A/N: Sorry for the slow update! It'll hopefully be faster next time, but I have been getting so caught up in *sweats and looks away* Fifty Shades of Grey fan fiction *coughs louder than necessary to distract you*. ANYWAYS, ONWARD WITH THE STORY!

The car ride was awkward, but that wasn't a surprise. Sebastian expected it to be awkward, and there wasn't a doubt that Ciel anticipated the tension as well. They both had just experienced an intense stare down in the hallway of the condo. But it wasn't just any intense stare down—one of them was still wet from a shower and had only a towel wrapped around his waist, and the other had on the tightest sleeveless workout shirt while sweat covered his arms and made his hair damp, and wore shorts that hugged his muscular thighs. It was the King of All Stare Downs.

Ciel couldn't remember the last time his mind took him to a place where he wanted to be pinned against the wall by someone, but it had been quite some time since that wet dream happened. He was pretty sure the guy in said dream was faceless and nameless—he was sure that his imagination was running wild with the idea of someone driving him crazy, and the thought alone made him blush.

But this time, he knew exactlywho it was in his fantasies. Seeing his boss standing there and staring backsent Ciel to a place no other had sent him.

A floral delivery truck stopped short at a red light Sebastian thought the driver definitely could have beaten. Sebastian placed his foot on the brakes and said a couple curses for the driver ahead of him as he drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. A song was playing, a genre Ciel never listened to. They hadn't spoken since they said goodbye to the doorman and the teenager wasn't sure if he was grateful for that or concerned by it. Sebastian always had something to say; something interesting to fill the quiet void, even if it was what most people considered small talk. It probably wasn't cause for concern though. Hopefully. After all, the two of them did have one hell of a morning.

As he adjusted his glasses, Ciel felt his phone vibrate from inside his backpack. He reached for it while wondering what Alois wanted now, knowing the only other person who ever texted him was right by his side behind the steering wheel.

Even after the light turned green, the pair barely inched down 5th Avenue in Sebastian's white BMW. Traffic had been pretty bad. Ciel was really late, and part of him had to acknowledge that his professor wouldn't even allow him into class. The text he read pretty much confirmed that.

From Alois:

Where are you? Last we spoke you'd dropped off baby Michaelis and was on your way. You're usually here before Professor and earlier he refused to let that a chick in when she showed up 5 minutes late. There's no way he'd let you in even though the guy thinks you're the greatest thing since Einstein. I'm a little concerned so please text me back, Ciel.

Ciel didn't know he sighed until Sebastian had commented on it, and when he heard the man's voice, he jumped a little.

"Everything okay?"

"Hm? Oh," Ciel smiled shyly and nodded, looking back down at his phone. Sebastian didn't press him after that, only focusing on the road once more and cursing when a taxi tried to cut him off. They went back to being quiet as Ciel replied to his friend.

To Alois:

Srry, Alois. I had a very long morning. I'm trying to get to campus but the traffic is a bit alarming right now. It's one of those times where I maybe should've gotten on the train.

Sebastian stared out the window, humming along to the song. His main focus that morning had been trying his best not to think about seeing Ciel the way he found him earlier in their hallway, because every time he did think about it, he got very, very excited. The type of excited he hadn't gotten in a while. The type of excited he didn't think he'd ever get over a guy. Well… at least not since college. College didn't count, though. Everyone was a little curiousin college and he probably had a few beers in his system at the time. Back to the topic at hand; there was so much wrong with this, and he couldn't come up with an excuse as to why it happened, so he just chose to force himself not to remember the way Ciel's skin looked so creamy and kissable, or the way he could easily run his tongue along the dips in his abdomen muscles and give the teen something he'd never felt befo—ok this was notworking.

"Fuck."

As he stopped at another traffic light, Ciel turned to look at him. "Is everything okay?" he asked.

Did I say that out loud? Sebastian wondered. "Oh! Um, nothing, sorry. I just, I was thinking that maybe I should go down 6th Avenue. It would make more sense, right?"

Ciel shrugged a bit and smiled. His cheeks were turning pink as he forced himself to look down at his cell phone.

The awkward wouldn't end for a while, Sebastian was sure of that. The few times that he and Ciel made eye contact after what the older man had branded 'The Incident,' Ciel would quickly blush and look away. Part of Sebastian wondered if it was because Ciel found him attractive, but the rest of Sebastian told him not to entertain that idea. What would he even do with that information? Of course besides try to keep his distance so that he didn't make the family's employee any more nervous or maybe even make him want to find a new job. Sebastian didn't want to mess up a good thing. He wanted Ciel to stay around and in no way wanted him uncomfortable while under his roof.

He wanted Ciel to stay for Sieglinde, of course. Sieglinde needed someone she trusted and admired around, and someone that her family respected. His wife needed someone that could be trusted too, and they definitely found that in Ciel. Sebastian… Sebastian just needed to stop watching Ciel's long fingers as they tapped at the screen of his cell phone. He was the one to sigh this time as he shook his head, signaling right on 57th street and driving over to 6th Avenue.

From Alois:

Well can you get your driver (I can't believe you have a driver, I'm so fucking jealous of you, you asshole) to drop you off by a train station? I mean, not that it really matters because you're going to miss this class but at least you'll be around for your second one.

Ciel looked out the window and saw a tourist family smiling as they posed for pictures. He looked up at the red light as he thought and then replied.

To Alois:

I guess, but I'm with Mr. Michaelis right now. I probably should let him off the hook because today is his day off and he rarely gets any of those, but I don't know if he'll even go along with me telling him that I can get there on my own. He said he'd drive me and he's pretty stubborn, but in a good way.

