Cecilia remained outside of the chapel. While her aversions to churches was not nearly as severe as Sebastian's, churches and chapels made her uncomfortable. Besides, she only knew the woman briefly, it felt inappropriate for her to attend. Instead, she stood near the foot of the steps reflecting on the dream she had the night prior. It was unsettling, though she could not place why. Cecilia had experienced some truly gruesome dreams in her life time and this one paled in comparison. But there was something about it she just could not shake.
It was a girl in a white dress with a matching parasol. She was blond and singing but when she turned to face Cecilia, there were stitches sewing her lips shut and eyes open. When Cecilia turned away, she turned to a scene on fire. Before her sat two chairs with one woman and one man. Flames licked the walls around them. The faces were familiar but she could not place them.
London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down.
Cecilia shook her head and straightened her coat absentmindedly. The dress was given to her by Sebastian. As he dressed her, he informed her that the dress origionally belonged to Ciel's mother. It was a beautiful dress. Everything was black of course, but the coat had beautiful velvet floral details that matched the thick boarder on the skirt. It was simple but elegant. She would be sure to return it.
Cecilia's head popped up at the sound of children laughing. She looked across the lawn and saw three children by the gate. They had stopped and were looking at the chapel. Her smile fell at the sight of the man in grey. His long silver hair fell loosely down his back but he wore an odd hat. He was talking to them and the children backed away in fear. Cecilia lifted the hem of her dress and marched across the grass.
"The funeral." He told them as though it was a magical event. The children looked at him in horror and ran away.
"Are you so bored you have no other choice than to terrorize children?" She asked him as she crossed her arms. Undertaker's smile spread across his face as he stood and turned to face her.
"Why hello there, I didn't expect to be seeing you again so soon." He cooed as he neared her. "Might I say you look quite beautiful in those clothes." He stepped into her personal space and hovered inches from her. His voice lowered and deepened. "Though I much prefer you without any." Cecilia scowled and stepped back.
"I think this topic of conversation is inappropriate given the circumstances." Cecilia hissed and fought the blush creeping up her neck. Men's advances were nothing new but he got under her skin in the worst way. As she tried to step back further, the Undertaker grabbed her arm and pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her back in a swift, fluid motion.
"What's the matter, dearie?" He teased her and she tried to push away, but something stopped her from putting up a genuine struggle. It was almost as though a small part of her wanted to remain in his arms. It wasn't uncomfortable even though she should feel alarmed being held by a stranger. "As I recall, you quite enjoyed yourself." Her hands flattened on his chest and she gave herself a few inches of space between them, just enough to be able to look up to the smile spread across his face. She shivered as she felt one of his long nails trail up her spine. "I would love to tease you some more." Her blush began rising on her cheeks and she scowled at him. To her frustration, her heart raced at the memory. She opened her mouth to scold him but never had the chance.
"Pardon me for interrupting." Ciel interjected calmly, catching their attention. Cecilia used this opportunity to step away from Undertaker and he let her. Ciel turned his attention to Cecilia, "I would like to thank you for your assistance in this case."
"I am not sure how much of a help I was." She told him with a soft smile, "But I am happy to help where I can. If you need me again, please feel free to reach out to me. You are welcome to come by the shop anytime." Ciel nodded.
"I would like to extend the same invitation to you." He stated and both Cecilia and Sebastian looked at him curiously. Ciel merely smirked before stating "One would be foolish not to extend hospitality to a witch, especially to one as powerful as yourself." Cecilia covered her mouth and giggled softly. She curtseyed and bid them farewell. As she left, she looked over her shoulder briefly to see the three walking away towards a hill covered in graves. She looked forward and was startled into a stop. Before her was a woman dressed in red. She looked at Cecilia with eyes full of sadness and regret. Cecilia offered her an understanding smile. The ghost's mouth moved but no words came out. Cecilia understood anyway. She smiled and nodded.
"I will." She assured her. Though the woman still looked regretful, she offered a small smile in thanks. Cecilia stood and watched as the woman in red faded away, leaving nothing but a small breeze running along the grass.
Earl Phantomhive and his associates were quite interesting, if not infuriating. She hoped to see more of him and his butler. The Undertaker? She'd never admit it, but perhaps.
Look after him. Help him in the ways I couldn't.
"A holiday, young master, in this season?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes, indeed." Ciel confirmed and set his tea on the desk. "Tell me, have you ever heard of a past time known as bear-baiting?"
