A/N: This was supposed to be a one shot, but as usually, it got away from me, haha. It's actually based off another story that I'm working on but it begged to be written and here we are! XD I hope y'all enjoy it ^^
Warning: Language, rough smut (though still consensual)
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji
Fear the crimson dragon and pray for the white
-Ancient ode for wellbeing
White clouds floated lazily in the sky. They stood out easily against the crisp blue background, innocent mounds of fluff that were anything but innocent in the grand scheme of things. Crimson eyes watched them carefully and they narrowed slightly at the clouds that hung out further in the distance. Gloved fingers gripped the wooden rail and Sebastian pushed away from the spot.
"It's going to storm soon," he muttered to the creature next to him.
A black tail flicked once, twice, and slitted eyes gazed in the direction. "A day's time. Fire rain and lightning fall from the clouds, setting the wood ablaze," a soft, feminine voice answered. A curious human face turned to look at Sebastian. "What will you do, Captain?"
Sebastian smirked. "Brave the storm of course." He reached out and ran his fingers through dark hair, eliciting a deep, rumbling purr from the creature. They continued down further, skimming lightly over flesh until they brushed against soft fur. The creature arched into his touch and then stretched up to bump its head against Sebastian's chest. "That's my smart girl," he muttered.
Her tail swayed at the praise and large wings ruffled lightly in the breeze. "My Captain is too kind," she purred as he scratched the area between her wings. She stretched further as he reached her rump and the rumbling in her chest grew louder.
"Captain," a voice called and Sebastian's hand paused, drawing a disgruntled noise from the creature. "We have the ship loaded and are awaiting your orders for departure."
"What of the new crew?" he asked and hefted the creature into his arms. She flipped over onto her back, exposing her belly for Sebastian to pet.
The man shook his head. "They haven't boarded yet. Faustus said you would look over them before picking the ones you liked best." He swallowed and continued uneasily. "Although he wished for me to tell you that he already knows which members are the best and that you looking over them would be a waste of time."
Sebastian gave a lazy smirk. "I'm sure Faustus was quite vocal on his thoughts," he drawled as he started to descend the steps, his boots echoing loudly on the wooden planks. "But I believe that Faustus forgets who is Captain on this ship."
"You are, Sir," the man said and scurried away when Sebastian waved his hand in dismissal.
"I wish you would leave that monster behind," the creature growled as they walked across the deck of the ship.
Sebastian made a soft noise. "Calm yourself, Soot," he cooed. "Even if I were to leave him behind, he would still find his way back onto the Zephyr. And you know that things aren't that simple with him."
Soot bared her teeth at the words and her tail lashed angrily but she didn't say anything. She twisted her body as Sebastian came to a stop and set her down on the ground before they walked down the gangplank. She trailed close to his feet until they reached the dock and she sat next to him, glaring at the line of people in front of them.
"How many do we have this time?" Sebastian asked.
"Five," someone answered, seemingly appearing from the shadows to stand next to Sebastian. "We only need two."
Sebastian eyed the newcomer. "Only five?" he asked. "That seems awfully low, all things considering."
"I took the liberty of eliminating the weaker ones that applied."
"Faustus," Sebastian growled lowly. "I didn't give you permission to take recruiting matters into your own hands."
Faustus bowed his head, but his lips curled into an amused smirk and his eyes danced with humor behind his glasses. "Apologies," he said.
Next to Sebastian, Soot growled at him and stood up. "You mock your Captain with your words," she snarled.
"And who are you to stand up to me, little sphinx? You're not but a kitten," Faustus countered smoothly.
Sebastian scowled. "Enough. Both of you," he snapped and they both fell quiet. "If you two are going to argue like kits, than take your argument back on the ship where I don't have to hear it. I have business to conduct."
Soft growls fell from Soot's mouth, directed at Faustus, but she didn't say anything further. If anything, she pressed closer to Sebastian and settled down once more at his feet. Next to him, Faustus clasped his hands behind him but also remained silent and Sebastian gave a brisk nod of approval. He turned his attention back to the five people in front of him, scanning over them with quick efficiency.
