The Earl's Return

Blood Red

Ciel's POV

My birthday. A day to celebrate my coming into this world. A day to pray that I live to see another celebration of this occasion. I was joyous of it. Walking the streets with mum and dad. Passing the many shops and people London had to offer. I could no longer contain my happiness, so I shook the coat of the man nearest me.

"Today's my birthday sir! I'm ten today!" He looked down at me with a smile and ruffled my hair.

"Is that right! I thought you were older. Such a big boy." He complimented. I smiled and in-took the congratulations. Mother put her hand on my shoulder and pulled me away a bit roughly. I knew that I'd messed up somehow, so I didn't struggle against her grip.

"Excuse him sir, his excitement is uncontainable." She sent him one of her fakest smiles yet and walked away. She left no room for objection as she passed me on to father, who lightly slapped the back of my head. I hung my head as we neared the limo and prepared for the lecture that awaited me when the doors closed.

We finally sat on the car's leather seats and Tanaka began driving. It was silent, but only for a minute. "Ciel." Mum started. "I wish not to put you down on your big day, but we've talked about your behavior. It isn't safe to walk up to strangers like that. We can't afford to lose you, it would stain our reputation as Phantomhive's. It would shatter both our hearts and our images. You understand, don't you Ciel?" I nodded. I knew exactly what she meant. She was more worried about what people thought rather than what would happen to me. At least when father yelled at me, he didn't beat around the bush.

I stayed silent the rest of the ride home and when we arrived I was left in the limo along with Tanaka. "Would you like for me to ready you for slumber young master? It is getting quite late." His raspy voice sounded. I nodded and stepped out of the car without a word.

Tanaka grabbed hold of my hand and walked me to the door. We went up the stairs, passing the study where the sound of Father yelling at mother could be heard, passed the library where Baldroy could be heard enjoying his time with Finnian, and finally to my room. Tanaka opened the door where I found Mey-rin dusting the window sill. He led me to my bathroom and left me there to go to my closet. "Would you like to wash yourself again young master?"

"Yes Tanaka. Could you leave my pj's on the bedding as well?" I requested while starting the bath.

"Of course, young master. I will have Mey-rin accompany you-" He began. I sighed as I interrupted him.

"No. It's fine Tanaka. Please take her with you. The library needs care." I demanded. I heard her sigh, as if worried, and their footsteps moved toward the door. I looked in the mirror across the tub and saw a reflection of my ruthless father. I scoffed and turned off the water. I dipped my finger into the ice cold liquid and began to strip my clothes. A small bruise was on my shoulder that was still healing up. Let's just say father wasn't happy with the last screw up.

"Father of the year." I whispered to myself while dipping my body in the water. I began to wash myself, and when done, all I was really doing was staring at the mirror. His hair, his face, his DNA. It all belonged to me as well, but I still had her eyes, her smile, her skin her DNA. She was no angel, but she came close form time to time. If I were to lose Aunt Red, I'd have nothing left to live for. Still, I scoffed at his face staring right back at me.

After a good while, I found myself shivering, so I got out of the bath and dried off. When dry, I put on some underwear and one of Baldroy's old dress shirts. As soon as I was clothed, a knock sounded at the door. "Come in." I voiced, barely audible through the door.

"Young master," Bald's voice started as he walked in the room, "Your mother asks that you join them for the party." I smiled at the man with happiness once more.