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Day 1 prompt: Sebastian delivers a letter to his master 
  With a knock and a smile displayed on his human lips, Sebastian entered the young master’s office. In his hands, the butler held a tray holding a letter, and delicious sweets for his master’s requested… “afternoon sweets”.That was not a genuine thing nobles had.But Ciel was also still a child.The demon’s aesthetic – one hell of a butler - required Sebastian to uphold any requests the young master had, even if those requests came at a stupendously ignorant timing such as two hours before dinner.His young master never specified that day, though, what snacks he wanted. The routine of getting a nice, sugary snack had become such a regular occurrence that Ciel had gotten lazy with specifying the order. However, Sebastian knew if he entered with fruit, Ciel wouldn’t take it. He’d probably throw it at Sebastian, in all honesty. So…He’d coated the fruit with a layer of dark, bitter chocolate to make it look like sweets.It was partly healthy, and wouldn’t ruin the young master’s appetite for later.“Your afternoon snack, my lord.”Ciel was sat at his desk, feet up on the table, staring up at the chandelier which Sebastian kept completely dust free. He was bored, finished with work early – as usual.“What is it?” Ciel asked in a monotone voice.Sebastian was a demon. Lying came easy to him. But he had promised the young master never to lie to him… “An assortment of sweet goods, my lord. Shaped like fruit.” Technically, that wasn’t a lie. He had chosen grapes, strawberries, cherries – those were sweet fruits. And… well, they were shaped like fruit.Of course, he could have simply said it was fondue, but grapes weren’t used for fondue… and… the mansion didn’t have a lot of fruit…That was the young master’s doing.“That… is new.” No longer bored, Ciel lowered his gaze to glance at the tray Sebastian moved over onto his desk. “They…” Ciel stared down at the “sweets”, seemingly breathless all of a sudden.“Master?” Sebastian asked with a quirked brow.“My… My mother used to bring me these. Although, with her, they were always real fruits underneath.” A small, sad smile appeared on Ciel’s lips. “She didn’t like me snacking on unhealthy things.” He grabbed one of the strawberries, unaware of Sebastian watching with intense eyes. The implication of Sebastian having done the same- no, Sebastian ignored it.This boy was such a bother… Never before had a contract made Sebastian question his own internal chemistry, also known as emotions.Ugh.“How very darling of your mother. Perhaps she didn’t wish you to snack before dinner and ruin your appetite,” Sebastian voiced with an innocent smile, despite the sass present in his voice.Ciel glared and dropped the fruit. “Whatever.”“We also received a letter, sir.” With a slight bow, Sebastian offered the letter to Ciel. The bored boy took it and started opening it with a letter opener, leaning back into his chair again.Silence ensued within the office as Ciel read the letter: “Who is Trancy?”“I have no idea, my lord,” Sebastian offered with a genuine tone to his voice. “Although the name does ring a bell…”“Well, we’re invited to a yule ball.” With an annoyed sigh, Ciel flicked the letter to the side. It dangled down to the floor where it stayed until Mey-Rin would clean the office.Taking the hint that his young master was not going to attend the ball, Sebastian prepared the tray to leave again and continue supervising Bard – or rather, taking over when Bard inevitably screwed up.“Dinner will be ready in two hours,” Sebastian said with a bow of his head to leave.Ciel waved him off, not glancing his way as he focused his sudden eager gaze onto the sweets – much more interesting to him than a noble’s festivities. “Thank you, mother-“Both demon and boy stopped in their tracks, wide eyes staring at each other in shock.“I-“ Shocked, Ciel opted to glare and slam his hand down onto his desk. “You didn’t hear that.”“Very well, master,” Sebastian offered with an attempt at a neutral look on his face.Huh…“Now leave. I don’t want to see you until dinner.” There was an evident blush on Ciel’s cheeks which Sebastian had learned a long time ago meant humans were embarrassed. He could smell it too along with Ciel’s temperature rising as an embarrassed sweat broke out.Not saying anything else, Sebastian ignored it – along with his own thoughts and feelings.How obnoxious. A demon mother would never feed their spawn fruit coated in chocolate. If their spawn didn’t feed at what was offered, they were left to die.Offended, Sebastian closed the door just in time for Ciel to bite into one of the “sweets” and realise –“SEBASTIAN!”Smirking, Sebastian left. The young master had said, after all, that he didn’t want to see him again until dinner.He would have to eat what was offered by Sebastian if he was hungry.

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Day 2 prompt: Grelle smiles at Will everyday when he comes into work. Why? How does she feel when he ignores her? Does he ignore her? How does he react? 
  Every morning, William promptly entered the office at 7 o’clock in the morning. Hair combed neatly to the side, glasses spectacularly straight on the bridge of his nose, and smelling of that wonderful cologne he just had to have bathed in for it to stick the entire day.She dreamed of that cologne, and always inhaled it every morning. That was her morning coffee, hence why she always requested tea.Sitting ready at her desk, ignoring any and all work, Grelle would bat her eyelashes, wave her fingers at William and flash him a sultry smile. Every morning. Precisely at 9.00 when William promptly arrived (yes, this meant Grelle was always the first at work). And every morning William looked at her, noticed her, but gave no reaction.It became a routine which at first had been nothing but annoying to William. It reminded him of the failure of getting through to the reaper about their non-existent relationship. He opted to ignore Grelle instead. But ignoring Grelle never worked either.Nothing worked.Then, one day, his regular morning routine was disrupted by Ronald Knox bumping into him on their way to the office.“Sorry, sir! I- There’s an emergency downstairs, I gotta rush off could, uh… Could you take these to the office?” William had wanted to get a report of what emergency was happening – he was the supervisor, why hadn’t he heard of it yet? - but Ronald had offered not a single second for William to voice any questions, all but pushing the tray of coffees and teas into William’s arms before rushing off on his obnoxiously loud scythe.So that morning, William ignored Grelle’s little greeting as usual… but also walked over to her and put her requested morning tea in front of her. Before his fingers let go of the cup, he locked his gaze with hers: “I better see some paperwork on this desk today too, Sutcliff.” Letting go of the tea as though he would have kept it from her had she denied him, he walked away to hand the others their drinks.Grelle stared in wonder. Maybe William had not reciprocated the greeting, but he had paid attention to her. And that was enough to get her going, letting out a dramatic sigh as she placed the back of her hand to her forehead: “Anything for you, darling! ✨”.She heard the little ‘ugh’ come from William from across the room.But Grelle had actually done work that day.The next day, William requested for Ronald not to bring Grelle’s tea.William did it instead, without a word.And Grelle did work again.A new routine had started… one that William didn’t mind (he would never admit this out loud), and one that gave Grelle the opportunity to not be ignored for once.

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Day 3 prompt: Agni stands by his prince in absolute silence. Why? What is he thinking about? How does he feel? How long has he been doing this for?
  Agni always had something positive and gentle to say. Agni always had a gentle little smile on his lips.Yet that morning, Agni didn’t.He stood in absolute silence by Prince Soma as the boy fawned over Ciel. Ciel was doing his best to push his “friend” away, but was not having much luck of it. In the end, Ciel had to coax Soma into wanting to play a game of cards just so Ciel could have some personal space back.Prince Soma was very prone to cheating, and therefore the two had a rule that when playing cards, Soma would sit far away from Ciel. Or, well, Ciel had made that rule. Soma didn’t like it, but obeyed.Agni remained quiet even as Sebastian approached and joined him in watching over their masters. Usually, Agni would offer a greeting. But not this day.This day, Agni didn’t seem to be quite present in their reality.“What is the matter?” Sebastian asked as gently as he could, despite finding it utterly annoying when humans became like this.Their emotions were so fragile their brains would create new worlds for them to escape to, or their thoughts would take over from them being present in their reality. If a demon did this, they would be jumped by another demon within seconds.Didn’t humans realise the dangers of not being present? What would happen if their minds wandered too far away from them…?Ugh…“You have said naught a word since your arrival here. Usually, you at least have a few words for the young master, if not for me.”Agni let out a little sigh, drawn back to the conscious world by Sebastian’s words. His eyes glanced at Sebastian, and he could physically see the thought he had  been obsessing over disappear from his eyes.“Today is Prince Soma’s birthday.”“Yes,” Sebastian agreed with a nod of his head, “I do believe that is why the young master made an appearance.”“Yes… Which, of course, we appreciate ever so much.” Agni sighed again, though, which was a contradiction of his gentle words. “His father has not even sent word to England to congratulate his own son.”“Perhaps the letter is simply late,” Sebastian offered. In his mind, Sebastian wasn’t the greatest at offering reassurance to humans. In reality, he was actually quite good at it. He simply didn’t understand he was.“Perhaps… But I doubt it. I fear what my young prince is truly feeling. He has a tendency to hide his emotions, you know. You wouldn’t think so looking at him, but he is actually quite the sad person. Ciel’s presence has made things so much better.” Agni offered a sad smile. “At least my prince has a friend.”Awkwardly, Sebastian glanced over at Ciel and Soma. Truth was that Ciel didn’t quite care for Soma, but… Sebastian could also see through most of that. Ciel was just acting tough. It was his idea, after all, to visit the town house in London in time for Soma’s birthday.Ciel even had a gift for him, which was to be given later during dinner.“I assure you, your master is not alone. My master will ensure he has a somewhat decent birthday. And I will ensure dinner tastes as splendidly as always.”“Thank you, Sebastian,” Agni said with a sincere smile, his chest relieved ever so slightly.Unfortunately for Sebastian, making Agni feel better meant that he was chatty again. But strangely enough, Sebastian didn’t quite mind it… it had been more disturbing to see Agni quiet.Strange… Was this what it felt like to be friends with someone?

