I went back to the previous chapters and edited them to add more details and fixed some minor things that I didn't like. They might be worth rereading, idk.

I had this fanfiction planned out from start to finish but this chapter was by far the hardest to write. This chapter has more dialogue and is the most Ciel and Sebastian have talked to each other thus far.

If anyone is curious, the inspiration for Sebastian tricking Ciel into summoning a cat came from Wegner's White Bear Experiment while I was researching about dreams. During a sleep experiment they used reverse psychology on their participants, telling them not to dream about a polar bear. Almost every participant dreams about a white bear.

In the Morning: The Butler, Infernal

There was nothing natural about this place, the visual display of thriving greenery was deceptive. There was not a single hint of fragrance from it's various gardens. Somewhere within the dense foliage stalked a little black cat, and even then, nothing was truly alive within this fake greenhouse. An atmosphere that should typically feel damp and muggy, was instead filled with an uncomfortable tension.

"I didn't just dream about you. You're the real Sebastian…" Ciel said, glaring at his butler. Sebastian's behavior was too authentic to have been made up. From his butler-like mannerisms to his audacious personality; Ciel's imaginated version would have been far less irritating. Their interactions, his demonstrations, were too detailed to have been created in Ciel's own mind.

"Opps," Sebastian said with an embarrassed smile and a shrug. "What gave me away?"

"ARGH!" Ciel cried out, finally letting go of the anxiousness in his body with a verbal expression of disgust. "It is you, isn't it!? What are you doing here? How did you even you get here!?"

Sebastian raised a hand, his mouth dropped open, ready to answer his Master's questions.

"Quiet! I'm not done yelling at you!" Ciel interrupted, the volume of his voice unwavering. "I can't believe you'd do this. Who does this!?" He now paced back and forth in agitation. Yelling and flailing his arms about. "Who do you think you are? Waltzing into someone's head this way! Of course, I would expect no less from a demon! This is completely unacceptable-!" The young Earl felt something snap under his foot that shook him loose from his tantrum. He looked down and saw that he stepped on the stem of the rose Sebastian gave him. In his rage, he hadn't realized he dropped it.

Ciel stared at the ground for a moment, seething with anger. His rage didn't start to dissipate until he stooped down to pick it up. This time he was less intimidated by the thorns as he grasped onto what remained of the stem. He looked down at the damaged rose, a couple of petals fluttered to the floor. The size of the rose in comparison to the size of the young boy's hand was almost comical.

This entire experience wasn't that terrible... Ciel considered. Other than Sebastian's complete disregard for his personal space he was almost impressed. If only his butler had kept his mouth shut this whole time Ciel would have continued to believe that this Sebastian was just a figment of his imagination.

With his curiosity now peaked, Ciel suppressed what was left of his anger, deciding to interrogate Sebastian before he went back to scolding the damned demon.

Clearing his throat, Ciel turned to his butler who remained in his seat on the stone bench. "Tell me, Sebastian. How is this even possible?" Ciel asked calmly and with authority, looking him directly in the eyes.

"It's rather easy. Entering a human's dream is a simple task. As creatures who don't need to sleep, us demons had to invent ways to pass the time." Sebastian was quick to reply, without missing a beat. He seemed almost eager to finally be able to explain himself. He wished their game could have continued but accepted his loss. He failed to keep up his facade of pretending to be a creation of his Young Master's own mind. "We have been blamed for centuries, accused of everything regarding nightmares to possessions, and even murdering humans in their sleep. All of which could very well be true, in rare cases."

Anyone else would have flinched at Sebastian's last remark given the situation and their respective power dynamic. A child and a demon. Sebastian knows how to manipulate minds and control dreams, any lesser demon would exploit that power for personal gain or to torment. With that understanding in mind Ciel remained unfazed. He has experienced too much in his life to be taken aback by mere words. Especially from someone with a such a morbid sense of humor.

"Is that it then? Was this just some sick way for you to pass the time during one of your long and lonely nights?" Ciel questioned sharply. He recognized that Sebastian was toying with him. He wasn't trying to be careful with his words. Why else would Sebastian openly admit that demons entered the dreams of humans for their own amusement?

