A/N:I'm very happy to start posting this story. I've had the idea for almost a year now and started working on it in February after putting it off in favor of finishing two other stories. The format is a bit different than my other stories and I hope it works haha. This is my first time trying it. I hope everyone enjoys it!
Warnings: Language, faint sexual suggestions, un-edited. I claim only a minimum knowledge when it comes to court systems, so I'm sure there are some things wrong with the scenes regarding it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji
June 2011
"…it's the trial that everyone has been talking about. The scandal that has shaken the city…"
"…university officials are claiming that they had no idea about the accusations against the accused and are quick to report that the accused is no longer working for them…"
"…it's been a month since the claims were brought to light in a scandal that has caught authorities by surprise and they refuse to comment how such a thing had been happening under their noses the entire time…"
"…the two accused stand to face charges of prostitution, murder, and blackmail. If convicted, they can face a life sentence…"
The voices mixed as the mass of reporters crammed around the front of the courtroom, hoping to be the first person to report the breaking news. Cameras rolled as the people in front of them continued to speak, detailing the accounts of everything and stalling. The hearing was about to start in fifteen minutes and the accused were due to arrive soon.
A shout went up behind the cameras and as one, the mass of people turned to look at the road where a car drove up the road. Cameras clicked and snapped as the black car pulled up to the curb, the noises cutting through the crisp autumn air which each press of a button. The car came to a graceful stop in front of the off-white building and reporters raced to the foot of the steps, hoping to snap a picture of the person leaving the car.
The door opened and the police standing by the curb pushed away the overzealous crowd, shoving them to the side so they wouldn't crush the person in the mess. They shouted their questions loudly, adding to the chaos surrounding them as the police struggled to keep the masses back but the reporters were relentless.
"Is it true you two were dating before this incident took place?" Someone shouted.
Another voice filtered over the loud crowd. "What were you doing there the night of the bust? Were you helping him or merely partaking in the services offered?"
"Did you force your will upon him too, like the others did? Or was yours an honest relationship?" A loud voice called out.
The words brushed over the man, washing over him almost like a wave but seemingly having no effect on him. At least on the outside. Inside, he fumed over the audacity that the reporters had for asking such questions. But he firmly kept his mouth shut as his lawyer had advised and he continued to walk towards the court doors.
There, more police waited for him and quickly escorted him in, seemingly sighing with relief as the doors shut behind them. "The judge didn't want them inside the courthouse," one of the cops said quickly. "You won't have to deal with them until after the court session, Mr. Faustus."
Claude nodded and strode through the empty foyer. "I just want to get this over with and see that man behind bars for what he did."
His escort fell silent as they made their way to courtroom and the doors opened, revealing a crowded room. People turned to look at him but Claude pointedly ignored them as he made his way to the front of the courtroom to take his place next to a silver haired male. Green eyes danced with amusement and Claude grunted at him.
"Don't look so forlorn, Claude," the man purred. "Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. You just need to tell your story and let me handle the rest."
Golden eyes darted to look at the man. "You're a loon, Undertaker," he muttered. "How someone like you is even a genius is beyond me but my hands are tied in this matter and I need your help. Despite the fact that you drive me and everyone else up the damn wall."
The Undertaker giggled. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said before his eyes glanced to the side of the room as the police led two people into the room just opposite of them.
Claude growled at the sight of them, pleased to see that handcuffs wrapped tightly around their wrists and shackled around their ankles, keeping them bound. "How ironic," he snarled. "Maybe the judge will let me take a whip to them too. I wouldn't mind leaving a few scars like they did on-"
"Claude," The Undertaker spoke harshly, cutting of his sentence. "Not another word. You need to save your anger and emotions for when you take the stand. Don't let them control you. Nothing good comes from that. I know you're unhappy about the situation but resorting to the same type of violence won't bode well for you and certainly not your kitten."
