This manor, this mansion, was heaven. It had a small that radiated bliss and perhaps piece…but it was just an air freshener cover for the actual chaos within. Still, it was the scent of Ciel…and nothing would change the fact that Sebastian was a fallen angel—a demon. He was a creature that was forever to be outside of heaven's gates; a jealous being that could never get what he wanted….or even needed. It was really no question as to why demons were so resentful and muddled.

The sound of the carriage was pulled away in a wave by the ocean outside. No matter how badly Sebastian wanted to stay here, forever, he couldn't…Heaven now turned into Limbo. He was stuck, and he needed to make his way out of Limbo, throw this boulder off his back, and get into Heaven no matter what it took. If he didn't act…he would be stuck here forever…

And, what humiliating feeling was this? A demon put on a bed of needles by a human? Things were all out of order…one part of him said he couldn't do a thing about it, the other part said that he could…he was higher on the food chain, and he should get what he wanted. However, it was that same voice that asked him over and over if this little brat was worth it…or even why he loved a human to begin with!

The city streets…Sebastian's once perfect shoes stood on the flooded sidewalk. He was without his butler attire, but rather just his button down shirt and his long over coat. Bare hands raised up to feel around his face the way the blind might identify someone. He could still not get rid of this image of himself…

After a moment he held out his hand in the air. The rain pinched his palm a bit…it was starting to turn to ice due to the season winds…ice…and snow…all around people were struggling to walk in the slushy mess of London…Sebastian could related to that sight…life was just a big slushy, dirty, mix…and he was trying to make is way through it to get to his destination….

Down the street…through an alley way…a door that tried to be hidden—a buried treasure, was not unknown to the demon. Opening the door, a rusted bell chimed. He walked down a staircase that appeared as if it would break if one was not too careful. A man sat a stool at the bottom. The rugged man glared at him. Sebastian gave him a smile and lifted a finger. The man fell unconscious…or "to sleep" as it would appear.

Around the corner he went, entering the literal bloody mess of crowds and yells. The scene was not unlike traditional dogfights, only the dogs were people—a fight club.

Yes, Sebastian knew the citizens of London, who they were, and what went on. Most of the men here were scruffy with buzz cuts, but there was one scruffy man with long black hair. He was the best fighter that never got his luscious locks pulled on once. The demon eyed him within the waiting line. Just as he was watching, others were watching him as well…Sebastian was a 'new face' who surely didn't look like he belonged in such a place. He was not questioned though since he had gotten past the guard…

His presence melted through the crowed like the snake curling around the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. And then…the forbidden fruit. "Charles Arlmat…" Sebastian's voice said to his target, a hand on his shoulder. A fist was instantly swung at him, but it was just as instantly avoided. "I need to talk to you…"

The fighter was suspicious for a moment, but once Sebastian placed some cash within the man's pocket, he had him….

Now, the scene was very different. Charles stood within the Phantomhive town house, were the finest butler attire, his hair groomed and pinned back in a pony tail that touched just above his shoulder blades, and a superb amount of bangs framed his face. Sebastian knew what sort of men Ciel liked, the sort of man that the boy had desired him to look like, and he had given Charles the same physical charm with his makeover.

***

Ciel Phantomhive sat in the office, elbows propped against the smooth mahogany of his desk, his uncovered eye closed. The windows were fogged, hiding the snow that fell gently against London outside. It was evening, and the elegant streetlamps around the city were lit, fired crackling inside homes. The earl held a spoon in his hand, the one he used to stir some tea that had been placed in front of him by a young Irish butler. Ciel opened his eye, focusing it on his reflection on the spoon. He took a deep breath, letting the aroma of the tea fill him as he studied his distorted reflection. He then moved his eye slowly to Tenaka and nodded his chin just slightly.

Giving the signal, the older butler turned to the young one, who had come all the way from Brighton when he had heard the infamous Earl was interviewing for a new butler. Tenaka cleared his throat, "Thank you…Mr. MacDonald…for your time, you have shown yourself to be very competent. The Earl will contact you in a few days time when he has made his decision."

The young man bowed, giving the earl one last excited look before taking his leave.

Once they were alone, Ciel spoke coldly, "Tenaka… how many have we seen today? "

"Fifty, bouchan."

"Fifty…" A small sigh escaped Ciel's lips. The boy had a headache, a dull pulsing at his temples. "Tenaka, bring me some proper cake, please." His fingers moved to push away the fiftieth cup he had tried that day. He spun in his chair to gaze out the window, letting his fingers glide over his ring, an elegant frown forming on his young lips.

