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the-letter-horror-lover · 2 years

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Dark Horse and Silver Lining

WaterHorseyBlues

Chapter 5: What You Believe In

Notes:

Apologies for a late chapter, I nearly didn't post this week but I knew that all neight (eight in horse) of my beloved readers would be utterly lost without their weekly dose of something that is nostalgic in all the most discomforting of ways.

Chapter Text

Ciel trained like a possessed being, his fire so strong even Sebastian gave him no issues. In fact, it seemed the steed himself was aware of the pressure on the young master's shoulders and became an unstoppable force cantering towards their goal. Even at night, one could catch a glimpse of the boy in the cloak as he cut through the dark on his steed cast of shadows.

Stopping safely was still an issue, and twice Ciel had slipped off over Sebastian's head and tumbled down the hill.

The day before the race came and a call for the horses to be gathered in the stables had Ciel, Lizzy, Francis and Snake (who wanted to ensure Sebastian's proper care) all piled into the carriage. Lizzy had chosen to wear a long, puffy skirt to disguise her splinted leg, resulting in Ciel being squashed against the carriage window facing Snake. Ciel hadn't spoken much to the horse carer, and so wasn't sure how to address him, but it ended up not being an issue as the entire ride Snake didn't speak a single word. Instead, Francis sternly reminded Ciel of all his shortcomings and what he needed to do to improve them.

Snake gazed out the window as though he were somewhere far away. His hair had been brushed further over his face and a scarf around his neck and jaw, hiding his skin condition.

Ciel didn't know much about the staff as a whole, none of them liked to talk about it. They were all pretty happy about their life at the Midford House, even when Lady Midford scolded them. Mey Rin was jumpy, probably from some instinct leftover from her criminal background, but surprisingly calm when Baldroy blew something up. Ciel had worked out that the ex-soldier had mutual friends with the Lord Midford, who was currently away on business, and his current position as chef was a favour to said friend. Finny had just appeared sleeping in the stables one day, naked, mute and petrified, and had been kept a secret by Snake and Lizzy until Francis found out, and by then it was far too late to attempt to remove him. Snake himself was the only member of staff who had legitimately applied for a job and been formally accepted. He had some background in show animals, but Lizzy wasn't sure of the details because he never spoke and her mother didn't care to disclose it. Other than that, Ciel hadn't cared to dig deeper.

They arrived at the racecourse stables and some sable hands came hurrying out to take them to where their horse would be kept. Sebastian thoroughly refused to be handled by anyone other than Ciel, so the teenager had to pull him along while providing support for Lizzy as they followed the stable hands to their post. Francis followed at their side while Snake trailed up behind, looking around with a critical eye.

He didn't make any obvious sign of disapproval, so Ciel could only assume he was fine with it.

They reached their post and tied Sebastian to the hook while some official member of staff jotted down some details on a clipboard. Ciel let Francis handle all that side of things while he smoothed Sebastian's muzzle, making sure he didn't get irritated at the other surrounding steeds.

“You really mustn't let mother's attitude get to you,” Lizzy said after a moment.

Ciel looked at her, eyebrows raised.

“I'm not saying this flippantly, Ciel. She means well by it. But I'm worried you'll get nervous.”

He breathed out a laugh. “Really, Lizzy, there's nothing to worry about.”

She wasn't convinced. “I know it can be really stressful and scary. But you can do it, Ciel. I wouldn't have put my faith in you otherwise. I know I sometimes come off like I'm being nice for nice's sake, but I really do believe in your skills!”

Ciel's cheeks flushed slightly. “Well... Thank you for your faith in me.”

She smiled, eyes crinkling at the edges.

“My my, no entry from the Midford family?” Mr Agares' voice drawled across the stables.

Ciel and Lizzy both turned to see him stood a short ways off, accompanied by William T. Spears.

“It would seem all the left over competition is rather amateur,” his companion added.

“Not even the house of Midford is safe from simple mistakes,” Mr Agares continued.

“Falling off a horse so easily. You begin to wonder if the breeding is less than ideal.”

