Well things are about to get even more interesting, Claude ends up lecturing the graphic designer on risks, Sebastian is openly flirting with Claude and finally Sebastian has read the file. Will the information shock him? What on earth will Sebastian show Alex that's filled with fire and passion?

I hope you enjoy, warning there is a rather intimate tango scene. Well I had to have Claude dance at some point; ballet is beautiful however tangoing with Sebastian is equally hot.

Enjoy ^^

~The Dark Ringmaster

P.S. I uploaded the wrong chapter at first. This is the correct one. You'll notice it flows better and the dialogue is better. Sorry about that when I went to check it I realized immediately what had occurred. 2 files the same name, similar content but one was better written. It won't happen again I promise.

I do not own Kuroshitsuji.

Chapter 4: Fire, Passion, & Secrets

Alex had spent an entire day at her desk thinking about what she was going to do. She had accepted Martinez challenge without hesitation and learned later why Sebastian seemed so upset about the unacceptable deadline. It wasn't only her health and the fact that he was asking for the draft to be done in three days time but another issues which she learned when she looked at other advertisements for his line. Each one was radically different and no two were the same, which meant she didn't have a base line for her work. "How am I supposed to design something that reflects fire and passion when all of his previous advertising are so in-cohesive?" she asked as she walked down the street. It was late, the sky went dark and the air held a chill. She continued walking across the bridge when she looked over and noticed how the water hit the Temes. She climbed up on the side to get a better look and noticed how the light seemed to dance. "He wouldn't even be interested in this," she muttered. She was regretting the entire situation and realized how foolish she had been. Sebastian was going to have her work with Martinez whether he liked it or not. However he also wasn't going to accept deadlines which were impossible. "Perhaps I should have allowed Sebastian to negotiate before jumping the gun," she said and sighed.

Claude ran out the door and was quick to call Sebastian; he needed to discuses this with him as soon as possible. "Come on Sebastian pick up," he muttered angrily as he slipped out the glass door. The phone continued to ring and he became even more impatient, Claude was aware that Sebastian was a busy man, however this wasn't something that could wait. He was about to hang up when Sebastian answered, "I'm in a meeting now," said Sebastian. Claude could tell he was preoccupied. "I'm coming home early tonight, we need to talk," said Claude, as he began to walk down the street toward his car. "Wait, I thought you were going to be out late. What happened?" asked Sebastian, papers rustled in the background and he heard a pair of voices in the background. "It's about," he started and stared in shock. "Claude?" asked Sebastian with concern. On the bridge he spotted Alex, she was leaning on the edge and looked as though she was about to jump. "What the hell are you doing?" shouted Claude as he ran across the street through the traffic. Sebastian shouted, "Claude what's going on?" Claude ignored him and responded, "I'll call you back." He hung up quickly and with out hesitation pulled her back. Alex screamed in shock as she tumbled backward and knocked into Claude. She looked up to find his golden orbs piercing through her. "What were you thinking!" shouted Claude as he grabbed her arm. Several people gathered around them and Alex pulled away, "It doesn't concern you," she retorted. Claude's eyes narrowed and he responded coldly, "Not my concern?" Alex felt a chill run down her spine, "You work for Sebastian. He would kill me if anything happened to you. Do you plan on jumping just because someone asked for something difficult?" he shouted. Alex was in shock, she honestly had no idea that he could get that emotional. In the hospital he seemed so level headed. She could tell he was becoming even more frustrated, which was a shock. "Sir is everything all right?" asked a policeman and Claude sighed. He slowly released her and responded, "She's my niece I though she was going to fall." The officer looked at Alex and then back to Claude, he didn't look convinced at all.

