Author's Note: I realize it's been a few days and I want to thank all of you who reading and reviewing. Next you will notice this a realy long chatper. I wanted to do some work with Ash as well as have a few Claude and Sebatian moments, thus this really long chapter. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 33: Just Another Glass

The bar was dimly lit, naturally William had selected a place with a superior wine selection and elegant bar. He was on a first name basis with both the bartender and the Sommelier. The four were seated at a table, William had selected a bottle of Chardonnay, which Claude happily enjoyed. Ronald was drinking a Gin Tonic, while Sebastian stared at the bottle of chardonnay on the table. William was smiling as Ronald messed with the Sommelier's hair making his bangs fall in his eyes. "Will, you're too serious," commented the Head Waiter as he tugged on the Sommelier's tie. Sebastian watched as the man's carefully constructed armor was removed by the young blonde, before he even realized it William was settled casually in the chair before him, suit jacket gone, his tie had vanished and his white shirt was unbuttoned, he looked relaxed and warmer than usual. It was almost startling how different he looked when not scowling at a waiter or lecturing a cook. His voice carried with ease as he conversed with Claude over wines, naturally it was a topic the Sommelier knew well, yet Sebastian hadn't anticipated that Claude knew just as much. "I'm just saying although Ice Wine is great nothing beats a cup of mulled wine on a nippy night," William stated as he poured himself another glass.

Claude was holding his glass and sighed, "Depends on the wine," he replied as he pointed causally at the Sommelier. This was also the first time he had seen Claude this relaxed, he was no where near as guarded as usual. His gaze softened and a smile had curved his lips, even his voice took on warm qualities which seemed to make Sebastian uncoil. "I personally don't care whether the glass is hot or cold, it just has to taste good," Ronald remarked as he lifted the Gin Tonic to his lips. William groaned and shook his head, "That is why I gave up trying to teach you anything about wine, Sebastian tell me which you prefer." Sebastian froze, he had barely been listening to them, he was so focused on how different Claude looked here than in the restaurant that he had become oblivious to the topic. Since that day in the hospital when Claude had been reading to him, Sebastian found himself paying more attention to Claude's voice and appearance. "To be honest I've never had mulled wine," he replied sheepishly. Suddenly the square coaster under Sebastian's glass became very interesting as he looked at the only thing separating the cool glass from the polished wooden table.

Claude hummed and replied, "Well then, I think a cup of mulled wine is in order." William nodded and lifted his hand to flag down his friend who ran the establishment. "Hey Mark, feel like introducing someone to a cup of mulled wine?" he asked teasingly. Sebastian looked up to see the seriousness and merriment in William's eyes as he spoke to the other Sommelier. "Oh? Who's the poor sod who's never had a sip?" asked Mark. There was a chuckle from Ronald as he pointed to Sebastian. There was silence as Mark looked at the Patissier, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped, "You- You're, no way," he stammered. Sebastian looked confused as he swept one of his black bangs behind his ears. "Sorry, have we met?" he asked in confusion, earning a chuckle from the golden eyed Head Chef. Sebastian felt as though he had just missed out on a private joke, something he wasn't too happy about. "You're Sebastian Michaelis, you've been competing for all of Britain and innovation," stated Mark, there was a murmur which spread through the shop. Sebastian nodded hesitantly and looked at him, "Tonight's dish was brilliant, and Ash looked as though he were going to dash out of there. I'd be honored to make a cup for you, and you as well Chef Claude. I would offer some to Will, but I know how he loves that particular bottle of Chardonnay," Mark commented. Sebastian noticed how tender William was with the bottle, it was as though he were protecting it like a child. "No, he's like that with all of the wines he touches. He treasures them, respects them and loved them. I think it's admirable," Sebastian mused.

Mark smirked and hummed, there was a faint blush on William's cheeks which made Ronald giggle. The Sommelier coughed and replied, "Well yes, of course they are delicate." Mark turned and looked at Claude before Sebastian, "I'll make you a glass, free of charge, it's always an honor for someone such as yourself to select something like a mulled wine," Mark replied before vanishing from view. Sebastian was confused for a moment, he still had no idea what mulled wine was, he had heard the terms in school, and knew it was common on cold nights, however he had no idea what it was. He never had the luxury of tasting it, he also couldn't understand why the Sommelier acted as he did. Claude lifted his glass to his lips and finished the taste of chardonnay he had poured for himself. "Mulled wine isn't simply heated wine, there are other elements to it such as cider, honey, cloves, cinamon, orange peels, and star anise, or at least that is Mark's recipe. It's an old family recipe," Claude stated smoothly.

Sebastian looked at him and wondered just what he had been missing, before he could question anymore Mark returned with a tray and a crystal mug, he could see the rich burgundy and smiled, there was a wisp of steam rising from it. Sebastian looked at the bright orange peel which seemed to float effortlessly in the red liquid. His crimson eyes closed as he allowed the rich scent of the wine to over power him, it was soft, and inviting, the sweetness of the grape was coupled by the enchanting heat of the cinnamon and fused with the clove's gentle call for the cup to leave the saucer. His fingers slowly wrapped around it as he felt the warmth of the mug seep into his cold fingers, it spread like a blanket wrapping around his soul protecting it from those who may harm it and healing all it's prior injuries. The Patissier lifted it to his lips and felt the warm smooth liquid caress them, begging for entrance. Sebastian slowly parted his lips and felt the hot, lush and smooth drink hit his tongue, the apples seemed to sing as the wine danced on his palet. Sebastian felt that same soothing tingle spread from his tongue through his body, knocking away at the ice which had frozen his soul, tugging at those emotions he had been beating back. It was intoxicating, enchanting and slightly bitter, the taste drove him mad. He hesitantly swallowed the beverage and felt it as the lingering taste of bitter wine, ansie, and the tang of oranges remained. Unconsciously he purred with delight, for a moment he felt as though he were back in Claude's arms, safe, comfortable and warm.

