It had become a ritual by now. Battler would go face Beatrice in her complicated and confusing games, and after Battler had decided he had enough, he would call for a break and return to his room where a certain demon butler was waiting. After exchanging pleasantries, Battler would take his place beside Ronove on the bed, even if the red-head wasn't in the least bit tired. Battler just wanted some excuse to be able to snuggle up with him.

Eventually, Battler would fall asleep in Ronoves' arms, and Ronove would let him, knowing how Beatrice tended to be quite cruel. Each night, (Or whatever passed off as night in the meta world) Ronove would happily coddle the sleeping boy, wondering how long this would continue.

Battler made sure to be the first one to wake up in the morning, silently sliding out of bed and heading off into the kitchen to get the ill some breakfast. Once he made it back, Battler would proceed to feed the butler himself, no matter how much Ronove protested, claiming he was healthy enough to feed himself. No matter how many times Ronove had gone through it, he was always surprised when Battler attacked his lips, licking up any left-overs from their meal. Each kiss was getting longer, and Battler was finding it harder and harder to break it off, before leaving to confront the Golden Witch all over again.

This process continued for some time, until Beatrice started to complain.

"I know Beelzebub's food can be really bad, but he's a demon! He should be able to heal quickly! You haven't done anything to him, have you?" She poked at Battler with her pipe. "Just to get back at me? It'd be flattering, really~ To know you hate me enough to tear up my furniture~" Beatrice smiled, allowing her pointy teeth to shine in the light.

"You really are weird, Beato. And no, I've only been trying to help him. He just.. hasn't made a full recovery yet. Eheh…" Battler lied, hoping Beatrice wouldn't barge into his room one evening to check up on Ronove. Especially at times when they were doing things other than feeding him soup and such healing activities. All hell really would break loose, he thought.

Beatrice could easily tell when Battler was lying, but she didn't want to focus on her furniture. She wanted to see Battler's face contort with pain and humiliation. At least she told herself that so she could push down the sudden twinge of jealousy she was feeling. So she left it at that, continuing the game. Virgilia stood off to one side, knowing exactly how the blonde witch was feeling. She let out a small sigh, and looked on in silence, debating on whether she should get involved or not.

After a heated discussion in the game, Battler decided he had enough. He had just watched more of his family members die at the hands of the witch. And that particular witch was standing right in front of him, cackling at him. Even if she had a cute face and big boobs, Battler was still struggling to contain his anger. He desperately wanted to lash out at, well, pretty much anything. So he slammed his fist on the table and quickly stood up to yell and point at Beatrice.

"You think this is funny?! Killing everyone I love? Even Maria-chan?! The only one who actually looks up to you?!" Battler knew the answer to this, but he just wanted to scream at the witch.

"Why of course, Baaaatttleeeeeerr~! Maria isn't the only one who admires me, though. A cute little maid named Shannon looks up to me too, y'know~" Beatrice took this chance to bring up Shannon again, hoping to get a reaction out of Battler. She knew she was being too roundabout, but she still had a shred of hope left in her.

"Ah, it's not fair!" Battler cried out, having taken another look at his family's mutilated corpses displayed on the big screen. He wiped at his eyes, not wanting to let the witch see him cry yet again. He tried to maintain his usual angry face he made whenever he talked to the demented witch. Beatrice took note of this, and thought it was hilarious.

"Awww, what's that? The super strong and amazing heroine is crying now?~ How ironic! Gyahahahahahaha!" The witch shook in her seat with laughter, throwing her head back and allowing her bangs to fall clear from her forehead. "Aha! I'm gonna start to cry myself!~" The witch wiped at her own eyes, still giggling.

Battler had tried to glare at her, eyes narrowing and mouth set in a firm line. The effect was ruined, however, as tears ran down his heated cheeks. Normally when Battler broke down, he had nowhere to go to. He'd just try to get over it as soon as possible, not wanting to leave the room, knowing that for Beatrice, it'd be just like another victory. But now, Battler knew he had somewhere to go to. Battler wanted to run to Ronove for healing (wait, wasn't he supposed to be the one healing him?), and he knew there was nothing stopping him.

Battler quickly pushed away from the table, and away from the snickering witch. He began to stride away, tears slightly clouding his vision. He didn't let that, nor a witch yelling after him saying,

"Hey! You gonna just run away like the insignificant wimp you are?!", stop him. It was at times like these that Battler would've believed in magic, just so he could use it get away as quickly as he could. He tore down the hallway in his search for his room.

Meanwhile, Beatrice puffed in her chair. "That big baby. Wonder why he didn't just get over it quickly, like he usually does." Beatrice slipped her pipe into her mouth, trying to calm herself down.

"Well, you did just kill some of his loved ones. It's to be expected." Virgilia had now appeared in front of Beatrice, taking Battler's seat across from the pouting witch.

