Sorry, for the long wait. After watching the last episode of Kuroshitsuji season 2 I wasn't really in the mood for writing… I mean I kinda liked it, but Sebastian's reaction didn't sit quite right with me. Anyway I looked some episodes from season one for inspiration and… here comes the second chapter of "Threats and Promises"! ^^
Thanks to all of you who reviewed or added me to their favs or alerts. You are great!
Warnings: Nothing really in this chapter, except for some Sebastian/Ciel…
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji or any of the characters. Never will.
Did any of you notice that in almost every episode of season 2 Ciel ends up being carried in Sebastian's arms. It's so cute! O/O
Chapter 2: Jealousy and Disobedience
"Young Master, your carriage has been prepared."
Ciel cocked his head to the side in acknowledgement of his butler's presence, but aside from that made no further move to respond to his words. Instead he continued to look out of the window, completely ignoring the fact that he was supposed to attend one of those tedious social gatherings. If he succeeded in annoying Sebastian with his unresponsiveness along the way… well, he surely wouldn't complain.
It always brought Ciel a certain satisfaction to see the demon's mask of nonchalance slip. Even if the displayed emotions never were or would be the ones he secretly desired.
"Young Master, you really should dress yourself."
Ciel glanced fleetingly over at his butler and frowned when he saw the demon's trademark smile firmly in place.
"So?" he asked coldly and turned around on his chair, crossing his legs. "There's still more than enough time. We aren't expected to be there until seven and I'm not planning to spend more time than strictly necessary with those facile people who only think about their money and prestige. It's disgusting to be surrounded by people who define someone's worth through the fortune they possess."
"My, my… the Young Master certainly seems to be in a bad mood today." There was an unmistakable hint of amusement in Sebastian's voice as he said those words, causing Ciel's frown to deepen. Ignoring his master's glare the demon moved forward until he was directly in front of the boy.
Ciel wasn't sure if he was more surprised or shocked when his butler suddenly kneeled before him and took one of his hands in his own, cupping the boy's cheek almost lovingly with the other.
"Surely you're standing above those things, Young Master." he said with a smirk as their eyes met. Ciel was mesmerized by the red depths and the feeling of Sebastian's hand against his cheek. He felt his heart beating faster as warmth seeped through the thin fabric of Sebastian's gloves. Ciel blushed slightly when he thought about what those hands would feel like without them. They were only inches apart now and he fought the urge to lean forward and press their lips together. It was wrong. He shouldn't want this.
It was foolish to love Sebastian. It had been foolish of him to fall in love to begin with. After everything that had happened in his life, after everything he had seen, he out of all people should know this. Love was a weakness he couldn't afford. Because Ciel knew that in the end, no matter what happened, Sebastian would be the one to kill him.
"Well then…" Ciel said and straightened in his seat, reluctantly pulling his butler's hand away from his face. "Bring me my clothes. There's no reason to postpone the inevitable any further."
With a smile Sebastian closed his eyes and bowed his head. Ciel's breath hitched and his eyes widened when smooth lips pressed themselves against the back of his hand. It was a fleeting touch, lasting no longer than a second, before Sebastian pulled back and raised his head to look up at him.
"Yes, my Lord."
Ah yes… these words again. Ciel smiled sadly when Sebastian let go of his hand and stood. For one moment he had dared to hope that there was some hidden meaning behind the demon's actions. The skin where Sebastian had touched him still tingled pleasantly and Ciel took a deep breath to calm his racing heart.
He had played this cat-and-mouse-game with the back-clad butler for years now, always trying to be a step ahead, to predict the demon's next move, but this time seemed different.
For the first time since everything began he wasn't sure who would be the one to say "Checkmate" in the end.
:::::
The carriage ride wasn't nearly as awkward as Ciel had feared… that is if you ignored his general annoyance due to the fact that he had to bear a whole evening of socialising. They sat in comfortable silence and with the constant motion of the coach he was finally able to relax again.
He was aware of Sebastian watching him, but didn't pay him any heed and if their eyes met from time to time he told himself that it was pure coincidence.
