Ciel groaned as he landed on the ground, he felt a great deal of frustration.
"A valiant effort indeed Ciel, however this time I would like you to watch your footing more closely." Sebastian instructed as he picked the boy up and set him on his feet.
"How is it that you make this look so easy to accomplish?"
"Many years of doing the same thing will inevitably make it less difficult, it is called practice."
"I don't want to wait years"
"Rome wasn't built in a day Ciel, these things take time." Sebastian said gently.
"I'm beginning to lose hope of ever pulling this off. I can't be as good as you." The older demon knelt down before his son.
"My hope for you is that one day, these lessons will sink in and you will find away to surpass me. I want so much better for you."
"How am I expected to surpass you if I am only a Halfling, you said We're easy prey."
"I said you would be seen by most as easy prey, I will not raise you to accept that fate. The demon side of you is strong Ciel, I see it sometimes when you become angry. You fear it and so will never know the extent of your strength. You've done well today and I am proud of your progress." He took out his pocket watch and sighed.
"We must be getting back to the manor, it is nearly supper and I need to make the preparations."
"Alright Sebastian, what kind of sweets have you made for after?"
"You will have to wait to find out."
"Can't you just tell me?"
"Certainly not, it would ruin the surprise." The Earl began to step into his carriage.
"Bassy, thank goodness, I've had the worst day collecting souls." Sebastian sighed.
"Grell, how... Unfortunate but if you'll excuse me supper will be late if I do not get Ciel home now. You and I can discuss your hardships a little later, I do apologize." The demon said politely. Grell frowned."of course, your comes before all else. How are the two of you getting along these days?" The reaper leaned against the carriage door.
"Better thank you. We are beginning to grow as a family." Sebastian leaned close to Grell whispering in his ear.
"I would advise you to use caution when referring to my son or any actions you may think of taking."
"Understood Bassy."
"Sebastian, I'm not very hungry at the moment, if you need some time, you're welcome to take it." Ciel said joining them outside.
"How unusually generous young Earl, thank you."
"Whatever, just don't take all day." Ciel muttered as he walked past them.
"Don't go far, this should take only a few moments.." Sebastian called after him only for Ciel to wave a dismissive hand to him.
"Children these days, they simply don't know how to show proper respect."
"Of course not, how can you expect them to bloody litte nippers, all of them." Sebastian sighed.
"Some days I have no idea what to do with that boy, it's almost as if there is a switch somewhere. One moment we are getting along perfecy and the next-" Sebastian motioned toward the boy now seated on the ground several feet away.
"Well anyway Bassy, Will's got me training some of the new reapers and it's absolutely horrid. I just can't stand it. I had to take one on collection duty and-" Grell's voice was drowned out by Sebastian's thoughts as he stared at his son, twirling an object in his hand.
"What the devil are you up Ciel?' He thought, he tilted his head slightly.
"...so I told him, if you can't handle the sight of a little drop of blood, you're in the wrong profession."Sebastian snapped back to the conversation suddenly.
"So you see Bassy my love, I'm just dying to take some time off."
"Yes, well as much as your holiday interests me, I'm afraid I must be-" Sebastian was cut off by a shout from Grell and the sound of metal clanking together.
"That little-" the reaper growled raising his chain saw and preparing fo use it. Sebastian grabbed his throat instantly.
"You should know by now, I will not permit aggressive actions against Ciel. If you have a problem with him, you are free to speak to me about it." Grell pulled out of Sebastian's grasp
"Didn't you just see what he did?" Grell pointed to the bottom of his red jacket. A faint smile appeared on the demon's face. The jacket was now pinned to the side of the carriage by one of Sebastian's knives. He looked back to Ciel, the boy's expression was one of complete shock.
Sebastian pulled the knife out, taking note of the slight difficulty he had removing it.
"Come here Ciel." The older demon called and the young Earl started toward them slowly, almost trance like. When the boy had arrived, Sebastian knelt in front of him, holding the knife out in his palm.
"Ciel, did you see where this landed?" Ciel nodded silently.
"What have you to say?"
"I did it. I actually did it Sebastian!" Ciel said proudly.
"It was slightly difficult to remove, I would say that you've done very well indeed. Next time, try not to throw so hard when Grell is present, you know how he carries on."
"You're joking, he just threw that at me and It's perfectly fine with you?" Grell asked incredulously.
"He didn't injure you in anyway, I can of course mend the jacket for you and so no harm was done." Sebastian said calmly, he turned back to Ciel.
"We really must be on our way now. Excuse us Grell." Ciel climbed back in the carriage and they were off leaving the reaper standing alone in disbelief.