I apologize for how long you guys had to wait, since I work in a Grocery Store, Thanksgiving become the equivalent of working in a Toy store on Black Friday, hell. I know it's a long chapter but I'm sure that all of you have been waiting ever so patiently for this one, to be honest I've been patiently waiting to post it. Thanks for reading, you guys are wonderful.

Chapter 36: Waking Up

There was silence as the Head Chef held the small Patissier to his chest, a smile curved his lips as he sighed softly, he finally had him. He had the raven he had sought after for so long. After a moment more, Claude pulled back regretfully and looked at the rather confused chef, "The guest room," Claude began only for the Patisseir to blush and hold a finger to his lips. The pads of Sebastian's fingers were soft and warm against them, he stared at them in confusion. "Anyone ever tell you, you both think and talk too much?" he asked. Claude was silent as he looked at the raven who was smirking, "Not that I mind, but I was hoping to sleep in your plum sheets again," he mused. Claude was quiet as he looked at the patissier, "I won't touch you until you say you are ready," he stated.

Sebastian nodded, "I don't want to sleep alone," he whispered. Claude hummed and looked at Sebastian knowingly, he had a feeling Beast had applied a great deal of cover up to hide the dark circles which had occurred under his eyes. The bruises that served as proof that he hadn't been sleeping. "Then we will go to sleep," Claude replied simply as he took Sebastian's hand and lead him to the familiar bed room, before he was thrilled to have Sebastian here, even if he had collapsed. Now he was ecstatic, the chef had agreed to stay the night in his bed. The room hadn't changed since Sebastian had been in it.

Those same smooth cream walls, the rich dark woods and the warm tans which seemed to breath life into the room. The large landscape window displayed London before them, the sun had long descended from her proud place in the sky and the moon had begun gracing it. Rich plum curtains were on either side of the window, the bed was made and he hummed thoughtfully as he padded through his room to the closet. He could tell Sebastian was in awe of the flat, "No it's not all from my meager pay that Ciel has paid me over the years. Let's just say that MBA has helped me find these accommodations," he commented as he pulled two pairs of loungers and a tee shirt. Usually Claude slept naked, however, he didn't want to scare Sebastian off, he hated pants they were constricting.

Sebastian touched the sheets tentatively, "Silk?" asked Sebastian as he looked at Claude. The Head chef hummed as he tossed a shirt and pants to him. "Yes, why?" he asked. The raven shook his head and sighed, "You really are a spider," he commented. Claude chuckled as he slipped out of his shirt and tossed it into the hamper. He could feel Sebastian's eyes glide over him, he stretched his arms over his head and turned around as he made his way to the bathroom. He caught a glimpse of Sebastian's expression, "You have a tattoo?" he asked. Claude paused and looked over his shoulder, he had honestly forgotten about the large tattoo he had gotten on his left shoulder. It was of a pentacle, tangled in a web. "I got it when I was a teen, I was rebelling against my uptight father," Claude commented as he headed into the bathroom. He could remember when he handed the design to the artist, the guy stared at him as though he were insane. Claude always loved spiders, it wasn't a mystery to him that he wanted his tattoo to have a spider web. His eyes fell on the man in the mirror, he looked exhausted, and yet he didn't care. That would all fall away tonight since he would have the raven in his bed. Claude plucked the toothbrush from it's place and covered it with toothpaste before proceeding with his nightly ritual.

In the bedroom he could hear Sebastian pacing, clearly he was agitated. Not that Claude could blame him, after all Sebastian had been abused as of late and was clearly suffering the side affects of said abuse., Claude hummed as he wiped his mouth and placed his toothbrush back in the cup which was resting on the sink. There was a single light in the room on and he noticed Sebastian standing before the bed, eyeing it nervously. Claude couldn't begin to imagine what had happened to Sebastian in the past with a bed. Horrible things, things which the chef would never be able to talk about, things which made him sick to the stomach. Claude was quick to usher those thoughts out of his head as he slowly walked up behind Sebastian and wrapped his arms around Sebastian's abdomen. He kissed the top of the chef's head and whispered, "If you aren't ready for this, I'll sleep elsewhere."

Sebastian shook his head, "No, I need this," he whispered softly. Claude slowly untangled himself from the slender patissier and nodded. He slipped onto the bed and held his hand out for Sebastian, "Only sleeping," he reiterated, a promised to a frightened raven. The raven nodded as he slipped onto the bed and slowly slipped under the silk sheets. Claude waited for him to settle before following suit and turning off the light. Morning would arrive soon enough.

