CielXReader- Chapter 12

The air was frosty, this December first day; the lake was covered in a thick layer of ice. The temperature, nearing freezing, was crisp and of course your favorite kind. You laughed for no apparent reason as you gazed at the giant lake. You were finally going to learn to skate on the lake you visited often as a child.

"What's so funny?" Ciel asked, not quite as fond of the ice as you.

"Nothing in particular," You smiled, rubbing your gloved hands together. It was strange; you had a very high tolerance for the cold, even in the bizarre temperature you could take off your gloves. Luckily, it had snowed the night prior for the land truly looked wondrous with its snug white blanket.

"Looks like winter came overnight, huh?" You said lacing the skates that you had. They were not too sturdy or fancy but would work well anyways.

Ciel smirked, "I suppose so. Sebastian, lace my skates."

"Yes, milord." The black butler walked over and kneeled, tying them up quite nicely. Even the butler was dressed in a double button jacket with a high collar to keep his neck warm. He switched places with his master, him now sitting on the rock, lacing his own skates. Ciel had already headed for the ice.

He was a great skater, as he had mentioned before. You finished lacing and tried to stand, falling, but caught an inch from the ice by Sebastian's hand.

"Thanks." You mumbled appreciatively. Although it was embarrassing, you were in fact, grateful. Ciel who was performing a figure 8 was all the way at the opposite side.

"My master obviously does not understand how to TEACH someone a skill," Sebastian sighed offering you his hand. You stared at the ice tentatively, suddenly overcome by a wash of fear of breaking a bone or perhaps cutting yourself with the skate.

Ciel was suddenly in front of you, "I can handle it Sebastian." The butler nodded and skated out onto the ice himself. Ciel then offered you his hand and noticed your hesitation, "I won't let you fall, I promise."

You grabbed his hand, and stepped out as carefully as you could, "It won't shatter," The young master laughed, giving your arm a tug. You finally got both skates onto the ice and drifted, off into the center, gripping Ciel's hand tightly.

"Alright so I learned how to skate when I was very young, it shouldn't be too hard to inform you as to how. It is quite easy once you grasp the concept. First, remember not to let your ankles lean on the leather…as they are now."

You balanced out your footing, "Good, now also remember you are gliding, not walking, and as such do not need to pick up your feet every second, let them glide for a few, then pick one up and swiped again. That is also how you pick up speed."

You nodded and began to glide easier. After a few more tips, you had the hang of basic skating. This was the first time you actually saw Ciel laugh and genuinely smile. You began to head a bit faster, when you suddenly noticed Ciel had let go. He stood in front of you and smirked, a devious smirk such as to say 'Ha! Look you can do it.'

The surprise though had caught you off guard and you lost your footing, falling on your butt. Ciel skated over quickly, a speed you wish you could conquer as well. You giggled until it turned into a boisterous laugh basking in the moment. For these few hours, you would be skating you allowed yourself the freedom, the happiness to forget all your issues, all your troubles and what awaited you later tonight. For now, you would be free.

You got back up and decided to skate on your own some more. An hour later, you were catching up to Ciel. You could not do the tricks he could or even skate backwards as Sebastian loved to do so often, but you had a knack for speed. Your speed helped you keep your balance and had the bitter winter wind chill your face until it was near numb.

"I honestly didn't think you'd get it so quick." Ciel said folding his hands behind his back and skating with an air of confidence, not even paying attention to what was happening.

"I'm a fast learner."

Sebastian came and joined you two, skating on your other side. Ciel suggested an idea, "Let's race."

"Really?"

"Yep, seems like you know what you're doing so let's go."

The two of you skated over to the far side of the ice, "Sebastian, I order you to be our referee."

"Yes milord." Sebastian said with a blank look. He got off the ice and stood at the finish area. He yelled from across the ice a 'go' and the two of you sped off. The lake was large but only about 100 square miles. A tiring length for a race but just small enough to give you confidence.

