~o/0\o~
"Somebody. Please help." A young Ciel crouched low, hugging his legs to his chest. The onlookers, with their mass and devilish smiles, relished in his suffering. "Anyone at all. I don't care who." The man raised the knife high. "Please just come. Save me." The knife was plunged to the chest of the child. "Save us all!"
Ciel, grabbing onto the bars of the cage watched as the dark figure approached him, the telltale sign of the heel of its shoe clicking across the tiled floor.
"You have summoned me here today. That can never be changed." Ciel reached out his hand as the figure drew closer. "And nothing sacrificed can ever be regained. Now chose." Its magenta eyes look into Ciel's own. His right eyes were closed for a moment as blood dripped down.
"Then I chose!" And the deal was done.
The contract was signed, sealed and delivered.
~o/In the morning\o~
Sebastian slowly fastened his tye and picked up his coat from the rack, putting it on before grabbing his gloves.
A butler's day starts early.
Sebastian moved around the kitchen and took the iron off the stove as the morning light began to trickle down into the room.
He must set to work before anyone else, ironing his master's newspaper and preparing the morning tea service.
He started with his tasks, ironing the paper to dry the ink, and preparing the tea, setting the timer.
Of course, there is always time in the morning for the most important things.
He heard a deep groan from behind him before weight settled on his back and arms wrap around his waste.
"Good morning." He heard a grumble and a felt yawn behind him. He slowly unwound her hands and turned around, brushing down the tops of his mate's hair.
"Too early," Yuri yawned. "Always too damn early." She slowly tied her apron as he kissed her head. She picked up their intertwined hands before kissing his glove hand softly. Sebastian smiled. Yuri was uncomfortable with a lot of public displays of affection, but in these quiet moments in the morning, she was a lot less guarded. Still, Sebastian simply brushed her hair with his fingers, carefully not to overwhelm her. "Love you." She said so quietly but his heart soared. He could tell she had stopped moving as every muscle in her body tensed.
"Love you too." And just like that, the calmness returned as the last of the sand from the timer fell.
As Sebastian finished up making the tea, she opened the door and there sat a black cat. She bent down, letting the cat slowly approach her as she laid down the bowl of milk. She closed the door back over quietly.
"Ready to go?" Sebastian asked, finished setting the tea on the tray. Yuri stretched up before rubbing her eyes again and nodding.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
A butler does his utmost duty to ensure that his master enjoys a continuity and comfortable daily life.
Sebastian opened the bedroom door and set up the tray as Yuri moved to the windows, opening the blinds to allow the light in. She then silently moved to the bed, smiling softly at the peacefully sleeping Ciel.
It is all part of The Butler Aesthetic.
"Young lord, it is time to rise and greet the day."
"Good morning." Ciel opened his eyes, blinking in the light. He looked over at Sebastian as he poured the first cup of tea. He burrowed back into the blankets. "Come on now," Yuri said softly. "Sit up for me." Ciel opened his eyes again, half glaring, but he did begin to sit up. Sebastian handed him his cup of tea.
"Ceylon, is it?"
"Spot on as ever. I took the liberty of bringing you a Rington Varietal this morning." Yuri draped a soft brown blanket over Ciel's shoulders before rising from the bed over to the tea trolley. Ciel read over an article about a new company that was set to buy a long-established tea manufacturer.
~o/0\o~
Ciel placed his foot onto Sebastian's leg as the butler got him dressed. Yuri stood outside the door, having woken/ensured the other servants were up.
"Today begins with a dance lesson. Your instructor is Mrs Mayerl. After lunch, you'll look over proposals from the Funtom company's toy and confectionary divisions." Sebastian finished with Ciel's socks before wrapping the blue tie around Ciel's neck, tying it off neatly. "Finally, at six o'clock, you have a meeting with Mr Cedric Brandel of the Brandel tea company. Also in attendance will be mister Lau of the trading company Kunlun."
"What does Brandal want?" Yuri reopened the door before stepping inside.
"Apparent his company are planning to host a tea salon," Sebastian explained putting Ciel's jacket on. "He wishes to acquire some Funtom products to sell to the children in attendance." Sebastian pulled Ciel's eye patch out of his pocket.
"We cannot refuse an acquaintance of Lau's out of hand," Ciel said as Sebastian put on his eye patch. "Extend him every courtesy," he said, speaking to both servants in the room.
"Yes, my lord," They said in unison, the same glint in their eyes.
~o/0\o~
The trio walked down the hallway as they discussed the day ahead.
"I can't say I'm looking forward to it."
"Indeed, but it wouldn't do to cancel the meeting."
"No, not the meeting. It's the dance lesson I dread." Yuri hid a smile.
"Ah yes, we can cancel that if you'd prefer to show the Lady Elizabeth your staggering waltz at the Queen's ball next month. I'm certain she'd be impressed with your originality."
