Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: Thanks for all my wonderful reviews! As always I answered them at the bottom. Okay, now I'd like to take a minute for a personal plea. Ignore it if you wish, and I'm sorry if it annoys or offends you. Please, register to vote and make sure you do in November. Only twenty percent of women between the ages of 18 and 40 vote and that's just sad. We're intelligent! We have opinions! Express them! If you aren't registered then just go to your Town or City Hall and go to the clerk's office, bring ID. It takes five minutes and is utterly needle free. NO pain! If you don't know where you're Town or City Hall is go to the white pages in your telephone book, look under the name of your City or Town, call the clerk and ask. Sorry for the interruption, but I feel this is important. Okay, now please enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter Three
Tea was a relatively modest affair despite the grandness of the house with only tea and small cakes. Lady Fujimiya served from an expensive looking but well used china tea service while chatting amiably about the changes wanted in the east wing and updates about the estate in general. Ken listened intently with great interest as he gazed around the drawing room.
The room itself was quite cheery. The walls were papered with an eastern motif of song birds perched on flowering branches. The paper added an airiness and lightness to the room. At one end there was a large fireplace where a cheery fire blazed behind a decorative screen.
As far as Ken could tell the inside of the great house was nothing like the outside. Though large in scale, like that of Prince Yohji's parents, the family had done their best to brighten and warm the interior spaces. It was unfortunate they couldn't similarly improve the exterior.
"Ken," Lady Fujimiya said setting down her tea cup and snapping him out of his thoughts, "how do you find our humble home?"
"Its big," he stated before he could stop himself, then blushed when Aya giggled and Yohji and Omi chuckled.
"That is most people's first impression," Elinor smiled at him kindly. "And I've heard it called austere and foreboding upon occasion."
The last she directed at Yohji who cleared his throat and took a healthy dose of tea. Aya smiled.
"How does it compare with your own home, Ken?" she asked.
"W-well, our house is much smaller, b-but not too small. Its stone too. And has a slate roof, but only two chimneys," he said and fumbled his tea cup before setting it down on the saucer with a loud clatter. "I'm glad I never had to clean eight."
He couldn't stop blushing and fidgeting. He was sure he sounded like a simpleton and he wasn't at all sure he liked how Aya was looking at him over the rim of her cup. He so wanted to impress Ran's family.
"It was originally a small cottage which was built up into the manor when Ken's grandfather was gifted it by the King," Ran commented easily. "Its quite cosy, although we've hardly been there."
"Oh, yes. Your tour," Lady Fujimiya said. "How was it?"
"It was fun," Ken said smiling slightly. "We visited every farm on the estate and met all the tenants."
"Delightful. And how many are there?" Elinor asked.
"One hundred and seven," Omi stated flatly taking a deep drink.
"Oh my," the lady said. "So many? It is quite a large estate then isn't it?"
"Indeed, Mother," Ran said.
"There are woods and lakes besides," the Prince added around a mouthful of cake.
"Well, I am no longer surprised at the tour taking several months," the Lady said smiling. "And then we called you away again. Can you forgive us, Ken?"
For the first time since their arrival he felt himself smile easily.
"Yes," he said. "I'm glad to be here so I can finally meet you."
Lady Fujimiya's smile widened and she beamed at him before turning to smile at her son.
Tea broke up sooner after. Lady Fujimiya insisted that Ran give Ken a tour of the house, at least, and she and Aya accompanied them. Omi excused himself to see to their unpacking and Yohji to write to his daughter and sisters.
The house was large and no amount of new plaster and wall paper could hide that fact. Some attempt had been made at straightening out the seemingly endless maze of rooms, but with only moderate success. The main body of the house was quite charming. Sporting several large rooms including a music room and library in addition to the drawing room, breakfast room, and formal dining room. The kitchen had been moved from the main body of the house to accommodate the library and placed in the west wing. The other downstairs rooms in that wing had been rearranged to accommodate the Butler's pantry and office, and other work rooms for the staff. The east wing was in want of a similar renovation, but there was some question as to what was needed.
"I thought another sitting room, perhaps facing the arbor, would be nice. Aya wants a ballroom along the back and a sitting room opening off of it would be advantageous," Lady Fujimiya said as they moved between rooms. "And a little office facing the front drive would be ideal. I've been using the one upstairs, but its most inconvenient when meeting with our tenants. I don't know how your father could stand it."
"The office and sitting room I can see, but a ballroom, Aya?" Ran asked glancing at his sister.
"You know I'm coming out this season, Niisan," she replied grasping his arm. "Once I'm out I'll finally be able to attend all the local dances and balls. And we'll finally be able to have some of our own. Right, mother?"
"Perhaps," her mother answered.
She cast a glance at her son as they moved on. Ran wondered about it, but didn't feel it was the time to ask.
"Do you like dancing, Ken?" Aya asked releasing her brother and dropping back to walk beside the Duke.
