was going to be a nightmare. "Hey there." Sebastian smirked at him as he stepped out of the shadows. The park disappeared and they were at a ruined castle, the walls have crumbled, except for a few, standing stone pillars. They were on one of them, overlooking a vast deserted land, where trees grew wild, and not an animal in sight. The sky was covered in gray clouds, not one letting light pass through it. "Where are we?"
"It is where I live. It is my domain." Sebastian laid his chin on Matthew's shoulder, his arms tightly wrapped around the blonde's waist. "It's not much, but-"
"I like it." Matthew interrupted.
Sebastian chuckled under his breath, "It is hardly suitable for a human you know. Light has never one touched this place, and yet the clouds disappeared only to show the stars and moon at night. How you can like a place like this..." He shook his head, a soft smile on his face.
"I like it...because it has your presence." Matthew leaned against Sebastian's chest as he surveyed the land before him. "Will this also be my home?" He asked.
Sebastian nodded and they were somehow on the ground. Sebastian led Matthew to a stone bench and made him lay down, his head on Sebastian's lap. "Why are you in my dream Sebastian?" Matthew asked. "Sorry, I don't mean to intrude, it's just that. You look so happy when you dream, and demons can sleep, but they can't dream. I just wanted to see what you dream about." Matthew's smile grew and he grabbed Sebastian's hand and placed a kiss into the palm of his hand. "Sorry my dreams aren't much. Only memories mixed together." Sebastian cupped Matthew's cheek and brushed his lips to the others. "Your dreams, I will admit, are rather unique. But I like them either way."
Matthew chuckled a bit and laid Sebastian's hand on his chest, his own clasped to it. "That's one way of putting it. Will this be a common thing? You in my dreams?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot. You sleep during the day, and I'm busy working at that time, in fact only 2 minutes have passed outside of this dream world." Matthew blinked and stared at Sebastian confused, "Really?" Sebastian nodded and the scene changed again, back to Matthew's first dream. "I must go back to work." He kissed Matthew once more and left him alone.
Matthew sat up and looked around, he was back in the park, and he felt sad for being left alone again, yet he was smiling because he knew it was a dream, and when he wakes up, Sebastian will be there for him. "I'm not alone this time..."
~ASC~
Gray clouds covered the sky, and a cool harsh wind blew through the trees, threatening to bring a storm. It's been a week since the Ripper case, to say that Ciel was fine, is an understatement. He hasn't stopped working, and the piles of paperwork seem to keep rising and rising. Sebastian told everyone not to worry, so we tried our best and did our jobs, after all it was the only thing we can do.
The mailman's carriage swung by as I opened the gate, and he handed me the letters. He tipped his hat to me and I returned with a nod, and headed back inside. My body ached still, as I handed Sebastian the letters and he told me to follow him, he told me that for humans it takes longer for a soul to bond with a demon. He of course wasn't sure of how long it will be completed. Oh well, what can I do really?
We were in front of Ciel and Sebastian handed him a letter. He looked at the plain white envelope and turned it around, his eyes widen. "This is from the queen!" He grabbed his letter opener and slashed it open. He took out the contents and started reading them, we both waited patiently for his orders. Ciel frowned and handed the letter to the both of us. We read it and I blinked in surprised, "Sounds like Demonata."
"What?" They asked me.
I shook my head and went over to Ciel's side, "So there someone who is killing mass amount of peoples?"
"Correct."
"And the reason they die is because the play a game, though instead of checkers its cards." I muttered the last part, seriously this sounds almost like Demonata, when the guy had to play checkers against Lord Loss or he'll die like everyone else. "How come this wasn't in the newspaper?" Ciel took the letter from my hand and slipped it back into the envelope, "The Queen is keeping it hidden." I nodded in understanding, "Well then, something like this should be easy. You and I are pretty decent players Ciel; then again we have a demon by our side." I slapped Sebastian on his back and he smirked and Ciel's frowned deepened.
"I doubt it will be that easy. Anyways we'll leave today." He stood up and we set to work.
The whole town was bustling with busy people. Vendors showing their wares, and women flocking around shops. Though this is not the streets we are going to. No, in fact we are heading to the alleys. Ciel is in disguise as a 'regular' kid, and Sebastian was wearing a black coat over his regular uniform, and I? Well I was wearing a coat as well; mine was a more modest one, modest meaning it looked like a commoner, and a scarf around my neck. Sebastian insisted I wear one.
We walked through the alleyways, getting information of this 'King of Hearts', and we finally arrived at a pub called The Queen's Hand. We entered the pub, and the scent of beer and nuts invaded us. It smelled horrid and everyone was clearly drunk, but all of them were playing cards. "This is bad, how do we know which one is which?" I whispered to Sebastian and Ciel. Ciel looked around the pub and then turned his attention back to us. "Play them all, and win. Nothing more than that from you," He said to Sebastian, "And nothing less from you." He said to me.
"Yes." Sebastian and I said in unison.
Soon, Sebastian and I were playing cards, I was on the left side of the room, he the right. Ciel was thrown out of the bar since he was so young, but I saw him watching us from one of the windows. I looked at the cards in my hand and threw them down in the table, "4 of a kind." They stared at my cards, four kings and a 3 looked up at me. They threw their cards on the table and started to complain and I just smirked as I raked in their money. "Is that all you lot have!" I shouted, hoping to rouse some attention to 'other' players. Sebastian smirked at me, he was a lot less boastful, but that smile of his almost caused a fight with a sore loser.
