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

Chapter 19 - Recovery and Decisions

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Several more days had passed since the warehouse incident. Kyo slept through most of them, but on the fourth day, he woke feeling more like himself than he had in a long time. His room was light with natural sunshine. He almost felt blinded by it and had to shade his eyes until his eyes grew used to it.

Ciel smirked from his chair across from the bed. It was about time the older boy woke up. Sebastian had hinted that it would likely happen that morning, and, of course, the demon had been right. "Good morning."

Kyo sat up, surprised to see the young earl staring at him from across the room. "What're you doing here? Where's Tohru?"

Ciel uncrossed his legs and leaned forward slightly. "She's still asleep. I gather she was up fairly late last night, keeping an eye on you, no less." He hopped down from his chair and walked over. "I am told you are doing much better. I hear that Sebastian will likely even remove your sutures today."

Kyo's eyes went wide. "He'll what? He ain't no doctor!" He scrabbled at the bedding, trying to untangle himself from it.

Ciel laughed. "I thought you'd act this way to the news. But don't worry. He's quite competent. He won't hurt you unless I order him to. Though, I'm told that if the sutures aren't removed, they will eventually rot. But if that's what you'd prefer..." He headed towards the door.

Kyo felt the catgut pulling at his skin. If he got too excited, he'd rip the threads. "Hey! That's not funny! Play fair."

Ciel glanced over his shoulder. "Play fair? On my own chessboard? Now wouldn't that be something?" He chuckled as he continued out the door and closed it behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tohru yawned and stretched. She's almost gotten used to this lifestyle. It was still weird to have Mey-Rin come in and help her in the mornings, but it wasn't all that bad, not so long as she could stay near Kyo's side. She giggled to herself. Not bad at all.

At that moment, Mey-Rin opened the door and smiled shyly at her charge. "Morning, miss," she said as she went over to the wardrobe and pulled out one of the many dresses inside. "This one'll look really nice on you," she said as she brought it over.

Tohru smiled. It was weird wearing all the flounces and lace, but it was also somehow really nice too, like dressing up every day. She kind of missed Lizzy and her comments. Ah well. She slid out from under the blankets and down to the floor. She still didn't let the maid help her dress, mostly. It was hard to get the closes in back by herself, but that was okay. Mey-Rin didn't seem to mind.

Mey-Rin's glasses reflected the light from the windows as she smiled. This one was so easy to take care of, and she hadn't been scolded by her either, which helped. "Hope you slept well," she said as she helped with the closes on the back of Tohru's dress. "The Young Master and Mr. Sebastian said to let you sleep as long as you liked today."

Tohru slipped her own shoes on, then twirled, letting her skirt flair out. "I slept pretty well," she said, letting her skirt settle back down. "Is Kyo awake?"

Mey-Rin nodded. "He's been up for a bit. I think Mr. Sebastian was actually just getting ready to go in and remove his stitches."

Tohru stopped. "Already?" She thought for a moment. "Well, I guess it has been a week. It usually is about a week, right?"

Mey-Rin shrugged. "I guess? I don't normally worry about them kind of things." She picked up the discarded nightgown. "Well, I'm off! Breakfast's downstairs as usual." She left Tohru, taking the nightgown with her.

Tohru blinked. She still wasn't used to the rush and bustle Mey-Rin seemed was necessary, but she shrugged it off. Her stomach rumbled slightly for food. But if Kyo was getting his stitches removed, maybe she should go there first?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sebastian examined the sutures in Kyo's leg most carefully. He wanted to be sure there was not any chance of infection before removing them. He peered at them with intense concentration, being sure to look at all angles possible.

Kyo was inclined to sulk as he let his leg be exposed once again, forgetting that he'd had it exposed at random times during the past few days without him being conscious for it anyway. "Well? Are you gonna do it or what?" He'd finally resigned himself to the idea, especially when Ciel refused to send for a doctor just to remove the stitches when his butler would do just fine at the job.

