Death Watch
Chapter 16
Home
"Welcome back, Master Ciel!" Finny's warm greeting jarred Ciel's senses, which were still rather numb from all that had happened in the past day, as he entered the mansion, Sebastian holding the door open for him.
Ciel could only manage a weak smile in return, and a nod of his head.
"We'd all wondered we're you'd gone these past days, but of course we knew it was probably just some mission or something that we didn't need to know about. We kept the manor nice and safe for you, though!" Finny beamed at his young master. His admiration and love for Ciel still remained strong, even after everything. Ciel couldn't help smiling back broadly this time. They'd only been gone less than three days; but he acted like it had been a week, he thought with amusement.
"Thank you, Finny," he said, and was rewarded with a look of pure jubilation at his acknowledging him thus. A door banged open, and out swept the maid, Mey Rin, sputtering and tripping over her feet to get to him, extending her arms to take his hat, and the coat he still wore of Sebastian's.
"Yes, wel… welcome home, young master!" She looked slightly puzzled at the coat, but shrugged. "It's good to have 'ee back, sir!"
"Yes sirree, we been holding the fort just fine; glad to see you're back, though," chimed in Bard, strolling out from the door that led to the kitchen galleys downstairs. "I know it's late, but if ya need any dinner cooked, I'll be happy to go make something, whatever you like." The cook looked a little nervous after saying that. He no doubt was hoping that he wouldn't be called upon to actually do such, as his cooking skills still had not improved much even after all these years, and Sebastian always ended up doing the bulk of it. Ciel just shook his head.
"No. No, that's alright, Bard. We stopped along the way home and had dinner a few hours ago." He was suddenly hit by such a wave of exhaustion that he feared he would not be able to remain standing. "Sebastian," he looked up at his butler. "I wish to retire straightaway."
"Yes, my lord." Making a small bow, he followed Ciel upstairs as they headed for his bedroom.
Once within his chambers, Ciel threw himself down upon the bed and lay there, staring up at the cream colored silken folds of the canopy. Head sinking into soft pillow, he closed his eyes and sighed. Ahhh, he thought to himself. Home.
Why did it feel so strange, then, he wondered? It still felt all wrong; like he didn't belong here; shouldn't even be still alive. His head swam with confusion thinking about it. Of course it would feel this way. He had been a condemned man after all, given a reprieve with no real comprehension as to why he had been given it. Well, the fact remained that he was here, and he should just enjoy and appreciate it, he told himself.
"Master, would you care for a bath?" The demon's resonant voice came from where he was standing beside the bed. His manner was as formal and correct as ever, but there was a slightly increased hint of mischievousness in his smile.
"No, I think not, Sebastian. I'm too exhausted. I just want to go to bed."
"Very well," the demon bowed, and made for his wardrobe, bringing back with him a fresh white linen nightshirt. After helping him undress, he slipped the nightshirt over Ciel's head and buttoned it, and then once more stood at attention next to the bed.
Ciel sat on the side of his bed, his covers having been pulled down for him, and wondered why he felt awkward all of a sudden. He looked up at the demon, gazing back expectantly at him. Did he…? Ciel wondered what he expected, and raised his hand experimentally in his direction.
White glove clasped it, and Ciel instinctively pulled him near. Approaching the bed, the demon kneeled before him, still holding his hand. He raised it to press to his cheek, eyes closing as he sighed.
"Ah, young master." He still would call Ciel that, even though he was far from being young now, thought Ciel, somewhat amused. The demon looked up at him, his hand still pressed to his cheek. "Ah, yes. I am glad I made the choice I did, as hard as it is to wait. I am glad to have you here still, in this world."
"And I am glad to have you, Sebastian," Ciel murmured, his voice low and soft with weariness, "and to be here still." At that, the demon's lips were upon his, surprising him with how quickly the heat was stirred in his veins.
He felt the demon's mouth trail down his neck, anointing his skin with hot, spearing kisses that enflamed him further. His nightshirt was rucked up, and hands grasped his buttocks. Molding his hips to his butler's, he was lifted and spun around to land on the bed this time on top of the demon. Moaning with a smoldering if somewhat subdued lust, he reciprocated with kisses along the demon's neck, squirming and grinding his pelvis against the hardened bulge beneath his butler's trousers.
