vingt-six † puppies come in all kinds

[ex_seventh238]

[Phone - Public]

Good morning! This call is addressed to anyone who might be interested in keeping a pet. I have... a number [because hell naw she's not going to say 15 on the phone provided a few didn't get lost along the way already] of Scottish Terrier puppies that are looking for new homes. They're around a year old, purchased at the pet store here a few months back. The previous owner can no longer take care of them, so I was hoping that maybe others would like to adopt them into a different household instead. They're docile around people and enjoy playing outside a lot, they're also all fit and in good health. [Not a direct result of being intimidated at will, forbidden from showing their muzzle in the house when a certain household member is also around, and forced to look for their own food half the time because the food's limited in the backyard, nope... THESE PUPPIES DON'T HAVE SPADES TO SPOIL THEM ANYMORE, but they do look ok and they're drone animals so no one can tell. SHHHH....] If you'd like to meet them in person, please feel free to drop by at 1125 Taylor Road at any time this afternoon. Thank you for your time!

[Action]
I. Taylor Road ;; Afternoon
[there is like

a dozen or something of Scottish Terrier puppies wrestling with each other on the front lawn. Ciel's somehow managed to gather them together after all, what a miracle... She doesn't look too enthusiastic about this, though, adjusting her glasses as she gives the animals a flat stare.

Close by is an angelic boy dressed in white with short and smooth black hair loitering by the fence. ...Oh wait, maybe that boy is the reason for her indifferent mood. Ciel's never happy when Merem (splitthebaby) is around, is she? But Merem at least seems to be enjoying himself with the puppies. It's not like he can talk to animals and is here to judge any potential pet owners because he cares more about drone animals than humans or anything, NOPE

Approach?]

((OOC: Joint prompt with Merem Solomon, tags will be separate to make it easier for everyone o/))

II. Church ;; Evening
[Business as usual. If the Sister isn't in the front pretending to be reading the Bible but actually working on less holy things busying over something, you can probably find her in the back kitchen. The lights are all on there, easily noticeable from the side windows to any outsider. That means the place is open for tea and sweets and dubious sound spiritual advice for any wary of mind. Got nothing especially interesting planned for the night? Why not drop by? Everyone's secretly heretical anyway.]

III. Church ;; Night
[It's past 10pm, and the lights are out. ...That is, except for a very dim one placed above the door to the back entrance of the Church. A robed figure slinks out, headed towards the small cluster of woods past the storage shed. It's late and no one really comes to the Church except for select losers. Yeah, this may look fishy, but Ciel can totally take a few steps around her own Mayfieldian natural habitat without getting accosted, right.

...Maybe...]

IV. Around town ;; Late Night
[Patrol as usual. As we know, old habits can be hard to break. It's not like anything exciting ever really happens after midnight in Mayfield, but heck, Ciel HAS gotten a few kicks in the past stalking vampires and scaring them without actually doing anything because lol OP vampire hunter with all her regains back. GIVE THEM A TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE, HAH.

...ER, that is. She'll be swinging by the streets, traveling by hopping lamp posts and roofs and etc as usual, gonna stop by the park and downtown a bit to ultimately end up at Makeout Point. The view is nice, alright... And there just might be something up there, that she may or may not wanted to check up on. Also out for a midnight stroll? You might just run into her! ...Or she might end up stalking you for a bit. Hey, she never denied her line of work to be questionable...]

Comments

[encored]

I'd think so, yes. It seems like the pets of most nations are relatively docile to begin with, like Kwan. [charles just because you could roughhouse easily with a tiger doesn't mean most people would consider it docile.....

AND SEE THIS IS EXACTLY WHY HE'S SUSPICIOUS ALL THE TIME. change the spelling all you want okay, he's definitely starting to see where she's going with this and he doesn't like it at all.]

That's a rather unfortunate name, is it not? I do hope you wouldn't mind if a prospective owner were to change it.

[ex_seventh238]

Kwan... The tiger that belonged to Hong Kong, right? [she mulls over the name a bit. Going by how it sounds and charles' past history with nations in mayfield, that ought to be a good bet.

...

charles plz

she'll just innocuously stifle a giggle!]

