Moonlight spilled down from the night sky, the light spilling onto cobblestone streets like a waterfall. The sting of winter air found its way into the Phantomhive Manor, sending a wave of goosebumps to crash over Ciel, covering milky skin like a plague.
The small being lay in bed, his face deadpan as the raven-haired butler tucked him in underneath large goose-feather-stuffed duvets. December 14th. Such a bitter-sweet day.
It was this day, six years ago, that the Young Earl's life fell into shambles.
Sebastian couldn't help but feel a ping of pity for the ashen haired boy. Becoming sixteen meant Ciel was finally old enough to be respected within the business industry, and many other milestones most teenagers would be ecstatic to be able to experience.
And even the demon knew oh so well the poisonous thoughts that rooted themselves deep within the teenager's mind instead.
Sebastian stood tall with a soft, caring smile pulling at thin lips.
"Young Master..."
He hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate to speak his mind.
No, no.
This isn't the right time...
"...would you like me to stand by your side tonight, My Lord?"
'Idiot!' a voice in the demon's mind hissed the moment he spoke.
'What a ridiculous thing to ask! So unfit for a butler.'
Sebastian merely blinked in response to his mind's discontent thoughts as he patiently waited for a reply.Ciel turned on his side, his back to the demon that stood at his bedside.
'Don't leave me alone. I'm so scared, I'm so sad..I can't last the night alone..Sebastian..!'
Hah.
What weak thoughts.
Instead, the bluenette spoke slowly, softly, as if his voice would break and shatter into a million pieces if his tone rose above a whisper.
"No...You are free to go...
Good night, Sebastian."
Good Night?
The words made the butler's stomach flop.
Ciel never said 'good night' to a servant.
Not that there was necessarily anything /wrong/ with the statement, it was simply out of character for Ciel; and in this situation, it put Sebastian feeling a bit off.
However, with the same smile on his face, the demon placed a gloved hand over the spot where his heart beat should be felt, bowing slightly.
"Of course. Good night, My Lord."
He then picked up the candelabra, bringing the only ounce of light with him as he walked through the open doorway.
The clicking of dress shoes against oaken floors was put to a halt as Sebastian stopped, his free hand gripping the door knob gently.
"...Happy Birthday, Ciel.."
And then, the soft clicking of the heavy door closing gently shut.
Happy birthday?
/Happy Birthday?/
Tch.
What does that matter on a day such as today?
The consistent rhythm within Ciel's chest began to increase, pounding at the bone and tissue containing his heart, as if the muscle were begging to break free.
Rather that speeding our of bed,
instead of bolting out of his room,
instead of finding Sebastian and smacking him for referring to him as anything other than "Master",
the oh so tough and feared Ciel Phantomhive,
the villainous noble who has brought drug lords and gangsters to their knees,
he curled up into a ball underneath feather stuffed duvets,
held a pillow to his chest,
and cried.
As transparent tears slipped down milky skin to collect on the ivory sheets beneath him, fatigue finally claimed the boy, pulling him into slumber.
