Author's Note: Hello Everyone! I wanted to thank all of you for your support, I know it's been a while since I posted but there was a plot issue with this chapter. I wrote this one and the final Chapter at the same time, so I had to do a little tweaking. Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and as always those of you without accounts your review reply is at the bottom.
Chapter 55: Dessert 16: A New Twist
Claude looked at the kitchen and stared at all the chefs, Sebastian had arrived but he couldn't get the feeling of the man's lips on his own out of his head. There was something about them that was familiar, they were soft, warm and soothing, and yet, they kindled a fire somewhere inside him. He wanted to knock the chef to the floor and take him, to enjoy holding the slender raven haired Patissier tightly and never let go. He growled and slammed his hand into the counter, "No, no, control," he breathed, "plain and simple, stay in control." Claude hummed, he didn't know what it was but he felt possessive of the man, it was driving him insane, since the very day he had offered to stay with the Head Chef, his brain had been screaming at him to enjoy the chef, protect him, encourage him and even hold him. It made little sense to him, he had never been this attracted to another person before, not even Ash had kept his interest this long, he watched the other chef work carefully, and scared that somehow he would miss the magic he had managed to cast while creating his food.
There were no words to describe the kind of chef Sebastian was, with the flick of his wrist he was creating a show stopping dessert that made the customer grin with glee, the snap of his fingers and he had a theme, he was honestly one of the most creative individuals he had ever seen. His raven black hair had a sheen to it which made it look as though they belonged to the beautiful black bird it's self. His piercing red eyes rubies fresh from the fires of the earth, which always showed emotion. The way his lips would curl at the corners when he was teasing another person, or was satisfied with the work. His voice, it was beautiful to listen to, sweet, lush and sinful, just the way Claude liked it. He watched raptly, he was enthralled by the chef.
Sebastian turned on his heel and glided across the kitchen, he had no idea how attractive he was, yet something bothered the chef. Sebastian had dismissed his looks and had attempted suicide, on top of someone having hurt him bad enough to make him cautious around everyone, including himself. There was darkness in his eyes, ever present like a shadow stalking its owner. The only place this shadow vanished from sight was in the kitchen, in the bright and roomy kitchen of Noir, he was free to do as he pleased.
Claude's golden eyes followed Sebastian's every move as he began to put small orange roses on the cakes before him, it was their most popular and called Amilie. He didn't understand it, he had gone for a run in hopes he would be able to shove those feelings aside only for Sebastian to fall on top of him in the kitchen an hour later, and then there was the kiss. That kiss which sent him over the edge and made his body scream for more from the Patissier. It took everything he had to control the lust that ran through him like a current.
He shook his head and went back to work, "No, just no," he mumbled as he looked over the mushrooms he was going to chop. It didn't make sense, he had dated Hannah, she was decent, well at least that he could remember. He looked over at Hannah, her white hair was tied back and she was leaning over the stove, her darkly tanned skin glistened with sweat from the heat, violet eyes narrowed as she watched the sauce in the pan. She had sensual curves, soft features, and looked wonderful to snuggle into. The only issue was the woman's attitude toward him, he shuttered when he remembered the constant begging for him to listen to her about cooking when he was the one with the degree. "I'm straight," he stated with conviction.
Claude grumbled as he leaned his head against the walk-in door. In a flash he was assaulted with memories of experimenting with Ash in broom closets, cars, hotels and the boat house. He could remember every inch of pale skin and his moans as he rammed into the arrogant chef. Ash's issue was he liked to bite off more than he could chew, his ambition ended their relationship before it started. There was something about making a man ream under him that brought him pleasure; it was strange to watch another man come undone. He looked at the mushrooms and grumbled, "But that would make me bi wouldn't it?" he asked. He still liked woman, or at least he thought he did, Hannah was only one example of the female population.
He walked out of the walk-in with the mushrooms in hand, he placed them on the cutting board and stared at them, that was wrong. He had attempted a relationship with Hannah because his father always told him his purpose was to produce an heir to inherit his empire. Ever since he was a child he was conditioned to look for a woman to marry, have children with and find pleasure in being with because it was proper for someone of his socioeconomic status.
Hannah may look soft and he remembered the feeling of her skin on his, but there was something missing with it, it was as though she were cold. His memory of Ash was the same, while the act of becoming one was hot, the end result was cold. He wasn't really attracted to women and while Ash was handsome he wouldn't make another move on the white haired Patissier. He had looked at men in the past, but none of them, save Ash and now Sebastian, had sparked his interest.
Claude picked up a knife and began to chop the mushrooms. Ash was an experiment, or at least that was what he had convinced himself of it being at the time. "Great so if I'm not straight, and I'm not bi, that leaves gay," he mused. He groaned as he set the knife down and glared at the mushrooms, Hannah would look wonderful by his side, but then again so would Sebastian or Ash. Women were soft, beautiful creatures, with curves and smelt wonderful. Men were stronger, handsome and something that seemed like more of a challenge to topple, like Ash. Yet, Sebastian lacked the appearance of being strong, he was weaker and more feminine, he was beautiful rather than handsome, yet his hands were more of a turn on than Ash or Hannah's hands.
"Fuck," he hissed as he stepped away from the counter, his eyes slid up to Sebastian once again. The patissier was once again chiding Canterbury who had recently began studying under him, his demeanor changed into one of power and self confidence, he stood with pride and spoke firmly. Claude watched in fascination as the Patissier explained what the flaw in the dish was and promptly said, "Make it again," before turning on his heal and working on a tranche cake.
He growled as he finished the mushrooms, for the past month he had been trying to figure out why he was feeling the way he did, only to come up with garbled answers. Claude looked at the glistening silver blade on the board; staring back at him was a man he had never met, he was in there somewhere, the question was where. "Chef?" asked a soft voice beside him. Claude shook himself from his thoughts and looked over at the curious hazel eyes of Timber. He smiled a little and stated, "I'm just a little spacey, I'm going to get William to do the wine pairings."
