The three are back in London, only to receive a rather rough welcome. With the auction underway a number of demons are on the loose. However, this isn't the only issue Claude is faced with; Sterling's reach extends beyond the grave and brings in a 31 year old man.

What will happen to Claude?

How will Kei react when he first meets Alex?

What will occur between them with the auction on the way?

Wow I think Claude will be coming home more often if Sebastian keeps doing that.

I hope you enjoy,

~Kuro

Warning: Yaoi foreplay. If you've read this far and haven't figured out what kind of story this is… you're beyond my help. All the rest of you, I hope you enjoy. *winks*

Chapter 69: Bright Red Ink

London was still rather cold, and oddly enough sleeping, Alex had Lin's carrier in hand as she slowly climbed the apartment steps and pulled out her key. After a moment it was in the lock and she quickly opened it, she hummed with delight as she flipped the light switch to find that everything was as she had left it. It felt like eons since she had been in her apartment, the carrier made a clack as she set it down and opened the door. Lin bolted out and ran through the apartment, "Looks like you're happy to be home too," she chuckled as she walked further into the apartment. She could smell the cleaner she had used and noticed that even the light on her answering machine was flashing. All day long she was taking calls relating to her projects and she sighed. Sebastian had made her a name, now she had to maintain this level of prestige. As she walked through the house, her fingers trailed the top of the sofa, it was still soft and she could feel the wear in the fabric. After a moment she smiled and slowly sat on it. "Home," she murmured before falling backward onto the sofa. Timber had been kind enough to bring her luggage home, which meant all she had to do was unpack it. She was about to do so when she looked at the envelope. "I should probably look at this," she mused as she reached for it and tore it open. Nestled inside was a thick stack of papers, she looked them over and stared, they were images of her as a child with her brother and two people who looked strikingly familiar. Her breath caught as she looked at them, "Mom? Dad?" she asked in confusion as she looked at the image.

The pages rustled as she slowly sifted through the documents, "Richard Campbell, Lord of Essex," she read and froze. Richard was the name of the Campbell's deceased son, her fingers loosened their grip and she asked, "What's going on here?"

She stared at the picture and noticed the ring around her father's finger; it was the same ring which her brother wore. Everything suddenly fell into place, the reason the Campbells were so generous with her and encouraged her every move, the very reason that Lucius D'Argent was willing to work with her. Her world spun and she fell to the sofa, the numerous hints now made sense.

"Your eyes, they're ocean blue, the same color of the Campbells, and you look a great deal like the late Lady Campbell. I met her once at a gala; she had this beautiful three year old girl with her."

She held her head in her hands and closed her eyes; Lucius had pointed that out however that wasn't the first time. She could remember looking over at the Campbells as she was working on setting up their party. Lord Campbell looked as though her were looking at someone very dear to him, now she knew who she was.

"Richard?"

Richard was her father, which was why she looked like the Campbells. It was why the mansion seemed so familiar. Even that sweet memory which Lady Campbell held dear to her heart, Alex didn't even know why she picked it. Even Ash knew, she could remember his expression and the words which seemed to fall from his lips in shock.

"You're their little Alexandra."

Her eyes snapped open and she felt tears slide down her face, "They knew, and they never told me," he whimpered. Claude and Sebastian had always been standing beside her and protected her. She grit her teeth, she felt betrayed, "They knew," he howled as she looked at the picture. Even Sterling knew he had to have known. She stood from the sofa and looked out the window, "Why didn't they say anything?" she croaked. Lin jumped onto her lap and she picked up the black and white tuxedo, she ran her fingers through her short hair and held her close. Lin immediately began purring and she hummed, "Damn it, and I really thought they cared."

