In case you don't notice, this is A Harmless Little Tantrum reposted with a different name because I warned that there was a lemon, and I had three or four people in two days 'warning' me about being reported, and so I deleted that story and am going at them at a sidewind. Hope it works.

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The pressure was building. Business responsibilities, meetings, charity and community events, placating his fiancé and her family, planning the future of his father's company...Ciel Phantomhive was under an intense amount of stress. While this era considered sixteen to be the age of a man, rendering him 'capable' of handling such a workload, he was still young, and the strain was getting to him. He sat at his desk, his wrist aching from all the contract drafts he was required to write. He thought bitterly to himself that somehow all of this had been easier when he was still a child. He knew it made little sense, but it truly seemed to him that when he was twelve and first began handling things that really were above his level, he had been able to cope with a childish attitude and adult coldness combined. Somewhere along the journey to his young adulthood he had actually begun caring about the work he was doing, rendering it even more tedious than when he was a child. Perhaps it was because the opportunity for excuses had been and gone. Now there was even more pressure on him to succeed than when he was twelve and people could at least pacify him. He had hated that at the time, feeling like everyone was looking down on him and treating him like a child when he strived every day to be as grown up as possible. Now that he actually was an adult, it was truly harder than he had ever thought possible.

One more major change in his role was that he had taken to doing himself much of the work he had demanded of Sebastian when he was younger. Meaning that he would actually contact people himself, or deal with a grizzly transaction, or complete interviews, or whatever else was required. Even Tanaka was no longer of real use to him, since he had stepped into his calling so fully. He knew it was pride that had led him to this, pride from the first moment Sebastian offered him a way out. He also knew it was a sham; he coasted along on the wave of accomplishments that was driven by what the demon had done for him over the years. Ciel was no fool, and he was well-aware that there was nothing without his demon. His pride, that in itself was something he was proud of, was completely false, held up by the blood-stained hands of a monster who would one day devour him.

Ciel slammed his quill down onto the table and flexed his fingers furiously, angry at them for becoming so stiff when there was still so much work left to do. His thoughts were not helping him concentrate either, and he rubbed his temple with his other hand. He offhandedly noticed that his hair was becoming too long again. Not by his own standards, of course, but the times'. He liked wearing it over his ears a bit, at least enough to rid him of the boyish hairstyle he had worn when he was younger. It would be a shame to cut it, and Ciel determined not to let Sebastian take off more than an inch when the time was right.

There came a knock on his study door, one that he had been expecting as tea-time was due.

"Just get in here with my bloody tea before I go absolutely cracked, Sebastian!" He called at the door, not waiting for the oft-spoken 'my lord, I've brought your tea.'"

The door swung open and a rather amused-looking butler strolled in with the tea trolley.

"Quite a mood you're in today, master." Sebastian noted, as he directed the cart to its appropriate place to one side of the desk. "I suggest taking a short break, even after tea. Too long focusing on one thing can at times dull the mind as well as sharpen it."

"I'm in no fit state to hear any of your poetic nonsense." Ciel groaned, stretching hugely in his chair and letting himself slouch down into it dramatically as though his muscles were unable to support him any longer.

"Come now, my lord," Sebastian tittered, pouring the hot water over the dark tea leaves suspended in the strainer, letting it wash the inside of the delicate cup with a rich brown, "despite my suggesting a break, must you really abandon your good posture like that?"

"Go to hell, I'm tired of sitting up like there's a rod shoved down my back." Ciel grumbled, eyes closed and head tilted back.

He heard Sebastian chuckle, and then his soft footfalls approaching the desk. The neat tinkle of china told him his tea was now on the desk within his reach.

"I have prepared a few Queen's cakes for you as well, so please sit up properly so that you can enjoy them."

Ciel grunted, forcing himself upward with jerking movements, pulling a victimized expression.

"Are you suggesting that I would not enjoy them if I sat in my chair as I please? Who's here to see me anyway? You certainly don't count."

"While I am flattered that the young master feels comfortable enough to relax his demeanor in my presence, I must insist he respect propriety."

"What the hell else do I do with my life?" Ciel muttered as the little sugared cakes were placed before him. "Stand properly, speak politely, wear high collars and stiff shoes, do whatever the bloody society demands of me...what kind of life is that when it really comes down to it?"

Sebastian's expression betrayed slight concern. Ciel had always been something of a brat, and mood swings along with attitude was by no means a rarity. But there was something about the tone in Ciel's voice that made this instance different. The butler quickly decided that he would have to take measures to ensure the rest of the young lord's day went smoothly. Helping him relax had been a daily task that Sebastian attempted to complete, but it was one of the most difficult.