It felt glorious as ever to be engaging in these pursuits once more with the demon, but at the same time he felt his head swimming with fatigue. He feared he might actually fall unconscious when a wave of dizziness swept over him next, and struggled valiantly to regain his alertness. Swimming in a sea of inflamed passion being kindled ever higher, he fumbled at his butler's trouser buttons to get them undone, but was completely defeated in his attempt, his fingers seeming to have become useless. Another wave of exhaustion assaulted him, and he felt himself slipping away, to finally become subsumed by the darkness.
He opened his eyes to find the demon stationed beside his bed, quietly pouring steaming water into a teapot seated upon the cart, filling the room instantly with the aroma of sweet, flowery tea leaves steeping. It took him a moment to remember where he was. He wondered how it could be morning when just a moment ago it had most certainly been night. Mortification overcame him when the realization hit him that he must have fallen asleep, in the middle of their… pursuits… last night. Before they had even really gotten started, he recalled. He felt his cheeks flush and knew they must be bright red.
Seeing his chagrin, the demon smiled. "Ah yes, master, you were quite worn out apparently, last night, more so than I had anticipated." Ciel felt as though he would die of humiliation. Sebastian grinned even wider. "Quite like a limp rag doll you were, as I tucked you in."
Seething rage competed with the burning desire for a hole in the earth to appear for him to fall through. Rage won out, as it usually did. But he managed to calm his disquietude and anger with a forbearance that he found had increased through the years; no doubt due to the demon's constant goading and tricks he was so fond of, which he had had to endure. Taking a deep breath, he shrugged and replied, "I was eager to continue, but I guess your attentions simply did not suffice to keep me awake."
One brow raised, Sebastian looked at Ciel with amusement, but his smile couldn't quite hide a slightly snide twist to one side of his mouth. Ciel grinned back in satisfaction.
It was a completely normal day in the mansion, his first full day back, which felt oddly strange somehow to Ciel. He supposed he simply hadn't adjusted to being back, much less still being alive. His morning tea was followed by a luxuriant bath, breakfast, a walk in the garden, and then lunch. The afternoon was spent reading and relaxing in the library, signing some papers for his company, looking over specs for a new toy proposal by the design team, dinner, and then it was time for bed.
Laying spread-eagled once more on his bed, his head not even on his pillow, he waited expectantly for Sebastian to come in and help him get undressed. No longer something he loathed, he now looked forward to it, as an indulgence that there seemed no longer any point in denying himself. He wriggled around a little into the soft, thick downy depths of his comforter, breathing deeply and sighing contentedly at the familiar scents and soothing comfort of just being home. The mansion was always the best place of all.
Nevertheless, unbidden and unwelcome, came the thoughts that inevitably invaded his mind in times of exceeding peace and tranquility. This wasn't right; he didn't deserve this, this life of such pleasure and opulence, as much as he always tried to convince himself otherwise. These familiar thoughts were only magnified now by what had happened in the past two days. Why was he even here? He shouldn't even be alive, much less enjoying such wondrous delights as were granted to him as earl and head of the Phantomhive estate. It was wrong; it felt all wrong to him, and the reason was obvious. But he possessed not the ability to truly wish to give any of it up. And why should he? He groaned a little, and shook his head to try to clear it of such pointless thoughts. Sebastian. Where was Sebastian? He needed him.
As if having heard his unspoken plea, his tall, debonairly dressed butler gave a small, almost inaudible knock before easing open his bedroom door and entering. Lifting his head up a bit, Ciel sighed with relief at the sight of him, visible across the room through the vantage point of the gap between his slightly drawn up knees. Almost instantly, he felt his loins swell and strain uncomfortably against his trouser placket. Groaning once more, this time with a mix of slight embarrassment, but mostly hope and anticipation of pleasure, Ciel turned and pressed his face and body into the comforter. Squirming a little to try to ease his discomfort, he only succeeding in heightening it.
He heard the clack of patent leather soles crossing the floor and coming closer to him, to then stop and be replaced with the clearing of a throat.
"Ahem, young master, will you be needing any… assistance tonight in getting ready for bed?"
Ciel couldn't help grinning into the blankets, his face still buried in them, at the image that immediately sprung up in his head of what sort of "assistance" he might care to need of his servant. The thought of his warm mouth upon him, drawing him in, surrounding him, overwhelmed him with uncontrollable lust, and he turned back over to face his smiling butler.
