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dandelionterminal · 10 months ago

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Invisible String Part 6 - Chapter 3: Her Mate, Contemplating

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“Time passes differently in Hell. It is part of the divine punishment from the forgiving creator. Those put into Hell watch as those in the living realm age slowly, while they age rapidly. By the time a human is a teenager, a demon is an adult.” Malphas thought to himself as he tidied the dining hall. “ We stay children for longer and then rapidly grow. We are denied the joy of adolescence.”

Not that Malphas thought it was a joy. He watched his master stumble his way through it daily. It was a time of agony for humans, but also a time of discovery. Rather than discover themselves as adolescents, demons were denied a complete soul until they bonded with their soulmates. It was not uncommon for demons to hunt down their soulmates by following the thread tied to their neck. It was golden and shimmering, bound tightly to a demon’s neck. It was connected to the wrist of a human or another demon.

It was rare that it was a human that held the other end of the thread, but when it was in the possession of a human it caused the human immense hardship. The human would possess abilities that would isolate them. Human mates were often sent to asylums as children due to their abilities being misunderstood as hallucinations or delusions. They would feel detached from other humans because of their abilities. They would draw in other spirits and demons that would cause trouble for them because of their energy. That was likely what happened to the DuPont family.

Demons ran in packs, or families. Powerful demons took younger, weaker ones under their wings and provided protection. This included mates. The families shared a nest, usually a cave system with many branches. The caves were decorated in warm torchlight and furs. Gemstones and treasures from the human realm were hoarded in the caves, trophies of their contracts.

Malphas sighed recalling his home. While he was under contract as Sebastian Michaelis he could not take Adelaide to his home in Hell to protect her. She would be in danger even more so now that she was connected to his master. Under normal circumstances, she would have never met his contract, at least until she consumed enough demonic energy to be strong enough to protect herself. And then there was her brother, who was clearly another demon’s mate. He knew his mate would not willingly leave the boy.

He tugged on the thread that glimmered around his neck. He would have to find a way to protect his mate and his master at the same time while also ensuring that the young DuPont boy found his demonic other half so Adelaide would go with him to Hell. This was getting quite complicated.

Malphas followed the golden thread until he found it, which led to a closed door. A washroom, to be exact. He took advantage of his advanced hearing and listened in through the door.

“Honestly Mey-Rin, you don’t have to accompany me every time I enter the bath,” he heard his mate say.

“Oh but you come from a noble background, my lady, you may need help,” he heard the easily flustered maid’s shrill voice squeak out. Under normal circumstances, he would be the one taking care of his mate. He would take over all aspects of her care including washing her, feeding her, grooming her… A demon takes over all aspects of serving their mate and contracts. It is a point of pride for the species. However, the time period did not allow for him to enter the room while his mate was in undress. Truly, the sense of prudeness in the era was extraordinary. He placated that urge by brushing her hair in the evening.

“I am quite capable. You would be surprised what you learn when you have to live without servants to aid you,” his mate responded wistfully. That bothered the demon, that his mate had to endure hardship. When she had shown up that evening, gaunt and pale, for the first time in his life he felt horror and shock. Feeling such a range of emotions was startling for the demon.

“If you would like to stay, though, Mey-Rin, I would not mind the company,” his mate said with a giggle. “We can talk about that obvious crush you have on Sebastian.”

That gave Malphas pause. He knew that the maid had feelings for him, much like many of the mortal women he encountered, but he did not expect Adelaide to encourage it when she knew what he was. “W-what ever are you talking about, my lady?” the red-haired maid stammered out. He heard water splash as his mate laughed.

“It’s not a secret, Mey-Rin, we can all see it.”

“Even so… he is not interested in someone like me,” Mey-Rin responded, her chest deflated.

“Oh don’t say that,” Adelaide said, water splashing as she turned in the tub. “You’re beautiful, Mey-Rin. In France, we would call you une magnifique rose .”

Mey-Rin oohed and ahhed at that. “Oh my lady your French is so pretty, yes it is,” she said.

Adelaide laughed at that. Malphas absorbed that laugh with a small smile and let it echo in his mind as he walked away. He would have to find a way to protect her while he was away.

Once the house had settled into a slumber, Malphas began his work. He thought of who he could ask for assistance. He could ask his mentor, the one who had helped to raise him into the Elder demon that he was, but that involved summoning the demon. However, under the cover of darkness, it would not be hard to establish a brief communication with him. He may have to swallow his pride and ask for assistance from his old mentor.

When his mentor had brought home a human woman from a contract millennia ago, Malphas had been startled. Andrealphus had never shown interest in the sin of lust. In fact, Malphas had chosen to be mentored by the Elder demon because they shared a dislike of the sin. Andrealphus then explained that the human woman, Chloris, was his mate. He taught Malphas how to see auras and the threads. He saw the shining gold thread tied tightly around his mentor’s throat and panicked, thinking it would kill his mentor. He was still young and naive, unaware that such a simple thing would not hurt the demon. His mentor had laughed at him and told him he had one too and that in due time he could stand on the barrier to see them.

Malphas lit a fire in the fireplace and waited until the coals were simmering and glowing to recite the incantation. When he did, his disgruntled mentor’s face molded into the coals.

“Malphas, this better be important,” the man said. His voice was as gruff as always. The peacock feathers in his hair flared in agitation.

“I assure you it is, mentor,” Malphas said. “I have found my mate.”

“Congratulations. Is that all?” the older demon asked.

“No, you see… my master is rather troublesome, always in danger and needing protection. How can I protect them both at once?”

“Straight to the point. Good, I like that. Just give your mate one of your feathers. Then you can feel if they are in danger. If that is all, goodbye,” the elder demon faded from the coals, leaving ash and a peacock feather behind.

Feathers may be a fashionable item, but not in every situation. Malphas doubted that Adelaide would willingly wear a black feather at all times. He would have to make it discreet so that it could be hidden underneath her clothes. He would have to monitor her for a while longer until he could gather her likes and dislikes.

“We will be back shortly,” his master said, exiting the manor. “Try not to destroy the place while I am away,” he said, addressing his servants.

“I will watch them, young lord,” Adelaide said, curtsying.

“Yes, I trust you to keep them in line, Adelaide. Do not let them injure Luca like they did last time,” Ciel said.

“Oh trust me, they won’t,” Adelaide said, a fake and menacing smile on her face.

"Good ," Malphas thought. " She has the malice of a demon ."

#dandelion.text #black butler #kuroshitsuji #sebastian x oc #sebastian x reader #cross posted on ao3

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dandelionterminal · 10 months ago

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Invisible String Part 8 - Chapter 4: His Mate, Fickle: Part One

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Notes:

I thought it best to split this one into two parts because they feel like separate major incidents in the arc. This one covers the Undertaker and the next one will cover Viscount Druitt. I took some creative liberties with Madam Red's censored gossip.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter 4 - His Mate, Fickle: Part One

A horse-drawn carriage pulled into the front of a stately estate as Ciel, Sebastian, and Adelaide arrived at the Phantomhive manor house in London.

