vatheon | ♚ visitation.

Entry tags:

♚ visitation.

who: ciel & muraki.
where: vita 4-2.
when: early evening.
style: first.
status: closed.

[ he had said that he would come and visit. he's had the address for weeks. unfortunately, he hasn't been much for socializing as of late. being betrayed by the only person one dared to rely on tends to rather ruin one's mood.

he's seen the doctor only once, briefly, since then--when he'd come to pick up his aunt for the masquerade, which Ciel had lost any motivation he may have had to attend. he had behaved brusquely, to say the least, hardly even acknowledging the man's presence.

but the manor is driving him mad. it's only himself and his aunt now, but the walls are beginning to feel suffocating. there's unmistakably a presence missing, and being there, knowing that, thinking about that, just makes him angrier.

so here he is, getting out. Ciel looks less like Earl Phantomhive today and more like a half-dressed doll, a lopsided bow about his neck, uneven buttons on his vest (one left entirely undone near the collar of his oxford), and a stocking drooping loose down his calf from an unfastened knee-garter. the strings of his eye patch look as though he tied them in the dark while attempting to stand on his head.

nonetheless, he reaches up for the knocker on the door, and raps firmly three times, mustering his composure. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He doesn't have to wait for long. Before he can even lift his hand from the door after the third knock, it opens for him. The doctor's not as well-dressed as he usually presents himself: his hair's a bit rougher than usual and his shirt's buttoned up until the last one. Even more curious is the fact he isn't wearing his glasses and his hair covers up his missing eye.

If there's any surprise, he doesn't show it though. ]

Earl Phantomhive. I wasn't expecting you here tonight but please. Come in. Mind the mess.

[ And he steps aside to allow the boy in. However, the only thing you'd see as a mess would be an ash tray with several ground out cigarettes near the open window and a few unwashed plates in the sink. ]

Decided to take me up on my offer, I see.

I have. Please excuse the unannounced intrusion, but I was struck very suddenly by the strong desire to be somewhere else--and with your previous offer in mind, I came here.

[ stepping inside, and notes the 'mess' in question at once, only because he's so used to living in a household where positively everything is flawless. but it isn't as though it's intrusive, in this case; easily forgiven. ]

I hope you do not mind.

Not in the least.

[ He waits until Ciel's in before shutting the door behind him. Of course, he's noticed his state of dress and can't help but wonder if he dressed in the dark... or why Sebastian had let him go out in this state.

But knowing Ciel, it'd be rude to ask from the get go. Better to just let conversation flow in that direction. ]

As it goes, I was just about to make some tea. May I interest you in a cup while you tell me why you suddenly had the urge to come around at so late an hour?

[ as if he can tell where Muraki's thoughts are lingering, Ciel tugs almost self-consciously at the bow around his neck--almost, because his confidence isn't quite so shakable. (though perhaps that isn't as much the case, lately.) he manages to get it facing front, at least, even if it is a little lop-sided. but that will do for now. ]

A cup of tea would do me good. Thank you, doctor.

[ he hasn't had proper tea in weeks. he lingers near the door, as if waiting to be shown where he should sit, or what he should do--or whether he should simply join Muraki in the kitchen. he also debates as to whether or not to remove his shoes by the door. he is very much used to keeping his shoes on, even in his own home--but from what he's learned since coming here, the Japanese are rather particular about that. ultimately, he leans over and undoes the simple laces of his boots, stepping out of them and setting them to the side. ]

[ when he straightens up, he's even shorter than he usually is, having lost a good three inches of heel. and the question doesn't catch him off guard, but that doesn't mean that he likes it. he has to force a smile at first. but it becomes more genuine as he answers. ]

I am offended that you think I might deign to seek you out for any reason other than your charming company, no matter the hour.

I certainly meant no offense, however I must thank you for the compliment nonetheless.

[ He appreciates the gesture, Ciel. At least the earl was never one lacking in social graces but man, he never realized how short he was. His state of dressing and his decreased height however, seem to bring to mind his actual age... but the doctor isn't going to comment on it. ]

Have a seat on one of the couches. I'll be with you shortly.

[ He's bustling about the kitchen making tea. Rose hip it seems. Loose leaf, at least. No tea bags. ]

And how have you been? The last I saw you was before the ball.

