Sebastian continues to swallow his feelings as he watches Ciel snuggle with Lady Elizabeth. Though it made them both happy, it made his chest tighten and his breath shorten. After being so intimate and close to him, it was painful to watch his love be ripped away. And even though once she had left, there was a possibility where he would want Sebastian in his presence, there was a small possibility that he wouldn't want it anymore. He knew she was only staying a weekend, yet it seemed as if his love for Sebastian would be questioned once again as he always did. Or that maybe Sebastian would question it himself. Was it easy for him to accept holding this all in because Lady Elizabeth was here and then opening himself up again once she had left?
These questions remained in his head as he delivered their lunch. "Today's lunch is a Lobster Bisque and freshly made strawberry lemonade," he spoke as he placed their bowls in front of them. Elizabeth's face brightened as the aroma of her food hit her nostrils. "This smells wonderful, Sebastian," she exclaimed, "As always." He smiled and bowed toward her, looking at his master. "Is there anything else you may need, my lord?" he asked. Ciel looked down at his spoon as he blew away the steam. "No, nothing else," he spoke. Sebastian swallowed his spit as he feels his jealousy begin to fuel. He remained put together as he lifted himself and checked his watch. "Do you two have plans you'd like to be put in motion for the afternoon?" the butler asks. "Oh...Ciel, can we go horseback riding?" Elizabeth asked as she looked at the Earl continue with his food. He looked at her as she displayed a smile. "Horseback riding? After lunch?" he commented. "Not directly after," she explained, "Later this evening, so we can watch the sunset." He looked up at his butler as he awaited his call. "Horseback riding it is." The butler smiled an empty smile and bowed. "As you wish, my Lord." He proceeded into the stale where the horses awaited and began to pet their noses. "How am I supposed to accept this, then go back to normal when she's gone?" he thought while feeding the horses grain. He had sent Mey Rin and Tanaka for more silverware while Finnie and Baldo went for groceries, leaving no one else but himself to tend to the horses. In a way, he enjoyed this. Horses were gentle creatures, and in his state of confusion, he longed for some gentleness. "Only if things were simpler to understand." He smiled as he finished his duties and headed back into the manor.
Time passed as Ciel and Elizabeth continued their walk around the garden. Elizabeth enjoyed the garden; it seemed to be her favorite thing about the manor itself. "Will you miss me when I leave, Ciel?" She asked, holding his hand as they walked around the large garden, again and again. "Of course," he spoke, not truly thinking of his answer. Would he truly miss her now that he and Sebastian were close? Her smiled remained as they continued to walk. Their stomachs had settled, as well as the sun as they headed back to the manor to change clothes. "I'll meet you at the stable in 15 minutes," she spoke as she and Paula, who had been waiting by the front door for her, hurried to her room. Ciel smirked and slowly made his way to his. He opened the door and found that Sebastian had already laid out his clothes and was closing his curtains. "Sebastian…" His butler turned to him as he continued his task. "Good evening, young Master," he spoke, "I figured you and Milady would be change your clothes soon." "Did you prepare the horses?" he asked, closing the door behind him. "Of course, my Lord," he answered, walking over toward him to remove his clothes, "They are awaiting you and Milady's activities." Sebastian continued to undress the Earl in silence, not letting his scent over power him too much. Ciel noticed his distance and felt it seemed weird. "Is something wrong, Sebastian?" he asked as his butler replaced his shirt. "What do you mean, my Lord?" he answered. Ciel watched as he dressed him without making a gesture of him loving him or enjoying the feeling of his skin. "You just seem…..off. Is something bothering you?" Sebastian kept his thoughts to himself as he continued his actions. "I'm fine, young Master," he said with a fake smile, not letting his feelings seep through. He couldn't help but want to kiss him. But the thought of being rejected again entered his mind, and he didn't want to take that chance. He stood once the Earl was fully dressed and opened the door. "What are you doing?" The young one asked. He wanted to have his hand fondled, his lips kissed—something that showed him he was still loved. Even though he denied him two nights before, he missed the gestures from his butler. "I'm holding the door open, my Lord," he answered, "So you can head to your activity." Ciel looked down for a moment. He had become distant from him and he didn't know why. Was it because of Friday night? Because Elizabeth was here taking his attention? He didn't understand. The young one took a deep breath, and looked back at his love. "Is something wrong, young Master?" He straightened his jacket and proceeded out the door. "No…nothing…" Sebastian's smile disappeared as he walked behind his love. It seemed as the both of them had something they just didn't want to say.