Lips twitched as Claude fought the anger coursing through his body before he turned away from the two figures sitting on the other side of the room. How he wanted to beat and whip them within an inch of their life and then wrap that whip around their disgusting throats until they suffocated on the foul air that surrounded them.
But acting that way wouldn't change the past and Claude could only focus on the here and now. They had to win this if they wanted a happy future and Claude wanted that more than anything right now.
His eyes darted up as another door opened and a hush seemed to fall over the courtroom. The judge stepped up to the raised platform while the bailiff cleared his throat. "All rise. The court is now in session with the honorable Judge Spears presiding."
As one, everyone moved to their feet as a stern looking man pulled out the leather chair and stood before them. "Thank you Ronald," the judge murmured and took a seat, everyone following suit.
"The case of Faustus vs. Grey, your Honor," Ron stated, passing off the file to Will.
William opened the file and Claude watched as cool eyes darted over him and then the people sitting on the other side of the room. Reading the file was just for show, everyone here knew what the accusations were and what had happened so many months ago. It felt like ages to Claude and he couldn't wait to put everything behind him.
"The accusations listed here are quite severe," Will spoke, setting the folder down. "Drug trade, the hiring of minors to work at a bar, prostitution, and blackmail. The court won't take these things lightly and before we begin with everything, I want to know the whole story. From the beginning to the end. There are pieces to this puzzle that haven't been revealed yet and I will not make a judgment based on what little facts I have now."
Claude nodded, pleased to see that the judge wasn't a push over and would take the case seriously.
"Will the defendants please step forward and state their name and occupation for the record."
Claude stood up. "Claude Faustus, owner of the restaurant Faust."
"And I'm his advisor, The Undertaker," The Undertaker answered. "I work with the police on the side and agreed to help with this case."
William glared at The Undertaker. "Yes, I am familiar with you and I don't think I need to remind you that I will throw you out of this court if you do not behave."
"Duly noted," The Undertaker answered with a smile.
William turned to the other two people. "And the accused?"
Clearing his throat, a nervous looking man stood up and smoothed out the wrinkles in his jacket. "My clients wish not to have their names revealed."
"I am not playing games with you, gentlemen," Will spat. "And I will not go around calling you Person One and Person Two. I asked for your names and you will give them to me."
The lawyer shifted again. "Yes your honor." He gestured to the two men. "Charles Grey, former Dean to the University of Lakes, and Tanaka, former owner of the bar Tea House."
Will sniffed and looked at them as he pushed his glasses up on his nose. "You two stand accused of some very serious charges, gentlemen. I would advise that you remember that and know that none of us are here to play games." Two heads bowed in submission to Will before he turned to The Undertaker. "As I stated before, we're not here to play games and I want to know the truth of what happened. Everything that led up to the events that brought us here today."
The Undertaker cleared his throat lightly. "The person in question worked for both these men," he said carefully. "And was in a relationship with Mr. Faustus before all this happened."
"Then we shall start with you Mr. Faustus," William stated. "Seeing as the accused wish to stay silent for the time being." He shot a harsh glare at the duo sitting behind the table before turning his attention back to Claude. "Please tell the court how you met the victim."
"Sebastian," Claude said softly.
Will gazed at him. "Pardon?"
"His name is Sebastian, not 'the victim' or 'the person in question.' We're not talking about an inanimate object but a person and that person has a name."
A scowl formed on Will's lips at the outburst. "Then state his name and your relationship to him for the records so we may start this case. Otherwise I may let the accused speak first."
Claude met Will's glare with one of his own and tilted his chin up as he spoke. "His name is Sebastian Michaelis. He is an employee at my restaurant and my lover." He said, voice loud and strong in the silence of the room.
Soft murmurs broke out in the courtroom until it turned into a low buzz that had Will banging his gavel. "Silence!" He shouted and banged the gavel a few more times. Moments passed before the courtroom finally settled down and silence reigned over the room. "Mr. Faustus, please tell the court how you met Sebastian Michaelis."
