--just between you and me {kazumi}

[LUCRETIA VERA GIOVANNI]

{*--PEOPLE WILL WHISPER,
AND I'LL JUST CLOSE MY EYES}

Just a moment ago someone had been close by her side. Where had they gone?! Lucretia should have asked them to stay longer. Oh how much she had failed! But surely, once the ladies start coming in it won't be so quiet? This level of noiselessness...it's unsettling. Fidgeting a little, the second year lady with red eyes wandered just how long she had to stay here like this. The world seem like such a dull place without the everyday noises of people. In front of her lays darkness, she's blind, and with darkness came silence. Lucretia likes being around people, especially when she's not in her home. In the past there always were someone with her where ever she goes. Be it her siblings, her parents, or just a simply guide dog. Now the bobbed hair girl is all by herself. Poor thing! Must she be left like this? She did not like this, at all. Lucretia felt her fingers digging into the softness of the sofa and then her fingers edged its way to where she had felt the cane were places. Carefully, she wrapped her fingers around the silver bar and a more relaxed look were etched into her pale face. All's good when this trusty item is here. Since the Academy banned dogs, all Lucretia can do is bring a cane. Resting the metal cane on her lap, she leaned back against the sofa and pointed her face at the ceiling. There must be a fan up there as a gentle breeze always meets her face. Her stomach suddenly growled and thinking back, Lucretia realized she hadn't eaten much on her way here. A family servant had accompanied her all the way from her mansion to the Academy. On their way they had stopped at a restaurant and dined on American food. Right now she sure craved something sweet; those Western food sure was greasy and dry. Sitting up straight again, Lucretia turned her face a little to the side and contemplated what to do next.

Her butler would be arriving soon, and thus she's required to sit here. The lounging area were the only empty room fitted for a lady to wait at, and everyone could find that place easily. But it would be better if they had situated her in a cafeteria or something. That way Lucretia can have access to both food and people. Thinking about her new butler makes Lucretia wander: Just what kind of person is he? All of the butlers in her home were older man with plenty of experience. Heck, some of their sons worked in this Academy too. She also heard that all the butlers here have to share a dorm with their ladies; which is weird. And then, there's the no falling in love rule. For some reason Lucretia knew that it wouldn't work completely, not when you're dealing with mostly teenagers. Although she's blind, Lucretia know that a person's greatness can only be judged through their actions and not appearance. Hopefully, her new butler would be the mature sort. In a way she could describe herself as competent, but she is a crybaby too. Working with a butler probably of the same age may change herself completely; whether for the good or bad. Will she be able to fall in love with him? Or should they act as just a lady and her butler? Lucretia could only wander.

[CHARLES PHELPS]

The story's ending

[/color]
is only another's beginning.[/font][/color]

‘Oh, shoot!’

The man’s panicked cry came resounding in the room, easily accompanied by a swish of blankets and the sound of fluff hitting the linoleum floor. An untainted white pillow flew with force against the ground, and if one had entered the situation at just this time, one would think that the man inside was having a fit, or some anger issues. However, that was the total opposite of what he was feeling. Slung across his bed in a diagonal manner that was less than comfortable, his head hanging off the edge in almost a ninety-degree angle, his eyes shut closed with some obvious effort. His legs were bent at the knee, in order to be able to fit his long legs in the limited space. Suddenly, the purple eyes burst open, obvious panic and alarm, and whatever was left of his beddings and sheets were thrown to the floor as he scrambled to get up. Irises wildly wandered, before setting their sights on the alarm clock that lay only inches from the bed. Quarter to ten. He was supposed to be at the lounge in five minutes to meet his lady and make the necessary preparations. ‘Argh!’ What a wonderful first day on the job this was! Already he was going to be late (as it took him a good ten minutes to get all the way across the campus). There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to be fired. But really, now wasn’t the time to stop and think about this. He had to go, and he had to go now! The only big problem was that when he was all panicked like this, it was difficult for him to think straight. As he attempted to put on his clothes to look prim and proper for the lady, he’d had to redo his shirt about five times, placing it on inside out, re-button six times because he just couldn’t get it in the right places, and finally take off his pants (embarrassingly, he admitted, to put on his trousers). Finally, after ten minutes, he took one last look at himself in the full-length mirror. His all-white outfit sparkled under the light, his sword placed heftily on his left hip, the black bow tied at the center of his chest tightly done so. He was ready.

