Hiya peoples! All right, it is time for the last chapter, chapter three! Took a bit longer for me to get out than I had anticipated, but I'll talk about that later. Anyways, here's the definition for this chapter title. So, again, according to Wikipedia, a desperado is a chess piece that seems determinded to give itself up. This is typically done to bring about a stalemate with your opponent. And so now that that has been explained, onto the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: Remember the disclaimer for chapter one? Well, I still don't own Kuroshitsuji. So yeah, tough luck.

All along the river he could see his memories playing.

It started with the first memories he could think of and went from there. Ciel watched as his entire short life played out before him. He thought he would feel happy to see those precious memories of the times he shared together with his parents, or fury at their deaths and his own capture, but instead he felt nothing. He merely watched the scenes because they were there, and because they allowed him to keep his mind off his own demise. Behind him, Sebastian slowly rowed the boat through the crushing fog.

If he were to be completely honest with himself, he did not feel as empty as he initially thought. Most of the usual emotions he felt were curiously absent. What he did feel was a dull sort of anxiety, resting in the pit of his stomach like an iron ball. He was not nervous that he would die. He'd known how and by whom his life would end the moment he'd made the contract. He'd had enough time to accept all that. What he was worried about was seeing Sebastian do it. He'd known that Sebastian would be the one to kill him. He didn't want anyone else to. But that didn't mean he wanted to see the butler do it. It would enforce the fact that all along, he was meaningless to the demon.

But he'd known that too, from the beginning. That was why it was stupid of him to feel anything for the demon. He didn't want to see Sebastian kill him, but he would force himself to watch. He was still a Phantomhive, even in death, and as such he would not run from anyone. He'd known that it would happen and he accepted that. He wanted it to be painful. He wanted to feel all the pain he'd ever felt in his life. He would be baptized with that pain, all the sins he'd committed, all the people he'd killed, and all the heartache he'd caused Lizzy would be remembered with that pain. He would accept it all and not hide from it. He knew this, but was still anxious. The iron ball was still there in the pit of his stomach.

He watched the river and saw the years he'd spent since he'd met Sebastian. He watched himself grow up and Sebastian remain the same. Then he saw his wedding to Lizzy. It had been a big event with many guests, and he'd been frustrated and irritated by it all, thought he'd tried to not ruin it for Lizzy. The images he saw after were of the few years he'd spent together with her, and then finally his death. The time he'd spent with Lizzy by his side had not been all that bad, he realized. There had been times when he'd been almost happy with his cousin beside him. He hoped Lizzy would be able to be truly happy now that he was gone.

When the film of his life ended with his death, the boat also hit the shore of a small, dreamy, monochrome island. Sebastian gracefully stepped off the boat and onto the shore, and offered Ciel his hand. He took it, but instead of being led to the shore like he'd assumed he would be, Sebastian picked him up and carried him in his arms, close to his chest. It was then that Ciel realized he was once more in the body of a child. He had missed this fact when he'd been in the boat, his attention caught up by his thoughts and his memories being shown in the water. It was strange, once again being this young, but somehow it felt right, like he was supposed to be this way.

Sebastian carried him slowly and silently though a forest of tall and silent trees. He felt even more anxious now that he was closer to his end. He could almost hear the sound of the few minutes he had left alive trickling away. They continued on through the trees and eventually came to a stone outcropping, the remains of what looked to have once been a building of sorts. In the middle of it all was a plain stone bench, and it was upon this that Sebastian set him down.

Ciel's heart began to beat faster. He knew that he was technically already dead, and the body he had here was merely a container for his soul, but that did not stop it from reacting just as it normally would with how worried he was. He was getting closer and closer to a point where he would no longer exist. And while he'd desperately wanted his revenge, his instincts to live were now kicking in, and he found himself wishing for a few more years.

"A child, Sebastian?" He questioned suddenly. His voice sounded out of place, much too loud in this somber atmosphere. Luckily, none of the anxiety he felt had leaked into his voice. His words had rung out as cool and composed as usual. When Sebastian heard his question, a particular look crossed his face quickly, as if he were relieved by it, and did not mind what was obviously a stall for time. Sebastian graced him with one of those smiles he always wore, the bent down and kneeled in front of him.

