Months passed, and snow began to cover the ground. The holidays were coming up, and things hadn't gotten easier for the young Earl. It seemed like every day, more and more paperwork was trying to be pushed for new releases of products at the Funtom toy company. Kids begged their mommies and daddies for toys, and only wanted Funtom. Each day, the Earl was left exhausted and hand cramping from countless meetings, requests and releases. He rested in his chair behind his desk, often falling asleep and needing Sebastian to carry him into his room.
On this day, the young Earl did not take exception. He had a lot to do today and he was determined to complete it. No signs of trouble from the Queen and no surprise visits from Elizabeth; he would hopefully have complete peace and quiet. Sebastian walked into his room, and opened the blinds as he usually did. "Good morning, young master," he called out to him, "It's time to get out of bed now." Ciel yawned, blinded by the quick burst of light. He had another night of restlessness, filled with tossing, turning and unpleasant dreams. "Another day full of work," the young Earl said to himself as he threw himself over the edge of his bed and was handed his tea. "For today's breakfast, you have a fruit parfait with strawberries, mangos and blackberries drizzled in icing and a breakfast brew tea," his butler spoke while he removed his undergarments and replacing them with his daily wardrobe. "All I would like today is some quiet," Ciel spoke, looking at his butler, "And to not hear those words. Can I have that today?" Sebastian smiled, for he knew what words he mentioned and was going to have them part his lips as he left. "Yes, my lord," he agreed, "I shall not speak them." "Good." Ciel plopped from his bed and placed his empty cup on top of the cart next to it. "I think I would like grilled cheese with tomatoes for lunch." As he headed toward the door, his butler took the gesture of opening it from him. The door opened, and standing in front of it were MeyRin, Finny, Baldroy, and Tanaka. Ciel knew what was coming. His eye twitched at the look of their faces with their wide smiles. "Don't…" "Happy Birthday, Master!" They screamed at their top of their lungs. Ciel was severally irritated. He didn't want to be reminded that this was the day he was blessed to be born on. The painful acknowledgement that three years ago on this day, his life changed. Ciel rubbed his temples and walked down the hallway. "I told you, I would not speak it, my lord," Sebastian stated, "I didn't say they wouldn't." "Oh shut up, Sebastian," he said, walking further and heading toward the study. Ciel's head was throbbing. He had nothing but work to do today and knowing that everyone will want to acknowledge this awful day made him want to curl up into a ball and disappear.
He walked into his study to see his parfait there waiting for him. He circled his desk to see that Sebastian had arranged more like a salad than a parfait and the icing was lined under it. It spelled happy birthday across the tray and had an unlit candle on top. He blew steam from his ears and took in a deep breath. "I did say I wouldn't say it, master." These words played over and over in his head. "Oh, shut up, Sebastian," the young one spoke, displaying a secret smile and swiping some icing, "I guess I should enjoy it since it is my birthday." He licked the icing from his finger and took a seat. He missed his parents. His mother had promised to read him all the stories he wanted, and instead, was granted a horrible fate. Ciel's eyes began to tear as he ate forkfuls of this delicious decoration. He just wanted someone to hold him, and tell him everything was alright. "I can't help the way I feel," he thought while pushing the empty tray to the side and placing papers in front of him, "I was cursed from the second I was born."
Sebastian completes his daily task, contemplating whether or not to bake the master a cake. "I know his feelings on this day," he says to himself, "But, I just want to make him happy." Sebastian grinned, and continues on his way. "Look at me. A demon…in love with a human? I can't help but feel a little silly for it." He walks past the library to see the other four Phantomhive servants, huddled and plotting a surprise party for the young birthday boy. "It has to be just as good as Lady Elizabeth's…" "Only better." They stood there, expressing their ideas to one another as Sebastian crept behind. "And just what are you doing in here?" he spoke to them as they turned around. MeyRin's voice was full of excitement. "We're planning a surprise party for the young master!" she expressed. "I don't think that is such a good idea," he said looking as their facial expressions change. "And why not?" "This is day is not the young master's happiest," he stated while walking out the room, "And surprises don't do him well. Especially when he has a gun on his hip."