Ciel, I love you.

Ciel flinched at the memory of those words, words that had haunted him since they were uttered. Throughout the entire interview process he kept hearing them, swimming in his head, kept seeing Sebastian's face, kept being flooded with memories of their time together. The way his black hair would sweep over his forehead when he bowed, the way he smelled, the way his velvet voice would wake him up…Still, the master of repression did just that, and kept his outer calm, though even he couldn't hide the bored expression that would escape from time to time as more and more butlers arrived to be interviewed.

Fifty butlers interviewed in the week Ciel had been in London. Fifty put through all kinds of tests. The master of the house had the various Maitre D's make various cakes, sweets, teas, and he even made several throw utensils. Some of them were very competent but…Ciel found a fault in each of them. One was too old, the other too young, that one's cake was too sweet, and the other's tea was too watery. The bothersome, tiresome truth was that after being with perfection, everyone else seemed…lackluster. They just weren't Sebastian.

Suddenly, the earl's thoughts were interrupted, as there was a knock on the door. He spun back slowly on his chair, crossed his legs. Ah, Tenaka with the cake.

The butler moved in, and bowed to his master. Behind him, there was a soft rustle and some footsteps. "Sir…there is another butler here…"

"But, we had no more interviews scheduled today, Se- Tenaka."

"Yes, I told him that, but he insisted…"

Ciel frowned deeply; more from having accidentally called the elder by Sebastian's name than by the bothersome task of seeing another butler. A little annoyed sound escaped his lips but he nodded, "Very well…send him in."

"Earl Phantomhive…" The man said with a strong look in his eyes.

Ciel looked up with a bored expression, and saw Sebastian. He blinked once, tensing, back getting straighter against his chair only to see that he had been fooled, that it was someone else. He exhaled the breath he didn't realize he was holding. His sapphire eye roamed over the male's face, telling nothing, his face was detached, unreadable. "Yes…you're here for the butler position? I need you to do several tasks for me. First, you must bake me a devils food cake, and prepare some tea. "

He looked at Tenaka, who bowed in understanding and spoke up, "Please, come to the kitchen…you have it at your disposal for making the cake."

As the two spoke, Ciel continued to watch the butler. His stomach tightened. They were alike, very much alike in physical appearance, in the elegance of their costume…but he doubted, that this man could bake as well as his twin. The boy let a small curse escape parted lips.

Ciel was looked over, studied, and Charles just smiled at him and then bowed. 'Be sure to smile a lot.' His employer told him. That 'mysterious' man had not given him his name, but everyone was certain who he was. It was the talk among the rich folk why the Phantomhive master was looking for a new butler. Rumors were all around…none of them the truth. "Yes, my name is Charles Arlmat, it is an honor to meet you." He said when questioned.

Once he was given the order, the man nodded and stood back up where he followed the elder butler.

'Agree to everything without question.' Sebastian's voice echoed in his head.

And, that's exactly what he did. There he was lead into the kitchen, and the truth was that Mister Charles had not the slightest clue about making anything or even how to boil water. "Thank you, sir." He said to Tenaka before the butler left him to use the kitchen.

Gloved hand closed the door. "Well—?" Charles' tone changed to something dark and careless. Outside the small kitchen window was a raven. It's head tilted to the side as it looked in, making sure the coast was clear. Then…it was gone. From behind Charles appeared Sebastian. The man rapidly turned around with his fist raised, but the swing was caught by the demon. A shudder ran down Charles spine. "How the bloody hell did you get in here?"

Sebastian smiled more with a half laugh. "Remember, do not ask questions…" He said as he walked passed the man and started to bake a cake and boil tea without effort. It would always be just as splendid as always, but he was sure to add a touch of cinnamon to the cake, something he had never done before when making devil's food cake, so that it would not reflect him entirely. Suspicion needed to be avoided. "Hmph…" He snorted with a glare at the cake. Yes, this surely was a cake of a devil…

Within a quick amount of time, it was ready and prepared with Earl Grey tea on a silver trey. "Now, serve this to him…"

Charles gave a stiff nod and did as he was told. He knocked on the boy's door and waited…

Tenaka opened it to let the man in. His own eyes roamed over him, noticing the similarity to Sebastian, but the elder kept quiet, standing by the door. Ciel had arranged some toy soldiers on his desk and held one in his small fingers as Charles walked in.

