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akiruchanTitle: The Devil's Canvas
Chapter: 37 (part one)/?
Authors: Akiru chan & Disgruntled Minion
Pairing/Characters: Sebastian/Ciel
Rating: M
Summary: Ciel's skin was marred with ink and blood, telling tales twisted in darkness. What an evil path the devil walks, tainted hands staining the innocent canvas. For the most beautiful art is painted in blood.
Warnings: Violence, adult content, yaoi, and language
Note: Yes, I know today isn't Tuesday.. it's indeed Saturday. You didn't just black out on three days of your life, nor did I mix up my days again. lol.
The fact of the matter is that I won't be here Tuesday... so you are getting this chapter early. Think of it as a gift to you all because I love ya'll so much!!!!
8D
So enjoy... and I'm going to go have fun at the beach!
Chapter Thirty-Seven
A hush fell over the room as Sebastian and Ciel made their way into Tanaka’s office. Ciel’s heart clenched when his eyes fell on Finny. The boy was in a fit of tears, his sobs choked and trembling. Even if it was not something Ciel was comfortable with, or even in his character, he felt the need to comfort Finny any way he could. As they approached Tanaka’s desk, Ciel shifted off to the right and stood next to the young man. Finny looked up with tearful eyes and Ciel put a comforting hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
A few drops rolled down Finny’s cheeks but he quickly wiped them away. Now wasn’t the time to shed tears. Now was the time to make plans and figure out what their next course of action would be. One of their own was out there and crying tears wasn’t going to help him come home.
“Sebastian, Ciel,” Tanaka started, glancing over the two. “Before I give you two any information about what happened, I need to make sure that you are calm, level-headed, and acting rational. We can’t go running in there hot-headed. It’ll do no one any good.”
Ciel nodded his head, looking more serious then he probably had in a long while. “I’m fine.” And really he was, because he needed to be. Emotions at this point would get him nowhere and only cause more problems further along the way.
Tanaka looked towards Sebastian and Sebastian inclined his head as well. “I’m fine,” he stated.
“Good,” Tanaka answered and stood up. “We don’t know where he is yet, which makes this all the more difficult. All we know, is that earlier today, someone stopped by the parlor and handed Mey-rin an envelope around eleven. It had a current picture of Baldroy in it, along with pictures from the past four days that they’ve been holding him.”
The first thing that came to Ciel’s mind was why Sebastian’s parlor? It wasn’t the only way of getting information back to Tanaka and it most certainly wasn’t the most direct route. There was something unsettling with this news coupled with the events of the past few days. Ciel supposed it might be time to come forward with the information both Sebastian and Ciel had been withholding.
“They’re targeting me then,” Sebastian stated as he reached for the letter carefully. “My parlor, my men working under me, and my townhouse.”
Tanaka nodded. “It would seem that way. However, the fact that Ciel was also targeted makes the situation different. You two have been attacked twice now; once on a mission and once in public at the farmer’s market.” He paused and looked at them both. “No one else has been attacked in such a way.”
Ciel looked suddenly guilty and gazed at the floor. “Well,” he began, casting a glance to Sebastian. “There was one other time.” One look from Tanaka and Ciel felt his face drain of color as he hastily tried to explain. “It was a few days ago on campus. Someone just shot at us and we ran. They never pursued us past a certain point.”
“Someone just shot at you and you ran,” Tanaka repeated slowly. Furious eyes darted from Ciel to Sebastian and then settled between them. “I’m not even going to comment on how stupid and childish it was of you two to keep such a thing from me; we have more pressing matters. But there will be no next time; do I make myself clear?”
Sebastian inclined his head. “Yes Sir,” he said simply. Adding any sort of apology would only make the older man more upset. The silent threat was there; if you keep such a thing from me again, you will regret it.
Retreating further back to stand by Sebastian, Ciel sulked and kept quiet. He was suddenly reminded of times when he was a young child and his father had disciplined him for some wrong doing. Ciel knew quite well that a look of disappointment was far worse punishment than any physical damage.
Tanaka gave a small grunt before looking at the pictures on his desk. “All these pictures show Baldroy with the current headline of the day, proving as a good faith gesture that he’s alive and well.” The pictures were handed to Sebastian and Ciel for them to look over.
“There aren’t any identifiable markings in the background,” Sebastian stated with a frown. “They’re careful.”
A sudden thought cut through Ciel, leaving him feeling very cold. Looking at those pictures sickened his stomach, but not so much as one realization. They had taken Bard to get to Sebastian, but Sebastian had not been their only target.
“They’re after me too?” Ciel really didn’t need a confirmation as his voice interrupted the quiet planning of the men around Tanaka’s desk. They all looked up and Ciel suddenly felt as though he shouldn’t be there. He needed to go; there was a much more important place to be.
Sebastian reached for Ciel. “What are you thinking?” He asked, hand curling around Ciel’s arm. Something was flickering through blue eyes and the look didn’t settle well with Sebastian.
“My aunt.” Ciel’s voice was desperate. “What if they go after my aunt?” He hadn’t seen the lady in over a month and despite their complicated relationship, Ciel didn’t want to see anything happen to her. His fingers itched to reach for his phone and to call her, but Ciel remained calm and awaited what the best approach might be.
Tanaka frowned. “Ann?” he asked. “Do they know about her? She hasn’t been seen with the family since my daughter died.”
“If they’re targeting Ciel, they’ll find anything about him to use,” Sebastian stated. “We need someone to give us information and a team to take Ciel’s aunt to a safe place. We don’t need someone else under their thumb.”
“What team?” Ciel asked. “She’s not going to let a group of strangers take her away. Can’t it just be me? Keep it low profile?” If Ciel knew his aunt, she wouldn’t come calmly and without reason or answers. At least, Ciel figured, if it was him then he could persuade Ann more easily.
Sebastian cocked his head. “He does have a point. She’s more likely to trust us than some random group of people who just showed up on her front door step.”
Tanaka rubbed his temple, trying to ease away the headache there. Even though Ann wasn’t his own flesh and blood, she was still part of the family, if only through a side branch. “Go get her then. Make sure you’re not seen.”
The news seemed to brighten Ciel’s mood just a bit and he was eager to get going and to have his aunt safe. “Where will she be taken to?” He asked, hoping but not expecting to bring her back to the main house. Butterflies were birthed and fluttered with an intensity in his stomach. Ann didn’t know, she knew nothing of Ciel’s hidden life. Did she even know anything of her sister’s and brother-in-law’s past lives? Ciel didn’t know how he would explain it to his aunt and his excitement and relief was quickly fading away.
Sebastian slowly turned to look at Tanaka and he cleared his throat. “Sir, as I told you earlier, I think she may already have an idea about Ciel’s parents.” Earlier that year, sometime during the long fight with Ciel, Sebastian had informed Tanaka about his conversation with Ann during Christmas.
“Yes, you did,” Tanaka mused and took a seat behind his desk, lacing his fingers together. “Bring her back here. I’d like to talk with her myself and see the part of my family that I was denied.”
“What?” Ciel’s head snapped to Sebastian. “When did you come up with this assumption?” This was news to Ciel and it didn’t help to soothe his restlessness. What would his aunt think of his taking after his parents? He couldn’t predict how Ann would react.
Sebastian glanced at Ciel. “When we stayed with her during Christmas,” he stated simply. He could tell Ciel more about it on their way to pick Ann up; right now it would be better if they left promptly instead of standing around debating useless things. “Shall we go pick her up now?”
Tanaka nodded. “Yes. Bring her back here and by that time, we’ll have a location for you. You will probably need to question some people tomorrow.”
“Should I call the house?” Ciel asked the moment they were back out in the hall. The mansion seemed more quiet then it ever did. There were no gun shots coming from the training rooms in the basement, no faint whispers of people coming and going. It was unnerving and Ciel quickened his pace.
Sebastian shook his head. “No. They might have her phones tapped. It’s best if we just show up without warning. It’ll catch them off guard and give us an edge.” The car was waiting outside and Sebastian checked his guns quickly before opening the front doors and making his way to the vehicle.
Ciel had his newly acquired pistol on his hip, hidden by his jacket, as well as a knife and a smaller gun on the small of his back. If all went well, a weapon wouldn’t be needed and this could be a civil affair. He hopped into the car and his body tensed as the engine purred to life. Ciel glanced at Sebastian, looking calm like the way he always was. The only slip in the man’s mask was the flash of anger in his eyes. No doubt Sebastian was furious with how things had turned out.
“Are you okay?” Ciel asked, already knowing he would only get an ‘I’m fine’ in response.
Wine red eyes slid over to glance at Ciel before moving back to the road. “I’m not as close to your aunt as you are,” he stated. “I think it would be better if I asked you that question.”
With a huff, Ciel turned away. He should have seen that one coming. Ironically enough, it was Ciel who gave the brisk “I’m fine” that he had been waiting for. He was quite fine, a little nervous but everything would be all right once they got his aunt in the car. His attention was focused out the window and Ciel chose to ignore Sebastian’s glances and anything else the man might say.
Silence continued to fill the car and Sebastian sped up just a little bit as they continued down the road. It wouldn’t take them long to get to Ann’s house and Sebastian gripped the steering wheel tighter. He hoped that nothing had happened to the older woman and that their hunch was wrong. There was a slim chance that their enemies didn’t know about Ciel’s aunt at all and they were just being paranoid.
Ciel very much preferred heading to his aunt’s house from the mansion. They cut out a great deal of time with not having to make it through the main city. The country roads were clear and allowed Sebastian to drive at a speed Ciel was sure was illegal. Ciel felt his heart sink the moment they made it up his aunt’s drive. From the looks of things, the house was deserted and empty. Not even Ann’s red BMW could be seen through the windows of the garage.
“She must have gone out,” Ciel informed.
Sebastian nodded and he turned the car around. If she had been taken, they wouldn’t have taken the car; they would’ve left it as a hint that she wasn’t just out of the house. Tires squealed slightly as they left the neighborhood and moved towards the town.
“Where is she most likely to be at?” Sebastian questioned. “A restaurant or shopping center that she frequents?”
