#but i said ciel finny and mey rin were the kids

[werchezdeeno]

i rest my case.

[darkspellmaster]

Can we talk about these two images! Hand offerings.

So in the recent Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler Chapter, there was an interesting image of both Doll and O!Ciel holding out their hands to Snake.

What's interesting to me is the choice of hands being held out and why they're important.

In the image, because of the way we're looking at it it seems like Ciel is offering his left hand and Doll her right.

The Right hand meaning = a place of honor and status, the favored hand of god, as well as the rational, conscious and logical, as well as aggressive and anxious, and connected to the idea of benevolent white magic.

The Left hand meaning = the hand of judgement, weakness, decay, death. Connected to intuition and also dark magic.

Thus one would think, oh it's implying that taking Ciel's hand means he was shaking the wrong hand.

But this would be WRONG!

We're looking at it from Snake's POV. So in reality...

Ciel is holding out his RIGHT HAND, while Doll is holding out the LEFT HAND.

We see this again with Doll in another shot from Chapter 208 a bit later in Snake's memory.

In both cases Doll is holding out the left hand to Snake, indicating that the offering is a less then ideal one. As we see, Snake witnesses them taking the kids, but he doesn't say a thing or question it, and it's the same later on during the Circus arc.

O!Ciel on the other hand gave him his right hand, showing trust and that he was being honest even though he was lying. What he told Snake was what he wanted to do, let them go, let the Circus people leave, because in the end even he knew they were victims. He could have easily had Sebastian kill them all there at the circus.

But he didn't, his goal was Kelvin. So he gave Snake a story to give him hope (as he said "say a lie enough and it becomes real (or the truth)").

It's interesting to note that even though the circus crew was friendly with Snake, getting him a costume, and other things, we've seen that he still was an outsider. He was kept in his own tent, away from the others. He was still being put on display, even though it was in a circus, it's still being put on display.

OCiel and the servants on the other hand, made him part of their group. He went with them, they all road in the same cart. On the Campania Ciel even told him he doesn't care what others think of who he associates with.

We also see in the naming of Snake by Joker that it's so very different than Ciel giving Finny his name.

For Snake, Joker just calls him what he looks like. Dagger even asks why, and Joker says he's bad at naming. Jumbo gives better consideration to naming the snakes than Joker did in naming Snake.

O!Ciel on the other hand takes the time to consider a name for Finny, and gives him not only the name of his favorite hero, from his favorite book, one that holds a lot of significance to him both now and in the past, but (if you hold to the theory that O!Ciel's real name is Finnian) then he's giving Finny his NAME. He's sharing a huge part of himself with Finny.

(You can also point out that Ciel doesn't call Mey-Rin Owl, he only calls her by her real name, showing that he respects her as her own individual person.)

To me that image, I think, is showing readers that there's more connections and a deeper bond with O!Ciel and the Phantomhive Servants, with Snake than he had with the circus, even though he thinks there is a strong bond there.

[pain-in-the-butler]

I'm a bit curious but can coattails ciel rank the people in his surroundings from least bothersome to most bothersome? (I'm kind of curious where sebastian or the midfords would be)

Oh, hm! Could Ciel rank them, probably not, but maybe I could do it for him lol. That’s sort of a complicated question I imagine... Both considering it’s Ciel and considering he’s a teenager, I think he finds everyone in his life at least a little bit bothersome. And sometimes the people who bother him the most at other times bother him the least — or when they bother him, they're actually helping him in ways he can’t allow himself to feel yet. I wonder who I could be referring to there...

Anyway, here is my best guess at his least to most bothersome list!

Diedrich: Ciel actually probably likes Diedrich a fair bit, and this definitely owes itself to how little Ciel sees him and how uninvested Di seems in his personal life. Their relationship feels very business-centered to Ciel, which he likes, but there is also an unspoken comfort that comes from knowing that Diedrich is an old family friend. Ciel likes bullying him for sport because Diedrich is rather toothless about it. But Ciel also admires him and wants Diedrich’s good opinion. Meanwhile, Diedrich is the child-free uncle who has no idea how kids work and probably imagines Ciel thinks little good of him.

Tanaka: Though he doesn’t really let himself feel it all the time, Ciel thinks the world of Tanaka and loves him like a grandfather. He shows Tanaka his true emotions more readily than he would with his blood relatives, but is still cautious because he sees Tanaka as someone he could frighten off if he were to be too honest about his anger and sadness. It’s part of why he feels so nervous whenever Tanaka tries to have an earnest conversation with him. He doesn’t like when Tanaka tries to understand him emotionally, but he feels more guilty about it than truly bothered.

Agni: Ciel and Agni don't have much of a close relationship, though I'm sure Ciel would be embarrassed if he knew how often Sebastian went to Agni for advice, and even more embarrassed if he knew how much Agni cared for him. That said, while Ciel sees Agni as a really good butler, he also sees him as an idiot to be so blinded by devotion for Soma of all people. Ciel is not a very nice boy sometimes…

Bard, Mey-Rin, and Finny: While their care for him can feel strange for Ciel at times, ultimately Bard, Mey-Rin, and Finny’s annoyances are very surface level. Ciel likes that they make life harder for Sebastian, and he also feels very soothed by their honesty and simplicity. To him, their love is genuine and unfettered and unable to be marred, like the love of dogs towards a kind master, it’s pretty rude honestly — but right now it’s harder for him to grasp that their love is as complicated as anyone else’s, and it’s only under these invented circumstances that Ciel is capable of quietly accepting it.

Lizzie: Lizzie is another person whose annoyances mainly rest on the surface. She likes raucous music and clothes that stand out and gossip and sports; she’s very energetic, highly social, and not easily embarrassed. She’s largely the opposite of Ciel, and so there’s strain there. He often feels like he has to put up with her, but he’s able to acknowledge that she also has to put up with him, and it’s surprising for Ciel that she can still like him regardless. It bothers him that she likes to kiss him on the cheek so much lately, but he feels even more bothered by the fact that he doesn’t like it. Ciel both sees Lizzie as a silly girl with silly whims and as someone entirely accomplished in dozens of ways he isn’t.

Edward: Meanwhile, Ciel does not have a secret high opinion of Edward at all. In fact, Ciel sees Edward as almost entirely annoying, but since Edward’s even more fun to annoy back, he doesn’t fall as low on the list. Still, Ciel regards his oldest cousin rather unfavorably. Perhaps this opinion will change in the future…

Alexis: Ciel’s only uncle boggles his mind with his displays of affection and boisterous kindness. And after trying to give Ciel “the talk” in public, Alexis especially solidified himself as an annoyance. Behind the ridiculousness, Ciel knows his uncle is very intelligent and trustworthy, but does he have to be so overbearing…

Soma: No one can speedrun getting on Ciel’s last nerve quite like Soma can. All he has to do is cry out, “Hey Ciel, listen!” and the kid’s blood pressure is already skyrocketing. Similarly to Lizzie, Soma is also very much the opposite of Ciel: high energy, highly needy, and very childish in nature. Soma is not good at keeping himself entertained, and that need for constant companionship (and conversation) ensures that Ciel’s interactions with the prince will stay limited. But somehow the idea of Soma not being in his life at all feels worse… not that Ciel will ever admit it to anyone, including himself.

Francis: Ciel’s relationship with his aunt has become much more tenuous since he hit puberty. He still has a lot of respect for her, but he’s livid with her sudden desire to play a larger role in his upbringing. Her exerting her opinion over his life and trying to insinuate that she always could makes him want to tear his hair out. If it were modern times, he would surely be screaming, “You’re not the boss of me!” and slamming the bedroom door in her face. Of course, he’s essentially already doing that with…

Sebastian: Because who possibly annoys an easily-annoyed teenager more than a parent? And Sebastian was already a headache well before he took on that parental role, but the addition of kindness and forcing emotional conversations has perfectly cemented Sebastian as the biggest bother in the universe. Sebastian is the one being in Ciel’s life that cannot ever go away for good, a fact that brings Ciel rage and comfort in equal measure. Soma may be irritating, Aunt Francis may be presumptuous, but Sebastian is both of those things and an idiot to boot. And his constant insistence that Ciel is still a child who needs to be looked after and coddled? The only thing worse than that notion is the fact that sometimes Sebastian is right.

Sebastian is easily the king of pissing Ciel off. At the same time, he’s the only one Ciel can show the full brunt of his angry, sad, annoyed, tender emotions to without fearing that Sebastian might go away forever. With that in mind, could Sebastian also be the least bothersome here…? Would this list be better understood if it was not presented as a linear rank but rather a circle that loops all the way around…? Hmm, I wonder……..

[midnight-in-town]

Orphanage of livestock

Alrighty, buckle up guys, time for another very cringy theory. :D Big thanks to my friend @dorkshadows for all our discussions about the current arc; this arc is really making us wrack our brain for ideas. xD

To start, here's a reminder as to where we stand vis à vis bizarre dolls:

UT first used to edit those corpses' cinematic records with fake memories he made during the Campania arc, but it quickly changed during the Weston arc to "longing for the future"...

...which are "incomplete fragments that the dead crave about the future they were to have had". Since UT didn't explain anything new ever since, it's likely that the records are still being edited with this method in the current arc.

Then, with the blue sect arc, we were introduced to the use of blood transfusions as "fuel" for the bizarre dolls' longevity...

...and our!Ciel's side set out to crash these collect operations in order to weaken the Undertaker and real!Ciel's side.

Mey Rin's investigation confirmed the existence of one blood collect site...

and so did Bard's:

However, in Finny and Snake's investigation, while the orphanage did sort the children into 4 groups too, the elder siblings pointed out that...

...not only have they never any blood drawn from them, but the orphanage is rather forcing them to attend classes, in order to develop their "aptitude" based on the tests they took when they arrived. Most importantly, when Ginny fledged, the chief of staff said...

...that "the aptitude honed there will make contributions to the world" (as a child with Corgi aptitudes, Ginny's classes were about physical activities "like gymnastics or horse riding").

Investigating Ginny having fledged, that's when Finny, Snake and the elder siblings discovered yet another lab (very similar to the one in Sphere music hall) with evidence of blood collection, but also of organ collection.

