His butler, Jealous
 

---------- Post added 05-16-2012 at 10:05 PM ----------

Sebastian was up bright and early, making a grand meal for his beloved master. Today was rather special and though he knew Ciel wasn't fond of celebrating, he figured he'd do a little something special anyway. It was Christmas eve, and nothing could be better than hot apple cider and waffles for breakfast...right? His master was always so unpredictable and Sebastian could only hope he'd done right. Not that Ciel would ever admit it even if the butler did do something right. That just wasn't in his nature. It was now time to wake the boy and get him dressed. He walked up the stairs and opened the door slowly before ringing a little bell.

"Young master? Please do wake up. It's morning time." He declared, going over to the bed and starting to get the boy ready for a bath. He'd already drawn the water and it should've been a perfect temperature by now. He didn't wait for any sort of response before taking Ciel to the bath and setting him in. He scrubbed the skins until it was pink, making very quick work of the bath, and then got him dressed in a fancy, cute outfit. "There we are. Now you must eat." He paused. "Would you like to eat in the dining hall or your study, or perhaps somewhere else?" He didn't know what room his master would want to eat his meal in, and didn't dare make the choice for him. It was then that he heard a loud, high pitched voice that made him visibly cringe. "I do believe Elizabeth has arrived my master." He declared, not sure of Ciel would want to see her or not. His master was so picky about what he did when. He'd just wait for further instruction.

Morning time. Ciel groaned as he curled into his bed. The morning rays filtered in through the smallest crack in heavy curtains. Naturally, Mother Nature's aim was unparalleled, as that solitary beam of light landed just above his eyes. And then Sebastian was at the door, starting off the day as he always did. Christmas eve. 'Bah humbug' he thought dryly. About that time Sebastian whisked him away to the bath. It almost seemed overkill to have his devilish butler going so far as even to wash him, but Ciel didn't think much of out. Dressing. Bathing. Even eating. All of it was orchestrated to the tune of a very specific schedule. The classy looking man before him mentioned food and Ciel shrugged. "I suppose I could be afforded the time to eat in the dining room. Afterall, with Lizzie com-"

Before he could finish that statement, the aforementioned Lizzie shattered the peace and silence of the manor. Ciel cringed about the same as Sebastian did. "She is early..." He muttered wearily. "Yes, well... Set a place for Elizabeth as well, Sebastian." Ciel instructed. "I'll go greet her." He added with some level of disdain.

Sebastian nodded and left with a short. "Yes my lord." He set the place at the table and was nearly knocked flat on his butt by Elizabeth's maid who was bearing way to many gifts for one woman to carry. Sebastian kindly took them from her and set them in the living room. Elizabeth fawned over Ciel as was normal for her, making Sebastian unusually moody. He snapped at Bard when the man simply came to ask if he needed any help. "Do I look like I need any help?" He growled and the cook backed off, seeing the butler was annoyed. He never liked Lizzie's visits because she tended to be a hassle to deal with. She was so glad to see Ciel that she hadn't even come in the door from greeting him yet. Sebastian looked at her oddly and she stepped into the house, taking off her coat and handing it to Sebastian. He was more than infuriated by the inferior child. He would not be treated as a coat rack. He still managed to remain silent for Ciel's sake. "Are the three of you ready for your morning meal young master?" He asked, his voice icy and showing lack of emotion, even more than usual.

Ciel thought a moment. "I believe it would be more appropriate if you and Paula were to dine separately of us, as I have business to discuss with Elizabeth privately." He said, looking distracted and distant. He ushered Sebastian off. "Bring whatever it is Elizabeth wishes too eat, and I'll have the same." So much for the special meal Sebastian had planned. "And then provide Miss Paula with anything that might please her for her breakfast." Even his orders were given with a bit less command than usual.

Elizabeth, of course, was thrilled at the prospect of a private meal with her fiance. But for every ounce of enthusiasm Lizzy showed, Ciel showed two more of disdain.

