Back On Track

A light rain hit the large windows of the master bedroom. The light was gloomy, but the soft pitter patters created a calming ambience that filled the large room. The master of the house lay awake under the covers, unable to sleep the day away like he always desired.

The bed felt too big for his fifteen year old body. It was a familiar feeling, but now it was making Ciel uneasy. He moved an arm over his eyes with a low groan.

None of it had been real. None of it. None.

The first thing he had demanded of Sebastian was to tell him what had happened.

Not a week ago, Ciel had been kidnapped by foreign enemies. It was widely known who the Queen's Dog was, and it had been easy to capture him when the household hadn't been expecting it. As Sebastian told him the facts, Ciel couldn't help but remember the Italians who'd captured him. One would've thought it'd be an equally easy task to deal with, but these new guys weren't after drugs, and they had a much better idea of what they were up against.

By the time Sebastian had realized that his master was once again missing, he had searched, but found the bond created through the contract to be cut off. As any butler should, he alerted the servants to be on constant watch for any attacks, and had contacted the Scotland Yard, asking of any mysterious crimes that could provide him a lead. There were none.

It was after a couple days searching that Sebastian was able to find a clue. Although it was extremely off limits to him, Sebastian had gone through the recent files his master had been working on. Most of it dealt with the Funtom stocks and some minor letters to the Queen. However, there were a few documents and letters with Ciel's foreign negotiations, and after some considerable research, Sebastian was able to find a small lead.

Letters from Italian and German investors turned out to be relatively suspicious in the questions that were asked of Ciel. To the average person, they'd just be simple inquires about England's shipping policies, but upon further investigation and reading between the lines, Sebastian found that there was more being asked. Surely his master must've seen that much.

Nonetheless, Sebastian continued with his research and found out that these specific investors were well known to work together on various agreements worldwide, and were quite successful in their work. There should be absolutely no reason to suspect these men, but Sebastian knew better.

It was on the fourth day after his master's disappearance that Sebastian quite suddenly caught a familiar scent. Then he understood why he couldn't sense his master, as well as why the trail of where his master had been taken had been relatively cold.

There was another daemon involved.

Sebastian didn't know this daemon personally, but he knew that the other was of his kind and of his status. It was a lower level daemon, but even then, all daemons had their unique strengths. A shroud must've been cast to keep Sebastian subdued while Ciel was taken away. However, the moment the other creature's scent was caught, the Phantomhive butler knew exactly where he was heading.

In a way, Sebastian was surprised to find that they had moved his master out of the country in such a short time period. But then again, the men had undoubtedly contracted or reached some kind of agreement with the daemon, and had probably ordered for their travel to be as swift and seamless as possible.

He didn't have to travel far. However, the location Sebastian ended up in was unexpected to say the least. It was a small German town named Oldenburg. Nevertheless, he understood the random choice of a lowly populated town. They probably expected him to try and look for his master in capital cities rather than a quaint village. From there, his search was a no-brainer.

The Phantomhive butler found their exact location easily enough. It reminded him of some of the fiction novels his master had read every now and then, where someone would be in Ciel's exact position. His master was being held in an underground warehouse just on the outskirts of the town. It was a broken down factory of sorts on the outside, and the place was clear of wandering pedestrians. So after breaking down a couple doors and walking down a few flights of stairs, Sebastian had found his master.

His first concern was whether or not his master was injured. The boy was lying unconscious on a table, but he seemed uninjured. Then Sebastian turned his attention onto the other men.

There were five in all. Sebastian mentioned that he recalled seeing two, one Italian and the other German, as they had come to meet Ciel for detailed negotiations in the last year. He could remember his master being especially exasperated by their offers, but had taken them anyway with some minor changes of his own. The other three he didn't recognize, but that really didn't matter. The daemon he didn't personally recognize as he had first expected, but Sebastian understood why this daemon was specifically called upon.

Ciel hadn't asked for the details of the hostile conversation, but Sebastian had outlined the exchange anyway. As expected, it appeared that his negotiators and business partners weren't interested in his business, but rather his underground work and connections to the Queen. Which was ridiculous, because Ciel only took care of unwanted cases, knowing only the minimal of the government's specific affairs, which was what these men were after.

Nevertheless, they had jumped to summoning a daemon who could extract the information for them, as well as covering their tracks. As they explained the fact that they knew Sebastian was really a daemon, Sebastian couldn't help but feel amused by the prospect that they thought they were so smart.