So, since this arc with Finny and Snake heavily parallels the circus arc, I was wondering if the purpose of dissecting these poor kids was similar to what Kelvin and the doc did with the kids they abducted:

In other words, whoever is behind this operation (UT is involved, but he might not be the only Shinigami deserter behind this) are maybe killing the kids to collect blood but also many different organs, so that they can probably upgrade their latest bizarre dolls (both in body and record).

Under read more for additional explanations/speculations:

1) the orphanage collects the children's organs to physically upgrade BDs ?

Most likely by grafting new organs or body parts (taken from the orphanage kids who fledged) on bizarre dolls who need them.

For example, considering the Polaris = Joker theory: back in the circus arc, Joker said:

and then Seb cut his second hand. Yet, when Polaris attacked Agni (who was quite strong), Agni noticed that...

...his opponent was very quick and strong. So if Polaris is indeed Joker, then it's likely BD!Joker has new strong arms.

Additionally, crack thought, but we witnessed both Doll and real!Ciel suddenly collapsing, which we automatically linked to needing more blood to keep on functioning, but if they really got new organs from those kids, then maybe...

...the issue we witnessed isn't anemia, but some sort of graft versus host disease? Or both lmao. (I'm totally reaching here)

2) the orphanage also collects the children's organs to gain more sponsors ?

Additionally to the Bizarre Dolls, these organs could be used to gain more sponsors, similarly to Bravat who used to provide blood transfusions to parliamentarians who suffered from kidney failure:

Only rich folks would have enough money to buy organs if they needed it, so they'd make good sponsors for this super expensive BD project.

Of course, the risk of graft v. host disease would be very high as well but, since Othello said "they learnt more than they ought to have" upon visiting the Sphere music hall's lab (ch125), maybe they figured out about how to make a successful graft, on top of blood types ? (Or, most likely, the ones running this clown show just don't care about their sponsors dying once they've gotten the money ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ exactly like Bravat who killed the parliamentarians)

3) the orphanage collects the children's organs for experimentation

This would explain why Finny finds a lot of similarities between this orphanage and the German lab by which he was experimented on for enhanced strength.

Additionally, this would explain Snake's weird comment on "orphanages being terrible places", if he too was also experimented on as a child (which is how and why he understands snakes) :

Lastly, back to the Polaris = Joker idea, Agni mentioned that Polaris had "unimaginable strength". As we know, Agni was one of the strongest characters, so for him to qualify his opponent as "unimaginably strong", it is likely that Polaris has some kind of enhanced strength.

So do they research about enhancing human (or bizarre doll) strength or longevity? Or is it research on cinematic records? Your guess is as good as mine but, as already proved with the circus arc, no one will miss these orphans...

...making this "the best recycling scheme" one can think of. T_T

4) the orphanage assigning orphans to classes based on aptitude tests is used to upgrade BD's records or lack of soul:

The kids are sorted into 4 groups based on the aptitude test they took. Literally quoting the manga:

Mastiff kids learn reading, writing and skills needed to be senior servants managing large manors

Corgi kids specialize in physical activities

Collie kids learn all the skills to make a living as a domestic servant and martial arts

Pomeranian kids (kids who scored the highest on the tests) study latin, maths and games

These orphans are told they are saved and then to envision their future based on their aptitude and what they're forced to learn in their respective classes. This is probably done so that they will develop very specific "longing for the future" which, again, are "incomplete fragments that the dead crave about the future they were to have had".

So, once they fledged and are killed, their "longing for the future" are probably extracted and used one way or another. Since the records are already edited, the goal behind this might be to create some sort of a soul substitute, as hinted by Jane in the Heathfield investigation arc:

and it sure would explain why the chief of staff said the aptitudes can contribute to the world:

That's why something like a change in the afternoon tea menu of the pomeranian kids (from lemon drizzle cake to lemon tart) would actually matter, because taste is probably one of the parameters that can influence the "shape of a soul" or something.

There are 4 groups in the orphanage; in the previous investigations that mostly meant 4 blood types, but this time it might mostly mean 4 star lords:

Mastiff kids for used for Polaris, who defines himself as a butler (he's not real!Ciel's butler tho++) (Joker?)

obviously Pomeranian kids are used for Sirius (real!Ciel)

For Canopus and Vega, it's a bit trickier, but I propose Corgi kids for Vega/Layla, despite her probably being high born, because she worked as a nurse helping veterans with rehabilitation, which looked like this :

This leaves Collie kids for Canopus...

even if Canopus' true identity is really the least obvious one right now. FYI, some Japanese speaking fans have discussed that Canopus is the maid Jane and she indeed worked as a maid and knew how to fight, so it fits (I personally have another theory in mind for Jane, but Canopus!Jane definitely has some basis). If not Jane (or Doll, like some fans keep saying), Canopus can still appear during Seb & Ciel's investigation, so we'll just keep these details about Collie kids in mind.

I'm sure the truth behind Snake & Finny's investigation, as well as the next one with Ciel and Seb, will provide us with more hints about how the bizarre dolls and, more specifically, the star lords are becoming more and more perfect. So far this post is what I can guess with what we were given.

TL;DR in many possible ways, the ones behind this arc (besides UT, I mean) are preying on these poor kids and making use of every parts of them (blood, organs and maybe even their longing for the future).

That's why giving them mistletoe when they reach fledging day is so ironic...

...because they really suck every "nutrient" possible from these kids until they die.

Not gonna lie, it doesn't look good at all for Theo. He's headed straight for real!Ciel... ://

Kudos if you read all that, I hope it was as clear as possible! As always, thoughts in comments or reblogs are welcome! :D

[blackbutler-sideblog]

Dadbastian Week Day 3: Trick or Treat

30 MINUTES BEFORE THE DAY IS OVER LET'S GOOOOO!!!

Anyway, this became a lot longer than I intended to but y'know what.. It is what it is lol. I hope everyone had an awesome Halloween and I hope you enjoy this spooky-themed story! Please let me know what y'all think and remember, constructive criticism is always allowed! Just a quick note: the story that Bard tells here is a real urban legend that I tweaked a little bit.

The Halloween party was a great success.

The idea of combining the traditions of Halloween from different cultures had been an excellent idea if he said so himself. The villagers were thoroughly impressed by the festive decorations, having never seen a Halloween party quite like this before. There were lights and jack-o-lanterns strewn about all throughout the garden. Paper lanterns shaped like witches and ghosts hung carefully from the trees which several children tried (and failed) to jump up and grab. Adults and children alike enjoyed the many activities provided, from apple bobbing to pumpkin carving. It was more messy than he would have liked but at least the villagers would continue to praise his young master's name.

Speaking of the young master, he appeared to be absolutely tuckered out. The Earl had never been one for social gatherings of any kind, but he especially loathed the ones where he was the host. Having to make sure he spoke to everyone was attended was exhausting for the boy, and it did not help that most of the attendants were children who pulled on the tail of his costume while begging him for candy.

Seeing the master so flustered was an amusing sight he must admit.

But now, the sun had long since set and the last of the guests trickled out of the garden, leaving behind apple cores and candy wrappers that Sebastian would now have to clean up. But first, he must attend to the young lord who desperately wanted to get out of these "stupid rags" as he called them. He had already ripped the plastic horns off of his head throwing them down in what could only be described as the beginnings of a tantrum. Oh, how cranky the young master gets when he is sleepy.

"Awww are you going to bed, young master?"

Finny whined through the fake fangs still in his mouth, committed to wearing his vampire costume for as long as possible. The gardener had been absolutely thrilled with the night's festivities, having more fun than all of the children in attendance combined. Bard had commented on how it'll be impossible to "get the kid to shut up and hit the hay" tonight, but Sebastian had the sense that the chef had been riling Finny up all night with stories and candy.

"Yes. It's late and I'm tired."

"Can't you please stay up a little longer? Bard promised he tell us one more story!" The gardener begged, something that was a bit out of character for him. Though it was normal for Finny to bother the young master, often trying to get the boy to read to him or play cards when he had free time, he usually left him alone after a single dismissal.

"Ugh. No, Finny. I want to go to bed."

"Oh, please, young master! Pretty pretty please with sugar on top! He says it's going to be a real good one and I have some chocolate left over we can share and Mey-rin and Snake are going to stay up late too and—"

"FINE! Fine. Just quit shouting." Ciel relented, shoulders hunched and his frown deepening.

Sebastian tsked. "Now, young master, you have a busy schedule tomorrow—"

"And you don't think I know that? Shut up and let's get this over with..."

"But, my lord—"

The boys already were turned away, Finny dragging Ciel gently (as gently as he could) behind him. Sebastian sighed. Ciel was already more irate than a horse with an abscessed hoof. Coaching the boy out of bed in the morning will be nearly impossible if he stays up much longer.

Sebastian followed the pair back outside where everyone, minus Tanaka who had retired for the night about half an hour ago, was seated around one of the tables. They were all still in costume, munching away at the leftover lollies and chocolate bars. Within the minute head start Ciel had, he had already seated himself between Finny and Mey-rin, halfway through angrily eating one of his famous Funtom Bars.

'So that was the real motive' Sebastian thought to himself, using all of his willpower to not roll his eyes in front of the Earl.

Bard looked up, noticing Sebastian's sudden presence.

"Ahh, so even the butler is intrigued to hear my story of fright and terror." He said with a strange, high-pitched voice, wiggling and bending his fingers for some reason. Finny and Mey-rin laughed at his antics. Ciel and Snake seemed unimpressed.

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow.

"Baldroy, have you been drinking?"

"Eh? Uh..." The chef's face quickly turned red, causing Mey-rin and Finny to laugh even harder. "It was just a little. I swear!"

"Who cares? Can we get on with the story please so I can go to bed?" Ciel grumbled, taking another violent bite out of chocolate.

"Oh, yeah. Of course! Let's see." Bard sputtered, happy to change the subject from his drinking habits back to the reason they were all gathered outside in the first place. He cleared his throat.

Deep in the remote heart of the woods, there lived a family in a cabin far removed from the rest of the village. One day, the mother and father decided to leave for a week, venturing into town, and entrusted their young son to keep watch over the house.