Claude left the kitchen quickly his feet clicked against the floors as he left the safety of the kitchen and entered the domain of the Head Waiter and Sommelier. No matter how often he saw the floor he was still shocked by the dramatic décor and the elegance of design. He continued through the room and noticed Ronald standing beside the bar, he was spinning a stylus in his fingers and called, "Yo Will, do you need anymore of Stag's Pride Chardonnay!" Claude watched as the blonde tossed the stylus in the air and caught it behind his back, "Yeah, I need two cases, anyone have some?" replied the liquid smooth voice of William.
The Head Chef walked over to the bar and watched with curiosity the exchange going on, the William he remembered wasn't casual, he was stuffy and difficult. Yet here he was, casual as ever shouting about inventory. Ronald tapped the stylus against his lips and replied, "No, but I can get two cases expressed, when do you need them by?" he asked. Suddenly green eyes met golden ones and Ronald smiled. He waved his hand at a stool and held up two fingers, asking silently for two minutes. Claude nodded, "No, no, no. I don't want it sloshed about carelessly in bottles as the assholes at the airport toss it around, have you seen what they do with your luggage?" he replied with irritation.
Claude chuckled; quality was always the most important thing in William's world. "I need it in three months," he stated. Ronald sighed and rubbed his temples, "Look, I can get the two cases from Harold; I just have to call him. He could FedEx them, you know how beautifully they package and ship," stated the blonde as he attempted to soothe the Sommelier's ruffled feathers. William sighed and Claude listened to the man walk up the stairs, he was always light on his feet, it was a common trait from working on the floor.
"Fine, call Harold, but have him use FedEx, I can't stand it when he uses other companies," he stated as he clapped his hands, he wasn't wearing his glasses, instead he was wearing his contacts and his hair was down, it looked mover like Ronald had run his fingers through it, messing with it. "Oh, Claude," said William as he smiled brightly, he looked more relaxed than usual, he seemed free, something he wasn't usually. "What brings you to the front of the house?" asked William curiously.
Claude sighed and ran his hand lazily through his hair, "I need the pairings for the evening," he said simply. The Sommelier shook his head looked at him skeptically, there was no denying the fact that the William he knew all too well was still there, he could always read him like an open book. "I have the selections, why don't we go to the back and I'll let you take a look," he stated as he approved the order Ronald was starting. The Head Waiter seemed to take the hint and replied, "Well I'm going to see if Sebastian has any plating specifics." William simply nodded and watched him leave the room.
William walked over to the side and pulled a bottle of Fox Legacy, he reserved for instances like this. He removed the cork and poured Claude a quarter glass of the beautiful golden Chardonnay. "Now then, what do you really want?" he asked after a moment. Claude sighed as he looked at the Sommelier, his black hair fell in his eyes as he rested his square jaw in the palm of his hand, his free hand traced the rim of the glistening glass. "I, I don't know what to do, I'm attracted to Sebastian, and part of me is screaming for me to hold him," said Claude slowly as he listened to the crystal hum, "Yet part of me is terrified of hurting him. I thought I was straight, but I experimented with Ash and now," he moaned as he ran his hands through his hair and tugged at the roots.
"What's wrong with me?" he asked after a moment, pain and confusion colored his voice. His eyes fell on the golden liquid in the glass, it was crystal clear and looked like sunlight trapped in water. "Nothing," replied William flatly. Claude jumped, his mouth fell open as he stared at William, the sommelier was known for being eloquent and tactful, and this bluntness wasn't what he expected. "Claude, follow your instincts, they aren't wrong. They are guiding you toward him for a reason," the Sommelier stated as he leaned on the bar counter and crossed his arms before him, his eyes were level with the glass resting on a coaster.
Claude pushed the glass away from the Sommelier and stared at the man, his green eyes were dancing and at that second he knew William knew something. "What haven't you told me, and don't think about lying, I always know when you are," hissed Claude as he glared harshly at the Sommlier across from him. William paused, his eyes widened and his lips parted, he looked momentarily shocked as he slowly uncoiled. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from the Head Chef, he slowly exhaled and then tipped his head back, his eyes were closed and he looked deeply conflicted. "Faustus," he began and shook his head, "Claude," he began his eyes flickered open and there was a moment of sadness in them.
"Claude, you are right I do know something, Sebastian lied to you," he began. Claude was at attention in seconds and sat up, his eyes narrowed as though he were watching an animal pace before him, "What do you mean?" he asked darkly. William looked at him and began after a moment, "That day in the hospital, he lied to you, I don't know why. You will have to ask him, but he's more than he said," he stated slowly, it was as though he were testing the turbulent water's of a child's temper. His tone was soft and soothing, yet the words were heavy on Claude's ears, like lead they sat there, ringing in his head. "He's so much more," William looked at the counter, he was searching for a word, and he slowly lifted his gaze, "He was your lover. He loves you still and you, and you, you loved him so much."
The Head Chef was silent he sat there frozen in time, his expression was like stone, yielding no emotions as he stared blankly at the Sommelier. William knew it was better for Claude to remember Sebastian on his own, but he couldn't stand to see the Patissier in pain.
~~xXx~~
Ronald walked into the kitchen, it was bustling as chefs moved back and forth. He noticed in the corner Sebastian working diligently on the desserts for the evening. He walked over to the table and gaped at the latest creation, with every passing week Sebastian was growing bolder and bolder, experimenting with techniques, ideas, flavors and concepts. He watched as the chef spun a new view on a classic, this week it appeared to be tiramisu, his eyes widened as Sebastian began piping a golden batter onto a parchment lined tray. Every single one of them was just the right length and width. His hands hovered over the tray as he did so, the scent of vanilla and sugar curled around him, drawing Ronald to the chef.
The blonde stood before the counter and watched as Sebastian gently coaxed the batter from the clear piping bag, there wasn't a tip to be seen and he asked, "What are you making?" He thought he had seen it all until that moment. Sebastian chuckled as he finished the last bar and replied, "Watch." Ronald pulled over the stool William usually perched on and settled on it. Recently William had taken to watching a chef create, which Ronald had also found fascinating. The Patissier wrapped his fingers around the pan and walked over to the oven and popped it in.
After wrapping his hands in a black glove he pulled out the other pan. Ronald leaned on the counter in an attempt to get a closer look. Resting on now lightly browned parchment were rows of beautifully golden sponges, they were slender, full and all the same length, "Lady Fingers?" asked Ronald in confusion as he looked at them. Sebastian hummed, a smile was playing on his lips. Now he was interested, he couldn't believe what he was seeing as he watched Sebastian pulled out a bag of espresso, "Coffee?" asked Ronald in confusion as Sebastian walked over to an espresso machine and quickly began adding the coffee into the filter.
