[DISCLAIMERS] : Weiss doesn't belong to me. But Ken does. *gets bricked* Please leave a comment? *shuffles feet nervously and stares at the floor* I just want to know what you think. I'm not sure how this fic will turn out. I'd very much like to meet new people online, so feel free to send me emails. That would make me extremely happy.

PROLOGUE

Rain fell.

A lithe, lanky redhead strode across the dark street as endless droplets pattered upon him from all sides. He was cold and he was wet. His orange mesh shirt clung to his skin like deadweight. Loose black jeans sagged, kissed and worshipped the muddy path with each heavy step he took.

It was late and the sky was shrouded. Buildings of all shapes and sizes rose to their impressive heights and tinted windows glinted off lights of all sorts.

The bright yellow of cabs. The neon green of shops. The gentle glow of desolated lamp posts.

His feet hit the pavement and he crossed the road. Got slammed by an angry horn and glanced up, mildly bewildered. Red pedestrian light. The raven-haired American gave him the finger before swinging the steering wheel and speeding away into the darkness.

He jammed his freezing hands into his soaked pockets and walked on, quickening his pace ever so slightly. A gaggle of scantily clad girls lounging by the wall leered at him, struck suggestive poses, pulled up their skirts to ride dangerously high and yelled obscene threats when he hurried past, oblivious to their seductive performances.

Ten feet, and he would reach his destination. He stared. Took off in a fast trot and slipped into the confines of a granite lobby. His fingers spread over the roughness and he broke into a smile.

He had almost forgotten the sandy texture.

Popping into the elevator, he inhaled sharply. He counted three, and released his breath in a low whoosh.

Ken had taught him that. He was right. It worked. Not sufficient to reduce his pulse back to normal rate, but it helped.

And he needed all the help he could get.

Heart hammering in his chest, he made his way to the door of a flat and stopped. Raised a fist. Hesitant. Unsure.

Could he do it?

Would he do it?

He knocked.

No answer.

He knocked again. A little harder. A lot louder.

"Yeah, I got it!" someone yelled from within.

The door creaked open, allowing a sliver of light to peek through before flinging wide.

Violet eyes met wide chocolate.

Ruffled dark hair and full lips. A lightly tanned face punctuated by a delicate straight nose.

He looked more beautiful than he'd remembered.

"Ai Shiteiru, Ken," Ran murmured, plum gaze downcast. "I'm back."