Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The queen’s blood pooled at Ciel’s feet.

It was over. This was the end. The very person whose service he had sworn to since he was ten years old was the one who had orchestrated his family’s deaths. Ciel had lost everything. His parents, his innocence, his brother. Not once but twice. And now his life and soul would be forfeit to the beast kneeling before him.

“Everything is in order, my lord. Any evidence incriminating the Phantomhive name has been disposed of, and Prince Edward shall ascend the throne easily in the coming days. Just as you commanded.”

Ciel looked down at his demon, his butler for the last four years, his protector and confidante. The demon’s head was bowed, one hand over his heart, the other behind his back. His demure countenance a convincing facade to others, but Ciel knew otherwise. His outward appearance was ever the loyal butler, but inside the demon must have been roiling. Slavering for the prize he could finally claim.

“Then let us be away from this place.”

Ciel’s words were barely off his lips before he was whisked away, held close in Sebastian’s arms. It took only moments for them to return to the manor, for Sebastian to have them sequestered in Ciel’s chambers. The boy was placed gently on the bed.

“I shall prepare your bath, young master,” Sebastian told him softly, stepping into the washroom.

So they would follow their usual routine. Prepare Ciel for bed… and then what? Surely the beast wouldn't postpone the inevitable. Ciel considered the possibility of sentimentality. They had been together for four years now. Sebastian had cared for him at his worst, had encouraged him to push himself further than he thought possible. Ciel had managed to accomplish not only his revenge now, but his childhood dream of starting his own toy company.

The demon had even been there when Ciel’s brother returned from the grave… An experience the boy forcibly pushed from his mind. It was not a memory he wished to relive in his final hours.

“Your bath is ready, young master.”

Ciel looked up to Sebastian’s face. He wasn't entirely sure what he was looking for, but the demon kept his eyes averted. It was odd. He had almost expected the demon to be vibrating with excitement, however he came across almost pensive. Surely he was reading too far into Sebastian’s abnormally quiet demeanor.

Stiffly he rose, and moved to the bathroom. The room was scented with oils and… rose petals? Ciel’s favorite roses from the gardens. Truly odd until the end, his demon. Sebastian helped Ciel undress and carefully step into the tub. He hadn't realized how exhausted and sore his body was until it was submerged, so focused on the task at hand Ciel had been at the time.

Ciel reclined in the tub, closing his eyes and allowing the heat to relax his tense body. He listened to Sebastian move around the room, expecting the demon to join his side and wash him with a cloth, or to even just speak with him. Instead he continued to tidy the already-immaculate space until Ciel's temper finally rose and snapped.

“What are you playing at, Sebastian?!” Ciel snapped, twisting to glare at the demon, water sloshing from the tub with the motion. “Do not drag out the inevitable with this pathetic display.”

“Apologies, young master.”

Ciel rose and stepped from the bath, averting his gaze from the demon. He had no patience for trepidation. Not now.

Once he was buttoned into his nightshirt he strode from the washroom and stood by his bed.

“You wish to take me like this, then.”

“Forgive me, my lord. I had hoped to make you comfortable.”

Ciel just sighed. He had never been sure what to expect when it was finally time for his soul to be devoured. If Sebastian would kill him in the streets like a dog, and take what he wanted. Then again, the creature had always been a stickler for aesthetics, and Ciel was almost surprised he hadn't been redressed in his finest silks. He supposed being taken in his bed, in only his nightclothes, allowed for physical comfort.

The boy just shook his head and climbed up into the bed after Sebastian had pulled his duvet down. The demon meticulously settled him against the pillows, sheets carefully tucked around him. In their normal routine, this would be where the butler stepped away.

Tonight, however, the demon lingered.

Sebastian shrugged out of his wool tailcoat and draped it across the foot of the bed. Next, his immaculate white gloves were gingerly removed, and Ciel watched, enraptured as those black-tipped fingers carefully unbuttoned the waistcoat as it was removed to join the rest of the clothing. The light and warmth seemed to dissipate from the room with each removed article of clothing. Next the demon did the unthinkable. He sat next to his master on the bed, sleeves rolled up, baring his forearms. His body close enough that Ciel could feel the intense heat through the covers.

The bed dipped ever so slightly as the demon leaned forward, hands on either side of his master’s prone body, carmine eyes burning with the demon’s desire. Ciel was almost surprised by the silence. Both his own, and the demon’s. He supposed neither of them were much for talking just to fill the silence, but something made him feel uneasy. Like there should be words exchanged, something acknowledged. The contract had started with so many; why could he think of none now?

“S-Sebastian…”

The creature’s eyes locked with his, and Ciel swallowed hard. The desire he saw there was terrifying, captivating. It filled his body with the primal urge to flee, but he could do no such thing under such an intense gaze. So he lay there, transfixed. Frightened. Resigned.

Ciel had anticipated violence in his final moments, however as the demon leaned forward, his breaths softly brushing against Ciel’s cheeks, there was none of it. A creature capable of unthinkable acts of destruction and extreme violence, for some reason, was treating Ciel with such tenderness. In normal circumstances, the boy would be railing against the treatment. He did not need to be treated gently or so reverently; the demon just needed to get on with it!

But now…

Ciel could not help but long for his demon’s gentle touch. Just once more.

A single finger stroked along his cheek, causing Ciel to shiver. He could not tear his gaze away from the smouldering fire in his demon’s eyes, so the press of Sebastian’s lips against his caused Ciel to jolt in surprise. Ciel’s first instinct was to demand to know what Sebastian thought he was doing, but that thought was lost when he felt the demon’s tongue slide against his. Tentative, gentle, filling Ciel with a desire he’d never felt before. A desire it was too late to begin to explore.

Sebastian pressed into Ciel, body pinning him into the bed, mouth all but devouring him as inky tendrils wrapped around Ciel's arms and legs. A clawed hand slid up into his hair in a caress, fingers wrapping into the ashen tresses to grip him firmly. Then Ciel felt it. As Sebastian’s tongue pressed deeper, inhumanly so, Ciel felt something within him pull towards the demon. His body screamed to fight it, his hands clutched at the demon’s arms, clothes, anything he could reach. To his shame he felt tears prick his eyes, and fall down his cheeks.

A deep rumble above him jolted Ciel’s eyes open. Through his tears he could see the glow of Sebastian's gaze above him, ink black essence surrounding them. The demon’s pupils slitted, and for a second Ciel could swear he saw something flash in them, something he’d never seen before, as the eyes widened. The shadowy pitch around them faltering.

Ciel whimpered.

And then the weight on his body was gone, and he was gasping for breath. Rolling to his side, Ciel retched and gasped for precious air. Gulping in oxygen, he turned to snap at Sebastian for stopping part way through what was clearly supposed to be the violent conclusion of their contract.

But when Ciel finally caught his breath and turned towards the demon, he saw he was alone in the room. The only evidence Sebastian had been there at all was the discarded clothing.

Sebastian was gone.

Chapter Text

-Five Years Later-

The sound of the tea cart trundling down the hall was what woke Ciel that morning. The earl had tossed and turned all night, his insomnia returning with a vengeance. He would need to ask Mey-Rin to bring him chamomile for his evening tea, as much as he did not enjoy the herbal blend. Ciel was reluctant to add more onto the woman's workload, which is exactly why he needed to hire a new butler as soon as possible.

Mr. Tanaka had passed on only a few months ago. Ciel had reined in his heartbreak, the man had been like family, but his defecting all those years ago had left a crack in Ciel's heart that had never truly mended. The estate had not quite fallen into disrepair, but things had never managed to be as impeccably run as they had when he had been head butler. They had acquired a few new faces in the last few years, a handful of servants to keep the manor running, but things had never managed to get back to how they had once been five years ago. Seeing as the manor hadn't had an overnight visitor in years, an entire wing had been closed off to cut down on the work that the limited staff was required to handle.

So today he would spend the day in his study, interviewing a collection of strangers who thought they had what it took to be a Phantomhive butler.

"Good morning, Mey-Rin."

"Good morning, my lord!" The maid chirped. Her clumsiness had dissipated some over the years, though Ciel was still sure he could hear the shattering of china some nights. This morning she was especially careful; she had picked Ciel's favorite tea set. "Mr. Bard made you your favorite scones, he did!"

Ciel accepted the tray over his lap, a small smile on his face. "My favorite tea set, my favorite scones. It's almost as if you all know what a horrid day today will be," the boy said slyly.

If the maid had been holding anything, she would have fumbled it to the floor in shock. Ciel just gave her a knowing smile.

Mey-Rin cleared her throat and smoothed her skirts, brushing the fumbling maid facade away. "We know things have been especially difficult after Mr. Tanaka's death, and even before then things have never quite been the same since..." she trailed off, looking away from Ciel's sour expression.

They knew better than to bring him up. The loss of Tanaka was something that was easier to focus on. The man had practically raised Ciel, had been his sole companion through most of his early childhood. While the rest of the family went on their spring outings, sickly Ciel was left with the aging butler and a dog that frightened him. The man had been his family.

It was easier to focus on him than to let his thoughts wander towards a different betrayal entirely.

“Thank you,” Ciel spoke softly. “I do truly appreciate the thought. Things have been hard on all of us without Tanaka.”

The maid nodded, unable to meet Ciel's eye. He knew what she was thinking, what they were all thinking. However dwelling on those who were gone would do none of them any good. It was time to move forward.

“You may leave. You can come fetch the dishes later. We have a lot of work to get done today,” Ciel said, taking a bite of his scone.

“Right! Yes, master, right away!” The maid turned to carefully wheel the cart from the room, leaving Ciel with his tea and his thoughts.

He would not let himself dwell on them for long, however. He had a long day ahead of him, meeting a myriad of strangers to replace an irreplaceable part of his household. Finishing his tea and scones, Ciel placed the dishes on the bedside table for the maid to fetch later. He slid out of the bed, stretching his arms above his head and made his way to the dressing room.

Ciel, now a young man, had gone without a valet for long enough that he had learned to dress himself. His outfits had grown simpler as he aged, Nina Hopkins having moved on to more enticing clientele, though Ciel found himself thankful to not have to struggle with frills and ruffles anymore. It was a part of his past he no longer wanted to think on.

Dressing in a simple grey waistcoat matching suit and a black tie, Ciel smoothed his clothing down as he examined himself in the mirror. He was still short, not having grown more than a single inch in the last five years, and his hairstyle remained mostly unchanged. Some days he could still hear his aunt Francis in the back of his mind, chiding him for his messy appearance.

Something he did not have to deal with anymore, as the Midfords had distanced themselves from the last remaining Phantomhive.

Ciel took one final moment to inspect his appearance, eye patch clenched in a fist. Most days he no longer wore it. His mark had mostly faded. Ciel's eye still held a violet tint, though it was far less noticeable now the unearthly glow had dissipated, but if one looked closely they could see scarring in the shape of a pentagram. The servants no longer stared; seeing his scarred eye had become an every day thing.

Today, however, Ciel would need to put on as professional a front as possible. So he slid the silk eye patch over his eye, and tightened the strings behind his head. One final glance in the mirror told him his appearance was acceptable, and he left the room.

Today was going to be a miserably long day.

The early afternoon found the staff in the kitchen, finally finding a moment's respite after the busy morning. Aside from Mey-Rin, Bard Finny, and Snake, they had only a handful of staff in the entire manor. A younger maid, a kitchen assistant and a stable boy had filled their number, and helped to relieve some of the workload from the senior staff. However it was hardly enough to keep the manor in prime working order, and even they would admit that things got a little… chaotic. A new butler to head the staff would drastically improve all of their lives.

After delivering the master's lunch, Mey-Rin entered the kitchen, seemingly lost in thought. Bard turned from the sink, the dishes from lunch freshly washed, and dried his hands on a towel.

“How has the master been this morning? Did he like the scones?” Bard asked Mey-Rin as she wheeled the tea cart into the kitchen. This was the first time today that they had gotten a moment to speak, with all the work to be done.

“Hm? Oh! Yes, he did!”

“I knew he would,” the cook grinned. “I found a whole box of recipes in the pantry with Sebastian's handwriting. Thought we'd give it a try. I didn't even burn any this time!”

Mey-Rin nodded along, giving a weak smile before falling back into thought.

“Hey, everything alright?” Bard crossed his arms and leaned forward, attempting to catch the woman’s eye.

“Oh, yes… As good as they could be, I suppose…”

“‘As they could be?’ Did the master say something?” Bard cocked his head to the side, leaning against the counter.

“It's more what he didn't say,” Mey-Rin spoke softly, removing the remaining dishes from the cart to be washed, nodding at Bard's assistant as he took them from her.

“He misses Mister Sebastian.”

Both Mey-Rin and Bard turned to Finny who had entered the kitchen with a wicker basket filled with vegetables looped over his arm. The boy always seemed like a bit of an airhead, not many serious thoughts plaguing his mind. But there were times when he was surprisingly perceptive, and they could all agree that the master missed the butler.

The two had been nigh inseparable; where the master was, Sebastian would not be far behind. Their relationship was clearly a bit unconventional, but none of them were the ordinary sort, and they never thought less of either their master nor their head butler. He had been strict with them, downright harsh at times, but every one of them knew it was to teach them to be better at their jobs. He commanded perfection. Things just hadn't been the same since he vanished five years ago.

“Well…” Bard trailed off, running a hand through his mussed hair. “There isn't much we can do except our jobs, and to keep the manor safe. It's what Sebastian hired us for in the first place. All we can do is keep everything running as smoothly as we can for the master.”

