Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji, or the characters in this story. I simply wrote out the scenario in pure boredom. XD... like all of my other stories lol
Pairings: Ciel/Sebastian
Note I: This is an AU Kuroshitsuji story, where Ciel's parents are still alive, but very unkind individuals. Their unkindness turns on their son after an unfortunate mistake is made on Ciel's part. The story develops from there. Don't like? Don't read.
Soundtrack Inspiration: Pan's Labyrinth – "A Long, Long Time Ago" – by Javier Navarrete (used as Ciel's lullaby, so go find it and have a listen)
"Good morning, bocchan."
Ciel wearily opened his eyes before almost immediately shutting them again; the white, morning light that was streaming in through his recently opened windows was almost blinding. Letting out a sigh, the child rubbed his eyes, and slowly sat up in bed.
"I trust you slept well?" The sinfully sweet voice of his butler wafted closer as he arrived by his bedside.
Ciel lowered his eyes, and turned on his bed, so he was now sitting on the edge of it. "You know I never do." He muttered irritably.
"Forgive me, bocchan." Sebastian chuckled closely into Ciel's ear, before he placed a chaste kiss on the boy's temple. "But what kind of butler would I be if I did not ask?"
The young Phantomhive child kept his eyes down and didn't respond, while his butler began to dress him for the day.
A year had passed; Ciel was eight now, and felt no closer to his goal of being emancipated from his neglectful parents by the hands of his demon. When Ciel's mind drifted back to the present, he looked down at Sebastian as he gently cradled Ciel's foot in his hand, before sliding on his shoe.
"You haven't forgotten our contract, have you?" The boy asked; he attempted to keep some authority in his voice, but still being young, his desperation and confusion crept in more than he wanted.
Sebastian turned his crimson eyes up to look at Ciel – and he smiled. "A contract cannot be forgotten, bocchan." He purred. "You have given me four years; a perfectly reasonable and adequate time to dismantle someone mentally, physically, and emotionally." The demon explained. Shifting forward on his knees a bit, Ciel blushed when he noticed the butler's taller torso was pressed between his lithe legs, forcing them to border his waist. The feeling of Sebastian's long arms snaking around his small body caused the child to panic a little more with the unusual position.
He turned his head to the side nervously – but could still feel the heat of Sebastian's warm breath in his ear. "Trust me, bocchan. Your parents will suffer as you have… and in three years time… you will be rid of them forever." He muttered huskily.
Just as his tongue snaked out to lap at the pulse beating rapidly in Ciel's jugular, the child whimpered. "S-Sebastian!" He exclaimed fearfully, pressing his weak palms against the butler's chest in an attempt to get him to stop.
The demon's eyes flashed for a brief moment, before he stood – releasing Ciel. "Forgive me, bocchan." He smiled, making a show of adjusting his black tie slightly. "You seem to have an unnatural ability to raze my composure. It's an unconsciously tempting and deadly fault of yours. We must try to work on it, hm?" He mused; as if it were the child's OWN fault that he was so attracted to him. Confidently walking away from the large bed with his flawless posture, Sebastian spoke again, "I will come for you when your breakfast is ready." He said, taking a moment to stop and bow back to Ciel from the door – before slipping out it.
Ciel shuddered and slowly stood from the side of his bed.
It was times like these when the boy began to wonder what he'd really gotten himself into. Sebastian had been so considerate and soothing to him when they had first met. He comforted him, he protected him, and he gently encouraged him. But since making their contract – Ciel noticed that comfort and protection… had morphed into a sense of ownership and possession.
It was a bit unnerving and incredibly confusing to the eight year old.
Especially at times like these; needless to say, this was not the first morning Ciel had been at the mercy of his butler's tongue and lips. Of course the demon was never able to get too far, before Ciel's naïve fear got the best of him, and he pulled away.
Sebastian never seemed angry about Ciel's reluctance. In fact, if anything, it seemed to amuse him all the more. He was used to the routine: Ciel would timidly reject a brief advance in the morning… then, Sebastian would spend the day with his master, offering small tokens of affection and trust… before attempting, once again, to taste the child's skin or lips.
He just didn't understand. Ciel was treading on unstable ground: ground that was not meant to be tread on by children who were only eight. And yet here he was – bound to a demon by contract, ignored by his parents, and forced to adjust and grow up faster than others his age.
"Breakfast is ready, my lord."
Sebastian's sudden voice caused Ciel to jump. He looked over toward the door and noticed his butler was calmly standing there. How long had he been lost in his thoughts? Slipping off the side of the bed, Ciel tried to hold his head high as he grabbed his eye patch and headed toward the door. Sebastian knelt down to his level expectantly, and took the patch from the child's small hand. With soothing, nimble fingers, Sebastian carefully tied the patch onto his master's head – successfully covering his contracted eye.
Placing his fingers beneath Ciel's chin, Sebastian smirked and tilted the boy's head up higher. "Remember, bocchan. Keep your head high. You are a Phantomhive descendant… and falter against no one. Not even your parents." He reminded him in a deep, lulling voice.
Over the past year, Sebastian had been coaching Ciel's confidence from its shaky depths. The abuse from his parents had certainly done a number on the boy, but it was the strength that lied beneath which intrigued Sebastian so. He had seen glimpses of Ciel's true potential, and it made his mouth simply water. He knew it was dangerous to tease Ciel - to give into his desires and occasionally try and taste the child's skin, or hold him a bit longer than usual…
But the boy was so hard to resist.
