After the battle Claude takes Sebastian, Alex and Steve back to Shadow Pont, only to find three very familiar demons awaiting him. Fearing that this will be the second battle of the evening Claude wanders out into the dark only to learn something rather odd, they're looking for employment.Mean while the Undertaker has taken Grell back to his home and begins treating the redhead's wounds. Strangely the man who was used to working with corpses has a light touch and tender heart. Ronald wakes to find himself once again naked, however rather than allowing only William to treat his wounds he treats William's for a change.
Who does Claude run into outside of the mansion?
What does the undertaker know about Grell that Grell himself doesn't even realize?
What is William planning to do to Ronald in the bathroom?
What does Ash know and what is he hiding?
I hope you enjoy,
~Kuro
P.s. I do not own Kuroshitsuji. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been swamped with work. The only other time this will occur is the second week of December, I have final exams then. Thanks for reading so far.
Chapter 48: Clock Work Spiders
Claude sighed as he pulled into Shadow Pont; he was beginning to wonder why he hadn't asked Alex to simply live with them. It would be safer for her, compared to her apartment which attracted every demon in the city. He slowly turned the key and looked in the rearview mirror, Steve was flushed and he surmised that he had been given a narcotic which would be difficult to flush from his system. His golden eyes slowly glided over to Alex who was still pale and he realized it would have been better to go to the hospital. There she could get an infusion as well as the necessary medical care, yet part of him was still concerned. Seiki had said it was a preview rather than an auction, which meant the worst was still yet to come. He pushed his glasses up his nose and hummed, he had missed something important, a detail which seemed trivial but was the most important fact as to why this girl was being tortured. Sebastian moaned and Claude looked over at him, his complexion rivaled Alex's in paleness. It was concerning, Sebastian may have been pale to begin with but what ever was causing this was causing damage to his lover. Nothing seemed to make sense, they had managed to kill Seiki and the demons who were part of the preview but Seiki didn't have the power to put that barrier up. It was the same barrier which Sebastian had to break through the night at the glass factory. There was no way that was a coincidence, two separate events but the same barrier had been used. Claude's forehead leaned against the leather steering wheel between his hands. It was as though he was thinking in circles, everything pointed back to the girl unconscious in the back seat.
After a moment he got out of the car and scratched his head, he wished he had the triplets; however they were working in Zurich. He was about to open the car door when he heard a rustle behind him. He turned gracefully and threw a large pot toward the bushes. His golden eyes narrowed and he muttered, "I thought one dance was enough for tonight," it was obvious he was beyond irritated. There was a crack a few meters away and he slipped his glasses off. He wasn't interested in having them broken, there was a third sound of a stone being kicked in the gravel drive way and he dashed toward it. All that he could think of was that a single lowly demon had managed to escape him and track them to their house. Now what demon was daring enough to enter the estate, he wasn't sure, but it was all the more reason to be cautious. His hands wrapped around a slender neck and he heard a yelp, "Claude!" it begged.
The voice was oddly familiar and his eyes widened with shock, his fingers had wrapped around Timber's neck. Timber's purple hair was styled as it always had and his hands wrapped around Claude's large hand. "That hurts," he commented. There was a rustle and he looked over his shoulder to see Canterbury arrive, "That's not very nice, even for you Claude," he commented. Thompson leapt out of a tree and landed softly, "Not nice at all," he said and shook his head. Claude looked at the three; he was hesitant as to whether or not release the struggling Timber. "We aren't here to hurt you," said Thompson, his arms were crossed and Canterbury continued, "Nope we don't want to hurt you." Timber looked at the large demon with pleading eyes and Claude sighed, "Then what do you want?" The three were silent and then answered in unison, "Employment." Claude stared at the three in confusion and slowly loosened his grip on Timber's neck, "What?" he asked in confusion. Thompson sighed and looked at Canterbury, "Since Hannah is missing, and we can't seem to find a new master," he stated, and Thompson continued, "We figured we could work for you, even if you aren't nice." Claude released Timber who landed with a thud, Hannah had abandoned them which only confused Claude more. They were her loyal subjects, abandoning them wasn't right. He looked at the triplets and sighed, "Well you may assist me tonight, we will discuss this tomorrow," he said after a moment. The three looked at one another in confusion, it was clear they had expected Claude to be rude and obnoxious. "It's been a long night," he muttered before turning and walking back to the car. The triplets were slightly confused however they shrugged and figured Claude wasn't feeling well. They stared in shock as Claude opened the car door to reveal Steve and Alex, instantly the triplets realized what he meant. "Isn't she too pale?" asked Timber. Canterbury nodded, "Yes far too pale." Thompson looked at Claude and asked, "Shouldn't you call a doctor?" Claude was silent as he opened the passenger door to reveal an even more disturbing sight, an unconscious Sebastian.
