6...
Chapter 14
Similar to the previous tailored attire, Ciel wore black knee-high shorts, a navy-blue shirt with thin white stripes and dark-violet suspenders that hung from his waist. His shoes were luxuriant, as well as the black top hat with an azure-blue bow turned slightly to the side. His milky-white skin made him look like a porcelain doll.
On the other hand, Sebastian had one of his side bangs pinned behind his ear and fake glasses. A dark-red vest was almost concealed under a pitch-black coat that covered the black horse's back; a simple outfit. He looked over at the younger male as their horses trotted side-by-side.
The audience followed Ciel with their eyes as the boy sat on his side on the horse and led it away from Sebastian. The music's beat was pleasant and it suited the two performers perfectly. The young male looked over his shoulder and Sebastian followed him. He took a deep breath before escaping from the ringmaster, since he had little time to learn how to ride a horse.
Sebastian glanced at the man gazing at Ciel attentively from the front row. He almost grinned just thinking about how he was going to almost devour the boy in front of the still unknown man. He then rode the horse beside Ciel's. While the horses ran at a low pace, Sebastian quickly held the boy's forearm and pulled him onto his horse, making him lay in front of him; and once that happened, a dramatic song was played and Hannah came to the ring on her elephant. She was wearing a tight fitted violet suit and shinning earrings, bracelets and a necklace, almost like a queen.
Ciel looked over his shoulder. "Was this supposed to happen?"
Sebastian grinned. "Yes. Bear with it for a while, alright?"
The boy sighed. "Fine." He got back in character and struggled to get off the horse until he managed to land on his feet. But, before he could get on his horse, the elephants trunk wrapped around him and lifted him up high in the air, causing him to almost panic in front of an audience. His small hands rested on the gray, rough skin; he had no clue of what to do, since it wasn't part of the choreographed performance. No, Ciel yelled in his mind as the large animal carried him towards the crowd. His blue eyes widened as the other day's man looked up at him, almost face-to-face as the elephant showed him to the audience. He composed himself and averted his eyes from everyone.
Sebastian got off his pitch-black horse as the boy was turned to him. "Give me your hand," he said loud enough for the silent crowd to hear.
Ciel stared at the hand extended to him. "Aren't I supposed to be stubborn?" he whispered. When the older male nodded slightly, the boy crossed his arms and turned his head away, pouting. The audience chuckled, but quickly payed serious attention to the unfolding scenario.
The elephant easily lifted Ciel higher and laid him in front of Hannah. "I'm sorry, William told me to do this," she said shyly and the boy looked at her, unimpressed.
"What now?" Ciel whispered.
"Just relax. We'll take care of everything," Hannah replied while taking off the bow at the end of her long plait, releasing her elbow-length violet hair.
Sebastian heard a horse and looked over his shoulder. "Dammit." He frowned and hurried to his horse. On an equally jet-black horse, Claude approached the middle of the ring, wearing a navy-blue coat; as if he was royalty.
"How can we improvise like this?" Ciel sighed when he saw Claude. "I'll just be a puppet." He slumped down and waited for something to happen.
Claude reached out to the horse's flank and took out a dark-looking sword. "We shall fight for him!" He pointed his weapon at Sebastian, grinning widely.
Sebastian looked at his horse's side and noticed an almost hidden sword. He scowled and slowly took it out. "I guess this is going to be fun," he said to himself and turned his eyes up at Ciel. "He's mine," he said aloud and extended his sword to his enemy.
Claude's horse ran towards Sebastian and their swords clanked. "I will be content when you're defeated."
From the elephant, Ciel looked at them fighting each other for him. It was hard to believe that they were performing, but he still enjoyed it. Obviously, he hoped for Sebastian to win, even if Claude handled the weapon quite well. Other than that, Sebastian simply looked so irresistible with such determined actions.
Sebastian wasn't enjoying how he and Claude were in sink as they swung their weapons against each other. "Give up." He hit the other's sword hard enough for it to be thrown to the floor.
"You..." Claude frowned, the tip of the other's weapon dangerously close to his neck.
"Yes, I...win," the ringmaster said proudly and led his horse to the elephant, the music softening. "Come with me."
Ciel blushed slightly as the older male once again extended his hand to him. He reluctantly reached out and was helped onto the shining-black horse. Why do I have to sit in front all the time? Ciel questioned himself in annoyance, still blushing. He tried not to frown when the older male took him towards the audience. Right in front of him, the unknown man smiled.
