A Second Chance

by half-breed vampire

"Are you sure though? You don't have to start a new life at the place you were dropped in." Sebastian told me. I gave a half hearted smirk as I stared at the ground, "A life as a servant? It might not be so bad... SebasXOc. Warning: Yaoi.

16. I will love you till the very end

Disclaimer: Music belongs to Evanescence and Phil Collins

Chapter 16

~ASC~

The circus was buzzing around as the troupe members worried and searched for the first tiers

"What happened to Joker and the others?"

"They said they would be back by today."

A snake hissed and Snake looked at it, "I still can't smell them, so they aren't even close by. Says Oscar."

"Isn't this the first time this kind of thing has happened?" One troupe member asked.

"I wonder if they are okay."

Another snake hissed and Snake shivered slightly from the cold as he said, "They said they would be back by morning...says Emily."

"In any case, what will we do about today's performance? Let's look for replacements."

Snake started to walk out of the circus and he paused for a second, and turned around to look at the sign, "It's lonely being by yourself..."

~ASC~

Ciel stepped out of the taxi carriage. Matthew hadn't left Toby's side, trying hard to save the girl, who almost died twice in the night. Sebastian looked at the people swarming around the platform and they both started walking. "There's only first class seats left on the next train."

A little girl walked around and asked people, "Would you like some flowers?"

Another little girl, clothes ragged and a basket of oranges in her hand called to Ciel, before he entered the compartment. "Mister...would you like an orange? It's one penny." Ciel gave her a brief look, "Buy it." He said as he went inside. "Thank you so much!" She said as she handed the orange to Sebastian who paid her, "May God's blessing be with you on your journey."

Sebastian eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the girl, she looked a lot like Toby, and he followed Ciel inside the train. He picked the luggage up and placed it up above, "Apologies, because of our sudden departure the third class seats were booked out, therefore I will be in first class also."

"I don't really care." Ciel removed his hat and handed it to Sebastian. The train whistled and it started to move forward, slowly gaining speed till the outside was almost a blur. Ciel stared out the window, silent the entire time and Sebastian looked at the forgotten orange; they were Matthew's second favorite fruit, green apples being the first. Sebastian looked to Ciel "May I," He grabbed the orange, and said "ask just one question?" He took out a knife and started peeling the skin. "What?" Ciel said.

"Why go to the workhouse that they were brought up in?"

Ciel stopped, caught off-guard by the question and he said, "Well you can't run a workhouse when the patron has gone, you need a new patron. Since Earl Barton is nearby he won't refuse the donation, there's no harm in introducing myself."

Sebastian smirked, "Are you showing sympathy?"

"Cleaning up the mess is the Phantomhive's job. There's no need to sacrifice the public over the selfish actions of the underground." Sebastian spread the pieces of oranges evenly, and used the bottom half of the skin as a bowl. "Then why did you kill those children?" Ciel removed his black glove and picked up a piece, "I've seen many things like those children in the past. When they became that way there was no going back."

"So...they would be happier in death? How arrogant."

"Do non-arrogant people exist?"

Sebastian chuckled, "I have never met one."

Ciel licked his thumb of the juices, "Weak humans, moreover children. How much strength do you think they would have needed to come back from a condition like that? Back then I accidentally summoned a demon so I received the power to come back. However, at the Kelvin manor the only demon was you...and that demon is mine." Ciel looked back out the window, his cheek resting on his knuckles, "I'm arrogant but...not so much that I'd irresponsibly save someone just to brag about it."

"Exactly." Sebastian smirked.

Ciel stood silent for a few minutes and he looked at Sebastian, and he asked, "Matthew?" Sebastian looked at him, surprised by the question. He stayed silent, and Ciel smirked, "I know what you two are...you fail horribly at hiding it." Ciel said. Sebastian chuckled, and looked out the window, "He blocked our connection. He refuses to respond; in fact our connection hardly remains open now... Those children that he had with him, did you know that they were his friends in his old world?"

Ciel's eyes widen in shock, "You mean..."

"Apparently his real name is Damian. The young boy with blonde hair, the one that stabbed him, that was him...I'm...I'm such a fool for not realizing what was going on though..." Ciel blinked in surprised as he watched Sebastian clutch the knife in his hand, he looked angry at himself, and was even glaring at his hand that held the contract.

"Will the girl survive?"

"...I'm not sure." He said. He knew one thing though, Matthew was falling deeper and deeper into a black abyss, darkness wanted him, and it was willing to kill everything he loved to keep him. I wonder...will I be next. Sebastian smiled at that and shook his head. I'm a fool Matthew; please forgive me if you heard my comment. He sighed and stared at the sky; in his mind he had imagined their relationship to have been simple living. But the differences in humans and demons seem to be too great. The doubt, the fear, even the mortal life of a human seemed to strain their life constantly.

We haven't even told each other those three small words and look at what has happened...I am useless...

~ASC~

She was lying on my bed, the only survivor of yesterday's catastrophe, and my head could not warp around it. If this dimension has the younger me in it and friends, then why was it that Edward can see demons, Damien had the jinx in his body the size of my old one, and why did Toby survive when it was the other way around in my dimension...no, that is not right, Toby had left, disappeared and never heard from again, but not necessarily dead, as far as I know.

"Ma...thew." I turned around and saw Toby opened her eyes, she was still pale, and didn't look any better. I have to take her to the hospital, they can probably fix her. I went down on my knees and brushed her bangs away from her eyes, "Hey, you finally woke up. You had me worried." I said softly. She looked at me and tears started to fall.

"They are dead aren't they? Damien and Edward...It wasn't a dream." I wanted to lie to her, to tell her it was not true, that they were fine, but for the life of me, I wasn't able to even look into her eyes. "I couldn't save them." I whispered to her. Her body shook as she cried; I pulled her into my arms and she hit my chest as she buried her face into my neck. "I couldn't do anything! It should have been me! Why, why did Edward do it! Why did Damien have to die as well! It's...it's my entire fault." She cried. I grabbed her shoulders and forced her to look at me, my hand took hold of her chin and I squeezed it and demanded, "Hate me, Toby. Let your anger out, hit me, curse me, damn me, anything, even if you wish to kill me! Even if my death gives you a moment of peace! Just please..."

Her eyes wavered and she wrapped her thin arms around my neck and I begged her not to hate herself, it wasn't her fault. It wasn't.

She had cried herself to sleep in my arms, she had refused to go to the hospital, even threatened to kill herself if I tried to bring one, she didn't care what happened to her. Her eyes were going hollow when she was crying; she was losing the will to live. What do I do? Ed, my dear friend, I wish you were here with me, you always knew what to do. I brought my knees up, and buried my head in them, crying, and wishing my dear old friend was there with me.

An eternity passed my wounds hurting as I continued to stay in the same position. Now that I think about it, I haven't even checked my wounds, not after I passed out trying to stop the rest of Toby's bleeding, but I had stitches decorating my body, the others must have done it. There was a knock on my door and at first, I didn't want to get up, but the knocking persisted, and I stood up, and opened the door.

Tanaka was there, the trio behind him, wanting to peek in.

"Is the little Miss okay?" He asked.

I hovered over the door and shook my head, "She..." A wave of dizziness struck me, and my knees gave out and I smacked my head on the door. "Matthew!" Finny and Bard ran to me and lifted me up, "Are you ok!" Maylene said as she looked me over. I blinked, a bit dazed and suddenly weak.

"My god man, is that blood yours?" Bard said as he touched the holes in my clothing, "Shit the stitches must have opened up again. Maylene get the-"

"I'm fine. Just a little woozy. I'll be ok." I pushed them away and straightened myself, "Are you sure? You came home really late, and you scared us when you ran to your room with the first aid kit, if Tanaka didn't enter your room, you would have died in a pile of your own blood." Bard said.

"Please don't worry about it, if you needed me, knock. But other than that please leave me be." I turned around and held the door's handle, "Also... good job protecting Lady Elizabeth, I wish I was more like you all." I gave them a weak smile and they looked at me in surprise. I closed the door and went back to Toby. Her clothes were filthy with blood and soot, her face was dirty as well, and I'm sure she hasn't eaten. I left the room and grabbed a basin full of warm water and some towels. I made sure to lock my door; I didn't want someone to stumble in while she was being changed. My hands worked swiftly, removing the clothing, my blanket covering her body so I can give her some privacy.

She winced in pain every time I rubbed the towel on her shoulders and back, there were so many bruises on just her back, I can just imagine the front. I rinsed the towel and started washing her chest and stomach, she whimpered in her sleep and I took the towel out, there was blood on it. "Crap!" I moved the blanket, and saw that she had two more wounds on her body, one on her left side, bleeding, the other between her ribs on her right side, and it looked infected.

"How the hell did we miss these?" I grabbed the first aid and started to try to clean the infected one first. She started to bleed again, and wouldn't stop, I called for Lilith, even though she can cure the wounds, she can't cure the infection, or replace the blood that Toby had lost, only restore the skin back to normal, anything else would require medicine, or a miracle. I touched her ribs, inspecting them, and found that one was broken, "Shit."

I didn't knew anything about resetting bones, nor Lilith can do anything about them, not unless I cut between the ribs and pull the broken piece back, then she can. But it was too risky, I don't know the anatomy of a human being, I might pierce her lung or something. I grabbed a roll of bandages and wrapped it around her chest; hopefully it'll keep the rib from moving around, or getting worse.

My back hit the chair, I was so tired, I haven't slept, but I couldn't sleep, what if something happened to Toby. I stood up and grabbed a shirt from my closet. There was a meow and I looked down, Midnight was near Toby, looking at the stranger in the bed. I walked over and slipped the shirt onto Toby, it was big, and reached up to her knees, but it was better than her bloody clothes. Speaking of which, I looked down at my own, and sighed. I wanted to bathe, but I couldn't leave her side.

There was another knock on the door and I opened it, Maylene was wobbling, holding up a large tray with two bowls of soup, two bottles of milk, and some toasted bread. "I thought you might be hungry." She struggled with the tray and I took it from her. "Thank you, Maylene." I walked over to my desk and laid it there. Something tugged on my sleeve, and Lilith pointed to Toby, she was pointing to her lower half, and I realized she was telling me to check if there were any more injuries. I gulped and trembled, "Maylene." The red haired maid stuck her head inside and smiled at me, "Yes?"

"I need you to do me a favor." She looked at me puzzled but I just grabbed her and dragged her to the bed, I pointed to Toby and wave my hand over her legs, "Can you...check, for any wounds...any please."

She looked at me in confusion and I just left the room.

I waited outside, my body trembling, 'what if's' went through my mind. There was no way she would forget something like that if it did happened, Please...please leave her without those kinds of horrors. I begged to no one at all. I suddenly wished Sebastian was here with me, but I didn't wish to speak to him, I didn't want to make him worry so much, not anymore.

The door opened and I jumped to attention, Maylene had took her glasses off and was cleaning them on her apron, "She's fine, and she's awake...but," She looked away, my hands felt sweaty, and my mouth felt dry, "But?"

"She's crying, she wants you back to her."

I blinked once, twice and I rushed inside the room. She was awake, like Maylene said, the tears continued to fall down, and sadness was etched into her very being. I walked over to her and took her hand, "I..." What could I say to her to bring her back? She's lost her two friends, she has no family, she's an orphan, and she's very sick and close to death, what could I tell her, when even I feel like life is too much, the only reason I could think of to stay alive was Sebastian, and even then, I'm only human. I know I will die, whether by being killed, or of old age, I will die and there's nothing that could keep us together after that. Not even if we are bounded together.

I squeezed her hand, she didn't respond and I grabbed one of the bowls of soup. I made her sit up and held a spoonful of soup. She stared at it, and I sighed, "Please open your mouth." I begged. She complied, and opened, she didn't give me any trouble as I fed her, but she didn't do anything else after that, tears now dried, and eyes vacant as she stared at me, probably wondering what I had wondered countless times, "I will not disappear, I'll stay by your side, till the end of time." I whispered to her, she looked away and her hand stretched out and clutched my own. I wiped her mouth with my free hand and Midnight meowed to her. She merely gave the cat a glance, "This is Midnight," I grabbed her hand and laid it on Midnight and manipulated the hand so she would pet her. "I take care of her from time to time. She doesn't make a mess, and I just leave the window open and she goes out to the gardens."

She didn't say anything to that.

My fingers drummed on my knees and I noticed that she was petting Midnight, she didn't seem to care about it, not really paying attention, but she held Midnight close. I looked around the my room and saw my iPod, it's been awhile since I listened to music, and I wondered if she would like it, maybe it would help her as it helped me when I was younger. I grabbed it and roamed through the songs, I stopped at Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, I press it and I sat down near her as I scratched Midnight's ear.

