A/N: An update! I planned this for Halloween but never finished it on time and had keep pushing it back until recently. I'm sorry to go so long without updating this story but I hope everyone enjoys the new chapter ^^

Warnings: A curse word or two

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji

Dusk settled across the skyline, the sinking sun casting long shadows on everything that its dying light touched. Already, the trees were naked or slowly becoming naked as the fall passed into winter and the days became shorter.

The air outside was crisp, cold enough to need a light jacket during the evenings but not cold enough to stop the mass of children from running around tonight. They were all dressed up for the sacred tradition of begging for free candy in hopes that they could get more than their friends could.

Their loud screams of delight filled the air as Sebastian walked down the sidewalk, his small charge walking right beside him. What had started out as a summer job had turned into a full time job and now had Sebastian working well past the months of summer and into October.

"Still not worth twelve dollars an hour," he grumbled and turned to look at the young boy next to him.

Ciel decided to dress up as a pirate for Halloween, complete with an eye path and a hat with a feather. Sebastian would know what the outfit looked like. He had helped pick it out and add the needed parts that didn't come with the costume to begin with.

Such as the feather. Ciel had been adamant about it, and they went to three different stores before finding the correct feather to go with the hat. They did this of course in September when the stores had boasted all their costumes a month early.

And as Sebastian's luck would turn out, the feather that had caused him so much trouble a month ago wasn't the feather Ciel wanted today. It resulted in a last minute run to the store on his way back from class so he could pick out another feather.

Luckily, this one suited Ciel just fine and they adverted that crisis.

"This house next," Ciel stated next to him, puling Sebastian's mind away from the evil feather. It still sat perched on Ciel's hat and it would be so simple to snatch it away, laughing maniacally all the way.

Ah sweet dreams are made of these.

"Fine," Sebastian answered and followed Ciel as they walked up the driveway. He rang the doorbell for Ciel, who was still too short to ring the bell himself.

The door opened quickly and an older woman beamed down at Ciel. Her eyes twinkled at his costume and she reached for her bowl of candy.

"Trick or treat," Ciel said seriously, holding out his bag for the woman to fill.

"Aren't you a cute one," she cooed and dropped a few pieces of candy in Ciel's bag. She turned to Sebastian. "And it's so sweet that your older brother dressed up to come with you. Would you like some candy as well, hun?"

"He's not my brother," Ciel answered.

The woman gave him an odd look before turning to Sebastian again, as though asking what relationship he had with Ciel. Sebastian could just see the question in her eyes. Did you kidnap this child or are you a pedophile?

Ciel cleared his throat politely and gave Sebastian a pointed look. Sighing, Sebastian looked towards the woman with as much dignity as he could muster. "I'm not related to Master Ciel. I'm merely his butler and am bound to fulfill whatever my Master asks of me." He gave her a pleading look. Please help me.

The woman's mouth opened slightly and then closed again, trying to find a way to answer or comment, but words seemed to fail her. "I see," she finally said. "Would your um, butler like some candy as well?"

Again, Ciel cleared his throat and Sebastian ground his teeth together before answering again. "I'm afraid that I have to decline. As a butler, I am unworthy of such a treat and can only take what my Master offers me." Or better yet, shoot me; please. Put me out of my misery.

The woman seemed to sense his despair and offered him a sympathetic look. "I understand," she said and gave Ciel one last smile. "Have a wonderful night, you two." She gave Sebastian a look that simply said 'good luck.'

Sebastian gave a weak smile and tapped Ciel lightly with his bag. "What do you say?"

"Thank you," Ciel answered and gave a bright smile before they turned away.

Sebastian sighed heavily and trailed Ciel once more. A quick look at his watch showed that they had an hour left before Ciel's curfew started and they had to go back to the manor. He silently thanked Rachel for setting the curfew instead of letting Ciel stay out for as late as he wanted. Knowing Ciel, he would refuse to go back until the midnight hour struck.

He hoped that Ciel would want to call it quits earlier though and Sebastian looked over Ciel, judging him for any signs of weariness. They started trick or treating nearly two hours ago, a long time for a five year old. Surely, his feet hurt by now and his legs were tired. At least Sebastian hoped. Perhaps then, they could call it a night.

He still had homework to finish and while Ciel might have boundless energy at times, Sebastian couldn't say the same for his body. Ciel wore him down and school finished the job, zapping away the remaining energy that Ciel didn't take. It let him sleep soundly at night, but Sebastian's body still protested.