"This was the form I most enjoyed you in, Young Master. I do not mean to suggest that I disliked serving you when you became older, but things were… easiest when you were this age," The demon explained. Ciel looked at him curiously. Though he was still smiling, he did not hear any of the usual arrogance or goading in Sebastian's voice. It was one of those times, it seemed, when he was completely serious. Ciel was glad for it. He'd always enjoyed the games they'd played, but for once he didn't feel up to them. He wanted to talk with the man in these last few moments of his life, and he was glad that he got the chance to.

"Yes, things were simpler then," Ciel agreed thoughtfully. The last time he'd been this age he'd had so many less things to worry about. As the Funtom company had continued to grow, he had to learn to bear more responsibilities as the owner. And the older he became, the less and less acceptable it was for him to continue to deny invitations to parties or social events. When he'd married Elizabeth that held true even more soon. Then there had of course been his duties as the Queen's Watchdog, which had also seemed to increase, and after all of that there was the marriage itself. Lizzy was always beside him, and even though most times he appreciated her presence, she could be an annoyance. Everything had been simpler as a child with the only person he had to continually deal with being Sebastian.

"Mmm, I did not have to share you with anyone then," Sebastian smirked evilly, speaking the same thoughts that had just been on Ciel's mind. The demon's voice when he spoke the words was low and sultry, his smile seductive. Ciel was more than used to seeing this side of his demon, yet he felt his face heat up all the same. He certainly hadn't expected for his to happen, though when Sebastian's gloved hand touched his thigh, he found he didn't mind all that much.

"If the Young Master would not mind, perhaps I could indulge in a bit of fun before we go any further?" Sebastian questioned mischievously. Ciel didn't get any time to answer that question. He knew that this was hardly the time or place to engage in that sort of activity, but they both knew he would not deny Sebastian his fun. He never did. Once of the problems he wished he'd been able to work on. If he could just deny the man, maybe it wouldn't hurt so much.

It was Sebastian's lips pressed against his own that evaporated all his vain thoughts of stopping this immoral act from occurring one last time. Sebastian hardly ever kissed him. He wasn't one for foreplay unless it involved touching, preferring instead to get straight down to the act. Ciel on the other hand, loved kissing Sebastian. He loved to taste the other man so fully and feel himself being embraced by those strong arms. It made it easier to pretend that when Sebastian kissed him, it was because he felt the same affections for Ciel that the boy felt for him, instead of knowing that in reality, it was just a simple way for the demon to get his master in the mood.

He felt those familiar hands press his body closer and Ciel lost himself. He wanted, he wanted, he wanted! He wanted to possess this man and feel the hard edges of his body one last time. He wanted to etch every detail of Sebastian into his mind and remember those red, red eyes gazing into him forever. He wanted to feel the heat of the other man's body and he wanted to be one with him, wanted to feel that passion, that desire, that power between them once more. He wanted, suddenly, foolishly, to tell the demon that he loved him and order him (were it still possible) to return that sentiment. He held his unwise words back, knowing that were he to speak them now, after all this time, it would ruin him. When his mouth did open all that left it were mewling moans and half-hidden desires.

Sebastian's hands were all over him, ridding him of his clothes. There seemed to be a kind of urgency to his movements, as for once he left the outfit lying where it fell, not bothering to fold it neatly. The habitual need to keep things in order had always irritated Ciel before, as he'd seen no need for Sebastian to act like such a perfect butler right before they fucked, something which by society's standards was far from perfect. Yet now he almost missed the action that had become so familiar. His carelessly fallen clothes served to emphasize that he was at the end of the road, when even Sebastian no longer felt the need to keep up with his butler façade.

Sebastian's lips broke away from Ciel's abruptly, and the butler's spidery fingers ran up and down his sides, easily removing the last few articles of clothing still on the boy's body. Ciel's own fingers tried to do the same for Sebastian, but perhaps as a result of his once more being a child, he found the action difficult. His fingers fumbled across fabric and buttons, trying fruitlessly to disrobe his servant, but to no avail. Sebastian was forced to strip himself. Once all clothes were gone those clever fingers were again running across his skin, easily bringing him to a state of arousal.

Those same hands trailed down to his small erection, touched it lightly, making him shiver and a small moan to escape his lips. Sebastian eyed him deeply, and his fluorescent red orbs sent another shiver racing down his spine, for a completely different reason. Something seemed… different this time around, though he could not place his finger on how. He felt apprehensive. His revenge was completed and the contract no longer existed. Now he was in the hands of a demon that had no leash to restrain him from biting. Would Sebastian just eat him here and now, right like this? He was ready to die and had accepted that he would, but that did not make his natural survival instincts any easier to squelch.

He froze when Sebastian's teasing touch left his erection and trailed lower and almost casually brushed against his entrance. He shot away from the man like he had shocked him with the touch. Instantly he was reminded of the nightmares he hadn't had for a few years now, of masked men who touched and prodded and hurt. His heartbeat (how he had one in this body he was unsure) sped up rapidly, and though he tried to mask it, he felt afraid.

"Se-Sebastian!" He gasped sharply. "Not like that! If you want to do it the other way fine, but not like that!" Sebastian smirked. His lips stretched wide, exposing white teeth Ciel was sure had not been so pointy before. His eyes glowed deeply, and he purposefully pressed his fingers against the area that had caused Ciel to flinch before. It was only a touch, and the digits did not press hard enough to enter him, but Ciel froze up all the same. His heart beat rapidly.

"Why not? Do you not like it when I touch you here? I allow you to do this to me frequently, but I am not allowed to do it to you? That does not seem fair, Young Master." Sebastian's words rolled silkily, smoothly from his sinful tongue. Serpentine.

"Or are you afraid of my touch? The one who has bathed you, dressed you, held you at night and protected you? How amusing."

He wanted to scoff and bark out that he wasn't. But he was, he was, and he knew that Sebastian could see that. He feared those men and the things they had done to him, and with the way Sebastian was staring at him so intently, he felt an irrational sense of fear toward him as well. The contract was as good as over. Would orders still work? Could he command Sebastian to stop?

"Sebastian, don't!" He said, trying to channel the same air of authority he always spoke in. He thought it worked, and for a second Sebastian's eyes narrowed. Was the contract still in place then? Before he even really had a chance to ponder that question, Sebastian's lips were again pressed hard against his own, and the man's tongue was invading his mouth. His hands left his butt and traveled all over his body, harshly pulling on a nipple and then stroking his penis, leaving Ciel a flustered, needy mess.

"Do you not trust me, Young Master? Do you think I would do the same things that they did? Do you expect me to torture you?" Sebastian questioned after he broke away from the kiss, his face mere inches away from Ciel's. His body was pressed atop Ciel's smaller one, and with each question he asked, he ground his pelvis against Ciel's own, making the boy cry out. Ciel's mind was hazy, unsure of whether he enjoyed this treatment or didn't. He wanted to leave because Sebastian was reminding him too much of those men and he didn't like it. When his mind processed Sebastian's questions he tried to push the demon off him.

"You're going to kill me, aren't you?" He yelled out, suddenly mad. How dare Sebastian say such a thing? Wasn't he already torturing him with this? Hadn't he tortured him for years now after every time they had sex and Ciel was left to fall asleep alone, knowing it meant nothing? Sebastian's movements froze and his eyes seemed to darken, though for a long time he said nothing.

"Are you afraid of me? Do you think I will hurt you?" He asked then, after a few good moments of silence. Ciel lapsed into silence. His heart was beating quickly and he couldn't stand the way Sebastian was looking at him. There was something in the demon's gaze he couldn't recall ever having seen before, and he didn't know what to make of it. He turned his head and kept his sight firmly away from Sebastian's.

"No," He admitted quietly. His cheeks flushed and he felt mortified that he had actually answered such questions. Sebastian should have already known that he did not fear him. He had saved Ciel from his own personal hell and rescued his life so many times he had lost count. Even now when he was so close to death, he till trusted Sebastian more than anyone else.

He felt a warm touch against his face, moving his head back to look in front of him. Sebastian leaned in slowly, and gently connected their lips once more, more tender than Ciel had even thought was possible for him. Fingers card softly through his hair, and Ciel's own hand gripped tightly onto the butler's back. He moaned quietly, relishing this gentle kiss, and when his mouth opened, Sebastian's tongue joined his own and they tangled together.

He felt as if he were drowning. Everything was so different than he was used to. His late night trysts with Sebastian when he'd still been alive and part of the world had never been like this before. He'd been the controlling one then, the one in charge of everything. Every move was planned out and initiated by him, leaving Sebastian only there to cooperate. And he'd liked the way things were then, because he was in charge. Whatever he had wanted to do, they would do. No chance of change, nothing unplanned. If he did not like something, or felt afraid of it, they would not do it. That had all been simple and Ciel had enjoyed it because he'd known what to expect. He'd visualized every move before it had ever happened and had been able to hold up his defenses and hide his weaknesses. That was how Sebastian never found out about the way he felt.

