Work Text
The scarlet sunset descended upon the streets of the earthly Paris. It was a deep velvet, almost bringing nostalgia when windows creaked open and a warm breeze washed upon pale skin. Breathing in, seldom expressing the lack of necessity of such an act, mismatched orbs shut when he allowed it to wash upon his face.Such foolishness serves to cloud his mindThe rain just stopped pouring, but the wind was still blowing strong. Ciel just stamped his foot on the floor, and it creaked underneath the pressure. As time passed, it didn't take long to realise just how insipid humanity actually was. To the point where certain aspects built one, and the greediness of them all made him realise he wasn't that much special amongst them. With years passing, just observing, he couldn't find himself able to appreciate their traits, having been part of the never ending circle of such idiocy. If anything, it made it even more ironic to share the misconception they would ever be more than slightly cleverer animals clinging to a hope for one drop of uniqueness.A grin tugged at his lips. Has the world always been as grey? Watching it through eyes filled with anger and immortality, the determination he's once had turned to leave no favourable outcome in the end. A foolish want for a revenge that never felt victorious on his lips, and yet the want for it pushed him time and time again. He judged the creature once, but if life felt pointless after a few mere years, then what would it make to have it lived for hundreds?Yet there was a small craving to want and need for them to enjoy it together.A sharp sound filled the room, and Ciel slammed the window shut, the softest hiss flirting past his parted lips. Had that order not been made, had he never wish to avenge something that was gone - had Sebastian did a better job at protecting his meal- none of this would even cross his mind. Letting a free creature chained to him like a dog on a leash, selfishly succumbing him to no hope of it ever changing.And there was tension.Turning on his heel, the fledging didn't make much sound ad heels dug into the carpet, walking past the man without sparing him a glance. He could feel their burn however. It burned holes into the back of his head, no matter how much he's fought to ignore it."Sebastian."The name lingered on his lips, far too long, far too soft. He shivered, recollecting himself when he's turned, and held his gaze. It felt cold, insipid, disgusted. Nothing less than a man staring down upon trash, with no pride to be upheld beneath a vengeful gaze. He felt it, deep within his empty shell, and a grin almost tugged at his lips."Is there anything I can assist you with, my lord?"Beneath the cold facade, the boy has noticed it lately. The monotone started to fade, begrudging tonality slipped through the polite image the creature maintained and he should've feared it. Deep inside, he recoiled, at the thought of such a prideful beast letting his anger seep through."If you've got the time to stare at me like an imbecile, then you can also clean the shelves whilst you're at it." He spoke, watching as the slightest of twitch upon a perfect unmoving face."Yes, my lord." The boy kept a straight face, allowing his gaze to linger upon the back of the man. He stood tall, stiff and compliant. A foolishness on his part. No matter how blue eyes challenged, being denied a hard, cultivated meal wasn't something he would think Sebastian would take pride in. He couldn't find himself to sympathize, but he frowned. Boredom found its way in the most alluring ways, settling deep within him. The toy he once felt fond of slowly dissipated into this>
repetitive creature.Leaning back, he snapped an open book shut, throwing it on the table and watched in anticipation as the butler turned around, an unreadable expression on that marble face."Sebastian, cease that." He started, and his finger pointed to the chair before him. "Sit."The butler complied, although wearily, and Ciel's frown didn't help much in the situation. He stood, slowly making his way towards him, and he tiled his head, almost patronizing. "I understand you are a dog, but there has to be a point where even you can start and bark." He leaned forward, eyes flashing crimson.The creature before stilled, but Sebastian held his gaze in a similar fashion."I do apologise, my lord, but what you prefer me do? Should I not entertain each of your pathetic, little whims, will you rid of me?" He spoke and Ciel bristled. He lached on to that anger and it only made his grin wider."Wouldn't that be convenient?" He bit, not hiding the sarcasm from his tone. Almost condescending. "Would you have preferred I play fetch with you?" He fought the urge to roll his eyes, before he motioned for Sebastian to not speak. Sebastian, however, didn't seem too pleased with it, yet