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[sweetlies]

Sorry to be a bother, everyone, but if I'm not mistaken, this month amounts to about November on Earth. So I thought I might start considering Christmas.

[The british teen give a faint shrug.]

I haven't many friends here so I haven't many things to get really but my idea for one of them requires some help. And time. If anyone can sew, make a blanket with a design, I would appreciate your assistance. And you will, of course, be compensated.

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[onebadapple]

[Are you ready for PURE SUNSHINE and JOY responding to you, Ciel? No? Too bad.]

Oh! Why, you're not being a bother at all! I didn't know that the months here were similar to the ones back home! That's so wonderful!

And if you like, I'll be your friend, it's always nice to make new friends, don't you think? I can also sew if you need any help. It's really so sweet of you to think of your friends in this way.

[sweetlies]

[He will never be ready for pure sunshine and joy.]

Just like that? You don't know me at all, are you sure I'd be friend material?

[Good job, Ciel. Maybe don't try to convince people not to befriend you?]

I've never had friends before really so I'm not terribly good at this sort of thing. And this may seem more of a Halloween sort of gift.

[onebadapple]

That's not true! I know plenty about you already! Why, you're willing to ask for help, you care a good deal about your friends and want something specially made for them rather than getting something from a store, you're very polite, and that's just from your first introduction!

Those are splendid friendship material qualities!

[sweetlies]

[He blushes a soft pink.]

Only because I know there isn't much in a store one of them would like. His tastes are very particular. And manners are important.

Still- you never know if someone might be pretending.

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[iustaegis]

I am able to sew, if you need another’s help. [ ...Since it seems he has an offer already.]

And you should know... It is no bother at all to be someone’s friend. [ It’s rather sad that a youth like him says he has few here. She wonders how long he’s been in this world... Then again, there might not be many here his own age. ]

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[begguiling]

Meeee~! . . . But I can't help but be a little depressed to realize that, if this is November, we missed my birthday in all that spider attack junk last month. Think I can demand a refund from the natives? My sadness might show up in my sewing! I wouldn't want to do that to you!

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[abracafcku]

[Wait.

He squints at the video feed for a moment before he turns it on, practically bursting onto the screen at Ciel.]

Holy shit! You're here too now?! When'd you arrive and why haven't you reported for work?

[There is no work. He's just being an ass.]

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[wannabethehero]

What's Christmas?

[The bard on the other end of the link looks genuinely curious.]

[onebadapple]

Oh, that's very true, my stepmother was certainly pretending while in disguise. But something tells me you aren't pretending to want a gift for those you care for.

[sweetlies]

Perhaps. I wouldn't want to say myself, not yet, since I know almost nothing about sewing or how long something like this might take.

[O-oh. His cheeks turn a light pink.] I... I'm not actually used to being anyone's friend. I wasn't the best of company back in England.

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[sweetlies]

Did we?

[A general 'we' since he couldn't have known.]

You could certainly try. They seem to be relying rather heavily on us, so I imagine there's at least a small chance they'd do something.

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[sweetlies]

[Ciel stiffens up slightly and then he huffs.]

I don't work for you anymore! [His arms cross.] And I've been here a little while, I've just... been trying to adjust.

[hellish_butler]

[Fashionably late. But his butler finally discovered the network.]

...my Lord? You're here as well?

[He'll be patient, no matter what reaction Ciel will be. Though it's odd that he has difficulty locating him. As if their bond felt like it has been severed or dramatically reduced in strength. As to how severe this reduction can be, he'll need to locate him first to get a true measurement.]

I recently arrived. This lateness is no excuse. Still, I am here.

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[sweetlies]

What's-?

[Uh... Hmm...

He has to think for a moment.]

On my world, and others I suppose, it's a holiday. On Earth, it's regarded as the birthday of Jesus Christ, the son of God. So people celebrate by giving gifts to friends and loved ones.

[sweetlies]

[Damn... Dang. She's not wrong.]

Well... no. I would like to provide Undertaker with a nice gift. I wouldn't want you trusting just anyone though.

[sweetlies]

[At first he thinks his mind is playing tricks on him. It's been over two years since he'd last set eye on the demon, they'd been in the manor. He'd been sure he was in trouble with both the law now and a demon, with his brother alive and well.

Mostly well.]

S-S-Sebastian..? [He rubs at his good eye, just to be sure he's not half asleep.

He's not. He's perfectly awake. And that's Sebastian there.

And his heart is suddenly pounding in his chest, palms sweating. He shouldn't be this terrified with Undertaker just a room away.]

[begguiling]

Hehehe, I'll put it on my list of complaints.

[He winks. It had been a joke, but it's charming when it's taken seriously.]

But enough about that! More about my services! You still need a commission?

[hellish_butler]

[From Sebastian's point of view, they were still in the underground opium den of Lau. They recently have a discussion on possible options of their next move, where his Master has made a decision regarding the matter of his brother...who has reclaimed the manor and the title to the estate.

Sebastian won't press him. He's a servant. Waiting on him is what he does. The only thing that is separating them is the distance and the phone. He made a small bow in greeting.]

Yes, I an here. I couldn't locate the servants. Where could they gone off to? Last time, they followed us, demanding for wages.

[Sebastian acts like this is normal and routine for him. Even for Astre, it has been over two years.]

My Lord, is something the matter...? Did you arrive here before I did?

[iustaegis]

[ England?

But also-- no friends. That's sad to hear. ] I will be your friend. Gladly. [ She motions to herself, hand going to her chest. ] But first, tell me your name.

[onebadapple]

[Of course she's not wrong.]

Oh, sometimes you have to be the first person willing to trust, then others can feel comfortable doing the same.

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[wannabethehero]

[Kiwi listens, but is clearly uncomprehending of the names mentioned. They only know one god on their homeworld; the goddess Eya, and she didn't have any sons. Well..unless the Overseers counted? They don't know where they fell in the spirit world hierarchy. But at least they like the sound of giving gifts to loved ones.]

...That sounds really nice!

[morality_pet]

What is Christmas?

[sweetlies]

[He'd be glad not to remember that if he knew. He couldn't imagine spending an extended time in one of Lau's dens. Quick jaunts for jobs for the Queen but that was all he could tolerate. And with his asthma, it would be a risky stay.]

The servants..?

[The only person he'd seen in two years was Undertaker and tried to imagine what the servants might be up to.]

I've... I've been here months. I-I haven't seen England in years.

[sweetlies]

Ah, I may have to meet with you and the others. I've had a few offers for help now, so- hm, perhaps you could all work together?

[He'd know that the blanket would be ready in time that way. At the same time though, will their styles match?]

[sweetlies]

[He'd had a couple sort-of friends in Riverview but he'd still been learning then.]

Ah- right. I'm... Ciel Phantomhive. You don't have to just throw yourself into a friendship with me. You don't really even know me.