A/N: New arc! This is the final arc and I'm really excited for it haha. I apologize for not getting to reviews from last chapter, the past two weeks have been extremely busy, with meetings and climbing my last two mountains. I'll get to them tomorrow though! Thank you everyone for your support so far on this story, it means a lot to me and I'm very grateful. I hope everyone enjoys the chapter and the new arc ^^
Many, many, many thanks to Kitty Gets Loose for reading through this story and giving me advice. And to Imperial Mint for encouraging me along the way ^^
Warnings: Language
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji
As a rule: Guilt is anger directed at ourselves - at what we did or did not do. Resentment is anger directed at others - at what they did or did not do ~ Peter McWilliams
Ciel groaned lowly as he sat in his science class, lamenting that the new term had started already. The beginning of a school term never changed and Ciel found himself, not for the first time, missing the ranch. At least there, he could work on his homework in the comforts of Sebastian's study or in the kitchen while Sebastian made dinner.
The day after he turned in his papers, Ciel traveled back to the ranch for the remainder of summer break. For six days, he enjoyed the peace and comfort that the ranch offered until he had to return late Tuesday night. Alois though, wasn't so lucky and went back to work the day after they returned to campus.
Ciel shifted in his seat and couldn't bring himself to care about the lecture. He had stopped listening a little over fifteen minutes ago and instead, let his mind wander. He didn't care about how rocks formed or what their names were. They held no importance to him and he only took the class for an easy 'A'. Rocks were rocks and that's all Ciel cared about. They were hard and hurt when someone threw one at you. Simple as that.
Sighing, Ciel turned his attention back to his computer and looked over the picture Sebastian sent him that morning. His mare, because that's all Ciel could call her, was sniffing a familiar black kitten perched on a railing, ears perked forward and curious. Ciel had saved the picture right away and Ciel found it endearing, thinking that Sebastian was the kitten and he was the mare. Of course, that made them both female but it was the idea that counted in the end.
It made him miss the ranch even more and Ciel wished he could have seen the two animals in person. No doubt, if Ciel were there, Sebastian would've devoured his lips seconds after taking the picture. The thought made his chest tighten slightly and Ciel wondered how Sebastian was doing.
It had been almost two days since he left the ranch and already Ciel could feel a familiar longing to return. He firmly pushed away the niggling voice that told him he was getting in too deep and that his emotions were starting to grow too strong towards Sebastian in a way that he hadn't planned for.
Ciel could stop himself before he fell in too deep, or at least that's what he kept telling himself. He didn't want to admit that his feelings had slowly grown and mounted into something that terrified him. Denying those thoughts made it easier than having to deal with the voice in the back of mind that suggested caution, as he grew too close.
The thoughts though didn't stop Ciel from missing Sebastian, and Ciel ran his schedule through his mind, wondering if he could afford to visit during the weekend. It was Thursday and Ciel had one more class before he finished for the day. If Ciel left Austin after his last class and sent Alois to his Friday classes in his place, then Ciel could arrive at the ranch tonight before dinner.
Ciel smirked and slipped his computer into his backpack before he hoisted it onto his shoulder. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Sebastian, asking if he could visit. Minutes passed before Sebastian answered back with an affirmative answer and Ciel smirked as he walked down the steps.
The smirk slipped away from his lips as he walked into the hallway. Ciel predicted a fight when he told Alois of his plans to return to the ranch for the weekend. Alois would want to come as well and would argue that Ciel wasn't acting fair. But so long as Ciel held the debt over Alois, Alois's words were hollow.
Ciel grimaced as he stepped out of the cool building and into the hot morning sun. It was only August and there were still a few more weeks of hot weather but nothing could compare to the record highs they set last year. The roar of traffic around the city was loud and people milled around on the streets as Ciel made his way to his next class, digging out his phone along the way. The crowded streets and smoky smells made the urge to return to the ranch even greater and Ciel brought his phone up to his ear, pressing it tight so he could better.
Alois answered on the third ring and Ciel could tell that Alois had just woken up from a nap. Alois had a class at eight in the morning and another one at eleven along with Ciel. "I'm up," Alois murmured.
"Good, because class starts in ten minutes and we need to talk about tomorrow along with this weekend," Ciel said coolly as he pushed his way into the business building for their next class.
