The World As We Know It

Chapter Eight

The pain was almost unbearable. Sitting for too long generally left me stiff and achy. Not moving for three days left my body screaming with even the smallest of movements. The stiffness in my joints made walking a challenge, and I struggled to make it to the bathroom without needing to brace myself against something. However, the fatigue was always the worst part. I could fight through the pain. It was difficult, but doable. Fatigue, however, sapped me of all my energy. There were a handful of days I remained bedridden, too tired to even lift my head. I hated myself for that. I hated having Fibromyalgia and its constant pain and tiredness. Most of all, I hated having to rely on someone.

I didn't want to admit it, but I appreciated having Sebastian around. He made sure I ate, expertly whipping up meals in my kitchens. More often than not, he was what I leaned against on trips to the bathroom or to the living room. Baths were drawn to help manage my pain. The apartment was always spotless when I woke, leaving me to wonder if he even slept. When my curiosity got the better of me, and I finally asked how he did it all, he simply smiled.

"I would be a pitiful caretaker if I couldn't do something as simple as this."

It took almost two weeks before I had recovered enough to function. Sebastian urged me to continue resting, but I couldn't stand it anymore. I had been locked in my apartment with him, alone. Cosmo had been left with Ciel until I recuperated, mostly due to the issues Sebastian had with him. I had grown tired of my caretaker's subtle teasing, though, surprisingly, I never tired of his presence. Honestly, I had come to find it comforting to wake up and hear him moving about the house. His inhumane eyes still unnerved me, but I no longer felt like prey. In fact, he seemed almost...protective of me.

I pondered on that thought for the few hours I had left with my caretaker. He was effortlessly cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast, humming softly to himself. It was too soft for me to make out the tune, but it seemed familiar. Comforting, almost.

As if feeling my gaze, he glanced towards me with a secretive smile. Blushing, I quickly turned back to the TV. I swore my heart was beating loud enough for him to hear, and I jumped when he spoke.

"I suppose it's time for me to leave." He sighed.

"Mhm. I suppose so."

He suddenly appeared at me side, causing me to jump to my feet.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather take a few more days to rest? You seem...feverish."

His hot breath on my neck caused me to gasp, and I struggled to find words.

"Yeah....um...I-I should be fine. I think. I mean, know. I know I will be fine."

He arched an eyebrow, looking pleased with himself.

"Oh? I think you might truly be ill." Removing his glove, he pressed the back of his hand to my forehead. "Ah. You're even warm."

A knock at the door saved me from whatever Sebastian was trying to do. Anxious dog nails scratched at the door, and I rushed to open the door. Ciel stared blankly at my flushed face, before slowly turning his gaze to Sebastian.

"What did-?"

Sebastian brushed against me as he left, his face expressionless.

"Nothing she didn't want," he said breezily.

Mouth agape, I watched him disappear into his apartment. Ciel looked alarmed, but his expression darkened, and he pulled me into my apartment with a surprising amount of strength. Cosmo seemed unsure of what to do as I was pushed to the couch, but became defensive when Ciel grabbed the front of my shirt.