As Time Goes On - A SebaCiel Story

Chapter 22: Belle of the Ball

I shudder as I stand in the wide open ball room, an empty and cold space now filled with food and laughter as the people dance to a beautiful symphony. Suddenly a large cape rests upon my shoulders, which I gladly welcome, wrapping around me a bit further as I turn around to face the other version on myself greets me with a smile. "Better?"

"Better." I reply, beginning to heat up again inside of the thick fur lined cape. Gently, he fixes the masquerade mask that hides my eyes beneath it, becoming nothing more than another person in the crowd. That's when the sickness began to kick in.

"You seem dazed, are you alright?" An expression that I never knew I could make forms on his face as the genuine concern hits me like a ton of bricks.

"Not exactly... I don't know what it is I just...I can't seem to concentrate with all of these people and the noises they make."

"Let's...Let's go outside. Get you some fresh air."

He tries not to touch me, to avoid prying eyes as I follow him out into the courtyard.  The cool air fills my lungs as I stroll farther and farther into the courtyard.

"I'm fine we can go back-" I stutter, wanting to be there for Lizzy. To see her truly happy, for the first time in years.

"Ciel, I can see it on your face. You're even paler than usual, you clench your jaw every few seconds, most likely from stomach pains, your attention is dwindling by the minute and you're visibly shaking. Which you never do, even when you're terrified." His hand doesn't waver as he places it onto my forehead.

"Your temperature is quite high. You may be coming down with a fever. It's not the best idea to go back into the ball. I should take you to bed-"

"No! Please I just...this is Lizzy's night and I don't want to steal her spotlight. Not again. As soon as she leaves, I will do as you wish. But not now."

"If your symptoms worsen then I'll be forced to take you away early. If not I'll let you stay longer."

"I'm your master, aren't I supposed to be the one giving ultimatums here?" I ask humorously as I try to lighten the mood of our conversation. Not wanting to dwell on the pain in my stomach for too long.

"Yes but as your partner, we're equals."

"You're still my dog."

"You're still the Queen's dog."

"At least I'm not the dog of the dog of the Queen."

"Well...at least I'm not allergic to my own kind."

"I'm not a cat!"

"You're such a pretty kitty~" He jests, pinching my cheek.

"Stooooop-"

"No."

"Pleeeeaaaase-"

"Nope."

"Stop holding me hostage-"

"You should be used to being kidnapped by now."

"Shut the Hell up and let me go-"

"Oh! Kitty has claws."

"I hate you so much."

"You love me."

"I wish I hated you."

"Sure you do."

"Just let me go."

"As soon as you admit that you're a pretty kitty."

"Fuck you, Sebastian."

"Awe~! You're so cute when you're angry."

"Don't make me hit you-"