[There is some great inner pleasure derived in testing Sebastian's limits, and making the demon busy when already busy is just one of them. He's curious to see how the uniform will turn out, in the end.
The next wave of great inner pleasure after that will be telling Sebastian it looks atrocious. This is the way their game is played.]
No. People are turning into idiots who don't know what they're doing. [At first, he watches Sebastian critically. He thinks about making a fuss because the clothes are going on him anyway, but he will just wait until Sebastian is finished getting everything on. Perfect. Perhaps he's also interested to see what Sebastian is up to.] There's too much hearsay and not enough evidence; I don't like it. No one can explain why those people died, no one can explain what the clicking is, no one can explain the damaged box.
Nothing is coming in from the top. [The Master Phantomhive in him is getting increasingly frustrated. He's use to being at the apex of giving orders next to those he receives from the Queen. He was use to managing a household by giving instruction to Sebastian who, in turn, gave instruction elsewhere and so on. That's how it should be.]
[ Sebastian works deftly as he dresses Ciel, because even with the unfamiliar clothing, it's their familiar routine. He listens as Ciel explains, nodding along understandingly, but it's only once Ciel is finished speaking that Sebastian responds. ]
Then that would imply that the top does not know either, or if they do... [ He shakes his head ] I doubt I need to remind you to tread carefully. More than you already do. Even if there is information to be found, be mindful of our rank, at least for now.
[ Everything is on by now, so Sebastian starts the process of buttoning everything up carefully, though there are less frills and ribbons, which he's thankful for. ]
Though you should at least be pleased by my own. They would have me act as nothing more than a beast, it would seem, since nearly everyone I have spoken to has been surprised by my manners when they hear what team I have been assigned to.
[Usually, Ciel pays no mind to the clothes that is put on him aside from whether or not they are presentable. Now, however, he turns his eyes down to look over the outfit that he's being wrapped in. Everything is strange. The feeling of the material is different. Nothing seems to have been starched, or steamed, or anything, yet there's no wrinkles. The fabric is entirely new--softer relatively, but new. The lack of bows and frills is decidedly eerie.
This is the beginning of the end of his life as he knows it. Has Sebastian already eaten his soul and taken him to hell? It feels like it.] There's more than a few people here who lack manners. [He sounds grumpy when he says it. He's thinking about Kouha, a Prince Soma re-incarnation; Zelos, the R Kelly of the ship; and Erin, a nominee for the Miss Butterfingers pageant.]
You're on Green. Soldiers, I'm assuming. They expect you to be mostly muscle and mostly an idiot. [Both are true, right. :)] Has anyone mentioned they read your file?
[ He knows exactly where Ciel is going with the comment about Green, so he doesn't even give him the leverage to say it, since he just moves on smoothly to the other, more important topic with little more than a nod. ]
One, but I suspect they were sent to speak with me out of investigating new arrivals for being suspect to the murders. He clearly read my file, though I did not get the impression that there was anything in particular about me that was more suspicious over others. It was a blanket investigation, though he was curious, which is to be expected.
[ Sebastian is all done with the clothes, so he then looks up towards Ciel's, though not at his eyes, before he reaches up to smooth Ciel's hair into place gently. It really would give the impression of a doting caretaker, if not for Sebastian being... himself. ]
Still, I have not been able to figure out just how prevalent reading others' files is. I operate on the assumption that they have read it, since pretending otherwise would be more of a disadvantage. At the very least, those who do know are more intrigued than anything. It does not carry a taboo, which is unsurprising, considering the variety of creatures on this ship. I am hardly the most extravagant.
[Immediately, Ciel's lips twist sourly. He knows there has to be more people who have read Sebastian's file, but one speaking up is one too many. He's not sure whether to be relieved by Sebastian's words on being less extravagant, or worried that there could be other things here just as dangerous--or more dangerous. What is more dangerous (minus alien cats) than a demon hungry for a soul?
Gently, he pulls his head away from the smoothing hand by turning it off to the side. To anyone else, it would be an ungrateful action from a spoiled brat. But it's not. It's unease. It's disgust. He knows Sebastian's pampering is nothing short of a chef slathering chicken with marinade. His eyes remained close so he doesn't have to look at Sebastian's face.]
