Chapter 2
Hello my lovelies~ I normally won't post chapters again so soon, but I was really excited.
I would also like to thank VeryBerry96 personally. Thank you for your inspiring review(: I appreciate it greatly.
Now! On to the chapter!
XoXo
Majix
Thin rays of sunlight peeked through the parting in the curtains, faintly illuminating the young Phantomhive's bedroom as he laid awake in his bed.
He'd been restless since Sebastian left more than two hours ago, and it seemed to be nearing impossibility for him to return to sleep. Ciel wished the demon had stayed, merely so peaceful sleep would once again find him, however he assumed the elder was off doing what he did best, being his butler.
Hopefully he'll arrive with breakfast soon.
Ciel had been awake on and off for a while, and though he knew it was pointless to remain in bed, seeing as how he couldn't fall back asleep for the life of him, but it seemed all wrong. He woke when his butler called for him. It had always been this way, even before he'd met Sebastian. The last time he'd been awoken without the aid of his faithful butler, his life had taken a rather drastic turn.
He was positive that such a turn would not be repeated in his own lifetime, but he couldn't seem to kick the superstition.
After a few more minutes of irritation and impatient waiting, the bluenette sat up and threw back his covers, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking to the door. He knew Sebastian would arrive any minute, and even as superstition nagged at him, he could no longer linger within the smothering embrace of his blankets.
The Earl sighed softly as his feet touched the carpet and he stood, stretching noisily before he made his way to the bathroom. Contrary to popular belief, the boy did know how to do minor things for himself. He could easily admit that if he ever tried to cook anything, his creations would most likely rival Bard's own specialties, and he would be more than willing to bet that he'd burn down the kitchen in the process. His pride would never allow him to utter such a minor weakness but within his own thoughts he could freely accept that he'd be surprised if he could make toast on his own.
He might not be able to cook, but he could definitely take his worn clothes off for a bath, and he was positive that he could even run the water himself.
Sebastian busied himself in the kitchen, keeping true to his word as he duplicated the lemon tarts from the night before, preparing his Master's early morning wake up call. Not that the Earl needed waking.
The demon was well aware that the boy had tossed and turned for a little over an hour and a half before he'd given up and laid quietly in his bed to wait. The butler realized that he probably could have arrived early with the Ciel's breakfast, but he decided against it.
If the Earl needed or required his assistance, he would call. Until then, the ravenette was content to take his sweet time preparing breakfast and morning tea.
The rushing sound of running water peaked the butler's attention and he listened intently before concluding that Ciel had began running the water for his daily bath. The elder frowned, no that just would not do.
The master doing the things that only a butler of Phantomhive should be attending too?
He thought not and quickly slid the tarts into the cooling oven to keep warm before darting out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
Sebastian kept a brisk but calm pace as he neared the Master's bedroom, silently slipping through the door and closing it behind him. "My Lord, please allow me."
The boy looked up in mild alarm as his butler appeared in the doorway. He should have expected Sebastian to come up as soon as the water escaped the faucet but to his own disbelief, he hadn't expected it at all.
Sebastian gazed down at the surprised Earl with carefully concealed amusement. It was painfully obvious that he'd been struggling with the ivory buttons. The demon's facade almost cracked as the Phantomhive's cheeks flushed faintly, but he respectfully bowed his head before kneeling and making quick easy work of the buttons.
Ciel stood with his head held high. It was the stupid demon's fault anyway that he'd looked like a fool who couldn't even undo buttons. If the butler had arrived when he'd first woken up, he wouldn't be feeling so embarrassed.
As Sebastian finished with his night wear, the boy tossed them on the floor to annoy the demon. Ciel gave the mildly annoyed butler an innocent smile before he finished stripping down and slipped into the tub.
He sighed as the warm water met his skin and the small flush of victory met his senses. At least he'd gotten the water to be the right temperature.
"Sebastian, have you finished my tarts, or are you late with breakfast as well?" The corner of the butlers mouth twitched as his irritation escalated at the small but annoying jab.
He smiled happily down at the boy, "Of course, my Lord. I left them in the oven to warm so I could come and help you undress correctly. As is my job description as The Phantomhive butler."
His eyes closed and his smile warmed with fabricated caring. "I shall fetch them for you while you finish your bath."
He turned on heel and made his way back to the kitchen with deliberate slowness, smirking as he heard the soft grind of his master's teeth as his jaw clentched.
Oh how easy it is to rile him up.
A few well placed jabs and he was a fierce whirl wind of frustration. It was the least he could do to entertain himself. After all, what was a demon bound in service as a butler to do?
The grin held all the way to the kitchen before being dropped in favor of utter surprise, "Bard!"
The failed chef froze and looked guiltily at the empty plate, swallowing heavily as he heard Sebastian's furious tone. Fuck.
The lemon tarts were definitely not extras from the young Master's breakfast in bed and the ex soldier nearly wet himself as he looked up to meet the Head Butler's rage. Double fuck.
"A-aye, Sebastian..?"
"I could swear, Bardroy, that I left five glazed tarts on that plate. Might I inquire as to where you moved them?"
