A New Day's Sonata
Disclaimer: The characters portrayed here belong to Project Weiß. I own the fanfiction written.
Warning: Yaoi, Ran x Ken. Well, and Ran x some woman, anyway.
Plot Cockroach: I never thought it'd end like this. Well, I'll try to figure an alternate ending for Ken, though, if I can. Please give me some time to patch my life up first. Anyway, please don't go blaming anyone. Blame me, if you must. I'm so officially screwed up. And I'm sorry for taking so long. I had no time to write, being working and all. This may be the last arc on my attempt on Ran Ken.
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Four (Probably last): And So The Music Ceases
Three weeks had gone by since that day when I went out on a date initiated by me with Ran, and I had no regrets about what I'd experienced. Perhaps this is a part of life – part of growing up. Even throughout my life riddled with breakups, I had failed to gain so much knowledge that fire burns, and at times, the scars do last for life. But I called upon this on my own.
Well, the story goes on anyway. In that three or so weeks, a lot had changed. I was probably more worn out, stressed, tied up and nervous. But it all comes with work, and now that I look back, school had been the best time of my life. I'd smile if I could, but give me a few days, weeks or months, and then I'm sure I'd be able to do that again. Perhaps I'm finally growing up.
I hadn't had much time for love, for Ran, for my family, or for Nagi. I feel bad now, but I'm fortunate that Nagi understood. I'd be so tired when I came back on Saturday, and there were tons of housework to be done. I remember the first day I came home from work – the house was a mess! Well, no one could control the little imp of my brother into sitting still other than me, I suppose. Ma was much too gentle. She wasn't tough, and hotheaded the least, unlike me, at that point. Well, male dominance pays.
I'm not a sexist. I just happen to be the eldest sibling in the house, and I have most of the authority wielded. I'm allowed to shout when I have to. And ma… well, she's a wonderful lady. Women are wonderful people. They're kind and gentle. My littlest brother just doesn't appreciate their gentle persuasion yet.
I'll be praying hard enough to grow white hairs when he reaches sixteen.
Oh, look, I'm still able to joke! Cool, huh?
Anyway, where was I again? Can you believe that? Even after all this, I'm still sidetracking. What a nut. But that doesn't matter. I think I'd live with it for the rest of my life. It would be easier than trying to erase that habit no one is capable of, right?
Argh.
So here I am, and I'm sitting here in front of my PC, given the day off by my parents. I have them to thank that I'm still breathing, and that I have their support. My family members are out, and I'm left at home, alone, to think things out. Thinking. Has everyone forgotten that I'm almost incapable of that? Well, anyway, thinking is good at times. Probably if I'd thought more, things wouldn't have fallen so badly, huh?
I have so time now, so I might as well finish what I started. Here goes…
Three weeks had finally passed. I'd gone happily to work; done everything I could, manning the office, most of the time alone. It's fun, doing desk jobs, and speaking to clients. To think that I'd actually spent time idling, playing football, and doing chores when there was other stuff like this to be done. But then again, being at home managing stuff, and your family is probably the greatest thing in life that anyone could ask for. I'd enjoyed it. And I know you would, were you able to do that one-day.
Right, so, there was an occasion that I was asked out. Happened on Tuesday, about three days after my outing with him on Saturday. I guess. He'd called up, and asked me out to lunch. Apparently, he'd gotten the number from Nagi, matchmaker extraordinaire. I'd agreed, and we'd had a good time. However, I do believe that that would be the last date I'd ever, ever have with Ran again.
You see, that week I had extra work coming. I may be new, but she's my aunt, and I was recommended to work for her by my father. I can't skimp on work. Ran would ask me out each day starting Tuesday then, but starting Thursday (when the work came pouring in), I couldn't accept any more outings. I'd eat in the office and done paperwork at the same time. I know, it sounds vaguely like I'm doing what Brad Crawford does. Well, good for him then. Brad, that is. I wonder if that's why Schuldig's always mad at him?
Ran was nice and persistent, though. He was patient. He always was. He was such a hero and a prince, that this romance seems more like a fairy tale than a real one. Even when I was out with Schuldig, things weren't that perfect. But I'm not complaining. And I certainly don't regret it. He'd call day after day, and when I didn't accept it, apologizing profusely (as usual), he'd tell me to take care of myself. It seemed that we were becoming more awkward and distant each time we spoke. Yet, I strangely felt reassured when he'd call. His voice was calming, and it soothed me. I wanted to call him back, but I couldn't – I'd too much work to do, too many clients to deal with, and I couldn't misuse the phone service. Not then. I wasn't established enough yet. And I had to back my father's plans and his dignity. I was his eldest son. Isn't it every eldest son's job to keep the family's unity and dignity?
