As Ciel sat down for dinner he was full of anxiety. He felt sure that Sebastian would soon figure out his plot. If that happened or Agni had failed then the Phantomhive manor was doomed to chaos and Aliya was condemned to loneliness.
"Agni, there you are," Soma greeted his butler, "How did it go?" He avoided saying what.
"My prince, I believe this house has received the blessing of Kali," Agni smiled.
"Really? Where is Aliya?" Ciel asked.
"In the kitchen, working alongside Sebastian-dono," the man said happily.
"Without fighting?" Ciel was impressed.
"I knew Agni could do it!" Soma nodded cheerfully.
"Quiet," Ciel silenced him as Sebastian arrived with their food.
The earl could tell Sebastian was at ease. Over the past week the butler had developed almost a nervous twitch as if constantly on alert. But now he didn't glance over his shoulder at every noise or listen for Aliya causing trouble. The girl herself didn't appear until after dinner. She helped Maylene clear the table. Ciel noticed she was wearing a different dress from that morning and had a genuine smile on her face. Ciel didn't believe in such things, still it did seem as though a goddess had blessed the household.
Soma and Agni were to stay the night then depart the next day. Or at least, Ciel hoped he could convince them to leave tomorrow. In the evening Ciel taught Soma chess, which was not easy. The prince was just starting to get the hang of the game when Sebastian said it was time for them to turn in.
"I'm not tired yet," Soma insisted.
"Soma-sama, you need your sleep, we have to travel tomorrow," Agni convinced the prince.
"Well…I suppose. Good night chibi Ciel," Soma waved as he left the room. Ciel looked exasperated then walked towards his bedroom.
"Agni-san," Sebastian stopped the man; they stood alone in the room. "I have not had the opportunity to thank you."
"Sebastian-dono?" Agni was not sure what to say.
"Whether you intended to or not, your words allowed me to see an error in my treatment of Aliya. I am not accustomed to making mistakes but thanks to you I have been able to correct the situation." It was embarrassing to bow to a human, but more so not to acknowledge the aid he had provided.
"Please do not bow. Just treasure the wonderful child that you have been blessed with," Agni smiled at the demon he considered to be his friend.
"I shall do so for eternity," Sebastian promised.
Sebastian didn't speak with Ciel about the day's events until late. The boy was beginning to believe that he had completely fooled the demon. Sebastian allowed him to think this for only a little while.
"Young Master, I must congratulate you," the tall man said mockingly. He stood holding a candelabrum next to the boy's bed.
"So you finally figured it out? What gave me away?" Ciel asked as he sat on his bed.
"I knew you were scheming something. I just didn't bother to guess what until your accomplice kept glancing at me when my back was turned," Sebastian said with amusement.
"Soma is a bad liar, is he? So, did my plan work?" the earl asked.
"Aliya and I will fight much less now," was all Sebastian was wiling to say.
"This must have been a humiliating day for you, Sebastian. Outsmarted by your master, convinced to change your ways by a human, and humbling yourself to your daughter," Ciel remarked.
"I shall do my best to avoid this situation in the future," the demon said simply. He turned to leave but Ciel stopped him.
"Sebastian, was the embarrassment worth it?" Ciel knew the demon couldn't lie to him.
"I believe it was. Good night, Young Master," Sebastian said then closed the door behind him.
The next day Soma and Agni were eventually persuaded to leave the mansion. As they prepared to depart Aliya whispered to her father, "May I use my angelic powers?" she asked.
"Whatever for?" he wanted to know.
"A minor blessing, it's like a good luck charm," Aliya explained.
"Just this once," Sebastian agreed. A blessing was the only way Aliya knew how to repay Soma and Agni, and the girl deserved to give her thanks.
"Bye Ciel." Soma held the boy in a strangle hug.
"Let go of me!" Ciel protested the affection.
"We'll come back to see you soon," the prince said.
"Send a letter before you do," Ciel warned.
"Take care of Ciel until we come back." Soma released the boy and turned his attention to the servants.
"Do I get at hug too?" Aliya wondered. The girl held out her arms hopefully. Soma paused for a second, people didn't usually ask for his hugs. He glanced at the frightening Sebastian but decided to risk it.
"Farewell, little one." Soma gave the girl a tight embrace. Aliya took the opportunity to place a small amount of angelic energy inside his soul.
Agni and Sebastian exchanged polite remarks and the servants babbled emotional goodbyes to the guests. Once Aliya escaped her hug she approached Agni. The girl took a hold of his right hand and examined it again.
"Agni-dono, next time I see you. I promise that I will understand this better." She smiled at him as she blessed his soul with good fortune.
"Best of luck, Aliya-dono." Agni wished her goodbye.
As Soma and Agni departed everyone gathered by the door to watch them leave. Aliya stood proudly next to her father and Sebastian placed an affectionate hand on her shoulder. Ciel noticed this and gave a triumphant smile.
Seasnake: I had fun writing Aliya and Sebastian fighting. But it's nice that they've finally come to an agreement and decided to stop treating each other badly. Of course, just because they aren't beating the crap out of each other every five minutes, doesn't mean they will get along without any problems.
