Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The faint lavender scented sheets rustled in the otherwise too toasty of a bedroom. The Phantomhive manor was asleep except for two twins, experimenting and defying normality.

Lingering inhales and exhales filled the room like percussive beats wafting in the stifling air. Astre nipped at Ciel's earlobe, grinning at how a sweet moan slipped out by accident.

Irredeemable.

Ciel wondered: Was it the long, black nails carving into baby soft flesh and flowing silver strands splayed over his bare chest after their parents dropped them off at his eery abode decorated in mortician designs?

Memories of their innocence shattered like a glass vase wobbling before its inevitable toppling over. The traces of adorable smiles were replaced with sneaky, coy smirks. 

Touch no longer held dignity but rather soiled any chance of repair. What flame burned bright now faded to an ember. Smoldering and wanting.

Now, here they were releasing small pants that ricocheted off the walls of their shared bedroom, hands fumbling at silky pajamas bottoms.

Was this really happening?

Ciel's muffled protests went unheard to their parents down the hall.

His mind drifted back to his recollections, hands clutching at warm flesh and starchy bedding beneathe bare limbs.

Could it be daddy's attractive, best friend who always insisted on spending quality time with them before that summertime exploration with the Undertaker? 

“Shh,” Astre hushed Ciel, “you have to be quiet or else you'll wake them.”

Sweat beaded at his temple, half of his thoughts drifted back to how this even started occurring between them. This incestuous relationship that tainted their once normal brotherhood. 

Ciel couldn't dare to meet Astre's eyes when his chin was pulled forward into a chaste kiss. 

It wasn't the first kiss, but Ciel jolted lightly every time their lips pressed together.

Long before it got this bad… Perhaps, it was Sebastian's close contact; the scent of his signature cologne, standing so close, almost biting an earlobe, dotting soft kisses along collarbones, and tossing stones across the murky pond down the road where their parents’ distracted eyes couldn't reach them?

“Focus on me, sweetheart. Don't lose yourself in that pretty head of yours,” Astre scolded playfully, tilting his head to plant another searing kiss.

Ciel felt light headed. It felt too late in the night.

“I'll try,” he lied weakly when he met Astre's gaze, blushing profusely as his mind dwindled back to his previous ponderings. He couldn't help but dissociate.

Sebastian's hauntingly handsome face simmered in his subconscious. 

Late last summer after the Undertaker ushered them into debauchery, they were playing ball in the manor's courtyard, the three of them: sweaty and out of breath. On the edge of an asthma attack, heat stroke, struggling to maintain pace but ending up on the sidelines to watch instead.

Ciel remembered enjoying and resenting how Astre tackled Sebastian and those large hands gripped his thin hips, straddling him. Wishing he could be in Astre's position, feeling the friction in his slate grey shorts. Wet grass shards under their bodies.

That was two months ago.

“Hah… hah…” Ciel felt nimble fingers unbuttoning his silk top, parting it swiftly to reveal his bird chest to a pair of lustful eyes.

Lick

Ciel seethe at the pleasure he was trying not to show. Astre noticed, becoming more emboldened to leave a mark. To elicit a delicious response from the younger twin.

Months before everything spiraled, it might have been the secretive mall trips that Sebastian took them on instead of attending class. The purchasing risque garments for Ciel that rivaled the act of raiding Mommy's lingerie stash? 

“Don't hold back…” Astre's voice wrapped around Ciel's neck, tantalizing and brushing over his sensitive ear, “Who do you want?”

What about last week when Daddy was staying late in the office and their mum was off with her friends again? 

Sebastian picked them up from school and brought them back to his dingy apartment. He was showing them how to not gag on a frozen popsicle. Pressing it deeper, hushed words of encouragement, devilish smile coaxing the younger twin to push past his comfort zone for the older one.

All of the small increments. Incentives. Experiences. It evolved… or devolved to this.

“Seb…ahh…stian!” Ciel managed to bite out as flesh smacked and bedsheets rustled. 

Slap

“Ow!” Ciel shook his head at the lingering sting.

His eyes glimmered like a kicked puppy. Bottom lip jutted out; contempt and disdain. Wet and wide opened. His hand reached up to soothe his abused skin.

“Shh, shh,” Astre tossed Ciel's hand aside and pressed his lips to the reddened cheek, “I don't like it when you call out another man's name. You say my name, not his, sweetheart.”

When was the last time they were innocent and free of debauched influence? When was the last time their parents cared about what happened to them?

Would they ever be the same?

Hitched breaths and sniffles sounded from Ciel. Fat tears climbed to the brims of his hardened gaze, shuffling his half naked body under his older twin. Hot, pink blush splashed across his cheeks. 

This was wrong. No one else had ever touched him before like this, but Astre made him feel like he mattered. Like he was no longer invisible. Even if it was painfully wrong. Indecent.

Ciel bit his lip hard, lamenting that he couldn't stop these nightly occurrences. They've been at it for several months at this point. Nearly every night. 

“Don't you like this attention, little brother?” 

“Pl-Please… mngh…!” Ciel forced out angrily over the unyielding tears that trickled down his cheeks. His fists gathered the blankets under him, toes curling tight.

“You don't love me, do you?” 

The older twin pumped his tightened fist around Ciel faster, eliciting a raunchy groan. He was getting close. Closer. 

“Please, oh… st-stop…” Ciel’s command was even unconvincing to his own ears, edging closer to his climax. 

“You don't really want me to stop, do you, sweetheart?”

Ciel opened his mouth to respond but Astre grabbed him by his face. Their lips pressed together forcibly, tongues crashing, trembling laced with resistance. Nobody knew what happened behind the closed doors of the Phantomhive manor. Certainly not their oblivious parents...

There was a slight probability that it originated two years ago when Ciel mistook their daddy's leg wrapped up in an obsidian trouser, playfully hiding from a client visiting to discuss business deals. Astre hid behind their father's leg, blinking back expectantly at his coy brother peeping from behind Sebastian's leg. 

How clumsy. How infatuated Ciel was; a blissful mind excited with possibilities that didn't explore what it would explore much later.

Ciel’s mouth was swollen, panting open behind Astre's cupped hand. His twiggy legs were thrashing in the elder’s grip. 

Arching into the pleasure and building pressure of an oncoming release, Ciel tensed against his brother as his mind blanked white. His moan trapped behind the gripping hand over his mouth. His body hiccuped with shame and guilt at how much he was becoming addicted to keeping their dirty little secret. 

Approaching footsteps were drowned out by the tiny puffs and huffs mingling between the boys. The afterglow of what Astre had the ability to do to Ciel.

Knock knock knock

“You say a word,” the older twin grinded out, shoving both of them under the covers and pushing the fold of the comforter down from their flushed faces, “and I'll make you regret it.”

Barely nodding, Ciel winced at the threat, eyes fixated on the bedroom door that was opening slowly. 

Part of him wanted the door to open to reveal them in all their naked glory. However, another part feared the repercussions of being found out. 

What would happen to Astre? 

What would happen to him? 

Would they be separated? 

Shunned?

They both slid their eyes shut before the other person revealed them in low light snuggling up together with feigned sleeping expressions. 

Everything was too quiet and Ciel felt himself give into the sleeping act. His buzzing mind started to fade. 

Was the intruder going to say something?

Anything?

Nothing. 

The door shut without another word.

***

Morning arrived like a whirlwind. The morning light painted this entire scene even worse. 

The alarm on his cellphone was blaring in one ear and Astre's hot, wet mouth was working diligently under the blanket.

Ciel could barely manage his surroundings, discombulated and terrified of his yearnings for Astre to bring him to his boiling point.

“Ughn… mmmmhn… ahhh. Fuck!” Ciel moaned embarrassingly loud, eyes shooting open as he released. His fingers clutched the blanket, stomach fluttering and chest tightening. 

“Late! Astre, we're going to be late again.”

A sickening slurp and a cocky grin erupted on the older twin's face, holding two wobbly kneecaps in his hands when he resurfaced from under the thick blanket. 

“Mum and daddy left hours ago,” Astre chuckled after seeing Ciel's panicked expression. 

“We're skipping?”

“Bingo!”

“Just because you have daddy’s plan for you in life doesn't mean I want to give up my dream.”

“Your dream…? You want to leave me?”

“What? I didn't say that?” Ciel blinked in confusion.

“You can be my wife.”

“Huh?! We're brothers. What's the matter with-”

“Fooled me.” A smirk.

“What?” Ciel hardened his gaze, shoulders dropping in defeat at trying to leave the bed.

“Normal brothers don't do what we do…” Astre tapped his fingers, “but mummies and daddies do this naughty stuff.”

Ciel shoved Astre aside, “You're sick!”

“Deny it all you want, sweetheart. But you're mine.”

A tremor surged through Ciel's spine, twisting the doorknob and leaving the room in a hurry. 

He would text the only person he knew would help him.

Astre made me late for school. Mum and dad are gone. Take me to school

Ciel's thumb lazily hit send once he flipped on the bathroom light to take a much needed shower. His twin made him feel disgusted.

“I really hate him…” A small voice washed out by the water spraying him down. “But, I can't help but want it… I really am sick, huh?”

Ciel frowned, tears welling in his eyes. Suppressing a sob, he hurriedly washed away the sin and took a shuddering breath calm himself. Every scrub harder than the previous one, leaving red streaks against his porcelain skin. 

Maybe he was addicted to the attention. 

Maybe feeling like he mattered was better than being seen as the spare.

***

Astre trailed closely behind Ciel, lacing their hands together when Sebastian’s two door vehicle roared up to the gigantic manor.

A two seater.

“Look who decided to join?” Sebastian wasn't expecting both twins. Well, that was naive of him to assume. 

“Just shut up and drive us,” Astre snapped, swinging open the door and sliding into the seat. 

Ciel twisted his mouth into contempt. He was planning to skip with Sebastian, who would be driving them to a movie or the mall to walk around holding hands. 

Oh, how he wished he could. He could barely make a move on his crush let alone manifest his childlish delusion of his daddy's bestfriend going on an actual date together.

Astre wouldn't allow it. He was so possessive. 

Sebastian's honeyed voice broke him off his plagued thoughts. 

“Are you coming or plan to stand there all day, Ciel?” 

“Y-yeah, I'm coming,” Ciel answered softly, lacking the brattiness he hoped to have that his sibling easily acquired no matter the situation. 

He climbed on top of Astre's lap, flushed cheeks and gulped thickly when Sebastian smirked at the sight. 

Was he turned on by this?

Ciel wanted to sit next to Sebastian rather than rub his butt against his brother's crotch the entire ride.

His fingers inched to brush against Sebastian's strong forearm, the heavenly scent of his cologne wafting. Teasing his nostrils with delicious pheromones that he barely understood.

He swore he saw a slight smirk grace Sebastian's face after giving him a quick up and down glance.

The car revved up noisily and jerked them forward momentarily. Ciel fumbled to hold onto something, but the arms of his older brother secured him in place instead. 

No words were spoken during the entire journey. It was quite awkward.

The loud memories of last night were enough to keep Ciel's mouth zipped indefinitely.

