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It was the middle of winter, and the temperature was at an all time low for the United Kingdom. Snow was thick on the ground and still coming from the sky while the sounds of nature had been dulled considerably, sparing only a few chirps of birds and the bleat of a deer echoing somewhere within the woods. Drowning them out considerably was the loud and everlasting howl of the winds, sounding like the shrieks of restless spirits. Strangely within a particular patch of land overcome with winter were two figures that traveled through the snow that reached halfway to the shorter’s knees. Said short one was bundled up in many layers of winter clothes, while the other curiously only wore a simple black tuxedo. What exactly were these two doing so far from the warmth of society, where the wind bit at them like gnats and the snow fell on them like it wouldn’t end?
Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis had been making their way to a supposed lead in their latest investigation given to them by the Queen herself, as she had been doing for a decade now, and even longer before Ciel came to be. And like quite a few of those investigation, this one had been stumping Ciel for some time. This was to the point of frustration for him, which is what lead him to wondering about the woods of England at such horrible temperatures. Sebastian HAD attempted to talk his master out of this, but the ever stubborn man had insisted upon it, citing his need to personally see this done. And Sebastian knew it was pointless to argue against Ciel, he’d never hear the end of it if he went and handled it on his own like he should. “Some things never change.” He mumbled to himself, with a small smile.
“What was that?” Ciel asked, turning his head slightly but not stopping his rather slow walk through the snow.
“Oh nothing, my Lord.” Sebastian replied. His master let out a small grunt and faced forward again. The two continued in silence, and Sebastian watched how Ciel was evidently shivering even as he was in several layers of winter clothing.
“It’s not too late if you’d rather I do this on my own.” Sebastian chimed. “I’m afraid you’ll catch a cold at this rate, or worse.”
“Y-Yes yes I haven’t heard that before.” The man upfront said bitterly. “I’ve said it o-once and I’ll say it again. I W-W-WILL see this through, damn it.” His voice was that haughty tone as usual but coated in thick chill as he struggled to make his sentence. Sebastian found it rather impressive he could hold such a tone even as he was in the process of freezing over.
“You’ll be the death of me…or yourself if we’re being honest.” Sebastian remarked. Ciel scoffed in response, a brief large puff of misty air coming out of his mouth. Still they trudged on, or rather Ciel did. Sebastian had no trouble walking through the snow as though it were summer grass, he was merely slowing himself down to stay at pace with his obstinate partner. He then thought about that last word fondly while he followed behind, keeping an eye on Ciel should he reach his limit and need rescuing as he has for the past ten years.
It was strange to him that he was both butler and partner to Ciel, and only one of those would ever be something the outside world would know. It wasn’t like keeping secrets was a problem for the two of course, and they had enough moments of privacy for that other half of their relationship to come forth. He supposed it helped that the line between what a butler did and a partner did was incredibly thin for the most part as well.
He had also become more concerned with Ciel’s reckless behavior overtime, finding it frustrating AND admirable that he was beginning to take charge in his own investigations. No longer was Sebastian sent out while he stayed in the mansion the whole day, sometimes it’d be the reverse to the mild contempt of Sebastian. Of course while he could always come at a moments notice if he really needed him, Sebastian found it irritating that he had to worry about Ciel not only as his butler but now as his lover. When he expressed his annoyance over the matter (save for the lover aspect) to Tanaka, he was told his father was much the same at that age, and the other butler had a very similar experience to Sebastian’s.
And along with personality, Ciel had managed to look just about the same as his father save for a few aspects, from the photos he had seen of Vincent Phantomhive at least. He was a bit frailer and paler looking due to childhood health problems, and was a foot shorter than his father in height. Of course there was also his dark sapphire colored hair, that still alluded Sebastian as to how he could have such an unnatural yet beautiful color gifted to him. He was likely the only person on this Earth that had that color, and he felt very lucky that person was his and his alone in more ways than one.
Ciel coughed a few times, which made Sebastian halt from his thoughts and begin to make his way to the man before he was stopped by a large gloved hand raised in front.
“I’m f-fine I’m fine, only a cough.” Ciel insisted. Sebastian’s eyes narrowed.
“I don’t know WHY I let you do this to yourself.” The demon said disappointed. “Don’t be surprised if I have to whisk you away suddenly, should you come even closer to Death’s door than you already are.”