Lizzy picked up immediately on the man's double-meaning and her cheeks went a hot red with anger. Ciel reached out to touch her arm, hoping to cool her down before she shouted, but to his surprise, she breathed out and immediately her shoulders dropped. She regained her composure as though nothing had happened, and a sweet smile settled onto her face.

“I suppose I am a little clumsy,” she replied in a light, friendly tone, “but there's really no need to lament for my injury, gentlemen, otherwise you might become too obsessed with the simple mistakes of your own amateurs in the competition.”

Ciel could only admire the way she made grown men go from white to red so quickly. Neither of them had any more to say to her, far too dignified to get themselves into unsightly arguments with teenage girls. God forbid they be asked to leave for being so easily upset by the words of a child in a hair bow. Ciel was starting to think he understood Lizzy a lot more these days.

However, the world had different intentions for them, and in a sudden crack of noise Grell had broken herself free from her post and begun to hastily trot over to where Sebastian was tied. Sebastian immediately got anxious and began to swing his head, trying to free himself. Ronald shouted in dismay, vainly attempting to halt the fiery mare. William T. Spears already had a mortified expression on his face, double embarrassed in a matter of seconds. Ciel gripped Sebastian's reigns and prepared for the worst.

To everyone's shock, Grell was blocked by the body of the white-maned steed that completely cut her off like a wall. Atop sat the prince himself, long dark hair tied back and a huge grin on his face.

“Hey! As funny as it was last time, let's not let anything bad happen. We all need to be in our best shape for tomorrow!”

From what Ciel could tell, Prince Soma's “best shape” included a collection of gold jewellery that he was certain would cause problems while riding. He was about to make a dry comment about it to Lizzy until he realised she was staring at the prince with stars in her eyes. He nudged her and cleared his throat, breaking her out of her daze.

“Phantomhive!”

Ciel looked up to meet the prince's sparkling gaze.

“I heard you've been living alone before your stay with the Midfords.”

Ciel's expression darkened.

“I've been on my own too! Hey, how about you come to my place and we can race each other! I have a really big polo course too, we could play that?” Prince Soma grinned, displaying dazzling white teeth. “The Lady Midford can come too, of course!”

“I don't think-” Ciel began.

“Oh, we'd love to!”

“Excellent! I hope you don't take losing to me too personally. Haha!!” Soma tugged on the reins of his steed. “Come on, Agni, back to your post.”

His horse complied as easily as if it understood speech, and walked directly back to its post.

Ciel gave Sebastian a pointed look, then back at Lizzy with a reproachful look. “Why did you accept?”

“Oh, come on, Ciel. You could do with a few more friends.” She put a hand on his arm gently. “Anyway, I want to see what a prince's house looks like!”

Ciel sighed, just glad the worst of the commotion was over. Across from them, Ronald had managed to get Grell under control, which was a relief. He gave Sebastian a few pieces of apple to soothe him.

Snake had seen the commotion, originally with Francis, Lau and Judge Victoria, and now rushed over to check on things.

“He's fine. Or he will be, as long as that one doesn't bother him,” Ciel explained.

Snake's shoulders dropped slightly, tension falling out of him. He smoothed Sebastian's side, natural as though he had done it a million times. Sebastian showed no sign of being bothered by this.

“Still the horse whisperer, huh?”

They all turned to see one of the youngest competitors in the race. Hair floppy and clothes a little too large, Freckles was looking directly at Snake with a smile.

Snake stiffened.

“I brought Doll with me if you'd like to check on how she's doing. I think she misses you.” Freckles gestured back to where the white horse with the fluffy mane stood, eyeing them with pale eyes.

Snake swallowed, eyes wide with alarm. He turned away, pulled his scarf further up over his face, and left the stable in a hurry.

“Snake, wait!” Freckles moved to run after him, but a hand dropped onto her shoulder. She turned her head to look up.

“Let him go,” said the older man.

Ciel and Lizzy were both taken aback by the sight of the man. They'd caught glimpses of the riders and their tutors before, but this man's vibrant red hair, unusual make-up and extravagant clothing stood him out from others.

“How do you know our Snake?” Lizzy asked, thoroughly confused.

“He used to work with us.” The man looked down at them and smiled. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name's Jo Taylor. The two of us, as you may know, represent Noah's Arc Stables. Some years back Snake used to care for our animals, make sure all the show costumes were safe and comfortable...” His gaze became distant.