"Sixth Avenue looks a lot better."

Ciel peeked up and nodded. "It does."

"I…" Sebastian trailed off. He took a deep breath, hoping that he could phrase what he wanted to say in a way that would make things better between the two of them going forward, as opposed to upping the awkward. "I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't know you were there and I definitely didn't know you'd be—"

"How could you?" Ciel rushed the words out louder than he'd spoken all morning, succeeding in interrupting his boss before Sebastian could say the word naked. "It's not your fault at all. It's nobody's fault."

Sebastian nodded. "I know but I just don't want things to be weird. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

From Alois:

So you're with Mr. Michaelis? Dude, don't bother coming to class. Take the day off. Didn't you say he was hot?

Ciel felt his cheeks heating up as he put his phone back into his backpack. "It was a little weird I guess but I'm not uncomfortable. I'll just try… not to wander around in my towel." He smiled and Sebastian laughed a bit as he drove a little more freely now, this road less populated. Ciel fidgeted with his glasses. "We can talk about something else if you'd like. Don't worry about earlier. I promise I'm fine."

Sebastian turned the radio's volume down a bit. "I'm happy to hear it. And alright, that sounds like a plan. So tell me more about yourself."

Ciel ignored his vibrating phone as he thought about where to start. "There isn't much for me to tell. You're going to get bored easily like most people do when I'm asked this question."

Sebastian smiled. "I bet you I won't, Ciel."

Ciel shrugged in response. He knew that his boss would probably pretend to be interested in attempts to spare the nerdy teen's feelings, but he didn't want to put him through the pain of sitting through The Life and Times of Ciel Phantomhive to begin with.

"Are you going to answer that?"

Ciel noticed his phone started to vibrate more incessantly this time. He sighed and dug for it. "It's only Alois."

Sebastian didn't reply. Was this Alois kid more than a friend? Ciel could tell him if Alois was his boyfriend. "I don't mind if you take the call, you know."

Ciel looked at the raven haired man for a moment and then accepted the call. "Yes?"

"Why'd you stop replying? Are you two messing around?"

"Good morning to you too, Alois." Ciel stared out the window to hide his blushing face from Sebastian.

"How are you calling me from the lecture hall?"

"I stepped out of the lecture hall. Listen, I know he's married and all but he'd be great preparation for our double date on Friday. Skip the day and stay with him."

Ciel closed his eyes, rubbing at his temple. What part of Sebastian Michaelis is married to a womandidn't Alois understand? "I'm not entirely sure I have the patience for this conversation, Alois. Can I call you back later? Or I'll just… we'll see each other soon."

"No we won't. As a matter of fact, if you come here, I'm going to be waiting outside the building for you, and I'll even introduce myself to Mr. Michaelis—"

"Oh my god, Alois."

Sebastian glanced over at the young man in the passenger side as he drove, wondering what the conversation was about. He started to hum along to the melody playing as they approached lower Manhattan, eventually singing when the song started.

Alois obviously heard the voice based on his response. "IS that HIM singing? Shit. He sounds beautiful. Can you imagine him singing around your cock?"

"I'm going to go. Talk to you later."

"I'll be waiting in front of the building."

Ciel hung up and threw his head back against the seat's rest, taking a slow, deep breath. Sebastian smiled at him even though he was a tad bit concerned at the stress lines on Ciel's forehead.

"So I take it that this is what conversations with Alois reduce you to?"

"He's so annoying," Ciel added with a smile. Sebastian smiled too.

"I want to meet him. I bet I'll get a lot more out of him about you than you're willing to spill, Ciel."

Ciel opened his eyes at that. That sounded absolutely terrible. No. Fucking. Way. "Um, Mr. Michaelis?"

"Mr. Phantomhive?" Sebastian teased, looking at him as they stopped for traffic. "What's up?"

"You're probably going to think I'm crazy after we spent so much time in the car trying to get to NYU, but, I don't know if I want to go to school today. I think a day off would be great."

Sebastian lifted an eyebrow as he looked at Ciel suspiciously. "You don't exactly seem like the type to skip class. Excuse me for making judgments on your behalf, but…"

"I don't usually," Ciel said. "I know finals are coming up soon and all, but I'm going to ace them anyway. I'd just rather relax. I've made every other class all semester long and a day wouldn't hurt me. This morning was crazy… you know?"

Sebastian glanced over at him before looking back at the road. "So where would you like to go? We can go to a bookstore if you'd like. I'll show you that book I was talking about. You'd love it."

Sebastian pulled over in front of a diner and looked at Ciel. "We can go to the one by Union Square. It's my favorite. There are also some smaller bookstores in Brooklyn that I'm crazy about—"

"You don't have to feel obligated to take me anywhere, Sebastian." Ciel fixed his bowtie out of his nervousness, needing something to do with his hands. "I um… it's your day off. I don't want to impose or make you take me anywhere—"

"You don't want to hang out with me? Am I too old?" Sebastian was teasing but Ciel wasn't so sure. "Are you gonna go meet up with Alois or something? I can take the heart break."

Ciel rolled his eyes and looked at his boss. "I doubt I'd ditch you to go hang out with Alois. He'd probably just talk about this double date for the whole entire time and I am not looking forward to it. It's a blind date on my half."

Sebastian looked at Ciel for a moment before replying. "A blind date? … That sounds like fun."

"Ha. If you say so."

His boss licked his dry lips. "Well I met Hannah like that, believe it or not. A mutual friend invited each of us to this party on campus and promised we'd love each other. At first, we didn't get along at all but look at us now. A blind date got us Sieglinde."

