I would love to thank all of you, my old readers and the new, who have been consistantly reading, reviewing, and adding me to various lists. I am back at college so the updates will resume as schedualled soon, I'm hoping by Octorber I will have these figured out. I apologize for not responding to all my readers, both old and new personally, I know you guys love it and honestly I haven't had the time. Anyway, I hope you like what's to come.
Also note that the youtube list has been updated, so check it out. There are some beautiful tracks for this piece.
Chapter 27: Knife 2: Blood Red Raspberries Part I
Sebastian stood there eying Ciel cautiously as the young man walked to the sideboard and opened a decanter, "A little Scotch to warm us up and enjoy the evening," he said smoothly as he poured the amber brown liquid out of the bottle. The high ball glistened in the light as he walked over to Sebastian and placed it firmly in Sebastian's open hand. Clearly he had no say in the matter, "Ice Cream was clever on your part, however it wasn't easy for the judges to determine the score because of it, why were you so confident after pulling that knife?" asked Ciel as he took a seat across from Sebastian. The Patissier was silent for a moment before looking into the glass, Ciel wanted to know that now. It was odd, but honestly seemed like a natural question. "I've worked with ice cream and lavender before. I will admit my first attempt didn't turn out as well as this last one. Then again I didn't use LN2 last time," he stated.
He could remember the chef's comment's clearly, the Japanese chef had mentioned it's use but didn't elaborate, simply implied that he should know what it was used for if he wanted to make ice cream again. "Then why did you smile?" asked Ciel in confusion. Sebastian was quiet, it wasn't until now he understood the smile, it wasn't simply the ingredient that made him stronger, it was Claude's confident gaze. Those golden eyes that looked so strong and his firm nod urging him to continue, that's what gave him confidence. He had worked with Lavender before but to make a cake. "The last time I used Lavender was a wedding cake, it was in the icing, honestly it was a bit of an odd order when I had first made it. A Professor was getting married and asked me to craft it," he stated after a moment. He could remember the bride as she asked him, the woman was known for her skill with a knife and unique flavor, but her baking was non-existent.
At first Sebastian had refused, he didn't have the time or confidence to make a cake of that size and importance. It was her day to tie herself to the man she loved freely, he didn't want to ruin it. He was terrified of messing it up, "She stated it had to be lavender to soothe her nerves, so naturally I complied. After crafting it I was praised to no end," he said slowly as he smiled at the memory of the woman smiling at him over a bouquet of white roses. Her gray eyes glittered in the light as she held her groom closely. They were the happiest pair he had seen, her husband was tall with platinum hair and broad hands. He looked as though he could carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and not even flinch. He had a rather angular nose and dark green eyes, his voice was soft but strong. He never stuttered or mumbled, he was always clear and concise.
"How quaint," said Ciel mockingly, making Sebastian flinch from the memory, it was one of his better ones and the only time he had ever been proud to be Sebastian Michaelis, the Patissier. "I guess you could say that," he said softly as he took another sip of the drink. Ciel was up again and walked into the kitchen, "I'm grabbing a snack," he called as he vanished out of view. Ciel was acting oddly nice, it wasn't his speed, in fact it was unnerving. The young man only moments ago had threatened him, and now he was treating him as though they were friends. It made him only more cautious than before, after all Ciel wasn't known for making a move without having a motive. He was far too engrossed in the game he was playing, Sebastian glanced around the room looking for exits with all the possibility being that at any point in time he would have to run.
Seconds passed only for Ciel to return with a plate in hand of what appeared to be chocolates, Sebastian was about to relax until further inspection of the chocolate squares when the young man placed them on the coffee table. "Help yourself," Ciel said with a grin. Resting on the plate in white fluted cups were the familiar dark chocolate squares with flowers on them. He had made them for Ciel as a welcome home gift for Lizzy, now they were resting before him. Making the raven haired chef wonder just what Ciel had in store for them when he had first requested them. "No, thank you," Sebastian replied as he placed the high ball on the glass coffee table, he could see the white persian rug through it and was immediatly reminded that Ciel wasn't playing games with this. "I insist," Ciel said with a smirk as he took another sip of his drink.
Sebastian felt his mind begin to real and his heart pound in his ears. None of this was making sense to the chef, he remembered crafting them for the occasion of Lizzy's return, yet they were now sitting on the plate on the coffee table. "I can't," he whispered as his eyes glanced up at Ciel's sapphires. Naturally the word no wasn't in the equation. "Why?" asked Ciel curiously as he crossed his legs and took a sip of brandy from the glass, his eyes were cold and merciless. "What you asked me to put in them," he replied and Ciel chuckled. Sebastian came to the realization quickly that they were never for Elizabeth, they were for him. He sat up quickly only for Ciel to bark, "Sit down," his tone was clipped which told Sebastian to obey regardless of what his subconcious was screaming. "I want to ensure thier quality and for that I need you to test them," he said briskly as he picked one up from the plate, "If you refuse I can simply fire you and sell you off." Sebastian's eyes widened, he hadn't done anything to merrit a dismissal.
"You can't," he whispered and Ciel chuckled the chocolate was still between his fingers as he held it out to Sebastian. "I very much can, since I am your owner, I can do what I please with what is mine," he stated darkly. Sebastian shuddered at the thought, absently he wondered which was the real Ciel, was it the man he had met the first day or the one sitting in the chair across from him. Ciel stood smoothly and walked over so he towered over the Patissier, his fingers slipped under Sebastian's chin and squeezed it harshly before drawing nearer, he was a breath away and Sebastian could smell his powerful cologne, it was nothing like Claude. "I paid a small fortune for you, and now you shall do as I say," he stated as he forced the Patissier to looking into his fathomless sapphire blue eyes. Sebastian realized for a moment that he was honestly not going to have a chance against the young man, he was stronger than he appeared, something Sebastian had experienced the first time. It was better to submit, the pain wouldn't be as bad. He closed his eyes for a moment to draw a deep breath, it seemed as though everything was falling into place, he wasn't worthy of being loved, it was only a toy. Sebastian's eyes opened slowly as he opened his mouth. "Wonderful, it's good to know you have some sense of self preservation," replied the young noble before slipping the chocolate onto Sebastian tongue. He had been right once again he wouldn't get to sleep comfortably.
