The Flower Blooming Out Of Season

Episode 14

Oz yawned and sat upright as he began to rub his eyes. It appeared that he had managed to sleep the entire previous day which was evident by the upset grumbling of his stomach.

Throwing his legs over the bed and standing up, he gave the tiny toy rabbit a squeeze before laying it down on his pillow and departing from his bedroom.

"Oz you're awake!" Alice shouted from the ground, instantly standing upright.

"Alice, did you stay outside my bedroom all day?" Oz questioned, a look of concern on his face.

"You're my servant, I have to keep an eye on you," she answered, as if it was the most logical thing in the world.

"Stupid Seaweed head kept me company. We were waiting for you to wake up."

Oz smiled lightly, "Thanks for waiting for me."

Alice merely gave him a confused expression.

"Master Oz!" Gilbert's voice shouted from down the hall.

Oz watched as Gilbert practically ran down the hall with a platter of breakfast in his hands. When he reached him, a look of worry was on his face. He was in an unusual state of being; his clothes were messy and unkempt along with what appeared to be dark circles under his eyes. It was obvious he hadn't slept.

"Gil, you don't look good," Oz commented, feeling bad for making him worry.

"I'm fine! But what about you? Are you alright? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, I actually feel a lot better than before. You shouldn't worry," Oz said, trying to reassure him.

His words seemed to do the trick for Gilbert's face relaxed and he let out a sigh of relief before remembering the platter in his hands.

"Ah! I brought you breakfast," Gilbert said handing it over to him.

"Thanks," Oz responded, taking it from him and sitting on the floor.

"Hey! Where's my breakfast seaweed head?!" Alice shouted.

"You don't get any yet, and don't call me seaweed head!"

"No fair! Bring me my breakfast!"

Oz found himself smiling at the two's exchange as he placed a fork full of food into his mouth.

Gilbert grumbled something inaudible before leaving, no doubt to prepare Alice's breakfast. As soon as he turned his back Alice stuck out her tongue and went to Oz's side where she stared at his breakfast.

"Want some?" Oz asked. No further questions were asked as Alice took a bite of his meat.

"Oi! Back away from Master Oz's breakfast!" Gilbert shouted, practically running down the hall again, Alice's food bouncing up and down on the platter.

Oz giggled before continuing to eat.

"Oh! I forgot to give it to you!" Gilbert exclaimed once he handed over Alice's food. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a slender letter which he handed to Oz.

Oz took the letter and opened it. After reading its contents he went into thought as he set it to the side.

"What did it say?" Alice asked in between bites.

"It's from Ciel. He wants to meet up to catch the killer."

"Did he say when?" Gilbert inquired.

"He said to come whenever I'm free."

Oz continued eating until he finished his breakfast. Once done he stood up and said, "Since I have nothing else to do, let's head over to Ciel's."