Thompson gawked and Canterbury elbowed him in the ribs, "We'll take care of the man and woman," said Timber. Claude smiled a little and nodded in appreciation before carrying Sebastian inside. Canterbury rubbed his side and asked, "What was that for?" Timber gently lifted the man out of the car seat and said, "You were gawking, you know he's off limits." Thompson hoisted Alex out of the car and Canterbury closed the car doors. "I still can't believe Claude went for the haughty Phantomhive butler," said Canterbury with a hint of disgust. Thompson looked over his shoulder and said, "Oh and you want to sleep with Claude?" Canterbury turned green and shook his head, "No way, I wouldn't even do it in hell!" Timber shook his head and walked in the house after Canterbury had opened the door. They took a step in the house and looked at the furniture and stared, it was neither from the Phantomhives nor the Trancey's, it was completely different. Everything was custom made and they could tell it was expensive. "This way," called Claude, he was standing at the top of the stairs; he had placed Sebastian in his room already. The three nodded and carried the two unconscious people up the stairs, they were careful to remain silent. Claude led them to two guest rooms, each of them was massive and they looked at one another, prior to entering the room. Claude fallowed Thompson into the room and gently pulled back the covers, before he placed her on the bed. Thompson watched in confusion as Claude draped them over the girl and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "I'll have a transfusion for you soon," he whispered before turning on his heal.
Thompson's jaw dropped and he stared at the demon before him, this man wasn't even remotely close to the icy Claude he knew. Claude was callous, difficult and at best reasonable. It had gotten to the point that the triplets questioned that the reason Claude put the glasses on was because he found that easier than changing his expression. Yet here he was kissing a young woman to sleep and speaking tenderly to her as though she was the only thing which mattered. Claude ignored Thompson's expression and said, "I'm going to check on Steve, I will leave him to you, she needs more attention. I will just have to change his IV every once in a while." Claude walked out of the room and then across the hall to Steve's room. Canterbury and Timber had placed him in bed and were debating as to what to do next. Claude slowly walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, his fingers slid over the man's skin and he gently lifted one of his eyelids. "Narcotics, I should have what's required to flush them in the study," he muttered before getting up and wandering down the hall. The three stuck their heads out of the rooms and whispered, "There's no way that was Claude," said Timber. Thompson nodded in agreement, "He was too nice." Canterbury looked at them and whispered, "He actually cared about someone else." They watched as the demon returned with the IV bags in hand and the necessary tools. Timber and Canterbury watched as Claude hung the bag from one of the bed posts and loosened the lead before attaching the needle. His nimble fingers made quick work of rolling up Steve's sleeve, a well tanned arm lay still and they could see the blue vein. Claude slowly slipped the needle under Steve's skin and right into the vein before taping it in lace. He looked at the bag and check for air bubbles. His golden eyes were still hidden behind his familiar glasses, they seemed so serious, yet there was a hint of emotion in them. After a moment he rose and looked at the triplets, "I will be looking after Alex and Sebastian, our room is next door, so please get me if his condition takes a turn for the worst," he said softly. The three nodded and watched the proud spider demon walk out of the room; they heard the door of the one next door open and the muffled sound of springs squeaking as he sat on the bed. The triplets were shocked and yet somehow more interested in working for Claude, even if it was for the one night.
