Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Ghost of Castle Crawford ❯ 4 ( Chapter 4 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Terrenis-chan 
Dinner with Youji...
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Mystery / Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.20.2003 | Updated On: 11.27.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 450 | Status: Work In Progress
Dinner with Youji...
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Mystery / Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.20.2003 | Updated On: 11.27.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 450 | Status: Work In Progress
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Ran went to the library right after bringing his utilities back to his room. He had tried to tell Schu that they would have a guest tonight but it had turned out that he and Nagi had gone out doing some grocery shopping and both wouldn't be back within the next two hours. So he had helped himself to a cup of tea and was now searching for a good book.
His eyes roamed over the backs of the books. Finally he decided on an old edition of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" (Sorry for that!), which was still in a good shape. He took his and made himself comfortable in one of the armchairs. But before Ran started to read his eyes lingered for a moment on the portrait of Sir Bradley de Crawford.
It was strange but the redhead had the feeling as if the picture was staring back at him. Shaking his head, Ran took a sip of his tea and finally began to read his book, waiting for the rest of his family to come back.
An hour later he could hear some noises at the door, especially the loud voices of two certain 13-year-old twins, who managed to raise their voices in the most impossible ways, so they couldn't be ignored this way. Ran set his book aside and decided to investigate what was going.
He went out of the library, just to see this mother scolding with his brother.
"What did they do this time?" Ran asked his sister.
"The same as usual. They had a small fight on the way! And why is it that you're not drawing? I expected you in front of the castle, busy with drawing?" Aya asked.
"Oh, I did a little bit, but I'm afraid I got distracted. Our neighbour showed up and I...ahem...talked for a while!" the redhead replied, blushing a little.
Of course he didn't mention the small kiss. That was only his business.
"Oh, you met him?" Aya asked astonished.
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"Well, he paid for our drinks at the pub! Wasn't that nice of him?" Aya said.
"Yes, I guess it is...By the way, I've to tell you something, mom!"
The red-haired woman stopped her scolding and answered, after sending the twins off to their rooms:
"What's on your mind, honey?" she asked her son.
"Ahem...I invited our neighbour for dinner. I hope you're not angry with me!"
Manx blinked and then smiled.
"Of course I'm not! I'll let Schuldig know that we have a guest tonight when he comes back!"
"Thank you!" Ran smiled back and returned to the library, intending to continue reading his book.
Aya followed him. While she scanned the library for a suited book she could read, the redhead curled up again in his armchair. After a while of silence Aya stopped her search, suddenly looking at her brother.
"So, how does he look like?"
Ran looked up, not understanding what she meant.
"Who do you mean?" he asked.
Aya chuckled and smiled at him.
"Come on, you know who I mean, *Ran-niichan*. And I don't want to hear any excuses. I saw you blushing when you mentioned our neighbour. He must be really good-looking then, since you don't blush that easily. Is there something going on I have to know, little brother?" she asked innocently.
Ran stared at her, knowing that his head must be as red as a tomato. Why for heaven's sake did his sister have to be so observant? He hated this fact sometimes.
"It's nothing, Aya! I'm sure you'll see him tonight and your question will be answered!"
"You're right as usual, Ran. Well, I think I'm going to the garden picking some flowers for dinner!"
"Or maybe to watch a certain Irish man?" the redhead teased, without leaving his eyes from the book.
Now it was Aya's turn to blush and she giggled uncontrollably.
"Well...I've to go now. See you later!"
Then she hugged him and practically fled from the room, leaving a very amused Ran behind.
*
Brad threw a last glance at the redhead curled up in the armchair before slowly heading in the direction of his prison. He had watched him the whole time while he was thinking about a new plan to scare those newcomers away from his castle. But he couldn't help but thinking about the redhead. He reminded him so much of his own lover all those many centuries ago.
The ghost sighed. It had been his entire fault that Julian had died. It was because of him that he was doomed to haunt this castle forever. If he only hadn't...
He winced, when he heard the loud laughter of the twins echoing through the whole castle. His eyes narrowed. He had to get rid of those humans, namely as fast as possible. They really started to get on his nerves. But what should he do? His last plan had failed miserably.
Pondering over a new and better plan, he remembered something he had seen earlier and suddenly the ghost had a very good idea.
//Well, I've to try it. If it doesn't work I'll have to think about another plan. But I hope it does work.// he thought sighing.
