Author's Note: Sorry for the late post. I hope you enjoy this one.

Chapter 37

The circus was situated on an empty field at the edge of town right were the forest began. The big tent was gaily painted and flags merrily swayed in the breeze. There was still an hour to go before the show began but some people were already strolling about. Children and adults alike were watching entranced the tricks performed by the animals. While a small group of onlookers laughed uproariously at the antics of the clowns. Ciel walked beside Sebastian as she quietly enjoyed the sights. Unknown to her, Sebastian sensed a sinister air underneath all the gaiety. Perhaps it was because he was a demon that he sensed the darkness in others or perhaps it was because he had a horrific childhood, whatever the reason, he knew the smiles on everyone's faces hid a darker secret. Ever vigilant for Ciel's safety, he acted cool as he tried to find the source of his disquiet but could find nothing amiss. About to enter one of the tents, a loud voice rang out "You there! That tent is off limits!"

Sebastian stopped and turned around to see a clown dressed in a fancy suit complete with a black velvet top hat coming towards him. Although he was smiling, his smile did not reach his eyes. "I'm sorry sir but this tent is off limits to guests" he said politely.

Sebastian was equally polite as he answered "Oh do forgive me. I was so curious about everything I quite forgot myself."

Sebastian could sense nothing suspicious about this man, none the less, he looked as if he was an actor in a play speaking his lines but never really showing his true self. I'm going to keep my eye on you, Sebastian thought.

"That's alright, no harm done" he said genially. Then he noticed Ciel. "Robin I did not expect to see you here today!"

"Neither did I" she replied drily. Then recalling her situation "This is my employer, Mr. Sebastian." And turning to Sebastian, she said "This is Joker, he is the ring master of this circus."

As the two men shook hands, Sebastian said "What perfect timing! I wanted to learn more about this circus as my brother and I were considering becoming business partners with Baron Kelvin."

"In that case then, I can take you inside the tent so we can be comfortable while we discuss business" and Joker led the way inside.

While Joker kept Sebastian busy, the other members of the circus took this opportunity to talk to Ciel.

"Well how are you doing at your new job Robin?" Beast asked. She was actually a pretty lady with curly black hair, wearing a short corseted dress and fishnet stockings. Her stage name was Beast because she is the animal tamer, teaching tricks to the tigers and other dangerous animals.

"Actually I'm quite surprised you lasted this long" interjected Wendy. She is older than she looks but growing up on the streets with barely anything to eat, her growth was stunted thus making her look like a child.

"I was lucky that Mr. Sebastian doesn't stand on ceremony and is very lenient" Ciel was forced to admit despite her reluctance. She then tried to ask if she could stay over on her day off just to get away from Sebastian even if it's just one day, but to her surprise they declined.

"Sorry Robin we're all kinda busy right now practicing some new acts" Dagger said apologetically.

Ciel felt a bit hurt when understanding dawned, that she is no longer welcome here. Then she remembered that they didn't really want her to stay in first place and would have ended up on the street if not for Doll's insistence.

Ciel was quiet on the way back, realizing that Doll was the only one who misses her. Sebastian, sensing her melancholy mood, left her alone with her thoughts. Upon arrival at the mansion however, he ordered her to prepare a bath for him. Ciel, who was still morose complied without a word. When the tub was full, Sebastian entered the bathing chamber wearing only a bath robe. It was obvious that he was naked underneath. Ciel's mind blanked for a moment then a blush suffused her entire face. She stared at the ground as she stammered "M-my lord! I'll l-leave you to your - your bath now!"

"And where do you think you're going?" Sebastian asked silkily as he leaned lazily against the door, blocking the only means of escape.

"I...I have...um...chores to do!" she gasped "Yes downstairs! In the kitchen!"

"Whatever it is can wait. You stay here and assist me with my bath" and with that he dropped his robe on the floor.

When Ciel heard the water splash in the tub, she finally had the courage to raise her eyes off the floor only to stare straight into Sebastian's amused face. Aaahhh! He's got the gall to laugh at my predicament when there's nothing funny about this at all! Ciel silently fumed.

"Forgive me my lord but I have never assisted anyone with their bath before" she said.

"Nonsense! There's nothing to it. Just grab the wash cloth and you can start by scrubbing my back" Sebastian replied.

With no other excuse, Ciel sat on the small stool at the end of the tub and rolled her sleeves up. Sebastian used to bathe and dress Ciel before but he always wore gloves. Although Ciel is only touching his back right now, it could be said that this is the first time she is touching someone intimately. Ciel's blush has not yet subsided so she is glad that he couldn't see her face. As the minutes ticked by, Ciel realized that Sebastian's skin is very smooth and her movements slowed unconsciously. He's not very muscular but he actually has muscles, Ciel thought to herself. When she realized the direction her thoughts were taking, she blushed even more.

"Are you perhaps trying to remove the skin off my back?" Sebastian asked drily.

Only then did Ciel notice that in her attempt to scrub her thoughts clean, she was also scrubbing Sebastian furiously and his back was now red all over. As Ciel stammered out an apology, Sebastian finally released her and told her to retire for the night. When the last echo of her pounding feet has died down, Sebastian rose from the bath. Knowing that Ciel is too embarrassed to leave her room again until morning, he can now go about his business undetected. He left the mansion on silent feet, heading for the circus.