“Somewhere in town.” Other than that Ciel didn’t know. Ann had a habit of being into everything and being anywhere because of that. Ciel had long since stopped trying to keep track of his aunt’s hobbies and life. It was a headache just to keep track of her at home.
Sebastian grunted at the less than helpful information but it was still better than nothing. He slowed down as they approached the town, not wanting to draw too much attention by driving like a bat out of hell. “Keep your eyes open for her or anything that just looks odd in general,” Sebastian stated.
It didn’t take Ciel long before he was clutching at Sebastian’s shoulder and pointing out the man’s window. “That’s her car! I’m sure of it.” Parked along the curb was a red car that Ciel knew quite well. All Ciel would need was a quick look inside through a window to see if there was a bottle of White Diamond in the ash tray. Ann always kept a spare just in case she needed a little something extra to attract the men. Ciel personally hated the perfume.
The car slowed down next to the other vehicle and Sebastian watched as Ciel poked his head out the window to peer through the glass. A moment later, the younger male was back inside the car, nodding his confirmation. Sebastian’s eyes glanced up to make sure that the backup was far enough back before parking the car. They would keep watch over the vehicle to make sure no one tried to bug it while they were gone.
“Let’s go,” Sebastian murmured as he climbed out of the car cautiously. His eyes swept across the area, checking for anyone that looked like they were on surveillance duty.
“You want to take a guess where she might be?” Ciel asked as he looked around. He had no clue where his aunt had run off to, and he was sure Sebastian hadn’t a clue either. The shops around them looked posh and up-scale, meaning Ann could be in any one of them.
Sebastian’s eyes glanced at the shops and the small alleys between them. Most of the shops were tightly packed together, but a few of them had small sections dividing them; a place for local deliveries to drop off their goods. At best, that would be the most likely place for someone to strike. It was back far enough that the sounds of the traffic would cover any screams or cries.
But it still didn’t narrow down where Ciel’s aunt could be. Sebastian didn’t know the woman that well and only knew of her love for fine and expensive things. It was already late in the day, nearing nightfall. If anything, Ann would be hitting the small shops by now. She would’ve done her clothes shopping first and would now be looking at shoes and other accessories to go with them.
“Try a shoe store,” Sebastian offered. “Or maybe a store that sells handbags.”
“Shoes maybe, or she could have gone to get an after-dinner coffee at a cafe.” There were several cafe joints along the street, half of which Ann wouldn’t be caught dead in. Ciel’s eyes shifted around, looking through the crowds for a head of red hair.
Ciel led himself down the street quickly as he stayed well aware of his surroundings. It was unnerving to think that any nameless person who passed could be after your life. His muscles were tense and his heart was pounding. They passed a shoe store that was small and it was easy to see that Ann was not amongst its customers.
Two more stores were passed and Sebastian scowled; it shouldn’t be this hard to find the woman. The town wasn’t that big and the hair would give Ann away in a heartbeat. Unless she was wearing some large hat that covered up most of her hair.
Sebastian’s eyes darted around the crowd again, taking in every person that walked on the sidewalks. They fell on a lady walking away from an antique shop and Sebastian tugged slightly on Ciel’s arm. “There,” he stated as another person broke away from the crowd to trail after the woman at a safe distance.
Ciel’s stomach dropped as he realized just what he was seeing. “They found her?” He didn’t need to look up to Sebastian to know the man nodded. Blue eyes trailed the man as they made it down the opposite side of the street, pace increasing by each second. There was no telling when the man would make his move and god forbid Ann decided to cut through an alley to make it to the shops on the next street over.
“Go,” Sebastian said urgently, pushing Ciel forward. They moved quickly, trying not to draw attention but at the same time, not moving too slowly to lose sight of Ann and her tracker. Sebastian’s eyes narrowed as they watched the man move closer to Ciel’s aunt and he grunted softly. “Run.”
Cold night air stung at Ciel’s face and dried his eyes, but he refused to close them. One blink and he feared his aunt would disappear forever. Time long since passing flashed through him mind. Scenes of days when he had pushed his aunt away, wanting nothing more than to have her out of his life. All because she wasn’t his mom, or his father. He wanted her fully, all her time and attention when she couldn’t give it to him. Ann had her life and Ciel had been the one to intrude into it. She had done her very best and Ciel had never appreciated what she had given up for him.
They crossed the street a few feet ahead of Ann and her pursuer. Ciel’s mind was still elsewhere, thinking of the last time they had sat down and had dinner together. It had been horribly stiff and impersonal. If Ciel could, he would change it all. Funny how Ciel grew a new perspective on a person when the possibility of losing them bore down on him.
“Focus,” Sebastian murmured when Ciel bumped into his back, not realizing that they had slowed down. The pace was more relaxed now and Sebastian tugged up the collar on his jacket. “You get your aunt. I’ll deal with the guy following her.”
He left little room for argument and quickly sped up his pace. Sebastian passed by Ann unnoticed and used his shoulder to bump into the man following Ann. The action made the man falter slightly and Sebastian stopped a few steps later, patting at his pants.
“Hey!” he shouted, drawing attention to himself. He shouted again and grabbed the man’s arm, jerking him back around. “You stole my wallet, you thief!”
Ciel didn’t bother to pay Sebastian or his theatrics any mind. He quickly impeded his aunt’s path and drew her to the side. She looked genuinely surprised to see Ciel, albeit happy. It wasn’t like him to pop out of nowhere and come up to her. Ciel was more the type to stay hidden and meet only under his own terms.
“We need to go,” he said urgently and began to pull Ann down the same path Ciel and Sebastian had taken moments prior.
“Go?” Ann asked, cocking her head to the side. “Why should we go now? I haven’t seen you in a while and it’s a lovely night out. We should have dinner; that one place that has the desserts that you liked so much as a child.”
The hardened expression that had found itself on Ciel’s face softened at her words. Any biting retorts he might have given her at being difficult died on his tongue and he turned to face her quickly. Just beyond, he could see Sebastian arguing and using his body as a blockade and wall so that their pursuer could neither see nor get to Ciel and his aunt.
“Now is not the time for that. I just need you to come with me.” Ciel tried to relay the urgency of the situation in his voice. He needed his aunt to understand.
Ann frowned slightly, but slowly nodded her head. “Okay. I can play along, I suppose.” She offered a bright smile. “You’re not running from the law, are you? Or does this have something to do with Sebastian? You never told me how things worked out between you two. Do I need to kick his ass?”
Ciel found it within himself to smile. “Depending how this goes, Sebastian just might have an ass kicking in his future.” He wrapped his hand around Ann’s wrist and led her across the street, earning a honk from some car that had to slam on their brakes to avoid them. His aunt lectured him once they were safely back on the sidewalk. Ciel paid her no mind, too focused on the car which he could see in the distance.
They were so close and Ciel allowed himself to feel the joy of a job well done. His aunt would be safe and soon they would be back at the house. Ciel couldn’t wait to curl in bed and forget about the day. Forget about the people after him, forget about Bard’s abduction, forget about the hell hole his life had found itself spiraling into.
There was a distance of three more buildings until the car and Ciel gripped at his aunt tighter, feeling a security that was undeserved. His guard was down and he never saw the hit coming. A hand shot out and collided into Ciel’s shoulder, twisting into the fabric of his shirt and thrusting him forward. Ann followed without wanting to, Ciel’s hand still around her arm.
Ann’s mouth opened to comment on the rough behavior, wanting nothing more than to snap at the man who had so rudely bumped into her nephew. The words, though, died in her mouth at the sight of a gun poking out from inside a jacket.
They were steered into a side alley, a dim light flickering overhead and illuminating a back door to one of the shops she had just visited. Ann’s eyes darted to Ciel, knowing that knowing that she would put herself in front of Ciel should any harm possibly fall upon her precious nephew.
“What do you want?” she finally asked, her voice calm and not betraying how she really felt.
“Shut up, will you?” Ciel threw her a hardened look. He felt guilty but now was not the time to baby his aunt. His mood didn’t help, either. It was his fault that they had ended up in this situation. Sebastian was going to lecture him for letting his guard down.
The man regarded the two of them with a smug smirk. “Looks like I got the jackpot,” he said, showing off rotting teeth with a satisfied smile. The gun remained aimed between them, as if the man was unsure which one of his would-be victims he should focus on.
Ann stayed silent, not sure whose wrath would be worse right now. Ciel’s harsh tone had surprised her, and if a gun hadn’t been pointed at her back, she might’ve stopped to comment on it. They were pushed further down the alley and the roar of traffic diminishing in the small area, making her swallow nervously.
Ciel, on his part, had his mind racing through all the possible plans that he could execute safely and without bringing harm to his aunt or himself. It was fortunate that their captor seemed to be an idiot and had not bothered to disarm Ciel when he first had the chance.
“What do you want with us?” Ciel asked, hoping to distract the man further.
“You don’t know?” The reply sounded condescending. “I suppose it’s for the best, but it does make our job harder.” The man looked unamused, which mirrored Ciel’s own look.
It was becoming increasingly irritating that these idiots expected Ciel to return something when he knew nothing of the item they wanted. He figured that they didn’t want the item to be seen as valuable, since it most likely had something to hide.
“It’s quite hard to return something that I don’t even know I have,” Ciel snapped, becoming more irate.
The man seemed to think it over and shrugged his shoulders. “Doesn’t really matter. I think you’ll be a good enough bargaining chip to ensure the item is returned promptly and without any unneeded snooping. Otherwise we’ll just put a bullet through that pretty little head of yours.”
Ann tensed at the words, trying to make sense of the whole conversation. Her previous joke about Ciel running from something dangerous like this seemed far less funny now and she wished to take the comment back.
Her eyes glanced down, settling on her large purse. There was a can of pepper spray somewhere in its contents, but whether or not she could get to it without drawing attention was another story. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try; by the way the man was talking, they weren’t going to die yet.
Slowly, Ann’s hand slid down to her purse. Her fingers teased the zipper, working to unzip it slowly so the noise wouldn’t attract attention. Her eyes lit up when she was able to get enough of the bag open to stick her hand in.
