Things were different this time. Ciel had been kidnapped again as per usual, but Sebastian could tell that something was off. Ciel was stiff the whole way home. He wouldn't look at him, or speak to him. He smelled different.

When they arrived back at the mansion Sebastian immediately took him into the master bathroom and set him down on the sink. He left Ciel there so he could go over to the bathtub and run warm water in it. Then he headed back over to Ciel, approaching him as if he was a deer that could startle and run off at any second.

"Bocchan? I'm going to undress you and bathe you now." No response. Sebastian began to carefully undress him anyway. Ciel remained stiff the entire time and even started shaking slightly. As Sebastian took off his cloths he noticed a number of odd stains on them, and upon their complete removal he saw Ciel was covered in blood and bruises, particularly on his backside. Immediately Sebastian was glad he had killed all of Ciel's kidnappers without a trace of mercy

"Ciel, speak to me?" Sebastian pleaded

Ciel was shaking, more violently now. He didn't look Sebastian in the eye "I'm afraid."

Sebastian had no choice now. He knew Ciel was oddly comforted by his demon form. It reminded Ciel that he wasn't human. His violence always had a purpose. It showed him that Sebastian was strong, invincible even. He could always protect him. Sebastian began to shift. His nails and hair grew long, his eyes turned red and grew snake-like slits, wings tore from his back. Once he had finished transforming he gently lifted up Ciel's head until Ciel was looking him in the eye. He placed his contracted hand over Ciel's contracted eye.

Ciel. I would never hurt you.

Sebastian's true form and silent message visibly calmed Ciel so that he was able to scoop him into his arms and place him into the warm bath. Sebastian bathed him carefully, washing his body and hair twice to make sure he was completely clean. After removing Ciel from the tub he dried him with a warm fluffy towel and put a large shirt on him. He wrapped Ciel in his wings and took him over to sit on his bed with him on his lap, keeping his wings around him and playing with his hair to comfort him. Eventually, Ciel began to cry. Sebastian would stay there as long as he needed. Today Ciel did not need a butler, or a lover, he just needed a friend, and a demon.