Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or Black Butler. They, and their characters, belong to their respective creators.

Chapter Five - Midnight Wanderings

Tohru followed Mey-Rin out into the hallway, away from the drawing room. Her feet fumbled a bit as they walked up the stairs, but, with Mey-Rin's support, they safely made it back to her assigned room without any real incidents. They had to pause a few times while she had minor coughing spells.

"Now just wait right here while I fetch you something to wear," Mey-Rin said as she led Tohru to a chair and helped her sit. She left, returning a few minutes later with one of her own nightgowns. Like Sebastian said, she'd let her borrow it for now, until one could be made for her.

Tohru let her help her change into the simple garment. She felt so tired. But the bed felt very comfortable and the fire kept the room warm. "So sleepy," she mumbled as Mey-Rin turned down the covers.

At that moment, there came a knock on the door. "Who is it," Mey-Rin called. Her question was answered when Sebastian opened the door, though he did not immediately enter the room for the sake of propriety.

"I apologize if I'm disturbing you, but I brought the infusion promised," he held out a small tray with a cup of steaming liquid set on top. "If you would be so good as to assist Miss Tohru with this, it should help with her cold."

The smell of herbs filled the air, carried on the steam from the cup. Mey-Rin reached for the tray.

"Please do be careful, Mey-Rin, as the mixture is still quite warm. We wouldn't want to accidentally spill it, now would we?" He smiled beguilingly at her.

Mey-Rin went crimson. "N…n...no. We wouldn't want that!" She turned and began tottering over to the bed, the cup swaying on the tray, threatening to spill its contents as she walked like she were drunk.

Sebastian sighed. "I thought this might be too much for her. Honestly." He resisted the urge to shake his head. Instead, he quickly entered the room and saved the cup from falling off the tray. One thing was certain; he could not leave Mey-Rin to guard her, even though she was an excellent markswoman. No, it was better that someone who would not fall asleep, or someone who would not fumble things up should at least keep an open ear during the night. Aside from which, all of the servants needed their sleep. He rather thought the weather would clear throughout the course of the new day.

Mey-Rin stopped, dazed. She was still holding firmly onto the tray, her brain overloaded with Sebastian's smile, which made her blush even more.

Sebastian stepped around her and presented the cup to Tohru. "Here. Please drink it in good health. Not only should it help you sleep well, but it should also help you recover more quickly."

Tohru took the drink with both hands and obediently sipped it. It tasted slightly bitter but she drank most of it. Sebastian did have to help her hold the cup after a few sips. When she'd finished drinking, he left her drowsily against the pillows.

"Mey-Rin," he turned back to the maid, "please make sure she is adequately tucked in for the night. We wouldn't want her to chill. And don't forget to turn the lights out as you leave." With that said, he left the room, carrying the cup and tray idly in one hand.

"Yes sir!" Mey-Rin clapped her heels together, and then turned to the bed. Tohru was already asleep as she brought the covers up to her shoulders. "Poor dear," she whispered as her fingers lightly touched the young girl's hot cheek. With only a second glance, she left the room, only remembering to turn the lights off at the last second before closing the door.

Kyo scowled. Why had they given him a nightgown? It was nothing more than a really long nightshirt! Even though Tanaka had been more than courteous, the clothing left much to be desired. At least the neckline wasn't crowding so he didn't feel too claustrophobic. But still! He'd refused the old guy's help in changing clothes. He had to draw the line somewhere, after all.

And what kind of conversation was that with the earl? All he'd done was ask him question after question. It was kind of annoying, like he didn't have anything better to do. If he'd had his way, he'd have gotten away sooner and seen Tohru before she'd fallen asleep. He'd caught Mey-Rin on her way out of her room.

He still had a lot to figure out though. How had they gotten to England, for starters. And was it 1889 like the butler had said? He didn't know if he could swallow that one quite as easily. There was just no way it was even remotely possible. At least he knew Tohru was safe, for the moment at any rate. And it helped that his room was next to hers, though the sheer size of it would probably keep him from hearing her if she called out in the night. And the servants hadn't told the earl about his secret, or so he hoped. Without Hatori around to erase some memories, that could turn into a disaster.

It was a good thing that Sebastian had returned to the drawing room, bringing Tanaka with him, no less. Kyo couldn't have been happier to see the butler escorting his master to his rooms. He still didn't know if he trusted the guy, especially the way he'd touched Tohru during his examination. He didn't care if there was an excuse for it or not. He'd seen the guy's expression.