His eyes slowly opened to see Claude watching him, there was a fire in them which Sebastian had only seen when the chef was seriously cooking. When Claude was in his element and untouchable. They seemed to pierce through him, examining him, caressing him and taunting him. The same mulled wine had been served to Claude and Sebastian watched as the chef took a sip. A little bit of the wine remained on the Head Chef's lips, making Sebastian shudder and wonder what it would be like to caress the man's lips with his tongue and taste the same wine on them. "Mark's recipe never fails to enchant," commented Claude as he lowered the cup. Sebastian was snapped from his revelry and shook his head in a poor attempt to get his thoughts under control again. William nodded and smiled, "It's nothing like Will's though, but he only makes it for Christmas," Ronald commented.

Sebastian paused, Christmas, he never thought about it. In reality he didn't have a Christmas and honestly didn't know much about it. Usually he was busy trying to make ends meet and as a child he simply attended mass and prayed. Naturally before Sister Amelie left he had received gifts, small things, but they were treasured. Once she had left, he no longer received small wooden carvings or trinkets of clay, all that remained was the pain of beatings and the burns he had received from the hot ovens. "Oh," Sebastian sighed as he shoved those thoughts out of his head. "It's getting late and I need to get this moron home before he gets anymore drunk," commented William suddenly as he slipped an arm around the now flushed Head Waiter. Claude hummed and nodded, "Good night Will, Ronald," he said smoothly. Ronald simply nodded as William lead them away from the table, leaving Claude and Sebastian to sit there with an empty bottle of chardonnay and two glasses of mulled wine. "Don't worry about the wine, William covered it," Claude stated with ease as he ran his thumb over the handle of the mug. Sebastian smiled nervously and nodded.

"What do you think of the wine?" asked Claude slowly, his tongue seemed to caress each and every word, sending a spark through Sebastian. A simple question managed to make him blush, it irritated the Patissier. "It's wonderful," he replied simply as he looked into the glass. Claude simply smiled and took a sip, they were both content with one another's company. "The torte was phenomenal," Claude commented after a long pause. This only made Sebastian fidget even more, "I'm glad you liked it," he replied, he could feel his cheeks becoming warm and oddly he started praying the floor would open and swallow him. Claude's eyes narrowed as his hand shot up, Sebastian flinched backward to avoid the chef's reach. Claude's golden eyes widened as he stared at Sebastian in confusion, his hand hung in the void between them before he pulled it back and rubbed his neck nervously. "I was just wondering if you were okay," he mumbled, "You're face is really red." Sebastian looked away and drew a deep breath, "I'm fine, it's warm in here," he lied, he just couldn't say it. Claude would never want someone as damaged as him. The head Chef hummed, "I think it's time to go, it's nearly midnight, I'll walk you to Ciel's flat," Claude said simply as he rose from his seat and pulled a wad of bills out of his pockets. As always Mark had rung up the tab and Claude simply left the amount in full plus the tip on the table. "Night Mark," he called as he walked behind Sebastian, the young patissier could feel Claude behind him the entire time.

"Why are you walking me home?" asked Sebastian once they got outside. It was slightly cooler than it was supposed to be and the chef could tell that autumn was slipping in. Claude shrugged, which was honestly not normal and something that Sebastian found rather adorable, he hadn't seen a noncommittal Claude before. "You're face is flushed and I want to make sure you get back alright," Claude replied simply as he looked at the Patissier. It was only now that Sebastian noticed the navy blue scarf around Claude's neck and the black trench the man was wearing. There were silver streaks in Claude's scarf which contrasted his eyes greatly. Sebastian sneezed, his eyes closed in the process as he hummed, he wasn't a fan of the cold. He was about to say something when he felt a warm, supple and slightly heavy piece of fabric slip around his neck. He opened his eyes to see Claude's face a breath away from his own. His large hands were holding the ends of the scarf which he had been wearing. Sebastian's crimson orbs widened with disbelief as the man finished draping the long scarf around Sebastian's neck. "There, don't need you getting sick," he commented as he adjusted it. Sebastian could smell Claude's body wash, it was slightly musky but oddly smelt the same as the thyme and basil the chef used so often. There was a hint of wine from earlier, as well as the spices he had used in the cake. Sebastian closed his eyes as he took in the scent, it made him feel comfortable and special. "Sebastian?" asked Claude again, the Patissier's eyes had slid closed yet again, he was enthralled by the scent which emanated from the swatch of fabric. It wasn't until he felt a warm broad hand on his cheek that the chef slowly opened his eyes. Looking down at him with concern was Claude, not the Head Chef, not the business man, not even the food lover, but Claude the man he had just spent the last few hours with. "It smells like you," Sebastian mumbled as he watched Claude's expression, "I like it," he whispered softly praying that Claude couldn't hear it.

Claude paused as he stroked his thumb over Sebastian's cheek bone. "I'm glad," whispered Claude in reply, his tone was tender and sweet as though he were talking to the love of his life. Sebastian mentally berated himself he was a fool to believe that Claude would want him, the man himself had stated he didn't date co-workers. Part of the patissier began to wonder when Claude had even become Claude in his mind or when these feelings began to appear. "Sebastian, I," Claude began and then sighed as he grimaced with frustration, "I," he began again only to bite his lower lip. The Patissier was silent as he watched Claude fumble, after taking mercy on the man after several minutes Sebastian decided it was now or never to find out if Claude would ever return his feelings.

