I know I said in the first chapter that Ciel would probably be 12 when the story ends, but I kinda like little Ciel, haha. I'm thinking maybe 8. What would you guys like?

I don't own Kuroshitsuji.

~princess

Tuesday was another beautiful day, but on Wednesday the sky was grey and there were cold winds. Sebastian and Ciel ate lunch at the café and afterwards Ciel managed to persuade Sebastian to walk on the beach.

To Ciel's joy, the beach was almost empty, as most people stayed indoors. "I'm not surprised," said Sebastian, his teeth chattering as he pulled his big coat tighter around him. "Ciel, come away from the water. You're not going swimming, you'll catch a cold."

"Can I take my shoes off and splash in it?" begged the child, ignoring Sebastian as he ran along the edge of the water, waves splashing over his shoes.

"No, your feet will be too co- there, I knew that would happen!" Sebastian hurried over to Ciel, who had tripped over a small rock in the sand and fallen face first into the water. The child cried miserably, making no attempt to get up.

"You're soaking wet, poor thing…come here." Sebastian bent down and lifted Ciel off the sand. The child sobbed into his shoulder and clung on tightly.

"You'll catch a terrible cold," murmured Sebastian anxiously, hurrying back to the cabin. Once they were inside he quickly removed Ciel's wet clothing and dressed him in his pyjamas.

Ciel continued to cry.

"You're warm and dry now, what are those tears for?" Sebastian sat on the bed, pulled the child into his lap and took a tissue from his pocket, gently wiping Ciel's wet cheeks. "Shhh, it's all right. Are you hurt?"

"Cold," sobbed Ciel, rubbing his eyes with his fists.

Sebastian stood up, holding the child in one arm, and flicked the fire on. "Is that better?" he asked, sitting on the rug beside the fire with Ciel in his arms.

The child nodded and allowed Sebastian to wipe his face clean. He yawned.

"Perhaps you'd better go to sleep. I hope you don't get ill…"

Two hours later:

Ciel sneezed the second he awoke, then broke into a coughing fit. Feeling something gently patting his back, he looked to the side to see Sebastian looking worriedly at him.

"Ah good, you're awake." Ciel lay back down and gazed up at him, shivering despite feeling intensely hot. Sebastian frowned as he pressed a hand to his forehead.

"You have a bit of a fever." He lifted the child from the bed and held him on his knee, trying to cool him down. "You can go back to sleep, if you wish."

Ciel sniffled and sat up a little, clinging to Sebastian's hand. "Sebastian…"

"Yes?" Sebastian leaned down.

"I saw…a photo in your wardrobe." Ciel snuggled into his chest, looking up at him innocently.

Sebastian's eyes widened. "What of it?"

"It was a woman; and Sebastian, the next door neighbour told me a woman used to live at your house five years ago."

"It's…nothing," said Sebastian, in a choked voice. "It's been five years. It doesn't matter anymore."

"Please tell me," whispered Ciel. He smiled innocently. "Maybe I can make you feel better."

Sebastian laughed and kissed the top of his head. "Don't worry about it, little one. I did have a partner- girlfriend, if you like- a few years ago, but I've moved on now."

"Did she die?"

"No, she just…disappeared. I-I'm not really sure. I woke up one morning and she was gone. She left a note saying she had to go, but that was it."

Ciel gazed thoughtfully at Sebastian. "Sebastian…" He looked down and fiddled with his hands.

"Something wrong?"

"I think I know her. What was her name?"

"Don't be silly." Sebastian ruffled his hair fondly. "Her name was Rachel, but I told you, it doesn't matter. I've moved on."

"Do you have any other photos? I only saw the one in your wardrobe for a few seconds."

Sebastian dug in his pocket and pulled out a small photo. "This is the only other one I have."

Ciel took it and studied it carefully.

He shook his head.

"Something's off. But I'm sure I saw her." He handed the photo back to Sebastian.

"Well, many women have blonde hair and blue eyes. You must have seen someone who looks like her."

"You're right." Ciel gave a yawn and turned to face Sebastian, leaning against him. "I don't want you to be sad, though…"

Sebastian hugged him gently, pressing his cheek to the top of the child's head. "I'm fine. It was a long time ago. Now come on, you need to go to sleep. Do you want me to put you back in bed?"

"Want to sleep here," insisted Ciel, hugging Sebastian's arm. He closed his eyes.

Sebastian sat down on the bed, leaning against the headboard, keeping the child in his lap. There was a peaceful silence, then Ciel murmured sleepily.

"Sebastian…did you love her?"

"Yes," he admitted.

"Do you still love her?"

"Perhaps a little bit." Sebastian paused and gently brushed a strand of hair from the child's face. "But I love you more."

Ciel pouted. "Hey! I'm not a woman!"

Sebastian laughed before shushing him back to sleep. "Not like that. You're my best friend, aren't you?"

"Mm hmm." With that, the child finally fell asleep.