I wouldn't, no, but I thought it was worth making note of it anyway.

...

Weeeeeell?~

[encored]

That's the one. [sometimes he actually misses the days when his house was a literal zoo, but then he remembers that the only animals missing are the tiger and the dog...

and the second one might be replaced right now whoops DON'T WELL~ HIM he knows how this goes!! he looks back to tsundog for a moment before tilting his chin up a little and giving his best approximation of an "I don't care much one way or another" shrug.]

Since you're practically drowning in them, it wouldn't be too troublesome to take one off of your hands.

[ex_seventh238]

Was it docile? It must have still been much tidier than Horace, all things considered?

[nothing wrong with that right

and just because he knows how this goes doesn't mean he can do anything about it!!

so much tsun in this yard here how do we handle it all]

Oh, that would be lovely. Would you do that for me, Charles? [ciel just stop and give the babby bat a break...]

[encored]

He was a very nicely-tempered creature, to be honest. He rarely ever made a mess of his meals, either. [because he was spoiled and hand-fed prime cut beef from the butchers daily but details. it's not like Charles frequently displays very obvious favoritism or anything...

and nope nothing at all

the only thing wrong is this infuriating Ciel-ness he has to go through before he can walk away with a new puppy!! why can't he tsun in peace gosh]

It is a fairly large favor, but I'll go ahead and adopt one anyway. We have much more room in the backyard now, after all, and I'm certain Spain would love something closer to his level to spend time with. [charles why]

[ex_seventh238]

I've heard tigers being compared to over-sized cats once. Can you confirm or deny that, Charles? Or was it lions? Hmm...

[nope, so he can be granted an exception to this!!]

Thank you!~ And yes, please play nice, hm? But I should do something for you too now, think of it as a token of my appreciation. Is there anything your sweet tooth might fancy for the evening? I could get something fresh done in a few hours, if you'd like?

[the same old baiting tactics

but has he come to know better since

and more importantly

does he even want to...]

[encored]

I can't speak for lions, but it seems an accurate enough comparison with tigers. I'd say they're much more sociable than house cats, and his temperament seems a little more mild than the cats, but there's a definite similarity. [nodding like this is a completely sensible discussion to be having...

and oh, how sad, he actually has to fight the urge to instantly perk up a bit at the mention of her baking. she trains her puppies well..... BUT HIS PRIDE]

I don't need the extra incentive to take that puppy home, but I won't say no to something freshly made. [no his pride] ...A little later, perhaps.

[ex_seventh238]

That's interesting! I'm a bit curious now myself, but I think I'll leave it at that. Thank you for your account.

[it totally is, who'd consider tiger talk not sensible?]

It's not an incentive, I just thought I'd offer since you're here anyway. Can't you accept it as a gesture of goodwill? [NOT IF YOU SAY IT LIKE THAT, CIEL...] A little later is fine, but these things still take time. Do you know what you may like, or you'll wait on that for a bit more also?

[encored]

Of course, though you'll naturally be privy to more detailed information if you ask the same questions of Hong Kong himself. [waves a hand!

Ciel you are not making this any easier for him.] I'd be more likely to accept it as a gesture of good will if it weren't for the timing, unless you're truly that desperate to get these puppies out of your hair. [he doesn't understand that's probably actually the case here....] I trust your taste enough to say "surprise me" with some amount of confidence, so don't disappoint.

[ex_seventh238]

I'll be fine, thank you all the same.

[she never makes it easy for him does she. u_u

...

and yes it is so she's going to keep her mouth shut about this for a change, yep.] I'll have more free time on my hands if I don't have so many puppies to look after too, you know. [that'd require you to actually spend any time with them at all, Ciel... well okay maybe she has a LITTLE, but they were never priorities here for her ever, before or after Slick's departure.] --And goodness, that's a lot of faith. I'm honored! But are you really sure? This is going to be for you, after all.

[well

of course she won't make anything bad

not even as a prank

baked sweets are too sacred for that

but STILL...]