Claude nodded and gazed at Will before speaking. "It was late November and I was coming back to visit my first restaurant after spending several years abroad. I had received an email from the current manager about a rather interesting development…"
.:|Wine Angels|:.
November 2010
The night lights pulsed and flashed in the city, enticing visitors with their bright colors and beckoning them to enter places filled with pleasure. They gleamed and bounced off the sides of the cars that crept by the buildings, and golden eyes glanced at them with a bored expression. It was a familiar scene to him, having lived in the city for so long and nothing was new.
He turned from the window and checked his watch, wondering if he could reach the restaurant faster by walking instead of taking his car. Traffic was heavy and it had slowed down to an agonizingly slow crawl that had Claude shifting in his seat ever so slightly. He was a patient man and refused to fidget in annoyance at how slow traffic moved.
"I apologize Sir, there seems to be an accident up ahead. Shall I call the restaurant and inform them that you're still coming?" His driver asked from the front of the car.
Claude waved his hand. "There's no need. They know I'm coming and that I wouldn't cancel just because of some little accident. This has been my biggest and best project, and I would like to see it again no matter how long the wait."
The driver nodded. "Of course, Sir."
Silence filled the car again and Claude leaned his head against his knuckles, the frames of his glasses tapping slightly against the window. It had been a little over four years since he had last visited this city, even though it was where he grew up and a part of him was disappointed to see that nothing much had changed in that time.
The buildings remained the same along with the streets, lined with small trees to give a sense of greenery in the heart of the city. Some businesses had changed hands during the time he was gone and the wares had changed with them, but everything else was still the same. The city was still thriving and filled with people who passed by them on the sidewalks, avoiding the mounds of snow that sat in heaps near the curbs.
Christmas was a month away and already the snow was falling, earlier than normal but Claude welcomed that change. After staying in the Mediterranean for the last couple of months to complete some business, the crisp air was a welcoming embrace. He wasn't sure what prompted him to return to the place he grew up, especially after it had been so long since he had last visited.
Claude shifted again and a paper in his pocket crinkled at the motion. He didn't need to pull it out to know what it said and as a familiar looking building came into view, Claude found himself remembering exactly why he had decided to come back.
"Sir, we're here," his driver said.
"I noticed," Claude murmured as he gazed at the restaurant.
It was his pride and joy, even though he would never admit so aloud. The very first restaurant he had established and helped raise from the ground up. At the time he designed it, everyone had laughed at his ideas, claiming that they would never work. But months passed and the business turned out to be even more successful than anyone could've imagined.
Claude had left after that, knowing that it would be fine without him, and started to travel around the world, setting up other high-end restaurants and bars. None of them had the same flair as this particular one, but Claude still held firm to the belief that because it was the first one, he couldn't bring himself to duplicate the thing that made this restaurant so famous.
The door to his car opened and Claude stepped out into the cold air, taking in the building before moving away from the car. Someone opened the thick wooden doors for him and warm air washed over his body as Claude moved further into the restaurant. The smell of food was heavy but Claude ignored it as he turned his gaze to the tall tower that stood in the center of the room.
This. This was his most prized possession. The thing that drew people in and kept them coming back for more.
They called it the wine tower, the first of its kind. And Claude was proud to say that it was one of the very few that existed in the world. Hundreds of bottles of wine filled its shelves that stretched from the floor to the ceiling, ranging from affordable to expensive. And the wine angels tended to them all.
Claude found some humor in calling them angels, considering the name of his restaurant but the name stuck and he never bothered to change it. The angels brought a sense of flair to the restaurant, the name only adding to the appeal, as women clothed in white attire moved up and down the wine tower by a system of cable and hydraulics that made it look as though they were flying.