The Undertaker stretched after walking into his house, Grell immediately looked about, he hadn't expected such a normal looking home from the silver haired reaper. He had expected something grim and rather grotesque; instead it was soothing and peaceful. "This is where you live?" asked Grell in confusion, the red head looked about anxiously for anything which resembled the mortuary he had lived in during the Victorian period. "What were you expecting? Coffins and headstones?" he asked with a chuckle. Grell blushed and nodded, "Well yeah." The Undertaker shrugged and indicated for Grell to take a seat in the den. "Sorry to disappoint," he commented as he walked into the kitchen. Grell heard the distant sound of the kitchen cabinet opening and the clink of a tin. The Undertaker returned with a silver tin in hand and he noticed how his bangs were held in place with two large black clips. Grell could see the long scar which ran across his face, it was clear it had been stitched together and the silver glasses he wore. He took a seat on the coffee table across from the red head and slowly opened the tin. Grell stared at the shinigami; he had forgotten what the Undertaker looked like with his bangs pulled back. "You're staring," said the undertaker as he opened a bottle of what smelt like rubbing alcohol. Shinigami were similar to humans, they could still get infections and they didn't regenerate limbs easily, however they did have rapid healing times. They couldn't heal as fast as a demon but they were certainly faster than a human.
Grell looked away only for the Undertaker's fingers to grab his chin, "Face me, you've got some nasty injuries on your face and unless you want a scar like mine, I suggest you stay still," he warned. Grell closed his eyes and did as instructed. The Undertaker's touch was unexpectedly gentle and Grell felt as though he was being caressed rather than grabbed. He wasn't sure if this was because the Undertaker actually liked him, or just didn't want to cause him any pain. A sigh heaved his shoulders and the Undertaker asked, "What's wrong?" Grell opened his eyes slowly and realized that the Undertaker had removed his glasses to get at the side of his face which had been ripped open by the claws of a number of demons. "Nothing," responded Grell honestly and the Undertaker hummed. "You always see so flirtatious, but no one would really know that in truth you're lonely," he commented. Grell jumped to his feet and shouted, "Who are you to judge me?" The Undertaker simply sat on the coffee table and replied, "Someone who has spent a more than enough time with the dead to tell you that you're dying inside." Grell glared and attempted to hit the shinigami only to fall forward. He squealed and closed his eyes; he had expected to hit the floor, only to find himself in a sweet and warm embrace. "Still a rookie," he commented, "however I don't dislike that." Grell squirmed and shouted angrily, "You're the one, who retired! Besides I'm not dead, I'm a shinigami!" The undertaker simply held him in his arms and replied, "I didn't say you were dead, I said you were dying." Grell was silent and he continued, "Dying to be loved, to be held and told you're beautiful. My question is who will reap your soul?" Grell froze and looked up at the Undertaker. "You've reaped so many and yet you're allowing yourself to die," he whispered as he slowly caressed Grell's hair. His fingers ran through Grell's long red hair. "Now then, let me finish tending your wounds and then I'll make some tea," said the Undertaker. Grell slowly left the Undertaker's arms, and allowed the elder shinigami to guide him back to the chair, Grell was silent for the rest of the evening and watched the older shinigami with curiosity as he treated him. "I wonder if Ronny is okay, he was in worse shape than I am," he commented. The Undertaker slipped Grell's red glasses back on his nose and smiled, "Oh I'm certain he's alright, there's no way your superior would loose someone again," he said before closing the tin. "Again?" asked Grell in confusion and the Undertaker rose. "That's a story for him to tell and not me," he said before walking back into the kitchen, "Red tea is alright isn't it?" he called.
Ronald felt slightly light headed as he stretched out on the bed, he could feel William's soft touch as his fingers slowly swept over his skin. Once again he had been stripped of his clothing; he had become accustomed to being nude every time he was alone with William. At first he disliked it; however he had begun to think it wasn't too bad. At least William wasn't like Claude who ravaged Sebastian, no matter what time of the day it was. William hummed and Ronald sat up to see the gashes on William's face, "Allow me, its easier when someone else does it," he commented. William froze and looked at him slightly confused, before realizing the blonde had a valid point. He nodded slowly and closed his eyes as Ronald slowly removed the heavy black square frames from his face. William's hair had fallen out of place and was the way Ronald loved it. With cotton ball which had been dipped in rubbing alcohol the blond swept over each of William's facial featured to clean away the blood. Ronald was mesmerized as his fingers trailed William's jaw and then swept over one of his cheeks; they were soft and slightly warm. William's eyes were closed and he continued over to William's nose, there was a cut where his glasses had been kicked into his nose. Ronald delicately dabbed the wound and watched William flinch with discomfort. "I'm sorry," he muttered, he was leaning closer to William than before and William breathed, "No it's not your fault, I didn't think they would kick me in the head."
