A/N: Thank you all so much for your comments and follows — I'm so glad you are enjoying the story so far!

Madame — as your review was very specific, but anonymous, I can only reply to it through here)) Please see the endnotes.

This is more of a filler chapter, with more focus on Ciel's feelings toward Sebastian and stuff that could have helped him establish useful connections to be able to perform his role as a Queen's Watchdog. I would love to jump into the events of the anime already, but we do need at least some setting.

Chapter Three: Taking Roots in the Underworld

Ciel gained consciousness several times, blinking at his surroundings in a sleepy daze. Worry immediately began to gnaw at him, twisting his insides from the irrational fear of being abandoned, subsiding only when he saw Sebastian at his bed, and wasn't it foolish? To think that the company of a demon was worth anything. But now, plunged into the pit of fever and pain that was buzzing in his very bones, Ciel clung to the illusion of his caretaker, watching him until his eyes closed and darkness claimed him again.

Once, as he woke up, Sebastian wasn't there. Panic filled him instantly, crawling into his eyes, ears, nose, until Ciel was choking on it, terrified, confident that any second now, other people would come from the shadows — to hurt him, to take him away again, to kill him this time. Panting, Ciel jerked, not knowing what he was trying to do, and then his gaze fell on his own hand, where a dark feather was glistening. Despite being clutched tightly for however long, it didn't look ruffled in the slightest — on the contrary, it looked fresh, and alive, and beautiful. So beautiful.

Ciel pulled it closer to his face, staring at it, enchanted, and his panic retreated, replaced by a wonderful sense of calm. Clumsily, he tried to stroke the feather with his fingers, but they refused to obey, so Ciel just pressed his fist to his chest and fell asleep again.

Through the thick fog, he could recall Sebastian making him sit and feeding him soup, slowly and carefully. Ciel didn't remember the taste, but he did remember the feeling of infuriating, crushing helplessness.

And then Sebastian said something and tried to unclasp his hand. Upon seeing the feather, his eyebrows rose, and they continued to rise up, and up, and up, in what seemed like an endless motion. Ciel frowned and clenched his feather back, pulling it to himself protectively.

"Go away," he murmured, or tried to, as his voice was a terrible rasp. Sebastian frowned and Ciel closed his eyes again, unwilling to continue watching him. Why would he need a demon now that he had his feather?

He came to his senses from someone's gentle touch. The hand that was caressing his forehead was not familiar and Ciel jumped in panic, trying to shake the stranger off. He stared at the figure in front of him, and slowly, it began to gain contours, turning into concerned Tanaka.

Tanaka. Where did he come from? The last time Ciel had seen him was… in the hospital…

His train of thoughts came to a halt when Tanaka reached for him again. For a second, his image blurred, turning into the shape of a masked man with an evil, crazed grin. Ciel screamed, his terror overcoming the pain from his sore throat, and when the hand froze before rushing to him again, he shrieked, "Sebastian! Sebastian! Sebas…"

His torn throat gave up, not letting any more sounds escape, and Ciel choked, terrified even more, suffocating, yet still trying to crawl away from the threat.

The foreign shape disappeared and another one came in its stead. A familiar gloved hand, bringing a cool, soothing touch, making Ciel relax into it immediately. He barely contained an embarrassing whimper of relief.

As his breathing stabilised, he risked opening his eyes again and saw Tanaka bowing to Sebastian respectfully before walking away, leaving them alone.

Sebastian turned to him, and his lips stretched in a strange, almost terrifying half-smile, half-smirk. There was smugness there, and satisfaction, and something else, something dark and dangerous and cruel. Ciel thought he saw fangs instead of the normal teeth, but he felt no fear — not even when Sebastian leaned over him, his eyes glistening with bright, deep redness. There was also an indulgent tenderness there, and Ciel smiled at the sight of it, comforted.

Now, where there was no one but Sebastian in his room, he closed his eyes easily, safe and content.

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His next awakening was accompanied by realisation that his fever was gone — along with his voice. No matter how hard Ciel tried, he couldn't squeeze out a sound, and he didn't know if he felt angry or humiliated because of this.

His memories were hazy. Dimply, he recalled Sebastian taking care of him — feeding him, bathing him… The feather.

Ciel's eyes widened in embarrassed horror and he quickly examined his bed. The feather was lying next to his pillow, for everyone to see, and if he didn't feel so weak, he would have blushed miserably.

Sebastian had definitely seen this. He would probably mock him for years now, and with a good reason.

Sighing, Ciel took the feather in his hand, examining it closely, admiring it despite his conflicting feelings.

It was truly beautiful. Enthralling. Such a glossy shade of profound black, with small flickers of red glittering through this complete darkness if the feather was subjected to the beams of light from the window.

And ridiculous or not, the sight of it still made him feel safe.

Ciel wasn't going to say goodbye to it — he was already humiliated to the point of no return, so there couldn't be any harm in keeping it. Even though he would still have to be careful and keep it a secret. Let Sebastian guess what he'd done with it.

As soon as Ciel hid the feather under the pillow, the door opened and Sebastian entered, carrying a tray with something.

"Good morning, Young Master," he said. "I can see you are feeling better today."

Ciel tried to answer before he remembered that he couldn't. All he managed was a half-hearted glare.

Sebastian's lips twitched before he lowered the tray and offered him a cup of tea.

"I apologise for the inadequate serving but I believe you shouldn't leave the bed yet," he uttered, and Ciel shrugged. He accepted the tea and his hands began to shake so badly that he nearly spilled it. Astonished, he watched how Sebastian managed to grab the cup from him, sighing as if he found the situation incredibly bothersome.

"I will do it for you, my lord," he offered, lifting the cup to Ciel's lips, but he stopped when Ciel sent him the most vicious glare he could manage. Without trying to speak, he took the cup back from Sebastian, and this time, he was ready to hold onto it. This time, he grabbed it tightly, with both hands, and while it still shook, there was no threat of spilling it now.

Satisfied, Ciel took a sip, careful to keep his face blank. The taste was absent, but he guessed it had to be because of his illness. His nose wasn't working as it should have, and without it, he couldn't sense even the basic flavour.

As he finished the tea and the oatmeal with fruits that Sebastian had brought to him, Ciel kept wondering how he could ask questions without using his voice. He craved to know what had happened to his case, if it was closed, if the Queen was satisfied with his efforts.

Sebastian could have realised this without being prompted, but he was either an idiot or pretending to be one.

At first, Ciel just stared at him intently. Sebastian tilted his head in a mocking wonder in response before asking, "Would Young Master like another serving of oatmeal?"

Ciel shook his head before making an inquisitive gesture. To his annoyance, Sebastian sent him an innocent smile.

"Another cup of tea, perhaps?"

'Idiot,' Ciel mouthed. 'How is the case?'

Sebastian's smile widened to a grin before he shook his head apologetically.

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you are trying to say, Master," he announced mournfully.

Baring his teeth in a silent snarl, Ciel gestured, pointing to his head and mimicking the action of putting a crown on it. It was utterly undignified, and the idiotic demon still pretended he didn't understand him.

"Would you like a pen and a piece of paper?" Sebastian offered. "You might write your concerns down and I will do my best to address them."

Ciel nodded, fuming. When Sebastian returned with the paper and a pen, Ciel grabbed it… and hesitated.

Writing down his questions would be an easy way out. Knowing Sebastian and his penchant for games, he would definitely give the briefest answers to force Ciel to write more.

There had to be another solution. Not only for now, but for the future instances, when they would have to communicate without others understanding them. Why not use all the potential of the current situation?

Ciel knew what Sebastian expected him to write, so he took pleasure in writing the opposite.

'Bring me a book with the alphabet and another piece of paper.'

Ceil drank in the expression of pure surprise on Sebastian's face and smiled smugly as his demon stared at him, intrigued.

"A book with the alphabet?" he clarified, sounding bemused. Ciel narrowed his eyes, trying to convey the 'Do you want me to repeat my orders?' message, and this time, Sebastian seemed to understand.

"Right away, my lord," he said.

