badfic_manor | SECOND ORDER --> [Voice]

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SECOND ORDER --> [Voice]

[Yes, Ciel's a bit beaten up, because he insists on attempting the fights himself first, before calling in Sebastian. Still, there is a definite smirk in his voice when he speaks. ... He's also still learning to use the Blackberry, so there are a few clicking sounds and a period of silence before his voice sounds.]

Mr. Conan, well done.

And, Sebastian. I need to speak with you.

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[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.]

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