"Don't be cheeky."
"Agreed. Not everyone has had centuries of experience," Yuri added. She knelt so she could whisper into Ciel's ear; "Truth be told, I have no idea how to do most dances. Don't let him know, he might die of shock." Ciel giggled as Sebastian stepped ahead to open the door for him. "Now, times for your breakfast. It's the-"
"Most important meal of the day," they both finished.
"Prove me wrong, you smarty pants," Yuri said, rolling her eyes.
"For today's breakfast, we have here a ham and grapefruit salad, lightly poached salmon, a soup of root vegetables and a flaky croissant." Ciel began his breakfast, carefully to take his time as if t delay the inevitable.
"One two three, one two three," Mrs Mayerl said. "Oh heavens, rather clumsy footwork, my lord. Strive for more grace. One two three, one two three."
Down below the dance room, the servants stood in front of Sebastian, awaiting instruction.
"Your tasks are as follows. Meyrin, collect and launder all the bedsheets." Meyrin nodded, raising her hand in a salute.
"Right Sebastian."
"Finny, tend to the plants in the greenhouse."
"Yes, sir!" Finny said enthusiastically, his fist high in the hair.
"Baldroy, you will see to the bread."
"Consider it done."
"Yuri, could you set the table later today?"
"Why is he always so much nicer to her," Finny mumbled.
"It's called 'love' finny," Bard said.
"Is that jealously I hear?" Yuri teased.
"Oh definitely," Meyrin added. Sebastian said a hard gaze on the four and they all quietened down again.
"Understood," Yuri said, saluting.
"As for Tanaka," he paused, "just do whatever it is you usually do." There was an edge of respect to his voice.
"Ho ho ho," Tanaka said.
"Listen carefully," Sebastian continued, "we are expecting guest this evening."
"Uh, crikey, you know what that means then?" Bard said. "I'll make a special-" Bard was cut off by Sebastian shoving the rolling pin in his face.
"What that means," he said, interrupting the cook, "You will all stay quietly out of sight. And you will not do anything unless you have received my express orders." Yuri rolled her eyes at the butler. "Keyword; quietly." He clapped to command attention. "Now, everyone to their stations."
"Right!" The trio said, setting off to their work. Yuri stayed behind a moment.
"Is it always your intention to scare them out of their minds or is it something that just comes naturally?" Sebastian shook his head, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Fear is a great reason not to make a mess."
"Pity it could never work on me."
"Oh, I'm sure there are other things I could try," Sebastian said, a hint to his voice.
"Cheeky cheeky, your lucky my brother is out of earshot," She said, sashaying out the door. Sebastian smiled to himself.
~o/In the afternoon\o~
Ciel sat, writing, at his desk surrounded by paperwork before he sighed loudly, resting his head back on the table. Sebastian was preparing his drink as Yuri dusted the shelves.
"I want something sweet, Sebastian. A cake perhaps."
"I think not. Best not to spoil your appetite before your dinner meeting."
"I said I want something sweet."
"I prepared some hot chocolate for you. Can you make do with that?"
"Where's the cream?"
"I served it with some toasted nuts and caramel syrup." Ciel groaned. Yuri smiled.
"C'mon, drink up." Sebastian looked at her.
'Don't you dare feed him any cake.'
'I wouldn't dream of it.'
Sebastian gave her a wary look.
"If you'll excuse me, my lord, I have some things I must attend to." As he turned, Yuri slipped some chocolate out her pocked and placed it into Ciel's hands, who gleamed at the treat. She raised her finger to her lips.
"I'll come too," She said, winking and following behind the butler. Both bowed as they left the room and Sebastian gave her a look.
"This your fault. You only said I couldn't give him any cake." And like this morning, she disappeared off before he could say anything else. Sebastian shook his head before consulting his pocket watch.
"Now then, I shall begin preparing to receive our guests."
An array of the Phantomhive Fine china sat in front of him.
"First, dish selection. Heran dinnerware is lively and colourful. It will set the tone for a meeting about children's toys."
He rubbed the silverware softly, preparing each piece.
"Next, to polish the silverware till it gleams."
The sounds of Meyrin strangled screaming cause a break in his silence.
"Perfect. What now?" He moved to the laundry room and knocked on the door. "Meyrin, whatever-" He opened the door to reveal a room of bubbles. Yuri, having come down due to the screaming, giggled at the sight.
"Oh Sebastian, there you are?" Meyrin said, popping up from the bubbles. She shook them off her before continuing.
"What happened here?"
"I used thirty cups of detergent like the instructions said but its a disaster!" She lifted the box into his face. "It don't make sense!"
