Darkness Falls
Disclaimer : If Kuroshitsuji was mine then I wouldn't write this story.
Pairing : Mainly Sebastian x slightly older Ciel with some minor pairings on the side.
Summary : AU – When the business situation is getting bad, as the owner of DT Company, Sebastian makes a work contract with Ciel, the owner of Phantom Company. But soon their contract is no longer between businessmen, for Sebastian and Ciel have a secret of their own.
Warning : A slightly older Ciel is here. Lots of minor OCs, yet important characters will show up as the story goes along. Rating might go up for the angst and dark themes as the story progresses.
Beta'd by The Bad Nut
Rise of the Curtain
At what I see at that time, that place …
I know I supposedly to be afraid.
I know I supposedly to felt sick.
I know I supposedly to find it horrible, disgusting even.
But I did not, instead, another completely different feeling was born inside me.
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Sebastian had to say that Ciel Phantomhive looked really young, far younger than he expected. Was the boy really 16? He doubted it. But regardless of his young appearance, Sebastian could tell he was mature. His eyes -it was too bad the right one was covered by eye patch- were a beautiful deep blue, filled with determination and arrogance on the surface, but Sebastian could see deeper, and what he saw was a great amount of pain, grief, hatred, sorrow, and anger, hidden well but there. It only made his eyes more beautiful. Then, Sebastian detected something more from those beautiful eyes, something that even he did not understand; a very deep and strong feeling he had never seen before. Somehow, what he saw made him feel something strange within him.
Sebastian could sense certain darkness within Ciel Phantomhive, a darkness that was extremely deep. He must have experienced something that created that beautiful darkness within him. A smirk formed on Sebastian's face. He had used the word 'beautiful' for Ciel for the fourth time already, but it was a really fitting word. Ciel Phantomhive was beautiful creature indeed, not just on the outside but also on the inside.
When Ciel saw that smirk, his eyes narrowed. Sebastian could see the questioning in that eye. He replied with a widening of his smirk, and Ciel's eye narrowed more; 'glaring' might be a more fitting word. Ciel decided to end the silence quickly.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Sebastian." A polite normal greeting with a neutral tone.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ciel." But of course, manners were important.
"If I may ask, for what reason does the owner of DTC wish to see me?"
"Ah, a very to-the-point question. Are you always so serious, Mr. Ciel?"
"I'm sorry if it displeases you, but I believe time is not something to be wasted."
"Oh, that was very cold of you, Mr. Ciel." Ciel looked confused at that. "Your words, they could be interpreted as you saying that being here with me is wasting time," Sebastian continued.
A frown appeared on Ciel's face. "I didn't mean it like that, but I apologize if it sounded that way to you. We both are busy people, Mr. Sebastian. I just thought that we should not be spending our precious time on … insignificant talk."
Sebastian smiled at that. Insignificant talk, huh? The rumor that Ciel Phantomhive was not a social person was true after all. But Sebastian had other plans. "But right now, we are in a library, a place for someone to relax and read a book," said Sebastian as he eyed the book in Ciel's lap. The book was bound in black as well, and the front cover was placed face down; he couldn't see the title. Did Ciel do that on purpose so Sebastian wouldn't know what he was reading? "Spending some time for insignificant talk, as you call it, is acceptable after all. Business doesn't come first in a place like this, Mr. Ciel."
A flash of annoyance appeared in Ciel's eye, but it disappeared in a matter of seconds. "You are right, Mr. Sebastian, forgive me for rushing things."
But Sebastian had see that annoyed flash in Ciel's eyes, and it only made him more excited. "I believe we can spend time as much time as we want here, as Undertaker mentioned before, so why don't we get know each other first? I have nothing else scheduled for the day, do you, Mr. Ciel?"
Another flash of annoyance appeared, and Sebastian's smile got wider "But it seems like you have book to finish." When Sebastian saw that Ciel was going to answer him affirmatively, he quickly added "Yet, of course, our meeting is more important than finishing the book. Or is that book so interesting that you have to finish it immediately and can't wait until we finish our business here?"
Ciel closed his mouth before opening it again to say, "No, the book can wait," half-heartedly.
"Don't hold back on my account, Mr. Ciel. If you'd like to finish that book, I will respect your wishes. If it is truly interesting, why don't you share it with me?" Whatever Ciel's answer was, it was a win–win situation for Sebastian. They still were going to talk like Sebastian wanted to.
