A harsh wind whipped against the windows in Ciel's bedroom, sending a chill up the spine of the boy who was trying his hardest to pay no mind to the raging storm. Sheets of rain coated every inch of the exterior glass, the fog darkening the surroundings in the already dimly lit room. A single candle on the nightstand's flame danced as the winds howled, casting strange shadows across every wall. Ciel pulled his silk sheets over his head just as a loud boom of thunder shook the last bits of courage he held onto from him. "Sebastian," he called in his usual tone, trying his best to hide his growing fear.
"Yes my lord?" The butler appeared by his bedside, candelabra in his right hand, the other resting behind his back. The boy turned to look at him, his eyes widening a bit as another rolling crash echoed throughout the room. "Is the storm frightening you, young master?" Sebastian asked, a smirk gracing his features.
"Oh, shut up," he hissed, obvious annoyance at showing his weaker side to the demon. He turned away, regretting calling out for the man. "Never mind then." Sebastian set the candelabra on the opposite nightstand from the singular one, and sat down at the edge of the king sized bed, swinging his legs effortlessly in front of himself as he leaned back against the headboard. Ciel shot up, feeling the mattress shift underneath him and turned his surprised face toward his butler. "What the hell are you doing?!" He yelled, a slight flush of pink staining his cheeks. The demon mused at the child's embarrassment.
"I assumed you wanted me to stay by your side, my lord." After a short pause, the boy let out a small huff of indignation.
"Fine, but don't sit so close to me," he snipped, and with that, the young earl turned to his side and fell fast asleep, the presence of his butler calming his fears.
The next morning Ciel awoke to the sun shining through the bedroom window nearest to his bed, the heavy navy blue curtains pulled to the side. He let out a small groan, and sat up, trying to rub the sleepiness from his eyes.
"Good morning, young master," Sebastian's smooth voice drifted from the open door as he carried in the usual silver breakfast tray. He gently set it down on the bedside table and began pouring a cup of hot tea to hand to the boy.
"What is my schedule for today, Sebastian?" Ciel stretched and hung his legs off the edge of the bed, his petite frame not allowing his feet to touch the floor below.
"I believe you have a date with Lady Elizabeth this afternoon," he smiled, handing the cup of earl gray to the scowling boy.
"Don't call it that!" He reprimanded, blushing.
"I'm sorry, my lord." The grinning butler bowed. "What would you prefer it to be called?"
"A-anything but that," the boy stuttered a bit, bringing the cup to his mouth. Sebastian lifted his head, grin still evident.
"As you wish."
Sebastian checked his pocket watch noting the time to be quarter past eleven. He made a slight clicking noise with his tongue. There was still quite a bit to do before the arrival of Lady Elizabeth. He walked to the kitchen, swinging open the doors to find Baldroy, Finny, and Mey-Rin trying desperately to put out a small fire that had broken out on the stove top. "Oh my, quite a fire, yes it is!" Mey-Rin screeched as she scrambled around the room, knocking practically everything off the counters.
"Water!" Finny cried. "Get the water!"
"Alcohol will put it out faster!" Baldroy yelled, cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Sebastian let out an exasperated sigh. Before the bard set the whole mansion up in flames, the demon caught his hand in midair.
"We'll have none of that." At the sound of his voice everyone in the room froze.
"S-s-sebastian!" Mey-Rin squeaked.
"What happened here?" He calmly questioned, putting the fire out effortlessly. Baldroy put his hand behind his head, nervously laughing before he spoke.
"Well you see, it's a funny story. I thought I had come up with a faster way to cook a meal and-" Sebastian put a gloved hand up, cutting him off.
"No matter, we need to prepare lunch for Lady Elizabeth's arrival."
"Oooh," Mey-Rin cooed, clasping her hands together. "For the master's date! Budding romance is so cute, yes it is!" Her hands were on her cheeks as she wiggled side to side.
"Mey-Rin, go fetch the rose petal china, I know it is the lady's favorite set," Sebastian ordered.
