Death Watch

Part Two

Chapter 15

A Time to Heal

A warm breeze gently buffeted the two figures where they remained huddled together midst the island's tussocky grass, their forms merging in the darkness into one barely visible shadow in the night. In the distance could be heard the lapping of the ocean's waves upon the rocky shore far below. The wind brushed past them to ripple softly over the hilltop and rustle through the blooms of the ghostly pale asphodel all about. The moon had ridden high in the sky and was now sinking slowly towards the horizon once more, its reflection shimmering on the dark waves of the wide expanse of the Aegean Sea. A pleasant mixture of briny seashore current and the flowers' faint sweet scent filled the night air, still balmy although growing gradually cooler as the night progressed.

"Are you quite comfortable, then?" Ciel huffed, looking down at the demon, whose battered and bloodied form currently lay sprawled out next to him with his head in Ciel's lap, smiling contentedly as he looked back up at him. Blood still trickled a little from the gash on the side of his face where it had been partly sheared off, as well as from his various other wounds which he had sustained from all four reapers' scythes.

"I couldn't ask for a more comfortable place to rest my head," the demon answered, his voice still weak and somewhat raspy, but with a smirky tilt to his smile.

Ciel wondered why he was just gazing back at the demon, rather than rolling his eyes. But instead, he found his fingers had somehow wound themselves into the demon's dark, unkempt locks, and were now stroking them softly. He felt himself oddly mesmerized by the silky strands, running them through his fingers then letting them fall back onto his lap, tickling his thighs. Every strand, he thought once more; every stand, his to have; his to command. He couldn't help thinking back to the day which seemed so long ago, but was actually only three weeks back, when everything had changed; when he had allowed and even commanded the demon to bestow such sinful acts upon him. He still cringed with guilt at the depravity of it. But that was ridiculous, he chided himself, when he and sin were no strangers to each other; were, in fact, close bedfellows, quite literally. As he thought this, he couldn't keep from thinking of the pleasure he had so recently indulged in. His head swam and his stomach clenched at the image which came to him just thinking about it. He wanted to feel that again. He NEEDED to feel that again.

Why did the demon even want to do such things with him, he wondered? Did he really feel affection for him, as he had claimed? Then why had he torn into Ciel's flesh just hours ago, and proceeded to attempt to kill him and take his soul?

He glanced down at his chest where the demon's fangs had ripped into him, and could see a faint scar there still, a mark that even a reaper's powers of healing couldn't fully heal. His eyes then drifted to his aunt's coat that was still draped upon him, covering him, if somewhat inadequately. He was grateful to the reaper, however misguided and murderous in his rage, for granting it to him. Grell had certainly managed to obtain his revenge upon the demon, though. Now everything was ruined; Sebastian wounded, mortally perhaps; and his own life… changed. Who was he now? A soul of worth… What did that even mean? He shook his head in bewilderment at it all.

The demon lay oblivious to his thoughts, eyes closed, purring softly at his touch. Ciel watched as he gradually grew more and more still, and then in astonishment observed the steady rise and fall of his chest, his breathing now low and shallow, and realized he had actually fallen asleep. Asleep! The demon never slept! Never once had he seen Sebastian sleep, except in feigning such. It fascinated him, this rare glimpse of his butler's unprecedented vulnerability. In repose, his features were even more perfect and smooth than ever, if possible; his skin flawless, even marred with caked blood on one side though it was. He moved to run a finger down the side of his cheek in admiration of it, and then jerked back lest he wake him. But the demon stirred not, continuing to slumber peacefully.

A huge thudding sigh of relief suddenly went through him thinking of how he had almost lost him. But he was still here. No one could take him away from him; they were together, would be, always… No, he reminded himself. Not always. Not even for very long, most likely. A leaden weight once more descended upon his heart as he realized that the demon would very likely heal soon enough, thus to continue where they had left off, and complete the process of devouring his soul. He couldn't let himself expect or even hope for anything different.

