Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

When He Danced With Me

Chapter 10

The next evening Ken sat once again in the ornate royal theater in the box reserved for Grand Duke and Duchess Kudou. Although he sat with a frown and tried to look severe he was in actuality quite excited. Not because of the opera, which was due to start in a few minutes, but afterward they were going to sneak into the old inn Omi'd been watching. And Ken enjoyed sneaking. Not as much as football or riding or since his visit to the pleasure garden, skating, but he did enjoy it. He liked the thrill that filled him to bursting with energy. And he loved to release that energy with Ran once the sneaking was over. So he was actually looking forward to an eventful evening and having a hard time maintaining his frown.

Unfortunately his bad mood was a vital part of their plan, so he could not let his frown slip. His dark humor was to be their excuse for not dining in company at home and it was quite a bit of work to maintain it. Especially since Elinor had joined them. Ken loved Ran's mother, and he found it amazingly difficult to remain in a bad mood in her presence. Luckily Ran was there to help, although that tested his will power in a different way.

The Earl had intentionally sat next to Ken so his mother would be forced to speak past him when addressing the Duke. This also meant Ken was tucked securely into the corner of the box that allowed his back to be presented to everyone else seated inside it. So his very fake frown was directed out toward the audience and the stage.

"But what did she say was wrong?" Ran asked his mother.

"A headache," Elinor answered as she lazily fanned herself and studied the audience. "She was fine at dinner and then just as we were heading into the drawing room to await the coach she complained that her head had suddenly begun to ache."

Ken could almost feel Ran's frown and peeked sideways to see it. The Earl was also looking out into the audience, but his violet eyes reflected a hint of worry.

"That's rather odd," he muttered.

"Odd indeed," Elinor agreed. "I've never known Aya to be put down by such a small complaint. Even when she aught to be."

"Better to rest now then be worse off for it tomorrow," Ran said as though he were reassuring himself. "If she's still unwell in the morning send for a doctor."

"Now don't you go overreacting," his mother said with a gentle smile. "I'm sure it's nothing. She probably consumed too much at dinner. She ate as heartily as I've ever seen her."

Ran glanced to his left and caught Ken's eyes watching him. The Earl's face betrayed his concern for his sister, but Ken couldn't help feeling that Aya was probably fine and simply tired of going out. He certainly wouldn't be there if he didn't have to be. He'd warned her about how dull Town could be...suddenly he felt his own frown become closer to real. Ran's sister loved Town and wouldn't miss any opportunity to be out in it. But if she wasn't really sick then...she was up to something. If anyone enjoyed sneaking more than he did it was his lover's impetuous little sister.

Ken gulped and said a silent prayer that whatever she was doing it was at home in her room.

"I'm sure she's fine," he said to Ran with what he hoped was a believable smile as assurance. "Don't worry."

The Earl nodded then looked away from him as the lanterns were shuttered and the curtains covering the front of the stage were parted. The conductor in the orchestra pit struck his stick on his stand and a lively overture began.

Ken studied the man in the pinkish wig who'd written the latest version of his life, this time an opera. If he'd had something to throw the man wouldn't last the evening he was sure. Every few minutes he'd bow his head toward the royal box where Ken could just make out the shape of the King and he found himself rolling his eyes.

As the overture continued his eyes roamed over the stage. There weren't as many props as there had been for the play. In fact the stage was bare except for a single chair and a broom which was leaning against it. A relatively simple scene of a country kitchen was painted on a large canvas that hung across the back of the stage and was lit by two smallish chandeliers that hung over the stage itself and that was all. So it didn't seem likely that he'd have to watch himself being chained to a table at least.

Ken relaxed back into his seat.

The overture came to an end and the lights in the theater dimmed. Upon the stage a young woman in peasant dress crossed from one of the wings to the chair. After curtsying to the royal box and the audience she took up the broom and began to sweep. The music started again and she began to sing in a warm sweet soprano about how hard her life was.

It took Ken a moment to realize what he was seeing and hearing. Once he did he shot to his feet.

"Hey!" he shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at the stage. "I'm not a woman!"

