Valentines day was something Ciel had never really celebrated. There had been times throughout his life where he thought he wanted to but, aside from the odd box of chocolates and hearts from and given to Elizabeth all those years ago, Ciel had never gotten round to it.
Now, however, Ciel wanted to celebrate it. He wanted to make it special but there was nothing much Ciel could give his husband. He had already given Sebastian himself, mind, body and soul so there wasn't much that Ciel could give Sebastian.
But this was Sebastian. Ciel smiled slightly as he glanced at the man in question. He knew Sebastian would love anything Ciel got him simply because it was from Ciel. The young one let out a sigh. What had he done to deserve such a man?
An unexpected knock on the door and a surprise visitor brought Ciel out of his thoughts.
An average height demon with sandy blonde hair and soft auburn eyes demon entered the room. The couple recognized the visitor immediately and greeted him formally. "Joseph, what brings you here?"
"My apologizes, my King." Joe said with a bow. "I came to inform you that the murderers I reported to you a month and a half ago are dead. They were killed in a struggle to bring them to you. I am sorry you had no chance in passing your judgement."
Ciel's expression turned grave then hardened. "You need not apologize, Joseph. It is done."
Sebastian blinked. There it was. The earl Sebastian had once known. It was the side that Sebastian had not fallen in love with but had grown to accept until he had found it almost nonexistent. It surprised the elder demon every time he saw it and that was only when Ciel was playing the role of King.
"Yes, my Lord." Joe said and Sebastian almost narrowed his eyes. That was his line.
Apparently Ciel agreed. "Joe, don't call me that." he said coolly. "Is there anything else that you need to report?"
"No, your Majesty." Joe replied. "However, there is a matter I would like to discus with you."
Some of Ciel's composure faltered as surprise tarnished his cool, calm façade. "Oh?"
Joe suddenly looked nervous. "Well, Valentines day is approaching and I wanted to do something special for my partner. I was hoping that, maybe, you could host a valentines party. I would be happy to pay . . ."
"No." Ciel said bluntly.
"No?" the sandy blonde repeated.
"No." Ciel agreed. "I would be happy to host a party as long as I am not expected to dance. There will be no need for payment. A ball is exactly what we need. Don't you agree Sebastian?"
Sebastian narrowed his eyes at his husband. Ciel's eyes were much too mischievous for Sebastian to feel comfortable with. "What are you plotting, my Lord?"
Ciel couldn't help but grin as a wicked idea formed in his mind and he turned back to Joe. "Spread the word and tell your partner that the King is hosting a ball to celebrate Valentines day. Everyone is invited but you must come in wearing fancy-dress."
A grin began to form and blossom across Joe's face as he clicked to what Ciel was thinking. "You know what, your Majesty? You're brilliant."
Ciel winked. "Yes." he agreed. "Yes I am."
Of course Sebastian, once again, was completely baffled.
On the bright side, his 'WTF' expression was just adorable.
I didn't say it the bright side for Sebastian. ;)
Ciel had snuck out.
Sebastian could come find him at any time, of course, but that was only when - if - Ciel called him.
He had bribed Joe into driving him into town to pick out a costume. "What kind of costume are you looking for?" Joe asked glancing at his King. Then he saw the look in the younger's eyes and found he didn't need an answer. "Something kinky, huh?"
Ciel grinned. "You know me so well."
Joe laughed and parked his car in the car park. "I should. I've had to put up with you for a century."
The young Phoenix saddened. "Yes." he agreed. "At least there were some good things over those years. I don't know what I would have done with out you and Charlotte."
"Thanks." Joe said unbuckling his seatbelt. They climbed out of the old Ford. "Can I ask you something? Why are you always so formal to me when Sebastian's around?"
Ciel let out a sigh. "Pride."
"After all this time, you're still part Earl." Joe chuckled.
"It's not like I'll be rid of him completely." Ciel said. "Besides, he comes in handy from time to time."
Joe looked at the younger demon. "You don't need him anymore, Ciel." the older demon protested. "I saw the look on your Partner's face when you showed him the earl. He accepts the Earl, he knows it's there but he loves you. If you keep the Earl part, Ciel, you might end up confusing him. He won't know which side of you is the real you and which side is pretends."
Sapphire and amethyst eyes widened then relaxed. "He knows, he always did."
"How do you know?" Joe asked.
The Phoenix grinned. "Because it's Sebastian."
Sebastian was worried.
Ciel was planning something once again and, while the result last time had been wonderful, Sebastian couldn't help but be nervous about what his master was plotting now.
A ball seemed innocent enough but Ciel had never been into social gatherings. The last ball that Sebastian could recall his lover going to, Ciel had been forced to wear a corset and, while the boy had looked mouth-watering, Ciel had definitely not enjoyed it.
He let out a sigh. 'might as well start preparing for this damn ball, then.' he thought heading to the kitchens.
Sebastian spent an entire day making Ciel's favourite treats in the shape of love hearts. If someone had told him he would be doing anything so cheesy a century and a half ago, he would have killed them for suggesting he would ever do something so pathetic but now it seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
A smiled played in the corner of his lips until he thought about the conversation he and Ciel had just a few nights ago, when Ciel had asked Sebastian if he had taken up any lovers. Ciel had yet to assure the elder that he too had not participated in any sexual activities with any other than he.
Not that I could really ever blame you if you had, my love.