A celebration of family, eh?

[sweetlies]

who: Ciel Phantomhive, Undertaker, Vincent Phantomhive, those invited to spend the holiday
what: Celebrating Hygge with cocoa by the fire
when: Second day (and on? maybe?)
where: Phantomhive/Undertaker house
warnings: None

He'd spent a late day in the store the day before, having several Bitter Rabbits customized to share at least a passing similarity to their recipients. And when they'd been finished, he carefully wrote out notes for each, boxed them, and set them out to be delivered the next morning. Two of them, he packed up to take home with him, to give to their new owners personally. They were in an unmarked box at least, easily covered up as something for work that he didn't want to leave.

He hoped the invitations would be accepted. At least in their own home, his father and Undertaker seemed at least a bit excited for Hygge. Even if it was something unique to this world.

Ciel also made sure the had plenty of ingredients for cocoa and plenty of marshmallows for it. His sweet tooth demanded as much. Anything else he was sure would be asked for. A shop wasn't too far away that they couldn't get anything needed or wanted. Or so he hoped.

Comments

[somakemelaugh]

The hot cocoa invite he'd extended to the city, he had intended to make good on, and he's spent more than a little time, making sure they had enough for whoever might show up. Given his familiarity with the people around, he wasn't sure who all would take him up on his offer or if it would be taken up outside of his household at all, but what wasn't taken would be devoured by either him or the people living with him one way or another.

He's in the middle of the first batch of cocoa when Ciel returns home, and rather proud of the fact that their house now smells of chocolate. He's even humming to himself when the boy arrives, not in the middle of another discussion with Albert again.

"Ah, good evening, milord! Just in time."

[sweetlies]

The box with Undertaker's gift is held carefully, along with his fathers, each box marked so he wouldn't mistake them. And he wondered just how busy they'd be during the holiday as he watched Undertaker, smiling at the man and enjoying the scent of cocoa in the air.

"I could smell the chocolate." He smiled, slipping up the the counter and setting the boxed down. Perfectly innocent, the way he did it too, no markings except for a "U" on one and an "F" on the other.

[somakemelaugh]

His grin showed a little more teeth as he giggled and took a spoon for another stir of hot chocolate that he had finished, blended in a cup of steaming milk. The spoon was set aside on a paper towel and he set the cup on a saucer to offer to the boy, though the boxes on the counter took his attention.

"Oh? What might those be?"

[sweetlies]

Mm, Ciel would gladly accept the cup, wrapping both hand around it and inhaling the scent. Just taking a moment to enjoy it before lightly blowing at the steam, hoping it wouldn't take too long for it to cool. It smelled good enough that that he was already willing to burn himself.

"One is the Bitter Rabbit for father. The other is a surprise." There was a grin, full of mischief that might have been expected by then. "You did make cocoa already though, I suppose I could let you see. If you really want."

[somakemelaugh]

Steam meant hot, and it did smell good and had his own mouth watering, but he'd hoped Ciel would give it time to cool a little before he tried it out. While he waited, the boxes drew him away from the other cup of cocoa he had made for himself. One finger reached out to poke at the boxes gently.

"I think I do. Is it alive or dead?"

[supersweet]

[ Jon isn't going to decline an invitation. He kept to himself last month, a little rattled by Damian's departure. All the people he knew were gone and it's been harder and harder to keep his spirits up in a mostly empty house. Especially during this month, a month he'd usually spend with his parents. He feels oddly bereft and alone, but he fixes a sunny smile at Ciel as he comes in. ]

Hey Ciel!

[ He holds up a gift. A cool gift! Literally. It is an ice sculpture of a bunny. It may not last very long but it's unique and made by Jon himself. The details might be a bit patchy, but he also brought chocolates. ]

[sweetlies]

[Good thing Ciel invited him then. And when he lets Jon into the house, he looks much more at ease than in his first couple months. He even smiles more easily.]

Jon, I'm glad you came.

[The ice bunny definitely earns a smile but it won't be able to stay with them near the fireplace. He doesn't want to see it 'die' too soon.]

I hope you liked your Bitter Rabbit.

[supersweet]

[ Jon nods, pleased Ciel seems to like it. ]

I did! Did you make it yourself?

[sweetlies]

[He gestures for Jon to follow him into the kitchen and over to the table they'd set up there. It would have a slightly longer life in there, he thinks.]

Mostly. A few members of my staff at the store helped me. I've never sewn before so I mostly sewed on the accessories. [So... actually not a lot of work was done himself.]

[earlofphantoms]

He had thought long and hard about what his little son deserved. All things considered, the best he could come up with was a taste of the home they had once shared. Packaged neatly in a box was a book of stories that he used to read to the twins, an especially soft blue blanket and a ring that one of the ballet patrons had helped him acquire. It was a simple design, but it had "Ciel's" true initials on it. His boy did not need to be anyone other than himself.

But those gifts could be enjoyed later. Vincent had other plans in mind. He found and caught up his now teenage son whilst he was in the kitchen. Grinning, he kissed his cheek.

"Will you spend some time with me?"

[sweetlies]

Feeling someone suddenly grabbing onto him without a high pitched squeal of 'CIEL' makes him panic for the briefest moment, muscles tensing. He was aware enough of his surroundings though that he knew there were no real dangers to him in Riverview. And this was his home. So he made himself relax, especially as he felt that kiss to his cheek and heard his fathers voice.