"I thought you drink espresso," commented Ronald as he watched the chef click the button to have the machine start brewing. Sebastian chuckled as he walked back over to the counter and pulled out mascarpone cheese, cacao, vanilla, castor sugar, eggs, a raspberry simple syrup and sighed, "I need a bottle of brandy," he stated as he was about to walk out to the bar. Ronald grabbed his arm and was about to say something when Alois bounded into the kitchen, "I've got an extra bottle of Brandy, Will threatened to break it over my head if I didn't offer it to you Sebastian," stated the bartender as he shivered and placed it on the counter.
Sebastian laughed loudly as he watched the blonde cross his arms and puff out his cheeks, "Don't laugh at my misery!" he cried with agitation. Sebastian lifted the bottle off the table and examined the label, it was a decent bottle, good enough to cook with but not for drinking. There was a major misconception when it came to cooking wines versus table wines, cooking wines had spices and low levels of alcohol, they were cheaper by nature but superior for cooking. If a table wine were used to cook it would simply be a loss since most of the wine's body would burn off and the nature of it's smooth texture wouldn't hit the drinker's tongue. "Why would he break it over your head?" asked Ronald.
Alois sighed as he leaned against the counter and swept his hair from his eyes, "Easy, I ordered one bottle too many, which is why he wants you to handle the orders, he told me to stick with my booze and touch nothing else," he replied. Ronald chuckled and shook his head, recently William had been more feisty, which he didn't mind. The blonde Head waiter watched Sebastian as the Patissier made even measuring ingredients look effortless. His fingers wrapped around the silver whisk as he whipped the egg yolks and castor sugar into a fluffy base, it was as though eh were flicking a magic wand and enjoying every motion of it.
Sebastian paused only to turn his attention to a block wrapped in silver foil, after a moment and unwrapped the Mascarpone cheese, with two swipes of a butter knife the cheese was in the bowl and he was whipping it into the egg yolks and castor sugar. "How are you feeling?" asked Ronald after a moment. Sebastian grabbed the carton of heavy cream, poured it into a separate bowl before whisking it. "I've been better," he replied curtly before transferring the whisked cream into the bowl with the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks and castor sugar.
Ronald crossed his arms and stated, "You're not fine, you're far from it, talk to me Sebastian." The patissier hummed as he grabbed the glass bowl he had separated the egg whites into and quickly began to whisk it to make a basic meringue, without the sugar. "I kissed him, I fell on top of Claude and kissed him," he whispered as he began spooning the stiff meringue into the large bowl with the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, and castor sugar. Ronald was quiet, he could tell that this didn't end well, "Ronald he freaked out, what if he never remembers?" asked Sebastian, he sounded broken and confused.
The Head Waiter watched as the Patissier folded the mixture, he was gentle and smooth, each movement was well rehearsed, he had done these actions thousands of times no doubt. "Ronald pass me that glass bowl behind you," he directed as he pointed at the rather deep bowl. The Head Waiter grabbed the cool glass bowl and placed it before Sebastian. Sebastian walked over and grabbed the waiting large mug from the espresso machine and poured it into the bowl, steam filled the air as well as the powerful and earthy scent of coffee. "He has to, you love him far too much for him not to," he stated, "Just wait." Sebastian picked up a measuring cup and added a little over a cup of the burgundy to the bowl with the coffee in it. He reached for a silver bar and smoothly began breaking it to pieces, and piece by piece it fell into the coffee, melting quickly as he gently stirred it.
"I can't the longer I feel like I wait, the more I feel like I'm breaking," he whispered as he slowly added each of the lady fingers to the bowl. Ronald stared at the rather twisted expression of Sebastian's red eyes glistened and he noticed puffiness bellow them, it was clear the chef had been crying frequently. Ronald froze, he felt as though he were looking in the mirror of himself when he was waiting for William to wake up. It hurt to see, "Sebastian, he has to come back," Ronald stated as he gently reached out and laid a hand on the Patissier's arm. His touch was light and he gave it a slight squeeze.
Sebastian's hands stopped moving, it was as though he were a musician who had dropped his instruments to the floor of the stage. The Patissier's expression was solemn, "The longer I wait, the more I think he won't return. The man I loved seems to be lost in time," Sebastian whispered. Ronald looked over to see Ash staring at Sebastian, his eyes were soft and he looked as though he wanted to say something. "I don't think I'm strong enough," stated Sebastian as he looked at the ingredients before him, "No, I know I'm not strong enough, I'm not the man he needs. He needs someone far stronger than me."
Ronald looked at the Patissier in shock, Sebastian was strong, far stronger than most people realized, "I feel like someone has broken my wings," he said, "No, they have always been broken." Ronald released his grip on the sommelier's arm and watched as Sebastian looked at his hands, "Only now have a realized it, only now do I wish to fly," he whispered, "I'm not me, I'm just a shadow of a person." Ronald's eyes fell on those beautiful white hands, he could see the scar from the knife and the calluses which were developed from years of holding knives and whisks. "I want to be me," he said firmly, "I want to be my own person, I love Claude but I feel like it would be wrong to continue like this when I don't even know who I am."
Sebastian had at some point pulled the lady fingers out and walked over to the freezer. He silently watched the lonesome raven, he had seen Sebastian fight for everything he had and yet he didn't know who he was, part of him could understand that, he could understand that through the patissier's insecurity about his own identity he didn't see himself as being able to help Claude find his own.
The raven haired chef returned with a tray of hollow marbled cylindrical cups, they were thin and made of both dark and white chocolate. Ronald watched in wonder as the Patissier lined the cups with the coffee soaked lady fingers and then added a layer of mascarpone mixture, once finished he added a layer of raspberry simple syrup. He continued to do this until he was a breath away from the top. Once filled he opened the familiar tin of cacao and sprinkled a little on top, "Tiramisu?" asked Ronald after a moment. Sebastian nodded as he finished all the chocolate cups and then placed them on the tray once more, he walked back over to the walk-in and vanished from view.