Two of them quivered where they stood, already scared after seeing his anger in person. He dismissed them without further glance and scrutinized the final three. Of them, he needed to select two to replace the few that had died while away from port. He ran a rough business and needed only the toughest and bravest sailors to join his crew.
His eyes fell on a shorter figure and a smirk lifted his lips. "What's this?" he asked and strode forward. Soot wisely stayed behind along with Faustus. "A mere boy standing in line with men?"
The boy didn't answer and Sebastian reached down to grasp his chin, lifting it up and turning it side to side. Defiance burned hotly in fierce blue eyes and Sebastian could see that the boy struggled to keep his tongue.
"What makes you think you can stand alongside my men when you're barely a teen yourself?" he asked and tilted the boy's head back further. "How many seasons are you? Speak!"
"I'm nineteen seasons, Sir. Far older than a mere boy," the teen spat. "And I'm more than clever enough to join your crew. I might not look like much, but I'm quick and light on my feet, and I'm more cunning than most of your crew."
Sebastian hummed. "Really now. What's your name, kid?"
"Ciel Phantomhive, Sir."
"And what made you decide to join my crew, Phantomhive?" Sebastian asked, circling around him like a Vermillion about to strike down its prey.
Ciel waited for him to come to a stop in front of him before answering. "Because you're Sebastian Michaelis, Sir. The infamous pirate captain of the Zephyr. The only ship to venture past the outskirts and return each time," Ciel claimed. "Everyone wants to join your crew and see Legends." His eyes briefly fell to Soot, letting Sebastian know exactly what he meant by Legends.
Sebastian chuckled deep in his throat. "Many people would also claim that what I do isn't bravery or courage, but rather stupidity and foolhardiness. What say you, Phantomhive?"
"I wouldn't be here if I believed that, Sir," Ciel said. "Once upon a time, my mother used to tell me stories about the Legends you see now. She told me that in times past, they weren't mere legends but actual truth. That they existed in abundance until King Ash came to rule," he finished in a hushed tone.
"Not a fan of our current King, eh?" Sebastian asked.
Ciel grunted softly. "Or our Queen."
Sebastian eyed him carefully and then leaned down to look him in the eye. "But why do you want to join my crew? To do so is a death warrant in several ways. You'll become a wanted person. We openly defy the King and Queen." He held Ciel's gaze. "And where we go is no holiday picnic."
"I want to make a difference," Ciel said firmly. "I want to see the Legends come back to life. To become more than legends but fact once more. I want to help."
A low hum escaped Sebastian's mouth and he straightened up. "Faustus," he said. "Take Phantomhive up on deck and show him his hammock."
Faustus made a strangled noise and he started forward. "Sebastian," he started and quickly winced at the cold glare that Sebastian threw him. "Captain, are you sure that's wise? He's a whelp and won't live past the first fight, I guarantee it."
"Do you now, Faustus?" Sebastian asked. "Then why did you select him to be in the final batch that presented me? Why didn't you cull him out beforehand?"
He didn't answer and Sebastian clicked his tongue before shoving him away. "As I command, Faustus," he said firmly.
"Yes, My Captain," Faustus murmured and dipped a small bow before gesturing for Ciel to join him. He paused once Ciel joined him and looked at Sebastian. "And the other member?"
Sebastian scanned over the remaining two, terror barely hidden behind their eyes. He could almost taste their fear and he made a disgusted noise. "None of these men can hold their weight. I would rather run shorthanded until the next port than have to deal with a coward running around on my deck." He waved his hand, dismissing them and they scrambled over themselves to get away. "I expected better of you, Faustus," he said jokingly and strode up the plank.
Behind him, Soot snickered under her breath and Claude snarled at her. She simply flicked her tail at him in response and hopped up onto the railing once it came within reach. Sebastian reached for her and she nuzzled his neck as he walked along the deck, gaining everyone's attention.
"Take to the skies, men, we have what need," Sebastian called. "Hoist the sails and prepare the rudders, we're heading straight for Korinth."
A cry of agreement went up and Sebastian held up his hand, calling for silence. Almost reluctantly, the crew quieted down and Sebastian made a lazy gesture to the two figures that boarded the ship behind him.
