Along the Great Divide

Chapter 17-- Mamoru's new job; Ludwig's secret trip


Almost two months had gone by since the couple had made it to Nosferata. Ludwig had progressed significantly in becoming better skilled as a vampire though figuring out that he didn't have the ability to fly fairly quickly. Grato made sure he stayed on the ground. Mamoru would come back to the temple absolutely exhausted, beaten to the bone and windswept. It took them almost an hour the first week just to strip down and get into the bathtub from the aches and pains.

Their home's construction was progressing nicely and now was just getting a roof over it as well as a coat of green and white paint. They would go to see it in the evening, meeting their new neighbors…as well as their competition. The woman who owned the other restaurant in town wasn't too thrilled about it, especially since the competition was a very seasoned chef.

Ludwig knew that he would never let Mamoru go over to that place.


At the beginning of the third month, their home was completed. Frei had agreed to help them 'borrow' the furniture from the old mansion, giving it a refurbished dusting and scrubbing. They also managed to get a few well-carved tables from the neighbor who happened to be a carpenter. Mamoru got creative with their home, painting the walls of every room a different color. When there were days that Frei was busy, he took the time to bargain with a glass blower and worked with a pottery-maker to make the dishes for the restaurant. It took a bit of coaxing though…There was still the trauma there from when he was a child but as he worked, he learned to forget it.

Soon, they were lying on their own bed, staring up at the cloud-painted ceiling and silky cloth that wrapped around the poles of the bed.

"Can you believe that we've finally got a place now? I mean, having a home in Grayharte is wonderful but this is heaven."Mamoru sighed contently, his head leaning on Ludwig's shoulder. The vampire had a book in his hand with a quill, writing down recipes that he had been long waiting to write down to begin with.

"I know, I love it. The clouds made a lovely touch too."Ludwig said, peeking upwards to their cloudy canopy.

"You know what I mean."Mamoru said, giving him a playful smack.

Ludwig smiled, leaning over and kissing his forehead. "I know…We're so close to opening the restaurant too. I'm excited."He said with a goofy grin. "I'm going to market tomorrow to pick up supplies."

"Already? Time does fly by."Mamoru sighed. "Did you know that Frei wants to become head of the temple? The Head Mage I mean…"

"Really? I think you should do it. You've done so much work for that old coot anyway."Ludwig said with a smirk.

"Be nice, he's trained me well."Mamo said with a roll of his gorgeous eyes. "And what about you? Have you gotten any better being a vampire yet?"

"Heh heh…I've got some tricks up my sleeve now."Wiggy smiled, showing off his now flat teeth. Mamoru had been grateful that he finally learned how to do it since it meant that when he was pleasured, it wasn't like a cheese grater and when they kissed, he didn't have to be afraid to cut his tongue…though he did like it. Secretly of course.

"Mmm…"Mamoru said critically, turning back to staring up at the ceiling. Glancing over, he saw that Ludwig was working on a recipe for a strange dessert he had never heard of. Perhaps Wiggy had learned some new recipes in his time away?

There would be days where Ludwig would disappear and go off to some strange place just outside Nosferata. When he came back, he was covered in soot. Then he suddenly stopped leaving all together and then would disappear while Mamoru was tucked in at night to disappear somewhere else. Of course, he could always be staking out the competition. A baker had moved into town as well since they arrived so it challenged him in making some sweet things too. After training, he would go to work baking and making dishes for Mamoru to try when he got back.

"Wiggy…You've been really…odd lately…"Mamoru admitted, looking up at him. Ludwig raised an eyebrow, setting his book and quill down to look down at him.

"And how have I been odd?"Ludwig asked, bringing a hand under the mage's chin, running his thumb along it gently.

"I don't know…you've been going away for some time…I'm starting to get a little jealous of whoever you go to visit when I'm asleep or at the temple."Mamoru said, bringing his hand up to run it along Ludwig's ear gently.