Sebastian had never been so attracted to a soul before.
In his mind, this was a game, and he was curious to see how far Ciel would let him go; day-by-day, year-by-year, caress after tempting caress. He knew it was considered 'wrong' by all human social standards to desire someone so young and pure, so to speak. But he was a demon; unbound and unaffected by society's rules.
Adjusting the small bow around Ciel's neck, Sebastian smiled and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder – ushering him out of the room. Ciel followed, but soon, was walking down the mansion corridors and leading the way with his dutiful butler trailing closely behind.
While the day had progressed as planned (from meals to lessons, then free recreational reading), Ciel was summoned yet again to his father's study a few hours after dinner. The eight-year old had hoped that Sebastian might be present to offer him that nudge of encouragement… but his mother Rachel had ventured into London for the evening to do pick up her newest gown from the seamstress, and Sebastian was ordered to accompany her.
So when Ciel dragged himself back to his room after enduring his father's favorite riding crop – the boy simply lay on his bed, desperately trying to ignore the pain oozing from his back.
Resting his head on his arms, Ciel could feel his tormented tears still stinging his eyes, while some rolling out from beneath his patch. He was heartbroken of course – but with each passing assault, Ciel was finding his inner anger.
His resentment toward his parents was definitely growing.
Closing his good eye, the child tried to project himself to a happier memory. He remembered being watched by his Aunt one evening when he was smaller. His parents were attending some sort of prestigious ball and were not permitted to bring their child along. So his aunt had come to their estate to watch over her nephew. Ciel remembered a particular lullaby that she'd sung to him to help him fall asleep.
Of course it had been so long ago that he couldn't remember any of the words… just the tune. Hugging the pillow that was beneath him, Ciel shifted uncomfortably as the blood on his back began to dry and cake amidst the crop wounds.
Taking in a shaky breath, the child began to hum to himself: "Hmmm mmm-hmm mmm hmmm-hmmm-hmmm…" His voice was soft, gentle and perfectly pitched. It might seem like a futile effort; one might even question why the boy didn't seek out Tanaka's help, or try to clean off his back himself. But Ciel knew there was nothing he could do (at least, nothing he could do well), so he tried to comfort himself in the only way he knew how.
He projected himself to an earlier memory. Humming that lullaby had gotten him through many difficult times before Sebastian came along. But Sebastian wasn't here right now.
Or so he thought.
But suddenly, gentle hands began to caress his wounded back; he could feel a damp cloth, indicating his butler was probably cleaning him off. "Keep humming, bocchan," A deep voice whispered.
Ciel shuddered uncomfortably, but continued humming the hauntingly familiar lullaby over and over. His eyes drifted closed as he began to relax with the feeling of Sebastian's hands tending to his injuries. Soon, the boy's humming subsided as he successfully lulled himself to sleep.
Now if he had remained awake… the boy might have taken notice that the hands tending to him did not belong to Sebastian, but rather, a second demon.
The impeccably groomed demon sat on the bed beside the sleeping child; running his eyes over his small, vulnerable form. He had been a bit surprised that the child hadn't caught on to the small, tonal differences between his voice and Sebastian's… but it obviously worked in his favor. Placing a long finger on Ciel's tiny back, Claude began to trace small patterns on the exposed skin that peeked out from the bandages he'd just applied to his wounds.
'So soft… so unsuspecting…' He thought huskily to himself. The amber-eyed demon watched the boy's back rise up and down with each slow, deep breath, indicating how deeply his slumber had overpowered him.
Moving his hand from Ciel's back, Claude threaded his spider-like fingers into the soft, velvety mop of hair atop his head. He bit back a small, pleased moan. How Sebastian managed to find and sway such desirable souls before HIM was frustrating, to say the least. He could feel Ciel's inner strength and purity pulsing with every beat of his heart, attempting to overcome the darkness he felt from years of abuse. Licking his lips, Claude slid his hand from the top of the boy's head, and moved to brush some of the hair away from his pale, slender nape.
Leaning down, the demon brushed his lips against Ciel's neck – emitting what sounded like a distorted, but satisfied, 'purr' from the back of his throat. Just as his tongue was beginning to peek past his lips in the hopes of tasting that smooth, alluring skin… a strong hand threaded itself into Claude's black-violet locks, and tugged his head back.
The demon lazily turned his gaze up toward Sebastian – who now stood behind him, eyes ablaze with an emotion familiar and common to demons of all shapes and sizes.
Possessive jealousy.
"If a spider creeps into my master's room… I am at full liberty to exterminate it." Sebastian snarled calmly. "And yet… here you are."
Claude's poised form slowly slid away from the tiny form on the bed, and stood. He adjusted his clothing slightly as Sebastian slowly released his hold on his hair. "Come now, Sebastian. The boy was wounded. You were unavailable, so…" A devilishly taunting smirk grew on his lips, "I took your place."
"You could never take my place." Sebastian grinned back with a small scoff. He shifted his body between the bed his master occupied, and the rival demon that had snuck into his territory. "There's no point in lamenting over a lost prize. He is bound to me now." He purred. To prove it, Sebastian bit down on the finger of his glove, and removed the article of clothing with his teeth – to proudly display his Faustian mark.