We continued to play, one, maybe two hours have passed. I had more money than I ever did in a week, but I wasted it on buy people drinks, and tricking them to play with me. Pretty soon the bar was starting to slowly empty until only 7 drunkards, Sebastian, and the bartender remained. I sighed as I won yet again; my guys became frustrated and just stood up and left. Sebastian own guys started complaining at him, thinking he was cheating and he showed them that they were wrong by removing his upper clothing and allowed them to pat him down.
I blushed; this wasn't how I was expecting to see Sebastian's body after all... What the hell! I screamed in my mind when I just realized what I just thought. Sebastian smirked at me and winked as he slipped his clothing on.
"Forget this guy, let's go home." They grabbed their coats and left. Sebastian and I sighed and went to the bar. "What will you have?" The barkeep asked us. "Anything strong." I said. Sebastian shook his head and I gulped the warm drink down. The barkeep left us alone as he went to clean the cups left on the tables. "Any luck?" I asked Sebastian, the ale was slowly warming my body up and I stretched and bit back a yawn.
"None. Though I must say you're very good at cards."
"When you lived in an orphanage, there's not much else to do, but learn to play cards."
The bartender came back, and there was a familiar tingle in the back of my mind. "You guys are good. If you're interested, there's a game going on right now, it's upstairs."
"Oh really?" Sebastian smirked and I hid my smile behind my drink.
The barkeeper frowned as he picked up a glass and cleaned it with a white rag, "You know what. Never mind, go home, live your life. Clearly you two are young."
"And what does that have to do with anything?" I asked as I set the glass down.
"Listen. If you play this game... you may lose more than just your money."
I dug into my coat's pocket and laid some cash on the table. "We'll take your words for consideration."
"But you're not going to follow them are you?"
Sebastian and I stood up and smiled at him, "Have more faith in us." I winked at him and we both headed up the stairs. The barkeeper sighed and went back to his work.
Upstairs of the pub, there were several rooms, some of them were occupied, but other than that, there was no poker game at all. "I thought he said upstairs was the game?" I told Sebastian as we headed to the stairs, a sigh coming from my lips. There was a strange creaking sound and we both stopped. We turned around and saw the attic door opened and we rushed over to it. We climbed up into the dark room. There was nothing in the room, except for a lone light and a table with a bone-thin man with receding hair, and a toothpick in his mouth, stared at us with black eyes. "Welcome, it seems we have more players now." We? I looked around; there was no one else but us. "So you're the King of hearts?"
The man nodded vigorously as he rubbed his hands together, a snake-like tongue licked his lips as he stared at us with those shark eyes, "Oh my oh my, two delicacies to eat. But," He pointed to Sebastian and grinned madly, "You can leave, I want nothing to do with you."
"Sorry, but under my master's orders, we were told to get you. Nothing more," He and I stepped closer, "Nothing less."
"Oh you mean this little master." He stood up and grabbed something behind his seat. He had Ciel in his hands, bound and gagged. He glared at the man and tried to struggle out of his grip, the man smirked, showing sharp teeth and his attention went back to us. "You're in my domain demon; you can't break the rules here." Sebastian frowned and looked at the wooden floor, we didn't noticed when we came in, but on the dusty wood was a large circle with an eight point star with two squares intertwined behind it. "You can't fight another demon in his own territory?" I asked him.
"It's kind of like vampires; they can't enter a home without permission. It's a courtesy that is bounded by our marks."
"What the hell, this isn't time to be polite!"
"Are you giving up?" The demonic man asked, "To bad then, I suppose you'll do." His mouth suddenly grew wider and fangs grew, and Ciel stared in shock as he tried to get out of the demon's grip. "Wait!" I shouted, "I'll play you."
"Good, but there is a matter of the wager." He wiggled his clawed finger at me, "The wager is obvious. I play for our freedom."
"Ah, but that is hardly fair, your body isn't worth that much. Something else." I patted my pockets and took out the money I won, he laughed at that, "Money doesn't interest me." It was a stupid effort, but nothing else came to mind. The book thrummed in my pocket and I took it out, the man dropped Ciel and stared at it, I moved it from side to side, his eyes stayed glued to it and I shook my head. "No this." I didn't want to give the book away, it was mine, it needed me, and I needed it.
Ciel stared at me; he couldn't believe what I just said. "I thought they were important." The man said a smirk on his face.
"They are but..." I looked at Sebastian, wondering if he could save us. But he couldn't. I looked to Ciel and he just stared at me, I was letting him down and I knew it. I bit my lower lip and laid the book on the table. He smirked and we both sat down, "10 rounds, most wins." He took some cards out of his pocket and went to shuffle them. "Wait!" I said, he stopped and looked at me. "If we play, we play my way." I snatched the cards from him and I started to shuffle them. He just watched, enjoying this a little too much. The cards fluttered in my hands as I continued to shuffle them, I didn't feel so confident, but I know that Ciel was counting on me. I couldn't let him down no matter what.
I handed out the cards and we started the game. The rules of this game were no money was needed, and no folding, no calls, and no raise and deuces are wild. The only problem that I have right now is that I'm losing the first round. The cards in my hands are a queen of hearts, a jack of clubs, a two of spades, an eight of diamonds, and a six of clubs. The two is good at least, but here comes the hard part of deciding which to get rid of. I looked at the guy, he had his cards in his hands but he wasn't looking at them, he was staring at me, trying to intimidate me.
