Jealousy is a bitter emotion. Sebastian stared at Ciel. His body as he smiled and charmingly giggled. But he smirked each time he saw that single blue eye trail back to him. He was trying to make him this way. He was sure of it. And the little demon knew exactly what game he was playing, for he was far better at it then Sebastian had even dared to imagine.

The boy had his arm snaked around doll's waist. He sat comfortably at her lunch table where a few other students, including beast resided. He cocked his head back and laughed as Sebastian seethed. There was a turn of his head and Sebastian openly stared at him as he looked back to confirm exactly that. Sebastian did not want to pretend he didn't care. He wanted the boy to know he did. He wanted the boy to know he wouldn't win this game. He would not accept defeat.

About a week? Could this relationship honestly have moved that fast in this short amount of time? Months used to pass like seconds for each of the two, but these living-in-the-moment days seemed to drag out across the farthest valleys and mountains of eternity. Sebastian knew he was falling. Hard. Everything about him. His sweetness. His pride. His innocence. His sin. A complete enigma. A tempter, a tempest, a lamb, a wolf in disguise. How many people have known only one of these personalities, and who are they? How many have gotten the privilege to realize this complex person in a few short days? Was he the only one?

He noticed Beast shoot him a look every now and again too. He didn't want her to get the wrong idea. He wasn't interested in her. Not in the slightest. Perhaps, if he hadn't met Ciel, maybe, he might be. She seemed to have a cold disposition, a spiteful scowl always on her lip. She might be fun, and admittedly, he did feel the smallest of regrets for toying with her this way. Not enough to really make an effect on his conscience, but he felt it nonetheless.

Ciel stood. Sebastian's focus immediately shifted to the boy as he drew near him.

"Sebastian, are you free on Saturday?" He asked the raven stared at him waiting for a trick.

"For what, exactly? I won't be a chauffeur for one of your dates." Sebastian answered.

"Why so spiteful, love? Can you not take what it is you deal?"

"No, actually. Not in the slightest. But then again, I'm not used to caring about people enough to take bullshit from them."

Ciel felt a small twinge of guilt at the confession, but still struck back.

"Bullshit? You're talking? I'm pretty sure the girl you just confessed your love for is over there alone right now. What an ample opportunity for you. I'm invited to the wedding, aren't I?" 'Like a fucking married couple' Ciel considered of the argument, cringing with a blush at the thought. Even so, the fights made the two seem far too familiar.

"Hmmm, maybe I should pay her a visit."

Ciel looked at him again. He didn't want him to. He didn't want him going anywhere near that table, but he could not hold back his retort.

"It's probably familiar territory." He saw it. Sebastian's nostril flare, his eyebrow twitch, his jaw tighten, then watched him stand.

"What are you-" There was no reaction. Sebastian did not look at the boy until he was at beast's side, where he grabbed her hand and stared at the phantom who could only watch and over analyze his every single motion.

Eye contact kept. Sebastian did not even glance at her face as he locked his lips with hers. The lips didn't even move, just sealed together in a firm attachment.

Ciel heart fluttered within his chest. His breathe quickened as if exasperated. The bell rung but Sebastian kept the attachment until a few moments after it had finished and let the girl go, her entire body jolting at the suddenness of the motion. Then she was left in disbelief as was the phantom when Sebastian left the cafeteria into the brisk but steadily warming air. Through the window Ciel could see him raise a cigarette to his lips.

Ciel could not be considered innocent. He had never kissed before Sebastian, that's true, but his thoughts were always on par with people older than himself. So, a kiss did not mean much to him. It didn't matter, though. This was different. He wouldn't consider at now of all times why, but he still ran in the shadow of the raven until he reached him just outside the doors.

A swift kick was delivered into Sebastian's side as said man came tumbling down to the concrete. Ciel watched him fall, not expecting it. But his anger was not yet quelled. He straddled Sebastian's waist and held down his shoulders…. He was unsure what to do next. It was not his place to harm the raven who was housing, feeding, and clothing him. Sebastian stared at the boy in surprise.

"What the hell was that for!?"

"Don't ask me like you don't know!" He said. Tears? Of course not. Not for years had Ciel cried. Nevertheless, they sprang to eye but refused to fall, merely clouding his vision.

Sebastian quickly flipped the position, grabbing each of Ciel's wrists with one hand and pinning them above his hand.

"And what about you? You think I enjoyed watching you fawn all over that girl?"

"Shut up! I didn't kiss her or go into how I found her beautiful, or any of that crap, so just…." Ciel lifted his head as the second bell rang. He got up off of Sebastian.

"You spoke to me just like you spoke to her, so how do I do if it's a lie or not!" The phantom rushed back inside of the school and passed through the now empty lunch room where he could hear Sebastian's voice echoing as it called for him. He ran into the hall and did not stop until he reached his next class which was already in session.

Ciel gave a small nod of apology to his teacher before running off to his seat in the back of the classroom where Alois sat directly next him. The blonde passed him a small piece of paper.