Being given his permission to enter, Charles did just that and brought the tray around to where he was directed to. It would normally be difficult for a man such as Charles to keep such a cool and patient manner, but it was an easy task for the amount of money was being paid. Even if he really was interested in being this baby's butler, the amount of pounds would never add up in all his life time for what his employer had to offer him.

So, the game was played. Charles stood at Ciels side to act out his game card character. His brown eyes traveled around the room, looking at various objects, but most of all he stared at the door. He had to get it locked…and he had to get the child and him alone without the geezer.

Ciel barely looked up to acknowledge him, but then… a scent, a delicious scent wafted into the earl's nose, through the room now that evening had set. The boy's eye moved from the soldier slowly to look up again, focusing on the Charles's face, then shifting to the tray in his hand. And for a reason he couldn't explain, his body tingled. The earl lowered the toy soldier onto the desk as Tenaka directed the younger butler to set the tea down on a nearby coffee table.

Without a word, Ciel stood up and moved to the elegant sofa before the table, sat down, and crossed his legs. He reached out, curled his fingers around the silver fork and dug it into the moist cake. The food was brought to his lips and he took a bite, chewing it slowly. Still, not a word was spoken, but did his cheeks flush slightly in the dark room? Then, he took the teacup in his small hand, brought it to his lips, and let the aroma tickle his nose; fill his senses, before he sipped the tea.

He lowered the cup, his eye widened and flashed blue as his head jerked up and he stared at the butler, a ripple of emotion in his voice, "Did... someone help you with this?"

Ciel spoke Charles him then, snapping his gaze back to the boy. His voice sounded different this time compared to the previous few words he spoke just before to him. Was that real ex-butler such a good cook to raise someone's senses and emotions like that? Little Charles know…Sebastian did have the power to do that to Ciel…"No…" He said with a smile. "How could anyone help me with that? It has been my dream to be a butler, a jack of all trades, my whole life….do you like it?

Ciel looked at Charles, his lips curving into a slight frown, then turned away to look at the cake, and to hide the faint blush of embarrassment that had crept to his cheeks. The earl felt foolish for his outburst. Of course, no one had helped him. What was he thinking? The youth had a determined look on his face as he took another bite, letting the flavor linger against his pallet, closing an eye. He swallowed, and said nothing for a moment, then looked at the elder butler.

"Tanaka, please go and bring the utensils, and the dartboard…" The old man bowed at his master's voice, knowing it was time for the second part of the interview, and exited quietly shutting the door behind him. Ciel fixed his eye on Charles, scrutinizing him. His cake had been excellent, and the tea, superb. It almost reminded him of Sebastian's...almost...there had been too much cinnamon in the cake, a mistake Sebastian would never have met. Sebastian's sweets were perfection, and in truth, Ciel's tongue craved them. He finally understood, what the children who lined up for his sweets and toys felt like, desiring a certain taste, a certain aroma, so badly.

Still, this butler had come very close, and yet why did he feel...disappointed? It was as if, deep down, he didn't want to...

Ciel, I love you.

Two small fist clenched. He buried the thoughts, the emotions, deep down, because he had his kingdom to rebuild. Then, there was her Majesty to think about. He couldn't put off her letters and orders much longer. He finally spoke, leaning a head in his hand, giving him that dim smile, speaking in that cold, elegant British voice, "Tell me, Charles. What experience do you have, as a butler?"

There it was the clock…and the ceiling hook where the spider plant hung from. It was exactly how Sebastian had told him it would be. Everything was in place. He was sure of it that, man was this kid's old butler. For a second Charles wondered why this job was so important to the guy, but he cared not to question it further. All that mattered was the payment.

Hastily his eyes lowered back on the child that ate the cake. It was almost time…Then, the old man was sent out. Since things were going according to plan, Ciel should be questioning him more for the interview process…and that exactly what happened. He was asked what experience he had as a butler. Charles smiled again, but it was unlike his previous smirks. "Well…you see…when it comes to being a real butler…" He said as he casually walked over to the office door and flicked the lock. "The truth is…I have no skills at all…but when it comes to having the training of your previous butler…" He turned back around, walking in front of the boy.

Ciel saw him lock the door, sapphire orb immediately narrowing, "What? What do you know about my previous butler?" A flicker of fear passed through him. He had been in enough dangerous situations to recognize them when they were approaching, and right now his body tingled with apprehension. Had he been right? Was this man somehow connected to Sebastian? His fingers tightened against the teacup, trying to piece together the puzzle that was suddenly forming in his mind.