Ludwig's eyebrows rose. "I haven't really been visiting anyone. I was talking to a smith, a couple of people in the market and doing some bargaining. If I give them a discount on food when they come to eat or make big dishes for events, they'll give me the supplies I'll need."He said with a smile.

"A smith?"Mamoru asked, his interest peaking.

Ludwig fell quiet. "So how about that job?"He asked, changing the subject.

"Well, I'll do it if you want me to. There's going to be a ceremony you may have to get dressed up for. Frei said that he'll asked the tailor to fix an outfit he received as a gift. Mages typically don't wear that type of clothing anyway…"Mamoru answered.

"It must be really exotic or tight fitting then."Ludwig said with a chuckle. Mamoru flushed.

"N-no, it's nice."Mamoru said tracing a circle along Ludwig's knee. Smirking, Ludwig leaned down and kissed his forehead.

"I guess I'll have to go get it fitted. I should go tonight…when will the ceremony be?"Ludwig asked.

"Not until the end of the week, Ludwig…It'll be a quick fix for your formal wear and you can go tomorrow. Frei asks that you do."Mamoru said with a nod.

'"Fine."Ludwig said with a smile, snuggling down. "We should go to sleep then, don't you think?" Ludwig kissed Mamoru briefly on the lips, tunneling down under the blankets.

"You don't have to if you don't want to…Don't vampires typically sleep during the day?"Mamoru asked, snuggling up next to him.

"Not if their best friend, love of their life and most gifted mage sleeps at night too. I don't like the idea of waking up with an empty bed just to see you crawl into it at night."Ludwig said with a pout. Mamoru chuckled, patting his cheek lovingly and pulling the blankets up.

"You're right…Good night Wiggy."Mamoru yawned, entangling his legs on one of Ludwig's. Ludwig smiled, fluffing Mamoru's white head of hair.

"Nighty night Mamo…"Ludwig smiled, letting his head fall back onto the pillows.

A week went by and soon Mamoru was walking down a long aisle, mages and vampires on either side. Yuri stood at the foot of the Reyah statue, holding a scroll in his hands with Frei right beside him. The red-headed mage abandoned his pipe for the ceremony but no doubt would he pull it out later. Ludwig prepared a feast for everyone and stood with a long black coat, a billowing white shirt and loose bow tie. The pants were a little tight but the boots were comfortable. He had been meaning to get a new pair for a while. They had combed his hair back, making it shiney and slick though the back was frayed a little bit. It made him look like a sleek raven.

Once he reached the end of the aisle, Mamoru got on both of his knees. They had dressed him in robes but the fabric was more sheer and hugged to him comfortably. His hair was braided and decorated with a gold hairpiece. Ludwig had added a deep blue flower he had picked, tucking it into his hair right before the ceremony. He was beautiful. There was an exchange of words, Mamoru receiving a scroll and the ceremony was over.

Everyone gathered down the long table, sitting and chatting among their friends and neighbors. Ludwig sat by Mamoru, feeding him a piece of meat slathered in mushed potatoes. The mage chuckled, chewing and covering his mouth politely with a blush. Yuri smiled at the two, leaning against Frei who was enjoying his pipe.

"Ah to be young."Yuri sighed, twirling a bit of his hair around one his fingers. Frei looked down at him, rolling his emerald eyes. Yuri puffed his cheeks, giving him a little flick. "I remember you used to be very loving like that too. What ever happened to that?"

"Old age happened."Frei answered.

"Old…You don't even look like you're kicking thirty in normal years yet."Yuri grumbled.

Mamoru and Ludwig chuckled a little at the two, snuggling up to each other. When the ceremony ended and everyone went home, it was just the couple left with the two elder mages.

"Mamoru, go on ahead…I have something I need to ask Frei."Ludwig said, getting a pout from Mamoru who had changed back into his normal attire. He wouldn't wear his temple garb until his first day tomorrow. Yuri patted his shoulder, insisting that Mamoru show him their new home and restaurant, getting pulled along.