When Ciel got what he had asked for, he started working immediately, analysing the letters and then staring at the blank piece of paper before him. Sebastian remained in the room with him, and even without turning, Ciel knew he was being watched. Apparently, his behaviour intrigued Sebastian enough to remain with him and see what he was going to do.

More than satisfied, Ciel chose to ignore him, focusing on his task instead.

He had heard discussions about the Morse code, a way of sharing messages by special clicks, without speaking. Ciel didn't know how to use it and whether there were books that could teach him, but in the end, it didn't matter. What he liked was the idea of a special language that only selected people could understand.

It would be even better if he and Sebastian had a language of their own, which no other living being could decipher. If they could talk non-verbally, through a system of, say, knocks and touches…

Ciel found the idea so fascinating that he got entirely absorbed, not seeing anything but the letters and signs that he himself was coming up with. He didn't know how much time had passed, but at some point, Sebastian interrupted him.

"Young Master, may I ask, what are you doing?"

Ciel frowned, displeased at having been distracted. How did Sebastian expect him to answer, anyway? Especially as he had failed to understand the most basic things Ciel had been trying to convey earlier?

He made a dismissive motion in response, watching how Sebastian stepped closer after it, as if now, he was even more curious.

"Are you drawing pictures?" he drawled, and Ciel rolled his eyes, not even insulted by this pathetic attempt at mockery.

Seeing that he wasn't going to get an answer, Sebastian evidently chose to change his tactic.

"Maybe I could assist you," he noted, and Ciel snorted, glancing at him in disdain. As if he needed anyone's help with this.

On the other hand, if this new language was for him and Sebastian, then perhaps Sebastian could take part in helping him devise it. If they were both to contribute, it would help them to get used to it sooner.

Taking another piece of paper, Ciel began to write. When Sebastian read his note, his eyes lit up with even brighter curiosity, and he leaned over Ciel's work, studying it.

"Interesting," he uttered finally. "I have never witnessed a creation of a new language before. Do you wish for each letter to have one specific sign?"

'It would help us to converse faster,' Ciel mouthed, and was satisfied when Sebastian nodded, easily understanding him now that he himself was interested in what they were doing.

"Would you allow me to assist, Master?" he asked, and Ciel nodded graciously, nodding at the bed to signify that Sebastian could sit down as well.

His afternoon was looking to be promising, which was a blessing, after all time he had already wasted.

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Naturally, it took them far more than one afternoon to finish devising their system of signs. In two days, Ciel started to get out of bed on his own, and after countless hot draughts that Sebastian kept pouring into him, his voice began to return.

"Tell me what happened with the case," he ordered as soon as he could, and Sebastian smirked, holding his gaze and undoubtedly enjoying the pause. To make him wait even more? Honestly…

"It was solved in a manner that I believe you will find satisfying," Sebastian said finally. "The woman, Martha Collins, confessed after the Scotland Yard officers found the vial with poison in her pocket — that vial that you asked me to bring from her kitchen. The smuggling ring has been dismantled, many more people have been arrested. The Queen," Sebastian's lips curled slightly, "is very satisfied with your work. She wishes you a 'speedy recovery'."

"You could have told me that sooner," Ciel scowled and winced when his throat protested.

"You did not ask and I did not consider this information crucial enough to share it," Sebastian said, and Ciel's palm itched with an already familiar desire to slap him.

Sebastian was mocking him — again. Of that, he had no doubts. Out of everyone, why did he have to be stuck with such a provoking demon? Or were they all like this?

"In the future, you will share every piece of information about the case we are investigating the moment you receive it," Ciel said coolly. "Is that clear?"

"Yes, Master," Sebastian bowed.

Ciel ignored him after that, focusing on learning the signs they had already completed. He could feel the dark feather burning through the pillow, but he refused to even look in that direction.

He would hide it in his office once he felt well enough.

"Did the people who were chained with me die?" he asked. Sebastian nodded.

"Their bodies were found later that day," he said. "Did the Young Master want them to be saved?"

Annoyed at how Sebastian always managed to guess his thoughts, Ciel shrugged.

"They could be valuable witnesses," he murmured.