~~xXx~~

Lizzy drove aimlessly through London, Tanaka was going to handle it and she was hurting. All she wanted to do was kill her emotions, the way her heart hurt was agony. All she wanted was his love, to be cherished and desired. Yet it wasn't enough, Ciel didn't think she was enough. "I'm a fool," she hissed with irritation as she stopped at a traffic light, "I shouldn't have given him everything." She knew better, or at least she thought she did. The light changed again and she slowly pulled away from it, she needed comfort and someone to talk to. Someone to listen to her, without thinking she went toward Ciel, perhaps one of the boys was there. She pulled into the parking lot and looked around, there was only a bright red Fiat 500 sitting there. There was only one person who drove that car, "He'll have to do," she muttered.

She slowly slipped out of her car and walked through the back entrance of Ciel, the front had long been closed. The kitchen felt cold and empty as she looked around, it seemed almost dead without the light which had emanated off of the two creative forces known as Claude and Sebastian. A shiver ran through her, she had only been in the back during open hours, now to see the counters dark, cold and ever so empty only hurt more. This kitchen was so much like her heart, empty. Her footsteps echoed as she walked through it, In the distance she could hear the sound of boxes on counters, they had gotten a shipment in and obviously they had designated one person to unpack it. She turned and looked at the lifeless kitchen, absently wondering what it would be like for Sebastian and Claude to never return. If the kitchen would be like this, even during the day. Lizzy drew a deep breath before walking onto the floor. Standing at the counter without fail was a familiar red haired waiter, "Why do I have to do this, Alois is supposed to," he whined as he began opening the box which had been placed on the polished counter.

"Alois was probably off doing something for Ciel," he commented. Grell's eyes shot up as he spotted her. "Oh come in and have a seat," he gushed as he put the bottles on the shelf, "Do you want anything?" he asked smoothly. She shook her head as she perched herself on the stool, "No, thank you." Grell hummed and leaned on the counter, he looked more like a cat than he did at a waiter at that moment. "Oh? Then why are you here?" he asked sweetly, "Man troubles?" Lizzy sighed as she leaned on the bar and buried her head in her hands, "Grell, why are men so difficult?" she asked sadly. There was a pause in movement as she heard the familiar sliding of a coaster across the polished surface of the bar. "Because they never see what's before them until it's too late," he replied. Lizzy lifted her green eyes and gazed at the black coaster against the wood, oddly it didn't have the logo on it. She didn't have to look at Ciel's name, she sighed, "I didn't ask for a drink," she replied. Grell hummed as he pulled out a shaker and jigger, "I know, however a good drink heals all wounds," Grell replied.

Lizzy looked up at the redhead, she was already numb inside, the liquor would only wash away the rest of the pain. Perhaps with the numbness she could sleep, even if only for a breath. She watched as he pulled out a beautiful Irish coffee cup, it sparkled in the light, she couldn't take her eyes off of it. Alois was a bartender and a wonderful one, she knew Grell was trained by the blonde but she had never seen his skills. Grell was usually on long after she left. She watched as he gently heated the milk and began adding cocoa powder, sugar and a little vanilla. Her eyes widened when he stirred them in the pot, his fingers wrapped around the bottles as he poured two different chocolate liquors into the glass, one white and one not. Unconsciously she asked, "Are you trying to cheer me up and get me drunk?" Grell chuckled as he poured the base into the irish coffee cup, the steam rose into the cool air and made her feel a tad warmer. "Chocolate to warm the soul and liquor to numb the pain," Grell stated simply, she had never seen him like this, "At least it works for me." Grell reached under the counter and pulled out a can of whip cream with a tap on the counter the seal was broken and he began to spray a copious amount over the drink. Her eyes widened, it certainly was sweet by looking at it. Once he had added the cream he added a tablespoon of chocolate chips, bitter dark chocolate from the look of it.

The red head's hands stilled as he looked at her, "Well go on," he goaded, Lizzy picked up the cup and took a sip, "Honestly men are a pain. Ciel's being an ass again isn't he?" asked Grell. Lizzy stared at the mug, it wasn't as sweet as she thought, it was slightly bitter but did warm her more than she anticipated. Grell may have been clumsy in comparison to the smooth Alois, however it seemed he was just as good in the long run. "We," she drew a deep breath and paused. She couldn't say it, "We," she began again and realized they weren't together, it was her and she was alone, "I." She closed her eyes and caressed the cup in her fingertips, "I'm leaving him, I can't take it," she whispered.

Grell was quiet, too quiet, she lifted her gaze from the cup and looked at the now stunned waiter, "You knew it was coming," she whispered, "It was a matter of time before he strayed." She knew that, she knew it better than anyone, that Ciel's appetite was insatiable. She had known since a child that she was to marry him, that they were to be husband and wife with a large home and many children. Now it wasn't possible, "I'm sorry," Grell whispered. Lizzy sighed as she placed the cup back on the coaster, "What was the worst part was that he was with a man, not even another woman, but a man. After ten years, I learn that he's bi and that the truth was he never did love me," she whispered, it hurt, everything hurt. She felt a warm hand on hers which were resting on the counter, "Lizzy, you're a wonderful woman, I'm sure someone else will snatch you away. Ciel was wrong but," he paused as he drew a deep breath, "But, there's not much you can do now but turn away. It's better to leave than it is to become trapped in pain."