Don't think that gives you leeway to act inappropriate. [Despite what he may tell Sebastian in the future about acting like a beast, right now, the etiquette still applies. Even here.] You're still Phantomhive's butler before anything else. [Even a demon.] Remember that.
[ He looks lightly surprised when Ciel pulls away, but it fades quickly into a softer smile that looks fond, though that's of course not reflective of what Sebastian's thinking. He can see the unease as clearly on Ciel's face and in his posture as if he hadn't tried to play it off, so of course, he takes no small amount of pleasure in that. When Ciel showed these softer points, after all, it was like dangling a steak in front of a starving wolf. But. He won't allow himself to daydream of the day their contract is complete just yet, so his hand falls away. ]
Of course. I would never forget it, young master.
[ Now he meets Ciel's eyes, and the fond smile grows, though there's a sharper, more dangerous edge, if only for a moment. ]
[ But before Ciel can say anything to that, Sebastian stands, since he's ready to perform his magical demon bullshit magic at this point. Usually, he would camouflage the process with a flourish, swirling cloth around Ciel to make the transition more seamless, if dramatic, but there's not such luxury here. He stares at the clothing all put together for only a moment before he waves his hand which is also symbolic of how this shit works, don't ask me, but. Nothing happens.
And Ciel's revenge for Sebastian's smartass comment comes even more quickly than he would anticipate, because Sebastian looks absolutely stricken, staring at his hand as if some kind of grave offense has occurred. Which, to him, it absolutely has. Luckily, he doesn't devolve into a stupid baby tantrum, but— ]
How? That is... That is not possible.
[ HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO ME, DEMON SEBASTIAN?? ]
[Maybe it's the tone or maybe it's the words, but Ciel's eyes snap open incredulously, and a sharp chill smooths down his spine. He's not afraid of dying. He has been on the verge of that too well to fear anymore. He has felt death's cold embrace. But he does fear something in death, and he would be lying if he said he did not fear Sebastian's ultimatum for him. In the end, he will be dead, and the only thing he would have left, his soul, won't even be his any longer.
Whatever he plans to say is lost in his throat as Sebastian pulls away. Oh God. It looks like Sebastian is going to be wiggling magic fingers, and the sourness that was already in Ciel's stomach doubles. Hocus pocus in moderation, you piece of shit. Look upon the face of the displeased as you--
He stares. Nothing happened. Nothing is happening. He doesn't understand why Sebastian just stopped in the middle of doing something.] Sebastian, why are-- [The look on the demon's face isn't normal. Sebastian is only ever shocked in dire situations, when it's something legitimate. But what would Ciel be if not getting irritated when he's worried.]
[ Sebastian is a patient creature, especially for a demon. In fact, his patience was enough that it could almost be considered a virtue, if not for every other terrible, distasteful part of his personality. However, there is one area where Sebastian definitely looses his cool, and that is when his power is questioned or hindered. Most of the time, it just meant that a Reaper got a particularly brutal beatdown from him, but this time, well. There's no one for him to take his anger out on.
But it's alarming to him that anyone but the person he held a real contract with could bind him, so he tests the limits of his abilities briefly, and that hand is engulfed in shadow before it turns to the black, carpaced hand that Ciel really hadn't seen since this hand held his own in the cage, when Sebastian used his true form to slaughter the cult as ordered. But it's only their briefly, since as Sebastian brings that hand to his mouth thoughtfully, it's gone again with no more than sharp, black wisps curling in the air until the evaporate. Sebastian's eyes still shine a deeper, richer red, and though his face is calm, the displeasure is clear enough in his eyes. ]
...It seems I underestimated our employers' abilities.
[The twisted memories that the encapsulated hand rouses gnaw right at the edges of Ciel's mind. He remembers seeing it from behind the icy bars of captivity, he remembers it reaching out to him, beckoning. For a moment, he thinks he might run if he could possibly get his legs to stop being stuck to the floor.
And then the hand is gone, and his anxiety spills away like a wave ebbing in the ocean.
Quickly, he sets his jaw, mouth a firm line. He doesn't look pleased by the revelation. Looking into Sebastian's eyes alone means that this is not something that is supposed to happen, not something expected in the slightest. How far does this limitation extend? What can Sebastian do and not do?
