Guuuys we're sooo close! So close to ending!
Well I'm not sure XD But at least we're reaching the point of no return!
Ciel awoke feeling much better than expected, considering the events that had taken place the previous night.
He sat up and stretched comfortably, a light smile barely gracing his lips. It almost seemed like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, like that pitiful demonstration from last night had allowed him to release any and all tensions or darkness inside him.
"All these years of mother seeking different therapies to deal with you, when it seems YOU were the real therapy all along." Ciel teased at the shadow by his side. Sebastian set Ciel's clothing for the day on the bed's corner, nearing him with hairbrush in hand.
"I seem to be the cause and solution to all of your maladies." The demon spoke easily, yet was visibly relieved by Ciel's morning recovery. Careful finger threaded softly through Ciel's slightly messy blue locks, along with the soothing movements of the hairbrush.
"Hm. I still wouldn't call it a fair trade." The boy murmured sleepily. A silent moment followed, both content simply with each other's presence, before Ciel slowly opened his eyes. "We should go out..."
Sebastian remained silent, before releasing a humored sigh.
"It might be for the best. I don't think Mey rin could take any more of your ideas."
Ciel huffed, a blush sneaking on his cheeks at the memory. The day he had put nail polish on the demon's nails and Mey Rin had been able to see Sebastian on Ciel's phone, the boy panicked and immediately took the paint off Sebastian's nails the moment he returned from the supermarket. The demon had found the situation incredibly amusing and had teased Ciel about the integrity of his choices ever since.
"I was just being careful! What if she could see the paint! There would be red blotches floating in the air!"
"I don't think that's how it works." The demon chuckled with a teasingly condescending look. "It would be better to not trouble your delicate mind with these complicated concepts."
"Damn demon."
As Sebastian began to dress Ciel, the boy continued to glare halfheartedly at the other.
"We should go rock-climbing then." He said moodily, despising the expression on the demon's face which was that of someone indulging a small child.
"No."
"Skydiving."
"No."
"Extreme biking."
"Tempting to see your absolute lack of coordination in action, but no."
Ciel crossed his arms in a particularly childish motion, clearly not actually upset. In fact it was completely the opposite- that lighthearted feeling he'd awoken with only spreading with each teasing tone, each pout, each touch.
I find you so infuriating, in a way I can't live without. How masochistic.
They made their way to the kitchen, taking their time to enjoy this slow, comfortable morning. Sebastian was almost distracted from the rather rare happening taking place a few meters ahead of them.
"Your mother is cooking."
Ciel blinked in genuine surprise, completely thrown off guard, their previous conversation forgotten.
"Really? That's definitely odd! Not that I'm complaining..." The boy couldn't help a small grimace. "...Probably."
As he took the remaining steps to the kitchen, Ciel couldn't help feel both slight yearning and apprehension. He had barely crossed the threshold into the room when he heard his mother's voice calling to him.
"Ciel! Dear! Good morning to you!" A startling cheerfulness greeted him, his mother quickly nearing him and guiding him to the table. "Wont you take a seat! I'm making something very delicious just for you!"
"G-good morning, mom." Ciel stuttered, looking over his shoulder at Sebastian in surprise. The demon followed them, clearly unpleased. "You cooked?"
"Yes, I know I don't do it often enough but I will do it more! You'll see, you'll see." Her smile could almost be labeled as wild, and Ciel felt both humored and unnerved by it.
"You don't have to worry about that..." He attempted. Rachel squeezed his shoulder tightly in disagreement.
"Of course I do! Now just sit tight and I'll bring you what you need."
Ciel's eyes followed his mother's figure as she moved away, releasing a breath he'd been holding, Sebastian's comforting shadow falling over him.
"She says that now after years of not doing so." The demon murmured bitterly.
"Relax." Ciel signed. His mother quickly returned, setting a plate down and a cup of tea, Sebastian glaring at it.
"Here you go, sweetie! Be sure to finish it!"