A low groan left Alois's mouth and he stood up from the couch he had been sleeping on before making his way down the hall. "I'm already in the business building so I'll just meet you there."
Ciel nodded and ended the call as he walked up the steps to the floor he needed. They were taking a BCIS class together and Ciel was already looking forward to the lessons they would take later in the semester. The first month or so, they would learn PowerPoint and Excel programs, something Ciel already knew how to work. But the following months, they would run scripts to create sites that ran on more complex codes than the ones he built during the spring semester.
He took a seat in the classroom and didn't have to wait long before Alois plopped down heavily next to him. Ciel glanced at him before pulling out his computer, plugging it into the nearby outlet. "I'm going up to the ranch after this class is over so I need you to take my two classes tomorrow," he stated as he typed in his password.
Alois grunted. "You were just there all last week. Don't you think that I want to see Claude just as much as you want to see Sebastian? I haven't seen him since we left, unlike you who has all this free time to visit Sebastian." Anger filled his voice, mixed with hints of frustration at the current situation. Talking on the phone was good, but Alois wanted more and yearned to feel Claude's body pressed against his own.
"It's sad and unfortunate," Ciel started, sounding not at all sorry. "But you have work and a debt to pay off. Therefore, you don't have the same luxury as me."
"I've noticed," Alois drawled, glaring at his computer screen. "I still don't think it's fair that I can't have the smallest amount of time to go see my boyfriend," he hissed lowly, his anger finally mounting. It was unfair and Ciel knew it, but he refused to do anything to help make the situation any better. Instead, Ciel continued to milk the situation as much as he could, and took advantage of Alois whenever he needed it.
Ciel rolled his eyes and looked at the front of the room as the professor walked in, barely giving them a second glance as he went about logging into the school's network. "Well I don't think it's fair that I have to listen to you complain about this when you were the one who only wanted to use Claude in the first place." He looked at Alois from the corner of his eyes. "Why the change in heart? If you're only using him to make me jealous, which won't work, or to get his attention, then you shouldn't be this passionate and determined to go see him again. Now, why is it that you are, Alois?" Ciel asked curiously.
A part of Ciel knew the answer and waited for confirmation, but a small part of him remained unsure about Alois's true feelings. Alois was a puzzle at times and one that Ciel enjoyed picking apart and putting back together. He knew what made Alois tick; from his cruel nature to the child like personality he kept hidden away in hopes of looking more mature in Ciel's eyes.
All of these things Ciel knew despite Alois's best attempts to hide them from him. But the actions and feelings that Alois showed now were something different from the norm and Ciel had a good idea of what was causing them.
Despite everything that Alois claimed, Alois had fallen hard for Claude. And while it may have started out as an order from Ciel to get close to Claude, it had morphed and grown into something bigger during the summer. Something that Alois wasn't prepared for and had never experienced before.
Because what Alois felt for Ciel was nothing more than desire. A desire to possess and break him. Something that Alois had mistaken for affection and perhaps even love. But what Alois felt for Claude now was the affection and devotion that he had tried to feel for Ciel throughout his life.
It was ironic that Alois had spent years chasing after him and in a matter of months, those feelings had changed and shifted to rest on another person. One that returned those feelings and for once, Alois didn't know what to do. But despite Alois's confusion, he wasn't coming to Ciel for help or talking to him about his problems, leaving Ciel in the dark about what was going on inside Alois's mind.
The silence that Alois gave him now was enough of a hint that something else was going on in Alois's mind and Ciel found that he didn't like that. It meant that he wasn't in control of everything and that there was a chance for a curve ball to appear at the last minute.
"Well?" Ciel prompted again, looking at Alois as the syllabuses moved around the room. "You didn't answer me."
Alois nodded. "I know," he answered and accepted a stack of papers, taking one for himself before handing it to Ciel. He didn't bother to elaborate any further and instead watched as Ciel fumed silently.
Ciel passed the papers behind him and placed his to the side, anger churning low in his stomach. "You're still going to my classes tomorrow and when this thing blows up in your face with Claude, you'll wish that you had talked to me before," he hissed lowly before turning back to his computer as the professor finally started talking; content to ignore Alois for the remainder of the class.
.:|As a Rule|:.
