badfic_manor | SECOND ORDER --> [Voice]

[He got the message through the Blackberry, but it's much easier just to appear than fuss with the technology to respond. A few moments later, there is a knock at the door.]

Young master?

[He certainly agrees, as it takes a good while for him to turn the thing off again.]

Yes. Come in.

[Sebastian enters, carrying both a fresh supply of handkerchiefs for the sneezing young master, as well as assorted bandages and an antiseptic he found in the washroom. A quick look at Ciel tells him all he needs to know.]

It is as I thought. No one has tended to your wounds as of yet.

[Not that any wounds are visible on himself. But it would be difficult to tell if he has any, given that his wrists and neck are completely covered.]

[Yes, the sneezing young master. As the days go on, and he's subjected to both fights and cat hair, his mood worsens. When Sebastian enters, he is scratching mercilessly at his head, and then coughs a few times.]

Only a small part of a much larger problem.

[Awww, poor sneezing young master. The sight of his misery just makes Sebastian smile more. He approaches and puts the supplies down on a nearby surface. He offers Ciel a fresh handkerchief and goes back to preparing the bandages.]

Yes, but it wouldn't do to develop an infection as well. Then your problems would increase exponentially.

[He kneels in front of Ciel's chair with the antiseptic, waiting for permission to tend to the wounds.]

[He accepts the handkerchief, scowling miserably at the space in front of him. When Sebastian pauses before tending to him, the boy looks down, his eyes a bit pink.]

Go ahead.

[Yes, an infection, in addition to the allergies and battling, would not make for a very happy Ciel.]

[Sebastian carefully rolls back the sleeve on Ciel's arm, revealing the wound left by the ephemeral chains that lock onto the Sacrifice when the spells are cast by the Fighter. He soaks a cotton pad with hydrogen peroxide and dabs lightly at the cut. Contact with the chemical will sting, but Ciel has known worse pain.]

Young master has been so brave. Forced into such ruthless combat in a weakened state.

[And calling dear butler in almost immediately to shoulder most of the burden. Sebastian has been lying low nearly successfully for months, and in two days the entire microcosm is made aware that apparently this young boy's life is worth more than his own. Not that he expected any less, and most of the other guests will likely view it as an act of nobility. The few that have been suspicious, well... if there are negative repercussions, the fault lies with the master, not the servant.]

[And sting it does. Ciel winces at the contact, but says nothing, knowing that any weaknesses of his will provoke a smile from Sebastian. He won't give him that satisfaction, after he's been pitifully dragging himself through the week.]

Hmph. Don't patronize me. I certainly didn't ask for any of this.

[Yes, he called Sebastian in. But, what if he hadn't? The pressure of the fight, in addition to the allergies and whatever else, would have finished him before long. It would have tarnished the name of Phantomhive. Sebastian knew that, of course. Perhaps people would suspect him a bit more, but they couldn't deduce much.]

[He smirks anyway, keeping his head bowed so that Ciel can't see the devilish grin behind the veil of black hair. It's been awhile since he's been able to snark so openly. He has missed this banter.]

Perhaps if you weren't so easy to patronize.

[Not entirely a fair statement, he knows, given that nothing about Ciel's current state is his own fault, but nothing about their relationship is entirely fair, is it? Sebastian finishes cleaning the wound, puts aside the disinfectant for now, and begins wrapping Ciel's wrist in the gauze.]

What was it you wished to speak to me about?

[He turns his head away and stares pointedly at the wall, instead of glaring daggers at Sebastian. ... His ears are starting to itch again...]

Tch. I was only going to point out that if both of our respective teams continue to succeed in this tournament, then we will end up pitted against each other.

[Quite the conundrum. Sebastian certainly couldn't help him in that situation. If the other team were to win, then he would be losing to his own butler, which would be a disgrace... even though Sebastian and Meirin were obviously (obviously) the better combatants. And, if his team were to win-... well, there was no chance of that, without Sebastian's help.]

[Oh, he would be more than happy to scratch your ears for you, young master. But he knows he'll never get permission. So he settles for the enjoyment of feeling the pulse pumping through the boy's wrist. His master is so wonderfully alive.]

Mm, yes. I had noticed that as well.

[Of course he had. But it was unnecessary to mention. If Ciel wanted protection, he wanted protection. Never mind that eventually, even Sebastian couldn't be two places at once. ~~At least with an audience.~~]

What do you wish me to do?

[He finishes dressing the wound, secures the bandage, and moves on to Ciel's other wrist. Again he dabs the disinfectant gently on the raw skin, awaiting his orders.]

["What do you wish me to do." A very loaded question. He would like Sebastian to return him and his servants to his own manor, but that couldn't be done. In this situation, however...]

It can't be helped. As conspicuous as it is that my butler is doing so well in this tournament, there is no way for us to win without your help. And, as that would impossible in that fight... it seems the only real option is to lose.

[Sebastian and Meirin have already proved themselves to the others to be talented. He couldn't have Sebastian defend him in a fight against his own team without repercussions.]

[Yes, he had come to that conclusion already as well, so that doesn't surprise him.]

For me to lose, or for you?

[Oh, he knows Ciel most likely means it's Sebastian and Meirin's team on the chopping block. But maybe he still hasn't entirely forgotten that back in their own world, Ciel had just ordered him to what was likely to be a painful and flashy false death. This is new fare for the young master. Usually he's ordered to succeed, not to fail or even to die.

He wraps the bandage over Ciel's other wrist, with such delicacy it almost seems like he cares. He looks his master in the eye for the first time in the entire conversation.]

