vatheon | 002 ♞ that butler, restrained

Entry tags:

002 ♞ that butler, restrained

Who: Team Phantomhive
Where: Speculum 2
When: Daytime, first day of the curse, backdated
Style: I'll follow you!
Status: Closed for butler smackdown

[ This had never happened before. Never in his several hundred years of service did this ever ever happen to this demon. It was new, startling and honestly quite disturbing. Sebastian Michaelis, flawless butler and even more flawless demon had fallen asleep. Even worse, Sebastian Michaelis, flawless butler had overslept. Perhaps several hundred years of not sleeping had taken its toll on the demon.

It all began last night. He was, as per his usual schedule, closing the manor down for the night when he'd suddenly been overcome by the strangest urge to close his eyes. Thinking this to be nothing more than a side effect of the coral, he gave in to the urge. Just a few minutes, he supposed. A few minutes turned into several hours. He was awoken by sunlight streaming through the windows and a quick check on his pocketwatch showed the absolute truth: he'd overslept by a good three hours. His master would have been up an hour ago and breakfast was late, horrendously so.

So it would be an hour later when Ciel would finally hear that knock on his door. ]

Master? My sincerest apologies. I have no excuse for my abject tardiness. Quite unbecoming of a Phantomhive servant.

[ And may God have mercy on his soul. ]

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[ luckily for Sebastian, Ciel's been asleep these last few hours, without his butler to wake him. it might not be such a bad thing; sleep is rarely very restful for him, so a few extra hours might have actually done some good.

in any case, he's just stirring when Sebastian opens the door, enters and speaks. exhaling deeply, he shifts in bed and opens his eyes to watch Sebastian carry out his usual morning routine. ]

What the hell are you talking about? [ he grumbles. ] What are you late for? You're not--

[ but oh. perhaps he is. ]

Sebastian, what time is it?

[ Have you ever had those moments where you wish you could have just shut up before you said anything? Yes, there we are. But then one of his contract clauses stated that he would never lie to his master. Not speaking the truth would indeed constitute a lie.

So with a resigned sigh as he prepares the tea, he checks his watch one more time before declaring: ]

Eleven in the morning, sir. Again my sincerest apologies.

[ Bracing self now as he offers his master the teacup. Hoboy. He's so gonna get it and he knows it. ]

Eleven?

[ Ciel's voice is as sharp as Sebastian might have expected it would be. ]

What, praytell, have you been doing for the last few hours?

[ but it's the strangest thing. Ciel is looking at Sebastian, but there's a sort of--lighter outline of Sebastian as well, moving here and there. when he closes his eye--his right one, coincidentally--it goes away. what is going on? slowly, he pushes himself up into a setting position, letting the heavy bedcovers slide away. ]

Sebastian. Come here.

Edited 2012-06-09 15:25 (UTC)

[ And here it comes. But he approaches, obedient as any dog. Silently, he wonders if he should present himself on one knee but decides against it. ]

If my lord would suspend his belief for a moment to hear that I'd suddenly been overcome by the urge to sleep after I'd locked up for the evening.

[ But admitting he overslept would be sloppy. Much too sloppy especially for him so he'll just leave it at that. He awaits his punishment and he knows it's coming. No big deal. Definitely used to this sort of thing. Let the boy whack him a bit and get it over with.

Really. The fact he had to sleep still boggles him though. ]

[ but Ciel can certainly infer without you blatantly stating it, Sebastian. ]

You were sleeping?

[ he sounds almost incredulous, because he can't quite believe it. ]

You don't sleep.

[ that's enough to make him pause, to distract him for a moment--even from the strange blurry Sebastian who had reached his bed a good few seconds before the real one. ]

At approximately one thirty in the evening last night. I had the sudden urge to.

[ A slight frown because really. Hearing it from his master was just making it sound even weirder. The fact he was sleeping. ]

Quite uncanny, truth be told. Certainly nothing I would do of my own volition.

...something about this place again.

[ said even as he rubs his right eye. ugh, what is going on with it? ]

Sebastian, what are you doing with my eye?

[ it's relatively safe to assume that it's Sebastian's fault, right? it is his seal there, after all.

...except not today it isn't. closer inspection would reveal something more sickle-like, as opposed to the usual inverted pentagram. ]

Certainly so. It seems another one of the city's offerings, as it were. Under normal circumstances, I would never have had the urge to fall--

[ He pauses in mid-sentence. Because he'd been bustling about, trying to get breakfast together to check anything. But now that he has the time, he mentally attempts to tug at the contract, tug at their bond, tap into it to discern his master's location as he usually does when they're apart...

And finds nothing. He looks momentarily surprised. It was almost as if they weren't under contract. ]

Your eye, sir?

[ Now this strikes him as strange. Real strange. Even more when he finds his seal missing from the earl's eye. Wordlessly, he tugs the glove off his left hand. Hope you're looking Ciel because when it comes off, the mark isn't there. His nails are perfectly clear which surprises him even more. ]

...now this certainly is a predicament.

[ ...what.

is.

happening.

right now. ]

What?