Alois drummed his fingers along the marble desk, ignoring Grell who complained about William being a slave driver. It was nothing new and being back at work felt familiar for him.
He took odd comfort in Grell's off the wall personality, knowing that Grell knew exactly what was going on in his life and that if he needed to talk to him; Grell was always willing to listen. The day Alois started back at work, Grell had practically attacked him, demanding to know what had happened in the remaining weeks at the ranch.
Green eyes were wide and bright as Alois told Grell how he had accepted Claude's offer to date him. The news made Grell smile and Alois felt as though he had chosen the right path with his choice. But now, the confusing thoughts that plagued Alois before had returned and he found himself debating talking to Grell about them.
Because to do so, would be admitting that his feelings for Ciel had practically vanished until they were nonexistent and having Grell confirm that would be the final nail in the coffin for Alois. After this, Alois would no longer bother to think about Ciel as he once had and he would close a chapter in his book.
"Do you think it's possible to be wrong your whole life, only to realize the truth in a short amount of time?" Alois asked, cutting Grell off from his complaining. He glanced out the glass doors where he could see people walking around on the streets and sidewalks, bustling and jostling each other to get where they needed to be.
Grell hummed and propped his head on his palm. "I don't see why not. But the question comes into effect as to whether or not they accept that truth. If they don't, then they would still walk around and believe one thing while disregarding the truth." He chuckled. "But then again, isn't that the way most things in this world work? No one wants to admit that they were wrong and will keep pretending that their decision was correct even when they know it's not. They'll stick with that belief until the day they die in some cases."
Alois shook his head. "There's nothing worse in an argument than realizing that you're wrong halfway through," he quoted and chuckled lightly before sobering once more. "But what if they don't want to accept that truth? Not because they don't wish to be wrong, but instead because they're scared to accept that truth."
"You're thinking about Claude and Ciel again," Grell stated, wanting to clear up any confusion. At Alois's nod, Grell found himself humming softly. "We knew this time would come, and I told you earlier that you would have to face your emotions sooner or later. I believe that you weren't ready for this."
Alois sighed heavily and slumped in his chair. "I took your advice, knowing that I should give Claude a chance as he offered me everything I've always wanted from Ciel. He gave me all that and more. He makes me feel things that I've never felt before. I've never felt these emotions for Ciel before." Another sigh left his mouth and Alois felt his shoulders sag in defeat. "And never once while I was with Claude, did I ever think of Ciel," he admitted.
It felt good to say that aloud. It was the truth and Alois had kept it inside, pondering over it for the past week or two. He had only stayed silent about it because admitting the truth to anyone or saying it aloud would make the thoughts real. Something Alois wasn't ready to face just yet.
"Do you think you no longer feel anything for Ciel?" Grell asked carefully, knowing that it was a delicate question considering how long Alois had chased after Ciel. "You know that there's nothing wrong with that and no one will judge you for feeling that way." Alois needed reassurance that there was nothing wrong with his new feelings before he would admit how he felt.
Alois hesitated as he gathered his thoughts and courage, weighing them and trying to decide if he could say the words or not before he finally nodded. "I think so," he said softly. "I know my feelings for Claude and I care about him, I truly do. Not just for the way he makes me feel or because of the attention he gives me, but I care for his person as well."
Grell's lips pulled into a smile and he bobbed his head. "But by caring for Claude, you no longer care for Ciel the same way. You only see him as a friend and someone who is unworthy of the same feelings that you share with Claude," he stated. "And now you're not sure if that's a good thing or not. If it's the right thing."
Alois nodded twice before looking down at his hands. "Is it okay to stop feeling these things for Ciel and keep feeling what I feel for Claude? Even though my initial intentions weren't honest at the beginning?" He grimaced slightly before the words started to flow once more. "I only grew close to Claude because Ciel told me to, not because I wanted to. And even after that, I stayed with him because I wanted the attention. But now I know what I'm feeling and I care about Claude, despite how everything started out."
"Your worries are understandable," Grell answered and patted Alois on his head, getting a glare for his troubles. "But they are unneeded. You are free to feel anything you want for Claude or anyone for that matter, because Ciel never returned your feelings. There was no relationship between you two and your new feelings for Claude will not hurt Ciel. If anything, if you try to keep pretending that you feel something for Ciel or try to crawl back to him, you'll just end up hurting yourself instead."
