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

Author's Note: A-hem...well, there is a dancing lesson in this chapter, buuut...please don't kill me!!!

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

Once I Was Loved

Chapter 6

Ran returned home just before lunch still deep in thought, and more than a little distracted. Although he knew that the misfortune that had befallen the Countess wasn't really his fault he still felt guilty, and at least partially responsible. He was determined to set things right somehow. Perhaps he could speak to Reginald on the Countess's behalf. Although, the mere thought filled him with disgust. Added to that was another layer of guilt for keeping it from Ken. He couldn't bear the thought of exposing Ken to the harsh disapproval he himself had known. The young Duke, although aware of the attitudes some of the world held, was still unscathed by them, and Ran meant to keep it that way.

He returned to his home and attempted to put his thoughts behind him as they all gathered for lunch. His mother, he found, was watching him closely. Not surprising when one considered where he'd been and who he'd been to see. He also wasn't surprised to catch disapproving glances from both Omi and Yohji. His little lie to Ken had obviously not gone over well.

What was surprising, and a bit shocking, was finding Ken and Aya not just chatting amiably, but seemingly getting on quite well. Ran wasn't sure how to take the abrupt change in Ken's demeanor toward his sister. He was pleased and...jealous. The later alarming enough to distract him from his thoughts of the Countess and Reginald.

In an attempt to assuage his jealousy and forestall lectures from the others, Ran snagged Ken for a private tour of the grounds. As private a tour as they could have with the gardeners and laborers all around preparing for winter.

"How was your errand?" Ken asked as they strolled along the edge of the orchard.

"Fine. Sorry it took so long," he answered, smiling softly in apology.

"That's alright. I wrote Caroline and I looked at the rose garden," Ken said, returning Ran's smile. "Its beautiful. I'm glad we came when I could see it in bloom. Makes me wish we had more roses at home."

"I like our garden," Ran said a bit defensively. He always felt at peace on Ken's estate. "I would've brought you next summer anyway," he added, looking at his feet.

"I'm glad you think of it as 'our garden'," Ken said, blushing in pleasure and leaning into Ran's side.

"So, what happened between you and Aya? She doesn't frighten you anymore?" Ran asked, trying to sound casual and unable to hide his curiosity.

"She didn't frighten me!" Ken cried defensively.

"Ken, you were practically shaking last evening at supper. And this morning at breakfast you almost choked on your toast when she touched your arm accidentally," Ran smirked.

Ken turned red with indignation and embarrassment.

"It wasn't by accident!" he cried loudly. "She reached over and..."

The Duke stopped when he saw his lover's amusement darken toward anger. Sighing, he shook his head to clear it. Ran obviously wasn't ready to believe that his sweet sister was an outrageous flirt. Better not to get into an argument. Especially now that things had been somewhat settled between Aya and himself. He still didn't entirely trust her, but her arguments were persuasive and her reasoning sound. They had to get along. For Ran's sake.

"We had a discussion," Ken told the Earl. "She said she wanted to be friends and I agreed. So, we're startin' out formal. I think she thinks I need etiquette lessons."

Ran smirked again and nodded.

"I told her I already had 'em," Ken added.

"The exercise will be beneficial to you both," Ran said.

Ken snorted.

"What about the dancing lessons?" the Earl asked in amusement.

"We're working up to it," Ken admitted glumly and with distaste.

Ran couldn't contain a laugh. The deep rumbling sound soothed the Duke's ruffled feathers and he leaned into his lover once more.

"I'd rather dance with you," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Ran smirked down at him.

"What good would it do for you to learn the lady's steps?" the Earl asked with a twinkle of his own.

Ken swelled up again.

"Why couldn't I learn the man's steps?!" he demanded hotly.

"You know why," Ran said huskily, brushing a finger along the edge of the Duke's ear.

Ken's face went scarlet and he glanced hastily around them. Finding no one within eye sight he shoved Ran up against the nearest tree and covered his mouth with a devouring kiss. After several breathless moments he pulled back and glared up at his lover. Ran chuckled and squeezed him close, but the crunch of footsteps through fallen leaves forced them apart.

It was a servant from the house coming to call the Earl in to his mother. Lady Fujimiya had some concerns to discuss with her son, and wouldn't be put off any longer. Sighing, Ran nodded and he and Ken returned to the house.