"Phantomhive," he barked and Ciel shuffled up next to him. He clapped him on the shoulder. "We have a new member of the crew joining us. Treat him kindly. I don't want to hear of any mistreatment," he said seriously, his tone lowering several degrees. Several people shivered and averted their eyes. Sebastian nodded at them again. "As you were."
The crew burst into a flurry of action, rushing to unsecure the ropes and release the sails. The wind snapped at them harshly and the ropes creaked under the weight of the element. The ship rocked and rose against the currents, straining to break free and sail along the wind.
Sebastian ran a hand along the smooth finish of the wood. "I know," he muttered to the ship and climbed the steps to take his place at the stern. He raised his voice. "Make ready the sails," he shouted.
People scurried up the masts, securing the sails as the wind filled them with air. The last remaining rope that kept them anchored to the dock came free and Sebastian spun the wheel, steering it away from the dock. The gusts tugged them along their way and the rudder guided them in the direction that Sebastian wished, leaving behind the small island.
Faustus stood silently next to him, hands clasped behind his back as the island disappeared on the horizon and Sebastian guided the ship further into the clouds. The thin white vapors surrounded the ship, swamping it with its mist and surrounding them until they couldn't see. It broke a few seconds later as the ship burst out of the cloud and Sebastian steadied the vessel above the tops of the clouds.
His eyes narrowed at the clouds that still loomed in the distance and then turned to look at Soot. She sat perched on the railing in front of him and Sebastian stroked a finger down her back. "Prepare the retardant," he called and for a brief moment, activity on the decks halted. "I want every inch of this vessel covered with the retardant before this time tomorrow."
"Captain?" someone asked.
Faustus scowled. "You heard the Captain," he barked. "Snap to it!"
The crew rushed to obey the order and Sebastian chuckled as Ciel stood on the deck, looking slightly lost. "Phantomhive," he called. "Go to the galley and help the Cook with dinner for the night. I'll show you around the ship after we eat."
"Sir," Ciel muttered and ducked away from the main deck in favor of heading to the galley.
Once he vanished, Sebastian turned to Faustus. "You're annoyed," he said quietly, but amusement filled his voice.
Faustus clicked his tongue and pressed closer. "You fancy him," he growled lowly and stood behind him. "Don't you, Sebastian," he said into his ear and nipped it harshly.
"Faustus," Sebastian growled and then hissed when he grabbed his wrist.
"No," he said, his voice gravely and low. "We're alone now. You call me by my name."
Sebastian glared defiantly at him. "We're not alone. We're up on the deck where anyone can see or hear. Alone signifies my quarters when on this ship, Faustus." A deep rumbling noise escaped Faustus, and Sebastian winced as the grip tightened around his wrist until something wet trickled down his hands. "C-Claude," he gasped and instantly the pressure vanished.
He brought his hand up and cradled it to his chest, examining the deep gashes that tore apart his skin. It sent blood rolling down his skin and stained his gloves an even darker color. Claude made a pleased noise and reached for the injured hand. He brought it to his lips and cleaned away the sticky liquid with long languid strokes from his tongue.
"I knew you would see it my way," Claude purred and gave Sebastian a wicked smile, long teeth flashing before vanishing once more. Sebastian didn't say anything as Claude continued his task until he jerked away with a sudden movement. Below them, a member of the crew appeared on deck with a bucket of retardant and Claude smirked. "Your quarters tonight, Captain," he said lowly and then vanished from the top deck.
Alone on the deck, Sebastian stripped the glove off his hand and tossed it to the ground in disgust. Before him, Soot made an empathetic noise and stretched out to offer comfort. "Can I claw out his eyes now?" she asked.
Despite himself, Sebastian chuckled. "Your concern touches me, Soot," he said and examined the ragged furrows in his skin. He would have to bandage it and get a new glove before any of the crew saw it.
"But you will not let me do as I wish to him," she finished.
"I can't let you," Sebastian answered softly. "Not just because of our deal, but I because I fear for your safety as well. As much as I hate to admit it, he is stronger than you."
She sniffed and her tail bristled. "One day I won't be so little or young."