Mey-Rin and Finny nodded, both in agreement. Sebastian and the master had offered them all a new chance at life, something they could never come close to repaying. So they would do their absolute best to serve him, and keep the master safe. It was the least they could do.

Bard's mind drifted back five years, when they found a nearly catatonic Ciel stumbling through the servants quarters in his night clothes. The boy had only been able to mutter the butler's name, and that he was gone before the tears came and he collapsed. When Sebastian couldn't be found they had managed to coax the master back to his room, but it had been a herculean effort. At the time Bard had recalled the events of that failed dinner party those years ago, when they had thought Sebastian murdered, but this time the master seemed inconsolable. His moods became unpredictable, and he locked himself in his room for a week before Mr. Tanaka finally went up himself to drag the boy out of bed.

Things hadn't quite gone back to normal after that, but it was as close as it would come. When they all finally accepted that Sebastian would not be returning, a dark cloud seemed to settle over the manor. Putting aside the master's volatile mood swings, Bard couldn't count the nights he heard Finny sniffling into his pillow, or how Mey-Rin had grown even more pensive and forgetful. Snake hadn't seemed different, but his snakes seemed to not have much to say anymore. Bard had caught himself snapping at the others, and losing his temper any time Sebastian drifted into his thoughts.

The man had just up and disappeared. He had given no notice to anyone and the scramble to keep the manor running had been a daily struggle. In the end they had persevered. Tanaka had done his best to return the manor to as close to working condition as possible, but he had only been human.

A quick glance around the room verified that the other two seemed to fall to similar thoughts.

“I'm gonna miss the old man,” Bard sighed, and the others murmured their agreement. “I don't know how he managed to run this whole place, because being in charge of you lot has aged me well beyond my years!”

The dual cries of indignation at the statement made Bard laugh as Finny gently tackled him and Mey-Rin scolded them both. The man was proud of how well they had kept things going for the last few months after Tanaka's passing, but being in charge of the staff was an exhausting job. They needed one hell of a butler to put things right.

The ring of the doorbell caused the three to fall silent.

"I thought the master wasn't having another appointment until after lunch," Bard grumbled.

Mey-Rin pulled a wrinkled paper from the folds of her skirts and Finny peered over her shoulder as she smoothed it out on the counter. It was the master's schedule for the day.

"Nothing else until 2 o'clock," she confirmed, as all three of them looked up to the clock.

It was barely noon.

The bell sounded through the silent halls once more.

"Who the hell would be showing up unannounced?" Bard said, hands on his hips.

"Should we answer it?" Finny asked, looking between the two older servants.

"If we didn't, it would make the master look rude, it would..."

"Hold on!" Bard barked before the other two could move. He snatched a cast iron frying pan from the stove. "Okay, now we can go."

"You don't think anyone would attack the master in the middle of the day, do you?!" Finny gripped Bard's arm, alarmed.

"Better safe than sorry. Let's go!"

The three left the kitchen, Bard in the lead. They crept out through the servants' halls to the entryway, joining Snake who had been keeping an eye on the door. All they could see through the stained glass windows of the door was a shadowed silhouette- a very tall man, by the looks of it. They looked between each other once more, edging closer to the door.

“‘Do you know who could be at the door?’ Asks Emily, concerned.”

“Someone who shouldn't be,” Bard growled.

"This is silly," Finny hissed. "Maybe the master is expecting a guest."

"The master hasn't had a guest that wasn't a planned business associate in almost three years," Bard hissed back.

"I do hope this is not how you all treat guests now." The deep voice from the other side of the door sounded bemused, and strikingly familiar.

Snake was the first to act, grabbing the door handle to wrench it open before them. The four fell silent in shock, as the not-quite stranger smiled before them.

"I'm afraid I don't have an appointment, but I wish to speak to the young master. I should hope he has a moment to spare for me."

Ciel ran his fingers through his hair, and sighed heavily. So far not a single applicant had shown any promise. They were all fine butlers; their recommendations sung their praises, but not a single one met the requirements Ciel needed. He considered the possibility that his expectations were too high. His past experience with Tanaka, and then him, may have spoiled him far too much. So much that any normal man seemed to fall short of his expectations.

Maybe he would need to lower them some.

The manor had built up a reputation over the years; it was a dangerous place. There were far fewer raids than there had been in the past. His original four servants were still like a private army all his own, and Ciel himself was a decent shot. So finding a butler who could match the rest in terms of physical prowess may not be a necessity. It would be preferable, but he could always look into hiring a personal bodyguard instead…

That idea, however, came with its own set of problems— ones Ciel was not in the mood to deal with.

So instead he picked at his lunch as the clock ticked, agonizingly slow.

The thought of going to the library crossed Ciel's mind, just until his next appointment.

That train of thought was unfortunately interrupted by the stampede down his hallway, the door to the study bursting open.

“What in the blazes-?” Ciel stood, eyeing Finny, Mey-Rin and Bard as all three tumbled into the room, Snake stepping in behind them with Emily draped over his shoulder. “What are you four doing?!”

Ciel was taken aback as all three leapt to their feet, speaking over the other while Snake just nodded along.

“Now, now, you three. You shouldn't talk over each other like that.”

Ciel went pale, his stomach dropping, as Sebastian Michaelis stepped into his study.

The room had gone silent, the four servants having stepped to the side. A ringing filled Ciel's ears, and he couldn't take his eyes off the man before him.

“Leave us.”

Hearing the tone of their master's voice, the servants scrambled from the room, none of them keen on facing his wrath. Ciel's eyes narrowed as he took in the man- the demon- before him. Five years had passed, but the creature remained mostly unchanged. Dark bangs still framed his face, tea-colored eyes almost sparkling with amusement, his black clothes perfectly pressed. The only difference was the lack of his signature tailcoat. If he hadn't spent the last five years alone, Ciel would have thought he had only seen Sebastian yesterday.

Ciel took a deep breath, and released it slowly.

“Why are you here?”

“I wish to serve you,” the demon said. His tone was pleasant, but the intensity of his eyes made every one of Ciel's nerves spark with something he didn't want to put a name to.

“You ‘wish to serve’ me. Why? I have nothing to compensate you with,” Ciel said as he sat back in his chair, lacing his fingers before himself. “Your claim to my soul was forfeit the moment you rejected it five years ago.”

“I have not returned to lay claim to your soul. I understand that I lost that right the moment I left. I truly did return to serve you as I did five years ago, not as a demon and his master, but as your butler. Nothing more, nothing less.” Sebastian put a hand over his heart, bending at the waist in a half bow. “If it will ease your mind, we can treat this as a business relationship.”

Ciel scoffed. “You wish me to treat this like a proper business relationship. Fine.”

Ciel stood, bracing his hands on his desk when he leaned forward. Eyes blazing.

“You did not send a personal inquiry to the job listing in the papers and you come with no appointment nor a recommendation from a previous employer. So what makes you think you have what I need in a Phantomhive butler, Mr. Michaelis?” Ciel asked, with a haughty expression.

“On the contrary, my lord,” Sebastian said with a smile. “I believe I have everything it takes to be employed by the Phantomhive Estate. For I am simply one hell of a butler.”

The silence stretched for a few moments, the man's smile never faltering.

Finally Ciel sat back with a disgusted sigh. “I should turn you away on principle alone. That joke is still terrible.”

Sebastian just smiled.

Ciel sat in silence for a moment, finger tapping the desk in agitation. He wanted to turn the demon away. The hurt he felt all those years ago had turned into a simmering anger, one he thought he had moved on from. However, seeing Sebastian standing here before him, every negative emotion Ciel had ever felt regarding the demon had returned. Anger, unease, the clenching feeling in his chest that he refused to acknowledge. Sebastian had betrayed him, and then returned as if nothing had happened between them at all.

Ciel wanted to turn him away… But he wouldn't.

Sebastian was everything he needed from a butler and more. He would be foolish to send him away just because his feelings were hurt. This was strictly business.

Ciel took a deep breath and released it. “Alright. I will take you on. We will discuss your wages tomorrow, I will draw up your employment papers today.”

“There is no need, my lord. I do not require-"

“You may not require wages, but I will not have you working for me for free. You can do with the money what you please; visit a tailor, feed your cats… You can dig a hole in the woods to hide it in for all I care, but you will be paid for your work,” Ciel said, his voice firm.

“Thank you, my lord.” The demon offered a bow, one hand over his heart. His placid smile had transformed to a smirk.

“Now go change and get yourself reacquainted with the staff,” Ciel rose, stepping around the desk and moving towards the door. “After that, contact my remaining appointments for the day to cancel them. The position has been filled.”

“As you wish, young master.”

Ciel's eyes narrowed at the demon's use of his previous honorific, but he let it pass. For now.

“On your way out, make sure you drag those four with you. They seem to have forgotten it's rude to eavesdrop,” Ciel said as he opened the door, fixing Bard, Finny, Snake and Mey-Rin with a half-hearted glare. The group shuffled away sheepishly. Ciel turned back to Sebastian. “After you have done those things, take the rest of the evening to reacquaint yourself with your duties. I expect you to start first thing in the morning.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Sebastian closed the door to his bedroom, the same one that had been his all those years ago. It was, quite literally, untouched. There was a fine layer of dust across the desk, and his clothing still hung in the wardrobe. He pulled a desk drawer open, pleased to see the toys for the cats were still there. The master had never been one for sentimentality, so the untouched state of his living quarters was a surprise. Not an unwelcome one, however.

With one quick glance around the room, Sebastian snapped his fingers, and the dust disappeared. The room now immaculate.

With the room clean, it was time to change into his proper butler's attire. He discarded his pressed suit, neatly folded and properly hung, and swiftly exchanged it for his uniform. Shirt tucked, black tie and halter vest straightened, Sebastian pulled out his wool tailcoat. He ran a hand along the fabric, almost reverently. The demon had never expected to wear this uniform again. He may have taken another contract soon, so the possibility of being a servant again was high, generally speaking, and he would have potentially found himself in a butler's attire once more. Especially if he stayed in England. But there was something about this one in particular.

He found himself smiling, his chest swelling with happiness at the thought of being back with his master.

The only word Sebastian could use to describe his feelings at seeing his master again was joy. Pure, unadulterated joy. He was unsure what frightened him more— that a demon could even feel joy at all, or how powerful the feeling itself was.

His master had grown in the five years he had been away. Gone was the soft, round face and wide eyes of youth, and before him stood a man. A man of limited stature, but one can only grow so much. Sebastian chuckled to himself as he pulled his tailcoat on.

Height aside, his master was simply stunning. Any other human would pale in comparison to the beauty of both his body and soul. And Sebastian was blessed to be able to serve him once again instead of being sent away.

Granted, he no longer had a home to return to if he had been.

Brushing that thought away, Sebastian straightened his cuffs and lapels, and left the room. He followed the familiar servant halls towards the kitchen where he could hear the chatter of the staff. There were a few new souls in the manor, some minor staff he would need to oversee, but they were of little concern.

When he stepped into the familiar kitchen everyone fell silent, all the humans’ (and a few snakes’) eyes on him.

“Hello, everyone. I am Sebastian Michaelis, and as of today, I will be overseeing you all and managing the day to day necessities of the manor and Master Phantomhive. I expect every one of you to be at your best at all times, regardless of if the master is receiving guests or not.” Sebastian eyed every person in the room. The new staff seemed nervous, which would not do. “Master Phantomhive has high standards, but mine are higher. Mr. Tanaka hired you all for a reason, and I trust his judgment. I expect the best from every single one of you.”

Sebastian was met with a chorus of “yes, sir!” from around the room, and they filed out to return to work.

“Sebastian.”

The demon turned to answer Bard, and was met with a fist to the side of his face. Somewhere behind him, Mey-Rin and Finny cried out in shock as Sebastian stumbled back, catching himself on the counter. Eyes wide, he reached up to touch his cheek, more in surprise than pain.

“That was for leaving five years ago without saying a damn word!” Bard spat, fury burning in his eyes. “You hurt everyone in this place by doing that, and I'm not talking about leaving your damn job to the rest of us! Do you have any idea how it affected the master?! How it affected the rest of us?! You were more than just our boss— you were our friend, and you just left!”

Sebastian righted himself, dropping his hand from his face. As surprised as he was by the chef's outburst, he was even more surprised by the pang of guilt in his chest. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, banishing the uncomfortable feeling.

He was loath to admit it… But Bardroy was right. He hadn't thought when he left. Hadn't considered what he would leave behind. The only thought he'd had in the moment was getting himself as far away from his master as he could, lest his hunger make him lose control.

“You are right. It was wrong of me to leave with no notice, with no word to anyone. It was not my intention to leave as I did, however the… circumstances could not be avoided.” Sebastian caught Bard's gaze with his own, allowing the hellfire to burn forth for just a moment, and taking note of the man's lack of reaction. “I am fully devoted to the young master, and I will not make that mistake again.”

Bard crossed his arms, contemplating as he chewed the toothpick he had replaced his cigarettes with. Sebastian just waited as the man's eyes flitted over to Snake, Finny and Mey-Rin. Thankfully the newcomers had left, and hadn't returned to investigate the disturbance.

Sebastian would really need to whip them into shape. A Phantomhive servant should never ignore the sound of a fight, he thought wryly.

Bard seemed to come to some sort of decision because he nodded, and prodded Sebastian in the chest with a finger. “You better make sure you don't bail out on us again, or I'll track you down and give you a piece of my mind next time.”

Sebastian smirked. “Noted.”

A loud sniffle to the side of the room made both Sebastian and Bard turn as Finny threw himself at the two, Mey-Rin following behind. Sebastian stumbled back once again, this time weighed down by the humans clinging to him, wailing about how much they missed him, and how he better not leave again. A small collection of snakes twined up his leg to drape themselves over his shoulders.

Sebastian looked back up to Bard, bewildered. The man just shrugged and joined Finny, Mey-Rin and the snakes in smothering the demon.

Sebastian would never admit it out loud, but he was pleased to be home.

Chapter Text

A butler's day starts early. He is the first to rise in the morning, and the last to retire in the evening. It is his duty to manage the household, and to assign the servants their duties for the day.

When Sebastian entered the kitchens at five o'clock in the morning he was surprised to see Bardroy and his assistant already working.

“Morning, sleepy head!” Bard greeted, pots clanging as he put them on the stove top.

“Now, this is unexpected,” the demon said, eyeing the work they were both doing.

“Well, when you left, someone needed to step up and make sure everything was taken care of. Couldn't leave all the work to the old man,” Bard responded matter-of-factly. “We still don't have a full crew, but me and Stu handle the kitchen just fine.”

The older man dried his hands off on his apron and offered his hand to Sebastian. The demon politely shook it.

“Stuart. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Michaelis.”

Sebastian nodded in response, and tucked both hands behind his back as he inspected the man. He appeared older than Bardroy, though the demon could not always judge one's age by appearance alone, especially in older humans. His close-cropped hair was peppered with grey, and crows feet creased the corners of his eyes.

“You may just call me Sebastian, please,” the demon eyed Bardroy who was stoking the fire in the freshly lit oven. “I trust you have been keeping the kitchen intact and avoided any unnecessary fires?”

“Hey, we haven't had a fire in the kitchen in almost three months!” Bard shot back, pointing a spatula at Sebastian.

“Well, then it would seem we are overdue now, wouldn't it?” Sebastian smirked as he gathered the necessary items for his master's tea.

Bard just grumbled as the maids entered the kitchen for their own breakfast. Sebastian inspected the newspaper he was ironing for any missed creases, and he caught the gaze of the new maid. She flushed and looked away quickly. Sebastian sighed inwardly. Mey-Rin's crush had been more than enough to deal with, and he hoped that there wouldn't be a second one fawning over him.

“It's good to finally meet you, Mr. Sebastian. I'm Clarice.” The girl stepped forward as Sebastian refolded the newspaper and set it on the tea cart. “I've heard a lot about you.”

Sebastian smiled demurely. “Pleasant things, I should hope.”

“Oh yes, everyone here respects you a great deal!” Clarice assured him.

Sebastian eyed Mey-Rin and then Bardroy, unsure how to feel. “Well, I am glad to hear that. But if you will all excuse me, it is time for the master's tea.”

As the demon rolled the cart to the service lift he couldn't help but feel as though he had only been gone for a handful of days. Five years was nothing for an immortal creature such as himself, and the time had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

The passage of time for mortals though…

The humans were both the same, and greatly different than he remembered. Bard had seemed to come into his own, taking charge of the manor when they needed him, and even Mey-Rin seemed more confident in her work. The demon hadn't spent much time with Finny yet, but the state of the grounds seemed to indicate that he had learned how to maintain the foliage and flower beds properly without destroying them.

A small part of him felt proud of their accomplishments.

Sebastian entered his master's room at 7 o'clock sharp after a soft knock, and threw open the drapes. When the demon turned to wake his master, he was surprised to see the boy already watching him.

“Good morning, my lord. I was unaware you would be awake already,” Sebastian said as he prepared his master's tea.

Ciel silently took his cup and saucer, and accepted the newspaper, laying it across his lap. The boy immediately ignored his presence while he read.

Sebastian knew things would be uncomfortable at first, but he hadn't imagined it would be so contentious. Instead of dwelling, however, he went to his master's dressing room to keep himself busy and select an outfit for the day. Opening the wardrobe, Sebastian was met with the most bland clothing selection he had ever seen. The demon sighed.

While he understood the need to transition from shorts to long trousers, the demon still felt a pang of disappointment. He supposed it was inevitable to see the loss of the many bows and laces as his master had aged, and it was only appropriate for him to dress in a more mature fashion. But the options… They left a lot to be desired.

“Is there an issue with my wardrobe?”

Sebastian sighed. “The quality is top notch, as always, my lord. I just find the selections to be a bit… drab.”

“Well, I am not your doll, Sebastian, and my clothing is none of your concern,” his master said, the venom in his voice barely concealed.

“Apologies, my lord. You are correct,” Sebastian replied, offering a small bow as he stepped away from the wardrobe. “Will you need assistance this morning?”

“No, I can dress myself,” Ciel said without looking away from the clothing he was pulling out. “I will meet you downstairs for breakfast.”

“Yes, my lord.” Sebastian hid his displeasure at the dismissal, but left as he was told.

After the master finished his breakfast, they went to the study, where Ciel pulled out a sheaf of papers from a drawer.

“This is your contract. Please take a moment to read over your duties, what I will personally expect from you, and your promised wages,” Ciel said, sliding the pages across the desk towards Sebastian. “It also details the protocol to be followed when requesting a holiday.”

“I do not think that will be necessary, sir,” Sebastian said, skimming through the contract.

“Nevertheless, this is how I do things here. If you choose not to take your time off, that is entirely your choice,” Ciel responded curtly.

Sebastian's eyes flicked up at his master's tone. The human really had no reservations in making his annoyance at the demon known.

“Everything appears to be fair and in order,” Sebastian said, laying the pages down onto the desk, running a hand across them to smooth the papers down. The demon took the pen that was offered and signed his name with a flourish.

“Here.”

On the desk was placed Sebastian's pocket watch and the head butler's lapel pin. Sebastian glanced up at his master, and then back down to the items. He stepped forward to take them, the pocket watch he turned over in his hands almost reverently. When he clicked it open it was obvious it had been carefully cared for, consistently wound and polished. If Sebastian had been anyone else he would have assumed it was a new watch, but he knew it was his from all those years ago. there were a small notch on the right side, the remnant of a stray bullet meant for his master. Sebastian ran his thumb across the indentation.

Just another piece in the puzzle that was his master. A young man who seemed loath to have him here, but did not touch his old butler's room and kept a pocket watch wound and cared for, even when he never expected Sebastian to return. The feeling of happiness swelled in Sebastian's chest once again and the demon couldn't help but smile.

His human was truly remarkable.

Sebastian slid the watch into his pocket and fastened the pin to his lapel. When he looked back up to his master, the boy was watching him. He had forgone the eye patch today, leaving his right eye visible. It still held the discoloration from their mark, the iris a permanent shade of lilac. If one did not know what to look for they wouldn't even be able to see the subtle scarring that was the remains of their covenant. The demon felt almost forlorn at the loss— something he was unused to feeling.

His master narrowed his eyes at the scrutiny, but Sebastian refused to drop his gaze. Then the boy smiled, a wicked glint in his eyes.

“With all of that taken care of, I think it is time you meet the lady of the house,” Ciel said, a smirk on his lips. “Come.”

Sebastian's brow furrowed, but he turned to follow his master from the study. They walked in silence while Sebastian warred with the spark of jealousy that threatened to overwhelm him, burning hotter than the flames of Hell itself. It was unreasonable to expect a young man of Ciel's social status not to meet any ladies, especially after his engagement had been called off with Lady Elizabeth. The demon was well aware that he had no claim on the young man anymore.

Neither his soul nor his heart.

That thought in itself confused Sebastian more than anything. He shouldn't want any of those things; he was a demon. His entire existence was to tempt humans, and devour their souls in compensation.

So why did his heart hurt at the thought of his master finding solace in the arms of another?

“You're awfully quiet.”

His master's voice cut through the melancholy.

“Apologies, young master. I was not aware that you had a lady in your life,” Sebastian offered, knowing his master's current good mood was a fragile thing. “I was not introduced yesterday.”

“Mm, yes, she was… indisposed yesterday.” Ciel smiled back at the demon. His eyes twinkled with amusement.

Sebastian obediently followed as they stepped out into the garden. He had been certain the human souls in the manor were all accounted for: seven servants, four of them the staff Sebastian had taken on, and the three new humans. And then the master himself. If there were a lady present, how had he not sensed her? Had he been too elated about his return to sense her presence? Or was there something more sinister involved?

“Good morning, Jim. I hope you are well.”

Ciel's voice pulled Sebastian from his thoughts. The young man before them had to be close to his master's age, and had a bird perched on his shoulder. A crow that stared the demon down while the humans spoke.

“I imagine you met Sebastian last night?”

“Yes, sir. Briefly,” Jim said softly. “Are you here for Lady?”

“I am,” Ciel smiled at the boy. “I hope she behaved herself.”

“She was a bit lonely, but one of the cats came to sleep with her.”

Sebastian's attention was caught at the mention of one of his dear cats, but the entire situation had gone from strange to downright bizarre. Why were they at the kennels if he was to be introduced to his master's lady and why did he not sense another human soul in the vicinity?

“Well, let us not keep her waiting then.” Ciel grinned, glancing back at Sebastian, who frowned and narrowed his eyes.

Bizarre indeed.

Jim stepped back into the building. With a clang, and a frantic scrabbling, the largest dog Sebastian had the misfortune of seeing tore from the building… and right into his master's waiting arms.

“Hello, Lady! I certainly missed you last night.” The human grinned, burying his hands into the dog's long, black fur to rub behind its ears. Its tail thumped against the ground as it sat back on its haunches with an excited whine. “Sebastian, this is Lady.”

His master's pleased grin turned downright smug at the look of horror on the demon's face.

Ciel hadn't met a woman.

No, it was infinitely worse.

He had gotten a dog.

Sebastian was unhappy.

Perhaps unhappy was an understatement. The demon was livid.

After his master introduced his “lady,” he went into great detail of the duties he expected Sebastian to fulfill for the care of his wretched canine. His master ordered him to bathe the beast and to see to its intricate meals. Ordered the demon to care for the creature as he would an honored guest. So the demon found himself in the kitchen preparing a meal, not for his master, but for the creature that was commanding all of his attention.

A woman would have been far preferable to a damned dog.

“What's got your tailcoat in a twist?”

Temper flaring, Sebastian wheeled around on Bardroy, a growl deep in his chest.

“The young master has tasked me with caring for his…” Sebastian took a moment to find a more diplomatic word. “Companion.” Mongrel.

Bard smirked, and the demon ignored him.

“So I am prepping a meal for it, when I should be making the master's lunch instead. This will put me dreadfully behind schedule.”

Bard just watched in silence as the demon grudgingly chopped the vegetables his master insisted were required, arms crossed. Sebastian ignored the human and fumed silently.

“Wow, he's really gotten under your skin already, huh?”

“I do not know what you mean,” Sebastian deflected. The boy had not gotten under his skin. He was perfectly calm and collected, and he would excel at this task no matter how much he longed to stage a tragic accident for the beast.

Bard leaned against the counter, a grin spreading across his face. “Well to start, Lady doesn't require a special meal like that, or to eat more than twice a day. She’ll get sick. Jim is the one in charge of feeding the animals anyway. I have a sneaking suspicion that the master is pulling your leg.”

Sebastian laid the knife down beside the cutting board, leaning forward on the counter to take a deep breath. It certainly seemed like a task his master would saddle him with in retaliation.

“Be that as it may, if I am given an order, I am to follow my master's command. As frustrating as it might be.” Sebastian was unsure why he was confiding in the human. Apparently the frustration was eating at him more than he expected. “So unless the dog meets an untimely end in an accident, I will prepare its meals as I have been ordered.”

The demon resumed his chopping, and the two stood in silence. Bard watched for a few moments before speaking again.

“The dog was a gift from Tanaka.”

Sebastian's chopping faltered, and his hands fell still.

“After you disappeared, the master was in a state. Tanaka got him the dog for his birthday, hoping a companion would ease some of the loneliness.”

“I assume it was a success.”

“Yes and no,” the human said, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Look, you can't let the master know I told you all this, you know how he is. But he was not well after you left, and even with the dog he struggled. To be quite frank, I'm surprised he's handling the old man's death as well as he is. He was practically family.”

“I see.”

On one hand Sebastian was elated that his master missed his presence enough to be so affected, but on the other, that biting, scratching feeling in his chest flared. Guilt. He had been the one who hurt his master. Broke his promise, shattered their covenant and the trust the boy had in him. He should be begging forgiveness, not planning an animal's demise. The creature was a minor distraction, and for all he wanted his master's entire attention, he could not demand it yet. He needed to prove to his master that he was his obedient butler, and his devoted demon.

That he would not leave this time. His fear and hunger would not drive him away, not again.

“How about you get the master's lunch done, and I'll take care of Lady's?”

The human scooted into Sebastian's space, forcing him to relinquish the knife and now-overly-minced vegetables. Sebastian gladly let him. He pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. Too close to lunch time for anything overly elaborate; the master would have to settle for something simple.

“You know, I was just thinking… I'm really glad you're back,” Bard said as he worked.

“Oh? Was your assistant not enough of a captive audience?”

“You're so grumpy!” Bard laughed, and elbowed Stu who had joined them. “No! Now I don't need to deal with all of the steward's duties!”

Sebastian was silent for a moment, considering Bard's statement.

“I see. I will need to ask the young master about this. I do not recall seeing this listed in my contract,” the demon said as he gathered his master's lunch onto the tea cart. “Now if you will excuse me.”