"I can't say I have." Sebastian told him and listened as Ciel described the past time. Sebastian found it distasteful himself, though he admitted he could see how it would appeal to humanity's bloodthirsty nature.
" There is a town known for it called Houndsworth. However, they take it too far. It breaks her Majesty's heart." Ciel explained looking at the opened letter on his desk. "So, we'll secure the village's land for a royal estate."
"A village full of dogs?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes, why?"
"Well, please forgive me, master, this seems a rather insignificant task for one of your station to be concerned with." Sebastian said, not quite sure why such a simple task had been given to Ciel.
"Sebastian, you should know by now that I have my reasons." Ciel told him coolly. "In fact, I believe it would be rather prudent to enlist the aid of our dear friend, the witch." Sebastian quirked an eyebrow.
"Do you doubt my abilities, sir?" Sebastian asked, rather amused.
"Don't be foolish." Ciel told him and leaned back. "It's merely an excuse to see more of what she can do. Now then, I would like to meet with her immediately. Then we shall return and prepare for the trip. We leave tomorrow." Sebastian eyed his master before bowing with a small smirk.
"Of course, sir."
Sebastian was able to prepare the young lord and the carriage quickly. He drove them into town at a good speed and they were making good time. With any luck, they would be home by early afternoon.
Sebastian had to admit that he was also curious to see the extent of a witch's power. While she demonstrated some illusionary magic, it is a parlor trick compared to what he figured she could do. The Earl was right to be curious about their new acquaintance. Witch's themselves were rare due to persecution over the past century or so. A necromancer was a rarity. Sebastian considered this and her demonstrated abilities and thought to himself that she could be an very beneficial pawn to add to the menagerie his lord was collecting. Ciel was interested in her for her skills as well as her disposition. She was not as irritating as most people he encountered and found her presence rather tolerable. Besides, perhaps the necromancer could give him the answers he searched for.
As they neared the shop, Sebastian noticed a large crowd of people walking past them in the opposite direction, talking anxiously among themselves. The sidewalks had been fairly empty until they were a few blocks from the candle shop and as he neared, he understood why. It was a crowd of people leaving a concerning scene.
"Sir," He addressed Ciel, catching the boy's attention. Ciel looked ahead and narrowed his eyes. This couldn't be good.
Sebastian stopped the carriage infront of what used to be the candle shop. The tall, narrow building now lay as a pile of debris and ash. Sebastian sighed to himself. He had plenty of packing to do and he did not particularly feel like running around the city for answers.
"What on earth happened here?" Ciel asked, irritated at the inconvenience, as Sebastian helped him down. There was police tape and a few officers around. Ciel marched over to one looking for answers.
"Excuse us, sir." Sebastian spoke, catching the attention of the officer. "We were hoping you would be able to tell us what happened. You see, we had a rather important appointment with one of the shop keepers today." The officer turned and looked at them.
"There was a fire last night." He explained. "It was a pretty stubborn one too. Fire fighters only just got the fire out about an hour ago. You may want to find another candle maker."
"What do you mean?" Sebastian asked him.
"Well, unless you can talk to the dead, I'd say your appointment was canceled." Ciel scowled as the officer continued to speak. "They found a body in the rubble. We sent it to the undertaker's a few blocks from here."
"Has anyone been able to identify the body?" Ciel asked. The officer shook his head.
"We don't know much." He admitted with a tired sigh. "Honestly, we are trying to find out how the fire started. Sorry." Ciel closed his eyes and sighed.
"Thank you for the information." He said and turned on his heel. Sebastian followed close behind. "Do you think she would be able to come back a second time?" He asked his butler quietly.
"Sir, I find it hard to believe even Cecilia could return from the dead in that state." Sebastian explained as he helped him into the carriage. "From what I understand, the body needs to be in livable condition for something like that to work."
"No matter." He explained. "Perhaps we can identify the body. Besides," Ciel paused and looked at Sebastian with a smirk, "Do you really think a witch would let herself burn to death?"
The day was already starting out to be full of surprises and when Sebastian and Ciel arrived at the Undertaker's, Sebastian knew there were more surprises in store for them. While he knew witches had their odd habits and strange preferences, he did not expect something like this.
"Undertaker, are you here?" Ciel called out into the dark shop. They looked around at the odd sight. The shop looked as though someone had gone through it, looking for something. Some of the coffins were nocked over and there were papers and books all over the floor. He turned when he heard a soft giggle and whisper followed by harsh whispering. Ciel narrowed his eyes as Sebastian moved towards the coffins. One was stacked on top of the other and a soft thumping seemed to come from the top one. Sebastian lifted the lid of the coffin and his eyebrows shot up. As he took in the scene, his startled expression turned to a smirk.