“He never mentioned this,” Lizzy said without thinking, then looked embarrassed, “well, he's never said anything.”

“Hah. We called him the horse whisperer because he'd only ever talk to them,” Freckles told her, “Never said a word to us either, but I guess we were all so close it never mattered.” Her gaze drifted off to where Snake had run away.

“But... Why did he leave and come to us then?” Lizzy's head even tilted, more confused.

“You're probably too young to remember the scandal,” Jo Taylor explained, “some years ago our sponsor was revealed to have done some... Very bad things. It was a big shock to all of us. Snake couldn't bear to be associated with that money and left us. I don't blame him. He did what was right for him.”

Ciel frowned. “If what your sponsor did was so scandalous, why did you all stay?”

“Hm, how can I put this?” Jo Taylor adjusted his gloves as he thought. “Sometimes we overlook a person's greatest flaws because of how their virtues shine. The world sees the devil where we saw Prometheus. Unchaining yourself from the anchor of gratitude is not an action done lightly.”

They left soon after, Ciel and Lizzy deep in thought, both trying not to stare at Snake's face on the ride home. They ate their dinner in relative quiet, only Francis' formal tone detailing the importance of a good night's sleep before the race keeping them from silence. Lizzy had her check-up to make sure her leg was still healing well, and Ciel looked out over the paddock and wondered if Sebastian was doing okay at the stables. It was strange not to see that black silhouette on the curve of the hill, a cutout on the orange sky.

He lay awake as the sun went down and the sky went dark and the moon shone through the gap in the curtains. He lay awake as the house settled and creaked until it ran out of settling to do. He stared at the ceiling as his one good eye adjusted so well he may never need to turn the light on again, and could now see every grain in the wood.

His brain went a thousand miles an hour with thoughts. The race had been a distant goal for a month now, and suddenly it was tomorrow. He was less than 10 hours from the gun shot. Sebastian was not a perfectly obedient horse. Everyone else had much more disciplined horses than he – with the only potential exception being Ronald's mare, but it seemed ludicrous that G&R would enter a horse they weren't certain of.

Ciel was the only representative of his entire family legacy and business, AND the Midford family and business. The only way he could win was if Sebastian ran at his full speed.

IF he ran at his full speed.

Ciel's head and chest hurt so much with the thoughts building inside him that he sat up without meaning to and threw himself out of bed, feet pacing around by themselves. He marched around his room once, then pushed his door open and marched down the hall. He should have thought this through better. He'd had a WHOLE MONTH to think this through better. Why did he insist on this race? Why not a later one? Sebastian's undeniable speed aside, why on Earth did he think himself so capable of controlling such a beast that he could win without any doubt?

His heart sank when he found himself at the bottom of the stairs. He realised that deep, deep down he had expected Lizzy to win. He assumed Lizzy would win for him, and he would come in second, and together they'd take all the glory back. But the pressure wouldn't be all on him, and he could rely on Lizzy to have her unwavering support, skill and confidence to breeze them both through to their wins.

He hadn't really believed he could win all by himself.

He dragged himself to the kitchen, thinking he'd chug some tea and try to sleep again. Before he even stepped inside, he noticed candlelight gently illuminating the room. Expecting Baldroy to be up to something, he peeked in to make sure it was nothing dangerous. Instead, he saw Lizzy in her nightgown tucked up on a stool like a small child, clutching a steaming cup.

“Lizzy?” He whispered.

She jumped and looked around, raising the candle from the table. “Ciel?” She whispered back, shocked.

“Sorry if I scared you. I didn't expect to see you here.” He walked in and pulled himself up to sit on the countertop beside her. “Why are you awake?”

She smiled at him gently, raking her fingers through her hair so it was less messy. “My leg hurts a little too much to sleep. What about you? You need to be well-rested!”

“Hm.” He looked down. “I'm not in the mood to sleep.” After a pause, he realised she was looking at him and he raised his head to meet her concerned gaze.

“Is it stress?”

“Ah... I wouldn't put it like that. Really, no. Don't worry about it.”

