Ciel awoke to find his room empty, he felt slightly better. He briefly wondered where Sebastian had gone. He didn't blame the demon for his absence, after all Sebastian had not left his bedside since he had become ill. He yawned, fatigue still grasping him tightly he began to close his eyes.

"Young Master, how are you feeling this afternoon?" Sebastian asked setting the tea cart close to the boy's bed. He then helped him sit up and gave him his tea.

"I can sit up on my own you know, I'm not completely helpless." Ciel commented crossly.

"Be that as it may my lord, I can't have you hurting yourself should you suddenly become lightheaded or dizzy. might I persuade you to eat lunch today, you missed breakfast but I can offer-" Ciel shoook his head.

"Just tea for now. In a little while I want you to bring me those-"

"Ciiieeeel!" The voice called showing no sign of the cheerful tone the Earl was used to, it sounded very close to tears.

"What's Lizzy doing here?" Sebastian cleared his throat.

"Please remember that the dorctor ordered complete rest, you must not allow yourself to become upset."

"What did you tell her you damn-"

"I was not the one who spoke to lady Elizabeth. By the time I had been informed of the visit, nothing could be done."

"Yet you are just as guilty, you could have told be at the very least. He shot the butler an angry look.

"Even so, you may find you enjoy the company while you rest."

" you've no idea what it's like to be ill around Lizzy, she means well but fusses far too much. I can't stand to be fussed over" A knock at the door ended the conversation.

"Is it too late to pretend I'm not home?" Sebastian smiled.

"I'm afraid so my I open the door?"

"I suppose so. I don't really have a choice." Sebastian bowed before crossing the room and pulling open the door.

"Lady Elizabeth, how nice to see you again" he greeted warmly.

"Hello Sebastian,how's Ciel?" The Earl was already frustrated by the tears falling from her eyes, rest would not come easily.

"The Young master is feeling a bit better today, the doctor assured me that he would be up and about in a matter of days. Just a precaution my lady." The demon stepped aside to allow the girl entry and closed the door behind her. Lizzy walked slowly over to the bed where Ciel was now lying.

"Hello Ciel, h-how are you?"

"Hello Lizzy, I feel much better today, there's absolutely no need for tears. I'm fine."

"Doctors don't tell people to stay in bed when they're fine. Why don't you talk to me?"

We're talking right now."

"That isn't at all what I mean and you know it. One day I'll be your wife, will you shut me out then too?" Ciel could feel his irritation gerring worse.

"If this is the reason you came round today I-"

"Please excuse the young master,he was very ill, you know how much he dislikes being in bed. I daresay he can be a bit irrritable. We must try to understand." Sebastian said fixing the covers and pulling them secruely around the boy's small body. Lizzzy nodded.

"You're right Sebastian. Ciel, I didn't come here to make you upset, I just wanted to know that you were okay." she wiped away the tears from her face.

"I know, I didn't mean to lose my temper, I'm not angry at you. I just feel so-" Ciel closed his eyes as the dizziness took over.

"Are you okay, should we get the doctor?" the boy shook his head.

"No. I justneed some time." Lizzy reached out her hand and began to stroke Ciel's hair, causing him to open his eyes.

"Then let me help you. I could take care of you until you're well. just rest."

"Lizzy, it's not that I don't appreciate you're concern, but Sebastian's-" he stopped as fresh tears fell from the girl's eyes.

" do you know what it's like to love,someone so much and watch them lying ill in front of you but not be able to do anything ?" she sobbed.

"I suppose if only for a little while, if you want to, Sebastian would be glad extra help." He was already regretting his decision.

"I'll take good care of you Ciel, I promise you."

"I know you will Lizzy. he said pulling her down gently so that she sat on of the bed and reaching up to brush away the tears.

After a moment Lizzy stood up.

" I almost forgot, I have something for you down stairs, I'll go and get it if that'alright." Ciel nodded. No sooner had Lizzy left then Ciel turned to the butler.

"That story you mentioned, the one for another day, tell me.""Young master, I'm not sure that now is such a good time, with your illness and Lady Elizabeth visiting-"

"Sebastian"

'here it comes' the demon thought silently.

" This is an order, tell me now."

"You should be aware that although I must obey, it is a story that has no happy ending. It is a story of love and darkness,."

"just get on with it." the demon sighed.

" not very long ago, there lived a beautiful young woman and a monster..."