“Blah blah blah…” Ciel murmured. Sebastian let an exasperated sigh and let him continue on. As he did, he recalled the words of a friend, Agni, some time ago that he could and should really put into effect right now:
“Your first priority must be your master's health! In this case, should you not consider Lord Ciel's health and stop him forcibly, even if that should mean disobeying him?”
He remembered doing so a very long time ago, and he has put it to effect many times after, much to the contempt of Ciel. But while he could simply carry him off back home and put him aside a fireplace very easily right now, he decided he would let this go on, at least until his life is truly in danger of course. Ciel was an adult now, and he could suffer the consequences of his actions, Sebastian reasoned to himself…And when Ciel became as sickly as he predicts him to be after all this, he’ll give him yet another “I told you this would happen” and nurse him back to health even if the man would be less than thrilled about the process.
Plus, he selfishly thought, his master would be bound to the mansion, which meant he could spend much more time with him, as butler AND partner.
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It wasn’t long until they had found what they needed, much to the relief of Ciel and Sebastian for different reasons. And after that the case was finished before the day was, both grateful to get this over with, everything being handed over to Scotland Yard to take care of the rest. Once again, Earl Phantomhive and his trusted butler had helped the Queen, and England as a whole.
And exactly as Sebastian predicated, Ciel was overcome with a great illness the next day. The first sign of such was how the Earl remained in bed, longer than he usually did in the morning. Sebastian had came in after waiting a good half hour, expecting the master to be taking his time in getting dressed. Instead, he found him in his blanket, tightly wrapped and barely visible. Sebastian was very confident about why he was in this state, but went on as if he didn’t quite know.
“My Lord, are you feeling alright?” He asked innocently, making his way to the side of the bed. Ciel responded by grumbling to him, peaking his eyes over the blanket to stare vehemently at his butler.
“I’m fine.” He said, not so convincing. “Only tired is all, that investigation was a headache for days on end.” Sebastian crouched lower down beside Ciel, taking a single glove off.
“Hmm…” He put the back of a bare hand on Ciel’s forehead, who didn’t react to the touch even while he stared at Sebastian. “You feel awfully hot, I believe you’re far from fine, sir.” He said. Ciel finally reacted, pushing the hand off of him weakly and turning himself around.
“I’m fine, as I’ve said!” He said in a loud though hoarse voice. “I’ll be up in a moment, go get some tea by my desk until then and leave me alone. That’s an order.” He let out that last sentence rather irritated. Sebastian simply stood back up, bowing.
“As you wish, sir. Do call if you need help with getting ready.” He said as he made his way back to the door. Ciel spoke, with a few hoarse coughs interrupting him.
“I’ve no need for help getting dressed, I’m not a child.” Ciel mumbled grumpily. And that was true enough, Sebastian supposed. Hopefully Ciel would manage, but if he couldn’t at least there were no social plans for the day…or thankfully the week too, should this persist. Still, he was confident that Ciel’s pride would keep him from missing any sort of work, even if he really SHOULD miss a day for his own sake.
The butler waited in the Earl’s office, a hot cup of tea present at the desk. He wasn’t sure if his stomach could handle food at this moment, so he held off on that for the time being. It was a little more time until Ciel made his way to the office, and just as Sebastian was about to check on him a second time, the door opened and in came he.
Really, he was astounded by the stubbornness of his master, coming in to work even while looking and feeling as horrible as he was right now. His already pale skin was nearly white like sheets, and his hair a partial mess that he hadn’t bothered fully grooming. Even his eye-patch was askew a tad. Now he was REALLY glad there weren’t any social events this day, the master could hardly put his clothes on without looking so grim. Rather than point it out though, he simply gave him a bow as Ciel made his way to the desk.
“The tea for today is ginger, I believe it will help you a little with your illness, sir.” Ciel scoffed quietly as he struggled to sit down at his seat.
“I am NOT ill, only tired.” He insisted.
“Very well. I have your papers set already, and will be off on other duties until you need me once more.” Ciel wordlessly dismissed him with a hand wave, and Sebastian made his leave. As he left Sebastian felt what he was doing MAY be going too far, which was a funny thing for a demon to think he imagined. He supposed love would do that however, as strange as it was to say that too. He looked at the closed door, hearing the faint sound of coughing and sniffling, and considered carrying the master off to bed already as he should.
