"My Ciel has been on your side of the world for nearly two weeks. I've had no contact and I'm concerned." Sebastian said into the receiver.

"Then let me calm your fears Majesty, I can tell you with certainty that he's fine, he comes in often. In fact, he's quite the celebrity ." the demon replied with a chuckle.

"What do you mean, what do you have him doing, Gray?" Sebastian leaned forward in his chair.

"I don't, he does it himself, since the first time he set foot in my bar. In fairness to your beloved, it was Jonathan that dragged him here the first time. They were with a small group of our kind, most about his age. Your former mate is what we refer to as a shark."

"Explain yourself, I'm unfamiliar with this term." The future king demanded.

"It does not surprise me, it seems to be an American term, I myself hadn't heard it before coming here and only recently sir. All it means is that humans often come in for a drink as well as demons, some head to the billiard table, here the game is called pool. Ciel is frequently challenged by my patrons, he will at first pretend he doesn't know what he's doing and when they least expect it... He takes the game. He has yet to loose, in fact, we've been taking bets. He is also good with cards."

"Of course, he was always meant to be a king, if not the king of Hell, the undisputed king of games. Either way, do watch over him when you can and should he come back, tell him I called."

"Yes, I will. My deepest apologizes, but I must-" the demon's voice was drown out by voices chanting in unison.

"Who will it be this time?" A voice called faintly as the chants ceased.

I can't say for sure at the moment, go bring me a drink." The familiar sound reached Sebastian's ears.

"Who is Ciel talking to?" The Prince asked, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Should you be drinking, after all you should be caref:-"

"Go on, I won't ask again. I don't like repeating myself. I'm not a broken record." Ciel snapped

"Gray, I want to know who that is." There was a moment of silence.

"Why are you so angry?" The former Earl questioned. Sebastian sighed.

"I'm not angry, I simply-"

"You were raising your voice. I could hear you just as clearly as if you were standing beside me. '

" I was concerned, I haven't heard from you in weeks and there you are-"

" no need to be jealous of my company either."

"I'm never-"

"Really, Sebastian.. I've been busy trying to pull some money together, I'm sorry if I worried you."

"It's not really your doing, I just can't seem to let go. It sounds like you're doing well."

"I suppose. What about you and the children?"

"We're managing, the staff send their love. My mother misses you as well. The children are very well. You do know that if you need money you can always contact Me. You may not be my mate,but you are still the mother of my children and I will always make sure you have everything you need."

"I'll never understand, I broke your heart and you still want to take care of me." Ciel said softly.

"I also still want you home. You excel at being free, now that you've gotten used to life on your own, though I am happy for you, and you and I remain close, I feel a tremendous sense of loss in my heart."

"I'm sorry.I didn't want you to feel that way, you deserve better. Give some thought to finding someone that makes you happy."

"I have someone in mind, the problem is he's decided that he doesn't feel the same."

"Sebastian-"

"I know it's my fault. If I had only been more patient with you-"

"You're still very patient with me. I need you to hear this and understand, I left because I wanted to see everything, we raised an amazing family. Our children are grown and I just-its not something you did or didn't do. I'll always love you but right now I just need this."

" of course, I just miss you so much. My father plans on passing the crown to me in the coming month,I would very much like you to be there if possible."

"I'll be there." Ciel promised sincerely.

"It would mean the world to me." The older demon added.

"It'll be good to see you."

"Tell me, the one you were speaking to, is he my replacement?" The pain in Sebastian's voice crushed Ciel's heart.

"Do you want the truth?"

"I would hope you would be comfortable enough after our years together to tell me the truth, yes."

"Here it is then, no one can ever replace you."

"You wouldn't be his mate then?"

"No. He'd like that, but I'm not interested. I make it very clear to him. I'll make you a promise since you keep asking, if I ever did find myself interested I'll tell you."

"Fair enough. One more thing." Sebastian continued. "Are you all right, he said you had to be careful when you asked for a drink, what was-"

"I'd rather not talk about that if it's all right." The former Earl's tone changed suddenly, becoming more reserved.

"You haven't developed a problem I hope."

"Such as?"

"Frequent visits to a pub-"

"I don't drink much, if that's what you're getting at. Most of my time here is billiards. Don't worry." After hanging up, Ciel sighed heavily, returning to his usual table in the far corner of the building. Seconds later, a glass had been placed in front of him and a male demon barely taller than Ciel sat down beside him.

"You should've brought the bottle.," Ciel commented.

"I shouldn't let you have that in the first place."

"What are you so worried about,Magnus?"

"You know damn well what worries me, look at me." Ciel emptied the glass before meeting the other demon's gaze.

"I know you think you know better than anyone else when it comes to your-"

"I'm not having this argument with you, I told you it's not your concern." Ciel said sternly, staring into Magnus' pale violet eyes.

"I - as someone that loves you, I don't want to see you go through this. We can have a life here, one day we could have a family of our own. I would of course love to meet your grown chil-'

" I told you, there's no 'we' you've been a good friend, don't ruin that. " Ciel warned. "Even if I did feel that way, I've had my children, I wouldn't want to start over. We want two different things." Ciel stood up, from his table, leaving some money on the table.

"Ciel, where are you going?" Magnus called, beginning to follow him

"I have something I need to do." He disappeared from view, leaving Magnus alone in the bar.