Now he didn't know what was going on. Sebastian was completely in charge here, and though he should have been used to the demon dominating every part of his life, despite his own title of master, Ciel was afraid. He was afraid of the masked men and his nightmares and pain, and he was afraid of letting go. This was different than before, and he felt like he was drowning. He couldn't allow that to happen. He had to try and retain some control, because he knew that if he let it all go he would no longer be able to keep up his defenses, and Sebastian would know.

Part of him longed to just tell. His body was already dead for all intents and purposes, and soon this phantasmal form his soul was residing in would also be gone. What reason did he have to continue to hide the truth? Did it matter that Sebastian would laugh at him when he would soon nothing would matter at all? He doubted it, but yet his pride would still not allow him to speak. Would he be devastated when he heard Sebastian's reject him? He knew it would hurt. He didn't want to have to face the true extent of how stupid he had been by falling in love with a demon and causing himself and those around him so much unhappiness. It was better to pretend that he didn't know what Sebastian would say and act like he could continue hoping. He didn't want to hear how wrong he'd been. He couldn't allow Sebastian to know.

"Do you trust me?" Sebastian murmured huskily at his throat. Yes, Ciel wanted to say, of course I do. But he kept his mouth closed, turned his head to the side to allow Sebastian to mark his neck as much as he pleased. He was drowning, drowning, drowning. Sinking deeper and deeper. He felt like he couldn't breathe. How many times had Sebastian saved him from such a fate? Now he was the cause of it.

"Trust me," Sebastian said again, still against his neck. His lips felt hot, Ciel thought absently. His hands were burning and they trailed lower and lower down the boy's body.

"Trust me," He said again, pulling away from Ciel. The boy let out a small whimper at the loss of contact and the warm body that had been against his own. The noise caught in his throat though, as he looked up and saw how truly beautiful the demon above him was. His eyes were aflame and his long black hair fell down against Ciel's neck and forehead. His body was perfect and magnificent, much more than anyone else he had ever seen in his life. Could any human ever hope to compare to Sebastian's gorgeous, deadly beauty? Ciel had seen him like this many times and had always recognized how flawless his butler was, but this was different from all those times. Now Sebastian was the one in charge, and he could definitely tell that this was the role the demon was most used to playing. He was in control of every movement. His limbs moved gracefully, and his eyes glowed sensually. Ciel felt like he was watching a piece of art. His breath caught in his throat.

He was so taken in by the image of beauty that he almost did not notice the way Sebastian's fiery touch continued to travel lower down his body. He felt it soon enough, and when he did it was no longer Sebastian touching him but pairs of hands running up and down his body. They were touching him all over and making him dirty, and he had screamed before he could stop himself.

"Don't touch me! Get away!" He yelled. He tried to push Sebastian off, but the demon held him down and forced their eyes to connect.

"Ciel!"

His struggles stopped immediately, and he stared. He felt his heart skip a beat. Sebastian was above him still, but all of a sudden he thought that this must be a dream. His revenge, the trip to the island, none of it had actually happened, had it? Right now he must be lying in his bed, dreaming. That had to be the answer. For Sebastian never called him by his name.

The demon touched his cheek and ran his fingers down the soft skin. Ciel stared at him, unmoving. This was a dream, wasn't it? It was not possible for Sebastian to have said his name. He never would. Ciel did not matter to him, so why would he ever need to use his name? He didn't. So he must have been dreaming, had to be. So why then, was he able to feel that touch so clearly? Why could he see and imagine this island so clearly? His body shook, and he blinked his eyes.

"I'm afraid," He whispered suddenly. "I'm afraid it will hurt."

"Trust me Ciel," Sebastian said again. His red eyes bore into Ciel's own heterochromic ones. They were perfectly still, and everything around them was silent. His name seemed to echo in his ears, over and over. Ciel, Ciel, Ciel… His body trembled, but slowly, he nodded.