It was just what demons did, he realized; what they were. They couldn't change their nature. They were simply beasts, in the end. Then why did he, Ciel, feel like this towards him? How could he feel... affection-yes, that was the word, he couldn't deny it-for a demon? He should have let the reapers kill him, should have just let them do their duty, and then he would have been freed from the velvety clutches of this monster that he felt so absurdly fond towards. Why, oh why, hadn't he done so, he wondered? He WAS a fool; a complete fool to have saved him; the reapers were correct. A fool in the name of... No! He would not allow himself to believe that. He was not in love with the stupid demon. He was a fool, but not THAT much of a fool.

Well, it was a moot point, in any case. He knew now that it was something the demon had no compulsions against doing, not that he had ever doubted it before. He sighed. The breeze had grown chillier with each passing hour, and Ciel shivered just a bit. His butler's ruddy bloodshot eyes suddenly opened to slits, and looked up at Ciel in concern.

"You will catch cold, my lord," he muttered sleepily. "We must get you to the shelter, where it will be warmer." He attempted to twist his body and rise, but then actually fell back down, landing heavily in Ciel's lap once more. Ciel shook his head.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not even going to be around long enough to worry about me getting sick." The demon's brow raised at that, and his eyes glowed up into Ciel's with an unfathomable look. Closing once more, he then lowered his head and relaxed back down into his lap, giving a small sigh.

"Ah, yes. That, I suppose, is true, young master." Ciel simply acknowledged the veracity of the statement silently in his head. There was no denying it. The demon seemed to be musing about something, his brows furrowed.

"I… I fell asleep." The statement was made almost as a question, so Ciel nodded. "It has been a long time since that has happened. A long, long time. The reapers wounds must have weakened me more than I had realized."

"Tsk." Ciel smiled a little mischievously. "I must say, you are indeed adorable when you are asleep."

The smile this generated from the demon made Ciel's heart leap in his chest and sparks travel to his lower regions. He wanted to smile back, so instead he scowled. The demon just continued to look up at him with a musing look, and then spoke.

"Still, the ground is uncomfortable for us both to sleep on, you none the least," the demon continued. "I do want to try to get to the shelter, and the much softer bed there."

"Very well." Ciel sighed. It was no use arguing with the demon. He was just as stubborn as he was himself. Slowly, they got up with Ciel's help and lumbered together up the hill, the demon leaning heavily on Ciel's shoulders and arm for support the whole time.

When they finally got to the little trellis-walled shelter, Ciel helped the demon onto the bed with a feeling of relief. Rolling over on his side Sebastian then patted the space beside him. It was obvious he expected Ciel to lie on the bed as well. Shaking his head, he realized it was quite silly to balk at such a thing at a time like this, and shrugged in resignation.

Lowering himself beside him, he, too then slipped over onto his side facing away from the demon, crooking his arm under his head for a pillow. Even a few inches away, he could feel the demon's familiar heat radiating off him, a comforting warmth in the now quite chilly night air. Suddenly, Ciel felt an arm snake around him and across his waist, fingers crooking under his side. Slowly and gently he was pulled closer to the demon's chest, until he was tugged tight against his body, the demon's legs pushing against the back of his own. A tattered tailcoat-covered arm then nudged itself under Ciel's head, proving a much softer pillow than his own arm, to Ciel's gratification.

Ah, sighed Ciel inwardly. This was where he always felt most at peace, most cherished: in the arms of a demon. Ever since that day, five years ago, when he had left his old self behind and become someone new, this had been his fate; the fate he had chosen, with complete cognizance of what it meant for him, and complete contentment with his choice. The demon in turn had fulfilled his role perfectly throughout those years, always with him, always faithful to his promise, never once lying or leaving his side. He had led him to his goal, had enabled him to achieve that which he desired above all else. And now it was time for Ciel to fulfil his role in the partnership, and he was fully content to do so. Or at least, he would have been if he hadn't… if they hadn't… But no, he would not think about that. It was pointless to do so. His fate was sealed; his end was near, he was sure, come daybreak. With these thoughts, Ciel finally slipped into a welcome, if somewhat fitful, sleep.

