Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: More action! Rescue ahoy! And some sweet teasing at the end. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takejito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 10
Ken sighed and tried not to fidget as he and Omi waited and watched, from their position in the shadow of the shrub. But it was proving difficult. He was full of pent up excitement and nervous energy. Keeping an eye open for possible guards was turning out to be pretty dull.
"How long do you think they'll be?" he whispered to Omi.
"That depends," came the reply.
Ken sighed.
"I haven't seen anything over here yet. Anything over there?" he asked.
"No."
The Duke glanced quickly at his friend and frowned. Omi was just a slightly darker shape in front of the shrub. Ken began to fidget.
"How will they find her? Sneak into the house and search?" he whispered to Omi.
"No, they'll climb up," Omi replied. "Yohji's got an assassin's wire. Its really strong. He's used it before. And Ran, of course, knows that Kate's room is in the corner."
Ken turned to his friend and simply stared. He doubted he'd heard Omi correctly.
"Yohji has an assassin's wire?" the Duke asked dumbly.
"Yeah."
"Where...how...why does he have that?" Ken asked a little too loudly.
"Shhh," Omi hissed. His shadowy form turned from watching the front yard and faced Ken in the darkness. "He won it in a card game. He's had it a long time. They won't tell me anything, but it seems like they got into quite a bit of mischief when they were younger. And there was a time when Yohji's life was in danger and the wire came in very handy then."
"Yohji's life was...," Ken paused suddenly and turned back to the yard he was supposed to be watching. He was sure he'd heard something.
------------
Cautiously the Prince pulled himself up onto the balcony and over it's railing. He paused there a minute to collect his wire back into its pouch. The window was shut and the curtains drawn, but he could see a fraction of light through the hair thin split where they met. That suggested the room's occupant was probably within, and he would have to precede very carefully. He certainly didn't want to startle her and risk her screaming. They'd be caught for sure in that case.
Very gently he tested the window. It was latched, but he could see where and drew out a pen knife. One faint click later and the window swung open easily, allowing him to step into the tiny alcove between the window and the drapes. He closed it softly behind him.
The room beyond was very quiet and he wondered whether Kate might be in bed. Separating the heavy curtains a bit he peeked in. No one was visible. He eased himself into the room sweeping it with his eyes as he went.
Yohji was half way through the draperies when he caught something out of the corner of his eye and froze as he turned to face it.
There stood Kate Misekake. Still dressed for dinner in a splendid gown of green silk with dark green ribbon around the neck and sleeves. Her long dark hair was likewise done up in green ribbons. She stood, looking quite magnificent, holding her dressing table's chair suspended over her head, prepared to use it as a weapon.
"Miss Misekake," Yohji said and bowed.
"Prince Kudou?"
-------------
Omi watched as Ken turned to look toward the back yard again. He could tell by his stance that the Duke was looking either for or at something. The silence became tense and ominous. The young servant leaned in closer to his friend.
"What is it?" Omi breathed next to his ear.
"I heard something," Ken breathed back.
Omi glanced around. His eyes swept the side yard and the part of the front he could see. Nothing. He leaned into Ken again and joined him in scanning the back. Beside him he felt the Duke tense.
"There," he stated and took off.
Omi stood staring in shock as Ken bolted out of their hiding spot and dashed across the open expanse of the lawn. Fully exposed by the half-full moon.
"Ken!" he called in a loud whisper, but the Duke didn't even look back. "What is he doing?" he asked the empty space beside him before silently going after his friend.
Ken dashed across the lawn in pursuit of...what? In truth, he wasn't sure. He'd heard something...a sort of scratching sound...from behind the nearest clump of decorative shrubs down from theirs'. Someone was there. Someone was watching Ran and Yohji cross to the house. He couldn't risk them being caught. The idea that Ran could be hurt drove him out of hiding and toward the clump of bushes with intent. He wouldn't let anything happen to Ran.
The young Duke charged silently around the shrubbery crouched and ready to pounce. Which he did when he came around the far side, only to hit the bare ground. Quickly scrambling to his hands and knees he scanned the area, listening hard for the guard. Nothing. No sign of anything.
On the other side of the group of shrubs, the one he'd come from, he could hear Omi's foot steps coming closer. Suddenly he had to wonder why he'd over reacted to...whatever it was. Did he have no self control? He couldn't quietly approach and see what might be there? Did he have no patience?