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Day 4 prompt: Pick a male character and dress them up in drag! Ciel doesn’t count. Why are they in drag? Do they like it? How do people react? Is this a regular occurrence? What happens next? 
  “What… is going on here?” William had paused in the doorway so abruptly that it had almost looked as though he’d walked straight into a glass door.But he hadn’t.  He had just walked in on Grelle and Ronald… dressed up in pretty dresses.Ronald grinned widely, lips painted red to offer a strangely sultry smile – it suited him. Normally, if William caught Ronald doing something other than his work, the young man would be a little flustered and try to explain. This time, though, Ronald seemed to be in his element.Confident.Comfortable.“We have to go undercover,” Grelle explained, pulling a pose to show off her hips to William which the reaper promptly ignored.“You don’t have to do anything,” William said with a scoff. “You are grim reapers. You can be invisible to mortals.”“But this is more fun! We finally get to make use of my beautiful ballgowns!” Grelle continued to blabber on about her dresses, disappearing into her own world where, apparently, Ronald and William were keenly listening to her go on and on about the dresses she had made (instead of working, Will dryly noted). They were rather eloquent and beautiful, matching the red colour of her hair and flaunting the curves she held which even William could see would drive other women into jealousy.“Ah, don’t look so sour, sir,” Ronald offered with what had to be a light-hearted bump of the elbow against William’s side – but William only glared at the touch. “It made Sutcliff happy, and besides, it’s not my first time in a dress.”Quirking a curious eyebrow, William watched as Ronald’s green eyes twinkled with light not present in the room, a clear sign the reaper was digging into memories meant to be suppressed – memories of his past.Tensing, William remained quietly listening in respect, worry gnawing at his heart despite his stone cold face showing otherwise.“Whenever home got particularly shitty, me and the lads would stay out long past any pub’s closing hours. I found myself some nice friends who knew where the nightlife continued, if you catch my drift, sir. Down in basements of what society thought to be the most heteronormative of nobles; aristocrats during the day, and their true selves during the night. There was not a single man down there shying away from who they were. No lads… Just friends exploring.”“And you joined them?” William asked despite himself. He knew urging Ronald to dig further into these memories might only bring emotional hurt to the reaper… but, this was new to William.“During the evenings I could enjoy the company of a woman, and during the late nights I could enjoy the company of men. The best of both worlds, like I liked it.” Then his eyes flashed green again, any expression disappearing from his face for a second or two, his entire being pausing for two seconds as if he was… dead again. As if his use of past tense had suddenly driven him straight into realising his own fate… knocking him back to the dreadful reality of immortality.Then he suddenly continued, brain rebooted, memories supressed. “Sorry ‘bout that, what was I talking about? Oh, right, the mission.”William took a deep breath, watching with sympathy gnawing at the bottom of his stomach as Ronald repeated the Shinigami mission given to him and Grelle, as though he had not just revealed to William his bisexuality and admiration for undercover societies of non-hetero people.“Of course,” William said with a nod of his head, playing along as Ronald’s mind shielded itself from harsh realities. “Good luck out there.”William turned and left, quicker than he would have liked.It was never nice to be reminded of their mortality and what awful things might have happened to his fellow reapers. He cared not for what might have happened to him. He cared for them –But he would never admit that. They were meant to work, and he would ensure they kept working hard.Though… from time to time, William could allow a little bit of fun…Especially if he could mask it as essential to a mission.

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Day 5 prompt: Fast forward a century or so, and the Grim Reaper Dispatch’s collection system has switched to AI and other complex technologies. How good are the grim reapers at this? How do they feel about it?
  Ronald rushed into the office building, eyes glued down at his watch. He tapped the screen, flicked to the unread messages tab, and started slowly scrolling. His feet carried him through the office, waving at the right time when he blindly greeted his fellow reapers, too occupied by the little screen.He was two minutes late. The time showing on his watch seemed to glare at him, but he couldn’t do too much about it now. He was, however, checking to make sure William hadn’t sent an angry email yet.Othello wrapped an arm around Ronald’s shoulders once he arrived at the right floor, enveloped in a half-hug the second the elevator doors let off their signature ‘ting’.“You’re late.”“I know,” Ronald sighed. “Has he noticed?”Othello fixed Ronald with a look. The silence prompted Ronald to look away from his watch and up to his fellow reaper. The ‘are you serious’ look that was on Othello’s face said it all. “Good luck,” Othello voiced with a final pat to Ronald’s shoulder before leaving him to his fate.Taking a deep breath, Ronald pushed the glass door open to reveal a room with no one but William and Grelle left.Grelle, of course, hanging back to talk to William, who for once offered her some attention.“Did I miss it?” Ronald asked with wide eyes.“Of course you did,” William scoffed in indignation. “The room is empty. What other logical conclusion could you have made?”“Sorry, sir-““Oh don’t stress about it, Ronnie-boy,” Grelle complained with a wave of her hand, annoyed Ronald was taking William’s attention from her. The man still stood at the far end of the room, in front of a little podium. Behind him, the screens were all still lit up, showing satellite images of England. Grelle was lounging in one of the front rows, as usual. “It’s all recorded, you can catch up on your lunch break.”William huffed, as if Grelle had just offended him personally. Taking a deep breath, William lifted his chin and touches his glasses: “The use of technology in such a fashion only serves to slow us grim reapers down further. It promotes tardiness if there are no consequences to-““Yeah yeah,” Grelle interrupted, taking her phone out to check her makeup (and take some selfies). “Whatever you say.”There was another deep breath taken on William’s end, then he busied himself by collecting the papers on his podium.“Sir…” Ronald sighed in amusement, trying his best to make William forget Ronald’s mishap. “Did the department not give you a replacement tablet?”William pursed his lips. “No.”That was a lie. William always pursed his lips when lying – it was a tell. The man was a horrible liar, more prone to telling too much of the truth than actually offering a gentle lie to shield someone’s emotions.“Right,” Ronald said with a chuckle. “Did you get frustrated with it and throw it to the floor? Again?”William stared over at Ronald with a look that was meant to be authoritative and annoyed, but the use of it as defence against Ronald’s apparent correct deduction only offered a comical effect to the situation at hand – and Ronald chuckled again.“I much prefer the old ways of working.”“The old ways of working meant heaps of paper everywhere that needed to be filed correctly because there were no do-overs. This new system allows for-““Tardiness,” William finished, holding the notes for his morning debrief in his arms as he walked down from the podium and glared at the two reapers present: one obsessively scrolling down TikTok, and the other complaining about the old ways. “If you are exempt from making mistakes, how will you ever learn to work properly, efficiently, and without delays?”A shrug was all William was given.“Precisely. I absolutely loathe these new ways but no matter how many complaints I send in, management simply refuses to change anything.”“The new reapers don’t seem to mind.” That had been the wrong thing to say to William as the man scoffed and fixed his glasses twice.Twice.Twice meant William had been close to scolding Ronald.“The newly assigned grim reapers come from an age I do not even pretend to comprehend.”“Oh this age isn’t so bad. This Lady Gaga person makes things much better, William dear,” Grelle interjected. “You should go to a concert.”“Lady who?” William asked with a quirked brow.“Sir…” Ronald bit his bottom lip. “Would it help if I came up with another little song to help you sort out how to work the tablet? Like I did with the heating? The minus button makes it go cold, cold, cold. The plus button –““Yes, you’ve quite made your point, Knox.” There was no glare, only an embarrassed look sent up to the heavens as a silent prayer left William.Amused, Ronald watched William leave in a hurry, having forgotten all about Ronald’s tardiness that morning.And without telling Ronald ‘no’ in regards to the memory song, which only meant they helped which only meant… William used them. Ronald spent the rest of the morning coming up with one for William’s tablet issues.This modern age proved difficult for some reapers, but at least they all had each other to help.

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Day 6 prompt: Caskets and coffins, colds and collectibles. Write something about the Undertaker and his fresh clients of winter deaths!
  “Now rest, my young lord…” The wooden structure fit snugly with the rest of the casket; a lid of protection, darkness and peace. Hidden from view and slowly being filled with the life-giving fluid that would ensure his wounds healed along with his cinematic record. “I have to work…”A high pitched, calm little laugh left the Undertaker, black leather boots taking him soundlessly across the room where his “other” patients lay waiting.Winter was a time where many died. Those with names, money and family, however, didn’t come to the Undertaker. The Undertaker dealt with those nameless, unloved and easily forgotten. The poor, downtrodden and unwanted.In London, the number of unwanted souls was plenty. Orphanages, workhouses… streets filled with those given no second chances.Those bodies could not stay lying about. So the Undertaker offered his services, to police, to nobles doing the Queen’s bidding… To scientists that took children from workhouses for their sickening anatomy studies… To nobles’ ‘accidental’ loss of a daughter they never wanted to begin with…They all came to be in the Undertaker’s care, for a gentle touch, a proper last goodbye… and so they wouldn’t be alone for their last moment in the mortal realm.It was an aspect to reaping that Grim Reapers didn’t get. And an aspect to his new life that he cherished.During winter, harsh temperatures took the sick from life, and placed them on his tables. So when all his tables were filled, and more bodies were expected that day, the Undertaker wasn’t surprised, nor was he overwhelmed. This was his job, he loved it.Yet… he couldn’t help but feel something when his patient was a little boy, the same age as Ciel, who died from a head trauma… and whose body had been cut open to reveal the veins. They’d been moved about, candlewax forced into the major arteries for better view…Anatomy studies.This boy had never known love, and in his last moment, some scientist had decided to use him for science.The Undertaker didn’t quite understand why the boy was given to him whilst still so fresh though – until he saw the slight defect in the boy’s heart and realised the boy hadn’t been perfect for them, and no longer valuable for studying.“Don’t you worry…” The Undertaker voiced, smile still on his lips despite the emotions within his dead heart. “You will have your peace now…”His green eyes shifted back to the casket before he voiced: “I wish nothing like this had ever happened to you.”Approaching footsteps and the faint stench of despair, hatred and darkness alerted the Undertaker to the fact he was about to have a guest. Throwing white sheets over each of his ‘patients’, he made sure to position himself right next to the casket holding his almost alive brother, grinning widely at the fact he knew so much more…So… much… more…“Eheheheheheee….” The Undertaker startled Lord Phantomhive, but not his butler, as the two entered the dimly lit cabin. “My, my… and what brings you, little lord, to my humble abode?”A disturbed look passed over the lord’s eye, gaze fleetingly taking in the massive amount of iced bodies, before focusing back on the Undertaker. Not once did his eye flicker to what most likely would disturb him more than the dead… the casket against which the Undertaker was leaning… surrounded by salt, garlic, and other strange items to ensure the demon that travelled with the little lord didn’t get a whiff of chemicals…It was truly delectably funny, more laughter escaping the Undertaker under his breath whilst he listened to Phantomhive’s request.“The winter months are busy days… If you wish to find a specific body, you have to first pay…” grinned the Undertaker, hands still on his most precious casket.Despite the busy winter months, the Undertaker still had something to amuse him… the lord Phantomhive’s dramatic play he kept on doing, unaware of the Undertaker’s knowledge…