[ excuse Ciel while he reaches out and snatches your hand, Sebastian, pulling it--along with the attached arm and the rest of you--closer so that he can have a better look. the lack of a seal is what he notices first, obviously. but after that, the fact that his nails aren't black is strikingly obvious. in fact, with Ciel's fingers curled around Sebastian's hand like this, it strikes him that they...look alike.

Sebastian's hand looks...human.

Ciel looks up at his butler slowly. very slowly.

...and then wordlessly releases his hand, and gives him a solid crack across the face with an open palm. ]

I haven't the slightest idea. If this is the coral's doing, I can't be cer--

[ And the strike catches him in mid sentence. Really Vatheon you should be proud. That's the second time today you made him stop talking. However, this strike is different. It HURTS. It actually hurts. He can feel the initial sting caused by a child's strike but the ring -- oh that ring. It makes it worse. The metal, the curves, the gem. Everything hurts.

His own free hand reaches up to rub at his jaw, hissing as he feels the impact point. It's the fact that it actually hurts that leaves him speechless rather than the pain itself. The only thing he can do is look up at the boy with a measure of rebellion and indignity in those eyes...

Eyes that don't look at all carmine but rather a deep shade of hazel. ]

[ the funny thing is, Ciel sees Sebastian recoil seconds before he actually does. well, not funny, really--more like disorienting. but he ignores that, for now. instead, he's throwing off his sheets in a hurry and sliding out of bed, bare feet against the cold floor as he stands just in front of Sebastian, looking up at him with scrutiny. ]

You're in pain.

[ it's a statement, but he can hardly believe it as he says it. the slap hadn't really been intended to deliver any sort of punishment--it had been for the purpose of assessing the situation. and Sebastian's reaction had just confirmed everything he'd suspected--and even if not, when he meets Sebastian's eyes with his, he knows.

his mind is reeling behind his icy exterior. he can't quite wrap his mind around the concept. Sebastian? Human? the idea would've been laughable, if the proof wasn't before his very eyes. ]

Evidently so, sir.

[ But he's still hissing from the strike, attempting to readjust his jaw or at least dull the sting of it. Much to no avail, of course. Ice, he decides, he'll need some ice later. Pain. From a human. How is this even possible?

His mind's racing. Even more when he finds he's not healing the way he used to. Lack of contract, his hands, this pain...

The word comes to his lips and it's hushed as he considers it. His lip curls as he manages to finally spit it out. ]

...human.

[ Ciel raises his hand again--though this time the movement is slow, and there is no slap. rather, his fingers brush Sebastian's jaw near the spot he'd struck, slowly tracing down over it, as if checking to see that it is actually real. it is. it's red, and all too obvious against Sebastian's pale skin. the mark is there, and he caused it.

as intent as he is, Sebastian can probably see in his eyes the gears of his brain working to process this. ]

Human.

[ he agrees at last, quietly and coolly.

well. where does this leave them? ]

Edited 2012-06-11 15:57 (UTC)

[ He knows it, even more when the earl's touch graces his skin. No doubt that would leave a mark. He should have healed by now but apparently, his new form would heal on its own time.

He knows that look even more. Knows he probably has something in mind. But then, so does he. Where indeed does this leave them? He stands as a human, not a demon. And therefore not under contract and not obligated to serve this boy.

Does he break away? Even if only for a week? If he's returned to his body, they would end up contracted again and he would return to being a demon under service. He would be hungry again. This boy would be prey once more. ]

Undeniably so.

[ But he can't help but wonder... ]

Nonetheless. This state of affairs is no excuse for my poor performance. I will strive to adapt to this change and complete my duties to the utmost, my lord.

[ they're both thinking it. what if Sebastian leaves? he isn't under contract--not at the moment. but were to decide to rebel for a week, Ciel would not take to such abandonment kindly upon his return. because Sebastian would return--he would have to, once the contract is in place again. return or lose his meal. these changes only last a week.

...Ciel hopes that is the case in this instance as well, at least.

but ultimately, there is no need for worry. Sebastian doesn't leave him. (of course he doesn't.) instead, he apologizes. and perhaps Sebastian can tell that his master is pleased by the brief flicker of relief in his eyes. Ciel presses lightly against the spot where his fingers still linger, before dropping his hand back to his side. ]

Of course you will, Sebastian. You are my butler, after all. See that this mistake is not repeated. I will not accept this change as an excuse for any further incompetence. Am I clear?

[ his voice is certainly not as harsh as it could be. ]

[ He can tell by that look and it pleases him in turn that this change of state hasn't gone to the earl's head. Sure, he expects a little more punishment for his cheek now that he can actually be punished but in the long run, it's only for a week.

For this soul, a week was but an eyeblink.

So the boy will have to pardon the wince at the touch. Bloody smack does hurt after all. Nothing a little ice won't fix. Maybe some steak. On his face.

At that question however, he doesn't straighten. Instead, his head is lowered. Same old respect. Same practiced manner. ]

Absolutely clear, sir.

Good. Then complete your morning routine, as usual. I need to be dressed, and I still expect breakfast.