His screams ripped through the silence as Sebastian pushed into him. His fingernails tore into Sebastian's back as he clung to the man and tried to keep himself from telling him to stop. It hurt, less than he'd thought it would, but it was still pain and he was still afraid. Tears poured from his eyes and down his cheeks. He held on tightly to the man as Sebastian began to move inside of him, and that hurt even more. He bit his lips so hard they bled, but he did not allow himself to cry out anymore. Sebastian had said his name. Sebastian had asked for him to trust him. Sebastian was not the same as the men who had hurt him before. He trusted Sebastian, he did. Sebastian would not hurt him. Sebastian had asked for his trust and he would give it. Because he loved the demon, and no matter how much it hurt he would keep on loving the demon, and he would keep on trusting him, right up until Sebastian ate his soul.

Sebastian moved gently within him, trying to not make it hurt anymore. Whenever his tears spilled over, Sebastian wiped them away. He adjusted to the feel of being stretched so much slowly, and with time everything began to stop hurting. He felt like he was drowning again. Sebastian's thrusts had increased in speed and power and now his body quivered and wept with pleasure. He shouted and screamed out the name he had bestowed upon the demon and his heart thudded painfully in his chest. He wanted this. He wanted this pleasure and he wanted to allow Sebastian to do this to him. He wanted to trust Sebastian and it was because he did trust him that he permitted this to happen. He had never before this moment let Sebastian do these types of things to him, and he wanted to scream that didn't Sebastian see? Didn't he see that the only reason Ciel gave consent for him to touch him like this and trusted him the way he did was because the boy loved him? Didn't he see any of that?

"Sebastian," Ciel choked out. "Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian." He wanted Sebastian to say his name again. The demon was panting and moaning with each of his thrusts, but he had not said any words. Hearing Sebastian speak his name had surprised him so much that first time. He liked the sound of it falling off the demon's lips. And didn't it mean something, that he had used it? Didn't it? Sebastian had never done so before. …Or, was this the same as the kisses, just another way to get him to do what he wanted?

Soon he was no longer capable of thinking his circling thoughts over and over. He screamed as Sebastian hit his prostate and the demon himself smirked. The slow pace they had established was pushed aside in favor of a faster, more frantic one. Any pain Ciel had still been experiencing was skillfully masked behind the pleasure he received as he felt Sebastian fill him even deeper than before.

Sebastian's hands grabbed roughly onto his hips and thrust deeper into his body, angling just so his prostate was hit over and over. Ciel's legs clenched around the man's sides and his hands scrabbled at his back, leaving angry red lines on the pale skin. His breath came short and shuddering and he tossed his head back with each thrust. Every time their bodies met his back arched off the ground. He had long ago given up trying to move his own hips in time with Sebastian's, and now jut let the older man do as he wished.

When his head tossed back once more Sebastian leaned over and latched his mouth to his neck. Ciel felt sharp teeth pierce his skin, but all that he experienced was pleasure, so great the tightening in his groin almost released itself. He shuddered and mewled softly as he felt Sebastian sucking on his neck and his tongue lapping up the spilled blood When he was satisfied with his mark, the demon smirked and messily connected his lips with Ciel's in a rough kiss. The boy could taste the almost spicy flavor of the other man, and the coppery one of his own blood. It was slightly disgusting, but he responded to the kiss all the same, tongue battling with the butler's own for dominance and control. He broke apart with a sharp gasp as a particularly strong thrust buried into him.

He was drowning, and he felt as if he couldn't breathe. Each breath he did manage to grab was expelled out again as moans and screamed. He wondered if he could die this way, then thought it wouldn't be so bad. At this point, no matter how things progressed, he would meet his end at Sebastian's hands.

He felt a hand encircle his neglected member and begin to pump it. Ciel cried out and held onto Sebastian even tighter. He was now no longer lying on the ground, but situated on the other man's lap. Their foreheads pressed together weakly. He could feel those bright eyes staring at him, but he kept his own face down, not wanting to look. They moved slower now, agonizingly slow compared to the rhythm they'd had before, an those hands on him stroked just as slolwly. His breath came out in shudders. He'd always liked going fast and hard, but with the way Sebastian was moving now, he felt like he couldn't control himself.

"Haaa… ah… Sebastian," Ciel panted. His member twitched and the pressure coiling within him grew tighter and tighter until it began to hurt. When it could curl no more it all let go, and with a strangled half-cry Ciel released all over their stomachs. He felt Sebastian push inside him a few more times, and then he too came with a shudder. His forehead rested against Ciel's and the boy clung to his demon tightly as his body trembled.