“I hate this,” Adelaide said. “There are far too many people in London.”

“I agree,” Ciel said. “They migrate en masse during the season like birds.”

“Respectfully, my lord, why was I required to accompany you?” Adelaide asked. “I am your governess, I will be no help on this case.”

“You are here to assist Sebastian,” Ciel said. “Both of you are connected to the supernatural. You both may be required if there is a supernatural element to this case.”

“Think of it this way,” Sebastian said with a faux smile on his face. “It will be a nice change of pace. It will give us some peace and quiet.”

“Peace and quiet do sound nice,” Ciel said as he ascended the stairs.

As Sebastian opened the office door, a ghastly scene was revealed. The office was overturned, books stacked everywhere, linens and cups pulled out of cupboards, toys littering the furniture. At the center of it all was Lau, staring into a vase. Madam Red was in a cupboard, rummaging and talking about tea.

The trio at the door stood dumbfounded and annoyed. “So much for peace and quiet,” Adelaide stated. “You’ll be lucky if you are not assaulted again by the madam,” she whispered to the demon.

“Oh, that is what is on your mind?” Sebastian whispered back with a grin. “Feeling jealous, are we?”

Adelaide scoffed, crossing her arms. “Not in the slightest. I’m worried for her health is all.” Truth be told, she did not know why Madam Red’s fascination with Sebastian bothered her so much. She sighed as she watched Ciel shout at the opium lord, his aunt, and the inept butler named Grell.

“If you are here in London it can only mean one thing, my lord,” Lau stated.

Madam Red smiled darkly. “The Queen’s Guard Dog must have a new scent to follow.”

Sebastian set the nobles up for tea as Adelaide busied herself with cleaning up the mess the madam and Lau had made.

“He struck again,” Ciel said, sipping tea. “Another prostitute was found murdered in Whitechapel. The level of violence in these killings is far from normal.”

“The most recent victim was a woman named Mary Ann Nichols. A special blade seems to have been used on her. She was torn up beyond recognition,” Sebastian stated grimly.

“His distinctive style of killing has earned him the nickname Jack the Ripper,” Ciel stated sternly.

“A frightening name, isn’t it?” Lau asked rhetorically.

“The grotesque nature is why I am here earlier than expected. I hurried into the city to look into the cases myself,” the young earl responded.

Lau set his teacup down with a smirk. “But are you sure you will be brave enough to stomach the crime scene? And it most certainly isn’t a place for a lady such as your governess.”

Ciel frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

Lau continued. “The sight of the dismembered body is probably more than enough to drive some men mad. The stench and sight will certainly be horrific as well,” Lau stood fluidly and made his way over to Ciel. “Are you and your governess prepared for such a thing? You are just a young boy and the governess is a lady,” he cupped the boy’s cheek tenderly.

“I am the head of the Phantomhives. My service is to her majesty. By proxy, my staff’s service is as well. We are more than prepared. Do not ask such foolish questions,” Ciel said firmly with a glare.

In the crowded streets of London, Ciel and his posse is found approaching the crime scene of the latest Jack the Ripper victim. Ciel, Sebastian, and Adelaide approach the alleyway from the crowd, drawing the eyes of one of the Scotland Yard members. He was younger, with red hair and a friendly smile. He leaned down to speak to Ciel. “Sorry, my boy. I’m afraid a crime scene is no place for a child. You should run along home now,” he said.

Ciel stared up at him and bluntly said “I’m here to see the victim’s body.”

This shocked and angered the ginger man. “The body?! Surely you’re playing a joke!”

From the shadows came a voice calling to the ginger man. “Abberline!” The holder of the voice came forward, revealing a top hat and wrinkled face adorned with a stern mustache a sideburns. “Well if it isn’t the Lord of Phantomhive… what are you doing here?”

The red-headed man, Abberline, turned to the mustached man, “You know this kid, sir?”

Ciel smirked deviously. “We’ve come to help, Sir Arthur. It seems your investigation is dragging a bit.” He held up the letter he received from the queen proudly. “You know who sent me, of course.”

Both men stared at him in shock. Ciel took the opportunity to snatch the papers Abberline was holding from his hands. Adelaide looked at the papers over his shoulder. “It looks as though they have found no clues yet, my lord,” she said.

Sir Arthur took the papers back from the boy and declared that Scotland Yard was fully capable of solving the case on their own. With that they left, heading to an associate who may have more information.

As the group traveled in their carriage, Sebastian and Adelaide steered the horses. Sebastian, eyes still on the road ahead, asked his mate a question.

“Are you wearing the pendant I gave you?” he asked.

“Yes,” she responded, her tone laced with slight disgust.

Sebastian smiled smugly. “Good, I’m glad to hear it.” While the pendant was for her protection, it also satisfied a need in the demon to have a claim on the human woman. She would now carry his aura with her at all times, signaling to all the other demons and entities that she was his. “It will help keep you safe. If you are ever in danger and cannot call for me, squeeze it and I will feel it.”

“That’s creepy,” she said. “But I will keep a note of it, monsieur.”

The group arrived at a morbidly decorated building. A large sign with the inscription of “undertaker” drew the eye to the skulls decorating the top of the shop.

As everyone observed the building, Lau lifted his hands in confusion. “So… where are we?”

“It’s a funeral parlor run by an acquaintance of my lord’s,” Sebastian said, observing Adelaide out of the corner of his eye. The woman was standing halfway behind him, squinting at the door to the shop. She could feel something off about the building. It carried similar energy to Madam Red’s butler, but older and more intimidating.

The group made their way into the shop, Ciel leading the charge. “If we are looking for answers this is the place to go.”

The shop was dark. The only light came from the open door and curtained windows. In the dim light, Adelaide could see the main area was lined with coffins and jars full of formaldehyde and body parts. An anatomical mannequin stood in a corner, watching the group enter.

A menacing laugh came from the darkness. “Welcome. I thought I’d be seeing you before long,” a scratchy voice said. Lau, Grell, and Madam Red stood back to back, looking for the owner of the voice. Adelaide subconsciously gripped Sebastian’s sleeve, eyes wide and trying to see in the darkness. The demon internally purred at the gesture, his chest puffing a bit in pride.

Rattling like thunder came from the shadows as the voice continued to speak. A silver-haired man with long hair, black claw-like nails, and shining green eyes covered by bangs emerged from a coffin. “My lord it is so lovely to see you. Do I finally have the pleasure of fitting you for one of me coffins today?” the man, the Undertaker, asked as he revealed himself from the coffin. His long, black robes and hat were finally on display. Adelaide gripped Sebastian’s sleeve tighter as Lau, Madam Red, and Grell looked at the Undertaker in shock.

“No that isn’t why I’m here,” Ciel began, bored. “I wanted to-” before he was cut off by the Undertaker with a hand on his cheek.

“No need, I’m already fully aware,” the Undertaker said. He lifted his head slightly and took in the sight of Adelaide, who was half behind Sebastian and squinting at the Undertaker. The Undertaker’s already devious smile widened at the sight of her. “One of my recent customers was a bit unusual, shall we say? I helped make her beautiful again,” he said, smiling and moving his hands.