Sebastian left the kitchen, towards his master's study. He hadn't been called, but he could sense his master's soul there, the single thread connecting them still thrumming with his desire. The demon had worried that returning would cause him to become ravenous as soon as he was close enough to touch Ciel's soul. He hadn't, of course, he was a proper butler, and he would not touch his master unless asked. But the hunger was still ever present at the back of his mind, firmly tucked away under the lock and key of Sebastian's inhuman self control.

When he reached the study, he offered a brisk knock at the door, entering when his master called him in.

“I have brought you some lunch, young master. It won't do for you to work yourself to exhaustion.”

Ciel looked up to Sebastian, and then the clock in the corner.

“I suppose I lost track of time,” the human said, neatly stacking his paperwork to the side for Sebastian to place his food before him. “I am trying to expand Funtom to America. The budget is there, but I have not found a location I would like as of yet.”

Sebastian poured his master's tea, and set the cup at his elbow.

“Might I suggest New York? It boasts a large population, and is still a prime place for tourism, what with the Statue of Liberty as an attraction.”

Ciel hummed as he took a sip of his tea. “It's a compelling idea. I will have to speak with the shareholders.”

Sebastian stood back as his master returned to eating, his own chest swelling with pleasure that his suggestion had been heard and approved of. If he hadn't been so keen on maintaining his perfect image, he may have placed a hand above his heart. It was beating so loudly and so quickly, the demon would have almost expected his master to have heard it. It was such a strange sensation.

“So if you are here… how can I expect you to care for Lady's meals like I had ordered, hmm?”

And just as quickly as the warm feeling appeared, it dissipated like a puff of smoke.

“I was informed that what you ordered was gross overexaggeration of what meals your companion requires, and it was suggested I not risk its health by overfeeding,” Sebastian said, barely keeping the venom from his voice.

Ciel just sighed and leaned his cheek on his hand, watching Sebastian. His eyes almost twinkled with amusement. “Well, I suppose nothing can be done for it. And stop calling my dog an ‘it.’ She is a lady.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The two sat in silence a moment longer, Ciel seemingly lost in thought.

“Actually. If I may, I had a question for you, sir.”

“Oh?”

“Did you have plans to hire another steward? My contract did not stipulate those duties, and I was informed that Bardroy had been in charge of them before I was taken on.”

The silence shifted from almost comfortable to downright icy. Ciel's jaw clenched, and he looked away from the demon.

“Sir?”

After a deep breath, Ciel turned back to Sebastian. The mirth from just moments ago were gone, replaced with a sort of melancholy.

“Truth be told… I had not thought about it,” Ciel admitted.

Sebastian thought for a moment, noting the shift in his master's mood.

“I only ask because those duties were not listed on my contract, when I expected them to be there.”

Ciel looked up, unable to smother the surprise. “You did?”

“If I could not handle the duties assigned in my contract, and those of your steward, what kind of Phantomhive butler would I be?” Sebastian said with a flourish and a bow.

“One who does not say such inane things, I would expect,” Ciel said stiffly, but not entirely without humor.

“You wound me, my lord,” Sebastian said with a smile, hand over his heart.

“You would truly take on the steward's duties?”

“Mr. Tanaka taught me before my absence, and I would gladly take on my predecessor's duties.”

Ciel bristled. Sebastian had noticed that any mention of the past had his master becoming agitated. Under normal circumstances he may have poked and prodded for more of a reaction, but he knew it would not be wise. Not while things between him and his master were still so fragile.

“I only wish to offer my services where I am needed, sir,” Sebastian offered, his attempt to be placating to his volatile master. “This way you will have no need to hire more staff until you deem necessary.”

His master narrowed his eyes, but nodded. “Very well. I expect you to report any expenses directly to me before any orders go out. I like to be up to date on the day-to-day needs of my manor.”

“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian said with a bow. “As you wish.”

That evening, after an uneventful dinner, Sebastian escorted Ciel, and his beast, to the master bedroom.

“I would like a bath, Sebastian,” Ciel said, loosening his cravat as he crossed the room.

“Yes, my lord. I will go fetch the water.” Sebastian gave a short bow, hand over his heart. So far the day had been horrendous. Just one constant reminder after another, that his presence was not truly necessary in his master's life anymore, but maybe this one last thing would be the same.

“There is no need,” Ciel sad absently, running his hand along the head of his beast, which was inappropriately laying in his bed next him. “I had hot water installed to the tap.”

“I see. Your bath shall be ready shortly, then.”

The demon moved into the washroom, noticing that the tub was different. It was just as fine as the one before, but this one had extra knobs, presumably that controlled the different water temperatures. He turned the tap until the water ran, and even though the demon knew to expect the hot water, it still surprised him. Leave it to his master to come up with such an innovative idea to aid in his comfort.

While the tub filled, Sebastian fetched the fluffy white towels for his master, and placed them on a side table within easy reach. Finally he added some of the essential oils he knew the boy had always liked.

Sebastian stepped back into the bedroom. “Your bath is ready, my lord.”

Ciel rose from the bed and entered the bathroom, pausing in the doorway. “That will be all, Sebastian.”

And the door clicked shut in the demon's face.

Sebastian blinked, at a loss as to what just happened.

The demon turned to follow the dismissal, as much as he wished to stay. As he left he turned a glare at the beast on the bed, who just yawned in response.

In the past he would have helped his master to bathe; perhaps he was too old to have someone wash him, but surely he would want his butler to be present to assist him with anything else. And yet he was still dismissed.

Sebastian was unsure how to feel.

On one hand, he understood that his master had new needs. Five years was a long time for a human, especially a young one. But so many things had remained unchanged. His unhealthy sweet tooth, his blatant enjoyment of games and torment, his shrewd business sense. The passing thought that maybe this was some sort of game occurred to the demon, but his master had seemed fully capable of washing and dressing himself, or he would never have been as successful as he had in the time the demon had been away.

Absently wandering into the kitchen, Sebastian had not even realized he was so lost in thought until Bardroy gave him an odd look.

“Apologies. I find myself distracted,” Sebastian told the human, brows furrowed.

“I'll say. Is everything alright with the master?”

“Yes. I have been dismissed for the evening.”

“Yeah, he's been keeping to himself more at night. Locks himself up in his room with Lady and his books. Stopped taking evening tea altogether,” Bard told Sebastian while he scrubbed at the dishes. “I remember when you took me on, he couldn't even tie his shoes without help. But he's grown up a lot in the last few years. Become really independent. We're all very proud of him.”

The human smiled up at Sebastian, the fondness written all over his face. The demon wanted to agree with Bardroy's assessment. The master had grown independent. He was doing very well for himself, and Sebastian knew he should also he proud of his master's accomplishments.

So why did he feel such melancholy over the thought?

“What did he say about the steward's duties?”

“He agreed that I would take them on for the time being.” Sebastian looked up to the human, who had a twinkle in his eye. “Now before you become too excited, you will continue to fill the orders for the kitchen's needs."

The human swore and wailed halfheartedly while continuing to clean the kitchen. Sebastian couldn't help but smile at the outburst, and left the man to his tantrum. The demon knew it was all for show, though he would never admit he found it amusing. Sebastian made his way down the hall, bidding the human servants goodnight as he came upon them in the hall, even sidestepping a serpent making his way to the kitchens to join his companions for their dinner.

Eventually Sebastian found himself in the steward's office. This was clearly another room that had not been touched overmuch; the desk was used and some papers stacked haphazardly. The rest held the remnants of its previous opccupant: a set of eyeglasses on a side table, a traditional Japanese tea set on the shelf, and Mr. Tanaka's katana hanging on the wall. Sebastian inspected each item, running a hand along the blade’s sheath, and turning a cup to line up with its mates.

The demon was surprised to feel sadness at the loss. Rightfully he should not feel this way; demons generally did not feel sadness. However, seeing the items left behind, Sebastian felt a throb in his chest. He realized he would miss the old man.

“I find myself regretting not getting to meet one last time. You were one of the few humans I truly felt respect for, and you respected me in turn.” Sebastian sighed. “Dedicated and loyal until the very end. You cared for the young master when I could not, and for that I wish I could thank you.

“He has grown into a fine young man, which I'm sure you would agree. Although he seems to have taken your lesson on it being unbecoming to grieve for a servant a little too close to heart. You are fully aware you meant more to him than a simple servant. Regardless of the events that led to his brother's temporary return, I know you loved the boy dearly.”

Sebastian lifted some papers from the desk— everything seemed to be in order. Despite Bard's messy handwriting resembling chicken scratch, the books seemed to be well kept.

“It would seem they have all grown in the time I was away,” Sebastian said softly, unsure if he was talking to himself or to the remnants of Tanaka in the room.

“Hello, my beauty. It's been some time.”

Sebastian was greeted with a meow and a purr as the cat weaved between his legs. He was beyond happy to see his feline friend still remained at the manor. His master may not like cats due to his unfortunate allergies, and he had no reason to keep her here with the snakes around to catch the vermin. Just another curious mystery of his eccentric master who claimed sentimentality was for fools.

The demon was sure Ciel would deny Sebastian as the reason to keep the cat on the grounds, but he found himself grateful regardless.

“It's been some time now, hasn't it,” Sebastian cooed, kneeling and removing his gloves to run his bare hands through her silky fur. “You're just as lovely as the last time I saw you. I hope Finny and Jim have been treating you well in my absence.”

The cat purred in agreement, and rubbed her face against Sebastian's palm. The demon had tried to ignore it, been sure to wear gloves when he had returned to his human form, but now he couldn't help but study the mark on the back of his hand. Though it was still noticeable, it had faded considerably. The lines just barely connecting, the words eroded. Sebastian would never admit it, but he had hoped being close to his master would have restored their bond.

Wishful thinking.

How foolish.

A chorus of mewls pulled Sebastian from his melancholy, and he couldn't help his grin as three kittens tumbled out of a bush.

“My goodness! Look at you three!” Sebastian couldn't help himself; he scooped the kittens up into his arms while their mother watched, burying his face into their soft fur. “All three of you are perfect, just like your mother. Perfect paws, perfect little tails, perfect whiskers. If the master wasn't allergic I would sneak you to my quarters.”

The cawing of a familiar raven and a rustle in the trees caught the demon's attention, interrupting his reunion.

Sebastian placed the kittens down, nudging them towards their mother.

“Off with you now. It would seem we have guests,” Sebastian said, rising to his feet and pulling his gloves back on. “We shall visit again tomorrow.”

And the demon strode into the trees.

Sebastian stalked the grounds in silence, a predator seeking its prey, and finding most of it already dealt with. He wanted to be surprised by just how well the staff worked together, but truly he could not be. There was a synergy between them all that was almost beautiful, and the demon could not help but admire just how ruthless they all were. Even the newcomers. Stu and Bardroy complimented each other well, two military men at heart and between Jim’s birds and Snake’s serpents, the two commanded quite the menagerie of deadly creatures. Finny managed to keep from collapsing any walls, and Mey-Rin’s aim was as impeccable as always. Even Clarice, who held no combat ability, had gathered the staff into the kitchen to treat their scrapes and bruises.

The demon was impressed.

And he also wondered once again if he was truly needed here. The feeling of sadness threatened to creep in on him at the thought, but he shook it away. He needed to do one more sweep of the grounds, just to be sure there were no stragglers.

That was when he heard it.

The frantic barking of a dog, followed by a bloodcurdling scream, and a sudden silence.

Sebastian’s chest clenched with a fear he would never admit to. He threw away all caution and dashed through the manor towards his master’s rooms, not bothering to disguise his inhuman speed in his haste to reach his master. How had he missed another soul in the house? Was he truly so bereft at the thought that he was no longer needed here that he let himself make such an amateur mistake?

Bursting into Ciel’s bedroom, eyes aglow and a snarl on his lips, the demon was ready to tear any intruder to pieces. However what he saw shocked him more than anything he had experienced that day.

His master stood over the body of a man, chest heaving as he breathed heavily, and wiping blood from his face.

“My lord, are you hurt?” The demon stepped forward, hands on Ciel’s shoulders as he inspected the boy’s face.

“I’m fine, Sebastian. The blood isn’t mine.”

That’s when Sebastian noticed the weapon in his lord’s hand. The blade was dripping with the blood of Ciel’s would-be assailant. Ciel had defended himself with a knife.

Sebastian took a step back as Ciel moved away from him, crouching over the corpse. There was an ugly stab wound to the man's stomach, and his throat was expertly slit. Clearly his master had been training.

The boy rifled through the man's clothing, finding nothing identifying other than a bottle of liquid, which he tossed to Sebastian.

“Do you know what that is?”

The demon unstoppered the bottle to sniff the contents.

“Chloroform,” Sebastian hissed.

“It would seem our man here was trying to kidnap me, but didn't account for Lady,” Ciel said thoughtfully, running his hand over the beast's head. “Or that I could defend myself.”

Sebastian inspected the man more closely. He didn’t appear to be a standard thug, not like the men the staff had dispensed with. His clothing was very basic, and he seemed relatively young. The man had used the attack to sneak through the manor undetected and right into the master’s bedroom. The demon was disgusted with himself for being so distracted, foolishly giving in to his emotions.

“Sebastian.”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Clean this mess up, and then bring me some tea,” Ciel ordered, moving into the sitting room, his creature and Sebastian at his heels.

“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian responded, offering a short bow. “If I may ask, sir. Where did you learn to fight with a blade?”

“Oh? Bardroy taught me,” Ciel said as he sunk into an armchair. “I may not always be able to have my pistol handy, and given he was able to get it away from me, it was time well spent learning.”

“I see.”

Sebastian left his lord to clean up the mess in the bedroom, his thoughts lingering on Ciel’s would-be kidnapper and Bardroy manhandling his master. He couldn’t help the pang of jealousy and the growl deep in his chest at the thought. However even stronger than that jealousy was the crushing realization that his master no longer needed him.

