badfic_manor | EIGHTH ORDER --> [In Person]

[Sebastian's just outside with the afternoon tea and freshly made cake. He's bringing his fist up to knock lightly on the door, when he hears Ciel's words from within. His hand drops to his side and he tilts his head, listening closely to see if there's anything else to overhear.

He's just relieved his own visitor has gotten sick of calling him a double-crossing son of a bitch and gone elsewhere to mope... at least for the moment. He probably wouldn't be able to hear anything above Beast's exclamations otherwise.]

ooc: I actually just had a moment of canon crisis and have no idea if Sebastian actually knows he's named after Ciel's dog. What do you think? Is there anywhere in the manga that indicates that? I'll go with whatever you want, although I have to admit I laughed pretty hard when it occurred to me it could just look like Ciel has finally snapped, even to his butler. >_>

[He's not sure how his deceased pet even got there, really. He knows it's because of the Author, or something like that, but, still...

Ciel watches the dog for a while, allowing memories of his childhood pet to return to him. They aren't as painful as the others.]

(OOC: I think that he could know, plausibly, but I don't think that Ciel would tell him. Just to have a fun secret to himself, you know)

[Ciel has ceased talking to himself, so Sebastian goes ahead and knocks. He still finds it quite interesting, because he very distinctly heard his own name, although he certainly wasn't being addressed.]

Young master?

ooc: Yeah, that's what I thought. I like the idea that he doesn't know, myself. He's not psychic, and there's plenty Ciel doesn't tell him (i.e. the asthma thing). All the references to Sebastian the dog I can remember are in flashback form, so it wasn't like Sebastian the demon was there. So I'll go with that. ^_^b

[The boy looks up from his deceased pet, who had rolled over onto his back. Ciel cast the animal one last look before responding, already amused at the prospect of introducing Sebastian to Sebastian.]

Come in.

[Sebastian opens the door and steps inside, tray balanced flawlessly atop one hand. Just Ciel's standing position is interesting to note — so many times he enters to find the boy lounging on one piece of furniture or another.] Good afternoon, sir.

[He approaches the nearest side table and begins to set down the contents of the tray.]

Today's afternoon tea is a special blend of Ceylon. For a snack, there is German Chocolate Cake with the traditional coconut-pecan icing and maraschino cherries for garnish.

[All of which, yes, he was able to make with Beast yammering in his ear. He's good at tuning things out. He glances again at Ciel.]

I trust you are well?

[A veiled question, since there's a sliver of possibility that Ciel has begun to hallucinate his dear butler even when Sebastian's not there. The alternate reason is more likely and far more interesting, but he would never ask about it outright.]

ooc: Also, I'm assuming it's daylight so he can't see ghost puppy. Lemme know if I miscalculated that and I'll fix it. ^_^

[Ciel does prefer sitting to standing. And, so, he moves to a nearby chair, taking his seat, crossing one leg over the other. The dog gets to his feet, and wanders over near the chair. Again, the boy smiles despite himself, and turns to his butler with an usually pleased expression.]

Well enough. Surprised, admittedly, but well.

[Sebastian the dog pants for a while, wagging his tail. Ciel glances from the animal to the cake, suddenly wishing he had something to offer his pet.]

Have you established what exactly this week's plot is?

[OOC: Sounds good! &hearts]

[Yes, the young master does seem a bit more cheerful than usual. Quite curious indeed. Sebastian the demon brings a thoughtful hooked finger to his chin to contemplate the question.]

Mm, I believe it must be apparitions of some kind, young master. However, they are only visible to the whole after nightfall. At least, that is the only time I have seen them.

[Apparitions. Of course. He glances again at the dog.]

Well, I look forward to nightfall, then. Is everyone in the manor followed by one of these things?

From the number of guests I have observed speaking to nothing but air, I would surmise so, young master.

Hm. I see.

[At least it's only his dog. As opposed to... many other deceased figures who could have haunted him in a much truer sense of the word.]

[Mm, yes. Sebastian is rather curious about who the one with his name could be. His smile turns vaguely serpentine.]

It is unfortunate. It would be an honour to meet my predecessor.

[He's surprised for a moment, and then returns the smile. Of course. He never allowed Sebastian into this part of his life. The dog barks once, twice.]

Something for later, then. He seems most eager to meet you as well.

[Well, Sebastian the dog was always rather lively. He wags his tail.]

[Suuuure, just go ahead and keep him in the dark. His curiosity is mild at best, although he's admittedly unsure of why a ghost would be eager to meet him... unless to shout oaths at him, like Beast has been doing.]

Of course, sir. Later.

[He will keep you out of the loop, Sebastian. And he'll enjoy it.]

Until then.

[~~Little shit.~~ Of course Ciel will. Sebastian smiles and gives a bow, slightly more exaggerated that normal, as if to concede the childish victory.