Sebastian had already known he wouldn't be eating with the others. He was, after all, a servant. He always ate in the kitchen...when he ate, which was rare since demons scarcely needed food. It surprised him that Paula would have to eat seperatly though. She didn't really seem to mind. Sebastian was concerned by Ciel's tone and the way he seemed dismayed. He wondered what could be bothering his master. He asked Elizibeth what she wanted, not at all surprised when she wanted something entirely different than what he'd prepared. He took the original meal he'd made and have it to Pluto. So much for doing something to show Ciel he cared. It ended up going to the dog. That made him slightly disheartened, but he'd never show it. At least not very openly. He went to making French toast for the young couple and brought it out as soon as he was done. He also made Miss Paula some. She looked worried when he didn't make anything for himself. "Won't you eat as well?" She asked and he shook his head. "No, I ate earlier." He gave her one of his trademark smiles that were simply used to mask other forms of emotion. Bard walked in and he got a splendid idea. He'd have the cook spy on Ciel and Lizzie. He asked the cook that favor and was assured he'd get results. He hoped to see what had trouble his young master.

Back in the dining room, Ciel and Lizzy sat at opposite ends of the table, starting out eating to nothing more than the incessant babble of Elizabeth. Finally he placed his fork back down and sighed. "I suppose we should get down to the business portion of this visit... I've spoken with Marchioness Midford, and she has urged me to advance our plans for a wedding. Obviously we cannot marry until you've turned 16, but planning is slated to begin immediately..."

Whilst Bard spent time eavesdropping Mey-Rin showed up. She cocked her head to the side, then whispered. "What are we looking for?"

Bard shook his head. "Not sure."

And then Finnian showed up, joining in on the snooping.

Finally, about 30 minutes into the discussion, Pluto showed up. Seeing the three piled up at the door, he playfully pounced them, sending them all flying threw the door.

Ciel frowned. "What is the meaning of this?" He demanded. When none of them could give more than frightened stutters in response, Ciel angrily sent them all away. "Elizabeth, you should go home..." He said coldly as he turned on heel. Nevermind, he made the poor girl cry... He didn't rightly care at the moment. Irritatedly, he made his way to his study. His staff was somewhat lacking of professionalism to be sure... But it wasn't like them to be spying on him...

Sebastian had been pacing around the kitchen, hands shoved in his pockets and his head down. He muttered to himself and Paula just stared like he was some sort of whack job. "Um...Sebastian sir...?" He snapped out of it and looked up at her, red eyes dark with anger and stormy with pain. "Yes?" He asked coolly and she shook her head. "Nevermind." Sometimes it was better for one just not to know. The butler went back to pacing, staring at the ground again. "What could I have done wrong? Is it that girl's arrival? What if he's mad at me?" He was muttering all kinds of reasons that Ciel might be upset.

Sebastian jumped as he heard a few thuds and then Ciel's angry voice. He face palmed. Couldn't those three do anything right? He should've been spying himself instead of sending the other house servants if he really wanted the job done. He was sure that Ciel was even more angry at this point. Elizabeth came in, crying like always. That girl needed to toughen up or she'd never make it in life. He kept silent until she told Paula it was time to go. He ushered then to the door and helped both women into their coats before seeing them to their carriage. "Perhaps next time would be better young misses." He said calmly and handed Elizabeth a package. "My lord Phantomhive's wished me to give you this." It was a little tea set that Sebastian had purchased, wanting the girl to think his master cared at least a little. She seemed delighted enough and he was sure she'd have a great Christmas. He might just get in trouble for taking the liberty and lying, but it would be worth it...maybe. He walked silently back into the house, running slam into Mey-Rin and falling backwards. All three other servants stared at him from above. He'd never done something so very clumsy in front of them before. He stood back up and brushed himself off.

"What did you find out?" He asked and was answered by Bard.

"He was talkin 'bout their marriage plans." He said and Mey-Rin nodded in agreement. That wasn't a thing Sebastian liked to talk about. Why was his young master so eager to get hitched to some little girl when he already had Sebastian? He didn't really think it was love that Ciel was seeking...was it? He simply wanted loyalty right? Jealousy was eating it way into Sebastian's heart, but he knew he couldn't slip and let Ciel know. He decided he'd go and see how the young master was right now. He walked quietly into the study.

