♚ chess.

[pactum]

Who: Ciel & Lelouch.
When: Backdated to December 2nd.
Where: Speculum 2.
Style: First?
Status: Closed.

[ Ciel may not have a butler at the moment, but he hardy lacks for courtesy. When Lelouch arrives at the appointed time, he greets him at the door and leads him inside himself. He rarely has guests, so it isn't as though he's had to properly entertain anyone since Sebastian's dismissal; it's the first time he's bothered. But if his suspicions about Lelouch are correct, going to the trouble of doing so could be worthwhile. He may, at the very least, gain a competent chess partner. And while he isn't exactly enthusiastic about it, perhaps he'll even learn a thing or two about cooking, as well. Though that had been the original intent, it's taken a bit of a back seat as far as his interest level goes.

The foyer which the front door opens on is spacious and well-kept--though perhaps not the level of flawless sparkling it might have been had Sebastian been there to care for it over the last few months. The Speculum houses are the biggest in Vatheon, and Ciel shares his home with only his aunt, at the moment. There are a number of rooms that go entirely unused, closed up and forgotten about because they simply aren't needed. It can feel eerily empty, at times, but in many ways that simply makes it feel more like home; though the Phantomhive manor houses a number of servants, it is also proportionally larger. Still, living only with one's (technically) dead aunt--who spends much of her time at work, and still more about the town--makes for a bit of a lonely lifestyle.  ]

Welcome.

[ As he steps back from the door, allowing Lelouch to step inside. ]

My thanks again for agreeing to meet with me.

Comments

[machiavellingly]

[It's a rather large home for only being him and whomever lives with him, he thinks. This boy is obviously used to a lavish life of luxury. Lelouch smiles without baring his teeth, he isn't the type to necessarily give anything away immediately -- especially not what he thinks of this little noble.

Despite all appearances, he can tell, just from the look in his eyes... he's seen too much. Jaded. Cynical. Resigned in some ways. Haunted, definitely. Exactly what had he been through to hurt him so? Perhaps a family squabble? Nobility could be cruel and far more harsh than a normal middleclass family. He'd experienced it firsthand with his own. He enters without complaint, it's clean enough for him and he doesn't mind what little dust there is.]

Thank you for having me, Ciel. Have you been well?

[At least he should exchange idle pleasantries. He does care afterall.]

[pactum]

[ Closing the door behind Lelouch after he enters, Ciel returns the smile--and though his false smiles tend to be convincing enough for most people, it's because most people don't think to look for anything beyond it. He's only a child, after all. What could he possibly be trying to mask? ]

I have. And I hope the last few days have treated you kindly, also?

[ He's never liked pleasantries, but he's used to them. After spending so much time around other nobles to whom pleasantries are everything, it hardly takes a thought to formulate some neutral, polite response or other. ]

Please do excuse the state of the house--I am afraid it's been quite some time since I've had company. But I have made sure that the kitchen is well-stocked, at the very least.

[machiavellingly]

[Lelouch is always reading further than what anyone ever expects. He needs to remain a step ahead or else he's discontent. Better to anticipate than to react without a plan -- he always needs a plan. And he has one, today, he's been sculpting it since the moment he'd offered to help.]

More or less. My little brother arrived here not long ago.

[Rolo isn't really his brother... but to keep appearances up and to plan his demise he's going to need that cover. Well, he's not sure about the demise part yet... but perhaps a punishment of sorts.]

It's hardly messy, Ciel. And good. Anything you wanted to begin with? I wasn't sure about your preferences but... I'd assumed chocolate or something with preserves is neutral enough?

[pactum]

Ahh. You must be very happy to see him, then.

[ 'More or less' he says. Hardly a typical reaction for someone who's just had a member of their family arrive. Some bad blood between them, perhaps? ]

This place does have a habit of bringing people familiar to us. There certainly seems to be a pattern--though what that pattern is is a little more difficult to discern.

[ With a gesture, Ciel indicates that they should begin walking; there is a hallway past the staircase, and it's there that the kitchen can be found. ]

You assumed correctly. I am partial to either.

[machiavellingly]

That's one way to put it.

[He says this in an amused tone, though it's obvious he doesn't want him here really -- it's a personal matter that he'd rather not involve outsiders in

He seems perfectly comfortable as he follows the boy, taking in all that he can, thinking... calculating, deducing... Exactly what kind of person is he? He supposes he'll find out later when he manages to beat him at chess. And he will of course.]

Perhaps something with preserves first? Chocolate is a bit more complicated to work with and I'd prefer to keep your first few lessons simple as possible.

[pactum]

You would put it another way?

[ He raises a brow, not bothering to disguise his interest in the topic. Anyone would be, he thinks, after such an answer.

The kitchen is on the right, and fairly average sized; certainly nothing compared to Ciel's own kitchen at home. But it has everything that might be required, and it serves. ]

Of course. I will defer to you, in that regard. I'll gladly begin with whatever you think is best.