... He won't serve dinner until after dark, either. A bit later than he usually does, or are the days just getting shorter...?]

ooc: Lawl, keep going? I do want to see this meeting... Maybe Beast can crash the party, too. >>

[Nightfall. The same as earlier. Ciel sits with one leg crossed over the other, and the dog, Sebastian, is nearby. The canine is sleeping, occasionally twitching a leg, or flicking his tail. The boy glances toward the window, and smiles.]

I suppose it is late enough to be considered past nightfall...?

[Sebastian knocks lightly on Ciel's door, again with a tray balanced on his other hand. This time it is a dinner course he brings, but the food is the only thing that varies in this routine. This night, however, it seems he might meet his predecessor. He never could have predicted this.]

Young master?

[Just in time. The Earl smiles, leaning back slightly, propping up his elbow.]

Come in.

[Whatever Sebastian thought of... Sebastian, Ciel would find it amusing. Most likely.]

[And in Sebastian comes, sweeping the room with his eyes, looking for an additional guest. He almost determines the ghost Sebastian must have departed before nightfall, until — what was that at the young master's feet.

A wide-eyed look of surprise crosses his face.

A dog. He's named after a dog.

The shock then melts into a sly, narrow-eyed smirk. He chuckles lightly, just once.]

So this is Sebastian. [He comes closer, fluidly setting the dishes down on the side table by Ciel.]

Very amusing, young master. I commend you on your cleverness. Had I known before now, I might have sat at your heels during mealtimes and begged for table scraps.

Edited 2010-10-26 04:19 (UTC)

[As expected, Ciel finds this mildly entertaining. After all, the demon is often compared to a sort of dog, always loyally at his heels... and, as it was revealed, his predecessor in name did that exact thing. He perpetuates the smile, looking fondly down at his pet, who lifts his head to watch the butler Sebastian curiously.]

And what about your little follower? I will admit, I'm curious.

[Sebastian pauses in his unloading of the dishes to return the gaze of his canine predecessor. He has a vague dislike for dogs, being more brutish and predictable than his beloved felines, but he's honestly not sure how to feel about this one. He tilts his head in curiosity, waiting to see what the other Sebastian will do – a gesture that could be read as rather dog-like itself.

Ciel's question, however, distracts him. He straightens suddenly, as if the situation is no longer funny.]

It is no one you need to concern yourself with, young master. I even think by now she has grown tired of—

[That's when Beast comes charging through the nearest wall, looking quite the same as she did the last time Ciel would have seen her at the circus: the ridiculously scandalous outfit, fishnets, and boots. She glares at Sebastian and looks to be saying some heated words to him. Then she points at Ciel and says something unkind about him as well.

Sebastian sighs.] Pay her no mind, sir. She died unhappy, it seems.

[This just causes a fresh round of outrage and cursing from the mute ghost. Her translucent face grows red with emotion.]

[Sebastian the dog continues to observe the demon for a minute, sniffing him. Before he can make a move, however, Beast walks into the room... and both dog and master are distracted.

Ciel knows what sort of fate Beast suffered at the hands of his servants. He didn't have a problem with it, either. Still, it wasn't exactly a joy to have the woman in his room now, quite dead, and quite angry.

He averts his eyes.]

Ah. I see.

[At least Ciel doesn't know the true reason Beast's so angry with Sebastian specifically. It's nothing he'll mention; his master doesn't need to know such unpleasantries. He straightens and tucks the now empty tray under one arm.]

Don't let it trouble you.

[He bows then to the dog, completely ignoring Beast.] It was an honour to meet you, sir. [A sly smile reaches his lips.] I do hope I meet your approval.

[Yes, he wouldn't be particularly thrilled to hear that. It's best he doesn't know. In the meantime, the Earl does continue to look away from Beast, and glances at his pet instead.]

Rest assured; I won't.

[The dog lifts his head as the demon speaks with him, pants a bit, and licks the leg of his pants in a friendly, slobbery gesture.]

[Never fear, Ciel. Your butler will stay...totally virtuous in your eyes. Or something.

...Did it just slobber on him. Ghost slobber, hopefully. Sebastian straightens.] I think he likes me, sir.

[Ew.]

[Ciel knows how his butler adores dogs. So, his smile returns.]

Well, I suppose he does.

[Sebastian the dog cocks his head, looking up at the demon.]

[Yeah, and usually they don't like him much either. Maybe it's the name solidarity.]

If that will be all, sir, I'll leave you two alone. [Smirk.] I'm sure you have plenty of catching up to do.

[The world may never know.]

Heh. Fine, then. If I am only to enjoy a week with your predecessor, I might as well make the most of it.

Yes. And I shall try my hardest to live up to his image in the future.

[Woof. Woof.]

Yes, well. Best of luck.

That's all for now.

[Best of luck. What a little prick.]

As you wish.

[And he leaves.]

EIGHTH ORDER --> [In Person]

[In Person] - my heart just broke a little, fyi.

[In Person] - Aww. I'm sorry I broke it. /tapes back together

[In Person] - I'm gonna need super glue. ;_;

[In Person] - /uses duct tape AND super glue

[In Person] - there, that may work. <3

[In Person] - Yaaaay!

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