Ciel groaned softly as he sat down on the floor, leaning against the cool wall behind him. His stomach ached from the strain of being emptied of what little it contained. He could tell that his fever had spiked and he mentally kicked himself for having ordered Sebastian to follow the most recent lead in a string of murders in London.
"You'd better be quick about it Sebastian." He whispered hoarsely and attempted to stand on wabbling legs. He steadied himself against the wall waiting for the dizziness to pass before slowly making his way back to his room and climbing into bed. The young Earl settlrd back into his pillows and closed his eyes.
It wasn't long before he heard a knock at the door and Finny appeared.
"Young Master, are you okay, I thought I heard you being ill just now." Ciel sighed. Whether or not he would say it out loud, Ciel found the genuine concern of his servants endearing as it went beyond what was required of them.
"I'll be fine Finny, have you finished in the garden?"
"Yes, I hope you aren't upset with me being here, it's juat with Mr. Sebastian gone and all, I thought it might be a good idea to check on you myself." The gardener looked away nervously. Ciel sat up ignoring the returning dizziness and nausea.
"Finny, you're doing exactly what a servant ought to do, as such, I can not be upset with you, you've done well." Finny smiled, he had done something to please his young master, such a thing was rare in the Phantomhive household, try as they may their attempts hardly resulted in a positive out come.
"Can I get you something?" Ciel motion to the bedside table and the items on it.
"You could bring fresh water, put some in the bowl and bring more cloths." The blond boy nodded.
"Right away" he grabb the pitcher and bowl, exiting the room leaving Ciel to rest quietly
Ciel awoke moments later when a damp cool cloth touched his forehead.
"Sorry Master, I didn't mean to wake you, I saw that you're fever was making you sweat pretty bad and I know that Mr. Sebastian does this for you but since he isn't here-" He said softly.
"Thank you Finny, I-"
"Please lady Elizabeth, the master isn't-" The panixked voice belonged to Mey Rin and was soon followed by a second.
"If Ciel's ill, then he'll need some looking after,I am his future wife after all." Ciel groaned feeling a rush of embarrassment. How could he possibly allow her to see him like this? He had no time to react however, the girl was already at the door. Finny backed awayallowing her access to the Earl.
"Lizzy, you shouldn't be here, I'm not-"
"You and I will be married one day, it is my role to care for you, more than that, I truly want to." Ciel looked at her silently, he noticed immediately that the usual smile was absent and her sparkling eyes showed no sign of the joy Ciel ha always known.
"What's the matter?" He asked though he already knew the answer.
"Can you expect me to be happy when you're lying in bed ill, and why don't you ever talk to me about anything, I'll always help you with whatever you need, but I can't do anything if you don't tell me"
"I don't need you to do anything, I just need rest I apppreciate your concern for me but-" He was cut off when Lizzy dropped her head into her hands and began to sob.
"Just once Ciel, I'd like to be able to do something for you, show youthat I care, with Sebastian gone, I thought it would be a good thing ro do, If s-something happened to you and I" She sniffled.
"I'm fairly certain I'm not dying if that's what you're getting at." Ciel suddenly realized his harsh tone as the girl cried harder.
"Lizzy, I disn't mean for it to come out that way it's just that-" Ciel came to a decision quickly, the only thing that would make her stop crying and give him some peace. He laid back down.
"Just that I feel so ill today, I've been worried about how I'm going to manage without Sebastian looking after everything, I knew it wasn't going to be easy yet-" he said allowing her to hear the fatigue in his voice.
"I hope you can-"
""Don't worry Ciel, We'll have you feeling better in no time, you just focus on resting and I'll take care of everything." She wiped away the tears as she recognized the invitation.
"I just need to run downstairs and get my things, I'll come straight back to you, is it okay if I borrow Finny?" Ciel nodded sitting up slightly.
"
"Take your time Lizzy, It's not like I'm going anywhere." Lizzy rushed over to the bed placing a firm but gentle hand on the boy's chest. Ciel allowed her to push him back down.
"No you mustn't tire yourself, lie down." Once Lizzy and Finny were out of view Ciel smirked.
"Well played Elizabeth, well played indeed."