Fanfiction: 'Yes, My Lady' ch2

Chapter 2: Bonbon (Candy)

"Un… Deux… Trois… Un… Deux… Trois— Young Master, I wish to inform you that that was my foot you've just stepped on. Un… Deux… Trois…" Sebastian counted— and kept reminding Ciel about his foot— while the two of them began the young earl's dancing lessons. Ciel would stumble down here and there from time to time and Sebastian would just shook his head and help the boy back up before they continue on with the routine.

As today's dance lesson almost reached the end, Ciel collapsed on the floor, exhausted. "No more!" He cried out, breathing out one big sigh. Sebastian slightly frowned at his master's lack of motivation. "Young Master, we have less than a week to prepare. It would be quite embarrassing for such a pretty young lady if she doesn't even know how to dance well." Ciel's cheeks turned a bright shade of pink as his butler mentioned the word pretty. Did Sebastian just say I was pretty? Does he really think of me as a pretty young la— Ciel mentally slapped himself as realization struck him. He convinced himself that his thoughts were probably just messed up because of exhaustion.

Slowly looking up at the young butler before him, Ciel caught a glimpse of a grin from Sebastian's lips. The demon probably saw him blush when he was described as a pretty young lady. Bastard. Ignoring the sudden embarrassment that was building up inside of him, Ciel said, "It's really hard dancing with you! Why can't I just be taught by someone else?"

Helping his master back up on his feet, Sebastian brushed away the dirt over the fabric of the earl's clothing. "There is one simple explanation to that, Young Master." The black-clad butler suddenly replied. Ciel raised a brow. "What is it?" As Sebastian leaned a little closer to the young lad, Ciel backed away slightly, trying so hard to hide the shade of pink that was starting to re-surface over his cheeks. "Why, I'll be the young lady's escort, of course. She ought to become accustomed to dancing with her partner, should she not?" Lifting Ciel's chin with his finger, Sebastian whispered to the boy's ear. "Or would you rather I dance with someone else?"

Tired of Sebastian's taunts, Ciel pushed him away and turned towards the door. "I'll be having dinner in my room tonight." Sebastian bowed as the young Phantomhive closed the door behind him. Things are starting to become quite interesting. Much more than I have anticipated.

Ciel headed straight to his bed as soon as he got in his room. Lying on his stomach, the little nobleman groaned. Stupid Sebastian! He's obviously just playing around, trying to make fun of me. Looking at the window, he frowned. "I should really stop thinking too much. My thoughts have become very…weird." Shaking his head, Ciel sat up and sighed. "I just want this party to be over."

An hour must have already passed when the silence in Ciel's room has been disturbed by a gentle knock. "Young Master, I have brought your dinner." Sebastian's voice came from behind the door. Ciel, who was sitting on his chair, replied, "Bring it in." The black-clad butler came in, pushing a guéridon trolley in front of him. On the top layer of the cart was the main dish covered with a silver cover plate. The glasses and silverwares were neatly assembled on the last layer while the desserts were on the middle. There was an assortment of petits fours, a slice of Génoise cake with butter cream frosting, a slice of Strawberry and Chantilly Millefoglie, and a plate of Gateau Dacquoise. What caught Ciel's attention the most was a small velvet box wrapped with a gold ribbon, placed at the center of the various delicacies. Sebastian seemed to have noticed this as he suddenly spoke, "If the Young Master wants to know what's inside the box, you'd have to dance the Viennese waltz with me after dinner. If I remember correctly, because the Young Master was too busy complaining about the lesson, he forgot to finish today's routine and walked out from the practice hall."

Ciel frowned disapprovingly. "What makes you think that I'd easily fall for a cheap trick such as that?" Crimson eyes glistening with mischief, the demon in black slyly grinned. Because the Young Master, no matter how much he denies it, will always be a little child. "Oh, it's not a cheap trick of any sort. It's just a little surprise the Young Master would surely be delighted to have. Treat it as the prize of the game." Knowing Ciel's love for games, Sebastian would have no trouble convincing the little earl to do as he says. "Game?" Ciel perked up. Sebastian smiled at his victory. "Yes. The game's challenge is for the Young Master to complete the Viennese waltz with me. Accomplish this, and the prize shall be yours to take."

Hmph, you'd be sorry for challenging me. "Very well," Said Ciel as he crossed his legs, resting his elbows over the arms of his chair. "If I win, there would be no more dance lessons until the ball, and that box will be mine." Sebastian agreed by bowing his head slightly and replying, "Then we shall commence the lesson after dinner."

Sebastian waited patiently as Ciel finished his dinner. The thirteen-year-old chose the Millefoglie out of the other desserts presented to him. Swallowing down the last bit of his dessert, the earl declared, "Sebastian, let's begin." For a short moment, Sebastian was caught off guard and showed a hint of surprise in his face. He wasn't expecting Ciel to be this enthusiastic about the challenge. Being the person— or rather, demon— that he was, Sebastian quickly regained his composure and obliged to his master's demand. "Yes, My Lord."

With the guéridon trolley placed on the side of the room (Ciel insisted that they begin immediately as he was eager to put an end to his dreadful dancing lessons with Sebastian), the two— master and servant— stood at the center of the room, hands together, ready to begin their dance. As if mocking the young earl, Sebastian grinned, "Should the Young Master have any difficulties of catching up, please do not hesitate to ask me for help." Ciel shot his butler a piercing glare and growled at him, "Shut up."

As the music began playing, Sebastian gracefully led Ciel through the dance. With Sebastian's eyes locked on him, Ciel felt his face burning. Why? Shoving the thought away, Ciel focused on the dance. This was a game, and he must win it. He was being careful not to step on his butler's foot and at the same time, trying to keep up with his movements. "My, my, is the Young Master already tired?" The butler suddenly ridiculed. Ciel looked away in annoyance. As the music reached its end, Sebastian smiled to himself. Oh my, the Young Master has indeed exceeded my expectations. The music comes to a halt and the dance has ended. Sebastian clapped his hands and smiled at his master. "Very well done, Young Master." Ciel refrained from smiling (he was truly shocked that he was able to finish it and is very much proud of himself about it), but appreciated his butler's applause. "And just as our deal goes, no more dance lessons, got it?" Sebastian nodded and headed towards the trolley that has been set aside in a corner of Ciel's room. Taking the velvet box from before, he walked back to the earl and handed it to him. "And also, as part of the deal, the Young Master's prize. Now, if you will excuse me, I'd have to clean up the dishes." Excusing himself, the demon butler took the trolley with him and pushed it towards the door.

Ciel unwound the golden bow wrapped around the box and opened the tiny container. The young earl snapped and gritted his teeth. As Sebastian closed the door behind him, he heard something hit the wooden barrier protecting him from his master's rage. My, my, I'd have to do something about such "unlady-like" manners. Chuckling, the Phantomhive butler continued on towards the kitchen to finish up his remaining chores before putting the earl to sleep.

Back in his room, Ciel turned red in anger. That bastard…playing such a trick on me! The velvet box which was originally in his hands was now lying near the door, opened. Inside was his prize. A piece of candy.