Rushing out from his room without bothering to lock it, the butler ran across the campus halls, deftly navigating his way in and out of the various rooms, ladies and butlers, with the occasional staff bumping into him (or... vice-versa). Clad in white, his name was Charles Phipps, a level B butler, a level that teetered closely on the precipice of being an expert butler and being an intermediate one. Aside from his usual clumsy antics that prevented him from being a class C, he was most often the center of attention due to the pure color of his usual outfit, which usually stood out in the crowd more than the butlers clad in black. Footsteps clacked against the floor as he started to pant, his physical endurance not being exactly one of the best in this school. Before long, he’d stepped into the main lounge, completely out of breath, struggling for gasps of oxygen. The only good thing that had happened so far, in his opinion, was the fact that he hadn’t tripped into anything. Yet. But then again, that might have been just wishful thinking on his part. A day where he didn’t trip or break something at least once was considered a miracle, a rarity.

Once again, his panicked eyes darted back and forth as he searched for his lady. He hadn’t had much information to go on, except her name and a photo. Lady Lucretia Giovanni. He’d barely had time to glance at her picture, but one thing he could easily discern was the whiteness of her hair, one that matched his on an equal level. Surveying the room, purple eyes searched for any flashes or traces of white, and immediately landed their gaze on a lady sitting on a bench by her lonesome. That had to be her, right? No one else was around, no one else was approaching her, so that left really, no other choice. Running over to her side despite his already exhausted condition, Charles kneeled right in front of her, attempting to speak, but his words coming out in short gasps. “A-ah... I’m sorry, I’m sorry. This may sound rude, but are you Lady Giovanni, by any chance? If you are, I’m really, really sorry I’m late! Please forgive me.

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[/blockquote][/blockquote]

NOTES: sexy beast <3 WORD COUNT: 771 OUTFIT:you know his outfit, gosh TAGGED: nagi~[/font]
TEMPLATE MADE BY THE COOLIOSOS THE ONLY EXCEPTION ! AT CAUTION 2.0[/center]

[LUCRETIA VERA GIOVANNI]

{*--PEOPLE WILL WHISPER,
AND I'LL JUST CLOSE MY EYES}

There were movement and noises of a set of footsteps. Indeed, someone is coming towards her. It could be her butler, or maybe somebody else. Either way she's very pleased to feel people around her. It would most definitely ease her loneliness and panicked state. Lucretia had only a fraction of a second to let out a soft sigh when a man's voice drifted through her ears. Ah! So he's her butler? Oh how she so greatly wished to be able to see him. It's a little sad to say, as Lucretia should be able to get used to the darkness for sixteen years already. The voice seems out of breathe. Maybe he thought he's late? Well, Lucretia could tell him that it's okay, since she didn't exactly mind. Oh and right, what's his name again? Charles something something. Dear, dear, she had forgotten yet again. She knew she should have repeated the name just to remember it! Now, where is he exactly? The voice seem near, so he's near her. But Lucretia isn't sure just where. To the front? The side? Never mind, she could forget about it and say her introduction first! What did her servant dress her in again? She said it's a frilly sleeved white dress. Would that look appealing to her butler? Lucretia could not stop thinking about her appearance. Other then the fact she know of her red eyes and bobbed haircut, the others were all a mystery. It would be weird for people to start describing her if she had asked; and very awkward too. Hm, at least she doesn't feel embarrassment or shame! "Oh why yes, I am Lady Giovanni. But please, call me Lucretia instead. It would seem too arrogant of me to be called like this no?" The blind maiden replied tilting her head to the left. Her unblinking eyes then settled itself to a place she would think her butler would be, the right.