Sebastian slid out of him soon, but they continued to sit like that. The sound of their breathing filled the air, but that quieted to silence as time passed. Ciel was the one who broke it. He couldn't take it, sitting there with his butler, not knowing what was going to happen next.

"So… are you going to take my soul now?" He questioned, not really sure he wanted to hear the answer to that. He would love to stay here with Sebastian and hold onto him like this, but that was unrealistic, and he did not want to live in a fantasy. Surely now would be the moment when Sebastian took it. There would be no more delays.

"Is the Young Master truly that eager to end it all? Most would be begging me for their lives at this point," Sebastian chuckled softly. His arms wrapped tighter around Ciel's skinny waist, and he nuzzled into the boy's hair, breathing deeply.

"Shut up. I would never beg for anything. And I am not eager. I just do not see the point in waiting around any longer to finish this," He responded. His heart thumped painfully and his cheeks grew hot. He was glad Sebastian was not looking at him. It would have been easy to tell he was lying.

"No, you are far too proud to beg, even for your life, aren't you Young Master? That is why I am prepared to offer you this opportunity," The demon smirked as he moved away from his hair. Ciel looked up at him finally, confused as to what he was talking about. Sebastian smiled ambiguously, giving nothing away.

"Everyone will be sad to hear that you've passed on. Tell me, will you miss it?" He asked sweetly. Ciel's confused expression changed to a frown. His fists clenched against the demon's chest. He did not understand why Sebastian was still dragging this out. Did he mean to toy with him in this way? Would he continue to ask questions until the boy let his guard down and then viciously tear his soul from him? Even in his death he would suffer, it seemed. And what did this have to do with the previous statement Sebastian had said?

"Of course I'll miss it," Ciel scoffed, not allowing his inner turmoil to come out in his voice. "With my death the Phantomhive name will die. The Queen will no longer have her Watchdog. I suspect the company will also fall in time. The manor will fall to ruins with those servants around to take care of it. They've never gotten any better at their household tasks, though they improve daily as bodyguards. Elizabeth will marry into another family. That's probably the only good thing that will come of my demise. I could never be the husband she wanted and make her happy. Someone else may be able to succeed where I failed. She deserves to be with someone that loves her."

There was silence for a moment, and Ciel fidgeted in Sebastian's lap, beginning to feel awkward still sitting there. Both were still naked and covered in various fluids, and he longed to do something to make the silence easier to bear. Then Sebastian leaned forward a bit, until his lips were barely touching the rim of Ciel's ear. The boy shuddered as a hot puff of breath hit his neck, but otherwise did not move.

"Would you want to go back?"

He flinched slightly when those lips moved away. His eyes were wide, and when Sebastian pulled away from him he regarded him with a blank expression. He didn't understand.

"What are you talking about?" He demanded.

"After everything that's happened, do you still doubt my skills, Young Master? I could easily bring you back to the realm of the living," Sebastian smirked. Before Ciel had even thought about it, he'd smacked the demon across the face. His fists shook, and he glared sharply at the man.

"Stop this idiocy at once! I'm dead! Even if such a thing were possible, why would you bring me back to life? What is there for you to gain from it? The contract is complete and there is no longer anything preventing you from eating my soul. You're starving, right? Why not just east it now then and stop fooling around," He scowled darkly.

"The Young Master is correct," Sebastian chuckled darkly. "I am very hungry. But you are one of the most interesting masters I have ever served. You constantly exceed my expectations and at times behave more like a demon than just a greedy human. Despite my hunger, I would not mind spending more time serving you."

Ciel lowered his head and allowed his eyes to be covered by his hair. He knew that he was acting weak in front of the man, but at the moment he did not care to hide it like he normally would. He felt tired, and his chest hurt. He knew it was stupid, but for a moment, when Sebastian had said he could bring him back, he'd thought that maybe… Well, it was a stupid thought, wasn't it? He'd always known that Sebastian did not care about him. He was a demon. The only reason he'd served him in the first place was because he would get a meal out of it. It stood to reason that the only reason he would continue to serve him would be for his own amusement. He was truly stupid.

"That's your reason then?" He questioned casually.

"Were you expecting to hear something else?" Sebastian asked with a smile. Ciel shook his head.

"No, I suppose not," He answered. For Sebastian to say otherwise would be something of a miracle. Whoever had heard of a demon that fell in love with a human? Was it even possible for Sebastian to love him? Nothing he'd seen the demon do had ever suggested that he could.

