Little Dove

Ciel's Birthday

December 13th came around and we celebrated my little brother's birthday. He was hesitant about the celebration because of the trauma from his last birthday, and none of us could blame him. Everyone at Phantomhive Manor wanted to make his thirteenth birthday a special one. Elizabeth especially wanted to make his day special, that's why she went through all the trouble to get a new ring for him after breaking his last one.
Ciel was in his study, not working or writing, just sitting there staring out the window. I wanted to check on him with somberness; we both knew the tragedy that happened three years ago which was standing behind us like a shadow.
"You okay?" I slowly walked into the office, and it was quiet.
Ciel turned around to face me, his one eye looking at me with helplessness and despair. I saw my brother finally break.
He rushed to me and gave me the biggest hug he could manage, and that's when my heart shattered. Ciel didn't like being touched, but the fact he came to me for a hug meant something was bothering him. I hugged my brother as if I was about to lose him forever.
"Hey, it's okay, Ciel. You're safe and sound." I was trying not to cry as he hugged me. It broke my heart that he was feeling so sad. "I'm weak, Clara," he sniffed, and I could tell he was frustrated with himself for breaking down.
I look at him in the eye, "You are not weak, Ciel. You are one of the strongest people I know." The tears I was feeling earlier were threatening to flow. The trauma was coming back to me as well. "We helped each other through that awful day and we're still alive. We're back in our family home with people who love us and want to protect us," my voice shook with my tears. "Ciel, you're the best little brother anyone could ask for."
He was looking down at the floor the entire time I spoke, but then he lifted his head and faced me. With a small, sad smile, Ciel said, "Thanks, Clara." I could see the hint of gratitude in his eyes. It was a small step, but a meaningful one. I hugged him tighter, feeling proud of the progress he was making in moving forward. I knew Ciel still had a long way to go, but as he returned the hug, I felt a glimmer of hope for his healing.
As his older sister, I wanted to protect him from the evils of the world and help him find happiness once again.
"Well, are you ready to go downstairs with our friends and celebrate your birthday?" I asked with a hopeful smile. Ciel nodded, wiping away a tear. "I think I am." "Good," I gave my brother one last hug before leading him downstairs where our friends and family had gathered to celebrate Ciel's birthday.
Elizabeth and her nanny, Paula, waited excitedly as he and I came down the stairs. Ciel's eyes widened in surprise as our friends and family erupted into cheers and applause.
"Happy birthday, Master!" The servants cheered with happiness , and the room was filled with the sound of joyful laughter and music.
Sebastian smiled with satisfaction as he watched Ciel finally relax and enjoy the celebration in his honor.
While Ciel was socializing with Elizabeth, Sebastian and I watched with joy. I knew that with each smile and every moment of laughter, Ciel was taking one step closer to finding the happiness he deserved.
"How are you this evening, my love?" Sebastian took me in his arms and kissed my cheek. "Just wonderful, Ciel is finally enjoying himself," I leaned into my husband's embrace with a content smile. "You did a wonderful job organizing everything," Sebastian murmured softly, the warmth of his embrace comforting me.

"Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you, Sebastian," I replied, feeling grateful for his help and support throughout the entire birthday party planning process. I gave him a grateful kiss on the lips before turning back to watch Ciel and Elizabeth share a lighthearted moment. Their laughter filled the room, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settling over me as I witnessed Ciel letting go of his burdens. The trauma both of us experienced was gradually fading away, and as a result we became stronger and unstoppable. Ciel's resilience was truly remarkable, and I knew that with the unwavering support of Sebastian and Elizabeth, and the servants, he would continue to flourish. The love and light in Ciel's eyes as he celebrated with friends and family made my heart swell with joy.
Later that night, we had a celebratory dinner to honor Ciel. The table was adorned with elegant decorations, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air as we toasted to Ciel's health and happiness.
We partook in a delicious Christmas dinner with all of Ciel's favorite dishes and exquisite desserts.
"Isn't it too early to have Christmas dinner?" Ciel chuckled with a small smile. "It's never too early, Master," Sebastian answered with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The Christmas tree in the corner twinkled with lights and delicate ornaments, casting a warm glow over the room, creating a magical setting for the evening.

The fireplace crackled, adding to the cozy ambiance, and Elizabeth handed Ciel a beautifully wrapped gift. As Ciel unwrapped the gift, a look of surprise and delight washed over his face. Inside, carefully nestled in the box, was a rare book that Ciel had been searching for. "I can't believe you found this," Ciel exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. The pages were adorned with intricate illustrations, and Ciel's fingers gently traced the embossed cover. "Thank you, Elizabeth. This is truly extraordinary," Ciel said, feeling touched by her thoughtful gift. "You're welcome, Ciel," Elizabeth responded with a warm smile, "I knew how much it meant to you. I also wanted to make up for breaking your ring when I came to visit. That's why I wanted to give you the Hope Diamond, but it almost got both of us killed," she was looking at my brother with shame and embarrassment. Ciel smiled kindly, "Lizzie, we've been over this before, I have forgiven you."
It was a special moment, and Ciel appreciated Elizabeth's kind gesture. The warmth from the fire enveloped them as they settled into the plush armchairs, enjoying each other's company. Elizabeth was his betrothed after all, and as young as they both were; we could all see their connection strengthening. Finnian, Bardroy, Mey-Rin, and Paula were gushing at the sight of the two together.

Although, I could see Ciel's thoughts drifting to the future, contemplating the responsibilities that lay ahead as the head of the Phantomhive family and the obligations that came with his high status. He was grateful for the love and support he received from Elizabeth, but the weight of his duties as the Earl weighed heavily on his mind. I was dealing with those same internal struggles as the Countess of Phantomhive. I put those thoughts aside for the safety of my brother, because he was the only family I had left. As we sat in the comfort of our home, I prayed for a moment of respite, a break from the chaos and danger that always seemed to find us. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Bardroy and Mey-Rin entered, carrying a beautifully decorated cake. "So," Bardroy announced in his booming voice, "Who's ready for a birthday celebration for our young Master?" I couldn't help but smile as the anticipation and excitement in the room grew. "Oh, this is so exciting, yes, it is!" Mey-Rin exclaimed. Finnian began to sing Happy Birthday along with the rest of us, and hearing Sebastian's enchanting singing voice almost made me tongue tied as we sang to my brother. The smile on Ciel's face grew wider as he blew out the candles, making a silent wish as we all cheered.

The sound of our cheers and laughter filled the air, creating a warmth that dispelled the lingering shadows of anxiety. Ciel glanced around at each of us, gratitude clear in his eyes, and said, "I couldn't ask for a better family. I'm truly blessed to have you all by my side," Ciel added, his voice filled with genuine emotion. All of us gathered around him, feeling touched by his heartfelt words. The atmosphere in the room felt safe and comforting, and we relished in every minute of it.

We would later come across a terrifying entity that would possess the Queen of England, vowing to destroy people it deemed unclean, unnecessary, and unwanted. Ciel and I knew our strength and resolve would be put to the test once again as we faced this new threat.