"Damn," he muttered, then froze as a low, deep growl came from his left, from inside the shrubbery.
As he cautiously glanced to the side the growling went up a notch.
"Oh no," Ken whined just before jumping to his feet and racing away.
Behind him the barking started.
-------------
Ran stood below the balcony and watched as Yohji disappeared inside the window and shut it behind him. Sighing softly, he glanced around the back yard again. With the half moon unobscured by clouds he could make out the shapes of the formal garden's topiary quite clearly against the lawn. The larger shrubs at the back toward the wall formed a dark backdrop.
Suddenly the tranquility of the night was interrupted by a dark figure dashing into his line of sight. Close on the person's heels was a smaller shape. A little dog. It was barking steadily and appeared to be nipping at the person's heels. Moments later another figure came into view. This one chasing the dog.
As Ran watched, the first person reached the boxwood hedge that edged the formal garden. Attempting to jump it he tripped instead and disappeared front first over the side. The small dog sailed easily over the hedge, landing on the downed man.
The muffled grunts from the ensuing struggle, and faint giggles, confirmed to the Earl that the man was in fact his lover. Sighing, he gripped the bridge of his nose. He could feel a head ache coming on. At least the barking had stopped.
The second person, obviously Omi, reached them and hauled Ken to his feet. Ran imagined he could almost hear the whispered lecture that was surely taking place. The small dog hopped happily around their feet. Ken's silhouette hung his head and then they began to wander back to their hiding place. Ran breathed a sigh of relief.
-------------
Kate cleared her throat. Smiling in apology she lowered the chair and curtsied.
"Your highness," she said. "I always admired your timing. May I ask to what I owe this happy meeting?"
"Your fiancé," Yohji said, returning her smile. "He's on the wall. Ran waits below, and we have more help keeping watch on the lawn."
"Excellent," she said pleasantly and with great relief.
Yohji glanced around the room and took note of what he'd thought was simply an unmade bed. It turned out to be a pile of sheets, pulled from the bed, with a tiny pair of sewing shears laying atop them.
"Did I interrupt a project?" he asked politely.
"Yes, but hopefully now an unnecessary one," she answered. "I was about to attempt to make a rope in order to lower myself to the ground, and so to escape."
"Then you are held here against your will," Yohji stated more seriously.
"Quite. And my escape is now a necessity," she replied. "My rape has been planned, I'm afraid. When you entered I thought you were my intended groom."
"And who would that be?" Yohji asked, his face darkening.
"Hedley Pilkington. A friend of my brother's," she answered. "Reginald is in debt to him. Apparently, my illustrious brother is broke. My dowry is the desired form of repayment."
"Well then, we should away. Have you a cloak? The air is chill," the Prince asked.
"Unfortunately not. All my serviceable clothing has been taken from me in order to keep me indoors. I was going to wrap myself in this woolen blanket," Kate pulled out an old, dark gray blanket from under the pile of sheets.
"Nonsense," the Prince shook his head. Unclasping his own cloak he gallantly swung it around her and settled it on her shoulders. "This will hide you better and is infinitely warmer."
"Thank you, your Highness," Kate said smiling.
"Shall we go?" Yohji smirked, waving her toward the window.
"I believe we shall," she said, collecting her skirts and moving forward.
Just then a shot rang out, echoing across the back yard.
--------------
Omi finally caught up with Ken and the small dog. The Duke was sprawled on his back just inside the formal garden. He'd had just enough time to roll over before the dog landed on him. The little animal was assaulting the wriggling Duke with its long tongue, occasionally emitting a happy squeal. Despite the assault and the dog's ability to avoid being pushed off, Ken was, for the most part, able to contain his giggling.
Omi easily shoved the dog aside. Managing to avoid Ken's kicking, he reached down and grabbed one of the Duke's flailing arms. Grunting, he hauled his friend back to his feet. Ken seemed instantly repentant. Sheepishly dropping his head toward the ground, his right arm came up to tuck behind his neck.
"Sorry, Omi," he whispered.
"Just what did you think you were doing?!" the shorter man demanded in a fierce whisper.
"I dun' know. I heard somethin' and figured I'd better...investigate?" Ken muttered.
Omi ground his teeth. He could sense the dog hopping at their feet.