Sebastian smiled and his uninjured hand smoothed down her ruffled fur. "I know you won't," he said affectionately. "But until that time comes, I wish to protect you from all that seeks to harm you."
Soot gave him a serious look. "But who will protect you from all that wishes to destroy you?"
He gave her a tight smile. "I'll be fine," he reassured her and his eyes once more sought the dark clouds on the horizon. "Night approaches. You should get below deck. Pester Bard to make sure he's not slacking on dinner."
"You know me too well," she said and gave him one final concerned look before jumping down to the ground. She stalked off, disappearing down the steps and out of sight.
Down below, the crew worked at a frenzied pace. The retardant gleamed in the dying embers of the sun and Sebastian could see the spots that they had yet to cover. The hull of the ship would be the hardest part to cover and they would have to slow their pace if they wished to protect the vulnerable underside. But they couldn't afford to leave a single patch uncovered.
He had heard of the firestorms that brewed in the autumn months. Violent and deadly, they lingered for weeks before the clouds burned up the energy within them and eventually dispersed into the atmosphere. They could go around the storms, but it would delay them and with King Ash searching for them, Sebastian couldn't afford any setbacks.
They would go through the storms as planned. From there, he could only hope that Ash wouldn't peruse them further. With winter fast approaching, the King would have to call off his search to prepare for the colder months. It would give them several months of freedom, but Ash would make sure to give one final stand before calling off the search until the New Year. Sebastian had no doubt that they would face Ash once more.
Footsteps on the stairs alerted Sebastian to someone's arrival and he hid his injured hand inside his coat. A few of the larger wounds opened at the rough movement and he ground his teeth together as the person came into view.
"Tanaka," he said, his fingers uncurling from a fist.
"Captain," Tanaka answered and inclined his head in a short bow. "Faustus asked me to bring this to you." He held out several coils of gauze and looked at Sebastian expectantly.
Sebastian accepted them gratefully. "How generous of him," he said dryly and shoved the gauze into his pocket.
Tanaka cocked his head and lifted up a hand. "Captain, if I may?"
For a brief moment, Sebastian hesitated before he dug out the rolls of gauze once more. Tanaka took them from him and Sebastian held out his injured arm. Tanaka's eyebrows rose slightly but he didn't say anything as he started to clean away the thin rivulets of blood.
"I want you to watch Phantomhive," Sebastian said suddenly and Tanaka looked up at him before returning to his task. "Make sure that none of the other crew try to take advantage of him. We didn't have many days in port and I'm sure they're feeling randy. He's fresh meat and young. I don't think I need to say more."
"No, Captain," Tanaka muttered. "I'll keep him under my wing. May I ask, Captain, why did you pick him?"
Sebastian didn't say anything right away and adjusted the rudder as he turned the thought over in his head. "I have my reasons," he finally said. Tanaka gave him a look and Sebastian rolled his eyes, knowing that he couldn't get anything past the older man. "I saw myself in him. He wanted to join for the same reason that I took control of this ship."
Tanaka made an understanding noise. "I promise to keep him safe from the crew, Sebastian," he said softly. "But from the elements and other dangers we'll surely face, that I cannot promise."
"I know," Sebastian said and flexed his fingers as Tanaka finished bandaging his injuries. "He'll live though. I saw the fight in his eyes." He accepted the new glove that Tanaka offered and slipped it over his hand, the leather soft against his callused hand.
"If that's all, I should go check on Bard," Tanaka said. "He picked up a new tool at port today and I'm sure he'll blow us all up if he tries to use it while cooking."
They both laughed at Sebastian waved him away. "Make sure he cooks something edible too."
"That I can't promise," he said and then gazed seriously at Sebastian. "Fear the crimson dragon," Tanaka started.
"And pray for the white," Sebastian finished.
Tanaka nodded and set off down the steps, leaving Sebastian alone on the top deck once more. His eyes flickered to his wrapped arm, feeling his wounds pulse in time with his heartbeat. They stung sharply and his fingers clenched into a fist once more.
"Fear the golden dragon," Sebastian muttered under his breath, the wind stealing away his words and he shivered at the phantom touch around his wrist.
Fear the crimson dragon – harbinger of fire and war.
Pray for the white dragon – bringer of peace.
