Seeking Consequence

The chill air blew violently past the standing grand manor, a whistling whir of the upcoming winter showing that it was to arrive.

This was all witnessed from inside the study, where a fourteen-year-old boy watched from where he sat, sighing softly to himself. Ciel Phantomhive reached up a hand, eyes grazing over the familiar blue ring that glittered brilliantly on his thumb. The previous day had been hectic, that was the only way he could describe it. From his encounter with Sebastian, to the devil that had arrived to steal said butler from him. Sebastian was hiding something…Ciel knew that…but he placed enough trust in the other to feel more relaxed.

The butler had been reclusive compared to what he normally was, he was trying to find a way to get away from his master without actually ‘leaving’ him like he had promised he wouldn’t. The butler also said that he would keep the young master safe, so either way he would be betraying the boy. Taking in a breath the butler rolled down his sleeves finally finishing the meal that the want-to-be partner would be sharing with his young master. Shaking his head faintly at hearing racket outside in the garden, he wondered what the others were getting into then again he really didn’t want to know.

Brushing off the flour that had sprayed onto his black pants, before he got the tea and the teacup ready on a platter to bring to his master. It was time for the mid-day serving, just as he was walking out of the kitchen he heard a loud knock on the door. Walking to the door he opened it letting the male that was standing there in a business suit into the large area, who he had introduced himself as Jonathan Edward Gradston Sheffield, the CEO of the Gradston Grade Sweets Company

“Please, Excuse me, I must tell my master that you have arrived, early no doubt.” Sebastian murmered the last part walking slowly up the stairs knocking on the door to his master’s study. “Tea, my lord.” Sebastian said through the doorway.

“Come in.” Ciel said loudly so that Sebastian could hear through the door, an expression on his face of complete boredom. Letters were scattered about his desk sloppily, and he was leaning slightly against the arm of the chair.

“My lord, your guest has arrived early do you wish to have tea with him, or keep him waiting for you to finish?” the butler asked bowing his head with one hand on his chest to the young lord that looked bored over his paperwork.

A slow smile made its’ way to Ciel’s lips as he straightened up, standing tall and walking from the room with a soft smirk. “I should greet our guest, should I not? It’s only polite.”

“Will you want tea, my lord.” The butler asked from the doorway of the room, looking down the hallway to his master’s back, he still had the tea on the platter, noting that his master seemed extra happy to have a visitor. ‘he is planning something I know it.’ The demon thought silently to himself. Wandering forward to be only a step behind his master without to much of an effort.

To anyone who hadn’t known Ciel on a daily basis, they would think him a kind and cheerful gentleman by the way he greeted his guest. To anyone he was familiar with, on the other hand, they would be simply frightened by the smile he had on his face.

“Ah, Mr. Sheffield. I’m glad you were able to make it in this weather.” He smiled as he approached the man before him, reaching out a hand to shake it.

“Ah, yes, my horses are very weary in the cold weather but we made it none the less.” The male, name Jonathan, said holding out his deep pale hand, he was a slightly chubby male, with the face of a person that if you saw them on the streets you would purposefully avoid them because they were so weary looking they looked like they were killing you with their gaze. “No wonder your store does so well, with the mind of a child running the operation.” Sebastian instantly shot the male a look of a thousand daggers, but he instantly went back to his normal distant obedient gaze showing nothing to the male but a cool persona.

Ciel inwardly cringed, forcing himself to keep up with his smile. A light laugh came from his throat as he turned away from the man, beginning to walk back toward the hallway, motioning for the other to follow him. “There was something you wanted to discuss?” he asked slyly as he entered the meeting room, taking a seat in his normal chair when meeting with a client.

Sebastian followed the two in a gentle step, while his lord had been walking down the hall he had grabbed an extra teacup. Waiting for both of them to sit he placed a cup in front of them both, slowly pouring them both steaming cups of tea.

“My lord, will that be all.” He bowed down to the teen watching him with deep red eyes.

Jonathan was watching the butler with interest, wondering why he looked so….well, more relaxed then most butlers he had met. Shaking the thoughts from his head he looked at the small child that was in front of him smiling gently trying to be as charming as possible to a child of such stature.

“Ah, thank you Sebastian. Why don’t you bring our guest some of our finest chocolate swirl cake?” Ciel’s showing eye remained on the man in front of him, giving his best charming smile in turn. A snake trying to attract its’ victim.

Reaching forward, he took up his teacup and took a small sip, unable to hide the wicked smirk on his face.

“Understood.” Was all the demon said before he turned away from the two knowing that his master was going to be playing with his victim for a bit.

Jonathan shook his head lightly to disapprove, “No thank you, I am just here to offer a partnership, not to stay.” The male had a deep shaky voice. His fingers slipped into the handle of the tea cup, taking a long swallow of the rich tea. “So, down to business.” He finally said once he had finished swallowing the tea. Sebastian moved slowly away to get some cake none the less of what the male had said.