Finally reaching his chamber, Bradley laid down on the rotten bed, folding his hand behind his head and allowing his thoughts to drift back to happier times...
*
Aya run out of the castle after her little talk with her brother. Her face was as red as Ran's hair. Reaching the gardens, she sat down on one of the benches, trying to catch her breath. She had enjoyed her little talk with her younger brother. But sometimes it was incredible how well they knew each other, almost eerie.
But that's how they both were. Sighing, Aya got up and started to search for some suited flowers for the dinner table. She went along the pebble stone paths and looked around, enjoying the sight. The whole area was surrounded by hedges and on the different meadows stood several statues, giving the whole garden a certain rococo look.
After a while of strolling around and the unsuccessful search for any kind of flowers, Aya reached a small part of the garden, which looked much different from the rest. There grew nothing - no flowers, no grass, no trees, nothing at all. Only a single statue was standing there, showing a sad looking angel. It looked almost...gloomy, as if the nature refused to show her face here in this place.
The dark-haired girl shuddered. Why did such a place within the normally beautiful garden exist? Suddenly someone touched her shoulder, causing the girl to jump. Frightened she turned her head to see who was there, but let out a relieved breath, when she saw Jei standing there.
"Oh god, you scared me to death!" Aya said.
"What are you doing here?" Jei asked her.
Aya blushed and laughed nervously.
"Well...I was looking for some flowers for the dinner table. But I can't find any. And I got here by accident. But tell me, why doesn't any green grow? This place looks so gloomy." She asked the silver-haired man carefully.
"I don't know, but I've heard that Sir Bradley's late lover is buried somewhere here in the garden. It seems as if that's the place where he lies."
"Oh...How sad!" was the only words Aya managed to get out.
They stayed silent for a while until the girl spoke again.
"By the way...do you know where I can find some flowers?" she asked carefully.
Jei looked at her as if he hadn't understood the girl's question, causing her to blush. But then he spoke again.
"Of course, Ms. Fujimiya! Please follow me!" he said quietly.
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH! And please call me Aya?" she cried out happily, giving Jei a slight kiss on his cheek.
But she blushed furiously as she noticed Jei's confused stare and only now realized what she had done.
"I'm sorry......Can you please show me where the flowers are?" Aya apologized and turned to leave this part of the garden.
Jei was really astonished. Never in his entire life had a girl kissed him because of his scars. Why was this one different? The silver-haired man had no idea and shrugged his shoulders. Maybe it was just an accident. Yes, definitively an accident. Not thinking further about this incident, Jei went after the girl to help her.
*
The time until dinner passed too quickly for Ran's taste. He was in his room, looking through his clothes for something suited for dinner. Normally it wouldn't matter what he wore, but tonight they had a guest and it was expected that they had to be dressed properly. And it had nothing to do with the fact that the guest was a really good-looking guy who possibly had some interest in him.
The redhead finally chose his favourite shirt, made of purple silk, along with a simple black jacket and black jeans.
//I wonder if he likes this outfit. Well, we'll see.// Ran decided after getting dressed and taking a quick look at his reflection in the old mirror.
Seeing, that he looked well enough for the dinner, the redhead sat down and decided to work a little bit on his laptop, trying to ignore the swarm of butterflies in his stomach.
*
And then it was time. Ran waited patiently in the dining room for the rest of his family to arrive. He was quite nervous and wondered what Youji would wear. Hopefully something skin-tight. Ran blushed at the thought and mentally kicked himself. He should not think of the handsome man this way...Although...Maybe Aya had been right. Maybe he really had a crush on Youji.
The sounds of footsteps coming down to this room interrupted Ran's train of thoughts and only a few moments later the twins rumbled into the room, followed by Aya and his parents. The girl joined the redhead.
"Oh, I see you're ready, brother. Already getting nervous?" she teased him, laughing at the sight of her blushing brother.
"You know I hate you!" he grumbled sarcastically.
"I know. And I love you too. I'm just excited how he does look like!" Aya said before giving Ran a brief hug.
It was at that moment when the doorbell rang. Ran felt his heartbeat quickening and himself getting more and more nervous. In a moment Youji would come right through this door and have dinner for a few painfully long hours.
Gods, how should he survive this evening without going crazy?
