Disclaimer: I do not own the Black Butler characters; however, I do own Briar.
The Choice is Mine: Christmas Special Part three
Briar
I follow behind Ciel as he leads me to the room that I'll be staying in. My gym bag is in his hands. He refused to allow me to carry it. Truth be told, it's nice to be around a man that has manners. Manners is too scarce today.
"Here we are."
He opens the door for me as I walk in. The room he chose is beautiful. The bed had a light blue curtain that surrounded it on all sides. The sheets were also light blue and two fluffy pillows were rested against the headboard. The room also had a fireplace and a small table with two chairs that matched. The window was open, revealing that there was a seat where you could sit on it.
"This is my room?" I ask in disbelief.
Ciel chuckled and then placed my bag onto the bed.
"I'll let you get settled in. Dinner isn't quite ready yet. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen. Just go back down the hall, come down the stairs and make a right."
"Thank you Ciel."
"You are very welcome Briar." He gave me a slight bow and then he left.
"That man." I say as I fight the urge to smile. I can already feel myself blooming up. The same way a sunflower opens itself to the sun's rays.
I'm at the base of the stairs when I hear the noise. Against my better judgment, I decide to not ignore the sound.
"Pst. Pst. Briar, over here." Grell says in a hush voice.
I look around before I dart through the doorway.
"Why are you whispering?"
"Guess what I have." He pulls out a sparce piece of a plant. He waves it to me, as If all the answers that the world needs are in it.
"Grell, what is that?"
Grell freezes in place, he is in shock. He blinks a few times before he regains his composure.
"It's Mistletoe."
"That's Mistletoe?" I say as I point to it.
"Yes."
"I thought it was supposed to be more flashy."
"This was the best that I could do. This sleep over invite came last minute. I only had today to come up with a plan."
"A plan for what?"
Grell winks at me and then he grabs the ladder that was in the closet and brings it over.
"I have a whole name for it. Operation Mistletoe! Here, hold this." He hands me the plant and then climbs up the ladder.
"Hand it to me please."
I reach up and hand it over. A string was tied to it and with some see through tape, Grell taps it to the doorway of the living room.
"Grell."
"I know what you are going to say. But listen, all I have to do is be under the doorway at the same time as Sebastian. Then I can finally get my kiss."
"Grell, hanging mistletoe isn't a guarantee for a kiss. Sebastian will have to want to kiss you."
"Trust me, once he sees me tomorrow, he'll be dragging me over here."
"Mhm, and what if you end up here with Ciel by some chance."
"Oh, that's easy. He'll get a quick kiss on the cheek like this. Muah!"
Grell gave me a kiss on the cheek before he came down the ladder.
"I still don't think that this will work. I'll have a different hope for you."
"Well, hope is better than nothing."
Grell quickly stashed the ladder away.
"What were you doing down here anyway? I thought you would have been sound asleep in your bed."
"I wanted to see if Sebastian needed any help in the kitchen."
"I doubt it but asking never hurt anyone."
We made our way to the kitchen. Sebastian was standing over a pot that was on the stove. Ciel was seated at the table, focused on his reading.
"Hello."
Sebastian and Ciel's eyes snap to me and Grell.
"I hope we aren't interrupting. I wanted to see if you needed any help."
Ciel's eyes flickered to Sebastians and then back to mine. I felt like he watched my every step. Like a magnetic force kept his eyes glued to me.
"That's very thoughtful of both of you. Dinner preparations are almost ready, and the table is already set. You're our guest, just relax. Me or Ciel will come and get you when the food is ready."
Grell shrugged his shoulders and led me out the door.
Ciel
"Well Young Master, that was painful to watch. If you stared any harder, she would have bolted out the kitchen.
"Can't help it. She's pretty."
"You've seen many "pretty women", why does this one cause you to have an eye problem."
I ignore him and go back to reading. I really don't want to talk about my lack of experience with women.
"Ciel, I don't like you very much."
"Feelings mutual."
"However, seeing you like this is no longer humors me."
"Weren't you just laughing at me two hours ago?"
"That's beside the point." Smirked Sebastian. "I think that you need courting boot camp."
"Why would I need that?" I say as I reach for my tea.
"Because, at the rate you are going, Briar is going to see you as a stalker. She'll distance herself from you."
I spit out the warm tea that I was drinking. Grabbing a napkin from the table, I clean the mess I made and glare at Sebastian.
"I'm just saying. Being in her room when she doesn't know is a red flag."
"I just wanted to be there in case something happened."
"You are crossing the line. You can protect her without invading her privacy."
Sebastian clamps the lid on the pot and pulls out dough.
"You're right. Despite my intentions, I have been crossing the line. I'll take whatever advice you are willing to give me."
"Very well then. Today marks the start of your training."