"Umm...well, I've only been to one, but...ah...we had to leave before the dancing started," he said blushing and glancing at Ran. "I don't know how to dance anyway, so it didn't really matter."
Aya stopped in her tracks and stared at him.
"You don't know how to dance?! You mean no one's ever taught you?!" she cried.
"Nope," Ken answered sheepishly.
"Well, we'll have to correct this lapse in your education, won't we, Mother?" Aya stated with determination.
"Oh, indeed," Lady Fujimiya agreed.
"Umm...," Ken started.
"Ran, how could you be so remiss?" Aya demanded.
"Who was he to practice with? Omi?" Ran asked, his voice clearly indicating his amusement.
"Eh...," Ken tried again.
"Don't worry, your Grace," Aya smiled and batted her eyes through her bangs. "I'll take good care of you."
Ken gulped as she latched onto his arm.
"Th-that's really not necessary, r-really," Ken stammered at last.
"Ken, I am not one to offer advice, but in this case I must warn you to just give in and accept it graciously. Once Aya gets an idea in her head she doesn't easily let it go," Lady Fujimiya said smiling over her shoulder as she took her son's arm to continue the tour.
The second floor of the main part of the house was where the family rooms were located, as well as the office Lady Fujimiya had been using. They were all located off a long gallery which stretched across the front of the main body of the house. It was a long hall with windows facing the front yard and family portraits between the doors. All the guest rooms were in the wings. The third floor over the family rooms was the attic, and over the wings were the servants' quarters.
By the time they'd seen the entire first floor and most of the second the sun was setting and it was almost time for supper. Ran's family, being country dwellers, kept country hours as they did on Ken's estate. So there were no odd meal times to adjust to.
As the tour came to an end Omi appeared and announced that he had laid out evening clothes for both Ran and Ken, and that Yohji was already dressing.
"Ah, Omi, on top of everything as usual," Lady Fujimiya smiled. "Ran, you'll show Ken to the Blue Room, won't you? We'll see you downstairs in a short while."
She and Aya curtsied and departed. Ran and Omi ushered Ken past the Earl's room and around the corner. They led him to the first door in the long hall down the west wing. It opened onto a lovely and extravagant bedroom.
The walls were covered in light blue silk with a diamond pattern sewn on in tiny stitches of silver thread. The bed was quite large and set against the left wall. It had a partial canopy which was fixed to the wall near the ceiling, and was draped with blue satin curtains with gold tassels that hung in folds to the floor. At the bed's foot was a settee done in the same fabric as the curtains. Across from that, forming a little sitting area, were two arm chairs and a fireplace. Two tall windows faced the back terrace and the east wing on the far wall. Between them was a dark wood desk and chair. The window drapes matched the curtains on the bed, and the room was topped off by a hand sewn carpet on the floor of blue flowers against a cream background.
Ken moved into the room in awe, stopping only to note the dresser and mirror next to the door. He noticed his evening clothes laid out on the bed, and his trunk set in the corner, but really couldn't believe this was his room. Even his room at Yohji's parents' home in Town hadn't been this grand. He turned to look at Omi and Ran, his eyes wide.
Ran chuckled.
"As you can see my mother has been excited about meeting you. This room is her latest creation and far surpasses the rest of the house," he said smiling.
Ken blinked and Ran stepped up and caught him in an embrace.
"She's given you the best room, Ken. More, she designed this room with the intention of putting you in it whenever you came here," he murmured running one finger across the Duke's cheek.
"S-she did? Do you think she likes me?" Ken asked softly.
"Yes. I know she does," Ran said and kissed him.
Omi cleared his throat loudly and the two drew apart.
"I hate to interrupt, but you're supposed to be changing for dinner," the small blond stated. "And I think you should both wash up first."
"You're right, Omi," Ran said releasing Ken and moving toward the door. "See you downstairs, Love."
Ken blew him a kiss as he left and looked for the wash basin. It was tucked into the other corner behind a screen covered with the same silk as the walls, so it wouldn't be obvious. As he moved toward it he pulled off his clothes and dropped them on the floor.
"Are you two going to be able to stand it?" Omi asked, shaking his head and collecting Ken's discarded travel clothes.
"I don't know," Ken answered pouring water from the pitcher and beginning to wash. "Its hard not being able to be open. I want the whole world to know I love him."
"Give it time, Ken," Omi said. "Lady Fujimiya loves you and Aya seems quite fond of you as well."
"Uh...yeah," Ken said.
"Ran'll come around to being open with them soon. I think you really surprised him when you were so up front with your family," Omi commented. "He and Richard were always...discreet. Even among those who knew they were together."
"Well, he's already told Elinor, but not Aya. He said he's afraid to."
Omi handed Ken a towel once he rinsed off.
"He dotes on her. After their father died she was very ill. Ever since then he acts like she's made of glass, but don't worry. Once he realizes she'll be alright with it he'll tell her," Omi said confidently.
"You think she will be alright with it?" Ken asked, handing back the towel.
"Of course. She loves him."