Well, it was mine. And to my father, that came first.
Typical Brad Crawford, now that I look back at it. Man, he even looks like Brad. I'm beginning to feel like Nagi. The real Nagi, as in the Nagi in the Weiß series. I can imagine having Brad as a mentor. He seriously was Brad. My father, I mean. But I love him. Every child loves and respects their parents. We don't admit it to ourselves sometimes, but I do believe that that's the way it should be. After all, they brought us up, cried for us, and worked for us, didn't they?
Anyway, Ran stopped calling two weeks later. I wasn't sure why at that time, but it was painful not hearing from him at that time. As for weekends, you ask? Housework, overtime, and rest. I was too tired to respond to anything, not even Nagi. But he understood. He didn't bug me. Sometimes I'd stay back in the office and work extra. My aunt appreciated it greatly, at least.
And then, it happened. On Wednesday, the third week since I'd started working, Ran suddenly called. He'd asked me out for the last time that day. It wasn't a date, technically. He had something important to tell me. I'd asked my aunt, and she was kind. Like I said, women were a kind and gentle folk. I love my aunt too, despite not really knowing her well. Um, we just met for some time. I have too many aunts…
His message was simple. "Meet me outside after work," he'd said. "I have to tell you something very important."
Right. So, I was supposed to get off at eight after everyone was done, say, three hours ago? Overtime rules. My aunt though, was in, and she told me to get off at five. What a great lady. A real life Cinderella. Don't you wish you had an aunt like her too? You know, I have another aunt, and she's really, really nice. I used to work for her too, and her time had been more flexible. I dealt with flowers then. Neat, huh? Then, she had to leave for London. Wow. What's London like, by the way? At least she's having fun there. I got a postcard last year. Pretty.
Ah, anyway, I got off work at five. Ran was outside the building, leaning against the wall. He was certainly handsome that way, too. He was always handsome. If I were a regular guy, I'd be jealous. I'm not handsome; I'm plain. But let's not look at that aspect. The only thing that matters was that Ran was there, and he had to tell me something. He favored me with his customary small smile. Ah, the same, and yet so different. Ran was hiding something, and I could guess that it was something big. I grinned at him, though.
"So, what's up?"
"The usual," he'd replied casually. "Would you like a ride back? Dinner, perhaps?"
"Thanks, for the ride, home, I mean," I'd said. I was so stupid then. Couldn't I have agreed to the dinner, and at least let Ran decide for things? No, I didn't. I'm an idiot. Always have been. And I don't suppose I'd changed much. "I… I have to get home to dinner. Ma's prepared dinner. She wants me come home. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"
"It's alright," he said kindly. "I'm fine with this plan of just escorting you home. I have to tell you something… but not here. Not now. Let's just go first."
Right. So, I got in, and he drove me home. The journey was spent with his asking how I was at work, and my asking about his life and home and Aya. Most of it was small talk. We were really getting distant. It was mechanical, usual. I don't suppose we were really that close anyway. But I was glad. I liked his voice. It was mature, calm, refined, unlike my hoots and my screech and my yells. I tell you, this man is perfect.
We stopped in front of a field. It was so white there. I remember that in summer, the grass was green and wonderful. When it rained in spring, the place was muddy and great to skid in. He got out, and beckoned me to follow. But as the gentleman he was, he opened the door for me. I guess I really was Barbie, after all. Ken, indeed.
Hah.
Well, things went by as if in slow motion, but time passed us by, very quickly. I have no idea how long this particular event lasted but it happened, all the same.
"Ken, we need to talk."
"I'm sorry," somehow, I knew that it was my fault for 'overworking'. I wasn't overworking. But it seemed to him that I did, I suppose. Maybe it was my negligence. I don't know. But whatever it was, it was tearing everything apart.
"Sorry? What are you sorry for?" he'd asked. His tone was kind, but he looked… well, worried, I think.
"I'm sorry for all this – it would seem like I'm a fully fledged white collar," I forced myself to laugh. How lame. And how right I was then. I was a white collared workaholic trying to keep up with my father and aunt's demands. Wow. So much for teen bliss!
"Well, maybe, but that isn't what counts," he'd replied compassionately. "You tried your best."
"Thanks." I felt so ashamed. I'd looked down at my hands.
"We have to… end our relationship."
I looked up again. What?
But then again, I foresaw it happening. My father acts and looks like Brad Crawford, for god's sake! I must have inherited the gift from him. And then, I'd caused all this to happen with my selfish, self-centered ways. Ignoring calls, dinners, lunches, dates… all because I was tired and wanted to rest, when I should have replied 'yes' when I could. But I hadn't. Now, wasn't that stupid?