Although the boy had never been without his parents before, he felt unafraid. They had gifted him a large and loyal dog, a faithful companion, to keep him company and protect him. Every night, the dog would rest under the boy's bed, ever vigilant and prepared to defend his master from any potential intruders. Yet, despite his trust in his dog, the boy couldn't help but feel a tinge of fear as the sun dipped below the horizon. The woods grew dark and silent, and one could never be certain of what lurked among the trees. When anxiety kept him from falling asleep, the boy would extend his hand over the side of his bed, and his dog would softly lick his fingers, a reassuring reminder that a guardian was close by.

On the third night, the boy was stirred from his slumber by an unexpected sound.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Had he forgotten to turn off the faucet before retiring to bed? He rushed out of his bed, hurrying to the kitchen to inspect the sink. As it turned out, he had not fully closed the faucet, permitting a constant but subtle drip to trickle from the tap. He tightened it, returned to his room, slipped back into bed, and allowed his dog to comfort him with a few reassuring licks, ultimately drifting into peaceful sleep once more.

...

Drip. Drip. Drip.

'What? The dripping sound again?' thought the boy, awakening for a second time that night. But he had indeed turned off the kitchen faucet. Could another faucet have been left on? Subconsciously, the boy reached under the bed, his dog eagerly licking his fingers. It was okay. His loyal protector was still there. Empowered by his unwavering pet, the boy leaped from his bed once more and rushed to the bathroom. Perhaps the troublesome dripping sound originated from there.

And indeed, the source of the annoyance was the leaky tub faucet. He must have forgotten to close it completely after his bath that night. Just as in the kitchen, the boy tightened it as much as he could and returned to his room. He jumped back into bed, his hand finding its place under the bedframe, where a few more soothing licks from his dog helped calm his nerves and guide him back to sleep.

...

Drip. Drip. Drip.

...

How could the dripping persist? The boy was now genuinely frightened. He had checked both the kitchen and the bathroom, leaving no other faucet unexamined. Anxious and trembling, he lowered his hand from the bed's edge. At first, there was nothing, and his heart pounded as his limb dangled limply over the mattress. Then, the gentle touch of his dog's tongue graced his fingers, an immediate source of comfort. He exhaled, releasing his tension. There was no reason to be afraid; his dog remained at his side.

In the stillness, the boy focused, attempting to identify the source of the dripping sound.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

It was close, too close. Could there be a hole in the ceiling? Was it the sound of rain?

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Wait. The dripping emanated from his room, too loud to originate elsewhere.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

It was coming from his cupboard!

Irritation replaced the boy's fear. This was the third time this infernal dripping noise had disturbed his sleep, and it had been inside his cupboard all along. He yanked the cupboard's handles open with a huff. What could possibly make such a noise within the confines of a dusty old cupboard? He gripped the handles tightly, swung open the doors, and froze.

There, suspended by a rope, was his loyal dog, lifeless. Its throat had been cruelly slit, and its blood dripped slowly onto the cupboard's floor.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

He screamed, devastated by the sight of his beloved pet.

In a panicked rush, he fled from his room to the kitchen, intent on seeking help. Something was going horribly wrong! But upon reaching the front door, he froze once again, gripped by terror. In blood, a sinister message was scrawled on the door: "Humans Can Lick Too!"

—

At first, no one reacted to Bard's facile story, not to Sebastian's surprise. He did not find it particularly scary and evidently, neither did anyone else.

"'I don't get it.' Says Emily." Snake finally broke the silence. "Why was there writing on the door?"

"You don't get it?! There was obviously a person under the bed! That's who was licking the kid's hand!" Bard shouted.

"That's gross, Bard!" Mey-rin added.

"It's supposed to be gross! It's a horror story! Do you people not know that Halloween is supposed to be scary?"

"But it wasn't scary! It was sad! That poor dog..." Finny sniffled, focusing more on the dog's death than the actual point of the story. Bard should have known better than to bring up such a subject matter with the ever-so-sensitive Finny.

"Calm down, kid. It's just a story."

"Quite a stupid story, might I add." Ciel finally commented the hand that once held his chocolate bar now supported the boy's cheek as he leaned an elbow on the table. He had a single brow raised and a quizzical look on his face. "How would they have running water if they lived far in the woods?"

"Oi! Quit knitpicking! See if I'll ever tell you lot another story!" Bard gumbled, crossing his arms and sulking deeper into his chair.

"Good! We don't want to hear your stories! Look, you've made Finny cry!" Mey-rin declared, gesturing over to the gardener who now held his face in his hand and was shaking with sobs, obviously distraught over the fate of a fictional dog.

Ciel rolled his eye, a pronounced dark circle forming right under it.

"Alright. I've had enough 'fun' for one night." He stood from his chair stretching an arm above his head as he let out a deep yawn. "I'm going to bed. Come, Sebastian."

Sebastian sighed. He no doubt would be the one to have to calm Finny down once the Earl was put to bed. He should have stopped this nonsense story as soon as it started. Too late now, he supposed.

-

"What a stupid little story. I could've been asleep ages ago."

Ciel was cleaned, dressed, and already tucked into bed when he brought up Bard's story again. The crankiness that came with his sleepiness hasn't gone away it seems, though Sebastian had hoped that the extra chocolate bar would have lifted the young master's mood even slightly. No. It was truly a condition only sleep could cure.

"Yes, it was quite foolish. But at least now you can finally rest." Sebastian added, readjusting the duvet to make sure it was tucked all the way up to the boy's chin.

"I mean, how could he not hear his dog being killed if it was supposedly right under his bed? Did it run out to attack the intruder without barking? Dogs don't do that."

"Well, I will admit I do not know much about dogs, so I will take your word on it."

"And it just so happens that all of the faucets, in the woods mind you, are leaking the same night decided to invade his cabin and string up his dog? Where did Bard even hear such an idiotic story?"

"I'm not sure, my lord. But you can certainly ask him in the morning if the question still weighs heavy on your mind."

That comment earned a glare. "Don't patronize me. I'm just amazed that he had the gall to think that was an interesting story is all."

"I'm amazed Bard has the gall to do a lot of things, my lord. But we shouldn't dwell on such a common occurrence. You should get some sleep."

"Whatever." And with that, Ciel turned to his side, digging his body into the mattress like he always did before drifting off. Now, only the top of his little head poked out from under the covers, his grey hair already messy from rubbing his head into the pillow. Such a tiny thing.

"Good night, young master."

Sebastian blew out the candles on the candlebara leaving the room only to be lit by the faint moonlight that peaked from behind the bedroom curtains. He began making his silent exit, trying everything in his power to not rouse the little lord. He will need every second of sleep possible for his busy schedule tomorrow. Just as he gripped the brass doorknob, a tiny voice called out to him.

"Sebastian?"

"Yes, my lord?"

There was a pause, then a huff.

"Can...Can you..." The boy trailed off, muttering something incoherent under his breath.

"What was that—"

"Can you check under the damn bed!" He suddenly shouted shoulders hunching all the way to his ears despite his laid-out position.

The room became quiet, Sebastian taking a second to register his master's words. Check...under his bed?

Sebastian tried to suppress the laughter bubbling up in his chest but he couldn't help but allow a few chuckles to escape.

"It appears you were frightened by Bard's 'idiotic story', correct?"

"Shut up I was not! It just got me thinking is all! I've never seen you check there, not even once!"

Despite the darkness, Sebastian could see Ciel's red little ears perfectly fine. No doubt the rest of his face would be as red as a tomato if he would just turn around. How unlike his master to make such a childlike request. Who knew the great Lord Phantomhive would be scared of such a silly little urban legend?

"I assure you, I would know if there was something under your bed. You have nothing to fear." Sebastian chuckled once again, much to the Earl's annoyance.

The boy huffed again, but the tension did not leave his body. Sebastian sighed. He knew that children often needed reassurance after being frightened, but Ciel was not easily frightened by most things. Oh well. It couldn't be helped.

Sebastian approached the bed again, making his way over to the side that Ciel was facing so the boy could see what he was doing. His big, bright eyes stared up at him, angry and waiting. With an admittedly dramatic flourish, Sebastian knelt down and raised the bed skirt. He peered beneath the bed as if investigating some dark and treacherous realm.

The room remained quiet for a moment as Sebastian stared at nothing. Well, nothing but dust. This area will need to be thoroughly cleaned tomorrow. Remaining on his knees, he straightened back up till his head was level with his master.

"It appears to be perfectly safe, young master. No monsters are lurking under your bed. You can rest easy."

Ciel's eyes twitched in annoyance as his glare deepened, but the tension leaving his body was not lost on the butler.

"I wasn't worried about 'monsters' you damn demon. I was only reminding you to do your bloody job."

With a slight smile, Sebastian lowered the bed skirt back into place and rose to his feet. Placing his right hand over his chest, he bowed.

"Yes, of course, young master. Thank you for the reminder."

"Yeah. Yeah. Now get out." The boy's voice lacked any real bite, revealing the tiredness that had been plaguing him for the majority of the night.

"As you wish, my lord. Call my name if you require anything else."

"I won't! Get out!" He groaned, burying his head completely under his covers, hiding his still-red face from his demon.

A quiet chuckle escaped from the butler once again. His master had a talent for making him do such a thing. After a quick good night, Sebastian left to continue his nightly duties. He should probably start by checking with Finny. No doubt he was still crying. He sighed, Ciel's words still swimming around in his head.

"Reminding me to do my job, eh?"

Yes, what the boy had summoned him for in the first place: to be the protector of the boy and his cabin deep inside the woods. Sebastian smiled.

[abybweisse]

Ch194 (p5), Disappearance of Noah's Ark Circus

Well, Doll seems to be more staff than student, but it doesn't particularly matter, since she's the bizarre doll that the Corgis have been selected for. She has full run of the place and seems to help keep the kids focused on their expected tasks. (Poor Nick 😢)

Finny is more uncomfortable seeing this room that Doll has taken them to for tea. I just know Finny and Snake have either been here before, or this place is modeled after a place they've both been to....

But now it's time to get down to Finny and Snake's business... and Snake's personal quest.

As Finny gets more and more unsettled by the place and their conversation regarding Noah's Ark Circus, Snake seems to be putting two and two together. Having worked at Phantomhive Manor for a while, and having travelled with/for our earl on a few assignments, he's probably starting to realize that our earl and Sebastian likely got rid of those circus troupe members.

