Disclaimer: I do not own Black Butler nor its characters. However, Briar is mine.

The Choice is Mine: Christmas Special Part 2

Briar

I'm on my third ornament when Sebastian turns to me.

"You seem to really enjoy this holiday Briar."

"I love this time of the year. To me this time is magical. It's the one time in the year that everyone is thinking of someone else's happiness."

He nods his head and then ask another question. He seems very chatty today.

"What did you do with your parents and siblings around this time?"

I hold the ornament to my chest as I bring up the memory. Thinking about it makes me feel so warm inside. Those times were so simple in comparison to life now.

"I remember barely being able to go to sleep the night before. The smell of the turkey would fill my bedroom with the spices that were used. On Christmas day, me and my sister would get up super early and wake our parents up. They were tired but they didn't rebuke us when we got them out of bed early. We would all go out to the living room and then mom and dad would go over the real reason for the holiday. They would read the story of how Jesus came into this world. Jesus-"

"Uhm, Briar. C-can you not mention hissss name."

I turn from the ornament and see that Sebastian was sprawled out onto the floor. His face was downward, as if a weight held it there.

"The name. Demons tremble before THAT name Briar."

"That name?"

It finally clicked. I said Jesus. That was enough to force Sebastian onto the ground.

"I'm sorry Sebastian. I forgot what saying it does to you."

"It's fine, just please remember for next time."

Sebastians body popped as he attempted to sit back up. After a few minutes, he was finally able to regain his composure.

"Sebastian, will that happen to me if I choose the demon form?"

Sebastian grabs a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes the slobber that was running down his mouth.

"No, you'll be like Ciel in that regard. He can say the name and experience little pain. It's because he was human first. He's not a full demon like me and if you choose this form, you won't be a full one either. At least, that's my theory on it. That's something for you to think about."

I walk over and help Sebastian stand back up. He is still a little shacky, but he assures me that he can stand on his own. Smiling he suggest going to a safer subject which I completely agree too.

"Is there anything that you want for Christmas?" He asked me.

I roll the question over in my head. I feel like I was asked this question before. Many different times and each time I have no answer. If I really wanted something, I could buy it myself. Plus, I don't want someone spending more than they have on a present that I want.

"I'm not really sure." I say.

"Come now Young Miss. There must be something that caught your eye. A necklace or perhaps a book?"

"Not that I know of. Honestly, a thought felt gift would do just fine."

"That's so broad."

"I know. It leaves the gifting up to the imagination of the gifter."

Sebastian shakes his head as he climbs up the ladder.

"This is going to be an interesting Christmas." says Sebastian

"What makes you say that?"

Sebastian shrugs his shoulders as his eyes start to glow.

"Just a hunch."

The living room was unrecognizable by the time we finished with the decorations. The Christmas tree was covered with the ornaments that I had polished earlier. A silver tree skirt was laid at its base to catch any pine needles that might fall. Silver ribbon and tinsel are placed throughout the tree. Peeking out behind leaves and branches. Red stockings are hung above the fireplace and a garland ran along the edge of the fixture. From the ceiling, snowflakes of different sizes were hung. The final touch was the soft plushy rugs that were placed on the floor.

"This room is done, let's take care of the staircase and entrance."

"I thought we were only doing this room."

"That was the original idea, but I think doing the entrance and stairs would be a nice touch."

Sebastian walked over to a different closet and pulled out another box.

"I almost forgot about the poinsettias. Briar, can you go out to the shed and grab them for me please. With all the preparations it must have slipped my mind. Just go out the front door and head around to the backyard. You'll see the shed once you get back there. There will be two sitting on the table."

"Shed in the backyard, two plants. Got it." I'm about to exit the front door when Sebastian calls over to me.

"Briar bring one plant at a time. Don't let me catch you carrying both."

My back is still turned to him, so I mouth the words back.

"Don't let me catch you. Sheesh."

"I heard that Young Lady. I have demon ears not human ears."

Embarrassed I quickly make my way outside. Already planning to take a longer time coming back.

After ten minutes I arrive with the first plant.

"You took quite a while. I thought I might have to go and search for you myself." said Sebastian.

"The dust was bothering me. I needed some air."