His outburst startled not only the soprano, who stopped singing, but the orchestra as well and the music faltered. The audience's reaction was immediate. They burst into delighted laughter and there was a smattering of applause as the conductor wrapped his stick violently upon his stand again. He glared up at Ken who resumed his seat with a scowl. He could feel himself blushing furiously and wished he could sink down into the floor.

The music began again and the soprano took up her notes. Ken supposed that at least now he wouldn't have to fake his ill humor. But by the intermission he had to admit that it was easier to watch the opera with its dramatic music and beautiful scenery than it was the overdone play.

The composer had renamed the main character and created a new set of circumstances where her true identity was discovered. The prince didn't come galloping onto the stage to her rescue, but rather met her at a party where he was supposed to be falling in love with one of her two nasty step-sisters. Her natural beauty and ready wit couldn't be disguised by her servant's attire however and he fell in love with her instead. Promising to marry her despite the differences in their positions.

Ken actually found himself eager to find out what would happen as the curtains opened on act three, which turned out to be quite exciting. The couple were discovered by the evil step-mother who was determined to see one her daughters queen. She hired thugs to kidnap the heroine and lock her in a tower, but the prince, who had gone to his benevolent father for approval, sensed that something was amiss and intercepted them. There was a magnificent sword fight accompanied by everyone singing madly and the couple were reunited.

In the final scene they were wed and the heroine's true identity was revealed afterward by the ghost of her father. He accused his wife of treachery and thanked God for his daughter's true happiness which had freed him from his spectral prison. The love of the Prince and his willingness to look past the heroine's appearance to her true heart had won the day and they were destined for a happy ending.

As the last notes died away the audience burst into appreciative applause. Even Ken found himself clamping rather enthusiastically and had to tone it down a bit when Ran gave him a cautioning look. His pretend bad mood was in tatters and he was having trouble finding his frown when the lights came back up and they rose to prepare to depart. That's when he noticed Yohji.

The Prince was frowning morosely, his expression darker than Ken had ever seen it. The Grand Duke was speaking quietly in his ear but to no effect, and the Grand Duchess looked worried.

"No," Yohji replied sharply to something his father said, then with effort he continued more politely, "No, thank you, father. I think I'll go to my club. I'll see you in the morning."

The Prince bowed stiffly to the Grand Duchess and Lady Fujimiya.

"Good evening," he said and left the box with Omi hot on his heels.

"Perhaps you should go with him," Elinor said resting a hand on Ran's arm.

"Yes, please, Ran," the Grand Duke said with a worried frown.

"Of course," the Earl nodded. "Ken?"

The Duke bowed to the ladies and his uncle and followed his lover out of the box. They were in luck as the hall wasn't yet full of people, but there was no sign of Yohji or Omi.

"What's wrong?" Ken asked quietly as they hurried toward the stairs.

"I believe the opera struck a little too close to all his past hopes," Ran answered.

They found Omi at the entrance already dressed in his coat and holding theirs'.

"Where is he?" Ran asked tightly.

"Outside," Omi answered. "I think I convinced him to wait for us. I don't have to tell you what sort of mood he's in."

"No," Ran agreed. "We'll have to watch him."

Omi nodded and they headed out the door. Outside their coach was waiting for them, the Prince already seated inside.

"I've instructed the driver," he said. "Let us be off."

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Aya knew some plan was in the works as soon as her brother admitted that he was being blackmailed. Ran was never one to sit idle under such circumstances and she knew he'd never allow Ken to suffer because of him. Her idea was unintentionally confirmed by Ken the day before at luncheon. He not only didn't get upset at her mention of the opera, but even seemed to be excited about it. So she had a good idea when they would do whatever it was they intended and she was determined to be there.

Bribing the groomsman was easy. Although quite well paid there wasn't a servant anywhere who wasn't prepared to make a little extra money. And pretending to be ill wasn't that difficult either. After suffering one long illness one knew how to effect a smaller one. Nothing simpler. But getting out of her gown and corset proved to be nearly impossible without assistance. She'd ended up having to cut through the front laces to get the thing off and she was sure that would be noticed. Apart from that she was fairly confident on being able to get back from wherever it was she was going before anyone discovered her missing.

To ensure that no one checked on her she'd commanded the house keeper to stay away and had taken her room key so she could lock it behind her when she left. And her mother was due to spend the night at the Kudou's since she was to attend a late supper there followed by cards. So, provided she could get home before morning she was sure to get away with her scheme.