"Mmm, Sebastian; yes, that would be very much… appreciated, thank you," he replied, trying for a knowing smile. The demon came closer to him, eyes glowing deep vermillion with an almost dangerous spark to them, and reached out one gloved hand. Ciel took it, and was pulled up as he threw his legs over the side of the bed, being drawn all the way up to his feet and then into the arms of the demon, which wound around him, pulling him close against his body. One hand traveled up Ciel's back to the back of his head, and the string of his eye patch was tugged open, releasing it to fall to the floor. Leaning his head down over Ciel's, the demon tilted Ciel's head up with one finger, and gazed down upon him. He seemed to be focusing on his right eye, which still possessed the seal of their contract, that scintillating violet pentagram, with its intricate design complete with runes.
Ciel gazed back at him, his right eye tingling a bit with an almost painful coldness to it.
Pulling off his left glove with his teeth as was his habit, the demon raised his hand to Ciel's face, splaying out his fingers to either side of Ciel's eye, seeming to contemplate it along with the matching contract seal on the back of his hand. "Magnificent, you are, my young master. Ever so appealing, so captivating; always so exceptional and intriguing. Quite the masterpiece, if I do say so myself." Closing his eye at the surge of emotion that went through him, Ciel brought his right hand to Sebastian's left, clasping it at the wrist and pushing it upwards. Palm was gently moved over eye, and Ciel felt a soothing warmth enter it. He sighed as comfort and relief spread through him. This was as it was: he was the marked property of a demon, with his life completely in that demon's hands now. He would not question it; it was as it should be.
"Mmm, Sebastian," he mumbled, bringing the hand down to his cheek and leaning into it. Moving it further, he brought it thence to this lips, bestowing a lingering, delicate kiss on its palm. Suddenly Ciel felt himself scooped up by the demon, who apparently was unable to wait any longer for them to commence their more ardent activities. Depositing him upon the bed, the demon then crawled upon it and over him, smothering his body with his own while his mouth descending upon his, madly, violently, crushing it with kisses. Lips feeling bruised and swollen, it wasn't until many minutes that Ciel was released from his ravishing embrace, the demon raising his head above him to gaze down at Ciel with an exuberant mirth-filled smile and gleaming eye.
Ciel's breath hitched, as he struggled to get his breath back, while Sebastian's hands started roaming all over his body, seeming to revel simply in the shape of him. He arched his back and gritted his teeth to stifle a groan when the demon's hands reached his groin, pressing firmly down upon it and then stroking it through the fabric of Ciel's trousers. Both hands now having been divested of their gloves, they began unbuttoning Ciel's jacket and shirt, to impatiently push them aside without even removing the sleeves. Tweaking one nipple in the fingers of one hand, the demon's tongue painted up his breast in one wet sweep, making Ciel shiver from both sensations. Hot tongue was then swirled all about the areola, before latching onto the bud with his teeth in a gentle hold, this time sending Ciel in symphonies of delight, culminating in a low drawn-out wail when he couldn't hold it back anymore.
"Gah! Sebastian," he whined, squirming around on the bed beneath his butler's larger body. "Nngh!" His arousal grew even more engorged, and he panted slightly, enjoying this immensely, but at the same time wanting more. His hand strained to nudge between their bodies to reach his erection, and upon finding it, to rub and squeeze at the bulge in an attempt to find some relief. The back of his hand was graced by the feel of the hard evidence of his butler's own arousal, pressing down upon his hand and thwarting his efforts.
"Ah, ah, young master," the demon admonished smilingly. "Not so fast. Good things will come in time, and be all that much sweeter, when they do." Ciel simply scowled up at him, and opened his mouth to let the demon know how much he cared about his opinions on the topic, but was silenced before the words were out of his mouth by the demon's lips once more on his, drawing and teasing out small, languishing kisses.
Crack! A small sound startled him, and a cold rush of air seemed to suddenly wash over them. He almost thought he had imagined the sound, so faint was it, until another, more familiar noise filled the room.
"Ahem." The clearing of a man's throat plainly and unmistakably originated from none other than Will, the reaper.
"Goddammit! What the hell are you doing here?" Sebastian bellowed. Ciel's heart sank to the pit of his stomach, with the dread that there would be a repeat of some sort of the events of the other night. What additional interference and mischief could these damn reapers possibly have in store for them now?
Scrambling furiously over Ciel, Sebastian positioned himself between them, with hand held against Ciel's side as if trying to block him from sight of the reaper.