"Maybe you expected to hear me say I loved you, hmm?" The demon said then. Ciel stiffened the moment he heard the silky voice in his ear.

"In the same way you love me, right?"

He harshly snapped back to reality and immediately tried to pull away from Sebastian's hold on him. He ripped the older man's arms away and struggled to leave his lap, but the demon held on tightly, making his efforts end all in vain.

"Let—go!" He yelled. He slapped Sebastian twice, but the action did not help any. His struggles ended when Sebastian grabbed his arms and held them at his sides with one hand. With the other he forced Ciel to look into his eyes. Even with Sebastian directing his gaze, the boy struggled to keep his eyes away from the demon's. His heart was beating furiously and he felt like a cold sweat had broken out all over the skin of his body. He had figured out. He had found out Ciel's secret, even though he had tried so hard to keep it from the butler.

"You do love me, don't you?" Sebastian was asking. Even with his sight averted, he could just hear the smirk in the man's tone.

"I-I…"

"It's all right for you to tell me that you do. Do you think you're the first human who has fallen in love with me? It's nothing to be ashamed of, Young Master," Sebastian purred. His fingers trailed down the side of the Ciel's cheek, making him shudder.

"Shut up. You don't know what you're saying. Why would I fall in love with you when I know you're only here for my soul? Do you really think I would do something so idiotic?" He scoffed. He could hear the waver in his voice. Even someone who had no idea who he was would have been able to tell he was lying. Without any doubt Sebastian would be able to as well. Still, he did not want to say it out loud. He didn't want to tell Sebastian that he was right and admit that he had been that unwise. He didn't want to hear the words coming from his mouth. He already knew that the love he held for the demon was doomed to fail and his life to end in unhappiness. He did not need that fact flaunted in his face by the very one he held such emotions for. Not now, when he was this close to his end. Not now. Maybe it was foolish, but he wanted to keep on pretending for jut a little while longer.

Sebastian opened his mouth to say more and he cut in quickly.

"Just eat my soul already! The contract is complete, and I want no part in furthering your entertainment at my expanse. So shut up and do it," He ordered. He didn't want to hear any more. This was it, he decided. He didn't want to be humiliated any more. He wanted this over. No more stalling.

Sebastian seemed to start and his smirk lost a bit of its intensity. The moment only lasted so long, and then it was just as bright and mocking as before.

"If that is what you want," He smiled brightly. He picked Ciel off his lap and then stood up himself. In a second the two were clean and clothed once more, and Ciel was situated on the stone bench. The boy didn't even bat an eyelash at the sudden change. His thoughts were too muddled and confused, and stranger things had happened. He gave a brief sigh; it looked like things would soon be ending. Soon he wouldn't be in such a mess. He wouldn't have to deal with such emotions and the trouble they caused. Soon he wouldn't exist.

"Well then, Young Master."

This was it. He was at the end.

"Will it hurt?"

"Yes, a little. I'll keep it as gentle as possible."

"Don't. Make it as painful as you can. Carve the pain of my life into my soul."

The last task he would have to complete was before him. The only thing still required of him in this life was to die. And maybe, it wouldn't be so bad. It would hurt, more than anything else, he was sure, but he wanted to feel that hurt. To feel everything that he'd done wrong and everything that he'd been through, and to feel that he was alive. It would hurt. But dying wasn't such a bad thing, was it? He would no longer exist. He would no longer feel.

Sebastian caressed his face lightly, then lowered his lips to Ciel's. Their last kiss.

"Earlier you said to me 'Why would I fall in love when I know you're only here for my soul?' I have a question for you, Young Master. Why would I fall in love when I know that you will only die?" The demon whispered against his lips softly.

Before Ciel could say anything in response, the greatest pain he had ever known ripped through him faster than any bullet. His hands tore into Sebastian's back and he screamed louder and with more intensity then he had ever screamed before. The pain he had endured during the month of captivity when he'd been young suddenly seemed so minuscule now, compared to what he was going through. He was dying, truly dying now, and he screamed and screamed and screamed.

One thought passed through his head. Only one was important enough to not be cast aside in favor of concentrating on the intense agony as his soul was violently severed from his body.

("Why would I fall in love why would I fall in love why would I fall in love?")

