Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Ghost of Castle Crawford ❯ 3 ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Terrenis-chan 
Youji makes his appearance...
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Mystery / Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.12.2003 | Updated On: 08.20.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 412 | Status: Work In Progress
Youji makes his appearance...
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Mystery / Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.12.2003 | Updated On: 08.20.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 412 | Status: Work In Progress
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The village Crawfordville was like any other small villages in Scotland. Some houses in the near of the main street and in the middle of the square an old pub. It was very popular in the township. The owner of this pub was a certain Reiji Takatori, whose family lived there for over 300 years now.
Today was another busy Sunday for him. The pub was well-visited as usual and while Reiji was busy at the counter, the people were talking about the newest gossips. That meant they were talking about the new inhabitants of Castle Crawford.
"Did you see them?" an old man said to his companions.
"Huhu. When they arrived yesterday I saw them." An old woman replied.
"What do you think? How long will they stay?" a third man asked.
"One Week! Not Longer." The woman responded.
"I'll bet you ten pounds that they'll stay a month at least." The first man challenged his friends.
The two of them looked at each other.
"Okay, we'll take the bet."
It was then when the door to the pub opened and a newcomer went in, heading straight for the counter, where he sat down. Immediately the landlord turned to him.
"Hello, Sir Youji! The same as usual?"
"Of course, Reiji!" Youji answered.
"Just wait a moment!"
The older man went away to get Youji's drink. Meanwhile the younger man turned round to go to his regular table and to face the other people and greeted them back, as they had greeted him. Just then Reiji returned with a bottle of beer and a glass and put them in front of him before also sitting down on the other chair.
"Thank you! And how are you?" the duke asked.
"Well...I can't complain. But to say the truth I'm slowly getting tired about their gossip. Every day the same discussion." Reiji sighed.
Youji chuckled.
"I know what you mean. But do want to hear some interesting news?" he grinned.
Reiji raised an eyebrow and then nodded. Youji looked around just to make sure that no one else was listening.
"Okay. I arrived from another family reunion this morning and brought Schu a box of our newest wine and he told me something really interesting. And if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I never would have believed it. Did you know that Mrs. Fujimiya removed the blood stain?" he said.
Shock and astonishment...That was the best description for the expression that was written on the older man's face. Reiji blinked and blinked, trying his best to process this newest information.
"Are you serious? Did they really remove the blood stain?" Reiji almost screeched, his voice a little bit higher than he had planned.
His little outburst brought all conversations to a sudden end and all people in the pub began to stare at him. Reiji blushed. Finally the others turned round again and shortly after a loud murmur began to fill the whole pub.
"I guess now they'll have enough stuff to gossip about for the next few weeks." Youji laughed before finishing his glass.
The pub owner also chuckled. Finally Youji got up and put on his sunglasses.
"Well, unfortunately I have to go now. I'll see you next week then." He said and made his way to the exit.
But before the young duke left he turned round once more.
"By the way - if the Fujimiyas should pay you a visit, give them whatever they want and send me the bill! Okay?"
The pub owner nodded. Then Youji waved a last time and left. Reiji smiled knowingly and swept across the counter, before returning to his work.
*
It was after noon, when the Fujimiyas left the castle for an afternoon walk. They used a path away from the road which led directly into the village. Everyone was enjoying the scenery, even Ken and Omi. They bounced happily a few meters away from the rest, while Mr. and Mrs. Fujimiya and Aya as well followed them.
Ran had stayed behind because he had wanted to draw the castle. So everyone except him headed for the village, enjoying the surroundings. After 10 minutes or so, they finally reached the village.
"So this is Crawfordville. It's small, but I must say it's nice. At least it isn't as loud as Tokyo. But I really enjoy this!" Manx said.
"I know. And you're absolutely right!" Shuichi replied.
"MOM! DAD! WE'RE THIRSTY! CAN WE GET SOMETHING TO DRINK?" the twins suddenly began to whine.
Manx and Shuichi sighed.
"Why not? There is a pub over there. I'm sure there we can get something for you!" the dark-bearded man finally said, his eyes glancing over to the old building.
"THANK YOU, DADDY!" Ken and Omi shouted and began to run.
Then they saw it. A beautiful black horse which was waiting in front of the pub.
"WHOA, A HORSE!" both boys shouted, bouncing over to the animal, as if they had never seen one.
"It's really beautiful." Aya had to admit, stretching out her hand to touch the horse's long, black mane.
"Ken! Omi! Aya! Leave it please alone! I don't think its owner would like you to touch it!" Shuichi scolded them.
"Oh, don't worry! You can stroke it if you like! She's tame!" another voice said, causing them to take a step back from the animal and to turn their heads towards the direction the voice had come from, just to see Youji standing there.
The young duke smiled and went to them.
"Have no fear! She likes to be stroked behind her ears!" he said to Aya and the twins, encouraging them.
These ones looked at each other and then began hesitantly to do so as the duke had said.
"I am very sorry for the behaviour of my children. I hope you can forgive them...!" Shuichi started to apologize.
But Youji immediately dropped the subject.
"Ah, it's alright as long as it makes them happy. But I'm afraid I've to go now! If you would be so kind to let me get on my horse...!"
"Oh, of course. Aya, Ken, Omi! Please stay back!" Manx said.
Youji turned once more before finally getting on his mare.
"It was nice to meet you. Maybe I can invite you over for dinner someday! It would be an honour for me." he said.
"Oh, it was nice to meet you, too. We don't know many people here since we arrived only yesterday. And we feel really flattered about your invitation. Maybe, if we have settled in a little bit..." the red-haired woman answered.
"Well...then goodbye till the next time."
With these words the young duke rode away.
"What a well-mannered young man! A real gentleman and so polite manners! He reminds me of our Ran. Maybe he has some good influence on Ken and Omi!" Manx said with a glance at the twins who only groaned, while Aya began to giggle at the sight of the twins' embarrassment.
"You're right, darling! But I'm afraid I forgot to ask him for his name." the dark-bearded man replied.
"Oh Shuichi!" Sighing Manx shook her head.
"Well...I'm sure we'll see him again. After all, he lives here."
"Okay. Let's get inside!"
*
Youji was on his way home, but he still thought about the Fujimiyas. They were really nice people, he had to admit. Maybe it was really the time for a friendly vicinity visit. And maybe he could throw a glance at the cute redhead he had seen yesterday. Youji giggled at the thought.
It's been a while since he had had a boyfriend. But Youji was sure if he had interpreted the interested glances, the redhead had given him, correctly...Well, maybe he was on the best way to have a new boyfriend.
Youji giggled again.
"Gods, just alone the thought of him drives me crazy. I really need a distraction." He murmured, giving his horse the spurs.
*
The Fujimiyas stepped inside the pub, where they could already the loud murmuring of several people, who seemed to have a heated discussion among each other. But as soon as the family entered the bar room, all talking stopped immediately and it became suddenly very, very quiet. Every present person looked up to stare at the five of them without saying a single word.
The whole family suddenly felt very uncomfortable while they went further in search of a free table.
"Daddy, why are the people staring at us?" Ken asked.
"I don't know. Just go and look for a free table!" Shuichi said.
Finally they found one and sat down. Immediately the other people started to talk again, this time a little bit louder than usual.
"It's them..."
"Yes, yes..."
Such phrases and many more could be heard within the discussion. It grew quieter when Reiji approached the table, shaking his head about his fellow people's behaviour.
"Please ignore them! They are just horrible gossips. By the way, my name is Reiji Takatori. I'm the landlord here. Is there anything I can bring you, Mr....?" he asked.
"Fujimiya. It's nice to meet you. Can we have something to drink? What do you want?"
"Orange Juice!" the twins shouted.
"A Water, please!" Manx said.
"For me, too!" Aya replied.
"I'll take also an orange juice!" Shuichi finally said.
"Okay, two water and three orange juices. Just a moment and I'll be right back with them." The pub owner said.
Shortly after he returned with five filled glasses and sat them down in front of them.
"Here are your drinks."
"Thank you!" Everyone said, taking a glass.
They drank in silence, only receiving a glance from the other people now and then.
"So what do we do tomorrow? It's Monday." Manx asked her husband and her children.
"We could drive to the next town. I need to settle some things there."
"Hnnn, why not? Besides, Ken and Omi need some new clothes and shoes. We could do some shopping, too." The red-haired woman answered.
"Alright. I'll talk to Schuldig after dinner. Okay, if you're ready, then we can go."
Shuichi waved to Reiji to pay the drinks. The landlord came to them and put the empty glasses on a tray and removed them.
"Ahem, can I have the bill, please?" Shuichi asked.
