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[somakemelaugh]

[He's not around often on the network, but some of you might have seen Undertaker in town and about, purchasing seeds, exploring the area, listening to the wind from the roofs, that sort of thing. Oh, and that rescue in the cave with the young Earl? He was most definitely there. Perhaps you know his face from that encounter?]

I have need of a doctor of medical sciences, preferably one with quality knowledge of human cosmetics. Should you fit the description, please contact me. There's a small matter I would discuss in private. [He has no hat to tip today, so he simply nods before he ends the feed, but it isn't hard to see even from this brief video that he has a scar problem... clear across his face. Or is that really why he's asking?] Ta.

Comments

[sweetlies]

[Admittedly, he's a little unsure about this. It seems a little strange to put saran wrap over his eyes but he is curious. And he trusts Undertaker, he wouldn't have him do this just to make him look ridiculous.

So he does and looks to Undertaker and finds himself frowning a little. And trying to squint through it.] This is awful-!

[somakemelaugh]

[There's no trick to it, none at all. It just is what it is and, while not accurate, it's close to what he sees. Ciel's reaction gets a giggle out of him.] Isn't it? It isn't quite so easy for me to see what you see though. I almost wish I had lenses back I can figure that proper.

[sweetlies]

[He doesn't waste any time uncovering his eyes, eager to see clearly again. And then moves to Undertaker's side.] You'd have to cover an eye.

[And, probably not surprising anyone, he still wishes he could fix it all.]

[somakemelaugh]

[And right into an arm, he'll go.] For things close enough to see clearly anymore. Everything else and I'm afraid I can only imagine. [He steps back just enough to do that much, hiding one eye with his free hand and getting close enough to the boy that he can see clearly, once the bangs are aside. They might be a a foot and a half apart at best.] This is what I get, but I think I'm still missing part of the idea if it's all I have. Good thing I was witness to your ability to try and walk between chairs.

[sweetlies]

[His cheeks heat up a little as soon as he's reminded of that. And how tired and miserable he'd been at first, constantly bumping into things until he relearned how to compensate for his awkward depth perception.]

Maybe. That was awful, I got turned around so easily. And it was hard telling distances.

[somakemelaugh]

[Long nails give light little scritches along a shoulder.]

Oh, come now. You didn't do so bad. How do you think I got half the scars I have? [He isn't being serious, but he does know Ciel knows he carries a number of them.]

[sweetlies]

Eh? [He blinks up at him, a little confused and a little surprised.]

Those can't all be from falling about and tripping. Even your finger has a scar.

[somakemelaugh]

[He brings the finger in question up to his face, near enough that he can see it himself.] True enough. But still they were lessons learned, each one of them.

[sweetlies]

What kind of lessons? [He must know that the boy is going to be curious about that. After all, he's the only reaper he's seen with scars of any sort.]

[somakemelaugh]

[How best to answer that. He could give the truth or he could let it slide.] Life lessons. Hard lessons. Things I would sooner tell you about than see you live yourself and hope you take my experiences to heart. But perhaps another time.

[sweetlies]

[He probably knows that it'll be brought up again eventually, if he ever just lets it go. Although it may take awhile.]

Do they hurt at all anymore?

[somakemelaugh]

[If it does, he'll talk about it then too, just as much or as little as he feels.]

It depends on what kind of hurt you mean. They feel like scarred skin always feels. [Not that Astre hasn't felt one of them before, but he holds his arm out and pulls back a sleeve.] See for yourself.

[sweetlies]

[He reaches out and lightly brushes a finger over one of this scars. He knows how his own felt, when he still had the brand on his back.]

I know sometimes scars hurt. My eye hurts sometimes since we had it removed, but I'm sure that's normal. My patch isn't very soft.

[somakemelaugh]

[He'll let his arm stay where it is, letting Astre touch to his heart's content.]

Skin was made to bear the blows of life. Your eye wasn't. I imagine that may always cause you some bother or another until we get the false one put in place. Maybe even then.

[sweetlies]

[He'll stay like that a few moments before before he stops, hands settling in front of Undertaker's.]

Maybe, but it's alright. It's a reminder of being free.

[somakemelaugh]

So long as that doesn't start to cause you harm, new or old. [Not that the curse will come back. They made sure of it.]

[sweetlies]

Mm, I'm certainly going to try avoiding anything that might aggravate it. [And he has no plans to bring it back or upset Undertaker. Or jeopardize his own freedom.]

[somakemelaugh]

[After everything they've been through, another contract is far enough from his mind and, he's sure, Astre's, but still. It needed to be said and it needed to be heard.]

As well you should. You poor thing.

[sweetlies]

[Plenty far. It comes to mind only in the form of the one he's gotten rid of, and usually only when the empty socket bothered him.]

I have you at least, when it bothers me to much. I can just lean against you and relax.

[somakemelaugh]

[One less thing for them to worry about. He opens his arms again in invitation, wiggling his fingers.]

I do try, milord. There's only so much I can do, but I do hope it helps.

[sweetlies]

[Into those arms he'll go, happy for the comfort.]

It does, more than you'd really think. Just being able to relax and be comforted, it helps.

[somakemelaugh]

[And in a hug, he'll find himself, if only because it's here and freely given.]

Such a simple thing. People are taught to shun touch the older they grow. Why is that? A lack of trust, perhaps?

[sweetlies]

[And he won't ever object.]

Makes us seem stronger, I suppose? Not having to rely on the comfort of others. [But he knows, in many ways, he wouldn't be able to get along without the support after everything they'd been through.]

[somakemelaugh]

[There won't be objections to be had.]

Stronger to stand alone when you need something? Hm. Maybe. I used to think that myself, but these days I seem to be slipping. Must be my age showing.

[sweetlies]

[Ciel lets out a little laugh.]

If that's old age for you, I must be getting old as well. It feels easier now, having people I care about, and who care about me, to lean on when I need it. I wouldn't be half the person I am now if it weren't for you.