#agni x paula

[fragmentedshards]

The Final Curtain, Chapter Fourteen

Ephraim Abberline

-

Mei Rin had been caring for the Abberline baby while the others went to the ballet. When Paula returned to the manor, she made sure Lady Elizabeth was situated in the parlor with the others before venturing downstairs to claim her godson.

“He was such a good baby, yes he was,” Mei Rin smiled as she handed the infant over to Paula. She took him and cradled him gently, smiling back at the Phantomhive maid. “What happened at the theatre? Why is everyone back so soon?”

Paula bounced the baby gently. “There was an attempted murder tonight during the second half of the performance,” she explained. “Matilda knew the prima ballerina from childhood, so we brought her back with us. You’ll get to meet her soon, she’s very nice.” After a moment, she started walking towards the door. “Thank you so much for taking care of him tonight. You must be exhausted. I’ll get out of your way so you can get some rest.”

Mei Rin smiled and thanked Paula, removing her apron as the brunette closed the door behind her. Paula took the few steps to her room quietly, taking care not to wake the baby. I will have to give him a name soon, she thought to herself. But what? Not Fred or Edward, as much as I love my brothers; I can’t bear that. Perhaps... something biblical?

She was still puzzling over this, pacing carefully about her bedroom, when the baby began to cry. None too loudly, but enough to cause Paula to worry.

“Oh dear,” she whispered. “What on earth is the matter?” she couldn’t smell anything, so she assumed he was fine on that end of things. Unsure what else might be wrong, she concluded that he must be hungry. Biting her lip, she began unbuttoning the top of her dress and lifted her left breast out so as to nurse the baby.

Suddenly the door swung open, and Agni strode in. “Excuse me, Paula, but I-”

There was a moment’s stunned silence for both of them as their faces burned and strangled, incoherent noises of surprise escaped their mouths. As soon as he had regained control of himself, Agni fell prostrate on the floor before Paula, stumbling over his own tongue in his effort to apologize.

“Forgive me, Paula! I am ever so sorry! There is no excuse! I can hardly redeem myself!” he began scooting backwards out the door, like an inchworm. “I will give you your privacy now! I beg your forgiveness, please have mercy on me!”

Paula turned her back on the door, sweat dripping off her temple. “Wait, Agni,” she called, stopping him before he had fully exited the room. “I... I don’t know much about babies. I have no experience with them. If you could fetch someone who does know... or, if you yourself have any knowledge of infants... someone to help me? I’m not sure what I’m doing, or if I’m doing it right....”

Agni recovered himself, staring at Paula’s back with a burning face. “I know nothing of nursing children,” he admitted. “I’m afraid I will only be of use after the child is weaned.” he placed his thumb and forefinger on his chin and thought. “But in this household... perhaps Matilda knows something of this nature. Even if she has never nursed children herself, I expect she has seen her family nursing their children. If I recall, she comes from a large family.”

With that, Agni backed out of the room, pulling the door to the frame but not closing it all the way. Paula let out a stealthy breath, wary of the baby’s cries growing slightly louder. She felt the blood in her face from embarrassment... and... what was that? Thrill? Why on earth would being intruded upon in this way give her a thrill? Certainly if any average churl had burst in upon her in such a state, she would be furious and humiliated. But Agni... not only was his apology sincere, but she found that she might not mind him seeing her... the rest of her.

Paula shook her head, trying to wipe those thoughts away. Certainly that was out of the question. Agni was an attractive man, to be sure, but surely he was too holy and reverent to ever give in to lust, especially for a woman as... plain... as she thought herself to be.

Within minutes, Agni returned with Matilda, who had removed her Capucine Brodeur disguise and was once again in her plain clothes. “Mr. Agni,” she said as she moved towards Paula. “Stand by the door, won’t you?”

“Yes, and you may call me Agni.” the khansama took his place next to the closed door, like a soldier at attention.

“Paula, darling,” Matilda took the baby from her hands and turned him the other direction. “Hold him this way, chest to chest. Support his head. Tilt his head towards you this way, make sure it touches his lip...” Matilda guided Paula’s hand, which held the baby’s head. “And he’ll open his mouth, and that’s when you carefully pull his head in closer. It may take a couple of tries, but once he connects, he’ll do the rest.”