Hi. Ciel stared at it as if it was the bane of his existence, but he knew Alois would likely persist if he were ignored so he wrote back.

Hello.

How are you? The bluenette looked at the paper already sick of this small talk. He took another page from his notebook as the small sliver would not be enough for the explanation he was anticipating.

What was the meaning of the story you told me yesterday?

It was something I found online. You didn't find it interesting? Ciel read the words crossly and gave Alois a sideways glance before handing the note back to him.

No.

Well, that's rude.

I tend to be.

Interesting.

Not really.

I beg to differ. The phantom sighed at the tedious words.

I decline. Alois laughed quietly as he read the response.

Very interesting.

Why are you talking to me?

You could say I have a crush on you.

I'm involved with someone. He wrote, not entirely as much of a lie as he'd intend to think.

They're lucky.

There's something we agree on.

Ciel hid the note and pretended to write notes as the teacher walked passed then continued reading.

I don't think I'll give up, though.

I don't like you. He wrote blatantly, uncaring of any feelings the blonde might have.

You don't know me.

Exactly.

So get to know me.

I prefer not to.

Go out with me.

I don't trust you.

Why not?

Because I don't know you.

You're running me in circles.

That sucks.

Alois cocked his head back and laughed again. The bluenette stared wondering what could possibly be so funny.

Go out with me.

No.

Bring security.

No.

You won't regret it.

Ciel stared down at the paper and huffed a large, melodramatic sigh. He had several choices. Go, and see if there was anything behind his theory on Alois being a phantom, decline and face continuous harassment, or don't answer and face continuous harassment. All options he didn't care for. He didn't want to admit it, but he was still mad at Sebastian which also led to his answer.

Fine.

Really?

Yes. But I'm taking you up on your earlier offer. I'm bringing someone with me.

Who.

Ciel smiled at him cleverness.

A raven.

The bell rang, ending the conversation. Ciel balled up the note and stuck it in his pocket before leaving the classroom. He probably should have paid attention to whatever lesson was going on, but honestly it's not as if he needed it. His future was already drawn out for him. Running. He wouldn't need a class for that.

As he rushed into the hallways, Alois walked up to him.

"So, where will be going?" The blonde asked, making the phantom roll his eyes.

"Isn't that for you to decide?" He asked, walking along and making eye contact with the tiles beneath his feet, all but ignoring the presence next to him.

"I figured since you were so nervous about me taking you out, you might want to decide. You know, somewhere public, or… Private." The student whispered making Ciel cringe.

"Please don't come on to me." He said, once again, no forethought, no cover of his rudeness.

"But that what people do when they're dating."

Ciel stopped directly in his tracks causing Alois to almost trip over the sudden change of fast-paced stride to utter lack of motion. Ciel brought his gaze from the ground and pushed Alois into the locker next to them, the clatter causing a few bystanders to stare.

"Let's get this straight right now: We are not dating. I'm not even interested in you. I just don't see a reason to deny a free evening, especially since you would probably never stop bothering me until I said yes. And it will be very public, because I have my suspicions about you and if you even so much as near me without my permission I won't hesitate to take you down. Don't fucking test me." He spat and Alois widened his eyes at the dominant and baneful display before narrowing them and smirking once again.

"Hmm, you're so feisty, Ciel." He said and the boy untwisted his hand from the blonde's purple shirt and scowled deeper.

"Stop." He said before walking again, and naturally, the other followed him again.

"Don't be so uptight. You're cute, so you're bound to get compliments, you'll have to get used to hearing them from me." Ciel inwardly cheered as he neared his classroom, his salvation and turned around to face the teen.

"I suppose I'll have to get used to ignoring you." He showed an uncharacteristically sweet flash of his teeth in a small smile before walking away.

Ciel filtered through the desks until he reached the back, some children already seated, including Sebastian who stood against the wall. Ciel didn't want to look at him, but still, he glanced to assess the raven's expression and almost gasped a bit in shock.

The red irises were trained on him, not bothering to retract as they met the single blue one. The possessive stare did not soften as Sebastian took the seat directly next to him.

"I saw you talking to Alois." He said and Ciel was slightly shocked. The usually slight accent had come out a bit more prominent in the angry words.

"Y… yeah."

"Did he do anything to you." The dark voice made Ciel smile a little. Jealously? Protectiveness? Either one made Ciel smirk a little before biting out his reply.

"Yes."

"What?" The voice demanded firmly and Ciel was admitted guilty on how it sounded slightly saddened, but not enough to completely suppress the urge to spite him.

"He asked me out." Ciel whispered as if the words were taboo. And smirked a bit more.

"Ciel, stop playing games."

"I'm not. I want to see his intentions. He can't make a move in a public place. I want to know what's going on." He defended himself.

"So you said yes?" He seemed hurt, but also surprised.

"Yes."

"Fine. Then I'm coming with you." Ciel had intended for this in the first place but still feigned slight disagreement as to display his independence.

"Are you sure? Somebody needs to watch the apartment to make sure nobody messes with it." He said. Once again, not a complete lie. There was truth in this, and he considered it when he first thought about taking Sebastian with him.