He awoke the next morning to bright sunlight streaming in and hitting his eyelids, making him blink and squint until they adjusted to the light as he took in his surroundings, remembering where he was. A freshly woven coverlet of flowers lay over him, warming him in place of the demon who was no longer beside him. Said demon was, however, standing before him beside the bed, looking solemnly down at Ciel. He made a slight bow, his eyes closed in regret as he spoke.

"I'm afraid I have no morning tea to serve to you, my lord."

The sheer absurdity of the statement left Ciel speechless for many moments. He laughed and shook his head. The demon grinned back. Then all mirth dissipated from his heart. How much longer did he have, he wondered? How much more time to enjoy such little repartees, such pleasantries, was there to be?

He noticed that Sebastian looked not only much better, but completely healed now of all his wounds. Not so much as a ripped or tattered spot on his immaculate tailcoat-suited body. Hair and face were gleaming and smooth; shoes polished; everything about him was uncannily perfect-looking as usual.

"I have, however, obtained some local ingredients with which to prepare you a late breakfast, my lord."

Ciel just blinked, and then finally nodded in acceptance. With that, the demon proceeded to then bathe him with soft cloths and water warmed from the sun, in a stone basin freshly carved no doubt by him, as well. His skin tingled with each passing stroke, and he closed his eyes and sighed in pleasure at it. When he was fully cleansed from head to toe, Sebastian then helped him on with his clothes, seemingly freshly washed and dried as well, and smelling of the sweet ocean air.

Ciel found himself in a state of bemusement, almost feeling like this was all unreal somehow; like he wasn't supposed to be here, wasn't where he should be. What was this feeling? He supposed it was just the effects of all the recent events heaped upon him. Still he wondered: why hadn't the demon concluded the deed; taken his due yet? Why the delay? He shook his head, unable to really think clearly about it.

"Master, perhaps you would like to take a short stroll while I prepare your repast?" the demon suggested. Ciel simply turned towards the entrance, and slowly wandered out, following his advice without really thinking. The wind was strong but warm upon his cheek, and it seemed to whip some sense into his brain as he walked among the fields of tall island grass and asphodel. He inhaled deeply of the sweet, salty air, filling his lungs with the pungent tonic. The late morning sun beat down, warming his soul, and the seagulls and falcons called out in the distance as they swooped and circled overhead. Feeling at least slight restored, he turned and made his way back to the shelter. He was greeted as he entered by an unexpectedly savory aroma of herbs and spices.

Looking to his right, within another little alcove that had been added apparently just for this purpose, he saw a small table made of driftwood and vines, and a chair carved of stone. On the table was laid out an array of dishes consisting of a type of sea bass that Sebastian informed him was call lavraki, roasted and cooked to perfection over the little fire that had been rekindled, as well as a few other dishes of leafy and root vegetables, all cooked with the artistry his butler was ever so capable of. To the side there was even a small flagon of what turned out to be honeyed mead, made from the nectar of the island's native blooms he was informed, and fermented to perfection in the blink of an eye.

His mouth immediately began to water at the delicious scents wafting over from the little tableau, and his stomach rumbled uncomfortably to his surprise as he suddenly realized how hungry he was. He looked to Sebastian, standing with a pleased and expectant smile on his face, and felt a burst of gratitude toward the demon. Always so thoughtful; always so excellent and accommodating in his role as butler. Nodding his acknowledgment of the offering, he sat down, Sebastian pulling out and then pushing his chair in for him. Whipping out another fresh cloth that served as a napkin, the demon then laid it gracefully upon Ciel's lap, and bowed as he stood back to wait while Ciel proceeded to tuck into his feast with barely suppressed gusto.

Feeling pleasantly full now, Ciel pushed his plate back to signal he was done, and his butler immediately pulled his chair out for him to rise. Ciel did so, and glancing over at him, wondered if now was the time.

The demon stood gazing down at him, a half quizzical look on his otherwise pleasantly contented face.

"Well?" Ciel broke the silence.

The demon's brows only rose in response, a slight smile crooking the corners of his lips.

"Well? Are you going to continue where you left off last night, then? You look to be sufficiently healed. I assume that's what you were waiting for."

