Author: Tschubi-chan
e-mail: keiji_izumi@yahoo.com
Title: As time goes by
Warnings: shonen-ai, AU, lots of romance, angst
Rating: PG-13 (screw the few chaste kisses, you'll get some hugs, too grin)
Pairings: RanxKen, YoujixKen (randomly) and some more in the future, but I won't tell you which
Spoilers: none, as far as I know. I don't think there's anyone who doesn't know Aya´s real name
Disclaimer: All mentioned or not mentioned Weiß Kreuz-characters belong to Koyasu Takehito and Project Weiß! The basic idea to this was the fairy tale "Snow-white" which belongs to either the Brothers Grimm or Disney - your choose!
A/N. I get the feeling that this story slowly develops its own plot which I'm actually happy for. I will still use the basic idea of Snow-white, but the hints will be more hidden, not as obvious as in the first chapter when King Persia wished a certain child to be born.
I hope you agree with this decision.
Luminaire wrote in her review that she actually likes the tendency of the story to become more original. I can assure her that Ken will not eat a poisoned apple and be kissed by Ran to wake up. I have something else in my evil mind that will still loosely be connected to the original version.
To make all of you happy for some wanted "ATGB" others "Eternal Return" to be continued first, I´ll post both chapters at the same time smile. My server broke for a few days, so I wasn't able to upload anything or use the Internet at all, but at least I could still write, so I tried to finish a chapter of "Eternal Return" and "ATGB". Happy now?! curious look
Oh, and before I start with the next chapter, a little warning: Chapter3 of "Eternal Return" and Chapter4 of "ATGB" will not come out before October,31th. I am planning a one-shot for the Horror-challenge on the KenxAya ML and I want it to be finished for Halloween. Be prepared for lots of death!!! Possible title to make you curious "The Wild Hunt" based on the song of Therion winks at Daemonchan
Last but not least, this story is still dedicated to Yaoke-san!!!! She writes so many stories for other people, I think she deserves her own! smile Yaoke? If you want, think of it as a very belated b-day present! grin
As time goes by
Chapter3 - Second meetings
*Two days later, Royal Castle of Weiß Kingdom*
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you again, Prince Ran.", King Persia said in a pleasant voice, his steady gaze directed at the Prince of the Fujimiya Kingdom.
Ran bowed deeply, red bangs falling gracefully into his elegant face.
"The pleasure is all mine, my Lord. I would have come sooner, but circumstances kept me away. My thanks for the escort to your castle. It was a...pleasant...surprise!"
Persia nodded knowing very well about King Botan´s problems with the King of the Schwarz Kingdom and thus the danger for the heir of Fujimiya. He supposed, Ran wasn't *that* happy about the escort, but tried to be at least polite.
He remembered the quiet, intelligent child from 15 years ago. He didn't seem to have changed much. The mysterious, beautiful child had grown into a very handsome, young man with a piercing almost cold stare. He knew from Botan that his son didn't mean to be insulting when looking at a person like that. It was just his personality and other than his two twin sisters, no one ever saw him other than aloof and cold.
"Allow me...", Ran continued, " ...to introduce my younger cousin Prince Omi who was very eager to accompany me on this journey to your kingdom."
He pointed at the exhausted looking boy next to him. Blonde hair fell dishevelled into his young, kind-looking face and obscured large aqua-blue eyes. Omi tried to smile in greeting, but only managed a faint upturn of his lips. He was by far too tired to manage more than that.
Queen Manx smiled knowingly and nudged her husband gently. Persia looked at her with a frown, then it dawned on him. He rose from the throne and walked to the young men.
"Excuse my forgetfulness! You have to be tired and exhausted from your trip. I´ll send for someone who'll lead you to your chambers."
Omi managed a real smile this time. The thought of a hot bath and a bed after five days on a dusty road and then three days in the rain, was very appealing.
"Thank you very much for the kindness.", Omi said in a sweet voice that fit his outward appearance.
Ran on the other hand didn't seem to like the thought of a bed that much. A hot bath? Yes! Sleeping now after he came all the way to see Prince Ken? No! He had noticed with dismay that neither Ken nor that obnoxious Youji were present in the main hall. It was a bit strange because the crown-prince of a kingdom usually had to stand next to his parents during a formal greeting.
