Well, this is the final chapter! I am SO so unbelievably sorry that it wasn't up sooner. This week was busy for me, what with my siblings starting up school again, and getting wretchedly sick. I'm still sick, but I figured I owed it to my dear readers to get the ending up. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it's an okay ending... I guess I suck at writing endings, and I'm really worried about how you all will take this... Onto Replies to Reviews, and then I'll let you get on with reading this!
Replies to Reviews:
garryxmrchairfan: I'm glad you think I wrote that well, I was very inspired and my fingers were trying to get it all down before I forgot anything. And I feel that of course Ciel would talk to take when drunk. His love of sweets transcends all bounds. On another not, I agree that Alois is a bit lacking in the "balls to be seme" department; but that is okay, I love his little uke self.
Artemis Phantomhive: Yes, I think she deserved to be pushed too~ Ciel seems to me like he'd be an emotional drunk anyway, what with how he keeps all his feeling locked deep inside under his hate. And I appreciate that you will check out the new story!
Animechick920: Alas, I almost cried while writing it. But this development needed to happen to bring the story to an end.
AnimeCujo: Yes, do say it, as many times as you like. I really enjoyed writing his (one-sided) conversation with the cake. And well, at least he knows that alcohol is a judgmental bastard!
isfantasyandlovereal: Of course I answered your question, it is my pleasure! And more questions, how lovely~ To answer why Lizzy loves Ciel so much... I'm not quite sure. She was just that way in the series, but I do know that she just wants to make him happy and to make him smile. Sadly (for her) that is not her place. Q2: There are quite a few reasons, actually. Nobles had no choice on who they would marry; the parents chose the most suitable mate to keeping the bloodlines as pure as possible. His Aunt Frances would never allow the engagement to be broken off (she might beat the ever-loving crap out of him if he even tried). Finally, he does care about her, but it is a completely platonic love; he sees her only as his cousin and nothing more, but he doesn't want to hurt her. And as for your last question... You just have to read this chapter~
Enough for replies this time, and I extend to you all my appreciation for your reviews and support throughout the entire life of this fanfiction. You have my never-ending love and affection.
Chapter 14
The End
Sitting in a puddle of brandy with splotches of frosting and the like dotting his porcelain skin, the weeping boy's shoulders shook with each sob. Cheeks painted with humiliation were hidden behind dainty hands, wet with the salty tears of remorse and a deep sorrow. His body trembled like a bird with clipped wings, consumed in that wretched sadness, and fear—fear that his beloved would be disgusted and turn his back on him, leaving him alone once more.
Foolish child, you will always be alone, his dark thoughts scolded him, swirling around dizzyingly in his brain. The concrete ground was cold on his thighs and calves, but he could barely bring himself to care. All his thoughts berated him, accused him, blamed him. He would be at fault if Sebastian decided to leave him, and he could not blame his butler if he wanted to.
Warm arms enveloped Ciel, pulling him tightly against the chest of his beloved. Hiding his face in the crook of Sebastian's neck, the younger male gripped tightly to the other's nightshirt. "My Young Master, I could never leave you," Sebastian murmured, stroking lightly the blae locks of his master's hair comfortingly.
"B-because of th-the contract?" Ciel forced his mouth to recite the words haunting his brain, his sobbing causing his voice to break.
"Not so, my Lord," Sebastian said as he used his index finger to tilt Ciel's head back, forcing the forlorn boy to look him in the eye. "The contract has nothing to do with my feelings for you. Even if you ordered me from your side, never to see you again, I would happily break our covenant just to remain in your precense. I would never leave you, willingly or not."
Ciel blinked through his tears, trying to clear his vision enough to determine in Sebastian's eyes the truth. What he saw there in those chocolate pools was enough to calm and reassure him. Slowly, his sobs died down and his tears came slower. He reached up and cupped the ivory cheeks of his butler between his hands, his fingernails digging lightly into the soft flesh.