"Mmmm…" the demon replied, his lips pursed, eyes narrowed as if in thought. Ciel's breath caught, stilled in anticipation of what he would say next. "Mmmm, no," the demon continued finally. "No, I choose not to."

Ciel's brows shot up and mouth dropped. "What?" he exclaimed, half jubilant, half disappointed, to his extreme confusion. Did he mean it? Could it be…

"At this time." Ciel's hopes dropped along with his features. So, he only meant to make him wait a little more, just to keep him in misery that much longer; to prolong his game of tormenting his prey.

"What do you mean, at this time?" Ciel shouted. "Either do it, or do not. Do not play around, like it's some game!"

"I find I am simply disinclined to take your soul at this time," the demon answered. "And besides, young master, I thought you enjoyed games." The demon gloated at him. Pure rage and frustration surged through Ciel at the smug look on his beautiful face. It built up until it boiled over, and Ciel struck out, wanting to smack that insufferable expression off his servant's face.

His arm was simply grabbed. Immaculate white gloves clasped around him wrist tightly, holding Ciel in place with a rock steady hold.

"Nuh, uh, uhh," the demon whispered simperingly. His eyes softened in sympathy. "My dear little master." He smiled. "I do apologize. I simply wish to spend a little more time with you. I have enjoyed our time together so very much. I thought you did, too."

A little more time… The words whirled in his head. He wanted to spend… a little more time with him…

"Why?" he asked, unable to keep the words from forming.

"Why? Hmmm…" the demon seemed to ponder it himself. "I suppose… I am simply curious as to exactly why it is the reapers think you are presumably of such import to humanity. I am admittedly intrigued to see what that might be; what you will do; who you will be, to justify such a decree."

His mind continued to refuse to comprehend. Why was this so hard for him to accept, he wondered? He should be glad for the reprieve; ecstatic. He would get to have that much more time to live, to enjoy and experience this world, and all the many pleasures it offered. Wasn't this what he wanted, too? So why was he balking?

"But, why?" he asked again, needing more, needing something to make his jumbled thoughts come together, to clear his mind.

Sebastian responded with a gloating eye, "I might ask the same of you." His look then turned quizzical, genuinely curious.

"Why did you do it, Master? Why did you save me?"

Ciel's mind whirled, shifting gears to try to form a response. "As I stated earlier, I just think you deserve my soul after all the things you've done for me. I couldn't let them kill you. Not after all that."

"So, you would sacrifice your life for mine? Isn't that a little bit out of character for you, one who generally has no qualms about sacrificing others for himself?"

"I didn't do it for you, idiot. I did it for me."

"What?"

"I just don't fancy going on living this life… without you," he whispered, almost fearfully. He looked up into the demon's eyes, peering at him intensely. His breath caught in his throat one more time at his unearthly beauty; it twanged at his heart, and stung his eyes.

"But more than that," he continued resolutely, looking up into carmine orbs, gleaming with curiosity. "You saved my life. I could not but do the same for you."

The demon's free hand rose to Ciel's face to softly stroke his cheek, while his other slid up Ciel's wrist to interlock his fingers with his, closing and folding over his own. Slowly, raven-locked head bent down towards his, ruddy eyes gradually lidded to be hidden away by the time his lips approached his. Ciel's head was already bent up to receive them when they did, his eyes closing in turn, leaving him in a darkened world lit up only by his other senses. He inhaled sharply when he felt the ever so soft brush of lips along his and leaned in further to meet them, but was left wanting as they were swept past his mouth to travel lightly across his cheek. Brushing aside his hair, they reached his ear, making him shiver at the touch and tremble at the intense burst of need that subsequently traveled through him from his head to his groin. He gasped with even greater desire when warm puffs of air caressed his ear before tuning into words so softly spoken he strained to hear them, close as they were.

"Master, my sweet master… So beautiful; so tantalizing." the words were breathed, his hair being stirred by the breeze they made, tickling his skin, nose being nudged through the strands, skimming over the edge of his ear. "I have known many a human in my long, long lifetime, but never once have I known a soul like yours, full of contrariness and contradictions, with such supreme intelligence and cleverness, especially for one of your kind, and of your age." Ciel's hand gripped tighter to the demon's much larger one as the words continued their assault.