nonetheless the boy continued. "No- I wanted to discuss returning to England."He watched Sebastian in silence, curiosity flashing upon his face. Ciel didn't miss the slight upturn of those lips, as if Sebastian fought to not allow himself the patronizing smirk."Oh, should I take it that you're being nostalgic?" He spoke, and it was indeed patronizing. Ciel scowled, eyes flashing a warning."Do not become insolent!" Ciel shouted, taking a few steps away from the man. "Paris has started to wear on me." He muttered, but continued quickly. "So - if you're finished with your unwanted commentary- I would like it if you'd start preparing for departure. I want to arrive no later than Friday."To that, he watch Sebastian's facade fall back into place, the monotony plastering back upon that marble place. He cussed when a shiver fought its way down his spine, but motioned his hand dismissively, before slamming the door on his way out. ***The increasingly chugging sound brought a scowl on Ciel's face. He didn't stare in front of him, the monotone view would only deepen it, and he feared wrinkles might ruin his blemished skin. There was almost a chuckle at the thought of it, and he royally ignored Sebastian's confused look at the sudden change of his expression. It has been several hours since they've departed, and he felt a weight coming off of his shoulders once the parisian land faded from his sight.And the foul smell of London hasn't changed in the slightest, only accentuating when he inhaled, the sharpness of his enhanced smell making him gag. He now understood Sebastian's weariness each time they had to stumble upon a mission in London. And what a pity, since to Ciel's knowledge it became the reason for their return.He watched Sebastian with disinterest as they shuffled through the noisy crowd, only stopping to speak once his feet reached the brothel he had Sebastian book. He chose to stay behind, not able to allow himself to show his face, not when he's been declared deceased. Years passed, and they almost turned into a decade, but it didn't change the fact that it was quite fresh. A small slip and it would ruin everything up till now.The exchange was done fairly quick, and he would almost compliment Sebastian on the choosing of the complex. It wasn't anything close to the lavishness he appreciated in life, but it wasn't a pig hole either. There was dust, but not in eccentric amounts, and for the couple of days he wanted them there, it would have to do.What wouldn't do was the sight that welcomed him once the door swung open. His visible eyes scowled, and it held the patronizing gaze the butler offered in return."Sebastian, what is the meaning of this?" He growled, staring before at the singular double sized bed placed proudly in the middle of the room. He felt his heart hammed in his chest, and he wasn't sure if it was anger or excitement. He dropped the smallest of the luggage he's insisted upon carrying himself, wanting to feel useful in the slightest and growled. "If you aren't a fan of sleeping on the floor, then I would strongly suggest you do something about this."There was a laugh, but the fluster in his face didn't allow him to turn around to face the source."How kind of you to worry about my sleep. I don't require it, it's a luxury amongst our kind-" He spoke, and he heard the creak of the floor when the man moved. "-it certainly doesn't stop the lesser of them partake in it."Despite the embarrassment, the boy gritted his teeth, loud and unpleasant as he slumped on to the bed. Inhaling sharply, he looked out the window."Watch it-" He muttered, before starting to rid of his coat. When Sebastian approached, he waved his hand dismissively. "Go prepare me a bath. We have an early day tomorrow and I would like my peace and quiet.""Certainly."***It wasn't much later when he's found himself curled underneath the false warmth of the duvet. The synthetic material rubbed against his skin, and he growled, having gotten used to the comfort of his silk in Paris. Ciel didn't speak, nor did he intend of making much noise, despite failing endearingly. In his honest thoughts, it wasn't even the material, the temperature, or any feeble excuse he's manage to find. Instead, burning crimson hovering over his figure from behind made his body shift, and before realising, he snapped."Will you hover me like a creep for the rest of the night?" He urged, and he could almost hear the smirk on Sebastian's lips."I don't understand where this hostility is coming from. May I recall you are the one who ordered me not to touch the bed?" He enquired, and the sweetness condescend in the tone made Ciel roll his eyes into the back of his head. Scoffing, he still didn't dare turn around."Well, sit on it if you have to, as long as you don't bother me. Just stop whatever unsettling past time you've