Vingt-Quatre † another year unacknowledged

[ex_seventh238]

[Ciel didn't sleep the night of May 2nd. The 3rd doesn't really mean much to her. She can't say she looked forward to or dreaded the day, but remembering clearly what she received from the Post Office at the same time exactly one year ago... She's undeniably apprehensive, yes. So it wasn't really a surprise to find the package by the mailbox, when she took a quick glance outside the living room window at the crack of dawn.

...No sense dragging it out. She's come to terms with a number of things since anyway; the past year has been draining, but good things have happened. So not really thinking about what it may be, she takes the box inside and effortlessly opens it on the living room table.

...

A... book. A recipe book of baked goods, to be more specific. The last time she saw this must be a decade or so ago.

H...ah. This town really has a sense of humor, huh? Briefly closing her eyes, she rubs her temple beneath the frame of her glasses. After continuing to idly stare at it for a few more seconds with an expressionless face, she resumes the day by throwing out the packaging and bringing the tome with her to the kitchen.

This is useless to her as a memento. She doesn't have much time these days to wallow on by herself anyway, so maybe it's a strangely fortunate thing that of all possible objects, it ended up being the records of her parents' hard work. With how much cooking she's been doing since her arrival here, it's well feasible that she'll be able to make a great deal of what's written down in there on her own - provided that Mayfield's got the necessary ingredients, anyway.

She's already decided on a typical pancakes breakfast today, but this'll be a good read before work. ...Maybe she should bring it with her too, she could try a few things out after class.]

[Phone - Public]

[Right, there was also prom. Then THAT MEANS ONE THING.] I'm sure everyone must be aware of it by now, but don't forget that Prom is on the 18th, roughly two weeks from now! Talented tailors and seamstresses are already offering their services, so it shouldn't be hard to find something nice to wear. As Mr. Quinn already mentioned last week, dates are optional, so don't be afraid to come alone. You may even meet someone there, so don't be shy!

That said! [here it comes...] I'm in care of a sheltered young boy who's not very good around people. He is quite important to me, so I'd like to find him a charming young lady around his age to accompany him to Prom. ...Though a boy wouldn't matter either actually, I'd be okay with that! He may be a bit crass and rude at times and talk like he's much older than his prepubescent looks, but you have my word that he's an exemplary gentlemen when he behaves. Sporting the image of wise and cool, he is actually quite knowledgeable in history and prides himself to be quite intelligent and capable. He does seem to harbor an uncanny weakness to women with golden blond hair and crimson red eyes, but please don't be deterred. With raven hair smooth as silk and pale skin like fine porcelain, his appearances are actually quite angelic. If that's still not quite enough to cause consideration, I'm willing to negotiate with anyone interested... other means to incite acceptance. So if there's any interest or more questions, please let me know!

[Hmm. Hmm. It may be obvious to some, but there IS more than one shotapire in town, isn't there... but it's not like she's PURPOSEFULLY trying to create some confusion, not at all--!]

[Action]
I. Grocery store → Church ;; Early Afternoon
[Guess who's carrying 5 million bags of stuff again! ...No beef, potatoes, carrots and other typical curry ingredients and such today, however. Still in her civilian clothes, Ciel seems to be exclusively carrying flour, fruits, sugar, eggs, and other things one would presumably need in baking. She's doing fine whether you're just watching from the sides or walking towards her, she's usually pretty good at balance right...]

--Ah, please be careful!

[STILL MIGHT BE IN EVERYONE'S BEST INTEREST to avoid collisions just in case, though... Better be safe than sorry! She's got like two dozen eggs in there, that would be bad to break, ;;;]

II. Church ;; Afternoon
[Anyone who steps in during the evening will be slammed in the face with the enticing sweet scent of baked good. ...But isn't the kitchen in the back? Even if it may be going through excessive use today (which is actually is...), how does it really spread--

--Oh.

If you walk further in, the fact that there's a plate of mixed berry flaugnarde next to a tray of two dozens canelé might explain why it smelled so good. Both are still hot too, upon closer inspection; it must have been baked within the last hour. No one else seems to be around, but the smell is definitely coming from the hallway leading towards the left.

...

What do?]

III. Church ;; Late Evening
[The night is much calmer. Despite everything, this date today means something, she supposed, so at least something has to be said to whoever Above to acknowledge the significance.

In the end, Ciel settles on reciting the Memorare in French. Prostrated in front of the Altar with her headdress on, which is rare, she chants quietly.]

Souvenez-vous, ô très miséricordieuse Vierge Marie, qu'on n'a jamais entendu dire qu'aucun de ceux qui ont eu recours à votre protection, imploré votre assistance, ou réclamé votre secours ait été abandonné.

Animé d'une pareille confiance, ô Vierge des Vierges, ô ma Mère, je cours vers vous, et gémissant sous le poids de mes péchés, je me prosterne à vos pieds. O mère du Verbe incarné, ne méprisez pas mes prières, mais écoutez-les favorablement et daignez les exaucer.

Amen.

