Marked ( a Black Butler/Claude Faustus FanFiction )

The Past and Present Meet

"I doubt that would be a good idea," Claude scoffed, his hands moving to sweep back his hair as he stood. "You wouldn't be able to comprehend what has transpired. And frankly..." Claude said venomously, stepping closer to her. "I don't believe she would want you to.".

"What are you trying to say?" She said with a glare, eyes meeting his own.

Alice was rocking Raven as she slept, singing softly as she did so.

"Do you believe in hell?".

"Why wouldn't I? I believe in heaven as well.."

Claude let out a sudden laugh at this, the first sound of merriment that had left the demon's lips.

"That place has no hold over me," he said, wiping his eyes with a gloved finger.

"I see" she sighed, walking back inside the manor and out of te cold. "How far is your faith going to take you? How much must you see in order to believe?". "Silence" she glared at the ground, walking to the table. "I take orders from no one except her," Claude growled.

"She told you to make me feel at home" she snapped back. Claude mark burned at these words, the order flowing back into his system.

"Of course," he forced out, straining as he fought his obligations. "What might I do for you?".

"Be quite and cook" she sighed, sitting at the table as she rubbed her head.

He moved toward the already prepared meal, taking a portion and placing it in front of her. "Good" she said as she began to eat, her husband walking down the stairs slowly, silent. He left the two of them, heading toward their bedroom.

He knocked twice, opening the door with a free hand. Alice watched it open with a soft smile, knowing it was him as her eyes met with his. "Good to see you..". "They've awoken," Claude said regretfully..

"Really?" She blinked, still rocking Raven.

"How are they? Have they eaten?" She questioned, standing, walking over to him with a somewhat smile.

"They're doing the same as you are," Claude said, setting the tray down before her. "I.. I'm surprised you're taking this so well.".

"What?" She looked a bit confused, soon handing him Raven gently, then walking to the food.

Claude held the child close, his mouth pressing a soft kiss against her head.

"I didn't do as you requested..." Claude trailed off.

"What? What orders? Did you not-...." Her expression changed to blank, sighing as she began to eat.

Claude bit his lip, refusing to meet her eyes. "They'll be leaving after the meal," Claude said. "And she knows. Of raven."

"What?!" Alice nearly choked on her food, looking up at him. "How could you let this happen?"

"It's not my fault the damn brat wouldn't shut up!".

"I-I see.." She whispered, looking down at her child.

Claude's mouth instantly shut as the words ended. His eyes widened as he reached out toward Alice.

"I... I didn't mean.."

"It was my fault..I didn't feed her in time.." She whispered.

"It's not you who is to blame," Claude said, sighing. "Her mark caused the screams your aunt heard."

"I see.." She whispered again, finishing her meal. "She has groaned. "What do you wish for me to do about all this?". "Send them home.." Alice said softly. "Show her Raven..".

"Are you certain?" Claude said, concern clearly written on his words. "Yes.." Se whispered. Claude sighed, his hand reaching out to Alice's shoulder. "Can we trust her?". "Yes..." She spoke again, Raven waking slowly. "Do you wish to come with us? Surely you'll be more civil...". "I'll come.." She said softly with a somewhat smile, standing

Up from where she once lay. Claude grabbed her own hand and guided her up off her feet. He smiled softly at her.

"Shall we?".

She nodded softly with a smile, Raven looking down at her, then up at him. Claude opened the door, letting the two of them pass first. He sighed, calling out for the relatives. Alice held Raven close, her eyes shut with fear of rejection, the aunt and uncle making their way to her, her child, and the butler.

"There she is.." the male said, only to blink.

The aunt couldn't help but smile, walking over to Alice and Raven, hugging the two close.

"How long have you ha her dear..?".

"A couple months.." She said softly with a somewhat smile, Raven smiling slightly. "Her name is Raven..".

Claude stood wordlessly behind Alice, his usual butler facade serving him well. He was fully prepared to defend Alice with what little he had left.

The female couldn't help but smile, kissing Alice's forehead softly. "She is beautiful..we will have to be on our way now..". Claude raised an eyebrow. "That's all?" He was surprised. No human had ever been able to comprehend his kind without a contract before.

The female made her way to Claude, a hand on his shoulder as she whispered in his ear. "Remember that lost soul that had gotten away from you about 20 years back? Or should I say.."

The female smirked.

"Human years..".