video.

[faking]

[The video is moving, when it comes on; it's being set aside. It blurs past legs (and torn stockings, a sock slid down a calf, and raspberried bruises), the owner of which seems to be sitting on a curb. When it's settled, it's clear the NV's been nestled in grass, so there are a couple of blades poking into view. But across the way is what's important: a family of small ducks waddling round a fountain. People are walking all around - you can hear them, their chatters and leather toe taps - and children are pulled away from the birds' paths by the quick hands of their mothers. Not many people are leisurely.

Alois' voice is, though, when he speaks.]

Someone from home, come and fetch me, will you? Bring handkerchiefs, and I want to stop for an ice cream come before we go back.

[There's a great sniff, which sounds a little gruesome. In the camera's peripheral, his foot shifts.]

Here is what I learned today, for those who might be none the wiser. I don't think the concept of defending anyone or anything is really real. I think, when it comes down to it, we see something we don't like so we get pissed off.

It's the truth, but it sounds a lot less pure than saying you're defending justice or friends or your good causes, huh?

[He laughs, too, the sound a little biting. A spray of shredded lettuce leaves arches over the camera, and flutters down a little ways a way. Some ducks start to talk and come clamoring for it. Alois shuts off his NV.]

Comments

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

See, sometimes my ideas are grand.

[Action]

[faking]

Don't get a fat head.

What will you read to me, this time?

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

Some poetry, perhaps, for a change.

[Action]

[faking]

[His hand leaves his mouth.] Oh, Ciel, that's very romantic.

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

...It is?

[Action]

[faking]

[Ah, Ciel is hopeless.]

Well - didn't you know? Poetry is ever so romantic, you speak in poetry when you're speaking out of love.

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

Ah...of course.

_{[He was thinking of poems more along the lines of The Raven...]}

[Action]

[faking]

[That's because he fucking sucks.]

Hearing you read poetry to me would make me really... [As a giddy display, he pats his own cheeks with both hands, and then jumps a little; he's forgotten to mind his cuts and bruises.] Oh, ow, no, but, you know what I mean.

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

I do, yes. _{[All too well.]}

You need to be patched up again.

[Action]

[faking]

[Sigh!] I suppose. I'm going to have a hard time being on my knees anytime soon, aren't I? Well, no, I can handle it if I need to.

[A glance.]

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

You've no need to be on your knees.

[Action]

[faking]

Just checking. [He licks his cut lip for emphasis. Look, it's fun.]

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

_{[Just...going to frown and reach over to flick you in the nose.]}

[Action]

[faking]

Ouuu. [Saccharine, Alois catches Ciel's hand with battered fingers.] Be kind to me, darling.

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

'Darling'?

[Action]

[faking]

Well, you're darling, you know that.

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

Nonsense.

[Action]

[faking]

Oh bollocks, I'm Ciel Phantomhive and I don't believe I'm dear or darling in the slightest, look at me look at me, I haven't a precious cell contained in all my skin or eyelashes. Oh, horse shit, you know I like all your cells and then some, don't be stupid. Come here. [He's reaching, and snickering.]

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

_{[There's a huff as Ciel stares at Alois for a moment. He's heard similar speeches before. Honestly, he should be used to it by now. He's used to it enough to not protest shuffling toward Alois when he reaches. That doesn't mean he's not pouting.]}

I'm not being stupid.

[Action]

[faking]

It's okay, I forgive you. Mind my chest, there's a bit of a bruise. There, there, there you are. [He's essentially... forcing Ciel to curl up against him... and petting Ciel's hair. In a very exaggerated manner. It's safe to say he's teasing.] Ah, shh, shh. I won't tell anyone what sort of darling you are if you don't want me to. Don't be shy.

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

_{[When is Alois not teasing? Ciel always finds himself the butt of a joke, especially when Alois is involved. He just...goes with it and allows Alois to pet his hair.]}

I'm not shy.

[Action]

[faking]

Really? Quite sure? So it's okay if I call you darling? [He stops his petting and shushing and rocking, leaning round to look at Ciel, smiling.]

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

...It's embarrassing.

[Action]

[faking]

What? Why?

[Action]

[littlest_lord]

That's what people in mushy romance novels call each other. Or dramatic married couples.