( chapter six ! )
"It has been a while since we last met, Marquess Barrett."
In a not-unusual turn of events, Lucius Barrett decided that some days ago, celebrating Ciel Phantomhive's seventeenth birthday was the absolute best idea. Luckily for the young Earl, he was given a notice a few days in advance. However, he thought it would only be Lucius and Leah, not his wife and son as well.
"As always, you have arrived earlier than expected," Ciel gives a lopsided smile, his disheveled hair on display.
Letting out a hearty chuckle, Lucius reaches out a hand to ruffle the boy's hair, "Of course! We need all the time we can get to celebrate." he muses before observing the Phantomhive further. "Did you just get out of bed?"
Before Ciel has a chance to respond, Leah appears behind her father's shoulder. "You look a mess!" she smiles teasingly, earning a scoff and a small slap on the arm from her mother.
Brushing off his fiancé's words, Ciel greets Leah and Vivienne before his eyes fall upon Daniel, Lucius' oldest child whom he rarely hears of. The two meet at about the same height, but Daniel seems stockier compared to the younger boy.
"Daniel.." Ciel starts, "Pleasure to see you."
Daniel Barrett, the heir to the Barrett name, is a nineteen-year-old boy. Brown hair and blue eyes, similar to Leah, and could probably pass as her if you put a wig on him. His tall stature is one quick to intimidate, along with his harsh resting face that speaks an air of composure and authority.
Giving the younger boy a once over, Daniel nods at nothing in particular, "Ciel."
Bounding over towards her fiancé, Leah envelopes him in a hug, "We get to spend the whole day together! Isn't that wonderful?" she smiles brightly.
"Wonderful.." Ciel mutters, trying to ignore that her grip slowly grows tighter.
"Leah, have some decorum!" Vivienne scolds, shaking her head from her spot next to Lucius.
Rolling her eyes in defiance, Leah hardly looks in her mother's direction, "I'm just hugging him, Mama! It's not like anyone can see." she whines.
Speaking up from behind them, Sebastian gives a fake smile, "Shall we tour the manor?" he suggests.
"Firstly, I will lead you to explore the garden, the winter roses bought from Germany are exceptionally beautiful," Sebastian explains as he leads the Barrett family through the Phantomhive manor.
Cracking open the door to the garden, Sebastian is met with the untimely sight of Finnian cutting off the heads of the flowers while singing a tune.
"Hello, Finnian!" Leah calls out, hoping the gardener is even outside.
Retreating from his original plan, Sebastian shuts the door and turns around with a smile, "I have made a mistake." he states. "I actually wanted to let you explore the main hall."
Turning back around — much to everyone's confusion — Leah listens to Ciel worry about what could've possibly happened in the garden, Daniel walking beside her to look suspiciously at the young Earl.
"Why? Since we are already here, we should start exploring from the garden!" Lucius questions.
"No. Please come to the main hall. This way please," Sebastian leaves no room for denial. "It was an oversight on my part!" he says while standing, using an arm to gesture where to go.
"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 blooming flowers in the day." Sebastian explains.
Daniel and Leah, having mastered the art of tuning others out, hardly listen to the butler speak about the garden and flowers. Leah herself tries her best to ease the tension between her brother and fiancé, though it particularly seems one-sided on Daniel's end.
"I refurbished the main hall a few days back, I have taken the liberty to order a wallpaper with a lovely design from France.." Sebastian says, cracking open the door to the main hall before shutting it just as quickly when he notices to sight of Meyrin breaking dishes. "I have made a mistake."
Fighting back a groan of irritation, Leah holds onto Ciel's arm and peacefully follows any orders as the group walks around the mansion. Her parents however still can't shake their questions when Sebastian yet again tries to divert them elsewhere.
"I think we should proceed to the greenhouse to have tea."
Furrowing her brows, Vivienne stares at Sebastian in confusion, "Why? I thought we were here to view the main hall."
"No, we shall have tea first."
Once again, Sebastian sticks out a hand to lead the way, "The four 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. Anyway, please proceed there to help yourself to the snacks and enjoy a cup of tea!"
Stopping towards the greenhouse, it's once again ruined.
"I have coincidentally purchased some excellent tangerines from Spain and I have been intending to use Ceylon tea grown in Dimbulla to serve you orange-flavored black tea." Sebastian smiles as he speaks before an explosion sounds from behind him and all he can muster from himself is that soulless smile and silence.
Daniel lets the silence continue for a few moments before fighting back a sigh, "Have you made a mistake again?" he asks.
"Perhaps we shall just explore the stables instead? It might not be suitable for the ladies to explore but I'm sure you won't mind?" Sebastian suggests, earning shrugs from Leah and Vivienne.
Out in the stables, it's nowhere near less calm when Leah gets a view of the horse. She's pushed away from Ciel in mere seconds to approach the animal, petting it happily as if it were her cat.
"Oh, you are just so cute!" Leah exclaims, running her fingers over the horse's mane.
Putting a hand under the horse's chin, Sebastian glances towards Vivienne, "What do you think of this, Marchioness? I have specifically bought a horse with a blue-black coat as the Young Master's personal horse. It has always been my wish to show this to the Marchioness." Sebastian kisses up to Leah's mother.
