The sunlight poured in from the open windows. A young man with pale skin and bright red hair slept on, undisturbed by the sun's rays and the shuffling in the room. He shifted and then his eyes opened revealing midnight blue eyes.
"Good morning, Master" Sebastian said with a bow.
Luke Phantomhive sat up in bed and stretched.
"A poached salmon with mint salad has been prepared for your breakfast. Toast, scones and French pastries have been prepared as an accompaniment. Which would best suit your taste today?" Sebastian asked.
"Toast please, Sebastian" Luka ran a hand through his hair.
"Today after breakfast, an authority on the Roman Empire, Professor Hughes will be visiting. After lunch will be Mr. Damian from the Poseidon Company" Sebastian said.
"The one who was left in charge of the Indian factory?" Luke asked.
"Yes"
He stood up and took off his pyjama top and wore the shirt that Sebastian had placed on the bed. The pants came next and then the tie. Sebastian came forward and sat Luke down. He tied the tie perfectly and placed a tie pin expertly. After the knee socks, the coat came next and Luke held out his arms and Sebastian draped it around him.
"Thank you" Luke said and he stood again.
"Your tea and medication are on the night table. Your walking staff is right there. Is there anything else, Master?" Sebastian asked patiently.
"No, Sebastian. That will be all" Luke dismissed the butler.
Sebastian bowed and left the room. Luke drank the tea and then swallowed his medicines. He took his staff and limped to the bathroom where he washed his face, brushed his teeth and combed his dark red hair. He sat down on the bed and wore his shoes. Once Luke deemed himself presentable he emerged from his room.
He walked down the hallways and opened the door to the dining room.
"Good morning Master" The three servants, Meyrin, Bard and Finny chimed in unison.
"Good morning" Luke said seating himself at the table.
He served himself breakfast and Ciel entered the dining room.
"Good morning Young Master" The three servants chimed.
Ciel didn't reply but sat down to eat.
"Good morning, little brother" Luke said and Ciel nodded to him.
"Mind your manners" Luke ordered.
"Sorry. Good morning, brother" Ciel said and Luke smiled.
Halfway through breakfast Ciel threw one of his darts at Finny's head. The blood flowed and Finny jumped in surprise and pain.
"What is wrong, Young Master, for you to do something like that?" Finny asked, his eyes full of tears.
"Nothing. That was to be expected" Ciel replied and Luke let out a chuckle.
The door opened and Sebastian proclaimed his appearance.
"Finian, has the weeding been done in the inner garden?" Sebastian asked.
Finny stood still and his mouth fell open. He had forgotten.
"Meyrin, have the sheets been washed?"
Meyrin began fidgeting with her fingers.
"Bard, weren't you supposed to be preparing tonight's dinner?"
Bard's hand shot up to his hair in nervousness.
"Tanaka-san"
Luka smiled fondly at the old butler who had been his friend since childhood.
"You are fine just as you are" Sebastian declared.
Luka chuckled and continued eating. He could see a hint of a smile on Ciel's face as well.
"If you have time to be lazing around like this, get to work!" Sebastian said and the three servants ran off.
"I rather enjoy having those three around. It's amusing to see you become so irritated" Luka commented.
"I am glad you find their incompetence so amusing, Master" Sebastian said.
After breakfast, Luka retired to his study. Ciel and him were both heads of the Phantomhive household and the company. Ciel sat next to him and Luka began handing him documents to check.
"What should we do about our dear Mr. Damian" Luke asked holding up a report to Ciel.
"I think Sebastian should be here for that" Ciel replied.
"Sure, call the demon" Luke said and Ciel shot him a look.
"We both know what he is so there's no point in hiding it" Luke said pulled up his bangs and revealing the pentagon mark that connected him, Sebastian and Ciel.
"You didn't need to contract with him" Ciel said.
"As if I would leave you alone, brother" Luke said.
Ciel shook his head and pulled on a rope. Down in the kitchens, the bell rang for the study. Luke stood up and turned to stare out the window at the grounds. Ciel came to stand next to his brother and leaned against Luke's side. Luke placed an arm around his brother's thin shoulders and stared out at where Finny was running around spraying something on the plants.
"Pardon the intrusion" Sebastian said before opening the door to the study.
"You called, Master, Young Master?"
"We have a slight problem in deciding what to do with our Mr. Damian, Sebastian. Do you have any suggestions?" Luke asked turning around.
Ciel had let go of his brother and seated himself on the chair with his arms folded.
"Might I suggest playing a game with him, Master?" Sebastian replied.
"Ciel, don't you have that personal board game that I had made for you from the company? Play that with Damian. Whatever punishment he gets, Sebastian can carry it out" Luke said.
