On a brisk December morning, the 14th, Ciel rose just like any other day.
Sebastian pulled open the curtains, his voice chiming, "it is time to wake up my lord." he said simply, preparing his master's tea skillfully yet casually. Ciel groaned sleepily and sat up, rubbing his eyes before looking to Sebastian.
The room was cold. Snow lined the windowsills and the panes were laced with light frost. The grounds outside were covered in thick blanket of snow that lay sparkling under the light grey skies above. Despite being gloomy, it was transcending beauty.
Sebastian handed Ciel his teacup and saucer and Ciel swung his legs off the bed. The Young Master narrowed his eyes as he gazed out the window, Sebastian dressing his master as he drank his morning tea.
Once finished with his tea and dressed properly, it was time for the young earl to go about his day.
The young earl made his way downstairs with Sebastian to the dining room, where Isabelle and Enobria were already waiting.
Isabelle, with the help of Finnian and the other servants, had managed to come up with an excuse to join Ciel for breakfast in exchange for him taking her to The Edison only to throw up all her food. He definitely owed her.
His eyes widened in surprise, "well this is a first." he blurted out, approaching the table as Isabelle turned to see him with a smirk.
"You actually beat me to the dining table." he said in subtle surprise, sitting down as Sebastian pulled out a chair for him.
She smiled and shrugged, Sebastian serving them their breakfast. Isabelle glanced at Ciel as she twiddled her fingers under the table before composing herself.
The two enjoyed their meal per usual before Isabelle finally spoke up.
The two enjoyed their meal per usual before Isabelle finally spoke up.
"Would you... like to go Christmas shopping… with… me...?" she asked hesitantly.
Ciel nearly choked up his tea in surprise, but, without faltering, she puffed out her chest while waiting for an answer.
"You want to... go shopping for Christmas? For what reason." he asked in disbelief.
Isabelle nodded shyly, trying to keep her gaze up, "w-well yes…"
He blinked before stifling a soft laugh, "then go, I'm not your guardian or anything." he said, rolling his eyes while sipping his tea.
She tensed and felt her cheeks burn, "I-I was… wondering if you wanted to... go with me…"
He looked up in surprise, "Excuse me? Why?" he asked in confusion.
Isabelle narrowed her eyes, chewing her lip as she came up with a quick excuse. She simply shrugged, composing herself, "it's the gentlemanly thing to do. Are you really going to let a lady go off on her own?" she asked, sipping her tea.
Sebastian nodded, "it would be the polite thing to do, My Lord." he said with a smirk, making Ciel huff in disbelief.
"...Fine… I have to check on the sales we've made anyway. The store is in town, anyway," he said bluntly, "I'll escort you for the most part, I suppose."
Isabelle cracked a victorious smile as she tilted her head, "alright then, we can go this afternoon."
Ciel retorted in surprise, gritting his teeth, "I-I didn't agree to tha-!"
"Very well, Milady." Sebastian cooed, cutting him off with a casual smile. Ciel scowled in defeat as Sebastian cleared the table.
"Then this afternoon we'll head to London!" Isabelle cheered as she stood.
Ciel sneered, pouting as he rolled his eyes."can't wait…"
… … … … … … … … … … … …. Later that Day… … … … … … … … … … … ….
Lunch time had come and gone.
Ciel sighed in annoyance, dressed in his winter attire as he waited in the foyer of his manor.
"I can't believe I have to do this." he said with an irritated scoff.
Sebastian smirked, "were you going to let her roam about London's shopping districts alone?" he asked.
"Don't be ridiculous. She wouldn't be alone, she'd have her maid, wouldn't she?" Ciel argued while rolling his eyes.
Enobria led Isabelle down the stairs at that moment. Isabelle was dressed in a navy winter dress with a dark grey coat on. Her hair lay over her chest, straight until tapering off into full curls.
"Ready to go?" she asked adjusting her winter gloves.
"Don't you think you're a bit over dressed for shopping?" he asked bluntly while rolling his eyes, however, Isabelle didn't listen and simply made her way outside.
Snowflakes danced in the brisk wind and, in response, Isabelle tightened her coat around her body. Ciel rolled his eyes before following, getting into the carriage with the duchess as the four rode off the markets of London only a forty-five minute carriage ride away.