"Ahh, how I have longed for you, for the taste of your soul," he breathed. "It was to be the crowning triumph to my long quest for the perfect, the most exquisite feast to slake this thirst that torments me so. Every day, every moment, I am tortured by longing for that shining pearl which I have gone to such length and pains to cultivate."

Ciel's knees had by this point turned to so much wobbling posts of gelatinous flesh that he feared he would not be able to keep from collapsing in another moment. But as if knowing this, the demon's arm wrapped around him, drawing him close against his chest so that his whole weight was supported by just that grasp. He groaned as the demon's lips once more migrated across his cheek, his head bending back as they continued to travel along his jaw, stopping at his chin.

Need to feel the demon, feel him fill him with that wondrous bliss, spread over him such that he groaned again, writhing a bit and pressing himself even harder against the demon's firm body. He felt the demon respond only by teasingly flicking his tongue under his chin before once more hovering his mouth over his, his words resulting in his lips brushing and lightly tapping against his own with every whispered word.

"Mmm, yes. How I have hungered…" he continued. "Anticipating, waiting patiently for the day when your soul would be mine, at last. Your delectable, delicious soul—a worthy soul, indeed. Never did I imagine, however, that the shell would become almost as delectable as the soul."

Ciel's heart leaped in his chest and he gasped faintly. This was too much, almost too much, for him to bear. Glaring up intently at the demon, he spoke tremblingly. "Sebastian… Please." He wasn't sure what he was asking; what it was he even wanted. He just knew he couldn't take this anymore. His heart beat so painfully in his chest he felt he might faint, the thought of which mortified him. "Enough of this," he barked to get his dignity back. "Enough of your patter. Either take my soul, or take whatever else you want of me. It is all yours to take."

Gazing back down at Ciel, crimson eyes blazing, the demon looked surprised and delighted and slightly perplexed, Ciel knew not why. All he did know was that the demon's mouth was suddenly back on his finally, forcefully, pressing kisses to his, hungrily, greedily. He returned them just as insistently. Hands were run up and down each other's backs, faces, chests; legs were entwined.

"Nnhhgmmm," the moan escaped his lips as he was pushed backwards, until the back of his knees were against the soft flower coverlet of the bed. Sinking helplessly into the fragrant pallet, Ciel was followed by the demon crawling up over him and dragging him higher along the bed, continuing to fiercely attack his mouth with his.

"Yes, mine," the demon mumbled between breaths, "All mine now; every part of you, body and soul." He paused, and gazed once more down at Ciel. His eyes looked almost sad as he said this, and Ciel frowned in confusion. Why had he stopped? His fringe was pushed gently back from his eyes, and Sebastian stared thoughtfully into his contract eye, cocking his head. "My dear master," he then continued. "Will you allow me this, then? Some time to enjoy you in this form a little while longer?"

Ciel's heart jumped again in his chest. Why was the demon bothering to even ask him? It wasn't like he actually needed Ciel's permission to take his soul at any time now. Did he really care about what Ciel wanted so much? He couldn't believe that. But the fact remained that he was asking, and waiting for his answer.

He knew the demon was simply enamoured of his little game of playing butler to an earl, for whatever inscrutable reason. And that there was no question as to the surety of the demon eating him the moment he tired of him; the moment the hunger finally outweighed the fun he was having with keeping him alive. For how long? He couldn't know.

He thought about having more time to enjoy this world, more time to spend with the demon, and all the newfound pleasures he had found so enthralling. Yes. He wanted that. But… his time was up; had been up for quite some time now. He felt out of phase with this world. He tried to shake the feeling off, and focus on the question. He could, if he wanted, ask that the time not be delayed. He could have it end, as it was ordained to be, as should have happened. But no… He suddenly realized that that was decidedly NOT what he wanted, as the idea of it made him shudder in horror and dismay at the very thought. The thought of not grasping at any extension of time at all that he was being offered was ludicrous. He could not reject such an offer; it simply wasn't within his scope of ability.

He nodded; and felt content with his conclusion.

"Yes," he finally answered. "For as long as you want, you may have me in this form. And I will take what you give me and be happy with it, for as long as I have." Then his eyes closed as soft, sweet lips were back on his, the two of them drinking each other in, in mutual agreement of their implied new pact.

Sighs of contentment, of relief, of satisfaction were exhaled as mouths explored anew. Lips skittered along jawline, littering kisses which prickled the flesh, tingling and searing, inflaming the senses. Teeth nipped and tongue licked, nerve endings were raked relentlessly. Nails scraped against bare skin, clothing having vanished from both of them almost quicker than eye could see. Back arched; small anguished howls of delight too intense to bear were emitted. Stifled whines of near agony escaped fist-covered mouth when hands stroked along the most sensitive spots. Fingers twisted themselves in raven strands, anchoring himself as warmth enveloped zenith, drawing, coaxing out even more anguished gasps and curses. A rhythm was established, heart beating in cadence, moans harmonized with grunts, relishing in greedy delight, sucking, licking, lapping at effluence that exuded from bountiful fount.

Cries turned to wails, turned to pants, turned to strangled gasp as glorious release was found at last. Hands glided over bedewed form, rolling under, up, to clutch and grasp close, trembling, breaths heaving, uniformly growing slower until relaxation crept over them both, gifting peace unto the weary. Hearts thumped against each other now in smooth tangent, tangled limbs fell against each other. Higher head was bowed over lower, bestowing fragmented wisps of closure that gently grazed and stirred his hair.

The sun paused in its course to look down upon the two still forms curled close together. Unimpressed in its aloofness, it soon continued its path back down in the opposite direction, towards the great maw of darkness which nightly swallowed it.

In time, the demon spoke. "Master… It is a long journey home, and we should be leaving now if we are to get home before it is very late tonight. As your butler, it is my duty to see that you are well taken care of and attended to."

Ciel just stared up at him in shock. He couldn't really mean to say that he was…

The demon gave a small chuckle. "Yes, I am still your butler, as the contract is not completely fulfilled until the time I take your soul. And I shall gladly obey and serve you, until that time comes."

Ciel smiled affectionately at his butler; his fool of a demon, and nodded in consent. The demon straightened up and rose off the bed, pulling Ciel with him, and proceeded once more to dress him after quickly redressing himself. Caressing Ciel's face once more afterwards, brushing his hair aside, he smiled. "Let us be off, then."

The two walked out of the little bower together, and made their way across the field towards the cliff edge, when suddenly Sebastian patted his vest pocket and exclaimed, "My watch!"

Ciel looked askance at him, and saw that the butler's face was drawn into a frown of consternation. He looked back at Ciel. "My lord, the watch you gave me… It was dropped, damaged in the fray last night, destroyed beyond repair perhaps, even; I had no thought till now of retrieving it. Please, if you may, let me find it before we go, so that I may at least bring it back with me."

Ciel shook his head. "No. Leave it here, Sebastian. Let it lie where it is, forgotten, for all time." He didn't wish to ever see again now the object that had brought about such misery and would, at least eventually, doom his life here on earth. The demon closed his eyes and nodded in acquiescence.

"Very well, my lord." He reached out his two black wool overcoat-covered arms toward Ciel in indication of what action to take. Wordlessly, Ciel came closer and allowed his outstretched arms to pick him up, and the pair proceeded to the edge of the island plateau. Leaping forward, they sailed off the cliff together and down towards the rocky shore, where the little skiff waited for them, thus from there to begin their journey home.

As the boat glided away, the wind merrily puffing and filling its sails giving it a good clip, the little island slowly grew ever smaller in their wake. In the distance, from high on the tallest peak, unseen by either, a light sparkled faintly. Nestled in the tall grass of the hilltop, a smashed gold pocket watch lay forsaken, broken to bits, glittering in the sunlight; a last farewell.