"Read the instructions again," Sebastian said. "Carefully." Meyrin looked down at the box, squinted as the numbers blurred in front of her eyes. "You'll find its three cups, not thirty." Meyrin gasped in surprise, her face going pale. "Honestly, being far-sighted isn't enough to excuse such foolishness. No, carelessness is more correct." Sebastian rolled up his sleeves, discarding his jacket. "Now, step aside."
He got to work, mopping away the extra suds and then moving over to the washboard and cleaning the sheet himself. Meyrin's head was slightly bowed in apology. Next, the two of them moved the clean sheets outside to dry.
"There that should sort it," Sebastian said. "Now, do you think you're capable of cleaning the laundry room up yourself?"
"Yes! Yes, I can!" She said, saluting. Sebastian gasped slightly as the bubbles flooded out to the air, reflecting their surroundings.
'Naturally. Always when I'm busy.' Sebastian thought to himself.
'What's this?' Yuri asked, confused and curious.
'Nothing dear, are you still in the dining room?'
'Yup.'
~o/0\o~
Sebastian returned into the kitchen, carrying a bouquet of white flowers. He closed the door after himself.
Next, to ensure the perfect table has been set. The flower arrangement is of utmost importance. I'll use a mixture of snowdrops and Christmas roses to invoke winter. And the napkins will be folded into roses to match.
"Don't tell me you don't trust me to set a table?" Yuri remarked, placing down the cutlery before turning around. A puzzled look slowly settled over her face "Thats odd..." she mumbled.
"What is it?" Sebastian asked, smoothing down a small crease. Yuri was silent for a moment before shaking her head.
"Its- its nothing. I am just being forgetful, you know me," she said, her voice cheering up. "What was that squeal I heard earlier?"
"Meyrin used 30 cups of detergent." Yuri giggled.
"Oh dear, I assume you had to clean it up?"
"Of course. It's not like I haven't got my own work to do." He said, the smaller pout creeping upon his face. Yuri grinned softly, slowly brushing his fringe away from his eyes.
"Poor Lucious, today's not your day." Sebastian's eyes flashed Fuschia and he opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Finny screaming. He let out a sigh, dropping his head. "Come on, pouty pants, we'll go together."
They moved to the greenhouse before opened the door. Immediately, they were both hit with overwhelming heat.
"Finny-" Sebastian shouted out. "Why is it so hot in here?" The boy came up to them crying. Yuri's face softened at the boy's cries, but Sebastian's only seemed to get sterner.
"I am so sorry! It looked like the roses were right 'bout to bloom," Finny began, jumping into Yuri's arms, who cradled his head softly. "And I thought I could, ya know, speed 'em up by lightening up the stove."
"Carrying a stone to a greenhouse? You must be utterly brainless!" Sebastian said, causing Finny to stop crying. "No, I suppose browny is more correct. Well," He said, tightening his gloves. "There's nothing more for it."
Sebastian moved the two outside before slowly bringing everything inside, out. Yuri was helping Finny calm down as Sebastian lifted the last of the plants outside. He sighed as he finished with the pots, the flowers drooping and dead looking.
"That is unfortunate. I was hoping to scent the manor with roses, but that will be quite impossible now. Go-"
"Now Finny, what'll we do next we have an idea."
"Ask you or Sebastian."
"Good. Now, you should clean up the last of the greenhouse."
"yes. I can!" They both nodded before beginning to walk away.
"For heaven's sake, why must they vex me so," Sebastian said before looking over at Yuri walking beside him. "You shouldn't baby him, he'll never learn."
"You catch more flies with honey, then with vinegar, my dear," Yuri pointed out. Yuri noticed his dark mood has shifted yet. She slowly intertwined their fingers. "You'd be bored without them."
"Without them? Debatable. Without you? Definitely." Yuri only smiled at the response.
~o/0\o~
They both returned into the kitchen, both of them holding a pheasant.
The most important part is the main dish. Tonight we have freshly cooked pheasant. Sauteéd with a rich rosemary and sage paste.
Sebastian cut and salted the meat before placing it onto the sizzling pan. Yuri cleaning up around him, making sure the water was hot enough to kill the germs from the raw meat.
"What wine is tonight, I'll grab it down for you."
"Grand Cru Champagne." Yuri blinked at him. "Green bottle, gold paper." She nodded.
"Thank you," She said before reaching and grabbing it down.
"No, thank you," He said, kissing her cheek lightly. Neither of the two noticed the cook coming up behind them but they certainly heard him as the wall collapsed. Sebastian sighed.
"Let's hear it then," he said. "You might as well explain yourself." The two approached the cook.
"Well, I was thinking that, since we had guests and all that, we should treat 'em to a new menu, all special like," Bard explained.
"Of course. How many times do I have to remind you, cooking requires fire, not firepower you colossal idiot," Sebastian said before he stepped up close to the cook. "Yes, idiots quite correct."
