A/N: It's been a while since I've posted anything (yikes). Not sure if I'll build on this one later, we'll see. It's set when Ciel is 18-19ish, fluff, angst etc. Enjoy
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Sebastian watched haplessly as his charge struggled to lift his luggage into the waiting carriage. Even from the top of the mansion's steps, he could see the frustration and stress in the young man's face as his hands slipped and clawed at the worn leather of the trunk. Finally, the earl called out to his butler.
"I don't suppose you're going to help me with this, are you?"
The young man's words were sarcastic, but his tone was defeated. Sebastian shook his head, inky tresses catching in the cool September breeze.
"As I have already made plain, I do not agree with this course of action" he said, descending a few steps to avoid shouting. "If you are to leave without me, I will not help you go".
With the Funtom business booming and the queen's orders continually filtering in, it had become impossible for both earl and butler to attend to each task together, as had been done in the past. Now that his master had reached a slightly more independent age, it had become a frequent practice to separate in order to complete the earl's duties as the head of a company and guard dog to the queen. Much to Sebastian's chagrin, the most menial and least dangerous tasks were left for him to complete, while his master most unwisely took on the demands of the queen in solitude. The longest his master had been away was a week, however the queen's new orders would take a month to fulfill; much longer than Sebastian was willing to have his charge out of his care.
Ciel's sigh was audible even from a distance. He attempted to lift the trunk once again, but gave up midway, resulting in the bloated case toppling out of the carriage and landing directly onto the earl's foot. This proved only to enrage him further and elicited a few choice words on the subject. Still seething, the earl turned his attention to the stoic butler on the stairs.
"Where on Earth is Finnian? Call him at once"
Sebastian pursed his lips in annoyance. "I sent him to run a few errands for me. He should be returning in an hour or so. Perhaps while you wait, we can discuss how best to deal with the issue of your departure-
"There is no issue" The boy interrupted. "My word is final, Sebastian. You will remain here to regulate the company and placate her Majesty while I investigate the murders in France. Are we clear? "
Sebastian said nothing. Ciel crossed his arms defiantly and waited for the customary answer. Minutes ticked by and still the butler stood on the steps, his face a stony mask of contempt. The wind picked up suddenly, carrying the scent of rain over the countryside.
The earl shifted his weight, fiddled with the hem of his sleeve and sniffed heatedly several times to make a point before stalking up the stairs to where his butler stood.
"Stop acting like an impudent child and help me with my damned luggage. I won't be in any immediate danger where I'm going, so quit pretending that you care about my wellbeing. My soul will be intact when I return, that I can assure you"
Sebastian remained dispassionate as Ciel's single cerulean eye bore into his own twin vermillion irises. Abruptly deflated by his butler's indifference, the earl sighed and started for the carriage.
"I am unsatisfied by your choice to investigate alone, however I would be willing to form a compromise"
Ciel turned at his servant's words. "And what would that be?"
"Write to me. Daily."
His master quieted, irritation evident in his creased brow.
"That is positively uncouth, Sebastian"
"I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter if I am not to be at your side"
"I don't have the time for this nonsense, I'm going to miss the train."
"Give me your word"
Ciel's annoyance intensified and he took a slow breath. "And if I am unable to write?" He questioned, steadily meeting Sebastian's gaze.
The butler's response was immediate. "Find a way. It will take time for the letters to reach me, but I do expect one for each day you are not here"
The earl huffed and turned away. "Fine. I'll send the first one when I arrive. Now let's go, my train is leaving in twenty minutes" He had only taken a few steps when he realized Sebastian hadn't followed him. Ciel swiveled on his heel. "What?"
The demon quirked a brow.
"…I give you my word, Sebastian"
Satisfied, Sebastian followed his master to the carriage and lifted the trunk effortlessly inside. After Ciel was comfortably seated, the butler settled himself at the head of the carriage and took the reins. With a flick of a wrist, the horse jolted into motion and the carriage swung out of the Phantomhive estate.
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Thanks for reading, feel free to leave your thoughts in a review.
Wordsmith8