"I'll call somebody but I won't let you out of my sight." He answered, his anger beginning to subside into concern that set another pang of guilt through Ciel's body which only upset him more.

"Quite the words for someone whose tongue was down some girl's throat and hour ago." He said, once again on the defensive and the offense on Sebastian's face was visible.

"Listen, I'm sick of this." Sebastian admitted. Ciel could see and hear the face that it was a confession, not just more words being thrown.

"You're the one that said-"

"I know what I said. I shouldn't expect a commitment from you. But I do. From day one I did. And trust me, it's too late now. You're mine. I demand it." Ciel gaped at the demanding demeanor, surprised and honestly, quite intrigued. Still, he tested on.

"And if I decline?"

"I'll hunt you down more severely than any phantom until you accept me." He said forcefully. Ciel tried to hold back his smile to no avail. He was simply that pleased. If anyone in any normal situation would have said that to him, he'd be offended or disgusted, but not now. Not here. Not with him. But he needed to test these waters. He was not yet ready to drop the subject despite the little bits of happiness that pulled on his lips refusing to let them curl into their usual little frown.

"You could say that to any-"

"Hello boys."

You know what? For the heir to fortune and high status as the head of an infamous and fatal gang, Ciel sure did get interrupted a lot.

"Do you have your poems prepared yet, boys?"

Shit. Ciel had completely forgotten.

"A… Almost, mister wordsmith." Ciel said meekly.

"Oh? I suppose I'll accept that answer from you for now, Phantomhive. You are relatively new after all, I'm sure there's a lot you're catching up on. And what about you, Sebastian?" The made answered, his pompous voice ringing out over the talkative students.

"I do have mine, yes."

"Wonderful! Would you like to be the first to present?"

"No." A few slightly interested onlookers were shocked to see that the literate boy did not want to share, Wordsmith among them being the most awestruck.

"If I could, I would like to Read it Monday, please?" He said making eye contact with the man who seemed worried.

"May I ask why you need to present late?"

"It's personal. May I please have the extension?"

"Yes, of course." He said and moved on to the next due-date victims. He really was kind and lenient, it was a little sad that some of his students took advantage of that.

"Do you really have it done?" Ciel asked hushly.

"Yes."

"Can I see it?"

"No."

"Why not?" Ciel demanded , Narrowing his eyes at the smirking raven.

"Because, I left it at home."

"… You forgot it?" The phantom asked.

"Yeah."

"… And you made it seem like there was some deep meaning behind you extension!?"

"It's not as if I can let my grades suffer. And you distracted me this morning with your demands."

"You're and idiot," the boy laughed slightly. And smiled, because he felt that it was the final piece that came together ending the argument.

"Aww, so sweet." Sebastian said sarcastically, poking the boy with in the cheek with the tip of his pinky finger.

Ciel stuck his tongue out at him making the raven's eyebrow lift.

"Do not stick your tongue out at me. I will bite it." He said, threat heavy in words making Ciel slip it directly back into the safe confines of his lips.

"Good boy." He whispered at him.

The bell rang and Sebastian remained in his seat until Ciel left the room before getting up.

Entering the hall, the raven scanned every student. He walked and he felt his teeth grind a little when his eyes locked on to his prey.

Alois was ending a conversation with some girl before walking into the boy's bathroom. Sebastian dropped his bag, slammed the door open behind him and locked it from the inside.

As he entered, Alois turned around and each of Sebastian's hand fisted into his shirt as he slammed him harshly against the side of one of the stalls. The blonde cringed and prepared to recoil before he saw who it was.

"I heard something about you." Sebastian mumbled darkly, so much force in his voice that he didn't need to yell. "Aparently, you're fond of touching things that don't belong to you."

"As a matter of fact, I am." Sebastian slammed him again and brought him up so his feet didn't touch the floor.

The blonde coughed slightly, but still found more words to speak.

"This is about that one-eyed beauty, right? I'm not sure if he's more trouble than he's worth, but he's so… Strange." The blonde laughed and Sebastian grit his teeth again adding heavier pressure to the blonde's chest.

"Don't talk about him like that. He's not even near your level of shallowness."

"Hmm… I wouldn't imagine he is. I bet he's very deep… Am I right?" The words came out pained but just as smug and offensive as they would without the immense force Sebastian exerted on him.

Sebastian dropped him and punched him so hard in the face he fell back a few feet. Before kicking him once in his side to flip him over so he could speak to his face. He smiled politely at the boy who coughed up just a bit boy blood, likely from biting his lip rather than any internal damage. Sebastian made sure not to hit hum too hard.

"Sorry, that classified." He said politely and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen.

"I look forward to our little date." The raven whispered, scrawling down on the note and not even looking at the writhing frame on the floor.

"Here's my number, call me anytime." He said and tossed the paper in the blonde's general direction before collected his bag and lingering a bit in the doorway.

"Oh, and, clean up before you leave. I won't get in trouble for the likes of you."