[It's not very late in the morning at all, but Alois is awake anyway. It was a rough sleep, shifting against Ciel and waking a thousand times during the night, so around 7:45am he decided that he cared fuckall about trying to doze yet again, and resigned himself to butterfly books and electronic games involving throwing birds at things. He's also still in the habit of poking through to see if anyone's said anything distracting enough to keep him occupied.
Sebastian Michaelis' face is enough of a distraction that he'd rather be bored forever.
Alois should probably be praised for the self-restraint he shows. He slips quietly from the bed, very carefully so as not to call attention from a stirring Ciel, and lets his white nightgown fall to his knees. He walks across the bedroom without creaking any floorboards. He opens the door, makes it into the hallway, and closes it behind himself without slamming it.
[It's true that demons consider the act of sleeping little more than a luxury. They don't have any need to sleep, not when their bodies are recharged by human souls--but Claude Faustus is a skilled practitioner of hedonism. He surrounds himself with any and all luxuries, whatever he can get away with, from how much he sleeps to the food he eats to various material amenities. If he were a dragon, he'd have his own treasure hoard
( ... )
[Claude's pajama shirt is probably starting to grow damp from Alois' tears and hot-breathed babbling about how that fucking pile of shit is going to ruin everything (as though things haven't been close to ruination already) and Claude, Claude do something about it and he's going to take Ciel, he's going to take Ciel, I hate him I hate him I hate him- Alois really hates him. Alois hates Sebastian Michaelis so much, and just as Ciel had wanted Alois to burn the gifted bluebells, Alois wants Sebastian to be burned in turn. He wants Sebastian's bones to melt or burst or whatever the fuck bones do when they're exposed to the surface of the sun. He's saying all of this - burning and bones and how much he hates the things he's hating right now - and then he grips at the side of Claude's shirt and lifts his wet face to look up with reddened eyes.] Oh, [he says, and then starts to lose his breath.] Claude, Claude, if you d- died-
[Everything is gone wrong. Panic is blooming into his face more fully each second, as he goes paler and lets go of
( ... )
[Claude feels his eyes burn hotter than the surface of the sun that Alois is wishing for.
All along, Claude was wrong. He has been very wrong all this time. The original basis of their contract hasn't been nullified--Alois Trancy still loathes Sebastian Michaelis. Although the reasons why have changed, the outcome desired remains the same. Claude had to tell lies to get Alois to feel even half the hate his demon has for Sebastian, but now... there are only indefensible truths left...
Save Ciel Phantomhive from the demon that intends to take him away.
It's so storybook, it hurts. Claude feels giddy.
Nothing happens immediately, though. Nothing happened immediately the first time around. They had to wait years to maneuver the key pieces into position. For now, sparkling scarlet fades from Claude's eyes, and he sits up in bed with Alois still pressed against him, feeling stronger than he has in years. This is the strength of Alois' convictions--the passion that Claude Faustus is in love with
( ... )
6/05 sometime in the evening.ferventknightJune 6 2011, 19:58:18 UTC
[After the entire fiasco at the restaurant a few hours ago, Elliot had finally returned home. But as a side trip, he ran to get a few meals for the younger people within the house..
Give or take a few of the adults, which brought Elliot here to Claude's room. He had just a few small boxes in his hands (the happy meals, obviously) and a seperate bad that was in the other. Pausing, he slowly knocked on the door in the attic before looking around.
Ah.. This wasn't weird, right? And Elliot couldn't really help but feel the slightest intimidation from Claude ever since he punched Alois in the face. But since Claude had actually cleaned his room since the incident that involved more than just a small amount of blood, Elliot should feel better.
[Claude's bedroom is tucked into one corner of the attic, as far away from the other servants as he can possibly get. Even in front of the doorway, the heavy smell of his room's special roses should be apparent; they're underscored by what must be dark chocolate. On the door there are several obvious metal locks, deadbolts and combinations, which will only open on their own for his master. A pale pink Post-It Note rests smack dab in the middle of the door, bearing a crudely drawn sigil on it that has no obvious meaning.
Silence. No answer at all.
It could be Claude is sleeping, or maybe he--]
Mr. Nightray.
[--is standing right behind Elliot. Adjusting his glasses curiously. Like master, like servant--except Claude seemingly came out of thin air.]
Is there something I can help you with? [Claude hasn't shown any enmity toward Elliot, aside from that non-confrontation weeks ago. Really, he was quite quick and discreet about cleaning up Elliot's room of spilt blood; he hasn't breathed a word of that strangeness to anyone. All
( ... )
Elliot had visibly jumped on the spot the moment he had heard his name. Shit, this man gave Elliot the creeps. That was completely unnecessary, Claude. Quickly turning around, he glanced up at the taller man.]
S-sir. I came here to thank you-- [If you can even call it that. Elliot realizes what Claude had been looking at before raising it awkwardly. Presenting it to the male, the Nightray calmed down from the slight scare given to him not even moments ago.]
I ran an errand [not even that.] and figured I'd get something for you as well. For what you did for me; I really appreciated it, sir.
[Surprising someone is the least harmful way to force their emotions to flare. Fear, panic, astonishment, realization, and relief--Claude enjoys seeing and feeling them flash and fade in rapid succession. While he waits for Elliot to settle and say his piece, Claude continues to stare at the fast food as though he would eat the bags and boxes whole. Shit, he is hungrier than he thought.]
You are quite welcome, [he replies, looking up again. His gaze lingers on the center of Elliot's chest, where his life force does not originate from. Claude has to wonder how long it'll take for the disembodied soul to start rotting.] However, as I've said before, it was not at all any trouble. A good butler should be prepared to assume the housekeeping.
[Peering into Elliot's eyes, Claude takes the bag of food from him. The bag's paper is warm and he wants to hug it to his chest, snuggling it like a security blanket. He refrains for the sake of propriety.]
I wonder which toy I'll acquire... [Somewhat amused, actually.] There was a
( ... )
[To say feelings are conflicted would be an understatement. The entire night had been consumed with trying to understand the meaning of the gifts that had been settled for him in front of his door. Even once nighttime came and he swattled himself in a thick robe to keep warm, those gloves stayed on his hands. Even once sleep overcame him, warm and comfortable in his bed with his family surrounding him, they were there, his fingers curled around each other, cheek to hand. Morning came and he laid in bed, lethargic with the storm the night before and the small cold front it brought with it. For a long time, his thoughts fumbled around the gloves as he rubbed his fingers together to feel the softness more completely, the warmth more reassuring than anything he'd ever known. Inside a house of turmoil, and safe under his covers with these little gifts and thoughts of
( ... )
[There is a gigantic caterpillar out in the gardens. It's a sleek, black, plush-looking creature currently resting on a decorative circle of asphalt that absorbs heat very well compared to other walkways and patios. Set amidst blooming wildflowers and sandstone garden spheres, the caterpillar is positioned exactly where the sunlight is strongest and therefore the warmest. It soaks up the heat greedily, basking while the clouds allow it, squirming slightly in pleasure. Grotesque, maybe, but it's peaceful.]
Good afternoon, Mr. Snake, [says Claude Faustus.
His quiet voice carries when he wants it to. So does his scent, which for now is cool and hinting at crisp, reminding passersby of freshly-made cucumber salad. The caterpillar begins to wriggle more and more, scraping its bottom half over the asphalt, until it's able to sit up and turn around and look at Snake.--Oh, it's none other than Claude Faustus wrapped up in an extremely cushiony sleeping bag. His entire body, except for his face, is covered and framed with the thick
( ... )
Claude Faustus. [The syllables are smooth over Naoya's tongue--and amusing. Faustus, Faustus. It makes him wonder what Mephistopheles is up to these days, but the less he knows the better. ]
You had asked for an estimate of my expenses. The living expenses come to...[Rent around 600 for a small place in sector 4. Easy to keep an eye out, didn't attract much attention. 400 for utilities. Food...
...Naoya was the sort of man who survived on cheap tastes.]
$1800 a month will cover all of my needs. The equipment will be 10,000--I will assemble it myself. [Naoya is quietly building you something powerful and something--modifiable for his own needs. He doesn't need expensive parts or high specs initially--what he needs are things that don't fail under what he does to them.
A true artist can create beauty with worthless tools. Naoya doesn't think of it quite that way, but he knows how to work with whatever he has.]
As for a time to teach you...please pick something that works for yourself.
return phonecall;stabilimentumJune 15 2011, 21:34:43 UTC
[Whether his return call is answered or forwarded to the inbox:]
Mr. Naoya, I thank you for being prompt in this matter.
[Claude has listened to Naoya's voicemail almost a hundred times over, picking out every single nuance in it to get a better feel for the sort of person Naoya is. A voice can only say so much about someone, of course, but Claude does know he needs to be cautious going forward. For example, the price tag on that system is definitely higher than he expected overall. Either Naoya is interested in plainly overpriced parts, or there's more going on than meets the eye, either good or bad. This wouldn't be the first time Claude has lost money on an investment due to pure human greed.