Putting the groomsman's spare uniform on proved much easier than getting out of her own clothing. She did take the precaution of wrapping her bosom and putting on one of her own heavy shirts and her heaviest stockings under his shirt and breeches for added bulk and warmth. After all, she was not used to being outside for long periods, not without a heavy fur lined cloak at any rate.

She stuffed the toes of his boots with the paper her silk had come wrapped in and braided her hair, tucking it under the waistcoat. Then covered her own hair with the dress wig he'd given her. It was heavy and would help to keep her head warm and help keep the tricornered hat on. Once the top coat was on and she'd fastened the little decorative cloak around her shoulders she added the hat and stepped before her mirror for a look at herself. As she moved she had to admit that even with the extra layers she felt a good deal freer than she did in her own corset and heavy paniers.

"Not bad," she said with a satisfied smirk. "I could pass for a tall boy of twelve, or perhaps fourteen if I had to. Yes, I think I'm ready."

Grabbing up his gloves and making sure she'd transferred her purse from her skirt she left her room, making sure to lock it behind her, and headed down the servant's stairs to the kitchen where she'd exit to the stables. Upon her appearance she was shouted at by the head groom for being late and swatted across the rump with a riding crop as she hurriedly took up position on the back of the coach. It left her smarting in more ways than one.

"Are you alright, Miss Aya?" the other groomsman standing beside her asked. He was the one whose spare uniform she was wearing.

"I'm fine," she stated and glared over her shoulder in the direction of the head groom who was waving the coach out of the stable door.

There was a lurch and they were moving. They'd have to travel around the block in order to come up at the front door of her mother's apartment and it gave her a chance to practice standing at the back of a moving vehicle. The other groomsman gave her hints and advice while alternately trying to talk her out of whatever it was she was about. She took his advice and dismissed the rest.

They stopped outside the door and her mother came out of the house and climbed into the coach with the assistance of one of the under butlers. Then they were off again, driving through the streets of the city into the night.

Aya found it quite exhilarating. She wasn't tall enough to see over the roof but she watched as they rode past her neighbor's apartments and out into the city which was alive with activity she'd never seen before. The street vendors were still open. Music came from corners where entertainers were gathered and taverns as they passed, and the street itself was full of bustling coaches and the shouts of drivers as they jockeyed for position.

Despite the cold she found herself full of energy and anticipation as they arrived at the theater. With great alacrity she hopped from the shelf and opened the door to the coach as the other groomsman lowered the steps. He assisted her mother from the coach and handed her off to a waiting valet from the theater.

Aya found it greatly amusing to have her own mother pass within a breath of her without recognizing her, or even giving her a second glance. She almost giggled, but held her tongue as she gamely closed the door once the steps were raised. The other groom motioned her back behind the coach.

"Are you sure about this, Miss Aya?" he asked worriedly. "I don't like to leave you here unattended. Perhaps I should stay."

"Nonsense. I'll be fine. If you stayed you'd only give me away, I'm sure," she said with confidence, although she had to admit to a certain level of nervous anticipation. "Should I need assistance I'll find Omi. He's sure to be here with Ran."

"You do that, Miss," he said and pulled something from inside his coat pocket. "Here. Take this."

She found herself accepting a small pistol and quickly tucked in into her coat pocket. It felt heavy and she wondered if it would be visible, and why he should bring it for her. Could he have guessed her true mission, or was he simply concerned for her safety out on the street alone?

"It's loaded, Miss. All you have to do is cock and fire it. Only remember you've only got one shot."

"Yes. Thank you."

The coach gave a lurch and began to move so the groomsman jumped on board. He hung on by one hand and called back to her.

"Get yourself to the side, Miss. There's fires there for those of us that have to stay and wait. Stay warm. 'N if you're not back by one then I'm tellin' Mr. Ruttles," he shouted as the coach gained speed and pulled out into the street.

Aya found herself darting out of the way of several others as she made her way around the side of the theater. Although she had no idea what it was servants did when they had to wait she hoped she'd be able to begin recording her notes. She'd slipped several sheets of paper and a charcoal pencil into her coat.

