A/N: Short chapter this time. I'm not predicting this series of ficlets will last very long. This takes place immediately after the last chapter, but expect to see time jumps after this, as I don't intend to totally re-write all of Yana's work. In this AU, Ciel doesn't have the vocabulary to describe their gender, as gender identity wasn't a big thing in Victorian England, but, as you may have noticed, I am introducing gender neutral pronouns for Ciel, calling them they/them and referring to their possessions and emotions as theirs. This is intentional and also grammatically correct.
"I know Ciel is a name with female connotation, would you like me to call you something else," the butler asked.
"No! I'm comfortable in my own skin enough to be the Earl Phantomhive with a girl's name."
"Would you prefer—"
"Look, Sebastian, I'm not here to issue a royal decree on my gender. I'm not a girl, and you've managed to discover that I am not a boy either; isn't that enough?"
"Apologies, master, I just want to address you correctly."
"Enough with the master stuff! God forbid anyone overhears and finds out I've got a demon working for me. I'm her majesty's most trusted informant and I can't go wrecking that reputation."
"Of course m—," Sebastian stopped himself before he could disobey the command, "—y," he paused again trying to think of a gender neutral title.
"I'm going to make this real simple for you; I am known as the Earl Phantomhive, and I'd just as soon assume you embrace the masculine aura I've asserted."
"Yes, my… lord," Sebastian tried out the word on his tongue. Ciel did not seem angered by it, in fact, the child seemed to perk up a bit.
"Good, now that we've got that sorted out, let's be off," his master commanded.
They looked up at Sebastian as if expecting he could guide the two of them.
"Right, which way," the demon asked.
Ciel didn't say anything, but stared off into the distance, thoughtful.
"My lord?"
"I didn't get out much. I don't suppose it matters, though. My mansion has burned down. Take me to the Royal Hospital."
"Master, are you in medical distress," Sebastian aimed to sound concerned rather than panicked. It was his first day out of hell in a long time, and if his master died before their contract completion, he would fail.
"No, of course not," Ciel scowled. "My aunt works there. She'll know where to send me."
"Right away."
A command was enough to activate Sebastian's contract, giving him the distinct urge to walk to the East. That was where his master needed to be in order for their request to be completed, and Sebastian would be a good butler.
"Are we to walk, then," Ciel asked incredulously.
"Would it not please you to be out underneath the sun with this cool breeze?"
"No, it would not," they scowled.
"Then, if you please, I will carry you," Sebastian warned his master before picking them up.
The child huffed, but did not protest. It would have been easy to get to the Royal Hospital in a matter of minutes if the demon took full advantage of his speed, but, as to not scare his master, he kept it at an accelerated walking pace.