"Sebastian, you must know that I love you, and only you. There is no other... for me, there is only you." He licked his dry lips, his voice wavering. "I-I am... s-s-sorry that I let her kiss me. I can't... I," Ciel's expression twisted into self-loathing and despair. "I can't get the taste of her out of my mouth. Nothing can wash it away. Not cake, not liquor. And I've tried brushing my teeth so much, my gums have bled. But still, that vile cherry flavouring sticks to my tongue... I cannot stand it, but I deserve it and much more. I understand if you can't forgive me—"
His long-winded monologue was cut off by Sebastian's soft lips meeting his. This kiss was sweet and undemanding, merely meant to reassure the younger. The kiss lasted only a few blissful moments before the butler broke it, replacing his lips with a finger to keep his master silent. "There is no need for me to forgive you, for nothing you did or said was wrong. I, however, was in the wrong, and for that, I am completely sorry. I was out of line, and ruled by my jealousy. I know that she is your fiance, and that one day, you shall be wed, and yet... Seeing her so boldly put her lips upon you as if you belonged to her, it angered me deeply." His fingers lightly caressed the soft skin of Ciel's cheek, his dark eyes boring down into the heterochromatic eyes of the one he held so dear. "I love you more than the sun loves the moon."
Ciel snorted lightly, the stuffiness of his nose and thickness in his throat dulling the sarcastic noise and making it seem quite gentle. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head lightly. "Idiot," he muttered, but his voice held none of his normal venom. He nuzzled his face into the crook of Sebastian's neck, inhaling his scent and feeling foolish for blowing everything out of proportion.
"Now, let's get you cleaned up and in bed," Sebastian murred as he lifted Ciel bridal-style in his arms, standing and carrying him away from the kitchen.
He would clean the mess up tomorrow, he decided, knowing that his master needed all of his attentions in his fragile state. He bathed the younger male in rosehip scented warm water, burning into his memory every touch, every moment they ever had together. Afterwards, he dressed him in a clean nightshirt, smoothly pushing every button into its proper hole. Together, they walked to Ciel's room, hand in hand, before crawling into the king-sized bed. The older curled his arms around his master, pulling him close, and holding him tightly. The boy wrapped his arms around his butler, pressing his face into the warm chest. He was easily lulled to sleep by the beating of his beloved's heart.
Sebastian pressed his lips to the sleeping boy's ear, giving it a soft kiss before barely whispering, "I will be with you always, by your side... until the end."
Several weeks had gone by since the incident in the kitchen, and with each passing day, Ciel became more and more withdrawn, his thoughts consuming him. He barely spoke at all, his face painted with a worried thoughtfulness. The master's behavior as of late was a source of ceaseless worry for Sebastian; the way the boy barely spoke, hardly listened, and could focus but a few moments on any giving task.
"Young Master, you need to review the plans of a new toy for the Funtom Company," Sebastian said, placing a handful of papers on his desk.
"Yes," was all that Ciel said.
The butler frowned, placing his fist beneath his chin. "Mey-Rin has broken the chandelier in the foyer."
"Yes," once again was the response.
Sighing, Sebastian knelt down beside his master's chair, looking up at the younger and touching his hand. "There once was a man who was happily living his peasant life. He had a wife, and two children, and together they lived in a small hut in the woods. One day—"
"Does this story have a point, Sebastian? Because if not, I do not find your attempt at whimsy to be amusing." Ciel turned his head and looked down at his butler with narrowed eye.
"The point, my Lord, was to determine whether you were paying attention or not, as well as to receive your attentions." Sebastian reached a gloved hand up and caressed his master's cheek. "Where has your mind been, Young Master, all these weeks?"
Ciel looked away, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. He was silent for a few moments, before letting out a sigh. "Sebastian, bring me some tea."
The older male's hand dropped, and he bowed his head. "As you wish," he murmured with a sigh, rising to his feet and exiting the study.
The door shut with a soft click, leaving the boy Earl in silence. He twisted his family ring around his thumb nervously, leaning back in his seat. He had not thought about this enough... But he felt that he was incapable of keeping it from Sebastian much longer, especially because his butler knew that something was occupying his mind.
It is much too soon to bring it up; you aren't even sure if this is what you want to do, Ciel, he scolded himself.
