"If Sebastian doesn't want to go with you, then he's not going," Claude calmly told the demon who stood before them, not caring about his current state of undress. Sebastian was blushing, but the golden-eyed demon focused more on the stranger he didn't know. "He's been ordered not to leave; you heard him. When we're under contract, we must obey the human we're bound to. Surely you know that much..."
It was a very good thing that he knew the laws of demons well, even if Sebastian did not. Very few things were ever allowed to interfere with a contract made with a human, so using that argument might prevent a physical confrontation. Claude was not worried about fighting if it came to that, but first he would fight with words and a sound argument. He'd do anything to protect his mate.
Sebastian was mortified at being naked like this in front of Ricard, who'd never liked him, not even when he was young. Red eyes watched, though he wasn't exactly afraid. He was more wary as to why the Lord wanted him to repay his debt now, after waiting for so long. Especially with his contract to Ciel not finished- and that was partially Claude's fault. After the last few days, though, Sebastian just couldn't be angry with him about it.
Pausing for a moment, Ricard's eyes narrowed. This other with Michaelis was obviously smarter than the youngling, to know that the contract could not usually be ignored. However, his master had ordered Michaelis to return. Such a command was more important than any contract with a mere human. "If he cannot willingly return, then we will bring him back against his will," he replied, making a silent gesture to some of those with him.
More demons appeared in the bathroom, different parts of their bodies shifting in slowly as they became fully visible to Sebastian and Claude's eyes. Various hair colors, ranging from black to blonde were as diverse as all the eye colors around the room, and when they finished materializing, there were four others besides Ricard standing there.
Claude glanced over at Sebastian, before he reached over to a chair and pulled his glasses back on. He didn't really need them, but it was more for show. "If we're all going to fight, then let us get dressed first," he said, still quite relaxed. "Or at least, allow us to put our pants back first. Unless, of course, you seriously think you have any sort of advantage over us by having clothes while we have none?" He gave them his trademark smirk, picking up Sebastian's pants and handing them to his mate.
Being naked was no big deal to him, but Claude knew without looking that Sebastian was very uncomfortable and humiliated about it. Their bond told him that without words. Additionally, Claude didn't particularly like anyone else seeing his mate like this; they didn't need to get any ideas like Timber and Canterbury had.
Ricard was too surprised by Michaelis' friend's words to say anything, watching him closely. He would be the real challenge here, not the one he'd been sent to get. Michaelis had been trained in their household to fight; thus, they already knew everything he could do. There would be no surprises from him. This stranger, though, was strangely confident despite the odds against them.
His pride was stung at the question of whether they felt having clothes gave them more of an advantage, so he grudgingly allowed Michaelis to pull on his pants and shirt, and then allowed the other to do the same. Ricard hadn't missed how the other had stood guard as Michaelis dressed; clearly, he was still prepared to defend Michaelis regardless of whatever it might cost him. Why was he doing so? It made no sense; demons didn't usually care about anyone but themselves.
Leaving his shoes and socks off, Claude took up a defensive stance. His bare feet were spread apart slightly, his arms bent diagonally up to move quickly to block any physical attacks. Additionally, he made sure Sebastian was still safely behind him; had there been just one here, he would have immediately gone on the offensive, but his mate was the one they wanted. Unfortunately, they were going to find it very difficult to get him.
