A/N: This is the final chapter! Thank you everyone for your support throughout this story, I really appreciate it :3 See the end of the chapter for final notes ^^ I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Warnings: Language, light lemon

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji

Rain pattered against the window and slid down the slick glass surface, creating abstract designs on the pane. Sebastian watched the droplets slowly trickle the window as his hand idly stroked over Soot's body. The kitten sighed in her sleep and Sebastian's lips quirked slightly at the action. The rain started to pick up; battering against the building and Sebastian pulled his attention away from the window.

His eyes settled on the various pieces of paper scattered across the desk and he pushed them away with a low hum. "Let's have a lazy day, you and I," he murmured to Soot and stood up. She grunted at him and her paws curled against his chest, flexing and kneading until he stretched out on the couch. "Take a nap and waste the day away."

She purred as he rubbed her ears and Sebastian chuckled lowly. He pulled the throw blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over his body before closing his eyes. Outside, he could hear the steady beat of the rain hitting the building and his fingers continued to stroke Soot's ear, the action comforting and relaxing.

He had just started to fall asleep when the doorbell rang, rousing him from the beginning of his dreams. Sebastian sighed loudly and shuffled Soot to the side before standing up from the couch. "This better be worth it," he grumbled and moved over to the door, dragging his feet across the carpet. A quick look through the peephole and Sebastian opened the door, smiling lightly at the person on the doorstep.

"Victoria," he said and stepped back, inviting her inside. "What can I do for you on this fine day?"

"Such a charmer you are," she cooed at him and pressed a dry kiss to the side of his cheek. "You and I both know this is no 'fine day', as you so easily said. The weather makes my joints ache and Crumpet is a grumpy mess when it rains."

Sebastian laughed. "It almost always rains in England," he pointed out. "Perhaps you should move?"

She shoved a finger in his face. "I see what you're doing, boy, trying to make me leave. And after I so kindly welcomed you and that handsome boyfriend of yours." She harrumphed and her eyes darted around the room. "Where is he this 'fine day' anyway?"

"He's in London today, making sure the restaurant is running smoothly," Sebastian answered and looked at the clock. "I don't think he'll return for several more hours."

Victoria clicked her tongue and shuffled into the kitchen, setting a heavy pot on the countertop. "Pity. I had hoped to see him today. He's rather dashing in that suit of his."

Sebastian feigned a hurt look. "I thought I was your favorite," he said, pitching his voice to sound dejected.

"Oh love, you are my favorite," she murmured and patted his cheek. "Nothing will change that, Sebastian."

Sebastian smiled and relaxed as she fussed over him, chiding him about the dark smudges under his eyes and his still underweight body. He waited patiently for Victoria to finish her examination before moving over to the tall cabinets. "Would you like anything to drink?"

She shook her head. "Thank you, but I just came by to drop off some dinner for you two." Victoria smiled up at him. "I'm certain you don't remember, but it's been a year since you two moved here. Consider this my anniversary gift for you and Claude."

"I remembered," Sebastian murmured softly and set a mug on the counter. "Seems like only yesterday."

Victoria made a small noise in the back of her throat. "Don't say it like that," she said. "You're too young to go reminiscing like that, especially in such a mournful tone. Smile love, it was a happy day."

Sebastian chuckled. "Yes, mother," he teased, the word falling easily from his mouth.

"Don't tease me, Sebastian Michaelis. I may look old enough to be your grandmother but I can still put you in your place, boy," Victoria said sternly, although her eyes danced with laughter.

"I would never tease you, Victoria," Sebastian answered.

Victoria smiled and tugged her rain jacket on. "You're such a sweet lad, Sebastian. You take care of yourself, you hear." She kissed his cheek again. "And you need to come over more often so I can fatten you up. Put some more meat on your bones. Crumpet and I always enjoy your company."

Sebastian smirked. "I assume the invitation extends to Claude as well?"

"But of course," Victoria stated. "I miss having my two favorite boys around the house. You two are always so busy, working and whatnot that you never stop by to see me anymore."

"We'll make sure to visit soon," Sebastian said and held the door open as Victoria walked out on the small porch.

"You better," she snapped and opened her umbrella. She turned back to face Sebastian and her face softened. "Take care of yourself, love."

Sebastian smiled and pecked her cheek. "I try."

"Good," Victoria said as she brushed his bangs away from his face before stepping out into the rain. "I expect to see you two this weekend for dinner."

Sebastian waved his hand slightly. "Will do," he answered as she walked across the street.

He watched her go, making sure she made it safely to her house before stepping back inside. The smell of Victoria's cooking curled around his nose and Sebastian's stomach growled. He had worked through lunch again and Sebastian winced slightly. Claude would kill him if he discovered Sebastian had skipped a meal.

Despite the year that had passed since the trial last June, Sebastian remained underweight. His ribs didn't show as predominately anymore, but Claude still fussed over the missing twenty pounds that Sebastian could never seem to keep on.

Sebastian's fingers brushed over his hipbones absentmindedly, feeling the sharp jut from the bone and he idly frowned. He walked into the kitchen, pulling down a bowl and ladling the thick stew into the dish. The weather seemed to taper into a light rain outside as Sebastian made his way back into the living room, taking a seat next to Soot.

She mewled at him and sniffed the bowl as Sebastian ate. "What do you think, Soot?" He asked after swallowing. She mewled again and Sebastian set the bowl down on the coffee table. "Yeah, that's what I thought too," he murmured and picked her up, appetite gone.

He rolled onto his back and placed Soot on his stomach. She allowed him to pet her for a few moments before she jumped off his stomach and padded off to another part of the house. Sebastian watched her go until she vanished from sight and he briefly closed his eyes. They opened again and Sebastian stared silently at the ceiling, listening to the rain.