As the song played, I looked to Toby for any kind of reaction, she mostly held back tears once more, and held my hand tightly. My eyes drifted to the window, and I wondered how Sebastian and Ciel were barring as the noon sun casted shadows in the gardens.

~ASC~

The train screeched to a stop and they stepped off the train. They noticed a man loading up gas containers onto his wagon and Sebastian had asked him for a ride to the workhouse.

"Renbon workhouse?"

"Can you let him ride until we get there?" Sebastian asked.

"Since it's on my way I don't really mind sir, but what business do you have over there?" The old man asked.

Sebastian gave the old man a fake smile and handed him some cash, "Just a few little things."

The man's eyes widen and he agreed. Sebastian walked by the wagon's side and two little kids rushed over, singing 'Tom the Piper's Son.' The ride was bumpy, and Ciel wondered how long it would take to reach, until the man stopped, "It should be over the hill." He pointed to a road that went up the small hill.

Ciel walked up the hill, and Sebastian followed behind. They reached the top, and a strong wind blew by, he clutched his hat and closed his eye as the dust flew. When it died down he opened his eye and he gasped. The workhouse in front of him was in complete ruins. It looked to be abandon, and for many years.

Sebastian walked up and stared at the building with impassive eyes, "In any case, it seems Baron Kelvin was lying. Seeing the way this place has aged, it has been uninhabited for a considerable amount of time." Sebastian bent down and picked up a ratty old stuff bear, "Judging by the way that doctor was talking, the children from here were probably..."

The last words of Joker and Doll's went through Ciel's mind as he stared at the place, still in shock.

"Pfft…ha, ha,"

Sebastian looked at Ciel, "Young master?"

"Hahaha!" Ciel burst into laughter; he clutched his side and touched his right eye. Sebastian just stared, slightly surprise at this reaction, "There was nothing here! The thing they were protecting didn't even exist! They didn't know about this, they even became so desperate...that they died! Hahaha." He continued to laugh.

Sebastian was suddenly reminded of Matthew.

"Why aren't you coming with us?" Sebastian asked.

Matthew looked at him and looked back at Toby, touching her forehead and feeding the girl medicine from the first aid kit. "Sebastian do you know what I saw there in the mansion?" He asked as he stood up and walked to the mirror.

"What do you mean?" He asked, unsure of what to say.

"I saw how despicable humans can really be, just to survive, or protect something; we are willing to do the most horrible things for our selfish gain."

"And what do you think humans deserve then?" He asked, smirking at Matthew.

Matthew paused and looked at him, his eyes empty of emotion, "We, in the end, all deserve to die, whether by being the one who is foul and despicable, or the one who was caught along the way, or even the lucky few that die happy..." He stared at Matthew in shock, "It is true, before you say anything Sebastian. Humans are corrupted creatures, horrid, and undeserving of the life we are given. If anything, humans are far worse than any demon. Far worse that I am beginning to suspect why they hide from humans."

Sebastian knew that Matthew didn't mean it, he was hurting, but the eerie calm that passed over the blonde made him wonder if he was just lying to himself. Matthew's mouth twisted in anger and he smashed his fist into the mirror, "I'm only human Sebastian! I'm...I'm only..." His hand dripped with blood and he fell to his knees, tears falling as blood continue to flow from his wounds.

Sebastian moved to him, but Ciel called him away. The trios were coming to the room, and he knew that they would care for Matthew for him.

"I'm only..." Matthew whispered as Sebastian touched his hand, healing the cuts, and he disappeared into the shadows.

"Their desperate hope was ridiculously crushed like a worm." Ciel laughed, snapping Sebastian out of the memory. "Superficial," Corrupt "Cruel," Horrid "Revolting." Deserve to die...Ciel turned around and looked at Sebastian, "Isn't it even more demonic than a demon! Right!" Ciel said, his laughter started to die down and Sebastian just stared at Ciel.

"And I'm the same. I'm also..." He looked at his open palm, "Filled with the same ugly contents as them, this is what a human is!" His hand tightened into a fist and he looked at Sebastian, a tear in his eye, "I'm a human being! Sebastian!" Sebastian stared at him, and for a moment he smiled at this, he wanted to laugh, and cry at how they are, so similar, and both suffering, it was as if they were father and child. He looked at Ciel, "Yes you are. You're different from demons who are revolting and possess complex evil intent. Telling lies..." A strong wind blew and Ciel clutched his hat. The ribbon on it moved around, being battered by the wind, and it flew off. "AH..." Ciel looked at the ribbon, and Sebastian reached a hand out to the ribbon, Desperately struggling, kicking down other people. The ribbon slipped between his fingers and they watched it as it flew away, Stealing the stolen, while repeating your reasons over and over. And even so, you aim for the horizon over the hills. Sebastian smirk, he wanted to go back to the mansion, and see Matthew and Toby, Even though they do all this, they want to survive, is it wrong to be human Matthew, after all one can go against their nature, all they must do is keep trying.

"That's why humans are interesting." Sebastian muttered, as he and Ciel started to walk down the hill.

~ASC~

My body ached as I kept it going, I took a few sips of the soup, but couldn't stomach it, I kept remembered what the prosthetics were made from, and it sickened me. Toby's chest rose up and then down, she had fallen asleep, sweat coming from her brow, and her face pale. I grabbed a towel, Maylene had brought me a clean bowl of water, and I dipped it in.

She has a fever right now, the infection must have been there for a while, before we came to the mansion, she might need medicine, but what if they don't have a cure for it yet? Most people in this age died of infections after all.

I placed the towel on her forehead, and I held her hand.

My thoughts kept returning to the events of yesterday. I wonder why I had another Jinx worm inside of me, did the previous one lay an egg, and why Damien's was twice the size of my old one last year. Did the worms individual bad luck combine, is that why my chest kept hurting those times, was it cause it was competing for our suffering?

So many questions, so little answers, I need Sebastian to help me with this.

I clutched my head and ran my fingers through my hair, my index finger, lightly touching Sebastian's feather, it was still smooth to the touch, and yet durable to have lasted this long. My fingers traveled up the chain, and I rubbed the small ruby stud, it was cold, and yet it was pulsing, I've never noticed before, is it truly a ruby? I closed my eyes and thought of the bond that connect Sebastian to me, and I imagined it as a locked gate in my mind. My hand reached forward to the gate, and it opened up. My body felt light as I felt Sebastian's presence fill me, he was near, and I can hear his thoughts on how interesting humans are.

We're not all that interesting.

Hehe, I beg to differ. Sebastian responded back, How is the mansion?

...you might want to see for yourself.

~ASC~

Sebastian's eyebrow twitched as he gave a fake smile to the trio, he wanted to kill them all. He took a deep breath, Finny and Maylene shivering in fear, while Bard just picked his ear, and Tanaka remained small and behind the scene. "I'm sure I've said this before, but...you are to perform the job presented to you as quietly as a shadow. That's what servants are." He opened his eyes to them, full of killing intent, "So? How many times do I have to spell out q-u-i-e-t-l-y before you understand its meaning?" Sebastian stared at the right half of the mansion, it's structure crumbled, and on the left, random holes were in the ceilings and walls.

"I'm sorrrrry!" They all screamed.

Sebastian sighed as he produced a bag out of nowhere and started picking up the evidence of the people who fought and died. He picked up a cape and stuffed it into a bag, "In any case, you three clean up the things that are scattered about please. I'll do something about the repairs and the general affairs." He spotted a wire and shoved it inside the bag.

"Tanaka will..." He spotted the scarf of Beast and picked it up; he threw that into the bag as well, "Be fine with just the usual." He clapped his hands of the dust and looked at the trio, "Well everyone today will be really busy. So don't worry about anything else, just devote your time to cleaning."

They stood around for a few seconds, looking to the ground. "What is it?" He said as he looked at them.

"Sebastian...the girl...who is she?" Finny asked.

"She is...Matthew's adopted daughter."

Their mouths fell open in shock, "What!" They shouted.

"If you wish to know more, you must ask him. Now if that is all, get back to work!" They flinched and did as he ordered.

Ciel and Sebastian headed into the mansion; Ciel's room was left in shambles, and that meant that his clothes were messed up to. "Hurry up and change me out of these clothes." Ciel demanded. Sebastian nodded and took out the few remaining clothes that survived and he picked the ones he thought acceptable. They went behind a wardrobe curtain and the door slammed open. "Sebastian, it's dreadful! It's not there! It's not thereeee!" Elizabeth shouted, tears coming from her eyes. "I'm deeply sorry." He said from behind the curtain as he buttoned the clean shirt for Ciel, who was tired and yawning. "Because of the servants' clumsiness, the Young master's wardrobe room was damaged also. Right now we only have the few suits that we brought back from London."

"Whaaat!" She shouted, she then pouted and looked away, "I wanted to dress up and go out for a boat ride today..."

Ciel sighed and said, "I'm deeply sorry, when the repairs to the mansion are finished we'll immediately go."

"Ah! That's right!" She clapped her hands together, a wide smile on her face, "If there are none, we can just make some!"

Sebastian smiled at her, slightly unnerved, "Yes, that's why after the repairs..."

"At the end of March there's Easter too, so it's a really good time." She peeked behind the curtain and Ciel's head started to lower, "Hey Ciel, let's do it!"

Ciel nodded off for a slight second, "Ciel?" He snapped out of it and looked at her, "Eh?"

"Did you hear what I said?" She demanded.

"Ah...er..."

"So it'll be okay if I call a tailor for today?"

Sebastian sighed at the two; they already acted as a married couple.

"Yeah." Ciel said.

"So you weren't listening to what I said after all, Ciel!"

"No, you see...T-that's right, how about I get a dress made for you too, I'll make it a present for you." He sweat dropped, scared of Lizzie.

"Really! I'm so happy!"

Sebastian shook his head once more, and walked over to a door, "An Easter dress decorated with matching flowers would be great!" She held his hand and started twirling him around.

"I know, I know."

Sebastian opened the door and presented to them a well-made breakfast, "Please enjoy your breakfast until the tailor arrives then."

~ASC~

Maylene swept the broken stairs and heard a knock. She opened the door and said, "Who is...ah." She stared in shock at the women in front of her, dressed in high fashion, extravagant and beautiful, yet showing her cleavage, "Ca va?" The woman said.

"Miss Nina!"

Said women grinned and started a self-proclamation, "The tailor who indicates the seasons. Nina Hopkins has arrived!" She suddenly grabs Maylene and starts kissing her cheek, "I missed you, Maylene!"

"Whaa!" The maid screamed as she flailed around. Her hands grabbed Maylene's left breast and her other hand went down to Maylene's thigh, removing one of the straps of her garter belt, "Might my maid costume have come in handy this time?" She whispered her face dangerously close to Maylene.

"Hahi!"

She groped the breast, causing the maid to jump in her arms, "You have such nice materials to work with, so I can make some nice highlights. Next time at my store-"

"Ah! It's Miss Nina~" Finny shouted, "Hello~"

"Yo." Bard said.

The woman tsked and straightened up, Maylene still in her hands, "So Maylene, I'd like you to escort me to where the Earl is."

"Are you ignoring me?" Bard demanded.

"Your spare clothes are in the horse carriage." She shooed them away, pissing Bard off even more.

"What's with this difference in treatment?" He shouted.

"Miss Hopkins." Sebastian called a large thick wooden board in his arms, "I believe I've told you many times that merchants are to come in through the back door."

She frowned at Sebastian, "So you've come out huh...Mr. Stiff."

"The master is waiting, so please proceed to the drawing room. Maylene escort her." The woman shouted 'yes!' and Maylene stared at him in horror.

Sebastian opened the room to Elizabeth's and the woman stepped in, "Excuse me." She said.

"Nina!" Elizabeth rushed over to her and Nina kissed her cheek, "Aren't you good tempered today, Lady Elizabeth."

"You're as lovely as always, thanks!" Elizabeth said.

Nina turned to face Ciel and she stared at him with wide eyes, like a child looking at a toy they wanted, "The Earl is still a beautiful boy as always. It's amazing..."

"S...sure?" Ciel sweat dropped at the women's words.

"Well then Miss Hopkins." Sebastian pulled his small notebook out and opened it to a page, "Please tailor some suits for Young master today. We also need an outfit for him to wear on Easter. And a matching dress for Lady Elizabeth." Ciel sighed as he stared at his tea, "A dress decorated with flowers that matches Ciel would be good!" Lizzie asked.

"Leave it to me," She removed her cape and revealed boy style shorts and stockings with garter belts, to her knee high boots, "I will tailor the best dress possible inspired by the very latest trends!" Sebastian paused to look at her, getting a very bad thought of seeing Matthew in something revealing as well. I'll close my mind off from you if you continue to think like that.

