Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

The Jerk Complex	By : CorCordis Category: > Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji ???) Views: 2567 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji. I'm making no money from this.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
Chapter Three: Dark Horse
Maia grumbled at herself as she forced her hands back to her sides for the tenth time that morning. She had repeatedly caught herself adjusting her hair, making sure it was still perfectly in place. Even her clothes for the day were a little fancier than she usually wore – a clingy, knit top that revealed more cleavage than she was strictly comfortable with, and a pair of previously unworn blue jeans she had hidden in the back of her closet. The denim was shamefully snug; something she had bought as a little reward for the last five pounds she had managed to lose, and never had an occasion to wear. They still had the tags attached when she dug them out.
She had spent just as long agonizing over her hair, and while it went against her policy to wear makeup at work (she was around the stove so much it would just sweat off, anyway), she had to admit she looked pretty darn good. But by the time she realized that, she also realized why she was putting so much effort into her appearance.
Way to throw mixed signals there, Maia. You dummy.
Well, it was neither here nor there at that point, she decided. Even if Sebastian decided to come and chat, or hit or her, or whatever, she was sticking by her choice. Work, and by extension her livelihood, would always come first for her. It didn’t matter how pretty the face, or how hot the body, or how his voice sent little shivers across her skin, and-
Focus, girl! Focus!
Still grumbling at herself, she did the only thing she could – she pulled the fancy pins out of her hair, and let the whole mess fall down her back. She had made a decision to not get involved with Sebastian, so it wouldn’t do to get herself all prettied up for him. To try and attract him even after she told him no was stupid and unfair, both to him and to herself.
Running her fingers through her once meticulously styled curls, Maia shouldered her way through the swinging door from the kitchen to the main shop, on the hunt for a rubber band, when the little bell above the door jingled. She turned, and had to laugh at herself.
“Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.”
Sebastian lifted an eyebrow, and turned to look over his shoulder. It made Maia laugh again, and she was grateful for the easing tension in her stomach.
“Where you speaking of me?” Sebastian asked as he moved to sit at the counter, shaking his long coat off to rest across his lap.
Maia leaned her hip against the countertop, her fingers still busily working through her hair, “Not literally. I was thinking about you, though.”
Sebastian’s other brow lifted, and she saw the distinct gleam in his eyes. Oh boy. “I do hope you were thinking bad things of me. It would be no fun, otherwise.”
She laughed again, a little more nervously this time, “’Bastian, I only ever think bad things about you.” Stop flirting, stupid! “Especially since you aren’t taking the hint.” Better.
Sebastian smirked at her, and from the pocket of his coat he produced a small, blue and green Tupperware. Curious, Maia watched him set it on the counter, sliding it over to her with the slow push of a single finger.
“Okay? What’s that?”
“A peace offering of sorts, an apology for my earlier behavior, or perhaps even a bribe to work my way into your good graces; Whichever motive you prefer, madam.”
Giving him an amused look, Maia lifted the little plastic box, popping the lid with her thumb. Immediately, the sweet scent of apples and apricot invaded her senses, and her eyelids dropped closed as she took in the smell. She felt a warm tremble move over her body as she dared to crack an eye lid, to peek at what lay inside.
Five beautiful, mini apple tarts lay inside, each decorated with meticulously crafted Apple Roses on top. Immediately she felt her mouth begin to water.
“It is far less conventional than bringing a lady flowers, I know, but I felt you might appreciate the gesture more.”
Maia smiled at the gift, not quite ready to meet him eye to eye yet, as she felt her prickly exterior begin to relax. He was right, so very, very right, and she knew if she didn’t say something soon, she was in great danger of mooning over the gift, thereby embarrassing herself beyond all reasonable comfort.
Still smiling, she popped the lid all the way open, setting the Tupperware on the counter between them.
“Thank you, ‘Bastian. It’s a lovely thought.”
She resisted giggling as her bastardizaion of his name caused his eye to twitch, covering her reaction by gently picking up one of the tarts and bringing it to her lips. She inhaled the scent deeply, letting her eyes close again before taking the smallest of bites.
She couldn’t help it; Maia moaned, the sound deep in her throat as the flavors burst against her tongue like fireworks. She didn’t even care if it was embarrassing, or if she was sending mixed signals at that point. The treat was perfection, just the right balance of sweet and sour, and she swore she could feel her toes curl inside her shoes.
When she managed to open her eyes again, she didn’t even mind the blush she felt when she saw the way Sebastian was looking at her.
@@@@
“I assume it pleases you?”
He watched, amused as Maia finished chewing the small bite she had taken, swallowing as daintily as she could before leaning on the counter by her elbows. The look she gave him was level, but he could see the playfulness behind her eyes.
“Where did you get these? They’re fantastic.”
“I made them myself, actually.”
He could see the disbelief in her face, could see the exact moment where she mentally called bullshit.
“I would have brought more, but my employer is quite fond of sweet things, you see. I was lucky to be able to sneak these past him when I went out.”
