Hey there Lovelies(:
I guess I should probably throw I a disclaimer. I haven't done one in a while and I usually forget. So, the characters or canon based plot points do not belong to me, I don't make any profit off of them and I certainly don't own them. If I did, SebaCiel would be so canon that you would use it on a pirate ship.
Anyway, thanks for all the wonderful reviews, and special thanks to those of you that checked out my new story, Equivalent Exchange, even though it wasn't a Kuroshitsuji fic. I really appreciate it.
Ummmm... don't have anything terribly exciting to share or otherwise report sooooooo... enjoy this chapter. Sorry that it's kinda short this time guys, but It seemed like a nice place to stop for the moment.
Until next time,
Majix
The approaching townhouse brought to Ciel a vast array of emotions that the teen wasn't exactly sure how to handle. Among the thickest of them was nostalgia. Not a thick and heavy blanket of it, but rather thin whispy bits of memory that both haunted and enthused the teen.
Ciel hadn't set foot there since the death of his aunt.
That alone left a bittersweet taste of sorts in the blue haired Earl's mouth. Within its walls, he had seen the last smiles upon Angelina's beautiful face but in light of what he'd discovered, Ciel could never know for certain how much of their interaction had been true, and what'd been part of her show. Here, he played host to a deranged reaper in disguise, a women bent on murderous revenge against those that threw away what she coveted, two halves of a deadly whole.
Ciel frowned, a lingering sense of sadness making the teen even more tired than he already was. No matter where he went, the ghosts of memory followed, and for Ciel Phantomhive, nothing hurt more than the dull ache of a forgotten pain, an accepted piece of history that dredged itself up from the dark and haunting lagoon of his past.
It seemed like an entire lifetime away, the quite nights spent within the townhouse, puzzling over the enigma that was Jack the Ripper. It hadn't been more than six months since the incident, and yet, as Ciel gazed upon the approaching structure, he felt as if years had passed.
"Young Master?"
Ciel tore his gaze from the familiar building to look into the face of his demon. Despite the near indifferent look settled upon the immortal's features, the blue haired boy could see the underlying concern, the subtle air of protective nature that Sebastian showed for him alone. The immortal knew what this place was for him, what it meant, and though Ciel was still quite angry at the dark haired Ancient for springing their newly found involvement with the Circus on him, he couldn't stop the flood of gratefulness that pulled at the strings of his heavy heart.
Only Sebastian knew the truth, of the hurt that'd ravaged the teen so thoroughly after the betrayal of his blood, the death of his dwindling family.
"I'm okay, Sebastian."
Ciel's voice was soft, quiet and subdued in a way that didn't fit the prideful, and often times, arrogant nature of his personality, but Sebastian didn't question it. The dark haired demon merely nodded and stood to open the door as the carriage pulled to a stop outside the gate.
Emotion raged within, but Ciel swallowed it sharply, ignoring the quiver of his stomach, the flutter of his heart as he moved from his place, exiting through the open door. As he descended the steps, Ciel felt the brief steady pressure of Sebastian's hand against the small of his back.
To any outsider, it would appear only as if the butler was steading his ward, guiding him with care, but for Ciel, he could feel the unspoken support that his demon offered. It was a touch not of convenience but of affection and the teen couldn't help but to smile. It was small, the briefest shift in demeanor, but the Esrl knew that Sebastian had noticed.
The demon noticed everything, something Ciel was both exceedingly grateful for and unyeildingly terrified of.
He passed effortlessly through the gates, following Sebastian up the steps, watching with the vaguest interest as the immortal opened the door for him.
Ciel hadn't entirely forgot that Soma and Agni had taken up residence at the townhouse and though the late hour suggested that both should be in bed, the teen wasn't willing to risk it. They were dangerous enough to the Earl's patience during the best of times and after a long night of crowning disappointments, Ciel wasn't jumping at the chance to greet them.
The boy slid out of his shoes, leaving them carelessly inside the door and quietly padded through the main entrance, allowing his inner child to peek through the curtains of his personality as the boy quickly slid across the sleek floors in his socks under the veil of speedy footsteps.
Sebastian smiled fondly at the display but said nothing, toeing off his own shoes next to Ciel's, regardless of his ability to remain silent as the grave. It was refreshing in a sense, knowing that the blue haired teen let his guard down on occasion. Not in front of anybody important, of course, but it still happened, and Sebastian often times found himself pleased that he was there to witness it. In truth, the many facets of his lover never failed to amuse the demon.
There was something about knowing that one of the most feared nobles in society was actually terrified of spiders, or that the mysterious CEO of Funtom refused to do his afternoon paperwork without a sugary snack to cure his insatiable desire for all things sweet. However, this wasn't bad either. The Queens Guard Dog, Keeper of England's Underworld, liked to slip and slide across the floor in his socks.
"My Lord."
Ciel looked up sharply, very nearly loosing his balance as his socks slid across the sleek floor, the teen's arms flailing in startled surprise.
Sebastian was at his side in an instant, glove clad fingers quick to wrap around the his forearm, steadying the blue haired male with a strong grip. Immortal eyes blazed with fond amusement but he said nothing as the boy's cheeks flooded with colour.
