Author's Note: I'm glad you guys are so enthusiastic about this piece, I have yet to have Sebastian face Ciel, I realized I had to tie up some loose ends first, that's coming though. I also wanted to bring Vincent in a little more, as well as Diedrich, you guys have taken quite well to the pair. Don't worry it's still a complicated and fucked up a story revolving around Alois, Ciel, Claude and Sebastian.

I just love writing those two.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy and I don't own Kuroshitsuji… imagine if I did…

Chapter 23: Sinful Fruit and Sweet Dreams

Ciel's fingers swept over the lid of the box as he held it in his hands. Lizzy was planning on meeting him back at the penthouse, even if he honestly wasn't interested in having her with him. It was bad enough that he was going to have Sebastian staying with him. The temptation of somehow forcing one of the laced chocolates into the Pậtissier's mouth, regardless of his willingness was unbearable. Part of him knew that this relationship was very wrong; he had raped the Pậtissier, in no shape or form had the act been consensual. Yet, he hungered for another taste, somehow Lizzy wasn't enough anymore. Sapphire blue eyes closed in frustration as he imagined Sebastian's elegant fingers wrapped around a whisk and that look in his eyes as he crafted one magical treat after another. It was as though he were so wrapped up in the magic he had somehow pushed into each and every dish that the rest of the world, his life in fact, didn't seem to matter. It was all a minor detail in that moment of peace, something that irritated the young owner.

A sigh left Ciel's lips as he looked out the window, his apartment building was drawing nearer, bright glow of the light in his room was visible. "Lizzy," he muttered as his fingers caressed the side of the black box once again. The blond was ideal in every way, beautiful, intelligent and sweet, a loyal woman who was perfect for his father's actual business. The match was perfect, besides the fact that Ciel didn't feel a thing for her. He cared - but to an extent, each of her escapades simply depleted funds in his account. Money seemed to equate to happiness with Lizzy, at least that was what he had seen over the years. "Sir," called a gruff voice from the front, causing Ciel to flinch unconsciously and glare at the driver. "What?" he spat with a hint of venom. "We're back," replied the driver as nicely as he could.

Ciel ran his fingers through his rather messed up slate hair, as of late he had picked up the habit and it was now taking its toll. He couldn't seem to keep his tidy appearance for more than an hour, thanks to the rather irritating and honestly exasperating events which had transpired. The door opened with ease as the driver moved off to the side, it was a ritual that he had become more or less accustomed to. The air was slightly cooler than he had anticipated it to be, "It's rather nippy," he commented and the driver looked at him with a puzzled look. "Sir, it's the same temperature as when you had left the restaurant," he replied. The slate haired young man was quiet as he slipped the box into his blazer pocket. "I see, my office is far too warm at work, I will have Soma and Agni set up an appointment to have it looked at tomorrow," he remarked before disappearing through the doors and across the foyer, dreading every step. "Lord knows what Lizzy has planned in such a short period of time," he mumbled, dreading his next encounter with the supposed women of his dreams.

Alois' move in his office honestly frightened him, he didn't think the blond would catch onto the Pậtissier's strange behavior. He wasn't about to tell Alois, who had been abused both physically and sexually by his father, that he had actually raped Sebastian. That was asking for trouble, and more likely than not a phone call to both Vincent and Chambers, the two people he didn't have a way in hell of beating. His father wasn't the "King of Games" for nothing, with his devious tactics Ciel had seen business after business mysteriously fail and Phantom Toys come out on top. The press ignored this as well as the authorities; then again Vincent was in deep and worked with the authorities to a certain extent. Or at least Diedrich did. Over and over again he contemplated his actions, he had hurt Sebastian deeply and yet he tasted so sweet.

