Chapter One
When Ciel learned he was being bought with what was left of the Raffit fortune, he wondered if this was even true. He didn't even know who this 'Mr. Raffit' was, or even more, that he could be bought in the first place. If he could, wouldn't Elizabeth buy him already? She was in love with him, wasn't she?
"Get your ass up, you useless brat." The overseer wrenched his over-bruised arm out its socket. He bit his tongue till he drew blood, getting to his feet as quickly as he good. Apparently, he wasn't as fast as the overseer wanted him to be, earning a rough shove to his new master's feet and the all-too-familiar rustle that was the whip.
"Mr. Pointing, I think that is quite enough. I would like him as unmarked as he can be, even more so if I can prevent it." The man's voice was gentle and his touch just the same. So as he got to his feet at the man's side, Ciel tried not to tremble; it had been 7 long years since a human's touch had been gentle.
"Feh." The overseer turned to the other abused children and teenagers, lighting a cigar that would continue to kill his lungs. Not to mention those unfortunate to be beside him.
"Come, Ciel, let us take our leave, shall we?" The man turned him about by his good shoulder.
He couldn't believe it. He was finally leaving that horrible workhouse. He almost wanted to smile.
Almost. But one look at the man – his new master – held back every emotion. Just like humans had done to him for the past 7 years.
Mr. Raffit led him to an automotive car, holding the door to the backseat for him open. Ciel looked at him apprehensively for a moment, stepping in and watching the man through the glass as he returned to the warehouse. Probably to get another whip for his collection. He thought bitterly.
The ride didn't take long and Ciel had almost nodded off from the gentle bumps. He focused on the pain thumping across his body to stay awake.
They stopped back in London before an upscale in-city apartment. Mr. Raffit opened his door once more, hand out to help the 12-year-old to step upon the street. Just for a moment, Ciel looked at how the scene appeared. Mr. Raffit's long fingers curled around his small hand. It just seemed…perfect. He, somehow, moved his gaze up to Mr. Raffit's eye – blue eyes that looked…warm. He gulped, hiding in the ground his blush. The man gave a small chuckle, helping him down.
He kept his distance behind Ciel, reaching forward to open doors and limiting speech to directions.
"I've rented this apartment until Monday." Mr. Raffit explained as he shuffled Ciel along. "Then we will move on." He pulled back the sheets of the makeshift bed that sat in the center of the white apartment. Ciel, hesitantly, sat down.
Ciel didn't know, but he looked at the man with wide, innocent eyes as the elder removed his shoes. Mr. Raffit, however, knew that his warm smile hadn't left his face – the one that caused the blush on Ciel's face to deepen.
Mr. Raffit pushed his legs under the blanket and Ciel slowly laid against the mattress. "Go to sleep, Ciel. We will talk in the morning." He stood, drawing close the curtains. The baron apartment was enshrouded in darkness. Ciel suppressed a shiver.
Mr. Raffit opened the door to a bedroom, turning back around at the last second, "Oh, and Ciel, feel free to wake me if you get cold."
Ciel gulped and nodded. One last warm smile, Mr. Raffit inclined his head and vanished behind the maple wood door.
Ciel let out a heavy breath, burying himself under the wool blanket, trying to believe that he was shivering under the warmth. This man was too nice, too kind. It was unbelievable.
He was probably expected to work early tomorrow. He should get to sleep.