[ social grace is what he's been raised for--even if he does look more a child than ever, with his floppy bow and stockinged feet. but he maintains his composure even so, and nods when he's told where to sit. he does so without hesitation, settling on the nearest sofa and crossing his legs primly. he misses his boots already. ]

Yes. I trust you and my aunt enjoyed a pleasant evening.

[ how has he been? terrible. loathsome. bitter. but social grace will not allow him to say such things. ]

Short of hand. [ is what he decides on. he has to take a steadying breath before he continues. ] I have dismissed Sebastian from my service, for the time being. [ he says it so nonchalantly, though it is not. but it sounds so simple, like that. anger and shame still wrench at his gut, and it is all he can do not to curl his fingers into tiny shaking fists. ]

Pleasant enough as things were, yes.

[ It wasn't too noteworthy an evening. Angelina seemed to enjoy herself and he was content with hanging around the bar and shooting the breeze.

Muraki actually pauses from his preparations to glance over at the boy when he hears the second bit though. That. That wasn't expected. But then Ciel isn't the kind who likes kidding around and it certainly would explain his state of dress. But he comes around eventually with said tea in two mugs, setting one down in front of Ciel before taking his own and taking the armchair across the coffee table in front of him. ]

I suppose this is a matter I best not ask too much detail about? A pity. I never thought him to have warranted being dismissed.

She had fun, at the very least.

[ the lady come home and told him all about it, of course. that was to be expected, though. there is rarely a party that his aunt does not enjoy herself at. Ciel's mood had only become more sour.

the subject of Sebastian is still a very sore one--and is likely to remain so. he picks up the mug and sips his tea, as if trying to use it to soothe his wounded pride. ]

Best not, yes. I had my reasons. I don't suppose you witnessed anything strange the night of August 27th, did you, Doctor?

[ It's not as good as Sebastian's definitely but it has a charm all its own. A homemade charm. The kind whose recipe you'd probably find tucked away in a grandmother's cabinet or something. He sips at his own mug a moment, crossing his legs and frowning at the mention of the date.

He had sensed something different, yes... but how best to term it? What exactly to say? ]

There was something amiss in the air that night, if I recall. However, I'd hurried home that night. Whatever it was, I wasn't there to witness it.

[ As much as he wanted to, admitting that he himself went on a little feeding spree and was preoccupied that evening is a no-no. ]

Did Sebastian have something to do with that?

[ the tea certainly isn't bad. it's better than what he's been drinking these last few weeks. it isn't Sebastian's--nothing is Sebastian's--but it will do. he drinks without complaint. ]

He did. And he is paying the consequences.

[ said with a finality that indicates that this is, most assuredly, the end of that conversation. Sebastian isn't the only one suffering for his actions. in fact, he is likely getting the better end of it, being free to do whatever he likes, while Ciel has to learn to care for himself now. just thinking about it makes him furious.

but the fact that Muraki had been able to tell that something was off is interesting. Ciel knows that the doctor is far more than he seems--it's a large part of the reason he's taken such an interest in him--but exactly what it is about him is still a mystery. one that he intends to solve. ]

I came to see you this evening as a reprieve from my own thoughts on the matter, which have been consuming me far too much of late. Can you help me to spend a little time away from them?

[ At least it doesn't come from a teabag.

But he nods at that, taking another sip of his tea as he considers this. What he felt that night was darkness to rival his own. Hm. Curious. Even more curious. ]

I'm afraid I'm a rather poor host but I'm rather flattered you'd come to me for such a thing.

[ Small smile though. ]

Perhaps we can finally get to that chess game we've been meaning to have, hm?

[ good. instant tea is never acceptable under any circumstances.

curious indeed. curious that Sebastian--who Ciel was so sure he had well and completely collared, leashes, and tethered--had disobeyed him and taken complete leave of himself. in the back of his mind, Ciel knows that at its very root, the coral was the cause. but he is still far from ready to forgive Sebastian, and even further from ready to forgive himself for making the mistake of trusting him. ]

For receiving an unexpected guest, you have been a remarkably good host, Kazutaka.

[ he must use his name more. he must remember to do that. ]

I would like that. I would like that very much.

