I was reluctant to admit it, since most of the things he says are ridiculous however, just as Grell predicted it was quite a while I was forced to wait for him to concede. He went about his daily activities, those that did not require my help or were not particularly significant, though I was unsure of what exactly he did due to the lack of interest in observing him as I previously had been. It was over a full week the two of us had been apart. During the afternoon, when I should have been preparing his tea, I was in the dining room lying on the table with a complete lack of decorum because I assumed he would not ever stop by to see me and staring up at the elaborately designed chandelier. Gazing at the décor of his fmansion, particularly this room reminded me of the social gatherings I was required to conduct for him: cooking high class meals, arranging the tableware, creating an elegant atmosphere and of course, fixing any problems his other servants managed to cause.
I could have cared less about what orders I was missing or his illogical anti-cat stance, except truthfully I felt bored doing nothing and closed my eyes in hopes of forgetting all about that. Even though it was a very unconventional place to relax, I enjoyed my rest and began thinking this inactivity could be nice however it was not long until I was interrupted. A sudden weight fell onto my torso, causing me to abruptly stand up and I would have dropped the thing if I had not realized it was Cielle, who I needed to quickly react by supporting her in my arms. It appeared strange she would land on me from the ceiling however I soon became aware of his presence close by when he brought his hand back to slap me. I was surprised a little by the fact his rash action did not have the sting it usually came with, though moreso from the amusing appearance he displayed. There seemed to be some type of liquid dripping down his face from his hair to the top of his shirt, all soaked through and with an expression so angry he was shaking in addition to laughing slightly from the immense fury.
"Your god damn cat has troubled me for the last time! I shall take it upon myself to dispose of this wretched animal before I go completely mad! Say goodbye to your precious-"
"Wait a moment, young master. Please do not be hasty. Tell me what happened."
"I was in my room, my bedroom which should be free of your cats and I had prepared some tea. You have no idea how hard that is: getting the right amount of leaves, heating up the water, finding the pot, cup and saucer, straining the remains. Despite being difficult I managed to do it and once I brought the tea from the kitchen to my room I had accidentally left the door open so when I returned she was in there, sleeping on my bed. I was outraged and tried to push her off but she wouldn't budge so then I just decided to ignore it and go about my business. After I was sitting in the chair, that's when she finally woke up and started to rub against my legs. I still was ignoring her but her fur got into the air again and made me sneeze while I was holding the tea. It spilled all over me and fortunately I didn't prepare it well enough to be the usual temperature. I'm sure if you were there, you would have been able to catch it but since you weren't I got wet. Well, what do you have to say?"
"Did… did the china… break," I managed to ask with my hand over my mouth in order to dissuade the strong urge to burst out with laughter at his unbelievable story and in spite of my efforts, he quickly caught on to being ridiculed.
"No, it didn't and you better stop laughing before I strike you again."
"Please excuse me, what would you have me do?"
"You know what I want of you."
"I apologize, however as I recall I am not allowed to-"
"Forget that, I take it back. You're my butler again, alright?"
"What about the cats?"
"Sure, keep them. Keep them all just start carrying out my orders."
"Thank you for permitting me to be in your service once more, it is a pleasure to serve you, Earl of Phantomhive. Now, shall I draw you a bath and set out a proper change of clothes?"
"No. The only thing I'm concerned with is having tea to replace that which was ruined. Also make me something sweet. Furthermore, take your cat and put her out of my sight."
"I understand. I will work on that right away however, I must insist you dry off before-"
"Sebastian, I don't want to repeat the order again."
"Yes, my lord."
From the glances we exchanged, I was able to determine that we both felt a tremendous gratification from returning to our normal roles of master and butler. Even though he suggested otherwise, I took a handkerchief to wipe off some of the tea he spilled then afterwards I tied on his eye-patch I had been carrying around as well as return his ring to its rightful place, all with one hand since I needed to keep Cielle away from him. He appeared to be satisfied with donning his usual possessions and once I had seated him at the head of the table, I left to make the preparations utilizing just as much speed and precision as I was expected of.