"Yeah, thats what you said the first time," Bard said, chuckling nervously. Then trio looked up to the gaping hole in the wall.
"Here we go again."
They moved outside as Sebastian handed Bard the ton of bricks. Yuri managed to catch the other side and helped the cook slowly place them down.
"Hand it over." She said. Bard nodded, giving her the pack. She handed it over to Sebastian.
"We'll leave you to brick up the wall," Sebastian said.
"Cement is just behind you!" Yuri said, running to catch up with the butler.
~o/0\o~
The two re-entered the kitchen, Sebastian with the flamethrower on his back, Yuri with a basket of nuts.
The two moved upstairs, after cleaning everything up.
"Honestly, with all these distractions, I've barely got anything done," Sebastian said, consulting his pock watch. "And would you look at that, the guests will be arriving any minutes."
"Calm down," Yuri said, coming up behind him. "We've dealt with worse. Just take a deep breath." Sebastian gave you the 'i don't have time for your positivity' look. She giggled, leaning up to kiss his cheek.
"You're very affectionate today. Why is that?"
"It calms you down," she replied, making no effort to elaborate.
~o/0\o~
The carriage slowly approached the Phantomhive resident, Lao and Ren Mau were facing Lord Brandel.
"Its almost time now, are you ready Brandel?" Brandel chuckled at Lao's question. "Something amuses you?"
"This will work," He said, still chuckling. "When the dust settles today, I shall be the victor." Bradel through himself forward, away from the shadows. "Yes, I shall succeed, even against the Lord Phantomhive!"
"My," Lao said, dismissing the man with his hand. "No need to work yourself into such a lather, is there?" As if pulling himself out a trance, Brandel's shoulders relaxed as he sat back down.
"No," He said, his smug demeanour returning. "You're quite right." He laughed again. Lao opened his eyes, looking out to the window.
"Though, its when your guard is down that the dog is most likely to bite," He said, just as the trio arrived in front of the Phantomhive steps. "I confess, I most interested to see how the events of this evening play out, my lord."
~o/At Night\o~
"Welcome to the Phantomhive Estate," Ciel said, appearing at the top of the stairs just as Yuri and Sebastian finished welcoming the guests in. "I am Ciel Phanthomve, the current earl and family head." Brandel was all smiles now as he raised his hand over his heart.
"Such a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Cedric Brandel," he introduced. Ciel made his way down the stairs before the two shook hands. "I didn't imagine you quite so youthful, my lord."
"I told you there was no need to feel intimidated. He's ever so small and precious, isn't he?" Ciel chuckled dryly, only to be polite.
"Quiet," he silenced Lau. "I've had a small dinner prepared for us, so if you'll follow me please." The group followed him into the dining room.
Sebastian decanted the wine before approaching his tower of glasses. He started the chain at the top and let the wine filter down into the lower glasses. Yuri stood beside the tower, ready to hand a guest a glass.
"Oh! How lovely," Brandal said in amazement at the butler's display.
"I could have set out some simple aperitifs of course, but I thought this presentation would be more the 'thing'," Ciel explained. At this moment, the door creaked open as Meyrin stepped into the room, hor d'oeuvres in hand.
"If you'll excuse me, master, I have hor d'oeuvres." She stepped forward, tray shaking loudly. Yuri's gaze swung to the maid, who's vision was blurring as she stepped forward. Shaking like a leaf, Meyrin said to herself. Yuri looked down and noticed her untied lace.
'She's going to-'
As predicted, Meyrin stood on her lace, causing her to trip. She let out a scream as she flew forward. There was a gasp among the room as the plate crashed the tower of wine. Time seemed to pause for a moment. They both caught Ciel's shocked eyes before Yuri and Sebastian jumped into action. Sebastian's eyes glowed Fuschia as he threw the bottle and moved to collect the glasses. He caught each one, ensuring not a single drop of wine spilt. He placed each falling glass down onto the table in rapid order, the table filling up quickly. Time began to catch up again as he caught the bottle of wine, Yuri swooping in to grab onto the maid with one arm and the tray with the other. Sebastian knelt before the guests as if bowing at the end of a show.
"So. What just happened?" Brandal asked. Now, instead of one large pyramid of glasses, there were two smaller ones behind the servants and some glasses sitting on the table.
"Please excuse me, lady and gentlemen," Sebastian said, standing up. "This vintage is a bit on the bubbly side so I made the last-minute decision to give it the last bit of decanting." Meyrin took this distraction and snuck out quietly as Yuri offered hor d'oeuvres to the guests with a smile on her face. "Please have a seat, and we will bring you a glass." Lau chuckled as he, Ren Mau and Ciel all moved to the table, with Brandel staring after them, still looking amazed.
