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bakerstreet2020-08-15 03:19 pm
depletes) wrote in bakerstreet2020-08-15 03:19 pm
Entry tags:
We deserve this.
 If we're honest, fictional characters can be generalized into two camps: 1. good people who have crap happen to them or 2. just crappy people. But bad or good, cheery or grouchy, undeserving or no, we sometimes shamelessly want them to have something nice in life. Or, more accurately, someone nice. A certain someone to give them kisses and their favorite foods, to make sure they have a blanket when they fall asleep, and maybe to whisk them away on fun dates/adventures? If they're lucky, this somebody may even give killer back rubs. But forget your shame, okay? No judgement here. This is just a cute meme for all your gross (shipping) needs, where your character can get all the happiness they deserve...or don't. Whatever!
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That, plus Sebastian wouldn't want him to turn immortal since it means he wouldn't get his soul after all that hard work.
Since you mentioned the more modern times thing, it sounds like it's pretty loose when/where this could take place? Did you have a preference? Also, prose or brackets?]
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Canonically, it's ancient China, but I can play with time/setting easily, and a modern setting could be a lot of fun, but no strong preferences, really. I tend to default to brackets. ]
Gonna do a more modern setting but leaving it up to you how modern it is
That said, Sebastian did always enjoy a challenge. At his age, you had to, truly! So "assisting" his Master in this foolish search for immortality should be interesting and, better yet, it should ripen Lan Wangji's soul, raise it to exquisite, dizzying heights. Worth the danger, the demon thinks, that he might actually succeed.
As soon as his smoky, clawed hands had clasped the new Master's, he made sure to make himself irreplaceable.
He ingratiates himself, as is demonic custom.
Taking on a human form, Sebastian placed himself always at his new Master's side, a tall, slender shadow who seems to predict his every want and desire. Before the Master realizes he's thirsty, there is drink waiting for him on a silver platter. Before his stomach rumbles, Sebastian is already sweeping into the room with food and an elegant bow, executed perfectly from the hips, his red eyes always watching "his" prey. Always searching Lan Wangji out in the room...as if to make sure his soul is right where it should be.
Today he enters the Master's quarters, dressed sharply as always (no wrinkles: Sebastian won't abide wrinkles). The butler bows and then straightens]
Good morning, my Lord! [He advances closer, pulls out the newspaper folded neatly under the crook of his elbow.] Today's newspaper, as usual. How are you feeling?
[He beams, the smile tight-lipped without showing teeth]
let's go with present day! wangji's old-fashioned enough to read a newspaper
That search, for immortality, means forsaking certain rules. It means bargaining with a demon, something that, if it were known and obvious, would have him banished from his clan, and perhaps worse.
The fact that Sebastian can pass as a butler &mdahs; a frivolous expense, his uncle had grumbled, but made no further objection; it helps the man is thousands of miles away — makes it simple. Lan Wangji hunts for the path to immortality, searches for a soul, and is otherwise a dutiful, obedient member of the Lan Sect.
Morning is always early for him, but Sebastian is just as timely. Just as he is swinging upright, brushing out the wrinkles in his pajamas, his butler enters. ]
Mm. Fine. [ A man of few words, he simply looks at Sebastian, taking the newspaper from his hands. He's always careful to never touch Sebastian unless necessary, as he is with most people, but he has softened marginally. Newspaper in his lap, he reaches for the white ribbon on his nightstand and carefully wraps it around his forehead, the first thing he does every morning. ] Have you any news to report?
[ News. Of anything unusual, anything that might grant him an answer. ]
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That had been one of the biggest surprises for the demon - to come back to the mortal world and realize that humans, insatiable as always, had advanced from paper and pen to this new invention called "digital technology". To words and images, transmitted almost as fast a demon could travel. He might even think this threatened his job security, if it wasn't for the fact that human nature itself didn't seem to have changed much. Humans are still hungry and desperate and so here he is: with a new Master, and a new game to play. A new soul, waiting just for him.]
You have some pressing correspondence. Suitors, maybe, and your uncle has left a voicemail.
[Sebastian turns, reaching for something, and wheels in a small cart with select choices of food. Dumplings, a light, delicate soup, and some pastries that he remembers the Master seemed to like. Sometimes it's hard to tell: Lan Wangji is less vocal than most and he must be one of the more...difficult humans that the demon has worked with. Others were more obvious, more willing to display their vices and wants and desires to their faithful butler.