But anyway, Sebastian had informed him that this daemon that they had summoned held a power that Sebastian did not possess: telepathy. He explained that he didn't quite know the details of such a power and how it worked, but Ciel was able to piece together that it had most definitely worked.

He was subdued, made to dream that he was in a perfect world with his family and friends and life still intact. He was made to believe that nothing had ever changed, and that his current life was just an unusual nightmare. The daemon was smart to pass the time and change the seasons, as well as include Sebastian. Everything was perfect down to the last detail. He had been forced to accept the illusion. It allowed the daemon to worm his way unnoticed into his mind, into his inner thoughts, to search for the information the men wanted.

Ciel now understood why he at first had gotten all those headaches and that one asthma attack whenever he and his father spoke of the underground work. Up until he had fully accepted the dream, he had been resisting, and the daemon trying to break in was what had created his various discomforts. After he had assented it all, there were no more headaches or illnesses, and the daemon had slipped in without his knowledge.

However, as Ciel gazed at the ceiling, he felt like a complete idiot to the point of utter humiliation in himself. As perfect as everything was, there was something he had unthinkingly overlooked.

He had never regained any memories of his life from age ten.

This realization had hit him halfway through Sebastian's recap of the whole situation, and he truthfully hadn't paid much attention to whatever his butler illustrated next. Something about making a quick intervention with the daemon, taking a couple of bullets, killing the men, and eventually having the other daemon double-crossed him, foolishly claiming his want for his young master's soul since he had gotten a quick look at it while he had been sifting through his mind. Inevitably, Sebastian was the stronger daemon, and quickly disposed of the other.

Ciel didn't know the exact count of how many times he had berated himself of his stupidity to not notice such a thing. If it all were real, he would have memories. It only made sense. But he never regained any, as the daemon had obviously chosen not to include it in the illusion he had created.

There was a knock on the door. Sebastian entered, wheeling in a cart with tea.

Sitting up, Ciel propped himself against the pillows. It had only been three days since his return, and after Sebastian had explained everything, he had passed out for a good twenty-four hours. When he woke, all he could do was think and think and think.

"This afternoon's tea is Assam Black with added milk, young master," Sebastian spoke quietly, his words just barely registering with Ciel. The clinking of the china melded in with the rain lightly pelting the windows.

After getting over the initial shock of what had happened to him, Ciel had discarded the kidnapping. The men were dead, and whatever information that was pulled out of his head was useless to all of them now. He couldn't help it, but he turned his attention to the illusion he had been put through.

His parents. Aunt Angelina. The servants, the household. Everyone that was gone now. It was a difficult thing to mull over for a couple hours, but Ciel knew that it shouldn't bother him that much. The only part that was hard to deal with was the constant image of seeing his parents dying before his very eyes again. However, his old ways of thinking eventually kicked in, and it helped ease the pain a bit. It wasn't real. They were all dead. Get over it. No one's really coming back. He knew better than to dwell on the past.

But he knew that he'd hold onto those short clips of his parents. Just because. Even though he knew he shouldn't.

His thoughts then turned to Elizabeth. He was currently fifteen, she sixteen. Ciel wondered for a while of whether their marriage would really be a happy one, but he didn't contemplate that subject very long. It was obvious it wouldn't be anything like he had experienced. It was undoubtedly bound to be radically different in every sense of the word.

"Young master," Sebastian said softly, kindly, offering him his cup of tea. Ciel took it without complaint, sipping at the warm liquid as his thoughts turned to his butler.

Out of everything he had experienced, this was probably the most difficult to think through. He hadn't really even attempted to sift through it yet. Sebastian offered him a small smile before straightening and turning back to the cart.

Ciel wasn't about to deny that the illusion had changed his perspective of his butler, but he wasn't about to let it change him. He was still very aware that Sebastian was a daemon and that the circumstances weren't the same. They were still under contract. The symbol was back in his right eye, and he was certain that Sebastian had the same mark on his left hand. He knew that no significant relationship like the one he had lived through could happen. He was to complete his revenge with his butler's help, and then give up his soul in return. Simple as that.

But it wasn't, his mind bombarded him. Nothing would be simple, he knew that, but he couldn't let this whole illusionary experience deter him from this reality. It wasn't possible.

Settling back as he placed his teacup on the nightstand, Ciel closed his eyes, not wanting to think of such things right now. For a little while, he just concentrated on the rain and quick but easy movements Sebastian made before falling asleep altogether.

