Chapter 10: Carmine
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Disclaimer: Kuroshitsuji is not mine and will never be mine. GET IT INTO YOUR HEADS!
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*Editted MA portion out in response to massive purge of fics in June 2012. Please go to my profile if you're looking for the missing part!*
"What are you thinking?" Sebastian murmured into the shell of Ciel's ear while enjoying the sensation of Ciel's weight fully pressed on top of his chest. Despite the heady scent of their sex lingering in the air, he could still perceive the incubus' sweet scent that was no doubt meant for attracting the prey of an incubus. It was a kind of bewitchment, something that Sebastian didn't think he would ever willingly put himself under. But still, his little pet was too tempting to ignore.
Ciel groaned in response, batting Sebastian's wandering hands away. As much as he loved sex, he felt rather full at the moment. "Certainly not what you're thinking." Ciel grumbled as he crawled towards the empty side of the bed. Although the incubi's energy came from sex, sleep is necessary for them to feel the full effects of new energy. Furthermore, having just experienced a growth spurt and the shedding of his horns, his body needed to adjust to the myriad of changes that are currently happening within.
Sebastian chuckled as he finally relinquished his hold on Ciel for the night. His eyes were drawn towards the letter that lay on the table. Although he didn't really understand the close relationships the royal incubi family had with each other, he knew Ciel would be….pleased at hearing this new piece of news.
"I noticed a lack of formal… apparels in your closet. Do you not attend….festivities?" Sebastian asked as he draped himself over the incubi. Ciel didn't seem to respond to this intrusive move but Sebastian smirked when he felt a tail curling around his ankle. Well, Ciel didn't seem to like it…but he certainly doesn't hate it.
"Why does it matter to you? Besides, I'm bigger now…none of my old clothes will fit me." Ciel huffed, adamant on ignoring his master who seemed hell bent on making sure that he had properly worshipped every part of his newly developed body.
"It matters if I'm going to bring you to meet the king."
At this, Ciel's head shot up and turned his head over his shoulder, eyeing Sebastian who knew he had finally caught his pet's attention.
"The king? Why would he-" Ciel had began.
"Don't flatter yourself." At this, the pet frowned and turned his head away from Sebastian. The archduke chuckled. "He is hosting an annual gathering to gather demons of….prominent status. It's one of those parties that are used to maintain connections or make new ones."
Ciel rolled his eyes. In other words, it is for the king to check on his underlings. He had never met the king before and was without doubt, curious of his identity. But he wouldn't go to a party just so that he could meet him. There was, after all, no need to "maintain connections" when he was a contracted incubus….as irritating as that was.
"I still don't see why I should go." Ciel mumbled under his breath. He would much rather stay in his fortress…and what? Read books?
"Your parents will be there."
Ciel blinked at this new relevation. Now that changed things. After a moment of silence, Sebastian finally heard the words that he had been waiting for.
"When is it?"
Sebastian chuckled as he bit onto the incubus' earlobe, enjoying the keening whine that tore out of his pet's throat.
"In two nights. Shall I call for the tailor?" Sebastian's reply came in the form of a kiss that instantly led to a fight of dominance. It was needless to say who the victor would be.
"I shall take that as a yes."
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"Navy blue? Really?" Ciel deadpanned as he stood on the stool, watching bored as his tailor, Nina Hopkins (a high-ranking poltergeist) pranced around him with measuring tapes.
"Well. It suits you, doesn't it?" Sebastian commented as he read a tome nearby with a pair of glasses perched on his nose.
"I had enough clothes of this color… Nina, can't I wear something different this time?" Ciel whined. Unexpectedly, the boy was quite particular about his fashion. Then again, an incubus must always take care of their appearances yes?
"But Ciel…it's your debut! Shouldn't you be wearing your royal colours?" Nina questioned as she noted the boy's new measurements. She couldn't believe how much the prince had grown the last time she had seen him. While she thought that Ciel looked more beautiful than ever, she mourned the loss of the prince old more boyish looks.
Ciel heaved a long sigh and gave a rather long explanation. "Nina, don't you know our traditions? When an incubus makes a contract with a demon, regardless of the incubus' bloodline, he or she has to take on the colours of the family that he or she belongs to." He threw a dark look at Sebastian who simply smiled at his irked pet.
Nina blinked at this new piece of information. "But something entirely red doesn't fit Ciel at all!" The incubus sighed. "It doesn't have to be completely red Nina." Sebastian raised a brow at this, stood up and crossed the room to a shelf that was filled with priceless gems. These were, of course, a portion of his enormous collection. When he found what he was looking for, he removed the item from its perch and presented it to a curious Nina.
"This should do."
Nina's squeal of joy intrigued Ciel who could only peer over the woman's shoulder while on the stool's perch. It was a multi-chained silver necklace. Each chain had different locking patterns ranging from small circle loops to square blocks. However, in the middle chain sat a solitary carmine-coloured gem cut in the shape of a drop. The gem reminded Ciel of the colour of dried blood- a most befittingly shade for a high ranking demon like Sebastian. Anyone with an eye for jewellery would agree that it was a beautiful trinket- for Ciel?
