[ When Ciel walks into the clubhouse tonight, he pauses as he looks around with a neutral expression. It's clear that he's hiding some kind of emotion, just what that is? That's not so clear. He takes his usual seat, makes his tea, and at first, his only comment is simple: ]

...It's quiet.

[ He takes a sip of the tea once it's prepared, but then sighs, since it's time for their last night. ]

So our last pair is Sheba and Kenny. I would still pick them over Natalia and Mori, but rather than Kenny, I would pick Sheba. In the event that one of them is saved tonight somehow, I would rather Sheba be taken out of conversations tomorrow. But hopefully it can be both.

[ He nods, and though he thinks he'd like to do something to comfort her... He's also just not sure how. So he's quiet as he continues along with business. ]

...And Mabel? Should I be the one investigated tonight, then take your chance tomorrow and choose Oz. Even if Sheba and Kenny are not the medical team, I do believe tomorrow will be our last chance. So if at any time, taking a gamble and choosing him is wisest. I have voted for you every time we have been able to vote for a MVP, so... I pray that luck is on our side.

That's correct.

[ He had nearly forgotten about Simon's stunt at the end, and Ciel frowns slightly, since that had struck him as odd, especially combined with the note from the day before, but... For better or worse, he couldn't prioritize that. It was curious, but for now, he had to focus on this. ]

If that's the case, then we have a much better chance, but knowing Oz is the cop... I think he would be wiser than that. He's a shrewd person. [ He laughs ] I can't believe he never investigated me, though, so perhaps that was a blind spot.

[ He offers her a small smile, then sets his teacup on the table before he stands from his usual perch. Because it's just the two of them, Ciel doesn't mind doing this, especially when Mabel is struggling much more than he is. He holds a hand out to her, ever the gentleman, but that's because he's not quite comfortable with the open gesture of offering a hug. ]

I'm terribly suspicious, it's true. But it seems people still think the best of me despite that.

[ Even if the grip is tight, he really doesn't mind and won't complain, at least! He's hardly happy that it's come to this, but like Mabel, he's doing his best to be strong. ]

Well, from you, I can accept that sort of compliment.

[ feelings are still gross mabel... ]

But... In truth, I haven't hated this, not completely. It's... nice, in a way.

[ He is, which is also why he's being more honest now. There's no one else here to hear it, so he feels a bit more secure in doing so. ]

I do. It is... It truly is not so different for the work I perform for her Majesty. But for that, I stand alone, and of my own choice. I would not wish to involve anyone I care for in my work, and to those that stand by my side in it? They are untrustworthy. The one I can trust most is Sebastian, but he...

[ He trails off, shaking his head. For someone else, he might admit the secret of his eye, but he doesn't want to trouble Mabel with it, so he just continues. ]

I thought that we would certainly only work together out of convenience. And yet, I was met with such kindness, and I feel a sense of sorrow to see our comrades wake up. I did not expect that.

[ He's glad to see it, so his smile becomes a touch warmer as well, though it's hard to tell if it's genuine or just well-acted. ]

It would be nice, I think. And who knows? Perhaps when we wake up, we all wake up together. Ibuki is probably playing her music for everyone, Edea is teasing Royce, and I'm sure Patchouli will be trying to keep Anise from being, er... herself.

[ He laughs, then shakes his head. ] And when we wake up, I'm sure we might both be suffocated by hugs.

[ TACKLE... The squeeze part he can handle, but the tackle, not so much, since he's a waifish nerd. He makes a less than dignified squawk, then losses his balance and falls back. Good job Ciel... ]

Augh...! I wasn't... [ "Prepared," but that just dies off with a laugh, even though they're both on the floor by now. ]

[ He cannot fight the power of hugs... So he will not, even though he's an awkward loser about it. ]

Er... Well, yes, you— oof [ bye, ribs, he didn't need you anyways ]

Yes, you have quite a talent for it, Mabel...

[ He at least laughs as he sits up, rubbing the back of his head idly, even though he's fine. His fingers linger over the string tying his eyepatch in place, but it's only for a moment before his hands fall to his side. ]

I appreciate the consideration. Ibuki can take my share of it—I'm sure she can handle that level of affection with ease, at least.

Then she can take my share.

[ good luck ibuki... not that ibuki needs it, since she'll totally flourish with hugs, but ]

But thank you for the compliment. I would like to think we were all rather clever, at least. [ he was genuinely surprised by that too ]

[ He nods ]

That's right. And all is hardly lost. I can still find the information I need on my own, as I was before, and I'm sure with a bit of saving up, you could certainly buy that giant hamster ball.

Sheba.