Sebastian parked in the faculty parking like he was too embarrassed to drop the twins off at the front of the high-school. 

Ciel scooted off his brother, shouldering on his glittery totebag chucked full of notebooks and colorful glitter pens, and didn't look back to see the longing gaze that Sebastian was sending him. 

Astre slammed the door shut and scurried after Ciel to grab his hand. Making sure that Sebastian witnessed their bond. Whatever that meant at this point. 

***

On their way to the main office, Ciel's eyes caught a flyer posted on the wall. It was an announcement for the cheer squad and football team. Freshmen were encouraged to attend and try out. 

His eyes lowered at the fleeting desire to be seen. His pretty waist peeking through the cheer uniform a size too small. The fluttering of his mini skirt effectively grabbing the eyes of a certain someone who wasn't even a student.

Flipping in the air like a feather, hearing the applause from the crowd. Overhearing the football team talking about how cute Ciel was in his uniform. How shapely his legs looked as he was pulled into a pyramid.

Yeah. He liked that thought. 

A sigh escaped his mouth before he could catch it, earning him a questioning glance from Astre.

“Nothing,” Ciel answered his twin quickly, eyes averted to the glossy tile below his feet. 

He wondered secretly what it would be like to be a part of the cheer squad. His confidence would surely boost. He would be popular. Maybe even have Sebastian watch him twirl in his cheerleading uniform during a football game. 

A tiny piece inside of him felt a resolve. A sliver of confidence snaked through his veins. He imagined Sebastian lifting him up as he held a pair of pompoms and cheered with his chest. 

Before he could fantasize any longer, Astre snapped his fingers to knock him out of his daze. 

“Late slips,” he explained, pinching them between his fingertips, “let's go to third period. We are so late, but having you twice was worth it.”

“Shut up,” Ciel hissed, eyes blown wide open at his twin's boldness. 

They started these nightly encounters a while ago. Ciel couldn't keep score. But the morning encounters and tardiness was a new trend. A trend Ciel wasn't too fond of. He actually wanted to learn and become something more than his family dysfunction's inheritance. 

***

How was school?

Ciel's heart fluttered the second Sebastian's text message lit up his screen. Astre muttered offhandedly that he was going to shower when they returned home from school.

idk ok ig? i hv 2 tell u smtg

English?

lol sry??

Sorry?

Seriously? Sebastian please I don't have the time to text everything out

Thank you. 

Whatever… promise me you won't laugh

Darling, tell me anything. I won't laugh. Promise.

I want to be a cheerleader 👀 Mini skirt and all

Careful. You're making me imagine naughty things. 

Ciel heard his parent's van doors slam shut in the distance.

Ewww don't be such a creep about it🖕

Yes, my love. Tell me more about this endeavor. 

“My love… he just called me that,” Ciel dropped his phone, hiding his face while kicking his bare feet giddy against the bed.

I'm nervous cos I have asthma and know nothing about the sport

Are you asking me a favor?

No… I mean maybe idk

Idk?

Sebastian ughhh I don't know! you should know that one

I like it when you're flustered.

“Bastard!” He couldn't help but chuckle at the tease.

Shut up

;-)

wow old man send an emoji like this 👉 😉

Old man? I prefer other pet names, really. Are you flirting with me?

Don't be desperate Sebastian. it's QUITE unbecoming reallyy

You're a brat.

😈

I could help you. Do you want me to train you? Build up your endurance? I could get creative.

Yeah idk if Astre will allow me to see you one on one 

Quite possessive? Do I have competition then?

Ciel sighed heavily, rolling onto his back.

“More than you could even imagine,” he whispered to himself and shoved the phone under the bed when familiar footfalls approached the closed bedroom door. 

***

Chapter Text

The door knob turned slowly, the crack opening up with a resistant groan. A socked foot crossed the threshold followed by the rest of Astre's freshly showered self. 

Fuck! The younger twin inwardly cursed. 

Caught red-handed.

Skeptical blue orbs meet a pair of avoidant guilty ones.

The tension was like an ice cube awaiting a splash of water to create shards; the splintering interior and crackling exterior of their fragile relationship.

The funny thing about secrets, my dear Phantomhives, is that they somehow always seem to resurface. Sooner or later. 

Ciel swallowed down the echo of another memory; another bleak reminder of how things would never be the same between them. 

Blinking back the tense pressure in his eyes, his face heated up in embarrassment. He thought he would have more time.

More time to quell his racing heart, erase the edge of the phone poking out from the fluffy bed skirt. More time to push down what Sebastian called him earlier. 

My love

Astre shut the door swiftly, stretched his arms over his head, permitting the hem of his teal shirt to reveal his pretty waist. He gave a predatorial stare. 

Ciel's eyes gradually traveled lower to the pair of jersey shorts that ended an inch or two above his perfect knees. Strong legs that contrasted his abilities. 

His eyes flew back up to Astre's eyes: slightly narrowed and full of deviant intrigue. 

A questioning gaze toward the half hidden phone. Planting a hand on his hip, he leaned into the pose. He returned the gesture of scanning over Ciel's body and he turned away to grab something random from the nearby dresser. 

Oh, he was going to play with Ciel. A game of mental acrobats with his darling twin.

The clock on their wall ticked mindlessly.

“Hmph…” Astre hummed carelessly, flicking the figurine on the dresser over into its back.

The clatter sent a shiver through Ciel, causing his shoulders to lock up against his ears.

His throat felt dry.

“What?” The hoarse question forced its way past his lips before he could catch it.

Astre responded soundlessly. Instead, he sent a knowing look over his shoulder while combing his fingers through his damp tresses. 

Humming a lackadaisical tune, he let his eyes drop to the floor where the phone was half-heartedly hidden.

A sage scent emanated off of his body as he drew closer to the bed where Ciel was hunched over. 

“You look like the kitten who just got caught stealing all the milk,” Astre smiled at Ciel's widening eyes, “Guilt looks delicious on you.”

A pause. Slight hesitation before he found his own voice.

“I wasn't doing anything!" He squeezed his eyes shut, moisture springing from his lashes when he reopened them.

He reached down to grab the phone. Their fingers brushed briefly before Astre pulled the phone out of reach.

Astre's grin widened, holding the phone like a trophy. “Lying, however, doesn't suit you, sweetheart.”

Ciel felt his heart hammer against his ribcage like a wild bird.

A swirl of panic and fury twisted together in a dangerous dance as he struggled to retrieve the phone back. A new message made the phone vibrate in Astre's grasp.

“Let's see who my baby brother has been texting.” He swiped the phone and held it up for face recognition. It unlocked when Astre stared into it with a tiny, closed smile. 

“Give it back!” Ciel cried out, flailing his hands as Astre started reading off his previous chat with Sebastian.

Ciel couldn't meet his brother's arched brow.

“Cheerleader?” Astre asked incredulously, “You? Since when?” Both eyebrows raised, and read off more of the texts.

“One on one with him? Competition? Pssh, as if.” He shook his head, pinched eyes and a scowl tugging at his mouth now.

Shut up! Ciel felt the heat burning his face.

“Last message says: want me to come by and pick you up… my little love?” Astre spit out the pet name bitterly.

That's none of your business! Ciel hollered internally, twisting the phone roughly from Astre's grip. How dare he invade his private affairs!

Bile rose in his throat, tilting his head to the side in feigned hurt. Ciel had quite the audacity!

“I should slap you…” A raised hand, voice cold and threatening, “After what we did last night?!” Astre demanded, indignation clear in his voice.

Flinching, Ciel tucked the phone under the pillow behind his trembling form. He wanted to run.

“You really crossed the line, Ciel!” He felt utterly betrayed and wasn't thinking rationally. "I give you attention and love. You go and seek it elsewhere...?"

Ciel stayed quiet. Scared and trembling in his spot. He couldn't remember the last time he saw Astre this distraught.

Astre grinded his teeth,"You tart." 

That stung. Ciel opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Instead he screamed in his head:

You don't own me!

In the distance, Vincent shouted from the hallway, “Boys! Come downstairs.”

They heard their father's voice, but the moment was teeming and bubbling over. Festering. Hideous.

Astre raised his hand to stab an accusatory finger at Ciel. “Oh, I'm telling father that you're banging his best friend!”

Ciel's clenched jaw dropped. Blood frozen in his veins.

Sebastian would likely end up in the slammer. 

Just the thought of losing Sebastian made his heart plummet into his flipping stomach. 

Astre was annoyed by Ciel's lack of fight. He wanted a reaction. He needed to hit below the belt.

“Sebastian doesn't even like you. You understand that he will just use you and move on to another fool, right?” Folded arms against his chest, peering down at Ciel.

Barely whispered, “That's not true. Sebastian cares about me…”

Astre sucked his teeth, rolling his eyes before petting Ciel on the head like a small pet.

“Nobody will love you like I do.” He unfolded his arms and hooked a finger under Ciel's chin. He knew he had hit a sore spot with that one.

A few seconds passed yet it felt like hours before Astre pulled away from Ciel. He leaned back on his heels, looking at the ceiling before meeting Ciel's avoidant gaze. 

“Father will be the first to know about this. How you want to be alone with Sebastian. You'd let him touch you.”

“Stop it!” His nerves frayed. There it was. The fire. The panic. The handing over of power.

"Why not? Sebastian is trying to take you away from me." Astre toyed with him some more. "Can't have that, now can we?"

Ciel's fist slammed against the blanket. Frustrated tears leaked down his face. He felt his throat tighten up.

Suffocation. 

His asthma.

“A-Absurd!” Ciel grabbed onto Astre's shoulders, shaking some sense into him, heaving over upset tears. “You were always-” he choked on shortness of breath, “always there with me! I've never been with Sebastian alone…” Ciel was starting to sob.

Astre simply stared at Ciel. Indifferent. Unnervingly cool.

It irked Ciel. His fists clenched, he struggled to collect himself.

“That's not fair. You were the one who got kissed while I was on the bloody sidelines to watch!”

Oh, the look on Astre's smirking face when he was given this much power over his twin.

His eyes twinkled a vibrant blue.

“You think daddy will believe you over me?”

“Shut up...” He grinded out his words.

“Or else what?” Astre stabbed his finger into Ciel's chest, egging him on. “You better hope that I won't tell daddy how lewd you really are. How you enjoy being touched and indulged by your own blood.”

“No,” Ciel was clawing at Astre's shoulders. Panic replaced his heady anger. “I'll do anything!”

Astre rubbed his hands together. Smirking like a mad man.

“Anything, you say?”

“Anything...” Ciel was defeated. 

Vincent's voice was muted down the hallway, but neither twin was really paying attention at this point.

“Look,” Astre held Ciel's crumbling chin in his grasp, lovingly and assuredly. “I'll let you have Sebastian…” he watched a light glimmer in Ciel's watery eyes, then continued, “as long as I'm there. You're mine, but I'm willing to share if it makes you happy. I'm not some monster."

Rachel's voice hollered something behind their bedroom door and footsteps trailed away. Still, neither caught a word of what their parents said.