Ciel struggled, trying his best to keep from exploding with emotion about this painful occasion. He couldn't stand but experience flashbacks of being scared from storms at night and his parents embracing him with warm arms and hearts as it roared through the night. Now, he was 13 and left to sleep alone; to endure in his own storms. Sebastian had come in, delivering his grilled cheese as he had asked, and saw how stressed the young one was. "You know, my lord," he spoke, while lowering the plate, "The paperwork can wait until tomorrow." Ciel's eyes began to tear up, for he couldn't hold back his frustration when the one who had been with him always was present. "No, it can't," he addressed, keeping his head toward the desk. Sebastian couldn't help but have the desire of taking his pain away. It hadn't been the first year that his demons had taken over, yet it seemed to be the calmest. "I must distract myself." His butler grinned a painful grin and bowed. He could do nothing to sooth the young one. "Yes, master," he spoke, turning to the door, "I shall finish my chores."
"No!" Ciel had pushed himself out of seat, his eyes overflowing with his hidden turmoil. He couldn't even smile toward him. He did not speak a word, for he had nothing to say toward this sudden outburst. "Please, Sebastian," Ciel spoke, his voice broken from heart ache, "Don't leave me. If my work can wait, so can yours." He was surprised. Where had this come from? Usually on this day, the Earl locks himself in his study or bedroom, alone until his birthday is completely over. "Young master…" Ciel wiped his eyes, looking to his desk. "These papers…they are not ones that are of the company business." Sebastian became confused; then what did he receive. "These are wishlist…" Ciel became quiet and clinched his fist as he slowly but surely began to breakdown. "This year, since there is a new product out for Christmas, their parents are telling them to write to Santa's workshop and ask for it. Every year, we give out one free toy to a child with the best 'dear Santa.'" His emotions coursed through him, his heart broken. "I'm so tired of reading them. These spoiled kids, not understanding how important the people are right in front of them. Begging and pleading for dolls and toys…" Sebastian stood his ground, trying his best not to show the young master how he felt. He held sympathy toward him, knowing that someday, this emptiness would consume him. "I just want my parents!" He dropped into his seat, his tears staining the pieces of paper below him. Sebastian walked toward him and stood next to his chair. And as he reached out his hand, wanting to caress his head, Ciel reached out and grabbed him, as if he was holding on to dear life. "I'm so alone, Sebastian…" Sebastian grinned, he had never seen him so vulnerable. He couldn't help but enjoy this warmth the young human displayed to him. He grabbed his chin, and directed it upward. "You are not alone, young master," he spoke, "I shall be by your side. Even after you've fallen, the rotten carcasses of your friends at your feet, and you're ready to admit a checkmate, I shall be there beside you, in the darkest pits of hell." Ciel smiled. No matter how dark or demoic the detail, it was pleasant to hear that someone would always be there. Ciel griped him tighter. "A soul is such a minor detail," the young master thought, "If that is what I have to give up for my goal, then so be it. I shall find the people who have made me feel so innocent and rip their hearts through their chest."
The snow fell and covered the ground. The sun had retired early because of the weather and so did the Earl. He had cried so much, he had but so little energy left. Sebastian sat on the floor, with the young one cuddled under him, feeling the warmth of his love. "Sebastian…" the young one called to him, "If you tell anyone, I shall kill you." The demon giggled. "Who shall I tell, young master?" he spoke to him, "I do not blame you for the way you feel. And as your butler, I am here to serve you." Ciel sniffled and smiled. "Shut up, Sebastian," he giggled as he stood. His butler followed him and got to his feet. "I want you to make me a cake," he demanded. His companion became surprised. "My lord, are you sure?" he asked. "Yes," he spoke, wiping his face, "It shall make the servants happy. But don't tell them it is an order." Sebastian bowed, "Yes, young master", and headed toward the door. "And one more thing," he spoke out, stopping him once more, "Say it." Sebastian smiled. "Ciel…" He turned toward his master, his cheeks red with excitement. "Are you sure?" "Say it before I change my mind." Even in his most vulnerable state, Ciel had not lost his roughness. The demon took in a deep breath. "Happy Birthday, young master…" Ciel smiled, hiding it from him. "Now, go." He bowed once more, and proceeded out the door. "Yes," the young one thought, taking a seat in his chair, "Happy Birthday to me."