Maia shook her head, quietly laughing as she finished the tart in her hand.
“I still don’t believe you. But, you know, I have to wonder… You said these were a peace offering, but a truce doesn’t really seem your style. What’s really going on in that head of yours?”
Sebastian steepled his fingers, pressing his lips against them briefly as he kept his gaze locked on Maia’s. There was something oddly satisfying in watching her rock off her high horse and fall somewhere completely out of her element. Despite the fact that she was attractive enough, Sebastian suspected she was not entirely experienced in the world of men.
“My dear Miss Hamilton, I daresay you would blush down to your toes should I expose all that goes on in my mind.”
She snorted, but the blush rose to her cheeks nonetheless, “Yeah, I bet I would. But you’re also avoiding the subject; what’s your devious plans, buster?”
Sebastian smiled at her, attempting to look sheepish though he knew that was not a reaction he had much practice in expressing, “Nothing so dramatic that ‘devious’ would appropriately describe it. I simply wish to ask you on an outing.”
He quickly held up a hand as Maia opened her mouth in an annoyed reply, silencing her protest before it had a chance to be vocalized, “Please, I promise you this is not another attempt to sway your opinions of me romantically. I am nothing, if not a gentleman.”
Maia snorted again, crossing her arms, and Sebastian made a noble effort not to glance at her cleavage, “Alright then. I’m listening.”
“As you expressed through your text message this morning, you have no desire to become acquainted with me too closely; you did, however, acquiesce to the possibility of a friendship. I propose we explore this idea.”
Maia’s stare was level, and he could see her calculating pros and cons, rebuttals and possibilities in her mind. Her Soul flared around her, dancing colors of every hue before it withdrew back to the range of her skin.
“How, exactly, would we ‘explore’?”
“Well, that is entirely up to you. I’m afraid I am not versed in what sort of attractions this town offers.”
Maia frowned, her eyes darting away from him for a moment. She looked uncomfortable with the situation, but not entirely in protest of it, which Sebastian took as a very good sign. He knew she desired him, and if playing at this farce was the way to worm in and learn her secrets then he would do just that. He was nothing, if not patient.
“This still suspiciously sounds like a date.”
“Does it? I shall have to rectify that in the future.”
She glared at his sarcasm, but her heart obviously wasn’t in the gesture, “Fine. We can go do something, but-“ she pointed a finger at him in an attempt to be menacing, “Not alone. I want to bring Hannah with.”
Sebastian raised a brow, smirking at her from behind his still steepled fingers, “Oh? You wish to bring a guard dog with you?”
“More like a barbed wire fence, hooked up to one-point-twenty-one-gigawatts of electricity.”
He felt like he had missed something, but let it pass, “If we are put terms to this outing, then do I get a say as well?”
She frowned at him again, but nodded for him to continue.
“Seeing as you are bringing your protection, I feel I should be extended the same courtesy. Ciel shall accompany us as well.”
That obviously surprised her, “Ciel? Your boss? Wouldn’t that be kind of awkward?”
“Who else could I trust to keep me safe from your endless advances, Miss Hamilton? I fear you would overpower me and taken advantage of my weakened state.”
She snorted again, rolling her eyes, and was about to retort when the little bell above the door jangled. Her eyes immediately darted to the newcomer, and Sebastian glanced over his shoulder to see a middle-aged couple walking in. The way they stiffly held their arms, and the distance between them, indicated that they were currently quite unhappy with each other. And as Sebastian moved to turn his attention back to Maia, he found himself struck still.
Maia’s Soul, its articulation quickly becoming something he was growing used to, suddenly reached out, fast and urgent. It expanded, filling every corner of the shop, enveloping the couple and himself. The color glowed a beautiful, glittering gold, and Sebastian felt himself trembling, a shaky breath escaping his lips as his eyes dropped closed. He was suddenly filled with a feeling of indescribable warmth, and his memory was soon flooded with memories and stray thoughts; the feeling of silk against his fingertips, the warm brush of lips against his own, the giddy sensation of new love. They were things he had experienced firsthand, and things he had only read about or witnessed. It confused him, but kept him rooted to his seat, unable to escape the surge of sudden remembered and new emotion.
“Hi Lita, hi Tom!”
Maia’s voice, sweet as crystal bell, eased through the haze of sensation Sebastian was experiencing; it wasn’t enough to rip him from his daze, but instead acted as a gentle hand, guiding him through the wave of golden light.
When he opened his eyes, he had to consciously keep his jaw from dropping. As it had before, Maia’s soul had filled the little space of the shop, sneaking into every nook and cranny. Instead of swirling and undulating, as he had grown accustomed to, it remained perfectly still, but for bits and pieces that seemed to sparkle like stars. It was beautiful to see.
“Hi Maia! Having a good day?” the woman asked, moving up to the counter. Sebastian turned to look at her, and again, found himself surprised. Where there was once distance between the two, there was now an obvious connection. The man, Tom, had his hand lovingly curled around the woman’s hip, his thumb brushing a small line of exposed skin between her shirt and pants. She, in turn, leaned instinctually toward him. It was as though any animosity they had when they walked in was completely forgotten.
