Sebastian woke to find Ciel at his side. The young demon was asleep at the moment which allowed the former butler a chance to recall the events that led them to this moment in time. Sebastian shifted uncomfortably in bed, he had never felt so ill and yet he knew that as long as Ciel was with him, it would soon pass.

The older demon was grateful to his former master, without him, Sebastian would not be alive. In an effort to provide Sebastian with food, Ciel had released him from his contract Much to the demon's dismay. They soon parted ways leaving Sebastian to worry constantly, ignoring his hunger for the sake of knowing his Ciel was safe. He became ill with severe stomach pains and weakness, even through all of his suffering, his master never left his mind. He had fallen in love with him.

Ciel had also been thinking about his butler and was surprised one evening by a visit from Alois Trancy who swore Sebastian was dying, that night, Sebastian had confessed his love to Ciel and was amazed to find Ciel shared the feeling. It had only been three days since Ciel had offered the feeding to Sebastian.

A sacrifice given willingly and out of love, the only thing that would save Sebastian from death and it had come from his beloved Ciel. He hadn't expected it and at the words "I love you too" that came from the young demon, Sebastian's heart leapt with joy

"My beautiful Ciel, I shall forever be grateful to you,you have made me happy beyond my wildest dreams,you saved my life and you look upon my true form with not fear, but affection. How do I repay you my love?" Sebastian whispered weakly.

"Get better, that's all I want you to do." Ciel replied catching Sebastian off guard.

"You are too good to me my Ciel. After all you and I have gone through -"

"That's why I'm here. You would have done anything for me, you even said you would have done it without the contract. The countless times you saved my life, a life that wasn't worth -"

"You must never say such things. Your life as a human was worth more than you realize."

"The things I've done, or had you do are -"

"Ciel, my treasure, all you have done has benefited someone in your life in one way or another. I know it is difficult to see that even now but you must believe me." Ciel leaned forward and stroked Sebastian's black hair softly, taking the older demon's hand in his free one.

"You always know what to say. You've changed from the days of our contract and so have I never said thank you for all the little things that weren't part of the contract but you did anyway. Thinking back to my human days, the cake on my birthday, it wasn't something you were forced do for me. The moments that you would throw little hints at me when I needed guidance there was so much more. I didn't see it then, and it means a lot to me that you were that way for me. Especially since I had no family."

"That's what love is Ciel. I wanted good things for you then and still do. I wouldn't say that you had no family however, Lady Elizabeth loves you very much as well as Mey-Rin Bard, Tanaka and Finny. The servants may not have been blood but I believe I would go so far as to call them family."

"I'm glad I was you Sebastian." Ciel said honestly.

"I am happy you feel that way. Though I'm sorry I could not protect you from this, I could not save you the night you- As much as I love you, I didn't want you to be condemned to this life, you are far too special to be a demon."

"I want to be here. If I had the choice, I'd be right here with you always, this is where I belong. I think maybe I was meant to be with you. Right now though, the healer wants you to rest. I'll bring you some more to eat in a few minutes."

"Don't push yourself Ciel. My life is not worth yours."

"I'm fine. The healer gave me something to take after I take care of you." Ciel explained.

"Did he?" The young demon nodded and reached over to the floor where he grabbed the bottle and held it out to Sebastian who looked it over closely.

"He said it will be fine to take this until I can get something."

"It doesn't seem to be doing much for you. Cynna saw you earlier look like you were going to fall over."

"Don't worry, I didn't."

"I know, he would have come to me immediately if you had."

"You really have him check on me?"

"Certainly, I don't have the strength at the present time to get out of bed and look after you myself." Ciel smiled faintly.

"You're the one that's ill, you shouldn't be worried about me."

"For me to not be concerned would be close to you not wanting chocolate. It will never happen. I love you far too much to not worry, especially when you are making such a sacrifice."

"It's not a problem for me Sebastian. I want you to be okay. It's not -"

"If you are by my side Ciel, I will have the ability to get through anything. If not for you, I would not have the strength to go on, say you will always be with me."

"I'm not going anywhere, I promise. Just rest now and we'll talk later." Ciel said softly.

"As you wish my love. So long as you swear I will see you when I awake."

"I'll be right here, always."