Ciel didn't hesitate even though he didn’t like the idea. “Deal!”

“Nuh uh. I'm not done,” Astre held up a finger as his eyes slid shut, “I want you to…” and then he leaned in to whisper the rest into Ciel's ear.

***

Ciel jolted, utterly stunned. “That's preposterous!”

Before anything more could be discussed, Astre leaned in to press a kiss against Ciel's slobbery mouth.

To seal the deal.

Taking a deep breath, Ciel mentally visualized Sebastian instead and kissed back against his brother's soft lips.

Astre hummed in delight, feverishly sucking at the bottom lip and sticking his tongue past the moment Ciel opened up. 

“Good brother…” Astre mumbled and fisted a handful of hair, tilting their heads to deepen the kiss. Ciel moaned softly, pulling Astre on top of him and letting himself get lost in the moment. 

Astre traveled his greedy fingers across Ciel's chest and rubbed circles over his crotch. He shivered at the small hitched breath that Ciel fumbled to hide.

Creak

“Hey, I was calling your names… “ His words trailed off, eyes watching in disbelief. 

What the actual fuck is going on here?

Vincent sputtered over the scene of his identical twin sons devouring each other on the bed.

Ciel was caged under Astre, grabbing the front of his teal shirt. Legs wrapped around the elder’s hips. Panting heavily. The younger one looked so starved for his older brother's kisses. 

They barely heard their father's sharp words, popping their kisses, and recoiling in fear at their father's presence.

“Daddy…?” The question was innocent but the scene violated the sincerity of that single word. 

Vincent pinched the bridge of his nose, waving his hand dismissively.

“Whatever is going on between you two, deal with it how you see fit. Just keep it out of our family's business affairs.”

Ciel's eyes widened at what his father said straight to their faces.

Denial in its purest form. 

He allowed this?

“Of course, daddy. I promise,” Astre smiled brightly as if this were just another Thursday evening. 

Vincent cleared his throat, gaze bouncing between the twins. He crossed his arms and took a deep breath.

Witnessing the son whom he held to a high regard. The twin who favored him physically, absolutely violating kinship with his younger son who looked fondly of his wife, awakened something indescribably wicked deep in his loins.

“Astre,” he watched the cocky twin acknowledge him. 

“Yes, father?” Tiny, boyish smile.

“Try not to leave any visible marks on Ciel,” he muttered, “I don't need your mum losing her shit. Keep it a… secret, yeah?”

Astre nodded obediently, grasping Ciel by his shoulder and giving a small squeeze. 

"..." Ciel couldn't even meet anyone's eyes.

This was beyond fucked up. 

His daddy was supposed to respond differently, right? 

Maybe… maybe this was normal? 

“Good,” he said stiffly.

Once Vincent turned around to leave their bedroom, he found himself palming the front of his trousers at the memory of his children.

He needed a drink.

Or maybe the entire bottle. 

Boys will be boys, but to see it happening in his home right under his nose was disheartening.

Where did they even learn to behave like that?

They were teenagers after all. Hormonal and horny. As long as they didn't knock up someone, right? 

The kissing was child's play. It's not like they were delving into more sexual matters.

Then again, the way Astre was… no, Astre was simply a growing boy. With needs and urges.

Ciel, on the other hand, that devious imp was most likely tempting him.

Distracting him.

Typical.

This new revelation wasn't something he wanted to deal with, especially with an urgent business deal on the horizon. 

He'd find a moment to deal with them later.

Not now.

***

Silence settled between the twins. A quiet aftermath. The lack of trust vibrated lowly in Ciel's soul. Astre stared lovingly at him, gingerly tracing a finger along his round jaw and flicking playfully at his pointed chin. 

“So, are you going to answer him?” 

Ciel's fingers slid over his cellphone, breaking eye contact with Astre.

Was Astre baiting him?

Encouraging him to entertain Sebastian?

What was he gaining by doing that?

“Now?” Ciel released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Astre tapped his fingers impatiently. “No shit, sweetheart.”

Carefully unlocking his phone, Ciel tapped out a message that he knew would be excruciatingly acceptable to Astre, but not to him. 

No. busy tonight. Talk later...

Mere seconds marched on before Sebastian texted him in return.

Ciel veiled his giddiness despite the situation.

Was he waiting for me?

Can I call you?

Ciel's lips pursed, dying to hear that smooth voice that only belonged to his crush. 

He glanced at Astre's expression and sighed out. This wasn't fair. 

No

Satisfied with Ciel's text, Astre patted him on his head.

“Good boy. Hurry and shower up. We are to attend a dinner party,” Astre reported offhandedly, crawling off of their shared bed to walk over to the desk adjacent to the double window. 

“Dinner party?" Ciel echoed, not enjoying the fact that either he forgot about this arrangement or was never informed. Yet, Astre was in the know on everything going on in their family. 

Flipping open a textbook to chapter five, Astre released an aggravated exhale. Like Ciel was merely a nuisance to him now.

“Midfords are coming over, sweetheart. Now, go shower and dress up fancy. We had a deal, remember?”

“No,” Ciel bit back, stomping his foot against the carpet, “I can't. Not in front of the Milfords.” He was sick of Astre and the rest of his family. 

He just couldn't wait for the day he could call the shots. One day.

Astre's body was pressed up against Ciel before he could say another word.

“You can,” he hissed, “and you will. Go freshen up and I will choose what you wear for me tonight.”

“Mum and dad won't allow it.”

“And I care… why?”He smirked, “Go. Before I change my mind and rat you out to daddy.”

Ciel left the bedroom, abandoning his twin in defeat. Shoulders hunched and feet dragging down the hallway. 

***

There was a monotonous melody that was muffled under the torrent of shower water. Steam thickened from the hot water. Ciel positioned the phone where he previously set the bar of slippery soap. 

A sound indicating the other answered cut through the shower.

“Thought you could not talk, little love?” Sebastian's tone struck a cord that sent a volcanic heat spreading through his limbs. Heat pooled in his belly.

He dipped his head back to wet his hair and face. A small moan danced from his lips. Eyes lidded heavily. He hummed at Sebastian's previous question. 

“I wasn't alone then,” he explained cooly, squirting a dollop of two-in-one sage scented cream into his left hand. He lathered his head, scrubbing the dirt and daily stresses away. 

“I see. What are your thoughts on me stealing you away from your family then? Or can I have you for the weekend?”

Ciel's stiff shoulders dropped, eyes avoiding what he would presume to be a smirk on the older man's face.

“Don't tease me, Sebastian,” he warned softly, the water caressing his limbs and rinsing off the suds. He grabbed the soap and a wash cloth to scrub away the grime. 

“I think I need to spend time with you. No tag-alongs this time.”

Astre won't allow it...

Ciel held back bitter tears, spinning in a small circle; the water clearing his scrubbed skin. “Damn you and your freedom.”

“Did I say something wrong, my love?” He inquired, hungrily curious at this point. 

Ciel turned away from the camera's watchful eye, tears mixing in with the shower water.

Sebastian had no idea. Even his daddy was permitting Astre to have his way with him. Telling them to keep it a secret. Dismissive daddy in denial. 

“Ciel? Do you want me to come get you tonight?” Sebastian persuaded gently, tucking a strand of his obsidian locks behind his ear. 

The shower water splashed and a sigh drifted between them.

“Can't…” Ciel frowned.

“Ciel?” It was his father's voice behind the door. “Unless you want to pay the water bill, I suggest you hurry it up.”

“Y-Yes, daddy…!” Ciel cried out as the door opened to reveal his father. 

Ciel got his phone wet, fingers slipping and desperately trying to end the video call with Sebastian.

Sebastian must have caught on, because the call ended seconds later.

Vincent couldn't see what was happening past the opaque shower curtain adorned with flowers, but swore he heard Sebastian's voice.

“Are you on your phone?” He demanded suspiciously, swiping the curtains aside to see Ciel open up his music app. 

He pressed a random musical band and turned away from his daddy's prying eyes. Beautiful blue eyes.

“Ye-Yeah,” he shouted too quickly. Too loudly. “I'm listening to music. It was an ad playing before the song. You know… free music and st-stupid ads?” 

Vincent shut the bathroom door behind him, remaining where he was to cross his arms. “Wonder if Sebastian was in that ad?”

Ciel curled into himself, lowering the music's volume, and placing it back on the shelf away from the spraying water. 

“I don't follow. Sebastian? Who's that? A sassy crab?” Ciel felt oddly exposed now. A nervous chuckle clawed at his throat. 

“I might have been born at night,” Vincent reached across his naked son, arm getting drenched, to grab the phone. “But not last night.” 

“Wait, daddy! No!” Ciel shouted angrily, twisting around not caring if his daddy saw him in full view in his birthday suit. 

“Defensive, are we?” He tsked, “Darling boy, sweet baby,” he cooed, appreciating his youngest's spirit all of a sudden, “little boys like you shouldn't be playing dangerous games with grown men.”

“Astre told you, didn't he?”

Vincent smirked at Ciel's accidental admission.

“Astre didn't say anything. I heard Sebastian's voice and came to investigate.”

Ciel stayed quiet. 

“Look,” Vincent sighed, setting the phone on the bathroom counter, “I was your age once. You're starting to explore stuff. You're what? Thirteen? I just don't want you or your brother ruining other's lives because you're going through a phase.”

The sound of the shower water was the only response.

“We have guests over in ten minutes. I'm confiscating your phone for the meantime.”

“Are you grounding me?” Ciel finally spoke through the shower, eyes hardened at the water swirling down the drain. 

“Would you rather I spank you?”

“...Do what now?” Ciel had to do a double take. Vincent's face looked passive like the word spanking didn't hold a double entendre for him as it did Ciel.

Ciel didn't know why he blushed at that question. He huffed out with heat rising to his cheeks and turned away from his daddy. 

Why did his father have to resemble Sebastian and his older twin? 

This wasn't making things easier on Ciel. He was so fucked up beyond redemption.

His lips parted, voice too soft against the rushing water, “Daddy, no.”

Vincent felt hot under his collar. 

Why was he flirting with certain boundaries? 

Thoughts of tiptoeing across thin wire brushed past his subconscious. 

He cleared his throat forcibly. 

“Be a good boy, and hurry downstairs for dinner. Your mum is in one of her moods again.”

Sighing out, Ciel grabbed the towel that Vincent offered him and dried himself off.

Could this day get any worse?

“You'll get your phone later. For now, I want you to focus on your studies and,” he cleared his throat and pocketed the boy's phone, “don't tempt Astre. He's got a lot going for him. One day he will marry Elizabeth. I don't need you to blur his future plans. Understood?”

Blood bloomed on Ciel’s tongue at what his father said. Astre was the one who started all of this mess! 

How was he supposed to tell his dad that, though?

***

The Midfords were a picture perfect family tied up in beautiful ribbons of idealism.

The mother, Francis, was the twins’ aunt and the father, Alexis, was the man who ensured that his two children were seen in the best regards. Anywhere. 