"Of course, mother." He couldn't find it in himself to say thank you, but as he looked down at the food on the table he admitted that it still made him feel somewhat happy.
Rachel turned her back to him as he ate. Ciel took advantage of this for signing with Sebastian.
"Have you thought of where we should go then? You've rejected all of my ideas."
"I have actually." Sebastian smiled for the first time since entering the kitchen.
"Really? Where?"
"Wait and see." The demon teased.
Ciel scowled, then quickly made sure his mother hadn't seen. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he did not appreciate her cooking.
Ciel took a deep, content breath as they walked through the tree shaded path. It was nice to be out and about again, the lighthearted and warm atmosphere from the morning still present.
"Is it much farther?" Ciel asked carelessly, doing it only to bother the other. In that moment he felt like he wouldn't mind walking for hours on end.
"Only a bit further." The demon spoke, voice soft and seeming to join with the light breeze that surround Ciel. The boy closed his eyes with a hum and felt himself move to the side, pressing against the demon's form.
As they continued their walk, Ciel began to recognize the path. He became certain when the entrance to a small tea shop became visible. His eyes widened, a spark lit in them.
"Sebastian!..." The boy turned to him with a childish smile that made the other chuckle.
"Yes, it's that cake store you embarrassed yourself at some time back."
Ciel ignored that comment, simply too joyous at the thought of sweets waiting behind the door.
"It seems like a lifetime ago." He murmured almost dreamily.
Ciel's chest swelled as they entered the store, the smell of baked good immediately greeting him. Despite what he had said about never returning because of the incident that occurred on their first visit, he was incredibly happy that Sebastian had taken him there. He hadn't even thought the demon would bother remembering the path.
"You're such a child." Sebastian chided. "I make cakes for you constantly."
"You can never have enough cake!" The boy stated, not caring if anyone around him thought it was strange. He quickly made his way to the counter, looking over every exhibited slice with wonder. Unknown to him, he looked just like he had when they had come around a year ago.
"So?" Sebastian teased as he looked down at the beaming boy. "Which slices will you get?"
After ordering, Ciel made his way to the table triumphantly with not one, not two, but three slices of cake. Sebastian gave a humored sigh as he followed behind. Ciel took a seat, grinning as the demon took the one before him without even moving the chair. So far, they hadn't brought too much attention to themselves and Ciel was buzzing with excitement for his desserts.
"Well, here I go!" He cheered, cutting a small peice from the first slice.
"Don't eat them too fast." The demon reprimed with little hope. He allowed himself to smile at the boy's blissful expression. Ciel opened his eyes with a grin, and Sebastian gaze followed the boy's arm as it moved towards the next piece- only to stop a few centimeters away. His smile fell immediately as he looked back at Ciel's face, whose grin had suddenly gone missing too. "...Ciel?"
The boy blinked before pulling his arm away from the plates before him.
"I'm feeling a little nauseous..." He spoke carefully, putting his fork down. Sebastian's eyes narrowed. He opened his mouth to inquire further, but Ciel quickly shook his head and smiled again, less strongly than before. "It's better to eat only one of the slices anyway! That way I'll have cake for tomorrow." He reached for the slice he had begun to eat and took the fork back into his hand.
Ciel... Sebastian thought with a frown.
Ciel did not mention anything again, but Sebastian felt him less enthusiastic than before. Ciel asked for the remaining slices to be packed, and they soon found themselves walking back home.
Sebastian still carried a serious expression on his face. Red eyes looked down as he felt something soft poke his cheek.
"Stop being so grouchy, grouchy demon." Ciel pouted, getting off his tip toes and crossing his arms. Sebastian's eyes softened and he pressed closer to the human at his side.
"You're right. I'm just a grouchy demon, as you so kindly put it. I can't help it."
The wind blew comfortably, leaves crunched beneath Ciel's feet. The boy turned to look at those red orbs that were already observing him.