The talent the chef possessed, the ability to create dishes with ease, to comfort those in pain and enchant those who had never felt such. It irritated Ciel, Sebastian's ability to make even Vincent gape. The lift came to a halt, he was already plunging into darkness, his thoughts were that he should make it official. The silver doors parted and he stared at his blond fiancée. His jaw dropped as he looked at her short blond hair and large eyes, she looked as though she had grown up, the pigtails were no longer, the pink had vanished, instead she was standing in a sleek black suit. "Ciel?" she asked softly, even her loud voice was gone, it had transformed into something close to a whisper which resonated inside his core. Paris had made her grow up, it was shocking, in fact he didn't even want to use the chocolates any longer. He was going to save those.

He swallowed and looked at her, "Yes?" he asked hesitantly, she was beautiful. His eyes wandered her curves which were hugged by the trendy black suit. "Well?" she asked nervously and twirled, Ciel's eyes couldn't leave her, she looked as though she had stepped out of a magazine. "Stunning," he replied with a grin and kissed the back of her hand, "Welcome home," he commented. Even if he had said it before, somehow the magic of her appearance didn't wear off. Lizzy grinned and threw her arms around him, he was confused for a moment, "What did I say?" he asked slowly. She hummed and replied, "You finally welcomed me home, as though this was our home."

The slate haired young man was confused for a moment until he finally understood what she meant. She was reading farther into this than he had ever intended. He was going to leave the full explanation for later, right now he just wanted to forget about Landers and the game Vincent was planning. "Well then, what shall we do?" he asked slowly as he slipped his arms around her waist and smiled at her, clearly the chocolates were unnecessary. Without another word Lizzy led Ciel to the bedroom, he threw his jacket onto the sofa, abandoning his original plan. Perhaps he would use them another time. One in which they were actually required.

~~xXx~~

Vincent wandered through his house in a pair of black linen pants, they swayed as he moved, his robe billowing as he walked. His chocolate eyes were filled with fire as he wandered through the hallways, a bottle of water was in his hands, he tossed a brilliant red apple lazily as he continued through the hallway. Ash wasn't the type to take games lightly, Sebastian looked as though he were floundering and from what Dee had told him, he was simply keeping his facade intact. From what Dee told him, Sebastian was scared of everything, especially Ciel. It made him wonder just what his son had done to the Pậtissier. His footsteps echoed in the halls as he turned the corner and stood before the bedroom, the door was open a crack, he smiled as he looked at Rachel, he could see every inch of her soft white skin. His angel, he was willing to give everything to keep her, he felt his chest tighten.

He slowly entered the room and placed the bottle on the table, "Rachel?" he asked softly as he caressed her face, she shivered slightly causing the noble to smile. He placed the sweet red fruit on the table and slipped her under the supple silk sheets. She really was his angel, "Rest, Love. I'll be back," he whispered as he pressed a kiss to her head, her face looked years younger as she slept. Years of worry and chemo had left their trace on her, he simply prayed he would have another day with her. Recently she was tired often and he could see the bruising again, the fear of her relapsing was enough to petrify him. "I'm going to protect you, even if I have to tear you from death's grasp I will keep you with me," he whispered, his voice meant every word.

He plucked the fruit from the table and sauntered out of the room, now to craft his game. He had to make it fair but difficult, amusing and finally emotionally charged. Ash was nothing like Sebastian, he lived and died by his reputation, his name was something he desired to keep a hold of. He was going to destroy it, Landers, he shared the same surname as Angela, the woman who was causing him problems. The question was how far was this woven, it was possible that Ash knew what she was up to, yet at the same time he may be clueless. He gave the apple another toss before sinking his teeth into the crisp skin, feeling the sweet juice fill his mouth. It wasn't as tantalizing as Sebastian's treats, but it seemed to keep him content. "Something bold, and that I have control over," he murmured as he entered his study. Seated before the fire was a familiar figure of Diedrich, "I hope I didn't interrupt your evening," he commented.