Ciel smirked evilly and Luke clapped his hands.
"Very well Sebastian. Fetch us some tea and then you may return to your duties" Luke said.
That night, Luka waited with anticipation. The thought of torturing Damian made him even more excited than usual. He spotted Ciel ringing the bell of the study and sighed. His brother's sweet tooth would kill him one day. It became late afternoon and Luke stood up from his desk.
"Time to get ready for our guest" He announced and grabbed his walking stick.
Ciel followed after him and Luke smiled in a cruel way.
"Without my leg, I can only walk half the distance or half my usual pace. It's a pity" Luke commented and Ciel nodded.
"Young Master, if you would follow me to your room, I shall help you prepare" Sebastian said popping out of nowhere.
"Go on. Sebastian, you need bring out the staff to match my clothes" Luke reminded.
"Already took care of that" Sebastian replied and led Ciel away.
Luke entered his room and stripped off his clothes. He sat down on the bed and eased his legs into his dark pants and wore his white shirt. After a few minutes Sebastian came in to help him with his tie, coat and socks.
"Your staff, Master" Sebastian held the staff out.
Luke took it and stood up. He was three inches shorter than Sebastian but according to the painting that was hung up in the parlor, Luke knew he would grow to his father's impressive height of six foot or even taller because his mother was at a height of five foot nine.
"Is Ciel ready?" Luke asked.
"Yes" Sebastian replied.
"Let him welcome our guest. It will interesting to see how it will turn out. Give an excuse that my leg is giving me a problem and I'll show up a little while later" Luke said.
"Yes, my Lord" Sebastian bowed and left the room.
Luke gazed out the window and chuckled when he saw the garden transformed into a Japanese stone garden. Only Sebastian would do something like this in just an hour. He sighed and sat down on the bed. His leg was hurting a little so maybe some rest and staying off his feet would do him some good.
Luke closed his eyes and was immediately asleep.
"Master"
Luke opened his eyes and saw the light outside had waned. He sat up and cracked his neck. Sebastian watched him and then handed him the staff and combed down his hair.
"What time is it?" Luke asked and Sebastian handed him a glass of water with a mint.
"Nearly sunset. Dinner will be ready in half an hour. You should go and meet Mr. Damian" Sebastian replied.
"Thank you" Luke stood up and grasped his staff tightly.
"Would you like help, Master?" Sebastian asked feeling pity for the young man.
"No, it's alright" Luke took a deep breath and stepped forward.
He closed his eyes and Sebastian wrapped an arm around his Master's waist.
"Allow me, Master"
Luke nodded and leaned on Sebastian as they went to the study. Once outside the door, Luke disentangled himself from Sebastian.
"I'll be fine, Sebastian" Luke said and Sebastian nodded.
Luke opened the door and smiled. His brother was seated, with a frown on his face, totally bored. Mr. Damian looked frustrated as well.
"Welcome, Mr. Damian. It is a pleasure to meet you" Luke said holding his hand out.
"Thank you Earl Phantomhive. Your brother has been the most efficient of hosts" Mr. Damian said shaking Luke's hand.
"I do beg your pardon, since I wasn't feeling so well and couldn't even watch your game" Luke said gesturing to Ciel.
Ciel stood and walked over to his brother.
"So what did Mr. Damian get, Ciel?" Luke asked.
"He has lost a leg in the enchanted forest, brother" Ciel replied.
"That sounds fascinating. Let's continue" Luke said.
He sat down on the armchair next to Ciel. Mr. Damian seemed to grow even more frustrated.
"What I truly wanted to ask you about, perhaps you could contribute another twelve thousand pounds to support our expansion? It would be a large investment in a better workforce-" "It's your turn, Mr. Damian" Luke interjected and Mr. Damian nodded.
He spun the dial; "Right, I move six…" he picked up the piece.
"You move three since you lost a leg. Half the distance, half the pace" Ciel said and Mr. Damian chuckled.
"Is there any way to get it back?" He asked.
"Once something is lost, it can never be brought back" Ciel replied and Luke patted his head.
"Your body is to be engulfed by flames. How unfortunate" Luke said tutting.
There was a knock at the door.
"Pardon the intrusion. The preparations for dinner are ready" Sebastian said with a bow.
"Sebastian, I shall be having dinner in my room. I still feel rather dizzy. I'm truly sorry Mr. Damian but Ciel will take good care of you, won't you brother?"
"Of course I will" Ciel said with a smirk.
Luke smirked and then limped out of the room with his staff.
"I will bring your dinner soon, Master. Just rest" Sebastian said.