“I would like the details, please,” Ciel said plainly.

Lau piped up from his position. “I see. So the funeral parlor is just a cover business. So how much is it for information?” he asked, hands on his hips.

The Undertaker bolted over to Lau and got into his face, making Lau bend backwards to keep space between them. “I have no need for the Queen’s coins!” he declared. “There is only one thing that I want from you!” he turned to Ciel, practically drooling. “Please my lord. Give it to me and I’ll tell you anything!”

Adelaide looked on, eyes wide, ready to step in and help the boy. Sebastian held her back, however, and pointed out Ciel’s expression. The boy looked exasperated. He was not afraid of the man or uncomfortable at all.

“Just give me the gift of true laughter!” the Undertaker proclaimed. “Just one joke and all me information is yours!” the man (being?) panted and writhed around in his place.

“Cet homme est un fou…” Adelaide mumbled under her breath.

Lau, with a completely serious face, spoke up again. “Leave it to me, my lord. Here is my joke,” he lifted his head. “It is a classic. On which side does a tiger have the most stripes? On the outside,” he smiled, proud of himself, and turned to the Undertaker. “Get it?”

When everyone stayed silent, Madam Red stepped forward with determination. “My turn,” she announced. “I live for gossip,” she began. “This story will make you laugh so hard you may die! So Alice’s beau gave her the most extraordinary dildo for her birthday,” she said with no shame. Adelaide blushed down to her neck and covered Ciel’s ears. Sebastian, smirking, covered Adelaide’s so she would not be uncomfortable. “It was sooo wide and thick with thick veins running down the side, all the way down the shaft-” she was cut off by Adelaide when she glared at the woman and pointedly looked at Ciel.

“Now my lord it seems you’re the only one left… I gave you a discount last time but I will not be so generous this time,” the Undertaker said, making Ciel snarl in frustration.

“It cannot be helped,” Sebastian said, stepping forward. “Everyone please wait outside. And do not try to listen in,” he glared at the people behind him.

While the nobles and Grell put up no fight, Adelaide refused. The door shut and she glared at the demon. “I am not leaving,” she said firmly. Truthfully, she did not know why she was determined to stay. She didn’t want to hear the joke. She just didn’t feel comfortable leaving Sebastian in there.

“Miss DuPont, this is not something you should hear,” Sebastian said, furrowing his brows at the woman.

“I do not care,” she said. “I am staying right here.”

“Miss DuPont I insist that you-”

“I said no. I am not leaving,” she crossed her arms and tapped her foot.

The Undertaker laughed, not loud enough for those outside to hear, but he laughed.

“Has the butler found someone to go toe-to-toe with?” the Undertaker asked.

Adelaide pointed at him. “You laughed. I don’t know what you are, but you are not human. You have to answer our lord’s questions now and let us leave.”

“I will answer your questions first,” the Undertaker said, grinning. “I can see that you have many.”

Adelaide paused in her stubbornness. “What?”

“Just ask,” the Undertaker said. “And then let the butler tell his joke so I can answer the earl’s questions.”

Adelaide thought for a moment. This being was not human and he was offering answers. What if he knew what happened that night to her parents? What if he knew why she and Luca were spared? “What caused the fire that killed my parents?” she asked.

“Can’t answer that, sorry!” the Underaker giggled, eating a bone biscuit while lounging on a coffin.

“But-” she began but he cut her off. “I can see many things in people’s lives, but not in yours. Your soul is not of the human realm, I can’t see what is not human,” he explained.

“What do you mean? I’m not human?” she asked.

“Nope. You’re closer to the butler than to human,” he said.

Adelaide stumbled backwards, causing Sebastian to steady her and set her on a coffin to sit. She stared at the ground, feeling ill. Her soul did not belong to the human realm.

After Sebastian had made the Undertaker laugh and the nobles and Grell had come back in, the Undertaker began to tell Ciel what had been happening with his latest clientele. The nobles we sat drinking tea out of beakers, Sebastian stood guard over the stunned Adelaide. “I’ve been receiving clients who are incomplete, you see?” he stated. He walked over the Adelaide, who was still in a slight daze, and used her as a prop. He pointed to her abdomen. “The uterus is missing, which is quite odd,” he said. Sebastian gave him a glare, a warning, but the Undertaker just spun off with a smile. He grabbed his model, staring at it. “He always makes a big mess of the body, but the uterus is always cleanly cut out.”

“He does these killings on the road though,” Sebastian said. “Wouldn’t someone inexperienced have a hard time completing a difficult procedure quickly enough?”

The Undertaker smiled wider and turned around. “You’re a clever butler,” he said. “That is what I was thinking.” He walked over to Adelaide again and put a hand on her shoulder. She stiffened and glanced up at him as Sebastian contained a growl that was building in his chest. “First he slits her throat with a sharp weapon,” he said, drawing his finger across her neck. “Then he rips into them right here,” he put his finger on her lower abdomen. Sebastian’s eyes began to glow menacingly as he clenched his fists. “And he takes that precious womanly part,” he concluded while poking her cheek. Sebastian put his hands on her shoulders and glared at the silver-haired man. “There will be more slain, I am sure,” he said. “Killers like him don’t stop until someone makes them stop.”

Adelaide watched the man as he talked to Ciel with critical eyes before looking at Grell. Their energy was similar, she was certain of it. Why would creatures like them take on such mundane jobs? She felt as if there were ulterior motives to their presence in the case.

Notes:

Cet homme est un fou - that man is a lunatic/that man is crazy/this man is crazy

#black butler #dandelion.text #sebastian x oc #kuroshitsuji #sebastian x reader #cross posted on ao3

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dandelionterminal · 10 months ago

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Invisible String Part 5 - Chapter 2: His Mate, Mightiest

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TW: this chapter features some non-graphic SA in the form of fondling and talk. This will happen again when we get to Viscount Druitt as well.

In a remote hallway of the Phantomhive manor, the servants are gathered around a hole in the floor. The soldier amongst them has his head dipped into the hole, looking at a frayed wire.

“Bloody hell,” he says. “This wire’s done for.”

“Is it rats?” Adelaide asked. “I didn’t expect them to be this prevalent outside of the city.” She stood and dusted off her skirt. “I must go attend to the master, good luck catching the vermin.” She strolled off, entering the drawing room of the manor where Ciel was mingling with some guests. A red-haired woman dressed in garments matching her hair was sat across from him in an armchair. Her butler, a meek-looking man with glasses and dark hair tied in a red ribbon, stood on the sidelines observing Sebastian. A man of Asian descent was sat in the other armchair, and a young woman in revealing clothing sat on his lap. As Adelaide entered, the red-haired woman was gushing about Sebastian’s physique and stroking his behind. Adelaide paused and made a disgusted face, her pale skin flushing in second-hand embarrassment. Her face, down her neck, and into her arms all flushed pink in shame. Deep down though, something nagged at her. Like an incessant itch to slap Madam Red.

“You should really quit this country job and come work for me in the city!” Madam Red said, her eyes lecherous as she fondled the man.

