Author's Note: Heeeeyyyy! This is a new story from me and cutedifferent93 (check out our other story on her page). It's sort of going to follow what's going on in the manga, but since I've only read up to volume 15 so far, please don't be surprised that it will differ greatly. Besides, the entire beginning is made up…I'm rambling. This one might be updated less frequently because life happens. :( I hope you enjoy the story anyway. :)

Warnings: Violence, Smut (later), Ciel bashing, language, possible character death. This will be updated as needed per chapter.

Prologue

Lionel strode down the long halls of the manor. His father had called him to the Great Hall to meet his new Chamberlain. Lionel frowned and ran his hand through his slicked back black hair. He didn't need his father to find his servants for him. Lionel sneered. He was nearly 24 and would have been running the Manor if his father wasn't living an unusually long life. Lionel stopped outside the doors to the Great Hall and sighed. He might as well deal with it.

The doors to the Great Hall opened and Lionel walked through and over to where his father was standing talking to a pair of servants. His father, the Marquess in Sussex, was a tall man - which Lionel clearly took after – with greying chestnut hair. Lionel's father looked up and smiled good naturedly at him.

"Ah, you have made it Lionel, good," he said. Lionel's father turned back to the servants, "Bring in the new Chamberlain." They bowed and hurried out.

"I think this one will do fine. Just try not to yell at this one too much?" Lionel's father urged.

"I will try," Lionel replied. He wouldn't make any promises. Lionel's father's servants walked back with a young man. He small and rather meek-looking, but he had brilliant red hair accompanied by deep blue eyes. The man looked a little nervous but tried to hide it.

Lionel raised an eyebrow.

"This is supposed to be my Chamberlain? He looks like he might faint at any moment," he scoffed. Lionel's father frowned a little.

"Lionel, behave yourself. Despite his looks he has proven to be a hard worker," chided Lionel's father. Lionel looked the man up and down again. Well, he had said he would try to be nicer. Lionel would give the man a chance. Besides, that red hair was rather interesting.

"I believe you too ought to become acquainted," Lionel's father said, "That is not a request." He left the Great Hall. The young man kept his line of vision down, focusing on his slim fingers. Lionel approached and looked down at him, dark brown eyes unreadable.

"Well, what is your name?" he asked, rather impatiently.

"E-Elyes, sir." He gave a small bow of his head. His brave façade quickly falling apart. Lionel smirked.

"Stand up," he ordered. Elyes stood, looking everywhere but at his new master. Lionel turned, then glanced over his shoulder.

"Follow me," he said. Lionel walked off at a brisk pace towards his chambers. Elyes hurried to keep up with Lionel, trying to stay focused. However, being a peasant, he had never seen such beautiful architecture. His pace slowed and he came to a stop to admire a family painting. Lionel heard the footsteps come to a stop behind him and turned. Elyes was looking at a painting. Lionel wanted to snap at him, but he decided messing with him would be more entertaining. He walked up behind Elyes quietly.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked lowly, standing as close as possible.

Elyes jumped and backed away, bowing instantly. "Oh, I'm so sorry, sir. Please forgive me."

Lionel snickered to himself, then returned to his cold demeanor.

"You will have time to admire those later. Come," he said, and continued on his way down the hall. It didn't take long to reach the doors to his personal chambers. The inside was fairly large with a seating area in front and a bedroom near the back. The walls and floors were stone, though large rugs allowed some warmth in the room, as did the fireplaces.

"This is where you will be doing most of your work," Lionel explained, "However, you will also be doing other work around the manor."

Elyes nodded once, trying to keep his awe under control. "Yes, sir."

"Your duties were explained to you, I presume?" Lionel asked, facing his new Chamberlain.

Elyes nodded. "Cleaning mostly."

Lionel hummed.

"Yes. At least you aren't completely incompetent so far," he commented. "You may begin your duties then."

Lionel was sitting in a chair in his seating area, reading a book. It had been a couple of months since getting Elyes and he was surprised to find he hadn't kicked him out yet. Lionel smirked. It was probably because it was too much fun messing with the man and making him jump. Speaking of which…he had yet to do so today. He lowered his book to watch Elyes clean and come up with a way to mess with him.

Elyes wiped a cloth across the elegant stone of the mantle. He reached back to get the entire slab of stone, having to stand on his toes due to his short stature. Lionel chuckled quietly. His eyes wandered carelessly over Elyes' petite body. When Lionel realized what his eyes were doing he froze and quickly looked away, frowning. Elyes bent down and dipped the cloth into a bucket of water, wringing it out before working on the artifacts decorating the mantle.

Lionel's treacherous eyes kept glancing back at Elyes. He frowned even more and stood up. Lionel stalked over to Elyes and stopped, looming over the smaller man.

"The mantle is clean enough, clean something else," he snapped. Elyes jumped and just barely caught the vase he had been cleaning before it shattered on the floor. He quickly placed it back on the mantel and bowed, picking up the bucket of water and leaving to empty it. Lionel huffed in annoyance and went back to sit in his chair. He leaned back and sighed. Elyes needed to learn not to be so distracting.

Elyes returned shortly with an empty bucket and the trowel used to clean the ashes from the fireplace. He got down on his hands and knees and began to remove the ashes from the fire the previous night. Lionel's eyes widened. How was it possible for a man to have such a nice ass? Lionel nearly got his sword and stabbed himself right then and there for even thinking that, but at the same time he couldn't look away. His eye twitched.

Elyes' body stretched as he attempted to get the ashes in the far back of the fireplace. He grunted softly at the weight of his body on his arm but kept trying to reach. Lionel held back a groan and stood up. He stormed over and pulled Elyes out by the back of the collar of his robes.

"That's enough! Just…Just sit down and don't do anything!" he exclaimed, forcing Elyes to sit in the other chair. Any more of that stretching and…well, Lionel didn't want to think about it. Elyes bumped his head as he was pulled out. He shrunk back, a little scared of his master's sudden outburst, and sat where he was. Lionel noticed he had hit his head and sighed.

"My apologies," he said. Lionel sat their awkwardly for a moment before looking at Elyes properly.

"So. Where exactly are you from? Your hair is unique," Lionel inquired. He never had asked his Chamberlain about himself, and this would be a good distraction from…thoughts. Elyes looked up, a little surprised to say the least. His hand reached up to touch the red locks.

"I was born and grew up here, sir." He wasn't sure if he should take his master's later comment as a compliment or not. Lionel raised an eyebrow.

"I see. Tell me more about yourself," he requested.

"What would you like to know, sir?" Now Elyes was confused. Weren't servants and Chamberlains supposed to be ignored?

Lionel waved his hand dismissively.

"Anything is fine – interests, likes, dislikes, talents, anything," he replied. Normally Lionel didn't care about her servants at all, but this one was strange.

Elyes looked down shyly. "Art. I-I like artwork." He raised his blue eyes to look up at Lionel.

"Any particular kind of art?" Lionel pressed. Either he had scared Elyes one to many times or the man really didn't talk much. It was hard to tell.

"Nature mostly... I like roses." Elyes still didn't know why he was stopped in the middle of his chores nor why Lionel was so angry with him for cleaning the fireplace. Lionel chuckled.

"Roses? How odd. What color roses? Or do you like them all?" he asked. Lionel was determined to get Elyes speaking more than that.

"R-Red mostly." Elyes looked up through his bangs shyly. No one but his parents had ever really taken an interest in him. He was usually the butt of many a joke for his unusual hair colour. Lionel smirked.

"Red seems to be your colour. What else do you like?" he replied. Elyes blushed gently.

"I like to be outside. It helps me concentrate when I draw-" Elyes stopped himself. He wasn't sure why, but the fact that he liked to draw made him a little embarrassed. The more he talked about himself, the more he realized how different he really was. Lionel smiled.

"You draw?" he asked. Lionel was rather surprised. Most peasants didn't have time to make their own art. Elyes nodded once, his eyes avoiding Lionel's. Lionel, without really thinking, reached over and gently turned Elyes' face back towards him.

"Keep talking. I want to know more," he said.

Elyes' eyes widened slightly, his face taking on a pink tone. "W-what else would you like to know, sir?"

Lionel was almost annoyed. He had already told him he wanted to know anything.

"What animals you like, other hobbies, something," Lionel told him.

"I-I don't really have any other hobbies other than drawing, sir, I don't have much time to myself." Elyes could tell Lionel was annoyed with him. He just didn't like talking about himself. And his master was quite intimidating. Lionel sighed.

"Very well. You may return to your duties I suppose," he said. Maybe he would get more out of him later. Elyes bowed his head and stood. He faltered and fell, the bump earlier making itself known. Lionel stood and caught him quickly.

"Elyes, are you alright?" he asked. It hadn't been that hard of a bump on the head, had it? Elyes blushed as he opened his eyes to see Lionel holding him. He pushed himself out of his master's grasp quickly and fell on his rear in a tizzy.

"I'm sorry, sir. I-I don't know what happened." Lionel picked him up again.

"Calm down," he told Elyes as he sat him down in the chair. Elyes tried to show his master that he was fine, but the fogginess in his head was making it difficult. Lionel placed his hands on Elyes' shoulders firmly.

"Stay here. I'm going to get someone to come look at you," he explained. Lionel turned and left the room to go find his father. Elyes touched the bump on the back of his head and winced.

Lionel returned soon with a maid. She placed a cool cloth against the back of his head.

"Please hold it there, sir," she said and then left. Lionel stood beside him. Elyes was completely embarrassed. He was supposed to be the one taking care of Lionel and now it had been reversed. He hung his head shamefully. He needed this job and he was already failing.

"Don't move your head like that if it hurts," Lionel said with a frown. "My father said it is probably nothing to worry about. Just sit there for a little while and it will be fine."

Elyes stayed silent. He was ashamed with himself. He had been working for only a few months and he had already managed to get himself injured and yelled at. Lionel sighed and sat down in the other chair.

"Are you really letting this bother you so much?" he asked. Honestly it was no big deal. Lionel shook his head. Elyes kept his eyes hidden under his red bangs. He had shown enough weakness. Lionel leaned over and brushed Elyes' bangs out of his eyes.

"Relax," he told him simply. Elyes' eyes were closed and a single tear ran down his cheek. He was so embarrassed and ashamed with himself that he didn't realize Lionel had moved his hair. Lionel's eyes widened. Sheesh, Elyes was overdramatic. He sighed again and gently wiped away the tear.

"There isn't any need to cry," Lionel said.

Elyes jumped at the touch. "I'm sorry, sir..."

Lionel shook his head.

"Don't be," he replied. Without thought he let his fingers brush through Elyes' hair. Elyes dared a look at his master, eyes glossy with tears. He was sure he would be relinquished of his job. Elyes' blue eyes widened slightly. Wow, his master running his fingers through his hair was... strangely soothing...

Lionel was surprised at how soft Elyes' hair was. He continued to stroke it, marveling at how nice it was to touch. It was almost like petting cats, which Lionel secretly enjoyed. Elyes swallowed nervously. Was he supposed to be letting his master do this to him? He enjoyed it but he was unsure why Lionel was doing it. Lionel suddenly realized what he was doing and stopped. He sat back.

"My apologies," Lionel said awkwardly. Well, at least it got Elyes to stop crying. Elyes looked away. It had felt so nice to have someone show affection towards him besides his mother. He stood carefully, bowed his head, and went back to cleaning the fireplace.

Lionel was walking through the gardens of the manor. It was late spring and all the flowers were in bloom. It was too boring to be inside and he didn't feel much like hunting at the moment. Lionel spotted some red roses. He wondered where Elyes had gotten to.

Sitting on a hill, Elyes smiled, his blue eyes fixed on a wildflower in his hand. He only had a few moments to appreciate its beauty before needing to get back to work, but he loved every second. Lionel strolled out of the garden when something on a nearby hill caught his attention. He could tell it was a person, but from here he couldn't tell who. Lionel changed his direction and headed over. Elyes sighed and stood. He had dawdled enough, at this rate he would be out here all day. He started to walk back to the manor, his eyes fixed on the bluebell in his hand.

Lionel saw the figure approaching. As they neared each other he could make out the bright red hair that belonged to Elyes. Lionel raised his hand in greeting.

"Elyes!" he called. The red-head jumped at the sudden sound of his name. Once he saw who called him though, he smiled and quickened his pace. Lionel smiled charmingly as he came to a stop before Elyes.

"I was wondering where you were," he said.

Elyes blushed and held up the bluebell between his fingers. "Just enjoying the wildflowers, sir. Did you need me?"

Lionel shook his head.

"I merely wished for your company," he replied. Lionel smirked then. "Close your eyes."

Elyes did as he was told without question. Over time, he had learned to trust his master. Lionel smiled and held out a red rose.

"You may open your eyes," he said.

Elyes' blue eyes opened and he smiled at the red bloom. "It's beautiful, sir."