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Day 7 prompt: Demon’s don’t usually sleep. So, how do they dream? 
  “Honestly, my lord, was that truly necessary?”Shivering, shaking and staring at Sebastian as though he was a wild animal come to tear his throat out, Ciel Phantomhive sat huddled up under his duvet, hyperventilating after a nightmare. It was dark, but Sebastian’s inhuman eyes could easily see the shape of his young master. Despite this, he lit a candle.Ciel, after all, couldn’t see in the dark.It was calm outside. No storm like there always seemed to be in literature whenever something bad happened. It was just a calm night, the moon shining in revealing there was not a single cloud out there.But that meant it was cold, so Sebastian had been roaming the mansion checking whether he needed to tend to any fires – when Ciel’s screams have alerted him to his master’s troubles.Knowing there was no intruder, Sebastian has not teleported, but he had still hurried to the room.Once he opened the door with the key only he possessed, a pillow had hit him right in the face.Said pillow was now being gently fluffed up again before Sebastian calmly placed it next to his master’s shivering form. “There… Are you all set to try and sleep again?”There was no answer. So, patiently, and aware of what his master needed whenever such a thing happened (it had been a regular occurrence in the beginning of their contract), Sebastian stayed put by the bed, waiting until his master had the courage to speak up again.A little hand reached out from the covers, grabbed the pillow, and yanked it under the safety net Ciel had created. Sebastian watched, but made no comment. Staying put. Protecting from dangers that weren’t really there.“Do demons dream?” The shaky question threw Sebastian off track.Huh?What an odd thing to ask-“Do demons have nightmares?”Sebastian chuckled: “Our entire lives are what you refer to as ‘nightmares’. There is no good and there is no bad where I come from. Only survival or death.” Gently, Sebastian sat down on the side of the bed.This was a new strategy, and it piqued Ciel’s curiosity enough that he pulled the covers off his head to see better.His demon butler never sat down whilst on the job or in his master’s presence – not unless he couldn’t help it.“But do you dream?”Sebastian glanced over his shoulder at Ciel. He was treating the boy a bit like a scared bunny. He showed his back to him, offered him the reassurance that Sebastian trusted him enough to be ‘vulnerable’ (demons weren’t really when turning their back, but the boy didn’t know that) around him, and that Ciel in turn could trust him too, at his own pace.“We rarely sleep. Sleep is for recreational purposes, if anything. Sometimes we are dormant… but we don’t dream then. I do…” Sebastian paused and frowned, trying to find the right words. “I do, however, dream within the definition of ‘hope’.”Ciel tilted his head curiously, shifting closer. “You hope? Don’t demons take what they want?”“Yes.” Sebastian offered a wicked smile. Despite his previous nightmares, Ciel didn’t flinch.His demon’s wickedness was nothing Ciel was scared of anymore.“But we also allow ourselves the fun game of waiting. And we start to wonder what our endgoal might feel like… taste like…” Sebastian smirked. “That would be the closest a demon can get to dreaming.”“Of course you would make it nasty,” Ciel huffed.But, his annoyance spoke of a positive truth: he was getting back to being himself, nightmare put behind him. He chucked the covers off of him completely and fixed his pillow to lie down.“I am quite offended,” Sebastian teased, “I even went out of my way to use vague wording so you would not get offended.”“Why would I not get offended by you reminding me you’re waiting for my soul?”Sebastian smirked, stood back up, and tilted his head to the side. “Maybe I only did it so you would remember which is your true nightmare… Not the ones in your dreams, but the ones in your waking reality.”Ciel thought about the words for a moment, then smirked and flipped over. “Yes, you truly are a scary waking nightmare, fluffing up my pillows for me.”Glaring, the demon rolled his eyes now that his master’s gaze was not upon him. “I take it you are indeed feeling better? Then I will take my leave-““Stay. Please…” Ciel curled up a bit more again. “I don’t want to be alone right now.”Despite having to attend to the fires, Sebastian stayed put, ignoring Ciel’s little ‘please’ and pretending this was a proper order. It was exasperating… but strangely endearing to have this small human child so attached to his own living nightmare for protection.

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Day 9 prompt: Listen to Stolas Sings by Sam Haft. What do you think this could represent?
  
All the world’s a stage and I’m a player navigating the brutal, bloody battlefield that is love~
The world’s a stage, fake, discerning and bloody. There is no rest for those who seek to portray their souls outwardly; for those who wish to be themselves. There is no comfort. No safety.So was it truly so strange for Grelle to pretend? For her to make sure she was herself, sand safe, by pretending the entire world was a stage for her to waltz on?No one took her seriously, yet they also knew she was deadly and capable of chopping anyone to bits if they tried to burst her bubble. But it wasn’t a bubble. It was just… safety through acting.All that Grelle had gone through had made her sweetness, her innocence, her “oh I’m sorry, sir” attitude disappear. No one dared misgender her now. No one dared touch her now.But that was also solitary and painful.Did they believe she was a woman, or did they act along with her to save their own skins? Did they act to save her sanity? Did they think her gender was the act?Probably… Grelle was convinced that no one understood her acting was to keep herself safe, so people would back the hell off.She was convinced…Until one day when William T. Spears showed that their long, long centuries working together meant he knew her and saw through her act.Until one day when William T. Spears showed that the comfortable lie which Grelle had created of their romantic relationship actually was just that for even William.“Sutcliff? What are you doing here, you are supposed to be at home.” William’s words came out as a scolding, which considering the subject was a rather odd thing to hear. William never scolded on for working.But, that day which changed oh so many things about what Grelle though she knew, also happened to be her Death Day.“I feel not a thing, my dearest,” Grelle offered with a shrug of her shoulder, coincidentally also shrugging her red coat off to reveal more of her shoulder to William.The man, who’d shut off his emotions in a response to his trauma, caging his centuries old heart off from the rest of the world, ignored her flirting.As usual.“And that is healthy, because…?” William sassed, quirking an eyebrow.Scoffing, Grelle threw a glare William’s way. She stood from her desk and placed hands on her hips. “Mind your words, mister, I am the epitome of mental health – just as anyone!” She pointed at poor Ronald, trying his best to stay out of it by (literally) burying his face into his paperwork. “Knox! Am I not sane?”Ronald glanced between the two “adults” awkwardly before saying yes with his mouth whilst shaking ‘no’ with his head.“See!”“Grelle,” William spoke, voice a soothing calmness in what undoubtedly would become even more of a scene. He never used her name often. So, of course, it shut her up. “We do not work on our Death Days, we stay home and we let it play out. We disrupt the office otherwise-““Ugh,” was all Grelle had to say, rolling her eyes. It was always about work with him.The office suddenly got a lot busier, as a batch of potential new recruits entered with wide eyes. They’d just learned of the reality there were other dimensions outside of heaven and hell. So those wide-eyed looks was the one way to identify new reapers.“Don’t disrupt the office,” William said to Grelle before turning around to face the baby reapers.Grelle positioned herself on the desk, watching and listening as William gave a long lecture on safety protocols to the new reapers. No one listened. People just wanted to learn about souls at that stage, and whether they would be allowed to die at some point.So it was always amusing to watch William attempt to give these lectures.Othello and Ronald made a quick bet on how long it would take for one of the new recruits to hurt their fingers on the printers no one was allowed to touch save for two who had not broken a printer yet in their entire life – William, and Eric.And then Grelle joined in with a bet on who would make a comment on “why does the supervisor do all the printing for us if they’re our superiors?” because, quite frankly, it was stupid.There were no budgets in the afterlife.Then Grelle was forced to join in. Recruits asked her questions about being out in the field, and she answered them with flat, one word, answers which often were either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ (or ‘next’ when the question was too boring).Then…“Mister Sutcliff, sir? Once you reap a soul, do you get a glimpse of wherever they go? Or is it just another weird light like when we-““Ma’am.” William’s voice interrupted. William never interrupted new recruits.Normally, Grelle brushed it off. It was her stage, she was the star, and anyone who misgendered her was simply not part of her play, ignored and never seen again in her world until they did better.But that day, it was Grelle’s Death Day.That day, maybe, her brain wasn’t as okay as she had thought it was when she woke up.That day, the words went straight to her heart, which lit a fire into nerves that shouldn’t be active within a reaper… but which were prone to activating when on their Death Day… the nerves sent signals up to her brain, waking memories that should be in a cage…Everything seemed to darken around her. To the outside, it just looked like she’d stopped breathing – like a robot who ran out of juice and couldn’t move another limb again. But to her, the world darkened, making her vision smaller until all she could see were her last moments, her last feelings, her reasons…Until William appeared in front of her, like sparks in the dark, letting her focus on reality long enough to realise he had defended her without being provoked by her own acting… He believed her. He saw her.“I told you to stay home, Sutcliff,” William scolded her, but despite the harshness in his voice, Grelle melted against him as he looped an arm around her waist and helped her off the desk to leave the office.Reapers watched, empathetic and selfishly relieved their own Death Days were a while away still. Yet, despite the many gazes on her, all she knew was William guiding her home.He opened her door with a key Grelle didn’t know William had, and let her inside. He stayed in the doorway himself, though, watching as she let her coat she so cherished fall off her and to the floor, shoes kicked off before she waddled inside to find a couch to disappear into.And so, William stepped inside to clean up after her, caring for the coat he knew she’d care for again tomorrow, and putting the shoes in the shelf with the others. He closed the door behind him, and entered the living room to watch her sit on the couch, eyes empty, flashing between green and yellow as synapses re-awoke within her brain –“Grelle.”He’d believed her. He saw through her eyes, her act, and believed her. She didn’t want him to go… “Will… Did I really kill those-““Don’t think too much on it,” William quickly interjected. “You had your reasons. You are making amends for it now.”William never interrupted, unless it was to protect Grelle, either from others, or herself.Clearing his throat, William sat down next to Grelle. “I have a long report to read through today. Let me read it out loud.” Let me distract you.Shaking from the memories of her last breaths, Grelle nodded her head and curled up into a ball at the other side of the couch…Things were easier with someone around to help keep Grelle’s mind away from the open jailcell of her past.William made a new rule from that day on.No one was to be alone on their Death Day.And William and Grelle? They were always the ones helping each other.

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Day 10 prompt: Paperwork that Will asked for gets handed in late. What happens?
  “Sorry it’s late, sir.”William had been presented with a file pushed almost literally into his face.A report.The report William had been waiting for his entire shift. At 6 o’clock William had given up and simply filed the report as missing, preparing a long lecture to Ronald Knox about the importance of working diligently. One late report meant making it difficult for plenty of other reapers, not just William, and not just Ronald himself. Souls needed to be collected, and management needed to know that souls were safe. Quickly. Or else, reapers could be sent out to find out why the souls weren’t safe, if the report didn’t already state this.Honestly… It wasn’t that difficult.It was eight in the evening when Ronald had knocked on William’s door. Coming to William’s home wasn’t a solution William wanted Ronald to make a regular thing regarding handing in reports.“You could have left it on my desk.”He nabbed the file from Ronald’s gloved fingers and scoffed.But when the file no longer hid Ronald’s figure from view, William noted the red stain on the reaper’s uniform. Hunched over, Ronald tried to hide it from view, but was failing horribly as it grew larger with each second he stretched the wound by standing upright.The file fell to the floor as William reached out to help the reaper stay up. Ronald faltered slightly on his feet, but offered a sheepish look. “Hah, sir… one would think you’d care…” He coughed, then painfully gasped in air when the cough only hurt.“What happened, Knox?” There was just a hint of panic in William’s voice when he lifted Ronald’s arm over his shoulders and started guiding him down the hallways to the infirmary.“I handed the report in late, didn’t I?”“I cannot believe you wrote a report whilst bleeding out,” William scolded, turning another corner.Ronald hissed at the movement. Each minute that passed made Ronald lean heavier against William. It was a clear sign that the reaper was getting weaker far too quickly for William’s liking.“Ah, wouldn’t wanna- eugh… - disappoint you, sir,” Ronald teased.Clenching his jaw, Will scoffed and said: “I would have understood.”“Now I know…”Despite the blood trail Ronald left, William paused their movements to send a look at Ronald. “I do not know what I have done to make you think you ought to prioritise writing a report over tending to your wounds.”“We have to atone by working diligently,” Ron replied with a smirk to try and keep the mood up, despite his pale lips.Reapers didn’t quite bleed out the same way humans did. But their vessels could still get hurt by certain weapons, and this… looked like such a weapon had been used on Ronald. Truly, William wanted to read that report just to figure out what had done this, send reapers out after it, and end it… but there was something more important to deal with first.“You cannot work diligently if you are bleeding out.”The smirk disappeared from Ron’s lips, muscles shaking as he tried to keep the smile up. “I didn’t want to disappoint you, sir…” left Ron’s lips.Sometimes, William forgot how young Ronald had been when he’d ended his life. Sometimes, William forgot that half of Ronald’s issues had been attempting to be what his father wanted him to be. And that in his father’s stead, William had come to guide the boy. The affection Ronald never got from his own family was what he sought now from William…And William wasn’t the greatest at that.But he’d had siblings, and despite the lack of conscious memories from his past life, William knew what to do.“You wrote a report whilst wounded,” William tried to speak with a gentle tone to his voice, failing horribly, “and you think you’re a reaper I would be disappointed in? I’m disappointed you’re making such a mess for maintenance to clean up, but nothing else.” He eyed the blood trail they were leaving behind.There was no joke in William’s words, yet Ronald chuckled a bit.Slowly, the two continued to walk.“Thank you, sir,” Ronald whispered. “But I am pretty sure I misspelled ‘sacrilegious’ in my report.”“I’ll make sure to correct it for you.”

