Archive of Our Own ^beta

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The day was dragging on so slowly it was boring him. Sebastian sighed thinking “If I had wanted monotony I could have stayed in Hell.”  He turned to his charge.
"And now we have English literature. Please write a short story or at the least something close to legible. You have until lunch."
Sebastian and Ciel's stomach grumbled at the mention of food. Ciel, because he had been starved. “What is lunch?”he was tempted to ask. But if Sebastian was in a foul mood he might say it him. 

Ciel doodled for twenty minutes. Then tucked it away. It was a great drawing of Sebastian but as he had met him when he saved him. So not very flattering.
Glaring at the blank page decided to write an ad.
Wanted For Work At Manor : Live in Footman,Chef, Gardner and Maid to work at Phantomhive manor. Must be able to put up with know it all perfectionist cat adoring butler. Extra skills required.Wages and benefits will be discussed.

Sebastian came back and found him fast asleep. The penmanship had improved but the line 'know it all, perfectionist feline adoring butler ' was a dig. They did need help around here.

So, after dinner he put his young master to bed and spoke to Tanaka.

"Mr. Tanaka, may I have a word?" He said politely. " Of course, " the elderly man replied.
"Did all the staff have extra skills like fighting ."
" This was to protect the household. But yes,we all were specialized in some form of defense. One maid could throw tableware and kill her target. I myself am a master of baritsu and other martial arts. "
Sebastian sighed. He would have to give him a B. And a notation that he took his ad seriously.

Over the next few weeks the house gained Mey-Rin a girl with inhuman farsightedness. And a kind,romantic heart. They gave her a pair of glasses to cut down on her accuracy. It worked too well. She became klutzy.
But if they were in danger she only had to go to one of two posts that was filled with rifles on either side sans specs on the rifle to ease her having to reload. And her uniform held places to carry guns. Next hired was a American Bardroy a former solider he was a expert at finding traps and figure a way out. His entire company had been killed and he was the only survivor. Sebastian hired him as a chef (even though he wound up cooking and cleaning in the end and correcting their errors.) with the help of Tanaka he managed to reduce the amount of times he had to not only rebuild the kitchen but take away firearms that Bardroy believed sped up cooking such as dynamite or a flamethrower. (Sebastian kept that one it reminded him of home and well it would not look suspicious of he used one hiding his own nature further.) Then Tanaka quietly took him aside and told him about permit of ownership. So Sebastian reluctantly gave it to the police explaining that he was of French birth and had no permit for the flamethrower. They took it from him.

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It was on a trip to visit Dietrich in Germany who is his g-dfather and oversee the building of second company that they found their gardener. He had surprised them by moving the manhole cover and popping his head which was shaved. They took him his g-dfather's and gave him some food. He was given sauerkraut to eat with chili and cheese. He had no memory of his real name, however he wore a hospital gown and had a bandage on his head. He was incredibly strong, which they noticed by his mangling of flatware. He was shy and reticent about what happened to him, Dietrich saw he had a bird book on the floor so thought he was a very gentle soul who loved birds and all things in nature. His suspicion was confirmed as his two dogs Otto and Herman came in. Otto was a black and tan Dachshund while Herman was a black giant Great Dane. Ciel noticed the tattoo on the back of his neck as he bent over to touch the dachshund but was intercepted by Herman leaning against him. "Herman! Stop it!" Dietrich scolded while the boy laughed "Good puppy." Ciel realized that the boy had been a former human test subject. Because he had a tattoo on back of his neck he was terrified of other people seeing it. Ciel saw this tattoo understanding how he felt about it. So the next day bought him a straw hat with a tie so he could wear it loose to cover it. "You will have wages, food and clothes a roof over your head." Sebastian began his spiel the boy shook his head. "I just want to go outside. And never be locked up."
Sebastian and Ciel exchanged a glance. That was all? Wow. He was going to be their cheapest paid employee!

"I want you to have this then. You will be out rain or shine unless you get sick. Then I want you to be rested and you will see a doctor for health purposes only. Nothing else. Nobody will hurt you again. " Ciel said gently. The boy fell on his knees and broke into sobs. "Danke,mein herr,danke!"