Ciel wasn't going to play into this new game of his. A master and a servant. His butler's vow to follow his every order, to serve and protect only him, and never ever lie to him was what guaranteed Ciel's safety.

"No." Sebastian said simply and shook his head with a half smile. "That is not the reason."

"Then why?" Ciel pressed. He was going to throw his own power around, knowing that Sebastian had no choice but to answer his questions with the truth.

"You called for me." Sebastian said. His smile turned into a wide devilish grin, knowing this was not the answer his Young Master will be expecting but it was the honest truth.

Ciel's face flushed red with embarrassment. He could picture himself asleep in his bed, wondering if he verbalised his screams for help when he dreamt about being attacked in that atrium. That was most likely the case, but he still wanted to hear Sebastian's side of the story. "Explain demon..."

Leaning forward on the bench, Sebastian began to speak. "After I put you to bed it didn't take long for you to start having nightmares again." He wasn't the least bit surprised. After all, his Young Master always had the need to be in control. That's why he was able to break away from the hypnotic sleep he was under. "You called out for me in your sleep, and as expected of me, I answered. I checked to see if you were running a fever or if you hurt yourself. Your breathing was a little laboured but you seemed to be ok."

"How diligent of you…" Ciel said, annoyed by how much Sebastian liked to talk and just wanted him to get to the point.

"Then, when I turned to leave you latched on to the sleeve of my jacket with your hand." Sebastian shrugged. "You must have been having such a dreadful nightmare. You would not let go of me no matter what, holding on for dear life it appeared." he remembered back to him trying to pry off Ciel's hand from his sleeve, in a gentle, inquisitive manner. There wasn't any urgency to escape such an amusing predicament.

"I did what?" Ciel exclaimed with emphasis on each individual word, his blush deepened. "I did no such thing!" He scanned Sebastian's fake, innocent looking expression with distrust after being reminded of what his butler was capable of. His knowledge of manipulation was dangerous, his ancient powers too advanced to comprehend. There was so much about Sebastian and his demonic abilities that he does not know about.

"Yes, you did." Sebastian said insistently. "I considered removing my jacket but I didn't want to leave it behind. Then I thought about chewing my own arm off but that would have left a big mess. I jest, of course."

Ciel's look of embarrassment turned to a scowl at the grotesque remark. "Enough of your jokes… tell me what happened next." Ciel demanded.

"I accepted my fate and resigned to stay at your bedside… at least until you let go of me." Sebastian said while trying to conceal a laugh. "The next thing I knew you started talking in your sleep again. You were asking for help this time. I wasn't sure what to do. Anything that comes out of the Young Master's mouth could be interpreted as an order, whether you're awake or asleep. So… here I am."

The idea that a demon could enter his dreams as he pleased, just because he inadvertently asked him for help, made Ciel's skin crawl.

Sebastian stood up from his seat and placed a hand on his chest. "I apologize most profusely, Young Master." He said with a bow. From Ciel's perspective, he didn't sound remorseful in the slightest.

"What's this now? An apology and all is forgotten? Do you think it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission?" Retorted Ciel. He was unwilling to pardon his butler for his impertinence.

"If an apology is not good enough then I shall await whatever punishment you see fit for me." Sebastian said obediently. His garnet eyes were closed adding to his signature cat like grin.

The young Earl considered it for a moment. Sebastian had good intentions sure, despite his unpleasant methods, but the reasons for his actions weren't good enough, since his Master wasn't at risk of any real bodily harm. Ciel determined Sebastian had over-reached in his duties as a butler and abused the rules of their contract that states he must protect him. Ultimately deciding that this demon deserved to be disciplined.

"Sebastian, stand over here." Ciel pointed to the ground in front of him.

"Yes, my lord." It only took a few steps for Sebastian to close the gap between them in order to stand in front of his Master. Unaware that he was about to get his wish to see the imagination from one who runs a toy empire, and their immaturity in full force

"I find your story pathetic. How come a demon powerful enough to enter people's dreams couldn't free himself from the grip of a child?" Ciel said bluntly. He only ever referred to himself as a child when it was most convenient for him. Sebastian couldn't help but snicker at this admission. "You could have done so easily. You were just looking for an excuse to be nosy." Ciel said accusingly, trying to sound as stern as possible after noticing his butler's amusement.