Or perhaps both of us? If secrecy is also a priority?

[He can endure those blows a long time. Even the strongest human magic is still human magic, and quite weak on the larger scale. Each one feels like a slap on the wrist to him, if anything. He also knows Ciel likes to win. Giving up for the sake of secrecy has never exactly been his strong point. Everything, right down to Sebastian's very appearance in his life three years prior, hasn't exactly been inconspicuous.]

Edited 2010-08-31 00:06 (UTC)

Ah, Thanks.

...you're okay, though?

I'm fine now. My butler's assistance prevented extensive damage.

Glad to hear that.

And, you?

Good work.

... Are you being facetious?

I actually want to ask you a question.

Yes?

Can we meet in person? I'd like to talk where we can't be overheard.

[He arches an eyebrow.]

Fine, then. When, and where? I'm not altogether familiar with this place yet.

My room's the most private option, I think. Room 4, name's on it. And I'll be here whenever you're ready.

Hm. Fine, then. I'll be there shortly.

[He has to wander around for a while, ask a few people for directions, but eventually he finds himself in front of Room 4. Ciel hesitates, and then knocks.]

It's Ciel.

[Mello opens the door]

Come in.

[Mello closes the door behind him and locks the door.]

[Great. This was probably not a good idea. Ciel watches Mello closely, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he stands in the middle of the room.]

... Must you lock the door?

Yeah, I don't want to be interrupted.

[Mello turns to him]

I want to ask you about your butler.

[Of course you do.]

Go on.

He was here long before you, although he's been asking about "the young master" for some time. Well, him and the rest of them, the maid and that...gardener?

[He's not sure what Finny is, beyond thick.]

But Sebastian's been most concerned. He's been pretty dedicated, mostly to you. He's never seems to sleep, he always is ready for orders, there's something exceptional about him and I don't just mean because of the red eyes. I mean, he stepped in for you in the fights, didn't even show pain. I gotta admit, I'm curious.

What exactly is he? What's his connection to you?

Yes. They are all servants in the Phantomhive manor.

[His expression doesn't change much at this question; in fact, he looks a bit bored, and shifts his weight from foot to foot before responding.]

Of course he's been dedicated; what sort of butler would he be otherwise? As he says himself, "he is a butler to the core." If he seems extraordinary, that's only because he is. He's expected to be, since he is a servant under my employment.

[Mello notices that weight shift, that twitch. He notes it before going on.]

How'd you get a...butler...that's so dedicated?

[He puts strange inflection on butler, as if he's choosing the word because he can't think of anything better.]

I'm afraid I don't understand how this is so fantastic an accomplishment. Do they not have competent servants where you come from?

[He lifts his chin a little higher.]

Sebastian came into service through the recommendation of my other, older butler Tanaka. He had to find a very reliable and talented individual to fill the position, and to take care of me, because it's very difficult to manage a business and to shoulder my responsibilities alone.

[Mello grits his teeth but he's going to try to keep his cool for L's sake]

He took those hits better than any normal man. It didn't seem to hurt him, even when he went down.

He's certainly good at masking that sort of thing, isn't he? But, believe me, it does hurt him. In fact, I'm left having to listen to his complaints about it all afterward. I should never have asked him to step in for me.

[He wishes.]

[Mello somehow doubts that.]

Kid, if I was going to accept answers like that do you think I would have locked the door?

[He sighs]

What binds him to you?

[His expression changes from one of weary boredom to irritation, and his frown becomes more pronounced.]

Are you say that you aren't willing to accept what I've said? I'm afraid there is no other explanation, though I can certainly make up a ridiculous story, if that will satisfy you.

[Only a demon contract. But, a small smile does tug at the corners of his mouth as he answers.]

A contract of employment, of course.

[Mello glares a little at him]

Here's what I think. Sebastian is some kind of superhuman creature. My guess is that he's a Shinigami or something similar and that you have something very important to him.

[What a nosy man.]

... Superhuman creature? Shinigami? What in the world are you talking about?

I think you know full well what I'm talking about.

[Mello watches Ciel for any signs of understanding. He'll notice even the subtlest movements and ticks.]

In fact, I don't. I've never heard the term "Shinigami" in my life, that I can recall. And, I promise you; if Sebastian were any type of superhuman creature, I would have him return me home at once. Do you think I enjoy being here?

[He'll never admit it, Mello. Not unless you're about to die, or something.]

"Superhuman" doesn't mean "all powerful." Your argument falls flat after getting rid of that assumption. A shinigami is a god of death, but I'm pretty sure you know that.

It may. And there is no argument... I have no reason to waste my time here with a stubborn man who has already decided what to think. Obviously, I can't change your mind.

Why would you assume that I would know about something like that? We've only just met, if you recall. And where I come from, you don't meet many gods of death on the street.

Fine, maybe I'm wrong.

[No, I'm not.]

I don't even have any hard evidence.

[Yet]

[So, now he just has to keep watching, listening, he's got both eyes on you.]

Fine, then. Now that that's settled, am I permitted to leave?

[How annoying. He would need to speak with Sebastian about this. In the meantime, he just glances from Mello to the door, expectantly.]

Go ahead, sorry to bother you.

[Opens the door for him. Dammit, he'll figure you out you and your butler.]

Not at all. I'm glad to clear things up.

[He nods his head at Mello, exiting the room. It isn't until he's turned a corner that he smiles.]

[God. Fucking. Dammit.]

SECOND ORDER --> [Voice]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

--> [In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

[In Person]

Re: [In Person]