"Yeah, yeah. But I have to. You know I have to, right teacher?" Beatrice had her head tilted down as she looked at Virgilia from under her long eyelashes.

"I know." Virgilia patted Beatrice on the head, trying to comfort her.

Battler tore the door open, almost knocking it off its hinges, as he pounced at the confused Ronove standing in the doorway. Battler vaguely took note that Ronove was up and about, instead of lying down like he should be, but he decided he would take care of that later. Battler threw his arms around the butler, squeezing him so hard that Ronove thought his death would be because of a trembling, cute, little teenage boy. Ronove felt moisture soak through his shirt, seeing as Battler forced him to at least take off his outer layer "for comfort".

He looked down, bewildered. After getting over his initial shock, the brunette quickly reached behind Battler to close the door. Once that task was done, he placed his hand on the small of his back and used his other hand to comb through his fiery red hair. Ronove leaned down to whisper assurances into Battler's ear. Things like, "It'll be ok." and "Calm down, I'm here." made Battler shiver, despite the warmth he was receiving from the older man's chest.

He was just happy to be back in Ronoves' arms, and he felt his earlier panic start to fade away. He didn't even realize he had his head buried in the other's chest, but he noticed when he slightly pulled away to look up and give Ronove a shaky smile, eyes still brimming with tears.

Ronoves' eyebrows arched up in a "v" of worry as he looked down at the crying boy he held tightly. He had seen Battler cry before, but there was nothing he could do about it. He could only stand by and watch his master cruelly enjoy his torture. Now though, he was able to hold him close, and reassure him. He should always smile. A cute face like his should never be allowed to cry, Ronove thought. The demon took this chance to peck Battler's forehead.

Battler had thought his panic was finally subsiding, but when Ronove showed such affectionate gestures, coupled with the way Ronove was holding him so dearly, as if he was a fragile being that could easily break-

Battler couldn't take it, and began to bawl again, clinging on desperately to the worry-sick butler. He felt his heart start to race again, though this time it was for a different reason. Ronove placed his chin on top of Battler's head, scared that he might've frightened the boy again.

"Hey now, I had just gotten you to stop crying. Was it something I did?" Ronove inquired, not wanting to hurt the red-head any further. Battler's response was a mixture of a muffled hiccup and a giggle. Battler proceeded to stand on his tip-toes, and timidly kiss the butler. Ronoves' eyes grew wide with surprise, but quickly fell back down, kissing Battler back. Ronove kept the kiss chaste, not wanting to scare him. The brunette was the first to pull back, panting slightly and allowing their foreheads to touch.

Battler let out a shaky giggle, smiling at Ronove. Ronove wiped at Battler's face, cleaning him of his tears. The red-head closed his eyes as he allowed the butler to do this. He shuddered when he felt a hand run up and down his spine. He felt his insides turn to mush as he whimpered and pushed closer to Ronove. He knew his knees were about to give out, and his stomach was churning from the metaphorical butterflies in it. He tugged at the collar in front of him. Not trusting his voice to obey him, he talked in a low voice that only Ronove could hear.

"R-Ronove…? I need to lie down." The butler nodded.

"As you wish." With that, Ronove swooped Battler up in a swift motion, taking him in his arms bridal-style. A strangled yelp slipped out from Battler's lips, and he clung to Ronove's neck for dear life. Still, he was glad Ronove was doing him this service. He knew he probably wouldn't make it to his bed on his own, even if it was only a few feet away.

The demon butler gently laid Battler down on the bed. Before he could straighten up, Battler reached out and caught Ronove's shirt, pulling him down with him. Ronove now had his arms on either side of the teenage boy's head; their faces only scant inches apart. Battler didn't mean for it look that way, but he didn't want to be separated from his beloved butler for more than what was needed.

Chuckling nervously, Battler managed to choke out, "S-sorry! I just.. Don't want-" Before he could finish, Battler was interrupted by a pair of lips smashing down on to his own. Battler screwed his eyes shut, allowing the kiss to continue as his arms shakily wrapped around Ronove's middle, pulling him closer. Ronove broke away, much to Battler's annoyance.

"Do you want to tell me why you've come to me, bawling like a baby?" Ronove asked teasingly. Inside though, he really wanted to know what had cause Battler to break down again. At this, Battler pouted. He didn't want to bring Beatrice up. Not in the middle of what he hoped to be a session. So Battler rose up to catch the butlers' mouth, gently biting down on his lower lip.

"Talk… later. Right now… I just want.." Battler managed to get out in between kisses. Ronove smiled, but still pushed him away. The other growled, reaching out to grab at the man's collar. It was to no avail, as Ronove caught his hands and held them above his head, pinning him to the bed. Battler blushed, somewhat liking the rough way he was being treated. What are you, some kind of masochist? A voice in the back of his head shot out.