"By the way, what is your name? I am a terribly forgetful person so pardon me." She gripped tightly on her cane and do hope the man (or boy) wouldn't have minded much. She knew of many people who gets irritated when it comes to people forgetting their names. As for Lucretia, her irritation stems from the shortening of her own. It sounds rather boyish and un-ladylike to have a name shortened, unless they catch her in a very good mood or is a personal favorite. Now that she's 100% sure this is her butler, Lucretia wandered what would they do after this. She might need him for almost everything, and then there's the trouble of sleeping in dorms. They say some rooms have only one bed, which means both the lady and her butler must sleep together. If her brothers were to hear, they would surely turn red and resign. For Lucretia she actually never minded, just as long as her butler isn't a lecher. Then she would have a fit. From young the red eyed lady cannot sleep well unless someone's beside her. Usually her sisters would take turn sleeping next to her and some days her mother would too. This brought up a habit of sharing a bed with someone else, and it had stayed intact with her throughout her years.

[CHARLES PHELPS]

The story's ending

[/color]
is only another's beginning.[/font][/color]

What had he done? Being late on the first part of the job? That wasn’t top butler behaviour! But then again, that might have been just the reason why he hadn’t been permitted any higher honours (i.e., promotion from being a level B). He was an ambitious lad, he’d admit that, so setting his goal to a level C wasn’t entirely unexpected of him. However, there were just too many factors that held him back, so that dream would have to rest for now. But every chance he got, he was willing to jump into the fray and tackle any problem head-on, even if it was something he wasn’t sure he could handle. But hey, in every chance of failing at something, there was also the chance of succeeding, right? Right! He was just one of those “the glass is half-full thinkers”, making him one optimistic man... maybe a little too optimistic. It often made the butlers around him angry, annoyed, or jealous at how he could still remain so happy running around and serving ladies, but the truth was, the secret wasn’t that big. He just really enjoyed his job; he had fun entertaining these girls, even if sometimes he messed up (alright, maybe four times out of five, but that was still acceptable, right?). Now, he had been assigned his second lady ever in his time here at Stella Fiore Academy. He quite enjoyed doing it the first time, so the second wouldn’t be too bad. At least, he hoped so. Regardless of the lady’s personality, he would do his best to please her, as was something he did the best – not to mention, it was his job, after all.

Something told him, though, that being late wouldn’t exactly grant him any plus points from the lady he’d kept waiting, not to mention that the higher-ups wouldn’t be too pleased with an unhappy lady, whose parents were most likely paying her tuition and thus maintaining the school in a roundabout manner. Breathing heavily still, he’d taken his usual bowing pose in front of the lady, one knee on the floor and the other pointed straight at her, a hand on crossing his chest and his head lowered. It was an unstable position, as his muscles were slightly shaking from the pressure and fatigue. He closed his eyes as he spoke, apologizing. Charles expected the lady to scold him, to yell, to throw a fit or maybe even slap him, and he awaited her wrath and retribution. But, surprise! Instead, she said it was alright, with that soothing voice of hers, that immediately made him smile and soothed his nerves. Looking up shyly to make eye contact with her, he was still somewhat doubtful – was she just being nice and pretending? But the look on her voice said otherwise; she seemed almost as harried as him. Oh, thank the heavens! He wasn’t going to be fired today! Remaining in his pose, but with his head held up now, Charles paused awkwardly as he listened to her words. Oh, she didn’t like all that formal business? Uh... he’d never encountered someone like this before. Most ladies wanted to be pampered and held high on their horses. “Thank you, thank you! I’m really sorry; I didn’t check my time. I apologize. And um... are you sure that’s ok? I mean, I don’t really mind doing so, and I don’t think it makes you arrogant. I think it’s just to show that you’re of a higher status and stuff. But hm... if it makes you happy, I’ll be glad to, Lucretia.” He smiled, getting used to the taste of the single name on his mouth.

