Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, several people went on vacation and I was left to a ton of over time. Here is the latest chapter. I want to honestly thank you guys for your patients as well as your commented. I'm sorry if I haven't PMed anyone… it's been crazy. I hope you enjoy and I want to thank my Beta for her patients.

Chapter 21: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place: Part II

The air was thick with humidity as the rain finally fell, hitting the pavement with a soft tap washing away the grime from pedestrians, the dirt of the ear and creating a clean slate. It was cold and gave Sebastian a chill as he continued down the street to the address in question, he still didn't want to do this, yet he couldn't lose his job. Ciel had purchased him, if he were fired he would have to figure out how to pay back the demanding little master. He desired to run away, to flee from the hell he now lived in, his tires kicked up a small wave as they rolled through a puddle. If only he could figure out how to escape without being harmed. As he slowly turned into another street the small apothecary he had been searching for appeared. In moments he was pulling in front of it and dismounting, "I don't want to do this, I could just add a placebo and say I put it in," he whispered.

There was silence, Ciel would figure it out, he wanted Elizabeth to practically knock him over and last all night. He looked at the green and yellow awning which hung over the shop, it was the only thing keeping him dry at this moment. The windows were sparkling clean and he could see the warm brown interior of the shop. Glass jars lined the shelves that stood from floor to ceiling around the outside of it. There was a desk in the center with several modern scales and a register, as well as the store's licences. He slowly pushed the door open and listened to the light chime of silver bells that alerted the owner to his arrival. "Thank you for your assistance," said a familiar gruff voice. Sebastian's red eyes widened when he spotted an all too familiar dark green trench, standing beside a small oriental was Diedrich, his hair was dry, he must have arrived before the rain. The German looked over at Sebastian, he was expressionless as he looked from the damp Sebastian to the small oriental beside him. The Chinese man didn't seem happy to see Sebastian and generally glared at him as though he were a pest, "Ah, sorry we are clos-" the small man was about to say only for Diedrich to hold up his hand. "Sebastian, works for Phantomhive," he stated. Instantaneously the man changed his tune and smiled broadly, "Oh? Well then that's different, what can I get for you, Mister-?" he asked hesitantly.

"Michaelis," he replied and the small owner nodded, Sebastian wasn't sure if it was out of fear or respect, it seemed to be a coalition of both. "I need 300 milligrams of Tribulus," he said slowly as he held out the note in Ciel's handwriting. Diedrich's brown eyes were locked on the sheet as the shop owner hesitantly looked at it. Sebastian knew what he was thinking, "This is a dangerous aphrodisiac, are you sure?" he asked slowly. Concern was written on his small rather chubby face, Sebastian pointed to the sheet, "Ciel's order." Diedrich glared at the page and slipped a packet of papers into his inside jacket pocket before pulling his mobile. "I see, is he aware of it's affects, 300 mg, is a lot," he responded, "it's right at the legal limit I am able to sell you."

"I'm aware," replied Sebastian, his eyes glanced over to Diedrich who was tapping on the screen of his phone. "Then you are responsible for it," said the small herbalist as he walked over to the shelves and reached for the glass jar. There was a loud ping which made Sebastian jump, Diedrich stared at his phone and looked at the message, "Give him 300 mg, and then 200 mg for myself," he stated. The herbalist looked at the German in confusion, obviously he never ordered something like this, "Sir?" he asked hesitantly. powerful arms crossed Diedrich's chest as he stated, "I want 200 mg." The herbalist nodded as he began to weigh the herb, Sebastian was honestly confused, he didn't seem like the type that would require it. Diedrich was young, he wasn't graying and was very fit, why the German needed it was beyond him.

He watched as the small Chinese man wrapped both orders, Sebastian was about to pull a card when Diedrich handed the man a platinum Visa. "Both orders on this," he stated. The apothecary was confused, "Sir, you're over the legal weight I," he paused and noticed the name. "I will take care of it," he said after a moment. Once Diedrich signed for the bag he handed it to Sebastian, "Did you cycle here?" he asked curiously as they slowly left the shop, his eyes were locked on the Linus Roadster. The rain was pouring now, "Yeah," replied the Patissier as he looked across the street to see the sleek black Mercedes Benz parked across the way. "I'll drive you back to the shop," he responded, it was more of a demand than an offer. Sebastian shook his head. He didn't trust this man, something made alarm bells go off in his head, there was something dangerous about him. "Sebastian, it's pouring, please you don't need to get sick," he stated. Sebastian gripped at his coat, it was damp and he knew it wouldn't hold up in this.

