"I can't believe I let you talk me into this." Ciel said leaning back against the seat as the train departed from the station.
"The children seem to be enjoying the ride, Angelina and Kathryn are as good as gold, Alois brought Lenora and Luca, what could possibly-"
"Don't finish that sentence. Anytime someone says that, something happens." Ciel sighed, he loved his family with all his heart, but he really hadn't planned to go back to London.
"Don't worry Ciel, everything will be okay, anyway how long has it been since we went shopping together?" Lizzy asked with a smile.
"We could have gone shopping back in Ireland." Sebastian was about to respond when Evian interrupted.
"Mama, can we have chocolate when we get there?" He hugged his mother lovingly.
"We'll see." Ciel replied returning the hug.
"I am happy to be on the train with you and dad and Lizzy and our family. I would be very afraid all by myself."
"Well, you don't have to be afraid Evian, we're here and your father is going to stay with you, aren't you Sebastian?" The older demon smiled.
"Of course, I would never leave my children or my mate."
"Dad, why do you call mama 'my lord' when we go out?" Sebastian had been expecting the question.
"Because, a long time ago, when your mother and I had a contract, that is how I referred to him. Humans cannot know that I am anything more than a butler to your mother, nor can they know he is a Mother."
"But, mama does not mind being mama."
"I love being your Mother, but they wouldn't understand and that could put you, your brothers and sisters in danger." Ciel explained.
"Dad is protecting us by calling you that, and you are protecting us when we cannot call you mama?"
"That's right."
"It is not because you don't love us when we are outside the castle?" Ciel lifted his son into his arms.
"Evian, I've always loved you, it doesn't matter where we are, I'll always be your mother and you will always be my baby." Evian cuddled into Ciel, resting his head on his chest.
"I love you Mama." The child whispered.
"I love you too, always."
"Mama?"
"What?"
"If Naveen wanted to go to the stores too, why didn't he come with us?"
"What do you mean?" Sebastian cleared his throat, causing Ciel to look in his direction.
"Naveen is meeting me in London, he wants to get something special for Alois. He has never been here and so I told him I would show him the best shops. He may surprise Alois while we are there but he asked to keep it secret. You know how Alois is."
"That's true." There was a pause.
"Sebastian, are you sure you can take all six children with you?"
"My dear Ciel, you have witnessed my work, after all that, I believe I can keep watch on our children."
"I know you can, It's just, with two infants and four older children, Lizzy and I won't be there-"
"I can help if dad need me to." Evian offered.
"Thank you Evian." The child shifted himself in his mother's arms so that he could whisper in his ear.
"He will be okay, but I will keep Rowan close to us. I will not let him be lost."
"I know you won't, you're a very good big brother." Ciel praised.
"Thank you mama, and thank you for Rachel and Vincent and Rowan and Angelina and Kathryn, I love them all very much!" Ciel smiled.
"I'm happy to hear that you're thankful for them, that's how our family should be." Evian turned to Lizzy who was watching the family and attempting to contain herself.
"Thank you cousin Lizzy, for loving mama and being nice and loving us too, I am happy to have you with us."
"Oh Evian, that's so sweet!" She reached over and hugged. The small demon.
"Don't be sad Dad, I want to thank you too." He said reaching for Sebastian. The older demon would never say so out loud, but he did feel a little forgotten.
"Thank you for loving Mama so much, and being my dad and not going away from us, even when the puppy makes you upset. Thank you for making sure mama is safe and that we are safe and Lizzy. Thank you for being a good Dad." He hugged his father tightly, Sebastian's heart melted. There were very few things that could make Sebastian feel this way, his family had a strong hold on him and he knew nothing could break it.
"Dad?"
"Yes Evian?" The child looked at him curiously.
"Why doesn't mama like the man that talks funny?"
"What man?"
"The one that has the friend with the scary hand."
"A scary hand?" Ciel asked trying to think of the person his son was describing.
"Yes. He has a mummy hand, it is wrapped up, he did not hurt it. I do not-"
"Evian, why did you bring that up?" Ciel asked.
"Because they will stop to talk to dad today." Ciel groaned quietly in frustration.
"Do they see your mother?" Evian nodded.
"The other man will be so happy to see Mama he will give mama a hug."
"Damn it!" Evian's eyes widened.
"Mama said a bad word."
"Mommy, what does 'Damn it' mean?" Rachel asked.
"Rachel, that's not nice to say." Ciel said calmly.
"But you said it."
"I'm older, and I have good reason."
"Can I have good reasons to mommy?"
"When you're older."
"So I cannot say d-"
"No." Ciel said sternly.
"Can I have a hug and a snack?" She asked reaching out to him.
"You can have those yes." Ciel embraced his daughter.
"Can I give you hugs before we go with Daddy too, I will miss you, but I will be okay because Daddy will be there."
"That's right, of course you can." Ciel reached into the small bag and gave Rachel a piece of chocolate. The girl grinned as she placed it in her mouth.
"They really do take after you." Sebastian shook his head.
"They are my children, why wouldn't they?"
"There was a slight chance that they would have been more like myself, they are mine too."
"Of course they are...when I'm not around."
"I am not amused." Sebastian said crossing his arms.
"Good because no one was being amusing. Isn't that right princess?" Rachel nodded her head.
"I agree with mommy."
"It's good that you have loyalty to your mother, however, you do have two parents."
"Yes."
"Where are your brothers?" Sebastian asked.
"Playing with Luca, Alois is feeding Lenora. He is a good mommy. But my mommy is still the very best one. May I have one more?" She swallowed the candy and held out a small hand.
"You know, if you didn't say that to me before, when there was no chocolate, I might think you were just saying that." Ciel replied handing her a second piece.
"Oh no mommy, I would not do that. I do have the best mommy."
"Thank you Rachel." When finally they arrived, Ciel and Sebastian gathered their children and stepped off of the train and waited for the rest of the group.
"Are you sure we should be doing this?"
"Why not, I shall do my best to shield you from their sight. I want you to have a good time with Lady Elizabeth and Alois. You deserve this."
"But-"
"Trust me, everything will be fine. I love you."
"I love you too, I just-I won't know what to do with myself, I won't have anyone to Mother while the children are with you."
"My dear, there is more to life than mothering this day is for you."
"Can I go with you brother?" Luca asked as he followed Alois out of the car.
"What we'll do is walk go into town together and then we'll go from there." Ciel said.
"That sounds great, I can't wait to show you the new shop that just opened before I came to stay with you." Lizzy beamed.
"I think I'd like to get some new things for Lenora."
"We can do all that I suppose."
"Don't worry mum, it will be okay." Rowan said.
"You're probably right. This should be an interesting trip."