"Young master?" He inquired. "Are you alright?" He wasn't really sure what else to say. He was sure Ciel was frustrated. He was also sure that Ciel knew he'd been the one to but bard up to spying. He braced himself to either be slapped or yelled at..or both.

Hearing Sebastian's voice whilst in the midst of working and trying to cool down rebooted his fury. If there was one thing he hated, it was having his staff step out of line so majorly. But he knew these people too well. There was no way that Bard, Mey-Rin, or Finnian would do this of their own will. Someone had put them up to it. And since it obviously hadn't been Ciel to order it, there was only one other person they respected enough to take orders from.

"Sebastian..." He said, a bit icily, ushering him in. He paced for a few moments, as he tried to find the right words. "What in all the nine circles of hell were you thinking?" He demanded. "Sending my own staff to spy on me..." He turned on heel, fixing Sebastian with a glare most contemptuous.

"Had I wanted the whole manor to know of the advancement of my betrothment, I would have said as much!" His voice grew louder as he spoke.

But what he didn't realize is he had actually told Sebastian much more than the other three had, as they had only mentioned talk of the wedding plans, and not that the wedding day was being moved up.

Sebastian cringed under the glare and strong tone that Ciel used towards him. Yep, the kid was mad at him and he knew it good and well. It wasn't like he'd been innocent though, so he had to take his punishment as it was due. "I'm truly sorry young master. I simply wished to know what was upsetting you. I could hear it in your voice." He knew that this explanation would probably just annoy Ciel, but it was worth a try. The truth was always worth a try. He'd been rather worried and he had simply wanted to know what was going on. It was what Ciel said that had him stunned and rather crushed. "You're getting married sooner then?" He felt a twinge of sadness that he'd swear didn't exist if he was asked. Why was this happening?! The butler took a few steps back and starting acting even more professional than normal, a thing he'd only do when upset. He didn't expect Ciel to understand or even notice the change of behavior. His master didn't seem to take notice of him much and he didn't think the child could really read him very well.

Sebastian stood in silence for a bit before speaking aloud. "When the two of you become bound by marriage..does thy mean I'll be serving two masters?" He asked coldly, letting his voice remain empty and his eyes as well. He needed to look as zombie like as possible. Ciel needed to think he was emotionless. "Perhaps you'd allow me time to go and begin my daily task now? Am I dismissed?" He asked, needing to go and pout about this news he'd been given. "I do hope the two of you become truly happy." He added, though that was a total and utter lie. He wanted that relationship to go very wrong. He was still waiting for permission to leave the room, becoming anxious as he just stood there.

Ciel's lips turned into a brief smirk as Sebastian wore his emotions so loudly on his sleeve, just by their simple absence. And even more when it was asked if Sebastian would serve two masters. When he finally finished Ciel stood, crossing his arms. "Actually, no, you don't have permission... Not yet." He said as he strided over to the tall demon before him. He gingerly flipped up the eyepatch he wore to reveal the contract eye. "And no, you will not have two masters. Do you honestly expect that I would allow anyone else to control what is mine?" He said a bit harshly before turning on heel to head to his desk again. He flipped the patch down. "Now, you have permission to leave... And keep in mind that your actions today will NOT be tolerated again." As far as Ciel was concerned, he had all the power in their relationship.

Sebastian wanted to kill Ciel at the moment..figuratively, certainly not literally. He watched the boy walk over to him and flip up his eye patch. "Very well. I only was being sure that Elizabeth would not be in control at well. They do say a man and a woman become one in marriage." He guessed Ciel didn't believe in all of that. He was glad, because honestly he hated Elizabeth with a burning passion. She was a brat, she cried to much, and most of all shed stolen Ciel, not that he'd been Sebastian's in the first place. The way Ciel talked about him as a possession made Sebastian even more grumpy. He got really stiff in an attempt to keep his self control. It was times like this when he fought with himself. He could never say what he wanted to Ciel. It simply wouldn't be appropriate, so he bit his tongue. Apon being told he could leave, he hauled ass out off the room, moving a bit faster than was needed.