~
Youji had also had a hard time until dinner. He had spent hours to look for a suited outfit, to bath and style himself, just to look presentable. And then he still had enough time to get some welcome presents for his new neighbours. The young duke didn't want to be impolite after all, since he had been invited by them.
And there was the fact that Youji wanted to impress the family of his hopefully-soon-to-be-boyfriend. If he only had known sooner that such a beautiful being was just living next to him...He would have made his introduction already yesterday.
Giggling mentally, the young duke risked a glance at the clock. It was almost eight o'clock. Time to go. He grabbed his coat and the keys to one of his sports cars and left his home castle to spend the evening with his beloved redhead.
Exactly ten minutes later he arrived in front of Castle Crawford and parked it next to the entrance. After getting out, Youji straightened his coat and grabbed his presents. Then he rang the doorbell and waited for Schu to open it. It didn't take long for the orange-headed man to do so.
"Oh, your Lordship. What are you doing here? We were expecting a guest." He said astonished.
"Oh, I'm the guest. And please don't call me by my title. I'm just Youji for this evening. Do you understand?"
"Of course, your lordship!"
"SCHU!" Youji hissed warningly.
"Sorry. Force of habit I fear." Schu smiled embarrassed and let Youji in.
The young duke took off his black coat and handed it over to Schuldig. He could hear already some footsteps, which announced the arrival of his hosts tonight. He took a last breath to calm himself down before two very excited boys came running round the corner...saw him...and stopped, their eyes wide open. From far away he could hear more footsteps coming nearer.
But before Youji could say something, the twins ran back, shouting out loud:
"Hey Mom, Dad! You won't guess who's here!"
Youji sweatdropped. The young duke had never seen such...lively...twins and wondered if they were as bad as he had been when he was young. His train of thoughts stopped when the remaining family members came out of the dining room to greet, looking as astonished as Ken and Omi when they all saw him.
Youji's eyes drifted over to Ran, who was standing behind his sister and blushing furiously, when his own eyes met the ones of the redhead. Youji pulled himself together and then bowed politely.
"Good Evening! I'm pleased to see you again so soon!" he said.
"Oh, it's you! We had no idea that you're our neighbour or we would have invited over this afternoon. By the way, I'm Manx Fujimiya and that are my husband Shuichi and our children Aya, Ran and the twins, Ken and Omi!" Manx replied.
"Nice to meet you again! My name is Youji!" Youji introduced himself.
Each member of the family stepped forward and shook his hand.
"So, we still have time until dinner. Why don't we go into the library until it is ready?" Shuichi suggested.
"Of course. But please let me give you first your welcome presents!" Youji said and turned to get them.
"Oh, that wouldn't have been necessary!" Manx protested, but the young duke only smiled.
"No, it would have been impolite to come without any. Please take them as a sign of our vicinity!"
The redheaded woman sighed, admitting defeat and smiled back. Then Youji took the first present and gave it to Shuichi. It was an old bottle of wine.
"This is a bottle of our family wine and almost 200 years old! You'll never find a better vintage!" he said.
"I thank you!"
"Not at all. And for the beautiful ladies - beautiful flowers!" the young duke said in his charming voice, handing over two lovely bouquets.
Aya giggled shyly, but she and her mother were pleased about the lovely flowers.
"Do we get a present, too?" the twins begged.
"Please behave yourselves!" Manx warned them.
"Of course you get one! Here - a book with the best ghost stories from this area! I hope you enjoy it!"
"Cool!"
The twins grinned widely and rushed back to the library to look through their new gift. Aya giggled, Shuichi, Manx and Ran just looked astonished after them.
"Well, that was different. I don't remember one single time they were excited about a book. I really thought they hate books." Shuichi said, shaking his head.
"I guess it all depends what kind of book it is!" Manx replied chuckling.
Now only Ran was left. But the redhead only blushed harder the more time he looked at the young duke. Aya sensed her brother's discomfort and tried to solve the situation in her own way.
"Mom, Dad, can we please get some vases for the flowers? I'm sure Ran can show Youji the way to the library!" she said.
Ran's head shot up and he stared at Aya, who gave him a little smile and then grabbed her parent's arms, dragging them along towards the kitchen, leaving the redhead and the young alone. Ran suddenly felt uneasy when he was finally alone with his secret crush.
"I...I'm glad you could come!" the redhead stuttered.
"Why should I not? I never decline an invitation, especially if someone beautiful as you is present!"