Ciel smiled at that. Maybe all blind dates weren't from hell, but that didn't change the fact that he wasn't looking forward to Friday. "I suppose that's true. What if I don't really care about the whole dating thing? At least not now. One day, no doubt about it. And I don't know; things were probably different for you two. You're both successful and you're both attractive people. That's a no brainer. "

Sebastian was quiet at first, only shrugging in response. He thought about it and turned to Ciel. "About the dating thing…about what you said, that's fair. I don't think you'll have a lot of fun if you feel pressured to go. But at the same time, you won't know for sure until after your date, right? It could be the opposite of what you expected it to be."

Ciel shrugged. "That's what Alois says but I'm pretty sure. I don't know though. You both could be right."

They fell quiet again and Sebastian continued when he'd formulated a coherent thought. "When I met Hannah, we weren't all that successful by the way. We were still in college—our junior years at that. I wasn't even sure of what I wanted to do… well that's not entirely true." Sebastian ran his fingers along the leather steering wheel and Ciel watched the action, not wanting to look at the man's face. "I knew what I wanted to do but my mother and father would never be on board with it. I respected the fact that they were paying for my education. That's where law school came in. But, back to the story… we were young and she was a good girl with a good head on her shoulders. We began dating. It was cool. After a few months, we'd broken up, gotten back together, and broke up again. She thought I wasn't ready for commitment and I doubted that I was, too. Well not with Hannah because… we had our differences. I didn't know if I liked the person I was when I was with her, but eventually we worked through all of it and focused on each other."

Ciel smiled, albeit sadly. "People can change for the ones they love."

Sebastian nodded. "I wouldn't say I did a whole 180 but I did grow up. I think I had to, though. We didn't plan on getting pregnant with Sieglinde in our senior year at Princeton but we did, and I did what I thought was best for the both of us and proposed."

The radio continued to play at a low volume. Ciel frowned at that. It sounded like the only reason Sebastian and Hannah were together was because of their little girl, and while it was probably for the best, he didn't know if settling was what either Sebastian or Hannah wanted. He'd probably do the same if he had a little girl or boy as well. Growing up with your parents separated must be hard and he'd hate to put his kid through that. The Michaelis' must have felt the same way.

"So you two worked through it for Sieglinde, but are you happy?"

Sebastian turned to look at Ciel and was surprised when he locked eyes with the blue ones hiding behind the large framed glasses. It was odd having Ciel not turn away or blush, but this was a nice difference. Ciel's eyes were beautiful. What did he ask again?

Oh yeah.

"Well…" Sebastian began. "I'm happy that I have Sieglinde. I love my daughter and I do love my wife. Things aren'tgreatbetween us. They probably aren't even good between us but what marriage is perfect? We're 29 and have been married for six years. You'd think I'd have an understanding of some things but it's still like I'm new at this."

Ciel nodded.

"We could do better in our communication and I know we're busy and all but, I would love it if there was more of an effort put forth. A majority of the time I feel like I'm in a relationship by myself, or that I'm pulling all of the weight. I feel like whenever we organize a date night, something comes up. Something work related. Except for last month, but the date was like… soforced that it was almost painful. I think that Sieglinde notices these things too and it's the last thing I'd want."

Ciel gave him a sad smile. "She's too smart for her own good. I'm pretty sure she gets that from the both of you."

Sebastian laughed and looked away, back down at the steering wheel. "The girl is brilliant. And I'm sorry for dumping all of this on you. I feel like I deterred you from blind dates instead of encouraging you to go on one."

Ciel smiled, looking down at his hands. "Don't worry about it. No relationship is perfect but I have faith you both will pull through."

Sebastian stared out the window.

"I promised my friend I'd go anyway. He even bought me new outfits and everything. I have to admit though, I feel like changing anything about myself to impress someone is a cop out. Alois thinks it's just trying something new but…" Ciel shrugged. "Honestly, I feel like he wants to create a new Ciel just so that I'll have a boyfriend but everything will be based on a lie."

Sebastian looked over at Ciel. "You're amazing the way you are."

He blushed, shrugging again. "I'm glad you think so. But I'm not exactly boyfriend material. There's a competitive market here in NYC."

"I suppose," Sebastian said with a smile. "But my thing is, you can change your outfit and still stay true to yourself. Just be honest and be Ciel Phantomhive; same interests and dislikes and things that make you you. If you do that, I doubt this date of yours will give a damn about the clothes. Hell, maybe he'll even try getting you out of them—"

"Oh. My. God." Ciel covered his face with both hands and laughed; his boss chuckling at his reaction.

"I mean, once that happens, trust mehe'll like what he sees."

Ciel laughed again, reaching forward to turn on the AC. "It's a bit hot."

"Your cheeks are so red," Sebastian said with a laugh. "Ok. I'll stop teasing. But ultimately Ciel, it's up to you. So…" Sebastian turned forward in his seat and bit on his bottom lip as he checked his phone. "Where should I take you? It's almost noon."

Ciel checked the time and sighed. "Yeah, no sense in going to classes. We can hang around until it's time to get Sieglinde, I guess. She and I made plans to do a fashion show and a runway type of thing in the living room tonight. She wants to see all of my new outfits and help me pick one for Friday."

Sebastian internally cheered at the 'we' part of Ciel's sentence. "That sounds great. I'm going to be a judge as well. No work for me tonight. But first, she and I will take you to the cafe we always go to!" Sebastian began to pull the car out of their spot. "So, are we off to the bookstore or back to home?"

Ciel smiled. Mr. Michaelis was honestly adorable. "Books first, home second."