"Sebastian."
"Hm?"
Their eyes rested on each other's comfortably, eagerly, like they wished to remain that way for eternity.
"Thank you." He said genuinely. Sebastian chuckled.
"You didn't even finish your cake."
"I know, but I'm glad we went."
The moment they entered the house, Ciel's mother had already set her hands on his shoulders, Sebastian moving out of the way with a light growl.
"Welcome home sweetie! How was your walk? I have lunch ready for you right over here!" Without letting him answer, Rachel forcefully guided him to the kitchen table before quickly leaving to bring back a plate of food and a cup of tea. "I'm sure you're hungry after being out all day! Go ahead!" Ciel blinked before giving a small laugh.
"I will. Thank you, mom." He looked down at the food and decided it would probably be best to ignore his nausea and force down some actual food.
Besides, I have to take advantage of my mother cooking. Who knows how long that will last.
Ciel ate slowly, taking long sips of tea in between. He felt his mother's eyes constantly on him, but tried to ignore them in exchange for Sebastian's own. It was too dangerous to sign, but the demon's company and his mother's movement in the kitchen was good enough. As he finished his food, he felt a heavy drowsiness take over him.
"I'm done, mom. I think I'll head to bed now." He said with a yawn, muscles feeling lightly stiff.
"O-of course, Ciel. Go rest. I'll have breakfast ready for you when you wake up!" The boy blinked groodily at those words, wondering if they were true, if her actions would be something that would endure. A part of him wanted that, but another looked at Sebastian's unhappy expression and thought that maybe it would be best to keep the routine they had already made.
"Goodnight." He yawned again. Moving slowly towards his room. The moment they were out of sight he felt himself being carefully swept off his feet and carried towards their destination. Ciel barely kept back a groan as the motion brought his nausea back, but the feeling of his head against Sebastian's chest made the unpleasantness ignorable. He really was tired.
"You're falling asleep already..." The demon murmured. Ciel hummed softly in response. "Alright. Sleep. I'll take care of everything." Ciel hummed again, burying his face deeper against the demon. As he thought of saying goodnight, the darkness finally took over.
"Ciel. Ciel, sweetie. Wake up."
Blue eyes pressed together, struggling to open. Slowly his vision cleared enough to recongize the figure of his mother at his side.
"...Mom?" He murmured. Rachel had a concerned look on her face.
"You didn't show up for breakfast. I thought I'd at least bring you a cup of tea." Ciel's eyes found themselves closing again, a light groan escaping his lips. He tried sitting up, but felt drained. "L-let me help you!"
He felt thin fingers grip his shoulders, carefully pushing him into a sitting position. A different set of hands contributed as well, Ciel letting his gaze move towards Sebastian's figure.
The boy finally felt more awake, but it was still much harder to reach for the cup his mother offered him than it should've been. He took careful sips before releasing a long breath.
"Can I... go back to sleep?" He murmured after setting the empty cup down. He felt sebastian's concerned gaze.
"Of course, sweetie. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything." For some reason Ciel couldn't catch his mother's eye. She quickly left the room, and before he could say something to Sebastian he felt his body slide back down and eyes close.
Ciel awoke by himself the next time, but he didn't feel any more energized.
"Sebastian..." He called out weakly. The demon was imidately holding him, sitting him up and pressing Ciel's small body against his own.
"How do you feel?" He asked with a frown.
"Tired..." Ciel admitted. "Like I could go right back to sleep."
"You should eat something." Sebastian stated, pulling Ciel with him to stand from the bed.
"Ok." The boy murmured. He couldn't believe how hard it was to stand. His limbs felt incredibly heavy and numb. He leaned against Sebastian with his whole weight, barely moving his legs. As they made their way to the kitchen he felt himself recovering somewhat, his muscles feeling tense. "We should take it easy today." Ciel said, trying to clear his head. "Just watch a movie or something."