But Claude didn't seem upset, or entirely bothered by the fact. "That mark means very little to me." He announced, adjusting his glasses on the edge of his nose. "If I wanted your master now, I would simply tear your arm off, and commandeer that contract for myself." Taking a step, Claude slowly turned his back on Sebastian and began to head toward the door. "No, Sebastian. I will return one day before your four-year contract is complete: no earlier, and no later. It is then that I will usurp your delectable prize." He mused, as a confident smile grew on his lips.
At this declaration, Sebastian's confidence faltered for a brief second. His eyes narrowed toward the retreating demon as he paused at the door.
"I shall eagerly await that day. It will not be the first time you've given me a chance to humiliate you. It's overdue." He responded with a malicious, arrogant smirk.
Claude's body tensed just for a second, before he disappeared out the door and into the surrounding darkness.
Releasing a heavy, irritated sigh, Sebastian turned back to look at Ciel. He was still sleeping heavily; luckily the conversation between the two demons hadn't jolted him awake. Lifting the child in his arms carefully, the butler adjusted Ciel so he was lying properly on his bed – though still on his stomach, so as not to cause further pain to his back.
As his eyes drifted over the bandages Claude had placed on Ciel's back – Sebastian's mind drifted to the task at hand. He HATED others touching his property; be it Claude, or even Vincent Phantomhive – who technically had every right to touch his own child. But with each strike the head of the household delivered onto his son… he was marring Sebastian's perfect master. He didn't want the boy to have any scars physically; he wanted him to remain fragile, helpless, and perfect.
Spending those long hours with Rachel as she picked up her newest tailored gown from the seamstress only made Sebastian's distaste for Ciel's parents rise. It didn't help that Rachel had repeatedly flirted and thrown herself at Sebastian in the carriage… though he made no response to her advances. He bore a striking resemblance to Vincent, which is apparently what was driving her lust toward the new butler.
When they returned, Sebastian was amused to see Rachel taking out her 'rejected frustration' on her husband, who was equally as pathetic in his usual, drunken stupor.
He was well aware that Vincent's drunken behavior often compelled him to beat his son – so Sebastian had left the feuding, dysfunctional couple in search of his wounded master. He definitely had not been expecting to slip into Ciel's room to see Claude looming over his young prize – tongue inches from sampling skin reserved for HIM alone. No. He would not allow anyone else to taste Ciel; the boy was too addicting and tempting. If Claude was already interested in the young Earl, Sebastian could only imagining how desperate his determination could get if he got a taste of him.
Rachel awoke with a gasp the next morning.
It took her a few minutes to realize that she was not actually exposed to the horrors of her dream. Touching her brow with the back of her hand, Lady Phantomhive took a few deep breaths and began to calm down.
"Rachel?" Vincent muttered, slowly getting out of bed himself. "What is it?" He asked.
The young woman shook her head, "Nothing… just a nightmare." She breathed, smiling nervously.
"Mmm." Her husband grumbled as he headed toward the large antique cabinet to fetch his clothes for the day.
The Phantomhives began to ready themselves for the start of a new day; Tanaka arrived shortly after they were dressed to call them to breakfast. Rachel soon disappeared downstairs, while Vincent lingered behind to glance at a new book he planned to start as soon as his work for the day was finished.
Finally emerging from their master bedroom, Vincent began to make his way down the hall. But as he turned the corner, a small body bumped right into his long legs. Knowing it was his young son - he growled and pushed Ciel back – causing the child to tumble onto the ground.
"Ciel, don't run in th—" Vincent began to scold harshly, but he was interrupted when his son let out a piercing wail of pain. It made Vincent perk up with its sheer volume and pitch. For a brief moment, he actually panicked.
What if he accidentally had broke one of the child's bones? He hadn't pushed him away THAT hard, had he?
As Ciel continued to cry, face buried into the plush throw rug – his father noticed he was trembling and stiff. The boy's small tail coat had rode up a bit, and Vincent couldn't help but notice something lingering beneath his clothes. Kneeling down, Vincent grasped the edge of Ceil's coat and shirt, and lifted it up more so he could see what was covering his skin.
Bandages?
Vincent found himself thoroughly confused for a few minutes – before the memories of last night came flooding back to his mind. He had beaten Ciel with his riding crop. It wasn't the first time, either… but most of the time, Vincent repressed those memories and held himself strong. For some reason, however… this sighting of abuse struck him a bit harder, perhaps because he'd never seen the extent of his damage on Ciel before. The bandages were mostly white, though since landing on his back, some blood had begun to poke back through.
"Who bandaged you?" Vincent asked in a low voice.
His son still lay on the ground, clutching to the carpet beneath him. "S-Seb… astian…" Ciel answered in a pained voice.
Vincent didn't know what to say. He was always so hard on his son, and yes, part of him still did blame and dislike Ciel because of the grief he'd placed on his beloved Rachel. But something struck a small chord in Vincent's heart when he learned that the Phantomhive butlers had been tending to his child.
It was kind of immature: to think that after the beatings he would give his son, Ciel would just 'magically' heal. Vincent wondered how many long hours his little son had spent crying in pain, or wincing as the butlers tended to him. He wondered how his son could be so strong – to almost never portray his pain or hurt to them. He hid it well.
Yes, for the first time in years… Vincent Phantomhive felt a small, swell of regret for the treatment his son had to endure.