"Focus." Sebastian told me, he was right behind me, his hand on my back as reassurance. I took in a deep breath and removed all the cards except the deuce. I took out four cards from the deck and I stared at the hand I drew. It was the same cards just different suits! "Well?" The King of Hearts said as he held his cards out, "Lay them down." At the same time we placed the cards. He had a full house, three kings, and two nines.
"My win." He smirked and I slowly breathed in and out, panicking will get me nowhere.
We played, for four rounds and I lost them all. I kept getting bad cards, it was impossible to keep getting bad cards without at least three pairs at the most! "Ooh, now don't start giving up yet." He chuckled as he handed the cards back to me. He can't be cheating since I control the cards, but...aarggh! This is impossible! How can he keep winning? I stared at the cards and I looked at the design on the back, his symbol was on each card and my eyes widen when I realized that the color of the cards looked familiar. They were the same as his skin!
"You cheat!" I yelled and threw his cards back to him; they landed perfectly into his hands. "You've been manipulating the cards the entire time!" He raised his hands up, "Now now, those are some high accusations."
"I told you in the beginning we play my way! And we are." I reached into my pockets and took out my cards. I took out my knife as well and slashed my palm, "In case you get any more ideas of cheating I'm going to do something very stupid." I opened my book and went to page 59, the constriction spell. I ran my hand on the table of a star with five lines cutting through it. "Restrictio!" The symbol glowed and the two demons in the room winced as chains wrapped around them and it disappeared, but the effects were still on them until I said so.
The demon glared at me and I smirked, confidence growing, and I shuffled my cards. This time I was winning, he had a three of a kind and I had a straight, he had a full house and I had a 4 of a kind to counter him.
We were finally at the last round and I threw down a full house, three queens and two aces. He smirked and laid his cards on the table, three kings and two aces. My hands fell to my sides as he started to laugh. "Its sudden death then." I didn't want it to come out as a tie. He told me from the beginning if we ever got into a tie, all none face cards were removed except for the ten. Five cards as normal, but here's the kicker, there's one card in the middle that will determine which suit will win if we get the same thing like a full house, and when we have to show our cards when we received them.
I looked to Ciel, he was starting to sweat, and I looked to Sebastian, his jaw was set and he just stared at the cards. My hands shook as I removed the cards till only 16 remain. 16 cards, limited possibilities to win, and many more ways to lose. The cards left my hands and we flipped them up one by one. My eyes widen in shock, he had a king of hearts, queen of hearts, jack of hearts, and a ten of hearts and a seven of clubs. Mine were the same as his, except they were spades. The chances of getting an ace is 4 out of 52, but since this is a 16 card deck, and one card was in the middle, there was only 5 cards and so that meant it was a one in 5 chance, but it was also a one in in five chance for him to get his ace as well. I don't like those odds, but the look on the demon's face shows that he is thinking the same.
We both reached for the card, he snatched the first one and I took the second. We looked at each other, neither one of us had seen our cards. We discard the useless cards of ours and quickly replaced it. I started to sweat, we haven't looked down at our cards, and no one was really making a move. We looked down and my heart stopped, we both had a royal flush.
"Hearts wins!" He shouted.
"That is bullshit and you know it!" I shouted, my chair was on the ground, having stood up to quickly in anger, and my hands were clenched into fist, "Hearts have the same ground as Spades. If you follow any fucking code you would at least follow the rules of poker!"
"This isn't regular poker." He smirked.
"You're wrong. The restriction works two ways! It restricts me from cheating, and it restricts you from using your powers." My body was trembling, from anger, from fear, but all the same I stared him in the eyes. "When I said we play my way. We. Play. My. Way." I grounded out through clenched teeth. "Now." I moved side to side, a bit anxious, and my hand touched the card that laid flat on its face, waiting for us to flip it, "We will see who wins." He touched the end of the card and together we flipped it. It was a slow and enduring process; whatever came out determined our life, or our death...
The card fell on to the table and I flipped the wooden table, slamming it into the demon. "Matthew!" Sebastian handed me my knife and I jumped the shock demon and raised the blade high, "Back to hell!" I thrusted it into his heart and the chains of restriction released Sebastian and wrapped around the card demon. It tried to choke out a scream, but the chains cut through his throat as it bounded his body. Sebastian pulled me and Ciel away from him and the star emerged under the demon, he slowly started to sink and it was done. His seal was gone from the floor, and the only thing that remained was a puddle of dark blood, and the flipped card, a 2 of spades.
I collapsed on the ground and tried to catch my breath. Sebastian untied Ciel and the young Earl rubbed his wrist. I stood up, almost falling and I grabbed my fallen book. It wasn't damaged at all, and I sighed in relief as I looked back at everyone. Ciel stood up and walked over to me, "Ciel that was a-" His hand struck me, hard, and he gripped my scarf, bringing me down to his level. "You dare compare my life with a book!" He struck me again and I took the hit. My eyes looked to the ground; I couldn't… wouldn't look him in the eye as he continued to strike me.