Though he didn't know why his absence worried him, he didn't bother ask King Persia. If necessary he would ask Momoe. She surely knew by now that he arrived at the castle and would come to meet him soon.
As for Lord Kudou´s son...he hoped that he wouldn't have to meet him during his stay.
He held a great dislike for the boy, now man, the moment he met him and it didn't change much the last 15 years. He supposed the dislike was mutual.
He turned to look at his cousin. Perhaps Omi could distract him while they were here. It sure would help if Youji didn't interrupt his meeting with Ken and he somehow had the feeling that the Prince's adviser would if he got the chance.
"Doumo arigatou!", he finally said in a quiet voice.
King Persia smiled again, then looked at a point somewhere behind Ran and Omi.
"Aa. You are here. If you would be so kind and lead these two towards their chambers and arrange a hot bath and something to eat for them."
"Yes, my Lord.", a deep voice answered the request.
Ran shot around and faced a tall, lanky blonde man with shoulder-length blonde hair and flashing jade eyes. By seeing him he knew three things at once.
First...it had to be Lord Youji Kudou, Prince Ken's personal adviser and protector. He would recognise that arrogant smile everywhere.
Second...Youji hadn't forgot him either as the man's flashing eyes indicated. The dislike was indeed mutual.
Third...the warning gaze showed that he also remembered his vow not to let anything or anyone harm Prince Ken, especially him.
Ran groaned inwardly, knowing fully well that once they were out of this room, he would get an earful from the blonde. He turned around to face King Persia and his wife again to be dismissed. He then followed the blonde warrior trying not to show his inner turmoil. Omi walked a few feet behind.
As he had supposed correctly, the moment they left the hall, Youji faced them again with a very angry look in his face. He grabbed Ran by the collar of his cloak and slammed him against the wall.
"I don't know why you are here...", he hissed in a venomous voice, "but I´ll advise you'll stay away from Ken-sama or else meet my wrath."
Omi stared at the man in shock who dared speak like that to his cousin.
"Who are you?", he demanded to know. He tried to loose his grip from Ran´s cloak. "Let him go or else I am forced to attack you!", he stated firmly.
Youji looked at the blonde boy as if he saw him for the first time. He released Ran and snarled.
"Ask that bratty cousin of yours. He'll tell you who I am. Now follow me!"
The lanky man stormed down the hallway, not caring if Prince Ran or Omi were able to follow him or not.
Omi gaped at him, never having met such an unpleasant person before. Even Ran couldn't compete with that behaviour. At least he knew that Ran cared for him and never hurt him intentionally. He wanted to run up to the blonde and punch him to hell, but Ran held him back.
"Don't!"
Omi looked at him confused. On any other occasion the redhead would have tried to get revenge for such behaviour, but here he was and asked him to keep calm. Ran noticed the bewildered stare and explained shortly:
"He's just being overprotective. I would have done the same if I were him. Besides we are only guests in Persia's castle. It could be understood as an act of violence against Persia himself if I attacked his nephew, even if he started the quarrel."
Omi nodded in understanding. There were still things he had to learn about politics. Still, Youji needn't have grabbed Ran and slammed him into the wall. Words would have been enough. He sighed. He didn't understand Ran´s motives to come here and he knew the young man for more than 17 years now. How could he understand the motives of a complete stranger?
Said man came to a halt before two large wooden doors.
"Your rooms.", he said shortly. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call one of the maids. Your baths should be already prepared."
He shot a scrutinising glance at the smaller blonde boy and sighed.
"I apologise for my unfit behaviour earlier. I think we haven't been properly introduced, yet. My name is Youji Kudou, Son of King Persia's brother Lord Kudou as well as Ken-sama´s protector."
He smiled when he mentioned the boy's name and Omi noticed a protective glint in the other's eyes. He slowly began to understand what Ran had meant with overprotective.
Youji smiled again, this time more seductively.
"And you are...", he took the astonished boy's hand and kissed it lightly. "...Omi, King Botan´s nephew and companion of Prince Ran. It's a pleasure to meet someone this beautiful."