The words were harsh but true and Alois found himself nodding. There was no way to get around the truth that sat before his eyes and the only thing he needed to do now was accept the facts. The fact that Alois no longer wanted Ciel and that he liked Claude instead. That he cared for Claude, wanted to make him happy, and that for once, Ciel was no longer in the picture.
"I don't want Ciel anymore," Alois stated for Grell and anyone else to hear. Because it was just something that had to be heard. After years of pinning and chasing after Ciel, Alois was finally breaking free of the path he had followed for years and was creating his own. It was something to be proud of and Alois felt a weight lift off his chest. He could breathe easier and he felt giddy for the first time since everything had started. "And it's okay not to want him anymore."
"Exactly," Grell said, looking at Alois proudly. It was a hard step for Alois to take but he had done it and now Ciel was behind him, no longer there to hinder Alois's every step. And with Claude by Alois's side, Grell had no doubt that things would finally start to look up for Alois. The year was almost over and if their schedule continued, then everything would finish by the years end. "Now, I say we celebrate with some pizza," he said happily reaching for the phone.
"You will do no such thing, Grell Sutcliff," a sharp voice said from a side hallway as Will strode into the foyer. "You are behind on your duties. The contract from that foul beast is still working to right the wrongs from the past and we cannot slack off when there are things we need to prepare for. Until then, you are not allowed to partake in such things and I will not allow you to fall behind because of this deal we were forced into."
A whine left Grell's mouth. "But Will, one thing of pizza isn't going to hurt and we've been working for hours. It's almost dinnertime and I think we should have a reward. Just this once." He batted his eyes, trying to look innocent. "Please."
Will pushed his glasses up on his nose. "I will not cave to such childish actions. You are behind on your duties and that's that," he stated and glanced at Alois. "Your shift is about to end in five minutes and as such, the pizza would just be getting here and I will not sanction overtime to the likes of you."
Alois huffed at the words but was well used to them by now and found that they barely bothered him much anymore. If anything, he found that he looked forward to the things Will would say next as they were always interesting and humorous. He rolled his eyes as Will glared at him before giving one last stern look to Grell. With an annoyed look on his face, he moved back to the elevators, leaving Grell and Alois snorting with laughter.
"He's so stern," Alois said once the elevator doors closed and they were safe again. "He needs to get laid so he learns how to relax. He's way too tense and it can't be good for his health." He shook his head and started gathering his things, knowing that he would get to leave soon and found that he was looking forward to a quiet apartment now that Ciel was gone for the weekend.
Grell chuckled and unlocked a desk drawer before pulling out a black binder and setting it on the counter. "Who knows what his problem is. The only thing I know is that I have to deal with him now that you're leaving, so I hope you feel guilty about going back to your cozy apartment and leaving me here alone with Mr. Grouchypants."
Alois smirked as he hoisted his bag onto his shoulder, looking cruel as he circled around the desk. He paused to lean against the edge of the counter, schooling his face into an innocent looking one before answering. "Not at all," he answered in a singsong voice before pushing away from the edge and prancing to the door.
He was in a good mood as the doors closed behind him and the lighthearted feeling in his chest was still present as he walked back in the summer sun. It was after six and the sun was just starting to set, helping to ease the hot temperatures that plagued the city, but only just.
Ciel had the car though so there was no other option but walking back as Alois didn't want to pay for the bus. Not when it was going to be crowded and hot, and would cost him money that he couldn't afford to spend right now. He was saving every penny he could in hopes that he would be free of Ciel and then perhaps pursue something further with Claude. The thought put a smile on his face and a skip to his step as he continued his walk back home, humming the whole way.
.:|As a Rule|:.
It was close to one on Friday when Alois finally stumbled back into the apartment. His body and mind screamed for mercy after so many classes and Alois ran a hand over his face. Not for the first time, he cursed Ciel for running off to the ranch this weekend and leaving him to deal with his classes. It wasn't fair in the slightest.
His body was tired and unaccustomed to the strain of being a student again. Even though Alois had fallen into the habit of waking up early while working on the ranch, it was easier to stay awake during the day because there was always something going on, always something to do. There was rarely a moment of downtime and since he was always on his feet, Alois found that it was hard to stay groggy as the day passed. It made for a good night's sleep though and ever since they came back, Alois realized that it was hard to fall asleep at night.