Lizzy stared at him, she didn't think Grell would be level headed, "Do you have anyone?" she asked after a moment. Grell chuckled, "Honey I'm still hunting, you know how tough it is to find a decent man? Shesh Ronny got lucky with Will," he stated. Lizzy stared at him in confusion, "What? They're together? Since when?" Grell chuckled and grinned, obviously she was the only one who didn't know, "Since they started working here, actually they were hired as a couple. Odd isn't it? Will's from France and Ronny's from New York," he stated. Lizzy was quiet, that would explain the secret smiles as they walk by one another on the floor, the looks at the end of the night and the faint blush on their cheeks when they accidentally brush against one another. "Wow, that's a long time," she whispered, she felt envy sweep through her, "What do I do now?" she asked slowly. The drink was now cold and gone, the magic of being Lady Phantomhive was gone all that remained was a void and the understanding that she was a fool to believe that he would love her. "Walk away and never look back," Grell advised. Lizzy sighed as she reached into her bag and was about to grab a wad of cash, "No, it's on me," said Grell simply as he held up his hand. It was then that she realized what Grell had advised, Sebastian was trapped with Ciel, she paused, she had no idea if she could simply walk away and never look back. "What about-" she was cut off when she noticed Grell shaking his head, "It will resolve itself."

Lizzy slipped off the stool as she slowly walked out of the room, oddly it was when she finally decided to leave that she realized how fake it all was. The joy, the glamour the flowers on the table, all were plastic, all of them fake. She had fallen for a plastic prince, even the smiles flashed by the concierge, manager and all the staff weren't real. Ciel, was simply a stage where everything wasn't real, it was all fake and sadly when the play ended all the props fell to the floor as though they were never animate. "Ciel, means heaven, it's ironic that I see this place as more hell than that," she stated solemnly as she looked at the chandeliers overhead, "he iced this place in gold and silver to hide the fact that it's really soulless." Lizzy looked at the bar and watched as the lights went out, "Now when the magic is gone do I realize it was all a charade," she stated as she walked out the front door. She turned in the threshold and looked at the empty desk, "Good bye," she whispered before allowing the door to close and stepped into her life, a new life one that wasn't as fake, a life without Ciel.

~~xXx~~

The house was quiet, too quiet and honestly it was starting to irritate the one person it was never supposed to, Rachel. She had battled cancer before, even if she wouldn't live long this time she wasn't going to put up with the melancholy mood which had swept over the mansion. She grumbled as she pushed herself out of bed and slipped into a baggy sweater with tight jeans. Vincent was acting as though she were already dead, and in the process the young man she had fallen in love with was dying as well. It had to end, she didn't want to see him trapped in mourning even when she was alive. Rachel opened her drawers and pulled out a pair of brightly colored striped blue socks and chuckled, being the reserved lady was for when she was out in public, bright colors and patterns were her thing, oddly Vincent found it endearing. The light brown haired woman hummed as she slipped out of the Master bed room and noticed how all the curtains were drawn, "This won't do," she stated bluntly, "Tanaka?" she called which caused the butler to appear. "This place isn't a morgue, it's my home," she stated, "Let's brighten this place up." Tanaka smiled warmly as he nodded as he marched off to tell the small army of maids to pull it together.

Rachel walked over to one of the windows and threw the curtains open, allowing the sunlight to slip inside the cold mansion. A smile curved her lips as she listened to the shuffle of maids, she was still the Lady of the house, no matter what people said. Yet this shuffle wasn't enough, she needed more, she needed sound and chuckled. Vincent would have a conniption, it had been a while since she invaded his space but she couldn't take it. Her feet traveled across the cool floors and a path she knew all too well. As she passed the maids looked at her and she noticed a few new ones stumbling, "Practice makes perfect," she remarked as she walked by making the girls stare at the woman. Tanaka was standing in the living room, "Madame?" he asked as Rachel stopped before the media cabinet. "Hopefully he didn't chuck my music," she remarked making the man chuckle. Rachel opened the glass cabinet and allowed her fingers to walk the shelves, stopping at the bright red spine of an album she knew all too well. She plucked it from it's spot and turned her attention to the stereo. "Vincent will be home soon won't he?" she asked curiously. Tanaka only hummed in reply, "Well let's have some fun with him," she commented as she slipped the disk into the seven rack of the stereo. The familiar sound of an electric guitar filled the room and Tanaka stared as her slender fingers turned the dial of the stereo, making the piece echo. "You shout it out, but I can't hear a word you say. I'm talking about not saying much," she sang as she swayed her hips with her hands above her head. "I'm bulletproof nothing to lose, fire away, fire away," she continued, her voice echoing with the loud base.