What does that mean for him, his master?] What does that mean? Are you saying that you don't have your powers?
Sebastian! [It's spoken smartly enough to get the demon to look at him in the eyes.] Did they take them? But the milk....
[ Ciel speaking his name sharply at least draws him out of the spiral of thoughts, all of which were particularly, well. Demonic. To put it nicely. His mouth is still set in a thin line, an uncharacteristic show of displeasure from Sebastian, but focusing on Ciel at least causes it to lessen, even if it's only to a small degree. ]
No. They did not take them, since I would have been aware of that immediately.
[ Sebastian's jaw sets as well, since the implication otherwise is one he finds particularly upsetting, but at the very least... The only person it truly effects is Ciel. It's better than alternatives. ]
It is as if part of the terms of our contract was that I could not create certain things. [ There's another pause, because Sebastian definitely doesn't like admitting his weaknesses at all, no matter how few or frivolous they are. ]
Damn them! [The words come suddenly and angrily, and he balls both of his hands into fists at his sides.
Sebastian isn't the only one pissed off. It's less that he gives a shit about Sebastian and more that he is angry the CDC--it had to be them--decided to mess with his demon which, in turn, messes with him. It's as if they snatched his toy out of his hand and cut its hair without permission, or changed its clothes, or popped its arm out.
Sebastian is not theirs to alter or restrain.] So exactly how useless are you? [It's more of a rhetorical question than anything else.] If you can't make certain things then just do it by hand like I said from the start or find another way! [He is trying to think up solutions on the fly, sue him.]
I don't retract my earlier order about the CDC. [Not that Sebastian needs to be reminded or ordered now especially.]
[ The "useless" gets Ciel a sharp look from Sebastian despite himself, since he's butthurt still upset about being bound further at all, but he says nothing. He breathes in sharply through his nose as if to calm himself, but just like that, the cool, easy smile returns. ]
Since I did not notice, I would assume it means only my capacity to create is limited. I will have to test my limits further to give you a proper answer, young master.
[ Which is as close to a "I don't know" as Sebastian will get, but he's really not certain. So far as he can tell, all of his abilities are intact, so it's a matter of pushing against an invisible ceiling. ]
...How useless, that they would leave food. That is a matter I hardly excel at.
[So Sebastian can't make anything, as far as they know. It's not... a super terrible loss, but it can become a potential problem in the future. Sometimes, the two of them just needed to bend some rules.
But so long as he was reassured later that Sebastian could do everything else....] I don't want to hear that talk coming out of my butler. [His eyes narrow, then he lifts them to Sebastian's face. Phantomhives strive to excel at everything, as do their butlers. His gaze conveys this. There will be no "I hardly excel," and no "I can't do it," and no "I'm terrible at this."]
Finish dressing me. [He means the eye-patch mostly, as that's the only thing left. The alterations will have to come later when Sebastian is able to do them by hand. He's just going to have to get use to wearing this weird ass shit.] We are going to go through today trying to find out as much information as we can about the murders. Staying alive in this place is the most important goal.
If you can learn anything else about the CDC, so be it.
[ Though the smile that he had put in place had been a facade more than genuine, Ciel's insistence and orders get it to bleed into something warmer, and he nods as he picks up the eyepatch. It's a pleasant reminder of what these annoyances were for in the first place, so he can take solace in that, if anything. "Hardly excelling" by Sebastian's standards was still leagues beyond what would be expected or possible, but it just meant there was an area to improve in. Perhaps he would read several books describing the taste of food...
Sebastian moves closer, murmuring a polite "excuse me" that's not actually necessary, but more politeness is always better with Ciel. The eyepatch is set in its proper place, and he ties the knot snugly, but comfortably, as always, then steps back with a bow for Ciel to appraise the work. ]
Then I will get to work. At the very least, my patrols put me in a good area for speaking with others. We can only hope that someone with useful information is not wary enough of the new recruits as to withhold it.
Edited (yeah no tits for ciel) 2014-12-17 21:51 (UTC)
[The only thing Ciel does in terms of moving is to reach up and push his fringe out of the way, allowing Sebastian to tie the eye-patch without it smushing his hair. When the tying is finished, he drops his hand back down to his side, and the crystal blue eye opens anew.] Let's go then.
