Work Text:
The demon had lived when humans were still learning to forge copper. He had lived when they learned to build towns near rivers, instead of eternally foraging for food. He had seen them develop their own language, their own culture, and their own arts.
He had seen so much humanity that it disgusted him.
But the cats, who also walked God’s earth, were something he observed as well. Sebastian had watched them for centuries and they still surprised him. They were fickle, but stubborn when they wanted to be. They need not human companionship, but will accept it on their terms. The tiniest cat was as proud as a lion and held their dignity up high for all to see.
They were perfect. They were unpredictable. And Sebastian adored them.
Ciel, of course, was human. A disgusting human with a delicious soul underneath. At least, that was what Sebastian thought of him at first. But he soon realized that the orphan was far more than he appeared.
Ciel ordered him around without a shred of worry that he would anger the demon. He knew what Sebastian truly was, but never showed an ounce of fear. Ciel knew exactly how to get what he wanted, but sometimes his wants would change. He would demand a cherry tart and while Sebastian was preparing the dough, Ciel would enter the kitchen and demand chocolate cake instead.
The audacity of such a small child. Sebastian couldn’t believe how far this brat was willing to push him. To what lengths he would go just to see Sebastian break from his perfect façade. And the earl took joy in it. Whenever Sebastian showed the slightest bit of annoyance – the slightest bit of weakness – Ciel smirked.
He was so small, but as proud as a lion. Fickle, but stubborn. And, as it turned out, the boy was quite lonely. Sebastian could see that Ciel enjoyed being with the ones he cared for, even if he didn’t show it. But even his closest friends he would toss aside as soon as he aimed to get his revenge. Ciel was lonely, but he also didn’t need anyone.
Ciel was quite like a cat. Sebastian had been dusting a vase when he first had this thought. The idea sparked an image in his head of Ciel with cat ears and tail, and that affected Sebastian more than he thought. He had stumbled and nearly pushed the vase off the table. Sebastian had held his nose for fear of losing blood and he had no idea why that would happen. He tried not to think of it again.
But after that, whenever Ciel demanded something, Sebastian could not help but think of the image. When he saw those blue eyes glaring at him, demanding for the yard to be raked or the clothes to be clean, Sebastian imagined. And he had grown to love this new habit of his. Every day Sebastian felt himself losing more and more control.
Then one fateful day, Ciel was giving his fiftieth order that morning. Sebastian was only half listening to the boy spout some nonsense about a broken chair, too invested in the image of Ciel kitten meowing for food.
It was adorable. It was perfect. Cats were perfect and Ciel was too. Sebastian would never consider the child a human again. To do so would be an insult to such a wonderful creature.
“Are you listening, Sebastian? I said it wobbles. If I had a guest and they broke a leg, I will have your head and—”
Meow meow meow. That was all Sebastian was hearing. The demon felt himself flush bright red, his breathing heavy. Ciel stopped short and blinked at him, his anger turned to confusion.
Sebastian couldn’t help it. It simply must be done.
Sebastian reached out a hand and petted Ciel on the head.