Ciel’s smile gradually faded from his face at the man’s words, gaze dropping briefly to his cup as he took another small sip before speaking.

“Surely the CEO of such a large desserts company like yours would want to test the quality of the company they’re wishing to partner with? If you so willingly put your trust into something without testing it first, you could wind up dead.”

The man had to think about it for a moment it was as if he had to remember that he needed the small boy to want to be his partner in business. Though all he wanted was to take over the Lord’s company and leave him in ruins.

“Ah, yes, well then I guess I will accept the offer for the cake.” The male finally said just as Sebastian was returning with two large slices of chocolate swirl cake, setting one in front of his master first, then the guest. “My lord.” He bowed lowly before standing just behind his master.

The sly smirk had returned to the teenager, eyeing the cake with a pleased expression before, unexpectedly for a person of his stature, dipping a single digit into the chocolate, side-glancing briefly at Sebastian as he suckled the substance from his finger.

Sebastian saw what his master was doing, and whether it was for his own amusement to disgust the person in front of him, or to tease the demon, he still got a death glare. The demon was inwardly cursing, and was going to try to ignore the simple gestures that seemed to affect him so much. His master was getting a glare that seemed to say ‘you’re going to pay for that’ though the young male knew that the demon wasn’t going to do anything no matter what his look said.

Jonathan looked wide-eyed at the young male who just stuck his finger into his chocolate dish. “uh…” there was a visible sweat drop on the male’s forehead as he slowly took a bite out of his piece. “Oh my, this is delicious…” he exclaimed slowly taking another bite, watching the young lord with slight disgust at him sucking at his finger.

Ciel was smiling contently, moaning faintly at the taste before repeating the gesture. If he was going to be called a child, he would act like one. Surely, if this man in front of him was truly after nothing but complete domination of the Phantomhive’s company, Ciel would know it soon enough. People aren’t entirely intelligent when dealing with children, are they?

“Mm…”

Sebastian shuddered faintly hiding everything just in case his master was doing things un-intentually. There was a faint noise that escaped the demon that was standing behind the teen. Through the few days the demon seemed to fall in love with his master’s soft noises that he made. Smiling deviously remembering how his master had melted into his mouth, oh and how delicious he had tasted when he completed for the first time into the demon’s mouth. Shaking his head faintly for he noticed he was being watched

Jonathan had seen the demon smile almost evilly at what the boy was doing, and it sort of reminded him of a kid on his birthday when they are allowed to shove their entire face into their cake just to look like a frosted monster. Leaning back he took another bite of his chocolate cake.

“So, for business. I was thinking of being a partner with 60 percent business profit to the Phantomhive Company.” The male started to say in a slow business manner.

Ciel continued to test the man in front of him, taking a bite this time with his fork, tongue snaking out to taste the underside of the fork before doing so, speaking just a moment later. “A while back, I heard something in the papers…There were rumors of your company partnering with another...Alexander Doring was the name of the head of that company. He went missing soon after. What an odd coincidence, isn’t it?”

The male in front of the teen nearly choked on his bite of the cake, so did the male slightly, and much more silent it sounded only like a gentle clearing of the throat. Sebastian had seen what his master was doing, and it was a great way to see how much the ‘partner’ could take of a ‘child’ running a company. Sebastian however saw within the moment that he had placed a finger into his cake he was at first teasing the butler, and the butler planned on doing something about that, eventually. Jonathan finally able to breathe normally, he spoke up.

“Yes, we are unsure of where Mr. Doring went to, he just stopped coming to work, we figured the stress was too much and he killed himself.” The male said in a well practiced reply.

“Ah, that is a shame.” Ciel smiled, going back to his desert. “Sixty percent is tempting…” The boy acted innocent again, deciding to play with his food a little so to speak. Of course, the way he was treating the cake on his fork would be satisfying for anyone with a sexual appetite to watch. “Is the cake alright? It’s made precisely with perfection for all of the finest guests.”

Sebastian didn’t move from his spot noticing how the older male had started to squirm once the name Alexander Doring was brought up. Jonathan smiled swallowing the bit he had in his mouth.

“It is delicious…May I use the restroom, I think I saw one on the way here..?” though the male didn’t wait for an answer, he slowly stood and bowed low for the teen before walking out of the room.

Sebastian made sure that the man was moving down the hall when he turned his masters’ chair fully around so that he could look at him. There was a definite want in his eyes, and hunger that seemed to fill the red whirlpool. Sebastian leaned down as if he was going to capture his masters’ lips, he got on one knee and started to re-tie the tie the teenager had on.

“What are you planning to do with him?” the demon finally was able to ask.

Ciel seemed as if he was waiting for the demon to do something big when he was turned around, but when it didn’t come, a faintest hint of disappointment came into his eyes.