Elizabeth awaited for her betrothed at the horse stable with Paula. She was excited; for she enjoyed the sport. The occasion of watching the sunset with her fiancé made it all the more special. Ciel, not as enthusiastic as Lizzie, climbed onto his horse. "The edge of the field is a great spot to see the sunset, Milady," Sebastian commented as he assisted her onto her horse. "That sounds wonderful, doesn't it, Ciel?" The young Earl kept his eyes to the ground as they prepared for their fun. "Sounds….fine," he spoke. "Is something wrong, Ciel?" she asked again. He looked up and glanced at his butler, who had not changed the expression on his face. He snatched his face away and faced the field. "No…no, I'm fine." "Good!" Elizabeth, with one felt motion was off into evening, "I'll beat you there, Ciel!" With one final glance at his butler, he pushed his heels into the sides of his saddle and off he was pushed. They rode further and further into the woods, slowly coming closer to the edge. Sebastian and Paula watched their figures disappear as the sun began to set. "Look at them both," Paula spoke to Sebastian as he looked at her. "Yes," he added, "It is a sight to see. Come inside, we shall have tea." Paula's smile slowly disappeared as they headed into the manor.
The two carried the tea set on onto the balcony and enjoyed the sunset as well. Paula seemed shaken, as if something was bothering her. "Would you like one lump or two of sugar, Paula?" the butler asked, pouring tea in her cup. "Three," she spoke with a smile, "I have a sweet tooth." He grinned along with her. "Just like the young Master." He prepared their cups and soon sat down himself. The two relaxed for a while as the birds and other animals made noises around them. They remained silent as they continued to drink their tea and enjoy the scenery. "Is something wrong, Sebastian?" Paula asked. He looked at her as he continued his drink. "What do you mean?" he commented. "I mean, you're always quiet," she explained, "But it seems like there is another reason for your silence." He looked away from her. He hadn't had anyone truly to confide in, and maybe it would help. Yet, because of the circumstances, he kept his thoughts to himself. "I've been very tired lately," he fibbed, "Doing errands for the young Master and household chores, planning and executing things for the Funtom Company, it gets rather exhausting." She giggled. "I guess I can understand," she agreed, "Lady Elizabeth's interest in shopping is not quenched in just a day." Sebastian places down his cup, and stands. "Would you mind helping me with dinner?" he spoke as she placed down her cup and he grabbed the dishes. "By all means," she insisted with a smile as they headed inside. Dinner had begun preparation from the two of them and it seemed to be moving rather smoothly. But something had shaken with Sebastian, besides his own predicaments. "Paula…what's on your mind?" She stopped, being turned away from him and remained silent for a moment. "You seem to have something troubling you," he added, "And I don't think it is exhaustion." Her palms began to shake and her mind started racing, yet she remained silent. "If you don't wish to talk about it, you don't have to," he stated while continuing to prepare dinner. She turned toward him and looked down at her feet. "Can I tell you something…and you promise never to speak a word of it?" she spoke. He smiled slightly and turned toward her. "As the Phantomhive butler, I shall promise…never to speak a word," he stated, "No even to my own Master."