Alex nervously looked at Claude and said softly, "I'm sorry uncle, I won't do it again." The policeman looked at her and noticed how frightened she looked. The officer paused and said, "All right, just don't do it again and talk about this else where." Claude nodded and looked down at her, "We will and I apologize for disturbing the peace," said Claude before the officer dispersed the crowd. He looked even more irritated than before and whispered, "Come with me." Alex simply obeyed and fallowed him, there was no way she was going to challenge him. She noticed how unusual it felt to walk beside him, he was quiet and didn't seem interested in talking. "Um, I'm really sorry about before," she mumbled and looked at her hands. Claude simply continued to walk on, his poker face was in tact and she realized he wasn't about to show emotion around her again. "I wasn't thinking of jumping, I was just," she began and then realized that he probably had no interest in what she was saying. "Just what?" asked Claude while he looked down at her. He was calmer than before and she responded, "I was looking for inspiration, I have to hand in a draft in three days for a men's clothing advertisement." Claude paused and realized that he had misjudged the entire situation. "Inspiration?" he asked and his gaze softened a little. Something told him that she had been through a bit that day. He smirked and said, "I'm going to grab some coffee. Interested?" Alex smiled and nodded, Claude was pleased with her response and said, "All right then but I need to take care of something real quick." He pulled out his cell phone and opened the door to a café he knew, it was much more extravagant than the one she usually used but she simply couldn't refuse. It wasn't simply the fact that Claude had invited her but the smell which greeted her after he opened the door. It was a warm and delightful smell, which made her relax a little.

"I didn't mean to scare you," said Claude and Sebastian responded, "What happened?" Claude pushed his glasses further up his nose and responded, "I ran into Alex, I thought she was going to get hurt." There was a moment of silence and Claude could tell he was trying to collect his thoughts. "She's fine I misjudged the situation," said Claude. Sebastian sighed with relief and asked teasingly, "Why is it when ever she's around you she almost get's hurt?" Claude shook his head and responded, "I don't have a clue, listen I'm going to get coffee with her, after that I'll head home." He looked in the café and noticed that she was looking at a photograph on the wall. "I can meet you at the café if you like in half an hour," said Sebastian. Claude smiled and asked, "Are you sure? I would hate to interrupt your work." Sebastian seemed happy and chimed, "I'll be there, I've missed you since this morning." Claude smiled and replied, "I'm always missing you when we're apart." There was a soft chuckle on the other end and he could tell he had pleased him, "I'll see you soon," said Sebastian replied before hanging up. Claude smiled and entered the café. He noticed Alex was still looking at that picture, it was as though she were lost in thought.

"Inspired?" he asked and Alex jumped. He chucked and looked at her, "I'll have my regular," said Claude to the barista and he looked at her. "What do you want?" he asked kindly. Alex responded, "Just a cup of coffee." The barista nodded and Claude walked over to a table. He smoothly pulled a chair out for her and waited until she sat in it. She wasn't sure if that was Claude being chivalrous or showing off she couldn't tell. He sat across from her, once again he had regained composure and sat there emotionless. Alex wasn't sure if he was like this because he didn't want other people to see his weakness or he was just that uninterested in holding a conversation with her. "You're looking for inspiration?" asked Claude, "Why on the bridge?" Alex tucked some hair behind her ear and replied, "I've tried everywhere else and I couldn't find it, the designer wanted something sophisticated but filled with fire and passion." She watched Claude's face for even the smallest reaction and realized that he hadn't moved a muscle, "I thought I could find it on the bridge," she muttered. Claude sighed, he remember when Sebastian was attempting to figure out what to do for the rest of his eternity. It had been quite the challenge as well, Sebastian looked high and low for an occupation which he would enjoy. Claude had always been fascinated with human laws and figured who better to know contracts than a demon. Sebastian on the other hand wanted to be able to create and design. "Passion, and fire," said Claude, "Those two things have always been a little difficult to express, even for designers." Alex looked up and noticed that a waitress had delivered their coffees. He was lost in thought, she could tell that women must have fallowed him far and wide just to get a glimpse of him. "To be honest I've never been the creative one," said Claude and Alex sank a little. He noticed how depressed she was and wished he could help, he was about to say something when he heard the door open. Every member of the staff was staring at the door way and he knew there was only one person which could produce that reaction. "You said half an hour," said Claude as he looked at Sebastian. Sebastian smirked as he pulled up a chair and responded, "It took less time than I thought." He noticed how down Alex was and looked at Claude, who simply shrugged. "What's up?" asked Sebastian and Alex snapped to attention. "Perhaps I can't do this," muttered Alex and Sebastian knew instantly what she was talking about.