Sebastian smiled warmly down at him and the blonde seemed to shrink, "Well, Um, I may have eaten the -"
"OUT!"
The chef jumped in surprise before immediately rushing from the kitchen, trying to put as much distance between himself and Sebastian as humanly possible. Not that it would help, if Sebastian was out for his hide, nowhere would be safe.
The butler stood in the middle of the kitchen, pinching the bridge of his nose as he let out a frustrated sigh. That Chef. Imbecile! Up above, the demon could hear the boy moving around in the tub. He would start calling for him in no later than ten minutes, and the treats the master so insisted upon took much longer than that. No matter. The boy would have his tarts, with minutes to spare.
Ciel idly sat in the cooling bath water as he waited for Sebastian to return. He could feel his already worn thread of patience beginning to thin as he waited for his breakfast. Would he have to do everything for himself today? The Earl sighed and quickly stood in the tub. He was ready to get out of the bath now and if Sebastian wasn't here, then he'd do it himself.
He smirked proudly and tossed his leg over the side of the pearly white tub, only for his eyes to widen in surprise as his foot didn't instantly touch the ground. He looked down in alarm, tilting slightly to far over the side of the tub as he searched for the ground. His toes finally touched the wet tile floor right as his other foot slid out from under him, sending him stumbling over the edge of the tall claw footed bathtub.
The boy reached out in blind panic only to feel a strong arm wrap around his middle and pull him close. Ciel automatically grabbed onto his savior and looked up to meet the worried but amused gaze of Sebastian.
The elder held a gleaming silver tray above the bluenette's head as his other arm hooked around the Earl's waist. Ciel instantly looked more than alarmed as he realized just how close his naked body was pressed against Sebastian. Even though his suit, the Phantomhive could feel the demon's abnormally heated body against his own.
Without thinking, Ciel shoved the butler away as hard as he could, taking a step back from him.
The demon looked down at him in confusion, "My Lord, are you alright? I'm sorry I made you wait."
Sebastian straightened his clothes and held out the tray in front of him, "Breakfast, my young Lord?"
Ciel looked at him in bewilderment, his cheeks flushing much to his embarrassment. "Are you daft?! I'm naked and dripping wet! Of course I don't want breakfast you fool!"
The butler was momentarily taken aback before he straightened and gave a short bow, "My apologies, young master, I shall fetch your clothes immediately."
Sebastian handed the boy a towel and stepped out of the bluenette's bathroom, laying the serving tray on the bedside table as he began shifting through the boy's wardrobe.
Most interesting.
The demon smiled slyly. So the little lord could become easily embarrassed.
He'd never considered Ciel to be a modest human being. He had, in fact, dressed him each and every day since their contract was formed and the boy had never reacted so quickly. Nor so harshly. The butler silently wondered what had caused such a panic.
The Earl of Phantomhive definitely had a thorn in his paw and, to his dismay, it was driving the butler crazy.
The cobblestone streets of London seemed to stretch on forever, guided on either side by shops and houses. The cool morning air left little to be desired as the Earl continued down the street, his butler silently shadowing his every step.
The bluenette sighed in annoyance as they arrived at the shop and he waited for Sebastian to open the door for him. A small bell above the door jingled as his butler held it open, the shop owner greeting him casually with a smile, "Hello there son, are you picking up something for your Father?"
The Earl's eyes flamed in warning, but the message was lost on the elder as he raised an eyebrow, waiting for a response.
Sebastian side stepped the seething boy and approached the counter in a few swift bounds, "We are picking this up for my Master." he responded, handing the elder man the short white stub of paper.
The mans eyebrows rose and he smiled as he turned away and placed the desired cane on the counter, "Ah, yes! I've been wondering who would have requested a cane so short in height. Surely you can't tell me that it's meant for the chil -"
Sebastian held the end of the intricate walking stick to the man's forehead as his long fingers cradled the hand piece, his predatory crimson red eyes practically glowing with warning as he stared down the other man, daring him to say one more insulting word against his Master.
He smiled pleasantly despite the abundantly clear warning, "Not a single bend in the wood. Nicely crafted."
The butler dropped a leather bound bag on the counter, "This should cover it."
The Earl clenched his fist as he turned and left the shop before Sebastian had even paid. The Earl of Phantomhive, the watch dog of the Queen, mocked by a mere cane maker. Pitiful.
Sebastian easily caught up to the young lord and smoothly handed him his walking stick.
What a disgraceful excuse for a human. The demon's nose wrinkled in disgust before he smoothed over his features.
As a rule, he found all humans to be insignificant and worthless.
Well, not all humans.
Sebastian cast a look down at the bluenette. He could lie and say that he saw him only as food, but the boy interested him. He wasn't like other humans. His mind was sharp and direct, but most of all, he had the ability to surprise the elder. After so many lifetimes, very little caught the soul hungry demon's attention.
Most beings were easily predictable. Evil men do evil things, and good women stayed true, but Ciel, he was the ultimate enigma; an unsolvable rubix cube.
"Hmmph, Finny has once again dazzled me with his idiocy."
