hugtopia | video (backdated to the 1st)

[Having caught the teen's video post, Undertaker can't help a smile as he debates his response. After a moment's thought, he puts his device in a pocket and rises from his seat in the library to take a little stroll. It hadn't been hard to see where Astre is now from the background in his entry, and so that will be his destination.]

[In time, he spots the Earl and wanders over, steps slow and leisurely.]

Don't you look just the pretty picture of relaxed, my lord?

[He beams up at Undertaker and gestures at an open chair.]

Mm, although I think I'd be even more relaxed with some good company. Care to join me?

[He has a small pitcher of iced tea as well and pulls an empty glass from beside it. Before pouring though, he looks to Undertaker again, still smiling.]

Would you like a glass?

[He couldn't say no to that invitation even if he wanted to. A few short steps to the chair and he had himself comfortably seated beside the Earl.]

Why, thank you. Don't mind if I do. It's been a nice enough day for the old wanderlust, but I think it's time for a rest.

[He turned his head toward the teen, hair spilling over his shoulder.]

What might you be up to today, milord? Other than enjoying the sun and the shine and planning for parties.

[A fresh glass is poured, and he even adds a little umbrella to the glass just for fun, and hands it over.]

Hmm, plotting more and fun ways to surprise you. I wish I'd had more forethought on the weather, I think a picnic for your birthday would have been wonderful. I'm sure I could have sucked up to Lup for a nice bottle of wine for you.

[He nods his thanks as he accepts that glass and spends a few moments playing with the cute little umbrella, amused with it.]

Oh, milord, we can have those kinds of things any day you like. We don't need a holiday to give us an excuse. The wine though, we'll have to see about that one. You're still quite young. Have you ever had a taste of the stuff?

[He'd thought Undertaker might get a kick out of that and can't help a little grin.]

They do give me a little bit more of a chance to excuse away my ideas of spoiling you. [Not that it's stopped either of them.]

I've had some sweet wines. They were watered down though, since I was much younger back then.

[This would look good behind his ear, he thinks, like a flower.]

Oh, you and your thoughts on treating me better than I deserve. When are you going to let me spoil you, milord?

[Perhaps with wine, in time, though after the boy's first encounter with alcohol while he himself was present, he's not sure how comfortable the teen will be with that again.]

Watered down would be a good idea, even at your age. We can let you taste the stuff straight if you like, but I assure you it isn't anything like you've had before. I imagine you may not like it.

[Astre would love to see it.]

Whenever you like, I've just had the luck of being a little quicker lately. [Just... a cheeky little grin and a giggle.] You're always allowed to whenever you want though. I'd never stop you.

[There's a little pout.]

I'm four years older than the sale age in England.

[Though, honestly, he won't fuss too much after he had gotten sick in Riverview. And he'll eternally appreciate Undertaker's care then.]

[He can't help a glance at the boy then for his pout. Poor dear. Does he really crave that hangover so badly?]

If you really want to try it as you're meant to, I'll look out for you. You know I wouldn't let you go through that alone again. If you like it, we'll let you finish the glass. If not, water is always available. How does that sound?

[Not particularly. That night had been awful. And the mere scent o liquor had him feeling a bit faint for months after.]

Just a bit. I want to share a glass with you, something sweet we'd both enjoy or pick out together.

[Not a pleasant first experience with a new piece of life, no, but Undertaker knew better. So much better. The second time, if Astre truly wanted this, wouldn't be bad.]

[He stirs his tea a little more and nods, seeing Astre won't be dissuaded this time.]

We can do that. I'm not sure how this world's facilities are with recreating fine wines, but when we get around to it, I'll describe a few you might like and we'll let you choose one to share with me.

[Some smells still make him a bit faint, even now, but he tries to avoid them where he can.]

That sounds wonderful, actually. And if you think to cut me off, I won't give any objections. I trust you most of all.

[His head tilts and he takes a short sip of his tea, savoring it while it's still quite cold.]

Oh, I have my ways, my lord. If reminding you of the night of the party doesn't work, I can sneak about as much as I like. You know how we grim reapers can move when we want.

[He takes his tea into one hand and reaches across the distance between them to brush the backs of his fingers down Astre's cheek.]

Whenever you like. We'll sample a glass or so and I'll keep watch on you, make sure you drink water, eat a little something beforehand. You won't be sick this time.

Would you scoop me up and away before I made a fool of myself? Or after?

[He asks but he grins for the man, leaning into that touch.]

Wonderful. I'll send Lup a message as soon as I can.

[Hmm. Before or after the antics have begun. That is, indeed, the question. There isn't much wondering over the possibilities needed, though he does stay as they are a moment longer to get in a few more gentle touches on Astre's cheek.]

I don't suppose it really matters so much when I sweep you off of your feet and back to the world of modesty. I'll be doing that anyway, won't I?

