" Ciiiiieeeeellll!" Lizzy called excitedly through the manor" The young Earl groaned.
"Why can't she just tell me she's planning to visit?" He looked down at the chess board sitting between himself and his mother.
"She loves you Ciel, and likes to spend time with you. You have to try to understand, although she doesn't show it,after what happened to us, she's afraid, a vast majority of her unexpected visits are simply to be sure you're okay." Rachel explained gently moving her pawn forward.
"But when she does this, you have to leave or hide and Sebastian goes back to being a butler, and everything ends up pink, frilly, covered in hearts. I know she's not trying to but it can be irritating."
"I know It's a bit overwhelming sometimes, just remember that It's Elizabeth's way dearest. Try to keep in mind that It's difficult for her too. We can continue our game later, I'll be in your Father's room." Rachel stood up and walked over to Ciel, she kissed his forehead and disappeared. A moment later, Sebastian appeared.
"Pardon me Young Master, Lady Elizabeth has just arrived. Shall I see her in?' Sebastian crossed the room and bent down next to Ciel.
"I know that you don't share her love of all things adorable, please try to be a little more calm this time. She means well."
"But-"
"You should never keep a lady waiting. I will send her in." The demon existed the room leaving his son just enough time to sigh heavily before Lizzy joined him.
"Ciel, It's so wonderful to see you!" She through her arms around his neck."
"Hello Lizzy." Ciel released him.
"You're not happy to see me?" She cast her gaze downward.
'Here we go.' He thought.
"It's not that at all. When in the last few years have you seen me excited for any type of visitor?"
"I haven't I suppose. You used to though."
"Yes, that was a long time ago."
"Not that long, I'm your fiance, you should be happy when I'm here, don't you love me Ciel?"
'Damn' Ciel mentally cursed.
"I do yes, I'm not very excitable though am I?"
"Jo, I guess not. Are you angry that I'm here?"
"No. I wish you'd let me know when you're coming in advance, but why should I be angry you haven't done anything."
"I don't know, you just seem more unhappy at the moment."
"Don't worry, It's fine." Ciel assured her as the both sat down. She looked at the chess board.
"Have I come at a bad time, it looks like you have company."
"No. It was just a game that I had Sebastian play with me. He's a good player and I like to stay at the top of my game."
"Oh, I didn't know he could play chess, he's quite a talented butler." Ciel nodded.
"Yes, I'd expect nothing less of him. He has a wide variety of skills and talents."
Lizzy was about to reply when Sebastian reappeared with the tea cart.
"Today we have a very special treat to be served with afternoon tea." He said pouring the liquid into cups and handing it out. He then turned to the covered trey on the cart and lifted the lid revealing several pastries each topped with strawberries.
"I haven't had those since-"
"I would imagine not. I have never made them for you, I simply thought a change would do some good." The butler bent down to offer a small plate containing two of the pastries to the young boy.
"More accurately, your mother thought it might lift your mood." He whispered setting it down in front of his son. Ciel smiled faintly as he took a bite. His favorite part had always been the way the cream inside and the strawberry toppings blended together.
"These are really good Sebastian, did you know that Ciel's mother used to make those just this way?" Lizzy inquired.
"Did she, what a wonderful mother she must have been, young master, you are truly lucky to have had such a lady to be your mother." Ciel smiled.
"I consider myself very fortunate to be her son. Not many noble women actually make anything for their children, let alone raise them, that is what servants are for. My mother never thought that way. She never handed me off to anyone, and she made these herself in the kitchen. They always made me feel better."
"I'm sorry Ciel, I should never have said-"
"You have nothing to be sorry for Lizzy, It's nice to know that someone else remembers her fondly too."
"How could I possibly remember Aunt Rachel any other way?" There was a long silence that filled the room.
"I miss her terribly." Lizzy said at last before sipping her tea.
Rachel stood quietly in the doorway, tears fell from her eyes as she looked on, she was touched by the comments from her family and wished she could let Lizzy know she was there.
"I miss her too. She would want us to remember the good times, do you remember how she used to say that our happiness and love was the best gift she could receive?" Lizzy giggled.
"Yes. I remember how Uncle Vincent would play with us, and read us stories. Oh Ciel, do you remember when he used to do the character's voice, that was amazing, I miss him too." Sebastian hid a grin as he pretended to busy himself in order to listen to the conversation.
"Yes, he was very good at that. He was also an amazing father. I never had to question whether or not he loved me. Anyone that knew us could see it. But no one saw the countless times he would comfort me when I was afraid, the lessons he taught, how much he worried about me when I became ill or stayed beside my bed when no one else was- anyway, if they were here right now, I would tell them-" Ciel took a deep breath.
"Go on Ciel,, let it out." Lizzy encouraged.
"I would tell them that I love them both very much. I would thank them for everything they did for me. I'd tell them how much they mean to me, and that I'm sorry for everything that happened, that they're the best parents anyone could ask for and I'm glad they're mine."
Sebastian nearly dropped the vase he had been holding as he listened to his son's words.
"I am certain they know young Master, parents always do, even when the words are left unspoken. I am also certain that you were very precious to them, they would never have wanted to leave you. They loved you as well Lady Elizabeth."
"Well Lizzy, as long as you're here, did you have an activity in mind for today?" Ciel asked.
"No. Was there something you wanted to do?"
"I thought I'd go to London and look in some of the shops, I don't suppose you would want to join me?"
"I'd love to come, there are so many adorable things in town!" Lizzy squealed happily.
"Sebastian"
"Yes my Lord?"
"I'd like to have the carriage ready soon, I think I would like to get a few things in memory of my parents." Sebastian smiled.
"Yes my lord."