“He may not know it, but to people with connections, Mr. Sheffield here is fairly well known. Alexander Doring did not kill himself. This has happened twice now with Mr. Sheffield. The moment I sign that contract, he would have slit my throat in my sleep. That is, assuming I would have signed. Let’s play with him a bit more…I’ve been so bored today…”

“Yes, my lord.” The demon slowly started to rotate the chair back before he moved around to pour a small more amount of tea in his glass, setting the tea pot down once more. Sebastian slowly turned he leaned down only an inch away from kissing the young master to teach him what it meant to tease him, just as his lips barely brushed his masters’ the male had started to opening the door.

“Alright, back to business.” By the time the male was back within the room the demon was already behind his master in the same position he had been in when he had left. Sighing gently at the interruption, he closed his eyes rubbing his aching temple lightly. “Are you ready to sign the contracts?” the male said in an almost giddy voice. Waving around all the paperwork.

Smiling the sweetest smile he could muster, Ciel shook his head a bit. “Just a moment…would you like some more cake?”

“No, thank you, I am full.” The male said pulling out the paperwork that would need to be signed, laying them in front of him. “I would much like to get to business.” ‘Why isn’t he just signing….?’… “Do children ever work?” he accidentally murmured out loud.

There it was…the ignorance Ciel had been waiting for.

“Work and play…are very much the same, aren’t they?” he smiled, a cocky sort of look on his face. “Using your pawns step by step to take out the other players…when you reach the company’s king, then check…” at the word, check, he allowed the fork to drop with a clatter onto his plate. “I suppose Mr. Doring just lost too many valuable knights to stay in the game?”

The male un-intentually gasped at the loud clatter of metal on the plate, shaking his head leaning forward, he was reaching out to touch the young males hand but was stopped by the butler that had been behind the boy.

“My lord doesn’t like to be touched by others.” The butler said in an almost snarl but was as cool as can be when he said it. Jonathan nodded faintly, moving back to sit fully back in his seat.

“May we get down to the signing I have other business that I have to do in town.” Jonathan asked in a gentle business voice. Through the years of scamming businesses this one didn’t seem to want to budge from their strong hold in the ground, but he was determined to do so.

“My lord, did you wish to have more tea?” the butler asked bowing slightly beside his lord and master. His eyes were sparkling; he wanted something to do until he was done toying with the man and started what he had all intention of doing.

Ciel glanced slightly at Sebastian with a smile. “Ah, yes. Bring our gracious guest another cup as well, would you?” The boy slowly turned back to Jonathan, smiling still.

“So tell me…What are you hoping to gain out of partnering with our company? There had been many other offers, you know.”

Sebastian nodded and left the room slowly before the other male could say no to the offer of more tea. Jonathan looked at the back of the butler before looking at the small boy, smiling a wide charming smile.

“I hope that merging out companies we will be able to profit more from one another. I also hope that once we merge you will allow me to take over the actual production numbers. I was hoping for the fact that the children will love sweets that it will bust both the profits by two.” Jonathan started going through some of the things he would like to do. Though he spoke slowly as if the child was deaf, or dumb, for by the time he finished Sebastian was back with a new steaming pot of tea, slowly pouring it into both of their tea cups.

“My lord.” He bowed his head low to his master, moving to stand behind the boy like the shadow he was.

“The Funtom company has spent years standing by itself while making income preceding ninety percent of the surrounding companies.” Ciel stated, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs, looking bored.

Jonathan looked slightly taken aback, leaning forward he searched for only a moment to think of what to say. “Well with my company we could bump that up to a hundred percent.” The male finally said, a desperate smile coming across his lips. “Excuse me, I have to use the restroom again, the tea went straight through me.” the male said standing to walk down the hall and instead of going to the bathroom he walked into a bedroom, dialing a number. There were things hanging all over the wall that he was in.

While back in the meeting room, Sebastian moved to stand before his master, “What are you planning?”

“He’s persistent. Persistent, but he isn’t a very good liar. He doesn’t know how to play his cards.” Smirking softly, Ciel looked down at the still partially eaten pie, using his fork to walk across the table, knocking over the man’s empty cup. “In business, you have to realize a poor investment And I’m afraid Mr. Sheffield just isn’t right for our company. Maybe he would like to pay a visit to Mr. Doring?”

“Yes, my lord…” Sebastian bowed knowing exactly what the boy wanted him to do, walking slowly out of the room he went getting as much power as he had left to walk into the room that the guy was in walking behind him. “Jonathan.” Was all Sebastian needed to say in the voice of Mr. Doring. He was using an illusion to project a life sized Alexander Doring into the room. He was toying with the male’s head.

The male turned around nearly dropping the phone when he thought he saw a blonde-haired male behind him that had the resemblance of his old business partner. Only to have a small Tanaka behind him sipping his steaming cup of coffee.

“You startled me….could you leave….I need to talk privately.” Tanaka’s illusion self left. Though the male was finished he walked out of the room and instead of walking to the right he went left, which was just going to lead him further and further into darkness. Looking for the meeting room, he was slowly becoming frantic. “Where is it…?” The males’ heart was pounding in his chest, and it felt like it was going to explode, walking into room after room, searching for the right one.