But he supposed he would let it go on just a little longer, to see if Ciel would relent on his own accord for a change. He would of course take the words of Agni to good use should that not occur, but for now he’d let the man make his own choice for the time being. Right now Sebastian had to make sure the other servants were ready to do their work…and hopefully not damage something on the way as they still manage to do to this day. He couldn’t imagine what the headaches would do to Ciel right now.
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It had been roughly an hour, and Sebastian decided to go back and check on Ciel. He hadn’t heard a call for him nor sense any signs of distress or danger, so he was not in a hurry to get there. When he did arrive, he found him just about the same as he was before. His face was still flush and eye gaunt, and it seemed he hadn’t gotten much work done in the time since he left either. As he came up to him he saw the tea was indeed finished, which he felt some gratefulness for. Ciel was too busy staring at the paper before him to register Sebastian’s presence, usually not the case.
“How are you feeling, sir?” Sebastian asked, a question he felt was not truly necessary. Ciel continued staring at the paper, a pen held over where he’d usually sign that hadn’t moved much the last minute. “Sir?” He said a little louder. Ciel had jolted a little, slowly turning his head up to see the concerned, yet also smug look of his butler’s face.
“What is it Sebastian?” Ciel asked.
“How are you feeling? His butler repeated.
“Like the Queen of England.” The Earl dryly said.
“I suppose you mean Queen Anne then?” Sebastian asked. Ciel groaned at the joke, looking back at his paper he’d been staring at while his brain remained clouded. He didn’t react to the second time Sebastian pressed a hand on his forehead either.
“Your fever hasn’t gotten better, dare I say it’s even higher.” Sebastian reported. “This is no good, sir. I may have to put matters in my own hands at this rate.” He warned. As he expected, Ciel broke of his stupor at the concept of his butler overruling him in any manner.
“I am fine!” He said boldly. “I’ve got too much to-” He interrupted himself with a fierce cough, having to use a free hand to keep himself from falling over on his desk. When he was done with his coughing fit, he found that Sebastian was by his side, crouched down some to be closer to his level.
“I’m only doing this for your own good.” Sebastian calmly stated. Even as he grew older, Ciel was just as resistive to doing things he didn’t want to do. “Complain all you’d like I suppose, but we’re going off to bed for the day.” And without waiting for Ciel’s response, he scooped him up in a bridal carry, as he has been doing for a long time. Ciel was of course, too weak in the moment to fight back physically, though even when sick and hoarse he still had the need to react verbally to this insult to his pride.
“Get your damned hands off me!” He exclaimed, rather weakly. Sebastian merely chuckled as he easily handled the grown man in his arms, whose body was slack and far from willing to fight on behest of the minds ego. “Sebastian, that’s an order!”
“I’m afraid your health takes precedence over your orders, sir.” Sebastian stated. Ciel let an exasperated groan out, trying to hang his head back, but a gloved hand kept his head steady and in place. Ciel knew that when Sebastian played that card, there was nothing that could be done to counter it. Of course, he wouldn’t cease his complaints, bringing up work to be done and letters to write, and so on. Sebastian would calmly rebuke these arguments, telling his master that he would inform anyone that needed to know, that he was much too sick for any work. When they came to his room, Ciel had been finally let go and put onto his bed, where he sat rather wearily at the edge of the bed with Sebastian having to hold his sides to keep him steady.
“Really, the trouble that you put yourself through…though I suppose I’m to blame just as much for allowing it.” Sebastian reprimanded, hearing a soft scoff from his master. “Along with your business work, I’ll be informing the queen of your predicament, should she need more work from you so soon and sudden.” That got his sick master riled up, as riled up as a sickly man can be that is.
“Oh don’t tell the bloody QUEEN I’m ill!” Ciel said indignantly, very annoyed. “The last she needs to hear after I took this long to get her work done is that I’ve gotten SICK on top of it!”
“I understand your concern, but I intend to make it sound better than that.” Sebastian tried to reason with him. “I imagine she’ll see it as you bringing much needed justice on her behalf, even at the cost of your own health. Now, doesn’t that sound noble of you, dare I say respectable?”
His master could admit that may not the be the worst thing to do. However, he continued on with his previous points, while Sebastian listened as he always does. Complaining about how he can’t miss a day of work, let alone more than that, and so on and so forth. Sebastian could sense this wasn’t going to end, no matter what he’d say. And so he went with his favorite way to quiet the Earl down, one he could only do in upmost privacy.
