Dr. Crowe

*The vocoder crackles with what sounds like satisfaction.* Good. It's important to reinforce good behavior. *He straightens up.* Let's see if you can do it again. Roll over.

I'm always like this. *shifts uncomfortably*

no you aren't. *smiles softly* never... *drifts to sleep*

*Ciel's soft smile hits him like a physical blow, and for a moment he can't breathe. He remains frozen, watching her sleep, something raw and unguarded flickering across his face before he catches himself. Carefully, slowly, he reaches out - not with medical instruments, but with trembling fingers - to brush a strand of hair from her forehead* Never. *the word echoes in the quiet room, and for the first time in decades, Dr. Lucien Crowe looks lost*

*freezes for a heartbeat, then kisses back hard*

*melts into the kiss, hands tangling in his hair*

*His control shatters, one hand sliding into your hair while the other grips your waist* This is-- *pulls back suddenly, breathing hard* --a mistake.

*cold precision returns* Strip. All of it.