A/N: Seems I can't leave this universe alone, haha. This is the prequel to 'Guiltless Pleasure' but it can also stand alone without having read the other two stories in this universe.

Warnings: Language, fighting

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji

The red moon hung heavy in the sky, a sliver away from becoming full and round. It signaled the evening time, a hairsbreadth away from the midnight hour. Claude glanced at it with curious eyes, noting the crimson color masked the nearby stars. They dimmed and gave a wide berth to the large object in the sky, giving it the respect it demanded. He tore his eyes from the full moon with a small scowl. He preferred the suns to the moon.

At least the suns moved in a rhythmic sort of way, almost in a dance. When one rose, the second would follow and together they would rise together until they reached their peak. After that, the second sun would start to devour the first until they set as a solitary sun. Claude could watch the sunset every evening and never tire of it.

The crimson colors that bathed the sky soothed him and Claude wanted to capture the colors for his own. A decade ago, he wanted to imprison the suns themselves, but his mother simply laughed at him for his thoughts. No creature, demon or otherwise, could capture the elements, she reminded him.

However, knowing that still didn't stop Claude from admiring the suns in all their blazing glory.

Next to him, his mother shifted and Claude tugged at her hand. "What are we doing here?" He asked.

She looked down at him. "We're waiting," she said simply. "It's the last day for the birthing cycle."

Claude grunted and knelt down to examine a sicarius spider. Its long legs carried it easily across the rocky terrain and Claude carefully plucked it off the ground. Six eyes looked up at him and Claude let it crawl over his hand. "What's so special about this birthing cycle?" He questioned and hissed as tiny fangs sunk into his skin.

"It's royalty," his mother answered. "Our Sire and his mate have tried several times for a child but she had trouble catching. This is the farthest she's come in several centuries."

"Oh," Claude stated, not truly understanding why everyone seemed to think it was such a big deal. He gripped the spider tighter and spindly legs flailed about as its venom started to tingle throughout Claude's body.

An exasperated sigh left his mother's mouth and she pried the spider from his hand, tossing it away in a smooth motion. "Honestly Claude, why do you always provoke them?"

Claude shrugged, his fingers tingling and creating a pleasant feeling throughout his body. The venom of the sicarius, while deadly to mortals, only brought a heightened sensation for demons. "They come to me. I don't go searching for them." His nostrils flared as the wind shifted and his head snapped up, gazing in the direction of the castle that stood dark in the night.

The wind brought with it a new scent, one that teased his senses and wrapped around him. He couldn't place the scent, but his mind supplied that it smelled hot. Almost like fire. It burned his nose and Claude took a step forward, the venom making every nerve stand at attention as the new smell continued to surround him.

It seemed to attack his senses and imprint itself in his memory. Claude reached for the scent in his mind and pulled it closer. The smell sent small thrills down his spine and Claude shivered in the night air next to his mother. He glanced at her briefly to see her reaction, but she seemed unaffected along with the rest of the demons that stood around him.

Claude turned his attention back to the castle and breathed in deeply. He could taste the faintest hints of the scent on the wind, pure and fresh. It threw him off for a moment, the flavor unlike anything he had tasted before. But as quickly as it came, it vanished the next second as a powerful scent washed over his body.

He stiffened along with the rest of the demons around him, easily recognizing the scent. It was that of their Sire and his mate, and just under that lingered a new scent. Weak and barely there, but they could still smell it.

"Just in time," his mother breathed, looking up at the moon.

Claude followed her gaze, taking in the round and full shape of the moon. A few more minutes and midnight would pass, signaling the end of the birthing cycle and the autumnal equinox would pass. He lowered his eyes to the castle once more, trying to scent the smell from before but found nothing.

"What was that scent?" He asked.

His mother looked at him. "When a child is born, it carries the scent of its parents until a certain age."

Claude shook his head quickly, cutting her off. "I know that. I know what I smelled earlier." He gestured with his hand. "But earlier. Before that. There was a different smell and I could taste something."

"I think the sicarius venom was a little too strong for you this time, Claude," she muttered. "I didn't smell anything before the birth and no one else did either. The venom threw your senses off."

"I know what I smelled," Claude protested and squirmed as his mother picked him up. The nearby demons started to disperse, their curiosity and hopes filled for the night, and his mother moved with them. "Put me down," he protested, feeling his cheeks grow warm.

His mother shook her head. "Despite what you may think in that proud little head of yours, you're still a fledgling. Half a century or not, you have yet to become an adult."

Claude grumbled and leaned his head against his mother's shoulder, feeling the remaining venom trickle away. His eyes darted over the retreating castle in the distance and he stared long and hard at it, hoping that it would provide an answer to what he smelled earlier. But it remained silent and foreboding as always and left Claude to his thoughts as moon passed overhead.