Chapter Text

When Bard entered the kitchen the next morning, Sebastian was already there. He was going about his morning duties, but things seemed… off. The other man moved with a sluggishness that your average bystander would not have noticed. To be honest, if he hadn't been watching Sebastian so closely over the last couple days, he probably wouldn't have noticed either.

“Mornin’!” Bard greeted, tying his apron around his waist. The other man just nodded in response.

Normally he would get the oven heating when he got up, but it seemed Sebastian had beaten him to it this morning.

And prepped the master's breakfast.

And his lunch…

And there was already a chocolate cake in the oven and several loaves of bread set aside to cool. It wasn't even five thirty yet…

“Someone's been busy… Need any help?”

“Not right now, thank you,” Sebastian said, not bothering to look up from the frosting he was whipping.

“How about I at least get the dishes, since you've prepped breakfast already?” Bard offered, giving Stu a wave when he came into the kitchen.

Sebastian didn't respond, focusing heavily on his mixing bowl. Bard frowned, but stacked the dirtied dishes into a pile to dump in the sink. He started to scrub as he tried to figure out what could possibly be causing this uncharacteristic melancholy in the other man.

The master had to be part of it. He had been messing with Sebastian all day yesterday, but this wasn't anything new. The master had always done things to irritate the butler, demanding complex desserts or time-consuming tasks. Whatever trick he had played on him over Lady was frustrating, he was sure, but it shouldn't have been enough to cause Sebastian to be this out of sorts. Even the ‘guests’ last night were dealt with quickly and efficiently.

And that was when Bard remembered. The staff hadn't known until later, but someone had managed to sneak into the manor and to the master's rooms. The boy had been okay. Lady was a well trained guard dog, and Bard himself had trained Ciel in self-defense in case something like this happened. The kid had gotten really good with a knife.

But it was quite possible that Sebastian felt guilty for an intruder getting that close at all.

Well, that sulking just wouldn't do. The master was safe and sound, and the intruder dispatched. There was no reason to dwell on something that had been resolved. Bard knew he wasn't very good at feelings, and something told him that Sebastian wasn't the kind of man who would want to talk about his feelings anyway. It was also way to early in the day for his usual bottle of whiskey.

The on e thing he could do was talk about nothing. So for the next hour he talked about everything and nothing. The time the chickens snuck onto the manor grounds, and Finny was too scared of hurting them to be able to catch them properly. Or the time when Lady stole an entire rack of lamb when Stu's back was turned, and tried to hide the bones in the parlor.

He wasn't sure how he could tell, but Bard knew Sebastian was listening. He was especially interested in how the new staff came to join them.

“So Tanaka decided we needed more staff on hand. He had a good point. We were struggling to keep up with just the five of us, and we all agreed we needed to get more people whose loyalty we could be sure of. Sooo I had the idea to reach out to one of the men I had kept in contact from the sanatorium when we shut down that blood collecting facility. Which is how we hired Stuart.” Bard looked up from his cooking, and was pleased to see Sebastian was listening intently. At least he hoped it was intently.

“Then we tracked down one of the maids who had been rescued by Mey-Rin and Ran-Mao. Clarice didn't have the same sort of background as the rest of us, so fighting was off the table. But before she had become a maid, she had trained as a field medic. So she took on the role of our very own, in-house nurse.” Bard smiled at the maid in question as he handed over her breakfast.

“Now Jim, he's a bit of a special case. That orphanage that Finny and Snake went to was shut down, and the children sent off to anywhere that wasn't there. And one day we get a knock and this skinny boy on our doorstep refusing to talk to anyone but Finny or Snake. Told them he had nowhere else to go, and begged for a place to stay. Of course they couldn't make that decision, but before they could find Tanaka, the master came strolling out into the garden, rambunctious puppy in tow. Now at this point, Lady was not as well-mannered as she is now, and she got one good look at Jim, and she tackled him. Or tried to. The boy gave her one look, and she dropped to the ground at his feet, submissive and mild mannered. The master was impressed, and hired him on the spot, told him his job was to care for the animals from then on,” Bard chuckled, tucking in to his own meal while Sebastian prepared the tea cart. “He's trained his birds as a sort of alarm system, and between them and the snakes, we've rarely had any issues with unwanted guests.”

“So you managed to find staff who had history with the master and would feel indebted to him, thus inspiring their loyalty. Impressive,” Sebastian said, and Bard was surprised to realize the butler was being genuine in his praise.

“They're good people, and they definitely deserved better than the shit they had handed to them when we all first met,” Bard responded, gesturing with his fork. “And they fit right in with the rest of us.”

“I suppose they do,” Sebastian agreed. “Now if you will excuse me, I must bring the master his tea.”

Ciel had barely slept.

He could feel the exhaustion deep in his bones as he turned towards Lady, who had nudged his cheek with her nose. Ciel ran his fingers through the borzoi's fur and closed his eyes. He knew Sebastian would be here any minute. He needed to dress, and go to his study to work. He had to draft letters to his shareholders about the new Funtom location, he had more prototype sketches to prepare for manufacturing, and there was a property dispute in the village he needed to put to rest. All pressing matters, but all he wanted was to stay in bed and do nothing; his exhaustion running deeper than just a missed night of sleep.

So many days he awoke like this, the malaise threatening to overwhelm him. Sebastian's return only seemed to make things worse. He dreaded the knock on his door in the morning, the pain in his chest threatening to overwhelm him when the demon smiled. As if Sebastian hadn't abandoned him for five years.

For so long, he had begged a God he didn't believe in for relief— for his demon to return to him. And of course, when he had finally reached a point where he felt he could keep going on his own, the bastard sauntered back into his life as if nothing had changed.

But everything had changed.

Ciel was no longer a boy desperate for the creature's loyalty and care. He had only accepted Sebastian's return because he was over-qualified for the job, and he was tired of dealing with strangers.

It was the only reason he had allowed the beast to stay in his life at all.

He did not need him anymore.

He would tell himself that every day, until he finally believed the words.

When the dreaded knock came, Ciel pulled himself upright, the placid mask of indifference in place.

“Good morning, my lord.”

Ciel just nodded in response, taking the offered tea. It was Earl Grey. Of course the demon would remember his favorite blend, and attempt to appease him with it. His initial reaction was to balk at it, demand something else. He would not be won over by sentimentality and the creature's attempt to placate him with foods he was fond of. To recreate the normalcy they lost when the demon fled.

But a traitorous part of his heart wanted to give in.

He was tired of being alone.

When the demon placed the newspaper across his lap, Ciel could not help but stare at the hands before him. How careful they had always been with him, even when they had the power to snap a man's neck with a flick of his pinky. Always gentle when Sebastian had helped him bathe or when he had been ill, the large hand placed upon Ciel's forehead to feel for fever. The hands of a monster that were deceptively tender…

The demon finally speaking startled Ciel out of his trance.

“I took the liberty of looking over your schedule today, and a good portion of your daily itinerary was suspiciously blank, my lord,” Sebastian said carefully, returning to stand at attention beside the tea service.

Ciel shook himself out of his unwelcome thoughts. He did not need to be thinking of his butler's hands of all things. “That is because we will be having a guest.”

“A guest, sir?”

“Yes. We will require refreshments in the gardens, and then a light lunch afterwards,” Ciel placed his newspaper aside, finished with his morning tea.

“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian said, gathering the empty china and the discarded newspaper. “Do you wish for me to ready your clothing for the day, sir?”

“No. I can manage myself,” Ciel responded, pushing the blankets off his legs and standing. He caught the flash of disappointment in his demon's eyes, but he didn't care. Allowing the demon to assist him in dressing would leave Ciel far too vulnerable, and he already felt melancholy enough.

“Very well. I shall meet you in the dining room for breakfast, my lord,” Sebastian said with a bow, and wheeled the tea cart from the room.

Ciel took a deep breath and released it, the tension falling from his shoulders as the door clicked shut behind the butler. Today was shaping up to be a trying day.

After his master finished breakfast and retreated to his study, Sebastian sent Mey-Rin to clean the linens from Ciel's room. With the dog inappropriately sharing a bed with his master, the demon would need to take extra care to ensure that stray hair and mud from the creature did not soil the sheets and carpets. Said creature was currently following Sebastian as he went about his duties, and not even a glare would send the beast scurrying. A truly infuriating creature.

And so Sebastian inspected every shuttered room in the manor, building a plan in his mind to go about restoring the Building to its previous glory. All his hard work from all those years ago having been left to stagnate under all this dust and stale air would not do. The demon threw open the windows to air out the rooms with the early spring air. Swiftly beginning the painstaking task of dusting, scrubbing, and removing all the dust cloths from the furniture, working around the loitering canine. His lord may not receive many guests in the manor, but letting the place fall into disrepair was unacceptable.

Sebastian managed to work his way through the east wing of the second floor, opening and airing out the rooms when the demon decided it was time to retreat to the kitchen to begin preparations for lunch. His silent canine audience had grown bored and wandered off an hour or so earlier, hopefully not to chase his dear cat and her kittens in the garden. Of course he found the creature in the kitchens when he arrived, being fed scraps by Bardroy.

When Sebastian cleared his throat, the human looked up sheepishly, shooing the beast away and out the back door.

The demon just sighed and prepared his master's luncheon in brooding silence.

At precisely noon Snake opened the door for their guest, and Sebastian was greeted with a whirlwind of blonde curls and a cry of surprise. He finally understood why his master had avoided telling him just who their guest was.

“Sebastian! It r eally is you!”

“Lady Elizabeth,” Sebastian greeted formally, feeling uncharacteristically unsure of how to interact with the girl before him.

“Paula insisted you had come back, but I wasn't sure whether to believe it or not!”

“Word truly travels fast,” Sebastian mused.

“Oh yes, when Mr. Simmons returned saying he had been turned away by a ‘disheveled man with dark hair’ without even meeting with the earl, my mother was none too pleased,” Elizabeth giggled.

Sebastian remembered the man in question. A pompous older gentleman who would not have been worthy of being a Phantomhive butler. If Sebastian hadn't turned him away at his master's request, the boy in question would have been far crueler.

Sebastian glanced to the clock against the wall, taking note of the time.

“Pardon me, Miss Elizabeth, but this is hardly a conversation befitting a Lady of your station,” Sebastian said with a smile and a short bow. “Allow me to escort you to the parlor, and I will inform my master of your arrival.”

“Look at you. A perfect butler as always.” Elizabeth smiled. “I'm happy to see you again, Sebastian.”

Sebastian couldn't put a name to the warmth he felt in his chest, so he just smiled and led the lady to the parlor.

Ciel ran his hand through his hair.

Correspondence was always easy for him, but this particular one was proving difficult. How does one reach out to someone you irrevocably wronged? And then how does one even begin to atone for those sins?

A knock at the door startled Ciel, hand knocking the inkwell over the page. The boy groaned and collapsed back in his chair, head thumping back to stare at the ceiling.

“Enter.”

“Pardon me, my lord, but your guest has arrived,” Sebastian said, stepping into the room. “Goodness, you've made quite the mess.”

Ciel's heart jolted, and he lunged forward, pulling loose papers over his ruined letter. “Don't give me that look,” he grumbled, falling back into his seat. “It's a private letter.”

“I was not going to comment on your private correspondence, my lord. Only inform you that Lady Elizabeth is waiting in the parlor for you,” the demon replied, and this time there was an obnoxious look on his damned perfect face.

Ciel sighed. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I mean no disrespect, sir-"

Ciel scoffed.

"But it would seem I have missed a lot in the years I was away."

"An understatement," Ciel responded wryly, and then sighed, placing his work back onto the desk to fully face Sebastian. "As I'm sure you've gathered, my— or should I say, my brother's— engagement was called off. For obvious reasons."

"Yes, and the marchioness dramatically cut ties with the remains of the Phantomhive family."

Ciel nodded, rising from his seat. The young man focused on fixing his cuff links and swiping away nonexistent lint from his impeccable clothing. A distraction. "Elizabeth reached out to me last year, hoping to rekindle our friendship as cousins. Things have been... different. She is engaged, you know."

Finding no other distractions, Ciel left the room, Sebastian following behind.

"Duke Benedict Montgomery III may be a proper posh twat, but Lizzie is happy. And he is a good match for her as well. Far better than I could have ever been."

Sebastian remained silent, which Ciel was grateful for.

“The Midfords themselves have decided to mend the relations between our families, but things between my aunt and I are… not ideal. The Phantomhives may be tasked with being the Watchdogs of England, but the Midfords still rank higher than my family. I figured it would be prudent to cooperate.”

“A wise decision, young master.”

Ciel whirled on Sebastian, clearly catching the demon by surprise, his anger barely contained.

“Do not call me that. I am no longer a child, and you will not refer to me as such. Do you understand?” Ciel seethed.

Sebastian stopped short, eyes wide. But only for a moment, before he schooled his expression and bowed before his master. “Forgive me, my lord. I truly meant no disrespect.”

Ciel unconsciously clenched his jaw as he turned back down the hallway. It would not be the first time he was regarded as a child, whether it was his age, his height, or how young he still looked, he was unsure. He still occasionally met with businessmen who were condescending and patronizing, and while he had always managed to diplomatically correct them, that it happened at all still ate at him. He would not have his butler treat him with the same disrespect.

He was not a child anymore.

When they reached the parlor Ciel took a moment before entering , taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly while he ignored Sebastian's presence at his elbow. His nerves eased slightly, Ciel schooled his expression into a pleasant smile and entered the room.