The wind was slapping you face with its intangible fingers, the ice was scraping up slush behind you from the metal of your skate. Ciel was a few inches ahead, his posture was relaxed, as relaxed as Ciel's could be. His hands were still behind his back, you could tell he was not taking this as seriously as you were.

That ticked you off; did he challenge you just because he knew he would win? Was he so cocky as to not put his all?

You picked up the pace, slamming the phobia of falling or losing your balance far into the corners of your mind. You skated faster, picking up your feet every few seconds; you were ahead of the young master now. You did not dare to glance behind and judge his reaction though you wanted to.

A minute passed and Ciel was next to you. The end was nearing but you had no idea how to stop. However, the will to win was too great and the two of you were tying for the win.

Ciel and you crashed into the edge of the lake where snow was piled high. You obviously tipped over and fell and Ciel just slid to a halt. Sebastian locked eyes with his master and announced the result,

"Due to the fact it was indeed a tie, I decided to give the winning acknowledgments to whoever stopped the farthest. Seeing as ___ stopped off the lake and you, milord, were stopped behind her at the edge, she has won."

Ciel's eye twitched in annoyance, "I demand a rematch."

You sat on your knees panting, "I…can't…do that right now…" You gasped in between breathes.

"Fine, but I do demand one next time." The young lord crossed his arms over his chest with a huff.



"Where would you like to eat for your birthday, ___?" Sebastian had asked as the three of you walked away from the lake. The time had been fun but skating was causing your calves to burn and made you both stop.

"Why don't you just cook something?" Ciel asked with an air of annoyance.

"Perhaps ___ would like a pastry of some sorts?" Sebastian offered ignoring his master, who in fact had not 'ordered' him to do so.

"I don't really care..." You replied.

After a bit of discussion between butler and master the three of you decided to get little pastries from the bakery and head back to the warm home.

Inside the house was a small yet elaborate spread of food with a cake. You gaped, how had they known you would not pick to go out?

"Happy birthday," Ciel said, taking a seat. The two of you dug in to the lunch. Then you proceeded to eat a bunch of cake and finally finished off with opening your present from Ciel.

Even though there were only 3 of you there, it felt like a whole party. You and Ciel chatted idly about unimportant things. You and Sebastian talked about things you both were interested in, such as cats.

"Oh the ones with the silver stripes,"

Sebastian cut in, "I love those, what is your opinion on the orange tabbies?"

"With cats you cannot go wrong, they are all cute."

Sebastian smirked, "They are simply delightful creatures."

"If I see one, I'll bring it to you,"

"No. Way." Ciel butt in, crossing his arms.

"Why not?" You pouted.

"No felines in my mansion."

"Oh but Ciel look how much Sebastian likes them." You replied happily.

Ciel grumbled a bit, "I'm not…not going to change my mind!"

You winked at Sebastian meaning you would try again until he finally allowed it. Sebastian who was caught off guard by your kind and open nature smirked at his master. Being surrounded by someone as stoic and noble as Ciel made your personality seem like a fluorescent light bulb in the butler's opinion.

"Here's your present," Ciel said handing you a wrapped box with a red ribbon on top.

You pulled off the ribbon gently, "Tha-Thank you…You didn't have to get me anything at all you know."

"Of course I did." Ciel replied watching you for reactions.

"Well, so far you've given me a hair ribbon!" You started to tie your hair up with the GIFT ribbon.

"Oh…erm, ___ that's actually for decorati-"

"Let her have it…" Sebastian whispered while you were busy. Ciel rolled his eyes but chuckled.

Next, you ripped the paper apart unceremoniously and opened the box. Inside was the most beautiful gift you had ever received. U=you automatically smiled when you saw it.

The present was a music box. The outer exterior was made entirely of glass, colored to be a light aquamarine. It shone in the candle light and setting sun from outside. The music box snapped shut with a tiny crystal bead to help you open it whenever you wanted to hear the music. It had four legs made of a red-tinted glass to help it sit on flat surfaces.