Omi blushed at the man's actions. Prince Ran scowled not liking how the lanky blonde took advantage of his innocent cousin. Youji retreated a bit from the still blushing boy and looked at the annoyed redhead. When he noticed that he didn't appreciate the special attention towards his cousin, he smirked. But, the smirk turned into a serious expression rather quickly. He scowled at the Prince.
"I'm sorry to have attacked you...", his face clearly showing that he wasn't sorry in the least."...but I will not apologise for my words. I am sure you didn't forget my vow, but if necessary I repeat again: If you hurt Kenken, be prepared to face my wrath! He doesn't need a cold asshole like you."
His jade eyes flashed again and met the piercing violet stare evenly. Ran nodded slowly and ground out.
"I didn't forget your oath, but remember...if I should ever find out that *you* hurt him, your wrath will look harmless compared to my revenge. No one hurts my sou...", Ran stopped in time to hold back his last word.
He wasn't sure himself if that what he felt for the boy he had seen only once so far, meant he was his bonded. If the ancient legend about the heir of Weiß was true... He sighed not daring to think about it farther. These emotions scared him, yet at the same time they felt so right. He was anxious to finally meet him again, see for himself what was whispered in all the kingdoms and what his heart told him was true. That the boy was like rays of sunlight that lightened the days of all those around him. That he was pure innocence and love, kindness and vulnerability.
He was anxious to know if Ken would feel the same emotions that had built up in his heart for the last fifteen years and that had moved him to come here because it felt as if half of his soul was missing.
A hand touched his shoulder tentatively. Ran looked up to meet the worried gaze of Omi. Youji was nowhere to be seen.
"Daijoubu desu ka? You had that far off look again."
Ran nodded and cracked a small smile of reassurance. His cousin sighed in relief and slumped against the door exhaustedly.
"Where's our caretaker?", Ran asked sarcastically.
Omi blushed and said:
"He left after you drifted off into space."
"And...?", he persisted.
"After he kissed my hand again.", Omi added and looked away embarrassed.
The redhead scowled at that.
"Don't let that guy get to you!", he advised. "You may become friends with him but be careful of his true intentions. I don't want you to get hurt. Do you understand?"
He tilted the boy's chin up and stared into his eyes to show him that he really cared for his well-being and happiness. Omi smiled and nodded.
"I promise to take care.", his smile grew sly. "I don't know what happened between you two that makes you hate each other, but if you want I can distract him so you can talk to Prince Ken privately."
The boy grinned. "And I try to behave!"
Ran´s eyes widened in astonishment. He had truly believed that the boy was too naive and innocent to look through both their actions, but it seemed he had been wrong. He had underestimated him and his intelligence.
Omi giggled when he noticed the look on his face, then yawned.
"OK. I´ll take a bath and go to sleep. See you tomorrow."
Ran nodded and waited till the blonde boy had vanished behind the door to his left. He decided to take a bath as well, but sleep would have to wait.
First he had to find Momoe and ask her about the events concerning Ken that took place during his journey. Besides he hadn't seen the kind woman for the past 15 years. He actually looked forward to meet her again.
Second...he didn't think he could wait another day to meet the brunette boy, nicknamed Kenken, to see that innocent emerald gaze directed at him again. A soft smile graced his lips at the thought and he entered his room.
The chamber that greeted his eyes was vast and spacious. A king-sized bed almost bigger than his own back home was placed on the left side of the room. It seemed to be made out of cherry-tree, but Ran wasn't sure. A large deep red blanket with the royal insignia of Fujimiya covered the four-poster. He wondered where they had managed to get such a blanket so fast. The carrier pigeon of his father surely couldn't have arrived more than three or four days ago and he was certain that his father never would have requested something like that from King Persia. He looked closer at the blanket. It was excellent handiwork. The only person he knew with such skill had been Momoe but that didn't mean she was responsible for that.
He continued observing the room. It possessed several wardrobes and when he opened one of them it was filled with clothes, more than he could or would ever use.
A large, oval carpet covered most of the floor and lend the room an atmosphere of warmth and security. An oak-chest was placed in the far right corner next to the rather grand window.