"You got me there. I suppose the idea to take a little peak did run through my mind." Sebastian admitted, with a finger to his lips. "But I did not lie. I only ever mentioned how you wouldn't let go, not how I couldn't free myself. How could I? When you looked as content as you did. Fast asleep and comforted by my presence." he teased.

Ciel started to fume. Who was this demon trying to make look like a fool? He glared down at his shaking fist trying to hold himself together. Ciel wanted to get even, to wipe the smugness off of Sebastian's face.

"This entire time you told me that I had more power here then I realized and I'm in control over what is allowed to harm me. That I needed to believe that I am strong." Ciel said. He glanced up at Sebastian. "Does this mean in my dreams I can imagine myself stronger than even you?"

"Eh?" Sebastian uttered.

Ciel reeled back his arm then swung it forward. His fist connected with Sebastian's stomach. What happened next surprised them both. The sudden impact sent Sebastian flying backwards across the greenhouse floor, causing him to crash into one of the large 5-foot tall terracotta flower pots. Ciel stood there for a moment in stunned disbelief that he was able to make that happen.

Did Sebastian allow it to happen? He could have seen it coming and dodged without question. He would have disappeared and re-materialize elsewhere before the strike, or was it because Ciel wanted payback bad enough that he could overpower him in a dream?

The young Earl looked at his fist. If he tried that in real life he wouldn't have been able to make Sebastian budge in the slightest, certain he'd break both his hand and wrist in the process. For a moment he felt kind of cool. He's never had any physical strength to brag about before, and he'll never get another chance to knock Sebastian of all people off his feet with such little effort. That he could do such a thing to a demon…

"Oh no…" Ciel cringed with regret. His eyes followed the path towards were Sebastian landed. The butler's lanky body was arched over broken pieces of the large flower pot and mounds of soil.

A chill went up his spine as he realized the consequences of what he had done. Not only did he just attack his butler in a manner that might have been uncalled for despite his transgressions, but he potentially angered a demon.

He's going to be furious with me… The young Earl thought as he walked over to his demon butler.

"Um… Sebastian?" Ciel asked with caution, anticipating the worst. Sebastian stirred briefly before sitting up, his face hidden by his dark bangs. His head and body were now coated with dirt. Ciel couldn't tell what Sebastian was feeling. Irritation? Rage?

"Good show, Young Master!" Sebastian said, his exuberant tone made the young boy jump in surprise. "That's exactly what I was talking about! If you can stand your ground against me you can handle anything a dream throws at you!" He brushed way dirt from his shoulders.

"Huh?" Ciel's mouth dropped open. He's… congratulating me? This guy is a maniac! The young Earl grabbed his butler's arm and helped him to his feet. Ignoring how the dirt will stain his light coloured suit.

"Did… did that actually hurt?" Ciel asked uncharacteristically with concern. Ciel wondered if Sebastian's physiology was different then his. Was he more attuned with the five senses in a dream?

With a wave of his hand Sebastian says, "No, no. Not at all. You just surprised me a little. I suppose I should have anticipated this outcome after our pep-talk. I was the one who encouraged you to take control of your dreams after all."

Ciel fell quiet. Feeling shameful for his childish behavior, usually favouring debate before resorting to violence, and shocked by his terrible lapse in judgement. That Sebastian's punishment didn't quite fit the crime.

"I wasn't aware the Young Master had it in him. You've never been the aggressive type." Sebastian continued. "Did you get it all out of your system? You only get one shot at me. Next time I might have to intervene."

So maybe he did let me hit him on purpose… Ciel wondered.

"There won't be a next time." Ciel said sternly, he'd make sure of that. He won't allow a situation like this to happen again. Ciel enjoyed the power he felt but not how he treated Sebastian, even more so, he was displeased by his butler's audacious intrusion into his personal space. Indeed, Ciel will see to it that this situation will never again be repeated.

"Very good, my Lord." Sebastian removed his gloves, using them to brush away the dirt from his clothes.

Ciel was going to take this moment to speak with authority again and act as if he meant for his violent outburst to happen. Even to hide his own guilt. "I hope you understand why I had to do that. This stunt of yours is an invasion of my privacy and a violation of my trust. I order you to never do such things as this ever again."