Ken only nodded and began getting dressed. Once he was ready Omi led him down to the small family dining room. The others were already there and seated. Lady Fujimiya, against custom, sat at the head of the table with Ran and Yohji on her right, and Aya on her left. Omi took the seat next to Yohji. So Ken reluctantly took a seat next to Aya trying not to show his trepidation as she smiled at him. The ladies had changed to brocade gowns. Elinor's in gold, Aya's in yellow.
The dining room was paneled in darkly stained wood. The long table and ornate chairs were in a matching dark wood, as were the side board and hutches. Under their feet was a long well worn carpet in warm golds and greens. Two butlers moved from the side board to the table, placing serving dishes containing roast beef, roast duck, lamb chops in wine sauce, asparagus, peas, candied carrots, bread, and cheese.
"How do you like your room, Ken?" Lady Fujimiya asked as she began carving the beef.
"Its beautiful," he said unable to hide his awe.
"Thank you. I'm glad you like it. It's a copy from a sketch I saw in a book on famous palaces," she said smiling. "I thought perhaps it should be yellow, the original was gold, but Aya thought not."
"Can you imagine yellow silk at sunset?" the younger woman asked. "Too bright."
"So, Ran was saying you want to add a ballroom to the east wing?" Yohji asked.
"Not add," Aya clarified. "We want to open up the old music room and great hall into one long room along the back and side with access to the terrace and lawns."
"Cummings thinks its possible, but I wanted Ran's opinion," Lady Fujimiya said as the beef was served and she began carving the duck.
"Cummings did the work on the rest of the house?" Yohji asked.
"Yes," Ran stated.
"Are you planning on having many dances then?" the Prince inquired as he was served the duck and a lamb chop.
Ran gave him a warning glance, but Aya smiled brightly.
"Yes," she answered.
"You do realize that when you come out you're essentially announcing your availability for the marriage market? What if some young man falls desperately in love with you this season? Its bound to happen, you know," Yohji said, winking. "After all, you are quite an attractive young woman with perfect manners, and a good dowery."
"That is not going to happen," she stated plainly. "Once I'm out I intend to enjoy it as much as possible, for as long as possible."
Eyes widened around the table and Ran halted in his sampling of the candied carrots to look up at his sister.
"A woman after my own heart," Yohji laughed raising his glass to her and taking a long drink.
Ran stared at her, but she ignored him and delicately tasted her peas. Lady Fujimiya cleared her throat and began to eat her beef.
"Um...so, you've never been to Town before?" Ken asked hesitantly. He wanted to break the tension he was sensing from Ran.
"Of course I have," Aya answered. "But I've never been allowed out to social functions. No parties or balls. No nights at the theatre or at cards, unless it was at home. I should've been introduced last season but...well, events conspired against me," she said casting a quick look to her brother then back down to her plate.
"You're not missing much," Ken muttered with disdain taking a healthy bite of lamb.
"You didn't enjoy your stay in Town, Ken?" Elinor asked with interest.
"Well, I liked Yohji's family, and football, and the horse race. Shopping for presents was fun, and watching Ran practice his sword," he said with a slight blush and a glance in the Earl's direction. "I tried to enjoy the concerts and opera because Ran liked them...but...," he said sheepishly.
Several smiles were exchanged around the table while Aya studied Ken like he'd grown a second head. He studied his plate and rolled a few peas around with his three pronged fork.
"You were in Town off season," the young woman said assuredly after a few minutes. "I can't wait. I know I'll enjoy all those things. I intend to enjoy everything society has to offer."
"I couldn't wait to leave," Ken commented dryly, eating some of his peas.
Aya pouted at him for a moment as though he had disappointed her in some way then sampled her duck.
"Don't listen to him, Aya," Yohji said with a smile. "Ken's been domesticated."
Ken scowled while Omi and Aya giggled. He glanced at Ran. The red-head had grown very quiet since Aya had made her declarations. He wondered whether his stoic lover was prepared to face the possibility that his sweet, delicate sister was ready to grow up and face the world. Judging by the look on his face probably not.
Dinner moved onto other subjects somewhat safer than Aya's debut in society, and soon after the second course they were all adjourning to the music room which was done in soft peach with two settees facing each other taking up the center of the decorative flowered carpet. Several arm chairs completed the conversation area and a pianoforte took up one whole corner. There was a harpsichord in another corner and a fiddle on a stand.
Aya sat at the pianoforte fully prepared to entertain. Her hand was light and she played with feeling. Ken was lulled into a warm comfort and began to relax in his spot on one of the settees. Omi sat next to him and Yohji sprawled out on the other across from them. Even Ran was diverted from his temperamental humor and moved to join his mother by the large window at her signal.
"Aya has...changed," he stated quietly as he continued to study his sister. "Is this why you asked us here?"
"Partially," Lady Fujimiya admitted also watching her daughter. "Aya is a bit more forward than a girl of good common sense should be, but really she is no different than any other girl her age. She has been eager to try her feminine wiles and now I see she has found an ideal object on which to test herself, and my worries are more than satisfied on that score."
Ran frowned and looked rather hard at his cousin, the Prince, who was adamantly listening to his young cousin's playing. Lady Fujimiya, marking her son's glare, smiled against her folded fan. Gently taking his chin with one hand she turned his head to redirect his gaze to his lover. Ken was stretched out on the settee. He appeared to be about to fall asleep. Ran blinked in astonishment then turned to meet his mother's amused expression. She nodded silently.
"I'm not sure a safer target could be found," she smirked.
Ran smiled slightly and looked back to Ken who's head jerked suddenly as he attempted to remain awake.
"Too true," he said fondly. "Although, if I wasn't certain that his tastes run in a different direction I might be concerned. Ken can be bold."
Suddenly remembering that he was speaking to his mother he glanced at her wide eyed and felt a blush creep across his cheeks. Delighted, she giggled into her fan, her eyes twinkling. Ran cleared his throat and studied his shoes, noting absently that one needed a new buckle.
"Oh, my dear, dear son," his mother beamed at him. "I am so pleased. So very happy for you. And dare I say...relieved."
Ran returned her smile softly. At the pianoforte Aya switched pieces and began to sing. Her voice blending with the chords she played, creating a musical picture of rain and mist and love. On the settee Ken's head fell sideways and stayed there. Yohji turned his eyes toward the wall and seemed to look through it, lost in his own thoughts. Omi sighed then noticing Ken, frowned at him.
"So, why are we here?" Ran asked, turning serious and meeting his mother's eyes once again. "What was it that couldn't wait until we met you in Town in January?"
Elinor sighed and reached into her pocket. She withdrew an envelope and held it out to him.
"A letter," she said. "For you from Countess Misekake."
Ran stiffened. He looked between his mother and the envelope which he'd been about to take. He hesitated and looked as if he feared it would bite him. Lady Fujimiya gently took his hand and placed the envelope within it.
"What does it contain?" he asked.
"Nothing more than an invitation, I'm quite certain," his mother said turning her eyes back to her daughter. "Don't read it now. Wait until you're alone."
"She tried to convince me to marry Kate," Ran spoke softly, studying the envelope in his hand. The creamy paper barely contrasted with the color of his skin. "I almost did."
"She was a desperate and grieving woman acting out of her desperation. Things are different now, Ran. That was well over a year ago and things have changed for everyone," Elinor said meeting his eyes once more. "I am worried about her. I would like you to go and see her if you can. Perhaps you could take Ken with you."
His mother squeezed his arm and then moved away, retreating from the draft by the window. Ran shivered. He felt cold. Glancing at the letter he could feel the return of his frown. How could he see her? What did she want with him? Shivering again he looked up and turned troubled eyes on Ken, still sleeping peacefully on the settee.
Author's Note After: Ken's room is modeled after Darcy's room at Rosings Park in A&E's "Pride and Prejudice", except larger. Umm, let's see, they only had three pronged forks. The loads of silverwear didn't happen until the Victorian Era. And women did do the carving. There were books to teach them how.
Mondtanz: Oh! Fall semester! Well, I had meant to have it ready for that because most of you guys are still in school. Even so, when you said that it reminded me that the tree in my backyard is turning red! Ran's time in Town? Hmmm. I'm glad you like Ran's Mom so far. I wanted to like his family, so I tried to write them as pretty neat people. We'll see how I did. And I guess now you know where I'm headed with Aya, but she may yet surprise you! Thanks for reading!
Celeste1: Hee-hee-hee! We'll see! Ken is a cutie though. I hope you liked this chapter as well as the last one! Thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: Magic Users Club? I think I have heard of that. I'll look for it. Thanks. Umm...I tried to develop his mother and Aya into interesting people. I wanted to have fun with Aya especially. I hope you'll enjoy it. We'll see I guess. Thanks for reading!
Tearlesereph: Hey! Give her a chance! Actually, she will have an influence on them, but it doesn't have to be a bad one. I tried to make her amusing. We'll see if it worked. And I know my big failing is Omi and Yohji. I just can't seem to write them well or often. They always end up just being there for the other two. But I'm working on it! I swear! Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Yes, Lady Fujimiya loves Ken! I couldn't help it. He seems like the type of person everyone would like. Well, almost (Kase) hhiiiisss Oooo-hoo-hoo! You'll see! You'll see! But, let's see, I'm not sure what chapter he tells her in. But I LOVE that part! Thanks for reading!
Allis: snicker Yes, Ken's cute ass was sore. shakes head I can't believe you said that! And Aya...well, you'll see. Thanks for reading!
Fiery-icicles: Man! Everyone has such cool names! Anyway, I'm glad you think they're cute! I tried to write lots of fan service into this one since I made everyone wait for it in the last. We'll have to wait and see what's up with Aya! I'm hoping its fun and everyone enjoys it. Thnaks for reading!