"Sounds like a plan," Sebastian said with a smile.

Ciel looked at his phone, typing a text.

To Alois:

I'll see you tomorrow.

The day went by much too quickly in Ciel's opinion. He and Sebastian spent a couple hours, if not a little more, in the bookstore at Union Square. They read Zero at the Bone in its entirety in the corner of the enormous book store, sitting on the carpeted floor with their sides pressed together. It probably would've been easier to buy the book and take it back to the condo but there was something about lounging in the bookstore and taking turns reading that both men found… more appealing. For Ciel, it may've been that his boss didn't see him strolling through the bookstore partially nude, but that was neither nor there.

After they finished, Sebastian made no effort to get up. They sat there and talked about how amazing the story was for a while before Ciel stood up and started browsing the aisle again. Sebastian watched him pick out a couple books before he stood as well, taking them from Ciel's hands when they got to the registrar and paying despite the teen's many protests.

They got takeout on the way back to the condo and ate once they arrived, mostly in silence. Being back in the condo reminded them of that morning, and Ciel felt his cheeks turning pink every time he looked in the direction of the hallway. He felt that Sebastian must've sensed it because of the man's smirk when they caught eyes, but eventually Sebastian would look back down at his food and pretend that he was clueless to the things going on in Ciel's head.

After disappearing into their separate rooms for a while, Ciel came out first and ended up in the living room. He watched something on Sci-Fi before that bored him, and then he turned on Netflix. When Sebastian came out, he was dressed in a dark track suit with a t-shirt underneath. Ciel smiled at his boss as Sebastian took a seat next to him and looked up at the screen.

"So how much time is there before Sieglinde is out from school? I would love to take a quick nap before then."

Sebastian stretched out a bit; his black-socked feet up on the coffee table. "There's about an hour and a half. I'll pick her up today though, so you can nap away if you'd like."

Ciel considered it as he looked up at the movie playing. "I guess I will. She'll be so excited to see you, you know."

Sebastian smiled. "You can relax. I want to spend some more time with her so I'll help with homework and getting her ready for bed tonight and all." Sebastian turned to look at the nanny who had his head propped on one of the sofa pillows; body folded into the side of the beige couch. "You're going to need all of your energy for the fashion show tonight."

Ciel smiled, rubbing at his temple above his glasses. "I'm nervous about that. What if Sieglinde thinks I look ridiculous in the new clothes? I already know I'm going to look stupid."

"You'll look great," Sebastian told him. "I'm certain the guy will like you regardless of what you're wearing, Ciel. That is if he has any good sense. And if he doesn't have any good sense then you shouldn't waste your time on him. "

Ciel played with the ends of the pillow as he listened. "You know he's British like us? He could probably get a ton of cute guys on his accent alone. People are into that. I wish my accent didn't fade over time. "

Sebastian stared at the television as he took in that statement. "Are you into British guys?"

Ciel blushed, not believing they were about to partake in this conversation. "I don't know if I have a type, per se, but if I did it would definitely be an intelligent, independent thinker—maybe someone who is passionate in what his interests are and doesn't care what other people have to say about him because of what he likes. It doesn't necessarily matter where he's from or how he speaks."

Sebastian listened to him and nodded, turning to face the teen with a small smile. "It sounds like you have a type, but that's a great answer. That says a lot about you. What are you interested in or passionate about?"

Ciel bit his lip and stared up at the high ceiling as he thought. "I'm definitely passionate about writing and reading. I also draw but not as often as I'd like."

Sebastian hummed. "What do you write?"

"Mostly short stories for fun, but I really want to go into journalism more than anything. I used to write for my high school paper. I basically wrote the high school paper," he said with a smile that looked to be a bit forced. "I was teased but I didn't care too much. That was one thing I actually loved being a part of, and in high school, there wasn't a lot that made me happy. I think that if I met someone who was the same way, I'd be attracted to that."

Sebastian laid down now. His head was by Ciel's chest and his feet were propped on the arm of the couch. Ciel moved aside a bit so that they could both be comfortable, but he couldn't deny how tense he felt being this close to his boss. No matter how much he wanted to forget what happened that morning, he knew for sure that the embarrassment he felt would be etched into his memory forever, along with the image of his boss standing there looking as sexyas he did. Sebastian spoke and distracted him from his thoughts.

"I admire you for that, honestly. I kind of did the opposite of what you did, and I let people tell me that my passions weren't worth a damn and that I should make a life for myself doing something that would keep me and my family well off… financially and socially."

Ciel looked down at him. Sebastian was still looking at the ceiling, but he could tell the man had a lot on his mind by the look on his face alone. And wow, he was gorgeous. Focus. "What is that you were passionate about?" Ciel asked instead.

"Not were," Sebastian said. "I still am passionate about it. Music is everything to me. But, my parents thought that I'd be wasting my time pursuing that and I listened."

Ciel was quiet.

"It's mainly because they were the ones paying for my schooling. But also because I really respect my mother and father and going against their wishes… I just wouldn't do it." Sebastian realized after a while that Ciel really wasn't saying anything. Ciel rarely spoke but, he knew why he was quiet this time. It had less to be about him being shy and more about him being disappointed. "I guess that means you wouldn't be interested in me, huh?"

Ciel smiled, placing a hand on Sebastian's shoulder without thinking twice about it. "I heard you singing in the car and you're incredible."

Sebastian moved closer into the teen, his eyes still focused on the ceiling. "Thank you."

"And I can understand your situation. But the thing is, you're almost 30 right? What's stopping you from doing what you want to now?"

