[video/Action: 003]

[ronderotarel]

[A big living room can be seen through the camera. A huge, lavishly decorated Christmas tree takes half of the space in the room, and other Christmas decorations are placed on every single other piece of furniture. There are small golder cherub statues, candy canes, huge wreaths and Santa-shaped candles.

Scattered all over the floor there are dozens and dozens of presents. Some are wrapped up in brightly-colored gift paper, others aren't. There are toys of every kind. Mechanical toys, plush dragons, a huge train toy set, toy castles, lincoln logs, toy soldiers and more.

On the table, looking quite glorious, there is an enormous chocolate birthday cake with seven little candles on top. Sitting on a nearby chair is Alois Trancy, pink-cheeked and looking quite pleased. He's wearing a new soft red coat, new stockings with intricated lace patterns, and new high-heeled ribboned boots.

He used Ciel's money to pay for all of this.]

Today it's Luca's birthday! You can come over to say happy birthday, but you can't touch the cake because it's all his. [He giggles happily.] I also decorated the whole Manor for Christmas because I know Ciel secretly wanted to, even though he said he didn't. [He gets distracted by something and the camera shifts. There are weird noises in the background but his voice can still be heard.] Luca! Come open your presents, I have a special one for you!

Comments

[ronderotarel.livejournal.com]

Sebastian. [It's incredible how much hatred and despise Alois manages to converge in that single word.] That's the name of his butler. He's a disgusting, disloyal bastard. He was probably the one who dumped Ciel here in the first place. He's arrogant, annoying and a piece of fucking shit in general.

[a-parting-word.livejournal.com]

...language.

[ But he has the sense to say that softly. Little boy, that's quite a bit much.

And unlike Break, the most Gil learned about diplomacy was to keep someone's ire in the realm of very, very hopeful neutrality. ]

Was there anything he did for the Earl specifically? I'm afraid the head of the house doesn't speak about himself often.

[ronderotarel.livejournal.com]

[For some reason, being reprimanded by Gilbert is something Alois finds extremely endearing.] Oh yes. He manipulated him behind his back, that's what he specifically did. [Suddenly smirking.] I should advise you not to try to act like Sebastian, Gilbert. Otherwise I will have to punish you the same way I eventually punished him. [He giggles innocently, despite that he's really not kidding at all.] Claude is a much better example to follow anyway. Ciel liked his tea too. [Even though Alois would rather not think of when Claude prepared morning tea for Ciel.]

[a-parting-word.livejournal.com]

[ So little real information, so much of it questionable. ]

I... see.

[ No, he doesn't. His hand comes down to pat Alois's head lightly in, but even he knows the gesture's more awkwardness and kindness. The Earl doesn't want the boy listened to, but looked after and... instructed.

Better to treat him as if he's an unruly pet, then, a pet who acts out. ]

Thank you. You've been of help.

[ronderotarel.livejournal.com]

[And after all, Claude himself always treated Alois like a child. Sebastian was the one who treated his master like a little adult. So Alois doesn't mind being petted. On the contrary, he's quite enjoying it.] My pleasure. I have a favor to ask though.

[a-parting-word.livejournal.com]

[ Through small favours and pleas is how all of the Abyss' gates open. ]

I - yes? Do you want your shirts pressed in a certain way?

[ronderotarel.livejournal.com]

No. I don't want you to kill the spiders in the house. [He says this as if it were a matter of the utmost importance. Gilbert definitely ended up in a weird household.] The spider is on my family crest. Killing a spider is an insult to me. [And because "personal space" is still not a practice he's been instructed into, he reaches out to play with the buttons of Gilbert's jacket while he says this.]

[a-parting-word.livejournal.com]

The... spiders.

[ He takes a moment before covering Alois' smaller hands with his, trying to stop them. ]

We'll trade. I'll leave them be, if you behave for the earl.

[ronderotarel.livejournal.com]

[Alois affectionately laces his tiny fingers with Gilbert's.] I have no idea what you're talking about, I always behave. [coy smile.] I even bought a puppy for my brother because I know Ciel likes dogs too. [And this means you have to take care of a dog too, Gilbert.]

[a-parting-word.livejournal.com]

[ ...charming. On both counts.

A sigh. ]

Where is it? We'll need to have it washed.

[ The plural, Alois. You are not the Earl. ]

I'll count on you to teach your brother how to play with it carefully.

[ronderotarel.livejournal.com]

It won't hurt Luca. It's a really sweet puppy. [Well thankfully Alois likes the idea of washing the puppy with Gilbert.] I'll go get it. [He runs out of the room and returns quite promptly with this adorable little thing in his arms.] They told me it's a sa-mo-yed. It means it will become very very big once it grows up.