Video † The butler, pulled

[thebutler_serving]

[As the call comes over, Sebastian is shielding his eyes from the rain with a gloved hand, though the stained white material is being soaked through. Walking to the edge of the field, his dark hair is sifting across his face with the afternoon breeze and, lacking a free hand, he disregards it. Even from the vantage point of the video feed, it's clear that his clothing is old-fashioned and what's more, regrettably in tatters. Blood-stained and torn, hardly befitting the Phantomhive butler. He is loathe to come across publicly in this state, but it can't be helped under the circumstances. First thing's first]

My, my.

This is certainly a conundrum.

[Abandoning the call of duty at a crucial time in order to make an appearance here, wherever here that may be... That is certainly Sebastian's second order of business, to begin an inquiry into making sense of his surroundings. That should be quick work. His first priority will be addressed directly]

Young master, I am here.

Comments

voice. 2/2

[thebutler_serving]

[All right, he's had his second to regroup. Sebastian, collected once more, raises a brow at the boy and then smiles in spite of his apparent dislike of the demon-butler]

My apologies, Sir. [Oh, it makes his skin crawl to be so polite to an insolent brat, but then it's nothing Sebastian can't endure. He is Ciel's butler, after all] I believe you have me at a disadvantage.

voice.

[faking]

[YOU'RE GOING TO BE EVEN MORE AT A DISADVANTAGE WHEN I KNOCK YOUR FUCKING TEETH OUT, Alois wants to screech, but there's no time for that, and anyway demons probably do not even need teeth to devour delicious boy souls. Hard life. He settles for gritting his teeth.]

I am the Earl Alois Trancy, and I have your young master.

voice.

[thebutler_serving]

Is that so?

[Sebastian chuckles. Even though this reply is far more subdued than the last, he can still taste the boy's ire - and now perhaps he's getting a sense for why they're at such odds, even though he can't even remember their meeting. Ah, well.

[Sebastian is the picture of politeness and humility, as expected of the Phantomhive butler]

Honored to make your acquaintance, my lord.

voice.

[faking]

Do not laugh, you smarmy bastard. [Alois is able to construe even good manners as a slight.] It's one of the worst sounds I've ever heard, fucking disgusting. I'd rather have live wasps inside my ears.

But yes, it's so. Don't patronize me, because I'm fucking serious. I have lots and lots of him and I'm not afraid to take even more if I have to, right out from under your shitty nose if I must. Quite understood? Oh, you don't know me at all, what horse shite. Look, do you get it? I'd curb my appetite if I were you.

[A short huff.]

And you are not needed for any buttons or laces at all anymore!

voice.

[thebutler_serving]

Indeed? [Sebastian is smiling against the phone, now that he's accustomed to the vicious, vulgar tune of this agitated boy. He really doesn't see what there is to get so worked up about; he hasn't said anything offensive.

[Obviously there's no choice but to politely bait him further]

I'm relieved to hear it, my lord. It is a rather tedious task, though unfortunate that the earl still cannot manage as much without assistance. [Heh]

I thank you for taking such thorough care of the young master in my absence.