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Day 11 prompt: Finny writes a letter to St. Nicholas. What does he write?
  To santa Saint Nicholas,Finny here. Mister Sebassian Sebastian has teached been teaching me to read and write. It’s difficult. I am trying my best. Sorry for the mistakes!Tanaka told us servants that you read letters. The letters are what we want for Christmas. So I’m giving it a go!I don’t want nothing anything given to me for Christmas. The young master has given me everything I want. And Mister Sebastian sure is good to us!What I want instead is the young master to get something he can smile about. The young master never smiles anymore (that is Ciel Fantomhive Phantomhive. Tanaka says you know where we be living live if you know our names?). Maybe you could give him some special chocolate? He likes sweets. Or maybe a puppy? Those make people smile.I think Christmas will be great if my lord could smile. Especially for him.Thank you.I’m going to let Tanaka check my spelling and give this letter to Mister Sebastian. He says he will deliver it to you. I don’t know how! Are you friends?Don’t forget to tend the fires up there in the cold! Bye bye! Goodbye!-  FinnianGardener at the Phantomhive Estate.

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Day 12 prompt: As Christmas draws near, so does the cold, which plays hell with Tanaka’s old bones
  The 14th of December was the twins’ birthday. At their age, they thought the entire month of December belonged to them and only them. Which meant that the Christmas decorations were not just for Christmas, but also for them. Lights, tinsel, candles and special sweets: all for them.So when Tanaka found some had been stolen, he made it his personal mission to ensure he would find it before the twins noticed.He searched and searched and searched, but just could not find the garlands and accompanying tinsel anywhere. The cold made his bones ache, age not being his friend most of the time but especially not during harsh winter months. Fires were lit everywhere to keep pipes from freezing shut and break – but it was still not enough to keep his joints from aching.So the search was taking him a while, and hurting him.Grumpy, despite the happy smile on his lips, Tanaka paused to think this through. He knew the twins had taken the decorations. So where would two 5 year olds have taken it?A lightbulb lit up within Tanaka, and his grumpiness disappeared as he headed for the library. Vincent often spent time there whenever he had friends over, but that was the only time he was there. That meant that whenever there were no guests, it was a perfect hideout for the twins…. If they were up to mischief.The library was tucked away in a corner of the manor. It was still beautiful, tall windows offered light where one could sit, and the many rows of bookshelves were kept safely away from sunlight. In the middle, an iron, spiral staircase led up to a small attic where artifacts of importance were stored.It was underneath that staircase where Tanaka found the thieves. Having built a little yurt out of two blankets and some rope, Tanaka heard the two boys giggling within their hideout, unaware someone was onto them.As quietly as he could, Tanaka attempted to sneak over despite his painful bones, and opened the makeshift door carefully –Inside, the twins were sat huddled over the stolen garlands, braiding them together to create one thick bush. The tinsel was used to decorate the oddly shaped garland.“What on Earth are you two doing?” Tanaka’s voice was gentle, amused even. Both boys gasped and turned so quickly Tanaka worried they might get whiplash injuries from it.“Nothing!” In an effort to hide their mischief, Ciel sat in front of it, failing miserably at hiding the evidence. His brother, instead, offered Tanaka a scared look before tears welled up in his eyes as his bottom lip protruded.“I can see nothing mischievous is going on here, yes,” Tanaka chuckled, offering both boys a gentle pat to the head to calm them down. “If you wanted to do Christmas crafts, you should have simply told me and I would have prepared a table-““We’re sorry, Tanaka,” Ciel interrupted, “but it was meant to be a surprise.”“Oh?”Ciel and his brother exchanged a look. Then one of them voiced: “Well… Father said the servants don’t have any decorations in your quarters, and father also said you should be resting more when it’s cold for… your bones. We didn’t understand it but if you need to rest, you shouldn’t rest without decorations!”“You’re preparing decorations for me?” Tanaka questioned, not fully believing it.The twins nodded their heads eagerly.As they turned and presented their… makeshift little Christmas tree to Tanaka, no warm fire was needed to heal his bones. That gentle show of affection from his masters was more than enough to warm the soul of this old butler, and any pain was quickly forgotten so long as he could keep serving these two precious boys whatever they wished for...

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Day 13 prompt: Ronald Knox’s wristwatch breaks. One of the other reapers gives him a gift to replace it while it’s in repairs.
  Turning the golden pocket watch over in his gloved fingers, passing one thumb over an insignia of WS, Ronald frowned. “This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.”William frowned. The surrounding group of reapers took in a collective gasp at Ronald’s ungrateful words, to which Ronald sighed and quickly began to apologise: “Now, sir, don’t get me wrong, I need a watch but this…” He put it in his front pocket, then began making a show of how he had to take it out, open it to check the time, then close and put it back again – “Before I know what time it is, an hour will have passed already.”“You are absolutely absurd.” William snatched the pocket watch from Ronald’s grasp, glare prominent on his face. “If you do not want it, I will keep it.”As he stormed off to calm himself down, most likely by assigning Ronald extra shifts as punishment, Grelle patted Ronald on the shoulder. “Don’t you mind him, Ronnie, he gets very sensitive when people remind him of his age.” Her sarcastic blow against William’s age also was a blow against herself, technically, but she didn’t seem to notice – especially not when her eyes twinkled lovingly over at the door William slammed shut behind him. “You can borrow my watch, if you wish.”Letting it dangle enticingly before Ronald’s eyes, Grelle showcased what she’d done to her wristwatch. One of the hands was broken and it was impossible to see what hour it was, if the watch even worked anymore. However, outside of that, the watch looked pristine. If… not a little bit too pristine.Red diamonds had been glued to the sides, and that which should  be a leather band was now a lace one – red, of course – meant to tie around one’s wrist by making it into a little bow. It was pretty, of course, but…“Why, thank you, Sutcliff,” Ronald awkwardly said, not taking the watch from her. “But I think-““Oh you’ll look so pretty!” Grelle interrupted, yanking Ronald’s wrist towards her with more strength than was necessary, before tying the watch around his wrist.“But I won’t be able to tell-““There! Ah it fits perfectly, and you look much better now that you wear colour. I told you red was your vibe.” She grabbed his shoulder and proceeded to hug him tightly to her, nearly suffocating him.Now completely without a functioning way of checking the time, and nearly dying again from Grelle’s overenthusiastic mannerisms, Ronald felt even more regret for dropping his watch to the floor…Unfortunately it got worse when William decided to pass the group of reapers by. When Ronald reached out a pleading hand to his supervisor for some sort of aid, choking out a “I’ll take your pocket watch please, sir” – William stopped in his tracks, kept his chin held high, glared at Ronald from the side of his eyes and said:“That’s what you get for offending your betters.”As if Grelle was in on William’s revengeful scheme for Ronald’s offending words, she squeezed Ronald tighter.Ron couldn’t wait until his wristwatch was fixed again…

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Day 14 prompt: Ciel’s birthday. What happens? How does he feel?
  Nothing on this day was for Ciel.People came to visit him. They brought gifts. They celebrated his birth. His existence.But they didn’t come for Ciel. They didn’t celebrate him. They didn’t want him.They came for who they thought Ciel was, for the person that Ciel had been before everything that had happened… to the person they thought they knew.No one came to his grave. No one remembered him. No one wanted to…The old Ciel was dead, and this entire day was just one big reminder of that, and the lies Ciel had spun since to keep up appearances...It was heavy, difficult… And so, he just let them celebrate whatever they wanted. If they wished not to see the truth standing right before their eyes, then that was on them. They could celebrate lies so long as it made them happy…Having said barely a word all day, ‘Ciel’ was beyond relieved once night-time fell and everyone withdrew to their quarters to sleep. Finally alone, Ciel sat down by the window and stared out at the stars barely visible. The only person he still had to see was Sebastian, who he didn’t have to talk to if he didn’t feel like it – the perks of being a demon’s master.At 10pm sharp, Sebastian knocked on the door and entered, his signature proud smile on his lips and chin held high as he announced it was time for Ciel to go to bed. Saying not a single word to Sebastian, Ciel let the butler help his master prepare for bed, tuck him in (which Ciel normally didn’t let the demon do because it was weird – Sebastian denied his motherly tendencies, but they were as clear as day to Ciel and annoyed him to bits… he was his pawn, he didn’t want to get attached to the demon…) and let him leave.He did not notice Sebastian leaving something behind until an hour later when, restlessly, the boy turned to lie on his other side. There, on his nightstand table, he saw a tiny cake with the one solitary candle on it. It wasn’t lit. The small cake would stay in the dark, forgotten and untouched, if Ciel so chose…But he didn’t.Sitting up in bed, scoffing at his demon’s stupid affection, Ciel used a nearby candle to light the birthday one. It shone brightly, revealing the cake’s chocolate icing in its yellow light.Taking a deep breath, Ciel brushed some hair away from his face, revealing his demon mark. “Happy birthday, Ciel,” he whispered before blowing the candle out, thoughts only on the brother whose life he had taken in more than one way…Outside, Sebastian narrowed his eyes and let out a low hiss or annoyance. Eyes flashing red, the demon stalked away through the shadows. He couldn’t deny a part of him was glad Ciel got a small bit of closure during a day that was clearly difficult for him, but another part of him was hugely disappointed that the boy was so attached to something dead.Could his master exact the vengeance that was needed if he still held such emotions? Affection meant empathy, and empathy meant murder might be difficult.Or… it would be easy.From time to time, Earl Phantomhive would showcase his readiness to kill those in his way.And from time to time… he showed great empathy.It bothered Sebastian.And it bothered him further that Sebastian was glad his master’s soul felt less troubled, feeling him go to sleep… heartbeat calming… chocolate now on sticky fingers, spreading it over the sheets…Ugh…It was so much easier when his contract was for a troubled soul that wanted murder. Not when it was a child wishing for justice…Righteousness tasted bitter. And yet… Sebastian was starting to get used to it. Weakening… Softening…Had he not, after all, given his master that little cake not just as a test…?Taking his coat off, removing all hints of his butler aesthetic for a bit, Sebastian took a deep breath within the safe confinement of his room, eyes still sparkling red in annoyance. “What a nuisance that boy is…” he complained with a dramatic flare to his voice. Then, he calmed, and smiled. “Happy birthday, my young master.”…Off away at the Phantomhive cemetery grounds, near the mausoleum that held the great ancestors who founded the crest, and started the hushed relationship with the reigning monarchy… was the Undertaker.His carriage stood not far away, one solitary coffin on it. And not one he was going to bury. He touched the earth he’d dug up twice, long painted fingernails blending in with the darkness of the night to be as invisible as his entire plot.“Happy birthday, my boy,” the Undertaker whispered to the grave holding the name no one seemed to remember anymore. Everyone had assumed which twin it was – the favourite, the loud one, the one with the most promise – but the Undertaker had seen right through it.It was easy when one could see the soul within.“You won’t be forgotten for long… We will make sure of that ehehehehe…”