[Once she's done, however, she doesn't stand up from the spot. ...She owes more than a simple prayer, doesn't she? So even if the Church is silent once more, she'll keep her eyes closed and stay bowed.]
((OOC: Hover on text for direct translation! o/))

IV. Town ;; Late Night
[It's past midnight. It may be on a particularly tall tree. It may be on a lamppost. It may even be on the roof of your house. Wherever it is, upon closer inspection, the night sky isn't the only thing there. ...Actually, someone seems to be perched/sitting on top of that place without effort, while idly taking their time to stargaze.

Nothing too strange about that, right... Interrupt?]

Comments

...no what why not D:!

[bloodsugar]

[his eyes are keen; whether or not he notices whether she's tucked something away doesn't show, but he makes no mention of it regardless. the smile at his lips tugs a bit brighter as she turns to face and address him properly; it seems that, despite whatever was on her mind, she would carry on with business as usual.

but, he really didn't expect anything but that from her, did he?]

Later than usual... you're right! Mm, I was hoping I wasn't too late to catch you... but-- I hope I wasn't disturbing...? [he lurks enough to know this ritual is out of the norm despite the late hour, but he's refraining from bringing it up just yet. she's right -- he's conscious enough to ease into it with time.]

because ಠ____ಠ i can see through them now!!!

[ex_seventh238]

[Of course, business as usual.

She chuckles quietly with a vaguely sheepish look.]

No, not at all. I'm sorry for making you wait, if anything. Has it been for very long? I wasn't keeping track of the time, I admit...

but what if i stand just right so the light gleams off them menacingly...

[bloodsugar]

[silly Ciel... he meanders his way from the pew and into the aisle, starting a leisurely pace in her direction and making a good show of stretching his spine as he answers.]

Ah, well-- to be honest, the peace and quiet had me losing track of time, too! Maybe we've been there for days and hadn't noticed since my back is stiff... That reminds me, Sister--

[he halts before her with a thoughtful expression, tapping his chin.]

Do you think they make pews so uncomfortable on purpose? It's got to be on purpose. No one would think up a design like this for people to sit on for long periods of time and not notice it's terribly uncomfortable. I wonder why they'd do a thing like that~! It isn't very charitable and in good spirits for a church, I'll tell you that much.

then you'd be blind because you have light directly in your eyes... 8Ta

[ex_seventh238]

[says the sillier one here...

NOT THAT SHE WAS EVER TENSE FROM THE START but she can roll with this.]

Haha, I doubt it. The three-day rule is always in effect, so it'd be bad if we got droned without our knowing. That would be troublesome for everyone else too, so let's at least make an effort to stay alert. [About NOT forgetting to go back home for three days... That's something high on the priority list of things to watch out for, totally...]

To keep the lazy ones awake so that they don't fall asleep during services, of course. The Church is a place of spiritual comfort, nowhere does it mention anything physical, does it? Personally, I think the pews are fine the way they are. [She'll answer with equal thoughtfulness! Debate of the century, clearly.]

but i would look badass and you couldn't see through them and that's clearly all that matters!!!

[bloodsugar]

[they're so good at this.

oh no he looks affronted...]

--You can't be serious! Subjecting people to long-winded sermons is bad enough, but making them sincerely suffer in conjunction?! Don't you think that's prone to lead a good lamb of God to associate Church with unpleasantness? Surely that isn't in His design!!

but what if you trip and fall and break the awesomecles because you couldn't see.........8x;

[ex_seventh238]

[the best]

Of course I am. [looking completely serious too] 'No pain, no gain', is that not so? God did not accomplish his great deeds by wallowing in peace and comfort. Struggle is essential to growth. Talking like that, aren't you falling prone to Sloth? That's a Cardinal Sin, Father. [right below GLUTTONY and WRATH among other things...]

no i have every confidence you'll catch me p_q

[bloodsugar]

A... aah. I didn't think of it like that...

[hmm this requires some deeper thinking. or, in other words... he's going to pretend to contemplate it while actually contemplating another way to turn it into something worth whining about in some frivolous fashion.]

Falling to sin? This sounds quite serious, Sister. Maybe I wasn't praying quite hard enough just a moment ago...

P-- please, don't stand too lose in case I'm to be smote--!

you'll crush me................... q_q

[ex_seventh238]

[s...tares down... sternly..........

sure is business as per usual in here...]

I can't answer that for you, Father. It's something that you must reflect on your own. God is merciful however, so if you repent now, it may not be too late. [no why that dropped to awful levels again in no time flat...] Is there any confessions that you would wish to make?

nonsense i weigh nothing (nottalking)

[bloodsugar]

[OH NO........ the (mock) stern look!! his spine stiffens immediately in response. programmed...]

Confession? [hm.....] A-ah. Would you take the confession of a soul as far gone as mine, Sister? [he puts on a forlorn and troubled expression at the thought!! oh, the irony.] I wouldn't wish to burden your spirit with a simple man's sins...

in SPACE you can't trick me i'm onto you X(

[ex_seventh238]

[awful levels reaching critical readings



who are we kidding there's never a quantitative measure that'd be fitting for just how deep their BS can go with or without gratuitous helpings of thick fat irony]

It would be no burden, for it is part of our divine duties. [solemn lowering of her head... (a miracle that the whole place hasn't been struck down already by now tbqh...)] Only if your conscience compels you, however. Confessions are not imposed after all, but requested at the beckoning of the individual.

would i lie to you? p_q

[bloodsugar]

[(yes just how exactly have they not all been incinerated by divine lightning by now...)

he seems to mull this over with some mockery of the seriousness it deserves.]

...I'm inspired by your devotion, as usual, Sister... What could I say in the face of such earnestness? It moves me, down to the very depths of my heart that you'd go so far for a wretch like me...!

But I'm afraid I simply couldn't bear to part with my sins. Not... not yet. There's still so much gluttony to partake in before I could think about confessing and repenting with the dedication your devotion deserves...!

.1/2 ............................................do i really have to answer that...

[ex_seventh238]

[(there is no god obv) strikes don't count as anything!!!

She just




looks at him for a few seconds]

2/2

[ex_seventh238]

Gluttony, is that so. How shameless... Hmm, this is serious. I was going to offer some refreshments if you needed time to think about this more thoroughly, but if you put it that way, then tea is the only thing I may serve tonight. [turns around and starts to saunter towards the kitchen. sure did get his cake privileges revoked for the night, HOW'S THAT FOR UPPING THE ANTE FOR THE EVENING 8V]

1/2

[bloodsugar]

[NOT

AS





...PLANNED NO his very world has come to a screeching halt...]

2/2

[bloodsugar]

W-- wait!! Don't be so hasty, Sister--! [alksjdf he's trotting quick to catch up

did his voice just crack...]

[ex_seventh238]

[She keeps walking without so much as glancing back, and gives a non-committal hum.]

Hm?

[bloodsugar]

Please--!!

[he's catching up -- in fact, whipping in front of her to get in her path and abruptly grasping her hands in a most melodramatic fashion. yes, his eyes are even sparkling with ~*TEARS*~...]

Please, reconsider--! As-- as certain as I am you're out for my very best interest, I assure you -- jumping to such a drastic conclusion won't end well for either of us at all!! I don't want to subject you to the miserable state I'll be in if I have to lament the loss of The Sweet Bakery Angel's delights~!!

[ex_seventh238]

[oh god internally wincing at the last part, at least he doesn't spew this embarrassing nonsense in public...

but no THE POKERFACE MUST CARRY ON

Crossing her arms and deftly dodging his clumsy blockade attempts, or at least she should if he's being as bad at it as he usually is with most other things!]

I'm confident that it's a trial I will be able to endure, Father. You would do well to endeavor the same.

[bloodsugar]

[aslkdjfasdf NO don't evade him--!! this is SERIOUS BUSINESS his Ciel fix...

HIS CIEL FIX shaking and crying

he fumbles a step when she adeptly sneaks on by, hands clutching a whole lot of nothing, before he's quickly turning to tail after her on her heels. NO CIEL NO WHY.]

--I absolutely can NOT!! This is a test I won't endure! My delicate constitution will collapse and I'll fall into a state of complete disarray!! You wouldn't do such a thing--!

[ex_seventh238]

[WHAT IS THAT EVEN SUPPOSED TO MEAN DON'T MAKE IT SOUND SO WEIRD LIKE THAT SHEESH ಠ__ಠ deadcat


sure got 1000% more embarrassing loser in here eyeroll!!

in the most deadpan of tones...]

Father, get a hold of yourself. How did you 'survive' then, back in your world?

[bloodsugar]

[what didn't you know you were his sugar-dealer... geez you can't just steal that away from a man without notice, okay?!?!

--err.]

How did I survive--? The answer is barely! [he's still trying to get in her way, now. STOP!!!11] I was in a constant state of misery and internal pain, the likes of which I hadn't realized until your generous blessing befell me! You can't make me go back to that sorry condition, Sister, I'm begging you!

[ex_seventh238]

[now that just sounds shady........ it's never going to sound right no matter what, isn't it, that's just barebone fact...



keeps

going]

Yet your complaints are remarkably loud and energetic, isn't that contrary?

[bloodsugar]

Ah, that's-- that's only because I haven't been truly deprived yet~! [no stop why are you not stopping WHY ARE YOU SO SLIPPERY

LIKE AN EEL

A CIEL-EEL HAHA no that sounds cute, actually. 'ciel-eel.' 'eel-ciel.' 'eel-ciel-makes-meals-with-feels'

no okay focus right right he can do this]

Would you please stop and listen to me?! [he sounds on the brink of crying.]

[ex_seventh238]

[...word of advice:

keep that thought process as just that: a thought



HEAVY

SIGH

and she stops like 2 steps away from the kitchen door. no why is she too nice to continue giving him the cold shoulder until the end...]

[bloodsugar]

[oh she halted...

he hesitates only a moment (as if anticipating the inevitable punch to the face/internal organs/kick to the kneecap/smack upside the head)... but in absence of any sort of violence--

he's going to shrink a bit, and give her his best woeful, doe-eyed look. SISTER.................

you can't really do such a thing...

...right? RIGHT?]