The next several hours were spent by one getting lectured from various family members, and the other avoiding a dancing lesson.

Over the course of the next few days Ran sent out several letters. He wrote Richard's attorneys and the late Count's attorneys concerning the Countess's finances, and Reginald seeking a meeting. The responses came immediately from the members of the law. Nothing could be done, they said, to aide the Countess. Her late husband's property was entailed to his male descendants, including his fortune and all assets. Since Richard had died without a male heir the property and all holdings passed to his younger brother, Reginald. It had been assumed, by the late Count, that his sons would see to the care of his wife, their mother. His only daughter, Katherine, was gifted the money he'd received from his wife upon their marriage. In effect, Kate's livelihood came from her mother's dowry, and so that too was beyond the reach of the Countess.

Reginald failed to respond.

Ran sighed in frustration. There had to be something he could do for her. Perhaps he could convince her to come to his mother. Forgiveness wasn't possible yet on his part, but he couldn't have her living the way she had been. Despite what she said, Richard would be as appalled as he was.

Another source of frustration for the Earl was his lack of time with Ken. They'd had a few stolen moments like the one in the orchard, but no more than that. He had been too distracted by his need to find some assistance for the Countess, and Ken had been spending more and more time with Aya. Ran couldn't stand it that he was jealous of his own sister, and expended even more energy trying to deny it. But it was there.

Growling, he sat at his desk and pulled out a fresh sheet of paper. He would write to Reginald again. He would resolve this so he could return his attention to where it should be, and put his past at last behind him.

Meanwhile, the Prince, Miss Fujimiya, and Omi had embarked on a mission to teach Ken to play Whist. An essential game at any card party and one he had yet to learn. The Duke wasn't too excited, but game to try. Aya had been a helpful distraction the last few days from his concern for the Earl, who had become distant once again. Although not as severe as it had been in the past, Ran's change in behavior worried Ken, and he wasn't sure what he could do about it. Omi had insisted that Ran would come to him when he was ready, and all Ken could do was be patient and supportive. And so he was, but it wasn't easy. Patience was a virtue he found he lacked.

"Hearts, your Grace."

"Hunh?" Ken asked, snapping out of his thoughts and blinking at Aya across the card table.

"We're playing the hearts," she repeated and nodded toward the card he'd laid down.

A ten of clubs stared up at him.

"Oh, sorry," he said, retrieving his card and studying those in his hand. He laid down a Jack of hearts, smiling sheepishly.

They all stared at it.

"Say 'trick', your Grace," Aya commanded.

"Hunh?"

"That's the trump card," Omi reminded him.

"Oh. Trick," Ken said listlessly.

His three companions exchanged looks and folded up their hands, sighing.

"Perhaps we should do this later," Omi suggested.

"I'm sorry. I'm wondering what Ran's up to," Ken apologized, folding his cards. He passed them to Yohji who was putting them away. "I knew he'd be busy when we came, but he's more distracted than I expected."

"He's always like this when he's home," Aya stated. "Why, we used to go days without seeing him. Its much nicer having him around, even if he is busy writing letters."

Omi and Yohji looked between Aya and Ken. Both released silent sighs of relief when she didn't say anything more. Neither of them had seen fit to mention to her that she shouldn't bring up Richard. So far, she hadn't, but it was just a matter of time.

"Your Grace," she continued cautiously, "I have an idea. Why don't Cousin Yohji and I demonstrate some dances for you? That way you can at least see what will be expected of you."

Ken blinked and looked at Yohji.

"That sounds like a splendid idea," the Prince smiled. "Its been ages since I've had the pleasure."

Omi snorted.

"Omi, would you be willing to play a bit? You still remember how, don't you?" Aya asked.

"I suppose so," the young servant said, shrugging. "What do you say, Ken?"

"Alright," he frowned. "I know none of you will give up until you get your way."

The Duke rose grumpily from his seat. His mood didn't improve when Omi clapped him on the back and Yohji ruffled his hair. Ducking his head he followed them out of the drawing room and down the hall to the music room. Aya moved up beside him.

"Just think, your Grace, how pleased my brother will be once he finds you're learning to dance," she said softly.

Ken glanced at her sideways and shrugged noncommittally. Aya smiled and elbowed him. She'd learned over the last few days what to say and how to say it in order to get the reaction she wanted. When he snorted out a small chuckle she silently congratulated herself for achieving another small victory.

Once in the music room they set about moving the settees and chairs back out of the way, so there would be a large enough space for Aya and Yohji in the center of the room. When that was done Aya led Omi to the piano forte. While he got comfortable in the seat she sorted music. After several minutes she looked up at the Prince who was preening himself in the middle of the room.

Ken, who had been watching over Aya's shoulder, followed her gaze. They both paused to watch, causing Omi to glance up and roll his eyes.

Yohji fluffed his cravat, straightened his coat, then made sure just the right amount of lace protruded from the end of each sleeve.

"Your Highness," Aya said politely by way of interrupting him and attracting his attention. "What should we dance? I would suggest a selection of formal and country dances, so the Duke may see the difference."

"Brilliant, as usual, dear Cousin Aya," Yohji said, returning to the fluffing of his cravat. "We should begin with the minuet."

Aya nodded and pulled out several sheets of music which she set before Omi. Ken, meanwhile, snorted at Yohji who frowned at him.

"Cousin Ken, dancing is not just about moving around the room to music," he stated. "It is an expression of one's social standing and class. A visual representation of one's status in society. One must always look one's best. Your refinement is judged by your grace on the dance floor."

Ken stopped snickering and stared, dumbstruck. Yohji was serious, he could tell. Pouting slightly, he looked to Aya who smiled and nodded in confirmation.

"Its true," she said moving to join the Prince. She also straightened her clothing, made sure each little bow down the front of her bodice was perfect, and adjusted the lace around her sleeves. "Now, your Grace," she said, addressing Ken. "There are two main types of dances, formal and country. There are many, many dances, but certain dances are more popular at Court than others, and it is essential that you learn these. The minuet is one. It is stately and disciplined. Omi, when you are ready."

Ken looked at Omi. The young servant's face was scrunched up in concentration as he studied the sheet of music before him.

"I thought dancing was about romance," the Duke commented.

"Not formal dances," Omi answered, still studying the music. "Country dances are generally looser, more fun. Some also involve kissing, so those are usually considered more romantic. Not to mention more fun at parties."

Ken glanced back at Aya who smiled softly at him. He tried not to blanch.

"I'd like to practice it once," Omi said. "And I'll apologize in advance," he said as he began playing.

It wasn't as smooth as Aya's playing, and it took him a moment to adjust to the timing, which was quick. The tune ascended the scale in a series of chords, then tripped its way back down before repeating. The melody was easy and light and before three measures were over Ken could hum it. There was a break in the middle where a variation was played and then the melody resumed and repeated a few more times before coming to an end.

"How was that?" Omi asked, looking up.

"Serviceable," Yohji stated dryly.

Omi frowned.

"Lovely, Omi. Thank you," Aya said. "Ready, Cousin?"

"Again, Omi, if you please," the Prince called.

Omi began to play once more. Yohji and Aya bowed and curtsied to Ken, then to one another, then began dancing. They moved toward each other in a series of tiny steps, every other one or so was followed by either a bend of the knees or a rising up on tip-toes. The funny bends and rises were done while keeping the upper body absolutely straight, and the head held high. Aya kept her arms held before her as though she was carrying something against her lower body, and the Prince held his arms likewise, but as he stepped, bent, and rose his arms would change position slightly.

As the two dancers neared one another in the center of the floor they clasped right hands and turned, thus switching sides. After a few more steps the turn was repeated, but using the left hands. As they stepped around Ken began to recognize a pattern in their movements. They seemed to be making a "z" across the available space. The dance came to a close after a two handed turn, and was finished by a bow and curtsy to Ken, and then to one another.

It wasn't at all what Ken had imagined and he was forced to wonder where his idea of dancing had come from.

A round of applause from the doorway attracted everyone's attention. Ran stood there with a soft smile on his face. Aya and Yohji curtsied and bowed again, the young lady beaming.

"That was lovely, Aya," Ran said.

"She'll outshine all the ladies at Court," Yohji agreed.

"Come dance the Allemande with me," Aya cried, holding her hands out to her brother.