The Head Waiter was quiet as he thought about everything Sebastian had said, clearly the Patissier had been thinking about this for a great deal of time. He had been living with Claude for a month and in said time they made no progress, perhaps he was right. Perhaps it was time for Sebastian to look for himself, even if it hurt, the distance might cause Claude to remember, after all they had tried everything else. Sebastian returned with a chocolate cup and pulled out a silver spoon, he placed them before Ronald. The blonde took it upon himself to try it, only to notice an all too familiar white and crimson swirl cake resting under a dome.
"Sebastian, what if you make one more dish?" asked Ronald. The Patissier looked at him, his crimson eyes narrowed as he looked the stout waiter over suspiciously, "The one that brought you two together the first time," Ronald stated.
Sebastian was confused for a moment before he too looked at the glass dome, "Ricotta Cheese Cake," he said slowly. Ronald nodded, "What could be the harm?" he asked with an encouraging smile on his lips. The Patissier smiled a little as he walked over to the cake, "The first thing of mine he tasted, you think that would be enough?" he asked curiously. Ronald slipped the spoon into the tiramisu and practically melted on the spot as the right coffee, chocolate and raspberry flavors hit his tongue. He nodded enthusiastically, the spoon hung from between his lips as he did so. Sebastian hesitantly reached out and brushed his fingers against the glass, he looked lost once more. Lost in the world he made come to life.
~~xXx~~
Finnian stared at Lizzie as she walked through the cave with a create in her arms, she was wearing a stunning crimson dress, her hips swayed as she walked and her heels clicked in her wake. Finnian stared in shock as Eric trailed after her in a suit with a case in his arms as well. "Wow, where are you two going?" he asked curiously. Lizzie looked over her shoulder and chuckled, "Another part of our business, expo," she stated. Finnian was confused for a moment as he looked at the blonde who was placing the two cases in the trunk of the Audi. "Expo?" asked Finnian curiously.
Lizzie chuckled as she nodded, "Yeah, expo as in expedition. It's common for vintners and winery owner to gather and judge wines," she explained as she closed the tailgate. "I was told there was going to be quite the gathering, even Harold will be there," she stated as she tipped her head to the side and looked Finnian over.
The name Harold was familiar and then it clicked, "Harold Knox? Ronald's dad?" asked Finnian after a moment. Lizzie chuckled and nodded, "Yup, he always attends, ever since he heard Eric here had a winery of his own." Finnian looked over at Eric to see he cleaned up rather well, he wore a pair of sunglasses and a smashing suit, even after tanning in the violent rays of the Napa sun he still made the suit look good. "The meeting's in San Fran, so we're getting ready to go, you want to come? It would be a good experience for you to meet a few vintners," she invited him with a gracious smile.
Just as Finnian was about to refuse Terri walked over, he was holding a piece of paper which was just about the size of an index card with two very familiar letters on the back. Eric and Lizzie were silent as he handed Finnian the card, "For you, do as it says," he stated. Finnian slowly accepted the card and ran his fingers over the edges, written in merlot colored ink were two lines.
There is a difference between Pride and Legacy, follow the Fox to the start of it all. Accept his offer.
Finnian looked over at Lizzie and asked, "What was the name of the winery Ronald is from?" The blonde was silent for a moment before she looked over to Eric and replied slowly, "Fox's Legacy, Hudson Valley, New York." Finnian froze and looked at her, Harold Knox was the owner and he was just instructed to accept the job. "I have to get changed," he said quickly before racing back into the house, Terri was hot on his trail and shouted, "Wait!"
Finnian spun around and looked at the tanned man curiously, a large grin was on his face as he walked over to Finnian and said, "Come with me." The blonde grower was confused for a moment as he followed the rather stout man to the basement of the house. "Terri?" he asked curiously as the man flicked on the lights. They descended the stairs slowly only to stop, at the bottom of the stair case was a massive cave, there were hundreds of racks lined with bottles of varying quality and vintage.
Terri walked over to one of them and pulled out a bottle with a white label, it was a golden brown and had a gold ribbon around the bottom of the label. "Stag Pride," was printed across the top along with the famous sketch of the house. He held the sleek glass bottle out to the young man and smiled, "Here, take it with you," he said after a moment. Finnian hesitantly collected the bottle and whispered, "I can't." Terri shook his head and pointed to him, "Yes you can, and I'll send you a bottle of the new stuff when we are done with it," he stated firmly.
Finnian smiled and nodded, he knew better than to try and argue with the man, there was no winning with the vintner; he was far too stubborn for that. Finnian smiled as he hugged Terri, "Thanks," he whispered. Terri gave him a rather harsh pat on the back and replied, "Of course, now go get changed so you can go to the expo." Finnian nodded quickly as he dashed up the stairs and went back to his room. He was dressed in a flash and placed the bottle under his nightstand before rushing to meet with the woman in red and her better half.
Eric was leaning against the side of the Audi and Lizzie sat on the hood, "We were about to send a search party after you," she jeered only for Eric to uncross his legs and walk around the car to the driver's side, "Come on, I want to get a decent parking spot," she said quickly as she opened the passenger door and settled into the seat. Once again Finnian was being whisked away to another place, chasing his destiny which seemed to lay at the mercy of the man leaving business cards.
~~xXx~~
Secrets eat away at people, gnawing at them until guilt appears which then slips into their thoughts and haunts them. Sitting on the desk was a now yellowing order slip, it was crinkled a little but the words in vibrant ink were still visible. Proudly sprawling across the back of it was the note: "Ingredients are just ingredients, until they are combined by someone into something more. Memories, passion, and a touch of magic is all it takes to craft a wonderful treat. Good luck. ~CF"
Agni sighed as he looked at it, he had stuffed it in his desk months ago, and never forgotten. Those words were meant to lift a chef up to the heavens and tell him his work was wonderful, yet he had stolen it and stuffed it away. It didn't matter at one point because they were together, yet he still felt guilty. The truth was Claude probably never told him about the note, the Head Chef was too proud to admit that like a school boy he had left a note on the knife bag. Tanned fingers wrapped around the note as a pair of silver eyes looked at it, now Claude didn't even remember it.
