Happy holidays, everyone. I am so thankful to everyone that reviewed and those who sympathize with the plight of our main character. My beta GespenstKAF had just moved back into town. I will not tell you who he is, confidentiality. Someone mentioned in one review that being chubby was a sign of great wealth and knowledge. However appearances also mattered and there was a certain standard of how one presented themselves in society and general. In Ciel's case, he is desperate to win the favors of his peers that he is willing to attempt drastic measures. Like most men and women do today.
Ciel's ordeal is only just beginning.
Stage 3: The Drive To Be Thin
The Phantomhive Manor once again started its day like every other. The servants clumsily tended to their chores. Sebastian however couldn't help but feel there was something amiss within the place. Thinking nothing of it, he set to prepare his master's breakfast while taking a few new liberties. His new breakfast consisted of: green tea, three squares of strawberry scones, wheat toasts, and a pear. After all Ciel "needed" to cut down on sweets anyway. Finishing the task the carried his silver tray up to the earl's bedroom.
He knocked on the door.
"Bocchan, I have your breakfast prepared so do get up", the butler replied in his usual propriety.
He opened it and his eyes widened at a rare sight, well rare for him anyway. The Earl was already dressed and just sitting on the bed. (1)He had his arms crossed and peered at Sebastian with the usual contempt.
"Well I have to say, you sure do not waste your sweet time getting here", Ciel said condescendingly to him. It just felt good getting the one up on Sebastian.
"With all due respect my young earl, I was busy putting together your breakfast. You may note I had to make changes to your morning diet. As I said, you could use something healthy. Sugary items simply well not do for your present weight".
Ciel winced. Once again he was outdone by his own butler. Then again the dark one always did know to stay one step ahead of him.
"Now that you are here, you may have noticed I am already dressed as there is no need to so yourself, I am not a child", he defended haughtily with a smirk. Sebastian didn't respond but set the tray on the beau next to the bed.
"In any case, there is your breakfast. On another note, our old friends from India: (2) Prince Soma and his assistant Agni are making their trip up here. In the meantime, find a way to slim down, or else I may have to recommend clothes in a bigger size", the butler said emphasizing the last part. Ciel was flabbergasted. First Sebastian comes in with a miniscule excuse of a breakfast, then he threatens me with large man clothes.
"Bocchan, you listening?", Ciel was brought out of his shock.
"Sure Sebastian, I was just thinking about how lovely it was to have old friends over". Sebastian noted that Ciel's voice sounded strained.
"Alright then, eat your breakfast. I will alert the servants of their new tasks. (3) Let's hope Mey-Rin or Finny don't break anything or Bardoroy doesn't burn stuff", he laughed.
Ciel nodded his head. Then just like that, Sebastian took off.
Ciel sighed. He then went over to stare at his new "breakfast". Talk about adding insult to injury. Did Sebastian think so little of him, that he needed to dictate what he ate as well? He picked up the tray and set it carefully on the bed so not to spill the tea.
"Okay so what shall I eat first?", Ciel inquired. His fingers went to grab the scones. They looked pretty scrumptious. He then stopped remembering that he wasn't to indulge.
"What am I doing? I am supposed to be finding ways to not eat like a pig. Maybe just a couple bites of the pear and tea, I can finish the rest later as a snack", he told himself.
He picked up the pear, glanced at it daring the small thing to put "calories" in his body. He slowly chewed on the fruit savoring the taste of it. He ate the rest of it excluding the core. He then went to drink the Green Tea set for him. He slowly sipped it.
"Cough,Cough,sputter".
This tea had next to no flavor at all. Then again he supposed that was because it was due to the lack of sugar he was used to having in the black teas. After the last drop was gone he set it back down. He stared at the rest of his plate. He grimaced at the scones and toasts. He could imagine the little treats walking on imaginary legs mocking him.
"Fat! Fat! Fat! Fat! Fatty Fatty! Fat! Fat!" They sang in his mind. Ciel smashed his fist down on his tray. The force of his fist caused the tray to flop upside-down on the floor.
Ciel breathed heavily.
"Get a hold of yourself! You get yourself worked up, you'll get an asthma attack before the contract is fulfilled" he demanded rather than told himself. Ciel was not willing to die before his revenge was complete. He picked up his wooden cane and hurried on down to overlook the servant's progress.
Tomorrow came quickly like a flash. Two figures walked up to the front entrance of the mansion. One had long dark purple hair tied up in a gold-clip ponytail with some whisp that hung gracefully around a dark caramel skin, golden eyes, and a royal Indian garb from the 19th century and (6) bindi. Another man accompanied him. He had dark skin like the latters, white hair worn in a turban with two braids adorned with beads, grey-blue eyes, and wore a green shirt with a yellow sash over the left shoulder. As expected Prince Soma and Agni had come to the mansion like they said they would.
Prince Soma had a smile on his face. Not thinking twice he just barreled through the front door.
"Hello young Ciel my dear friend, how are you today?" the Prince yelled excitedly. (4) Agni followed after carrying three bags. He was huffing and looked rather harried.
"Prince 'hah' don't 'hah' come barging in 'hah' without the Phantomhive's 'hah' permission". Soma just laughed.
"Nonsense, Ciel and me are friends, I highly doubt he will mind us dropping in", he replied indifferently. A cough was sounded from a figure who was just walking down the stairs, his cane in tow.
"True Soma, we are friends, business partners, and on good terms with eachother, and I did say you could come over when you felt it was important. However…Ciel's voice suddenly took on a dangerous edge; "Ever barge into my house without my permission again, it will take all my willpower not to throw you in a bag and toss it in the ocean".
Before Soma could say respond to that, Agni whipped over and put a hand over his mouth.
"Of course, young earl, it won't happen again. We will make sure to practice household etiquette." Agni gave Soma a glance that said "don't test me". Soma sweat dropped and decided it was best to relent than face irreparable consequences.
Ciel rolled his eyes then led the two to the library. He told Agni not to worry as Sebastian would handle the bags.
They entered the library. The three sat down around the cedar table.
"My dear Ciel, it has been way too long, how do you feel?", Agni replied suddenly.
"You mean like a bloated vicar. I feel just fine thank you very much", Ciel said smiling brightly though it did not reach his eye.
"You know, I have to say there is not a day that Prince Soma does not talk about you and Sebastian. You helped us both in so many ways" Agni said proudly. (5) Prince Soma looked away blushing and twirled his hair.
"I came to discuss with you about how I can expand my business in Bengal, and possibly over to Bangladesh." Ciel closed his eye and shook his head in an agreeing matter.
"Quite so, Prince, and I suppose you came here to ask for my advice on said matters. I am curious however as to why you have not done such sooner. Surely the approval of your subjects would been enough to push you to proceed with intended actions.
(I am not too sure about how laws and business deals in India works. So I am just gonna go with the flow here)
"That would be alright but the law states I need the consent of a neighboring business to do so before then", Soma explained.
"So what I am hearing from you that you need my help bringing your own business to fuller heights" Ciel demanded, his one eye quirked upward. Soma's lips pursed. This was not going the way he had intended. Agni decided it was his time to intervene.
"Perhaps, it would be best if we were to discuss this at dinner time". Soma nodded his head.
"Indeed, maybe some food will help us to think better. In the meantime I think I shall explore the inside of the mansion and if I'm lucky, I may get to see Mey-Rin" the Prince replied and left Agni walking near.
Ciel stayed where he was. Dinner was going to prove a dilemma for him. How was he going to face his guests at dinner without making himself so stout?
It was now dinner time. Ciel paced back and forth in his office. He could go down there and just walk in like nothing was bothering him. But that would mean facing scrutiny from Sebastian or his guests about how he had put on weight in the short time since he saw them. Even though Sebastian was his butler, he still held immense influence over everyone who met him. He could turn women's heads, get respect from gentlemen, even scum, and make animals fear him.
Compared to Sebastian, Ciel was a "simpering puppy dog: all bark and no bite". (7) At least that's what Henry Barrymore called him.
"Bah, I will not let that demon get to me, after a Phantomhive never backs down from anything even in the midst of harsh criticism", Ciel declared.
He picked up his cane and went straight down to the dining hall where he would dine with guests. Ciel walked in with a feigned confidence and sat at the farthest end of the table. Soma and Agni sat in the chairs closest to him. Soma sat on the left and Agni sat on the right. Sebastian came in followed by Mey-Rin(much to Soma's happiness), Finny, and Bardoroy. They all carried moving trays filled with different dishes. They went to proceed serve them to their guest and master. The food included boneless-skinless chicken, multi-colored grapes, mashed potatoes, smoked salmon, mutton, tossed salad with tongs, and a glass of wine in the center of the table.
Soma and Agni eyes widened happily. They couldn't wait to dig in to the scrumptious smorgasbord of delicious food. Ciel of course kept himself in check. Sebastian shifted into the room carrying a covered chrome tray, no doubt meant for the Earl.
"Ahh, Bocchan I prepared another special plate for you. After all, we cant have you stuffing yourself silly, Sebastian commented. Ciel only glared at him.
Not noticing this, the two guests proceeded to fill their plates with their hearts content. Most assuredly they had banquets that were more festive and grand than this but this food was a rarity in their country. Ciel stared at them enviously. He opened up his tray and much to his chagrin was some sickly looking green soup, wheat crackers, celery sticks, and a glass of mineral water. Ciel stared at the other's plates enviously. They sure were lucky to be having something so delicious to eat and not worry about gaining weight.
"You know Prince, I got to say, you sure know how to pack it all in", Agni said to Soma who was chewing on the smoked salmon. Soma nearly choked as he cleared his throat. Ciel spun his head to Agni who had just spoken.
"A-A-Agni, lets not bring the subject of my e-e-eating habits to the t-table", Soma stuttered embarrassedly.
"No need to be ashamed, my Prince. You are blessed with a high metabolism. You never seem to gain a pound. When you were younger, you were so tiny it was believed you wouldn't grow past six feet", Agni stated assuredly. Ciel stared at Soma who was scratching at his cheek. This was obviously a sensitive subject for him. He knew the feeling quite well.
"So Agni, you and Soma never have a problem with managing healthy bodies. So what special technique do you use to keep a constant body mass?" Ciel asked with a false cheeriness. He only used that voice when he was undercover or to get what he wanted from people. Right now, he needed tips on how to lose some "inches".
Agni quirked an eyebrow but still answered him.
"Well, I see to it the Prince has a steady schedule always. One of the things on the schedule is practicing Banshay (8); with me. Then there are times he likes to rock climb; very good for toning his muscles. A strict vegetarian diet also helps. You see, the Goddess Kali only prohibits from eating meat, fish, and fowl so to keep the body pure", Agni explained proudly as if teaching a student. Ciel didn't care too much about their god's but the exercise tips were helpful enough.
"By the way, Ciel why is it you asked about such things", Soma inquired curiously. While he was glad he could talk to Ciel like an old friend, he was certain there was another reason why Ciel wanted to know about his personal activities. Ciel went to answer but was yet again interrupted by Sebastian had to yet again ruin the moment.
"As you see, young Prince, Ciel has put on few pounds and wishes to use the advice Agni gave him to rid of them".
Agni and Soma glanced at Sebastian then at Ciel. They were the same looks his aunt and cousin gave him at the gala. Ciel glared at the insolent butler.
"On the contrary, Sebastian, I am merely following the advice of a fellow business partner" he retorted waspishly. In the event you forgot, I am the one in charge of handling business matters. You are just there to accompany me".
"I am however in charge of your wellbeing, that including managing your weight", Sebastian stated gazing in a authoritative manner".
Soma and Agni could tell a row was about to erupt between the two so they hurriedly made an excuse and left the room. Better not to get to involved.
Ciel stood few inches from Sebastian. His fists were clenched and his visible eye had a fire inside the retina. He had quite enough of his butler's abuse.
"You-Are-Such-An-Asshole!" he growled.
"Not only did you upfront me in front of my own remaining family members, but in front of every noble man and woman at the gala. Now you humiliating me in front of our guests. If it weren't for the bloody contract I would have fired you a long time ago!"
Sebastian stiffened his posture. It was ever so rare that Ciel thought to strike him and verbally berate him, but to have Ciel yell at him was totally different. He did not know what to make of the master's demeanor.
"I beg your pardon, bocchan, but I was only telling the truth. If you took the time to think about cutting down the sweets and actually exercise, we would not be having this conversation right now, " he barked indifferently.
Ciel continued to glare at his butler with a fiery gaze. If looks could kill, Sebastian would have been ash in seconds. Suddenly he started hacking and coughing and held his chest. His rant had triggered another one his asthma attacks.
"Sebastian, he wheezed, get the inhaler". Sebastian nodded and went to go retrieve the device. (9) God it was so painful. He started panicking. To his relief Sebastian handed him the tiny device. He put it into his mouth, pressed the lever and inhaled the medicine inside.
"Forgive me, bocchan I did not mean to upset you so much. I merely meant you had to adopt healthier diet so you would not have such a problem like this one" Sebastian said apologetically. He rubbed circles on his master's back to help him ease his breathing.
"Save 'hah' your apologies for 'hah' someone else. They will not take back the "humiliation" you caused me to feel in front of my peers" he rejoined finally getting his breathing under control.
"I'm going to turn in early. Do not follow. I don't want to have to deal with you right now. I fear that I may do something I will very much regret".
He took his cane and ran up the stairs not caring who he knocked over. Sebastian could only watch the young earl as he ran back to his bed chamber. Sebastian felt rather guilty. He knew he had a lot to atone for.
"I truly am sorry, my bocchan, he whispered more to himself. He could only hope that he did not start a series of events that would make Ciel careen down a self-destructive slope. Unknown to Sebastian, it was too late to stop the vile seeds of doubt inside his young master's mind.
In another room, behind the wall in the dining room, was a peephole that looked straight into the place. Looking through that hole was none other than Agni. He had just finished watching the conversation, no, chaos that just took place in the room. Agni was tempted to run back in the room and punch Sebastian. He was even more tempted to offer some assistance when he saw that Ciel was starting to get an asthma attack but saw that it was diffused by Sebastian.
"Great Kali, you think Ciel would have caned him for that (A/N: He doesn't know that Sebastian is a demon nor about the contract). He would have at least punched him", Agni whispered. Soma just stayed quiet.
Agni fearing something was wrong turned to Soma. "Your majesty?" he said concerned.
"How could Sebastian just say things like that so easily?" Soma whispered in a cracked voice. Agni stared at the state his prince was in. Agni knew where this was going. Soma had gone through a similar problem in his youth.
"Don't worry my prince, I am sure it is just a simple misunderstanding. It will blow over by tomorrow. Then we can go back to discussing about the business endorsements", he assured giving off a fake smile. Agni knew it was a pat but if he could convince Soma it would be alright, then he wouldn't have to null over trouble with Ciel.
There will be more on that later; Now on to Ciel…
A young twelve year old boy lied face down on his stomach on his king-sized bed. He then turned over on his side facing the door. Ciel knew he had acted inappropriately for an Earl, but there were feelings he had to get out in the open. Sebastian pushed him too far.
"Well at least I did accomplish something out of this, I got some useful advice from a foreign source about how I can help myself with losing weight", he reasoned with himself.
He closed his eyes.
"Elizabeth had some good advice too, when I asked her one time".
Flashback…
It was another one of his cousins "oh-so-joyous" visits. Elizabeth and Ciel were sitting down in the library playing some cards. Most likely poker. Ciel placed a card on the table while Elizabeth placed another.
"Oh Ciel, you know it is a real treat when we can just sit down together and talk like we used to", Elizabeth exclaimed cheerfully. Ciel simply 'hned' (Just like Deidara, un).
Elizabeth pouted. Okay new ice breaker.
"So Ciel, my brother was just buggering me the other day about me coming here, yet again, he is just so overprotective of me, always saying you are not good for me, and that I could use someone better as he calls it", Elizabeth rambled.
"Che' was his only reply. Of course Edward would want someone better for his sister: someone that wasn't him.
"Well, I am sure Edward only wants your wellbeing. You are his family after all," Ciel ensured her. And then some, Ciel replied in his mind.
"I suppose you're right, though I wish he would stop being so rude to you. It really is not right how he treats you. He is going to be your brother-in-law soon after all". Elizabeth was not aware that her brother's treatment of Ciel were due to his unspoken feelings for her. Suddenly Elizabeth's stomach growled. A blush erupted on her face.
"Oh how embarrassing! I suppose I should have eaten those scones like daddy suggested but mother is so adamant about having me on a strict diet plan that she is edgy about some of the food I eat, so I only had rose tea and toast", she rambled sporadically. Ciel glanced at his cousin.
"Well while dear aunty", he bated sarcastically, which went unnoticed by Elizabeth, "is in the back scrutinizing the affairs of the mansion, I will have Sebastian some lunch for us". Little did he know that was a decision that would later come to haunt him.
"You know Ciel, if you cut down on the amount of sweets you put into your body, you would be able to fit into your father's clothes. Also I find keeping track of what you consume, is helpful as well", Elizabeth instructed to him.
Ciel told her he would 'consider' it. No way in hell was he giving up his beloved treats. He would later be proven wrong.
Flashback Ends…
Ciel sat upright from his position. He would have to think Agni and Elizabeth later. Right now he had a diet plan to work out. He would prove everyone wrong. He would be thin again. He would be excepted back into The Ton, and he would finally have an excuse to smear Edward's and Sebastian's noses into the mud.
"Tomorrow and from now on, Ciel Phantomhive will be called "fat" by anyone ever again", he shouted excitedly and flopped his head back down and set off to dream of himself: perfect and thin.
There you go folks. The beginning of the path so many others foolishly follow just for the sake of being "perfect". Sebastian just had to run his mouth off didn't he? The 'hah' thing I used is often used in fictions to signify heavy breathing during sex scenes. But in this case it is heavy breathing or someone attempting to control their breathing. If I offend some of you with the religious refences I apologize. Kali is the chief deity in Hinduism. At least I think Soma and Agni are Hindu. I read somewhere that Agni was Brahma caste.
(1) Normally in the anime/manga Sebastian's duty is helping Ciel get dressed first thing in the morning. But Ciel wants to let Sebastian know who is boss still.
(2) Introducing our oh-so-gorgeous friends from India: Prince Soma and Agni. Both are soooooooo hoooooottttDDDDDD.
(3) A running joke is that Mey-Rin, Finny, and Bardoroy often mess up with whatever they do. I hear people often pronounce her name Mey-Rin or Mey-Lin depending on which they prefer.
(4) Poor Agni he gets stuck carrying the Princ's luggage. Some of which I believe carry his formal robes and treasures. So jealous.
(5) My sister notes that I have habit of twirling my hair when I'm stressed or nervous. Too bad it has damaged my hair greatly T_T.
(6) The little diamond thing Indian people wear on their forehead. Mostly associated with royalty/marriages.
(7)He was that tyrant mayor of Houndsworth from Episode 7. He commented on Ciel being a "puppy dog". He abused the story of the Devil Dog to keep the townspeople in check. He got what he deserved at the hands of Pluto.
(8) A Burmese type of martial arts. Sort of like fencing, it requires the use of long swords and quick stamina.
(9) People with Asthma will experience sharp pains in their chest from airway constrictions. My oldest sister Jennifer has to have an inhaler ready in the event of that. Though I haven't seen her have problems in some time. Not sure if its a family thing or not.
Next Chapter: Ciel is on a quest to make himself thinner. He throws himself into rigorous activities and arranges a meal plan that will "fit" him.