Chapter Two: Every Rose Has It's Thorns
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji. Only the characters in which I own. The rating is also clearly M for a reason. Blood, Gore, Sex, Profanity, the usual. Anyway enjoy the story. Also updates will be weirdly spaced due to me being in school but there will be updates! I swear!
Summary: Just like the Rose she was both beautiful and deadly. She was beautiful like the satin red petals, and deadly like the thorns that adorn it's stem. And it was because of this that she seemed to captivate him. She was his beautiful rose and he intended on keeping it that way.
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Chapter two: Every Rose Has It's Thorns
:::Rina's pov:::
"A funeral parlor? Why on earth would we need to be here?" I glanced at Ciel who held a stoic look on his face.
"An acquaintance of my master runs this parlor lady Rina." Sebastian spoke.
The building looked like time had not done it justice due to the cracking of the sign and the dust that had accumulated itself on the old windows. A dull light shown from the windows giving more of an eery feel.
I hesitantly smiled.
"It's quite... Charming?" The heavy feeling in my stomach only made my hesitance to step in worse.
"If we want answers, this is the place we need to be." Ciel spoke opening the door.
"Undertaker? A word will you?" Ciel called.
The main room was lined with old wooden coffins as well as skulls. The candelabras held candles that seemed to be on their last leg. The floor boards creaked as I stepped closer to the center along with my mother and her butler.
I'm quite amazed Grell hasn't fainted from fright sees how he is the most cowardly man I've every had the displeasure of meeting.
"Hehehe. Hello my lord. Is there something I can help you with? Perhaps a coffin fitting?" An unsettling feeling soon consumed my person as a man with long grey hair and dark robes came out of a coffin.
He soon came towards me and smiled madly.
"Although I'd much prefer you my dear." His long pale fingers bushed themselves against the skin of my cheek and collar bone.
I shivered now uncomfortable with the closeness of this insane man.
"If you would please refrain from touching my cousin, I need information Undertaker." Ciel snapped putting some space between him and me.
Ciel stood next to me with a now irritated look directed at this undertaker character.
"Ah you mean on my recent customers don't you?" Undertaker chuckled.
"Oh I see. This parlor is his cover business. What is your price?" Lau asked.
"Oh I have no use for the queen's coins. My lord I gave you a discount last time and this time you must pay up. Laughter! Oh please would you make me laugh?" Undertaker was begging.
My cousin isn't the humorous type. He shall be sadly disappointed.
"Allow me my lord." Lau stepped forward.
"This one is a classic. Upon which side does a tiger have the most stripes? The outside. Haha get it?" I cringed from how horrible that joke was.
"Lau that is not funny at all. It's just terrible." I spoke holding my arms up in an x shape.
"My turn. I live for gossip so lend me your ear. This story shall have you busting at the seams with laughter!" Mother spoke dramatically.
"Oh no don't tell me." I muttered covering Ciel's ears quickly.
Mother started her story and stopped her before it became too inappropriate even for me, and I've heard the story before!
"Mother! Ciel is only a child! Don't speak of such vulgar and crude acts in front of a child!" At this point my face matched my hair color no doubt.
"Oh darling he's thirteen. He's bound to hear this at some point. My god you were exposed earlier then thirteen." Mother retorted.
"I still have nightmares..." I muttered under my breath.
I think mother and I continued to bicker for a good minute before I felt an unwanted presence behind me.
"Maybe you can offer me a laugh my dear." Undertaker had yet again invaded my personal space and had his fingers in my hair.
"I'm afraid I'm not a humorous person sir." I answered nervously.
"I think you're making the lady uncomfortable undertaker." Sebastian spoke.
"Don't worry my lord I will take care of this. Everyone if you would please leave, and what ever you do don't listen to this joke." We did what he asked and filed out the door.
"What is so vital about us leaving the room?" Mother questioned.
Ciel didn't answer this.
"Bruhahahahah!" I swear the earth shook when this infernal laughing commenced.
I filed in once Sebastian opened the door.
"Oh I've seen heaven..." I couldn't help but laugh at the peculiar position undertaker had taken.
"Do it again." He had quickly gone to me and was yet again touching my face.
I gave him a confused look and Ciel from the corner of my eye was now balling his fist with an irritated look.
"Your laugh is simply gorgeous." Undertaker smiled.
"Enough with this foolery. I need answers." Ciel commanded.
"My my, how impatient you are young lord." Undertaker smirked.
I only smiled. Ciel can be too serious at times. He needs to find the time to be a child every once and awhile.
