The night was dark and still as Ciel sat on the bench, Sebastian's heart was breaking, he knew what was going to happen as he stood in front of Ciel. He did his best to keep his usual tone as they spoke.
"Does it hurt?" The boy had asked, Sebastian was surprised by his master's calm demeanor.
"I'm afraid it does a bit, I shall be as gentle as I can." Sebastian vowed. Again he was shocked by Ciel's request to be as brutal as he wanted.
"Young Master, if only you could read my mind, I want nothing more than to find some way to keep you alive. You are very precious to me and I am nothing without you. I cannot harm you. I need you by my side always." Sebastian thought silently as he moved closer to Ciel.
The boy leaned back and closed his eyes. Sebastian was grateful, if they hadn't been closed Ciel would surely have noticed the tears in his eyes. He could not show such weakness to his master when the boy was showing strength.
The demon reached out to the Earl and pulled him from the bench into his arms.
"Young Master, you mustn't leave me, not ever. I love you, I cannot bear to see you this way. Come back to me. I do not regret you,you must breathe, you are the only one I have ever loved." The butler sobbed bowing his head as his tears fell on Ciel's chest. Sebastian suddenly lifted his head to the sky. He let out a long, mournful cry, his pain was gripping his heart as the butler disappeared and was replaced by the beast that was his true self.
"Sebastian!' The shout startled him from his sleep and he looked up to see Ciel now sitting on the edge of the bed with him. His blue eyes wide with worry. Sebastian reached up and placed his hand on Ciel's face.
"You're here." He said simply, tears streaming from his crimson eyes.
"Of course I am, I told you I wasn't going anywhere. What's wrong?"
"I- nothing, it doesn't matter now. All that does is that you're right here." Sebastian tried to sit up but Ciel placed a hand on his chest to stop him.
"Not yet. The healer said you shouldn't." Ciel said.
"What happened Sebastian, why were you make that sound?"
"Sound?" Sebastian asked confused.
"Yes, it was loud and really sad." Ciel bowed his head. "It was..painful to hear that coming from you."
"I apologize my love, I had no intention of causing you pain. I had the most terrible dream, of the night you died as a human, I was so heartbroken that I -" Ciel bent down and hugged Sebastian tight.
"Is that what it sounded like, the noise you told me about?"
"Yes. I felt as though I would die with you, that sound can only come from true despair that grips the heart until it has been shattered by the sorrow that shakes us to our very core. Simply put, it isn't easy to cause a demon to produce that sound, we must suffer beyond anything imaginable in order for it to happen."
"Sebastian, I-I'm here now and you'll never have to feel that pain again. I love you." Ciel gave him an extra tight squeeze.
"I love you too. I'm so happy to hear you say those words, they help more than you know. I am grateful for your love and caring." Ciel smiled faintly and raised the goblet to the older demon before helping him up.
"Drink slowly. How do you feel?" Sebastian took a small sip, each time he did so, his stomach pain lessened temporarily.
"A little better now, thank you. You're going to remember to take the liquid the healer left you aren't you?"
"I always do. Are you sure your stomach feels okay?"
"For the moment there is very little pain. It is a tremendous relief."
"Good. When you finish, you should lie down again and save your strength. You're going to need it to get well." Sebastian emptied the goblet and leaned back against the headboard. Ciel placed several pillows behind the older demon.
"Ciel, you don't have to -"
"It's part of taking care of you, I want to do it." Ciel took the goblet and set it on the bedside table before standing up. Sebastian took hold of his wrist.
"Come here Ciel." He requested, Ciel allowed himself to be pulled onto the bed as Sebastian held him and began to nuzzle him gently. Ciel smiled.
"That feels nice, I can feel how much you love me." He said enjoying the feeling of happiness and love that was filling his heart.
"Well perhaps I should do this more often. This is a demon's way of showing deep affection. Sebastian explained.
"it's nice. When you're better, I'd like for you to but until then, focus on your health. We have all the time in the world to do such things." The young demon said standing up and helping Sebastian get comfortable in bed.
"Remember Ciel, you must take care of yourself as well."
"I will, I promise. Get some rest now, I need you back to normal."
"Soon my love, you are so devoted to my wellbeing that I shall be up and about in no time."