"I know you are fond of the dead, Cecilia," He teased, "but I had no idea you wished to be this close to them."
Earlier
Cecilia woke up coughing. No matter how hard she coughed, no air filled her lungs. She couldn't breathe and it was uncomfortably hot. Cecilia felt as though she was suffocating. She opened her eyes and almost screamed at the sight of flames licking the walls. She pulled the quilt over her and rolled off the bed. What the hell? What happened? She needed to get out. She needed to get out fast. It was hard to see through the smoke, but the fire at least gave her some light to work with. She crawled along the floor quickly until she found the door.
Cecilia checked the handle on the door and pushed it open. The fire had consumed her entire apartment and she sat on the floor, looking at her home in shock. Beam of wood almost fell on her and she dove out of the way, losing her quilt under it. She pulled herself up off the floor and coughed. She was inhaling too much smoke, she couldn't stop coughing. She needed air before she suffocated.
Cecilia extended her hands. She pulled what little energy she could into her hands and forced it out, aiming at the worst of the flames.
"Extinguo." She called out as loudly as she could. The spell to put out the flames only made them grow hotter. She tried another spell. Nothing happened. She grit her teeth. Next she tried a spell to suffocate the fire. While the flames seemed unaffected by the lack of oxygen, Cecilia released the suppression spell when she began to become lightheaded. She coughed harder and stumbled into her table. She held onto it for support. Nothing was working.
Stumbling forward, she made her way around the table and she looked for her book. Her hands found it and she shoved her book back into her bag. She turned to face her cabinet of herbs when more debris fell, crushing it and knocking her over.
Cecilia swore to herself and grabbed her bag. She crawled quickly to the door and swung it open. Hot air rushed past her, burning her face. She hesitated at the top of the stairs. The hall was dark and filled with smoke. The only light was the glow of the fire behind her and on the other side of the door at the bottom of the steps. She coughed and stumbled down the steps. Her head was swimming and the smoke was so thick she could barely see two feet in front of her. She pushed the door open and stumbled into the shop.
Glasses shattered on the shelves and she turned away, covering her face. When she opened her eyes again, she saw a silhouette in front of her.
"Mr. Freeman?" She called out. "Mr. Freeman!" She called out and reached her hand out, searching. The figure disappeared and she followed it. One hand gripped her bag as the other reached out in front of her. She felt herself hit the counter and she quickly moved around it only to trip over something on the floor. Cecilia yelped as she fell on the floor. It took her a minute to recover and she propped herself up on her hands. She paused when she felt something sticky. Cecilia lifted her hands to her face and saw dark red covering her fingers. She looked to what she tripped over and a scream stuck in her throat. Mr. Freeman lay on the floor in pool of his own blood. He must have been there for a while. How did she not see this when she came in? Tears welled in her eyes but she forced herself up. She needed to leave before she joined him.
Cecilia grabbed her bag and hurried towards the back of the shop. She couldn't defend herself like this, there was no choice but to run. Cecilia continued back into the storage room and found the back door that lead to an alley behind the building. The door was locked and she swore to herself. She needed to get out now. She tried to shove her shoulder into it a few times and only managed to injure herself. She stepped back and extended her hand.
"Vires!" She shouted and the door exploded into the alley and Cecilia stumbled after it into the heavy rain. She braced herself against the cool brick on the other side and slumped to the wet ground, coughing violently. She tried to cough out the smoke as fresh air was pulled into her. After she was able to catch some semblance of breath, She looked back at the building as it continued to burn and in the smoke she saw a figure standing there, watching her. She grabbed her bag and forced herself down the alley, coughing the entire way. She needed to get out of there and she needed a place to go. She was injured from the night before and was still recovering from coming back to life. It was cold and rainy out and she was dressed in nothing but a night gown. She could see her breath as she ran.
Phantomhive manor. She thought to herself. It was her safest option. It's too far. What else is close by? She ran as she thought. She reached the end of the alley and paused. Looking behind her she saw nothing but the light from the flames. They hadn't followed her. She looked ahead of her and saw a quiet street. Where could she go?