found." Closing his eyes, he felt his body still as the weight of the mattress shifted. He swallowed, and it was so dry he almost choked, but made no attempt to move. Bodies didn't touch, a significant distance between them, yet deep inside he felt the proximity.The reason that pulled him to return, the hope to bring any light in the dullness of his eyes. Wincing, Ciel let his body curled even deeper into the mattress, as if he's tried to put a stop to the loud hammering in his chest. Was it that loud for Sebastian to hear? Swallowing, he shifted uncomfortable, the thought of his resolve soon to be in his reach. He'd keep it hidden, just as he has done for the past several weeks since he's stumbled upon it.Yet, he bristled at the thought. Warmth spread through his body and eyes closed. By the time he's realised, he succumbed to sleep, only soothed by the false hope of the creature behind him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Morning felt grim, more so than usual. There was a soft chill running down his spine, but sharp eyes blamed it on the slight window crack. The butler was already gone, along with the pretense of warmth he's offered over the night. A shiver threatened to run down his spine, et he shrugged it off, opting to accuse the unforgiving winter chill. Frosty air. With a light stretch, he shifted, drowsy eyes averting from the man that has just walked in. There was no pretense for food now, only on rare occasion when nostalgia got the better of him.He was grateful that the man didn't bring up his last night's behaviour. He felt shame, for allowing such a spiteful creature to share such proximity, but had voice it, he understood it wouldn't go down well. At least not in his favour.When their eyes met, he almost wished they didn't. There was a smirk tugging at Sebastian's lips, and it made Ciel almost recoil. He felt it, deep within his bones, the simplest of that stare speaking volumes. There was tease in those eyes, the judgmental, mocking type which lit up. Despite it making him unsettled, a small part enjoyed it. Decades passed since he's grasped a look upon this mockery and he bit back a smile of his own. His face didn't express much however, and when his lips parted, they simply closed. He wanted to opt for a retort, as sharp eye held his gaze, but he found it in his favour to be silent instead. With a short scoff, he allowed the man to dress him, albeit the awkward silence."I trust you've rested well?" Sebastian mused, hand working to clip the garter. Eyes looked down, and when they met, he felt his breathing hitch in his throat. He could've sworn Sebastian caught on it, when his hand lingered upon his thigh for longer than usual."I did. Now if you wouldn't mind hurrying up with my routine, I would like to get the day started." The boy groaned, and he didn't miss the slight twitch in Sebastian's eye."I believe you did wake up on the wrong side of the bed, my lord." He spoke, yet quickly continued. "Might I ask why in such a hurry?" He enquired, finishing closing the last few buttons, before he stood."You may not." He shot, moving to sit from the bed. "I do have a few errands for you. I would like you to start dusting the townhouse from top to bottom, built a new property if you have to." He mused, turning on his heel. "Whatever you do today, I will meet you in the evening. You are not to follow me and that's an order." He rasped, and despite the slight shock on the elder's face, he was met with the usual.Without sparing a glance back, Ciel made his way out the door.***"Ah, my lord, immortality suits you- such a long time since you've spared a visit;" the oak inside the coffin creaked at the movement, as longer, ash painted locks fell out from the wooden piece to stand, longer nails tapping upon the surface. To his chagrin, the ancient allowed pearly, white teeth flash in his mockery. "I'm not here to waste my time, yet lovely to see you've not changed, Undertaker." He growled, heels clicking as he shut the door behind to approach the elder. "I need your help.""Oh, but you understand there's a price to everything, isn't there little lord?" The man snorted, and the simple sound sent a shiver down Ciel's spine. Blue eye narrowed, as he scoffed, not hiding the roll of it. "I do require a hefty one, little one. Your long, unattended hair does not suffice, but I must say they frame your face quite wonderfully. If brushed, it would look even better should you rest on one of my comforable pillows." The Undertaker chuckled.Ciel frowned, waving his hand dismissively. Deep down, he knew this man was his last hope, and blowing this off wasn't an option in the slightest. Fists clenched, his eyes fluttered shut and he forced the past decades to flash before his very eyes. The coldness of those rubin eyes aimed to reach the hollow of his soul, months