Seeing in the Dark

by Disgruntled Minion

AU: For when there are no words, music is the next best thing. Because music is universal. It's a language of its own. It's sound and pictures in one. It's imagination and reality. Music is life in motion. Seb/Ciel

2. Opus 2

A/N: Onto the next chapter! Thank you everyone for your support so far! I hope y'all like the chapter ^^ Many, many thanks to socialbutrfly1379 for being my amazing beta again! She was awesome working on this story :3

Warnings: Language

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji

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Ciel stared at the red and white stick, feeling a strange emotion well up inside his chest. He didn't know what to make of it and his hand fell back to his side. Fingers curled into a fist and the strongest urge to flee overtook him. He didn't know how to act around a blind person. Were there certain things he shouldn't say or do? Was he supposed to act a particular way?

They had a few blind students on campus where Ciel went to school and he always gave them a wide berth, steering clear and keeping his eyes away from them. Not that he had anything against someone who was blind, but it didn't stop Ciel from feeling awkward around them.

He looked up as footsteps sounded against the wood floor. Claude had a knowing look in his eye as he approached him and Ciel crossed his arms, suddenly feeling defensive.

"You didn't tell me Sebastian was blind."

Claude tugged his glasses off his face. "I didn't think it was my place to say," he said and brought them up to the light, inspecting the specks of dust on the lenses. "Is that going to be a problem?"

Ciel frowned. "I don't know," he said. "I, I don't know how to act around him. I mean, was he always like this or did it happen recently?"

"He was born blind," Claude said.

"That must be horrible," Ciel said and rubbed his arm awkwardly. "He must hate his life."

The statement made Claude laugh and shake his head. He didn't say anything though as he slipped his glasses back on and tilted his head back in the direction Sebastian had vanished. "To him, not being able to see is as natural to him as seeing is to us. It doesn't seem to bother him. Although I know there are times where he wonders what it's like to see things." Claude shifted his weight. "But I've never heard him curse his blindness. At least not aloud."

Ciel nodded slightly. "I suppose so."

Claude hummed and slipped his hands in his pockets. "Is this going to be a problem, Ciel?" he asked again. "You can still back out if you want. I'll just tell Sebastian that something came up and you had to leave."

"I didn't agree to stay with him to become his baby-sitter," Ciel stated, a little more harshly than he meant.

Claude shook his head. "He's been blind since birth, Ciel," he said. "He's learned how to take care of himself to the best of his abilities."

"What about cooking and cleaning?" Ciel asked. His mind still had trouble wrapping around the situation and he blamed it on the late hour added to his already long day.

"Remember the 'smoking hot maid' that Ron mentioned?" Claude asked, his lips pulling down in a slight frown at the description. Ciel nodded. "She lives with Sebastian and helps take care of the things he needs help with. And, it makes us all feel just a bit better to have someone living with Sebastian. Just in case," he finished in a lower tone.

Ciel's arm uncrossed and he let out a sigh. Further back in the apartment, a microwave beeped and Sebastian's voice floated down the short hallway. If Ciel had never found the walking stick, he would've had a hard time guessing that Sebastian couldn't see. Other than the few instances where Sebastian didn't quite look at him, nothing else gave him away.

Even the apartment looked familiar. Everything about it felt cozy and warm. Nothing stuck out and screamed that a blind person lived here. Ciel could hear Sebastian moving about and water running. Not at all what he first expected when he found out Sebastian was blind.

It felt normal.

And in the end, Ciel guessed that Sebastian wasn't any more different than him. Just because he couldn't see didn't make him any less of a human than Claude or himself. Ciel flushed and he glanced at the coat rack. He owed Sebastian an apology.

"I'll give him a chance," Ciel said and looked at Claude. "Provided he doesn't kick me out after you explain what's going on."

Claude chuckled. "Leave that to me. He owes me a few favors and if it boils down to that, I'll pull them on him."

Ciel rolled his eyes and followed Claude further down the hallway. They turned into the kitchen and Ciel's toes curled against the tile floor, the cold seeping through his socks. "Something smells good," he murmured.

"Have a seat," Sebastian said, gesturing to a nearby barstool. "Claude said you haven't eaten yet?"

