Nightfall and boredom
Summery: It's not unusual for you to be locked in during the night with nothing to do. At least you have someone who tires to comfort you in some way.
Word count: 1k
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Sitting on the chair of the dim dining hall, your head rests on your arm on the desk. You stare absentmindedly through the large, glazed windows. It’s dark outside, with the moon shining, soft violet coats the sky-a purple navy mix. Stars sparkling and scattered.
The tranquil beauty of the unusual outside did nothing to purge away the boredom overtaking you.
The soft clicks from outside sounding like this world’s version of crickets or cicadas. It used to unnerve you but now it almost brings a form of peace and comfort. If the clicking stays it means there's nothing dangerous outside. No threats. When it gets silent it is a death sentence to step outside.
It's not like you'd go outside anyways, no chance. You'd rather feed those gigantic, man-eating fish in the lakes daily than willingly go out, and on your own at that. There have only been a handful of times you have gone out during the dark hours. Each time with Butler accompanying you.
From the beginning he refused to allow you to travel outside during the dark hours of the night. The garden was peaceful a decent majority of the time, but even then, only with his supervision. Ensuring nothing would be there to snatch you up and make you a snack.
While you were getting better accustomed to this place… there wasn't much for you to do. After your eyes had soaked in all the new visuals, you were left with a daily, empty boredom. It is unusual, really–because the manor has TVs and a massive library, plenty of opportunity for entertainment–yet it's rare to see anyone using them.
It's not like you could whip out your phone and doomscroll, not only had its battery drained long ago but the device just would not work here. On top of that, your hope for finding a way home becoming a fleeting concept. As of right now, you are stuck.
You lazily look up, chin resting against the back of your hand. Butler is currently polishing a tray of cutlery. The golden dessert spoons and forks that seemed too cheery for this place but fit right in with the rest of the expensive décor.
"Don't the others usually do that?". Last you recalled, Butler was not above doing chores, though his main duty was supervising the other workers, handing out tasks and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
"As you may know, we have recently been short-staffed and no one managed to polish today, I refuse to allow them to sit unclean". He doesn't look up, simply standing, carefully polishing each piece slowly and methodically. Very carefully, just like he does.
"None of those were unclean" you shift back up, idly swinging your legs, you can feel sleep creeping up on you though, not from tiredness, from boredom. "They were all washed today, just not polished".
"That's precisely the problem, I do not believe you would appreciate unpolished utensils y/n". He neatly places down the dessert fork, picking up another one.
You sigh softly. "I don't really care to be honest, as long as it's clean. I'm not snobby like you lot", you grin when he glances at you for a quick moment, though his polishing never faltering once.
"Yes, well you are a simple creature, very easy to please. Know that’s not always a good thing y/n". His tone is playful, but you can tell he means the last part. You haven't met anyone as secretive as butler in your entire life. It's baffling by how little you know about him considering how much time you two spend together.
And to make matters worse, you have never seen him waver even once. Never seen him take a break or look like he needs one. Never once has there even been a flash in his eyes that indicate you’ve managed to make a dent in that ridiculously thick outer shell of his. You doubt you ever will.
"Why won't you tell me your name?" You already know what he's going to say, however there's no harm in trying. "You already have a sufficient nickname for me y/n, I do not see how giving you my actual name would change anything". There’s a ghost of a smirk on his lips.
"Of course it changes things knowing someone's name. It can enhance communication and relationship influence" you refute, giving a slightly condescending smile. "Besides, you know mine".
He stays polishing but he's smiling now. "Well, aren't you clever" he teases, picking up the last fork that needs polishing. "I believe the nickname you gave me has the same effect, especially if you are using it only for me". He turns to look at you, sharp smile, all teeth on display. "And you gave your name the moment you were asked, I hardly see why I must play into that as well".
You huff, slumping your head back on the table. Butler neatly folds the cloth in his hands, placing it atop the tray of neatly polished utensils. He turns to you.
"I will not be giving you my name, however, please continue your headstrong perseverance, it is very entertaining".
You don't even look up at him. The smugness in his tone already gives away the smirk on his face. You're unsure of how much longer you'll survive here if this is the most entertainment you'll get. Well, during the dark hours of the night anyways.
As you begin to sulk again, you feel his presence next to you. He’s as stealthy as ever, no audible footsteps when you’re not paying attention. It helps to keep your eye on him as he avoids dramatic actions when he’s aware he's being watched.
“There are noises outside”. He states matter-of-factly. You shift to look at him.
“Well, aren’t you clever”, mocking his previous words, the cheeky smile on your face makes his threatening-looking one return.
“I will be going to feed the garden birds now, would you care to join me? I believe they would miss you by now, it has been a while”.
He knew you were bored. You never kept it secret, and you didn’t need to. Even though Butler comes across as indifferent to others feelings. He is always attempting to make you feel as comfortable as possible–in his own way.
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