"I can have your bicycle picked up," he stated with ease. Sebastian closed his eyes, he didn't trust him, there wasn't anyone he could trust. He was trapped in a cage, with no moves, "Come, I'll take you back, I'll send Bard to pick up your Roadster," he said as he gestured to the car. Sebastian found himself following the German, he may not have felt safe but he couldn't get sick, he had already seen Durless once and she wanted him to press charges against the man who raped him. The passenger door of the Mercedes was open as Diedrich waited patiently, out of the corner of Sebastian's eye he could see a tall blond man loading his bicycle into a hatchback. He took a seat in the dry car and watched as Diedrich slipped in.

"Why did Ciel ask you to make a treat with the herb in it?" he asked curiously. Sebastian ran a hand through his damp hair to push his bangs out of his face, "Lizzy returns tonight and he wants to make the night memorable," he replied. Diedrich's expression was the same as his own when he had learned of the plan. Obviously a majority of people didn't like this idea, "I see, why did you go to the doctor? You still smell like antiseptic," he added. Sebastian looked over at the man, his eyes squinted to see if he could find a pair of ears and a tail on the man, it was far too odd of a question. "I- I was getting a physical," he replied. Diedrich didn't believe him, Sebastian could see it in his face and yet didn't pursue the line of questioning, "I see," he replied. There was silence in the car on the way back to the restaurant for the rest of the trip.

Sebastian wasn't sure if it was because the German was focused on the road before him, or something he said. He parked at the back door and gently placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder, "Be careful, and if you need to chat," he said smoothly as he pulled a business card without the Phuntom logo on it and handed it to him, "Call me, my mobile is on the back." Sebastian stared at the card in the man's rather rough large hands. "Why?" he asked hesitantly, "Why are you doing this?" Diedrich slipped the card into the bag and responded, "Simple, you look like you need a friend, besides you owe me a cup of coffee and a tort."

Sebastian nodded before opening the car door and leaving the warmth of the vehicle, in the background he can see bard rolling his Roadster through the loading dock. He walked into the back only to see Claude looking as though he's about to pass out. "What do you mean Ash is out there tonight?" he slowly asked, there was an edge of anxiety in his voice. In all the time Sebastian had watched him in the kitchen he had never seen this side of Claude, he looked beyond nervous and about to kill Soma.

Ash Landers was a familiar name, however Sebastian didn't know much about it, he had only heard it whispered with disdain. "What the hell is Landers doing in Ciel?" he shouted. Agni slowly pulled back, he held up his hands and looked a little nervous, Claude's temper had just flared like a gas oven being lit for the first time. "I'm sorry Claude, Soma didn't realize it had happened until now, apparently it had been made when he was ill last month," he replied. Claude's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists, his golden eyes began to narrow, "Well now I have to deal with this!" he hollered, "I want that piece of shit out!" Sebastian swore the roof of the restaurant lifted off the building as he shouted.

~~xXx~~

William's head snapped up when he heard the shout, Claude obviously was furious now over what he had no idea. It wasn't unusual to hear the chef's wrath, although it had been quite some time since he had last heard it. Sebastian seemed to keep the Head Chef from shouting as much as he used to, "Will, can I talk to you for a minute?" asked a familiar and slightly timid voice behind him. He looked over his shoulder to see Ronald leaning against a barrel in the cellar. All of the wine was kept down there, it was rather dark but he made sure that there wasn't a speck of dust. "What is it love?" he asked softly as he placed the green bottle back on the rack and walked over to the young blond waiter. His hand slipped over Ronald's soft cheek and he gently caressed it with his thumb. He looked worried, "Ronny?" he asked softly, there wasn't anyone else around which meant it was alright to speak to him as a lover and not coworker.

"I was told to have Sebastian pick up an herb by Ciel, he freaked out," he stated as he tipped his head leaning into William's touch. Seeking comfort from his lover, "What was the herb and what did he want it to be used for?" asked William seriously, Ciel wasn't the nicest and he was concerned he would try to poison someone. "An aphrodisiac, and it's for Elizabeth's return," he replied. There was a pause, "I see, he must have disliked the principle of drugging someone for sex," he replied. Ronald shook his head, "No, he seemed frightened and disgusted more that Ciel had a Fiancee. I'm not sure why," he commented.

William ran his fingers through Ronald's hair, it was soft and tangle free he hummed as he thought about it. Sebastian had been acting strangely, something was very off, "Now that you mentioned it, Alois seemed rather distracted as well, something about the Patissier," he commented. William's hand played with Ronald's golden hair as he became lost in thought. "What's the Patissier's address? Perhaps his neighbors would know something," he suggested. "That won't help," commented a higher pitched voice from the stairwell, Alois was leaning on the railing, "Claude doesn't have his current address and he's been going home with Ciel," he replied. William's green eyes widened as he looked at the bartender, "What?"