"Young master." Sebastian stayed Ciel's hand and I looked to him, "Never again." I told him. He gripped my chin and he raised a hand to hit me once more, but instead he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Who owns your life?" I kneeled on one knee and held a hand over my heart, "Earl Ciel Phantomhive, owner of the Funtom Company, and head of the Phantomhive house."
"Will you sacrifice your own life for me?"
"Yes."
"Would you do as I say? Even if it means killing those you love."
I could feel Sebastian stare at me and I looked only to Ciel, "Yes."
"Will you always be by my side? Never to let death stop you?"
"I will do as you wish."
He held out his hand, the ring stared me in the eyes and I took his small hand and kissed the ring. "Do with me as you wish." He made me stand up and we looked to Sebastian, a smile grew on his face and he bowed to Ciel, "Shall we go home. Young master?" Ciel nodded, his shoulders slumped, and he started to sway from side to side. "Ciel." I called to him, he looked up at me and I scooped him up in my arms. "Read me another one of your strange stories from your other world, before I sleep." He ordered me, as he wrapped his arms around my neck. "Yes." I said, and I opened up a portal to Ciel's bedroom.
We stepped in and I retold Ciel a story from when I was young, and after that he ordered me to stay, even so much as to lie on his bed, and I did as I was told and his hand gripped mine tightly, afraid that I would leave him. His grip lessened as sleep consumed him, and I ran my fingers through his hair, "Never again will I choose you over anything." I whispered softly to him. I laid a kiss on his forehead and gently stood up from the bed.
"Matthew." Sebastian said. He was near a window and he opened it, "Come." He held out his hand and I took it. We were soon on the roof and he held me close as we looked at the crescent moon above. "Can I ask you something?" He whispered softly.
"Go ahead."
"Would you really kill me if Young master asked you too?"
I looked down; my hair cascaded and covered my eyes. "If that is what he wishes."
"Do you mean it? Or are you lying." He turned me around and tucked my hair behind my ear. "I will not lie to you. Just that... I owe my life to Ciel, and will do what he asks of me." He smiled at me, understanding that we must do what we must. We both sat down and Sebastian held my hand, his thumb lightly rubbing my fingers. "Can I ask you another question?" He asked yet again.
I chuckled and nodded to him. "How did you know the card was in your favor?" This time I froze and I looked away from him, a blush on my face. "I-I didn't."
"What?" He looked at me, surprise etched on to his face. And I gave him a small nervous laugh, "I pretty much winged it. I thought if maybe I could kill him, or at least injure him, you would be able to take Ciel away." He blinked once, twice, three times and he let out a bark of laughter. "You have that much faith in me?"
"Shouldn't I?" He stopped laughing, but the smile was on his face remained, "What do you think?" I frowned and pushed him off the building. His hand had caught the ledge and I stared down at him laughing, "I think you should just stop flirting with me. I already merged my soul with you, so you don't have to keep playing." He hoisted himself up easily and caught my lips into a quick passionate kiss. "Who said I was playing?" He pushed me down and started to nuzzle my cheek, his hands holding on to my wrist so I wouldn't push him away. "What a strange lot we are, aren't we Matthew." He whispered into my ear.
"Strange, yet would you have it any other way?" He shook his head and lay down next to me.
"Please just don't play with me, my paper heart will bleed~" He singed softly and I started to laugh, "Maybe I should stop singing songs out loud."
"You sing beautifully." Sebastian told me as he laid a kiss on my cheek. They burned red and I looked away, "Me? Singing beautifully? I doubt it. Besides, it's just something I do when it becomes too quiet." Sebastian just chuckled softly and he stared up at the moon, the laughter was gone and his eyes seemed to stare off ahead, "You know what I'm going to do to the Young Master, when he finally gets what he wants." My lips pursed and I closed my eyes as I nodded, "I know...but this is what Ciel wants...and I will respect his wishes."
"Do you hate me for it?" He asked, his hand gripped my own, almost like he was afraid I would run away.
"I can't hate you for doing what you must to survive." He turned his head and looked at me, he was wondering if I meant it, and I just gave him a small smile and moved closer to him. "Can I borrow your shoulder for a bit, Sebastian?" I asked him. He nodded and I laid my head on his shoulder, and I placed my arm on his waist, "Let me just lay here for a little bit. Just for a while..." My eyes grew heavy and Sebastian wrapped his arms around me. It was so cold outside, and yet he felt so warm. His heart beat was slow and calming, and soon I was asleep in his arms.
~ASC~
Ciel tossed and turned, a moan escaped his lips in his sleep. In his dreams he was falling, feathers were floating down after him and he saw Matthew staring at him with cold uncaring eyes as he fell.
That incident happened during a stormy night that particular midnight; it took away all my dreams and hopes. The me that was face to face with Death saw a black crow fly over my head. That crow held me with its gaze that seems to be filled with a mirage, it looked like Matthew and he refused to even look at me, and he said, 'The dead can never come back to life.'
"Nevermore." Sebastian whispered in the darkness, as the image of Matthew was swiped away by a clawed hand.
"...ster."
Ciel opened his eyes and saw two black figures before him. "Young master, master!" Ciel gasped as he reached under his pillow and pointed a gun at Sebastian's head.
I looked at Ciel, and shook my head. I warned Sebastian that Ciel was having a bad dream, and he wouldn't like to be woken up by a demon. "Don't...touch me..." Ciel shivered in fear as his finger lay on the trigger. I never knew what happened in Ciel's past, but as I watched the fear in his eyes, I understood something. He had gone through hell and back.
