Sebastian stared in amazement at the man in front of him.

"Tell me," he said at last, " what has led you to believe this?"

"My own observations, my memory, but the most compelling evidence was you."

"Tanaka, do you realize what you are accusing me of, think about it for a moment. How could it be possible, I have only been employed here for the last few years, if what you are saying is true, well, it doesn't make sense."

"I am old Sebastian, I can admit to that, however, my mind is just as sharp as ever it was. You share many of the same features, you seemed already familiar with the manor as soon as you arrived, despite the cla im of never having been here. Then there is the fact that both you and the previous Earl share a love for master Ciel.I've watched you with him the entire time you have been here. You preform your duties but sometimes, the way you look at him, the guidance that you give,it goes beyond a butler's loyalty.

You love him, genuinely, at times, you are more of a father than a servant, lately the young master has been troubled and your attempts to hide the fact that it pains you are wearing thin."

Sebastian smiled faintly. " excellent theory, however, how do you explain that both the earl and his wife parished in the fire?"

"I happen to know that the man killed that night was not who he claimed to be. Of course he was clever, to mimic Master Vincent's voice, his appearance, but the one thing that led me to believe that he was an imposter was Lady Phantomhive and young Ciel. The interaction between them was off. Ciel did not greet him in the same manner the Phantomhives were very close, very loving, Ciel adored both of his parents and so for him to pick up on it himself was a dead giveaway."

"I see, then tell me, why If I am Who you say, why would a loving husband and father leave his family in such a way?"

"I was rather hoping that you would tell me." Sebastian sighed, he liked Tanaka, but the man knew too much. The demon now had a choice to make.

Ciel opened his eyes and looked around, Finny and Mey-Rin lay asleep on the floor snoring softly. The boy sat up sleepily , looking out his window he concluded that he had not slept long. The sun had yet to completely set. He resolved to make his way downstairs later, maybe he would take a walk around the grounds to clear his mind. If he could get past Sebastian.

A knock on the door woke the sleeping servants, who immediately stood up and at Ciel's request pretended to make themselves seem as if they were doing their job, with finny there only to assist Mey-Rin.

"So here you are," the demon said. "I must say, I never expected to see you two in here with the young Master."

"They're here because It's Mey-Rin's job to dust. I would rather nothing in here get broken, so I instructed finny to help steady her." Ciel explained

"I see, I must insist however that they go down and have supper while I have a word with you. It is very important that you hear me out."

The servants shifted their gaze to Ciel who gave a small nod.

"Close the door behind you." Sebastian ordered, Finny again waited for approval, only then did he close the door.

"What is it Sebastian, make it quick and leave " The boy's tone was not angry, but it showed his pain. Sebastian reached out one of his gloved hands, only for his son to turn away.

"May I sit with you?" The demon asked softly.

"Can I stop you?"

"No."

"Then why ask?"

"To give you an option, I was interested to see if you would want me to."

"Bastard." Ciel said quietly.

"I heard that you know."

"I figured you would. What the hell is so important that you had to bother me, are you incapable of handling it yourself?"

"You would not approve of my method of dealing with the situation. For that matter, neither would I in this particular situation." Sebastian lowered himself onto the bed, turning away from his son.

"This is very difficult for me Ciel, as I'm sure it will be for you." He paused as if waiting for a reply but Ciel gave him none.

"Tanaka knows who I am." Ciel's heart sank, he had always thought of Tanaka as family.

"What do you mean he knows?"

"Apparently, I've always been a bit fatherly to you, he picked up on it and more recently, well, it was my fault."

"Sebastian?" Ciel asked suddenly afraid.

"Yes?"

"Where is Tanaka now?"

"The sitting room. He confronted me in the kitchen, I was left with two options, and so I did what was best."

"Which is what?" The boy's heart felt as if it would burst out of his body at any moment.

"I told him the truth Love."

"Just like that, you didn't kill him?"

"No. Tanaka loves you in the same way that I do, he always has. If for whatever reason, your mother and I could not care for you, the plan had always been that he would. I have a great deal of respect for him, I counted him as a friend."

"Now what?"

"Now we wait. I offered him the choice to leave or remain here without consequence. He was difficult to read after I told him everything, but then again I suppose there are not a lot of humans who could be told the have worked for a demon well at all."

"Why didn't you do what you usually do?" Ciel asked cautiously.

"As I mentioned, Tanaka and I were friendly to one another, I could always count on him. But then I also could take him from you. I can't watch you hurt anymore Ciel. As a father, you want to protect you child, not take their securities. You mean more to me than that. He said that he would keep the secret and I know that he will."

The Earl stared down at the bedsheets.

"Do you think He'll go?"

"I can not answer for him, I certainly hope he can stay, I would rather you not have anymore loss."

"Thank you, for doing that."

"I promised I would not harm them, I intend to keep my word. The question now is whether or not to explain it to the other three and give them the choice as well, it seems only fair. Finny is already suspecting something and Mey-Rin and Bard are not too far behind."

"I suppose we don't have much choice, We'll soon find out where their loyalty lies, how much they meant what they said."

A/N: I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, I will attempt to update again soon. Until then I would love to hear from you. Thanks again for all your support everyone. I really appreciate the reviews. You are all very kind :)