"I'm glad you like it. It is for you," Lionel replied, smiling still. Elyes looked at his maser, confused.

He hesitantly took the rose. "Thank you, sir... If I may ask, why?"

Lionel chuckled.

"You told me you liked red roses. They have just come into bloom so I thought you might like one," he explained.

Elyes blushed, his fingers twirling the rose gently. "Thank you, sir. You didn't have to though, I could've gotten it myself."

Lionel shrugged.

"True, but I know I never apologized for being as rude as I was to you in the beginning. After all, if I couldn't apologize in some way, what sort of gentleman would I be?" he replied. And it was quite fun getting Elyes to blush like that.

Elyes smiled shyly, his bangs falling into his face again. "It's alright, sir. There's no need to apologize. I'm merely your humble servant." What was this fluttery feeling in his chest? Lionel stepped closer and brushed Elyes' bangs out of his face.

"That is no excuse. You work hard for me and deserve some gratitude," he said. Lionel then pretended to look hurt. "Unless you don't want the rose?"

Elyes blushed. "Of course I'll accept it, sir." He lowered his face to smell the sweetness of the flower.

"Excellent," Lionel said. He watched Elyes fondly. The smaller man was rather beautiful. It had taken a while before Lionel could admit to himself that he thought that. Elyes looked up. Noticing Lionel was watching him, he blushed pink and turned to look away. Lionel smirked.

"Would you like to come sit with me in the garden?" he offered. Lionel nearly held out his arm for Elyes as he would with a woman, but refrained.

Elyes' eyes beamed. "I would love to, sir."

Lionel smiled and led the way back to the garden. He found a rather small stone bench and sat down. Lionel gestured to Elyes to sit beside him. Elyes sat on the opposite end of the bench.

"Is there anything you would like me to do, sir? I feel a bit useless just sitting here." Since the incident with the fireplace a few months ago, Elyes had begun to speak more openly with his master.

"No, I just want to sit here with you," Lionel replied. Because the bench was so small their legs brushed against one another. Lionel glanced over at Elyes.

"Are you liking it here?" he asked.

Elyes smiled. "I am. It's nice not to have people constantly mocking my hair. And it's nice to have the pleasure of serving you, sir." His blue eyes raised to look at his master. Lionel nearly lost it at the images that last comment brought to mind.

"I don't see why they would mock your hair. It's beautiful," he said, to busy trying not to think impure thoughts to noticed what he had let slip. Elyes smiled, oblivious to his master's discomfort.

"I am different, sir. People associate different with wrong." He raised his eyes to watch the puffy clouds slowly slide across the sky.

"Well, then I must say they are rather dim witted," Lionel commented. He hesitated, then leaned over to whisper in Elyes' ear, "You are very beautiful."

Elyes froze. Had his master really just say that? He turned to face Lionel, his eyes riddled with confusion and his face tinted pink. "Excuse me, sir?"

Lionel was now rather embarrassed, but he wouldn't take it back.

"I said you are very beautiful," he repeated.

Elyes blushed a shade of red that matched his hair and looked away. "T-Thank you, sir..."

Lionel took a quick glance around. Seeing no-one around, he lifted Elyes' hand up and kissed the back of it. He certainly hoped Elyes wouldn't reject it.

Elyes turned in surprise. "S-sir, forgive me, but I think you are forgetting I am a man..." He tried to force his cheeks to return to their normal colour and stop the butterflies in his stomach, but his efforts were in vein. Lionel lowered Elyes' hand, but didn't let go.

"I haven't forgotten. However, if I am making you uncomfortable I will stop," he said. It had taken some personal struggling to come to terms with the fact he was attracted to another man, but Elyes was too cute to resist.

Elyes contemplated if his master was indeed making him uncomfortable. He hid behind his bangs again. "You aren't making me uncomfortable, sir..."

Lionel smiled and moved Elyes' bangs away.

"Then…may I kiss you properly?" he asked hopefully. Elyes' heart jumped. Why did his master want to kiss him? And more importantly, did he want Lionel to kiss him? Elyes twiddled the rose in his hand and chewed nervously on his lip. Lionel slowly moved back. It seemed like he had made Elyes uncomfortable with his request.

"I apologize. It was rather sudden of me to ask that," Lionel apologized. Elyes wasn't sure if he wanted the kiss or not. He had never been asked for a kiss, let alone by another man.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Y-You are my master, sir. You shouldn't feel the need to ask permission from me..."