In the woods, Ciel and Elizabeth continued to enjoy the sunset. "We have to head back soon," the young Earl stated, "Dinner should be ready." Elizabeth slowly pet her horse as she stared off into the sun. "Today was just wonderful, Ciel," she spoke, "It's so nice to know you enjoy the things we do together." He smiled. "Not all the things you insist on doing are silly, so yes," he commented, "I rather enjoy them." "Do you want children, Ciel?" she asked. His eyes widened; he hadn't prepared himself for this question. "Uh…um…" "I would like to have some children." His stomach began to turn, his head spinning. "C-Children…?" He got nervous. They weren't even married yet, and she was thinking about children. "We can travel the World for our Honeymoon," she added, "And when we get back, we shall have children. At least three." Ciel's stomach didn't let up. He became sick and within seconds, threw up over the side of his horse. "Ciel!" His body couldn't take the nervousness. "C-C-Children…? Is she serious?" he thought, taking deep breaths while trying not to fall off his horse. "Ciel, are you alright?" she asked, shocked. "I'll ride back to get Sebastian!" He didn't say a word as she hasted off toward the manor. His chest began to cave in; it felt almost as if he was about to have an asthma attack. But it wasn't his condition, it was her words, shaking all over his body. "We'll travel the World for our Honeymoon, and when we come back, we'll have children…" The more her words spiraled in her head, the more nauseous he had become. And with another breath, began to upchuck again.
"You promise you won't speak a word?" Paula asked Sebastian again as they had finished up their conversation. "I shall not share a word, for it is not my business to share," he spoke as he turned toward the stove to finish dinner. Paula walked behind Sebastian and hugged him tightly. "You're a great friend, Sebastian," she stated. His cheeks began to bloom slightly. He hadn't been embraced like this since Friday; he missed his love's warm touch. "No, Paula," he commented, "I am simply…one hell of a listener." Paula smiled as they began to hear the sound of horse hooves come closer toward the manor. "They must be finished…" "Help!" The two stopped what they were doing and hurried to the front. Elizabeth galloped to the front of the manor as the two arrived. "Where's the young Master?" Sebastian asked. "Ciel…He upchucked back in the forest!" she explained, "I think he's sick!" Sebastian came down off the porch and approached the horse. "Milady, I need your horse," he spoke as he helped her down and proceeded to climb on. "Paula, will you watch supper for me?" he asked as she shuck her head in agreement. He turned the horse and headed to the edge of the field. "I knew he shouldn't have gone horseback riding after lunch." As he comes to the middle of the forest, he slows down to notice that Ciel was coming to the manor. His face was green and ill-like, as if he had seen something dead and couldn't handle the sight. "Are you alright, young Master?" Sebastian spoke to him as their horses came side by side. Ciel slowly keeled onto his butler's shoulder and stayed there for a while, trying to calm down his stomach. "Please….take me to the manor…" Sebastian smiled; he had always secretly enjoyed the want or need from his master. "As you wish, my Lord." He slowly lifted the young Earl from his horse onto his back and grabbed the horse's string. Slowly, Sebastian carried the young Earl while leading his horse back to the manor. He hoped that the ground below wouldn't cause upset to the young one's stomach even more. Ciel rested his head on his butler's back, easing his breathing. "May I ask what caused your sudden illness, young Master," he spoke. Ciel kept his breathing calm as he began to speak. "She said….she wanted…c-children…" Sebastian giggled. "Was that all?" he commented. The mere thought of it made Ciel sick. "That's terrifying," he explained, "We aren't even married." They came in sight of the manor and Sebastian slowed their pace. "She's merely thinking of the future, young Master," Sebastian stated, "Wouldn't it be nice to expand your family?" Ciel's stomach became upset again as he held onto Sebastian's waist tighter. "You just…wouldn't understand." Sebastian led them closer as he just couldn't get the thought out of his head. "It is slightly funny," he commented. "What?" "You…with children…" Ciel couldn't take it, pushing his body over the side of the horse again and releasing his stomach onto the ground. "Please do calm down, my Lord," he spoke as he stopped for a moment, "We wouldn't want your guest to see your insides. It just isn't gentleman like." Ciel calmed his breathing again and laid his face back on Sebastian's shoulder blades. "Oh…shut up."
