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video | un: undertaker

[Undertaker pops on screen, looking like his usual self. Smiles all around, hair veiling his eyes, dark though not black clothing. He has mastered the phone-thing as of some time ago, but he hasn't had any real reason to need to use it until now.]

[Now, he has a message.]

I understand there's to be a special holiday coming up around these parts. Hygge, it's called. They say it's about family and friends, whoever you might be.

[He shrugs, grinning a little more, and though it might look wild on him, it's not entirely unfriendly.] So here's what I'd like to do. Some of you know me from the little cafe on the corner, some of you don't at all. If or not we've ever met and you feel so inclined, I've a kitchen in my house what needs using and a want to make all the hot cocoa we can handle. Stop on by and I'll welcome you to a cup of it.

[He has directions for the house, if anyone needs it. Then, with a tip of his hat, Undertaker ends the feed, leaving the invitation open to any who might take it.]

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[One more cookie for him and he'll work on his tea, content that it's cooled enough now that he won't fry his taste buds after one sip.] When the time comes, I'll be all too delighted. I only hope you're there to witness it.

[No love lost there, none at all. Not for the demon and not for the Queen. But one would be harder to get rid of than the other, and that wasn't something lost on him either. No one would miss the demon, but the Queen? Half of England would be in arms over her loss, the living and the dead alike, and that was such a shame.]

She'll be harder to do away with, you know. Not that I mind. Her death will be simple. One movement in, one swipe, one movement out, but even that will take planning. As long as she doesn't try anything drastic with your son, I suppose I can permit her to breathe. But it is rather fun to see her outfoxed by a boy of fourteen.

In some way, I will be. {He gives Undertaker a rather mysterious grin, though it is absolutely impish too.} The Afterlife cannot be so exciting that I am distracted from that sight.

{He should be more upset at the idea of Victoria's death. He really must be a terrible British citizen! But it is possible she knows what became of his dearest family. All he needs to do is remember the look of terror on Rachel's face and remember his horror at the thought of his twin sons alone and unprotected to lose his affection for her.}

Keep watch. Openings can be arranged. {The tea cup is set down with a small click.} He is your grandson and my son. Of course he can outfox a monarch.

[Through the reaper's haze, he can make out that grin and it mutes his own, noting the tone in it and the comment made after. He had been the one trying to pull Vincent's mind back to the present and now he finds his own wandering to and fro where it isn't welcome.]

[Rather than offering a response of his own, this time he works on his tea, keeping the cup between both hands just to hold it there. It's not the fine porcelain that the Phantomhives had been used to, but he'd insisted on it not being something so high class. He appreciated it now more than anything.]

In another world, of course. For now, while I'm allowed to be a little selfish, I want only for you to enjoy your son again and for him to know you as he always should have. I would even leave the house for a few days to give you time to yourselves, if I thought it would be needed, but I think one of you might protest.

I would protest. {Just so they are clear. Vincent grabs a cookie and takes a small bite, chewing thoughtfully.} You belong in your home.

{...with your family. He holds off from adding that, a brief flicker of amusement crossing his features. He hid the expression for the most part behind his tea cup as he took another sip.}

We can enjoy one another. As the weather grows colder, we can find ways of keeping one another warm. {A fireplace, blankets and close proximity comes to mind.} He and I are still strangers, but that will not always be so. I love him and I can wait.

[He nods, as if he had expected the response, and he had, at least for the protest. It's still a little strange to him in some way to hear that he has a home, but he'd helped to make the purchase. It could be nothing else.]

If you protest, I know your boy will. I'm outnumbered, I fear. What's left for me but to stay and watch you learn each other again? I'll just sit quietly aside, read a book, yell at Albert, sleep on the couch. [He grinned, knowing good and well that might also spark a protest.]

Two to one, dear fellow, are not good odds. {He pointed a fork teasingly, eyes narrowing.} Albert? Is there someone living here I have yet to meet?

{Please tell him the tragic tale of Albert! His life is not complete without it!}

[He giggles, and that is his only response to his odds. He knows he is well and truly defeated in that department. There was never any hope for him to begin with, resist though he might.]

