A/n: this is the entry for the valentine contest I said I would share if it placed. It didn't, but the more I thought about it and the encouragement you all gave to me during the writing of this story, I decided to share it. So thank you everyone for helping ne with this. I hope you enjoy this one shot. I tried to keep them in character.
Sebastian sighed contentedly as he watched over his sleeping master. He turned to the window to find that the snow had now blanketed the grounds of the Phantomhive manor.
He knew he should take the time to enjoy the moment,he would have little time later as he had many chores to attend to in preparation for Lady Elizabeth's arrival. The girl had planned a Valentine's Day that though was meant to be fun, was sure to irritate the boy.
Suddenly the young Earl began to toss about violently in his sleep, Sebastian knew all too well what caused it.
"Another nightmare, my poor young Master." He reached out and began stroking the boy's dark hair.
"Be still my beloved master, be still and dream of wonderful things, I am here tonight, nothing can harm you." As if to obey rhe demon, Ciel settled and lay peacefully under his cover. Sebastian smiled.
"Is that not better my young Master, rest now, for many surprises await you this Valentine's day. You have my word that you will not be disappointed."
Ciel woke in the morning to the sun streaming through the window, he turned from it and yawned. He knew what day it was, he was never fond of the holiday and try as she may, Lizzy's favorite activities were of no interest to him, he couldn't care less about 'adorable' and in his opinion, there were much better ways to spend the day.
He heard the soft click of his door opening and then rhe cart being pushed in.
"Awake already I see, is everything alright?"
"As about as alright as always I suppose." Ciel mumbled.
"Are you certain?"
"No, not really, but I don't really have muxh choice in the matter. When is Elizabeth getting here?"
"Three thirty in the afternoon next Tuesday." Ciel sat up looking at his butler with curiosity.
"That's...odd, is she alright?"
"Yes my Lord, it seems you have been called away suddenly by the queen this morning and will be unable to meet with her." Sebastian answered pouring the tea into a cup.
"I suppose that call was your doing?"
"It was, you have been quite busy lately and I thought perhaps you would benefit from a clear schedule and some extra sleep." Sebastian had expected Ciel to be angry but found instead that he seemed to enjoy it.
"It was nice, I can't remember when the last time I was able to sleep in was." Sebastian straightened the cover around the boy.
"After breakfast, you will have time to sleep more if you so choose. This morning I have prepared your favorite blend of tea, poached salmon and a little surprise when you have finished."
"You do realize she'll be upset about this, and I'm the ons who would have to hear about it." Ciel grumbled.
"I assure you, she will be too preoccupied with the gift you have sent her along with your most sincere apology."
"You didn't go overboard with it I hope." Ciel said between bites.
"Certainly not." After Ciel had finished, Sebastian cleared the dishes before presenting another.
"This morning I have taken it upon myself to bring you a small treat that I believe you will enjoy, I do hope it turned out alright." Sebastian lifted the lid to reveal his gift.
"You brought me red velvet cake for breakfast?" Ciel asked in surprise.
"Yes. You seem to have had a difficult night last night and I thought it would be a good way to cheer you up. I know I do not usually do such a thing but it is a special occasion and I wanted to take the opportunity since you would not be celebrating with Lady Elizabeth. I thought it an appropriate treat given the day." Ciel took a bite and was pleasantly surprised.
"Is it to your liking my Lord?"
"It's very good." The demon smiled.
"Will you want to be dressed when you have finished or would you prefer to sleep?'
"I suppose I'll have to get up, I've-"
"You do not have to, there is no rush, remember you have a free schedule." Once the cake was gone, Ciel yawned.
"Please lie down my lord, you deserve to catch up on your sleep, you did not get much during the night." Sebastian said placing the dishes on the cart.
"Can't I have to do-" the boy was clearly still exhausted. Sebastian laid him down gently against his pillow.
"I am certain it can wait until you have rested." Ciel was asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
Ciel woke again to find his butler bringing in the lunch cart.
"Did you sleep well this time?" The earl sat up.
"Much better." He replied. Sebastian seemed hesitant but stood beside the bed.
"Young Master, may I speak and act freely?" Ciel couldn't help but wonder what his butler would want to do or say.
"Fine." The demon knelt down beside the bed.
"I wish to tell you that in my long life, I have witnessed a variety of extraordinary things. I have seen the brightest stars, the beauty of the setting and rising sun, sights so magnificent that they would take your breath away, but even after all of that, my favorite thing about this world is you."
"Is that what you say to everyone before you eat their souls, is that why you favor me?"
"You misunderstand, perhaps I am not good at explaining this to you, allow me to clarify. It has nothing to do with your soul, it hasn't for a while now. You are a treasure that is nearly impossible to find, I consider myself lucky that I am permitted to hold such a treasure and call it mine, though not the way I would like. I have said this to no one else, my willingness to protect you is not strictly from the contract. I do these things for you because it is in my heart to do so. I want you to know happiness, to know you are loved more deeply than you are capable of imagining. I love you young Master, not as food, but as the person you are, you are vengeful and angry, but you also remember how to love and care, I realize you could never love a monster like me but my heart is yours nonetheless."
"Sebastian, I don't know what to say." Ciel said in shock.
"You needn't say anything young master, it was important for me to let you know, I do not expect for you to say anything." The demon moved closer, red eyes peered into Ciel's blue. Sebastian leaned in and soon his face was mere inches from Ciel's.
"Knowing that you have permitted me to act freely, meaning that as of this moment I can do as I please with you, do you trust me?" He whispered.
"Are you going to take-"
"You will soon find out."
"Will it hurt?" Ciel asked calmly. Seconds later, Sebastian pressed his lips to Ciel's.
"You tell me, have I hurt you?"
"No." Sebastian smiled.
"Good, it is my understanding that love is not meant to hurt, it is gentle, just as I intend to always be with you." He kissed Ciel again, this time showing him a more romantic kiss and Sebastian was surprised that not only had Ciel allowed it, but he kissed back.
"I love you too." Ciel said after they parted.
"I had hoped you would say that. Now you must eat, after lunch I would vert much like to get you dressed and ready for your other surprises."
"There's more?"
"Certainly my love, you see, I'm simply one hell of a valentine."