"That's not necessary. Your drinks have already been paid." Reiji replied.
The whole family suddenly stared at him, totally confused.
"But who...how...?"
"Oh, your neighbour somehow knew that you were coming here and told me to send him the bill in case you wanted something!" the pub owner said, before leaving.
All family members looked at other.
"Well, that was unexpected. We should invite him just to thank him for this."
"Hnnn. Okay, let's go if you're ready!"
They got up and headed for the exit, accompanied by the village people's glances and whispers. Once outside, everyone stopped for a short meeting.
"Okay, I suggest we go over there. It's longer that way but it leads directly back to the castle." The dark-bearded man said.
"You're the guide! Lead us!" Manx joked.
Shuichi made a face, but didn't say anything, when they slowly started to head back for the castle.
*
Ran was deep concentrated. He was on a meadow in the garden in front of the castle, with his easel and a sketch pad on it. In his hand he held a charcoal pencil, which he had wanted to use. Only a few meters away from him worked Jei, who was weeding the garden. The red-haired youth had watched him for a while now, thinking about what he should draw.
But somehow his concentration failed him today. Ran was simply unable to do anything, because he simply couldn't get the memories of that blonde guy, he had seen on the way to the castle, out of his head. It was driving him mad.
He sighed.
//Stop thinking about him, Ran. You don't even know his name or where he lives. But...Gods, I'm going crazy. Okay, Ran, just concentrate on your work! Just do something to distract yourself!// the redhead thought.
It took him several minutes to compose himself but finally managed it. After a last thought he slowly brought the pencil to the sketch pad and began to draw, letting his skilled fingers do the rest. This time Ran was so deepened in his work that he didn't recognize the shadow figure that was approaching him silently.
*
Youji was almost home, when his green eyes caught a glimpse of red hair. Smiling to himself, the duke took a closer look before a devilish grin began to spread over his handsome face.
"Ah, a redhead!" he chuckled to himself, suddenly getting a wonderful idea.
Still grinning, Youji got off and tied his horse to the fence surrounding the area. Then he swung himself over the fence and slowly approached his target, careful trying not to make suspicious, loud noises, that could alert *his* redhead.
Like this, he managed to sneak as far as possible to his *prey*.
*
Ran hummed to him while his skilled fingers drew the outlines of the castle, which he had decided to draw. Suddenly there was a strange weight on his left shoulder and Ran began to wonder, when a slightly husky voice started to speak right into his ear:
"Well, well...very talented, I must say."
Shocked to the core, Ran's eyes widened. Like a flash he turned his head, just to look into amused looking jade green eyes. The redhead let out a surprised gasp before turning round so abruptly that his charcoal pencil drew a black line all over one cheek of the person now standing in front of him.
"I...I...I'm sorry!" was all Ran managed to get out, before taking a closer look at the man.
His eyes widened and he let out an inner gasp. That couldn't be possible. That face, those beautiful jade green eyes, that smile...that chest.
//Oh my god, it's him!// he thought, unable to move.
The young man smiled and examined the black across his cheek.
"Well, that's a nice greeting though unusual indeed. I'm afraid I have to wash my face now. But may I ask what you're doing on my property?"
"Your property?" Ran asked confused.
"Yes. The fence there surrounding the garden of the castle is the borderline between my and the De Crawford's land!" Youji said.
"Oh, I had no idea! But I can leave if you want..."
The redhead stopped, when his opponent moved closer until his face was only centimetres away from his own. Ran couldn't help but blush, when the young man smiled at him.
"Oh, that's not necessary. You can stay as long as you want. By the way, I'm Youji and I'm your neighbour! And who's that beautiful creature that honours me with his very presence?" he asked seductively, his lips slightly touching Ran's palm, which caused the redhead only to blush harder.
"R...Ran!" he stuttered his name.
Youji smiled and gave Ran one more kiss on his palm
"What a magnificent name for such a lovely person. It suits you!" he said, letting his charme work on the red-haired youth, whose face matched the colour of his hair now.
The young duke chuckled and let Ran's hand go.
"Well, how do you like our part of the country, Ran?"
"I...It's nice, but I haven't seen much until now. We arrived only yesterday." The redhead said.
"Oh, that's terrible. Maybe I should show you our region. But only if you like..." the young duke replied.
"I...I don't know..." Ran stammered.
