Weeks passed by in the Phantomhive house and with the lighter mood set by the young Master himself, Sebastian it seemed had also returned to normal.
"I'm so happy to have Mr. Sebastian back, yes."
"I don't really understand why he was so sad but It's great to have the young master happy as well." Finny said with a grin.
"I trust all your chores are finished, if you have Time to stand around and talk you surely can find work to do." Sebastian chastised as he walked past, a medium sized box, wrapped with a blue bow under his arm.
"What do you think it is finny?" Mey-Rin whispered
"Don't know maybe It's-"
"Perhaps it is a new consquence for occasions such as this when servants disobey their orders. I will simply place you inside, until I make the decision to release you. The bow you see, is to make it look presentable when the young Master receives guests."
"But.. Mr. Sebastian, we can't fit in a tiny box like that." An unsettling grin crept onto the butler's face.
"I'm sure I could think of some way to fit you in." Mey-Rin and Finny gulped fearfully.
"Back to work, both of you. Unless of course you would like a demonstration" the maid and gardener rushed off without another world and Sebastian continued to the study. He knocked on the door and entered. Ciel sat at his desk sipping from his tea cup. The boy smiled as the butler entered.
"I was beginning to wonder where you'd gotten to Sebastian."
"Fear not Ciel, I was close by." Sebastian walked over to the desk and set the box down in front of the boy.
"What's this?" Ciel asked surprised.
"A gift."
" that much is obvious, but for what?"
"Does a father need a reason to give his child a gift?"
"I suppose not." Sebastian pushes the box closer.
"Then should you not open it Love?" Ciel untied the bow and lifted the lid. He removed several envelopes and a smaller wooden box with carvings unlike anything he had ever seen. The young Earl carefully opened the first envelope and pulled out the contents..
A dark haird baby boy, wrapped in a blanket staring up and a woman who smiled blissfully at him.
"Any time I would have to be away from home, I would always carry photographs of the only two people that were important to me. A reminder that I had something worth returning for. This was taken the day you were born. A boy should have a photo of his mother if possible. What better memory to keep than the first meeting."Ciel touched the image of his mother's face gently.
"I miss her Sebastian."
"I do as well, we can miss her together Ciel. I never want you to feel as if you are alone in this grief." Ciel placed the photo on the desk and turned toward the older demon.
"Thank you.I didn't think any of them got through it."
"Regrettably, most did not. The ones that were with me at the time are in those envelopes. I thought perhaps if it was not too painful for you, you and I couldgo into London some time soon and find a special photo book. We can place them inside together."
"I'd like that." Ciel wrapped his arms around Sebastian for a moment before turning back to the box with strange carvings.
"What do these mean?"
"Those designs are very old. Do you recall me mentioning that I once met a Pharaoh?" Ciel nodded.
"He gave me this box. These markings stand for love, happiness and good health. Everything I wish for you, I thought it only appropriate to pass it to you." Ciel lifted the lid unsure of what to expect inside. He smiled.
Inside he found a set of silverware much like the ones he used to practice, engraved on the handle was an elegant "C". He also found a red velvet cloth, which as he unwrapped it, revealed Sebastian's knife, this time, he noted the small glistening ruby that had been inserted into the handle.
"I assume you understand the alteration."
"Yes. Won't you need it though?"
You have plenty more in the kitchen if I should require it. I wanted you to keep it, it isn't everyday that your young son pins a reaper on his very first attempt. I am very proud of you Ciel. Your Mother would be too."
"Sebastian?"
"Yes?" The boy's arms were once again around him.
"I-I love you." Sebastian held him tight.
"I love you too my precious one. It is wonderful to hear those words from you. I feared I never would again." Ciel buried his face in his father's shoulder. Neither one noticing that they were no longer alone.
A/n: Just wanted to thank everyone for the reviews and encouragement for this story. I really appreciate it.