AU: Thank you very much for all reviews, follows, and favs, they mean so much to me! :)
Shattered Apocalypse, thank you very much for beta-reading this chapter, you are a star!
With a soft sigh, Ciel's eyelids partially lifted. It took him a long moment to realize that his face was nuzzled in someone's warm neck, hiding away from everything, and that he was actually above the ground, being carried.
"Finally awake, my Master?" He heard a calm, melodic voice. "Right on time. We have just arrived."
"Seb…astian?" A semi-coherent murmur escaped his lips as he shifted slightly. A strand of the demon's hair brushed against his cheek, tickling it slightly. "I thought… I was dreaming," he murmured, letting his eyes close once again as he felt a blissful wave of calmness and security.
A chuckle. "You were not, Master, I assure you."
Ciel then felt the soft surface of covers as Sebastian lay him on a bed. He ran his hand over the sheet, touching the fabric and forced himself to open his eyes again and look around. It was just as he remembered…
The room was surrounded by the glow coming from the fireplace. The dark wooden floor, though very dusty, remained without any scratches, and the walls still had the same crimson color. Even the furniture… There was still jewelry and a hairbrush left on his mother's white dressing table with three mirrors; one large and two small ones. His parents' bedroom seemed just like it did years ago. If not for some dirt, one could have thought that time had stopped here.
"My Lord?" Sebastian's voice brought him back to reality. He looked at the demon standing close to the bed, almost hovering over him, his gaze slightly unfocused.
"Yes?" he muttered, his voice slightly slurred.
"Do you want me to call for a doctor or...?"
"No!" Ciel interrupted him desperately. He immediately seemed panicked as he raised himself on his elbows, trying to get up.
"As you wish, Master. I will tend to your injuries then," promised the demon, gently pushing at his shoulders and forcing him to lay back again.
Ciel nodded, licking his bottom lip nervously, tasting dried blood. He suddenly noticed that the stuffed rabbit he was still holding had been fixed; there was no hole in it anymore and it was clean, no longer bloodstained.
"Does your eye still hurt, Master?" Sebastian inquired and Ciel silently nodded once again. "Please, allow me to take a look at it." Without waiting for an answer, he titled Ciel's head a bit and used his finger to gently pry the eyelid open, examining the injury, which was now much less visible due to the contract mark.
"It's useless, isn't it?" mumbled Ciel without any emotion. "You weren't mistaken when you said it's permanently damaged, were you? I can't even see any shapes or colors with it…"
"Yes. I am very sorry, Master. But at least the bleeding has finally ceased," answered the demon, though Ciel was certain he was faking all the concern. After all, it was his duty, as a butler, to make sure of Ciel's wellbeing. He didn't care, though. It was enough for him. "However, I would not call it completely useless…" he added. "Now, it will always let me find you, and allow you to call me."
The demon finally let go and reached for something from the nightstand. Ciel noticed that he brought a bowl of water, a needle, a thread, some alcohol, a pair of scissors, gauze, a towel, and bandages.
"I'm… glad," replied Ciel quietly, not looking at him. He was a bit anxious now. Still, he preferred to have Sebastian take care of him, instead of some unknown doctor. He doubted that he could ever trust any doctor again.
"Master, I believe it would be best to cover the injured eye. It will heal faster this way. Is that okay with you?"
"Fine," Ciel murmured quietly.
The demon, holding a piece of white gauze in his hand, carefully set it in place, tying it over the boy's head so it wouldn't move and bother him. When he finished, Ciel rested his head against the pillow once again.
"I will have to put some ice on that one," Sebastian informed after a moment, as his fingers brushed the wound on Ciel's neck. Seeing Ciel's questioning gaze, he added. "To numb that area. You will need some stitches, my Lord; that cut is quite deep."
"Fine, do what you have to," the boy agreed, not having much choice. He shivered slightly when he felt the coldness spreading on his throat. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, though, because it was lessening the pain.
"You can relax, Master," said the demon, sensing the boy's nervousness. His tone was very calm, and somehow comforting. "Please, just rest now. I will not hurt you," he assured.
Ciel's body immediately responded, getting much less tense. He sighed, letting his head fall against the fluffy pillow once again and closing his eyes. Seconds later, he felt a wet material on his face, carefully wiping away the blood. A large bruise was on his cheek, left by Hawk was revealed.
When the demon finished with the first task, he reached for the alcohol, pouring some on the towel. "This may sting a bit, Young Master," he warned before gently dabbing at the injury on Ciel's neck. The boy hissed but tried his best not to move. When Sebastian was done cleaning the injury of dirt and debris, he began to sew the wound together, using the previously sanitized needle and an alcohol soaked thread. Ciel tried not to think about it when the demon precisely poked the needle through one piece of the skin, close to the cut and pulled the thread. For some reason, the thought of it was making him feel very weak. He fixated his gaze on the rabbit doll, trying to think about something else, afraid to pass out.
"Almost done, Master," assured Sebastian as he tied a knot at the end of the thread, making it as tight as possible to help keep the stitching together. He quickly reached for the scissors and cut the remainder of the thread above the knot. "There," he murmured, looking at his work, clearly satisfied with the result. After grasping the wet towel again and carefully cleaning away some remaining blood from the neck, the demon bandaged it. "Is the pain worse again?" he inquired suddenly, looking at the boy's face. "You are awfully pale."
"I'm fine," answered Ciel, his voice slightly annoyed now. He didn't want to admit to his weakness.
Sebastian didn't comment. "Can you pull the covers down a little bit, Master? I need to take care of that chest injury. Even though it's almost completely closed up now, I wouldn't want it to get infected," he said.
Ciel complied, though it was obvious that he was uncomfortable. Still, without saying anything, he let the demon clean the wound with alcohol and water.
"Let me help you sit up for a moment, my Lord, I have to bandage that, as well," murmured Sebastian.
Ciel let him do as he pleased. His gaze was fixated on the water in the bowl, which was now dark pink, almost red.
"All done," announced Sebastian. "I found you a nightshirt," he added, and out of nowhere, produced a white shirt. He effortlessly – as if he'd been doing it for his whole lifetime – dressed Ciel, and to his surprise, the shirt was still a little bit oversized on the boy's body. It really seemed that he hadn't grown much. "I suppose the bath can wait for tomorrow," he spoke, making him lay down again and covering him with a warm, cozy blanket. "I will quickly prepare you something to eat and-"
Ciel didn't let him finish. "There's no food here," he mumbled, clearly displeased that the demon didn't think of something so ridiculously logical. "Nobody has been in this house for years."
Sebastian chuckled. "I have picked up fresh food on our way there. Surely I would not expect my Master to eat rotten meals, which would make him ill."
"Impressive," replied Ciel dryly, clearly not meaning it. "But I don't want anything to eat today," he added, rolling to the side, his back turned to the demon. The mere thought of food made him want to gag… He still remembered being force-fed… Still, he would have to eat. Tomorrow. He brought the rabbit toy close to his chest, hugging it under the cover so the demon wouldn't see. "Bring me some water instead. I just… want to sleep," he murmured, clearly still exhausted.
"As you wish, my Lord."
The demon bowed his head slightly and left.
When Ciel's eyelid lifted, on cue the curtains were opened, exposing the snowy weather. He sighed, stretching like a cat.
"Good morning, Young Master," an enthusiastic voice spoke, and Ciel finally noticed Sebastian, standing close to his bed. "Are you feeling better today?"
"Mhm," answered Ciel, almost incoherent. He actually was a bit better… He wasn't in so much pain anymore, except for the occasional throbbing of his wounds, and he couldn't remember the last time he had slept so peacefully.
"Can I suggest a breakfast in bed, my Lord? You are still recovering and you should rest," said Sebastian, watching him.
"Okay," agreed Ciel, deep in thought.
There were so many things he had to take care of… He didn't know where to start. He had to begin the investigation regarding the death of his parents, contact the Queen, Lizzy, and his aunt, and he also needed to restore the company… He was getting a headache just thinking about it all. But he could do all this, he was sure of it.
He didn't even notice Sebastian entering the room, but suddenly there was a wheeled silver trolley by his bed, a cup of tea and a large bowl of oatmeal on it.
"For today's breakfast, I have prepared freshly made oatmeal with applesauce and cinnamon. It is light on the stomach yet very nutritional," the butler explained.
Ciel sat up and dangled his legs over the side of the bed before sampling the food with a silver spoon. He grimaced and in one swift movement threw the bowl against the wall. The meal splattered everywhere, and much of it stained Sebastian's uniform.