[encored]

[waves dismissively since apparently that's the same thing as a 'you're welcome' now...

but wow color him surprised! he's escaping the battering ram of constant trolling for once.] I'd imagine so. Dogs require a good amount of energy to keep up with. [also giving her a bit of a flat look... it's like he doesn't even believe she's capable of making anything bad on purpose. once his expectations are set, they're set ridiculously high okay]

You know my preferences by now, do you not?

1/2

[ex_seventh238]

[she'll take it if it's from charles]

They do, so it surprises me a little that you're willing. But I really appreciate it, of course! [n_n~*

and oh no charlesian expectations, what will she ever do....

no but seriously]

2/2

[ex_seventh238]

[she is going to sober up at that.

...

looking a tad conflicted, even, as she brings up a hand to her chin.]

I suppose, but... You seem to put up the same expression trying out anything that I've put more than two hours or more of my time into making, generally. It gets hard to tell what exactly is your favorite, sometimes... That's not just my imagination, is it?

[that's like

backhanded trolling

sort of

isn't it...]

[encored]

[he is going to smother you under the weight of his unrealistic expectations you fiend

except she actually lives up to most of them.... when will he get a break and actually come out ahead here.....

SEE, PRIME EXAMPLE RIGHT HERE. thankfully he is so practised in the art of being a subject-avoiding tsundere that he can easily dodge backhanded trolling while maintaining an air of refined arrogance. too bad it's following all that puppy nonsense, that kind of sabotages his attempts at saving face a little]

It simply means I haven't disliked anything you've made up to this point. If I did, you would certainly know it, regardless of the hours and effort put into it. Anything would be suitable, but if you must know, I'm feeling quite partial to summery desserts with lighter flavors right now. [good job charles]

[ex_seventh238]

[sheesh what a hassle /wriggles out underneath without getting scratched and dusts hands...

BETTER LUCK DURING YOUR BUTLER AUDITION except who are we kidding it's just going to be the same thing on repeat...

aw, qt. she'll let him catch a break and get away with this n_n Tsunpuppy and Charles are too perfect for each other clearly...!!]

Ah, I see. That's nice to know! Hmm... How about strawberry shortcakes? Flan could work too, but summer... Oh, or almond cake with berries and cream? Do you have any preferences, between strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry?

[she is in

deep thought here... baking is srs bsns y/y]

[encored]

[TERRIBLE... but she really will be the only person who'd manage to pass all the stupidly tedious and pointless things they would set up for the audition it's true. the same thing all over again...

yes his favorite thing is getting away with stuff, then he actually feels somewhat accomplished...]

Blackberries are the ones I prefer. That flavor profile would work well with almond, correct? [gee for someone who's leaving the decision up to Ciel, he sure does manage to continue being picky]

[ex_seventh238]

[she is so stupidly good at this

emphasis on the 'stupid'

/pats...]

They would, yes. [what she means is her tastes aren't that sophisticated so she doesn't really care, but if that's the sort of thing charles prefers!! and yes who would be surprised if she called that. surprising charles can get pretty funny especially when she's trolling, but when it comes down to sweets, best to have him narrow down for her. Not that she'd be worried pulling wild cards on her own, it'd just be... better like this.

and then she kept spoiling him by letting him choose... WELL THE TOUGH LOVE BALANCES IT OUT] Would you like to come for it fresh at the church, or should I deliver it to your place later tonight? Maybe I could say hi to mister Spain on the way too, hehe. [and embarrass him in front of not!dad yes...]

[encored]

[maybe one day she will find friends that she doesn't have to lower her standards for.....]

It shouldn't be too heavy, at the very least. [SHRUGS. he says it so nonchalantly but they both know he's already looking forward to trying some. someone help this loser... Ciel needs to put a cap on the amount of times she can troll and/or surprise Charles in any given week though he's not gonna make it through December like this

pretending to look thoughtful now! even if that really isn't a choice at all like hell is he going to mix acquaintances. that always ends in embarrassment...] I'll be able to come fetch it from the church, but I won't be able to arrive until after six. Would that be problematic for you?

[ex_seventh238]

[never happening

E rank luck

she's either in the back guiding strays with questionable behavior patterns or out on the front lines with OP and even more questionable colleagues..]

