I do not have much to say but oh my aching back. I began having back problems on Monday and can't go in to see a chiropractor until Thursday. Aside from that, I am currently job searching and might be working so I will not have time to update my stories. My thoughts on Kuroshitsuji: the relationship between Ciel and Sebastian has always been rather platonic rather than romantic. We have to keep in mind that the whole romance factor was purely fanfiction oriented. Still, us yaoi-lovers can always dream.
The whole concept for the website was so fans could write stories about their favorite genre, book, TV show, etc. Overtime, the general idea has switched to more graphic details. Alas, that is why we all love it.
Warnings: eating disorders, coarse language, bastardous Sebastian, crazy people, and angst.
Disclaimer: Kuroshitsuji manga and anime belong to writer Yana Toboso. The other characters and events mentioned are my sole creation.
Chapter 18: One hell of a…I need painkillers
Ciel stood open mouthed at the doorway. This was just not happening. Not here and now of all places. Standing next to his bed was none other than his butler, Sebastian Michaelis. The butler seemed to take notice of the lack of proper exchange so he took the initative.
"Well, bocchan aren't you going to say a proper hello or anything?" the man replied smartly. Ciel snapped out of his relative shock and glared at him. "What are you doing here?" he retorted angrily. Sebastian pursed his lips. "Now really after so much time has passed between us since your time here is that all you can say?" he replied condescendingly. Ciel glowered further.
"Fuck you". Sebastian clicked his tongue and wagged his finger in a scolding gesture. "Language bocchan, language. I do believe that your time in this place has dissolved some of your mannerisms. Even so, it is my duty to see that you are following through with your recovery as planned". Ciel fumed.
"You mean to make sure that I don't try to shirk on our contract and rob you of a soul in the long run" Ciel retorted only to regret it as he began to cough harshly. Oh god not again, he thought as he rummaged through the room to search for his inhaler. He began to panic trying to seek out his applicator not caring that his butler was watching. He felt relief when he saw it on the window sill and wasted no time in inhaling the medication. He struggled to calm his breathing that he did not notice a hand patting his back. Once his breathing was calm he stood straight up.
"Are you alright?" the man asked. The young Earl replied with a glare. He walked over to the doorway. "Well, I have little intent to lie in my bed all day. I would prefer very much to venture to the Rec. Room with some fri-er acquaintances. Then I shall retreat afterwards to the gardens out back. They are quite lovely to behold. Not as lovely as Kensington Gardens but just as such. So long" he waved. The boy flinched as a hand caught the back of his shirt.
"You're not going to get rid of me that easily, bocchan" was the teasing reply. Ciel groaned.
Ciel slumped as he led his butler through each of the corridors. None of the doctors or nurses bothered them knowing the older man was here on a visit. He had on a plain expression. He scanned the area with a slight sneer. Even if he was told this place was supposed to be impeccable in terms of cleanliness and patient care, it was still not better than a gutter or mental hospital. Ciel rubbed a hand over his face. He prayed fervently that Sebastian would do nothing to embarrass him. His time at this place would become an invariable hell than it already was.. He even hoped the butler would remember the commands set for him.
Now remember, if anyone ask you are my uncle that has come back from a business venture in Poland" the boy commanded. The butler nodded. "Of course, young master". Ciel grimaced. He so wanted to wipe the smug look from his butler's seemingly emotionless face.
"Also, you are not to tell anyone my last name. I am currently known to some but not all as 'Ciel'. I am unsure of how they would respond if they were to find out my last name", he added worriedly.
"As you wish".
"-_-"
"And finally, when we go to address people, do not refer to me as 'sir'. If you feel you must talk with people, do not talk down to them like they are lower than you. It's sort of a pet peeve many of the pat..." he trails off trying to think of a better word for them "attendants have. So remember that Sebastian" he states.
"I will do that and more".