Sorry. Sebastian apologized.

"Kyaa! Nina! Showing your legs like that is very unlady-like!" Lizzie blushed and covered her shocked face. "A lady! That kind of thinking is from the stone ages!" She pointed out, she then started bending her legs, the shorts riding up, "These clothes were designed with emphasis on moving easily, paying respect to the active woman, Mrs. Bloomer endorsed. Women who discarded restrictive customs are much freer. It's the same with clothes, Greek and Japanese style clothes that are easy to move in and give a relaxed silhouette will be all the rage from now on."

She then looked to Ciel and pointed to the roof for some reason, "Of course the silhouette is important for men too! And for a beautiful silhouette detailed measurements are essential! So Earl! Let's start right away!"

Ciel started to nod off again, "Earl? Are you listening?"

He snapped out of his daze and shook his head up and down, "Y-yeah."

Sebastian sighed as the women started to measure Ciel. "Ahh I wonder if you'll ever grow up Earl, you're still so small now." Ciel frowned at that. "Come to think of it, you won't wear my handmade evening dress again will you...?" Nina said.

"Wha!" Ciel started to flail his arms around.

"I regret that I wasn't able to see you in that dress..."

"Whaaa!"

"I heard rumors of twin tails..."

"Ahhhhhhhhh!"

"What? What? What are you talking about?" Lizzie asked, oblivious to the world around her.

"Nothing! Go over there!" He shouted a blush of embarrassment and he covered his face as his butler laughs at him. Nina stopped measuring and wrote down the measurements on her clipboard, she paused when she reached Ciel's waist and compared it to before, "Oh my. This is tres bien Earl! Your sizes haven't changed at all! More like...your waist has become thinner!"

The women trembled and a dark aura surrounded her, "The more I look at it the more splendid these proportions are...boyish smooth legs...delicate shoulders! A slim waist!" She turned around and faced them, large flashing lights came from her eyes, "I've got it, got it, got iiiit! The spring of my imagination is overflowing!"

An image appeared in Nina's mind, "The Easter outfit of the Earl will be a tailcoat and half pants suit with black as the base, and a winter image. The flower hole near the neck will have a daffodil, calling out to spring. The accents will be a golden braid and decorative buttons. The lady will have a gold dress made of silk shantung. It will look more mature with a black ribbon and tassels. And finally their dress hats will be decorated with plenty of daffodils and ribbons."

Lizzie looked at her, "Kyaa! That's beautiful!" She shouted.

"Ahhhh but it's hard to ignore the spring-like chiffon or organdie! The dress-shirt should be decorated with bishop sleeves and the lining of the jacket should of course be silk gold! No matter what concept...you two are great...!" The woman drooled at her thoughts and she snapped her fingers at Sebastian, "With this kind of tension, I'm going to make the patterns! You! Give me my pen and paper!"

"Of course."

She scribbled madly on to her paper, sketching every detail she could think of, forgetting what Ciel needed her for, as outfit after outfit flooded her mind. "For summer's daily wear, of course I'll have to go with today's trend: Sailor colored ribbons and pants. There are infinite coordination's possible. For business scenes, the gentlemanly double buttons...a three piece suit would be good too! If it has drapes or pleats at the back that would be cute. As for the ribbon around your neck, black is richer but I think the occasional red velvet would be good too."

"Wait a second." Sebastian said.

"Huh?" She stopped and glared at Sebastian.

"Wouldn't red be a little bit gaudy on Young master?" Ciel's mouth dropped, he couldn't believe that Sebastian was starting with this, "Young master doesn't really suit red or yellow, so I think some calmer colors would be more appropriate. He's small enough as it is, so these colors might make him seem child-like." The women's eyes turned to daggers as she shouted at Sebastian, "And what exactly would be bad about that? I have no interest in anything but girls or boys under fifteen!"

Sebastian's eyebrow twitched at her words, "I have no interest in what you do in your spare time. Young master is head of the Phantomhive house. Rather than considering fashion trends you should be focusing more on tradition and grace. In any case, I can't agree with a red tie." There was a wave of electricity between the two, neither liked each other, and it was obvious to the other two in the room.

Nina slapped her hand on the desk, "This is why I don't like you. Have you ever heard of the saying 'You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs?' I can't stand having to listen to the whining of an amateur! Can you please go waste some time somewhere else until the fitting?" She pushed the three out the door, "Well, get out, get out!" And she slammed the door behind them.

They stared at the door and Sebastian took his watch out, "Oh well... it's a little early, but why don't you have afternoon tea."

~ASC~

Lizzie stared, amazed at the little pastries in front of her, "Wooow its so cuuute~ Sebastian's sweets are the best in England!" Sebastian smirked at the praise, "I'm unworthy of such words."

Especially since Matthew doesn't really care for sweets, except for the rare occasions when he eats, but it's mostly sour or bitter treats.

He placed a teacup in front of Lizzie, "You shouldn't eat too much young lady."

"Oh! I'll watch out!" Lizzie stabbed at her little cake and stared at Ciel; he was silent and was in deep thought. "...Ciel...um...Did somethi-"

"It's time for the fitting you two!" Nina shouted.

"Already? Let's go Ciel!"

Ciel was standing on a footrest, wearing a frilly shirt. "Ciel! You look so cute!"

"...Is that so?" Ciel said, not really caring.

"Yes, yes! Especially the frills at your neck."

"...ong..." Nina muttered, her fingers framing her face as if she was taking a picture of Ciel. "Eh?" Lizzie said. She rushed over to Ciel and ripped the shirt in two, "Wrrrooooonnnggg!"

Ciel's mouth fell open in shock, "What!"

"Wrong! It's wrong!" The women screamed, looking like an insane women, "I didn't want such an ordinary silhouette!"

"What are you...?" Ciel gasped and turned his head, Damn. The brand! It'll be bad if Lizzy sees. Ciel slapped his hand onto the brand and Lizzie caught him in the act, "Ciel what's wrong?"

"Ah, it's nothing; I just got caught on one of the marking pins."

"Pins!" Lizze shouted, Ciel tried to think of something quick and blurted out, "Ah no, there's no blood, I'm okay."

In any case, if I don't put something on... He thought. "So can you hand me that shirt? I'm cold."

Lizzie nodded and grabbed it, "Okay..." She held out the shirt for Ciel and smiled at him, "To take care of the husband is the wife's job you know. Well come here. Put in your arms." She was blushing and smiling wide, obviously happy to do something like this for Ciel.

Ciel, on the other hand, was freaking out. She'll see if it she's facing my back.

"Allow me." Sebastian said, behind Lizzie, "If I allow you to act as a servant, I would receive quite the scolding from the Marchioness."

"Sebastian." She looked at him, slightly disappointed and Ciel sighed in relief.

"That's it!" Nina shouted, shocking everyone in the room, "It would be better if you had a more sharp and tight silhouette." She ran over to Ciel and pulled out the measuring tape, "With that in mind Earl, allow me to take some nude measurements."

"What?" Ciel stammered.

"To bring out your silhouette I want full-body measurements."

"W-wait!" Lizzie looked at the two, Ciel trying to cover his back with one hand and Nina trying to pull that arm up. "Earl! Your hand is in the way, I can't take your chest measurements! Well, stick out your arms!" She tugged on the offensive limb and Ciel looked at Lizzie, "Wai-"

"Banzai!" Nina shouted as she was able to finally lift the hand up, Ciel closed his eyes waiting for Lizzie to scream out in worry, instead he felt something on his back.

"Wha...?" Nina looked at Sebastian, the one covering Ciel's branded back, "What are you doing?"

"What...indeed?"

They both stared at Nina, both sweat dropping at the situation, "Ahhh well... actually, you see, I hurt my leg and it's painful without support." Ciel lied; Lizzie had a blank look on her face, unsure of the situation and what to think of it.

"What's that?" She brought her self-closer to Ciel, Sebastian instinctively moved him to the side, "It's interrupting my measuring! If you want support, I can do it."

"Wha, stop it! Sebastian, don't remove your hand under any circumstance!" Ciel ordered. Sebastian moved his hand to a different angle and said, "Yes my lord." He lifted Ciel's hand and moved himself under Ciel's arm till he was holding Ciel to his chest, his arm covering the mark, "Well, go ahead." Sebastian said to Nina.

"It's unnecessarily hard to measure!" Nina shouted as she tried to measure Ciel's chest, "Oh is that so? Well then." Sebastian moved again, somehow they ended up in a posse similar to a waltz, only to move again for his arm to come slant from Ciel's neck and shoulder and Sebastian holding Ciel's arm out so there would be a gap between their body. "Miss Hopkins now! Put your hand in the gap of his body!"

Ciel groaned, not liking this situation not one bit. "What the hell is this?" He shouted. He turned his head and looked at Lizzie, "Li...Lizzie!" She perked up when she heard her name and looked at Ciel. "Even though you're my fiancé...having you stare at my naked body so much is...well..." He blushed and looked away, "It's embarrassing..."

It took a few seconds for Lizzie to get what Ciel meant and she spun around covering her eyes, "I-I'm sorry!"

Ciel sighed, How I said it was what was most embarrassing. Sebastian sighed as well as he removed his hands, the things he does in the Phantomhive home.

Nina took the new measurements of Ciel and wrote them down in her clipboard, "You can put your clothes back on now. Thank you for your hard work." She started humming as she set to work on Ciel's clothing.

Ciel sat down on the footstep and Sebastian walked over to the wardrobe curtain, "I'll get your shirt immediately."

"Yeah." Ciel sighed; he just wanted to go to sleep.

The door slammed opened and Soma came in, "Hey Ciel! Why did you secretly return to the main house?" He demanded. Ciel gaped in horror and Sebastian's eyes widen, he will never get a break will he.

Ciel turned his head, wanting to cover his brand from their eyes and the world went dark. Eh? Sebastian had wrapped a curtain around Ciel, covering him from the others eyes. He stared down at Ciel, his red eyes glowing in the dark, "If you stay dressed like that you'll catch a cold again..." Ciel felt something touching his body and Sebastian removed the curtain, revealing a fully dressed Ciel.

"What is this?" Some shouted, slightly surprised at the sudden act. "You already changed, Ciel?" They said as they crowded, unaware of the ripped curtains in front of them.

Some looked at Lizzie, "Hmm? Ciel, who is this girl?"

"Who are you?" She said as well.

Agni smiled, holding a large pot of food, "This person is the 26th son of the Bengal royal house-"

"Where's Bengal?" She asked.

"You never heard of me?" Soma said.

Ciel's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, "Arghhhh don't talk all at once!" He cleared his throat and started introductions, "This is my fiancé Elizabeth."

"Nice to meet you!" Lizze said, excited that Ciel called her my fiancé.

"I'm Soma and if you're Ciel's fiancé, of course that makes you my little sister!" Soma said with equal enthusiasm.

"How does it make her that?" Ciel shouted.

Soma ignored him and pointed to Lizzie, "Ok! I will most definitely let you eat my curry!" She smiled at Soma, the thought of delicious curry sounded good to her empty stomach.

"Listen when someone is speaking to you!" Ciel shouted again.

"Well, let's go to the dining hall immediately!" The three idiots stood side by side and Ciel sweat dropped, "Wait, the dining hall is still damaged."

"Please relax." Sebastian said, Ciel turned his head to look at him, "Huh?"

"Dinner preparations have already been made. It cost an arm and a leg but... it's perfect as always."

~ASC~

I was on the ground of my own bed; two of my summons were in front of me, Widget and Clunk. They were two little demons with tools in their hands, they were the tinker demons, usually a free one would cause havoc, in this case they pretty much fixed the entire mansion, unfortunately it cost me too much blood to the point that my legs and arms felt cold.

The patted my shoulders, smiling because they received a good meal out of me and disappeared.

Toby looked down at me and said softly, "Are you ok?"

I panted, trying to catch my breath. My hands were on my knees and my head was bowed low, "Just peachy." I sarcastically said. I shook my head and stood up, almost falling back down, but kept myself still. I smiled to her and looked around, "Would you like something good to eat? Or maybe you want to play a game?"

She looked down and shrugged. "I don't know."

My smile never wavered and I patted her head. "Wait here for me; I'll bring back something good for you." I closed the door behind me and walked down the hall, hoping to find something to eat, for Toby. I stumbled into the kitchen and saw Agni closing the lid on a pot of curry.

"Agni?" He turned around and smiled to me, only for it to fall and his eyes budge out of his sockets. "Mr. Matthew are you ok!" He ran over to me and without touching me, checked to see if I was ok.