Despite the class work and working at the firm during the day, he still had energy left during the night and more often than not, it left him lying awake in bed at night. He called Claude a few times to listen to him talk before telling him good night. And had then pleasured himself to the memory of Claude's voice and his memory.
He wouldn't lie and say that he didn't miss Claude, because he did, but he was making do with what they had for now. If anything, the distance gave them a chance to build the base of their relationship and found it on something more than lust. Alois's attraction to Ciel had been based strictly on that element and it had stayed one sided the entire time, ultimately falling through in the end.
Even though Alois did have feelings for Ciel at one point, they never had a relationship to start with. However, Alois wanted this relationship with Claude to be different. He wanted it to last and hoped that it would, even if they couldn't see each other as much as Sebastian and Ciel could see one another.
The door slammed shut behind him and Alois dropped his bag to the floor with a grunt, not caring about the books that were in there. They were books and able to withstand a beating. He kicked his shoes off and took a step into the living room before freezing, his eyes widening at the figure that sat on the couch.
"Claude?" he breathed and shook his head, because surely he had to be seeing things. There was no way Claude was sitting here in his apartment. "You can't be here."
Claude stood up and smirked, his eyes dancing behind his glasses as he walked closer to Alois. "Is that anyway to greet me after all this time? I would've thought that you'd be happy to see me," he said teasingly and reached out to brush his fingers over Alois's cheek. "Or do you not wish for me to be here?"
"You're really real," Alois murmured, his hand coming up to touch Claude's fingers. It seemed like a dream, as cliché as it sounded, but Alois couldn't think of any other way to describe it. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you, it's just I'm really excited you're here and…" Alois trailed off as he realized he was babbling before standing on his tiptoes to press a kiss to Claude's lips. "Hey," he said simply, wanting to start over.
A low chuckle left Claude's mouth as he looped his arms around Alois's waist and pulled him closer before leaning down to capture Alois's lips in a kiss of his own. Mouths opened and tongues met, curling around each other in a sensual dance that had them both moaning. They broke apart moments later and Claude rested his head against Alois's forehead. "Hey," he answered back, smiling slightly at the joyous laughter that left Alois's mouth. It was nice to hear that sound again and made Claude realize just how much he had missed hearing it.
Alois pulled back from Claude's embrace and led him back to the couch, wanting to sit down. He felt as though he was walking on air and his head was light with all the emotions running through his body. They settled down and Alois leaned against Claude again, enjoying the feeling of Claude's body against his after going without for weeks.
"So why are you here?" He asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Claude shrugged and draped his arm over Alois's shoulder. "To surprise you," he answered and shifted on the couch to get in a better position. "Ciel came to the ranch last night, as I'm sure you know. He arrived around dinnertime and said that he planned to stay until Sunday. I asked what you were doing and he answered that you had classes today and wouldn't be able to come."
"Yeah, classes," Alois murmured, not wanting to mention that they weren't just his classes but Ciel's as well. No doubt Ciel had left that little bit of information out when telling Claude why he couldn't come this weekend. "So you decided to come down to surprise me?"
"I wasn't sure if I could leave at first because of the chores and everything else at the ranch. But Sebastian reassured me that they could handle everything and that it would be okay for me to come down," Claude answered and ran his fingers through blond locks. "I left this morning after helping with the chores and made my way down here to see you. Ciel told me that you had class today and gave me his key so I could let myself in to surprise you."
Alois stared at Claude, barely believing the words that came from Claude's mouth. He didn't understand why Ciel would give Claude his key. Alois doubted that it had anything to do with Ciel feeling sorry for making him go to the classes today. Ciel didn't feel things such as regret and he didn't say sorry. Alois had learned that early on and knew what to expect when it came to Ciel.
Finally, he smirked and shook his head. "Ciel probably wants to spend time alone with Sebastian and having you there would've made that hard and a little awkward for them both." It seemed like a Ciel thing to, never doing something for other people unless it benefited him in the end. It was what made Ciel so cold and cut throat. But by the same principle, Alois was the same way at times. The way he had pulled Claude in and used him for his own advantages was proof enough of his own sadistic and cruel nature.