Another vision appeared in one of the rooms he looked in with a blonde dead covered with blood on the bed. “Jonathan.” The illusion slowly sat up blood dripping from the throat. Jonathan ran down the hall way running into Sebastian. “Oh…I…needed to use the ph…phone…”

“I see…well why don’t you go back to my young lord, he is very impatient.” Sebastian said only to have the illusion of Alexander appear behind him showing a knife. Jonathan was gasping for air trying to get the point across to the butler. The butler turned around and the illusion vanished. “My you are seeing things, best get you back before you begin to be haunted.” Sebastian said in a teasing voice, starting forward towards the male, holding out his hand as if he was going to touch him.

Jonathan cried out running past the butler running into the meeting room closing the door hard behind him, panting heavily, looking as pale as death. He was sweating hard from being scared.

Ciel was fighting the urge to laugh, though was unable to hide the soft smile on his face. “Sir, is something the matter?” he asked innocently, resting his chin in his hand.

Slowly turning around to face the small boy he looked at him with fear stricken eyes, his panting slowed. Standing up straight he fixed his suit. “No, you butler just startled me slightly, I am fine.” He moved to sit down in front to the teenager.

Ciel smiled softly again, seeming to relax in his seat a bit. “Ah, yes, he seems to have that affect on people.”

Jonathan nodded gently, setting his tea cup up right, “So…um….what were we talking about. Ah yes, business, I’d much like it if the Funtom Company was connected with my business, we will be a much gracious host and partner if you did.” The male finally said in a gentle voice.

Ciel was busy taking small nibbles of his pie, pretending to be surprised when a bit dribbled onto his neck, a reddish hue to it that resembled nearly dried blood. “Oops…Something like this, makes it look like someone’s tried to kill me, huh?” He smiled brightly as if joking.
Jonathan gave a short forced laugh, seeing a hazy person in corner of his eyes watching him, with a bladed knife dripping in blood. “I think I need to leave now…there...this….I shall come back to see if you signed those….AH!!!!” the male ran out of the room running without even his horses he just ran out of the house and down the road, yelling things about haunted and things less moral into the air.

Sebastian walked into the room looking half alive now, most of his energy was taken up by creating the illusions. Taking gentle short breaths, he bowed to his master. “Will that be all, until dinner?” the butler asked keeping his voice as smooth as possible.

Ciel seemed pleased, laughing gently to himself without actively looking at Sebastian. He was unable to see how tired his butler was due to this, and he had been far too distracted by other matters to notice anything had changed.

“Yes. You may go if you want.” He spoke, his cheerful tone being gradually reduced to boredom once more as he got up slowly from his chair to make his way over to a mirror that had been set up against the wall for decoration, and glanced down at the chocolate that was on his neck.

The butler slowly came up behind his master, his eyes had nearly no life within them, he smiled evilly as best he could. Taking a handkerchief out, turning his master around, he leaned down as if he was going to wipe the chocolate off of his master’s neck. Though instead of using the rag he tenderly licked it off of his neck, sucking gently at the chocolate. “Chocolate’s always been your favorite hasn’t it?” Sebastian forced life within his eyes as he leaned back slowly from the small red spot that was visible on his master’s pale skin. ‘Looks like I marked you twice.’ He thought in a gentle soft tone. It wasn’t that he wanted to leave his master, but he had much to do, and very little energy to actually do anything more than what needed to be done for dinner.

Ciel’s lashes fluttered slightly, though he managed to keep his eyes open, keeping his lips sealed so that nothing could come out. It was those tiny actions that made him want to simply collapse into Sebastian’s arms, but he knew he would never allow himself to.

“You know it has. Don’t…act stupid…”

Sebastian smiled deviously nodding gently, moving away from his master slowly. Looking down he bowed his head a tad low to him, Sebastian looked up hidden red eyes.

“My lord, I do believe I need to finish what I was doing before the guest arrived… I shall see you at dinner.” The demon said in a gentle tired voice, his eyes were slowly giving away how much he felt the need to collapse and regain his power in some sleep. He had nothing but use power since his master had regained breathing a year ago after death. Taking a gentle breath the demon took a step back. “Master…” he whispered slowly moving out of the room hoping that his master hadn’t actually looked into his eyes.

As Ciel was prepared to speak, his brows furrowed slightly as he began to notice something. Something was very wrong with the demon, though he didn’t know what. Never before had he witnessed Sebastian with such a weary look in his crimson depths…He nodded just slightly as he watched the other leave, turning back to the mirror a moment later, eyes dropping to the red marking on his neck. He brought a hand to touch it lightly, a quiver of thrill dancing through his heart. Delicate fingers traced over the area for a minute longer before looking back into the reflection if his blue eye, reaching up to carefully push up the eye patch just until he could see purple beneath.

Something had been wrong…the sign was not glowing, but was dull and almost lifeless appearing. Fixing the patch to cover his right eye once more, Ciel made his way from the room, quietly following the direction his butler had gone.

The demon had walked into the kitchen slowly fixing a seasoning for the meat, he was working quickly putting the meat into the oven slowly he leaned back against the wall closing his eyes. Leaning slowly away from the wall he only had the energy to fall back against the wall. The butler’s breathing became only non existent as he slid down the wall, leaning against the cabinet. The demon slept unwillingly in the kitchen that he had worked in for years. The demon had finally used up all of his power, things were wrong for him, he never fell asleep in the kitchen while he was on duty. Sebastian had used an abundance of power bring his master’s soul from the grips of death, keeping the boy alive and healthy, bringing back his arm, and waking the boy up fully. Finally with the last illusions he had used all he had left, the demon had passed out with exhaustion.

Ciel made certain he was quiet as he headed for the kitchen, cautiously opening the door just enough to peek in. Frowning softly, he was about to leave when he noticed something, or rather, someone on the floor against the wall and gasped, rushing in. “Sebastian??” he asked, kneeling beside the man with a concerned look, a hand lifting to touch his face lightly.

How could he not have noticed something was wrong…?

He reached up to touch Sebastian’s brow, his other hand removing the covering over his right eye, then taking the other’s left hand and removing the glove to reveal the matching sign. “Sebastian?” This time his voice was shaky and he swallowed hard, pressing his ear over the man’s heart.

Sebastian’s heart was beating quietly in his chest, his body was faintly cold, but nothing more than natural. His breathing seemed to grow stronger as both his and Ciel’s mark had been revealed, as well as having his master against his chest. The male’s face was pale with a hint of red on his cheeks. It wasn’t natural for a demon to get sick, and it wasn’t natural for Sebastian to fall asleep on the job, Ciel knew that more than anyone else.

“Idiot…” he breathed, keeping close to his chest for the time. “You aren’t supposed to get sick…You’re supposed to always be available when I need you…” biting his lip, he leaned back to look at the other’s face, concern written all over the boy’s features. “Why didn’t you tell me? It’s because of me, isn’t it…? I see…” Ciel bit his lip harder, trying his hardest to think of what to do to help him, if there was anything.

Sebastian shivered at the boy moving away, and his breathing had returned to a soft gentle almost nonexistent sound passing through his mouth. His hand flinched that was marked with their contract. True it was because of the boy, but it wasn’t a bad thing to be injured for the one you serve, or have confusing feelings for. The demon didn’t know why he brought the boy back to life, but as he did he felt their bond grow stronger and stronger with each day he was keeping the boy alive. The boy looked just like how Sebastian looked as he lay against the wall. The demon was always checking making sure his master was still alive and breathing.

Ciel noticed the shiver and cautiously moved closer again, watching him before getting up and hurrying toward the sink, not having any idea where any glasses were kept, and gathered some water into his hand then returned to the snoozing demon, opening his mouth a bit and dribbling some of the water into Sebastian’s mouth.

“You’re not allowed to leave me alone…You need to understand that…You are meant to stay by me forever…” Ciel spoke matter-of-factly, trying to sound demanding, but with fright hidden thick in his throat.

The water nearly all dribbled out of the demon’s mouth, he had heard his master, whether in sleep or any bit conscious, though not really noticeable if one or the other. The demon whispered the word yes before he fell forward slightly his head resting on his master’s chest, breathing hotly on the chest he served so well for years. Not once had he shown any weakness in his ability to obey his master. He was breathing raggedly, their signs gave a gentle jolt of color before returning dull once more.

Ciel shook, terrified for one of the only times in his life. Licking his lips slightly, he carefully pushed Sebastian back against he wall before a thought came to him. Something he had read long ago when he was first thinking of creating a contract. A contracted human and demon’s bond is deeper than words. It is the binding of blood and soul…

He got up carefully from his spot, turning to see a set of knives neatly set upon the serving table that Sebastian had most likely been working on. Taking a deep breath, Ciel took one of the knives, seeming to contemplate with himself before giving one long slice across his right palm, wincing slightly at the action, then taking Sebastian’s left hand and allowing some of the warm red liquid to drip onto the back of the demon’s hand over their contract.

“Wake up…” he whispered, repeating the action carefully across Sebastian’s palm and pressing their bleeding flesh together with a faint flinch. “Sebastian…”

“Please...”
The demon’s breathing stalled for a moment before his breathing became normal once again, his hand tightened on his master’s slightly harder then he normally would. The demon seemed to be growing slightly more powerful with each drop of blood that flowed through his body from his master. He could hear his master, and as he slid his eyes open he looked into his master’s eyes. The demon had returned to his body with strength to continue his protection with his master, pulling the young male to his chest, he clung with his other hand around his master covering his eyes. Gasping sharply as his mark vibrantly sparked a hard blinding violet that exploded throughout the kitchen. Taking him by surprise at how alive and new he felt, the curious feelings for his master seemed to grow to new heights that he never knew was possible for a demon. Panting as there was a new type of power stronger even than he had before, having just the smallest amount of blood of the boy against his chest seemed to grant him more power than ever in his long life.

