Author's Note: I've gotten a phenomenal response to this story, I'm glad you guys are interested enough to read it. I wanted to have a little fun and embrace my inner foodie who has a tendency of pouting. We all have an inner foodie, so let's let them drool a little over not only treats, but the hot chefs behind them.

Promocat: I'm so happy you saw the parallel between the two chefs, I just couldn't resist. I want to make this realistic and humorous to counter act the dark themes I will be touching on.

CrimsonRoseXX: Thank you for the interest and I promise you there is more coming! As for Sebastian being French... I'm not sure. I haven't thought his back story out that far. I may make him an Englishman who moved to France at a very young age. I'm not sure, good question... I wish I had a better answer.

Okay now for the Thank Yous! (Yes I PM and post it here if you are wondering, hey you guys need some respect and I want you guys to be happy!)

For adding to Alerts: ShaunaMcAllister, KxZ fan girl.

For adding to both Favorites and Alerts: phantomkrystal, ElectroKat, 08GeishaGirl

Thank you all of you who are reading this little story! You guys make this so much more fun!

Warning: This chapter contains a rather dark and suggestive themes. Proceed with caution. There is a hint of abuse and rape as well, just a warning.

Enjoy,

Kuro.

Chapter 4: Desert 3: The Bitterness of Chocolate

Hands slipped over soft skin, the very feeling of them made his skin crawl. "You've been tempting me, Sebastian," cooed a dark voice. He thrashed against the touch, "No, I haven't," he cried. Those bright red eyes glared back at him with ghost like white hair, "These hips are so tempting," the voice commented as large hands caressed his skin, making it burn in their wake. "Please, stop! I promise I won't run again!" he cried in terror, his chest was heaving as he attempted to run only to be tied to a bed. His hair was grabbed roughly, his scalp hurt from the sheer force which was used to grab him. Before he could register what was happening his small body was being flung against a wall, he slammed into it and was forced to lay on a dirty mattress. It smelt terrible, metallic like blood and sweat. There were brown and red stains on it, he trembled in fear as he felt his hands being bound.

"Please don't," he whimpered as he felt the leather of belt nip his hands, leaving angry welts in it's wake. He was violently turned over and felt those slimy hands travel down his skin, "Soft like silk," cooed the man, it was deep and raspy. Tears burned his eyes as he attempted to fight, "Please I just wanted to see the garden!" he whimpered, "I wanted to see the roses! I promise I won't sneak out again!"

Icy cold laughter left his attacker's lips, it was dark and made Sebastian's blood freeze. "Oh no, naughty boys should be punished." Sebastian looked over his shoulder to see a black riding crop, in the man's hands. The leather switch trailed up his back, and he tapped Sebastian's shoulder. "Please," he cried, tears were threatening his eyes as he looked at the man who was supposed to protect him. "Rules are rules, Little Demon," he jeered. Sebastian was about to protest only to feel the crack of the leather switch, it burned. He bit his lip and clenched his fists.

"Count them!" barked his attacker. He was tied up and displayed like a piece of meat for this man, "Count to Thirty!" he barked again. Sebastian trembled as he tried to suppress his cries, knowing that if he cried out it would result in a greater number. "One," he choked, his eyes closed, and he felt the crop make contact. It left angry marks in its wake as he counted, his voice breaking and his back felt as though it were on fire. He wanted it to end, it had to end soon, this hell of his had to end.

"Thirty!" he screamed in agony, his attacker was finally satisfied.

"Such a beautiful boy, now then the rest of your punishment," the man stated. Sebastian's eyes widened with terror. "Stop!" he screamed. That familiar pain of being violated he felt as though his hips would split, "You like this Sebastian, you're a demon after all," he commented as he drove himself deeper. Sebastian could feel the tearing and cried in agony.

"STOP!" he screamed as he shot up. His eyes darted around the room in confusion until he finally realized he wasn't in that room. He wasn't receiving punishments like he had. Sebastian's chest was heaving and he felt his heart pounding in his chest. Burgundy eyes drifted to the alarm clock which rested on the nightstand, it was 2 am. He whined and knit his fingers through his unruly black hair and closed his eyes. "Please leave me alone," he whimpered as he shoved the covers off of his clammy body and got up, he needed a shower.