"Are you sure it is the only reason?" Sebastian's tone became silky, and Ciel immediately recognised the soft, dangerous notes he had heard when Sebastian had been trying to trick him into breaking the contract. "Those people could have lived a long life — in prison, perhaps, but after the icy waters of Thames, they would certainly appreciate it. They would be grateful to you."

"What are you getting at?" Ciel snapped. "Do you expect me to care for some people I didn't know? I spoke to them for about five minutes. I don't approve of wasteful deaths, but at that moment, giving you instructions about the leader of the group was more important. I don't regret the choice I've made. As for them being grateful and thus useful… I do need connections in the underworld but I will not use the lowest of the low. I will find worthier informants."

If this was another test, Ciel seemed to have passed it. He couldn't tell how he knew, but in all this time, he learned to recognise the signs of Sebastian being pleased. Whether it was the changing shade of his eyes, the barely noticeable uplifting of his lips, the slight twists of his facial muscles — Ciel didn't know, but he knew it was there.

And it warmed his heart, despite the irritation he felt at being constantly tested.

"About the informants," he added. "I want you to explore the underworld and most influential people within it. Find someone trustworthy — someone who still has a semblance of moral principles. We will make a contact with him or her."

"Would you like me to both find an informant and make sure you have their loyalty?"

"When I said 'we', I meant exactly that," Ciel corrected him. "You will find a person and I will meet with him or her. I cannot have their respect if you do all the work for me. I will participate."

"As you wish," Sebastian tilted his head, watching him attentively, and at that moment, Ciel would have given a lot to know what he was thinking.

Not that he cared al that much. But still.

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Lau was a tall Chinese man who kept holding a smaller dark-haired girl, Ran-Mao, in front of him as if she were a shield. Ciel studied him carefully, recalling the description Sebastian had given to him earlier.

Calm. Smart. Perceptive. Holding quite a big chunk of the underworld, being the top official of one of Chinese syndicates and the British branch manager of an influential trading company. Prone to violence, but reasonable, willing to negotiate.

Ciel liked the description. And he trusted Sebastian — in this, at least.

Now, with Sebastian standing behind him as a shadow, Ciel felt safe physically, but worry still crawled under his skin, as it had been doing since morning.

He had to produce an appropriate impression during this meeting. He had to show to this Lau that despite his age, he was to be taken seriously.

And he had to show to Sebastian that he was capable of doing something like this.

Realising that the pause was getting too long, Ciel raised his head, staring at Lau directly.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked, keeping his voice cold. Lau hummed thoughtfully.

"I didn't know who you were when your butler requested a meeting," he uttered. "Now, seeing you in person, I can guess. The new Earl of Phantomhive, are you? You've caused quite a stir in our circles, after exposing the new smuggling ring. It took even me by surprise. I'm curious, what gave it away?"

"I hope you do not actually expect me to answer," Ciel drawled. His heart was still beating wildly, but now, once engaged in conversation, he could feel his fear leaving him, replaced by a slow, steady swell of excitement.

He felt confident now that he was leading the conversation. He felt strangely at ease.

"Wouldn't hurt to ask since…" Lau started, but Ciel cut him off sharply.

"Enough. I came to warn you — and to make you an offer. I know everything about your business, both legal and illegal kinds. I know about your opium dens, each of them. You try to stay clean and to divert suspicions but I have enough evidence to have you immediately deported from the country."

Ran-Mao tensed, and Ciel felt Sebastian shift behind his back, stepping closer to him. Lau's face remained blank — his eyes travelled from Ciel to Sebastian and then back to Ciel. A small smile graced his lips then before he nodded, as if urging Ciel to continue.

"I am inclined to allow you to continue your business in the underworld without notifying the authorities," Ciel said, hoping that he was still on the right track. "Furthermore, I will help you to expand your business by entrusting some of specific areas to you. Currently, I am not satisfied with—" Ciel paused, frantically recalling the notes he had made after Sebastian's report. The underworld of England intimidated him with its size and its potential, and it took him ages to remember all districts and people controlling them.

He couldn't forget them now. He couldn't let himself be humiliated like this.