Once tea was finished, Ciel had a break from his paperwork...which meant he had a fencing lesson. It was not unusual for the young man to release tension through this exercise, but today he was nothing short of fierce. The lesson began as it normally did with Sebastian recapping what he had taught Ciel the previous time. After going through the basic moves to ensure Ciel remembered, they would progress to the new set of skills. Today included a specifically complicated set of combinations that required Sebastian to demonstrate them several times before Ciel even attempted the first part.

Ciel was already frustrated today to begin with, but adding the new set atop the last that he had only barely managed to memorize was pushing him to the limits. His restraint was wearing thin as he continuously fumbled and had to start over again.

"Tighten up, my lord, and your technique needs to be smoother." Sebastian reminded him, curious at how hard Ciel was basically whacking with his sword rather than trying to fence.

"I have it, I have it." Ciel replied, sounding frustrated. "Just go again!"

Repeatedly Sebastian corrected him, and the young man just became more and more upset as the lesson drug on. Soon he was striking out violently, his sword clashing against Sebastian's loud enough to echo off the walls. Finally he had had it.

"Master, this time try-"

"Enough, Sebastian!" Ciel roared, throwing down his sword with a mighty clatter. "I'm through with this!"

The butler drew himself up and put on a gentle smile.

"Master, I think your nerves are getting the better of-"

"Don't speak to me right now Sebastian!" The young man demanded, heading for the door. "And don't come after me; that's an order!"

Sebastian was left standing dejectedly with his own sword hanging from his elegant hand. His eyes remained fixed on the open door for a few long seconds. Then he stooped and picked up the abused sword that had been flung down. He examined it silently, a smile forming on his face.

"Ah, master...you will never cease to surprise me."

Ciel stomped down the main stairs in a huff, too upset to decide where exactly he was going. He felt like his head was spinning and a weight was pressing on his chest. Even with the high ceilings of his mansion, he felt trapped. He had to get out. That thought directed him straight out the front doors. Cool wind struck his face as he began rounding the large house. Had he not been so distracted he would have been aware of the wet scent in the air, and the heavy clouds in the sky above him. As it was, he headed straight for the stables. He nearly collided with Finni as he marched through the open door.

"Ah! Master Ciel!" Finni exclaimed, stepping back as Ciel swept past him and headed right for the stall holding his horse. "You...are going out for a ride?"

"Something like that." Ciel snapped back, swiftly but gently bridling his horse.

"You are going out in your fencing uniform?" Finni inquired, raising his eyebrow.

Ciel did not answer, but opened the door to his horse's stall and led him to the mounting steps that gained him access to the tall animal's back.

"And...you're riding bareback?" Finni pushed further, scratching his head.

"I am the master, Finni, don't question me!" Ciel barked, and then kicked his horse in the sides. The cool wind rushed past his face as he galloped past the extravagant gardens and massive trees surrounding his manor, and into the wide stretches of green fields that were his land. All the while his mind was screaming what his mouth would not. His fears, his anxieties, all the stress that had built in him like a pressure cooker. Anger at those he worked with, anger with his fiancé, anger at his contract...his pre-arranged death would be a better way to put it. He no longer wanted to die, as he had when he first made his agreement with the demon. That was not to say he was at war with the idea of leaving this world. He would grant his soul to Sebastian just as he had promised, without hesitation. Ciel was stoic about that decision. It was the 'what if' that tormented him; what if he had not made the deal, what if he had somehow survived and had escaped, or been rescued? He would have been able to live a normal life. He would have been an entirely different person, happier perhaps, but not wiser.

Ciel clung to the reins firmly, urging his horse onward even faster. His mind may have been idle, but he was still aware of the animal's limits. He rode for several miles, fighting the boiling emotions threatening to overflow. When he sensed his horse was tiring he pulled him back into a trot. No sooner had he done this than it began to rain. At first it was just a slight sprinkle, but as Ciel looked up he could literally see the thicker curtain of rain coming at them across the wide-open rolling hills. He spotted one of his gazebos and steered the creature in its direction, trying to beat the curtain before it coated them. Unfortunately, it was not fast enough and within five seconds Ciel and his poor horse were soaked. By the time they reached the wooden structure Ciel could barely see for the downpour. It was a relief to hear the clip-clop of the horse's hooves on the stone floor of the gazebo. Ciel sputtered and wiped at his eyes, pushing aside his long dripping bangs. A shower of droplets were flung up into his face as the horse shook it's mane.