Ciel caught the movement a minute before their attacker. The man shifted his body quickly to Ann, gun raised and ready to fire. It was now or never and Ciel snatched the gun from his side without hesitation, praying that he would not be too late. The muffled shot of Ciel’s gun was drowned out by Ann’s scream as she watched the man’s head explode from the side in a mixture of blood and brains. He hit the floor with a sickening thud and Ciel quickly pocketed the gun.
Swallowing gasps and pants that threatened to leave her mouth, Ann turned to look at Ciel with wide eyes. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would see Ciel use a gun. And use it with deadly accuracy. The look on Ciel’s face was cool, barely showing any emotion for what he had just done.
“Ciel,” she started, but cold blue eyes made her mouth snap shut.
“We need to go.” This time he didn’t bother taking his aunt’s hand. A part of him feared that she would reject his touch. It was a relief in itself to hear her following after him as they made it back to the main street. The car still sat there, and Ciel had a small hope that Sebastian would have made it back by now. Chancing a glance to the opposite sidewalk, he couldn’t see any sign of the older man.
The car seemed untouched, none of the seals having been broken. He opened the back door and stood to the side. “Get in,” he said to his aunt, voice a little less hostile.
She nodded and climbed into the car, her bags bumping against the edges slightly before they were all inside. The door was slammed shut behind her and she watched as Ciel looked around, keeping watch for someone.
Moments passed before her eyes caught Sebastian walking down the sidewalk, a small smirk on his face. There was a wad of bills held in his hand and his eyes danced with something Ann couldn’t place. It was a mixture of excitement and something else; something dangerous that sent chills down her spine.
“I expect things went well for you?” Ciel asked with an amused look and raised eyebrows. He couldn’t fathom what could have occurred to end with such results. Ciel just wished his ordeal had ended on such a high note. Ann’s eyes could be seen through the back window and Ciel knew she was watching them intently.
Sebastian nodded. “You could say that,” he stated as he glanced at Ann. “Our stalker didn’t recognize me, only Ann. So he was hired help. Gave me quite a bit of money to stop shouting at him. Our men are taking care of him as we speak.”
“I’ve already taken care of his buddy. I’m getting sick of dealing with these idiots.” Ciel moved back to the car, not feeling at ease hanging around here any more than needed. It would be their luck that a third attacker would crawl out from under the same rock. He opened the passenger door and eased his way in, waiting for Sebastian to do the same as he purposefully ignored his aunt. At this point he wasn’t sure how to act around her.
The car started quietly and moved away from the sidewalk. Sebastian looked up into the rear-view window to see Ann’s eyes staring at them, questions running through them. Their eyes caught and he offered a small smile. “Hello, Madam Red. How have you been since I last saw you?”
She sputtered at the question. “Oh, I’ve been fine, Sebastian. First you say that you’ll take care of Ciel, only to break his heart months later. Now, I see him for the first time since then and I assume you two are back together; everything’s all rainbows and sunshine now.” She paused and sucked in a deep breath before plowing on. “Oh, and did I forget to mention that my nephew just shot someone?! What the hell did you do to him, Sebastian?”
Sebastian smiled and turned back to the road. “Good to see you too, Madam.”
Ciel didn’t have the decency to look guilty; instead, he looked rather pleased with himself. “At least it was more effective than if you had used your mace. But either way it proved to be the distraction I needed.” He shrugged his shoulder and kept his gaze out the window. Now wasn’t the time to sugar coat things. At this point, Ciel couldn’t bring himself to hide who he had become.
Sebastian nodded. “He’s a very good shooter, too. Nothing to be ashamed of.” He doubted that Ann would take the comment too well but it was the truth, and given the turn around that Ciel had done his training in, it was something to be very proud of.
The backseat of the car was quiet as Ann mulled over the answer and pondered her own. Too many things had happened at once and in the end, there was only one question that needed to be ask. “What’s going on?” Ann asked finally.
“At the moment? Too much.” Ciel knew right well that wasn’t what his aunt had meant, but he was in no mood to have that conversation now. It could wait, and Ann could be patient. They would need longer than the car ride to explain everything. Naturally it would be easier if Ann knew something about the family prior to this; otherwise, they would be opening a can of worms.
Ann huffed and leaned back into the seat, trying her best to be patient. Her foot tapped against the floor as they left the town and moved down the main road. As they came closer to the mansion, she stiffened and her eyes darted to Sebastian.
The car came to a stop and Sebastian climbed out of the car. He moved over to the side and opened the car door for Ann. He watched as her eyes flickered over the mansion before settling on him again.
“I want answers,” she said sternly.
Sebastian nodded. “Of course. Shall we go inside?”
They headed up the stone steps, Ciel in the lead. It was eerily quiet, something Ciel took notice of. The house still seemed as if it were mourning the taking of one of its own. A rustle of trees in the wind sounded like sobs and Ciel forced his way quickly through the door. He didn’t want such a heavy reminder of the ominous happening, not at the moment.
“I wonder if they have news?” Ciel whispered as Sebastian came to stand next to him in the entry.
Sebastian frowned. “Probably not yet, but by tomorrow, we should have something.” He looked ahead and paused outside Tanaka’s study. “We’ll get some sleep tonight and then go do some questioning of our own.”
It sounded like a good idea. Ciel wasn’t about to put faith in people he didn’t know, not when both Sebastian and himself could do a better job at it. That much Ciel was sure of. He glanced back at his aunt who had been following them silently, her face set in a grim frown. It did not suit her; she was meant to smile.
Ciel’s hand rose and knocked, waiting until Tanaka’s tired voice sounded from the other side of the door. With a deep breath, he turned the knob and pushed forward. Ann was allowed to go in before Ciel, and the younger male closed the door behind himself once everyone had gathered within the office.
Tanaka looked at the small group, noting the tiredness in their eyes as well as the stiff posture in their bodies. It seemed as though Ciel’s hunch was right. Their enemy was trying to target both Sebastian and Ciel, hoping to use people close to them in order to draw them out.
“Hello, Ann,” Tanaka said softly and gestured to a chair in front of his desk. “Please sit.”
“No,” Ann stated, head held high as she met Tanaka’s gaze. “I know who you are and the family that you run. I want nothing to do with it.”
“Please, Aunt Ann, just sit down.” Ciel looked so tired just then, blue eyes dimmer than anyone had seen them. Aside from perhaps Sebastian. Ciel knew he had given the older man many similar looks during their month of disagreement. “If you want your answers, then you will sit.”
Ann sent him a withering glare, but sat nonetheless. This much Ciel was happy for, and he too took a seat. He didn’t care if it was proper or not. Tanaka was family and as such, Ciel would take the opportunity to relax and let his guard down. He needed this moment before all hell broke loose once more.
Sebastian came to stand behind Ciel, his hands resting on tired shoulders. Even though he wasn’t blood related and this talk was going to revolve more around the blood family, Sebastian planned on staying. His fingers rubbed small circles into Ciel’s skin, hoping to ease the younger male while they waited for Tanaka to talk.
“How much did your mother and sister tell you?” Tanaka finally asked, breaking the silence in the room after a few seconds had passed.
“Enough,” Ann said, tone hard. “Although I will say Rachel spoke better of you and the family than mother ever did.”
It had been a long while since Ciel had heard his aunt speak of his mother, especially by her given name. Around the house, it was always ‘your mother’ or some variation of that. It was almost odd to hear the name spilling from her lips. He leaned back in Sebastian’s touch, glad to have the man there to support him through all of this.
Tanaka nodded. “That’s understandable. Your mother and I didn’t part on the most pleasant of terms. But we’re not here to point fingers or bring up the past.” His voice was firm, making everyone in the room straighten slightly. “In the past few weeks, there have been a few attempts on Ciel’s and Sebastian’s lives. Obviously, they made it through such attacks but now our enemy has turned their attention to the people close to them.”
From behind Ciel, Sebastian spoke up. “Earlier today we were informed that someone in the family was being held captive by our enemy. They’re close to me, under my command.” Sebastian stated. “Those men who were after you earlier are the same people who captured my man. Only this time, they were hoping to get to Ciel through you.”
“I didn’t want you brought into this,” Ciel said. “But they didn’t give me much of a choice. I’m sorry.” He looked over to his aunt, feeling the guilt weigh him down. It was obvious now that Ann didn’t want to be here, or among people such as themselves. It hurt, but Ciel could not blame her.
Tanaka nodded. “I know that this is hard for you, but for your safety, we would like you to stay here until this problem is taken care of.”
Ann stiffened. “Here? As in the mansion?” The thought didn’t settle well with her. “Isn’t there some other place I can stay? Like a safe house or something. You have to forgive me for saying it, but I’d rather stay in any other place aside from this mansion.”
Once again Ciel turned to plead with his aunt. “Please, Aunt Ann, listen to Gran--” he stopped himself, slightly shocked by his choice of words. “Tanaka is right, you need to be here. I’d like to know you’re safe.”
Tanaka nodded his head in agreement. The mansion was the only place that their enemies would not hit. Ann would be safe and well protected within these walls. Whatever transpired here, for Ann’s safety, the woman would not be allowed to leave until it was safe.
The woman scowled, Ciel’s pleading still ringing in her ears. She wanted nothing more than to say no, stand up and walk out the door. But she could only imagine how that would affect Ciel and she didn’t want him worrying about her when he needed to focus first on his own life.
“I’ll stay,” she finally said and turned to glare at Tanaka. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll like it.”
Tanaka offered a small smile. “I understand. Thank you for agreeing to stay here though; it means a lot to us.”
“Thank you,” Ciel added as well. It was a small relief to know Ann would be close to him where he could keep an eye on her. She might not like the idea, but knowing her, she’d be making the mansion home soon enough. Within a day, she would change the somber atmosphere into something worth smiling about.
Ann didn’t say anything but she nodded her agreement, letting Ciel know that she was at least listening. She watched as Sebastian’s hands stilled on Ciel’s shoulders, giving them one last reassuring squeeze before simply resting there. The sight made her realize how stressful everything was for her nephew and she leaned back in the chair, accepting her fate.
After a moment of calming and accepting silence, Tanaka leaned back into his chair with a deep sigh. Ciel could see age in the man’s face that had not been there days before, showing the wear and stress the day had caused. Tanaka stood, Ciel rising soon after in a show of respect. Ciel took note that Ann remained seated, finding no reason for her to show the same respect.
“I believe the room across from yours is empty. She is more than welcome to call it her own during her stay,” Tanaka said to both Ciel and Sebastian. The duo of men nodded stiffly, not sure if the idea suited them.
Even Ann seemed hesitant to the idea and she glanced back at Sebastian before facing Tanaka again. “Is there another room that’s not so close to them? I’d rather not hear some loud noises at night.” A faint blush tinted her cheeks, but she didn’t back down, knowing all too well that a stressful situation such as this could result in some form of intimacy from Sebastian and Ciel.
“We aren’t that loud,” Ciel mumbled under his breath. He felt his face heat, both from embarrassment and irritation. His aunt made it sound like Sebastian and himself were at each other like rabbits. An image of sweat slickened bodies and guns came to mind, and Ciel hastily thought of some excuse for that affair. It had been a while, and truly it had. Their times of intimacy had lost their frequencies and Ciel was left to be appeased by short and tamed make out sessions before bed.
Sebastian offered a small smile. “We’ll make sure to keep our voices down then,” he said, watching in pleasure as the tint grew on Ann’s cheeks.
Tanaka sent Sebastian a quick look, telling him to behave himself before focusing on Ann. “We have a few spare rooms on this floor. They’re smaller but I can assure you that no one will bother you.”
“That will work,” Ann said shortly with all the air of indifference. It was clear to see she was trying to be as difficult as she was uncaring. The situation was bothering her deeply, and Ciel suddenly felt guilty for bringing her into this. What must she think of him now? She had known about his mother and father’s involvement within the family, but it was easy to tell she held no pleasant views on it.
Ciel took a moment to settle the nervesness that gnawed on the entirety of his being. With a sigh he turned, blue eyes seeking out his aunt’s, and gave Ann an unnaturally sweet smile. “Shall we take you to your room then? And perhaps we’ll have some dinner.” The offer was said out of courtesy, nothing more. Ciel knew his offer would be turned down.
“Dinner would be nice,” Ann stated, shocking both Sebastian and Ciel. “I was on my way there to begin with before this mess started. You can show me to my room and I’ll have dinner served there.”
Sebastian turned his head slightly to look at Tanaka. They exchanged a knowing glance, silently agreeing that it might’ve been better to let their rivals take the woman. She was going to cause them all a headache.
Without a proper dismissal, Ciel forced himself towards the door. “Let’s get this over with. Shall we?” Wooden doors creaked open with an aged slowness and Ciel stood, awaiting his group to come and follow. Anxiety bit at him and he wondered what Ann would say, if anything at all, once she was alone with only himself and Sebastian.
Once they were alone in the hall and the door had closed, Ann closed the short distance between herself and Sebastian. Her hand raised and she smacked Sebastian firmly across the cheek. “That, was for hurting Ciel.” Another slap sounded in the hall. “And that was for breaking your promise to me about keeping Ciel safe and happy.”
She gestured around the mansion, keeping her eyes on Sebastian. “This isn’t safe! How could you even think of letting Ciel join something like this? Letting him sink this low and bringing him into such a horrible world.” Tears formed at the edges of Ann’s eyes, threatening to fall but she kept them at bay.
Sebastian’s head bowed. “I apologize. I never meant to hurt Ciel like I had. It was foolish of me to let something as trivial as rank and family get in the way of our relationship. I should’ve put Ciel first before anything else.” His eyes hardened as he looked up at the woman. “I won’t let it happen again.”
Ciel quickly waved both of their words away, seeing no real point in them. “Sebastian really isn’t to blame here.” Ann turned to him, mouth open ready to argue. The cold, hard look she received had her mouth closing with a snap. “I walked into this ‘horrible’ world on (changed from “of”)my own accord and behind Sebastian’s back. Trust me when I say I fought tooth and nail against him so that I could stand here now as the man I’ve become.
“I am not even faultless in my own hurt. My eyes were blind to Sebastian’s own situation and position within our previous arrangement. I believe he was hurting just as much as I was. So if you must raise your hand at anyone, then please raise it upon me.” As he spoke, Ciel looked the very image of the heir of this family. He knew not when he had found this courage, this strength. Perhaps it was Sebastian whom he owed it to. The man never failed to bring out the best, and often times worst, in Ciel.
Ann stood quietly for a while, her eyes darting between both Ciel and Sebastian as she tried to find the words to say. In the end, she glanced away from them. “Take me to my room please,” she said softly.
Sebastian nodded and gestured down the hallway. Ciel walked next to him while Ann walked behind, no doubt thinking about everything that had just been said. It was a lot for her to take in and Sebastian had no worries that she would come to an understanding soon.
“Here’s your room,” he said quietly, pulling Ann from her thoughts. “Someone will come by shortly to deliver your things. And some dinner if you wish.”
“I’m not hungry,” Ann answered and walked into the room. She nodded briefly to them before letting the door shut; the click of the lock was loud in the silent hallway.
At the dismissal, Sebastian reached for Ciel’s hand and tugged him gently down the hall. His fingers curled around Ciel’s, giving him silent strength and comfort until they were inside their room.
“That could have gone better,” Ciel said bitterly as he walked alongside Sebastian. His head was hung down low, expression hidden. All the arguing in the world wasn’t going to make Ann see the situation any different and Ciel resigned himself to the fact that he didn’t quite care so long as she was safe. No one could get to her now, and Ciel was thankful for that much. Maybe one day she would learn to thank him as well.
Sebastian opened the door and ushered Ciel in. “I think it went rather well, actually.” He chuckled at the disbelieving look that Ciel threw at him and leaned down to kiss the younger male’s cheek. Sebastian led them to the bed and took a seat, pulling Ciel down to rest in his lap. “I say that honestly. If she was truly disgusted with you, she wouldn’t have slapped me earlier. She wouldn’t have stayed of her own free will. But because she did those things, it shows that she still cares. It will just take some time to get used to the current situation,.”
“Cares about her life at least,” Ciel grumbled, feeling all the worse despite Sebastian’s words. There was no way to know where Ann would be with her opinion of Ciel in the days to come. If it was for the better or worse, Ciel couldn’t allow himself to care. There were more pressing things to worry about and he lectured himself for not focusing on the ordeal concerning Bard. “I want to go out tomorrow,” he finally said slowly.
The older male nodded his head. “Of course. We can go in the morning after we check on your aunt. I think we need to stop by and see Elizabeth; she might know something.” Sebastian leaned back on the bed, pulling Ciel down with him. His arms wrapped loosely around Ciel’s waist and he closed his eyes, accepting the familiar weight. His eyes opened slightly to peer up at Ciel. “You don’t regret your decision all those months ago?” he asked softly.
“I don’t.” Ciel didn’t meet Sebastian’s eyes. “I can’t bring myself to regret it. Too much of me has been put into this path I’ve carved for myself. What point would it be to regret it? I’m stained in blood and ink, and yet when I close my eyes I can only see the beauty they hold. I fear it’s too late for me; there is no room for regret.” Blue eyes turned then, a hidden darkness there that stormed and brewed into a maelstrom.
A low hum left Sebastian’s throat as Ciel’s head came to rest on his chest. The words soothed the worry in Sebastian’s mind, the soft, whispered words that maybe Ciel was regretting his choice and wanted out. If anything, that was one of Sebastian’s biggest fears and his grip tightened around the younger male.
“I’m glad,” he murmured and let his eyes close. “And you’re not stained; you’re colored.”
“Colored?” Ciel mused. “And what colors do you see?” He thought of the tattoo’s littering his back, the blacks and contrasting colors that boldly stood from the pale canvas of his skin. It was soothing, the feel of Sebastian’s hand. Fingers stroked along lines hidden beneath layers of clothing, but both Ciel and Sebastian knew their shapes.
Sebastian didn’t even hesitate in his answer. “I see red, for your strong desire to succeed in the things you do; whether through school or the family. There’s a blue there too, blue as a clear summer day because your mind can wander at times and I find it rather endearing.” He paused to look up at Ciel, blue eyes focusing solely on him. “I see black, because no one is perfect and we all have some darkness. But I also see white.”
A dry chuckle left Ciel. “White, you say? Is there any left?” Innocence was white, and what did Ciel hope to have left of that? White was meant to be tainted, painted over and covered. Sebastian had done a very good job of that, the family taking care of what was left behind. “I do believe you are seeing things.”
“I don’t believe that,” Sebastian answered. “I see white because you still care. You care about your family, worrying whether or not someone will harm them and you wonder how you can protect them. There’s white because you stopped me from killing someone, just because they were being used as a pawn. You may not see it, but I can still see it.”
There was no doubt that Sebastian was referring to Elizabeth. Ciel could not stand seeing the girl being killed for keeping her own safety in mind. “Well I don’t see it.” There was a blush to Ciel’s cheeks and he would not allow himself to believe such kind words. Sebastian was no different if that were the case. Ciel could see the white in him. It was ironic really. Ciel had given his white in return for Sebastian’s black. A smile crossed Ciel’s face and he turned to glance at Sebastian. “You are no different,” he said quietly. “I can plainly see the white I’ve given you.”
“Oh?” Sebastian asked and his head cocked to the side. “Do explain. I’m rather curious to hear this theory of yours. Last I checked, I was a cold hearted bastard with a really good aim.”
“Well you are, but there is a little white in you. Sort of like an Oreo. It’s smashed between all that lovely black.” Ciel found it in himself to laugh. “But don’t worry, you’ve given me more than enough black in return.”
Sebastian chuckled. “If you say so,” he stated before bringing his hands down to Ciel’s sides to tickle the younger male. A small yelp left Ciel’s mouth and it didn’t take long before they were tumbling across the bed, trying their best to land a hit on the other.
It was lighthearted and relaxing, but more than that, it helped to push away the lingering issues and mess that hung over the mansion. For now, in the dark hours of the night, they could afford this moment of laughter. Because once morning comes, it would be business as usual.