It's a good thing greed is one of his favorite sins. As long as he's amused, he is willing to deal with it.]
$1,800 per month is sustainable for the long-term. If you require advance payments, or additional allowances, please don't hesitate to request readjustment. [Claude seems more generous than not when it comes to money. While
( ... )
voice; hey bbcursestainedJune 15 2011, 21:54:34 UTC
[Naoya had answered, although his silence might have made it seem otherwise while he listened. He appreciates that Claude has clearly thought through what he's been asked, and Naoya appreciates that. Working with idiots, as easily manipulated as they are, is just more aggravating than he wants. The Shomonkai was bad enough.]
Understood--given the buyout, the reluctance is...understandable. If you wish to...observe what I am making, I wouldn't be offended by the caution. [His voice is smooth, and cool, but there's an undercurrent--one Claude is certainly observant enough to find--of amusement. It isn't a scam or a trick; simply two powerful systems, augmented with Naoya's own way of doing things.
Magically protecting hardware is a pain, and difficult, but well worth the money. He'll spell the hardware first, and if he's asked he'll explain plainly--but he doesn't intend to offer that piece of information.]
The nights are fine for me. Simply be sure to let me know before your arrival. [So he doesn't magic you in the face.]
voice; oh heystabilimentumJune 24 2011, 00:56:56 UTC
[Claude isn't interested in being manipulated unless he'll gain something he otherwise wouldn't. Ever the equal opportunist, he has worked alongside the Father's seraphim whenever it's been beneficial to him. Currently, he feels somewhat directionless about what he can do with the knowledge he desires. If Naoya has any good ideas that aren't equivalent to suicide, Claude is prepared to listen.]
When I do have the time for it, I'll appreciate being able to indulge my curiosity. [His sense of caution will be covered by the one or two spiders he leaves behind to observe for him. They aren't going to understand magic, but he'll be able to know if his investment is being used against him. As long as Naoya doesn't fail to deliver, then Claude won't complain about anything extracurricular.]
Tomorrow, then, we are to meet someplace and exchange an introductory $1,800. The governor's funeral ought to be enough of a distraction for most everyone else. [After consulting a map, Claude suggests some area near to the funeral procession
( ... )
Comments 97
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And then the drawing abruptly disintegrates into less than a handful of ash. Yeah, he mad.
He returns to his research without a second thought.]
Reply
Sebastian Michaelis' face is enough of a distraction that he'd rather be bored forever.
Alois should probably be praised for the self-restraint he shows. He slips quietly from the bed, very carefully so as not to call attention from a stirring Ciel, and lets his white nightgown fall to his knees. He walks across the bedroom without creaking any floorboards. He opens the door, makes it into the hallway, and closes it behind himself without slamming it.
Very controlled ( ... )
Reply
Reply
[Everything is gone wrong. Panic is blooming into his face more fully each second, as he goes paler and lets go of ( ... )
Reply
All along, Claude was wrong. He has been very wrong all this time. The original basis of their contract hasn't been nullified--Alois Trancy still loathes Sebastian Michaelis. Although the reasons why have changed, the outcome desired remains the same. Claude had to tell lies to get Alois to feel even half the hate his demon has for Sebastian, but now... there are only indefensible truths left...
Save Ciel Phantomhive from the demon that intends to take him away.
It's so storybook, it hurts. Claude feels giddy.
Nothing happens immediately, though. Nothing happened immediately the first time around. They had to wait years to maneuver the key pieces into position. For now, sparkling scarlet fades from Claude's eyes, and he sits up in bed with Alois still pressed against him, feeling stronger than he has in years. This is the strength of Alois' convictions--the passion that Claude Faustus is in love with ( ... )
Reply
Give or take a few of the adults, which brought Elliot here to Claude's room. He had just a few small boxes in his hands (the happy meals, obviously) and a seperate bad that was in the other. Pausing, he slowly knocked on the door in the attic before looking around.
Ah.. This wasn't weird, right? And Elliot couldn't really help but feel the slightest intimidation from Claude ever since he punched Alois in the face. But since Claude had actually cleaned his room since the incident that involved more than just a small amount of blood, Elliot should feel better.
Keyword: Should.]
Reply
Silence. No answer at all.
It could be Claude is sleeping, or maybe he--]
Mr. Nightray.
[--is standing right behind Elliot. Adjusting his glasses curiously. Like master, like servant--except Claude seemingly came out of thin air.]
Is there something I can help you with?
