red winter (Sebastian Michaelis x Reader)

His Butler, Conversing

You were sitting on the swing hung from a huge apple tree in the garden of the Phantomhive manor looking out at the garden when you noticed Sebastian sitting next to the huge tree trunk spinning an apple that was still green and just fell off early in his gloved hand.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked looking over at you with his kind smile . He wanted to help you be you again.

You stopped swinging to talk to him not looking away from the garden though.
"Yes it is. But I still prefer winter"

He chuckled lightly, his eyes looking at the sunset:
"Care to share why you prefer winter?"

"It's so innocent with its white snow but so cold and deadly at the same time", you began to explain.

Sebastian hummed in acknowledgment with a nod
"You like duality?"

"Yes I do! The whole world consists of duality"

"Precisely. Things like good and bad, heaven and hell, life and death. They're all connected and depend on each other" he paused for a second contemplating what to say next. Then, a small smirk pulling at his mouth, he said: "It's quite similar to you and Ciel, ironically"

Now your eyes were slowly shifting over to the butler's face.
"You might be right...but everyone has a different opinion on what's the good and what's the bad side. Some may prefer death over life"

"You're quite observant, aren't you? But I have an important question for you: do you think something can truly be completely good or evil?"

"Yes I do! But that only applies to a little amount of things...most of them are a mixture" Thinking about this made your forehead wrinkle.

"What about people? Can a person be purely good or bad?" He asked curiously, tilting his head slightly.

"Hmm...there probably are people who are entirely good or evil"

Sebastian hummed softly, his eyes studying you
"Who do you believe is a purely bad person?"

"Easy...Viscount Druitt!", you chuckled.

"You're right. This man is truly a loathsome and wicked individual. A lowlife, scum of the earth"
Now you both broke out in laughter.

"Yes...and he thinks money can buy him everything and maybe he is right about that. At least for everything he desires. But I - I don't believe in money or it buying one happiness". Your smile was fading slowly.

He raised an eyebrow "You don't ? That's a rather interesting stance considering your status my Lady. You're saying, money doesn't hold a significant value for you?"

"In the end it's just metal and paper"

"You are correct. Money, in its tangible form, is just that; metal and paper. Its value comes from people's belief and trust in it, but without that it's just an illusion"

"Exactly..."

"It's a rather fascinating perspective you have. Not many people look at money that way. You're quite observant!"

"Thank you but in the end I'm just Lady Phantomhive. A noble who never had to care about money anyways"

He shook his head at your words , his smile growing slightly.
"No, you're not 'just' Lady Phantomhive, you're far more than that, and you know it. You're intelligent, observant and quiet but you carry a great deal of strength within you"

Your face was turning red at the thought that he had just complimented you.
"You have to say that Sebastian...you're my butler"

"While it's true that as a butler, it's expected for me to compliment and flatter, be assured that my words are genuine. I don't hand out compliments willy-nilly. And my Lady, I'm your brother's butler, don't forget that"

"Okay...I'll believe you this time but tell me, why don't you like winter?"

His expression softened as he thought about his answer.
"Well, for starters, I find the cold quite unpleasant. I don't enjoy being freezing all the time. Secondly, winter often brings about a sense of melancholy. The lack of greenery and the shorter days contribute to a more somber atmosphere that I'm not particularly fond of."

"I see...but I actually love this melancholy"

"You love it?! Why is that?"

"It brings a certain satisfaction"

A hint of amusement in his voice:
" Satisfaction, eh? I can see how some may find solace in the quiet and still atmosphere of winter, but I find it rather...dull and dreary"

"Hmm, I thought you were a winter person but I guess I was wrong then"

He shrugged slightly, a wry smile on his lips.
"Surprisingly, no, I suppose you were. And out of curiosity, what made you think I was a winter person?"

You thought about the picture you had in mind before telling him.
"You seem to enjoy the quiet...you would sit in the library reading a book while the snow falls outside"

"I must admit, a quiet afternoon read while watching snow flakes gently fall from the sky is quite enjoyable, regardless of the season. However, the cold does not agree with me."

"I understand...I don't like being outside in winter either", you admit,  "Unless there is snow. I love snow and how it sparkles in the sunlight"

"It does have a certain charm. I suppose there is something magical about a world covered in a layer of pure white snow, untouched and pristine"

„It does and nothing is better than sitting inside with a hot cup of cocoa and watching the snowflakes fall"

Your brother's butler had a huge smile on his face while agreeing with you "I must concur. A warm cup of cocoa and a cozy room with a view of the snowfall outside. It is a most delightful way to spend a winter evening. The stillness of the world outside contrasted with the heat and comfort of being indoors, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere"