video

[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

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[Oh, that little laugh. He misses it, even now.]

That's a kind thought. Not quite the way I see it, but I haven't been able to see well enough in centuries anyway.

[sweetlies]

[Not that he has much trouble anymore, getting the teen to laugh.]

Not that you need perfect vision to see something like that though. Especially since we're both diminished in sight now. [He gives just the tiniest nudge before turning in his arms and hugging him.] I can't imagine I'd have done so well if you hadn't looked after me so much.

[somakemelaugh]

[It'd either be that or Undertaker could always just tickle him. But it doesn't seem the right time. He'll leave that for later.]

As much as you try to make yourself the adult here, you need a little looking after. I think we can both agree we see that, even with our sight such as it is. I'm more pleased to see you accepting the assistance. You might have done better with the people in Riverview though.

[sweetlies]

I'm trying to be better about that. I'm so used to trying to be seen as an adult... [He doesn't mind being looked after though. At least, by some people. Undertaker at least knows what he's capable of and how far he can push the teen.]

Maybe. I prefer stay with you though. I've known you all my life, I knew them for a year. I'd rather be with someone who knows me and cares despite everything I've done.