He had gone over and over every possible scenario in his head, and still this plan seemed like the most plausible of all... So many things could go wrong, Sebastian might not even agree to it. I could always command him to... No. Ciel bit his lip, but set his shoulders with determination. He would leave the choice up to Sebastian. He would let him decide the proper course of action...
Nerves coiled in the young male's stomach as three sharp knocks sounded on his door. He shifted his weight, crossing his right leg over his left. "Enter..."
Sebastian pushed open the door and allowed it to fall shut behind him as he stepped into the study. While he was relieved to see his master being completely lucid and aware, the nervousness that twitched across his skin and danced in his eyes set off a different worry entirely. He silently poured the tea into a cup and set it upon the boy Earl's desk. "Earl Grey," was all that the butler could force past his lips. It seemed as though Ciel's nervousness was contagious.
Ciel sipped his tea, the warmth calming the writhing mass of nerves in his stomach. He took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of Earl Grey and closing his exposed eye. By the time he finished his tea, he was perfectly composed and calm. Sebastian gathered the tea things and turned to leave. As he reached for the door handle, Ciel's voice cut into him and made him freeze.
Without meaning to, words poured from Ciel's mouth before he could stop them. "Run away with me."
Slowly, Sebastian turned to his master, head tilting to the side. Had he heard properly? "I beg your pardon, Young Master?"
The younger male had been staring at his desk, but he raised his head to look his butler in the eye. The expression on his face showed how unsure and insecure he was. "This is not an order, but I want you to think about... Leaving this life behind, and running away... with me.
"It's entirely your choice: we can either stay here, continuing on the current path that life has set for us... Or we could leave it all behind, forge our own path, and be together." He took a deep, shuddering breath to steady his racing thoughts. "Just think about it, and give me your answer when you are ready. That is all." His last three words were clearly a dismissal, and he turned his chair with his foot so that he could gaze out of the window. The door shut with a soft click, signifying to Ciel that he was alone.
"Bloody hell..." he whispered. "What have I...?" It is too late to take it back now... and his heart filled with dread.
Sebastian stood speechless outside of his master's study door. Was the boy serious? Well, of course he had to be, as this is clearly what had him so withdrawn. He wanted to leave this life, and with his butler? Would he give up his revenge, just to be with a demon? Would he be happy with his choice? The older male rubbed circles into his temples, closing his eyes. This matter definitely needed quite a bit of thought, but he had work to attend to.
Days passed, and Sebastian completed each and every one of his tasks flawlessly, all the while having an internal debate. Unbelievably happy that he would suggest such folly... Does a demon deserve to be happy? If we were to leave this place, how would we do it? Is this right?
Is this what my Master really wants? This thought kept rearing its head, and it would stump him each and every time. He was preparing himself for bed one night when the thought once again danced through his mind. "If he didn't want it, he would not have suggested it..." But... what do I want?
"I..." Sebastian knew his answer. He quickly buttoned his nightshirt before sprinting all the way to his master's bedchambers, flinging the door open. Ciel sat on the edge of his bed, looking at his butler with no trace of surprise on his face. As if he had been waiting for me... Truthfully, they had been sleeping separately as of late, on Ciel's suggestion that he did not want to in any way skew Sebastian's decision.
"Tomorrow," Sebastian whispered breathily, stepping into the room and shutting the door. "Let us leave tomorrow."
"I assume you have a plan?" Ciel murmured, his hands subconsciously reaching towards his butler, who took slow steps forward.
"I do," came his reply as their fingers touched.
"Then come to bed," the younger said, looking up at his beloved with mischief present in his eyes. Needing no further invitation, Sebastian pounced on his master, as a predator would its prey, and after a passionate round of love-making, both fell into a light sleep, anticipation dancing through their veins.
Sebastian rose early the next day, dressing in his custom-made tailcoat. He made his way down to the servant's quarters, rousing each one, including Tanaka. Standing in front of the sleepy bunch, he gave them his trademark smirk.
"Today, I have an important and special task for you to complete."
"Whot, us? A task, fer us?" Bard barked, disbelief spreading over his handsome features.