"I'm fine Agni..." My eyes widen and I repeated, "Agni, Agni, Agni!" I slapped my forehead; I can't believe how stupid I can be! I grabbed the Indian man's arm, "Can you do me a favor?" He perked up; this was probably the first time I asked him for a favor. "Do you now any medicine that can like boost immune systems or help with infections or anything!"

He paused and thought about it, "Well... there is one I know, but it's not a guarantee." I shocked my head, "As long as there's a chance."

"But..." He looked down at me, "Why do you need it? Are you ill?"

I shook my head, "It's for my...daughter." The word was foreign to my tongue, and yet it felt nice to say. He blinked once, then twice and suddenly smacked my shoulder a few times, "I didn't knew you had a child! Or that you had a wife!" He smiled at me, grinned more like it, and I chuckled nervously and rubbed my poor arm, it felt like it was going to fall off, "Actually...she's my adopted daughter."

"Oh." He blushed in embarrassment and rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry."

"It's ok. So can you?"

He nodded to me and said he'd whip it up in a few minutes. I nodded to him and grabbed a plate, "Also some curry would be nice, she liked the curry doughnut, maybe she'll like this one as well." I gave a small bow to Agni and left the room.

I heard talking coming from the living room as I passed it and stopped to listen.

"He was bedridden!" I heard Lizzie shout. I open the door to peak in and saw Soma there playing cards with her. "Yep, that's why I thought I should give him something nutritious and made curry." Lizzie gasped and looked to Ciel, but her view was blocked by Sebastian, "Ciel! Why didn't you tell me?" She demanded.

"Lady Elizabeth." Sebastian said, "Young master was burdened with a very important job that didn't allow time for a break or postponement."

"Sebastian..."Lizzie sighed at this, "No matter what I do Ciel won't tell me anything. What should I do?" Sebastian smirked as he looked to Ciel, "It's a difficult question for me as a butler, however...there is one thing." She stared at him in question and she too looked to Ciel, he was asleep in the chair, and she smiled, "It's been a long time since I have seen the Master's face this relaxed. It's probably... because he was able to spend a nice, free day with everyone."

She looked at Ciel, "It would be nice if that were the case. Goodnight Ciel."

~ASC~

Sebastian came into my room, it was the middle of the night and I was tired as I checked Toby's temperature, it had went away for now, but it might come back. She had eaten the medicine that Agni had made, but there were no changes in her pale appearance.

He touched my back, and started to rub my shoulders.

"It's time for you to work." He said.

"I know." I sighed and leaned into his touch, "I don't want to leave her side though." Sebastian's arms wrapped around my shoulders and he buried his head into my neck, "I can watch her for you...if you trust me."

I scoffed at his words, "That's a stupid thing to say." My hand touched the back of his head, stroking the black hair, "I trust you." He kissed my cheek and his hands were clutching my clothes, "Then before you go out, change your clothes." He removed my clothing and dressed me in a black shirt and matching pants. "I look like Johnny Cash." I laughed and looked at the mirror, "Then again, if Johnny had blonde hair, we would match. Either way that man is quite handsome." I fixed my collar, and Sebastian frowned, "Who the hell is this Johnny Cash?" Sebastian demanded, his arms around me tightened, I chuckled softly, "A really good singer and guitar player."

"Not after I'm done with him." My laughter increase, my heart not really in it though, and I gave him a small peck, "He hasn't been born yet, if he even will exist in this world. Also he's not my type, too human." He smirked at this, his ego inflating and I pulled away from his arms.

"Tell me if anything happens." He nodded and I went off to work.

Sebastian looked at the girl, she had been watching them without Matthew knowing, "Would you like something?" He asked as he came near her. "Water." She said, her voice sounding raspy, her sickness was increasing. He poured some water into a cup and brought it to the girl's lips. "Drink slowly." He said as she took a sip of the water.

He set the glass down on the desk and saw something under the desk; he bent down and took out a large plush bunny, "He still has it?" He shook his head and brought it over to the girl. She squeezed the plushy bunny and held it to her chest, "Like it? It's one of Funtom's products."

She held on to it and started to cough, "Oh my, your just getting worse and worse aren't you." He checked her temperature and frowned, it was starting to get warm, and she was shivering. He grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around her body.

"You need to see a doctor; I'll prepare a carriage tomorrow and have Matthew take you to the hospital." She shook her head looking away from Sebastian. "Why don't you want to go?" He asked, grabbing a chair so he can sit down.

"..." She didn't say anything, her eyes drooping, and her head slightly bobbing. "If you're tired, sleep." He said. She shook her head again and clutched the bunny tighter.

"Why not?"

"...Was it Matthew's fault that they died?" She suddenly asked.

He stopped and thought of something to say, "He told me to blame him." She said. He frowned at that maybe that was why Matthew looked so stressed out, Are you blaming yourself for what happened? He thought to Matthew. Tell me, honestly Sebastian. Tell me that it wasn't my fault that this has happened...that my influence in their life hasn't helped cause their suffering.

... Sebastian looked to Toby, "Do you hate Matthew if it was his fault?"

She shook her head, "It was the worms fault right? The one in Damien and in Matthew."

He nodded to her, "That worm is a Jinx; it causes bad luck to someone. He had one before; a little more than a year ago, it must have laid an egg without us knowing..."

"So if you have two people..." She croaked, her throat bothering her. "They would collide, right? Trying to bring more suffering, and trying to keep it all to themselves. They don't like to share so easily. And if there's any happiness in the person, they start to damage the inside of the body to feed off of the pain." She frowned and touched her chest, "Is there one in me?"

"No." Sebastian said, he was slightly surprised at how fast she grasped the situation, even more amazed at her intelligence. "What about Damien? Why did he kill himself?" Sebastian refused to meet her eyes, "Matthew's worm...in an act of revenge, it forced Damien to go against his own worm, and kill himself." She looked away; clutching the small bunny, and Sebastian patted her on the head. The girl in front of him wanted to cry once more, but the tears have seemed to dry up. Sebastian smiled sadly to her and said, "Did you know that Matthew was going to adopt all three of you?" She gave him a glance then went back to staring at the wall near her. "When he found out that someone took you guys, he was saddened, and felt that he betrayed you three for not getting to you in time." She rubbed the bunny's paw as she listened to Sebastian. "He really cares for you guys."

Her eyes remained closed for a minute, but she opened them just as quickly and shook her self-awake. "...Do you want to hear a story?" Sebastian asked as he spotted a familiar book on the desk. She raised an eyebrow at him and Sebastian smirked as he started reading her Treasure Island.

~ASC~

I yawned, as the sun rose, it was beautiful once again, as it touched the gardens, forcing the shadows of the night away. Maybe Toby would like to see the gardens when she gets better. I thought as I entered the mansion, the trio barely rising as I neared my door.

"Hey," Bard called out, stifling a yawn, "Yes?"

"...Nothing. I'll try to make something for the little Miss so she can get better; a good meal makes for a good rest." I smiled at him, "Thanks." He just grinned at me as I walked into my room. Sebastian was sitting on my chair, my book lying on the bed, as he held the sleeping Toby in his lap. She was definitely getting worse; she was shivering, and yet sweating. I walked over to her and checked her temperature, it had gone up. Sebastian laid her down on the bed and she sighed in her sleep. My hand touched the pillow, it was cool to the touch, Sebastian must have given her a cold pillow for her fever.

"Matthew she needs a doctor." Sebastian said.

"I know...but she doesn't want one, and even if we took her to the doctor, I wonder if they even have the medicine to help her. What if they don't, then all of it will be a waste!" I stood back up and looked at him, "I don't know what to do." He touched my cheek; wiping a tear away and he place a kiss on my forehead. "Please rest Matthew, before you run yourself ragged."

"I can't." I shook my head and pulled at my hair, "I keep seeing them; I keep seeing them relive their deaths!" My body shook as everyone in my life that had died kept coming back into my mind. Sebastian held me, staying quiet for my sake as he rubbed my back.

My tears had stopped falling, but I didn't want to leave Sebastian's embrace, unfortunately, he had work to do. "I'll be back to watch over Toby again tonight. Please rest, if only for a moment." He kissed my knuckles and I touched his face, he looked at me and I asked, "Is there any way you can help her?" Sebastian frowned and stepped backwards, "There is, but it would kill her, and she won't be the same person she is." He looked at me one last time and left me in the room, only Toby's silent breathing breaking the silence.

I went to my desk and grabbed a book, it was by some young author, his book is mostly mystery and drama. Not so bad, Ciel likes it, I remember, before the circus, that he was reading it and had lend it to me. I began to read the book, and stopped. The rhythmic breathing had stopped.

"Toby!" I jumped to my feet and went to her, grabbing her shoulders and I shook her till she woke up, gasping for air. I wrapped my arms around her, my body trembling in fear, as I held her close. "It'll be ok." I whispered.

She clutched my arm and I sat on the bed next to her.

I stroked her hair and Midnight came into the room. "Hey Midnight." I said softly.

She meowed and wandered around the room, once in a while chasing something invisible. "...Do you know what I do in this house?" I asked Toby. She shook her head at me, and I smiled.

"I'm the concierge. I walk around at night, see if anyone needs anything, and I patrol the outside. I like this job, I really do."

"Why?"

"Well..." I looked at the window of my room, "Every night I see the moon shine over the mansion. And when the sun rises, it looks really beautiful, changing the sky into so many colors before it turns it to blue skies. Then the garden is wonderful as well, I sometimes like to just sit on the steps and look at it, so peaceful, all of it really. But the place to see it is near the borders of the trees, the sunrise looks spectacular as it rises over the mansion."

Her eyes remained like dolls, but a smile came to her face, it was small and yet sincere. "When you get better I'll take you outside to see them." I whispered. She nodded and I brought her some breakfast. We stayed silent together, her shivering hasn't stopped, but her fever was now gone. She listened to me as I read her the book and told her funny stories of my time in the mansion.

We didn't talk about what had happened two days ago, the wound was still too fresh in our hearts, so we stayed in our faux happiness, I don't remember how, but we ended up falling asleep, her in my arms, and her own wrapped around my neck.

I moved in my sleep, muttering, crying, and my eyes snapped open. "They are..." No it could be a dream, but it seemed so real. What if...what if... I didn't even give it a second thought as I spilled my blood and traced the symbol for the portal. "I'll be back, please wait." I whispered to the sleeping child in my bed.

~ASC~

Sebastian entered the room, it was already midnight, and he finally had a chance to relieve Matthew of care, but as he looked around the room, noticed that no one was inside. "Matthew? Tabitha?" He called out. A small whimper came out from underneath the bed, and Toby crawled out. "What are you doing down there?" He went to her and picked her up from the ground, and placed her back on the bed. She rubbed her eyes and she looked up at Sebastian, "He left me all alone." She cried. Sebastian looked at her in question, but he stopped when he smelled blood. He looked down and saw bloody footprints leading to the wall, and they disappeared from there. "Do you know where he went?" Sebastian asked Toby, trying as well to communicate with Matthew.

She shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes, "Ok, I'll try to find him. Don't worry." Her eyes widen at this and she grabbed his hand, "Don't leave me too! I don't want to be alone; I don't want to be alone." Sebastian looked down at her; she was terrified, her small figure trembling, as she clutched his hand tightly in her smaller ones.

Sebastian went down on one knee and he cupped her small hands, "Don't worry, I'll come back, and I'll bring Matthew back as well."

"But-"

"You won't be alone. Ok?" She looked at him, with doubt in her eyes, but she nodded. "Ok." He picked her up, and took her out of the room. He walked in the dark, knocking on three doors and he waited in the center of the hall.

Finny and Bard stumbled out of their room first, rubbing their sleep form their eyes, "What do you want now?" Bard yawned as he grabbed a cigarette from his nightshirt pocket. Finny just mumbled, not still awake yet, and Tanaka came out of his room, already dressed up in his butler uniform. There was a loud crash heard from Maylene's room, and she rushed out clutching her head, "What's going on?" She said as she looked around, her hand ready to grab her weapon.

"I need a favor from all of you." Sebastian said.

All of them stared at Sebastian in shock, never once asked a favor before. Toby wrapped her arms around Sebastian's neck as she looked at everyone. "I need you to take care of her right now."

"If I may ask, how come?" Bard said as he held off on lighting his cigarette in front of the girl. "...Matthew is bleeding heavily, and he disappeared." They gasped and looked at each other, "We should go look for him then! He'll die out there!" Bard shouted. Sebastian glared at him and Bard froze when he realized what he said. He looked at Toby and saw her grip tighten on Sebastian, "Ah...Damnit! Go find him quick, if anyone can do it, it's you Super Butler." He grabbed Toby, much to her dismay and handed her to Maylene. "Please find him quickly!" Finny said, "We are counting on you Sebastian."

