"Young master, can you live to the count of ten?"

Yes. I... I can.

"Yes!"

I'll list ten reasons. Ten reasons to continue living, or ten confessions. Eleven in fact – if I can live to ten.

"Okay then. Hang on."

I am.

"One!"

I couldn't think of anything but those ten statements, or I might open my eyes, or fall.

One, I love you. I love my butler. I love Sebastian.

"Two."

I focused on only my thoughts, and the sweet sound of Sebastian's voice.

Second, I need you, truth is, no matter what, I would want – no, need – you to be by my side forever. What would forever be without you?

"...Three!" I could hear a smirk in Sebastian's tone.

If I could, I would die three times for you. I would give you three souls, as long as they were already my own. Three smiles...

"Four..."

Before now, I've never shown you any appreciation. But if we can live through this, if we could, I would... But I know I have to repay you after this final ordeal...

"Five!"

Halfway there, I bit my lip.

Five? When you left me, I missed you more than I miss even my own parents. I even miss you right now...

He didn't have to say it, but I heard it.

"Six, seven!"

Six? Seven? I have shown you little weakness in all this time you have spent with me, or at least tried to show you as little as possible. Truth is, I want to show you all my weaknesses; you are my strength – and I want you to comfort me, and continue protecting me. At this point, regrettably, you can not.

"Eight."

Its absorbing most of my strength, keeping my eyes closed. Only two seconds left.

I want to see your face, right now... Please...

"Nine!"

One more moment and then we'll be together again.

"Ten." Sebastian exhaled, in a sharp sigh, "Bocchan, I'm coming."

I want you to call me Ciel, at least once.

I hear Sebastian's footsteps on the bridge, approaching me. He's coming to rescue me. But he can't, I won't let him. I've hidden behind him all this time, and for once I have to make my own move. Not move those around me. I'm still the king. I am a game piece, I am my own playing piece. With the last of my strength, I manage to unlatch my hold on the bridge, my fingers obey me.

Eleven. In a way, I lied. I lived until ten, no more. I did not break my promise. Sebastian, I love you, so I'm letting go...

The water is cold, I'm numb. Yet there is that ever present warmth – Sebastian, you jumped in after me. Please, I want to die.

"Twelve. Ciel... I love you."