Master Lan Wangji makes Sebastian work for it.]
I've been looking into that lead regarding your personal project. [There must be a work around the immortality thing. Demons are masters of being technically right and he's sure that he can find some way to betray his Master and serve him at the same time. Sebastian stops the breakfast cart next to Lan Wangji's bed] I'm sorry to say that it appears to be a bust. Of course, I'll continue to follow up on it.
Now: I have arranged breakfast, but I must warn you, it is quite hot. Please, mind your tongue.
no subject
Although Sebastian is a servant, Wangji was raised to be polite, courteous, so he settles the paper next to him, giving Sebastian his full, undivided attention. ]
I will respond to Uncle after breakfast. Any suitors can wait. [ His tone doesn't change much, and he's generally too well-controlled to allow feelings to show on his face, but there's a cool current to his voice as he says 'suitors.' What a waste of time.
Wangji lets his gaze fall to the cart, nodding his approval at the meal; light and simple, almost bland, a reminder of his time in his home, where his uncle, his guardian, had provided education, a strict set of rules to follow, repressed emotions, and a diet that did not stir the passions.
Wangji keeps to that, lets his hunt and his music stir his passions. ]
Inform me if you find anything. [ He reaches for one of the pastries, taking the heeding to heart, giving the warmer food time to cool. ] Word has reached me that a night hunt will be necessary soon. Not pertinent to my search, but there are junior cultivators handling it. I shall need to be prepared, should anything go amiss.
[ The pastries are light and flavorful, and along with the dumplings and soup, enough to satisfy his appetite. ] An invitation should arrive to the University musical gala; I will attend this year. [ A brief pause, and then: ] It would be a benefit if you attended with me.
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Sebastian does wonder about that. Humans generally learn to move on, finding that their fear of loneliness or their biology can drive them to forge new, equally fragile relations with one another. Procreation: a funny, alien thing. Loneliness: even stranger. The Master seems to insist on being that rare outlier.
A shame. Sebastian is sure he could've used those typical human weaknesses against him, like with many of his previous Masters.
At least it's easy to keep this one fed. Lan Wangji is less picky than most, his tastes less demanding.]
Of course, Master.
[There is finding something and finding everything, and it's all in the technicalities. Perhaps he may hold some details close, unless directly ordered to spill his guts. He stands at the bed side as Master Lan Wangji samples today's breakfast and seems to find it up to snuff. A night hunt? Sebastian's eyes slide to his Master, the barest arch of his eyebrow betraying the demon's curiosity as he watches him eat the filth humans insist is food.
Sebastian is already mentally preparing for the arrangements for this night hunt, determined to give his Master every edge and tool he could possibly need, when his next request catches him off guard. In the middle of taking plates and the soup bowl, he pauses for just a breath.]
A musical gala sounds positively enchanting!
[When Sebastian speaks, it's softly, his tone bordering on amused as he smiles amicably at Wangji]
A request, I wonder, or an order?
[Sometimes Sebastian likes to test Master Lan Wangji. Likes to remind him that he holds more power than maybe he likes, that he has the power of a demon behind him and maybe it wouldn't be such a crime to use him as he sees fit. A demon's way of entertaining himself, of testing the valuable soul he circles around. The soul he desires would have no qualms about a stream of orders instead of tip-toeing around a mere butler.
Sometimes, Sebastian finds, you have to train humans into it like pets.]
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That one person is also the source of every lonely ache Wangji feels in his heart. He had once been used to being alone, but after Wei Wuxian, it has been harder. Difficult.
Sebastian is, in some ways, a blessing to which Wangji would not admit: a companion. Not a friend, but then, he has little need for friends.
He studies Sebastian from the corner of his eye as he eats, delicate, and effortlessly graceful. Sebastian has similar coloring to Wei Wuxian's, beyond the eyes — although he remembers well the red of the Yiling Patriarch's eyes — but that's where the similarities end. Which is. Useful.
Finished with breakfast, he wipes his fingers off, dabs his mouth, sips his tea to rid his mouth of the taste of food, even though shortly he'll shower and perform the necessary morning rituals. ]
Did I show you the talisman papers? [ He asks it almost idly, knowing well he had not. ] Just those, my sword, and the guqin for the hunt. I am unlikely to be needed. [ But it is a group of younger disciples going out after the rumored ghost, and he likes to be close for those, in case anything goes wrong.
