IC contact

[stabilimentum]

[A smooth, sedulous voice answers:]

You have reached Claude Faustus, butler to the Earl Alois Trancy. How may I be of service?

Comments

[faking]

Deca... rabia.

[It's at first said cautiously, like a test, like something will happen once it's out of his mouth. Nothing does. He waits, feels like shivering, and looks at all of Claude's face. His lips, previously soft and hopeful for another touch, are almost pursed.] Decarabia, [he then says again, with a measure of certainty this time.] It's pretty.

['Pretty' wasn't the right word to use, he realizes, as soon as he says it. Beautiful would have been better, but that doesn't feel right either, and Alois doesn't want to blurt his amendment. Warm-faced, he looks down, but his fingers are staying at and near Claude's face.]

Decarabia.

[He looks up again.]

But I like your name now better.

[His hands push back a little; he plays with the edges of Claude's ears, and the dark hair near there. Claude likes to nestle in that spot, doesn't he? Alois can see why. He's almost rubbing Claude's ears like Claude is his dog.]

He sounds like a piece of shit, [Alois says honestly.] Your - Him, I mean. [He manages to give pause for only a moment before asking,] Does it hurt? Keep telling me.

[In this, Alois has started walking and refuses to stop, even if the hill is kind of steep. And he's going to make Claude walk with him. Claude is soft, and Alois wonders if maybe they could live here, in the closet. How long would they need to be gone for anyone to realize? Come morning, Luca and Ciel would, at least. Alois imagines breakfasting here, imagines making a bed of Claude's chest and then waking to find Claude in the closet's hidden kitchen. He also wonders what would happen if he kissed Claude right now, and thinks that Ciel would yell at him, and thinks he might not get anymore words, too. With a hinting frown, Alois pulls at one of Claude's earlobes, as though it might switch Claude's voice on again.]