It seems she was never told by Undertaker (or anyone else) what actually happened to them. So far, she hasn't even said that "Smile" was really the Phantomhive kid they were supposed to capture and take to "Father". Then again, that would require her to admit they had been kidnapping kids and had been ordered to target "Ciel" Phantomhive. So, she might not know that Joker and Baron Kelvin died inside Kelvin's manor or that the others were killed by Finny, Mey-Rin, Baldo, and Tanaka. As far as she can tell, she was being left behind by the others.

They simply "disappeared", and she lost everything she had known and essentially everyone she had loved.

I want to see if she remembers what our earl said at the end and what Sebastian did to her... or did Undertaker snip that part out of her cinematic records? If so, that would explain why she recalls "Finnian" who became "Smile"... but doesn't seem to mind being in league with real Ciel.

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

Black Butler Manga!

Did-Did they imply Doll was on her period?? So they know she's a girl!

Also, girl don't imply-

WHAT A CUTIE PIE~!!

So Oliver is like Mey-Rin which is maybe why I adore him so much and also Artie-

Dude this bean be hear saying "stop being sexist" at what I assume is 11 or 12 years old and is basically a lil Sebastian

Oh! Oh...wait...is...is "Fledging Day" brings back trauma to anyone??

"Fledge" is a word used to describe birds leaving the nest so this is adopting

This only backup by more flashbacks-

Also implies not everyone is okay with this "fledging"

We got some smart Finny! But also wtf Theo-

Dude I was right to say he's Ciel in a way!

God damn it I'm not ready for this!

Where was Dol??? With RCiel?? I don't think she's doing the "fledging" for Ginny

My mind when Doll showed up again-

OLIVER IS LIKE MEY-RIN!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooo!!!!!

So we got a lil gang with the vibes of the OG Black Butler cast

Theo - Ciel

Artie - Sebastian

Oliver - Mey-Rin

Ginny - Finny maybe?

They're a little gang knowing something's up, something's afoot-

My sister and I were reading these chapters and she turned to me and said, "Cool more kids Doll will make Ciel adopt-"

[the-letter-horror-lover]

Ciel's Sister Shade Phantomhive Book 1 by ShadePhantomhive

Anime » Kuroshitsuji Rated: K, English, Humor & Supernatural, Ciel P., Finnian, F. Abberline, Azzuro V., Words: 9k+, Published: Oct 25

Chapter 5

Ciel's Sister Shade Phantomhive Book 1

Chapter 5

a butler, s morning starts early in the evening no, one's job end's late in the morning no one, s job

starts earlier the mansion is defined by a butler, s service Sebastian was commenting to himself he

then looked in the mirror he then commented on his hair stating my hair has grown quite a bit ah...

in these circumstances I mustn't shorten it he then went on saying humans are such difficult

creatures he then put his tailcoat on.

alright time to go the first thing a butler must do is deliver that day, s work itinerary Sebastian then

walked into a room where the servants were sitting at a table in a room.

Sebastian went good morning, everyone it's about time to start work Mey-Rin is in charge of the

linens Finnie prune the trees in the garden Baldroy , s job is to prepare lunch he then shouted if you

understand then get to your jobs already, he then went on and do them correctly after the servants

are sent out next are the preparations for the young master, s awakening's and for the early

morning tea he went to Ciel, s bedroom door and knock's on Ciel, s bedroom door pardon the

intrusion.

Sebastian then walked into Ciel, s bedroom good morning young master it's time to wake up he then

went up to the curtains and opened them it's nice weather today the master of our mansion Count

Ciel Phantomhive is 12 years old and as the head of family he governs a grand domain as well he

also acts as the company president for the toy Funtom company though sly talented business

managers he managed to create sister Funtom companies at the same time.

Ciel got up from his bed and yawned asking is it assam tea today.

Sebastian complimented him saying you are very adapting young master I heard that in assam quality

tea leaves were made so I ordered some locally by the way the kids from Count Barton, s orphanage

we have been invited here this is an order to spread the noble, s wealth to society we will take some

of those overflowing riches and give them to the nation the noble family Phantomhive is no

exception they carry out their duty voluntary for society he then went on saying that is a good idea

when it will happen then.

Ciel told him tomorrow.

Sebastian tomorrow he said in shock this brat young master does he think if he leaves everything to

me it will just work out somehow that careless way of treating your workers is very rude understood

he then kneeled down to Ciel no matter what type of guests the Phantomhive reputation will parish

if we don't.t show the best hospitality that's right the herened tea set that I ordered the other day

has arrived he then went on saying so today ,s afternoon snack will be with keemun tea and since it

has berries in it as well what do you say to some currant and berry summer pudding for snack would

you like some.

Ciel told him yeah go ahead understood I go and wake up Shade

Sebastian very well my lord he then walked out of Ciel; s room now then here begins the most

crucial part of my job well I shall begin on the preparations for tomorrow immediately mm. he then

went on well shall we begin he then began to make the preparations for tomorrow finely mince the

high quality dark and milk couverture and mix them together at go degrees then at Bolling

temperature add in unprocessed cream after stirring it let it cool down until it is room temperature

and then add in couverture this time it's poured into a mould, he the heard a kyaaaa like scream

what was that he asked to himself it came from the laundry room .

Mey-Rin what on earth is the matter he asked to himself as Sebastian entered the laundry room Mr

Sebastian Mey-Rin yelled out to Sebastian what's with all these bubbles he asked to Mey-Rin this

detergent according to the instruction manual I'm supposed to put in 30 cups it's so weird that this

happened aruh Sebastian took the box of detergent from Mey-Rin. Mey-Rin this doesn't say 30 cups

it says 3 cups, eh? sorry very much this ipio...er this house maid ...

Sebastian went on saying the fact that her eyes are already bad is not the problem here at all what's

clearly odd isn't the instruction but you didn't even notice it yourself I've heard that in society

clumsy maids have charm, but I can't possibly understand why and don't want to I'm recalling what

murderous intent feels like hah ... I understand for now just step back fwew he sighed in relief well I

still have work so if you'll excuse me, you should get back to work as well really now it had to

happen right as we're so dressed for time.

Sebastian went back to his work right the next step was... put water and butter into a frying pan

once you've turned off the fire mix in flour and baking powder after stirring with a spatula simmer it

again - what is it now Sebastian asked to when he heard an explosion from the kitchen it was

Baldroy yo I sent for a new weapon from my home country but... I can't use little things like this you

don't need that sort of fire power to cook lamb with lavender first off is that even a cooking utensil

Sebastian yelled exhausted at Baldroy .

Baldroy commented don, t say things like that cooking is an art and art means explosion I see

Sebastian commented to Baldroy this idiot er this chef hearing your cooking talk just once is enough

how about making food for a change don't you know that 80% of the things you make are charcoal

cooking is an art Baldroy commented listen Sebastian the last 20%.

Sebastian commented your art is all you think about please make something edible for a change if

you don, t you can just turn to charcoal as well there's nothing for it the ground meat and vegetables

are both safe so let's use those fwew he sighed in relief whoa Baldroy went you should be fine for

now I'll leave the clean up to you yes sir went Baldroy he then exited the kitchen walking down the

hallway really now I've barely made any progress on my work he went back to his work.

Sebastian took the bag of brown sugar let's get this over with spread the brown sugar on the upper

board and place it in the oven at 130 degrees he then heard uwah Finnian then grabbed Sebastian

by the leg boohooboohoo oh Finnian went crying Sebastian went so this time it, so you uwaaaaah

Finnian went still crying Mr Sebastian you aren't a baby I can't understand you if you just cry what's

wrong he asked.

Finnian lead Sebastian to the garden Sebastian looked annoyed Sebastian then commented saying I

thought you were going to trim the branches but... and the lawn he asked because it happened a

while ago I forgot that the herbicide sprinkler was broken uwahhh I'm sorry Sebastian this idiot even

though he, is a Gardner he has a lot of bad habits I'm saying that you can use both idiot and scissors,

but you can, t let an idiot use scissors and anyway a while back might be two or three days back, but

that kind of mistake could easily be serious memory loss that kid, s brain again makes me feel a

deep emotion that goes beyond anger.

Sebastian then went on saying if you've already gone this far there's nothing else, I can do with

pocket money go to the gardening store and buy some trees what kinds of trees I should buy Finnian

asked Sebastian went on saying you're the gardener so the gardens job design is your job buy what

you think is good then ,,then Finnian went on ill make a cool garden that looks like a transforming

robot can i? Sebastian went on thinking I have lived for a long time, but this is my first-time meeting

a space alien what kind of counterattack is that sparkling smiley face expecting from me?

Finnian went on the young master will get mad so hurry and give me the money please . Sebastian

went on thinking really now spacing out is a no-no Mr Sebastian Finnian went I'm off Finnian told

Sebastian I can, t take it any longer at times like these I want to see her Sebastian then ran to where

the cat was waiting to flexible body flowing black hair strong willed sparkling amber eyes to where

she is waiting that, s right her hey now you don't have to worry there's still a lot more they don, t

talk about useless things or do them cats are great nothing is cuter they are something that don't

exist in my world they have pets over there as well.

Sebastian then hold the cat in his arms playing with her paws aah your paws are so soft I could do

this forever he then put the cat down however I must be off wait for me again tomorrow well, well

fwew I was interrupted plenty of times, but it's finally done he then heard a knock on the door the

servants ran it Mr Sebastian the servants yelled yes what is it now Sebastian asked the servants

looked shocked at the work that Sebastian had done.

Baldroy commented you were going to leave all the work to us and do this huh? Baldroy went on

leave it to you Sebastian commented back amazing it, s chocolate Finnian commented on it is it all

made of sweets Mey-Rin commented the children have been invited to come tomorrow this is for

them something for kids took this long that, s our Sebastian way to go the servants commented

Finnian then took a look at the statue but what exactly is the statue of he asked Sebastian.

Sebastian told Finnian what you say it, s that rowdy you like the count- Sebastian face then turned

into a shock look.

time skip Sebastian was racing down the hallway with the afternoon tea for Ciel and Shade he then

scolded them.

until next time bye 19 chapters left until the end.

Chapter 6

Ciel's Sister Shade Phantomhive Book 1

Chapter 6

England's summers are very short it, is the hottest from May to June people call it the social season

aristocrats from all over the world are invited to London for many social events Ciel Shade Sebastian

arrived at the townhouse Sebastian opened the door for the two to walk into the townhouse

Sebastian told them young masters it's been a while since you two have been out is ,it ?.