She had enough of people thinking she was weak and already dead. "Ricochet you take your aim, fire away, fire away. You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am Titanium." The staff stared at the woman who had oddly looked younger as she danced through the house and began moving her husbands paperwork from the room and into his study. The bass made the glass in the windows vibrate and the floors shake, for once she felt like she could do anything. It echoed through the house as Rachel slid across the waxed floors in her socks, she was so tired of being the ideal wife and perfect woman. That image was for someone who had time, she didn't she was running out, and honestly she didn't care. All that seemed to matter was the fact that she was still able to live, not strapped to an IV in a bed, not carted around in a wheelchair or being treated like a doll but really live. Her hips swung as she walked down the hallway with her arms over her head, her voice ringing through the hallway as she sang along. She wasn't going to give up, and she'd be damned if she would allow her husband to fall.

She paused as she watched the maids throw open the curtains and change the flowers, the house grew warmer as the dust was knocked from the shelves and furniture polish was applied, the scent of lemons mingled with flowers making her smile. Without warning she broke into a sprint and slide down the hallway, her squeal of glee echoed as she stopped short of an end table and looked at the flowers in the vase. "I am titanium!" she cried with joy as she sauntered back down the stairs. The music was so loud that she didn't hear the front door open, it wasn't until she was standing at the bottom of the stairs that she saw her husband standing with Diedrich. Vincent's dark chocolate eyes were wide with confusion and she noticed a question on his lips, she chuckled as she stepped off the last step. Her lord stood tall and looked adorable even in confusion, she swept over to him and raked her fingers through his slate hair. "Welcome home," she whispered as she leaned into him and pressed her lips to his ear. She heard a chuckled leave him as his hands slipped around her.

"What's this?" asked Vincent as he looked around the now bright and warm house. She hummed as she leaned against him and placed her hand on his chest. "Simple, it's too dreary for the home of Funtom's CEO, a toy company. Not a funeral parlor," she stated simply. Diedrich grinned, it was a look that she had missed seeing on the German noble's face for the past few days. A warm smile that made her feel comfortable and a little safe, a kind one which made him look younger. Vincent stared at her blankly, "Honey, I'm not dead yet, so don't mourn for me," she bluntly stated before kissing his cheek, "I'm strong." She felt her husband slowly relax under her fingers and smiled, he finally looked like the man she had married. He looked at her and sighed, he seemed to relax and slowly ran his hands down her back, "What shall we do?" she asked. Rachel bit her lip as she began to think about all the things they used to do. "Lunch in the Solarium?" she asked as she looked at the glass doors leading to the exotic and warm room. Diedrich chuckled and held up his hand, "Looks like you've got another engagement, I'm off to work. Rachel just don't wear him out." She nodded and looked at her husband with large sapphire eyes. Vincent sighed and hummed, she knew he could never win against her.

~~xXx~~

Silk sheets cradled the pair as cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of raspberries filled his memory. A warm body against his own, soft hair on his bare chest and the soothing rise and fall of another's chest. Golden orbs slowly opened as he looked into a world filled with sun and a sweet smelling Pattisier beside him. His smooth skin was just a breath away under the Head Chef's fingers, despite the scars which marred his skin, Claude still found him beautiful. The only thing which was honestly nagging at him was the fact that he was practically skin and bones. He wasn't happy about the man's weight, he looked like he hadn't a decent meal in months, which was unsettling. Claude sighed as he ran his fingers through the long silky strands of Sebastian's hair. A smile spread across his face as he watched the other nuzzle into his chest and hum with satisfaction when Claude stopped moving. He finally looked peaceful, even if it was for just a breath. Part of Claude wondered absently what it would be like to wake up with this man in his arms every morning, to see his sleeping face and feel his warm, slender body against his own and know that the man was safe, happy and loved. Sebastian had seen enough pain to last a life time, too much pain for Claude's liking.

Claude closed his eyes as memories of the night before came to him, the reason why Sebastian was afraid of him wasn't because of he himself, but because of what another man had done to him. All he wanted to do was hold the chef close and kiss all of his scars. He sighed as he slowly pulled away from Sebastian, if he was going to keep the chef safe he would have to step up his game. He was going to have to play by a new set of rules, rules which he had yet to write. Claude slipped out from under the covers and hummed as she stretched, his back popped causing the tightness in it to disappear. The first thing he was going to do was make breakfast. The chef entered the kitchen and froze, he had no idea what to make. Golden eyes widened in realization, he didn't know Sebastian well enough to determine what the man liked. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, he had no idea if he was the classy type who liked Quiche and crepes in the morning or the simple man who was satisfied with eggs and soldiers.