Lionel frowned.

"I wouldn't force you into doing something you don't want to with me. Do…do you think I would do that to you?" he asked. Lionel certainly hoped Elyes didn't think so lowly of him.

Elyes quickly shook his head and looked up at Lionel. "No, sir, of course not!" He shrunk back. "I-I just thought it odd that you would ask my permission for something you wanted..."

Lionel took both Elyes' hands in his own.

"I like you very much, Elyes. I won't pursue you if you don't want me to," he told him, expression serious. Elyes blushed at his master's confession.

Elyes raised his head and shut his eyes. "Y-You may...sir..."

Lionel smiled and leaned in. He pressed his lips gently to Elyes' and cupped the back of his head. Elyes' heart jumped. Lionel's lips were so soft, not that he had anyone else's to compare them to. He wanted to move closer but he didn't want to push his luck, so he kept stock still.

Lionel had kissed a fair share of maidens in his life, but kissing Elyes was far better. However, when Elyes didn't respond he pulled back.

"Was that alright?" Lionel asked. Elyes' eyes fluttered open, his face red. He had somehow forgotten his voice. So he nodded. Lionel smiled in relief, then leaned in a lightly kissed Elyes' cheek.

"You are adorable when you blush, Elyes," he said with a small chuckle.

Elyes smiled, embarrassed, and touched his cheek. "I don't mean to always do it, sir."

"Why are you apologizing? I like seeing you blush," Lionel said. He was overjoyed that Elyes was allowing his advances, so much so that he couldn't stop smiling. Elyes blushed more. He fiddled with the rose.

"I-I just..." Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure himself why he was apologizing. Lionel chuckled and kissed him again. He slid his arm around Elyes' waist and gently pulled him closer. Elyes couldn't keep the blush from his face. He wasn't sure what to do though, so he kept silent and still.

Lionel lightly licked along Elyes' bottom lip, silently asking for entrance. Elyes blinked then cautiously parted his lips, not sure if that was to correct response or not. Lionel slipped his tongue inside and gently touched Elyes'. He didn't want to move to fast, but kissing Elyes was addicting. Elyes' tongue moved forward slightly to nudge Lionel's; caution and uncertainty riddled throughout his actions. Lionel placed his hand on Elyes' hip and caressed the roof of his mouth with his tongue. After a few moments he pulled back. Elyes leaned forward slightly, not wanting to kiss to end. His eyes fluttered open and he blushed, quickly pulling back. Lionel smiled. He leaned his forehead against Elyes' and gently stroked his cheek with the backs of his fingers. Elyes sighed deeply at the gentle touch.

Lionel yawned as the rays of sunlight woke him up. He blinked a little and looked down to where Elyes was curled up against his side, head on his bare chest. Lionel grinned and very gently stroked Elyes' beautiful red hair. Elyes' breath was slow and even as he continued to sleep. He groaned once then cuddled closer to Lionel, the blankets draping off his back and hip. Lionel slid his hand down to rub Elye's smooth, pale back. He felt like the luckiest man alive. Lionel kissed the top of Elyes' head and sighed contentedly. If only they could stay like this forever.

Elyes stirred and opened his eyes. They widened when he realized where he was. Had he...slept with his master?! Lionel could tell by the change in breathing Elyes had woken up.

"Good morning," he said happily. Elyes sat up, the blanket pulled up over his chest. He did... He had slept with his master. He hung his head at himself for doing such a disgusting deed. However, he didn't feel unclean. Lionel saw the expression on Elyes' face and his own smile fell. He sat up.

"Elyes? What is wrong? Do you…regret what we did?" Lionel asked in concern. Had he been too rough? Did Elyes decide he didn't want to be with him anymore? Elyes was so conflicted. He had enjoyed the night, but it was wrong. But he loved being with Lionel, but it was wrong. He shouldn't be with a man, he should be with a woman. But he found he was attracted to his master. Lionel sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. So Elyes regretted it? Now what would he do? He moved the blankets back and got out of bed. Lionel began searching for Elyes' clothes. Elyes felt like crying, he didn't know what to do and he couldn't ask for help.

Lionel noticed that Elyes looked ready to cry. He wanted to comfort him, but how? If he was disgusted by what they did…Lionel dropped Elyes' clothes on the bed.