In the dead silence of the temple, Ludwig watched Mamoru leave with Frei staring at him.

"You plan on popping the question?"Frei asked, tilting his head a little, tucking the end of his pipe into the corner of his mouth.

Ludwig nodded, looking back to the mage. "Soon…I'm slowly getting things ready."He said with an assuring smile. "I would appreciate it if you would be the witness and the priest…If that is not too below you, Lord Frei."

"Of course not…Only if you make that cake you brought this evening again to my office tomorrow, I'll make it a solid deal."Frei said with a deep chuckle that made Ludwig swallow a bit. "Just send a message along to me once you've done it. We're all very excited."

"Just who else have you told?"Ludwig asked.

"A few Lords at the keep. Yuri doesn't know yet but I'll tell him eventually. He just gets overly excited about these sort of things. I have, however, told Rhoma. His power of rank is even above mine unfortunately…"Frei said with a sigh.

"What did he think about it?"The vampire asked.

"Excited but he's willing to keep it a secret if you let him come visit for a week whenever is good. Stubborn like his father."Frei said with a huff.

"Tell him that he can stay the week after the ceremony next time you talk to him. I should get going before Mamoru worries."He said, turning and trotting out of the temple. As he walked briskly along, he waved to a couple of people and soon made it back to his home. Mamoru was sitting at one of the tables with Yuri, looking a little distraught.

Yuri got up, stomping over and grabbing Ludwig by the necktie. "You have some explaining to do! Just what do you think you're doing sneaking off to another man?"Yuri growled, shaking the vampire aggressively.

"M-man?! I haven't done such a thing! Mamoru, is that what you think I've been doing this whole time?"Ludwig asked, looking to the other mage.

"You sneak off and you won't even tell me where you're going! If there is another person, please tell me!"Mamoru said, getting up and walking over, grabbing onto his coat and shaking him where Yuri left off.

"There isn't Mamoru…I promise. You are the only one for me and I would never hurt you like that. I've just been preparing a surprise for you. I couldn't tell you because I wanted to keep it a secret until it was all ready."Ludwig said, narrowing his eyes. Mamoru's eyes widened but he saw him breath a sigh of relief. Mamoru released his coat, wrapping his arms around him and holding him.

"Don't scare me like that…"Mamoru sniffed, Ludwig holding him and petting his hair gently.

"Yuuuurrriii…"A dark voice called from the doorway of Mamoru and Ludwig's home. Frei stood there with a vein on his forehead, puffing a long stream of smoke from the pipe he managed to hold onto.

"Eep."The older Albinjian mage squeaked.

"You got carried away again didn't you? Don't try to lie to me you two, It's written all over."Frei said, stomping and grabbing Yuri's arm. He dragged the mage out of the house, Yuri waving a little pathetic good-bye while Frei dragged him back to the temple.

The couple stood there a little stunned at the scene, looking down at each other. "Can I have a hint at what my surprise is?"Mamoru asked with a sweet little smile. Ludwig looked down at him, smirking and sweeping him off of his feet.

"No."Ludwig said, carrying him upstairs to their bedroom. "And I think you should be punished for thinking so little of me."

"Eh heh…"Mamoru squeaked, holding onto Ludwig with his hands trembling a little.

In their bedroom, Ludwig dropped Mamoru on the bed, leaning over him with a grin, purposely bringing out his fangs and leaning close. Bringing his lips to Mamoru's neck, he ran the skin of his feet along the flesh there and slowly trailed down. The mage squirmed a little, peeking down at the vampire who had gone past their shared mark on his chest to his inner thigh. He could feel the cold breath through his pant leg and even more so as Ludwig pulled them off and settled his lips there.

Ludwig peeked up at Mamoru, staring at him until the violet colored hues changed to red, which happened when he was about to feed. The motion of Ludwig biting his leg was so quick, it felt like a flash had gone off in his face. The sharp pain of the fangs made him cry out a little, bringing his hands to the vampire's hair.