Right next to the entrance on the right corner, another door lead into a small but luxurious bathroom which contained a bathtub filled with steaming water, another wardrobe with towels, bathrobes as well as morning gowns, and hidden behind a curtain he could make out a loo.
When he turned back into the main room to take of his sword and cloak, he noticed a tiny nightstand next to the four-poster bed. An intricate arrangement of red and white roses was placed on top of it and Ran thought that he had never seen such beautiful flowers in his whole life. He touched the petals almost tenderly. Beautiful indeed.
He sighed and went back into the bathroom to finally take his well-deserved bath.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*Half an hour later*
Ran buried himself deeper in the hot water, enjoying the feeling of warmth on his pale skin and the soft fragrance of lavender in his nose. Tiny bubbles floated in the air tickling his nose and making him smile.
A sound from the other room alerted him and he quickly rose from the tub to grab a towel. He hastily dried himself, then pulled a white bathrobe over his slender body. Silently he cursed himself not to have taken a dagger with him, but he supposed whoever was in there would have come in if he meant to harm him.
He walked into the chamber and looked for anything unusual. His searching gaze met that of a smiling old woman sitting on the edge of his bed. Ran relaxed when he recognised her and he smiled back in greeting.
"You should smile more often, Ran-sama. It does you some good.", Momoe said kindly.
She rose from the bed and walked up to him inspecting him more closely.
"You've grown into a very handsome young man I have to admit. It's a shame I couldn't see you grow up but at least I got another wonderful charge in return."
Ran hugged his old nursemaid tightly, then went to the closet and pulled out some fresh clothes.
"I suppose the room and blanket were organised by you, Momoe-san?", he asked nonchalantly inwardly feeling very happy to see her again after so long.
"Not completely. I only suggested this room to his majesty King Persia for it opens to the East and you're able to see the sunrise. If I remember correctly you always loved watching the sun rise, loved watching the birds and animals awaken from their sleep. Persia liked the idea and allowed me to prepare the room."
The redheaded prince nodded over his shoulder and continued dressing. It didn't bother him that Momoe was watching him while doing so. She was someone akin to a mother for a him and so he didn't need to hide from her.
"As for the blanket...", she continued, "...that was indeed my handiwork. I thought you might like it. Ken-sama surely loved it when I showed it to him. I made a similar one for him, only difference is that it is held in blue and with the royal insignia of Weiß on it."
Ran stiffened unconsciously at the mention of the boy's name. Momoe smiled knowingly. She always knew what bothered the moody redhead and when he came to her with the request to go to Weiß to watch over the prince almost 15 years ago, she accepted without hesitation.
She had seen the slight tint of desperation in his plum eyes and was certain then, that the strange request was very important to him.
Momoe noticed that Ran´s gaze drifted towards the beautiful flowers on the nightstand. Her mood brightened even more because she knew of course who had made it. Same person had asked her shyly if she could place the flowers in Prince Ran´s room. It seemed that the feelings were mutual though her younger charge didn't even know, yet.
"I see you like the roses, Ran-sama. Prince Ken will be very glad to here that. He put great effort into this arrangement."
Ran spun around and looked at her with wide eyes. She nodded showing that she was serious about Ken having made the arrangement for him.
"How...", the redheaded prince started nervously, "...how is he? You surely wrote a lot but I´d like to hear it from you personally."
Momoe sat back down on the bed and patted the place next to her. Ran shook his head preferring to stay.
"Ken-sama is very quiet, gentle, kind and innocent. When he was younger he was the most adorable baby in all the kingdoms. Now he's the most adorable boy you can meet. He's very beautiful but if you tell him, he won't believe it.", she noticed his incredulous stare and continued," He is shy and vulnerable, as well as uncertain, mostly about himself. It's hard for him to believe that he's considered as gorgeous, handsome or beautiful. The childlike wonder and uncertainty when someone tells him is really endearing though he has absolutely no reason to be self-conscious.
He's very intelligent making him a great king in the future. He listens closely to people's problems and loves to play with other children from the palace may it be servants or nobles. He doesn't make a difference.