Elizabeth rose to meet him. They both faltered awkwardly, unsure exactly how to greet the other.

“I have prepared a table in the greenhouse for lunch today, my lord,” Sebastian spoke up behind them.

“Very well, let us go then,” Ciel said with a nod and they both followed Sebastian from the room.

Ciel wouldn't admit that he was glad for the butler's intervention. The boy truly had no idea how to properly behave around his cousin anymore. She had gone from squealing and hugging him as soon as she laid eyes on him, to keeping a formal distance and polite conversation.

It reminded him of before. Before the fire, and the cult, and the deaths of his family. Elizabeth had always been polite and friendly, but she had never cared much for him— not like she had his brother. Nobody had.

A hand on Ciel's arm startled him out of his spiraling thoughts. When he looked up he was met with a concerned expression on Eli zabeth's face.

“Are you alright?”

“I am. My apologies. I've just had a lot on my mind the last few days,” Ciel smiled, helping Elizabeth into her seat and sitting across from her. “I must have gotten distracted.”

Sebastian served them both their tea, and excused himself to collect their lunch. As soon as the man left the room, Elizabeth turned a serious gaze to Ciel.

“So Sebastian is back.”

“Yes, ” Ciel said, brow furrowing. He was unsure where she was attempting to turn the conversation to, but he didn't like it.

“Are you happy he's returned?”

“Well, I suppose so. He was always a good butler, and it's a relief to have someone familiar with my businesses to take over,” Ciel said, adding sugar to his tea.

“That's not what I meant,” Elizabeth frowned, taking her own cup into her hands. “You two were very close before. You both obviously cared for the other.”

Ciel stiffened, eyes darting away from her intent gaze. “I-I'm not sure what gave you that impression. He's always just been my butler. Nothing more.”

Elizabeth opened her mouth to respond, but Sebastian's return with their meal caused her to fall silent, though the unspoken words hung heavily between them.

The man had always just been Ciel's butler. They weren't friends before, and they especially weren't anything more than employer and employee now.

Nothing more.

The rest of the afternoon was surprisingly pleasant. After Ciel's deflection, Elizabeth changed the conversation to her upcoming wedding. The date was set for mid-spring, when the blossoms would be in full bloom and she confided her worry in if the weather would still be pleasant. They would hold the reception at her fiancé's manor, and if it did rain his ballroom was more than spacious enough to hold everyone that would be invited, but truly she wished everything to be held in the gardens. She had initially wished to hold the ceremony there as well, but her mother wouldn't budge, and it would be held in the chapel as planned.

She would be wearing white, just as the late Queen Victoria had on her wedding. Ms. Hopkins had designed her the most beautiful gown, and her mother absolutely hated it, but Elizabeth insisted that she wanted wanted to wear what was fashionable, and Ms. Hopkins agreed.

Ciel was surprised by how much he actually enjoyed the conversation. He supposed It was because he was no longer involved in the wedding, but seeing Elizabeth truly happy made his heart feel lighter. She deserved someone who loved her dearly and would make her happy.

“You will come, won't you?”

Ciel looked up into her hopeful face, verdant eyes practically sparkling. He reached up to squeeze her hand, which was resting on his forearm as he escorted her to the carriage waiting to bring her home.

“Of course I will,” Ciel said. This time his smile was genuine.

Gently he helped her step into her carriage, but before he could pull away, Elizabeth gripped his hand harder. Ciel looked up in confusion, brows furrowed.

“It's okay to forgive, you know.”

“Wh-What?”

“I know it can be hard, but… you both deserve it.”

With those final words Elizabeth released Ciel's hand, and sat back on the seat, offering him a wave goodbye. Ciel stepped away as the footman closed the door of the carriage and climbed up onto the bench. With a flick of the reins they were pulling away, leaving Ciel with his thoughts and the tight feeling in his chest.

That evening found Ciel in his study once more, this time with Elizabeth's words still echoing in his mind. Forgiveness. Was she talking about Sebastian? If she understood the gravity of the creature's betrayal, she may understand better why he could not forgive the demon. He wasn't even sure if he could fully trust Sebastian right now.

Ciel sighed.

An odd coincidence that Elizabeth would bring up forgiveness on today's visit, Ciel mused, pulling out the ruined letter from this morning. It was entirely unsalvageable, the ink having covered more than half the sheet. A blessing in disguise, he supposed.

“My lord?”

Ciel looked up to Sebastian, whose brows were furrowed. Feigning concern, most likely. He cringed inwardly at the uncharitable thought, and pulled the teacup Sebastian had placed on the desk closer.

“I'm fine.”

The demon straightened up, placing his hands behind his back. Clearly waiting for Ciel to elaborate. The boy's first instinct was to curse him… but maybe Sebastian would have insight he had never considered. The demon may not care about relationships and forgiveness, but he surely would have witnessed more than enough humans by now to have some experience on the matter.

What a silly thought.

But Ciel couldn’t take more silence without going mad.

“We talked yesterday about Funtom's expansion out of England,” Ciel started, rising from his seat to pace towards the window, the setting sun casting a golden glow to his features. “One thing I've done is design a new line of animals. The prototypes arrived last week.”

Ciel moved away from the window, to a glass cabinet. He pulled the doors open to reveal neatly organized rows of stuffed animals. A collection of the first Bitter Rabbits, and their newly designed friends. Sebastian stepped up behind Ciel, inspecting the new animals. Ciel watched him from the corner of his eye, nervous the demon would make a snide comment or jab about the new designs. In addition to a handful of new rabbits, there was a dog with yellow fur, a black cat with glittering green eyes, and an elephant wearing a gold and purple vest.

The demon, of course, focused on the cat immediately. At Ciel's nod he lifted it from the cabinet to inspect it more closely, running a hand over its ears as if it were a real cat.

“The new selection is lovely,” Sebastian said, returning the cat to its place on the shelf.

Ciel couldn't help but flush at the approval. He turned away quickly before the demon could notice and comment, placing his hands on the desk and leaning forward. The discarded letter caught his eye once more.

“What are your thoughts on forgiveness?” Ciel asked quickly before he could change his mind.

Sebastian closed the cabinet with a click, crossing the room once more to stand before Ciel's desk. His brows were furrowed, though this time he seemed confused more than concerned.

“I am not sure what you are asking, my lord. Demons have the tendency to hold grudges for millennia; forgiveness is not particularly common among my kind.”

“I suppose it's more of a human convention then,” Ciel said wearily, sinking into his chair.

“Are you looking to forgive one who has wronged you, my lord?” The demon asked, a slight lilt in his tone. Ciel wanted to throw the teacup at him in frustration.

“I am the one seeking forgiveness… I…” Ciel trailed off, spinning the teacup on its saucer instead. “I wished to write to Soma. Reconnecting with Elizabeth has been… nice. She seems to genuinely be happy to have my company again, and I thought…”

“You would beg forgiveness for your role in the attack on the townhouse,” Sebastian finished for him.

“That… Yes,” Ciel said, unable to look the demon in the eye. “You must find the desire foolish.”

“Not at all, my lord. As much as the boy frustrated you, you also held that friendship dear. There is no shame in that.”

Ciel was surprised by Sebastian’s statement. A creature of darkness, always looking for the flaws in the humans around him, not finding Ciel's embarrassing sentimentality to be shameful? He was a strange demon indeed.

“Truly?”

“Of course not, my lord. The relationships you build have meaning to you, and are nothing to be ashamed of.”

“What an odd demon you are,” Ciel mused.

Sebastian just smiled in response. “So I take it the letter you ruined this morning was your attempt at correspondence?”

“Yes… I am not sure what to say. I have no problems discussing business, or maintaining a conversation I don't have much interest in during social events, but being the one to reach out has proven to be more difficult than I anticipated,” Ciel confided.

“It just takes practice, my lord,” Sebastian offered, and paused for a moment before continuing. “If you fear your attempts to mend your friendship being rejected, you will never know if you don't make an attempt.”

“I suppose that's true,” Ciel sighed.

A sharp knock pulled their attention away from the discussion, and Snake entered the room, carrying a letter on a silver tray. “‘An urgent letter for Smile,’ says Oscar.”

Sebastian stepped aside for the young man to hand Ciel the letter, who took one look at the seal and steeled himself. It was the coat of arms of the King of England.

He thanked and dismissed Snake and Oscar as he tore open the letter, frowning at the contents.

“It would seem we are needed to assist in an investigation,” Ciel rubbed his chin, rereading the letter. “Go make preparations for an extended stay in the townhouse. We will have to leave in the morning.”

“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian said with a bow, and the demon swept from the room.

It would seem the letter to Soma would have to wait.

Chapter Text

The following morning the manor was a flurry of activity. Sebastian had worked through the night to make preparations for an extended stay in London. Bard, Finny, Snake and Mey-Rin would be accompanying them, leaving Stuart, Clarice and Jim to oversee the manor in their absence. The servants’ luggage was already stowed into the second wagon, and Sebastian was going through his master's bags once more to make sure everything was properly packed. Snake was overseeing the master's breakfast to give Sebastian a moment's respite.

Entirely unnecessary, though he appreciated the consideration.

Sebastian closed the luggage with a click, and carried it downstairs. His master joined him as he was loading the remaining bags onto the coach, holding a wrapped package. The boy seemingly lost in thought.

“Would you like me to load that with the rest of your luggage, my lord?”

“Oh, n o. I would rather keep it for now,” Ciel said, running a finger along the string that wrapped the package closed. “You can put it in the post when we arrive.”

“Yes, my lord. Are you ready to go?”

“I suppose so. London is the last place I wish to be right now,” Ciel grumbled as he climbed into his coach. “You'll drive me today; let Snake drive the others.”

“As you wish, sir.” When Sebastian began to close the door, Ciel caught it with his hand and leaned out of the carriage, letting out a sharp whistle. For a moment Sebastian was impressed, the boy he remembered would have had issues whistling due to his childhood asthma, until he realized why his master was whistling in the first place.

A sharp yip came from behind, and his master's beast trotted by with an insufferable wag of its tail and hopped in. Ciel just gave his butler a sweet smile, and pulled the door closed himself. Sebastian turned to check on the other servants, seeing the rest stifling their mirth. The demon gave them a sharp look which did little to end their muffled laughter.

Bard's expression was especially unbearable.

Pushing away his frustration, Sebastian climbed into the box and turned to address the staff that would be staying behind. “Look after the manor while we are gone, I expect things to be as pristine on our return as we are currently leaving them.”

When they gave their collective affirmative Sebastian flicked the reins, beginning their journey into the city.

They arrived by midmorning.

Sebastian tasked Bard and Finny with unloading the carriages and putting the horses to the stables, while he accompanied his master inside, the wretched canine trotting alongside Ciel.

“Do you wish to take tea in the drawing room?” Sebastian asked, taking his master's coat from his shoulders.

“No, I shall get changed, and meet you in my study,” Ciel replied, patting the beast's head absently before he turned to Sebastian. “Fetch Bardroy and bring him there, please.”

“Yes, my lord.”

He was confused as to what Bard could possibly do for his master that he couldn't, but he would not be so foolish as to disobey his master's orders. Not when they seemed to have found a truce between them, no matter how fragile it was.

Coats carefully stowed in the coat closet and Snake bringing the master's luggage to the master bedroom, Sebastian went to find Bard. He found the human in the kitchen, grumbling about needing to get the stove heated on such short notice.

“Bardroy.”

“Yeah, boss?”

“The master wished for you to join us in his study.”

“Me?”

Sebastian sighed. “Those were his orders.”

“Alright…” The human stood up, wiping the soot from his hands onto his apron and followed Sebastian from the room.

Ciel was waiting for them behind the desk, absently staring out the window while his fingers rapped on the desk rhythmically. He looked up when the door opened, Sebastian and Bard entering the study together.

“We will be going to Scotland Yard,” the master began. “Bardroy, I require your assistance. I assume they have a mountain of case files for me to retrieve, and I need some muscle to get what I need.”

“Not to disobey an order, Master… But wouldn't Sebastian be a better choice for this than me?”

Ciel laced his fingers together as he rested his chin upon them. His expression was steely, but he gave Bard the leeway to speak. Their master seemed more patient with the staff, Sebastian noted, seeming to take their thoughts into consideration more than he had as a boy.

Bard didn't falter, but he did reach up to rub the back of his neck. A nervous tick. “It's only that he's got a far more keen eye for these things than I do. More experience, and he can be right terrifying when he puts his mind to it. I'm just as you said, the muscle. Wouldn't you prefer someone with a more… Refined demeanor for something like this?”

If Sebastian hadn't been watching the chef so closely, he may have missed the wink the human directed at him.

Ciel seemed to consider Bard's words, eyes traveling between the two to take them in. Sebastian kept up appearances. He waited silently while their master made his decision, the image of a perfect butler, but his heart was pounding in anticipation.

“Very well. Sebastian, be ready to leave in the next hour. I would still like to take tea before we leave, and don't forget the parcel I need to go to the post.”

“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian said with a bow.

Both men left the room together, leaving Ciel to prepare what he needed for their errand.

“Blimey, I half expected him to come over the desk at me!” Bard said with a heavy sigh.

“He does not appreciate disobedience,” Sebastian agreed.

“Well, I figure I wasn't the right choice for this job anyway. I didn't lie when I said you were the sharper of the two of us, and you're far better at any of this sleuthing than I ever will be,” Bard said as they traveled down the hall, back towards the kitchen.

Sebastian silently agreed.

“But it also gives you an in with the master! I'm thoughtful like that,” the chef winked once again.