Arriving to the manor, Ciel was carried inside by his butler while Finnie placed the horses back in their stable. Elizabeth had been waiting on the stairs for him to come in. She hopped up as Sebastian carried him inside. "Is he alright?" she spoke running toward them. "He's fine, Milady," Sebastian answered, "Just a little motion sickness." Elizabeth slowly began to cry as she backed away from him. "It's my fault," she exclaimed as her tears ran down her face, "I told him we should go horseback riding after lunch. I should've listened!" Sebastian smiled as Paula wiped her face. "Please relax, Lady Elizabeth," he spoke as he headed up the steps, "He just needs a few moments to relax. That's all." She sniffled as the two disappeared up the steps and into the hallway. "See what you've done, young Master?" the butler commented, "You've upset your fiancé." "Well it's only fair since she upset my stomach." Sebastian smiles; even in his confusion, he can't help but to find pleasure in his humor. He gently lays the young one down on his bed, and removes his shoes. "I can warm up some broth for you if you'd like instead of you eating tonight's menu." "No…" he objected, "I'm fine. Just need to rest a while." The butler bows, for he will do whatever made him happy. "Sebastian….are you upset at me?" He stares at his back for a moment, while the young one stares out the window. "What makes you think of that?" he asked. "You're distant from me," he answered, "Is it because of two nights ago?" Sebastian looks down at his feet. It had been a moment since it had struck his mind. What was to happen when the Master's betrothed was to leave? Was he going to command him to lay in his bed? Would he want to become intimate with him? And if not, would everything go back to the way things were before? He looked out of the window as his love turned toward him. "I…I've just had some things on my mind," he spoke, "Nothing worth talking about." Ciel knew he was lying but wouldn't pry anymore if he did not wish. He turned away from him and rest a bit longer as Sebastian slowly exited the room.
Dinner had been finished and served, goodbyes had been spoken, and Elizabeth was sent on her way. As the night covered the sky, Sebastian changed the young Earl into his pajamas. Ciel watches as he slowly changes his socks without saying a word. Finished changing the young Master, Sebastian stands on his feet and heads to the window to close the blinds completely. "Why won't you talk to me, Sebastian?" Ciel asks, "Did I do something?" Sebastian takes a deep breath, insisting that nothing was wrong. Yet, Ciel could see past it. "Then….come kiss me…" Sebastian shivers as he listens to his command. He expected it in a way. "It's late, young Master," he spoke turning to him, "You need your rest." "Come and kiss me," he repeats himself, "That's an order." The butler's body shivers; he can't disobey. He walks over to the young one and slowly kisses him….on the forehead. Ciel snatches his head away as Sebastian walks away. "Why won't you kiss me?" he exclaims. Sebastian stops in his tracks; trying to hold himself together as his thoughts slowly begin to seep through. "It's late…" "Why won't you embrace me, Sebastian?!" "Am I just supposed to forget what happened a few nights ago….after the morning of you laying in my bed?!" Sebastian snaps. Ciel shakes from the sudden burst from him and remains silent. "You deny me when I ask but I'm supposed to give you affection when it's convenient to you?" "You know I couldn't have!" Ciel yells back, "Lizzie was here!" "And now, she's gone! So everything that happened while she was here is supposed to disappear, right?!" "I asked you what was wrong earlier!" "And I didn't want to talk about it!" Ciel calms his breathing and looks away. "There are nights when I want to hold you in my arms and you deny me…like I'm someone who can be dangled in front of you whenever you'd like! Does it ever concern you that I'm tired of holding this in?! Holding in my love for you while I watch you play tag with Elizabeth…?" Ciel remained silent. He didn't really know what to say. He was doing what he believed was right when it came to the Phantomhive name. "Ciel…" Sebastian's face full of emotion while none of it sank through. He remains turned away from him. "Now, you have nothing to say?" He stays silent; his love's words flustering in his mind. "Can you at least look at me…?" "What do you want me to say?" Sebastian giggles sarcastically and slowly walks away. "What do you want me to say!?" Ciel calls out while watching Sebastian open the door. "Nothing…"
The butler exits, the door closes and Ciel is left in his room alone. His palms are sweaty. He was doing what he thought was right when it came to his family reputation. What was he to do? Had he been wrong in his thinking? He didn't want to lose him. His eyes overflow with emotion as the moon raises higher. He can't help the way this pain feels. He called out to him, with every inch of pain filling his voice. "What do you want me to say!?"