The green fire leapt up inside of him. No one should touch her that way! He didn't care who they were. It wasn't proper. He'd have to keep an eye on that butler. There was no way he was going to fall asleep. He'd only pretend if he had to, but someone had to make sure that creep didn't sneak into Tohru's room.

Having made up his mind, he changed back into his school uniform, glad for its black color. It would help him blend more into the shadows. He crept to the door and opened it enough to peek through the smallest crack possible, listening. He didn't hear anyone. He was about to open the door and step out into the hall when a figure filled his view.

"Was there something you needed?" Sebastian smiled down at Kyo who quickly backpedaled as the butler opened the door more widely.

"I was just looking," he said defensively. "Thought I heard something."

Sebastian laughed to himself. What an interesting creature. "You probably heard either myself or Mey-Rin walking down the hallway. Pay us no mind." He pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at it. "Now, if you don't mind, the hour is late and everyone should be turning in. It might be wise for you to do the same. Good night." He turned and walked down the hallway, pointedly not looking anywhere but ahead of him, well aware that Kyo was watching him.

Kyo closed the door after Sebastian had moved out of sight. He wondered if the guy had been waiting for something like that to happen. What was he playing at? Well, he could wait. He'd done it before. It didn't matter that the rain was still pelting outside and that it made him feel a bit tired. He'd stay up despite all that and make his way to her room just to make sure nothing funny happened.

He looked around the room. Luckily, there was a clock nearby. He'd give it a good hour. After that, he felt sure everyone would be asleep. Then he could sneak out. He'd show them. In the meantime, he stationed himself by the door so that he could listen to any activity in the hallway. Just in case, he turned the lights off.

One hour later, he jerked awake. He'd only been dozing for a moment, but he looked at the clock in a panic. It took a moment for him to calm himself down. He couldn't afford to bumble around in the dark and bring someone running. They'd probably think he was a burglar or something.

It took a couple minutes to calm himself, but he finally managed it. He concentrated on listening. It sounded like the rain had lessened a little, coming down at a steadier, less insistent pace. That was good. He turned his attention to sounds from the hallway. He couldn't hear any.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the door again, slowly, and blinked. He'd half expected Sebastian to be standing there, but he wasn't. Maybe he really had gone to bed after all. He slipped into the hallway, closing the door behind him.

He quickly walked to Tohru's room and opened the door. It was mostly dark inside, but the fire threw shadows across the walls. He made his way to the bed where he looked down on her sleeping face. She looked so peaceful against the pillows.

Kyo leaned over to reach her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her forehead was still warm, but she was also warmly bundles under the covers so he wasn't sure if the heat was from that, the fever, or as a result of the fire. She coughed lightly in her sleep, moaned once, and turned slightly over on one side.

He let out a sigh of relief. At least she seemed to be all right, aside from being sick and everything. Looking around, he saw a chair near the head of the bed on the fireplace side of the room. He quickly walked around to it and sat down, crossing his arms. He'd watch all night to keep her safe. It didn't matter how tired he was.

Sebastian peered in through the doorway. He should have known. He laughed quietly to himself. Well, at least he knew Kyo wasn't getting into things he shouldn't. He could rest a little easier, though he wondered if he should leave him as he was, sleeping in the chair. Probably. The boy already seemed to have strange thoughts about him.

He held his candelabra high as he glanced at Tohru's face, looking for any signs that might suggest a change in her condition. Perhaps it was too early to tell. It did not appear that she had moved since he'd last checked on her.

He looked towards the curtained windows. The rain had mostly abated. That was another good thing. Tomorrow would be brighter; though it was not certain what condition the roads would be in after so much rain. If things did not improve, he wondered if it would be possible to send for a doctor, not that he didn't trust his own ability, but the boy definitely didn't seem to like his attentions to his companion.

Well, that could wait until the morrow, well, at least until the sun was supposed to come up. He took one last cursory glance around the room before blowing the candles out. The morning would indeed be most interesting.

Ciel yawned as the curtains were thrown back. Weak light, though actual daylight nonetheless, entered through the high windows. At least the windows weren't streaked with rainwater, though it did look like a slight drizzle continued. "It would appear that we're still alive," he said dryly as he stretched.

