sirenspull | video.

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Softer? Sweeter?

You know there are sides of me only you see.

[He's squirming out of his lounge, now, to sit up and reach for Ciel's face.] The side that patches gross knees and sore mouths?

And kisses faces out of sleepy stupors in the morning.

And keeps me cozy with warm legs even if I'm awake for hours in the night. And lets me sit on his paperwork with only a little crossness. Who else gets to sit on your paperwork, Ciel?

Absolutely no one. Feel flattered.

I do, I do. [Now he's up and leaning, kissing Ciel's face, bumping his sore nose against Ciel's cheek but not minding one bit.] Thank you for looking after me.

Someone has to. You certainly aren't.

_[Huff.]

No, but really. It's very gallant of you.

I only do what I must.

I see. The bare minimum. [Alois pulls away fully, then, tugging his legs along after them, letting them dangle over the edge of the bed so he can inspect them and their little patches.] Hey, Ciel. [His feet meet and his toes hook together. He curls them a little.] Do you mind it? Being good to me.

Why would I mind it?

[Alois' response is a look that's very difficult to read no matter how well you know him, and then he goes back to peeking at his linked toes.]

You're a little dumb, [he says fondly,] but I'm glad for it.

What is that supposed to mean?

Just, I'm - I don't really care a lot, about being likeable or doing likeable things, but I'm glad you still love me after I do shitty things.

Of course I love you. You love me despite my undesirable qualities.

Whaaat? Well I'm quite sure I don't know what you're talking about, I wonder what those could be.

Oh come off it, you know I've vices.

Don't be ridiculous, Ciel, you're the driven snow.

Now you're fibbing.

No, I'm doting. I'm allowed.

You're always doting.

Some people would feel pretty lucky to have a sweetheart who dotes on them all the time and loves them so much, you know. [His feet are swinging, just a little.]

I suppose I am lucky to have a darling like you.

You don't have to flatter me, Ciel, I'll still like you.

[Action]

littlest_lord - 2012-12-04 09:19 (UTC) - Expand