You know, I won't object to that. Not when it's you. [Undertaker can sweep him up whenever he wants. Astre wouldn't mind it at all, so long as it's him. And, even drunk, a part of him would hold onto the fact that Undertaker is always looking out for him.]

I'm so lucky to have you.

[Had they been in their apartment, home away from home again, the Earl would have been in his lap by now, their plans for the day more than less forgotten in lieu of the comfort they brought each other. But, here in public, and perhaps expecting a response from someone else who may have noticed the teen's video posted to the network, Undertaker allowed himself one more long, slow touch to Astre's cheek before drawing back and taking to his tea again.]

As I am you. So will that be it, then? Once you've planned this picnic and others have come along, we'll let you have a taste of the vine's fruit along with whatever else is arranged?

[Everything he'd been thinking about, he'd let slip away in the comfort of Undertaker's arms. It was natural for them now, and he can't help but want to hold onto the man even now but settles for just meaning into that touch until his hand is drawn away.]

That sounds nice. A little wine and then we can relax and listen to music? Or whatever you like.

[A soft chuckle, cradling his tea between both hands in his lap.]

My lord, you will be well into relaxation if you make it through the first glass. But I think I rather like the sound of that. You do know I'm going to help you set this venture up, yes?

[If Astre didn't already know from the times before when Undertaker had helped him, he would now. He had never given the teen reason to doubt.]

[He can't help a little laugh of his own.]

Oh, I'm sure you're right. What better company to relax with though? [There isn't any. Undertaker is the best company he could ever ask for.]

I had hoped that you would. I always enjoy your help with anything I plan. You have wonderful ideas.

[Oh, he could protest. He most certainly could, all day in fact, even without their history behind them. But he won't, because he doesn't know and wouldn't try either way.]

As you say, my lord. Speaking of my ideas, I don't suppose you've found a suitable replacement for Albert, have you? Not that I expected to in a world like this, but I haven't quite been able to myself.

[Oh, poor Albert...]

Not yet, unfortunately. I'm sure we could find someone to help us make a new Albert if we asked around though.

[Hm. He'll have to go and look around at what kind of crafting materials this world has beyond the paints and paper he's used.]

We could probably even do it ourselves.

Picnic is such a cute idea!

i wonder if they have something like flower view- have a picnic while we watch flowers bloom!

Do you really think so?

[He smiles.]

Luckily, I think there should be plenty of flowers blooming in the botanical gardens by now. It's one of the reasons I considered it for the picnic, if I'm honest. I do enjoy seeing flowers in bloom.

Yes! And watching the flowers would be so nice and relaxing.

I'm all for this! [ Mina claps her hands ] When do you want to do this? And should we bring our own food? - what kind? [ yeah she's getting very excited ]

I had a thought for the tenth of the month for it. Should the weather hold, of course.

And you'd be more than welcome to bring food if you like. I don't want to require anyone to bring anything. We can figure something out that day, if need be.

I'm sure it will be fine - it has been so nice lately! [ she loves warm weather so she is pretty happy about that]

I have some stuff I can cook with my replicator! Like buns. I will bring some.

It has been, it's been wonderful. [He loves the comfortably warm, sunny, weather.]

I can't wait to try them!

Great! I will see you there, then-

[ oh wait ]

Ah! I'm Mina, by the way! Mina Ashido!

It's a pleasure to meet you, Mina. I'm Ciel Phantomhive.

I'll see you there!

I think that sounds like a wonderful idea!

Is there anything I should bring?

[Already, it's more interest than he'd expected and he's pleased.]

Anything you like. I thought it might just be a casual picnic so maybe something light? I don't think we'd be allowed to cook anything in the botanical gardens and I'd hate risking it even if we were.

Well what kind of picnic where you hoping for? Tea and cakes? Sandwiches?

[And now?

Now he looks embarrassed.]

Would you believe that I've never actually gone on a picnic before?

A little of both would be nice though, so no appetites are ruined by just sweets.

Oh, well then I'll bring some of both!

[Technically she hadn't really herself, so she was excited.]

I look forward to it!

Don't overwhelm yourself though, please. The whole idea is to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Cooking is relaxing!

I promise to bring something tasty. And if you have any requests let me know!

It is, I agree. Undertaker taught me how to cook and bake, it's one of my favorite things to do with him now.

[He blushes slightly.] I will never object to anything chocolate.

That's so sweet! I'm glad you've someone you can share that with!

And noted! Chocolate is on the list!

I hope you have someone to share that with here, as well. Otherwise, I'm sure the three of us can work together sometime.

A little bit... But I'd be happy to share with you both, unless I'd be the dreaded 'third wheel'!

I don't think you'd have to worry about that at all. Undertaker and I never lack for things to do together, some extra company would be nice sometimes.

Then I'd be happy to, should you both have the time! Sometime.

video (backdated to the 1st)

action

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

Re: [Video]

[Video]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject