They leave the shop with a bag hanging from Ciels' hand and a large chocolate lollipop dangling from his lips. He hums with pleasure as he enjoys the rich cocoa taste as it melts on his tongue with each lick. Sebastian eyes him and smiles to himself with mild amusement over Ciels' love of sweets. If given the chance, Sebastian knows a cake he could make him that would surely satisfy his sweet tooth and win him over. He has a remarkable talent for cooking and baking, it's a secret skill he acquired a long time ago, something he learned to please Shiori as she too, loves sweets.
Damn it, he curses to himself. There she is again, invading his thoughts like a termite burrowing holes in wood. He can't help but be taken over by the very thought of her, causing him to grimace. Ciel notices this and stops walking, almost causing the older man to collide into him.
"Why did you stop?" He asks as Ciel pulls the remains of the lollipop from his lips.
"Is there something wrong?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You seem… distracted. Am I boring you?"
Sebastian takes a step forward towards Ciel, who instinctively moves back.
"You could never bore me." He coos sweetly.
"I told you to stop that." He huffs.
"Stop what?"
"The flirting."
"And I told you that it's just me." He smiles, "Besides, I think you secretly like it."
"I do not." He mutters as he looks away.
"How can you say that with a straight face?"
"Simply."
"I think you like me and you just don't want to admit it."
Ciels' eye darts over to Sebastian and he holds up what's left of the lollipop and bites down on it, finishing it off. He chews it and gulps it down, wiping the edge of his mouth with his thumb.
"That's what I think of you." He snorts, which causes Sebastian to chuckle and Ciel to pout at his response.
"You'll give in eventually, I can wait, I'm a very patient man."
"Well, you'll be waiting a long time."
"You think?" He wonders aloud, as Ciel stays quiet, "I don't, I think it'll be sooner than you realize."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I'll make it hard for you to resist me." Sebastian gently runs his hand over Ciels' arm, which causes him to frown at the contact.
"Hm." He moves his arm off of him and Sebastian smiles.
"So, where do you want to go next?"
Ciel looks in the bag for another piece of chocolate, rummaging around inside as he thinks.
"Actually, I'd like to go to Covent Garden." He suggests as he pulls out a cellophane pouch stuffed with chocolate buttons. "It'll be heaving with tourists but there's a really nice tea shop there."
"Okay, then let's go there." Sebastian holds out his arm and bows slightly. "Lead the way."
"Do you want to take the tube?"
"It's such a nice day, why don't we walk?" Sebastian proposes and Ciel nods.
"Okay."
As the midafternoon sun beams down on them, the pair stroll through the bustling streets of central London.
Walking to Carnaby Street, they take a short cut through Soho with Sebastian drawing contrasts and comparisons with the SoHo of New York. He feels that everything is similar but of course, strikingly different. That's the thing he finds the most amusing about London and New York, how they can virtually be the same city. Every time he comes over for work, Sebastian rarely spends any time exploring, sure, he's been to all of the popular tourist destinations but he never really enjoys himself – he always feels the same. The same sounds and smells, same shops, a massive park in the center of the city, they even have a Pret a Manger in both cities, but there is so much to London that now suddenly feels different to him. He can't put his finger on it but there seems to be a newfound rush of excitement, an allure to the place and he is sure, if it is to be caused by anything, it must be Ciel.
Ciel revives him, drags him out of his monotonous existence and breathes new life into him. Sebastian never enjoyed walking, preferring to take a taxi everywhere but here he is slowly making his way down the streets, having fun. He never cares for sightseeing but everything that Ciel points out intrigues him and he wants to know more. He always focuses on work but now that is the farthest thing away from his mind.
After a while, they head to Piccadilly Circus, past the statue of Eros and the neon lights of the huge video billboards. They wander across to Leicester Square, talking about anything and everything that takes their fancy, from what type of work Sebastian does through Ciels' life as a student and on to the great war over each other's taste in music, both interested in and enthusiastic over whatever topic of conversation comes up. There's not a lull or break at any time.
Sebastian finds Ciel to be bright and intelligent, with a lot of things to say, and he soaks up his words like a sponge, listening intently to everything that pours from his lips. As he burbles on, Sebastian makes slight jokes that Ciel understands, and there are even moments when he chuckles a little, a sight and sound that makes Sebastians' heart beat just that little bit faster.