)))))((((((

The early evening sky was growing darker with deepening twilight as they made their way across the land, skipping rivers, leaping through forests, catching the occasional freight train (although unbeknownst to any of the other people riding or conducting the train). Nearing Frankfort now, having stopped in Munich for Ciel to have dinner, they would soon arrive in Belgium, and within a few short hours have crossed into England. Sebastian pondered his current situation once more as he had been doing for the last hour, Ciel having fallen asleep comfortably secure in his arms as he carried him.

He understood that he was oddly enamoured of his current contractor much more than he had ever been with one before. He even understood why that was; what it was about him that made him so fascinating and entertaining to serve and share in their varied pursuits and missions together. So young, so fragile; yet so bold, so determined. So much more than he had ever known any other human to be. He looked down at the creature sleeping so soundly in his arms. And yes, so beautiful, too; so adorable and helpless at times, like a young tiger cub, with lethal claws to match. He smiled. Yes, he understood all that. But still…

To have denied himself the final feast, that glorious ultimate reward he had so long hungered for… To have put it off, been able to postpone it as he had for even one moment more than necessary… He shook his head. It genuinely baffled him.

It was true that time was nothing to him; the lifetime of a child of man was but the blink of an eye to him. But the hunger...

His hunger had been inflamed anew by the taste of the boy's blood; and yet somehow temporarily quenched by the taste of his flesh; of his passionate exudations. He didn't know how long he could stand it; but he seemed to want and be able to do so for a little while longer, at least. The sensations of this body he dwelt in were most satisfyingly intense in and of themselves, coupled with his demonic center of being. But his experiences of late were of an even higher quality and degree than he had ever known before. Perhaps that was the explanation for his being able to delay and restrain himself so easily with this particular being.

And then there was, undeniably, the curiosity of the boy's having been declared a soul of worth, whatever significance that had in the Shinigami ways and world. It intrigued him, he had to admit. Along with the last, perhaps most seminal factor of all. That another being had sacrificed his life for him, astounded him to the core. It was something no human had ever done for a demon, at least to his knowledge. He could not help but be touched and impressed by the gesture, however irrational and pointless it might be.

Suddenly jarred out of his cogitations, he was aware that his master shivered, and realized the cool night air had grown much colder without his noting it. Stopping in his tracks, he alighted on the soft pine needle strewn ground of the ancient wood they had been currently traveling over. Stately, grand oaks surrounded them with an almost primeval tranquility as he lightly placed the boy on this feet. Only waking a bit, he stayed mostly wrapped in slumber as he swayed a little where he stood. Unfastening the buttons and buckles of his overcoat, he then removed it and slung it around the boy's shoulders, gently guiding his arms through the sleeves. The coat dwarfed his form still, even now, and Sebastian smiled at past memories, before tightening and buttoning it until he was well bundled. Scooping him up once more, he clasped the sleepy form to his breast as he leapt up and resumed his journey, flying through the trees towards London, and home.

)))))(((((

Earlier, the day before:

In the gloom of the night, the pitch black was even darker inside the exiguous confines of the room. A tiny crack in the shutter let in only a meager ray of moonlight, but it was just enough to discern two shapes on the bare wooden floor. One lay face up, an older gentleman, with unseeing eyes staring at the ceiling. Its nose did not twitch as a fly landed on it, and proceeded to crawl over its cheek to then buzz up and land on its eye. The other body, a younger man's, lay next to it, sprawled out as if having tried to make its way to the older one's, one arm reaching out, hand laying on the other's chest. It was as far as it had made it before completely collapsing once and for all, having tried its best to reach his companion's form. Its eyes were closed, almost hidden by golden hair falling loosely over them, nose straight and of noble contour; mouth full, with shapely lips. He had been a comely lad, there was no denying it. Suddenly one blue eye snapped open, to focus on the sight of his dead father beside him. His mouth opened slightly, and an almost inaudible gasp was croaked out. Then the eye narrowed until it was but a slit, and the sound of words could be faintly heard.

"I will find you," the words whispered harshly. "I will find you, Phantomhive. And I will…" was all that was said before the eye closed completely, face slackened, and the body stilled once more.