Sebastian Michaelis, the demon butler of the Phantomhive manor, was in the middle of preparing his master's tea when his contract symbol began to burn.
"This is the fourth time this morning the young master has called me away from my duties." He sighed, setting the tea down on the counter. Fortunately, the tea just needed to cool off, so taking it to the young master would be the best way to cool it.
~oOo~
"You called, young master?" Sebastian asked as he poured the now cooled tea into a cup.
"Yes, but bring me my tea first."
"As you wish. Today I have prepared a meal of scones, with Earl Grey tea to wash it down. I hope it will be to your liking." Sebastian said as he handed his master, Ciel Phantomhive, his morning meal. As he ate, Sebastian began to gather his young lord's clothes for the day.
"Sebastian."
"Yes, my lord?"
"What's my schedule for today?"
"If I remember correctly, and I do believe so, you're free for the day."
"Good. I'd like to take a walk in the garden."
Sebastian blinked in surprise. The young master usually stayed away from the garden. But all the same, he put his right hand over his breast and kneeled.
"Yes, my lord."
~oOo~
When they reached the garden, Sebastian noticed a peculiar sight. "Young master, look over there." He said, pointing at two birds; a crow and a blue jay, sitting side by side.
Ciel snorted, evidently unimpressed. "Yes Sebastian, two birds sitting on a branch doing nothing of importance certainly are interesting, aren't they?"
Sebastian chuckled, amused at his young master's sarcasm.
"My lord, the crow appears to be protecting the blue jay, since its wing appears to be a bit crooked. You can tell by the way the crow's eyes dart around, and the strange way the jay has its wing held. They are similar to us, actually."
As he spoke, a shrill cry sounded from overhead, and a brown blur sped towards the two birds on the branch. The crow let out a caw and flew at the attacker. The brown bird opened its wings to slow itself down, and Ciel could see that the attacker was actually a hawk.
The hawk apparently didn't slow quickly enough, as the crow sank its talons into the hawk's chest. With a sharp cry, the hawk tore away, frantically flapping its wings at the crow to deter it.
The crow let loose another caw, and flew back to the branch that the jay was perched on, wing extended protectively in front of it. The Crow relaxed as the wounded hawk gave up, circling around one last time before flying off.
Ciel jumped as he suddenly felt Sebastian's arms wrap around him protectively.
"Sebastian." He warned.
Sebastian smirked. "Yes, young master?" Tightening his hold, he laid his head on Ciel's. His mouth turned down a fraction of an inch when he sensed the discomfort that came off Ciel.
"Young master, you needn't be afraid. Nothing can harm you as long as the contract is in place. Only I can touch you, but only after I hear the cry of death resounding from the dying body of the Jay."
"Bah, whatever demon. Let go of me." Reluctantly, Sebastian released the boy, stepping back.
"Very well. Shall we continue our stroll, young master?"
"No, I'm ready to head back, I've work to complete."
Sebastian smiled at his young lord's excuse. The young master knew full well that he had no work for the day.
"Yes, my lord."