~~xXx~~
Claude unlocked his flat with ease and allowed Alois to enter, the blonde bartender looked around curiously at his surroundings, little had changed. He was about to plopp down on the sofa when he spotted a stunning black cat curled up in a ball. It had silky hair and looked rather small, "Wah, how cute," he gushed as he slowly ran his hand down the creature's back. Claude paused and looked over his shoulder, "What's her name?" asked Alois as he woke the cat, it's red eyes lifted and looked at him curiously before he slowly stretched. "He, and his name is Nightshade," he replied. Alois hummed as he looked over at Claude, "So why am I here with you and not getting shagged?" he asked with a hint of irritation.
Claude sighed as he leaned against the table, "I kissed him," Claude said slowly. Alois' mouth popped open and he stared at the golden eyed Head Chef. Claude ran his fingers through his black hair as he leaned on the counter of the Island. Alois stared at him as he watched the Head Chef lean his chin in his palm. Claude's face twisted into a grimace, "It wasn't supposed to be like this," he whispered. Alois picked Nightshade up and walked over to the now irritated Head Chef. Every signal the young man was giving told him to approach with caution. Alois took a seat next to Claude near the island and looked at him. He looked distraught, as though his love life was just failing, Alois froze, he knew better it was failing him. Usually by now he would have made a gin and tonic to soothe an aching heart and not even charged them for it. He wasn't going to profit off of someone's misery.
He could remember the evening a young woman walked in, she was wearing her best black dress and pearls. The dress was tasteful but hugged her curves as though it had been made just for her, she had a rather large bust and nice hips, but was trim in the waist. Her gate was in his memory, the very moment she entered the bar she looked confident with legs that looked as though they could go on for miles. He could tell she spent hours on her make up, even her hair was perfect. She had perched herself at the bar, with large brown eyes and beautiful long red hair was that was put up in a loose bun. Trendles had fallen around her face and she was glowing with excitement. She had ordered a Manhattan and sat there for a bit waiting, before he even realized it, she had been sitting there for an hour, with an empty glass. He naturally offered her another drink, another Manhattan. Hours passed, people at the bar moved on with partners for the night and yet, there she sat, watching the minute hand on her golden wrist watch sweep by. It was time to close and he stared at the woman, she had consumed two Manhattans and looked as though she were going to break down then and there. Alois was quick to walk over to her, now her makeup had smeared, her hair was a mess and her dress was creased with deep wrinkles. It was past midnight and it looked as though her fairy god mother had abandoned her during the wait for her prince.
He watched as she was about to break and said softly, "Miss, let me make you something," he said softly, his voice was smooth and he noticed how she looked up at him with pained eyes. Alois walked over to the back and pulled a cappuccino cup, in moments he had a French Vanilla Cappuccino in his hands. The warm coffee filled his nose as the vanilla soothed him. He slowly placed the large white cup before her and smiled. She looked utterly confused as her eyes flickered from the cup to himself. "Coffee?" she asked. Alois hummed and nodded, "Did you know a cup of coffee could heal the soul more than a shot?" he asked encouragingly as he gestured to the cup. The young woman slowly lifted it to her lips and took a sip. He watched a small smile sweep across her face, "It's warm," she commented before taking another sip, she cradled the cup in her hands for the rest of the evening. As she did so she told Alois of the man she had met. Before she left she attempted to pay for the coffee when Alois refused and stated, "It's always good to soothe a broken heart, especially when I've had mine broken so frequently."
He sighed and snapped back to the present, Claude's eyes were locked on the island counter, and much like the young woman had seemed to find the grain of the wood in the bar amusing. He slowly placed Nightshade on the floor and preceded to making a cup of coffee, it was one of the few things that many didn't realize a bar served coffee. Even at one in the morning, when the magic of Cinderella wears off it is still possible to order a cup of coffee from a kind and gentle pair of hands. The smell of French Roast filled the room as he finished grinding the beans and put them in the coffee maker, he was only going to make enough for a half pot. Alois reached for two mugs and commented, "Start from the beginning."
Claude drew a deep breath and began, "I'm honestly not sure where it began." There was a pause; Alois could tell what the statement had actually meant. Claude had been admiring Sebastian from day one; he would have never tried Sebastian's food if he didn't. "The kiss, what lead to it," Alois said softly as he slowly poured two cups of coffee. He placed one mug in front of Claude and then took a seat beside him, for once he wasn't standing on the other side of the counter. Claude raked his hand through his hair before slipping off his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose. Long fingers wrapped around the black mug before he looked at it's contents and hummed, "That moment when I watched him flicker from this meek chef, to a powerful and courageous one, that smile of confidence," he stated. There was silence as he watched emotions play out on Claude's face.
"That somehow a nod from me, could bring out the best in him," he said with a sad smile. His long fingers now caressed the lip of the mug, they were slow and Alois could tell they would rather caress something else. They paused as Claude smiled a little, "For a moment, he looked at me, not as Head Chef, not as the gay man, but me for confidence," he said slowly as he looked over at Alois. There was a look of innocence in the man's eyes, a spark that had been long lost since Ash betrayed him. It was bittersweet, Alois felt his chest constrict, "I saw him in his dressing room while the judges were selecting the dish, I fell in love with his work, it was wonderful," he said slowly. Alois could remember Claude vanishing to steal a taste, he had no idea he had managed to get his hands on a little. Part of him was envious, it looked delicious to begin with. "I waited in his dressing room, and watched as he sat nervously for judgment, yet he calmed when I told him my thoughts," he whispered.
