"Will you go on a date with me?" Sebastian asked helping Ciel wear a purple jacket.
"A date? Sure. When?" Ciel replied running a hand through her hair.
"Today. Right now" Sebastian said.
"Is that why you're dressing me up? I have to admit, I like the color purple" Ciel said.
"I'll just get ready then. Meet me in the parlor" Sebastian said and Ciel nodded.
She pulled on her purple boots and then studied herself in the mirror. Sebastian had dressed her in black tights and a black tee shirt. He had added the purple jacket to put some elegance to her outfit. She smiled and then headed out to the parlor.
"Wow, where are you going?" Alois asked.
He had woken up late and was still eating breakfast in the dining room.
"I have a date with Sebastian" Ciel replied.
"Have fun" Alois said with his mouth full.
Ciel stood in the parlor and then saw a picnic basket near the door. She picked it up and then walked out the door. Sebastian was waiting outside dressed in jeans and a long sleeved black shirt. He opened the car door for Ciel and Ciel seated herself inside. They drove off all the way out deeper into the countryside. Ciel was excited to see the sheep and cows grazing.
They stopped at the end of the road and Sebastian got out. Ciel followed him off the trail and then deeper into the forest. They walked out to a sunny clearing that was hidden behind bushes.
"This is beautiful" Ciel commented and Sebastian spread the picnic blanket.
Ciel took off her jacket and then sat down. It was quite time for lunch so Ciel placed her head on Sebastian's lap and began reading a book. Sebastian leaned against a tree and then began playing with Ciel's short hair.
Back at the mansion, preparations for the surprise party were ongoing. Claude had decided to put the decorations in the dining room and the main hall only. Luke was helping Hannah bake a cake in the kitchens while the triplets were busy cleaning. That left Alois to wrapping the presents.
He had bought Ciel a new iPod because he knew hers was full because of her vast music collection and she needed one with more space. Luke had said his gift was a surprise and he had hidden it in his room. Claude had acquired tickets to a classical music concert that he said were from all the servants.
"Claude...help" Alois murmured and Claude turned his attention to the blond.
"What happened?" Claude asked.
"The tape wasn't strong to hold the wrapping paper so I used glue. Then my fingers got stuck together" Alois replied.
"How childish" Claude commented.
He brought a bowl of cold water and then a paintbrush. He held Alois's hands in his and began washing off the glue with the paintbrush. Alois giggled and Claude paused.
"It tickles" Alois said and Claude sighed.
He continued and then finally became frustrated with Alois's giggle. He leaned forward and pecked Alois's lips, making the blond silent for a minute. When Alois's hands became unstuck, Alois wrapped his arms around Claude's neck and kissed him. Claude kissed him back and then a throat clearing made them pull away from each other.
Luke stood there with a large grin on his face.
"This isn't what it looks like" Alois said pushing Claude away as if the demon was poison.
"If Ciel can date Sebastian, why can't you date Claude?" Luke asked and Alois was struck dumb for a moment.
Claude chuckled at Alois's shocked expression and then stood up. He ruffled Luke's hair and then walked out of the room.
"Stop taking pictures of me!" Ciel said and tried to grab the camera away from Sebastian.
"Not a chance" Sebastian held the camera high up in the air so Ciel couldn't take it.
"Then let me take pictures of you!"
"Fine" Sebastian handed Ciel the phone and she aimed the camera at him.
She took a couple of pictures before her stomach growled.
"Lunchtime" Sebastian pulled out the food he had packed.
Ciel's mouth watered at the sight of rolls, salad, sandwiches and pasta. Most of all she drooled at the sight of the strawberry tartar and tiramisu for dessert.
"Since it's a special day you can start with dessert" Sebastian said.
Ciel wasted no time in devouring the tartar and the tiramisu. She licked her lips when she had finished and then began eating a sandwich. A guitar melody made her look up and then saw Sebastian was playing the guitar.
"Where did the guitar come from?" Ciel asked.
"You were so into the cake that I just ran to the car and brought it" Sebastian replied strumming the guitar to a nameless tune.
Ciel continued eating and listening to the music. After she was done, Sebastian handed the guitar to her. She took it and began playing.
"What do you like better? Guitar or piano?" Sebastian asked.
"Neither, I enjoy the flute more than anything but I hardly ever get the chance to play it" Ciel replied.
"I've never seen a flute around the house" Sebastian pointed out.
"It annoys Alois when I play the flute. I would love to play it though" Ciel said.
"Finally done!" Alois announced.
"And it only took you three hours" Claude said.
"Shut up" Alois assembled the gifts on the table and then Hannah brought out the cake.
"They should be back in an hour or so. What should we do until then?" Alois asked.
"I'm going to play video games with the triplets" Luke replied and then took Thompson's hand to lead him upstairs.
"I'll be in the kitchens" Hannah replied.
Alois nodded and then decided to head upstairs. He headed all the way up until he climbed onto the rooftop. There was a breeze up here that cooled him off. He leaned against the edge of the rooftop and then smiled. It was utterly peaceful up here. Then he spotted Sebastian's car down the road.
"They're coming back!"
Alois ran down the stairs and then rang the bells for Luke's room and the kitchens. Claude was by his side in a second.
"That was the most amazing date I've ever had" Ciel was saying as she opened the door.
Party poppers threw confetti all over her, making her her jump back right into Sebastian's chest.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Alois and Luke screamed and Ciel laughed.
They dragged her into the dining room where the cake candles were being lit by Hannah.
"Happy birthday, Lady Ciel" Hannah said with a curtsy.
"Thank you" Ciel said and then blew her candles out.
She unwrapped the presents, thanking everyone for them. When she saw the tickets for the concert she immediately hugged Claude, Hannah and each of the triplets.
"Where's your gift, Luke?" Alois asked.
"In my room" The triplets brought out the wrapped gift which Ciel immediately opened.
Her mouth dropped open when she saw the portrait of herself and Sebastian.
"Did you paint this?" She asked.
"Yeah, Claude's been teaching me how to paint for years" Luke replied.
"He has a lot of talent" Claude said and Ciel hugged Luke.
"Thank you sweetie" she kissed the top of Luke's head making him blush.
The party went on until dinner time and Ciel retired to her room with Sebastian.
"I have a gift for you as well" Sebastian said.
"What is it?" She asked curiously.
Sebastian spun her around and then held his closed fist in front of her eyes. He opened and something silver hung in front of Ciel. She reached up and took the pendant in her hand. It was a beautiful silver Christian cross.
"Isn't this a bit ironic? I don't believe in God. If I did, you wouldn't be here" Ciel asked.
"I bought it for the irony" Sebastian made Ciel wear the necklace and she clutched at the cross.
"Thank you" Ciel turned around and Sebastian kissed her.
"Happy birthday, Ciel"
I just realized there's more than a hundred reviews for this story. Thank you everyone for showing your support! *Bows and blows kisses*