Sebastian noticed it and grinned widely. "He's mine." He raised the boy's chin from behind and kissed the pale collarbone, his lips parted. He saw that the audience was finally watching what they were expecting. Both were the only ones who had such act and they got more spectators than the kids-friendly shows.
The younger male couldn't help closing his eyes as Sebastian's free hand slid up his abdomen slowly. He knew then that they were back to the choreographed act, but he hadn't known if he should continue or leave everything to the ringmaster.
"Time is up, Cookie," Sebastian whispered to the boy's ear and patted his ass. He then sat straight and turned his attention to the crowed. "Right now, some members of the circus are distributing pamphlets about tonight's...let's say, auction. You can choose one member to perform just for you."
The audience cheered and clapped as the performers left the ring.
To interact with the audience, the performers changed into their casual clothes and presented themselves at the ring. Ciel shoved his hands into his pockets, not liking the situation he was in.
"Thank you for being part of today's auction," Sebastian said to the crowd. Not a seat was empty, so that only showed that the night was going to be long. "I assume that you have read the pamphlets, so we will start with the first performer." He stood beside Claude. "Who wants a private performance from him?"
"I'm going to kill you after this," Claude muttered.
"I see many ladies raising their hands. Now, go to them and ask which one gives more." Sebastian grinned and patted the other's shoulder. He frowned slightly, since Ciel was next. "He's our contortionist. Who wants a private performance from him?"
"Damn it," Ciel said to himself when man from the other day smiled and raised his hand. He still hadn't known the middle-aged man, but he acted as if they knew each other.
Sebastian almost sighed in annoyance. "Most people raised their hands. Go to them and see who gives more."
Ciel took a deep, unnoticed breath and approached the crowed while Sebastian continued. "Hi," he greeted with a tight smile.
"You're even more adorable from up close," a woman nearly squealed. "I'll pay one-hundred for you."
The boy stared at her. "T-Thank you."
"Two-hundred!" Someone yelled from the last row.
Ciel looked around as most gradually raised the numbers, but the man in front of him just gazed at him, as if he was hypnotized. "Alright, isn't this getting out of hand?" he questioned as the numbers passed the two thousand.
"Three thousand," the man in front of the boy offered and everyone went silent.
"I guess...you win," Ciel said quietly. "Thank you for participating. You can choose other members of Fantasy Circus." He smiled at the audience that chose him, then looked at the winner. "Come with me please."
"You can call me Damian," the man finally introduced himself, smiling widely.
Ciel nodded once. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He then poked Sebastian's back.
The taller male turned around. "Yes?" He stopped for a moment when he saw who was behind Ciel.
"This is Damian. He won with three thousand." Ciel had no idea who Damian was, but at least he looked kind.
"I came prepared, so I have the money here. I actually thought it was going to be more." Damian chuckled.
Sebastian stared at the man as he handed an envelope. "Do you want to be with him that badly?" he questioned without reservations.
Damian smiled. "Yes. You're not going to stay here for long, so I think it's completely worth it."
"I see. Ciel chose a place here he wants to perform for you, so please follow him," Sebastian explained curtly and was surprised when the boy gripped the collar of his black dress-shirt and pulled him down.
"You're going to be close by even if you're acting for someone," he demanded and released him.
Sebastian chuckled. "Yes. I have work to do now." He walked away, trying to brush off the eagerness of kissing the boy.
"Follow me." Ciel motioned Damian to follow him.
"I can't wait to see what you have prepared for me." The older male stepped into the circus' changing room with the boy. "I never been in the backstage of a circus."
"What do you think about it?" Ciel had to make the man's money worthwhile. Acting privately reminded him of when he was a pole dancer. "Have a seat." He took a chair and placed it close to a corner.
"It's fascinating. Seeing you in a costume is great, but watching how it's done might be even better." Damian sat on the chair.
Ciel almost took the other's words as something dirty, but he disregarded the uncomfortable feeling. Perhaps Damian wasn't a pervert and just wanted to watch an act closely. "If you don't like my performance, please tell me and I'll do something else."
"I know I'll like it." The older male smiled.
Ciel had to warmup before presenting himself in the ring, so he started the act. He raised one leg from behind until he held his ankle over his head, then placed his hands on the floor, lifting himself upside down.
Damian looked at the boy attentively. "You're very skilled." Once he stood, the boy almost jumped away from him. "Are you afraid of me?"
Ciel looked away. "It was a reflex. I apologize." He flinched when the older male approached him. "I have to finish the act."
"I don't mind if we do something else." Damian rested his hand on the boy's shoulder.
Ciel frowned at him. "What do you want exactly? If it's what I'm thinking, I don't mind returning your money."