"You're probably right," Claude answered with a small chuckle. "I saw them devouring each other's faces in the hallway last night and I'm glad that I could get away from that before I ended up stumbling onto something else that would burn my eyes. Or hear something for that matter as well."
Alois pushed at Claude teasingly and stuck his tongue out at him. "That's the only reason why you came down here. To save your sanity. It had nothing to do with seeing or surprising me at all," he joked. "I see how it is now."
Claude pressed closer and pushed Alois down onto the couch, locking his arms so he couldn't move. "Seems you caught me in a lie," Claude purred, his eyes filled with laughter and he knew that Alois could tell he was joking. "How should I make it up to you? Perhaps I should kiss you again? Silence those tempting lips of yours that sing such sweet lies."
"That's a start," Alois murmured and shivered as he felt Claude's fingers trail down his sides. He arched into the touch, silently asking for more. Claude was more than happy to give it to him and it didn't take long before Claude's lips were on his again, making Alois sigh into Claude's mouth.
Their kiss was slower this time, more sensual to make up for the roughness of the first kiss. It was a sigh, a tender touch brought on by the overwhelming feelings of being in each other's arms once more. It overflowed with all the emotions that people took for granted when they simply dated to pass the time. Their emotions conveyed to each other what they couldn't say in words and their actions gave one another the answers they silently sought.
Distance and time is a cruel thing for two people dealing with separation. When one person won't put forth the effort while the other person desperately tries to keep reaching for the other, it spells disaster. A bridge will branch from both ends, but one only stretches so far. The other tries to reach for the smaller bridge but without support, it'll eventually collapse. Then there's nothing but destruction to show for their efforts.
So many times has history seen those bridges collapse and never rebuild themselves.
But those who can meet in the middle are the ones that can stand the test of time and continue to survive despite all the elements thrown at them. And they come about from two people who agree to meet in the middle, sharing the burden of hard times and good times until the bridge that's formed between them is strong and true.
The steadfast determination to keep pushing forward, to conquer the distance that stood between them was what Claude and Alois silently sought from each other. To know that one was willing to walk the distance to meet the other so long as they were in it together. To make the bridge strong between them.
The kiss broke; a soft parting of lips that was barely audible and light blue eyes locked with golden, each searching the other's eyes and finding the answers they sought. It was a quiet gesture, as they searched for answers to their own questions and upon finding them after moments of gazing at each other, leaned down for another kiss.
This time it was rougher, fiercer, but not lacking in the passion that the first two held. It was a steady balance between soft and sensual, rough and lustful, and it sent chills racing down their spines. Nothing could compare to holding the person you cared for after a long time of separation.
Long fingers trailed down Alois's body, coming to rest on slim hips and rubbing circles into the skin. Silently asking but not taking unless Alois gave permission. Alois shivered at the soft touches and closed his eyes, running his lips over Claude's skin just to feel before answering. "Not here," he murmured. "Bedroom."
Claude nodded and sat back slowly, pulling Alois with him until Alois sat in his lap. "Not all the way, not yet," Claude stated, pressing another kiss to Alois's forehead. "Just let me spoil you tonight and give you pleasure that will erase the days past."
Alois whined and pushed his hips forward into Claude's. "Tonight," he gasped. "That sounds good."
"I will take you to the highest pleasures and make you forget the days that we haven't seen each other," Claude muttered, standing up and drawing Alois with him.
Alois's eyes fluttered open and he pressed his head against Claude's chest with a low groan. "I can't. I have work in an hour or so," he said softly, listening to Claude's heartbeat pound against his chest. They couldn't start anything now because he wouldn't want to leave if they did. He was already having a hard enough time convincing himself to go into work today instead of calling in sick. "I have to go in. I can't afford to miss a day. I'm sorry," he murmured, looking downcast.
Claude's arms tightened. "Then we can wait until after work. I have all the time in the world for you this weekend and waiting a few hours for you to finish your shift at work won't kill me." His hands found their way under the soft shirt Alois wore and worked their way up his back. "We still have time before you have to leave so why don't we go get lunch and I'll drop you off after that."
"Lunch sounds nice," Alois admitted and moaned lowly as Claude rubbed at a tight knot in his back. "What'll you do while I'm at work though? I can't imagine that sitting in the apartment all by yourself would be fun."