Adelaide coughed, “Pardon me, Madame Red, but should you not focus on your own butler?”

Madam Red flushed in only slight shame. “Sorry, doctor’s habit! He looked like he needed a physical,” she laughed.

Adelaide walked over to stand next to Sebastian and laid out some papers in a folder for Ciel on the coffee table. “Your latest marks, my lord,” she explained. “We need to work on your French skills.”

“Ah, I see. We will discuss it later,” Ciel said, setting down his tea cup.

The Asian man, Lau, stood. “Do you think the drug trafficker you are after was among your guests today?” he asked.

“Perhaps,” Ciel responded, leaning back in his seat.

Madam Red leaned forward. “Why not leave the extermination to Lau?” she asked. “A rat knows best where a rat’s nest is, doesn’t he?”

Lau went to stand behind Ciel’s seat, a hand on his head. “I am but a tame guinea pig, dedicated to my lord,” Lau said “If he instructs me not to act, I am bound to do nothing.” Madam Red leaped up, snatching Ciel out of his hands.

“Please refrain from touching the master of the house, monsieur Lau,” Adelaide said. “You have angered the madame.”

“Keep your filthy paws off my darling nephew!” Madam Red snarled at Lau.

“You ladies wound me,” Lau responded. “I would never paw at him in his own home!”

“Are you saying you would if you were elsewhere!?” Madam Red shrieked, discarding Ciel to the side. Adelaide caught him and ushered him out of the room.

“Too many rats, my lord?” she asked.

“Yes, they are quite loud. Tell Sebastian I will have dessert in my study. I will look over the marks you left on my work,” he said, strolling away and towards his study.

“Of course,” she said, curtseying.

Adelaide returned to the drawing room and whispered in Sebastian’s ear. “The earl would like to avoid the ruckus and will take his dessert in the study.” she leaned away to see him nod. “I will be helping him with his lessons.” she curtseyed again and headed back to the study. She entered the room with a knock, “Young lord, I have come to help with your lessons-” a cloth was placed over her mouth and she was yanked by her hair into the room and out the window.

In the dirtier section of London lies an elegant, white manor house. Within that manor house is an ornate office with exuberant accents and a large, golden ticking clock. The clock is the first thing Adelaide hears when she wakes up, groggy and bruised. The next thing she hears is a gruff voice mocking Ciel. She realizes she’s bound in that moment, her arms and legs tied with belts and chains. She’s leaned against a wall, a gag in her mouth.

“Just how many nicknames do you have and how many families have you crushed, Ciel Phantomhive?” the voice asked, though Adelaide could barely hear it through the ringing in her ears. Adelaide lifted her head up from its position against her chest to look to her right. She sees Ciel in a similar state to her, just without the gag. She watched as the owner of the voice grabbed Ciel by the face and barked at him with a cigar in his mouth. Ciel spoke and the man pulled a gun out and pointed it at him.

As the ringing subsided in her ears, Adelaide heard Ciel say with a smile, “Oh I think they’ll be alright, but you’d better hope your lap dogs know how to fetch.” At that, the man kicked Ciel in the face, knocking him over. Adelaide screamed against the gag, her eyes wide and worried. The man pulled out a phone and barked orders into it. He turned his attention to Adelaide and grabbed her face in his hand, roughly ripping the gag from her mouth.

“What did he mean by that?” he asked, his breath reeking of tobacco. “Spit it out!”

“I don’t know,” she responded. “I’m just the governess. I’m not special.” His grip tightened, making her wince.

“Don’t you lie to me. What did he mean?”

“I’m telling you I don’t know!” with that he threw her on the ground and kicked her in the stomach.

“Useless woman,” he said and picked the phone back up. “Tell me you made that shot. What do you mean you missed?! You are complete idiots! I never should have hired someone like you! Just get back here!” he shouted into the phone. He then scoffed. “What’s the matter? You princesses see a bear in the woods?” He was quiet for a moment. “What’s wrong? Did someone find you? Talk to me!”

Ciel laughed. “Sounds like your game of fetch is over!”

“Young lord, please be careful or he’ll-” she cringed as the man began to kick Ciel again.

“Just shut your mouth, both of you!” he shouted and picked the phone back up.”You listen to me! One of you answer now or I will kill you both!”

“Hello?” a voice came from the other side of the phone. The man paused, his brow furrowed and his face shiny with sweat from stress.

“Who is this?” the man asked.

“Ah, pardon me,” the phone responded. “I represent the Phantomhive estate. I was wondering if my master or Miss DuPont might be available.” The man continued to stress, his body shaking in fear. “Hello? Is there anybody there? Hello?”

From his position on the ground, Ciel smirked and uttered one word. “Woof.”

Sebastian muttered through the phone, “Very good, young master. I will come to retrieve you and miss DuPont momentarily.”

As soon as the phone hung up, the man started shouting at his lackeys. “Listen up! The Phantomhive boy has help on the way! Tighten up security! Not even a single rat gets through!”

Outside the office, much commotion and gore could be heard through the door. The boss stood with a gun in his hand, shaking in fear as loud footsteps echoed down the hall. The doors clicked open and Sebastian stepped inside, unmarred by all the bloodshed that was heard. He stepped inside, a glare on his face, and bowed to the man.

“I have come to retrieve my master and Miss DuPont,” he said plainly.

“Is this a joke?” the man said. “I was expecting a giant and instead I get a dandy in a tailcoat. Who are you anyway? There’s no way you’re just a butler.”

“No, sir,” Sebastian said. “You see I am simply one hell of a butler, I promise.”

Adelaide silenced her scoff from her position on the floor. She settled for an eye roll since no one could see her.

The man scoffed. “Yeah, sure. It does not matter, I have no intention of fighting,” he said, an unassuming smirk on his face. “Not yet, anyway,” he grabbed Ciel by the hair and had one of his men heft Adelaide up by hers. Both she and Ciel whimpered at the pain. Sebastian remained stoic, but inside he was murderous. The way they were handling his mate was inexcusable. The man held a gun up to Ciel’s head and grinned at Sebastian. “You’d better have what I asked for,” he said.

Sebastian shut his eyes to hide the red glow that was soon going to emanate from them. He reached into his coat, “Yes, I do. It’s right here,” he said with a small smile, holding up the ransom. When he did, a bullet raced through his skull. Adelaide shrieked, eyes wide. Ciel gasped beside her. Multiple other shots fired through Sebastian’s body, causing him to fall to the ground. From behind a painting, the gunman held their guns up, still smoking with gunpowder.

The man holding Ciel laughed, “Aw, sorry dandy, I really am, but this round is mine. There’s no way I would go up against Phantomhive, the lord of games, without a hidden trump card.” he pushed the barrel of his gun further into Ciel’s forehead, leering at him before dropping him to the ground. “I may have damaged the goods a little bit, but you’ll still fetch a good price. Don’t worry, though, with how many enemies you’ve made I doubt you’ll be alive much longer.” He strolled over to the man holding Adelaide and smirked at her. “And you. You’ll be a good catch to keep around the house. A bit skinny but we can fatten you up a bit,” he said, pulling her bottom lip down. “You’ve got a nice face, and even nicer breasts…” he ran his hand down her neck to fondle her chest, causing her to snarl and kick at his shins in disgust.