He took a finger and lifted her chin, "Do you really believe that?" he asked. His blood red eyes looked right into her blue eyes. Alex felt her breath catch and Claude whispered, "And that's not intimidating." Claude noticed the fire in Sebastian's eyes and intently intently as he responded, "Come, I'll show you both fire and passion." Claude scowled at Sebastian who was smirking and winked playfully. Alex felt nervous and began to wonder what on earth he was taking about. "No!" she shouted and jumped back, "I didn't realize you were going to abuse your power like that." Sebastian was on his feet and looked confused for a moment until he realized what he had said, "I have no interest in doing something like that with anyone but him," as he looked at Claude. This made both Claude and Alex even more confused, "Don't worry, you'll enjoy," said Sebastian. Claude smirked and realized that Sebastian was up to something again which thrilled him. "All right," she responded softly with a hint of embarrassment. Sebastian turned and Claude fallowed him and Alex trailed behind the pair. They continued walking until Claude realized what Sebastian had in mind. In a small club under ground, "What is this place?" asked Alex as Sebastian walked down the stairs there wasn't a single sign and she began to wonder what was going on. Sebastian pushed open a heavy wooden door and she heard the signature tune of a Salsa. It was clouded with cigarette smoke and she could hear the click of heals as she watched dancers on the floor. Claude smiled and whispered into Sebastian's ear, "I didn't think you would dance in front of mortals." Sebastian smirked and responded, "I can't deny her inspiration can I," he whispered. Alex stared at the colors and details at work. They were vibrant and delightful, "Wow," she whispered as she pulled a sketch book from her bag. Sebastian and Claude were at either side of her and she watched the pair slip out of their coats. She stared in awe as the pair slowly removed one article of clothing at a time. She swallowed hard and began to wonder if it should even be legal for the pair to shed their suite jackets. Sebastian removed his tie and slipped it in his coat pocket and stripped his vest. Claude smirked nodded to the orchestra in the corner, and the signature entrance of "La Compasita" played.

Sebastian walked out on the floor and smiled. He sung his hips a little and slowly ran his hands over his face and side of his body. His white fingers tracing the contours of that flexible body underneath. He then crooked a figure at Claude, his eyes were filled with hunger and Sebastian reminded her of a predator. Alex stared in shock as Claude tossed his tie on the chair and extended a hand. Sebastian took it and the pair were in each other's arms. They moved with a certain fire which caused the dancers to clear the floor. Claude circled him and Sebastian teasingly touched Claude's chest with the tips of his fingers. The pair separated as if to draw a breath and then stepped toward each other quickly. In seconds Sebastian was in a low lunge with his head back and back arched. Alex dropped her pencil and stared, he moved just as beautifully as a woman. She could tell he was probably as strong as Claude however there was a certain air about him as he teased Claude. Sebastian moved through and took Claude's hand before spinning before him on the balls of his toes, Claude released Sebastian and glared. His eyes were gold and looked as though he was furious with Sebastian. She stared mystified as he looked as though he was floating across the floor and Claude caught his waist with one hand and Sebastian's hand with the other. Before the pair dipped into another lunge. Claude's golden eyes pierced Sebastian's and Alex noticed the fire between the two. They slowly rose together and Sebastian's forehead touched Claude's, she watched them move closer together before the pair spun in a tight embrace. As they did so Sebastian slid his leg on the outside of Claude's and wrap around pulling Claude's groin closer to his. There was a pause and she noticed a smirk spread across Claude's lips, "A vertical expression of a horizontal action," she whispered.

It looked as though the pair were flirting with one another on the dance floor. As soon as the spin finished Sebastian left his leg there. His inner thigh rubbing against the outside of Claude's, and dipped back, arching his back once again. His eyes looked at Alex and she shivered, some how his gaze made her feel hot. Claude's hand firmly supported Sebastian's back he looked at Sebastian and she knew instantly that they were sharing a dance between lovers. She stared in shock; both of them were unbelievably beautiful, Claude was surprisingly light on his feet and Sebastian was much more flexible than she even perceived was possible. They came close to the table and she watched Claude spin Sebastian out flawlessly, their hands connected only at the fingertips before he spun him back into his broad chest. Sebastian's eyes were filled with a forbidden lust which seemed to make Claude's seem to glow like smelting gold. Sebastian's raven black hair swayed as he moved and Claude was quick to release him and do intricate foot work. Each step Claude took was powerful, firm and yet delicate. In a moment she watched as Claude spun on his heel, he looked as though Sebastian had infuriated him. Like a cat, Sebastian soundlessly wrapped his arms around him and rubbed his chest against Claude's back, smirking the entire time. His chin rested on Claude's shoulder and his hands pressed into Claude's firm abdomen. He clung to Claude and slowly brought his leg up the side of his again and whispered, "Catch me if you can." Claude's hand slowly drifted down to grab it, as if he could catch Sebastian if he had managed to touch him. However Sebastian was quick to release him and grin with pleasure. Claude looked even more annoyed and once again grabbed him, he pretended to hit him and Sebastian got on a knee. It looked as though Sebastian's eyes pleading and his right hand was sneaking up to wrap around Claude's collar.