Panic made his pulse race, and then Sebastian touched the back of his shoulder, making his muscles relax automatically. The touch was so light, it was barely there, yet suddenly, Ciel remembered the names he needed with absolute clarity.

"…black market docks and East End," he continued, pretending that the pause had been deliberate. "The control over the Oriental Quarter also fills me with doubts. I am planning to eliminate the people who lead them and I would be willing to leave the administration over them to you under certain conditions. Are you interested in hearing them?"

There was a pause again, with Lau regarding him thoughtfully. Something like interest glimmered in his eyes when he muttered, "Do go on, Earl. I am more than ready to hear your offer."

"You are to report to me directly about everything related to crucial underworld dealings," Ciel said immediately. Sebastian shifted slightly behind him and Ciel added, "If I am not available, you are to report to my butler, Sebastian Michaelis. You are to follow my orders, whatever they are, and you are not to hide the information that I require. You are to make sure that the news about the return of Earl of Phantomhive reach even the farthest corners of the underworld, and that people planning to cross me think twice of it before acting. Is that clear?"

Ran-Mao tensed even more, and for a second, Ciel thought that he had pushed too far. He wasn't sure if his tone and his behaviour were appropriate — he acted on instinct, and if he broke some unspoken rules…

But Lau blinked, caressing Ran-Mao's back gently, and the tension subsided.

"Normally, I would ask for some time for consideration," Lau uttered, smiling serenely. "But I believe I won't need it here. I accept your offer, Earl. I think you and I… and your butler… will have a rather fruitful cooperation."

Relief and joy that swirled inside Ciel's chest almost made him stagger, but he managed to control himself and simply nodded.

"I am glad to hear that," he said haughtily. "Yet you still have to earn my trust. I will be watching you. Never forget it. If you attempt to lie to me, I will know, and there will be consequences."

"I'll be looking forward to your instructions, Earl," Lau said, closing his eyes.

He didn't open them even as Ciel told Sebastian they were leaving, even as they actually turned to leave. Ran-Mao, on the other hand, refused to take her eyes off them — Ciel felt her gaze until he and Sebastian walked out of the door.

There, he finally allowed himself to relax, breathing in the moist air greedily.

"Do you think it went well?" he asked without looking at Sebastian, even though the question that was rolling on the tip of his tongue was, 'Do you think I did well?'. Sebastian's praise was a rare thing. During months of having him for a teacher, Ciel started to crave it — unconsciously at first, but now, even after catching himself on it, he couldn't stop.

He wanted it. He wanted to know what Sebastian thought about him, about his efforts, about the results he'd achieved.

He would never let himself disclose these foolish desires, though. Not after what happened.

"It went better than I thought it would," Sebastian said after a short deliberation, and Ciel squared his shoulders, happy to hear it. "Young Master has shown himself from his best sides. I would advise against trusting Lau until he proves himself but you clearly understand it yourself, considering what you said to him."

"Of course I do," Ciel huffed, ducking to hide a smile.

Everything was happening exactly by his plan — even better. He had established the connection with the underworld, he had pleased the Queen, proving that he was worthy of his family's name, and he and Sebastian had prepared their special language to communicate secretly.

Who knew what else they would manage to achieve? Ciel wasn't stupid, not anymore — he knew that what he was experiencing now was worthless. Yet for one short moment, he allowed himself to revel in the deceptive feeling of omnipotence, basking in Sebastian's inherent presence.

A/N: Madame — first of all, thank you! I'm so happy you're enjoying my take on the relationship between Ciel and Sebastian — and I absolutely agree with how you view it. I also think Sebastian is both a parental figure to Ciel and his first crush, even if he might not comprehend it yet. Regarding your question — I am familiar with manga, but I appreciate the anime more — I'm not a fan of RCiel twist, and since manga is not finished yet, I have no idea where everything is going to go. The anime, on the other hand, is perfect to me — I love S2 and its ending especially, though like you, I'm not fond of Alois and Claude. It provides such a brilliant ground for exploration of Ciel and Sebastian's relationship. And no worries about English not being your first language — it isn't mine as well, I speak Russian :D Thank you again!