"I say, good show," Lau said. Brandel decided to move over to the table with the group. "You'd leap to stardom in any acrobatics troop with that trick."
"Heavens, me? a star? Surely you jest," Sebastian replied, causing Yuri to roll her eyes fondly. "I appreciate the compliment but I am simply one hell of a butler."
~o/0\o~
The group all sat at the table as Sebastian poured each person a glass.
"My lord, I must say, your home provides no end of surprises. The manor is beautiful!" Brandel praised. "I can hardly believe it was in ashes three years ago."
"I find small talk dreadful dull dinner conversation," Ciel said, pausing. "Let's move on to the topic at hand, shall we?" Brandel faltered slightly, sighing before agreeing.
"In the interest of sustained profitability, I'd like my company to begin marketing to children," Brandel said, as Lau cut up his meat and fed Ren Mau. "And since children all around Europe know the Funtom name, it would be most advantageous to work with you, my lord."
"Indeed, children are better judges of both art and food then adults give them credit for, you know," Ciel said, almost dryly. This did not curve Brandel's perky approach, however.
"Indoubly. And meeting you only convinces me more. I'm beginning to think I've discovered the success of the Funtom companies success in that market," Brandel said.
"Oh? You're saying I'm a child then?" Ciel asked, placing his cutlery down. "And that's why my company as been so successful. Is that what you're suggesting, Brandel?" Ciel looked into the man's eyes, who quickly rose his hands in surrender and panic.
"OH no! I would never imply such a thing!" He said but Ciel only chuckled, smiling now.
"Easy, I'm only joking." Brandel laughed uncomfortably that went on just a few seconds too long.
"My my, you do have a wicked sense of humour, mt lord," he said, his voice fake.
The clock showed just past half seven as Lau was in the guest bathroom. Brandel entered and his fake personality dropped.
"Damn that obnoxious brat, making a sport of his elders," he said. "Lau, it that miserable twit really the queen's guard dog as they say?"
"yes. I told you as much and you know I'd never lie to you," Lau confirmed as Brandel lit a cigarette and sat down in the armchair in the corner.
"He ruthlessly hunts all those who oppose him, this supposed policeman of the underworld. Ths villainess noble, the rabid guard dog," Brandel said, an edge to his voice. He took a drag of his cigarette before releasing. "Impressive set of nicknames for a boy. We could move weapons with little expensive using the trade routes set up by the tea company. But no, bloody ports are too bloody afraid of the Queen's bloody guard to let me unload them. And those bloody gangs won't buy the bloody guns out of some weird warped loyalty." The pair were silent before Brandel cocked a brow. "Come, are you sure you're not just buying into an overgrown reputation? How powerful can he truly be? No one will say what happens when you oppose him." Lau opened his eyes to stare at the gentlemen. "I'd wager that nothing actually happens." The bulk from the gun in his chest pocket was somewhat obvious as he took another drag.
"What exactly do you have planned for tonight?" Lau asked.
"Why, a coo, of course. At precisely eight." the image of men running into the dining room, bullets blazing, tearing up the dining room. "the guard dogs reign will be over. London's underworld will have a new order," Brandel said. He stood up, taking a drag again.
"Sounds lovely," Lau said. "I am so looking forward to hearing how that plays out." Brandel had already left the room, wandering back down the hall. He went to open the dining room door but the butler opened it for him, letting a noise of surprising out.
"Oh, sir Lau isn't by your side, I see," Sebastian said.
"He excused himself, pressing business, you understand," he said. Ciel leaned back in his chair, nodding.
"That man isn't fit for polite society," he said.
"It's a shame," Sebastian said, helping Brandel into his chair. "We have a sweet to suggest for your tea salon and he will not be able to sample it." He gestured to the tray that Yuri was currently standing beside, quietly setting the plates up for dishing. She gave him a polite smile, keeping her features soft. Brandel dismissed her.
"Ah, you've piqued my curiosity," he said. Brandel looked at the clock, a smirk overtaking his features. He was unaware of the pair of eyes on him. His attention was brought back to the butler as Yuri placed the covered catering tray on the table.
"Allow me to present," he said, nodding his head at Yuri who lifted the lid to reveal the cake, which had a crown around it, "a Galette de Rois, it should pair perfectly with your companies flavoured tea. A conventional yet festive choice served with thick créme de marron. In accordance with tradition, one slice contains a doll known as la féve, whoever receives that piece will also receive this crown, and will be declared 'King of the Feast'." Ciel smirked in his chair.
"Just the thing for children, I say. We think it will be quite popular. The younger set do love to play games," Ciel explained. "I know I sure do."
'Ironic.'
'My dear, this whole day is ironic.'
'True.'
"I say! How capital! A sweet treat and a game all in one," he said, with his face voice before muttering afterwards. "Leave it to a little brat like you to come up with something an adult never would." He smirked, looking to the lord. Ciel's face drained as the room froze in time.