Vincent took another bite of his apple and nodded, "Not really," he remarked before taking a seat on the sofa across from Diedrich, he hummed as he folded his legs under himself and lazily leaned on the back of the black leather sofa. "It seems like both you and Rachel had a good night," he commented with a smirk. Vincent hummed as he took another bite, the crisp crunch as his teeth broke through the apple's flesh filled the air, "You can't seem to break that habit can you?" asked Diedrich curiously. The slate haired Earl chuckled darkly and looked at the ruby red fruit, his finger traced over where he had taken a chunk out of it. "Nope, you remember when it started?" he asked curiously as he perched on his desk and crossed his legs. He leaned on one of his hands causing his robe to swim around him. He leaned back and tilted his head curiously, a smirk played on his lips as that soft slate hair fell in his chocolate brown eyes. "Of course," Diedrich replied, his eyes wandered over the man, it was impossible to deny the Earl's allure, especially after spending hours ravaging his wife.

"College, Weston College, to think we were pinned against one another," he hummed as he tossed the fruit and caught it with ease, "Prefect Diedrich von Wolfstadt of the Green Lion dorm," he chirped. Diedrich stiffened visibly, as though to straighten up to his full height in the leather backed chair to make himself seem more intimidating. Vincent's eyes danced at the display of intimidation, he wasn't easily intimidated, in fact he preferred to be the reason why people ran. "Without good reason, after all if I recall correctly you were the famous prefect who broke every rule in the book," the German shot with a hint of irritation. The days of old when the Sapphire Owl Prefect would challenge every hint of authority and drive the Lion up the wall was more than enough to keep the healthy competition between houses alive. "Oh come now, don't tell me you didn't enjoy those days, after all it was you who got me addicted to these," he commented as he threw the red orb at Diedrich. His hand shot up and caught the flying orb with grace, "After you managed to have your way with a certain Scarlet Fox Prefect," he commented.

Once firm lips curved into a grin, Diedrich clearly remembered those days, "Nash always did love a ripe apple after sex, besides, it's been awhile since I had a reason to bite such a sinful fruit," he remarked before throwing it back to Vincent who placed it on his desk. The fire danced behind the massive chair causing Diedrich to gain an eerie aura. "I saw Nash this evening, he's doing rather well for a boy from across the pond, both money and nobility," Vincent commented as he lazily ran his fingers through his hair. Brown eyes widened as the bulky German looked at him, obviously Nash hadn't contacted him, "What's he doing in London? I thought he was based in Nantucket and New York," he commented.

Vincent shifted, he didn't expect Nash to call Diedrich up and ask for a rendezvous, however he had hoped the man didn't at least say hello. Nash had married a Danish noble a few years back and was happily making his millions in Manhattan. "He is, however he's making an interesting investment," Vincent continued, "He's investing in a restaurant run by Ash Landers." There was silence in the room, naturally they both knew of Ash's betrayal and every minute detail of his dismissal from Ciel. Vincent had been the one to deliver judgement that day, his son wasn't as quick and keen as he had been, in fact he was far too light handed. He simply wanted to fire Ash; it was Vincent who destroyed him not only in England but Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Beijing as well. His reach was limitless, he took great pleasure in crushing him, now for Nash to stake an investment was irritating. "We are dealing with the Landers twins, first Angela makes her appearance and now Ash returns," commented Diedrich.

It was unusual to have them both in London, the pair were known for fighting like cats and dogs. Both attempting to mark their territory and push the other out, Angela using drugs, smuggling and prostitution while Ash preferred espionage, larceny and naturally manipulation. Together the pair were dangerous, it made him wonder just what they were playing at, "What was in the crates?" asked Vincent offhandedly, he had to know just what the woman was attempting to march through his port. Diedrich's eyes floated to the decanter sitting on the side board with a pair of sparkling crystal highballs beside it. The amber liquid looked more and more inviting every passing second. "May I?" asked the German as he rose from his seat and gestured to the sideboard, clearly the manifest was wrong. "Help yourself," Vincent said with ease as he rested his hands on his lap and watched his loyal protégé like a hawk.

