sharp blades cut deep

6

! I do not own Kuroshitsuji or any of its characters !

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Ciel POV:

Contrary to my normal morning which included bombarding my butler with insults caused by my unwillingness to wake up and start another atrocious day, I woke up before Sebastian came into my chamber. Surprisingly, I had slept quite well and felt more rested than I had in a long time. I let my gaze wander through the room. The cold morning light drew clear edges in various shades of grey and made the room look like a faded painting by an unnamed artist. The fire was already extinguished, only lonely last clouds of smoke were billowing out of the ashes.

I got up and stood infront of my window. The sun was rising hidden behind a grey wall of fog and clouds, annoncing yet another dull day. Before I could lose myself in thoughts, I heard the grand oak door of the chamber opening. 

I didn't turn around. I knew who I would see.

"Ah, I see you are already awake, my Lord. How unusual of you" Sebastian remarked while rolling in a tea tray. 

"Your eyesight is still clear, demon. How delightful to know that" I repeated dryly, walking trough the room anf finally sitting down on my bed. Sebastian chuckled.

"Here is your tea, Bocchan. Today, I prepared for you..."

"Earl Grey tea. Yes, I can clearly see, smell and - you won't believe it - taste it. How kind of you to inform me about things I already know. "

My voice dripped with sarcasm but the edges of my mouth twitched upward the tiniest bit. I could see a playful sparkle in my butlers eyes.

"Oh, then you don't see the necessity of me informing you about todays schedule. You 'already know it', I suppose?" He smirked at me challengingly.

So we are playing that game.

"Let me guess: paperwork, some stupid lessons with teachers I don't like, paperwork, my incapable servants destroying the manor yet another time, paperwork and - how could I forget - paperwork. "

Sebastian laughed. I couldn't see his face since he had his back turned towards me while he was preapring my clothes but I heard his grin when he spoke up again.

"You are not wrong, but not entirely right, young Earl. You indeed have some paperwork to do, but it is kept within limits. Nevertheless, you will have to endure a fencing lesson with me as your teacher. And for the last part I may say that I do keep the servants in check quite well, my Lord."

"Somebody is confident of oneself, I see" I noted as Sebastian dressed me up.

"What kind of butler would I be when I wasn't even able to observe my own abilities, bocchan?"

___

The first hours of the day went by surprisingly fast and productive. The paperwork was dry and boring as always, but I did still feel good that day. I wasn't dancing through the corridors joyfully nor was I showing my good mood, but I didn't feel the existencial dread of my life either. I felt good.

I was signing one of the papers that have been laying on my table for way to long as I heard a short but definite knock on my door.

"Come in" I shouted without raising my gaze of the document. 

"Bocchan." Sebastian exclaimed. 

I still didn't look up and waited for him to continue. After a few more seconds of silence I sighed and finally looked up.