“Let me go, bâtard,” she said “Vous êtes écœurant. Cochon,” she protested against his prowling hands.

“Enough,” Ciel said from his spot on the floor. “I’m tired of messing around. How much longer are you planning to play dead?” he asked the body on the floor.

“Not long,” Sebastian said, twitching upwards.

The men gasped. Their leader shouted from his spot, “How? How’re you-?” His lackeys backed away in disgust and fear as Sebastian sat up from the ground.

“Guns today are so much more efficient than they used to be,” he said as he sat up. “They can shoot so many more bullets now,” he said as he coughed up the bloody bullets into his hand with a smirk. “Perhaps you’d like these back?”

“Ah- what’re you doing? Kill him!” the boss shouted to his gunmen. Before they could fire a single shot, Sebastian threw the bullets into their bodies, causing them to fall. Sebastian took a moment to look at his tailcoat.

“Oh dear. What a waster of a perfectly good tailcoat,” he said.

“You could have avoided that, idiot,” Ciel said sourly. Sebastian smiled at him.

“Master… how unfortunate. They did not take very good care of you,” he said. He glared towards the men with their hands on Adelaide. “Nor did they treat Miss DuPont well either…” Sebastian strolled up to the leader and the man holding Adelaide by her hair. “Treating her like she is a toy that belongs to them…”

“Stay back!” the leader shouted. “I-if you come any closer, I’ll shoot her!” he positioned the gun at her temple.

“Can we move this along?” Ciel asked, still bound on the floor.

“Please?” Adelaide pleaded. “Their breath smells awful.”

“Ah but if I come any closer he might kill you, Miss DuPont,” Sebastian said, enjoying the thrill. “I need an order from my master… or… remember our conversation the other night, Miss DuPont? You know what you have to do. Just call my name.”

Adelaide grimaced and sighed, bracing herself. “Help me, Malphas!” she shouted.

“It’s over!” the man shouted, firing a bullet towards Adelaide’s skull. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the pain and darkness, but it never came. She turned her gaze to the man and glared, her green eyes dark. “But... that’s impossible.”

“Are you looking for this?” came Sebastian’s voice over the men’s shoulders. “I’ll be returning it now,” he said as he dropped the bullet into the man’s jacket pocket. The boss flailed in pain as the bullet seemed to move into his arm, causing him to drop the gun. Sebastian glared at the man still holding Adelaide and his arm twisted backward, causing him to release her. Before she could hit the floor Sebastian caught her and set her down next to his master and began to unbind them both while the men writhed on the floor, begging Sebastian to work for them. “I must say… the game wasn’t as much fun this time, Sebastian,” Ciel said.

“I’m sorry, sir, while that may be an attractive offer for some, I have no interest in such materialistic things. You see… I am simply one hell of a butler,” Sebastian said, his eyes glowing and swirling red and gold. Feathers began to fall around the room as the light seemed to be sucked away. “As long as my master holds the contract, I am his loyal servant,” he explained as Ciel’s contract mark in his eye glowed. Sebastian pulled off a glove to show the matching mark on his hand. “A wish, a sacrifice, and this, all of these things keep me bound to Lord Phantomhive. Until the day I swallow his soul.”

“Unfortunately for you, this game is over,” Ciel said as darkness covered the room, suffocating the men within.

After they returned to the manor and had cleaned up, Ciel called Sebastian into his room.

“Explain to me what happened today. Why were you so distracted by Adelaide?” he demanded of his butler. “And remember our agreement. Do not lie to me.”

“I would never lie to you, my lord,” he responded. “Lady DuPont and I share a bond.”

Ciel glared at his butler. “You have a contract with her?”

“No, my lord, the only contract I have is with you,” Sebastian responded.

“Then what sort of bond do you share?” Ciel asked.

“How can I explain it in human terms…” Sebastian began. “It is similar to the bond you share with Lady Elizabeth,” he said.

“You and she are engaged?!” Ciel shouted.

“Not quite. Lady DuPont does not know of this bond, my lord, but it is what gives her her abilities to command me and see otherworldly creatures,” he explained with a sigh. “And I would appreciate if you did not tell her this.”

“And how will you balance your bond with her and your contact with me?” Ciel asked. “It seems you may run into some conflicts of interest.”

“As long as you both remain on the same side of the battle I can balance anything, my lord.”

#dandelion.text #black butler #kuroshitsuji #sebastian x oc #sebastian x reader #cross posted on ao3

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dandelionterminal · 10 months ago

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Invisible String Part 4 Chapter 1 - His Mate, Competent

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Chapter I - His Mate, Competent

“Master, it is time to wake up,” Sebastian said. Adelaide drew the curtains open and opened a window to let in some fresh air. She was clad in a gray dress and white, ruffly apron. Her dress had a crisp white collar and cuffed sleeves and neat buttons up the bodice.“For breakfast today we have a lightly poached salmon accompanied by a delicate mint salad. I can also offer toast, scones, or pain de campagne. Which dish would you care for this morning?” she asked.

Ciel sat up groggily, his blue-black hair sticking up in places. His large, oversized white sleep shirt clung to him like a boy wearing his father’s clothes. He shielded his eyes from the light from the window with his hand. “A scone,” he responded.

Adelaide served him the scone and a cup of tea while Sebastian went through the schedule for the day with Ciel. In the morning, Ciel will be meeting with a Mr. Hughes to discuss the Roman Empire. As he went through the schedule he dressed Ciel in a crisp white shirt.

“This evening Mr. Damiano will be paying us a visit,” Sebastian rattled off. Adelaide bent to tie a ribbon around Ciel’s neck. When she finished she handed him his cup of tea.

“Oh, is that the man I have in charge of stuffed animals at my factory in India?” Ciel asked.

“Yes,” Sebastian said, putting the earl’s shoes on his feet. “I am told he is Italian. We will of course offer him the finest hospitality the estate can provide.” Ciel lifted the tea cup up to his face. “I know this smell,” he said. “Is this tea Earl Grey?” he asked.

“Yes, my lord,” Adelaide said, hands behind her back. “From Jackson’s of Piccadilly.” The butler stood to his full height and bowed.

“Adelaide and I shall await you in the dining hall,” he said. He led Adelaide to the door. As the two’s backs turned, the young earl grabbed a dart and threw it at Adelaide’s head. She ducked as Sebastian grabbed it between his fingers.

“Nice try, my young lord, but let’s save the games for later,” he said coyly.

—---------------that butler is an able man—--------his mate is quite competent—--------------

In the dining hall, Ciel threw the dart into his gardener’s head. The servants, including Luca, all gaped as blood spewed from the back of the young blond’s head. A hole was drilled into the gardener’s straw hat as he scampered over to his master.

“Ow, ow, ow!” he shouted. “What was that for, master? What did I do?” he asked. Luca, dressed in a simple black suit and tie, busied himself tidying up dishes so as to not anger the young lord.