Claude groaned as the numerous foods he could make for breakfast marched through his head, waffles, hotcakes, burritos, quiche, omelets, frittata, scones, French toast, eggs Benedict, the list was endless. He groaned as he leaned on the counter, "Why is it when I have someone who finally understands food like myself in my bed, I have no idea what to make for him," he moaned as he rested his head on the counter. Claude had a tough time being romantic, he tired, however things just always seemed to go wrong. It was a perpetual cycle of attempts and failures. He sat up and huffed before the day at the marked returned to him, the bread, berries, suddenly Sebastian's shopping list returned to him. "Perhaps following him around in the market was more beneficial than I thought," he mused as he walked over to the fridge. From what he could tell Sebastian loved sweet yet tart things. He turned his attention to the doorway and noticed a certain tall, handsome Patissier standing in it.

~~xXx~~

It was warm and there was something soft yet hard under Alois' head. Alois moaned as he stretched a little and snuggled into the warmth which had surrounded him. He hummed as he snuggled into it a little more, which was when he heard it, a moan. Cerulean eyes shot open as the blonde jumped to attention. His jaw dropped when he saw a very handsome and naked stranger in his bed. He had silver hair, a chiseled jaw and wonderfully sculpted body. Nestled in sky blue sheets, was a very beautiful man and Alois couldn't remember anything. "Shit," he squeaked as he attempted to get out of bed, the sheets were tangled around his legs causing him to flounder like a fish on dry land for a moment. Inside his head his conscious was screaming run now before David wakes up. Alois' eyes narrowed as he shook his head, he didn't remember the man's name it was Charles something. His eyes drifted around the room when he noticed a police badge and the name, "Constable Charles Phipps," he whispered as he looked at the man in the bed.

He knew he must have gotten plastered the night before, his back hurt and his head was throbbing, "Oh shit, I think I raped him," he whispered in terror before coming out of the haze of sleep. The blonde bit his lower lip, his small hands shook as they ran down his body in a hasty attempt to see if they had done it. Only for himself to find more than a few tell tale signs of hickies and a certain stickiness that was a dead give away. He once again went toward the edge of the bed, he was about to step onto the floor when the sheets became tangle around his legs causing him to hit the floor with a loud thud. Another groan emanated from the bed, "Love, it's a bit early to be up," the voice replied. Alois was frozen on the floor, his eyes were wide as dinner plates, he honestly thought his life was over. He sat there blinking owlishly at Phipps who yawned and ran his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame it. "What time is it?" asked Alois nervously, he was blushing furiously. Phipps grumbled as he looked at the digital alarm clock beside the bed, "Seven," he replied. "Shit," squeaked Alois again before he got up and darted to the bathroom. Phipps sat there staring at him in confusion, Alois couldn't believe not only had he slept with an officer but he was now late for work. William and Ronald were going to kill him. He dashed out of the bathroom naked, "Where the hell are my boxers?" he asked angrily as he looked through the room.

"You, you stole them!" he shouted as he pointed at Phipps who looked even more confused. His eyes narrowed as he sighed, "Alois you're supposed to wake up with a clear head, not be more messed up than the night before," Phipps stated. Alois grit his teeth and hissed several nasty words at him. Alois stared at him and growled with irritation, "No I'm not! Where the hell am I?" he asked as he looked around frantically, Phipps was about to answer when he heard the loud ring of a mobile. He reached under a pillow and pulled the source of the noise, "Great, where the fuck is my mobile?" he shouted as he tugged on his hair with his fingers. Phipps held up the sleek device and hummed, "Would this be it?" he asked. Alois snatched it from the man's fingers, "Yes," he snapped as he looked at the phone. William was calling, he was dead in the water now. He answered the mobile swiftly and put it on speaker. "Yes?" he chirped as he pulled his boxers off the floor and began to hop into them. "Alois, where the hell are you? Grell put the shipment away, however you're the bartender, you have to do inventory!" shouted the stern and familiar voice of one William T. Spears, the only man who could make Alois jump to attention and do his job. "I'm outside my apartment," he replied smoothly only to hear a snort from William. "I'm outside your apartment, and I don't see you," he stated pointedly. Alois stiffened there was one thing he didn't want to deal with today, and that was a very angry Sommelier.

Phipps looked at Alois in confusion and mouthed, "Boss?" Alois nodded and looked at him with a pleading expression, "I'll be at work soon," he replied. He heard William groan and knew a tirade was in his immediate future. "Alois, you better get your ass down here," William barked, "I have a ton to do, Soma just told me that we have a certain VIP coming and Claude isn't going to be happy." Alois stared at the phone, there were a number of people which the Head Chef couldn't stand, it was a very long list which could honestly stretch from London and Paris and back several times before one reached the end. "Who?" asked Alois as he slipped into his shirt. William sighed and replied with a hint of irritation, "Luscious Faustus, The Devil's Father." Alois blanched and Phipps watched at the Bartender stared at the phone as though it had just rung his nell. "No, Faustus' father is coming and he doesn't know?" he asked and instantly remembered the chef's violent temper. William hummed causing Alois to snatch the phone from Phipps, change it from speaker and slip into his jeans. "Shit, okay I'm coming just make sure that there is a barrier between Claude and his father. I don't need to stop him from trying to fillet his own father," Alois said in a rush.