"I can take a nap while I wait for you," Claude answered and smirked slightly. "Because I know we won't get much of that tonight," he teased and reached down to grope Alois's ass, pleased at the yelp that left his mouth. With the things he planned to do, it would be late before either of them went to bed and Claude planned on continuing that pleasure the following night as well.
Alois pushed at Claude's chest and moved away from his reach. "Pervert," he teased but his eyes told a different story. "I might make you sleep on the couch for that." It was a lie and they both knew it. Alois was far from mad and he showed it to Claude with the way he walked away from Claude, swaying his hips seductively and tossing a coy smirk over his shoulder. The action made Claude's eyes lower with lust and it wasn't long before Alois found himself pinned up against the wall, Claude devouring his mouth with hungry lips and Alois enjoying it the whole time.
.:|As a Rule|:.
Sunday morning dawned late for Alois and he groaned at the bright light that filtered into his bedroom. A comfortable weight draped over his waist and Claude had pulled him flush against his chest. Alois pressed closer to the embrace, refusing to leave despite the heat that passed between them. It was familiar and comfortable, not to mention his body felt sated after the long weekend they spent together.
They didn't have sex as Claude had said, but it didn't mean that they couldn't indulge in other sensual pleasures. And true to Claude's words, he brought Alois to the highest of pleasures that had him shaking and trembling on the bed long after the act finished. Claude had found sensitive spots on his body that Alois never knew existed and Claude had clearly delighted in the reactions that they brought about. Alois's throat was slightly sore and his body ached but Alois wouldn't take any of it back.
Alois branded every action last night to his memory so it would stay with him well after Claude left. He wanted to remember the feeling of Claude's fingers tracing over his body, his tongue licking at patches of skin, and everything else long after Claude left. It would help sustain him in the night when the darkness grew too quiet and Alois ached to have Claude next to him.
Even now, Alois didn't want to think about Claude leaving in a few short hours, even though he knew that it would happen no matter what. School would start the next day and Claude would have to return to work no matter how much both of them wished for him to stay in Austin. Not to mention, Ciel would come back and Alois would rather not have Ciel around the apartment with Claude.
It made things harder to enjoy each other's company and it meant that Claude couldn't randomly push him up against a flat surface and kiss him senseless. While most of the sensual things had happened in the bedroom, the apartment had places where they made out and Alois grinned each time he looked at them, knowing that Ciel would never know what had happened while he was away. It was Alois's dirty little secret with Claude.
Shifting in Claude's grip, Alois turned to face Claude and wiggled closer to him, entwining their legs together in an attempt to keep Claude close to him; never wanting to let him go. It was funny how close he had grown to Claude in such a short period of time but the feelings for Claude had mounted and grown in such a way that Alois couldn't remember how he once felt for Ciel. Ciel was just a thing of the past.
He jumped and held back a moan as teasing fingers trailed down his stomach and ran through his happy trail, stopping just above a certain part of his anatomy. It twitched eagerly, remember everything that had happened in the past few days but Alois's body ached and he found that he wasn't up for another round just yet. "You killed me," he murmured to Claude. "I think I've died and gone to heaven now."
"I told you I would show you such pleasures," Claude purred, sounding pleased with himself. "Next time we see each other; I'll take you to the next level and make you scream with pleasure and delight."
Alois shivered but didn't turn the words down. It gave him something to wait for and something to help pass the days quicker until they could meet again. Almost like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, but hopefully without the tragic ending. "I'll take you up on that offer and hope that you don't disappoint," Alois answered, content with his answer. He had thrown down the gauntlet and Alois knew that Claude would rise to meet the challenge.
Claude chuckled, the sound low and husky in Alois's ear. "Should I surprise you again or should I let you know when I'm coming down next time?" He asked, leaving it up to Alois.
A hum left Alois's mouth. "Tell me next time so that way I can surprise you," he answered and reached forward to brush a piece of hair out of Claude's face before looking at the clock over his shoulder. A soft sigh left his mouth at the time that flashed across the clock and he slowly sat up. "It's late, almost noon. You need to get back soon and Ciel will be on his way home as well."