"Right away, sir!" She hurried off.
"Finnian, make sure there are freshly cut flower arrangements placed on the table."
"I am on the job!" He saluted, marching out of the kitchen.
"And Bard," Sebastian stopped before exiting the door to do his own work, "Don't set anything on fire."
"Sure thing!" He gave a thumbs up, just as his cigarette tumbled out of his mouth. The demon rolled his eyes as the man scrambled to pick it back up again.
Honestly, the things I must deal with, he thought. But for my lord, I would do anything. He smirked as he got to work.
Forty five minutes later Sebastian opened up the mansion doors to greet Elizabeth, who happened to be bubbling with excitement. "Welcome to the manor, Lady Elizabeth. Such a pleasure to see you as always, "he bowed slightly, flashing a dazzling smile her way.
"Nice to see you, Sebastian!" She smiled. "Where is my Ciel? Ciel!" She hurried past the butler, watching the young earl descend the staircase.
"Hello Elizabeth," He stepped forward, kissing her hand. The girl giggled, blushing a bright pink before launching herself at him, practically pushing the boy to the ground.
"You look so cute!" She squealed. Ciel tried to find his balance as the girl desperately clung to him. Sebastian noted the obvious annoyance on the boy's face and spoke up.
"If you would please make your way to the dining room, lunch is just about ready to be served." Elizabeth let go of Ciel and clasped her hands together.
"Oh, I'm sure it will be delicious! I'm ever so hungry!" She exclaimed, dropping her hands just to grab onto the boy's.
Sitting at the massive table, Ciel was thankful for the distance between him amd the girl. It wasn't that he hated her, he just despised being touched. She was too clingy for his liking, and it always seemed to strike a nerve. Only Sebastian is allowed to touch me. His brow furrowed at the thought, and he glanced over at Elizabeth who was happily chatting away about 'the cutest' clothes she had recently purchased.
"Doesn't it sound sooo cute?" She asked. Ciel nodded his head, he wasn't really listening.
She probably should be an exception though; we are engaged to be married in the future. He tapped his fingers on the table, leaning on one arm. This whole thing is troublesome. I don't even know how I truly feel about her. He let out a faint huff. But I guess that doesn't really matter. It is my obligation as a Phantomhive. Love is not possible for someone like me anyways. Ciel was so caught up in thought, he didn't realize she had stopped talking.
"For today's lunch, we have rolled cabbage and potato mint salad, and for dessert, a lemon meringue pie," Sebastian stated as he uncovered the dishes, placing them in front of the two. Elizabeth thanked him, and he smiled, as she got to eating right away. He noted Ciel's far away look and bent down to look more closely at him. "Are you alright, young master?" He questioned after a minute of staring, concern twisting his features. Ciel could almost laugh at how well the demon played his role.
"I'm fine," he said, picking up his fork. "I'm sure there is work you could be doing instead of staring at me. Get to it."
"Yes, my lord." Sebastian bowed and looked up at the young earl with such an intensity, he had to look away. The demon let out a small chuckle as he exited the room.
It was one in the afternoon, and the couple were taking a stroll outside the manor. It was early spring and still quite chilly, but she insisted they go out and enjoy the fresh air. Elizabeth had her arm looped into Ciel's, and she rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. Suddenly she stopped and turned to him. "Ciel?"
"Yes, Elizabeth?" He looked at her curiously, wondering what she might say.
"What do I always say? Call me Lizzie!" She laughed, but then nervousness seemed to take over. "Um I was wondering..." She began fidgeting with her coat sleeves and looked down. A knot started to form in his stomach. The girl's demeanor seemed awfully foreboding, and he didn't like it one bit. "D-do you love me?" She asked, immediately turning a shade of scarlet. Ciel was in shock.
How can I answer that question without hurting her feelings? He wasn't sure but however he was to answer, he better do so quickly. "Elizabeth, l-" he stuttered, and was cut off by the sound of wheels on the pathway. Her carriage was here. Could it be, my saving grace? Just then, his attention was brought back to the girl in front of him who started whimpering.