The afternoon rolled in and London was still morning the death of Arnold Sterling, he was even mentioned in the Prime minister's speech that morning. Claude had spent his entire day working on the estate, accountants were scrambling to get the numbers and Claude had to find an heir to Intrigue, as well as Sterling's many other venues. His slender fingers pushed his rectangular glasses up his nose as he sighed; Claude was up to his neck in paperwork. Sterling had entwined himself in the infrastructure of the city, he had no idea how this was possible and yet it was. Sterling was an active business man who was always looking for the next thing and was considered one of the most powerful business men in London. Those emerald greens were always looking toward a brighter future, Claude had worked as his attorney for several years, and not once did it occur to him that his client was actually murdering all of those women. Now he understood why they all had looked similar to Alex, "He was hunting for her this whole time," he whispered. The leather chair creaked as he leaned back and ran his hand though his hair, "I gave him a way to find her," he whispered. There was a pang of regret in his chest; all of these secrets were going to strangle him soon. He turned his attention to the folders on his desk again and noticed something unusual, "This isn't right," he commented as he looked at the contracts. His signature was on the bottom however he never approved them; they entailed details about Waldon vs. Fitch. Sterling purchased both publishing houses; an anonymous owner had been the one to launch the complaint. His golden eyes widened as he looked over all the other cases, every single one of them Sterling had his hands in.

He flipped through the pages and finally saw it, the same account which had been tagged to Baxton was also tied to Sterling. He had been playing Claude the entire time, "Fuck!" he shouted as he slammed the documents on the table. He was seething with anger, "Fuck, he played me," Claude roared. There was a loud crash which fallowed Claude's swift motion as he shoved everything off the table. The door flew open as Canterbury entered; he stared in shock at the contents of the desk which were now on the floor. His glass nameplate was shattered and the decorative lamp was in pieces. Pages had flown all over the floor and Claude's hands were in his hair, he had thrown his glasses on the floor and in the mess of things they were broken. His eyes were pink and Canterbury was frozen, Claude was furious he hadn't seen this kind of anger since he worked for Alois. "Claude?" asked Canterbury he slowly approached; he looked at the sight as he moved. The demon was stiff and he murmured, "I've been played by my own client, even from the grave he is toying with me." Canterbury paused, his eyes widened when he looked at the files, this man had been slowly working to destroy Claude. Canterbury held and envelope in his fingers which had been dropped off that morning via messenger. Claude's eyes darted to the parchment, he could smell Sterling's cologne all over it. "How did you get that?" he asked slowly. Canterbury held it out and replied, "It was sent by a messenger, it had been found while they were clearing Sterling's office."

Claude's hands shook with rage as he snatched the letter from Canterbury, in moments he had it open. His eyes glanced down at the note as he read the emerald green script.

Checkmate, Mr. Faustus.

His fingers clenched the note and he trembled in fury, Sterling had warned him and now it seemed that he was delivering on his threats. The sound of a broom against the hard wood floor filled the room and Claude noticed that Canterbury was on his hands and knees cleaning up the mess he had created. He watched the young demon as he worked on the mess, his anger slowly began to subside and he fell to his knees. "I'm sorry," he managed to say, Canterbury looked up at him and noticed how he was slowly cooling. "It's quite alright, I wasn't expecting you to get quite so upset," he commented, as he began to put the pieces in the trash can. Claude sighed and looked at the purple haired demon, "It's sad to see my name plate broken," he commented as he picked up the shards of it. Canterbury looked up at him in confusion and Claude continued, "Sebastian had given it to me after I had received the position in the first place." A look of understanding swept across Canterbury's face and he placed a reassuring hand on Claude's shoulder. Golden eyes met his own and Canterbury commented, "You've been through a lot, and I'm certain he will understand." Claude nodded and began to gather all of the pages which he had cast to the floor. A loud ring burst into the air and Claude's head snapped up, it was Lucinda from the front desk. He looked at Canterbury who rose and quickly answered, "This is Claude Faustus' Office, Canterbury speaking."

Claude was always impressed by Canterbury's professionalism, "Mr. Faustus is currently engaged," he responded. There was a paused and Canterbury's eyes widened in terror, "Accountants from Sterling?" he asked slowly. Claude looked at them and wished that he hadn't said a word. He nodded and mouthed to Canterbury, "Show them up." The purple haired demon nodded and looked at him, "Yes, Mr. Faustus will be with you momentarily, however, I will show you to the conference room," he stated. Canterbury hung up and stared in shock as he straitened himself out. In moments Claude was relaxed again he pulled a spare pair of glasses out of his pocket and put his hair in place. He adjusted his tie and nodded as he looked over his reflection, Canterbury watched in shock as he gave a firm nod to the demon. Canterbury stood by the elevator and greeted the three accountants. "Welcome, Mr. Faustus is on a conference call, he will be with you moment," Canterbury in a moment. The three nodded and fallowed him, as they walked by the glass they noticed Claude with a head set on and speaking fluent mandarin, "I didn't realize he was so capable," commented one of the accountant. Canterbury smiled and opened the door for them, he waited until they were seated and asked, "Coffee or tea?" asked Canterbury sweetly and the three looked at them.