Ciel shook his head. "No, the book really can wait."
'Ah, it seems that what I thought before was true after all.' Sebastian thought. 'He hid the book's title on purpose. Whatever it was he read, he didn't want me to know.'
"If you say so, then I'd be glad to talk about many things with you, Mr. Ciel."
The frown was back on Ciel's face. He had realized that he was being trapped into a conversation with Sebastian.
"Do you mind if I ask you something, Mr. Ciel?"
Ciel's frown disappeared and he put the cold, arrogant mask back on. "Do ask, Mr. Sebastian. As you said before, we have a lot of time to spend here."
Sebastian could hear the unsaid, 'I'm stuck with you here'. It just made this situation much more enjoyable for him. "Many might already have asked you this, but how old are you, Mr. Ciel?"
From the light snort coming from Ciel, it seemed like that question had been asked far too many times. "I'm 16, Mr. Sebastian. I know I look young, but it's my real age."
Sebastian just smiled "Pardon me then, Mr. Ciel, but my sources say otherwise." This was a lie of course, since Reeve too had said Ciel was 16, but Sebastian's instincts told him that Ciel was not, and Sebastian trusted himself more. "I will not judge you by your age, Mr. Ciel. However, I have more respect for someone who does not tell me a lie on our first meeting. That does not leave a good impression at all."
Ciel glared at him again, and Sebastian just smiled back, but his eyes said he couldn't be fooled. Ciel averted his gaze to the fireplace for a second before he met Sebastian's eyes again. "I must admit that I did not tell you the truth, Mr. Sebastian. I'm actually 15. But I did not mean to tell a lie; it is just easier for me to … deal with most people when I say I'm 16. I myself do not understand why 1 year age difference can have so much influence. Because of that, it has become my habit to say that I'm 16 to the people I have just met. But still, you are right, Mr. Sebastian. I'm sorry if you feel offended because of it."
Sebastian smile was just getting wider. Other people would probably say something like 'I understand' or 'it doesn't matter' and feel sorry for him, but Sebastian knew better. A very smart answer indeed; Ciel did apologize, but he didn't admit that he was lying for his own purposes, instead using other people as his reason. Also, Ciel actually had not apologized for his attitude, but for the people that forced him to lie. Ciel had easily shifted his position from 'liar' to 'forced to not tell the truth'. He made himself look like a victim of society. Smart move.
But Sebastian was a player too. "It must be hard for you to lie about your age to every person you meet then, Mr. Ciel. But if I might make a suggestion: because of your achievement with the Phantom Company, your real age will not make much of a difference. Instead, I think many will respect you more. I myself would have more admiration for someone that is not ashamed of his real age. After all, age is something that increases every year. But of course, I can understand your uneasiness of people looking down on you since you are so young. Yet, then again, a good businessman would take that as an opportunity; nothing is easier than dealing with the people who underestimated you." A great player with words, he was. "I believe as the owner of Phantom Company, you should be aware of this fact… someone like you did not realize simple things like this?"
Ciel's glare spoke the unsaid words, and Sebastian could feel the sweetness of victory on his tongue. "Then again, if you are already aware of that, why would you still lie? Or are you …lying on purpose because you are ashamed of how young you are?"
Ciel's hand clenched into a fist. Once again, he was being trapped with Sebastian's wordplay. He was about to snap when his rationality kick back in. He already had lost twice. His further arguments would only bite him back doubled. So, Ciel closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself down. "You are right, Mr. Sebastian. I'm sorry for lying to you." Ciel finally admitted his lies.
Sebastian smile turn into a satisfied one. He did this on purpose in order to annoy Ciel more. Ciel was backing away from further arguments, and it was a very wise decision, but Sebastian wanted more. The game with Ciel Phantomhive had just started, yet it was already so much fun. Never before had an argument about a mere thing like age been this exciting. Today's game would be a very interesting one.
"Since you've already ask your questions, can I ask mine, Mr. Sebastian?"
"Please, by all means."
"I'm really curious, for what reason does the owner of DTC wish to see me?" Ciel was asking the same question as he had asked before.
Sebastian smile at that; as expected, Ciel might be backing away but he was not losing. Ciel was challenging him in his game. Avoiding the question like before would only make the matter seem unimportant, or worse, make Sebastian seem as if he were wasting Ciel's time for nothing, just like Ciel had said before. 1 – 2 for Ciel.
