Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: I know I'm updating early again, but we painted our livingroom and aren't done yet! So I have to work on that and wouldn't have time to update later in the week. And Mucha the cat rubbed against the paint and I had to give her a trim! O.o So, please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 8
Ken awoke the next morning to find himself naked and alone. On the pillow next to him where Ran's head should be was a folded piece of paper. He stared at it from his position on his stomach under the covers in the center of the bed, and scowled. He didn't like waking up without Ran's presence beside him. It made him feel cheated in some way.
Snorting at his own thoughts he forced himself up, grabbing the note as he went. Stumbling slightly, and ignoring the cold of the room, he made his way to the window nearest the head of the bed and parted the drapes to the bright light of morning. The sunlight reflecting off the windows across the terrace flooded in, leaving a slanted pattern across the bed and part of the wall. Ken flinched away from it. Shielding his eyes and turning his back to its brilliance.
Squinting and blinking against the light he opened the note.
Good morning, Love,
I hope you slept well. I'm sorry I couldn't
stay to wake you, but I shall be back before lunch
with a friend. Then I shall tell you everything.
I promise.
All my love,
Ran
Ken read it over several times before it could sink into his consciousness. Ran was gone. Again. The Duke crumpled the note and threw it into the fireplace among the ashes from the evening's fire. From somewhere in the back of his mind came the knowledge that Richard had lived less than six miles away and Ran hadn't told him. Worse, he'd intentionally not told him, perhaps even lied. Ran's written promise to be honest seemed hollow and did nothing to improve Ken's mood, which worsened when he rounded the end of the bed and found the settee empty. Completely devoid of his clothes for the day.
He could see his nightshirt still laying in a crumpled heap on the floor in the space between the door and the bed. That, combined with the lack of fresh clothes neatly laid out on the settee confirmed that Omi hadn't been to his room. Obviously the young servant and the Prince hadn't returned from wherever they'd gone off to.
Feeling distinctly abandoned Ken started to stomp his way toward his trunk intent on dressing himself. His mood had gone from bad to worse, but something caught around his toe and momentarily distracted him.
A thin, white strip of material was wound around his big toe. Scooping it up the Duke looked at it in confusion. He moved back to the windows and opened the drapes that were still closed. It was a delicate ribbon with lace along one edge. Where would...
Ken could feel his eyes widen as the events prior to Ran's arrival the night before flashed into his head. Aya had been to his room. In his bed. Aya had seen-!
"AAAAAAaaaaagh!"
His cry of alarm went mostly unheard, with the exception of a passing chambermaid. She burst into the room, after knocking politely, to ascertain what was wrong. Then just as quickly exited when confronted by the Duke's state of undress. After hastily assuring him through the closed bedroom door that a butler would be sent to assist him with dressing, she went about her morning duties with a deep blush staining her cheeks.
Ken sat down hard in the nearest arm chair. His bad mood forgotten. Numbly he wondered how he would ever be able to tell Ran that Aya had witnessed their lovemaking. And how would Ran ever forgive him?
The room was stifling. The air stale and foul. He struggled across to the window, drawing back the drapes and throwing the glass open to the storm outside. Taking deep breaths he turned to face the room's interior, only to wish he hadn't. His blood ran cold as his voice tore from his throat...
"Asuka!" Yohji cried, sitting straight up in the bed.
Before he could get his bearings and recover from his nightmare a sharp pain shot from one side of his head to the other.
"Ugh," he moaned, collapsing backwards onto the lumpy mattress.
One of the lumps groaned and pushed against his right shoulder.
"Get off me," came Omi's muffled voice from under the Prince's right side.
He twisted to his left so the younger man could sit up and look blearily around the room.
"Where are we?" the servant asked, squinting.
"I would say," Yohji answered, carefully not moving, "that we are still at the inn. Most likely in one of the guest rooms."
Omi looked around the small room. The large canopy bed they'd been dumped on was the only piece of furniture with the exception of one small wooden chair occupying the far corner. There wasn't even a fireplace. Just a small, square window without curtains to the left of the bed. The greasy glass letting in a bit of sunlight.
Another low moan escaped the lump under Yohji's left side and he shifted again, allowing Count Shadwell to sit up as well.
"Still at the inn, you say?" the Count muttered, shielding his eyes.
"Yes," Yohji answered, throwing one arm over his face to block the light.
Omi suddenly began to frantically search his clothing. His actions causing the bed to shift and shake.
"What's wrong?" Shadwell asked him over Yohji's supine body.
"My wallet," Omi cried. "Ah, here it is."
He pulled it out of his waistcoat pocket and began counting its contents. When he was done he put it back and began patting down the Prince.
"Omi," Yohji stated, still unmoving. "If you don't stop that instantly I'm going to kill you."
Shadwell climbed gingerly from the bed and managed to open the window without taking a step. With the cool, crisp morning air flowing in he sat hard on the edge of the bed causing it to shift again and Yohji to groan.
"You two are horrible bedfellows," the Prince mumbled in annoyance.
Ken sat down at the breakfast table after silently bowing to Elinor and Aya, who were already seated. He'd taken note upon entering that the table was only set for the three of them, confirming the fact that the others were gone. Spine stiff he snapped his napkin violently before laying it in his lap.
After he'd calmed down a bit, and washed up, it had occurred to him that with everyone else away he would have to speak to Aya about what she'd seen. And after a bit of thought he'd decided he wasn't at all happy about her sneaking into his room, or climbing into his bed, or hiding so he was forced into a situation that could potentially damage his relationship with Ran. Glancing up, he met her eyes.
"Good morning, your Grace," she said, smirking.
"Good morning...Aya," he stated tightly.
She blinked at him before glancing briefly at her mother. Elinor raised her eyebrows questioningly and Aya looked away.
"A-hem," the young woman cleared her throat. "Lovely day isn't it?"
"Quite," her mother agreed, carefully watching the Duke. He was obviously angry with Aya about something, but as he stared down at his toast his eyes betrayed a deeply felt sorrow. "Ken, I saw Ran briefly this morning. He's gone to fetch another house guest. That aught to be the last of his errands for a while."
"Yeah, he left me a note," he said somewhat bitterly. Then releasing a frustrated sigh he threw his napkin on the table and stood. "Sorry. I'm not hungry."
"Do you need some peppermint? We have some very good tea," Elinor offered.
"No. I just need some air," he said and left without bowing or looking at either of them again.
"Oh, dear," Elinor muttered. "I hope your brother is prepared to reap what he's sewn."
Aya stared at her mother as Lady Fujimiya calmly took a sip of her tea. Her mother knew. She knew and she'd never let slip the tiniest hint. Aya blinked rapidly as she realized that her mother must have known about Richard as well. Suddenly Aya saw her mother in a whole new light. She could keep secrets. Big ones. The young woman felt a new respect for Lady Fujimiya. Perhaps she hadn't yet learned all her mother had to teach her.
"Please excuse me, Mama," she said rising.
Elinor looked up at her daughter in surprise, sensing the change but not understanding it.
"Are you going to speak to the Duke?" she asked, setting down her tea cup.
"Yes. I have to apologize for something," Aya nodded, not yet moving toward the door.
"If he's gone out then wear a cloak and scarf. Its very cold this morning. The sunny skies are deceptive," Lady Fujimiya commanded softly, picking her tea cup back up.
"Yes, Mama."
Aya curtsied then moved toward the door. She failed to notice her mother's startled look followed by her soft smile.
Omi leaned over the rain barrel, which sat to the left of the inn's front entrance, and stuck his face into the water contained within. It was cold. Very cold. But it felt good. His head ached and just the thought of food turned his stomach. Why had he allowed Yohji to drag him off like that? And why had he consumed so much ale?
