Black Butler: The Stellar Dove

10.3

  "Sebastian," Tanaka greeted him as the butler entered the small servant's quarters, looking rather exhausted. Sebastian's head snapped up immediately at the old man's voice.

"Tanaka?" he asked, a smile on his face. "You're feeling better, I see."

"Yes, but you don't look like you're doing so well." Sebastian hung his head slightly. He had forgotten that even in his old age, Tanaka was very wise. "Why don't you take a moment of rest and relax in here?"

"Thank you for the offer, but I'm not in need of rest."

"Sebastian, unless you want to end up like me, all living things need their rest. Even your kind." The butler froze, staring directly at the man. Tanaka kept a steady, calm face. "I'd ask you to remove your glove for confirmation, but I'm afraid I don't need it. I've met demons before. I've had my past, you know."

"So you've known..." Sebastian whispered. "And the others?"

"I'm afraid they wouldn't believe it if you inscribed it into your own forehead," Tanaka chuckled. "They simply believe you're a human with special abilities, like them."

The butler's smile returned. He relaxed a little and sat in the chair beside Tanaka. "I wouldn't expect anything else."

"Anyway, what seems to be troubling you?" he asked. "Your composure seems to be crumbling little by little, not to mention your emotional state."

"My own emotions are not a priority," Sebastian answered coolly.

"Yes, but they have become a concern for you as of lately, haven't they?" There was a pause of silence before he continued. "Of course, this must be somewhat of a shock to you since you're not used to it, am I correct?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Sebastian, it seems that you simply need a vent for this issue. I'm sure, as you know, I've kept many of this household's secrets throughout my years. Nothing you say will surprise me." The butler gave no reply, refusing to answer him silently. "I understand this has to do with Lady Estella."

Sebastian still didn't speak. Tanaka did the same, only looking back at him as if he were expecting him to start at any moment. It was almost a battle of patience between the two.

"I'm afraid you are not yet knowledgeable of our nature, Tanaka," Sebastian finally spoke. "We do not feel any emotions other than basic pleasure and admiration. This excludes what humans would define as 'love.'"

"But there's no denying that you've felt this emotion. Surely, at some point in your existence, this has happened to you before."

"There is but one story that comes to mind..." the butler said quietly. Tanaka straightened his posture, interested. "It was one of my masters, from long ago. So long ago, in fact, that I can hardly remember her name. Instead of a butler, I took the form of a knight. My duty was to protect her and her family throughout a crisis, and once it was over, she promised to give me her soul. But, eventually, she came to see me as... more than just a guardian."

"So a human has fallen in love with you before," Tanaka half smiled.

"Completely," Sebastian's own smile grew. "And she was quite beautiful, too. Her love was pure and she was kind hearted. She didn't treat me as a master would his servant. She cared for me deeply, going out of her way to help me whenever she could, worrying for me, even though I never returned from a battle with a scratch."

"And, what happened afterwards? Did you... stay with her?"

"Once my end of the contract was fulfilled, she asked me to run away with her and allow her to spend the rest of her life with me, even though it would be in violation of the agreement. It stunned me. She knew exactly what I was, and still continued to love me with all her heart, as if I were..." Sebastian trailed off as he looked towards the window, a silhouette against the illuminated, red curtains. "You may ask, who could refuse an offer like that?" He turned his head back towards the old man, a dark smile on his lips and his irises glowing fuchsia. "A heartless monster could with ease."

Tanaka was silent again for a few moments. Sebastian wondered if he lost him again.

"You kept the contract?"

"And devoured her soul on the spot." The butler smiled innocently, tilting his head. "You seemed to have forgotten who you were talking to."

Tanaka said nothing, only took another sip of his drink. His eyes were distant once again, his posture slouched.

"As did I..." Sebastian mumbled. "Well, I'm afraid I must continue my work. It was nice talking with you, Tanaka."

Tanaka chuckled in response.

Sebastian gave him a soft smile and exited the room.

~~~~

mr.Cloq\