"This is disgusting," Ciel commented harshly. "What the hell did you put in-" he broke off, shaking his head. "I don't even want to know. Clean it up and bring me something else."
"My apologies, Master," replied Sebastian emotionlessly. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Ciel drinking.
The other meal had been approved by Ciel. With his plush rabbit placed on the shelf, close to him, he sat in a bathtub filled with blissfully warm water. At first he was a bit anxious, because for the last two years, a bathing experience usually wasn't a very pleasant one. He shivered, thinking of the treatments; hours of being painfully restrained, submerged in the ice cold water and getting almost drowned by the orderlies. In addition, before he got used to it, he found it slightly uncomfortable to be naked around Sebastian, but he convinced himself that it was his butler, after all, and that's what butlers did. Not to mention the fact that Sebastian wasn't even human to begin with. There was nothing to be afraid of. He was a demon; he wouldn't even be interested in a meal in that sense, not like them.
He sighed dreamily and leaned forward a bit, letting his head rest on his arms, folded over the side of the tub, now completely relaxed. It felt good, with the warmth surrounding him and the peaceful silence (except for the occasional sounds of splashing water), as Sebastian gently cleaned his body of the blood and dirt with a washcloth.
"Sebastian," he murmured suddenly, his voice a bit sleepy. "Contact Angelina Durless and the Midfords. I will tell you where you can find them… Also, try to find Tanaka's whereabouts... I want you to invite them all here as soon as possible," he murmured.
"Yes, my Lord," answered simply the demon, continuing with the task.
Ciel couldn't help but squirm anxiously when the butler began to wash his private areas. He didn't speak for the remaining duration of the bath.
It'd been a while since Sebastian left. Ciel, not wanting to waste any time, had begun the work on bringing back the company. He was sitting at his desk, filled with papers and sketches. Currently, he was making projects for the new series of toys: a happy Rabbit Family. At least, he had drawing skills and a big imagination, so it wasn't that hard for him. Still, he was exhausted; one night of sleep couldn't compensate for everything that had happened. Not to mention the injuries and the fact that he still couldn't get used to being part blind.
The door suddenly opened and Sebastian walked in. Ciel was surprised at how quickly the demon completed his order.
"Master, you were supposed to be resting," Sebastian commented, looking a bit displeased. "You are not well enough to-"
Ciel interrupted him. "Shut up. How did it go?" he murmured, resting his elbows on the desk. "When are they visiting?"
The butler looked at him for a second before answering.
"I am afraid they will not be visiting, Master," he said, his eyes on Ciel, observing his reaction. Before Ciel had a chance to scowl him for the lack of explanation, the demon spoke again. "They are all dead."
Ciel paled, one large, blue eye widened slightly. It took him a long moment to comprehend what Sebastian said. His breathing got slightly erratic and his hand grasped the desk, nails clawing into the wood furiously.
"How?" he whispered shakily.
"Murder," replied Sebastian. "The killer was never found. All the murders happened two years ago, in the same week. The cause of death was blood loss. All of them had their throats slit," he recited.
"Even… Elizabeth?" Ciel muttered, not looking at him, clearly deep in thought.
"Yes. The whole Midfords family."
Ciel's eyes narrowed, his palms trembled slightly. "Bastards!" he growled, tone of the voice filled with hatred. He couldn't stop himself, grasping the first thing he could see, an empty glass flower vase and threw it across the room, shattering it.
"Master, I know that the news upsets you, but you shouldn't overexert yourself, because-" Sebastian tried to say, but Ciel didn't let him finish the sentence.
"Upset me!" Ciel chuckled humorlessly. "They angered me, that's all," he hissed viciously as he grabbed one of the sketches he made earlier and ripped it to shreds. "I cannot get upset! Do you think I would cry over their corpses, demon?" he laughed hysterically, as a trail of blood began to run down his chin, having bitten his bottom lip too hard. "Answer me!"
Sebastian's gaze was fixated on the mess the young Phantomhive had made.
"No, my Lord," he responded emotionlessly.
"Liar!" accused the boy, as he began to destroy another sketch, this time, the one that portrayed the smallest rabbit of the Rabbit Family. "I wouldn't cry, I will never cry again because such feelings are useless and only make people weak!" he shouted, his breathing getting more ragged with every second. "Without my hatred, there would be nothing left of me, I don't feel anything else anymore!" He grabbed something from the shelf. "Get the hell out of here and leave me alone!"