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Day 15 prompt: A day in the life of a Trancy servant.
  The demons working at the Trancy estate knew not to sneak. If they stuck to the shadows, they would touch the outsides of Claude’s webs and stir the spider to go on a hunt for what had caused the vibrations. And if they were caught sneaking, Claude would have no reason not to strike.That was how Claude stayed in control. Fear of someone stronger than them. Fear that the one who helped them feed would stop. Fear that the one who let them stay near the person they wanted to help, would change his mind. Not all demons were apt enough to work with contracts. It required a finesse. It required a restraint, one even Claude barely had. And not all demons were after food.So when something was sneaking around, stirring Claude’s webs, Claude had no plan to hold back.Until he saw who it was.Turning the doorknob, Claude entered a guest bedroom. Most guest bedrooms had barely been used since his master moved in, offering few social events due to his master’s fiery personality and lack of motivation for such trivialities. At least, that had been the case until as of late, hence why the guest bedrooms had been cleaned and tidied in preparation.This one was no different. Its dust free, perfected state lay untouched behind the locked door, bed made and pillows fluffed. It lay dormant, waiting for hell to break loose as it always did in the Trancy household. It rested. Patient.And it was dark. Thunder sounded far off, but it would not bother his master during the night, wind pushing the clouds away from the mansion. However, it did make the evening much darker than normal, hence why Claude held candles in his hand to give off the illusion he needed it to see in the dark.This time, he used it scare away the shadows, until one did not flinch at the yellow light.Closing the door behind Claude, he stepped inside the dormant bedroom, yellow-golden eyes immediately finding the shadow.“Breaking and entering is punishable by human law.”The shadow faded. Sebastian stepped out, straightening his suit. Red eyes flashed evilly toward Claude. An angry warning to not try anything.Claude was not phased. But someone had stirred his web, and he would deal with it in whatever way was appropriate.“Your butler aesthetic would be hurt if you ended up in jail.”“Ah, so you will call the police then?” Sebastian was testing Claude, voice mocking. They stayed standing on opposite ends of the room staring, unblinking, toward each other. The candle light flickered from a cold draft. “You should get that looked at.”“I am perfectly capable of tending to the mansion.”“Are you?”Claude bit down a remark, jaw tensing.“I see you have yet to call the police.”“I am not in need of human laws.”“No,” Sebastian purred, smirking, “I figured that was the case the moment I entered your… lair.”Claude’s eye twitched, but he refrained from correcting Sebastian’s words, knowing the demon was trying to get a reaction out of him. “I have heard of you. You are quite well known for choosing excellent meals. I have no doubt your new master is the same.”“Why thank you, I-“ Sebastian paused, words sinking in.Claude smirked.Red eyes flashed once more, and the other demon took a few steps forward. The candles flickered once more, and a distant rumble of thunder vibrated throughout the room. A few drops of rain splattered against the window: a warning of the storm that was about to start.“I take it your master received our invitation?” Claude offered instead, voice as unmoving and monotone as possible - wanting to offer not a single hint for Sebastian to report back to his master. “Are you here to check whether the pillows are goose feathers or not? I could answer that in a letter too.”“No need. My master will be bringing his own pillows. He struggles with anything less than perfect, you see.” Sebastian had the gall to not even send a look toward Claude’s pillows. “And we know we need to bring pillows here.”“Then, if I may, what are you doing here?”“Ah, I meant not to stir you.” Sebastian took a few more steps closer. “If I had known I would be stepping onto someone else’s hunting grounds, I would have knocked first. I am simply here to… observe.”“Observe what?” Claude asked.“I do not know. Is there anything here I ought not to observe? Anything out of the unusual you wish to hide?”Claude smirked. “Are you asking me whether there’s something going on that would not be happening at another mansion? If so, you should know better by now. I would not waste my time observing the workings of a butler when I already know how they function. Perhaps you wish to learn something from your betters.”A chuckle left Sebastian, as if he was impressed by the mere sass of the demon before him. “Yes, as I mentioned, though I do not fault you for having hearing problems when working for such a brat who does not know how to speak with a voice meant for inside… I did not know who the butler would be.”“Figures.” Claude stepped to the side and opened the bedroom door. “Might I escort you out?”“You may.” Sebastian took the moment of passing by Claude to pause, turn his head, and flash an alluringly seductive look, gaze trailing down the other demon’s form. This time, when his eyes flashed red, Sebastian leaned in a little closer. To humans it would look like invading someone’s personal space. But Sebastian had already done that by stepping into Claude’s web. This was… seduction.Demons rarely touched others. Others rarely touched them. Even when in bed with a mortal, demons offered the touches, and wanted no affection back. It was a by-product of the vastness of Hell, and the viciousness of demons toward one another. If there was food, demons had to fight for it. There was no love to share. Close proximity was not normal for these creatures aside from using one another. … right? “Aside from the pillows, there’s little wrong with the mansion. My master and I look forward to visiting.”“My master and I appreciate your kind words.” Claude bowed, successfully bringing himself even closer to Sebastian, who turned his head down to stare at Claude. Both demons licked their lips. Took a moment to stay close to the other, then straightened back up again to glare at the other. “Though we would appreciate little sneaking.”Sebastian let out another little purr, lip tugging up into a smirk. But he did not reply, instead exiting the guest bedroom and disappearing back out into the shadows. Claude pursed his lips in annoyance. His web lay dormant again.But he needed to keep his guard up this Christmas, that was for sure.…Hours later, when the sun had risen once more, Alois Trancy stood on the roof of his mansion, staring up at the heavens. They were an orange colour at this hour, the sun peaking up from behind tree tops in the far distance. A chill hung in the air from last night’s distant thunderstorm, but the young Earl still stood only in his robes, with nothing underneath. His feet carried him to the edge, toes curling around it. Rain had made things slippery, but Alois was not scared.He was smiling up at the heavens. Up there, gates to heaven were said to exist which don’t turn any lost soul away. An embrace from a God should exist there… A man so powerful he could create whatever he wanted. But that God had left Alois stuck under his own boot, stuck in an hell where he had no words, no energy to fight back, anymore. No help had come from above… but below.And now? Now, Alois didn’t need to create anything for himself. He could be all powerful on his own. Now it didn’t matter anymore whether he could fall down a roof and break and crack every bone in his body - because he couldn’t crack his body. Because…“Your Highness?”“Claude,” Alois said with a smirk, turning his gaze away from the sky.“You were not in bed this morning.”“Obviously,” spat Alois.Beneath him, Alois noticed Timber, Thompson and Canterbury standing waiting, a net stretched out between them as they stood in a triangle. They were ready to catch Alois in a web.It made the young boy laugh. Slow at first, then louder and louder.They were used to this.It was laughable.Why did it matter to them outside of a contract…?“You should come back inside.” Claude calmly walked over the roof toward his master, watching him through narrowed eyes.“Why?” Alois asked, turning his head to glance at the demon over his shoulder. A nasty glare was present on the boy’s face that darkened his features into less of a victim, and more of a deprived evil.A silence followed his question. Demon and human stared at each other, neither wanting to be the one forced to speak for different reasons. One wished not to admit the lack of caring. One did not want to admit caring. And vice versa.Gritting his teeth, Alois finally caved in to his anger: “Answer me, Claude!” No order was given, so Claude remained quiet, attempting to teach his master how their deal worked. “ANSWER ME!” Alas, his master’s patience was not enough.Stomping his foot childishly, angrily, Alois did the one thing he ought not to when standing barefeet on a slippery roof. Claude, expressionless, watched as Alois’ foot slipped and he went tumbling off. The angry face of the human disappeared in a second to show fear, before disappearing from Claude’s view completely.Calmly, Claude took his glasses off and cleaned them. A solitary rain drop had landed on his glasses from the lonesome, dark cloud still hanging in the air. With his glasses clean, Claude walked to the edge of the roof and looked down. There, Alois was lying in the triplet’s net, cackling to himself with his hands over his stomach, as if this was the greatest thing to have ever happened to him. Tears escaped the young lord’s eyes from laughter… and sadness…Hannah watched from inside, hand over her mouth and eyes fearful from having seen the boy fall.But he had not come to harm.Jumping out of the net, Alois started dancing; twirling around with his robes spread out as if he was wearing a beautiful ball gown, jumping along as if a partner was guiding him, and humming to himself to an imaginary track playing in his mind. The courtyard was void of garden furniture at this time of the year, offering Alois plenty of space to fool around.Finally, Alois posed, hands in the air, and turned his gaze up to Claude. Grinning widely, Alois shouted: “Claude! I did as you asked! I came down from the roof!” before falling back into a fit of cackles again.“Indeed…” Claude hummed, his expression monotone.Bored.