“I'm afraid I do not know what you mean,” Sebastian said, as he pulled out the tea leaves and set about preparing his master's tea as quickly as possible.

“Come off it. You know just as much as I do that he's madder than hell at you. I'm just trying to smooth things along. We've gotten to know the other a bit better over the last few years. He's a good kid.”

Sebastian agreed, but the pang of jealousy kept him silent.

“Excuse me,” the demon said softly, carrying the silver tea tray from the kitchen.

After a quick cup of tea and a small plate of biscuits, Ciel found himself in a cab, with Sebastian sitting across from him. He would have preferred his own coach, but Sebastian had made a good point, the horses needed to rest, and it would be faster this way. They stopped at the post office, Ciel handing the package silently to Sebastian while the butler went inside, returning a few moments later.

“This case has been ongoing for some time,” Ciel began. He had been mulling over it all night and morning, using it as a distraction from his anxiety over Soma's potential response to the letter he sent. “I have not been privy to much, the King wanted me to get involved earlier, but the Yard insisted they did not need my assistance. They were confident they could handle a string of kidnappings and potential human trafficking. But it seems things have gotten out of hand, and they need the assistance of an expert.”

“Lord Randall has always had a habit of letting his pride get the better of him,” Sebastian said with a smirk.

“And he has gotten no better in the last five years, especially where I am involved,” Ciel said dryly, the hint of a sneer in his voice.

“So I am not to expect a warm welcome?”

“More like enough ice to freeze Hell itself.”

They fell silent for the rest of the trip. Ciel did not want to admit it, but the banter felt comfortable. He hadn't realized how much he had actually missed it until now. While he was never truly alone in the manor, he had the staff and Lady, but there was a companionship with the demon he had never realized just how important it was until is was gone.

Having it back now felt surreal. As if he were caught in a dream.

A dream he may wake from at any moment.

That thought itself was sobering. He couldn't let himself get that close again. The demon would inevitably grow bored, especially with no soul on offer, and he would leave once again. Nobody in Ciel's life had ever been a permanent presence, and if he wasn't careful, he would be shattered once again.

No, he needed to maintain a distance from Sebastian. He could be friendly, but he could not open himself to the demon.

Not again.

The cab jerking to a halt pulled Ciel from his melancholy thoughts, a small frown having taken over his features. He noticed the demon watching him, a critical eye taking in any and all mannerisms Ciel let slip. He smoothed his expression, and nodded towards the door. Sebastian raised his eyebrows slightly, but opened the carriage, climbing out to hold the door for his master.

Ciel grabbed his walking stick, and put his hat back on before exiting. He had an image to maintain at Scotland Yard, and he would not ruin it now. He noted idly that Sebastian ordered the cab to wait for their return, offering the driver a stack of coins.

Ciel entered the building, Sebastian on his heel. They ignored the secretary at the front desk, and went right for Lord Randall's office.

“It would seem that your rejection of my assistance was met with disapproval of His Majesty, Mr. Randall,” Ciel said without preamble as he strode into the room.

“Phantomhive,” the other man sneered. “Your meddling was not required then, nor is it wanted now.”

“The King would beg to differ,” Ciel said icily, slapping the letter calling him to London onto Randall's desk. “As such, you no longer have a choice in the matter.”

Randall met Ciel's glare with his own and he felt Sebastian go deadly still behind him.

He never felt particularly threatened by Lord Randall, his words holding more bite than his actions. There was a small part of Ciel that preened over the thought that the demon was prepared to come to his aid over a bit of disrespect.

As much as he enjoyed the idea of ordering that insufferable man dead, however, Ciel still needed Randall alive and cooperating to do his job properly.

The older man broke first, looking away with a muttered curse. Ciel glanced back at Sebastian with a smirk. The demon seemed pleased, with a strange softness to his expression. The boy looked away quickly when he felt his cheeks heat under Sebastian's gaze. It wouldn't do to flush like a maiden when there was important work to be done and insufferable men to tolerate.

“Abberline. Get the earl what he needs,” Randall barked, dismissing Ciel with a wave of his hand.

“Right away, sir,” Abberline responded. “The case files are in here.”

Ciel and Sebastian followed the other man into the other room, where all the records were kept. He immediately went to a stack that was off to the side, obviously something he had ready and waiting.

“Knew we would be coming, did you?” Ciel asked smugly.

“Regardless of what Sir Randall thinks, I knew you would be here sooner or later. So I took it upon myself of making copies of our records for you.”

Ciel flipped open the top file, a list of victims and locations. The second, much thinner, file was potential suspects.

“The only thing in common with any of the victims is their age group and social status. All from wealthy families, all second or third children, and all between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. They were also all kidnapped during a robbery,” Abberline offered without preamble.

“A robbery?”

“Yes. There was a break in on one side of the building, while someone else snuck in and drugged the victims so they could be dragged out. We found a rag soaked in chloroform at one of the homes.”

Ciel met Sebastian's gaze for a moment before his eyes slid back to the file in his hand. “A higher number of male over female victims? That's odd.”

“We thought so too,” Abberline said, running a hand through his hair. “With the first few we thought a potential ransom, but then when the families were never contacted we shifted to human trafficking. And with more of the victims being young men, we were thinking slave trade. Surely they wouldn't be sold to brothels.”

Ciel snorted, but said nothing else. “Sebastian, gather the files, and let us be off,” Ciel looked back up to Abberline. “I expect to be informed of any new leads, evidence or victims.”

“Y-yes, sir!”

Without another word Ciel headed towards the front of the building, fixing Randall with a scathing glare as they passed his office. Once they were outside he heaved a heavy sigh.

“Let's get back to the townhouse so I can go through all of this. I'd like to inspect the crime scenes, but it's been far too long since the last person was taken. There won't be anything to find,” Ciel said angrily, ignoring Sebastian's offered hand to climb into the waiting cab on his own, the demon climbing in behind him. “If they had just put their damn pride aside this would be sorted already.”

“At least somebody was anticipating your arrival and had the files ready for you, sir,” said Sebastian, an attempt to placate Ciel's simmering temper.

“It's very likely this isn't even all the information. It wouldn't be the first time Randall has withheld important evidence from me before,” Ciel replied, resting his chin on his fist, watching the city pass by out the window.

“If you would like, I can investigate the scenes. As always, I am at your disposal.”

“That won't be necessary. You have your own duties, and these are mine,” Ciel said wearily.

As much as he would like to let Sebastian handle everything, it was still his duty as the Watchdog to do as the king wished. And if this man was trafficking human beings in the Underworld, it was Ciel's responsibility to put a stop to it.

Later that afternoon, Sebastian joined Ciel in his study with his afternoon tea and a snack.

“Calvin Hughes.”

“My lord?”

“One of the suspects. Everyone here are lowborn thugs for hire, except for this man, Calvin Hughes,” Ciel read, ignoring the tea and cake Sebastian had just placed on his desk for the moment. “An ex-vicar. Thirteen months ago he came into a substantial amount of wealth with the death of his stepsister and her husband, and he chose to leave the church. His business has become suspiciously lucrative over the last few months; shortly after the kidnappings started.”

They had only been home from Scotland Yard for a few hours. Ciel had retreated to his study with the case files, and Sebastian had left to attend to his work around the townhouse. The servants had done a decent job of airing the building out, and preparing for their prolonged stay, but Sebastian had wanted to be sure everything was up to his standards. He was satisfied to see that they had.

That had left attending to the master as the only duties left to fulfill for the time being. When Sebastian had joined Ciel in his study, he was quietly relieved that the boy didn't send him away as soon as he set foot in the room. He had seemed adamant that morning that Sebastian not use his usual skills to dig for evidence or assist him in any way that required him to leave the townhouse. The demon had fully expected to be banished from the study altogether when he knocked on the door with afternoon tea.

He supposed the slice of Gateau au Chocolat he presented to his master was reason enough to put him in a better mood than he had been all morning.

“You believe him to be the prime suspect, then?”

“The best we have for the moment,” Ciel responded, finally putting the papers aside to sip his tea. He eyed the cake with a sparkle in his eye before pulling the plate towards himself. “According to the files not a single one of these men have been interviewed. I cannot say I'm particularly surprised about that.”

“My lord, if you would like-”

“I would like you to stop suggesting you do my work for me,” Ciel responded sharply. “If I need your assistance, I will order it.”

“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian bowed, schooling his expression to hide the frown that threatened to twist his lips. “As you wish.”

“You may leave.”

Sebastian left his master to his work, leaving the pot of tea on the desk and taking the empty tray with him. The demon had kept quiet while his master read through the evidence they had collected, not once offering his services all afternoon. Not until the inevitable dismissal. The idea that the Yard were too prideful to accept assistance paled in comparison to the amount of pride that kept Ciel Phantomhive from allowing his servant to assist.

It would be comical if not for the frustration Sebastian felt simmering within.

The walk to the kitchen gave him enough time to temper his frustration. The last thing he desired was one of the servants noticing his mood and asking about it. It was bad enough Bardroy noticed yesterday, and now the man was watching him like a hawk. Sebastian did not know why his control was slipping when it came to his emotions and he did not wish to explain himself.

The master just didn’t trust him enough yet. He would continue to be dutiful and prove himself, and then things could potentially shift back to the way they used to be. At least enough that he could be trusted to do something as simple as gather information. A part of him wanted to leave and investigate this Calvin Hughes on his own, but he could not risk his master calling for him and not being there to respond. It would shatter their fragile arrangement irreparably.

So he would be patient, and await his master’s orders. If he wanted Sebastian to stay in the townhouse and serve tea, then that is what he would do.

In the kitchen Bardroy was preparing dinner, freshly washed vegetables lined up neatly and waiting to be chopped. Sebastian pulled off his tailcoat and hung it on a hook, replacing it with his apron. He stepped around the mongrel as it watched what he was doing intently. The demon had almost forgotten the creature had come with them.

“You two get what you needed from the Yard?”

“Yes, although it wasn't without a fight. It would seem the young- The master has not endeared himself to Lord Randall in my absence.”

Bard grinned and patted Sebastian’s arm while the demon carefully washed the tea set. “Don’t worry, I catch myself wanting to call him ‘young master’ sometimes myself. He hates it so much now. Worked hard to be seen as an adult with everyone else, but sometimes I can’t help but imagine the ten-year-old I met all those years ago,” Bard chuckled. “Had to fight tooth and nail to be taken seriously, especially with that Randall bloke. Now he is a piece of work. Sometimes I think he’s still convinced the master was behind all those murders at the music hall. Even after his innocence was proven.”

“I see.”

The two men fell silent while they worked, and Sebastian was surprised by how comfortable it felt. The familiarity put him at ease; He hadn’t realized the anxiety he was feeling at being ordered to do nothing.

A demon afflicted with anxiety. What a silly thing to even consider.

And yet the tightness in his chest and the agitation in his limbs could not be anything else. He was ordered to do nothing but be a servant. Never in his entire long life had he been left with nothing he could possibly do. The thought of being idle was a frustrating one.

He just needed to remain patient.

The next morning Sebastian was in the middle of preparing the master's tea when a frantic banging on their front door interrupted. Snake left to answer, with Sebastian following shortly behind, tossing his apron aside and shrugging back into his tailcoat. Normally he would have left Snake to his job, he was remarkably serious about his duties, but the unease radiating from the soul at the door set Sebastian on edge.

When they reached the foyer Sebastian nodded to Snake to open the door, the serpents draped across his shoulders on high alert.

On their doorstep was a frazzled inspector Abberline. He almost looked surprised when he saw the demon, no doubt he had grown used to his absence.

“Ah, Mr. Sebastian. Apologies for calling so early, however Lord Phantomhive requested I inform him if we had another kidnapping. There uh, was another. Early this morning.” The man was anxious, and fidgeting, clearly wanting to be anywhere else but personally calling on Ciel, but his sense of duty was too strong to ignore.

“I see,” Sebastian replied, motioning for Abberline to enter the foyer and led him to the morning room. “I will go fetch the master. If you require anything while you wait, please let Mr. Snake know.”

The inspector just nodded, eyeing Snake's companions warily.

Sebastian left them and went upstairs, annoyed that his entire routine had been disrupted. He had never been late for, or missed, his master's morning tea, but the situation seemed too dire to put on hold. When he reached the master bedroom, he knocked swiftly on the door, waiting for a moment for any indication his master was already awake. A sleepy “yes?” Was enough for Sebastian to enter.

He bowed as he entered the darkened room, eyes drifting over his master's sleep mussed hair. The demon pointedly ignored the canine curled next to Ciel, especially the fact that the creature's tail began to excitedly wag as he entered the room.

“Forgive me, my lord, but Inspector Abberline is here. He says there was another kidnapping in the night, and would like you to come to the scene.”

The sleepiness of his master almost dissipated immediately. “I will be down in a moment.”

“Would you like me to bring your breakfast to the morning room?”

“No, we will go right to the scene.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Sebastian left his master to dress and prepare himself for the day, making his way to the kitchen to inform the servants of their plans, have Finny prepare the coach and finish making his master’s tea. He couldn't help but feel delighted, a sense of excitement building.

The demon had never expected to be able to partake in anything like this again. Every master before Ciel had been mundane; living their own selfish and boring lives, wishing for power, and as soon as they had it, the demon would claim their soul. Until he met Ciel he had never experienced the thrill of watching a master unravel a mystery and piece together a puzzle where the solution was a matter of life and death.

The demon eyed the clock with mild annoyance at his disrupted schedule, but it couldn’t be helped now. He readied the tea tray with refreshments and took it to the drawing room. Detective Abberline was pacing, but when he saw Sebastian enter he sat at the table, knee bouncing with restless energy.