As Claude stood there stammering, looking for the right word, which in many ways was endearing, Sebastian took a step closer and slipped his hands around Claude's neck before brushing his lips against Claude's own. A whisper of a thrill ran through him as he felt those fiery lips against his own, they were as supple as flower petals and warm as the wine he had sipped not too long ago. Not even the spices he had added to the torte could make this moment better. Claude's lips parted allowing for Sebastian to slip his tongue into the man's mouth. In a moment of frenzy the pair had pressed themselves together, as their hands roamed all over one another. Claude's roamed down Sebastian's back, clutching the Patissier as though he would vanish any moment. While the Patissier's were tangled in Claude's hair making a mess out of it's tidiness instantly. Sebastian's mind was blank as their tongues caressed each other in a delicate and intimate dance. All the raven haired young man wanted to do was hold onto the powerful man he knew as Claude. He desperately wanted this man to become his, even though he didn't think he had a right to, he still desired him.

Claude's eyes were glossed over, "I'm glad one of us understood what I was trying to say," he commented with a soft chuckle. Sebastian hummed nervously and looked at the Head Chef, "I think I got parts of it," he replied. Claude chuckled as his hands ran up and down Sebastian's back in an attempt to warm the young man. It was getting colder and Sebastian could feel drops fall through the air and hit his face, rain, as always. Oddly this rain wasn't accompanied by loneliness but hope and warmth. "Shite," growled Claude as the rain began to fall violently, "Come on, my place is closer." Without thinking Sebastian followed the golden eyed chef through the streets and toward the apartment complex. The pair were laughing hysterically as they darted into the foyer, they were both dripping profusely. "One of these days I will understand why I keep forgetting an umbrella," commented Claude as he hit the button to call the lift. Sebastian was grinning oddly from ear to ear, "Easy, you're a New Yorker, not English," he stated. His mind was a little fuzzy from both the kiss and the wine, yet he thought it made sense, somehow. Claude looked at him in confusion, "I thought you were English, where is your umbrella?" his eyebrows lifted as he looked at Sebastian curiously. The Patissier shrugged and replied, "I'm French, we are always unprepared," he stated with a chuckle, "We just go with the flow."

A beautiful sound filled the lift as the pair stepped into it, it was light, carefree and passionate, Claude's laughter rang through the lift. It was such a beautiful sound Sebastian mentally made note to ensure that he heard it more from the man, as well as the true smile which followed it. "I suppose that's true," he replied lightly as he pressed the button for the top floor. Sebastian was confused as he stared at the floor number. He vaguely remembered the building, only now did he realize the price which rent must have cost, on top of the fact that he was in the penthouse. There was no way Claude could afford it on the salary he received from Ciel, even if he was the head chef. He was silent as the lift doors opened to the top floor, to an open foyer which lead to the apartment, he starred as Claude pulled out a key card and swiped it. "Wow," whispered Sebastian as he followed Claude into the man's flat. He could just make out a smirk on Claude's face. Sebastian looked around the rooms, he could see a number of beautiful decorations and the high end furnishings in each room, there was no way his meager salary covered this.

Sebastian was about to ask a question when he felt something furry and silky weaving around his legs, his eyes fell to the floor and widened at the sight. In moments he was kneeling on the floor and scratching the small creature under the chin. "Hello there," he said with a grin as he looked at the lieth black cat on the floor. Claude had disappeared, and yet oddly Sebastian was alright with it. "You are so beautiful," he whispered as he ran one of his hands down the cat's back. He slowly slipped his hands around the cat and lifted her off the floor. "What's her name?" he called curiously. He stared as Claude returned with a large fluffy white towel in his hands, his own was already on his head, "Nightshade, here," he said simply as he held the towel out to Sebastian. The patissier released the black cat, and took the towel, "Thanks," he said slowly. Claude nodded before wandering over to the cabinets and looking for a dish, "Of course, would you like a drink?" he asked curiously as he reached into the fridge and pulled out a small container, Nightshade lept onto the table beside him. He smiled as he slid the chunks of what looked like chicken and liver into the cat's bowl. "Water, I'm a little fuzzy after that wine," he replied. Claude nodded as he reached for a bottle from the fridge and brought it over.

Sebastian was perusing the shelves of Claude's apartment and found something very unexpected, "You listen to Jazz and Classical?" he asked curiously. His eyes wandered from album to album, names of masters and modern artists were thrown together, "You have so much music," he commented. Claude chuckled as he handed the bottle to Sebastian, "Among other things, would you like to hear some?" he asked curiously. Sebastian's fingers rested on the edge of the book case which held all of the disks. Sebastian nodded as he watched Claude lean over Sebastian's shoulder and pluck a disk from the shelf, red eyes fell on the piano off to the side which caused Claude to blush slightly. "Yes, I can play," he replied. Sebastian looked at Claude inquisitively, "I'm afraid I haven't had enough to drink for that, and neither have you," he remarked. Sebastian sighed as he slowly strode toward the black grand piano and ran his hand down the lid. "Please, if you are really that terrible, I promise to never speak of it," he said smoothly was a grin. Claude slipped his hand through his hair and placed the CD back where he had lifted it from. "One piece," he stated with a hint of finality. He sauntered over to the bench and stretched his arms over his head. "Just one," said Sebastian simply.