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Day 23 prompt: Sebastian thinks about his life before his contract with Ciel.
  “The what?”Ciel’s one eye flickered over to glare at Sebastian. The question was not a rude one, but Ciel’s patience had been somewhat thin as of late. Memories flooded Ciel during the entire month of December which wore down both his mood and his mental health.  First it had been his birthday; a reminder of his brother and the loss of affection and remembrance toward his own dead self buried somewhere no one came to visit (to his knowledge)…Then it had been faint memories of past holidays, with family near and warmth all around a child’s innocent mind.What was usually the time for a human to get acquainted with the world from behind the protective barrier of parents had been shattered a long time ago, and the bitterness of the loss of a child’s innocence seeped into the holiday instead.Ciel Phantomhive no longer cared for Christmas, and Sebastian had not had to care about Christmas for any other reason then to keep up appearances of a household serving a philanthropist wishing to remain out of the spotlight, and a kind-hearted lord.“The Foundation of Timmy.” Desk filled with letters ranging from ‘Merry Christmas’ cards, to bills, to civilians appealing for more time to pay rent, to complaints about the land… Ciel favoured one letter in his hand which would turn the tide for that year’s Christmas. Because of that letter, Ciel was not the only one suddenly overwhelmed with memories. “It’s a charity giving to the poor in London. They’re hosting a special charity during the holiday season to give presents, food, warm clothes, that sort of thing.”“Let me guess,” Sebastian spoke, voice slightly quieter than normal, pupils ten sizes smaller, and fangs out for show – “They pay special attention to the workhouses of London…”“Yes.” Ciel thought little of this. Outwardly he didn’t care for his demon’s emotions anyway, and his act meant that he didn’t notice how this was affecting Sebastian. Besides, it was a logical conclusion. The workhouses were on the top of the list when looking for places to go and be charitable.“They do not mention the Jewish communities?”Ciel blinked at this question though. “The Jewish…? Well, yes. There’s a separate fund for Hanukkah. It offers the Jewish community funding for those living in the industrial areas… We have missed it this year, though. It ended on the 4th of December.”“Yes…” Sebastian said no more, and instead busied himself with collecting opened letters from Ciel’s desk to try and tidy up.“How did you know this?” Ciel looked between demon and letter, glancing at the charity’s symbol: a crest held up by a crow cawing. Within the crest, the letter T was printed.A mere guess, my lord was what Sebastian wanted to say. Alas, he had been prompted not to lie to his master. Through a fake smile attempting to offer the aesthetic of him being calm and in control of his own emotions – which Sebastian despised he even had – the demon said: “Timothy Smith was a previous contract of mine. In your human, Christian calendar it would have been between the years of 1698 to 1705.”Shocked and astounded to suddenly hear something about Sebastian’s past on Earth, Ciel stood up in such a rush that the chair tumbled over behind him. With one wide eye, Ciel stared at the demon, who pretended nothing had been said and simply continued to clean.“Sebastian,” Ciel pointed out, only to find he had no clue of what to ask. He wanted to know all of it, really. Who was Timmy? How old had he been? How had he summoned a demon? Where did they live? Had Timothy been a noble too from the start? Did demons only go for nobles?For some strange reason though, the only question that formed on Ciel’s tongue was what that contract had entailed. Whether Ciel done right by himself was something he still pondered over. Could he have done better in negotiating terms and conditions with a demon?Had someone else cracked the code before him?“What were the conditions?”“Pardon?” Sebastian paused his cleaning, almost looking offended.Maybe it was offensive to ask such things to a demon – Ciel didn’t know. He didn’t speak demon language nor did he know anything about their culture – nor did Ciel want to know about their anything. It was a demon. A foul creature with the sole intention of pulling humans down to hell for consumption.So, Ciel continued despite the offense. “What was your contract about?”Sebastian’s nostrils flared once, then he seemed to straighten up further than humanly possible – as if to keep something back, a rude comment… maybe…“Timothy asked me to be his father.”And now Ciel was just confused.“Huh?”“Timothy was a little boy, younger than you, who was taken from a workhouse in 1688 by men of science attempting to understand human anatomy. Taken to a university for the sole purpose of being murdered and cut open, one scientist took pity on the boy before he could hit the nail through the boy’s skull.” There was venom behind Sebastian’s words, a venom which Ciel noted he had never heard before…. Except for once when Sebastian scolded Ciel for not letting him help clean Ciel up, perhaps only a few hours after their contract had initially been created. Ciel had still been hurt then… and… wounds can get infected. This part of Sebastian’s past had become an infected wound too.He cared.Demons shouldn’t care… right?“He took Timothy to a different department. One not researching human anatomy, but the human soul. One thing led to another, and they summoned me… not a human soul.” Sebastian once more looked offended at the mere idea, taking on a pose of superiority toward human souls.Ciel rolled his eyes at it.“Small as he was, the child asked for a father. One who would protect, and in doing so figure out what had actually happened to his real family. He didn’t quite understand the reality of the creature he was negotiating with.” Looking away from Ciel, Sebastian remained silent until his master prompted for the rest of the story.“But you were only with him for seven years?”“Boys grow a lot in seven years. Eventually, I, as his father, saw it fit for him to find out the truth about his parents. Once Timothy was old enough, the two of us did just so.”“And…?” Ciel prompted again, waving a hand impatiently.“They were nothing but a whore and a marine who had needed a relief one day.” Ciel frowned in disgust. “But, it turned out that the marine came from a wealthy family, and so I claimed Timothy’s heritage for him.”Cocking an eyebrow, Ciel asked in a bored tone: “You mean you killed every single one then made Timothy the formal heir?”“Yes. Obviously.” Sebastian smirked at Ciel’s wittiness. “You know me well, my lord.”“It seemed the only thing a demon would do.”“’Tis a Christmas miracle! You, my lord, offering me such compliments is unheard of.”“Revolting.” Ciel turned to walk back to the window. Outside, it didn’t feel much like a Christmas miracle. It was raining, barely a degree below zero… There would be no snow this year, he assumed.Which meant it would be the first year since his parents’ death that he wouldn’t have a white Christmas. The conversation he had with Sebastian was what he clung to in order to keep from feeling sadness over something as childish and pathetic as snow.“Timothy enjoyed the snow too,” Sebastian said.Unsure what had prompted this, Ciel turned and offered his demon a confused look.“All children’s minds are alike,” he explained simply. “All children wish the same thing.”Ciel nodded, for once not taking offense to the fact that he was being called a child. “I agree. Therefore, Sebastian, I want you to arrange that any funds we can spare are offered to the Foundation of Timmy this year.”There was a millisecond where Ciel could detect a hint of gratitude and relief from the demon, before it disappeared as Sebastian smiled and bowed.“As you wish, my lord.”“And…” Ciel frowned, tapping one of the letters. “That warehouse that suffered water damage?” Blasted English weather. “How much of the toys stored there were damaged beyond repair?”“A mere two percent, sir.”“Then I would like all undamaged goods to be shipped to the workhouses of London…” Ciel watched Sebastian for a bit, pondering whether this was a good idea. “Is the one where Timothy came from still running?”“I- Yes, sir.”“Then why don’t we make a personal visit?”“Sir?”“Christmas among nobility is all about giving presents no one needs. Most of them are returned to the store, exchanged for something they wanted, or forgotten. Then we eat a bunch of things no one can finish, and the leftovers are thrown out.” Sebastian refrained from correcting his master in that, in actuality, the servants tended to finish Christmas dinners at estates, holding a little party past midnight after their work was done…“But the party –““We’ll be back in time. I just…” Ciel frowned. “What you said… About the scientists… Does it still happen?”“Yes, my lord. It might not be legal anymore to claim living subjects, but it still happens.”“Then I want to be there. It’s Christmas. People are at home and law enforcement is scathe. It would be ripe time for people to claim children from workhouses. Make it happen, Sebastian.”“Yes, my lord,” Sebastian agreed, bowing down as Ciel walked past him to leave the office.Outside, the rain slowly turned to snow. Sebastian watched it, not being able to help feel a sense of warmth within him at the memory of a former master unknowingly manipulating Sebastian into becoming a father… caring for the boy… It was a contract that clearly had long lasting impact on the demon.And now, Ciel offered a gentle touch to the memory, honouring Timmy…Sebastian would never admit it out loud, but this Christmas Miracle was quite the pleasant surprise.