“Ciel,” her brow furrowed, “it's okay to be stressed. It really is. This isn't something easily done. There's nothing bad about being worried.”

“I'm not... It doesn't matter anyway. After all, I'm going to win anyway so there's no need to worry. I'm winning for you, remember?” He gave her a strained smile.

She looked at him, large pale eyes shining in the candlelight. Unexpectedly, she put a handout and settled it on his. “Ciel, when I make you promise, it wasn't a challenge. I really did and still do believe that you can win this. Unquestionably. I wouldn't have put that on you if I didn't think this was completely within your ability. But...” She squeezed his hand. “If it's weighing on you, I take it back. You don't need to win for me, or even for you. Like Lau and Mey Rin are doing, it's okay just to compete to show that you're here.”

Ciel was thankful for the darkness because his face was very warm. “Really, Lizzy, there's no need...”

“But there is. You heard those two talking at the stables, how did they even know I'd been hurt. We didn't tell anyone except Lau, and he's not been gossiping to them. The race is already against you, Ciel, don't worry about being first when people are already tipping it in their favour. Just worry about getting through it at your best.”

He listened to her talk and felt something strange go through him, like both resignation and indignation. He made his mind up before she finished speaking. “Lizzy. What happened to believing in me?” He gave her a small grin. “If they're going to tilt things in their favour, then I'm going to win no matter what, and show them that there's nothing they can do to stop me.”

She grinned back, brighter than the candle. “There he is! Thin that way all the time, and I promise it won't be as scary. In the end, isn't this just a horse race? You've got this.”

He laughed. “Yeah. Thanks for grounding me.”

“Here.” She lifted the teapot and filled a cup, then handed it over. “For your nerves.”

He took it and had a sip. The warm, bitter flavour unwound the knots in his muscles.

When he finally retired to bed, he fell asleep almost as soon as he hit the pillow.

His dreams were filled with strange images. Sebastian had turned into a man with ink-black hair and red eyes, blunt teeth sharpening to spikes. The beats of crows feathers surrounded him, the clicks of heels on tile echoing. Ciel turned over to see a twisting sky of embers and smoke cut by iron bars. “I need to win!” He called into the darkness, the man responded, “Yes, my lord.”

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Dark Horse and Silver Lining

WaterHorseyBlues

Chapter 6: Black Beauty

Notes:

No horses were harmed in the making of this fanfic. Instead, the author was thrown to the ground and whipped repeatedly.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Ciel did not get the sleep he needed, and his ideal stress-free morning before the race absolutely refused to happen. His official racer uniform didn't quite fit him, and he put the jodhpurs on backwards twice. Lizzie's painkillers didn't kick in fast enough and she struggled to stomach any of her breakfast, let alone be strong enough to stand on her one good leg. All of the staff were frantic and double-checking everything would be safe to leave for the few hours that the race event was on. Ciel himself was biting his tongue to prevent saying something rude while Francis gave him the sternest pep talk he'd ever received.

They arrived at the racecourse. Lizzy gave Ciel a tight hug, squeezing him enough to push the air from his lungs. Then they were separated, the others to the stands and him alone to the stables. His legs wobbled a little and he had to stand by the doorway, breathing deeply until he could hold himself up properly.

“Need some water?” A friendly voice asked.

He turned to see Freckles, dressed up neatly for once in her racing uniform, holding out a bottle. “Is it poisoned?” He asked suspiciously.

She blinked. “This is a regional youth horse racing competition, not a war zone.”

“It feels like it is.”

“That's silly.” She opened the bottle and held it to him. “Here, just a mouthful, it'll help you.”

He felt a tingle of embarrassment crawl up his neck, but accepted the offer. He wasn't dehydrated, but the mouthful of water did help to ground him a bit.

“First race?”

“First with this much pressure.”

She nodded. “I think we're all dealing with the same thing. Have a look.” She gestured her head into the stable.

He took a few steps to peer in.

Immediately he could see McMillan, who looked the worst. His helmet was shaking in his hands, a little green tinge to his flushed cheeks. With a bit of prodding, he'd probably be sick.

“It's definitely his first race,” Freckles told Ciel.

“Why is he representing Weston Equestrian then? They have plenty of talented riders.”

She shrugged. “They've all got to start somewhere, right? Their ten-time gold medalists are probably doing international races by now. If they're entering him, they must think he has something.”

Ciel looked at the nervous boy and had trouble believing it. But then, perhaps people looked at him and had trouble believing the same thing.

“Why aren't you nervous?” He asked, a little put-out by her calm attitude.

“I am.” She smiled, a little awkward, “but I'm used to being nervous. Most of what I do is in front of a crowd.”

He nodded. Of course, a show horse rider would have no trouble with pre-race anxiety. There was no reason for her to be a wreck. Bitter jealousy welled in him – or maybe it was more nausea.

Looking around again, he now caught sight of the prince. Unusually, Prince Soma wasn't laughing or running about, he was silently brushing Agni's mane with a serious expression. It was the first time Ciel had seen the older boy look remotely regal or capable of being a prince. If anyone was under the serious scrutiny of the audience, it was this guy.

For the first time, Ciel felt a little bit of sympathy for him. But not enough to root for him at all.

He handed Freckles her bottle back with a mumbled thanks, then made his way to Sebastian. The black horse stood silent and still like a shadow, dark eyes boring into Ciel's skull.

“Don't give me that look,” he grumbled.

Sebastian snorted onto his face.

“It's not my fault they lined you up like this.”

He knew that Sebastian had spent the entire night face to face with the red mare, and had likely not enjoyed a moment of it. Thankfully, when he glanced back, he could see that Ronald had kept Grell under control. Maybe the horses also knew how important the race was. Even though the racers may not seem like the toughest competition on the surface, every single one of them was chosen to represent their school for being the best talent they had. All of them had something to prove.

“Everyone, it's time. Bring your horses this way, we'll line you up at the start of the course.”

Two men stood at the far end of the stables, dressed in formal white that matched their pale hair One was tall with a stern look about him while the other had long hair and a more friendly expression. Charles Phipps and Charles Grey, the heads of staff.

“Please follow after Mr. Phipps here,” Charles Grey said, gesturing as the taller began to walk away.

Each of the riders took their horses by the reins and began to walk out in single file. Ciel tugged on Sebastian and was met with resistance. He looked up at the black horse's face.

“Sebastian.” His voice shook a little.

Sebastian's ears twitched, but he didn't move.

Ciel cleared his throat, stood a little taller, and fixed the hose with a look. “Sebastian. Let's go.”

Sebastian held his gaze for a moment, then obediently followed. They joined the end of the line of riders leaving the stable.

“Ciel!”

He jumped and looked around. Lizzy was huddled against the wall, leaning heavily on her new ornate walking stick. She beamed at him from her “hiding” place.

“Lizzy?” He fought to keep his voice down. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to wish you good luck!”

“You're not allowed to be here!”

“I know.” She grinned wider. “But I had to see you before the race started. Otherwise, you'll get stuck in your head and work yourself up.”

He flushed. She knew him too well.

“You can do this, I believe in you!” She gave him a thumbs up. “Just focus on not falling off Sebastian and I promise it'll be fine!”

His brow twitched. “I'm not going to fall off.”

“That's the spirit!”

He sighed but smiled anyway. “Thanks, Lizzy.”

She looked pleased with herself.

“Lizzy.”

Ciel and Lizzy tuned to see Ran Mao in the line behind him, loosely holding Ra Men's reins. Her gaze was fixed on Lizzy.

“You better do well, too,” Lizzy told her. “Remember, if I was out there I'd always be one step ahead of Ciel, so if you want to win and beat me, you'll have to be two steps ahead of him!”

Ran Mao snorted a laugh. “No problem.”

“Do your best!”

Ran Mao nodded and the two girls reached out, gripping each other's hands firmly. Ciel watched them have a silent conversation, feeling another wave of nerves.

“Both of you, we'll be cheering as loud as we can!” Lizzy gave them both one last smile, then scurried away on her stick.

Ciel sighed.

“Come along, don't hang around,” Charles Grey called, encouraging them to go through.

Ciel and Ran Mao continued on until Charles Phipps split them up, putting Ciel on one side of the lineup and Ran Mao on the other. He was next to McMillan, who had gone so pale Ciel wondered if he was about to pass out. Next to him was Ronald, then Freckles, then Prince Soma. All of them dressed in their racing attire looked far more reasonable than they had all been when they first met.

With a gesture, they were all told to mount their horses. Ciel pulled himself up, sweaty palms sliding on the saddle until he was able to pull himself up. He couldn't quite get himself comfortable on the seat.

He looked forwards at the long, open race track. It stretched out indefinitely.

Just as he began to sink into himself, he caught sight of Lizzy waving frantically from the stands. The staff of the Midford house were all with her, excitedly joining in. Even Francis was waving, Lau at her side with a big smile on his face.

Ciel felt the nerves seep out of him slowly, breathing out. He felt Sebastian shuffle beneath him, a deep grunt escaping the large steed. He wondered if all their work was about to come to nothing.

“Get yourselves prepared!”

The line of riders straightened up on their saddles. Ciel's knee jittered and he forced himself to sit still. At his side, McMillan was starting to hyperventilate until he began aggressively doing breathing circles. Someone was mumbling to themselves, but quiet enough for Ciel to slowly block it out. They pulled their helmets on, an echo of clips following.

“On your marks!”

Ciel gripped Sebastian's reins, stomach turning itself over.

“Get set!”

His knees shakily pressed onto his steed's sides.

“Go!”

The gunshot split his ears and the doors swung open! The canter of hooves filled the air as the other horses charged forwards, chasing towards the finish line. Sebastian...

Trotted.

Someone in the audience let out a loud laugh, and Ciel felt his stomach fall out of his ass.

Sebastian lightly followed after the other horses like he'd noticed a nice bit of grass to eat. Ciel died a public death on the back of a pookah.

“Sebastian!” He hissed, furious.

The horse whinnied back.

“Run!” He kicked his sides.

Sebastian made a disgruntled sound.

“What is this? We've worked so hard!” His voice cracked.

Sebastian glanced back at him, the dark eye seeing through his angry façade.

Ciel gulped and closed his eyes, then took a breath. He grounded himself. He remembered Lizzy's training. The horse responds to the rider. Nervousness is contagious. Stress causes stress. A horse won't listen to a weak command. “Sebastian.” He opened his eyes, one good one holding the horse's gaze. “I order you to win this race – now!”

Like a gunshot, Sebastian took off.

Ciel held on for dear life as Sebastian shot towards the other racers, catching up like he was just ripping away the ground between them. They reached Freckles, who stared in shock as Sebastian came up beside Doll, then steadily took over. Ciel only caught sight of her mouth 'what?' before they'd passed her and she was out of their sight.

Then they came up to Ronald, who was so intent on trying to pick up speed that he didn't notice Ciel creeping up behind. Sebastian didn't pay Grell any mind, but he did release a loud grunt that startled the red mare, causing her to swerve a few feet away and making Ronald fall back out of Ciel's sight. With two behind and three ahead, Sebastian did not seem like he intended to slow down at all.

They reached Ran Mao, who looked at them with raised brows. Ciel gave her a quick grin, which she returned, before he overtook. Ahead, Prince Soma and McMillan were neck and neck, the prince's black hair flying out from beneath his helmet. In action, Ciel could see why McMillan had been picked. His body was tensed and flat against Edward's back. Where Prince Soma and Agni had raw horsepower, McMillan and Edward had wind resistance.

But Ciel had both. Pressed low behind Sebastian's head, the dark horse tore his way between them like a shadow swinging in front of them beneath a street light. McMillan's eyes widened, totally taken off guard. Prince Soma's face was set and determined, but on catching sight of Ciel pulling up between them he gave him an impressed look. Sebastian hovered between them for some time until they rounded a corner and he squeezed out between them, a wet soap bar between hands.

Ciel at this point was just begging not to fall off the back. They were alone on the track now, pulling ahead of everyone. Ciel could see the finish line, but he was far more concerned about not tumbling off and braining himself than he was about winning.

Just as he thought he could close his eyes and pray until it was over, he heard the beating of hooves to his side. He opened his eyes to look over and saw Ran Mao catching right up to him, a fire in her eyes. They looked at each other, Sebastian and Ra Men neck and neck.