Reaching down, Vincent displayed a rare act of kindness, and gently hoisted his son back onto his feet. He crouched in front of Ciel, and held the boy lightly in his arms – as he wiped away a few of his tears with his large hand.
"Ciel," His father soothed - in a warmest tone that Ciel had heard in years. "I'm sorry."
The child's one, exposed blue eye looked up into the familiar face of the man who used to love him and take care of him… stunned. His father was apologizing? His father was helping him up and wiping his tears? He couldn't believe it. As much as Ciel hated his parents… it was moments like this he longed to get back to. He wanted his father to look at him this way… the way he always used to before tragedy struck their family by his hand.
Now that he was once again face-to-face with his father, Ciel noticed for the first time how much Sebastian looked like him. They were strikingly similar, with the exception of their eye color.
Ciel figured he must have been standing there with his mouth trembling open for a few minutes, before slowly his father pulled him into a hug; careful to mind his back wounds. Snapped back into reality with that gesture, Ciel wrapped his small arms around his father's neck, and savored the contact while he could.
But the father and son were not alone.
Standing still and unnoticed a little further down the hall – Sebastian's ruby eyes were flared to a slightly brighter (and more threatening) tone. His teeth were clenched and his body was tense.
Mine.
This brief, rare reunion of father and son was not going to do him any favors.
Mine.
If he wanted to keep the boy himself, he NEEDED Ciel to be one hundred percent behind their contract. Moments like this would only deter him, and make the child second-guess his decision.
Of course, even if Ciel reneged on the contract, he would still get to devour his soul. But he didn't WANT a soul that was loved and thankful. They were so bland; so common. No, he wanted the boy who wanted revenge. He wanted the boy who was still so innocent and naïve on the inside, while displayed an unnatural strength and determination on the outside.
Mine.
"Come, Ciel." Vincent said, pulling away from his child and standing up. "We are late for breakfast."
The boy nodded, and let out one last quick breath. He'd composed himself again, and the brief interaction with his father had helped. As young as he was, Ciel was aware that Vincent would probably go back to mistreating him within the next couple of hours… but that small gesture was unexpected.
Arriving in the grand dining room, the family was served breakfast by Tanaka. As Ciel expected, his parents reverted back to giving him cold stares and snide comments.
When the meal ended, Sebastian was waiting for Ciel at the doorway of the dining room to begin their lessons for the day. "Come, young master. I will check your bandages before we begin your lessons." He smiled, bowing to the boy before he followed him down the hall toward his room. He couldn't help but notice the small smile on Ciel's lips as they walked; he was no doubt thinking about Vincent's brief token of affection.
'I must remedy that…' Sebastian thought angrily to himself.
Shutting the door behind him, Sebastian carefully eyed the child as he walked over to his grand bed, and lay down face first. The demon stalked toward him slowly and quietly, before taking a seat on the edge of the bed beside his small back. Lifting the boy's shirt and coat, the butler exposed the bandaged area – and gently began to run his fingers along them.
"I saw you in the comforting embrace of your father, bocchan," He began; sarcasm slightly dripping from the use of the word 'comforting'… but the child didn't seem to catch it.
Ciel just rested his arms beneath his chin. "Yes. He accidentally knocked me over… and then… hugged me." He explained.
"He didn't 'accidentally' knock you over, bocchan," Sebastian corrected the boy, like he was already in a lesson. "He did it on purpose. It was only when he saw the extent of his damage from the other night – that he made a move to embrace you."
The ashen-haired boy frowned a bit, "So…" He muttered quietly.
Sebastian caught the small word, and couldn't help but glare at the back of the boy's head. Leaning over the child, Sebastian began to put more weight on his hands and body – so he was putting more and more pressure on Ciel's wounds. He saw the child visibly wince and begin to tremble… though he appeared to be holding back his discomfort. Or at least, trying to.
'So proud, my bocchan,' Sebastian mused internally.
"I don't think it's wise to forget our goal, bocchan," He began to explain aloud; his fingers putting more and more pressure on Ciel's bandaged back. "Your parents have made you suffer for the past four and a half years. You cannot allow yourself to get sidetracked because the man who dares call himself your father offers you a brief, token of affection." He purred into the child's ear. Ciel whimpered as Sebastian continued, "This is about more than affection, bocchan. This is about pride – and regaining control of your own life."
'…If only for a day, before I claim said-life.' He added mentally with a wicked smirk.
"They hate you. They despise you, and they will not stop until they break you." Sebastian said darkly, pressing on a particularly sensitive whip cut on the boy's back – which erupted a small cry past his lips. "You must not let them, young master. By beginning to trust your father again after a simple 'hug'… you are putting yourself in more danger. They will continue to humiliate you, and make you weak. Disregard their emotional and psychological warfare, bocchan. Remember why you hate them."
Ciel had tears springing from his clenched eyes, "S-Sebastian!" He cried out as the weight on his back became significantly heavier.
Then suddenly, it was gone.
"Oh… I'm terribly sorry, bocchan." The demon purred in a falsely apologetic tone. "I did not mean to hurt you. I've finished inspecting your bandages, and they're fine." He smiled, reaching down and hoisting Ciel into his arms. Placing the child in his lap, Sebastian's ruby colored eyes trailed over his flushed face. Ciel wasn't crying, but he was wiping away the tears that had tumbled down his cheeks from the pain.
Encompassing his arms around Ciel, Sebastian drew the young boy to his chest. "If you ever need comfort, bocchan… you need only come to me." He lulled in a seductive tone. "I am all you have. And you are all I have. I will always be here for you."