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Day 24 prompt: Sebastian (and, more optionally, the servants) prepares the manor for the young master for Christmas Day.
  “But sir, I don’t think you should leave it up to us-“A gloved hand moved up into the air. It was a simple gesture, but one that stopped all of them from talking. Sebastian basked in the silence for a moment. Downstairs, the servants had all gone into a frenzy the second Sebastian admitted that most of the last minute Christmas preparations were going to have to be done by them.“The young master and I have important business to attend to the entire afternoon. What little decoration are left to prepare in the dining hall has to be done by you all. Mey-Rin, set the tables for all 6 guests. Finnian, prepare three guest rooms, we have a few guests staying the night. Baldroy, please ensure the Christmas turkey is… not burned.”‘Yes, sir’s had been said with little confidence at each order. Sebastian had a feeling that the second he and his master came back home, he would have to use his inhuman speed to fix everything…With a sigh, Sebastian bid his farewell to the servants, leaving them in silence. Confused, they looked at each other. Christmas was a big deal in most estates in England now, and Sebastian had just… left the last preparations to them?He never trusted them that much…Something was up.“Well then, we better get a move on,” Bard said finally, clasping his hands together. “Or else Sebastian’s gonna be in a mood when we get back.”“Aye, we don’t want that, no thank you,” Mey-Rin was quick to agree, lifting her skirts slightly as she began to run off.She didn’t get very far though, as the back door leading out to the gardens opened. Everyone instantly went on high alert. Instead of lifting her skirts, Mey-Rin pulled out two guns. Finnian grabbed whatever was nearest and prepared to throw it at the intruders (which so happened to be a barrel filled with flour), and Bard was quick to take cover –But there had been no need for high alert. Instead of enemies, Agni and Soma arrived.“The front door was locked!! So rude,” Soma complained as he burst inside. “Cieeeel!”“Master Ciel is out with Sebastian, sir. And… you really shouldn’t be down here, it’s not proper, it isn’t,” replied Finnian as he gently put the barrel back down.“So sorry, my friends,” Agni interrupted, spreading gentle smiles to each servant he saw. “My master wanted to surprise Ciel with an early arrival for Christmas. We’re all very excited for Christmas, you see. It’s one of the holidays we enjoy here in England.”Mey-Rin put her guns away again, brushing down her dress and clearing her throat to return to her maid act once more. “We’ve been tasked to finish the last preparations whilst the master is out… and…” She glanced back at her friends, who nodded their heads in agreement to the question she’d asked with just a glance. “I was wondering if you could help us, Agni?”The man lit up, earning a smile from Soma. “I would love to!”…“Although it was very last minute, the company has divided the breached warehouse’s toys to be sent out to plenty of workhouses in London. Money has been sent to the Foundation of Timmy. When we arrive, toys should be standing ready to be distributed by yours truly.”Ciel listened, but didn’t show he was. His eye was glued to what he was seeing flashing by the coach, which he tried his best not to show any joy about – it was for children, after all. Out there, snow was falling in thick waves. In this weather, it wasn’t safe travelling in a coach all the way to the outskirts of London, but Ciel knew he would be safe.He had Sebastian with him, after all.…Smiles, laughter, applauses, and oh so much merriment was all Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis experienced from the children at the workhouse. It brought back memories from the few times Timothy had ordered Sebastian to go visit with him, and for Ciel, it reminded him of the good deeds he could do despite being in a contract made by a devil. Revenge might be what Ciel wanted, but moments like these… when a child’s dream had come true, Ciel felt pleased he could offer that dream to other children.He wondered if somewhere far away, his brother was watching over him, hating how Ciel had left him after all, yet also perhaps pleased that despite the grief, Ciel could now follow his dream and build an empire not based in his family’s wealth.Well… technically his demon had helped quite a bit there but – Ciel chose to ignore that part on Christmas Eve.Whilst Ciel occupied himself with handing out toys and shaking hands with kids grateful for what he was giving them, Sebastian snuck away from time to time to deal with… securing the perimeter. He knew that once he and his master left the premises, those child snatchers would return again and the workhouse would be, once more, an unsafe place. But at least this way, the children could have one Christmas Eve, and hopefully one Christmas Morning, where they were safe and happy… like all children ought to be during the holidays.Such sappy feelings was not what the demon had in mind though. For him, it was all about vengeance for what they had once done to his former master.Both demon and master came away from the workhouse pleased for different reasons – one for offering the gift of charity and happiness, and the other for being given the gift of bloody revenge.“How old were they?” Ciel asked as the coach began to move once more. He waved at the kids until they disappeared from view, smile on his lips gone the second they couldn’t see him anymore.“Some were your age, some were younger,” Sebastian replied simply, sitting with his back straighter than usual, feeling over the moon after some delicious violence.“My age? But they were all…” Ciel turned his back on the workhouse as he straightened up in his seat. “They were all so small.”“Improper nutrition and poor working conditions will stunt the growth of humans.”“But I… I was always the small one.” Ciel put on an angry scowl, trying to keep his emotions away from his voice. The empathy and sadness he felt… it outweighed the good he had felt just minutes ago. “We should have given them food.”“Do not worry, my lord. Someone else is handling that for us,” Sebastian said confidently, offering no more explanation upon Ciel’s confused looks.…“DON’T YOU DARE INTERFERE, RONALD!!” Grelle pulled Ronald away from the ledge by his collar, causing an un-dignifying sound to leave Ron’s lips. Hand over his sore throat, Ronald glared at his reaper friend. “He looks oh so magnificent fighting like that! Oooo!! The crimson colours splashed against the backdrop of white, innocence – YES, Sebas-chan, keep at it! ⭐.”“Miss Sutcliff… We can’t just leave the demon to kill them. We’re here for the children’s’ souls, not theirs.”“We can do whatever we like,” Grelle snapped. “Just look at him, Ronald. He’s so magnificent! Ooo what a Christmas gift! I will cherish this memory for many lonesome nights to come-““Oh too much… information.” Ronald stepped aside and away from Grelle a bit, leaning against his scythe. William was going to be beyond furious about this… And what could Ronald even say was the reason they didn’t do their job?Grelle was too into that awful demon?Well… that could work, actually.Wiping away some drops of melted snow from his spectacles, Ronald turned away from the grizzly murdering of kidnappers, and walked to the other ledge. There, from the rooftop of a church, Ronald could see clearly as the children from the workhouse rushed outside to greet Ciel Phantomhive. They earned a gift each, and then whatever was spare was offered as toys to share. The gratitude and smiles of the kids was enough to bring warmth to the cold, undead heart of Ronald.Yeah… maybe it wasn’t so bad that the demon was interfering with their jobs. They had souls to reap, at least, it was just not the right ones. Ronald would rather deal with paperwork than with the memories of these childrens’ short lives fresh in his mind. He saw plenty of gore and suffering… maybe, one Christmas Eve, it could be nice to have a break from it.…Agni had stopped three fires that afternoon, prevented Finnian from tumbling down the stairs twice as he carried far too many sheets in his immensely strong arms, and had caught Mey-Rin an uncountable amount of times whilst she tried hanging up decorations in the dining room from a tall, unsteady ladder.Eventually, the food had been saved and guest rooms had been properly prepared, but the decorations were a bust.This was not Mey-Rin’s fault though. Sebastian had stashed the Christmas decorations in a place no one knew where. It meant that what little had been present for Mey-Rin to use hadn’t been… entirely enough.In other words, it was just one garland hanging around the top of the walls, and one sad ornament hanging from the chandelier.“Oh dear…” Soma said as the five of them stood racking their brains to come up with a solution. As if on point, one of the napkins Mey-Rin had folded into a triangle stood atop the guest’s plates collapsed with a sad little ‘poof’.“This is horrible!! We can’t serve the guests here! The Phantomhive Christmas Dinners are events no one can compete with!!” Mey-Rin burst out, pulling at her hair.“Calm yourself, my dear miss,” Agni spoke. “We will figure this out.”“Unless you know how to pull Christmas decorations out of your ass, I don’t see how,” Bard commented with a huff. “Let’s face it, the food’s gonna be the only good thing about this event.”“No,” Soma said determinedly. “I will not see my dear bestest friend have a bad event whilst I am here to save the day. We make them!”“Arts and craft!” Finnian exclaimed happily. “I love arts and craft.”“That’s a beautiful idea,” Agni praised.Bard wasn’t very convinced though… This was going to go very badly, he was sure of it.