Claude shifted his weight as the current manager came up to greet him, looking slightly nervous to have him at the restaurant. Claude ignored the outstretched hand as he continued to watch the white clad bodies move up and down the tower as the wine angels catered to the clients. Their white outfits marked them as angels and their bodies moved gracefully behind the glass, putting on a show for everyone.
"Where is he?" Claude murmured, his eyes scanning the tower for the reason he was here.
"He just arrived for his shift, Mr. Faustus," the manager answered and Claude drew his attention away from the tower to look at the man for the first time. "But I can have him meet you before he gets hooked up if you would like."
Claude waved his hand. "Let me see him perform first and then I'll decide if it'll be worth my time to meet him."
The manager chuckled. "He's worth every second of your time, Mr. Faustus, if I can say so myself. You'll see why in a bit. But for now, may I show you to your table? It'll give you the best view of our fallen angel.
Claude nodded and followed the man, rolling the words around in his mind.
Fallen angel.
A few months back, he had received an email from the manager, claiming that business had nearly doubled after hiring a male angel two years ago. The only male angel in the history of the company. Unlike the other angels who wore white, the male wore an all black ensemble and earned himself the title of the fallen angel.
Business was booming because of him and Claude wished to see this fallen angel for himself. "You never told me his name," Claude stated as they moved through the crowded restaurant.
"You never asked," the man teased, suddenly feeling brave now that Claude's interest had been piqued.
"I'm asking now," Claude growled and pushed up his glasses.
"Sebastian," the manager answered quickly, realizing that he had pushed his luck. "His name is Sebastian Michaelis."
Claude hummed and took the seat that the manager offered him. "Sebastian," he murmured, testing the name on his tongue and finding that he liked the way it sounded and rolled off his tongue. He waved the manager away and glanced up at the tower, noting that the angels had left the tower for the time being. No doubt, they were changing shifts and this Sebastian would be up soon.
The tower was tall and wide, allowing two or three angels to work the tower at the same time without running into each other. And because the tower stood in the middle of the restaurant, it allowed everyone to watch the angels perform no matter where they sat. The best tables sat near the center of the room, not too close or far from the tower, giving the absolute best view.
Golden eyes ran up and down the tower again, noting that he had a perfect view of the tower and that Sebastian probably worked this side. The manager wouldn't be so crass as to give him a view where he couldn't see Sebastian.
A server placed a menu before him and Claude nodded his thanks as soft murmurs floated around the room. Claude glanced up, noting that the hydraulics were lifting the first angel into place, her flexible body moving into an arch once she reached the top of the tower, long hair falling freely from her head. It would've been an attractive sight had Claude been attracted to such a thing but even Claude had to admit that she was talented.
The next angel came into view, looking coy and innocent as the hydraulics lifted her higher. She looked almost childlike, her face angelic, but Claude had a strict policy on making sure that all the wine angels were over twenty-one. It wouldn't do him any good for someone to accuse him of hiring someone under the legal drinking age.
Finally, the hydraulics closest to Claude's side started to churn and Claude could see the cables slowly moving as they lifted the last angel into place. A dark clad foot was the first thing revealed before black covered legs came into view. The limbs moved slowly, coming out of a sharp pike as one foot sensually traced the other leg.
Claude licked his lips as the man's torso came into view as the legs started to spread wider until they stretched out in a wide V. A thin trickle of lust ran through his veins, wondering what it would be like to have that supple body under him and Claude shivered slightly at the thought. He forced himself to focus as the black clad body finally lifted into the air and Claude looked over it with greedy eyes.
The tight black clothes left nothing to the imagination and seemed to cover every inch of Sebastian, from his toes to his fingers. Muscle flexed and rippled under the clothes as Sebastian arched his back and Claude groaned at the sight as fingers reached back, briefly touching the tips of his toes before Sebastian pulled out of the arch.
Once right side up, dark locks came down to frame a smirking face and Claude found his cock twitching with interest as wild, crimson eyes met his. Claude purred lowly at the sight and shifted slightly in his chair to calm his body down. He was suddenly very glad that he had decided to come back to meet this fallen angel.