of not uttering a single word unless needed and a neverlasting life he never asked for."I want to break the contract." He started, tone low. "It hurts to see Sebastian in such a state."Without a missing beat, laughter burst into the silence of the room, and he could swear the floor might have creaked under the pressure of it. He watched, unphased, as the man held his belly for dear life."Oh, my lord, you're showing compassion? I've lived enough to see it all, hah!" He laughed, and to the boy's peace of mind, it slowly dissipated as he finally decided to calm down. "But you do understand that what you take is not necessarily what you give?" He enquired.With a raised eyebrow, Ciel folded his arms to his chest. "And what should you mean by that?"The Undertaker stood, pacing towards the boy. His hand reached out, a long nail caressing underneath the chin, unwelcomed upon milky skin."Earl, I believed you smarter than that-"he mused; "It's a balance. You took something against its free will, and in order to offer it back, there's not much but to pay it tenfold. Have you ever heard of karmic debt?" He paced, forefinger rolling around the tip of a cane. "You've waited far too long to realise the depth of your mistake, therefore, debt only collected overtime, and you shall be required to return it." He chuckled.Narrowed, blue eye shifted, following the pace of the man confused. "So what you're implying? To reverse the contract?" He spoke, anxiety building on the tip of his tongue. "Is that even possible?""More than so, my lord. It takes a deeper connection, joggling between your body and your soul. But to succumb, are you even willing to? Will your defiled, little body stand against the ravenous beast, starved for years with no satisfaction?" He giggled, before sitting, crossed legs relaxed.Ciel didn't seem to follow, confusion readable upon marble features. His eyes flashed crimson, thinking back on all the options he's gained over the years, and there weren't many. At least not to the point of allowing him to be anything but a simple, hollowed body into a vegetative state. His chest clenched, and a wide eye raised in horror."You're repulsive!" He shouted, taking a couple steps back. "Good day, Undertaker." He groaned, shutting the door on his leave, muffling the laughter sounds which creeped from inside. Walking away, only the sounds of the filthy streets of London filled his ears.But it didn't matter, for much more meaningful words have now settled within his troubled mind.***On his arrival, he was met with silence. The room was empty, but he didn't expect anything less from a butler which upheld his position up to the current day, despite the situation. Evening had yet to set, and the sky fought between day light and the break of dawn, revealing only lavender on its expanse. Ciel discarded of his coat, somewhere upon the chair, before slumping on the bed. Something burned inside his chest, and he blamed that pain on flushed, cherub cheeks.Despite not needing to breathe, he found it necessary on this day, swearing inside that if he were to stop, his immortal heart would've long ceased to pump whatever was needed to fuel his body to life.It was when he realised that he's never once asked Sebastian on the history of his folkore, nor that he was interested in learning it. Now, he thought it might have been necessary, if after today he were to fend for himself in a world he must walk with his head up high. The thought of departure held something within the small of his body back, biting down thoughts of giving itp, but Ciel found it too late to be able to. And he couldn't find himself to blame the reaper, either. He's seen it, stumbling upon a book he's requested, that this option outshone any other.To give something, you must take and viceversa.Eyes shifted on the pale of his legs, discarding off the uncomfortable trousers, revealing the soft underneath it. Soon enough, nothing but his nighwear hid his body, pushing away any thoughts filled with improperty.And the creak of the door startled him from the depths of his thoughts. Sebastian walked in, stopping at the door as eyes met, and he felt his insides twist. The man didn't speak when he shut the door, discarding of his own winter coat,a simple facade amongst human kind. The silence felt awkward, even by the elder's standards, as Ciel could have sworn Sebastian felt tension rising off of his body. Distress."As you've requested- the town house has been taken care off, might I add that it is in desperate need to be refurnished. As for the property-" Ciel raised his hand, head lowered, unlike himself.Before he allowed the man to make a continue, before his heart would give into the comfort of not depriving of the only hope that kept this frontage of dignity and stability, rosy lips parted to speak."Sebastian, tonight I will have a request from you." He uttered, settling at the very top of the large mattress, his back met with the soft pillows. The butler approached, eyes narrowed in confusion, but he didn't allow much emotion to show. Instead, and even eyebrow raised, lips curling upwards in a sense of politeness."Of course. Whatever may I-" He spoke, tone low, as if treading on thin ice. But he needn't finish, nor did he have the time, before a quivering voice spoke, uttering words he wouldn't have expected in another century worth of his life time."I want you to sleep with me."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