Sebastian sniffed at the exposed flesh. A good sense of smell could, of course, tell the same thing as a well-seasoned eye. "I do not detect any hint of infection," he finally reported. He wondered if it would do to also inform the lad of the condition of his soul. It did have a rather nice scent to it, complicated and yet innocent as well.

Bard stood just behind the butler, holding up a light. He stared in fascination. It wasn't every day he was let out of the kitchen to observe such an interesting operation. His cigarette dangled from his lips, as usual, as he stared, fixated.

Kyo glanced up at the chef with some agitation. He couldn't completely understand why the guy was there instead of someone else. Of course, he didn't know that the chef had practically begged for the chance. HE also didn't know that he probably had a little experience in such matters from when he'd lived back in America. But he guessed Sebastian needed someone to hold the light.

Sebastian picked up a delicate pair of scissors and some tweezers with his gloved hands. "My apologies in advance if I accidentally hurt you, though I think it less than likely to occur as I will be very careful," he said. Very deftly and quickly, he began to lift each suture enough with the tweezers to slide the scissors in and snip the catgut, then remove each piece with the tweezers.

Kyo suppressed a slight shudder as the cold metal touched his skin, but the butler worked quickly and efficiently. It didn't take long for all of the stitches to be removed, without a single drop of blood spilled from being accidentally poked by a sharp object.

Sebastian put his instruments down once he'd removed the last suture and proceeded to disinfect the skin, just to be safe. "There we are," he said, leaning back. "I don't believe we will need to use any bandages this time around. However, you are likely to be stiff when moving about and should take things slowly so as not to inflict further injury." He began cleaning up his tools, dismissing Bard as he did so.

Bard saluted and took his little hand lamp with him as he left the room. He had a few other things to take care of that morning, aside from washing dishes.

Kyo glanced over at his skin. There were red marks where the threads had been pulled out, along with the jagged scars that remained. But that was all. He stretched his leg out, noting that Sebastian had been right about it being stiff. He wondered how well he'd be able to walk until it loosened up. One thing for sure, fighting was definitely out for a day or two.

Sebastian finished cleaning up his tools and closed his little bag with a snap. "When you're ready to join everyone for the day, I will send Tanaka to help you. I've also obtained a cane to help you for the next day or so as you will likely need it." He stood and headed to the door. "If you require anything else, please ring the bell."

Kyo blinked after the butler but was glad that he'd left. He didn't want anyone to see him flail around while he tried out his walking. He wanted to know just how bad the damage was.

A little self-consciously, he slid to the side of the bed and pulled the nightshirt down so that it covered more of his legs, then stepped off with his good leg, following with the other. His muscles protested all the way around, mostly because he hadn't used them in a while, but his recently repaired leg twinged a bit unpleasantly as he put weight on it.

He made to stand up fully and take a step, but his muscles weren't quite ready for him and he fell forward, catching himself with his hands, causing a somewhat loud thumping noise as he went down. "Damn!" He was just glad no one was there to see it. His leg smarted though, the skin stretching unpleasantly. He crawled back to the bed to try again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tohru felt like pacing the library. She'd wanted to be there when Kyo's stitches were removed but had been told it was better not to get in the way. It helped that Ciel decided to commandeer her time by trying to teach her chess on the hint that watching something like that was probably not the best for a lady, even if she'd wanted to be there for it.

She concentrated on the board, wondering which piece she should move. It was a lot different from Shogi, or what she remembered of the game, not that she was very good at it either. "Um..." She pushed a pawn forward at random.

Ciel glanced at her move. Not a bad one, but not the best either. He debated. Moving her pawn had left her queen open to his bishop. Should he take it or be nice for once?

He didn't have the chance to decide as Lau burst into the room. "Ah! Earl! There you are!" Behind him, or rather practically attached to his side, Ran Mao followed.

Ciel looked up in surprise. "Lau. What are you doing here? I didn't expect you or send for you."

Lau pulled up a chair and sat down. Ran Mao curled up on his lap. "I was bored so I figured I'd come over. You're always good enough to give some form of entertainment," he said.