It was as though it had never happened, he never met Sebastian, never fell in love and the note which he had put so much care into writing was never composed. None of it happened in Claude's world, it hurt to think of it that way. He hadn't told Soma of what he had done, the concierge was far too busy trying to keep up with the reservations as Ash, Claude and Sebastian managed to dominate the kitchen. Silver hair fell in his eyes as he bowed his head and hummed. He couldn't let this go, he wasn't happy when they got together at first, but now it hurt more to see Sebastian a mere shadow of his former happy self.
The Manager slid his chair away from the desk and picked up the note, he had to make this right, even if Claude didn't remember, he had to fix it. He left his office quietly and gently closed the door to avoid making a sound. The note was heavy in his hand, which seemed strange for such a thin piece of paper, but it was perhaps one of the heaviest items he had ever carried. Agni turned the corner and walked down the stairs toward the kitchen, he really had no reason to go there, at least for Management purposes, but he was sure he could think of something. He began walking across the dinning room when he noticed William shinning a glass with a white polishing cloth.
He was about to walk by when William commented, "He's not there, he was out of lemons and ran to get some," his voice was dry and emotionless as he placed the glass down and picked up another, his fingers wrapping around it's stem as he did so. Agni paused and looked over at the raven haired Sommelier, he didn't spend much time with the man, he was usually quiet and didn't have qualms with him. "Oh, when will he be back?" asked Agni as he looked at the piece of paper in his hands. William looked up at the glass and scowled, there was a smudge on it, clearly Grell was abysmal at washing them.
There was a snap as William shook out the cloth and began polishing the glass to get rid of the finger prints. "Soon," was all he said as he ran the glass gently over the side of the glass, it wasn't a reply Agni liked. "Soon? How soon is that?" he snapped. William lifted a brow and looked over at the manager, his head tipped to the side as he lowered the glass. The white polishing cloth was now over his forearm. "Soon, he will be back in time for opening. Why is Vincent looking for him?" asked the Sommelier after a moment, only for his green eyes to fall on the note.
Agni stiffened under the man's sharp gaze and replied, "No, I need to talk to him." William sighed as he placed the glass on the counter, which was then followed by the white wine glass and crossed his arms. "About?" he asked tilting his head. Agni felt irritation bubble to the surface, usually William didn't interrogate him like this, but at the same time he could tell it was because he was concerned for his friend. The Manager knew very little about the relationship between the Sommelier and Head Chef, he knew they were close friends but didn't know much else. "I found a note the other day, one of the waiters forgot to give it to him," he replied. William smiled a little and chuckled, "I see, and you found it rather than Ronald. I'll remind Ronny to keep track of that stuff more closely," he stated with a lazy smile.
Agni relaxed a little, William appeared to believe him and asked, "Can I leave it with his knife bag?" William picked up the glass once again and returned to polishing, "I don't see why not, that's the best way to insure he reads it," he stated. The Indian smiled before bustling off to the kitchen, "Everyone seems to be asking for my advice recently," mused William, it was all Agni heard and made him smile. The truth was out of everyone in the restaurant; William was the only one with the experience and wisdom to give good advice. He walked into the bustling kitchen and quickly located the bag in question. With ease he placed the note inside the side pocket and left, his heart feeling just a bit lighter as the weight was lifted from them. Perhaps with this Claude would remember.
~~xXx~~
The flat was quiet as Claude sat on the sofa and looked out the window. Sebastian was home and taking a shower, he could hear the water hitting the tiles and hummed, William's words hung in his head. He wanted to trust himself but he didn't want to hurt Sebastian, he felt as though he could shatter the chef by simply looking at him wrong. He wanted to love the man, to hold him and protect him but he didn't know if this was simply attraction or something more. A bottle of rosé rat on the glass table along with a pair of glasses. Sebastian's dessert had once again been a hit; he hadn't anticipated the simple tiramisu to be so popular. Claude ran his hand through his hair and sighed, it wasn't simple and he knew that. He would have never thought to infuse chocolate, coffee and raspberries together, yet Sebastian did.
He looked at the bottle on the table, William had left it for him, with a note telling him to enjoy. Claude was sitting in a pair of jeans and a soft tee-shirt as he crossed his legs. The water stopped falling causing Claude to tense, he could only imagine Sebastian's slender physique, his beautiful black hair slicked back and how the water caressed his skin. Claude's golden eyes closed as he thought about how beautiful he would look, and his soft warm skin. The bathroom door opened and Claude looked up to see Sebastian standing in a pair of black loungers with a gray shirt on. His hair was dripping wet and there was a plush white towel around his neck.
"Want a drink?" asked Claude as he tipped his head back to look up at the chef, his golden eyes linger on Sebastian's crimson orbs. The raven haired patissier jumped a little and looked at the Head Chef, clearly he hadn't seen Claude. "Pardon?" he asked after a moment, his brows nit together and he ran his hand through his damp hair, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. "A drink, William gave me a bottle of rosé, usually I don't drink rosé but it's not too bad," Claude stated as he smiled warmly, he now had the bottle in his hands. He had taken care to follow the sommelier's instructions carefully, down to the very glass to serve it in. Oddly it was the first time he found himself enjoying a lightly flavored wine.
Sebastian smiled as he walked around the sofa and responded, "Why not? What are we drinking to?" he asked as Claude began to pour a glass of the blush colored wine, it was rich and danced in the low lighting of Claude's flat. The Head Chef picked the glass up by the stem and replied, "Another successful night, your tiramisu was a hit." Sebastian hummed, a small smile curved his lips as he accepted the glass from Claude. His eyes fell on the liquid in the glass as he examined it for sediment. The Head Chef watched with interest as the raven slowly lifted the glass to his lips and took a sip. The glass tipped toward full lips as the blush colored wine slipped between them, Sebastian's features seemed to relax as his eyes fell closed. At that moment the Patissier beside him was completely unguarded.
The glass leveled off and made a soft sound as it met the top of the glass coffee table. Sebastian moaned a little at the taste before gently caressing the bottle with his finger, "Will certainly knows how to pick them," he remarked as he looked at the label. All Claude could do was nod, he had fantasized about the chef, found him self yearning for the raven haired beauty from down the hall, but never had the chance to really look at him. He had soft feminine features, and long lashes. His cheekbones were rather modest, with a well proportioned nose and large crimson eyes, he was beautiful.