"Coffee," said one of them with a smile there was a moment in which they looked at Canterbury and seemed honestly confused. "Cappuccino?" he asked softly, "Espresso or regular coffee?" The three were in shock and the accountant replied, "Cappuccino." Canterbury nodded and turned on his heel to leave, he was about to exit when Claude entered. He looked sleek and smooth as always, Canterbury nodded and Claude took a step inside, he held a tablet in his hands and he smiled, "Good afternoon gentleman," he said as he extended his hand to them. All three of them rose, they looked slightly confused as the one who ordered the coffee commented, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Faustus, I'm Charles Smithson," he replied, as he gave Claude a firm shake. Claude nodded and looked at them and slowly took a seat as Canterbury returned with a freshly made cappuccino. He slipped a pile of documents to Claude, "Thank you Canterbury," he responded. Smithson lifted the cup and took a sip; it was warm and full of body. He hummed in approval and looked at Canterbury, "Impressive," he commented as he lifted the cup. Canterbury smiled and nodded to show his thanks before standing beside Claude. "Now then I've prepared several documents pertaining to his holdings," he commented. Claude placed the folder in front of Smithson who looked down at the list. "Quite the list isn't it?" he commented as he slipped on a pair of readers, "Yes quite," said Claude with a sweet smile.

"Our investors are concerned about who will take control of the company, after all Sterling was a key player in a number of areas," said one of the other accountants, somehow he reminded Claude of William. Claude felt a wave of nausea hit him, he had been struggling to find the will which Sterling had drafted with him. "At this moment I do not know the identity of the heir," he said softly. The three accountants stared at him, they're faces were a mixture of terror and shock. Claude sighed and placed his hands on the table, "Sterling hired me after he had drafted the will with his previous attorney, Mathew Crawly. Mr. Crawly died of a heart attack and I was brought on board to handle the mess which he had left," he stated. The three accountants clearly were unaware of the situation nine years ago, "Sterling was a fledgling then, he hadn't purchased the small company we now call Polaris. After doing so he was launched into the scene and began to purchase other companies. Fashion was a hobby of his, however he is also one of the largest investors in technology," said Claude he could remember the day he had met Sterling. Those egger emeralds and short silver hair, he had grayed prematurely and was perhaps one of the most attractive members in the business. "It's hard to believe we won't be seeing that youthful smile anymore," commented Smithson. Claude nodded in agreement and was about to say something when Canterbury slipped in.

Claude looked at him in confusion and whispered, "We have a problem." Claude looked at him in confusion and before he could breathe a word a stout young man with blond hair stood before him. "What?" asked Claude in confusion, the man held out an envelope. Claude stood and took it between his fingers and opened it. He stared in shock and whispered, "How is this even possible?" he asked. The three accountants looked at Claude and Smithson asked, "What is it?" He looked at the man standing in the suit and then to the page, "its Sterling's will, he did leave and heir," he stammered as he pulled the page further out. He looked at them and then to Canterbury, the door opened and a young man with black hair entered, his skin was beautiful and he smiled. Claude dropped the envelope on the table, he had a pair of beautiful green eyes, but his eyes were almond shaped, he looked like a mix of Chinese, Japanese and English. He was tall and broad shouldered and held out his hand, "I'm Tonoin Kei, the sole heir to Sterling's estate," he said with a note of confidence. The room went still and Claude looked at him, he looked sleek and stood in a suit which was the same price as his own. A pair of lawyers entered and he smiled, "You must be Mr. Faustus, I've heard a great deal about you from my father," he commented. He held his hand out to the golden eyed man and Claude responded smoothly, "Oh? Well he has mentioned very little of you, I'm afraid." Kei smiled crookedly; clearly Claude had met his match. Canterbury stepped inside and placed a cup of green tea before him in a traditional style mug. Kei looked at the young man in confusion only to see him look to Claude.

"I felt that I should make you comfortable as we review Mr. Sterling's estate," he commented, his poker face was back and Kei looked at him. "Well I have time," said Kei as he took a seat at the head of the table, his lawyers sat beside him and looked at them. Claude nodded and gestured to the pages, "I'm concerned about the stability of Intrigue," commented Kei. Claude looked at him and smiled, clearly he knew more than he did. Claude leaned on the table and smiled as he steepled his fingers under his chin, "Tonoin-san, how long have you been in London?" he asked. Kei looked at Claude in confusion and responded, "A few hours." Claude smiled a cat like grin and commented, "I think it's time you see more of the city." Kei looked confused as Claude rose, Canterbury brought in both Claude's long coat and Kei's own. "Come let's take a break from number crunching, it's time for you to see your father's empire," he commented. Kei diligently fallowed Claude who pulled out his phone and dialed Sebastian, "Mr. Michaelis, I have an investor on his way to see Sterling's work. Is Alexandra Stark available?" he asked. There was a pause, and a smile swept across Claude's lips, "Where?" he asked after a moment. He hummed, "Yes I will, thank you Mr. Michaelis," he commented. Kei looked at Claude in confusion and asked, "Who is Alexandra?" The lift doors opened and Claude looked over at Kei, a smile was on his face and he replied, "Sterling's bolt from the blue." Kei followed Claude curiously into the lift and not a word was said between the two.

There was silence as Alex pushed the door open, the studio was dark and silent, she had been looking for a large space to create her valentines day piece, she had been asked to create something romantic and exotic. To do so she was going to do something daring, her heels tapped against the floor as she opened the breaker and flipped the switch. In the middle of the warehouse was a massive platform and she looked over at the side to see the gigantic roll of rice paper. She smiled as she walked over and pulled her brushes out. She had a massive ink stone and stretched as she slipped off her jacket. In art school Alex had embraced the thin line between fantasy and reality, she was about to make the one piece she had been dying to make. She smiled as she slipped off her heels. Her feet touched the cold concrete floor and she reached over to the side, as promised Steven had set up a sounds system for her. The room filled with this beautiful piano and she purred with delight as she felt the infectious melody energize every cell in her body. She rolled up her shirt sleeves and slowly swayed to the sound as she blindly picked colors, "Just a little love," she whispered as she placed everything on the pan.

Alex slowly stepped onto the platform with the tray and started from the center, she had spent a great deal of time in college learning different styles, she was going to use traditional Sumi style painting and fuse it together with modernism to create the perfect advertisement for the holidays. Even if Sterling was gone and the pair had lied to her, she had to deliver a home run for her own sake. Her strokes were beautiful and smooth as she held the brush, the jet black ink spread smoothly on the paper. She held the brush so that her arm was parallel to the paper. The sound of a piano's keys being stroked by skilled fingers made her smile as she continued to work. She couldn't resist softening her lines and making affectionate stroked. She hummed as she dipped the brush once more in the ink. The door creaked and yet she continued to be carried away in a world of ink and paper. "Usually she works in the office, however Mr. Michaelis stated that she had requested a much larger space. I'm not sure for what, however," said Claude his voice echoed and he heard the volume of the piano grow even louder. Alex was lost as she began adding a flower to the page.

In the middle of the room sat a woman who was pouring her heart into a piece of paper. The platform was well lit and he followed Claude, there was a familiar sound of a pair of shamisen, the music became much more rapid and she moved accordingly. With vibrant colors she added to the page. "Yoshida Brothers," Kei commented as he watched her. She was swift yet acute; he looked at her and stared as he admired her bold use of color. There was a splash of bright red as she added the woman's lips, the broad rim had added to the mystery. She had a streak of green down her face and a smudge of black on her forehead. Kei slipped off his shoes and slowly stepped onto the mat. Her slender fingers were wrapped around the brush and he slowly knelt on the paper, he was careful not to rip it. "Wow," he commented as he watched her work, it amazed him how she could be so intricate without looking at the piece as a whole. "Haisai (hello)," he said softly. She lifted her head and looked up, her ocean blue eyes sparkled and she smiled, "Yoi gogo (Good Afternoon)," she replied. She slowly sat back on her heels and smiled, "You are?" she asked softly. Kei looked at her, he didn't expect her to look so beautiful, "I'm Tonoin Kei," he replied. Alex simply smiled and nodded, she looked up at Claude and asked, "Why are you here?"

