Good news, now – I actually got a few ideas of where to take this! (Miraculous, I know.) So while this probably doesn't mean very much for most of you as long as the story updates itself ;) trying to write without any sort of plan was driving me crazy – like playing chess without knowing where you're going. Updates, or writing at least, should be faster now.

I don't even own any of the official stuff. I guess I own a fisherman, now? But that's it.

Oh, and my usual thanks to everyone.

Ciel turned to the demon. "Findings?"

In response, Sebastian held out a gloved hand. Inside was a pile of powder, pale gray and chalklike. "There were many containers made to store diamonds that instead contained this," he said, voice a low murmur. "I am not sure yet of its identity, but it appears to be a drug of some sort."

Ciel blinked. This was interesting indeed. Not only was the diamond smuggler hoarding other, perhaps more illegal things, it was quite possible that the companies who paid them were aware of this. Did they have a hand in it?

"Keep that for me," he said, narrowing his eyes. "I expect it has something to do with what we're looking for." The teen sighed. "We have the name of a company, as well as many ships carrying diamonds. In most situations this would be enough. But if there are drugs involved…" He trailed off. "I have no interest in staying here longer than is necessary, but we can't simply give these names to the Yard and hope for the best, it would be shabby work." He wasn't really speaking to Sebastian as much as he was himself – but then, he wouldn't be surprised if the demon knew his thoughts anyway. He grimaced. "Is there any way to figure out what that drug does?"

"I doubt it, master," said Sebastian, looking impassively at the stolen powder. "Save ingesting it, of course."

"I'll pass on that." He smirked. "This is interesting indeed. Let's go back to the inn, and then I'll want a list of other products these companies sell, as well as anything that might be a cover – perhaps Mr. Lau knows about that. And do try to avoid the locals again… we don't need another brawl."

"Of course, sir."

The walk was short, and Ciel wondered again as he passed the broken windows and glowering eyes. He was unafraid – but then, why should he be? He had Sebastian, and there was no way that he could be injured by any human – the demon needed his meal, after all.

Not a meal. The thought crashed down on him again. What was he, if not a meal, not a master?

No. He was always the master. He clung to that bit of power, still. He might not know why Sebastian stayed with him if he didn't seek food, but he gave the orders. He was in control.

Then why was he slipping away?

So deep in these thoughts, Ciel didn't bother to ask for the information upon arrival. Instead, he stood and watched the demon through narrowed eyes. He might not be able to ask him what he meant directly… but their contract did have slight advantages.

Sebastian, he thought firmly, wondering if his servant would sense his thoughts, at least in abstract. He had never tried to do this when not a direct order, but it couldn't be that different. I want you to tell me something.

Ruby eyes glanced at him. It had worked. The triumph was somewhat short-lived, however. If Sebastian could hear his mental demands when he wanted him to, who was to say that he wouldn't hear other things Ciel didn't want heard? But he needed to concentrate.

"What is troubling you?" The demon spoke aloud, voice soft and smooth as always.

"I…" Damn it, how would he explain this? "I don't understand what you told me earlier." And that's the least of it. Sebastian, what did you mean? And why do I think it has more effect on our tangled relationship than the surface? And are you going to eat my soul or aren't you? What's going on? Once he began to question, he couldn't stop. Even should the contract become nulled. How would that happen? And will you always be by my side then? Does that mean I can live out my life – but how?

"Master," said Sebastian, placing two gloved hands on either side of his face. "Please, calm yourself." As though the words – or his touch – were a sedative, Ciel found himself doing just that. "If I had known that my statement would cause such a reaction…"

He didn't clarify whether he would have not said them or merely said them earlier. The confused amusement Ciel could sense suggested the latter. "To answer your questions – do you truly wish to know?"

"W – would I have asked?" He cursed the slight stumble over the words.

"Well. Your answers are – no, I would not eat your soul. It is far too beautiful and darkly intriguing to destroy. I believed for some time that I would 'grow out' of this mindset, but it appears that I truly have changed to the point that I have no interest in you as a meal." He continued on without giving that time to sink in. "The contract, of course, will become nulled should either party violate the terms – though at the moment, this is very difficult to enact. I will always be at your side. And yes, these new developments indicate that you will live considerably longer, provided nothing is allowed to wound you to the point of death." Sebastian smiled, aware that he had missed two questions. "It does not need to have an effect on us at all. That said, it means whatever you say it does."

Ciel's head was spinning. But…

No, this was silly. It shouldn't matter to him as much as it did. He was acting as a child would.

And he didn't know what came over him, really. He only knew that, heart pounding – why? This was Sebastian, after all – he leaned forward and up and pressed his lips to the older man's.

He felt surprise – not displeased surprise – from the demon, and Sebastian's lips parted slightly to allow the kiss. Curious now, Ciel deepened the kiss a bit, tracing the other's mouth with his tongue before leaning a bit farther. He didn't know what he was doing, but Sebastian clearly did – he realized that the servant would be smirking if his lips weren't otherwise occupied, coaxing Ciel's mouth open farther.

And it felt… right, to kiss Sebastian. They were bound together in every way, now. There could not be one without the other, and it hardly mattered that Ciel didn't have time for weak romance when he already belonged to the demon. He was losing nothing.

And what he stood to gain…

They separated, and Ciel realized dimly that he was wrapped protectively in Sebastian's arms. His red eyes were amused, surprised, and filled with some other emotion the younger boy had no name for.

"Always full of surprises," he murmured. "That is my master – never predictable, and always prepared to embrace the darkness. Beautiful."

Ciel wanted to frown and turn away, argue that this didn't mean anything. But… did it mean something?

Could it?

"It means only as much as you think it does, master," purred Sebastian. A quick brush of lips, and he released him. "I shall never leave – and as you well know, my mind and body are yours to do with as you please."

Ciel scowled because he didn't know how to do anything else. "I –" he shook his head as if to clear it. "This doesn't mean I don't expect you to act as my butler. And you'll still do usual duties."

Laughter. "Of course."

"And –" he broke off with a sigh. Without further words, he turned away. "Just go find me the information."

A gentle hand touched his shoulder, and the demon was gone.