One year. 365 days since they left home to start anew in England. So much had happened in that time that the thoughts made Sebastian's head spin and he closed his eyes again to stave off a headache.

They left in early September after hearing the final verdict for the trial. It wasn't Tanaka they feared as much as Grey. Grey fought tooth and nail against Vincent and The Undertaker, but even his money and lawyers couldn't hide the evidence and his own claim in court. In the end, he pleaded insanity, as The Undertaker predicted, and Grey's lawyer had him placed in an institution.

Vincent and The Undertaker kept close tabs on both Tanaka and Grey, watching for any developments. The latest Sebastian had heard; Grey had committed suicide while in the institution after his parents disowned him. Despite the tragic news, Sebastian couldn't help but feel as though a weight had lifted from his shoulders at Grey's death. It was a cruel thought, but the relief Sebastian felt upon hearing the news that day had his knees buckling and he sobbed openly into Claude's chest.

Claude for his part simply smirked and then commented that 'the bastard deserved something worse and took the easy way out.'

Sebastian snorted and rolled onto his side, pulling the blanket with him. He could still smell the stew Victoria made for them and a hint of guilt crept into his chest. Victoria was the first person to welcome them and accept their relationship. Sebastian met her first, a week after they arrived in England. Claude was in London, handling some paperwork and Sebastian had stayed back to unpack things.

She came by the house, much as she had earlier, with a warm meal and equally warm eyes. She stayed for hours and helped Sebastian unpack as they talked. Victoria had no children of her own and her husband had passed away several years back, leaving her with an empty house. With the exception of a grumpy cat named Crumpet.

Victoria took a shine to Sebastian and she quickly became the mother figure that Sebastian never had. She doted on him and treated him like the child she always wanted, something Claude found humorous. However, not even Claude could escape Victoria and she accepted him under her wing as easily as she did Sebastian. Even though she remained adamant, that Sebastian was still her favorite.

Sebastian chuckled at that and buried himself further into the blanket. Victoria remained a constant pillar of support for Sebastian during the past year whenever Claude wasn't around. Work kept Claude busy, just as school kept Sebastian busy at home, but they made sure to find time for each other as best they could.

True to Claude's word, he purchased a piece of land for his new restaurant and Sebastian happily started to draft the design for him. It doubled as his final project and after his professor accepted it with praise and high marks, Sebastian presented the completed design to Claude. The months after that passed in a blur as Claude found contractors and the building process started.

The restaurant opened a month ago but Claude still had to stay to make sure it ran properly until he felt comfortable having someone else take the reins. It left Sebastian with time on his hands, despite the current projects that companies had hired him to design, and at times, Sebastian felt that the silence in the house would swallow him.

He understood that Claude had to work and tend to the new restaurant, but it didn't stop Sebastian from wanting Claude. Nor did it stop all the 'what if's' that raced through his mind when the silence stretched on too long.

Sebastian's hand slipped down his body, fingers feeling the faint bumps of his ribs under the shirt he wore. He continued down to his hips, where the bone protruded more predominately when he laid down. His fingers tapped out a beat on the bone before they slowly slid away and his hand rested on the soft fabric of the couch.

His body still bore the scars from his stay at Tea House. Faint marks from the whip remained on his back and the macabre pattern Grey had cut into the base of his neck had healed over with thin, spidery lines. They still showed the pentacle pattern embraced in a circle, even if the lines remained light and hard to see.

It wasn't just the obvious marks that bothered Sebastian but the emaciated figure he still sported. The muscle had grown back with time and he had filled out for the most part, but Sebastian could still see the missing weight whenever he looked in the mirror. A part of him wondered if Claude could see it too, and what he thought about it.

However, the worst scars were ones unseen. Mentally and emotionally, Sebastian had escaped relatively unharmed, all things considering. He had his fair share of nightmares and still had random ones, but Claude was always there to soothe them away. Sebastian's self-confidence though suffered the most and took a deep plunge after his imprisonment. Even after Claude rescued him, his confidence seemed to sink even lower.

He woke at nights doubting himself, believing that he didn't deserve Claude after everything that happened to him. Even now, alone in the house and resting on the comfortable couch, Sebastian could feel the self-doubt starting to creep back. His fingers twitched, remembering the outline of his hipbone and Sebastian wondered if Claude found it disgusting.

Sebastian quickly shook his head, pushing the thoughts from his mind. His psychologist, a determined, spitfire blond named Elizabeth, would reprimand him for thinking that and so would Claude. Elizabeth worked with him two times a week via Skype, helping him slowly build up his self-confidence until Sebastian no longer doubted himself all the time.

He still relapsed at times when the quiet grew too deep and Sebastian clutched the blanket tighter. He trusted Claude and knew that Claude wouldn't cheat on him. However, it was himself that he didn't trust at times. The treacherous thoughts started to creep back into his mind and Sebastian could almost feel their cold touch curling around his thoughts.

They whispered foul words of doubt, telling Sebastian that he wasn't worth anything and that Claude deserved better. Someone who wasn't scarred and soiled.

"No," Sebastian said aloud, the word strong in the silence of the room. He refused to let himself believe that and squeezed his eyes shut once more. It didn't matter if he remained underweight or his body bore physical scars in certain places. Claude still wanted him and showed him every day how much he cared.

Sebastian never heard Claude utter those three words again, not since that night so long ago, but Claude showed his affection in other ways. Simple gestures that Claude didn't have to make helped soothe Sebastian's ragged thoughts and made warmth blossom in his chest. At times, the gestures went beyond simple and morphed into intimate situations, and Sebastian hummed softly to himself.

