Hajime

Harry sighed. Agni had once again attacked men at an Indian restaurant and left them hanging upside down. It was nice that the white haired man was doing this to protect Soma from the pain of meeting Meena but a strange way for a man of god to go about it. Strange enough that it might attract the Watchdog of the Queen, unfortunately. Despite what he had discovered in his mindscape he was still unready to face anyone from London.

But what could he do?

Nothing, of course. He was only there to protect the youngest Bengal Prince and nothing else. So that was exactly what he was going to do. Maybe meeting Meena would make the boy grow up some as well.

And then the worst happened. While he had been focused only on himself and his charge he hadn't noticed the presence of Sebastian enter the city and now they were almost right on top of him.

"Soma I don't think it's a good idea to go that way," Harry chimed as the boy turned to go down a dingy alleyway.

"Nonsense! With Agni here nothing can hurt me."

The boy was an idiot and way too overconfident. That was going to get him killed one day. Maybe then he wouldn't have to deal with him.

Harry said nothing as the prince continued on. He looked around for a moment before deciding that the rooftops would be a better way to travel until they passed Ciel and Sebastian. He discreetly jumped up and landed softly on the flat roof and followed after the two Indians trying to reel in his own energy as best he could.

About halfway down the alley his charge ran into, what looked to be, a brewing fight. Of course, Soma being the idiot he was, decided to join with his kinsmen without even knowing the details of what was going on. Harry glanced at Agni to see the man about to initiate combat with the demon butler and his heart stuttered. His energies lashed out in disharmony before he tightly reined them in. But it was too late. Sebastian had glanced up and seen him.

Harry really, really wanted to leave now but he couldn't leave Soma in the middle of a fight no matter how protected the boy was. Luckily for him, Sebastian was a bit too preoccupied with Agni to call him out. The two were evenly matched with Ciel being held in the butler's other hand. Harry had to admit that he was impressed with how strong Agni's gift was. Even if Sebastian was limited, it was more than any normal mortal would be able to handle.

"I have struck your marma many times. Normally, your arm would be paralyzed by now. So why can you still move," Agni asked in confusion.

Sebastian stayed silent, discreetly scanning the area.

Was he looking for him?

Harry had by then jumped to a different rooftop during the 'battle' just to make sure he wasn't seen again. Which didn't happen, of course, because Sebastian was one Hell of an annoyance. The man had seen him peripherally and was turning to call out to him when Ciel started struggling in the demon's arms.

"Hey! We were just passing through when those Indians picked a fight with us! Are all Indians barbarians who indiscriminately attack any Englishmen they lay their eyes on!?"

Harry's eyebrows rose. That tone was rather vicious even for the small boy. Soma looked confused for a moment before he turned to his kinsmen and imperiously asked, "You there! Did you attack the runt and his companion without reason?"

"Reason?"

"Well that won't do," the prince huffed. "The fool is he who wages war without cause. Agni we are siding with the runt and his companion. Our brothers are in the wrong this time!"

Harry was pretty sure that was the only wise or smart thing that he'd ever heard come out of Soma's mouth since he'd met him.

"All done Lord Soma~!"

"Good. You two aren't hurt are you?"

"No," Sebastian replied looking a bit stunned.

"And you runt, a child should not be in a place like this. It's dangerous," Soma said as he plopped Ciel's fallen hat back onto its rightful owner's head.

"Lord Soma you have done a good deed!"

"It was my duty as a child of God."

Harry snorted. A child of God indeed. He made sure to follow close behind his charge so that Sebastian would not come after him.


"Sebastian. You're staring into space again. Now what happened?"

Sebastian looked down at Ciel with a slight grimace upon his features.

"I am positive that I saw Hadrian on the rooftops during the fight."

Ciel snorted. "Don't tell me demons can hallucinate."

Sebastian said nothing.


Harry stared in horror at the house in front of them. This was Ciel's winter house in London and he would be damned if he was going to step one foot in there. Why were they here again? Oh right. In India it is custom to invite your benefactor into the house. Stupid customs! He watched as Soma and Agni went inside and let out a huff. Well, his charge wasn't going to be hurt in that house so he would just stand guard.