Claude sighed as he slowly sat on the paper, "Tonoin is the new owner of Intrigue," he responded as he gestured to him. Alex looked at him and gave a warm smile, "This is your work?" asked Kei as he looked at her. She smiled and nodded before rising from the paper and carrying her tray with her. Kei watched her and noticed how slender she was, "Who is it for?" Kei asked curiously. He could hear the sound of ink stone being ground and she glanced over her shoulder. "You," she replied. Kei looked shocked and slowly rose, he looked at the image which she had been creating, "Valentines day?" he asked as he stepped back and took in the beautiful strokes and the elegant eyes of the woman. She looked different from most of them, she was mysterious and devious, "Yes, Sterling had the project in place months in advance and it's already been produced," she replied as she slowly walked back over to the paper with fresh ink in hand. Kei was silent and watched as she continued to work, "How old are you?" Kei asked and Alex looked at him. She seemed far too young to be his age, yet she spoke well and worked with skill. He had met hundreds of graphic artists in Japan, many talented people; however none of them had created anything like this. It was truly in a league of its own. She smiled and asked, "How old do you think I am?" Kei chuckled and responded, "Younger than me." Alex looked up at him and gave a crooked smirk, Claude chuckled and smiled. Kei looked over to see Claude thoroughly amused by this and he turned his attention to Alex. "What if I turn out to be older?" she asked as she added the veins in the leaves. Kei slumped a little as he relaxed, "I will never know unless you tell me," he commented and he leaned on his hands. Alex shot him a sideways glance and replied playfully, "Only if you tell me your age first."

Kei smiled and replied, "32, I'm an old man aren't I?" he asked. She looked up at him and smiled a little, "You don't look that old," she said sweetly, her voice seemed to send tingles down his spine. He chuckled and looked at Claude, "I'm 28, I'll be 29 soon enough," she replied and Kei slowly loosened his tie. "You've done all the designs for intrigue?" he asked slowly. Alex shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "More or less." Her brush made another bold stroke as she added orange to the hat. Kei shook his head and looked up at Claude, "Is it possible to schedule a dinner with myself, Alexandra, you and Mr. Michaelis?" asked Kei cautiously. Alex looked up at him with surprise and asked, "Why?" Kei turned his attention to her wide blue eyes. She looked genuinely curious and he replied, "Simple, I have a feeling you can tell me much more about my father's empire than an accountant." Alex shivered involuntarily and looked at him nervously, "Everything?" she asked. Kei noticed how uncomfortable she looked and began to wonder what he didn't know about his god father. "Yes if possible," he said with a smile. Alex looked at the painting and sighed, "I could use a break but I would have to call Sebastian," she commented. Kei nodded and smiled before he slowly got off the paper, he was about to say something when he heard his phone ring. "Pardon me," he said swiftly as he quickly walked out of range.

Alex looked up at Claude and asked, "Are you trying to kill me?" Claude noticed the fear in Alex's voice and replied, "He's not like Sterling, and there isn't a sector in Japan. To be frank he's safe compared to the others. We don't have to mention Sterling's extra curricular activities." Alex's hands were trembling to the point she couldn't hold the brush and she looked down at them. "Claude, I'm not comfortable with this, he almost," she whispered and then fell back into silence. Kei was pacing as he spoke and she hugged herself. "His eyes are so much like Sterling's they frighten me," she commented. Claude knelt on the platform and slowly touched her cheek, "They will look like his, he is Sterling's son," commented Claude. Ocean blues looked into golden eyes and she sighed, "I suppose I could handle it if you and Sebastian were at my side," she whispered. Kei hung up and was standing beside them again, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid we will have to post pone for tomorrow. Apparently my father was asked to preview items for the upcoming auction," he commented. Alex felt her heart stop and she looked at Claude, who seemed even more alert than before. "Auction?" asked Claude cautiously. Kei nodded and responded, "Apparently my father was one of the top bidders on an item."

Claude's eyes narrowed and looked at him, "I would prefer that you didn't," he said sternly. There was a hint of darkness in his eyes and Kei looked confused. "What do you know of the auction?" asked Kei. Claude was silent and Alex slowly rose from her piece, "Claude, perhaps you could discuss this elsewhere," she said softly. Claude noticed how her strong façade was slowly waning. Kei looked at her and noticed how she seemed uncomfortable, "I apologize, your work is excellent," he commented as he held his hand out to her. Alex's gaze fell on it and she replied, "I'm covered in ink, however it was nice to meet you too," she chirped. Kei slowly pulled his hand back and took a step off the platform. "Will I get to see the finished product?" he asked slowly Alex looked at him in confusion. Then it occurred to her that he didn't know the procedure. "Sterling always decided whether or not the piece was to be used, I suppose that is also your job now," she replied, from Kei's expression he had never been involved to this point in his previous endeavors. His green eyes looked different from what Sterling's had, they looked innocent and sincere. "Tonoin-san do you know what my task as a graphic designer is?" she asked after a moment.

Kei paused, "To draw graphics to sell products," he responded curtly. Alex smiled and shook her head, "I thought you guys in Japan would understand. My job is to make you dreams a reality," she said smoothly. Kei looked confused until Claude grabbed her binder from the side and handed it to him. Kei opened the black binder and stared in shock at the designs, each one was beautiful and different, "Those were Sterling's dreams, now I will make your dreams come true. I want to capture your world in an image," she said confidently. Kei continued to look through the photographs; all of them were stunning and creative. He looked at her and noticed how they all had an air of mystery and he stared in shock at the Halloween advertisement. He had seen these prints in Japan in fact a number of designers envied her. "You're the one who did these?" he asked. Alex nodded and stepped off the block, she collected the binder from his hands and held out a card, "That's my office number, my job is to make the world you dream real," she said as he took the card, "That's all." She smiled and Kei slipped the card into his pocket. "Thanks," he said before turning on his heel he was about to leave when he captured her hand. Alex stared as he gently kissed it, Claude's golden eyes were wide and he watched Alex. She stared at him and watched as he slowly looked up at her, "Now I am wearing part of your creation as well," he said with a smile. He released her hand and Alex blushed. She had no idea what to say, she had expected his lips to feel disgusting, yet she felt a faint spark. "It was a pleasure to meet you," he commented before turning and leaving.

Claude lingered for a moment and watched as Alex fell to her knees. "What's wrong?" he asked in a panic and Alex looked at her hand. His lips were soft and warm, he didn't feel disgusting. "Whoa," she whispered, "It felt like I was hit by lightning." She looked at her hand, his touch lingered and she watched his silo whet as he disappeared. "What was that?" she asked and then looked up at Claude. He adjusted his glasses and then ran his fingers through his hair, "Attraction," he commented. Alex looked at him in confusion and whispered, "That's what it feels like?" she asked. There was a moment in which Claude chuckled and nodded. She sighed and scratched her head, "Oh man, this is so complicated," she moaned before looking at the picture. Claude laughed and commented, "Did you think my relationship with Sebastian was just as easy?" Alex groaned and looked up at him, she knew it wasn't, after all Sebastian was Sebastian. Claude smiled and ruffled her hair, "I was worried about you, you know." Alex growled and shouted, "Hey!" Claude smiled and looked at him. "I like your smile and laughter," he said before walking away leaving the dazed and confused designer on the floor.

Sebastian kicked off his shoes and sauntered into the kitchen, his call from Claude had thrown him through a loop. He hadn't expected Sterling's heir to make an appearance quite so quickly and at one of the busiest times of the year as well. The floor was cold under his feet and he looked down at his attire, "I need to change," he commented as he wandered up the stairs and into their room. It was dark and cold when Claude wasn't home; he was still upset about what had occurred in Switzerland, he was so close to loosing Claude that it was all too real. If he hadn't been found he wouldn't have the wonderful man he had been in love with for so long. His dress pants fell to the floor and he slowly stepped out of them. His jacket had been abandoned in the foyer and he was now shedding his shirt and tie. His mind began to wander as he thought about how empty he would be without Claude. It was an emptiness which he desperately didn't want. He shook his head as he grabbed a pair of tight jeans and a sweater, he had every intention of have Claude take him tonight. "I'm going to make you want me," he commented with a grin as he slipped into the clothes. The black sweater was silky soft and clung to his body perfectly. It hugged every curve and he admired his sleek profile in the mirror. Sebastian had purchased the sweater a while ago, but was saving it for a special occasion. However recently Claude wasn't doing as much as he desired in the intimacy department, "It's time to crack out the big guns," commented Sebastian mischievously. His jeans clung to his ass and hung from his waist in a way which would drive Claude nuts.