He had to wash it all away, it was as though he could still feel that man's touch, "Disgusting," he whispered as he turned the shower on. He threw off his boxers and stepped in without a second warm water was soothing against his skin, "I'm free of that place now," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around himself, "Free of him." Without thinking he slid down and curled up on the floor of his shower, as the images of his nightmare slowly flowed down the drain along with the sweat and tears that had streaked his face. "I'm free," he whispered again before closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around his knees. The shivers finally calmed down as he sat there to escape the realm of nightmares. He was far from that place now, away from the man's reach and yet he still felt him in his dreams.

~~xXx~~

It began to rain, and Claude sighed as he looked out the kitchen window of his flat, he had a cup of coffee in hand and the paper in the other. His eyes were locked on a specific review by the woman who had showed up by surprise the night before. He smiled as he read the review, he was happy to see Sebastian adjusting to the demands of the kitchen, and it showed in his Tranche. His eyes glided over the opening again and again, proud to think that he had saved Michaelis from walking out the door and never returning.

"A delightful new Pâtissier has arrived at Ciel. After asking for something new from the Dessert Menu I was presented with a slice of Raspberry Tranche cake, which at first I wasn't impressed by. However, looks are always deceiving when it comes to Ciel. It was perfectly executed, balanced and delightful. The Butter Cream icing that many chefs failed to make properly was perfect, it melted in the mouth and wasn't too sweet. It was clear the entire thing was made from scratch, the cake was fluffy and light, the filling was just the right level of sweetness and the lemon added a delightful tang which the almonds harmonized. If there is one dish to order at Ciel, skip the meal and go straight for the cake. It's to die for."

Claude wasn't a fool, he knew this was going to result in a rush and a massive wave of customers looking for pastries. There were two things which were profitable, wine and dessert. Wine because when a customer ordered a bottle they felt compelled to finish it which meant another course, and dessert because per piece it was the cheapest thing to produce, nearly all profit. He was proud yet at the same times something was nagging at him, he had seen Sebastian at the end of the night before he left, something was very wrong.

He was rough on all the chefs, to keep things even. Yet there was something lurking under the surface, there was hope and love in his pastries. A kindness which he could never imagine to capture, yet there was something else inside the chef. Something dark and sinister, he could remember the words Sebastian said verbatim. "No, everyday is hell, even in the kitchen. Heaven is an illusion, as is happiness," Claude whispered as he looked at the article. He felt more confused than ever, a man with such darkness in his heart was able to cook food with love in it. It was as though he were trying to atone for something. He paused and looked at his black coffee, before shaking his head and sighing, "I'm over thinking it, he may have just had a rough night," he commented. He stretched his arms over his head and cracked his back, "So quiet," he commented as he crossed his legs and leaned on the island.

An obnoxious ringing filled the air, causing the golden eyed chef to groan, "I spoke too soon," he commented as he walked over to the door. He didn't bother putting a shirt on, he thought little of covering up. He had been complimented for how muscular he was and his carriage several times, it was far too early for him to get dressed for the day, thus he wanted around in his loungers. He slipped his glasses on and looked through the peephole. "Great," he groaned as he rested his head on the door. "Claude, come on open up! I brought breakfast!" gushed the all to the familiar voice of a certain bubbly sex driven blond bartender. He slowly opened the door, "Alois, it's 7 am, what the blazes are you doing here?" he asked with irritation.

It was only then that he noted the bottle of tequila he had been toteting around with him, "Claude!" he slurred. It honestly amazed him that Alois had survived this long without giving himself alcohol poisoning. Claude leaned in the doorway and crossed his arms, Alois was smashed. "Oi, you don't intend to pour that over your cereal do you?" he asked as he looked at the nearly empty bottle. Alois looked confused for a moment and lifted the bottle up, "This?" he asked as he tilted his head to the side. "That's an excellent idea! Do you got cereal?" he asked as he wavered. Claude sighed as he rubbed his temples, a drunk bartender was not his idea of a nice Sunday morning. "Come in," he said after a moment of contemplation where the blond might go next. He could only pray that Grell hadn't had too much otherwise he might jump William and that wouldn't be pretty.