Sebastian nodded to them and ran out of the mansion. He looked left and right, trying to see if he can detect Matthew's presence, but to no avail. "Give me a clue to where you are Matthew. Please." His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to force his way through the mental gate of Matthew's mind. An image of a burned mansion came to his head and his eyes widen, "Why there?" He shook his head form his thoughts, it would take an hour to get there on his speed alone.

"Not a moment to lose then!" His kicked off the ground at high speed, and disappeared into the night.

~ASC~

Matthew grunted in pain as his stitches ripped open, but he continued to dig through the rubbles, his hands were caked in the ashes of the building, but he dug through it all, once in a while pulling charred stones or even bones of the children there.

Sebastian landed behind him and watched Matthew, he was mumbling, saying incoherent things saying over and over, "Wait a little longer, just a little more!" Sebastian placed a hand on Matthew's shoulder and the blonde jumped and slapped his hand away, "Leave me alone!" He shouted and went back to digging. "Matthew you must stop, you're going to bleed to death!" Sebastian grabbed him by his arms and Matthew struggled in his grip, "No, they'll die in there, can't you see they are trapped!" He shouted.

"Matthew!" Sebastian shouted. The blonde looked at him in shock, "They're dead, you saw it yourself." He shook his head, tears falling down his face, "No, I saw them in my dream, they are alive, they are! They have to be!" Sebastian held him tightly against his chest, and he whispered, "Matthew, you haven't slept in three days, and you've lost so much blood, you need help." Matthew's hands gripped Sebastian's shoulders, "They-they-"

Sebastian held him tightly, his body shaking, "I'm so sorry." Sebastian choked out. Matthew's eyes widen and he looked at Sebastian, a bloody tear slid down his right eye as he looked at him. Matthew wiped the blood away and wrapped his arms around Sebastian's neck, "Sebastian...just...take me home please." The demon nodded and carried Matthew, bridal style, "As you wish." He placed a kiss on Matthew's temple and he took him back home.

~ASC~

The trio looked at Toby, unsure of what to do, they've been with her for two hours, but she hasn't spoken once to them. Tanaka entered the room with a serving tray full of tea and cakes. "Miss Tabitha, would you like some?" He asked. She shrugged, unsure of what to say to the strangers before her. Tanaka just smiled, and handed her the cake and tea. She took the small fork into her hands, and stared at the cake, "It's pretty." She mumbled as she had a small bite of the cake, "Taste good too."

The trio smiled at her and Finny went to her, "We never properly met have we, Miss Tabitha?" She shook her head and looked up at Finny. He grinned and said, "I'm Finnian, but you can call me Finny. I'm the Gardener."

"Did you plant all the pretty flowers?" She asked.

Finny nodded, "Though I accidently break them." He laughed nervously at that.

"Oi, don't just talk about yourself Finny, we're here too." Toby looked at Bard, and said Chef pointed to himself with a large grin, "I'm the Chef of Phantomhive manor, Bardroy! I cook up delicious food...well...when they allow me too." Bard's smile fell of his face and he frowned, "Actually they hardly ever." Toby giggled at this and Bard smiled at that.

"Ah, me too, me too!" Maylene said as she jumped up and down. Toby looked to her and Maylene blushed and twiddled with her fingers, "I'm the maid, Maylene. I make sure to clean up the mansion...though I actually make more of a mess, and I break all the dishes." She sighed in defeat and kept her head down casted. Toby covered her mouth, trying not to laugh again, but the three in front of her were too silly.

She turned her gaze to Tanaka and asked, "Are you the butler?"

"I was a butler, but now I'm just an old man." He said, "So, Miss Tabitha. Why won't you go see a doctor?" Tanaka asked. She froze and looked away, "I...don't want to go." She mumbled.

"But-" Tanaka was cut short by the door being opened. They turned their heads and Sebastian came in to the mansion, Matthew's limb body in his hands, and blood dripping down on the ground. They rushed over to them and started to ask questions. Sebastian silenced them all, and looked down at Matthew, "He'll be fine." He said, "I'll take care of it from here. Everyone, thank you." He walked passed them and Toby ran after him.

Sebastian filled the tub with hot water and he looked at the unconscious Matthew, he had fainted halfway, but the bleeding had at least slowed down. Toby went on her knees and touched Matthew's face, "Is he ok?"

"No. But he'll survive, if that's what you're wondering." Sebastian touched the water and looked at Toby, "I'm going to bathe him now, can you wait for me in his room?" He asked. She looked like she didn't want to, but she nodded and left them alone.

Sebastian went to Matthew, and started removing his clothes, he was covered in ashes and blood, and his hands were starting to blister from all the digging. Sebastian picked him up, and gently laid him into the water. The blonde moaned once his body was emerged, and he opened his eyes, "S-Sebastian?" His throat felt dry, and his body felt heavy. "We're back already?" Sebastian nodded and he started washing Matthew's body. The water changed to a pinkish brown color as the grime and blood was washed off his body, "She was worried," Sebastian said. Matthew's eyes focused on him, but he didn't say anything, "She said you promised not to leave her side."

"..." Matthew frowned and sunk himself into the water. "Don't..." Sebastian sighed and made Matthew sit up right, "Don't do that. It will be bad if you passed out under the water." Sebastian touched Matthew's cheek and gave him a small smile, "We can make the adoption official you know. I can get the papers you'll need. Young Master can even confirm it if you'd like." Matthew nodded and he leaned into Sebastian's hand, "I'd like that very much."

"Thought so." Sebastian's hand went down to Matthew's chest, and he touched the stitched wound, a little higher and it would have stabbed into their mark. The wound was the only one that was fine; the ones on his stomach though, seemed to have torn from his movements. He pressed his palm on it and Matthew hissed as the warm sensation increased, he arched his back and tears threatened to escape, and Sebastian used his free hand to run it through the angel-blessed hair, "It's alright Matthew, it's alright." He calmed.

Sebastian removed his hand and a new scar was present where the wound was, he pulled the stitches out carefully and went to the next wounds, doing the same to them. "Can you do this to Toby? She really needs it, and I don't think I have the strength to call Lilith again." Matthew asked.

Sebastian smirked at that and he pulled the plug in the tub, "Do you really have to ask? I'd be glad too." Sebastian sat up and grabbed a towel, "Can you walk?"

"I think so." Matthew grabbed the side of the tub and tried to stand up. He took one step out of the tub and fell into Sebastian's hands, "You're as weak as a newborn. Let me take care of you." Sebastian whispered as he wrapped the towel around Matthew. Matthew chuckled weakly and said, "Ok. That doesn't sound so bad."

Sebastian supported him and together they both walked back to his room.

Toby looked up when they entered, and her eyes focused on the scars that riddled Matthew's body. Matthew saw this and Sebastian sat him down on the chair, "Do you know how I got these?" She shook her head and touched the biggest one, where Grell's death scythe had carved. "My first scar was when I barely came here; a few guys I knew attacked me, and stabbed me with my own blade." His fingers skimmed the scar under the belly button, and he looked back at her, "The rest I've gotten from people wanting to harm my home and my dear family."

"Why did you do it?" She asked him.

"Because my life had no meaning before I met them, everyone in this mansion gave me one. And I want to protect them."

"What if someone killed you?" She asked.

He looked at the ground, eyes cold and harsh, and Sebastian handed him some night clothes, "Then I'd make sure to drag them with me to hell." His sight started to get blurry, and he looked at her, she was split into three, and he shook his head, "Toby. Can I ask you something?" She nodded and closed her eyes as Sebastian helped Matthew change, "Would you like to be my daughter?" Her smalls hands gripped the end of the shirt she was wearing, and she hesitantly said, "Do...do you mean it?"

Matthew sat himself on the bed and gave her a kiss on her forehead, "Of course."

"Is he going to be my daddy also?" She asked.

Matthew fell to the ground in shock, and he looked at Sebastian, his own eyes were wide with surprise, and Matthew could have sworn there was a faint blush on his cheeks. "Th-that is...uhm…uh!" He couldn't stop stuttering and he looked at her, she was clutching the bunny, her body was trembling, and then, she burst into laughter. Sebastian and Matthew blinked in confusion, and Matthew realized, she was smiling, and joking around. A smile grew on his own lips and he went back on to the bed, "Why you little rug rat." He ruffled her hair and she looked up at him, the sadness was still there, but it was slowly being replaced. "My, my. Something tells me that the both of you together are going to make my life more and more interesting."

Toby smiled at Sebastian and she said, "Thank you for bringing him back, Mr. Demon."

"Please, call me Sebastian, Ms. Tabitha."

"Then you must call me Toby." She said.

Sebastian and Matthew chuckled and he walked over to Toby, "Then, Toby. Would you allow me to heal you?"

"Heal me?" She looked to Matthew, who just nodded, "Yes, I asked him if he could do so, if you don't mind." She shook her head and said, "It's fine with me." She unbuttoned the middle section of the shirt and Sebastian slipped his hand inside, "You might want to take a deep breath, this will sting, a lot." He warned. She nodded and did as he asked. Sebastian pressed his hand on the first wound, and Toby grunted in pain, "Deep breaths Toby, deep breaths." Matthew softly chanted as he held her hand.

Tears prickled her eyes and she tried to do as Matthew said. Sebastian went to the next wound, and started healing it as well; he was able to remove some of the infection, but not all of it. "The scars will remain, I'm sorry I can't do anything about that."

"It's ok." She said, looking tired from all of the activity. Sebastian buttoned up the shirt and he stood up, "You both should get some rest now. It's been a long night."

"Yeah, think Ciel would let me skip work?" Matthew joked.

"Leave that to me. Now then, Matthew, I'm going to call a doctor over tomorrow, will that be fine?" He asked him.

"Do I have too?"

"You've been losing too much blood Matthew, and you don't look well. In fact," Sebastian started at Matthew, and frowned, "It looks like your losing weight."

"Oh please, so what if I miss a few meals, it's only been like two days."

"Matthew, when I carried you, you felt 20 pounds lighter."

Matthew's eyes widen in surprised, and he looked away, "Oh...I see."

"Matthew, please see the doctor. I think there might be more wrong." Sebastian begged.

The blonde sighed and Toby touched his shoulder, "Maybe you should see a doctor, you look sick." Matthew smirked and turned his gaze to her, "This coming from you?" She frowned and played with the ears on the plush toy, "If I see him too, will you also?" She looked at him, waiting for his answer and Matthew nodded, "Ok." She smiled and moved closer to Matthew, "Can I sleep with you?" She asked.

"Of course you can." He said.

Sebastian smirked at them and grabbed the bed sheets, "Both of you are just alike; you refuse to see the doctor so easily." Sebastian chuckled and covered the two with the blanket, "Rest well you two." Sebastian placed a kiss on Matthew's forehead and he looked at Toby and smiled at her, "Sleep well, Toby." He gave her a kiss on her cheek and left the room.

"He's nice," Toby said, "I like him." She turned around and stared at Matthew, "But I liked you first, Matthew." She snuggled closer to him, and he wrapped his arms around her, "I like you too, my daughter." She smiled and closed her eyes.

"Good night and sweet dreams Toby."

~ASC~

Sebastian looked at his pocket watch, there was only 3 hours left before sunrise. He looked back at the mansion and whispered silently, "I'll be back Matthew." His form shifted and he dashed off into the night.

~ASC~

Matthew stared at the doctor, it was a female, mid-height, brown hair in a tight bun, and sharp eyes, and she was very pissed off at him. "Oh the famed Concierge of Phantomhive manor. You've avoided me this long, but now your time is up." Matthew tried to make a mad dash at the door and the woman grabbed his ankle and pulled him back. "No!" He screamed as the woman forced him down on the bed.

~ASC~

Sebastian sweat dropped as he heard the scream, and was slightly regretting ever listening to Ciel, to call in the family doctor. Toby didn't seem disturb by the noise, in fact was enthralled by the little blue Gameboy that she had stolen from Ciel.

"Sebastian I know I had it around here somewhere." Ciel said as he rounded the corner. Toby hid it in the pants pocket she was wearing, which Matthew borrowed from Ciel, and Ciel stared at her, "Hm..." Ciel said a frown on his face. "What you midget!" Toby growled at him. "Who the hell are you calling Midget? And this is my manor, learn to respect me or I'll kick you out!" Ciel hissed.

Matthew stepped out of the room, his hair a mess, his clothes askew, and his eyes were wide, as if he'd seen hell. "Matthew?" Ciel stared at his servant and the female doctor came out the room, "He'll be fine." She slapped Matthew's back and Matthew yelped as he hid behind Sebastian, "I-I think I've been violated!"