Sebastian nodded his head slightly and complied with the order. He left just in time, before a porcelain angel figure could hit him.
About ten minutes passed, and the sound of objects being damaged subsided. However, after hearing a suspiciously loud thump, he entered the room again. After all, his Master did not specify when could he come back. The room… was a complete mess. Many things were broken, shattered pieces lay everywhere. It was such a pity that he'd already cleaned up the room in the morning.
Sebastian immediately spotted Ciel, lay on the floor. The boy was even paler than earlier, his breathing erratic and unnaturally loud. He was coughing as well, and it was clear that he was having trouble getting air into his lungs.
The demon quickly approached Ciel, crouching down right next to him. He appeared slightly alarmed, unsure of what to do. He gently touched Ciel's shoulder, trying to get his attention.
"Master, what can I do to help?" he inquired, his voice lacking its usual demeanor and calm. "Shall I get you to the doctor?"
"N-nhnn…no," Ciel finally managed to say, gasping for breath. He was getting dizzy from the lack of air. "Will be… f-fine," he wheezed, almost choking. "Just… asthma," he coughed again.
He felt extreme anxiety and panic. It was always like that during his asthma attacks. He absolutely loathed them. He hated being so vulnerable. The chest pain and pressure were making everything worse.
"As you wish, my Lord. I will help you get more comfortable then," Sebastian said, now looking a bit more confident, before carefully lifting him off the floor. Ciel instinctively wrapped his arms around the demon's neck, fighting for every single breath.
"R-rabbit," whispered Ciel, barely audibly, before getting another violent fit of cough.
Sebastian, without unnecessary comments, picked the rabbit from the desk, giving it to the boy.
"Master, did I not tell you not to overexert yourself?" he lectured the boy, sighing softly. "Look how ill you have made yourself, even after you yourself insisted that that you would not be upset over mere corpses." He smirked.
Ciel gasped even harder upon hearing his words and in a matter of seconds, his hand blindly reached out and struck Sebastian's cheek, harshly slapping him. A red mark marred the pale skin.
"How… dare you?" he hissed viciously and tried to add something, but his body chose that moment to worsen his condition. Every breath seemed like the first one, almost like after having his head forced under the water's surface.
"Master, please do not do such things without warning me first. Otherwise, I might accidentally drop you," murmured Sebastian, clearly mocking him, his voice far too kind to be sincere.
Ciel wanted to silence him, but he wasn't able to utter a single word. His chest heaved with effort, nails unconsciously clawing into the Sebastian's neck.
The demon didn't wince, as if he wasn't even feeling it, and carried Ciel straight to bed. He lay Ciel on the side, figuring it might make it a bit easier to breathe in the position, and placed an additional pillow under his head, propping it up a bit.
"I… told you… to," rasped Ciel again, wheezing. He wanted to tell Sebastian to leave, still immensely angered at the disrespect showed by the butler.
"Master, try not to talk so much, it's making your condition worse," the demon replied, his tone carefree. He leaned down and unbuttoned the first few buttons of Ciel's shirt, wanting to make it less restricting. "You have to rest now."
Ciel only managed a displeased groan in reply. He didn't even have the strength to tell the demon off.
"Sebastian," a weak, yet demanding voice called.
It'd been only about half an hour since his asthma got under control. Still, his breathing was a little bit ragged and he occasionally coughed.
The butler appeared by his side immediately. "Yes, Master?" he asked.
Ciel slowly sit up, pushing away the covers. "We are leaving," he muttered, taking a few deep breaths as he felt slight chest pain again. "You have to help me dress properly and brush my hair…"
Sebastian looked at him with disbelief. "Master, just where do you intend to go in this condition? I must advise you to stay in bed, at least for a-" He was interrupted immediately.
"Don't… question me," replied the boy, his eyes narrowing. "This is an order. Help me get ready and take me to Bethlehem Lunatic Asylum."
"Yes, my Lord," agreed Sebastian, having no other choice.
The butler opened the door and picked Ciel up, getting him out of the carriage quickly.
"I could've done it myself," complained the boy weakly as he was put down on the ground, hating the fact that the demon saw him unable to do such a trivial little thing.
Sebastian just smirked in reply.