"That's what the holiday is for, isn't it?" So, yes, of course he would. It would be nice to spend some time with Undertaker and his father on his own before they started having guests over.

[earlofphantoms]

His grip was relaxed - gentle enough that Ciel could break free if he wanted to - but he couldn't help his enthusiasm. The smell of hot chocolate and cookies was a sweet reminder of Christmases in the past; Christmases where they could be a true family with no distance between them. Vincent longed to revive those days.

"You are entirely correct." he stroked back Ciel's hair, "Before anyone else arrives, will you have some hot chocolate with me?"

[sweetlies]

Breaking free wasn't on his mind, not after the panic passed and his mind caught up, recognizing who it was with him. And the warmth of the house, the sweet smells Vincent focused on, they all served to anchor Ciel down in the moment. In safety.

"I'm sure that could be arranged." He smiled, turning his head to face his father and then glancing to the box he'd left there in the kitchen since he gave Undertaker his own gift.

"I have something for you. For Hygge."

[hititwithacrowbar]

Jason made his way to the Phantomhive house once he was off work and had had time to shower and dry his hair. Again, making sure he changed into one of his few nicer looking suits. This one of black with a red shirt, his hair was getting shaggy again, which despite being slicked back managed to let a bit of his bangs escape and they curled the way it had when he was a boy. He always tried to look his best when going to the Phantomhive house. At least this time when he arrived the Mustang didn't sound as bad, but the door was still popping.

Knocking on the door with another box under his arm. Three gifts inside, one for Ciel, one for Undertaker, and a bottle of nicer wine for Vincent, as he didn't know the man well. He figured he should at least try.

[sweetlies]

Jason would probably be surprised to find Ciel dressed more casually, although his slacks were still neat but he wore a high-necked sweater when he answered the door, hair brushed neatly to better cover his eyepatch.

"Jason." He'd even be greeted with a smile, something he may have noticed happening a little more often since he'd first arrived.

[hititwithacrowbar]

He was indeed, his eyes widening some. He looked almost like he belonged in a more modern time period with just a new change of clothes. He had noticed Ciel smiled more these days, and was starting to smile more in turn to him, a moment later tipping his head some.


"Ciel. I hope your well." He greeted. "How is the holiday treating you?"

[sweetlies]

Finding clothes that fit his time period had been proving too difficult, not without going to a costume shop and that had just seemed ridiculous. And custom tailoring was just too costly, especially with him and Undertaker having gotten a house rather than staying in the apartments.

And Ciel was good at adapting. He'd done it after returning from the cult, adapting to being his brother and to be the Earl, to being the Watchdog. And here he'd do the same.

"Well enough although I'm still a bit tired from making all the Bitter Rabbits. Undertaker and father didn't seem cross about it though." What with his fragile health and all. "I hope it's treating you well?"

for Vincent and Ciel

[dancingmd]

Well, that rabbit invitation was about the cutest thing ever and there is absolutely no way Beverly isn't going to come to Ciel's party. Besides, it's long past time that she met his father. And while Hygge isn't exactly Christmas, it's close enough, and Beverly would rather not spend the holidays alone - too much room for homesickness over her family.

Knocking on the door, she waits patiently outside with her bag of presents as snow falls around her.

[earlofphantoms]

Vincent doesn't answer right away - he is a noble who generally has servants for these tasks! But he doesn't keep her waiting long. He opens the door with a bright smile of welcome.

"Are you here for the party?" he steps back to allow her inside, "Please ignore the skeleton seated by the fireplace. His bones are not real."

[sweetlies]

Vincent is quicker than his son to answer the door but Ciel is only a few steps behind. Seeing Beverly in the doorway makes the teen smile. It's something he's still getting used to but it's genuine.

"You came, I'm so glad." He glances to his father and then the doctor. "Introductions are in order, I suppose. Once we're settled though."

[dancingmd]

She steps inside, not sure what to make of the skeleton comment, but it is nice to see Ciel so happy. "Of course I came! Thank you for inviting me!"

[shoplifter]

Laura is admittedly a bit surprised to be invited. Because it was -- a celebration of family, wasn't it? And she had a difficult time accepting the thought that someone would consider her family. Maybe he'd just been... inviting her mainly as a friend. Even so, she couldn't help but faintly feel like she was trespassing in on a special occasion, when she finally does arrive.

She can be caught looking around and investigating just about everything in the house, now.

Because, well. She's a curious creature like that. Give her a sec.

[sweetlies]

That was true but Ciel was a bit lacking in family, instead inviting the people who felt as close to family as possible to celebrate with the actual family he had with him.

He didn't mind her looking around, there was nothing any of them really wanted to keep hidden. Not that Ciel knew, anyway. And his gun was always on him, even asleep it stay under his pillow. Eventually though, he did approach with a mug of cocoa.

"Make yourself comfortable, Laura."

[shoplifter]

"... Gracias..."

She carefully takes the mug, the warmth not really a bother to her when she sips it. It's not like anything that burns her mouth leaves any injury -- but she's cautious enough that she can at least enjoy it. Looking around the area, she can't help but let her eyes roam again.

"It must be nice, to live away from a lot of people in one area."

[sweetlies]

He'd have probably still worried if she had burned herself, not really having a full idea of what she was capable of. He, at least, knew she could take care of herself. Although it hadn't stopped everyone else from worrying.

"It is. I was never great with people, but it was a cozy house that Undertaker and I both liked. It worked out in our favor."