† Round 1 † Turn 2 †

[eidoloncast]

[The Estate wasn't something he expected to find here, it's empty and nothing is lit in its vacant windows- the doors creak on their hinges when he pushes them in and enters. It's musty and there's dust everywhere. He doesn't think it's been abandoned for too long now-

he imagines Sebastian standing to his right with an amiable smile, letting him in with a "Welcome home, Young Master" and he looks genuinely surprised a moment and he'd walk past him (except that nothing is there. It's just him and the quiet darkness.)

He has lived in worse conditions than this but he doesn't know how he would begin to take care of a mansion this big himself. And he's not very good at cleaning, cooking or mending things. Sebastian made sure not to teach him more than was necessary once he was no longer human (did he fear me? He wonders) and with a wave of his hand he manages to light the place and almost jumps, it seems it's been upgraded with modern electricity. Everything seems to be in its proper place when he moves up the stairs, examining it with a keen eye and he's pleased at least.

He can't help but wonder how the mansion got here, however, perhaps Luca was right. Perhaps he'd been here before and simply hadn't any recollection. He would bring back the mansion in his human state... even if, as he was, he had no desire to truly stay here again. But it was home. A sorry sad state of his former one... but home still. All the memories aside.]

[Video]

[Behind him can be seen a long hallway with paintings lining it, there are dead floral arrangements and a few spiderwebs on the light fixtures, it doesn't seem to be damaged in any way, however.]

I would appreciate it if someone might help put my Estate in order. I will compensate you for your time if you choose to accept. Terms are negotiable.

Comments

DEMON BFFS BRO

[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

It depends on how much you do and how hard you work. [Insert directions here. You know that massive abandoned estate? That's the one.]

But, that isn't to say I can't be generous.

...oh wow I didn't even think of that. /DEMONFIST

[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

...whoa. Is that-- you weren't kidding when you said 'Estate'!

COME AT ME BRO

[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

No, I wasn't. Which is why I will let you choose what you want to do. As long as you're not clumsy we shouldn't have any issues.

[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

No- I'm actually super strong, so if you need anything heavy moved, I can do that for you!

[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

It is not strength I lack. Merely the volume of work is more than I am used to. Please meet me as soon as possible. I will be expecting you.

[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

Should I come over now, then?

[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

If you do not mind.

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

[Rin leaps and bounds over on top of Blacky, smiling happily to himself at the thought of getting to meet a new friend. And earn some extra cash while he was at it. He glances at his device occasionally to check the directions, but with Blacky, he arrives smoothly, sliding off Blacky's back to stare in awe at the Estate.]

Wow... Oiiii! Oi, Ciel, are you there?

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

[It's massive. It has gardens and a fountain out front, hedges that are in need of a trim, dead flowerbeds haven't been tended to in months so of course they're not looking well either. Ciel opens the front door and just stares out at him. He smiles, he's no reason not to smile anymore, except that... it's a bit sad. Sebastian isn't here and normally he'd never have to ask for help in the first place... it's just-

He examines him from a distance. Something is off.... wait. Is he... Well shit. He's not fond of cats, either but he doesn't comment on that. He won't offend him.]

Welcome, Rin Okumura. I apologize for giving you such short notice.

[He doesn't know if Rin can sense what he is or not. It isn't like he minds either way, he may not tell him what he is, he may if he strikes him. It all depends on what kind of person Rin is.]

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

[Still, the architecture and general presence of the manor is enough to draw Rin's attention away from the unattended greenery. He's sure, though, that if Shiemi were here, she'd be about to fix all of that in no time. She's just that wonderful, after all, even if she won't speak with him.

He grins back, all brightness and not at all catching onto the fact that Ciel's a demon because Rin is a genius like that.]

It's nothing. Just let me know where to start!