It was a couple hours later that Ciel's scream of 'GET OUT!' could be heard clear across London. The lights went out around eleven and Harry settled down for a long night of playing watchdog on his chosen rooftop. Only a few minutes later the winds shifted and he perked up a bit. There was an unsettling presence in the air.

What-

A gloved hand covered his mouth as the other arm wrapped around his upper body like a rune enforced steel bar.

Sebastian!

"Hello Hadrian."

Harry let out a muffled protest. It was Harry dammit!

He felt a cold nose press into the side of his neck. The raven sucked in a deep breath to get his smell and Harry tried his hardest to sink his fangs into the butler's fingers. Like Hell he was gonna just sit back and let a claiming happen before they had even talked about anything.

"Why did you run Hadrian? I didn't mean to sound as if I was rejecting you, you know. I was shocked and disappointed that you would hide something like that from me. Ciel told me all about you being a half-demon."

Harry's body sagged as his eyes widened. Ciel? Ciel had given out his secrets. No wonder he'd felt that slight jolt. Their deal had been compromised in some way but not enough for a serious punishment. There was stirring of emotions kicking up in his chest and he grit his teeth. Dammit he'd give the kid a chance before turning on him. He didn't need another Sebastian situation.

The fingers around his mouth loosened as if to pull away and he took his chance. Needle point fangs sank into the butler's glove and thumb as he jerked his elbows back into the other's gut. Sebastian staggered back a step and he was free to run.

At first he was slightly fearful. Why was he running anyway? Wasn't he determined to talk to Sebastian anyway?

Okay yea, he'd wanted to do it on his own time but he had the perfect chance and squandered it. Maybe it was the fact that the demon seemed ready to force himself onto Harry that had him running. Screw that!

It turned into a chase, Sebastian hot on his heels. His blood was pumping his form melting into it's more natural state as he bounded over entire sections of the city in a few leaps. But the crow demon was still there. He could feel the oily shadows trying to grip his toes to trip him and the presence of a predator above him. The moonlight above him was blotted out and Harry took a nosedive into the nearest alley to avoid the rather demonic avian's swooping grasp. The shadows around him spiralled into tangible form locking onto his limbs. He burned them off with a burst of poisonous gas.

The city was the absolutely worst place for him to be considering Sebastian's frankly incredible mastery over shadows but in the air he was just as vulnerable. How annoying. Still though, it was slightly exhilarating. He could actually feel the man's intentions poured into the very energy around him. Sebastian intended to catch him and keep him.

Harry snorted bitterly. As if he would make it that easy. After spurning him the first time the smaller demon was less inclined to actually mate. Sure being around him, hopefully as they had been before, would be fine but with everything he still had hidden. Yea nope. Not gonna happen.

Sebastian was relentless though, as he burned off more and more shadows.

"You can't possibly expect to get away without running."

A shiver ran down his spine at the deep voice that hissed from the shadows.

"Running's not going to do anything is it," he spat.

Sebastian's eyes appeared shining like an eerie red lamp in the alleyway.

He chuckled, licking his lips ever so slowly. "I already told you Hadrian. You fascinate me, attract me like no other has ever managed. Perhaps I misspoke, reacted too quickly. My mistake. But do not think I'll just let you run away so easily. I've already decided you will be mine."

Harry hissed, his cloud spreading thickly around him practically eating the demonic energy in the air to fuel its masters own power. The edges of his poison started to burn with fire. Now he was just getting miffed.

"And you think forcing me will make it better?"

His tail lashed spattering droplets against the bricks on both buildings turning them to slag.

"Better to have you now and resolve any issues later then let you run and fall into another's claws."

That was slightly logical. Ish. A little bit problem causing though. Actually…

He made a split second decision. If the demon was so sure about himself and his interest in Harry then maybe he could use this to his advantage.

"I have two conditions. The first is to catch me."

Then he was gone, springing from the ground to spread his wings high in the sky. There was no doubt he'd be caught. Sebastian had the advantage of faster travel but Harry never was one to go down without a fight.