"We are quite the same…" It was true that this dialogue wasn't part of what Sebastian ordered, but Charles got a bit excited when knowing it was going to be his turn to fight in the ring next. "That is…everyone knows about how your butler was your little body guard…I have physical skills as well."

The man invited himself to sit down on the couch beside the boy. "I could put someone in the sleeper hold within a second…that is, if I so picked to…like this-"

Something was wrong. No aristocrat, let alone a servant would ever invite themselves to sit next to an Earl. The boy quickly turned his attention to the door, parting lips to call out to Tenaka, and this proved to be a fatal move.

Charles pulled Ciel to him, even if he had that cake and tea as he didn't care if it spilt. Without any warning at all, Charles knocked Ciel out with the famous sleeper hold…

.Words caught in Ciel's throat as the man's arms circled around his neck and the boy´s entire body tensed, his eye widening and then closing as he everything went black...

Meanwhile, outside those office doors all the other servants would also be asleep in whatever spot they stood…only it was not from Charles's hold, but rather something else.

A devil grinned as he walked passed the dreaming…

1…2…3…go to sleep~

The two butlers had precise tactics they were to both follow. It was Charles's job to just take 'care' of Ciel, while Sebastian would 'tend' to those outside the room. However, they both shared a common ground: Rope.

It was all so perfect, the way the rope circled around the boy's supple neck and how solid the noose was to its design. Upon waking up, the Earl would not only find that he was on the floor with his hands tied behind his back, but that his dear spider plant was as well. As if it was a mock to be placed in the boy's face, literally, the plan was sprawled out…dead…in front of him. The long vines reached across the floor. They clung for a last bit of life that was rejected to them. Its spilt over against Ciel like a fallen person breaking their head open as the blood poured out of them.

So why the demise of the plant? The hook was needed. Attached to Ciel's neck was a rope wrapped around it, formed into a noose that was sung around the ceiling hook. Holding the opposite end of the rope was Charles. Right now there was plenty of leeway, but all the man had to do was to step back, pull the rope and pick Ciel up off the floor…and this room would become his own personal gallows.

This….this was why Sebastian needed a fighter—someone strong, someone that could lift and hold a boy up with rope with ease…someone that knew all the moves, someone that could apply the sleeper move within a second's need…

One eyelid fluttered open, and there was a shift of Ciel's body, a soft groan escaping dry lips. The Earl's orb was met with the green, lifeless plant in front of him. His eyes gazed at it as his vision began to focus, barely conscious of a dull pain at his wrists. He blinked several times and then awareness hit like lightning. This was his office? He was on the floor? His hands? He tried to move them from behind his back, but was met with merciless, unyielding rope. In fact, he couldn't move his legs either! The earl began to struggle, jerking his body, only to find a rough pressure digging at his throat, making him choke and arch his head back to try and lessen the feeling, "What...What is this?!"

His eye shifted around him wildly as panic caused his breath to pick up and heart race. He was obviously in deep trouble. He parted his lips to yell for Tanaka and the guards, but something, perhaps all his experience in horrendous situations, told him not too. That if he did, he would be killed that very instant. He could do nothing, except lie there bounded and wait to see what face fate wore this time.

A deep irritated breath exited through Charles lips. This was becoming ever so boring. With another glance to the clock, the man couldn't wait for Ciel to come-to. He just wanted his damn money. 1:03 PM…it was exactly as Sebastian had predicted. "Eh~" The fake butler's attention perked back at seeing the slight movement in the boy's body on the floor. "Hah…" He let out a laugh as he just waited for him to say something. "This? This is just a little something I had to do." Charles answered when questioned.

He took some steps back and tugged at the rope. It pulled over the hook some more so that it would drag the other up from his laying position on the floor. With ease he took more and more of the rope inward. With each haul, Ciel would be dragged upward more…basically forcing the boy to stand straight if he didn't want to be choked. The situation was obvious though…The more Charles yanked the rope to him, the more it would lift his sitting target. "No hard feelings though, right? I mean, this is your own fault." He shrugged and said carelessly without any fear on his side. He was sure the 'other man' had tied the rest of the servants outside the door up like he had planned…binding them by their wrists and ankles so that they could not move even if they were called for.