Bard, Mey-Rin, and Finny all were gossiping about the way Sebastian was acting. He was strangely quiet and very unpredictable, not to mention super touchy. He had actually hissed and barred what appeared to be fangs at Pluto. Bard had seen that and was wondering if he was just losing it. Since when did Sebastian have fangs? All of the servants were confused. "Do you think he's ok?" Mey-Rin asked and Bard shrugged. "I think he's pouting." The cook concluded. "I am not pouting." Sebastian snapped from in another room. "How in the hell did he hear that?" Finny whispered lowly. They were all getting slightly afraid of the butler and his moody attitude.

Sebastian was extra violent when tenderizing the meat for the day's mid-day meal. "Damn...stupid..girl.." He murmured in between hitting the lamb meat. He hadn't realized just how much he even cared until today. He felt murderous towards 'Lizzy' as she was called, but knew he couldn't ever show it to anyone, not at all. He just had to keep smirking and be himself until it was over.

A few ours later, Ciel called Bard and Finnian into the study. "Inform Sebastian that there is to be a dinner party here tonight. Elizabeth, Marquis and Marchioness Midford will be arriving about an hour before supper. I've just received the message. Now go."

Fin and Bard walked out of the room, and then began to bicker over who was going to tell Sebastian of the dinner party, as he seemed to be in such an awful mood. As they bickered, Mey Rin walked by. And that was when they more or less pushed her into doing it.

So, she went in there. Her head was down as she entered the kitchen. "S-Sebastian... There is to be a dinner party this evening with the Marquis Midford and his family..." She said, trying not to look him in the eye when he seemed so unpleased.

Sebastian had still been hammering out the meat when Mey-Rin walked in, and apon hearing the news she brought, he hammered down on his own hand, yelping loudly. Blood stained his white glove and he groaned. "Very well. Inform my young master that I will have it set up." He stormed up to his room in the servant's quarters and got another glove. The wound on his hand healed very quickly and so he went back down and started preparing for a dinner party. He fixed up the dining room and picked something rather elegant for the meal. This surely wouldn't displease his young master, though he didn't want to do anything that might make Lizze happy. His hatred was getting stronger. He heard a voice and whirled around to see a bunch of red. It was Grell. The man was flirting like mad and he was half tempted to punch him in the face when an idea struck him. "Hello Grell." He said calmly as he finished preparing dinner. Grell seemed slightly shocked, not understanding why Sebastian wasn't shooing him away. The shinigami inched his way closer and closer, seeing how close he could get before Sebastian kicked him. He was surprised when Sebastian simply patted his head. "What's wrong with you?" Grell asked, his sharp teeth protruding as he frowned. "I find you rather adorable." Sebastian said with a shrug and Grell squealed. "Oh Bassie! So you really do care." Sebastian chuckled. "Perhaps you'd like to talk later? I'm planning a party for my young master and he'll be most displeases if I don't give it my full attention. You and I can spend some quality time together tonight if you'd like." Grell pranced off in a happy little skip. "I'll see you after sunset Bassie!" He called.

Sebastian wasn't all that fond of Grell, but he was going to be sure that Ciel saw him and the red headed shinigami all cuddled up later. He wanted to see of he could get at Ciel. He wanted to send the message that he could always just replace the boy. He wasn't sure why he was acting this way. It was very human to be so jealous and to even act on it, but in truth he loved Ciel. That's what made him act like this.

Ciel went about his business as time passed. Soon, the time came that the Midfords would arrive. Ciel called Sebastian. "Sebastian! I need my best clothes pressed and laid out. He had just an hour to prepare for the arrival of his guests. And truly, as much as he hated to admit it, Ciel was almost useless without Sebastian's initiatives.

After issuing that order, Ciel made for his own quarters. He kept catching flashes of red out of the corner of his eye, which usually could mean only one thing. "Grell..." He muttered as he entered his room.