Heated touches trailed fire over his body during the day or at night and they spent several days tangled together in the sheets of their bed. Claude allowed Sebastian to control the pace at which they moved and slowly, Sebastian built up his shattered trust and confidence. Sebastian opened his eyes and stared at the wall, lost in thought.

He could handle the intimacy, all levels of it from simple touching to intercourse. In the past few months, he had topped Claude several times without relapsing into his memories. The only bridge they had yet to cross was Claude topping him.

Sebastian shifted slightly on the couch, feeling his body react to the mere thought of Claude taking him. He wanted it, more than he wanted to top Claude. But each time the subject came up, Claude would shy away. Whether the action came through fear or something else, Sebastian didn't know, but it kept the cruel voices in his head; gnawing on his insecurities until they bled raw across his skin.

The rain picked up harder outside and Sebastian closed his eyes again, dismissing his thoughts. Dwelling on them only made the doubt grow and that was the last thing he needed right now. Victoria was correct, today was a happy day. He didn't need to ruin it by letting his thoughts get the best of him.

He shifted the blanket higher and his body relaxed on the couch, the soft cushions cradling his body and coaxing him to sleep. The soft jingle of Soot's collar signaled her approach and Sebastian casually lifted the blanket so she could crawl inside. She pressed against him and Sebastian carefully draped his arm over her body before sinking into the welcoming arms of his dreams.

.:|Wine Angels|:.

The rain had tapered off to a light drizzle by the time Claude pulled into the short driveway and he sighed as the engine turned off. His eyes darted over the house, noting that the windows remained dark and a small frown crossed his lips. Night had fallen already and the thick clouds obscured the moon, bathing the area in darkness. Usually Sebastian turned the light on for him and had at least one light on in the house depending on where he was.

The lack of lights though made Claude uneasy and he hurried to the front door. His mind supplied thoughts that made his stomach churn and his blood run cold. Fears that made him wake in the middle of the night soaked in sweat and panting for breath.

He unlocked the door and stepped inside the house, clicking the lights on as he went. The house looked the same, nothing out of place and lacked any signs of a struggle. His eyes fell on the couch and Claude's shoulders slumped with relief as he shut the door behind him. "Sebastian," he muttered and shook his head in amusement.

Claude ran a hand through his hair and walked towards the couch. He brushed a stray lock from Sebastian's face, admiring the soft, unguarded look on Sebastian's features. It told Claude that Sebastian was in a peaceful sleep, away from the occasional nightmare that plagued him. Fingers traced over the dark smudges under Sebastian's eyes before they pulled away.

A soft noise left Sebastian at the loss of contact and Claude chuckled lowly. "You're not going to sleep tonight, Sebastian."

"Not asleep," Sebastian mumbled and patted the couch. "Come lie with me."

Claude hummed. "I'd rather lie with you in a bed," he said but tapped Sebastian's shoulder, motioning for him to sit up. Sebastian grumbled at him until Claude guided his torso back down onto the couch, Sebastian's head resting comfortably on his lap. "I'll compromise," he said and ran his fingers through Sebastian's hair.

"I'll accept this for now," Sebastian answered and glanced up at Claude. "Victoria came by earlier and she seemed disappointed that she missed you in your suit. I believe she said you looked dashing in it."

Claude laughed. "I don't know about her at times. If she were any younger, I might feel concerned," he said and traced the curve of Sebastian's nose. "What did she come over for this time?"

Sebastian caught Claude's hand and pressed a soft kiss to the inside of his wrist. "She dropped off dinner for us in celebration of our one year anniversary."

"Anniversary?" Claude asked and his body grew tense. He could've sworn that they had celebrated their first year anniversary several months back.

"Not that anniversary," Sebastian answered, his voice filled with laughter. "We moved here a year ago today. She wanted to celebrate that and brought us some dinner. It's in the kitchen if you're hungry. Just have to heat it up."

Claude's shoulders relaxed and he tugged lightly at Sebastian's bangs. "Don't scare me like that. The last thing I need is Victoria breathing down my neck because I forgot our anniversary." He slumped against the back of the couch. "She would never let me forget that."

Sebastian chuckled. "She did invite us over for dinner this weekend. Rather, she demanded it." He rolled over onto his side and his nose brushed against Claude's stomach. "You are off this weekend, aren't you?"

"I am," Claude answered and his finger ran over the shell of Sebastian's ear. "I'm off tomorrow too, so we can sleep in and just lounge around the house."

Sebastian fell silent and his eyes slipped shut under the soft touch. Claude's lips tilted up in a small smile and he leaned his head back to rest against the back of the couch. A comfortable silence settled around them and Claude felt his body relaxing even more against the couch. Just staying around Sebastian was enough for Claude and he relished the heat that passed between them.

He didn't like to think that he almost lost Sebastian and the thought had Claude gripping the blanket tighter. Even though a year had passed since the trial, it still haunted them both. If not for different reasons. The simple thought of losing Sebastian, especially now, made Claude's heart pound against his chest and he could feel the burning press of bile against the back of his throat.

There were still times when Claude could see Sebastian's body covered in blood whenever he closed his eyes. The few nightmares he had haunted him in his sleep and they played on his fears until he woke up, trembling in Sebastian's arms. Sebastian's gentle reassurance eased him back to sleep and together they comforted each other when the nights grew too dark.

Claude's hand stilled briefly as Sebastian shifted on his lap before his fingers resumed threading through the soft locks. This was a perfect way to spend the evening. Sitting together and listening to the rain pattered against the roof in a steady rhythm.