The boy's voice pulled the demon from his thoughts as he recalled this previous mornings events. The Earl had woken with a head ache and been severely short tempered. In a fit of excitement, Finny snapped the cane right in two as he was carrying it over to the Master. Needless to say, the irritable Phantomhive had yelled at the blond for over ten minutes before stomping off.
"Yet another cane Sebastian, and I'm once again dragged down to pick it up."
The boy opened his mouth to continue ranting before the attention of both master and servant were drawn to the overly excited voice of a little girl looking at Phantom's newest bunny rabbits. Ciel smirked as he watched the tiny brunette beg and plead for the rabbit just inside the window.
Phantom Toy Company. The single largest toy name in all of England. It was trade secret that the man behind the name was yet another child that loved its toys. Not a day went by that their company wasn't mentioned by children and adults alike all across Eastern Europe, and with each passing hour, the toy company continued to grow and thrive.
"Young Master, are you ready to go home?" Ciel looked up, his thoughts rapidly becoming derailed as he caught sight of Sebastian holding open the door to his carriage.
The Earl nodded before gracefully stepping inside and sitting in the farthest corner, staring idly out the window.
As the horses started down the streets back towards the manor, Ciel's thoughts slowly drifted back to this morning and he shot Sebastian a timid look, greatful to find that the butler was gazing out of his own window. What happened this morning? He'd never been so shy around Sebastian. The demon had seen more of his body than any person still alive. He was the only one who had ever seen the accusing slavery brand on his body, the only being to ever see his scars. The demon never judged or mocked him for them, and when ever Sebastian touched him, he carefully avoided the sensitive marks.
Ciel sighed with aggrivation. It was like an itch, an annoyance just below the skin, a frustration that he didn't fully understand, or care to investigate. But it was so bloody annoying.
The Earl sighed and finally just let his thoughts wander, letting them bend and wind through the canyon of his mind. Unbeknown to the Phantomhive, his companion's thoughts mirrored his own. Sebastian pondered his Master's recent behavior, from the night before up until this afternoon.
The thorn is burying itself deeper in the tiger's paw.
The demon glanced up to gaze at his master only to find that Ciel was already looking at him with a lost and confused expression sitting heavy on his features. "My Lord?"
Ciel realized he'd been staring as Sebastian's warm voice echoed in his ears. He swiftly came back to himself and met the butler's questioning gaze, "Yes?"
"Are you quite alright?" Sebastian cocked his head a notch to the side and studied his companion.
Ciel let the hard mask fall back over his features and smother his emotions. He was an Earl, not a feeble child, and he had to he strong. He represented his father, even to his demonic shadow.
"I'm fine, Sebastian."
The butler nodded and looked out as they arrived at the manor, his thoughts and emotions once again retreating as his professionalism consumed him.
As the horses pulled to a stop, Sebastian was out in a moment, opening the door for Ciel and sending the driver away with a couple gold coins. The walk up the drive held tensely. To an outsider, they looked quite civil, perfect business etiquette, but when closely inspected, the young Phantomhive walked with more force, distancing himself ever so slightly from the butler, and as if right on cue, the elder would fill the minor gap and continue to shadow the boy up the drive.
Despite the tension, neither seemed to notice the intimate dance. As they reached the twin doors, Sebastian graciously opened both of them and gazed back at his Master, "I shall prepare afternoon tea right away."
As he stepped aside, he instantly noticed the boy's neutral expression crack and turned to a look of pure horror and disgust.
The butler whipped his head around and gaped at the interior of the manor.
It was a little girl's tea party gone all wrong. Long strings of scarlet ribbon adorned the stairs and all along the over-looking balcony. Along every banister were flower chains, wrapped and strung in-between the posts holding the heavy mahogany strip. Balloons reached towards the ceiling, held by taut strings tightly wound around random posts along both the balcony and the staircase. All along the ribbon, brightly colored sunflowers pinned the pink material to the walls and if he was not mistaken, Phantom stuffed animals were scattered all over the place, sitting in small friend groups and along the stairway. Thick blue bows were tied to every light post and hung on either side above every doorway; but the cherry on top had to be the giant wreath with the Phantom Kitty in the middle.
Ciel cringed and swallowed heavily, "Sebastian...?"
The butler opened his mouth to speak but was quickly interrupted by all three of the servants slamming into him. He looked down at all three of them in surprise before firmly pushing them all an easy arms length away.
He looked at them with a raised eyebrow as he took in their appearances. Mey-rin hadn't really changed but Finny was wearing a pair of partially bent bunny ears and seemed to be frantically trying to get his hands out of paw shaped gloves. Bard on the other hand had been stuck in a bonnet and a bib, as well as robbed of his signature cigarette.
"What is the meaning of this? Where is Tanaka?" Sebastian asked curiously.
"The bloody hell should I know?! Go ask the crazy blonde girl!"
Ciel opened his mouth only to find that he too had been interrupted, "CIIIIIIIIEL!"
His attention snapped towards the sound of his name being called in the utterly adoring and childish way that nobody else in all of England could manage.
In all her glory stood the Marquises daughter, his fiancee since the moment of his birth, Elizabeth.