“One step,” Ran Mao mouthed.

He understood and grinned. “Two steps.” With a kick to Sebastian's side, the horse put on a serious burst of speed, hooves pounding the ground. Ciel clutched the reins, pressed down low and breath held.

He heard a roar from the crowd and a flag cut through his vision. They had crossed the line-

And Sebastian was still going!

Ciel yanked on the reins. “Sebastian! Stop! Stoooop!!!”

Sebastian stopped.

Ciel slid forwards, all the way over Sebastian's head, and landed in the grass. The wind was knocked out of him.

He groaned on the floor, helmet askew. Sebastian sniffed his pockets, looking for snacks.

Some staff came hurrying over, pulling him up and checking him for damages. Ciel waved them off and brushed himself down, bruised and aching. The rest had hurried over now, the two Charleses doublechecking he wasn't about to drop over and die before grabbing his wrist and throwing his hand in the air.

“Our winner! Ciel Phantomhive!”

Ciel was still dazed and collecting himself. A large ribbon was pinned to his front, and somewhere someone else was trying to round up the now wild Sebastian. The other racers were pulling in, just trying to make good time.

They were all ushered aside so Ciel could be given water and collect himself, and all the riders could have the chance to dismount and their steeds be taken back to the stables. Ciel idly watched Sebastian being herded around the track.

“Offer him an apple, he'll go,” he said, gesturing to the black horse.

“I'll pass that on,” Charles Grey said, then sent off another person to handle it.

“I think I might pass out now.”

“Sorry?”

Ciel fainted.

When he came to, it had only been about ten minutes, but the whole Midford house had made their way to him. Baldroy tossed water over his face, after he'd woken up, soaking his eyepatch. He glowered at the chef.

“He's awake.”

“Yeah.” He rubbed his face dry with his sleeve.

“Ciel! You won!” Lizzy pulled him into another rib-crushing hug.

“Ah-- thank you.” He patted her shoulder.

“Good work.” Francis gave him a nod.

He found himself smiling.

“You kept three steps ahead.”

He looked up to see Ran Mao.

“I had to, didn't I?”

She nodded, grinning.

They helped him up and sorted him out. Ciel was taken aside for a photo op with his medal and ribbon. He was still getting himself together and was sure he was going to look startled and half-dead in the photo. Lizzy did her best to fix his helmet hair and straighten him out, but there could only be so much done with his petrified complexion.

There was a short series of questions asked for the paper. Ciel had rehearsed his lines well enough to market both the Midford business as well as the Phantomhive riding school. He was so on autopilot that the journalist was impressed by the collected, calm posture of the race winner.

He finally pulled himself together, politely accepting all the congratulations the other riders gave him. Prince Soma shook him about in excitement, delighted to witness such incredible riding. Ciel didn't know if it was worth explaining that he just sat there while Sebastian did all the work. Somewhere Finny was reenacting them crossing the line.

When they settled down, a tall man approached Ciel and introduced himself as Mr. Undertake.

“Quite a horse you have there.” He gestured to where Sebastian had finally been tempted away back into the stables.

“Yes. He's a Midford breed.”

“Aha, of course.” Mr. Undertake grinned, tapping his chin. “I'm interested in buying him from you. Quite a specimen of a horse shouldn't be wasted.”

Ciel blinked. “He's not for sale.”

“Oh?” The man tilted his head, long grey hair shifting across his face. “I can offer quite a bit of money.”

“Sorry.” Ciel adjusted the pin on his chest. “I'm afraid he's mine.”

“Hmm.” The older man considered this for a long moment then nodded. “How unfortunate, but if the young master wishes it...” He shrugged. “Tell me, how did you achieve such a speed? Your horse was no doubt inspected, so it can't have been steroids. Was it something you fed him, or something else sneaked in?”

Ciel let out a laugh, amazed at the audacity to suggest he'd used an enhancer. “Not at all.”

“Then what?”

Ciel smirked. “He is simply one hell of a horse.”

Notes:

Thanks for reading. This was definitely a Black Butler fan fiction about horse riding.

#black butler fanfiction

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