Devils (and Daniel) Like to Raise Younger Siblings as Their Children, am I right?

Maybe not like to as much as have to due to circumstances, but the pun wouldn't leave me alone.

I'm glad to see Jim moving in the right direction. I know that he and Luka will see eye-to-eye when they have a chance to talk. I don't think Luka's in any life-threatening danger, but emotionally is another story. I don't think Jim wants to tell him everything, but he may have to because of how Luka could be.

Whatever Barbara could do, nothing is worse than the combined might of our shady friends! That's how people like Barbara are: they are self-centered to the point where nothing is their fault and they can never see reason. It's a shame in a way, but it's not worth worrying over. Whatever bed Barbara and Nathan have made, they'll have to lie in it. Here's hoping they aren't going to drag Daniel and Sam into too much trouble, but the Phantomhives, Midfords, and Hellsings won't let it happen for long!

The middle of an arc is tough, but it has the necessary setup. I look forward to it!

Until next time!

Good to see more of Luka, while I get he's not a major character in this story or the last few arcs, it's always interesting to see how he's changed as he's grown up since canon, or how he's dealing with the aftermath of mission stuff.

Regardless of other arc plans, I'm satisfied with this! I never actually considered whether or not Luka knew of certain parts of Jim's past until this chapter confirmed he didn't. I completely overlooked that!

I understand why Jim has never told Luka. Before he would have been too young to understand, but he could now. I think that when Luka is told he may forgive Jim a little, but his point still stands. Jim's protective of Luka and wants him to have close to a normal life (or normal enough for demons) because he never had that, even when the two of them were younger. Even with that, Luka needs to live his own life and make his own decisions. I have no doubt the two of them will come to an understanding. They each need to give a little in their views.

Sebastian was entertaining in this chapter. He's not good at comfort. Yeah, no kidding! That I can find him amusing instead of wishing he'd go away in this fic is a feat.

Oh, Ciel and mobile games. What kind does Funtom produce? Candy Crush but with Funtom sweets? Whatever they are, microtransactions are present!

Until next time!

This looks like the start of a promising mini-plot! Samantha really seems to be doing well for herself, but going away to college would be a great experience. She'd meet new people and be in a whole other environment. I understand Dan's hesitation and I know he'll do the right thing, but it would be upsetting if I was in his shoes. I haven't experienced anything like he has, but it would be hard.

The conversation with Barbara was cathartic. She and Nathan will never change unless some miracle finds them and I'd question that use of a miracle! I don't know if this will be the last they'll be mentioned, but I don't see where they would go. They would just pop in for unnecessary conflict that Dan and Samantha don't need.

Jim's a good choice for Dan's problem. Jim is to Luka what Dan is to Sam, so if anyone can advise Dan it's Jim! Jim needs to come to terms with Luka growing up anyway, so dual help session!

Until next time!

Maybe I'm just sappy, but reading this chapter I felt enough delight that I was a little emotional. I think the combination of Ciel's narration with the history and scenery did it. Ciel and Jim's love never gets old.

I almost thought it would be Sebastian to come to Ciel instead of Jim, though. It was all the talk about the past that I figured Earl and Butler might have had a few words. Sebastian probably knows everything anyway, knowing him.

One plot that I'd like to see in the future is Ciel and Jim going to Preston's grave. Sometimes, I think about how Preston made his decisions and what a shame it was that he made those. I wonder if what happened will be laid to rest in a way if Ciel and Jim acknowledge those feelings. It doesn't weigh on their minds I don't think, but considering they've never gone maybe they should.

I'm proud of Ciel. It seems like I'm a good judge of character when it comes to everyone! I'm not an expert, but I'm glad that I seem to know everyone well enough to make accurate guesses to some degree. Ciel will only grow further from here!

I can only imagine what future staff would come along. That plot would be interesting!

Until next time!

Hehe chapter 69...and there talking about babys but as always i loved this so much the way you right in incredible! Ily hate!

You know, reading about Travis getting married kind of puts into perspective just how many years have passed in universe...

How many was that again? About... Ten, now? Seven? I'm not sure, what year is it in DLTR at the moment?

Anyway, thanks for the chapter.

Seeing Ciel happier even if it's a change is good to see. I may not guess what exactly he's feeling, but relieved is part of it. I think he may be thinking that he's at least a decent person if he's not the monster Johnathan was. The life he has now has its downsides, but Ciel probably thinks he made the right choice after all. Maybe it's affirmation that what he has is truly worth living for because he can't stand the nothingness and despair anymore.