"Ugh!" The snort of disgust from the reaper was accompanied by his averting his eyes and tipping his head back. Bringing his gaze back down to level at them, he then spoke with narrowed eyes and a tone of disdain. "Honestly, I suppose I should have expected nothing less, and not been surprised to see such a sight." Shaking his head, he muttered, "Disgusting, unprincipled beast that you are…"
Sebastian growled. "Cease your gibbering, reaper, and state your business!" The demon continued in a low, venom-laden voice. "I find it rather interesting, in any case, that you chose just this particular moment to appear."
The dour black-suited shinigami stared at Sebastian through narrowed eyes and gave a sigh that practically dripped with contempt. Clearing his throat, he spoke.
"I had intended to wait until you left the room; however, that didn't seem like it was going to happen anytime soon." Will sneered at the two of them. "In any case, I am here simply to impart some information to the boy." Clearing his throat again, he continued. "Ahem. It is my duty to inform you, Ciel Phantomhive, that as a soul of worth, you have the privilege of visiting our home world, and meeting with any one deceased soul of your choosing."
Ciel's eyes opened wider than he thought them capable of as he took in this newest announcement of the reaper's.
Will continued. "I was informed by the higher-ups that it was my responsibility to come to you, since my coworker is currently suspended once again for merely attempting to violate the treaty. Although I cannot blame him, you miserable piece of scum, after what you did..." He cleared throat once again. "In any case, it is my duty to also hereby present you with this; a miradim. It will serve as a means to allow you to perceive, simply by looking through it, the nearest gateway to our world, thus enabling you to travel there."
Reaching out a little cautiously, Ciel took the object that the grim reaper was extending to him, dangling brightly from a chain.
Ciel peered curiously at the so-named miradim in the palm of his hand. It appeared to be some sort of monocle, but was quite ornate, with a gem-encrusted gold frame around a thick, almost crystal-looking glass lens. The tiny jewels that lined the edges sparkled red, purple, green and yellow, and were entwined along the silver chain that led from it as well, dotted along it almost imperceptibly.
He held it up to his eye. A distorted view of the normally straight and stern figure standing before him wavered and danced, along with the other furnishings in his room as he looked around at them. Becoming a little dizzy by it, he put it down, and thought about what the reaper had just told him. Mumbling almost unconsciously, he spoke dazedly. "This will take me to…" He tried to imagine it: the home world of the shinigamis… where he supposed the reapers dwelled, and all the departed souls as well, along with the almighty ruler in…
"Heaven?" He addressed Will in a stunned voice, looking up at him.
Bringing one black-gloved hand up to his glasses and adjusting them slightly higher on his nose, Will simply nodded. "That is what it is known as to you humans, yes."
Ciel was dumbstruck, but tried to think logically about all this. It was an interesting proposition, to be sure, he thought, but not without a tinge of trepidation. He pondered a bit and then asked, "Can Sebastian accompany me?"
The reaper looked taken aback by that question. "I can't stop him, unfortunately," he scowled, then sighed with annoyance. "In this one instance, yes, he would be granted access along with you, as the two of you are bound by contract." He glared at Sebastian, and said with disgust, "Chained to your keeper as you are still, you are considered harmless enough to enter; although normally you wouldn't be welcome there, unlike the others of your kind-foul beast that you are."
Sebastian hissed at him a bit under his breath, but remained silent. Ciel was under no immediate threat, it was apparent, and thus no other action was required to be taken by his butler.
Feeling irritated, Ciel snapped at the reaper, "And it took you this long to come to tell me this? Why did you not tell me sooner, I might ask?"
Will looked vaguely chagrined, but then seemed to regain his composure, and replied with a smirk, "Honestly, I didn't think you would still be alive."
"Hmph," Ciel smiled ruefully. "Honestly, neither did I."
Will raised one brow high at him, and gazed at him contemplatively.
"So, how exactly do I use this thing? I mean, how do I go about opening the gateway after I see it?"
With a snort, Will replied. "You are supposedly so extraordinary; I'm sure you'll figure it out." The reaper sneered at Ciel. "Well, then. I have discharged my duty here. I shall take my leave now. Cheers." He made a slight bow in their direction, and turning smartly on one heel, snapped his fingers and disappeared into the ether with a small "pop."
"Good riddance," Sebastian mumbled under his breath. Ciel observed him take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He felt just as relieved, he had to say. Swiveling his body around, the demon fixed his gaze on Ciel. "Will you take the offer then, my lord? Will you go to their home world, and visit one deceased soul?"