"What?" Ciel said. Brandel jumped up.
"They may call you the queen's guard dog but all I see is a brat showing off." Sebastian and Yuri stood on either side of the earl, smiling slightly. "If there are two things in this world I can't stand its cocky brats and losing money when I should be making it!" The clock dinged to signal eight o'clock. "Eight o'clock, time for you to die." Brandel dove under the table as Ciel stood, before he could utter a word, he was shot in the head, falling instantly with a thud onto the table.
"My lord!" both servants shouted but The door swung open as men came in with guns. The bullets rained down. The ornaments and knick-knacks were shattered, the lights blew out. The flowers were ripped apart before the bullets focused in on the servants, who were hit with a reign of bullets. Yuri was hit twice in the shoulder, once in the neck and one to the head. Her body too fell with a thud. Sebastian, unable to escape was shot multiple times to the body, the force of the bullets causing the tray to fall and shatter the plates and glass on it. The hit his body more times than could be counted. The windows were shattered at the curtains torn. Brandel remained under the table, smirking until the bullets stopped. He laughed maniacally to himself.
"I did it, it's over! I put down the rabid dog, the underworld as a new ruler now!" The clock chimed as the light slowly slipped under the table. His face dropped as he crawled back out from under the table. The dining room was as pristine as he turned to look at the lord, who was eating his cake.
"Sorry, Mr Brandel, did you misplace something of yours?" Sebastian asked, pouring the tea. Brandel looked around foolishly as Ciel chuckled.
"Had a bit too much to drink, have you?" Have some cake, it'll help," Ciel suggested. "And perhaps you should forgo the champagne for now." Brandel chuckled nervously.
"ha, yes," Brandel said, allowing Sebastian to help him back into his seat. His shaking hands plucked his fork and cut his cake. 'I don't understand. He should be dead by now! Where are the men I stationed outside!?' he thought to himself, bringing the piece of cake to his mouth and biting down on it. He groaned, feeling something hard under his teeth.
"Ah, my congratulations!" Yuri said. "It seems your the lucky one! La féve was in your slice of cake!" She smiled as Brandel spit out a bullet onto his plate.
"Your friends left that little token behind, you see," Sebastia, leaning down beside Brandel. "I thought I should return it." Brandel jumped his away from the butler, bumping into the maid before scrambling back. "They arrive earlier in the day, quite a bit before you grace us with your presence. Don't concern yourself," Sebastian said, shit-eating grin on his face. "We already gave them a warm Phantomhive welcome."
~o/0\o~
Rewinding through the day, Sebastian was standing out with Meyrin by the close lines.
In the reflection of one of the bubbles, Sebastian saw the forest behind him and the men stationed behind the trees. They silently observed the manor until Sebastian appeared behind them. There was a gasp at the sudden appearance but Sebastian hit the man in the back of the neck, and he fell instantly. The other men all panicked and reached for their guns but Sebastian was quicker. He moved effortlessly, kicking the men some distance away, not even pausing for a second. They all fell like rag dolls, from with him snapping their necks or throwing them against the hard ground. One man fell close to some blooming white flowers. Nodding to himself, Sebastian picked a bunch before moving inside.
Fast forward to Yuri, Sebastian and Finny standing outside the greenhouse.
The smell of a cigarette alerted the butler who looked at Yuri, noticed her tilt her head slightly, a sign that she knew. The pounced together.
A fork flew from nowhere, hitting the smoking man's hand as he cried out in agony. Yuri kicked a man to his feet and dodged as one came lunging at her. The men, now realising they were under attacked, attempted to fight back, taking out their guns and shooting, but Sebastian reigned down the silver knives onto them. Yuri managed to disarm them quickly, sweeping her legs underneath them to knock them off balance before catching and snapping the necks of anyone who managed to escape the butler. A pleasant fell from the sky as Sebastian landed, a knife lodged in his neck.
"I was wondering where the knives went. Thats why I was confused in the dining room." Sebastian only smiled at his mate as she rolled her eyes. The two entered the manor, now with the pheasant underarm.
Fast forward again, with Yuri and Sebastian cleaning up Bard's mess.
A man looked through the scope of a gun, looking at the gaping hole in the wall He and his partner both exchanged looks.
"It's alright. I don't think they noticed us up here," he said. At that moment, his partner was engulfed in flames. He turned to shoot but was pushed out of the tree. he looked back up, watching the maid wave to him as he fell. He tried to shoot at her but was too engulfed by the flames. All the men on the ground were too shocked to move for a moment before they aimed their guns. Yuri kicked most of the guns out of their hands before ducking as Sebastian rained fire down on them. Some tried to escape but were met with a swift kick into the flames from Yuri. At the last of the vermin killed, he and Yuri stood in the clearing. Yuri pointed down to the roasted nuts sitting on the ground. They cracked slightly. Yuri went and grabbed a basket before returning and placing the nuts in.
~o/0\o~
Back to the present, Brandel stared at the bullet on his plate.
"No, there were at least fifty men out there!" he said before looking up at the looks on both butler and maid's face. "And just... just one of you and her!" Yuri scowled at the implication but Sebastian plastered on his shit-eating grin.
"Lau informed me of your side business, dealing guns on the black market, you see. That man actually does have his uses," Ciel explained.
"Damn that rat! He turned on me!" Brandel shouted.
"Not at all," Ciel said, unfazed. "He was never actually on your side in the first place. Perhaps you are aware that her majesty is distressed by the increase in gun-related violence among the lower classes." Brandel's eyes twitched as Ciel raced the cup to his mouth. He changed his mind however, putting the cup down with a sigh. "Sebastian, make me a new pot of tea. These second rate leaves are positively foul."
"Indeed," Sebastian said, moving away from Brandel, who's eye was twitching with anger. At the retreating figure of the butler, he stood up, pulling out a gun.
"I'll kill you then!" he said, shooting three times directly at Ciel. He let out a shocked gasp when Ciel remained unharmed.
"This simply won't do," Sebastian said, holding the three bullets between his fingers. With shaking hands, Brandel moved his aim to Sebastian. "You must be more careful sir." Brandel noticed the bullets between his fingers and gasped, jerking back. "You seem to keep misplacing your belongings," He said, his voice calm but there was a look in his eyes that screamed danger. He brought his hand up, showing off the bullets. "See? Three more." he let them fall to the ground.
"What's going on here?! What are you!?" Brandel shouted, his voice pitchy. Sebastian smiled, eyes closed.
"Oh me? I'm no one Mr Brandel, I'm just someone who can't be killed by the toys your lot carry around," Sebastian explained. As if to test this, Brandel shot his gun twice more. On his third shot, Sebastian blocked muzzle (opening of the gun), causing it to backfire and knock Brandel down, his gun broken and hand bleeding. At the butler and maids steps towards him, he gasped and moved back. He got up and hobbled, holding his knee for support. He got to the door and rested for a moment, only to for it to open itself, revealing the shit-eating grin of Sebastian as he bowed to Brandel. "You've forgotten one additional item, I'm afraid." He said, moving closer to the terrified Brandel. Sebastian placed the crown on his head, his smiling growing.
"You're a demon!" Brandel said.
"Oh my. Very discerning for a human, aren't you?" Sebastian said. At that moment, the chandelier went out, plunging the room in darkness. Yuri appeared behind him, grabbing his collar and pulling him down to the ground. Brandel looked up to see the dark cloud swarming around the butler. Yuri came into his line of vision, to the left. "Yes. As you well suspect by now," Sebastian said, eyes bright and fuchsia. Yuri's eyes, without her realising, flickered between their sharp blue to fuchsia slits. "I am simply one hell of a butler." His dark aura swallowed the room.
"NO! Stay away from me!" He said, looking between the two.
"Brandel." The man looked over his shoulder to where Ciel stood. "You've noticed no one talks about what happens when the guard dog catches you. Any theories as to why that maybe?" he asked, sarcastically. He slowly removed his eye patch, peeling it away to reveal his contract seal. "It's because dead men tell no tales, you see."
"And if you want to know the cause for the gangs 'warped loyalty' to my master," Yuri said, bending down close to the man, he eyes still flashing. "I assume you've heard of the Japanese twins?" Brandel's eyes widened. "I see you have. Two monsters who kill and steal without remorse." She chuckled, though there was nothing but poison in her voice. "Well, you're looking at the source of that rumour." She stood up, a sick smirk on her face as he watched in terror. Sebastian chuckled, removing his glove where his contract mark sat, showing his dark nails too. A purple glow emanated from Yuri's chest as her seal glowed too. Yuri's eyes glint with sure evil at the man's pathetic state. "Die," was all she said, and the room filled with Brandel's screams of terror as the darkness swallowed him whole.
~o/0\o~
Lau opened the door, entering the now lit and cleaned dining room.
"I've returned, my lord, all finished here?" he asked, as the two servants finished cleaning up, Sebastian handing Ciel his newly brewed tea.
"Where were you all this time?" Ciel asked.
"Well, as it happens, I was waylaid by some lads who gave me this," he said, producing a letter with the queen's seal. Yuri took his from Lau with a smile before handing it over to Ciel, placing it into his hand.
"Yes, I see," Ciel said, looking at the letter. "Wait, who gave this to you?"
"Some funny ole' chaps dressed in white, that's all I know," Lau said.
