As promised, chapter three is here! And right on time too! Even though tomorrow is CST for math, I'm feeling so carefree! (I guess that's because I don't have to do that research report anymore!) Also Edgar and Raven are finally introduced in this chapter, but no Nico, who knows where he went! I added in Lydia x Edgar (it was so fun making it) and more of the Raven x OC (I had to think a lot on that). The chapter tittle seems a little…um… bad, but if I think of any better ones then I will change it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hakushaku to Yousei, the characters, or the plot, but I do own Jennie and what happens in this chapter.

Though this chapter is a little short from my regular ones, I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Three: Eloping? Or Love at First Sight?

Endless, endless stairs!

I huffed and panted and staggered my way on top of the stairs. A few people passed by me and didn't even lift a finger to help! What's wrong with you people! … Get it together girl! Just a few more steps and I can be reunited with Lydia! … Argh! Why is my bag so heavy!

And so here I am, climbing the stairs as if I was climbing Mount Everest itself. "What are you doing, Jennie?" that sweet voice! It could only belong to none other then…

"Lydia!" I cried. I quickly jumped up and embraced her. "Oh Lydia! I missed you!"

"I… missed… you… too, Jennie," my sister said a little awkwardly. She patted my head and rubbed my eyes that were making the very exaggerated waterworks.

"Lydia, who is this girl?" I heard someone say from behind us. I turned around and saw a handsome blonde with violet eyes. He had on a black tux with a white dress-shirt, a blue tie tied around the neck, and a gray vest underneath.

I looked at him then towards Lydia as she explained to him that I was her sister. I watched as a smile was directed playfully, yet adoringly from his face to Lydia, but Lydia was slightly blushing and her eyebrows were a little furrowed. I looked at both of them one more time before an idea hit me. I covered my sly grin with my hands as if to say I was surprised then said, "Oh my gosh, Lydia! Don't tell me you two eloped while I was gone did you!"

Lydia blushed harder as the blonde smirked. "N-no I'm not, Jennie!" she yelled. She waved her arms at me as if to defend her case. "We're just acquaintances, I'm just an employee of Edgar's."

"What? That's boring!" I huffed. Lydia gave me a you-got-to-be-kidding look while 'Edgar' smirked at Lydia and me. "Then how come you guys are on first name terms?" Aren't I the sweetest little sister?

Lydia continued to blush and decided to brush off that topic by turning away, but Edgar didn't allow it by saying, "Let's not hide it any longer, Lydia. You and I both know that we love each other dearly." He took Lydia's hands in his. "That's why let's do what your little sister said and elope."

Can this get any better?

Lydia's blush looked like it was getting out of control, as Edgar looked sideways at me to see my surprise. The result he saw was a big goofy grin and a big thumb up. I'm not the over-protective sibling; I'm more of an I-want-25-nieces-and-nephews sister. "You two crazy kids have fun now!" I cheered.

"Wait!" the blushing Lydia, shouted. There was only a two-minute pause before she continued with a not so flushed face. "Edgar, stop joking around," she shouted while glaring at him. "And Jennie, don't play along with it!" she began pinching my cheek as she always does when I get into trouble. "Anyway, Edgar and I are only employer and employee and we are not eloping! I am just helping him find the Sword!"

She looked so exhausted. I patted her back, "I'm sorry Lydia." Even though the cute look on your face was so priceless, I just had to apologize.

"Why is Raven taking so long with the tickets?" Edgar asked, trying to change the topic.

Lydia didn't say anything so I did. "Who's 'Raven'" I asked.

"Raven is my servant," he said.

"Did you call, Lord Edgar?" said a new voice from out of the blue. I didn't need to turn around; the person just appeared from behind Edgar. He looked pretty handsome with the black, fluffy hair that somehow reminded me of the absent Nico's fur and his gorgeous green eyes were darker and more intense than Lydia's. He wore a regular butler suit that included the white shirt with the black bow tie, the black vest, and the black tux. He looked alright I guess, but if only I wasn't so conscious of how I wasn't really properly groomed with my hair all a mess and I didn't even brush my teeth! I was too lazy to even wear a nightgown yesterday so now my clothes are all crinkled and I know for a fact that I smell worse than a pigpen! Just why didn't I call for a carriage to take me to the station?