"Oh stop being a baby, if you had your yearly checkup, it would be such a problem. Now then, Tabitha..." The lady looked down at her, "It's been awhile. Please come in." She moved aside and Toby left the Gameboy on the chair and went in.

Matthew raised an eyebrow at this and looked up at Sebastian, "She knows her?"

"Apparently. Anyways, Matthew I must speak to you." Sebastian bowed to Ciel and asked, "I would also like to speak to you later, Young Master."

"Very well." Ciel waved him off and grabbed his game, "I knew she had it!" He grumbled.

Sebastian grabbed Matthew's hand and dragged the blonde outside. Sebastian where are we going? Matthew thought, as the demon picked up speed and took them to a spot, near the border of Phantomhive manor. "Matthew...I went back."

"Where?" Matthew asked.

"To the burned manor. I went back for them." He turned his gaze to the trees, staring at nothing. "You-you went back for them?" Matthew repeated, as he looked at him and Sebastian nodded, and he said, "I took them to Undertaker. I thought...I thought you might want to give them a proper burial." Sebastian hesitantly looked at Matthew, expecting the blonde to break down once more. Matthew stared at the ground and he stepped closer to Sebastian, his forehead on Sebastian's shoulder, "Thank you, Sebastian. Thank you." Sebastian wrapped his arms around Matthew and held him tightly, "I'm going to ask Ciel, if we can place them here. Would you like that?" Matthew nodded, "Yes, please."

Sebastian ran his hand through Matthew's hair and continued to hold him there. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything. I'm sorry Matthew." Matthew shook his head and he wrapped his arms around Sebastian's waist, "It's alright Sebastian."

~ASC~

Toby looked up at the female doctor, she was tapping her shoe on the ground as she stared back at Toby, "You...how are you faring?" She asked hesitantly.

"I'm doing well, Ms. Nicole." Toby swung her legs back and forth as she tried to avoid looking at the doctor. "I'm surprised you were adopted. Are you happy here?" She asked as she sat down on a chair. "At first...I was sad. But, Matthew really cares for me, I'm very happy to be here with him." Even though Toby said that, her eyes said different.

"I suppose I should speak to him then."

"No!" Toby shouted.

Nicole looked at her, shocked that Toby would just shout. "Please don't..."

Nicole sighed and nodded, "I understand. Well, let me at least check up on you." Toby gave her a small smile, and said, "Ok."

~ASC~

Matthew groaned as he lay down on the couch, his neck was killing him, and so were his joints. Toby ran into the living room and threw herself on top of him, landing on his stomach. "Gah, Toby! That's still tender!" Matthew looked at her and she just smiled at him and lay down on top of him. "Hey, your acting strange, did the lady say something?" Matthew sat up and wrapped his arms around her.

"She's as expected. You! On the other hand," Nicole glared at him, and she took out a note pad and reading glasses, "You're anemic."

"Anemic?" Matthew repeated.

"Yes. I don't even need my lab to tell. Your losing weight incredibly fast, your complexion is ghostly at best, you're blood pressure is frail, and frankly, I suspect your iron to be pretty much nix to none." Matthew had his mouth opened, he wanted to tell the doctor off so badly, but wasn't able to as she grabbed his arm and proceeded to cut it. "Ow! What the hell was that for?"

"Oh shut it! I need to show you what is happening." She stared at his arm and a scowl grew on her face, "A small cut, and your bleeding gallons!" She pressed on the small wound, but the blood wouldn't stop flowing. "You're going to be a hemophiliac if your health continues to deteriorate. And then you'll really pay for it. Now I want you to eat plenty of iron," She wrapped up his arm, the blood was slowly starting to stop, "And you must gain back that weight! Also, I'm going to prescribe medication to you, Butler over there can go pick it up for you."

"Ugh, medication? Damnit. Isn't there another alternative." Matthew asked.

Nicole raised an eyebrow at him, and glared, "There's death. If you'd like."

"He'll take the medicine." Ciel said, "Anything else we must know?" He asked for Matthew.

"Yes. You must not put any more stress on your body. From the looks of your scars, you seem to involve yourself in something dangerous, quite frequently." All the males in the room stopped and stared at each other, and Matthew cleared his throat, "Stress... Look lady you're asking for a miracle if you think-"

"Again. I can prescribe death."

All three sighed and just nodded, "Fine I'll...I'll try to avoid stress."

Dr. Nicole closed her notepad and slipped it into her lab coat, "Very well. Now then, I must take my leave. Ms. Tabitha, I hope I won't have to see you again."

"Likewise."

Sebastian escorted her out and Ciel went over to Matthew, "No stress."

"She should have just told me to reach for the moon, it'd be easier." Matthew rubbed his eyes and groan in frustration, "Just thinking of no stress, is making me stressed." Toby giggled at that and said, "I don't think it's that bad. You could have it worse."

Matthew smirked and ruffled her hair, "Yeah. That's true."

Ciel sighed and sat down next to Matthew and Toby, "Well at least the major stress causers are gone."

"Oh, did Agni and Soma leave already?"

"Yes. Even Lizzie went off. Though she did come without telling her mother." Ciel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "I suspect she'll be coming back, after she gets approval." Matthew chuckled at that.

"Oh my, cheating on your fiancé." Ciel's eyes widen and he turned his head. Lao was leaning on the door, Ran Mao right by his side. "Lao. What are you doing here?"

"Can't I come and visit."

"Who's that man?" Toby whispered.

"That's-"

"I'm Lao," Lao said. Ran Mao clutched his waist and they both walked over to the three. "And who might you be?"

Toby stared up at him, unsure if she should speak. "This is Tabitha, Matthew's adopted daughter. Or will be, once Sebastian delivers the proper papers." Ciel stood up from the couch and walked over to Lao, "I suppose you wished to discuss something. Might as well get it over with." Lao nodded and looked to Matthew, "Such a strange concierge. Ran Mao, go ahead and play with the little girl."

"Ok." She said, as she detached herself from Lao, and went over to the two. Matthew blinked and stared at Ran Mao, it wasn't like he really talked to her. Actually he was surprised that she can even speak. "What...what do we do now?" Toby said as she stared at Ran Mao. "We can um..." Matthew clicked his tongue as he tried to think, "Music?"

"You really can't go five minutes without music. Can you?" Toby stared at him and Matthew laughed nervously, "It's a bad habit, I know. Well, you can play with the instruments we have."

"Oh yes!" Toby jumped up and down and Matthew groaned in pain, "My stomach! Watch my stomach!"

"Com'on Ms. Mao!" Toby jumped off Matthew, and grabbed Ran Mao's hand, and dragged the Chinese girl out of the living room. "Wait, you don't know where it is!" Matthew scrambled to his feet and ran after them, "Damnit the lady said no stress!"

Matthew clutched his ears as Toby and Ran Mao made loud music together. Ran Mao was just blowing air into a flute, causing it to make a horrid screech, and Toby was hitting the triangle over and over. This was a horrible idea! Sebastian save me!

I can't. I'm picking up your medicine.

Screw the medicine!

Toby and Ran Mao started grabbing other instruments, this time a violin and a cello and Matthew jumped up, and shouted, "Ok! How about I teach you two how to sing!" They stopped and stared at Matthew. "It'll be fun." Matthew said, trying to convince them. The girls looked at each other and shrugged, "Ok." They walked over to Matthew, and the blonde sat down on the piano bench.

"Ok first thing is the scales. Let's try a nice 'do' ok?"

"Doe? Like a deer?"

"No, do as in do re mi. Now then, this is how I want it to sound." Matthew pressed one key on the piano, and it gave a soft hum, "Like that."

"Only if you do it first!" Toby said.

Matthew slapped his forehead and sighed, "Ok. Fine." Matthew hit the key again and he sang softly, "Do~" Ran Mao and Toby clapped their hands and Matthew rolled his eyes as he smiled. "Now both your turns. One, two, three." He pressed the key on the piano and the two did as he did. They were slightly off-key, but were very close. "Ok, one more time." He did it again, and they tried once more.

"Good good. Now let's try 're'. Ready?" They nodded, and soon he started teaching them.

Half an hour later, Ciel and Lao entered the room, and Matthew had the girls following the scales. Lao started clapping and Matthew stopped and they turned their heads, "Ran Mao, why I didn't knew you had it in you." She went over to his side and mumbled under her breath, "Thank you." She bowed her head to Matthew and Lao laughed, "We must go now. Good bye, Matthew, and Ms. Tabitha." He gave Matthew a slight nod and walked away. Ciel came inside and looked at the mess, "Your cleaning this up."

Matthew sighed and nodded, "Fine."

"Matthew, can you play the song of that lady." Toby asked, as she sat next to Matthew. "Which lady?"

"You know. The one that you keep listening to."

"Listening to whom?" Sebastian entered the room, two bottles of pills in his hand. Matthew blushed and closed the piano lid, "Ah, no one! No one at all!"

"You weren't saying that last time. You said she was beautiful, and how you wished you could meet her just once and-" Matthew slapped Toby's mouth shut and laughed nervously as he looked at Ciel and Sebastian. "Poor child, she's derange. Well off to bed with you." She pulled Matthew's hand off and said, "It's not even dark yet!"

"Shush you!"

"Who is this lady?" Sebastian was behind Matthew, releasing a killing aura and Matthew gulped. "It...it's nothing to worry about! She isn't even here."

"You mean in this world." Toby said.

"When did she find out?" Ciel looked at Toby and she stuck her tongue out at him. "Well, it's hard to keep a secret when we showed her all the stuff from my world."

"You're avoiding my question. Answer or I'll destroy the abominable music device."

"Don't you dare!" Mathew shouted at Sebastian.

"I can see why he's jealous. She's very pretty."

Matthew looked at Sebastian and looked away just as quick, "Well...she is." Sebastian's eyebrow twitched and he started walking away to break the iPod, "Wait! Fine. Her name is Amy Lee; she's the singer of Evanescence! Sheesh, can't I have my little indulgences once in a while." Sebastian stared at Matthew; there was a frown on the blonde's lips as he touched the piano. Sebastian sighed and nodded, "Very well."

"So can you sing it?" Toby asked, not really caring for the mated pair's argument. Matthew chuckled and looked to her, "Which one?"

"The Hello song."

"Hello...oh I-I can't sing that. I'm sorry." Matthew turned his head away from her and Toby pouted, "How come?"

"Well. I can't sing her music. For one thing, I'm a boy, and it would be impossible to reach some of her pitches." Toby frowned and looked at the piano. Matthew touched her shoulder and she brought her gaze up to him, "How about, Good Enough. That one I think I can do." She gave him a small smile and nodded, "Ok, but wait!" She crawled on to his lap and sat herself on it, "Ok ready." Matthew laughed and Ciel came over as well, and sat down next to him, "Might as well hear what so good about this Amy Lee's music."

"Sure, tell yourself that." Toby rolled her eyes and glared at Ciel, "He's mine!" Ciel glared back at her and said, "He's my servant, so he belongs to me!"

"Well he's my father!"

"Well-"

"Children!" Matthew shouted, "There's enough of me to go around. Now behave, and Ciel," Ciel looked up at Matthew, "I expected this from Toby, but not from you. And here I thought you were mature." Ciel pouted and crossed his arms on his chest, "I am mature." He grumbled. Sebastian hid a smile behind his hand and saw the trio and Tanaka at the door. He mouthed for them to be quiet, "Matthew, why don't you start already." Matthew looked up at Sebastian and he oh'ed when he realized what Sebastian meant. "Sorry, I forgot."

Matthew flipped the piano lid open and touched the piano keys, "How did it go again...Ah yes!" He started playing the intro of Good Enough, and he slowly started to hum along with it.

"Under your spell, again...
I~ can't say no, to you
Crave my heart, and it's...
Bleeding in your hand~
I~ can't say no, to you...
Shouldn't let you torture me,
So sweetly
Now I~
Can't let go of this dream
I can't breathe,
But I feel,
Good~ Enough~
I feel,
Good~ Enough~
For you~

Matthew looked down at Toby and Ciel and they watched his fingers dance on the piano keys, softly playing the song.

Drink~ up,
Sweet~ Decadence~
I~ can't say no~ to you
And I've
Completely lost myself!
And I don't mind!
I~ can't say no~!
To you...
Shouldn't let you, conquer me
Completely
Now I~
Can't let go of this dream
Can't believe that I feel
Good~ Enough~
I feel,
Good~ Enough~
It's been such a long time coming,
But I feel good,
And I'm still waiting for,
The rain~ to fall~!
Pour real life down on me~!
Cause I can't hold on,
To anything!
This Good~ Enough~!
Am I Good~ Enough~
For you~ to love me too?
...