I couldn't care less who sent that letter we hate going to crowded places Ciel complained but maybe

being away from the mansion is ok too for a change isn't more peaceful without those four by your

sides Sebastian told them Ciel and Shade both grimace at each other as Sebastian opened the door

for them when he opened, they were greeted by Lau Madam Red and her butler.

jeez where did they put the tea leaves in this house Madam Red complained I can't find them either

Lau stated Madam Red Lau why are you here Ciel yelled while Shade yelled how did you get in ah,

they came back so quickly Madam Red told herself Madam Red told herself since my cute little

nephew and niece are in London how could I not come visit you while I'm here ? hey earl and

countess iv, we heard that many interesting things happen here.

Sebastian told them we had no idea that guests were coming i apologize for not accommodating you

earlier I'll go and prepare tea for you immediately while Ciel and Shade were thinking of the people I

didn't want to see all of them come Sebastian told them today, s tea is a Jackson's early grey the

aroma is nice what a unique way of steeping it, is the same kind but the way you make it makes such

a difference Grell you should follow his example Madam Red told him y... yes, Grell said in a timid

tone of voice.

Madam Red said no what every time I see you, you're still so handsome why don't you simply quit

working here and serve me Madam Red Ciel yelled while he covered Shade, s eyes ah I'm sorry she

said Ciel took his hand off Shade, s eyes anyways let's talk seriously Ciel told everyone I agree Shade

said Ciel went on now we've heard about the case of prostitutes being murdered on the streets

lately you mean what's being going on in the news lately I know of it Madam Red told them

however, want are you planning while Lau just smirked.

this isn't just some ordinary case the killers ways are very special no i should say abnormal Ciel told

everyone that's why she is so concerned about it what do you mean Madam Red asked the

murdered prostitute was called Mary Ann Nichols the wounds looked like they were from some kind

of sharp tool using quick cuts with a painful death the police and other prostitutes call the murder

Jack the ripper.

we just wanted to know the circumstances sooner, so we rushed to London too Ciel told everyone

Lau the queen's watchdog and watchcat have already been dispatched but I'm not interested

however, do you two have the guts to go to the crime scene what do Shade while Ciel ended it with

you mean I smelled a wild beast at the crime scene the murder is definitely an abnormal madman

will you two be scared we came because Ciel began Shade ended it with we wanted to end this

madman we don; t need to answer your pointless questions.

Lau told them when they had a dark grim serious look in their eyes not bad that look in both of your

eyes is good while Sebastian watch on in shock Lau then grabbed both Ciel and Shade by their arms

then you two come and take a stroll with me wait a minute Madam Red shouted seriously I rarely

ever get to have some afternoon tea with the earl and countess, but I can't even enjoy it in peace? I

want to go too Grell asked Lau where this crime scene is don't you know Madam; I don't ask me I

don't know the way either ah you are too really you talk so arrogantly yet you don't even know

where it is? Madam Red shouted once again calm down Ciel told them went yes, I agree let's not

get ahead of ourselves Ciel what do you say is our next move.

Ciel went I know there has to be at least one person that's been to the crime went Lau and

Madam Red Ciel went I know there has to be at least one person that's been to the crime

went Lau and Madam Red at the time many people gathered to see what was going on but it's too

troublesome for us to ask the police then what should we do earl you couldn't be there, s no other

way it, s bothersome to meddle in this case but we can find someone who works on this case.

after they arrive at the place, so Lau went what is this place? he asked why you are familiar with this

kind of place Madam Red yelled which made Grell a bit nervous because the person the young

masters know works as an Undertaker an Undertaker Madam Red asked confused are you there

Undertaker Ciel asked Shade went hello Undertaker you there hi i knew that you two would come

Ciel and Sabrina looked annoyed welcome earl and countess do you two want to see how it feels to

sleep in my custom-made coffin we didn't come here to play today Ciel told him he gently touched

his mouth to stop him from talking.

you two don't need to tell me I know why you came with just one look I can tell what's on your mind

since the earl and the countess went out of their way to visit me ill certainly do everything I can to

help you know something Ciel asked yeah went Shade please take a seat first sit where they all

asked, I'll go and make tea why not sit on top now then you wanted to know about Jack the ripper

everyone, s been scared because of the disturbance but this isn't the first time iv, we handled this

kind of thing isn't this the first time? what do you mean Madam Red asked.

it's happened before Undertaker told them a case where prostitutes were killed, he offered the duo

some cookies want some don't want any the duo told him in fact the way there were all killed was

similar too. but in the beginning the police didn't think much of these cases though the murdered

prostitutes all had something in common. something in common? Ciel asked what it is Sebastian

asked.

well now I wonder what I wonder what indeed it is bothering you Undertaker asked I see so that's

how much it is you're very good at doing business Undertaker Lau told him how much money do you

want for this information how much money? I don't any of the queen's money now then earl and

countess I only have one requirement show me a first rate laugh if you do no matter what I'll tell

you.

weirdo Ciel called him deny it Sebastian agreed fu... earl countess if that's the case let me

handle this. this should satisfy you the sleeping tiger of the Shanghai new year's party also referred

to as my soul do you like it hm? it looks like he still won, t talk Lau it can, to be helped then I Madam

Red a beauty of high sociality shall make my appearance now if I ask him, he'll be sure to tell us so

because ** turns into ** Sebastian was covering Ciel, s ears while Ciel was covering Shade, s ears.

one hour later you're two are the only ones left we've helped you many times in the past can, t you

be nice to us just this once? damn it can't be helped Sebastian told everyone Sebastian Ciel and

Shade in unison oh it's the butler, s turn now? everyone please step outside for a moment Sebastian

you absolutely must not peak inside.

Ciel Shade Madam Red Lau Grell were all waiting outside when they all heard the Undertaker laugh

from inside Sebastian then opened the door for them please come back in let's continue our

discussion come continue whatever you want to be fine actually I've always thought that weren't

enough guest not enough Sebastian asked yes not enough internal organs of course don't you think

that the eternally sleeping guests that lay in coffins are so cute my hobby is to take out the organ

s for research this could a stored kidney right before? a criminal could've given it to a loan shark.

that prostitute isn't a whole woman anymore because her whole uterus is removed if he had to act

within such a short time he should slit the throat first and proceed to cut open the stomach it's

easier to succeed this way he says this while drawing circles with his fingers where Shade, s uterus is

Ciel then pulled Shade away Undertaker if you would be so kind not to touch my sister yes earl

anyway.

a good little guard dog and can you catch him like a mouse like a good kitty cat we are bounded by

our family.

time skip Undertaker will you earl be able to sniff him out like time skip to when they get home

Sebastian was already home Ciel Shade Lau Madam Red and Grell all returned home to the

townhouse Sebastian had a list of culprits on a long list Ciel, and Shade grinned at each other as

they

walk into the townhouse and up the staircase of the townhouse

until next time bye 18 chapters left until the end.

[fandomlife-giver]

Sweet Rain

Summary: Anon request - Could I request... maybe Sebastian and/or Ciel with a s/o that loves rain. Like, if they're ever caught in a light drizzle or just rain in general they'll just have the biggest smile? And they'll watch it rain from inside when it gets too heavy and they were forced to come inside cuz they might get sick and just!! Rain!!

Pairing: Ciel x Reader

Warnings: Well Ciel is like an adult in here or like 18, just not a kid basically.

Word Count: 1933

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You awoke to soft sheets, and the morning light trickled in through the blinds. Shedding yourself of the remaining glimpses of a dream, your eyes were still shut as you soaked in the warmth of your covers before letting your e/c eyes open.

In the darkness of your shared room, your eyelids slid open and your mind's first thought was if it was early in the morning.

It's not early as I suspected.

Rubbing the remaining sleep from your eyes, you rolled over to wrap your arms around your partner, but as you rolled, you felt yourself lay flat against the sheets. After patting the spot a few times, you had to lift your head to realize your fiance was gone.

You couldn't help but frown in disappointment as realization hit you.

Of course he's already up. Sebastian probably woke him hours ago.

With a frustrated sigh, you sat up and swung your legs off the bed and your feet made contact with the cool floor. Your shoulders relaxed at the contact. And after taking a deep breath, you stood up and dragged your feet over to the wardrobe.

Usually, Mey-Rin would come in and try to dress you. She would usually succeed, but you really preferred to do it yourself. Because unlike any other mistress of an Earl, you did not grow up in nobility. There was actually a time when you served him as a maid, because your mother was one.

You were still asking yourself how you ended up being his future wife, even as you opened the wardrobe doors and searched through it for a day dress.

*Knock* *Knock*

"My lady? Are you awake yet?"

Your hands froze as you pulled it off the hanger.

"Uh...no."

You mentally groaned when Mey-Rin opened the door and once she saw what you were doing, her eyes widened behind her cracked glasses and she hurried over.

"Lady Y/N, you should call for me when you wake up!"

Your shoulders drooped as she snatched the dress of your choosing from your hands and politely asked you to raise your arms up.

Being the nice person you were, you complied. And after a good 20 minutes of uncomfortable pain, you were dressed, looking as lovely as a mistress was supposed to be.

"There. Will that be all, my Lady?"

You paused mid-nod and glanced at her.

"Mey-Rin, are you doing anything? Knowing Ciel, he'll probably be in that office of his all day. I would love some company."

She gave a polite, wavering smile.

"I'm so sorry, my Lady. I do have my duties I still need to complete or Sebastian will get upset again."

Smiling to hide your feelings, you nodded.

"I understand. Then yes, that will be all."

With a quick bow of the head, she scurried out of the room and your smile fell.

. . .

"Hey, Bard."

Shooting up with a flamethrower in hand, his head snapped to where you stood in the doorway, raising a curious eyebrow as his goggles fell on his eyes. He cursed as he puled them out of the way.

"Oh, morning, my Lady."

"Um, what were you doing just now?"

He scratched his head and glanced down at the ground.

"Well, uh..."

"Yes, I would like to know as well."

You jumped at the sudden voice and turned, realizing Sebastian was now standing beside you with a hard look towards Bard. Who, went white at the sight of him.