Though Lord Kudou and King Persia asked him to take lessons in military exercise to be able to protect himself, Ken-sama only does so very reluctantly. He hates weapons. Instead he loves to read and play the flute."
She looked at him questioningly.
"Do you still play?", she asked.
Ran nodded.
"Then you should play together. The young prince is very talented and I remember that you were very good as well. I always loved listening to your melodies."
Momoe glanced back at the flower arrangement.
"He is really devoted to the royal gardens. They changed a lot since he was born, even more since he was able to tend to them. You'll never find another garden like this elsewhere. His love for flowers have a miraculous effect on them. They seem to feel his devotion. Whatever he plants in the gardens, I assure you it will flourish."
Ran nodded absentmindedly. She had confirmed what she had told him in all her letters. Now there was only one question left.
"Why didn't he come to the greeting in the main hall?", a terrible thought crossed his over-worried mind. "He's alright is he? Nothing happened to him while I was on my way here?"
He looked at Momoe pleadingly needing the reassurance that everything was alright with the young boy. Momoe looked almost shocked at his words.
"Of course, he is alright, Ran-sama! Why shouldn't he be? It's just that he's a bit clumsy sometimes and he sprained his ankle two days ago. That's why he wasn't able to come."
The old maid bit her lower lip knowing fully well what would come next.
"He what?", Ran cried out, "What happened? Why didn't someone take care..."
The angered prince was interrupted by a knock on the door. He cursed under his breath and went to open it. A lady-in-waiting was standing in the doorway and bowed in apology.
"My Lord, I was told that Momoe-san is with you."
Ran nodded curtly.
"Her majesty Queen Persia requests her presence in the north tower."
Before he could answer, Momoe slid past him and whispered.
"We can talk later, Ran-sama. If you want to see him, he's in the gardens. I'm sure you know the way. Be careful that Youji-sama doesn't see you. He has been in a foul mood lately, probably just worried about Ken-sama, but still...be careful around him."
"I already know that.", Ran answered wryly. "Very bad mood indeed."
Momoe gasped, but didn't say anything further. She said goodbye and went with the lady-in-waiting. Ran silently thanked her for telling her where to find the Crown-Prince. He closed the door behind him and walked down the empty corridor.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*20 minutes later*
After having to cross the whole castle from East to West for the gardens were situated in direction of the setting sun, Ran finally arrived before the large wooden door he had last opened 15 years ago with the intent to annoy the heir of Weiß.
The room that greeted him looked almost the same as when he had seen it the first time. His gaze went to the canopy bed almost unconsciously, but no one was there. Ran scolded himself. For a moment he had expected to see a small bundle in between many blankets and flowers.
That was of course impossible.
He crossed the room noticing several beautiful flower arrangements on the table and nightstands. Ken seemed to love Gentians for all of them were made out of the violet-blue flower. He walked past the large windows and entered the gardens.
He sucked in his breath at the beauty before him. He finally understood why people from faraway kingdoms bothered to take the long, difficult journey to come here and see them. When he thought the gardens had been beautiful in the past, the sight that greeted him now was almost unearthly.
He could make out dozens of different flower beds some of them occupied by plants he had never seen before. Everywhere were Gentians and Roses in full bloom each flower bed more wonderful and amazing than the next. Ran smelled the soft fragrance of lavender, the rich scent of roses and the soothing aroma of Gentians.
Wind played softly in his red hair and brought the faint sound of someone playing the flute. He followed the sweet, yet sad melody, curious to meet the talented player. He crossed a small bridge onto an island in between the flowers, separated from the rest of the gardens by a clear stream.
He walked anxiously beneath Sakura and Peach Trees, petals softly fluttering to the ground everywhere. He noticed a rather large Sakura Tree in the centre of the island and gasped.
Beneath the tree sat the object of his affection, the reason why he had insisted to take the long journey here.
He took in the form of the slender brunette, the boy wearing simple black pants and a white, loose tunic that flowed nicely over honey coloured skin. His eyes were closed but Ran knew that they would be the same beautiful green he remembered and longed to see again.
Chocolate brown locks covered some of his face giving him a childlike innocent look, similar to his younger cousin's Omi.
Long, elegant fingers held a wooden flute against sensuous, yet pouty lips that hummed a soft tune into the instrument. The boy didn't notice him and Ran delighted in simply listening to the melody for a while.
A low, dangerous growl behind him caught his attention and he turned to see the origin of that sound only to come face to face with the biggest white wolf he had ever seen in his entire life. He stumbled back in shock, tripped over his feet in the process and landed on his butt faster than he could spell his own name. The wolf growled again.
To Ran he seemed to have the size of a young calf, but perhaps that was only result of his panicking mind. It bared its teeth almost like flashing a grin and moved closer.
"Storm! Stop teasing him and come here. I'm sure he doesn't intend to harm."
The sweet, laughing voice entered Ran´s mind like a melody and left him speechless. He looked over his shoulder and met the twinkling emerald gaze of the Crown-Prince. Storm, as was the wolf's name, snorted and jumped over the redhead towards his young master. The animal curled itself besides him and started purring when the brunette started ruffling its white fur.
"I'm sorry if Storm scared you but you have to know that he is doing that with all people. He's very protective, but doesn't harm anyone as long as he holds no malicious intent towards me."
The boy smiled apologetically and Ran felt himself answering the smile.
Ken stopped stroking Storm and nudged the animal slightly. "Show my guest that you like him."
Ran´s eyes widened when the wolf stood up lazily and came back to him. It stopped in front of his face and proceeded to lick the face of the paralysed redhead. Ken giggled merrily.
"May I know your name. I can't recall seeing you in the castle before, but Storm likes you so you can't be that bad."
He giggled again. Ran´s heart made a leap at the sound.
"I am Prince Ran of the Fujimiya Kingdom. It's a pleasure to finally get to see you and your beautiful gardens.", he stood up gracefully and bowed deeply. Storm growled in approval.
The brunette boy paled and started to stammer.
"Ran...? As in the Ran who is visiting today?"
Ran nodded another smile creeping into his face. Strange, he seemed to do that a lot around the boy.
Ken paled even more.
"Gomen...", he cried out blushing furiously, "I didn't mean to be impolite. I'm sorry."
He hastily tried to stand up to greet the other properly but his injured ankle gave away under him and he started to fall down face first. Ran jumped forwards and managed to catch the distraught brunette in time to save him from further injury.
His skin tingled where it came into contact with the boy's. He inhaled the soft fragrance of his hair before he carefully sat him on the ground. Ken looked at him with wide, uncertain eyes and Ran remembered what Momoe had told him about the boy's insecurity. He decided to distract him from further embarrassment.
Gently rubbing at the sprained ankle, his eyes caught a glint from the boy's neck. He grabbed the shiny object and looked at it more closely.
"It is very beautiful, Ken-sama.", he said gently examining the delicate necklace in his hands. It was made out of silver held a tiny crystal sphere. In its centre he could make out a small silver cross and a blue gentian. The piece of jewellery must have cost a fortune.
"I got it to my 15th birthday.", the brunette managed to say, still looking rather embarrassed.
"The person who gave it to you surely must care a lot for you.", Ran stated.
Ken nodded flushing again.
"I don't know who sent it, but...I...I liked it. That's why I decided to keep it.", he stuttered.
Ran smiled inwardly. He knew who sent the necklace and was delighted to hear that the young Prince had liked it. Ken noticed the look but kept quiet about it.
Ran placed the necklace back around the boy's neck, smiling tenderly. It was as if he had finally found the missing part of his soul. He gazed into the green eyes of the brunette, hoping to see a similar emotion in them.
He knew that it was probably impossible, the boy having met him for the first time mere minutes before, yet when he looked into his eyes he recognised confusion and still a slight tint of embarrassment... but also something deeper, something he was sure the boy wasn't even aware of. Ran´s face lit up in hope that his feelings might be reciprocated, not now, but perhaps soon when the Crown-Prince got to know him better.
Ken met his steady searching gaze with a confused one. He didn't know but somehow the closeness of the handsome redhead in front of him felt so comfortable. Not even Youji managed to make him feel so warm and secure when he was around. It was as if the other completed him, knew him better than he knew himself. He lowered his head at his childish thought.