Excerpt from the 'Tome of Mythoi'
Darkness had settled throughout the skies. Thick and heavy, it blanketed the sky and brought with it millions of stars that littered the heavens. Ciel stared at them in awe as he walked across the deck. He made his way to the railing and rested his forearms on the wood; feeling the ship rock beneath him and creak lowly.
Just beyond his reach, a lone cloud floated by and Ciel wished to touch it. It looked peaceful sitting there and Ciel wondered what it would be like to float in the sky without a care in the world. Where he could see the moon and stars up close, admiring their beauty every night.
He supposed this was the closest he could get though and Ciel sighed at the thought. He still couldn't believe that he stood on the deck of the Zephyr. When he first heard the ship had come to port for supplies, he rushed down to the docks to see for himself. Everyone knew of Captain Michaelis and his crew. How they openly protested the rule of King Ash and his treatment of the mythical creatures.
Once found everywhere, the mythical beings now only existed on the outskirts of the maps. They feared venturing any closer past the far islands. Capture meant death or slavery. Between the two, Ciel knew that most would choose the former than the latter.
Ciel had seen the auction of griffins before and how they cruelly separated the kits from their mothers. The cries haunted him and left everyone uneasy, but no one stood up against the King's men. It left him sick and even now, thinking about it made Ciel's stomach churn.
"It's beautiful, isn't it," a voice said and Ciel spun around, searching for the source. He knew the voice as Sebastian's, but he couldn't find him in the darkened night.
"It is," he said and stepped back to the center of the ship near the mast. "I doubt you could ever tire of the view."
Sebastian chuckled. "I know I haven't in all my years of sailing," he admitted, his voice coming from the bow of the ship.
Ciel made his way forward and climbed the steps to another deck. He looked out over the empty space and caught sight of a darker shape further in front of him. He sputtered as his eyes settled on Sebastian. "Captain!" he exclaimed but didn't move in fear of startling Sebastian.
"Yes?" he asked amusedly.
"You, you're," Ciel started and carefully drifted forward. "Aren't you worried you'll fall?" he asked instead once he drew close enough.
Sebastian looked down at the inky blackness below him. "Are you scared of falling?" he countered.
Ciel shook his head. "I won't fall," he said.
"Then neither will I," Sebastian answered. "If you have faith in your ship and yourself, you have nothing to fear." He ran a hand along the wood in a loving gesture.
"I agree with that," Ciel started carefully. "But to sit there?"
Sebastian laughed and turned to look in front of him as the ship continued to plow through the air. "The bowsprit is my favorite place on the ship. At times I feel it's the most powerful part because it has to break the air if we wish to move smoothly. But then I look at the sails and I'm reminded that they're her lungs, powerful in their own right as they propel us forward. You quickly come to realize, Phantomhive, that no one part of the ship is more powerful or important than the other. Everything works together to create something even stronger than an individual piece."
"I never thought about it that way," Ciel admitted. "I've spent a little time on the transport vessels before, but they all pale in comparison to yours. She's beautiful."
"She's grateful to hear that," Sebastian said softly and patted the wood fondly. "You must never think of your ship as inanimate object or just another piece of wood. She's alive and she'll speak to you if you listen."
Ciel closed his eyes and strained his ears, trying to hear the words that Sebastian claimed existed. But all he could hear was the wind filling the sails and creaking of wood and rope. It sounded peaceful and put him at ease, but Ciel didn't know if that counted as speaking.
He didn't question it though and leaned against the railing once more as he gazed at Sebastian. "What are you doing out here?"
Sebastian cocked his head and a playful smirk appeared on his lips. "Admiring the view, just like you."
Ciel hummed and switched subjects. "You said you would show me around the ship?" he asked hesitantly. "I'd like to learn everything I can as quickly as possible."
"Ah, so I did," Sebastian said and deftly climbed his way back into the ship. Ciel held his breath the whole way and his shoulders slumped in relief when the Captain's feet touched solid ground again. As solid as they could get at least while the cruised the skies. "I'm pleased to hear that you're so eager to learn."
"I want to do my best," Ciel admitted.