[For a moment, he thinks to demand his cane, but then realizes that the CDC had stupidly confiscated it. He's not sure why they left him the handgun and, instead, withheld his cane. The size, perhaps, but he can't be certain.
So instead of getting the one thing that every distinguished Victorian gentleman should have in public, he turns back to the bed to retrieve the papers Sebastian had given him. Briefly, he glances through the first few pages, then folds them all in half--pausing only to try to figure out if his space clothes have pockets. One on the front.
What are zippers.
He carefully pulls on it, giving the contraption a quizzical inspection before sliding the papers inside. He zips it carefully back up, touching it much like a person does when handling fine china. He looks at Sebastian afterward.
[ Sebastian seems pleased enough that his work is at least up to standard so that Ciel doesn't complain further, so he clasps his hands behind him as he waits, but. He's treated to something as entertaining to him as Sebastian's minor freakout had likely been to Ciel.
He's actually unsure why Ciel is hesitating at first, but after a few moments, the realization dawns on him that he's uncertain how to use the newfangled contraption that is a zipper. Admittedly, Sebastian had been surprised by them too, but he also picks up on everything new with an irritating amount of competence. So he just watches. And holds in his laughter.
However, while he does a valiant job at holding in said laughter, he absolutely cannot help himself from commenting despite that glare that tells him he really shouldn't. ]
...Oh, are you quite ready? I thought you were still inspecting your new ensemble.
...Shut it. [It's all he can think to say with how embarrassing it is fumbling over stupid things like zippers. What moron.... Nevermind. He doesn't even want to know. He doesn't care. The future is stupid and weird, and he wants absolutely no part of it. (Spoiler: he's a part of it.)
YOU TRY WEARING THIS DUMB SHIT, SEBASTIAN.] Come on. [Despite being glad in totally new, totally modern attire, Ciel still carries himself with confident and sure footing. Nothing causes him to falter, nothing holds him back. He walks right around Sebastian and for the door, cursing his lack of both cane and hat, with as much dignity he can muster.
He stops at the door and waits. And doesn't look back in case Sebastian is laughing at him.]
[ No laughter this time, at least, since Sebastian's face is perfectly composed into a smile, even if it's that unusual smile where he purses his lips. Still, he's not directly laughing at you, Ciel, so maybe that's good...??
Either way, he just cants his head lightly as he waits to follow obediently, since of course, he'll follow behind. It's not his place to lead so long as Ciel is around, after all. ]
[A few seconds pass, and then he glances back over his shoulder at Sebastian very quickly. Just to make sure the demon was following appropriately, not that he doubted it. Satisfied, he opens the door so they can begin. Awkwardly, but surely.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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The next wave of great inner pleasure after that will be telling Sebastian it looks atrocious. This is the way their game is played.]
No. People are turning into idiots who don't know what they're doing. [At first, he watches Sebastian critically. He thinks about making a fuss because the clothes are going on him anyway, but he will just wait until Sebastian is finished getting everything on. Perfect. Perhaps he's also interested to see what Sebastian is up to.] There's too much hearsay and not enough evidence; I don't like it. No one can explain why those people died, no one can explain what the clicking is, no one can explain the damaged box.
Nothing is coming in from the top. [The Master Phantomhive in him is getting increasingly frustrated. He's use to being at the apex of giving orders next to those he receives from the Queen. He was use to managing a household by giving instruction to Sebastian who, in turn, gave instruction elsewhere and so on. That's how it should be.]
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Then that would imply that the top does not know either, or if they do... [ He shakes his head ] I doubt I need to remind you to tread carefully. More than you already do. Even if there is information to be found, be mindful of our rank, at least for now.
[ Everything is on by now, so Sebastian starts the process of buttoning everything up carefully, though there are less frills and ribbons, which he's thankful for. ]
Though you should at least be pleased by my own. They would have me act as nothing more than a beast, it would seem, since nearly everyone I have spoken to has been surprised by my manners when they hear what team I have been assigned to.
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This is the beginning of the end of his life as he knows it. Has Sebastian already eaten his soul and taken him to hell? It feels like it.] There's more than a few people here who lack manners. [He sounds grumpy when he says it. He's thinking about Kouha, a Prince Soma re-incarnation; Zelos, the R Kelly of the ship; and Erin, a nominee for the Miss Butterfingers pageant.]