"It is indeed a splendid horse! It has a nice build and possesses a good look," Vivienne looks in wonder as she and Lucius approach and get the best look they can with their daughter all over the animal.
Observing the horse, Lucius smiles down at his daughter's blissful smile while coddling the animal who seems to pay her no mind. Squinting his eyes, the Marquess' son turns his head towards the Phantomhive and mimics a happy smile.
"Ciel, so you want to go hunting with me right now?" Daniel asks.
Looking towards the boy in confusion, Ciel raises a brow, "With you?"
"This is a good opportunity to show everyone what sort of man my daughter is going to marry." Lucius eggs on, staring into the pools of blue.
"Or perhaps," Daniel starts, "Hunting is too strenuous for the Earl Phantomhive who possesses the small, skinny build of a girl?" he teases, a smirk making its way onto his face.
Looking towards his future brother-in-law in agitation, Ciel calls out for his infamous butler, "Sebastian, go make preparations."
"Competition! Competition!" Leah quietly sings to herself, secretly praying for the downfall of her older brother.
It isn't long before the pair are on their respective horses, trotting past the trees with rifles on their back. Ciel sits on his particular horse being led by Sebastian, Leah sitting close against him with her legs hanging off as she observes the scenery. Not far behind them is Daniel, staring at the young Earl's back with a glare of determination. Even father behind, Lucius and Vivienne enjoy a calming walk.
Looking around, Sebastian tugs on the lead, "Young Master, this way."
"Does your butler serve as a hunting dog as well? I've heard many stories from Leah," Daniel speaks.
"You can put it that way," Ciel shrugs, steadying Leah so she doesn't fall off. "It is somewhat true."
Leaning closer to Ciel's fast, Leah pays little mind to the hitch in his breath and flush that begins to cover his face as she whispers. "Listen.. you have to beat Daniel. I want to see the look of sheer disappointment on his face when he loses so I can laugh at him for the rest of eternity for losing to you." she stares into Ciel's eyes, an almost deranged look shadowing her own.
Blinking back his questions, Ciel shakes his head to instead listen to Sebastian. Today, Ciel will certainly see a different side of Leah. One that is only brought out when she gets to torture her beloved brother.
"We shall start from the vicinity of this area. The rules are, that the area where you can shoot is bounded by a perimeter of twenty-five kilometers, and also, it is forbidden to shoot birds that are situated lower than the height mentioned. Is that alright?" Sebastian looks around as she explains, pulling a watch from his pocket.
When no further objections are made, Sebastian smiles and begins the time on the watch.
"We shall begin now. The time limit is three hours."
Swerving his horse to the left, Daniel stomps off without a word. Riding off into the trees, the boy pulls the rifle from his back to situate in his lap, eyes moving faster than average to scan every piece of area surrounding him.
"Leah, you should get off the horse. I'm unable to hunt like this.." Ciel sighs which prompts a noise of surprise from the girl.
A pout leaves Leah, "But I am seldom able to be with you like this.." She nearly starts to whine.
Bang!
The three not within the trees shift their attention to the sound of a gunshot, shot by none other than Daniel who is taking this competition beyond seriously.
"One to zero," Sebastian states.
"Sir Daniel certainly lives up to his name, he managed to shoot down a bird as soon as the competition started." Sebastian puts a finger under his chin. "It seems like he is a bit too tough for someone like you, Young Master." he teases.
Staring with knitted brows, Ciel is quick to pull the rifle into his lap and cocking it, earning a half-compressed scream from his fiancé.
"Even though I feel a little bad for your brother, I'm not losing at anything that has the word competition written all over it." Ciel smiles before heading Leah off the horse, "Leah, stay here with Sebastian as it is going to be dangerous, understand?"
The only thing Ciel receives is a hum as Leah moves to stand beside Sebastian, watching as her parents finally catch up with content smiles on their faces.
"Why don't I get to go? I want to watch!" Leah complains, her signature pout covering her usual smiling face.
Vivienne smiles softly, running a hand over his daughter's hair and admiring her glacial green winter dress and attire, "Don't throw a fit, Darling. It is just dangerous for you to be in the middle of hunting." The older woman explains.
"I'm not throwing a fit!" Leah yells, but before she can truly begin to throw a fit, Sebastian intervenes when the sound of gunshots rings through the air.
"Five to four. The competition seems to be heating up, we should start cheering them on."
The result, thus far, is a tie. This not only results in an annoyed Daniel but also a crying Leah when she gets a glimpse of the dead animals. Thankfully it was easy to calm her down, which is key for sticking her at a dining table with a glass of apple juice. On either end of the table, Ciel and Lucius sit at the head. Beside them are their respective partners, Daniel sitting across from Leah.
"Let us conclude this with a draw, what do both of you think?" Sebastian asks.
"I cannot take this lying down!" Daniel starts his theatrics, "I won't be appeased unless there is a victor."
Ciel smirks with an elbow on the table as he watches the boy on his left, "I agree with you this time, Daniel, even though occasions whereby I agree with you are rare." he mocks.