Sebastian poured a cup of tea, and offered it to the anxious man. “Here you are, sir. The master should be joining us shortly.”

Abberline almost seemed like he might reject the offer, but thought better of it, taking the saucer in his hands with a word of thanks. He seemed to calm at the routine motions of preparing his drink, a splash of milk and a cube of sugar. Sebastian felt pleased that his hospitality was accepted; the man’s anxious pacing had been enough to agitate even the patient demon.

They did not have to wait long for the master to join them, although judging by his attire he did not plan to take his morning tea.

“Let us go. I would like to inspect the scene while everything is still fresh,” Ciel said with his most commanding tone.

“My lord-”

“I don’t have time, Sebastian. I have a job to do, as you well know,” Ciel snapped with a glare.

“Apologies, sir.” The demon did his best to appear contrite.

“Detective?”

“Oh, yes!” Abberline shot up, cup placed onto the table and hurriedly followed behind Ciel as he left to the foyer.

Sebastian sighed after the two men left the room, feeling slightly deflated. He had displeased his master once again. The feeling didn’t last long before the frustration set in. Not only with himself, but with the clear lack of care his master was taking with himself. Not even a cup of tea before leaving to work, not to mention the last several sleepless nights working through all of the evidence they had gathered. He would fall ill if he were not careful; he may now be a man, but his constitution was still fragile.

Which is why he must accompany his master to make sure he does not push himself past his limits.

“Snake, please tidy up in here. I do not know when the master and I will return, but inform Bardroy that as soon as we do the master will require a meal.”

“‘You can count on us,’ says Goethe.”

Sebastian nodded and went to the foyer, just in time to help his master slip on his coat while Abberline relayed the address they would be meeting the other officers.

Finny had readied the horses for them, and was currently speaking to them in a hushed tone when Ciel led the two other men outside. Sebastian held the door for his master and the inspector, already knowing he would be expected to drive the coach. When the expected rap on the roof came, Sebastian flicked the reins.

“Drive safely!” Finny called after them with a wave.

Sebastian raised his hand politely in response, and expertly guided the horses to the street, heading across town. The townhouse in question was not terribly far off; only taking them a quarter of an hour to arrive. The streets thankfully were still relatively empty this early in the morning, especially in such a wealthy neighborhood. The Season was not upon them yet, and many families still resided in their country homes this early in the spring.

Sebastian supposed that was one reason it was so easy to kidnap someone from their bed, seeing as the majority of their neighbors were away.

On the ride his master had remained quiet, with the inspector awkwardly following suit. When they arrived at their destination Sebastian tied the horses to a post, and helped opened the door to the coach. He caught himself in a moment of surprise when his master actually took his hand when climbing down from the coach; his heeled boots having caught for a moment on the steps.

Ciel looked away and righted himself quickly, a slight flush on his cheeks.

The demon wanted to preen over even such a small moment, but knew it would not be appropriate. There would be time for that later.

Abberline led them into the home where an elderly butler and a weeping maid stood with an officer attempting to calm the hysterical woman. Ciel handed Sebastian his hat and walking stick, greeting the aged butler politely.

“The boy’s name is Winston Livingston,” Abberline started, directing the butler to show them to the boy’s bedroom. “He is the sixteen-year-old, second son of Lord Livingston, who is currently at their country manor with his wife. I’ve been told she is ill. Their oldest son is off at Weston College currently.”

“Truth be told, Winnie should have been there as well. He arrived home earlier this week, bereft over something or other,” the older butler told them, sadness permeating his weathered voice.

Ciel nodded as he listened, shooting a look at Sebastian with the smallest smirk on his lips. The demon remembered their time at the college fondly, even if it had ended with unexpected results.

When they reached the bedroom on the second floor, it was obvious there hadn’t been much of a struggle, with only a duvet and the sheets displaced from the bed. The boy probably sleeping through the disturbance on the first floor, as it was on opposite ends of the building.

“I will admit I don’t understand much of what the young master lets upset him so, but his father insisted we stay with him until he could return and handle the issue himself. He’s a sensitive boy,” the butler said, wringing his hands as he watched Ciel walk the perimeter of the boy’s bedroom.

“Tell me the events that happened last evening. Before you realized he was missing,” Ciel said, voice gentle, but filled with authority.

“We served dinner, as usual. And he retired for the evening with a book. I finished my own duties, and went to bed myself,” the butler told them, pulling out his pocket watch to examine the numbers. “It must have been around ten o’clock in the evening. With only a few members of the staff here and Winnie, there isn’t much work to do.”

Ciel nodded, inspecting the windows. Sebastian could already tell nobody had entered the room from anywhere but inside the house, which his master must have also concluded when he released the drapes after checking the third, and final window.

“What time did the disturbance happen?”

“It must have been the wee hours of the morning, sir. The sky was still darkened, with the light barely starting to shine through. Forgive me, I was so shaken I did not think to check the time.”

Ciel nodded and looked to Abberline.

“Ah! Yes, their side door had been bashed in-”

“The one that leads to the gardens?”

“Ahh, no. The one that leads to the stables. And their china and silverware cabinets had been ransacked by the time mister…” Abberline trailed off, looking to the butler.

“Johnson, sir.”

“Apologies, Mr. Johnson. They were rifling through the silverware when Mr. Johnson found him, and scared him away.”

“Did you hear anything from this side if the house? A yell or a struggle?” Ciel questioned.

“No, nothing.”

“And you don’t think he would have chosen to return to the college? He seems to have a habit of running away.”

“No, sir! Forgive me, but Winnie wasn’t like that. He was always a quiet boy; he spent his time reading, even as a young child it was hard to pry him away from his books.”

This time when Ciel met Sebastian’s eyes, the demon couldn’t help the smug smile. The boy just glared back, and continued his line of questioning.

Winston was a quiet boy; he had never run away until he was sent away to school. He had trouble adjusting, but disappearing in the middle of the night was unheard of. No, he did not have any enemies that the family was aware of; they are a well to do business family. Lord Livingston inherited his great, great grandfather’s trade company. They even do work in the United States!

Sebastian listened to everything, waiting for his master to notice the corner of the rug kicked up by the well hidden side door.

Thankfully he didn’t have to wait long for his clever master to notice.

“What is through here?” Ciel asked, kicking over the corner of the rug, and pulling aside a curtain, revealing a smaller servant’s door.

“Ah, that’s just a servant’s corridor, sir. My master’s great, great grandfather was… Not fond of seeing servants. We don’t use them anymore.”

Ciel just hummed, and opened the door. In the morning light there were drag marks through the dust.

“It would seem he was taken through here. Show us where the exit is, if you would.”

“Oh, Lord…” the butler’s hands shook, but he led them from the room and down to the back of the house, where the hidden corridors opened into the below stairs.

Abberline was frantically taking notes, while Sebastian watched his master intently.

“So he was taken through here, and while you were occupied with the burglar, dragged right out your back door and into the gardens,” Ciel concluded, following the invisible trail outside. “Likely through that gap in the fence and into the property next door.”

Abberline motioned for one of his men to slip through the fence. He was only gone for a handful of moments before he returned.

“It looks like the fence is destroyed on the other side too, sir. Into the alley.”

“Likely had a carriage waiting,” Ciel said, tapping his chin as he thought.

“I also found this.”

The officer held out a rag to Ciel, which Sebastian snatched before he could take it. The boy rolled his eyes in response. The demon lifted it closer to his nose and let out an imperceptible growl, brows furrowed.

“Is it what I think it is?”

“Yes. Chloroform, my lord.”

The elderly butler looked stricken, while the officers exchanged a grim look between them.

“I have some leads to look into. The Yard will be in contact with your master, Mr. Johnson. Thank you,” Ciel said, motioning for Sebastian to return his hat and walking stick. “Come, Sebastian.”

The demon obediently followed, leaving Abberline with the residents of the townhouse.

“If there had been a struggle, and the boy yelled, would the rest of the house have heard him?” Ciel asked as they walked back through the foyer and down the front steps.

“It is not likely, sir. The bedroom is far enough from the dining room that the elderly staff's diminished hearing would have made it difficult to hear his cries. If he had been drugged, it's likely he didn't call for help at all.”

Ciel just nodded.

When they reached the coach, Sebastian pulled the door open for his master, who paused for a moment, turning a thought over in his mind. The bustle of a now fully awakened London passed around them.

“I would like to visit this Calvin Hughes. His offices are across town. You should know the address already. It was in the paperwork we retrieved from the Yard.”

“My Lord, respectfully, I would suggest we return home first. You have not eaten a true meal in days; you haven’t even had your usual tea this morning."

The human turned an icy glare onto the demon. Any other human would be easily cowed, but not Sebastian.

“I only find myself concerned with your well-being.”

At that statement Ciel laughed, cold and steely, stepping out of the door to the coach and slamming it shut.

“You find yourself ‘concerned?’ Bollocks,” Ciel hissed.

Before Sebastian could interject over his master's crude language, the boy continued.

“You leave for five years, and return for five days. Suddenly insisting you feel concern over my well-being,” Ciel snarled. “You have done nothing but question me since we arrived in London. I have duties I must perform, and you cannot seem to understand that. You will return to the townhouse, and stay there until I return. Do you understand?”

“My lord…”

“Do you understand?!”

Sebastian clenched his jaw, and released it. “Yes, my lord.”

With a final sharp look, Ciel turned away, hailing a passing cab. Sebastian just watched as his master gave directions to the driver and climbed in. He didn't even offer Sebastian a backward glance. The demon just sighed and climbed up into the box.

He had truly made a mess of things.

Ciel refused to let himself look back at Sebastian, and his heart ached for it.

Five years of hoping and praying for the damnable demon to return, just to spurn him. But he continued to treat Ciel as a child. He was eighteen years old. An adult. He did not need to be wrapped in cotton wool and coddled. He had duties to the crown and to the people; his own well-being would always come second. The sooner Sebastian understood, the sooner they could let things go back to normal.

If they even could go back to normal.

He still did not understand why the demon had returned in the first place. Sebastian claimed he wasn’t interested in Ciel’s soul anymore, though he was unsure if that was a lie. Their contract was so damaged… Was it possible the demon was truly lying with the intent to steal his soul when he least expected it?

If that were the case, why would he tolerate the menial tasks of a butler. Why did the demon not leave when Lady took a liking to him? Ciel was not blind to the murderous looks Sebastian shot his dog when he thought nobody was looking.

Ciel gripped the rim of his hat in his lap and let his head fall back against the seat, swaying with the movement of the cab through the streets.

He had truly hoped he had moved past his hurt and anger towards the demon for leaving, but his heart still ached.

He was tired of the lies.

The lies he told himself. That he didn’t care. That he didn’t want Sebastian there.

Maybe when he returned that evening… They could speak on it. Clear the air. Start fresh together. Ciel was unsure if he was ready to forgive Sebastian for abandoning him, but he knew he didn’t want to go on like this.

The cab rattling to a halt startled Ciel out of his thoughts. The coachman climbed down and held the door open for him.

“Are you sure this is where you were looking for, sir?”

Ciel looked up at the worn out front of the building. The sign hanging over the door was peeling, and the windows were filthy. He had to keep himself from covering his nose at the rank smell of the Thames, which was only a stone’s throw away from where they stood.

“Unfortunately,” Ciel said, and handed the driver some extra coins.

The cab rattled away behind him, and Ciel let himself into the building. The door creaked from disuse, but the inside of the building was cleaner. A desk in the corner with a set of files stacked neatly and a telephone on the desktop was the only furniture in the room.

“Hello? Mr. Hughes?” Ciel called out.

When nobody answered he stepped further into the building, making for the door in the wall behind the abandoned desk. He shifted his walking stick to his offhand, pulling his pistol from the holster under his coat. When Ciel pushed the door open it creaked loudly, but there was nobody in the room. Just a set of cabinets for filing paperwork, a dusty bookshelf and another plain desk.

A rattle, and shattering glass to Ciel’s right startled him, and he spun around. Gun raised and ready to shoot. But there was nobody there.

A squeak caught Ciel’s attention and rat scampered away from the fallen glass, squeezing through a gap in the window.

Ciel let out a shaky sigh and lowered his gun, backing out of the room…

And into a man who had silently snuck behind him.

The stranger was larger than Ciel, wrapping an arm around his waist and across his shoulders. The boy instinctively struggled, dropping his cane and attempting to bludgeon the man with the butt of his pistol, but he was too short to effectively fight back.

The pistol was wrestled from his hand and tossed aside.

Ciel snarled and threw his weight forward, but the man just fell on top of him, winding him. With a wheeze Ciel squirmed, hoping to squeeze out of the larger man’s hold and elbowed backwards, but his arm was caught and twisted behind him. Cursing the man and his family line, Ciel spewed profanity as he was pinned. Internally cursing that everything Bardroy had taught him was useless right now.

He had been distracted like a fool.

“Mouthy one,” the man growled as he wrapped a large hand into Ciel’s hair, yanking his head back. “Let’s have a bit of a nap then, eh?”

Ciel sputtered as he felt a wet, sweet smelling cloth press over his nose and mouth. He instinctively fought harder, holding his breath, but his assailant just pressed him harder into the floor. Finally, Ciel’s lungs couldn't hold off any longer. As they tried to drag in a breath of air his senses were assaulted with the scent of the drug soaked rag suffocating him.

In Ciel’s final moments of consciousness, all he could do was lament that he had sent Sebastian away.

The demon had been right to worry.

And Ciel would pay for his pride.