"I guess you're right!" the redhead laughed nervously.
"Ah, you're so cute. By the way, I've also a present for you!"
The young duke smiled again and somehow a small pot containing a beautiful Cattleya orchid, which had the same colour as Ran's eyes, appeared in his hands.
"An orchid for my orchid! I hope you like it. The colour goes with your eyes." He smiled with a twinkle in his eye.
"Thank you. She's beautiful!" Ran whispered.
"I'm glad you like it. Care to join me in the library?" Youji smiled at the youth, offering his arm to the redhead.
Ran's head turned tomato red again, but after some thinking he took the presented arm. Together they went towards the library, where Ran's younger brothers were already busy rummaging through their new book. Shortly after Aya, Manx and Shuichi joined them, too. All of them were chatting about different thing, the twins still busy with their book, until Schu finally appeared in the doorway.
"Your Lordship, Prof. Fujimiya, the dinner is ready!" the orange-haired man said, before he suddenly realized that he had made a mistake.
"Thank you very much, *Schu*!" Youji growled, glaring at the aforementioned man.
Schuldig smiled embarrassed and made a hasty departure from the room, before the young duke could say another word. Youji sighed. There went his secret. He sighed again and then noticed that the Fujimiyas were staring at him.
"Excuse me, if I ask you this...but what did Schuldig mean when he addressed you with *Your Lordship*?" Manx asked him.
The young duke smiled again, but hit Schu mentally.
"Well, it's correct. To be honestly, I'm the 8th Duke of Kudou and that's my title. I apologize that I didn't mention it, but I really don't prefer to be called by my title. Just call me Youji and I hope I didn't offend you by not mentioning this little fact." He said.
"Oh no. It's just a little bit surprising since we had no idea that you're noble. So, why don't we go to the dining room and have some dinner?" the redheaded woman suggested.
Everyone got up and left the library. Dinner was a pleasant affair. The twins were giggling the whole time and Youji found himself busy to flirt with his beloved redhead, who was still blushing, but strangely enjoyed the flirt. While enjoying the delicious foods Nagi had cooked, they talked about different subjects, one of them concerning the rumours of a certain ghost residing in the castle.
"So, you do think there is no ghost here at Castle Crawford? Hmmm, then you are the only ones in this area!" the duke said.
"I beg your pardon, but we live in the 21st century and I personally don't believe in such tales!" Shuichi countered.
"Oh, I assure you that he exists. I saw him with own eyes!" Youji replied.
That caught the attention of all family members.
"You saw him?" the twins asked unbelieving.
"Of course I have, though it has been 12 years ago. It was shortly after the complete redecoration of our castle. Me and my parents arrived a day earlier and stayed here for one night. However, in the night I heard a strange noise and decided to investigate. But when I opened my door I saw him. He was floating down the floor. Fortunately he didn't notice me. But I had nightmares for the following months.
And if you still don't believe me then ask my grandmother. She still hasn't recovered from her encounter on her wedding night." Youji told them, his face serious.
"How did he look like?" Aya asked.
"Like on the portrait in the library!" the young duke replied.
"Oh!" the girl said.
At this moment Schu appeared to look if they had finished eating.
"I just wanted to ask if everything was alright! Nagi will serve the dessert and the drinks in the library." He said.
"Thank you, Schuldig! We'll be there in a few minutes." Shuichi answered.
"Hmmm, maybe I can tell you more stories about this castle and from the area, but only if you like!" Youji offered.
"Oh, we would be honoured!"
*
Meanwhile somewhere in the Castle.
Sir Bradley was on his way to complete the first task of his new plan. But he needed something to do it. And he knew where he could find it. Reaching his destiny, he looked around, searching for it. His ghostly face lit up and he smiled evilly, when he finally found what he had looked for. Now his plan could come into force.
*
Shortly after the dinner had ended, everyone was eager to get to the library. Schu began to clear the table when suddenly a loud crash could be heard coming from the library. The orange-haired man dropped everything and ran to the source of the noise. At the entrance to the library he could see all members of the family and Youji standing behind a very pale Nagi. Worried about his boyfriend, he pushed through the small crowd.
"What happened? Are you hurt?" he asked.
But his boyfriend just pointed at a spot on the floor and Schu felt his eyes widened, when he saw it.
The notorious "De Crawford" blood stain had reappeared.
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Next time: More haunting with Brad. Stay Tuned!