“Nothing. I do not have to explain myself,” Ciel responded, sipping from his tea cup.

Sebastian burst into the room, Adelaide flanking him and peeking under his arm. “There you are! Have you finished weeding the courtyard, Finny?” said the gardener floundered and stood at attention. “Mey-Rin, have you washed all the beddings?” the maid, blushing and love-struck, realized that she had not. “Baldroy, shouldn't you be preparing for tonight's dinner?” the chef grinned cheekily, a devious glint in his eye. “Luca, you should be preparing the drawing room for our guest and master.” Luca nodded. “Tanaka... well, I suppose you're all right as you are.” the old steward sipped from his teacup, content. “Now all of you, we have no time for thumb twiddling this morning. So get to work!”

“Yes sir!” Mey-Rin shouted as the servants all clambered out.

The butler sighed. “Simply hopeless,” he said.

“What am I meant to be doing?” Adelaide asked, taking the master’s dishes away as he stood to go to his study. “I can handle my own tasks, you know. I don’t have to keep shadowing you.”

The butler grinned, not the plastic smile she had seen before. This one was more like a cat that was close to catching a canary. “I like you shadowing me, Ms. DuPont.”

Adelaide glowered. “I am no longer a scared little girl. I can handle things on my own. I’m not weak.”

“Ah and that is why you are so intriguing,” Sebastian said, bending at the waist to look at her in the face. His face was smug, clad with a grin and glint in his eye.

Adelaide slammed dishes down. “I am going to see the master,” she said and stomped out.

As she left the room and headed up the stairs Sebastian chuckled. “How charming she is when she is angry.”

—----------------------------the silver is polished to a spotless shine---------------------------------

“I’m a bit hungry,” the young man told his governess. “I’d like something sweet to eat.”

“I must advise against it, my lord. You will spoil your appetite for your meal with the guest,” Adelaide responded.

Ciel scowled. “Why should I care about that? Make me a parfait.”

“No.”

Ciel sighed. “Fine. But about that portrait in the hallway…”

“The one of your parents?” Adelaide asked, tilting her head.

“Take it down. I am Ciel Phantomhive, son of Vincent, and I am the head of this house now.” Ciel said, almost as if reciting a script he had been thinking about for a long time.

Adelaide curtseyed, “Yes sir, I will see that it is done.” and she left to return to the servants’ area. As she entered she saw all the servants, including her brother, being scolded by Sebastian.

“Now do tell me exactly how all of this happened?” Sebastian said, his eye twitching in irritation.

Finnian was the first to fess up. The blond boy babbled on like a caught child, tears in his eyes. “I thought the garden would look nicer if I used extra strength weedkiller!”

Mey-Rin was next to confess her sins, a cracked lens in her glasses giving away part of her crimes. “I was trying to reach the tea set that is used for guests but I tripped and the cabinet fell!”

Baldroy looked to the side, scorch marks on his face and in his hair. “There was a lot of meat to be cooked and I thought it would go faster if I used me flamethrower…”

Luca, with paper cuts on his forehead, simply shrugged at the domineering presence and held up a book. Adelaide stepped in to translate for him. “I think… Luca was tidying the books in the drawing room when they fell on him.” Her brother nodded and ducked his head down.

Mey-Rin and Finny bawled and blubbered out “We’re sorry! We didn’t mean to!”

Sebastian looked at the ground, fingers on his chin as he thought. Adelaide watched him, quizically. “We don’t have time to replace the tea set or meat, not to mention the garden. But might I offer a creative solution?” She stepped over to Tanaka, who was calm and collected against the wall, and gently took his teacup from his hands. “We can offer a Japanese-inspired evening for our master and his guest. Just follow my lead, if you do not mind that is.”

—------------------------------------we might just save this evening yet—----------------------------

Before the sun had begun to set, a solid black carriage pulled by two brown horses arrived at the Phantomhive estate. A man with tanned skin and clay-colored hair steps out. His eyes widen as he takes in the scene of stones and sand before him.

Rows of stone are surrounded by seas of neatly raked sand. Mossy islands with flowers and bamboo shishi-odoshi float amongst the sand as well. On a deck, the Phantomhive servants stand in their best dress. Finnian is dressed in a yellow vest, and Adelaide is clad in a neat and clean blue dress that matched Mey-Rin’s, Tanaka, Baldroy, and Sebastian are dressed the same. The servants all bow and welcome the guests to their homes.

Sebastian steps forward and explains that the garden is inspired by the Japanese stone gardens from abroad. “The manor’s governess and footman has been to Japan and thought it would offer a tranquil atmosphere for the evening.”

“Ah, prodigioso! Wonderful! Truly an elegant garden,” the man, Mr. Damiano, said while spreading his arms wide.

“We thought it appropriate to serve dinner al fresco this evening. Allow me to escort you inside until the meal is ready,” Sebastian said, handing the guest off to Tanaka to escort him inside. While walking, Mr. Damiano commented on how intriguing and unique the Phantomhive home was.

Once the guest was inside the servants breathed a sigh of relief. “Phew, We actually did it,” Baldroy commented.

Finny gawked at the garden with shining eyes. “Who would've thought a dozen boxes of gravel could turn into an amazing garden?” he asked.

Adelaide smiled at them. “There is still much to do for the evening,” she commented.

Sebastian nodded in agreement, “Let's take care of it while the master is talking business with his guest. Look sharp now.”

—---------------------------we serve the Phantomhive family, after all—--------------------------

Inside the drawing room, Adelaide and Luca stood behind Ciel while he played a game with Mr. Damiano. Well, played a game is putting it kindly. In truth, Mr. Damiano participated in a one-sided conversation while Ciel tormented him in the game.

“The progress we've been making with the East India Factory is quite astonishing. We already have the makings of a top-notch staff,” Damiano said.

“Bewitched by the eyes of the dead. What terrible luck. It appears I lose a turn,” Ciel cut him off. Adelaide attempted to cover a snicker, her face contorting in a strange, puckered lips state. Luca looked at her from the side, confused.

Damiano attempted to mask his irritation as he continued talking, making brief eye contact with the former noble lady. “Right now is the perfect time. We should begin expanding the company and building a strong labor force, it would–”

Ciel cut him off again, leaning back in his seat with his eye shut, “Go on. It's your turn.”

Damiano, humoring the child earl, “Oh, yes. I just spin this then,” he then spun a top with numbers on each side. “Okay there, five spaces,” he moves his piece across the board. “Now, what I wanted to ask you. Perhaps you could contribute another 12,000 pounds to support our expansion?” Ciel’s sapphire eye opened, annoyed. “I believe it will be quite a profitable venture for you, my lord, and I would consider it an honor to help expand the Funtom Company-”

“Lose a leg in the enchanted forest. And it's your turn again. I lost a turn, remember?” Ciel cut him off yet again. Damiano’s face washed over with shock.

Ciel watches critically while Damiano spins the top again. “Oh, I see. Right, I move six,” he said.

“You don’t. That’s three,” Ciel said.