Sebastian did as Ciel pleased without saying a word. Once having the clothes pressed, he went to dress the young lord. "My young lord, an I allowed to have a guest during your...party?" He asked, seeking permission to even have Grell come into the house. He was going to get this over with if he could. The sooner he made Ciel see that he didn't need him, the better. He tied Ciel's neck tie and then answered the door as Lizze and the others arrived. He made sure they were all comfortable and got all of the food prepared. It was just in time since the ovens were going off and such. He wanted to have Grell come in now, seeing the Shinigami camping out near the estate. He was clearly anxious, and wearing a frilly red dress. He looked so much like a female that it surprised the butler. "Such an odd man." He muttered, still waiting for Ciel to tell him of he could have a guest.

Ciel seemed quite suspicious of Sebastian's intent with that question, but decided to let it go, having more pressing issues to tend to. "Very well." Once he was finished being dressed and everyone was let in, he began the festivities. "Sebastian, your guest may come in, but you'd do well to remind them of their place. If they so much as displease the Midfords, I will have them escorted out..." Ciel warned before entering the dining room. He had no clue who this mystery guest would be.

The smallest of smirks crossed the demon's face. "Yes master, I do understand." He motioned for Grell to enter, and the man did, grinning at Sebastian happily. "Bas--" Grell was fixing to yell 'Bassie' but Sebastian clamped a hand over his mouth. "Shh. Silence. You don't want to get in trouble, so you must be quiet." Sebastian removed his hand and closed the door behind the shinigami. "I'm so happy to see you Sebastian!" He said, talking softly now. He was surprised Grell had used his full name instead of a nickname. He almost felt bad for leading him on. Almost. He lead Grell through the dining room, locking arms with him like any proper escort would. Elizabeth looked like she might die. "O my gosh! Is that your girlfriend?!" She asked, forgetting her manners completely and staring. Elizabeth liked frilly, girly things and Sebastian could only guess what she was thinking about Grell's dress which was very flamboyant. Grell looked at Sebastian as to how to answer the girl's question. "Kind of." Sebastian answered for the red head and then kissed his cheek before pulling out the chair for him. Grell's face was redder than his hair and he looked like he might die. Sebastian served the meal and looked at Ciel to gauge the boy's response to his own behavior towards Grell.

Ciel had sat, mouth agape for a moment, but as soon as he saw Sebastian look his way, his jaw snapped up. "Yes, well... A pleasure to meet you, madame." He said as graciously as he did anything normally. But there was a sharp undertone in his voice, cold like metal. If looks could kill and Grell had been mortal... Well, suffice it to say things would have been bad for Grell. And the look he shot Sebastian was none the more pleasant. "Right then... Perhaps a nice red wine to go with dinner tonight?" He suggested, glancing over at Grell. He had not forgotten what the crimson death god had done to his aunt.

Ciel snapped his fingers. "Sebastian, see to it that the finest red wine we have is brought up. Wouldn't want to disappoint our special guests, now would we?" If Sebastian wished to act out like this, Ciel would win this little war... Even if it meant not giving Sebastian a moment's rest during the whole meal.

Sebastian felt the smallest of smirks, almost an invisible one, form on his own face. Ciel was obviously annoyed by this and he was loving it. He saw Grell visibly cringe under a glare thrown his way by Ciel. Sebastian held his ground, simply looking unconcerned when Ciel gave him the same look. His red eyes shined with a slightest twinge of amusement mixed with anger. He would get Ciel before this night was over. He nodded and gave a sweet smile as red wine was mentioned. "Yes, I do believe that is a fine choice my lord." He went into the kitchen and brought forth the wine, filling wine glasses that had already been set on the table before dinner. The only person's glass he didn't fill was Elizabeth's "Some for our young guest as well, Master." He said the last word coldly, void of feeling. He wasn't so sure that the young girl should have alcohol. That seemed slightly illegal, but he'd do whatever he was told. He felt like he was the one who needed something strong to drink. Elizabeth kindly declined the wine and he stood by, waiting to see if anyone would need a refill. He was surprised by how calm Grell was. He really had quite excellent manners.