These questions bounced around and echoed in his brain, seeming out of reach, impossible to comprehend. Who would he even choose? Madam Red? His mother? His father? He put his hands to his head and squeezed shut his eyes.
"I can't think… I… I have to give it some thought. I just… can't decide right now." He remembered that the reaper had said that Sebastian could at least accompany him, which was a small comfort. Trying to get his mind off of it for a moment, he thought of something else. "Sebastian, what did he mean when he said 'others of your kind''?
The demon put one hand up to his chin and seemed to consider how to reply. "Hmmm. Well, young master, there are some Meerlia who, out of devotion to the gods, worshiping them for having given us the gift of everlasting life, choose to live out their lives in accordance with the ideals they would have them follow. They obediently abstain from devouring the human souls which the gods treasure so highly, instead consuming only the most meager sustenance necessary for survival. They are a foul, warped group of beings because of this, with their wills bent and their minds twisted by their unfulfilled cravings. We demons avoid them at all costs, as when occasion does force us to consort with one another, the angels tend to bear us intense ill will and malice for having deserted their ranks, and rejected their beliefs."
"Angels?!" Ciel scoffed at this newest bit of information. Sebastian smirked gleefully.
"I find it amusing that you don't believe in angels, with everything you know and have been through." Sebastian laughed. "You're not a very good Christian for being such a doubter."
"Well of course I'm not. I would never have been able to summon you if I was, now would I?"
The edges of the demon's mouth slid up as he smiled, looking at him with mirth-filled eyes.
"Indeed, my lord. You would not." Reaching out his arms, he gathered Ciel close against his chest.
"So, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted? Hmm, I do believe I recall…" Tilting up Ciel's chin so that he gazed up into the demon's face, he murmured.
"That we were doing this…"
"Mmmnngh," Ciel sank deliriously into the demon's lips that descended upon his, floating in waves of delight.
"And this…"
Jolting at the unexpected touch of Sebastian's hand on his groin, he moaned and ground himself deeper into the warm hand that caressed and fondled so enticingly.
"And then this…" Ciel knew what to expect this time, and so was prepared when the demon's warm, slick tongue swiped at his nipple and mouth closed over it to suck hard while teeth nipped.
His trousers had apparently somehow come unfastened, as they were now being pushed down and a large hand was inching over his buttocks. Fingers stroked along valley, nudging between cheeks until one digit pressed against his opening, very slightly intruding on and into. Not far did it go, though, for their actions were halted temporarily while Sebastian whisked out the vial of oil from nowhere once again. Now thoroughly slickened, things progressed much more smoothly.
Ciel felt himself being stretched as the discomfort slowly wore off, until nothing was left but sheer pleasure, and he began to look forward longingly to his butler's fingers being replaced by his cock. "Ah, Sebastian! Ah! I want… that. I want you… in me. Now."
"Yes, my lord," Ciel heard him say with slightly shuddering breath. Bodies separated once more in order for Sebastian to unbutton his own trousers, and bring out his full and hardened cock, stroking it with one hand in a long downward movement, slowly, breathing out with eyes closed as he did. Ciel's eyes locked onto his thick and swollen member, seemingly unable to look away from the sight, his breath coming out in little pants, mouth open slightly. His gaze seemed to blur for a moment, until he reached out and tentatively took hold of his butler's penis, brushing Sebastian's fingers as he did, which then slid down further so he could completely wrap his hand around the shaft. Hard and soft, hot and throbbing, it glided beneath his grip.
"Aah, young master," the demon hummed appreciatively. "Oh, yes." Still transfixed by the sight, Ciel found himself dipping his head towards it, meeting its tip with his tongue, then to lick and suck at it, bringing his mouth fully over and down just a bit. Raising back up, he happened to glance up at his butler's face which he found was just as transfixed on him as he had been.
One long-fingered hand raised to Ciel's head, and wound itself through Ciel's hair, gently running his fingers through his strands, to then curl and softly grasp at them.
This felt so good that Ciel's eyes closed and his head tilted slightly backwards. His mouth opened in a slight gasp, and the butler's cock popped out, the tip now rosy and shining with saliva.
The next instant Ciel found himself on his back, panting heavily as his cock was sucked in turn, the demon's head rising and falling, tongue licking and slurping with gusto at the juices already flowing from the head.