On many occasions, Ciel had relished in the simple fact he could bring Sebastian into a state of disbelief. He'd take great pleasure on watching the gleam in those crimson eyes flicker, set it ablaze and let it die down. Occasions which were rare, and mostly far in between. One would call it achievement, and he had expected quite the strong reaction, yet rendering the demon speechless was certainly not what he'd expected.Seconds passed, and slowly yet surely turning into minutes, the silence dragged, stretching uncomfortably as one uncovered eye looked for an answer. Pursing his lips, the flicker of the candelabra seemed to snap him out of his trance, yet he made no move to speak. It had been embarrassing enough to place such an offer on table, let alone add to it. No. He would let the demon make a choice, or at least, break the silence."Beg your pardon?" Was all Sebastian found himself asking, holding Ciel's gaze almost wearily. Ciel didn't move an inch, he feared if he did, he would crack open more than he already had. Impassive features stayed marble, despite the flush adorning those cherub cheeks. He guessed they were, as a feverish warmth spread from his chest and into his face."Are you daft?" He snapped, far too angry for what he had previously suggested. Needing to keep the facade, he didn't let his gaze waver, nor did he back away. It would be entirely foolish to do so.Sebastian didn't take it quite well, and to Ciel, it seemed the man pondered his words. Eyes lowering, scorching into Ciel's being, hovering centimeters away from the bed. Standing straight and proud, never slouching, unheard of slumping. There was a sound that emanated from Sebastian's throat, and Ciel found it hard to decipher if it had been a growl or a hum. "I suppose it doesn't entirely surprise me so," he muttered, settling the candelabra down on the bed. Whatever flicker of surprise Ciel witnessed, it was now quickly replace back with that monotonous facade, and he clenched his fists underneath himself. "Shall I take it as an order?" He asked.An order, Ciel thought. He supposed it could do, to have this man pliant, on his knee as he had been for almost a decade now. To fulfill any desire, respect any whim of his. But anger bubbled in his throat, and he had to avert his gaze to not loose his tongue in front of him. Ciel knew that this demon knew better than to ask such a frivolous question, undoubtful of Ciel's past. It wasn't something Ciel would ask on a whim, nor was it something he had ever thought of forcing upon anyone, more so one that had been at his side for the longest part."It's an invitation," he'd uttered, finding it hard to meet that gaze. He only listened to a coat peeling off a body and the slight shuffle of cufflinks getting unbuttoned. Sat on one side of the uncomfortable mattress the most deemed hotel in London could provide, he closed his eyes. The weight of the bed shifted, causing a dent in between them, and nails dug into the deep of his palm. He inhaled sharply and counted. A second, followed by another and soon they'd turn into several, allowing a stretched out minute to pass by.He only opened his eyes when he heard a snicker, mocking and not very subtle. Whipping his head to the side, to his absolute horror, he watched the laying body comfortably settled by his side. A pair of dark eyes watched him, almost curiously, carrying an amused gleam. Ciel bristled, his eyebrow quirking at the sight, bereft of speech. His disbelief readable and it only seemed to amuse the elder more. He watched as Sebastian made no move towards him, not even to scoop closer and close the slight gap between them. As if this creature ought to unsettle and breach any privacy he sought, and yet, leave its act untouched."What are you doing?" Ciel asked, once words wired his brain to his mouth. The tone wasn't kind, almost frustrated, and he couldn't do much but wait for the answer."You've asked me to sleep with you, and it is precisely what I'm doing. Correct me if I'm wrong, my lord," the creature cooed, almost sarcastically, and Ciel was sure he was. There was absolutely no way a creature of such vast knowledge, living through the Trials of Salem, witnessing the ashes of