Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13 (maybe R), Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: Oooo! This chapter has my favorite scene! My favorite scene! I hope you like it too! Ummm...when I said I was attempting yaoi...I meant this chapter, not the last one. wink Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 7
Theyoung Count Shadwell had regained enough of his equilibrium to ride, and the Prince thought it best to have their discussion over drinks, and where better to find good ale, gin, and rum than the local inn and tavern. The village was so small that one establishment served both functions, and despite the crowd of locals they had no trouble finding a table. The atmosphere was dark and smokey, from the lit candles, mens' pipes, and the open fireplace. Just the sort of questionable ambiance Yohji enjoyed.
Omi scowled in distaste.
"Please allow me to apologize again for my behavior," Count Shadwell said once they were seated and Yohji had called for a bottle of port for them and a mug of ale for Omi. "It was reprehensible on my part to abuse you in such a manner without first ascertaining whether you were the culprit. I happened down the drive and saw the house. I felt sure it must be the one. Its dark and foreboding nature convinced me."
"I'll be sure to pass that along to Lady Fujimiya," Yohji chuckled, pouring out the port into the pewter cups provided. "She'll be happy to hear it."
Shadwell grimaced as he accepted his drink.
"Again, forgive me," he pleaded miserably.
Yohji waved him off.
"I'm guessing that you were in search of Asataiyo," the Prince said after swallowing a mouthful of the sweet, dark red wine. "Its just over the hill in the next valley. Not six miles further on. If you'd kept to the road you'd have come to the branch."
Count Shadwell scrubbed his face with his hands, and then faced them with eyes full of turmoil. He hadn't been very forthcoming with an explanation for his behavior, but the Prince was sure plying him with alcohol would loosen his tongue.
Omi carefully tasted his ale.
"Drink up, drink up," Yohji prompted his guest, and watched as Shadwell emptied his glass. He quickly refilled it. "So, what has Count Misekake done to fill you with such violent loathing? You've obviously never met the man."
"No," Shadwell answered, swallowing another dose of the wine. "Nor have I ever visited this part of the country. I have, until recently, been biding my time in Town until I have located a place to settle. My fortune, you see, is but newly acquired. I am my...was my uncle's only heir, and he has been deceased only these last nine months."
"Congratulations, and I'm sorry," the Prince said, throwing back the last of his port and serving them both more.
"Thank you," Shadwell muttered after a healthy swig from his own cup. "I was not very well acquainted with the man, but will always be in his debt."
"To rich uncles without the fortitude to father their own heirs!" the Prince said, raising his cup.
Shadwell followed suit and they clapped the pewter containers together with a dull clunk before downing the wine, and refilling them from the bottle.
Omi glanced between them in disapproval, but after a moment shrugged and emptied his mug. The serving maid instantly appeared and refilled it.
"And how did you bide your time in Town, Sir?" Yohji asked.
"I rented some rooms in a fashionable district, visited the best shops to equip myself, and toured the most exclusive of pleasure gardens and coffee houses. I visited several clubs and joined the one best suited to my tastes, and finally I presented myself at Court," Shadwell answered with a sigh. "But I was never happy until I visited the bathes to take the water. There I met a vision of loveliness. An angel on Earth. She stole my breath the instant I saw her, and my heart the moment she first uttered my name," the Count effused.
Yohji emptied his cup.
"You met a woman," he stated, nodding. "What was this vision's name?"
"Miss Misekake," Shadwell sighed. "Katherine."
Omi belched. Loudly.
"Kate?!" the young servant cried, slamming his mug down hard enough to slop the remaining ale out onto the table.
"Yes. The enchanting Kate," Shadwell nodded, and finished off his fourth cup of port.
"Omi, finish your ale will you?" Yohji directed, giving the youth a meaningful glance.
Omi nodded and did as instructed without taking his eyes off the Count. He was recalling some of the things he'd said in the rose garden, and suddenly found them more than a little alarming.
"We fell in love," Shadwell continued unprompted. "And since we were of a station the match seemed heaven made. I made Kate an offer."
"And was the Lady amenable?" The Prince asked, signaling the serving maid to refill Omi's mug.
"More than amenable. She was happy, quite happy, and accepted my offer without hesitation. I was so overcome with joy I wept," he admitted ernestly. "Our future seemed assured. I felt all I needed was the consent of the Lady's family."
He sighed again and took a long swallow of wine.
"And why should you doubt they'd give it?" Yohji commented, also drinking. "With your fortune recently come to hand. And you're not unfortunate in your taste or appearance. Your manners, when you're not trying to skewer people, are quite pleasing."