Ran shook his head and backed away.

"I have another errand to attend to," he said, ducking his head. "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone. I just wanted to make sure the Duke was being well entertained before I left."

Aya nodded, unable to see the pout on Ken's face as his back was to her, or the dark scowles on Yohji's and Omi's.

"I understand," she said. "Have you informed, Mama? You won't be gone past supper, will you?"

"I'm just off to tell her now, and I'm not clear on when I'll be back. Hopefully, before nightfall," Ran answered.

He risked a glance at Ken who was watching him worriedly. His concern shown brightly in his large brown eyes.

"Do you want company?" The Duke asked hopefully.

Ran smiled softly at him. His violet eyes betraying his warm affection for the younger man.

"No, thank you, Ken," he said. "Hopefully this will end my business for a while, and I'll be able to relax and supervise your lessons."

He arched his eyebrow a bit when he said it and was pleased to see a blush stain the cheeks of the Duke, who glanced around nervously. Aya was flipping through music again at Yohji's direction, and Omi was commenting on their selections. Ken took his chance and stepped closer to the Earl.

"Will I see you later?" he asked quietly.

"Perhaps," Ran smirked. "If I don't get back too late."

"Come anyway," Ken whispered, meeting Ran's eyes.

Their gazes locked. Ken's warm brown eyes suddenly blazing and melting into Ran's violet. The Earl felt his heart beat quicken and nodded in response. He had to turn away before he acted on his impulses and gave his sister a show she'd never forget.

"Enjoy your afternoon," Ran said, attempting to hide his breathlessness. "I shall see you all tomorrow if I don't see you tonight."

"Good luck with your errand," Aya called out.

He grunted in reply as he slipped from the room.

Yohji stalked around angrily in the rose garden as Omi dogged his heals. Since they were quite alone the Prince allowed all his ire and frustration to bubble to the surface. Ran had been gone all afternoon. They had attempted to show Ken as many dances as they felt would fit in the limited space of the music room, but after a while Yohji's annoyance had gotten the best of him, and he'd had to excuse himself. Soon it would be supper, the sun was descending rapidly, and still there was no sign of the Earl. How was the Prince supposed to help his Cousin if the bloody man refused to tell him what he was up to? And continuously disappeared?

"A week, Omi! One week we've been here and Ran has practically become a recluse!" he shouted.

"Shhh! I know," the young servant responded, quickly checking the area for anyone who might've over heard. "You said yourself that he needed time to resolve things. And Ken seems fine about it, so what's wrong with you?"

"Fine? Ken is fine?" the Prince demanded, turning to face the smaller man.

"Well, he's worried, but he was much less so after he spoke to Ran in the music room. I'd say his mood improved dramatically. He even agreed to try a minuet with Aya."

"Well good for him then. God bless Ken and his good mood," Yohji spat before turning and stalking off once again toward the walnut hedge.

"Yohji!" Omi called, chasing him. "What is it?"

"Something's going on here," the Prince stated, halting again, so suddenly that Omi almost collided with him.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, Lady Fujimiya said she wanted me here in case of trouble, which means she expects there to be some. Then Ran visits a woman I felt sure he'd never speak to again, and then begins spending hours on end drafting letters and waiting for replies," Yohji paused to study the overcast sky and sniff the air. "Something's going on. Something's going to happen. I can feel the tension building," he sighed and his shoulders sagged. "I just wish it would hurry up."

"You belong on the stage," Omi said sarcastically, crossing his arms over his chest, finally getting fed up. "Ran'll be back this evening, and probably spend sometime with Ken. That should put everything to rights."

He was about to turn around and walk away, leaving the Prince to his own devices, when a sudden rustling in the walnut hedge stopped him. Both he and Yohji turned in the direction of the sound and stood still observing the hedgerow, seeking its source. The large shrub gave a violent shudder and out fell a young man about the Prince's age and height.

The figure lay sprawled on the path before them for a few moments before scrambling to his feet. He was very finely dressed in light blue silk with an ivory silk waistcoat decorated with embroidered song birds. His hair was raven black and pulled back into the customary pony tail, except for the wisps that had been pulled free by the shrub, and he sported a few twigs on top. Once gaining his feet he stared at them for a few more moments with angry blue eyes before ripping his sword free of it's scabbard and brandishing it at them.

"You, Sir, are the most vile of villains. Your very existence is a pestilence upon the land. Hand her over or I will run you through, I swear it," he said in a low, breathless voice.

Omi and Yohji exchanged surprised glances.

"I mean it, Sir. I will have her," the man stated. "If I have to take her by force, so be it."

With that he moved forward menacingly. Yohji shoved Omi behind him and drew his own sword, easily countering their assailant's first swings. The clashing of steel rang in the garden.

"At last! Some action! And who are you, Sir?" Yohji demanded as he parried two more blows.

"You know very well who I am, Sir," the other man spat, swinging madly at the Prince. "I applied to you not three weeks ago for her hand, and you refused me!"

The man backed off a step and faced Yohji, his eyes full of pleading. Omi peeked around the Prince to see.

"Why, Sir? Why refuse me? My suit is as good as any lady may hope to receive. What evil intent do you harbor in your black heart?!" With that he attacked once again. "Why remove her so secretly from Town under the cover of night?!"

Yohji parried the man's wild swings easily, making a mental note of everything that he said. Behind him he felt Omi tug on his coat. Without a second thought the Prince dropped to the ground, glancing up in time to see a good sized rock bounce off the exact center of his opponent's forehead, leaving a mark. The man halted instantly and fell backwards onto the path.

Dashing forward, Omi quickly disarmed the youth while Yohji sheathed his own sword, and helped the man up into a sitting position. He was blinking blearily, obviously well stunned.

"Your name, Sir, if you please," Yohji said amiably. The brief fight had given him just the outlet he needed for his aggravation with ," he answered dazedly, still blinking.

"Well, Count Sebastian Shadwell," said Yohji, "I am his highness, Prince Yohji Kudou, this is Omi Tsukiyono, and you have the wrong house."

Ran approached the gates of Asataiyo filled with great trepidation. He had spent most of the afternoon with the Countess in a fruitless attempt to convince her to come and stay at his estate. He had decided earlier, as he'd started his second letter to Reginald, that writing the current Count was useless. He would have to go to him without an invitation, because one would never be issued. He'd also reasoned that if he could convince the Countess to come under his protection then visiting her son wouldn't be necessary. But she wouldn't budge. It was what she deserved, she said, and refused to accept his hospitality in any way without first obtaining forgiveness.

So, he was forced to try his one remaining option. If only the Earl could somehow convince Reginald to accept his mother back into his good graces. It didn't seem likely, but what else could he do? Ran simply couldn't stand to have her living the way that she was, and he had to correct it.

Reining in his horse outside the closed gate he paused to study the house. Even in the gloom of an overcast dusk the house appeared to glow. The sight used to awe him, but now filled him with apprehension.

"You there, what's your business?" called a voice from the gloom inside the gate.

Ran noticed a fairly rough looking man step out of the shadows and face him. He didn't recognize him and scowled.

"Earl Fujimiya come to speak with my neighbor, Count Misekake," Ran stated with authority.

Grumbling, the man moved to open the gate, but paused at the latch.

"The Count know you're comin'?" he asked.

"Do I need an invitation to pay my respects to my neighbor?" Ran asked testily.

The man grunted and opened the gate, letting Ran through. The Earl wondered why it had been locked and turned to arch an eyebrow when he heard it lock behind him. Brushing the thought away, he spirred his horse on toward the house. Once there he left his horse tied to a post as he mounted the steps to the front door.

Before he could reach it, it opened and an elderly man stepped out.

"Oh, Master Ran, my boy!" he cried softly, a wide nearly toothless grin spreading across his face. "I never thought I'd see you again."

Ran felt himself smile in answer and reached out to clasp the old man's hands.

"Warner, its good to see you well," he said.

"As well as maybe expected," Warner answered and Ran's expression darkened. "I expect you've come to see Master Reggy about the Countess."

"Yes, is he in?"

"Oh, aye. He's in. Never goes out," Warner said, attempting to steer Ran back toward the stairs that led to his horse. "But you'd best not see him. Nuthin' good'll come of it. He won't have her here and..."

"Warner, I will see him," Ran stated, not budging from his spot near the open door.

The elderly servant sighed.