Ronald hissed at the thought as he continued to treat each of the open wounds on his face. Each wound was deep and he was impressed that William had managed to carry him home with injuries of such a magnitude. Ronald's slender fingers lifted strands of black hair to reveal a large red star on his forehead, it was sticky and Ronald's face twisted with discomfort. He grabbed another cotton ball and dabbed it in rubbing alcohol, "I was more worried about you," said William after a moment, Ronald could feel his breath on his skin. He paused, "I'm so scared of loosing you," whispered William and his eyes opened slowly. Even though shinigami were extremely near sided, it was as though William could see Ronald's face. His eyes were filled with affection and honesty which made the younger shinigami blush profusely. Ronald's hands stopped moving for a moment and William continued, "I can't take that kind of pain again." Ronald finished cleaning the wound and slowly wrapped his arms around William, "I'm here, see? I haven't left you," he said softly as he stroked his sempai's hair. "I was scared of loosing you too, please don't scare me," whispered Ronald and he gave William a small squeeze. He slowly released William and placed a hand on the side of his face, "William," whispered Ronald, "I love you."
William hummed and slowly broke free of the smaller shinigami's grasp, he smiled tenderly. He desired to see his lover's expression, however with the wound on the bridge of his nose he wouldn't be able to, without putting contacts in. He felt Ronald's fingers slowly brush a cold liquid on the wound. "What are you using?" asked William in confusion. Ronald finished and moved to the injury on his forehead and responded, "Liquid stitches." William smiled a little and his face twisted in pain, Ronald hadn't gotten to treating William's split lip. He was motionless as he felt something soft and warm caress the wound, it was hot and familiar. The older shinigami opened his mouth to protect only to feel Ronald's soft lips and hot tongue in his mouth. His eyes widened and he stared. Ronald slipped the glasses onto William's nose and he looked at the smiling young reaper. His eyes were filled with mischief and William blushed, he stared as Ronald held his glasses between his fingers. "You're in no condition for that," said William sternly. Ronald pouted and put his glasses back on, "Aw we can cuddle for now, can't we?" he asked. William chuckled and said, "I have a better idea." Ronald looked at him confused for a moment and William grinned, "A nice hot shower." The words made Ronald's breath hitch and he felt his heart pound in his chest. "I thought you're supposed to keep injuries dry," said Ronald nervously. William rose from the bed and picked Ronald up in his arms, "You should but at the same time it's not good to sit in dirt and sweat either," he said. Ronald looked up at him and William smiled happily, "Don't worry I'll wash you thoroughly." Ronald stared at William, he had heard Claude use that line and could remember the moans which emanated from the Master Bathroom for three hours. "You wouldn't do that to an injured person! Would you?" he asked after a moment. William hummed and opened the bathroom door, "Depends on your reaction," he said bluntly.
Sebastian slowly opened his eyes to feel the warm embrace of a pair of familiar arms. He moaned and slowly sat up, his head had was hurting however it wasn't as bad as it had been. Claude was still in his suite and Sebastian stared at him, it had been a long time since he had seen his lover fall asleep in such a state. Sebastian slowly stretched and suddenly whispered in a panic, "Alex." He jumped out of the bed and went into the room across the hall to find her on a blood transfusion and the deep slices she had made with the knife healed. He slowly walked over to the bed and realized he was simply in a pair of loungers. Laying fast asleep under a warm comforter was a rather pale Alexandra. She looked peaceful and yet he felt slightly upset. Sebastian hesitantly touched her forehead and relaxed after being reassured that she was still warm. "So pale," he whispered, and his brow furrowed. He had almost lost her again; he had to find out what this auction was and why Seiki was even in this mess. "She looked worse earlier," said a sultry voice from the doorway. Sebastian looked over his shoulder to see Claude leaning on the doorframe. His glasses were gone and he looked exhausted. "I was going to let you sleep a little longer," Sebastian whispered. Claude slowly walked over to Sebastian and wrapped his arms around him. Claude's chin rested on Sebastian's shoulder and he whispered, "I was worried about you." Sebastian hummed and slowly placed a hand on one of Alex's still hands. "I didn't mean to scare you," he responded, "However I lost it when I saw he pull that silver knife." Claude kissed the side of Sebastian's neck and closed his eyes, "We both did," he responded. Sebastian sighed and closed his eyes, she was safe and Claude was still with him.