Phipps reached on his nightstand and said simply, "Why fillet him? I have a gun." Alois stared at him as though he were insane. "Trust me a knife is plenty," he stated. William sounded confused for a moment and asked, "Alois we both know that, who are you talking to?" Alois was in the middle of slipping into his shoes, "David," he replied. Phipps looked even more confused as he rubbed his eyes, his pectorals flexed and Alois felt the urge to run his tongue down them. "Alois, you have never slept with a David unless you are referring to Michelangelo's masterpiece," William mused. Alois hummed as he smirked, "Oh trust me, he is even better," he replied before walking toward the bed and kissing Phipps on the lips and slipping his tongue over them. Phipps growled as he opened his mouth to deepen the kiss only for Alois to pull away and wink. "Wait, I'll drive you!" Phipps shouted hastily as he slipped into boxers and jeans. Alois stood in the doorway with the mobile to his ear, he had hung up with William a while ago, but this gave him the ability to watch the man shamelessly. The only issue with this was the fact he couldn't remember how good Phipps was, although his hips gave him a decent idea.

Phipps slipped into a soft cotton tee and grabbed a jumper before rushing toward Alois, "I just need my keys," he commented. Alois nodded and followed the man, his eyes were watching the man's wide gate and his powerful back. All the bartender could think about was seeing his scratch marks down it. All Alois could think about was getting the man in his bed while he was sober.

~~xXx~~

London was slightly damp, it had rained previously which was why the ground was slightly wet. A pair of black loafers hit the ground as a certain gentleman stepped off of the stairs which had lead to a sleek white jet with the name Faust Investing on the side in purple letters. Winter would come soon and he could tell that London was gearing up to enjoy it, the fall was coming to an end and all the shops would soon be gearing up for a hell of a season. Standing in a long black military coat with a beautiful coal suit was a tall gentleman with brown hair, "Sir, welcome to England," said one of the coordinators from the branch in London. The man smiled and nodded, "Thank you, did you manage to get that reservation at Ciel? I would love to taste my son's cooking again," he stated as he continued to walk past a number of people who were shuffling as though it were a well orchestrated ballet, each of them with their own task in his ballet. With a black fedora on his head he continued inside of the building and processed through customs, along the way he had heard a number of whispers about him looking similar to the famous chef Claude Faustus, "So he's decided to continue using my name, ironic, he hates it after all," he remarked.

He glanced over his shoulder and asked, "What do you think?" A young woman had been trailing behind him, she had beautiful red lips, a small nose and a pair of bright green eyes that were wide like a doe's. She looked stunning in the black and white coat he had purchased for her. Her coffee brown hair was tied behind her head in a bun. "I think your son is just being stubborn, he'll come around," she replied. He hummed as he looked her, "My son will change his mind soon, we are going to dine at the place he works tonight," he stated. The young woman stared at him blankly and asked, "Your son works?" Lucius chuckled and nodded as he continued to the car, "Yes, the stubborn ass works, he never was able to simply accept his future, my legacy," he stated as he opened the car for her. "However with you at his side Victoria nothing will go wrong," he stated simply as he slipped into the back of the black town car. His eyes were glued on his phone as he began to check in with his company. He had to always be on top, regard it as one of the most keen CEOs, he knew just when his company would outperform the rest and when to work harder. In reality Claude didn't have to work, all he had to do was stand at his father's side.

Lucius was going to be 52 soon enough, he hated the feeling of being a little over half a century. It meant that his reign over his company would end, but not with his stubborn son at the helm. He couldn't stand the idea of another person taking his company. The streets began to roll by his window and he listened to Victoria gasp. "What is that?" she asked. Lucius was forced to turn his attention away from her only to stare at the restaurant in shock, Claude had said Ciel was high end, however he didn't expect it to be quite the sight, even during the day the building seemed to dwarf all of the others. "That is where my son works," he replied as he stared at them. She glanced over at him, her green eyes looked at him skeptically, "I thought you said he was a run of the mill chef, that isn't a run of the mill place," she stated. Lucius sighed as he looked at the towering cream colored building with tall windows and columns.

~~xXx~~

The smell of spices filled the air of the apartment as a pair of red eyes slowly opened. The warm rays of the sun gently caressed his skin, they were soft and gentle against it, like the silk which was wrapped around him. The scent which clung to them was intoxicating, thyme, rosemary, citrus and Claude. Only now did Sebastian realize he had never smelt cologne or aftershave on the man, he always smelled of spices. Not that he objected, the scents which clung to him were earthy and soothing. Sebastian slowly rose from the plum colored silk sheets and looked around for the enigmatic Head Chef, the other side of the bed was cold but the sheets were still in disarray. Sebastian hummed as he stretched his arms above his head and looked out the window, London was awake and part of him wondered what it was like waking up in New York. Claude didn't speak about his home often, it intrigued him to know just what the head chef was thinking. He was about to call out for Claude when he felt something soft and warm rub against his side, in moments Sebastian's eyes fell on the beautiful black cat. "Good morning," he said softly as he picked up the beautiful creature.