For the next couple days everything for Ciel started to return back to normal. He continued his company's work and made plans for the Easter holiday, responding back to a couple nobles who were hosting parties that he thought he could live through to keep up his social appearances. He noticed his three servants, but didn't think much of them the moment they started to mess up with their work. Tanaka occasionally aided them and stayed mostly out of the way, letting Sebastian take care of most of the hard work.

Elizabeth visited one day, acting as he remembered her. She was still as springy and enthusiastic as any girl her age should be, but there were moments that she acted very ladylike. It unnerved Ciel for a minute or two, but he didn't let it show, telling himself that everything was as it should be. They were still engaged, their wedding date not set for another couple of years.

He didn't act any different towards Sebastian, but he knew that the butler was watching him like a hawk. Ciel didn't have any doubts that Sebastian had some knowledge of what he had gone through, provided by the deceased daemon. But, being an ever faithful butler, he didn't question Ciel if he remained silent for a moment too long or tease him.

However, Ciel found it very hard to hold his façade up whenever Sebastian came to dress or undress him for the day or bed. Despite noting the fact that the cursed brand was on his back again, he constantly glued his gaze to the far wall over the butler's shoulder, trying to suppress the images that flew through his mind, telling himself that none of it happened. That nothing intimate ever took place between them.

Perhaps he should order Sebastian out and dress himself? The thought was appealing, but Ciel's will wouldn't let him. There was an inner working that kept him from dismissing Sebastian, something needing the butler there. The familiarity was comforting, and several times Ciel found himself longing for the butler's simple touch.

"Young master?" Sebastian was currently asking, trying to catch his attention. Ciel sat on the edge of his bed in his white dress shirt and slacks. As he looked up at his butler, Sebastian continued, "Your bath is ready."

Without a word as he stood up, Ciel moved to his dresser where he slipped off his family ring and placed it into its container. Its familiar weight was welcome, and he was glad that there weren't wedding and engagement bands on his fingers. Ciel then led the way into the bathing chambers, his face remaining stoic as Sebastian once again stripped him of the clothes he wore. He swirled a finger in the water as he usually did and slipped in, sinking into the warm temperature.

He still didn't say anything, but Sebastian shrugged off his coat and rolled up his sleeves and removed his white gloves. Ciel glimpsed the contract on the daemon's hand, but didn't dwell long on this fact as Sebastian settled behind him, his hands instantly massaging his shoulders and back.

Wincing every now and then as tension was released in his muscles, Ciel merely listened to the occasional small sloshes of water and shifting of fingers against his skin. More intimate images flew through his mind's eye, but Ciel didn't let them get to him. As silly as they were, Ciel couldn't help but ponder the "what if" questions. He knew that they were all futile possibilities, but he let his mind wander nonetheless.

"Around my neck, Sebastian," he ordered gently, biting his lip as skillful fingers moved at the command, working the cramped muscles out as smoothly as possible. All too quickly those hands left him in favor of a washcloth and soap. Ciel let himself be cleaned.

As Sebastian lathed an arm, he spoke, "You've been terribly quiet lately, young master."

Ciel didn't look him in the eye. "And?"

He could tell that the daemon's lips were curved, but Ciel knew that it wasn't in a smirk. "It's just unlike you to be silent for so long." There was a tone Ciel picked up on, and he tried to ignore it. Was it…genuine concern? His heart thudded.

No, Sebastian was probably just acting as the perfect butler; he shouldn't let his mind take off without him like that. It happened often enough that Sebastian acted a certain way that could fool anyone into thinking that he actually cared, but he knew better.

"How often do we have conversations during this time, Sebastian?" Ciel countered without too much conviction. Usually he bathed in silence.

"My apologies, I must be overthinking your behavior."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ciel demanded, though his voice didn't rise by much like it would have under normal circumstances. Nor did he sound exasperated. He wondered why.

Sebastian was currently kneeling beside the bathtub, his hand holding Ciel's innocently enough, the sudsy washcloth covering his knuckles. Ciel took his hand back, staring for a moment at those blackened fingernails that harshly reminded him once again that the other was a daemon. Then he made the mistake of looking up, his blue eyes catching abnormal red ones. He tore his gaze away quickly.