As they meander down the road, lost in their current topic of conversation, Sebastians' hand accidentally brushes against Ciels'. He blushes, turning his head away to avoid looking at Sebastian and chews on his bottom lip as he thinks to himself for a moment. Then, he tentatively reaches out, the back of his slender fingers gently grazing over Sebastians'. Ruddy brown eyes glance over to Ciel as he looks away and Sebastian smiles, his index finger searches and finds Ciels'. As they interlock, Sebastian pulls the rest of his hand into his palm and holds it. Ciels' cheeks burn hotter than the sun that's beating down on their faces and, although he continues to look away, he holds onto Sebastians' hand tightly. Sebastian notes to himself just how perfectly Ciels' small hand fits into his, and how warm it is against his palm.
Neither of them say a word; they just walk hand in hand down the street. Their silence isn't strange nor awkward but comfortable and natural, as though they have been doing this for ages - as though taking leisurely strolls through the busy streets of London is what they do every Saturday afternoon.
…
Walking down Garrick Street, they make it to the King Street cross section and turn left to go down and into Covent Garden from the back. As they make their way, Sebastian sees a large crowd of people gathered around in a semi circle in front of the forest green iron girder clad canopy of the Apple Market entrance.
"I wonder what's going on over there?" He grins as he walks a little faster, pulling Ciel along in tow.
"That's the Punch and Judy." He answers as he hastens his steps to match Sebastians' long strides.
"Punch and Judy?"
"It's a pub, and outside they get a lot of street performers that do shows for tourists."
Sebastian stops for a moment, letting go of Ciels' hand as he turns to look over at the crowd of people.
"Street performers? Wanna have a look?"
"Not really, no."
"Come on, it'll be fun."
"There's that word again." Ciel snorts but before he has the chance to protest any further, Sebastian grabs his hand and drags him along towards the crowd.
Masses of people are assembled together, sitting on the short steps by a building with thin pillars that support a large balcony, which has even more people looking over the edge; they are all watching something, applauding and cheering loudly.
In front of the crowd is a man with vibrant orange colored hair; he is juggling a set of multicolored leather balls, sending them flying high in the air. Just behind him is a pair of tumblers in matching black and white stripped outfits, show off impressive front rolls and back tucks much to the amusement of the revelers.
Sebastian drags Ciel up towards the front, much to the younger mans' chagrin, and they stay there on the sidelines behind a few spectators, watching as the performers do their various tricks. The juggler then comes over to the front with a beaming bright smile on his face as he begins to address the audience.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, boys and lovely girls. We are at the part of the show where we need a member of the audience to be a volunteer, who wants to join us?" He asks as he searches the audience. Sebastians' hand shoots up instantly and Ciel looks over at him, his eye wide with horror.
"Sebastian, what are you doing?" He whispers loudly.
"Volunteering." He states very matter of factly.
"Put your hand down." He hisses through gritted teeth.
"Why? I want to volunteer."
"You'll make a scene!"
Sebastian smirks at him. "Are you embarrassed?"
"Well-"
"You sir, the tall one in black!" The performer calls out.
"Oh my God, this isn't happening." Ciel cringes as the audience parts to let Sebastian go through. He takes Ciels' hand again and yanks him through to the front of the crowd.
The juggler puts his arm across his chest and takes a very deep bow in front of the pair, causing Ciel to roll his eye and Sebastian to smile broadly.
"Welcome, welcome and thank you for volunteering. The name's Joker and you are?"
"Sebastian."
"Sebastian? That won't do, you're a performer now and you'll need a performers' name. Doesn't he crowd?" The audience raises their voices and cheer loudly. Joker puts his hand to his chin and drums his fingers along the side. "Hm, what should it be guys?"
"Stilts cause he's so bloody tall!" Someone shouts out.
"Stilts? Not bad, not bad but he doesn't seem like a Stilts to me. What else?" He asks and the audience continues to shout out names. In the middle of a slight hush, a little voice is heard from crowd.
"How bout Black, cause his hair and clothes is all black." A little girl giggles from the front and Joker thinks for a moment.
"Black eh? I like it! From now on you're Black." He declares and throws his arms in the air, "Let's hear it for Black!" He shouts and the crowd cheers again.
"This is so embarrassing." Ciel winces as he tries to stand to the side but Sebastian keeps hold of his hand pulling him right back to his side.
"Right Black, do you know how to juggle?"
"A little." Sebastian replies.
"Oh? It looks like we have a fellow performer in our midst! And, you brought a friend?"
"I want no part of this." Ciel grumbles but Joker ignores him.
"And what's your name?"
There is a long silence between the two as Ciel refuses to open his mouth; Joker tries to make eye contact with him but Ciel turns his head away with each attempt. The seemingly comical scenario causes the audience to laugh as Sebastian shakes his head.
