Sebastian sighed as he continued to work absentmindedly. He could not stay completely focused on his tasks. He found his mind wandering to his young master, lying in bed, suffering through stomach pains and a fever. He sighed once more at the thought.
"Sebastian..." The butler turned around at the sound of Madame Red's voice.
"Has there been any change in the Young Master's condition?"
"I'm afraid it's starting to look as though I am right about it. The pain that began around the center has moved and worsened and his fever has elevated. We must move him soon. For the moment although it doesn't seem too severe, it needs taken care of." Sebastian nodded.
"I shall have the carriage ready. Madame, his illness, it isn't-"
"It's going to get worse if it remains untreated. There is only one course of treatment, surgery."
"I-I understand" The butler felt as if the house had fallen in on him. A sense of dread filled him as he excused himself and set to work on the carriage.
Once out of view of the servants and the guest, Sebastian placed his head in his hand.
"Why must you worry me so Ciel?" he whispered shaking his head.
"For that matter, why must I care, how is it that I, a demon, a monster has come to care for anything other than getting through the contract and taking what is mine... Honestly I-"
"Mr. Sebastian?" He turned around to face Mey Rin. Her head held down and her hands crossed in front of her as she stood nervously before him.
"What is it Mey Rin, please don't tell me you have broken the pitcher or -"
"No sir, not this time I was extra careful, goodness yes."
"Then what is the problem, I haven't got time to waste, This carriage must be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
"I know Sir. I spoke to the Madame inside. She was making arrangements for the young master to be taken into the hospital. I just wanted to, well are you okay?" Sebastian was surprised by the question and stood silently staring at her.
"Why would I not be?" He said in his usual smooth voice.
"It's only that you seem a bit distracted from work today and I certainly can't blame you. After all, being around the young Master all the time and then hearing this sort of news- We're worried too."
Had he been that obvious?
"I will be better when the young master is healthy once more. Until then, we just need to do our very best and keep things in top order for his recovery,"
"Of course, He'll be back with us in no time at all, I'm sure of it." She smiled reassuringly and returned to the house.
Sebastian followed moments later to find Madame Red coming downstairs, a look of frustration in her face.
"Madame, might I inquire as to what is going on?"
"That stubborn nephew of mine. I love him but he can be so infuriating!"
Don't I know the feeling Sebastian thought.
"He simply will not listen to reason. I've tried explaining things and he just-" She placed her head in her hands.
"Perhaps I can get through to the Young Master." He started toward the stairs.
"Good luck." She called to him before stepping outside.
"It seems I'll be needing all I can get." Sebastian mumbled. He reached the bedroom and knocked on the door. He opened the door gently.
"My lord, If I could just have a moment to speak with you about a pressing matter..."
"N-No, I told Madame Red the same thing, j-just go" Ciel cried curled up in a tight ball on his bed with his arms crossed over his stomach. Sebastian hated to see the boy that way. He could see that Ciel was sweating because of his fever. The Butler took hold of the pitcher and poured some of the water onto a cloth and used it to gently wipe the boy's face.
"Why must you allow yourself to suffer so terribly?" Sebastian said softly.
"Why do you insist on asking such questions?" The butler gave no answer and it was a few minutes in which the room filled with silence.
"It's not just yourself you are hurting my lord." He knelt down on the floor beside the bed to look into his young master's eyes.
"please, hear me out, I am not sure why you feel that lying here is the best option for you but it is not. Allow us to take you to a place where they can help you. That is all that I ask."
"W-what position is a butler in to make these requests from his master after the answer has been made clear?" Sebastian felt a mixture of anger and worry.
"You are in no condition to refuse. I will ask just once more." He said sternly.
Ciel glared at him. "I am head of the Phantomhive family and will do as I-" Sebastian was on his feet, for a brief moment his eyes flashed to red as he bent over the boy.
"Whether you are head of a noble house or the queen herself makes no difference to a demon,. You must not allow your title to give you a false sense of security." In one motion, the butler had wrapped the blanket around Ciel and gently lifted him from the bed. Ciel was shocked to say the least, but had no time to express it, a sharp pain hit him causing him to cry out in pain.
"Stop this!" He demanded but placed his head on the demon's chest, closing his eyes hoping for the pain to pass.
"The choice is no longer yours to make, I do apologize for the discomfort, however you must understand that should I allow this to continue, the consequences would be most severe."
"It hurts s-so badly!" Ciel complained as Sebastian took him down the stairs pasted the servants and to the door.
"He'll be alright won't he Mr. Sebastian?" Finny asked,tears visible in his eyes.
"I am sorry Finny, I have no time to explain, I shall speak to you all as soon as I can. Until then, please keep up with your work." He said as he left to place Ciel in the Carriage.
Madame Red, seeing that the butler had managed to get Ciel out of his room , hurried to the Carriage and climbed inside. She felt a tug at her heart as she looked at her beloved nephew, pain was visible on his face.
"Ciel, I don't want you to worry, everything will be fine. We'll be there soon." She reached out her hand to stroke the boy's head lovingly.
"I-I'm sorry." He said softly.
"For what dear?"
"Being so difficult back at the manor. I-OW!" Madame Red pulled him closer and leaned him back so that he was lying in her arms.
"It's alright Ciel, please just try to rest. I know it's difficult when you have such pain, just try." She rested her head on his and sighed as the tears fell from her eyes.
Ciel relaxed as his aunt continued to stroke his head softly, he hadn't known such a feeling since his mother had done the same. He had been quite ill then too, he recalled how she would sit by his bed and read to him as he struggled to breathe.
"It'll be alright Ciel, you're going to feel better soon, you just need to relax. Your father and I love you so." Ciel smiled at the thought as he felt his eyes begin to close, the pain began to fade. He felt suddenly tired, the last thing he heard before slipping into darkness was the faint whisper of his aunt saying "I love you"
A/N: Thanks for stopping to read my story. Last Chapter I asked if anyone was interested in a pairing and I appreciate everyone's input. I will be trying to put a little Sebastian Ciel into this. (Some level at least) Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