Alois left his comfortable position leaning against the railing of the stairs which lead from the floor of the restaurant to the cellar. "Yeah, Claude stated he's seen Sebastian leaving with Ciel every night," he replied. William's emerald green eyes narrowed, he knew Ciel's craving for a young man who had more talent than he did. Sebastian was perhaps one of the best Patissier's in London currently. Critics were raving about Ciel's newest Patissier, calling him a breath of fresh air in the industry. If Ciel was taking him home he could only imagine the games the young man was playing, "Alois, is Diedrich involved?" he asked after a moment. The bartender looked confused, "Why would he be involved? He's Vincent's right hand man," he asked. William drew a deep breath, he knew better than the others, Diedrich was Vincent's eyes and ears. If he was part of this Vincent was at work. It was bad enough Tanaka had called him thirty minutes before Sebastian appeared telling him to hire the Patissier no matter what, he honestly began to wonder just who had hired Sebastian in the first place.

Tanaka had been at Vincent's side since Ciel was a child, he wasn't as dangerous as the Earl but had quite the skill at roping in new employees. Even Claude was brought in by the elderly butler, Ciel would have never looked at Faustus if Tanaka hadn't manipulated the applicants. After all Claude was the son of one of the wealthiest and oldest families in Nantucket, old money from across the pond. Lucius Faustus was the chairman of Faust Enterprises and Holdings, dedicated to green energy and technological advancement. He didn't know why Claude became a Chef, he never spoke of his father. The only reason he knew who he was was the fact that he had come across the article.

"Because, he looks after Phantom investments," he replied as he looked at the blond. Alois was about to say something when another person appeared on the stairs, "Spears, we have an issue," said Soma swiftly. One thing after another seemed to be going wrong and he rubbed his temples with his fingers. "What now? Shouldn't you bring this up to Agni?" he asked as he looked at the nervous purple haired Indian. His eyes were downcast and William could tell they were in trouble. "Angi is with Claude," he replied, "I messed up."

William and Ronald stared at him, "If you overbooked I can simply pull another table," said Ronald smoothly, it had happened once before, Soma was still new and they had a feeling the party in question simply called to state that they would need another seat. "N-no, I really fucked up this time," he stammered, "Ash Landers made a reservation and I didn't catch it. He will be dining here tonight." William and Ronald leapt to attention, that wasn't the kind of mistake they could afford to make, "He's dining with a potential investor for his own shop," he added. William froze, Agni checked all reservations, now he knew why Claude was going ballistic, the Head Chef was an atomic bomb waiting to go off.

Alois lost control and slammed Soma into the wall, "How the fuck could you screw that up! He's one of the only people on the list which we can't take a reservation for!" he shouted. Ronald ran toward the blond who had the young Indian by the collar, William was slightly surprised, he had never seen Alois act this violet. "I-I'm s-sorry," he struggled to say. Ronald was strong but nowhere near as strong as him, he simply wasn't sure how to react. Usually he brought Agni into this, but the manager was probably attempting to douse a now spreading fire in the kitchen. "Alois, let him go, it's not going to help," Ronald chided as he managed to wrench the furious bartender off of Soma. "I don't care! Ash is the reason we lost a star! He's the reason Claude is afraid to love!" he hollered. The cellar was silent. Ash Landers, had stolen all of Claude's work and pawned it off as his own, destroying the restaurant. He even falsified documents stating that the Head Chef never attended La Cordon Bleu.

"He didn't attend La Cordon Bleu," Soma hollered. William decided it was time to step in, "He did," he stated. Ronald looked at the brunet in confusion as he pushed his thick black rectangular glasses further up his nose, "You won't find Faustus in the records because he registered under Fairchild his mother's true maiden name. Claude Fairchild attended La Cordon Bleu at the same time as Sebastian Michealis, Claude transferred from the CIA and returned after spending a year studying there," he explained. Soma was silent, they had literally passed one another, the interview and note were the same. "Fairchild?" he asked. William nodded and looked at him, he silently prayed Claude would forgive him, "Fairchild, the name of a wealthy family in New York, in an action of rebellion his mother changed her last name and married Lucius Faustus," he explained. Claude was from money, he was raised in a cold house with a father that was never home. "He's from money?" Alois asked hesitantly as he lowered his hands. William nodded, he had known as soon as Tanaka called him and faxed the pages, technically Agni should have had them but Tanaka trusted William more. "Yes, old money too, on both sides. The Fairchilds are related to the Vanderbilts, making him upper class. Claude didn't want to run the company, he moved out after a fight and went to the CIA as Claude Fairchild. It wasn't until he started working here that he was forced to use Faustus, since he immigrated here," he explained.