Sebastian barely nodded, his eyes taking in every aspect of Ciel's exhausted form with confusion and concern.
Ciel's mother didn't notice them enter until they were almost at the table.
"Ciel! I'm so glad you're up! I'll bring you something to eat right away!"
Sebastian set Ciel down as Ciel's mother set his food and tea before him. Ciel stared at if for a silent moment.
"I'm nauseous..." He whispered.
"Ciel, you have to eat something." Sebastian spoke, placing a hand over his forehead in search of a fever or some sign of illness. That didn't seem to be the case.
The boy reluctantly reached for the fork. Sebastian's eyes narrowed as he noticed the light tremble of his hand.
What is going on? He cursed with frustration.
Only a few bites later and Ciel was already trying to stand up.
"I can't eat any more." He gasped, the world spinning as he stood and making him quickly fall back onto his chair.
"Ciel!" Sebastian said with panic, holding the boy in place. Rachel neared him too with a similar expression, but not for the same reasons.
"Y-you can't leave yet, Ciel! A-at least finish your tea!" She insisted, eyes wild. Sebastian glared at her with distrust. Dazed, Ciel reached for the unfinished tea and slowly moved it towards his lips. The demon's eyes narrowed with a sudden suspicion, dipping his finger into the cup and tasting it. His eyes became wide.
"Ciel! Don't!"
Ciel's hand stopped moving instantly, the boy turning to look at Sebastian.
"Huh?" He spoke out loud, Rachel giving a startled jump at that action.
"There is something in it." Sebastian spoke with venom dripping off his voice. Red eyes flared with absolute furry towards the woman before them "She put something in your tea."
"...What?" Ciel blinked back down at the cup. He felt his mother take a hesitant step towards him.
"C-ciel?"
Sebastian growled and stepped between them, the woman feeling a violent chill running down her spine.
"You..." The boy muttered. His brain finally caught up with the implications of what Sebastian was saying, and a flare of anger went through him. He threw the cup away from him as if it burned, Rachel screaming as it shattered on the ground.
"Ciel!" She yelled, eyes full of fear. Sebastian focused on their surroundings, taking in every single thing in that kitchen until he found what was out of place.
"The top left cupboard!" He told Ciel, who got out of the chair forcefully, struggling against his body's limitations.
"Wait! Please!" Rachel called out, but she didn't seem able to move from the spot. Ciel fought his heavy limbs all the way to the cupboard, until he slammed it open and stared at what was inside.
Everyone was quiet. Slowly Ciel reached a trembling hand towards the object inside. A medicine bottle that read 'antipsychotics'.
"...You've been drugging me?" He whispered.
"C-ciel... please... I'm trying to help you-" The boy's head snapped towards her, eyes staring into Rachel's with immeasurable anger and incredulity. She took a step towards him. "C-ciel-"
"Stay away from me!" He threw the bottle towards his mother. She screeched and moved to avoid the flying glass. Ciel's whole body was trembling now, his vision was blurry. "Just stay away from me! Leave me alone!" He tumbled painfully towards the hall, making his way desperately to his room. He could hear his mother crying and calling out to him, and soon he felt Sebastian's arms around him, pulling him away from that scene and to safety. If anywhere in that house could be called safe anymore.
A sobbing Rachel dashed to the phone with desperation. She dialed a number, stopping only to wipe at the tears on her face. Her grip on the phone was painfully tight.
A click was heard at the other end of the line, and Rachel wept disconsolately to them.
"Please, I don't know what to do anymore! I tried, I tried to do something- I didn't know what else to do. You need to come! Please! It's all our fault and it's still haunting him. It's still-"
"Rachel."
The woman stopped, daring only to take a shaky breath.
"Now," Vincent Phantomhive spoke calmly. "Tell me what happened. From the start."
Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long since the last update but a LOT of drama has been going on lately. I'm pretty sure things will go a lot faster now!
Also, I based this fic on what google says are the most common side effects of antipsychotics!