As a result, it was merely a few minutes I had left his side therefore the sight of observing my young master with his head propped up by his arm resting against the table and his eye closed was quite unanticipated. I walked over with the cart of items and took a moment to gaze at him in order to identify if something was wrong, because my suspicions surmised that was true before placing a hand on his shoulder to shake him lightly. He instantly jolted and woke up to focus on me, looking very dazed however he recovered, about to offer a hasty, defensive comment if I had not interjected first.
"Young master, perhaps you would prefer retiring instead? You must be fatigued after the events you went through."
"I told you, I just want to have a cup of tea."
"There is no need to whine. You could take it in your room."
"I'm not whining and feel like drinking it here. Tell me, what is this you made?"
"For dessert this afternoon, I present to you a Sachertorte accompanied with a blood orange and apricot compote to compliment the filling."
"It's chocolate."
"Dark chocolate, to be precise."
"This shall do. Pour the tea before I eat it."
"Right away," I replied and went about the task though once the cup and saucer were in front of him; he was reluctant to pick it up, "Is there something wrong with this tea, young master?"
"No it's just… I don't want the same thing to happen again."
"Why would you be worried about that unless, your nose is still bothering you?"
"Maybe."
"You are unsure that you will be unable to hold steady long enough to take a sip?"
"It's simple Sebastian; I can't stand a repeat of that incident."
"Does it really tickle that much?"
"So what if it does? It's not as though I have any control over that."
"I understand you do not. How long has this been occurring?"
"It doesn't matter. Do something to fix it."
"What have you been doing, if anything, to remedy the situation?"
"Just rubbing and sniffling," he casually admitted then had the need at that moment to demonstrate the action of inhaling through his nose which shifted the congestion in addition to creating that disgusting sound and unfortunately I was not able to hide my disapproval in time for him not to notice it, "What?"
"If I may say so, that type of behavior is unacceptable and very unbecoming for an Earl, not to mention childish."
"Don't give me that Sebastian, my nose is dripping. How would you suggest-"
"Use a handkerchief."
"I don't have one on me now."
"Here you are, young master."
"Where do you keep getting these things?"
"What sort of butler would I be if I could not supply my lord with the items he needs," I commented with pride and gently encouraged him to blow his nose instead of doing that terrible sniffling though I was wondering if my method had truly been helpful based on the uncertainty of his expression, "Is that better?"
"No, it still feels tickly. Damn allergies."
"Do you believe this is a result of your allergies at this point?"
"Of course, what else would it be?"
"I am merely wondering if you would be affected when she has not been in the room for quite a while."
"Hmph, even though she's not here I can guarantee her fur remains on your uniform."
"That would be incorrect. While preparing your tea, I examined for any traces of fur on me therefore I am free of any substance that would cause you to have a reaction."
"Then it's in the air. Either way, it doesn't matter because I just really don't want to- haa… haa… haa…"
"Try taking deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. That should quell the tickling sensation," I advised and paid close attention to the even sounds of his breathing however it soon became unsteady right before he quickly raised the handkerchief to contain the sneeze, "Bless you. I apologize. I thought that would work."
"It's fine. Instead of asking you, I should figure out how to deal with this myself. Maybe I should just not do anything about it until I have to sneeze then hold it in so it doesn't come out."
"Please young master, I must strongly disapprove of that method. It could be damaging to your brain or inner ear. Perhaps our efforts would be best spent on trying to resolve whatever ailment you are inflicted with rather than this single symptom."
"No, I'm not inflicted with any ailment and right now I do believe my efforts should be spent on how to resolve this single symptom. Sebastian, you don't understand what I'm going through. You've been saying I keep acting childish and as an Earl I need to have more suitable behaviors. Well, you're right. I hate constantly having to sneeze and making an embarrassment out of myself. It's too pathetic and I… I just… damn, it's going t-to… happen again. This is an… or-order: stop me… from sneezing."
"Yes, my lord."
It was certainly one of the more unusual tasks he demanded of me though either way I was compelled to oblige and go about the action of preventing the ever impending bodily function which, at this point, was a mechanism from his suspected illness as opposed to allergies. I hesitated a moment, not knowing exactly what I should do however his pleading expression provided me with the resolve to offer him the assistance he needed. The only tactic I could think of was blocking the intake of air through the nose and I leaned in close to lay a fortunately gloved finger across his nostrils. He seemed uncomfortable with the contact and if only to make matters worse, he sneezed anyway then two more times after he pushed me away, blew his nose then sighed heavily which suggested to be an indicator of acceptance rather than frustration.