The mug finally left the table for Claude to tentatively take a sip, Alois smiled; he knew Claude's tongue was sensitive, far more than the average human's. He closed his eyes as he tipped the mug and sighed, "I was so drawn to that look of joy when Hugo complimented him, I could tell the man was one of Sebastian's idols. For once he looked happy," he said slowly. Alois could tell what was spurring Claude into his actions. He watched the man fidget nervously, Nightshade had long since joined them on the island and sat before Claude, flicking her tail. "I thought for a moment my life was perfect, I thought that I would be able to finally protect him," Claude said slowly as he smiled and caressed the curved handle on the mug with his hand. Alois smiled, for a moment Claude was lost in his memory, "Sebastian looked frightened but so beautiful I just had to see what they tasted like," Claude said slowly. Alois' eyes widened as he watched Claude close his eyes and smile softly, he looked stunningly beautiful. His facial features relaxed as he finally allowed his memory to consume him. He looked years younger, his square jaw relaxed a little; his usual scowl no longer caressed his features. "They were so soft, and tasted even better than the ice cream," he mused slowly. Alois froze, he had never seen Claude lost in his own world like this; it was as though he were watching the man cook for the first time. Poised, serene and in his element.
It was a moment of silence that filled the room before Alois took a sip of his coffee himself. "My father called," Claude said after a moment, causing Alois to swallow the hot coffee harshly, it burned his throat as it went down and he stared at the chef. "He wants me to come home, and marry some girl," he said sadly. Alois stared in shock, Lucius was calling Claude, that wasn't normal. "What's going on?" he asked quickly as his nervousness appeared in his voice. The last time Lucius had done this, he pulled Claude away and was going to have him working in a glass atrocity. "I don't know," replied Claude as he dipped his head, "Ciel dragged Sebastian away as soon as I pulled away. He looked irritated as hell." Nightshade left her seat and wove before Claude, mewling softly, as though she were trying to offer the man what little comfort he could. The head chef lifted his head and slowly ran his hand down the lithe feline's back, his silky fur seemed to be the softest thing he had laid his hands on. "If only I could take him home," he whispered, "Ciel would kill me if I tried, I'm worried."
Alois was quiet as he watched the cat nuzzle the man's hand, leaning into his touch as though it were his salvation. "Ciel, is vindictive Alois, I know you like him but what he's doing," Claude said slowly and hissed, his face twisted with agony as he attempted to figure it all out, "is very wrong." The young blonde bartender paused and released a sigh, he knew Ciel wasn't treating Sebastian well, over the past few days he had watched the man's fire slowly fizzle out. It was like watching a candle flickering in the wind, so delicate that any moment it might just snuff out. "I know," replied Alois slowly. There was silence in the room, that lingering question which was nagging at him, "Will you go back to New York?" he asked slowly.
Alois looked over to see Claude's head resting on his folded arms on the table, his golden eyes were locked on him, he looked lost and almost confused. "I don't know, I just," he sighed and shook his head. Alois placed a hand on Claude's back, their plan to make Ciel jealous wasn't working, "Claude," he began as he watched the chef sigh. This was a pain he couldn't heal, something he could never take away, "I think we should stop pretending." The head chef's head shot up and he looked at Alois in confusion. The bartender hummed as he traced soothing circles into the broad back of the head chef. "You and I both know that whenever you are with me, you're thinking of him. You're a wonderful guy, and I love you but not in the way we should," he stated slowly. Claude stared at Alois blankly, "Claude, if you love him, then commit," he said slowly as he slowly got off the stool, "Commit to the chase, if you keep this up, he will slip through your fingers, and then what do you have?"
Claude's eyes were locked on Alois, he hummed and asked, "What if he refuses?" The young bartender's lips quirked up into a knowing smile, his eyes glistened a little as he replied, "He won't, just show him." With that Alois turned on his heel and left, his heels clicked against the wooden floor as he moved, before the door closed. He remained sitting at the island and slowly perked up when Nightshade rubbed against him. His slender fingers slipped over the animal as he looked into his all too familiar red eyes, Claude's chin rested on his forearms as he leaned on the island counter. "He really is a great bartender," he said lightly before sighing and looking at the black cat. "Perhaps I should listen," he said slowly as he looked at the cat. The small black feline tipped his head skeptically making Claude chuckle, "No I should listen, or I will lose him," he whispered.
He was about to say something more when a book caught his attention, sitting in the corner was a relatively untouched copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He had read all the books to that point, but hadn't finished the final book, it wasn't that he didn't have time, it was the fact that it meant the end. Claude sighed, he had gotten halfway through the book. The Head Chef hummed before slowly getting up and walking over to pick it up. His golden eyes narrowed as he wondered how it all ended. His fingers swept across the cover, his favorite character was actually Severus Snape. He found the man interesting, even if he had always been painted as the villain, there had to be more there. Otherwise, why else would he throw himself between an angry werewolf and Potter in the third book. Why else would he join the order and work with the Dark Lord when he clearly knew his life was on the line. That animosity toward James Potter, which seemed to make it impossible for the Potion's master to see Harry. There was certainly more.
Claude picked up the book and opened to the page in which the black satin tassel fell from. The pages were just as thick as he remembered, in moments he was sitting on his sofa with his feet up and a book in hand. Escape sounded far more positive than facing the issue now.