It was grueling, time dragging on into eternity. A more powerful opponent chasing him almost felt like Lucifer again except then he'd taken the ancient demon out quickly with a surprise attack. This time he didn't have that advantage. Sebastian knew just how wily he could be and was careful to avoid his feints. In the end it was close to sunup when he was detained, crushed heavily into the ground, multiple shadows wearing away at his poison so Sebastian could bodily lay on him.

"Caught you," he teased, licking a stripe across the shell of his ear. "This second condition; if I agree you will join me willingly?"

Harry grumbled into the cobblestone of the small village they had ended up in. Somehow, they were back in Britain after traversing the globe twice. Finally, he relaxed, letting his muscles uncoil.

"Let me up."

"Is that your condition?"

"No!"

"Mm then, no."

"Let. Me. Up."

"No. I quite like you writhing beneath me. Besides you might try something ridiculous as running again."

Sebastian had a point. Not that he was going to try.

"Very well. If you can accept this condition then I'll willingly mate with you." The raven trailed his tongue along the shell of his other ear, listening intently. "You cannot kill Ciel."

"Excuse me?"

His tone was biting and sharp the words almost as terrible as a physical weapon. Sebastian shadows formed around his head suffocating him briefly before they fell back around his shoulders.

"You heard me," he said tone unwavering. "You cannot kill Ciel."

"And why ever would you want that," Sebastian asked in honest confusion.

Harry snorted, blowing dirt away from his face. "You're the one that chose the demon with human emotions, didn't you? And now you know why I have them. Your choice now is whether I'm worth more than Ciel's soul to you."

Sebastian tsked, "And you think I can so easily break this contract?"

"No. But you can blood him."

They'd talked about this a long time ago. A demon's essence was especially powerful and could taint even the most saintly of humans turning them into Hellspawn. But willingly given blood could be carefully controlled, the transformation slowed even if it would still be excruciating at times. This way Ciel could keep his mind and his life.

"You've gone insane," Sebastian deadpanned.

"I have not! Take it or leave it! I've laid out my final condition."

"You know eating him would not technically kill the body."

"That would kill Ciel though. Don't be obtuse."

"I'm being a demon."

Harry bucked his hips ignoring the breathy moan the raven released. "No. You're being annoying. Mind games are all well and fun but I refuse to constantly be battling you over things when I know you know what I mean," he growled. "Oh, would you get off of me already!?"

"Why? I'm quite comfortable."

"You're doing this on purpose."

It wasn't quite a realization, more like an epiphany over what he knew but couldn't quite pin down. Sebastian was toying with him like a cat with a mouse. He reigned his anger in so he didn't accidentally blast the other into oblivion with magic.

"Of course."

"Stop it."

"Now now Hadrian. You've given me quite the tall order and I'd like to lounge and think. Your second condition has too many things wrong with it. It's vague and, considering you don't know the boy's entire situation, could end up with a different result than you want, entirely."

"What?" He could feel the grin on those lips as they trailed along his neck before whispering in his ear. "He's what!?"

His poison surged briefly sputtering and hissing against the raven demon who jerked and shrieked in pain. Harry bucked his hips again trying to dislodge his captor so he could pace and think. No luck. He was only shoved harder into the uncomfortable stones.

"That wasn't very nice Hadrian."

"Oh, bite your tongue," he responded.

"It's not very fun to learn shocking secrets, is it?"

"Don't patronize me. Why did you even tell me? You could have completely taken advantage-"

"As you said earlier, I know what you meant with your condition Hadrian," he sighed, "I do not truly want to be stuck with an unwilling mate and I respect our long relationship too much to hold that over you."

Harry swallowed around the surge of affection and confusion that rose up. He had to admit the demon was being pretty straightforward compared to how he normally was and he was doing that just for him. It felt pretty good to hear that.

"Not that I exactly want to share you with the brat but if needs must. Very well. I accept your condition and will not kill the boy. The blooding, though… He must be entirely willing to accept the taint and corruption into himself. Even then it will be a long and arduous process for both parties. Hm… such hard work I'm offering so freely. Whatever are you going to do about that?"

"Be happy," he replied hesitantly.

"Oh no. I don't think that's enough."

There was a sharp pain in the juncture of his neck and shoulder, burning with heat and taint. It flooded his veins so suddenly he let out a loud cry, his entire body jerking and writhing. Sebastian practically purred atop him relishing the pain he caused.

