The Londen streets were cold and lound. Crowds of people filled the area, surrounding the pair. Ciel Phantomhive walked through the people, his butler following behind; his view seemingly blocked by the high stack of boxes.
"Well master, I believe we have everything we needed. New tea sets to go with the season, our stock up on local tea, additional silverware to match our tea sets, and finally vegetables for tonight's dinner." His dark eyes peaked at Ciel from behind the boxes, a small smirk planted on his face.
In contrast, Ciel's face was slack; almost sour. To put it bluntly, a resting bitch face.
"Yes, I suppose that is all we'll need. Seriously, I see no need to throw a party."
Sebastian chuckled. "Well, Lady Elizabeth does enjoy throwing you a birthday party. If I'm not mistaken, you have only half a year till your marriage with her. It's important to celebrate your eighteenth birthday."
Ciel stopped, turning around to the man. Even after these years, he still wasn't as tall as the butler.
"I don't have time for such nonsense, you know that. Besides won't the wedding be party enough? Honestly, it's just going to delay my work."
The two continued walking in comfortable silence. Yet when they were about to exit the shopping district, on route to their carriage, there was a sound. A small shuffling in the alley way beside them.
"What was that?" Ciel looked toward the noise, the darkness doing nothing to help him see. Sebastian walked closer to Ciel. Suddenly, soft footsteps started toward them.
"Oh my- my lord" Sebastian let out a soft gasp. "It's a little darling."
A small Calico cat walked out into the open. It couldn't have been older than a year. Clearly suffering from starvation, yet it's heterochromia eyes were big and bright. One ear had what looked to be a bite taken out of it, and it's tail was clearly broken in two spots. Meowing at the two, it's voice was horse and weak.
"Oh, it's just a cat. Come on Sebastian." Ciel started walking away, yet stopped when he didn't hear the butler's footsteps. Instead he was staring down at the creature, rarely did he show such affection to an earthly specimen.
"But master," Sebastian started, looking over at the young master. "She's clearly in dire need. Just this once, could we take her back to the manor?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Ciel scuffed. "We already have that damn demon hound causing trouble, and you might as well throw those three into that group. Besides, you know im allergic." He stated up at Sebastian who still held the felines gaze. The cat did not approach closer, yet it still meowed up at them.
"But-" Sebastian started.
"I said NO, Sebastian. That's final. Let's go, I want some tea."
Sebastian hesitated, but inevitably followed his young master. And together they returned back to the large Phantomhive manor. The evening went on as usual, and Ciel forgot about the cat all together. However, once he was asleep; Sebastian went out. The London streets were now bare, only the sound of streetlights softly humming filled the air now. Going back to that alley way, he found the cat again. But this time, a trio of street dogs had cornered the frighten feline. It swatted at them, but they were to big for her. One launched itself, only to be sent flying to the opposite wall. Sebastian, now hunched over the cat glares with demon malice. His stare immediately making the dogs bow to him in fear.
"Tch, that's why I hate you beasts. So aggressive, so noisy." Turning around, he gently picked up the cat. She was dirty, a few fleas crawled under her furr, but Sebastian didn't care. Holding her in his coat, he returned to the manor.
The place was quiet, and Sebastian made sure everyone was asleep before returning to his room. It was small, but it did have a sink and a bed, along with a fireplace. Once a fire was lit, he placed the cat into the spacious sink.
"We don't have any special soap, but I think this will do just fine. Now hold still, I'll be gentle. I promise."
It was obvious the cat didn't enjoy the water. Yet, it was warm; and Sebastian kept his promise about being gentle. He carefully washed the matted fur, doing it a few times until the water stayed clear. With a small comb, and he got rid of every single flea inside her fur. Finally, after almost two hours, he was finished. Sleeping on a pillow next to the fireplace, the Calico seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Her fur, slightly patchy is a few places, was finally smooth and soft. Sebastian stared at the sleeping feline, a proud smile on his face.
"There we go, you're safe now. I'll just have to keep you here, so the master doesn't find you."