.:|Hunting Fire|:.

Claude toed the ground and shifted uneasily under the sharp, piercing gaze of the feline. It lounged in the hallway at the base of the steps, seemingly guarding it and Claude could see sharp nails scratching ever so slightly over the floor. A low growl left its throat as Claude shifted again and its dual tails flicked lightly.

Claude tore his eyes away from the creature as it stretched its long body out on the floor and instead focused on the interior of the castle. The castle remained just as large and foreboding on the inside as it looked on the outside, and it made Claude uneasy. He could smell the scent of pain and torture, the smell lingering in the stone walls.

It created an uneasy silence and Claude could feel the tension in the castle. Even though four decades had passed since his Sire killed his mate, Claude could still see the effects of her betrayal. More feline demons prowled the area, loyal to their current lord and his son, and the servants watched him intently.

Not many demons forgot the betrayal that happened forty years ago and at the time, Claude was old enough to understand the severity of what happened. At only a decade old, the heir was still a babe. No older than a toddler in the eyes of a mortal. While nowhere near as weak as a mortal child, the heir still lacked the strength to fend off a centuries old demon.

At first, no one believed the rumors. While attacks against fledglings happened and weren't unheard of, they remained rare. At most, attacks against newborns came from rival mates or those who were too young mentally to handle a child. But never did the attacks come from the demon that carried the child.

Yet it happened, amidst all the disbelief and denial. It shook the realm and Claude could easily remember the turmoil that filled the air. Many clung to the hope that it wasn't true, but the screams that filled the night after it happened gave enough proof. They continued for months before the castle finally grew quiet and an uneasy atmosphere surrounded the realm.

The next day, their Sire appeared in public for the first time since the incident, his heir held firmly in his arms, without his mate at his side. The appearance cemented the rumors and made Claude remember that demons were incapable of feeling love. His Sire sided with his newly born offspring instead of his mate, who had stayed by his side for close to a millennia. Blood remained stronger than feelings.

"Faustus," a calm voice spoke, pulling Claude from his thoughts. Claude quickly looked up and inclined his head slightly to the servant. "Follow me."

Claude nodded and hurried after the servant, making a wide berth around the feline that watched him with inquisitive eyes. Its lips pulled back in what looked like a smile and Claude jogged up the steps. "Do you know why I'm here?" He asked as they walked. "I received the summon last week but it didn't say why."

The servant shook his head. "It's not my place to say or to assume our Sire's thoughts," he stated.

"I see," Claude muttered and ran a hand through his hair. It didn't help calm him any and Claude could feel the power pulsing through the hallway as they neared the study.

Underneath that, a softer energy pulsed and seemed to wrap around Claude, soothing him as they approached. It felt familiar and Claude pulled it closer, wondering when he felt it before for it to cause such a reaction within him. It mixed together with a scent and Claude inhaled deeply, the taste of fire filling his senses.

"Incense?" Claude asked as they came to a stop outside the office.

The servant looked at him, confusion flickering across his face. "We aren't burning any," he stated and turned back to the door. "We're here. Don't do anything stupid," he finished with an exasperated tone.

Claude grumbled under his breath. His mother said the same thing that morning before he left. He could handle the chiding tone from her, but not someone he didn't know. "Lead the way," he said.

The door opened and Claude stepped in as the servant moved to the side. "Sire, Claude Faustus is here."

"Leave us," a deep voice rumbled and the servant bowed slightly before stepping out of the room. The doors shut behind Claude and he turned his attention to the other figure in the room. "Faustus."

Claude bowed deeply and lowered his eyes in respect. "My Lord," he muttered softly. At only a century old, Claude knew better than to act out of turn to a superior demon. Especially when that demon was the current leader of their realm and frankly, the elder demon terrified Claude.

He remained in the position for several more seconds before the elder demon spoke. "Relax," he said and Claude straightened but still avoided eye contact. "Do you know why you're here?"

Claude shook his head. "No, Sire. I received the summons and came here at the specified day."

"You're currently under contract in the mortal plane, yes?" The elder demon clarified.

"Yes, Sire. My contract should end within a fortnight," Claude answered and shifted slightly. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked cautiously.

His Sire shook his head. "No. You're fine. I have a request however," he said and gestured with his hand. From the corner of the study, a child moved forward, holding a small feline in his arms.

Claude twitched slightly before dipping into another bow. He knew the child that stood before him, even if he had never seen him before. The scent alone gave him away along with the family resemblance. He straightened at the command and looked over the child curiously, taking in every feature.

Crimson eyes burned with intelligence and held an innocence that seemed to pull Claude in. They made Claude relax and he almost took a step forward, wanting to brush his fingers across pale skin but caught himself last minute. Instead, Claude tore his gaze from the fledgling and looked at his Sire. "Sire?" He asked.

"My son is half a century old and is old enough to catch his first soul," his Sire said. "As you're already contracted on the mortal plane, I would like you to guide him and make sure he doesn't give away his presence to the mortals."

Claude blinked and found himself nodding slowly as his mind slowly proceeded the words. "Do I have to…teach him how to eat them?" He asked hesitantly. Each demon had their own style when it came to contracting and eating souls, and the thought of teaching the heir made Claude feel overwhelmed.

His Sire shook his head. "No, he is already well versed in how to feed himself." He looked at his son and Claude watched as a smirk slipped across the fledgling's lips. "He just needs an experienced demon with him for his first try. I would go with him, but I have other matters that I must attend."

"It's an honor to watch him, Sire," Claude said quickly, lest the elder demon believe that he didn't want the job. Excitement raced through him and his pride swelled that their Sire had picked him, of all demons, to escort his son. His eyes slid to the fledgling and he jerked back slightly as he crimson eyes locked with his.

"I look forward to learning from you," the fledgling said, his voice soft and calm, almost melodic. "Hopefully we can continue to work together in the future."

A small, polite smile slipped across his face as he spoke and as Claude stared at him, he found himself comparing the face to a cherub. Innocence radiated deeply from the young face and pulled Claude in even more until he could gaze at the fledgling in awe. "I'll do my best to serve you, Young Master," Claude finally said, finding his voice after several quiet minutes.

The fledgling laughed lowly and his lips curled into a smirk that looked almost out of place on his angelic looking face. "Tomorrow morning then?" He asked and his eyes seemed to darken.

"Of course," Claude answered, finding the new change unsettling but still fitting for a demon. Something lurked behind that innocent face and it sent chills down Claude's spine. And yet, it drew him closer and his body trembled at the feeling. It wasn't until his Sire dismissed him and Claude stood outside the castle that he recognized the feeling that held him so fearful yet enthralled.

Power.

.:|Hunting Fire|:.

Claude stopped at one of gates that led to the mortal plane and turned to look at the fledgling standing beside him. "Before we go to the mortal plane, you need a name." He shrugged his shoulders, his clothes shifting on his body over his human disguise. "It's best to pick something you can remember. It's important to keep up appearances and you responding to your human name as though it were your demon name is important."

"I know," the fledgling answered and tilted his head up to look at Claude. "I already have a name."

Claude gazed at the dark red eyes, so dark that the humans would pass them off as an auburn color and never think twice about it. "What name did you pick?" He asked curiously. Most demons spent days thinking about a name unless they were under contract. It had to flow off their tongue and sound right in their ears. Strangely enough, demons were meticulous about their names.

"Sebastian," the fledgling stated and his eyes narrowed slightly. "You may only call me that when we're alone. In front of other demons, you call me by my title."

The finality at which Sebastian spoke made Claude hesitate for a moment before he nodded. "I understand, Young Master," he muttered. "Shall we go?"

Sebastian nodded and Claude led the way through the gate, feeling the energy flux around them until they emerged in ankle deep snow. Their home seemingly vanished behind them, taking with it the double suns that crossed the sky. Next to him, Sebastian shivered and they started walking.

"Are you truly cold?" Claude asked, his breath puffing in front of him.

"If I said yes would you carry me?" Sebastian questioned and a smirk spread across his lips. "To the humans, I look like your younger brother. And you would be a horrible older brother to let me struggle through the snow."

Before Claude could stop himself, low laughter left his mouth. "Is that what you think?" He asked and brushed away some snow that landed on his cheek. "Humans don't look twice at strangers on the street. They're too busy rushing through life and trying to get ahead that they never stop to look around them. No one will notice us."

Sebastian hummed lowly and didn't say another word as they continued walking until they reached the sidewalk. Claude glanced at him to make sure he wasn't lost before heading towards their destination. They continued in silence as the snow fell around them until Sebastian's soft voice called to him. "Christopher," he said, tone almost pleading.

Claude stopped at the mention of his human name and turned to look at Sebastian. "What's wrong?" He asked.

Sebastian shivered again. "I'm cold and tired," he said, voice weary and soft, but it still carried to the people passing them on the street. "Can we stop for a bit and get something warm to drink?"

"We're almost there," Claude said and glanced down the road. "You can't last for fifteen more minutes?"

"I don't know," Sebastian answered and seemed to shrink in on himself as Claude glared at him. "I can't feel my toes."

Claude let out a frustrated sigh and raked his hand through his hair. "I think you're over exaggerating," he stated. "I'm sure your toes are fine. Now come on. We're running behind schedule."

Sebastian stared at him for a second before ducking his head after giving a small nod. "Okay," he said softly, voice muffled by his scarf.

Claude nodded and started to walk again, trying to ignore the overtly disapproving looks that the humans tossed in his direction. The owner of a nearby cafe sniffed as she pushed by him and stopped in front of Sebastian. She pushed a steaming cup in his hands. "Here sweetie. Some hot cider will help keep you warm for the rest of the walk."

"Thank you, Miss!" Sebastian chirped happily and sipped at the warm drink. "It's yummy," he said before beaming up at her.

The woman smiled. "You're quite welcome," she said and dusted the snow off Sebastian's hat. She tossed Claude a cool glare as she stood up. "Honestly. You would think family would take better care of each other," she muttered under her breath as she walked back to her shop.

Claude stared at her and waited until Sebastian sidled next to him. "Come here," he grunted and hefted Sebastian into his arms. Arms wrapped around his neck and they started again, Claude glaring at anyone who dared to stop them.

They turned a corner and Sebastian tossed the drink into a nearby trashcan. "That was disgusting," he said flatly and shifted his weight. "Human cuisine lacks flavor."

"What was that about?" Claude hissed and his human cheeks burned with humiliation.

Sebastian shrugged and deftly moved around Claude's body until he clung to his back, forcing Claude to adjust his grip. "You were wrong," he said simply. "Adults by themselves fade into the background when they're walking alone. But when a young child and his older guardian are together, people tend to notice, especially when the younger of the two seems distraught."

Claude growled lowly. "You manipulated their emotions."

"It's not a crime," Sebastian answered. "And it's not manipulation. It's further developing your disguise and using it to your advantage. I can't form a proper contract when I look ten years old to humans, so I have to find other ways to draw them near me to steal their soul."

"Deceptive," Claude muttered reluctantly. He hated to admit that Sebastian could read humans better than him and felt annoyance tug at his emotions. "Seems I still have many things to learn."

Sebastian's arms tightened around him and Sebastian buried his face against his neck before breathing in deeply. "You're still a good teacher, Claude Faustus," he breathed before falling silent.

Claude's lips twitched into a small smile as the continued on their way. They made quick time and the moment they stepped into the foyer of the house, he set Sebastian down. It felt awkward touching Sebastian considering his lineage but at the same time, it felt right. Something about Sebastian drew Claude in and it confused him.

He didn't dwell on the thought though as a well-dressed man came to greet them. "This way, Mr. Marlowe," he said. They moved through the hallway and stopped outside the parlor. "Christopher Marlowe is here to see you ma'am."

"Send him in," a tired voice called from further in the room.

Claude waved the man away and stepped into the parlor, Sebastian trailing behind him like a shadow. "I apologize for my absence yesterday afternoon," he stated. "I had an important meeting."

The female grunted and looked up from her papers. "You'll have to make it up tonight by working late then," she stated. "I don't want to look at any of these papers anymore."

"I understand," Claude answered and held out his hand for the papers that covered the couch. "I'll look over these and tell you what move will work best to your advantage."

She nodded and stood up, running a tired hand over her face. "I have a meeting at the office today. I'll be back for lunch."

Claude hummed as he flipped through the papers. "I'll have these finished by then," he said and she walked out of the parlor. Once she vanished, he looked at Sebastian. "This will take me an hour to finish and then we can start searching for the soul you would like."

Sebastian shook his head. "I'm fine for now," he stated and gestured to the papers. "Do what you need for your contract. She seemed stressed."

"She's always that way." Claude answered and guided Sebastian through the house until they reached the room his contractor gave him. "But once she's secured power for her daughter, then our contract will finish."

"You mean once you have secured power for her daughter," Sebastian corrected and took a seat on the plush bed. "You're doing all the work for her."

Claude grunted. "That's my job. I promised to secure her power in exchange for her soul."

Sebastian frowned and leaned back slightly. "I understand that, but she lacks the drive to do it herself." He tipped back gracefully. "She knows what she wants, but in using you, she's made a crutch for herself. She allowed herself to become lazy and instead of thinking for herself, she relies on you."

"I still get her soul in the end," Claude pointed out and looked up from his papers. "That's all that matters at the end of the day."

Sebastian shrugged and didn't say anything, leaving silence to fill the room. Claude glanced at him briefly before turning his attention back to the papers as Sebastian remained silent. He couldn't understand why Sebastian seemed to think it was such a big deal that his contractor couldn't think for herself. It made humans easier to control when they remained under a demon's hand and Claude liked the control that came with a contract.

Humans only thought they were the ones in charge, never realizing the demon controlled everything. It made things more fun and Claude thoroughly enjoyed the game.

Minutes bled into hours and Claude glanced up at the clock, setting the papers down. He shifted on the chair, feeling uneasy as the silence in the room mounted and seemed to suffocate him. He couldn't place the reasoning and Claude stood up, hoping to ease the discomfort with a short walk. His eyes darted to the bed where Sebastian slept and froze at the sight of an empty bed.

A curse fell from Claude's mouth and he quickly left the room, stretching his senses for any sign of Sebastian. If anything happened to the fledgling…he shuddered. Claude didn't want to think about the horrors that would await him if that happened. He moved down the hallway and paused as a familiar pulse of energy below him.

Claude let out a soft sigh. At least Sebastian never left the house and he seemed fine. He headed towards the stairwell when the contract on his hand tingled against his skin. It started out small before the feeling erupted in scorching heat that had Claude hissing in pain. Blood trickled away from the contract and dripped to the floor but Claude was already racing downstairs.

Something had happened to the human he had contracted to and Claude could feel her energy flickering away slowly, almost as though she was dying. They thought made Claude move even quicker as he rushed to reach the room stayed in. Another energy mixed with hers, stronger and familiar as Claude shoved the doors open and looked at the figures in the room.

"Sebastian!" Claude nearly shouted and quickly moved over to his human's side. He didn't need to feel for a pulse to know that she had already died and Claude turned to face Sebastian. "What did you do?" He snarled.

Sebastian smirked and his eyes danced with something Claude couldn't place. "I took her soul," he answered simply. "Your attempt at forming a contract was poorly made and I exploited a loophole."

Claude faltered slightly at the words before brushing them aside as he plowed forward. "Silence your tongue," he hissed.

Sebastian licked his lips, exaggerating the motions as he glided over to Claude. "She was good, but her soul lacked flavor. You could've done better,…"

Claude tensed at the sound of his demon name falling from Sebastian's mouth and he spun around with a snarl. "How dare you take a demon's contracted soul," he growled. "There are rules that we must follow."

Crimson eyes rolled slightly and Sebastian rested his hand on his hip. "So you're mad that you didn't get a taste?" He asked and shook his head before moving closer to Claude.

Fingers laced through Claude's hair and pulled him down until their lips pressed against each other. Claude's eyes widened at the action before the taste of wine, chocolate, blood, and something he couldn't place, pushed into his mouth. The flavor rushed over his tongue and Claude swallowed greedily until it vanished.

A tingling aftertaste remained, hot and familiar on his tongue before Claude pulled back quickly, realizing what he just did. He wiped at his lips, hoping to erase the taste but it remained, coiled low in his stomach. "What the hell are you doing?" He snapped.

"Giving you a taste," Sebastian answered and a smirk curled across his lips. "And getting my own."

Claude moved forward, intent on smacking the smug smirk from Sebastian's face but the fledgling vanished from the room. A quick search of the area told Claude that instead of fleeing the house, Sebastian had returned home and Claude growled lowly at the thought. No doubt, Sebastian had gone to hide behind his father where Claude couldn't touch him.

He looked down at his hand, noting that the contract had already faded away and Claude quickly left the room. Nothing tied him to the human plane anymore and Claude itched to leave the house. It reminded him of how easily Sebastian had exploited the weak spot in his contract with the human.

He hated Sebastian for making a fool of him and Claude's teeth dug into the tender flesh of his human guise. His anger mounted even more at the thought of how easily Sebastian manipulated him with a childish smile and an angelic face. Claude shook his head at that thought and ran a hand through his hair.

Sebastian was no angel. He was a demon through and through.

.:|Hunting Fire|:.

A sense of annoyance flickered through Claude's body as he approached the looming castle. Even after a century, Claude still couldn't forgive Sebastian for stealing his contracted soul. No matter how much Claude learned from the action. He made sure that his future contracts lacked the loopholes that Sebastian used and made sure to pick very specific humans to contract.

Sebastian's words still floated through his head, even a hundred years later. Those words, so brazen and taunting, telling Claude that he could've done better. In a subtle way, Sebastian had mocked Claude's choice in regards to the human he contracted. Calling her flavorless, thus in turn, reflecting on Claude's ability to judge humans.

Just thinking about it was enough to bring a snarl to Claude's lips and he had to fight to keep his growing anger at bay. He didn't know why he had received the summon, but Claude had a growing suspicion that Sebastian was the reason behind his sudden summoning. The thought made Claude ground his teeth together as he passed through the large, ornate gates to find a servant already waiting for him.

"This way, Faustus," the servant said. "We have been expecting you."

Claude grunted and skirted around the feline that reclined next to the servant. Its tails flicked lazily across the ground and Claude glanced at it briefly before he forced his attention away from it. "Do you happen to know why he summoned me?" He asked as they started to walk, the feline trailing behind them.

The servant nodded. "There are rumors among the staff but nothing more than that," he stated. "You should be honored, if they are true."

"I don't like the sound of that," Claude murmured, easily remembering how his last assignment played out. He thought his last job was an honor as well, until Sebastian stole his contracted soul.