He pulled his head out and gasped for air. Tiny trickles of cold water ran under his collar and down his chest making him shiver. If his eyes had been open he'd be able to see his breath, but the cold was welcome. It helped clear his head.
Behind him he heard hoof beats rapidly approaching and sliding to a halt. He ignored them as he wiped his face with his cravat.
"Omi?"
He turned at the sound of Ran's surprised voice and squinted up at him. The red-headed Earl was climbing out of the saddle and looking at him in concern.
"What are you doing here?" Ran asked stepping up to the younger man and examining him with a critical eye.
"Where's Ken?" Omi asked bluntly. He was in no mood for an inquisition.
"In bed asleep," Ran answered taken slightly aback by the young servant's tone.
"If you don't tell him about Asataiyo and Richard I will," Omi stated, turning back to the rain barrel and scooping out some water to drink.
Ran watched him for a moment.
"I'm going to tell him today," he said.
"Good."
"God's balls its bright out here," Yohji exclaimed as he stumbled out the door.
He stopped just outside and took in the roadway, the rain barrel, Omi, the horse, and...
"Ran," he said by way of a greeting.
"Yohji," Ran nodded. "Have you two been here all night?"
"Yes," the Prince stated. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to collect Countess Misekake and bring her to the manor," Ran answered, removing his gloves and folding his arms over his chest. "And you?"
"The Countess is here?" Yohji asked, suddenly appearing much more alert.
Ran nodded.
"Excellent," the Prince said, smiling. "You fetch the Countess and we shall bring the Count!"
The tall man rubbed his hands together excitedly and Ran glanced at Omi in concern. He had to wonder whether his Cousin had finally done irreversible damage to his mind with his over indulgence in spirits. But the short blond too was nodding and had the countenance of someone in deep, serious thought.
"Go!" Yohji commanded. "We shall see you back at the house!"
Ran started then bowed past them and entered the inn, shaking his head. He knew he'd been in his own world of late, but the last time he'd checked the most exciting thing they'd been up to was dancing lessons. Leave it to those two to find trouble. Although he could hardly blame them if they'd gotten bored.
The Earl made his way upstairs to the Countess's room and knocked lightly. Nancy opened the door almost immediately and curtsied to him. The Countess was seated on the settee and looked up at him in pleasant surprise. He smiled brightly at her, causing her to stare in wonder.
"I forgive you, Eriko," he said. "Can you forgive me?"
The Countess couldn't contain a sob as she reached her large arms out and he fell into them.
"Oh, my boy. My dear, dear boy," she cried, holding him tight and stroking his hair. "Thank you. Thank you."
Ran pulled back, now on his knees before her, and looked into her eyes.
"Pack your things," he said still smiling. "I'm taking you home, and...there's someone there I want you to meet."
"Ken?"
He wasn't surprised to hear her voice from behind him. He'd heard her coming down the path toward the bench he was occupying in the center of the rose garden. It faced the fountain, and although the water was stopped for the winter it was still impressive. Over the last few days the roses had been cut back and covered with cloth sacks and banked with straw to keep them from freezing over the winter. The whole effect gave the garden an other wordly feeling that set the Duke on edge.
"Aya," he stated not turning.
"I'm sorry," she said, coming around the bench to sit beside him. "I shouldn't have snuck into your room last night, or hid when Ran came to the door. Please, forgive me?"
"How am I going to explain this to him?" Ken demanded angrily. "He thinks you're sweet and innocent!"
"I'll talk to him," Aya said gently resting a hand on his arm. "And I am sweet and innocent," she added a bit indignantly.
"Hah!" Ken cried. "He's going to cut my head off!"
"No, he won't," Aya stated firmly. "He loves you."
"Does he?" Ken asked, losing some of his passion.
"It seemed so last night," Aya said, quirking an amused eyebrow.
"Aya, that was just sex," Ken stated, turning to meet her eyes.
They widened slightly at his bluntness, then narrowed in righteous indignation.
"That vulgar little word cannot possibly describe what I witnessed last night!" she cried vehemently, rising and pacing a few steps away before turning back to face him. "Last night I saw two men who, filled with desperate longing, finally expressed their passion for one another through the physical act of love!"
Ken stared at her, dumbfounded. Then quickly looked about to see if anyone was near enough to overhear her. When he turned back she had stepped close once again. He jumped when she slapped a hand down on his shoulder.
"Ran loves you," she stated her voice and manner full of self assurance.
"Then why didn't he tell me about Richard's estate? Why has he been going off on secret errands?" Ken asked, looking at the ground. "He still loves him and I'm...I'm just a bed warmer."
"Now you are being self indulgent and I won't stand for it," Aya snapped, resuming her seat beside him. "Wallow in self pity if you want to, but we both know that isn't true."
Ken shrugged, still looking at the ground.
"Do you even know anything about Richard?" she asked.
"I know he was smart. Elegant. Cultured. Important. Everything I'm not," he pouted.
"You left out stuffy, high handed, and old," Aya said and Ken looked at her in surprise. She nodded. "He was thirty-nine the summer before he died. Thirty-nine! His hair was all silver!"
Ken's eyebrows rose in thought as he tried to replace his imaginary image of Richard with the information Aya had just provided.
"And he had wrinkles when he smiled," she added, leaning into Ken's shoulder. "All around his eyes."
She nudged him and smiled. Snorting out a small laugh, he shook his head and smiled at the ground.
"Is that true?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Aya," he said carefully after enjoying a short laugh with her. "Why did you come to my room last night?"
She sat up very straight and met his eyes squarely.
"Sex," she answered boldly. "Only the books don't call it that. They call it 'Marital Relations' or 'Carnal Pleasures'. I thought I'd better experience it so I'll be prepared once I get to Town."
Ken stared at her, not quite sure what to say. He shook his head again.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"I know what goes on there," she said. "Isn't that how you and Ran...?"
"No," Ken answered quickly. "No. And I'm not too sure you have the right idea about it."
She shifted in her seat so she was facing him.
"Explain," she demanded sternly.
"W-well, we fell in love and then we...l-l-look, why do you think you need to have sex? Shouldn't you wait? Until marriage or something?" he suddenly wondered if he sounded as stupid as he felt. How had he gotten into this situation?
"No, I can't wait," she answered.
"Why not?"
"Because," she said and looked away. When she looked back her eyes were hard. "Promise me you'll tell no one."
"I promise," he vowed earnestly.
"I can't wait because I need to know. I need to know everything and as soon as possible so I can be prepared. Then I can write it all down. You see, I intend to have grand adventures that I can record in my memoirs and sell when I'm older. Then I'll be famous, and live on in posterity," she admitted.
Ken blinked at her.
"You want to be famous?" he asked.
"I want my memoirs to be. Its all I've ever wanted," she answered softly. "To make a mark. To be remembered."
He smiled and surprised her by leaning over and kissing her temple.
"Then wait until you fall in love," he said. "It'll be worth it, I promise. And it'll make a better story. Now, how do I find this Asataiyo?"
It was an hour to lunch when Ran arrived home followed closely by a rented coach. His mother and Aya met them out front and welcomed the Countess with open arms. A room had been prepared for her, and a place was made ready for Nancy in the servants' quarters.
He'd been highly amused when they'd passed the Prince and Omi on the road. They had a young man with them, and Ran guessed him to be the Count Yohji had referred to. The three of them were riding slowly toward the estate. Very slowly. Omi looked like he'd already made at least one trip into the bushes. The Earl imagined it would be a good lesson for him.
Smiling at the recollection, he dismounted and watched his mother and sister fuss over the Countess. It took him a moment to realize someone was missing.
"Where's Ken?" he asked, glancing around.
Aya cleared her throat and stepped forward.
"I inadvertently happened to mention that Richard's estate was near by, and...he went to see it," she said. "You really should have told him."
Ran blinked at her then swung back up into the saddle.
It was beautiful. There was no other way to describe it. The white stone structure that glowed in the sun, like a piece of heaven had fallen to Earth. And that was where Richard and Ran had lived. So much grander than his little cottage. Ken sighed into his knees. From his vantage point on the hillside Asataiyo looked like a shiny doll's house. A perfect world unto itself. He pouted.
In his mind he could hear Aya's voice repeating what she'd told him earlier in the garden, and he knew she was right. He knew Ran loved him, but he couldn't deny his jealousy, or that it hurt. The fact that the Earl hadn't shared this with him. And the knowledge that while Ken had thought he was busy with estate business he'd actually been doing something else. What, he wasn't sure. But he knew it had something to do with Richard. He was beginning to hate that name and the person associated with it.
Behind him he heard a horse approaching and knew instantly who it was. His arms tightened around his knees.
Moments later, after the horse had stopped, footsteps approached him and long legs stretched out and settled on either side of him. Strong arms wrapped around him as a familiar warmth pressed up against his back.
"Are you going to make a habit out of running away?" asked a deep voice in his ear.
"Maybe. Its worked so far," he answered. "You keep coming after me."
"I always will."
They sat in silence for a few moments. Just breathing in the cool fall air, and listening to the sounds of the woods behind them.
"So, that's where Richard lived," Ken stated at last.
"Yes," Ran answered not loosening his hold on the younger man.
"It looks like Heaven," Ken commented.
"Its not."
Something in his lover's voice made Ken turn slightly so he could see Ran's eyes. They weren't trained on the estate as he had expected. Instead they were looking at him. The light in them warm and affectionate.
"Why not?" Ken asked. "Weren't you happy there?"
"Sometimes," Ran answered. "We tried to be, and sometimes we were."
"What have you been doing?" Ken asked, turning completely around so he was kneeling between Ran's legs and looking up into his face.
"I've been trying to help Richard's mother," he answered, keeping his arms wrapped loosely around Ken's waist. "She's been left destitute by her younger son, Reginald. Richard's brother."
"Why?" Ken asked, slightly aghast that anyone would treat their mother in such a way.
"Because she approved of our relationship and he didn't," Ran answered. "Until today she wouldn't accept my invitation to come to the manor."
"Why wouldn't she?" Ken asked, watching Ran closely.
Ran studied his face for a moment before answering. He looked deep into the large brown eyes. There was a tiny bit of reproach there, but mostly concern for the man he loved. The Earl smiled softly.
"When Richard was dying, and we knew there was no hope, his lawyers came to review his will, and to inform us that Reginald had been to see them in Town. Somehow he had learned of Richard's illness and that it had taken a turn for the worse. They wanted to warn the Countess that he planned to take possession no later than three days after Richard's passing, that he was waiting nearby. He intended to throw us all out. Eriko, his mother, Kate, his sister, and me."
"Why so soon?" Ken asked.
Ran snorted. A sarcastic smirk curving up the corners of his mouth.
"Who can say? All I know is it came as a shock at a time when none of us could handle anymore. Kate was living in Town and only home to sit vigil with us, so the bulk of her personal possessions were already removed. And I had been splitting my time between Asataiyo and my own manor, so not many of my things were present. What was there Omi easily packed and took away with him back to my estate. But Eriko had lived there for over forty years. Asataiyo was her life. And she had no savings, nothing to live off of," Ran shook his head, his eyes sparked with disgust and anger. "Even if she could afford a new home it would take weeks, even months, to move her."
"What did you do?"
"I sat with Richard," Ran answered, one hand lifting up to brush through Ken's hair. "I think, at the time, that was all I was capable of."
"What did Richard's mother do?" Ken asked, unconsciously leaning into the Earl's touch.
