Chapter Two: Illness


Sebastian was waiting in the limo, sipping some coffee and enjoying the newspaper in his hand. It wasn't often that he had time to relax. Usually he was too busy trying to keep Finny, Meirin, and Bard in order, not to mention keeping the spoiled master happy. Being a butler of Ciel Phantomhive was no easy task.

Reading the paper was always interesting, however. Humans came up with such silly stories sometimes. Then again, humans did silly things sometimes.

"'Snakes escape zoo with help of mythical beast… Snakes have yet to be found.' How amusing," Sebastian murmered into his cup, chuckling to himself.

It was then that he felt a strange sensation in his gut. It wasn't exactly a tug, but it was enough to capture his attention. It was Ciel.

Trouble? His mind sprang into gear, locating Ciel through their contract. In a moment, he appeared nearby Ciel, but he was forced to quickly hide. Another person was there, and magically appearing out of thin air might raise questions.

It seemed that the problem was over - it was lying in an unconscious heap on the floor, face bruised and drool sliding down it's cheek. Ciel was gingerly touching his forehead, lifting the tips of his fingers to see bright red blood. The blood was leaking down his face and invading his hair. Sebastian frowned slightly.

There was another person there. A very loud, energetic person. Sebastian stepped out from behind the wall he was hiding behind and faced the child.

Ciel jumped, forcing Sebastian to hide a smile. Instead, Sebastian frowned sarcastically, "Young Master, who is this that you are taking advantage of in a dark alley?"

Any sign of Ciel's good mood vanished, "Stop messing around! …Sebastian, this is Freckles. He helped me earlier today."

"Ah, I can see." Sebastian looked down at the drooling bully as he stepped over him, making his way toward Ciel. He grabbed Ciel gently by the chin and tilted his head to the side, examining his wound. "What happened here?"

Freckles eyebrows disappeared behind his bangs, "What's this? Who's this fancy guy?" He looked toward Ciel for answers, his eyes wide with wonder and confusion.

Sebastian bowed to Freckles, smiling graciously, "How rude of me. My name is Sebastian Michaelis; I am the Phantomhive butler. I owe you thanks, Freckles, for protecting my master when I could not."

"Your…master??" Freckles' eyes were as wide as saucers.

Ciel couldn't hold in the smile playing at the corner of his lips. He shook his head exasperatedly and tried to hide his face. "I have quite a bit of money," he said, trying to leave it simple for Freckles. Freckles nodded in understanding; his eyes returning to normal size.

"I see. I wondered about your fancy clothes. I think we all were wondering. We don't get many students like you coming to this school. I think some of us don't know how to handle it," he finished his sentence with a kick to the sleeping bully.

Ciel nodded, "It's alright. I understand." He felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up.

"Young Master, if I may interrupt. I think it would be in your best interest if we got you home as soon as possible. The wound on your head may seem harmless now, but if left unattended…"

Ciel nodded tiredly. He turned to face Freckles, "Thank you for today. I appreciate your helping me."

A huge grin spread across Freckles' face, "Not a problem!! Any time. If you ever need me again, just call out my name!"

Ciel smiled, and waved. The boy walked through the door, closing it with a loud bang.

"We're just going to leave this boy here?" Sebastian asked, looking down at him.

"What else are we going to do? Take him home with us?" Ciel spit rather bitterly.

Sebastian shook his head, "I suppose he'll be fine here. Unless it rains and he drowns…" A small smile fell upon his lips.

"Whatever," Ciel began walking down the alley, "I just want to get home. My head is throbbing and I'm freezing."

Sebastian led the way, guiding Ciel through the dark. "I see you've made a friend."

Ciel didn't say anything.

"Although it hardly looks like you had any choice in the matter. 'Freckles', was it?"

"Yes. Apparently he hates his real name, so he now calls himself Freckles."

Sebastian smile did not waver, "Amusing. What will your next move be?"

Ciel raised an eyebrow toward Sebastian, "What do you think? I'll wait for the best opportunity to ask about any rumors."

Sebastian nodded his approval, opening the gate that led to the front of the school. The grounds were empty. It was far past the time they were let out.

"What took you so long to find me, anyways?" Ciel asked as Sebastian started the limo.