It snowed again, growing dark. Ciel couldn't help but remember the night he left this place. This time… He wasn't cold, though. Sebastian dressed him in a black winter coat with a furred hood, his stuffed rabbit sticking out from one of the pockets, and long laced boots, reaching his knees. He wasn't scared anymore. Ciel was not going to meet his death, just as he was not going to be tortured. He wasn't powerless anymore, because Sebastian was with him and he was going to take back what they had stripped him of – his dignity and pride.
"Let's go, Sebastian. Do not leave my side."
When they finally entered the building, they headed straight to the high-risk ward. Some patients, those a bit more aware of their surroundings, were looking at them.
A rush of the painful memories immediately haunted Ciel. The assault, torment, bloodletting, molesting, cold water, force-feeding and the shard of glass in his eye. His breath hitched and he subconsciously grabbed Sebastian's palm, looking for something to hold on to.
The demon, standing right behind him, looked at him and their now joined hands, appearing slightly surprised. His arms then circled around Ciel's body, giving him a reassuring embrace and a feeling of security, sensing this was just what Ciel wanted, but wasn't going to ask for. He leaned down, his mouth brushing Ciel's ear.
"Do not be afraid, my Lord. I will protect you," he promised, a grin appearing on his face, as he felt Ciel shiver upon hearing the words whispered straight into his ear.
A new voice suddenly interrupted the silence, and Ciel finally sobered up a bit. A light blush tinted his face when he noticed the position he was in, and he quickly escaped from the demon's clutch.
"Sir? Excuse me, do you need some help? Are you looking for someone?"
One of the younger nurses approached them, her gaze fixated entirely on Sebastian, not even noticing the boy.
Sebastian gave the woman one of his most dazzling smiles before answering.
"Thank you very much, Nurse, but we will manage. I am sure you must be very busy taking care of all the patients here…" he said, his tone full of admiration, looking her in the eyes.
The nurse giggled, covering mouth with her palm. "Oh, sir, you are too kind! Well, if there is anything you need my help with, please don't hesitate to ask, I will be close by!" she added eagerly and walked away, though it was obvious that she really wanted to talk to the butler more.
Ciel shook his head in disbelief, not commenting, and started to walk through the ward. When he finally heard the well-known voices, he abruptly stopped by one of the rooms, opening the door and taking a quick look inside.
The demon immediately sensed Ciel's fear. He didn't even have to ask; he knew from the boy's expression that they'd just found exactly whom they were looking for.
"I will protect you from them, Master," he said softly, once again.
Ciel turned around and looked at him for a long moment, seeming much less tense. "I know," he murmured, suddenly averting his gaze. "Just… don't leave my side." When Sebastian whispered a silent 'yes, my Lord' into his ear, he went inside.
Hawk and Ray were in the process of restraining a young male patient to the bed. Hearing the noise, they both looked at the doorway. Recognition appeared on their faces immediately.
"Well, well, well… If it isn't our little dollybird!" Hawk exclaimed with a laugh. "Your family brought you back here, hmm?" he smirked unpleasantly.
"We missed you so much, baby kitten!" added Ray, teasingly.
Sebastian walked in after Ciel, finally appearing in the doorway. The orderlies exchanged annoyed glances.
"Good evening, sir, may I help?" asked Hawk, his tone of the voice completely different now. "Here to admit Ciel again? I can bring the papers and…"
He was interrupted. Sebastian chuckled, observing the man. "I don't think that will be necessary."
"What the hell do you want, then?" the orderly groaned, approaching them.
The boy instinctively took a step back and bumped into Sebastian. The demon steadied him, so he wouldn't fall over. It was painfully obvious; that child was a bundle of nerves.
"Remember my promise, Master," Sebastian murmured to him patiently.
Ciel suddenly turned around, and standing on his tiptoes, whispered something into the demon's ear.
Sebastian smiled wickedly and stood in front of Ciel, effectively not allowing the orderlies to come any closer to him.
"My Master told me that you both just love to play," he said, his tone filled with fake curiosity and mockery. "And he wants to play right now."
"What? What are you talking-"
The man didn't get to finish the sentence, as a knife thrown by the demon slashed his cheek, leaving a bleeding line across it.
"In this game, you play the patients," the demon informed them carelessly.
He picked some additional restraints off the floor and approached the orderlies.
"What the fuck are you doing, bastard!" Hawk lunged at the demon.