Ciel knew that Sebastian wouldn't purposefully slip up. "Mr. Perfect never slips us on anything" he mused bitterly. They both walked toward the Rec. Room where he knew everyone would be. He only hoped that a new arrival wouldn't cause a scene. Just as Sebastian stepped a foot into the area, he was suddenly glomped by a white blur. He barely winced as he stared down at the thing.
"Fifi!" Ciel cried out in both embarrassment and astonishment. Fifi let go of the butler and began barking happily. She smiled widely at Sebastian with wide brown eyes. "Yipee, Ciel brought me a new friend. Hooray!" Fifi ran in circles barking in circles barely brushing against the man's pant legs. Sebastian casually stepped to the side while scrunching his face at the girl's spectacle. He was instantly reminded of Pluto. Ciel initially wanted to burst into laughter but kept his face stoic. Or at least tried to.
"Fifi" he coerced to the girl, 'down girl" he commanded. Fifi at once sat in front of him and got into her usual dog pose. Ciel smiled and patted the girls' head. Sebastian straightened his suit and resumed his posture. He watched his master's interaction with the 'creature'. He was about to open his mouth to speak before someone beat him to it.
"I see you got Fifi to calm down, eh Ciel" a brown haired man with shoulder length hair came in wearing the same style frock. Ciel glanced up at the new arrival. "Marcus, good afternoon. I was just on my way to see you" he greeted. Marcus waved at him before noticing Sebastian. "Hey Ciel, who is that over there?" Ciel looked behind him and sighed. It was going to be like that all day.
"Marcus, I would like for you to meet my uncle Sean. He came from Poland after signing some business deals and came over to visit me for a few days" he replied jovially. Sebastian blinked and furrowed his brows. He did not recall that being part of the agreement. Marcus walked up to Sebastian and stretched out his hand. "Nice to meet you Sean. Your nephew has certainly made this place more interesting. First day he came here, he wouldn't say a word to anybody. I showed him the ropes sure enough" he stated putting an arm around the boy's head. Ciel sneered trying to get the man's arm off of him.
"You don't say. Last I remembered, little Ciel here never was so sociable with people" Sebastian reminisced. Ciel glowered at the man. He knew it was some petty little revenge. Marcus patted Ciel's head and turned his attention to Fifi. "Oh and this little ball of excitement here is called 'Fifi'. Her real name is Fiona but she prefers to be called Fifi. She is half convinced that she is still a dog because some douchebag raised her up that way" he told him. Sebastian nodded. "I never would have guessed" he stated. Ciel gave his butler a pointed look. Sebastian rolled his eyes completely unfazed.
"Well Marcus, not that it was not great to see you and Fifi again, my uncle would like very much to see the rest of what the place has to offer. Come along then, Sean" he gestured scathingly. Sean, as he was referred followed after. He paid little mind to the others in the room. He did see a young man with blonde hair smiling at him before returning to his drawings (?). He paid the rest no mind. Once they were out of earshot from the place, Ciel exhaled. He wiped some imaginary sweat from his brow. He heard a saccharine chuckle from behind him.
"I must say bocchan, you certainly have acquired yourself some interesting friends. Several months ago, you wouldn't even think to associate yourselves with such people". Ciel sighed and folded his arms. His aunt had said the same thing. "There are lots of things I never would have done before this" he whispered with a hint of guilt. If Sebastian had heard him, he made no comment on it. Ciel shook off and ordered. "Shall we continue on our way or go down memory lane?" he stated crossly. "I would like to not gather any more unwanted atten-"
"CIEL! There you are little man. Been looking all over for you!"
Ciel stiffened upon hearing the cry of several females. "Oh no" he moaned and turned to face them. Coming toward the two men were four members of the La Dominica's; Sonya, Igraine, Susie, and Andromeda. They skid to a halt. Sonya stepped up and hugged Ciel tightly.