A carriage, pulled by two magnificent white horse, moved through the cobbled streets. Their conductor riding up front, transporting two white-clad men inside, both wielding swords with gold-lined sheaths.
Opening the letter, Ciel pulled three tickets to a circus called 'Noah's Ark Circus'.
"Curious," Lau said aloud. "Those seem to be tickets to the travelling circus that is coming around. The Noah's Ark Circus, I believe they call themselves."
Elsewhere, on the streets of the London, the Circus paraded through the streets. With eight feet men, blindfolded jugglers, hoop busker (someone who performs with a hula hoop), a lion in a cage as just some of the talent in tow. A large man breathed fire onto the crowd, who cheered. A man wrapped in snakes walked stone face, while another performer, a young man with light blonde hair with a red streak, waved and smiled to the crowd that had gathered to watch their display.
"ladies and gentlemen, step right up! It's here at last!" A man's voice called to the crowd. A young girl dressed in all white sat on the back of her horse, watching the crowd. "The Noah's Ark Circus has come to town!" Another woman, who was leading an elephant, a whip tied to her right hip, smiled to the crowd. "Forget the cold weather, let your cares slip away. Get ready," he said. "The show of a century is about to begin!"
~o/0\o~
"You've worked hard today, my lord, you must be tired," Sebastian said. Ciel yawned and move towards his bed. He plopped down with a tired sigh. Yuri had reentered moments ago, slowly smiling and leaning down over Ciel to untie his eyepatch.
"Today's came was boring. It offered no real challenge." Yuri hummed.
"That is likely due to the fact that you know you can never lose," Sebastian said. Ciel yawned and looked into the demon's eyes. "Not with Yuri and I as your loyal chessmen." The boy tsked.
"Loyal, you just want my soul," Cile quipped. Sebastian was silent for a moment, a moment in time coming to mind.
A memory: Sebastian looked at her, and she looked back, a smile on her lips.
'New family? Are we a family?'
She smiled.
'You already know the answer, deep down.'
He said nothing, but his silence also said everything.
"I will remain by your side," Sebastian said, clearing his mind from the fog of the memory. "For as long as our contract lasts." He stood back, bowing. "I am yours till the very end, even if your wish should be foolish revenge. We will be here." Yuri nodded softly, her heart soaring, albeit maybe prematurely, at Sebastian hesitant answer.
"Foolish revenge, eh? Yes, I suppose it may be," Ciel said, smiling slightly.
"Ciel, you have a very full schedule tomorrow, please get some rest," Yuri said softly, grabbing the folded up duvet. The boy slipped back, lying down as Yuri tucked his in softly. "Best to get as much sleep as you can." Sebastian picked up the candle and the couple turned to go, before Ciel caught Yuri's hand.
"Yuri," he said, "Sebastian. Please... please stay until I fall asleep." Yuri looked to the Butler with a soft smile and was thrilled to see he shared the same. Yuri nodded.
"Of course, we will stay."
A demon's nights are long. He must keep a sharp watch to prevent anyone from harming his delicate prey. He does everything to ensure he will receive a soul brimming with despair upon completion of his master's foolish wish.
Sebastian reverted back to its natural fuchsia.
"It is all part of the demon's aesthetic."
Yuri snuffed two of the three candles on the stand with her fingers. Sebastian's eyes widened slightly as hers flicker between his own demon fuchsia and breathing taking blue.
"Goodnight, my lord."
A demon must always make his mate... his family happy. To fill her heart with love and keep her happy till the day he draws his final breath.
Sebastian kissed her head.
That is my aesthetic.
~o/0\o~
The room was quiet, Yuri was already in his bed
"Meyrin has already gone to bed and I feel bad if I wake her," Yuri said, just a few moments ago.
"Is that why you're in my shirt, in my bed?" Sebastian asked with a knowing smirk.
"Say one more word about it and I'll my brother," She said, sticking her tongue out at the demon
"I'm terrified," he mocked.
Sebastian was blowing out the candle on the dresser as Yuri brushed her hair, humming softly.
"My dear," Sebastian called to her. She hummed in response. "Do you feel... different?"
"We both know I have no idea what you mean," Yuri replied.
"Your eyes." He simply said.
"What? Can you see the pink? Oh god, no that-"
"No," he was in front of her, calming her fears by stroking her hair. "They were flickering fuchsia."
"Oh," Yuri said. "Thats... good, isn't it?" Sebastian smiled, kissing her nose.
"Very good." She smiled at him. He kissed her then, softly and slowly, leaving her breathless and dizzy. "Goodnight, Yuri."
"Goodnight, Lucious."
~o/0\o~
Heyo! Long time no see. If y'all have any questions or anything, feel free to comment or PM me! Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, hate is not. But all of y'all are amazing! Thank you for continuing to read!
Hope y'all enjoyed!
Fairy OUT!