Elizabeth was an exemplary student. Cheerleader. Miss popular even as a second year in high school. Edward was an attractive jock. Star quarterback. A senior in high school on the edge of young adulthood. Both had their lives planned out for them.

So it was an unpleasant surprise when Rachel picked up her phone to see a last minute cancellation.

“My apologies, really. Lizzy has to practice for her cheerleading thing for school tomorrow and Edward has to focus on the football tryouts. I hope we didn't inconvenience you,” Francis explained, no trace of regret in her tone.

Rachel looked absolutely mortified as the oven timer dinged, announcing the food's readiness.

She let out a silent sigh, a headache on its way to her forehead. 

"No, it's fine, really. We can always reschedule."

Appearing by the threshold of the kitchen, Vincent brushed his sleeve, and noticed a glare on his wife's pretty features. He walked over to console her, praying for the worse case scenario.

Rachel muttered a polite farewell to her sister-in-law and tapped on the red icon to hang up. 

“Are you alright, dear?” He rubbed her shoulder and offered to help set the dining table despite the loss of guests for tonight.

“I shouldn't have made so much food,” she lamented softly, “all this food will go to waste now.”

Vincent shook his head, “It won't go to waste.” And pulled out his cellphone to text a couple of friends. 

***

The lights of the chandelier above the gigantic dining table glistened and bounced off the various dishes of food and drinks. Astre stood by his father's side when the first guest arrived.

“Where's the other Phantomhive twin?” Diedrich asked suspiciously as he removed his jacket and stepped into the manor. Vincent combed a hand through his tresses, raising his brows at his dear friend. 

"He's finishing up with his shower. Teenagers. You remember those good old days?"

Astre watched as his father walked closely, brushing sides with their German family friend as they followed the mouth-watering scent drawing them in to the dining room.

Astre watched, intrigued. How his daddy's eye contact softened around Diedrich. How his shoulders relaxed when the other told a snarky joke. How a faint blush rubbed at Diedrich's cheeks when he swore his daddy subtly flirted with the other.

“Please,” he gestured to the steaming food on the table, “Everyone, let's have a seat.”

Astre watched Diedrich take a seat diagonally across from his assigned seat, narrowing his emerald eyes at Rachel's empty seat and turning away to look elsewhere. 

Vincent sat at the head of the table while Rachel took the seat to the right of him with a pitcher of lemonade in hand. Astre claimed the left of his father, fingering a tiny remote in his pocket. 

There were three empty seats remaining where Ciel would sit next to Astre.

Vincent knew his other two friends would drag their asses. Fashionably late as always, it seemed.

***

Upstairs in their bedroom, Ciel wiggled the plug deeper inside of him, wincing in discomfort.

Stupid Astre and his conditions. I just know this is not going to end well.

He was slipping into a pair of black shorts that hugged his pert booty and upper thighs enticingly. His arms threaded through the silky, fitted white blouse that tied into a big bow at the neckline. He slipped into a pair of bunny slippers. 

The absolute nerve of him making me look like a fool!

This was definitely not an outfit that anyone else would approve of except Astre and perhaps Sebastian. 

He was already late and now treading on thin ice dressed provocatively.

“Damn you, Astre…” He grumbled, feeling the object awkwardly set inside of him. He was going to be the laughing stock. The butt of everyone's joke tonight. The Midfords were going to have a field day with him. 

“Here goes nothing,” he muttered under his breath and departed from his bedroom. Every step closer to humiliation awaiting him downstairs.

*****

Chapter Text

Tap tap tap tap tap…

Two bunny slippers thudded whispers down the grand staircase leading into the main entrance.

Am I really doing this? Ciel sweatdropped, slowing his pace. 

Subtle conversations echoed down the east wing hall that led into the dining room. 

In front of the Midfords… of all people?

The air smelled faintly of Vincent’s posh cologne, making his head swim. It wasn't quite like Sebastian's unique scent, but his daddy certainly had an entrancing fragrance.

He stalked the last few steps despite his intuition roaring at him to turn around.

His left slipper caught over his clumsy right foot, clenching around the object that Astre instructed him to wear. 

As he drew in a quick, calming breath, he turned the corner leading into the dining room and froze. 

He stood half-hidden by the doorway; one foot forward and the other foot ready to retreat.

A chilled draft tickled the back of his thighs, and the rebellious ribbon wrapped around his neck felt like a forced embrace.

Poking his head around the corner to get a better view, his heart sledgehammered against his ribs.

His jaw dropped to the floor in pure horror. His skin crawled.

The chatter of forks and distant conversations blended into a single, oppressive hum.

Where the bloody hell were the Midfords?!

A tightness gripped his chest; each inhale was a struggle against an invisible weight pressing down on his lungs. 

Every instinct told him to run. Tragically, every lesson he’d ever learned told him not to.

Diedrich turned around in his seat, eyes gradually traveling over his choice of garment. 

He was speechless, dropping his gaze from the bunny slippers to the shorts then the pretty bow tied at his neck and up to the blush splashing across the young Phantomhive's pudgy cheeks. 

He didn't seem disgusted in the slightest. There was something else lurking under his steely observance.

That realization alone sent a chill down Ciel's spine.

Vincent pocketed his phone, gazing at his youngest son with a flash of morose delectation. His thoughts were dwelling into a depraved territory.

Vincent’s eyes glimmered with a quiet calculation. A bemused smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Ciel, what an…” He didn't raise his voice, “interesting choice of clothing. I said ‘dinner party’, not entertaining our guest… like some cheap whore.”

Was he… entertained?

A chair scraped its own commentary. Silverware clinked against porcelain. Ciel shrunk in his limelight.

Vincent didn’t look at him like a son. Not even close. He looked at him like a filthy story he had already memorized. Like one of those raunchy one night stands back in his days at Weston.

Astre stifled a snicker with a forkful of meat. His face was lit up like a candle. He didn't actually think Ciel would listen or follow through with their deal.

Rachel's thumbs tapped out a text to her sister and casually looked up to see what the commotion was all about. 

Rachel saw everything, shook her head, and glanced back down at the new text. 

She simply chose not to intervene. 

Vincent would handle it.

***

Rain pattered against the windshield of Sebastian’s two seater. Multiple droplets raced down the glass, leaving distinct trails like cracks across a mirror.

Earlier inside his apartment, he was ripping up some junk mail when he got the text. 

Come over for dinner tonight. We should catch up for old time's sake.

He could recall the bruised clouds outside clustering together in a smoky congression. 

“...” Sebastian’s dull fingernails drummed lightly against the leather of the steering wheel. An unconscious staccato of stress manifesting. 

The simple fact that he didn’t even notice; that worried him more than the reckless downpour. 

The world outside was blurred; every flicker of bright lights screamed warnings as Sebastian’s eyes darted between his rearview mirror and the slick roads ahead. 

I'll be there.

He sent his delayed response at a red light, sliding his phone back into the cupholder as it turned green.

Damn you and your freedom.

Ciel's somber words during their video call tightened his chest. A coil of protective urgency refused to loosen no matter how hard he tried to soothe himself.

A heavy sigh escaped his mouth.

Lamentation.

He had called and texted Ciel multiple times; usually a reply came quickly.

This time?

Radio silence.

Dammit! It's all my fault.

He could feel his pulse matching the rhythm of the windshield wipers.

“You have no idea, Ciel…” He mumbled under his breath, “the things you do to me.”

Knuckles clenched the steering wheel, white bones pressing against lightly callused skin. 

“No idea, honestly. I'm risking it all for you.” He sighed out once more. 

His phone buzzed in the cupholder; the red light gave him a moment to check the sender.

“Maybe it's Ciel?” His hope was fragile like ultra thin glass.

Heavily stomping against the brake pedal, his car came to a screeching stop, but his heart was still at a high acceleration.

If you’re still coming, bring wine. 

Sebastian released an annoyed exhale. Vincent again. Maybe he was just making a mountain out of a molehill. Maybe it was just that: a dinner party. 

Then, another message lit up his screen.

We should talk privately when you arrive. 

Sebastian gulped thickly, sweat beading at his temple. He reread Vincent's message two more times before making an illegal U-turn before he was able to pull onto the street leading to his new designation. 

He couldn't catch a break, could he?

Cursing under his breath, his leather shoe stomped on the accelerator in the direction of the nearest shop. 

***

“Daddy, why would Ciel dress so provocatively?” Astre asked in a sickeningly sweet voice, lightly pressing down on the remote hidden under the table.

Ciel felt his throat tighten up. His grip around the threshold of the door nearly splintered the wood. 

Astre didn’t look at Ciel, although he wanted to see his little brother on his hands and knees. He looked expectantly at his father's face. The mole under his left eye.

Vincent exhaled forcibly through his nostrils, chewing on his food uncomfortably, flickering his gaze from Ciel's trembling body to Astre's gleaming eyes.

Diedrich watched intently as Vincent's chair scraped backwards audibly against the tile. 

Rachel peeked up from her own preoccupations. 

Hooking an arm around Ciel's shoulders, Vincent leaned down as he pulled his son close. Warm breath slapping against the crown of Ciel’s head, "I sometimes wonder if you take pleasure in putting yourself in these situations.”

Shuddering at the close contact, the words disappeared on Ciel's lips. 

I can't tell Daddy. 

Ciel glanced at his devious brother. 

Astre will air all the dirty laundry and Sebastian will undoubtedly be banned from our home.

Astre bit his bottom lip, firmly pressing down on the remote and struggled to hide his own deplorable excitement.

Vincent froze in his guiding steps, a flash of concern gone the next second.

“Aaah!” Ciel melted like ice cream against his father, desperately grasping onto his cufflink and elbow. Tears clung to his lashes. “Fu…fuck!” The front of his shorts tented slightly. 

This was mortifying. Exhilarating. Absolutely humiliating.

“Watch your tongue in front of our guest,” Vincent scolded with a hint of playfulness, pushing Ciel back a few steps. 

Ciel's body shook violently, fists tightening up in his own discomfort. 

Vincent turned to read the room before shooting Ciel a glance, “Even though you are both identical, dignity never really suited you.”

Astre pocketed the remote, shot up from his seat, nearly knocking his chair over, and bounded over to take Ciel in his protective arms.

“Daddy,” Astre argued, feigning softness in his tone, holding his younger twin close. 

“Ciel is sensitive,” Astre gave a few pats on Ciel's head for measure, “and misunderstood, even. Will you let him make it up to you, pretty please?” 

Ciel squirmed in Astre's clutches, avoiding his father's displeased stare.

Folding his arms across his chest, he took an audible inhale and exhaled deeply. 

“You want validation?”

Ciel couldn't bring himself to respond to the rhetorical question.

“Very well then,” Vincent seized Ciel's forearm in his hand and walked them over to his seat, “let's give you a taste of daddy's position.”

What the devil?! Ciel shrieked internally, skidding his slippers, balking in protest. He found himself being guided closer and face pressed against his father's firm chest. The cologne was both nauseating and arousing.

Astre pressed down on the remote once again, delightful to watch Ciel suffer. 

“St-stop!” Ciel's wobbly knees nearly buckled, and he gripped Vincent’s sleeve like a lifeline.