Matilda was right. The baby instantly latched on and began suckling. Paula felt a little panicked, but she focused on keeping the baby comfortable. She looked at Matilda uncertainly. “How do I... when he finishes... will I know...?”

The other maid nodded kindly. “He’ll stop on his own. And, you’ll be able to tell the difference between him finishing nursing and him accidentally disconnecting from your breast.” As if on cue, the baby’s head began moving away, but Matilda took Paula’s hand and used it to reposition his head. “Just place it back, and he’ll connect again.”

Paula bowed her head sheepishly. “Thank you, Matilda,” she murmured. “I’m so sorry for this. I confess I may need your help more often until I adjust to this practice.”

Matilda grinned widely. “It’s no trouble at all, Paula dear, I promise.” she patted Paula’s knee. “This is good practice for me as well, if I ever have children.”

“Ah, yes,” Agni spoke up from the door. The women gave a small start, as they had very nearly forgotten the khansama’s presence in the room. “You are the wife of the Undertaker, are you not, Miss Matilda?”

“You may call me Matilda, Agni,” she replied. “And yes, I am. It’s funny how so many people overlook that until someone tells them.” she blushed and looked at the floor. “I expect it would be easier to believe if we were seen together. But, he has his work at the mortuary, and I have my duties here. We do what we must for the Lord Phantomhive.”

Agni had been facing the wall in order to give Paula privacy, but now he turned his head to Matilda out of curiosity. “He runs the mortuary for the earl? I thought he enjoyed that work.”

“It isn’t just a front for him,” Matilda confirmed. “He does enjoy making corpses beautiful again. It helps him receive closure, I think. To be frank, it isn’t something I’ve pressed out of him. I understand that there are some things he isn’t ready to share, even with his wife. He will tell me in time.”

The baby stirred, finishing nursing. Matilda held out her arms to hold him while Paula buttoned her dress. “You may join us, Agni,” Paula said, tucking her hair behind her ear and trying to suppress the blood rising to her cheeks.

The khansama strode to the bed and knelt down beside the women, gently adjusting the swaddling blankets. “Have you decided what you will name him?” he asked Paula, beaming at the infant. “Or did Maria already name him?”

Paula shook her head. “I don’t think Maria could bear to name him,” she replied. “But... I have thought of a name that may be fitting. Ephraim. It has hints of both Fred and Edward, my brothers. I think Fred and Maria both would appreciate it.”

Matilda and Agni smiled at each other and then at Paula. “It is a lovely name,” Matilda affirmed, kissing Ephraim’s head. “I think he will like it as he grows.”

The three of them suddenly fell silent, hearing voices at the entrance to the hall. Matilda stood, brushing her skirts. “That’ll be Grell,” she said quietly. “She’ll be wanting to talk to me before leaving the manor. I’d best go to my room so she doesn’t come in here and disturb the baby - I mean, Ephraim.” Smiling sweetly at Paula and Agni, she scurried quietly off to her room to await the flamboyant reaper.

Agni and Paula sat in silence, listening to Ephraim’s steady breathing, stealing shy glances at one another for several minutes. After blinking and surveying the room, Paula gasped, giving way to a sudden realization. “Ephraim has nowhere to sleep,” she whispered. “Last night I made do with a wash bin and a pillow, but we had to use that bin today and it is still dirty. Lord Phantomhive promised to fetch the bassinet from Maria’s home before long, but in the meantime I don’t know what to do.”

Agni thought for a moment before an idea came to him. He stood and pulled a drawer out from the nearby small dresser. He set some the uniforms on top of the dresser and placed the drawer on the floor by the bed. Then, to Paula’s great surprise, Agni removed his turban and folded it neatly on top of the remaining uniforms, making a soft makeshift cradle for Ephraim. “There,” he said. “That should do until the Lord Phantomhive procures a proper bassinet.”

Paula stared at Agni, unable to find words to thank him. The khansama seemed to understand her silence, however, and merely bowed kindly before bidding her goodnight and turning to leave, his white hair resting on either side of his shoulders and back.

[cielizzydefencesquad]

Can you do Soma X Elizabeth? I'll like to see it since I think they can be a cute couple

Soma x Lizzy? The sweetest and purest of all couples on this planet? My heaaaart. Thank you so much for requesting this @theplaytheroist and @saemi-the-dreamer

Who is more likely to catch a cold? My precious baby Soma. But around Lizzy he doesn’t want to complain or be seen as weak and wimpy so he tries to avoid her whenever he’s ill but Lizzy—our darling bundle of sunshine—won’t let the person she loves suffer all by his lonesome (and Agni knows Lizzy will be coming over so he excuses himself for the next few hours).