------
[Part Two]
Chapter: 37 (part one)/?
Authors: Akiru chan & Disgruntled Minion
Pairing/Characters: Sebastian/Ciel
Rating: M
Summary: Ciel's skin was marred with ink and blood, telling tales twisted in darkness. What an evil path the devil walks, tainted hands staining the innocent canvas. For the most beautiful art is painted in blood.
Warnings: Violence, adult content, yaoi, and language
Note: Yes, I know today isn't Tuesday.. it's indeed Saturday. You didn't just black out on three days of your life, nor did I mix up my days again. lol.
The fact of the matter is that I won't be here Tuesday... so you are getting this chapter early. Think of it as a gift to you all because I love ya'll so much!!!!
8D So enjoy... and I'm going to go have fun at the beach!
Chapter Thirty-Seven
A hush fell over the room as Sebastian and Ciel made their way into Tanaka’s office. Ciel’s heart clenched when his eyes fell on Finny. The boy was in a fit of tears, his sobs choked and trembling. Even if it was not something Ciel was comfortable with, or even in his character, he felt the need to comfort Finny any way he could. As they approached Tanaka’s desk, Ciel shifted off to the right and stood next to the young man. Finny looked up with tearful eyes and Ciel put a comforting hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
A few drops rolled down Finny’s cheeks but he quickly wiped them away. Now wasn’t the time to shed tears. Now was the time to make plans and figure out what their next course of action would be. One of their own was out there and crying tears wasn’t going to help him come home.
“Sebastian, Ciel,” Tanaka started, glancing over the two. “Before I give you two any information about what happened, I need to make sure that you are calm, level-headed, and acting rational. We can’t go running in there hot-headed. It’ll do no one any good.”
Ciel nodded his head, looking more serious then he probably had in a long while. “I’m fine.” And really he was, because he needed to be. Emotions at this point would get him nowhere and only cause more problems further along the way.
Tanaka looked towards Sebastian and Sebastian inclined his head as well. “I’m fine,” he stated.
“Good,” Tanaka answered and stood up. “We don’t know where he is yet, which makes this all the more difficult. All we know, is that earlier today, someone stopped by the parlor and handed Mey-rin an envelope around eleven. It had a current picture of Baldroy in it, along with pictures from the past four days that they’ve been holding him.”
The first thing that came to Ciel’s mind was why Sebastian’s parlor? It wasn’t the only way of getting information back to Tanaka and it most certainly wasn’t the most direct route. There was something unsettling with this news coupled with the events of the past few days. Ciel supposed it might be time to come forward with the information both Sebastian and Ciel had been withholding.
“They’re targeting me then,” Sebastian stated as he reached for the letter carefully. “My parlor, my men working under me, and my townhouse.”
Tanaka nodded. “It would seem that way. However, the fact that Ciel was also targeted makes the situation different. You two have been attacked twice now; once on a mission and once in public at the farmer’s market.” He paused and looked at them both. “No one else has been attacked in such a way.”
Ciel looked suddenly guilty and gazed at the floor. “Well,” he began, casting a glance to Sebastian. “There was one other time.” One look from Tanaka and Ciel felt his face drain of color as he hastily tried to explain. “It was a few days ago on campus. Someone just shot at us and we ran. They never pursued us past a certain point.”
“Someone just shot at you and you ran,” Tanaka repeated slowly. Furious eyes darted from Ciel to Sebastian and then settled between them. “I’m not even going to comment on how stupid and childish it was of you two to keep such a thing from me; we have more pressing matters. But there will be no next time; do I make myself clear?”
Sebastian inclined his head. “Yes Sir,” he said simply. Adding any sort of apology would only make the older man more upset. The silent threat was there; if you keep such a thing from me again, you will regret it.
Retreating further back to stand by Sebastian, Ciel sulked and kept quiet. He was suddenly reminded of times when he was a young child and his father had disciplined him for some wrong doing. Ciel knew quite well that a look of disappointment was far worse punishment than any physical damage.
Tanaka gave a small grunt before looking at the pictures on his desk. “All these pictures show Baldroy with the current headline of the day, proving as a good faith gesture that he’s alive and well.” The pictures were handed to Sebastian and Ciel for them to look over.
“There aren’t any identifiable markings in the background,” Sebastian stated with a frown. “They’re careful.”
A sudden thought cut through Ciel, leaving him feeling very cold. Looking at those pictures sickened his stomach, but not so much as one realization. They had taken Bard to get to Sebastian, but Sebastian had not been their only target.
“They’re after me too?” Ciel really didn’t need a confirmation as his voice interrupted the quiet planning of the men around Tanaka’s desk. They all looked up and Ciel suddenly felt as though he shouldn’t be there. He needed to go; there was a much more important place to be.
Sebastian reached for Ciel. “What are you thinking?” He asked, hand curling around Ciel’s arm. Something was flickering through blue eyes and the look didn’t settle well with Sebastian.
“My aunt.” Ciel’s voice was desperate. “What if they go after my aunt?” He hadn’t seen the lady in over a month and despite their complicated relationship, Ciel didn’t want to see anything happen to her. His fingers itched to reach for his phone and to call her, but Ciel remained calm and awaited what the best approach might be.
Tanaka frowned. “Ann?” he asked. “Do they know about her? She hasn’t been seen with the family since my daughter died.”
“If they’re targeting Ciel, they’ll find anything about him to use,” Sebastian stated. “We need someone to give us information and a team to take Ciel’s aunt to a safe place. We don’t need someone else under their thumb.”
“What team?” Ciel asked. “She’s not going to let a group of strangers take her away. Can’t it just be me? Keep it low profile?” If Ciel knew his aunt, she wouldn’t come calmly and without reason or answers. At least, Ciel figured, if it was him then he could persuade Ann more easily.
Sebastian cocked his head. “He does have a point. She’s more likely to trust us than some random group of people who just showed up on her front door step.”
Tanaka rubbed his temple, trying to ease away the headache there. Even though Ann wasn’t his own flesh and blood, she was still part of the family, if only through a side branch. “Go get her then. Make sure you’re not seen.”
The news seemed to brighten Ciel’s mood just a bit and he was eager to get going and to have his aunt safe. “Where will she be taken to?” He asked, hoping but not expecting to bring her back to the main house. Butterflies were birthed and fluttered with an intensity in his stomach. Ann didn’t know, she knew nothing of Ciel’s hidden life. Did she even know anything of her sister’s and brother-in-law’s past lives? Ciel didn’t know how he would explain it to his aunt and his excitement and relief was quickly fading away.
Sebastian slowly turned to look at Tanaka and he cleared his throat. “Sir, as I told you earlier, I think she may already have an idea about Ciel’s parents.” Earlier that year, sometime during the long fight with Ciel, Sebastian had informed Tanaka about his conversation with Ann during Christmas.
“Yes, you did,” Tanaka mused and took a seat behind his desk, lacing his fingers together. “Bring her back here. I’d like to talk with her myself and see the part of my family that I was denied.”
“What?” Ciel’s head snapped to Sebastian. “When did you come up with this assumption?” This was news to Ciel and it didn’t help to soothe his restlessness. What would his aunt think of his taking after his parents? He couldn’t predict how Ann would react.
Sebastian glanced at Ciel. “When we stayed with her during Christmas,” he stated simply. He could tell Ciel more about it on their way to pick Ann up; right now it would be better if they left promptly instead of standing around debating useless things. “Shall we go pick her up now?”
Tanaka nodded. “Yes. Bring her back here and by that time, we’ll have a location for you. You will probably need to question some people tomorrow.”
“Should I call the house?” Ciel asked the moment they were back out in the hall. The mansion seemed more quiet then it ever did. There were no gun shots coming from the training rooms in the basement, no faint whispers of people coming and going. It was unnerving and Ciel quickened his pace.
Sebastian shook his head. “No. They might have her phones tapped. It’s best if we just show up without warning. It’ll catch them off guard and give us an edge.” The car was waiting outside and Sebastian checked his guns quickly before opening the front doors and making his way to the vehicle.
Ciel had his newly acquired pistol on his hip, hidden by his jacket, as well as a knife and a smaller gun on the small of his back. If all went well, a weapon wouldn’t be needed and this could be a civil affair. He hopped into the car and his body tensed as the engine purred to life. Ciel glanced at Sebastian, looking calm like the way he always was. The only slip in the man’s mask was the flash of anger in his eyes. No doubt Sebastian was furious with how things had turned out.
“Are you okay?” Ciel asked, already knowing he would only get an ‘I’m fine’ in response.
Wine red eyes slid over to glance at Ciel before moving back to the road. “I’m not as close to your aunt as you are,” he stated. “I think it would be better if I asked you that question.”
With a huff, Ciel turned away. He should have seen that one coming. Ironically enough, it was Ciel who gave the brisk “I’m fine” that he had been waiting for. He was quite fine, a little nervous but everything would be all right once they got his aunt in the car. His attention was focused out the window and Ciel chose to ignore Sebastian’s glances and anything else the man might say.
Silence continued to fill the car and Sebastian sped up just a little bit as they continued down the road. It wouldn’t take them long to get to Ann’s house and Sebastian gripped the steering wheel tighter. He hoped that nothing had happened to the older woman and that their hunch was wrong. There was a slim chance that their enemies didn’t know about Ciel’s aunt at all and they were just being paranoid.
Ciel very much preferred heading to his aunt’s house from the mansion. They cut out a great deal of time with not having to make it through the main city. The country roads were clear and allowed Sebastian to drive at a speed Ciel was sure was illegal. Ciel felt his heart sink the moment they made it up his aunt’s drive. From the looks of things, the house was deserted and empty. Not even Ann’s red BMW could be seen through the windows of the garage.
“She must have gone out,” Ciel informed.
Sebastian nodded and he turned the car around. If she had been taken, they wouldn’t have taken the car; they would’ve left it as a hint that she wasn’t just out of the house. Tires squealed slightly as they left the neighborhood and moved towards the town.
“Where is she most likely to be at?” Sebastian questioned. “A restaurant or shopping center that she frequents?”