Lies.
Still, Ciel wrapped his tiny arms around Sebastian's neck and relaxed into the hug. The day had only just begun, and already, he'd had two people hurt his already tender and sore back… and both were seemingly 'on accident'. As he sat straddling Sebastian's lap, Ciel's head rested on the demon's broad shoulder – while the older man tenderly held him.
"Come." Sebastian said finally, lifting Ciel in his arms with great ease as he stood. "We must begin your lessons." He smiled, nestling his nose into Ciel's soft temple before he set him down, and escorted him out of the room.
The tall, shadowed figure stood… staring down at the boy while he slept.
It was so wrong on so many levels.
It was disgusting. It was low. It was inhumane. It was cold, and uncalled for. It was unprecedented, and against the rules. It was, in every sense of the word: evil.
But Sebastian had something within his grasp… something he actually wanted.
And he was not about to let it slip away.
It had been a bold move to flare up the child's injury, in order to make his point – and create a devastating sense-memory for him. The demon didn't WANT the father and son to reconnect, and seeing Vincent falter toward his recovering child had the potential of ruining Ciel's dependence on Sebastian himself.
He wanted, no, NEEDED the young boy to trust him and only him. He needed Ciel to depend on him, and be incapable of surviving without him.
If he had to play dirty to attain his prize, then he would. Sebastian felt no remorse for Vincent or his wife Rachel. They had lost a child, and it was tragic, yes… but that was no excuse for making your other, innocent child the bane of your existence. Ciel's inner frustration and vulnerability were just so desirable.
On nights like this, when the boy was sleeping without a care in the world… Sebastian found himself at the very edge of temptation. How he longed to claim those small, peach-petal lips… how he longed to touch his smooth skin… how he longed to drink the slow, savory flavor of his soul.
Kneeling by Ciel's bed, Sebastian leaned over and gently threaded his long fingers into the boy's velvety soft locks.
"You are mine, Ciel Phantomhive," He whispered huskily into the sleeping Earl's ear.
His tongue lightly slipped out of his mouth, and flicked the shell of Ciel's ear. The boy made a small noise in his sleep, and stirred slightly… but didn't wake.
"You must remember that." He purred, suppressing a content sigh at the scent of innocence flooding his nose.
Over the next several months, the husband and wife of the Phantomhive household began to get suspicious.
They were generally trusting and well-received individuals… but a growing number of strange coincidences and occurrences began to peak their paranoia. It began in small ways: the occasional cut from a knife or broken cup… a sliver, or stubbed appendage. Then it grew to include tripping, excessive arguing, illness, or a small tumble down the stairs.
Now physical accidents were becoming common, but not as common as the nightmares. Rachel had started having them first, but gradually her husband began to wake in the night in a dead sweat, just like her. They both played it off as nothing but stress – but in truth, the nightmares were nothing of the sort. They were terrifying; full of horrible, disfigured creatures, torture, humiliation, fear…
The couple considered 'staying up all night' as part of their routine about four times a week. The other three days permitted them a few hours of sleep… before waking up from another nightmare.
It was putting a serious strain on the pair and their relationship.
Of course, this resulted in Rachel and Vincent lashing out at Ciel even more. When they were just starting to loose sleep, they started to attack Ciel on a regular basis - emotionally, physically and mentally. Yet after the third week… their harassment of Ciel began to waver. For one thing, summoning the boy forward became an event in itself. Sometimes, Ciel wouldn't even show up… and at other times he would come sauntering in after making his parents wait for hours; a smug little look spread on his face.
Aside from being tardy to his own punishments, Ciel began to try and fight back at times. He would lash out, kick, slap, or even bite. His behavior would fend off his mother most of the time – but it only seemed to spur his father on, especially when he was drunk (which, consequently, was more often than not lately).
Soon enough, the problems the Phantomhives were experiencing in their personal lives began to leak into their business. Vincent began to slip in his work, and fall behind on important deals that were needed to keep the Funtom Company alive and well.
It really seemed to have a snowball effect; once one bad thing started to happen, another would follow.
"I'm telling you, Rachel…" Vincent said anxiously pacing in their bedroom. "We didn't experience any of this before. Things have gotten worse ever since Sebastian arrived."
Rachel rolled her eyes before rubbing them wearily. "You're talking nonsense, Vincent. We've just been having a rough patch. It has nothing to do with anyone but us. Things are bad, but they'll get better… they always do." She reassured them.
"Ciel's acting differently, too." He grumbled, seeming to ignore his wife's hollow words of comfort. "He's becoming much more disobedient. He spends far too much time with Sebastian…"
The head of the Phantomhive household was immediately sidetracked from his thoughts, when the slender hand of his wife struck him across the cheek. A resounding 'crack' was heard as skin met skin, and slowly, Vincent turned to look at her.
"That's. Enough. Vincent." She bit out worriedly. "You can't spout these insane theories around so freely. Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? Get yourself together… or god help me…" She threatened.
The man narrowed his eyes at his wife, before slowly moving around her and getting into bed. Rachel stood there and stared at the stubborn man for a few minutes, before she too, shifted around the bed and slid into it.
Neither would sleep tonight.
Another year.
Ciel was nine now, and had been interacting less and less with his parents at Sebastian's request. He really only saw them for meals, or the occasional beating if he was unable to avoid it. Other than that, Ciel found his days were occupied with lessons, tea, and of course… his dark knight, Sebastian.