"You utter-"


This was a different ritual. More archaic and powerful. One he doubted Hadrian knew with how young he technically was by demonic standards. Matings lasted forever but could be broken by extenuating circumstances but this was forever. To break this would result in both of their deaths, something he had no wish to even entertain. Hadrian would be his forever, perhaps not solely his considering he was offering to basically are for a hatchling for the man's sake, but his in all the ways that mattered.

Greedy by nature, he would consume every last drop that he could steal from the smaller demon. Hate, love and everything in between. All for him.

And with this rite there would be no prolonged period of courting and wooing. He dominated the other, winning the right to Hadrian's entire being, especially since conditions had been set and met beforehand.

And now, "My condition of acceptance is honesty, Hadrian. Secrets are fine every now and then, there would be no amusement to be had otherwise, but in regards to your life you cannot be hiding strange powers just to keep me oblivious. I want every part of you, including the half human, so you will tell me everything."

Hadrian, greatly affected by the swirling of cosmic and demonic energy gathering between them, lashed out, shoving him off. The crow straightened drinking in the sight of his new mate in all his glory, his eyes narrowed and half feral, instincts replacing most logical thought.

"That is your only condition?"

Hadrian's words echoed in multiple layers, some screaming, others sighing, but the main overwhelming voice was a deep discordant beat of thunder. It pounded through the air vibrating with such an intensity it would be no surprise if an earthquake started. He licked his lips reveling in the shivers it evoked. Sebastian's form shifted quickly between one and the next, first a lion then a giant raven, a snake, a bat, a cat. It was getting harder and harder to keep his mostly solid form through this rite. Finally, he agreed and his form broke into a mass of black writhing shadows that settled about his lanky frame like a shroud as he hovered in the air. He brushed his talons along his mates furred cheeks, cupping them gently.

"Tell me," he demanded.

"Magic," he sighed melting into the hold. "I can bend reality to my will with magic. It is neutral, nothing like grace or the corrupted energy of demons. With that my power is not limited by the rules of this universe, though even I cannot break all of the laws."

Delicious. So unique and new. All his.

"And your title?"

He grumbled unhappily, "One that was forced upon me by Death itself. I have no love of the title nor have I explored the authority or power given to me. It is too much of a hassle in my opinion."

Sebastian hummed. Any power boost should be taken advantage of. He'd have to work on that with his dearest, especially with the King of Hell out for him.

"Is that all?"

"My past is not a happy one. It contains tragedy and cruelty in spades, enough to attract several demons if only they had been allowed into that dimension. That… I will tell you but not now. Please."

He gently drew the small demon closer and placed a scorching kiss upon his lips.

"Your condition has been met."

Hadrian howled with triumph, surging forward to clamp his teeth into his neck. Sebastian trembled, closing eyes and letting the energies of the universe accept their union. Hadrian's own essence trailed through his, scorching its own pathways until it reached his core wrapping around it and settling peacefully much like his own had done to his mate's earlier.

Their coupling was fast and filthy. Blood was not the only bodily fluid spilled upon the cold stones in the tiny village on the outskirts of Brighton. For many hundreds of years they would call the city haunted and cursed by God Himself.

At the end they were both sated.

"We are complete," they intoned solemnly.

Now there only remained one step further they could take this. But first...

"Hm. Breakfast needs to be made and I'm sure the young master would appreciate his main cook back."

"Oh, right," Hadrian responded dazedly.


Harry frowned when he looked at the manor again. He officially had a mate (and he still wasn't quite processing that just yet) but he didn't want to face Ciel just yet (Soma being in the house had nothing to do with it, Siriusly). From what Sebastian had told him on their way back, the servants from the Phantomhive manor were in there as well. He wasn't looking forward to getting mauled with welcome back hugs…

The meeting went just as expected, tears and all. He didn't really enjoy their clinging but he allowed it, because Hell if they didn't look pitiful. Hadrian cooked a simple breakfast, one even Sebastian made extraordinarily well. He wanted his presence a secret for just a while longer. He just needed to work himself up to this… or something. He was just glad the three idiots had agreed to keep quiet. Lunch passed quietly and Harry sighed as he piled a few finger foods onto some platters. As Sebastian took them away he knew it was almost time to face the music.