“Somewhere in town.” Other than that Ciel didn’t know. Ann had a habit of being into everything and being anywhere because of that. Ciel had long since stopped trying to keep track of his aunt’s hobbies and life. It was a headache just to keep track of her at home.
Sebastian grunted at the less than helpful information but it was still better than nothing. He slowed down as they approached the town, not wanting to draw too much attention by driving like a bat out of hell. “Keep your eyes open for her or anything that just looks odd in general,” Sebastian stated.
It didn’t take Ciel long before he was clutching at Sebastian’s shoulder and pointing out the man’s window. “That’s her car! I’m sure of it.” Parked along the curb was a red car that Ciel knew quite well. All Ciel would need was a quick look inside through a window to see if there was a bottle of White Diamond in the ash tray. Ann always kept a spare just in case she needed a little something extra to attract the men. Ciel personally hated the perfume.
The car slowed down next to the other vehicle and Sebastian watched as Ciel poked his head out the window to peer through the glass. A moment later, the younger male was back inside the car, nodding his confirmation. Sebastian’s eyes glanced up to make sure that the backup was far enough back before parking the car. They would keep watch over the vehicle to make sure no one tried to bug it while they were gone.
“Let’s go,” Sebastian murmured as he climbed out of the car cautiously. His eyes swept across the area, checking for anyone that looked like they were on surveillance duty.
“You want to take a guess where she might be?” Ciel asked as he looked around. He had no clue where his aunt had run off to, and he was sure Sebastian hadn’t a clue either. The shops around them looked posh and up-scale, meaning Ann could be in any one of them.
Sebastian’s eyes glanced at the shops and the small alleys between them. Most of the shops were tightly packed together, but a few of them had small sections dividing them; a place for local deliveries to drop off their goods. At best, that would be the most likely place for someone to strike. It was back far enough that the sounds of the traffic would cover any screams or cries.
But it still didn’t narrow down where Ciel’s aunt could be. Sebastian didn’t know the woman that well and only knew of her love for fine and expensive things. It was already late in the day, nearing nightfall. If anything, Ann would be hitting the small shops by now. She would’ve done her clothes shopping first and would now be looking at shoes and other accessories to go with them.
“Try a shoe store,” Sebastian offered. “Or maybe a store that sells handbags.”
“Shoes maybe, or she could have gone to get an after-dinner coffee at a cafe.” There were several cafe joints along the street, half of which Ann wouldn’t be caught dead in. Ciel’s eyes shifted around, looking through the crowds for a head of red hair.
Ciel led himself down the street quickly as he stayed well aware of his surroundings. It was unnerving to think that any nameless person who passed could be after your life. His muscles were tense and his heart was pounding. They passed a shoe store that was small and it was easy to see that Ann was not amongst its customers.
Two more stores were passed and Sebastian scowled; it shouldn’t be this hard to find the woman. The town wasn’t that big and the hair would give Ann away in a heartbeat. Unless she was wearing some large hat that covered up most of her hair.
Sebastian’s eyes darted around the crowd again, taking in every person that walked on the sidewalks. They fell on a lady walking away from an antique shop and Sebastian tugged slightly on Ciel’s arm. “There,” he stated as another person broke away from the crowd to trail after the woman at a safe distance.
Ciel’s stomach dropped as he realized just what he was seeing. “They found her?” He didn’t need to look up to Sebastian to know the man nodded. Blue eyes trailed the man as they made it down the opposite side of the street, pace increasing by each second. There was no telling when the man would make his move and god forbid Ann decided to cut through an alley to make it to the shops on the next street over.
“Go,” Sebastian said urgently, pushing Ciel forward. They moved quickly, trying not to draw attention but at the same time, not moving too slowly to lose sight of Ann and her tracker. Sebastian’s eyes narrowed as they watched the man move closer to Ciel’s aunt and he grunted softly. “Run.”
Cold night air stung at Ciel’s face and dried his eyes, but he refused to close them. One blink and he feared his aunt would disappear forever. Time long since passing flashed through him mind. Scenes of days when he had pushed his aunt away, wanting nothing more than to have her out of his life. All because she wasn’t his mom, or his father. He wanted her fully, all her time and attention when she couldn’t give it to him. Ann had her life and Ciel had been the one to intrude into it. She had done her very best and Ciel had never appreciated what she had given up for him.
They crossed the street a few feet ahead of Ann and her pursuer. Ciel’s mind was still elsewhere, thinking of the last time they had sat down and had dinner together. It had been horribly stiff and impersonal. If Ciel could, he would change it all. Funny how Ciel grew a new perspective on a person when the possibility of losing them bore down on him.
“Focus,” Sebastian murmured when Ciel bumped into his back, not realizing that they had slowed down. The pace was more relaxed now and Sebastian tugged up the collar on his jacket. “You get your aunt. I’ll deal with the guy following her.”
He left little room for argument and quickly sped up his pace. Sebastian passed by Ann unnoticed and used his shoulder to bump into the man following Ann. The action made the man falter slightly and Sebastian stopped a few steps later, patting at his pants.
“Hey!” he shouted, drawing attention to himself. He shouted again and grabbed the man’s arm, jerking him back around. “You stole my wallet, you thief!”
Ciel didn’t bother to pay Sebastian or his theatrics any mind. He quickly impeded his aunt’s path and drew her to the side. She looked genuinely surprised to see Ciel, albeit happy. It wasn’t like him to pop out of nowhere and come up to her. Ciel was more the type to stay hidden and meet only under his own terms.
“We need to go,” he said urgently and began to pull Ann down the same path Ciel and Sebastian had taken moments prior.
“Go?” Ann asked, cocking her head to the side. “Why should we go now? I haven’t seen you in a while and it’s a lovely night out. We should have dinner; that one place that has the desserts that you liked so much as a child.”
The hardened expression that had found itself on Ciel’s face softened at her words. Any biting retorts he might have given her at being difficult died on his tongue and he turned to face her quickly. Just beyond, he could see Sebastian arguing and using his body as a blockade and wall so that their pursuer could neither see nor get to Ciel and his aunt.
“Now is not the time for that. I just need you to come with me.” Ciel tried to relay the urgency of the situation in his voice. He needed his aunt to understand.
Ann frowned slightly, but slowly nodded her head. “Okay. I can play along, I suppose.” She offered a bright smile. “You’re not running from the law, are you? Or does this have something to do with Sebastian? You never told me how things worked out between you two. Do I need to kick his ass?”
Ciel found it within himself to smile. “Depending how this goes, Sebastian just might have an ass kicking in his future.” He wrapped his hand around Ann’s wrist and led her across the street, earning a honk from some car that had to slam on their brakes to avoid them. His aunt lectured him once they were safely back on the sidewalk. Ciel paid her no mind, too focused on the car which he could see in the distance.
They were so close and Ciel allowed himself to feel the joy of a job well done. His aunt would be safe and soon they would be back at the house. Ciel couldn’t wait to curl in bed and forget about the day. Forget about the people after him, forget about Bard’s abduction, forget about the hell hole his life had found itself spiraling into.
There was a distance of three more buildings until the car and Ciel gripped at his aunt tighter, feeling a security that was undeserved. His guard was down and he never saw the hit coming. A hand shot out and collided into Ciel’s shoulder, twisting into the fabric of his shirt and thrusting him forward. Ann followed without wanting to, Ciel’s hand still around her arm.
Ann’s mouth opened to comment on the rough behavior, wanting nothing more than to snap at the man who had so rudely bumped into her nephew. The words, though, died in her mouth at the sight of a gun poking out from inside a jacket.
They were steered into a side alley, a dim light flickering overhead and illuminating a back door to one of the shops she had just visited. Ann’s eyes darted to Ciel, knowing that knowing that she would put herself in front of Ciel should any harm possibly fall upon her precious nephew.
“What do you want?” she finally asked, her voice calm and not betraying how she really felt.
“Shut up, will you?” Ciel threw her a hardened look. He felt guilty but now was not the time to baby his aunt. His mood didn’t help, either. It was his fault that they had ended up in this situation. Sebastian was going to lecture him for letting his guard down.
The man regarded the two of them with a smug smirk. “Looks like I got the jackpot,” he said, showing off rotting teeth with a satisfied smile. The gun remained aimed between them, as if the man was unsure which one of his would-be victims he should focus on.
Ann stayed silent, not sure whose wrath would be worse right now. Ciel’s harsh tone had surprised her, and if a gun hadn’t been pointed at her back, she might’ve stopped to comment on it. They were pushed further down the alley and the roar of traffic diminishing in the small area, making her swallow nervously.
Ciel, on his part, had his mind racing through all the possible plans that he could execute safely and without bringing harm to his aunt or himself. It was fortunate that their captor seemed to be an idiot and had not bothered to disarm Ciel when he first had the chance.
“What do you want with us?” Ciel asked, hoping to distract the man further.
“You don’t know?” The reply sounded condescending. “I suppose it’s for the best, but it does make our job harder.” The man looked unamused, which mirrored Ciel’s own look.
It was becoming increasingly irritating that these idiots expected Ciel to return something when he knew nothing of the item they wanted. He figured that they didn’t want the item to be seen as valuable, since it most likely had something to hide.
“It’s quite hard to return something that I don’t even know I have,” Ciel snapped, becoming more irate.
The man seemed to think it over and shrugged his shoulders. “Doesn’t really matter. I think you’ll be a good enough bargaining chip to ensure the item is returned promptly and without any unneeded snooping. Otherwise we’ll just put a bullet through that pretty little head of yours.”
Ann tensed at the words, trying to make sense of the whole conversation. Her previous joke about Ciel running from something dangerous like this seemed far less funny now and she wished to take the comment back.
Her eyes glanced down, settling on her large purse. There was a can of pepper spray somewhere in its contents, but whether or not she could get to it without drawing attention was another story. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try; by the way the man was talking, they weren’t going to die yet.
Slowly, Ann’s hand slid down to her purse. Her fingers teased the zipper, working to unzip it slowly so the noise wouldn’t attract attention. Her eyes lit up when she was able to get enough of the bag open to stick her hand in.