She and Agni prepare risotto, pumpkin soup, and hot mulled wine.

Soma’s so touched he won’t let go of Lizzy’s hand, even as she laughs and says it’ll be harder to feed him with one hand. Soma’s reply? “That’s even better! That means you can stay here longer! I don’t—I don’t want you to leave yet.” And in a quieter voice he confesses, “I don’t want you to leave at all.” 

Who hogs the blankets? Soma XD he still hasn’t adjusted to English weather so he requires at least 3 coverlets, a cashmere blanket, and maybe an extra duvet. Lizzy, whose blood runs hot, just ends up shifting all the blankets to Soma so she can sleep without sweating.

“Aww you look so cute!” Lizzy giggled. “All cocooned up—look at your cheeks! You’re like an adorable, darling bunny!”

Soma blushed and shyly came to grasp her hand, fingers intertwining. “Are you sure you aren’t cold?” 

Lizzy shook her head. “I’m a Midford. We’re hotblooded by nature. Mother says that’s where the brazenness comes from.”

“Brazenness?” Soma rolled over. “Well if you want to be extra brazen then come here!” He held open his arms, eyes bright. “Let me give you a kiss!”

Who kills all the flowers? Soma XD he and Lizzy have a little garden all of their own at their estate, Sita Lotus (named after the Hindu goddess Sita, the daughter of mother earth and a representation of feminine power and virtue) where they cultivate lotus blossoms and basil (considered one of the most sacred plants in Hinduism).

Who eats all the candy before Halloween? Soma—it gets even worse after Edward, following his tour of North America, brings back a barrel of pure Vermont maple syrup that Agni uses to flavor his caramels. Needless to say, Lizzy had to start setting caramel limits to keep Soma from cleaning out the whole pantry.

Who takes the longest showers? Neither—they take bubble baths together. (Although it took quite a bit of coaxing on Soma’s part to get Lizzy to agree to something so…so…scandalously indecent.)

“It’s just like cuddling in bed!”

“It is not!” Lizzy protested, cheeks bright pink. “We…we would be nude in the bath, Soma—!”

“Well, you don’t bathe with your clothes on do you?”

“No, but—“

Soma wrapped his arms around her, surrounding Lizzy with the scent of roses and spicy cinnamon. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to but I really think you English folk are in need of some fun. How do you stand these stuffy summers all bundled up like that?”

Lizzy blushed. “We don’t move very much.” She paused. “We’re quite devoted to sitting.” 

Soma laughed, pressing half a dozen kisses to her forehead in delight. 

Who goes to bed at 5am but wakes up at 8am? Neither. Soma can sleep through the apocalypse.

Who makes sure the other has a healthy breakfast? Soma. He has Agni grow mangos and persimmons in their glass gardens so as to give Lizzy a taste of eastern fruit.

What pets do they have? Soma’s elephant (that they’ve named Persimmon because Lizzy’s become addicted to the fruit), a baby chick named Theodore (who’s besties with Phipp’s chicken, Cecily), three King Charles Spaniels (Ferdinand, Isabella, and Philip), a Bengali tiger named Oberon, and a white crane named Horatio.

Wedding

Who proposes? Soma does! … with an elephant parade, flower floats, fireworks, dancing gypsies, music, trumpets, and gold. A LOT of gold. (Basically the whole Elizabeth Taylor sequence from 1963’s Cleopatra XD)

During this parade Soma and Lizzy sit side by side on Persimmon while everyone (and I mean, like, 90% of high society) watch in awe (and envy) before Soma gets down on one knee and proposes with a diamond the size of a tangerine.

“Soma this is beautiful but I don’t think I’m going to be able to wear this on a daily basis.”

“As my princess, you’ll never have to lift a finger! I’ll shower you in precious jewels and Venetian silks and the love of a million shining suns!” 

“Soma—“

“Behold!” Down below four footmen dressed in identical uniforms of crimson brocade appeared carrying a wide, spherical sedan chair with a pink lotus carved on top. “Your feet shall never tire, your gowns never dirty, and I will—“

His speech, already beginning to reach a fever pitch, was halted when Lizzy pressed her lips against his.