"I'm sorry," he'd said. "Some problems arose…"
I'd laughed then. I don't know why, but I did. I wonder how I'd managed it, without shedding a tear, as usual. Maybe I'd grown up. Or maybe I'd really gotten stressed out and sick of everything.
But it felt so good to laugh again.
"That's okay. I understand."
"You haven't heard my explanation yet," he sighed. Right. I never listened, did I? But it was time I did. I nodded.
"Let's hear it, then." I have no idea what I felt then. I don't know how I looked like, what I looked like in his eyes. But Ran didn't smile. I must've looked pathetic.
"I'm getting engaged to a girl. She's my boss' daughter. She was introduced to me about three months ago, when I was working with her. She fell in love and… oh, god," he paused. "I'm sorry. Her father petitioned that we got engaged and that I took over his company. He has no other heir. And… Aya… I want her to have a normal life, Ken. She needs a straight, capable brother. I want to see to it. That I can do it."
I listened in silence. Surprise, surprise! I hadn't even screamed and gone mad. I'd just stood there, with my arms folded. I was officially turning Nagi. "Do you love her?" Great, Ken. What a wonderful question to ask! Don't you just love seeing people hurt? He said he's sorry, damn it!
"I suppose," he said. "I'm so very sorry, Ken. I really am. How am I to make this up to you?"
He'd stepped forward to hold my hands… or shoulders… or anything. But I had no mood for that. My seventh breakup. Wow, seven! I'm such a loser. I don't recall what I'd felt, but I know I'd done something I should never have done. I'd steeled myself and stepped back. I don't know (couldn't see) what my expression looked like, but I'm sure it looked horrifyingly bitter. But it felt like a smile. Was this the bitter smile I'd always read and written about?
Stupid Ken. You are SO Naoe.
I guess those tests and quizzes were right after all.
"Don't touch me."
The look on Ran's face was one of the worst I've ever seen. It looked so torn, and I still remember it. It's the only stupid thing I've done in our entire affair that I truly regret now. But it was done. I'm an absolute idiot.
"I'm sorry. Sorry for everything."
I'd calmed down again. And then, I think I'd even smiled. How cool is that? "Yeah, I know. You didn't mean it. I mean; this is for the best. At least I know we'll be alright."
He looked confused. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Tell Aya to behave herself. She's probably upset… the Yaoi-girl way," I'd laughed. Strangely, I hadn't cried. "Oh, and don't be sorry. You shouldn't be. You're also making them very happy – the girl and her father. Um, what's her name?"
"Flora."
Flora. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. And beautiful girls are often lucky.
"Right. You're making Flora and her father happy. Don't worry, I'll be fine." I was fast becoming myself again. This was how I handled every breakup in the past, and this is the way I shall handle this one. "Look, take care, Ran. Make sure you never ever break her heart. The old man looks up to you no end, to offer his daughter to you like that. My dad was very grudging to let me go out with Schu, and even then, I'm not the best son in the world."
"No, you aren't," he'd said. "You're probably one of the best in the universe."
"Flatterer."
"Thank you very, very much, Ken," he finally spoke. "I never… expected this to be so…"
"Easy? Quick? Painless?" I laughed. "Hey, I scuffled with Schu before we broke up. Really violent. He didn't like my candid approach. You know, smiles and all. It's my way of doing things, anyway. I'd have died if Omi weren't there."
"Well, thank you, all the same," he motioned to the car. "Would you like a lift back?"
"Nah, I'll stay here for a while," I shrugged. Didn't feel like getting into a car with him anymore. Besides, I liked this field a lot. Very pretty it was, in winter. You should see it.
"Alright. Oh, and Ken?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
I'd stared at him then. Now, how am I supposed to deal with that? I grinned. "No, you don't. You love Aya, and you love your future wife. It's not for me. I understand. It's okay."
"Thank you, Ken. Goodbye."
"Bye!" I waved, and then looked at the snow as I heard the engine start and the car roll away into the distance. It was already dark. I'd turned, then walked the few blocks back to my street. But I didn't turn immediately into my house. I'd run into Schuldig's, and straight into Nagi's room without knocking. Sure, he was shocked, but he was a good source of comfort. It was only in his room and arms that I'd cried.
It was February the fourth then, on Tuesday.
And it's now Saturday, 2 a.m. in the morning. My family was out somewhere else, and I was free for the remaining day. Meaning, they were spending Friday night at another place. But that doesn't matter now. Three days had passed, and I'm recuperating. There's a vase of dried roses, once upon a time peach, right on my computer table. Each one of them had no thorns, not a single one. It's one of the reminders I have of a sweet, short, romantic memory of an affair that one-day I shall look back on and smile at.