Using a hand to suddenly hold Ciel’s chin, Sebastian leaned forward while his master stopped talking at the surprise touch. He gave him a firm slightly long kiss, and pulled back to see his reaction. Ciel’s gaunt eye was wide and his cheeks were a faint red as his body was left rigid for a change today. While he was left speechless, Sebastian put a hand on his cheek and gave him a smug smile.
“My your fever is even worse it seems, your whole face is blazing right now.” Ciel was trying to stammer out something to say, but was left stumbling on his words at the surprise kiss. “And you can hardly form a word now, that’s no good.” He noted slyly. He still held his master’s chin while they stared at each other, finding it humorous how Ciel got flustered so easily over simple things like kisses to this day.
“I see you’ve stopped your complaints for now, I really should do that more often.” Sebastian teased, hearing Ciel’s heart speed up at the mention of that. “But for now, I’d like you in some proper bed clothes, if you may.” Ciel was still wordless for a time, having to look away to clear his throat and mind. All of his indignation and anger had practically vanished, and he was suddenly much more docile than before. He let out a small sigh and mumbled out one word.
“F-Fine.” Sebastian’s smile turned from smug to relief, finally letting go of his chin. Ciel leaned back when finally released, and Sebastian already was already kneeling down to undo his shoes for him. Ciel was still weak bodied after all, and struggling to get his suit jacket off himself. He just finished unbuttoning it when his heart nearly leapt out of his chest, he could feel familiar hands start to come to his aid at his dress shirt under his jacket.
“I-I’d like to undress myself, Sebastian.” Ciel stammered out, putting a hand on the butler’s wrist gently. “In PRIVATE, please.” The demon brought his hand back and nodded in agreement. Ciel had begun to be compliant now rather quickly, and though it disappointed him he was fine to let him do it himself. It wasn’t often he said please after all, and that may well be a miracle for the butler.
“Very well, sir. I’ll fetch you some medicine and tea in the meantime. Do you need something to eat as well?”
“My stomach isn’t keen on being useful for now…” Ciel muttered, falling back down onto bed. Sebastian nodded, giving his master a bow he couldn’t see right now.
“I understand, sir. I shall return soon.” His butler said, leaving the room while he gave Ciel his privacy.
=====
Sebastian gave a knock at the door, and Ciel mumbled something out that was close enough to “come in”. When he did he could see that Ciel had managed to put himself into new nightwear, judging by the clothes he previously wore being in a pile near the bed. His master was wrapped back in his blankets as he was in the morning, though his head was out rather than buried in. He didn’t look as irritated regarding the situation too, though looking miserable wasn’t much better.
“I’m glad you were able to get dressed on your own, sir.” Sebastian began. “And that should be the most you’ll have to do today, thankfully.” He added, putting the vial of medicine and another, different flavor of tea at the tabletop beside him.
“Fantastic…” Ciel murmured wearily, lazing his head to Sebastian’s direction. It was doubtless that was sarcasm in his voice, to be sure. Once more Sebastian was kneeled by his side. “I’ll be taking the medicine soon, so you can go back to your duties.” However, his butler shook his head.
“I doubt you could manage that, you can hardly move as is my Lord.” Sebastian explained. “I’ll give it to you myself, its the most sensible thing to do.” Ciel let a weak groan out, turning his head away.
“Great, what I need is to be treated even more like a child…” he grumbled. Sebastian gave a look of sympathy, thinking how best to approach this. The last thing he wanted to do was FORCE him to take the stuff, he feared that’d go poorly in many ways.
“I understand how you feel about me doing that.” Sebastian started. “But I want what’s best for you, as your butler AND companion.” He put a hand on where he believed his shoulder would be, in the depths of the blanket. “Allow me to take care of you as both, please.” Silence followed for a bit, but Ciel let out a faint and short laugh peppered with small coughs.
“I suppose you’ve done worse than that…” He tiredly admitted.
“Indeed I have.” Sebastian replied. Ciel took his time to adjust himself, propping his back up against the headboard of his bed. He was leaning forward slightly, looking a little dejected at this extra predicament he let himself go through. Sebastian had a point he reckoned, he could barely feel his arms right now and would certainly need the help provided. But at the same time, needing help for such simple things bothered him
“I don’t suppose they made it taste good this time around, did they?” Ciel commented, while Sebastian prepared the medicine.