~~xXx~~
It was hot, all to hot, and every cell in his body was ringing as fire spread. Sebastian closed his eyes as his head began pounding, an all too familiar feeling of being trapped in flames had kicked in. His head was light and he could tell this wasn't going to end well, "What about Lizzy?" he stammered as he watched Ciel leave his seat and stride toward him, he had a predatory glint in his eyes. At some point the young man had forced Sebastian into his bed, the sheets were soft and caressed his hot skin. Sebastian would have thought more about the room if it weren't for the intent in Ciel's eyes. The same look Francis had before taking him, fear flooded his senses as he attempted to break away. Yet his body didn't listen to commands, before he even realized it Ciel was leaning over him. "She'll be home soon, I sent her a box and knowing Lizzy, she's had a few," he commented with a grin.
Sebastian's eyes widened, he didn't want this, he never asked for this. "No, please, no," he whimpered as he attempted to get his limbs to move, his voice was trembling. Ciel looked slightly confused for a moment until a smile swept across his lips, "You are such a tease, so beautiful and yet you don't want anyone else to see you," he whispered as his fingers slipped through Sebastian's hair. Their touch made his skin crawl, and he shuddered, his body was screaming for attention while all he wanted to do was run away. Ciel's fingers slipped down Sebastian's cheek and then his slender neck, the Patissier could remember the night he had been caught baking. The cultured aristocrat suddenly became demanding and dangerous as he tore into Sebastian. His fingers slipped over Sebastian clothed chest, it made him feel as though something were crawling on his skin. Ciel's fingers gripped Sebastian's shirt harshly as he tore it over the man's head, a rush of cold air hit Sebastian's skin.
Ciel chuckled as he licked his lips, Sebastian closed his eyes, willing Ciel to vanish, only for hands to dance over his skin. "Such a slut, I saw what you and Claude did," Ciel whispered. Sebastian's eyes popped open only to see a tie in Ciel's hands. It was the same one he had been wearing. He held the piece of midnight blue fabric tightly in his hands, "I don't like people touching what's mine," he hissed as he slipped the tie over Sebastian's eyes, the thick band quickly blinded him as Ciel tied it tightly around his head. Sebastian began to panic, he didn't like this, he didn't want this. "Please stop," he whimpered as he attempted to scramble away, only for Ciel to pin him to the bed. He could hear the distant click of the young man's tongue echoing in the silence.
"You see, I told you to obey me," Ciel mused, Sebastian could hear the distant snap of leather and cringed, he had no idea what the young man would do. He could handle a lashing, but Ciel was in a state where he would take it too far. "I own you, even if I hired him, you are to never let him touch you," Ciel hissed as he slipped the belt around Sebastian's hands, binding them together above his head. The young chef thrashed and whimpered in terror, "No, no, no, I promise I won't, please," his words fell from his lips as he trembled in terror. He could feel his member getting harder, despite his efforts to calm his raging hormones. "Please, not this," he whispered in fear as he felt Ciel lick his ear. The young man's breath hit Sebastian's ear, making him cringe, "Never," was the only word which fell from his lips.
Sebastian continued to fight to get away from experienced hands, just when he thought he had escaped a hand tugged down his fly and in a swift motion stripped him of his pants. The Patissier's heart was pounding as he squirmed, "I will clip your wings, so you can never fly away," Ciel taunted as he flipped Sebastian over. The Patissier was helpless in the hands of a vengeful young lord. His eyes were closed under the blindfold as his fingers were clenched, no escape. Ciel's hands spread his legs before looking at his bottom, "Such a cute hole, I noticed it before, it's tight to," he groaned. Sebastian trembled, he could hear the rustle of fabric, he thought that Ciel was looking for lube, only to feel searing pain in his backside. Ciel's thick length was being shoved into him without preparation. Sebastian screamed in agony and terror. He could feel Ciel's hips move, "You. Are. Mine," were the only words which Sebastian heard before promptly vacating his head.
When Sebastian was a child, he learned two things from Father Francis, never tell and the best escape is in your head. Even though he was in agony, he could still do this, he could still run. Ciel's thrusting grew distant as Sebastian slowly shut it all out, he should have known that this kind of happiness wouldn't last, that Claude's affections wouldn't be enough to save him. Before he even realized it, he had slipped into darkness, the only place no one could touch so he could nurse a shattered heart.
~~xXx~~
Elizabeth hummed as she entered the flat, Ciel had given her chocolates, which she didn't have a chance to try. They looked as though Sebastian had crafted them though, but she didn't want to eat them alone. She would rather share them, she was quiet as she walked through the living room, Ciel had been worried about the challenges and honestly hadn't slept in a while. She was hoping to cheer him up with a bottle of his favorite red wine. Several similar chocolates were sitting on a plate, she glanced at them in confusion, they were identical to the small cubes which had been in her box. "What?" she asked in confusion when she heard a distant thud. Her head jerked up toward the direction in which it came from. Her mind was racing when she realized that Ciel could have been the cause of the sound.
A scream filled the air of pure agony, causing her to sprint toward the young man's room and throw the doors open. Her green eyes widened with shock as her fingers loosened around the neck of the bottle, causing it to shatter as it crashed into the floor. The precious red liquid spilled all over the white Persian rug. Lying tied up in the bed, seemingly unmoving was the Patissier with her fiancé towering over him, thrusting his hips roughly. "What the hell are you doing!" she shouted. Ciel looked up and chuckled, "Lizzy, didn't you get the gift?" he asked as he slammed into Sebastian as deep as he could.
The blonde stared at him in terror, "What have you?" she asked as she approached the bed, at first she was irritated with Sebastian until she drew nearer, blood was trickling from Sebastian's wrists and lips. His body was covered in scars and new bruises were forming. "Sebastian?" she asked slowly as she reached out to touch him. "Don't," barked Ciel causing her to jump with surprise. "Lizzy, you told me you wanted a taste of him," Ciel commented as he rolled the Patissier over so he was on his back, his member now engorged and twitching, precum leaked down the sides. "You stated he was delicious," he commented wickedly as he pulled out of the Patissier and held his hand out to her. She glared at him and hissed, "His food Ciel, why would you? How could you?" she asked angrily as she approached him and slapped him. It wasn't until she looked at Sebastian's back side that she saw the blood, it ran down his legs like ribbons and fell onto the sheets.
Her hand was raised before it came down across Ciel's face, causing the slap to echo through the room. "This isn't the man I fell in love with," she stated with tears in her eyes, "he's a man, and you, you are my fiancé." Ciel was unfazed, his hand simply cupped his cheek as he grinned, he honestly looked as though he were enjoying every second of her misery. "Did he even ask for this?" she asked as she looked at Sebastian. He was pale, clammy and she could see his chest heaving. Ciel sighed and ran a hand through his slate hair, "Does it matter? His attitude said it all," he stated. Lizzy stared at him, he sounded radically different from the man she was engaged to. She pulled out her phone and glared at him, "You," she hissed. Ciel snatched her wrist; his vice like grip caused her the cry out in pain. "Enough!" he shouted as he yanked her toward the bed.
"This didn't happen, you won't call Vincent, Diedrich, William or even Agni," he stated as he grabbed the phone and threw it against the wall. She stared in horror as the device smashed into it and broke. "I'm going to put him in his room, and you are to act as though you saw nothing," warned Ciel as he twisted her arm. The young woman swore for the first time she could see dots dance in her vision from the pain. "If you don't, I will destroy you, who would believe that I raped him. No you slept with him and were unfaithful to me," he stated. Elizabeth's eyes widened as she looked over her shoulder at him. He was sincere and unwavering; his sapphire eyes that were always filled with joy around her were cold and calculating. She swallowed and nodded before he released her and turned his attention to Sebastian. She was still as she watched the man she thought she knew pick the Patissier up and take him back to his room.
It was only now that she realized she knew nothing of him, that it was all a sweet dream. The Ciel before her was the one she would marry, she stared in terror as the man stalked out of the room. Now she was trapped, and had no escape. Rage filled her as she wondered just how Sebastian had managed to seduce Ciel. It had taken her years, and yet in a few months Ciel was sleeping with the Patissier. A block of ice filled in her heart, Sebastian didn't deserve the treatment he received, however he was in line for a slap once conscious. He had to have seduced Ciel, the young man never looked at men. He was as straight as an arrow. Ciel returned after a moment and she said, "I want him out of here."
There was a pause between them, "I'm afraid that's not possible," he replied after a moment. Elizabeth saw red as she clenched her fists, "Why the hell not?" she shouted. Ciel rubbed his temples as he slipped into a pair of loungers, "Because, the building doesn't exist," he replied.
~~xXx~~
Consciousness slowly came to Sebastian as he emerged from the fog, he attempted to move only for his body to scream in pain. A pained moan escaped his lips as he slowly opened his eyes, the blindfold was long gone as was the belt, but he could still feel it biting his wrists. Angry red welts glared at him as he looked at the now scabbed wounds, there was dried blood on his skin from them and he realized quickly that Ciel didn't even clean him up. His skin was sticky and he could feel the dried blood on his body. "Hurts," he whimpered as he tried to sit up, even though the fetters were gone he was still bound to the monster who had done this. He thought that once Angela was gone he could escape the abuse. If this were a nightmare he could wake up and it would all disappear.
After a moment he finally managed to get his body to cooperate, he had to take a shower, to wash it all away. Ciel had been careful not to release inside of him, which meant there wasn't anything to prove the man had done it. Sebastian's stomach churned as he opened the door, he leaned heavily on the wall. What was usually a few steps away, felt like an eternity, a familiar feeling. It was the same as when Francis had raped him the first time, the morning after he couldn't seem to move, and by the time he willed his limbs to do as he asked the pain was too intense to continue, he ended up laying in the hallway until another boy had found him. This time there was no one else to find him, he was on his own. After a few more agonizing steps he made it to the door, the pain shot through his spine as he pushed the wooden door open and staggered toward the shower.
He felt disgusting, the second challenge was today and Ciel had once again ripped him. It would be a miracle if he could stand long enough to draw the knife, let alone cook. His hands shook as he turned the knob in the shower and waited for the hot water to fall. After a moment he stepped in and sat on the floor. Tears finally slipped from their confines as the chef sat in misery, "Someone please make it stop," he whispered as he hugged himself and curled into a ball in the shower. He had arrived to the conclusion that no one was going to save him, no one could. That all he was good for was making people desserts that tasted divine even though his life was actually hell.
~~xXx~~
London was abuzz after Sebastian's demonstration of making Liquid nitrogen Lavender and Dark chocolate Ice Cream. Twitter and Facebook had exploded over night with the rapid fire discussion over Sebastian's use of what seemed like harmful chemicals to craft something ingenious. Fan's of Ash's work were utterly disgusted with the simple mistake and horrendous flavor, but hoped the chef would soon rebound. The studio was surrounded by reporters, all attempting to get a peek at the chefs as they entered the building and potentially find out just what they were planning. Landers was dressed in his typical white blazer with a pair of large sunglasses and had made his hair stand up, he looked more like a rock star than a chef. The cameras flashed as they attempted to hear from the chef about what had been going through his head during the first challenge. The patissier ignored these and offered a smile and wave as he stepped into the building.