Author's Note: Thanks for all my wonderful reviews! As always I answered them at the bottom. Okay, now I'd like to take a minute for a personal plea. Ignore it if you wish, and I'm sorry if it annoys or offends you. Please, register to vote and make sure you do in November. Only twenty percent of women between the ages of 18 and 40 vote and that's just sad. We're intelligent! We have opinions! Express them! If you aren't registered then just go to your Town or City Hall and go to the clerk's office, bring ID. It takes five minutes and is utterly needle free. NO pain! If you don't know where you're Town or City Hall is go to the white pages in your telephone book, look under the name of your City or Town, call the clerk and ask. Sorry for the interruption, but I feel this is important. Okay, now please enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter Three
Tea was a relatively modest affair despite the grandness of the house with only tea and small cakes. Lady Fujimiya served from an expensive looking but well used china tea service while chatting amiably about the changes wanted in the east wing and updates about the estate in general. Ken listened intently with great interest as he gazed around the drawing room.
The room itself was quite cheery. The walls were papered with an eastern motif of song birds perched on flowering branches. The paper added an airiness and lightness to the room. At one end there was a large fireplace where a cheery fire blazed behind a decorative screen.
As far as Ken could tell the inside of the great house was nothing like the outside. Though large in scale, like that of Prince Yohji's parents, the family had done their best to brighten and warm the interior spaces. It was unfortunate they couldn't similarly improve the exterior.
"Ken," Lady Fujimiya said setting down her tea cup and snapping him out of his thoughts, "how do you find our humble home?"
"Its big," he stated before he could stop himself, then blushed when Aya giggled and Yohji and Omi chuckled.
"That is most people's first impression," Elinor smiled at him kindly. "And I've heard it called austere and foreboding upon occasion."
The last she directed at Yohji who cleared his throat and took a healthy dose of tea. Aya smiled.
"How does it compare with your own home, Ken?" she asked.
"W-well, our house is much smaller, b-but not too small. Its stone too. And has a slate roof, but only two chimneys," he said and fumbled his tea cup before setting it down on the saucer with a loud clatter. "I'm glad I never had to clean eight."
He couldn't stop blushing and fidgeting. He was sure he sounded like a simpleton and he wasn't at all sure he liked how Aya was looking at him over the rim of her cup. He so wanted to impress Ran's family.
"It was originally a small cottage which was built up into the manor when Ken's grandfather was gifted it by the King," Ran commented easily. "Its quite cosy, although we've hardly been there."
"Oh, yes. Your tour," Lady Fujimiya said. "How was it?"
"It was fun," Ken said smiling slightly. "We visited every farm on the estate and met all the tenants."
"Delightful. And how many are there?" Elinor asked.
"One hundred and seven," Omi stated flatly taking a deep drink.
"Oh my," the lady said. "So many? It is quite a large estate then isn't it?"
"Indeed, Mother," Ran said.
"There are woods and lakes besides," the Prince added around a mouthful of cake.
"Well, I am no longer surprised at the tour taking several months," the Lady said smiling. "And then we called you away again. Can you forgive us, Ken?"
For the first time since their arrival he felt himself smile easily.
"Yes," he said. "I'm glad to be here so I can finally meet you."
Lady Fujimiya's smile widened and she beamed at him before turning to smile at her son.
Tea broke up sooner after. Lady Fujimiya insisted that Ran give Ken a tour of the house, at least, and she and Aya accompanied them. Omi excused himself to see to their unpacking and Yohji to write to his daughter and sisters.
The house was large and no amount of new plaster and wall paper could hide that fact. Some attempt had been made at straightening out the seemingly endless maze of rooms, but with only moderate success. The main body of the house was quite charming. Sporting several large rooms including a music room and library in addition to the drawing room, breakfast room, and formal dining room. The kitchen had been moved from the main body of the house to accommodate the library and placed in the west wing. The other downstairs rooms in that wing had been rearranged to accommodate the Butler's pantry and office, and other work rooms for the staff. The east wing was in want of a similar renovation, but there was some question as to what was needed.
"I thought another sitting room, perhaps facing the arbor, would be nice. Aya wants a ballroom along the back and a sitting room opening off of it would be advantageous," Lady Fujimiya said as they moved between rooms. "And a little office facing the front drive would be ideal. I've been using the one upstairs, but its most inconvenient when meeting with our tenants. I don't know how your father could stand it."
"The office and sitting room I can see, but a ballroom, Aya?" Ran asked glancing at his sister.
"You know I'm coming out this season, Niisan," she replied grasping his arm. "Once I'm out I'll finally be able to attend all the local dances and balls. And we'll finally be able to have some of our own. Right, mother?"
"Perhaps," her mother answered.
She cast a glance at her son as they moved on. Ran wondered about it, but didn't feel it was the time to ask.
"Do you like dancing, Ken?" Aya asked releasing her brother and dropping back to walk beside the Duke.