"Its not safe, Master Ran," he whispered. "There's odd goins on here. Things I can't tell you, but its not safe. Best for you to go."

"Warner, what..."

Before Ran could finish the sound of a door slamming reverberated through the front hall. The loud bang was followed by a man's voice calling harshly for Warner. The elderly servant jumped and began shuffling back into the house just as another door slammed and a figure appeared in the hall.

The man was of medium height. His gray shot dark hair was pulled loosely back from his unshaven face, which appeared pointy and sharp despite the several days' worth of stubble. He was finely, but slovenly dressed, with his waistcoat unbuttoned and his cravat untied.

"Well, well, well," the man sneered after catching sight of Ran through the open door. "If it isn't the Earl Fujimiya, my dearly departed brother's greatest confidant and most intimate friend."

As he spoke he wove his way forward until he stood in the doorway leering down at Ran who stood one step below him. It was unclear weather the man was drunk or not, but his breath suggested he had been drinking.

"Reginald," Ran stated coldly, nodding his head. He could already feel that his efforts were wasted. There would be no reasoning with Richard's brother.

"And to what do I owe this most unpleasant and unexpected visit?" Reginald spat. "I don't recall responding to your request for an audience."

Ran took a deep breath for patience and fortitude.

"I have come on your mother's behalf," he stated. "As I said in my letter."

"Have you? Well, I have to admit it isn't wholey unexpected," Reginald said snidely. "You always did get on terribly well with her, didn't you? Why I believe the three of you made quite a cosy home for yourselves here, didn't you?"

"Reginald," Ran said in warning.

"That's Count Misekake!" the man screamed suddenly, causing Warner to flinch back.

Ran felt his jaw tighten.

"I am the Count now! Me! Not that sick, twisted excuse for a man I called brother," Reginald cried, glaring down at Ran. "And you. He loved you, and you loved him back. Isn't that right? And my mother as well. She approved, didn't she? She approved, and she lived here while you two...Sickening," he spat in disgust and anger. "Do you know what I had to do before I could move in here? I had every piece of furniture in his bedroom burned. Richard's bedroom. Your bedroom. I had it all burned, and I had the floors and walls washed with lye."

Reginald's eyes glittered with malice. He almost looked mad. Then he threw back his head and started laughing.

Ran stepped back. His gut twisting in anger.

"No, I will not support my mother," Reginald stated, suddenly calm. All traces of humor gone from his face. His countenance one of tired gloom. "I will not knowingly help anyone who so openly welcomed such filth and sin into our home. And do not think of troubling me again about this matter. Women who live without the protection of men often suffer unfortunate ends, and we wouldn't want that to happen would we?"

With that Reginald turned and began to move back into the front hall of the manor.

"Warner," he barked out, causing the old man to jump. "My dinner is getting cold."

"Yes, Count Misekake," Warner said, bowing. He shuffled hurriedly into the house behind the Count, glancing briefly at Ran as he shut the door, his eyes full of sorrow and regret.

Ran turned on his heel and marched down the steps and over to his horse. His veins burned with outrage. Why had he even gone there? Surely he must've known what he would find. Spurring his horse he took off down the drive with a spray of gravel toward the gate. The man guarding it jumped up, swinging it open just in time to allow horse and rider through without slowing.

Ran rode until he reached the small village and the church located there. He reined in his horse just outside the church yard. The night had descended while he'd listened to Reginald's ranting and he could just make out the heavy iron crosses marking the graves by the lamp light of the nearby inn.

Wearily he climbed from the saddle and tied his horse so he could wend his way into the tiny yard. He stopped at an ornate cross which sported intricate curls and delicate twists of the metal. Sighing audibly, Ran crouched down and rested a hand on one of its arms. The iron was cold.

"Hello, Richard," he said softly. "I hope you are enjoying heaven. Finally meeting all those philosophers you were always so fond of."

Ran couldn't help but smile at the thought.

"Sorry it's taken me this long to come visit. I had...a hard time after you left. A very hard time," he pouted and examined the ground. "Things aren't much better now. I've just come from seeing Reggy. He hasn't changed. In fact, I believe he's worse. He's left your mother destitute and living in a hovel. I can't abide his treatment of her. I thought I'd be able to talk to him," Ran sighed again and muttered, "I should've known better."