William slowly walked up the stairs, "I'm going to go douse the fire, Alois I need you to go to the bar and finish setting up, keep Grell out of the kitchen," he stated. He walked past the bartender and looked into Soma's hazel eyes, "I want you back at the front, there is no way Ash can know that we are going to give him a wonderful meal," he stated. Ronald stood at the top of the stairs and asked, "And me?" The Sommelier looked at him and replied, "You are with me. I'm going to need back up for this." Ronald nodded and followed him a few paces behind. In all truth he was slightly surprised that the restaurant was still standing, he had expected Claude to knock it to pieces.

He paused outside the doors, "You can't be serious! The one thing you had to make sure never happened did! What the hell does Ciel pay you for!" ranted a clearly furious Head Chef. William slowly pushed open the door to see the Head Chef flushed in the face and eyes filled with rage, his glasses were gone and those eyes were as piercing as ever. Anyone else would have mistaken him for a demon, William knew he was one in the kitchen and not by choice. "He is I'm afraid, Agni, assist Soma, we need to snuff out this fire before it gets out of hand," William replied as he stood before the Head Chef. His eyes narrowed and he stood at his full height, usually he reserved this display for difficult customers who weren't being courteous to the server. Agni snuck away nervously and William turned his attention to Claude. "Okay Faustus, are you done?" he asked.

Claude crossed his arms and shouted, "How the fuck can I be done! He just invited the man who destroyed this place to come in through our front door!" His long finger jabbed in the direction of the front of the restaurant. "Yes he did," he replied, "Now pull it together, Ash is coming with an investor, we need all hands on deck especially yours," the Sommelier stated. Claude was quiet, "This place is like a ship, the GM handles the finances, Head Waiter has the floor and you, you have the most important position, Captain of the kitchen," he explained. Ronald suddenly understood why he was present, William was bringing the front and back of house under one person's command. "Ciel?" asked Claude with irritation, William smiled and responded, "Not in the equation, however there is one person who should be."

The Head Chef looked confused as William pointed toward the Patissier, who was currently using a mortar and pestle to crush herbs. "Him," he replied. Claude slowly turned around and looked at the Patissier. "He is your navigator, essential to this, if we are going to show Ash that we aren't to be trifled with, we need Sebastian to step up his game," replied William. He watched as the Patissier began to work with the herb and infuse it into the base of a truffle. If there was anyone who could get Claude through this it was Sebastian. Claude looked at Sebastian and began to wonder just what William was talking about. The Sommelier looked at the Head Chef seriously and continued, "You are the Head Chef. The Captain and Sebastian, he's your navigator. Use his taste and desserts." Claude looked over at Sebastian, William needed the Head Chef to pull himself together, even if it was going to kill him.

Sebastian picked up the whisk and pulled a mold with several shapes. "Then what do you suggest? Ash has seen everything I can do," he stated. William crossed his arms and looked at him, "Really he has seen everything from your days in university?" he asked with a note of disbelief. The Head Chef blinked twice and looked at William, "You and I both know, there is no way anyone would have looked at you before graduating if you weren't the best," he stated. Claude ran his hand through his hair and sighed, clearly he was unsure of himself and for the first time William actually saw Claude as a human and not a demon. "Don't show us Ciel," called Sebastian. William was quiet and looked at the Patissier who was pouring the chocolate into the mold, "Show them Claude Faustus," he stated before looking up at Claude.

Claude's gaze fell on a pair of determined garnet eyes, "Me? Why would someone want that?" he asked slowly. Sebastian placed his hands on the table and drew a deep breath, another first, Sebastian was actually putting himself in the line of fire, willingingly. "Simple, because Claude's taste is unique and powerful, like that faux roe you made," Sebastian elaborated as he smiled. William was confused for a moment, he had heard of a number of dishes but never that. "That whimsical but sincere bold flavor which can only be described as, you," the Patissier explained. The Sommelier watched the pair, Claude looked as though he had been given the highest compliment and asked to reach for the stars. "You think people want that?" he asked slowly. Sebastian smiled and nodded, "Give it a shot, hell people like my stuff and I deviate," he reasoned.