Alois cheered as he walked into the house, his hips swaying more than usual, he shook his head with irritation as he watched the blond attempt to walk a straight line. He internally groaned as he plucked the bottle from Alois, "Okay let's sleep this off, and I'll make you a strong cup of coffee once you wake up," Claude stated as he placed the bottle on the counter. The blond crossed his arms and pouted, "I was drinkin' that!" he protested. Claude shook his head and without warning hoisted Alois over his shoulder and responded, "Not anymore, now be a good boy and get some sleep," he commented as he began to carry him.

"Hey! Stupid put me down!" shouted Alois as he banged on Claude's back with his fists. The chef knew it wouldn't do him any good and had grown accustomed to his drunken behavior. "Nope, bedtime for the drunk," he confirmed as he dropped Alois on his bed, which was covered in a rich plum-colored comforter and gold sheets. "I'm not drunk," he retorted, all of it slurred together to the point Claude began to wonder if it were possible to speak in cursive. "Oh trust me, you are," he commented as he walked into his bathroom and brought over the plastic wastebasket for Alois to hurl in. "Use this, not my sheets. I finally replaced the last ones you destroyed," Claude stated gruffly. It was a mystery to him why he tolerated this side of Alois, however he figured if he didn't Alois would simply end up lying in a ditch somewhere, again.

The chef was snapped from his thoughts when he felt something tugging at the waistband of his loungers. His eyes were locked on the giggling drunk blond who was now attempting to get his loungers off. "Oh no," Claude yelled as he pushed Alois back, "I'm not sleeping with a drunk, I'm not that desperate!" His eyes were wide as he backed away from the bed. He had forgotten that Alois was worse when he was drunk and mentally smacked himself behind the head for that. "What? But Claudy-bear! I'm horny!" he whined as he crawled across the bed and attempted to grab Claude again. "No I think you're sleepy, yes, very sleepy and very drunk," he responded.

Alois puffed out his cheeks and sighed, "Then take off my shirt so I don't ruin it!" he demanded. Claude lifted an eyebrow to this and asked, "Do I look like a butler to you?" Alois' eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands together, "That's a great idea! Only I would hire a butler as solemn and expressionless as you," he commented. Claude sighed and rolled his eyes before walking over and grabbing Alois' collar. The blond looked confused until the head chef slowly unbuttoned the shirt, it was easier to remove it from the drunkard than to have to clean it later. Alois laughed and twirled his foot as Claude pulled the shirt off his shoulders. He wasn't paying attention until he felt something rubbing his clothed member. He looked between his legs and noticed Alois was grinding his foot on his member.

"Come on Claudy-Bear, fuck me," said Alois giggled as he wrapped his fingers around Claude's glasses and snatched them from his face. He honestly didn't have an interest in this now, he wanted to get back to enjoying his coffee. "Alois give those back," he stated as he reached for them. The blond held them away and grinned, "Give me a kiss and I'll give them back," he squeaked. Claude sighed, there didn't seem to be away around this. He leaned over and planted a kiss on Alois' forehead as he snatched his glasses. "That's not a kiss!" he shouted childishly. Claude smirked with joy as he slipped away and placed the frames on his face, "Yes it is, you didn't say where," he stated. Alois grumbled something and yawned, "You're no fun," he commented before laying on his chest.

Claude crossed his arms and looked at the bartender, "Your version of fun? No. Besides you're not my type," he stated. Alois hummed, and his eyes began to droop, Claude wouldn't have to put up with his antics much longer, soon enough he would be fast asleep. "Hey I'm popular, just cuz I'm 'ere with you, don't mean I ain't cool," he slurred. At that the blond passed out and Claude shook his head, it amazed him how badly he could butcher the Queen's English when he was drunk. "I guess I have to make him breakfast, I don't think I'll have enough coffee to combat that hang over though," he commented as he walked back into the kitchen.

~~xXx~~

After about four hours the drunk bartender know as Alois finally roused. He clutched the side of his head as he walked and groaned as though he were dying. Claude hummed as he slipped the eggs out of the frying pan and accompanied them with bacon. "I think those Jamaicans are playing the beatnik on my head," he groaned as he sat on a stool in the kitchen. Claude chuckled as he placed the ordinary plate of bacon and eggs before the hung over bartender.