"Yes, my Lord" Sebastian ducked down on one knee, how a knight would kneel to his king, crossing his chest with his hand. "I acknowledge how much my unwanted intrusion has upset you. I vow that this was my first and last time I will ever act in such a manner, ever again." This time his words sounded genuine.

Sebastian felt a hand pat the top of his head.

"You have some soil in your hair." Ciel stated bluntly, clapping his hands together to rid them of the dirt. He would never admit that he was sort of glad his nightmare was interruption by Sebastian, in a way. Almost...

"Of course. How unsightly of me." Sebastian joked as he stood up again and continued to brush himself off, considering how disagreeable his appearance must be. He pulled out a clean handkerchief from his inner coat pocket with a magician's flourish to wipe off his face.

"I still have questions for you." Ciel states. "Were you the one behind the dead bodies I saw? The black cloud? The void I was in? Did you need to make such a big show of it? I mean really… Wasn't that all a bit much?"

"Hmm?" Sebastian tilted his head to the side. "Oh that wasn't me. Well, some of it was. What you experienced must have been your subconscious mind showing you the things you needed to see, that would explain the bodies. You needed confirmation that they were dead and no longer a threat to you. When I saw that my attempts to calm you down during my rescue weren't working I decided to remove you from the situation entirely."

"Is that so?" Ciel asked, his forehead creased in irritation at how Sebastian spoke as if he considered himself his hero. As if he didn't contribute to his Master's nightmares prior to all this. Someone he secretly harbored fear towards. A man so good at playing the role of a butler that it took incidents like this to remind the young Earl that this was his butler's true nature. A devil who liked to plays games, a deadly beast who would consume his soul explicitly and without mercy.

"Up to that point you were in control the entire time, I was merely guiding you to safety," Sebastian replied. "I placed you in the subconscious part of your mind that does not actively remember dreams temporarily, for safekeeping. As a sort of reset, until I could put all this together." The butler gestured around the greenhouse.

"You are… a scary fellow…" Ciel's voice stammered, disgusted by the knowledge that this demon could mess around with his mind like that.

"No, I'm simply one hell of a butler."

Ciel scowled, unamused.

"On my honor, my Lord, I did have the best of intentions," Sebastian said with a devil-may-care grin. "My aims were to assist you in getting some much-needed rest. Hopefully, now you can sleep more soundly at night and not doze off during your studies."

"That was your motivation from the very beginning wasn't it!?" Ciel yelled. "Just so I wouldn't fall asleep during your lessons!?"

Sebastian shrugged his shoulders. The expression on his face said what his mouth could not. A lie that read 'I'd never do something like that.' in a mocking kind of way.

"Wasn't it you who told me I am already overworked? Argh… I'm growing tired of this conversation," The blue haired boy turned away from his butler and scratched his head in frustration. "and I regret ever asking!" They both have been humiliated enough for his comfort.

Sebastian took his watch out of his pocket to check the time. "Ah, yes. How could I have forgotten?" He said to himself as the hands of the watch spun wildly out of control. His timepiece was useless here.

"Master, it would seem that there is another issue. With my presence here that leaves no one to wake you. Shall I leave to check the time?" Sebastian said, asking for his Master's permission to be excused.

"Fine, fine." Ciel says while waving him away.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Ciel turned around in confusion. Sebastian was gone.

Now he stood alone in this unsettling glass room that has lost all its charm. The white expanse that existed just outside these walls, without any sign of a boundary, continued to make him feel uncomfortable. He could feel a pair of yellow eyes staring at him from somewhere in this faux greenhouse. Where a skinny black cat watched the commotion from a safe distance, hidden among heavy exotic leaves and underbrush.

"It's a quarter to eight, Young Master." A posh voice stated from behind.

Ciel spin around in surprise "Where were you!?" He exclaimed loudly, in disbelief that Sebastian could just come and go as he pleased in a place like this.

Sebastian looked less pathetic then he did before. His clothing were now clean of soil and dirt, not a button or lock of hair out of place. "Apologies my Lord. I only left to check on the time." Sebastian said snickering.

"What do you mean? And what do you find so funny?" Ciel demanded.

"Oh, It's nothing." Sebastian said, clearing his throat to try and compose himself. "To answer your question, time functions differently in a dream you see." He said to change the subject. "We could have been here for a few minutes while it's still the dead of night, but now I know it's been several hours, and it's already morning."