[ their long-awaited chess game is exactly what he needs to clear his head. it's something he's actually been looking forward to, which is rare in and of itself. but chess is, in many ways, therapeutic for him. and he can't wait to see just how good the doctor is. ]

Thank you for saying so.

[ This game has been a long time coming so he's looking forward to it as much as Ciel has. Then there's this whole other mystery to unravel for one. Why dismiss Sebastian? The servant he had deemed to be an absolute necessity to him made to leave and so abruptly? Coupled with that particular night. At any rate, he makes to get up and offer a smile back as he picks up his mug. ]

Come. As per lack of a roommate, I've converted the spare bedroom into a study. We shall have our game there.

[ And with that, he's gone to open the door to the other room which is now a somewhat nicely furnished library of sorts, accounting for a full bookshelf on one side of the room and a spare table with a couple of chairs near a window. The chess set is set up on said table but seems to be for decorative reasons. He's moving to sit himself on the white side, obviously and gestures for Ciel to take the seat across him on black. ]

I'm afraid I never play anything but white. A habit, really.

[ tea in hand, Ciel follows the man to the spare room--not far to go, considering how tiny the flat is. or perhaps it is only tiny by comparison; he has never lived anywhere with less space than his family's London townhouse.

the makeshift library Muraki has managed to fashion is impressive, though, for its humble beginnings. he has to give credit where it is due. but it is the chess board, of course, which draws most of his interest. the pieces look smooth and heavy, just as he likes. ]

That suits me perfectly, doctor. [ his eyes have been glued to the board, but as he sits, he glances up, the quirk of his mouth and the gleam in his eye something akin to sly. ] I never play anything but black.

[ his mug is set on the table as he leans back in his chair, posture perfect as always, folding one leg over the other and lacing his fingers atop his bared knee. ]

I find we suit each other perfectly on the matter.

[ Ivory and marble. The doctor's decided to make the most of the city giving everything for free and really spared no expense in the set. It's the best he could find and looks about normal... except for the obvious sea theme. The king and queen are mermaids, the knight pieces seahorses, the pawns are dolphins. It's inescapable, really given the setting.

And yet Ciel still continues to impress him. Most children would have balked at the prospect of chess but then... Ciel isn't really most children.

He begins without signal, as he usually does with most things. Though his fingertips lightly trace the back of a dolphin-shaped pawn, he instead chooses to open by moving his queen-side knight. The doctor reclines in his seat afterward, fingers pressed together as he considers his next possible move. ]

And how have things been in the manor, given Sebastian's leave?

I am inclined to agree.

[ the set is lovely, even if the oceanic theme is, after so long here, slightly grating. but the weight of a piece in his hand is enough to make him forget the slight annoyance. the marble is pleasantly cool against his warm fingers. on instinct, he'd nearly moved his king-side knight--but that is an opening move he has become far too used to making. instead, he responds with a pawn, moving it two spaces forward.

but truly, Ciel could say that he, similarly, continues to be impressed by Doctor Muraki. to be regarded as an equal is a rare and sought-after thing, and the doctor has not once looked down on him, or treated him like a child. ]

Considerably dustier. [ the mere thought of Sebastian is enough to sour his mood. irritably, he tugs at the lopsided ribbon around his neck, and pulls it free. the damned thing looked ridiculous, anyway, when not properly tied. he looks more put-together without it. ] The quality of the food has, unfortunately, decreased as well. [ he picks up his mug and takes a sip. ] And as my aunt is often out, I am typically the only one at home. [ the solitude hasn't been as sweet as he'd imagined it would be. ]

[ He regards that in silence, taking a small sip of his tea as he watches the pieces on the board. ]

Maybe you can consider this a time for you to know the city better? Take advantage of this solitude?

[ His fingers drift over the other knight, moving it out the same way he did his queen side knight. ]

I must admit, I'm rather enjoying your company the more I have of it... therefore in light of your recent situation, I wish to extend this invitation.

[ A pause to sip at his tea. ]

Whenever you wish, you may come by. After hours, of course. Or the clinic, if you so choose.

I would like to think that both the city and I have gotten to know one another rather well by now. [ and he doesn't sound too pleased by that, either.

the findings in the lab last month are constantly in the back of his mind. but without Sebastian-- ]

A generous offer.