You're on Green. Soldiers, I'm assuming. They expect you to be mostly muscle and mostly an idiot. [Both are true, right. :)] Has anyone mentioned they read your file?
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One, but I suspect they were sent to speak with me out of investigating new arrivals for being suspect to the murders. He clearly read my file, though I did not get the impression that there was anything in particular about me that was more suspicious over others. It was a blanket investigation, though he was curious, which is to be expected.
[ Sebastian is all done with the clothes, so he then looks up towards Ciel's, though not at his eyes, before he reaches up to smooth Ciel's hair into place gently. It really would give the impression of a doting caretaker, if not for Sebastian being... himself. ]
Still, I have not been able to figure out just how prevalent reading others' files is. I operate on the assumption that they have read it, since pretending otherwise would be more of a disadvantage. At the very least, those who do know are more intrigued than anything. It does not carry a taboo, which is unsurprising, considering the variety of creatures on this ship. I am hardly the most extravagant.
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Gently, he pulls his head away from the smoothing hand by turning it off to the side. To anyone else, it would be an ungrateful action from a spoiled brat. But it's not. It's unease. It's disgust. He knows Sebastian's pampering is nothing short of a chef slathering chicken with marinade. His eyes remained close so he doesn't have to look at Sebastian's face.]
Don't think that gives you leeway to act inappropriate. [Despite what he may tell Sebastian in the future about acting like a beast, right now, the etiquette still applies. Even here.] You're still Phantomhive's butler before anything else. [Even a demon.] Remember that.
1/2
Of course. I would never forget it, young master.
[ Now he meets Ciel's eyes, and the fond smile grows, though there's a sharper, more dangerous edge, if only for a moment. ]
That is the right that was paid for, after all.
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which is also symbolic of how this shit works, don't ask me, but. Nothing happens.And Ciel's revenge for Sebastian's smartass comment comes even more quickly than he would anticipate, because Sebastian looks absolutely stricken, staring at his hand as if some kind of grave offense has occurred. Which, to him, it absolutely has. Luckily, he doesn't devolve into a stupid baby tantrum, but— ]
How? That is... That is not possible.
[ HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO ME, DEMON SEBASTIAN?? ]
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Whatever he plans to say is lost in his throat as Sebastian pulls away. Oh God. It looks like Sebastian is going to be wiggling magic fingers, and the sourness that was already in Ciel's stomach doubles. Hocus pocus in moderation, you piece of shit. Look upon the face of the displeased as you--
He stares. Nothing happened. Nothing is happening. He doesn't understand why Sebastian just stopped in the middle of doing something.] Sebastian, why are-- [The look on the demon's face isn't normal. Sebastian is only ever shocked in dire situations, when it's something legitimate. But what would Ciel be if not getting irritated when he's worried.]
What the hell is wrong with you?
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But it's alarming to him that anyone but the person he held a real contract with could bind him, so he tests the limits of his abilities briefly, and that hand is engulfed in shadow before it turns to the black, carpaced hand that Ciel really hadn't seen since this hand held his own in the cage, when Sebastian used his true form to slaughter the cult as ordered. But it's only their briefly, since as Sebastian brings that hand to his mouth thoughtfully, it's gone again with no more than sharp, black wisps curling in the air until the evaporate. Sebastian's eyes still shine a deeper, richer red, and though his face is calm, the displeasure is clear enough in his eyes. ]
...It seems I underestimated our employers' abilities.
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And then the hand is gone, and his anxiety spills away like a wave ebbing in the ocean.
Quickly, he sets his jaw, mouth a firm line. He doesn't look pleased by the revelation. Looking into Sebastian's eyes alone means that this is not something that is supposed to happen, not something expected in the slightest. How far does this limitation extend? What can Sebastian do and not do?
What does that mean for him, his master?] What does that mean? Are you saying that you don't have your powers?
Sebastian! [It's spoken smartly enough to get the demon to look at him in the eyes.] Did they take them? But the milk....
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No. They did not take them, since I would have been aware of that immediately.
[ Sebastian's jaw sets as well, since the implication otherwise is one he finds particularly upsetting, but at the very least... The only person it truly effects is Ciel. It's better than alternatives. ]
It is as if part of the terms of our contract was that I could not create certain things. [ There's another pause, because Sebastian definitely doesn't like admitting his weaknesses at all, no matter how few or frivolous they are. ]
They have bound me. At least for this.
