Sebastian held Ciel gently nuzzling the young demon as they floated slowly down the canal, they had enjoyed the vineyard and the older demon had been pleasantly surprised to find out just how relaxed his mate could be once they got past his concern for their children. Ciel had given him yet another gift when he looked into Sebastian's eyes and genuinely smiled at him. To see his mate enjoying himself made Sebastian truly joyful, and he too began acting more of a mate than perhaps he should have in front of the humans.

Now here they were, Sebastian was cuddling his Ciel as he had so many times before, something that happened more often in the beginning of their relationship, before Evian was born. Ciel rested his head on Sebastian's chest, The soft yet strong sound was soothing to the young demon. Vito looked on as he navigated the waterways., a grin appeared on his face as well. The demon, who Vito had called Master, a demon called Tyrus, a large figure with golden eyes had suggested they take Vito as their guide, to make it easier as it was the season for tourists and gondolas were exceedingly popular, he had also given the princes two bottle of their favorite wine to take home as both a belated wedding gift and a gesture of friendship.

"If ever you find yourself running out my princes,please, don't hesitate to contact me or visit again, it was both a pleasure and an honor to have you here. It isn't everyday that I have royalty over, our kind comes quite often, but you two, never have I seen such a pure and deep love, I can't tell you what a joy it's been. I am of course happy for you both. I never thought I would see the day when Prince Sebastian would bring a mate to my Vineyard. Sure this alone is cause for celebration." Tyrus had said handing Sebastian not only two bottles of wine, but also two elegant glasses, both decorated with their initials and two hearts linked together.

"My gift to you my princes, please accept them as a sign of my happiness for you and unwavering loyalty." The large demon bowed

"My Ciel, I can't find the words to tell you how precious you are to me." he said softly.

"You don't need words. I feel it. you've never had to say anything. I hear it best when you hold me or nuzzle me. That's your way of showing deep affection, you explained it before 'i can't doubt how much you love me when you do that. You still hold me so gently and lovingly. If there were no words at all, I would still hear you Sebastian,the things you do tell me more than words ever could. I'd forgotten how nice this could be. The moon and the stars are so bright here and the way they reflect on the water, it's amazing. I'm glad we did this."

"I'm happy that you feel that way Ciel, truly this little adventure of ours is well worth it. It's seems that our little Paris is working it's magic on you as well. it's been a long time since you allowed me to cuddle you so closely."

"A cuddle now and then is nice. I just don't like to feel like I should be doing other things, I can't appreciate it if my mind is elsewhere. it's like being somewhere physically but not really there at all. I'm always worried about our children or something goes wrong, or something needs done and I've forgotten because the children needed me and-"

"There's your problem my love, you have to learn to turn your mind down and let your heart speak once in a while. I understand that it's hard for you, but maybe it's something you and I can work on together. "

"I can't expect you to -'

"You're my mate, if you have a problem, I want to help you overcome it. This is part of a marriage, even in it's human term. My problem is yours, that is all part of the unity such a bond creates. your pain is mine, what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine. That doesn't simply apply to dividing property when things among humans don't go as planned. If the humans could understand this, perhaps there would be less division. You mustn't try to fix these things alone Ciel. This is why you will sometimes hear a mate refer to a 'partner' I personally prefer the term mate as it creates a sense of love rather than a potential business associate."

"I like being a 'mate' better too. I agree with you." A silence fell over them as they continued down the canal, the soft moonlight beaming down upon them.

"Ciel?" Sebastian called gently.

"what?"

"Are you alright, you're quiet now."

"I'm fine, I just feel so peaceful, it's not an everyday occurrence but when it happens, I like to hold onto it for a bit." Ciel's tone was indeed serene, the young demon sighed contentedly.

"I can't help feeling a little guilty, the children are probably missing us and I just can't stop thinking that maybe we should get back to them, we've had our time alone and as perfect as it's been, we're still parents."

"Ciel, you can make it through these few days, I believe in remember that they're being cared for and let yourself continue to feel at peace, allow this feeling to quiet your mind and let go of the guilt. You've done nothing wrong."

Ciel snuggled into his mate, Sebastian began to stroke his hair older demon knew it would be a comfort to his mate. Soon, Ciel's worry seemed to melt away as he allowed himself to become aware of the feelings in his heart.

"Cousin Lizzy, have you gone to sleepy land?" Rachel whispered as she entered Elizabeth's room. Lizzy rubbed her eyes, she was nearly asleep.

"No sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked sitting up in bed.

"Can I come and tell you?" the little demon asked.

"Of course, what is it Rachel?" Rachel ran to the bed and climbed up beside Lizzy to lean into her side. Lizzy put a comforting arm around her.

"It is my mommy and daddy, they are not home and I miss them so much, I know mommy needs daddy time just like me and my brothers and baby sisters. I wish they would come home to me. what if they like this place and want to live there all by themselves and then never find us again and then I will cry forever and ever and ever until I float away in my tiny Rachel tears,that will be the most unhappy thing that ever happened to us, even when kitty went to live with Grandma Rachel and Grandpa Vincent. What will we do Cousin Lizzy, maybe Mommy and daddy will get new tiny babies to have." Rachel sobbed.

"That won't ever happen. Your mommy and daddy just want to spend some time together, that's all. They'll come home just like they promised 'll see."

"Do you think Mommy will bring home a new tiny baby sister?" Lizzy chuckled.

"Probably not sweetie, but he'll give you a really big hug for sure."

"Oh mommy hugs are the best kind, they are warm and good and my heart is happy and giggly when I get them. Do you think my mommy misses us?"

"Yes, very much. That's how I know he'll come back."Lizzy said.

"Because we are babies?"

"Because you're his babies. Your mommy would never leave his babies forever. It would make him so sad if he never got to see you again."

"Then they will be home again soon?"

"Before you know it." Lizzy confirmed.

"Can we please make Valentimes for mommy and daddy to surprise them?"

"I think that's a lovely idea, but right now it's time too go to sleep, okay?"

"Yes, Cousin Lizzy, I will be a good Rachel and go to sleep just for you." Rachel kissed Lizzy's cheek gently.

"Goodnight Cousin Lizzy, I love you, thank you for being so nice." Rachel climbed down from the bed.

"Goodnight sweetheart, sweet dreams, I love you too. I'll see you in the morning." Lizzy called as the princess made her way out into the hall.

Lizzy laid back down and sighed. She loved her little cousins.

"So adorable" she whispered closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep with a smile .