Ideas and comments are always welcome. Just write me:
Terrenis@web.de or EarthGoddess@web.de
Ja ne!
^^ Terrenis-chan ^.^
Ran went to the library right after bringing his utilities back to his room. He had tried to tell Schu that they would have a guest tonight but it had turned out that he and Nagi had gone out doing some grocery shopping and both wouldn't be back within the next two hours. So he had helped himself to a cup of tea and was now searching for a good book.
His eyes roamed over the backs of the books. Finally he decided on an old edition of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" (Sorry for that!), which was still in a good shape. He took his and made himself comfortable in one of the armchairs. But before Ran started to read his eyes lingered for a moment on the portrait of Sir Bradley de Crawford.
It was strange but the redhead had the feeling as if the picture was staring back at him. Shaking his head, Ran took a sip of his tea and finally began to read his book, waiting for the rest of his family to come back.
An hour later he could hear some noises at the door, especially the loud voices of two certain 13-year-old twins, who managed to raise their voices in the most impossible ways, so they couldn't be ignored this way. Ran set his book aside and decided to investigate what was going.
He went out of the library, just to see this mother scolding with his brother.
"What did they do this time?" Ran asked his sister.
"The same as usual. They had a small fight on the way! And why is it that you're not drawing? I expected you in front of the castle, busy with drawing?" Aya asked.
"Oh, I did a little bit, but I'm afraid I got distracted. Our neighbour showed up and I...ahem...talked for a while!" the redhead replied, blushing a little.
Of course he didn't mention the small kiss. That was only his business.
"Oh, you met him?" Aya asked astonished.
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"Well, he paid for our drinks at the pub! Wasn't that nice of him?" Aya said.
"Yes, I guess it is...By the way, I've to tell you something, mom!"
The red-haired woman stopped her scolding and answered, after sending the twins off to their rooms:
"What's on your mind, honey?" she asked her son.
"Ahem...I invited our neighbour for dinner. I hope you're not angry with me!"
Manx blinked and then smiled.
"Of course I'm not! I'll let Schuldig know that we have a guest tonight when he comes back!"
"Thank you!" Ran smiled back and returned to the library, intending to continue reading his book.
Aya followed him. While she scanned the library for a suited book she could read, the redhead curled up again in his armchair. After a while of silence Aya stopped her search, suddenly looking at her brother.
"So, how does he look like?"
Ran looked up, not understanding what she meant.
"Who do you mean?" he asked.
Aya chuckled and smiled at him.
"Come on, you know who I mean, *Ran-niichan*. And I don't want to hear any excuses. I saw you blushing when you mentioned our neighbour. He must be really good-looking then, since you don't blush that easily. Is there something going on I have to know, little brother?" she asked innocently.
Ran stared at her, knowing that his head must be as red as a tomato. Why for heaven's sake did his sister have to be so observant? He hated this fact sometimes.
"It's nothing, Aya! I'm sure you'll see him tonight and your question will be answered!"
"You're right as usual, Ran. Well, I think I'm going to the garden picking some flowers for dinner!"
"Or maybe to watch a certain Irish man?" the redhead teased, without leaving his eyes from the book.
Now it was Aya's turn to blush and she giggled uncontrollably.
"Well...I've to go now. See you later!"
Then she hugged him and practically fled from the room, leaving a very amused Ran behind.
*
Brad threw a last glance at the redhead curled up in the armchair before slowly heading in the direction of his prison. He had watched him the whole time while he was thinking about a new plan to scare those newcomers away from his castle. But he couldn't help but thinking about the redhead. He reminded him so much of his own lover all those many centuries ago.
The ghost sighed. It had been his entire fault that Julian had died. It was because of him that he was doomed to haunt this castle forever. If he only hadn't...
He winced, when he heard the loud laughter of the twins echoing through the whole castle. His eyes narrowed. He had to get rid of those humans, namely as fast as possible. They really started to get on his nerves. But what should he do? His last plan had failed miserably.
Pondering over a new and better plan, he remembered something he had seen earlier and suddenly the ghost had a very good idea.
//Well, I've to try it. If it doesn't work I'll have to think about another plan. But I hope it does work.// he thought sighing.
Finally reaching his chamber, Bradley laid down on the rotten bed, folding his hand behind his head and allowing his thoughts to drift back to happier times...