But for now, the story ends. And yet, I know that the music of love is playing at yet another soul's doorstep, inviting them to dance.
As for me, I dance alone.
~*~ The End ~*~
Note: I'm sorry; this story seems so short. I wish I could write an alternate ending for Ken, but I don't think I really can. Could anyone help me, please? By the way, this 'ex' of mine has another sibling other than 'Aya-chan', but since they're closer, I omitted the last sibling to make him sound more Ran-like. Just so you know. :D
From: kami-chan First year of high school in English class! We played a game and split into teams. If you lost, you got your hair dyed. But the teams that won wanted their hair dyed! So me had lotsa fun! No dress as Shuu-chan? ;_; But I'll take Kenken too! XD Me, Isa-chan and hopefully Rach-chan (cherubkatan) will be going to the BigAppleAnimeFest, NYC this summer (labor day weekend). You should come!! Dress up! ^____^rn(now for the actual review ^^;;) This chapter nearly has me convinced you're the real life Ken. That date was the sweetest thing ever. I loved the line where you said Cinderella missed out on this Prince Charming *dreamy sigh* Aya-chan was interesting. I'd be doing the same too ^^;; rnThis chapter was so warm and fuzzy yet I was laughing a lot, that's great!rn*showers Windy-kun and Kumakumachan with wuv and strawberry pocky*rnrn(who is
this manager person?! *fumes* you try to take fun away! BAAAAAD! *runs to get mallet-sama*)rnrn*waves* Baibai~rnkami-chan
That sound really like fun! You dyed your hair then? I'm afraid I may not be able to make it to New York on May 1st. But Chris may be present, I'm not too sure. I know it's Labor's Day, but I've got work to do. (I'm SO officially Brad...) I'm so terribly sorry. I'll try to come next year. No, I'm not the real life Ken. Real life Ken deserves better. (^^;) Man, I sound really masochistic. Cinderella really missed out, I suppose. But it's okay. Her prince is a good guy too. Aya-chan was a sweet girl. Hope she's not pestering her brother now. She's really energetic. But I suppose all you fangirls in this midst are, aren't you? Well, keep it up. People like you make the world cheerful! Oh, and thanks so much for your support and comment. I'm sorry I can't do many XD's or na no das. Please give me some time to get well again?
Yoko-chan Yaaaaaay! Took you long enough to update! *smile smile* These two are so kawaii together, na? *giggles madly* Poor KenKen...pink hair...Ran is so sweet for not minding! *glomps* I luuuurve this, dude! I have writer's block, so Chapter 4 of my story is gonna take a while. *sobs* But that's not the point! Hurry up and write Chapter 4 of this one! Onegaiiiiii? *big chibi eyes* Strawberry pocky and huggles to you, na no da! *gives both* Jaaaa~a! *dances away*
Right, so here's chapter four. I'm sorry it wasn't a good one. But thanks, you've been really a great help, cheering me on like that. That goes for everybody! :D You make me feel better. Sorry I couldn't read or review in a while. I hope I shall be able to soon! Well, take your time to remove that block. Sometimes it just disappears on its own!
LittleIsa EEEE!! All the stuff with the date was so KAWAII!!!! I'm so happy right now I can't stand it!! *bounces around then glomps you* This is all SO very wonderful!! Keep at it!!! Oh, I think I really like nagi and your ma! *grins* Hope to talk to you soon!! BAI!!!!
*Is hughugged* Thanks, I needed that! Fun to come into the Net again and see reviews and comments and all. Simply uploading is boring. But mail was fine. I hope to hear from you soon as well. Thanks a lot for commenting!
Fuyukaze-Yuki Awww man this's just so sweet....^___________^ I think that Ran here is just so mature, may be looks so perfect...but who cares (Ran would be so perfect like that if he hadn't forced to become Aya) so I think yess Ran's a great man, KenKen really deserve that ne?! :)
Thanks for reviewing! Yeah, this Ran is very perfect. He's really, really nice. The Ran in the series is wonderful too. One day he'd wake up and smell the roses for a bit. Trust me, he will. Ken deserves good people, doesn't he? :D
CherubKatan ROFL i agree with that girl still purple is a pretty color. and hey I've seen blue with purple streaks before on a guy and he looked damn good... then again i was dating him at the time and got mad at him with dying his hair green afterwards.. and cut it *sniffle* but good chapter very good lol and no problem about the advice ^_^
Wow. Thanks for reviewing again. You must be tired of it, sorry... ^^; Yeah, purple's pretty, but not on me. Say, was the boy you were going out with named Ted? He's got orangey light brown hair and purple streaks in it, and bits of blue. Oversized T-shirt, large blue jeans? That's the last time I saw him anyway. But then, maybe not. His hair's considered short, you know, up to his cheeks. Very pretty. If it really is him, please tell him that Windy says 'hi'. And tell him that I can never imagine him with green hair. So, that all, ah. Thanks so much for everything!