Ciel winced as he felt the rough rope pressing against the skin of his neck, forcing him up to rise to a kneeling position quickly, then to his feet. The earl had been in a situation like this, more than once...But now, there was no Sebastian to save him. He was a knight without sword, or shield. He felt once again the helpless pet, and panic rose within him, making it difficult to breathe and his legs tremble. How ironic, that just when he placed the first brick on his new kingdom, it was being smashed down again.

'Wait...'

There was one arm he had against this man. He pushed his fear deep down inside him and kept his eye on Charles, intense and imploring, "Do you know who I am? I am richer than you can even dream. Whatever you want, I will give it you. Whoever is paying you to kill me, I will double, triple that amount...I will give you anything, but let me go."

'Keep him talking. Keep him talking, and someone is bound to enter.'

This really was no sweat at all. Charles laughed to himself as he couldn't believe that he was getting paid for this. Ciel was a light as a feather to him. Another tug. The rope creaked as if trying to cry out for help. The voice was not heard.

It really was a good feeling to be in control like this, but Charles had to admit…he would have enjoyed a bit more of a fight. Oh well, the amount of pounds he was being offered was too much to act on his own will. "Tch…" He smirked some more at what he heard from the boy's slowly damaging voice. The other man had warned him of this and had assured him that no amount could be more than what he was getting. It was almost hard to believe that it was possible. Besides, Sebastian had already given him half up front. Human greed was strong though…Charles was ever so tempted to double check and to question. This was the earl, after all. The phony butler bit his lip in hesitation. He was not supposed to inquire, and he was supposed to say that he wasn't getting paid to do this…rather it was his own desire.

It was only the two of them for two more minutes…Charles kept his eyes on the clock again. Sebastian stated he would know if he did go against the plan…but how could he? It's not like he was here…"Heh, alright…fine—Give me your best offer?"

The door slammed open then. "Ciel!" Sebastian took a heavy step in, appearing to breathe hard. It also appeared his gaze was on the Earl, but really his red glance was past him…targeting Charles…as if saying 'I know what you are doing…and you are doing it wrong.'

Charles's face paled and he even dropped the rope a bit from a shiver.

Greed...

Sometimes, it could be on your side. Sometimes, someone else's sin can be your salvation. Ciel kept his eye on Charles, because it was important to show that he was serious. His life was at stake here, and he had to tread carefully, "Whatever amount you-" but his words were cut off, as Sebastian stepped in. Ciel's breath was taken away, his face showing all the shock that passed through his body. "Se..Sebastian!" he cried out, incredulous, as he swayed forward slightly from the sudden release of the rope's pressure on his throat, and logical or not, a feeling of relief passed through the child.

Without even thinking, out of pure habit, Ciel cried out, "Sebastian, save me!!" His hand tugged at the unyielding rope at his wrist, wanting to show the contract. He caught himself doing this, and closed an eye, flushing from a sudden shame. His pride.... another sin. No! Right now, he would not allow it to be his ruin. The earl opened an eye again, fixed it on the demon, almost daring him, wanting to see how he would act.

Ciel…Ciel…Ciel…

Every time Sebastian spoke his name out loud like that, it didn't feel like the worlds came from his lips, but rather his heart…yet, this was only the second time he said the boy's name…and it gave him the same intense responsiveness and conviction as the last time.

Who was this he was looking at though? What horrible sight was this? Sebastian tried to con Charles with his eyes some more, but he just couldn't keep his sight on him. His eye's were selfish for the boy…and looking at this situation, this monster Charles that he had created, was so repulsive.

Anguish took over his expression, his brow lifting and shoulders dropping. What was this sensation? Shame? A realization what he had just done? Was this…a conscience? No…demon's didn't have consciences…nor did they have love…but…

"Who the hell are you!?" Charles's called out, but all that Sebastian, but all that the demon could hear or see was that…child. Ciel…he spoke those words…and his name, 'Sebastian, save me.'

A sharp single breath escaped him. He felt cold. He knew what he should do…and that was just make that rope split and bring Ciel into his arms…

"Oi! Oi!" Charles' was starting to get flustered…Sebastian's lips parted; his words conflicted between what to speak. It was like that look that Ciel had given him was something that chained him to the floor…pulling him down so hard that it broke through the floor…no, broke through the earth and bounded him to the rocky depths of Hell…

Without any hint of sign then, Charles had grunted and made the choice to act on his own. "Oi, Seb—er-sir!" He said again at Sebastian…wondering why the man wasn't speaking. Wasn't this the part where he was supposed to be taunting the boy, and then saving him and breaking out in a fight with him? He wanted to fight!

