A/N: Just to clear things up before you read; this chapter is in Claude's POV. :)
"Her condition was never severe to begin with," I assured an interested couple. I must admit, my role as doctor was growing on me. I had never been given much freedom when under a contract. This was, frankly, refreshing. "She has indeed made a full recovery."
"Well, it's a miracle," sighed the woman. She almost looked genuinely happy.
"Indeed," I agreed. I glanced around the room, searching for my young mistress. I could not find her in the sea of faces, but I did notice one of the bay windows by the balcony was slightly cracked open. I could try my chances out there. "If you'll excuse me," I said, bowing slightly to the man and woman, "I'm afraid I must rejoin my young mistress."
I weaved my way through the mass of bodies, arriving quickly at the window. Hardly anyone noticed as I slipped out onto the balcony. I suddenly saw the appeal; the moon shone brilliantly and the air was cool and crisp. It was such a wonderful contrast from the stuffy heat inside. Indeed, Dahlia Grimm was out on the balcony. She leaned lazily against the banister, glancing casually over her shoulder as I approached.
"I only needed a breath of fresh air," she explained before I could ask. I joined her, leaning my back to the banister. "I'd forgotten how stuffy these balls could be," she said, laughing a little. It was only now, when I was up close, that I noticed the slight shine of tears on her cheeks. Some emotion stirred in me, I suppose it was concern, although I wasn't too familiar with the sensation.
"I think you're handling the situation quite well," I said, running a gloved hand across her cheek. She stiffened at my touch at first, though eventually warmed to the sensation. "None of the other guests see these tears." I smiled softly. She looked at me, her proud violet eyes filled with thousands of emotions.
"But you do," she said softly. She looked down at her hands, unable to face me. My mistress was not one to show much emotion, especially not around me. I found it odd, yet at the same time I understood. Why bother baring your soul to a being who merely exists to devour it? Yet, that was the beauty of a contract. Through servitude, I got to know a soul, to really see what that soul was like, before it became a permanent part of me. The contents of Miss Grimm's soul were so mysterious and intriguing; I suppose it bothered me that I couldn't see them, that she was reluctant to share herself with me. She had some sort of barrier up, a barrier I couldn't break down no matter how hard I tried. I had already noted that she was quite headstrong and independent; she hated to appear weak to anyone, most of all me.
"I thought that was why I was here," I said, softly.
"What do you mean?" she asked, looking back up at me again.
"You can only hide behind a mask for so long, my lady," I said softly. This was a lesson I had indeed learned well. "Yet you wear yours constantly. The mask may change around different people, but it's still a mask. I'm here so you can take that mask off. There is no need to hide your true self from me."
Dahlia's expression softened. She threw her arms around my waist, and it was my turn to stiffen. I hadn't imagined that she would ever feel comfortable enough to touch me of her own accord. We only touched in public, and only in a way that was appropriate for a doctor and his patient.
Her arms were gentle and her skin warm. Her scent was sweet, yet it seemed dampened by sorrow. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders as though it would erase some of her pain. She rested her head against my stomach, silent for several moments.
"Sometimes, I think I forget who my true self is," she whispered. "Sometimes, when I remember, I don't think there's anyone who would like what I am. Even you." She lifted her head, and her glistening violet eyes gazed into mine. I felt an odd need to comfort her.
"My lady-" I began.
"-You only stay because you're here for my soul," she said, tears spilling down her cheeks once more. "I'm like a caged animal at the zoo, interesting until I've been studied for five minutes. When they're bored, they'll all leave me."
"My lady," I repeated softly. I knelt down to her level, taking her face in my hands. With my thumbs I wiped away the fresh layer of tears that had been spilt down her cheeks. "I will never leave you, even after the contract is complete and your soul is mine." I kissed her forehead, a burning sensation stinging my lips at our contact. "And what about your father? He wouldn't leave you. I've lived through plenty of human centuries. I think I know what love looks like."
"You think me childish," she laughed sadly, guessing my thoughts. "I suppose you're right. I'm childish because I worry all the time, childish because I want attention, childish because I never want to be alone." She bit her lip and stared down at her knees. "If nothing else, I want your attention and companionship for the rest of my days. I cannot bear to lose another companion." Though her words were barely above a whisper, I had never heard anything so clearly in my life. It was as though I could feel the barriers around her soul come crashing down.
Initially, I was unsure of how to respond to the girl. As a demon, I was used to the awe of humans. Yet this girl seemed to revere me more than anything. She showed me incredible amounts of respect and acknowledged that I was her superior. It was something I had never experienced. Perhaps I was getting a taste of what humans felt around me. Most of my masters were not used to someone serving them wholeheartedly, devoting their existence to their every whim, or displaying great amounts of power. Dahlia was rendering me just as awestruck; I was not used to kindness or respect, I was used to being ordered around.
"My lady," I said, "The things you desire from me, you already have in your possession. I am your loyal slave; you have my attention every waking moment. As for leaving you, I can promise you I shall not. Even when your days end, I shall still be at your side."
"Thank you," she whispered, her cheeks dusted with a natural blush. She leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss upon my cheek. It burned pleasantly. She took the opportunity to hurriedly brush away any remaining wetness on her cheeks. Though I had successfully crashed through all of the barriers she had put up, she sighed and slipped on her mask again. Her face was adorned with a radiant smile, and her eyes were lit with laughter.
"Well then, Doctor Faustus," she said, offering her hand to me with a smile. "Would you like to teach me how to dance?"
As I accepted the girl's hand, I became aware of one thing: I was just as much in awe of Dahlia Grimm as she was in awe of me.
A/N: Okay, explaination time. Previous to writing this, I was re-watching Kuro II (because I do that when I'm bored). The last part of the 1st episode kind of caught my attention. For those of you who don't remember (because don't lie, we all kind of try to block season two from our memories... 'cause the ending SUCKED.), at the end of the first episode, Alois is begging Claude to stay with him because he doesn't want to be alone. Then Claude tells him he won't leave him and he only wants to desire\devour his master... C: Anyway, this was one of the first times I realized Claude shows some actual emotion. So, I figured I'd throw a bit of that in here too, though I didn't do it as well. Claude may seem a little OOC for a while, but all will be explained, I promise. I'm kind of trying to explain why he's so detached in Kuro II. But I won't say any more, because I don't want to give anything away. :)
Also, apologies that this got out so late. I was up to my neck in projects, papers, and assignments. My teachers all believe that it is socially acceptable to pile on homework before a holiday. Obviously they don't get out much. ;)
A great big GRACIAS to Kendall Queen of Awesomeness, who is indeed, awesome! I couldn't thank you through PM, so I'll do it here. :) Also, huge thanks to all of those who have added this story to their favorites or alerts. You guys all rock. Seriously. :)