#bard fluff

The imposing silhouette of the Phantomhive Manor loomed ahead as you made your way through the meticulously kept gardens. The carriage wheels clattered along the cobblestone path, winding its way through the dense, misty forest.

You felt your heart racing with anticipation. You couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nerves dancing in your stomach as you approached the grand entrance.

It wasn’t every day that you were invited to such a prestigious household. Especially one known throughout England for its bizarre dealings and its mysterious young lord and master. 

You had been invited as a guest of Lady Elizabeth, who insisted you visit to see the mansion’s beautiful décor. Yet, despite the purpose of your visit, you couldn’t help but think of someone else entirely, Baldroy, the manor’s rather unconventional chef.

As the manor came into view, its towering, gothic architecture loomed over the landscape, shrouded in an aura of both grandeur and secrecy. Stepping out of the carriage, you took a deep breath, adjusted your attire, and made your way to the grand entrance.

You hesitated just before knocking, adjusting your dress. A swift creak from the doors caught you off guard. The imposing wooden doors opened, revealing the stern butler, Sebastian, who greeted you with impeccable courtesy.

“Hello My Lady. Welcome to the Phantomhive Manor”, he said with a slight bow, “Please, come in”.

You attentively stepped through the threshold. The doors made a loud thud as they were closed. Your eyes wandered over the grand hall. It was adorned with exquisite tapestries and flickering candle sconces. The air was filled with timeless elegance and yet something perplexing. You could almost feel the manor's history bearing down on you.

“The Young Master is not in at the moment, I’m afraid, but Lady Elizabeth will be along shortly”, Sebastian stated. 

Just as you were about to ask where you needed to wait, the faint scent of smoke wafted through the air, and your heart skipped a beat. You couldn’t help but smile. You then could hear the faint sound of clattering pots and pans.

“Is Bard in the kitchen?”, you asked casually, hoping you didn’t sound too eager.

Sebastian gave a knowing smile, clearly noticing the glint of curiosity in your eyes. 

“He is, My Lady. If you wish to visit with the servants, please see to it you are available in approximately three hours”. 

You suppressed a chuckle and excused yourself to the kitchen. As you approached, the sounds of clanging dishes and the unmistakable crackle of flames reached your ears. Pushing open the door, amidst the organized chaos, you spotted Bard hunched over the stove,  a cigarette hanging from his lips, waving a towel at a small fire that had erupted in a pan. He was a stark contrast to the elegance of the manor with his rugged demeanor. Yet, there was a warmth in his eyes that drew you in.

“Damn it! Ah, come on, ya stupid thing!”, he cursed.

“Having some trouble, Balroy?”, you teased softly, stepping inside the kitchen.

Bard whipped around, startled, his cigarette nearly falling from his lips. When he recognized you, a grin spread across his face. 

“Well, well, look who’s wandered into my kitchen. Thought I smelled somethin’ sweeter than usual around here.What brings you here, Miss?”

Your cheeks flushed and you smiled at the compliment.

“I just heard some delightful music and thought I’d see what was going on”, you approached him carefully, peering at the charred mess on the stove, “Is that supposed to be lunch?”, you asked lightheartedly. 

He gave a sheepish shrug, scratching the back of his neck.

 “Somethin’ like that. The Master’s got me cookin’ some fancy French dish. Can’t make heads or tails of it”.

He glanced over at you in that moment. You stood with a quiet elegance that seemed entirely out of place. The warm light caught the soft waves of your hair. Your eyes, framed by an expression of calm curiosity, sparkled like gemstones under the afternoon sun.

You moved with a grace that made the kitchen feel less like a battleground and more like a sanctuary. Your presence exuded an effortless charm that Bard found impossible to ignore. For a moment, the world slowed, and he almost forgot the concoction on the stove. Bard laughed heartily and put his failed attempt to the side. 

“Would you care for some tea? I've got a special blend I've been saving". 

You nodded eagerly, and Bard gestured for you to sit at a small, cozy table tucked away in a corner of the kitchen. As he prepared the tea, you couldn't help but notice the care and precision with which he worked.

Before you knew it, Bard had managed to scavenge some biscuits from a tin and brewed a pot of surprisingly good tea.

“So, what brings ya to the manor?”, Bard asked, leaning back in his chair and lighting another cigarette, setting a hot cup of tea in front of you. 