Tohru smiled at the Chinese man. "Hello, Mr. Lau," she said. "Ciel was teaching me how to play chess. Do you play?"

Lau laughed. "Do I play chess? But of course! Though, I usually play pawn for the earl." He inclined his head, smiling at the inside joke.

Tohru blinked, not sure how to take that comment. "Oh. Well, I'm sure that's fun, right?"

Lau continued to laugh. "Always." He glanced at Ciel. "You really do have a lovely bird there, Ciel. If I were you, I wouldn't let her go."

Ciel rolled his eyes. "And what would you have me say to the Lady Elizabeth should I do so? Or to Kyo, for that matter."

"What about me," Kyo asked as he walked into the room, favoring his leg while using the cane Sebastian had promised him. He'd almost refused to use it, but after his repeated failures in his room, he'd decided he'd accept the offer.

"Kyo!" Tohru ran over to him but stopped before running into him. She had to resist the urge to hug him. "You're up!"

Kyo smiled slightly in his eyes, but his expression was rueful. "Yeah, yeah. That butler told me I'd be okay today, after he played Dracula on me."

Her eyes went wide. "What? But wasn't Dracula a vampire," she squeaked. "He didn't really... suck your blood, did he?"

Sebastian entered the room, pushing a tea cart. "Indeed, Miss Tohru, Dracula was a vampire." He smiled in amusement. "I believe, however, that was master Kyo's strange way of saying thank you for my attentions earlier. I'm sure you will be relieved to hear that no actual blood was spilled."

Lau raised his eyebrows towards the butler. "Ah, Mr. Sebastian, being your usual demonic self I see." He smiled.

Sebastian smiled evenly back. "But of course. I could be nothing less in the service of my master."

Tohru went over to Sebastian as he parked the cart near the fireplace. "Um, Mr. Sebastian," she whispered, "Does he know you're...?"

Sebastian glanced at her in surprise, raising the teapot to pour a cup. He changed his expression to an amused smile. "Of course not. It's a long-standing joke. You needn't worry."

She blinked. "Oh, okay." She returned to her seat at the chess table, wandering close to Kyo on her way back, making sure he really was okay.

Ciel looked back at the board and grumbled. "Now I can't decide on a move," he complained. "Lau, you've completely distracted me."

Ran Mao looked up and saw Kyo. She reached for him with her arms, causing Lau to laugh. "No, little one," he scolded gently as he tapped her nose. "I don't think he'd appreciate that just now." She pouted.

Kyo made sure to walk far away from the two Chinese as he made his way over to Tohru and Ciel. "Yeah, let's avoid that," he agreed and stationed himself next to Tohru, standing on the side furthest from the bodyguard, leaning lightly on his cane.

Sebastian walked around, handing out teacups on saucers. "Well, it would appear that everyone is here," he commented as he handed out the last cup. "Though I wonder if master Kyo might prefer to sit."

Kyo ignored his suggestion.

Ciel looked over. "Don't tell me you called Lau here."

The butler smiled. "Of course not, young master. But, for better or worse, he is a part of this. I'm sure you would agree with that much. After all, he is aware of our young friends' unique situation, at least so far as the Curse goes."

Ciel waved his hand. "Fine. I can see you have something in mind. You might as well get it out into the open."

Sebastian bowed. "Of course." He turned to the room in general. "I believe everyone here is aware that our young friends are not from England. However, there is something that several of you are likely not aware of. They are also not from this time."

Tohru blinked and raised her hand. "Um, excuse me, but what do you mean by that, Mr. Sebastian?"

Sebastian glanced at her with a bit of surprise. "I had assumed that master Kyo had informed you, but it would appear that he did not, though I'm sure you may have suspected this much already. You come from a different time than where you currently are. To be precise, you have traveled one hundred and ten years into your past."

Tohru's mouth fell open in shock. "What?" She turned to Kyo. "Um... Kyo, is that true? We really did travel back in time? I thought I was just dreaming!"

Kyo nodded rather uncomfortably. He'd rather hoped that she wouldn't have found out until he'd figured a way out of this mess, but he couldn't deny it now that it was out in the open.