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Sebastian isn't the only one pissed off. It's less that he gives a shit about Sebastian and more that he is angry the CDC--it had to be them--decided to mess with his demon which, in turn, messes with him. It's as if they snatched his toy out of his hand and cut its hair without permission, or changed its clothes, or popped its arm out.
Sebastian is not theirs to alter or restrain.] So exactly how useless are you? [It's more of a rhetorical question than anything else.] If you can't make certain things then just do it by hand like I said from the start or find another way! [He is trying to think up solutions on the fly, sue him.]
I don't retract my earlier order about the CDC. [Not that Sebastian needs to be reminded or ordered now especially.]
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butthurtstill upset about being bound further at all, but he says nothing. He breathes in sharply through his nose as if to calm himself, but just like that, the cool, easy smile returns. ]Since I did not notice, I would assume it means only my capacity to create is limited. I will have to test my limits further to give you a proper answer, young master.
[ Which is as close to a "I don't know" as Sebastian will get, but he's really not certain. So far as he can tell, all of his abilities are intact, so it's a matter of pushing against an invisible ceiling. ]
...How useless, that they would leave food. That is a matter I hardly excel at.
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But so long as he was reassured later that Sebastian could do everything else....] I don't want to hear that talk coming out of my butler. [His eyes narrow, then he lifts them to Sebastian's face. Phantomhives strive to excel at everything, as do their butlers. His gaze conveys this. There will be no "I hardly excel," and no "I can't do it," and no "I'm terrible at this."]
Finish dressing me. [He means the eye-patch mostly, as that's the only thing left. The alterations will have to come later when Sebastian is able to do them by hand. He's just going to have to get use to wearing this weird ass shit.] We are going to go through today trying to find out as much information as we can about the murders. Staying alive in this place is the most important goal.
If you can learn anything else about the CDC, so be it.
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Sebastian moves closer, murmuring a polite "excuse me" that's not actually necessary, but more politeness is always better with Ciel. The eyepatch is set in its proper place, and he ties the knot snugly, but comfortably, as always, then steps back with a bow for Ciel to appraise the work. ]
Then I will get to work. At the very least, my patrols put me in a good area for speaking with others. We can only hope that someone with useful information is not wary enough of the new recruits as to withhold it.
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[For a moment, he thinks to demand his cane, but then realizes that the CDC had stupidly confiscated it. He's not sure why they left him the handgun and, instead, withheld his cane. The size, perhaps, but he can't be certain.
So instead of getting the one thing that every distinguished Victorian gentleman should have in public, he turns back to the bed to retrieve the papers Sebastian had given him. Briefly, he glances through the first few pages, then folds them all in half--pausing only to try to figure out if his space clothes have pockets. One on the front.
What are zippers.
He carefully pulls on it, giving the contraption a quizzical inspection before sliding the papers inside. He zips it carefully back up, touching it much like a person does when handling fine china. He looks at Sebastian afterward.
Don't you dare say a word.]
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He's actually unsure why Ciel is hesitating at first, but after a few moments, the realization dawns on him that he's uncertain how to use the newfangled contraption that is a zipper. Admittedly, Sebastian had been surprised by them too, but he also picks up on everything new with an irritating amount of competence. So he just watches. And holds in his laughter.
However, while he does a valiant job at holding in said laughter, he absolutely cannot help himself from commenting despite that glare that tells him he really shouldn't. ]
...Oh, are you quite ready? I thought you were still inspecting your new ensemble.
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YOU TRY WEARING THIS DUMB SHIT, SEBASTIAN.] Come on. [Despite being glad in totally new, totally modern attire, Ciel still carries himself with confident and sure footing. Nothing causes him to falter, nothing holds him back. He walks right around Sebastian and for the door, cursing his lack of both cane and hat, with as much dignity he can muster.
He stops at the door and waits. And doesn't look back in case Sebastian is laughing at him.]
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Either way, he just cants his head lightly as he waits to follow obediently, since of course, he'll follow behind. It's not his place to lead so long as Ciel is around, after all. ]
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Thus, Two Morons: The Sequel.]