"I believe you are already aware of my reasons, Mr. Ciel."
"Do enlighten me, Mr. Sebastian. We were here to discuss, weren't we?"
Sebastian chuckled a little "Yes, let's get onto business, shall we?"
Half an hour later …
"So tell me, Mr. Sebastian. What makes you so sure that I will agree to what you offer me?"
"'So sure' is too high of a phrase to use. In business, I believe there is no such thing as an 'absolute' case. I just offer what I can offer to you."
"Then why are you talking to me in first place? I don't think you are a pessimistic person, or a just-say-it-and-leave-it-to-luck kind of person."
"I'm either of those kinds of people, Mr. Ciel. I'm just someone who believes in myself."
Ciel's eyebrow rose "Are you saying that you believe you can make me agree? What self confidence you have." A little amused smile was forming on his face. "Then, do persuade me, Mr. Sebastian."
Sebastian fished out a paper from his pocket. He opened it and showed it to Ciel. It caused the amused smile Ciel had just worn to be cast aside. Their eyes met.
"A market prediction, based on 3 possible scenarios. I see you've already done much of your part."
"As the owner of DTC Company, it's only natural for me to be able to do this kind of things."
Ciel only snorted at that, and took the paper from Sebastian's hand. He re-read it. "Interesting conclusion you have here."
"As you can see, Mr. Ciel, even in the best scenario, both of our companies are still at a disadvantage. The collaboration between these here companies will put our companies in a difficult situation. Let's face it; our companies' relationships with those three are far from good. They will definitely try to bring us down." Sebastian waited until Ciel met his eyes, then continued. "Since their main targets are the DTC Company and Phantom Company, the best solution is for us to work with each other to strengthen ourselves. Our collaboration will not only save us from a disadvantageous situation, but also put us at an advantage."
"Do you mean for us to counter attack and bring them down instead? There will be war; things will not be that easy. Not to mention this will shake the business and economic situation, maybe even on a worldwide scale."
Sebastian nodded. "It will be a fierce battle indeed; even one small mistake could be fatal. The world will make us their scapegoat. If we lose, we lose everything, but, if we win, a very high prize is waiting."
Ciel was silent for a moment, and then he took his half-filled glass from the table. "One question, Mr. Sebastian. What kind of games do you enjoy?"
Sebastian also took his glass, after pouring more wine in it. "I believe we have the same taste in games."
A satisfied smile formed on Ciel's face. "Cheers."
"Cheers."
They drank their wine.
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Upstairs, Undertaker was in middle of munching his bone-shaped cookies when the phone rang. He picked it up in one hand while the other held the cookie jar. "Undertaker here, did you want your own custom made coffin?"
Someone's voice was heard from the phone. Undertaker put his cookie jar down "I'm surprised you dare to call me," he said.
Undertaker's gaze shifted to the door that led him to the room with the secret passage. "Yes, both of them are here. Right now, they must be in the middle of a conversation."
The person on other side of the phone spoke again, and Undertaker shook his head. "No, no, no. You have no power over me to order me. If Mr. Sebastian pays me enough to open my mouth then I shall tell him whatever he wants to know."
Silence again, and then Undertaker chuckled. "I am not taking sides. I'm just someone who likes to watch as things progress. I think you have misunderstood things here. Mr. Ciel has paid me enough, not to shut me up but to use my … facilities as often as he needs."
Undertaker's chuckling turned into a laugh when he heard what the person was saying. "You have a short temper, don't you? If you have any problems, then talk with Mr. Ciel, not with me," he said. "I sell information to get more, that's why I'm selling my information only for those who can pay and for those who capture my interest. You have not taken my interest, nor can you pay." Undertaker hung up the phone and took his cookie jar back.
"I have no interest in someone who makes as big of mistakes as you are. You look down upon many people; you have no idea how stupid and fatal a mistake you made," he said as he stared at the phone. "Mr. Ciel is not someone you can manipulate so easily, and Mr. Sebastian is not an easy opponent either. My other colleagues, they are not stupid. They will do things in their own way," said Undertaker. "You'd better fix your mistake right away, or you will get nothing but your own destruction."
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"How soon you can give me the complete profile of your company?" asked Ciel.
"As soon as you can give me yours."
"I have to go to London for 3 days starting tomorrow, so this weekend I'll send it to you. Where should I send it?"
Sebastian shook his head. "No, that won't do."
"I can't do any faster; I have other business to take care of."
