Disclaimer: I do NOT own Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler.
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Ciel sighed lightly as he sat down in the library. He crossed his legs; opening a book he'd chosen from the well filled shelves only moments ago. He started to read; liking the silence that consumed the mansion that day. The staff clearly were behaving them selves so far the morning, the boy thought to himself. Peering in through the door, Sebastian watched the young Earl who seemed to be teetering on the edge of boredom, yet still content in his readings. Raising a single gloved hand, Sebastian knocked gently on the door, to alert his master of his presence. Not waiting for an answer, the butler pushed open the door and wheeled in a cart with all of the necessities of afternoon tea. The boy looked over at the door; before uncrossing his legs and lowered the book to his lap. He glanced over the contents of the cart, as he waited for the other to stop at the small table and to serve him.

Sebastian's eyes never left his masters as he spoke. "Today I have prepared a Dacquoise cake for you, chilled and garnished with raspberries. It has an intriguing flavor with the combination of butter cream, hazelnut, almond and fruit." Deft hands shifted the plate towards the Earl before continuing on to add honey to the tea. "Served with it is a light English breakfast tea to complement the cake's taste." Satisfied, having done his part, Sebastian stepped back and allowed for Ciel to taste his most recent concoction, waiting in anticipation for the Earl's approval. Ciel picked up his cake fork and cut into the cake slice on his plate. Once in his mouth he chewed delicately; it was delicious, as Sebastian's creations always were. Though Ciel was not one for compliments or thank yous. He gave one today. ''...You've outdone yourself, Sebastian.'' he commented, before reaching for his tea.

"I am glad that it is to your taste, Bocchan." The butler regarded Ciel. The younger, lifted another fork full of cake to his mouth as Sebastian watched, pleased as those thin lips twisted into one of pleasure. Apparently the dacquoise was most delicious. Ciel was nothing, if not modest. Shifting to more pressing matters, Sebastian's face was all business. "Have you prepared a speech to give at Lady Elizabeth's garden party tomorrow? She will be most disappointed if you do not have something to say. It will be her birthday." The boy's face twisted this time into a scowl as if he had tasted something bad. He swallowed, and then sighed. ''I...have not, Sebastian.'' Ciel admitted, he'd spent the entire day and the past week, trying to think of speech for Lizzy's party. But he could not seem to come up with anything he was satisfied with. He knew he'd had awhile to write something, Elizabeth had gone on for months about her party. He half wished he could cancel and fake sickness, but his pride wouldn't let him. He had a duty to be at his fiance's birthday party. Even if he did not wish to marry her...

Sebastian's stoic face cracked and a frown appeared; that wrinkled his brow. "It is not something that I should be doing for you, Bocchan, so please make an effort to try again. The people will be expecting you to say a few words…" The raven haired man's frown turned to a scowl as he observed Ciel, adverting his azure eye. "The meaning of words is not of consequence, only the delivery and tone of the speech matter." They both knew that it was just a fancy way of saying that; if you lie no one will know as long as you sound sincere, but as a butler Sebastian couldn't be so... frank. The boy sighed slightly; putting down his fork as he reached for his tea again. ''I guess...I could try again.'' Ciel replied, sipping his tea thoughtfully. If he didn't exactly have to stick to the truth when it came to some things; he might very well be able to come up with something to share at the party afterall. "Very well then." Sebastian allowed himself to smirk and as quickly as it had appeared it had dissipated. Not wishing to indulge in idle conversation, Sebastian listened to the sounds of silence as his master enjoyed his tea and cake.

The little earl soon finished his tea and cake. Letting Sebastian return plate his and cup to the cart. ''Keep an eye out tomorrow, Sebastian.'' Ciel said, picking up his book once more, getting ready to return it to the shelf. ''Make sure Alois and Claude don't mess up Elizabeth's party.'' he commanded. Sebastian paused at the door, his face like stone. He honestly hadn't though of the other demon interfering, and cursed himself inwardly for his lack of forethought. Turning to face his master he bowed, placing a hand over his black heart.

"Yes, my Lord."