Sebastian shrugged, sighing a bit. "I do have a family and that's my priority."

"You can't convince me that Sieglinde wouldn't support you 110 percent."

"But my wife?" Sebastian said with a laugh, rolling onto his stomach to look at Ciel. Ciel blushed at their closeness and fidgeted with glasses. "Sieglinde isn't my question."

"Well Hannah is your wife. Why wouldn't she want you to do something you enjoy?"

"Maybe she thinks it's a waste of time as well," Sebastian said. "And now that I say that out loud, I really do hope that you find someone who is not only passionate about their interests, but loves that you're passionate about yours as well."

Ciel nodded. They looked away from one another; Sebastian down at his nails before he started to bite on a few of them. "You won't know unless you try."

Sebastian nodded. "Yeah. Would you support me though?"

"Without a doubt. Well… if you're any good." He smiled and Sebastian chuckled. "Then definitely."

Sebastian moved his arm and each man adjusted themselves so that they were face to face. Ciel ignored the fact that he was this close to his boss because he and Sebastian were just friends. He liked this. Sebastian was easy to talk to and Ciel never considered himself someone that liked to engage in conversation. Maybe it was because Sebastian was an older guy, and because he was really smart. Maybe it was because he was incredibly hot. Ciel didn't care the reason why, he just liked having someone he felt comfortable around who didn't judge him for being a nerdy kid or attracted to boys only. As he thought about all of this, he realized that Sebastian's hand was on his bicep; the man's thumb rubbing over his smooth, pale skin.

"Remind me to send a thank you card to Best Care Agency for placing you with us."

Ciel was silent at first. He looked at Sebastian and as the man gazed back at him through those long, dark lashes, Ciel fought his hardest not to blush. He didn't want to scare his boss away and make him think that he had a crush on him. Who knew what making Sebastian uncomfortable would do? He'd probably lose a good job over a silly crush and that was really, really stupid. "W-Why would you do that?"

Sebastian looked down at his fingers on Ciel's arm and answered. "I mean, why wouldn't I? You're an awesome caregiver. My daughter adores you. And out of all of this, I got a pretty good friend, at least I think."

Ciel smiled after a moment. "I think so too."

"It's like, not only are you important to this family for everything you do—despite not entirely wanting to be hired in the position they sent you here for—you are important to me as well. It's been a while since I had someone I could just chat with like this." The look on Sebastian's face was so sincere and Ciel was happy that he could be the one that Sebastian opened up to. "It's not that I have nofriends," he said with a laugh. "But you listen to me and I can be honest with you and you always have something clever to say in return. The agency could've sent us a seventy year old woman who barely understands English unless it's to ask for her paycheck. They've done that once."

Ciel couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. Instead of asking what he really wanted to ask about whether or not it was easy to talk to Hannah, he opted on something else. "That must've been fun. No wonder you guys warmed up to me so quickly."

Mr. Michaelis looked at Ciel smiling and did the same. "I think we warmed up to you because you're amazing."

Ciel blushed and looked down at Sebastian's hand on his arm. "And you're not just saying that because you saw me mostly naked this morning?"

Sebastian burst out laughing and Ciel joined in after a moment, smiling at how comfortable the two of them were. He was definitely grateful that the whole 'look back at it and laugh' mentality had been applied here. "Well, maybe it has something to do with it…"

Ciel dragged a hand down his face as he laughed. "You're too much."

Sebastian licked his lips. "I just think—" His phone started to ring and Sebastian sat up as he reached for it. Ciel watched him, and for some reason now more than ever before, the man's silver wedding band stood out. It was on the hand that had been touching Ciel's bicep but he paid it no attention. After Sebastian answered the phone, it was even more of a reminder of why his dumb crush was the worst thing ever…

"Hey honey."

Hannah Michaelis was a person that was real and who was married to Sebastian Michaelis. The smart, handsome, straight Sebastian Michaelis. The Sebastian Michaelis who was on the phone with Hannah Michaelis right now.

Ciel fixed his blue v-neck as he sat up on the couch, not wanting to listen to the conversation. No matter how much he said for himself not to see Sebastian as anything other than what he was—his boss—Ciel found himself maybe a little bitattracted to Sebastian and how he treated him as a person. It was really, really bad.

"Ok. Well, just let me know when you're boarding your flight. I'll have a driver at the airport for you." Sebastian rubbed at his temple and then scratched his jaw, mumbling his next sentence. "Nothing much. Just hanging out."

Ciel stood up and stretched, and when Sebastian looked up at him he gestured to his bedroom, trying to imply that he'd go take a nap in there. Sebastian shook his head no as he listened to whatever his wife was saying on the phone, so Ciel stayed there; standing frozen in his spot. "Alright. Well if anything changes just give me a call. Yeah. Bye, Hannah."

He hung up the phone and Sebastian took Ciel's hand, pulling him back down to the sofa. "Don't go."

Ciel smiled as he plopped down on the couch. "Is everything ok?"

"She just finished her meeting in Boston but her flight isn't for another few hours for whatever reason so. Yeah. But she's fine," Sebastian told him, yawning a bit afterwards. "You're stuck with me and Sieglinde. Sorry."

"That sounds terrible. Well, the you part."

Sebastian smirked and nudged the teen. "You don't mean that. You always fix your glasses when you're lying."

Ciel laughed as he moved his hands away from the glasses on his face. "That is not true at all. I'm an honest person—stop that," Ciel said with a laugh, trying to bat Sebastian's hands away. "Mr. Michaelis—"

"I want to see them." Sebastian took Ciel's glasses and smiled as the teen covered his face with both hands. "How bad is your eyesight?"