Briar
After dinner we all separate once the dishes are cleaned. I finally look in the bathroom and I squeal with joy. I have a tub! The dorms on base are just stand in showers. Plus, we have to share the bathroom but here, it's all mine for tonight! Instantly, I get a little sad. I have no bath bombs to use. A knock on the door catches my attention. I open the door to find Grell on the other side.
"Grell?"
"I thought it would be a good idea if I gave you one of your presents tonight."
He hands me a spa set that's in a wooden basket. I immediately spot an ornament shaped bath bomb.
"Thank you."
"You have tonight, so enjoy it. Good night Briar! See you in the morning."
"Night night."
I softly close the door and make my way back to the bathtub. I couldn't wait to see the suds.
About 40 minutes later I am in the pj's that Grell packed for me. It's a holiday themed two piece. The top is gray with a reindeer on it and the bottoms are a checkered pattern in red and black. Its cozy, especially when its paired with fluffy slippers. Before I head to bed, I grab my phone and make my way to the living room. I wanted to read about Mary and Joseph before Christmas morning. Tip toeing down the stairs I walk into the room. Someone left the Christmas lights one, making the space look like a true winter wonder land. Sitting down on one of the rugs, I find the bible app and open it to Matthews. Before I could begin reading a light catches my attention.
"Briar, what are you doing up?"
Ciel stood in the doorway, dressed in the same pj's that I had on. In his hand was a cup and a plate. The light that caught my attention was the mark that was on his eye. It took me by surprised because he always kept it hidden.
"I wanted to read about you know whose birth before I went to bed. And I couldn't resist looking at the Christmas lights."
He nods his head.
"What are you doing?"
"Well, I decided to sneak a late night snack while Sebastian isn't looking. Is it ok If I join you?"
"You can join me. It would be nice to have you here with me."
"Great. I'll grab more cookies." He sets his cup on the floor. "Do you want something to drink?"
"Milk please."
"I'll be back."
He quickly left and came back with more cookies and my glass of milk. I read the chapters out loud, nibbling a cookie in between. It seemed so odd to me to have someone that actually wanted to listen to me read about Jesus. It was a really nice feeling just to share this moment.
"Thats the end of the last chapter."
"Never gets old." He says as he wipes his mouth. "Is this a family tradition of yours?"
"Yes, when I was younger my parents would read it before we opened up presents. Do you have any fond memories of Christmas?"
"Only a few from when I was younger. The tree would be full of presents. My brother and cousin always shared in my excitement as we opened them. We were all around the same age. Those are probably the only happy memories I have from childhood."
I reach out and touch Ciel's hand. He looks so troubled, as if good happy memories are something that he could no longer have.
"I'm sorry Ciel. I shouldn't have brought it up. I don't know all of the details of what happened to you, but, from what I know. I'm sorry you went through that."
"Hey now. Don't cry. That was a long time ago."
"You have this wave of sadness that is pulsing out of you. I can't help it."
"Don't cry. Its Christmas eve and tomorrow we are gonna have a lot of fun. I still remember the promise that I made to you."
Wiping the tears from my eyes, he stood up and then helped me to my feet. He pulled me into a hug.
"Don't cry. Please don't cry. I'm not going to let you go until you stop."
Eventually, the tears dried leaving my eyes slightly puffy. I found myself not wanting to be let go. I've gone so many years without being able to hug the person I was with. All the softness I have was held inside. Pent up until I meet Ciel. Now, the gates are about to overflow, and I'm scared to let them. What if I'm too much for him?
"Do you feel better?"
"Yes. Thank you for the hug."
"I needed it just as much as you did."
Ciel tilted my head up. I thought he was gonna kiss me but instead he simply gave me a kiss on my forehead. The kiss was sweet, and I hoped that he couldn't hear my frantic heartbeat. No matter what happened, I would cherish this moment for all eternity.
Christmas Day!
The morning had finally come. I had finally fallen asleep two hours before my alarm went off. And when I say alarm, I mean a hyped Grell who had decided to wake me up.
"Briar! It's morning! Merry Christmas Honey!"
"Merry Christmas Grell. It's so early."
"What happened to you?! Your eyes are puffy and you have bags under them. Wait a minute. What were you doing last night?" He said as he wiggled his eyebrows.
"I was minding my business."
"Mhm, did you mind it in here or in someone else's room?"
I bust out laughing. Of course. Only Grell would take it there.
"I just stayed up later than usual. I was talking to Ciel. We were just sharing Christmas memories."
"The memories explain the swollen eyes but, it does not explain the bags under your eyes. Something else happened and you will tell me when we are by ourselves. Now get up! We have gifts to open!"
Grell rushed me down the stairs and into the living room.
"Merry Christmas!"