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

[Hm. Well, then. He figures they can start indoors, with getting rid of that awful dust -- and the kitchen. Yes, the kitchen is in a positively horrible state because of the left over food from... the last time he was here. He steps to the side of the door. He's not sure if he can trust this... younger demon in his home. But he's like him- he can see his soul, flickering, faint outlines of a soft blue... very much like his own. If this boy does know what he is he's not saying anything- it's possible he can't tell because he was once human. But he's amiable for now.]

Do come in, then. As you can see, there is a lot of ground to cover. If you can start with the kitchen that would be most appreciated- but I warn you. The smell is... atrocious.

[How does a kid Ciel's size learn those sort of words anyway? He's five feet exactly and far too delicate for any of this work, don't you know? Though he has already started in on his fair share with his study and his bedroom. so he leads him through the foyer and through a large archway while they talk, into through the dining room (which is massive on its own) and to the kitchen itself which is located back behind it in a smaller area through a swinging door (that's new). Though the kitchen is large enough to count for a restaurant- he covers his nose with his hand. ]

I will pay you when you've finished and if you wish for another task I will gladly give it to you.

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

[Rin is in complete awe and rapture as he looks around the manor shamelessly, not bothering to cover his emotion or even pretend he's cool enough to be aloof and disconnected about this. He is clearly impressed, and his tail slips out to wag happily at the fanciness, the luxuriousness, the clear wealth that went into all this.

But when he steps into the kitchen, he makes a face. While the size is impressive... the odor and mess are heartbreaking. For Rin, the kitchen is where he fits in best. It's a skill, a talent, and he takes great pride in having a fully stocked, organized kitchen.

And this is just painful.]

It smells like something died in here!

[He pinches his nose.]

All right. So where can I find you when I'm done?

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

I am glad I am not the only one that thinks so.

[He turns then to leave and pauses, he does catch sight of his tail and peers at him curiously for only a moment- he's never heard of a demon having such open animal like characteristics. He looks more amused than worried. It's a bit careless though. And you never know who might be watching.]

While I do not mind your tail or anything else about you, I would be more careful, not everyone is so accepting of demons. Should you need anything I will be in my study, up the stairs, the left wing- tenth door to your left.

[He's observant of course. His back is to Rin because he wants to get the hell out of this abhorrent place and away from the smell. Ciel can tell his own kind, at least, even if they aren't from the same plain of existence. but this one is different- he's not like anything he's seen before and he's willing to bet he's likely a capable fighter even if he doesn't seem exactly bright. Most demons can fight. Ciel is not really one of them- he can do swordplay, he is faster and stronger now; but, not anything on par with how Sebastian could fight.]

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

Oh--

[Rin is used to people pointing out his tail when it slips out, but he isn't used to people being able to point and cry demon! so easily and so calmly. He doesn't know what to make of it- can this guy read demon auras? And why the hell isn't he freaking out?

Regardless of the actual answer, regardless of what Ciel even said, the fact that some kid, some random kid he doesn't even know, can seem to readily accept his demon blood is... nice. Rin grins and waves as Ciel turns.]

Thanks! I'll remember that.

[No he won't.]

Hey, you want any food, too? I can probably head out and grab some ingredients really quick.

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

[It's easy to recognize his own kind. Most demons where he's from immediately know on sight who is and who isn't one- it isn't that they see Auras either. It has more to do with looking past the flesh to the soul. He has no reason to fear him so far, he doesn't think that Rin being nice is just an act - he's good at reading people and demons alike and their behaviors to gauge how dangerous they may or may not be.

He likes him. He seems like a good person but he really can't say much for sure until he spends a little more time with him. It might be nice to have someone who understands him too. Things like Ciel have never existed on his world- a demon with a soul is an abomination and he wonders what sort of persecution (if any) Rin might have had to face as well.]

Good. [Now he looks a bit puzzled.] You still need to eat normal food?

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

Eh-- of course I do! Even if I'm half-demon, the other half still needs food, doesn't it? Isn't that how it should work?