Part of him was surprised to learn that Claude had a cat, what was even more surprising were the red eyes which the animal had possessed, they were so like his own it was startling. His fingers slipped down the supple black fur of the animal and caused a smile of appreciation to spread across his lips. Nightshade was the name of a poison, and yet it fit the mischievous animal so beautifully he couldn't think of a better name himself. He cradled her in his arms as he slipped out of the warm sheets and began to look for the Head Chef, as he approached the door he heard the recording of a soft piano, it's notes were light and sweet for the morning. Sebastian listened to the tender dance of notes swing through the air, it reminded him of the icing which he crafted for cakes, sweet, affectionate and lush. Standing barefoot in jeans and a soft cotton tee with a blue towel over his shoulder was the familiar Head Chef.

As he drew closer he watched the chef delicately chop spinach and drop it into a white porcelain quiche dish. Sebastian leaned in the doorway as he watched Claude's movements, his head rested on the frame as his eyes fell on the man's hands, their movements were experienced, seasoned and elegant. He made even the simple action of chopping cheese and spinach look beautiful. Sebastian's eyes fell on the way the chef held the knife, rather than simply gripping the stainless steel handle, he held the top of the blade as well giving him even more control, he never squeezed the knife though, he was gentle with it, as though at any given moment the blade would snap. His fingers slid down the spine and held the knife delicately with his thumb pressed against the bolster and heel, the blade glided through the ingredients, never dropping or digging into it, always a smooth delicate motion. His long fingers were wrapped around the rest of the hilt, just behind the finger guard. Sebastian watched as the silver blade glided through the ingredients with accuracy, and yet his grip was never harsh. Claude didn't even seem frightened of the implement in his hands, the cold steel seemed to be an extension of his body and soul. The very way in which they caressed the blade made him tingle, even though the steel was so cold and unforgiving Claude made it seem warm, safe and natural. The scar from where he had sliced himself with the knife tingled, he could still remember the bite which the steel had as it slipped through his skin. Sebastian hummed as he began to wonder if those hands which, handled the knife with ease were as gentle as they looked. Memories of when Claude had touched him flooded his mind, those powerful arms which cradled him to prevent him from falling to the floor, the way they squeezed his finger to stop the blood flow, even the tender touch in the lift as he spilled the darkest contents of his soul to the man. Claude had treated him with care, yet not the same as when he handled the knife, that critically cool look in the chef's golden eyes was never present when he was with Sebastian. The Patissier looked more closely at the hard gaze that was on the ingredients and the knife as the chef worked, cool and collected, it wasn't the same tender gaze as when he was in the lift hours before.

Claude placed the knife on the board and turned his attention to the pan as he began to add the now sliced tomato, chopped spinach and sliced mushroom. Once these things were added the chef picked up the dish and slipped it into the oven and set the timer. "Good morning," Claude said softly making the Patissier jump, "Enjoying the view?" he commented with his brow elegantly arched. Sebastian hummed, there was no way he could deny he wasn't, the muscular torso of the chef was clear as day in the tight black cotton tee shirt. Sebastian blushed a little and placed Nightshade on the floor. "What are you making?" he asked softly as he walked over to the counter where Claude was cleaning. Claude looked over at him and replied, "Frittata." Sebastian stared at the man, he didn't expect something like that for breakfast, then again this was the Head Chef of Ciel who had gone to both the CIA and Le Cordon Bleu, a favorite child like himself in the world of food. He was about to say something when Claude poured himself a cup of coffee and then a mug for Sebastian, "Sugar?" he asked as he looked at the Patissier. Sebastian stared at Claude dumbly for a moment, it took him a bit to register what he was asking. "Cream and sugar?" asked Claude again with a smirk on his lips.

Sebastian blushed violently, he thought that Claude had called him Sugar, he mentally smacked himself in the head. "Just sugar, two spoonfuls," he replied as Claude opened a green canister and poured the number of spoonfuls into it. The Patissier gratefully accepted the cup and hummed as he felt the warmth of the coffee seep through the thick body of the mug and into his fingers. His crimson eyes locked on Claude as the man perched himself on a stool and took a sip of the steaming hot mug. "Sebastian, you know that no matter what happens with Ash, I," Claude sighed, it was clear that this had been ebbing away at the chef for a while since he seemed to stumble. Claude hardly ever stumbled when he spoke unless it was because he wasn't quite sure how to say something, and usually that something was very emotional and important. "I want you to know I think you are fantastic, everything you make is honestly a gift and I really wouldn't have it any other way," he said simply. Sebastian felt odd hear Claude say this, after all he was honestly the one chef who could make Sebastian run for his money, and yet there he was sitting there with a mug in his hands saying such things.