And once his blonde locks grew back he was named Finny short for Finnian. From the Finnian cycle which Ciel loved reading, because the main character was strong and fast as a deer which reminded him of his new employee. Finny broke a lot of things in the beginning.However, once he learned his job he was very careful with the flowers and trees. He even brought herbs from Germany to add to the herb garden. But everyone was patient teaching him English. And Sebastian trained all of them in their cover jobs as best he could. Even though Sebastian was loath to tell them that he was still learning how to cook himself.

Another guard they had at the manor was Pluto a hellhound. A gigantic white dog that breathed fire who when excited turned human but still breathed fire. He listened to nobody except for Sebastian who barely tolerated him. But he was adored by Finny who loved nature(plus he was the only one strong enough to handle him in dog form.) When he was in human form he was encouraged to wear clothes(it stopped Mey-Rin from having a nosebleed.) He did prove a useful tracker even in human form. But his mind was still that of a dog. And he still only listened to Sebastian. Though he was a great help he wasn't loyal to Phantomhive manor and had to be killed when he went on a rampage setting fire to London.

When Snake joined the household everyone encouraged him to speak for himself. And his snakes served as sentries and spies. The snakes also served as excellent mousers and ratters (well the ones that ate them anyway) much to Sebastian's dismay this lessened the idea of his master ever getting a cat. Even though he knew that he was allergic.

It was during a case where they posed as father and son that Ciel began to whimper like a child. Sebastian made it a point to sleep with his door open so he could hear him. " Ahhhh! " Ciel screamed. In a flash he was there. His arms around him comforting. "Close your eyes. You are safe." He reassured him. Ciel relaxed and fell asleep. Slowly he turned to face the supernatural terror. "Leave! He is claimed already by me! He has my mark! Come to him again I will destroy you." A spider vanished from the room.

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Claude Faustus woke before dawn. After getting his daily routine settled he woke His Highness. Though, he thought he was a brat. Alois Trancy was in bed still but he was awake. "Claude, we need more help." He blinked his gold eyes. "Humans?" "No! Demons to cook be footmen, gardeners." Claude said "What of wages?" He shrugged.

I see you traitorous brat! Instead of the feast I cultivate so carefully and crafted to my taste. I have to share your crass soul with others!Claude thought furiously.
So he interviewed fellow demons. Many laughed. Only a female named Hannah Annafellowes with her entourage of triplets said yes to the job. She was made housekeeper. Her entire entourage was hired as well. They served as footmen or underbutlers. And also gardeners. Hannah was injured by their employer. She bandaged her eye to stop the bleeding. Little did he know that carried within her the demon sword Laevatinn.

Claude,though, found out and would use it. 

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Wanted: Live in Companion and ladies maid to young 12 year old blond blue eyed fencing prodigy obsessed with being cute and adorable. Please apply to Lady Frances Midford.  Wages will be discussed.

Paula read the ad again. Then put on her Sunday dress and styled her hair so she looked her best.
She got in the hansom cab and was driven to the Midford Estate. It was amazing! Gates in front of the manor greeted her tall pillars held up arched in the entryway to the hall. She felt nervous and kept knotting and unknotting her shawl. " But mother, I don't want to practice! " "I don't. Oh who are you?" She began then saw Paula sitting there. " I'm here for the job miss. " Paula stated.

She can read. Extra points for her.Lady Francis thought.
"Sweetie go upstairs." She told her daughter who had just come home with her father with a new trophy and dress for winning it.
" Elizabeth, our daughter is a fencing prodigy and training to be the wife of my nephew Ciel. She needs a firm hand and needs to stop her nauseating obsession with cute and adorable. " Marquessate Alexis Midford said plopping down in the chair opposite his wife and lighting up a cigar.
"How old is she?"Paula asked timidly.
" 12. " Lady Midford said wearily. Paula looked surprised at Lady Francis.
She wore prim yet proper dress. Her servants were all dressed perfectly but she couldn't handle a twelve year old girl.