"Life bites," he muttered under his breath as they walked down another walkway.

Ciel glanced over his shoulder. "Hurry up, Sebastian," he called.

Sebastian grunted and quickly lengthened his stride so he could ring the doorbell for the impatient child. No one answered the door and Sebastian sighed heavily before trying one more time. Despite the lights that shone brightly inside, the house remained quiet and Sebastian turned to look at Ciel.

"Perhaps they're busy right now."

Ciel huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "They cheated me out of candy. We'll have to come back later."

"Maybe," Sebastian answered and eyed the décor around the porch. Whoever lived here had a thing for Halloween and went a little overboard in his opinion. Faux spider webs filled every corner and stretched out to entangle unsuspecting visitors. Next to the door, a stuffed grim reaper sat in a rocking chair and Sebastian didn't even want to think about the morbid thoughts that arose from that.

He didn't get to dwell on the thoughts for long as the grim reaper suddenly lunged forward, a bony hand wrapping around Ciel's thin wrist. Ciel screamed bloody murder and dropped his bag as he twisted in the tight grip. A real enough looking sickle appeared next to the being and before Ciel could even scream for Sebastian to save him, Sebastian's fist firmly planted itself against a painted face.

He scooped Ciel up and away from the person, feeling the child shake and tremble in his arms. Sebastian's heart raced with adrenaline and he tightened his grip on Ciel as the costumed person groaned, bringing a hand up to their cheek.

"What was that for?" they moaned.

"Do you really have to ask?" Sebastian snapped as the front door flew open, revealing a rather darkly dressed character and Sebastian glared at him.

"That was brilliant!" The man said and giggled behind his hand. "Best reaction I've seen all night."

A snort came from Sebastian's side and he turned his attention back to the person he punched. "You only say that because he didn't hit you." They rubbed their cheek and pulled off the hood, making bright red hair tumble free. "That was one hell of a right hook."

Sebastian glared at him. "Would you stop cursing in front of him?" he spat. The last thing he needed was for Ciel to notice the words and then repeat them around his mother. After tonight, Sebastian had no doubt that Rachel would give him grief for the scare.

The redhead pouted. "But it hurt. And you ruined my beautiful face."

"You'll live," Sebastian said flatly. He turned to the man in the doorway who had yet to stop laughing. "If you could just give us some candy, we'll be on our way."

Ciel sniffed in his shoulder. "I don't want any candy from here," he said quietly.

Sebastian nodded and adjusted his grip on Ciel. "Never mind. We'll be on our way. Have a good night."

The man in the doorway quickly waved his hands. "No, no. We frightened the child; at least let us make it up to you somehow."

"I'll have to decline," Sebastian said, determined not to set foot inside the house. Who knew what else lurked beyond the door. These two pranksters obviously had too much time on their hands. Scaring older children and teens was one thing, but scaring a five year old crossed the line in Sebastian's book. "We don't even know you."

"You can call me The Undertaker," the man said and he pointed to the redhead. "And that's Grell. We're both harmless. Usually." He gave them a toothy grin before giggling again.

Sebastian shook his head. "Telling me your name doesn't mean anything. The fact of the matter is that this little one," he nodded to Ciel. "Doesn't want to stay here any longer and I have to listen to him."

Grell moved closer. "How chivalrous. I like a man who protects the weak." He winked at him. "If you want, you can always drop the little pirate off and come back here so the adults can talk."

Ciel shifted against him and finally raised his head. He turned to look at Grell and a single cool eye glared at him. "Sebastian is my butler," he said harshly. "You can't have him. Ever."

Embarrassment flooded Sebastian's cheeks at the declaration but he didn't say anything. He couldn't say anything. Not after the scare Ciel had. Scolding him would only shake Ciel more and Sebastian didn't need that on his conscience. "We need to go," he said with as much dignity as he could muster after Ciel's exclamation.

Grell wiggled his fingers and blew a kiss at him. "You're always welcome to come back."

Sebastian flicked him off behind Ciel's back and turned to leave. A hand on his shoulder stopped him and Sebastian glared at The Undertaker. "Yes?"

"He dropped his bag earlier and I'm not one to take a child from their candy," he giggled. "I'm a dentist you see. Halloween is my favorite time of the year because of all the sweets. Remember to have his parents check through all his candy before he eats any."

