Disclaimer: I don not or nor claim Kuroshitsuji. All rights belong to Yana Toboso.

Chapter Seven: Denial

In the days following Ciel and Sebastian's encounter, Ciel acted differently. He was even more confused. He spent his days getting even closer to Margaret. He found his suspicion of her was accurately placed. She was a horrid woman. She talked of bloody altars and Hell. Spending so much time with Margaret was also his way of trying to wrap his head around what had happened with Sebastian.

He knew he would have to speak with Sebastian sooner or later, but he preferred later. He still couldn't figure out why it had happened. It wasn't as if Sebastian had seduced him. He started it.

Maybe it's because I'm a teenager.

He looked at the unpleasant woman, pretending to be intrigued by her talk of blood oaths and Purgatory.

"... and to control a demon, you build a black alter."

No... you make a deal. A contract. You sell your soul.

"How do know all this stuff, if you don't mind me asking?"

She looked around before leaning in close.

"My husband is into black magic. He can sense demons when they are near. Like your driver, Bard. Jonas can see through his human facade."

She leaned away looking thoroughly pleased with herself.

She's mad.

"Oh, nonsense. Bard is just as much a human as you or I."

"So. You don't believe me."

"Not really, no. All this demon talk is just bizarre. None of it could possibly be true."

She raised an eyebrow. "What would you do if I could prove it?"

"I would be astounded. Why? What would you try to show me?"

"You could watch my husband make a sacrifice. Next Wednesday, when the moon is full."

"Alright. Make me a believer."

She grinned.

"Hey."

"Uh-oh. I don't think I like that tone. What?"

"How's everything with Michael. Is he as," she cleared her throat, " 'fit' as he looks?"

Ciel's jaw dropped slightly.

"Well then. I...I don't wish to answer that."

"Ooh! He must be. A man like him must be packing."

"Changing the subject! How's your tea?!"

Margaret chuckled at how flustered she had caused him to be. After that, even though she kept making innuendoes and insinuations, she mostly discussed appropriate things.

.

.

.

When Ciel walked into the house, Sebastian was waiting for him.

"Master. I think we should talk."

Ciel could only nod and motion to Sebastian to follow him up to his study.

Walking up the stairs, Ciel could feel the demon's eyes on him. He had to focus on not tripping on the hem of his skirt.

When they reached the landing, Ciel closed his eyes, preparing himself for the discussion. He opened the door and switched on the lights. Sebastian shut the door and they sat opposite each other at the tea table.

"Sir, we need to discuss your actions the other day."

So much for later rather than sooner.

"Right. Well, you said it yourself, I had a fever."

"Really, young master. That's your excuse?"

"Who's making excuses? That's the truth!"

Sebastian looked at him, daring him to use that excuse again.

"Care to try again Ciel?"

They way his name rolled off the demon's tongue caused him to shiver. But still, he sat in silence, thinking of a way to deny his feelings, even as he felt them. He looked down, unable to look into Sebastian's knowing eyes.

"Ciel?"

There it was. His name came easily from the demon's mouth. He glanced up through his bangs, slowly meeting his butler's eyes.

"I... I don't know what that was."

"Did you mean it?"

"Mean what?"

"Young Master, really? You said you loved me. Did you mean it?"

"Would it matter one way or another if I did? You're a demon. You either wouldn't know that feeling, or you wouldn't care. So, if I admit it, I get hurt whichever way that goes."

Sebastian looked at the floor with a smirk. "You underestimate me, my lord."

"How so?"

Sebastian looked up at him, his eyes blazing, glowing hellfire red.

"I do feel. Demons act as though they do not feel, but that is because we feel as though we can never experience anything good again after the torture we endure in Hell. We distance ourselves, fearing that if we grow to care for anything, that precious thing will be destroyed. Like you. I fear that admitting I care for you as deeply as I do, will result in your death. I couldn't bear it. That contract has changed over these last few years. It's no longer your soul I am after. The mark still means that I get your soul, but I've come to think of it as a warning for other demons. You are mine. You belong to me now, body and soul, and I won't stand for another demon laying eyes upon you. So, you see my lord, I do love. And I love you."

Ciel had tears in his eyes. He swiped at his face, trying to clear his vision. He couldn't stop them from flowing. Sebastian's revelation made him feel less alone than he'd felt since his parents died.

He was still crying, trying to catch his breath when Sebastian picked him up and sat him on his lap. He wrapped his arms around the shaking boy. Ciel buried his face in the crook of the demon's neck and let himself cry, no holding back. For four years, he'd never cried for his parents. He'd stayed strong for them, hoping they were proud of him, despite being in contract with a demon. He'd not cried almost ever since his parents died, thinking he had to grow up, and that somehow that entailed not being able to cry. He let it out, feeling something blossom in his chest.

He wouldn't realize it until later, but he felt himself finally healing from everything because the one he loved so dearly, loved him in return.

WOO! I. Love. The. Speech. I'm proud of what I had Sebastian say. I feel like I actually did really well with dialogue this chapter, like it was actually present. haha XD as always, please leave me a review, they motivate me ^.^ Hope you enjoyed chapter 7.