Sebastian smiled as he watched Matthew, and he wished to be next to him as well, just like Ciel and Toby was, but...it was ok; just to watch him there, just to see him smile.

So take care~
What you ask~
Of me
Cause I~ can't say no..."

Matthew stopped singing, and he heard sniffling. He turned his head and saw Bard, Maylene, Tanaka, and Finny holding handkerchiefs up to their eyes. "WAH THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!" Finny shouted as he rushed in and tackled Matthew. Toby was accidently pushed aside, and she landed on Ciel. "Wa! Finny, your crushing me!" Matthew croaked out. Sebastian helped Toby off of Ciel, who was blushing madly, and he looked at Matthew who was squirming in Finny's grip, "Finny! Finny!" He shouted. Finny though, could not hear him as he continued to bawl and tightly hold Matthew.

"I think we should take a break, and get Matthew medical attention again." Ciel said as he dusted himself. "Yeah." Toby said as she stared at the two blonde idiots on the ground. "Finny, that's enough." Sebastian ordered as he pulled the young gardener off of Matthew. Matthew sighed in relief, Thanks. He said in his mind.

No problem.

"Now then, Dr. Nicole was specific on you having to eat a large meal full of iron. So I prepared something for you." Sebastian said to Matthew. "Huh?" Matthew raised an eyebrow at him.

~ASC~

Matthew's eyes bulged out as he stared at the large plate with turkey on a bed of beans, lentil, chick peas, and soy beans. "You expect me to eat all of this!" He shouted. "Yes, every. Last. Bite." Sebastian smiled at him and poured a strange reddish green liquid in his glass, "And this is?" Matthew pointed at the drink and sniffed it.

"Liver and artichoke."

Matthew slapped his hand over his mouth as he tried not to gag. "You can't be serious!"

"Deadly, serious." Sebastian's smile grew and he whispered, "Bon appetite."

~ASC~

Matthew groaned as he felt his stomach wanting to explode, "Damn you...Sebastian." He rolled onto his back, and Toby stared down at him from the couch, she and Ciel were taking turns playing Mario party. "Oh stop complaining, and eat some cake with us." Matthew almost gagged and he shook his head, "Please! No more food!" She giggled and dangled a piece off her fork, "Here comes the train!"

"Toby!" He begged, "Oh fine, you party pooper." She stuck her tongue out at him and went back to the game.

"Matthew, Sebastian spoke to me...and I said it was fine."

Matthew looked up at Ciel and a small smile came to his lips, "Thank you."

"What are you talking about?" Toby asked.

"It's...nothing. You'll see it later." Matthew promised.

"Ok. But I'll keep you to it! And Midget, stop hogging the game!" She took the Gameboy from Ciel's hands, and Ciel started fuming, "Damnit! I'm not a midget, and act more like a lady!"

"Why, when you do a better job than me." She blew raspberries at him and Ciel look ready to pounce. "Guys. What part of 'no stress' don't you understand?" Matthew exclaimed. "This has nothing to do with you!" They both shouted. Matthew gulped and just stayed silent as the two fought each other.

How are you feeling, Matthew? Sebastian's voice echoed through his mind.

Pissed off, and full. But other than that, the pills seemed to make me feel very sedated.

Well, that's because they are sedatives.

What! Why the hell am I taking sedatives!

To relax you, though the second bottle is iron supplements, if that makes you feel better. He simply reasoned.

Matthew felt a headache coming on and he sighed, "I hate that doctor. Oh right, speaking of which. Toby?" She stopped arguing and looked down at Matthew, "Did she say you were fine?"

"She said I was the same."

"Well what does that mean?"

"The same." She said.

Matthew slapped his forehead and grumbled, "Leave it to a child to explain." He sighed and started feeling drowsy, "I think...I think the pills are starting to kick in." He thought out loud. He yawned and stretched, and the two children looked at him. "I feel like sleeping a bit." Toby handed the Gameboy back to Ciel and slipped off the couch, and crawled next to Matthew "What a strange place to sleep in then." She muttered.

Ciel smirked at this, "He's use to that. Once we found him sleeping on the roof. He was lucky that we got to him, he was almost slipping off." Matthew blushed in embarrassment and covered his eyes with one arm, "You shouldn't be talking. You fell asleep in front of guest yesterday." Ciel's own face grew bright red, realizing he was caught. "S-shut up!" Matthew just chuckled at that. Toby looked down at Matthew and lay down next to him, "Matthew." She whispered.

"Yes?" He removed his arm and turned his head to look at her.

"Would you care if I died too?"

Matthew sat up and looked down at her, "What kind of question is that?" She shrugged and kept her eyes down casted. "Of course I would." He touched her shoulder and she placed her hand on his. "Damien and Edward would love this place very much." She said. Matthew pulled her into his arms and he leaned against the couch, "Really? That makes me glad." He said. Ciel closed the Gameboy and looked at the two, "It's my fault." They looked at him, surprised by his words, and Ciel got off the couch, "If I didn't lose control of myself, I could have had them saved. So... I'm sorry you lost your friends because of me." Toby gave him a small nod and said, "I couldn't do anything either. It was just as much my fault."

Matthew stared at Ciel, he refused to look him in the eyes, and he said, "Ciel." The boy hesitantly looked at him and Matthew moved his head to the side, signaling for him to come over. He went to him, and Matthew pulled him down next to him, "I love you both, and I'll protect you. This time, I'll make sure nothing will ever harm you. No matter what." Toby gave a sad smile, tears starting to fall, and she laid her head on his chest, "Even if we aren't your blood family?"

"Even then." Matthew said as he wiped the tears away.

"Can you sing, once more?" Toby asked as she held Matthew's hand. "You never have to ask me." Matthew whispered.

"Come stop your crying, it will be alright.
Just take my hand, hold it tight."

"I will protect you from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry.

For one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you save and warm.
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more.

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always."

Matthew stopped and smiled as he looked at the two sleeping children, "I love you both." He whispered softly as he brushed the last tear from Toby's cheek.

Sebastian walked out of the shadows and Matthew looked up at him, "Shh, they are sleeping." He mumbled. "Let's put them to bed." Sebastian whispered as he bent down and gently picked up Ciel. Matthew picked up Toby and they both went separate ways.

Sebastian changed Ciel's clothing, and tucked the young boy into bed. Ciel moved in his sleep and he mumbled, "Matthew." Sebastian stared at Ciel and whispered, "Sweet dreams young master." He stepped out of the room and was in front of Matthew's room. Matthew was running his hands through Toby's hair as he watched her sleep.

Matthew, you should sleep as well. Sebastian said as he walked over.

I know, just a few more seconds. Please.

Sebastian kneeled down and placed a kiss on Matthew's lips, Ok. Matthew smiled and he clasped Sebastian's hand. The young master loves you very much Matthew. Did you know that? Matthew shook his head, No, but that makes me happy. Matthew's eyes started to slowly close as he tried to stay awake. You know... I love you too, Matthew. Matthew turned his head; he was surprised at Sebastian's words. You don't have to tell me yet; I just wanted to tell you for once. He wrapped his arms around Matthew and kissed him.

I love you Matthew. I've always have. His words echoed in Matthew's mind, and Matthew felt the drugs over take him. Sebastian... Matthew's body slumped and Sebastian just picked him up, and laid him down beside Toby. He tucked a lock of yellow hair behind Matthew's ear, and he left the room.

Toby opened her eyes and waited till she couldn't hear Sebastian's footsteps. She carefully crawled out of bed and went to Matthew's desk. She grabbed a pen and some paper and started writing.

~ASC~

Few days have passed since Sebastian confessed his love to me. Everything has been going well, Toby would play around with the others, and they've grown to love her just as much as I have. They even started calling her 'Little Princess' because they knew it would make Toby mad, seeing as she was the complete opposite, and was more like a tomboy. She hasn't gotten well enough to go outside yet though, two days after Dr. Nicole came, she started having coughing fits. Nothing serious, but enough to make Sebastian and I keep her inside till she gets better.

Right now, Sebastian was speaking to me about making something for Damien and Edward. I knew nothing of making a funeral, and wanted to stay out of it, because all it was doing was bringing tears to my eyes. Sebastian stopped talking, I really wasn't paying attention to him, and he wiped the tears away, "Matthew... I know it's hard, but you have to be strong for Toby, what if she saw you?"

"I know, I know. If she saw me like this..." I shook my head of those thoughts and wrapped my arms around Sebastian, "I'm just tired Sebastian. Sorry." Sebastian held me tightly and he whispered to me, "It's alright."

We stayed in each other's arms for a few minutes, and I pulled away, "I'm going to go check on her for a bit. I'll be back." I left his room and went to the living room, and spotted her on the couch, "Sleeping so early?" I joked as I walked over. She didn't respond and I looked at her, "Hey wake up." I lightly tapped her shoulder, but she didn't move. "Toby?" I shook her a little more, and she still didn't budge. "Toby!" I pressed my ear to her chest, and could hear her still breathing, and her heart still beating, but she wouldn't wake up.

Sebastian, call a doctor!

~ASC~

Dr. Nicole came out of the room, she was tired and the look in her eyes did not bring good news for us. "I knew this would happen." She muttered.

"What do you mean you knew? You said she was fine!" I shouted.

"I never said she was fine, I said she was as expected." Dr. Nicole glared at me, but then averted her eyes. "You misinterpreted my meaning." I stood up; ready to fight her, and Sebastian grabbed my arms to stop me, "Tell us what you really mean." He demanded. Nicole sat down and pinched the bridge of her nose, "She didn't want me to tell you this, but..." She sighed and looked to us, "She was born to die."

I felt out of place after this, like if I was watching myself and Dr. Nicole. She said to me that Toby was born with a rare disease, something about her heart. The doctors had predicted that she would have died in two weeks after her birth. But she proved them wrong as she continued to live. When her mother died, at age 5, Toby was taken to the orphanage; because of her illness she was never adopted. She was an unwanted child, who would drop dead at any given moment. As she continued to talk about the disease already afflicting her, I snapped out of my faze and said, "Is there a cure?"

"There is no cure. And even if there was, the disease has already run its course."

"H-how long?" I stammered.

"I don't know, but she won't have long."

My body started to quake and tears threatened to fall, and a question plagued my mind, "How will it happen?"

"Like I'm going to sleep."

We stood up and turned to look at Toby. She rubbed her eyes and walked over to me, "My body won't be able to move first though, it will start to shut down, starting with my legs. But after that, it'll be like I'm falling asleep, no pain, no suffering. Can you think of a better way to die?" She asked me. She went to me and I wrapped my arms around her, "Why did you keep this from me?"

"Because I was afraid you wouldn't love me anymore."

I held her tightly and shook my head, "Stupid, why would you ever think that?" A horrid familiar feeling passed threw me. It wasn't of when you lose someone you love dearly, it was a feeling that knowing that no matter what you did, or tried, that you couldn't save someone, anyone, you love, and in the end, that you have to continue to live. This is what I felt as I held her, a father who can't even protect his own daughter. Why couldn't it be me for once, why couldn't I take her place, why couldn't I take the place of all of them? My mother, my father, my friends, my kids...

Why must I continue to live?

~ASC~

She made us promise not to tell the others, and to just pretend that everything was fine. But...how do you pretend to act like everything is normal, just knowing that someone you love is going to die?

Sebastian patted my shoulder, waking me from my daze, and I looked up at him. "I'll stay with her tonight. You need to get some air." What he really meant, was that I was making Toby depress. I nonetheless stood up and left the room.

I did my walk around the mansion, inside and out. And I found myself on the roof. I waited there, staring at the dark sky. For what though? My eyes were heavy, bags were starting to appear, and yet as the moon shined down on me, I couldn't bear the thought of sleeping, I've stopped eating and refused to take the sedatives, Sebastian even threatened to force feed me them, but I just refused.

The sun rose just the same, still amazing, and yet there was a few clouds in the sky, a storm might come either today or tomorrow, I was unsure. Sebastian gave me a small smile, still upset that I haven't slept and I just give him another fake promise to rest. Toby was still awake, she hadn't slept at all last night, and she looked up at me.

"Hey, good morning." I gave her a fake smile and she just turned her head and looked at her hands. "You're upset." She said.

"No, why would you say that?"