Alex's chin rested in her hand as she watched Claude's large hand wrapped around one of Sebastian's small wrists and his other snaked around his back to rest between his lover's shoulder blades. With out hesitation force him to bend over backward with all his weight resting on only one of Claude's arms. "Whoa," she whispered in shock, she didn't expect what happened next. Claude forced him up, Sebastian's back was toward him and Alex watched Claude's large hands slowly slide around Sebastian's waist. Sebastian clapped his hands together as though he was going to pray and Alex shivered. He grinned and pushed his arms down as though to loosen Claude's grip. Claude forced Sebastian to move forward and Sebastian managed to break free, he was standing before another group of men. He looked at them with eyes full of lust and Claude's hands quickly wrapped around Sebastian's biceps. He glared and pulled Sebastian back causing him to spin into him, the pair came together. Sebastian was lunging once again and Claude grinned as he ran a hand down Sebastian's back. Sebastian's lips were parted as he spun out and in a flash he was in the air. Claude was holding him up and he delivered two kicks with one leg before falling to the ground. The shin of his back leg was on the floor and his toes were curled under the front leg which was bent and he looked up at Claude. He was in a lunge and looking down at him, he supported Sebastian's back and the other hand held his guide hand. Sebastian's free hand was placed on the collar of Claude's shirt. Those crimson red eyes were filled with desire. Claude was grinning and whispered, "Spectacular as always."

There was a loud round of applause and she watched the pair get up and bow. Alex blinked as though she had been in a dream, the pair looked even more attractive. She didn't think men could tango, their very movements were sensual and she watched as the pair walked over to her table. Alex remembered the first time she had seen both Sebastian and Claude she thought they were sinfully beautiful. Now it was even more so, their movement combine with he fact they were both male made it seem as though they had tasted the forbidden fruit. "That was defiantly hot," she commented and then blushed. Sebastian chucked and Claude wrapped and arm around him. "Do you have your inspiration now?" asked Claude and Alex nodded shyly. She sat and began sketching each of the positions and looked them all, each of them was intimate and passionate. She paused and looked up, after a moment she realized what the pair had reminded her of, "Demons, equally sinful and beautiful," she whispered. Her eyes widened a little and she looked at them. She had no idea what to do, the notion seemed ridiculous, "No that's not possible," she muttered as she shook her head. "Work," she said firmly to herself as she began to sketch the position larger. Now to reflect it in a poster, they had given her a lot of material now she had to put it together. Claude and Sebastian sat apart from her and Claude watched her as she sketched.

"She's talented," remarked Claude, Sebastian nodded. "I hired her because of her curiosity, and her talent," he replied and Claude slowly reached into his bag. He produced the file and said, "You need to look at this." Sebastian looked down at the file, he didn't want to deal with it now, "It can wait can't it?" he asked. Claude nodded and the pair turned their attention to her. "You're right she does smell superb, however she needs time," said Claude, he licked his lips unconsciously. Sebastian glanced at him and replied, "Souls are like wine, the older they get the better they taste. However in the end it's all about the harvest of that year as to whether they are even worth it." Claude nodded and looked at Sebastian they were both hungry however not starving. There were plenty of souls to devour; they didn't even need to form contracts half the time. They simply cleaned the trash off the streets. However this was the first time in a while they had come across something which peaked their interests. Yet Claude didn't have an interest in devouring her after reading the file which now sat on the table.

Alex added an ink layer to the drawing and walked over to the pair, Sebastian looked up and held out his hand for the sketch book. "It needs color but this is what I wanted to do," said Alex as she passed him the sketch book. He stared it was the position where he was at Claude's back and running his thigh against his. In this drawing though the second figure had a fedora which was from the collection. The first was dressed differently with clothing from the collection. Claude looked at the sketch as well and noticed how she had changed his facial featured, yet kept the golden eyes. She noticed Sebastian wasn't thrilled and gently reached over and turned the page. The final position, his eyes sparkled as he looked at the sketch and the back drop, she had altered it a bit. She used the backdrop of a black brick wall, it was damp and at night. The wall faded to solid black with the Martinez's name in stunning red. The figures were going to be in color but the rest was to be in black and white. Claude froze and Sebastian looked up at her, "The second one is much better," he said. Alex began to feel sleepy and Claude noticed her rub her eyes. "It's quite late," he said and Sebastian looked up. Alex's eyes began to droop and he handed the sketch book back to her with a smile. "I'll drop you off," said Sebastian as Alex went to pack her things. "Oh you don't have to," she said brightly. Sebastian looked concerned and Claude stepped in, "Its quiet late, London is dangerous at night," he said.