Sebastian pulled onto the main road, "I was reading the paper." He continued on with driving as if that were a valid explanation. Ciel rolled his eyes and looked out the window. He watched the trees go by one-by-one, they blurred into each other, making a vivid painting in Ciel's mind. Before Ciel knew it, he was fast asleep in the vehicle, his head resting delicately on the back of his seat.

When they reached the manor, Sebastian gently slid Ciel from the seat and into his arms. He barely made it up the stairs before Finny exclaimed in worry, "Master Ciel!" Finny came barreling down the garden and hovered over Ciel, who stirred slightly in his sleep. "What happened, Sebastian? Why is he bleeding? I thought he just went to school!"

"Finny, calm down. The Young Master is fine. He's just sleeping. He's had a tough day. A fellow classmate decided to cause some trouble."

Finny's eyes widened in confusion, "A classmate? But why?"

"We'll have to ask him later."

"How horrible…" Sebastian left Finny standing alone, staring at the ground deep in thought. He was able to make it to Ciel's room before anyone else spotted them. He laid Ciel gently on the bed who breathed in deeply and rolled onto his side. He winced suddenly, and his hand shot up to his head. When he saw the blood on his fingers his eyes opened in confusion, drowsiness intoxicating his features.

"Sebastian…?" He was trying to control the fear in his voice, but it still seeped through.

Sebastian's features softened, "You don't remember? You were beaten up at school. I was just about to wash off the blood."

Ciel slowly rolled onto his back, gazing at the top of his bed. "I don't…really remember… Although…" An image of Freckles surfaced in his mind. "Freckles…"

"Yes. Freckles."

"He saved me."

"Ah, yes. He." Sebastian left the room for a moment.

Ciel stretched his hand up into the air, looking at it questioningly as if he were trying to figure out some sort of puzzle. He licked his lips uncertainly, "Why did he save me?"

Sebastian re-entered the room with a basin full of warm water in his hands. "Did you say something?" He took a warm wash cloth and gently dabbed it to Ciel's temple.

He winced slightly at the contact, "Why didn't you come find me when I was being attacked?"

Sebastian sighed, "You weren't in any danger of dying. I would've known if you were."

"What if I was?"

"You weren't."

"And how would you know?"

"I just would."

Ciel scoffed, and turned his head away from the warmth of the towel. "I have a demon, but I have to rely on the aid of commoners to protect me. If I had known that from the start…"

"You would've died. If you had relied on the kindness of people in this world, you would not be alive right now." Sebastian was patient. He rinsed the towel out and tried again, "Young Master, I realize you are upset, but this talk is tedious. Not all bad has come out of this situation; you now have a friend, a source to information. It's information that you need."

Ciel kept his head still while Sebastian cleaned away the blood. Some of it was drying, but the blood in his hair was sticky and wet. As Sebastian rinsed it away, he could see Ciel's delicate pale skin bruising. Sebastian could almost feel the ache of it himself. He sighed, realizing the physical pain that Ciel must be feeling at the moment. Being a demon, he didn't quite understand the depths of pain, and he often forgot. He put the towel back in the basin and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Ciel asked demandingly, following Sebastian with his steady gaze.

Sebastian didn't answer. Instead, he kneeled on the floor, and he bowed so low that Ciel was almost fully convinced that he was sincere.

"My Lord, I offer you my most sincere apology… I wasn't there for you when you needed me and now you are wounded. I should have been paying closer attention - it is my fault you are in pain. For that, I must apologize. Please forgive me."

Ciel's expression didn't change. He hardly blinked an eye. "Don't be ridiculous," he said, his voice strong as always. "Get up…and grab the towel. This blood's dripping."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Young Master, it's time to wake up."

Ciel breathed in sharply and brought a hand up to sheild his eyes from the sun.

"Good morning. How did you sleep?" Sebastian continued, placing a tray of tea on a table near Ciel.

Ciel didn't say anything. He just sat up and then looked around, dazed.

"Young Master?"

Ciel shook himself from his stupor, "Yes?"

"You don't look so well… Are you feeling alright?"

Ciel nodded, "Yes, I'm fine. I just feel like I'm getting a little sick, that's all."

Sebastian took off one of his gloves and leaned over the bed, placing the back of his hand to Ciel's forehead. He frowned in concern, "You have a fever. You should stay in bed today. It wouldn't be a good idea to go out in this cold weather. It's probably what got you sick in the first place."