"Exactly my thoughts," the Count nodded, now leaning heavily on the table. "I felt the only argument against me would be my lack of acquaintances, but surely after they'd met me they'd feel I wasn't incapable of getting any. I felt sure after a reasonable amount of time had past for them to feel secure in Kate's choice that I'd be accepted. Perhaps even welcomed. So, what should hold us up?"
"What indeed?" Omi asked, nodding.
When he seemed unable to stop after several moments the Prince reached over and rested a hand on the young servant's head. Omi smiled at him gratefully.
"Count Reginald Misekake, that's what," Shadwell sneered, downing the rest of his port and offering his cup to the Prince for more. "Katherine was adamant that I not contact her family, but I felt sure we'd better have their approval as not, despite her independent wealth. I wrote to her brother. I made, I am sure, a fairly strong case for myself. I assured him that I didn't expect a consent without a meeting, and made myself available to him at his convenience."
"I bet Kate didn't like that," Omi commented, snickering into his newly refilled mug.
Yohji ignored him.
"What happened?" he asked.
"The lad is correct. Kate wasn't pleased. But neither was she alarmed. She said we shouldn't wait for her brother for she was certain he wouldn't reply. But he did. Immediately," Shadwell said, his anger rising again. "He was not pleased to receive my letter. He would not give his consent, and he wrote Kate as well, advising her to leave Town for his estate at once."
Omi snorted and downed a good portion of his ale.
"I was devastated," Shadwell continued. "But Katherine said it was no more than she expected. She advised that we ignore his letters and precede as we had planned. And so we did."
Omi and Yohji exchanged glances. Omi's a bit wobbly.
"When did they take her?" the Prince asked in all seriousness, any traces of humor vanished.
"Two weeks ago," Shadwell stated. "I arrived at her rooms in the evening so we could attend a card party and she was gone. Her lady's maid said a carriage came, and assuming it was me, she went down to it. I traced them as far as the crossroads. There I learned of the Count's involvement, and so I came here."
Silence descended and the air over the table hung heavy. The serving maid returned to fill Omi's mug again, then departed quickly, not liking the ominous tension surrounding the three men.
"Having just come into my fortune I had no one but my late Uncle's lawyer to turn to. No friends of consequence to assist me. I wrote to him at once with a detailed account of events exactly as they had transpired. He replied that...in light of Reginald's refusal of me, and the letter Kate received from him...that in all appearances she was simply taking her brother's advice as a dutiful sister should, and returning home to her family," Shadwell seemed to swallow a sob, and chased it down with more of the sweet wine.
"There, there, young Shadwell," Yohji said, suddenly hearty. "All is not lost! You were alone in your quest before, but no longer. And, as it happens, I am someone of consequence. Fear not, we'll rescue your darling Kate and love shall rule the day!"
The Prince threw back the rest of his port after his declaration, then sat beaming at the wide eyed Count.
"Then you do believe me?" asked the young man visibly relieved.
"Of coursh, we believe you," Omi slurred. "Reginal'sh an ass."
Aya sat before her mirror and admired herself. It was still quite early in the evening, but since it had only been the Duke, her mother, and herself at dinner and afterward, they'd all agreed to call it an early night. Gently she pulled her brush through her hair and counted every stroke. Unbound it was quite long. Reaching part way down her back. She watched the way the light from the candle on her dressing table shimmered off its luster, and admitted to herself that she was quite lovely. The shade of her eyes went perfectly with her hair, and her pale skin was highlighted by the effect. If she added just a hint of tinted powder to her cheeks then she felt she could be almost unstoppable.
Setting her brush down she pouted at herself suddenly. Yes, she was lovely. But would that loveliness grow into devastating beauty? Even in her age her mother was considered one of the most beautiful women at Court, when she attended. Secretly Aya feared that Ran had inherited all their mother had to give, and that she would be like their father. He had been quite attractive, handsome even, but nothing compared to their mother.
Sighing, she rested her chin in the palm of her hand and leaned on her dressing table.
"I have to be devastating," she said to her reflection, her eyes sincerely worried. "I have to be."
Sighing again, she considered her reflection and thought back on the day's events. They had actually been quite pleasing. She had greatly enjoyed the dances she'd shared with the Prince. Her Cousin had a very fine figure and knew exactly how to use it. His height and social stature didn't hurt either. If Yohji would dance with her at Court she felt sure he'd show her off to advantage.