Alex swung her bag over her shoulder and replied, "I literally live around the corner, I had no idea this place even existed." This seemed to put Sebastian at ease and Claude nodded in approval. The three walked out of the building and the pair watched to make sure that she hadn't lied. After a moment she had entered and apartment building and was inside. Claude looked at Sebastian and noticed the file was in Sebastian's hands, "Home?" asked Sebastian. Claude stared at the file and began to wonder how Sebastian would react to its contents. "Claude?" asked Sebastian when he realized he was in fact distracted. Claude jumped and looked at him, "Yes home," responded Claude. Sebastian's eyes narrowed and he began to wonder what Claude was thinking.

Sebastian took a seat at his desk in his study. The walls were lined with books and the desk it's self was made of mahogany. He turned the desk lamp on and opened the folder. "Is this a joke?" asked Sebastian as he looked at the name, he had hired an Alexandra Stark not Alexandra Ross. He glared at the page, "This isn't funny at all Claude," he muttered as he turned the page. He was about to call him a moron and throw the file when he saw a picture of Alexandra Ross. His eyes widened and he looked at the young woman on the page. She had the same stunning blue eyes, coffee brown hair and pale skin. She was in human terms beautiful, "They're the same?" he asked in confusion, he practically tore the page as he turned it. "Missing for 8 years and presumed dead," Sebastian read. He continued reading an stared at the information before him, her mother and father had been killed in a car accident. They were sent to a home when they went missing a week later. "They found her brother's dead body in pieces in a box which had been sent to the crime lab," read Sebastian, "The boy had been tortured and raped violently from what they could tell." He turned the page and read the investigative report, "No evidence of where his older sister had been taken to was ever found, however they could tell she too had been a victim of assault, rape and was possibly dead. The tools at the scene had traces of her blood on them as well as 12 other victims. She had been whipped, cut, branded, injected with poisons and nearly drowned," the file read. Sebastian looked at the images of her brother and noticed something the police had noted but didn't investigate. A piece of skin on his back was missing; a large square had been cut post mortem. He turned the page and froze; the police were wrong, so very wrong. It wasn't a serial murder at all, "A summoning, and neither of us heard them scream," whispered Sebastian. Claude was standing in the doorway; he slowly entered and stood behind Sebastian. "She watched him being tortured," whispered Sebastian. Claude noticed how this upset him; in the past he wouldn't have cared, however, this Sebastian wasn't the same. Ciel Phantomhive had changed him from a cold emotionless demon to one with emotions.

Sebastian pulled the folder from his desk and said, "Only six of the eight years are accounted for." Claude froze and realized that this was true, "What happened during the other two?" asked Claude. Sebastian looked up at him and replied, "I don't know," he sounded upset and frightened. This was the first time he had ever seen Sebastian like this, "I have no idea what will happen," said Sebastian. Claude took a step back, in a matter of moments Sebastian's meticulous plan had been shattered. "The criminals were never found," said Claude. Sebastian got up from his desk abruptly, "No I will not subject her to that unless she asks for it, and even then I will try to persuade her otherwise," said Sebastian. Claude wrapped his arms around Sebastian and whispered, "I'm sorry my raven." He simply held him there know that Sebastian was disturbed by a number of facts, it wasn't that he couldn't have her soul. It was the fact that someone had tried summoning him and he couldn't hear her screams. "What on earth did she have to endure for those two years?" he asked himself. Claude squeezed Sebastian, he didn't pitty the girl however he also wished he had heard her scream.

I apologize for uploading the wrong copy. I hope this one is better. I am well aware that Claude does tap dancing and ballet. As well as the fact that Sebastian specializes in Ball Room. However I couldn't resist having the pair tango. I needed to have Claude dance and to be honest who wouldn't want to watch them tango.