When one cannot control their own destiny, when they come face to face with fate, when it's claws are clutched around one's body, time moves slower, all you can do is watch. Ciel could do nothing but watch, watch Sebastian, and wait. It was only when the other butler spoke, that he felt anything. He stared at Sebastian. "You know each other?" The dim feeling of realization then as Charles almost said Sebastian's name? The boy's face changed slowly, slowly the shadow passed through his childish feature, and through his eye, which now could bare nothing but accusation to the demon in front of him. He really was a fallen king. How could he be so foolish as to think that the demon would relinquish its prey?

The boy's face took an a strange expression, he parted his lips, letting out a hollow laugh and these cold words, "...the spider has finally come to suck me dry!"

"Shuddup!" Charles growled as he jerked the rope, pulling most of it back stiff so that it would direct Ciel back up. Only if the boy stood on his toes, would he still have air.

As if on cue, he was further restrained. Ciel made a choked sound as the rope suddenly cut into his throat, pulling his body up to his tiptoes, making him arch his head back and breathing difficult, his chest rising and falling as he gasped for air. No! What was happening? He winced, trying to focus on the actions around him, but it was impossible, all he could manage to focus on was trying to get air into his lungs.

The young king tried to gather his thoughts, but his vision was blurring fro the strain of his body, and he barely managed the next words, "Checkmate."

What was Ciel saying next? Had he been seen right through? Had his evil been manifested into something physical? Some sort of creature that loomed behind him and spoke each word of his guilty plan read out loud into Ciel's ear? "What…" Sebastian could only respond with in a dry voice.

Several blinks fluttered as Sebastian tried to process everything, and he was brought back to reality. The rest of the room showed again…and he could see both Ciel, Charles, and that plant with that dirt all over the floor. "N…No!" Was that impeding word yelled due to being discovered, or because that oxygen was in danger of being taken away from the boy for real now.

How long had he been out of it? Captured by Ciel? Here was the spider, and yet it was the fly that was eating the spider instead. Who was sucking who dry? Did it really cause for Charles to question how he was?

He ran up to Ciel, one hand placed on his shoulder…, the demon's eyes plastered back on Charles. He got the message. "Ahhah! What foolishness is this? I've never seen this guy before!" The fake butler acted.

Quickly his glance shifted back to Ciel's eye…his hand shaking upon him, which he had not even realized. In his head…things were different…he was supposed to be standing there in front of him, taunting him, making him say that he needed him out loud…

The boy actually flinched at Sebastian's touch as his hand came to grasp his shoulders. How could one crave something, and detest it all at once? He didn't have much time to ponder this though, as the rough pulling on his throat made his eye close and more choked sounds escape his lips as he tried to breath, but it was impossible, the rope pressed into his wind pipe blocking any air from entering. He began to see black at the corners of his eye, and there was no other sensation then the desperate need for air.

Pull~ Charles lifted Ciel up more, now with nothing below his feet. Sebastian's hand slid down him in the process by it simply staying in the same place…

Here…here was his chance to say something like, 'Tell me you need me, or else I won't save you.' But no…his body spoke instead, and his body spoke different words than that. Snap. The rope broke, and he would be there to catch the smaller…

Then the air came, rushed into him as he fell, fell into those arms that so often had carried him. Here was fate, clutching him in its claws. Now would he be sucked dry? Ciel looked up at Sebastian with half-lidded, glazed eyes, mouth parted and tongue hanging out just slightly as his body greedily took in the large breaths it had been without. He wanted to say something, but at that moment, his body betrayed him with its weakness.

Is this what it felt like to be human? Sebastian wondered. How could he be experiencing this? This was…what it felt like not to be himself…that was for sure…or was it? Maybe this was the real him after all…The idea of it made him tremble.

There…he held Ciel in his arms. The body was so fragile in his grasp, as if he were holding his own glass heart that only existed in a woman's dream. "Ci…master…" He whispered. Even without the mark of the demonic contract, Ciel would always…and forever…be his master. He had all control over him. "Master…I'm sor…"

His words were interrupted by Charles, "Oi! What do you think you are doing! That boy is mine!" He said with a large grin, throwing the rope down in façade anger. Good, this was the part he had been waiting for…the part where he got to fight!