When they were almost at the mansion where the ball would be held Sebastian leaned forward in his seat, gaining Ciel's full attention.
"Young Master, forgive my forwardness but I would like to remind you that there will be some very important people present tonight. Therefore please refrain from threatening anyone just because they made some nasty comment about you."
Ciel's eyes narrowed when he thought back to the last party they had been forced to attend. He could tell that Sebastian thought about the same thing by the amused sparkle in his eyes.
"He was annoying me."
"Nonetheless… it wasn't especially mature of you to empty your drink all over him." Sebastian said with a knowing smile. "I'm simply asking you to behave yourself, Young Master. What better way to prove your status than to ignore those who are below you?"
"As long as they do the same…" Ciel replied calmly.
"It should lift your mood to know that Lady Elizabeth won't be able to attend tonight's ball." Sebastian continued, ignoring the boy's response. "It seems her mother decided to take her along on a journey. They'll be most likely gone for several weeks."
"That's good, I suppose…"
Ciel sighed and looked out of the carriage. In the distance he could already make out the lights of their destination.
"But even without Lizzy around there's just no way I would enjoy this whole farce."
Sebastian remained silent, but didn't avert his gaze from his master. The boy's features were tense and his one visible eye stared straight ahead at the distant mansion. Once again Sebastian cursed the eye patch that concealed the sign of their contract. He wanted to see the mark he had bestowed upon his master, the proof of their unbreakable connection.
It gave him a strange sense of satisfaction whenever the boy looked at him with those eyes, the symbol of their contract glowing brightly.
Sebastian didn't like the fact that to the boy he was just another pawn in his quest for revenge. Nevertheless he savoured the certainty that he was needed. Ciel was powerless without him. He relied on the demon's strength, but at the same Sebastian knew that his master was everything but weak. It wasn't physical strength that made Ciel who he really was… it was his soul. His determination, pride, dignity and the unbroken will never to surrender, least to his black butler.
Hatred and sadness belonged to the boy, but he was able to turn those feelings into power in order to keep moving forward.
It were these treats that made him so interesting.
Though Sebastian knew that he was unusually attached to Ciel, maybe even had developed feelings that went beyond the simple desire to devour his soul, he enjoyed every one of their little games.
When the carriage stopped and Sebastian didn't move to open the door for him, Ciel huffed in annoyance and turned to his butler.
"What is it now?"
The demon smiled deviously and for the second time this day kneeled down before his master. When the gloved hands reached out towards Ciel and brushed over the sensitive skin of his neck the boy couldn't suppress a shudder.
"It seems your tie has loosened slightly, Young Master." Sebastian purred and retied the knot expertly. Ciel didn't know if it was intentional that the demon's thumbs slid just above the fabric of his shirt and along his bare throat but he tried to dissemble the effect Sebastian's touch had on his body.
"Hurry up, already!" he muttered after some seconds and forced himself to look directly at Sebastian's face. To advert his gaze would seem like weakness and there was just no way he would give in to the demon this easily.
"I apologize, Young Master, but I am sure you don't want to leave a bad impression on any of those people. As your butler it is my responsibility to ensure your flawless appearance. By the way…"
A smile spreading over his face Sebastian leaned forward until his lips almost touched the shell of Ciel's left ear. "…I have to admit that those clothes compliment your eyes perfectly."
This time Ciel wasn't able to hold back the blush that slowly crept up his neck and cheeks. It was true that the dark blue outfit Sebastian had selected made his visible eye stand out even more, but to hear his butler say it in such a deep and sensual voice made heat rise inside of Ciel.
"Though I must say…" Sebastian added teasingly and Ciel's heart skipped a beat when velvety lips pressed against the side of his throat. "I also enjoyed seeing you in this lovely dress at the Viscount's ball some time ago."
Before Ciel had the chance to react to this last statement, Sebastian swiftly pulled back and stepped out of the carriage. Holding the door open he waited for Ciel to climb out of his seat before he turned to the driver and ordered him to return in four hours.
In the meantime Ciel silently cursed himself for reacting to his butler's teasing. This game was getting more and more dangerous and he knew that he was bound to lose if he couldn't bury his true feelings for the demon somewhere deep down in his heart.