"Y'know, I was so surprised when you just barreled in like that. You almost knocked me over." Ronove (thankfully) interrupted Battlers' thoughts. So in return, Battler interrupted him.

"Yeah, why were you out of bed? I thought I told you to stay here. I don't want anyone finding out you're all better now. Then you'll be forced to go back to that psycho and I won't be able to.." Battler didn't finish as he felt his cheek heat up.

"To tell the truth, I was about to go report to Milady that I was feeling better. I know you want to keep toying around with me, but I had responsibilities as Milday's furniture." Ronove explained. Battler's heart skipped a beat. Is that what he thinks I'm doing? Well maybe I am… What could I hope to get out of this creepy relationship with Beato's butler? Battlers' thoughts trailed off as he stared into Ronove's face. He felt anger start to bubble up again. No, I can't imagine living without him now. Not being able to come back into his waiting arms..

"Toying around with you? Is that what this is to you?" Battler spat out the words as if they were poison.

"Well, I'm sorry if I fail to see any other reason why you're doing these things to me. Unless you're trying to get back at Milady by hurting her furniture."

Battler couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Why does everyone seem to think that?!"

"Because you've despised me ever since we met. Even if in the recent past, we've been getting along better, you still seemed to resent me. Which I get. A friend of my enemy is my enemy too." Ronove tried to reason out. He kept his face stoic, not letting any of his real emotions through.

"I don't think that's how it goes." Battler refuted.

"Excuse my rudeness, but you know what I mean."

"Ronove, listen. Even I don't know why I'm doing what I'm doing. I just think I li-" Ronove intervened, unaware of what Battler was about to confess.

"So do you just kiss people because you want to? Without thinking of the other's feelings? I know I'm a demon, but I still have some emotions."

Battler knew he was being stubborn again, and wouldn't shut up. So he decided to resolve the problem with sheer force, hoping he would finally get the message. Ronove had somewhat loosened his grip on Battler's wrists, and Battler took advantage of it. He lunged forwards, sliding his hands free and using their close proximity to catch Ronoves' wrists instead, so that it was now Battler pinning the butler to his bed. With one leg to one side of him and the other in between Ronove's, Battler leaned down and allowed his spiky hair to fall forward. He leaned down close enough so that their noses were barely touching, and he could feel the other's breath on his face. In a low growl, Battler began,

"Listen up. I know I seemed to hate you and all that, but I had my reasons, ok? I don't feel like that anymore. And if you're implying that I'm some slut that goes around making out with every living thing out there, you're wrong. Ok? I might seem like it, but that's not me." Battler paused, searching for the right words.

"I just.. Came to like you more than the others. I mean, you're pretty decent compared to Beato and her crazy furniture. Aside from you, of course." Battler flushed, not being too good at confessions. He was usually the one that was being confessed to, back when he was in middle and high school.

"Decent? That's pretty flattering, coming from you." Ronove chuckled underneath the boy.

"Sh-shut up! You get what I'm trying to say." Battler pouted, face still few inches away from Ronove's.

"I'm afraid I don't. Could you please be a bit more clear?" Ronove teased, loving how bright red Battler's face had become, despite their position.

"I like you, ok?!" Battler spouted. He scrunched his eyes shut, a bit mad that Ronove was proving to have that much control over him.

"As a friend?" The demon oh-so-innocently inquired. Battler became more irritated, and was about to start yelling down at the butler, when he refrained from doing so as he thought of a better idea. He took their position to his advantage as his slowly pulled his knee up, applying slight pressure in between Ronove's legs. He let out a small gasp, looking away to the side. Battler took this chance to attack his pale neck, sucking lightly. Ronove held his breath as he shut his eyes, breathing a bit heavier than usual.

"Does it feel like 'friendly love'?" Battler chuckled against Ronove's neck, making him quiver.

"A-ah.. I b-believe I was wrong th-then.." Ronove whispered. Battler chuckled again, loving how submissive Ronove was being. He paused to look down at the shivering butler beneath him. He was happy with his reward of a blushing Ronove, but he still wanted more. More. He resumed his attack on the pearly-white column, leaving his mark. Once he was satisfied with that, he moved on to Ronove's mouth. He gently sucked on his lower lip before delving into his mouth completely. His tongue eagerly explored all around, before poking at Ronove's own tongue.

Come out to play~ Battler thought. As if on cue, Ronove began to react, intertwining them both. Battler busied his hands as he started to undo the buttons of Ronove's shirt, wanting to feel skin-to-skin contact. Surprisingly, the demon had begun to undress the other, too, all the while moaning into their heated kiss.

The night is young.

AN: Soooo… looks like I'll be continuing this for at least a few more chapters… I just really love this couple, ok? DON'T JUDGE ME- Criticism is greatly appreciated! Thanks!