You all but grinned at the statement he was never able to be with you for that long. “I have about an hour, assuming nothing happens in my absence,” he told you, wishing sincerely that this wasn’t the case. “Are you staying?” You asked, slightly hesitant in case he said had had to go immediately, lest he be missed at the Trancy manor. He sighed deeply to release the remainders of negativity the day had left behind then squeezed you one more time before letting go, though you found your shoulders were still touching. You knew how annoying Alois could be to him and you also knew your presence helped him to relax. The demon seemed content to just stand there for a while and you certainly weren’t complaining. He didn’t say he missed you, but the sentiment was all but tangible in the air around you. His arms trapped yours against your sides as he drew you closer into a tight hug, chin pressing down on top of your head.

“Hi,” you whispered, still breathless and thrilled by this unexpected visit. A touch of crimson was just starting to stain the edges of his irises, something you thought of as a representation of his protective streak. You eventually had to move back for air, even if he didn’t, but you rested your forehead against his, eyes locked. You knew how little time Claude got to himself and knowing that he wanted to spend it with you made you feel warm inside. Your hands moved to his shoulders automatically and you smiled into the kiss. He was kissing you in an instant, a hand moving to gently caress the back of your head and the other holding you close to him. You didn’t even manage to get a word out before Claude strode inside, pushing the door shut with the heel of his polished shoe and wrapping his arms around your waist. You opened the door with a polite smile across your features, a ‘Hello, can I help you?’ already on the tip of your tongue. As it was, Claude was in a hurry, just not the type you were expecting.

You had just been enjoying a relaxing cup of tea, but decided that whoever was waiting outside seemed in a considerably hurry and you weren’t going to be the one to hold them up. You jumped slightly at the brisk, efficient knock on your door, then went to answer it promptly. Then, in the secure knowledge that the manor had stocked up on enough food for the next week at least, he quickly set off in the opposite direction, arriving at your house just a short while later. He’d made up some story or other about needing to buy food and that the boy would have to stay with Hannah and the triplets until he got back. The walk had taken them into the evening, yet it was another two hours before he finally managed to get away from Alois. “But I want to go with you!”Ī good three hours later and the pair finally returned, the demon’s headache now verging on a migraine. “I want to go for a walk.” Claude blinked, ignoring the bluntness of the statement as usual, before stating the idea sounded refreshing. “Master,” the butler greeted as he reached the door, giving a low bow before stepping into Alois’ study. Quite frankly, the demon couldn’t care less about the state of the food, though he cared very much about the headache Alois gave him if it wasn’t just perfect. Claude has just seen him to take away what was left of his lunch, which the boy claimed was too salty in some places, too sweet in others.

His contractor had been alone for a total of four minutes and thirty seconds.

The demon in question sighed quietly through his nose, annoyance burning through his veins as he wondered if any meal was worth this. “Claaaaaude,” whined a petulant, childish voice, always demanding attention and never giving up until he got it. Why yes you can!! Sorry this took so long!

Claude black butler sitting