Ciel nodded, and then remembered that Sebastian couldn't see. That would take some getting used to. "Yeah. It's a long story. I've been at the airport baggage claim since about noon or so."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Sebastian murmured. The microwave went off again and Sebastian pulled the plate from the device. He carried the plate over to the counter and set it in front of Ciel. "Do you mind if I have a few words with Claude?" he asked, looking at Ciel.

"Sure. I'll still be here," he said with a small laugh.

Sebastian nodded. "We'll be right back," he said and started to walk out of the kitchen.

Claude gave Ciel a quick nod, one that Ciel returned, before following Sebastian from the room. Ciel watched them go, knowing what they would talk about. He had seen the confusion in Sebastian's eyes when they first arrived on his doorstep followed by a desire to know what was going on. Whatever happened though, Ciel only hoped that Claude knew what he was doing.

.:|Seeing in the Dark|:.

The door to Sebastian's bedroom shut and Claude tensed briefly as Sebastian turned around to look at him. Crimson eyes bore into him and Claude knew the look all too well. Sebastian constantly gave it to him growing up and he swallowed. "You wanted to talk?"

Sebastian nodded. "What's going on, Claude?" he asked.

Claude sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Just hear me out first, Sebastian," he started. "The kid's friend abandoned him at the airport and from what I understand, doesn't even know he's in town. He's in a bit of a bind as you can imagine. He can't stay at the airport hotel until his friend comes to his senses. It's expensive and doesn't give Ciel a chance to see the sights."

Understanding lit up Sebastian's eyes and it was his turn to cross his arms across his chest. "So you want him to stay here," he said. "With me."

"Please?" Claude asked.

Sebastian shook his head. "I don't understand why you would bring him here," he pointed at the ground to emphasis the fact. "And for that matter, what made you suddenly grow a heart and offer to give him a place to stay. Whether it was my place or somewhere else?"

Claude leaned against the wall and held Sebastian's gaze. Even though Sebastian couldn't see, Claude still felt rude and strange if he didn't give Sebastian his full attention whenever they talked. Growing up with him taught Claude to treat Sebastian as any other friend he had. He still gestured and looked Sebastian in the eyes, never minding the fact that he couldn't see the actions.

But Sebastian had always been smart and could pick out when something went missing in a puzzle. He could see straight through Claude's simple explanation and knew that something further lurked behind his words.

"I've always had a heart," he pointed out.

Sebastian snorted. "But not to this degree. You don't exactly reach out for random people you met at the airport. Which, may I point out, you didn't even know Ciel's name until a few minutes ago." His eyebrows furrowed. "So spit it out. What are you really hoping to accomplish?"

Claude crossed the small space between them and carefully reached for Sebastian. His clothes rustled, alerting Sebastian to his close proximity and he gripped Sebastian's shoulder without making him jump. "I've always had a heart," he said again. "Especially when it came to my closest friend. I'm worried about you, Sebastian."

"I can take care of myself, Claude," Sebastian snapped. "I've lived on my own for years now. I don't see what the problem is all of a sudden."

Claude shook his head. "That's not what I'm talking about and you know it." He gestured around the room and Sebastian's eyes followed him as best they could. "You don't leave the apartment anymore and you're constantly hunched over your notes. You're digging your grave by running yourself ragged, and if you don't stop, you're going to break."

Crimson eyes blinked and seemed to harden. "So you decided to recruit someone you just happened to meet at the airport as a way to get me out of the apartment?" He grabbed Claude's arm. "You don't know anything about him, Claude. How do you know he won't steal everything tonight?"

"I was desperate, Sebastian," Claude shouted. "You're my best friend. Do you know what it's like to see your friend slowly wasting away before your eyes because he's stuck in a rut? I can't let you do that to yourself."

"Claude," Sebastian said. "How did you expect this whole thing to work out?"

Claude shrugged. "Simple. He wants to see the famous places around town. The Arts District, the Yards, and just random places downtown. He doesn't want to stay cooped up inside all day long when the city is right there outside his window," he said. "This way, it gets you out of the apartment and gives you company, while Ciel gets to see the city. Everyone wins."