Over all these years he had gradually come to love Sebastian. He couldn't deny it, not anymore. But it didn't change the fact that he could never act on those feelings. The sooner he could accept it, the better.
"Three hours would have been sufficient." commented Ciel when Sebastian walked up to him. "I'm not going to need more time than that."
Straightening himself he made his way over to the staircase that lead up to the brightly illuminated mansion. Already he could hear the buzzing of voices and the music that played softly in the background.
He had to admit that the mansion possessed a certain charm. It wasn't very unlike his own, but he couldn't help but recognize the subtle differences. Illuminated by an impressive crystal chandelier in the middle of the painted ceiling, the bright colours gave the whole room a comfortable and relaxing air.
Hundreds of people cavorted in the room, some of them dancing with their respectable partner, others immersed in conversation and adulation, but all of them dressed in their finest clothes in order to maintain the impression of wealth and superiority.
Upon entering the ballroom most of the talk stopped and Ciel could feel the eyes that rested upon him. Heads turned in his direction and people began to whisper behind his back. It was nothing new and without even glancing at them Ciel strode past them until he stood before the hostess of the party.
"Countess Hertford." Ciel addressed her with a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you. After everything I've heard about you I was really looking forward to finally speak to you in person."
"I hope only good things have reached your ears, Earl Phantomhive." the Countess giggled and extended her hand toward Ciel.
Suppressing a shudder the boy faked a smile and took the offered hand, ghosting a kiss over her knuckles.
"Of course, Madame. Your good reputation is only excelled by your beauty." The lie went smoothly over his lips. He, as well as everyone else, knew that the Countess was a harlot who slept with countless men behind her husband's back. And based on the fact that she was eyeing Sebastian like a parched man would a glass of water there was no denying it.
Ciel felt something in his stomach churn uncomfortably when he saw her gaze wander over his butler's whole body, lingering just a moment too long. She almost seemed to devour him with her eyes and Ciel was well aware that she wasn't the only woman in the room ogling the demon.
If not for the fact that he had just arrived, Ciel would have turned on his heels and left without a second thought. But even though he couldn't leave the party he would be damned if he wasn't able to find a way to get away from the ´men-eating Countess´, like she was secretly called.
"If you'll excuse me. It seems the carriage ride to your mansion has made me a little thirsty." he said, though he knew that it would be easier to just send his butler to fetch him something to drink.
"Oh…" the Countess let out dejectedly and threw one last regretful glance at Sebastian before she looked back at Ciel with a thin smile. "It can't be helped. I'm sure there will be another chance for a conversation later."
"Of course, Madame." Ciel replied, forcing another smile as he motioned for Sebastian to follow him. In his head he already thought about the best way to dispose of the woman. He was sure there weren't too many people who'd miss her.
"You seem displeased, Young Master." Sebastian suddenly proclaimed and Ciel could hear the smile in his voice without even looking up. Oh, he was sure his butler enjoyed to see him like this. It was exactly why he didn't even bother to answer. Let him think what he wanted…
What could he say anyway?
That he disliked the way every woman in the room followed Sebastian with her eyes, mentally undressing him, totally disregarding the fact that he was merely a butler?
That he didn't want Sebastian to look at anyone else but him?
That he was possibly even jealous?
Not in a lifetime.
With a short glance at the grinning man Ciel sighed heavily and resigned himself to an evening full of meaningless talk, crude woman and extreme boredom.
"Just shut up, Sebastian."
:::::
One hour later and Ciel seriously considered to jump from the nearest balcony. Even though on the outside he still displayed the perfect businessman, secretly he just wanted it to end. Oh, how he wanted it to end…
Twenty minutes ago he had wandered off alone, telling Sebastian he was just going to get some fresh air on the balcony when in reality he simply couldn't stand any more of those women that swarmed around his butler. Like a moth flying directly into the flame they had no eyes for anything else.
