Sebastian waited in the drawing room alone. Ciel was to meet him there and accompany him to their daughters' performance. He glanced at the clock with a sigh. His former mate was nearly late.

This wouldn't happen if you were still with me, that would mean you still lived here. the future king's heart was breaking.

"Master, master Ciel has arrived." Cynna announced, giving a low bow.

"Since when does he need to be announced, he is always welcome to walk straight in." Sebastian said straightened his black jacket as he stood to greet Ciel. The older demon smiled when his former mate came into view.

"Ciel, it's always good to see you." He held out his arms, embracing his guest.

"Every time I come here you act as if you haven't seen me for a thousand years." Ciel returned the gesture.

"Indeed it feels longer than that." Sebastian replied.

"It was just last week. "

"Far too long." Sebastian released him.

"How could you possible miss me that much in such a short amount of time?"

"It's quite easy. I always miss you, every second of each day that passes. Do you mean to say you don't feel the slightest bit-" Ciel turn away from him.

"I never said that, did I?"

"Then you feel the same?" Sebastian asked seeing a faint glimmer of hope.

"I do miss you, I won't deny it. We do share children and many years of fond memories. I told you before, I'll always have love for you. You've done so much for and I've caused you a great deal of trouble in the process."

"Surely you know by now that I would take any trouble in the world for you., even now."

"I do know that, always such a loyal mate." Ciel said. "You should think about. .getting another one, it's not fair for you to be stuck on the idea that I'm the only one. You haven't even tried to-"

"I understand that you are looking after my well being when you suggest this but my answer remains the same. MayI ask you a question, purely out of curiosity?"

"I suppose so."

"Would you ever consider... Coming home when you've gotten to see everything you wanted?"

"Sebastian, I-" Suddenly, Ciel found himself in Sebastian's arms. Sebastian kissed his, moving to the couch where he leaned the younger demon against the arm of the sofa, never breaking their kiss. Ciel didn't pull away, instead, he instinctively wrapped his arms around the dark figure's neck.

After a moment , Ciel gently pressed a hand to Sebastian's chest, pushing him away.

"This can't happen." He said in what Sebastian could swear was a regretful tone.

"Of course, all apologizes. I would never-"

"No, i - Let's just go." Sebastian stood, pulling Ciel up with him.

"Does he treat you well?" Ciel seemed surprised by the question.

"Who?"

"The one Cynna sees you with, is he not your new love?" Ciel smirked.

"Are you talking about Zander, he's nice, but you have the wrong idea .Don't you remember, we've been through all this before."

"Ah yes, I don't much care for him. Cynna said you seemed rather close."

"I do apologize sir,they were standing close together, I had hoped that if I did not clarify, you may go after him. I cannot bear to see you so pained." Cynna interrupted.

"We should get going Sebastian, the children are waiting for us. We're late as it is." Ciel said leading the way out of the room. Sebastian glared at Cynna.

"You and I will speak later." He growled, following the former earl from the room.

"Yes, my lord, we must. It's time we had a long talk indeed."

Once outside, Sebastian and Ciel made their way down the old cobblestone road toward town.

"Beautiful evening for a walk." The soon to be king commented.

"I suppose so." Ciel replied. Silence fell over them. Sebastian listened to the sound of the owls hidden in the trees that lined the road.

"Have you planned your little adventure?" He asked breaking the silence.

"No. I've decided not to go."

"When did you decide that, I thought you wanted to see the world." Sebastian questioned.

"Just before Rachel told us about her performance. I'd rather not talk about it if you you don't mind."

"Of course not, but should you change your mind, I shall be here to listen." Ciel didn't reply, leaving the older demon feeling concerned.

"I just want to get to the theatre and enjoy their performance."

"Yes. I'm sure they will be amazing.. Just like their mother."

"You know, the children are spending the week at the castle, if you wanted to, perhaps we could have some family time."

"I'd like that." Ciel said. It seemed to take the demons an eternity to reach the grand theatre. They smiled proudly upon seeing the poster with their daughters dressed elegantly each o e wearing a long dress with diamond earrings.

"Mama, Dad, you made it just in time they're almost ready to start, Rowan and Vincent are saving seats in the front." Evian said quickly ushering his parents inside.

"It wasn't easy, but we thought if our sisters saw you two in front, perhaps they wouldn't be so nervous." The eldest Michaelis son explained.

"Just like when they were small, you were such a comfort to them Ciel." Sebastian sighed.

"I tried to be "

"We are in the middle up ahead." Evian informed them. When finally they found their seats, the sat quickly as the curtains went up and Angelina, Kathryn and Rachel appeared center stage. The girls immediately noticed their family and each gave a small wave. The crowd became still and Sebastian and Ciel settled in close to each other to watch.