Ayako That was my response to being called evil. ^_^ But pink hair IS a scary thought... I'd like to see a picture of Ken cosplaying as Shuichi.
Are you evil then? ^^; I'm sorry. Anyway, thanks a lot for reviewing. I'll never eat chocolate given by strange old ladies again. Well, as for the picture, why don't you draw us one? I'd like to see it, too!
Rika-chan Nooooo!!! Your endings aren't bad!! They're the best I've ever read! I don't know how you make them so good... ;_; It's like magic... *_* I shouldn't read too many NC-17's? It's bad for my health?? Hontou??? o_O Uso, darou! Evilness is good! ^.^rnAhh...hooray for meddling sisters and friends! ^_~ Hey, maybe Nagi and Aya-chan should be paired up? O_o *cries for Windy* People staring at you... ;_; *hugs* But I'm glad the day ended well for you. By the way, where's the kissu? Did you get one? Did you?? Did you??? Aa, I'm sure you did. ^__~ And one more thing: _ Hehehe...
Thank you for your compliment. Magical as things may seem, I think it was, well. Okay. ^^; NC-17 is pretty bad for health, I suppose. It's like too much candy. But it's okay. Thanks for feeling sorry for me. :D Helped much! And as for Aya-chan, well, let's just say that we won't be seeing each other anymore. I can't answer to Nagi's liking, now, can I? And no, no kiss. Just a normal good day. :D
From: Fuyukaze-Yuki awwwwwww this is great!! u really made me cuddled back to my Gravitation series again!! ^______________^ Ken with Shu's Hair?! how can't i resisttt!?! :P:P and Nagi as Yuki o_0; well he's much better as Tohma ne?! :P poor Nagi ^_^;rnit's really getting much more fun!! yes may be nagi & aya-chan could be together :)
Well, cuddle up more! It's a good series. We like it. Ken is scary with pink hair, remember that... and so is Nagi with blond hair. He's very good as Tohma because they're alike. Well. I don't know about Nagi and Aya. Ask them, instead.
Idimmu This is such a great story! *glomps much* Ken's ramblings are just too funny, exactly like what goes through my head. It would be interesting to see Ken with pink hair, I should go draw that now... And don't eat your head! Then your brain can't think up more wonderful chapters to this story!
Thank you for reading this fic and reviewing. And thanks for your kind comments as well. Well, please do draw it, and let us all see it! I've already eaten my head and I think it's saved me a lot of trouble! (^^;) But all in all thanks for your concern, it's heartwarming...
fei I am EVIL! I reviewed so late!! *cries and cries* gomen na! *huggles* This is not stupid writing and definitely not a stupid ending! I loved the ending esp. In my heart, it was summer. Lovely! Ran is so sweet in this. And Aya-chan was rather cute. hehehe. I'm glad Ken found his Prince Charming. It's so nice to be able to find someone who would make you feel safe *envious sigh* Anyways, me enjoyed the date. ^^ And there was consumption of ice cream in winter after all huh? Cool! ^__^ Snacking's good. Lunch is sooo over-rated at times. Man I wana donut too now. Dang! Sorry again for the late review. Been really buried in shit. Ewww! And I haven't even replied your mail! I'm so so evil I tell you! Stupid Fei. Go eat your stupid stupid head!! (I'm still loving this. hehehe) Erm...btw, what you wrote me in the review for Ink, is everything ok? Mou...I hope so. *huggles* We'll talk more in the mail ne? take care!!
Thank you for everything, and for taking time to review here. I'm sorry I got tied down so much lately, I'll try to catch up on your fics, and everyone here's, as well... I'm terribly sorry, rough times came, and I'm still trying as hard as I can to bounce back. But I'll be okay, just watch. :D Thanks so much for your concern. I sympathize with you as well. Your job must be very tedious, indeed. ;_; *Hughug* Well, don't eat your head up, we need you to write more fics. Which reminds me, when I saw that field, I kinda... remembered your story. It's beautiful, your Ken was very right. I wish I'd be as lucky as he'd be, somehow I know that he and Ran will come back together. So I wish you all luck! Thanks once again!