Cecilia grimaced at her next option. She didn't like the idea of seeing the Undertaker again so soon, but he was the closest place she could think of to make a safe haven. But first she needed a veil. She couldn't risk being seen running down the street in nothing but her nightgown.
"Velamen." She whispered and made her way down the street, invisible to the world.
The Undertaker was woken from his sleep by the pounding coming from downstairs. Confused he pulled on a warm dressing gown and lit a candle, carrying it downstairs. Off in the distance, thunder rumbled quietly as the pounding on his door continued. When had it started raining? Who could be calling at this hour?
He unlatched the door and poked his head around it. He was startled at the sight before him. Cecilia stood coughing and shivering at his door. She was dressed in nothing but her nightgown that was stained with blood and was covered in soot and small pieces of dust. There were scratches on her face and hands. Her night gown was soaked and he could basically see through it. Her skin was pale and dark circles were forming under her eyes. She was starting to look as though she was wasting away.
"May I come in?" She asked through chattering teeth. He opened the door wider and before she could step in, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to his chest, wrapping one arm around her and using the other to close the door, still holding the candle. He swung her around and set the candle down on top of one of the coffins. She had dropped her bag as he pulled her in. Without a word he let her go and began undoing her night gown. Alarmed, she grabbed at his wrists and was embarrassed at how weak she was at the moment.
"What are you-" She coughed roughly as he continued to undress her. Her hands had left his as she covered her mouth. Cecilia stopped and noticed something was different. His usual carefree expression and teasing was gone. Now his mouth was pressed into a firm line. She narrowed her eyes. She felt as though she had seen that look before on someone else, someone from a long time ago.
Her nightgown fell to the floor in a wet heap and he took off his dressing robe and wrapped her up in it before pulling her close again. She stood there, shivering in his arms, too tired to fight him. Something about his warmth, his smell, was comforting and she nuzzled into his chest despite herself. She was embraced with the smell of cedar once more.
"you'll warm up soon, dearie." He cooed in a quiet tone. Cecilia hated how tired she was, and how warm his embrace was. She wanted to push him away, to not require assistance. She had been on her own for years, why had she suddenly become so dependent on others. And what the hell was with that fire? She should have been able to put it out easily, especially with the rain.
The cold began to leave her and as it did, so did the adrenaline. She felt incredibly dizzy and lightheaded. Pain from her side steadily throbbed and she felt her knees shake. She wanted nothing more than to just fall asleep here in his arms, in this stranger's arms.
Cecilia stood firm and straightened up, gently pushing him away. He released her but kept his arms near her incase she fell.
"I'm alright." She told him quietly, not looking at his face. "I was hoping I could trouble you for a room tonight." She still wouldn't look at him. Cecilia crouched down to her bag. "I am not sure how much I have, but I am more than willing to compensate you for the trouble." She hear a small chuckle and she looked up to him, finding a smirk on his face. The candle flickered ominously. Before she had time to protest, he had pulled her up and pinned her against the desk. His hands rested on the desk, trapping her there with his body.
"I have no interest in the Queen's coin." He giggled in his usual tone. "However, if you feel that strongly, I am sure we could work something out." He cooed and trailed a fingernail along her jaw. Her heart was racing and she yanked her face away from his hand before swatting it away. Cecilia scowled and shoved him back weakly. He giggled at her. "now, now don't get yourself so worked up."
"I would have been better off trying to get to the Phantomhive estate." She hissed at him and coughed shortly after. She covered her mouth as she coughed. The smoke was still burning her lungs.
"You would have frozen before you even left the city." He giggled as he neared her again. Cecilia stepped away but found herself pressed against the wall. The room swirled and she braced herself against it. "Careful now," He cooed in a deeper voice as he gently held her forearms, helping to keep her upright. "Wouldn't want you falling now, would we?" Cecilia tried to stifle another cough. Undertaker rested a hand on her cheek, stroking it gently before letting his nails trail across her neck. Cecilia shivered and her heart sped up. It was beating so strongly, as though it ached for more and she tried to calm herself. He leaned in close and she could feel his breath on her. "You put on a very good act." He whispered as he ran his nails over her neck again and she leaned her head back. The room was swimming. His hand left her neck but she felt his breath instead. She gasped quietly as she felt his lips barely brush against her skin. She hated how good it felt. She hated how badly she wanted him to kiss her neck. She hated how her body seemed to want to arch against his. She hated how the room continued to spin and distort. She hated how her breath was caught in her throat.
Cecilia hated how much she loved it.