Rolling his eyes he looked up at the moon and studied it a moment. It was just under half full.

"I know she hurt me, Richard, but...it doesn't feel so bad anymore. I think I can begin to forgive her. Especially now that I've been reminded of what Reginald's like unrestrained," Ran shook his head. "I can't believe I forgot."

He paused and thought back. Allowing scenes from his former life to drift over him. Events and incidents became clear in his mind for the first time in over a year.

"I forgot," he muttered. "I forgot how upset your mother would be when she returned from Town. How you would frown and turn away. I forgot how he used to effect us when we allowed him to enter our world."

Ran looked at the iron cross and gripped its sharp edges, "If only I'd known how short our time would be," he said softly. "I'd never have let him intrude."

Abruptly he released the cross and rose to pace along the ground before it.

"Hah! I'm still letting him intrude!" he cried indignantly. "For days now I've done nothing but fret and fume over his treatment of your mother! For days I've ignored everyone and left Ken..."

Ran stopped and glanced abashedly at the cross. He could feel himself blushing. Then he chuckled softly.

"Ken," he said and smiled at the ground. "You would like him. I know you would. Everyone does. He...he makes me feel special. He...makes me happy. And he needs me."

He faced the cross again.

"You never really needed me, did you? Its alright. I don't mind. But...there's something in me that wants that. He makes me feel complete somehow, and I hope...I hope I do the same for him." Ran crouched again in front of the cross and ran his fingers lightly over its surface. "I love him, Richard. I love him in the way I tried to love you."

Smiling, he rose to his feet and backed a few steps away.

"I'm off to make up for my neglect. Tomorrow I shall tell Eriko that I forgive her and fetch her to my house. Goodbye, Richard. Rest well."

Author's Note After: Well, there was the dancing lesson. They didn't waltz in the 18th Century. The waltz was considered risque for most of the 19th Century as well, but hadn't yet been invented during the time of this story. The description of the Minuet is as accurate as I could get from what I could find out. It was performed by a single couple for a group and all that stuff about social standing is true. The dips and rises I describe in the dance are actually plies and eleves (yes, the same as in ballet. I took two years). Anyway, I hope that part wasn't too boring or disappointing, but I couldn't figure out why Ran and Ken would dance together other than us wanting them to. On another note Moonraven, Chaosdreamer, and Seph Lorraine all updated their fics this week! Wai! I'm SO HAPPY!!!

Akimoto Kin: Well, no details about what happened in this chapter, but I'll explain everything eventually. What did you think of Reginald? And Ran's visit to Richard? BLUSH You are way too kind! But I'm very, very glad you're enjoying it! Definite Ran/Kenness next chapter, I swear! In fact...well, you'll see. Thanks for reading!

Fiery-icicles: Thanks! I always update on Tuesdays! Or Mondays if I feel like it. Thanks for reading!

Seph Lorraine: Aaagh! You read my stories! Yay! Thanks! I'm sorry about all your chores and homework, though. Bummer. But I'm very glad you updated "Somewhat Damaged"! I know, I can't really write yaoi very well, but...well let's just say I make a sort of attempt. I'm glad you like all the details. I try. Thanks for reading!

LoneCayt: I'm cryptic? Well, one must endeavor to be something. arches eyebrow I'm sorry I'm frustrating you, but I'm also delighted! Hee-hee-hee! I want you coming back for more every week and mystery is a good way of doing that. Plus, the story's gotta be interesting, right? Anyway, I thought about visuals for this story and some films to watch for costumes would be "Triumph of Love", or "Dangerous Liaisons", and all the story titles are from an old Richard Chamberlain musical called "The Slipper and the Rose" which is an 18th century Cinderella story! Thanks for reading!

Rapunzel: Hi! You can be critical. Its helpful. And long reviews are always welcome however they're sent. Hah! I knew I was right about some of those "its"! Hmmm...did I correct this chapter or not? I can't remember. After your last review I did a few chapters, but then I just started reading and not correcting. BLUSH Yes, I amuse myself! How embarrassing! Yeah, the word "brunet" means a person with dark hair and the word "brunette" means a WOMAN with dark hair. Ooops! O.O Thanks for reading!

Allis: There you are! Ran/Ken action coming up! winks Thanks for reading!