Claude sighed as he positioned his fingers over the keys, Sebastian braced himself to hear a combination of foul and mismatched notes, only to hear the soft pitter of keys, it was subtle and light yet complex. He drew a deep breath as his fingers danced across the upper portion of the key board. A flow of soft and sweet notes seemed to emanate from the grand piano with little effort on the pianist's part. Sebastian stared in disbelief as golden eyes gazed down at the keys and he listened to the sweet string of notes which fell free from the hammers in the piano. Suddenly it grew a little more playful and joyous as he listened Claude's fingers found each key with ease, even as he started playing further and further up the keyboard. His range became more impressive as he played the main melody, His large broad hands had far more reach than even Sebastian realized. Claude's eyes had become glazed over as he leaned a little more into the keys, as though he were losing pieces of himself to the melody. Sebastian's eyes fell on his long slender fingers which he now realized were not only excellent for a whisk but also a piano. The notes seemed to roll around in the air, effortlessly and simply because they should. Sebastian watched the chef work his magic on the keyboard and stared as Nightshade lept onto the chair near him and curled into herself, obviously this was something that Claude did frequently. Sebastian felt his eyes grow heavy and his limbs go numb from the sound, it was soothing and seemed to wash over him as the waltz continued. It sounded as though he were calling the fairies to play, with each trill between notes he was beckoning them forward to join him on his endless waltz. He was startled as Claude changed tempo and grew in intensity, he could hear the keys and feel the vibrations of the notes through the wooden body. His golden eyes were closed as he strung every note together with ease, there wasn't even a hint of hesitation as he leaned further into the keys and gave way into whimsy.

The thunderous piano echoed in Sebastian's ears as he attempted to understand the skill of the man before him. Coupled with the phenomenal apartment, his general air and now sound which was caressing his every nerve. The power of Claude's playing, he could see the golden eyed man in a suit, that black suit which made him look chic and like a lord, rather than a chef. His golden eyes judgemental, clear and analytical. Claude was from a world apart, one where knights, princes and noblemen roamed free. A world in which duels were fought with pistols and swords. his skill was more than enough as the tempo at the end surged and ended with a hint of finality upon two notes. Sebastian stared at the chef who opened his eyes and chuckled at Sebastian's expression.

"What was that? I thought you said you needed to be a little more tipsy to play," Sebastian mused. Claude chuckled and looked at Sebastian with a smile, "I mentioned it was preferred and that was an attempt at "La Campanella" by Franz Liszt," he replied. Sebastian sighed and crossed his arms, "Okay, explain, you play better than most of the professionals I've heard," he stated. Claude hummed as he looked at the ebony and ivory keys of the piano. "I've been playing since I was four, my mother taught me," he replied, "Piano was her first love, I was her second and my father was last." Sebastian was quiet he had a feeling that he shouldn't say anything. Claude looked at Sebastian, the chef wasn't accustomed to Claude not wearing his glasses, and his honest opinion the man looked far better without them. Sebastian did have many happy memories of his parents, most of them were of his father yelling at him. "She must have been a wonderful pianist," Sebastian said with a hint of longing, he wondered what the woman was like, she must have been wonderful. Claude looked at him, his gaze was soft and looked a little sad, "She was, and a wonderful mother as well, despite my father's thoughts on her," he said slowly as he gently stroked the piano. "This was hers, I had it shipped over from Manhattan just to keep it away from my father," he said slowly.

Sebastian was taken aback for a moment, Claude was rough in the kitchen and always profession and yet he still had that expression. One of tenderness and affection, suddenly the Patissier felt a little envious of the piano, it was a child like jealousy that he knew was inappropriate, yet it didn't change his opinion. "I see," whispered Sebastian softly. Claude slowly rose from the piano and looked at Sebastian, the rain was still violently tapping against the window. "Would you like me to drive you home?" asked Claude slowly. There was a pang of disappointment as Claude asked this, obviously he had asked Sebastian to come with him so the chef didn't get sick, he mentally berated himself for thinking it was something more. "Or, would you like to spend the night?" Claude asked hesitantly. Sebastian was frozen, he had just heard the question asked, "I'm allowed to?" he asked slowly.

Claude chuckled as he walked over to Sebastian, "Of course, I wouldn't accept your kiss and then send you away, that would honestly be counter productive," he stated simply as he slipped one of Sebastian's bangs behind his ears. Crimson eyes met gold as the chef attempted to understand what he had just been told, "I've been hopelessly attracted to you since I met you," Claude stated after a moment. Now it made sense, why the chef was protecting him he just wanted to sleep with him. Sebastian pulled away and glared, "So all of this was to get me in your bed?" he asked with irritation. Claude looked shocked, obviously that wasn't the reaction he was hoping for. "I care about you," Claude stated only to be cut off by Sebastian's hand, of course he did only so he could sleep with him. That, he knew wasn't love, that was what he knew. "Yeah just so you could screw me and then run," Sebastian stated. Clearly he wasn't wanted, he was a fool to think that mulled wine and a torte could change it. Now he was the fool, and he just couldn't handle that.

"No!" shouted Claude as he roughly grabbed Sebastian's arm and squeezed it harshly. He looked like a child who was attempting to keep a bird from flying from him. "No, I love you, why would I do that? At first I thought it was just attraction, until I couldn't get you out of my head and before I knew it I was falling," Claude stated desperately, his eyes were wide with fear as he gazed into Sebastian's. Those golden eyes which had watched from afar and held warmth like the sun, they were filled with the anxiety which filled Sebastian's soul. "I bet that line works on all the men you take to your bed," Sebastian stated as he pulled away from Claude, only to find this to be impossible, the man's grip was too strong. "No it doesn't," he stated. Sebastian shook his head, he should have known, this wasn't what he wanted, "Guaranteed coupled with those eyes hell you nearly had me," he stated hotly. He wasn't sure if it was the wine giving him the confidence of the betrayal of Claude's image.