It was actually quite lovely, the flush of vulnerability upon his face. His lips were tight, no doubt ready to defend himself against one of the fiend's many scathing comments, but the demon didn't have it in him. Ciel looked so innocent, momentarily free from his duty, and though Sebastian was proud of the strong person Ciel had grown into, he couldn't deny the pleasure of having seen the less burdened half of him.
Even now, after everything, that lively spark of brilliance remained persistent and thriving below the endless seas of revenge driven hatred.
Without thought or hesitation, long and graceful fingers slipped into the slate blue strands of Ciel's hair as Sebastian dipped his head, capturing the teen's lips in a passionate kiss.
A single moment of surprise lingered between them before Ciel came alive, grabbing the demon's tie and pulling him impossibly close, the tip of his soft tongue darting against his butler's lips. It was heavenly, that first brush of meeting as Sebastian parted his lips, rubbing his tongue sensuality against Ciel's, relishing the slight tremble of the body below him as the teen pulled him down harder. To any other mortal, the pressure of the tie would've left a mark but Sebastian couldn't find it in himself to care, all he could feel was the thrum of his demon, the predator demanding he claim the younger man as his prey.
Sebastian wrapped a possessive arm around the blue haired Earl's waist, a low growl settling in the back of his throat as he felt the boy's hands slide down his shoulders, gripping the lapels of his jacket before shoving the butler away.
Ciel panted softly, looking up to meet Sebastian's gaze. Both eyes glowed with inhuman power, the heat of the demon's gaze hungry and possessive, but the blue haired teen stood his ground, "Sebastian."
A single dark brow arched in question but the elder didn't step away, the predator beneath his skin growling at the challenge, "My Lord?"
Feminine fingers released the black material of Sebastian's jacket and Ciel sent his butler an annoyed glare, "Have you forgotten where we are, demon? You're not to take such liberties when we're in the presence of others."
The slit in the Immortal's pupils lasted a mere second longer before the ancient being released Ciel and moved away. The beast within thrashed in protest, but Sebastian swallowed it, recognizing the gravity of his error. Of course the mortals upstairs were deeply asleep, but that didn't change the fact that he'd acted without thinking. Were they someplace else, somebody could've walked in, spotted them, and then the demon would've had to slay them where they stood or risk ruining the Earl's reputation. Such things didn't particularly bother the dark haired being, but we're it to happen at the manor, it would be difficult to explain the sudden disappearance of one of the servants, or even worse, another noble.
Dark strands swept across the high planes of Sebastian's cheekbones as the immortal dipped his head, pressing his palm firmly over the flesh of his heart, "I apologize most sincerely, my Lord."
Ciel crossed his arms, looking generally displeased, but he didn't scold the demon further, his cheeks still stained with colour and his lips freshly kiss swollen, "Make me tea and then prepare me for bed, Sebastian."
The ancient being stood straight and nodded in understanding, "Of course, young Master."
Ciel turned away from his servant and soundlessly made his way up the stairs, not bothering to listen for Sebastian's departure. Anger flowed with definite thickness through his veins as he considered the sheer stupidity surrounding the duo's entire encounter. Sebastian knew better, knew the risks involved with what they were doing and the severity of what would happen if they were discovered.
It didn't matter to Ciel that the only two people residing on the grounds were holding the same dangerous secret to their breast. What mattered to the Earl was the fact that Sebastian had acted so mindlessly, driven by whatever thought crossed the demon's mind, and in doing so, he'd put them both at risk.
A sigh escaped the tense youth as he navigated the familiar walls of the townhouse.
He should've been livid, shouting at the top of his lungs, telling Sebastian what a fool he was, lashing out with his words, making an impression upon the immortal, but all the teen could think about was the light in his lover's eyes as those long fingers slid into his hair and Sebastian lowered his mouth. There was something in their depths that Ciel had never seen from Sebastian before, not towards himself or any other, but for all he knew of the man, the Earl couldn't understand what it meant.
Of course there'd been passion between them before. For almost two days after their first coupling the pair hadn't been able to keep their hands off each other, but when Sebastian kissed him in the foyer, a different sort of heat ensnared the teen, drawing him in, pooling in the bottom of his stomach like warm melted chocolate. It'd taken everything to push the elder away, but even as the blue haired male approached his bedroom, the tingle in his lips persisted, making him hungry for more.
Ciel slipped silently into his bedroom, taking in the neat and tidy view of his bed. The duvet looked warm and comforting, and as the teen made his way to sit on the soft surface, the lengthy nature of his day began to catch up with the Earl, a tired yawn taking him by surprise. Though it wasn't something he did often, Ciel found it rather easy to slip free of his socks and the confining material of his trousers. Despite having done such on his own, the teen made no move to pick up his disregarded clothes, instead adding to the pile as Ciel's fingers worked the buttons of his shirt before casting it aside.
The teen's eyes hung heavy with sleep as he reached behind, fumbling with the strings of his eyepatch before a gentle hand stopped him.
"Young Master, allow me."
