Kisses and Lies

Snow

'Why on earth did I agree to this?'

Ciel Phantomhive and his butler, Sebastian Michaelis, were walking through the thick snow. Behind, the housemaid Mey-Rin, the gardener Finny and the cook Bard scurried after them, trying to keep up with Sebastian's long strides.
'You didn't take much convincing, young master. We are nearly there now.'
Sebastian had been carrying him for the whole duration of the walk there, and Ciel had pins and needles in his left leg. It was bitterly cold and despite his warm clothes, Ciel could still feel the chill.
'Sebastian, walk faster. I'm bored.'
Ciel knew the real reason he'd agreed to coming sledging. Mey-Rin, Finny and Bard had begged him to come sledging and leave his office for a while. Ciel had flat out refused until Sebastian came in. A few words from his butler had left Ciel actually wanting to go. It was a strange feeling; Ciel was used to being impartial to anyone else's wishes and views, but today Sebastian had said one sentence - 'I'm positive you would enjoy it once you tried it, young master' - and Ciel had agreed to come faster than lighting.

'Mister Sebastian, it's freezing!' Mey-Rin whined. Ciel gritted his teeth a little at the sound of her complaints. They knew it was cold, it was the middle of winter!
Sebastian turned his head round to look at the three servants.
'Are you all alright? We are almost there. Tie your scarf tighter, Mey-Rin. After all, we wouldn't want a lady falling ill!'
Ciel glared at Mey-Rin. She was blushing and spent an awfully long time staring at Sebastian, even after he'd turned away. He felt strange, a mix of angry and annoyed at Mey-Rin for attracting Sebastian's attention. She was just a servant! He scowled, and noticed Sebastian looking at him. Ciel blushed even harder than Mey-Rin and looked away. What were these feelings?!

'Young Master, we are here.' Sebastian gently placed Ciel on the ground.
The hill was surrounded by hedges and a few trees. The snow was untouched by anything, other than a couple of robins pecking at the snow several metres away. It was quiet and pristine. The only thing wrong with this place was the achingly cold air.
'Wow, Mister Sebastian! How did you find this place?' Finny gasped, looking around the field.
'That's my- I mean, Mister Sebastian for you!' Mey-Rin exclaimed.
'It's beautiful!' Bard took Finny's arm and ran off to the top of the hill. Mey-Rin hurried after them.
Ciel and Sebastian looked at each other for a few seconds. Ciel broke his gaze first, and started following Mey-Rin, gesturing for Sebastian to follow with the sledges Finny had been carrying.

Sebastian set down the first sledge for Ciel, helping his young master onto it. Ciel shivered slightly when Sebastian's fingers touched his cheek, but it wasn't from the cold. On the contrary, his skin felt burning hot where Sebastian's fingers had been.
'Are you ready, young master?
'Yes, Sebastian. Hurry up. I want to go home and eat something sweet.'
'Certainly, young master.' Sebastian stood behind Ciel and pushed him away.

Ciel slid away from Sebastian as the sledge started hurtling down the hill. It was going very fast and Ciel had to grip tightly to the sides. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, and Ciel found himself smiling ever so slightly.
The sledge slowed down near the bottom of the hill and Ciel managed to climb off of it himself. Mey-Rin and Bard joined him shortly after, whooping and giggling like little children. Ciel shook his head and turned away, waiting for Sebastian to come and fetch him. Sure enough, Sebastian appeared next to him and scooped Ciel up before bringing him back to the top of the hill again.
'What did you think?' Sebastian asked, placing Ciel on the sledge again, his raven black hair brushing Ciel's forehead. Ciel tried to ignore how soft Sebastian's hair was, or how it smelt like cinnamon, but it was very hard.
'It was passable.' Ciel muttered, distracted by how close Sebastian was standing to him. In a moment of recklessness, he blurted out: 'Sebastian, come down with me. That's an order!'

Ciel didn't look, but he knew his butler well enough to know that Sebastian's eyebrows would be raised. He heard Sebastian slide in behind him on the sledge and felt Sebastian's breath on his ear when he whispered 'Yes, my Lord.'