Claude pulled the small chef to his chest and held him there, his nose was nestled in the raven's hair as he whispered, "Please, I love you so much, I'm breaking," his voice was soft, hoarse and laced with emotional agony. Sebastian was overpowered by the scent of thyme and rosemary which had been the only soothing scents he knew. That warm chest which had shielded him from pain before, he mentally shook himself as he pressed his hands against Claude's chest and wrenched himself from the man's grasp. "I can't," whispered Sebastian as he pulled away, "You wouldn't want me if you knew," he replied before dashing toward the door. Before he could reach it Claude had managed to get between the two. "Why?" he asked softly, his voice was gentle and soothing. Sebastian looked up at Claude, "It's complicated," replied the red eyed Patissier as he shoved past Claude. The Head Chef pressed all his weight on the door to keep it closed as Sebastian grasped hopelessly at the handle. "Simplify it," Claude demanded, his eyes were narrowed, a gaze he used when he was attempting to force a chef into explaining what happened and why they messed with the dish. Harsh, unyielding and made Sebastian pull further back. "I can't," he muttered before facing Claude and glaring at him, "Not worth it," he stated as he reached up and swatted Claude's arm away from the door. It was still raining yet he didn't care, he just wanted to get away. Before Claude realized what was happening Sebastian was racing out of the room. "Stop!" he called angrily as he dashed after him. Sebastian slid into the lift and nearly escaped only for Claude to slip through the doors after him.

Claude lookmed over Sebastian as he glared down at the slightly shorter chef, "Tell me," he barked, which only made Sebastian quiver in fear. Sebastian managed to hit the ground floor causing the doors to slam shut, trapping him with the one person he both desired and feared, the two emotions were buzzing in his head as he attempted to make sense of them. It was like a nauseating waltz with a partner he desired to keep, endless and nerve wracking. The lift jumped as it began to descend, "I'm not letting you go until you tell me," said Claude darkly. Sebastian closed his eyes as he listened to the pling as floors went by, he simply had to endure it long enough to reach the ground floor. "No," Sebastian deadpanned as his eyes snapped open and he glared angrily at Claude. He wasn't about to let another person railroad him. He had been stomped on by enough people in his life, he wasn't going to allow Claude to do so. "Sebastian, please, I," before he could finish the lift dropped and the emergency breaks kicked in. Sebastian felt his stomach abandon him and fear run through him, he was falling. The feeling of falling out of that god forsaken willow had returned. Strong arms were wrapped around him in seconds, holding him securely to that safe broad chest he desired to snuggle up to every night. His eyes were closed as he clung to Claude for dear life. Suddenly he was laying on top of Claude's chest, he could hear the chef's strong heart beat through the man's clothing and his warm skin, which was oddly soft.

Claude groaned and sat up slowly as the emergency lights turned on, "Why is it," he began Claude's voice rumbled through his chest, "that whenever I'm with you, my life becomes far more entertaining?" he asked lightly. Sebastian was quiet and remained still, he had no idea what to do, his mind was blank, he had never been in a situation like this. "Sebastian, are you alright?" Claude asked in a slightly more concerned tone. Sebastian hummed as he began to move off of his chest, "Yeah, just bruised," he commented. He slowly sat up to see Claude looking back at him, "Good, let's see if we can get some help," he said simply. In moments Claude was on the line with the people at the front desk, "Apparently it's a thunderstorm and we lost power briefly, they have contacted a rescue crew, they will be here within the hour," he replied. Sebastian relaxed a little and looked at the Head Chef, he was still unsure of what to do, the man he was hopelessly attracted to saw him only as something to look at. Everything he dreamed of was out of his grasp once again. "Sebastian, what's wrong?" asked Claude nervously, it was only now that the patissier realized the Head Chef was a breath from him. "You didn't hit your head did you?" asked the golden eyed man with concern, Sebastian stared at the chef blankly, the man had caught him and yet he was confirming Sebastian hadn't hit his head, it was a sweet yet confusing gesture.

"I'm fine," he replied. Claude sighed and looked at Sebastian a look of relief crossed his face as he slowly slumped to lean against the wall. He ran a hand through his unkempt black hair and looked at Sebastian softly, his gaze was soothing and showed how tired he was. "Sebastian, who are you?" asked Claude slowly. That question trapped the Patissier in a corner, resulting the young man to stare blankly at Claude. "What?" he asked in confusion. The Head Chef sighed and looked at Sebastian, "Who are you? I mean you can't stand being touched and when I tell you I love you, you run. Even though you clearly love me. Please just answer my question," Claude begged. Sebastian felt tears prick his eyes, never had anyone asked who he was and if he was okay in the same scene. Two very simple questions, yet no one ever asked them.

'Who am I?' he thought as he looked at Claude.

~~xXx~~

Lightning tore into the heavens above causing an eerie shadow to appear across Ciel's walls. The lights flickered off leaving Alois looming over Ciel with anger in his eyes. "What did you do to him?" asked Alois once again with venom in his voice. Ciel's blue eyes were wide with terror as he looked into the azure orbs of a furious blonde bartender, he knew better than most that Alois could do a significant amount of damage when he desired to. "Nothing, why do you care? Do you have a crush on him?" asked Ciel with a mocking grin. He watched the blonde hang his head heard him mumble something. It was so low that his ears didn't even seem to catch it. "What?" asked Ciel with irritation. Alois sighed as he tightened his grip on Ciel's coat, "Not him," he replied a little more strongly. Ciel furrowed his brow and looked at the young bartender, bewildered at what he had just heard, part of him wondered if it was because he was jealous of Claude chasing the Patissier and was tired of hearing how the raven haired man never fled the Head Chef's thoughts. "The who?" asked Ciel as his curiosity got the better of him, he couldn't resist a piece of information that could be used to his advantage later. Alois' grip tightened even more as he replied, "You."

Ciel stared in shock at the blonde who was pinning him to the desk, "I love you," the words were filled with sadness and longing, two emotions that Ciel wasn't even aware the blonde possessed. "I've been in love with you since we met," he continued hesitantly, "But when you announced your engagement for Lizzy I realized that you would never be mine. I cried for hours but figured that if I couldn't have you that who ever you married would both love you and would be a wonderful person. I was alright with standing on the sidelines and watching you in your happiness." Ciel was silent, he didn't expect this, he never even noticed his feelings. "When you asked me to be your Best Man I was thrilled," Alois said bitterly, "Then I find that the man I've been in love with for so long loves another man and is using his fiancee," he whispered, his voice was cracking.

