The World As We Know It

Chapter Twelve

Starfield was breathtaking. The city was nestled between a winding river that emptied into the sea and an emerald forest that seemed to go on forever. Unlike other cities of the same size, there was a surprising lack of pollution. The heavy cloud of smog I had expected was nonexistent, and it seemed that the reason for that was a lack of roads. It was the only city I had ever seen void of a highway. In fact, the only way to travel to Starfield was by a train that hugged the nearby mountains. The closer we approached, the more entranced I became. On the far side of the city where the river met the ocean was a small white beach. A few tall buildings from the city stretched for the sky, and I could only wonder how it would look at night. An arm encircled my waist, and I was pulled away from the window. I protested, even after I curled up next to Sebastian. The Demon only smiled and handed me something from the food cart that I started nibbling at. Ciel was doing his best impression of reading a newspaper, but I saw him chuckling out of the corner of my eye.

My decision to move with Sebastian had been met with alarmed curiosity. When I went in to have my transcripts sent to the university in Starfield, the receptionist warned me to not let a man dictate my life. Another student agreed with her, but added that having a child would ensure that he stayed around. The members of the Gaming Club wished me farewell over Facebook, and I received a few private messages from concerned members. I was urged to find my own place in Starfield, and to not rely on a man I only knew for about six months. One offered to let me stay with them if I was having financial difficulties. I was grateful that so many people were trying to look out for me, but none of them could ever understand my reason for leaving. I couldn't explain to them that the man I chose was a Demon, or that I had died and come back. I knew too much, and could say too little.

I tried to discreetly peek up at crimson-eyed man, thinking about what the student at the Registrar had said. What did he think about children? Did he already have some? He was clearly much older than most Demons I knew. Demons today could have a variety of eye color, but ancient Demons sported red eyes. Sebastian was a few thousand years old at least so it was more than reasonable to believe that he might have a child or two out there. Still, he could want more, but would he accept having hybrid children? Sebastian caught me staring and I blushed. Why the hell did it matter to me? I wasn't even sure how serious I was about this relationship. At least, that was what I was telling myself. I didn't want to jump into a relationship with someone I didn't really know, but it felt natural to be with my Demon companion. It was almost like we been together for years, rather than a few days. God, I had to be crazy.

Shaking the thoughts from my head, I tried to get Ciel's attention.

"Hm?"

"How is this going to work?"

He lowered his newspaper.

"Are you referring to our living arrangement?"

I nodded.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. There is plenty of room at the manor, but I don't know if you would want your own room, or if you're sharing Sebastian's room."

The mischievous glint in Sebastian eyes caused me to shiver. As much as I enjoyed having someone to sleep next to, I feared that he would try to push the issue of sex. I wasn't ready to go there yet, but he was intoxicating enough that it wouldn't matter in the heat of the moment.

"I would like my own room," Sebastian playfully looked hurt, "but I don't mind if he and I share adjacent or connected rooms."

Ciel looked thoughtful.