"Elyes. I care for you a great deal, so I do not want you to be unhappy. If you really, truly do not want to be with me, then…then we can forget it happened and you can go now. But, if you want to stay…with me, then say so," he told him. It would break his heart of Elyes left, but he wouldn't force him to stay. Elyes started to panic. The last thing he wanted was to hurt his master's feelings.

"I...I don't know, sir..." Elyes felt awful. He cared about Lionel immensely, but he wasn't sure if he cared in the same way. Lionel sat on the bed and placed his head in his hands.

"Don't call me sir, please," was all he could say at that point. Lionel wanted to tell Elyes he should have made his decision before agreeing to sleep with him, but, that wouldn't be fair. Lionel held back a growl. Did Elyes only agree to anything because he thought if he refused he would be fired? Had he made him think that? Lionel had been sure he had gotten his point across several times it was up to Elyes and that he wouldn't push him into anything.

Elyes looked at Lional. "B-but I work for you, it would be improper for me to refer to you any other way, sir-." Elyes bit his bottom lip, trying to obey. Lionel looked back at him.

"You are not working now. If…If you decide to stay in private I would prefer for you to use my name," he said. Lionel wanted to pull Elyes to him and hold him and kiss him, but he didn't. He wanted to tell Elyes he loved him, but he refrained from that too. Elyes still hadn't told him he didn't regret it, or that he wanted to stay.

Elyes nodded his head once. "Yes si- Lionel..."

Lionel shifted so he could look at Elyes properly.

"Elyes…after everything, why are you still so hesitant?" he asked.

"I've never been with anyone, L-Lionel. And this is...very strange and foreign to me." Blue eyes locked with brown. Lionel gave him a small, reassuring smile.

"I can understand that," he said. Lionel gestured for Elyes to come closer. Elyes moved closer, trying to keep the blanket covering himself. Lionel gently grabbed Elyes' arm and pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him while keeping the blanket up for Elyes' sake.

"I want to make you happy. I will do anything I can to make your doubts go away. I will wait for as long as it takes before we do this again. If you never want to, I will do that to. But I need you in my life, Elyes," Lionel told him. Elyes blushed at his master's speech. It had hit home directly. Elyes looked into Lionel's eyes. There was no way such a thing could be wrong when it felt so right.

He leaned his head into Lionel's chest. "I won't leave...Lionel."

Lionel experienced a rush of relief and he kissed the top of Elyes' head.

"Thank you," he sighed, grinning from ear to ear. Lionel gently stroked Elyes hair and thanked god he got to stay with him. Elyes leaned into the gentle touch and sighed. Lionel gazed at Elyes adoringly. He knew it would be difficult to keep their relationship hidden, but he would do anything to protect Elyes and keep him from harm. Lionel didn't care if this was frowned upon by God or the Church. Elyes was more important than any of that.

Elyes pulled back slightly, locking eyes with Lionel. "Should I be getting to work, Lionel?"

Lionel sighed and smiled.

"You probably ought to," he replied, giving him a quick kiss. "I need to meet with my father soon anyway."

Elyes smiled and nodded. "What would you like me to do first?"

Lionel thought for a moment, after last night something strenuous would be a bad idea.

"Why don't you let the cooks know they should begin making breakfast for now?" he said. Elyes nodded. He reached over to grab his clothes, the blanket falling completely off him. Lionel smirked and ran his hand over Elyes' backside.

"If you're not careful we may never leave this bed," he chuckled. Elyes jumped, turning and exposing himself further. He fumbled with the blanket, trying to cover himself again, his face red from embarrassment. Lionel laughed and kissed him before getting up and grabbing his own clothes. He just couldn't help himself, seeing Elyes blush was cute. Elyes smiled shyly and pulled on his clothes. As he left, he boldly stepped up to Lionel and hugged him. Lionel grinned and hugged him back. He kissed Elyes' temple and then, regretfully, pulled back. Lionel would have held Elyes forever if possible. Elyes left for the kitchen; however, on his way out of Lionel's room, one of the maids was walking by and noticed the young man leave the master's bedroom.

After his meeting with his father, Lionel went searching for Elyes. He knew it was dangerous to flirt with him during the day and such, but he didn't want to wait much longer. Lionel grinned, he wanted to spend time with Elyes as much as possible. Elyes was in Lionel's quarters, he was trying to reach the top of the tall bedposts with a cloth. Lionel finally checked his chambers and smiled when he spotted Elyes. He snuck up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Hello," he said jovially. Elyes gasped at the sneak attack.