Alois looked up, his eyes were glistening with fresh tears as a few slipped from the corners of his eyes unbidden, leaving tracks in their wake. Evidence that the young man was breaking, "I've always loved you," he stated sadly. There was a heavy silence in Ciel's office, something which even Ciel wasn't sure of what to do with. He was slightly disgusted to see that Alois loved him, he had seen Sebastian as something fun to use when he was irritated, someone who he could trap and manipulated. Alois was different, he was just supposed to be a friend he could goof around with, someone to listen when he needed help. He closed his eyes and firmly shoved Alois away, "You love me? Where the fuck were you when my mother was sick?" he shouted. Ciel had been alone during that, all alone. "Where?" he shouted.

Alois pulled back and stared at him wide eyed, "I was," his voice trailed away, he was being beaten by his father, he couldn't tell Ciel that. "Unavailable," he replied sadly, he could still remember the harsh leather dressage whip as it hit is back, the cracking sound filled his memory and he shuttered. "Of course, besides you're like a sewer," Ciel hissed. Alois' eyes widened with disbelief, "God knows where you've been," he stated harshly. This was the first time Alois had heard Ciel's thoughts on his life, they hurt. "If you told me you were gay I wouldn't have slept around," whispered Alois softly, his words echoed through the room. Ciel crossed his arms and glared coldly, it was like ice which seemed to suck all the happiness out of the blonde, it was as though there was no happiness in the world. "Oh? I was supposed to tell you and what then?" he asked. Alois bit his lower lip, "I would confess, I told you I was gay, did you know my father beat me so badly I was in the hospital for a week?" asked Alois sadly. He felt as though he were a child again facing his father, frightened and alone. Yet, Ciel had no right, he was abusing Sebastian, Ciel didn't respond. "I thought so, I tried calling you and you ignored me. Apparently getting your money was more important than helping me get away from my psychopath of a father," Alois bit, "and to think now you are abusing Sebastian just my father had done to me."

Ciel stared at the young blonde as the bartender made his way to the door, "You know you're not the person I thought you were," Alois whispered bitterly, "I thought you were wonderful despite your prickly demeanor, but if this," he gestured to Ciel angrily, "this is who you are, I want no part of it." The blonde's head tipped back as he attempted to master himself, everything he had thought Ciel was, happened to be a lie, it was a bittersweet lie, which Ciel had told him over and over again, "I can't do this," he whispered sadly as he slowly reached for the handle of the door, "I'm going to tell Vincent and Diedrich about what you have done, Sebastian deserves better," he stated. He was about to open the door when Ciel slammed the bartender against the door, "You will do no such thing," he hissed into Alois' ear, earning a shiver from the young man. "I own you, you signed an NDA when you came to work for me," stated Ciel darkly.

Alois grit his jaw and before Ciel could even register what was happening Alois' fist connected with his cheek causing the other to stagger backward. "You are pathetic, and I will do what I have to so that he is free of you," stated Alois as he opened the door and ran for the exit of the building.

~~xXx~~

The power had gone out at the office several minutes ago, leaving a pair of chocolate brown eyes to gaze at a blank screen. The information which had been on it was startling. First of all Claude was from a very wealthy family in New York, which meant the man didn't have to work for a living, in fact he could galavant around the world if he wanted for the rest of his life. The second was that Angela was the remaining child of a very powerful noble French family. A family who had been torn apart by a swindler. Finally William had known Sebastian and wasn't saying something. He closed his eyes as he remember each article. Now he knew what was driving this woman and had some idea as to how Sebastian was involved. It made his heart ache after reading who had been the person behind swindling the Blanc family of its fortune, "Lucifer S. Michaelis," he whispered.

The man had in essence murdered the Blanc family, it was all around the same time Angela had become more popular at Le Cordon Bleu and was sponsoring more events. Lucifer must have been around the campus at the time even though he had abandoned Sebastian at the orphanage, he wasn't sure if Sebastian knew the man was there or if he was even Sebastian's father if they did know one another. Apparently he had convinced the Blanc family to make an investment, one which he knew was faulty and used the account information to take very Franc from them. By the time he was done there was nothing left of the Blanc's, it had ruined them and creditors were demanding their money. According to one of the articles Angela was coming back from Le Cordon Bleu when she found her father in the study with a bullet through his head and her mother in the bathtub with slit wrists, both had been dead for a few hours. THey were the last of her family and it killed her to look at them. After the incident she vanished from view only to return a few years later as one of the most powerful in the shipping industry, now that was unforeseen. At least he now knew how she was getting people into the nation. The only thing he wasn't sure about was how Sebastian fit in precisely.

Even though his father, Lucifer, had been the one to commit the crime, Angela must have tracked him down. The only thing he didn't' know was what had happened the the chef. According to several bios and the records he had managed to get his hands on, Sebastian never graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, he went missing in the middle of the night, vanished as though he had never existed. It was only now that the school knew he was still alive. The question quickly became just what had happened to Sebastian.

Diedrich looked at his notes on his desk, Vincent would want to know this, as well as Tanaka. The four were wrapped with a crimson ribbon that could never be cut, it would simply tighten until none of them could breath. He could only pray that he would be able to slice through it and save Sebastian, Claude and William before they fell further.

~~xXx~~

Sebastian was sitting on the floor of hte lift and looked at Claude as he attempted to phraise the answer of the question which Claude had asked. It wasn't simple in fact it was far more complicated than he cared to admit. "Who I am," he whispered, he slowly brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, like the many times had done when he was a child. He could remember sitting by the window watching the stars in heaven as he attempted to fall asleep. He sighed as he stared at the floor of the lift, he was unsure of what to say, "Why?" he asked slowly. He noticed out fo the corner of his eye Claude had crossed his legs and was sitting far more comfortably on the floor. "Because, I want to know about you, and why you don't think you deserve love," he replied.