"But-" Ciel started, but then he let himself fall back into his pillow. "You're right… And right after we had some sort of lead in our case."

"I wouldn't exactly call it a lead," Sebastian stated, pulling the glove back onto his hand, "But it is quite disappointing that you won't get to question that young boy today."

"Yeah," Ciel yawned, rolling onto his side and closing his eyes.

"That bruise on your forehead looks worse today."

"Does it?" Ciel felt it gingerly. "It does hurt."

"Would you like me to get you some ice for it? Ice might help."

Ciel shook his head. "I've felt pain worse than this. I'm… I'm sorry about complaining so much yesterday. It's not really as bad as it looks."

Sebastian smiled gently, "I understand. You should get some rest." He bowed and made his way to the door.

"Sebastian, wait." Ciel propped himself up on his elbow, "Don't I need to get my homework someway?"

"I was going to pick it up at the school this afternoon."

"Call the school and ask them if you could have Freckles bring it to me. Perhaps in that case I would be able to talk to him after all."

Sebastian bowed, "That is my master. I will call them right away and see if that can be arranged."

Ciel fell back into his pillow and fell asleep.

The school was less than kind about Ciel's request, and even with Sebastian's smooth talking they very grudgingly accepted.

"You see," the lady on the other line had said in a nasty tone, "That would mean I'd have to interrupt the teacher's classroom in the middle of learning, and that would be very disrespectful. What? Wait until lunch? I'm afraid I cannot do that. Why, you ask? Well, everyone's on break. Not just the students. No, I can't just send in a note, that's still disrupting…"

But in the end, Sebastian was able to argue enough to get his way. He sighed and hung up the phone. Humans were tiring sometimes.

"Sebastian."

The butler turned around in surprise, not expecting to hear Ciel awake.

"Young master, what's wrong?" And then he caught sight of the side of Ciel's head, which was bleeding again, worse than yesterday. "Young master!"

Ciel scoffed and waved his hand carelessly in front of his face. "I know I should've been resting, but I had to use the bathroom… I stood too quickly. Fell off the bed.

Sebastian frowned and examined the side of Ciel's face. "Hrm…It doesn't look too bad. I need to redress the wound, though. What did you hit it on?" Ciel's deepening frown told Sebastian that he was not going to get an answer. Sebastian made to move forward, and Ciel followed slowly after. He watched his master closely out of the corner of his eye. After seeing Ciel wobble so much he asked, "Would you like me to carry you?"

Ciel looked up at him through sarcastic eyes. The sarcasm in his expression was lacking its usual vigor.

When they made it back to his room, Ciel crawled back onto his bed and immediately fell flat onto the surface as if the walk had exhausted him.

Sebastian let his gaze drift over the chest at the bottom of the bed, which had a small mark of blood on the corner. "Young Master, next time that you need to get out of bed, please call me first and I will assist you. Your head needs a break from all the abuse."

"I don't need help walking to the bathroom."

"I am here to serve you, My Lord. If it would benefit your health, then it is my duty."

Ciel put his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. He looked very peaceful, Sebastian thought. Almost angelic. "Yes," he murmered, seemingly calmed by the thought, "You are here to serve me. You cannot leave my side. Not until…the end."

He was asleep then. Sebastian saw his chest rise and fall evenly. His head was still bleeding. The blood slid down his face and onto the pillow, leaving a bright red mark. Sebastian sighed. "Such a careless master…" He pulled a chair up beside the bed and began cleaning the wound.

"Freckles," the teacher called the young student aside as everyone was coming back in from lunch. Freckles walked curiously up to the desk.

"Yes, Ms. Hana?"

"We got a call today. Our new student, Ciel Phantomhive, is ill. He requested that you bring his schoolwork to him. You aren't obligated to do this, of course, but-"

"Of course I'll do it!" Freckles nearly shouted in happiness. "I'd love to!"

Ms. Hana raised her eyebrows at his enthusiasm but nodded, apparently pleased. She took out a pile of papers and put them together with a clip, adding directions to the top of the page. "I put his number here, as well, in case you get lost on the way."

Freckles was smiling ear to ear as he grabbed the papers and he couldn't stop smiling throughout class. When the last bell rang, he sprang up from his seat and nearly danced his way to the door. He heard someone laugh behind him in the hallway.