"I fear that something may have happened to you while in the presence of that other daemon. And although I have sensed no physical changes, I must assume you were affected by his mental ministrations," Sebastian explained precisely but calmly, watching him carefully. "Is something bothering you, young master?"

"I'm not some girl who needs to talk out her every problem, Sebastian," Ciel found himself snapping, the words naturally coming out of his mouth without too much thought. He felt aggravated for a moment because of the statement, but the feeling disappeared as quickly as it had come.

Sebastian bobbed his head slowly, an understanding smile on his face. "Of course, young master. My apologies for assuming such a thing."

Silence enveloped them again and Sebastian resumed washing his master. Ciel unobtrusively mentioned once that the water was growing cold and the butler quickly finished his task before helping his master out and toweling him dry. Ciel let himself be carried back to his bed where Sebastian took his time dressing him for bed.

Standing back up as the last button closed his nightshirt, Sebastian gave Ciel that caring smile once again. "Do you require anything, young master? A light novel, some warm milk?"

Ciel knew that Sebastian suspected that something was up. Sebastian knew that he was having conflicting thoughts about the daemon that related to what he had experienced through the other daemon's mind trick. He could pretend all he wanted to or even order Sebastian to not think of it, but Ciel knew deep down that he couldn't ignore it forever.

He was willing to accept that there was no hope for a repeat of what he had grown to desire.

Yet…

"Kiss me," was the order. He forced himself to look Sebastian in the eye, a bubble of satisfaction and relief welling within him upon seeing the split second reaction of surprise and shock on the daemon's face.

"My lord?"

His voice was more confident this time. "You heard me, Sebastian. I order you to kiss me." He stared seriously at his butler, knowing that this could go one of two ways. He…hoped for the more realistic one.

Sebastian didn't smirk or even give the tiniest of smiles. But his eyes glinted that mischievous way whenever something excited his daemonic nature. A hand rested up against his heart and he bowed, asking no questions. "Yes, my lord."

Ciel watched as Sebastian kneeled before him like a gentleman and he steeled himself as his nerves came to life as his butler got close. A gloved hand lightly traced his jaw as their faces drew closer and closer. Ciel could feel his heart thudding nervously and his breath becoming shallow as he felt Sebastian's own fake breath against his lips. Then their mouths connected.

In a way, he found himself disappointed, but foolishly so. There wasn't a spark, their tongues didn't intertwine, and they didn't swap spit. Nothing grew as Sebastian pressed his lips against his own in a simple chaste kiss. Just to further test the waters, Ciel pressed back, but his body didn't heat up deliciously. Absolutely nothing blossomed from it.

He thought of Elizabeth for a moment, but he instantly knew that he could never come to love her since nothing came from kissing Sebastian. He wondered if it was an age thing, but he quickly discarded that thought, knowing that it wouldn't matter three years from now.

Sebastian pulled back and straightened himself like he was done fastening a necktie. "Is there anything else you require?"

"No."

This was reality. He was still aiming to complete his mission of revenge, and eventually he'd give up his soul to Sebastian. His parents and Aunt Angelina weren't coming back. If he lived long enough, he'd be wed to Elizabeth, but he suspected it would be a one-sided relationship on her part. After that, he'd still strive for his revenge, and once reached, Sebastian would then devour his soul.

No matter how much he childishly wished, that fool's gold of a dream would never become real.

Pulling back and tucking his legs under the blanket Sebastian held up for him, Ciel settled back against the cool sheets and pillows, their soft comfort welcoming and urging him to sleep. His butler carefully covered him and Ciel watched with half lidded eyes as he stepped back to bow to him before leaving. A smile graced his lips, but Ciel closed his eyes.

"Pleasant dreams, my lord."

A/N: Yeah, I know it's kind of a bummer ending. But I really like it. I wanted it to be a sharp contrast between the fantasy world Ciel experienced and reality. So yeah. I ultimately was just aiming for something different from the usual fics you see. Or in other words, I have a weird interest in having my stories be realistic. Oh, and Sebastian's last line IS NOT supposed to imply anything, just so that there isn't any confusion there. Alright? Alright…

At any rate, huge thanks to everybody who's kept up with this little fic of mine! Cake to everyone who read/reviewed/alerted/faved it! T.T I can't believe it's over…I now need to find my plot bunnies, they're hiding on me.

Oh yeah…please review. It'd be nice to know if ya hated/loved it as a whole. Pretty please? 83

So, until inspiration hits me again,

iWrite26