A/N: nothing too specific or overly violent here. A lot of hinting and references. I do not post anything inappropriate for young readers on this site. HEART! To young readers! :D
If you want to read a slightly longer version, I highly recommend you check out my profile for a certain link to "An Archive of Our Own", (A03), for a slightly longer, slightly less vanilla version.
(BUT darlings, don't expect anything too graphic. It's not my style...just more detailed.) Otherwise, read on here!
Thank you to yougitsune'mei for the lovely detailed comment, promocat for your continued (unfailing!) support, BlackButlerFreak for the vote of confidence, and guests for your often amusing notes.
Part 3: The Punishment.
The students gather in droves. A public caning has the barbaric appeal of entertainment and school pride rolled into one; students can support the principal and satisfy their bloodlust all at once.
Ciel is hardly surprised by the numbers of them. He's known the depth of human depravity for more than two years now. He's more appalled at the faculty decision to make his punishment everyone's entertainment. It's too barbaric to bear thinking about.
When the Red House's warden comes to check with Sebastian, he finally edges into the crowd's line of sight. He holds his chin high—there's no alternative when his pride's been cut so low.
The wardens' heads are bent close together, and a few words are exchanged. Then, Sebastian takes a hesitant step forward, his face a mix of concern and stately displeasure. He is truly a fox amongst hens, but none seem to notice his disguise.
He holds a hand out, beckoning Ciel forward. He removes his glasses. In that moment, he is surely a devil in the flesh—his teeth glint as he opens his mouth to speak. "Young master," he breathes. "It is time."
All at once, the Deputy Principal Agares springs onto stage.
There is a loud thump as he trips over his feet, landing to rest just before the structure Ciel would soon be meant to lean upon. "Wardens…" he gasps, stumbling to his feet. "There has been a change…" he presses one hand to his forehead. "Ciel Phantomhive is to be paddled five times with this, not the cane…" he wheezes.
The Red Warden nods stiffly without saying anything.
Sebastian smiles. "Thank you for considering this accession." He bows, replaces the willowy cane, and accepts the paddle from the Deputy Principal. Finally, he takes a few steps forward, and moves to the appointed spot.
Ciel extends his hands for Sebastian to help him up a step, expecting Sebastian to be his loyal servant and butler even when he is about to humiliate him in front of his peers.
Ciel wonders if anyone can hear him, can see him well. The paddling is to take place in the space between lecture halls and a small platform that has been raised. On it, a few planks were nailed together for Ciel to lean against.
He takes one look at the gathered crowd from where they can see him, shoulders set, chin high. He bites his lip once, playing at their sympathy.
The rumor mill should have it out that I stole nothing. Even the P4 believe me—this won't…set back my plans. he swallows. I think. As he stands there, he realizes the golden haired boy to be his opponent, Maurice. He looks as smug as the king of a tiny empire.
Professor Michaelis, severe in his duty, is as grave as a specter. He gestures again, and instructs Ciel before the stand. "Drop your trousers, Mister Phantomhive, and rest your weight there."
Ciel's pink lips stand out against his pallor. He nods, and walks forward, unconsciously falling into an old routine.
Unlike that time and those men, Sebastian doesn't touch Ciel more than necessary. He brushes Ciel's skin lightly, and the flutter of fingers across gooseflesh, vaguely familiar to a hundred domestic scenes.
Here, bent over to reveal his bare skin, he remembers another day.
"—charged with theft—" the Red House warden is addressing the crowd. Ciel doesn't listen.
He remembers.
Dizzy with fear and nerves, he can feel hot kisses, rendered fowl and rotten with ill-intent. They are beasts on his memory, with their slobber and wanton cries.
"I will administer exactly five strikes, Master Phantomhive."
I will not give in.
One last look, and Ciel turns away.
Everything fades away into that time. His human tormenters are worse than demons, on him again, again. With cruel hands and—
—the first strike reverberates through his whole body. For a moment, there is no pain. Then, as Sebastian waits those few seconds to prepare again, the feeling returns in a rush. It stings, then smarts, then near burns. Ciel holds his breath.
it hurts.
Sebastian watches Ciel. He does not acknowledge when the boy glances his way, doesn't even offer a smile. He pushes his satisfaction aside—for he is pleased. What demon wouldn't be, to at last hold the chains? The devices of punishment? For satisfaction is primal and deep-seeded as pride can be.
Sebastian too remembers That night -the events that lie between them. It has been so long since Sebastian tasted regret this strong, pain so raw and yet so pale between them.
There is strength in him, too. Ciel Phantomhive, the boy child who would rule him. The boy whose soul is always in sight, but just out of reach…
Ahhh, such stubborn pride. Such dedication to finding his enemies.
Sebastian coolly administers another blow, the sound reverberates loudly in the room. "Nearly done, little master…" he murmurs.
The waiting is maddening. It's interspersed with pain. The burn of impact, like scolding of water, slowly spreads. Two more blows were administered swiftly and painfully.
Then, Sebastian is laughing. Chuckling, really, low and soft, so only Ciel can hear.
"Ah, but is it the last already?"
Ciel braces himself.
Instead of the cruel blow he expects, Sebastian's fingers—then his palm, stroke his shoulder. "It's over, young master." Is it his imagination, or is there affection in his tone?
Ciel straightens, and then rises unsteadily. His backside is a mass of soreness, and he turns awkwardly. The mass of students continue to stare, noting his pallor, the way he curls his stiff, white fingers. They see how he steps with care not to stretch.
In contrast, their faces are flushed, and their eyes bright. Maurice, especially. He near simpers, and nods in satisfaction.
Ciel turns away, and allows for Sebastian to drape his shirt across his shoulders. He seems frail under the weight, and walks unsteadily forward. He allows for a small shake, a change in his posture, and takes a small sigh, and gives a tiny smile.
He does not apologize. He simply walks away.
Sebastian, posing again as Professor Michaelis, puts a hand on Ciel's waist. "Please follow me back to the dormitories. I shall tend your wounds."
Ciel nods, and manages a short walk out of sight with little mishap. Sebastian steps back while Ciel refastens his trousers. Ciel winces when the material comes into contact with his tender bottom. When the eyes of his peers have left him, he raises his chin. "Take me back now, Sebastian," he orders.
With a widening smile, Sebastian obliges, taking the little earl into his arms.
A/N2:
So, this was fun. How did you like Sebastian in charge? :) Was Ciel good for you?
...next up...the "comfort" part of "hurt and comfort." It's my favorite part!