He was quick to wander down stairs and look through the fridge, "Strawberries, I can work with these," he commented as he pulled the carton out and began to wash them. Those sweet red fruit would be the end of Claude's restraint. He gently dried the red fruit and placed them in a bowl. He hummed and leaned against the counter, now all he had to do was wait. He closed his eyes and heard the sound of an Austin Martin in the driveway. A smile curved his lips as he closed his eyes, he could hear Claude's shoes against the step. Sebastian's heart was pounding and he could feel the tension, there wasn't a single doubt in his mind that this was necessary. "Ten," he said softly as he listened to the door open. "Nine," he whispered as Claude's cologne and natural scent filled his nostrils. "Eight," he breathed as he heard Claude remove his scarf and then jacket. Sebastian smiled, he could remember each step of Claude's routine, "seven," he breathed with a smirk on his lips. Claude's shoes clicked against the marble floor as he listened to him cross the foyer and enter the living room, "Six," he whispered. He felt his heart race and every cell in his body, were alive from the anticipation. The briefcase made a tap as he placed it on the wooden floor, "Five," Sebastian whispered. He closed his eyes and pictured what it was like to have Claude's hands run over his curves. He heard Claude turn on his heel and make his way to the kitchen, "Four," he whispered and drew a deep breath. He could feel the gravitational pull between them and sense the presence of the demon he desired. "Three," he hummed as Claude walked through the dining room and approached the kitchen. "Two," he mouthed he could see that tall stature drawing nearer, those broad shoulders he touched and he licked his lower lip. "One," he murmured and Claude stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Sebastian jumped onto the island and said with a grin, "Welcome home."

Claude looked at Sebastian and grinned, he watched those beautiful long legs cross as he positioned himself on the island. His crimson eyes were filled with desire, so much so that Claude could argue it was sinful even by a demon's standards. He slowly approached Sebastian and noticed a bowl of lush red fruit. He leaned in the doorway and asked, "What are you up to?" his eyes narrowed as he evaluated Sebastian's slender figure. Those crimson eyes closed as he hummed and slowly reached into the bowl, "Me?" asked Sebastian coyly. Claude nodded and watched as Sebastian fingers wrapped around the bright red strawberry. It was plump and glistened from the water which he had used to wash it. "Snacking," he replied with a smirk. Claude's eyes were locked on the succulent fruit and he watched as Sebastian's lips parted. They looked soft, smooth and ever so enticing as he slowly slipped the bright red fruit between them. He felt heat pool in his groin as Sebastian gazed at him, his teeth slowly sank into its flesh and he hummed. Red eyes glistened with mischief as Claude watched those lips wrap around the fruit and hissed as he watched Sebastian slowly pull the rest of it away from his lips. They were tinted red, Claude's eyes couldn't leave those lips and he watched as a pink tongue ran across his plump lower lip slowly. Claude groaned, as Sebastian smirked, the strawberry was still between his fingers. He slowly tucked a bang behind his ear and asked, "Care to join?"

Claude felt fire spread through his veins as he watched Sebastian take another bite of the sweet fruit. His mind ran wild as he thought about what it would taste like to lick the sweet juicy off that sinful lower lip. He moaned again as Sebastian opened his mouth widely, Claude could see the dark wet cavern he had filled many times before. That tongue which was skilled beyond compare in slinging insults and cradling his member was visible. Sebastian's eyes never left Claude's as he slipped the rest of the fruit into his mouth and took a bite. His fingers were wrapped around the green leaves at the top and he slowly chewed. Sebastian purred with pleasure as he placed the leaves in the bowl. He crewed slowly and Claude felt his member harden. He began to walk toward Sebastian, who was still perched on the counter of the island. He watched those beautiful fingers which had danced up and down the neck of a violin countless times, caress another strawberry. He held it between his fingers, Claude continued until he was standing a breath away from Sebastian. "Want a taste?" asked Sebastian slyly.