"Ah, Ludwig! Ah Ah, Ok, I get it I'm sorry!"Mamoru keened, Ludwig withdrawing his fangs from the flesh of the pale leg. Looking up, Mamoru panted with his eyebrows furrowed. The cold tongue ran along the the inside of the mage's legs, cleaning up the blood and then slicing his tongue a little. Ludwig let a little bit of his own blood dribble along the two bite wounds, healing them slowly.

Mamoru fell back on the bed, panting lightly. The nurturing motions felt good and soon the pain in his thigh subsided. "I'm sorry Wiggy…"Mamoru sniffed a little.

"Mamo…"Ludwig said, bringing his cold hand to the pale Albinjian cheek, pressing his reddish lips against his forehead. "I love you…you know I wouldn't do anything to betray your trust or do anything to hurt you in any way…Give a little faith in me. I promise that it will pay off in the end."

"Wiggy…"Mamoru said, smiling softly. He brought his arms around the halfling above him, bringing him down for a sweet kiss. When the broke, Mamoru smiled broadly. "You look handsome in those clothes…"

"Really?"Ludwig blinked, sitting up to look down at himself. Thankfully he didn't get any blood on the white shirt but now that he thought about it, they clothes were comfortable.

"Mmhm…It makes you look sleek…though, I think I messed up your hair from before."Mamoru said with a chuckle. Ludwig smirked, bringing his hands through his hair to slick it back again. Mamoru laughed. "It makes your ears look bigger though."

Ludwig frowned, narrowing his eyes. His ears drooped some, sticking out at flat angles from the side of his head. He mussed up his hair, striding back to the bed and sitting down. "I think for that you should go to bed early."Ludwig teased.

"I am not a child."Mamoru cheeks puffed. "I am the Head Mage of the Nosferata temple, your 'master' and your lover over all."

"I'm only teasing…I do have to go to market. I need fresh ingredients for tomorrow. Are you sure your not tired from today?"Ludwig asked, stroking Mamoru's hair since he still lay on the bed.

"A little but I want to help. I won't be able to see much of your restaurant opening in the morning but I want to at least see what you've got working around in your head."Mamoru said, pointing to the book Ludwig had been writing in for a while now. Ludwig smiled, patting Mamoru's head and getting to his feet. Removing the black coat and shirt, he changed into some clothes he could get dirty in, flexing his body some on purpose to make the mage blush.

When the sun came down, the entire town came to life. The streams of lights lit up the streets as vendors started to open up their stalls. Mamoru and Ludwig looked around, picking up a cart full of fruits, vegetables, flour, sugar and many of the things they would need. They even looked into getting pigs blood for vampires who came into the restaurant as well, picking up a couple of large jars full along with the pig meat that went with it. Ludwig pointed out some of the places he had gone to visit, one of them being the smith.

"Oye, Ludwig! Good to see ya, your order is almost done just like ye' asked fer."The smith called. Ludwig made a face, glancing to Mamoru. "You must be Mamoru. Ludwig here talks about you like your Reyah herself."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that…"Mamoru said with a blush, giving Ludwig a little elbow. The vampire smiled, setting the cart down for a second.

"I'll be by to pick it up soon. You should come by, full meal on the house."Ludwig said with a grin.

"Course! Ya owe me for your perfectionist little details ya lucky dog!" The smith laughed.

"Right, Right. See you later, Mitch."Ludwig laughed, picking up the handle of the cart and pulling along again. Mamoru waved with a laugh, walking along side the cart. "So what do you think?"

"Your surprise must be something if you're going through all this hard work. I hope it really is worth it for you too. You've been working really hard lately."Mamoru said with a smile.

"You would be surprised…"Ludwig said with a roll of his eyes. They unloaded the cart and cleaned up the restaurant some. A knock at the front door of the place startled them a little and when they saw the familiar pipe-smoke, they knew it was Frei.