"His name is Ciel." He answers for him, breaking their stalemate. Ciels' head whips over to him and he scowls as he snatches his hand back from Sebastians' grip.
"Ciel? That's funny name." Joker chuckles aloud.
"This, coming from a man named Joker." He snorts, Joker leans over towards his face and smiles.
"It's a stage name, lighten up kid." He retorts seriously but with a smile as he taps him on the nose with his index finger and Ciel folds his arms across his chest in a huff. Standing upright, he addresses the audience again. "Ciel needs a performer name too, let's think." He pauses; his eyes scan up and down Ciel as he fidgets, "I know, I'll call you Smile." He smirks with a devious glint in his eyes.
"Smile?"
"Something tells me it's a thing you need to do more of!" He announces and Sebastian covers his mouth to stifle his laughter. Ciels' mouth drops open to reply, but Joker puts his finger under Clei's chin and snaps his mouth closed. He then walks away from him and over to a white plastic box that is placed on the side. He picks up four plain colored balls and goes over to Sebastian. "Well Black, you said you can juggle? Let's see your skills then."
He holds out the balls and Sebastian nods. He takes off his suit jacket and hands it to Ciel who drapes it over his forearm. Joker places three of the balls into the palms of Sebastians' hands and takes a step back.
Holding two of the balls in the left hand, he tosses the third up in the air with the right and starts to rotate the others around in each hand, making them fly around in a circle. Looking over to Ciel, he flashes him a cheeky grin but Ciel furrows his brow in response.
"You're quite good, hey? Let's see you try four." Joker suggests as he tosses the fourth ball at Sebastian who catches it and adds it in the air with the others, seamlessly throwing them around. Joker moves closer to stand in front of him and Sebastian tosses him the balls one by one. Together, they transfer the balls between one another. Really getting into it, they start to add little flourishes, lifting their legs up one at a time and tossing the balls underneath them. Each time Joker makes a catch, he turns himself around causing the crowd to giggle and applaud and Ciel to pinch the bridge of his nose, sighing out in exasperation.
Finally, Joker catches and holds onto all four balls. Holding out his arm, he motions for Sebastian to take a bow and, as he does so, the audience whistles and roars their appreciation for the performance.
"Show off." Ciel snorts under his breath.
"I can't help my talent." Sebastian grins. Joker puts the balls down on the ground and as he does so, he comes up with an idea.
"Can you work with clubs?" He asks and Sebastian shrugs.
"I've never tried but I'm sure I could try."
"What do you think guys? Should Black give it a go?"
A resounding roar of "Yeah!" comes from the crowd as one of the tumblers walks over to them with three white clubs. Sebastian takes them by the handles, holding two in one hand and one in the other. He tilts them up and down, feeling their weight. Feeling confident, he lifts them up and down to get the momentum right before he throws them in the air. They flip around as he catches and releases them.
Joker watches in wonderment and surprise as Sebastian effortlessly keeps these clubs in the air. Ciel blinks, as he can't believe Sebastian is able to do this with such effortless ease. When he has finished showing off his skill for the second time, Sebastian catches and holds the clubs in his hands and the audience cheers loudly.
"That was brilliant! You're really good at this." Joker enthuses.
"Thanks." Sebastian grins as he hands the clubs back to one of the tumblers and takes his jacket back from Ciel, who is still stunned by the whole exhibition. Joker goes over to him and slaps him on the back roughly, jolting him from his thoughts.
"What about you Smile?" He wonders.
"What about me?"
"Can you juggle?"
"I don't think so." He shakes his head and tries to walk away but Sebastian grabs him and pulls him back.
"Do you want to give it a try?" Joker offers.
"Nope."
Joker turns to the audience.
"What do you think audience? Should Smile give it a go?" He shouts as he cups his hand to his ear and they all cheer. "One more time, should Smile give it a go?" A thunderous shout erupts and Joker bends over collecting the balls he'd placed on the ground. Ciel shakes nervously as two balls are thrust into his hands. "We'll take it easy and start you off with two."
Ciel holds the balls in his hands, looking around anxiously, and his eyes land on a smiling Sebastian.
"It's going to be fine, just take a deep breath." Sebastian advises sweetly and Ciel nods. Drawing in a deep breath and exhaling slowly, he then throws the balls up in the air. They naturally rotate around and Ciel catches them.
"Good stuff, try again and this time, don't stop." Joker smiles.
Ciel throws the balls back up in the air again and catches them; he then repeats the process, getting them to move in a circle. His eye widens with a childlike enthusiasm as he manages to keep both of them in the air.