He watches Sebastian's face carefully, wondering just why the demon is here, with him. His words are a reminder than Wangji doesn't need, well aware of the power dynamics between them. He swallows, wonders why he agreed to this in the first place, and remembers. He needs to be alive when Wei Wuxian returns, and as it has not happened yet — well.
He will continue this hunt. ]
A request. It features classical instruments from the ancient world and the musicians are talented. Your presence would be welcomed if you wish to attend.
[ Besides, Sebastian can keep people from making awkward small talk, or attempting to confess, or asking him about a hookup and happens at every event he attends. ]
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His Master seems to be terribly allergic to giving out orders, almost as if the thought is embarrassing! "Request", the human says, as if they are equals! Foolish. So soft. Sebastian hides the faint, sneering curl of his lip by turning away so he can finish loading the dirty dishes and utensils onto the breakfast cart. When the demon turns back, he's smoothed out his handsome face into the usual pleasant mask, accommodating as always.
By the time Sebastian is ready to feed on Master Lan Wangji's soul, he'll have taught him how to properly order a demon around. A soft, fragile soul is hardly worth the risk he took with a contract like this.]
That does sound pleasant! I'll have to see how the schedule looks, my Lord: it's quite full, but perhaps it can be...adjusted.
[If it was a direct order, he would've cleared both their schedules instantly, but Sebastian intends to drag his feet at a mere request. Give him some time to shuffle the Master's schedule around to inconvenience him at a later date, as revenge: that is what requesting gets him. A week from now, he intends for Wangji's days to be suddenly filled with meetings. Those suitors? They're coming in person. Dates and trips to expensive restaurants where it isn't easy to escape. That bothersome uncle? Will find his trip to the city suddenly acceptable.
Sebastian might just enjoy watching his poor Master suffer some demonic inconvenience.]
As for those talisman papers and the rest of the items, I will make sure they are ready in case you decide to take them.
[He wheels the cart to the door and out into the hall. When Sebastian comes back, he bears today's wardrobe, all spotless and dry-cleaned and perfectly folded, with no loose threads. He sets them down at the foot of the Master's bed and straightens.]
Shall I help you dress or shall I await you in the office?
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He makes a soft noise of agreement and understanding, acknowledging the crowded schedule, although a faint line appears between his brows, there and gone again in a moment. The last time he'd looked, there had been no conflict.
So he adds: ]
I will be attending, no matter the conflict. You may do as you see fit.
[ Not quite an order, but it is a line drawn. Even if he has to skip those meetings with the suitors, refuse his uncle's call. Even if his brother showed up — no, he would join his brother for dinner and conversation, if Lan Xichen showed up at his doorsteps on the same night.
With the same quiet, implacable gaze, he watches Sebastian wheel away the cart and returns with his suit. White, the color of traditional mourning, for a loss he refuses to accept and wasn't truly his to claim. Some accents of blue on the shirt, pale enough that most people wouldn't notice, the only color he deigns to wear, the preferred color of his family. ]
Wait in the office.
[ Brief and succinct, and he climbs out of bed before Sebastian can retreat, expecting his butler to follow that order. It doesn't take him long to dress, once he is left alone; most of his time gets spent on fixing his hair after his morning ablutions. It's long and a hassle, but he refuses to cut it; instead, he wears it pulled back from his face, blue and white ribbon in place on his forehead.
But eventually, he leaves his bedroom, newspaper in hand, and joins Sebastian in the office. ]
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Yes, of course.
[Sebastian bows, a bit deeper than before, and he'll obey as he always does to anything stronger than a request. He'll promptly put the cart away in the kitchen, clean the dishes and silverware so they sparkle and shine, and by the time Master Lan Wangji arrives at the office, Sebastian will be there like a promise. The office has a marvelous view of the city's sprawl, large windows filling three of the four walls. The desk is simple but functional, and of course Sebastian has ensured that it's of the finest materials and construction: same with the chair. Everything about it should be elegant but functional, perfectly molded for his Master's use.
The office's doors will slide open upon the Master's approach, Sebastian pulling out the chair so Wangji can sit. A cup of tea, steam curling up, waits for him, just like every morning.]
You've received a package. [The demon produces the box, prepared with a small knife to open it if his Master desires.] And there have been 33 new emails each demanding your correspondence since breakfast. Some of them seem to be...insistent. Increasingly so.