Ciel caught the movement a minute before their attacker. The man shifted his body quickly to Ann, gun raised and ready to fire. It was now or never and Ciel snatched the gun from his side without hesitation, praying that he would not be too late. The muffled shot of Ciel’s gun was drowned out by Ann’s scream as she watched the man’s head explode from the side in a mixture of blood and brains. He hit the floor with a sickening thud and Ciel quickly pocketed the gun.
Swallowing gasps and pants that threatened to leave her mouth, Ann turned to look at Ciel with wide eyes. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would see Ciel use a gun. And use it with deadly accuracy. The look on Ciel’s face was cool, barely showing any emotion for what he had just done.
“Ciel,” she started, but cold blue eyes made her mouth snap shut.
“We need to go.” This time he didn’t bother taking his aunt’s hand. A part of him feared that she would reject his touch. It was a relief in itself to hear her following after him as they made it back to the main street. The car still sat there, and Ciel had a small hope that Sebastian would have made it back by now. Chancing a glance to the opposite sidewalk, he couldn’t see any sign of the older man.
The car seemed untouched, none of the seals having been broken. He opened the back door and stood to the side. “Get in,” he said to his aunt, voice a little less hostile.
She nodded and climbed into the car, her bags bumping against the edges slightly before they were all inside. The door was slammed shut behind her and she watched as Ciel looked around, keeping watch for someone.
Moments passed before her eyes caught Sebastian walking down the sidewalk, a small smirk on his face. There was a wad of bills held in his hand and his eyes danced with something Ann couldn’t place. It was a mixture of excitement and something else; something dangerous that sent chills down her spine.
“I expect things went well for you?” Ciel asked with an amused look and raised eyebrows. He couldn’t fathom what could have occurred to end with such results. Ciel just wished his ordeal had ended on such a high note. Ann’s eyes could be seen through the back window and Ciel knew she was watching them intently.
Sebastian nodded. “You could say that,” he stated as he glanced at Ann. “Our stalker didn’t recognize me, only Ann. So he was hired help. Gave me quite a bit of money to stop shouting at him. Our men are taking care of him as we speak.”
“I’ve already taken care of his buddy. I’m getting sick of dealing with these idiots.” Ciel moved back to the car, not feeling at ease hanging around here any more than needed. It would be their luck that a third attacker would crawl out from under the same rock. He opened the passenger door and eased his way in, waiting for Sebastian to do the same as he purposefully ignored his aunt. At this point he wasn’t sure how to act around her.
The car started quietly and moved away from the sidewalk. Sebastian looked up into the rear-view window to see Ann’s eyes staring at them, questions running through them. Their eyes caught and he offered a small smile. “Hello, Madam Red. How have you been since I last saw you?”
She sputtered at the question. “Oh, I’ve been fine, Sebastian. First you say that you’ll take care of Ciel, only to break his heart months later. Now, I see him for the first time since then and I assume you two are back together; everything’s all rainbows and sunshine now.” She paused and sucked in a deep breath before plowing on. “Oh, and did I forget to mention that my nephew just shot someone?! What the hell did you do to him, Sebastian?”
Sebastian smiled and turned back to the road. “Good to see you too, Madam.”
Ciel didn’t have the decency to look guilty; instead, he looked rather pleased with himself. “At least it was more effective than if you had used your mace. But either way it proved to be the distraction I needed.” He shrugged his shoulder and kept his gaze out the window. Now wasn’t the time to sugar coat things. At this point, Ciel couldn’t bring himself to hide who he had become.
Sebastian nodded. “He’s a very good shooter, too. Nothing to be ashamed of.” He doubted that Ann would take the comment too well but it was the truth, and given the turn around that Ciel had done his training in, it was something to be very proud of.
The backseat of the car was quiet as Ann mulled over the answer and pondered her own. Too many things had happened at once and in the end, there was only one question that needed to be ask. “What’s going on?” Ann asked finally.
“At the moment? Too much.” Ciel knew right well that wasn’t what his aunt had meant, but he was in no mood to have that conversation now. It could wait, and Ann could be patient. They would need longer than the car ride to explain everything. Naturally it would be easier if Ann knew something about the family prior to this; otherwise, they would be opening a can of worms.
Ann huffed and leaned back into the seat, trying her best to be patient. Her foot tapped against the floor as they left the town and moved down the main road. As they came closer to the mansion, she stiffened and her eyes darted to Sebastian.
The car came to a stop and Sebastian climbed out of the car. He moved over to the side and opened the car door for Ann. He watched as her eyes flickered over the mansion before settling on him again.
“I want answers,” she said sternly.
Sebastian nodded. “Of course. Shall we go inside?”
They headed up the stone steps, Ciel in the lead. It was eerily quiet, something Ciel took notice of. The house still seemed as if it were mourning the taking of one of its own. A rustle of trees in the wind sounded like sobs and Ciel forced his way quickly through the door. He didn’t want such a heavy reminder of the ominous happening, not at the moment.
“I wonder if they have news?” Ciel whispered as Sebastian came to stand next to him in the entry.
Sebastian frowned. “Probably not yet, but by tomorrow, we should have something.” He looked ahead and paused outside Tanaka’s study. “We’ll get some sleep tonight and then go do some questioning of our own.”
It sounded like a good idea. Ciel wasn’t about to put faith in people he didn’t know, not when both Sebastian and himself could do a better job at it. That much Ciel was sure of. He glanced back at his aunt who had been following them silently, her face set in a grim frown. It did not suit her; she was meant to smile.
Ciel’s hand rose and knocked, waiting until Tanaka’s tired voice sounded from the other side of the door. With a deep breath, he turned the knob and pushed forward. Ann was allowed to go in before Ciel, and the younger male closed the door behind himself once everyone had gathered within the office.
Tanaka looked at the small group, noting the tiredness in their eyes as well as the stiff posture in their bodies. It seemed as though Ciel’s hunch was right. Their enemy was trying to target both Sebastian and Ciel, hoping to use people close to them in order to draw them out.
“Hello, Ann,” Tanaka said softly and gestured to a chair in front of his desk. “Please sit.”
“No,” Ann stated, head held high as she met Tanaka’s gaze. “I know who you are and the family that you run. I want nothing to do with it.”
“Please, Aunt Ann, just sit down.” Ciel looked so tired just then, blue eyes dimmer than anyone had seen them. Aside from perhaps Sebastian. Ciel knew he had given the older man many similar looks during their month of disagreement. “If you want your answers, then you will sit.”
Ann sent him a withering glare, but sat nonetheless. This much Ciel was happy for, and he too took a seat. He didn’t care if it was proper or not. Tanaka was family and as such, Ciel would take the opportunity to relax and let his guard down. He needed this moment before all hell broke loose once more.
Sebastian came to stand behind Ciel, his hands resting on tired shoulders. Even though he wasn’t blood related and this talk was going to revolve more around the blood family, Sebastian planned on staying. His fingers rubbed small circles into Ciel’s skin, hoping to ease the younger male while they waited for Tanaka to talk.
“How much did your mother and sister tell you?” Tanaka finally asked, breaking the silence in the room after a few seconds had passed.
“Enough,” Ann said, tone hard. “Although I will say Rachel spoke better of you and the family than mother ever did.”
It had been a long while since Ciel had heard his aunt speak of his mother, especially by her given name. Around the house, it was always ‘your mother’ or some variation of that. It was almost odd to hear the name spilling from her lips. He leaned back in Sebastian’s touch, glad to have the man there to support him through all of this.
Tanaka nodded. “That’s understandable. Your mother and I didn’t part on the most pleasant of terms. But we’re not here to point fingers or bring up the past.” His voice was firm, making everyone in the room straighten slightly. “In the past few weeks, there have been a few attempts on Ciel’s and Sebastian’s lives. Obviously, they made it through such attacks but now our enemy has turned their attention to the people close to them.”
From behind Ciel, Sebastian spoke up. “Earlier today we were informed that someone in the family was being held captive by our enemy. They’re close to me, under my command.” Sebastian stated. “Those men who were after you earlier are the same people who captured my man. Only this time, they were hoping to get to Ciel through you.”
“I didn’t want you brought into this,” Ciel said. “But they didn’t give me much of a choice. I’m sorry.” He looked over to his aunt, feeling the guilt weigh him down. It was obvious now that Ann didn’t want to be here, or among people such as themselves. It hurt, but Ciel could not blame her.
Tanaka nodded. “I know that this is hard for you, but for your safety, we would like you to stay here until this problem is taken care of.”
Ann stiffened. “Here? As in the mansion?” The thought didn’t settle well with her. “Isn’t there some other place I can stay? Like a safe house or something. You have to forgive me for saying it, but I’d rather stay in any other place aside from this mansion.”
Once again Ciel turned to plead with his aunt. “Please, Aunt Ann, listen to Gran--” he stopped himself, slightly shocked by his choice of words. “Tanaka is right, you need to be here. I’d like to know you’re safe.”
Tanaka nodded his head in agreement. The mansion was the only place that their enemies would not hit. Ann would be safe and well protected within these walls. Whatever transpired here, for Ann’s safety, the woman would not be allowed to leave until it was safe.
The woman scowled, Ciel’s pleading still ringing in her ears. She wanted nothing more than to say no, stand up and walk out the door. But she could only imagine how that would affect Ciel and she didn’t want him worrying about her when he needed to focus first on his own life.
“I’ll stay,” she finally said and turned to glare at Tanaka. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll like it.”
Tanaka offered a small smile. “I understand. Thank you for agreeing to stay here though; it means a lot to us.”
“Thank you,” Ciel added as well. It was a small relief to know Ann would be close to him where he could keep an eye on her. She might not like the idea, but knowing her, she’d be making the mansion home soon enough. Within a day, she would change the somber atmosphere into something worth smiling about.
Ann didn’t say anything but she nodded her agreement, letting Ciel know that she was at least listening. She watched as Sebastian’s hands stilled on Ciel’s shoulders, giving them one last reassuring squeeze before simply resting there. The sight made her realize how stressful everything was for her nephew and she leaned back in the chair, accepting her fate.