You did specify. [nope nope THIS IS EXACTLY HOW SHE LIKES HER LOSERS TO BE and never where's the fun in caps?? persevere, charles. YOU CAN DO IT...!!] --Ah, are you sure? [>charles volunteering to go the extra mile

..

HMMM] But that's fine, yes. I need to be home at that time to serve dinner anyway. Would 7 be okay?

[encored]

[this is the true tragedy of her life isn't it

at least the strays here aren't 100% useless...!]

Yes, and I did fully expect you to be capable of complying. [NOSE IN AIR etc. at least he's marginally tolerable... even if he doesn't make it, she'll remember him well, won't she?? she'll just remember him as a loser won't she]

Quite sure. That sounds fine to me, I won't take up much of your time. [except he always winds up taking a thousand years. little trivial details...!]

[ex_seventh238]

[naaah there's been worse

...

HMMM

well they do lift her mood very efficiently........]

My, how commanding. It shall be done, then. I'll see you then? [he is a loser yes

but he has also earned the forever spot of favorite shotapire in her heart!! granted merem isn't hard to beat...

meanwhile the tsunpuppy is just sitting next to charles chillin'. THEY GET ALONG SO WELL ALREADY...] And don't worry about time, that's never an issue here! [trivial details sounds legit, yep]

[encored]

[her life is like one long gallows humor sitcom

IS THAT REALLY USEFUL...]

Of course, of course. [dismissive handwave!

is that a good thing though, isn't her motto like beat people up more the more you like them or something. this doesn't seem like a fair trade... tsunpuppy is starting to grow on him though, there is something infinitely endearing about having a small cute animal just be near you. he reaches down again to scratch behind one of the puppy's ears before scooping him up.]

I would rather keep to my schedule, but I'm aware of that. I'll see you later this evening. [AND AWAY HE GOES looking so dignified with an armful of puppy...]

and then my cold got better and i decided we could be more hideous

[ex_seventh238]

[would charles appreciate it

and yes being trolly is better than being miserable or emo ok!! other churchies would back her up on this for sure]

Until then, Charles. Please do take care, in the meanwhile!

[nah, it's 'pick on the ones you like'. Totally different!!

Tsunpuppy whines a little but otherwise offers no resistance. WELL she won't bother him any more, waving him off with her usual smile but



there might be a different story going on later tonight, yes...

So come 7. Will Charles be early, right on time, or late... THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE


he might meet someone 'new'... hint hint]

more hideous is always welcome... and glad to hear you're feeling better!

[encored]

[he probably would because he's a horrible sadistic person

confirmation from the peanut gallery is exactly what he needs excellento.... ANYWAY he'll mosey off on his way, get his new pet settled at home by introducing him to the other pets and then leave tsunpuppy in the backyard since it's not infested with mice anymore.

as for timeliness, he's about as fashionably late as he usually is. giving off the impression that he actually cares enough about her food to be on time would be a terrible mistake!! so yep just moseying on through the doors, keeping his footsteps audible because he always walks loudly in the church now that he knows some people are auto-programmed to kill things dead if they're caught off guard...!]

it's our motto... and yes ty ;u;

[ex_seventh238]

[she'd laugh with him

they're all terrible people

and yes tsunpuppy will ACT ALOOF but be a mild and cozy ball of fur deep down beneath sound familiar nudge nudge.

>as usual

aah then she'd be expecting it... It's not like Charles will ever be on time anyway so it's ok if she slacks off a bit right. At least the goods have been baked since 7:05, the cake's just left to cool on the kitchen counter while Ciel went off somewhere else in the church do do some quick chore. Who knows when Charles is going to come in anyway, she'll get to him once the alarm bounded field around the church picks something up.

...And even then, maybe have him wait for 5 minutes too. Sure he can just beeline to the kitchen if the front is empty, but hahaha it'd be funny to catch him eating before she arrives. WOULD HE DO THAT...

--Well. It's on that line of reasoning that she left the front unattended, she's actually on the second floor right now. So Charles won't see anyone familiar by stepping into the front doors. The place is empty and quiet, as it should be at this time without the usual losers sauntering around the main hall.

...

......

wait, is that a rustling sound coming from the pews in the front rows...]