Damiano’s eyes widened. “What? But…”

“You lost a leg,” Adelaide provided from behind her master, an evil glint in her eye. “You can now only move half the number of spaces.”

“Oh my, ha ha ha ha. This is a gruesome-a board game, isn't it? Is there-a no way for me to restore my leg, then?” Damiano laughed, light-heartedly. He held his piece to move it through the game board.

Ciel looked at the board intensely as he spoke, “I’m afraid once something is truly lost, sir, that one can never get it back again,” he snatched Damiano’s game piece, still staring at the game board. He placed the piece down, making brief eye contact with Damiano as he said “your body is burnt by raging flames.”

—-----------------------------intermission—------------------------------

Adelaide stepped into the kitchen area of the manor. “How is everything going in here?” she asked the three gentlemen cutting meat.

“We’re doing it just like you said,” Baldroy smiles. He holds the meat up to show her. “Is this really what you want?”

Adelaide smiles. “Yes, that is perfect.”

From the hall, the maroon-haired maid named Mey-Rin came barrelling in. “Sebastian! I found ‘em!” She was carrying some boxes. She tripped over her shoelaces and went flying down the hall, the boxes rushing forward. Adelaide rushes forward to catch Mey-Rin and the boxes. The force flung her backward, where Sebastian caught her and Mey-Rin.

“Honestly, you must be more careful, Adelaide,” he said, holding her around the shoulders, her back against his chest. She could feel the rumbling of his voice against her. She looked over her shoulder at him, brows knitted together in annoyance. He wasn’t looking at her though, her was looking at Mey-Rin. “I’ve told you to not run in the manor, Mey-Rin.”

Mey-Rin scrambled backward, flushed and embarrassed, “I’m sorry, sir! My glasses are cracked and I can’t see a thing! Are you alright, Ms. Adelaide?”

Adelaide tried to pull away from Sebastian but was met with resistance from the demonic man. He had her shoulders in a gentle but firm grip. “Yes, are you alright?” he asked. Luca glared at the butler from his spot at the counter, trimming meat. He slammed the knife down firmly against the counter. Baldroy looked at the mute boy and whistled.

He whispered to the boy, “Easy, tiger.”

Adelaide sighed. “I am fine, I assure you, monsieur.” She stood away from the butler and handed him the boxes. “These are the last items needed for tonight’s dinner. I believe you can handle the rest?” She asked.

“Yes,” Sebastian answered. “You all can rest, leave the rest to me.” He smiled at Adelaide.

—-------------------------you need to do very well during tonight’s dinner—-----------------------

Back in the drawing room, Mr. Damiano and Ciel were still seated in their respective chairs. A knock sounded at the door, “Pardon the interruption,” Adelaide’s voice came from the door, “but dinner is served.”

“Oh, dining out in that exquisite stone garden? Shall we go, my lord?” Damiano asked, already in the process of standing up.

From his still seated position Ciel said “Very well, we will finish the game after dinner.” This caused Damiano to pause.

“Oh, is there any real need to finish it? It's obvious I'm going to lose,” he said, clearly trying to get out of the game.

Ciel stood, smiling with his eye shut. “I'm not in the habit of abandoning games halfway through.” Ciel took his leave and headed for the door. Before he was out of earshot, though, Damiano whispered under his breath with a tsk.

“How childish,” he muttered. This caused Ciel and Adelaide to pause and Ciel glared at the man. Seeing that he was caught, Damiano attempted to cover up his blunder “Oh I, I mean that sometimes it takes a child's eyes to see what's really important. It's a true gift. Maybe that's what's made the Phantomhives the nation's foremost toy makers. It certainly impresses me!” As they walked to the garden, Adelaide narrowed her eyes on the man.

“It truly is a gift, I agree,” she said, holding her head high. “You should not discount the ways of children easily.”

The garden was lit dimly with paper lanterns. A large white table was spread before them. Sebastian, with Mey-Rin by his side, introduced the evening’s meal. Damiano looked down at it with disgust on his face.

“A pile of raw beef… and this is dinner?” he questioned.

This prompted Sebastian to go on a spiel about the importance and significance of donburi that stunned Damiano into silence.

From the sidelines, the servants watched with pride. “That’s our Sebastian,” Finny said.

“He saved the day,” Baldroy said. Adelaide smiled faintly.

“Yes… he did, didn’t he?” she said with a hush in her tone.

Once dinner was over, the master and his guest returned to the drawing room. Damiano, wanting to cement the deal, attempted to rush into discussion. Ciel, however, was not permitting it.

“Before we discuss that, we must finish the game,” he said, sat in his large arm chair.

“Ah of course,” Damiano said. “I do have a pressing appointment. Perhaps another time-”

“Children can be very demanding about their games,” Ciel said with an evil smirk. “Surely you wouldn’t want me to get upset?”

At that, Damiano stepped out to make a phone call. Down in the phone room, Adelaide waited around the corner and listened into his conversation.

“...Yes, I’ve already sold off the factory. Now all that’s left is to pocket the extra cash,” he said. Adelaide sighed from her position.

“He truly is deplorable,” she thought. “He deserves all that is coming to him, right?”

From the shadows outside the door, a demonic face appeared and spooked Damiano. Adelaide grinned to herself, knowing who was behind it and returned to her duties.

Damiano finished up his conversation and began to return to the drawing room. He passed by the portrait of the late earl and lady Phantomhive, that same haunting face following him up the stairs, hiding in the portrait. Ciel’s earlier words, “bewitched by the eyes of the dead”, rung in his ears as he climbed the steps. The man walked around the manor, lost and confused, the haunting face following him down the dark corridors. He scrambled away, petrified, as servants carried the portrait away.

Down the stairs, Mey-Rin was busy mopping the floors. Adelaide was accompanying her, listening to her blather on about how shameful it was to be that near Sebastian. As she flailed, her pail broke and clambered to the floor. “Honestly, it’s not shameful,” Adelaide said with a laugh. “Don’t take out your embarrassment on our tools, though.”

Damanio continued to run through the manor, Ciel’s words echoing in his head, as he tripped over the bucket on the stairs. Mey-Rin, shocked, approached him and backed away.

“Sir, are you alright?” she gasped. “His right leg! It’s twisted ‘round! What ‘appened to it?”

“Mr. Damiano?” Adelaide asked, much calmer than Mey-Rin. “Do you need help? Should I fetch a doctor?”

The two carrying the portrait walked by, still holding the painting of the dead heads of house. “What’s happened?” Baldroy asked.

Mey-Rin shouted about something being wrong with the guest. Damiano glanced over at the painting and Adelaide bent down to whisper in his ear, “you lose one leg in the enchanted forest”. He whimpered and crawled away in agony.

“I’ll follow him,” Adelaide assured the other servants. She followed behind Damiano, a few steps behind. When he reached Sebastian in the servant’s quarters she joined him at his side.

“Surely you aren’t leaving the manor yet, sir,” Sebastian said. Damiano clambored backwards. “We haven’t given you the full Phantomhive treatment yet. We still have to serve dessert.” Damiano attempted to crawl away, but he was slow and in pain.

