Children's Games (a Sebaciel Fanfic)

Part 47

Ciel laid across the bed on his belly, kicking his feet in the air behind him, watching Sebastian as he quickly cleaned the bedroom, still mindful of his duties. The bluenette rested his chin in his palm, amused as Sebastian flitted about, straightening, folding, smoothing and generally slipping back into his role as the loyal butler.

"Sebastian?"

"Yes, my Lord?"

"Are you happy here?" Sebastian paused for a moment, thinking it over as he finished folding the last of their strewn about clothing and nodded.

"Yes." He said simply and went back to work. Ciel waited a moment, and when Sebastian didn't elaborate, Ciel sighed, realizing he was going to have to force the conversation if he wanted any real answers.

"Really happy?"

"As happy as I am able to be, yes." He turned then, seeing Ciel watching him and smiled, sitting beside him on the edge of the bed. "What are you asking me, Bocchan?"

"Is there anything else you need... or want... to make life here better for you?" He thought about it for a few moments before he spoke, his voice quiet and almost hesitant.

"There is... one thing." Ciel raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue when he hesitated to speak. "Beatrice... I would like to keep her here with me... to let her roam about if she pleases. And secure her home here."

"So, you want to keep the cat." Ciel rolled his eyes, a half-smile curling his lips as he scoffed at the request.

"Yes... in not so many words." Still quiet, Sebastian looked over at him hopefully, bottom lip caught between his teeth as he waited for the denial he was sure would come.

"Did you really think I would make you get rid of her?" Sebastian began to smile. "You adore her, I couldn't deny you that. Of course, she can stay... but keep her out of my room. Unless you're here." Sebastian nodded quickly, his smile growing wider and showing in his eyes, which gleamed brightly with excitement.

"Of course... She will be incredibly pleased to hear it..."

"Oh, I'm sure she will be." Ciel laughed and bumped Sebastian's side with his shoulder as he lay there, looking up at him. "So, why Beatrice?" Sebastian shrugged, still smiling a little in his joy.

"She followed me home..."

"No, that's not what I mean. Her name. Why Beatrice?" Sebastian's smile fell away, and he glanced at his pocket watch, looking for an out. When he did not find one in the time of day, he sighed, putting the watch away.

"Beatrice was my Mistress for a number of years." Ciel smiled, turning on his side and looking up at Sebastian, a curious glint in his eye.

"You had a Mistress? You've only ever told me you had Masters."

"There was only Beatrice." Sebastian replied softly, his words quick and decisive, hoping to put the discussion to rest as quickly as possible.

"And?"

"And? You must learn to be more direct in your questioning."

"Why did you name her after your Mistress?" Sebastian's jaw tightened, obviously not happy about the way the conversation was heading.

"She was good to me. Much like you are."

"What happened to her?" Sighing heavily, Sebastian ran his hand through his hair, knowing there was no way out of an answer, and there was no way for him to lie about it.

"What do you think happened to her? She met her end. They all do." Ciel nodded, quietly thinking it over as Sebastian continued. "She was... good to me. I've had many Masters, and there are few who have treated our contract as... less of a contract and more... more like a union, I suppose. She was the first who did. This was over a millennium ago, mind you. I was much younger then." He shook his head, sighing once more as the memories he had kept so carefully tucked away came flooding back. "I was a fool, and I did not realize what was happening until it was far beyond repair, and by then... well, suffice it to say I have never lost a contract since. Nor will I again."