Sebastian stood away from Ciel, and smiled at him as if nothing was wrong. "Today's morning tea is Assam black tea with added milk. It is a milk tea which I prepared." Ciel stared at Sebastian, not out of his nightmare yet it seems. "Milk can help to soothe one's nerves, and calm you down." Ciel froze when Sebastian came near, "Especially after a nightmare." Ciel sighed as he lowered the gun and accepted the tea.
Sebastian spotted a book under the Ciel's covers, and he picked it up. "Hmm it must be because you were reading Edgar Poe's works before Bedtime. Matthew, I believe this is yours." He handed it to me and I raised an eyebrow at Ciel. He could have just asked to borrow it.
"I have the pleasure of doing anything I please." He said to me, as if I was going to take that.
"Really? So do I. It's called my god given rights." I smacked his head and he glared at me. "What's the schedule for today?" He asked Sebastian. Without skipping a beat Sebastian started listing Ciel's schedule. "Today, you will need to assess the files send by the company; you will be having Marchioness Midford and Lady Elizabeth as guest in the afternoon-"
"OH NO!" Ciel shouted, causing me to jump. Sebastian just continued, "And also you master your..." Ciel hopped out of bed, "Hurry up and make preparations! Hurry!" Sebastian and I stared at Ciel in confusion. "There's no need to be so anxious, the Marchioness will only arrive in the afternoon..."
"You fool!" Ciel shouted, "This is Aunt Frances you are talking about!" I cleared my throat, not wanting to disturb Ciel's meltdown, but I had wanted to ask him something.
Finny skipped around the yard, a bag in his hand and he stopped to stare at the roses, "Oh! The roses of the Christmas season have bloomed. Christmas is almost here..." He drooled in the thought of food, "Ah!" His eyes widen and he rushed into the manor.
I grumbled as I flipped the eggs in the pan, I was pissed. I had asked Ciel if I can have my day off early, but he declined, saying that he needed me here, damnit this day sucks. "Everyone! Everyone! We have a problem." Finny shouted as he rushed in.
"What do you want Finnian, it is still early in the morning..." Bard yawned.
"What's wrong?" Maylene asked as she played with a flower I plucked for her.
"Really...has everyone forgotten? Today is a special day!" They stared at the calendar as I bit into my sandwich walking out of the kitchen, "Special?" I heard them say.
I entered my room and started to get dress, we are having a guest after all. I buttoned up a white dress shirt and placed a black tie on. Then I buckled a black belt around my slacks and slipped my shoes on. I looked very good, but I felt like a businessman turned pirate since the shirt had billowy sleeves, Orlando Bloom eat your heart out hehe. I grabbed a comb and brushed my hair back, it was growing a little longer almost reaching the nape of my neck, and I knew that I was going to need a haircut soon. The feather tickled my neck as I felt something behind me.
Sebastian wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed the same spot the feather touched me. "Come, they are earlier than expected." We left my room and Ciel looked at me, I glared at him, still wishing that he gave me my day off.
We stared at the carriage and I went over to it, opening the door and helping the ladies out.
"It has been a while since we last met, Marchioness Midford." Ciel started to sweat, he looked nervous. "As always, you have arrived earlier than expected." Sebastian gave them a fake smile, he was looking nervous to! The women, who looked incredibly strict, spoke up, "Forget the formal greetings. Anyway Earl Phantomhive, with that out-of-bred look, can I presume that you have just awaken?" No he actually always looks like that. Something tells me though I should keep those comments to myself.
"Ahh the Ciel who has just woken up is sooooo cute!" Lizzie glomped Ciel and I jumped when the women shouted, "Elizabeth!" I rushed over to Sebastian, afraid of the women. "It is not proper for you to engage in such improper actions. Also, you shouldn't be greeting him first! Even though this is where I lived in the past, I have emphasized that you must still behave like a refined lady."
Lizzie stared in horror at her mother, "I am so sorry, mother!" Madam Middleford looked at Sebastian and me, and we both straightened up.
Sebastian put his (fake) smile and slightly bowed to her, "It has been quite a while! Welcome, Marchioness and Lady Elizabeth." The women glared at Sebastian, "Thank you for taking the trouble to travel all the way here..." She was now face to face with Sebastian. "May I ask...if there is something on my face?" I never knew a demon can get so nervous.
"That face of yours! It's still the same as ever... What indecent looks you possess." I snorted and covered my mouth when Sebastian glared at me, "I was born looking this way." Again had to cover my mouth.
"And also!" She suddenly gripped Sebastian's bangs and pulled at them, "Both the master and his butler are alike! The two of you are obviously men, yet both of you keep your fringes long. Seeing it irks me! Kindly learn from Tanaka!" Said old man just laughed and sipped his tea as they noticed his hair was combed back.
She suddenly stalked towards Ciel and Sebastian, "Aunt...Aunt? Please wait...WAIT A MINUTE! AHHH!" Ciel screamed. Thank god I actually took care to dress up correctly, because the way she wield that comb...let's just say that she drew blood on Sebastian without noticing. "I am really sorry that I have to trouble you for this...Aunt Frances." Ciel shook from the shock of his aunt. They foreheads looked rather shiny; Sebastian was smiling nervously, still, at the women.