Sebastian ran a hand over his face. "I can't Claude," he said. "My deadline."

"Is killing you," Claude finished. He reached forward and traced the dark bags under Sebastian's eyes. "You've lost weight and you're losing sleep over this. If helping you means bringing in someone I just met an hour ago, then so be it. But I will not sit by and watch you torture yourself over this."

"I'm just having trouble finding my muse again," Sebastian said stubbornly. "It'll come back soon enough."

A snort left Claude's mouth and he stepped back from his friend. His eyes darted over Sebastian's body, taking in the tired slump to his shoulders and the way Sebastian's face looked drawn. He hadn't seen Sebastian look this bad in years, not since his mother passed away. And Claude never wanted to see him look that way again.

"Locking yourself in your apartment and staring at a blank sheet of paper isn't going to make your muse come back," Claude pointed out. He moved across the room and dropped down on the bed. The sheets rustled and Sebastian turned to look at him. "And by denying Ciel this chance, you're ruining his summer vacation."

It wasn't easy to guilt trip Sebastian, but Claude hoped that this ploy would help sway him. All Claude needed was a foot in the door. He already had a suspicion that Sebastian didn't mind Ciel staying with him. He didn't protest that part when Claude brought it up.

Sebastian looked to the side. "How can I trust him?" He frowned. "How do you trust him?"

Claude laughed lightly. "We both have good intuition when it comes to judging people. But from what I learned of him while we talked, I think he's a good kid." He cocked his head. "He seems to have his head on straight at least."

A heavy sigh fell from Sebastian's lips but Claude knew that he wouldn't argue. If Sebastian didn't trust Ciel, he wouldn't have left him alone while they talked. Not only that, Mey-rin would also be around to help keep an eye on him until they learned to trust each other more.

"He can stay here. There's room in the loft upstairs, but I can't take him into town," Sebastian finally said. "Mey-rin can take him into the city and to the Arts District, but I have to stay here."

Amber eyes narrowed and Claude slapped his hands on his thighs before standing up. "I didn't want to have to do this, Sebastian, but you leave me little choice." He clapped Sebastian's shoulder. "If you don't agree to take a break and show Ciel around, I'll move your piano out of the apartment."

Sebastian stared at him for a moment before breaking into laughter. The noise bounced around the room, light and full of mirth. It sounded good to hear Sebastian laugh again and it made Claude smile. He didn't know what Sebastian found so funny and he waited patiently for the laughter to quiet down.

Tears crept into the corners of Sebastian's eyes and he wiped them away, small chuckles still slipped past his lips. "That's a good one, Claude," he said and he shook his head. "It took you almost two hours to get the piano inside the apartment. And that was with help from three other guys."

Claude frowned at the reminder.

"I also distinctly remember you saying that you would never touch it again after that," Sebastian continued. "Furthermore, I'm sure you wouldn't want to take it away, only to turn around and bring it back."

Claude grumbled under his breath. He hated it when Sebastian matched him point for point when they argued something. He crossed his arms over his chest and prepared to bring out his ace in the hole. Being Sebastian's friend for years gave him insight to all of Sebastian's weaknesses. And he knew the biggest one of them all.

"Fine," he said with a shrug. "Then I suppose I'll just take Soot back with me and keep her at my place until Ciel leaves."

It was a low blow, Claude knew that, but as he said before; he was desperate. He knew he hit the target when Sebastian's shoulders tensed and crimson eyes darted around the room. The black cat had been in Sebastian's company for several years now and he loved her fiercely. Taking her away would make Sebastian miserable.

"You're a cruel man, Claude," Sebastian seethed. "You know how much I care for Soot."

Again, Claude shrugged. "I told you, Sebastian, I'm not going to sit by and watch you torture yourself over this anymore. Either let Ciel stay with you and take him into town, or I'll take Soot away for a while." He took a step back, giving Sebastian space. "You need to take a break."

Silence settled throughout the room. Claude breathed carefully though his nose, trying his best not to disturb the stillness as Sebastian pondered his words. They both knew that he would follow through with his threat and the ball now sat in Sebastian's court. What happened next, rested fully on Sebastian's shoulders.