The large black limo vanished from view allowing Sebastian to roll in; he was once again on his Roadster. It was odd to see him on the bicycle after Ash had stormed in with the full fledged fame and fortune look. The white roadster glided and everyone watched as the Patissier stood on the pedals and allowed it to coast. There was a murmur of confusion as he swung his leg over the bike as it continued to roll. His white scarf fluttered in the wind behind him and his long raven black hair swept behind him. Sebastian's red eyes were filled with what could pass as apprehension, yet he looked comfortable with the motions of dismounting the bicycle. It wasn't until he was closer that all of the other reporters tilted their heads, the young chef was in a navy blue cardigan that was snug but not suffocating, shined black leather oxfords, a pair of rather professional jeans and a white v-neck tee. The roadster stopped gracefully before the reporters as he slipped off of it with grace, in that moment he looked like a true Parisian. One that honestly had ridden a bicycle longer than drove. A stop that was as natural as making a meringue for the chef and a move which clearly attracted the press.
Sebastian gripped the handlebars and looked at the press who seemed to stare at him, he slipped his hand through his silky black hair in an attempt to tame it somehow, despite the fact that it was usually unruly. He smiled warmly as he walked beside his Roadster; it wasn't until he was near the door that he realized who the group was waiting for. "Mister Michaelis! You don't drive?" they asked curiously. Sebastian sighed and shrugged, "Not really, cars don't work well in Paris, it's better to cycle," he responded as he continued toward the studio. There was another flicker which caused Sebastian to jump, he wasn't prepared for the flash. His eyes shifted as he attempted to split the reporters so he could possibly walk. There was a murmur of excitement from a pair of reporters, "Looks like cooking finally has someone to contend with Claude Faustus," one of them whispered. Sebastian perked up after hearing the name of the Head Chef, "I know! He oozed pheromones, and those suites," one of them whispered. The pair looked at Sebastian and smiled, "I wonder what he looks like in a suit, lord knows Claude is delicious," the pair muttered.
Sebastian took that as his cue to go, he had no intention of becoming someone's dress-up doll, besides his legs began to tremble from the pain and he knew soon enough he would crash to the pavement if he kept this up. He slipped inside the studio and was greeted by Beast, Joker, Dagger and Doll. Dagger immediately took his Roadster, "Good you're here, we need to get make up on you ASAP," Beast stated as she lead Sebastian to the dressing room. Joker stood in the dressing room as Beast began to work her magic, "Okay a few changes, Sebastian you will pull Knife Two, however the time allowed has been changed to two hours, we will only be using bits and pieces, there will be a simultaneous live broadcast, however Ash's people have asked that an edited version go out later," he stated.
Sebastian looked over at him in confusion, "Ash has people?" he asked as his eyebrows lifted curiously. Joker sighed and nodded, as he snarled a little, "Well person, an insufferable lawyer who got on my case and the producer. Vincent is sick of him on my ass," Joker commented as he shrugged. Sebastian hummed, he didn't know much about law but he knew lawyers were irritating and this one had to be especially so since Ash had him on retainer. Joker's hazel eyes fell on his clipboard, "You know all of London is praying you beat the hell out of that prick right?" he asked nervously. Sebastian hummed and looked over at Beast who was grabbing more foundation, "I know," he started nervously.
He could tell Joker what happened last night, he was used to the pain associated with mistreatment and even agony of torture. Even if his body told him to not cook, he had to perform and Joker's statement only reinforced this. "You okay? You look a little pale," Joker commented as he reached out to touch Sebastian's forehead, Sebastian pulled away and Beast hummed. "I'll add a little more bronzer and use a slightly redder foundation to fix it," she commented, "Don't get sick on us now, we need you." Sebastian simply nodded and closed his eyes, today was going to be agony, it was bad enough he had to cycle to get there, "Hey Beast, do you have ibuprofen?" Sebastian asked after a moment. He needed something to keep the pain at bay, just long enough to get the cooking through and away from the prying eyes of the world.
The young woman tilted her head, causing her curly black hair to fall into her eyes and looked at him curiously. "Headache?" she asked innocently as she looked at him more closely, Sebastian simply nodded. Beast released a sigh and looked at him, "I see, let me grab some for you, I would accuse you of partying too hard but you were with Ciel, so I highly doubt that would happen," she commented. Sebastian shuddered and shook his head, "I'm quite sure he would kill me." Joker chuckled and nodded, he was about to say something else when the door of the room opened, standing in the doorway was Claude, he was dressed in all black again, if the Head Chef and Ash were to stand side by side it was as though you were looking at day and night. His golden eyes weren't hidden this time, his glasses were gone which caused his intense gaze to fall on anyone he spoke to. His black hair was a mess as always, yet seemed appropriate for the chef's demeanor.
"The horde of wasps at the door is irritating, I should call someone to fumigate the premises," he stated with irritation. Sebastian suppressed the desire to laugh at Claude's selection of words, he hadn't seen them as being that aggressive, but with Claude's looks and the number of single women hanging around the door it wasn't possible. His eyes fell on Sebastian and he smiled, "I came with a gift," he said smoothly as he held out a garment bag. There was a faint smile on his lips as he presented the black bag to the chef. His eyes twinkled with mischief making Claude look even younger than when he was sleeping. He looked oddly relaxed and laid back in the suit, a contradiction which made the chef suddenly understand just what drew women to him. Sebastian slowly opened it and stared at the black coat, "It's smaller and I had your name embroidered on it, rather than the logo for Ciel," he commented.
Claude pulled it from the bag and Sebastian stared at the emblem on the shoulder, it was that of Le Cordon Bleu. "If Landers can flash his school, you might as well," stated Claude with a grin. Obviously the man who had trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute in America was happy to have Sebastian flaunt his training. The clean black fabric between his fingers was strong, yet soft, it felt nothing like the jacket Ciel had given him. "I took the liberty of getting something that was a little more comfortable and not as stifling," Claude commented. The Patissier nodded as he looked at Claude, "Thank you," he said hesitantly.
