Chapter Eight: Under The Mistletoe

The rapidly growing restaurant had acquired quite the reputation for throwing holiday parties. The christmas party drew in mobs of customers, even earning a visit from a few minor celebrities in the area. At first, Claude begrudgingly wore the red santa hat he was given until Sebastian came up to him and said, "hey, at least you don't look like me."

Claude couldn't help but laugh, for the smaller male was decked out in a pair of light-up reindeer antlers and a painted red nose.

"Let me guess; your aunt gave those to you?"

"Yeah. At least I have to work so I don't have a full costume." He glanced over at his little brother who was playing the role of host quite well. The amount of maturity he had was astounding, especially considering the little elf costume he was wearing. Ciel looked very good in green, but had to put on a lot of self-restraint not to scowl.

"So how did your brother meet mine?" Claude asked on one of their breaks.

"Swim class"

"And they got on, did they?"

"More or less. Alois can get on Ciel's nerves, but they balance each other out."

"Oh my god Alois can be annoying?" Claude asked sarcastically. He chuckled, watching the pair of them leading customers around to their tables. He continued, "So why did Alois volunteer?"

"I think he was bored. He likes the costume though. The amount of energy he has is perfect for the setting."

"I think Red's taken a liking to them as a pair."

It was Sebastian's turn to laugh. "She certainly does love children. I suppose it's fitting."

Claude raised an eyebrow.

"I'll explain later."

Claude and Alois had planned another lonely Christmas in whatever place they ended up in. The state owned orphans. Everyone knew that. He despised it. Alois and he managed to stay under the radar for a long time before they were caught stealing food. From there, it was orphanage to foster home, and nobody really wanted two grown boys living with them. Though eventually, the time did come when Claude needed stability. High school is when a person is forced to plan out the rest of his or her life, and Claude did have ambitions despite whatever doubts the state had.

A married couple had agreed to house Claude and his little brother for the duration of both of their schooling, but they also had their own children to worry about.

Madame Red was fully aware of this since she was Claude's employer. The Phantomhives were known for their hospitality, and Madame Red was no exception. She insisted Claude and Alois spend Christmas and new years with Ciel and Sebastian. At first, Claude tried to object, partially out of embarrassment, but eventually he had to give in (which wasn't such a bad thing really).

After the Christmas party, Claude and Alois went home with Miss Durless and the two other boys.

"Unfortunately, the guest room isn't quite finished since we decided to remodel it. Would you two mind sharing a room? I know Ciel and Alois have had plenty of sleepovers, but I want to make sure Claude is okay with this sleeping arrangement."

Claude gave a small smile and a nod to Sebastian, then confirmed "It's perfectly fine. we'll try to keep the noise down, but that may prove a bit difficult."

"Here, let me help you with your bags" Sebastian said, picking up one of Claude's suitcases. The area was expecting at least two feet of snow, so Claude and Alois packed enough clothes for two weeks away. Again, Claude tried to object, but by the time he opened his mouth, Sebastian was already heading upstairs. He nearly tripped over Stella, who was sleeping at the top of the steps.

"Stella, you're going to need to move"

She did reluctantly, and went into Sebastian's room. Upon entry, it was clear that Stella had claimed the bed (at least for now), giving both of them a "just try and move me" look.

"Your cat has an attitude" Claude chuckled

"Yeah, but that's why we love her so much. She always knows when things get serious though, and she either leaves the room or tries to cuddle."

Sebastian dropped the suitcase next to the trundle bed, almost presenting his bedroom to Claude.

"Welcome to my humble abode" The smaller male announced, gesturing flamboyantly to the room.

In response, Claude ruffled Sebastian's hair. Before the pair began settling in.

"By the way, thanks for coming to the last water polo game"

"My pleasure. Seems like you may need to get a swear jar though. I'd be rich."

"Oh really?"

"Something tells me that wasn't your first offense."

Claude rolled his eyes. "Hey, I've never been banned from playing. Just taken out mid-match for my language. Most of my team has gotten some kind of suspension for actual violence."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, then playfully poked Claude's cheek. "Like you've never been violent"

"I never claimed to be a peaceful person."

While looking around, Claude spotted the line of manga books on the bottom shelf of the bookcase. "I didn't know you were into manga"

Sebastian started, then blushed furiously.

"Yeah, I sort of love this series. It's pretty fucked up though. Not for the kids"

"Sorry, but since when did you start swearing?"

"Since I started spending time with you"

"My bad"

"Yeah, you're a pretty bad influence."

"Back to the original topic, what's this series about?"

"It's called Black Butler, and it's based on a Faustian contract made between a demon and a child. Ciel wants to get revenge for his parents' death, and once the deed is done, Sebastian gets to eat Ciel's soul."

