Hello everyone~ Yes, I am alive and I am so very sorry for neglecting my Black butler stories T.T. Recently I got more into another anime, so my drive to write this has diminished. That said, I do promise to try to update more often. I just have to get back into my love for Black butler XD

It seemed as though Sebastian was indeed correct for assuming that that night would be long, for it was precisely that. Actually, saying it was long was quite the understatement. It was horrendously tedious and the raven daresay that he would have rather put up with Grell for a day rather than stay the night in that dingy establishment, however he did promise Claude that he would remain and he was a man of his word. He knew that that fact would one day backfire on him and it seemed as though that day was today.

The spider and his mate sat in the plum hair male's room, both laid out on the bed silently. Neither had the valor to start a conversation nor did they know exactly what to say to the other. For all they knew the walls had ears, leaving them to dwell only in one another's arms with nothing but the irritating lull of night. Never before had he wanted to hear something, anything, so much.

Heaving a dramatic sigh, the Trancy butler plucked his glasses off, slipping them onto the bedside table before turning to look at his slightly smaller lover. The raven was laying beside him, a stoic expression on his pale face as he absent-mindedly stared out at the far purple wall, although Claude knew that his mind was racing. To be honest he did not blame the red eyed demon in the slightest for feeling unease, after all, his father was not exactly the most welcoming individual in the world. He was far from it, actually.

Not that that came as a surprise to him. In fact it was quite the opposite. For as long as he could remember, which was quite far, mind you, his father was always ruthless and selfish, a cold-hearted male who's only goal in life was to sedate his endless lust and greed. His dear mother was a victim in that matter.

His mother... That was a bit of a sore spot to the spider demon and he found himself once more suppressing the urge to take Sebastian and just leave the manor, to hell with gaining his father's approval. If only he truly processed the audacity to do such a thing, however he knew as well as his father that he did not. Anyone who spoke back to his dad was dealt with accordingly, he learned that from the death of his mother. Watching your own mom die before your eyes by your father really was enough to make you feel hollow and scared.

"This is... A lovely estate, it is of excellent craftsmanship and truly a work of great art." Sebastian stated idly, his gaze flickering to the taller male for a moment before returning to the wall, causing Claude to finally snap out of his dangerous thoughts. Sebastian always did seem to enjoy admiring well made objects, even though he wasn't really a materialistic man.

"Yes, it has been standing for thousands of years," The Trancy butler agreed, "My father had the greatest of demons craft it for him before I myself was even born."

"I see. Then it is no wonder that you are knowledgable as a butler. You had prior exposure to the more intricate side of fancy affairs. An interesting home."

"I suppose you could say that, although I would never go so far as to refer to this place as a true home," The spider's voice dropped slightly as he aimlessly ran his fingers through black locks, his eyes concentrating on the bed sheets below them, "From what my young master has informed me, a home is a building of which one enjoys going and harvests fond memories of. I hold neither for this wrecked place."

It was true, for Claude there was nothing about this house that held the tiniest ounce of meaning to him. It was his father's property and therefore something that he detested with every fiber of his being.

"On that note, may I inquire as to what your childhood was like, Allech?"

Chancing a small, hollow chuckle the raven tapped his finger against his chin and closed his eyes,

"Ah yes, you may inquire all you wish, however I'm afraid there is not much to tell. I cannot say I lived quite as extravagant as my Young Master nor can I say that I detested my place of raising as much as you. I wandered both hell and earth for a long while, learning to fend for myself." He paused for a moment before looking up at his mate, "Do not take me wrong, I do not wish to gain your pity. Quite the opposite, in fact. I received numerous experiences during my travels, experiences that I would never have been able to have had I been tended to by parents. While they were not all wonderful they made me how I am today and, at the risk of being arrogant, I daresay that I have become a respectable demon."

"I would have to agree, Michaelis," The plum haired male's voice was soft with teasing, "Although I see that that humble disposition you hold as a butler is quite the illusion."

"Many aspects of my butler attitude is a mere ploy, dear spider. Do not attempt to play innocent, for I am well aware that you too are much different than that emotionless oaf that you pretend to be around your master. From what I have seen you are, for lack of a better word, rather caring. Quite a change, no?"

Rolling his eyes, the golden eyed man cracked a small smile and kissed the other's pale forehead gently,

"Perhaps I am. But, only around you in secrecy. I mustn't allow my reputation to be tarnished."

"Indeed." The red eyed demon shifted slightly before glancing over at the far window, the countless questions within him starting to bug him immensely, although he held his tongue. He did not want to risk accidentally offending his new mate.

As if he sensed the other's wandering thoughts, which as Sebastian thought about it he might just have due to the link they held, the usually bifocaled male spoke,

"I suppose I should apologize for my father's earlier actions. I wish I could say that this was not how he usually behaves, but I believe that you wouldn't believe me, which you have every right not to. I also do not wish to begin our relationship with a series of lies, so if I may, I would like to tell you the truth now to avoid any future conundrums."

The raven nodded.

"Now then, my father, as you have no doubt already figured out, is a member of the highest class of hell, outranked by really only satan himself. It is because of that position that he adorned his... Shall I say, rude disposition. He is manipulative and greedy, wanting everything that he cannot have. To be honest, I believe the only reason he even really kept me around was to marry me off to a person of a higher ranking when I came of age." Claude paused as he let out a small sigh and ran his fingers through his hair, seemingly pulling his thoughts together before continuing, "Currently he has not found a family noble enough to waste his time on, so I have been free for quite a while now. I brought you here in hopes that he will accept you and, in turn, allow us to be together instead of arranging a marriage with another."

He glanced over at his mate, who gave him his full attention,

"But regardless of what happens do not, under any circumstances listen to a word he says. He is sneaky and underhanded. He lacks morals and will use any trick in the book to fool you into bending to his will. I am well aware that you are a smart man, Allech, but even so I would not feel right unless I informed you of this. That is why I must insist that you stay around me for as long as we remain here. Is that understood?"

The raven tilted his head to the side, a pale finger coming up to prod his chin lightly,

"Yes, I suppose it is. My, this has become quite the interesting visit, I suppose lacking parents may be a blessing in disguise then."

"Perhaps..."

Silence drifted between them after that, neither feeling the need to break the peace with useless words, instead they stayed like that, laying together, their minds wandering from one thing to another as they allowed the night to pass by them. In seemingly no time at all the first traces of sunlight began to peek out of the horizon, announcing the soon arrival of morning and with it, the start of what would no doubt be a very hectic day.

Well, this chapter came out alright, I can't say I'm completely content with it, but I know it's been too long since I have updated, so I don't make you guys wait any longer XD Anyway, this gives you a bit more insight to Claude's upbringing and the nature of his father.

Now, for the questions at hand.

What exactly will happen now? Will his father accept his relationship or take it upon himself to change it up a bit? Who knows! Well, I do, and you will too in the next update! Probably!