"S-Sebastian! I wasn't doin' anything!"

His eyes narrowed before he turned to you and smiled softly.

"My Lady, my apologies, but Baldroy and I need to have a private conversation. If you would please wait for me in the billiard room, I'll bring you some tea for the inconvenience."

You felt your insides twist.

"Oh. Okay."

. . .

You kept your head down as you walked to the billiard room. But you glanced up as Finny came running down the hall towards you and a smile formed.

"Finny!"

He didn't seem to have noticed you and stopped once you called him.

"L-Lady Y/N!"

"Can you keep me company? Everyone else is-"

"Finny, where have you been?"

Spinning around, you came faced with the man that made you smile.

"Cie-"

"Y/N, dear, can you please stop bothering Finny? He does have a job to do, unlike you anymore."

And this time, the smile he made appear on your face didn't. Instead, your lips pressed firmly together as you held back the sadness his words caused.

"I'm very sorry to have disturbed you both. I'll just...entertain myself."

And without another word, you turned back and walked into the billiard room before shutting the door. It was beginning to be too much for you.

Along with maintaining a perfect profile, attempting to keep any sort of social life, the occasional kidnapping, and keeping that romantic spark lit; it was safe to say you felt as if your life was drowning. As if trying to keep your head above water when the tide was still only shallow was a real burden not only on yourself, but everyone else.

You reached up to take off the necklace around your neck that Ciel had given you to celebrate your engagement and threw it on the table. Then leaning forward, you picked up a book that was resting in a spot in the bookshelf.

And as you were about to open it up, the sound of thunder crackling filled your ears and it made a tiny smile form.

You loved rain. Everything about rain. The tranquility as sheets of precipitation plummeted to the water-forsaken ground, the often unanticipated flashes of lightning or the rolls of ominous thunder. You loved it all.

As you turned your head to the window behind you, you saw outside was an unexpected gift of rain. The wet season didn't generally start for another fortnight but the skies didn't lie. It wasn't a mean rain either, the type that got everyone wet without filling the rain barrels. It was the type that got the streams running with pristine water from the mountains.

The water droplets fell like they simply cannot think of anything better to do. There was a laziness about them, as if they can barely be bothered to conform to the will of gravity. When you held your bare arm out of the manor window the droplets splattered on your outstretched fingers. You tilted your fingers upwards and watched the remnants of the drops run downwards like tiny rivers. With a half smile, you retreated leaving the window open, that way you could hear the steady drumming all the louder while you turned age worn pages of long forgotten books.

But...the more you felt the rain on your skin, the more disinterested reading became. And before you could think twice, you jumped up from your gloomy spot and practically ran out the room. And normally, whenever it rained you would pull Ciel outside with you but his words still echoed in your mind so that didn't happen.

. . .

You stood on the doorstep, your arms folded around yourself in the best hug you could have without Ciel being there. After such a dry summer it was all you could do to stop yourself from dancing barefoot outside while the drops plastered your hair to your face. And then a thought crossed your mind.

Why don't I?

And that half smile stretched as you kicked off your shoes, let down your hair from it's fancy bun and stepped onto the wet grass in front of the manor. That was all it took to make a huge smile spread on your kips and before you could doubt your actions, you went of sprinting through the grass, twirling around in the ecstasy of the rain.

And somehow, mother nature made you feel the happiest you've been since you became a Lady. You never really felt like you belonged in the position you were in and today felt like proof.

Unfortunately, that happiness didn't last long.  Although the feeling of the rain was good, the cold was beginning to get to you, even though you tried to ignore it. You began holding yourself to stop your arms from shivering. You fell to your knees as they, too, felt freezing.

Maybe I should've thought this out more.

"Y/N! Where are you?!"

You felt hot tears form from your eyes once you hears your name being called.

"Ciel..."

You huddled into yourself until you could hear his footsteps on the grass, until his arms wrapped around you.

"Y/N, what are you doing out here? You can catch a cold."

"There she is!"

"The master found her!"

"Oh my goodness, my Lady, are you all right?!"

He snickered as he glanced back at the servants.

"She's fine. Give her some space."

Your lips trembled as he took off his coat and wrapped it around you.

"I just didn't want to bother anyone anymore..."

They all tensed up when you said that and guilt was present in their faces. Ciel's was unreadable, as usual, until he reached his arms under your legs and picked you up bridal style. He paused to look at Sebastian.

"Bring her something to warm her up."

He placed a hand over his heart.

"As you wish, my Lord."

"We'll be in our room, no one disturb us."

They all bowed their heads.

"Yes, master."

Your grip tightened on his now soaking wet shirt and you buried your head in his chest to hide your humiliation.

. . .

The second he opened the door, he slammed it shut with his foot and gently placed you on the bed.

"Ciel, I-"

"Shh"

He didn't even give you time to speak as he pushed you down on it and climbed in after. You didn't know what he was thinking, so your cheeks flushed as your imagination went wild. But those thoughts left as he pulled you into his lap and wrapped the covers around the both of you.

"That was an idiotic move, you understand that, don't you?"

"I just-"

"Shh"

He placed a finger on your lips to hush you.

"You know how busy we all are, Y/N. And I expect you to know how much we all do care for you. You're smart enough to know that I will always make time for you, no matter how busy I am."

You turned your body to face him. And it was when you saw the fresh drops of rain on his face that you realized he was willing to get wet for you.

"And you should know how much I love the rain."

His eyes moved on you and he tilted his head playfully, a small smirk playing on his lips as he put a finger to them.

"Shhh"

Then he leaned forward and rubbed his nose against yours, before grazing your lips with his.

Before the door opened up.

"Master, I brought some tea-"

"Ugh, Sebastian!"

He turned and briefly left your side to yell in Sebastian's face about knocking and it made you giggle. He actually took the tray of tea from him and shut the door on him and you shook your head at him. To your surprise, he didn't come back to you and it made you frown.

Nope, instead, he went to the large window and placed the tea on the table next to the chair that sat beside it. Your lips parted as he opened the window and crossed back over to you. He lifted you up in his arms again to sit you in his lap as you faced the open window.

You turned your head to him as he was still grumbling about Sebastian.

"There. Now you can enjoy this blasted rain without catching hypothermia."

A warm smile graced your face as you leaned forward to capture his lips with yours. Once you pulled away, you caught the brief flash of red on his cheeks.

"Thank you, Ciel."

"....You're welcome."

You both spent the rest of the day watching the thunderstorm, drinking the Earl Grey tea brought to you, curled up beside each other. Yep. The rain always made you happy.

[the-letter-horror-lover]

Snake in Phantomhive Manor

InsomniacTiger

Summary:

Snake has been added to the Phantomhive staff. Though he is still not quite sure how he fits in to this odd bunch. Between a Master who is smarter than the average teenager, clumsy servants, and a butler who is too good to be human, will he and his fellow reptilian friends manage to find their "family" after all?

Notes:

Originally published June 2017

Chapter 1: Settling In

Chapter Text

The other servants were gone. Something about a funeral for Black? But Black isn't dead… so why was a funeral needed? Smile had seemed bored by the whole thing. As if it were just bothersome. Of course a funeral for someone who isn't dead is just pointless, which would be annoying.

Why was he thinking about that when he should really be wondering why he was here? He had come here to get revenge for his family. Joker, Beast, Jumbo, Peter, Wendy, Dagger, and even sweet Doll… They were gone. Smile had said that he had been doing some undercover investigation work in the Noah's Ark Circus. The child had seemed so innocent. Doll had rambled on for hours on how close she and the newcomer were getting along. Smile had been on oddball. Among circus folk that was saying a lot. Of course if Smile was really Earl Ciel Phantomhive then that explained a lot.

Are we really going to work for the small human we were just targeting? Asked Keats.

Snake nodded. "It seems so."

Because you believe we will find Joker and the others this way? Oscar questioned hesitantly.

"Joker and the others are dead." Snake looked out one of the huge windows in the room that was now his.

We did smell some of their blood… Bronte pointed out.

But there was no sign of Joker or Doll being here. Oscar tried to console him.

"If Beast and the other's are dead then it's likely so are Joker and Doll."

And… you are ok with this? Keats probed.

"You heard Smile. They were kidnapping children." He looked toward the door for the tenth time in the last five minutes. "I knew they were hiding something from me… but kidnapping children…"

That's on par with how bad what happened to you as kid was. Bronte said bluntly.

Bronte! Emily scolded.

It's true! The larger snake argued.

Enough. Keats silenced them.

Snake was still looking at the door. "Do you think Black locked it?"

Of course he did. We were trying to kill his master, why would he let us roam free? Bronte said.

You won't know if you don't try. Keats reasoned.

That seemed logical enough. Snake got up to test the door. It was unlocked. "He… trusts us?"

It would seem so. So now what are you going to do with that trust? Keats asked.

"If Smile really wants us to work for him… then he'll remember to feed us right?"

If not him, I am sure Black or one of the servants will. Emily reasoned.

Black didn't say you couldn't leave. Wordsworth finally woke up from his nap.

Did you see the look he gave us? Oscar asked.

"It was heavily implied that we remain here." Snake agreed.

"Don't cha think it's a bit odd that the Master left that Snake guy alone in the house so soon after hiring him?" Baldroy asked.

"I'm sure if the Young Master trusts him then he can be trusted." Mei-Rin shrugged. "Besides Mister Sebastian would never allow the house to be left unprotected if he thought there would be real danger."

"That's true enough." Baldroy grunted.

"Do you guys get the feeling that Mister Sebastian can hear us no matter where we are?" Finny asked thinking out loud not really having been listening to his friends.

"No doubt he can hear your loud mouth from wherever." Baldroy snapped.

Sebastian indeed could hear the servants, but he allowed them to think that he wasn't listening. He was currently leaving Ciel's room after helping him change into something more suitable than what the Young Master had wore to the funeral. Personally he had some concerns about leaving Snake on his own in the manor, mainly that the ex-circus performer would escape. But his small charge had assured him that the reptilian man would still be here when they returned.

Upon entering the manor Sebastian had immediately looked for signs that the house had been robbed in anyway or that Snake had made a run for it. But there was nothing out of the ordinary. Not even a scent of one of the snakes crossed his path as he headed for the new footman's assigned room. It was a smaller room, but it got lots of sun, which would be ideal for Snake's cold-blooded friends.