Sebastian, with a bored expression on his face, effortlessly caught the orderly's arm in a death grip, twisting it hard. A sickening sound of bones being broken and a yell echoed in the room. He then began to bind his hands together, using the leather restraints, and threw him to the floor.
Ray clearly wasn't eager to help as he stood by and watched, fear portrayed on his face.
"I wouldn't suggest trying to attract attention with too much noise… It may end up badly," cheerfully warned the demon, as he quickly overpowered the second orderly, restraining him in the same way.
"Do you think you scare me, you psycho?" Hawk laughed but it sounded fake. "I deal with freaks like you every day!"
Ciel took a few steps forward, standing right in front of the two restrained orderlies sitting on the floor. He looked at them with pure hatred, wanting nothing more than make them pay for everything.
Seeing him, Hawk immediately grimaced, trying to spit at Ciel. Sebastian gracefully managed to move Ciel just in time to save him from the fluid.
"You shameless psychotic whore, just who do you think you are?" Hawk growled with annoyance. "Disgusting little slut, do you let that bodyguard of yours fuck you in return for protection? I wouldn't be surprised; after all, you enjoy getting a dick up your dirty ass," he laughed, satisfied upon seeing Ciel's expression, wanting nothing more than to upset him.
The boy did not reply, but the hand in his pocket clutched the rabbit doll. His breathing, once again, was slightly uneven. Sebastian narrowed his eyes slightly, hearing the orderly's comment, and then briefly stared at Ciel. He didn't do anything yet, waiting for an order.
"Do you think some petty revenge will change things?" Hawk said, his voice full of contempt. "Do you think it will make you pure again?" he started laughing cruelly. "I will never forget how you were moaning, just like a street prostitute when we took turns with you."
Ciel just stood there, unmoving, still watching both men. He was completely unaware of the fact that a trail of tears made its way down his left cheek. Because his right eye was covered, it was impossible to see the tears escaping from it. He felt utterly humiliated; there was no reason for his butler to know what they did to him, he didn't want him to know, and the words once again brought back all the painful memories.
He remembered not being able to breathe because his face was being pushed into the pillow. The words making him feel even more sick and embarrassed and the pleasured grunts as he cried from the pain. And the touches, the man's hand on him, making him feel what he didn't want to feel, shaming him. For a second, he could swear that he felt something warm, something more than only his blood, running down the inner sides of his thighs again, tainting him forever.
Sebastian, not liking the sudden change of situation, turned to Ciel. The boy's gaze was unfocused and glassy, as if he was seeing something different to everyone else. Sebastian took out a handkerchief from his pocket, gently wiping away the tears from Ciel's face. Wanting to get his attention and help him snap out of the flashback as soon as possible, he took Ciel's hands in his and kneeled down, so their heads were almost at the same level.
"Master," he probed, his voice calm and comforting. "Remember my promise. I will protect you," he gave the palms a little squeeze. "Give me an order, Master."
Ciel suddenly blinked, looking as if he had just woken up from a long slumber. Eying the demon and their joined hands, he felt like he was having a déjà vu moment, because something similar already occurred about half an hour ago.
"Sebastian," he muttered, barely audibly, seeming completely oblivious to the surroundings.
"That bitch is totally insane, didn't I tell you? Just look!" yelled Hawk, trying to get the restraints off him, without any results. Ray nodded, silently agreeing with him.
Ciel squirmed away from the demon's grasp in reflex, shocked at the sudden outburst. Suddenly, he seemed much more aware and focused as his gaze landed on the orderly.
"We got into trouble cause of your weakness; they blamed that vampire freak's escape on us! We might get fired cause of you! Are you even conscious, you mad slut? Just what-"
Ciel had tears in his eyes again and he hated himself for it. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He was supposed to never cry again. His hands trembled, and he just couldn't stand those words anymore, they were like knives piercing his pride.
"Sebastian, shut him up!" he shrieked.
"Yes, my Lord," the demon, who was now standing by his side, leered.
As Sebastian approached the orderlies, he leaned down, looking straight into Hawk's eyes. He snapped his fingers, covered by the white gloves and took a step back. All of the sudden, the sickish sound of a jaw being broken and a loud gasp rippled throughout the room. Hawk, coughing and sputtering, to his own horror started to throw up blood, mixed with sharp silver pins.
"Oh God," whispered Ray in terror, observing his friend with shock and fear. There weren't any breaks between his vomiting, like there usually were, and a large pool of red liquid, filled with pins, formed on the floor. "What… are you?" He stared at Sebastian with disbelief.
