Special Circumstances

Samhain

No, I haven't lost my mind.
Yes, this is the same fic.
Stick with it 🖤😅

These are the events leading up to the climax of the last chapter, from a different perspective.

Massive thanks goes to WraithGhoul who brainstormed with me and came up with this sweet little bean. Thank you for allowing me to breathe some life into him 🖤

“Coal?”  

The ghoul blinked at the sound of Cornelius’ voice. 

“Hmm?” he said, tearing his eyes away from the bubbles in the cup of tea he was studying intently. He glanced up and met the kind brown eyes of his summoner. “I’m sorry, Cardinal. My mind wandered. What did you say?” 

Cornelius smiled at him fondly.  

“I asked if everything was prepared for Samhain. For Mary’s ceremony.” 

Coal carefully put the porcelain cup into its saucer and paused, frowning at the contrast between the fine china with its delicate floral design, and the slender black, clawed fingers that had held it.  

He always worried he would damage it one day. Had been so nervous the first time Mary had offered him tea in her best tea set, the day after his summoning. His hand had been trembling when he’d accepted it, but the human female had smiled at him reassuringly and his anxiousness had quieted. 

He missed her so much. It had been almost a year since the Fates had decided to take her from them, and so much had changed for the Cardinal and his ghoul since then. This daily ritual had not, though. For decades they’d taken afternoon tea from this very tea set, and even after Mary had died, Cornelius and Coal had kept up the tradition. The familiar constant had grounded them and kept their connection to her alive, even when she was no longer there with them. 

Coal stroked a claw gently over the blue flowers, and he sighed. 

“I think so, yes.” 

He felt Cornelius’ eyes on him and glanced up again. 

“Tonight we will honour her memory.” 

Coal smiled sadly and nodded. 

“We shall.” 

Cornelius reached over and patted his hand. 

“I think she would have liked it here at the Abbey. The hustle and bustle. The faster pace of life. Don’t you?” 

“Yes,” Coal said quietly. “I believe so.” 

The Cardinal climbed to his feet and began clearing away their cups and saucers and plates. 

“I’ll clean these up. I believe your masterpiece is awaiting your attention.” 

As always, Coal was grateful. He didn’t ever offer to tidy away afterwards. Didn’t trust that his hands wouldn’t fail him and ruin it. He’d never forgive himself if he broke Mary’s best china. 

He stood and nodded to Cornelius, accepting the dismissal, and he made his way down the small spiral staircase to his basement quarters.  

When they’d moved here some weeks ago, this apartment had been the only one available. A few rooms in the oldest corner of the Abbey, spread out over two floors. The Cardinal took the ground floor, and Coal the basement. It was only supposed to be a temporary arrangement. The space was awkward and quirky, but they both grew to love this place and decided to stay even after being offered a larger, newly renovated apartment.