The smell, why was it so strong? It certainly wasn't an unusual scent for Ciel to detect so early in the morning, but it was never this strong. Why was he on his left side? Ciel almost always slept on his right. How did he sleep like this? What was he holding onto? Why was there something else in his bed? It was much larger than him and it felt familiar, but he wasn't sure why. But the smell... It smelled so close! Mere inches from his face. Wait. What's this? The confused child moved his head. There was something in the way. The same thing he had his arm over? Yes, it must be. And his pillow, why was it so firm? No, it couldn't be his pillow what was it then? He couldn't take it any longer. He opened his eyes.

"Good morning, master."

Ciel froze, his face turning a brilliant red. It was his butler, Sebastian. The man was laying on top the covers with the boy's head nested in the hollow of his shoulder, an arm embracing his ribcage. He boy grew a greatly confused expression on his face. Seeing this, the butler felt he owed an explanation.

"I'm deeply sorry, master," his voice, deep and soothing, echoed in Ciel's ear. "I have not prepared your breakfast this morning. You see, after our little incident last night, I figured I should stay with you a while to ensure your well being. I sat on the edge of the bed for a bit before relaxing and taking the position you find me in now. I was about ready to get up four hours ago, but you seemed to have sensed my movement and rolled over to prevent my escape. I tried moving you, but I must say you are quite a fierce snuggler!" He chuckled, an endearing smile spreading wide across his face.

Embarrassed by his own subconscious actions, Ciel turned an even richer shade of scarlet. He burriedhis face further into Sebastian's shoulder.

The butler laughed at his master's sulking. "It's quite alright. I swear I shan't let the others know. It will simply remain between you and myself."

Ciel blinked a few times before he completely understood what had happened and could conjure a coherent reply. He looked up to make eye contact, but all he could see was his butler's neck and jaw.

"Sebastian, you could have moved me if you truly wanted to. You know that. You're much stronger than I am."

"... I didn't want to harm or wake you."

"... Right." Ciel knew there was another reason. It was just a matter of getting him to admit it. But how? This might take some time.

"So, are you going to permit me to prepare your breakfast?"

"Hm? Oh! Um, yes. Of course." The young master, having forgotten his positioning in relation to the butler, slowly lifted his head and released his grip.

Sebastian slid carefully to his feet and started toward the kitchen. "One more thing, sir." He paused, debating whether or not to ask his question. "Would you prefer scones or toast with your breakfast this morning?"

"Scones." Ciel knew this wasn't the question his butler intended to ask. "S- Sebastian?"

"Yes?"

"Did yesterday really happen, or was it all a dream?"

"Yes, it happened." He turned yet again to exit the room, this time with success. Damn. The child remembered. He had hoped Ciel would've forgotten. At least his final six words of the night were still kept only in his memory.

Back in Ciel's room, the previous night became more and more vivid in his mind. How could Sebastian deny any connection to him aside from the contract when he held the boy so gently? The way he took off his gloves to touch Ciel, it couldn't be just the contract, could it? Perhaps he was reading too much into it. The child began pondering what the butler had told him. He claimed to be bound only by contract, yet he never really denied any feelings. But if he said it was merely the contract and nothing more, that must be the truth. Oh, how confusing this all is! He planned to somehow force the truth to come forth. For now, he would remain calm and simply weasel his way around it.

"Young master, your tea for this morning is honey sweetened green tea. I thought we could change things up." Sebastian displayed no sign of any deeper feelings, but then again demons are quite skilled when it comes to maintaining a composed expression when they believe it necessary. "I have prepared smoked salmon and rice with scones for the main course and a chocolate almond cake for afterward. Is there anything else I can get you?"

Ciel picked up the tea and took a sip. "No, that will do." He placed it carefully back on the saucer before devouring his morning meal. "Sebastian."

"Yes, my lord?"

"What is on today's schedule?"

"Your fiancée, Lady Elizabeth, is due to arrive around four." He took out his pocket watch to check the time. "It's quarter after noon as of now, so you have a tad less than three hours to take care of whatever you may need. Let me know if you require my assistance." The butler stood for a moment in silence. "Do you require my assistance?"

"Actually, I do. For Lizzie's sake, I would like to attempt another dance lesson... If you could assist me."

Sebastian was surprised by his master's request. Ciel hated dancing. Why would his change now? And why would he not ask if his dance tutor was available? She isn't either way, but still... Perhaps it is a test. He knew there was only one way to find out.

"Of course, my young lord. We shall begin with the waltz. If you would, please place your arm around my waist... Very good. Now, here we go."

It took a while for Ciel to adjust to having such a tall "lady" for his dance partner, but he didn't complain. He simply continued his lesson and let it slide. Eventually, he began to grow accustomed to the situation and dancing became less and less of a problem for him. The two glid gracefully across the study floor. There was no audible music, yet they both seemed to hear the same beautiful song in their heads. The rhythm beat strongly in their hearts. One two three, one two three... Over and over they twirled and spun, never missing a step. A waltz it may have been, but somehow it was different; so elegant, so passionate, and not a soul would know aside from them. It seemed like hours that they danced. Their stride slowed. They stopped.

"Sebastian?"

"Yes?"

"What was that?"

"The waltz. I must say, you did quite well, my lord. I didn't know you possessed such talent."

"To be honest, neither did I." Ciel looked down, embarrassed to have done so well just for his butler.

"Heh. Perhaps I brought this on. I mean, you've never seemed to show any sign of talent with anyone else. I didn't think you had it in you." Sebastian seemed genuinely surprised by the abilities of his master. Was he lying and putting on that he couldn't dance all this time? Or was it the demon that brought forth the child's passion and put it to the test?

"Say that you did, so what?"

"I don't know. Since it would all be you, only you could answer."

"But it wasn't only me. I understand that you know how to dance already and are quite good, but I've never seen you put so much into it. Why is that? And what time is it?"

Sebastian checked his pocket watch again. "Half past one. Excuse me. I must make preparations before Lady Elizabeth arrives. I'll be in the kitchen fixing a treat for the two of you." He took off before Ciel could say anything.

"Sebastian! Wait!" Ciel sighed. "Damn. He's gone. He didn't even answer my question." He looked down dejectedly. He was sure the demon did that on purpose. He's too good at finding his way out of things. "I guess this means I'll be venturing to the kitchen then." He walked out of the study and headed down the hall. He stopped at the kitchen door. It was shut. Ciel looked down.

"Tanaka?! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Hoh hoh hoh."

The boy sighed. "You're hardly of any use at all anymore, are you? Oh well. Carry on." Ciel was about to step around the small, kneeling man when the door creaked open.

"Ah, young master. I wondered if you'd be visiting me. Oh and thank you, Tanaka. I told him to guard the entryway. This evening's dessert is meant to be a surprise. We wouldn't want to spoil that now, would we?" Sebastian had purposefully shut the boy out? What was the meaning of this?

"It makes sense. Sebastian, can we talk?" Ciel glared menacingly at his butler.

The demon cocked his head to the side in confusion. "Of course. What is it you'd like to discuss?"

"Allow me into the kitchen?"

"Yes. I just put everything. Away before Tanaka alerted me of your presence. You may enter." He stepped out, motioning for Ciel to go before him.

The boy walked past and took a seat on the counter. "So."

Sebastian re-entered and shut the door behind him. "Yes? What did you wish to talk about?"

"What the devil is your problem?" The boy allowed his built up frustration to break free. "You're always ignoring me and refusing to answer my questions directly. You never give me straight answers anymore. You seem to find a way around almost everything I say! I just want to know-" He cut himself off.

"Want to know what, my lord?"

"Sebastian. Tell me now. Do you love me?"

They heard the front door slam open.

"Ohh, Ciiiieeelllll!" The high pitched singsong voice was unmistakeable.

Ciel cringed. "Damn. She's here."