Sebastian tilted his head slightly, observing him, before a sneer graced his face. "Me? I am merely one hell of a butler," he chuckled, coming a bit closer to him.
Ciel watched the vomiting orderly with satisfaction, but also with disgust. The scene made him feel rather lightheaded. Still, he couldn't help but want to laugh at Sebastian's choice of words.
"Master, this patient is also rather delusional." Sebastian pointed to the second orderly, Ray. "What treatment would you suggest?" he asked, his tone extremely serious and devoted, as he turned to Ciel.
"Bloodletting," murmured Ciel quietly, the shadow of a victorious smile on his lips.
"N-no, please, I-"
"Very well, Master," interrupted Sebastian.
The demon grasped Ray's palms with an unpleasant expression on his face.
"These hands of yours…" he began, seemingly deep in thought. "They touched something they shouldn't have, am I right?" he murmured.
Pure terror appeared on the orderly's face.
Sebastian, without a doubt amused, leaned closer and whispered into his ear. "I should do what I'm about to do to a different part of your body but I doubt that my Master would wish to see it."
Before Ray had even the chance to process his words, he noticed something shiny in the butler's hand. Something that looked disturbingly similar… His scream was muffled by a dirty rag, which suddenly appeared in his mouth. …To a cleaver. For a second, he could see so much blood and white bones, protruding from the places where once would have been his… Oh Jesus. His hands were on the ground, cut off.
He fainted.
Ciel's eye, watching the scene, widened, and he immediately covered his mouth with his fingers, trying not to be sick.
"I'm sorry, Master. Was that too much?" Sebastian asked when he noticed the boy's reaction. He reached for his handkerchief again, and nonchalantly wiped the blood staining his gloves.
Ciel just shook his head slowly, trying to get a grip on himself. This was only right. They deserved it. He wanted to make them pay.
"Do you still wish to go along with the plan or would you like me to…?"
Ciel didn't let him finish. "I will do it," he said, trying to make his voice sound firm.
"As you wish, my Lord." Sebastian bowed his head and stepped back.
Ciel crouched down and appeared to fiddle with one of his laced boots. After a few seconds, he took out a knife, previously attached to a brown belt and hidden by the boots, whose job was to hold up his black stockings.
He approached Hawk, who was now slumped against the wall by the puddle of blood, almost resting in it. He had finally stopped vomiting, but was very pale. His gaze was on Ciel, eyes begging for mercy, though if one looked closer, hatred was evident in them as well.
"Where… should I…" Ciel broke off, nibbling at his bottom lip nervously.
"May I assist you, Young Master?" suggested the demon kindly, closing the distance between him and Ciel.
When Ciel nodded, Sebastian's hand closed around his, holding the knife. Ciel could feel a light pressure on his back, as Sebastian was right behind him.
"I suggest… here." Sebastian guided their hands to the man's neck, to emphasize the point. "What do you think, my Lord?"
"Okay," murmured silently Ciel, feeling his palm tremble slightly. He was pretty sure he would miss the target without Sebastian's aid. "On three then," he whispered. "Three…"
His gaze was locked on the man's begging eyes but he didn't feel an ounce of pity. Only hatred. He wanted to crush him, to make him disappear along with Ciel's own memories. This whole situation was stressing him, but still, he couldn't deny that he felt somehow… Thrilled.
"Two…" he continued counting, getting ready, and shifting his arm a little bit.
Hawk desperately tried to say something, but the broken jaw made it impossible, and so he only managed an incoherent sound.
"One," Ciel and Sebastian whispered together, Ciel's voice slightly breathy and anxious, Sebastian's amused.
With a little help, Ciel's arm was brought down in one swift movement, stabbing into a critical point of the orderly's throat; an artery. Blood seemed to spray everywhere; on the ground, on their clothes, and on their faces. It was too much for Ciel. A choking sound escaped his lips and he yanked his hand away. He managed to walk away a few steps before he fell on his knees and threw up.
"Oh my," murmured Sebastian. "Perhaps stabbing his chest would have been better. Surely, less dirty. On the other hand, at least now we look like we fit into this place," he smirked, looking at Ciel. "Are you better now, Master?"