The seconds dragged on and Claude could almost see the gears turning in Sebastian's mind. He would weigh the options, finding any loopholes to wiggle through and still get what he wanted. But Claude had made sure to fool proof this plan. Sebastian wouldn't find a way to escape this ultimatum, and for once, Claude had finally one.

"You owe me," Sebastian finally said.

Claude shook his head. "I think it's the other way around," he teased. "I bet by this time next week, you'll feel so relaxed and carefree that you'll wonder why you didn't listen to me in the first place. You'll say, 'oh, my wonderful and genius friend was right the whole time. He's the best friend a guy could ask for.'"

He grunted when Sebastian backhanded him in the stomach. "You talk too much," Sebastian murmured.

"But you're smiling," Claude said in a singsong voice and he pushed up the corners of Sebastian's lips. "See, right there."

Sebastian batted his hands away but the smile on his face remained. "You're insufferable, you know that. I have no idea why I keep you around."

Claude laughed as he opened the bedroom door. "Because I bring you sweets from the bakery on Main," he answered. "And I helped you move that damnable piano into the living room. Which, may I add, fell on my foot."

"You lived," Sebastian stated and his eyes danced with mirth. "And you drank the whole bottle of rum that the theater gave me for Christmas the previous year."

He waved his hand. "You weren't drinking it, so I put it to good use."

Sebastian grumbled under his breath. "Yeah, by throwing up for hours the next morning."

"Details," Claude said but flushed at the memory. That wasn't his best and shining moment. Trust Sebastian to remember that one. He grunted at the thought and turned around to face Sebastian. He caught a thin wrist – thinner than he remembered and it made Claude frown, but only fueled his desire to get Sebastian out of the apartment – and gave it a light squeeze. "Thank you for this, Sebastian."

A sigh. "I hope you're right about this, Claude."

Claude's frown deepened and he gave Sebastian a one-armed hug. "Of course I'm right," he said and tried his best to ignore the dejected tone in Sebastian's voice. He knew how important the composition was to Sebastian, but it was eating him up inside. He only hoped that this would work in the long run.

.:|Seeing in the Dark|:.

Ciel looked up as Claude and Sebastian entered the kitchen. He silently read their body language, noting the relaxed shoulders and facial expressions. It seemed as though Claude had come through in the end and had managed to convince Sebastian. He kept himself from sighing in relief, not wanting to draw any attention to himself.

He straightened up as Claude looked in his direction and gave him a thumbs up. "Seems like you have a place to stay," Claude said with a grin. "Sebastian agreed to let you stay and promised to show you around town during your time here." He glared at Sebastian and elbowed him in the side.

Sebastian grunted. "Yes, yes, your emphasis is not lost on me. I have a feeling that you'll check up on me to make sure I keep that promise."

"Thank you," Ciel said softly. "I'm sorry that I'm being a burden." He did feel bad about imposing on Sebastian, but it didn't stop the relief he felt at knowing he would have a place to stay until Alois came to his senses.

"It's not a burden," Sebastian answered quickly. "I have plenty of space and the extra company is nice. Mey-rin doesn't stay here all day so sometimes it gets quiet. I truly don't mind."

Ciel eyed Sebastian. "Are you sure?"

Sebastian nodded and gestured to Claude, who rooted through the pantry in search of a snack. "I'm sure. If anything, I apologize for Claude's actions. He doesn't think before he acts. Something I tried to correct but I fear he's rather un-teachable."

"I heard that," Claude said. "And for that, I'm taking your chips."

"My heart mourns the loss," Sebastian said dryly.

Ciel chuckled and looked back at Sebastian. "If you're sure."

Sebastian hummed and moved closer to the counter. His eyebrows furrowed in thought and Ciel watched as crimson eyes darted between himself and Claude. Ciel still found it odd that Sebastian could pinpoint them exactly now that he knew where they stood. It was a bit unsettling at the same time - knowing that those breath taking garnet eyes could look right at him and seemingly pierce his soul, but never really see him.

"I won't lie," Sebastian said lowly and his eyes focused on him. "I'm struggling with a composition right now and the last thing I want to do is leave the apartment."