Ok since I didn't know who the lady was, Sebastian had filled me in. The sister of the late Earl Phantomhive, Lady Frances is someone who adheres strictly to rules and abstains from temptations and desires; she is highly respected and never had a need to hide her actions. Though I would love to see the fool who dare correct her. It is said that she married the Head Knight Marquis Midford, after defeating him using her superhuman strength in a fencing event held by the Queen. Love is really blind and comes with aspirin it seems. She still continues with her daily rigorous physical training after marriage, and she is currently a monster lady of the noble class whose drive and beauty are still preserved from her youth. Though maybe age is too afraid of her kicking its ass.
"I just came to conduct a surprise spot-check, and you are still lazing around like usual. Also, your butler is still as indecent as ever."
Sebastian stared at me, as if asking me if he was indecent. I refused to answer that. "Bear in mind that you are going to be the man whom my daughter is marrying to in the future. I am going to retrain you today!" Oh gosh, this isn't going to be a good day at all, thank whoever it is keeping me invisible right now, cause she has seriously not noticed me at all.
"Firstly, I am going to check the inside of your house!"
"In that case, allow me to lead the way." Sebastian said, didn't look like he wanted to. "Hey." Ciel whispered.
"Shh- Please be at ease, I have already ensured that everything is in place yesterday."
I whispered to Sebastian, "Haven't you heard of Murphy's Law. Anything that can go wrong will." He gave me a look that said, 'Please, I am the best.' I rolled my eyes and we followed him.
"Firstly, I will lead you to explore the garden; the winter roses bought from Germany are exceptionally beautiful." He opened the door a crack and we saw Finny cutting off the heads of all the roses. He shut the door and turned around; giving them a bullshit smile "I have made a mistake." I gave him an I-told-you-so look, and he just pinched my arm. Ow!
"I actually wanted to let you explore the main hall."
"Why? Since we are already here, we should start exploring from the garden!" Lady Frances said.
"No. Please come to the main hall. This way please." He insisted.
"It is currently the time whereby the roses of the Christmas season as well as those bought recently from Germany bloom at their peak. Please come to the main hall as the view of the flowers will be better; you will be able to see the garden from there. It is our wish to provide you with the best scenery of the blooming flowers in the day." Try counting how many times he said flowers and blooming, and how you will see the garden, all in that sentence. He is lying like he was almost caught cheating with another woman.
"I refurbished the main hall a few days back; I have taken the liberty to order wallpaper with a lovely design from France." He opened the door and we barely saw Maylene falling forward with so many dishes heading straight to the floor, and Sebastian immediately shut the door and turned to face Lady Frances with that same smile. "I have made a mistake. I think we should proceed to the greenhouse to have tea."
"Why? I thought we are here to view the main hall."
"No, we shall have tea first." I smacked my forehead, I told him so.
"The two of you have been stuck in a cramped carriage for such a long time, both of you must be tired. I'm so sorry for not realizing this sooner...I have already set up a resting corner in the greenhouse. Anyways, please proceed there to help yourself to the snacks and enjoy a cup of tea!" I think Lady Frances is on her last nerve, Sebastian better hoped that nothing else goes wrong.
"I have coincidentally purchased some excellent tangerines from Spain and I have been intending to use Ceylon tea grown in Dim bulla to serve you orange-flavored black tea." There was a loud boom and Sebastian smiled once more at her.
"Have you made a mistake again?" She asked.
He bowed to her and she yelled at him "You are such an indecisive man!" He bowed to her again, and I had to struggle not to laugh, "Madam, You have no idea." She glared at me, but I just gave her a grin as I watched Sebastian struggle, "I'm so sorry, my way of handling matters are just too..." He paused and looked at me, then his eyes widen, and I could have sworn a light bulb came from his head.
"Oh, I have just remembered that there is a place which I have been intending to let the Marchioness explore." She stared at him in question.
"Even though it might not be really suitable for ladies to explore it...anyway, let us all head to the stables!" He smiled at me and forced me to lead the way.
Sebastian went to Andrew and touched his jaw, "What do you think of this Marchioness? I have specially bought a horse with a blue-black coat as Young master's personal horse. It has always been my wish to show this to the Marchioness."
She stared at it in awe as Andrew whined for me to pet him. I did so and he nuzzled my face.
"Well I must say, you at least did something correct." The Marchioness said as she touched Andrew. I cleared my throat, getting her attention and I said, "Actually, all of this is my doing. Sebastian is useless when it comes to my horses, so I care for them." Sebastian's eyebrow twitched in annoyance and he stamped his foot on mine. I'm so going to kill him!
"Ciel. Do you want to go hunting with me right now?" Marchioness asked.
"With aunt?"
"This is a good opportunity for me to observe what sort of man my daughter is going to marry. Or perhaps...hunting is too strenuous for Earl Phantomhive who possesses the small skinny build of a girl?" Don't fall for it Ciel!
"Alright!" Damn. "Sebastian go make preparations. Matthew ready the horses." I sighed and nodded.
"Ciel! Let's have a competition."
~ASC~
I was currently behind the others, a freaking basket of food and other stuff Sebastian had, on my back. Sebastian was pulling Andrew forward, leading the way, with both Ciel and Lizzie on top of Andrew. And the Lady Frances was on top of Ellie, the only female horse in the whole stable. I was tired, surprised that I had lasted this long without sleep. And started grumbling under my breath at Sebastian, I'm blaming everything on him.
