♚ visitation.

[pactum]

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. ]

Comments

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

[lamorteblanc]

[ 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.

no worries!!

[pactum]

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.

[lamorteblanc]

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.

[pactum]

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.

[lamorteblanc]

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.

[pactum]

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.

[lamorteblanc]

[ 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.

[pactum]

[ 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?

[lamorteblanc]

[ Ciel playing with himself. Mhm. Truth be told, it's been a while since he played himself. Mao wasn't one for a serious game and he hasn't had anyone over in a while so this? This is a nice change. ]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's managed to draw this conclusion.

[ A pause. ]

You seemed rather familiar with my situation that one night. I don't suppose you recall the incident with our dreams being broadcast over the network?

[pactum]

[ Woah there. Down, boy. ]

Given the evidence at hand, it was difficult not to.

[ when Muraki brings up that incident, however, he frowns slightly, and picks his mug up for another sip. it's empty when he puts it back down. ]

Of course I recall it. Mine was a...recurring nightmare that I have often. I was furious that so many people were able to witness something so private. I also...recall well our conversation after your own dream.

[lamorteblanc]

[ Set yourself up there. His fingers are interlaced on his lap, eyes unreadable as he continues to scrutinize both the board and the boy. ]

I did see that dream though I failed to comment on the matter. I could only have thought it would have been something you'd rather not discuss in public.

[pactum]

You were correct.

[ he makes his next move swiftly, before he turns the entirety of his attention to Muraki, meeting his eyes directly. ]

But this is not public, so you assumed that it would be safe to bring it up.

[lamorteblanc]

[ He rests his head on his hand, a perked brow at the sudden attention. The curiosity is evident in his good eye and the glass one seems to be glowing ever so slightly. ]

I didn't mean to pry further. I merely saw that incident as a similarity between the two of us... that you seemed rather emphatic toward my concerns on Ukiyou's future.

[pactum]

[ Ciel tends to pay close attention to things that are important. Muraki's more than earned his rapt consideration. neither the curiosity nor the strange gleaming of his right eye--faintly visible behind a shroud of silvery hair--goes unnoticed, nor unmarked. ]

I was. [ he agrees to that easily. there is no denying it. ] I had similar concerns, if you recall. And that is certainly not where our similarities end. [ he is looking rather pointedly at that right eye of yours, doctor. quite frankly, he's waited long enough for answers; he intends to get some today. ]

[lamorteblanc]

[ He doesn't make any motion to quell the glow but it does die down after a moment. However, his hand goes beneath his chin as he leans forward, almost as if to give Ciel a better look at it. ]

Certainly not. However, I don't wish to appear rude. If your reasons are the same as mine, then you certainly have an agenda all your own for doing what you've done.

[ His fingers uncurl and two rest by the side of his own eye, one tapping at his temple almost as if for emphasis. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? ]

[1/2]

[pactum]

[ and, not one to miss an opportunity, look he does. Muraki's subtle almost-flaunting confirms what Ciel has long suspected: that eye holds the key to many of the doctor's mysteries. just as Ciel's own right eye does. He knows, Ciel thinks, watching the careful drumming of fingertip against temple. Or he suspects, at the very least. ]

Of course. No sane man does anything without a reason. [ now is the time. this is the move he's been anticipating for months; that the time comes while in the midst of a game of chess is mere irony. ] But what do you suppose I've done, doctor? You speak as though you know already.

[2/2]

[pactum]

[ and then, more quietly: ]

Perhaps you do.

Re: [2/2]

[lamorteblanc]

[ The irony isn't lost on him. Who knows? Perhaps it was planned. But he knows Ciel is a smart boy. One doesn't do what they do, after all without considering full well the consequences as he's said. He doesn't know the exact details, of course. Just little bits and pieces he's tried to put together like a puzzle without a guide to the bigger picture. What he knows is limited. Haphazard. Filed with the barest semblance of organization. ]

If one were to speak from experience, then perhaps I do. I do wonder just how similar our situations are. You strike me as a private man, Earl Phantomhive and if I may say... you intrigue me in that respect.

[ Ah, but what to reveal? What not to reveal? This is a whole new chess game, one fought with words. The right questions must be asked, the right buttons pushed. So he goes for subtlety first just to test the waters. ]

It wasn't easy to decipher, this little game of charades you and Sebastian play with the unknowing. But I do wonder... what indeed could motivate you to go to such lengths.

[ His tea has gone cold meanwhile. ]

Knowledge? Perhaps not. You seem capable of getting that on your own. Power? Now what would one born with a silver spoon in his mouth want with what he already has?

[ A small smirk. ]

I for one seek to undo a great injustice, Ciel. One can't help but wonder if it holds true for you as well.

[pactum]

I simply don't like to involve others in my personal matters. [ his tone is dismissive, though his expression remains carefully neutral.

a 'game of charades' indeed--but of course, Muraki is being terribly vague. does he know, or is he merely guessing? would he say it straight if he knew, or is he still unsure, trying to scrape up more information by being elusive? ] There is little need to wonder when the answers are before you. Such coyness wins you no favor with me, doctor.

[ his dream, among other things. but has the doctor actually managed to discover Sebastian's true nature? Ciel wouldn't discount it. there are several ways he could have done so; Sebastian has not been nearly so subtle here as he is at home. but Ciel thinks he may just know exactly how; it would have been only too simple, in fact, now that he thinks of it. somewhat disappointing. ]

I do not seek to undo anything. That would be impossible. But if you are wondering if revenge is my motive, I will tell you plainly: yes. There are a number of people who have done me great wrong, and I intend to make them pay. [ Ciel leans forward a little, head tilting curiously. ] 'Undo' is a very interesting choice of words, Kazutaka.

[lamorteblanc]

[ Call it a mixture of both. He has an idea as to what the connection between master and butler are but he can't be sure. His interaction with Sebastian in the past has been brief but it was the company he kept in the past that was very telling. ]

A private man, as I've said. The sort who doesn't seem to divulge things at will. I did think you enjoyed a good mystery, being one yourself.

[ There's a small smirk as he leans back in his seat, pressing his fingers together. ]

While your targets are numerous, I only have one in mind. You've seen so much for one your age.

[ He meets the earl's eye with equal interest. ]

Undo, however, I find is the perfect word. While I haven't found a way to turn back time, I may have found a way to rectify my situation. There are, quite obviously, certain setbacks.

[pactum]

I'm a mystery, am I? [ he finds something about that terribly amusing, as demonstrated by the wry smile and slightly raised brows the statement elicits.

he doesn't need to be told that, though--he knows what he's seen. no child should have to experience what he did. no child should have to do what he does. ]

You desire to right a wrong done to you. [ and the simplest way to do so would be to turn back time--but in what situation would that be the case? has the person Muraki is speaking of somehow gone beyond his reach? disappeared, or perhaps...died? but is it the person he wants revenge upon, or is it someone else connected? a victim, perhaps? whatever the case-- ] He's dead, isn't he?

[lamorteblanc]

[ There's the smallest smile of approval from this. Right now, he's content to throw out these breadcrumbs, unravel his own personal mystery bit by tiny bit. After all, it's just them now. ]

As in chess, there should be turns with us. It isn't fair if I answer all these questions and leave myself hanging when it comes to you.

[ A pause to shift his position, his eyes never once turned away. It's a look of interest he carries now. ]

Quid pro quo, Ciel. You tell me things, I tell you things. About your own injustice, about yourself. We can go either way. Quid pro quo.

[pactum]

[ and he'd had such good momentum going, too. surely a slight pout is justified. still, this can be advantageous. he thinks Muraki knows--must know--quite a bit about himself. he'd had a perfect source, after all, some time ago. Ciel, meanwhile, only knows what he has guessed. he has little to lose, he thinks--and much to gain. ]

Fine. [ with a sweep of his hand, he gestures to the chess board between them. ] As you say. Then let us play. Your move, doctor.

[lamorteblanc]

[ Better to hear it straight from the horse's mouth than to rely on speculation, after all. Not to mention it's twofold, this move. He's only wiling to give as much as he gets. Leaving yourself vulnerable never once did any good. He toys with the knight piece, glancing at it briefly. ]

May I be so bold as to wonder... your eye. It isn't an ordinary injury, isn't it...?

what the hell was that space. what the hell is this. what the hell are YOU.

[pactum]

[ of course. the first thing he asks would be about his eye. Muraki's been curious about it ever since they met, and never really bothered to hide it. ]

No. It isn't.

[ Ciel is very reluctant to say anything further; keeping secrets is what he does, and revealing them feels wrong. he'll see how far he can get on a simple answer, for now. ]

I believe we have that in common.