"What's got you so happy today, huh?"

Freckles turned around, he smile radiantly at the owner of the voice. "I've made a new friend!"

The tall high schooler smiled warmly, his red hair tied up messily behind his head, "Oh, you do, huh? As nice as the last friend you made, I hope?"

Freckles chuckled, "No, no, Joker, you certainly are funny. This is the one I saved yesterday. Not the one I beat up."

The man named Joker ruffled Freckles' hair and walked alongside his younger friend, "I'm glad to hear you're making friends."

"He's sick today, so I have to deliver his homework to him."

Joker raised an eyebrow, "He couldn't just wait until he comes back?"

"Nope, good thing he has me, though!"

Joker kept his smile in place, "Did you want me to come with you? Who knows where this kid lives?"

"I have directions," Freckles said innocently.

"That's not what I meant," Joker said, a frown overtaking his features, "I guess I shouldn't worry. I just feel uneasy for some reason."

"Oooh, you're worried about me. Don't worry, Ciel's my friend."

"You just met him yesterday."

"What's your point?"

Joker hesitated. "Just… I know how you like to trust people a little too easily. Scratch that. Way too easily. Be careful, okay? We'll be waiting for you back at home."

Freckles waved, his energy still high, "I'll see you in a bit."

Freckles bounded down the path a bit, making his way to his bicycle. He unlocked the combination and set off, keeping the directions clamped tightly in his grasp.

"Let's see… I need to make a right. Huh, I've never been this way before."

The further that Freckles rode, the more expensive and beautiful the houses began to get. Tall mansions loomed like mountains, blocking out the sun and replacing it with beautiful works of man-made art. Elegant gardens were spread in front of the homes, massive fountains were trickling water. Huge gates rose in front of Freckles' vision, carved with incredible detail and care.

"Ciel lives here?" Freckles couldn't keep his mouth closed. He continued riding like this for a few minutes and then stopped at the end of the road. There was the most awe-inspiring gate that Freckles had ever seen. Nothing in his wildest dreams could have even amounted to half of the beauty he saw at that moment.

"This is it…" His voice had gotten incredibly small. He craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the mansion that was surely hiding through those gates, but he could see nothing. There was a small black box on one side of the gate and he walked over to it and pressed a button.

A voice sounded through it. It was Sebastian. "Freckles, I see you have arrived safely."

"Yes, sir! The directions were very good."

"That's good to hear. I'll open the gates for you, so please stand back. Once they're open, just follow the path."

"Will do. Thanks a lot."

A bell sang from the heavens and the massive gates opened in a breath of air. Freckles' mind was numb with amazement.

"This is the coolest place ever," he whispered to himself.

He rode his bike down the path. A canopy of neatly lined trees shaded the sun from view. The beautifully kept trees went on for as far as Freckles could see. Past them all he could see was lush, healthy grass. He breathed in the air and willed it to fill his lungs and his entire being. It was sweet. It gave Freckles a sense of remembrance that he couldn't quite place his finger on. It was bliss.

Finally, the trees parted and the mansion came into view. Freckles had been expecting unbelievable elegance and beauty, but what came into sight was far better than he had imagined.

"Gorgeous," he breathed, stopping to take in the view.

Interrupting his sight-seeing was a loud thud. Followed by another. And another. Curious, Freckles strayed from the path and followed the sound like a child in a fairytale. The source was coming from a young teen with blonde hair and gardening clothes. The boy turned around upon hearing Freckles approaching. The boy smiled excitedly.

"You're the one that the young master invited!" He ran up to Freckles and shook his hand. "It's so nice to meet you! I'm so happy the young master has made a friend!"

Freckles returned the smile with equal excitement, "I'm happy to meet you too! This place is amazing. Are you the gardener here? The gardens are beautiful!"

Finny stood up tall, "That's right! I'm the gardener here. My name is Finny! I'm glad you like the yard. Although, I always mess everything up. Sebastian's usually the one who fixes it and makes it pretty, but… I still love it here!"

"It's lovely," Freckles marveled, looking around again, "I could understand why you'd love it here."

"You should see the inside." Finny smiled, "It's beautiful."

They slowly walked closer to the castle, chatting happily with each other. Sebastian watched them approach the house, and waited patiently for awhile. It was when they both stopped to pick flowers together and string them into necklaces that Sebastian decided to intervene.