We stopped and Ciel called out to Sebastian, "Sebastian!"
"Yes!" He sniffed the air and I smiled, he looks so silly, as he pointed the way, "Young master, this way."
"Does your butler serve as a hunting dog as well?" She taunted.
"You can put it that way, it is somewhat true." Then again, Sebastian is more demon than dog. As if agreeing the feather touched my neck lightly. "In that case, we shall start from the vicinity of this area. The rules are, the area where you are able to shoot is bounded by a perimeter of 25 km, and also, it is forbidden to shoot birds that are situated lower than the height mentioned. Is that alright?"
"It's fine!" They both agreed.
"We shall begin now." He took out his pocket watch, "The time limit is 3 hours."
"I shall see you later Ciel!" She kicked Ellie, poor thing, and disappeared.
Ciel stared at his fiancé, "Lizzie, you should get off the horse."
"Eh? But I am seldom able to be with you like this..." There was a bang and Sebastian smiled, "1-0." Ciel stared in shock at this, "The Marchioness certainly lives up to her name, she managed to shoot down a bird as soon as the competition started. It seems like she is a bit too tough for someone like you, Young master." Sebastian, don't tell me you're having another of your little 'episodes' where you have to torture Ciel.
Ciel pointed his rifle up and shot at a bird. Lizzie screamed from the sudden bang, and he smiled at Lizzie, "Even though I feel a little bad towards Aunt Frances...I'm not losing at anything that has 'competition' written all over it!" He isn't kidding, he was mad when the Super Mario party game had given him his first competition involving the turtle shell game.
Ciel lowered Lizzie down and ordered, "Lizzie, stay here with Sebastian as it is going to be dangerous, understand?"
She stared at Ciel in awe, he rode off into the forest, and she looked towards Sebastian and me, "I'm so relieved. Ciel has finally returned to his normal self. Because Ciel was close to Madam Red, I was worried. I don't want any more unhappy memories to befall Ciel. That is why I always try to cheer him up using my own methods. They don't normally produce the desired effects though." Yeah, pre-teen boys don't like cute snuggly things Lizzie.
"I was worried. I tend to overdo thing and anger him in the process."
I smiled and spoke without thinking, "I am sure that Ciel has always kept your concerns for him in mind." I covered my mouth, thinking that I was to direct and she just laughed and smiled, "Thank you, you are so kind...uhm... What is your name?" Right, she doesn't know me, since I'm usually asleep during the day. "Call me Matthew." I bowed to her.
There were several gunshots and Sebastian told us the score. "5-4, the competition seems to be heating up, we should start cheering them on."
As time passed waiting for them, Sebastian made me set up the table as he prepared the food.
They both appeared, and threw their kills to the ground.
"The Marchioness has hunted a total of 15 animals, with 10 pheasants, 2 foxes, and 3 rabbits. Young master has hunted 11 pheasants, 3 foxes and 1 rabbit. Making it a total of 15 animals as well. Let us conclude this with a draw, what do both of you think?"
They glared at each other at the ends of the table.
"I cannot take this lying down! I won't be appeased unless there is a victor." She huffed.
"I agree with you this time, Aunt Frances, even though occasions whereby I agree with you are rare." They glared at each other again, and Sebastian intervened. "In that case, we shall determine the winner through another competition in the afternoon." Oh great...
"Of course!"
"No problem!"
Sebastian grabbed a bottle of wine and was about to pour it into Madam Frances glass when she brought something up, "However, it seems that we have hunted all the prey that is available here. It is best if we change a venue for the afternoon session."
Sebastian sniffed the air, "Hmm... you shouldn't be worried Marchioness, there are still larger prey lurking around." The way Sebastian said that, gave me an ominous feeling.
"Well, since we have already decided on what to do later on, let's start eating!" My eyes widen as a shadow fell over Lizzie, "It smells delicious!" She said, my mouth started gaping like a fish and she looked at me as I pointed behind her. She turned her head and I reached into my pocket for my hunting knife, "Lady Elizabeth!" I shouted. "Ehh?" She said as she looked up and saw the huge black grizzly behind her.
Then in a matter of seconds everyone reacted. "Lizzie!" Ciel dashed forward covering Lizzie with his body and I rushed after, my blade going for the bear's neck, as it's paws came straight at us. There was a loud bang, and everything went quiet, the bear then fell backwards.
"Aunt..." Ciel said in surprised. I sighed in relief and slipped my knife back into my pocket.
"16-15." I'm going to hit Sebastian, I swear.
Madam Frances walked to Ciel and Lady Elizabeth and Ciel smiled at her, "It seems like I have been defeated by you, Aunt Frances."
The Madam smile faltered a bit and she huffed at Ciel, "It will take you 10 more years for you to be able to defeat me. However...you are indeed worthy of my praise for the bravery you have shown, at the time when you gave it your all to protect my daughter. You as well young man." I looked around and pointed to myself, she nodded. "I don't know you, and neither does Elizabeth, but you nonetheless rushed over to protect both the Earl and my daughter." I smiled to her and bowed, thanking her for her praise, "A lowly servant like me should do no less." She smirked at me and Sebastian did as well.
"Also," She bowed to Ciel, startling him that she would do something like this. "I owe you one. You are indeed worthy of being my future son-in-law," Ciel blushed at this.