Around two o'clock he could feel a pull in his core, a strange sensation he had blinked at, summoning him further into the manor. Well guess it was time to say hello to his pretty much adopted kid...

Ciel was floored. There was a human that could hold his own against a devil!

"Young Master?" Ciel glanced up at Sebastian. "Someone is here that I think you would like to meet."

"Well, let them in then."

"Of course."

The butler opened the door and Ciel almost had an asthmatic attack from shock.

"Harry," he choked breathlessly.

"Hello Little Lord." There was a slight smile upon the man's face.

"How-"

"Soma! I was wondering where you had disappeared to!"

A frown appeared on Harry's face as he glanced at the prince occupying Ciel's household.

"I am not your babysitter."

Ciel blinked. "Is that where you ran off to? India?"

Well, if that didn't make him sound like the coward he was.

"Yes. I was staying in India."

"Hadrian. I'm curious," Harry's eye twitched. "Was Prince Soma named after you?"

It just had to be Sebastian to catch onto that. And when Soma opened his mouth, Harry felt like strangling the boy. "Father told me my grandfather named me after him. Though why, I would never guess."

"Another one," Sebastian asked with an amused smirk. His eyes didn't seem all that pleased at that revelation.

"No. He's spoiled and arrogant. It's bad enough I'm watching him for his father.

"Anyway it was a pleasure to see you again, Lord Phantomhive but I've got a few servants to keep from making a disaster."

He could talk to his cub another time.


AN: So what did you guys like it? Trust me, they aren't gonna be all goody just yet but they are bound to each other now. Leave a review please?

And I couldn't just leave out the Alternate Ending. XD

Omake

It came as a shock when two arms wound across around him like rune reinforced steel bars.

Who?

"Hello my little gem."

Harry immediately recognized that voice. "Lucifer!"

The demon nuzzled his nose into the Harry's neck and took a deep breath. "Your scent is exquisite and your voice even more beautiful than I thought." It was said in a whisper but it still sent a shiver of terror down the smaller demon's spine. "I have finally caught you my precious gem. Did you really think you could get away from me so easily? I have spies everywhere."

"I stayed out of your grasp for millenia," Harry snapped.

Quite the accomplishment from some no name demon the King could admit.

A wicked smile formed on Lucifer's face. "But I have you now, do I not precious gem?"

Harry struggled futilely trying to catch the Ancient off guard but failing miserably.

"Come with me." Harry started in surprise. "Your chosen mate has rejected you, has he not? I do not want to kill you little gem. Oh no, I have much better plans than that. Come with me and I will give you everything you could ever want."

If he understood Lucifer correctly than the older demon wanted him for a mate. Um, ew. He didn't exactly want to be a personal trophy. His gaze found the manor again and he bit his lip. Lucifer, as the King of Demons, could give him whatever he wanted. He had the power to protect Ciel.

He glanced longing at the manor, his heart reaching out for the two occupants inside. Sebastian could take care of himself but Ciel... He made up his mind. "I'll go with you but you have to protect my... cub."

"Oh? Little gem has a cub, does he? Well, where is he?"

"His name is Ciel Phantomhive and he is contracted to the raven demon in that manor. And my name is Harry not gem…"

The King hissed and looked at the manor his gem had been perched in front of. Yes, there was definitely a contract in there. He sent his power into the building, searched out the energy keeping the contract together, and snapped it using his higher authority. Howls of pain erupted from the place and his gem tensed in his arms but Lucifer only tightened his grip.

"Another one of my demons will be by to pick up your cub. I have made sure that the contract cannot be reformed and that Crow will be unable to touch…Ciel."

Harry briefly closed his eyes but opened them once more and nodded his head. He had literally just sold his soul to the Devil… and he was possessive enough to bring Ciel down with him.

Lucifer hissed in pleasure and stood from his crouched position pulling his gem three feet off the ground in the process. He switched the demon in his arms into a bridal position and took off towards Hell.

His gem was all his now and no one would ever be able to take the boy from him.