"Perhaps, she's trying to find her own personal path in expressing herself. My sister, Nina was like that then she started her own business. She had me as a model well into my early teens. I left her employ recently. She's actually very successful." Paula said.
" What is your surname? " Alexis Midford asked Paula." I do not believe I caught it."
"Hopkins. Nina Hopkins is my older sister. She designed this shawl and dress. She's got very original ideas." Paula said "Not that you need it!" She added quickly . "Would you like to meet your charge?" Lady Francis asked Paula who nodded.

She had the job! She thought. Then boldly asked them."Do I have the job?"
"If you can survive a week with her. You have it. " Alexis grunted as he stood up.

"Why a week?"

" Nobody else except their former nanny Poppin could handle Elizabeth and Edward. And she's no longer with us. "Lady Francis said gently.

"Where is nanny Poppin?"Paula asked curiosity showing.And not wanting to have somebody put out of a job.

"Dead. A fencing accident." Alexis replied. They showed her to where she was practicing in the empty library which had thousands of books. But plenty of several items of weaponry on the wall even a suit of armor.

"Elizabeth," Alexis said stopping his daughter's practice. "Mother,Father! Have you seen the new trophy?" she asked eagerly. "Yes, it is a very fine trophy." Lady Francis said to her daughter proudly. She paused and gestured at Paula. "Who are you?" Lizzie asked. "I'm Paula. " Paula said by way of introduction and curtsyed. "She is to be your maid. And show you how a proper lady behaves." Alexis said. "No! I won't do it! Being prim and proper are not cute at all. "Elizabeth said pouting.

Paula caught the nod from her parents as they left the room.
"Miss Elizabeth. Or do you prefer Lizzie? I have a sister named Elizabeth and she liked being called Lizzie until she grew up. Then she wanted to be called Elizabeth. It suited her too. You see, she was very cute and adorable as a child. "
Lizzie turned to look at her. "I love being cute and adorable. But Mother says cute's for babies and I am almost a adult." She said. "Compromise on your nickname Beth for instance. Or Eliza. Both are perfectly fine shorter versions, as is Lizzie." Paula said as the epee was put away.

The week passed. As they'd promised Lady Francis had a lawyer draw up a contract of employment. Paula Janice Hopkins will work for Marquesstate Alexis Leon Midford and Marquess Francis Phantomhive Midford to serve as maid and protector for their daughter Elizabeth Ethel Cordelia Midford.Wages 12 pounds a week with Sunday off.

Witness Nina Hopkins            Edward Midford

signature of Employer Lady Francis Phantomhive Midford

signature of Employee Paula Janice Hopkins It was when she was relaxing reading a book that she discovered a new side to her maid. Paula was a brilliant archer.

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Phantomhive Staff Wages Currently
Sebastian Michaelis:His wages OCiel's soul. And personal time with Her his cat. As well as never getting near Grelle Sutcliff! Salary: 15 pounds Expenses: Cutlery and uniforms.

Tanaka:Serves as Steward semi retired and knows more than lets on! 22 pounds a week. Besides Sebastian best servant at Manor.

Mey-Rin:Being close to Sebastian and her romance novels. Salary 9 pounds a week with Sunday off

Expenses:Bullets and whatever she breaks comes out of her salary

Bard:Firearms sent from home. And cigarettes. 7 pounds a week with Sunday off Expenses: Firearms sent from home and cigarettes. Does not get salary because lousy cook.

Finny:Not being locked up and bring able to go outside. And Sundays off. Expenses Buys plant seeds and books on how to grow as well as care for them.

Pluto nicknamed Plu-Plu:Innuko dog food and bisciuts Likes to have either male or female lovers both two legged and canine.

Snake:Spare time in the hot house with snakes playing. Paid 6 pounds a week with Sunday off

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Trancy Staff Wages Currently
Claude Faustus:Jim Macken (Alois Trancy's soul)

Hannah Annafellows:Luka Macken's Soul and wants his brother

The triplets (All three slavishly devoted to Hannah so who knows?)

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Midford Staff Wages Currently
Paula Lizzie's Maid:Not having her jingle bells taken away! But being asked to not say "Jingle,Jingle!" Except around holidays . Earns 12 pounds a week with Sunday off.