"In that case, we shall determine the winner through another competition in the afternoon."
With the confirmation, Daniel seemingly reverts to his original self for a split moment when he glances at his sister sitting across from him. The sixteen-year-old is happily sipping on a glass of juice, dry tears still staining her cheeks but the previous wailing has come to an end. A mischievous smile spreads across his cheeks, Daniel shifts around in his seat to kick the girl beneath the table.
Slamming down her glass with a scoff, Leah glares harshly at her brother, "Did you just kick me?!" she complains.
"No." Daniel lies.
"Yes, you did! I felt it, the table shook!" Leah fights, gripping the tablecloth.
Daniel continues his lie, much against his father's warning look, "I didn't kick you! How do you know it was not Ciel?" He teases.
"Because Ciel is mature enough to not kick someone at the dining table!" Leah controls her urge to lunge across the table, barely noticing the shadow looming behind her as she argues.
Looks of horror replace the annoyed one around the teenager, watching as a large bear emerges from the trees. Screams sound and for half a second, Leah's face changes to one of concern before being slammed out of her chair.
"Leah!" Ciel shouts, moving his body to cover her own with a hand digging into her hair.
As Ciel is accepting his death in return for saving his fiancé, a multitude of gunshots sound before a silence fills the air. Aiming his head to glance away from Leah's brown locks, Ciel notices the once moving bear no longer shifts. Daniel stands across the table with a cocked gun, aimed directly at the bear that once stood in the spot.
Everyone releases a breath of relief, the danger and Leah's impending death put to a halt.
"Sixteen to fifteen," Sebastian announces.
Looking back towards the bear, Leah begins to sob once again as she rips herself from Ciel's grasp, crawling over to the dead bear. "Why would you kill it?!" she cries dramatically.
"It was going to kill you! What was I supposed to do?!" Daniel shouts, throwing the gun to the side to approach his — once again — upset sister.
"Let me die! He could've had a family!" The Barrett girl cries, ignoring the arms of her older brother wrapping around her.
Rubbing his hand up and down Leah's arm, Daniel does his best to comfort the younger girl, "You have a family too. We would all be devastated if you died." he sighs.
With a twitching eye, Leah speaks little words before attacking her brother, hitting him without much effort before being pulled away by her father. 'Why can't he be eaten by a bear?'
In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Lucius holds Leah in his arms while approaching Ciel with a satisfied smile. "You are indeed worthy of my praise for the bravery you have shown, at the time when you have it your all to protect my daughter," he speaks with gratitude. "I owe you one. You are worthy of being my future son-in-law, Earl Phantomhive."
"I say rematch! I want Daniel to suffer nothing but humiliation." Leah huffs.
"Perhaps another time, Darling.." Vivienne sighs, fixing a piece of hair that had come out of place on Leah's head.
After another horse ride — a calming walk for Marquess and Marchioness Barrett — the aristocrats arrive back at the Phantomhive manor to be greeted by the servants who are beyond disheveled, save for Tanaka.
"Welcome back!" Bardroy, Meyrin, and Finnian yell cheerily.
"Why does everyone look like this?"
Holding up an unappetizing cake, Finnian gives a bright smile to his master, "This was made by all of us!"
"We even used roses for decoration!" Finnian gestures towards depressing, dying flowers.
"I made a donburi filled with the Young Master's favorite food!" Bardroy smiles proudly.
"The table settling was done by me. I followed Mr. Sebastian's style.." Meyrin looks down bashfully, view of the messy table behind her.
Observing the chaos, Leah shakes her head slowly, "I should be more thankful for Thomas.." she whispers, which earns a giggle from her mother and brother.
Walking past his family and the mess, Lucius sneaks up on Ciel to give him a tight hug, "Happy seventeenth birthday, Ciel!" The older man ruffles his hair and lifts him off the floor, "I'll be counting on all of you to take care of my daughter and her husband in the future." Lucius says as he simultaneously shifts his attention to the servants, Ciel still in his arms but now back on the floor.
Smiles fill the room, except for Leah who still pouts over the bear.
"Thank you very much!" Ciel smiles, subtly shifting away from Lucius and back towards Leah's side, almost using the girl as a shield from her father.
Later in the evening, the group is content to sit in the parlor, surrounded by warmth and calm conversation. Vivienne managed to stop Leah from plotting to murder Daniel, despite the constant defiance that came from the girl.
Finnian glances outside the window to see the falling white specks from the sky, "Look! It's snowing!" he announces.
Approaching the window with a blissful smile, Leah releases a sound of amazement at the snow she can see as it falls out of her view. "It's beautiful!" she sings as though she's never seen snow before.
Following behind his sister, Daniel drops his tough facade to wrap an arm around the younger girl, softly smiling and pulling her closer. Waving Ciel over to join them, he watches the snow with the eyes of a child, similar to that of Leah.
"When do you plan on marrying my daughter?" Vivienne appears behind Ciel to speak in his ear, "You won't be young forever." she urges, already picturing the planning and trying on wedding dresses.
"Don't rush him, Mama!"