Ciel didn't question the sudden appearance of his companion. He merely closed his eyes, relishing the feeling of closeness between them, the faint rise in temperature as the demon leaned forward, untying his patch. It was quite domestic, and within the calm expanse of his own mind, Ciel found that he didn't mind at all that Sebastian no longer felt like a mere servant.
A cool flush of air met the newly exposed area around his eye, his lashes fluttering open to reveal mismatched eyes, the symbol of their union glowing faintly within the darkness.
"You look quite tired, young Master."
Ciel shook his head but said nothing to contradict the immortal being.
When offered, nimble fingers reached out to take the thin glass cup from Sebastian, the warm liquid within pulling a content sigh from the Ciel as he took a small drink. It was perfect, as always, and before he could think better of himself, he reached out to grab the elder's tie, bringing him down for yet another kiss.
Where the other had been passionate and hungry, this was slow, content to build in heat and intensity as their mouths moved with familiarity. In a moment of forgotten surrounding, the cup slipped from the Earl's fingers, startling him out of their embrace as Sebastian caught the fragile object with ease, a smug grin stretching his lips as he offered it back to the younger man. Not a single drop had sloshed over the rim.
"I think I've had quite enough tea, Sebastian. Get me ready for bed."
The demon smiled, turning to place the teacup on the cart before returning to his master, quickly ridding the young Lord of his remaining clothes, "Do you wish for me to fetch your night clothes, young Master?"
Ciel eyed the demon carefully before, with slight hesitancy, he gently tugged on the butler's jacket, "I see no reason for it," the teen paused, summoning his courage before looking up at the immortal through thick lashes, "Join me?"
The not so subtle message wasn't lost on the elder, but he nodded regardless and rose to his full height with unearthly grace, easily shedding his own clothing before sliding into bed beside his nervous looking lover. Ciel's eyes were large, taking in the ethereal sight of the demon's body as he moved. Vanity flowed heavily within the immortal, and the lustful scrutiny Ciel provided did nothing to diminish it. The teen stroked his pride without cause or knowledge, making the ancient subconsciously preen before his Master.
In a move far more bold than he really felt, Ciel threw one of his legs over both of Sebastian's thighs, effectively straddling the immortal's lap. Neither male was particularly aroused, but the heated slide of skin on skin made something clench within the blue haired teen's chest as their bodies met. They were so different, and yet, that only added to the masterpiece of it all.
Where Sebastian was hard, covered in lean muscles hidden below an expanse of flawlessly pale skin, Ciel was small and soft, almost feminine in stature; various scars marking his body, telling the story of his life to anybody clever enough to read it. The younger man ran his palm across the rise in Sebastian's chest, the pads of his fingertips gently gliding across the defined curve of his collarbone. It made sense in a way that the demon would remain flawless. Where Ciel had a history in this life, failings and shortcomings, Sebastian did not. He didn't exist among them until Ciel sought him with the desperation that only fear, hatred, and near death could bring. Sebastian was a figment, a mere facet of the creature beneath the flesh, a temporary personality among many. It made sense to the teen that his body would reflect the same story as his name.
"Young Master?"
Ciel looked up to the eyes of his demon, taking in the faint swirl of concern. It was sad in a way, to Ciel, that the immortal would care for him. Genuine or not, it was an illusion, a temporary truce between them that would eventually end, and as the teen stared up into the face of perfection, he couldn't help but to realize that, in the end, he would be the only one that got hurt.
Sebastian would move on, shedding his name, casting away the fragile human flesh of his body before moving on, finding another identity for a soul desperate enough to pay the price.
It was masochistic, what he was doing, the way he allowed himself to sink further and further into the deception, but he couldn't stop. "I'm fine Sebastian, just tired."
Ciel laid his head on the demon's chest, his cheek pressed against the warmth just above the immortal's heart. The beat was strong and steady, a bit slower than a typical person, but it was there none the less, lulling him softly through its steady rhythm. Knowing fingers glided lazily up and down the length of the smaller male's spine, the soothing repetition drawing him further into exhaustion, his head heavy against the demon's body, and though the boy sought to pull away from the merciless grips of sleep, he couldn't.
Sebastian watched with a certain amount of fondness as the teen relaxed against him, his breathing beginning to slow and even out. Steady puffs of warmth blooming against the demon's flesh and in an uncharacteristic display of sentiment he held the boy closer.
This was nothing like he'd ever experienced. He'd taken many lovers, some of them bound to him by contract, but to feel a mortal so peacefully relaxed in his presence was overwhelming in a sense. There was no ulterior motive, it was just Ciel wanting to be close, and try as he may, Sebastian couldn't find fault with it.
His young Master had fallen asleep in his presence many times before, a number of them while the demon carried him home after a long days work or as a case wrapped up, but never before had Sebastian felt the desire to simply allow him to be. The boy was calm, sleeping soundly, and though Sebastian had no doubt that he could escape without the teen having known a thing, the immortal was content where he was.
There was no need to move, and once again in so many days, Sebastian found himself settling in with the thought that, in the grand scheme of things, a few hours really meant nothing at all to a demon.