Sebastian draped his arm over Ciel's shoulders and guided him down to the main deck. "And you will. No one knows this ship better than I do. By the time I finish showing you the ropes, you'll be the best on this ship." He paused and his smirk deepened. "Next to me of course."
Ciel laughed as they reached the main deck. "I'll hold you to that," he said. They came to a stop and Ciel took a moment to admire the nearly empty deck. A few members of the crew still worked to apply the retardant and keep watch for any rouge ships. He squinted into the night and sucked in a deep breath of surprise when a dark shape appeared from the shadows. "Quartermaster," he mumbled respectfully, his heart hammering in his chest.
"Apologies Phantomhive, but I'll need to borrow the captain from you." Golden eyes narrowed slightly. "He's needed in his quarters."
"It can wait," Sebastian said and waved his hand. "I told Phantomhive I would show him the ropes."
Faustus scowled and in the dark night, Ciel swore his eyes gleamed a bright gold. "Have Tanaka show him around. We have important matters to discuss, Captain." Crimson and amber eyes clashed, and Ciel felt Sebastian's hand tighten briefly against his shoulder. "Now," Faustus hissed and Sebastian's grip loosened.
"I'll meet you there, Faustus," Sebastian said.
"Don't keep me waiting," Faustus said lowly and then vanished as quickly as he came.
Ciel turned to Sebastian, who offered an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Phantomhive," he said gruffly. "I forgot that Faustus and I had an important meeting to discuss. It's something we can't ignore with how quickly the wind blows." He looked up at the full sails.
He shrugged as Sebastian's hand fell away from his shoulder. "I understand," Ciel said. "Where can I find Tanaka?"
Sebastian gestured to the galley. "He should be in there, helping Bard clean up from dinner. Tell him I asked you to take you around."
"Yes, Sir," Ciel said and bade Sebastian farewell. He glanced over his shoulder as he made his way to the galley, noting the stiff line in Sebastian's shoulders as he walked to his quarters. He found it odd that they would conduct business in the Captain's quarters compared to his office, but he tried best not to dwell on it.
He made his way back into the galley and quickly located Tanaka, the old man sitting alone with a small mug in front of him. Behind him, Bard banged pots and pans around, creating a terrible racket as Ciel took a seat across from Tanaka.
"The Captain said you could show me around?" he asked. Tanaka looked surprised and Ciel quickly continued. "He was going to, but something came up between him and Faustus."
"I see," Tanaka muttered and sipped at his drink. "Let me finish my tea and then we'll get started. The night is still young."
Ciel nodded and shifted carefully on the hard bench. "What's the story behind the Captain and Faustus?" he asked carefully. "I get the feeling they don't get along together very well."
From behind them, Bard laughed in the kitchen. "Those two? I swear half the time they're at each other's throats and then the other half they're busy swapping spit. I tell you, the Captain goads Faustus most of the time just to see him riled up."
"Bard," Tanaka snapped and shot him a dirty look. He turned back to Ciel. "Don't listen to him. He likes to make up stories to keep himself entertained during the day."
"But it's true! I swear I've seen them tangled up together," Bard protested. "I bet that meeting of theirs is just an excuse to fuck."
Tanaka wheeled on the cook. "Bardroy," he hissed and Bard backed down. "It's one thing to gossip and spread rumors, but it's another thing to do it about the Captain and his first mate. If they heard you, you'd find yourself overboard and left to the spirits. So if I were you, I'd keep your thoughts and anything you've seen to yourself."
Bard swallowed and nodded. "Yes Sir, Tanaka sir," he muttered and went back to scrubbing his pan.
Sighing heavily, Tanaka glanced at Ciel. "Truthfully, we don't know what goes on between the Captain and Faustus. There are rumors of course, but so long as it doesn't affect us or our targets, we don't bother with them." He curled his hands around the cup. "Faustus though has always been at the Captain's side. I can't recall a time that I've never seen him there. He's loyal to the Captain and is a good man. And that's good enough for us."
He gave Ciel a pointed look and Ciel knew when to drop the subject. The explanation though only gave way to more questions than answers, and Ciel frowned down at his hands. He didn't like the way Faustus looked at him, with discontent in his eyes and he swore that the man hated him already.