"Ah! Oh, hello, sir." He giggled slightly. He hadn't realized how good it felt to have Lionel's arms around him. Lionel kissed his neck.

"I do love to see you stretch like that," he murmured into his ear, grinning cheekily. Elyes blushed.

"Lionel, stop. What if someone sees us?" Elyes wanted nothing more than to allow his master to continue but they had to be careful. Lionel sighed, but stopped.

"Even if someone were to, I would make sure they never said anything. And even if they did, I would take any punishment as long as they left you alone," he promised.

Elyes was touched. "Is that true, Lionel?" Maybe he did care for his master more than professionally...

Lionel smiled.

"Every word," he replied. He would have told him how much he loved him then, but it was so soon, and he didn't want to scare Elyes off. Elyes hugged Lionel tightly.

"I love you, Lionel-" Elyes jumped back and slapped his hand over his mouth. Was that too soon? Lionel's eyes widened in shock. A grin spread across his face and he pulled Elyes back to him.

"I love you too, Elyes," Lionel said, gazing into his deep blue eyes. Elyes' heart flipped in his chest. He snuggled closer to Lionel. Lionel wrapped his arms around him protectively and rather possessively. He stroked Elyes' hair lightly.

"I will always love you, Elyes," Lionel sighed.

Elyes sighed. "I should get back to work, sir." He absent-mindedly scratched at his arm. Lionel would have pouted, if he were that sort of person, but he didn't.

"I suppose you should," he agreed, giving him a final peck on the cheek. He had to get to his fencing practice anyhow.

Later that night they were curled up in bed. Lionel had spooned up against Elyes and was busy kissing his shoulder and neck. Elyes gave a quiet moan, loving the warm touches Lionel's lips left. Lionel curled closer, when he felt something odd against Elyes' back. He moved back a bit and looked down.

"Elyes, did you get hurt? There are some odd marks on your back," Lionel asked. Elyes turned to look behind him.

"I don't think so." He groaned and scratched at the small of his back, his fingernails scraping off skin. "Ow..."

Lionel's eyes widened.

"Elyes, stop," he said, moving his hand away. He didn't want Elyes to scratch any more skin off. The marks were rather small and red. "Do they itch? Maybe you accidentally touched some poison oak out in the gardens today."

"Yes, they do itch. But they feel hot..." Elyes sat up and tried to touch the spots but grimaced. "Ow." He had scratched enough skin off to make the spots burn when touched. Lionel sat up.

"Elyes, we should have those inspected," he told him. Lionel was very worried now. That was definitely not poison oak. Whatever it was looked dangerous. Elyes turned to face Lionel.

"No! We'll get in trouble for being like this. I'm ok, I promise." Elyes gave a smile and hid the pain he felt in his back. Lionel frowned in concern.

"I can come up with a story for them. I don't want you to be in pain. What if it is something serious, Elyes?" he asked.

"I'm not in pain, Lionel. Don't worry." Elyes smiled. Lionel settled back down.

"Are you sure?" he persisted.

Elyes nodded and leaned into Lionel. "Yes, I'm sure, Lionel."

Lionel sighed and wrapped his arms around Elyes, being careful not to touch the marks.

"Fine. But you are to take things easy until they go away," he told him. Though Elyes said he was okay, Lionel couldn't help but worry.

"Yes, Lionel." Elyes snuggled closer and sighed. After all, it was probably just poison oak.

Elyes was outside enjoying the warm summer air. He scratched gingerly at his back as he picked some of the wildflowers for Lionel's room. Lionel was nearby, watching. Ever since the discovery of the strange marks a week back he had felt the need to keep an eye on Elyes. He seemed fine enough, but Lionel just wanted to be sure. Elyes turned and noticed Lionel.

He humphed and walked up to him. "Lionel, I told you, I'm fine. You don't need to hover."

Lionel smiled.

"I know, but I can't help it if I'm worried. I love you," he replied. Elyes smiled back and chuckled.

"Alright." He held up the flowers he had picked. "Will these be okay for your room, sir?"

"They're perfect," Lionel said, giving Elyes a quick kiss. Elyes smiled as he held out the flowers. Then, his eyes glazed over and his smile dropped. Lionel stiffened.

"Elyes?" he asked worriedly. Elyes dropped the flowers, his eyes no longer seeing Lionel. Lionel gripped Elyes' shoulders.

