Sebastian knelt beside the bed, reaching out to place a clawed hand on his mate's head. Ciel had woken up that morning with a cough and his slightly paler appearance concerned the older demon. Ciel however pulled away,

"I'm fine. I have too much to do today. We have the holidays to plan for and your parents-"

"Will understand and yours will be even more understanding, I assure you. You could benefit from a day or two in bed, my love. The children are well taken care of and all is well. The holidays aren't far off, this is true, however, if you haven't got your health-"

"Everyone will be here and it takes time to-"

"If it means that much to you, we can ask Alois to help with the planning. You know how much he enjoys planning and decorating. Think of our bonding and how overjoyed he was when you asked him to help you."

"Yes, he did so well that your mother hired him for all her events. I have to say, he did a good job with Bethy's birthday party." Ciel coughed into his sleeve. Sebastian shook his head.

"We are no stranger to 'firsts' in this family, but I never would have thought one day we would have a member of the guard double as a party planner. Such loyalty and so..oddly creative." The shadow figure teased, earning a chuckle from his mate.

"He has his own events this year. Hannah and Luca are visiting. He wants it all to be perfect for them and with two little ones to look after, it's too much to ask."Ciel pointed out.

"Then we'll -"

"I have a list as long as the castle is high of things that need done, there's no way anything's going to get done on time with me sitting here." The former Earl moved to the opposite side of the bed, managing to make to to the edge before Sebastian's arms were around him. Ciel was lifted into his mate's arms as the demon sat down in the middle of the bed, holding him close. Sebastian began to nuzzle him softly. Ciel relaxed against him, his head resting on the dark figure's chest.

"Dear one, you do this every time, no matter how much reassurance I offer you. Eventually I give in, but the time has come, Ciel." Sebastian brushed back a few strands of hair from Ciel's face as he spoke. " You must rest. You have impressed us all, time after time with your love for our family and dedication to your tasks. Simply by looking at you, I am aware of your fever. You must feel terrible."

"Doesn't matter if I do, mothers don't get days off for illness, you should know that by now. Even when I had Angelina and Kathryn, I still had to be a mother to our other children, even if it was from my bed."

"Yes, and you did an incredible job. This time, I need you to take better care of yourself. I shall contact the healer and have him examine you-"

"No."

"Why not?"Sebastian questioned, shifting Ciel slightly in his arms.

"He always wants to try to force me to stay in bed.. I know what I can handle, Sebastian."

"Yes, but you often ignore the advice. Admittedly, I shouldn't have allowed it but you know that I don't like to be stern with you. I cannot allow the mother of my children to be roaming around the castle in such a state."

"I'm fine." Ciel insisted, allowing his eyes to close.

"I know you are, my disobedient little dog, perhaps you would enjoy resting quietly for a moment, lying back just this way, in the calm, dimly lit room-" Sebastian said, lowering his usual tone to be more soothing. Ciel listened to his mate's words, feeling himself beginning to drift off into a near sleeping state. He found himself sinking further into the silence as the seconds passed, held securely, in Sebastian's strong arms as a clawed hand stroked his hair softly.

Ciel suddenly pulled himself back into awareness, gently placing a hand on Sebastian's chest and pushing himself into a sitting position, he turned, coughing into his sleeve. The movement seemed to startle the older demon who had been enjoying the peace.

"Stop it." Ciel said when the coughing had passed. "I know what you're doing."He said.

"What's that, my love?"

"Trying to get me to sleep so you can run off and do as you please. I won't have it, Sebastian. I'm tired and-"

"All the more reason for you to rest a while longer,dearest."Again Sebastian leaned his mate back to rest against him. This time, Ciel didn't bother fighting.

"You're serious about this, aren't you?"Ciel asked sleepily.

"I am very serious."

"Are you going to do this all day?"

"As long as it takes," Sebastian rested his chin on the top of Ciel's head gently.

"You can't force me to-"

"I most certainly could." Sebastian interrupted. "But I prefer a softer approach. This being said, You must also understand that it's because I love you that I must put my foot down on this issue."

"I'm not one of the children, you can't just-"

"I can and I'm afraid I must insist." The older demon said calmly. "You and I can continue to argue about this Ciel, but do keep in mind that I ask this of you only out of love and you do know just how much I love you."

"More than you should, given everything." Sebastian tightened the embrace.

"More than my own existence, more than I have ever loved anything or anyone...far more than even a million cats." A faint smile appeared on Ciel's pale face at the comment.

"That's quite a lot then, isn't it?" the former earl commented

"It is indeed, my precious Mate. From the moment I saw you, the beautiful snow white angel, to eternity and far beyond its reach."

"Bloody charmer."Sebastian chuckled softly.

"I haven't heard that in some time." Ciel lightly placed a hand on Sebbastian's chest

"I don't like to admit it, but you're right. I do feel terrible."Ciel confessed. "Everything hurts and I'm tired…"

"I don't expect you to feel well with a fever. All the more reason to get the healer, he'll have you on your feet again in no time at all."

"Sebastian?"

"Yes my love?"

"Would you stay with me, just for a while, until the healer comes round?" Surprised by the request, Sebastian took hold of the blanket, wrapping it around himself and Ciel.

"My Ciel, Of course I'll stay. What kind of mate would I be if I didn't remain by your side when you need me most?"He hoped his growing concern wasn't easily heard in his tone.

"You wouldn't be my Sebastian." The shadow figure kissed the top of his mate's head.

"Rest now. Cynna will be checking in any moment and I'll have him contact the healer. I do hope he isn't terribly busy today"

"Don't worry so much, I'm fine."

"I know, but you did have quite a drastic change in a matter of minutes, You'll need-"

"You." Ciel said. "I just need you to be here with me, like this, just until I'm asleep."

"Of course, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Sleep while you can. This promises to be quite a day for all of us."