"Ah," Lau commented. "I thought I sensed something unusual about you two. And to think it was that you are time travelers. Is this the first time you've visited or have you visited others? I recall a time when my ancestors were visited by travelers from other times..." He trailed off, reminiscing.

Ciel smirked. Lau was probably making it up to sound more important, though the idea wasn't entirely impossible, all things considered, less than likely but not impossible.

Sebastian gently cleared his throat to recall their attention. "I investigated the area wherein Miss Tohru and master Kyo first entered our time and found that what was confessed to me late one night by master Kyo was quite true, at least in so far as their having been mysteriously transported from Japan to England. Further investigation these past few days have added to the confirmation of their claims to come from this other time as well."

Ciel leaned forward with interest. "You did not mention that this morning," he accused. "Nor earlier, for that matter."

The butler turned to his master. "That is because you did not ask and I had other matters on my mind at the time," he answered. It was true enough. He'd rather thought Kyo would be difficult that morning when he came to remove the sutures.

Ciel sighed. "Fine. Continue then."

Sebastian inclined his head. "Very well. I found some evidence to support their claim." He brought out a textbook. "I found this some ways from the original sight, as though it had either been thrown or expelled from at some other point."

Tohru almost stood. "That's one of mine!" She reached for the math book, which Sebastian gave her.

"That book has the publication date inscribed," Sebastian explained, "as most books do. And its date is the year of our lord, 1999. That alone, should be proof of its coming from another time. And the admission that this book belongs to you," he glanced at Tohru, "tells me you are also from the time this book came from."

"Amazing," Lau commented. "To think we actually have time travelers in our midst. I never thought I'd live to see the day where it was possible."

Ciel glared at Lau. Hadn't he just been going on about his ancestors being visited by time travelers? He was such a liar sometimes.

"To continue," Sebastian interrupted their various thoughts, "though I did not find any other physical evidence, I did find what appears to be a tear in the very fabric of time. I did not see it the first time I visited the area because it had moved, but it has since returned to that location. I have been observing it most carefully these past two nights and it seems to have stabilized, at least for now."

Ciel sighed. "Am I to guess correctly that you believe this 'tear' to be temporary in nature? And that there is only a small window of opportunity if they are to return to their own time?"

Sebastian inclined his head in the affirmative. "It would appear to be so, young master. In which case, I would suggest, despite not everyone being fully recovered from recent events, that we set them back to their time within the next twenty-four hours. I do not know how long this tear will be stable and believe it would be wiser to send them through sometime during the course of tomorrow morning."

Tohru looked at Kyo. "Will you be okay?" Thousands of thoughts drifted through her mind, but they'd have to wait until later, when she could talk to him in private.

Kyo scoffed. "Of course I'll be okay! Don't let the cane fool you." He thumped it on the floor. "I'm just using it because Mr. Sebastian said I had to."

Sebastian smiled at the comment but his eyes were on Ciel. "Young master, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter."

Ciel stared at the chessboard. "What choice do we have but to follow your plan? If the tear is not as stable as you say, we do not have much time. You will, of course, see that their original clothes are ready for tomorrow?" He looked up pointedly.

"Of course," Sebastian bowed. "I will have Mey-Rin make sure they are freshly laundered and ready for the occasion."

The earl looked towards Lau and Ran Mao. "And I suppose you'll want to stay around until after they've left, am I correct?"

Lau smiled behind his closed eyes. "But of course, Earl. I would not want to miss this for anything."

Ciel sighed. "All right then." He glanced at the clock. It was only two hours from dinner. "We will carry on as usual tonight, but should be ready for tomorrow. I believe we will all be going for a rather long walk, won't we Sebastian?"

Sebastian smiled. "Yes, it is a bit of a walk," he confirmed. "I hope the young master will be up for it, but if not, you know all too well that I will carry you."

Ciel smiled as he leaned back in his chair with a nod. He planned on taking advantage of that. "Now, if you don't mind, I have to finish teaching Miss Tohru how to play chess."