"Umm...well, I've only been to one, but...ah...we had to leave before the dancing started," he said blushing and glancing at Ran. "I don't know how to dance anyway, so it didn't really matter."
Aya stopped in her tracks and stared at him.
"You don't know how to dance?! You mean no one's ever taught you?!" she cried.
"Nope," Ken answered sheepishly.
"Well, we'll have to correct this lapse in your education, won't we, Mother?" Aya stated with determination.
"Oh, indeed," Lady Fujimiya agreed.
"Umm...," Ken started.
"Ran, how could you be so remiss?" Aya demanded.
"Who was he to practice with? Omi?" Ran asked, his voice clearly indicating his amusement.
"Eh...," Ken tried again.
"Don't worry, your Grace," Aya smiled and batted her eyes through her bangs. "I'll take good care of you."
Ken gulped as she latched onto his arm.
"Th-that's really not necessary, r-really," Ken stammered at last.
"Ken, I am not one to offer advice, but in this case I must warn you to just give in and accept it graciously. Once Aya gets an idea in her head she doesn't easily let it go," Lady Fujimiya said smiling over her shoulder as she took her son's arm to continue the tour.
The second floor of the main part of the house was where the family rooms were located, as well as the office Lady Fujimiya had been using. They were all located off a long gallery which stretched across the front of the main body of the house. It was a long hall with windows facing the front yard and family portraits between the doors. All the guest rooms were in the wings. The third floor over the family rooms was the attic, and over the wings were the servants' quarters.
By the time they'd seen the entire first floor and most of the second the sun was setting and it was almost time for supper. Ran's family, being country dwellers, kept country hours as they did on Ken's estate. So there were no odd meal times to adjust to.
As the tour came to an end Omi appeared and announced that he had laid out evening clothes for both Ran and Ken, and that Yohji was already dressing.
"Ah, Omi, on top of everything as usual," Lady Fujimiya smiled. "Ran, you'll show Ken to the Blue Room, won't you? We'll see you downstairs in a short while."
She and Aya curtsied and departed. Ran and Omi ushered Ken past the Earl's room and around the corner. They led him to the first door in the long hall down the west wing. It opened onto a lovely and extravagant bedroom.
The walls were covered in light blue silk with a diamond pattern sewn on in tiny stitches of silver thread. The bed was quite large and set against the left wall. It had a partial canopy which was fixed to the wall near the ceiling, and was draped with blue satin curtains with gold tassels that hung in folds to the floor. At the bed's foot was a settee done in the same fabric as the curtains. Across from that, forming a little sitting area, were two arm chairs and a fireplace. Two tall windows faced the back terrace and the east wing on the far wall. Between them was a dark wood desk and chair. The window drapes matched the curtains on the bed, and the room was topped off by a hand sewn carpet on the floor of blue flowers against a cream background.
Ken moved into the room in awe, stopping only to note the dresser and mirror next to the door. He noticed his evening clothes laid out on the bed, and his trunk set in the corner, but really couldn't believe this was his room. Even his room at Yohji's parents' home in Town hadn't been this grand. He turned to look at Omi and Ran, his eyes wide.
Ran chuckled.
"As you can see my mother has been excited about meeting you. This room is her latest creation and far surpasses the rest of the house," he said smiling.
Ken blinked and Ran stepped up and caught him in an embrace.
"She's given you the best room, Ken. More, she designed this room with the intention of putting you in it whenever you came here," he murmured running one finger across the Duke's cheek.
"S-she did? Do you think she likes me?" Ken asked softly.
"Yes. I know she does," Ran said and kissed him.
Omi cleared his throat loudly and the two drew apart.
"I hate to interrupt, but you're supposed to be changing for dinner," the small blond stated. "And I think you should both wash up first."
"You're right, Omi," Ran said releasing Ken and moving toward the door. "See you downstairs, Love."
Ken blew him a kiss as he left and looked for the wash basin. It was tucked into the other corner behind a screen covered with the same silk as the walls, so it wouldn't be obvious. As he moved toward it he pulled off his clothes and dropped them on the floor.
"Are you two going to be able to stand it?" Omi asked, shaking his head and collecting Ken's discarded travel clothes.
"I don't know," Ken answered pouring water from the pitcher and beginning to wash. "Its hard not being able to be open. I want the whole world to know I love him."
"Give it time, Ken," Omi said. "Lady Fujimiya loves you and Aya seems quite fond of you as well."
"Uh...yeah," Ken said.
"Ran'll come around to being open with them soon. I think you really surprised him when you were so up front with your family," Omi commented. "He and Richard were always...discreet. Even among those who knew they were together."
"Well, he's already told Elinor, but not Aya. He said he's afraid to."
Omi handed Ken a towel once he rinsed off.
"He dotes on her. After their father died she was very ill. Ever since then he acts like she's made of glass, but don't worry. Once he realizes she'll be alright with it he'll tell her," Omi said confidently.
"You think she will be alright with it?" Ken asked, handing back the towel.
"Of course. She loves him."
Ken only nodded and began getting dressed. Once he was ready Omi led him down to the small family dining room. The others were already there and seated. Lady Fujimiya, against custom, sat at the head of the table with Ran and Yohji on her right, and Aya on her left. Omi took the seat next to Yohji. So Ken reluctantly took a seat next to Aya trying not to show his trepidation as she smiled at him. The ladies had changed to brocade gowns. Elinor's in gold, Aya's in yellow.
The dining room was paneled in darkly stained wood. The long table and ornate chairs were in a matching dark wood, as were the side board and hutches. Under their feet was a long well worn carpet in warm golds and greens. Two butlers moved from the side board to the table, placing serving dishes containing roast beef, roast duck, lamb chops in wine sauce, asparagus, peas, candied carrots, bread, and cheese.
"How do you like your room, Ken?" Lady Fujimiya asked as she began carving the beef.
"Its beautiful," he said unable to hide his awe.
"Thank you. I'm glad you like it. It's a copy from a sketch I saw in a book on famous palaces," she said smiling. "I thought perhaps it should be yellow, the original was gold, but Aya thought not."
"Can you imagine yellow silk at sunset?" the younger woman asked. "Too bright."
"So, Ran was saying you want to add a ballroom to the east wing?" Yohji asked.
"Not add," Aya clarified. "We want to open up the old music room and great hall into one long room along the back and side with access to the terrace and lawns."
"Cummings thinks its possible, but I wanted Ran's opinion," Lady Fujimiya said as the beef was served and she began carving the duck.
"Cummings did the work on the rest of the house?" Yohji asked.
"Yes," Ran stated.
"Are you planning on having many dances then?" the Prince inquired as he was served the duck and a lamb chop.
Ran gave him a warning glance, but Aya smiled brightly.
"Yes," she answered.
"You do realize that when you come out you're essentially announcing your availability for the marriage market? What if some young man falls desperately in love with you this season? Its bound to happen, you know," Yohji said, winking. "After all, you are quite an attractive young woman with perfect manners, and a good dowery."
"That is not going to happen," she stated plainly. "Once I'm out I intend to enjoy it as much as possible, for as long as possible."
Eyes widened around the table and Ran halted in his sampling of the candied carrots to look up at his sister.
"A woman after my own heart," Yohji laughed raising his glass to her and taking a long drink.
Ran stared at her, but she ignored him and delicately tasted her peas. Lady Fujimiya cleared her throat and began to eat her beef.
"Um...so, you've never been to Town before?" Ken asked hesitantly. He wanted to break the tension he was sensing from Ran.
"Of course I have," Aya answered. "But I've never been allowed out to social functions. No parties or balls. No nights at the theatre or at cards, unless it was at home. I should've been introduced last season but...well, events conspired against me," she said casting a quick look to her brother then back down to her plate.
"You're not missing much," Ken muttered with disdain taking a healthy bite of lamb.
"You didn't enjoy your stay in Town, Ken?" Elinor asked with interest.
"Well, I liked Yohji's family, and football, and the horse race. Shopping for presents was fun, and watching Ran practice his sword," he said with a slight blush and a glance in the Earl's direction. "I tried to enjoy the concerts and opera because Ran liked them...but...," he said sheepishly.
Several smiles were exchanged around the table while Aya studied Ken like he'd grown a second head. He studied his plate and rolled a few peas around with his three pronged fork.
"You were in Town off season," the young woman said assuredly after a few minutes. "I can't wait. I know I'll enjoy all those things. I intend to enjoy everything society has to offer."
"I couldn't wait to leave," Ken commented dryly, eating some of his peas.
Aya pouted at him for a moment as though he had disappointed her in some way then sampled her duck.
"Don't listen to him, Aya," Yohji said with a smile. "Ken's been domesticated."
Ken scowled while Omi and Aya giggled. He glanced at Ran. The red-head had grown very quiet since Aya had made her declarations. He wondered whether his stoic lover was prepared to face the possibility that his sweet, delicate sister was ready to grow up and face the world. Judging by the look on his face probably not.
Dinner moved onto other subjects somewhat safer than Aya's debut in society, and soon after the second course they were all adjourning to the music room which was done in soft peach with two settees facing each other taking up the center of the decorative flowered carpet. Several arm chairs completed the conversation area and a pianoforte took up one whole corner. There was a harpsichord in another corner and a fiddle on a stand.
Aya sat at the pianoforte fully prepared to entertain. Her hand was light and she played with feeling. Ken was lulled into a warm comfort and began to relax in his spot on one of the settees. Omi sat next to him and Yohji sprawled out on the other across from them. Even Ran was diverted from his temperamental humor and moved to join his mother by the large window at her signal.
"Aya has...changed," he stated quietly as he continued to study his sister. "Is this why you asked us here?"
"Partially," Lady Fujimiya admitted also watching her daughter. "Aya is a bit more forward than a girl of good common sense should be, but really she is no different than any other girl her age. She has been eager to try her feminine wiles and now I see she has found an ideal object on which to test herself, and my worries are more than satisfied on that score."