Sebastian shifted again and Claude leaned forward to see what Sebastian was doing but froze as Sebastian slowly mouthed the outline of his cock through his slacks. "Sebastian," he hissed in pleasure, the simple touch sending sparks of arousal through his veins.

"I take it this means I can continue," Sebastian murmured and pressed his lips to the fabric covering Claude's cock. His eyes flickered up to look at Claude, a questioning look swirling in their depths. "If it's what you want," he clarified.

Claude moaned lowly. "You're a damn tease, you know that?" He asked and his fingers laced through dark locks. "Don't you dare stop."

Sebastian smirked and sucked on the growing bulge. The fabric dampened around the area and Claude's hips undulated, pressing his erection closer to Sebastian's mouth. His eyes fluttered shut as hot fingers brushed against the waistband of his pants and Claude could almost see the smug smirk on Sebastian's face.

"Imp," he said, pleasure coating his voice. Sly fingers weaved their way into his pants and boxers, carefully removing his cock from the restraining clothes. "Ah, Sebastian," he hissed as Sebastian's thumb swiped over the tip.

Lips pressed to the blushing head before Sebastian pulled away and seemed to pause. The lack of movement had Claude's eyes fluttering open and he struggled to focus on Sebastian. "I want you," Sebastian said before Claude could ask why he stopped. Claude tensed slightly and Sebastian gave his cock a firm tug. "I want this inside me."

Claude quickly shook his head. "I can't," he croaked. "I don't want to hurt you."

Sebastian frowned and sat up slowly. "You won't hurt me, Claude. I promise." His eyes held Claude's. "It's been over a year now."

"But what if I trigger something?" Claude protested, his erection softening between them. "I don't want to chance that and end up harming you."

"Claude," Sebastian started but Claude's eyes darted away. His body remained tense against Sebastian and he quickly tucked himself back into his pants. The silent fears that constantly plagued Claude made it impossible for him to accept Sebastian's request, no matter how much he craved that connection between them. He wanted to cross that final wall and feel Sebastian all around him, pushing deep into his body and joining in a sensual dance. But at the same time, he feared the consequences of that action.

True, a year had passed, but was that enough time for Sebastian to move on? Nightmares haunted them both at times, something they would never escape, and Claude always feared that going further with Sebastian would trigger memories that Sebastian would rather forget. He let Sebastian top him because it gave Sebastian that sense of control and gave them both pleasure. A win-win situation.

But topping Sebastian? Claude wanted it, more than he would dare admit aloud, but the risks far outweighed the benefits. Claude didn't want to lose Sebastian again. The first time was enough and he couldn't go through that again.

"I can't, Sebastian," he said finally and squeezed his eyes shut behind his glasses.

"Claude," Sebastian called again and cupped his cheeks. "Why can't you? Talk to me."

Claude swallowed. "I don't want to lose you again." He reached up and covered Sebastian's hand. "What if I do something wrong and hurt you?"

Sebastian shifted closer. "You have to trust me. Trust that I'll tell you to stop, just as I have to trust that you'll stop if I tell you," he answered. "I trust you, Claude, and I know you would never harm me on purpose."

"You're pushing yourself, Sebastian," Claude stated, his voice firm. "You did the same thing at Tea House whenever we were together."

A small frown crossed Sebastian's face. "This and then are two different things. I know what I want, Claude Faustus, and it's you." He leaned down and drew Claude into a tender kiss. "I love you," he muttered when they broke apart and brushed a piece of hair from Claude's eyes.

Claude blinked at the words and felt warmth bubble low in his stomach. A year had passed since he last heard those words, and he said them himself to Sebastian. Those words that passed between them that night seemed like fake hope, a simple way to booster each other's morale until Sebastian's rescue.

They never said the words again after that night and instead continued to move forward while repairing the damage that had happened. Claude couldn't bring himself to say the words again, not after the short amount of time they had dated. He cared for Sebastian, Claude never doubted that, but it terrified him to admit that he loved him.

He didn't know the feeling or the weight of the words that they carried. It seemed easy to toss those three words around without care, but Claude couldn't bring himself to do that to Sebastian. He cared too much for Sebastian to say 'I love you' when he wasn't wholly convinced on the feelings himself.

So he waited and continued to grow closer to Sebastian, slowly coming to terms with his feelings. Regardless, they remained difficult to say when Claude had never said them before. Before Sebastian, Claude only had one-night stands and never considered settling down to have a relationship with someone. Whereas Sebastian yearned for a steady relationship and could accept his feelings easier than Claude could.

Sebastian leaned back with a small smile that didn't quiet reach his eyes and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "I won't push you if you're uncomfortable with it, Claude. But I know you won't hurt me. I trust you." He pulled away and sat up carefully, taking care not to disturb Soot. "Are you hungry? I can heat up a bowl of Victoria's stew."

Claude's hand shot forward and wrapped around Sebastian's wrist. "Sebastian," he said quickly and gave a small tug on his wrist. Sebastian came willingly and Claude swallowed at the emotions swimming in crimson eyes. In them, he saw the trust Sebastian felt towards him, the calm patience, and the warm affection that seemed to encase the rest of the emotions. And Claude wondered what he did to deserve Sebastian.

"Claude?" Sebastian asked.

"I'm not good with words," Claude admitted, hoping that Sebastian understood him from just that sentence alone. Judging by the smile and small chuckle that left Sebastian's mouth, Sebastian knew him well enough.

Another kiss pressed against his forehead. "I know that, Faustus," Sebastian teased. "But what you lack in words, you make up in your actions. And those speak volumes to me when your words fail you."

"Together then," Claude said after a moment of hesitation and he could feel his heart racing in his chest. He pulled Sebastian closer. "I trust you."