The incubus prince tore his gaze away from the necklace, seemingly disinterested. It fooled neither Sebastian nor Nina, who both saw Ciel's tail swaying in an almost pleased way.
Sebastian chuckled. "Problem solved."
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Malvado's neigh echoed through the dark sky as it galloped through the wasteland, its hooves thumping loudly against the dirt road. On its back, Ciel breathed in the cool air, enjoying the wind that whipped past his face. It was the first time he had travelled ever since he had made his contract with Sebastian- a refreshing change to his boring schedule of sex and more sex.
In the horizon, he spotted a towering castle that was at least twice the size of Sebastian's fortress and probably three times the size of Ciel's old home. Ciel had heard stories about this place but didn't expect the rumours to be true. A perpetual dark mist hung above the curtain wall and Ciel could spot one or two spirits slipping in and out of the cloudy darkness. The stone walls were made of what seemed to be granite-like material was impenetrable by magic. As they trio grew increasingly closer, the incubus could spot a moat that surrounded the perimeter of the castle. Instead of water, however, it was filled with lava that was kept liquid with hellfire at the bottom. But before Ciel could give the castle a closer inspection, Malvado sprinted through the open gate, heading straight for the main entrance.
From afar, the incubus prince spotted several carriages owned by demons that probably preferred to stay dirt-free, very much unlike his master. There were several poltergeists stationed at the entrance, welcoming the noble demons in a strangely orderly manner that seems to contradict with their nature. However, a key discerning eye could tell that there was a thin layer of tension that hung in the atmosphere. Of course, it was only because of the king's presence that prevented full out brawls.
As soon as the poltergeists spotted Malvado, one of them quickly hurried over to welcome Sebastian and Ciel. Ciel kept silent as he watched Sebastian hand over Malvado's reins to the poltergeist. He didn't know how he should feel about the special treatment that Sebastian seemed to be favoured with. On one hand, incubi always prefer contractors with higher power. On the other, anybody that's worthy of being the King's favourite is usually quite dangerous to be with. Despite their immortality, demons can kill other demons- and the King is always a prime target. Hence, by extension, his loyal servants would be targets as well. Contracted Incubi often go down with their masters. However Ciel wasn't scared…not in the least! Still, it reminded him that he had to be cautious about his demon master who obviously had secrets.
That night, along with the silver necklace that he had adorned, Ciel wore a glossy black two piece set that was made to match with the beautiful trinket. The collar of Ciel's top was cut in a way that outlines his necklace, leaving a small gap in between. Also, while one of his sleeves covered the entirety of his arm, the other was cut short at his shoulder, showing quite a fair bit of skin. The top was tight and it allowed his porcelain skin to be showed through the intricate patterns that were cut into the back. Minute silver beads rimmed the bottom edge of his top, obviously meant to match with the silver necklace. His bottom shorts were black as well- except it was made of a less glossy material. It was rather simple aside from the silver belt that was held up by a buckle that had Sebastian's symbol on it. To complete the ensemble, he had thigh high boots that had smaller carmine-jewels that drew patterns down the side of his boots. Ciel had chosen not to wear his anklet today. He was, after all, debuting as a contracted incubus and not as an incubus prince.
Sebastian, on the other hand, chose a maroon-coloured shirt that was covered by a black jacket with gold trimmings on the lapels. The stitched designs, this time, were circular and seemed to spiral in all sorts of directions. The jacket was held together by twin glossy black buttons. Also, as he had adorned white gloves today, Sebastian had worn his gold ring as a necklace instead. No one, of course, would know about this….aside from Ciel, probably. To complete the look, Sebastian had chosen simple black pants and a pair of formal shoes made for parties just like this.
Ciel was brought out his thoughts when he felt an arm wrapping around his bare waist. Snapping his head up, he scowled at Sebastian, obviously not appreciating the move. Sebastian on the other hand, simply chuckled. "Do you really want to make a scene? It would be odd if at least one of us doesn't hold onto the other." Ciel harrumphed. He didn't need to be told that. Begrudgingly, he allowed Sebastian to pull him into the bright hall- a huge contrast to the view of the castle from the outside. Ciel was finally going to meet the demon that held the most power in their realm. Was he scared? No. Nervous? Hell yes.
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A/N: Anybody still out there? Haha =_=. I have completely no excuses and will have to admit that I only have the muse and time during my school holidays to write anything at all. (Mostly because if I do write during school time, I'll feel guilty). I will try and update this and Sickly Sweet as much as I can during this 1 month break..and then it's semester two. In other news, I've learnt a bit of jap and I simply love it :D. Thanks for all the reviews! I read every single one of them..just so you guys know .. I'm a damn lazy ass when it comes to replying. X_x
Carmine: The colour of dried blood. Some Rubies are colored the color shown below as rich carmine. The deep red color shown below as carmine is the color of the raw unprocessed pigment , but lighter, richer, or brighter colors are produced when the raw pigment is processed, some of which are shown below. I use this colour because I see S and Cs' relationship going up another level and hence, a "darker" red. ^^