"I suppose it's best to get right to the point, I hope you can understand. It's quite an urgent matter." Abberline began. "I don't know how much you remember about the last conversation we had together during our visit ...when I mentioned to you that Maria had just given me a son, little Fred. " He paused. Ciel gave a short nod.
"I remember that, " Ciel confirmed. "Go on."
"I'm sure you realize what Maria and I walking in together means, you're a bright young man. She joined me this morning. Consumption sent her to me."Abberline explained.
"I'm sorry," Ciel replied sincerely. Though Ciel himself had never witnessed the effects of the disease, he heard terrible stories.
"Thank you. " Maria spoke, at last, raising her head to meet Ciel's gaze. "More importantly, my son- my little Freddy, when I realized what I had, months ago, I sent him to stay with a family member who took him in only after I begged her. I offered what I could for his care. As Fred and I weren't married, they judged him on our actions and want nothing to do with him. H-He really is a sweet boy."Maria sobbed.
"He'll be alright, my dear." Abberline soothed. "she sent him off the moment the news of Maria's death reached the family. She was quite cruel to him, to begin with, keeping him in the smallest room she could convert into a bedroom. For fear of the illness, she took everything and left him with nothing from home, not even the bear his mother gave him. He has no one to care for him and he's out there on his own. You know the dangers he could be facing. I would go to him myself if I could, but as you know, Maria and I can't interfere."
"When you say she sent him off-"
"She put him on the street, to her he is a product of sin and because of us, he must now suffer."Ciel's heart broke for the boy, he knew the cruelties of the world and would never wish them on anyone, especially a child.
"We can't step in, but you can. You're not bound to the restrictions-please, Ciel. The man pleaded.
"You want me to find him?"Ciel asked. Abberline and Maria exchanged glances.
"Yes, but he'll also need a place to stay. We're asking that you bring him into your family. I know we're asking far too much, and under any other circumstance, we wouldn't burden you. We have nowhere to turn. I don't want you to agree because you think you still owe me anything. You don't, not at all. I will owe you for the rest of eternity if you would-"
"Don't be ridiculous, children aren't a burden. As a mother, I couldn't imagine allowing my little ones to be in that state, but do you understand what you're asking? You know we're a family of demons, that Sebastian's father lives downstairs, don't you think it's in his best interest to be in a better place? I'll find him, but are you sure this is the place you want him to grow up in?"
"We know he'll be safe with you, Ciel. Our son is more precious to us than our own lives were and I have all the confidence that you can and would protect him as your own. We were also hoping that perhaps we could come and see him from time to time."
"I'm not going to stop you from seeing your son, Abberline. I've told you the door's always open. When Sebastian gets back, we'll figure out what to do with the children and be on our way as soon as possible." The former earl turned to his gardener.
"Finny, I need you to go find Cynna and have him set up a room for our guest." Finny stood up immediately.
"Yes, young Master." He said, hurrying from the room and out of sight.
"We truly can't tell you how grateful we are."The man said.
"Mama!" Evian's voice cried from the hallway. "Mama, we are home now and baby Angel ate my snack from Grandmother's castle!" Ciel sighed.
"Excuse me." He said standing from his seat. "I'll speak to Sebastian, If there's any information you have on how to find him, we'll get it from you in just a moment."The couple nodded.
"I told you, Ciel does have a good heart."Abberline pointed out as Ciel exited the room. He journeyed further down the hall, following Evian's voice to the study. Sebastian was wrestling an angry Angelina into her crib as Evian sobbed on the floor.
"Ciel, thank goodness." Sebastian greeted, bending to kiss his mate. "The little ones have been having one of those rare days where they're fighting and arguing over everything. My poor mother-"
"I have a problem." The former earl said, lifting his eldest son into his arms.
"What do you mean, what sort of problem?" Sebastian inquired. "Are you-"
"I'm fine. I know I should've spoken to you about this, but...we're getting a new resident soon and I-" The tall dark shadow shook his head.
"Dear one, you know I will always do what I can to help you, what do you mean by a new resident?"
"Abberline's here with Maria. Their son-"
"Please tell me you didn't-" Ciel lowered Evian to his feet. The child wiped away the tears from his eyes.
"Go change for bed and I'll come and say goodnight shortly," Ciel promised.
"W-Will there be Mama and Evian snuggles?"The demonling sniffled.
"Of course there will. I'll take care of your sister, tell Rowan, Vincent, and Rachel to get ready too." Evian continued to sob, rubbing his eyes as he went about his task.
"My poor little Evian," Ciel said softly. Sebastian sank to the floor in front of his mate, meeting him at eye level.
"Now, what possessed you to offer-"
"I didn't offer, not exactly. Little Fred has nowhere else to go, no family willing to care for him. I thought of our little ones. If it had been one of ours-" He leaned into Sebastian's chest. "The world is a dangerous place for a child, Sebastian. I know as your mate, it's something I should've talked to you about, but so much can happen in such a short time and we need to get there quickly."
"Ciel, you're talking about bringing a human child into a castle full of demons. Angelina alone is a danger." The demon prince said gently.
"He has a better chance here than the streets of London, all on his own. I'm asking you for a lot right now, but I was alone once and it's a frightening experience. No one was coming to save me, no one could until you found me. We can do something. if we can prevent what happened to me or Alois from happening to him-"The pained tone in Ciel's voice was far too much for Sebastian as the young demon met his gaze.
"Sebastian, I need you." The older demon sighed.
"I suppose when you put it that way, how can I refuse?"Sebastian wrapped his arms around his mate as he stood once more. "Come Ciel, we must not waste time."Ciel nuzzled Sebastian lovingly.
"Thank you, for putting up with me. I really couldn't ask for a better mate."
"Nor could I, my love. I'm quite proud of the demon you've turned out to be. Come along, let's see what information we can gather."