[ Sebastian. he doesn't need Sebastian. he has his own means--he has other pieces. his smile is slow, and almost sickly sweet. ]

I believe I will take you up on it. If it is more of my company you would like, then it is more you shall have.

[ his fingers dance along his pieces, finally settling on another pawn. that had been quite a telling statement, on the doctor's part: essentially 'the more I see you, the more I like you.' how fortunate that he should come to earn the admiration of such a useful man just when he needs someone most. and he hadn't even been trying; he admits to himself that his interactions with Muraki have been far more genuine than most. still, it had paid off, in the end. ]

You truly wouldn't mind having me in your office? I would hate to distract you from your work.

Edited 2012-10-03 17:26 (UTC)

After two years, there are things that surprise me from time to time.

[ It's hard to tell really if that smile is genuine and if it's from amusement or otherwise. He's considering his next move carefully, fingertips lightly tracing the length of his king side rook before moving it one space to the left. ]

If there was work to distract me from. On a busy day without a curse, we have two to three cases at the most. However, I'm certain your aunt would like to see you around from time to time.

I do not doubt that. It seems that new things have begun to reveal themselves with more frequency as of late. As routine as things have become here, there is always an element of unpredictability--and always, beneath it all, that same underlying mystery.

[ it has never taken him this long to solve a mystery before--apart from the one that is the focus of his life at home, of course.

as he speaks, Ciel watches the movements of Muraki's hand carefully, noting the way he gives certain pieces the barest caress before he passes over them. it is, oddly, almost uncomfortable to watch--though he does. ]

And yet you spend so much time there at the clinic. Perhaps by dropping by I would be saving you from boredom. [ he's teasing as he says this, but the reminder that his aunt also works in the very same building dampens his mood a bit. it seems as though his aunt is the only person he's been seeing on a constant basis as of late. and while he is glad that she is alive and well here, his feelings about her are very mixed--and the amount of attention she pays him does not help. ] She sees quite enough of me at home, I think. But I shall stop by regardless.

I would rather be ready and on call rather sitting idly by and being alerted for a sudden emergency.

[ That and wandering around really isn't hiss thing. It's morbidly fascinating though, isn't it? The way he seems to lovingly tend to his pieces before moving them? ]

It is true more and more things seem to come to light as of recently. The underground laboratorry, the island, what remains of Alpha's notes... Perhaps whoever has brought us here has finally decided to make his move.

How responsible of you.

[ it's more fascinating than he would like to admit. he moves his own pieces with aplomb, but not quite so much flourish. even so few turns into the game, he finds himself thinking more critically than he has in weeks. it feels good. ]

If that is the case, it is a move he has been far too long in making. His time on the game clock ran out long ago. Still, I welcome it. [ after all, if an opponent doesn't move, he has nothing to respond to. ] Sitting idly by is not my style. I want to play.

[ and there is his smirk again. after he's moved--a rook, three spaces--he picks up his tea again, the upward turn of his lips just visible as he sips, his visible eye alive over the rim of his cup with some unholy mixture of anticipation and eagerness and interest. ]

I have been out of the game too long, I think. And the very last thing I want is for my skills to rust.

[ It's been a while since he played really but he finds that it's like riding a bike: you never really forget as your body remembers and soon enough, old strategies are coming to mind. He only turns to the pieces after Ciel's spoken, however. It's clear he's listening. That half smirk should be indication enough. ]

As you find my choice responsible, I find yours rather admirable.

[ He sets down another piece with a definite click. Time to bring in the big guns. No more toying with his prey. ]

Then you understand why I've chosen to continue my practice. We aren't too far apart, you and I. In fact, if I may be so bold to insinuate... there seems to be quite a bit of similarity between us.

[ actually, it's been a while since Ciel's played, too, with anyone other than himself. it's been remarkably difficult to find opponents here. so he's finding himself falling back into old habits, too. to think it's been so many months since he's played a good game of chess. ]

Not admirable. I am merely impatient.

[ well, well, well. it seems like he just may have to do the same. ]

You may be as bold as you like, doctor. [ he allows, settling back into his hair and folding one hand beneath his chin. ] I assume it would not be surprising to you if I said that I have concluded much the same thing?

no subject

no subject

no subject

[1/2]

[2/2]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

...wow geez it's been almost a week I am so sorry. ;;;

no worries!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject