Claude watched as his master slept. Ah, how peaceful he looked, as he wandered through his little dreamland.. How he wished he were part of that dreamland. How unaware he was of his master's deepest longing.

He was very attentive of the misery that his master went through, and this killed him on the inside. But what he couldn't understand was why. He knew that Alois cared for him deeply, but.. to that extent? He wasn't all that certain. Claude had to restrain himself. If he gave into his thirsts, if it harmed Alois, the contract binding them together would be shattered. This newfound light would be forever lost to sin.

Claude caressed his cheek slowly, making circles with his thumb.

Such soft skin.. I could..

No.

Claude sighed. Oh, how he yearned for his young master. So many ways, he yearned for him. Yes, his soul was a delicate juice that he wanted to slowly suck out and drink until there was nothing left. But, also.. a different kind of want existed. He wanted to remain by Alois's side for eternity. It would seem like such a waste to ruin and consume God's greatest creation.

I want to show you..

Claude played with his fingers, hoping dearly that the one day should come. To end both of their struggles. Claude hated himself for what he did to.. his Highness.

Claude used Sebastian's attraction towards Ciel to his advantage. He made it Alois's common knowledge that Ciel's soul was the spice that all demons lusted and craved over. He manipulated Alois into believing that he was only ordinary, or even less, while Ciel was of the highest delicacies. Ironic, as he was Claude's.. Don't think about it..

It was almost impossible to not think in that fashions. Those thoughts corroded his mind every waking second.

How wrong you are, Danna-sama..

Claude stood up to leave. He didn't want to depart from his master's side, yet he knew he must. He didn't want to give Alois any more false hopes which could crush him. Even if Claude deeply fancied these hopes, as well. In the end, it would never, could never, turn out well. Humans and demons were too different in this existence.

He'll find someone who can give him much more than I ever could.. I need to wean him off of his dependence on me.. if he'll ever be happy again. Because I knew someone, even Hannah, could satisfy him more than I ever could.. like this..

For one to acknowledge one who is only a butler.. He's given too much credit unto me, already. No matter how much that boy's rotten core disgusts me, a core that has steamed for much too long, which is too unnatural, I have to convince Danna-sama that I long for it.

Claude turned and looked down at Alois's figure, engulfed in a beautiful slumber. He couldn't help but to grant himself this one small luxury. He bent over and pressed his icy lips gently to Alois's warm and innocent ones. He then straightened himself out once more and headed for the chamber door. Claude silently opened and closed it behind him. His footsteps barely made a sound as he strode slowly down the hall, with a small glance back at his master's bedroom.

He touched his lips, his still tingling with the gentle feel of Alois's. At this, he shut his bright and burning pink eyes tight.

"I won't go any farther than this.. as if I were your knight."