Sebastian stared for a moment before he replied, "Thank you, but, I think your work is far better," he smiled mischievously as he looked at the oven, "When do I get to taste you work?" he asked sweetly. The Head Chef smirked and replied simply, "Twenty Minutes." Sebastian looked over at the media racks and asked, "Am I allowed to ask questions about your life?" Claude chuckled, it was a warm noise which seemed to melt all the tension in the room, "Of course," he replied warmly with a smile. Sebastian hummed and asked, "What did you want to be when you grew up?" There was a pause as Claude sincerely pondered the answer, he paused after a moment, and from what Sebastian could tell the chef was going to make a rather cheeky remark, "Me," was the only word which left his lips. Sebastian shook his head, as always he was right. "I wanted to be a chef, not a Head Chef of an illustrious restaurant under another man, but a chef who owned a place he could call his," Claude continued. Sebastian paused, he didn't expect that answer, "Then why do you work for Ciel?" asked Sebastian.

Claude was quiet for a moment, one of his long fingers slipped around the lip of the mug slowly, his golden eyes were lost for a moment as thoughts rattled around in his head. "I didn't want to follow my father's wishes, I wanted to be me," he replied. Sebastian nodded, it was simple and made sense to a small degree. The timer on the oven rang, time seemed to fly when Sebastian was with Claude, the chef swiftly turned on his heel and picked up a chef's towel, before folding it over twice he opened the oven and grabbed the pan with the towel. The room erupted with the scent of basil, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and a hint of cheddar. Sebastian felt as though he were drooling it had been a long time since he enjoyed Frittata. Nestled in the white pan was a canary yellow dish accents of bright red and green were seen throughout as well as slices of Mushrooms. Sebastian watched as Claude picked up a large knife and slipped it into the soft egg dish, the knife continued until it reached the edge of the pan only for Claude to lift the silver point and slip it at the peak of the triangle and slice another side. Once he had finished he slipped the knife under the wedge and popped out the triangle. It rested on a circular white plate with a golden fork resting beside it, "Enjoy," Claude said warmly as he sliced a portion for himself.

Sebastian lifted the fork and slipped it between his lips, the frittata was light, supple and honestly seemed to melt on his tongue. The flavors tangoed gracefully complementing one another making the Patissier purr. Mentally the chef made a note to eat more of Claude's food, he was phenomenal. His eyes were closed as he confused on the fresh and succulent tomato as it interacted with the crisp leaves of the spinach, the mushrooms provided an earthy touch which was tied to the creamy cheddar which accented the sweetness of the tomato. All of this was suspended in a light and airy bed of egg whites. It was perfectly balanced and seemed to even make his coffee tie into it perfectly. His eyes opened only to find a smirking Claude, "Welcome back, how was your food induced orgasm?" asked Claude silkily. Sebastian blushed slightly and looked at the plate, he didn't think he looked that lost, "It was," he paused and smiled, "Phenomenal."

Claude was about to comment when the phone rang, "As always summoned to reality," he groaned as he slipped off of the stool and sauntered over to pick up the black mobile. He stared at the text and groaned, "Apparently they moved shooting to today, I was hoping that you would be able to get a break," he stated as he tipped the phone and held it horizontally, his fingers flew across the screen making Sebastian gape. He wasn't even actually trying to type quickly, it was probably all of the piano playing which made him that good. "Why?" he asked. Claude sighed and looked at Sebastian, "Apparently it's time for a little PR and some photos, which means we need to go shopping," he stated simply as he sent his reply. Sebastian paled slightly and looked at Claude, he hadn't been in front of a camera in a long time, especially something so big and special. "What?" stammered Sebastian in shock. Claude hummed as he slipped the thin device into his pocket and ran a hand lazily through his hair, pushing it away from his face, he paused leaving the hand resting on the back of his head. "Apparently the people of England and several other nations want to know more about you, and you need some clothes that will stand up to Ash's elaborate wardrobe," he replied simply. Sebastian set his fork down, he wasn't accustomed to publicity and even more terrified than before about this idea, "It's a bit late, but the producer is tired of dealing with the press, so you will be meeting in a studio to answer his questions and some photos," he commented.

Sebastian nodded as he lifted the fork again and took a bite, it was going to be a long day, "For now I'll lend you some thing. You'll have to wear the jeans from the day before but I think we can pass off one of my sweaters as a fashion statement until we get you something more suitable," he commented. A faint blush hit Sebastian's cheeks as he watched the broad shouldered Head Chef vanish from view, only now did it click that he slept in Claude's bed and was in the man's apartment. He held his head in his hands in an attempt to hide the growing blush which covered his cheeks. "I just stayed the night with London's most available and attractive bachelor who turns out to be gay. Shit," he whispered as he looked at the Frittata, "and he cooks like a demon." He sat there and waited for Claude to return.