"Stall I wake you now?" The butler said trying to suppress a chuckle behind his white-clad hand.

"Go," Ciel dismissed him. He was ready to return to reality, quite literally. "And cease this laugher at once!"

"Yes, of course..."

Ciel's vision become blurry as the room around him started to look distorted. The vertical lines from the thick window frames that run along the walls started to bend and wobble. A white vignette developed, clouding his peripheral vision and causing all of the colours provided by the flower gardens to appear dull. The only detail that remained visible were the pitch black hair and clothing of his butler.

Sebastian bowed with a "My lord." before even he was overtaken by this force that was slowly taking away Ciel's sight.

The young Earl's body woke up before his mind did as he squirmed and stretched in his warm bed. He felt as though his arms were cradling something against his chest.

"Young Master…"

This is a nice way to wake up. Especially after the awful dream I just had. Ciel thought when his brain finally registered that it was time to rise. His eyes fluttered open.

When he finally came to, his bedroom was dim, only a little bit of light leaked through the curtains. Usually the curtains would have been pulled back by now, the room filled with the scent of freshly brewed tea and a tall shadowy figure gently urging him to wake up. The reason for the interruption in his morning routine was because the one who prepared all those things was knelt by his bedside. Ciel was then met with Sebastian's voice.

"Good morning, Young Master. How did you sleep?" Sebastian's upper body was propped on the edge of the bed, his chin resting on his forearm. Sebastian was almost impossible to see in the dark but once Ciel knew he was there the shadow of the butler's dark hair and clothes contrasted against the dim setting of the room.

Frozen at the sight of another person inches away from his face, Ciel's eyes traced the outline of the other body, starting from their shoulder and along, until he realized where their other arm was. Sometime in the middle of the night, while still grasping onto the sleeve of his butler's tailcoat, Ciel pulled Sebastian's arm in and clung to it like a stuffed toy.

In his dream Sebastian told him about being "trapped" at his bedside. If that was the truth, then the events in his dream must have really happened. This moment, him hugging Sebastian's arm, was the source of the demon's laughing fits after he exited the dream to check the time- but most importantly Ciel was very mistaken...

This was a terrible way to wake up in the morning.

Sebastian wore a big grin, chuckling in anticipation of Ciel's reaction.

Ciel grabbed hold of his butler's arm and pushed it away, using the momentum to propel himself into a seated position on the bed. He was now awake, pupils wide in the dim light, a pink blush flashed across his face.

"Finally." Sebastian rolled his shoulder trying to loosen the muscles that were locked in the same position for several hours.

"Bastard…" Ciel spat harshly, patting his chest with his hand to slow down is heart rate. "Is it your goal to give me a heart attack?"

"As your butler, maintaining your well being is my only goal, most assuredly." Sebastian stood up. "However, you make it very difficult at times, and you looked so peaceful. I didn't want to deny you your security toy."

"Security toy-" Ciel pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. That was exactly how the situation appeared and Sebastian will never let him live it down.

"Argh…" Ciel expressed for what felt like the hundredth time. "Is there somewhere ELSE you need to be right now!?"

"Oh yes," Sebastian took out his pocket watch to look at the time once more. "I'm terribly behind schedule. Baldroy must have noticed my absence by now and probably started breakfast on his own. Tsk-This will not do at all." The butler moved hastily towards the exit. "Rest my Lord, I'll be back shortly to wake you properly," he raised his hand "and I'll take good care of this sleeve incase you are in need of it later." He pulled the door closed behind him before a rogue pillow could connect with his head.

The cycle that began the night before has started over. Sebastian was back to his mild teasing and Ciel, too tired to counter them, responded by throwing soft projectiles at his butler. Both looking rather childish.

Ciel fell back into his bed and brought the blanket up to his shoulders. With what I've been through last night, Sebastian best come back with same damn good tea...

Left alone with his thoughts, Ciel contemplated about what had transpired last night. He learned more about the man he created a covenant with. Sebastian displayed a lot of confidence in his knowledge of dreams. The demon butler must have entered peoples dreams before. If not with him, he gave his word that this was the first time, he's done so with others.