"Long time no see, kid. What's up?" she asked. Ciel grunted prying the woman's grip off of him. Before Ciel could reply, Andromeda's turned her glance to Sebastian. Immediately, Andromeda transformed into Tessa. "Hey girls, looks like we got a new man on the block" she purred seductively. At once all girls turned their attention to Sebastian and sported blushes on their faces. "Hey Ciel, aren't you going to introduce us?" Igraine asked excitedly. Ciel rolled his eyes in a deadpanned expression. "Oh yeah, um everyone this is my uncle Sean. He just got back from a trip overseas and has come over to visit me for a while" he greeted.
"Hello" the women all said giddily breaking into a fit of giggles. It was not everyday that they had laid eyes on such a handsome stranger. The only men they have had contact with was the doctors and the dean. Sebastian greeted back and bowed gracefully. Ciel scoffed. Kiss-ass. It was then that Ciel noticed something amiss. No more like some people were amiss.
"Sonya, where are Rita and Chelsea? Normally they would be accompanying you" he stated curiously. The girl's previously cheerful demeanor turned cold and their gazes hardened. Sonya glanced at the floor. "I guess you didn't hear…Rita is in the hospital ward recovering from some bruises she acquired due to a certain incident. As for Chelsea…" Sonya's snarled 'she will not be joining us until she has served out her punishment and that Rita is well out of the I.C.U".
Ciel's blinked. "What do you mean? Why won't Chelsea be with you?" he asked. This time Igraine cut in. No pun intended. "That is none of your concern, now leave it!". Ciel stumbled back in shock. He had yet to see any of the girls get angry. Sonya put an arm on Igraine's shoulder. "Peace, Igraine. It won't help Rita's condition by lashing out at people who are unrelated. Besides, it's best to remember we all have our own problems to worry about. By the way sorry about worrying you both" Sonya stated apologetically to the two men.
"It is quite alright, my nephew indeed has a long way before he can even hope to see the outside world again" Sean emphasized indefinitely. Ciel glared in response. "Aside from that, like I said Sean and I have other places to get to" he explained in a rushed tone. Sonya nodded. "At least visit Rita in the meantime, she really misses you. And would very much appreciate the visit" she pleaded. Ciel nodded.
"I will later on. I promise. But now me and Sean have to get going" he stated tugging on his uncle's arm. As the two passed, they were stopped by 'Tessa' who ran a finger down the older man's clothed chest. "If ever you start to feel lonely….know that I'm available" she purred. Sebastian did not answer. Before Tessa could say anything else, she was pulled back by an embarrassed Sonya.
Ciel dragged Sebastian toward one of the empty halls. After a moment of silence, the butler spoke again. "I must say bocchan, you certainly have an interesting set of friends in this place. Especially, the red haired female". Ciel stared at the floor still too embarrassed to even want to look at the ravne. "Although, I am curious as to the identities of the two missing" he inquired curiously. Ciel stiffened.
"They are just a bunch of silly girls who compiled some stupid little group just to ward off the reality of their situation. I didn't associate myself with them willingly. They just sort of sought me out and often like to include me in some activity from time to time". Ciel knew none of it was true but could not afford to let his butler know his time here had made him soft. Also, it was important that he not make attachments before his time was up. "Now if there are no more distractions in the way, let us away to the gardens that you so mentioned earlier" Sebastian interjected. Ciel sighed.
Sebastian inspected the gardens of The Back Alley with slight disinterest. It almost looked similar to Finian's work. The garden itself was nowhere near immaculate as the ones back at the mansion, and the fountain looked way overdue for a proper cleaning. The place was surrounded by a large fence. Ciel shrugged in embarrassment at having the butler see the state of the gardens.
"Listen I know that it is not perfect but it was the best the people could do. Besides…I…think it's alright. I mean it's peaceful and quiet. On those nice sunny days, you can see the flowers glisten. It is a great place for the occupants here to get their minds off things even if for a few hours" he explained solemnly.
"And you?" the butler asked. Ciel did not answer. Instead, he gestured Sebastian to follow him through the garden path and see all it beheld. They walked to the back area and froze when they saw someone at the fountains. Well, more like Ciel froze. He cursed beneath his breath. Sitting at the fountain was Samuel. He sat on the bench with his arms crossed and his face in pensive meditation. Like a cobra waiting to strike. Ciel quickly ducked behind the group of trees. Sebastian slowly followed after. He saw Ciel shaking hard.
"What is the matter? And why is it that you are so afraid of that person?"
"That man is named Samuel. He has got a wicked temperament and will most likely try to kill us if he spots us. More so, I nearly had the misfortune to face his wrath on a number of occasions but was always saved by Marcus or any of the other doctors. If I want to see Rita later on, I would rather not be with broken bones". Sebastian glanced at Ciel with blank eyes before he furrowed them.
"Do you remember what I told you the first time we met? I said that as long as the contract still stands, I will never allow any harm or distress come upon you. As for this Samuel character, you leave him to me if he should act out. And come now, it is not like you to bow down to such acts of bullying. Of course, you normally have your pistol at hand" he reminded offhandedly. Ciel frowned. He sighed and shakily stood on wobbly legs. He walked besides the demon. They passed slowly alerting Samuel that someone was encroaching on 'his' quiet time.
"Well, well, look who it is? Little blue hair and Jeeves" Samuel sneered. Ciel hunched his shoulders and moved hurriedly away. That irked Samuel into standing up from his post. "Hey brat, when I'm talking to you, you listen got it?" He marched toward Ciel but never quite reached him. Sebastian held out his arm blocking Samuel from walking any further. "Hey Jeeves, how about moving over? I need to teach that punk a lesson".
Sebastian glanced at the man with an emotionless expresion. "Ciel has no business with you nor does he intend to listen to any of your idle threats, good sir. Now please resume your activities and leave my nephew and me to mine". Samuel snarled and gave out a roar. He moved back his arm to deliver a blow to the butler. As it made to land, Sebastian grabbed the man's fist. Samuel blinked. He suddenly found himself flung backwards into a thicket of bushes. Samuel kicked his legs to remove himself from the greenery and utter a curse at him. He was stopped when Sebastian's red eyes peered menacingly at him. The red head shuddered. "Now why don't you go back to whatever it is that you were doing?" the butler retorted dangerously. Samuel stood rooted to the spot. Sebastian then followed after Ciel.
Ciel waited for Sebastian at the entrance with impatience on his features. "In the future, can you refrain from doing that? The last thing we need is people asking questions" the boy scolded. Sebastian did not move to retort. Ciel sighed. "Now that you have seen the gardens, I want to make a quick stop by the hospital ward before they serve dinner". Sebastian nodded. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. He turned his gaze toward one of the upper windows. He narrowed his eyes. He had sensed something was not quite right with the place the minute he stepped foot inside. It had only gotten stronger when he saw Ciel again. Whatever it was, he was not going to allow whatever this thing was to take hold of him.
"Oi, are you coming?" Ciel demanded impatiently. Sebastian walked in without another word.
Ciel felt his heart thrum in his chest. He was on his way to visit Rita at the ICU and did not know what to expect. Rita had become like an older sister to him. She was one of the few people he could relate to and could confine in her about everything. Plus, she knew how to keep a secret. Not like another blonde haired girl back home.
"Master Ciel', the butler addressed him, 'we are here". Ciel was so set on how to keep his private life secret that he did not notice them approaching the wards area. One of the rooms was marked Rita on the plaque. He slowly approached the door and gulped. He spoke to his butler with a quiet voice. "Um, Sebastian if you wouldn't mind I would rather I go meet Rita myself. You know since she knows me well" he pleaded. Sebastian nodded. "As you wish". Ciel exhaled and knocked on the the door. The door opened to reveal one of the nurses. She furrowed her brows. "Is there something I can help you with?" she asked.
"I am here to see Rita if it is alright" he stated politely. The nurse tapped her chin. "The patient in question is allowed visitors but only for a short moment. She is still a bit fragile from her injuries and cannot endure excessive amounts of strain. She is awake if you want to see her but keep it brief. We will both be in trouble if she becomes overwhelmed" she commanded. Ciel bowed politely before going in.