"I have more. Anyhow, I have a request and it can be done in less than the time stipulated. I never done this before, but I want you to do it now." The taller male sat on the chair once again. "It's even better that you don't know me."
"Can you say what you want already?" Ciel scowled at him.
Damian cleared his throat. "I want you to...kiss me once."
Ciel couldn't believe the awkward situation he was in and apparently couldn't get himself out of it. "W-Where?"
"Here?" Damian smiling, pointing at his lips. "I also want you to...sit on my lap and let me be the one kissing you next. Just think that I'm Sebastian, alright?"
"What makes you think- Anyway, why should I simply agree to do something like that?" Ciel looked down, blushing slightly.
Damian made a thinking look for a short moment. "Do you want Sebastian to return such a great amount of money? I know that he'll need it to maintain this circus. Money is needed for maintenance, paying the people that work here, who are a lot; and the animals are the ones that need caring the most, am I right?"
The younger male slumped his shoulders. Everything deeply reminded him of when he was a dancer, but he hadn't done anything past a lap-dance. "Fine. Just because it's important to the circus and I don't want it to be affected because of me. You shouldn't bribe people."
"I know, but it's my only chance." Damian chuckled and raised his arms, smiling kindly. "Come, have a seat."
"You're really happy about this, aren't you?" Ciel approached him hesitantly.
The older male took the boy's hand and sat him on his lap. "Yes, very happy. Now, if you pretend that I'm Sebastian, you'll be fine."
Ciel took a deep breath and glanced at the other's lips, which weren't similar to Sebastian's in the least, but he hadn't wanted to disappoint anyone because of kissing. "I'll...try to pretend, I guess." He slowly leaned forward and was startled when Damian's hands cupped his buttocks. "Fair enough," he muttered and carefully pressed his lips against the taller male's slightly parted ones.
"That was pleasant, but now it's my turn. I want you to kiss me in return." Damian hadn't let the boy speak and kissed him fervently.
Ciel placed his hands on the wide chest, about to push him away, but he closed his eyes and tried to replace Damian by Sebastian. Besides, the man in front of him was a good kisser. "Ngh," he moaned slightly when the other's tongue invaded his mouth sensually. As Damian leaned forward, the boy settled his hands behind him, on the man's knees.
"I just came here to check how everything was, but I hope I'm not interrupting anything," a familiar voice crept into Ciel's ears like noise.
The boy opened his eyes, then they widened. Ciel pulled himself away from Damian and fell backwards. "S-Sebastian."
"I'll wait outside while you finish," Sebastian said with a deep, frightening voice and walked away.
"I-" Ciel turned his head down, his azure-blue eyes glassy in shock.
Damian stood from the chair. "Don't worry, I'll explain everything to him," he said with a concerned look.
"No, it'll only make it worse. I don't mind returning your money, but please leave," Ciel murmured, not able to get up.
"I've had what I wanted, so you don't have to give me anything. I hope everything will turn out well. You're right, the more I stay here the more you'll be in trouble." Damian caressed the boy's cheek before hurriedly leaving.
Ciel rose to his feet slowly. Approaching the exit, he saw Sebastian talking to Bard and Finnian, frowning, as if it was permanently etched between the scarlet eyes. He hated the great pain he felt in his chest, and he hadn't wanted to feel it any longer, yet he couldn't find the courage to talk to Sebastian. Even worse, was the fact that they used the same trailer, so he couldn't simply avoid the conversation, or argument.
Sebastian watched Damian walking out of the tent along with the small crowd that had stayed, then glanced at Ciel trying to hide himself while heading to the exit as well, perhaps going to the trailer. Sebastian's frown deepened if possible. He hadn't wanted to believe what he saw; how Ciel looked submissive to another man and returned his affection. Sebastian couldn't help clenching his teeth in anger, but he kept it deep in his mind; however, about to explode.
"Are you alright?" Finnian asked in worry.
"I'm fine," Sebastian answered curtly. "Can you take care of the rest. I'm tired and I want to have some sleep."
"Of course. Leave it to us," Bard smiled.
In the trailer, Ciel washed his face in the bathroom. As he dried himself, he heard the door of the trailer opening. His heartbeat quickened and he stepped out of the small room. "Can I exp-?"
"I don't want to hear you right now. I'm going to sleep," Sebastian said coldly and went to his drawers, taking out his pajamas.
Ciel closed his lips tightly. It was late and he was tired, but he hadn't known where to sleep besides Sebastian's bed. Not knowing if he would be thrown out of bed, he still readied himself to at least have some rest.
Hours went by slowly, and Ciel was still awake. He opened his eyes and looked at Sebastian's face illuminated by the strong moonlight coming from the windows surrounding them. His need to explain what happened with Damian ate him away inside. The boy placed his hand on the older male's chest, but quickly retracted it when he began to move. "Sebastian," he whispered.
"Hm?" Sebastian let out in annoyance, his expression gradually softening as he went back to his deep sleep.
"Sebastian," he called quietly and slightly shook the other's shoulder.
The older male moved once again and frowned. "Ngh. What do you want?" he asked tiredly, his eyes not opening.
"I want to apologize," Ciel answered in worry.
"Let me sleep." Sebastian became frustrated as the boy's voice woke him.
The younger male frowned slightly. "I want to talk," he said louder than he expected and Sebastian's scarlet eyes opened.
"I told you that I don't want to hear you, didn't I?" Sebastian turned around, facing away from him.
Nonetheless, Ciel gathered his courage and spoke. "Damian asked me to kiss him, and to pretend that he was you. I didn't want him to take his money back, so I did as he told me. I would disappoint everyone if something like that happened because of me. I wasn't thinking at the time, and you were the one who ended up being hurt because of something I did. Please...don't be mad at me anymore... I'm sorry."
Silence surrounded them until Sebastian opened his mouth. "You're saying that this circus only cares about money and that you can sell yourself for it."
"I'm sorry," Ciel said brokenly.
Upon hearing those words, Sebastian's eyes widened. He quickly looked over his shoulder and saw tears almost pouring from Ciel's eyes. Sebastian grit his teeth and turned around, embracing the younger male. "Of course I'm upset about what you did, but you've repent. Don't cry, Cookie." His hand slid behind the other's head and rested it against his chest, slowly calming him. He felt Ciel's arms moving up between then and wrapping around his neck.
"I'm sorry, Sebastian," Ciel uttered, feeling at ease in the older male's arms.
Sebastian's heart raced when the boy kissed lovingly. He smiled slightly when Ciel pulled away from him shyly. "You must be tired. Have some sleep." Ciel just nodded against his chest.
In the morning, Ciel stretched as he woke up. He yawned. "Ugh." His slightly teary eyes looked at Sebastian sleeping soundly beside him. Ciel was glad that the older male was no longer mad at him, but what he had to say for that to happen was truly embarrassing. He slid closer to the taller male and tiredness took over from the few hours he had slept.
Feeling the boy's arm around him, Sebastian opened his eyes halfway. "Ciel," he whispered and kissed his forehead. He acknowledged Ciel's feelings and how concerned he became when he was angry. He carefully released himself and got out of bed, leaving the boy to have some more rest while he worked.
A few minutes later, Ciel's azure-blue eyes opened and watched Sebastian walking out of the trailer. "He's sparing me," the boy chuckled slightly to himself. When the door opened once again, Ciel closed his eyes, as if he was asleep.
"Ciel?" someone else called, startling the boy.
Ciel quickly sat up. "Harold. What are you doing here?"
"I want to tell you that...I saw what happened between you, Sebastian and that man. I-" the older male was promptly interrupted.
"I-I told Sebastian that I didn't want that man to take his money, which the circus needs, so I did something really stupid," Ciel explained curtly.
Harold smiled warmly and approached the bed. "Don't worry, Ciel. I know you and I also know that you wouldn't do something like that without a reason; it's just not who you truly are. Still, I assume that you already talked to Sebastian, but I walked by him just a moment ago and he looked upset with something. Even if I still like you and I don't want to see with with Sebastian, I want you to be happy. What I came here for is to suggest that you do something more than ask for an apology."
Ciel started at him for a moment. "What do you...suggest that I do?"
Harold took a quick deep breath. "You have experience being a pole dancer, so I suggest that you put on a show for him. If you did that to me while we were dating, that would be what I wanted you to do as a...let's say, some sort of gift. Don't get me wrong, I told you that I don't like to see the two of you together."
The younger male blushed. "Won't he think that I'm...dirty? I mean, no one touched me, but I had to do that kind of things on a pole."
"I guess you're right." Harold made a thinking look. "Then...take a chair and give him a lap-dance. I know he'll like it for sure. You know that he's upset, but he's not going to show you that, so you should somehow compensate him."
Ciel blushed slightly. "I'll try."
P.S.: For the ones who don't know who Damian is. "Damian was an owner of the Poseiden Company's Indian factory that makes and supplies stuffed animals for Ciel Phantomhive's Funtom Company. He is a scam artist and is a main antagonist during the kidnapping storyline in the anime."