"Thank you, Sebastian"
Luke entered his room and sat down on his bed. He removed his coat and shoes and then lied down on the bed. His leg was really aching and Luke pressed his lips so as not to let his moan of pain come out of his mouth. After a few minutes, the door opened.
"Master, you don't look so good" Finny said setting down the tray on the bedside table.
"I'll be fine if I rest for a bit, Finny" Luke said sitting up with difficulty.
"Tonight's dish is donburri that Bard made" Finn said serving the dish.
"Finny, you would be better as a servant boy than a gardener" Luke commented.
"I love the outdoors more, Master. Being a gardener is perfect for me" Finny replied and Luke nodded.
After Luke finished eating, Finny cleared away the plates and bade his Master goodnight. Luke stood up with much difficulty and limped down to the study.
"What happened to out dear guest?" he asked Ciel.
"See for yourself" Ciel replied.
Luke sat down on the armchair and looked outside.
"Mamma Mia!" Mr. Damian screamed as he limped away as fast as he could from the mansion.
Luke and Ciel chuckled in unison.
"He looks like a pig led for slaughter" Ciel said and Luke let out a laugh.
"That teaches him not to mess with the Phantomhives" Luke said.
"He thought he could con us" Ciel said.
"Time for bed. I'm feeling rather tired today" Luke stood and limped out of the study.
"Brother, will you sleep in my room tonight?" Ciel asked and Luke turned in surprise.
"Let me dress in my nightwear and send Sebastian to fetch me" Luke replied and Ciel nodded.
Luke made his way to his room but when he was walking up the stairs, he noticed the portrait of his father and mother missing. He was sure Ciel was the one to remove it saying that the brothers were now the masters of the manor.
"The wallpaper will need to be restored" Sebastian commented and Luke nearly jumped out of his skin.
"What have I told you about sneaking up on me?" Luke asked.
"Not to?"
"Exactly"
Luke began limped up the steps and felt Sebastian sweep him up into his arms, bridal style.
"Sebastian?"
"I only wish for the Young Master to go to bed on time. This way, we both save time" Sebastian replied and Luke nodded.
He placed his arms around Sebastian's shoulders and tucked his head against the crook of his neck. Sebastian's scent was so different. He smelled of ash and blood and something else as well that Luke couldn't describe.
"Master, the door"
Luke reached out and turned the knob, opening the door. Sebastian entered and then closed the door with his foot. He set Luke down on the bed and then proceeded to take off his Master's shoes and socks.
"Your leg hurts today, am I right?" Sebastian asked and Luke nodded.
"I have a remedy for that" Sebastian said and Luke furrowed his eyebrows.
"What is it?" Luke asked genuinely curious.
"The blood of a demon" Sebastian replied.
"Your blood can heal me?"
"It will but too much might make you grow insane. A few drops should suffice" Sebastian pulled out a silver knife and pulled off his glove with his teeth. He pressed the knife against his wrist and offered it to Luke. Luke stared at Sebastian and then at the dripping wrist in front of him.
He took the wrist gently and then licked a drop of blood. He sucked on the wrist and then Sebastian pulled his wrist away. Luke leaned back and closed his eyes. He could feel the blood burn down his throat and settle into a pool of warmth in his stomach.
"Are you alright, Master?"
"I'm fine. I haven't felt this fine in years" Luke replied.
"Indeed, you look like a girl flushed from her first kiss" Sebastian agreed.
"I should dress for bed. Ciel will be waiting for me" Luke stood up with ease and quickly changed into a long pajama top.
"You cannot walk around without shoes. It is most unsanitary" Sebastian scooped his Master in his arms and began walking to Ciel's room.
"Aren't I heavy, Sebastian?" Luke asked.
"Not at all. You're rather too light for a sixteen year old" Sebastian replied.
Luke reached out and opened the door to Ciel's room for Sebastian. They walked inside and Sebastian sat Luke down next to his brother. Ciel was dressed for sleep and Luke reached over and took off the eyepatch.
"I really don't like seeing that there" Luke commented and Ciel reached out and moved Luke's red bangs out of the way, revealing an identical mark.
"Will you sing to me?" Ciel asked and Luke smiled.
"I never sing anymore Ciel. If you want, I can hum"
Ciel nodded and settled down under the covers. Luke lied down next to him and began humming. Sebastian, in the corner, stopped polishing his Young Master's shoes to listen to the tune. Luke began to falter as sleep claimed his eyes and he fell asleep.
Sebastian finished his work and stood with the candle bra. He looked over at the two brothers and then smiled. He walked out of the room and closed the door quietly. The clock chimed midnight and Sebastian blew out the candle. He returned to his room and then stroked the cut on his wrist.
If only Luke Phantomhive knew what he had done when he took my blood.