"Have you gotten it ready yet?"Frei asked as he walked through, taking a seat at the long bar area. Their restaurant would also serve some alcohol to those who wished for it. Ludwig nodded to Frei's request, disappearing back into the kitchen area and returning with a small cake.

"I made a small, personal sized one since it would be significantly easier than making a large one."Ludwig said with a small nod.

Frei smiled, extinguishing his pipe and tucking it away. Ludwig gave him a fork, letting the mage take a bite. "Mmm…I have been thinking about this for a week now."The mage sighed, eating quietly. Mamoru looked at him, uttering 'why' and Ludwig just smiled. "You haven't figured it out yet, have you Mamoru?"

Mamoru blinked."Figured out…Oh! Ludwig's surprise? No, No I haven't. I've been thinking that it might be something I can use but Wiggy's being really clever!"He said as he joined him at the bar counter.

Frei and Ludwig laughed a little, the mage turning back to his cake. When Frei left, the restaurant and the entire house felt quieter then usual. Mamoru and Ludwig retired for the evening, taking a long hot bath and snuggling up in their big bed.

The next day, they were both up bright and early. Ludwig went downstairs to clean up the areas again while Mamoru dressed in his ceremonial attire for the temple. Yuri had insisted they stick to their old history and the history of the land. The clothes were much like his old clothing back when they lived in the refuge. The top had long sleeves like a robe but the pants went around his hips like a skirt almost with two billowy legs. 'Hakama' they were called and they were a deep, rich blue. Slipping on the split-toe socks and sandals , Mamoru left the house with a boxed lunch Ludwig had prepared for him.

Ludwig however was having a little less luck in the morning. He had hoped that it would all go so smoothly but he had his hands full with the first five people that came in. All not paying. All people he had helped out before. They ordered big breakfasts which he prepared very well but it was one after the other. He usually was used to cooking hours ahead but this fast paced style made him a little uneasy. As people came and went, he slowly caught up to a mental routine he had prepared.

Get their orders. Cook. Orders. Serve. Orders. Cook. Serve and Clean up. When the restaurant calmed down a little, he clean dishes and cleaned up the dining area. Of course, he was considering hiring help. A couple had come in asking if he needed some assistance but he kindly turned them down since his hands were already full. By night fall, it had calmed substantially since the vampires came out to play around that time. Ludwig leaned against the bar counter, watching as people passed by the window. They had a chalkboard made for the outside which he went to go change so people knew what was being served.

Blood was always on the menu at night. He got a couple of vampires that came in, asking for a glass of pig's blood which he served warm by heating it up a little over the stove.

A few mages and their vampire lovers also came in. It helped to relieve him some, serving glasses of blood and a hot meal to the new arrivals. By the middle of the later hours, Mamoru came in with a sigh, looking around at the people who sat down at the tables and the bar.

"Oh wow…you have been busy."Mamoru said with a smile. "Not too busy for some help?"

"I thought you would never ask."Ludwig asked, throwing a towel over his shoulder. "There's a clean apron and a bandana to tie back your hair. It's getting slower but I'll be closing in an hour or so soon."

"Alright."Mamoru said with a smile. He trotted upstairs to go and change, returning downstairs in some comfortable clothing he could move a little easier in. Ludwig helped him tie the apron and hold his hair back. Mamoru went to work, sweeping and cleaning up dirty dishes around the dining room while Ludwig cooked. Soon it was time to close and yet the streets were still bustling with life.

When the last customer left, the dishes were done and everything was clean, they retired. Ludwig fed only a little from his mage when he finally went to bed. In the morning, it was the same routine.

The restaurant came to life every morning, Ludwig serving breads this time that people could take with them and some modest breakfasts. However, there was one customer that came in that day that looked like he had been through hell. Ludwig helped him to sit down at a table, getting him a glass of water.