Ciel kept his hands over his face for a while before lowering them. "Terrible. Those are heavily prescribed so you shouldn't put them on."

Of course, Sebastian put them on. "Jesus."

"I told you," Ciel said, rubbing at his eyes before kicking his feet up on the coffee table. "Seriously, you're going to ruin up your eyes. Don't wear them."

Sebastian took them off and blinked a few times before facing the teen. "Have you ever worn contact lenses?"

"I actually have contact lenses. I've just grown very fond of the glasses."

The man smiled. "They are part of you, for sure. But I can see your eyes a lot better without them on."

Ciel raised an eyebrow as he felt his cheeks tint pink. "A-Are you insinuating that looking into your nanny's eyes is something you do often?"

Sebastian smirked at the teasing nature of the question. "I'm not insinuating anything at all. Just making an observation is all."

"Uh huh," Ciel said with a smile. "You're also distracting me from my nap."

"Well, my bad." Sebastian stood up and stretched. "I'm going to go run and do some errands or two before getting Princess. You better get some rest."

Ciel looked up at him and nodded. "Promise I will. Bye, Mr. Michaelis."

"Bye, Mr. Phantomhive."

After putting on shoes, getting his keys and wallet, and throwing on a light jacket, Sebastian had exited the apartment while humming something unfamiliar. Ciel stared at the TV screen for a while after he was gone, trying his best not to think about how incredible the time they'd spent together that day made him feel. They still had the rest of the afternoon and evening to go since Mrs. Michaelis would be getting back to New York late, but with Sieglinde being there, hopefully Ciel would have less time to wonder if Sebastian was being flirty with him and less time to crush on his boss. If Sebastian was being flirty purposely, that wasn't nice of him. Ciel took a deep breath and closed his eyes, forcing himself to think of anything else. Maybe when he woke up, he'd message people in his classes, or email his professors to find out if there were any homework assignments.

Sieglinde really was excited when her father showed up at dismissal to take her home that afternoon. It was a while since he'd gotten her from school. Sebastian decided that they would walk home together instead of drive, and on the entire way there, they chatted about different things that happened during the day.

Sebastian didn't tell Sieglinde about his day. She'd be jealous that he got to spend time with Ciel for sure and would probably never be quiet about it. Instead, he allowed his beautiful little girl to go on about her school day and all that she learned.

Her only homework was math, so it wasn't too much of a task for them to tackle. After they stopped for ice cream and arrived back home, they settled in at the dining room table and got started. Ciel was fast asleep but in his bedroom, though that was fine because Sebastian didn't want his very loud and eager daughter to wake him.

"Are you sure that 5+8 is 13? I got 743."

Sieglinde laughed at her father. "I am positive 5 plus 8 is 13, dad."

Sebastian sighed. "I don't know."

"What time is mommy's plane?"

"I'm not too sure. I asked her to call me when she was boarding." The man pulled out his cell phone and looked down at it. "Do you want to call her and say hey? Make sure she's doing super?"

Sieglinde nodded after writing down the last answer on her worksheet. After her father dialed the number, she went over to him and jumped in his lap. It rang a couple times as Sebastian went over the homework to make sure Sieglinde did everything correctly. When he signed his name to say that he'd helped her with it, he heard his wife answer even though the phone was pressed against the girl's ear.

"I told you that I'd call before I got on, Sebastian. You calling me isn't going to rush the process."

"Mom?"

"Sweetie? Oh, hi baby. Sorry. Hi, how are you?"

Sebastian shook his head as he listened to the conversation. Her attitude was so uncalled for.

"I'm good mommy. Daddy let me call you because I know you will be home late. I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you."

"I miss you too, baby. Was school good today? Are you finished with your homework?"

Sieglinde nodded. "School was fun and I'm all done with homework. I'm waiting for Ciel to wake up so that we can hang out. Daddy surprised me at school this afternoon."

There wasn't a response.

"Hello? Mom?"

"Sweetie, put your father on the phone."

"Ok. Love you."

"Love you too, baby."

Sieglinde handed the phone back to her father. "Mommy wants to speak to you."

Sebastian kissed her cheek and said thank you before holding the phone to his ear. He watched her hop down and run towards the bedrooms, knowing that she'd probably go and bother Ciel now that her dad was distracted. "Hello."

"Ciel's asleep and you're doing the job we pay him good money for? I understand it's your day off but that doesn't mean he doesn't have to do anything, Sebastian. It's after 4 in the afternoon. He's still on duty—"

"I'm not paying Ciel to be a father to my daughter, Hannah. If I want to give him time to relax while I spend time with my little girl who I barely get to spend time with, then that's my decision, not yours."

His wife chuckled. "He behaves totally differently when I'm there. Ciel knows that I expect him to be a nanny during the week. Just because we moved him in doesn't mean that he gets to freeload and do nothing."

Sebastian shook his head. "I'm not having this ridiculous conversation with you. Goodbye."

"Sebastian."

"Bye, Hannah." Sebastian hung up the phone and stood up. He looked around the rooms and shook his head seriously not believing the conversation he just took part in. Was Sebastian not supposed to spend any quality time raising their daughter just because they hired someone to help out? What the hell?

"He's awake!" Sieglinde said, running out of the back of the home. Sebastian smiled as Ciel slowly strolled in behind her, rubbing at his eyes. He was clearly startled out of his sleep.

"Yeah 'm up," the teen said, easing his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. "What did I miss?"

Sebastian looked at Sieglinde, not at all fooled by her innocent smile. "Did you wake up Ciel?"

