video | undertaker

[somakemelaugh]

[In pops Undertaker, all smiles, as per his usual. Not even recent events seem to have taken that away from him. From the view, he seems to be seated on a couch indoors, but in an unusual twist, there seems to be a head of dark hair leaning against his shoulder, one much smaller and certainly not his own. But he doesn't acknowledge this person, not right away.]

Those of you on Floor 2 of the community building, we'll be having a guest for a time. I seem to find myself in an interesting sort of way and I can't rightly say no to this one. [He's well aware that there may be worries about food and the sort, but he isn't taking no for an answer on this one.] No need to worry about him minding his own business or taking space. I've worked that much out so it won't fall on any of you, of course. Only fair. Feel free to speak with me if you've any concerns. Ta.

[The view shifts down and to the side, offering up a brief flash of Ciel leaning in against the mortician's side as he reaches with his other hand to power down the feed.]

Comments

[somakemelaugh]

[Child, you and your cuddling.] They know a different side of me than you do, just like people know a different side of you. Do you remember the parties your father held, how you hid from everyone?

[sweetlies]

[He likes being close to someone familiar. Especially in this weird place.]

I remember. Ciel says hello to everyone, even if they look scary.

[somakemelaugh]

[Apparently so. But he remembers a boy huddling with his twin and dad most of the time.] Think of these people sort of like that. They're showing their best face, most of them, so they'll be friendly at least. We're all in a bit of a bind here, but that's not your fault or mine. [For once.]

[sweetlies]

[He only has Undertaker here though. And scary as he'd been to a younger Ciel, his father never brought around anyone that would hurt the twins.]

I guess.. If they're friendly... [He bites at his bottom lip.]

[somakemelaugh]

[He sees that lip chewing.] You'll see. No fretting about that now. We still have work to do.

[sweetlies]

[He can't help himself. He does stop thought to look back up at him.] We do?

[somakemelaugh]

[He nods and looks back down at the boy through his hair.] We do. One more walk around?

[sweetlies]

[He can't help but make a face.] Again?

[But...] Okay.

[He really does need to get used to his limited sight.]

[somakemelaugh]

[That look gets a smile out of him.] You've had a bit of a rest. I think a few more times around would make a good start. I can't well walk for you.

[He shifted, moving to scoot out of the boy's hold, and stood and walked a few feet away before turning back.] We'll try this. Something easy for now. [One hand was offered out and there, he waited.]

[sweetlies]

No, you can't. [He concedes, watching Undertaker for a moment before standing, glancing at the floor and the space between them, trying to remember just how much space he'd have to compensate for before making his way forward.

It's getting a bit easier, at least, to make up with his depth perception.]

[somakemelaugh]

[Much easier. Much better. The small tasks are a test of the boy's adapting to his newish condition, but more for his confidence than anything.] Not so bad now is it? You're already doing better and it's not even been a few hours.

[sweetlies]

I guess not. [It's still strange, some things seeming like they should be within arms reach but the tips of his fingers just missing.

At least this time, his fingers meet Undertaker's as he makes his way over.]

[somakemelaugh]

[Rather than take hold of the fingers touching his this time, he lets his own slip away and backs away a few steps, gesturing with the same hand for the boy to follow.] See how well you do with moving targets.

[sweetlies]

[He opened his mouth to object that it wasn't fair but immediately let his mouth snap shut. Whining isn't going to help him and that's what Undertaker is trying to do, he recognizes that.

He does wonder how often he'll have to deal with trying to reach a moving target though. Where's he going to go that he won't get lost?

after a few moments pass though, he does try, trying to avoid reaching out until he's at least somewhat confident he's within reach of Undertaker.]

[somakemelaugh]

[The hesitation isn't missed by him, but he doesn't make a fuss about it. Ciel will need to learn on his own time how this works and what to do about it. This isn't anything that he can do for him and he knows the boy knows it. When that hand comes within reach of his own, he lets Ciel get close enough to brush his fingers before stepping back again, just out of reach.] One more time.

[sweetlies]

[There's only a little sigh this time as he watches Undertaker, and the moves himself. It goes over his head that each time Undertaker has him do this, his steps get a little more sure, his judgement of stances a little better.

He does remember how frustrating it is when he fails though, even as those failures become fewer. In part because he's determined, just as he is this time, moving towards the older man and reaching out again. It occurs to him that it would take more practice than either are prepared for if he ever wants to run about but, with his asthma, that hasn't been a real option for him.]

Better?

[somakemelaugh]

[He shrugs a shoulder, but this time when Ciel reaches for his hand, he doesn't move away, opting to give the boy a break. One step at a time, little by little. He'd get it down to an art eventually.] It looks better from where I'm standing, but I'm not in your shoes. How does it feel?

[sweetlies]

[When Undertaker doesn't move away again, he takes the opportunity to just hold onto Undertaker's hand, just letting the touch reassure him still.]

It's still weird but I guess it's easier.

[somakemelaugh]

[He doesn't mind the hold, letting his hand stay where it is. For now.] It'll keep getting easier the more you try it. Why don't you pick your next practice round?

[sweetlies]

Can we go for a walk?

[Fresh air would be nice, and he didn't get out often. Then again, he had run off to find his brother so quickly, he wasn't exactly dressed for it.]

Actually... maybe not.

[somakemelaugh]

[He would have protested that if Ciel himself hadn't. It might be a bother to the boy to find himself walking around in broad daylight in not much more than his nightgown and a strip of gauze.] We'll need to do something about that. You won't be bothered about it indoors, but people might take issue with it if you need to wander the place.

[It really would have been so much easier if he knew where the boy lived.]

[sweetlies]

[He looks down at his feet, a little embarrassed, squeazing his toes a little and then looking back up at Undertaker. Ciel has realized that this inconvenienced Undertaker, and he feels bad for it.]

Sorry...

[somakemelaugh]

[He tilted his head, watching the gears turn in the boy's head.] Oh? Why's that?

[sweetlies]

I can't remember anything. It's not fair for you.

[The guilt complex remained, even as a 'child.' Although it was at least diminished, to the level someone his age might normally have.

[somakemelaugh]

There's a lot of things not fair to me, but not much I can rightly do about any of them. I'd say it's not fair to you either, taking your memories away for no good reason. What's the point in leaving you alone and frightened and the last thing in your mind is the worst day of your life? I've got my own tastes in manner, but that seems downright cruel even to me.