Sebastian closed his eyes, a lack of expression on his face as he hid any emotion. Of course, what he really was going through right now was annoyance. Charles was getting so irritating.

As carefully as he could, he placed the boy down in the nearest chair and removed the noose from around his neck. "Ciel…" He wavered between both his name and title. Slowly his ungloved hands brushed some bangs away from the Earl's face while feeling his soft flesh in the process. Without a word, he would lean in forward and just barely brush his lips against the child's cheek.

Each deep breath brought full consciousness closer. He didn't struggle as he was placed on the nearest chair. Ciel looked up at Sebastian's face, trying to read it, confusion flickering through his own features. What was it he saw in those red eyes? It was so strange, but the way that his bangs were brushed away from his face and when the demon moved to ghost his lips over his, it was almost an affectionate touch. He turned his face away slightly, to let his eye meet on Charles. However, they weren't on him long.

Sebastian stood up straight then, his eyes bright red as he looked at Charles who was already in a stance. "Hmph…" All Sebastian did was glare, narrow his eyes, and Charles screamed—loud. He fell to his feet, both legs breaking and snapping from his knees joints.

"Ahh! What the bloody hell! What do think you are doing!! We were supposed to—" Crack. The man's head was twisted around his neck. The captor was now the one without air…

Ciel looked away again as he heard that horrendous crack of bone, and he felt revulsion and sickness enter his system. There was a lump in his throat and he bowed his head, his bangs curtaining his pale face. How familiar this had become! Death. How close it always was to him, that one thing he wanted to evade the most.

In times like these, when he was vulnerable, when destruction was near, the shadows threatened him, they hovered over his head, those memories. He could always see them, the way they had held him down, the way that brander had seared his flesh. He could feel it then. The boy 's body shuddered and he looked around, almost feeling nauseous. His eye landed on Sebastian... he fascinated and confused Ciel's acute mind like nothing else.

He pushed the shadows away, because he had a different darkness to face now. Was Sebastian his savior? Was he his murderer? He couldn't piece together this puzzle, this was a game that had contradictory rules. It was like a maze that kept changing its path. Could he find the answer? He took a deep breath, knowing there was only one way to find that answer. A stream of questions flowed out of the boy's mouth, "Sebastian, what is this? This man implied he knows you, and now you kill him? You come to take my life, and yet you save me? Why? Why are you here? What do you want from me?" He sat upright, giving him an intense look, "Do you want to kill me? Consume my soul? Well, what are you waiting for?!"

That dirt which stained the floor like blood…was now evolved into the metaphor it appeared to be. Red liquid seeped to the soil. Perhaps some of the plant still attached to its life force would confused the blood for water…blood for water…Was there any difference any more?

In one hand Sebastian held water, in the other he held blood. The water fell through his fingers so easily, but so did the blood…the only difference was that the red liquid took longer to reach the ground…still, in the end, it was on the ground right with the water…

A shadow blanketed over the mask the demon wore. With his back turned to Ciel, he stared at the broken body of Charles. The more the demon stayed silent from the boy, the more words were spat at him. His hands formed fists into his sides. It was like the walls of the room were growing tighter and tighter at him with each question Ciel spoke… "No-" He growled the word, but then repeated it more firmly. "NO!" He whipped around, his long bangs swaying behind him in the motion. "That's--" He narrowed his eyes down at the boy. A lie was on the tip of his tongue. He was about to tell Ciel that he didn't know the man either in return…but demons could not lie…they also could not love…so…he was becoming more human after all. Love made people lie.

His lips twitched as he fought those words. With a snort, he turned himself back around, pivoting on his heel and stared back at his dead client. "You…should go help the others…I saw…them tied up." He said without answering the proposed inquires for a moment more. "Ciel…" His voice hissed then, a single black feather would seemingly fall out of nowhere onto the boy's lap. "Have you really not noticed…at all…? I've been watching you…I've been keeping an eye on you from the sky…forever."

It was still so strange to hear his name from the others lips, from that velvet voice that held a slight dangerous edge, and it made Ciel shiver involuntarily. His own fists clenched at his sides, partly from the conflicting emotions inside him, partly from the horrible stench that began to invade his senses. He kept his uncovered eye fixed on a painting on the wall, trying to hold his breath as much as possible. He wanted answers to questions, even if it meant fighting the feeling of nausea that began to creep into his throat. He opened his mouth to demand the answers the other had evaded, but then Sebastian mentioned the others being tied up. Ciel's eye widened and his dark blue gaze shot to the door. A piece of the puzzle fell into place for the boy, and his eye slowly narrowed. Watching, why? To ridicule the fallen king? Why had Sebastian returned? Was it really for the reason he had spoken in the Manor? Why did he want to reinstate the contract? And most importantly, what was it about this creature that fascinated him? That frightened him and thrilled him?