"I heard," Ciel said. "Seems like we're both pawns in this game Claude is playing."

A pleasant chuckle left Sebastian's mouth. "I believe we are." He leaned against the counter and laced his fingers together. "However, I gave Claude my word that I would take you into the city and show you around. I might not like the idea now, but that doesn't mean that I won't show you a good time. And who knows, maybe this plan of Claude's will actually work out."

Ciel smiled. "I hope it does. I'm sure this is a stressful time for you."

Sebastian's eyes closed as he laughed under his breath. "You can say that again." He straightened up and turned around to look at Claude. "Don't you have someplace to be? Like work?"

Claude swallowed loudly and looked at his watch. He cursed and crumpled the empty bag in his hands. "I need to run," he said and fixed Sebastian with a stern look. "Remember what we talked about."

Crimson eyes rolled and Sebastian waved his hand. "Yeah, yeah," he murmured. "Now if you don't mind, you're probably making a mess in my kitchen."

"My bags are still in your car," Ciel piped up quickly and stood up. The last thing he needed was Claude to leave with his bags. His body ached for a hot shower and a clean set of clothes. Preferably something soft and comfortable.

"Right," Claude said. "We'll be right back."

Sebastian hummed. "I'll be here," he said matter-of-factly.

Ciel jogged after Claude and slipped his shoes on by the door. The warm night air washed over his body when he stepped outside. Claude popped the trunk and Ciel reached for his small carry-on bag. "Thank you for finding me a place to stay," he murmured.

Claude didn't say anything at first and Ciel wondered if he heard him at all. He set the larger bag on the ground and slammed the trunk shut. "I should say the same as well," he said and mulled over his words. "If you decide after a day or so that you feel awkward around him, give me a call. I won't hold anything against you."

Something rose in Ciel's throat and he had to swallow harshly to force the feeling down. The words remained lodged in his throat though and he could only nod at Claude. He hated that he couldn't tell Claude that he would be fine and that he would get along with Sebastian. But the uncertainty kept him from speaking.

He had never dealt with a blind person before and once Claude left, he was on his own. Despite knowing that Sebastian was still a person, it didn't stop the faint awkward feeling from arising whenever he thought about interacting further with Sebastian.

"I should go back inside before Sebastian wonders what's taking so long," he finally mumbled. He held out his hand. "Thanks again for everything, Claude."

"Take care, Ciel," Claude answered and gave him a firm handshake. His hand fell to the side and he opened the door, sliding inside the car.

Ciel watched him pull away from the curb and head down the road, leaving him alone on the sidewalk. With a sigh, Ciel wheeled his bags to the steps and made his way back to the apartment.

Once inside, the silence of the residence made itself known and the awkward feeling came back in full force. It smashed against him with the strength of a train and Ciel stood uneasily in the foyer. With Claude gone, the mediator between himself and Sebastian had vanished, leaving Ciel to face things alone.

He shut the door and locked it as he toed off his shoes again. "Um, where do you want me to put my bags?" he asked.

"You can bring them upstairs," Sebastian called, his voice echoing down the spiral staircase.

Ciel jumped, not expecting Sebastian to answer from the second floor. He thought Sebastian was still in the kitchen and his mind had trouble wrapping around Sebastian climbing the steps when he couldn't see. A low grunt left his mouth. Of course Sebastian could climb the steps. He had steps in front of his apartment and the world itself had millions of steps. What made inside his apartment any different?

He sighed and started to wrestle his larger bag up the steps. It made a loud racket the whole trip up and Ciel panted for breath by the time he made it to the top of the steps.

"Sounds like you had a little trouble," Sebastian stated and his lips curled into a warm smile. "I probably could've heard you a mile away."

Ciel laughed. "I don't think your stairs like me much." He set his bag to the side and looked around the small loft. "I guess I'm staying here?"

Sebastian nodded. "I know it's not very big, but it gives you privacy that you wouldn't find in the living room. Although I'm afraid we couldn't exactly get a couch up here." His eyes danced. "The staircase isn't exactly the widest as I'm sure you noticed. But we have an air mattress that you can use."