"How's the hangover?" he asked after a moment. Alois looked up and hissed as the morning light hit his eyes, "Fuck dude! Why are there strobes in the window?" he asked. Claude simply shook his head as he closed the curtains, "That was the sun," he commented. Alois looked confused for a moment, "It was? Has it always been that bright?" he asked after a moment. Claude groaned, clearly he wasn't fully out of his stupor, "Yes." Alois gaped at him open-mouthed, he looked like a child who had just learned that babies weren't delivered by storks. "Really?" he asked before stabbing one of the fluffy cloud like eggs with it. His sky blue eyes locked on the morsel, and he commented, "Eggs are so... yellow."

The chef stared at him and began to wonder what else the blond had gotten into, "Okay, time for coffee!" he declared as he grabbed the largest mug he owned and filled it. Today was going to be an interesting one, he knew that for sure.

~~xXx~~

Sebastian had managed to pull himself together enough to go to work, he was a little sleepy, however it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. He walked over to his station and noticed that the same jaguar was parked in the parking lot. He vaguely began to wonder who owned the car as he opened his bag and looked over his tools. "Good morning, Michaelis," greeted a familiar voice. His head snapped up to see Claude walking in with jeans and a tee-shirt on, he looked different when he wasn't dressed in his gear. "Morning," he responded as he looked at the man who had a garment bag over his shoulder. "Did you look in the paper this morning?" he asked curiously. Sebastian paused and followed him, "No," he responded.

He closed the door behind him and looked at the tall chef who was now standing at his desk. Claude smiled and pulled the paper that he had read that morning off his desk and handed it to him. "See page 9," Faustus instructed as he unclasped his belt. Sebastian was reading the article until he heard the familiar sound. His eyes widened and he felt nauseous, "She sang praises for you, I'm not going to let up on you," said Claude as he slipped the long brown leather belt from around his waist. Sebastian eyes were locked on it, he may not have been his attacker but he was still rattled. "Really?" he asked curiously as he tugged at the collar of his jacket.

Claude nodded as he wound his belt up to prevent it from getting in the way and slapped it against his hand as he responded, "Yup." The sound echoed in Sebastian's ears, as he slowly backed into the office door, he had forgotten he had closed it. "You should expect more orders to come in and," Claude paused and asked, "Michaelis?" Sebastian closed his eyes and looked at Claude, "Yes?" The Head Chef's eyes narrowed in confusion and asked, "Were you listening?" Sebastian nodded in an exaggerated manner, and Claude set the belt on his desk before sweeping his hand through his hair. "Alright, we are adding the Tranche to the menu so don't be shocked if you see more orders," he commented. Sebastian swallowed and nodded, he had to get out of the room, he wasn't comfortable with the belt. "May I go start prep?" asked Sebastian hastily. Claude looked at him slightly confused and responded, "Sure, go on." The burgundy eyed chef swiftly left Claude's office and went to his station. His hands were trembling and he felt dizzy again. He leaned against the counter to catch his balance and drew a soothing breath. His mind told him Claude wasn't that man, but his body still reacted whenever he saw the belt. It was a conditional reflex of his which he couldn't seem to shake.

He walked over to the sink and ran his hands under cold water, it was nice to read such an encouraging review, however he just couldn't push the night before out of his mind. "Breath Sebastian," he whispered as he drew another shaky breath and closed his eyes. "You're in the kitchen, this is your element, focus," he chided himself before opened his eyes and resuming preparations. He had to make all the Tranche cakes from scratch again simply because he had sold out the night before. Oddly after the customers had seen the first piece leave the kitchen others wanted the same. It must have been something Ciel hadn't seen in a long time, which confused him. Tranche were the simplest of desserts to make and yet here it was treated as though he had served a tort. He shook his head and returned to work, he had a great deal to do in so little time, it was going to be difficult if he didn't pull it together. He had to continue to impress, "Okay then, let's get these Tranche out of the way so I can move onto the difficult stuff," he commented.