:::
We all sat around in the parlor with beakers full of tea. Why he doesn't have tea cups, I do not know. The strange part of this was that we are sitting on coffins and the undertaker is eating dog biscuits. A strange one he is to say the least.
"I've been noticing a strange pattern with all my customers as of late. I often get customers who are incomplete." Undertaker continually stroked this very creepy head model.
"Incomplete?" Sebastian questioned.
"Yes, it seems some of their innards are missing. Their wombs to be precise. It's quite odd if you ask me." Undertaker spoke.
Everyone seemed to be surprised. I myself wasn't. It made sense. I have drawn the conclusion that our killer must be a doctor. These prostitute's wombs were missing which tells me they have had their uterus removed in order to get rid of a fetus. Therefore the doctor in question must be infertile. He or she can't have children and seeing others throw away that ability must have drove them mad. As a result he or she began to murder their patients. It's the perfect crime. Only problem is... Who?
"The killer makes a mess of the bodies but that one procedure is always done with precision." Undertaker looked at my cousin.
"The killer committed these crimes out of the maid road where everyone couldn't see so wouldn't amateur have problems executing such a intricate process in such little time?" Sebastian questioned.
"You're a clever one butler. That is exactly what I thought." Undertaker walked towards Ciel.
"See first he slits their throat, then he cuts em' open taking her precious organ." Undertaker demonstrated on Ciel.
This made me frown but I kept my mouth shut. I still believe it to be a doctor.
"May I speak my opinion?" I asked causing everyone to look at me.
"Of course Rina, go ahead." Ciel spoke.
"You say it's their uterus that is missing correct? And you also claim it to be removed cleanly? I have reason to believe our murder is a doctor. Each victim has been through the same procedure leading me to believe said doctor is unable to have children of his or her own. Maybe just maybe this doctor finally cracked after so much mental strain leading them to kill their patient out of jealousy and hate. Hate being because the doctor can not have children and yet these girls can but they choose to throw this away. You do not have to agree with me, but I highly suspect this culprit maybe mentally unstable." I spoke.
"She's a smart one... Best heed what she says. Could be of great help later..." Undertaker chuckled.
"Oh I'm so proud of you! I have such a smart daughter! You make your mother proud!" Mother pulled me into one of her vice grip hugs and smiled.
"Madame red please refrain from suffocating Rina. She still has to read to me later today." Ciel spoke looking at me.
Mother frowned letting me go.
:::Third person:::
"This information narrows down our suspects quite a bit." Ciel spoke with Rina sitting next to him.
Madame red, Lau and Sebastian sat across from the two.
"First of all we look at anyone with necessary skill set crossing out anyone with an alibi for the nights that the murders had taken place. The removal of the organs would imply that it was for some sort of gruesome ritual. We should concentrate the investigation on anyone involved in some sort of secret society." Sebastian spoke.
"Like that narrows the field?! Why even I have the necessary medical skill sets for this. Besides which this season is ending soon. Any doctors who followed the nobles will be returning to the countryside soon and then wha..." Sebastian cut Madame red off.
"Then we will have to conclude the investigation quickly." Sebastian smirked.
"Impossible." Lau spoke.
"You really shouldn't doubt the skills of Ciel's butler." Rina spoke with confidence.
Sebastian smiled.
"I should be able to do this at least. Otherwise what kind of a butler would I be?" Sebastian spoke.
Madame red and Lau looked at each other with a dumbfounded look on their features. Ciel held a smirk while Rina only giggled.
"I never did doubt you Sebastian." Rina smiled.
"Why thank you my lady. My lord I shall make a list of viable suspects and have it for you when you get back." Sebastian spoke opening the stage coach door.
"Now if you will excuse me." Sebastian jumped out of the coach.
"He does realize we were moving?!" Madame red gawked staring out the back window with Lau.
"A strange one he is." Rina spoke looking at her younger cousin.
"He's simply one hell of a butler." Ciel smirked at the star coach went on down the cobble stone road.
:::
They arrived home to find Sebastian standing there bowing.
"Welcome back everyone. I have waited your return. Your afternoon tea is waiting for you in the drawing room." Sebastian spoke as Ciel made his way past them.
"Hold on... How are you here?!" Madame red gawked in a manner that was very unladylike.
"I finished drawing up the list of suspects and my other errands and made my way back here waiting for your arrival." Sebastian explained.
"You made the suspect list already?" Madame red looked amazed.
"Yes, I organized it in the format we discussed. I have it all right here in this scroll." Sebastian held a rolled up piece of paper.
"Amazing." Rina muttered standing with Ciel.