"I noticed," Ciel said with a grin. "And an air mattress is fine. It beats sleeping on the floor."

"I'll get it set up then while you bring up your other bag. Then I'm sure you would like a shower before bed." Sebastian's nose crinkled. "I don't know about you, but I'm always more comfortable in sweat pants or shorts than jeans."

Ciel sighed in relief. "That sounds wonderful. I can't wait to take a hot shower." He sniffed himself. "I think I smell."

Sebastian moved over to a small closet and chuckled lightly. "I won't comment on that one," he teased as he pulled out a box.

"I'll be right back then," Ciel said, choosing not to answer Sebastian. His small carry-on rested by the door still and he grabbed it before shouldering his backpack. The trip back upstairs wasn't any easier and Ciel winced every time his bag hit the metal railing.

He set the bag down heavily when he reached the top, surprised to see the air mattress inflated already. Sebastian stood near the closest again, running his hand over the folded linens. His mouth moved silently and Ciel stood quietly as he watched in awe. He didn't know what Sebastian was doing, but he found the sight incredible for some reason.

He didn't know if it was Sebastian himself that made Ciel watch him so intently or just the situation. Watching Sebastian handle himself as any abled person could made Ciel realize just how independent Sebastian was.

"Do you have any preference for sheet color?" Sebastian asked, breaking Ciel from his trance.

"Blue?" Ciel said, although it came out more as a question than anything else.

To his surprise, Sebastian pulled out a set of blue sheets after running his hand over the linens once more. He sputtered in shock and his face flushed as Sebastian laughed.

"Go ahead, ask your question."

The heat on Ciel's face grew and reached his ears. But his curiosity had peaked and Ciel couldn't stop himself even if he wanted. "How did you know that was the blue sheet?"

"I had Mey-rin sew some identifying tags into the fabric so I knew what was what," Sebastian answered as he shook out the sheet. He pointed to a small square located on the corner of the linen. "See?"

Ciel ran his finger over the marker, feeling the texture under the pad of his finger. It amazed him that Sebastian could feel the small bumps and know exactly what it said. He thought studying Spanish was hard enough, but at least with Spanish he could try to sound out the letters. Bumps though didn't have letters and he didn't know the first place to start.

He made one more pass over the square before lowering his hand. "I can make the bed. It's the least I can do after everything you're already doing for me."

Sebastian nodded and stepped out of the way without a word. Ciel slipped past him, unconsciously holding his breath as he passed. He quickly worked the fitted sheet on the mattress and jumped when Sebastian silently handed him the top sheet. A muttered thanks passed between them as Ciel shook out the sheet and let it fall into place over the mattress.

"I have nothing against you, Ciel," Sebastian said suddenly and Ciel turned around to look at him. He sat perched on the armrest of a small reading chair, eyebrows drawn in deep thought. "Please don't think that."

Ciel stared at him, unable to find the proper words to reassure Sebastian. Saying anything otherwise felt like a lie and Ciel had to admit that he didn't know what Sebastian truly thought about him. He had come barging into his life suddenly – via Claude mind you, Ciel didn't exactly plan this little side trip – and demanded that Sebastian stop whatever he was working on in order to entertain him.

Not exactly the most promising way to start this strange relationship of theirs.

"I know you had nothing to do with this," Sebastian continued, saving Ciel from speaking. "Claude has pestered me for weeks to get out of the apartment. You just happened to be his pawn in his latest attempt."

"But do you really want to stop your work to cater to my whims?" Ciel asked, finding his voice. Sebastian told him earlier that the last thing he wanted was to leave the apartment while he struggled with his composition. That alone made Ciel feel terrible and guilty. "I mean, you're close enough to the city that I could take a bus to where I want to go. You don't have to leave. I promise I won't tell Claude."

Sebastian closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall with more balance and grace than Ciel expected. "I thought about it," he admitted with a weary smile. "But Claude vaguely told me where you want to go and while you were outside with Claude, I realized that I couldn't remember the last time I visited those places myself."

He ran a hand through his hair and continued. "As much as it pains me to say it, Claude is right. However, if you ever tell him I said that, I'll lock you in the basement of the symphony hall. His ego is big enough already." Sebastian shook his head and clasped his hands in front of him. "I know I won't like leaving, but it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me."