And suddenly, Soma decided, elephants and gold glitter and trumping fanfares weren’t nearly as important as his princess’s sweet lips. 

Who actually enjoyed the planning? They both did XD in an extravagant mix of Indian and English culture to craft a wedding so pricey that it cost more than three times the prince of Wales’ parliamentary allowance.

When Soma was told of the tab, he merely smiled. “Why, that isn’t nearly as bad as my elder brother’s wedding! You don’t know how hard of it time it was to find a solid gold carriage! The entire thing was so heavy we needed sixteen white Arabian stallions to pull it! Father was quite amused.”

Would their wedding be small or grand? Grand. Just…luxurious, ostentatious, expensive, theatrical. Soma and Lizzy were married at their estate, Sita Lotus. The guest list included the English 400 (the 400 most elite blue blooded aristocrats and businessmen), Soma’s various relatives and siblings (which made up the other 300), the Phantomhive, Midford, Grey, Phipps, and Trancy heads were also in attendance.

Elizabeth’s wedding sari was of crimson silk with hand embroidered patterns of flaming phoenixes, rising suns, and hummingbirds in flight. Her gorgeous blonde hair (now grown to fall at her waist) was left loose, intertwined with lotus flowers, while a crown of gold and emeralds sat atop her head.

When Ciel saw her, he commented, “It wouldn’t surprise me if Elizabeth’s very gown and jewels surpassed the cost of the royal treasury.”

Which guest was happiest to see them get married? Agni. And Edward. And Ciel. And Finny. And Frances. And Alexis. And Paula. And Sieglinde. And—well, you get the picture XD

Children

How many children would they have? Soma hails from a large family and Lizzy absolutely adores children so most likely six at the very least.

Would they adopt or have them naturally? Naturally!

Who is the strictest parent? Lizzy. She teaches her children the value of hard work, discipline, respect for other people no matter commoner or noble, and to always devote themselves to goals they truly want to reach.

Are their children in homeschool or public school? Initially homeschooled by Agni until they’re old enough to attend Weston.

(Lizzy says no, Soma love, they all can’t arrive riding on elephants and tigers.)

Who is the favorite parent? Oh they (and Agni) are adored beyond reason by the children, who—while they may not always agree with their parents—still value and respect their judgment.

Who checks on the kids in the middle of the night? Agni! He has no wish for his prince or princess to arise after they’ve spent all day chasing after children, managing the estate, and the various businesses Soma owns around the world. (Including banks in Germany, paper mills in Finland, coffee plantations in South America, various estate managing companies, global investments, huge shares in North American canned goods—mainly maple syrup, landowning, and three publishing companies.)

(When his cousin-in-law Ciel expressed surprise at Soma’s vast business portfolio, he replied: “Mine? Honestly it’s quite a pittance compared to that of my siblings.” —> Which then caused Ciel to wonder: just how wealthy was the Kadar family anyway?)

Who decorated the nursery? Lizzy and Soma together! Gold patterned walls, wide airy windows, arched marble pillars in gem pink, white marble floors, cradles made of hand carved satinwood and painted gold, the latest toys from Funtom, and personalized Bitter Bunnies for each of their six children.

[fragmentedshards]

The Final Curtain, Chapter Four 

Son of the Deceased 

-

Paula Abberline was confused. 

Lady Elizabeth was understandably upset over the news of what had really happened to Ciel Phantomhive, and at being suddenly engaged to another. Unable to be consoled by any of Paula’s efforts, the marquess’ daughter finally sent the maid out of the room in a fury. As she left, Paula had seen Prince Soma walking in the opposite direction towards Miss Elizabeth’s room, and she hoped that the Bengali prince might do her lady some good. 

Without a noblewoman to attend to and no chores to be done at the moment, Paula walked outside, thinking to benefit from sunlight and fresh air. She stood with her back against the closed door of the manor, shutting her eyes and soaking up the warmth of the outdoors. She stayed that way for a good five minutes before she heard footsteps nearby. Her eyes snapped open involuntarily, expecting a confrontation, but she was relieved when she discovered it was only the Indian khansama. 

“Agni?“ 

“Miss Paula,” Agni came to her side. “I saw you leave the manor, and with Prince Soma keeping Miss Elizabeth company I thought it best to check on you. You seemed distressed, what with everything that has happened today.” the man spoke with a furrowed brow. 