“Lady Elizabeth invited me while some business was being handled, but... I must say, I’m glad I found my way in here with you”, you sipped your tea, savoring the rich, aromatic flavors. 

Bard’s eyes widened briefly before he chuckled, blowing a thin stream of smoke toward the ceiling. 

“With me? Can’t say I’m the best company, but I’m glad ya stopped by”.

The two of you fell into easy conversation, sharing stories and jokes, and you found yourself relaxing more and more in his presence. Despite his rough demeanor and lack of culinary finesse, Bard had an easygoing nature and genuine warmth that made you feel at ease. You chatted, and even learned a bit about his unique cooking techniques.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and before you knew it, you had spent hours in the kitchen. You quite enjoyed Bard's company and the delicious treats. There was something special about this secret tea time.

At one point, he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he watched you talk. 

 "You know, it's not often I get to have a proper tea time with someone. Thanks for keeping me company”.

Your heart fluttered at the way his gaze softened, and you couldn’t help but smile back. 

“Maybe that’s why I like spending time with you. You’re real, no pretenses”.

“Heh. You’re gonna make a guy blush, sayin’ stuff like that”, Bard muttered as he looked away with a faint blush on his cheeks.

The sound of footsteps approaching the kitchen snapped both of you out of your comfortable bubble, and Bard quickly moved to clear away the evidence of your little tea party. You couldn’t help but grin at his sudden fluster.

Bard stood, offering you a hand to help you up. 

"Anytime you find yourself at the manor, you're welcome to drop by the kitchen. I'll always have a cup of tea ready for you".

You nodded, giving him one last smile before slipping out of the kitchen, your heart pounding. Just before you left, you heard Bard mutter to himself, low and almost affectionate, “Damn woman’s gonna be the death of me”.

As you made your way back to the main hall, your thoughts spun with warmth and excitement. You’d had to thank Elizabeth for inviting you, though you doubted she would ever know how much that little tea break truly meant.

All Esgaroth was buzzing today with terrible news - the killer (...) returned home. You tried to sneak into the city unnoticed and hide somewhere in a dilapidated hotel on the outskirts, so that no one would know, but the guard caught you on the way.. The rumor quickly spread throughout the city and none of the townspeople disdained to spit in your back or shout a few dirty words. No one but him. He silently grabbed your hand, a little rough and even painful, and pulled you after him.

/

- You, God damn it, take money for killing people! - he shouted, and you thought that you've probably never seen the Bard so angry.

Dinner on the table cooled, but no one even looked at it. 

- So what? - you answered wearily, realizing that you can barely stand on your feet and simply had no desire to argue with him.

- Don't you really understand what kind of work it is, (...)?

- You don’t understand… - you took a deep breath and looked sadly at the Bard. - I also want to eat! You probably know that no one distributes food for free!

You didn't notice how you broke into a scream, releasing everything that had been accumulating inside for years.

- When my father died, I didn't have many options left. You should be thankful that I didn't become a slut. Now at least they are afraid of me, otherwise they would despise me. All of them. Including you.

- You could have come to me, (...), - he still thought he could save the whole world. 

- And what? Walk all over you? Become your fourth child?

You thought that the children wouldn't even have to overhear - the walls here were so thin that probably half the city, if not all, could have heard you.

- I'd come up with something, - Bard said quietly, sitting down on the bench next to you.

You gratefully patted him on the knee.

- You don't have to do that.

- Oh, Bard, please… - you began irritably, having no desire to speak about the subject again.

However, when you turned your face to him, you inadvertently touched his nose with yours. It turned out that he was sitting much closer than you thought. 

- Um, sorry, I…

You didn't finish because his lips covered yours in a passionate but bitter kiss. He touched your hair very carefully and gently, burying his fingers in it, while you ran yours over his jawline.

/

- I have to go, - you said quietly as Bard buttoned up your thick cloak.

- I know, - he replied, not looking up at you.

- But… - you said hastily, shaking your head so that Bard had to recoil. - But I’d like to come back, - you continued more calmly. - Of course, if you allow me.

- You're always welcome in this house, - he smiled, tying the last knot on your hood. 

When he took a step back, behind him you noticed children looking at you a little awkwardly, but with hope. You nodded goodbye to them and took a deep breath. It turned out that going when there is a place to return to is both easier and harder.  

/