The room tilted slightly as dizziness threatened to overtake him. A small shiver raced down his spine involuntarily, betraying the storm raging inside of him.

“Sit on daddy's lap,” he kept a compelling grip on Ciel, pulling the small boy onto his thigh, “let's see how well you pretend to be the center of attention.”

The dining room felt too large, faces too judgmental staring at his scantily clad body barely balancing on his daddy's lap.

The plug pressed deeper as Vincent wrapped a strong arm around his midsection to keep him in place. Ciel's hand gripped the table cloth, moaning softly as Vincent scooted the chair forward, inadvertently thrusting against his backside.

“Come now. Don't be shy,” Vincent murmured hotly against Ciel's ear. Heat crawled up the back of his neck when he saw Astre smirk devilishly at him. 

He counted breaths instead of seconds.

One.

Two.

Three.

He thought if he stopped counting, he might disappear entirely.

“No… don't!” He mouthed silently, begging Astre to have mercy. 

He hated himself for being in this compromising position.

He hated himself for not turning to run when he had the chance.

“Mmmghn…!” Ciel leaned back forcibly, stealing a gasp from Vincent and clawing at the edge of the table as the plug surged.

Oh no, he's going to know. I'm proper screwed!

“Mmm,” Vincent hummed lightly, resting his left hand lower on Ciel’s thigh and looking directly into Astre's eyes, “what a creative choice. Do behave in front of Diedrich, unlike this one.”

Diedrich huffed out an awkward laugh, clearing his throat as he looked away from Vincent toying with his own son. 

I see… Typical Vincent sending me a message through his own child.

Astre avoided his father's glinting eyes, pocketing the remote. 

“I didn't expect him to dress this way, daddy,” Astre's brows knitted upwards, batting his lashes. “You know how Ciel gets when he's starved for attention?” 

Vincent slid his eyes shut momentarily before switching his focus to the outfit that Ciel was wearing. The curve of his thighs pillowing against his dark, wool thread trousers.

What a devious little imp wearing this for everyone's eyes to see.

Grabbing his glass of lemonade, Diedrich finished it in one swig and exhaled before clearing his throat.

“So… how is the Funtom Company?”

Rachel sipped her lemonade, mesmerized by how infatuated Diedrich was with her conniving husband.

He was trying so hard not to show it, too.

Cute.

Vincent slammed Ciel forward, eliciting an audible yelp. The nearby plates trembled from the impact. He pulled up the silky shirt to the small of his back, and inspected the pretty, midnight blue thong poking out. Hitched high against his milky complexion. 

“Ah…? What's this?” Vincent pondered aloud, a perverse lilt in his voice. 

Please stop this! Ciel's face burned bright pink, arms stretched out above his head, and sapphire orbs shaking fearfully. He could only see the thread designs in the table cloth now.

“What a naughty boy,” Vincent whispered before pushing his chest into the plate of food, “Wearing something this scandalous.” 

The clatter of silverware bounced through the quiet room. Lukewarm sauce soaked across his silky shirt. His vision swam.

His head felt fuzzy.

“I considered expanding the Funtom Company not only for sweets…” Lightly tugging on it, Vincent raised his lashes to Diedrich and snapped the fabric strap with a resounding sting. “But lingerie, too.”

Diedrich mumbled something under his breath, eyeing Ciel's backside with a foreign intrigue. 

“I see,” Diedrich flushed a light pink, “and do you think Ciel would model your merchandise?”

Vincent nearly choked on his spit, straightening his flustered son back upwards, “Ahem. He does know how to draw the eye, wouldn't you agree?”

Diedrich's eye contact lingered longer than necessary, squinting his eyes at Vincent playfully. 

“Like father, like son,” Diedrich said lightly, then whispered, “No different than our time back at Weston.”

A faint blush crept on to Vincent. He winked at Diedrich, shrugging his shoulders. 

“Astre is more like me,” Vincent looked at Astre, intense eyes staring back, “than Ciel.” He rubbed Ciel's soft thigh absent-mindedly and gave it a swift smack.

Astre's left eye twitched.

Suddenly, the doorbell chimed its notorious ding dong through the manor, temporarily pausing the commotion in the dining room.

A heavy sense of dread filled Ciel’s belly like hot lava stones simmering in his intestines. 

Another guest? No, this was cruel! 

“I'll go get the door, father!” Astre hopped out of his chair, delighted to escape the thick tension in the dining room. 

***

The rain slowed to a drizzle at the Phantomhive manor. Raindrops speckled Sebastian's leather coat. He held a brown paper tote with two bottles of wine in one hand. 

The door opened a mere slither after a moment of waiting and revealed Astre. He sneered up at Sebastian before planting a hand on his hip.

“Oh, it's just you.”

“Yeah,” Sebastian confirmed, eying the shorter male. “Just me.”

Astre swung the door wide, daring Sebastian to step inside. Ciel was nowhere in sight. Sebastian sensed the tension beneath Astre’s mischief and restrained himself; one foolish decision could obliterate the fragile balance.

“How bold of you, Sebastian. Remind me, why did you come over again?” Astre interrogated sweetly, though he already knew his father had invited Sebastian. He loved to pry. Loved to make others explain themselves.

“...An invitation,” Sebastian answered smoothly, tucking a strand of loose tresses behind his ear. 

“Uh huh… sure,” Astre drew out his words sarcastically. A click of his tongue. “Not just here for my little brother?”

Sebastian didn’t answer immediately. That pause told Astre everything.

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow and barely restrained the irritated smile that wavered on his lips.

You little shit… Sebastian deadpanned. “You have quite the imagination. Now,” he pushed his way past Astre with ease, “if you'll excuse me, I have a party to attend, little boy.”

Astre feigned hurt, splaying a hand across his chest, “Little boy? Heh, you like them young.”

Sebastian stopped in his tracks and swiftly turned on his heel to grab Astre by his collar menacingly.

“Truth hurts, doesn't it?” Astre nipped, eyes narrowed and smiling ear to ear. A toothy grin. Sebastian let him go.

Sebastian didn’t have a clever reply. That in itself disturbed him more than the childish insult.

The wine bottles clicked together when Astre yanked Sebastian's face forward into a crushing kiss.

For a brief moment, Sebastian stilled against Astre's lips, pressed back firmly and then pulled away to search over his shoulder for any witnesses.

“Uh oh,” Astre giggled sardonically, “I promise I won't tell Ciel you kissed me if you promise to keep your paws off him.” He rocked on the balls of his feet, hands neatly joined together behind his back.

Sebastian scoffed at Astre's masquerade. That little fox.

“You're more trouble than you're worth.” He wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

Astre snickered at the action and proceeded to grab Sebastian's free hand.

“Uh huh, whatever helps you sleep at night. Just remember,” Astre's smile turned upside down as a menacing shadow casted over his crazed eyes, “Ciel is mine. His body, his heart, his soul. Everything. Mine. Don't think for a second you can take him from me.”

The threat hung between them and Astre smiled again as if nothing happened.

Pulling him down again, he stole another kiss. This time, Sebastian pulled away quicker than last time.

***

Hands knitted together, Astre gleefully tugged Sebastian further into the manor, down the hall on the east wing, and into the bustling dining room. 

“Father, father,” Astre sang happily, holding up their laced fingers, “look what the cat dragged in. Can we keep him, daddy?”

Ciel squirmed in his father's lap, flushed from head to toe at being seen by his enticing crush. 

He felt Vincent's robust chest press against his back, right arm moving. His stomach was in knots, his previous appetite gone now.

“Please, daddy,” Ciel whimpered, turning awkwardly to face his father and hiding his face from Sebastian, “I'll change and be good. I promise. Please… I've learned my lesson.”

Vincent grabbed Ciel’s face, painfully pinching his mouth to purse his lips ever so slightly. 

“Have you really now?” 

Ciel nodded, eyes averting in fear. 

Sebastian… save me… 

“Mum…?” He felt like crying. He wanted Sebastian. Tilting his head back, he struggled to hold it in. To blink back his anxiety. The chandelier shone brightly in his watery eyes. Sebastian was right there. 

Lightly coughing in her hand, Rachel looked at her youngest and appeared conflicted.

“Don't mum me, fix your posture and listen to your father.” Then returned her focus back to her plate. 

Avoidant as always.

“Silly boy, your Mum is on my team. I should punish you for trying to cry for help,” Vincent snarled softly, low enough to where only Ciel heard his threatening words.

Flinching at the close contact, he sharply inhaled when he felt his father's soft lips brush against the corner of his mouth. Not quite a kiss, but too close for comfort.

Sebastian watched in a depraved fascination. Astre returned to his seat, inwardly conflicted at seeing his father cross lines with his twin brother. 

Did he just? Terror and arousal intertwined in Ciel's mind. 

“I thought you wanted to be taken seriously?" His large hand glided over the silky terrain of his black shorts, fondling the small tent straining against the fabric.

“You like this?” Vincent felt Ciel's entire frame lock up in his lap. He shifted Ciel off of him, giving him the opportunity to show a redeemed behavior. Ciel panted out as he adjusted himself, feeling frustrated and anxious.

“Sebastian,” Vincent stood up to nod at his best friend who stood there awkwardly for the last three minutes.

Pushing the boy roughly forward to the side, Vincent's cold demeanor returned towards Ciel. As if nothing transpired between them. He gruffly ordered him to go upstairs to change. 

“Get out of my sight.”

Ciel stumbled forward, looking over his shoulder at Sebastian absolutely eating up his appearance with his eyes. His silky shirt was soiled and his hair disheveled.

Ciel bit his bottom lip, wishing he could escape this manor with Sebastian. Never look back. 

“Sebastian,” Ciel whispered under his breath.

Sebastian raised his brows, eyes softening at the small boy. I see you, baby.

Vincent didn’t accuse; he let the moment breathe, then spoke amicably. As if this was simply a big, happy friendly reunion.

“Sebastian,” Vincent enjoyed the name on his tongue, “what a pleasant surprise to see you brought some wine. Come now. Pour us some wine. Let's have a chat.”

Sebastian nodded, walked over to the table where he collected all the glasses from each guest and started to pour the crimson liquid. 

His hands were steady unlike his racing thoughts.

Having a chat with Vincent was not exactly on his bingo card this year. 

Alas, here he was.

***

The room was thick with unsaid tension. Vincent needed some clearance. He licked his lips and addressed his eldest son.

“Astre, take Ciel with you to change. I need a private word with our dear Sebastian.” 

Astre nodded and turned to leave the adults to their own devices. 

“...” Ciel hesitated in his spot. It wasn't the tug on his sleeve that moved him, but rather the challenging glare from his father.

After everyone toasted, the room filled with casual chatter ranging from the weather to philosophy. Sebastian sipped on his wine, attention lingering on how Vincent would wink at Diedrich yet completely ignore his distracted wife.

The second round of drinks started to loosen shoulders and lips. Rachel excused herself from the table to check something in the other room. 

Diedrich checked his watch briefly before meeting Vincent's smoldering sapphires. His cheeks dusted a light pink.