Ciel swallowed and nodded. "I…thanks for that." He nudged the mattress with his foot. "I am really grateful for this. And the last thing I wanted was to make you do something against your will."

Sebastian laughed, the sound deep and rich in Ciel's ears. It put him at ease and helped erase away the uncomfortable feelings that arose occasionally within Ciel. He found that the more time he spent with Sebastian, the more he could look past the blindness that seemed to separate them. It stood like a wall in front of Ciel, thick and unmovable in some parts, and broken in others.

At times like now, he found a broken section of the wall to pass through and see Sebastian. But other times, something held him back and Ciel once again stood on the other side of the wall. It infuriated Ciel to know that the bricks existed on their own accord and he remained powerless to tear them down.

Instead, it left him jumping in an attempt to see over the solid wall. Each jump gave him a fleeting glimpse of Sebastian, but not enough time to reach out and cross the divider. But he could see Sebastian's outstretched hand just on the other side, patiently reaching and waiting for Ciel to take his hand.

It was as Sebastian said earlier. It didn't have anything to do with Sebastian but everything to do with Ciel.

They would each have to overcome their problems that sat before them. Like silent stone gargoyles, they perched on the wall with screaming mouths wide open and sharp fangs bared. Their wings though remained tucked against their cold backs, content where they sat and unwilling to move.

And there they would stay until they tumbled from their perches by Sebastian and Ciel's hands. Only then, when the gargoyles lay scattered and broken on the ground around their feet, would they find a safe passage over the wall.

Blue eyes gazed at the imposing figure that glared down at him. Cold, lifeless eyes held his in an unwavering stare that promised a challenge. One that Ciel would gladly rise to.

"Trust me," Sebastian said, breaking Ciel from his thoughts and the illusion dispelled in front of him. "Claude isn't the only stubborn one. If I didn't want to do something, I wouldn't do it. You're not making me do anything against my will."

"Still," Ciel said and shrugged a shoulder. "Thank you for everything. You didn't have to but you did."

Sebastian made a soft noise and rose from the chair. "It's getting late and I'm sure you want a shower before you get to bed. The bathroom up here is only a half bath, so you'll have to use the bathroom downstairs to shower."

Ciel knelt down in front of his bag. "That's fine," he said. "A shower is a shower."

He gathered his toiletries in his arms along with a change of clothes before following Sebastian back downstairs. It shouldn't have amazed him to see Sebastian handle the stairs with such ease, but it did. Something about the way he moved caught Ciel's eye and he traced over Sebastian's body, admiring his physique.

He quickly tore his eyes away before he could stare for too long. It didn't feel right, no matter how attractive Ciel thought Sebastian looked. He didn't even know his preference. Ciel firmly stopped that train of thought before it could carry him away to a place that he didn't need to think about.

"Mey-rin left earlier today to see a friend for a few days," Sebastian said as they stopped in front of a bathroom. "For now, you can use this one. Once she comes back though, it's probably best if you use my shower. I don't know what she'll have hanging up in there."

Ciel snickered. "I'd rather not walk into that," he said and set his items on the counter. "Bad enough seeing my mother's undergarments whenever I went into their bathroom at home."

Sebastian hummed his agreement. "I'll leave you to your shower."

The door shut behind Ciel, leaving him alone in the bathroom. He wasted little time turning the water on and shedding his clothes. The hot water felt heavenly against his body and Ciel sighed in relief. He washed his hair and took his time scrubbing his body. He felt gritty after traveling and wanted to make sure he cleaned everything before dressing in fresh clothes.

Despite the desire to stay in the hot shower for hours, Ciel didn't want to rack up Sebastian's water bill and he reluctantly turned the water off. Steam curled around the room and Ciel toweled off, feeling far better than he had when he arrived at the apartment. It amazed him what a simple shower could do for his mentality.

He rubbed the towel through his hair, sending a few drops splattering against the counter. Ciel wiped them away and slipped the towel around his neck before getting dressed.