[In all honesty, Rin doesn't know much about how demons work in general. He knows, though, that some are good and some are bad and some just want to be left alone. He fights the ones that attempt to harm, and he befriends the ones that side with good. Like Blacky.

Either way, when he's done with this, he's making a fucking feast because he'll be super hungry.]

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

[Ah ha. that explains it. Pointed ears, tail and fangs aside. He's not a true demon like Sebastian or Claude would be... Ciel isn't necessarily half human, he just has humanesque characteristics and a soul. He's still a fledgling and it's barely been a few months for him.]

Hm, I suppose. Demons on my world do not need human food and seek after souls. That is why it's so curious to me you still need to sustain yourself with it.

[No matter no matter. Ciel can handle him. Though if he's half that means he grew up like this... how sad that must have been. To be both and not fully one or the other but something pitifully inbetween.]

I enjoy human food but it is not because I need it. Are you unable to sense what I am?

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

[Rin blinks.

Once.

Twice.

Ooooh.]

So you're a demon, too, huh...

[He laughs, scratching the back of his head.]

I'm pretty new at this, actually. They sealed my power away for most of my life... so I didn't even know what I was until just recently. I don't know much about myself, to be honest.

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

Really...

While circumstances are not the same for me, I understand. I am adjusting as well.

[He's really just a fledgling himself so he understands all too well. They are similar but not the same. That doesn't bother Ciel in the slightest - it's somewhat reassuring to know that he isn't alone. That there is, at least, one other person here who can understand and relate.]

You would be wise to learn how to identify one of our kind. It could be useful to you later.

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

[Rin walks up to Ciel, smiling something bright and warm. He doesn't get to be around other demons often - they're usually hurting someone else or they're too animalike. There's something uplifting in meeting someone his age who shares the same feelings and blood he did.]

Eh, that would be kinda cool, wouldn't it? We could form some kind of club! You know, learn about each others' worlds. See what makes us different, too.

[His tail wags so enthusiastically.]

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

[It's endearing, really. Normally Ciel would be annoyed at this kind of behavior... but he's alone. He has no one here with him.

Demons on his world are dangerous but not animalistic. They can be cruel, vicious, apathetic towards humans, cold -- but they have some class. No demon will attack just anyone for pleasure no more than any demon would wreak havoc and destruction at random.]

A club? [This idea is new to him. The less people know about him the better. He watches him, shifting uneasily, then folding his arms.] I am not entirely certain if that is a good idea... but if it is something you would enjoy you are free to do as you wish.

I will ask of you one thing. Do not tell anyone openly what I am - it might raise some alarm from normal humans here. What you tell others about yourself is your own business but I prefer to keep my own private.

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

It's just nice, y'know? To know you're not alone.

[His enthusiastic smile drops, softens to something a bit more serious and understanding. He's had to hide, too, in his world. Here he felt a bit freer. No one here would scream and run away, no one had to die at Satan's hands. Being a demon here just meant you had a few different features.

Even if the angels here thought demons were dumb.

That's way better than thinking they're dangerous and evil, right?]

Yeah, I promise. I won't tell anyone- and I'll be here for you!

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[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

I suppose so.

[Certainly... even demons could hide in plain sight and not be seen where he was from. They went through very few pains to conceal it because humans were stupid enough to let most things pass at them simply being exceptional at whatever station they were chosen for.

But he has to admit he has no love for angels or the ones he's seen here. Given the chance he'd gladly kill them.]

Ah... Thank you. [...why is this boy being so nice to him?] ...but you may quickly find I am not the best company to keep.

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[disinheriting.livejournal.com]

Don't be so hard on yourself! It's fine, right?

[He looks around and folds his arms behind his head.]

I should probably get to work on your kitchen, right?

action;

[eidoloncast.livejournal.com]

For now.

[But being hard on himself is truly the only way that he knows how to live. If he not challenging himself to be better, to strive to be stronger, to do something worth doing - he wouldn't be himself.]

Yes, please do.

[And with that, he leaves him be.]