"What's wrong, Ken-sama?", Ran asked worriedly.
"J...just Ken, Ran-sama. And...nothing is wrong.", he stuttered.
"Only if you call me just Ran, Ken. Or should I say Kenken.", he teased.
Ken's face snapped up and brought their lips within few inches of one another. The boy looked too adorable wide green eyes staring at him, mouth slightly open in astonishment. It took all of his resolve not to kiss him right then.
"Where...where did you...", he stammered, "Only Yotan calls me that."
"Yotan? As in Youji Kudou? The arrogant..."
A low growl from Storm interrupted him. Ken snickered.
"Never insult Youji in front of Storm. I got him as a present to my eight birthday from him and though I am his master, Youji is considered his second favourite person.", he grinned at the astonished redhead. "As to answer your question. Yes! Yotan as in Lord Youji Kudou. Don't tell me you like him as much as he likes you..."
The brunette stared at him pointedly. Noticing the somewhat sheepish look on his face, he groaned in resignation.
"You guys are really hopeless. Seeing each other one time and deciding the other is stupid."
"Two times...I met him about two hours ago.", Ran managed to say.
"I take it, the meeting didn't went well?!", he inquired.
"No! He's still...", he stopped when he noticed the warning glare from the white wolf. "I still don't consider him a friend."
Ken sighed. "You really must have had a bad start. I wonder what the reason was."
/Not what...who!/, Ran thought inwardly.
A loud thunder echoed through the sky followed by lightning. Ken flinched and hid himself in the crook of his neck. Ran´s breath seemed to stop at the touch, but conscious took over reminding him that the smaller boy seemed to be very afraid.
"What's wrong?", he asked gently.
Another thunder rolled over the darkened sky and Ken tightened his hold on him almost desperately.
"I hate thunderstorms!!!", he cried out. "I like rain and water, but I hate thunder and lightning!"
To underline his words another loud thunder left them almost deaf. The boy whimpered in distress. It tugged at Ran´s heart to see him so utterly lost and helpless. He scooped him up into his arms, noticing that he was rather light and proceeded to walk back to the castle.
Storm walked beside him and growled into the now pitch-black sky as if to protect his young master. Prince Ken continued to tremble in the redhead's arms. Ran wondered why Momoe never told him about the boy's fear of thunderstorms. Could it be that she didn't know? She had mentioned that the boy had a tendency to keep some things to himself, mostly things that bothered him but that he didn't want to burden other people with.
He managed to reach Ken's room in time before heavy droplets started to drop onto the ground. He placed the prince softly on the bed and closed the large windows. He was suddenly aware that if he hadn't come to meet him, the gentle boy would have been all alone, not being able to walk back on his own. The thought scared him and he turned back to the brunette's side desperately wishing to calm the frightened boy.
He sat next to him on the bed and drew him into a tender embrace. Ken stiffened for a second, then loosened slightly at the warm comfort the other provided. He sniffed a bit.
"I'm sorry to be such a bother.", he muttered annoyed at himself.
Ran tightened his hold on the boy and kissed his forehead in a soothing manner. Ken sighed enjoying the feeling very much.
"You're not a bother, Kenken.", he whispered softly. "Never a bother!"
Right now the redhead could care less if someone walked into the room and saw them together spooned into a hug. The person he cared for...the only person he truly loved needed comfort and he would do everything possible to achieve that comfort for him.
He noticed that the brunette began to calm down more. Every now and then he stiffened at the sound of yet another thunder, but the slowing down of his breathing indicated to Ran that he was falling asleep. He stroked the soft brown hair tenderly.
After ten minutes he was sure that the prince was sleeping peacefully. He knew that it was time to leave now but when he tried to disentangle himself from the boy, Ken cried out in his sleep and snuggled further against him.
Ran smiled and closed his eyes as well, knowing that he hadn't only won the boy's friendship but also something more.
~ End chapter3 ~
A/N: It's 1.30 a.m. now and I'm falling asleep with my eyes still open. So if this chapter sucked blame it on my tiredness. But, of course I hope that you liked it nonetheless and review grin.