The shops were bustling with the Christmas shoppers.
Ciel sighed boredly, meanwhile, Isabelle giggled, fresh snow sparkling on her winter dress. She took his hand excitedly, to which he couldn't resist, dragging him down the streets. Looking at the various shops, Isabelle spun on her heels excitedly.
He blushed in surprise, "h-hey!" he protested, but she ignored him, smiling contently as she continued to drag him along.
She seemed to be having the time of her life just looking around and this new attitude caught Ciel's attention.
She stopped before releasing him.
He blinked in surprise and flexed his newly freed hand but he was more surprised than relieved. Isabelle had wandered into a curio type shop, interesting trinkets of all sorts lining the shelving. Enobria followed closely behind.
Isabelle hummed as she browsed through the shop's selection. Ciel narrowed his eyes before following her inside, Sebastian flashing a quick smirk as he too tagged along. He peeked over to see what she was doing as she held a black choker with a ruby at its center in her hand.
She smiled upon noticing him peering over her shoulder and set it down, "what do you want for Christmas?" she asked curiously.
His eyes widened in surprise, "w-what do I want for Christmas?" he repeated.
She gave him a slow nod and, in response, he looked away awkwardly.
"N-nothing. Nothing really comes to mind..."
She nodded, carelessly going back to what was on the shelves and, after a short while, Ciel joined her, picking up little knick knacks.
Isabelle giggling as he presented them to her with small smiles. He picked up things and showed them to her, enjoying her reactions to different objects. He seemed to be genuinely enjoying their time together.
Eventually, he took her hand.
She let out a small squeak as he dragged her away, their butler and maid following. They left the shop, exploring store after store as they happily looked around the festive plaza with each other.
That was until Isabelle stopped to study the great Christmas tree standing at the center of the plaza. Ciel blinked slowly before joining her, standing quietly with the lights adorning the tree glittering yellow.
They stood together in silence, watching families, couples and others meandering around the square, in and out of shops.
Ciel's warm fingers brushed Isabelle's. She tensed and both of them stepped away from each other. They avoided each other's glance in silence before Ciel spoke up.
He cleared his throat, "I... I believe it would be best to head back, Lady Isabelle." he said, the light of the setting sun illuminating the square, which had only become busier.
She gave a small nod before glancing at him and he returned the nod.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, "y-yes, let us be off. Sebastian." he called.
Isabelle nodded, standing at Ciel's side, "let's be off, Enobria."
Sebastian and Enobria held their bags of gifts and guided the two back to the carriage, which had a light blanket of snow on it. Sebastian cleared off the snow and Enobria helped the two inside the carriage before joining the butler at the coach.
The two earls sat together, bringing their bags with them. The awkward tension only began to pile up as the ride dragged on.
Isabelle and Ciel dug through the bags of things they had acquired, casually talking about them and Christmas. Something was still off. They seemed to force themselves to talk.
But, suddenly, Ciel smiled subtly, "... to be honest… this was a lot of fun…" he said, trying to suppress a very small laugh.
Isabelle nodded, a soft blush dusted on her cheeks, "I-It was… thank you, Earl Phantomhive." she said with a smile.
Ciel went to speak again when the carriage came to a stop.
Sebastian held the door open for them, hand over his heart. Ciel assisted Isabelle out of the carriage and led her to the door, Enobria and Sebastian carrying their bags behind them. Isabelle smiled softly at Ciel as Sebastian opened the front doors for them.
The front foyer was dark.
Ciel narrowed his eyes, "what is going on?" he asked, peering into the darkness as the group carefully stepped inside, "Sebastian, get the lights." he ordered.
Sebastian bowed and disappeared into the darkness and the lights suddenly turned on.
"SURPRISE!"
A hiding crowd of people inside rushed to their feet as they cheered, the manor decorated in Christmas décor with a giant Christmas tree as the grand center piece. Everyone inside smiled brightly at the surprised earl.
Then, Isabelle smiled and stepped in front of him.
"Happy birthday, Earl Phantomhive."
Awwww does this count as a first date cause sparks ere definitely smiling! And what a surprise- your waifu threw you a birthday party Ciel! Gotta make it up to her somehow~ Maybe in the next chapter? Anyways I hope ya guys enjoyed this chapter!
Stay creative my friends~