"Oh…Oh Reyah thank you…"The man said tiredly, picking up the glass of cool water and drinking it down. Ludwig brought him out something to eat as well. "This looks wonderful…"

"It's on the house…Where are you from?"Ludwig said as he poured another glass.

"I escaped an encampment two countries away…I knew I would be safe here…"The mage breathed.

"Here, let me go get our aid kit and help you out. I think I can close the restaurant for an hour or so."Ludwig said as he got up to take care of some of the customers. The mage watched him so tiredly, it looked like he would just fall asleep right there in the chair. He must have been flying or running for days to get to Nosferata so banged up.

"That's alright…"The mage said softly. "I was going to go to the temple here to recover…if that's alright…"He said so softly that Ludwig had to crane to hear him. Then, he fell over. Ludwig got there so quickly, he had barely any time to hit the floor.

"Hey! Hey, hold on. I'll get you to the temple."Ludwig said as he looked around. The humans who sat in the restaurant stared at him. "Can I trust you to clean up? Please, just put your dishes on the counter. I swear I'll be back."

"O-of course, get him to Lord Frei quickly."One spoke up. Ludwig nodded, picking the mage up and leaving the restaurant quickly. It was a short run from the temple and he ran past Mamoru on the way there.

"Wiiigggy! What's going on?!"Mamoru called, hopping on his staff and flying right beside him as he ran.

"This mage came into the restaurant and collapsed. I think he might be from the same place we escaped from."Ludwig said as he skidded to a halt at the steps, hopping step after step to get to the main floor.

"Wait a second."Mamoru said, stopping him and pulling the hood of the mage's cloak back. Gasping, he looked to Ludwig. "I…It's Heno!"

"Heno? You mean the one who helped us escape?"Ludwig said as he walked briskly into the temple.

"Yes, yes I know this is him. Quickly, get him to Frei. I'll go tell Grato."Mamoru said, turning and running out of the temple. The mages inside the temple saw Ludwig carrying someone, quickly taking him into a room with a bed that was prepared for guests typically. He laid Heno down on it, Frei coming in just as he started to remove Heno's cloak and outer layers.

"I can't believe Heno's actually here again. Stand aside."Frei said as he kneeled down, touching Heno's forehead. A soft glow came from his hand, spreading along Heno's unconscious body down to his toes. When the light receded, so too did the wounds on his body.

"Heno!"A familiar voice called, Grato coming into the room and taking Heno's hand on in one of his gloved ones. Furrowing his eyebrows, he looked the mage over worriedly. Ludwig watched him, looking down at 'Heno'.

"He came into my restaurant and I brought him here when he collapsed."Ludwig said, patting Grato's shoulder. "I'll leave you to him. Thanks Frei."The chef said as he rose to his feet again. Mamoru stood outside the room, waiting.

"Is he…"Mamoru started, peeking into the room.

"He's fine. Frei's taken care of him and Grato's right by his side. Let's go back to the restaurant, unless you still have work to do here?"Ludwig asked, smoothing down some fly away hairs on Mamoru's hair.

"I do…It was so slow today, I thought I would go and help with the restaurant. By the way…if your here, then who's at the house?"Mamoru asked, his eyebrows furrowing.

"A customer or two who said they would sit and watch over the place for a little while. It should be fine…no one would dare mess with my restaurant."Ludwig said with a flash of his fangs briefly.

"Right…"Mamoru said flatly. "If you don't mind, could you send some food over for Heno?"

"Of course. I'll send my delivery boy out."Ludwig said with a raised eyebrow. Though now it gave him a miraculous idea. Smiling, he kissed Mamoru's cheek and left the temple for the restaurant, leaving the mage puzzled.

Back at the restaurant, there was just a single young man sitting there. He was young, probably not even in his late teens yet. "I made sure the place was all nice and stuff, sir."The lad said, fidgeting some. Ludwig inhaled briefly. The boy was definitely human but with a weird scent stirred around in his own smell…though so young only made him question a few things.

"How old are you?"Ludwig asked, crossing his arms.