Those crimson eyes were proud and defiant, with a hint of unbridled wildness that begged to be tamed and broken. And Claude wanted to be that person. He wanted to tear those wings from his fallen angel and make Sebastian fall even more until Sebastian only knew Claude, only wanted Claude. Claude would capture that wild spirit Sebastian seemed to possess and keep it for his own. His own fallen angel.
Claude tilted his head back, catching the eye of a nearby server. They moved over quickly and Claude gestured to the wine menu, selecting his favorite wine. "I'd like this bottle to start with please. And I'd like it if the fallen angel delivered it to me personally," he purred.
"Yes, Sir," the server murmured and hurried away with the order.
Once gone, Claude watched as Sebastian moved back down to the middle of tower, a mischievous smirk on his face as he faced the restaurant. As the hydraulics lowered him further, he pressed his chest to the glass and spread his legs wide until they were almost in a split. His hands gripped the cables above him and he held the position for a few seconds longer, his groin pressed against the glass before Sebastian's hands released the cable, allowing him to tumble backwards until he was upside down, giving Claude a perfect view of Sebastian's ass.
Legs still spread apart; Sebastian's hands ran down his chest before tracing down his arms. Fingers brushed over each other and curled together as Sebastian came to a stop in front of a section of wines. With feline grace, Sebastian moved out of the position and grabbed the bottle with gloved hands, before the hydraulics slowly lowered him to the floor.
With his free hand, Sebastian reached back behind his head and grasped his foot, pulling it close until his back bowed. His other leg curled back and pointing to the ceiling while he held the bottle of wine before him, making Sebastian look as though he was floating down from the heavens.
He passed the bottle off to a waiting server and Sebastian leaned forward, executing a perfect roll before landing on his feet. He vanished from view after that, hidden behind the bar and Claude waited almost impatiently for Sebastian to deliver his wine. The wine angels had always intrigued Claude, and Sebastian was no exception.
Claude could easily see how Sebastian's performance had helped the business and golden eyes darted around, noting just how crowded the restaurant was for the first time. It was something he had brushed off when first stepping into the building, but now Claude could see that no table remained empty, including the spots at the bar, and more people waited near the entrance for available seats.
All of it thanks to the fallen angel, who was now gliding towards Claude with a seductive grace that had Claude groaning lowly.
His eyes drank in the sight as Sebastian prowled closer, noting that he wore tight black boots with a fine tipped heel that seemed almost sinful for any gender to be wearing. They laced up to his knees, blending in with the black outfit Sebastian wore, showing off a tall and lithe body that moved gracefully across the floor. Hips swayed slightly back and forth and as Sebastian came to a stop before him, Claude knew exactly what he wanted.
"Your wine, Sir," Sebastian purred, crimson eyes looking almost feral in the dim light.
The look sent chills down Claude's spine and he wondered what Sebastian would be like in bed. No doubt wild and playful, judging by the smirk that crossed tempting pink lips. "Thank you," Claude murmured and gestured to the empty wine glass. "Would you pour me a small glass so I may sample what I purchased?"
Sebastian's smirk grew. "Is this your first time here, Sir?" He asked, pulling the cork from the small opening.
"Why do you ask?" Claude questioned and held up his glass so Sebastian could pour a small amount.
"I remember all the patrons who ask me to deliver their wine to them and I haven't seen you before," Sebastian answered and tilted the bottle forward.
The flow of wine stopped and Claude looked up at Sebastian, jealousy sparking unbidden in his chest. "Do you get this request a lot?"
Sebastian cocked his head. "A few times each night I work." He licked his lips, looking like the fallen angel he played. "From both males and females alike. And you've been watching me since I started tonight, I could feel your eyes on me the whole time," he murmured.
"Could you now?"