After a moment of calming and accepting silence, Tanaka leaned back into his chair with a deep sigh. Ciel could see age in the man’s face that had not been there days before, showing the wear and stress the day had caused. Tanaka stood, Ciel rising soon after in a show of respect. Ciel took note that Ann remained seated, finding no reason for her to show the same respect.
“I believe the room across from yours is empty. She is more than welcome to call it her own during her stay,” Tanaka said to both Ciel and Sebastian. The duo of men nodded stiffly, not sure if the idea suited them.
Even Ann seemed hesitant to the idea and she glanced back at Sebastian before facing Tanaka again. “Is there another room that’s not so close to them? I’d rather not hear some loud noises at night.” A faint blush tinted her cheeks, but she didn’t back down, knowing all too well that a stressful situation such as this could result in some form of intimacy from Sebastian and Ciel.
“We aren’t that loud,” Ciel mumbled under his breath. He felt his face heat, both from embarrassment and irritation. His aunt made it sound like Sebastian and himself were at each other like rabbits. An image of sweat slickened bodies and guns came to mind, and Ciel hastily thought of some excuse for that affair. It had been a while, and truly it had. Their times of intimacy had lost their frequencies and Ciel was left to be appeased by short and tamed make out sessions before bed.
Sebastian offered a small smile. “We’ll make sure to keep our voices down then,” he said, watching in pleasure as the tint grew on Ann’s cheeks.
Tanaka sent Sebastian a quick look, telling him to behave himself before focusing on Ann. “We have a few spare rooms on this floor. They’re smaller but I can assure you that no one will bother you.”
“That will work,” Ann said shortly with all the air of indifference. It was clear to see she was trying to be as difficult as she was uncaring. The situation was bothering her deeply, and Ciel suddenly felt guilty for bringing her into this. What must she think of him now? She had known about his mother and father’s involvement within the family, but it was easy to tell she held no pleasant views on it.
Ciel took a moment to settle the nervesness that gnawed on the entirety of his being. With a sigh he turned, blue eyes seeking out his aunt’s, and gave Ann an unnaturally sweet smile. “Shall we take you to your room then? And perhaps we’ll have some dinner.” The offer was said out of courtesy, nothing more. Ciel knew his offer would be turned down.
“Dinner would be nice,” Ann stated, shocking both Sebastian and Ciel. “I was on my way there to begin with before this mess started. You can show me to my room and I’ll have dinner served there.”
Sebastian turned his head slightly to look at Tanaka. They exchanged a knowing glance, silently agreeing that it might’ve been better to let their rivals take the woman. She was going to cause them all a headache.
Without a proper dismissal, Ciel forced himself towards the door. “Let’s get this over with. Shall we?” Wooden doors creaked open with an aged slowness and Ciel stood, awaiting his group to come and follow. Anxiety bit at him and he wondered what Ann would say, if anything at all, once she was alone with only himself and Sebastian.
Once they were alone in the hall and the door had closed, Ann closed the short distance between herself and Sebastian. Her hand raised and she smacked Sebastian firmly across the cheek. “That, was for hurting Ciel.” Another slap sounded in the hall. “And that was for breaking your promise to me about keeping Ciel safe and happy.”
She gestured around the mansion, keeping her eyes on Sebastian. “This isn’t safe! How could you even think of letting Ciel join something like this? Letting him sink this low and bringing him into such a horrible world.” Tears formed at the edges of Ann’s eyes, threatening to fall but she kept them at bay.
Sebastian’s head bowed. “I apologize. I never meant to hurt Ciel like I had. It was foolish of me to let something as trivial as rank and family get in the way of our relationship. I should’ve put Ciel first before anything else.” His eyes hardened as he looked up at the woman. “I won’t let it happen again.”
Ciel quickly waved both of their words away, seeing no real point in them. “Sebastian really isn’t to blame here.” Ann turned to him, mouth open ready to argue. The cold, hard look she received had her mouth closing with a snap. “I walked into this ‘horrible’ world on (changed from “of”)my own accord and behind Sebastian’s back. Trust me when I say I fought tooth and nail against him so that I could stand here now as the man I’ve become.
“I am not even faultless in my own hurt. My eyes were blind to Sebastian’s own situation and position within our previous arrangement. I believe he was hurting just as much as I was. So if you must raise your hand at anyone, then please raise it upon me.” As he spoke, Ciel looked the very image of the heir of this family. He knew not when he had found this courage, this strength. Perhaps it was Sebastian whom he owed it to. The man never failed to bring out the best, and often times worst, in Ciel.
Ann stood quietly for a while, her eyes darting between both Ciel and Sebastian as she tried to find the words to say. In the end, she glanced away from them. “Take me to my room please,” she said softly.
Sebastian nodded and gestured down the hallway. Ciel walked next to him while Ann walked behind, no doubt thinking about everything that had just been said. It was a lot for her to take in and Sebastian had no worries that she would come to an understanding soon.
“Here’s your room,” he said quietly, pulling Ann from her thoughts. “Someone will come by shortly to deliver your things. And some dinner if you wish.”
“I’m not hungry,” Ann answered and walked into the room. She nodded briefly to them before letting the door shut; the click of the lock was loud in the silent hallway.
At the dismissal, Sebastian reached for Ciel’s hand and tugged him gently down the hall. His fingers curled around Ciel’s, giving him silent strength and comfort until they were inside their room.
“That could have gone better,” Ciel said bitterly as he walked alongside Sebastian. His head was hung down low, expression hidden. All the arguing in the world wasn’t going to make Ann see the situation any different and Ciel resigned himself to the fact that he didn’t quite care so long as she was safe. No one could get to her now, and Ciel was thankful for that much. Maybe one day she would learn to thank him as well.
Sebastian opened the door and ushered Ciel in. “I think it went rather well, actually.” He chuckled at the disbelieving look that Ciel threw at him and leaned down to kiss the younger male’s cheek. Sebastian led them to the bed and took a seat, pulling Ciel down to rest in his lap. “I say that honestly. If she was truly disgusted with you, she wouldn’t have slapped me earlier. She wouldn’t have stayed of her own free will. But because she did those things, it shows that she still cares. It will just take some time to get used to the current situation,.”
“Cares about her life at least,” Ciel grumbled, feeling all the worse despite Sebastian’s words. There was no way to know where Ann would be with her opinion of Ciel in the days to come. If it was for the better or worse, Ciel couldn’t allow himself to care. There were more pressing things to worry about and he lectured himself for not focusing on the ordeal concerning Bard. “I want to go out tomorrow,” he finally said slowly.
The older male nodded his head. “Of course. We can go in the morning after we check on your aunt. I think we need to stop by and see Elizabeth; she might know something.” Sebastian leaned back on the bed, pulling Ciel down with him. His arms wrapped loosely around Ciel’s waist and he closed his eyes, accepting the familiar weight. His eyes opened slightly to peer up at Ciel. “You don’t regret your decision all those months ago?” he asked softly.
“I don’t.” Ciel didn’t meet Sebastian’s eyes. “I can’t bring myself to regret it. Too much of me has been put into this path I’ve carved for myself. What point would it be to regret it? I’m stained in blood and ink, and yet when I close my eyes I can only see the beauty they hold. I fear it’s too late for me; there is no room for regret.” Blue eyes turned then, a hidden darkness there that stormed and brewed into a maelstrom.
A low hum left Sebastian’s throat as Ciel’s head came to rest on his chest. The words soothed the worry in Sebastian’s mind, the soft, whispered words that maybe Ciel was regretting his choice and wanted out. If anything, that was one of Sebastian’s biggest fears and his grip tightened around the younger male.
“I’m glad,” he murmured and let his eyes close. “And you’re not stained; you’re colored.”
“Colored?” Ciel mused. “And what colors do you see?” He thought of the tattoo’s littering his back, the blacks and contrasting colors that boldly stood from the pale canvas of his skin. It was soothing, the feel of Sebastian’s hand. Fingers stroked along lines hidden beneath layers of clothing, but both Ciel and Sebastian knew their shapes.
Sebastian didn’t even hesitate in his answer. “I see red, for your strong desire to succeed in the things you do; whether through school or the family. There’s a blue there too, blue as a clear summer day because your mind can wander at times and I find it rather endearing.” He paused to look up at Ciel, blue eyes focusing solely on him. “I see black, because no one is perfect and we all have some darkness. But I also see white.”
A dry chuckle left Ciel. “White, you say? Is there any left?” Innocence was white, and what did Ciel hope to have left of that? White was meant to be tainted, painted over and covered. Sebastian had done a very good job of that, the family taking care of what was left behind. “I do believe you are seeing things.”
“I don’t believe that,” Sebastian answered. “I see white because you still care. You care about your family, worrying whether or not someone will harm them and you wonder how you can protect them. There’s white because you stopped me from killing someone, just because they were being used as a pawn. You may not see it, but I can still see it.”
There was no doubt that Sebastian was referring to Elizabeth. Ciel could not stand seeing the girl being killed for keeping her own safety in mind. “Well I don’t see it.” There was a blush to Ciel’s cheeks and he would not allow himself to believe such kind words. Sebastian was no different if that were the case. Ciel could see the white in him. It was ironic really. Ciel had given his white in return for Sebastian’s black. A smile crossed Ciel’s face and he turned to glance at Sebastian. “You are no different,” he said quietly. “I can plainly see the white I’ve given you.”
“Oh?” Sebastian asked and his head cocked to the side. “Do explain. I’m rather curious to hear this theory of yours. Last I checked, I was a cold hearted bastard with a really good aim.”
“Well you are, but there is a little white in you. Sort of like an Oreo. It’s smashed between all that lovely black.” Ciel found it in himself to laugh. “But don’t worry, you’ve given me more than enough black in return.”
Sebastian chuckled. “If you say so,” he stated before bringing his hands down to Ciel’s sides to tickle the younger male. A small yelp left Ciel’s mouth and it didn’t take long before they were tumbling across the bed, trying their best to land a hit on the other.
It was lighthearted and relaxing, but more than that, it helped to push away the lingering issues and mess that hung over the mansion. For now, in the dark hours of the night, they could afford this moment of laughter. Because once morning comes, it would be business as usual.
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[Part Two]