"Not fifteen yet, sir. Why?"The lad said, his eyes dancing around to the different things around the restaurant before stopping at Ludwig.

"I need a favor and I'm looking for a delivery boy. If you do a good job today, I'll hire you."Ludwig said with a smile. "One more question…what's a young lad like yourself doing here?"

"My mother and father live here too. My mother is human but my father is…Well, he's like you sir."The boy said, looking down a little.

"A vampire? So you're a halfling? Don't worry about it. I'm like that too…except all vampire. And since you're part human, you can walk in the daylight…hm. That is interesting. Are you willing to do the job?"Ludwig asked, moving closer to the boy. He got a better look at him. He had amazing red eyes and fair blonde hair with a spray of natural freckles across his face.

"O-Of course! Anything! Your food was delicious! Um, would you mind if I took some home for my mother afterwards? She hasn't been feeling well and I know it'll make her feel much better to get some good food."The young man said with a little smile.

"That'll be your first pay then. I have some food I need to prepare but I need you to take it to the main temple. What's your name kid?"Ludwig asked. "I'm Ludwig."

"Chester."The boy said, grinning.

"Alright Chester. While I'm cooking, I want you to sweep around the tables and clean up. That'll be part of your job when you aren't delivering."Ludwig said, reaching behind the bar counter to toss Chester an apron, pointing to the broom in the corner.

"Right, sir!"Chester said with a nod, putting on the apron but only the bottom portion. The top portion he tucked in since the apron was a little too long for him. Ludwig watched the boy carefully the first couple of minutes, observing how he worked before he went back to the kitchen to cook. Perhaps having an assistant wasn't so bad after all. If he hired someone to take orders while one cleaned, he could have enough time to just cook and manage a few other details.

Chester peeked back into the kitchen, inhaling the smell of the meat and other things Ludwig had prepared. On the counter were three wooden boxes that he put the food in, stacking them on top of each other and wrapping it up in a cloth. Looking over, he saw Chester staring.

"One of these is for your Mother. The first two are for a mage called Mamoru and another named Heno. And this little one is for Frei."Ludwig said as he handed Chester the cloth, holding it under a knot he had made in it. "Make sure gets to everyone before it gets cold. I'm counting on you."

"R-Right, sir!"Chester said with a nod.

"You don't gave to call me sir. Just Chef or Ludwig is fine."Ludwig said, ruffling Chester's hair and sending him off. While Chester was away, Ludwig went to check on a few things around the restaurant, taking out some fresh breads and such out of the oven. There was the sound of the door opening, Ludwig peeking out.

When Mamoru returned that evening, a little later then before, Ludwig was missing. However, there was a sense of romance around the restaurant. The curtains had been drawn from the window, a trial of candles leading around the room to the foot of the staircase. Ludwig came down stairs, adjusting the necktie of his nice clothing with a startled blink.

"Ma-Mamoru!"Ludwig squeaked in surprise. "Your home."

"I am…What is all of this?"Mamoru said, indicating to the candles and then to the flowers that were organized from table to table, with deeply colored roses. Ludwig smiled at Mamoru's curiosity.

"It's all for you."Ludwig said with a grin.

"Me?"Mamoru questioned, looking around. "It's so nice…Ah! I didn't forget an anniversary did I?!"The mage said worriedly.

"No, no, this is for something else."Ludwig said, moving over to him and taking his hands. "And also so I can show you the surprise."

Mamoru stared, watching as Ludwig got down on one knee in front of him. His eyes widened, a flustered look coming to his face as he put a hand to his mouth to keep from blabbing out something completely random to ruin the moment. The vampire took his right hand, holding it in his two hands as he kissed the back of it. The violet eyes peeked up at him, sparkling in the candlelight.

"Mamoru…Will you Mah…Will you merr.."Ludwig said, his tongue starting to to turn into knots. He cleared his throat, his mouth tightening. "Will you marry me?"