He could hear the amber liquid hit the bottom of the glass and the distant ring of crystal hitting each other, "The manifest stated it was simply bodies from overseas being brought home for burial," commented Vincent. Diedrich lifted the glass to his lips, the Earl watched as liquid courage hit his lips and ran down his throat, slowly giving the German enough confidence to say what was going on. "There were corpses, however upon further examination we discovered that they were embalmed while alive," he stated, his voice died away slowly, this wasn't all the information, not merely enough to make the man turn to the decanter for comfort and confidence. "Once they were opened we found that a great deal of product had been stuffed inside them, the dogs couldn't smell it in the corpses since the embalming was fresh," he added slowly, his grip tightened on the crystal highball resulting in his knuckles turning white.

Instantly Vincent understood, Diedrich accepted a great deal of things, however child abuse and the dishonor of violating a body in death for profit were two things he couldn't stand. "The dead should be honored, not used as bloody gift wrap," seethed the German. He was trembling with anger as he hissed, "Dee, there were three other creates, what was in them?" asked Vincent in an attempt to distract the German noble before he broke the glass in his hand. He had seen that vice like grip in action many times, however broken crystal had a tendency of biting it's offender. "Two simply had antiques and assorted furniture. The third was the most interesting, it contained twenty women, nearly dead. Apparently shipped hear from Eastern Europe to work as prostitutes in order to pay their debts," Diedrich replied, his grip easing off the glass. Vincent hummed curiously as he hopped off his desk and walked over to the fire, he need to think this through.

Ash and Angela wouldn't be in the same city without knowing it, that was impossible. Ash wouldn't show up now if he wasn't up to something, Claude had been there for years, he had no reason except to fester a certain Pậtissier. His eyes were locked on the orange glow in the hearth. Sebastian was the newest to the crew, better than Ash could ever dream of, even in Landers' prime he didn't hold a candle to Sebastian. Ash must have known this after tasting the Mango Bavarian Cream, it's execution was beyond perfection. Sebastian ensnared the senses with each bite, something Ash could only dream of. Angela was growing bolder and bringing her filthy business to his shore, something he didn't appreciate. She was going to soon start getting in the way of his work, there was one thing that didn't add up, why the pair were working in London. Of all the cities to attempt to overrun, they chose London. There was only one person who seemed to make sense, "Sebastian," Vincent muttered as he stretched out his hands on placed them on the warm wooden mantel. He bowed his head as he attempted to understand what was going on.

"We are missing a piece, Ash is out for blood as is Angela, but if Landers wanted he could have taken Claude down long ago," Vincent stated, his voice echoed in the room, if he didn't hear the chair groan as Diedrich took a seat he would have sworn he was alone. "Now he chooses to show up when Ciel has a new Pậtissier and decides it's the perfect time to throw down the gauntlet? Something is off and it must deal with Sebastian," he muttered in frustration. There was always a reason for power struggles, now the question was, just what he was missing. Angela wanted to claim London and Ash wanted to obliterate Ciel, but rather than doing it when the restaurant was at its weakest he chose when it was the most powerful. Landers wasn't that chivalrous, he would kick someone while they were down, he had seen it before. "Diedrich, dig further into Sebastian's past, there must be something that could tell us what is going on here, we didn't have these issues until he appeared in Ciel. I need to know just what's going on," he commanded, his tone dared the German to question his motives. Ciel was far too busy messing around to think about just what was happening before him.

"Of course, do you still wish for me to tail Sebastian?" he asked slowly. Vincent paused and gazed over his shoulder, he could tell the man was exhausted but he also didn't trust Sebastian to be alone. "Yes," he replied. There was a pause, Diedrich hadn't left, "What aren't you saying?" asked the Englishman as he pivoted and faced the German. His chocolate eyes narrowed dangerously, "Sebastian went to the doctor today, specifically Madame Red, he smelt of powerful antiseptic and ointment," Diedrich replied. Instantly Vincent understood what he was saying, "Who took him?" he asked slowly.