As a Phantomhive butler it made him want to cringe that there were several snakes crawling freely in the manor currently. But one of the reasons that the Young Master had said that they should keep Snake around was for how handy his snakes would be in the future. So best to keep them healthy.

Black is coming. Keats warned.

Best watch out for that one. Oscar advised. Something isn't quite right with him.

The door suddenly opened. It was Black dressed in his butler uniform; he was scanning the room with unmistakable suspicion. After a moment to assess the room Black nodded toward Snake. "The others are eating in the kitchen if you are hungry." He started to leave but then reentered. "I understand that the reptiles are your companions, but I must ask that about the manor you keep them on a tight leash and out of sight."

Snake nodded. "That sounds reasonable. Says Wordsworth."

Chapter 2: An Introduction

Chapter Text

Snake had never felt so out of place in his life. Black – or rather Sebastian – apparently that was his actual name, had forced him into this suit. Never had he wore clothes as nice as this. Sebastian had insisted that his jacket have coattails, because it was 'expected that a servant of the Phantomhive household would look their best'. He wasn't sure exactly what his job consisted of yet, but he was told that he would get plenty of training. Black – Sebastian – had looked exasperated and made a comment about still training the other three anyway.

You've never looked better. Emily complimented.

I liked the old one better. Brontë muttered.

He looks great. Black will be here soon are you ready? Keats asked.

Snake shrugged. "Not really…"

Oscar slithered up around his neck. It will be fine. And we will all come with you for support!

Naturally. Wordsworth agreed.

He's here. Keats hissed.

Sebastian knocked once before entering. "Come along now. I expect you to meet the others in the kitchen in five minutes." Then he was gone.

Snake hurried to follow him, but when he looked down the hall the butler had truly vanished.

I don't like that one. Brontë grumbled.

I agree. Keats glided into the hallway.

"I don't know where the kitchen is…" Snake muttered.

We'll get you there. Emily reassured him.

It took four and a half minutes for the snakes to find the door to the kitchen. As they were approaching it they heard a distinguished voice that only could be Sebastian's say, "Come in." The snakes burst in ahead of their human friend. They liked to get the layout of new territory before letting Snake in. Immediately the other servants reacted.

"Yiiikes snakes!"

"Wah!"

"Gyaaah!"

"Do pipe down." Sebastian sighed. "They will not bite unless he commands them to do so."

"He?"

That's us Snake. Oscar encouraged him out the door.

Snake peeked around the door hesitantly… new people… he didn't care for people. Rather, he didn't trust them. But he had his friends with him. Sebastian shoved him forward and demanded he introduce himself properly.

"I-I'm Snake."

We look forward to working with you. Oscar greeted them.

"We look forward to working with you - says Oscar."

The younger blonde boy cocked his head to the side in confusion. "Umm… you're… Mister Oscar?"

This is Snake, and I'm Oscar. Oscar hissed in annoyance. Some humans were so stupid.

Snake reiterated what Oscar had said. Then he began introducing the rest of the snakes who were making themselves known to the other servants. With the exception of the taller blonde man, who was cowering in fear of the reptiles and continuing to scream.

Sebastian quickly cut him off saying that they can introduce the rest of the snakes at a later date. "In any case, he is the Phantomhive footman as of today. Do try to work together, you lot."

Snake was grateful when they instantly put him to work on something he was familiar with. Peeling potatoes. Mei-Rin, the maid, informed him that even though they all had separate jobs, everyone tended to help in the kitchen since they didn't technically have any kitchen staff with the exception of Baldroy. But he wasn't exactly reliable at actually coming up with anything edible apparently.

Sebastian had ordered that the snakes be kept out of the kitchen since it wasn't sanitary to have animals in a place where one prepares food. Snake kept an eye on the butler though. He was working with the 'Chef' at the counter. Snake had always had exceptional hearing, and he could easily hear what was being said about him. Unsurprisingly the Chef didn't trust him. But it was hard to hear the rest of what they said with the maid and gardener watching over him making noise about how good he was at peeling potatoes.

How hard was it to peel a potato really? How incompetent could these people be? He had seen Mei-Rin preparing the table, it was disastrous; she had broken nearly every plate. And Baldroy the 'Chef' was hardly doing anything to prepare the food. The landscape looked impeccable, but Snake had heard Sebastian reprimanding Finny for uprooting several trees. How could someone as dignified as the Earl Phantomhive have such useless servants? And why were there so few? Again Snake looked over at the butler.

The man in black was currently chopping the head off of the fish. Snake had witnessed first hand how incredible the man was. Did he really make up for the entire staff? It was clear that the Earl had complete faith in the man. That had been obvious back when he had believed them to aspiring circus performers. Black only left Smile's side when it was necessary. And even then they had noticed the man looking out for the small child.

Once dinner was prepared and the Master was satisfied and taken care of, (mainly by Sebastian) Snake was allowed to retreat to his room. Inside, all of his friends were waiting and immediately began to swarm about him.

How was it? Keats asked.

"There is something strange about those servants."

You mean how they are all clearly idiots? Brontë scoffed.

Snake nodded. "Though the maid and gardener seem nice enough."

I wouldn't let down your guard either way Snake, Emily curled up around his arm, this is the same household that managed to get rid of Joker and the others. And they were not a weak bunch.

"I haven't forgotten."

Chapter 3: Setting Sail

Chapter Text

It seemed like months had past since he had started working at the Phantomhive manor, when in actuality it was probably just a few weeks. And honestly he still wasn't quite sure what a footman's duties actually were. He helped the other servants with their chores and often found himself helping prepare food in the kitchen. Sebastian had requested that some of his friends explore the estate grounds for intruders and anything that seemed suspicious.

In the short time he had been here he had seen a few odd characters come and go. A Chinese man and woman who Oscar said smelled suspiciously sweet, like some drug. And a young girl who the gardener had explained was the Earl's fiancé. To Snake it was such an odd concept that someone as young as Ciel Phantomhive had a fiancé already. But Emily reminded him that it was common for the upper class folk to have such things predetermined for them by their elders. The blonde girl was the complete opposite of the Earl. She was bright, cheerful, full of light and life. The biggest difference he found however was that she acted her age, (even younger than that, according to Brontë) while the Earl acted mature beyond his years.

It was plain for anyone to see that the Earl had seen much for such a young person. The one eye that he allowed people to see gave away his intelligence. Snake didn't know what the child possibly went through to gain such a complete disdain for the world, and a confidence in his capabilities. Though he suspected it had something to do with the fact the Earl was in control of such a large estate seemingly on his own, and something to do with his covered eye. Brontë claimed to have seen it while traveling through the house one night as the Earl was going to bed. The serpent claimed the mysterious eye was discolored compared to the other one and the pupil was strangely shaped.

No matter what happened, the Earl had accepted him as part of his staff and seemed to already have a sense of trust with him. Not once was Snake locked away, denied access, or asked to wait somewhere else. Of course he didn't really go anywhere besides his room, wherever he was supposed to be working, and the green house where a majority of his friends had chosen to stay.

The other servants were surprisingly welcoming. The maid and gardener had immediately wanted to be friends, and eventually the chef began to treat him as one of their own as well. It was a tight knit group among those three, and while Snake didn't know their histories, he could tell that like himself they each had survived some sort of harsher past.

No one spoke of themselves much at all. (With the exception of Mei-Rin constantly reminding them of how wonderful she thought Sebastian was.) It was mainly everyday small talk, contemplating what was on the Earl's mind, or complaining about how Sebastian worked them too hard. Every once in a while Baldroy would make a comment on how 'inhuman' the butler seemed to be, but it was mostly just the chef venting because Sebastian had once again taken over the evening meal.

Over all, Snake didn't hate it. All his life he had been on display as a freak. As a child it had been as a slave. As an adult he worked with the circus under the pretense that he owed them for saving his life. Now he was not an exhibition. He was doing everyday work that everyone else around him was doing. His efforts were recognized and appreciated by the others he worked with. Though Baldroy had been extremely hesitant at first, they all even accepted his friends and the way he communicated for them without any complaint or judgmental looks. It had taken years with Joker and the others for their group to stop laughing at his abnormal way of communication.

The most surprising of all was the way Sebastian interacted with him. As someone who was clearly of higher status than him, he didn't just not mind the way he spoke, but even asked direct questions to some of the serpents knowing that Snake would translate for him. This was mainly in regards to the selected serpents that would check the grounds for trouble, but it was still refreshing nonetheless.

Currently Snake found himself packing a traveling case for himself. According to Sebastian he was required to travel with the Earl while he was on a cruise.

I hate sea travel. Brontë complained for the hundredth time.

You've never even seen the sea. Emily scoffed.

We move along the earth, we weren't meant to spend days at sea. Brontë retorted.

"You don't have to come…" Snake pointed out.

Nonsense. Of course we are coming. Keats reassuringly tugged at his hair.

"I want you to. But if something were to happen… there is no guarantee that you all could make it out safely. Like Brontë said-"

Brontë is an idiot. Oscar said from the bedpost as he watched Snake pack. Humans travel on these boats all the time. We'll be fine.

Snake shrugged. "Its your choice."

But the crate… Brontë continued his complaining.

"I will be sure that there is a board loose so that you all can come and go as you please." Snake reminded him.

We will be fine. Don't you worry dear. Emily wrapped herself around his leg.

Before Snake could thank her there was a light knock on his door. His friends scattered to various hiding spots around the room with the exception of Emily on his leg and Keats who had remained around his shoulders. It was Mei-Rin.

"Hullo Snake. Mister Sebastian sent me to be sure you were takin' care of packing for the trip. I see you are though."

Snake nodded.

"Right lucky you are to be traveling on one of those fancy ships with Mister Sebastian and the young Master."

It will certainly be an experience. Keats replied.

"It will certainly be an experience – says Keats."

Mei-Rin smiled at the snake at his shoulder and offered her hand to see if she could pet him. "May I?"

In response Keats rubbed his scaled head against her palm much like a cat would.

"You sure are lucky to have so many good friends, yes you are."

Snake nodded in agreement.

"I best be off. Got to set the table for the evening meal I do." She waved before leaving.

I like her. Emily commented.

"She seems ok." Snake agreed shutting the door.

Almost like a human friend. Keats said.