His parents, on the other hand, had been getting worse and worse.
Vincent had become violently ill over the last few days, and the cause was still unknown. He initially thought it was food poisoning – but realized that no one else had gotten sick, AND it had been almost a week, and he was still under the weather.
He couldn't take it any more. He took as much medicine as possible, and had some of the best doctors in London come to see him. Their diagnosis was all the same: flu bug. But what kind of flu stuck with you for months?
"His behavior is coming increasingly worrisome, my lady," Sebastian explained with a feigned, concerned expression. "Might I have your permission to take the precautions needed to ensure that Lord Phantomhive does not endanger himself, or others?"
Rachel sighed and nodded as she sipped her tea in the conservatory. "Please do, Sebastian. I grow more and more worried about his condition each day. He has been sick for so long, that I believe the illness is beginning to play with his mind." She scoffed, shaking her head. "The other day, he swore to me that the paintings in our room were moving and whispering…"
"How tragic." Sebastian sighed – holding back a small, knowing smile that threatened to grace his lips.
He enjoyed toying with humans. They were such fascinating creatures, and each human had a different reaction to a similar circumstance. Leaning down, he grasped Rachel's hand delicately in his hand, and placed a small kiss on the back of it.
"Rest assured, my lady. I will make sure your husband is given the best treatment possible. I will do everything in my power to help him."
Rachel blushed and trailed her eyes over Sebastian's handsome face. "Thank you, Sebastian." She smiled.
A week of illness turned into a month… and a month quickly turned into two months.
Vincent had been cooped up in his room for the past two months. Each time he tried to leave, Sebastian would always be there to stop him. He would speak in that silky sweet voice of his, and remind Vincent that he was in no condition to be venturing outside of his bedroom. He had tried on a few occasions to sneak into the gardens for some fresh air, but Sebastian had prevented him again.
At one point, Vincent even tried to use force… and what he discovered was that Sebastian was super-humanly strong: stronger than he should be. He had allayed his fears and suspicions to Rachel later that night… but she brushed him off. She reminded Vincent that being sick, he was weak – so trying to move past Sebastian would be a futile task, since his strength would not have returned.
It seemed like a plausible rationale… despite the fact that Vincent knew he wasn't THAT weak. He still should have been able to get Sebastian out of his way.
On one particularly gray, overcast morning, Vincent was ready to snap. He had been trapped in his room for so long that the air was stale; it smelt of sick, warmth, and was almost so putrid it made him want to disable all his own senses just for some relief. Rachel wasn't staying in the master bedroom with him any more, for fear of contaminating himself. So he was alone for most of the time.
Heading over to the large windows, he pushed the curtains aside in the hopes of opening them – and relishing a fresh breeze from the outside world.
But his hopes were dashed when he saw iron bars blocking him from actually getting to that window. Panicked, Vincent rushed to the other window – only to find that they too were barred. Anger, fear and panic welled up inside him; he made a mad dash for the door in search of freedom… but all he was met with – was a butler.
Sebastian.
He was holding a tray of tea, and Rachel was standing slightly behind him – giving her husband an odd stare.
"Going somewhere, my lord?" Sebastian purred as he entered with Rachel behind him. "If you are in need to something, I would be happy to get it for you."
Vincent shook and trembled; he was so enraged. "Why are there BARS on my windows?" He snapped.
Rachel and Sebastian exchanged a quick glance, before Rachel stepped forward. "It's just a precaution, darling." She cooed, rubbing his arms. "You've been so… temperamental and… delusional lately. You're in no condition to be going outside, or doing any work of any kind. We're trying to help."
"This isn't helping." Vincent growled. "I've been cooped up in this room for the past TWO months! I'm going crazy! I haven't been outside; I'm being kept prisoner in my own home!"
Sebastian bowed slightly, "Forgive me, my lord, but the lady is correct. Your mind has been clouded by your lingering fever. Things are not always what they seem… and your ill state is undoubtedly causing you to think the worst." He soothed dutifully.
"S-Something's going on here…" Vincent spat weakly, starting to feel dizzy. His eyes met Sebastian's – only to see the butler staring at him with a small, content smirk. "Something isn't right." He exclaimed, before dropping to his knees, and wrenching into a nearby bedpan.
As he began to vomit, Rachel backed up toward the door – trembling as she watched her husband succumb to his illness once more.
"You should rest, my lord." Sebastian suggested, leaving the tray of tea and toast for Vincent, before he moved out of the room and ushered Rachel along with him. "I will return to check on you in a few hours."
Closing the door, Sebastian barely heard Vincent's choked yells of outrage and protest as he produced a key… and locked the door behind him.
Rachel wrung her hands together anxiously as she eyed the key, "Is… that really necessary?" She asked.
"Unfortunately, it is, my lady." Sebastian sighed, as if the subject was a dire one. "Your husband's fever is getting worse by the day. Did you not notice the crazed look in his eye? I am beginning to fear for your safety, and the safety of your son."
She nodded slowly, "I see." The woman stared at the door to her bedroom for a few minutes, before she gently touched Sebastian's arm. "I'm glad you're here, Sebastian. I cannot imagine what I would do if Vincent was in this state, and I was here alone."
"You are quite welcome, my lady," Sebastian purred – leaning down so his face was closer to hers. "Shall you take tea in the drawing room, this afternoon?"
