A Change in the Plan

2

Ciel watched the flames dance in the fireplace with a sigh. Upon terminating his contract with Sebastian, the young demon discovered that his life had immediately felt different.

"Ciel?" The former Earl turned to face the demon he had come to know as his butler. Sebastian stood before him, holding a pair of empty wine glasses.

He set them on the end table and settled into the armchair.

  "Is something bothering you?" the older demon questioned.

"It's completely daft," Ciel replied, "It feels so different now. In the last few hours since we ended our contract, I've felt like I've lost something. It's an odd feeling."

"It's the end of an era for us. You are leaving behind something you once knew for uncharted territory. Maybe what you feel isn't so much loss as it is apprehension." Sebastian suggested. "Would it help you to know that calling you by name is quite an adjustment for me? You and I will work through it together."

"It does a bit. Where do we go from here?" Ciel asked.

"Anywhere you like. In the days ahead, you and I have much to talk about. There are things I will need to teach you about our culture and our customs. I would prefer it if you didn't hide away in the house. We can't expect immediate results, I know. I want you to feel free to ask me anything. As a potential mate, I'm sure you're curious as to what you're stepping into." Sebastian replied. 

"I have a lot, actually. What are the glasses for?" Ciel gestured to the objects on the table.

"Lesson number one," Sebastian stated, "It ties into our conversation a short time ago. You were concerned about meeting my needs. Souls sustain us, they are the main food source for our kind, but there is another way." The elder demon took hold of the glass closest to him.

"You're aware that a blood sacrifice is needed in summoning, but under the right circumstances, it can also feed us. When we take a mate, some demons decide they no longer want to focus on contracts. This is where the glasses come in. A sacrifice offered in love. The stronger the bond, the stronger the effects."

"A blood sacrifice?" Ciel asked, "Are we vampires now?" Sebastian chuckled softly.

 "No. I could take you out and teach you what to search for in a contract if you prefer. Given what you and I went through, I doubt you'd be interested in such a thing, nor do I want that for you. I wish to spare you the trouble and provide for you here."

"Is there a ritual for this too?" Ciel moved forward in his chair.

"No. There are countless ways to give your offering. It's a matter of preference. I thought it best to start with a most gentle approach." Ciel watched his former butler remove his black jacket and roll up his sleeve, exposing his arm. Sebastian raised his arm to his face, sinking his fangs into his wrist. He filled the glass, offering it to Ciel.

"That's it?" The young demon set the full glass aside.

"It's that simple, yes." Ciel removed his own black jacket, copying Sebastian's actions, watching the crimson liquid fill the container. He then gave it to the older demon. Sebastian took the object gratefully.

"This may seem like a small gesture, but I assure you, it helps more than you think." He paused, taking a sip from his glass. "Now, I suppose I should explain that some of our customs are similar to your human ways. Should you and I decide to move forward, there would be a ring and a ceremony. My father would-"