Ciel Phantomhive stared out the window, watching as Elizabeth and her family got out of their carriage and were led into the manor by his servants. The young Earl sighed, knowing exactly what they were here for. He glared down at the newspaper, dated December 14th, 1891. Today was his birthday, a day he hadn't truly celebrated in six years. Of course, his servants and family, especially Lizzy, insisted on having a birthday party every year. He appreciated their efforts, really, but he just couldn't bring himself to have fun. Not after everything that had happened to him in the past... A knock on the door was heard and Ciel turned around, watching as the door was pushed open.

"Pardon the intrusion, My Lord, Lady Elizabeth and her family have arrived," the loyal butler said as he bowed his head slightly.

"I am aware," Ciel sighed in reply. He dreaded the day before him and couldn't wait for nightfall, when everyone would leave and the manor would become quiet once more. "Very well, let's go downstairs, Sebastian."

The butler stared at his master, worry in his eyes. "Yes, of course, My Lord." He stepped aside and watched as Ciel walked out of the room. He shook his head and sighed before following the young teen. It had been two years, and yet...

"CIIIIEEELLLL," a blonde, enthusiastic girl screamed as she saw her fiance enter the room. She ran towards him, throwing her arms around the boy. "Happy birthday!"

After all these years, Lizzy's surprise hugs were still, well, surprising. The girl was also an inch or two taller than him. Ciel did his best not to fall completely over from the added weight.

"Lizzy, thank you for coming," he replied after catching his breath. Even now at the age of 16, Ciel was thin, though not as thin as he had been at 13. He barely had any strength in his arms, though one could argue that is because the boy never engages in physical labor. Yes, that, and also because he didn't bother to eat properly. Not anymore.

Lizzy let go of the hug and smiled sweetly at Ciel. In the background, the servants were grinning goofly at their master. Elizabeth's parent's and her brother, Edward, were also watching, each with their own unique smile. It was as if they were waiting for something -

Right on cue. Soma, and his loyal butler Agni, burst through the front door. "Everyone," Soma announced, "sing happy birthday!"

Following his directions, everyone began to sing to Ciel. The young boy backed away, bumping into a tall figure behind him. Even his butler was singing. Ciel felt his face begin to burn - he definitely wasn't used to so much attention at once. He didn't like attention in the first place! In defeat, Ciel stood by his butler's side, where he felt most comfortable, until the song had finished.

Ciel did his best not to make eye contact with anyone; how could he after that? With a deep breath and a face the color of a tomato, Ciel thanked them. Everyone laughed and clapped their hands. Soma was even throwing confetti and making a mess in HIS manor. The nerve of that idiot.

The boy glared up at his butler, who was grinning at him. "You were in on this too, weren't you?"

"I'm sorry, young master. Everyone asked me to. I couldn't refuse such a great opportunity," he replied with a laugh.

Ciel huffed as he ignored his butler, watching his noisy friends and family. He couldn't help but smile at them. "Sebastian, I expect you to clean this mess up once everyone leaves tonight," the Earl said as he walked away to grab his serving of cake.

Elizabeth, over hearing what Ciel had said, frowned. She walked over to the the boy's butler, both sharing a similar look of sadness and concern. Ciel still hadn't recovered from that day, two years ago. The day Sebastian had died.