"Come now Sebastian. That's impossible even for you." Madame red looked at him skeptically.
Sebastian cut open the seal and began to read off names and alibis as well as their lack of involvement or involvement in any secret societies.
Madame red held a look of amazement where as Grell looked like he was in love.
Rina and Ciel held a knowing look. Both nobles knew Sebastian's capabilities.
Rina may not know Sebastian's true origin but she could tell Sebastian was a very diligent worker. She had been visiting Ciel frequently since his return a few months ago and she experienced how great of a butler Sebastian truly was first hand. She had no doubt that Sebastian could to this.
"From all these people on this list I have narrowed it down to one possible suspect." Sebastian spoke.
"Are you sure you are just a butler and not some secret British intelligence agent?" Madame red chuckled.
"No, I'm simply one hell of a butler." Sebastian smirked.
:::
"The viscount Druitt, also known as Aleister Chambers. He graduated from medical school but has never gone into practice. Lately he has thrown several parties at his home but behind the scenes of his soirées are secret gatherings that only his intimates may attend." Sebastian explained.
"I heard that he is into black magic and that sort of thing." Madame red spoke looking at her daughter.
"Regardless, our job is to stop the viscount before he can hurt any other women." Rina spoke with her black and red laced fan covering her mouth in a lady like manner.
"So your suspicion is that he's holding these parties to hold ritualistic sacrifices of local prostitutes?" Lau questioned.
"Tonight is the last party of the season. We must be quick on our feet if we wish to catch viscount Druitt in the act." Ciel spoke.
"I still can't get over the fact that mother put you in a dress." Rina stifled a giggle.
Ciel felt his face heat up but decided not to comment.
As the coach pulled up two butlers opened the door to help the ladies out of the carriage.
First out was Madame red. Her dress was an elegant red dress with black accents giving her a more sophisticated look. Next to step out was Ciel. He was sporting a cute pink dress as well as pig tails and a matching hat. Last to be helped out of the coach was Rina.
Sebastian of course gave the two butlers a look in which the two backed off. Sebastian held out his hand and helped Rina down.
Rina showed off a beautiful red off shoulder dress with intricate gold lace patters and trims. Her scarlet locks were curled and then one tress from each side of her head was pinned to the back of her head helping pull back some of her thick tresses. Her lips were a dark shade of red almost like blood.
"Thank you Sebastian." Rina smiled with her fan in hand.
"Always a pleasure to serve you my lady." Sebastian spoke with a sly smile.
"Alright alright, let's head inside." Madame red pulled her daughter away from the demon butler and they entered the manor.
Oh if only she knew what that butler was planing to do to her daughter. Sebastian was a plotting demon after all.
Everyone in the ball room looked like they were having a grand old time. People were chatting, there were people dancing, yet Rina could not shake the feeling of uneasiness that settled in her gut.
"Ciel shall be my niece visiting from the country, and Sebastian will be playing Ciel's tutor." Madame red smiled brightly.
"And why is it I have to act like your niece?!" Ciel demanded.
"I've always wanted to dress you in girls clothing." Madame red's eyes sparkled when she explained her reasoning.
Rina laughed.
"You're kidding me!" Ciel growled.
"Besides dear do you want them to find out you are a Phantomhive? Also I heard that the viscount has an eye for any pretty little thing in a skirt and quite honestly I rather it be you then my daughter." Madame red muttered the last part quietly so Ciel couldn't hear.
"By any means necessary. You do remember saying that my lord?" Sebastian questioned.
Ciel only frowned before grabbing Rina's arm and dragging her into the crowd with Sebastian following them.
"Ciel not so rough. You know how easily I bruise." Rina spoke as Ciel finally had slowed down.
"How do you live with her?" Ciel groaned.
"Very carefully." Rina chuckled.
Sebastian glanced at the two nobles. Their relationship he noticed was closer then any cousin relationship. It's as if Ciel may have fallen for his older cousin. Sebastian let an amused smile grace his lips. The brat was in love with his cousin... He could use this to his advantage. If he were able to seduce her it would make the game a whole ton more interesting.
"We need to locate viscount Druitt. How I don't know." Sebastian spoke putting his sadistic thoughts towards the back of his head.
"Any ideas dear cousin?" Rina questioned gaming herself due to the summer's heat.
"Not in the slightest." Ciel spoke thinking.
"Oh I do adore all these dresses!" Rina, Sebastian and Ciel froze and began to panic.
"What is Elizabeth doing here?!" Rina whispered harshly.
"She can't see me in this or else my reputation will be ruined!" Ciel seemed paranoid just as Rina did.
