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Ciel loved Sebastian. Their relationship was a strange one, but fulfilling nonetheless. Sebastian kept him safe, fed, housed, and in line whenever he did something stupid. But Alois had a butler who thought every single one of his actions was a mistake. Combine that with an icy temper and the knowledge of how to make someone feel absolutely worthless, and Alois’ life was often overshadowed from the previous encounter with his servant.
Ciel tried to help him through it, though. No matter if he did it through simple talking, a hug and kiss, or by helping Alois come up with the best, most vicious comebacks that he would never dare to say to Claude’s face. Sometimes, Alois would get hit. Usually not bad enough to do much more than bruise a bit, but it made fury flare in Ciel’s heart.
But this time, Alois got hurt. Not physically, but in a way much more painful than injury could cause. Ciel found himself with an arm and lapful of trembling, whimpering blonde boy, and was doing his best, but Alois wasn’t even capable of speaking. Ciel shushed him, holding him so tightly that he wouldn’t be able to move if he tried and burrowing his face into the collar of his jacket to kiss the crook of his neck.
Once Alois was able to breathe again, he began to cry, loud, violent sobs tearing through his body and straight into Ciel’s heart. He pulled Alois’ head down against his body to muffle the cries, and rubbed slow, soothing circles into his back with his hands. Alois grew quieter, but his tears didn’t stop. He ceased in his little shivers next, and finally fell silent, only whimpering into Ciel’s now tear-soaked shirt.
Ciel didn’t stop what he was doing, knowing from personal experience that regularity in touches meant to comfort was optimal. “You’re safe,” he whispered, not expecting a response and not getting one.
Alois shifted slowly, then leaned back enough to look at him, entire face tense with pain. “H-”
“Take your time,” Ciel assured him, shifting so that Alois could straddle his lap more comfortably.
Alois did, taking several deep breaths and then several long moments of silence before speaking, voice a hoarse whisper. “H-He said that- that he h-hated me.” He sniffled and messily wiped at his nose. “A-And he t-told me that… that i-it’s my fault for letting Lord Trancy t… touch me…”
Ciel felt a moment of rage, but pushed it down. Alois did not need more yelling. He pulled his boyfriend closer, and kissed one of his wet cheeks. “He’s wrong.”
Alois was still crying, more fat tears rolling down his face. Ciel kissed them all away, whispering in between each.
The tears finally slowed after what felt like hours, and Alois slumped forward onto Ciel’s chest. As expected, his scarred, frail body gave into its exhaustion almost immediately, and little snores were all that filled the room. Ciel pet the other boy’s hair, and closed his eyes as well. One day, Claude would pay for all of this dearly. But for now, this was what they both needed.