How utterly delightful this was, he thought, wallowing in the ripples of pleasure that steadily went over him. "Nngh, god, Sebastian," he exclaimed, gritting his teeth to keep from coming already, even at this early point. "Ah, no! Nnng, stop! Aah!"
"What, already?" The demon gleamed smugly at him. "So soon, and you are ready to…" He smiled widely. Ciel could only pant in response. "Dear, dear. Well, then we shall just have to speed things up a bit, shan't we?"
It was almost a relief to have the butler pull him up and spread his legs over his bent knees as he sat back on the bed, clasping Ciel tight to his chest. He could feel his butler's hard length against his backside, rubbing up and down his skin, slippery and hot.
"Mnnghh!" Ciel braced himself but felt only a slight discomfort at the first nudge of intrusion, with the head going in just half an inch. More was introduced, little by little. Slowly, he felt him withdraw a little, only to push back in even more. Remembering to relax, Ciel gradually felt himself getting accustoming to his girth, until finally the discomfort was supplanted by pleasure. "Aahhh," he moaned in appreciation at the pleasure of being penetrated. Easing out, then back in again, getting a little further each time, the demon continued, still not fully seated within him.
Soon beginning to feel frustrated with the need to feel him more deeply, Ciel tried his best to move his own hips down in time with Sebastian's upward thrusts, but without much success. Finally, seeing this and hearing Ciel whine and start to beg now, the demon began thrusting fully and forcefully into Ciel.
Ciel cried out at the unbearable ecstasy of sensations and rocked his hips in time with Sebastian's thrusts now, meeting him fully every time, his flesh getting slammed by the demon's thighs as they raised up each time until it stung.
Faster now, the demon pumped his cock into Ciel's ass, hitting his prostate with unerring accuracy throughout, tilting his head back, and grinning widely in his own apparent delight. Repositioning himself then, this time with Ciel on his hands and knees, Sebastian lay draped almost completely over him, penetrating him again at the same time he began stroking Ciel's cock with long, firm strokes. Every thrust rocked his body forward, and tugged him back with every withdrawal, despite Ciel's attempts to move in opposition so as to enhance the sensations as much as possible. Pumping Ciel's cock furiously with one hand at the same time, Sebastian then proceeded to thwack into his backside with hard fast thrusts that had Ciel keening and wailing in agonized ecstasy.
"Nnn, nngh! Guhh!" he called out, and hoped the servants hadn't heard them in their quarters two flights down. "Mmmm, ahhh! Ah! Sebastian!"
Finally feeling his building pleasure rising to reach its brim and spill over, he ducked his head down, crying out in plaintive, moaning gasps of satisfaction as he watched his seed shoot out in spurt after spurt of long, sticky white threads, coating the bed sheets under him. Immediately following, he felt the demon behind him give one last forceful push and then still within him.
"Mmmm, ahh! Young master!" he exclaimed. "Mmm, my master; mine, ahh, yes… Mmm."
Breathing out shudderingly, Sebastian slowly, ever so slowly, pulled out from within him, rolling back to lie beside him where Ciel had collapsed exhausted. Gathering Ciel into his arms, the two stayed like that for some minutes, savoring the moment. Slowly their bodies calmed down, breathing and heartrates returning to normal. Soon, he knew, Sebastian would be excusing himself to clean things up before helping him get settled for the night. It was his duty as a butler, although his duties had lately taken on more than what the normal butler might have been asked to do, he thought with a wry smile. Well, he had never been a normal butler to begin with, it was true, he realized. Snuggling deeper into the crook of his butler's body, he sighed, and resolved to simply enjoy these last little blissful but fleeting vignettes together while they lasted.
A wave of gratitude swept over him that he had been given this second chance at life; this life with his butler; his demon; his lover. He thought about how at ease he felt right now, how protected and safe. It was almost too good to be true. He felt more content than he had felt in a long time; since… before. Before he had lost everything; back when he had still been a child, loved and cared for by both parents, in a happy home. He thought of his mother, and his father. A sharp knot formed in his stomach.
The thought came to him suddenly that he could actually see them again! He had now the opportunity to meet with his parents; with one of them, at least. His father… Yes, of course that's who it would be, if he had to choose. The thought of seeing him again, of getting to talk to him one last time, was almost overwhelming. But then the thought of what he would say to him brought his vision crashing down. How could he face him, after everything he had done? After having made a pact with a demon; much less the deeds he was currently committing in his life right now with said demon? No! He sighed. No, he could not.