He trusted that Sebastian would tell him if he felt uncomfortable with the situation and he took comfort in that knowledge. A small twinge of guilt flickered through Claude's mind. Sebastian trusted him, wholeheartedly. But Claude couldn't say the same when it came to Sebastian. He shook his head. No, that wasn't right. He trusted Sebastian. It was himself that Claude didn't trust.

Claude didn't trust himself not to harm Sebastian and had unconsciously pushed Sebastian away because of the fear that wrapped around his thoughts. He chuckled lowly and Sebastian looked at him. "I'm such a fool," Claude said, clarifying his thoughts.

Sebastian smirked and pushed up Claude's glasses. "Of course you are. You still think you can beat me when it comes to making desserts." He stood up and moved away from the couch. Claude's eyes traced over Sebastian's body and he felt like he was seeing Sebastian for the first time again. "And we both know that I make the better desserts between the two of us."

A low growl left Claude's throat as Sebastian seemingly glided across the floor, hips swaying slightly. He was off the couch in a heartbeat and Claude nearly sent them tumbling to the floor when he grabbed Sebastian from behind. "Still such a sexy kitten," he purred in Sebastian's ear, arousal pounding through his veins. He hadn't felt this aroused in over a year, the fear of harming Sebastian overshadowing the pleasure.

"Glad to know that you still think so," Sebastian answered and pushed his hips back, rubbing his ass against Claude's awakening erection. "I suppose you're still attractive, too," he said in a thoughtful voice, as though it were an afterthought, and glanced over his shoulder to look at Claude in contemplation.

Claude bit at Sebastian's shoulder. "You suppose I'm attractive?" He asked and reached around to cup Sebastian's groin. "I think this begs to differ."

Sebastian groaned and rocked his hips into forward into Claude's hand. "I think you need to convince me," he said and a smirk crossed his lips. "Why don't you show me how attractive you are? It seems that in all this confusion, I've forgotten."

Claude's lips moved across the back of Sebastian's neck, mapping out the plains and dips, and leaving small marks on the skin. He pulled back after he felt he left enough marks on Sebastian's skin for now and continued to rock his hips against Sebastian. "If you'll so kindly join me in the bedroom," he said and pressed another searing kiss to Sebastian's neck. "I'll gladly refresh your mind."

"That sounds like a good idea," Sebastian moaned and Claude spun him around, capturing him in a rough kiss.

They stumbled towards the stairs, tripping over their feet as hands roamed freely and burned a hot path wherever they touched. Sebastian's touch spoke of hunger and desire, and it had Claude's mind swimming with pleasure until Sebastian remained the only thought on his mind. His body craved Sebastian's touch and he arched into Sebastian's body, the action making them crash to their knees on the steps.

"Maybe we shouldn't do this on the steps," Sebastian said with a breathless laugh.

Claude hummed in agreement but his hands didn't stop roaming over Sebastian's body. His fingers brushed up and down Sebastian's sides, eliciting small shivers from Sebastian. "I could carry you up the steps like a bride on her wedding night."

The comment earned him a sharp smack on the back of his head. "I am no blushing female bride, Faustus," Sebastian snapped but his tone lacked any convincing bite. "If you even think about carrying me across the threshold of our bedroom, I'll kick you out of said bedroom and make you sleep on the couch."

"I already mentioned it, so the thought must've crossed my mind," Claude teased and he quickly leaned forward to placate Sebastian with a tender kiss.

Sebastian batted him away and stood up. For a moment, Claude feared that Sebastian would carry out his threat and he scrambled after Sebastian in an attempt to apologize. Crimson eyes pinned him to the spot, sending another wave of arousal crashing over his body and rocking him down to his core.

"Don't touch me until we get into the bedroom, Claude," Sebastian said, his voice smooth yet demanding and Claude swallowed harshly. "I'm sure you can think of a way to apologize to me once we get there."

Claude nodded absently and watched as Sebastian climbed the steps, eyes firmly trained on Sebastian's ass. He swore Sebastian added the extra sway in his hips to tempt him even further and Claude took the steps two at a time to catch up with him. Seeing Sebastian so confident and dominate aroused Claude more than it should have.

It only told Claude that Sebastian wanted this and had for a while. Any doubt that Claude had about the night fled his mind and his body trembled with anticipation. He kept his hands at his side though until they stepped into the bedroom and he kicked the door shut with his foot. The moment the door closed, he reached for Sebastian and pulled him close; his hands settling on Sebastian's hips.

"Can I start apologizing now?" He murmured into Sebastian's ear as he swayed his body to a nameless song in his head. He felt Sebastian move with him and Claude's hands started to trail over Sebastian's body, taking in the sharp dips and soft skin beneath the pads of his fingers.

"How would you apologize?" Sebastian asked and tilted his head back to rest on Claude's shoulder.

Claude smirked and mouthed the exposed column of Sebastian's neck. "On my knees and with my mouth of course," he answered. His hand snaked down to cup Sebastian's cock. "I think right here is a good place to start."

Sebastian moaned in appreciation. "That's a good start," he said breathlessly.

"I thought so," Claude stated and slipped around Sebastian, coming to stand in front of him. He pushed Sebastian back against the door, pausing briefly to make sure Sebastian was okay, before his fingers eased underneath the thin shirt Sebastian wore. Skin brushed against skin and Claude sucked in a deep breath.

It felt like the first time Claude touched Sebastian, all those months ago in front of the fireplace in the middle of a cold winter. They had touched again, several times in fact, after that night but those paled in comparison to tonight. Before, fear and stress had always lingered on Claude's mind. Now, they had all but vanished and Claude could see Sebastian in a clear light as he had the first time he saw him.

"Beautiful," he murmured against Sebastian's skin as he placed a soft kiss on the curve of Sebastian's hip. He eased the baggy sweatpants down; licking his lips as each inch of pale skin slowly came into view. The pants dropped to the floor and Sebastian kicked them away as Claude took the moment to admire the view. "Commando, huh," he teased.

Sebastian muttered something under his breath at him and Claude simply smirked. His fingers brushed over the trail of hair leading from Sebastian's navel to his groin before quickly diverting to the inside of Sebastian's thighs. They skimmed lightly over the skin and Sebastian's legs trembled at the touch.

"Claude," Sebastian moaned and bucked his hips forward, trying to make Claude focus on his evident arousal.

"Soon," Claude answered and ducked his head to the side to litter the pale skin with kisses. The noises that left Sebastian's mouth only drove him on and Claude moved upward in a steady path until Sebastian's cock pressed hot against his cheek. Claude reached up and wrapped his fingers around it. "Here?"

A low growl escaped Sebastian's mouth and he threaded his fingers through Claude's hair. "I thought you said you would use your mouth," Sebastian panted. "Seems to me that you're not putting your mouth to good use."

Claude chuckled lowly as his thumb swirled around the swollen head, smearing the fluid there. "You don't want to savor this?" Sebastian tugged harshly at his hair and Claude lapped at the turgid flesh without another word. An appreciative noise left Sebastian and Claude traced the thick vein on the underside before teasing the slit.

He kept a firm grip on Sebastian's hips as he lowered his head over the throbbing cock and felt Sebastian buck against his hands. His tongue pressed against the underside and Claude slowly pulled his head back, teasing Sebastian as much as he could. He considered it payback to the teasing Sebastian gave him earlier and Claude circled his tongue around the blushing tip.

"Ah, Claude," Sebastian panted above him and Claude could feel Sebastian's legs trembling underneath his palms.

He hollowed out his cheeks, making Sebastian curse and Claude couldn't help but smirk around the flesh in his mouth. Garbled words left Sebastian's mouth, a mix of Claude's name and curse words, along with an occasional moan of pleasure. Sweet music to Claude's ears, it sounded better than any conductor could compose.

Claude played Sebastian's body like an instrument, one that he knew intimately, inside and out. He knew which strokes of his tongue could turn Sebastian into a trembling pile of limp limbs and how to make Sebastian cry in a thick voice filled with pleasure. He understood the sounds Sebastian made as he continued to bob his head, ranging from the soft sighs of pleasure to the deep throaty moans of desire, and everything in between.

No one else knew Sebastian this closely and could make him sing like a beautiful bird that sat on a tree branch in the spring. Claude treasured that knowledge and vowed to protect the gift Sebastian had given him. Because it was a gift. Sebastian was a gift unlike any other Claude had before. Beautiful and cherished, yet free and wild. An intoxicating mix that left Claude breathless whenever he was together with Sebastian.

Sebastian's fingers tightened in his hair, a silent signal that he was close. At times like this, they didn't need words. The familiar motions and gestures that they shared spoke volumes, and Claude lowered his head more until his nose brushed against coarse black curls. Another unspoken understanding passed between them as Claude silently coaxed Sebastian to his orgasm and accepted what Sebastian offered with a soft sigh.

Claude pulled back and licked his lips, watching Sebastian as he did so. Hazy crimson eyes looked down at him and Sebastian's chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath again. "I take it I apologized well enough?" Claude asked and he swallowed to clear the taste from his mouth.

Sebastian didn't answer for a few minutes as his fingers slowly slid down the side of Claude's face. Claude hid the smirk that threatened to cross his lips and instead leaned into the hot touch as he waited for Sebastian to speak. "I believe you've redeemed yourself," Sebastian finally said.

"That's good to know," Claude answered and stood up, wincing slightly as his knees popped. He felt pleased with himself though and he drew Sebastian into a warm kiss, tongues tangling together in a slow dance that had his eyes slipping shut. His erection throbbed heavily between them and Claude could feel Sebastian's lips tilt in a smug smile. He pulled back to confirm his suspicions and stuck his tongue out at Sebastian. "Cheeky brat."

"You like it," Sebastian responded and side stepped around Claude. He left his pants on the floor where Claude had divested him earlier and walked over to the bed. "Should we take care of that problem?" He asked and glanced over his shoulder at Claude.

Claude approached the bed and tugged at the collar of his shirt. "I think these need to come off first," he stated as he placed a knee on the bed. His eyes ran over Sebastian's body, noting that the only article of clothing still on Sebastian was one of Claude's old shirts. A quick look back at the forgotten pants proved that they too belonged to Claude.

He decided not to call Sebastian out on them and instead, let Sebastian pull him closer until he hovered over him. Steady hands reached up and dexterous fingers quickly unbuttoned his shirt. Claude watched Sebastian's face through the whole process, admiring the calm expression even though Sebastian's eyes burned with lust and gave him away.

He shrugged the shirt off once Sebastian finished and let it drop to the ground beside the bed. Sebastian clicked his tongue at him and gave an impatient tug on the undershirt he wore. Claude flashed him an amused grin before sitting back on his heels to slip the shirt over his head while Sebastian attacked his belt and pants.

They too joined the scatted clothes on the floor until they wore nothing but the skins that covered their bodies. Claude gave an appreciative hum and slowly traced his fingers down Sebastian's body, mapping the slope of his chest and the soft skin of his stomach. Occasionally, a small scar broke the smooth surface and Claude paid special attention to the snowy white marks.

Outside, the rain had picked up and the droplets beat loudly against the window. The noise added to quiet sounds that filled the bedroom: a soft sigh, the rustle of sheets, and muttered words of affection. They wound together, creating a comfortable setting as Claude lowered his body to rest between Sebastian's legs as he stole another kiss.

Sebastian had a small romantic side. He would never admit it aloud, but Claude knew and he laced their fingers together, giving them a small squeeze. He didn't wholly understand romance the way Sebastian seemed to, but it didn't stop him from trying. However, eventually, possibly tomorrow morning or later tonight, they would rut against each other in a fast pace that would satisfy their carnal hunger.

But right now, for their first time, Claude would move slow and embrace the moment. Not because he understood why, but because Sebastian wanted it and Claude could understand that.

He shifted off Sebastian and stretched over the bed to grab the lube before settling between Sebastian's legs again. Sebastian's half-hard erection stood between them and Claude rubbed at the soft skin on Sebastian's thighs. "One thing at a time," he murmured and felt a twinge of old fears creep back into his mind.

This was uncharted waters for them and familiar touches couldn't speak for them. Warm smiles and trusting eyes eased the anxiety but words helped soothe the fears. A word would either let things continue or make either of them stop. Claude knew that and trusted that Sebastian would stop him if needed. Just as Claude would stop Sebastian if he couldn't handle the actions.

"Go on," Sebastian urged and he gave a lazy smile. "I trust you."

And in the end, that's what it came down to; trust. Claude returned the smile and laid a soft kiss on the inside of Sebastian's thigh before pushing a slicked finger inside Sebastian. He watched Sebastian's face the whole time, making sure distress didn't cross his features and Claude could feel Sebastian's gaze on him, watching him for the same reactions.

Sebastian shifted on the bed, almost impatiently, and Claude added another finger. A flicker of discomfort crossed Sebastian's face at the burning feeling but he didn't say anything. Claude leaned up to draw Sebastian into another kiss as he started to thrust his fingers, further stretching Sebastian.

His free hand teased Sebastian's cock, pumping it until it grew hard and twitched in his hand. Sebastian drew him in closer as Claude added a third finger and Claude winced slightly as dull nails bit into his skin. His lips brushed over the skin on Sebastian's neck, feeling the slick sweat on his lips and tasting the salt on his tongue.

Underneath him, Sebastian grunted softly at his actions and Claude hooked his fingers in retaliation. They pressed up and Sebastian tossed his head back in pleasure, a long, drawn out moan echoing throughout the bedroom.

"Oh?" Claude said and his fingers prodded the spot again, making Sebastian thrash on the bed. "Right here? Is this what you want?"

Sebastian's eyes screwed shut and his hips buck up against Claude. "Fuck you, Claude," he hissed through clenched teeth. "Damn tease."

Claude chuckled. "They call it payback, kitten. You teased me earlier tonight. I think it's only fair that I return the favor." His teeth dragged over Sebastian's collarbone before his lips circled around a small patch of skin. He sucked harshly, turning the pale skin a bright red and ensuring that the mark would linger well past tomorrow.

"Call it what you-ah, want," Sebastian panted and his hands clawed at the sheets. "But you, ngh, keep this up, then-ah, you'll have your hand as company tonight."

"When you put it that way," Claude said and withdrew his fingers. He pecked Sebastian's temple and grabbed the lube so he could slick himself up. "I believe we should move on."

Sebastian glared at him and spread his legs further. "Finally," he snapped, but his heaving chest and flushed skin did little to back up the threat.

Claude paused as he settled over Sebastian. "Are you sure you want to do it this way?" He asked. Somehow, he pictured Sebastian riding him as it gave Sebastian the most control.

Sebastian's legs wrapped around Claude's waist and pulled him closer. "I recall a memory from a night so very long ago, where you told me that the first time you took me; we would be face to face. Tangled together on a bed of our own after spending the day together and being lazy." He cocked his head slightly. "It's a little hard to do the latter considering our hectic schedules, but I still like former."

A deep chuckle left Claude's mouth and a hand settled on Sebastian's hip. "I believe I remember those words," he said, although he would rather forget that night itself. "Shall I make good on that promise?"

"Please," Sebastian stated, his tone almost begging and Claude wisely kept his mouth shut.

He pushed his hips forward; the head of his cock nudging against Sebastian's stretched entrance before their bodies melded together. Sebastian was hot and tight around Claude, and he groaned as the fluttering muscles clamped down around him. Below him, Sebastian held a tight grip on the sheets and Claude eased one hand free, slipping his own into Sebastian's palm.

"You feel amazing, kitten," he murmured in Sebastian's ear while his other hand rubbed small circles on Sebastian's side. Claude's thighs quivered against Sebastian, his muscles trying their hardest not to thrust into Sebastian with wild abandon and he kept himself distracted by peppering hot kisses against Sebastian's chest.

They stayed that way for several minutes, heartbeats racing together and their pulses thrumming with energy until finally, finally, Sebastian bucked his hips against Claude. "Move," he murmured and his fingers squeezed Claude's hand in a calming motion.

Claude nodded and slowly rocked his hips forward, creating a steady tempo that had their bodies slipping and gliding against each other. Heavy pants and quiet moans pierced the room, along with the sound of sheets rustling and the bed creaking.

"Slowly," Claude whispered against Sebastian's neck as he reacquainted himself with Sebastian's body, both inside and out. His fingers skimmed over Sebastian's sides, smoothing over the trembling and constricting muscles, and feeling them work as they continued to move together. A stray lightning bolt flashed across the sky as the rain intensified and its light briefly bathed Sebastian in a faint glow that had Claude faltering in his steady motions.

He felt Sebastian look up at him, hazy eyes trying to comprehend why Claude had stopped. "Claude?" Sebastian finally asked, his voice breathless yet filled with energy.

Claude didn't answer as he moved his hand down and across the plane of Sebastian's stomach, watching the muscles twitch under his fingers. The rain continued to batter the window, the only sound now in the bedroom until Claude broke the silence. "Beautiful," he murmured and his hands slipped down to grip Sebastian's hips. "You're so damn beautiful, Sebastian," he said again, his body bowing over Sebastian.

"Not beautiful," Sebastian gasped as Claude moved harder, faster, and there! He keened loudly as Claude struck his prostrate and Sebastian's heels dug into Claude's back. "Handsome," he choked out, finding it hard to speak as pleasure wrapped around his body and coated the very nerves in his body.

"Both," Claude answered, his breath puffing against the crock of Sebastian's neck. Seeing Sebastian bathed in that faint yellow light, outlined with shadows from the trees and pressed against pure white sheets while his skin bore Claude's marks had sent a wave of arousal and longing through Claude that he had never felt before.

This beautiful, wonderful person that sprawled out before him on their bed and clung so tightly to him, was all his. Through the pains and trails of last year, they came through everything together and now pressed against each other so intimately that not even air could pass between their bodies.

Everything before him; the beauty, the smarts, the grace, the laughter…everything was Claude's. Claude's fingers tightened against Sebastian's hips as he pulled Sebastian closer and pushed himself deeper into Sebastian, trying to meld his body together with the one below him. Heat, lust, desire, and affection. Everything was Claude's, and yet it wasn't. Because despite it all, Sebastian was still his own person and that was something Claude, or anyone else, could never have.

"Cl-Claude," Sebastian cried loudly and his head tilted back, giving Claude free reign to bite and mark Sebastian's neck. Soft but obscene sounds escaped Sebastian, the noises only driving Claude on further. "Don't, ah, stop," Sebastian gasped out.

"Never," Claude growled as their bodies moved together, rocking and rolling in a motion as old as time itself. He didn't bother to question Sebastian, to ask what Sebastian truly meant with those words. Don't stop moving? Don't stop caring for him? Sebastian could've meant anything, and Claude still would've answered the same. He wouldn't stop.

Sebastian's voice pitched as Claude reached between them, grasping Sebastian firmly with sweaty fingers. His motions were jerky and clumsy against Sebastian, but judging by the way Sebastian sang in his ear, Claude didn't think he cared too much. Their bodies, once moving in a steady and smooth dance started to lose their finesse as the pleasure and heat coiled low and demanded release.

Hips jerked sporadically and fingers scrambled to find an anchor as the desire in their bodies peaked, sending wave upon wave of pleasure rushing over them. Sebastian caved to the feelings first, eyes screwed shut and mouth open as he wailed his release to the ceiling. Not even the low rumble of thunder could drown out his cries and Claude soaked in the sound as Sebastian's song tapered off even though his body continued to clench around him.

Claude thrust haphazardly into Sebastian as he sought his own completion until Sebastian dragged his head down for a hot and rough kiss that had their teeth clicking together. Their tongues battled and curled around each other and Sebastian swallowed Claude's muffled shout as he finally gave into the desire that filled his body.

He panted heavily into Sebastian's mouth as he rode out his orgasm, rocking his hips languidly into Sebastian's compliant body. Eventually, he stilled and simply pressed his hips against Sebastian's as they both struggled to breathe again. Their foreheads rested against each other and Claude stared down into smoky crimson orbs, taking in the splashes of auburn that made up Sebastian's eyes.

Sebastian's legs fell from his waist and framed his body against the tussled sheets. Slowly, his came up and cupped Claude's cheek and Claude leaned into the tender embrace. "I love you," Sebastian whispered, the words almost lost to the harsh storm outside yet Claude heard them clearly, as if Sebastian had shouted it instead.

Claude's eyes fluttered shut and he reached up to cover Sebastian's hand. His lips sought out Sebastian and pulled him into another kiss, tender this time as he tried to convey his feelings through actions. His throat tightened, keeping him from speaking even after they broke apart. He could see Sebastian watching him, but his eyes didn't search his face for any hint of reciprocation but instead held a warm understanding.

The gesture had Claude's shoulders relaxing and a smile touched his lips. Sebastian didn't need him to say the words and wouldn't force him too, either. Sebastian already knew simply by Claude's touch and his actions. The thought made Claude's chest swell as he realized how deeply Sebastian cared for him and his throat seemed to loosen.

"I love you, too," Claude said easily, the words leaving him without any hesitation.

Sebastian's eyes brightened and his lips curled into a wide smile. "I know. And I've always known. Even before you knew," he said and pushed lightly at Claude's shoulder.

Claude laughed and drew Sebastian into his arms. Nothing had changed between them. Saying the words didn't change anything and even after they fell from Claude's mouth, the world continued spinning. Because Claude had known his feelings all along, he just told them to Sebastian through his actions instead of words. So why should saying them aloud cause everything to change?

His touch spoke just as loudly as his words and it reverberated across the trust they shared, warm and loving, protecting and caring. Claude's fingers glided over the soft planes of Sebastian's body. They caressed Sebastian and pulled him closer until their two bodies formed one whole body, like two pieces of puzzle connecting and locking together.

Where one ended, the other began in a seemingly endless design that couldn't be broken. And Claude didn't want it any other way.

A/N: I know some people wanted to read about Sebastian taking the stand against Grey and I had thought about it, but decided that it wasn't fair to put Sebastian through that all again and instead wanted to focus on how he had recovered from everything and ultimately trumping Grey in the end. So you get fluff instead, haha XD

Again, thank you everyone for your support throughout this story. I really enjoyed writing it and reading everyone's comments always made me smile ^^