And then there was his Grace, the Duke. Poor man. He didn't have the height, but his figure was quite fine. Unfortunately, she feared he'd never be able to display himself properly. His dancing skills were nonexistent, his timing atrocious. And she'd been walking with a limp since he'd unintentionally stepped on her. Twice.
At least by then the others were gone and they hadn't seen. She could break the news to Ran and Yohji gently. Ken would never dance. Not safely. And, in her opinion, it aught not to be attempted in a social situation. She'd thought about it and decided the best course was for the Duke to refuse dancing all together. This would, she felt, create a sense of mystery and add to his already fascinating back ground. Not a woman alive would be able to resist him then, she was sure.
Perking up, she smiled at herself. All in all not a bad day's work. Picking up her brush she resumed her grooming. Perhaps the brilliance of her intellect could compensate if it turned out she wouldn't be devastating.
Count Shadwell and Yohji stared at Omi, who was gulping down the last drops of his most recent refill. His head wobbled a bit on his shoulders as he slammed the mug down on the table.
"Then...you do know him," Shadwell said carefully. "Being neighbors I assumed, but..."
"Richard and Ran were so happy, but for him," Omi sighed, staring dreamily off into the space between the Prince and the Count. "I wish he'd died of fever."
Omi turned abruptly and waved for more ale. Shadwell looked questioningly at Yohji.
"I'm afraid your servant's done in," he said softly.
"No stomach for the stuff," Yohji nodded. "Richard was Reginald's older brother. He inherited the title and all it claims upon their father's death...oh, ten years ago or more. Unfortunately, he died of a fever a little over a year ago. He was very close to my Cousin, Earl Fujimiya, who is Omi's master."
The Count nodded his understanding and raised his cup.
"To your Cousin's late friend, the ass's brother," he said.
"To Richard," Yohji and Omi echoed.
"If Reggy'sh kidnapped Kate then we have to reshcue her," Omi said after their toast.
"Indeed," Yohji agreed. "Are you sure she's at the estate?"
"According to the inn keepers at the crossroads the men that abducted her claimed to be stewards of the Count Misekake bringing his wayward sister back to the safety of her family and home," Shadwell recounted. "They told me the Lady was quite out of sorts, but assumed this to be a family matter and none of their business. They didn't want to run afoul of a powerful local landowner."
"We have to formulate a plan," Omi stated surprisingly clearly before his head dropped onto the table with a loud thud.
"Poor fellow," Shadwell commented.
Yohji nodded in agreement.
"Even half-glazed he's right," the Prince said. "We do need a plan."
"My plan was to just march in there and take her. The Count'n all be damned," Shadwell muttered.
"So I saw," Yohji said dryly. "Not bad except you're horrible with a sword and Reginald's quite good. Also, as you yourself have said, he's not alone there. And, if memory serves, Asataiyo has rather high walls and two formidable iron gates."
"Damn," Shadwell spat into his cup.
"Fear not, love shall prevail!" Yohji cried again.
"You already said that," Shadwell commented absently.
They looked at one another and drank.
He was small. Very small. And he had managed to crawl from his bed, and creep into the crowded room unobserved and conceal himself under the cloth covered table. Around him the legs of men and long skirts of women swirled in a constantly changing display of colors and patterns. The rustling of the shiny materials and swish of stocking covered calves filled his ears. As did the sound of many voices heightened in excited chatter. Occasionally a loud wave of laughter would ripple through the room, often accompanied by shouts from one or more of the men.
All in all the feel of the room was one of merriment and good cheer. And it was exciting to be out of bed and a secret part of it.
Brushing his long, chocolate colored locks out of his face he scanned the legs for those belonging to his parents. He'd seen them briefly as they'd come in to bid him good night. His mother was in light pink and his father in cream, or so he thought. From his position under the table he looked around, anxious to find them.
They'd been practicing a new country dance for days in secret. Even Mrs. Hudson hadn't been allowed to see. His mother had been extremely excited about displaying it at the party. He'd try to sneak in and watch their practicing, but had been thwarted at every turn. His determination to see them had prompted him from bed.
Another round of laughter echoed followed by clapping and the legs and skirts around the table rearranged themselves. An opening appeared in the center of the room and quickly became a wide space.
He scooted across the floor under the table to peek between the legs of several gentlemen. Out in the center of the room stood his parents. Both smiling and laughing. Several encouraging shouts came from those watching, and somewhere in the back music started up.
He watched wide eyed as his mother and father faced each other across the space. Their eyes met and locked. Something seemed to pass between them as they began an intricate set of steps which brought them closer and closer together. When they reached each other his father wrapped one arm around his mother's waist and together they swung around in a tight circle. As they spun around and around their outer arms came up over their heads and clasped. On the third spin his father released his mother and stepped away so he could twirl her around by herself three times.