Ciel slowly stood up, trying not to look at the red substance, smeared everywhere. "Kill the other one," he whispered quietly. "Then, take the that man's restraints off." He briefly glanced at the wide-eyed patient, still chained to the bed. "And dirty his hands with their blood. Leave the knife here," he ordered, hardly audible. "And then… There is another thing we need to do."
The door made an unpleasant squeaking sound as they entered. The doctor, sitting at the desk and gazing at some files, looked up.
"Ciel?" he exclaimed, clearly shocked. "What in the God's name happened? Are you alright?" he stood up.
"Don't come any further," Ciel warned, instinctively getting closer to Sebastian.
The psychiatrist complied, not moving, but his gaze was still fixated on the boy.
"Ciel, whose blood is it? Are you injured? Do you need help?" he asked, forcing his voice to sound calm and collected.
"Shut up," whispered Ciel, averting his eyes. "I am Earl Ciel Phantomhive. Do you believe me now?"
To Ciel's fury, the man completely ignored his statement. "You don't look too well, Ciel. Are your symptoms worse?" When Doctor Dosett didn't hear the reply, he turned to Sebastian. "Sir, what happened? Is Ciel-"
"I told you to shut the hell up!" Ciel snapped angrily, though his voice was trembling a little bit. His hand subconsciously hid inside the coat's pocket, grasping the rabbit. "It's all your fault! Your stupid treatments made me like this! You have no idea what you've done to me!" he shouted, but the tone was more hysterical than anything else. "Your orderlies…" he continued, now much quieter, much more broken. "You let them," he choked finally, feeling tears in his eyes just by thinking about it all again.
The psychiatrist looked at him, horrified, a sudden realization on his face. "Ciel, you can't mean-" Once again, he didn't get to finish the sentence.
"I can't stand it anymore! Sebastian, kill him!" Ciel finally lost it, screaming the order.
He gasped for breath as the asthma attack threatened to relapse. Before Sebastian had a chance to answer, Ciel felt a sudden dizziness and nausea. His vision got blurred, nothing seemed clear. His knees went weak. The demon reacted quickly, catching him in a mid-fall and lifted him up. Ciel, barely conscious, wrapped his arms around Sebastian's neck, desperately needing something to hold on to, afraid that if he let go, he would collapse again.
"Yes, my Lord," said Sebastian finally; the silent words reaching Ciel's ears only.
"Ciel, what's wrong?" the psychiatrist spoke again, looking at the boy, concerned. "Talk to me, Ciel. I will help you," he promised. "Who is this man?"
Ciel's body was shivering slightly, his eye wide open, staring at the psychiatrist. He still was on the verge of fainting and everything seemed to be spinning, making him feel even more dizzy and weak. He then felt Sebastian's hand come up, covering his eyes. Somehow, Ciel found the darkness comforting. He let his body relax in the demon's arms.
There was a loud, disturbing noise, but Ciel couldn't identify what exactly it was, nor did he want to. Then there was silence, giving out more than any words would.
He felt Sebastian moving to the door, the sound of footsteps unnaturally loud. The demon's gloved palm was still covering his eyes until they walked out of the room.
The carriage started moving. Ciel was barely able to uphold himself in a sitting position. He couldn't help but lean against the demon.
He believed that everything would change after their punishment. It seemed ridiculous but he almost expected things to go back to normal, to how they used to be upon completing this task. Still… Nothing seemed to be really different. His heart felt strangely anesthetized and empty.
"Comfort me," he muttered, his voice slightly hoarse. He didn't really care now if the demon saw him as weak.
Sebastian seemed to think for a moment, a look of mild surprise in his eyes. Well, comforting human children was never his day-to-day task, so he had every reason to be unsure about it. Perhaps he could… No, perhaps not. It was only human adults that sometimes preferred that kind of comfort. In this case, some gentleness and care would probably do just fine.
Ciel felt Sebastian's touch on him. He didn't protest, letting the demon lay him down on the side, his head resting on demon's lap. He was far too exhausted and still in shock to care. Sebastian's hand brushed his face and then forehead.
"You have a fever, Master," the demon said quietly, as if not wanting to disturb him with too much noise. He began to gently stroke Ciel's hair with his fingers.
"I don't feel too well," Ciel sighed softly, letting his eyelids fall. "But at least… I won," he added weakly.
Sebastian chuckled. "I have a feeling that Master hates losing in all kinds of games."
"I never lose," mumbled Ciel.