As it turned out she was far too distracted by the sights and sounds to even think about starting her notes. Along the side of the theater were several large fires lit right on the side of the street. Servants wearing livery of all stripes were gathered there. Some simply warming themselves by the fires, many drinking from tin cups provided by street vendors and many more playing at dice and any other form of petty gambling. There were even a few stepping around the back of the theater with promiscuous looking women. That all this could be going on outside the theater while the highest ranking members of society sat inside shocked her greatly, but it also made her giggle in delight.

Avoiding those interested in the most nefarious of entertainments she slipped among the others with eager interest. Even daring to sample a cup of the bitter ale being sold and trying her hand at dice.

She was so entertained she almost missed the call from a side door that the opera was ending. She hurried to collect her winnings and get back out front. She was aided by the other servants less than eager speed.

Once out front she took up a position that would allow her to see who was exiting the theater. To her astonishment it was her cousin Yohji who came out first and not Omi. He appeared to be in a foul mood and called loudly for his coach to be readied. Just as she'd suspected, the Prince had hired a coach to wait for them rather than use his father's which would be returning from the house.

Aya watched as her cousin waited impatiently for the coach to be brought around. When it arrived he spoke hastily to the driver before climbing inside. As quickly as she could she made her way around it, being careful to not be noticed. She acted as though she were heading for the next carriage down and then dashed between them. Her luck remained with her as there were no groomsmen on the back. She'd brought enough money to bribe them if there were, and nearly doubled it with the dice, but it was so much easier without that to worry about.

She only had to wait a moment and Omi, Ran, and Ken were hurrying out of the theater. As they clamored into the coach she climbed onto the back, hoping their movements would cover her own, and then they were off. Aya bit down on her excitement and focused her thoughts as she clung to the rapidly moving vehicle. The weight of the pistol in her pocket steeled her nerves as they left the busier well lit streets of the inner city for the shadowy less traveled roads of the warehouse district.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvv

"Are you alright?" Ran asked once they were underway.

"No. Not entirely," Yohji replied.

As they passed a street lamp his features were illuminated and Ken could see the weariness there alongside the anger. Although his cousin didn't appear on the verge of losing control as he had in the portrait studio he was tense. Ken could feel his readiness to pounce.

"It shouldn't take us too long to get there," Omi said and met Ken's eyes.

"Have you thought about what we'll do?" Ran asked.

"Use the servants' entrance and start searching," Yohji stated. "Somewhere inside is your blackmailer and someone who can tell me what happened to Asuka."

"We just can't go trampling through the entire building," Ran replied. He sounded like he was trying to keep his temper.

"I have an idea," Ken cut in before an argument could break out. "Omi goes with Ran and searches below stairs. You're looking for that cloaked person and they're probably a servant, right?"

"If it's a boarding house it'll be broken up into apartments," Omi said.

"Then you can ask someone," Ken replied. "Aya said she thought it was a woman, right? How many women go around dressed in men's clothing?" The silence told him not many. "While you do that Yohji and I will try the upper rooms. If we're caught he can say he's showin' me around."

"If it's a club of some sort they'll know you aren't members," Ran objected. Ken could hear his dislike for the plan in his voice.

"It'll work," Yohji said from the darkness.

"We should stick together," Ran stated.

"We'll cover more ground this way," Yohji said and leaned forward so Ran could see his face. "I won't let anything happen to him, Cousin. Loosen your apron strings."

Ran huffed and crossed his arms irritably.

They made a plan to meet at a given time and checked their watches to be sure they were set the same. Then Ken leaned into Ran and felt his arms loosen until one came to take his hand. Ken squeezed it.

"Don't worry," he said.

"I don't like it," Ran replied.

"I know, but I'll be careful," Ken promised. "I've been practicing my swordplay."

"You're not proficient enough to engage in a real duel," Ran said. "If something should happen get behind Yohji and stay there. I wish I'd thought to bring a pistol."

"Yes, my Lord," Ken promised a bit huskily. He could feel his excitement building and his enthusiasm along with it. "I can't wait to get home," he whispered in Ran's ear and the Earl snorted.

"Me either," he stated in a tone that suggested he was less enthusiastic and more worried.

Ken sighed and sat back. He knew when to give up, at least until all the excitement was all over with.

