All Soul's Day
Info: This was done for the prompt "Graveyard" and is the first ficlet I ever wrote.
Genre: Drama?
Characters: Sebastian and Ciel. Ciel's POV
Rating: G
Summary: Ciel and Sebastian reflect on the human condition

The autumn air sends a shiver down my spine as I make my way along the winding path, pulling my inverness tighter around my frame. The sky has recently let up from it's futile attempt at rain, and now the air hangs heavy, thick and grey. A constant shadow follows me, echoing my steps, Sebastian. We are silent as we walk, the only noise is the carpet of red and orange leafs crumbling beneath our feet as we reach our destination.

Empty Stone Angel's eyes stare up at me. I fail to see how these things are supposed to be a comfort. They look trapped, forever lamenting their fate as the guardians of empty shells of men. The man in question is Vincent Phantomhive. Rachel Phantomhive lies beside him, dust and bones and dirt. I stare back at the frozen angels, reaching for some feeling I know should be there. Sadness, loss, grief, longing? No, it is tradition, society, duty... guilt that brings me here this All Souls Day.

At this late hour most have returned to the warmth and comfort of their homes, but a few mourners remain. I see them groveling on hands and knees, praying that God will grant their loved ones entry if they pour enough holy water over stone. I fiddle with the small glass vial in my pocket, nearly laughing at the absurdity of it all. My shadow seems to mirror my amusement.

"I am surprised you still partake in this ritual, I did not figure you the sentimental type young master." Sebastian smirks and raises an eyebrow in silent question.

Why do I keep coming? Who's to know if I stop? Surely not my parents. They are nothing more than earth now, solid and silent beneath my feet. I would say that it is expected of me, but I tell no one of these visits every November 2nd. So why?

"It's simply what one does."

"I see." His lips turn upward ever so slightly. He thinks me foolish. A defense rises up, then dies in my throat. If I am honest with myself, I agree with him.

Ignoring his silent mockery, I take out my own holy water, intent to buy my parents tickets to heaven once again and leave this dreary place. I notice a slight twitch from Sebastian, almost imperceivable if I didn't spend so much time with the man. Now it is my turn to smirk.

"What's wrong Sebastian? Would you like to pour the water this year?"

His eyes narrow in annoyance, "I shouldn't want to take such an important task from you young master."

"It's no trouble. It's only water you know." I can barely keep the mockery from my voice, watching his discomfort.

"That is where you are mistaken my Lord." His eyes take a cold seriousness to them.

"You can't be serious?" comes my incredulous reply. "This was "blessed" by an ordinary man, merely calling himself an instrument of God."

"That may be so. However, I am bound by the beliefs of man. Do they not say: There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so?" He finishes, a soft smile once again upon his features.

"Fascinating... so if I ordered you to drink this..." I glance sidelong at him, watching for his reaction to my taunting.

"...I would be rather irritated, I do admit." He replies, ever smiling, never reaching those crimson eyes of his.

"Not to worry Sebastian, I will spare you the trouble." A light chuckle manages to escape my lips as I quickly splash the stones before me. "Well that business is finished, let's go home."

I turn on my heel and begin the journey to the waiting carriage. However, the familiar echo of footsteps is curiously absent. Sebastian is still in front of the graves, watching a nearby mourner, seemingly lost in thought. I march back, intent on asking what he finds so fascinating as to stop him from following me. Before I can question his odd behavior however, he has a question for me instead.

"Why do you suppose humans make all this fuss? As if their words and water can change the dead's fate..." He looks at me with an air of genuine curiosity.

I glance at the figure kneeling in the dirt and lightly scoff. Why indeed? "It's the human condition I suppose, to wonder where we will end up, to think we have a say..."

His eyebrow raises slightly, "You act as if you are above the human condition, as you put it, young master."

It is a question, though he does not ask it as such. "I suppose I am, in a way. After all, I know where I am to end up, don't I Sebastian?"

That smirk again, "Hm. I suppose you do."