William reached over and squeezed Ronald's hand, the one person who had to say it, just did, perhaps he wasn't as essential to cooling the Head Chef as he once been. "I'm not the one who should be worrying about flavor," he commented, "Sebastian, Ash chose this place for a reason, and I don't think it's for me." The Patissier stared at him in confusion, William hadn't thought about it like Claude was, yet oddly it made sense. Ash wouldn't come to Ciel to just piss Claude off, he could do that anytime. He was bringing an investor, which meant he was trying to prove something. "Claude, worry about your flavor, I'll talk to Will and see what he has in dessert wines," Sebastian suggested as he left his station and walked over to the Sommelier. There was a plan forming in the Patissier's head, or at least he made it seem as though there was one. Part of William wondered if he had said something to put Claude's mind at ease so he could cook. Claude nodded and drew a deep breath, "I'm going to work something out," he stated before vanishing into his office.

"So you're looking for a dessert wine?" asked William, it wasn't until then that he realized Sebastian was in as much of a panic as Claude. "What the hell could I bring out that he hasn't seen! I have to have something that can floor him," he muttered in a panic. Ronald stared blankly, "What do you mean you don't have a clue what you are serving?" he shot. Like William, Ronald didn't like the idea of not knowing what the kitchen was doing. He had to work the floor and make things look easy, even when he was treading water. Sebastian nervously looked at him, "I'm not sure what to make, I said that to get Claude to calm down," he replied. The usually lively blond Head Waiter paled and looked as though he were going to pass out.

William looked at him and sighed, "What about a rum cake?" he asked. Sebastian's nose twitched with disgust, he looked as though he were going to throw the Sommelier out. "No!" he shouted, "Any two bit chef can make a rum cake!" he shouted. William jumped back and held up his hands, obviously he had stepped on a landmine that time. "Perhaps you just need to reconstruct a classic?" asked Ronald hesitantly. Sebastian looked at him and was about to say something when he noticed Alois wander in, "Why the fuck were there mangos in my bar? We don't even use these bloody things in french cuisine!" he raved as he hauled the box into the kitchen. Sebastian's eyes widened, it looked as though lightning had struck him, "Alois, how many mangos are in that box?" he asked as he walked past the pair and looked at the bartender.

The fact that there were mangos in the restaurant bothered William but that Sebastian was interested in them confused him more. "Michealis, why does it matter? You need to think about your dessert!" Sebastian reached into the crate and pulled out one of the bright orange and green fruits, he lifted it to his nose and sniffed it. "I am," he stated as he examined it in his hand. William looked confused as he watched the Patissier squeeze it and look at the crate. "I know just what to make," he said smoothly as he walked over to the counter and pulled a large knife. Ronald was about to question him when William placed a hand on his shoulder, "Leave him to it," he whispered before glancing back at Sebastian who was already working with the mango and planning the dish. There was still one thing which amused him, the reason why mangos had appeared in the shop.

~~xXx~~

The outside of Ciel was lit dimly with classic lamp posts and the entrance was softly lit, just as the former Patissier of the restaurant had remembered. Hardly anything had changed. A smile curved thin lips, his violet eyes looked around the entryway, even Soma was dressed the same. It had been just over a year, he was about to deliver a blow to the arrogant Head Chef of Ciel and it's owner. Yet he didn't expect to be greeted by Ronald, he had expected Grell or one of the lackeys to seat him, never the Head Waiter himself. "Welcome Mr. Landers, I will be your waiter tonight," he said with a happy go lucky smile on his lips. Ash knew instantly something was up, there was no way Ronald would be so composed if he didn't have a plan. "Oh Mister Nash, thank you for joining me this evening," Ash called with a smile as he held out his hand to the stout New Yorker.

The rather tall man grinned as he followed him onto the floor, Ash was expecting to smell the same spices used by the Head Chef, only to be greeted with something radically different. Violet eyes wandered over the tables, the scent of wine, fragrant purees, seared meats, spices and finally something sweet and different. The restaurant looked the same and yet there was this steady warmth which it had gained. "Wow," said Nash with glee as he took a seat at the table his eyes fell on William as he walked over with a bottle of wine. "Compliments of the Chef," he said with ease as he uncorked the bottle. "Landers, you set this all up?" Nash asked curiously as he watched a beautiful merlot fall into the glass.

Ash stared at William and silently wondered just what was going on, "Tonight we have a special dish crafted by our chef," said William with ease as he removed the cork and poured two glasses, "A creative spin on a classic," he commented before placing the bottle on the table. "Dessert?" asked Ash, that was the reason he had decided to dine at Ciel's to show Nash that his dish was better than that of every patissier. A smile curved the Sommelier's lips, he looked as though he had managed to eat the golden goose, rather than a simple canaree. "That you shall see later," he replied before sauntering off.

Nash smiled and looked at him, "I suppose we get to see what this chef has," he commented. Ash was gritting his teeth, he knew Claude was going to step up his game but didn't expect Sebastian to affect him to the point that he was willing to risk releasing a creation of his own. "I expect it won't be as good as it had been," he remarked. He knew the demon of the kitchen wouldn't last under pressure. He had been the element he needed and never thought the chef would be dumb enough to fall for him. Claude was the golden boy of the CIA, everyone knew his name, even in France. "You seem to doubt him, did something change his abilities?" he asked curiously. Ash looked at him, "If you must know if he doesn't have a decent Patissier at his side he won't achieve anything. He can't," he stated.

William returned with a pair of plates, "Oh? I heard there was a new breeze in that kitchen," he remarked. Ash groaned, of course he had heard of Sebastian, the young man was honestly making a name for himself. "Yes well the current Patissier is an amature at best," he stated. The Sommelier didn't utter a syllable as he placed a pair of plates before them. Before he could saw more the powerful scent of champagne hit him and he paused, that wasn't a flavor Claude used in the past. "This looks devine," commented the rather chubby Nash as he lifted his fork, if this was the opening for the meal to come Ash began to wonder just who was cooking. A pair of lightly browned white scallops sat on a small bed of chives with a golden colored sauce on the bottom, it smelt of sweet vanilla and layers of champagne. The earthy notes of pepper and what smelt like the sea wafted from them as he slowly picked up his fork and slowly cut into them.

Ash stared as the knife glided through the tender flesh of the scallops, one of the most difficult things with scallops was to ensure that they remained tender and didn't turn to rubber. These were tender and the knife glided through them, he stared at their perfectly cooked centers gaped. Nash had popped a piece in his mouth and was purring, "My god," he muttered as he chewed slowly. A sudden wave of anger swept through the lavender eyed man, he didn't expect Claude to come back. He was hoping to spook the chef, not come out stronger. "I'm impressed, I thought you said that the Head Chef's cuisine didn't taste like this," Nash commented in confusion as he looked at them.

The rest of the meal passed in silence between the pair, Ash was praying that Sebastian wasn't as good as Claude's appetizer and main course. "What makes you so sure that you can top this place?" asked Nash curiously as he looked around the floor. Not a single customer looked unsatisfied, his eyes fell on a small couple in the corner, he noticed the slate haired young man hadn't taken his eyes off of them. It made him wonder just who he was. "Simple, you've tasted my work and everyone else's," he stated. Nash held up a hand to stop him, "Not everyone, this is the last Patissier," he pointed out. Ash grit his teeth, no one had seen or heard of this young man, they didn't even know who he was. It irritated him, a nameless, faceless, chef who had managed to charm numerous critics and customers. It had taken him months to get a single critic to taste his dish, and yet with Sebastian they appeared on day two. "You aren't taking it well that Ciel's newest Patissier is actually doing better than you did," Nash remarked. Of course he wasn't, he was one of the greatest of all time in the field, only to have a new coming take it all.

"He's new, don't worry his flame will die out," sneered Ash, "He's probably all flare and no technique." Nash hummed, his eyes glided over to the blond server and looked at him. He was carrying a pair of white square plates. As the plates drew nearer there was a faint smell of something sweet and tangy. "I mean honestly he's a no name, literally," Ash continued. The Head Waiter was grinning as he placed the two plates before the men. Nash looked from the plate to the Head Waiter, confusion was written on his face. "Ash, I thought you said this was a French Restaurant," he commented. The Patissier froze and swept his hand through his short white hair, "Of course it is," he remarked. Nash looked even more focused as he gazed at the dish, Ash looked down and paused.

A circular treat was resting on the plate, it was bright orange on top with a snow white and pink base. Vines of delicate chocolate caressed the side of the plate, calling out the small dots of chocolate on the cake's face. A small tuft of snow white cream rested on the top with a few slices of caramelized mango resting on the other. The bright, sweet smell of mangos and strawberries filled his nose. "W-What?" Ash stammered as he looked at the plate. This was the antithesis of all of his statements. Nash had his fork in hand and appeared to be devouring it with his eyes. "It's almost too beautiful to eat," Nash remarked before slicing it with the silver fork in his fingers. Ash looked at the dessert skeptically before finally digging in himself. He slowly slipped it between his lips and paused, it was smooth, rich and creamy. The mango danced on his tongue, it was refreshing, fragrant and sent a spark of excitement through his body. It was coupled by strawberries, which only emphasised the tanginess of the tropical treat. The cream danced on his tongue, it was as smooth as velvet and light. There was something more to it, the chocolate was fresh and warming.