But inside he cheered. He still couldn't believe that the handsome man, no, Youji lived next to them. Maybe he was able to see him more often this way. Then Youji's melodic voice pulled him out of his train of thoughts.
"Okay. Tell me if you change your mind. Unfortunately I have to go now. Sayonara, Ran! It's been a pleasure to meet you!" the duke said and turned, intending to leave.
Ran just stood there, not knowing what to do. He didn't want Youji to leave but found himself unable to stop the young duke from leaving.
//Gods, do something or he'll be off, Ran. Just pull yourself together and say something!// he scolded himself.
"Wait a minute!" he shouted out loud.
Youji stopped and turned his head towards the redhead.
"Yes?" he asked in his charming voice.
Ran felt his face flushing again, but pulled himself together. He mustered up all his courage and strength to get out the next question.
"I...I just wanted to ask i...if you would like to come over for dinner tonight?" he stuttered, his face redder than a tomato.
Youji raised an eyebrow in amusement. The redhead was just too cute. Youji turned and again approached the redhead until their faces were merely millimetres away.
"Is that a date?" Youji asked grinning, poking Ran's nose tip.
"N...No, just an invitation for dinner!" Ran replied.
The young duke thought about that for a moment, considering the possibilities before returning his attention to the redhead. Grinning, he slightly kissed Ran's nose tip, leaving the redhead's already confused hormones in a complete mess.
"Then I accept this invitation! See you later, Cutie!" he waves and left.
Ran stared after his disappearing form, not believing that he just had been kissed. Okay, it had been just a slight, but nevertheless...
The redhead's hormones stirred again at the memory and he could have sworn that he just heard some steam coming out of his ears. He watched as Youji got up on his horse and rode away. Ran sighed and collected his drawing utilities. It made no sense to continue since he really couldn't concentrate on anything else now.
The only thing lingering in his mind now was the picture of Youji. Tonight he would see him again. Hopefully.
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So, that was Part III. Sorry if it sucks but I have my annual summer writer's block. I simply can't write if it's too hot. But since we have now some cooler day I was able to finish this part. I hope you enjoy it.
Next time: Youji's dinner with the Fujimiyas and Brad's next try to scare them away. Stay Tuned!
Ideas and comments are welcome. Just write me:
Terrenis-sama@web.de or EarthGoddess@web.de
Ja ne!
^^ Terrenis-chan ^.^
The village Crawfordville was like any other small villages in Scotland. Some houses in the near of the main street and in the middle of the square an old pub. It was very popular in the township. The owner of this pub was a certain Reiji Takatori, whose family lived there for over 300 years now.
Today was another busy Sunday for him. The pub was well-visited as usual and while Reiji was busy at the counter, the people were talking about the newest gossips. That meant they were talking about the new inhabitants of Castle Crawford.
"Did you see them?" an old man said to his companions.
"Huhu. When they arrived yesterday I saw them." An old woman replied.
"What do you think? How long will they stay?" a third man asked.
"One Week! Not Longer." The woman responded.
"I'll bet you ten pounds that they'll stay a month at least." The first man challenged his friends.
The two of them looked at each other.
"Okay, we'll take the bet."
It was then when the door to the pub opened and a newcomer went in, heading straight for the counter, where he sat down. Immediately the landlord turned to him.
"Hello, Sir Youji! The same as usual?"
"Of course, Reiji!" Youji answered.
"Just wait a moment!"
The older man went away to get Youji's drink. Meanwhile the younger man turned round to go to his regular table and to face the other people and greeted them back, as they had greeted him. Just then Reiji returned with a bottle of beer and a glass and put them in front of him before also sitting down on the other chair.
"Thank you! And how are you?" the duke asked.
"Well...I can't complain. But to say the truth I'm slowly getting tired about their gossip. Every day the same discussion." Reiji sighed.
Youji chuckled.
"I know what you mean. But do want to hear some interesting news?" he grinned.
Reiji raised an eyebrow and then nodded. Youji looked around just to make sure that no one else was listening.
"Okay. I arrived from another family reunion this morning and brought Schu a box of our newest wine and he told me something really interesting. And if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I never would have believed it. Did you know that Mrs. Fujimiya removed the blood stain?" he said.
Shock and astonishment...That was the best description for the expression that was written on the older man's face. Reiji blinked and blinked, trying his best to process this newest information.
"Are you serious? Did they really remove the blood stain?" Reiji almost screeched, his voice a little bit higher than he had planned.
His little outburst brought all conversations to a sudden end and all people in the pub began to stare at him. Reiji blushed. Finally the others turned round again and shortly after a loud murmur began to fill the whole pub.
"I guess now they'll have enough stuff to gossip about for the next few weeks." Youji laughed before finishing his glass.
The pub owner also chuckled. Finally Youji got up and put on his sunglasses.
"Well, unfortunately I have to go now. I'll see you next week then." He said and made his way to the exit.
But before the young duke left he turned round once more.
"By the way - if the Fujimiyas should pay you a visit, give them whatever they want and send me the bill! Okay?"
The pub owner nodded. Then Youji waved a last time and left. Reiji smiled knowingly and swept across the counter, before returning to his work.
*
It was after noon, when the Fujimiyas left the castle for an afternoon walk. They used a path away from the road which led directly into the village. Everyone was enjoying the scenery, even Ken and Omi. They bounced happily a few meters away from the rest, while Mr. and Mrs. Fujimiya and Aya as well followed them.
Ran had stayed behind because he had wanted to draw the castle. So everyone except him headed for the village, enjoying the surroundings. After 10 minutes or so, they finally reached the village.
"So this is Crawfordville. It's small, but I must say it's nice. At least it isn't as loud as Tokyo. But I really enjoy this!" Manx said.
"I know. And you're absolutely right!" Shuichi replied.
"MOM! DAD! WE'RE THIRSTY! CAN WE GET SOMETHING TO DRINK?" the twins suddenly began to whine.
Manx and Shuichi sighed.
"Why not? There is a pub over there. I'm sure there we can get something for you!" the dark-bearded man finally said, his eyes glancing over to the old building.
"THANK YOU, DADDY!" Ken and Omi shouted and began to run.
Then they saw it. A beautiful black horse which was waiting in front of the pub.
"WHOA, A HORSE!" both boys shouted, bouncing over to the animal, as if they had never seen one.
"It's really beautiful." Aya had to admit, stretching out her hand to touch the horse's long, black mane.
"Ken! Omi! Aya! Leave it please alone! I don't think its owner would like you to touch it!" Shuichi scolded them.
"Oh, don't worry! You can stroke it if you like! She's tame!" another voice said, causing them to take a step back from the animal and to turn their heads towards the direction the voice had come from, just to see Youji standing there.
The young duke smiled and went to them.
"Have no fear! She likes to be stroked behind her ears!" he said to Aya and the twins, encouraging them.
These ones looked at each other and then began hesitantly to do so as the duke had said.
"I am very sorry for the behaviour of my children. I hope you can forgive them...!" Shuichi started to apologize.
But Youji immediately dropped the subject.
"Ah, it's alright as long as it makes them happy. But I'm afraid I've to go now! If you would be so kind to let me get on my horse...!"
"Oh, of course. Aya, Ken, Omi! Please stay back!" Manx said.
Youji turned once more before finally getting on his mare.
"It was nice to meet you. Maybe I can invite you over for dinner someday! It would be an honour for me." he said.
"Oh, it was nice to meet you, too. We don't know many people here since we arrived only yesterday. And we feel really flattered about your invitation. Maybe, if we have settled in a little bit..." the red-haired woman answered.
"Well...then goodbye till the next time."
With these words the young duke rode away.
"What a well-mannered young man! A real gentleman and so polite manners! He reminds me of our Ran. Maybe he has some good influence on Ken and Omi!" Manx said with a glance at the twins who only groaned, while Aya began to giggle at the sight of the twins' embarrassment.
"You're right, darling! But I'm afraid I forgot to ask him for his name." the dark-bearded man replied.
"Oh Shuichi!" Sighing Manx shook her head.
"Well...I'm sure we'll see him again. After all, he lives here."
"Okay. Let's get inside!"
*
Youji was on his way home, but he still thought about the Fujimiyas. They were really nice people, he had to admit. Maybe it was really the time for a friendly vicinity visit. And maybe he could throw a glance at the cute redhead he had seen yesterday. Youji giggled at the thought.
It's been a while since he had had a boyfriend. But Youji was sure if he had interpreted the interested glances, the redhead had given him, correctly...Well, maybe he was on the best way to have a new boyfriend.
Youji giggled again.
"Gods, just alone the thought of him drives me crazy. I really need a distraction." He murmured, giving his horse the spurs.
*
The Fujimiyas stepped inside the pub, where they could already the loud murmuring of several people, who seemed to have a heated discussion among each other. But as soon as the family entered the bar room, all talking stopped immediately and it became suddenly very, very quiet. Every present person looked up to stare at the five of them without saying a single word.
The whole family suddenly felt very uncomfortable while they went further in search of a free table.
"Daddy, why are the people staring at us?" Ken asked.
"I don't know. Just go and look for a free table!" Shuichi said.
Finally they found one and sat down. Immediately the other people started to talk again, this time a little bit louder than usual.
"It's them..."
"Yes, yes..."
Such phrases and many more could be heard within the discussion. It grew quieter when Reiji approached the table, shaking his head about his fellow people's behaviour.
"Please ignore them! They are just horrible gossips. By the way, my name is Reiji Takatori. I'm the landlord here. Is there anything I can bring you, Mr....?" he asked.
"Fujimiya. It's nice to meet you. Can we have something to drink? What do you want?"
"Orange Juice!" the twins shouted.
"A Water, please!" Manx said.
"For me, too!" Aya replied.
"I'll take also an orange juice!" Shuichi finally said.
"Okay, two water and three orange juices. Just a moment and I'll be right back with them." The pub owner said.
Shortly after he returned with five filled glasses and sat them down in front of them.
"Here are your drinks."
"Thank you!" Everyone said, taking a glass.
They drank in silence, only receiving a glance from the other people now and then.
"So what do we do tomorrow? It's Monday." Manx asked her husband and her children.
"We could drive to the next town. I need to settle some things there."
"Hnnn, why not? Besides, Ken and Omi need some new clothes and shoes. We could do some shopping, too." The red-haired woman answered.
"Alright. I'll talk to Schuldig after dinner. Okay, if you're ready, then we can go."
Shuichi waved to Reiji to pay the drinks. The landlord came to them and put the empty glasses on a tray and removed them.
"Ahem, can I have the bill, please?" Shuichi asked.
"That's not necessary. Your drinks have already been paid." Reiji replied.
The whole family suddenly stared at him, totally confused.
"But who...how...?"
"Oh, your neighbour somehow knew that you were coming here and told me to send him the bill in case you wanted something!" the pub owner said, before leaving.
All family members looked at other.
"Well, that was unexpected. We should invite him just to thank him for this."
"Hnnn. Okay, let's go if you're ready!"
They got up and headed for the exit, accompanied by the village people's glances and whispers. Once outside, everyone stopped for a short meeting.
"Okay, I suggest we go over there. It's longer that way but it leads directly back to the castle." The dark-bearded man said.
"You're the guide! Lead us!" Manx joked.
Shuichi made a face, but didn't say anything, when they slowly started to head back for the castle.
*
Ran was deep concentrated. He was on a meadow in the garden in front of the castle, with his easel and a sketch pad on it. In his hand he held a charcoal pencil, which he had wanted to use. Only a few meters away from him worked Jei, who was weeding the garden. The red-haired youth had watched him for a while now, thinking about what he should draw.
But somehow his concentration failed him today. Ran was simply unable to do anything, because he simply couldn't get the memories of that blonde guy, he had seen on the way to the castle, out of his head. It was driving him mad.
He sighed.
//Stop thinking about him, Ran. You don't even know his name or where he lives. But...Gods, I'm going crazy. Okay, Ran, just concentrate on your work! Just do something to distract yourself!// the redhead thought.
It took him several minutes to compose himself but finally managed it. After a last thought he slowly brought the pencil to the sketch pad and began to draw, letting his skilled fingers do the rest. This time Ran was so deepened in his work that he didn't recognize the shadow figure that was approaching him silently.
*
Youji was almost home, when his green eyes caught a glimpse of red hair. Smiling to himself, the duke took a closer look before a devilish grin began to spread over his handsome face.
"Ah, a redhead!" he chuckled to himself, suddenly getting a wonderful idea.
Still grinning, Youji got off and tied his horse to the fence surrounding the area. Then he swung himself over the fence and slowly approached his target, careful trying not to make suspicious, loud noises, that could alert *his* redhead.
Like this, he managed to sneak as far as possible to his *prey*.
*
Ran hummed to him while his skilled fingers drew the outlines of the castle, which he had decided to draw. Suddenly there was a strange weight on his left shoulder and Ran began to wonder, when a slightly husky voice started to speak right into his ear:
"Well, well...very talented, I must say."
Shocked to the core, Ran's eyes widened. Like a flash he turned his head, just to look into amused looking jade green eyes. The redhead let out a surprised gasp before turning round so abruptly that his charcoal pencil drew a black line all over one cheek of the person now standing in front of him.
"I...I...I'm sorry!" was all Ran managed to get out, before taking a closer look at the man.
His eyes widened and he let out an inner gasp. That couldn't be possible. That face, those beautiful jade green eyes, that smile...that chest.
//Oh my god, it's him!// he thought, unable to move.
The young man smiled and examined the black across his cheek.
"Well, that's a nice greeting though unusual indeed. I'm afraid I have to wash my face now. But may I ask what you're doing on my property?"
"Your property?" Ran asked confused.
"Yes. The fence there surrounding the garden of the castle is the borderline between my and the De Crawford's land!" Youji said.
"Oh, I had no idea! But I can leave if you want..."
The redhead stopped, when his opponent moved closer until his face was only centimetres away from his own. Ran couldn't help but blush, when the young man smiled at him.
"Oh, that's not necessary. You can stay as long as you want. By the way, I'm Youji and I'm your neighbour! And who's that beautiful creature that honours me with his very presence?" he asked seductively, his lips slightly touching Ran's palm, which caused the redhead only to blush harder.
"R...Ran!" he stuttered his name.
Youji smiled and gave Ran one more kiss on his palm
"What a magnificent name for such a lovely person. It suits you!" he said, letting his charme work on the red-haired youth, whose face matched the colour of his hair now.
The young duke chuckled and let Ran's hand go.
"Well, how do you like our part of the country, Ran?"
"I...It's nice, but I haven't seen much until now. We arrived only yesterday." The redhead said.
"Oh, that's terrible. Maybe I should show you our region. But only if you like..." the young duke replied.
"I...I don't know..." Ran stammered.
But inside he cheered. He still couldn't believe that the handsome man, no, Youji lived next to them. Maybe he was able to see him more often this way. Then Youji's melodic voice pulled him out of his train of thoughts.
"Okay. Tell me if you change your mind. Unfortunately I have to go now. Sayonara, Ran! It's been a pleasure to meet you!" the duke said and turned, intending to leave.
Ran just stood there, not knowing what to do. He didn't want Youji to leave but found himself unable to stop the young duke from leaving.
//Gods, do something or he'll be off, Ran. Just pull yourself together and say something!// he scolded himself.
"Wait a minute!" he shouted out loud.
Youji stopped and turned his head towards the redhead.
"Yes?" he asked in his charming voice.
Ran felt his face flushing again, but pulled himself together. He mustered up all his courage and strength to get out the next question.
"I...I just wanted to ask i...if you would like to come over for dinner tonight?" he stuttered, his face redder than a tomato.
Youji raised an eyebrow in amusement. The redhead was just too cute. Youji turned and again approached the redhead until their faces were merely millimetres away.
"Is that a date?" Youji asked grinning, poking Ran's nose tip.
"N...No, just an invitation for dinner!" Ran replied.
The young duke thought about that for a moment, considering the possibilities before returning his attention to the redhead. Grinning, he slightly kissed Ran's nose tip, leaving the redhead's already confused hormones in a complete mess.
"Then I accept this invitation! See you later, Cutie!" he waves and left.
Ran stared after his disappearing form, not believing that he just had been kissed. Okay, it had been just a slight, but nevertheless...
The redhead's hormones stirred again at the memory and he could have sworn that he just heard some steam coming out of his ears. He watched as Youji got up on his horse and rode away. Ran sighed and collected his drawing utilities. It made no sense to continue since he really couldn't concentrate on anything else now.
The only thing lingering in his mind now was the picture of Youji. Tonight he would see him again. Hopefully.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So, that was Part III. Sorry if it sucks but I have my annual summer writer's block. I simply can't write if it's too hot. But since we have now some cooler day I was able to finish this part. I hope you enjoy it.
Next time: Youji's dinner with the Fujimiyas and Brad's next try to scare them away. Stay Tuned!
Ideas and comments are welcome. Just write me:
Terrenis-sama@web.de or EarthGoddess@web.de
Ja ne!
^^ Terrenis-chan ^.^