He purred and smiled, "Excuse us," said a soft voice from across the room. Claude reluctantly released his raven and looked at Canterbury, "Steve-sama is awake," he said. Sebastian looked at Claude in confusion and Claude said, "They were looking for employment, and at the time we needed an extra few pairs of hands." Sebastian's eyebrows lifted and he asked, "They?" Claude nodded and Sebastian noticed the other two of the triplets stand beside Canterbury. He looked over at Claude and was about to ask when he heard Steve's troubled voice, "Where on earth am I?" he asked in distress. Sebastian slowly walked across the hall to see Steve sitting up; he looked much more alert than he had when Grell found him. "Oh Mr. Michaelis, and Mr. Faustus," said Steve in shock. Sebastian and Claude entered the room and Sebastian said, "Welcome to Shadow Pont, you passed out from the amount of liquor you had. Do you remember anything?" The IV which Claude had used was gone and all that remained was a confused Steve. "No, my head hurts, I can't believe I passed out," he said after a moment. He looked at the pair, "Where's Alex? All I remember is listening to her jam," said Steve slowly it was clear his head was still foggy from the effects of the drugs. "She's across the hall asleep; she was exhausted and concerned about you so we brought her here. I couldn't get a hold of your manager to get your address," said Sebastian. Steve nodded slowly, his eyes glided to Claude, "What's he doing here?" Sebastian froze, he didn't have an excuse for that.
Claude interjected, "I live here." Sebastian looked at him, he looked as thought Claude a frightened him. Claude sighed and responded coldly, "He would have figured it out anyway, besides its not like he has anything against gays." Steve nodded and looked at Sebastian's well defined chest, "You may not look it but you've got a well toned body," he said there was a hint of admiration in his voice. Sebastian blushed and Steve sighed, "No matter how I try I can't get myself to look like that, I guess I'm too English," he commented. "Thank you for bringing me here," he said with a smile and was about to get up. "You can stay the rest of the evening, its late," said Claude sternly, he hadn't ordered Steve, yet he felt compelled to obey him. "I understand, thank you," said Steve as he slowly sat on the bed and looked at the pair. "I'll go make some tea," said Claude after a moment, he was about to leave when the triplets entered, Timber was carrying a silver tea tray with the tea set on it, Canterbury had the biscuits and Thompson was carrying the hot water. "Allow us," they said in unison as they prepared Steve's drink. Steve watched inquisitively as the three said nothing and yet they acted as one person rather than three. Claude took this as a chance to leave and Sebastian fallowed.
Ash was standing in the middle of his club, he had managed to clear out the spider webs and dispose of the demonic remains, however the blood remained. He crossed his arms and complained, "Why must demons make such a mess?" He turned to the bouncers and manager he had called in, "I need this place spotless," he said firmly. The group nodded before getting to work, he watched each of them use magic to get the stains out of the floor. The manager slowly walked over, "What on earth could be used to allow demons to be invisible?" Ash looked at him, his purple eyes were cold and he said, "I have no idea." The Manager tapped the clipboard with his pen and said, "It's going to take a lot of money to fix this place after that battle." Ash sighed, money wasn't an issue, what made it difficult was explaining to the inspector why he suddenly decided to renovate his club. He was going to have to do a major over hall to justify it. "Well we've needed to make the booth larger," he said optimistically before walking away. His shoes clicked against the floor and he stopped short of the bar. "Why is there still a pool of blood on the bar?" he asked in irritation. "We haven't gotten there yet," called the Manager before returning his attention to a pair of bouncers. Ash looked at the flower which was lying in the pool, he hesitatingly picked it up. The blood stuck to the edges of its petals staining them a dark red and he slowly twirled the flower in his fingers. His eyes widened after a moment, there was a faint smell of aftershave which clung to the flower. "This is her blood," he whispered, "What on earth could he want with her," he asked before turning to the group. He held the flower in his fingers and slowly walked toward his office, this wasn't something which could wait, there was no way that the flower and the chaos of the evening weren't related. "What are you up to?" he asked as he caressed the petals with his black gloved hand.
Just before you go...
I have posted the prologue and first chapter of Cirque de Lune on fictionpress. In case you are unaware, it's an original work of mine in which I had selected my username from. If you're interested please feel free to read it, I use the same user name on the other website as well.