Paula smiled. Agni had been most valuable since the day she met him, the day Sebastian gathered those closest to Ciel and informed them of the earl’s lost memories. Since then, no matter where they were, she saw him always protecting others around him. This calmed her around Agni, unlike around Sebastian. “I suppose I am fine,” she said. “I only wish I knew how to comfort Lady Elizabeth during this time. She loves her cousin, you know. His promising her to Prince Soma without any sort of warning is undoubtedly breaking her heart. I have high hopes that your Prince is cheering her up right now, though. Both of you bring so much happiness to others.” 

Agni turned slightly red and smiled in gratitude. “I am humbled that you think so, Miss Paula.”

“I prefer simply being addressed as Paula, Agni,” the maid replied. “Since we will be working together for the same household in future, I should think we ought to learn to speak comfortably with one another.” Paula clasped her hands together and smiled optimistically. “We have so much to learn from one another, will be friends in no time!” 

Agni nodded, and held out his hand to her. "In that case, I believe I should show you how to make curry. I am sure Lady Elizabeth will like it once she tastes it.” The two turned to enter the manor once more when Paula noticed a cab coming towards the estate. She and Agni stopped moving and watched it as it followed the path and came around to where they stood. The cabby pulled the reins, the horse slowed his trot to a stop, and the door to the carriage opened to allow a woman with a small baby to step down to the pavement. 

"Why… Maria?” Paula asked incredulously. She recognized her would-be sister-in-law, of course. Grief over the death of Fred Abberline had transformed her: her blue eyes were full of sadness, her brown hair had lost its shine, and her clothes looked as if she had been wearing them for days, yet Paula could still recognize her. 

“I’m sorry, Paula, I’m so sorry-” Maria began before breaking down in tears. She reached for Paula’s arm and grasped it tightly. 

“Whatever is the matter? Aren’t you well?” Paula asked, thoroughly alarmed. 

“Paula… you need to take my son!” the woman implored through shaky breaths. “Edward is taking me in, but he cannot take the baby. I cannot take care of this child, Paula. I can hardly do anything. Every waking minute of my life is consumed with grief, and no child should be raised that way.” Maria extended her arms holding her baby to the wide-eyed Paula, silently begging for her to take the child. “Fred and I had planned for you to be the godmother long before either of us thought you would ever find yourself in this situation; please, your brother trusted you this much.” 

Paula, on the verge of tears herself, took the baby boy in her arms and rocked him gently. "Take care of yourself, Maria, and tell my other brother that I miss him.” the maid gave a weak smile at Maria, who nodded wordlessly before hurrying back into the cab. Paula watched the horse trot back the same way it had come, lost in her thoughts before a cough reminded her that Agni was still present. 

“Fred Abberline was your brother?” the khansama inquired in surprise. 

Paula nodded her head once, fixing her eyes on the baby she held. “He and Edward are twins, my older brothers,” she explained, not looking at Agni. “They both went to work for Scotland Yard, but Fred was killed.” 

There was a moment of silence as Agni searched for the right words. Before he could speak again, the door to the manor opened and out stepped Lady Elizabeth and Prince Soma. They seemed to not notice the baby at first. 

"Paula? There you are, I was worried after I asked you to leave, and I’m sorry for-” Lady Elizabeth’s apology faded out of her mouth as she realized what Paula held. “Who…?” 

"Lady Elizabeth, Prince Soma… this is my godson,” Paula introduced them in a rather uncertain voice. The baby, who had been sleeping, suddenly began to stir, somehow freeing an arm from the swaddling blankets. Prince Soma reached out his hand to the child, touching the tiny hand with his forefinger. Almost instantly, the child wrapped its hand around the prince’s finger and held on tightly, causing the prince to laugh in joy. The baby boy looked at the four faces peering at him with curiosity rather than fear. 

Paula smiled at her godson, leaning down to kiss the fragile forehead. Lady Elizabeth grasped her maid’s arm and gave her an encouraging look. “We will do what we must to help you raise him, Paula,” she promised. Agni and Prince Soma simultaneously agreed. 

“Well…” Paula said at length. “I expect we had best be on our separate ways, us back to the Midford Estate and the two of you back to Lord Phantomhive’s townhouse. We each have a great deal of further change for which to prepare, I’m afraid.”