It felt great to see Kris, Dan, and Travis again. It's been ages since they last appeared, or at least it felt that way. Jim, Kris, and Dan are a great trio. I wonder what Dan, Ted, and Ruby have been up to. I think a subplot or something involving sorcerer magic would be neat to see. I can't think of a great example, but surely Dan has questions about some of it.

Sometimes I think Travis is the rock of the group. Back in the day of DLTD I was always curious about what he was thinking because he was so quiet, but he's more open these days. I can't be of help about Jewish wedding customs, but having Travis and Patricia tie the knot will be sweet to see.

Until next time!

I'm gonna guess that for Ciel he's finally gotten it off his shoulders how much shit he's done in the past, in a way 'killing' it and ending that part of his life, but I dunno bro. Sorry, can't give anything on the wedding shit as I know nothing outside of Wham-bam-your-a-married-man

Summary of this chapter: Ciel is a big blue sappy rubber ducky in a bath full of bubbles

Oh god, this just reminded me of a porno that got memed years ago with the memorable phrase 'you lemon stealing whore'. I did not need that memory thank you!

This was a relaxing chapter. I'm glad Lizzie is taking care of a lot. I never complain about her being around because she's so awesome. She makes a great leader. I wonder what an angel-focused arc would be like. I'd read some of the supplemental material on angels on your blog, but in-story we haven't dug into angels like we have demons. It would be interesting.

Jim and Ciel's relationship is kind of ideal in ways. They're so kind to each other, especially in tender moments like the one closing out this chapter. They give each other space, room to talk if they want, and yet they're affectionate. Sure, they're not perfect and have had fights before, but I feel that their relationship has ironed out a lot of the difficulties by now. I don't think something can tear them apart for good at this time, but they deserve this quiet time.

I think Brittany going to Pyestock might be the best idea for her. There's plenty of nature still and I think she'd find it calming. I don't know what she'll do from here, but I think she can gain better mental health. I don't know what her family will think because I don't remember if we know much about them, but they might not be happy that she vanished for so long. Whether it was out of worry or anger I can't say.

Damien learning from Wink sounds like a good idea. I hope the best for our other new supernatural friends!

Until next time!

I'm glad that this chapter is finally here. Johnathan won't hurt anyone again.

I honestly thought Ciel would just kill Johnathan, but his idea of trapping his soul so he wouldn't escape is one I didn't consider. It's a better choice though. Johnathan will hate it as I assume he has some consciousness left in him. Oh well, he gets to go in Ciel's special room with the rest of his keepsakes!

I loved the twilight line. It's very Ciel. Sure, he'll never be a "normal" person, but he's great all things considered!

Oh Jim, how I've missed you! I'm always happy to see him, especially when he has cool entrances. Him not keeping the brand is a good move. It doesn't even mean anything personal except for "hey, a demon that lived in my husband's cloned body gave to me out of misguided want for acknowledgement by said husband." Let's put Johnathan aside for now, shall we?

That being said, I felt a little sorry for him in the end. Just a bit. A tiny amount. I assume he could break free of the bottle at some point in time whether on his own or by someone else coming along to ruin things, but I'm fine with not seeing him again. He's served his purpose in my mind. Retreading him unless he had some kind of grand epiphany wouldn't be exciting.

I think up next will be our new supernatural friends making some big adjustments!

I hope your pinky feels better soon. Until next time!

Y'know it's odd that Johnathan was able to change the holy water. If its actual holy water, considering it hurt Jim, what does it become when infused with the soul of a demon? Is it now Demonic water? Do the forces cancel each other out? Is John stuck in some weird wet world and possibly able to be involved with angel bullshit because of him being merged with something blessed? My true question to tie these up is: Wutdo?

The prose in this chapter was very evocative. I loved some of the imagery this carried. Ciel's warmth, the spider thread, what Johnathan reached out for... It heightened the complicated emotions here.

At the end of this chapter I wondered if it was the end of Johnathan after all, but I didn't consider that he still had his demon form. At least he's had a measure of realization. I don't know how those thoughts will influence his actions, but I think Johnathan will live up to being a monster if that's how he is in his own eyes. We know what Ciel does to monsters.

Johnathan and Ciel have an interesting relationship, though of course it's mostly one-sided on Johnathan's part. This chapter highlighted that Ciel is sort of a father figure to Johnathan in a sense because he gave him purpose to start with. I actually didn't think about that, but neither did Ciel! It begs the question of what would have happened if Ciel did acknowledge Johnathan long ago, but I don't think that possibility is very interesting. I think Johnathan would have ended up similar to August and probably meet a similar fate. I prefer the arc we have over that idea. I wonder if a lesser demon truly could become like Ciel and Jim given proper guidance, though. Is it even possible?

Until next time!