Rachel blushed and shifted her eyes down, "That will do, Sebastian."
With a nod, she turned and disappeared down the hall. Sebastian watched her go – his devilish smirk growing more and more with each step she took. He knew Rachel would be the easiest to break; women always had a weaker will than men. For Sebastian, it was a simple matter of seducing them, before dismantling them.
His approach with Vincent had to be far more calculated. The man was smart, and seemingly, had already caught on to the fact that Sebastian 'might' have something to do with all this. Yes, he was seeing to it that Vincent stayed ill… and yes, he was seeing to it that Vincent wasn't permitted to go outside. Isolation could do wonderful and horrible things to the mind. He wanted the man to slowly crack – and keeping him locked away from the outside world in a fevered state would send him into a spiral of confusion, mistrust and madness.
It was incredibly twisted… but Sebastian was having an exceptionally good time.
And he had one little boy to thank - Ciel. It was because of him and his torment that he was permitted to play with his parents. He was giving Sebastian the opportunity to do what he did best: torture unworthy souls. He was dismantling them slowly and surely, and Sebastian was taking pleasure from every moment. They were so pathetic.
The thought of his beautiful master almost made Sebastian seek him out. Could he tell the child how wonderfully devious he was? Could he be honest, and tell Ciel that he was enjoying torturing his parents on his behalf?
Knowing his work was not yet complete, Sebastian quickly brewed the tea for Rachel – and headed off to the drawing room where he knew she would be waiting. Her husband was locked away in his room, and incapacitated for now. Sebastian just had to start breaking down HER will.
It may seem a bit fast… considering he still had two years remaining to complete the contract. But Sebastian was a sadistic bastard; he wanted Ciel's parents in a complete wreck before he took their lives.
Ciel was making a trip into the city with Tanaka today, so the butler wasn't really concerned about either of them being disturbed.
Setting the tea down, he noticed Rachel was standing near the rainy window with a small smile on her lips. "I need to confess something, Sebastian." She began in a low voice.
Perhaps she thought she was the one manipulating him – but Sebastian was steps ahead in this game.
"What is it, my lady?" He asked, playing along.
Rachel smirked and kept her eyes focused outside, "I am rather jealous of the bond you share with my son." She admitted. "The way you hold him, assist him, look at him so devotedly – while my own husband rots away in his room from some incurable illness. It isn't fair."
"Forgive me, my lady," Sebastian smirked as he approached her from behind. Wrapping his arms around Rachel's waist, he heard her intake a short breath. "Are you feeling neglected? If so, you know I am here to serve the Phantomhive household in any way that I can." Leaning forward, Sebastian's warm lips trailed down her neck. "Perhaps there is some way I can assist you."
Rachel didn't require any more coaxing. Turning around, she threw her arms around Sebastian's shoulders and kissed him hotly on the lips. The fact that the butler had rejected her once before during a carriage ride didn't seem to trigger any warning with Rachel - what mattered was that here and now, Sebastian seemed to want her.
Sebastian chuckled into the embrace, and roughly threw Rachel to the floor. She cried out in surprise, but moaned immediately after when the handsome, virile butler hiked up her dress and positioned himself between her legs. Rachel Phantomhive was not an unattractive woman; on the contrary, she was beautiful. But the demon knew he would never desire another woman, no matter how beautiful… not after meeting Ciel. Just thinking about how that child would soon be in his possession was turning him on more than it should. But, then again, that drive was allowing him to go through with his plan to break Rachel into submission.
His long fingers and hands quickly roamed around her legs; rubbing her thighs, pushing them farther apart while he snapped her garters. Rachel rolled her head back onto the throw rug they occupied – completely overtaken by the sensation of having a man touch her again with such energy.
"Sebastian…" She moaned out, gripping his face in her hands. She pressed their mouths together once more.
The demon growled, 'Ah, so she wants a kiss?' He thought bemusedly to himself. Pressing more of his weight on her, Sebastian began to claim her mouth with his tongue and teeth. In fact, the kiss was so intense that when he pulled back – Rachel had blood lingering in and around her mouth. But the woman was in a complete daze… and didn't seem to notice the damage his fangs had done.
Grabbing the front of her dress, Sebastian violently tugged it down as he began to bite and suck on her breasts with little to no care. This was purely carnal; it was strictly strategic. He would break her resolve, and if he was lucky, inflict a bit of pain on her as well. His lips and teeth found the soft skin of her neck again. And as he began to bite down and suck on the sensitive skin there – Rachel cried out again… only this time, her voice was laced in a bit more pain.
"S-Seb… astian…" She breathed out. "Not so r-rough…"
The butler ignored her, and quickly hoisted her legs up a bit higher as he ground his hips into the apex of her legs. She moaned (just like some common whore, Sebastian thought in the back of his mind) and tried to arch her body toward him in desperate need. Undoing his own pants, Sebastian quickly tore off the small, piece of delicate fabric that hid the woman from view – and thrust into her without any warning or preparation.
Rachel shrieked in absolute pain, and for a couple of moments, panic seemed to strike her. "S-Stop!" She cried out, gritting her teeth as tears streaked down her beautiful face from the agony of being violated in such a raw fashion.