The other demon didn't say anything as they walked through the hallway and Claude accepted the easy silence that settled between them. Nothing he said could stop him from seeing his Sire; he couldn't deny a direct summons. They stopped outside the office and Claude grimaced at the sense of déjà vu that washed over him as the doors opened.

The servant bowed himself from the room and Claude looked at his Sire, noting that Sebastian stood next to him. At a century and half, Sebastian looked around twenty by mortal standards and Claude silently admired his features. By demon standards, Sebastian was still a fledgling and couldn't call himself a full adult demon until he hit two centuries of age, along with his first heat.

He fought back the scowl that threatened to overcome his features. Claude didn't want to be around when Sebastian hit his first mating cycle. If Sebastian was unbearable now, Claude couldn't imagine how smug and arrogant Sebastian would become come the mating season. Although, the thought of mounting Sebastian reverberated deeply within Claude's body.

"Sire," Claude said quickly, pushing all thoughts of the idea from his mind and offering a deep bow.

"Sit," his Sire said and Claude took a seat in the nearby chair, hesitating at the cool tone that seemed directed towards him. "It seems as though we're in a familiar situation once more."

Claude inclined his head slightly. "So it would seem," he answered. "And I have to ask again, Sire. Have I done something wrong?"

The elder demon shook his head and Claude watched as his eyes darted briefly to Sebastian before focusing on him once more. "No, you have done nothing wrong. But once more I find myself asking you for another request." He paused and Claude could hear a smidge of irritation creep into his voice. "You are the one of the few demons close in age to my son and have recently shed the status of fledgling."

Claude resisted the urge to shift on the chair as an uneasy feeling settled over his body. There were other demons that recently grew into mature demons and others who would hit their maturity in a year or two. His Sire had his choice over any demon in the realm, demons that were better suited for whatever his Sire wanted. But he picked Claude instead and Claude could feel the dread growing larger as the seconds passed.

"My son needs a tutor to help broaden his skills," his Sire spoke and Claude's fingers grew numb under the shock.

"Surely there is a demon better suited for this task than me," Claude interrupted. "I only know what I learned during primary lessons with The Guardians. The rest I learned through experience."

Crimson eyes sharpened and pinned Claude to the spot. "Do not think that I don't know that," his Sire said harshly. "My son will still have his normal tutors in all the subjects that he is required to study. I would not ask you to take on such a broad task with no professional training. You're too young for that task," he sniffed.

Claude ducked his head in submission, feeling the immense power roll off his Sire and he bit his tongue. He didn't know what his Sire requested of him, if he wouldn't tutor Sebastian in one of the subjects he needed to know. The situation was strange at best and Claude didn't know what to think about it.

"As educated as my son is in his studies, there is still something he lacks," his Sire spoke again and Claude lifted his head up slightly. "His studies will taper during the next decades as he moves from book studies to a more hands on approach. However, during that time, he needs someone close to his age to keep him grounded. Someone who doesn't reside in the castle and knows little of the politics he'll have to deal with daily."

"Me?" Claude asked cautiously and the feeling of dread had double in size until it became impossible to swallow.

His Sire nodded. "Yes. My son handpicked you out of every demon in the realm." His Sire turned to look at Sebastian and Claude wondered if it was his imagination or a trick of the light that made his Sire's crimson eyes flash in annoyance. "The next few decades promise to be stressful for the both of us. The humans are fighting a new war and their souls cry for revenge, tempting us with their call, and the angels protest our increased activity."

Claude shook his head numbly. "What can I do to help though?" He asked. "I don't understand."

"Neither do I," his Sire muttered under his breath, so faint that Claude almost missed it.

Sebastian stepped forward, pushing his body away from the desk he had leaned against during the entire conversation. "I'll explain it to him, father," he said smoothly. "By your leave, of course."

His Sire waved a hand. "Do what you will," he answered. "Try not to destroy the grounds though."

Claude heard Sebastian chuckle lowly, the sound caressing his ears in a gentle touch before Sebastian's fingers tugged him out of the chair. "This way, Faustus."

A snarl left Claude's mouth as they left the office and he tore his wrist out of Sebastian's grip. Sebastian's lips curled into a smirk as they continued walking and Claude's anger mounted with each step as they headed towards the courtyard. He couldn't prove it yet, but Claude knew Sebastian had planned this and the thought grated on his nerves.

They didn't stop until they reached the courtyard and Claude barely looked around the open area as he watched Sebastian turn around to face him. "You did this on purpose," Claude snarled. "You planned this somehow."

Sebastian looked apathetic as he answered. "Of course. My father already said that I handpicked you for this job." He cocked his head and feigned a thoughtful expression. "Do you have problems with listening? That could become problematic in the future if so."