He slipped into overdrive and didn't even noticed that the others had arrived, nothing else mattered but his cakes and dishes. He picked up a bowl and began to make the filling for the Tranche cake. There was a great deal to do, unlike an entrée chef, the pastry chef had to bake a great deal of things in advance. Petit Fours were the most demanding, each of the little cakes had to be baked, filled, iced and decorated one by one. He popped each one out of the pans and smelt the scent of oranges and spices in the air, it was warming and soothing. He had made a chocolate filling and selected a beautiful icing and pattern to use. "Looks good," commented a familiar voice, it was gruff and had a slight rasp. He looked up to see the sommelier from the night before. He was in a different suit and tie, his hair was combed in place, and he wore a simple pair of glasses.

"I'm glad," responded Sebastian with a small smile as he picked up an edge and began to spread the filling on the bottoms of the cakes. The sommelier was quiet until he said, "Your Tranche cake was really good, as were a number of your other desserts. I would love to pair your desserts with coffee and tea, if you don't mind, when you have time that is," William stated slowly. He was hesitant and seemed to think out each word before saying it. Sebastian placed the tops on and began to drizzle the cover layer over them, the dark chocolate fell like satin on to the warm cakes so it would spread evenly. William's eyes were locked on the delicate dark ribbon falling from the glass bowl, delicately over each treat. He picked up a pastry bag filled with a colored cream and began to slowly pipe it. He created a small decorative rose over the dark chocolate, each petal was perfect and William fought the urge to snatch one and pop it in his mouth. "You can try one," commented Sebastian as he went to the next cube. William cleared his throat as he reached for a fork which was resting off to the side and remarked, "Thank you."

Sebastian simply nodded and continued to put the roses on the cakes. Out of the corner of his eye he could see William taking a bite of the small piece. His eyes fluttered closed and he purred with satisfaction before swallowing and looking at the cube. He hummed and then looked at Sebastian, "It's sweet yet bitter, such a contradiction. The spices play up the orange and help in blending the beautiful dark chocolate into the treat. The orange is so lively yet the dark chocolate seems to restrain it. Why such a bitter chocolate?" he asked. Sebastian paused and looked up at the sommelier, he had forgotten that sensitive palate wasn't reserved for simply wine. His red eyes fell on the Sommelier who looked genuinely intrigued, "Because life is bitter sometimes, and even a pastry chef needs a reminder from time to time," he replied, before turning back to work. The Sommelier stayed and continued to watch Sebastian work, clearly he had already selected the wines for the VIPs coming that evening and was taking the time to enjoy the kitchen. "And as for my offer?" asked William slowly.

He paused and looked up again, he hadn't ignored it, however he wasn't sure how to respond. "Sure, that would be wonderful," Sebastian replied as he looked up he noticed William was still watching him and figured he too was amused by his had been told many times which he was in school by professionals and other students that it was a treat to simply watch him create. His gaze was different when he looked at the treats he was crafting as compared to when he looked at people. It was soft and affectionate, it were as though he were a different person. "Anything else?" asked Sebastian politely which caused the Sommelier to jump. He looked at him a little confused and responded, "Ah, no. Just admiring, keep up the good work," he snapped before marching off. Sebastian sighed and commented, "Well he's an odd one."

~~xXx~~

Alois hummed as he walked into Ciel's office, he had grown accustomed to having to barge in to see his best friend. "Hey Ciel, clearly last night went well," he chirped as he jumped up and took a seat on the large mahogany desk. The slate haired young man sighed and looked at him, "Alois, don't sit on my desk," he commented as he looked up at the blond. He was in a pair of booty shorts and those long boots that made Alois' look oh so cute. He crossed his arms and pouted, "I'm not the one who should be cheering about the fact that you have a wonderful crew downstairs and a super cute pastry chef," he commented. Ciel hummed and slipped one page behind the next and continued, "He's just another chef, pastry chefs are a dime a dozen. Besides, Claude was the one who wanted him, he belongs to a cooking show more than my kitchen." Alois paused, Ciel did take a look at Sebastian and saw him as more than just a chef. This made him smile a little, "So you admit he is good-looking," said Alois with a hint of triumph.

