Let's Talk

"Why is Mey-Rin not washing the dishes? It's a scullery maid's job," Ciel observed.

"I have much to do tonight, without cleaning up cracked plates," Sebastian replied, swirling his wrists in the soapy water. "The household and Funtom accounts must be balanced,and my lord's meals for the morrow planned." Ciel raised an eyebrow. "Too much for you to handle, is it?"

To his amusement, Sebastian took offense at his comment. The butler's back stiffened, and his mouth turned downwards at the corners. "Certainly not," Sebastian sniffed. "I do hope you know I wasn't complaining, merely answering my lord truthfully. After all-" Ciel groaned, knowing what was coming- "if I cannot manage my own duties, what sort of butler would I be?"

Ciel twirled a strand of hair between his fingers, annoyed with himself for giving Sebastian a chance to use his favorite catchphrase. Well, one of his favorites. That "simply one hell of a butler" line took first place. Him and his damned aesthetics. Fueled by his irritation, Ciel blurted, "Well, you should provide good service! Your price is high enough."

Sebastian smiled.

They lapsed into silence then, Ciel fuming while Sebastian transferred the soapy dishes to the rinse pan. He took a moment to dry his hands on the dish towel tucked into his belt before delving back in. Those long, elegant fingers with the glossy black nails looked out of place among the suds, not to mention the pentagram on the back of his hand. It seemed to cheapen the effect of their contract somehow, Ciel thought, leaning back in his chair.

Their covenant had been weighing on his mind more heavily lately. It was easy to forget about, in light of the more pressing matters that occupied every minute of his waking hours. Nighttime, or more specifically, bedtime, was when the implications of his godforsaken deal really sunk in. Laying there in bed, with the moonlight casting spooky shadows over the corners- it was the perfect atmosphere to brood over morbid things. And Ciel's imagination had plenty of material.

Truth be told, that was why he had come down to the kitchens. He knew Sebastian kept working long after the other servants were in bed, finishing the chores they neglected as he didn't require rest anyway. Ciel had hoped seeing him reduced to the part of a domesticated housewife would remind him that the demon was firmly reined in, unable to act outside of his master's wishes. And it did help, somewhat. Washing dishes was probably the most innocuous, honest work Sebastian had ever done under his command. Still, he could feel that jittery tension lingering, almost as if he had an upset stomach.

He glanced up to see Sebastian studying him from beneath his long eyelashes, probably wondering why he was hanging about. Ciel resented the scrutiny. He could wander his own house anytime he liked without being judged. Sebastian didn't have a leg to stand on, being a servant, after all. "What?" he snapped.

Sebastian looked away from him and touched one damp, pruny finger against his upper lip, as if deep in thought. "I was thinking how fortunate it is that we have a moment to ourselves. This afternoon, Tanaka asked me to discuss something with you, should the opportunity arise."

"What are you talking about?" Ciel demanded. "Get your fingers away from your mouth, you'll contaminate the dishes."

Sebastian lowered his hand. "It is a sensitive subject, my lord-"

"Tell me now." The demon actually had him curious. Whatever the issue was, it must be serious, if Tanaka was able to pull his head out of his tea cup long enough to remember.

"Very well." Sebastian's eyes twinkled a little, as they did when something appealed to his twisted sense of humor. Ciel stared suspiciously. "Have you heard of the birds and the bees?"

It took a moment for the euphemism to sink in, as Ciel was used to hearing of such things in a forthright manner. Sebastian waited patiently, leaning back on his elbows against the sink, the dishes abandoned for the moment, as Ciel tried to fathom what the hell he meant. Then it hit home. "What-," he spluttered.

"Ah, so you are uneducated in that respect? Not to worry, my lord." Sebastian was really in his element, dark eyes full on gleaming, while his cheeks pinkened from restrained mirth. "I happen to be quite knowledgeable in that regard. '"'Birds and bees means""-

"I'll just bet," Ciel said, loudly enough to thankfully drown out the rest of whatever he was going to say next. "I'll just bet that Tanaka asked you to explain this to me."

"Oh, but my lord," Sebastian was the picture of sincerity, "I never lie-"

"Be quiet!" Ciel snapped. Sebastian closed his smart mouth. "I don't need you, of all people, to instruct me on this. I know full well what my own body is capable of, as well as the changes it will go through. My aunt and my profession have made sure of that."

"Are you certain?"Sebastian asked. "Tanaka seemed concerned, seeing as you are growing quite rapidly. Well, in some areas. We should be able to save on trousers for awhile longer."

"Quiet, you," Ciel said through clenched teeth. "Do your work."

Sebastian obeyed and turned back to his dishes with one last smirk. Ciel shifted restlessly in his chair. He should probably leave now. It would be uncomfortable to stay in here with Sebastian gloating over his success in embarrassing him. Now that the heat in his cheeks was waning, Ciel realized his earlier unease was all but gone. Never entirely- it was his curse to carry the knowledge of his own demise around with him- but enough to let him sleep.

He slipped off his perch without bothering to speak to Sebastian, and padded down the hallway to his bedroom. The memory of Sebastian's twitching face as he tried to contain himself came to Ciel, and he suppressed a snort. The bastard thought he got off scot free for tormenting him? Think again. The next time those alley cats came scratching at the pantry door he would order Sebastian to run them off the property.

Smiling as he imagined Sebastian's inevitable consternation, Ciel fell into a refreshing sleep.

Notes: This will be a series of unconnected moments between Sebastian and Ciel, taking place in the kitchen at night. I'll add to it when I can! Drop me a line if ya want:)

Oh, and the series' title is inspired by Charlotte's Web.