"Ugh, that was unsuccessful but at least it's not tickly anymore. Well it doesn't matter. I'm… hey, what's wrong with you? Are you disgusted I sneezed on your hand? It couldn't have been worse than sneezing in your face."
"I was unable to fulfill the order you gave me. I failed in my duties, which is unacceptable as your butler."
"Don't overreact. I was being rash in asking you to do that. Help me with drinking the tea now. I can't lift it up without the china shaking and clinking together, see?"
"Why are you unable to keep your hand steady?"
"How should I know? Just hold this for me."
"Yes, my-"
"Hatchoo!"
"Bless you. That was unfortunate. I shall fetch you a new cup."
"It's fine. Don't bother. I can still drink it."
"Young master, you sneezed in your tea. It would be unsanitary to-"
"Why must I keep repeating myself? All I want to do is have the damn tea already."
"You are whining again."
"So? I can whine if I feel like it. Now do as I tell you."
"Please allow me to get you another cup. I promise to be quick about it."
"Alright but I order you to come back by the time I count to five. One… two… three… four… fi-"
"Here you are as promised by the time you count to five," I proclaimed with him looking pleased though clearly forgetting my swiftness and poured the tea again however the temperature of this new cup was increased from the one that had the opportunity to cool which was not a hindrance as I had imagined since he chose to drink all of it despite my attempt to put the saucer down after his first sip, "Ah, the heat does not bother you?"
"No, it feels very nice, very soothing. Thank you for that."
"What did you say?"
"But I don't think I can eat the cake."
"Is there something wrong with it?"
"Not at all, in fact it looks really delicious and I'm sorry I won't be able to taste the cake you worked so hard to make for me."
"This is strange. You never apologize or express gratitude. Are you quite well?"
"Don't be silly."
"Silly?"
"Have I ever told you how much I appreciate all that you do for me? You're really great to have around. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Ciel," I shouted, breaking the unspoken taboo of using his name and also raising my voice to him as I gripped his shoulders hard in an attempt to eliminate this most unusual demeanor, "Get a hold of yourself! You do not know what you are saying!"
"Stop touching me. I… wait, what am I saying?"
"I believe you are delirious."
"No I'm fine it's just… my head doesn't feel right."
"Your stomach must ache as well. I cannot think of another reason you would refuse something sweet."
"Yes I do feel a bit nauseous. But it doesn't matter. If you'll excuse me."
"Where are you going? Do you need help?"
"Stay away from me. I want to be left alone."
Unlike the previous scenario where he restricted my duties as butler as a result of being upset about the cats and strongly demonstrating his unwillingness to associate with an avid admirer of them, it appeared he wanted to isolate himself from me so that I would not see him feeling unwell. In any case, once he stood up from the table and started to walk away, he did not get very far because he suddenly collapsed. I caught him before he reached the ground and his heavy, uneven breathing, eye shut tight in a pained expression and increased temperature were all cause for concern. He was in such a detrimental condition and I blamed myself for letting him reach that point, not realizing how bad he had become although the incident took a hopeful turn when he weakly opened his eye with the sight he saw being the overwhelming worried feeling I was displaying that had never been expressed during our time together.
"Sebastian…"
"Ciel, I am very glad you did not lose consciousness. How do you-"
"Don't do that. You're… not supposed to use my… name. And stop holding me… too. I can walk on my own."
"At least that tone is more appropriate to how you usually speak however I must insist that you relax. You have a very high fever. How do you feel?"
"What a stupid… question, how do you think I… feel? My head hurts and is… hot apparently and my chest feels… very tight."
"That is because your breathing has become abnormal which I cannot understand the reason."
"I have asthma and the… strain can't be good for… it," he explained among the gasping breaths and I would have urged him to discontinue speaking if I was not so astounded from the lack of yet another important piece of knowledge about him, "Come on, you didn't… know that either? You really should have done… some research on your prey. They're… only mild conditions but when… things become worse, they can be… serious."
"What do you want me to do about this?"