As everyone began to finish dinner, Sebastian took all of the plates to the kitchen, washing them rather quickly and putting them all up. He helped all of the women (and Grell) from the table and into the sitting room. He knew his young master was most likely having this dinner so he could talk to all of his guests. He held Grell's hand, and turned to kiss him full on, being sure Ciel was the only one to see this action. Grell was turning a bit red and Sebastian smirked against him, kissing the shinigami deeper until Grell's knees buckled and he couldn't correctly right himself. "Perhaps you'd like to speak in private with your guests my lord?" He asked, his tone husky and seductive. Grell was clinging to him for dear life, clearly feeling dazed. He was watching carefully to see what Ciel's response to his very odd action would be. Would he be punished? Would Ciel be angry or jealous? Maybe he wouldn't care at all.

Luckily the guests had entered the room before Sebastian's little display. Ciel, however was floored. Abandoning his calm, Ciel snarled a bit. "That can wait. Sebastian... My quarters. NOW." And then his glare turned on Grell. "And you, you murderous harlot. Remove yourself from my presence before I do it for you..." His eye flashed dangerously, warning of what things might fall the amorous shinigami if he didn't do as instructed.

He then turned to the door, and forcing a calm, explained to his guests that he had to handle an emergency matter and would be back as soon as he could manage it. Then he turned on heel, marching towards the stairs. "Sebastian... Follow. That's an order."

Sebastian was smirking widely at Ciel, his bright red eyes flashing mischievously. That was the kind of response he'd wanted so badly, mostly because that meant Ciel didn't want him with someone. He could see Grell's visible pout as he left to follow his master. "You'd best go Grell, I'll see you again, don't fear." He followed his master up the winding staircase, knowing he couldn't disobey a direct order. "Why are we going into your quarters my lord?" He asked coolly while he made his way up the steps. The boy had this all coming to him and Sebastian didn't care that he'd upset him. "Would you kindly inform me of what I have done wrong?" He asked, already knowing what he'd done. He wanted to laugh, but kept silent until they were into his master's quarters. He plopped himself on the bed very unprofessionally and prepared to be scolded for his recent displays of subordinatece.

He practically slammed the door, then turned on him, moving across the room. With Sebastian sitting, they were eye level as Ciel grabbed his collar. "What are you playing at, Sebastian? What in all the nine circles of hell has gotten into you? I've done nothing other than be irritated when you sent my OWN subordinates to spy on me!" He snapped. "And then you have the nerves to ask me whilst guest stand before us if you might have that bastard in red come in?!" He demanded. "Of all the people, Grell? He murdered my Aunt!"

Sebastian growled. "Don't you think I ever get sick of being alone all the time!" He yelled back. "you're so selfish that you never even see that there are other people in this house hold as well. Am I not enough for you?! Why do you need some silly little girl to make you happy!? That's what I'm supposed to be for!" She spat, clearly angry. "Why not Grell? He's nice to me, he worships me! He may have killed your aunt, but I have no bone to pick with him!" He knew he'd said why to much, but there was no taking it back now. He snapped his mouth shut and then crossed his arms, closing his eyes and biting his lip. "Just...never mind..am I free to go?" He asked, his voice was calm again and he had regained his almost perfect composure.

Ciel got deadly quiet. A moment later he took a swing at Sebastian, absolutely shaking with fury. "Do you think I wish to marry that silly little child down there!? She cries all the time. She's irritating! She's ridiculously loud! And I don't have even the slightest say in the matter! This has been arranged practically since we were born! I don't get to choose... So you think it's wise to take it out on me?" He fumed, glaring at him.

Sebastian hissed as he was hit, his eyes widening in slight surprise. "Tell her no. Break it off!" he insisted. He sounded way to frantic to be normal. He had grabbed Ciel's arm tightly, not even realizing he was doing it. He was leaning in closer and closer to his young earl. "I will complete you. I will make you as happy as I can." He said, his voice raising an octave. "You don't need love or even status." He didn't really care what Ciel thought at the moment. His lips were hovering over his master's and he jerked back when he realized what he'd been about to do. That wouldn't have ended well at all.