What Sebastian said… If he could have laughed, he would have. He wondered if he'd ever fooled Sebastian, or if the demon had always known of his feelings. There was no tricking a demon, was there? He'd probably known before Ciel himself even had. But Sebastian had underestimated him as well. Demon or not, after being in the man's company for fourteen years he had grown to recognize Sebastian's thoughts on certain things and the way he acted. It was simple enough to recognize the first and only lie the demon had ever uttered whilst in his servitude.

He'd been an utter fool the entire time. Falling in love with a creature of Hell and hoping that the feeling would one day be reciprocated. Sebastian never loved him, he knew that. But whether it was a result of the terrible pain ripping through him, he couldn't find it in himself to mind too terribly. After all, the butler had compromised his prized aesthetics. He'd told a lie. And maybe that meant something. Maybe.

Though the pain was just as terrible as ever, Ciel's screaming became weaker and weaker as his soul was removed more and more from the husk of his body. His hands loosened and fell lifelessly to his sides. Soon the only thing supporting his body and keeping it upright were Sebastian's arms against him. His eyelids struggled to remain open, but the strength it required to keep up the effort became too much, and they closed. He felt his life force slipping further and further away. Before he was too far-gone to control his body at all, he moved his lips into a smile.

00000

The empty body of his most recent master slumped to the stone bench once the support keeping it upright was gone. The demon once named Sebastian Michaelis sighed deeply and licked his lips, savoring the taste still remaining there. It was, without a doubt, the grandest meal he had ever consumed, but he could not enjoy the flavor properly. He'd never once in his long life cared about the bodies of his recently extinguished masters being near him while he fed, but with Ciel there it almost felt disrespectful. How queer.

He looked upon the body of the young boy fondly. Once he'd fixed the boy up, his young master almost appeared to be sleeping. With such a peaceful expression on his face and his hands folded neatly atop his chest, it was easy to forget that the boy was, in fact, dead. Without meaning to, the demon's hands found their way to the boy's hair, and began to stroke the blue-ish strands softly.

He remained by the body for a long time. He didn't want to leave. He'd been completely serious when he'd offered to bring the boy back to life. Ciel had been the most interesting and unique human being he could remember having served. He felt a little twinge in the spot where he supposed his heart would be if he had one. He would miss serving this young, bratty human child.

He thought back to the last thing he had said to the boy. Even now, he was still unsure why he had said it. He did not love Ciel. Without a doubt, he knew that to be the truth. He found the boy interesting, nothing more than that. He was not even sure if a demon like himself could love a human. So why had he said it? Was it because Ciel had loved him?

For years he had been able to sense the boy's strong emotions toward him, and they had always intrigued him. It had been entertaining to watch the boy suffer because of his unwanted affections. The demon had delighted in watching his master sink deeper and deeper into despair as he realized that his feelings would never be reciprocated. He had never before felt like easing his master's distress, so why do so now? Was it because even in death, the boy's irrational feelings had still been so strong? Other than the pain, the thing that had screamed to him the most powerfully through their quickly fading bond as he devoured the boy's soul was his love for the demon. Never before had one of his masters loved him so strongly. Ciel had been a truly fascinating human being. Maybe that was the reason he'd said it. The last service a butler could give to his master.

The demon once known as Sebastian Michaelis remained by the body of his previous master for a while longer. He felt no need to leave as quickly as he normally did. He knew that eventually he would have to return to Hell, but for the time being he felt perfectly content to stay by the boy's side for just a while longer. His hands continued to stroke the dead boy's hair and his eyes continued to look on, remembering each and every minute detail of the master that had fascinated him so.

Ta-da, that's it! This is officially the first multi-chap fanfic I can successfully say I've completed, haha. Anyways, had a bit of trouble with the ending to this one. I had originally wanted to make it a bit happier, with Sebastian actually meaning it when he said he loved Ciel, but when I started writing it, it just didn't seem to work out to me. I think I started making him a bit OOC, and that's no good, so I just made the ending a bit angstier because I apparently have no problems with writing that. I also normally write all of my stuff first, and then type it up on the computer, but when I started changing the ending around, I just typed it instead of writing it first, so that also was a bit harder to do. As a result, I think some of this sounds a bit... rough I guess, but that might just be me. (Fail ending is fail.) Also, I have stayed up way too late trying to get this thing out before heading off to bed. I am tired.

Anyways, big thank you to everyone who has reviewed! Glad you've all enjoyed this little fic so much! Tell me what you think about this last chapter, and thanks again for the reviews!