The unexpected breeze of cold air felt great and with a deep sigh Ciel closed his eyes, tilting his head so the wind could caress his feverish skin. This was another reason he disliked to participate in any kind of party. With so many people in one place the rooms were getting stifling after some time, making it harder for Ciel to breathe properly. It took some time for him to actually feel uncomfortable, but he wasn't always able to avoid it. More often than not it was Sebastian who caught the early signs even before Ciel himself knew something was wrong. The demon always made sure that the boy's asthma didn't act up.
When he was able to breathe without difficulties again Ciel grudgingly decided to return to the crowd.
However, the moment he pushed himself away from the balustrade and turned around he collided with a firm body. With a small grunt Ciel stumbled back.
For a fleeting moment he hoped that it was Sebastian who had come to look for him, but when he finally lifted his head it turned out to be one of those middle-aged noblemen. He was well-dressed and his wrinkled face was framed by slightly greying hair that was tied in his neck. Ciel thought he had seen him somewhere before, but he couldn't remember where.
Maybe an old business partner?
"Ciel Phantomhive." the man said and leered down at him. The intensity with which his eyes roamed Ciel's body made the boy shiver in unease.
Nevertheless, he didn't back down.
"Can I help you?" Ciel asked in a bored tone and levelled a glare at him. "I was about to return to the ballroom…" There was no way he would be intimidated by such a sleazy guy. The nobleman didn't move aside. Instead he took another step forward and forced Ciel to lean back against the balustrade to avoid any contact between them.
"Oh, I don't think you will." he taunted and Ciel grit his teeth in irritation. This evening was getting worse with every passing second and not for the first time he cursed himself for even agreeing to come here. Though, since it had been the Queen's request he hadn't been given any choice in the matter.
"Step back. Now." Ciel growled with narrowed eyes. Where was his damn butler when he was needed?
"Now, now, Young Earl… I think we should talk some more. I'm sure I'll be able to entertain you just as well." There was a hunger in those cold eyes that made Ciel feel slightly nauseous. He knew exactly what the man was insinuating and it sickened him to even think about it.
"I don't surround myself with vermin like you." Ciel stated coldly and gripped his cane tighter. He wouldn't hesitate to use it against the nobleman if the need arose. "And you would be well advised to get out of my way before I decide to crush you."
"You little…!" Before Ciel could react the man's hand shot forwards and coiled tightly around his throat, squeezing the breath out of him. "You think so high and mighty of yourself… but in reality you are nothing more than a dog. Barking around and pretending to be all powerful, but there is nothing you can do… and I'll prove it to you!"
Ciel chose this moment to thwack his cane against the side of the man's head with all his strength. Surprised by the sudden attack and the pain radiating through him the nobleman stumbled backwards and released Ciel from his strangling hold.
Looking around to ensure that no one was there to witness their little conversation, Ciel straightened his clothes as much as he could and glared at the still slightly dazed man.
"You should have known that a dog is not only able to bark. Hold out your hand and he might bite it right off."
With an icy smile Ciel went over and leaned forward so he could speak directly into the man's ear.
"I'm only going to warn you once. Get in my way and you'll die."
With this he turned around and walked back into the brightly lit mansion. The air was even more stifling than before and Ciel coughed slightly when a cloud of smoke obscured his vision.
He had really thought that it couldn't get any worse, but upon entering the ballroom he was immediately greeted with the sight of Countess Hertford and some other noble ladies crowding Sebastian in the most deserted corner of the room.
The way the Countess brushed up against the demon, pushing her breasts against his side in a way that clearly showed her intentions, made jealousy flare up inside of Ciel. And she wasn't the only one. The other women that stood around them touched every part of Sebastian they could reach, fluttering their eyelashes suggestively and playing with their hair. It made bile rise in Ciel's throat.
What was it with those women that they threw themselves at the demon like this? But more than everything else Ciel wanted to know why it didn't seem to bother Sebastian. And why did he let them touch him…?
Anger burned scorching hot inside of Ciel when he caught Sebastian smiling at the Countess and he looked on in disgust as said woman wrapped her arms around his butler's neck, attempting to pull him down.
Enough was enough…
Ciel was across the room faster than he'd thought possible and loudly cleared his throat to catch the Countess' attention. He was glad that it seemed to work. At least she pulled her hands away from his butler. But Ciel had to admit that she continued to stand far too close for his liking.
