Discipline

Author\'s Note: Fulfilling a request by Talonsage. Very tame: MA will come in Part II.



Bathing Discipline



One of the most personally enjoyable tasks Sebastian had set himself as Ciel Phantomhive\'s butler was creating the perfect bathing room. The practice of setting a cast-iron tub before the fire in the bedroom was not one he could endure. No, Ciel must have far better. And so, with Tanaka\'s support and Finnian\'s assistance (and at least a valiant effort not to make matters worse by Maylene and Bardroy), he transformed the smaller bedroom beside Ciel\'s into a state-of-the-art bathing masterpiece.



Ornamental moldings graced the ceiling; a magnificent oriental rug covered much of the polished wooden floor; stained glass window panels brought in warm light and enhanced privacy without the burden of heavy draperies. The tub was a beautifully hand-painted cast iron masterpiece that Sebastian designed and decorated himself, suited to Ciel\'s dark, ornate tastes. Supplies of floral petals, fragrant oils, and light-scented soaps lined decorative shelves along with plush towels. A single, long-framed mirror completed the room.



Of course, Sebastian did not allow his fondness for this project to overshadow the tiniest jot of his other duties. Never would Ciel find need to remind him of some task uncompleted or a meal served late—not if Sebastian could help it. There was more pleasure in tending to Ciel\'s every need and creature comfort than any other duty he could remember in his long existence. Ensuring his safety and enabling him to achieve the vengeance he sought was his primary objective. But, as time past in the company of the beautiful, sullen and demanding child, the demon\'s satisfaction grew, in degree and variety. His role suited his energies well; Ciel\'s dark, demanding nature suited his hungers even better. Perfection was ensured.



The first bath became a source of pride and pleasure for Sebastian\'s fertile, underused imagination. Introducing Ciel to the room would happen only when every detail was perfect. The tub would be filled with steaming water carried by Finnian and Bardroy with not a drop spilled on the rug. Its surface would be dotted with rose petals and scented with rich almonds and exotic vanilla. The room itself would be lit by candles and warmed by a small, crackling fire whose light would dance upon the multi-colored window panels, with their images of full-blown irises, proud peacocks, and the Phantomhive family crest.



"Why will you not tell me what you are planning in the room beside mine?" Ciel whined one morning at breakfast, stabbing petulantly into his marmalade and sweet cream crepes.



Sebastian smiled. The child could so easily demand to look for himself, could command his obedient butler to tell him, or wheedle it out of the easily duped Maylene or tender-hearted Finnian. But he did not. "It is a surprise, young master," Sebastian replied with a small bow.



Ciel\'s face contorted with a mockery of displeasure. "When will it be ready?"



Sebastian\'s smile stretched from his wide mouth into the sparkle of his crimson eyes. He could practically smell Ciel\'s excitement, and this aroused him in turn. Who other than Sebastian could promise the young Phantomhive heir a surprise that there was so little chance of disappointing him? "Soon," he said, with calm repose, despite his enthusiasm.



"See that it is," Ciel huffed, holding out his tea cup for more of the strong Ceylon Sebastian had chosen to complement the rich sweetness of the meal.



"Yes, my Lord," Sebastian replied, pouring.