"Raven why were you so late in buying the tickets?" usually I would see masters abusing their servants, but Edgar seem to greet him with a smile. Aren't I so lucky to have a future big brother like him? Hint-hint.

"My deepest apologizes," said Raven, bowing low to him.

Edgar shook his head. "It's alright," he said. "However, now we need to buy another ticket for this young lady." He then pointed at me.

I tried thinking of happy thoughts to prevent blushing, however I was failing. "Hi. I'm Lydia's little sister, Jennie Carlton," I said with the same grin but toned it down. I tried not to notice his stare that made the gravity around me thicker. It has to be that, if it wasn't, then why are my legs slightly shaking?

He just nodded smoothly and I just had to observe how his silky black hair moves so softly whenever he moves his darling head. Where did all these adjectives come from? I made a mental note to stop that. Lydia caught my eye and she seemed a little bit troubled at something, I wonder what? Edgar made a motion to get Raven to buy another ticket, but I panicked and stopped them.

They all looked at me as I said, "No I will go and buy one after all I don't want to be a bother." I tried not getting into direct eye contact with Raven and ran once I finished.

I could hear Lydia's voice trying to stop me, but I continued on. I wonder what Lydia was so worried about? I mean, this isn't the first time I did this, wasn't I the one who bought dad's boat ticket just last year? Then I realized why. The whole train station was overly crowded… and I'm lost.

I willed myself to relax and take a deep breath. I tried retracing my steps, but I seemed to get even more confused with every step I took. Magic was the worse option I could think of since everyone could see me using it. Not to mention that I say words that are sometimes confused with swear words with a heavy accent. I almost resigned and decided to use search magic if it wasn't for a helping hand, literally.

I almost jumped back and prepared to attack by that simple pat on the shoulder thing if I wasn't so mesmerized by Raven's intense green eyes. "I'm sorry, Miss Carlton, for scaring you," he said after a while.

"No it's ok," I whispered quietly. I could feel a faint blush on my cheeks. "You know…" I started. Raven turned towards me, I blushed harder and turned away. "You can call me Jennie if you want, I don't like formalities."

He nodded. "But won't that bother you Miss… Jennie?" I felt thrilled out of my mind on him calling my name. Hearing his deep voice seemed to flow within me like how the wind pushes against the curtains at home. I shivered at the unknown coldness that faked wind caused. That's it, even if my ugly blush will be exposed to him, at least I can be more comfortable around him.

"Yup, but in return, I get to call you by your name too!" I said. My words were like a cure as the heat forming on my cheeks passed away and instead formed a wide grin. I'm back to my childish self. Yay!

He nodded but didn't say anything.

After a few moments passed, there was something I just had to inquire, and it looked like Raven wasn't going to say anything at all so I asked, "Raven, why are you here?"

He didn't seem shocked at my question and replied, "Lord Edgar told me to follow you if anything were to happen to you."

"I-I don't need any protection!" I whined and puffed up my cheeks. Now he looks surprised. It must be about how childish I'm acting.

"But…" he paused. "Aren't you lost?" His words seemed like a punch to my ego's stomach. I blushed even harder and nodded in defeat. "Then let's go," he said, taking my hand, but then releasing it for only a too short second. I felt tingles on my hand for the next entire minute.

=D

After the whole ticket ordeal we met up with Lydia and Edgar inside the train.

"I apologize for my tardiness," said Raven, bowing low to Edgar, again.

"No, it should be me who should say sorry," I put in. "I was the one who got lost after all." I looked away and pretended to take notice of some blue gum stain on the carpet.

Lydia took my hand in her soft ones and patted it while Edgar said, "It's alright, Jennie. At least we got here on time."

I looked up and didn't do a thing to stop that mischievous glint in my eye. I made a goofy smile and said with a tone of a five-year-old, "Mr. Edgar is so nice! No wonder he's my future brother-in-law!" Edgar smirked as he watched Lydia's growing blush.

"J-Jennie!" she whispered in my ear and jerked my hand.

"I'm so glad to get your approval, little sister!"