Sebastian silently debated his options, he was afraid that Claude would want to hurt him if he knew what had happened to him. He drew a deep breath and closed his eyes as he searched for his strength to finally tell someone of his life before he became a chef. He looked at Claude tenativly before finally realizing it was the only way for the chef to leave him alone. "I was born in London, not too far from here actually, my mother was very pretty at least she was in photos, she died when I was six but was never around when I was a child. My father an investment broker," he began. Claude was still and he could tell this wasn't enough for the man, it would never be. "If you were born here, why were you in an orphanage in France?" he asked slowly. Sebastian remembered telling Claude of the orphanage in the market, he was shocked that the man even remembered. "My father left me there the first time he went broke, he wasn't able to care for me and after my mother died he couldn't stand looking at me," Sebastian replied solumnly, "It was the middle of December when he left me with the nuns, he had promised to come back, but he never did." There was a pause as Sebastian lazily looked at the floor, memories of his life at the orphanage assaulted him, he wished he could simply forget the place, however there were beautiful memories there as well as the nightmares which plagued him. "Remember that garden I mentioned?" asked Sebastian slowly, his tone contianed a hint of fear.

Claude nodded hesitantly which made Sebastian close his eyes. "I had climbed over the walls and managed to look inside," he continued, "It was filled with roses, blue ones actually, they were beautiful." He closed his eyes as he remembered the flowers, they were delicate and looked as though they would shatter as soon as he touched them. "THey were so beautiful, a lot of children had been picking on me because of my red eyes, there was only one person who was nice to me. Amalie, I wanted to thank her so I reached into the bush and plucked a flower," he paused and looked at the palm of his hand, "The thorns had bitten it, causing me to bleed, yet I didn't care, all that mattered to me was I had it in my grasp." Sebastian licked his lips before clutching his knees closer to his chest. "I went to climb back over the wall when he called to me. Father Francis was a nice man, he always wanted to help us so I thought I would just get a lecture and then he would bandage my hand. I was so wrong," Sebastian shivered as he closed his eyes and curled into a tighter ball.

"He shouted, 'What are you doing up this hour?' To which I replied, 'I can't sleep,' he looked sympathetic and beckoned for me to come off the wall. 'It's dangerous up there, come I'll let you out through the gate.' I did as he asked and quickly got off of the stone wall. My bare feet hit the cool grass and I felt a shiver run through me, Father seemed to look different, he looked slightly nervous. I didn't think much of it as I walked over to him, with the rose in hand. As soon as he saw the rose though, he changed," Sebastian whispered, "he turned into a monster." A monster who had plagued the Patissier for the rest of his childhood. "He wrapped one of his hands around my wrist and yanked my injured hand to his face. He looked furious, it was a little frightening. One of his fingers slid down the cut making me wince and whine, a reaction he liked as he prodded it with his fingers more harshly. After a moment he lifted my hand to his lips and licked it, right on the cut. I tried to break away but what happened next was so quick I didn't even realize it. I was on the ground and he was looming over me," Sebastian whispered.

Claude's eyes widened as he stared at the chef, obviously he knew where this was going, "He started to say things like I was tempting him and he told little boys to stay out of his garden so he could play with the nymphs. H-He touched me," Sebastian stammered he was losing confidence and felt like vanishing into thin air. He could feel the man's large hands and the pain associated with being penetrated without preparation. He shook as he attempted to block all of it, only to feel something warm encircle him, he was about to panic when he heard someone call his name softly. "Sebastian, it's alright, you're safe. I've got you," it said. Sebastian finally gave in, his eyes burned as he slowly uncurled and cuddled into Claude's warm chest, he had been waiting for a very long time to hear those words. He hadn't been hugged since his mother died, he had forgotten what one felt like, not even Amelie hugged him.

"You're safe," Claude repeated. Sebastian continued to cling to Claude as he cried years of tears. "I just wanted to be a good boy," he whimpered, "I didn't ask for this." Claude was quiet as he rubbed soothing circles into the Patissier's back. "It was great for a while when I was at Pastry school until my father appeared there," Sebastian croaked. Claude was stiff for a moment, he didn't remember seeing Lucifer Michaelis, "What?" he asked slowly. He felt Sebastian nod, "He was working as an advisor to the Blanc accounts, Angela Blanc's family. He swindled them, resulting in them committing suicide, everyone except for Ash and Angela," Sebastian continued, his head was clearing a little from all of the tears. Claude's golden eyes were locked on Sebastian as the Head Chef listened, now things were falling in place Ash knew of Sebastian and knew of him before Claude had even met Ash. "Things went wrong and Angela demanded that I return the money, but I didn't even know my father was alive, I thought he had died. I didn't have enough I was a broke student, so she came up with a solution. She bought me and stripped me of my rights," he replied simply. There was silence following that part. Sebastian had a feeling Claude would let him go and tell him to never come back. Yet, those harsh words never came, instead the chef gave him a harsh squeeze. "What happened afterer you sold yourself?" asked Claude hesitantly.

Sebastian was silent, he didn't know what to do, he couldn't tell Claude of what was happening between himself and Ciel, that was far too dark. "I was purchased," he replied hesitantly, Claude's eyes were widened and he heard a growl eminate from the other man's chest, one of both disapproval and warning. "By whom?" Claude hissed, now he was angry. Sebastian bit his lip nervously as he closed his eyes and pretend to not hear the chef, "Who bought you Sebastian?"