“You’ve lost a leg remember?” Sebastian continued, following behind him. “Now you can only move half the number of spaces, so why don’t you relax a bit and make yourself at home?”

Damiano made his way into a room and shut the door behind him, panting in exhaustion and anxiety. Sebastian’s footsteps approached him in the pitch black, causing him to retreat into a cupboard-like space.

As Sebastian entered he lit the oven. “My what an impatient guest we have,” he said. “Couldn’t even restrain yourself until dessert was out of the oven.”

Damiano panicked, banging on the oven door and shouting.

“Hmm perhaps the Italians aren’t familiar with British customs,” Sebastian continued. “Plum pudding, mincemeat pie, there are many traditional English desserts that utilize meat. I find them all quite tasty.” He shut the oven window as Ciel’s voice once again echoed in Damiano’s mind.

“Was all that truly necessary?” Adelaide asked Sebastian once Damiano was set free, burnt to a crisp but free. They were in the servant’s quarters. Adelaide was preparing for bed, brushing her hair in a small mirror. Sebastian lingered behind her, still dressed in his uniform.

“If our master commands it, we must follow through,” Sebastian said.

“Sure, but why do you follow his commands?” Adelaide asked. “When you visited me as a child you never followed my orders.”

Sebastian hummed and smirked at her. “Would you like me to follow your orders?” he asked. Adelaide glared at him over her shoulder, causing him to chuckle. “You and I do not share a contract,” he explained. He took off his glove and showed her the contract mark on his hand. “While you and I share a bond, it is not the bond of master and servant. I serve Ciel Phantomhive until his wish is fulfilled and I receive his soul in exchange.”

Adelaide examined the mark, leaning forward to view it in the candlelight. “And what sort of bond do we share?” she asked.

Sebastian chuckled. “All in due time,” he said. “I do not much feel like sharing that with you at present. Just know I will be at your side whenever you call.”

Adelaide sighed dramatically. “You always say things like that. It is annoying.”

“Maybe so,” he said. “However, it is true. Good night, Lady Adelaide DuPont."

#dandelion.text #black butler #kuroshitsuji #sebastian x oc #sebastian x reader #cross posted on ao3

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dandelionterminal · 10 months ago

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Invisible String Part 3 - Prologue III - His Mate, Bargaining

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We return to our dinner party now. The DuPont siblings are sat next to each other across from the lord Phantomhive. The hollowed cheeks of Adelaide are flushed with anxiety and Luca’s eyes are flitting around with curiosity.

The butler with the raven hair strolled back in, a tray of glasses and a bottle of wine on his arm. He bent down, setting a glass in front of the young earl, and filled it with a fragrant wine. “Today’s meal is paired with Pinot Noir. The flavor of the wine is meant to accentuate the savory flavor of the meal,” he said. As he spoke, Adelaide’s mind ran wild. His voice was so familiar, yet she could not place it. It was as if he had reached deep into her mind and pulled out a distant memory but held it away from her. The maid from earlier, Mey-Rin, poured her a glass of wine and poured one for her brother.

“The meal this evening is boeuf bourguignon. The beef was braised in the same wine you are drinking with the meal. Served with the beef is a combination of mushrooms, carrots, and onions from our manor’s garden,” the butler continued. “Garlic and bacon are also in the stock, imported from Italy.” The butler seemed proud almost like he had accomplished something. The young lord started to eat his meal, slowly as if he was unsure of the meal.

Adelaide looked quizically at the butler, slowly taking a spoonful of the stew and putting it into her mouth. The butler’s chest puffed up slightly, barely noticeable. In a soft voice, Adelaide asked, “Master butler, Sebastian, was it? Did you prepare this meal?”

The butler smiled, “Yes, along with our resident chef Baldroy,” he responded.

“I see,” she responded. “Well, it is delightful. Thank you, and pass along my sincere thanks to the chef.”

After the nobles had finished their meal the butler led them to his master’s study. The young lord settled in behind his desk and the siblings sat across from him. The butler left the room but swiftly returned before serious conversation could be had. He served the three young people tea from a floral porcelain pot.

“Let us cut to the chase,” Ciel said. “You have come to make a request of me, have you not?” He took a sip from the tea cup and grimaced slightly, but attempted to mask it.

“Ah, yes,” Adelaide said. “I speak on behalf of myself and my brother. You see… my brother is mute. He has not spoken since our parents were murdered.”

“Murdered?” Ciel enquired. “Your parents died in a house fire, yes? I thought it was an unfortunate accident. Frankly, the rumor mill has said you and your brother conspired to kill them to overtake the family.”

“That is unequivocally untrue,” she said. “I believe my parents were murdered by… someone with no shred of humanity left in their being. I know you investigate on behalf of the queen but please… take us under your wing. Help us solve their murder. Our company is dying. You can save it.”

Ciel interlaced his fingers under his chin. “And what is in it for me? You must understand, the first basic rule of business is not to ask for something, but to offer something.”

Adelaide floundered a bit, mouth opening and closing with no coherent sound coming out. She took a deep breath and calmed herself. Sebastian watched her as her aura kept flaring and jolting with nerves. She was desperate, but she was calculating her next move. If she wanted to win this match she had to be smart.

“We can work. I have… observed your staff here. They are not the most… conventional of folks, from what I can tell. I mean no disrespect, my lord, but your maid seems blind as a bat, your chef burnt the meat in the stew, your other butler seems more like a relic than a servant… something about them must be remarkable to keep them around,” she explained.

Ciel leaned back and crossed his arms. “Well deduduced,” he complimented. “Explain to me what you can offer that is unusual, as you put it.”

She lowered her head. “My brother and I are not… typical. Many think us insane. We can see entities that others can not. They may be spirits… they may be ghouls… I am unsure, but they are not human. We can converse with them…” she trailed off, calculating her pros and cons. If she were wrong she would truly look like a loon, but if she was correct… she would seal the deal and put the young lord into checkmate. “And your butler is one of them.” she said softly. She looked up at the butler with narrowed eyes, the emerald color shining in the candlelight. “Pleasure to see you again, Malphas .”

Ciel looked at his butler. “Sebastian? Have you met this young lady before?” he asked.

The butler smiled, his fangs peeking out of his lips. “Indeed I have, my lord. It truly is an honor to see you again, mademoiselle Adelaide. I was unaware your brother also possessed the gift of sight.”

“Gift of sight?” Ciel asked. “Explain, Sebastian,” he ordered.

“Yes my lord,” Sebastian said. “There are individuals born with a bond to the paranormal world. They possess the ability to see into that realm and speak and interact with the creatures of that realm, even when they do not take a human or physical shape.”

“And how could having this… gift assist the household?” Ciel asked.

“Well, people with the gift of sight often possess an allure for the supernatural. They could attract those of the other realms to the home or be very useful bait.”

“I see. Well then… Welcome to the Phantomhive Manor, Adelaide DuPont, Luca DuPont.”

#black butler #kuroshitsuji #sebastian x oc #sebastian x reader #dandelion.text #cross posted on ao3

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