"Alright since the competition has ended, let's head back home." What a waste, the food smelled great too. We packed up and I was now pulling Andrew forward, while Madam and Sebastian were out in front of us.
"Hey!" She whispered to Sebastian, "Hey, butler!" She held out a silver kitchen knife and I wondered why she had it in her hand. "You left something behind." Sebastian laughed, pretending like he was embarrassed, "Oh my, I wonder what came over me, I actually forgot that I have left a silverware behind..."
"Oh really? You actually forgot that you have left it in the bear's head." I almost tripped over my feet at what I heard. "You were the one who took down that bear am I right? My shot missed, I almost killed that young servant." What! "I actually panicked when I saw my daughter in danger. I must be getting old..." She stared at him, "However isn't it a butler's job to ensure that his master gets all the glory? Why did you let me win on purpose?"
"Young master is indeed talented when it comes to competing with others. That is why he is extremely confident of his abilities to the extent that he has this viewpoint that 'there is no way I can ever lose.' However in order to work towards one's goal, it is necessary for one to eat the humble pie," Someone shouldn't be talking. "If not, one will eventually trip and fall one day. In addition, Young master's goal is not something that is easily attainable. This is a willful thinking on my part," He looked at her, "I hope that the Marchioness will become a role model for my master."
She then frowned at him, "In other words, I have been used?" I laughed softly at this. "Of course that is not the case...the head of the household that I serve is a 'child' yet at the same time, he is also the 'master.' It is important for Young master now to have an 'adult' by his side, in order to keep him in check."
"Even though your looks are very indecent, what you said was indeed accurate." Sebastian face fell at the 'indecent' part. Hahaha.
"For the sake of your master, you actually made the process of teaching him the proper actions to take during different times part of your job scope."
Sebastian smirked at her, "That is because; I am one hell of a butler. I will do whatever benefits the master most."
She hm'ed at him "You are a fellow that will never be taken advantage of!" He looked back at me and smiled at me. "I wouldn't say that so easily." He said, I blushed at this, wondering when I had taken advantage of him. Or is he thinking of what will happen in the future? We finally arrived home and Sebastian led us to the dining room, "Since we have obtained so many wonderful catch from today's hunting session, I shall show all of you what I am capable of doing with all these-" We stopped as we saw everyone in the house.
"Ah!" The trio stared at us, they all looked ragged and smelled like smoke, and Finny shouted "Welcome back!"
"Why does everyone look like this?" Ciel asked in shock.
Finny suddenly took out a...I think cake, and smiled at Ciel, "This was made by all of us!" I felt sick looking at it, but my stomach growled either way in hunger and disgust. Ciel stared at it, like it was an alien that they were giving him.
"We even used roses for decoration!" Finny pointed to a table, which was beyond Sebastian's ability to fix.
"I made a donburi filled with the Young master's favorite food!" My god man what happened to your arm? I thought in my mind. Bard grinned at us, missing some teeth, his arm in a sling, and the other holding onto a crutch.
"The table setting was done by me. I followed Mr. Sebastian's style." I felt like falling to the floor laughing, wow, now I know what they were doing. Ciel and Sebastian stared at them and felt a killing aura behind them.
Oh no!
"Humph, they are actually one step quicker than me. I came here specially today just for the sake of saying this." She patted Ciel's head and smiled softly, "Happy 13th birthday, Ciel." She then looked at the trio, "And also everyone, I'll be counting on all of you to take care of my daughter and her husband in the future." They all smiled happily at this and Ciel smiled as well. "Thank you...very much!"
Madam turned and faced Sebastian, "Sebastian, thanks for all the trouble today."
"You're welcome."
"However, there are still something which I need to remind you of...the broken tea set, the ridiculously bare garden, as well as the dinner that was burnt to charcoal...I trust that you will be taking better care of them."
Sebastian chuckled nervously, "You found out?"
"Yes, of course!"
"Let's all party today!" Finny shouted.
"Free wine! Free wine!" I smiled as they started singing happy birthday to Ciel. I took my leave and wandered around the mansion till I found the music room, where Sebastian makes Ciel practice. The piano was there and I sat down and started playing it, "Happy birthday Ciel." I said softly, I knew it was Ciel's birthday, and I had wanted to go to town to get him a gift. But it seems I wasn't so lucky. Oh well. The others took care of it. Maybe next time.
There was a knock and Sebastian came into the room, a chocolate cake with the words Happy Birthday and a hat was on it. "Well my efforts have gone to waste for the young master, but I thought you might enjoy it just the same. Happy birthday Matthew." I stared at him in shock; I've never told anyone my birthday so how did he know?
He sat down next to me and kissed my forehead, "What is it that you want as a gift Matthew?"
I smiled to him and closed the piano, "Nothing. Just let's stay like this for a little bit." He sat closer to me and we stayed side by side as the snow fell to the ground.
In the dining room everyone stared out the window, "Look! It's snowing!" Finny shouted.
~ASC~
In the center of London a hand reached out and captured one of the falling snowflakes, "It's cold. Agni, what is this?"
An Indian man looked to the teenager that had asked him the question, "It falls during the winters of England. It is something called 'snow', my prince."
The prince looked at the snow and stared at the city, "In England...how pretty. How I wish to bring this back to let mother see." He smiled at the snow and the started walking away. His servant followed after him.
The snow covered their tracks and the stars twinkled in the night.
TBC
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