“Not too bad. Get you guys your usual?”
The couple nodded, and turned toward each other to touch and speak in low tones. Their behavior was very intimate, and Sebastian couldn’t seem to help himself from watching. It was a rare thing to see anyone so exposed emotionally, let alone in a public space, with a perfect stranger nearby. It made him feel oddly uncomfortable, and he turned to look back to Maia, to suggest they iron out the details of their outing later, when he felt his muscles string tighter than a wire.
Maia, though otherwise attractive, when bathed in the glittering, golden light of her soul, was absolutely breathtaking.
The light threaded through her hair, danced across her skin, made her complexion the color of raw honey. Her eyes, normally that rich, chocolate brown had turned to a warm whiskey hue, the golden light of her Soul reflecting in them like shining star bursts. And as he looked upon her, the hottest, strongest urge to stand, to tower over her, to cage her within his arms and kiss her until she melted in his hands nearly overwhelmed him. He could feel it, the ache crawling across his skin, making his palms itch and his body cry out with want. Sebastian swallowed, and braced his hands on the counter to stand, to do exactly that.
But Maia turned toward him, her glittering eyes focusing so sharply on him it nearly stole his breath. And suddenly, he felt an emotion he had not realized he was still capable of feeling.
Sebastian felt fear.
“Hey, are you okay ‘Bastian?”
He blinked; shook his head. “I’m… I think I’m fine. Will you please excuse me, Miss Hamilton?” he asked, digging in his pocket for his wallet.
“Yeah.. sure?” her voice was confused, but sounded so far away. Nearly blind with his need to escape, Sebastian did not even know if the bills he took from his wallet landed on the counter. All he knew was his desire to flee, and his desire to slake this sudden, passionate thirst with her.
His feet did not stop moving until he was safely behind the door of the rented apartment, and even then, he felt the draw of Maia’s strange power. His hand clutched at his chest, digging into the flesh, desperation willing him to slow his speeding heart.
“Sebastian? Sebastian! What’s wrong?”
He blinked rapidly; sweat dripping into the corners of his eyes as he tried to clear his vision. Cool hands touched him, and he snarled, feeling the touch like a brand against him. He struck out wildly, the blunted tips of his nails catching against expensive fabric, but doing no lasting damage.
“Sebastian!” Ciel shouted, his voice one of command and censure, “You will cease this behavior right now!”
Though the magic compelled him, it still took some minutes before Sebastian could speak clearly, let alone think of the right words to say. Once he could, he relayed everything that had happened that morning, from the moment he stepped into Maia’s shop, to the moment he made his hasty exit.
The younger demon frowned at him, crossing his arms, “What are you saying? You have never run from anything since I’ve known you!”
“I know, My Lord. It is much more distressing for me, I assure you.”
Ciel began to pace, his steps moving quicker as each thought passed through his mind.
“But you insist she isn’t a Demon?”
“No, My Lord. There is nothing to indicate so.”
“And yet she has the ability to… to control you?”
Sebastian glared, finally standing and straightening his clothing, “No, My Lord. She cannot control me.”
“But, you just said-“
“What I said was that she somehow has the ability to elicit a reaction in me. Whether or not she is conscious of it, I do not know. It is certainly not voluntary.”
Ciel lifted a brow, his expression showing disbelief, “Really. You’re sure you are just not overly hungry, and letting that get the better of you?”
Sebastian gave him a sidelong look, “You were near her. I did not see you climbing the walls to lift her skirts and swallow her down.”
To his satisfaction, Ciel blushed rather hard, turning away from the older Demon, walking away as he retorted, “Well, regardless, you managed to escape her influence. You did not molest her, and you did not attempt to eat her Soul. I think our larger concern should be why this happened in the first place, and what exactly this does to the Humans she sees.”
Sebastian followed after Ciel, moving to put the kettle on the little electric stove as his Lord sat at the small kitchenette bar.
“As far as I saw, nothing critical truly happened. The couple who were there seemed to become more intimate with each other, but that does not seem unusual, considering the effect it had on me.”
Ciel frowned, tapping his fingertip against his lips as he considered the possibilities. “I believe this requires further investigation. You said she agreed to a social outing with us?”
“Yes, under the condition that her friend Hannah agreed to join us.”
“Well then that is exactly what we will do. Speak to this Hannah, and figure out the details.” Ciel ordered, hopping off his stool and heading back toward the living room. He almost made it past the threshold of the kitchen archway, when Sebastian’s next words stopped him.
“And the matter of our food source, My Lord? Have you made any headway on that?”
The younger Demon growled beneath his breath, looking over his shoulder, his one eye glowing with the red of Hellfire.
“Should this Maia Hamilton be more than she seems, perhaps our separate goals will in fact become one and the same.”
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Jerk Complex