His patience had run out and he really didn't care for the consequences of his next actions. At this moment all he wanted to do was to vent his anger and frustration and one look at the knowing smirk on Sebastian's face was the final straw.
He smiled sweetly at the Countess, his true feelings only betrayed by the cold fury in his blue eye. Countess Hertford seemed only slightly uneasy at the death glare directed at her and she didn't wait to lean back against Sebastian, gripping onto his arm as if to mock Ciel.
"Earl Phantomhive." she greeted him with a smile. "How nice of you to join our conversation. We were having so much fun." The ´until you interrupted us´ remained unsaid but the boy knew that it was exactly what she was thinking.
"Countess." Ciel replied with a stiff bow. That fake smile seemed forever etched onto his face. "I won't take up too much of your precious time. I just wanted to offer my sincere condolence."
"For what?" she asked obviously confused and furrowed her perfectly shaped eyebrows. Ciel continued to smile as he glanced at Sebastian for a second, gauging his reaction.
"Apparently, your marriage must be greatly dissatisfactory if you feel the need to throw yourself at the next best man that just so happens to be my butler right now." Ciel felt a slight satisfaction when the Countess' mouth dropped open in indignation. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Sebastian's smirk grow wider and he could have sworn that his butler's eyes glowed demonically.
"I think the only way to make your intentions any clearer would be to lay down right here on the ground and spread your legs like the wanton whore you are. But I suppose that would be nothing new to you, Countess. I'm certain you already have experience in offering yourself to men. Tell me, what do they pay for your services?"
By now the Countess' face was bright red and her smile had long since vanished, being replaced by an angry grimace.
"You damn brat…! How dare you-"
"It would be a disgrace should the butler of the Phantomhive family sink so low as to even consider responding to your advances. Now, please excuse me. This evening has lasted far too long for my taste and I'm already bored to death. Come, Sebastian!"
Not caring who had listened in on his little rant Ciel made his way over to the entrance, his demon-butler right next to him. He needed to get out of there before he wasn't able to suppress the remaining insults that still lay on his tongue any longer.
Once outside he took a deep breath, relaxing slightly at the thought that he didn't have to go back.
"Sebastian, bring the carriage. I'm exhausted." he mumbled tiredly and rubbed his throbbing temple. Social status and reputation be damned, he would never again go willingly to one of those parties.
When there was no answer the boy turned around, only to come face to face with Sebastian.
"What the-… Sebastian, what are you doing?"
"Young Master, correct me if I am wrong but didn't I ask you to act accordingly tonight?"
Ciel's eyes widened when he heard the icy tone of his butler's voice. Looking up, there was no trace of his usual smile on his face and even though Ciel had always wanted to wipe away Sebastian's mask now it actually made him quite uneasy. The fact that he could vividly remember Sebastian's request for him to behave only increased the sudden feeling of dread.
"Sebastian-" he started, but was interrupted by the demon's fingers on his chin. His face was tilted upwards and Ciel could feel his breath hitch when Sebastian leaned down until their noses nearly touched. Staring into the red depths in front of him Ciel's heartbeat quickened. Did Sebastian realise what he did to him? Was it intentional?
"Young Master, I'm afraid I have to teach you some manners." Sebastian finally said with a mischievous glint in his eyes that made Ciel's skin crawl. "Your behaviour in front of the Countess was unacceptable. In order to prevent something like this from happening again… I think a punishment is due."
"Punishment?" Ciel inquired shakily and observed in horror as Sebastian's eyes changed into the glowing orbs of his demon form, pupils dilating as an eerie grin stretched across his face.
"Oh, yes… we will have lots of fun tonight… My Lord."
Now we know why Ciel dislikes parties so much. =3
Time for Ciel's punishment in the next chapter! XD I wonder what Sebastian will do? I promise to think of some interesting and definitely HOT things… means: Lemon-alarm!
I think the next chapter will be the last.
If it's not too much, please leave a little review and tell me what you think. It would make me really happy! ^.^
Love you all!