“Vincent, I have work in the morning,” Diedrich mentioned as he finished the remainder of his glass.

Vincent's eyes flickered to Sebastian, who was looking down at his lap. Presumably texting someone. 

Vincent felt Ciel's phone buzz in his pocket and smirked over the lip of his glass. He looked at Diedrich standing up to leave.

“Dee, stay a bit longer, yes?” his voice softer than intended.

Diedrich bit his lower lip in thought.

“I'll make it worth your while,” Vincent added seductively, briefly looking at his wife's empty seat.

“Damn,” Diedrich resigned and settled back down. 

Vincent smirked, grabbing his bottom lip between his teeth. His control was delicious.

Yes… There's my obedient dog from Weston. Good boy…

***

Upstairs, Ciel pulled off the outfit and flushed at Astre's greedy stare. 

“My eyes are up here,” he threw the stained shirt in Astre’s lovestruck face.

“Yeah?” Astre challenged playfully, “Well, I've made it very clear now how I feel about you, sweetheart.”

Scoffing, Ciel shimmied off his thong and blindly grasped the plug. Assuming it would be easy to remove, he felt panic rise when the object resisted its release.

Astre watched amusedly at Ciel's little struggle.

How endearing.

“Need a hand,” he asked, climbing closer to his bent over, “little brother?”

“Shut up…” Voice tapered off, blush darkening as he nodded silently at his defeat once again. 

Astre grabbed Ciel's face and pecked his lips before whispering, “I love you, too.”

***

Vincent swirled his glass of wine, a bored expression playing on his features. Not taking his eyes off of the crimson liquid, he hummed to himself over the generic topic being discussed between Sebastian and Rachel who returned back to the dining room.

Swiping open his phone with his other hand, he tapped on a new message.

Oh ho, my dear Vincent. You little charmer. I don't entertain last minute invites. I do miss those two mischief-makers of yours. We shall cross paths veeery soon.

Pearly white teeth nibbled at his bottom lip, relishing a fond memory before pocketing the phone.

“Sebastian,” Vincent said lightly, as though the thought had only just occurred to him.

Sebastian felt the shift; conversations softened, forks slowed, and eyes lifted up out of curiosity.

“Do you find my sons… very different from each other?”

Sebastian looked up from his half eaten plate, heart thudding against his ribcage.

Sebastian didn’t answer immediately.

That was mistake number one.

He set his glass down with too much care, hoping precision could replace caution.

“They’re both remarkable boys,” he said at last.

Vincent hummed, clearly unimpressed.

“But?” he prompted gently.

“I don’t-” Silence snapped across the table. Sebastian realized too late what he had done.

An incriminating chuckle. “I don’t favor either of them,” he finished quickly.

Vincent cocked a brow.

Sebastian scratched the tip of his nose. “What I mean is that would be… quite inappropriate.”

The word inappropriate hung in the air.

For a moment, Sebastian forgot how to breathe; he hadn’t meant to say it at all.

“Inappropriate,” Vincent repeated and smiled. Not wide. Not cruel. But knowing.

Vincent drew his focus from his glass straight into Sebastian's line of view. 

He allowed a smirk to polish his lips, “I didn't realize how much you favor, no, fancy one of my sons over the other.”

Sebastian’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I spend time with Astre as well,” he defended, but the words landed too carefully. “You know I’m… something like their… guardian.”

Vincent didn't bother to look at Sebastian. He side glanced at Diedrich, enjoying the subtle confusion dawning on his handsome face. 

Vincent’s gaze sharpened when he returned to his best friend. No trace of anger or surprise.

“Guardian,” he parroted, his tone was sarcastic followed by a coarse laugh, “is that what we are calling it these days?”

The room felt smaller. Suffocating.

Vincent tilted his head, studying Sebastian the way one inspects a chessboard mid-game.

“It’s rather interesting,” he continued, voice smooth, “how often you request time alone with Ciel. Or how eager you were to have him away for the weekend.”

Something flickered across Sebastian’s expression. Too fast for anyone else to notice.

Realization.

Vincent had seen everything.

Sebastian felt something unfamiliar crawl up his spine.

Fear. 

Not of Vincent, but rather of what Vincent understood.

Sebastian's eyes widened barely a fraction before averting to the side and then back to Vincent's predatorial expression across the table. Eerily similar to Astre.

“Vincent, with all due respect,” Sebastian cleared his throat, “you've entrusted me with your sons, to protect them and…” he trailed off when he heard some shuffling feet at the entrance, “I do not have any feelings beyond what is considered proprietary.”

Crimson liquid tattooed the pristine table cloth from the sheer force of the wine glass being placed down.

“Do you take me for an imbecile, Sebastian?!” His voice boomed throughout the entire manor. 

“No, I've explained,” Sebastian took a calming breath, glancing at Diedrich for some reason, perhaps to convince him as well. “There are no romantic feelings that I harbor for either twin.”

“No feelings at all?” Vincent craned his head towards the doorway, wine glass cradled in hand. A sly smirk gracing his lips.

“None,” Sebastian confirmed sternly and then inhaled at said twins standing side by side in identical outfits frozen at the threshold.

“...” Ciel felt his throat tighten. His fists clenched.

He couldn't look at Sebastian any longer. 

***

Chapter Text

Lifting his gaze from the floor, Ciel glanced from an amused Diedrich to his distracted mother before stealing a glimpse at Sebastian, whose attention remained fixed on his smug father.

Was it all in my imagination? 

Astre's warmth radiated next to him, but the confession sent an unnerving chill down his spine. 

Something insidious lodged in his throat when his father took an audible intake of air. Like thick molasses clogging his vocal cords. Dragging down any semblance of protest.

“Continue,” Vincent exhaled a soft chuckle. A measured sip from his wine, savoring the taste on his tongue.

Tilting his head to the side to look at Ciel and Astre, he snorted at an unspoken joke.

“Deception intrigues me.”

Sebastian choked on the word deception incredulously, reaching up to rub the tip of his nose.

Stark silence stretched across the dining room until Vincent leaned back in his chair.

“Vincent,” he stood up, weight distributing from one foot to the other, hands pressed against the edge of the table, “You've misunderstood my intentions.”

Sebastian heard how defensive he sounded, flinching internally at Vincent's arrogant stare. 

“Have I?” He drawled out; a lilt of provocation and gestured for his mirror-imaged sons to join them with a swift, resounding snap of his fingers. “Enlighten me.”

Sebastian wearily watched the twins, holding hands, slipping into their seats at the table. Not even a peep from either of them but their sullen expressions didn't need an explanation.

Ciel couldn't meet Sebastian's desperate glance. Hell, he didn't want to be sitting here. Not after being cornered and exposed like that. Certainly not after hearing Sebastian's unsavory proclamation.

Rachel glanced up at Sebastian through her lashes; disdain sharpened her soft features. Twisting her mouth to the side, she relaxed her shoulders and read over a notification that pinged on her phone.

“Vincent, you and I know whatever allegations you are alluding to…” his attention snagged briefly on Ciel hunched over his plate. “Well, they are simply asinine.”

Diedrich gulped the rest of his wine down, flinching at the burn trailing down his throat.

“Ouch,” Vincent muttered darkly, although the amusement lingered underneath it, eyes locked onto Ciel's downcast stare, “the truth must hurt.”

Heat crawled beneath Ciel’s skin under his father’s unwavering sapphire orbs. Every glance from Vincent felt like a hand pressed flat against his throat.

“You’re trembling,” he observed quietly. “And over something so small.”

Vincent’s gaze lingered on the wetness gathering along Ciel’s lashes. “There he is,” he said softly, sickeningly intimate. “My sensitive boy.”

Nauseated by the blurred boundaries, Sebastian fought the sudden irrational urge to stand between them. He realized too late he had already half-risen from his chair.

Astre set his fork down with a defiant clatter.

Any other words exchanged had fallen on deaf ears. The conversation continued around him in strange fragments.

A dismissive laugh. Fingernails tapping idly against the table linen. Ice clinking softly in someone’s glass.

Ciel cut his food into smaller and smaller pieces until they were too small to pick up properly.

Rain tapped softly against the windows.

Ciel realized that nobody else seemed remotely uncomfortable.

“Well,” Diedrich cleared his throat; hidden discomfort had started to spread through him, “I really must be heading out. Work in the morning. Care to walk me out, Vince?”

Vincent's steely glare moved from Sebastian to acknowledge Diedrich with softness before settling back on Ciel. A fascinated observance.

“Look at you,” Vincent murmured, almost fondly. 

Humiliation bloomed across Ciel’s cheeks at his father's condescending tone. 

“Still waiting for someone to want you.”

Ciel looked unbearably exposed sitting there, throat working around a swallow he couldn’t finish.

“Dee, given the opportunity,” his tongue darted out to moisten his lips, “would you risk your job so my problem child could have a go with you?”

Rachel sputtered over her glass, raised eyebrows. “Vincent!”

Diedrich’s gaze flicked toward Ciel on instinct before he could stop himself. He hated that Vincent had made him look.

Astre glared at Diedrich’s participation.

This indecent prick... Already after Daddy and now looking at my Ciel. He better watch himself.

Diedrich studied the flushed face of Ciel. He favored Rachel's genetics slightly more than Vincent and reluctantly shook his head.

“A misguided child?” He shook his head again for decent measure, “No, I wouldn't take advantage of that.”

Ciel curled into himself, desperate to leave. He hated being his family's spectacle.

“Did you hear that, child?” Vincent asked boldly over another sip. “Nobody is choosing you.”

Ciel stared at the tablecloth pattern without really seeing it. Noticed how the blue stitching twisted beneath his vision like tangled vines. Somewhere nearby, someone exhaled.

Astre clenched his fists at his sides, scowling at what their father said to his beloved brother. 

“Ciel?” Astre’s voice softened, “hey…” A hand squeezed his trouser-clad thigh beneath the table.

“...” His vision swam. A warm streak trickled down his cheek before he could resist it.

Astre's pupils constricted.

“Pl…Please excuse…” His hoarse voice trailed into an inaudible whisper.

Vincent never took his leveled gaze away from his best friend across the table.

Ciel's jaw tightened as he lifted himself from the table. He looked away when he felt Astre's swift grip on his forearm demanding obedience over defiance.

Rachel finally peeped from her phone.

Her gaze lingered on her younger son for one quiet second too long. Then she reached for her wine instead.

Ciel yanked away from Astre’s hand and stood up, giving his father a wounded look before he pivoted on his heel and ran.

Sebastian's eyes widened, watching in disbelief as Ciel stumbled over his footing on the way out.

“Ciel!” The name left Sebastian's mouth before he could stop himself.

Vincent raised a brow, intrigued how this would all unravel.

“Go, Sebastian.” Vincent's voice was calm and direct, tipping his wine glass with finality. "He clearly trusts you now.”

Guilt fractured Sebastian's poised face. 

Astre hardened his eyes at the adults in the room. All eyes were directed away from him until Vincent caught them in a challenging hold.

“Astre,” Vincent's voice warned across the table, “don't get involved.”

Astre's shoulders stiffened with hesitation before he turned to chase after Ciel.

“Go, fetch him.” Sebastian stood there dumbfounded before finally excusing himself.

***

Outside the rain was starting to pour as Ciel rushed out. Murky puddles splashed, sloshed, and drenched the trousers he had changed into earlier. The white button up clung to his limbs unpleasantly.

His shoes slipped slightly against the soaked pavement. A cry of alarm slipped past his lips. 

Still, he kept up his pace.

The manor lights blurred gold against the fierce storm behind him. Wiping away the freezing rain splatter from his vision, he located the outline of Sebastian’s car. 

There was no other option.

Ciel thrust himself into the interior of Sebastian’s two seater. He shivered in his wet clothes and squeezed his arms around himself for security. 

The car smelled faintly of Sebastian's signature cologne, leather, and cigarette smoke. He nuzzled his face pathetically into the worn leather fabric, breathing deeply. In and out. Slowly.

All at once, a torrent of memories flooded his consciousness. The way Sebastian would greet him and Astre every morning before school, devilish smirk teasing them.

Do you realize how beautiful you are? Sebastian's sultry voice infiltrated his mind. The sniffles tumbled without warning.

“Sh-shut up!” He finally found his voice; broken and foreign to his ears.

His fingers shook so badly he had to sit on his hands. He pressed his forehead against the fogging window and squeezed his eyes shut. Tears spilled down his rosy tinged cheeks.

Was it all for nothing?!

The silence inside the car felt louder than the dining room had.

At least it was safer.

***

Droplets pattered against Astre's skull as he navigated the expansive front yard of the manor.

He saw the outline of Sebastian’s two seater by the end of the street.

“Ciel couldn't have gone too far,” Astre muttered under his breath, squinting tight through the downpour for better visibility.

Before Astre could take another step, Sebastian grabbed him by his shoulder to halt him in his tracks. 

One touch was enough to send Astre's withering sanity over the edge.

“It's all your fault!”

Sebastian caught Astre's balled up fist in his left hand before he could land it.

Rainwater streamed down both of them. Drenched bodies.

“You couldn't just tell the truth?!” Astre roared, yanking his fist from Sebastian's grip and shouldering away from his other large hand.

“...I had to protect you.”

Astre scoffed through the rain, glaring daggers up at the taller man.

“Don't make me laugh.”

Sebastian stayed quiet.

Astre searched Sebastian’s face like he was still hoping for a different answer. Something honest like the memories of them skipping school and having fun at his apartment.

Something that would justify all of this. 

Yet, he found nothing.

“You just protected yourself.” 

Thunder rumbled in the distance and Astre shoved past him, “Move.”

Sebastian reached downwards to catch him by his thin shoulder before he could reach the passenger side door.

“No.”

Astre twisted out of his grip. “He belongs with me!”

Sebastian’s expression darkened instantly, “He is not an object.”

“You don't get to act righteous now!” Astre hollered, “After lying to him in there? After making him think nobody wanted him?”

Sebastian’s fists clenched.

“You saw what that did to him,” Astre's voice hardened as he huffed out, “He cried because of you.” 

He pointed toward the two seater. Moisture clung to his lashes. “And he still ran to you.”

Sebastian’s breathing turned uneven. “That wasn't what I-”

“Then what was it?” Astre cut him off furiously. “Tell me!”

Lightning cracked overhead.

Astre drove forward with his shoulder lowered, slamming hard into Sebastian’s abdomen.

The impact forced Sebastian back half a step across the slick pavement.

Astre immediately took advantage of it.

He grabbed a fistful of Sebastian’s coat and shoved him again with surprising strength for a tiny teenager.

“I said move!” Astre snarled.

Sebastian’s heel slipped briefly against the rain-soaked stone.

Astre’s body relaxed for a split second, triumph surged through him at his progress. He might be able to overpower him.

“You deny both of us in front of everyone and now suddenly you care if he’s upset?”

For a fleeting second, guilt cracked through the older man's composure.

“You think Vincent would've let that conversation end peacefully?” Sebastian hissed, “He was baiting me.”

“And you still failed him!” Astre lunged for the passenger door handle.

Sebastian slammed the door shut before he could yank it open.

Astre grabbed the handle again.

Sebastian caught him around his slender waist and dragged him backwards through the rain. “Oh no, you don't!”

“Let go of me!” Astre elbowed him hard in the ribs.

Sebastian grunted sharply, “Little brat!”

The second Sebastian loosened his grip, Astre twisted free and hurdled his body for the door again.

His fingertips brushed the handle.

Locked.

Damn it! Astre slammed both palms against the window. A wet squeak from the slippery impact.

“Ciel!” he shouted desperately. “Open the door!”

Ciel flinched at the sound of his muffled name. His hands slapped over his ears and his eyes screwed shut.

Astre’s hand struck the slippery glass again. “Let me in, Ciel!” 

The muffled thud made his stomach twist. Ciel almost reached for the lock. 

Astre caught the movement of Ciel’s trembling hand near the lock and his pulse spiked. 

“Please, let me in…” For one delirious second, hope flooded through Astre hard enough to hurt. His fingers spread against the glass helplessly.

“Astre…” Ciel’s fogged breath clouded the window between them.

Astre pressed his palm harder against the glass like he could reach through it.

He is my big brother… Guilt clawed at Ciel’s frayed nerves. And I love him.

“Ciel, please…” Astre’s voice cracked for the first time that night. “Don’t shut me out, too.”

Sebastian grabbed Astre from behind again, thin fabric clinging to his body, a slippery grip.

Ciel curled tighter into himself instead of unlocking the door. He shook his head despite everything.

The sight hit Astre harder than Sebastian dragging him backwards ever could.

Sebastian’s voice dropped dangerously low, “Get away from my car.”

“Oh, now you're protective?” Astre spat out and hurled himself forward.

Sebastian rolled his eyes as he navigated Astre's next attack. “Yes, well, that's rich coming from you.”

Huffing and puffing, both lunged forward simultaneously. Sebastian easily slammed Astre's small frame against the car to pin him down.

“You don't love him the way I do!” Astre shouted over the cracking thunder. 

Sebastian’s grip faltered for half a second at the words. Astre twisted away and leaped back with a sidestep, fists balled up ready to strike.

Rain streamed down Astre’s throat as he glared up at Sebastian. Neither of them moved.

“If you would just leave him alone, he'd never need anyone else.” He swung once more, landing a clean hit.

Sebastian winced and stared at Astre’s parted lips for one traitorous second before shoving him away again.

“That’s exactly the problem.”

***

Chapter Text

Mist dusted the windshield like tiny crystals. A trail traced the glass, sliding carelessly. The resounding crunch of gravel left behind the manor, gritting out its own commentary. 

The morning radio blathered on about local traffic. "It's seven twenty-one on this beautiful Friday in-"

Vincent switched it to another station.

A nude shimmer gloss smeared against Rachel's bottom lip. Her manicured nail clicked against the chilled screen of her phone.

Ciel could hear his father's voice echo from last night.

Out of the car. I want both of you back inside and upstairs. March.

Obedient hands rummaged through their school bags; one bookbag was a traditional dark leather and the other a glittery tote bag.

Sleep didn't come easy after last night's dinner party.

Astre reached across Ciel's lap, pointing out an incorrect answer on Ciel's history worksheet. 

“That one’s wrong,” he mumbled over the radio station singing its tune, the paper crinkling, denting slightly from the pressure, “it's 1869.” 

A soft smile and the lingering contact of Astre's hand on Ciel's thigh followed by erasing the incorrect answer.

The sudden bump in the road made Astre's hand tighten briefly.

It's alright. I've got you, Ciel. I'll come back for you both.

Warmth surged through Ciel’s chest at the remembered embrace of Sebastian’s drenched arms before embarrassment quickly smothered it.

“...” Ciel gulped, lashes fluttering in slow motion. His vision blurred, causing him to rub his face with the back of his hand. 

Passing monotonous buildings and trees were the only audience aside from Vincent’s focus in the rearview mirror.

A long stretch of silence followed, broken only by the rhythm of tires against gravel. Ciel kept his gaze lowered, as if looking anywhere else might invite more attention than he could survive this morning.

Does mum know about Diedrich wanting to snog Daddy?

Catching the subtle gleam in Vincent's eye, Ciel wanted to ask for his phone. The thought crossed his mind a multitude of times after last night. 

Could I turn mum and dad against one another? 

Another grim memory echoed through his mind. An insidious thing in its familiarity.

Starting tonight, you are not to contact my sons again. No more visits. Not even if my hands are tied behind my back.

Memories of Sebastian watching him through the rain-streaked evening while Vincent pulled him away from the car stung his mind.

Ciel lowered his narrowed eyes before Vincent could notice the shift in his expression.

He figured he would be lucky to even stay after next week for the cheer tryouts. Now that Sebastian was out of the picture…

It's not fair!

Vincent changed the radio station to a syrupy ballad tune. Some mournful croon from a couple decades ago. Ciel hated this particular song. It always got stuck in his head. Distracting.

The rocking of the vehicle and the ticking of the signal failed to lull his worsening mood. 

Cheerleader… Ciel sighed inwardly, reminiscing on his goal. Sebastian promised to help me. The tryouts are next week.

Astre leaned against Ciel to ground him. A gentle press of Astre’s lips to his temple. Ciel turned away, sighing softly.

Maybe it's stupid of me to even think I could be something like that. 

“Astre,” Vincent's voice sliced through the commercial break hum, “football tryouts are next week. Be sure to have a chat with Edward today.”

Astre squeezed Ciel's hand before giving an affirmative nod to their father's flickering gaze in the rearview mirror.

“Yes, father.”

Rachel glanced over her shoulder at Ciel's heavy expression and hardened her eyes. 

“Ciel,” the younger twin peered through his lashes as she continued, “fix your face.”

He gave a shy nod, actively forcing a small smile on his face and noticed his father staring at him in the rearview mirror again before averting his gaze to his lap.

A trendy song played instead of any further conversation.

***

Approaching the drop off area, Vincent scanned the bustling area of students and other cars leaving the school grounds.

Ciel and Astre were finishing up homework, checking each other's answers, and organizing their bags efficiently. 

Vincent knew that he couldn't release his sons to school without clarifying his expectations, especially concerning Ciel.

Astre knew better and stayed in line.

Ciel, on the other hand, kept disappointing him day in and day out. 

“We don't have time, honey,” Rachel urged, glancing at her husband's changed expression and slowed driving speed. “Our flight is soon.”

“It can't be helped,” he said, pulling away from the curb again. “Ciel needs to learn.”

The van swerved over to the vacant lot away from the bodies of students collecting under the awning. 

Ciel and Astre looked up, puzzled by Vincent's motivations. 

Rachel resumed her texting, swallowing her discomfort for her husband's unusual methods of punishment. 

“Ciel. Out. Now.”

Astre watched on in disbelief as Ciel reluctantly exited the vehicle and Vincent departed to meet him on the other side.

Ciel stood before his towering father. He wanted to look for his mum and brother still in the van. 