"I would prefer to stay with you, but you have class and that's more important right now. A chance to get a degree is something you should never throw away," Claude stated and sat up as well. He lingered in the bed for a moment longer before climbing out and searching for his clothes so he could get dressed. Traffic would be bad if he waited any longer and he would rather not have to fight it if he could help it.
Alois watched as Claude dressed slowly, trying to draw out the motions even though in the end, it only gave them a few extra minutes. Alois pulled on his own clothes and ran a hand through his hair to tame the messy locks before following Claude out of the room. He wasn't sure when he could see Claude next, but at least he knew that they could always call each other to help ease the moments of silence between them.
Claude stopped in the living room and dug through his bag before pulling out a small box. "I figured that this would make things easier at times then talking on the phone," he stated, passing the object over to Alois. "Skype is free and with the webcam, we can see each other while talking. I figure it's the next best thing than waiting until the next time to see each other."
A large grin spread across Alois's face and he threw himself into Claude's arms, his chest clenching at what Claude had just provided to him. It was more than thoughtful and he couldn't help but feel lucky for having Claude. Claude treated him with respect and kindness, far more than Alois deserved after everything Alois had done.
Unbidden, a new feeling welled up inside his chest. One that was different from the lighthearted feelings that had come with the past few days. Instead, it was a suffocating feeling that made Alois feel cornered and forced to look at everything he had done during the summer that could hurt Claude.
He trembled slightly and forced the smile to stay on his face, praying that Claude wouldn't see it. "Thank you," he answered finally, truly grateful for what Claude gave him. "I'll hook this up right away and we can test it out tonight if you want."
Claude nodded. "I would like that," he said and adjusted his glasses before leaning down to grab his bag. "It'll give me something to look forward to on the drive back and perhaps something to keep Ciel from annoying you when he comes back."
Alois chuckled and set the box on the counter. "I don't want to, but I know you need to go, so I can't keep you any longer." He hesitated, his emotions warring with each other for a moment before he pushed them aside for the time so he could lean up and press his lips to Claude's. "To remember me and keep you company on the drive back," he murmured.
They shared another kiss as Claude pulled him flush against his body as they submitted to their feelings before pulling apart reluctantly. "I'll call you when I get back to let you know that I arrived safely," Claude stated as he picked up his bag once more and took a step back to keep himself from falling back into Alois's arms. "Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and thank you for letting me stay with you. I look forward to the next time." He grinned and placed his hat on his head, tipping it slightly.
"You're a dork," Alois said, grinning as Claude opened the door. He trailed over to it and held it open as Claude walked out onto the walkway. "Have a safe drive back," he said, giving a small wave. He would stay here and watch Claude leave, knowing that if he followed Claude downstairs, it would take even longer for Claude to leave.
"I will," Claude answered, nodding his head before turning towards the steps. It was a quiet farewell, one that didn't have any more words as Claude descended the steps, eventually making his way to the truck that sat in the parking lot.
Alois watched him climb into the cab and waved one last time before the truck backed out of the parking spot and vanished from his sight. Once gone, Alois stepped back into the apartment and closed the door quietly before pressing his back against the door, trembling lightly. He slid down slowly as his emotions ran rampant and he found himself gasping for breath as the suffocating feeling came back once more, threatening to crush him where he sat.
He shook his head, a low whine bubbling up in his throat as he brought his hands up to clench at his hair. He tugged at the blond locks, feeling frustrated and scared at the same time. Claude trusted him so much and cared for him more than Alois deserved. After all, Alois's feelings had started as cruel and were never his own to begin with.
They had been nothing but an order from Ciel that had morphed into selfish reasons before Alois had accepted his feelings in the end. But in the beginning, he had used Claude. Used him with the plan to discard him once his usefulness wore away. Claude had been nothing to him and now Alois didn't want to let him go, couldn't even think about tossing Claude aside as he had once planned to do.
Alois shivered and pressed his forehead to his knees as his body trembled as a new emotion rushed over his body. It was something he had never felt before, but it tore at his body, clawing at his insides and working its way up his chest until he felt as though he would throw up.
He shook his head trying to deny it because it was something he couldn't afford to feel. Not right now, not when everything had been going so well in his life. But there was no denying it and Alois knew exactly what he felt and hot tears prick at the corners of his eyes as he sat alone in the apartment, trying to battle something unseen that raged in his body.
Guilt.