Pompeii, had no clue what Ciel had meant. But it downed on the boy quickly, and his own features dropped. He wanted to hear Ciel say it, explicitly, and if there was one thing his dignity wouldn't allow, already wounded, was exactly that."You know very well what I me-""But I don't. You've specifically asked for me and this is what I'm doing. I believe I bestowed you wit a higher education, surely the past couple of years couldn't have paled your vocabulary to such a degree."Silent, is what Ciel had become. Suddenly, all wish to work and free this creature had been lost. In his newly refreshed standpoint, he could allow the creature to starve. The absolute foul fiend. Anguish bubbled in his throat, clasped at his raw neck and tightened a grip around it. He wished to claw at him, wipe that smug grin off his face, watch those lips upturn and bleed. Turning, he let his back face Sebastian, but he didn't reckon he deserved more than that. The self apathy he found his dignity succumbing to wasn't pleasant either, but he swallowed it down, in favour to complete his task.Yet, surely there could be a different way. Deep down, he knew the Undertaker couldn't be the only source of wisdom. Reapers crowded the streets of London, some wiser with no qualms in ending their abomination of a contract. If anything, he was sure one would jump at the opportunity. The bond served to strengthen one, yet on his own, he knew that vulnerability wouldn't serve to keep his lifeline strong. Quite the opposite.The shift of the bed had startled him, pulling him harshly from the swirling thoughts that engulfed his mind. He turned when curiosity got the best of him, quietly watching the other. Sebastian had swiftly walked away, only to return, holding a freshly ironed newspaper. Smugly, Sebastian presented it to the boy as if it held the deepest secrets from the Queen herself. Narrowed eyes raised, and he grabbed it, somewhat wearily."If you're quite finished with your imprudent suggestions, I believe this would certainly deserve your attention far more," Sebastian uttered, and he opened his mouth to speak, only to be rudely interrupted once again. "It might be in your best interest to read, sir." Sebastian added, and suddenly the voice grew colder. It unsettled Ciel. Only on a few occasions had Sebastian become more serious, so eyes averted toward the paper. Fortunately, he needn't search for the cause, unfortunately, it had made it on the very first page, taking his mind off those words, which had unpleasantly stung.
Funtom on the verge of Bankruptcy.
He had to stare once, then twice. His chest swelled, and albeit the need to breathe, he found himself unable to. He read the title, once, twice, thrice. At his side, Sebastian watched him expressionless, an eyebrow quirked as if he couldn't comprehend the state of shock Ciel was in. Tilting his head, he snickered."I thought you were aware. Was this not the reason we've returned to England?" The creature asked and Ciel stared back at the paper. He could lie. Use this as the perfect opportunity to make an escape of the embarrassment he had put himself in, soaked and drenched himself into just minutes ago. He believed himself above such, and therefore, he hummed."No," he said, and didn't feel the need to expand or justify himself, so when Sebastian attempted to speak, Ciel raised his hand, successfully shutting him up. His eyes fixated on the the article, reading further into it. To his own dismay, it didn't go into a lot of details, yet served to buy the people's attention. Eyes squinted, he gave the paperwork back. "I want to look into it, something doesn't feel right."He would focus on this, for the time being and use it to divert his mind from what had occurred, not that he will think twice on it. Dwelling on shame wasn't something he strived on doing, so he will push tonight's incident aside and work on a solution once this has been solver. To let the creature roam freely before he, himself, would be settled wasn't something Ciel was keen on doing. He was greedy, far too much to place himself second.With no addition whatsoever, he crumpled the duvet and pulled it high, not sparing the demon a second glance. It left no room for addition, and he felt the creature hovering beside the bed and to his relief, didn't make any comments on Ciel's behaviour. The creature didn't lay by his side through the night.