"Move this way and maybe she won't see you my lady." Sebastian ushered the two girls in the opposite direction hoping lady Elizabeth would not spot them.
"Rina is that you?" Rina pushed Sebastian and Ciel along and she turned.
"Hello Lizzy. How are you?" Rina smiled greeting her second cousin.
"Simply perfect! If you're here that means Ciel's here too!" She beamed.
"I'm afraid not. He wished to come but Sebastian forbade him to due to the piles of paperwork he still had to complete." Rina weaved her lie perfectly.
Ciel and Sebastian whom were listening behind a table were extremely impressed with her ability to weave such intricate and believable lies.
"I wanted to ask if your mother has chosen you a suitor yet." Lady Elizabeth spoke.
"Why on earth would you want to ask that?" Rina almost choked on her champagne.
"My mother thinks you would make a great wife for my brother Edward. Also Edward has been pining after you for sometime." Lizzy giggled.
"No she hasn't. I don't think that particular situation is on her mind. She's been rather how you say, out of it for the last few months. I think it has to do with the hiring of Grell but that is just me." Rina spoke.
"Would you like to meet Edward? He's not as bad as you think. He maybe rather protective of me but he's very good at heart." Rina couldn't help but smile at how Lizzy was playing match maker.
"Tell your mother to set up a meeting and I will make the arrangements necessary." Rina spoke.
"Oh yay! Edward will be so thrilled!" Lizzy chirped before skipping away.
Rina breathed rather loudly.
Sebastian had snatched Rina to where he and Ciel had hid watching the whole interaction.
"I had no idea Lady Francis and Edward were interested in you. According to her she does not care for Madame red very much." Sebastian spoke in surprise.
"I had no clue either. This is news to me as well." Rina placed down her empty champagne glass.
Sebastian glanced at Ciel who had said nothing since learning of this shocking new development.
Ciel had a look of jealousy and possessiveness on his face. Humans were such sinful creature. It was almost too entertaining to watch his contract seething at the thought of Rina being close to someone other then himself.
"Ciel are you alright?" Rina took his hand and squeezed gently.
Ciel's eye soften feeling Rina's calming touch.
"I'm fine now thank you. Let's locate the viscount and get this over with. I actually wanted you to read to me before I go to bed." Ciel smiled.
"Of course. Let's do this." Rina smiled.
:::Rina's pov:::
The rest of the night went well. Ciel was able to find viscount Druitt and convict him. Sebastian had made a daring magical showcase but my mother and Grell disappeared leaving me alone. I of course had a ride from Lizzy back to Ciel's town home.
"Welcome back my lady. The young lord is waiting for you." Sebastian spoke.
"Alight." I spoke with a smile.
I did promise to read to Ciel before bed.
"Ciel?" I stepped into his room.
"Have you decided on what you are going to read?" Ciel asked sitting up in his bed.
I sat down in the love seat next to his bed with a leather bound book in hand.
"I'll be reading you some Sherlock Holmes. A little bit of mystery is always fun." I chuckled.
I noticed from the corner of my eye that Sebastian had slipped and was also listing to me read.
Ciel of course fell asleep after three chapters.
"The young lord has had an eventful day." Sebastian spoke as he gently closed the door behind me.
"Yes he has. I'm glad he is able to sleep. I must be so hard having the weight of responsibility that he does. He should have time to act like a normal child yet he acts more like an adult then even my own mother." I held concern in my voice.
"May I speak my mind my lady?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes of course. Don't feel the need to bite your tongue around me. I'm not one of those stuck up snobs." I chuckled.
"Are you aware of Ciel's affections towards you?" Sebastian asked.
"I am. I chose to ignore it. I only see him as my younger brother. It's quite obvious that he has grown attached to me. I just don't have the heart to tell him otherwise." I spoke.
Sebastian nodded.
"Are you aware of my affections towards you?" Ok this I did not see coming.
"Me?" I whispered.
"I thought it might be Paula, or even Meyrin." I spoke in shock.
"I've had my eye on you my lady for a while. Please don't feel uncomfortable but I wanted to inform you of my stance before you decide on a suitor." With that Sebastian left.
I could feel my heart beating like a humming bird. Oh my. I had no clue Sebastian felt the same as I did.
Why is it that my life is so complicated?
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AN:/ Another chapter done! I decided to have a weird love square type thing with Ciel, Sebastian and Edward. She ends up with Sebastian, but I wanted to spice things up. Anywho follow/favorite and leave a comment. No rude comments though. Nobody likes an asshole.