Joker cleared his throat and commented, "You know, you don't have to be so awkward about it, it's not like you're secret lovers, or something," he commented. In that second Sebastian turned bright pink, his eyes were averted from Claude's gaze as the golden eyed chef's cheeks turned a little pink. "Yes, well, wear that, the other wasn't suitable," Claude replied before turning on his heel and leaving briskly, the faint trace of a blush still on his cheeks. Joker looked at Sebastian who's face was now extremely red, "Oh my! Do you have a fever?" asked Beast in a panic when she returned. Sebastian bit his lower lip nervously and replied, "No, Joker was having some fun," he replied. Joker looked at him in confusion and then back to the jacket. His eyebrows shot up, obviously he was putting things together. "Wait, you have the hots for Claude?" asked Joker after a moment. Sebastian stared at him even more nervously and averted his gaze, "N-No," he replied. Instantly he began to regret it, Joker had him.
"Liar, you like him," said Beast firmly as she crossed her arms. Sebastian groaned and looked at her his eyes met hers in the mirror, "No. I. Don't." he said firmly. The woman shook her head, "Nope, you do, you wouldn't be so red if you didn't," she stated simply. A grin now split her once pursed lips, it was filled with mischief, she looked more like a pixie than anything else at that moment. "No comment," Sebastian defended as he looked at Joker who was grinning from ear to ear. Instantly he knew the pair would hatch a plan. "You know, nothing makes the show better than a little romance," said Joker as he tapped his lips with his index finger. "NO!" Sebastian said with a hint of embarrassment. Joker looked at him as though he were insane, "It would bring ratings through the roof, not to mention piss Landers off more," he commented.
Beast clapped her hands and pointed at him, "Brilliant! Even if they are both men, the two are so hot no one would object!" she cried happily. Sebastian's burgundy red eyes were the size of saucers. There were several things in his life he would never allow, "I think you two should come out, after all love is beautiful," said Joker. Sebastian shuttered and closed his eyes, there wasn't any beauty in love when he was involved. Usually love for him involved a beating, Francis had shown him that, as had his other keepers. "No, just leave it alone," Sebastian growled. The pair were silent and stared at him, it wasn't normal for Sebastian to become aggressive, yet he had to protect himself, he was sick of the pain. "He probably doesn't even like me," he commented before taking the pills from Beast, popping them in his mouth and then walking out of the room with the jacket in hand.
He slipped into it with ease before looking at the doors which lead to the set, Doll was at the door with the bulky headset on and looking at them, "Now then, on my count," she said as Ash stood beside him in his standard white jacket. Sebastian hummed, he couldn't believe he was wearing such a comfortable article. Once she completed her count Sebastian entered the set and proceeded to where the floor had been marked. Vincent was standing before them in another sleek suit, his eyes sparkled with delight as the chefs stood before him. With a bright grin he began, "Welcome back chefs, as you know Sebastian won the last challenge and according to the rules has the opportunity to pull the next knife," Vincent explained. His brown eyes were locked on the pair, they looked nothing like the pair that Ciel possessed, "Sebastian, if you please," said Vincent as he gestured to the block again. It didn't take much to realize that the block had different knives in it from the previous challenge.
A smile spread on Sebastian's lips as he replied, "Of course," before walking over to the block, the pain had subsided after the meds. He honestly couldn't stop himself from grinning as his fingers swept over the handles of each of the knives, their cool touch made him feel even more confident. His fingers wrapped around one of the blades and he pulled it out. Written in bright red block letters was the second mystery, he turned around and flipped the knife over, "Raspberries," Sebastian stated. Ash looked as though he had finally gotten his chance at the limelight, which meant the Patissier was going to have to step it up if he was going to survive this. He walked back over to Vincent, if there was one thing he knew how to work it was a Raspberry. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a smiling German who was clearly a friend, and remembered the promise, he knew just what to make.
Vincent's speech seemed to fly in one ear and out the other as he went over the rules once again, everyone knew what they were, it seemed to be his way of building tension. Obviously it worked, because everyone was on edge. Sebastian placed the knife in the man's hand, once Vincent had finished his piece the pair bolted across the kitchen. Sebastian's nimble fingers wrapped around three baskets of the berries and placed them on his bench before b-lining for the pantry. Resting in a stack were the familiar brands of chocolate and their concentrations, once again the cameras were trailing him as his fingers danced across the shelves deftly removing the dark paper packages. His eyes brightened after finding a familiar dark brown package with a golden band around it proclaiming it to be 70% and Grade A. He plucked several bars skillfully and proceeded to grabbing a silver tin of illy coffee, castor flour, toasted almonds, vanilla extract, plain flour, eggs, a vanilla bean and finally salt. After placing the ingredients on the bench he smiled as he looked them over, mentally checking each one off the list of necessities.
After doing so he dashed to the oven and set the temperature, he had to make sure the oven was just right, not too hot and not too cold. Once completed he slipped away from the oven and turned his attention to the actual preparations required to craft his dish. In a flash he was sliding several sticks of butter from the digital scale and unwrapping them to place in the bowl. "Chocolate," he muttered as he grabbed one of the many bars, the crisp paper beneath his fingers peeled back with ease as he swiftly removed it. Using his hands he broke the bar apart and dropped the piece into the Pyrex bowl before dropping all the ingredients into the top portion of a double boiler. He had to melt the chocolate evenly so it would look like satin and not burn or lose it's signature richness. After filling the bottom portion of the double boiler with water he placed the pair on the range and watched it carefully. The smell of chocolate and butter filled his nose as he worked the two, the chunks slowly morphed into the rich satin texture he desired. Sebastian smiled with delight as he gently stirred the pot's contents with a special whisk. The Patissier lifted the whisk from the pot as he always did to inspect the consistency, and watched it drip from the metal webbing and fall in smooth strands of satin into the pot. He smiled merrily before taking it off the range and covering it. He wanted it to cool, but not stiffen too much. Once the double boiler was placed on a glass cooling plate he grabbed the long slender black vanilla bean and sliced it down the center with the tip of his knife. Vanilla and chocolate flooded his senses as he scraped the black substance into the pot. The silver coffee tin with the signature red logo on the side proclaiming it to be illy's was in his hands in seconds as he popped the tin open and scooped a quarter of a teaspoon of coffee into the pot. Once these two things were added, Sebastian gave the concoction a quick stir before replacing the lid.
