Chapter One: La Première Nuit Retour

Sebastian draped a blanket around his shivering earl, but Ciel shrugged it off.

"I'm fine, Sebastian," he spat.

A light frown graced Sebastian's face. Anyone could see his bocchan was anything but fine. Who would be if their supposedly dead parents showed up on their doorstep?

"Perhaps a spot of tea is in order, my lord?" the demon suggested. "Or I could prepare petit gâteau...?"

"No," Ciel said coldly. "I'm not in the mood." Sebastian blinked. His bocchan must be feeling truly terrible if he did not want sweets. He glanced at the silent figures of Ciel's parents.

"My apologies, where are my manners? Would either of you care for a cup of tea?" the butler asked smoothly.

Rachel and Vincent Phantomhive sat on the patent leather couches across from Ciel and his butler. They too had blankets wrapped around their soaked shoulders. They jolted slightly at being addressed.

"Um..." Rachel stuttered, her eyes only leaving her son for a second before locking back on his angry expression. Ciel's eyes remained stubbornly rooted to the floor. Vincent sensed this and answered for the both of them.

"That would be appreciated, thank you." Vincent said. Sebastian bowed and exited the room to fetch the tea. Ciel's frown deepened.

"C-Ciel?" Rachel cautiously ventured. Ciel didn't acknowledge her.

"Ciel," Vincent said more forcefully. "Who is that man? Where is Tanaka? Actually, where is the rest of the staff?" He glanced around as if he would be able to spot them somewhere. Ciel's hands were balled into fists, and his knuckles paled as he clenched them even harder. Vincent frowned at his unresponsive son.

"Ciel." He narrowed his eyes. Rachel shifted nervously. She didn't like that her once happy child looked so angry and defeated.

"Ciel, answer us," Vincent demanded. Ciel stiffened and clenched his fists even more. Thankfully, at that moment Sebastian came back pushing the trolley that held two steaming cups of Earl Grey.

"Sir, Madame." He served them their tea.

"Thank you," Rachel said. Vincent nodded but kept his eyes on his son. Sebastian went and stood by Ciel in his usual spot. Ciel relaxed, though only Rachel noticed. She raised her eyebrows while Vincent furrowed his.

"Ciel," he started in a warning tone. "I don't know what's happened in the time that we've been gone, but this behavior is completely unacceptable. You have always been such a gentle, polite child. Where is this rude behavior coming from?" Ciel's eyes flashed, he hated to be treated like a child. He opened his mouth as if to respond but quickly closed it. Vincent's expression darkened. Suddenly he slammed his fist against the armrest of the settee. His concern for his son translated into anger.

"Ciel Phantomhive, look me in the eye and answer my questions, dammit!" he hissed icily. "You are acting like a spoilt brat, and I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in my house -"

"Your house?" Ciel asked in a low voice. He chuckled darkly. Vincent's eyes flashed. Rachel shifted again, glad her son was speaking, but worried about the direction this conversation was headed.

"Yes. My house. When did you adopt this deplorable attitude?" Vincent growled. Sebastian took a step forward, sensing the tension from his young lord.

"You really want to know?" Ciel spat, sitting forward, gripping the armrests of the seat.

"Bocchan," Sebastian murmured in warning.

"And who the hell is he?!" Vincent jabbed a finger at Sebastian. "You can't just fire the staff and hire whomever you please!"

"Sebastian is my butler," Ciel ground out. "He is here to stay. As are the cook, the maid and the gardener."

"What?" Vincent's voice dropped dangerously. "You mean to tell me, you hired more staff without permission?"

"Permission!" Ciel cried, finally abandoning his stoic facade. "Whose permission would I have gotten?" It was Ciel's turn to jab fingers. "You were dead! You've both been gone for over three years!" he roared. Rachel visibly flinched. Sebastian glanced between the two Phantomhives glaring at each other.

"Ciel -" Rachel started.

"No. For all I know, you're still dead. There is no such thing as a miracle! People don't just rise from the dead out of the blue! This. Just. Doesn't. Happen!" Ciel was standing firmly now and an angry tear cascaded down his porcelain cheek.

Vincent had gone white in shock while Rachel looked near tears. Ciel was panting and flushed. Sebastian decided it was time to step in.

"I believe that is quite enough excitement for now," Sebastian interrupted smoothly. "The young lord has much to do tomorrow - I believe it is time he retired for the night. Sir, Madame, if you would allow me to fetch Tanaka so he may escort you to your rooms…?"

Tanaka? Oh thank God, so he's alive, Rachel thought in relief.

"Y-yes, please," she said politely. Sebastian bowed and strode out of the room, only to return moments later with the elder steward in tow.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Vincent and Rachel trailed after an unusually somber Tanaka, glad for at least one friendly, familiar face.

"Tanaka," Rachel broke the silence. "What…" she gulped but continued. "What exactly happened here? Why is Ciel so… angry?" Tanaka heaved a sad sigh.

"Do you remember Ciel's tenth birthday, madame?" the older man asked quietly.

"Yes of course," Rachel croaked. Smoke, fire, hot, too hot, can't breathe where is he?... Too late. The brat's already dead. She shuddered at the words that haunted her memories. "But that is not my son!" Vincent stiffened in silent agreement.

"It is," Tanaka responded, somewhat sadly. Rachel and Vincent stared at him as they weaved through the intricate hallways of the mansion. "This is who Ciel is now. He's is no longer a child, madame. Circumstances prevented that."

"Circumstances?" Rachel asked, afraid of the answer. They had arrived at the master bedroom. Tanaka opened the door for them.

"Perhaps now is not the right time," he said.

"Tanaka -" Rachel started to protest.

"It is not my tale to tell," Tanaka said with a reluctant smile. "Goodnight Sir, Madame." Tanaka walked off into the darkened hallway, leaving Vincent and Rachel staring sadly after him.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Sebastian was disturbed, an unusual occurrence for the normally unflappable butler. Of course, part of him was worried about Ciel's state of mind - despite his protests, the boy was really quite fragile. But more than that, where did that leave the master and his demon? Ciel's main purpose for creating the contract - avenging his parents' murder - no longer applied.

Ciel exited the bathroom, leaving the sound of draining water behind him. He removed his precious rings and placed them on the table beside his bed before clambering in. Sebastian set the candelabra down and looked at his young lord.

"Young master," he said.

"Drop the pretense Sebastian, the only one who can hear through walls is you," Ciel said. Sebastian smirked.

"Forgive me, I didn't know how to conduct myself after the events of today," he responded, only half joking. Ciel's eyes darkened.

"Normalcy is best I suppose," Ciel muttered. Sebastian smiled and lifted Ciel's chin.

"Yes, my lord," he whispered. Ciel smirked.

"Careful, my parents are in the other room," he teased, though his smile faltered a bit. Sebastian refused to release his chin.

"Yes, separated by three hallways and staircase." A smile tugged at the corner of Ciel's mouth. He swatted the butler's gloved hand away.

"Idiot," he grumbled. Sebastian smiled.