Claude's nails lengthened and he growled low in his throat. "I heard that much. But I've never heard of this position before," he snapped. "You created it on purpose and then picked me for the position so you could annoy the hell out of me."

Sebastian clapped his hands slowly. "Aren't you the smart one," he cooed. "To figure everything out on the first try."

"Shut up," Claude hissed. "I refuse to be your little toy in this game you're playing. I don't know what you have against me, but I won't rise to your bait."

Crimson eyes flashed and something familiar pushed against Claude but he brushed it off. "Don't assume that you know me or my intentions," Sebastian said, voice low and dangerous. "My reasons are my own, but they're not as trivial as you make them to be."

Claude shook his head, feeling his anger grow and twist in his stomach. It coiled low and built until it roared like a flame, making his teeth elongate as he spoke. "I'm not doing this, Sebastian," he spat. "I won't bow to someone weaker than me."

The words left his mouth before Claude could rein them in but in his anger, he found that he couldn't care. He watched as Sebastian's eyes widened slightly before a smirk crossed tempting lips. "Very well," he said. "I'll make you a deal."

"I don't want to make a deal with the likes of you," Claude growled.

"I think you'll like this one," Sebastian answered. "I'll let you turn down the request if you beat me in a fight. If not, you have to accept the terms of the request."

Claude's eyes narrowed. "Your father will kill me," he spat.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Then he must kill all my sparring tutors after we practice," he stated and gestured with his hand. "This is nothing more than a spar. Nothing serious. And despite the outcome, I will uphold that fact."

"I want reassurance," Claude said finally, after mulling over the words for several minutes.

Sebastian chuckled. "And my father thinks you're worthless," he said before biting his thumb. A drop of blood bubbled to the surface and Sebastian spread it over the back of his hand while he muttered an oath in the demonic tongue.

A contract, one that Claude recognized as the royal seal, blossomed on Sebastian's hand. He eyed it carefully, checking it for any defects before nodding. Demons could form oaths between each other using the seal they used to contract with humans. It offered proof that a pact had formed between two demons and held as much weight as a law. Nothing could go against it.

"Fine," Claude stated. "I accept your terms."

Sebastian smirked and took a small step back as he offered a bow. "Then by all means," he said and glanced up with amused eyes. "Make your move."

Claude wasted little time lunging forward, his eyes focused on Sebastian. He pivoted on the heels of his feet and moved with Sebastian as the other demon ducked to the side to avoid the attack. Sebastian countered smoothly as he continued to roll away from the attack, arching his back in a flip that carried him away from Claude.

A sharp word left Sebastian's mouth and Claude briefly glanced to the side where a feline prowled the edge of the courtyard, watching them with gleaming eyes. It stayed at the edge though, never moving from its spot and Claude turned his attention back to Sebastian. He inclined his head in a brief thanks, pleased to see that Sebastian would uphold his agreement against all facets that could harm him.

Sebastian nodded back before darting towards Claude. They moved together, almost like a dance as they attacked and defended each blow until Claude didn't know where his attacks started and Sebastian's ended. Everything seemed to blend as they danced around each other, using the nearby surfaces as advantages points.

And through it all, Claude had a sinking feeling that Sebastian was holding back. While Claude fought with everything he had, the smirk on Sebastian's face never left and he took each blow that landed on his body with a seeming grace that made it look as though Sebastian wanted the attack to land.

Never once did Sebastian land a hit, but he took each of Claude's attacks in stride. Almost as though the attacks meant little to him and they didn't bother him. The thought made Claude strike harder, putting more effort into his attacks and his next attack cracked the hard ground below them.

"Getting serious, now?" Sebastian asked from atop his perch.

"I've been serious," Claude spat and eyed the dripping wounds on Sebastian's body. "If anything, it's you who isn't taking this serious."

Sebastian stood up from his crouch and he examined Claude with a touch of amusement. "You wish for me to take this seriously?"

Claude growled lowly. "Don't insult me by asking for this fight and then making a joke out of it."

Fire seemed to fill Sebastian's eyes and Claude felt the air around them shift drastically. It felt suffocating and pressed against Claude's body until he felt as though it would crush him. The feeling surged and Claude only had a chance to blink before Sebastian stood before him. Crimson eyes had darkened and they narrowed briefly before a feeling of weightlessness filled Claude.

His breath left him in a rush as he smashed into the far wall, the stone giving out under his weight. Claude gasped, an involuntary action, as the world spun around him and the same suffocating feeling pushed against him again. He turned his head to the side and quickly rolled to the side, barely avoiding Sebastian's next attack.

He stood up and struggled to put distance between himself and Sebastian. The air around them continued to press against his body and Claude barely made it ten steps away before he dropped to his knees. Sebastian appeared in front of him and the pressure increased tenfold as Claude looked up at him.

