the devil don't sleep.

sebastian michaelis of black butler. isola affiliated, selective. please read rules and (maybe) stats before interaction. ♡♡♡ by léandre.

[ademonbutler]

t h r e e + w i s h e s / CHP. 138 That Butler, Clarifying

[thebritishteapot]

New print ready for Glasgow Comicon ミ★

[fyeakuroshitsuji]

Yana new sketch of Sebastian as a thank you for 300k followers.

[katsuraz]

  Ｋｕｒｏｓｈｉｔｓｕｊｉ ９１ ： Ｔｈａｔ Ｂｕｔｌｅｒ， Ｃｈａｎｇｅ

[assombrire]

soulrein‌:

          “There, done! Hm… I guess I should leave a mark or something just to be safe?” Wouldn’t want to mix up his sapling for someone else’s after all.

<<My... how quaint.>> he’s not sure what, exactly, he’s stumbled onto, but sebastian does recognize the man kneeling nearby.

<<Is this some sort of island tradition, then? Or are you perhaps an environmentalist of some sort?>>

[assombrire]

@nohright​  /  as promised.

he appears without much preamble this time; it’s unusual solely based on the fact that sebastian has always announced himself prior to visiting the princess. that he’s recalled her place of residence with ease is no surprise, nor is the matter of how he’s certain she’s already home. instead, he knocks at the door and stands at the ready, one of his indecipherable smiles fixed upon his face for when that door inevitably opens — and it does.

a bow is offered almost reflexively before he recalls yet again that she has scolded him for acting so formal in the past, and so he draws up from it abruptly.

<<Hello once again, miss Camilla.>>

<<I do believe I forgot a gift for the host, as is customary... how terribly rude of me.>> his grin sharpens almost imperceptibly. <<Though I suppose it must also be considered rude to arrive unannounced, but I had also thought you might appreciate the surprise, just this once. Perhaps that could be considered in place of a gift while I think of something more suitable?>>

[so-xu-deactivated20200921]

problematic fav ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[assombrire]

invitedeath‌:

adjusting to the newer, larger home had taken perhaps longer than one may have expected. never one for grand, nor even luxurious home design, the castle was imposing even for its owner, but as the days passed sephiroth found himself warming more to the clearly catered venue designed for him to laze about for the remainder of his days within. what he enjoyed most of course was its distance from the main population, the misty forest beyond the gates a surefire warning to anyone who wished to wander in search of mischief. 

or so he had assumed. a book in hand, sephiroth had been entertaining himself with fictional verse when he felt it. a disturbance somewhere, a feeling of… observation. at first he merely paused, wandering if it was simply a random bout of fatigue normally foreign to his impeccable form, but the feeling persisted. it was akin to another sense, this feeling of someone lingering nearby. thus, he rose within his casual attire and wandered out into the fog of the castle grounds.

between the thick iron bars, he spied movement. quietly so, he continued to move forward until the frame came further into view. the stranger’s back to him allowed the ease of an approach, whether he had remained undetected however was of little matter really. he was curious to know who might venture so close to a place so clearly designed to keep people out, and as more of the man’s features swam into view, sephiroth realised that the frame was… familiar.

and at the question, they answered back. “ you do not need to continue wondering. “ he replied, coming into view clearly upon the other side of the gates. yes… this stranger’s face certainly prickled at his memory somehow, the way his eyes seemed to burn and his smile a sleek, dangerous sort of charm. “ you… i remember. “ he paused, unable to recall the name. “ what brought you here? you have no business with me. “

it’s been quite some time since he last laid eyes on this individual, and perhaps more surprising yet is that sebastian does not initially recall the circumstances under which they met — it’s dreamlike to recall that strange time where he was briefly rendered human, albeit with something still missing — but soon does he remember that they’ve met not once but twice prior. the encounters were certainly interesting, in a way. all humans inevitably are, in their own way.

<<Mind that I did not purposefully seek you out, rather... the search for proper wild herbs led me here.>> he gestures to the makeshift satchel in one hand: full to the brim, and with a pleasing scent should one draw close. <<I have certain duties to uphold as a butler that cannot be forsaken even when my master is absent.>>

without turning entirely (lest he turn his back on the man, a move that seems unwise under any circumstance but least of all now) he cocks his head to better examine the structure beyond the gates. it’s certainly grand upon first appearance, though he does wonder how it would hold upon further, closer scrutiny, but suspects he may never make it quite so close. still, it does pique his interest — the unusual human who chooses to live alone out here in the mistwood known more for its dangers than its pleasantries.

<<My, but I must apologize for having intruded upon your estate.>> a bow is offered, though instead of lowering his head his gaze remains fixed, never breaking eye contact, never losing that uncanny smile.

<<Shall I excuse myself so that you might return to whatever it is I have interrupted?>>

[assombrire]

nohright‌:

The cuisine of Sebastian’s homeland was certainly interesting. In some ways, as Camilla looks down at the dish in front of her, it reminds her much of Nohr but not quite. There were striking similarities as to how he’d prepared the dish but the end product seemed a bit more…fanciful, elevated, seemed to be the right term to describe it. One thing she does note for certain is that this was handled with care and expertise, a dish only one with above-average culinary talents would be able to make a reality. When he moves to serve her, she can’t help but laugh in response. A sort of subdued chuckle, one that’s playful in earnest. “I see you get carried away with your work in more ways than one.”

In response to his offer does Camilla grab her knife and fork and begin to dig into the dish herself, carefully setting a modest portion upon her own plate. “Nonsense, this is between friends. I’ll not have you work for my sake for any reason.” She says with a smile, waiting for him to sit and start to enjoy the meal for himself, too.

“So, care to tell me about your young master? I’ve never heard much of him. If you’re permitted to tell, I think I’d like to know his name at the very least. After all, he must certainly be something.”

it’s all too easy to settle into what seem like old habits by now, and it takes a good deal more effort than sebastian would like to admit to not reflexively take over and perform his duties as ‘butler.’ the concept of their supposed ‘friendship’ still strikes him as humorous, yet it reminds him still of a certain other who considered him as a friend. it’s impossible for him to reciprocate the proper emotional involvement anyhow, but he can certainly continue to play the part so long as it remains enjoyable.

<<It is far too easy to do so, miss Camilla.>>

and then he has a sudden realization: he actually has to eat some of the food he has so painstakingly prepared. human sustenance does absolutely nothing for him — certainly he has the ability to taste it and thus learn and tailor to the tastes of others based on trial and error, but to consume and pretend to enjoy it himself is another story entirely.

he supposes he’ll have to act yet another part, and so finally seats himself at the table across from the princess.

<<He is most certainly an interesting master.>> it’s difficult, he thinks, to describe his master without disgracing his name — an act he himself would not mind, but would certainly be inappropriate under his current guise. and can he even give name to him?

<<The young master isn’t terribly fond of giving out his name, you see. I must apologize, but that much I cannot do.>> a pause, as he considers his next move. <<Would you believe I work for a child? I suppose I may have given the impression otherwise, but he is only thirteen. Still, he acts far too mature for his age. It is almost disconcerting... a bit sad, though of course I would never allow him to hear me say as much.>>

it’s not as if he can tell her outright that he serves a vindictive and revenge-seeking child with the occasional tendency towards being a brat, after all.

[assombrire]

coquettishly‌:

neon lights. thunderous music. bodies navigating the darkness, partially mindless but somehow with a common goal. the smell of sweat, alcohol, and various perfume notes in the air. a heavy (though only metaphoric) cloud of sin and suggestion hung over the scene.

catherine felt right at home.

for a lot of people, getting exposed to the same scene over and over again - in her case, for several millennia - can get old and tiring, but for catherine, it was only another door to more possibilities. now she had no obligation to work for lesser demons or men, so the opportunities were freer and even more enticing. drink of choice in hand, raspberry and peach-flavored martini, she slunk around her surroundings, already giving her number to possible future victims, and putting on her best charm. just because her powers were taken away from the most part did not mean she was completely absent of skill.

through sheer reflex and experience, she was able to prevent her drink being completely spilled as a tall stranger bumped into her side, only a small drop leaking down her fingertips. she turned around, at first a little miffed due to the clumsiness, but she simmered down almost immediately. this person was different than the other patrons for a plethora of reasons; while indisputably attractive, they did not fit in with the clubbing scene at all. he was almost inappropriately polite for the scenery, his apology the main reason for her change in reaction, and while she couldn’t figure out exactly why, there was a feeling in the air around him that felt familiar. very much like her true home, the underworld.

well, now she must know more.

”apology accepted, no harm done! do you work here? you look like you’re in uniform.”

she smiled as she asked the question, though her eyes stared right into his with interest, and without mercy.

there’s something strange about all this. sebastian knows he stands out for his uniform — of course he could change it, but that seems rather against the spirit of why he appears as such in the first place — but that should, if anything, make him of little interest to the average club-goer. instead he finds himself meeting the intense gaze of this young woman and wondering what, exactly, is going on here.

the feeling he gets is not that which he would attribute to just any human, and yet it’s indescribable in its own way. is she truly just a human, or perhaps — it seems unlikely, but it’s always possible.

<<Not yet, but I had some hope of finding employment here.>> the smile upon his face widens imperceptibly as he addresses her, hands now folded neatly in front. <<I thought it best to dress appropriately for any manner of interview, should the opportunity arise.>>

they’re situated in a rather uncomfortable location, in the middle of the dance floor, and yet somehow he can’t quite come up with a way to usher them aside. not that it seems necessary, given that the various dancers all about them have all but parted around them like the biblical seas. perhaps they already know, in their own oblivious little way, that this is not a moment to interrupt even by accident.

<<If I’ve let you down, then I must apologize again. Appearances can be... misleading.>> a pause ensues as he considers what next to say. <<Were you perhaps trying to find out if I’d be here regularly?>>

[womanfourwoman]

“human-passing”

[ademonbutler]

CHP 138 / That Butler, Exasperated AF 

[assombrire]

@invitedeath  /  starter call.

he supposes there are better ways to gather the necessary fresh flora to prepare for dinner whilst also seeking out herbs that might be used for a proper tea service, but yet here sebastian is, out and about in the mistwood with little else in mind. it is a place that should seem overwhelming or possess a sense of foreboding, yet even he finds himself unbothered by the endless mist, unconcerned with any potential threat or otherwise. it does, at least, make the gathering much easier than previously planned for.

the expectation is for there to be little else but forest, green or elsewise, though he’s heard rumors of supposed monsters within its confines. it is indeed surprising when he happens upon a large set of black wrought-iron gates — and faint and far behind them in the distance, a castle. it is made so faint by the mist as to be nigh-indiscernible as anything beyond that judgement, and even then he’s only barely certain that the building is likely such. the fact that anyone would choose to live out in this relatively deserted area piques his interest, if only because he wonders what kind of individual that might be.

perhaps he could climb the gate (though it’s not a matter of can so much as if he should; humans did consider that sort of trespassing to be rude, after all) or perhaps he could simply stand and peer through the gate, hoping for a better look. there was always the chance, if one were to judge by the enclosing greenery, that the place was entirely abandoned years ago.

and yet —

<<I cannot help but wonder who would live in a place like this.>> it is only a little musing to himself aloud, as he considers the basket of edible greens and herbs at his side. then his ears catch wind of the slightest of sounds a distance off — he is more than prepared to leave or fight, as unnecessary as either action seems, if that faint and quiet sound belongs to something decidedly unfriendly.

<<Am I perhaps not as alone as I previously thought?>> he repeats the same thought as moments prior, a variation on a tune spoken through sly, smiling lips: <<I cannot help but wonder.>>

[assombrire]

bring your own butler—

[assombrire]

@camelliacried  /  starter call.

the water here is so clear. sebastian has certainly seen his fair share of lakes and lagoons and the like, though none ever seemed to possess the crystalline clarity of the waters of the styx. the muddied waters of the thames simply did not compare, nor truly did the various bodies he’s lain eyes upon myriad times in the past. humanity always seemed to dirty the waters it was given, sooner or later. for now at least, one could still admire the seeming endless artwork embedded along the bottom. it’s probably a breathtaking sight -- for anyone else, of course.

it’s then that someone diving in splashes him, and all he can do is blink in momentary confusion as he’s suddenly wet from head to toe. it’s not quite through to the skin, not that he’d mind, but it is irritating nonetheless to be damp and thus lose face. presentation is about all he has at this point in time; aesthetics are important.

<<Was that truly necessary?>> he cannot help but wonder aloud, regardless of whether the offending individual actually hears him or not.

[assombrire]

@coquettishly  /  starter call.

in truth, he has no purpose being here in some strange human club. the only real goal sebastian has at this point is to seek employment -- though he loathes the human invention of currency, it is a necessity to possess should his master return, and he so dislikes being caught unprepared. it only seems fitting for him to find a job serving in some manner, if only to keep up the guise of the ever-faithful butler indefinitely. even if serving cheap food and drink is quite the step down from his usual duties.

as he slips away from the owner of the establishment with a quick bow, he suspects that the attempt was likely moot. he knows his manner of dress is out of date for the time, but still he thinks a butler’s uniform is timeless. that, and he cannot change his form or clothing at will for the time being. another minor setback. with these thoughts he makes to leave -- but not before bumping into a woman while crossing the garishly lit dance floor. that was definitely a mistake on his part, and so he offers the slightest of bows, hand across chest, the blaring music an unfitting backdrop to such a man.

<<My apologies. Were it not for this unusually loud music, I certainly would have noticed a lady such as yourself instead of nearly causing an incident.>> by human standards, he supposes she’d be considered pretty, and so attempts to lay on the charm and (hopefully) be on his merry way for the evening.

[assombrire]

@nohright  /  plotted.

<<And the main course -- roast duck, with a plum applesauce served on the side.>> sebastian places the platter in the middle of the table and moves to cut and serve the dish, but stops. <<My, but it’s easy to forget this is only a casual luncheon and not work.>>

he had, of course, invited the princess to his residence in fibonacci, unpleasant as the ward was, on the basis of a promise to have lunch. such an action meant little in the long run, but for the sake of staving off boredom and cultivating their supposed friendship, it was altogether a satisfying choice. besides -- he did have some skill with cooking human food, albeit somewhat catered to the tastes of a child. camilla was far more pleasant of company to have at the dinner table, at any rate.

<<Should you change your mind, I will gladly serve this meal. You are royalty, after all, miss Camilla -- even if not of this world or mine.>>