Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: And this is where I tried to make it start to get exciting. I'm not sure how successful I was. I also wanted to retain some humor because it gets serious toward the end. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 9
As Ran and Ken emerged from the woods and rode up the long drive toward the house they could see Yohji, Omi, and their companion dismounting in the yard. The Earl couldn't help but smile a bit at his recollection of their expressions as he'd passed them. He wondered whether they'd be able to attend lunch, or whether they'd be too ill.
"Who's that with them?" Ken asked.
"Some Count they met up with," Ran answered and then paused to wonder about the strange young man, and his Cousin's eagerness for him to meet the Countess.
They spurred their horses to speed them up and were soon riding into the yard before the manor's entrance. The Prince and his companions had stopped to wait for them after noticing their arrival. The young man was watching them with great interest.
"Ah, there you are," the Prince said in welcome. "I thought you'd be at lunch by now."
"I had to fetch Ken. He was viewing Asataiyo," Ran answered.
"Ah," Yohji exclaimed, eyebrows rising. "And how did you find it, Cousin Ken?"
"Its beautiful," Ken shrugged non-committally. "Looks nice."
"Looks can be deceiving," Omi muttered sourly.
"So I've heard," the Duke responded, and was pleased to see the young servant warm up and smile in Ran's direction.
"Ran and Ken," Yohji said suddenly with great authority, "allow me to present Count Sebastion Shadwell. Count, my cousins, Earl Ran Fujimiya and Duke Ken Hidaka."
At the mention of his name the Count had snapped to attention and bowed very formally to them. They responded in kind.
"My Lord, your Grace, it's a pleasure," Shadwell said.
"Please, its just Ken," the Duke said, smiling amiably.
"And Ran," the Earl agreed.
Shadwell bowed again to cover his pleasure and astonishment. Yohji and Omi smirked.
"Then please," he said, "call me Bastion."
"The young Count here is engaged to the lovely Miss Katherine Misekake," Yohji said, arching an eyebrow at Ran.
"Kate?" Ran asked, pleasantly surprised. He smiled at the Count's nod and offered him his hand with a smile. "Congratulations, Bastion."
"Thank you," the young man said, accepting his hand, but maintaining a slight frown. "But I'm afraid fate is against me."
"What d'ya mean?" Ken asked.
"Alas, she has been taken from her rooms and her friends and brought here by her foul, loathsome brother," Bastion spat. "Forgive me for being so blunt, but Prince Yohji has assured me of your assistance in this matter."
Ran and Ken looked at one another and then at the Prince, who was nodding. The Earl turned to fetch back his horse.
"Where are you going?" Ken demanded.
"To get her back," Ran stated.
"Wait," Yohji commanded him, then placed a restraining hand upon Ran's shoulder when he failed to obey instantly. "Wait, Cousin. You will accomplish nothing by charging in there and demanding her release. There is no proof that he even has her."
"Then what do you suggest?" Ran demanded, turning to face his Cousin fully.
"Kidnap her," Yohji stated with a wicked smile.
"What?" Ken cried in astonishment.
"Yohji," Ran said in warning, but the Prince just continued to grin.
"You mean sneak in there?" Ken asked.
"Yes," the Prince answered.
"At night?"
"Yes."
"And...just take her?"
"Yes."
The Duke thought about it for a few moments then shrugged.
"Okay," he said.
"Ken," Ran said, turning startled eyes on his young lover.
"What? We can't let her stay there, and Yohji just said it won't do any good to go there now," he said.
"Its true that talking with Reginald is useless, but..."
"Ran, its decided," Yohji stated. "The only thing left to discuss are the details."
The Earl looked to his Cousin, Omi, and Bastion. He could see their determination and read the seriousness of the situation in their eyes. Sighing, he nodded.
"When?" he asked.
"Tonight. The moon is nearly half full and every night that passes it gets brighter," Yohji said and Ran nodded again. "We can't risk waiting for a cloudy night."
"Should we inform the Countess?" Omi asked.
"Countess?" Shadwell said, looking between them all.
Ran shook his head.
"Absolutely not. She's been through enough," he said. "Once Kate is safe we can let her inform her mother herself."
The others nodded.
"Her mother? Her mother is here?" Shadwell asked, then began manically straightening out his rumpled clothing.
"Yes," Yohji answered, "but Ran is right. We should conceal your identity and not mention any of this."
The Count sighed and nodded in agreement.
"There, now that that's settled I believe I'm ready for some lunch," the Prince announced, grinning broadly.
"Uh, I'm not sure I am, Omi muttered, clutching his stomach.
"What's wrong with you?" Ken asked.
"Over indulgence in alcohol," Ran stated, smirking.
"You got drunk?" the Duke asked, quite surprised.
"Don't say it," Omi said, scrunching up his face.
"There is nothing wrong with occasionally imbibing too much good liquor," the Prince said defensively.
"Yes, there is," Ran and Omi stated.
"You'll feel better after you eat, I'm sure," Shadwell offered helpfully. "As for myself I'm more than ready for some sustenance."
They went in to lunch. The Countess was more than pleased to meet both Ken and Bastion, who was introduced as a friend. Lady Fujimiya, after taking note of Omi's countenance, ordered some toast, soup, and peppermint tea for him. And although Yohji and Bastion ate the pheasant, they also ate a lot of bread and avoided the wine. None of the ladies present asked why.
"So, Ran and Ken, how did you two meet?" Eriko asked, pleasantly smiling. "Tell me everything."
Ran shot a nervous glance to his sister, but she was deep in conversation with Count Shadwell and had apparently missed the Countess's loaded question. She marked his look and smiled apologetically.
"We met on Ken's estate," Ran said softly, acknowledging her silent apology. "Yohji is Ken's first cousin, and intended to pay his respects to Ken's mother."
"Oh," the Countess beamed. "And was your mother pleased to see her nephew? That shows a healthy amount of familial affection."
"She died when I was eight," Ken stated, then blushed in embarrassment when he realized how blunt he'd been.
"Oh," the Countess said, wide eyed and not sure how to interpret his statement. "I am sorry."
"Ken was living with his stepfather under rather unfortunate conditions," Ran amended.
"Stepfather?!" Count Shadwell cried suddenly from his position next to Aya, who was on Ken's right.
Everyone paused in their conversations to look at him.
"I mean...I'm terribly sorry, but...well, I believe I saw a play that may have been based on your life. Were you...I hate to seem indelicate, but were you living as a servant?" Bastion asked, coloring slightly.
Ken stared at him while his cheeks heated up.
"There's a play?!" he cried at last, immediately turning to look at the Prince, his face bright red.
"Oh. Heh-heh. Did I forget to mention that?" Yohji chuckled.
"It was quiet good," Bastion continued as Aya and Elinor slowly opened their fans to hide their smiles. "I believe an opera is being produced for the Christmas season on request from the King.
"Opera?!" Ken cried then buried his face in his hands.
Ran looked sympathetically toward his lover, but couldn't do more. Not without Aya possibly catching on, or at least questioning their behavior. Aya and the Countess, one on either side of the Duke, patted his arms comfortingly while the Prince chuckled in amusement. Even Omi had to hide a smirk.
"Really, your Grace, you must admit your's is a rather unusual and interesting tale," Bastion said, attempting to alleviate Ken's ire.
The young Duke gave him a hard look.
"Actually, the actor playing you was rather good, but I thought the young lady who played the princess you fall in love with was a bit over dramatic. What did you think, Bastion?" Yohji asked across the table.
Unfortunately Ran had chosen that moment to sip his wine and choked so hard he began coughing violently. When he could get his breathing under control he joined Ken in glaring at their cousin.
"I agree. That whole part seemed contrived," Bastion said. "Tell me, is there any truth to it?"
"No," Ken and Ran answered together, causing the Count to blink in surprise.
The whole table was distracted by the release of high pitched giggles from the far end of the table. Omi was doubled over hiding his face in his napkin. Ran and Ken scowled at him. Yohji began chuckling heartily. Aya and Elinor hid smiles behind their fans. And Bastion gaped.
"Oh my," twittered the Countess.
-------------------
After lunch Bastion was shown to a guest room, and Yohji and Omi also retired. None of them had had the opportunity to wash up at the inn, except for Omi's quick dunk in the rain barrel. And the two older men needed to shave. The others moved their conversations to the drawing room where they settled comfortably into the various chairs arranged before a large window with a view of the terrace at the back of the house. But Aya didn't let Ran sit for long before requesting that he take a turn with her about the east wing again in order to go into detail about the wanted alterations. Taking him by the hand she led him from the room.
Ken watched them leave a bit nervously.
"I wouldn't worry too much, Ken," Lady Fujimiya said, tapping his knee with her folded fan. "I'm sure everything will be fine."
"You think so?" he asked, meeting her eyes across the space separating their seats.
"I'm sure," Elinor smiled. "She is going to tell him she knows about you two?"
He nodded solemnly.
"Oh, yes. Things should be much simpler then," Elinor said.
"I hope so," Ken muttered.
Countess Misekake, who was to his left, patted his arm reassuringly.
"Now, I want to hear all about you and Ran," she said. "I was afraid the poor boy would never recover from Richard's loss. I want the whole story from when you first met until now."
Lady Fujimiya smiled and looked to Ken expectantly, while the Countess beamed at him.
"W-well..."
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"Aya, are you even listening to me?" Ran asked, pausing in the middle of his description of how they could open doors out onto the side lawn. He lowered his arms and glanced sideways at her.
"No," she answered truthfully.
"I thought you wanted to discuss this," he stated, a bit put off at having to leave Ken's side again when he hadn't wanted to.
"I lied," she said and waited for a reaction.
Ran blinked, then looked at her expectantly. She smiled softly.
"I brought you here because I have some bad news and I wanted to break it to you gently," she said.
"Bad news?" he asked, meeting her eyes. His were full of concern.
"Yes. I'm afraid that Ken will never dance. Not well," she said and saw him visibly relax. "But as he'll only want to dance with you then it shouldn't really matter."
For a moment she was afraid he'd actually fall over. Ran stood very still and his usually pale complexion went chalky, then got very red.
"What?" he asked softly.
Aya smiled at him.
"Silly, Ran, I know everything and I couldn't be happier. Really," she said.
"What do you know?" he asked, still frozen to the spot.
"About you and Ken," Aya answered, still smiling. Tentatively she took his hand and squeezed it. "That you're in love."
"How...how do you know that?" he asked utterly in shock.
"Does it matter?"
Ran looked closely at his sister. She was calmly facing him. A soft smile adorned her pretty face. Her eyes were warm and accepting. The racing of his heart began to slow and he felt several tensed muscles relax.
"No, I suppose not," he said after a moment. "And...and you're not upset? You're not...disgusted?"
Aya blinked in surprise.
"Of course not!" she cried, appalled that he'd even had to ask. "Why would you think I would be? There are many kinds of love, Ran, but whatever form it takes its still love. How can it be wrong?"
"I was just worried that...," he looked at the floor, "given your secluded upbringing..."
"My what?" she asked, her smile gone and replaced with indignation. "I've been to Town. I've had the best education money can buy. The best dancing masters, music master, masters of deportment. How could you even suggest I've been in seclusion?!"
Ran glanced up, startled by her ire.
"Are you suggesting I'm not sophisticated?" she demanded, releasing his hand and glaring at him. "Do you think I'm some sort bumpkin?!"
"Of course not. What's gotten into you?" Ran asked completely flummoxed by her sudden change in attitude.
She took a deep breath and visibly forced herself to calm down.
"Nothing," she said tightly. "Absolutely nothing has gotten into me. I am perfectly calm...and rational."
Ran stood before her, arms crossed over his chest, and arched an eyebrow.
"Aya," he said, then paused a moment to carefully select his words. "Are you jealous?"
"Of what?" she asked, her voice still slightly strained.
"Of us. Ken and me."
He watched as his sister's deep violet-blue eyes opened wide and before she could stop herself she burst into hearty gales of laughter.
"I guess not," he muttered sarcastically.
-------------------
"And that's when we received your letter, Elinor," Ken finished. He'd left out a few of the more intimate details, but basically he'd related the whole story.
"My goodness," the Countess said, wide eyed and breathless. "And are you still in touch with your family?"
"Uh, yeah. With Caroline. She's my youngest stepsister," he answered.
"Well, I can certainly see why they thought it would make a good play," she said, glancing at Elinor, who nodded.
Ken pouted.
"And has Ran told you much about my son?" Eriko asked. When the Duke nodded she reached into a hidden pocket in her gown. "Then please allow me to show this to you."
She gently removed something small wrapped up in a piece of felt. Opening the felt she held out a small oval frame with a tiny portrait in it. Ken took the delicate item and examined it closely.
The figure in the portrait was a man with long silver hair which hung free over his shoulders. The features of his face were striking and quite handsome. His dark eyes held a sharp intelligence and a hint of sorrow.
"That is my Richard," Eriko sighed. "I'm not ready to part with this picture now, but I would like Ran to have it after my death. That is, if you don't mind."
Ken stared at the tiny portrait.
"I don't mind at all," he said and smiled. Finally he had a face to go with Ran's stories.
-------------------
After a few minutes Aya collected herself, and reined in her laughter.
"I'm sorry," she said still giggling.
"Not at all. I just thought...well, you seemed very fond of him before," Ran said, pouting slightly.
"I am fond of him," Aya stated, smiling. "Very fond. But not in that way."
"Well...good," the Earl said, not quite sure how to react. The thought that Aya wasn't seriously interested in Ken was almost as much a relief to him as her blessing had been, but her reaction had caught him off guard.
"Please, don't be offended," Aya smiled. "Ken is very attractive and sweet. At one time I thought he might be able to perform a certain service for me, but now I'm more than satisfied with how things stand. And he offered me some very useful advice which I believe I'm going to follow."
"Service?" Ran questioned.
"Never mind. What were you saying about the doors to the lawn? As long as we're here we might as well discuss it," Aya said, turning abruptly from her brother to the window he'd been facing earlier.
Ran watched her for a moment before turning to resume his previous description. There was definitely something she wasn't telling him. Perhaps he could get whatever went on between them out of Ken later, if the Duke could be persuaded. The Earl was fairly certain he'd be able to convince him.
---------------------
The afternoon and evening progressed pleasantly, ending after dinner in the music room with Aya playing and singing while the Prince, Bastion, Elinor, and the Countess indulged in whist, and Ken challenged Ran to a game of chess while Omi watched and assisted when needed. Before too long it was time to retire to bed and soon everyone was tucked away in their beds. Or so they should've been.
The young men quietly changed into their darkest clothing. After waiting a half hour they made their way from their rooms and downstairs as quietly as possible and slipped out into the night.
Ken tingled with excitement as they rode along the road toward the back entrance to Asataiyo. The moon, at half-full, cast plenty of light to see by. And the lane was smooth, the way clear.
Part way there Ran called a halt. Reining in his horse, he turned in the road and faced the others.
"See the large oak just off the road behind me?" he asked softly.
The others answered in the affirmative.
"Just beyond it is a deer trail that leads up to the side of the estate. Straight through the fields along the wall," he said.
"A perfect place to go over," the Prince said, a smile could be heard in his voice.
"Do you think the grounds will be patrolled?" Bastion asked.
"Most likely," Omi replied. "Reginald won't be too careless."
"He may not expect us," Yohji said. "Since he hasn't yet heard from the good Count here he may assume he's gotten away with it."
"His man at the gate did let me in virtually without question," Ran agreed.
"Once we're in what do we do?" Ken asked anxiously, more than ready to be there.
"Ran and I will approach the house and get Kate out," Yohji stated. "Omi and Ken will hide between the house and the wall and watch for patrolling servants. If you see any mark where they go and signal us."
"How?" Ken asked.
"Do your bird call," Omi suggested.
Ken puckered his lips and blew through his teeth. A warbly sound issued forth.
"What is that?" Yohji asked dryly.
"A robin," Ken answered defensively.
"If you say so," the Prince muttered in disdain.
"It'll do," Ran cut in, also anxious to get the endeavor underway.
"What about me? What shall I do?" Bastion demanded.
"We'll need you to stay with the horses and keep watch from atop the wall," the Prince stated. "The tall topiary shrubs inside the estate should shield you from any view from the house."
"But Kate is my fiancée. I should be the one to rescue her," Bastion cried indignantly.
"Shhh," Omi shushed him.
"That is precisely why we can't risk it," Yohji whispered fiercely. "You're too emotionally involved. One outburst like that and we're caught."
A tense silence followed while the Count swallowed his pride and nodded.
"Alright," he muttered when he realized they couldn't see him.
"Let's go," Ran stated and turned his horse.
The others followed him silently as they ducked under the branches of the oak and followed the deer trail. They rode more slowly. The woods blocked much of the light, but soon they had emerged onto a long stretch of harvested farm land. It was divided from a neighboring field by a dark row of trees along one side. Beyond the second field was the manor surrounded by its high stone wall.
They crossed the open land quickly and soon were approaching the wall. Once there Bastion dismounted and removed the heavy weight from the Prince's saddlebag and tied the horses to it. The others used the back of Omi's steed to climb up onto the wall. Removing a length of rope that was strapped to his saddle, Ran tied it securely to the strap and threw it to Omi, who dropped it over the side. Bastion and Ran joined them on the wall, the former holding the rope while the others lowered themselves to the ground inside. Inside Asataiyo.
Ken fidgeted nervously as he waited beside Omi for Ran and Yohji to join them. He was nervous and excited at once. It wasn't much different from the feeling he'd had sneaking away from his chores when he'd first met them. It was thrilling.
Ran landed on the ground with a soft thud.
"Ken?" he called out in a soft whisper.
"What?" came the answer from his right.
The Earl reached out and caught the willing form up in his arms for a quick hug.
"Are you okay? You're not frightened are you, Love?" Ran asked into the Duke's ear.
"No, I'm fine," Ken replied, his heart rate increasing and not necessarily from the task at hand. "I'm sorta excited. Ready to go."
Ran chuckled softly against his hair before kissing him gently.
"Just be careful," he whispered.
"Are you ready?" Yohji asked suddenly.
"Yes," Ken answered smartly as Ran released him.
"Good," the Prince stated. "Be careful. If there are any servants on patrol they maybe armed."
"Right," Omi and Ken stated.
Silently they left the wall and began making their way across the wide expanse of lawn. As they came up to a large shrub carved into a cone they separated. Ken and Omi concealing themselves in the shadow cast by the moonlight while the other two continued on toward the manor.
From their vantage point Ken could see around the corner of the house into the back yard where the formally laid out garden was. His eyes anxiously scanned the area noting where the tall shrubs were and searching for any movement. Beside him Omi did the same toward the front.
"Nothing over here," Ken whispered.
"Here either," Omi reported.
"Do you think they'll be able to get her out okay?" Ken asked.
"Oh, yeah. Don't worry. Just keep your eyes open," Omi answered and Ken could hear his smile, and had to wonder about it.
------------------
Ran and Yohji quickly finished their dash across the lawn and stopped when they reached the side of the house. It seemed to tower ominously above them. The first row of windows some six feet above their heads.
"Any sign of anyone?" Yohji asked quietly.
"No. I think the drapes are closed," Ran answered, his voice little more than a soft rumble.
"Where're Kate's rooms?" the Prince asked.
"On the back corner. There's a balcony off her bedroom around the corner overlooking the gardens."
They moved along the side of the building and around the corner into the shadow of the house. Twenty feet above their heads was an iron balcony. Similar balconies stretched along all the upper windows on the back of the manor. Lights from the center windows on the first floor shown out onto the lawn and reached back toward the formal gardens. They made the shadows seem darker, but as they paused someone inside pulled the heavy curtains closed cutting off the light.
"Have you considered how we will get up there?" Ran asked his Cousin softly.
"I have," Yohji answered. "I brought my wire."
"That old thing? You still have that?" Ran asked, his voice incredulous. "Will it still hold you?"
"Certainly," Yohji replied.
"Okay, go," Ran said, glancing from side to side to ensure that there was no one near.
The Prince stepped back quite a few paces, pulling the thin wire from a leather pouch strapped to his wrist, and threw the weighted end upward at the balcony. He heard it land and felt it catch. Walking back to Ran he tested his weight against it. The wire held firm. The Prince let out a silent breath.
"Off I go," he whispered to his cousin. "Listen for a signal from the others."
"I will," Ran whispered back. "Just go."
Flashing him a grin he couldn't see, the Prince began slowly scaling the smooth stones of the manor.
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Author's Note: Heh,heh, I figured if Ran could have his katana then why couldn't Yohji have his wire? Besides, in Japan the wire has been a weapon for hundreds of years. Hasn't it? Please review!
Zeto: Hey! There you are! Welcome back! I'm glad you don't hate Aya. I sort of wrote it that way on purpose, knowing everyone's initial reaction would be to hate her. Hee-hee, but I wanted her to be likable! And, yes, Ran came close to messing it all up, but he wised up. That was intentional too. No relationship runs smoothly all the time, and that would be boring too. I'm glad you like it so far! But, no they can't get married yet. Gees! Patience! Thanks for reading!
darkfireofforbiddensouls: You're welcome. I know I dragged that out a bit, but I HAD too! Anyway, moving onto other possible problems for the two. I agree. Reggy should be punished. What's that quote from "The Mummy" about 'come-upance'? I'm glad you still love the story though! Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Yay! I'm glad you loved this chapter! I'm trying to write Aya as an intelligent (and wise) person who's inexperience shows in the way she handles herself rather than in how she perceives things. I think its working. And I think everyone pretty much likes her now which is great! Yeah, Ran and the Countess and Ran and Ken are all squared up (for now evil laugh). I had to do that because the point of the story is changing now from the past to the present. Oh! You liked that line? I loved that line! It just popped out! I think Yohji possessed me for a moment! Ha-ha! Thanks for reading!
Mochiino ai: Hi! Thanks! I'm glad you like it so far! Thanks for reading and reviewing too!
xXLil Yu JahXx: o 66 ? Thanks for reading!
Fiery-icicles: I LOVE coffee!!! Yes! Coffee and Ran/Ken! But we don't have Starbucks. We have Green Mountain Coffee Roasters! double drool Thanks for reading!
Rapunzel4: Hmmm...Aya could be a yaoi fangirl. After all, we don't really get to know her in the actual stories, and Ran's opinion MUST be taken with a grain of salt. Oh! What'd you think about Ran finding out about Kate? Hopefully, that'll lead to some excitement. Thanks for the note about my scene breaks. Yes, I have been using asterisks, so for this one I changed to lines. Did that help? I agree that scene breaks are helpful. Hopefully the lines stayed where I put them. And thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: Yeah, Aya is VERY strong willed in my story, and there's NO WAY I was as open about sex at sixteen as she is. BUT I knew a lot of people who were. I thought if she was really intelligent and social what being isolated for most of your life because of illness or "protection"
would do to her. How anxious she would be to break free. And I wanted her to be interesting. Ran is 22 because he had a birthday in July. Ken is still 16, Omi is still 15, and Yohji is 23 (his birthday was just before the start of the first story). I messed with Ken and Omi's ages. Man! You made me have to scramble to find my notes! Thanks for reading!
Krysana: Hi! Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it! Well, hopefully the action's only starting, and hopefully it won't become predictable. Although, there's nothing wrong with a little predictability, but I like to keep people guessing. Ran pouncing on Ken is ALWAYS hot!!! You are the second person to tell me about my section breaks. Thanks. I tried dashes in this one. Did they work? It was deleting my asterisks. I haven't been using the quickedit. Thanks for reading!
Allis: Hi! Well, he might try to "taste" him again in the next one. I haven't decided yet. Well, at least you like her. pouts I'm not going to tell you what I meant. You'll just have to read it. Anyway, its already started in this chapter. Thanks for reading!