*
Aya run out of the castle after her little talk with her brother. Her face was as red as Ran's hair. Reaching the gardens, she sat down on one of the benches, trying to catch her breath. She had enjoyed her little talk with her younger brother. But sometimes it was incredible how well they knew each other, almost eerie.
But that's how they both were. Sighing, Aya got up and started to search for some suited flowers for the dinner table. She went along the pebble stone paths and looked around, enjoying the sight. The whole area was surrounded by hedges and on the different meadows stood several statues, giving the whole garden a certain rococo look.
After a while of strolling around and the unsuccessful search for any kind of flowers, Aya reached a small part of the garden, which looked much different from the rest. There grew nothing - no flowers, no grass, no trees, nothing at all. Only a single statue was standing there, showing a sad looking angel. It looked almost...gloomy, as if the nature refused to show her face here in this place.
The dark-haired girl shuddered. Why did such a place within the normally beautiful garden exist? Suddenly someone touched her shoulder, causing the girl to jump. Frightened she turned her head to see who was there, but let out a relieved breath, when she saw Jei standing there.
"Oh god, you scared me to death!" Aya said.
"What are you doing here?" Jei asked her.
Aya blushed and laughed nervously.
"Well...I was looking for some flowers for the dinner table. But I can't find any. And I got here by accident. But tell me, why doesn't any green grow? This place looks so gloomy." She asked the silver-haired man carefully.
"I don't know, but I've heard that Sir Bradley's late lover is buried somewhere here in the garden. It seems as if that's the place where he lies."
"Oh...How sad!" was the only words Aya managed to get out.
They stayed silent for a while until the girl spoke again.
"By the way...do you know where I can find some flowers?" she asked carefully.
Jei looked at her as if he hadn't understood the girl's question, causing her to blush. But then he spoke again.
"Of course, Ms. Fujimiya! Please follow me!" he said quietly.
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH! And please call me Aya?" she cried out happily, giving Jei a slight kiss on his cheek.
But she blushed furiously as she noticed Jei's confused stare and only now realized what she had done.
"I'm sorry......Can you please show me where the flowers are?" Aya apologized and turned to leave this part of the garden.
Jei was really astonished. Never in his entire life had a girl kissed him because of his scars. Why was this one different? The silver-haired man had no idea and shrugged his shoulders. Maybe it was just an accident. Yes, definitively an accident. Not thinking further about this incident, Jei went after the girl to help her.
*
The time until dinner passed too quickly for Ran's taste. He was in his room, looking through his clothes for something suited for dinner. Normally it wouldn't matter what he wore, but tonight they had a guest and it was expected that they had to be dressed properly. And it had nothing to do with the fact that the guest was a really good-looking guy who possibly had some interest in him.
The redhead finally chose his favourite shirt, made of purple silk, along with a simple black jacket and black jeans.
//I wonder if he likes this outfit. Well, we'll see.// Ran decided after getting dressed and taking a quick look at his reflection in the old mirror.
Seeing, that he looked well enough for the dinner, the redhead sat down and decided to work a little bit on his laptop, trying to ignore the swarm of butterflies in his stomach.
*
And then it was time. Ran waited patiently in the dining room for the rest of his family to arrive. He was quite nervous and wondered what Youji would wear. Hopefully something skin-tight. Ran blushed at the thought and mentally kicked himself. He should not think of the handsome man this way...Although...Maybe Aya had been right. Maybe he really had a crush on Youji.
The sounds of footsteps coming down to this room interrupted Ran's train of thoughts and only a few moments later the twins rumbled into the room, followed by Aya and his parents. The girl joined the redhead.
"Oh, I see you're ready, brother. Already getting nervous?" she teased him, laughing at the sight of her blushing brother.
"You know I hate you!" he grumbled sarcastically.
"I know. And I love you too. I'm just excited how he does look like!" Aya said before giving Ran a brief hug.
It was at that moment when the doorbell rang. Ran felt his heartbeat quickening and himself getting more and more nervous. In a moment Youji would come right through this door and have dinner for a few painfully long hours.
Gods, how should he survive this evening without going crazy?
~
Youji had also had a hard time until dinner. He had spent hours to look for a suited outfit, to bath and style himself, just to look presentable. And then he still had enough time to get some welcome presents for his new neighbours. The young duke didn't want to be impolite after all, since he had been invited by them.
And there was the fact that Youji wanted to impress the family of his hopefully-soon-to-be-boyfriend. If he only had known sooner that such a beautiful being was just living next to him...He would have made his introduction already yesterday.
Giggling mentally, the young duke risked a glance at the clock. It was almost eight o'clock. Time to go. He grabbed his coat and the keys to one of his sports cars and left his home castle to spend the evening with his beloved redhead.
Exactly ten minutes later he arrived in front of Castle Crawford and parked it next to the entrance. After getting out, Youji straightened his coat and grabbed his presents. Then he rang the doorbell and waited for Schu to open it. It didn't take long for the orange-headed man to do so.
"Oh, your Lordship. What are you doing here? We were expecting a guest." He said astonished.
"Oh, I'm the guest. And please don't call me by my title. I'm just Youji for this evening. Do you understand?"
"Of course, your lordship!"
"SCHU!" Youji hissed warningly.
"Sorry. Force of habit I fear." Schu smiled embarrassed and let Youji in.
The young duke took off his black coat and handed it over to Schuldig. He could hear already some footsteps, which announced the arrival of his hosts tonight. He took a last breath to calm himself down before two very excited boys came running round the corner...saw him...and stopped, their eyes wide open. From far away he could hear more footsteps coming nearer.
But before Youji could say something, the twins ran back, shouting out loud:
"Hey Mom, Dad! You won't guess who's here!"
Youji sweatdropped. The young duke had never seen such...lively...twins and wondered if they were as bad as he had been when he was young. His train of thoughts stopped when the remaining family members came out of the dining room to greet, looking as astonished as Ken and Omi when they all saw him.
Youji's eyes drifted over to Ran, who was standing behind his sister and blushing furiously, when his own eyes met the ones of the redhead. Youji pulled himself together and then bowed politely.
"Good Evening! I'm pleased to see you again so soon!" he said.
"Oh, it's you! We had no idea that you're our neighbour or we would have invited over this afternoon. By the way, I'm Manx Fujimiya and that are my husband Shuichi and our children Aya, Ran and the twins, Ken and Omi!" Manx replied.
"Nice to meet you again! My name is Youji!" Youji introduced himself.
Each member of the family stepped forward and shook his hand.
"So, we still have time until dinner. Why don't we go into the library until it is ready?" Shuichi suggested.
"Of course. But please let me give you first your welcome presents!" Youji said and turned to get them.
"Oh, that wouldn't have been necessary!" Manx protested, but the young duke only smiled.
"No, it would have been impolite to come without any. Please take them as a sign of our vicinity!"
The redheaded woman sighed, admitting defeat and smiled back. Then Youji took the first present and gave it to Shuichi. It was an old bottle of wine.
"This is a bottle of our family wine and almost 200 years old! You'll never find a better vintage!" he said.
"I thank you!"
"Not at all. And for the beautiful ladies - beautiful flowers!" the young duke said in his charming voice, handing over two lovely bouquets.
Aya giggled shyly, but she and her mother were pleased about the lovely flowers.
"Do we get a present, too?" the twins begged.
"Please behave yourselves!" Manx warned them.
"Of course you get one! Here - a book with the best ghost stories from this area! I hope you enjoy it!"
"Cool!"
The twins grinned widely and rushed back to the library to look through their new gift. Aya giggled, Shuichi, Manx and Ran just looked astonished after them.
"Well, that was different. I don't remember one single time they were excited about a book. I really thought they hate books." Shuichi said, shaking his head.
"I guess it all depends what kind of book it is!" Manx replied chuckling.
Now only Ran was left. But the redhead only blushed harder the more time he looked at the young duke. Aya sensed her brother's discomfort and tried to solve the situation in her own way.
"Mom, Dad, can we please get some vases for the flowers? I'm sure Ran can show Youji the way to the library!" she said.
Ran's head shot up and he stared at Aya, who gave him a little smile and then grabbed her parent's arms, dragging them along towards the kitchen, leaving the redhead and the young alone. Ran suddenly felt uneasy when he was finally alone with his secret crush.
"I...I'm glad you could come!" the redhead stuttered.
"Why should I not? I never decline an invitation, especially if someone beautiful as you is present!"
"I guess you're right!" the redhead laughed nervously.
"Ah, you're so cute. By the way, I've also a present for you!"
The young duke smiled again and somehow a small pot containing a beautiful Cattleya orchid, which had the same colour as Ran's eyes, appeared in his hands.