But he wouldn't dwell on it for now. He had been given this gift, this opportunity; and he would take it, and be glad. All that mattered was the present and the future… and the present was good. His future…. Well, as for that, he could only but wait and see as to what it would be.
))))((((
"Master." The word came from a great distance away, it seemed; faint and incomprehensible.
"Master." The word was repeated, a little louder this time, but his brain still refused to register the meaning behind it.
Suddenly he felt himself being jostled slightly, and awoke fully with a start from another restless night, bright sunlight streaming in from his bedroom windows, the curtains having been opened. He squeezed his eyes shut as the light stabbed painfully at them, and growled,
"Sebastian! What is the meaning of such an awakening? There's no need to manhandle me such!"
The tall, black-clad form bowed, and smiled serenely.
"My lord, it was if you were all but dead, so soundly were you sleeping, refusing to wake up. I have been trying to wake you for the past half hour. Your tea has gone cold, and I do profusely apologize, but I shall have to now go reheat the water for it."
Ciel simply grunted in annoyance. He watched as the butler turned and left, wheeling the tea cart out with him. Stretching and yawning, he considered lying down and going back to sleep. But that was pointless, as the demon would just come back in and wake him up once more to face the day. His dedication to schedule adherence was relentless. Unless he wished to try to fight with him, he was helpless to prevent his being shunted this way and that to conduct the day's business or lessons, and occasional socializing that was required of him.
What was the point? He found himself wondering more and more. What did it all matter? It wasn't like he was maintaining his role as Queen's Watchdog in order to draw out his enemies anymore. His revenge was fulfilled; his task accomplished. He was just waiting… waiting now for the end… for the final call to sound… which should have come, but hadn't. But which could come at any time…
The past few nights were spent tossing and turning more often than not; he was plagued with dreams of reapers and gods and angels, all coming to taunt and torment him, goading and pricking him with their cruel words and scythes. He would wake sweating, trembling, hearing their accusations in his head. No, he was not worthy of that proclamation they had bestowed on him; he agreed with them; knew in his heart that it was true. He was an impostor. It was a mistake; a sham that the love crazed reaper had crowned him with. What had he ever done to deserve it? Naught that he could fathom, at least.
But yet, here he was; still alive. Still protected and cared for by the demon, in his love for the thrills of the game; the exploits of being a butler to an earl; and yes, for his enjoyment of the carnal pleasures they engaged in as well, perhaps.
The demon was currently mopping his bedewed brow with tender care, Ciel having woken once more in the middle of the night crying out at some nameless terror. Concern showed in his butler's ruby eyes that glowed in the light of the candelabra he had brought into the room with him.
"Another nightmare, my lord?" he queried tentatively.
Ciel looked up at him. He considered dissembling with his usual words, and replying that no, it was nothing; he was fine. He started up into the twin pools of fire softly shimmering, and felt himself sinking into their depths, feeling oddly soothed by them.
"Mmm, Sebastian. It's alright, though. You're here." The demon smiled, and nodded.
"Would you perhaps like me to bring you a cup of warm milk and honey, to aid you in getting back to sleep, my lord?"
Ciel almost laughed out loud at that, scoffing at the very idea. But the genuine offer was reflected in his butler's eyes, and he softened his reply.
"No. No, Sebastian. Just… Stay here."
The demon had already been in his bed once tonight, but had made his exit whence Ciel was asleep, as was his habit; the demon did not need sleep. Ciel did.
He patted the bed next to him. "Here. Lay with me. Until I fall asleep again." He smiled as the demon complied, climbing into the bed and under the covers, reaching over to then blow out the candles with one effortless puff. Turning back towards him, he put out his arms, smiling gently, and pulled Ciel into them, kissing the top of his head and sighing.
"Mmm, aah, young master. Your scent is ever intoxicating to me." Ciel felt his blood sing at those words, and snuggled closer, the demon's hand then running down his back to curve over one buttock. Ah, yes. This, he knew, could only lead in one direction, he thought with a small smile; and he wasn't wrong. Soon their limbs were intertwined once more, mouths locked together, frantically seeking the only kind of satiation that could be found at this time. Bodies melded, hearts beat faster, forms twisted and convulsed into clamorous harmony.
He would once again not be getting a full night's sleep, it seemed, he thought to himself, and sighed contentedly.