You opened the box to find the inner lining was porcelain so you could put jewelry or keys inside without scratching or seeing the object through the glass. You smiled happily, listening to the tune. It sounded very 'fairy' like.

"Do you like it?" Ciel asked, although the thanks were written across your forehead.

You closed it with an audible snap and hugged Ciel to the surprise of both master and butler. Ciel did though return the hug, not with as much enthusiasm, but he did all the same. The action somehow made you feel warm inside and content.

"I absolutely love it. Thank you." You released him from the embrace and collected your garbage to dispose of it. When you returned the table had been cleared.

Ciel and you discussed the finalities of tonight's mission.

"We can do this tomorrow because it is in fact your birthday." Ciel reminded you.

"No, thanks, I want to find Leon as soon as possible."



"Stay close, alright?" Ciel said as you both fumbled your way through the dark, Sebastian perched on a nearby building.

"Okay." You said, turning the corner.

The night was a deep, rich velvet black. The moon was crescent, filling the area with an odd glow. No one was outside except for the occasional adult. The temperature was even colder than before, making Ciel shiver and rub his arms for warmth.

The snow had begun to fall again, coating the land in thick sheets.

You both were in an alleyway, whispering about Alex when you heard a scream. It pierced the night, cutting through it like a butcher knife. Ciel and you ran two different directions, both thinking the other was right behind.

You ran towards the sound as it died out, and slowed to a cautious walk. It was a boyish scream, so a male had to have been captured. Damn Alex, damn him for selling out his peers, for taking them from their homes and families. No one deserved this. No one deserved to be taken.

You found yourself in a dim alley. The opposite side was a dead end, and you swore you heard the scream here.

"Ciel," You whispered. When you heard no response, you turned around, gasping to see he was not there. "Ciel?" You tried again, but your attention was drawn to a hoot from above. You looked up to see a black owl with red eyes staring at you.

You staggered back, not quite believing it as five more showed up. Soon there were fifteen all watching you with glassy, merciless eyes. They seemed to be in sync, flapping their wings, ruffling their feathers, and hooting all at the same time.

You back up slowly but were caught off guard by hearing your name whispered into the night.

"___...."


"____...."

"Y-yes?" You asked back, trying to still inch away.

"It's just me," The voice said, and you figured out it was Allan. You walked near him, still watching the owls. There seemed to be even more than before but you deemed it as your mind playing tricks.

"Hi…Allan. How're you doing?" You asked nervously, thinking him, being in this alley alone was shifty.

"Happy birthday."

"Thanks."

"Happy birthday," He repeated, "Isn't it interesting…how interesting it is. Owls…Oh owls you know are messenger animals, right?" The owls began chanting together a screech in which you pushed out of your mind, not translating it into human language.

"Y-Yes…"

"And snow, oh the beautiful white snow. It leaves memories. You can walk and your footstep will forever be there unless it is covered up. You leave your memories with every footprint in the snow. The snow holds your memories like the owls hold your messages." Allan elaborated, now standing up.

The owls were screeching but you ignored them, trying to concentrate on secretly backing up.

You were getting a terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach. It was gnawing at you, eating away your intestines making you fret the young boy. He looked crazy, his eyes deliriously wide and his mouth smiling a malicious smirk. The owl's eyes still trained on you, their merciless stares boring into your back.

You noticed something odd about Allan's eyes but could not place it because the entire group of owls screeched at once. You finally listened, finally processed what they had been hooting was an apology. What they were saying now scared you even more,

They were saying, "Run."

You turned as fast as you could and bolted for the exit of the alleyway. In your way was a wall of owls, blocking your exit. They flopped at you screeching the same horrible words of, "We're so sorry. We don't want to!"

You tried to run through them but they bashed into your stomach and arms, pushing you back. Allan suddenly was behind you and fixed your hair.

"My current master will be pleased with my work."

And then, all was black for an owl slammed into the back of your head and you had passed out at the mercy of this demented boy.