Ciel gasped out as he was pulled so suddenly, his hand stung lightly from where the cut had been set. “Sebastian…?” He asked in surprise, gasping out again as an odd tingling set in his right eye, the light overpowering, though he couldn’t see it. If the demon had been looking, he would notice that the vivid violet light had a hue of red in it.

Sebastian shivered gently at hearing his master say his name, leaning slowly back as the vibrant light slowly dimmed down to nearly nothing. His vibrant pink eyes sparkled more vivid than usual, as he slowly moved his master back away from his chest, with his good hand, while the other was still entwined into Ciel’s.

“I don’t….wh…” for the first time in serving the lord Phantomhive the demon had run out of what he wanted to say. Taking his good hand he brushed a strand of hair from the boy’s face, the demon wanted to memorize each feature of his master, noticing that his eyes had changed a tad color, tilting his head, he touched just under his master’s contracted eye. “Wha…wh…Ciel..” Sebastian bit off his words when his master’s first name left his lips in a gentle voice. Looking at him confused and worried about the demon that had come for him not but the night before.

Usually having emotions hidden, he felt like he could no longer hide what he was feeling to his master, no matter how hard he tried. It seemed like there was no way of staying hidden from his master, from the moment that their bloods intermingled they were grafted together, no longer able to keep one another from their feelings. Biting his lip lightly he looked down, lifting the hand that Ciel had willing cut to save the demon from a dormant sleep to gain power back, he was trying to keep slightly away from his masters’ gaze now that he couldn’t force everything past a thick wall of defense.

Ciel watched Sebastian in awe, worry still visible in his eyes. Just a moment ago, the man was unconscious, but now…he was acting unlike he’d ever seen him before…Sebastian appeared almost like a confused child to him…swallowing hard, Ciel did something he didn’t think he would ever do, and suddenly reached out to pull the demon flush against him, confusing even himself, arms wrapping cautiously around the other, holding him close to his heart.

He didn’t know what to say, all he knew was that the thought of losing him was more terrifying than the horrible memories of being pinned by prying and harsh hands and suffering through so many pains when he was younger.

The demon became even more confused as he was pulled against the boy’s chest, closing his eyes as he heard his master’s heart so close to his ear. There was a soothing feel to hearing the gentle pounding, breathing gently he cautiously wrapped his arms around his master’s body, holding him close. His fingers lightly flexing on his master’s back, his brows were creased at how much stronger he had become. Coming to the conclusion that he had feelings that were running wild and a demon running after him, that he couldn’t leave the young lord no matter how much he could try.

There was something beautiful about the human holding him, a gentleness that made the demon come to life in gentle realization of wanting to stay with the human. This was why he brought the human back; this was why he spent so long keeping the boy alive. To feel him again at his side, or rather be by the young human’s side. Sebastian let out a gentle sound of pure happiness, it was a purr much like the ones the cats the demon loves so much.

Through the years, it was like they had grown closer, through the past year their bond got stronger when the demon rose the human from the grasps of death’s cold long fingers. Now their bond was stronger from a simple will and sacrifice of a small amount of blood to keep the demon alive.

‘He told me to stay with him forever…he asked me to wake up…he pleaded for me to wake up…there was so much worry in his face when I looked at him…What should I say to him?’ the demon was asking many thoughts that rolled through his mind. ‘I called him by his first name, and I didn’t get hurt for doing it. Is our bond now stronger?’ the demon asked as he felt the stickiness of slow drying blood on his palm, both his and his masters’. Through all the things he wanted to say he said nothing, though if the young master looked he could see without any doubt that the demon had many things to say but couldn’t decide what to actively say.

Ciel shook slightly, swallowing shakily. He had almost lost him…He could have so easily lost the demon pressed against him, all because he was too selfish to notice beyond the commands that something was wrong with him.

He truly was selfish…

Swallowing hard, his grip loosened just slightly, almost afraid to hold onto him as if he deserved the pleasure. Ciel tried to apologize, but the words just seemed to die out in is throat.

“I didn’t mean to scare you, my lord…” The demon finally whispered with much effort, even though the boy had loosened his grip the demon’s grip seemed to have gotten stronger around his master. There was an odd feeling flowing through him that didn’t want to let his master full out of his grasp until he absolutely had to.

Was it wrong for a demon to fall for his contracted human, did he care?

Though it was possibly wrong, and he would have to try to hide how he was feeling from all others, he didn’t feel the need to keep it from himself. Sighing contently he seemed to press closer to his master’s chest loving the sound, growing actually tired not from exhaustion but from comfort being in his master’s hold, and soft pounding in his ear. ‘Oh what I would do to just listen to the life beat through his body at night like I did so many years ago. When he asked me to stay until he fell asleep…’ the demon thought in a gentle tone, smiling gently, ‘That’s when everything felt like it was changing, slowly but surely.’ The demon nearly purred out loud again.