"But this is what you wanted, my lady," Sebastian hissed vehemently into her ear. His thrusting increased in it's pace, and soon, Rachel's unbearable pain was replaced by pleasure when he began to hit that sweet spot inside her. Her nails clutched onto Sebastian's pristine, black coat, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his toned waist as he drove into her.
Sebastian dove his head down to once again bite and mar the flawless skin of her neck. He needed to leave visible signs… he needed Vincent to know in order for his plan to continue moving along.
Rachel climaxed rather quickly, and after a few more violent thrusts into her weak, exhausted body – Sebastian released as well.
However, a small noise caught the attention of both – and the two panting lovers looked over at the door, horrified to see a stunned, wide-eyed (and frozen) Ciel standing in the doorway of the drawing room.
Sebastian's eyes flickered for just a second, "Bocchan…" He muttered apologetically.
It was undoubtedly a scarring sight for a young boy. His butler was on top of his mother on the floor; her clothing was in disarray, her dress was hiked and pooled around her waist – while his butler was connected to her at the hips in a vulgar display. She had blood around her mouth and neck, while Sebastian just had some around his lips.
Ciel didn't know what to say or do.
"Get out, Ciel!" Rachel shrieked angrily when her senses came flooding back.
The child immediately winced at the harsh tone, and took off running down the hall. Sebastian quickly got to his feet, and composed his clothing again.
"Sebastian, where are you going?" Rachel asked.
But Sebastian didn't answer. The butler's demeanor seemed to change; he looked furious, unhappy, and almost borderline violent.
"S-Sebastian, you're not leaving! I command you to stay!" She yelled, beginning to panic more and more. Her son had seen her; would he tell his father?
The demonic servant still didn't give the flailing woman on the floor an answer. Instead, he left the room and quickly began to search the mansion for any sign of Ciel.
This wasn't good. The boy wasn't actually supposed to SEE him violating his mother. Sebastian had an indescribable desire to keep his methods hidden from Ciel; he didn't need to know HOW the demon was dismantling his parents… he just needed to see the end result. Something about Ciel catching him in such a position made his blood boil.
Children were impressionable, and he didn't want the boy to get the wrong idea.
As he approached Ciel's room, the mark on the back of his gloved hand began to throb with a dull heat. The child was close.
Slipping into his room, Sebastian gently closed and locked the door behind him. From outside, a small flash of lightning was seen, before a low, rumbling of thunder followed soon after. Apparently, Ciel and Tanaka had returned from the city in time before the storm.
"Bocchan?" Sebastian called gently; ruby eyes already intensely locked on his target.
Ciel was seated on the edge of his bed – his shoulders were hunched down a bit in what seemed like embarrassment (or perhaps disappointment). The nine year old kept his good eye glued to the floor.
"Bocchan." Sebastian called again, kneeling in front of the child – before taking his small hands into his larger ones comfortingly. "I'm sorry you had to see that." He sighed. "But I promise you… it was only done to further our cause. I will break your parents one year at a time, until our contract is up. It was not my intention to have you witness my most recent act of warfare… but what's done is done."
Ciel didn't answer, and he didn't look up. He looked so heartbroken. Sebastian wasn't used to facing such an odd reaction. It would have been so much easier if the boy had yelled at him, or hit him, or cried, or looked frightened. But no… instead, Ciel just sat there. He looked like a confused little animal, with his large eyes and small body.
"Bocchan?" Sebastian spoke cautiously, lifting his hands from Ciel's, in favor of cupping the boy's cheeks in his white gloves. "Do you forgive me, bocchan?" He asked silkily, nestling his nose against the smaller one of the child. "This is just a game. And we're winning." He encouraged lightly. "When the game is complete, you and I will still have each other. You're all I desire, bocchan. Please don't forget that." He reassured the boy.
Ciel nodded slowly, but still didn't speak.
There was a twinge of something in Sebastian's chest; it was an odd feeling, and one he didn't recognize. Regret? Not for the action itself, but for being caught by Ciel in said-action?
Lifting the stunned, silent boy up – Sebastian carefully put him to bed as the storm continued to rumble and flash outside. But when he was finished, Sebastian slipped off his black tailcoat and shoes, and slid into the large bed next to Ciel. His arms instantly wrapped around the boy, and pulled him up against the warmth of his chest.
"The storm tonight is a dangerous one, bocchan." The demon whispered in his ear. "I will stay here this evening."
He felt Ciel nod his head slowly, but remain as still as possible. The butler waited as patiently as he could – which turned out being about twenty-minutes – before Ciel gradually snuggled closer into his arms, and lifted his head to rest beneath Sebastian's chin.
He'd never felt so confused. He was conflicted, undoubtedly between being shocked and appalled at what he'd seen… and being jealous and concerned that he really was nothing more than a pawn to in this demon's demented games.
Of course who was responsible for opening the door for this demon? He was. Guilt was weighing heavily on Ciel's soul as his mind continued to replay the sight of him walking in on Sebastian and his mother.
"Don't… do things like that anymore…" Ciel whispered unhappily.
Sebastian closed his eyes as a small smile touched his lips, "Worry not, my lord. Such actions need only be done once. From this point on, the only person locked in my embrace will be you… my bocchan." He hummed in a husky tone against Ciel's small ear. The boy trembled, and instinctively clutched tighter to his demon as another rumble of thunder was heard from outside.
'That's it... clutch to me...' The demon purred internally, 'Depend on me, cling to me... forgive everything I might do... this is all in your name, dear Ciel...'