"Nothing, there's nothing you can do. I… would even refuse being carried… but it's true. I can't walk. My body… feels so heavy."
"It cannot compare to how your lungs feel right now."
"No, it's not that… bad. Besides none of this compares to… the pain and humiliation I endured."
"We really must find a way to regulate your breathing, perhaps if you drink some more hot tea."
"I don't think I can… drink anything at this point. All I need to… do is clear my-"
The second that thought was vocalized his chest began to heave and since he was too weak even to lift up his arm, he turned away as a series of abrasive sounding coughs erupted from him. I could not help being disgusted that he was coughing so close to me although I was more occupied with gently stroking his forehead to wipe away the beads of sweat that had formed and ease his body's trembling. Surprisingly enough, in regards to all the unexpected events that occurred so far, his breathing returned to normal once he finished and he looked back up at me, having been left drained of energy.
As a result from believing the incident was through, he became caught off guard and did not react in time to prevent a sneeze aimed directly upwards however afterwards he covered his mouth with the handkerchief. I was not pleased at all having been sprayed with his germs and thought if he was going to be this much of a hassle until he became well, I would be required to endure an entirely different set of challenges with him. Still I could not be upset for long since this time he looked particularly remorseful at what he had done and it was my responsibility as butler to be polite to my master.
"Bless you."
"Sebastian, I'm-"
"Do not apologize. It is very uncharacteristic of you. For now, we must focus on your sickness and how to properly treat you."
"There's no way I'm sick."
"How else would you explain this? Your symptoms have far exceeded a simple case of allergies, falling somewhere in a mix of influenza and the common cold. Do you still feel nauseous?"
"A little but it's fine. I'm fine."
"You are not sounding very believable. If I may offer a piece of advice, it is not an indicator of weakness when you admit that you truly are in a temporarily weakened condition. Once you are honest with yourself then you realize the only point in your health you need to reach is upwards. So tell me, how do you feel?"
"What would happen if I die before my revenge is complete?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"It feels like I'm going to die. I never felt so bad. What shall happen to me?"
Regardless of exactly what he was inflicted with, it certainly did not pose as life threatening however his melodramatic attitude seemed to be an additional side affect and one which in his mind was a rational concern though I quickly smiled at him then soothed, "If you were to die before your revenge is complete, our contract would be invalid and I would not be able to collect your soul. Therefore, you cannot die now because I refuse to allow it. You shall recover and return to your normal health. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes, I suppose so. You should know I wasn't delirious when I said I appreciate always having you with me. But I won't ever repeat that again so remember it."
"I will, and you should know as well I appreciate being at your side and serving you. I could not have ended up with a better master. Now enough talk, you must conserve your strength. This occurrence is quite unprecedented. I am unsure of what precisely needs to be done to treat you. I have never taken care of a sick person before. You probably should be given a dose of some sort of medication."
"Sebastian, I'm not taking any medicine. It's unnecessary and you're being too troubled over this. All I need is to sleep. That seems like a very good treatment. I feel sleepy."
"Wait young master, I do not think you should sleep with your high fever."
"What are you worried about now, that I won't wake up?"
"It is a possibility since you have more control over your body while you are awake and can communicate if you believe that you have become worse."
"Just let me sleep, I don't feel well."
"I know and it is a shame. Allow me to offer a condition: you can fall asleep only if you promise me you will wake up."
"That's bold of you to make me promise you anything… but fine, I promise to wake up. Now I'm going to sleep and don't disturb me until I'm done sleeping on my own."
"Yes, my lord. Sleep well."
It might have been paranoid of me and even inappropriate to not only ask him to not sleep in addition to ensure he would wake up though I believe he understood my rationale of being inexperienced in this type of situation since he felt the same way. In spite of not wanting to appear vulnerable he yawned, wrapped his arms around my torso and repositioned to curl into me, unable to ward off the need to sleep any longer. He looked cute regardless of the contagious microorganisms contaminating my uniform every time he exhaled and I carefully transported him to his bed in order to preserve his restful state. The first measure I executed was draping a cool washcloth over his forehead to reduce, or possibly eliminate, his fever although, that was all I could do for him while he remained asleep and therefore I was left waiting until he gained the required amount of sleep.