Hopping away from each other they danced in a circle until they were once again in their starting positions. At that point his father called out and several other couples joined them on the dance floor where they all repeated the steps his parents had just demonstrated.
His mother laughed as she spun. Her gown and hair flew around her and a healthy glow colored her cheeks. She looked happy. They both did. He could feel himself smile as he watched them.
Suddenly he felt hands close around his waist. He was pulled from his hiding place and carried out onto the floor among the dancers. He was deposited into the waiting arms of his father, who laughed aloud and beamed at him. His mother bent to kiss his brow. In that moment he was filled with happiness and warmth. He knew he was safe. And loved.
Ken sighed in his sleep. The feelings from his memory-dream permeating him and drawing him deeper. He didn't hear his bedroom door open or the figure stealthily cross the floor to his bed. But as the feather mattress dipped with the added weight of another body the Duke was pulled from the pleasure of his dream and brought slowly toward reality.
He rolled toward the person entering his bed in a sleepy haze.
"Ran?" he asked softly with a smile.
Blinking sleepily he focused on the new comer and froze, coming fully awake in a matter of seconds.
There, in his bed, lit by the light of the dying fire in the fireplace, was Aya. She was in a nightshirt covered by a lacy dressing gown festooned with ribbons sewn to resemble flowers. Her hair was tied back into a long braid which hung over one shoulder, tied with a white ribbon. She had paused in the process of climbing under his sheet and quilted blankets when he'd spoken, and now sat quietly observing him.
"Oh, I see," she said.
Ken scrambled away from her holding up the bed covers like a shield. He was halted in his retreat by the headboard hidden beneath the curtains against the wall, and ended up huddled there clutching the covers, infinitely relieved that he'd worn a nightshirt to bed.
"Wh-wh-what are you d-d-doing?!" he cried in a shocked whisper, somehow managing to remember to keep his voice lowered.
"Well, not what I thought, obviously," she replied, a note of disappointment evident in her voice.
"Wh-what?" he repeated incredulously.
"I was sitting in my room thinking about...well, my future really...my future adventures, and I thought why not start now? I am going to be introduced at Court this season and..."
"W-wait!" Ken cried. "I can't..."
"Relax, your Grace," Aya said smiling. "I know that...now. Why on Earth didn't Ran tell me?"
"W-well, h-he...he," Ken began stuttering, running a shaky hand through his sleep mussed hair.
"Ken," Aya spoke again, still smiling. "Relax."
He nodded and sat watching her, waiting for her to climb from the bed and leave. Instead she settled in and leaned forward. There was a peculiar light in her eyes that kept him on his guard.
"So, do you mind if I ask you a few things?" she asked sweetly.
"Like what?" he asked cautiously.
"How long have you and my brother..."
"Since June," he answered quickly as he felt his face heat up. "L-look, Aya, I think..."
"So, was Ran with Richard before his death?" the young woman asked, speaking more to herself than to him. Catching his expression she nodded. "I should have seen it. All those nights spent at Asataiyo. And to think I believed his excuses of working late. I often wondered about that," she continued, quite oblivious to Ken's uncomfortable shifting inside the bed covers. "Even if one were to work until one or two in the morning one aught to be able to find one's way home. Its less than six miles for heaven's sake."
"Six...six miles?" Ken muttered.
"So that explains Ran's grief, poor man. Why didn't he simply tell me?"
"R-Richard lived only six miles from here?" Ken asked quietly.
Aya stopped chattering and studied him a moment.
"Yes, at Asataiyo. His estate. Didn't Ran show you when you were out on your ride?" she asked softly.
Ken shook his head and opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the rattle of his doorknob turning. He clutched the covers to his chest again in alarm, but the door didn't open.
"I locked the door," Aya whispered as they turned to watch the knob twist again.
She and Ken almost collided as they both simultaneously scrambled to get off the bed. The young lady dashed across the room as the Duke headed to the door where a soft, but insistent knock was sounding. When he glanced behind him Aya was nowhere to be seen and he turned, frowning slightly, to the door. What was she up to now?
Sighing, he unlocked the door and opened it. Ran stepped in quickly closing the door behind him.
"Ran, I mmmph!" was all he could get out before the Earl was on him, devouring his mouth in a passionate kiss and driving him back toward the bed. By the time they reached it Ken was free of his nightshirt, and Ran was more than half out of his own clothing.
Ran, normally a gentle lover, was ferocious in his desire. Laying claim to every inch of Ken's body. The Duke responded. Desperately longing for their union, everything else forgotten.
Not too much later they laid together sweat soaked and panting on Ken's bed. The Duke felt his mind spinning back toward reality as Ran nuzzled against his neck placing soft kisses along his jaw and throat. Something was beginning to nag at him. Wasn't there something he should tell Ran? He couldn't think or speak, and so gave up trying.
"Mmmmm," he said through his contented smile. It sounded very much like a purr.
The Earl pulled back so he could gaze down into Ken's half-lidded eyes.
"I couldn't wait another moment," Ran said softly, "to taste your lips and feel myself surrounded by you."
Ken smiled dazedly up at him.
"Mmmm...was good," he managed at last.
Ran grinned broadly and chuckled.
"Liked that, did you?" he asked huskily.
"Maybe we should go without for a week at home once in a while," Ken suggested, blushing through the heat already staining his cheeks.
"You think so?" Ran asked, playfully rubbing the tip of his nose along Ken's.
"It was...an interesting...change," the Duke gasped as his breathlessness quickly returned under the Earl's renewed ministrations.
Ran kissed him deeply. Any thoughts he'd been about to have faded away as pleasant tingles flooded his body once more. They began slowly touching and nipping at each other, falling into their familiar rhythm.
Quite a while later they lay curled up together nestled under the bed clothes, fast asleep. Their deep, even breathing and the crackling of the dying fire the only sounds to interrupt the silence of the room.
Slowly and cautiously Aya stood from her position of concealment behind one of the arm chairs. She had moved there from her previous hiding place, the heavy drapes over the furthest window, for warmth and a better view. Yes, indeed. Her adventures had definitely begun, although not at all in the manner she had supposed they would.
She stood for a moment observing the two sleeping lovers. She had to admit they complimented one another marvelously, and really she couldn't be happier for her brother. Not to mention all the poor young women who would now be spared the Duke's clumsy attempts at dancing. Yes, she was well pleased. Smirking in deep satisfaction, she quietly removed herself from the room.
Author's Note: Hee-hee-hee-hee-hee! That's my favorite scene! And the first one I wrote for this story. I actually thought of it and jotted it down over a year ago as I was writing the first story. Does that make up for the dancing lesson? puppy-dog eyes
Akimoto Kin: So, what did you think of that? Enough Ran/Ken goodness? I like it when Ran says nice things about Ken too. I think I tried to put a little bit of them together in each chapter after this, but I can't remember. There are a few more sweet scenes coming though!
Fiery-icicles: Yep, I usually update on Tuesdays, although lately I've been updating on Mondays. I just seem to find myself with free time then, but today I almost forgot! O.O Thank Allis for this update!
Darkfireofforbiddensouls: Heh-heh-heh. Yeah, that's how I feel about him too. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Seph Lorraine: Yay! Skipping hearts are what I'm going for! Yeah, Reggy is an ass, and a jealous and possessive Ran should always be encouraged! I'm glad you liked it. I hope you liked this attempt at yaoi too!
Elfgoddess00: Thank you! O.O You're IN JAPAN?! turns green with envy Wow! And you're sneaking my story while you're at work. Thanks! Don't get caught. Ya know, now that you mention it, I've never met any male florists ever, anywhere. Hmmm. Thanks for reading!
Toradoshi: Thanks you! I try. My husband looks at me the same way when I squeal, but it can't be helped! All Ran/Ken deserves a squeal! And I'm very happy to be squeal-worthy! What'd you think of this chapter? Big squeal? Thanks for reading!
Swtjemz: I'm glad you loved it! How was this yaoi? Do you like Aya any better now? Braddy-kins and Schu-baby appear in the next one...I'll start writing it soon. I swear!
LoneCayt: Yeah, Reggy is mean and nasty! And your Ran equation is right on. I'm glad you like the mystery thing. I can't remember whether I keep it going or not...hmmm. I think its after this chapter that the story starts picking up momentum. I hope it doesn't go too fast. O.O
Murasaki-yanagi: Yeah, Reggy's an ass, but he's good for helping Ran figure out what's important! nods I update every Monday or Tuesday!
Allis: Well, thank goodness you remembered to review! Because I almost forgot to update! Your review in my email reminded me. And I was really excited about posting this chapter too. Guess I got distracted. Any sentences you have problems with just ask me, okay? I want you to enjoy it fully! Yeah, Aya's a girl, but I think Ran would be jealous anyway, no matter who it was vying for Ken. How was the Ran/Ken in this chapter?