"Really, you seemed to be breathing just fine earlier."

"It uh."

"It what?" Inquired Sebastian who had now cocked his head to the side.

"Where do you want this?"

Sebastian chuckles and then points to a table that is placed on the left side of the stair well.

"You can place the second one next to it. Be quick so that you can help me with the garland."

I eye the garland in his hands. I can't see a reason for why Sebastian would need help with this specific piece. What was he planning? I think about the odd request as I make my way back to the shed.

Ciel

Sebastian lets me in, taking my coat and storing it into the coat closet.

"I see that you had a successful shopping trip Young Master."

"We'll see how successful it is tomorrow. I still don't know for sure that she'll like it."

I walk into the front room and I'm stunned by what I see. The changes are subtle, garland here, a tree there. What catches me by surprise is the who and not the what.

"Ciel, what are you and Sebastian whispering about?"

Briar is here. In my mansion. I sneak a look to Sebastian who is now whistling to himself. That "I'm innocent" act will never fool me.

"Oh, nothing really. Sebastian was telling me that the place has been decorated."

"Yes." She says smiling. "I hope its ok that I'm here. It doesn't seem like Sebastian told you that I was helping."

"No, It's great having you here."

Sebastian snorts low enough for me to hear him. How long will he enjoy torturing me?

Briar who is dressed in gray sweatpants and a burgundy hoody slowly makes her way down the stairs. I tuck the bag behind me as best as I can.

"Ciel, you have snow on your hair. Permission to touch?"

My face grows warm as I ponder her request.

"Yes, I'll bend down."

I lower myself and Briar dust off the snow that was clinging to my hair. And then she dusts off my shoulders.

"You were looking like a winter prince with all that snow on you."

"Thank you for brushing it off."

Sebastian coughs behind me. Drawing our attention to him.

"I'll go and start preparations for dinner."

As he walks past me, I catch his words.

"Ask Briar to stay for Christmas."

He then proceeds to walk away with my purchase in his hands.

"It's getting late. I should be heading home before the roads get too bad." Says Briar as she quickly goes to the closet. She pulls out her purse and starts putting on her shoes. Am I really contemplating this?

"Briar, I just came up with a good idea. Why don't you sleep over? That way, we can celebrate Christmas together." I blurt out.

She stops in her tracks. My question catching her off guard.

"All of us!" I start to ramble. "Me, you, Grell and Sebastian. It'll, it'll be fun. Pinky promise."

"Pinky promise? That's a serious pledge Ciel." She smiles and I see the grip on her purse loosen.

"I take my pledges quite seriously. You have my word."

Briar breaks into a wide smile and I swear I can fill my heart flipping.

"Ok, I'll stay." Her smile starts to falter a little and I start to panic. Does she really want to go home?

"What about my stuff? I'll need an overnight bag and the presents that I wrapped up for everyone?"

"Don't worry about-"

"HO HO HO. Merry Christmas Everyone! Santa officially has some competition in the red suit department."

Grell, who just left me in a store to search for a gift by myself announces his arrival. He is dressed in a red trimmed coat and a small Santa hat to match. He wears black trousers and a red button up shirt. His black heeled boots clack against my floor as he walks over.

"Hi Bestie. Muah! I got some things for you!"

Just like Santa, he drops a large red sack onto the floor. Reaching inside, he pulls out a pink gym bag. He hands it to Briar who proceeds to open it.

"My clothes are in here. Even my toothbrush. Thank- what a minute. How did you get these items?"

Briar goes into the bag and pulls out a present that is wrapped.

"Huh."

"Don't huh me Grell. How did you get into my room?"

"I just uh, might have."

"Spill it."

"I let myself in. Just this one time."

"Did you cause any damage to the lock?"

"Nope. Not a scratch."

"Alright. Don't ever do that again Grell. I have a right to my privacy and that lock isn't even my property."

"Understood. Can we be happy about the sleep over now?"

Briar rolls her eyes as she smirks. Signaling that the issue has been forgiven.

"Great!" Says Grell. "If it's alright, I'll go and put the presents under the tree and Ciel can show you to your room."

Before she could answer, Grell was already on his way to the living room.

*Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone! The last part of the Christmas Special should be posted a day after Christmas.*