[ he returns to his bed, settling himself on the edge, legs dangling.

this certainly isn't the last discussion this topic will cause, of course. Ciel is already doing a great deal of considering--including the odd thought that dawns on him then. ]

...and you will be needing breakfast as well, I suppose.

[ There's only a nod at the order, moving to continue with his work... starting on stripping the boy from his nightwear and getting him dressed properly. ]

Your breakfast has been taken care of, my lord. It awaits you in the dining room as always.

[ However, there's a small frown as he considers his own need for food. So that's why his normal gnawing hunger seemed to be gone entirely and was replaced by something less... gnawing. ]

...I suppose I will.

[ How curious. But where does one even begin on a meal that isn't made of a finely prepared soul? What would he even like? ]

[ to be honest, Ciel is actually rather eager to see Sebastian eat, if just for the novelty of it. so as soon as he's properly dressed, it's away to the dining room he leads them.

to Sebastian's credit, he can smell breakfast as soon as he settles himself at the head of the table. well, at least he'd managed to do that correctly, despite his unexpected setback. ]

If breakfast is served well, I may even be inclined to share my table with you.

[ he glances up at his butler as he says this, lips quirking and visible eye glinting mischievously, so it's difficult to tell whether he is mock-serious or simply mocking. ]

[ He knows how things taste like, knows their scents, textures, spiciness, sweetness but has never really understood the appeal. He's always prepared food to his master's particular tastes and never because something actually tasted good from his opinion.

Oh but he sees that look. He knows that the novelty of the idea might actually be something his master wants to see. Alright, so the boy gets a one-up on him this time around. But hey, infuriating smile is a go. ]

My lord needn't go to such lengths, sharing his table with a mere servant.

[ sorry, Sebastian--but while you're still wearing that mark on your jaw, Ciel is immune to that smile. rather, he simply returns it with one of his own. ]

If I were to insist, it would be terribly rude of you to refuse.

[ but, first-- ]

What have you prepared this morning?

[ Points for trying and all that. Already he has the funniest feeling this is going to be the start of a very long week. But he can't be shirking on his duties. Despite the fact he's managed to wake up late, he still managed to put together a decent breakfast. Of course, it's not as elaborate as normal but still looks pretty decent. ]

I've taken the liberty of preparing broiled haddock, poached eggs, a light watercress salad to accompany and a selection of either toast or muffin. Whichever my lord would prefer.

[ breakfast is decent indeed--but that doesn't excuse Sebastian anything else. Ciel spends the next few days being particularly severe. making Sebastian run back and forth across the city to fetch him things, waking him at odd hours, and continuing to hold him to expectations much too high for a human, to mention only a few trials. he's not even bothered to hide his amusement at all.

it's at dinner one evening, just as he's finishing the main course--a French-inspired pot roast--that his gaze drifts over to Sebastian, standing dutifully by as ever. more specifically, he eyes the bruise stark against his jaw. it's lighter than it was a few days ago, certainly, but still all too obvious. it's slightly thrilling even now to know that he was the cause of it. he'd have gladly given him another--and another, and another, and something else besides--except that Sebastian has been remarkably competent thus far. still, watching him struggle has been gratifying enough, and seeing him eat and sleep (so very human) is more thought-provoking than Ciel could have imagined.

and yet his eyes find that bruise, and they stick there, as they have so often recently. no doubt Sebastian's noticed, but Ciel doesn't much care what he has or has not observed. he's long since accepted how well Sebastian knows him. he keeps his expression entirely neutral as he commands, ]

Sebastian. Come here.

[ Through the past few days, you can say Sebastian's learned about life on the other side of the fence. Suddenly his master's orders have become harder to fulfill. Running from one side of town to another causes him need to pause for a water break. There were times when he found himself making extra portions of whatever he was serving the young earl because he had forgotten about his own hunger. All in all, it's been a rather educational few days for the butler.

He can't wait until all this is over.

Also, that bruise has been a nice little reminder of his entire ordeal. He's tended to it with a frozen pack of peas as a local had suggested as well as ice and several other things but he's found it's still there. It still stings when he touches it so he doesn't very often. And it doesn't surprise him at all when he finds his master's eyes are on it. After all, it was a strange thing to find on the demon's face. His expression never changes as he's summoned though, stepping closer to his master's seat. ]

Is something amiss, my lord?

How is your injury? [ there is certainly no need to specify. but he's remarkably stoic as he commands, ] Kneel. I would like to have a look at it.

[ for his own satisfaction, of course, more than any concern for his butler. he's already pushing his chair back from the table a little, turning so that he faces Sebastian. the napkin in his lap is removed and tossed unceremoniously onto the table, and he crosses his legs expectantly. ]

[ Wordlessly, he gets to one knee and only responds the minute he's down. Instead of his head being turned down as always, it's tilted slightly to the side in order to expose the mark. It's now dulled to a light yellow with slight bruising remaining as opposed to a day or so ago where it seemed to be an angry black-blue. ]

A slight sting remains, my lord but this is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. However, the sensation of pain...

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002 ♞ that butler, restrained

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SUPER BACKTAGGING (and also timeskip because i can) GO

WHOO YEAH ALL THE BACKTAGGING!

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