"She shouldn't have told you. I knew that this would happen." She gripped the bed sheets and I sat down next to her. "I'm sorry, I am upset. I'm-I'm upset because," I sighed and buried my head in my hands, "Because I can't do anything! I could call Uroboros to save your life, but it wouldn't matter!" I shouted, "It...it wouldn't matter. He can only put your soul back, in exchange for my own. But you'll always be sick-"

"Then don't do it." I turned my head and looked at her, she was serious, no emotion in her eyes as she stared back at me, "I've made peace with my death a long time ago, before I ever met you. You dying, just to buy me a few more days or minutes, would be worthless."

"But-"

"Will you promise me something?" She asked me.

"Y…eah."

"Will you continue to live for me...for Damien, and for Edward?" She stared at me and I bit my lower lip, "Please?" She begged. I nodded and she held out her pinky, "Pinkie promise then." I didn't move, and she just hooked her finger to my own, "There. Now you can't go back on it." She smiled at me and held my hand, "Can you also do something for me?"

"What is it?" I asked her.

"I really want you to sing Hello from Evanescence, please."

I shook my head, "It's hard for me to sing that song, I told you before." She sighed and looked out the window. "Then, can you take me outside? I want to see the gardens. I want to see what you see every day." I nodded and stood up and headed to the door. I stopped when I realized she was still on the bed though, "Aren't you coming?" I asked.

She held out her hands, and said, "Pick me up." I chuckled softly and said, "Aren't you a little too big to be asking for upsie daises?" Her body relaxed in my arms and she said, "My legs fell asleep." I opened my mouth to say something, and then stopped.

My body won't be able to move first though; it will start to shut down, starting with my legs.

My eyes stung with tears and wanted to protest, but she stared at me and whispered, "Are we going to the gardens?" My body shook, and I nodded to her. "Yes, o-of course." I opened the door, and started walking down the halls of the mansion. I passed by everyone, and they watched me carry her outside the mansion. I sat down on the steps and cradled her on my lap, "See what I mean." I said softly. She stared at the gardens, her eyes wavering as she took in the sight of them, "Damien, and Edward, they would have fun playing here...I like it here..." She said softly.

"Th-that's good." I said, my voice slightly trembling.

"..." She mumbled.

"What?" I said, unable to hear her. I brought my ear closer to her and my body froze, "I-...yes...of course. I'll be here...when-when you wake up." My body wouldn't stop shaking, her eyes were starting to close, and they were looking straight at the gardens. Everyone was behind me, I could feel them behind me, and my hand tightened on her shoulder as tears came from my eyes. "Tell them I'm sorry I couldn't save them, and that I love them." I whispered to her. Her fingers gripped my hand, and they went slack. Her eyes shut, and her head lowered.

Sebastian was in front of me, his hands going towards her and I pulled her closer, "No..." I cried softly, I didn't want her to leave my arms, some part of me wishes to think that she'll wake up. But when Sebastian pulled her away from me, his coat covering her body, I knew, I knew she was gone, forever. My cries drowned the peace around me, as everyone stood there in silence. Ciel looked at Sebastian and nodded.

Sebastian disappeared with her and it wasn't until the next day did we see him again, this time with Undertaker and his carriage.

"Just so you know Earl~ I don't make house calls so easily, but when your butler here told me something amusing, I had no choice, or else be indebted to you."

"Shut up and get to work." Ciel glared at him.

Undertaker gave him a shit-eating grin and he looked to me, "I made her very pretty~ She's like an angel." He took my hand, I numbly followed him and he opened the door to his carriage, she was in a small coffin, it was a dark oak, with red velvet inside. She was wearing my shirt, this time tailored to her body correctly, and she had on a dress underneath, a white one with small petal designs. Her basket was filled with Ciel's roses from the garden and there was a smile on her face, she looked only to be sleeping. Right next to her was two other coffins, and I made a move to open them. Undertaker's hand fell on my own and he said, "Remember them as they were, lest you lose yourself completely." He whispered.

Tears threatened to come up again and I looked to him, "Thank you..."

"No worries," He went over to her coffin and one of his nails touched the tip of her nose, "Such shame though, she was so young, they all were." I removed my blade from my sleeve, and I cut my thumb, "Please move." I said, he did so and watched me as I traced the sun symbol on her shoulder, under the sleeve. "For the souls who have suffered, I offer this blood for your safe passing."

My hand stopped and I turned to look at Undertaker, "How did you know that?"

"So you still don't know." He grinned madly at me, "Never mind. Please continue." I stared at him a little longer, and then I went to Edward's coffin. It was the same rich oak, but there was gold lining on the outside of the coffin. I traced the symbol on the head of the coffin. I then went to Damien's, his was similar to Edward's, except his had silver, I did the same for his coffin and looked to Undertaker. "Come we have a grand festival to prepare!" He pushed me out and Sebastian led me away from the carriage, and to the back of the mansion, almost to the border of the land, where you could see the best sunrise over the mansion. I looked around and saw that only the large oak tree and small wild flowers scattered around were here, Sebastian had cleared away the rest of the trees. "I picked this place because the sunrises are best viewed here."

"I know..." My hand clasped his as we stood there. Finny and Bard had brought over columns of marbles and fresh cement. Ciel did not want her to be buried, neither did I, and so we decided on building the small mausoleum.

Sebastian ordered everyone inside, wanting to build it for me and I thanked him. We were all in the living room, my eyes stuck to the fire as it burned the wood, and Undertaker's occasional sips of tea broke the silence. No one knew what to say, because no one knew how to handle a situation like this.

Ciel stood up from his seat and walked over to me, "I'm sorry." He said, everyone stared at him as he sat down next to me. My hand instinctively went to his shoulder and I pulled him close, my eyes never leaving the fire. "It's ok..." I whispered. Everyone stayed silent again... I didn't want to talk, nor did I want to be pitied.

Sebastian came in, dust covering some parts of his clothing and he nodded to Undertaker. We walked out, the mausoleum completely looked like a small house, flowers and vines crawling up the stone walls, all carved into the white marble, and a beautifully carved wooden door with a sun shining on it was opened. Undertaker, Finny, Bard, and Sebastian came forward with her coffin, walking passed us. Maylene trying to muffle her sobs as they placed her coffin inside the marble one. Beside hers was Damien's and Edward's, already lying there.

We stepped inside and Sebastian opened the casket once more. I bent down and laid a kiss on her forehead, "Please find peace in death, that you could not receive here." I whispered and one by one everyone whispered something to her, till it was finally Sebastian who was last. He removed something from behind his back, it was the bunny that she would hold closely, he placed it in her coffin, and he moved her arms to wrap around the bunny. "She liked it when I showed it to her. Didn't want to let it go, even in her sleep." Sebastian said, as he placed his hand on her forehead, and brushed her bangs away from her face.

Undertaker came over, carefully shutting the coffin, and both he and Finny covered her casket with a large slab of marble. Sebastian did all of this for her, and it made me happy, because it wasn't going to be a depressing reminder of her death, it looked like a mural for her, in fact, one of the walls had a painting of her, Damien, and Edward. Two small plaques were paralleled to the paintings sides, showing the name of Edward, and Damien, and their times of birth and death. Another plaque, with Toby...no Tabitha's name on it, was placed on the wall opposite to the painting, near a stain glass window where the sun will shine in.

I looked to him and he gave me a small smile, I could have done more to help them as well, Matthew. I didn't object to that, but I didn't blame him, he and Ciel was all I had left, and I wanted them to stay safe by my side.

Undertaker took out a bible, I didn't expect him to have one, and he started reading from it. We stood there, everyone one of us as we prayed for all of them, not just Toby, but everyone, to be safe in heaven, away from danger and harms of this world.

~ASC~

I went to my room, and I found a letter under my pillow. I had come to check if there was anything of Toby's still left behind. My hands opened the letter and I started reading it.

My name is Tabitha Montgomery, and I was often told that I was born to die. My mother, god bless her, would pray for me at church every morning. When she became ill, she told me that she was glad to die first, because it meant that she could talk to God, and tell him personally, to let me live longer. I don't know if that is why I made it this long, maybe my mother did succeed, but when I went to the orphanage. No one wanted me.
For a while, I felt unloved. But when Damien and Edward came to the orphanage, they became my friends. We vowed each other to try to get adopted together. But...no one wanted a child of misfortune like Damien, or a child of sickness, like me. We stayed together through the years, just waiting for someone to take us home.
Then you came into our lives. Even if the days we known you were very few, we felt loved, and wanted, and we felt like we were going to have a real family. I might be dying in a matter of seconds, hours, days, or if I'm lucky, years, and that is why I wrote this letter, because I wanted to tell you, Thank you. Thank you for caring for me, and giving me a home, a family, and a father. I love you Matthew, so please take care of yourself. And tell Sebastian that, for a demon, he wasn't a bad father either. Some day we will meet again, until then. I love you.

-Tabitha Montgomery

Tears refused fall as I stared at the letter and I slipped it into my book, right in the blessing souls page.

Twelve at night, everyone was still awake, Undertaker was gone having other funerals to plan for, and the others were trying to prepare for the guest that will be coming over in a day. Soma and Agni were going to come to pay their respects, and Lizzie was informed by Ciel what had happened. Ciel had allowed me to take the night off, but I find myself unable to sleep still. My feet had moved me from my room, to the music room where the piano laid near the window, overlooking the small mausoleum.

My fingers lightly pressed on the keys and I gave a small smile when I remembered Toby asking me to sing for her. Amy Lee was said to have made 'Hello' for her little sister Bonnie, who died at the age of 3, it was something she could not sing in front of people. And I kind of understood why. But...

All Toby wanted from me was to just sing it. It was the least I could have done, but I didn't give her that. I wasn't sure if she knew what the song meant, maybe she did, and I wondered if she'll be able to hear me sing for her. My hands pressed a few notes, just to get a feel of it, and I started playing it. I didn't realize that I had an audience watching me. I was lost in my own world now, and my mouth opened to sing, but it came out more of a whisper.

"Playground school bell rings again
Rain clouds come to play again
Has no one told you she's not breathing?
Hello, I am your mind giving you someone to talk to
Hello

If I smile and don't believe
Soon I know I'll wake from this dream
Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken
Hello I am the lie living for you so you can hide
Don't cry

Suddenly I know I'm not sleeping
Hello, I'm still here
All that's left of yesterday"

My hands hovered over the keys and I slammed them down on the piano and I covered my face with them, my body shook as I hated the world that I was sent to, nothing changes, no matter what world, time, or even planet for all I know, nothing can and won't change. Arms wrapped around me and I buried my face into Sebastian's chest, clutching his shoulders as my body racked with sobs and he softly stroked my hair, his other arm wrapped tightly around my waist.

The trio tried to make a move to come into the room, but Tanaka stopped them and closed the door till it was only open a crack, showing me and Sebastian holding each other in our embrace, my tears being kissed away by him. They were shocked, but Tanaka placed a finger to his lips, saying to keep it to themselves, and they nodded, understanding all of this.

Finny looked through the crack and whispered to them, "Does that mean...that Sebastian lost his daughter as well?" They froze and Bard bit his cigarette, "Yeah...he did Finny." They hovered for a moment at the door and they left, understanding that both Sebastian and I wished to be alone as we mourned.

~ASC~

Sebastian's fingers went through Matthew's hair, they were outside, and Matthew had asked Sebastian to be in his real form.

"Sebastian." Matthew whispered.

"Yes?" He looked down at the blonde and said blonde touched his right cheek, "Everyone keeps dying around me, I want to find William and kill him for allowing me to live."

Sebastian froze and looked down at him, "What do you mean 'allow'?"

"I know...I know I wasn't supposed to have lived when I was stabbed. I was to die there, because I should have died in my world as well." Sebastian shook his head and made Matthew sit on his lap, facing him, "Do not condemn me to a slow painful death without you." Matthew turned his head away from Sebastian, but the butler wasn't having any of that as he forced Matthew to look at him. "You are bounded to me! You belong to me! I will not have you die on me, so put away such thoughts!" His grip on Matthew's chin lessened and he stroked Matthew's cheek, "You are mine, and I am yours. Remember?"

Matthew looked down and laid his head on Sebastian's shoulder, "Then...promise me something." Matthew whispered.

"Anything."

Matthew eyes went up, and he stared at Sebastian, "You can never die on me. You're the only one that can't die of sickness, of wounds, or unforeseen circumstances, you cannot die on me and leave me in this world, because there's nothing that bounds me to this place, not after I keep losing everyone!" Matthew shouted, tears had stopped falling long ago, and yet his eyes glittered with the unshed tears.

"I promise."

"Swear it!" Matthew demanded, "Swear it on our bond, if you really care for it, you will not die no matter what, our bond remains forever as long as you have it, that means I can't have you die on me. Ever!" Sebastian looked at his soul mate, and he touched Matthew's mark with his right hand, the bonds reacting to each other.

"I swear it." He whispered.

Please review...