That Butler: Caring?

Chapter 2.

The young boy's eyes flickered slowly open as he awoke, noting the faint sensation of cold water dripping down his face. With a groan Ciel waited for his vision to clear, groggy and with aching muscles. His memory was fuzzy and not quite complete, but a puzzled look came over his face as he awoke to his butler sitting on the edge of his bed, bathing his forehead with a damp cloth.

"S-Sebastian? What's going on? What are you doing?"

The demon immediately paused in his actions, one gloved hand held above his master's forehead. A faint shadow of a smile crept onto the older male's face as his eyes softened.

"Ah, you're finally awake, Young Master. I was beginning to worry. How are you feeling?"

He replied simply, but his words confused the Earl.

Sebastian, worrying about me? That's preposterous. It isn't like him at all.

He thought, though no matter how hard he tried to ignore Sebastian's words they just sounded too sincere, too genuine to be brushed off as a mere joke.

"Fine... Just a little tired."

At that the butler rested his hand in his lap, taking a moment to gather his words before replying, having completely forgotten about the warm milk and honey he had planned on preparing.

"Come, Master. I know you are exhausted but you really do need a bath before you retire for the night; you look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards. I'll have Mey-Rin remake the bed with fresh linens."

His response was a little more playful this time, much more like his usual self. That trademark smirk and the gentle, demonic look in his crimson eyes were almost comforting to the Earl... Not that he would ever dare to admit it.

"Very well... I shall have to catch up on my paperwork tomorrow."

Murmured Ciel, consenting to allow Sebastian to pick him up and carry him to the bathroom. Within minutes Mey-Rin was changing the bedsheets, actually able to complete the task without ruining anything for the first time in rather a long while.

Sebastian already had a warm bath ready and waiting for the tired boy, and he bathed each and every one of his wounds with gentle care, being sure to avoid hurting his master further. The young Lord Phantomhive simply sat in the water with half lidded eyes, leaning on the edge of the bath, head hanging and limbs too heavy to move. The slender, gloved fingers trailed over his body, taking away the grime and dried blood and soothing his aching muscles. The warmth of the steam and the soothing scent of the soap lulled the Earl into an early slumber, which Sebastian seemed not to notice.

"Let's get you dry before you catch cold, Young Master. We don't want you feeling any worse than you already do."

Said the demon softly, smiling a little. When his master did not respond he simply placed a gentle hand on the boy's bare shoulder.

"Master?"

Ciel exhaled softly and his head shifted to one side, eyes closed. The raven haired male merely smirked and, bending over, lifted the boy's small frame from the bath.

"Dear me, Young Master. You must be tired indeed, falling asleep in the bath like this."

He murmured. Without hesitation the butler sat down and set the Earl on his knee, wrapping him in a soft white towel, and paying no mind to the water dampening the cloth of his black trousers. With gentle motions he dried Ciel's skin and hair, patting the bruises and areas of broken skin carefully to avoid waking him. After slipping the youngster's nightshirt on and buttoning it up, he proceeded to carry the sleeping Ciel back to his chambers and set him down in his freshly made bed, pulling the thick down quilt over him.

"Sleep well, my Young Lord."

The words slipped softly from Sebastian's lips before he had a chance to catch himself. Shocked at his own softhearted attitude the demon quickly exited the room, shutting the door quietly before exhaling deeply in the now dark corridor, lit only by the light of his candles.

What on earth has gotten into me? That feeling... Was it? No, that's ridiculous. So he was a little bruised. They didn't kill him. He's good for nothing except getting himself captured... I am only waiting for the day I can consume his soul.

Reassuring himself that such feelings were only a figment of his imagination, Sebastian walked calmly off down the corridor to prepare for the morrow.