"Elyes!" he exclaimed. What was happening? Elyes' body gave out and he collapsed to the ground, his entire body shaking violently. Lionel swore and picked him up. He ran as fast as he could into the manor. Lionel ran to his room and set Elyes on the bed. He need to get help, but he didn't want to leave him alone. Lionel paced for a moment before kneeling by the bed. Others always said praying helped. Lionel took Elyes hand in his own and began to pray for Elyes to be okay.

Elyes' body continued to jerk and shake for another minute then, just as suddenly as it had started, stopped. Elyes lay motionless on the bed. Lionel looked up, eyes wide.

"No…" he whispered, tears beginning to gather in his eyes. Lionel shouted, "Elyes! No!"

Elyes' breathing was very shallow and a trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. Lionel shook his head.

"Elyes, please, I love you. Be okay!" he begged, voice cracking slightly in desperation. Elyes' body was limp but he kept breathing. Shallow, but it was still breathing.

Lionel knelt by Elyes' side for what felt like forever, praying for him to be alright. He didn't know what he would do if Elyes died. Why hadn't he insisted on having him checked out? Elyes breath was heavy and strangled. Those red spots on his back had manifested to his entire body and had turned black. Most of his body was wrapped in bandages to hide his tissue degenerating. His blue eyes and red hair had lost their luster and he looked positively sickly. Lionel couldn't stop the tears this time.

"Elyes…please," he whispered. Elyes' eyes opened slightly.

Groaning with pain, he turned his head to look at Lionel. "Li...on...el...I...love...you..."

Lionel sprang up and clutched both Elyes' hands.

"Elyes! I love you too! I love you so much!" he exclaimed. Eyes' breathing slowed and came to a halt; his eyes fogged over and his head tilted to the side. Lionel was in shock.

"No. No! Elyes! Elyes, I love you! Please don't be dead!" he sobbed. Lionel buried his face in the crook of Elyes' neck. "Please, Elyes. I'll do anything! Anything! …Please."

"Anything? I suppose I might take you up on that offer," a mild voice said from behind. Lionel sat up and spun around. A man with short dirt-blonde hair, a scruff of a beard, and pale blue eyes was staring at him.

"Who are you!?' Lionel demanded, getting to his feet. How dare this man just, show up and not help. The man looked bemused.

"I came to help. You asked right? My name is Lucifer," the man said, giving a small smirk. He then looked over Elyes and clucked his tongue sadly. "Poor thing. I can see why you wanted to save him." Lionel's eyes widened. Lucifer? The Devil?

"The Devil came to help me? Really? Why?" Lionel asked suspiciously, trying to wipe away his tears.

"You two fascinate me, that's why."

Lionel frowned.

"So…do you want my help or not?" Lucifer asked.

"What do I have to do?" Lionel replied. Lucifer smiled.

"Smart boy. There is, unfortunately, always a price. For something like this…well, you need to pay a lot. To bring him back to life, I will make you a demon. You will forget everything, but he will live a full life," Lucifer explained. Lionel nearly refused, but stopped and looked over at Elyes. His beautiful Elyes. Lionel would do anything for him. And he meant anything. He turned back to Lucifer.

"Will he remember?" he asked. Lucifer smiled sadly.

"No," he replied. Lionel nodded, then took a deep breath.

"Deal," he said. Lucifer smiled and nodded.

"Excellent. I look forward to having you in my ranks," Lucifer said with a grin. He walked over to Elyes and pressed a finger to his forehead. There was a momentary blue glow, then he turned back to Lionel.

"He will wake up good as new in the morning, with no memory of you. Now it's your turn," Lucifer said. Lionel accepted it. Lucifer placed both hands on either side of his head and blackness overtook him.

The next morning, Elyes awoke, his illness was completely gone and he was healthy once more. Though something felt off, he continued with his life which he filled with different odd jobs till he met a woman named Mary who he eventually married. He kept getting the nagging feeling that something was missing from his life... Something he loved... Elyes and Mary had three beautiful children and though were very happy together, Elyes couldn't help but feel it wasn't exactly what he wanted. Mary eventually died of pneumonia. A few months later, on the same day he met Lionel, Elyes passed away of old age. The last thing he saw as his eyes slipped close was a tall man with long silver hair.

"Ehehehehe….This is going to be fun," was the last thing Elyes heard as his life came to an end.