"I knew I shouldn't have said anything," she cried and took off running.
"Elizabeth, wait!" Ciel called out, reaching for her arm but only grasping at air. Damn. He caught up to her just as she was being helped up the steps and into her seat. He stood silent for a moment, trying to catch his breath. "Lizzie." She turned at the use of the nickname.
"What do you want, Ciel?" Her voice was quiet, still unsteady from crying. A pang of guilt surged through his body.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to hurt you like that." He looked around for a bit, his brain trying to come up with an answer that would please her. "Although I am unsure about my feelings for you at the moment, " he began slowly. "That doesn't mean I won't come to love you in the future." He looked her straight in the eyes. "You are of course, the future Lady Phantomhive, and I will do my best to make you the happiest woman alive," he spoke as he bowed. The sound of her hopping off the steps caught his ears, and he looked up just in time to see her stop in front of him. He straightened up, and waited for her to jump at him per her usual hugs. She just stood there, looking at him with the biggest smile.
"Oh, Ciel," she spoke softly, putting her gloved hands on each side of his face. He was a bit surprised at the soft gesture, and her proximity was even closer than usual.
Wha-what the hell is she doing?! No sooner than the thought came out, Elizabeth pressed her lips to his. The kiss was gentle and sweet, tasting of the tea they had enjoyed at lunch. Elizabeth pulled away, her face aglow.
"I love you, Ciel Phantomhive," She said boldly, and smiling happily, turned back to be helped into her seat.
The carriage had already pulled away, but Ciel stood motionless, eyes still big, and a heavy blush painting his cheeks. She...She kissed me. He put his left hand to his lips. She loves me?
"My Lord," Sebastian noticed Ciel's state as he walked in through the front door. "Are you feeling well?" He strode over to where the child stood, swiftly putting a gloved hand to his forehead. Ciel batted it away.
"I'm perfectly fine," he spat. The demon smirked.
"You feel alright, but you look like you have a fever." Of course, Sebastian was only trying to get a rise out of his master, for he was standing by the large window only moments ago when Elizabeth had kissed him. Ciel glared at him.
"I'm going to the study," he spoke as he walked away.
"Will you be needing anything, my young master?"
"Bring me something sweet."
"Yes, my lord," Sebastian bowed, although the boy could not see him. He chuckled to himself. So the master and Lady Elizabeth have kissed...Interesting.
Ciel was sitting at his desk, hands in his hair, mumbling when he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," he sighed. He was trying to get some work done thinking it would occupy his mind, but it was of no use. Sebastian took in the muddled sight of the boy, and let out a small laugh. "What's so funny?" He angrily questioned the demon.
"Oh I do apologize my lord, but you seem to be very ruffled over a small thing like a kiss." The butler smirked, eyeing the boy for his reaction. The child looked like he was going to explode.
"You know of that?!" He yelled, standing abruptly, and slamming his hands on his desk.
"Of course, my young master," he moved closer, his red eyes flashing. "What kind of butler would I be if I didn't know what went on in my own master's manor?" Ciel's face turned bright red. "It is my job to watch over you as well," he added.
"Well, then," the young earl straightened himself out and sitting back down, rested a hand under his chin. "No matter, it was nothing anyways."
"My master did not enjoy the kiss?" The man asked as he set the slice of chocolate cake on the desktop.
"That is certainly none of your business, and a question I shall not answer," The boy stated, grabbing the silverware from his butler's outstretched hand roughly.
"Ah yes, a bit bold of me to ask such a thing. I apologize again, my lord." Sebastian bowed, and picked up the tray to walk out the door.
"Sebastian," Ciel's voice was quiet. He turned around.
"Yes, my lord?" He lifted an eyebrow at his seemingly changed demeanor.
"Do you believe in love?" The demon's lips twitched into a smile.
"For you, my lord, I would believe in anything you wished." He bowed, and closed the door, leaving an unamused Ciel to eat his cake.