"D'you really mean it, Sebastian?" Finny piped up, his childlike eyes lit in wonder.
"Entrusting us wif a task, 'e is!" Mey-Rin squealed, her cheeks flushing red.
"Yes, I do mean it. And it is extremely important. Which is why Tanaka will be there to make sure you do not mess it up. Can you three handle it?" Sebastian's voice was smooth, his chocolate eyes alighting on each servant.
"You can count on us!" The three oafs exclaimed in unison.
"Very good," the butler purred, handing over an immensely long grocery list. Within ten minutes, the jeering, cheerful bunch was was in a carriage, on the way to London.
"Will you hurry it up?" Ciel sighed in exasperation, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.
"I have to put the finishing touches on them. Patience is a virtue, my Lord." Sebastian's eyes were studying every detail of the skeleton that he was currently dressing in Ciel's clothing. It was the perfect height and had the same frame as his master. His lithe fingers kept tying and untying various ribbons or laces, sighing when he felt they did not look quite right.
Ciel bit his tongue, feeling anger raising its ugly head. "For fuck's sake, it looks fine!" He tossed his hands into the air. "Will you just hurry up?"
Sebastian sighed, closing his eyes for a second. "A virtue that you do not possess..." he muttered, picking up the clothing-clad skeleton and carrying it over to the study chair. He sat it down, splaying the arms out over the desk as he leaned it's torso against the wood. He took a few steps back to admire his handy work. "Might I borrow your gun?" He asked, not waiting for a confirmation as he reached an arm around Ciel and grabbed the gun. Pointing the barrel at the back of the skeleton's cranium, he pulled the trigger. The bullet lodged into the skull. "Perfect."
With that, they left the study, stopping outside of the door in the hallway so that Sebastian could study the details of the corpse meant to be himself. He chose to use someone who was recently deceased, emptying a whole barrel into its torso, leaving holes in the clothing.
"I do hate to waste a perfectly good tailcoat, but I suppose I can make an exception, just this once," Sebastian muttered to no one in particular.
Ciel took his butler's hand, tugging him down the hallway. "It looks fine. And we can always get you more tailcoats. We are taking quite a large sum of money." He looked back and smiled at his counterpart, and for the first time since the horrible death of his parents, it was a genuine smile.
Once outside the manor, they stood facing it. Ciel took a moment to take it all in before sucking in a deep breath. His hand tightened its grip on Sebastian's, and without looking away from the magnificent building that had once been his home, he gave his butler an order. "Burn it."
With a snap of Sebastian's fingers, the whole place went up in flames. The demon hound was chained several yards away, but that did not stop him from barking like mad at the sudden ignition of the house.
Sebastian turned and knelt in front of the younger male. With his hand over his heart, he looked up at the boy. "Shall we go, my Lord?"
"It's Ciel now, Sebastian. Call me Ciel," the boy murred, and his words caused a true smile to grace his beloved's lips.
The older scooped up his counterpart into his arms, looking into his heterochromatic eyes. "Then let us leave this place, Ciel."
They fled, Sebastian moving faster than Ciel could even comprehend, off to find a place, some distant land, where they could be together, and be happy.
"I love you," Ciel sighed, burying his face in the crook of Sebastian's neck.
"And I, you," purred Sebastian.
I will follow you to the end's of the earth, and I shall be by your side, until the end...
A/N: Dear lovely readers, I have a question for you! Now that you have read the last chapter, would you like it very much if I did an epilogue chapter for it? I already have an idea for it in my mind, but I only want to do one if that is what my readers want. Please leave your answers in reviews!
On another matter entirely, as this chapter goes up, my name is changing to Taralna. It will still be me, and I promise that this will be the last time that I change my pen name.
As for the unveiling of the title of my newest fanfiction... be on the look out for "Love Will Tear Us Apart", which I shall be trying to get up shortly after this chapter is up. It will be an AU (Alternate Universe) set in modern day London. A few background characters that I have created will be thrown into the mix, but they will not be focused on very much. So far I have only created five, which you will meet in the first chapter. I've also made up a college, meant for the creative minds.
Until next time, my darlings, I love you all, and thank you for the support!