Steam escaped the bathroom when Ciel opened the door and the fading sound of a piano chord filled the air. Ciel blinked and took a step away from the humid bathroom, moving further into the living room. He hadn't heard Sebastian playing while he was in the shower and he drew closer.

"Did I interrupt you?" he asked.

Sebastian shook his head. "I wasn't really playing anything. Just pecking at a few notes to hear them sing." he admitted. "I like the feel of the keys. Smooth and hard, each one unique."

Ciel's lips tilted up in a faint smile. "I know what you mean." Sebastian turned to look at him, confusion swimming in crimson eyes. "I played the cello when I was younger. I stopped a few years ago. I didn't have time to practice in between working and school."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Sebastian said. "I like composing for the cello almost as much as I do the piano."

Ciel didn't say anything and simply watched as Sebastian traced the keys with his fingers. He seemed lost in a trance and Ciel wondered how many sleepless nights he sat in front of the piano, feeling the keys but never connecting the notes. To see the bars in his mind but have them remain blank. White, empty space with mocking thin lines.

He reached forward but jerked his hand away at the last minute. It felt wrong to touch the piano without Sebastian's permission. Ciel wouldn't like it if anyone touched his cello whenever they wanted. It was only fair that Ciel offer the same respect to Sebastian.

"You'll figure it out," he said instead.

Sebastian nodded and stood up, closing the top on the piano. "One can only hope," he said with a forced smile.

It made Ciel frown and he could see the troubles etched into Sebastian's face. Seeing the tired lines and shadowed marks under his eyes, Ciel understood why Claude was so desperate to get Sebastian away from his work. It would quickly devour him from the inside if he stayed much longer. And even though Ciel barely knew Sebastian, he didn't want to see him fall.

Not when so much life remained within him. Ciel had seen the brief glimpses of it, watching the interactions between Claude and Sebastian earlier in the evening. And had heard it in Sebastian's laughter.

His drive and inspiration still flickered with life, the glowing embers a soft orangish-red color in the darkened night. They hadn't gone out yet, but all it would take was one strong gust of wind to suck the remaining color away. Yet, that same gust could also breathe life back into the embers. It all depended on how it blew.

With any luck, Ciel could help it do the latter and not the former.

"It will," he said with determination. "Taking a break isn't the same as quitting. No matter what you may think."

Sebastian's lips twitched and the tension in his shoulders slipped away. "I know. I just forget that at times." He yawned and touched the top of the piano. "Seeing as I have company, I probably shouldn't practice at night anymore."

"Your company would appreciate that," Ciel quipped and stretched his arms above his head. "Especially as he's going to bed now."

"Duly noted," Sebastian answered and his hand slipped away from the piano. "Sleep well, Ciel."

Ciel nodded. "You too."

He made his way back upstairs and set his dirty clothes next to his bag. The light downstairs went off and Ciel fumbled for the light switch on the nearby lamp. It clicked on and it provided enough light to illuminate the loft. A yawn escaped his mouth and Ciel grabbed his toothbrush so he could finish getting ready for bed.

His body ached for the soft mattress and he couldn't wait to lay down. He turned the bathroom light off and plugged his phone charger in, glancing at his phone as it started to charge. The time greeted him on the screen, displaying the simple background behind that.

An annoyed scowl crossed his face and Ciel angrily hit the switch for the light. He crawled under the covers, his frustration temporarily subsiding at the feeling of soft fabric against his skin. It came back though when he reached for his phone and pushed a button.

Ciel glared at the device, the screen illuminating the small loft. He didn't expect Alois to call him back and he rolled onto his stomach. Downstairs, something jingled softly but Ciel didn't pay it any attention. More pressing matters weighed on his mind.

He unlocked the phone and brought up his text messages. The cursor blinked innocently and Ciel stared at it a bit longer before jabbing at the keys. The words flowed easily - short, simple, and to the point.

'Call me when you wake up.'

It sent with a soft noise and Ciel placed the phone on the floor before rolling onto his side again. The tinkling noise sounded again and Ciel's eyebrows furrowed slightly before silence swept over the apartment once more. He sighed and closed his eyes, allowing the hands of sleep to carry him away to a sea of dreams.