***The poverty stench filled his nostrils, and he couldn't help the way his nose wrinkled not only at the smell, but the sight of it. The last couple of years seemingly dawned on the British economy, and Ciel would go as far as to believe he was part of it. Not guarding the Queen, he'd allow treachery to befall the rich, unprotected by the hands of the greediness that seeped through from the underground. He watched beggars, filthy to the bone as heels dug into the pavement, turning his gaze once they believed he would spare them a glance twice. He believed each human capable enough to pave their path towards a better future, just as he had. Greedily grabbing a black cloaked hand to grasp a freedom that seemingly benefited himself and definitely not the other. Perhaps it was the balance the Undertaker had spoke about, yet he shrugged the thoughts off. He had more important matters to attend rather than dwell on a selfless act.When Sebastian opened the door, a wave of nostalgia immersed him, and he momentarily stilled. The other didn't comment at the dramatic display, simply waiting patiently for Ciel to advance into the manor, which he eventually did. Nothing had changed in the past couple of years, not that it could. The townhouse had been the only property he didn't grant the right to anyone. He had the demon deal with the tediousness of the paperwork that came with it. What good a butler if not to handle the hassle that he, himself, couldn't be bothered with?Dismissing the other, he let Sebastian take care of the luggage as he walked back into the office. It was spotless, just as he'd requested, and he sat behind the office desk most pleased with its state. Leaning into the chair, his eyes darted downwards, narrowing. He leaned forward, picking the source of his displeasure, and it was in a form of a crumpled, dusty paper. He chucked it into drawer, closing it slowly.The afternoon felt calmer though, despite the bristle in the streets. He relaxed into his chair, finally able to sit in his own establishment, since his morning had been occupied waiting for Sebastian to gather the information he required. He couldn't find it in himself to give the other the satisfaction of a compliment, not when the facade of his house seemed immaculate, although it wasn't. The door opened shortly after, after a polite knock. Scoffing, he raised his eyes to look at him."Have you brought the paperwork?" He asked, watching as the other placed the documents in front of him. Focusing his attention, he skimmed through it almost rapidly, ignoring the slight snicker in the background. There was a visible decline in the company's finances, money that had been gone and never replaced. Unpaid salaries, the payroll dropping in numbers and names. Not one single benefit brought, yet several flops he had lost count on. Eyes narrowed and his shoulders tensed briefly. Before even announcing his so called departure from this world, he had offered his inheritance to the only family he had left. The Marquis, had been after all, his guardian. Entrusting his properties to the Midfords wasn't something he believed unfitting, quite the contrary.Pushing them away, he raised his head once more. "Something doesn't add up, I fail to imagine the Marquis would allow my company to drift into such a failure," he muttered, mostly to himself. The demon, however, looked almost pleased. It didn't surprise, after all Sebastian relished in Ciel's scarcities. This didn't mean Ciel wasn't annoyed, and anger quickly frothed inside his throat, piping hot."If you have something to say, spit it, lest you choke on it," Ciel groaned, leaning back into his chair to have a better image of the butler."Not at all, I simply think it's quite ironic that even in death you are faced with such betrayal, from your close ones, nonetheless."His own nails dug into the palms, and he could swear they sweat, as fingernails dances across his skin. He wanted to retort, but found himself quiet. No matter what he'd say, the demon had been right. In life or death, he hadn't been able to place trust in no one, lest for the demon at his side. With an unwavering loyalty, albeit forced, yet one Ciel came to somewhat cherish. He cleared his voice, and his features softened. "I suppose you're right," he muttered, leaning his face into the scratched palm of his hand.His sudden display for defeat seemed to have taken the other by surprise, as the dimmer red orb widened, and it almost made him laugh. Quirking an eyebrow, he puffed his lips. "What? I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong. I'm prideful, not a hypocrite."The chair screeched against the floor as he stood, pushing it backwards. "I intend to look into it further, but there is no salvaging this. The reputation had already been tarnished and it's out of my hands anyways. I'll allow it longer to brew, as the outcome seems to have been decided. On the other hand, I would like to speak to you on a different matter." Circling the desk, he leaned on its edge, and he took Sebastian's quietness as a means to continue. "You've done quite the splendid job on the townhouse," he mused, looking around, and the demon seemed quite pleased, "but you've missed quite a few bits. I'm bold enough to assume it's not out of spite, after all, you