Ran frowned and looked rather hard at his cousin, the Prince, who was adamantly listening to his young cousin's playing. Lady Fujimiya, marking her son's glare, smiled against her folded fan. Gently taking his chin with one hand she turned his head to redirect his gaze to his lover. Ken was stretched out on the settee. He appeared to be about to fall asleep. Ran blinked in astonishment then turned to meet his mother's amused expression. She nodded silently.
"I'm not sure a safer target could be found," she smirked.
Ran smiled slightly and looked back to Ken who's head jerked suddenly as he attempted to remain awake.
"Too true," he said fondly. "Although, if I wasn't certain that his tastes run in a different direction I might be concerned. Ken can be bold."
Suddenly remembering that he was speaking to his mother he glanced at her wide eyed and felt a blush creep across his cheeks. Delighted, she giggled into her fan, her eyes twinkling. Ran cleared his throat and studied his shoes, noting absently that one needed a new buckle.
"Oh, my dear, dear son," his mother beamed at him. "I am so pleased. So very happy for you. And dare I say...relieved."
Ran returned her smile softly. At the pianoforte Aya switched pieces and began to sing. Her voice blending with the chords she played, creating a musical picture of rain and mist and love. On the settee Ken's head fell sideways and stayed there. Yohji turned his eyes toward the wall and seemed to look through it, lost in his own thoughts. Omi sighed then noticing Ken, frowned at him.
"So, why are we here?" Ran asked, turning serious and meeting his mother's eyes once again. "What was it that couldn't wait until we met you in Town in January?"
Elinor sighed and reached into her pocket. She withdrew an envelope and held it out to him.
"A letter," she said. "For you from Countess Misekake."
Ran stiffened. He looked between his mother and the envelope which he'd been about to take. He hesitated and looked as if he feared it would bite him. Lady Fujimiya gently took his hand and placed the envelope within it.
"What does it contain?" he asked.
"Nothing more than an invitation, I'm quite certain," his mother said turning her eyes back to her daughter. "Don't read it now. Wait until you're alone."
"She tried to convince me to marry Kate," Ran spoke softly, studying the envelope in his hand. The creamy paper barely contrasted with the color of his skin. "I almost did."
"She was a desperate and grieving woman acting out of her desperation. Things are different now, Ran. That was well over a year ago and things have changed for everyone," Elinor said meeting his eyes once more. "I am worried about her. I would like you to go and see her if you can. Perhaps you could take Ken with you."
His mother squeezed his arm and then moved away, retreating from the draft by the window. Ran shivered. He felt cold. Glancing at the letter he could feel the return of his frown. How could he see her? What did she want with him? Shivering again he looked up and turned troubled eyes on Ken, still sleeping peacefully on the settee.
Author's Note After: Ken's room is modeled after Darcy's room at Rosings Park in A&E's "Pride and Prejudice", except larger. Umm, let's see, they only had three pronged forks. The loads of silverwear didn't happen until the Victorian Era. And women did do the carving. There were books to teach them how.
Mondtanz: Oh! Fall semester! Well, I had meant to have it ready for that because most of you guys are still in school. Even so, when you said that it reminded me that the tree in my backyard is turning red! Ran's time in Town? Hmmm. I'm glad you like Ran's Mom so far. I wanted to like his family, so I tried to write them as pretty neat people. We'll see how I did. And I guess now you know where I'm headed with Aya, but she may yet surprise you! Thanks for reading!
Celeste1: Hee-hee-hee! We'll see! Ken is a cutie though. I hope you liked this chapter as well as the last one! Thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: Magic Users Club? I think I have heard of that. I'll look for it. Thanks. Umm...I tried to develop his mother and Aya into interesting people. I wanted to have fun with Aya especially. I hope you'll enjoy it. We'll see I guess. Thanks for reading!
Tearlesereph: Hey! Give her a chance! Actually, she will have an influence on them, but it doesn't have to be a bad one. I tried to make her amusing. We'll see if it worked. And I know my big failing is Omi and Yohji. I just can't seem to write them well or often. They always end up just being there for the other two. But I'm working on it! I swear! Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Yes, Lady Fujimiya loves Ken! I couldn't help it. He seems like the type of person everyone would like. Well, almost (Kase) hhiiiisss Oooo-hoo-hoo! You'll see! You'll see! But, let's see, I'm not sure what chapter he tells her in. But I LOVE that part! Thanks for reading!
Allis: snicker Yes, Ken's cute ass was sore. shakes head I can't believe you said that! And Aya...well, you'll see. Thanks for reading!
Fiery-icicles: Man! Everyone has such cool names! Anyway, I'm glad you think they're cute! I tried to write lots of fan service into this one since I made everyone wait for it in the last. We'll have to wait and see what's up with Aya! I'm hoping its fun and everyone enjoys it. Thnaks for reading!