Before the Patissier could answer Claude's phone rang, in seconds he was on it, "Apparently we are the fifth pair of people stuck in a lift tonight," he commented to Sebastian. The patissier could hear the rescue crew chatting on the other end. "They will be here soon," he stated as he hung up. His eyes were piercing, "Who bought you?" he asked again.

Sebastian closed his eyes and braced himself, "Phantomhive, Ciel Phantomhive," he whispered.

~~xXx~~

Ash was standing in his kitchen looking at the clean surfaces, the man he had attempted to call didn't respond, so he invited his contact over for a little wine and dessert. There was one issue Ash had no idea what to make, he was tired of being bested by Sebastian, he had heard Angela speak of him once before the tournament, but was surprised to learn that the new Chef from Ciel was the same Michaelis who Angela was fond of in college, and related to Lucifer the man who had destroyed them. "Small world," he remarked as he looked at his reflection in the glass. Part of him wondered if this was the right thing to do, in reality he should play honest and fair. He looked at his watch and groaned, he was waiting on the one person he knew could help, even if he couldn't stand him. He looked at the bottle and quickly uncorcked with a cork screw, his mind seemed to wander back to the events which had transpired after the incident in the hallway.

He had been walking through the streets when he noticed a little boy walking by with a pastry from Ciel in hand. It was beautiful and brought a smile to the boy's face, he looked as though he had been saving his allowance for one, he wasn't one of the usual boys. His face had streaks of dirt and he was wearing hand me downs. His eyes glowed as he ran after the other boys. It was all so innocent, nothing like the call he was about to make. He sighed and hung up the phone. He knew his sister was going to do something horrible to Sebastian, it was a matter of time. He turned around as he watched the boys chat and say things about the show, they even had compliments for him. Ash turned and stared at his reflection in the polished window of another shop, he couldn't help but wonder since when had he turned into this. His eyes fell onto his posh suit, he would have never worn this when he was with Claude. It was true they didn't work, but it was his fault, he was the reason it didn't work. He envied Claude's talent and creativity, much like he did Sebastian. He slowly tugged at the designer scarf around his neck, Angela had told him to wear it. She was dressing him for success, or at least that was what she claimed. The boy from earlier appeared behind him, "Mister?" he asked.

Ash's eyes fell on the small boy beside him, "You are that white haired chef from that show aren't you? The one who keeps failing," the boy's words hurt his pride, even though they were true. "I am, I did well last challenge," he said hotly as he glared at the child. The boy hummed and looked at Ash as though he were a gift from the gods. "You know, you would be better if you cooked because you like to. Like that other chef, he always looks happy, you seem sad," he commented. Ash was about to shoot a harsh remark when he realized what the boy said, he looked at his reflection and then at the boy, "When did I lose it?" he asked hesitantly and looked at his hands. The boy looked at him in confusion, "Lose what? Perhaps I can help you find it," the boy said hopefully his hazel eyes seemed to glimmer with confidence. Ash shook his head and slowly crouched down so he was the same height as the boy.

"The joy of cooking," he whispered as he looked at his hands. The boy looked at him critically, "It's that a cookbook?" he asked. Ash's lips twisted into a warm smiled, "It is, do you know who wrote it?" he asked sweetly. The boy shook his head making the chef chuckle, his hair seemed to flop around as he did so, "Julia Child wrote it, and oddly it was the first cookbook I ever read," he replied. THe boy looked at him stunned, as though chef's were simply born chefs and weren't children like himself, it was an endearing look. "My mom has that one, wait you weren't always a chef?" he asked. Ash shook his head, "No I was a boy once too, my father was a chef, and his father, and his father before him," he stated. It wasn't until now he realized what he was missing, he had lost his passion for pastry somewhere along the way. The boy before him shivered causing Ash to look more closely at the boy's thin clothing. "Listen, you can do whatever you want, you just have to put your mind to it," he said softly as he pulled his scarf free from his neck. Before the boy could protest he was draping it around the boy, "Keep it, it's cold," he stated before slowly rising from the sidewalk.

The boy's jaw dropped as he ran his fingers over the cashmere, "Really?" he asked. Ash nodded as he buttoned the top button of his coat. Ash nodded and watched as the boy bounded off and shouted a hasty thank you. Once the boy was out of view Ash shook his head and said sweetly with a smile, "No, thank you."

Ash was snapped back to reality when he remembered he was going to pick up thered wine glass, he was so lost. He sighed and turned his attention to the book self in the corner. Resting on it were books of all sizes and ages, yet one of them stood out the most, an old battered volume of The Joy of Cooking. He slowly walked over to the shelf as he ran his finger down the worn spine, after meeting the boy he called someone, the one person who could see who he was and what he wanted to be. The call was brief but still the person was coming. Ash slipped his fingers in between the book's top of the spine and the shelf. In moments the volume was in his hands, the warm pages were welcoming as he opened the book. Every page had been annotated in several different styles of handwriting, even his own could be seen. Inside the cover of the book was the list of it's owners and the years they had it. Child's recipes were good to start with but each chef used them as a base for their own work until they mastered them and ventured into the unknown. Since 1936 the book had been in the family, there were seven names in it, the book had been in the family for 77 years, each name in a different hand and ink. None of the names had been scratched out, the difference was there was a year next to each one. The year which each chef got the book. He recognized his own name at the bottom, his thumb traced over it as he thought about what it would be like to have a son beside him in the kitchen.

"Traditions make us wonder what's important, don't they?" asked a cryptic voice. Ash looked over his shoulder and stared at the silver haired food critic fondly called the Undertaker. "I got your message," he said simply, "I never thought you would call me though." Ash closed the book and clutched it to his chest. "Undertaker, I think I've lost who I am. Will you help me find him?" he asked slowly. The food critic's eyes fell on the bottle of red wine on the table, "How about we have another glass this evening and then we will start," he suggested warmly.