video (backdated to the 1st)

[sweetlies]

[Ciel, today, seems to be enjoying a cut of iced tea outside, just enjoying the weather for a moment. It almost looks like he accidentally turned on his communicator but then he takes a deep breath and shifts, sitting up straight and just looking thoughtful.]

It's rather nice right now, isn't it?

What would everyone say to a picnic in a little over a week? Just so we don't let it slip away from us. I can look into renting space in the botanical gardens.

On the tenth, perhaps?

Comments

[sweetlies]

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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?

[sweetlies]

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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.

[sweetlies]

[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.]

[somakemelaugh]

[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?

[sweetlies]

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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.

[sweetlies]

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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.

[sweetlies]

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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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?

[sweetlies]

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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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?

[sweetlies]

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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.]

[sweetlies]

[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.

[somakemelaugh]

[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.

[sweetlies]

[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.