The nurse walked out with a clipboard in hand. She blushed at the man standing casually against the corner. She walked away giggling quietly.
Ciel slowly walked in being careful to mind the nurses warning. The ward was quite large with several beds and a large window. He noticed only one of the beds had a curtain surrounding it. That was Rita's bed. He walked toward the curtains and coughed.
"Rita, it is I Ciel". The curtain opened revealing the young woman's state. Ciel nearly stumbled backwards from the shock. Her arms, torso, lower calves, and forehead were covered in bandages. She appeared to have gained some weight on account that they were forcing her to eat. Although she still was obscenely thin. The older teen smiled brightly.
"Ciel is it really you? I have not seen you for who knows how long. I missed you!" she exclaimed in a raspy voice. She raised up her upper body from her bed and go to embrace him. Suddenly a quiet 'crack' of her ribs stopped her making her fall back. She winced rubbing her sides. "I'm sorry but as you see, I am still quite sore". Ciel lips thin-lined.
"I…uh…heard about your little spat with Chelsea" he affirmed nervously. Rita's eyes were glued to her hands with a slight glare. "So you have heard. That girl up fronted me in my room and got me in trouble with the dean causing him to throw out my pills. Thanks to her, I'm wasn't allowed visitors, freedom, or even to deny any of the gob they force feed me. It will take weeks to undo all of this' she pointed to her 'pouched' stomach 'fat I have gained. More so, I haven't been able to get in touch with Dr. Reveni for some refills. Not with the dean poking his nose about". She shook her head.
"Ah but never mind, how about you? It's good to know they haven't found your stash…assuming you've been hiding it in the right places" she said with critical eyes. Ciel shook his head. He had not taken a single pill since his ordeal in the garden. "Nah, I've been pretty good about that. I just came by to see how you were holding up. It's been a little empty around the place since you were admitted here." Ciel clasped his hands. The only contact with the opposite sex he ever had was with his relatives and some of the older females at the parties he would attend…sometimes forcefully by Sebastian. Rita sighed and looked up toward the ceiling with a broken smile.
"I wonder how the other girls are doing?" she whispered to herself. Even though it was whispered it reached Ciel's sharp hearing. "Rita…you should forgive Chelsea. I mean even if she did sneak around your room without permission…she just wanted to help. I mean you are all a group. And groups such as yours should stick together!" Ciel felt sort of like a hypocrite for defending Chelsea for wanting to help despite that he had gotten angry with Sebastian for having done the same thing months previous. Also it did little to help seeing Rita all banged up like she had been run over by a carriage. Rita's turned on her side.
"You don't understand, Ciel. It was not the fact that Chelsea was sneaking in my room and yelling at me about the pills that set me off. It was what she said in the middle of it. She basically acted like a self-righteous, nosy, impetuous, whistle-blower who thought it was her job to snoop around in other people's room and tell them what they should or should not do". Ciel turned to his hands. He knew there was more to the story than what Rita was revealing. He would have to talk to Chelsea later on this. He inhaled deeply before exhaling. He turned back to her. "Well, at least get better then. The others miss you and so do I". Rita smiled at him. She patted his head. "You know thinking about it, I wish there was someone out there my age who was a little like you, I would definitely vouch for you".
Ciel raised an eyebrow not sure what he meant. He was about to say something else before a knock alerted them both. "Ciel, visiting hours are over and the nurses are requesting that you return to your room for dinner detail". Ciel groaned. His butler was standing at the door with his arms crossed and leaning against the wall.
"Who is this?" Rita asked surprised to find someone there. Ciel sighed. "Rita this is my uncle Sean. He is visiting from overseas and all such" he reiterated not wanting to repeat the same fabricated story. Sebastian walked over and took Rita's hand gently before kissing it. "It is an honor to meet you young lady" he greeted. Rita blushed and turned away. This man was handsome but couldn't hold a candle to her Calvin. (A/N: Can I puke now?) "Obliged much" she greeted back. "I wish I could talk some more but my young nephew here really must be getting back for dinner". He ushered Ciel out of the room. Ciel craned his head to mouth "Goodbye". Rita waved back.
()
Ciel exhaled as he entered his room. "You can go now, there is nothing more for you to see" he retorted. Sebasitan clicked his tongue and wagged his fingers. "On the contrary, I do" he replied. "I plan on seeing how your recovery through and to help fill in loopholes that this so called respectable facility might miss" he stated like a cop interrogating a criminal. Ciel cheek's puffed out. Damn, his butler could be really annoying when he went into his "arrogant teacher mode". Ciel racked his brain seeing what he could do to get his butler out of the way. He smirked.
"You may not want to get out of the wa, Clarice will be here any minute with my dinner tray". Ciel smiled. Ha take that, dog! As if reading his mind, Sebastian snickered. "If you were planning on getting rid of me so easily, I am afraid your plans have failed. See, I have told the dean I shall be staying for at least three days before reporting back to my duties". Ciel sat agape. "But what about the mansion?" he shrieked. "Tanaka is taking care of things at home. Do not be so nervous, bocchan" he laughed. Ciel groaned and landed forward into his pillow. With a muffled voice he said a prayer: "Please oh please let me get through this alive and with what's left of my sanity."
Clarice came by as she usually did. Ciel was relieved. Tonight's dinner was not too greasy or heavy; a vegetarian pot pie with a side of bread and a cup of milk. He cursed his fortune at not having applied the usual dosage of pills before consuming the meal. He could not take them afterwards without Sebastian spotting him and indefinitely losing his chances of ever leaving this place. As usual, he left just a few crumbs of food. Clarice said her goodbyes and walked off to see to her other chores. Ciel laughed thinking how Clarice's behavior around Sebastian was in comparison to Mey-Rin. His face turned somber. He wondered how they were doing since his absence.
"Sebastian…not that I care or anything but how are the others doing?" he asked. Sebasitan who was reading a book he had borrowed from the dean looked at Ciel with a blank expression. "They are well if that answer pleases you enough". Ciel frowned. He recalled in one of the letters he received that it was not all as well as Sebastian had stated. Not that the older man would admit it. "By the way, how are things in the outside?"
Sebastian snorted. "As you have been told, Greg and Irene are planning their wedding next month, now word on your absence has reached the media, and further missions from the queen have been transferred to Scotland Yard until your return". Ciel scoffed. He sat on his bed. "So where exactly will you be staying?"
"The dean has made a bed for me in the common's room. Not that I have a need for it" he stated. Ciel hung his head and let his arms hang. He knew it was not proper but he just didn't care. Sebastian had this innate tendency to drive him to near insanity. Sebastian was after all bound to him until the time came when he was no longer needed. Then it would be the end of him. That is if he didn't die from starvation first.
Ahh, poor Ciel. He has an overbearing demon butler on his case. The La Dominica's have issues to work on. Rita is still fixed on unrequited love, and there are forced at work to see that Ciel never recovers. I noticed that I have been lax with the angst factor for this story. I dislike those overly angsty stories where the person becomes depressed and decides the only way out is to commit suicide. I still plan on a character death but it will not be one of the main characters.
Also, for those who are wondering where Collin is? He will show up in later chapters but will not remain at the facility for long. His backstory will be delved deeper into later on. I laughed when Sebastian was glomped by Fifi and Ciel was in the background trying not to laugh.
I have read stories where Pluto talks but in the anime, he doesn't say much. I watched the OVA with Grell and William. The climax pissed me off a bit but they wouldn't be reapers if they didn't do their jobs. That is all I have to say on the matter. Until then, read and review.
Next Chapter: Sebastian finishes his review. Chelsea and Ciel discuss the incident involving Rita. We see a glimpse of the La Dominica's nighttime activities.