It left him uneasy but Ciel refused to back down. He wanted to prove that he could handle the position Sebastian gave him and be the best pirate he could be. He would show Faustus that he was even better than him, no matter what.
Avoid the black dragon – purveyor of death
Heed the golden dragon – protector of treasure
Excerpt from the 'Tome of Mythoi'
The door closed quietly behind Sebastian with a soft click and he stepped away from it with a cautious step. He didn't have to wait long before his breath escaped him as something slammed him up against the nearest wall. He grunted in pain and barely had a chance to comment on the rough treatment before a hot mouth met his neck.
Cruel teeth bit at his skin, breaking it and sending thin streams of blood trickling down his neck. Sebastian tossed his head back and forth as he fought against his attacker, struggling but failing to break free. A tight grip settled on his hip and held it with bruising force as the relentless mouth continued to mark his neck.
"Faustus," Sebastian ground out and instantly the attack on his neck stopped.
"No," Claude growled against the bloody column. "We're alone. You call me by my name," he hissed.
Sebastian cried out as sharp nails dug into the skin around his hip, filling the air with a copper scent. "Claude," he hissed and his hands came up to tangle in dark locks. "What's, ah, gotten into you?"
Claude didn't answer and simply sunk his teeth deeply into Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian gave a strangled cry and Claude bit harder until blood spilled over his lips and spread like spilled ink across the fabric of Sebastian's shirt. Faint tremors escaped Sebastian's body as pain wracked his body and his grip weakened on Claude.
"You fancy the boy," Claude growled deeply and his hands tore at the Sebastian's shirt. "Why did you pick him? He's short and worthless. Hardly worth his weight and still just a child."
Sebastian whimpered despite himself as Claude's tongue laved over the profusely bleeding wound. "You say all those things but you selected him first," he said through gritted teeth.
Claude snarled. "Because I expected you to turn him down. He wanted so desperately to go that I could see it in his eyes. I didn't need to look any deeper to know what he wanted." He licked his lips, smearing the crimson liquid around his mouth and his eyes held a feral look in them. "I wanted to see you crush that dream. To take it in your hands and tear it apart, limb from limb. To tear the feathers from his young wings and leave him flightless."
"And I did the exact opposite," Sebastian finished. "I gave him wings to fly."
He shouted as Claude lifted him off the ground and pushed him up against the wall again. His head smacked against the wood harshly and the room exploded in white before his eyes before slowly clearing. He blinked down at Claude, silently marveling that he could hold him up so easily. But he didn't dwell on the thought too long as he held Claude's eyes, noting the cold anger and fury that swirled within their golden gaze.
"You did that and more," Claude corrected. "You took a liking to him and then took him under your wing. You're overly friendly with him and you fancy him."
"Jealous?" Sebastian bit out and instantly regretted the word the moment it left his tongue. Claude often riled up his anger and frustration until he spoke without thought, and it usually left for dangerous consequences.
A deep, low grumbling noise left Claude and his eyes appeared slitted in the dim light of his quarters. "You're mine, Sebastian Michaelis. Mine," he hissed the word again and Sebastian tossed his head back in pain as nails dug into his skin once more.
"Heed the golden dragon," Sebastian breathed heavily. "Protector of treasures."
"For a dragon always guards its treasures," Claude finished and spun Sebastian around. "Shall I remind you who you belong to once more?" he asked and his lips trailed over Sebastian's back, slick with sweat and blood.
Sebastian shuddered in Claude's grip. "An extended lesson is unnecessary," he gasped, his face pressed up against the wood uncomfortably. "Ciel's presence means nothing to me and he is no threat to you. You are still ripe with treasure."
Claude shook his head. "No," he answered quietly and his hands tore at Sebastian's pants. "You say that, but I can hear the affection in your tone when you speak of him. And I can decipher your words just as easily. You call him by his first name already. That alone screams fondness."
"It means nothing," Sebastian argued and struggled against Claude as a hand came down to grasp the swell of his ass. "I know…I know to whom I belong," he whispered.
A low hum left Claude's mouth and his fingers kneaded Sebastian's ass. "And who do you belong to, Sebastian?" he asked after several long moments.
