A/N I forgot to add this earlier on!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC Penelope!

(Claude POV)

"Claude, do you really see me as a friend? Or am I just a debt you need to pay?"

Her words echoed in his mind. For a moment he felt his entire brain go dead, as though he couldn't formulate any thoughts. But her large eyes broke him out of his trance. Leaning foreword, he opened his mouth to answer.

-*Flashback* -

Claude once again was watching the child run around her garden whilst attempting to make the kite fly. It had been two years since she had saved him, and here he was playing butler again. His manipulation of the chores meant that he found himself hanging the washing up, allowing him to have a direct view of the human who had entrapped him.

He had found, when he joined the household, it was not too extravagant, but it was obvious their family had money. Yet, what he found most odd was that she was the only child and had not been betrothed, as this was a usual custom, even for children at a young age. Everything about the child was odd, he decided. She was shy around other children and would often hide behind his leg when strangers were around. And of course she was chastised immediately and forced to show herself. It was in those moments that Clause had the strong urge to take her into his arms and shield her from the world. But he put those feelings down to having to be in her debt.

As he watched her attempt once more to make the kite fly, he sighed and decided to help. He had to be a friend, and he would be damned if he couldn't do it well. Walking over to where the red head bounced up and down, he had to control the smile that threatened to break out on his face. Her eyes lit up, before she then abandoned the kite to jump into his already waiting arms. For someone who was so shy, she readily had trusted him. She was so peculiar, he had yet to work her out.

"Claude!" She giggled happily as he twirled her around a couple of times. Placing her down, he allowed the girl to grab his hand and swing it back and forth as he led her back to the abandoned activity.

"I'm sorry to inform you Penelope, but there is a lack of wind". He spoke softly as he collected the kite in his hands, however, the pout that graced the curly haired girl caused a pain in his chest. Sighing he moved his hand gracefully in the air and before he knew it, a large gust of air broke out.

Giving her the kite, he held it in the air and watched her face which grew with excitement as she laughed. The kite was now in full flight and Penelope squealed with happiness. Making sure she wasn't going to hurt herself, he patted her head before walking back to his chores. At times like this, he needed to put space between them. This is mainly because her soul still smelt absolutely divine and her happiness seemed to make his hunger increase. Of course, he would tell himself, it wasn't because he was starting to care for the girl.

-*Another Flashback*-

As the sole owner of the estate, Penelope had grown up well. Her childish nature had nearly gone. But not totally, as Claude discovered. For the second time that day, the red head had stolen his glasses and he was looking for her once more. Of course he knew where she was, but that would have ruined her fun. So as both a friend and loyal butler, he played her game.

Seeing her, hidden behind one of the large purple curtains, he chuckled and in seconds was by her side, pulling it away form her body. She gave a squeak of surprise, which turned to a fit of giggles.

"Found me!" She exclaimed and carefully put his glasses on for him. Claude would do nearly anything to keep the smile on her face. For only the previous year, she had been in a constant state of mourning over her mother. It had seemed for a moment that she had completely broken. But what had shocked him the most, was one morning when she woke up and told him that she couldn't carry on. He had thought for a dreaded moment that she wanted to die, and couldn't describe the powerful emotion that consumed him. For so long, he had felt a bitter resentment towards her for picking such a silly wish, for him to be her friend. But as she had grown up, his bitterness has turned to desire, and not just for her soul. He was just about to give her a piece of his mind, when she hugged him.

"I can't carry on mourning them, they are gone and I must remember them as they were. I'm sorry for being so down lately Claude, it has been over seven months since the accident. I'm sorry for being a bad friend". She had pulled back and bowed her head in shame.

Suddenly, shocking both Claude and Penelope, he brought her into his arms and hugged her tightly, wishing for the first time he could do more. His eyes had become a fiery red and he tried to calm down the lust that was growing. After a few minutes, he looked her straight in the eyes.

"It's only natural to mourn Penelope, in no way have you been a bad friend. Never say that again". Penelope in shock had nodded slowly, and before she could say anything he had moved away and told her she needed to get dressed. Watching him leave, she couldn't wipe the smile off her face, shocking the maid who had just entered.

-*PRESENT*-

"I.." He paused. "I'm you friend mistress".

Glaring at him, Penelope moved herself of the bed, not caring it was almost midnight, and started to leave the room. Her pale green nightdress floated around her porcelain ankles as she walked through the dark corridor. Trying to brush the stray tears that trickled down her cheeks, she started to run, hoping to getaway far away from the demon as she could.

He watched her leave in shock, wondering how he could have upset her. Sighing, an unsettling feeling settled in his stomach as he got up to follow her. She was indeed a peculiar girl. And with that last thought, Claude set off hunting for the peculiar girl who he not only lusted after but more importantly cared for.