[But what he does give is a look of shock and an exaggerated gasp.] My lord! How have you not seen him? He has been here since before even you arrived, though not by much longer.

[He scoots his chair back and gets himself up to go retrieve a life sized false skeleton prop from the chair in a corner beside the fireplace, still on display from the Halloween decorations he and Ciel had acquired.] Here we are! Meet Albert. [He sits the skeleton in one of the empty chairs at the table and lifts a wrist to wave its hand.]

Albert, meet Earl Vincent Phantomhive. I'm such a shameful host! I can't believe I forgot to introduce the two of you. And you've been living in the same house this whole time! [Giggling to himself, he sits back in his own chair and takes a sip from his tea like it's nothing.] There now. That's better.

{Amusement and shock mingle when he hears Undertaker's sincere outcry. Well! If he is missing out on a new friend, he must be corrected immediately!}

I may have seen him if he has not hidden himself. {Sure enough, he has seen Albert. Vincent gets up and examines the skeleton, smiling. He takes the bony hand and gives it a proper shake.} Well me, Albert! You are a dapper gentleman, though I fear you need a little more to eat.

{Come on, that surely deserves another laugh!}

Why Albert? {Named for Victoria's consort, perhaps?} He does have a look of royalty about him.

[Oh, it does, and indeed it gets one, both in that Vincent is playing along and in that it's really just humorous all around. He turns a look back on the plastic skeleton and wiggles a finger at him.] See? Even he agrees with me!

[He looks back at Vincent with a sigh and a shake of his head.] I tell him that all the time but will he heed me? No. He tells me he's just fine as he is. [And, as if to quite any argument, he waves a hand at the skeleton.] I know, I know, you are a handsome man, but goodness knows you do need to put on a little weight.

[He grins back at Vincent and shakes his head again.] Oh, no, hardly. People can share the same name, milord. He just looks like an Albert, doesn't he?

How can I not? {He grins and gently lowers the hand to rest beside Albert. Then he pats the skeleton's shoulder.} We have some fine treats here, friend. Try them? You might develop a sweet tooth!

{There is no better way to gain a lot of weight quickly. Why must the world be so cruel?}

I can't quite put my finger on why he looks like an Albert, but you are right! {He walks around the table and kisses the top of Undertaker's head affectionately.} He makes it difficult not to like him.

[He grins and snags a last cookie and pushes the plate closer to the skeleton, as if he thought the prop might just sigh and agree with them finally and stuff his face. It doesn't happen, but he can dream.]

It seems to run in the family, with us at least, but something tells me Albert isn't related to you. He'd probably like to fill himself up on something else, but I've yet to find what.

[The kiss is met with a soft hum, eyes closing briefly to savor it. Seems the Earl might be trying to make that a habit, and he wonders at returning the gesture when he has an opportunity.] I find I like his company well enough. We've had quite a debate a time or two. He's very spirited.

{If only. Vincent would have laughed if Albert had taken on the challenge of eating all the cookies on the plate! Of course one has to wonder where the skeleton would have put the chewed crumbs, but details.}

So I have you to blame! {His comment is half-hearted and mirth dances in his dark eyes. Then he is giving the other man some overdue affection, grinning against the silver hair. Oh he will make a habit of it!}

Debates can be very enjoyable. What does he say that leaves you so heated?

[He would have laughed as well, and not because a plastic skeleton had just taken it upon himself to move unaided. Oh no, he has seen things far stranger in his time.]

[The affection doesn't go unnoticed, and he takes that time to lift a hand, fingers curled to gingerly brush over Vincent's shoulder, offering something back for what is given. If he's an affectionate sort with the reaper, Undertaker has no qualms with it. His other senses pull the weight where his vision is slacking, and touch and little respect for personal space with certain individuals have been a thing for him for quite some time.]

I won't argue that. I've been fond of sweets myself. [With his free hand, he gestures at the skeleton again.] Chocolate or vanilla, one time. Then another he tried to argue with me that socks taste better than a salad. It's always food with us, but he does always seem to catch me while I'm in the kitchen.

{Vincent is fairly sure he has seen stranger in his time too. They just need to give Albert some "skin". Maybe a sleeping bag would help? Or a set of those pajamas that are made from one piece of material?