Sieglinde ignored the question. "Let's go to the cafe so that we can come back in time for the fashion show!"

Ciel smiled at her enthusiasm even though he didn't feel any of it. He looked at Sebastian and saw the man smiling at him. "She really is a mini-you, you know that?"

"Yup," Sebastian told him. "Now go get ready.

Ciel was shunned the entire way home because he didn't think the cafe was all that good. It was okay. Ciel happened to be fonder of Starbucks, which Sebastian happened to dislike. Ciel didn't think their pastries were all that great either. There was a good twenty minute period where neither Sebastian nor Sieglinde would talk to him, despite his trying to start conversations. He broke Sebastian first by saying "I think I'll get in the shower when we get back," which made the man laugh and eventually whisper "screw you."

Sieglinde had to talk to her Nanny eventually because the whole silent treatment thing was torture. And it wasn't only because she was a motor mouth, but it was because she always had something fun to talk about with Ciel. It was like he knew everything. She really liked it when her dad was hanging out with them too, because her father and Ciel together were so much fun.

When they got back to the condo and Ciel reluctantly dragged himself to his room to prepare for this 'fashion show', Sebastian received a call from his wife. He sighed as he answered it, not wanting to argue.

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm boarding. This flight lands at LaGuardia so please have a driver there in an hour and a half."

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair as Sieglinde brought snacks over to the coffee table, almost dropping a bowl of chips. "Will do. What gate?"

"Terminal C."

"Alright."

She hung up and Sebastian didn't think much of it. They both had their moods from time to time.

But are you happy?

Sebastian could hear Ciel's voice clear as day as he remembered the question the boy asked him earlier that day in the car. He walked over to the couch and sat down next to his little girl.

"Are you guys ready?" Ciel called out from deep in the hallway.

Sieglinde turned around with a smile. "Yes! We were born ready, Ciel Phantomhive!"

"No peeking," Ciel said. He couldn't believe he was doing this. Why did these jeans need to be so tight, Alois? "And definitely no laughing."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, but smiled after he finished chewing. "Hurry it up back there."

"Fine," Ciel mumbled. He walked out slowly, not even pretending to be a model on a runway like Sebastian and Sieglinde told him to do while they were enjoying their mediocre pastries and coffees earlier. Modeling required confidence and Ciel didn't exactly feel confident in the things he had on. The outfit was for guys who could pull this off. Ciel didn't think that he could.

Of course, Sieglinde was peeking as he walked from out of the back, smiling widely when she saw him. Ciel still saw the back of his boss's head, so that meant that he wasn't going to sneak a look. "Sieglinde…"

"You look great! Come on, walk!"

Ciel laughed and his cheeks went red, he just knew it. He walked the path to the living room and knowing he was already making a fool of himself, he decided to play with it. He stopped in the center of the room when Sebastian's eyes found his body and put both hands in his pockets (as best he could) leaning to his right side and posing like a high fashion runway model. Sieglinde clapped loudly and tried her hardest to whistle. She made a loud squealing noise instead, but Ciel got the point.

Sebastian had yet to move though. Well, anything other than his eyes had yet to move. Ciel didn't notice just how long they stayed glued to his navy blue skinny jeans—the jeans that were glued to Ciel's long legs and hips. He did notice how Sebastian licked his lips when he glanced up at the low-cut V neck shirt (which was much lower than his normal v-necks) and how much of his chest and neck were exposed because of it. Sieglinde jumped on her dad's lap and asked what he thought about it, and that seemed to knock the man out of his trance. Ciel watched his darkened scarlet eyes brighten up a bit as he smiled at his little girl.

"Well, um it's definitely different." Sebastian looked away from Sieglinde and at Ciel. "I mean, it's a good different though. How do you feel about it?"

Better now that I just caught you ogling me. "I'm not sure. I think maybe if I wear this cardigan I bought with it. But, everything is a little tighter than I am accustomed to."

"Tight is fine," Sieglinde told him, waving her hand. "It's in now. You look fab."

Sebastian looked at her and shook his head before facing Ciel again. "Her mother is in the fashion industry."

Ciel laughed.

"I think," Sebastian licked his lips and Ciel swore that the man's ears were turning a little red. "Maybe you should go try on another and let us compare."

Ciel smiled at him as he fixed his glasses. "Sounds like a plan."

He walked off slowly, knowing that he'd be watched. He didn't know how or why, but he just knew Sebastian would glance over his shoulder.

A little harmless fun, right? It wasn't like anything would come of it.

Ciel tried on his next outfit and did the skinny tie around his neck. He checked himself in the mirror and approved. This ensemble was a bit closer to what the stylish guys on campus wore—the ones everyone thought were cool. The teen decided that after he coiffed his hair a bit, he'd switch to his contacts. That would be a total makeover and he didn't know how he'd feel if they approved too much but, this was supposed to be him doing things differently. What the hell, right?

Ciel heard music playing when he walked out of his bedroom and he laughed when the lyrics registered. Fancy by Iggy Azalea played. Sieglinde was distracted by a tickle fight with her father when Ciel entered the living room, swaying over to the spot he occupied previously. Even if he looked like an idiot, he was having fun with it, and at the end of the day, that was what mattered.

"Ahem," Ciel bowed when he had their attention and did a little twirl. Sieglinde smiled when she looked up and hopped up on the couch, pushing her father aside.

"That's hot stuff! And wow, you're even more of a hunk without the spectacles!"

Ciel smiled and placed his hands in his pockets. That girl was going to be a huge flirt when she knew what she was capable of. She'd pretty much own all the boys.

Sebastian had a small smirk on his lips as his eyes moved up and down Ciel's body. "Those jeans are tighter than the last pair. I didn't think that was possible. But I love the color red. You look incredible."

"Agreed," Sieglinde said with a nod of finality. "Really, really incredible!"

"Thank you both."

Sebastian smiled at him; their eyes locked on one another's as the man licked his lips. "And like I said earlier, being able to see your eyes is definitely a good thing in my book. But, I am also a fan of the glasses."

Ciel nodded. "I'll c-consider that."

Sebastian nodded back. "Are there any others?" His eyes had roamed back down to Ciel's thighs but only for a moment. He was then feigning indifference, glancing over at the TV.

Ciel nodded. "Just one more outfit but I think I'm going to go with this one. I am a fan of skinny ties, and this being a button-up shirt even though it's all white, it feels like home."

Sebastian smiled at that. "Yeah, that one looks really good. But I think it may be a tie with the first one."

"We need to see the last one to be sure," Sieglinde added, rubbing her chin. Ciel smiled at her.

"I can't tell you no, Sieglinde. I'll be right back then."

Sebastian was looking at the TV again as Sieglinde said ok, and Ciel jogged back to the room. He heard the 6 year old attempting to sing along with the rap lyrics and not doing so well, making him let out a small giggle.

Sieglinde decided that she'd take a bathroom break a few minutes after Ciel had left. Sebastian nodded and told her to hurry up as he took a drink of her apple juice. He nodded his head to the song playing and stared at the TV, waiting for the final outfit.

Fucking hell.

Ciel looked… shit. He looked incredibly fuckable in both of the outfits he came out in. Like, seriously. And Sebastian was totally in a committed relationship with his beautiful wife but, like, shit. Ciel… he was a very attractive young man. There was nothing wrong with admitting that. It wasn't like Sebastian didn't find guys handsome before. He just didn't automatically think 'let me take your virginity right here on my living room floor' when he saw a handsome guy. Like, seriously.

Ciel strolled into the living room and looked around for Sieglinde, adjusting the sleeves of the fitted black shirt he wore. His abdomen muscles were clearly visible. It was great. Sebastian smiled when he saw Ciel had hooked suspenders onto his pants and let them hang down by his sides. The pants he wore were white and tucked into shin-length Doc Marten boots. "She had to run to the bathroom… damn."

Ciel froze where he was in the center of the room and looked at his boss. He blushed, and then smiled. "Damn? Is everything ok, Mr. Michaelis?"

Sebastian licked his lips and looked away, nodding. Mr. Michaelis. Ciel would be the death of him. "Everything is fantastic. Do you want to place bets that Alois will change his mind about this blind date if he ever sees you in those?"

Ciel walked closer to Sebastian and watched the man's eyes focus on his bottom half. He slowly turned around and smiled at Sebastian nodding his head. "So you like this one too?"

After a deep breath came his answer. "It's… yeah. I like, I like it. They're all great. Yeah."

Ciel licked his lips and blushed, looking away. He didn't think he could go through with… whatever this was. This could only end badly, this crush. And his boss's flirting was going to make things even worse.

"I'll consider it, then."

Sebastian looked at the teen's face and saw it change. He cleared his throat and sat up straighter, hoping that the half hardness he felt right now wasn't visible. "Are you ok?"

Ciel still didn't give him any eye contact. "Sorry, yeah, I'm fine."

"I hope you don't think I think that your style is bad because I love it, it's you. But this… I guess you can wear anything well is what I'm saying. Yes."

Ciel nodded and glanced at him for only a moment. "Thank you but I'm not thinking that at all. I'm fine."

Sebastian nodded at him.

"Wow," Sieglinde clapped slowly as she walked over. "I think the suspenders are a nice touch, and those boots. Very nice, very nice."

Ciel smiled when he saw her and did another twirl. "So yes? Is there a clear winner?"

"I think the one with the tie." Sieglinde thought, and then sat down next to her father and looked at him. "Maybe add the suspenders to that one?"

Sebastian smiled at her and nodded. "Maybe."

Ciel smiled at the both of them. "Well, I have a good four days to worry about all of that. I'm going to get in my pajamas. Thanks for all your help."

"Glad we could help," Sebastian told him. He took another look at Ciel and smiled as the teen hurried away. It was a few minutes of Sieglinde going on about how perfect Ciel was going to look for his date while she ate her snacks before Sebastian finally told her it was bath time.

Ciel didn't really come out of his room much after that.

At 10 o'clock that evening, Hannah walked into the condo. Sebastian was at the table reading over some emails he neglected that day. He looked up at his wife as she pulled off her coat and hung it up. To be honest, Sebastian wasn't expecting her to say much being that they were having their little ridiculous argument, but she smiled when she saw him and walked over; her short black skirt tight around her thighs and more cleavage than necessary showing through her red top. For some reason, he wasn't finding this appealing in the slightest.

"Hello, handsome."

Sebastian looked back to his laptop screen before facing his wife again. "Hannah. How were the meetings—" she sat in his lap and smiled at the shock on her husband's face.

"I'm sorry for being a shitty wife today. I was stressed out. Can I make it up to you?"

Sebastian looked at her to see if she was being serious. Or maybe she wanted something. "If you really mean it, yeah."

"I mean it." She kissed his lips and stood up. "I'll go run the jacuzzi. Meet me in 10?"

Sebastian nodded as the woman walked away. He took a deep breath once he heard a door close and dragged a hand down his face.

But are you happy?

A/N: Fuck I hate Hannah, but she is necessary, sadly.

Anyways, reviews are appreciated.