She was better than his, she couldn't just be wooed by any man bold enough. But he seemed to know just how to touch her and where. He seemed to know that the teasing would break down her walls. And damn he was good at teasing. She wanted more, she wanted to be touched, to be kissed. He wasn't unattractive by any means. His silver hair was unique and soft. His skin was pale and he reminded her of the moon. The rose thorn scaring on his face and neck adorned him like jewlery and she wanted to know just how long of a scar it was.
Cecilia closed her eyes and sighed as he placed a gently kiss below her ear. She leaned her head into the kiss and when she opened her eyes again, everything blurred, and she felt herself fall forward.
Undertaker chuckled as her head fell onto his should and her body slumped. It had taken longer for her to pass out than he anticipated. He gently lifted her up and carried her upstairs. He looked at her sleeping face and smirked at the still present blush.
When she woke, her lungs still burned but it was easier to breathe. Her head was pounding and she was incredibly thirsty. She sat up in the bed she recognized from her previous visit. She looked around the room and saw the morning light peeking through the curtains. As her eyes searched the room, she saw on the nightstand was a glass of water. She grabbed it and chugged. The sandpapery feeling dissipated slightly and she sat, panting. She shivered at the cold morning air and then she realized her nightgown was missing. Her blood boiled.
The undertaker sat at his desk in the front of the shop, humming to himself as he looked over his shop's finances. He paused and looked up to the ceiling as the sounds of things being knocked over and thrown shook the walls. He smirked to himself. She was not very happy this morning. He heard the door slam open and heard a few more things being thrown. He looked over to the steps and saw her standing there. Her eyes were glowing slightly and her hair was moving as though there was a strong wind. She slowly moved forward and he smiled at her. She began to move closer.
"Can I help you?" He asked cheerily as a few books flew from their spots on the shelf behind him. He remained poised.
"Where," more books fell, "are," the papers from his desk flew as though they were thrown, "my," a few coffins rattled and fell over, "clothes?" She asked pointedly. He looked at her and saw she was still in the dressing gown he wrapped her in the night before. He chuckled and rose from his seat. He came around the desk and leaned against it.
"Don't worry, dearie." He told her in his obnoxious sing song voice. "It's just hanging up to dry. You nearly ruined the thing." This seemed to calm her a bit as she began to remember what all had happened. He knew she remembered because he could see the blush begin to rise again. She straightened herself out.
"I apologize." She told him, realizing she overreacted. She had thought something else had happened and felt ashamed of assuming something of the man who had been so gracious to her twice. Though based on some of his other behaviors, is it really that far fetched? He smirked and pushed off the desk. He moved quickly and grabbed her by the robe's belt, pulling her against him.
"I am wounded, my lady." He giggled as she tried to step back. He kept her there, "how will you ever make it up to me?" She could hear the sarcasm in his voice and was in no mood for him that morning.
"Let me go." She told him and pushed away from him only to trip over two stacked coffins that had fallen behind her. She flailed and reached out for something to steady herself. The Undertaker watched, amused, as she grabbed his robes and fell backwards. He let her pull him with her but made sure not to crush her when they fell in the coffin, the lid slamming shut above them. Cecilia froze when she felt his body pressing against hers. Could he feel how fast her heart was racing, once again?
"My, my I never imagine you'd be so bold." He teased and lowered his head to kiss along her neck. She shivered beneath him. "Not many people enjoy being near coffins, let alone inside of them." His voice deepened and she gasped as his tongue flicked against her skin. Her body was flushed and she felt as though she couldn't breathe. He brought a leg up between hers and she moaned at the friction it gave her. "My dear, are you enjoying this?" He teased her, knowing full well she was.
Cecilia glared at him in the dark, embarrassed that he could rile her up so easily.
"this is your fault, you could have caught me." She hissed. Undertaker giggled.
"Why would I do that?" He whispered and began to kiss at her neck again.
"You arrogant, inconsiderate, crazy, piece of-" Her line of insults was cut off as the lid of the coffin was lifted, startling her and causing the Undertaker to look up with a satisfied smirk. Cecilia blushed redder than a tomato to see not only Sebastian, but also Ciel above them.
Sebastian smirked at them while Ciel seemed embarassed. He looked away and Cecilia wanted to close the lid and hide. But this time without the Undertaker.
"I know you are fond of the dead," Sebastian commented with a smirk. "But I had no idea you wished to be this close to them."
Thanks for reading! Please review! Thanks to all those who have reviewed. Lemme know if you like it 3