The food processor buzzed as Sebastian whizzed the almonds in it, to produce a fine powder. Sebastian's hands seemed to move on their own as he measured both the flour and salt to a glass bowl, everything had it's own natural rhythm, time which could be kept on an individual's hands. With ease the almonds, flour and salt were combined in the glass bowl. He had promised to make something for a certain German, and now he was going to do just that. When he was in University crafting this particular pastry was one of her favorite things to do. Out of the corner of his eye he could see a very intrigued cameraman, he seemed extremely interested in the recipe. A smile curved Sebastian's lips as he cracked five eggs and watched them fall into the bowl. With his silver whisk in hand he began to blend them swiftly into the flour based mix.
The concoction thickened before the cameraman's eyes, Sebastian hummed as he began to sprinkle in the sugar, it looked as though he were adding just a touch of pixie dust. It fell into the bowl slowly as he continued to fold the two. A purr of delight left the chef's lips as he picked up the pot and poured half of the satin like chocolate into the base, the dark brown satin against the velvety light yellow base swirled as the chef folded it. The key to making the torte was folding the batter, rather than beating it. By folding it, the mixture becomes lighter as oxygen is introduced, giving the torte a light and fluffy texture that melts in the mouth, rather than weights it down. Once both halves of the melted chocolate had been folded Sebastian turned his attention to two pans and swiftly lined them with parchment.
The batter fell from the bowl slowly hitting the bottom of the pan which had been lined with pristine white parchment, the smell of chocolate made Sebastian hum, his eyes were locked on the pans as he added an equal amount to each. The oven had finally reached temperature, to his delight, and he slipped them into the mouth of the great silver beast. He chuckled as he turned it to bake and pulled another bowl, "Now the filling and icing," he commented. Sebastian didn't like many sweet things, he had the fortune of meeting a young German chef in one of his classes who wasn't a fan either. The young man was more than delighted to share with him a German raspberry filling that emphasized the tartness of raspberries but wasn't too sour. Just the right amount to sweetness. Sebastian dumped several baskets into the bowl and began to mash them, he would have to make a quick filling, he never liked using pre-made jams. His issue was it was always easy to tell when a chef had, it was far more beneficial to make a quick filling than it was to go with a jar. The trick was to not add a lot of sugar, and add a touch of lemon juice, the lemon would give it a nip and bring out the raspberries while the sugar reminded the diner that it was still a fruit.
The red mixture of mashed berries, sugar, and lemon sat in the bowl, it was a deep red and made him smile brightly, it would really set the dessert off. The pans would be in the oven for fifteen minutes which gave him plenty of time to start preparing the next set of ingredients to make the icing. Time didn't have a place in Sebastian's world, except for the very rhythm of his movements. There was the rustle of paper again as the chef unwrapped the bar and placed it on the block, this time he had to cut it into smaller chunks, he wasn't going to melt it, he was going to have the cream do that. It reduced the risk of burning the delicate ingredient and also subtracted minutes off of the entire process which would in the end give him far more time to decorate.
He drew a deep breath as he picked up the knife, a twinge of pain traveled down his backside and he closed his eyes for a moment. The ibuprofen should have lasted longer, he knew that, however he also knew Ciel had torn him. He drew several deep breaths as he schooled his features to look calm, even though he was in agony. His burgundy eyes opened slowly, his fingers caressed the sharp blade as he drew another breath. He had to finish, he steadied himself, as he grasped the knife and looked at the bar. There was a cracking sound as the blade slid through the chocolate, with a great deal of resistance. He drew the blade up again and went to slice the bar when he felt a sharp pain run through his body, the knife clattered to the floor as he looked at his finger, something warm and wet was running down it. There was an audible gasp as Sebastian looked at his hand, he made no motion to cover it, the stinging pain as the blood rushed to flee him was soothing in an odd way. The numbness began to set in and he watched as the blood dripped from his finger onto the white cutting board.
There was a frenzy as Vincent rushed onto the scene and called for the timer to stop and to have Landers stop as well. Sebastian's head felt light, as his ears began to ring, the numbness was setting in making the chef feel somewhat peaceful. A pair of large strong hands wrapped around his own, with a handkerchief, Sebastian's gaze lifted from the red flowers on the cutting board to a pair of very concerned golden eyes. "Sebastian," it called, those powerful eyes were filled with concern as his powerful grip increased on his finger. "Hold it near your heart," Claude commanded as he positioned Sebastian's arm. Landers halted what he was doing when the timer went off. "Pull them out!" barked Vincent as he pointed to the oven.
Things began to fade as the handkerchief became soaked, it was no longer a steel gray but red, the patissier swayed. Clearly he had cut himself deeper than he thought, "Stay with me," commanded Claude, he looked as though he were on the verge of breaking. Somehow Sebastian was leaning against that broad and warm chest which smelled of rosemary and thyme. He felt safe, his body was heavy as he fell further into the man, the world was fading on him and he closed his eyes. Perhaps this was for the best, the pain was finally gone, he was numb and free, finally.