Sebastian accepted the bag with a stiff 'thanks' and quickly descended the porch steps. Ciel clung tightly to his neck and didn't release his grip until they rounded a corner and the house vanished from their view. Even after that, Ciel still refused to leave the safety of Sebastian's arms and he sniffed quietly.

"Sebastian?"

He hummed and cocked his head to the child. "Hm?"

"That was weird," Ciel said seriously and fiddled with the collar of Sebastian's costume. "We're not going back there again."

Sebastian laughed despite himself. "My thoughts exactly." He shifted Ciel in his arms, readjusting his grip to look at his watch. "We only have time for one more house and then we have to head back. Your mother set a very strict curfew."

At the mention of Rachel, Ciel's hands tightened against the collar, pulling at it until Sebastian wheezed at the constricting feeling. "You're not going to tell mommy about tonight are you?" Sebastian pried his hands away so he could breathe properly. "She'll never let me go trick or treating again."

"I won't tell her," Sebastian reassured him quickly and held up his hand. "It'll be our little secret, right?"

Ciel curled his pinkie around Sebastian's and gave it a firm shake. "Right. Pinkie promise."

Sebastian nodded and let out a heavy sigh. He felt relieved though, knowing that Rachel wouldn't hear about the incident. Not that Sebastian could have prevented it but he had a feeling that Rachel wouldn't see it that way.

Silence settled around them as they walked through the decorated neighborhood, Ciel silently scanning the houses for his next choice. Children still ran throughout the streets, tugging their parents or guardians along with them and Sebastian wondered who else would fall victim to The Undertaker's prank. If Rachel wanted to go after anyone, it should be them. They were the ones who scared Ciel half to death. Sebastian considered himself lucky that Ciel didn't wet his pants.

Finally, Ciel pointed out a house that looked relatively safe. The children that left wore nothing but smiles and they laughed loudly in the cool night air. Sebastian nodded. "Do you want to walk or do you want me to keep carrying you?"

"Carry," Ciel said but tried to reach for the candy bag. "I'll hold this though."

Sebastian rolled his eyes as they walked up the neatly trimmed pathway. He shifted Ciel so he could ring the doorbell and they waited patiently for the door to open. It opened after a few seconds and an older man stood in the doorway, holding a bowl of candy. He peered at them from behind his glasses, a gentle smile on his face.

"Trick or treat," Ciel chirped and held out his bag.

The man smiled at them and dropped a few pieces into his bag. "Those are very creative costumes you two are wearing tonight." He looked at Sebastian. "It's nice to see you caring so much for your younger brother."

Ciel shook his head. "Sebastian isn't my brother." He grinned widely and Sebastian cringed, waiting for the embarrassing words. "He's my bestest friend in the whole world. He's really cool."

Sebastian blinked, not expecting the words. He didn't know where they came from as Ciel called him a butler for the majority of the night and had insisted on treating him as such. But the change of heart wasn't unwelcome and a warm feeling settled in his chest. Times like this made the job worthwhile and Sebastian gave Ciel a light squeeze.

"He looks like a good friend," the man said and slipped a few more pieces of candy into the bag. "You'll share that with him, won't you?"

Ciel beamed. "Of course," he said. "Thank you very much."

The man smiled and nodded at them, and Sebastian gave his own thanks before they walked away. Ciel waved one last time before slumping against Sebastian. "Tired?" Sebastian asked.

"Kinda," Ciel muttered and tried to hide a yawn behind his hand. "My feet hurt."

Sebastian chuckled but didn't comment on the statement. He knew he would hear those words at least once tonight. "Let's head on back then. It's time for you to get home anyway." He quickly located the car and unlocked it. Ciel wiggled against him and Sebastian set him down on the ground.

Ciel climbed inside the car and Sebastian set the bag of candy at his feet before clipping the seatbelt into place. Ciel eyed the candy with hunger in his eyes and Sebastian moved the bag behind his seat. Best not to tempt fate. If Ciel ate the candy now, he would never sleep tonight and Sebastian would have to deal with him.

He ignored Ciel's complaints as he slid into the car and started it. The engine purred under his fingers and Sebastian pulled away from his parking spot. The neighborhood Ciel lived in wasn't ideal for trick or treating and in order to give Ciel a decent Halloween, his parents usually took him to a nearby neighborhood that had plenty of kids. It worked out in the end, but it made more work for Sebastian.