Snake frowned. He'd never had one of those before. Joker and the others called their troupe 'family', but Snake was well aware he wasn't included in that. Their family had been together long before they had found him, and they never really included him in their gatherings other than meetings that were essential for first tier performers to attend. And even then he was mostly reporting what the serpents had seen and heard. That was all. He'd never had family. Or friends that were human. But Mei-Rin, Finny, and even Baldroy were the closest he had ever had to the category of 'human friends', but when was someone considered a friend? Shaking his head at the nonsensical thought he got back to finishing his packing.

"So thiiiis is the Campania, huh!?" Finny's loud voice carried through the crowd as he admired the large luxury passenger liner.

While the others were discussing something or another Snake once again worriedly checked the crate that his friends were being carried in. At the mention of his name however he looked up to hear the butler's response to the gardener's whine.

"A footman's duties include accompanying his master on his travels. I am counting on each of you to carefully see to your duties while we are away."

The other four that had come to see them off, (including the small old man that Snake still wasn't sure who he was or what his job was) saluted cheerfully with a "YESSIR!"

"Well… we'll be off, then." The Earl said turning on the gangplank to give his servants one last glance before boarding the ship.

Snake obediently followed the butler aboard behind their master. The ship was huge. Much bigger than he had thought it would be. They stayed on the main deck long enough to hear the whistle blow and to see the other servants waving with one last goodbye. Though he was trying to pay attention to what was being said his mind was on trying to figure out when he would have time to sneak below and visit his friends. Donne, one of the slimmer snakes gave a comforting squeeze from within his sleeve where he was wrapped around his arm.

Right. There would be time later; eventually everyone had to go to sleep. Besides, this was like a vacation for the upper class folk. Likely they would stuff themselves with rich food, drink a little too much, and then be asleep hopefully before midnight. Snake could sneak below and see his friends once everything was quiet for the night. Though his anxiety from being around so many people was high, all he could hope for was that everything was smooth sailing till they returned back to the port they had just pulled away from.

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[darkspellmaster]

Cielizzy Week 2017: Day 3 Happiness

A day in the garden. 

Hope people like this for the Third day of Cielizzy week. Thanks again @cielizzydefencesquad for coming up with these cool prompts. 

He watched her moving among the roses as he stood off to the side. The warm air from the spring afternoon wafted through the garden, sending the smell on a wave from a random breeze. It had been less than a week since Lizzy and the others had come for Easter, and now the warmer weather was setting in. For the moment Ciel could relax and enjoy some of the peace, though he knew it couldn’t last forever, still it was nice.

His eye drifted onto Lizzy who was busy with Finny tending to the flowers, seemingly amused by the collection of odd mixes that they had gathered in the short time that Finny had been the gardener. He let his mind wander back to when they were kids, in that very yard, playing. There were days he couldn’t go out, his asthma would cause him to not be able to be out among the pollen. On those days he would sit in his room watching Lizzy play with Sebastian, their dog, and he had to smile.

Those days, when he wasn’t sure if he was ever going to be strong enough to make it to his teens, were always fraught with worry. Yet here he was, only a few months shy from his thirteenth birthday and Lizzy well on her way to her fifteenth year.

Thirteen years, he had to wonder what his mother and father would have said, what would they have done. Watching Lizzy with Finny he soon got up and walked over, setting aside the paper that he had been looking at. Snake was helping Mey-rin with the laundry, Sebastian was seeing to the cooking with Bardroy, and there had been no word from either of the Charles, nor the Queen. Peaceful was how he was looking at it.

Finny glanced up at seeing him, “Oh, young Master. Care to join us?”

“Finny was just showing me how he planted the tulipls.” Lizzy explained and pulled him down closer, pointing to a young sprout just starting to come from the ground. “See they’re just starting to grow.”

“You’re right,” Ciel noticed and glanced at Finny. “So how long do you think it’ll take for all of them to bloom?”

“Oh a while I’d say. But with some love and care they’ll sprout.” Finny grinned happily. He stood up and gathered some of the tools he had on his person. “Well I’m going to go check on the green house. You’re welcome to come along.”

Ciel shook his head, getting dirty in the mud wasn’t his plan today. Finny smiled, “Suit yourselves.” With that he headed off leaving the two young teens alone. It had been a while since they had been left on their own like this and Ciel felt uncomfortable. Not so much with Lizzy, but with the situation. Being alone with a girl, even if it was Lizzy, wasn’t seen as respectable, and he, though not seen exactly as such, at least tried to keep the apprence of proper etiquette.

Lizzy on the other hand was having none of that, and stopped him from getting up and leaving. “Where are you off to?”

“I just thought of going back to read.” She took his hand and Ciel paused and looked at her.

“Do you remember when we were younger and played out here.”

Ciel sighed, “Of course I do Lizzy. Why would you ask that?”

She seemed thoughtful for a moment, then smiled again, “It’s nothing. I was thinking maybe we could walk around some?”

“Sure,” he gave a nod and the two strolled down one of the paths now alive with some early blooming flowers. They were quiet for a while, as if not sure what to talk about, until Lizzy let out a yelp that sent him stumbling some. She covered her mouth, as he dusted off his knees. “Lizzy, what was that for?”

“I…I just remembered, Paula mended your jacket and we had it tailored. It’s still at the house, waiting for you. I’ll bring it next time I come.”

Ciel sighed, “Is that all. I thought you saw one of Snake’s snakes on the ground or something.”

She laughed. “I’m not scared of them,” and took his arm. “Here, you can hold on to me so you don’t stumble.”

“I don’t need you clinging on to me like this,” he admonished her, but didn’t push her off. Lizzy laughed and smiled softly at him.

“I’m just glad you’re alright. When were on the Campania…”

“I was worried about you too,” he admitted then quickly added, “And Aunt Frances and Uncle Alexis and Edward too, of course.”

“Of course,” she echoed and he fixed the sleeve of his jacket. After another long moment or so of silence, Ciel finally managed to speak, he’d been debating asking some questions.

“So, how long have you been training? I mean, that seriously? Is it just swords or…?”

“Can I shoot like mother?” Lizzy seemed embaressed. “Well, not as well. I can fire a gun, but, nothing like her. Mother is amazing.”

“You can say that again,” Ciel commented thinking of all the insane things that his Aunt did to him over the course of the three years he’d been the Earl. His thoughts turned back to his parents, and he had to wonder if they knew Lizzy was training to protect him.  “How long have you known about my being the watchdog?”

“Mother told me about it when we were little.” Lizzy admitted and he had to wonder what other information she’d been told as well. “But she never went into too many details. She said it wouldn’t be proper of me to know till I was much older.”

“I suppose not, but you did see what happens,” Ciel said pointedly. “I’m sorry that you had to see that.”

“No, it’s just a part of your job, it’s not who you are Ciel.” She was saying when he stopped walking. “Ciel?”

“Do you really think you know me that well Lizzy?” he wasn’t looking at her now. He was suddenly worried she’d find out the truth and he wanted her to stay away from it. Stay away from her heart breaking. “I’m not exactly a good man.”

“No, but I’m not exactly a perfect lady either,” Lizzy pointedly said and he looked back, a smug smile on his face for a second, then it vanished and he let her arm go to walk before her.

“Ciel?”

“Are you really going to be happy with knowing what I do, Lizzy? I mean really happy? I don’t want to burden you, you know.” He was being distant again, but it was one of the ways he could keep her at bay. If he got to close then he would want to stay around, want to be with her, and once his mission to find his parents killers was done, he was going to leave this world and let Sebastian have his dinner. That was the plan right? So why was it starting to seem harder and harder to abide by this contract. Why, after seeing her fight for him, did he want to find a way to nullify it?

“I…I know I will Ciel,” she said softly and cut in front of him, then hugged him close. “Don’t worry, I’m not scared of you. I’ll never be afraid of you. Ever.”

He closed his eyes and allowed himself to hug her back. “Thank you Lizzy. That…means a lot to me.”

Her hand suddenly grabbed his and she dragged him off, pulling him at a run. “Hey. Where are we going?”

“I remember where we are now! Come on, there’s something I want to show you.” She encouraged him to run, his heels digging into the stone and dirt, her flat shoes making a crunch as they pattered around corners and through the hedges until Lizzy drew him out to a small grassy knoll area just a bit farther away from the house. They were near a small hill and she was already starting to climb.

“Damn it,” he muttered and hurried after her. “Lizzy, wait up!”

Up and up they went, Lizzy calling him to follow along. Eventually, with some great effort, they rose to the top of the small hill and Lizzy turned him around. “See! Isn’t it wonderful?”

From where he stood Ciel could see a good portion of the garden. Finny was talking with Snake and Mey-rin, Bardroy and Tanaka were sitting in his chairs, both drinking some tea, and Sebastian, well from what he could tell, his demonic butler was playing with a cat, again. He was going to have to talk to him about his collection.

“It is stunning Lizzy,” he was saying as she sat down among some small white flowers. Ciel carefully joined her. “Clover?”

Lizzy nodded, “Mmmhummm.” She held some out to him. “For luck.”

Ciel took them and looked at her confused, “What do you want me to do with these?”

“Make a chain silly!” she said and stared to braid the stems together. Ciel watched her, and tried to mimic but soon grew frustrated and was about to throw them down and head back down the hill, when she grabbed his hands again. “Here, I’ll show you. Honestly Ciel, you don’t remember making these?”

He did, but he wasn’t about to say he’d forgotten how to braid them, “It was just silly kid stuff.”

“You used to like making them,” she started to say and he let her fingers weave into his.

“Then show me again how to do them.”

“Okay, well you start by taking three flowers and braiding the stems like this,” Lizzy held up three flowers and carefully moved his fingers to craft the braid, he couldn’t help but enjoy the sensation of her fingers flowing over his. Though he would never say it to her. “Then you add another one and…”

Slowly, carefully, two crowns of flowers were made and not to his surprise Lizzy donned one and sweetly put the other on his head. He was glad Sebastian wasn’t there, if he had been the butler would have teased him for days given the red glow of his face. Lizzy though didn’t seem to be paying attention to that, she was leaning back in the grass and enjoying the view of the sky. Ciel reclined some, to watch the clouds with her, his eye closed and he thought to himself.

I suppose this is what happiness feels like.