Finally standing up, Charles stumbled unsteadily sideways as his legs had grown numb from the position. He blinked quickly at the female’s question, and let out a steady, light-hearted laugh. Oh, my, they were quite the combination. The forgetful lady and the clumsy butler. What an interesting pair. Playing absentmindedly with the sword at his side, he spoke, attempting to control the laughter in his voice. “Forgive me if I laugh. Ehehe, I’m quite forgetful myself. It’s alright. My name is Charles Arthur Phelps, but please, just call me Charles. But whatever you want to call me works fine, too. You’re the boss!

[/color]” He spoke the last word light-heartedly; it was true, but he didn’t want to force upon her the fact that she was the one of the higher status between them. Actually, it might not have been anything as deep as that. He was simply still a “kid” in mind, one could say. Reaching his hand out in front of the lady, he quickly nodded his head, encouraging. “Well then, shall we go, or would you prefer to stay here? And I should say, you look really pretty today![/color]”
[/color]
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

NOTES: so cute~ WORD COUNT: 804 OUTFIT:you know his outfit, gosh TAGGED: nagi~[/font]
TEMPLATE MADE BY THE COOLIOSOS THE ONLY EXCEPTION ! AT CAUTION 2.0[/center]

[LUCRETIA VERA GIOVANNI]

{*--PEOPLE WILL WHISPER,
AND I'LL JUST CLOSE MY EYES}

How sweet!
Lucretia thought as she listened to him talk. It's always nice to listen to humble words, especially ones from a man. Though she's still a tad concerned about the future, perhaps she should talk to him now. The bobbed haired lady could only wander what sort of grand adventure this butler would take her on. Be it dull or full of excitement, she's sure her view on things would improve. Still, Lucretia still noted the fact she cannot see, because then she might have more things to judge him upon. Lucretia does not feel like going anywhere, as she found more comfort now then a few minutes ago. Besides, her legs isn't really cooperating. Now that she thinks about it, what was the lady going to ask him again? Not only did Lucretia carelessly forgot her question, be it important or not, but it would seem her mind had completely forgot something else! Dear, dear. Slowly running a hand through her hair, Lucretia let out an uncomfortable look. Charles (or was it Charlie?) doesn't seem to be moving and she wander if this is what she's forgetting. At the same time Lucretia had no whatsoever idea if he's crouching or standing!

"Charles, can we stay here for a change?" Lucretia asked tentatively. She then stretched her hand out and met something soft, Charles's hair maybe? She like feeling others, not in a perverted way of course, but it helps to "map" out them. Lucretia then abruptly pulled back the same arm and frowned. No, he is still a stranger! What if he hates being touched? "Ah, sorry about that!I have a habit of doing this so I can get a picture of new people I meet in my head " Lucretia then paused and shifted her eyes downwards. "You wouldn't mind a blind lady would you? I know I may be a burden; and I will ask for a little more." There's a tiny hope in her that tells Lucretia Charles would not mind at all. At least, he seem like that. Still, a boulder seem to make its way into her heart, and Lucretia feels a little panicked. She isn't one to be a liar and nor can she hide the fact she's a blind person; the cane in her lap is proof too.

Ah, she feel like talking so much now. But she still need to get an answer from Charles. It's always better to know someone else then you know them. Lucretia feels more at ease this way, no matter how selfish she feels. And oh yes; that question. Would they be sleeping together?! A man and woman sleeping together in one bed sounds a little wrong whichever way Lucretia thinks about it, yet she couldn't handle sleeping alone either. If they were to...sleep together, hopefully Charles doesn't mind. And if he likes it too much, Lucretia can always suggest sleeping on the floor. Though however rude it may sound, he will have to if the school permits it. Right now the butler isn't coming off with bad vibes, and it better stay that way.