He glances at the hand on his shoulder and gives it quick nuzzle. Personal space is not something he subscribes to either. If he feels like being affectionate or close to someone, he will be. He especially likes the smaller touches; their bodies are not built to be alone! The pleasure of contact is one he will never tire of feeling.}

Now I know why it took me so long to accept my vegetables. {Regaining his seat, he chuckles.} Chocolate, obviously, and socks are meant for feet, Albert. Unless... Is that how he perished? Socks are not digestible, surely?

[That nuzzle warms a place in his chest from the inside out, reaffirming acceptance in what there is, even if it isn't necessary by now. He continues to watch their guest, but it's Vincent's footsteps that he follows, tracking the man's movements, curious to see where he goes.]

It's a child's fear, vegetables. That much isn't inherited, I'm not sorry to say. The love for chocolate? Perhaps, and there is where he and I disagree. [But about the socks? He tilts his head at the Earl, then back at the skeleton.] And on the socks as well! I hadn't thought to ask how he died. Most don't like to recount such events, but what a way to go if it was! I can only imagine. How hungry were you, that you would eat a sock and yet you reject sweets?

{There is nothing for Undertaker to fear on that score. Vincent is surprised by all that has been revealed, of course, but he is secretly delighted too. No matter what Undertaker says or does, he cherishes the idea of having a father who not only takes an interest in his activities, but also seems to genuinely care about his well-being. He has no desire to ask for more and the other man will swiftly know that the care is returned with interest.}

They do look so strange. {He gathers himself a glass of water and brings it back to the table.} Vanilla can be delicious, but it does not have the draw of chocolate when it stands alone.

{He turns to Albert, expression a little more sedate.} You would need to be starving. Of course it would either catch in your throat or your intestines. If things cannot move and there is no room for air, well, that is a nasty death.

Edited 2017-12-06 07:36 (UTC)

[There's a certain relief on top of a quiet joy at having found so affectionate a family, even if he doesn't consider himself to be family. An informant, a grave keeper, a nightmare ward, a guardian... He can easily be these things.]

Those were my thoughts. You can't go to the novelty store in town and pick up a stick of vanilla. It just doesn't work that way, although he did argue that the rarity of it in that sense adds to the appeal. I still don't think that's enough to beat chocolate out.

[He nods and looks back to the skeleton again.] He has a point, and I think you don't need to be told. Unless that wasn't your cause of death and you're just an odd one. Aren't you though, my friend?

{Vincent isn't particularly affectionate by nature, but with family, he feels it is essential. If love is not shown, how can it be known and trusted?}

The taste must be considered. Vanilla is delicious - most especially when mixed with sugar - but chocolate on its own can be a decadent treat. Have you ever seen anyone partaking of a pure stick of vanilla?

{He hums, smiling.} Let him have his secrets. If he gives everything away, what will he have to keep us hooked?

Edited 2017-12-10 07:29 (UTC)

[He won't mind the affection in the least. Being so terribly nearsighted, touch was his next favorite sense, and it made his life and job so much easier when hands on was the preferred method.]

Oh no, not at all, milord. But now that you mention it, I may try it just for the sake of doing so. It sounds terrible. [The grin said he might be entirely serious about that. Maybe he'd find a way. There had to be one!]

[Instead of looking into that right off, he turned instead to the skeleton and stood from his chair to gather the prop up and move him back to his place in the living room.] So he will, then. Not much of a talker when it comes to himself, or an eater, I've noticed. I suppose it will have to be one of life's great mysteries.

{He pulls a small face before grinning.} I think you will taste the vanilla, but it would be terribly bland and hard to chew.

{As is the case with most plants. Human teeth are not the best at grinding the fibers down.}

I don't mind talking about myself...or eating. {He chuckles.} I must be more shameless than him.

[He shrugs a shoulder lightly. That's no reason to give up.] People eat plants raw all the time. Have you ever eaten raw pumpkin?

[Now that Albert is back in his place, he heads back into the kitchen to retrieve his cup and finish the last of his tea and set it in the sink to wash later.] You're shameless period. Our dear Albert is just picky. He has time to decide though. Bones are sturdy things, especially ones made of plastic.

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