"Finny!" He shouted from the balcony. "Please stop distracting our guest. He needs to have enough time to go back home before nightfall."

"Sorry, Sebastian!" Finny gave Sebastian a tight bow and ran back to his work of getting rid of rocks.

Freckles made his way to Sebastian and smiled happily, "Good afternoon, Sir. How's Ciel doing?"

"You may call me Sebastian, Freckles. And the young master just needs rest. I think the cold weather has gotten to him."

"I'm fine," came a loud voice. Ciel appeared on the balcony, a robe wrapped around himself and his bandage tightly hugging his head. The blood was seeping through the gauze, becoming apparent on the outside of the bandage.

Sebastian looked at Ciel disapprovingly. He noticed the flush from the fever in his master's cheeks, and how he was leaning on his cane. "Young Master," Sebastian began, rushing toward Ciel to support him, "You really shouldn't be out of bed. You'll only make matters worse."

"Don't order me around," Ciel hissed. His eyes were slightly hooded.

Sebastian rested his forehead on his hand and murmered, "Oh dear", but he said nothing more.

Freckles waited hesitantly for Sebastian to say something more, but when he didn't, he smiled tentatively at Ciel, "Hey, Ciel. How're you feeling?"

"I'm doing well. Thank you for coming. I'm sorry for making you ride your bike all the way here."

"It's not a problem at all! The ride was really beautiful. I've never been to this neighborhood before."

They both walked inside, Freckles marveling over the interior of the mansion. Ciel smiled. He was very much unused to childish behavior. Usually he despised it, but this time he didn't mind so much. Sebastian smiled behind him as if he could read his thoughts.

"Oh, that's right," Freckles said after he was over his initial shock. "I have your homework for you. Here," he reached into his backpack and pulled out several crinkled up papers. "There was a clip holding this together… I don't know where it's gone, though…"

"Thank you," Ciel made eye contact with Sebastian. The butler stepped forward and took the papers with a short bow.

Freckles giggled, "Gosh, Ciel, you certainly do rely on Sebastian quite a lot."

Ciel blushed despite himself. "You said you haven't seen a manor like this before, would you like me to show you around?"

Freckles' eyes widened in excitement, "Could I really?" He yelped. He ran ahead before Ciel had the chance to answer.

Ciel turned his head toward Sebastian, and Sebastian leaned forward slightly, "I want you to back off for awhile. Go prepare dinner or find something else to do."

"I will do as you say, Young Master. Don't forget your goal. I seem to be noticing a change in your behavior since this child arrived."

Ciel scowled, "Don't be ridiculous. I'm only being friendly so he can feel he can trust me."

Sebastian smiled deviously, "You're hardly being friendly… That's not what I meant."

Ciel whipped around, "And what did you -"

Sebastian straightened and began to walk in the other direction, a wide smile on his face, "I must prepare dinner now. If you need me, you know how to get my attention."

Ciel shook his head angrily, but turned around to the task at hand. Freckles was on the other side of the room, his nose centimeters away from a decorative vase. Ciel walked over to him.

"This is beautiful," Freckles gasped. "I've never seen anything like it."

"My grandmother bought it from a trader almost 80 years ago."

"Eighty years. She's old."

"Well, she's dead now. Come on, let's go upstairs. It's cold down here."

On the staircase they passed a large painting of Ciel's mother and father. Freckles gazed up at it, a question forming in his mind. Ciel was prepared for it, but he waited anyways. He never did like to think about it. But he was used to others' curiosity.

Freckles mouth formed the words, "Where are your….?" But he thought better of it at the last minute, and his voice trailed off into nothing.

Ciel sighed, "They're both dead. They've been dead for awhile now."

For the first time since Ciel had met Freckles, the boy actually looked depressed. "Wow," he said quietly, his voice low, "I'm really sorry. I don't have parents either. It's not easy…"

Ciel looked at Freckles. Freckles was clearly in mourning for Ciel's situation. His entire aura had changed drastically from only moments ago. Ciel knew that Freckles couldn't possibly know the ordeals that he had gone through. Freckles didn't know that on his birthday both of his parents were brutally murdered, and that Ciel was used as a sacrificial lamb for reasons that had not become apparent to him. He didn't know that Ciel had exchanged his soul for revenge. Freckles only saw a young boy, alone in mansion without parents. Rich with wealth, but poor in his loneliness. Freckles was seeing the side of Ciel that Ciel himself didn't quite understand.

Feeling uncomfortable, Ciel tried to say something, "It's fine, really. I have Sebastian and the other servants. They take care of me."

Freckles looked up at Ciel like a beaten dog might, "But… It's such a big mansion."

Ciel arched his eyebrows, not quite understanding.

"You must be very lonely…"

Ciel stopped short. He stared at Freckles, bewildered, "What do you mean?"

Freckles shook his head and bit his lip. "I'm sorry. I always just say what comes to mind, I don't think things through…"

The tone in Ciel's voice became very sharp, "No. Tell me. What do you mean?"

Freckles looked up, he couldn't seem to meet Ciel's eyes, "I just… You must be very lonely here. Wouldn't you want to have a family?"

Ciel's eyes hardened, which Freckles wasn't expecting. He made a tiny noise in his throat like he was about to be beaten. Ciel ignored it, "I don't need a family. All I need is right here in this mansion."

Freckles couldn't understand. He had lived his entire life with only the relationships that he held near and dear to his heart supporting him. Those relationships were his power. He couldn't understand how Ciel lived without them….but then again, maybe Ciel wasn't fully alive… "Ciel, I have an idea. Come with me. Come meet the family I have now. They'll surely accept you with open arms. Please, it'll -"

"No." The single word echoed through the hallway, sending a chill zapping like lightning through Freckles' spine. There was no emotion in Ciel's response. The word was flat and hollow. But Freckles could see the unspoken rage behind Ciel's eyes. He could feel the fury running rampant inside of Ciel. He had really hit a nerve. He had done it this time.

"Ciel…I'm really sorry."

Ciel hesitated, and then sighed, running his hand through his hair. He seemed drained. Whether it was from his anger, or from his illness, Freckles couldn't tell. "I think I should get some rest. It would probably be best if you left."

Freckles nodded soundlessly. He turned around and walked down the stairs.

"Freckles." Ciel called. Freckles turned around; his eyes were apologetic. Ciel didn't know whether Freckles should have that look his eyes, or if he should. "Freckles, I'm sorry. I just…don't like thinking about my past. I have a lot of memories that I'd rather never think about."

The smile did not return to Freckles' lips. "I understand, Ciel. I apologize for digging up those memories. It won't happen again." With that, he turned around and walked down the staircase. At the bottom he turned around and waved, "I'll see you at school when you get better. I hope you feel better soon."

Ciel watched Freckles go. He wasn't feeling well at all. He felt worse than he did in that morning.

"Getting so upset is bad for your cold," Sebastian said from behind Ciel.

Ciel didn't take his eyes off of the door that Freckles had just left out of. "I don't know what happened."

Sebastian sighed, genuine sympathy marking his features, "Come, Young Master. We should get you to bed."

"Am I…weak, like he says?" He muttered to himself.

"Young Master… You're not feeling well. You're not thinking straight. Once you feel better, you can think this over."

Ciel looked up at Sebastian, "Sebastian. Do you think I'm weak?"

Sebastian grabbed Ciel by the shoulders and steered him down the hall, "Might I point out that Freckles never said you were weak. He mentioned you might be lonely. Every child experiences loneliness sometime. It's normal."

Ciel's eyes dimmed. "I am lonely…"

Sebastian looked down at Ciel, his expression dark, "I know, My Lord."

Sebastian picked Ciel up off of the ground and carried him the rest of the way. Ciel fell asleep just moments after Sebastian did so. He leaned his small head trustingly against Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian opened the door quietly and placed Ciel gently on the bed. He tucked Ciel in like a mother would her child and then closed the drapes. He turned around and stared at the young boy. His small frame was so easily breakable. With each breath his body rose so delicately, and fell just like a little bird. He looked different in his sleep. That stubborn, determined glare was gone. He looked somewhat peaceful now. He looked like he might have if his parents had lived. Innocent, for the most part. Happy. A normal 13 year-old.

"Young Master," Sebastian murmered, as he shook his head. "It's a pity your life was taken from you when you were so young." Ciel's breaths were hypnotic. "But that part of your life you will never get back…"

He left the room, leaving the young boy to his dreams… his nightmares… his memories.