Weeks passed and the Phantomhive household is quiet. Young Ciel hops from his bed at four in the morning and opens his door quietly. His feet pitter patter down the hallway with excitement as he comes into his parents' room. His young faces displays a smile, as he quietly pushes his parent's bedroom door open. His anxiety takes over and he rushes to them, jumping on the bed. "Mother! Father! Wake up, it's Christmas!" He pounces a little more until he notices that they hadn't moved, not even to swat him away. "Mother?" he calls out again, "Father?" Ciel takes his small hand and slowly pulls back the comforter. Just then, a flame ignited from underneath and covered the bed in flames. Ciel mystically finds himself in the hallway, watching as his manor covers in the crimson heat and his parents, already being dead, were burned.
Ciel pops from his sleep, covered in sweat. "Another nightmare," he thought to himself while huddling up in his blanket, "It's rather hard to get a good night sleep these days. Especially alone." It was Christmas day and there was nothing planned. Elizabeth was staying in Germany for the holidays but would be back for the celebration of the New Year. He knew that his servants would be excited and would expect to have something thrown. But then again, maybe they wouldn't. They had been with him long enough, including Sebastian, to know that special occasions did not have the same meaning as they once did. Though all these holidays brought pain to him, he decided he would swallow his pride and put on a smile, at least in their presence. They had all been alone at one point as well, and this was home. He laid in his bed, pondering his thoughts. He'd not dare try and sleep again, the nightmares were too much for him. He wondered how he would hold up. But, it was one day, and it would be over soon.
Sebastian walked into the young master's room, seeing him already awake. "Ah, Good morning, young master," he spoke, walking to the window and opening the blinds. "What time is it?" The young Earl asked, being blinded by sunlight. "It's half past six, my lord," he answered, pouring his tea, "This morning, you have a gingerbread tea." "Half past six?" Ciel thought while taking a sip, "It's rather early." As Sebastian attempted to remove the young one's socks, he stopped him. "No, Sebastian," he stated as his butler looked up at him, "I want to stay in my pajamas today. Just hand me my throw and slippers." Sebastian smiled. "Yes, my young lord," he spoke while getting what was asked, "I did what was asked of me last night." "Do you think they saw it?" the young one asked as his throw was being wrapped around him. Suddenly, they heard screams coming from the lower floor. "I think they did," he said as Ciel put on his slippers and headed toward the noise.
He walked down the stairs, his butler behind him, and saw the four Phantomhive servants reacting to the giant Christmas tree that stood in the front, with gifts layered at the bottom. "Oh, master," Finny spoke, "We've never had a Christmas tree before. Thank you so much." Ciel took a seat and watched as they began to circle the tree. "I figured you would've enjoyed it," he implied. Soon, it got quiet as they all stared at him with childish eyes. "What are you waiting for?" he asked, "Go ahead. They're your presents." They shrieked with joy as they went through the gifts with their names on them. Sebastian stood watch as they ravaged through the wrapping paper, making a mess. "Sebastian," the young one called to him, "You have a present under there as well. I placed it there while you were sleeping." Sebastian's cheeks began to blush. "A gift…for me? Oh Ciel…" The young Earl watched as he walked around the tree, with hidden excitement in his eyes as he searched for his gift. Finally, he picked up a blue gift wrapped box with his name on the tag. He glanced to his young master as he sipped his tea. He carefully unwrapped his box and removed the lid. "Oh, young master…" The other servants stopped and looked at Sebastian who had been truly shocked. He took his fingers and carefully picks up a pair of new gloves, all made from the finest silk, lined with gold and his named stitched in the lining with red string. "I-I don't know what to say." "Say nothing," Ciel spoke, placing down his tea cup and looking at his loyal companion. "Look at those gloves, Sebastian," Baldroy commented, "Something fancy they are." Sebastian's faced became warm as he blushed harder. He had about 5 pairs of these specially made gloves. He slowly slipped off his plan white ones, and gently replaced him with his new ones, feeling around with his fingers. "How do they feel?" the young one asked. He turned to his master, and bowed down on one knee. "They are simply splendid, young master," he spoke, "Nothing can describe the gratitude I feel right now. Thank you." Tanaka, who had been normal for some time, walked over the young master and gave him a box. "Merry Christmas, young Earl." The others stopped again, smiling and staring at the young one. "Merry Christmas, master!" He grinned, but slowly, his depression began to take over. "I shall open it later," he said, placing the gift on his lap. Their eyes shifted to one another, and continued comparing gifts.
Ciel sat in his chair for a while with his gift in his lap as Sebastian served holiday treats and drinks to everyone. He had been doing alright as for his feelings and was rather proud of himself. They laughed and giggled and he sat in the corner and watched. Suddenly, his three servants got up and hugged him. It was a tight hug, compressing his chest with one of their hands. "W-What are you doing?" he spoke, "Let me go." "Thank you so much, young master," Finny spoke, "We had nothing before you. And you've given us the greatest thing of all…a family." It became hard for the young one to breathe so they let go. "Family…" he stated looking at his lap, "I have not known the word for some time now. And I don't think I will anytime soon." Their smiles disappeared as he looked up at them. He realized his demeanor of being a wet blanket was just bring down everyone's attitude. He smiled a nervous smile and slowly got up with his gift, headed up the steps. It was a little late now. They had spent all morning together, laughing and eating and sharing each other's company. He felt as if that was enough and was ready to be alone.
He crept in his study, not because someone was there but because he no longer had the energy to walk regularly. The young one was tired from all their excitement and just needed some time to rest. He sat in the chair behind his desk, and turned toward the window, watching the snow fall. It was a dazzling site, the way they danced in the air and giggled all the way to the ground, while the wind pushed them around, this way and that. Ciel looked down and carefully began to unwrap his gift. He had no idea what it was, didn't have a clue he was getting one. It isn't like he did what a normal kid did and dropped hints for this occasion. If he wanted something, he went and bought it himself; that's just the way things had been. The wood on the outside had begun to show as he uncovered it from the wrapping paper. He had grown a little anxious to see what it way; as a teen, he did enjoy a good gift. Finally, it was completely uncovered. It was an old picture, taken when the young Earl was a baby. He and Elizabeth were hugging each other in the front as his parents, and Madame Red stood behind them, smiling. He hadn't remembered this day, for it was so long ago. Under the frames, taped to the back, laid a piece of paper, almost like a note. Ciel opened it, and read it silently.
"This photo was taken 12 years ago. I remember this day. You two had been playing as you always did and your parents loved it so much they wanted a picture. Your mother said, 'She wanted to preserve this image, that way, in her mind, you would always be this innocent.' I know things have been hard for you, young Ciel, but please remember…it's never too late to be an innocent child again…"
Ciel's eyes began to water. He hadn't cried all day and sight of his loved ones again sent him over the edge. He hadn't even remembered being this happy. All those memories had been replaced by the ones of fire and despair. As the sky grew darker and Christmas day became night, Ciel watched and listened as the servants, including a now low-stamina Tanaka, had gone outside and began to play in the snow. Sebastian slowly walked into the young master's study. "I brought you some hot chocolate, my lord," he spoke while walking in and closing the door. Ciel remained silent as snow fell and imagined how it feels to be happy. The butler walked to his desk and placed down his cup. "Are they happy, Sebastian?" he asked, turning to him. "Ecstatic, my lord," he answered, "They loved it all." "Good." Sebastian smiled and looked as he blew over his hot beverage and took a hesitated sip. "Young master…"the butler called to him, "Can I give you your present now?" Ciel looked at him. "Not you too, Sebastian," he replied. "I have waited all year," he spoke with a small grin, "Will you allow me to give it to you?" Ciel took a deep breath. "Why not?" he spoke, taking another sip, slightly burning his tongue, "Christmas isn't over quite yet." "But my lord, this requires me to turn in my slip." Ciel's eyes widened as he placed down the cup. "Why, Sebastian? What did you give me?" "You said that you wouldn't deny me." "I said I wouldn't deny you, not that I wouldn't ask questions." Sebastian blushed while pulling out his slip that was given to him. Ciel hesitated, and then took it from him. "Ok," he spoke, "It's turned in. So what it is?"
Sebastian slowly takes off his gloves and places them on the desk top. He stoops down so that he may be on the same height level and takes off his eye patch. Ciel can't stop him; he said he wouldn't. In a way, he was afraid to ask him what he was doing. Sebastian places his hand on the young one's face; his hand warm from being near the fire, he didn't want his to touch to chill him. Sebastian slowly leans his face forward, getting inches away from the young master. "I have waited so long to show you how I have felt," he murmured to him, "It has eaten me alive to be so distant from you. And now, I shall give you your gift…" Sebastian pulls the teen closer toward him and kisses him. Ciel's eyes remain open. He's only ever been kissed like this twice. But they were different. They were from Lizzie. "Sebastian…" This warmth he felt throughout his body, he couldn't help but wonder why he waited so long. His cheeks blush as the warmth coursed through him. He didn't know how to react. Should he push him away?
This kiss had gone on for seconds now. Neither of them moved. Sebastian was finally putting all he felt into this one gesture of passion. Ciel remained still, constipating this action. "It is the season of giving," he thought to himself as Sebastian finally pulled away from him. Ciel's cheeks burst with scarlet as the demon leaned back. Sebastian backed away slowly, not getting up from his knees. "Well I…" Ciel slightly smiled. "I-I'm sorry," the butler spoke, "I've been holding it in for so long…" Ciel slowly got up and walked toward him. "It's ok," he spoke, getting closer, "It's my gift, and that's all it was." Sebastian smiled as Ciel got even closer. "And now, I shall return the favor." Ciel grabbed Sebastian's face and kissed him. Sebastian was in shock; he had basically forced himself to do this and he didn't expect to get a response. Sebastian closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around the teen as they embraced each other for the first time. Ciel had never felt this way. His heart began to beat faster as he tried his best to return the gesture the same way it was given. It felt as if he had been secretly waiting for this all along. He gripped Sebastian tightly as the passion continues. Their lips part; Ciel standing in front of the kneeling demon. Sebastian wouldn't let go. He took paced breaths, not believing that he could finally walk around without this weight on his shoulders. Ciel stayed still as well, confused on what this all means. "H-How could he feel such a way for me?"
They hear a loud crash from below them, followed by the sound of the other four returning into the manor. Sebastian let go and stands. Ciel, shyly backs away from the demon, and looked away from him. Sebastian smiled and coughed. "Well, young lord," he speaks while putting his gloves back on, "I must attend to the matter at hand." "Yes," the young one replied, embarrassingly, though it were only them in the room. The butler bows toward his master, heads to the door and exits. Ciel touches his lips with his fingertips, still confused. They were still warm from the hot chocolate and being touched by his companion. "W-What was that?" he said aloud. He knew it was a kiss but…what was this warm feeling he felt throughout his body? Why had he not experienced this before when Elizabeth had kissed him? Or when he kissed her? He loved her, but he didn't get this same feeling. It was almost as if something electrifying was going through his body.
Sebastian assisted with his master's bed routine, and switched him out of his clothes. As Ciel snuggled into his bed, Sebastian bowed toward him. "Goodnight, young master." "Wait, Sebastian…" He wanted to know why he felt like this. Why he wasn't upset for his butler embracing him. Why they had embraced each other at all. "I…" Sebastian stood there silently, wondering what he was to say. A part of him expected for him to be scowled and asked never to make a gesture like that again. "Stay with me while I sleep," he spoke, "Don't leave me tonight, just in case I have another nightmare." Ciel's face glowed as Sebastian smile slowly disappeared into a neutral look. "Ciel…" "Did I say something wrong?" the young asked. Sebastian looked away from him. "No, my young lord," he spoke as he placed down the candle, "I just wasn't expecting it." Without a word, Sebastian left the room. Ciel's heart began to ache. "Why do I feel like this?" he thought to himself as he laid his face in his hands, "I'm so confused, Sebastian. Were you talking about me all along…?" Suddenly, the butler returned in a change of clothes and extra linens. "Sebastian…" "You didn't expect me to sleep in my clothes, now did you, young master?" he spoke with a smile. Ciel blushed. "It's not a slumber party," he spoke as he laid down his head, "I don't want to fall out of my bed during the night if I toss and turn." Sebastian giggled, his cheeks blushing. "Of course, my lord," he stated as he laid down a mat for him to sleep on beside his master's bed. "I just wanted to be comfortable." Ciel secretly smiled. He couldn't help but feel this uplifting pleasure of having someone sleep in his room. But he was the Earl of Phantomhive, and now that Christmas was over, would go back to business. "Blow out the light, Sebastian," he demanded, "I need my rest." "Of course, my young lord," he spoke, while doing what was asked, "Goodnight." Sebastian got comfortable on the floor but couldn't stop smiling. His breathing had finally calmed down, but the warmth never escaped his body. "Even with the way you feel, you refuse to change the way you are," the demon thought to himself as he closed his eyes, "But, now I can finally sleep peacefully without my nightly dreams of tearing you apart."