A dark reddish cloud seemed to surround Sebastian, pulsing and flickering with life. And as abruptly as it appeared, it vanished the next moment and Sebastian knelt down before him. He leaned forward and Claude flinched as hot breath brushed over his neck and sharp teeth scraped ever so slightly against the skin.

"I win," Sebastian murmured against his neck before he gave a gentle push to Claude's torso.

Claude stumbled back and his body pressed against ground, trying to understand what exactly happened. "What…what did you do?" He asked.

Sebastian shook his head. "I took the fight seriously," he said simply. "Just as you asked me to."

Claude's eyes shut briefly and he ran a hand over his face. Now that the suffocating feeling had vanished, Claude found that he could think clearer and his mind quickly supplied what he felt earlier.

Power.

He opened his eyes and gazed at Sebastian with a sense of awe. The immense feeling of power that came from Sebastian was enough to force Claude into submission without Sebastian even lifting a finger. It had rolled off him in waves, pushing against Claude and forcing him down with just will alone.

Claude had felt it before, nearly a century ago. But at the time, the feeling flickered weakly and brushed over Claude's senses in a soft, calming motion. That feeling remained today, its touch calming Claude when Sebastian kept it concealed earlier in the meeting. Now though, Claude had tasted what Sebastian truly hid behind the gentle guise that Claude took for granted.

No doubt, Sebastian was the heir. And Claude had called Sebastian weak.

He chuckled lowly at that and carefully sat up, his body protesting every movement. "You won," Claude admitted, knowing Sebastian had beat him fair and true. His pride stung, if only a little. No one would look down on him for losing to Sebastian, and Claude took silent comfort in that fact. He didn't like admitting that Sebastian was the stronger between them, but he couldn't deny the truth so blatantly displayed before him.

Sebastian hummed and his eyes flickered over Claude. "About your new job," he stated and settled next to Claude.

Claude glanced at him wearily. "What exactly do I have to do?" He asked, hoping for clarification. He lost the fight and now had to honor their agreement.

"Simply put, you're my outlet," Sebastian answered and his nose crinkled slightly in thought. "You'll help me relax and unwind every day and in a way, teach me how to live like a normal demon. Those elements elude me and if I'm to take my father's place in time, I want to understand every aspect this realm has to offer."

Claude frowned. "When you say I'm an outlet for you to relax," he started. "You don't mean through sexual means, do you?"

Crimson eyes studied him silently and Claude shifted on the ground under their piercing gaze. "Does the idea disgust you?" Sebastian finally questioned.

The question caught Claude off guard and he mulled over it before shaking his head. "I couldn't say. It's not my place."

Sebastian sighed softly and looked away. "No. It doesn't mean through sexual means." He tilted his head back and looked up at the sky. "Simply sparring with me or talking is enough to ease my mind. You live away from the castle and all its politics. It gives me a chance to relax and have a normal conversation without the chance of someone trying to manipulate me."

Claude chuckled lowly. "So you're using my simpleton mind and ways to relax. Charming."

A low laugh left Sebastian's mouth. "You said it, not me," he pointed out and lowered his eyes to the courtyard again, a small smirk crossing his lips.

Claude huffed but didn't say anything as silence settled over them. He was still mad at Sebastian for the trick he pulled a century ago but even he could, if not grudgingly, admit that Sebastian wasn't as horrible as Claude's youth remembered him. He opened his mouth to tell Sebastian as much, but faltered as a strong power pushed against him.

"What happened here?" A cool voice spoke behind them.

Claude wheeled around and hastily dipped his head as he tried to figure out the best way to explain what happened. The courtyard was a mess and Sebastian's body still supported several deep furrows that wouldn't heal until later in the day.

"Faustus was just performing his new duties," Sebastian spoke beside him and stood up, brushing gravel off his legs. "No harm done."

Deep crimson eyes flickered over Sebastian's body, taking in the injuries before they darted to Claude. Claude tensed slightly but relaxed as Sebastian shifted next to him. No matter, he knew that Sebastian would keep to their oath, even if they hadn't formed a pact. Somehow, Claude knew that Sebastian wouldn't let his father touch him.

"Get yourself cleaned up," his Sire finally said. "We'll talk about this later."

Sebastian nodded and brushed a piece of hair from his eyes. "Tomorrow at five, Faustus," he said before moving towards the castle.

Claude watched him go and gingerly stood up. He froze as his Sire approached him and he offered a stiff bow. "Sire," he murmured and straightened slightly.

"Stay close to him, Faustus," his Sire said so lowly that Claude almost missed it. His eyes darted up to the elder demon, but his Sire was already walking away.

A soft sigh left Claude's mouth and he ran a hand over his face again. He had a feeling that somehow, this would backfire on him.