Nash was purring on the other side of the table, "This is phenomenal, by far better than your own," he remarked as he looked at his spoon. Ash grit his teeth, and dropped the fork causing it to clatter and land on the plate loudly. "Ash, how do you think he got the cream to be so light yet smooth?" he asked curiously before taking another bite. There was a pause as the patissier clenched his fists and grumbled, "I don't know," he bit as he crossed his arms, this was irritating the hell out of him. He had tasted the young man's work before, he believed it to be luck but to have something this well executed amazed him. Nash's hazel eyes looked up, "Ash, I thought you would," he remarked. It was taking everything the white haired chef took to not leap across the table. He didn't think that the small morsel he had given Nash to taste would be thrown back at him. He could remember the first time he had cooked for his potential investor, Mango Bavarian Cream was the dish. The man looked nowhere as giddy and satisfied as he was now as he looked at the spoon. Ronald was walking by when Nash looked at him, "Oh you, um... Knox, right?" he asked brightly.

Landers felt his stomach churn. Nash was going to do something odd, he knew it. "Yes, is everything alright sir?" he asked smoothly with his signature boyish smile. It was honestly one of the waiter's smoothest moves, Ash had seen it many times over the years, it smoothed over irritated customers. "Yes, everything is fantastic, however," he said with a grin, "I would love to meet your Patissier. I know of Claude, but I wish to meet the Patissier." Ronald nodded and glanced to Ash, who was once again glaring daggers. He didn't want to meet the man who had bested him. "I'll see if he has time to spare," he replied as he nodded and walked toward the kitchen. Part of the white haired Patissier wanted to leap over the table and grab Ronald's arm to stop him.

Time passed as though it had taken centuries as Ronald attempted to grab the Patissier. "He must be in his mid thirties to produce something this good," Nash commented. Ash unconsciously rolled his eyes and groaned, he didn't want to see his rival and yet part of him desired to, jealousy was rearing it's ugly head as Nash began to obsess over the plating, taste, texture and obvious perfection of the desert in question. The doors opened to reveal the exact opposite of what Ash believed the Patissier looked like. He was expecting a heavyset man with gray hair and wrinkles, only to be confronted with a man who looked like he belonged in magazines. He was tall in stature, with a slender frame, noble features and raven black hair which oddly looked as though it was meant to be a mess. His black coat was pristine and he noticed his name embroidered on it in red, S. Michaelis. He strode over to them with grace causing a number of people to stare, clearly they weren't expecting a beauty to be hiding in the kitchen.

He stopped before the table and looked at the pair, "I was asked to come to the floor, I'm the Patissier," he replied eloquently. Ash felt his jaw pop open, there was no way this man was the one who had crafted the dish, it defies all rational, he was young, far too young for such flavors. Landers himself was in his mid thirties, but Michaelis barely looked 25. "Yes, it's divine, honestly wonderful," Nash gushed a faint blush appeared on his cheeks as he looked at Michaelis. There was a murmur which swept through the room as the Patissier's burgundy red eyes locked on Nash who was speaking to him. A smirk appeared on the chef's lips as he bowed slightly and replied, "I'm glad you are enjoying it." Ash glared at him, it was taking everything he had to not leap across the table and call the man a liar, he didn't believe in the Patissier's skills. No one was that good. "Ah this is Ash Landers, another member of your field," Nash said as he gestured to Ash. He smiled a little and looked at him, "A pleasure," he replied, although it honestly looked as though he were sitting on tacks.

"Likewise," Michaelis replied with a smile, his hands behind his back and looked ever so proper. Ash was beyond irritated, even his manners were top notch. Nash hummed, "Ash, why don't you tell him what you thought of his work?" Landers shot the man a dirty look, he didn't want to admit it was better than his own, "It was passable," he stated. There was a gasp and silence in the room, he could feel everyone's eyes on him, "Especially since you didn't make it, bring out the real Patissier, the one actually covered in flour," Ash demanded, clearly this man was an imposter. Michaelis looked confused for a moment, "What?" he asked slowly. Ash crossed his arms, for a pretty face he was slow, "You know the one who made this, it wasn't you. You're far too clean," he hissed. He watched the chef glance down at his coat and then to him, "I changed my jacket, I didn't want to trail flour from the kitchen to the floor. I'm pretty sure Ciel and Ronald would have my head," he commented. There was a chuckle which went through the room, making Ash grit his teeth.

"Even so, you're far too clean," Ash hissed. Michaelis was emotionless as he stood before them, still and masked, "Besides anyone can make a mango bavarian cream," he muttered with disdain, "especially one this half assed." Nash stared at Ash, his eyes narrowed with a warning glare. "What is wrong with it?" asked Sebastian curiously as his head tipped to the side and looked at the plate. Of course he was going to ask for the specifics, to which Ash couldn't list a single issue. In his head this was the best example of the desert, "The plating, it's outrageous," he stated. Burgundy eyes fell back to the plate and he hummed before rubbing his chin with his fingers, "I see, I thought it was rather pleasant, perhaps I was mistaken," he muttered. Nash cleared his throat which drew the pair out of their glaring match, "I believe it's plated beautifully, Michaelis, where were you trained?" he asked.