"Stupid animal! I'm already wet enough!" Ciel roared, although he knew it was not the horse's fault. He slipped his feet out of the stirrups, but as he dismounted he slipped faster than he expected. He was used to clinging to Sebastian's hand for help, and without it he fell hard. He landed too firmly on one foot, and the tall heal of Ciel's shoe snapped off. The young earl was spilled ungracefully to the floor, a cry of pain ripped from his mouth. His ankle had definitely been twisted. Ciel angrily tore off his useless shoe and threw it across the gazebo, his horse shuffling to one side with a snort to avoid it. The next second a crack of thunder split the sky, and the horse spooked. It turned tail and fled back the way they had come.

"Get back here you bloody..!" Ciel tried to rise and possibly chase the horse down, but the pain in his ankle stopped him and he had to sink back down to the cold stone floor and watch the animal disappear into the thick rain. That was the last straw of tolerance.

Ciel gave an angry yell, and then clutched his head, tearing off his eye patch and continuing to let the sound flow from his mouth. With every new scream it felt like another weight was being released from him, another burden cut from his small shoulders. The thunder joined him in booming out loudly and angrily over and over. By the time Ciel had screamed his throat raw he felt so light that he feared the rain-swept wind could blow him away. He remained sitting there, breathing heavily and finding hot tears clinging to the corners of his eyes. He brushed them away, without anger now. His anger had been cleansed from him, and he felt exhausted by the process. He sat there in the aftershock for a very long time, long enough for the flow of water from the sky to wax and wane, but never let up. The clouds seemed to extend a long way into the distance, and he had a feeling that it would be storming all night. The sky was already darkening with the unseen setting of the sun.

And now...now it truly hit Ciel that he was alone, in the middle of a fierce storm, with an injured ankle that prevented him walking home even if he did feel like risking it. He briefly considered waiting for the storm to let up...but he still could not get far on his ankle. It was possible that the other servants would come looking for him, but word would reach the neighboring nobles and it would not due for them to hear of the young lord throwing a tantrum and running off, causing his servants to come searching in the middle of a storm at night. Ciel released a tired huff as reality dawned on him. It seemed there was only one option left to him, and it was the most humiliating. He leaned his soaking head back against the rails of the gazebo, and closed his eyes.

"Sebastian, come and get me." He whispered, his voice barely audible above the rain. He breathed out, then in, and the next second,

"Had a good ride, then, master?"

Ciel's lips thinned into a line at the smirk he could hear in that tone. He opened his eyes and glanced up without lifting his head. Sebastian was standing in the arched opening to the gazebo, his black suit dry due to the umbrella he held, but his shiny shoes were wet from his journey. He was smirking as always, and Ciel knew he must find the entire situation too delightful.

"Get over here, you idiot." Ciel responded, his voice sounding rough to his own ears. Sebastian looked concerned as he neared the young man, seeing at once that Ciel was favoring his left leg by stretching it out before him, his left foot bare. Sebastian folded the umbrella and leaned it against the railing, then knelt down beside his master.

"Have you hurt yourself, my lord?" He asked. He could have asked the question in a sarcastic, condescending manner. Instead his voice was warm, soft, and sincere.

"My shoe's heel broke when I dismounted." Ciel explained, too tired to waste time being embarrassed. Sebastian shed his black coat, and draped it over Ciel, taking the time to pull him forward slightly and wrap it around his back as well. While Ciel was no longer the tiny child he had once been, the coat still engulfed him. Sebastian's heat and scent clung to it and Ciel shivered within its comfort as he drew it close about him and his butler observed his injury.

He winced as Sebastian gently pressed his fingers against each side of his ankle. "What are you doing, that hurts!" He protested weakly, earning a smile from his butler.

"I am checking to be sure there are no fractures to the bone, my lord. In order to break the heel as you did you had to have fallen at a sharp angle, and I don't like the odds of a broken bone."

Ciel was silent as Sebastian manipulated his ankle by feeling it and then gently moving his foot. Finally he seemed satisfied, and he released it.

"You are fortunate my lord; no broken bones."

"Glad to hear it." Ciel murmured quietly, nuzzling deeper into Sebastian's coat and not bothering to lift his heavy eyelids. A gloved finger drifted under his chin and tilted his head up, and he forced his eyes open. Sebastian was looking down at him with a serious, no-nonsense expression.

"That was a very foolish action to take, master." He scolded gently, "You could have been hurt far worse. A twisted ankle is not as mild as it sounds. You may not have fractured or broken the bone, but you have definitely pulled a ligament, and that will mean a long recovery." Ciel looked away, saying nothing. Sebastian released his chin, and sighed. "I suppose the next few weeks of walking with a cane or being carried will be a sufficient lesson."