As predicted they arrived within the quarter hour. The driver pulled up just outside the light from the lantern that stood to one side of the entrance. They climbed out silently and Yohji addressed the driver.

"Will you wait for us?" he called up quietly.

"Not 'round 'ere, Sir. Isn't safe," the man replied.

"Then will you come back for us? In an hour?" the Prince asked. "I'll triple your wage."

The driver nodded eagerly.

"Oh, aye, Sir. I'll be 'ere in this very spot," he said and accepted coins enough to cover the ride to and from the theater. "In an hour, Sir. Look for me then."

"We will," Yohji assured him with a darkly serious look.

The coach moved back into the street and they stuck to the shadows. Or as close as they could given the small mountains of snow heaped up on the road side. It reflected the lantern light and made it brighter than it would normally be. Still they were fairly certain they reached the servants' entrance without being seen. Every window in the place seemed to have their curtains drawn against what was becoming a very cold night.

They found a foot path that led through the snowbanks right up to the door, which proved to be locked. Yohji pulled off one glove and made short work of it with his picks. Then, cracking the door a bit to see where it led, they slipped inside and onto a darkened landing of a staircase. To their right a set of stairs led up half a flight to the first floor and then another set led up to the second floor, to their left a set led down half a flight to what could be a cellar or most likely the kitchen and staff quarters. Wild laughter and music were coming from the first floor.

Ran grasped Ken's arm.

"Don't eat or drink anything," he commanded softly.

"I won't," Ken said staring upward toward the door.

"I told you he'll be safe," Yohji assured Ran.

Ken frowned.

"I don't need you to take care of me," he stated.

Yohji winked at him in the dim light of the staircase.

"Let's get this done," Ran said with a scowl.

"Right," the Prince agreed. "Come along, Ken. Omi, take care of my cousin."

"Naturally," the youth responded.

The Duke smiled at his lover before following his cousin up the stairs. Ran and Omi headed down. They found the door at the bottom unlocked and slipped through it, while Yohji and Ken snuck through the one on the next landing.

vvvvvvvvvvvv

Aya nearly fell off the back when the coach slid to a stop. She quickly stepped down and skidded her way behind the nearest snowbank. The street there was icy and hadn't been swept completely clean. She tucked herself in behind the snow and listened as her brother and the others climbed out of the coach and spoke to the driver. Only after she heard the coach departing did she peek cautiously out.

They were moving stealthily toward a large building with a single lantern hung out over its steep front steps.

Aya waited until her brother and the others had moved beyond her sight before she followed. Keeping one eye on her surroundings and one eye on her brother she crept slowly after them, around the snowbank and down a smaller side street where they disappeared again between two large piles of snow. Checking the street and the side of the building again she quickened her steps. She didn't want to be seen by either Ran or anyone inside the building. The very fact that they had chosen a side entrance rather than the well lit front door spoke volumes and she patted the pistol hidden in her pocket.

She suddenly understood that what she was doing was very dangerous. All the stories she'd heard of hapless daughters being seduced away from the safety of their families, and young men being kidnapped and forced to serve as sailors on ships suddenly filled her head and she very nearly panicked. But the coach had already gone and she had no choice but to move forward. Walking home wasn't an option. Even if the streets were perfectly safe the temperature was dropping and she knew she couldn't remain outside without a fire at least.

Screwing up her courage she dashed down the side street to the opening in the snowbanks and glanced down what turned out to be a path to a door. Her brother and the others were nowhere in sight and she assumed they must have gone inside. Filled with sudden alarm at the thought of being locked out Aya slipped and slid her way to the door. When she reached it her reason returned and she took several deep breaths before giving it a try. It opened easily and she stepped inside.

Pausing again to breath and get herself under control Aya studied her surroundings. She found herself in a dimly lit staircase, on a landing with steps leading both up and down. There was no sign of anyone else and she wondered which way her brother had gone.

"Well, it's either up or down," she said softly to herself. Hearing her own voice settled some of her nerves and she breathed easier.

From somewhere above her a burst of raucous laughter decided her and she headed down. The stairs creaked a little but apart from that there was no noise. At the bottom she grasped the door nob and eased it open.

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Author's Note: Paniers were the hoops used in the 18th century to give then ladies skirts their shape.