The smell was getting worse by the minute and he could feel the blood rush from his face. Despite this, the boy quickly raised a hand to bring the feather to his other eye, covering it and looking at him through the thin, silky fibers.

You cannot leave here until you answer my questions, Sebastian. Tell me you won't leave, until you have." He would not go outside to help the others until he had some kind of affirmation, however much it was worth, from the demon.

Part of this job was still left undone. There was the other half of the payment that needed to be taken care of with Mister Charles here on the floor. Hopefully the boy would heed his words and take care of the other members of this household so that he could dispose of this corpse. Even though he was no longer a butler, the idea of having this mess caused by him in front of Ciel made him feel tart. He waited to hear the footsteps of the boy…but footsteps sounded like just more words then.

His already fisted hands at his sides clenched tighter his long nails digging into his palm. So, he couldn't leave until he answered him? "Is that so?" His lips curved into an upwards arch. "In that case, I shall stay forever…" He turned back around again, smiling almost a bit too kindly at the sight of the child holding his feather. "I've told you…the answer is 'no'…" He stepped closer to Ciel. He seated himself on his knees in front of him and went to place his hands on the boy's hips. His red ruby of eyes glimmered once within the light's reflection. "It was a single word, but a multiple answer to half your questions….then there's the others in which word 'no' could not be used for—Why am I here…do I want to consume your soul…everything else, the reply is the same. Also, understand that since I am no longer your butler and in contract…I am not inclined to answer you if I do not wish."

The demons hands on Ciel's felt cold, and yet he leaned back quickly, as if those hands burned him. He let the feather fall to the ground and kept his gaze on the demons face, trying to read it. He could easily be lying, after all, there was nothing forcing him to tell the truth. His lips parted, and he spoke in a voice so soft it had to be to himself, "If you entered into a contract with me, you would have to tell the truth..."

Ciel then finally pulled himself up and turned on his heel and walked out of the room quickly, grateful for the distance from the demon. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his feeling of anxiety that had risen in him without him really being aware. It was difficult though as he found that the servants were indeed tied up, in a line along the corridor, their eyes wide, incoherent mumbles escaping form their bound mouths. The boy fumbled with the knots, and it took him a long time to free all four servants. They spoke at once, saying they remembered nothing, only waking up like that. Ciel brought his hand to the skin between his eyebrows; trying to keep his stoic, calm appearance. He explained that a burglar had come in and tried to steal things, but that...Sebastian had showed up once again and managed to kick the burglar out. He had wanted to avoid bringing up the other, but it was inevitable. They were bound to see him walking through the halls.

Of course Finnian and Meilin went wild with excitement and curiosity, asking questions and looking around for the sight of the butler. Tanaka just laughed that Santa Claus like laugh. Ciel quickly stood up without further explanation and made his way to his office, ignoring any further remarks from the servants, concentrating on a game plan.

There Charles body lay on the coroner's table. He was dead, his flesh graying and his insides being dissected at. The artists applied make-up to his face to hide the cloud of death. Then, along came Ciel. He felt his hand on him, and it brought him back to life.

It was only for a second, but in these times in which Sebastian had his touch upon the boy was only when he felt what could be considered alive. All the other hours of his hell of a life he was nothing more than walking corpse that could not feel a single thing unless his touch was on that child…Life and then death all over again…The demons face became unsavory turn as Ciel walked away from him in his head. The feeling of his heart sinking was becoming all too familiar even though the sensation was new to him.

Sebastian's cold lifeless lips parted to speak, but nothing came out. He stood there for a moment longer, just staring at the office entrance. With a single wince, he turned back around and walked over to the body of Charles on the floor. He stared down at him. He was like him now—dead, unable to experience a thing in the living world—joy, sorry, emotions, and love…it was all over for him. "I am of my word…" Sebastian's smirked found him again. He reached into his pocket and took out a bag that contained pure gold coins. Carelessly he tossed it on the body. "I said I would pay you the next half when the job was done." A single laugh escaped him. He just left out the detail about the killing part. The silly humans should listen to the churches more often when they said not to make deals with the devil.

TO BE CONTINUED…