pride yourself in your work," he continued, pointing towards the shelves."I've found a crumpled piece underneath the desk, dusty and forgotten. As much as you keep your appearance," he muttered, taking a step closer, and suddenly he imposed in the demon's personal space, as fingertips reached to grab the top of the collar; "-it's disheveled."Sebastian opened his mouth to speak, but closed it shortly after. These details seemed to almost unnerve him, especially since he wasn't accustomed with Ciel picking on them, and he looked almost displeased with the sudden closure, more so with the points Ciel was making. Ciel allowed the creature the time to correct him, but when no words came, he continued."You're starving," he stated. This seemed to displease the elder further, as he brazenly peeled Ciel's hand off his collar, his eyes lowering."That is one way to state the obvious," Sebastian said, taking a step back, grounding himself with the personal space he needed. The connection wasn't necessary for Ciel to understand this false pretense was a facade, and had it not been for the contract, Sebastian would have wringed the life out of him right then and there. With a sigh, he leaned back against his desk."If I were to offer you the opportunity to eat, would you be able to? Form a contract that wouldn't affect your current, if only to gain some sustenance," he muttered. He watched quietly the impassive face, only for those features to upturn and right out laugh at him. His lips parted, but he didn't speak. He urged the man to do so, shooting a glare, cold enough to freeze hell over."It wouldn't be as easy as acquiring a quick meal, if you will," Sebastian explained, and Ciel urged him to continue. "Just as in your own little world, laws apply to us as well. We are tied in a contract, one that surpasses the law by its existence only. For me to go out and gain any sort of sustenance would be not only a breach in our contract, but also not complying with the law. I'd need permission, therefore, for you to state loud an clear in front of the elders that I shall be permitted to feed myself," he explained."Elders?" Ciel asked."Yes, my lord, elders. Just as I've stated, my world has to abide by rules just as much as yours does.""Would that require you, I mean us, to go to hell?" Ciel asked, quirking an eyebrow.Sebastian seemed to still at the plural use of the word and it only served to make Ciel more curious. He watched those shoulders stiffen, and the peculiar sight of his butler almost becoming uncomfortable at the notion. Eventually, he spoke. "Yes," he muttered, almost quietly."You sound reluctant. Why is that?" Ciel pressed, his curiosity getting the better of him. Silence ensued, yet he gave the other the benefit of the doubt and remained quiet, knowing he would get his answer eventually, which to his pleasure, he shortly did."Would you be pleased presenting yourself before your beloved Queen with a failure of a case?" Sebastian asked, and Ciel looked at him in confusion. Disbelief written across his face, he opened his mouth to argue, yet shortly after it dawned on him. Sebastian was embarrassed. He was ashamed to be seen chained up to someone that was designed to be a meal. A means to an end. Despite himself, he felt his own lips quirk up, almost amused, and when the other scowled, it only made Ciel grin wider. With a few steps, he walked towards the other decisively, raising his eyes enough to absorb the hatred in those red ones."I suppose a trip to hell might be in order then," he muttered, gleeful."Might I ask why the sudden compassion? It's quite unlike you to do something that doesn't benefit you. Surely this trip will be more hassle than worth," Sebastian challenged.The fledgling seemed almost insulted, after all the hassle he went through to return to England only to find a solution to their premise. He couldn't say anything on the matter, not before he would let himself become the prime source of mockery for this demon. After all, Sebastian was clueless."You're right, but it will benefit me. After all, I do need someone capable of doing their job, and it's starting to truly displease me, your services, that's it," he said, walking past the bewildered man.He suddenly didn't regret returning to England. The parisian land had offered plenty, from political entertainment to breathtaking views he doubted he would have discovered had it not been for this cursed, yet blessed, immortality. Boredom had settled, as even that could only do so much, especially with a constant gloom at one's side. They have only reached England less than a week ago, yet he noticed more expressions on Sebastian's face than he had the past few years. And then there was the promise to learn more, as this trip seemed most promising than anything.And he was certainly looking forward to that.