I was surprised to see that Ciel and Sebastian were still in their pj's. Grell seemed to be bouncing with excitement. I watched as he walked over to the tree and picked up a gift. Ciel walked over to me, his eye wide as he took in my face. I kind of wish that I could hide. I hate people seeing my face after I've been crying.
"Merry Christmas Briar."
"Merry Christmas Ciel."
I tuck my head, embarrassed about how my face was looking at the moment.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
From the corner of my eye, I could see that we now had an audience. Great. Ciel lifts my chin. Forcing me to look directly at him.
"Your eyes. Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"
"Just a little."
"You could have come to my room. I don't need to sleep. I could have stayed up with you, played some board games or just talked."
"I didn't know you were comfortable with that."
"Now you know."
I gently place my hand over his, squeezing it before I stepped away.
"Let's open up the presents."
He still looked concerned, but he wasn't going to push the issue thankfully.
"Briar, here's your gift from me."
Grell handed me a big tote bag. I gave him a look before I opened it. My suspicion was confirmed once I peered inside.
"Merry Christmas!"
"Grell, what is this?"
"It's sexy stuff. Now, you can throw out the lingerie that you used with that sorry excuse for a man. You got rid of the man now get rid of the clothes that you used for him. Out with the old-" He turned my head to face Ciel who was opening a gift. "and in with the new."
"You are too much. Thank you Grell. I'll be sure to put it to good use once its needed."
"That's my girl."
I gave Grell his gift and watched him squeal as he took out the glosses, nail kit and purse that I got for him. The sets were from a line that just came out. All were complementary colors for red so he could use any of it and it wouldn't clash with his wardrobe.
"Grell come with me."
I took the gifts from his hand and led him over to Sebastian.
"Sebastian, me and Grell have a gift for you."
Grell gave me a puzzled look as I pull a piece of paper from my pocket.
"I have a friend that asked if me and Grell could watch her kittens for her. I like cats but I'm not always here and Grell, he's busy with all the paperwork that he has. So, we suggested you to my friend. I told her how you absolutely love cats and how well you take care of them. She said that she was ok with you looking after them when she has to travel for work. Plus, you wouldn't even have to bring them here, she is completely fine with you going to her home to take care of them."
I hand Sebastian the piece of paper with the number on it.
"She says to give her a call when you can. She'll be working New Year's, so she'll need your assistance. If you want to do it. Oh, and did I mention that this was Grell's idea. He thought you would love it."
Sebastian clutched the paper between his hands. He was unresponsive which was a first.
"Thank you." He yanked me to him and almost squeezed the air out of me. "No matter what side you choose, you will always have my protection."
Stunned I just stand there until Ciel gently pulls me from Sebastian.
"Guess this is what jealousy feels like." Ciel says under his breath.
I would have responded but then I saw that Sebastian was making a beeline for Grell. Before I knew it, Sebastian had whispered something in Grell's ear and in response Grell fainted. I don't know what was more shocking, the fact that Grell fainted or that Sebastian actually caught him.
"Grell!"
"He's alright. Just a little startled."
Sebastian whispered something else into his ear and then he popped back up.
"This, this is a Merry Christmas indeed. I need some water! Anyone else need some water?"
Grell came up to me, snatched me out of Ciel's arms and gave me an even tighter hug then Sebastian.
"Thank you, Briar."
"Welcome Bestie."
He gave me a kiss on the cheek before he skipped out the door.
"Well, this morning has been eventful. We haven't even had breakfast yet."
Ciel handed me a present, his eye shinning with joy for the first time today.
"Open it."
I grab the gift and open it. Inside is a novel from an author whose work I absolutely adore. Taking the book out, I hug it to myself. Ciel watches me with a smile on his face.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"I love it Ciel. I've been looking all over for this book. Thank you."
"There's more."
My eyebrows raise.
"More?"
Ciel hands me another gift and I open it. This gift holds a cd and dvd. I choke back tears as I look at the cover.
"Jingle Jangle. How did you know? I love this story and the soundtrack. I see myself in every line and verse. Thank you Ciel. You just-"
Words couldn't describe how I felt so I just leaned forward and gave him a quick peck.
"Ah, your gift. I hope you like it."
Before he could respond, I grab his gift and give it to him. His face is red and he seems to be in another world. He opens it and pulls out the tea bags that I ordered.
"I got it from a company that specializes in teas. I know how much you like tea so I thought that it would be a good gift." The fragrance from the tea bags fills the room. You would think that someone lit a candle.
"Thank you, Briar. You've made this Christmas very special for me."
"You've made it special for me too. Merry Christmas."
The rest of the morning and the day feels like a dream. We opened the presents, watched the parade, and had a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ciel didn't leave my side and I didn't leave his. I had a lot to think about as far as my future is concerned. A heavy choice was still on my shoulders. However, as I hear everyone's laughter, I realize that you can't worry about the future. It's best to enjoy the present because who knows what tomorrow will be.