Ciel huffed in frustration at this prospect, but did not complain, as his ankle was throbbing and the idea of putting any weight on it at the moment was painful in itself. His discomfort must have shown on his face, because Sebastian frowned and let his thumb stroke Ciel's cheek briefly. Then he moved back down to Ciel's ankle. He pulled a length of bandage from a pocket in his vest (Ciel was not even close to questioning how or why, as he relied on Sebastian to always provide exactly what he needed at all times), and began to wrap the ankle tightly. Ciel groaned and bit his lips throughout the process. Finally his butler made the final knot and prepared to carry his master home.

"Put your arms around my neck if you please, master." Sebastian said, leaning in close.

"Do I have to?" Ciel croaked, not wanting to take his arms from the warmth of the coat. Sebastian paused and grinned, letting out a light chuckle.

"I suppose not. You are truly spoiled, even when your situation warrants it."

Ciel scoffed lightly then groaned as Sebastian lifted him from the floor. Careful as Sebastian was, his ankle still hurt. Sebastian managed to carry Ciel and hold the umbrella over them both as he began the swift, darting journey back to the manor. Ciel squeezed his eyes shut against the stray raindrops that managed to splash onto his face as they went. He did not open them again until the demon's pace slowed and he saw the warm glow of the manor's many windows. The light had faded just enough to make the house look like a bright refuge. Ciel wanted to plug his ears against the relieved cries of the servants when Sebastian carried him through the front doors. They really had not learned to contain their emotions and conduct themselves like proper servants, even in all these years and the harsh reprimands.

"Thank goodness 'es alright!"

"When your horse came back we were all so worried!"

"We were about to go lookin' for you, master."

As always Ciel let Sebastian handle it. The demon could sense that Ciel was fighting the pain and did not even want to speak, so he smoothly summarized what had happened as he passed his umbrella off to Meyrin. Ciel was not surprised to hear the thing clutter to the ground as the clumsy maid dropped it, and then the scrambling as she picked it up again.

"Finni, bring a chunk of ice from the cool room and crush it. Bardroy, make a compress from the ice for the lord's ankle."

"Yes, Sebastian."

"Right."

"Is there anything I can do, Sebastian?"

The butler halted and thought briefly.

"You can boil water for tea, and also make an extra pot full please."

"Of course, Sebastian."

Ciel was relieved when Sebastian began climbing the stairs to the second level and his bedroom.

"Alright, master?" Sebastian asked, able to cradle him fully now without the burden of the umbrella. Ciel was aware of his large hand, now wrapped around his outer knee as it had been unable to do before. He could not help but be too aware of whenever Sebastian touched him, as it happened so rarely.

"I'm fine." Ciel replied, closing his eyes again. He loved the freedom of being carried like this; his body completely suspended in another's arms relieved him of the responsibility of moving it. Ciel enjoyed being pampered, even if he was never very verbal or open about it. Whether Sebastian actually knew this or not was unclear, as he catered to the young man's every whim regardless.

When Ciel felt Sebastian putting him down he opened his eyes again. They were in his bathroom, and Sebastian had sat him on the stool that stood to one side of the tub. He began running the water at once, prepping it with the usual oils. Ciel shifted uncomfortably on the backless seat.

"I just got pelted with water, can't I go without a bath this one night?" He asked, sounding more like a child than ever.

"No, master," Sebastian answered, turning to him, "you are chilled, and a hot bath is the best way to help your temperature rise again."

"I'd like to lie down."

"Be patient, master, you can relax in the tub once it fills."

Ciel rocked uneasily on the stool, wincing as he tried to flex his foot. Sebastian noticed this, and walked over to his master to position himself behind him.

"Lean back against me." The butler suggested, placing his hands on Ciel's shoulders.

Ciel wasted no energy arguing, but gladly leaned his shoulders back against Sebastian's solid torso. His head rested on Sebastian's chest and he turned it to lay his cheek there instead. They stayed there without moving for long moments, the sound of water running echoing through the spacious bathroom and adding to the trance-like quality of the scene. Eventually Sebastian spoke again.

"Master, I must turn off the tap now."

Ciel leaned forward to allow his butler to do so.

"Finally!" Ciel said wearily, his skin tingling in anticipation. Sebastian pushed his coat off Ciel's shoulders and then began to strip him of the fencing garb he still wore. Ciel shivered as his shirt was lifted over his head and the sleeves peeled away from his skin. The hosen were more complicated, as Ciel wasn't able to stand easily. He had to balance himself on his right foot when Sebastian began rolling them down his hips. As soon as they were past his hips Ciel sat down again to allow his butler to pull them off his legs.

"Get me in that tub before I freeze to death." Ciel muttered, wrapping his arms around himself but somehow disguising it to look like they were crossed across his chest.

"Yes, master."