"It's not the time that I mind. But, I want us to meet to exchange the documents."
A frown shown on Ciel's face again. "I don't think exchanging the documents requires us to meet again."
"No, no sending. I don't want any person besides us touching those documents. They are far too important."
"I believe we each have trusted people to do the job."
"Is there any reason why you refuse to exchange those documents in person?"
Ciel fell silent before he let out a sigh. "Alright, this weekend. Same time, same place?"
"Don't you want to meet somewhere else?"
"Why not here? Here, it's safe, comfortable, and no one will expect us to have a meeting in Undertaker's basement. I like being here."
"How do you know Undertaker won't sell the information about our meetings here?"
"Then we buy that information first. Undertaker never sells the same information twice." Ciel then smirked. "Unless you can't pay the information's fee?"
Sebastian didn't react as Ciel wanted him to; he was merely calm and smiling. "Don't worry about that, Mr. Ciel. But that reminds me, may I ask another question?"
Ciel nodded.
"With what do you pay Undertaker for using this place constantly?"
"Why do you think I pay him with anything but his first-rate laugh?" Ciel questioned back.
"You didn't buy that information from Undertaker, Mr. Ciel." Another lie, he had never actually brought that information and Undertaker had never mentioned it. He just drew that conclusion with the hints he'd gotten, but Ciel didn't need to know that.
Another annoyed flash in Ciel's eye confirmed his conclusion. For a moment, Sebastian thought that Ciel would refuse to answer, but Ciel finally spoke. "With something that holds great value. Is that all you want to talk of? If our business is done here, can I have my private time back?"
"Are you chasing me away, Mr. Ciel?"
"Pardon my rudeness, but all you've payed to Undertaker was a fee to arrange our meeting. I'm the one who has rented this place from Undertaker. You can enter here because you are my guest, Mr. Sebastian." Ciel's voice was sharp, clear and arrogant.
Sebastian calmly put his finger on his chin in a thinking matter. "Hm, I think you are right, Mr. Ciel. Ah, well, I suppose since you're the one who has payed the fee for our meeting place, I owe you a dinner. After the public announcement of our company collaboration would be a good time."
Ciel gaped. How had his effort to drive Sebastian away turned into a dinner with him? But before Ciel could say anything, Sebastian rose from his seat and stood in front of him. Sebastian took Ciel's right hand and brought it up, Ciel staring in confusion. Surprise and shock were clear on Ciel's face when Sebastian kissed the back of his right hand. The kiss was soft, light and lasted only for a second or two.
Still holding Ciel's hand, Sebastian spoke, almost whispering with his honey-covered voice. "I'm looking forward to our next meting." He couldn't help but smile when Ciel, who was still at a loss for words, only nodded. He released the hand and walked towards the door.
"I-in case Undertaker hasn't told you yet, the lantern will automatically light up when you close the door from the outside, and to open the door upstairs, just do what Undertaker did to the cross," said Ciel, finally snapping from his shocked state as Sebastian opened the door and the darkness greeted him.
Sebastian's smile turned into a smirk as he caught the nervousness in Ciel's tone. Looks like his little kiss on the hand was greatly affecting the cold and arrogant boy. Sebastian stepped out of the room and closed the door.
When he couldn't hear Sebastian's footsteps anymore, Ciel put both of his hands in his lap as he released a deep, shaky breath. Then, he looked at the hand that Sebastian had kissed. The feel of Sebastian's kiss lingered; his skin was still tingling, his heart was still beating quickly. "Finally …" he whispered softly. "What I have been waiting for …" He touched the hand with his other. "My frozen time … has finally moved again …"
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Sebastian and Ciel's talk end for now. Fiuh, a chapter full of business talking was killing me. Take quite long time for me to finish this one, once more I ask myself why the hell did I use business world as the background? Thank you very much for reading and reviewing, I'm really glad when some review say they like how Sebastian and Ciel's meeting goes.
One more things, don't expected pure business theme in this story, I must tell you that it was not the case. There will be supernatural side in a good amount, but it doesn't mean I'll neglect the business part, it just … Kuroshitsuji without anything supernatural and mystery theme was not Kuroshitsuji. Well, for me anyway. But nonetheless, I hope you all keep on reading as the story goes.
Next : Companies collaboration, Ciel's musing, Undertaker's offer.
"Did you know the reason why Mr. Ciel keep coming back to my library, Mr. Sebastian?"