"Okay, that does sound pretty fucked up."

"Here," Sebastian said, picking up the first volume. "Give it a shot. I have to go do some chores anyway. I know the first part is boring, but it gets a lot better."

Claude took the book and began reading on Sebastian's bed.

Both men were ecstatic Christmas morning to find a few gifts under the tree for them.

Madame red had gotten Claude a new pair of fingerless gloves, since he insisted on wearing them at all times. They were embroidered with the Spider Lily's logo so he could wear them in the restaurant. He thanked her with a hug.

Sebastian got a kitten-covered set of pajamas and a few new video games.

Ciel opened his suspiciously small box and found a new cell phone. He was very grateful now that he didn't have to borrow someone else's phone every time he needed a ride.

Alois was easy to please, and expressed a very strong desire for new pajamas. Angelina had found the most beautiful set that would match Alois' eyes.

As an extra thank-you to both Claude and Alois for helping out at the Spider Lily, she had gotten them winter hats as well. Claude's was rimmed with golden yarn that matched his eyes, and Alois' had a pompon on the top.

Claude and Sebastian decided to exchange gifts privately.

Claude remembered how long ago his stupid friends took Sebastian's pink sweater. He also remembered Sebastian holding back tears as they threw it into the dumpster in the back of the school. Claude couldn't stop them, but he had to protect his image at school. Sebastian knew that, and didn't talk to Claude unless it was out of school or they were paired together for a project. Still, the mixed messages hurt a lot. Even though Sebastian knew Claude was only playing along with his friends, it was hard to ignore how much he was still picked on.

All of this abuse called for a major apology, and even that wouldn't be enough. Nothing could excuse how he treated Sebastian, but he didn't know how to apologize enough.

Claude unpacked the gift to Sebastian from his suitcase. It was beaten up, but still completely wrapped.

"I have something for you" He said softly, with his genuine smile on his face.

"You didn't have to"

"You know I did"

Sebastian sighed, accepting the gift as it was set in his lap. He carefully opened the kitten-covered wrapping paper and found a brand new pink sweater in the box.

It was useless to hide the pure joy on his face as Sebastian held it in front of him.

"Where did you find this?"

"It doesn't matter. Just put it on." Sebastian did so, with the biggest grin on his face. He felt like a part of him that had been taken away was back again. Stella nuzzled into his lap as he tried to work around her and get his arms in the sleeves.

"It's perfect! Thank you Claude. Thank you so so much." Sebastian gave him a hug, his face beaming.

"So… Now it's my turn. Don't even try saying I didn't have to because I already did."

He grabbed a box from his closet and gave it to Claude, sitting down again in anticipation.

Sebastian was nearly bursting with excitement as Claude the gift. Claude's jaw dropped as he pulled out a perfectly knit scarf with golden spider webs on a black background.

"This is really wonderful, Sebastian" He said, admiring the detailing in the scarf.

"Yeah. I saw Aunt Anne's gift to you and I thought it needed something to go with it.

"Where did you find this?"

"Oh… I made it."

Both boys blushed. Claude was shocked. It looked professionally done.

"I hope that's alright. I couldn't find anything in the stores that suited you. None of them were good enough and—"

Sebastian was interrupted by a kiss on the cheek, which turned exceptionally pink afterward.

Claude's heart was beating. Did he go too far? Did Sebastian not feel the same way? He turned away in embarrassment, getting up to leave the room.

Sebastian was stunned, but only temporarily. Before he could leave, Sebastian caught the taller male, spun him around, and kissed Claude's now very red cheek. The golden eyes widened as his pupils dilated. After a second, he mustered up the courage to look into Sebastian's eyes.

Sebastian pointed up to the top of the doorframe. Claude looked up, then shook his head with a grin.

"Mistletoe?"

"You were under it."

Claude tapped Sebastian's nose playfully.

"So it's official now?" Claude asked.

Sebastian's red eyes were wide. "I guess it is." He sighed.

"Better not tell my aunt. She'd make you sleep on the couch."

That night, they both snuggled up in Sebastian's bed. Claude took his gloves off while Sebastian was sleeping. He didn't know how to tell Sebastian about what happened. It might be for the best that Sebastian didn't know everything. Hopefully he'd be safe. Claude couldn't risk making his relationship public. Sebastian would surely be targeted and Claude would sooner break his own heart than allow Sebastian to be involved with the underworld.

Update! Sorry everyone, but these updates won't be regular. I haven't forgotten though. I just need to focus on myself and my school work. College is expensive. There will be an update within the next few months. I already have the beginning of chapter 9 typed out. In the meantime, review, share, comment, etc...

Expect more fluff and adorableness mixed with backstory.
Cheers!
-Liz