"Faustus."

Claude had taken him, now things were complicated, the Head Chef would have never done something like that unless he had a reason to. "Dee, he was at the herbalist purchasing a powerful aphrodisiac, above legal limit for my son. Now you tell me Faustus is in the picture," he stated. He had watched Claude fall into the darkness, it was painful to watch a proud man become reduced to nothing after a betrayal like that. He had fallen so far, part of Vincent wondered if he would ever stop, "Dee, if something happens, I don't think Claude can handle another break. Lucius has been calling to name Claude as his heir," he mused, "If Faustus accepts, we will lose a chef and perhaps a partner." Even though he was protecting Sebastian, he didn't want to hurt Claude, he had been through enough. Enough pain after being disowned for his sexual preference, enough after Ash breaking his heart and more than enough the day he lost two stars.

"I can't watch them both," replied Diedrich slowly. Before Vincent could commented he heard a cough, he blinked as he looked in the doorway and stared in confusion, "I'm sure I can be of assistance," replied a silky smooth voice with a ring of professionalism and authority.

~~xXx~~

The night had finally arrived, the rush of walking onto the floor slowly began to fade as a heavy sigh was heaved from the lips of an exhausted Pậtissier. The raven haired chef gratefully plopped into a chair and ran his fingers through his hair, it had been a tough night, between making the chocolates for Ciel and the impromptu call to the floor, his nerves were shot. When Ronald had first informed him that a guest desired to see him on the floor, he was terrified. The last time he had been called to the floor was by the owner, which meant he was meeting VIPs. This time he was met by a man referred to by Earl Phantomhive as Nash, a gourmet who knew a great deal. Yet he wasn't the one who terrified him, sitting across from him was a man with a far too striking resemblance to Angela Blanc. At first he thought it was her, those violet eyes held a great deal of animosity toward him and the white hair which seemed to frame his face didn't help. It made him far more intimidating, the only thing which made him different was gender, and that was even confusing. Ash looked far more feminine than masculine, he wouldn't have realized that the man in question was male if he didn't speak.

His words echoed in his ears, he had managed to stand tall and not falter, but inside he was quaking in fear. He could hear the riding crop and that clipped tone which, he swore was reserved just for him. He closed his eyes for a moment and drew a deep breath, once he realized it wasn't her, he eased a little, only to hear the challenge. It seemed as though he were always fighting, he needed rest, and yet life threw him one hurdle after another. It was bad enough Claude had seen his marred skin and Madame Red treated the tearing in his rectum with the knowledge he had been raped. Ciel, his attacker had trapped him in an impossible loop, no matter how he looked at it he was locked inside of a gilded cage. For the first time he saw an uneasy Head Chef, Claude was always strong.

Sebastian rested his chin on the palm of his hand as he remembered attempting to give the man some confidence. It did the trick, just as the note in the past had, he felt happy to finally give another chef a boost. Even if it wasn't his chef, it was still someone who needed a push. His burgundy eyes fell on his knife bag, he would have to face Ciel eventually. Oddly after telling Claude to show who he was, the chef managed to become the strong and powerful chef he had met on day one. William had tried to give Claude strength but somehow his words were the ones that gave Claude power. Those golden eyes gained a spark of fight as he looked at them, it was as though he had rekindled something long forgotten. He has seen the chef at work before, but tonight it was as though he had met a different man, one that honestly didn't care what others thought, he simply wanted to cook. To create food which enchanted others, "Michaelis, why haven't you gone home?" asked a silky smooth voice.

Sebastian's eyes widened before his head snapped up, Claude was standing in a pair of jeans, a black see and carrying his knife bag over his shoulder. His shirt clung to his chest, showcasing every muscle, making the Pậtissier flush. "Sebastian?" asked the voice curiously as he slowly slipped one of his large hands over the Pậtissier's forehead. Sebastian stared in shock as he felt the warmth which emanated from it surge through him. It was a tender touch, light and soft, something that he hadn't felt another man give him before. He paused and realized this same feeling of comfort and safety was identical to the morning he had woken in Claude's arms. "You don't feel warm, it was raining and I heard you rode your bicycle in it," the Head Chef commented, "You should be more careful, stunts like that will get you very sick," he went on to say. His hands was still pressed to Sebastian's forehead, he was honestly fighting the urge to lean into it.