“I highly doubt it.” His butler answered. Ciel did his best to stomach his pride and not suffer from the self perceived humiliation he felt, as he swallowed the spoonful of unappealing liquid Sebastian guided to his lips. He gave a shudder as the grape flavor coursed through his mouth, feeling upmost horrible.
“Eugh, was that really all we had?” Ciel sighed, feeling the aftertaste was worse.
“Only one I could find I’m afraid.” Sebastian replied. “Just one more and we can be done with it, sir.” Ciel reluctantly took the second spoonful, grimacing intensely. While he was reeling from the experience, Sebastian had put the cup of tea before him. The herbal scent made him forget for a moment the misery that befell him just earlier.
“I made you some chamomile tea, sir. It should help you with getting the rest you need.” Ciel had tried to wriggle an arm out of his cover, but a hand rested gently on it to pin it down.
“Come on, I’m sure I could lift a tea cup at the very least.” Ciel tried to reason.
“Is it worth testing that out?” Sebastian asked. Seeing the still partially steaming cup made Ciel reluctantly shake his head no, being burnt may not be worth it. It felt rather silly, but also strangely pleasant for Sebastian to help him drink the tea, careful to not give him too much too quickly and pausing so he could get a breath in. When they were done with the cup, Sebastian looked pleased with himself as he put the cup away.
“How’re you feeling now, sir?” He asked Ciel, who looked at least LESS miserable now. His master was still of course sickly and very lethargic, but his body was relaxed in a better way than before, and he had a slightly more content look on his face.
“A…little better I suppose.” He answered. He looked like he wanted to say something, but was struggling to actually say it. But, he swallowed hard and looked away when he finally got to it.
“Thank you, Sebastian.” Ciel muttered. That of all things caught his butler a little off guard, who tilted his head a little bit in response.
“My my, a genuine thank you from Ciel Phantomhive is a very valuable thing indeed.” Sebastian said in surprise, smiling wide. Ciel didn’t respond, his face hot with blush. He could hardly stop the hand of Sebastian on his chin though, that tilted his gaze back to him. Sebastian leaned forward and Ciel held his breath for what he imagined would be another kiss between them. Instead however, Sebastian merely used his other hand to undo his eye-patch while Ciel was frozen in place.
“There we go, wouldn’t want that on while you slept would we?” Sebastian said nonchalantly, gently taking hold of the eye-wear and slinking away from the now disappointed Ciel who looked away once again. However, he was surprised to feel a gloved hand on his cheek not long after, that turned him back to Sebastian a second time so soon. And just like that Sebastian’s lips were on his again, with enough gentle force to push his head back on the headboard. They were like that for a while longer than the last time, and just as Ciel was about to try and go further into it, Sebastian pulled away and left Ciel catching his breath.
“D-Dammit Sebastian…” Ciel huffed, face blazing as it usually did when the two embraced each other that way. Ciel lowered himself until he was back to laying down, grumpy that their kiss was cut so short. All the while, Sebastian couldn’t let go of the pleased look on his face.
“You need your sleep my Lord, there’ll be plenty of time for that sort of thing when you’re feeling better.” His butler replied. He leaned to Ciel and whispered in his ear with a sultry tone. “Plenty of time~.” The butler held in a laugh at how Ciel exhaled suddenly and his body had attempted to tense up once more, failing in how relaxed his body was thanks to the effects of the medicine, tea, and Sebastian’s unnatural charm. All he could do was lay there, groggily attempting speech.
“R-Right.” Ciel was all he could stammer, Sebastian snickering at the state he was leaving his master in. He gave him one last kiss, this time on the cheek, getting a small pleased noise from the man. After that, Sebastian went to gather the clothes on the ground, along with the medicine and tea cup he had brought in earlier. After that was done, he had made his way to the door then, turning around before he truly left.
“Is there anything else you need before I leave, my-” But what he saw was the Earl already sound asleep, head leaning to the side as he quietly breathed slowly but steadily. It was a shame really, that he couldn’t join him then and there. He’d much prefer to be under those covers embracing his master, but unfortunately he had his duties to attend to, and a letter to write to the Queen. He sighed, but was far from dejected as he watched how peaceful the master seemed right now.
“Plenty of time.” Sebastian reassured himself with a whisper, shrugging as he made his way out of the room and leaving Ciel to rest for the day.