He watched the tall raven haired man's expression change into one of longing, "Paris," he replied. Ash became even more jealous, he was in Paris, the capital of pastry and skill. "I see, a real French Patissier," Nash mused. Ash winced, his words were like needles, Michaelis was destroying his hopes of ever actually destroying Claude and Ciel. "That explains your excellent skill, taste and overall execution, far better than Ash's," he remarked. Ash had lost it, he wasn't about to allow this. "I have an idea, we shall have a little contest, myself against you. Three challenges in which Nash shall craft," Ash stated with a smile.

There was silence and he could hear the familiar squeak of a chair not too far away, instantly he knew just who was approaching. He turned to see a pair of furious sapphire eyes glaring at him, "What is going on?" he asked sternly, as always Ciel was protecting an investment. Ash's lips curved into a grin, "I was just challenging Michaelis to a little competition, three challenges, three mystery ingredients and three desserts," he remarked. This was going to be easy if Nash was selecting them, he would have them in advance leverage and a real chance to win. "I see," replied Ciel, his expression changed from one of irritation to amusement, "Then I suggest we change how the ingredient is selected," he stated. Ash's eyebrows lifted as he looked at the young man, he didn't think Ciel would go with this, even if he was a fan of games. "A massive bowl will be created with thousands of ingredients, one of us will slip our hand into it and pull the mystery ingredient that the chef's must be used," Ciel commented.

Perhaps having Phantomhive in on the game would be interesting, after all he did love them so. "Wonderful, who will pull it?" he asked curiously. Before Ciel could say more a rather tall man entered, with slate hair similar to Ciel's, he had large brown eyes and a smile on his lips, "I will, I will also compile the list and even a web casting," he said with ease. Michaelis' eyes widened as he looked at them, even Ciel's own employee was shocked. "Ah Lord Phantomhive," Nash gushed as he stood and shook the man's outstretched hand gingerly, a beautiful ring glinted on his finger. An eerie reminder of his position, "Nash, how do you like our rainy city?" he asked teasingly as he returned the man's hand shake. Nash chuckled, "Well, I'm not sure it's amusing," he replied. Phantomhive nodded and looked at the chefs, "Perhaps a little heat is what we need. Ash, I heard you want to open your own place, this will give you a chance to showcase your skill. Sebastian, it would be nice for people to see the creator craft treats before an audience," he commented as his eyes shifted from one to another.

"I didn't think you would allow it," he commented, Phantomhive's eyes twinkled mischievously. Ash knew that look, it was far more irritating than the pretty-boy chef standing before him. "I think it will be interesting, after all my life has gotten rather dull, let's heat things up," he replied, "I will email the details and dates." Nash nodded as Ash attempted to wrap his mind around what was happening, Phantomhive was serious. He didn't expect that. "Well?" asked the older man as he looked at Ash. He jumped a little once he fell under his critical gaze, "Yes, I accept," he replied. A smile swept across his lips, of course Phantomhive wanted to play another game. "Wonderful," he said with ease before looking at the plates, "Knox, Rachel and I will have just the Mango Bavarian cream and have Will bring out the complementing wine," he remarked before wrapping his arm around the brunet and leading her to a table. Only now did he realize what was going on, Vincent Phantomhive had just accepted and decided to set up the challenge. He had no idea if this was good or not, it was going to be interesting.

~~xXx~~

Ciel stormed into his office once Landers had left. He couldn't believe his father's actions, he didn't want to face Ash, he had no idea if Sebastian could handle it. His blue eyes fell on his desk to see a neat package with the Ciel emblem on it. He pursed his lips before slowly opening it, small chocolates rested in the box with a note under the lid.

As requested, the chocolates.

SM

A grin formed on Ciel's lips, he had a wonderful idea. All night he had listened to Lizzy comment on how handsome the Patissier was. Perhaps he could have an enjoyable evening, "I wonder how flustered he would get, if that fickel raven ate one. Perhaps flustered enough to give Lizzy quite a welcome," he remarked as he remembered what had happened. He loved Lizzy's face as it twisted with passion and wondered what Sebastian would look like under him. "Perhaps I know a gift that would make her even happier," he commented, "Even if I have to share my things, there's no reason my toys can't play together." He took a seat at his desk before tapping his chin, his arms were crossed as he looked at them. "After all, they say lightning never strikes twice, who knows I may just get lucky," he commented with a gin.