Chapter one: Revenge
The violin seemingly led the two in a passionate waltz within the once lifeless manor walls. Marbled tile, cold as ice, seemed to glow in the candlelight with each step the master took in his demon's embrace. True, he was never good at this. The boy was never good at anything other than revenge and manipulation. Though, tonight was different. That no longer mattered.
His hand in his butler's, a shy smile painted across his once pained face. Sebastian smiled in return, his gaze angled so he could see Ciel's brilliant eyes that seemed to sparkle once again.
"Was it all worth it, master?"
His deep, smooth voice broke their silence despite the record playing in the background.
"All the sorrow, revenge... All the times you've been injured, and in life threatening danger. All for your own pride and honor.
Truth be told, it was foolish sometimes. But, through the good times, and bad, you've finally made it."
He smiled mischievously, yet his ruby eyes shone warm.
Though Sebastian did seem to speak vaguely in riddles and metaphors, Ciel knew what he meant perfectly as he carried him in the dance.
"Yes, I suppose.."
After a brief moment, looking away, Ciel spoke again, slowly, filled with sentiment.
"You vowed to help me get my revenge. Little did I know at the time I could gain my revenge by happiness...
There was no such thing as a happy ending. Then, I could have never even imagined I'd be where I am today. I gained a family. I have accomplished what most in the criminal underground haven't, in less than four years.
This was your plan all along, wasn't it? My happiness. It really was my revenge. On my father's legacy, on my assailants... On my own sorrow."
Sebastian's devious smile grew.
"Why yes, my lord. You figured it out." Despite the demonic and sly grin, his ruby red eyes shone in the candle light, pausing their waltz.
"Do you see now? After everything, I would indeed say it was worth it."
Ciel nodded. "I can agree with that."
In their pause, Ciel took a moment to reflect upon the past events, now turned to memories. Bittersweet and distant. He smiled, genuinely this time.
"I have to thank you."
Sebastian's hand gently rested against Ciel's side as they slowly began to sway once again.
"Heh.. no need to thank me, my Lord. The bond we've shared is more than enough."
Ciel never knew much about Sebastian, let alone his feelings. Sebastian's past seemingly never existed. But yet, he too had changed for the better.
Sebastian's life had begun the day the two met. Ciel smiled once again at the very thought.
But he did know one thing. Where as before, Sebastian had only cared about devouring his soul, somehow began to love and care for his very life. Though the obligations of Ciel's reality as a noble restricted him otherwise, he dared say he fell in love with Sebastian somewhere along the line.
Caressing his cheek, the butler spoke once again, interrupting these thoughts. Ciel found himself leaning his cheek against it.
"I can sense the feelings of others as an instinctual way of survival. But now, I've learned to feel those emotions myself it seems..."
Ciel opened his eyes. Though the moment was sweet, questions floated through his mind.
"What about the contract..? Do you still require my soul..?"
Sebastian laughed softly, looking down at Ciel with a smile.
"No, my lord, You see, it already belongs to me. Just as my soul belongs to you."