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Day 25 prompt: Sebastian bears an awful resemblance to someone held near. Pick a character and let them realise this!
  “What…” Sebastian and Ciel stood in the dining room, forty minutes before the annual Christmas Dinner was set to begin.The decorations that the servants, along with Agni and Prince Soma, had put together were………..
Interesting.
It was all made of paper and glittering glue. Tanaka had tried to show everyone the best way to create Christmas crafts to decorate everything – but the servants weren’t the greatest at following orders.Amidst well presented art made by Tanaka were some that were… either plain ugly, burned to a crisp, or confusing imitations of Christmas trees.Sebastian hoped they were Christmas trees, at least…Oh, and the Undertaker had shown up early to the party, inviting himself to aid in the Christmas crafts to add some “festive skulls” to the decorations – of course, because why not?Prince Soma had also taken it upon himself to change the way the table had been carefully prepared by Mey-Rin, removing all chairs for everyone to sit on cushions on the floor, and removing the “confusing amounts of cutlery”. How Prince Soma had managed to find a low enough table that housed over 14 people, no one knew. Not even Agni.“He looks positively pale. That means we succeeded in what dear Finnian called the ‘wow’ factor,” the Undertaker said with an air of sarcasm only Ciel and Sebastian seemed to pick up on. The glares they sent his way only made the Undertaker fall into a fit of laughter.“My lord, I will immediately change–““Don’t.” Ciel interrupted his butler. He sighed. “Despite what I might think of the decorations… it does incorporate the culture and personalities of everyone at the estate including the varieties of guests we’re serving. Christmas doesn’t belong to aesthetics. It belongs to the people. Just leave it. Spend the time double checking the food is… up to standards though. I’m starving.” Ciel turned to leave, but paused to add a quick: “Focus on the desert, actually.”Sebastian sighed. This Christmas was definitely not running the smooth, traditional way it usually did. Then again, what else did he really expect at the Phantomhive estate?“I think he liked our decorations,” Finny whispered to the others with glee.Shaking his head, Sebastian left them to their joy to double check Agni had saved the food.…“He acts awfully fatherly, doesn’t he?” Ronald pointed out. He and his red dressed reaper partner were on their way to give William the… (sort of) bad news.The holidays were a time when reapers had to work overtime. For a full 24 hours, they had to deal with suicides (this was not on Ronald’s pay-roll, only certain reapers were allowed to handle these), murders, starvations, people freezing to death, and other freak accidents (a lot of people die from candles, surprisingly)… Normally, there was a night shift. But with the added family drama humans often brought to the holidays, the night shift also had to work 24 hours alongside the day shift.“Who?” Grelle asked.With three more hours to go, things were starting to calm down. When Ronald and Grelle walked through the office, people weren’t running around with papers and bloody scythes anymore. People were starting to clean up instead, or slumping down in their chairs with a hot beverage to calm down.Ronald pitied the reapers that had to take first shift in the morning after all these hours – but this was the life of a reaper. They had to suck it up.“That demon of his. Of Phantomhive’s.”“If you ask me, it only shows what good potentials he would have as a husband,” Grelle said simply, smirking.“You want children?”“If they’re mine I wouldn’t quite hate them so much,” Grelle scolded. “If they were mine, they would have impeccable taste and not shout so much. Obviously.”Shaking his head at Grelle’s words, Ronald refrained from commenting on it. Truth be told, Ronald could see her being quite a good mother. There was empathy and gentleness hidden away behind a façade of craziness.Though… that was not what either reaper should be focused on anyway, because they had just reached William T. Spears’ office door. Preparing themselves for the scolding of a life time, they opened the door to find their supervisor hunched over his table, paper everywhere from table to floor to even one stuck on the ceiling, and with his hair a complete mess. The long shift had taken a toll on him too, it seemed.Which most likely only meant the scolding was going to be ten times worse.“Ehm…” Grelle pushed Ronald ahead, forcing him to take point on the bad news. “Mister Spears, sir. We uh… We just came back from London-““Yes?” William snapped, lifting his gaze from piles of papers to try and locate a report in Ronald’s hands. Upon not seeing one, his eyes narrowed into anger which was dangerously murderous.“Uh – Well, you see… Those uh, workhouse children you asked us to reap?”“Yes?” Despite only speaking so few words, it was crystal clear what William still meant. Honestly, it was a gift that he could portray so much with just the inclination of tone… and glares…
Hurry it up, Knox, I have work to finish.
“Uh, we didn’t get their souls. The demon – Sebastian Michaelis – got in the way… We did, however, get some other souls that took their place if that’s-““What?” William straightened up behind his desk. “What do you mean he interfered? We- We would have known if he was going to! Those children were set for death, we were not told of any inclinations of possible fate twisting changes-”Standing up, William began rummaging through the mess on his desk, lifting papers, throwing some to the floor even, to try and find what he was looking for.It was madness, really. William T. Spears was never disorganised.“William, darling,” Grelle piped up, stepping up beside Ronald with a less crazy look in her eyes than she usually had around Will. “Have you allowed yourself even a second’s break?”“What does that have to do with the – There,” William found what he was looking for, apparently, and lifted one folder for him to read through. “Six souls, aged between 6 and 10…”Then it got quiet.“They’re not deceased?” William asked again for clarification.“No, sir.”“None of them?”“None.”William flopped back down into his chair, folder falling to the floor as he let out such an exhausted sigh that it looked like he had given up on life – again.“It’s not in the report. Which means Sebastian acted upon a nature which was not predicted by fate, which indicates it even goes against demon nature… Those are four separate reports for me to fill in after work, not to mention the two reports I will have to write taking your statements, then write up a full conclusion of my own investigation as I go down there-““William,” Grelle interrupted. “That’s impossible for you to do all alone after this shift.” She walked up to him, noting he was still listing reports and documents he needed to take care of because of this one incident under his breath, not listening to her.He was beyond exhausted. He was getting delirious.“William…”“No, you cannot help. There is a Christmas dinner being served for all who have participated in this long shift.” The words ‘you both should go, I’ll handle this’ were not said, but it was heavily implied.“William, darling, you do so much for us all…” Grelle tried with a frown, earning nothing more but a shake of his head. Approaching him, she sat down on the arm rest of his office chair, wrapping herself around him, arm around his shoulders. William didn’t budge, not even leaning away from her to try and recover some personal space.It was both an act of affection from Grelle, and her making good use of this version of William so she could have some intimacy… But it was mainly a testament to William’s exhaustion. If William had been feeling alright, he would have pushed further, moved away from Grelle’s attempts to let her help him.“How about, we give you a break not for you, but for someone else?” That sentence was entirely confusing, even for Ronald. Both male reapers glanced at Grelle in confusion. Gently, she brushed some stray strands of hair away from William’s face, an act normally not needed should the supervisor be feeling like himself. “If you can’t take a break for yourself, then take a break for someone else…” That didn’t clarify it either. “Besides, you have to go there anyway to investigate the premises and search for that demon.”…Apologising profusely, Mey-Rin wobbled up the ladder. Her glasses were fogging up from the sheer anxiety… But she soon calmed down when Agni remained gently smiling at her, doing nothing more but climb the second ladder to assist her.The entrance hall to the Phantomhive Manor was huge. Literally. It was a testament to the wealth of the Phantomhives, and a testament to the dramatic flair of a certain demon who had “helped” rebuild it.Of course, the servants and everyone else didn’t know about the latter part.Its grandness meant that the walls were extremely tall, perfect for fitting large portraits of long lost family relatives onto it; watching over the going-ons in what used to be their domain.One such portrait was that of Earl Vincent Phantomhive, the previous head of the family before Ciel.“Sorry to disturb you, sir,” Mey-Rin whispered to the portrait. “Twas all my fault, I’m too clumsy.”In harmony, Agni and Mey-Rin lifted the long line of tinsel up and stuffed it back behind the top corners of the portrait. Around the entire hall, Christmas decorations were put up high up to create a flair of glistening beauty as a welcome to the guests. Mey-Rin had… somehow… tripped and let one plate fly up into the air, only for it to bring the decorations down with it.Agni had been present, catching Mey-Rin before she fell face first onto the floor, before then proceeding to help her fix the decorations.“There we are,” Agni calmly said, “all fixed again, and no one will ever know anything even occurred here.”Yet, despite being done, both stayed up on the ladders, staring at the portrait. It was immaculately done, with details only the finest of artist, or closest of friend, would have known existed on Vincent’s face.“He looked like a kind gentleman,” Agni eventually said. His voice echoed against the walls, but no one paid it any attention. All guests were currently in the dining hall, enjoying the peculiar decorations, the fine food and each other’s company. Even Ciel had been seen cracking a smile from time to time when Elizabeth said something – that in and of itself was a Christmas Miracle, truly.“I wish I could have known him… I bet it woulda gladdened the Earl plenty if someone could tell stories about his dad,” Mey-Rin pondered.“Tanaka could, no?”“Tanaka does, but… There’s something between the two of them. I can’t tell what, but sometimes it feels like Tanaka doesn’t want to remind Ciel of the past, even the good stuff.”“It can be painful sometimes… To know the good will never come back.” Agni sighed. “I see it in my prince’s eyes sometimes. He does not want to go back home, but he does miss it… I know he does.”“But there’s new good things here,” Mey-Rin said.“Yes.” Agni smiled at that, offering an appreciative smile toward the maid. “And that is the case for your master too.” Slowly, the two started heading down the ladder again. “I heard he spent the afternoon helping the poor.”“Yes he did indeed, sir. My master is the kindest. He took us all in too, even if we were… not exactly the best of servants.” Done on the marble floor once more, the two continued to stare up at the portrait. “I wish he could have something other than a portrait of the good times, I do.”“He has a great Khansama. Actually…” Both servants suddenly cocked their heads to the side, realisation hitting them both. “His Khansama looks a little like…”“Yes,” a third voice said, “so you’ve noticed it too?”…“That was mighty kind of you, sir,” Ronald praised, stuffing his mouth full with leftover stuffing.“You are meant to eat that with the turkey – Oh why do I bother? You’re going to do whatever you want anyway,” William sighed, rolling his eyes.He, Grelle and Ronald were perched atop the church roof once more. Down below them, Christmas carols were being sung by a choir, their voices a beautiful background to a Christmas morning sunset. Across the road, the workhouse stirred with laughter, cheers and prays of gratitude. Not only had the children been offered toys that day, but the children had also been given a mysterious feast of Christmas food – prepared, unknowingly to them, by the reapers who had wrongfully predicted their deaths.Sitting atop foldable beach chairs, the reapers took in the sight of their charity as kids rushed around sharing the food amongst each other; food they otherwise would have never gotten, not even a goose to share between them.“It wasn’t my idea, Knox,” William corrected. “Though I suppose no one will ever believe it if we said Sutcliff offered up a luxury of hers.”“Hey,” Grelle commented with offense, “I can be nice sometimes. Besides, you really needed a break from working with the dead.”“That’s… awfully insightful of you,” William said in surprise. In his hands, he held a plate of food he was enjoying at the end of their shift. His held more turkey than the others. He’d been forced to have more turkey on his as he had made a simple comment that he enjoyed turkey – apparently, hearing William say he ‘enjoyed’ something was seen as a Christmas Miracle, which then urged Ronald and Grelle to fill his plate with turkey.“I take offense to the fact you sound so surprised.”“And I am surprised Miss Sutcliff isn’t throwing a tantrum over all these offenses thrown her way,” Ronald teased. “’Tis a Christmas Miracle!”Ronald’s last words were said in unison with one of the kids rushing outside to throw themselves into the snow, creating a little snow angel out of glee to have new toys and food all within the span of 12 hours.All three reapers – yes, even William – chuckled at that.Sometimes, working with the dead meant little appreciation was offered to the living. All they saw was the suffering toward the end, moving past the good they saw in the cinematic records like it was nothing, but always taking note of the bad. The good… was easy to forget, and easy to set aside when in reality that should be what people focused on the most. Successfully eating three meals a day, successfully brushing one’s teeth, seeing a puppy on the street, having access to one’s favourite books, being able to go for a walk, laughing with friends – or, in this case, sharing Christmas dinner on the roof of a church whilst enjoying the merriment of happy children being fed by luxuries no one on Earth had (William was going to get in trouble for this, but for now… he didn’t worry about it).As shifts ended, other reapers joined them too. It wouldn’t become a tradition, but it was a pleasant way of spending Christmas morning together as a found family in the afterlife.…
“Yes,” a third voice said, “so you’ve noticed it too?”
The Undertaker had been taking a break from the merriment of nobles. He didn’t mind it so much, really, he was used to accompanying the Phantomhives at holidays. It was just… a lot, and a lot of colour and a lot of jokes that only made half sense to him as a being who knew the intricacies of the universe.It got tiring to dumb it down sometimes.Besides… lately… these holidays had been a tad more difficult for him. It used to be that Vincent sat at the head of that table, Rachel by his side and twins running around the table until they were told off by Madam Red. It used to be that the Undertaker sat on one end of the table, next to Vincent, whilst Rachel sat opposite him on the other side of Vincent.It used to be that Vincent would hold both their hands under the table, offering glittering, appreciative glances to both as they secretly celebrated a shared holiday as a family bigger than the onlookers thought it was.It used to be…But it wasn’t no more.Now, a child pretending to be another child sat at the head of the table, with the Undertaker far away… watching as a demon who had stolen the looks of his beloved tended to the butler duties and whispered in the young lord’s ear. It was suffocating to know more than even demon and master…But it was also pleasant to be reminded of the old days, in a sad sort of way. And it was pleasant to be reminded of what he was attempting to change… what he was trying to accomplish…So when he had walked back to the bathroom and heard the maid and prince’s butler talk about Vincent, the Undertaker had stayed in the shadows to listen in. He couldn’t quite help it.Nor could he help but butt in once they realised a truth he so desperately wanted others to realise too.Why did the demon choose a father’s face if demons could not care for humans?“Yes, so you’ve noticed it too?” Mey-Rin and Agni spun around so quickly that the Undertaker simply had to cover his lips with oversized sleeves as he let out a giggle. “The face of a dead father returns in the shape of a black butler, mimicking the human like a raven found at cemeteries, picking at the dead… waiting to pounce…”“I… sir?” Agni voiced as Mey-Rin was too scared to ask anything at all.This particular guest was always an enigma to all. He helped the young lord, yet he also… was curious. Scary, sometimes. As if he was an antagonist waiting to show his true colours.“teeeheee – look at your faces,” the Undertaker giggled. “Did I fool you? Vincent was a great friend of mine. If you want to know anything ever all you have to do is call on me. I aid not just the dead.” The Undertaker was beginning to walk away, when Agni stopped him with his words.“Sir? Do you think Earl Ciel chose Sebastian as his Khansama because he felt… that the familiar face was comforting?”The Undertaker dramatically turned around in a slow gesture, tilted his head to the side and offered a tooth revealing grin as he said: “Oh no, I think it was the exact opposite. Those with dark hearts are not meant to become attached, but I think something in the past of our beloved hell of a butler changed the man to want the child to choose him as his most trusted protector. Like a father. I think the man chose the son.” The Undertaker grinned at their confusion. “But then again, I’m just a crazy fool speaking far too many truths. I should return to the feast.”Indeed… the Undertaker had a feeling that the face was chosen purposefully, so Ciel would feel calm around that which was a demon of hell, meant to scare kids. Whatever past the demon held had meant that the demon understood how a child’s mind works… It knew Ciel needed a father figure to help feel comfortable as he exacted revenge. To keep motivated.And to feel safe.…“I don’t mean to speak ill of the master’s guests but… What a strange man,” Mey-Rin pointed out.Agni quietly nodded his head, not wanting to speak ill of anyone either. “Let’s return to our work. The feast will be over soon.”…“Sebastian?”The demon paused in the doorway. Room dark from the night. The only light source was the candle held by Sebastian, and the moon shining brightly outside. The child barely saw Sebastian. But the demon saw him as he turned to look.It had been a long day, and Ciel was exhausted, his breathing even a little ragged from poor health making him even more easily tired.“Yes, my lord?”“If Timothy wanted you to be his father, how could you… take his soul?”The question struck deep within the demon, eyes turning red. Enough about Timmy, already. His master really needed to learn to let go of the past – then again, if Sebastian started teaching Ciel that, his work to get Ciel’s vengeful soul to perfection would fail.“In truth, my lord, I found ways to extend the contract. I am not proud of it, but I did. It was… a confusing couple of years.” Staying in the doorway, Sebastian only felt comfortable admitting this because of the distance between them, and the fact that Ciel’s question had come out slurred, indicating the boy was half asleep and might not remember this. “And it was not easy to take the child’s soul. Nor will it be this time.”There was no reply. Sebastian assumed Ciel had gone to sleep and left the bedroom, locking the door behind him.Left alone in the darkness, Ciel, quietly, pondered those words. The face of his father had spoken those words… It felt… Strange. Oddly comforting.When Christmas Day ended, Ciel fell asleep with a peaceful smile on his lips…