[Claude hasn't shown any enmity toward Elliot, aside from that non-confrontation weeks ago. Really, he was quite quick and discreet about cleaning up Elliot's room of spilt blood; he hasn't breathed a word of that strangeness to anyone. All ( ... )
Reply
Elliot had visibly jumped on the spot the moment he had heard his name. Shit, this man gave Elliot the creeps. That was completely unnecessary, Claude. Quickly turning around, he glanced up at the taller man.]
S-sir. I came here to thank you-- [If you can even call it that. Elliot realizes what Claude had been looking at before raising it awkwardly. Presenting it to the male, the Nightray calmed down from the slight scare given to him not even moments ago.]
I ran an errand [not even that.] and figured I'd get something for you as well. For what you did for me; I really appreciated it, sir.
Reply
You are quite welcome, [he replies, looking up again. His gaze lingers on the center of Elliot's chest, where his life force does not originate from. Claude has to wonder how long it'll take for the disembodied soul to start rotting.] However, as I've said before, it was not at all any trouble. A good butler should be prepared to assume the housekeeping.
[Peering into Elliot's eyes, Claude takes the bag of food from him. The bag's paper is warm and he wants to hug it to his chest, snuggling it like a security blanket. He refrains for the sake of propriety.]
I wonder which toy I'll acquire... [Somewhat amused, actually.] There was a ( ... )
Reply
Reply
Good afternoon, Mr. Snake, [says Claude Faustus.
His quiet voice carries when he wants it to. So does his scent, which for now is cool and hinting at crisp, reminding passersby of freshly-made cucumber salad. The caterpillar begins to wriggle more and more, scraping its bottom half over the asphalt, until it's able to sit up and turn around and look at Snake.--Oh, it's none other than Claude Faustus wrapped up in an extremely cushiony sleeping bag. His entire body, except for his face, is covered and framed with the thick ( ... )
Reply
You had asked for an estimate of my expenses. The living expenses come to...[Rent around 600 for a small place in sector 4. Easy to keep an eye out, didn't attract much attention. 400 for utilities. Food...
...Naoya was the sort of man who survived on cheap tastes.]
$1800 a month will cover all of my needs. The equipment will be 10,000--I will assemble it myself. [Naoya is quietly building you something powerful and something--modifiable for his own needs. He doesn't need expensive parts or high specs initially--what he needs are things that don't fail under what he does to them.
A true artist can create beauty with worthless tools. Naoya doesn't think of it quite that way, but he knows how to work with whatever he has.]
As for a time to teach you...please pick something that works for yourself.
Reply
Mr. Naoya, I thank you for being prompt in this matter.
[Claude has listened to Naoya's voicemail almost a hundred times over, picking out every single nuance in it to get a better feel for the sort of person Naoya is. A voice can only say so much about someone, of course, but Claude does know he needs to be cautious going forward. For example, the price tag on that system is definitely higher than he expected overall. Either Naoya is interested in plainly overpriced parts, or there's more going on than meets the eye, either good or bad. This wouldn't be the first time Claude has lost money on an investment due to pure human greed.
It's a good thing greed is one of his favorite sins. As long as he's amused, he is willing to deal with it.]
$1,800 per month is sustainable for the long-term. If you require advance payments, or additional allowances, please don't hesitate to request readjustment. [Claude seems more generous than not when it comes to money. While ( ... )
Reply
Understood--given the buyout, the reluctance is...understandable. If you wish to...observe what I am making, I wouldn't be offended by the caution. [His voice is smooth, and cool, but there's an undercurrent--one Claude is certainly observant enough to find--of amusement. It isn't a scam or a trick; simply two powerful systems, augmented with Naoya's own way of doing things.
Magically protecting hardware is a pain, and difficult, but well worth the money. He'll spell the hardware first, and if he's asked he'll explain plainly--but he doesn't intend to offer that piece of information.]
The nights are fine for me. Simply be sure to let me know before your arrival. [So he doesn't magic you in the face.]
Reply
When I do have the time for it, I'll appreciate being able to indulge my curiosity. [His sense of caution will be covered by the one or two spiders he leaves behind to observe for him. They aren't going to understand magic, but he'll be able to know if his investment is being used against him. As long as Naoya doesn't fail to deliver, then Claude won't complain about anything extracurricular.]
Tomorrow, then, we are to meet someplace and exchange an introductory $1,800. The governor's funeral ought to be enough of a distraction for most everyone else.
[After consulting a map, Claude suggests some area near to the funeral procession ( ... )
Reply
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