It was safe, serine even to be touched by him and know he wasn't going to be injured, to know that the blows he was accustomed to would never be delivered by those hands. "Sebastian?" Claude asked again. Sebastian stiffened when he remembered Claude being gay and that he was now being touched by him. He slowly pulled back and looked at him nervously, "Are you sure you're alright?" asked Claude sincerely. The Pậtissier nodded, his black hair swayed as he did so before rising from his seat. "Why are you here anyway?" asked Sebastian slowly, Claude was usually gone by this time. Claude arched a brow and looked at him skeptically, "Gone? I'm the last to leave," he said smoothly, the sound of jingling filled the air, burgundy eyes shifted over to Claude left hand, he was twirling a ring of silver and gold keys around his finger. He looked like a coy guard playing with them. "You what?" asked Sebastian slowly as he watched the keys as they jingled.

"I'm the last to leave, I have the only set of keys for back here, so I lock up," he elaborated. Sebastian paled and stumbled backward, that meant all of those nights he thought he was the last to leave and muttering about issues he wasn't alone. It made him wonder just how much the other chef had heard and knew. "I," Sebastian mumbles as he snatched his bag and flung it over his shoulder, "I have to go," he stated. Claude's eyes widened in shock as he watched the chef dash out the door.

~~xXx~~

"Sebastian!" Claude shouted as he sprinted after him, he was holding the young man's jacket in hand. It was damp and he hissed before turning on his heel, he could hear the rain hitting the roof, "Sebastian!" he shouted down the empty street. The Pậtissier had once again vanished before his eyes.

His shoulders dropped and he sighed, "I just wanted to congratulate you," he whispered, "and thank you." He looked at the jacket in his hands, his jacket, he was by far smaller than Claude, his shoulders were narrow and chest smaller. Yet he was a beauty, one of the most creative men he had ever met. His fingers traced over the fabric, he hung his head as he slowly began to wonder what he was thinking. "Claude?" asked a small voice, it wasn't until now the Head Chef realized he was standing in the rain, he felt a droplet roll down the side of his neck. "Claude, come on, let's go back inside. I'll pour you a drink," called a rather solemn voice, he looked over to see Alois standing there, his azure eyes seemed to know all. He slowly walked back toward the restaurant, "Come on, perhaps you can find a little comfort in a warm glass of brandy and a friend," Alois said with ease. For once he was teasing him, taking jabs at him or attempting to get into his pants. "Be careful, you actually sound like a bartender," sneered Claude. Alois chuckled and gave him a pat on the back, "I know, after all it's what Ciel pays me to do," he commented.

He held his hand out for the keys to the back door, "Hey I'll lock it, we're going to a friend's place for a drink," Alois commented. Claude paused before placing his keys in the outstretched hand, it was small and he couldn't help but suddenly realize this was the first time that Alois was willing to serve him. Before he simply imposed on him, now he was actually asking for a drink. He heard the tumblers slap in place as he turned the key and hummed, "Okay, I'll take you to the best place," he replied. Claude looked at the street and began to wonder if this was the right move, he didn't need liquor, which would only make things cloudy. "I think I'll just take a walk," he replied after a moment as he took his keys from Alois. The Bartender stood there for a moment in confusion, "Why?" he asked. Claude sighed as he slipped his hands into his pockets, "I need to think, I just," he sighed, "I need space." Alois nodded and watched as Claude left the restaurant, Sebastian's jacket in hand. "No, you need to think about him," whispered Alois with a sad smile, "You love him, and yet, you are afraid to fall further."