Ciel turned tomato red and dropped his pages, "That is preposterous, he's a man!" Alois hummed and chuckled, he hadn't seen Ciel this flustered in a long time. This was starting to get more and more enjoyable, "Grell likes him too, you know he's pretty hot. Perhaps you should have him walk out on the floor. I'm sure the women will love you for it," commented Alois. Claude was a looker as well, however with his cold gaze he would scare people. Sebastian was startlingly beautiful and looked as though he had walked off of a billboard and was baking as a hobby. "Alois, what are you thinking?" asked Ciel after a moment, clearly he wasn't going to be fooled by him. Alois sighed and swung his legs before crossing them again, "Come on, you and I both know seeing Sebastian on the floor will increase the sale of desert, besides we both know you wouldn't be mean to him if you didn't like him just a little," he commented.

The slate haired teen slipped through his hair and sighed, "You're imagining things, he's arrogant and rather irritating. I didn't like the way he treated me so now I'll make him miserable," he stated simply. The blond shook his head and hummed, "Besides, it's nice to have something new to play with," he commented. Alois jumped off Ciel's desk and planted a kiss on his cheek, "Don't over do it," he jeered before licking the shell of Ciel's ear. The 20 year old leaned back and groaned, "Flirt with the filthy spider, not me Alois," he barked. The blond simply waved and threw in a little more sass into his step as he walked away, swinging his hips as he went. He knew he would have to get changed soon enough, but he just loved his boots.

Alois had grown up a great deal since he had first met Ciel, however some things still remained the same, he loved his shorts and liked tight-fitting clothing which emphasised how trim his body was. He wasn't ashamed of his sexuality, unlike Ciel, who was in denial and even had a fiancée. A long blond-haired woman in a pink blouse was walking down the hall she was wearing a pencil skirt and her blond curls fell past her shoulders. She had an adorable pair of stilettos on and a tight vest, there were ruffles down the front of her shirt. She had a pair of large emerald-green eyes and chirped, "Hey Alois, is Ciel in his office?" Alois smiled as he looked at the young woman, she was a babe and one of the few people who accepted his preference. "Who? The Slate beauty? Yeah he's brooding again," replied Alois with a shrug. The blond sighed and looked down the hall with a hint of sadness, Ciel never paid much attention to her, and yet they were engaged. "Jeez, why now?" she asked with a hint of irritation.

"The new Pastry Chef," replied Alois smoothly, "Lizzy why don't you see if you can get him to take a break?" he asked. Elizabeth Millford grinned and responded, "Great idea! Lau wanted to see him anyway. I still love those boots by the way!" she exclaimed as she looked at the tall brown leather boots with purple laces. Alois smiled brightly, this was where they really got along and drove Ciel absolutely nuts. They would spend an afternoon purchasing clothing for the young man who was cute and far more fun than what he owned. "Thanks, that's a good idea, either that or swing by and check out the chef, he's rather cute," commented Alois with a wink. Lizzy giggled brightly, she was like any other girl, even if she was engaged to Ciel she couldn't resist looking at an attractive man. "Oh?" she asked with a grin. Alois nodded and clasped his hands behind his back before turning to walk away, "You didn't hear it from me," he commented as he walked away. He knew Lizzy would drive Ciel crazy, but it would get him out of brooding and torture mode, which meant he was less tempted to take it out on his staff. A bonus for the bartender and the rest of the staff who could be subjected to the young man's cruelty. His head was still hurting from his escapades last night, however it would go away soon.

He could still remember the ramblings of a plastered Grell. The redhead waiter spent all night gushing about how he wanted Sebastian, the new chef, to screw him and somehow impregnate him. Grell gave transvestites a bad name, however he was getting used to his constant flirting with Ronald, William and even Claude. Nothing seemed out of that man's strike range. Alois sighed as he stepped into the locker room and got changed into his uniform, he didn't want Ciel to call him a slut, again. Alois wanted a steady partner, but came to the realization long ago that the one he wanted would never return his feelings. A fact of life when it came to someone who loved someone of the same gender. "Ugh it's Saturday and I have to work," he moaned as he slipped on his clip on bow tie, "Such a chore."