12th Task || Sebastian Michaelis [Video]

[demon_andbutler]

[The feed broadcasts in the wee hours of the morning, when all who are sane or not insomniacs are asleep. It's not quite apparent whether Sebastian intended to use the video feature, but here he is: the Forge is in one hand, and in the other is a candelabra with three burning candles that cast long shadows on his face. Beyond him are the walls of a

Comments

Video.

[supercilious]

Sorry to hear that. I think.

So; what have you found?

Video.

[demon_andbutler]

Their disappearance was not your fault, sir. Apologies aren't necessary.

[He doesn't look back at the feed. Instead he frowns, considering the question, and the right words for an answer.]

Friends.

[There's a touch of surprise to his tone. It's not a word he uses often, and even less in relation to himself. But if he compares the way he's been consistently treated by several residents of Anatole, there is no better way to describe them.]

And many delightful cats.

[... Those too.]

Video.

[supercilious]

[ just gonna. ignore that bit about cats. ]

Ah, friendship. I take it you didn't have a lot back home? That's not a judgemental question, you know, as I certainly didn't.

Video.

[demon_andbutler]

[Probably for the best.]

No, you are correct. In my own world, there is only one person I would describe that way.

[And only because Agni has identified himself as such more than once.]

Circumstances in Anatole are much different than in my world. There is much I've had to adapt to.

[Including a lot more people who seem to inexplicably like him.]

[Voice]

[knows_it_all]

Do you drink?

[Because it seems we've both lost and found things recently, and you're a guy, and I'm a guy, and this is a bonding experience so there ought to be beer.]

I mean, perseverance deserves a toast of some kind.

[A skipped beat.]

What kind of business? If you know Elena, she likes taking on challenges like that. Maybe you could ask her about assistance with an entrepreneurship? She'd be great at it, that woman.

[Voice]

[wellsuited]

Oh, he knows me. I'm pretty sure I have a cracked rib because of him.

...You really think I'd be great at it? [Not just good, great.]

[Voice]

[knows_it_all]

Wait a minute, cracked rib?!

[He skips a beat again to answer her other question.]

Of course I think you'd be great! You're a Turk. And you've proven yourself capable of managing the strongest and most daunting fighters the Arena's ever seen!

But what's this about a cracked rib!

[Voice]

[wellsuited]

They really are the strongest and most daunting, aren't they! And each one has their own style, no one's put together a roster like I have!

Oh...I probably shouldn't go into that. It's confidential.

[...]

I'lltellyoulater!

[Because obviously Sebastian can't understand her if she whispers and speaks quickly.]

[Voice]

[demon_andbutler]

It isn't mine to sell. As butler to the Phantomhive family, it is my job to maintain the household.

[It's just a bit... monetarily questionable at the moment.]

[Voice]

[demon_andbutler]

That is part of the dilemma. The property was acquired under the supposition that Funtom would be able to pay for it once the business was up and running. But I'm unsure of the enterprise's future at this current time.

[Pause.]

Forgive me, sir, I should not be burdening you with my financial troubles. I don't think we've met, have we? You may call me Sebastian.

[yetsleeping]

It just... seems to be the way things go, here.

...I'm sorry, though.

[demon_andbutler]

You've no need to apologise to me either, Miss Priscilla. It is a factor of this place that none of us can control, you said it yourself.

[yetsleeping]

It's very true. But that doesn't make it any easier to take. Or comfortable.

[demon_andbutler]

No, I suppose not.

...

Working for the Patrol is a fine job. I have... enjoyed it thus far.

[And everyone seems so appreciative of him, which certainly pleases his aesthetics. Ciel had not seemed very satisfied with his work as of late. But then... there hadn't really been an opportunity for the work they usually do together.

...Still.]

It is strange to have been bred for one position, yet find contentment in another.

[ video ]

[everything_rots]

Would you search for another bond?

[ video ]

[demon_andbutler]

He may return yet.

[ video ]

[everything_rots]

Ah.

But there must be something left.

[ video ]

[demon_andbutler]

For him to return to? Of course.

...

But if he does not return...

[He's really not sure how long he can wait. Just the last several months without the usual entertainment that his master used to provide has left him... restless.]