"An orchid for my orchid! I hope you like it. The colour goes with your eyes." He smiled with a twinkle in his eye.
"Thank you. She's beautiful!" Ran whispered.
"I'm glad you like it. Care to join me in the library?" Youji smiled at the youth, offering his arm to the redhead.
Ran's head turned tomato red again, but after some thinking he took the presented arm. Together they went towards the library, where Ran's younger brothers were already busy rummaging through their new book. Shortly after Aya, Manx and Shuichi joined them, too. All of them were chatting about different thing, the twins still busy with their book, until Schu finally appeared in the doorway.
"Your Lordship, Prof. Fujimiya, the dinner is ready!" the orange-haired man said, before he suddenly realized that he had made a mistake.
"Thank you very much, *Schu*!" Youji growled, glaring at the aforementioned man.
Schuldig smiled embarrassed and made a hasty departure from the room, before the young duke could say another word. Youji sighed. There went his secret. He sighed again and then noticed that the Fujimiyas were staring at him.
"Excuse me, if I ask you this...but what did Schuldig mean when he addressed you with *Your Lordship*?" Manx asked him.
The young duke smiled again, but hit Schu mentally.
"Well, it's correct. To be honestly, I'm the 8th Duke of Kudou and that's my title. I apologize that I didn't mention it, but I really don't prefer to be called by my title. Just call me Youji and I hope I didn't offend you by not mentioning this little fact." He said.
"Oh no. It's just a little bit surprising since we had no idea that you're noble. So, why don't we go to the dining room and have some dinner?" the redheaded woman suggested.
Everyone got up and left the library. Dinner was a pleasant affair. The twins were giggling the whole time and Youji found himself busy to flirt with his beloved redhead, who was still blushing, but strangely enjoyed the flirt. While enjoying the delicious foods Nagi had cooked, they talked about different subjects, one of them concerning the rumours of a certain ghost residing in the castle.
"So, you do think there is no ghost here at Castle Crawford? Hmmm, then you are the only ones in this area!" the duke said.
"I beg your pardon, but we live in the 21st century and I personally don't believe in such tales!" Shuichi countered.
"Oh, I assure you that he exists. I saw him with own eyes!" Youji replied.
That caught the attention of all family members.
"You saw him?" the twins asked unbelieving.
"Of course I have, though it has been 12 years ago. It was shortly after the complete redecoration of our castle. Me and my parents arrived a day earlier and stayed here for one night. However, in the night I heard a strange noise and decided to investigate. But when I opened my door I saw him. He was floating down the floor. Fortunately he didn't notice me. But I had nightmares for the following months.
And if you still don't believe me then ask my grandmother. She still hasn't recovered from her encounter on her wedding night." Youji told them, his face serious.
"How did he look like?" Aya asked.
"Like on the portrait in the library!" the young duke replied.
"Oh!" the girl said.
At this moment Schu appeared to look if they had finished eating.
"I just wanted to ask if everything was alright! Nagi will serve the dessert and the drinks in the library." He said.
"Thank you, Schuldig! We'll be there in a few minutes." Shuichi answered.
"Hmmm, maybe I can tell you more stories about this castle and from the area, but only if you like!" Youji offered.
"Oh, we would be honoured!"
*
Meanwhile somewhere in the Castle.
Sir Bradley was on his way to complete the first task of his new plan. But he needed something to do it. And he knew where he could find it. Reaching his destiny, he looked around, searching for it. His ghostly face lit up and he smiled evilly, when he finally found what he had looked for. Now his plan could come into force.
*
Shortly after the dinner had ended, everyone was eager to get to the library. Schu began to clear the table when suddenly a loud crash could be heard coming from the library. The orange-haired man dropped everything and ran to the source of the noise. At the entrance to the library he could see all members of the family and Youji standing behind a very pale Nagi. Worried about his boyfriend, he pushed through the small crowd.
"What happened? Are you hurt?" he asked.
But his boyfriend just pointed at a spot on the floor and Schu felt his eyes widened, when he saw it.
The notorious "De Crawford" blood stain had reappeared.
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Next time: More haunting with Brad. Stay Tuned!
Ideas and comments are always welcome. Just write me:
Terrenis@web.de or EarthGoddess@web.de
Ja ne!
^^ Terrenis-chan ^.^