DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS FROM KUROSHITSUJI!

Chapter One

Snow

"I assume you've yet another rather boring day planned for me Sebastian."

"Well young master, you must carry out the necessary duties as head of the prestigious Phantomhive household. We wouldn't want the city council to believe that you haven't got control of your own company, now would we?" he retorted with a smirk. He must love to torture me with boring meetings, when he knows I'd rather be sitting at home playing a game of chess.

"Humph." I grumbled rather unpleasantly. "I wish to be done with this whole mess. And stop calling me young master like I'm some child! I'm twenty now you know!"

"Now, don't be like that master!" he replied happily, completely ignoring my last remark, "Either way we must get going, and don't forget your coat! Today's said to be one of the coldest winter days of the season!"

I grabbed my coat quickly before my loyal servant had time to retrieve it, and threw it over my shoulders, attempting an act of defiance that ended up clumsily knocking over my chess pieces. Sebastian just regarded me with a sly smile that I could tell was holding back a laugh. I sent a piercing look his way in hopes that he'd get the message to wipe that bloody grin off his face but it stayed firmly upon his lips.

"Sebastian, pick up my things, and then fix my coat. How clumsy can you be, setting my pieces right next to my desk? Tsk. I should have known not to expect much from you."

At that I got an angry look but it quickly dissipated into a calm mask of indifference. "As you wish, Young master."

XxXxXxXxXx

As we neared the city hall my nerves began to rise. Even though I am a good public speaker it always made me nervous to talk to the council, after all they were the ones determining if my company's products would continue to sell in stores.

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the large steps leading to the entrance of the hall. On a dark day like today the gates looked like those depicted in portraits of Hell. Chuckling at the ironic thought I stepped out of the carriage with the help of Sebastian. He eyed me quizzically and I shrugged it off. I had a meeting to attend, one that he himself planned without my permission!

As I entered the well-lit hall the newer councilmen looked up, quite astonished that the Ciel Phantomhive was but a "child", how could a young man of my age be controlling a wealthy company?!

The rest of the council who knew my love of a good show no doubt wanted me to hurry up and sit before I wasted more of their time. Luckily for them I was just as willing to get this meeting over with.

"Gentlemen, please do sit down," I said, specifically directed at the ones with their mouths agape. I sent a sharp look towards Sebastian who was looking off into space.

Why haven't you introduced me formally yet?! Idiot!

He finally sensed my aggravation and introduced me to the council members, not without an apologetic glance towards me. I wonder what's gotten into him today. First he brought my tea in late, then he forgot to clean my office and the list could go on. He was acting completely wonky!

After formal introductions and many an astonished look from the younger men the meeting commenced.

"Mr. Phantomhive, if you don't mind me asking why didn't you come to the autumn ball last month? It was quite a splendid evening, even your betrothed was there saying she couldn't get you to come!"

I looked at the man who had asked the question. An older man, probably in his early fifties with a stately chin and a commanding aura, I hadn't seen him before so he must have been new. His nameplate proudly proclaimed him as 'Sir Arthur Greenbelt' Ha, a sir indeed.

"I had a prior engagement that required my immediate attention. I would have loved to have been there Sir Greenbelt." Sebastian gave me a glance upon hearing my lie. He knew I had nothing going on that night. He also knew I didn't attend the ball because of one thing. Dancing. Just the word made me shiver in fear.

"Oh, very well, but do try to attend the Christmas ball this next week. We wouldn't want the head of such an elite household to be," he chuckled, "antisocial!" and at that he belted out in laughter earning many confused looks from council members who weren't listening to our conversation.

"I'll try not to Sir. After all, Lizzy would drag me there before I had time to say no!"

XxXxXxXxXxXx

Finally with the meeting over and trust gained from those dim-witted fools I returned to my home. On the ride back I contemplated what could be causing Sebastian's unusual behavior. I just wish he'd get better, I hope everything's alright- wait, I mean that's normal, to be worried when your butler isn't doing his job, right?!

The dark clouds outside didn't help my uncomfortable mood. I stared in silence out the window as small tufts of snow drifted to the ground. Snow is so fleeting. It's disgusting. Anything that doesn't last isn't of any worth, but for some reason everyone loves the snow. I can't wait to get home already I thought drearily. But just as that thought crossed my mind another more morbid one intruded my head; Lizzy is probably already waiting, no doubt bouncing up and down with my invitation to the Christmas ball. I don't want to disappoint my dear friend again. Oh yes, that friend problem again. How should I break the news to her that I don't see her as anything more than a friend. I can almost imagine her heartbroken face. Love is just like snow, there one second, gone the next.

While my thoughts rumbled about inside my head somehow we'd arrived to my dear manor. Sebastian was just about to open the door to the carriage when he suddenly stood straight up, almost like a startled cat, and ran into the front of the house. After a few minutes I started to get anxious. What was wrong?! I should be walking in the door right now! What's taking him so long?! Did something happen to him? I soon found the answers to my questions when I turned to see Sebastian carrying a large umbrella and even bigger winter coat. I breathed a small sigh of relief that he was alright- I mean, that my butler had returned.

"Took you long enough! You should have prepared the umbrella before we left! It looked like it was going to snow! And I'm already wearing a coat! What's the need for another-"

"Master, I just wanted to make sure you didn't get covered with snow, seeing as you despise it so much. And I do apologize for not preparing the umbrella beforehand. I was busy cleaning up the chess pieces you- I so clumsily knocked over this morning. If you could ever forgive me." he said ending with a deep bow.

"W-well just hurry up now, I'm awful cold so give me that bloody coat… and thank you for the umbrella…" Did I seriously just thank him! It's his job! I'm the one going mad, not him! I'll just go take a hot bath when I get inside. Yes, that should help! And with that I strode inside my manor with my servant in tow.

Hey everyone! This is my first fanfiction! Hope you enjoy. Feel free to send me a review it's always wonderful to hear from you guys! Thank you! Please take care of me!
KRM