"Eriko...went mad. At least, that's how I choose to think of it now. She flew into a fit of rage. She started screaming at everyone. She commanded the servants to bolt the doors to keep Reginald out. She told the lawyers they were messengers from the Devil, and threw them out of the house. Kate didn't know what to do. She tried to speak to her, but Eriko was beyond reason. She was desperate, and in her desperation...she blamed me," the Earl said sadly.
"Blamed you? For what?"
"For everything. She said...she said if it hadn't been for me Richard would've married and fathered a son," Ran stated. Then, seeing Ken's confusion, he continued. "If Richard had had a son to inherit then Reginald would get nothing, and Eriko would've been safe. She said everything we'd been to each other was...wrong."
Ken frowned.
"Then what happened?" he asked quietly.
"Then Richard died," Ran shook his head as if trying to clear it and looked out over the valley just past Ken's shoulder. "We were in his room. I was holding his hand, she was screaming, and then he was gone. Just like that. So quickly. The room went very still for a moment. Quiet. I almost felt as though I could feel him leaving."
Ken fell forward heavily, burying himself against Ran's chest and wrapping his arms possessively around his waist. The motion snapped Ran out of his reverie. He hugged Ken to him, softly kissing the top of his head.
"That's terrible," the Duke stated into the Earl's cravat.
"Even worse. Once he'd passed Eriko became hysterical. Well, more hysterical. She tried to convince me to make amends. She wanted me to marry Kate," Ran said, his voice lighter than it had been. "The state of mind I was in I'm surprised I didn't. Imagine if I had."
Ken pulled back and pouted up at him. Ran smiled back, gently brushing the Duke's bangs out of his eyes.
"Then what happened?" Ken asked, still pouting.
"Then Yohji arrived and came to my rescue. Omi had been beside himself. I stopped eating, sleeping. I'm not entirely certain what happened. I remember being briefly at my mother's and then they took me to Town," Ran said.
"What happened there?" Ken asked cautiously.
"Nothing of consequence," Ran replied, smirking.
"Ran," the Duke pouted.
"Its time for lunch and the Countess is joining us. She can't wait to meet you," Ran smiled, climbing to his feet.
"Is she still mad?" Ken asked, accepting the Earl's assistance.
"No, that's all in the past. We've forgiven each other," Ran said, turning to walk toward their horses.
"Ran," Ken called and waited for the Earl to turn and face him. "Why didn't you tell me all this before? Why didn't you just show me Asataiyo?"
The taller man retraced his steps back to the Duke and stopped before him.
"Because I wasn't ready to," he answered softly. "Because...I want to protect you. You've had very little experience in the world, and in many ways you're still an innocent"
He lifted a hand to rest against Ken's cheek.
"When I met you I knew that what I'd shared with Richard was truly over, and that it hadn't been the eternal love I'd taken it for. I could see how I'd worshiped him instead of accepting him for who he was, and I realized that he could see it too. That he'd known. And I felt guilty. Then, when you looked at me with love in your eyes I became afraid that what Richard was to me I'd become to you. And I felt...afraid."
"Is that why you ran away when we were in Town?" Ken asked.
"Yes," Ran nodded. "But I was wrong. You saw who I really was, and you loved me anyway."
"Still do," Ken said, smirking. "And I don't need protecting."
"Huh," Ran said, turning away and heading toward the horses once again. "Tell that to Count Kase Kouichiro."
Ken stopped dead in his tracks.
"Ran! You promised you'd never mention that ever again!" Ken cried heatedly.
"Sorry, Love," Ran said, mounting his horse. He sounded sincere but his eyes twinkled with mirth and he was smirking again.
"Nope," Ken said, shaking his head and moving to his own horse. "Not good enough. You need to make it up to me."
"Oh?" Ran chuckled arching an interested eyebrow.
"Yep. No more sleepin' alone," Ken stated as they spurred their horses into an easy walk side by side. "And no more sneakin' out of bed before I'm awake."
"Is that all?" Ran asked with a cheeky grin.
"No more secrets. I mean it! None. Not ever," Ken commanded.