Even the chef's lips were perfect, lush but not overly plump, and the way they curled at the sides when ever Sebastian smirked drove him crazy. Suddenly the memory of those soft, fiery lips on his own was in his memory. They tasted of sugar and spice, "About the kiss," Claude began. Instantly Sebastian stiffened and avoided eye contact, "I'm sorry, I over stepped the line," said Sebastian rapidly as he pushed himself off the sofa. Claude quickly grabbed the man's slender wrist, it was small and frail, nothing like a man's wrist. Concern ran through him as Sebastian winced, "Sebastian, have you been eating?" asked Claude slowly. The Patissier was always thin, or at least he had been for the month he had known him, it wasn't normal.
The raven haired chef's eyes widened before he began to struggle a little, "No, Sebastian I need to know," he began and growled with irritation; once again he had lost the words. He didn't want to scare the chef, but at the same time he didn't want the chef to think he was joking. "Why did you kiss me, really?" he asked, the words hung in the air, they were heavy, nearly suffocating in many ways. He watched an array of emotions cross the man's face, fear, sadness, betrayal, anxiety and finally one more, one he hadn't ever expected to see, affection.
"I love you."
Three words, three of the most powerful words in the universe were his reason. "I've been in love with you, I lied we weren't just friends," said Sebastian after a moment, sadness etched into his voice, it was accompanied by loneliness and pain. "I've always loved you, and you," he stammered, tears began to fall, "you forgot me." He whimpered as he yanked free of the Chef's grip. Claude was on his feet and stood in shock, Sebastian wasn't a friend, now it made sense, he was so much more, he was a lover. The Patissier turned away and whipped his tears with the side of his hand, "I'll pack my things tonight and leave, I doubt you want a gay man who's in love with you staying in your home," spat Sebastian, his voice broke at the end.
Claude felt his heart break again, it was a familiar pain and before the raven could flee he did the only thing his brain could think of. He wrapped his arms around the raven and pleaded, "Please don't fly away," it sounded as broken as his soul felt, "Please, I need you. I don't know why but I feel like I'll vanish if I don't have you." Sebastian was still for a moment, his body was ridged and he didn't respond. "You want to keep me?" Sebastian asked weakly. Claude held him a little tighter and buried his head in the crook of Sebastian's neck. "Yes," he replied softly. He felt Sebastian twist and slowly loosened his grip only to feel a pair of hands on his face. He opened his eyes and noticed a smiling Sebastian before him.
"Hold me," were the only words which left the chef. The Head Chef smiled at the Patissier, his raven, and replied, "Always." Sebastian wrapped his arms around Claude's shoulders and pressed his lips hungrily to Claude's. The Head Chef's senses were quickly assaulted by the taste of rosé and Sebastian, his warm damp skin from the shower sent tingles down Claude's spine, and begged to be explored. Hands roamed over skin as Claude's large hands slipped under the soft cotton tee. The skin beneath it was soft, warm and still damp from the shower. Sebastian whimpered into Claude's mouth as he felt the contact. Clearly it had been painful for the Patissier as well over the past month.
His hand slipped over warm skin, exploring, mapping and committing to memory every scar, every ridge and ever inch of the man. Sebastian slowly pulled back and slipped his shirt from over his head, in seconds it was tossed to the floor, golden eyes widened as he looked at Sebastian's pale torso. It had never seen the sun and yet he saw scars littering it. He felt his heart break a little as he gently placed soft kisses on them, causing the Patissier to hiss. Someone had tried to break his raven's wings, and he didn't like it. "So beautiful," whispered Claude as he ran his fingers over the sides of Sebastian's body.
The patissier tipped his head back and moaned as Claude's kisses became more and more daring, he loved the taste of Sebastian's skin, and his natural scent. There was a slight ripple under the Patissier's skin, he was lightly toned, which wasn't a bad thing. He could feel the man's rapid pulse under his fingers and the fire that was spreading through the chef's body. "Claude," gasped the Patissier as Claude teased the waist band of the black loungers, they were cotton but suited the slender chef.
He looked up to see a pair of hazy crimson orbs staring down at him, his face was flushed and his lips parted. "I want to touch you too," Sebastian whimpered as he threaded his fingers into Claude's black hair. The Head Chef loved the feeling of the man's delicate fingers in it, the ones which had created roses with sugar and crafted sweets that not even he could dream of. Claude slowly pulled back as he felt Sebastian sweep his hands down his head and neck, his fingers were lightly touching his skin, causing Goosebumps to form in their wake. Claude watched as Sebastian wrapped his fingers around the hem of Claude's soft shirt and tugged it over the man's head. The air in the flat was a little cool but it wasn't the temperature that caused Claude to tremble but the look of pure unaltered lust in Sebastian's eyes. Those beautiful crimson orbs quickly darkened to a deep merlot color as he ran his tongue over his lower lip, clearly wanting to taste him.
"It's okay, touch where ever you want," Claude said softly. Sebastian smiled as he slipped his hands into the man's hair, only to pause when he felt raised scars, he knew there would be a few from the glass bottle, but as his hands traveled down Claude's back the Head Chef noticed a look of sadness, he was covered in scars on his back and knew that was what made the chef upset. Immediately Claude cradled Sebastian's face with his hands, "It's okay, I'm here now and they don't hurt," he said quickly in an attempt to soothe the Patissier who looked as though he were ready to go to piece.
Sebastian's shook his head, "I should have been there to protect you, instead I went home," he whispered as he leaned his head on Claude's chest. The Head Chef stared at the patissier as he felt soft black hair brush against his skin. Claude wrapped his arms around Sebastian, holding him tightly before saying, "No, this could have happened to anyone, I'm here now and that's what matters." There was silence as he felt Sebastian's hand slide over his shoulder and down his neck. A pair of soft hot lips were pressed against his collar bone, "It's been so long since we did this," he whispered as he gently nipped at Claude's collarbone. The Head Chef moaned loudly, and hissed, "Dear god."
The raven haired Patissier chuckled as he slipped away from Claude's hold. Golden eyes snapped to attention as he looked inquisitively at the Patissier. His arms were empty and he was beyond confused until he noticed how Sebastian's hands traveled over his own body. Those slender fingers traveled slowly down his chest and neck, as the chef closed his eyes. "You have no idea how painful it's been, to be here with you and not be allowed to touch you," Sebastian stated, his voice was carnal and sent a shiver of excitement through the Head Chef.
Claude was mesmerized by the man before him, "Every night, I would sleep in a cold bed knowing you were just down the hall, it was torture," he continued as he slipped a finger between his lips, and brushed over the bulge in his loungers with his hand lightly. The blush on Sebastian's face was now ever darker than the delicate rosé. He slipped the finger out of his mouth and tipped his head back before trailing his fingers from the tip of his chin down that slender column of flesh Claude so desperately wanted to claim as his. "Imagine the pain when I saw you come back from your run, glistening and your tight ass and sculpted back retreating from me before I could have a taste," he whined as his eyes opened and he glanced over at Claude.
The Head Chef required no other invitation before grabbing the raven harshly and kissing his lips. He couldn't stand it, this man was going to be his undoing, he tugged at Sebastian's lower lip playfully with his teeth, causing the slender chef to moan. "Then let me show you what you've been missing," Claude whispered into Sebastian's ear as his hands traveled down Sebastian's hips, and caressed his sculpted bottom. Sebastian purred as he smirked mischievously, "If you can," he teased.
Claude growled as Sebastian slipped away once more and began walking toward the bedroom. In a flash his hands were around the Patissier as he shoved the man into one of the walls. His hips blocking Sebastian's means of escape and one hand held his arms above his head. "If I can? Trust me I'll make it so you can't walk tomorrow," he threatened with a smirk. Sebastian hummed and flashed a grin, "Really?" he challenged. Claude nodded as his free hand grabbed Sebastian's leg behind the knee and lifted it. With a fluid motion the Head Chef ground his hardening length against the slender Patissier and attacked his neck. "Of course," he whispered against the pale column of skin. He felt Sebastian's leg wrap around his waist, a moan fell from the raven's lips as he ground himself against Claude.
Part of the Head Chef envied his other self, Ash was hot but Sebastian was gorgeous, he was the kind of man he dreamed of. He ran his lips over Sebastian's neck and continued to grind his hips. He couldn't wait to strip the chef and have his way with him. He could feel Sebastian's pulse under his lips and listened to his rapid breathing, whimpers of pleasure fell form his lips as well as his name. The sounds echoed in Claude's head as he continued to torture the chef who had tortured him for so long.
"Claude," Sebastian rasped, "Please." He smiled as he licked the man's neck and playfully sank his teeth into it, he didn't like how close Ash was to Sebastian. The Patissier was his, and he was going to make sure Ash knew that. "Please what?" he asked playfully as he sucked on the delicate skin beneath his lips to leave a vivid mark to keep pests away. "I want you," he whimpered, his hands now grasping at Claude's. The Head Chef released the Patissier's hands and felt them wrap around his neck, "I want you," begged Sebastian as he felt Claude continue to grin him, the fabric was tight around his erection and he could tell the man beneath him was straining just as much.
Claude purred as he licked the shell of Sebastian's ear, causing the raven to gasp and tremble, "Then let's go to my room," he suggested before nipping his earlobe. Sebastian moaned in agreement as Claude slowly released the man's leg to the floor, his fingers trailed down it as he did so, he could feel Sebastian's tight calves under the fabric. Sebastian entwined his fingers with Claude's as he walked into the man's room. It was strange to have Sebastian in here, it felt as though he belonged. He watched with fascination as Sebastian walked over to the window and placed his hand on the glass, he could tell the patissier was trying to control his thoughts.
Claude smiled as he slipped out of his jeans and walked over to the man, he wrapped his arms around Sebastian's shoulders and began pressing himself to the Patissier's back, "Don't think," he demanded, "Just move." Sebastian smiled as Claude slipped one of his hands down the man's abdomen and began playing with the waist band of his pants, "These are in the way," he stated as he began to slip them down the Patissier's hips. His grin only widened when he wasn't met with protest, instead Sebastian turned his head and licked Claude's lips. Claude felt himself harden substantially as he opened his mouth to allow the Patissier entry.
Sebastian's loungers fell to the floor reveling a sight that made Claude growl, Sebastian hadn't put on boxers. "Were you expecting this?" asked Claude as he slipped his hands down Sebastian's hips. The Patissier gasped as he felt his chest pressed into the glass, Claude gripped his hips and rubbed his length against the man. "N-No," he stammered, "I-I was… ah… hoping… t-though." Claude kissed the back of the Patissier's neck. Sebastian's hands rested against the glass of the landscape window and he looked over his shoulder. Claude paused as he looked at the man's long back, it was littered with scars, and yet he loved the sight. He wasn't a man with a scar fetish but somehow seeing these made Claude see the real Patissier, "You're a warrior," he breathed as he slipped his hands down Sebastian's spine, "So strong," he commented.
Those scars on the raven's back were proof that he had fought for all he had. Claude gently spread his cheeks apart and looked at Sebastian's entrance. It had been a while since they had done this, and he didn't want to injure the Raven. "It's fine, I've been," Sebastian blushed as he looked away. Claude smiled widely, "You've been?" he asked after a moment, he had a feeling he knew. Sebastian blushed brighter before replying, "I've been… um… taking care of it by myself," he confessed. This immediately intrigued the Head Chef, "Oh?' he asked as he gently ran his finger around the rim of Sebastian's entrance, teasing him lightly. "Y-Yes," he whimpered, "In the shower, and alone at night," he continued.
The spider grinned even wider, "Who did you imagine doing this?" he asked as he kissed Sebastian's lower back, his finger still teasing the ring of sensitive tissue around the Patissier's entrance. "Y-You," he gasped as Claude trailed his lips down his back side, and paused before his entrance. "How naughty," he remarked before slowly licking the man's entrance, he smelt of soap and could tell Sebastian had prepared himself for this. "OH!" gasped Sebastian, his body trembled as he leaned more on the glass. Claude chuckled as he gently spread Sebastian open and slipped his tongue inside. "FUCK!" cried Sebastian at the sudden invasion.
Claude closed his eyes and felt the chef ream against him. He hummed with delight, by far this was one of Sebastian's sweetest treats. "Dear god," whimpered Sebastian as Claude slipped his tongue a little further into the chef. Claude with drew and reached over to the dresser, in moments he had a tube of lube in his hands. "This will be cold," he warned as he opened the blue cap of the clear tube. Sebastian's eyes fell on him and he smiled encouragingly. Claude swallowed nervously as he began to coat his fingers. He remembered how he stretched Ash but wasn't sure if Sebastian would be the same. He generously coated his fingers and gently lined them up with Sebastian's entrance. Once more he looked to the raven.
"It's okay," the Patissier encouraged, and Claude slipped a finger inside the chef's warm cavern, resulting in a gasp out of him. He could see Sebastian biting his lip in the reflection of the window and slowly thrust his finger in and out of the chef, he could remember Ash cursing him out when he hurt. Sebastian's expression changed from one of discomfort to one of pleasure when he probed a bundle of nerves that made the Patissier moan, it was a sounded he wanted to hear again, "Claude," fell from the man's lips like a prayer.
Claude smiled as he added another finger, he didn't mind becoming Sebastian's god for the evening, in fact he wanted to. He continued to thrust his fingers in and out of his tight entrance, he could feel it squeezing them hungrily. Sebastian was moaning, his head was thrown back as his hands pressed against the glass, he could see London outside of it and loved the look of the city's lights against his lover's skin. He added a third finger and began to scissor them, Sebastian's mouth was open now and his eyes were closed, "P-Please," he moaned as he looked over his shoulder again.
The Head Chef smirked before rubbing his hardening erection once and coating it in lube, "As you wish," he whispered before removing his fingers and replacing them with his length. "AH!" Sebastian cried his body arching and head thrown back, a look of pure pleasure on his face as he smiled. "Yes!" he cried as Claude began to move his hips. He could feel the raven tighten as he did so. His hands wrapped around Sebastian's abdomen as he moved, he could hear the man's breathy moans bounce around the room and was at that moment thankful his father wasn't there.
"Harder," demanded Sebastian only for Claude to comply and pick up the pace, thrusting harder, and deeper into the Raven. He was so tight, it was heaven, nothing else mattered at that moment. He abruptly pulled out making the Patissier growl in annoyance, "Why did you stop?" he panted. Claude smiled as he looked over at the bed, "Let me worship you," he stated as he guided Sebastian to the bed. The raven layed on his back and spread his legs welcoming the well muscled Head Chef to his embrace. Claude smiled as he slipped his hands under Sebastian's legs and put them over his shoulders. "Tell me if I'm too rough," he stated as he slammed into the Patissier. He watched Sebastian's eyes roll into the back of his head and his back arch, his hands twisted in the sheets as Claude began his relentless assault on Sebastian's prostate.
He was flying higher and higher, everything melted away as he found a familiar place of affection inside the chef. It was so familiar it was painful, slender arms wrapped around him, crushing him to the slender raven, he could hear Sebastian's moans in his ear, which only drove him faster. It was a loving embrace, he could feel Sebastian's nails in his back as he continued to move, his legs wrapped around him and his hot skin against his own. "C-Coming," whimpered Sebastian. Claude grunted as he looked into merlot red eyes, Sebastian's gaze never left him until he finally felt it, Claude's body stiffened as he closed his eyes, for a moment he saw white. In the background he heard Sebastian cry out. His eyes opened to the Patissier who's skin was flushed eyes closed and mouth open, his white seed all over his chest, he was gorgeous.
Claude felt himself collapse on top of the man and was about to move when Sebastian wrapped his arms around him. "Not yet," he whispered. Claude was confused, he was still nestled inside Sebastian and felt the Patissier press a kiss to his head and play with his hair. "Let me hold you," he said softly. Claude smiled as he snuggled into the raven's chest. He finally had him. He felt safe with this man, this warrior who had been through so many battles and won, his raven. Claude lifted his hips and pulled out of Sebastian, he felt the man's legs lay limp at his sides and yet he didn't mind.
"I love you," Sebastian said softly before his eyes finally drifted closed. The hand stopped midway through his hair and Claude assumed at that moment Sebastian had fallen asleep.
~~xXx~~
Three words, those words which hadn't been whispered by the man of Sebastian's dreams hurt him. Sebastian looked up at the ceiling as he ran his fingers through Claude's silky black hair. He knew what he had to do, he gently slipped out from under Claude and pressed a kiss to the man's cheek before slipping on Claude's robe and walking into the kitchen. "I love you too," he replied as he opened the fridge and pulled out a tub of ricotta.
Review Replies:
(In order from Newest to Oldest)
Anonymous: Thank you for taking the time to review. I wanted a chance to show Lucius, both sides of him, he's an interesting character to write. Claude, oh what will we do with you? He's one of those guys you just want to strip and enjoy. I hope this chapter makes up for a little of the pain. Vincent and Ciel, just wait until you get to Book II, you'll see quite a bit more of that relationship maturing.
Glasses: You know I love cliffhangers, thanks for the review, I hope some of it was answered here. If not the final chapter will answer the few I'm not carrying to Book II. I have to keep you guys reading somehow, don't I?
Bittersweetness: Lucius and Vincent are quite similar in that way aren't they? They are both powerful and enjoy playing games, only Lucius revels in the pain he can bring, while Vincent just likes watching chess pieces shatter. I'm glad you liked the last chapter and thank you for reviewing.
Courtney: I would drop the pan too if I saw that. I honestly couldn't resist, I was giggling the entire time while I wrote it, and Lucius didn't help matters. Ciel and Vincent were due to make up, even if it really isn't completly solved it's one step closer to familia harmony. Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Audrey: They needed to bond, and that seemed like the best way to do it. Yes Vincent recived a card as well, so he has no idea. You're going to love how that ends. I'm glad you think I'm amazing, I think I'm insane for the amount of work I do on this little project. I'm glad you are enjoying it and I thank you for leaving a review.
mew: Of course, you probably weren't the only one who was thinking that way. Sorry honey, spoilers. Mey-Rin's little projects are going to show up soon enough. I'm glad you like my Lizzie, I wanted a strong woman and I thought honestly she deserves a better role. I hope that helps some, and I hope you like this chapter.