“Sebastian…” Ciel whispered the name barely with any volume, shivering with a blank sort of look on his face. He didn’t know what to think or say anymore…his heart thrummed violently in his chest, eyes falling shut tightly. “You need to lay down somewhere.” He said softly.

Sebastian shook his head faintly listening to his masters’ heart for a moment longer before he leaned back, looking up into his master’s face watching him since his eyes were closed and he couldn’t see anything in the demon’s eyes. Instinctively he leaned down kissing the boy’s chest where his heart was thundering in his chest. Once again leaning back, he touched his master’s cheek. “Ci...my lord, I still have duties I must do…you know that.” He said in a gentle tone.

“Sebastian…” he spoke again in a small, though gentle voice. “Rest…that…that’s an order…” he seemed to have a difficult time speaking the last bit, brows furrowing slightly. There was no way he was going to allow Sebastian to see that he was terrified. He wasn’t weak…at least, that’s what he told himself on a daily basis. “Rest.”

“You need to let me finish dinner.” The demon said nearly telling his master what he needed to do. “Otherwise you will have burnt coal for dinner.” Sebastian said gently leaning up he kissed his masters’ temple, this time he grabbed his master and pulled him against his chest, slowly lifting him up into his arms, holding him close as he walked out of the kitchen, but not before he turned off the oven and let the meat cook with just the heat. “Where would you like to go?” he was definitely stronger than he had been since the death of his master. “Study, meeting room, bathtub…bedroom?” he asked gently.

Ciel trembled against his chest, gritting his teeth so hard they ground together, suddenly snapping harshly at Sebastian, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look at him. “Dammit, Sebastian, listen to me!”

Sebastian did as he was told, closing his eyes briefly to look into the younger male’s, breathing gently he was still walking smoothly down the hallway. His heart was pounding harder than ever before as he looked down into his master’s eyes seeing his emotions through the mismatched eyes, fear, anger, sorrow. He walked slower moving into his masters’ bed. Sebastian set him on the bed kneeling before his master, noting that his master had used stronger language than he usually did when he told him to listen.

“Alright, my lord, I am listening.” He was looking at him though it wasn’t as if he could look away for a few reasons; it worried him that his master had fear and sorrow in his eyes, and the young lord had a might grip on his chin.

Ciel glowered angrily at it, as equally angry at himself for being so unobservant. He gazed at Sebastian for a while before looking away quickly. “I want you to sleep. I want you to rest…I want you to stop waiting on me for a while…I don’t want…I…” Ciel’s shoulders sagged just slightly, feeling his heart drop into his stomach. “You’re supposed to stay by me until the day I…” He immediately stopped in his sentence, a cruel realization stabbing him in the chest.

‘I already died…maybe it’s all over…there’s nothing keeping him here beside me…’ His eyes closed again, refusing to look at him. ‘I see…there’s nothing I could say anymore…what right do I have?’

“…Rest.”

“I want you to realize that your life can be fuller if you let yourself go a little bit. I know that there is something in you that wants….to live….I want you to live to the fullest.” Sebastian said moving he touched his master’s cheek, trying to get the boy to look at him. There was a gentleness in his eyes, a subtle feeling that neither of them really understood, though Ciel would more than Sebastian would.

“Ciel…” he whispered the name, slowly pushing his master back onto the bed he laid beside him, pulling him against his chest, holding him close. “I just want you safe…I want you healthy…I want you alive…” The demon said in a gentle voice, keeping the boy against his length, his eyes still looking down at his master.

The name coming from his butler’s lips caused shudders of thrill to course through his young body, a soft flush working its’ way onto his face, but he didn’t move away. Ciel gave in for the moment, sighing shakily against Sebastian’s neck.

“…”

‘What do I say…? What do I do…? Why is my heart beating so fast…’

He frowned lightly and opened his eyes to look at the other’s expression, absently wetting his lips.

Leaning down he nudged his master’s forehead with his own, his eyes sparkling with unhidden emotions. Watching his master with bright pink eyes, he smiled gentle and deviously, his arms tight around his masters’ waist pulling him close.

Though he was feeling something burst in his chest he still tried to hide what he was feeling, there was something about having the small child in his arms that made him feel….’was it happiness…is that what this feeling is?’ the demon asked himself which made his eyes sparkle beautifully.

Ciel flushed deeper shades of red, his eyes dropping to Sebastian’s pale lips. He began to lean in, forcing himself to stop about an inch from kissing him, only to pull back with an uncertain expression. “…How do you feel?”

Sebastian purred faintly at his master moving closer to him, only to pull him closer capturing his lips fully in a deeper kiss than ever before, holding him close to his chest. Shuddering very faintly he pulled away slowly, “Perfect, knowing you are still by my side once again.” He purred gently nuzzling the top of his head.