Sebastian hummed and leaned forward, minty breath washing over Claude's face. "I could," he muttered. "And you have very interesting eyes. I like them," he finished with a low whisper.
Claude's fingers tightened around his wine glass as Sebastian pulled back, a hint of longing in crimson eyes. "Seems as though I've caught your eye," Claude purred and reached forward to pull Sebastian back to him. A small grunt left Sebastian's mouth and all traces of interest fled Sebastian's gaze. "How about I pay for this wine and we head back to my place where we can share it."
Crimson eyes narrowed. "I'm working and have several hours left of my shift," Sebastian said coolly.
Claude brought Sebastian's hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. "I promise I'll make it worth your while," he said, voice low and husky. "I'll even pay for the tips along with whatever it is you make during your shift and give you a little something extra at the end."
Sebastian pulled back quickly, his lips pulling down into a scowl and his eyes flashing dangerously. "I am not a whore," he hissed.
The harsh words made Claude pause and he glanced at Sebastian, his eyebrows furrowing. "I didn't call you one," he stated.
"But you implied it," Sebastian snarled and jerked out of Claude's grip. "Seems that despite your pretty face, you're nothing but a disgusting, creepy, spider. And if I didn't need this job so badly, I'd pour this bottle of wine right down your pants."
Claude could only stare at Sebastian, wondering where his flirting imp had vanished. Instead, this hissing kitten remained in its place and Claude briefly wondered what Sebastian would look like with cat ears and a faux tail, and stored the thought away for later when he could enjoy it better. "How about we start over again," Claude said quickly, trying to fix the current situation. "My name is Claude."
Sebastian shook his head. "I don't care if you were the President himself, I still wouldn't associate myself with the likes of you," he spat and spun on his heel before walking away.
Golden eyes watched him go, feeling confusion mount inside his body. What the hell had just happened? One moment they had been flirting just fine and Sebastian had seemed interested in him. The next second, Sebastian seemed utterly repulsed by him and didn't want to have anything to do with him.
Claude looked up as the manager jogged up to his table, wringing his hands and looking nervous. "I'm sorry about that, Sir," he said quickly. "I can bring him back out right away."
"It's fine," Claude murmured as the cables started to move again and Sebastian was hoisted into view once more. Crimson eyes flickered at him once, filled with defiance before they darted away as Sebastian started to work once more. "He didn't do anything wrong, but I have a favor to ask."
The manager faltered slightly. "Sir?"
The black clad body started to move again, perform elegant arches and tumbles, making Claude's arousal grow even more. "I want all the information you have on him. His application, resume, and everything else. I want to know everything about this Sebastian Michaelis."
"O-of course, Sir," the manager stuttered, ignoring the cold feeling that curled in the pit of his stomach. Such a thing should be illegal but Claude owned the restaurant and had every right to know the background of all his employees. He just wished that Claude had more than honorable reasons for such a request.
Claude waved his hand and watched the man scurry away. Once gone, Claude leaned back in the chair and let his eyes trace over Sebastian's body, committing everything to memory. His eyes moved slowly, caressing Sebastian's body with his eyes and pretending instead that they were his fingers that traced over Sebastian's body.
They trailed down slowly, brushing over sinful lips before going further down until Claude longed to nip at the pale skin, marking it for all to see. The clothes were an obstacle right now, but one that Claude would delight in peeling from Sebastian's body. His fingers would run over the skin until Sebastian was begging underneath him. And then Claude would take his fallen angel, bring him to the highest heights of pleasure over and over again until Sebastian passed out from the pleasure.
Inside the tower, Sebastian pulled out of a position that showed off his flexibility and crimson eyes darted briefly to his table. Claude smirked as their eyes met and watched as crimson eyes flashed with anger at the sight of him. Unable to help himself, Claude licked his lips and felt his smirk grow as Sebastian jerked his head away, a scowl on his face.
That defiance only made Claude want him more and he was determined to have Sebastian under him. This fallen angel would be his.