"Sebastian, look, I'm doing it!" He squeals delightfully as he manages to make them go faster.
"I can see." He chuckles. Joker moves in front of Ciel with a third ball in his hand.
"Excellent, now let's see if you can handle three."
"What?"
The third ball is thrown at Ciel, catching him by complete surprise and hitting him square in the face, sending him flying backwards. He topples over onto the cobbled pavement, landing on his side as well as a few audience members who were not quick enough to move away.
Sebastian immediately rushes over to him and helps pick him up. He wraps his arms around his waist and lifts him back to his feet, dusting him off in the process. Ciel blushes at how attentive he is, and struggles to get out of his grip but Sebastian doesn't let go.
"Are you okay?" He asks, Ciel nods his head a few times and rubs his nose.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He looks up at Sebastian and sees the worry on his face and smiles. "Never better."
"He's alright!" Joker announces and the audience laughs and applauds. "Really sorry about that mate."
"It's fine but I think it's time we go." Ciel suggests as Sebastian finally lets him stand on his own. He smoothes down his cardigan and runs his hand through his hair, adjusting his eye patch in the process.
"That's a good idea." Sebastian agrees as he collects the balls and hands them to one of the nearby tumblers.
Joker slaps his hands down on Ciels' shoulders. "Thanks for being good sports." He then turns to the audience. "Let's hear it for Smile and Black!"
The crowd roars and cheers as Sebastian leads Ciel out of the performance area and towards the church across the square.
Ciel staggers over to the church wall and leans against it, rubbing his side with his hand, wincing slightly as his palm hits the bruised skin.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Sebastian asks.
"Yes, I'm fine."
Sebastian regards Ciel for a moment and then turns to stand beside him, pressing his back against the cold concrete wall of the church. They both watch as the performance continues in front of them.
"Where is the tea shop you wanted to go to?"
"Hm? Oh, it's over there in the market but I'm not really bothered about it at this moment in time." He sighs as he continues to rub his side.
"Well, is there anywhere else you want to go? It's still early."
"There isn't any place I can think of, the rest is quite touristy." Ciel smiles slightly as he turns and rests his back against the wall next to Sebastian.
"Then I suppose we should head off to get your violin."
"You know, I've completely forgotten about that!"
"I'm glad." He grins.
They go silent for a moment and just let the world go past them. Sebastian looks over to Ciel whose eye is closed as he lets the gentle wind breeze across his face and through his hair. He observes him, taking him all in, despite his eye; Ciel is virtually flawless and quite beautiful. Despite his age, he still manages to retain an air of innocence, which Sebastian can't help but feel completely enamored by.
Without thinking, he turns towards Ciel, reaches over and gently smoothes a strand of hair behind his ear, causing him to shudder and jump.
"What are you doing?" Ciel snaps as he turns towards him. Sebastian says nothing; he just bends over, his face so close to Ciel that he could feel his warm breath on his skin despite the cool breeze. He tenderly runs his thumb over Ciels' reddening cheek and leans in, kissing his parted lips.
Ciel blinks a few times in confusion, and then he lets his eye close as he breathes out into Sebastians' mouth, letting their lips connect and overlap, deepening their kiss. Ciel can smell the spicy sweetness of his skin; it is like warm cinnamon with a twinge of chocolate from earlier and he tastes equally as delicious. Sliding his hand around the back of his waist, Sebastian pushes his body against Ciel, pinning him against the wall, causing the younger man to gasp slightly under the weight of his pressure. He runs his tongue over Ciels' lower lip and nibbles on it playfully before their lips interlock again.
Ciel turns his head sharply to the side to break their kiss and Sebastian looks at him curiously, almost pouting that it ended so suddenly.
"This doesn't mean that I like you." Ciel states with a wry smile.
"Of course, that thought hadn't crossed my mind."
"Oh shut up." Ciel sighs as he reaches up and places his hands on the sides of Sebastians' face, bringing it back down to his, and presses their lips together, continuing right where they left off. Through all of this, Sebastian can't help but smile to himself, and Ciel can't help but enjoy himself.
If this is fun, I could get used to it, Ciel thinks to himself.
Authors' Note: Everyone in this story (with the exception of Alois) subscribes to the philosophy of Pomosexuality. I had a long speech written about why that is but deeming it too trite, I deleted it. Just know there were soapboxes, mentions of growing up in a kibbutz and mushrooms involved.
(Man, it was bloody hard writing this chapter - I kept lapsing into the language I grew up with... וזה לא טוב לאף אחד)
Anyway - Book of Circus starts next month, who's excited?