Vincent cut right to the chase.

“Did Sebastian ever do anything... inappropriate to your body?”

A heavy brick of confusion sank in his gut. Why was his father doing this? He was going to be late to school.

“...A hug?” Ciel admitted bashfully, staring at the rocks beneath his shoes.

“A kiss?” He asked boldly. "Something more?” Vincent pressed on, searching his son's flushed face for evidence of a lie.

“No, daddy.” Ciel answered truthfully with a bitterness mixed in. It was always Astre who was indulged while he simply watched on the sidelines. Much to his dismay.

“Chin up,” he ordered, voice low but booming with authority.

Why? The silent question rang incessantly in his mind.

Distant student chatter and birdsong filled the early morning air. The wind blew Ciel's locks as he swallowed back a nauseous sensation deep in his stomach. His eyes shut as the scent of coffee invaded his nostrils.

Ciel barely had time to react before Vincent stepped closer, blocking out the rest of the world in a single movement.

What're you doing?!

Vincent firmly cupped his son's face, leaning in dangerously close. Ciel's eyes slid shut, tilting his head against his will. He could stop the tremble that quaked through his limbs.

The corner of Vincent’s closed lips quirked up before he stole the air from Ciel's lungs. 

His entire world tilted on its axis.

Dazed, Ciel clutched at Vincent’s suit as his back hit the side of the van. 

Gravel crunched beneath shifting dress shoes while his own feet lost purchase against the pavement. Instinct betrayed him before thought could catch up; his thin legs locked around his father's waist. 

Ciel witnessed a flicker of approval cross Vincent's face.

"He never kissed you?"

Ciel shook his head.

Vincent pinned him harder against the van. Fire licked sensually at his lower belly. He felt Ciel's teeth nip at his bottom lip. The sharp friction drew a pleased groan from his throat.

What if someone sees us? Ciel's arms awkwardly wrapped around Vincent’s neck, lost in the gentle ministrations now. 

A few seconds passed before Ciel found himself dropped back onto his feet. 

His knees nearly buckled on impact. Coffee lingered on his tongue when he swallowed, sharp and bitter enough to make him feel sick.

Snapping back to reality, he fought the urge to wipe his lips with the back of his hand. 

A more depraved part of him wished Vincent had kissed him longer. Indulged him further. 

“You wouldn't tell anyone I did that, now would you?”

Ciel felt like throwing up his breakfast as he shook his head on command.

“Good boy.” Vincent's hand ruffled Ciel's hair. “Nobody gets to know what happens behind doors, even in public.”

Ciel weakly nodded and gasped out when Vincent leaned in again. His focus on his father's parted lips. A knowing chuckle from him, only to fix his collar. 

Shame and helplessness wrapped around him. He wanted to fight back. 

“Does mum know about you and Diedrich?” Ciel spit out his thoughts before he should stop himself. 

“Care to repeat that?” Vincent countered, voice edging into a warning.

"No..." Ciel retreated back into his silent role. He didn't expect his father to react that way. He didn't want his father to react that way.

“Don’t play with fire.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out Ciel’s phone. “You’ll get burned.”

Warm breath brushed against his face, the phone pressed against his arm like a threat. Ciel tensed up in a flood of emotions.

His pocket suddenly felt too heavy. Like a ball and chain.

What if Vincent could still reach inside and take everything back whenever he pleased?

Astre rushed out of the van when his father and brother came back into view.

He stared at Ciel’s swollen lips for half a second too long before looking away.

Ciel pocketed the phone, uneasiness swimming through his veins. 

Was this a trap or did I actually scare daddy? 

Vincent licked his lips, satisfied with his discipline. Adjusting his pants in front of his sons.

“The Midfords will get you after school.” His eyes never left Astre. The older twin gave a sharp nod.

After they grabbed their belongings, Ciel and Astre found themselves watching their parents driving off into the distance.

“You got your phone back?” Astre asked suspiciously. “Daddy actually gave it back. What the hell did you do?”

Flushed at the intimate recollection, Ciel shook his head. “Nothing.”

Raindrops started spotting the asphalt in uneven dark patches.

Astre grabbed Ciel's hand in his own, eyes intently studying the pale look on his baby brother's face.

“Stop thinking about Sebastian,” Astre muttered almost to himself, “it's better this way.”

Yeah, better for you… Ciel thought bitterly. 

***

As soon as the first bell rang, Ciel checked his phone to see it was at one percent charge. 

“Seriously?” Cursing to himself, he felt frustrated at having to choose between reading the already opened messages from Sebastian or simply texting him to pick him up after school.

Quickly scanning over the messages, Ciel paused his reading to check if anyone was looking at him.

Tonight wasn't supposed to happen like this. Forgive me. I won't give up on you.

A faint smile traced his lips.

Quickly typing out his message, he saw a faculty member burning holes into him.

“Get to class, Phantomhive.”

Pick me up after school. I got my phone back!

Before he could hit send, the phone glitched and the entire screen vanished into a dark shadowed tone.

Sighing out, Ciel wanted to rip his hair out. He could not believe his luck today.

Science and Mathematics were a struggle for Ciel to endure. Astre was in a different class, much to his displeasure at the start of the school year. 

The teachers made taunting comments about his attendance. Others reprimanded Ciel for his attention drifting back to what happened earlier between him and his father. Then the intrusive thoughts of Sebastian’s dismissal after dinner. 

What's next?

He just couldn't catch a break, could he?

***

During lunch break, multiple students sat together in their cliques and social circles. 

Jocks hollering loudly about the upcoming football tryouts next week.

Nerds conspiring together about the latest reveal of a villain in their favorite anime. 

Preppy girls comparing their recent skincare regime and who was dating who this week.

The Phantomhive twins scurried over to sit close to their cousins, who mixed together with the jocks and cheerleaders.

Alois bounded over to the group with an incriminating text message from his situationship. All conversations paused mid-way when the blur of blonde rushed over.

“HE TEXTED ME BACK!”

Flipping her blonde curls over her shoulder, Lizzie rolled her eyes as she sipped from her obnoxious Barbie pink thermal cup.

“He better be our age.”

“That's vile,” Edward said dryly, patting his sister's shoulder in appreciation. He sat to the left of Astre, who was across from Lizzy.

Astre pulled out his cellphone discreetly, texting a quick message to someone.

Ciel silently listened to the commotion, munching on a slice of an orange.

Directly across from him, Alois swallowed a bite of his lunch and presented a shirtless photo of his new man.

Lizzie shrieked right next to Alois, covering the suggestive photo with her hand, “Put his tits away!”

A few students nearby burst into laughter.

Ciel gulped thickly. That was not another teenager texting Alois.

“Wow. Bitchy and jealous?” A click of his tongue. "He's tall, fit, and older than me.”

Lizzie fake barfed, sticking a finger into her mouth, “Ew. You're proud of being groomed? That's not a flex, darling.”

Both twins inwardly flinched at their cousin's oblivious comment, burying their flushed faces in overdue homework.

A few eavesdropping students nearby made a resounding “ooooh” and a football player clapped his hands appreciatively.

“Oh, piss off!” Alois stamped his foot in irritation. “I'm going to be his future sugar baby.”

Edward finished a separate conversation with his buddy before jumping in to add insult to injury. 

“You've lost the plot, I'm afriaid.”

Alois splayed a hand over his gaped mouth, before huffing out, “Excuse me? Wow. You lot are haters.” 

Placing her thermal down, Lizzie crossed her arms and slid her eyes shut.

“One day you're going to end up flirting with someone's father,” she reached up to loop a stray curl. “Or you'll send him to jail.”

Students around the small group perked up in curiosity. 

“You're not seeing heaven!”

“Argh, shut it!” Alois shot up and waved his cellphone wildly like a white flag, surrendering in social defeat. “New topic!” 

She grabbed Alois’ sleeve to drag him back down to his seat, “No way-”

Edward guffawed, “You’re cooked-”

She shouted over her brother, “Not this time. This is actually mental!”

Alois found himself sitting again, recoiling from Lizzie's playful glare. 

There was a sudden increase in volume and then a wave of paused silence before chatter continued around the group. 

“NEW topic!” Alois reiterated dramatically, scoffing as he looked over at the Phantomhive twins eating quietly across them. “So, sports tryouts next week. I'm going to be this year's hottest cheerleader.”

Lizzie groaned, “You're insuffer-”

“But you still love me-”

“Debateable.”

“Ouch! Pretty and rude or just pretty rude?” Alois stuck out his tongue and took a bite of his sandwich.

Edward hummed over a bite, elbowing his cousin next to him. “Astre, you're trying out next week, right?”

Astre nodded once, bumping knees with Ciel under the table. “Father expects it of me.”

Ciel looked off into the distance. Nobody was looking at him anyway. 

Alois smirked, “Your dad's fit.”

“ALOIS!”

“What?! I've seen his Funtom candy adverts on my telly. He could hand me a rock wrapped in shiny packaging and I'd say ‘YES SIR’. I'd fold for that daddy.”

Jocks and preps in the social perimeter reacted instantly, fueling Alois and encouraging more outlandish behavior.

“ALoiS! You can't just say-”

“Says who?!” Alois clapped his hands together. Taunting.

“He's thirsting over Mister Phantomhive-”

“Criminal.”

Alois grinned wider at the next impulsive thought that begged to be released.

“He's a proper DILF-” Alois blurted out before a carton of milk was flung at his head by Astre.

Ciel inhaled his drink and started hacking and heaving. Cheeks tinged a pretty pink hue. He failed to hide it.

Alois noticed it immediately.

“Oh,” he chuckled, “I know what you are.” He tossed the milk carton aside as if it served its comedic purpose.

“You're delusional,” Ciel rolled his eyes, trying to regain his breathing. 

Holding his flushed face against his arm, his eyes caught Astre's thumbs sliding over his phone's keyboard. 

He was texting someone.

“Ew. That's my uncle. Stoooop! Just stop while you're ahead,” Lizzie coughed out over the drink she swallowed the wrong way.

“Okay, but I have eyes. Like I just said, those adverts of Funtom Company candy." He folded his arms, forgetting his phone and the shirtless photo on full display. "He was in a fitted, black turtleneck,” Alois gushed shamelessly. “I'd commit moral crimes if he-”

Ciel covered his reddening face behind his hands.

Lizzie slapped her open hand against the table. “STOP-”

“He's hot-”

Edward cut in, “You're a public safety hazard-”

“Haters!” Alois bathed in the attention, tossing a playful glare at the crowd gathering around them. 

At the last split second, Ciel tensed up as he inhaled the text that Astre thought he was hiding from everyone else.

Shall I pick you up soon?

Ciel’s stomach dropped.

Wait… is that Sebastian?

Something hideous bubbled in his chest.

His pulse spiked as realization hit him. 

Astre wasn’t trying to keep Sebastian away from him.

His jaw tightened, smashing and grinding any food unmercifully between his teeth. 

His fingers itched to claw the phone away from Astre’s hold. 

To smash it into a million pieces.

He was trying to keep Sebastian for himself.

***