He gave a shaky sigh. "You," Sebastian answered.
"What's my name, Sebastian?"
"Claude Faustus," Sebastian said quietly.
Behind him Claude chuckled and his hand withdrew. "That's a good lad," he purred and Sebastian released the breath he subconsciously held. "But next time I'd rather you say it a little louder."
The fingers came back, slick and wet as they pushed into him without warning and Sebastian choked on the cry that tried to leave his throat. He struggled to breathe properly as Claude relentlessly thrust and scissored his fingers. "Cl-Claude," he stuttered as the fingers efficiently found his prostate.
The rough actions stung, but despite Claude's anger, he didn't do anything to harm him. Claude knew his limits and would never risk harming him or going against Sebastian's will. There was an unspoken rule between them regarding that and Sebastian always had the chance to stop Claude.
"Be as loud as you want," Claude muttered in his ear as he withdrew his fingers. "I made sure that no one would hear us tonight." He took Sebastian's earlobe in his mouth and bit down as he thrust up into Sebastian.
Sebastian shouted and clawed at the wood, every nerve standing on end. His throat felt raw and it took him a second to realize that his shout had somehow turned into a scream. He choked on his breath again as Claude started to move but he refused to let any tears fall. The rough action tore at him but he it would only feel worse if he ended up breaking in front of Claude.
Behind him, Claude panted heavily and the scent of copper washed over Sebastian's nose. "Mine," Claude growled as he thrust harder. "You'll always be mine, no matter what. And I'll make sure that you remember it tonight. I'll brand every inch of your body with my mark until no one dares look at you twice. And even that brat will know that you belong to me."
"Claude," Sebastian moaned as Claude seemed to double his attack on his body. His hands were everywhere and his mouth never left his skin. He could feel each pinch of Claude's teeth and every drag of his nails across his body. Every action sending a message of ownership. Of possession. Of treasure.
"Louder," Claude grunted and Sebastian obliged, keening and shouting his name to the heavens.
Sebastian knew what he had gotten himself into when he first accepted the offer and they made their deal. People would say that he paid a steep price in order to achieve what he wanted but even now, Sebastian didn't regret his choice. And truth be told, Sebastian didn't believe it was that steep of a price.
If he had to admit, he would almost say that – most of the time at least – he actually…
"Claude!" he screamed and his thoughts shattered around him, tossing him back into his current situation. His body trembled with pleasure, all too accustomed to Claude's harsh form of intimacy. He had expected this though, somewhere far back in the deep reaches of his mind. Sebastian knew all too well about Claude's claim over him and that he flirted too closely with the trigger.
He goaded Claude, dancing and teasing just in front of him; knowing which buttons to push. But this time he had pushed too hard and stepped over the line, setting forth the beast that lay hidden within Claude. In the end, he had no one to blame but himself.
Claude's name left his lips again as his body jerked, finding its orgasm despite the aching wounds that littered his body. He clutched around Claude, hoping to push him over the edge as well so they could finish. His chest hurt from where it had rubbed against the wood and back already throbbed with every small movement.
Warmth filled him and Sebastian let out a soft sigh, glad that Claude had found his release as well. He wanted nothing more than to lie on the bed and recover from tonight. No doubt he would have trouble functioning properly in the morning, but he would have to grit his teeth and bare it.
He winced as Claude slipped out and nearly collapsed on the floor. Claude caught him last minute and helped him to his feet. He wavered unsteadily but somehow made it to the bed with Claude's help.
His body slid against the soft sheets and Sebastian groaned lowly as he relaxed against them. A shadow appeared above him and he looked up into Claude's amused face. "No rest yet, Sebastian," he cooed and gathered him in his arms again. "I'm not stopping until your body knows exactly who it belongs to."
Sebastian moaned and his hands clutched at the fabric below him as Claude joined their bodies together again. In the heat of their coupling, he had forgotten Claude's promise and Sebastian rectified his previous thoughts. He wouldn't be leaving his quarters at all tomorrow, let alone move. He would be lucky if he woke up before noon with the rate Claude laid claim to his body.
Fear the golden dragon, keeper of treasures.