Even while being swathed in the warm blanket the young Earl shivers. Cursing his lousy butler for making him miss his morning brew.

Such a hassle…

He couldn't remember anything that happened yesterday evening. One moment he was talking with Sebastian by the fireplace then the next we was asleep in his bed, having a nightmare on top of another nightmare…

The time before that his days progressed like any other day. Ciel's mood was sour from his lack of sleep and Sebastian continued on, acting as an exemplar butler. Engrossed in his duties, only noticing the change in his Young Master's behavior but was slow to react to resolve Ciel's unstable demeanor.

"Don't think I haven't noticed you spacing out during your lessons. I've been kind in letting it slide but I won't tolerate it if you deliberately avoid sleeping entirely."

"That cur…" Ciel cursed under his breath.

As if on cue, Sebastian returned with his breakfast trolly. The window curtains were pulled apart, secured in place by ropes and tassels, letting the late morning sun bathe the bedroom with a warm glow. Ciel sat up in his bed, accepting the teacup offered by his butler. It was earl grey.

"Is something the matter, Young Master?" Sebastian asked, noticing Ciel glaring at him over his cup as he sipped away at his tea.

"You say that your intentions are for my well being but you only took an interest in my sleeping habits when it became inconvenient for you." Ciel said accusingly.

"Oh my. You wound me, Young Master." Sebastian replied without a hint of sarcasm, bowing his head. "I would only ever go to such extremes if I knew I could ease your suffering. If I couldn't do that for my Master, what kind of a butler would I be?"

"Heh. A typical response." Ciel shook his head. "I figured you enjoyed my suffering."

Sebastian chuckled but said nothing more as he placed the breakfast tray on Ciel's lap. Both men wordlessly decided to forget that last night ever happened.

For the rest of the morning Ciel was back to his broody self. He said good morning to the servants for the first time in days and tried to behave more courteously towards them. The afternoon was sunny and the weather outside was perfect, so no one understood why Ciel requested the fireplace in his study to be lit. He wanted to hear it crackling while he drank his tea and ate the sweets prepared for him. A behavior that seemed odd to everyone but Sebastian.

It was business as usual at the Phantomhive manor. The moment Ciel reached his desk he ordered Sebastian to make two phone calls, one to Madame Bright and another to Madame Rodkin, as he started to examine the latest financial statements and letters piled on his desk. The young Earl quickly began sorting them from the most urgent to the least important, envelopes that will never get opened. The rejection pile was to be used as fuel for the fireplace.

"You wish for me to call your tutors?" Sebastian asked, turning to his Young Master with his afternoon tea and mini cakes in hand. "Am I to assume I will not be tutoring you anymore?" He placed the refreshments down on the uncluttered side of the desk.

Ciel ripped open an envelope before replying, "Until I see fit, you are suspended from being my teacher." he started reading through the letter, only looking up briefly to see Sebastian's reaction to his new punishment.

"Understood." his butler's response disappointed him. Sebastian's voice was measured and professional, per usual. "I will work towards regaining your trust as your mentor."

"Hm, that would imply I trusted you to begin with. However... If you feel so inclined to prove yourself," Ciel held up the opened envelope with a signature red seal, bearing the symbol of a roaring lion. "Orders from the Queen. We will be holding a dinner party."

That's all she wrote folks.

Thank you for reading! As my first fic in years and as a newbie to the fandom I got amazing feedback here and on , which was unexpectedly wonderful. Because I planned this fanfic out from start to finish I meant for it to be sad with the intention of creating a silly ending, just a crazy OOC plot device because I couldn't think of another punishment, but because of the responses I got I decided to review my idea, keeping it but try to make it… Make sense? Made it more tense? (I was anxious posting this final chapter. ^•^`)

I've always enjoyed writing about humor so transitioning to more edgier content is stepping outside my comfort zone.

**spoilers for the Luxury Liner arc** I thought I'd use this chapter as a segway into the next fic in a series I have in the planning stages. Part 2 takes place after the Luxury Liner arc. It involves Ciel's revenge, and Sebastian's loyalty and willingness to do anything to help him succeed, to improve the flavor of his soul. (The unspoken reason Sebastian allowed Ciel to completely pwn him, allowing Ciel a taste of revenge.)