"I wasn't going to eat any, honest," Ciel said.

Sebastian shook his head. "I know. But I just took the temptation away, that's all." He turned onto a road. "I'm sure your parents will want to look over the candy before you eat anything too. They gave me very strict instructions not to let you eat anything until they looked through it first."

Ciel pouted and glanced out the window. His fingers twirled around each other in his lap and he shifted every few seconds, his lips pursed in thought. Sebastian knew the look. Ciel used the look whenever he had to say something he didn't want to say. Or Ciel had to use the restroom. Sebastian hoped it was the former.

"Thank you for taking me trick or treating," Ciel finally said. His fidgeting continued and Sebastian waited patiently for him to continue. "And thank you for protecting me from that scary man."

"You're welcome," Sebastian answered. "Thank you for letting me come trick or treating with you."

Ciel smiled. "It was fun," he said and stroked the feather on his hat. "And I meant what I said earlier. About you being my bestest friend. You were really cool when you protected me."

Sebastian reached over to ruffle Ciel's hair. "That's what friends do," he said. "And I'm honored that I'm your best friend."

"Bestest," Ciel corrected.

"Bestest," Sebastian agreed and pulled into the driveway while Ciel beamed at him.

Funny how something so small could mean the world to Ciel and despite the humiliation tonight, Sebastian wouldn't take back anything. Even though he would never admit it aloud, Ciel wasn't always horrible and he had his good moments. It made the job worthwhile and those were the days that Sebastian cherished the most.

He helped Ciel out of the car and hefted him into his arms before Ciel could start complaining about his sore feet. Rachel waited for them at the doorway and she accepted her sleepy son from Sebastian, brushing his hair from his face.

"Did you have fun?" she asked.

Ciel nodded. "Sebastian was the best butler ever."

Rachel chuckled and balanced Ciel on her hip. "Let's get you upstairs and into the tub. You have school tomorrow." She turned to Sebastian. "And thank you, Sebastian, for taking him out tonight."

"We had fun," Sebastian answered and held up the bag. "Where do you want me to put this?"

"In the kitchen please. Bard will look through everything to make sure nothing is open."

Sebastian hummed and bid Ciel a good night before heading to the kitchen. The chef snorted with laughter when he entered the kitchen and Sebastian shook his head. "Don't say a word," he warned.

Bard clutched his sides. "I don't have to; your outfit says it all." His loud laughter echoed throughout the room and Sebastian rubbed his temples as he set the bag of candy on the counter. Slowly, the laughter tapered away and Bard looked at the bag. "Right, let's see what you two brought in this year. This is the first time Ciel went trick or treating without his parents."

Bard's lips twitched and Sebastian held up a finger, warning him not to continue his train of thoughts. "Just look through the candy so I can tell his mother that it's safe to eat. Not that he needs anymore sugar."

The candy clattered against the counter and Bard spread it out, whistling at the amount. "Probably not, but in the end, you're the one who has to deal with the extra sugar rush."

Sebastian shook his head. "The teachers do now. He's usually calmed down some by the time he comes back from school."

Bard looked up at him. "From what I hear, he gets really excited on the days you take him to school and pick him up. He bragged to me the other day how cool you were and how his friends all think you're amazing."

"Jealous?" Sebastian teased and snagged the candy he received at their last house. He nudged a small circular tube covered in tissue paper. "What is this?"

"Dunno," Bard murmured and lifted it up. "Looks like one of those gifts you hand out at birthday parties as party favors. Usually has a small toy or candy inside it."

Sebastian rolled his eyes and popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth. "Charming. More candy," he said. "Open it up."

Bard flicked him off but pulled the ribbon off the package and peeled back the wrapping paper. He shouted as small fake snakes shot out at him and he dropped the tube. A few choice curses left his mouth and he glared at the package before scowling at Sebastian. "Shut up."

"Call it revenge," Sebastian said in between laughs. He didn't remember anyone giving Ciel a treat like that but he had a pretty good idea where it came from. Only once was the bag of candy out of Sebastian's sight and in someone else's hands. The Undertaker played a clever game. Still, it didn't stop Sebastian from wanting to egg his house.

"I hate Halloween," Bard muttered as he tossed the gag gift into the trash and continued to look through the candy.

Sebastian simply snickered and stole another piece of chocolate.