"I promise," Ran said, this time in earnest.
"Okay, then. Let's go eat," said Ken with a big grin.
Author's Note: Aww! Now the action begins. I hope it's good. O.O Thanks for reading! Please review!
Mondtanz: Yes, she's an adventurer. A forward adventurer. I'm glad you liked it! And now you know what she intended to do with Ken. What'd ya think of that?! O.O And the drunk Omi part was very fun to write too, although completely unplanned! Thanks for reading!
Bine: You saw it coming! I wondered if people wouldn't figure it out. There was actually a big piece of foreshadowing in the chapter before. What do you think of Aya's reasoning? Thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: Yup. The whole time. Nope. Ken had other things to think about. I'd be disturbed too, but I'm not as adventurous as Aya. In this fic she's one of those individuals who isn't fazed by anything, and I do mean ANYTHING. I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations and excitement. Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! Really? The first fic where Omi's consumed more than Yohji? Of course, I think Yotan kept drinking afterward. I'm glad you enjoyed how she found out! For some reason my evil streak really loved that, and still does. That was the inspiration for the whole story. I hope you liked this chapter just as well, even though it was much less dynamic. Thanks for reading!
Seph Lorraine: smile Yep, planned it from the beginning. Thanks! I'm never sure of the difference between limes and lemons, but I love the..."miniskirt rule". I've never heard that before, but it'll be my moto. Yeah, you noticed that, hunh? Perfectly sober statement and then 'bonk'. That whole Omi, Yohji, Shadwell scene just came to me as I wrote it. I needed a lead in to the Ran/Ken scene, and I needed to advance the plot in an amusing way. Glad it worked! Thanks for reading!
Swtjemz: Delicious? grin Thanks! 1. Thank you. Glad you liked it. 2. Thank you. Glad you liked it. 3. Yohji will do a lot in the name of romance and in order to spoil Reginald's fun. 4. And that's the crux, isn't it? I've never thought about it like that, but I guess in a way she is a lot like Yohji. Or wants to be. I guess she wants to be. nods Umm...I'm still deciding whether Braddy-kins and Schu-baby will be nice or naughty. Thanks for reading!
Toradoshi: Thanks! Glad you loved it. Well, now you know what she planned. I've known people just like her. I'm glad it was just right! Thanks for reading!
Darkfireofforbiddensouls: Not so much a voyeur as a young woman of high intelligence and an adventurous spirit who's been stifled and is ready to live, and explore. I'm glad you enjoyed Omi getting plastered. I sort of forgot about that. Heh-heh-heh. I like your plan, but we'll have to wait and see what Reggy's fate will be. Thanks for reading!
Marsupial: Yeah, a dirty scene. evil grin back What do you think of what happened next? You knew a few male florists? O.O So there are some out there?! Wow. Yeah, there's a lot of blood in library work too. Paper cuts. nods Thanks for reading!
Fieryicicles: Allis has lectured me about almost forgetting, and it won't happen again. I swear! Hey, this update was super early! Thanks for reading!
xXLil Yu JahXx: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes, Aya was spying on them as you know by now! Heh-heh. I have an evil streak. Thanks for reading!
Elfgoddess00: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! I hope this chapter wasn't a let down. I'm glad Aya is growing on you. That was my hope. That everyone would start out with a pre-conceived idea about her, but gradually come around to liking her. (I think its working! Hee-hee!) Oooo, I'm going to have to check out your live journal. Thanks! And the chapters will keep coming until chapter thirteen and then they'll stop. How I managed to write two stories with the same number of chapters I have no idea. Thanks for reading!
Allis: Hi! Fieryicicles says 'thank you'. A drunk Omi is cute, but he was paying for it in this chapter. O.O You what?! You and your beer! waggles finger I'm adopting what Seph Lorraine said as my moto. She's not dirty! She's adventurous! Hmmm...what plan will they make? You'll just have to see. Thanks for reading!