Skiko desu!

LOL the second chappie's here! Thanks to the alerts and the lovely reviews! Keep them coming, please! ^^
*hands out donuts*
Sorry if this chapter is short, I had the annoying writer's block and instead went to write smuttity smut smut smut after I couldn't think of anything at all. GAH. Anyways, I won't stall you guys any longer go read!

Acquiescence

Ciel and his family stayed home after the terrible incident in town, and Alois was to have enough rest for his head wound to heal. As if this was not enough of a problem, winter was coming fast and their food supply was already dwindling. Ciel spent most of his time wandering in the woods, avoiding any people so that he could think to himself in peace. This was until...

It was the day for the crow to come back to their home.

Ciel's POV

Food was so little for tonight's dinner. Yet, no one was eating and arguing…or talking at all, for that matter. I don't blame anyone in the room. I knew they were all tense, afraid and anxious. They would await my answer. Today, the crow would come back to see if I would accept his offer of riches...in exchange for marriage. I was debating with myself. Should I accept? Should I decline? I was such an outrageous offer. But if I accept, my parents' worries would be finally over and my siblings would have their lives in contentment. But what of me? Well, I would be with the giant crow, possibly never to see my family again. To lay my if he wishes of me, to love. Do I want this for my future? To be married to some creature that just...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Again, the three knocks. Behind that door will be the one who will force me to decide my fate.

My Father's face paled. He stood up slowly like seven nights ago, opening the door carefully. Under the table, I felt Lizzie squeeze my hand. It made me look at her. Her face was pale, and her eyes reflected fear. I shook my head at her; a sign to tell her that it would be all right. But I knew it wouldn't. I would end up lying to my precious sister.

"So...what is your decision, young boy? I see you look thinner than the last time we have encountered. I'm ready to give your family all the riches I can offer." The crow tilted its head at me. I stood up, looking straight at him. It was time. All my thinking in the woods realy have gone to waste; I was in debate with myself again! But I needed to answer. Everybody was looking at me now. Bard...Finni...Mayrin...Paula...Lizzie...Alois...Mother...Father.

I knew what I had to do.

"I accept your offer of marriage in exchange for the riches of my family." I said firmly. Everyone except the crow gasped.
Father approached me. "No, Ciel! Are you sure of this? This is your life and future we're talking about here! You don't have to worry about us, we don't need the money, just stay here and—"

"My choice is final and unchangeable. I shall go." Father looked at me with tears in his eyes that I never imagined would be there. He hugged me, and whispered in my ear.
"Alright, son…if that is what you wish, I won't stop you. But you must know that you didn't have to do this all for us."
I nodded, and looked at the crow whose red eyes seemed to sparkle. "Can…I have at least five minutes to fix my things and say goodbye?"
"Oh, no need for packing. But you may bid your beloved family farewell." The crow went out of the house, and as he did, everyone wept and hugged me…probably for the last time.

"Ciel, remember this. I will never forget that you stuck up for me. So I'll try to get you or at least visit if I can. I'll try to find you." Alois said as he hugged me tightly. "Okay, Alois. Okay." Was all I could say to my crying brother.

Soon, after I had said all my farewells to my family, I went out of the house bringing nothing with me, to start my new life with this crow.

"It is done. Shall I follow you to your home?" I asked and the crow looked at my bare feet. He approached me and spread his wings. "Climb on my back and hold on. I will make sure no harm comes to you. Where I live is fairly far away, so you cannot possibly keep up for long in this weather, especially seeing that your feet are bare."

I looked at him and cautiously climbed on his back. His feathers were soft, and purely black without flaws. Even the snow that landed on him seemed to melt and disappear at his radiance and perfection. "You will give what my family needs, right?" I whispered to the crow as he flew.

"I do not lie." His voice sounded like he was laughing. "I will of course give what we agreed for. And as for you, I shall keep you safe. No harm shall ever come to you, I promise you that."
I nodded and buried my face in his feathers. Even with the weather, he seemed…so warm. I have never experienced this kind of warmth, so I enjoy it while I can. In a few moments, I could feel my eyelids becoming heavy. Before I drifted to sleep, I only heard one thing.

"Good night, little one."

XxXxX

I was awakened when we finally reached our destination. We were in front of a huge castle…and it was unlike whatever I've seen before. I could not even describe how majestic it all was!
"What do you think of my home?" The crow turned his head to look at me. My eyes widened. As I remember before, Father and Mother have often told me about these majestic houses which only nobility and the wealthy were able to reside in, and this is the first time I have seen one for myself. What did they call it? Oh, a mansion.

"Thi-this is yours?" I stuttered, still staring at the mansion. So he was telling the truth, he was indeed rich. He tapped at the huge double doors three times and right away, a beautiful lady with short silver hair and clothing opened the door. Was she a maid? She didn't look like one by her clothing. It was like a gown, with pearls embedded across.

"Welcome, Master." She mumbled as the crow stepped in, still carrying me on his back. The inside was more interesting than the outside! A golden chandelier hung on the ceiling, which was like a cathedral due to the paintings of winged creatures and angels on soft clouds. A huge two-way staircase led to the upper rooms, and the hand rails were made out of gold, so it seemed. Everything was so clean, it looked so clean, it made me feel odd, knowing that I lived in a home that was crumbling. Everything was so eye-opening for me. What new things shall I learn today and the days to come? I was interrupted in my thought when the crow spoke to me.

"You can get down now." He told me, and I did. My bare feet touched the cold, patterned marble floor, smooth and unlike the woods which was filled with rough leaves and twigs.
"Angela here will take you to your bedroom and care for you. If you need anything, she will be the one who will aid you." and with that, he went up the staircase and was gone. The lady who was named Angela gave me a warm smile. She held my hand and led me to wherever I shall be sleeping tonight.
"He's taken a fancy to you, you know. He has been waiting for this day." She said. I blushed at her words. I guess Angela knew about me.
"Is your master kind?" I asked, although it was obvious seeing that she was wearing such beautiful clothes. Angela smiled again and nodded as she opened a door with my name engraved in silver on it. The room was amazing! It was definitely bigger than the sleeping room back at home. A huge white canopy bed fit for two people was in the middle, with black pillows. There was a huge wardrobe to the left against the wall, along with a full length mirror which was made out of silver. I could not help but stare at the place wide-eyed. What did I do to deserve all this fortune? Or was it written in the stars?

"Come on, let's get you in these." Angela walked over to the wardrobe and brought out a silk nightshirt.

XxXxX

Soon after I wore the clothes Angela gave me and drank the warm milk that was offered, she tucked me into bed and bid me goodnight, kissing my forehead like Mother would. The bed was really comfortable, but I felt like something was missing. Remembering that this time I was sleeping with nobody beside me, I shrugged it off and slowly, I drifted off to sleep, taking all the unnecessary thought out of my mind and awaiting the wonders I would encounter tomorrow.

End of Chapter Two