Sebastian smiled in amusement as he walked over, carrying his master's clothes. "So it would appear. I don't believe our guests have any ill intentions. I only caught one trying to sneak around after everyone had gone to bed, but it turns out he was only concerned about the young lady. I found him in her room early this morning, asleep in the chair."

Ciel looked up in surprise, one arm halfway into the sleeve of his shirt. "It looks like he is very protective of her, doesn't it." He finished sliding his arm through the sleeve and waited for his butler to do up the buttons.

"So it would seem," Sebastian agreed. "I get the feeling he doesn't quite like me. Or should I classify it as trust?" He lifted his eyebrows wryly.

Ciel snorted. "I don't suppose he's been able to find out your true nature already. If so, that would have been very careless of you."

Sebastian moved to retrieve his master's shoes, placing one on each stocking covered foot. "I think it more likely that he is merely jealous of my attentions to his friend." He didn't mention that he knew a few things about the unusual pair. Not that he'd outright promised not to tell, but, like his master, if he was not asked, he probably wouldn't mention it, out of consideration for the lady. He still remembered her distressed look when she realized she'd mentioned it. Kyo was not the only protective one.

Ciel stared thoughtfully at the wall. "I wonder if they're betrothed. That might explain some things. Do they practice arranged marriages in Japan?"

Sebastian stood from his half kneeling crouch and dusted off his pants. "I wouldn't know. Perhaps that is another question to ask Lau, though I would assume so. It seems to be a common practice among the nobility of the world."

The earl looked down at his shoes. As usual, everything was perfect. He accepted the teacup offered him, Earl Grey, as per usual. "And what does today's schedule entail?"

Sebastian pulled out his little organizer. "Surprising, your schedule is fairly clear today. Since we have had no instructions from Her Majesty, due to the storm, I have taken the liberty of scheduling in time for art, music, as well as general studies, along with the usual activities. And since your usual tutor is unavailable, I will, of course, step in to replace her."

Ciel sighed to himself. "Of course." It didn't help that when Sebastian stepped in, he was a lot more strict than his usual tutor.

Sebastian's eyes smiled. "Is something wrong, Young Master? You're not feeling unwell, are you?" He moved in, placing one gloved hand on the boy's forehead. "Hmmm, you don't seem to have a fever."

Ciel moved away. "I'm fine. I was merely thinking about some things. There is still so much that we don't know."

"Ah." He nodded in understanding. "You are referring to our guests. That will come all in good time, I'm sure. But it would not do to let your studies fall behind. And you must let me know if you do feel unwell."

Ciel resisted pouting as he sipped his tea. "I know. Though I was hoping to make today's schedule a bit lighter. After all, I am not trying to avoid them, unlike certain guests who occasionally show up without invitation or warning." He smiled at the irony of his words.

Sebastian knew exactly whom he meant, a certain Indian Prince and his own butler. Their first meeting had been under less than inviting circumstances, and ever since then, Prince Soma and his... He froze as two names fell into place.

Ciel waited impatiently at the door. When he turned to see what was keeping Sebastian, he stopped. He knew that expression. "What is it? Tell me."

Sebastian smoothed his face. "I just thought of a most interesting coincidence. Our Bengal prince and one of our current guests have the fortune of having at least similar sounding names."

Ciel was not in the mood for trifling games. "And?"

Sebastian smiled. "Think for a moment, Young Master. Prince Soma and Kyo Sohma, though I do believe the later spells his name with an 'h', whereas the prince does not. It is an interesting point, all the same. Though I'm sure it has no real meaning, as they are both from different nationalities and one is a given name, the other a surname."

The demon had a point. "I don't believe in coincidences," Ciel commented, then proceeded to head out into the hallway. "It may be nothing, as you seem to be hinting at, or it may be something else entirely. Either way, I'd rather be sure. Send for Lau as soon as possible. He might be able to help shed some light on this mystery. And at least make sure that Kyo joins me for breakfast. Tohru may refrain if she is still feeling unwell."

Sebastian bowed. "Understood. I shall see to it personally."

Ciel turned, pausing. "Oh, I forgot one thing. What happened to the cat you brought in yesterday?"

Sebastian debated on how to answer for about half a second. "The cat is safely out of the way, where it will not bother you."

Ciel smiled to himself as he continued walking. "Good. Keep it that way."