Ciel’s lower lip quivered slightly, continuing to watch those lips, feeling how cold his own were without Sebastian’s. “…Good. And don’t ever be that foolish again…you have to rest as well.” He smirked softly, trying to liven the mood. “Remember…a servant of the Phantomhive household can’t afford to have weaknesses like that…”

“Mmm, yes my lord…” Sebastian chuckled lightly, smiling gently, leaning down to breath on his masters’ lips. “I will never grow weak on you again…” he said in a gentle voice his lips faintly brushing Ciel’s. Closing his eyes briefly at the faint taste of his master on his lips. “I’ll rest when you do…” He said gently nuzzling down into his master’s neck breathing hotly on him slowly, inhaling his delicious scent.

Ciel visibly shivered as he fought to just take Sebastian’s lips, almost melting when those devious lips were no longer available. “What’s wrong with me…” he whispered accidentally out loud to himself, biting his lower lip softly.

Sebastian’s brows creased leaning back to look down at his master, “There isn’t anything wrong with you, my lord. I never doubted that.” Leaning close he rubbed his pointy nose with his master’s, smiling gently, his breath was warm and welcoming to his master’s. His beautiful eyes sparkled gently in the dark shadows of the bedroom. “If anything there is something wrong with the demon that is your butler.”

Ciel closed his eyes tightly before suddenly leaning forward, pressing his lips to Sebastian’s in an almost desperate feeling act, refusing to open his eyes as if he was afraid of what he would find if he did.

Puberty…that’s right, he would just blame it all on that.

He pulled away again, swallowing hard and squirming away from the demon’s grasp. ‘What the hell am I doing?!’

“Ciel…stay…” Sebastian opened his eyes in surprise at his own words; he looked at his master with confused pink eyes. His arms trying to tighten around his master’s body, though if he really wanted to pulling him back hard, but was to afraid of having the boy run from him fully, though he wasn’t sure why he was so afraid of it. Their lives were now one in a way, his dried blood on his left hand was mingled with the teens and it was the same as the teen’s hand.

Ciel hesitantly lifted his eyes to Sebastian, an ashamed expression on his face.

“You’re using my first name?” he sighed, closing his eyes tightly once more.

Sebastian bit his lip faintly hiding his eyes from his master at his master’s ashamed expression. His arms went slightly still on his master’s waist.

“Sorry, my lord. I shall stop.” He bit his lip faintly opening his eyes, “I didn’t mean to offend you, if you wish I shall leave.” He whispered gently.

“…Call me what you wish…” he whispered, fidgeting just slightly. It was his way of wishing Sebastian would call him by his first name.

Sebastian bowed his head faintly to his master as proper as he could, he hated not being able to hide what he was feeling. There was something in the way that his master was acting that was driving him crazy with curiosity. Leaning back slightly, he touched his masters’ cheek with his thumb, dried blood on the hand that he was using. ‘Does this make us one?’ the demon asked. ‘Does this mean he is finally going to be mine… or is he going to fight me still..?” the demon continued his thoughts, slowly he looked at his master’s face, looking for something, anything that he could go off of.

Taking in a gentle breath he let out a breathy whisper, “Ciel…” his was odd having the name roll off of his lips, and tongue. Shivering faintly, he pulled the teen closer, his fingers continued to dance across his master’s cheek, trying to see the brilliant eyes that could no longer keep anything from the butler.

Hesitant as always with the devil, the boy reopened his eyes slowly, a faint pouty look on his lips as he realized he was giving in to the weakness of humanity he was trying so hard to fight off. “Yes?”

“Thank you…” he whispered gently leaning closer to his master, brushing a faint kiss on his master’s cheek. Sighing gently he moved down to rest his ear on his master’s heart for a moment before, he wrapped his arms tight around his masters’ and pulled him slowly to him, holding him against his warm chest. ‘Let him give in…” the demon thought nearly sadly at the thought of his master leaving him.

The soft pout remained on Ciel’s lips before he physically relaxed a little, though his heart actually sped up drastically. “…Don’t be sappy…or anything…” he whispered, not knowing what he was trying to say and relaxed into the sheets. “I’m not queer…”
“Of course…” The demon smiled gently, wrapping his arms around his master entirely so that he did nothing but bring the boy’s ear to his heart that was pounding hard against his chest, but as lively as the boy’s. Sebastian sighed contently at the touch against his chest, purring a deep purr.

The boy allowed himself to relax more, features becoming relaxed. “…Stay here for a while. At least until dinner.” He blushed faintly.

‘Just for a while…I don’t mind at all.” He told himself, feeling his body become sleepy.

The demon had no objections to the matter, smiling gently, kissing the top of the boy’s head. His arms were like a warm blanket around the teen, though he still reached for the blanket pulling it over them both, closing his eyes, he felt sleep try to take over his body but he was fighting it back.

“Forever…” he said accidentally out loud but as gentle as a feather.

Ciel’s breathing gradually became deep and calmed, eyes having already fallen shut and muscles giving in to the grasp that was sleep. It wouldn’t be known whether or not he’d heard Sebastian’s last word…nor would he most likely acknowledge it if he did.