"If you had waited and told me about it I could've told you that it was probably just Makoto," he huffed angrily.
"Makoto?"
"The Countess's dog," he whispered hotly, indicating the small animal with a pointed finger which Ken almost couldn't see in the dark. "Now let's go!"
The young servant turned abruptly and started back toward the side yard and their hiding spot. Ken glanced down at the dog.
"Hey there, Makoto," he whispered.
The small dog panted happily and barked.
"Ken! Now!" Omi whispered back harshly.
Sighing, Ken began to follow. The little dog hot on his heels.
As they neared a tall shrub that had been trimmed into a large cone atop a ball he managed to trip over Makoto and fell forward straight into Omi. The two of them crashed head first into the topiary.
--------------
Ran blinked again as he watched Ken and Omi fall forward into the shrub with a muffled crash. What in Hell was happening? He couldn't fathom what had made Ken flee from what he suspected was Makoto, the Countess's corgi. But now he was doubting their reasoning in bringing his young lover along. He hadn't even considered leaving Ken behind, but due to his clumsiness it may have been wiser to leave him at the manor. However, Ran knew that being left behind would hurt the Duke immeasurably and he never wanted to do that.
The Earl barely had time to consider his thoughts before a strip of light appeared on the lawn and a shot rang out.
Makoto yipped and hid.
Looking quickly to his left Ran saw a servant silhouetted in the back doorway. He held a dueling pistol pointed out across the yard. The Earl hastily glanced at the topiary containing his lover and servant. The area was silent. Nothing moved.
"Damn dog! Stop chasing rabbits or I'll aim for ya next time!" the man snarled.
Ran barely acknowledged his presence. His complete focus was on the shrub and those within it.
The light falling on the lawn disappeared as the man stepped back into the house, slamming the door behind him.
Silently Ran swore, if that scoundrel had hit either Ken or Omi there would be nowhere for him to hide. The Earl would hunt him throughout Asataiyo and have his head. The seconds dragged as he waited for some sign. Afraid to move from his place next to the wall lest he be discovered.
At length two figures pulled themselves free of the shrub and stood staring toward the house. Ran felt weak with relief. They stood cautiously watching for any other movements from within. When nothing happened they crept quickly back toward their hiding spot. Silently followed by a small dog shaped silhouette.
As they disappeared from view there was a snapping crack from the topiary and the cone fell off.
--------------
Yohji listened at the curtains then carefully parted them to look out the window. Everything in the yard seemed to be calm and quiet. Shrugging, he stepped through the drapes and opened the window.
Kate followed him out onto the balcony, pulling his cloak tightly around her against the cold night air. She was more than ready to see the last of Asataiyo. Its more recent, unpleasant memories, overshadowing the happier ones from times past.
The Prince secured his wire then silently, but gently, hefted Kate up over his shoulder. He heard her suck in a breath as he climbed out over the railing, and she clutched at his back as they dropped toward the ground. But she never uttered a sound.
As his feet hit the ground he felt Ran approach and take Kate and lower her to stand between them.
"Hello, Kate," the Earl said softly.
"Ran? It is good to hear your voice," she said a bit breathlessly.
"I only wish it were under better circumstances," he replied.
"As do I," she agreed quietly.
"We should away," Yohji interrupted, hastily searching the yard for anything amiss. "What was that shot about?"
"Probably Makoto," Kate supplied as they hurriedly crept around the corner and started across the lawn. "He's out here somewhere. Reginald won't let him in the house, but he refuses to leave the grounds. A few times every night he stands out here and barks until one of the servants comes out. Warner's been feeding him, but the others shout and chase him away. I guess they've finally had enough. Poor Makoto."
"He wasn't hit," Ran muttered. "The servant fired into the air."
Yohji glanced at the dark form of his Cousin. There was more to it than that judging from Ran's tone. He'd enquire later. Once they were safely away from Reginald's estate.
Their two companions emerged from the shadow of the shrub and joined them as they approached it. The taller of the two was carrying a wiggly, whining dog.
"Oh, Makoto, hush," Kate whispered, but at the sound of her voice he yipped piercingly.
"Shhh," Ken shushed him, holding his jaws shut.
Ran was instantly beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"Are you alright? Is Omi?" he whispered anxiously.
"We're fine," Ken muttered. "Sorry. That was my fault."
He felt Ran nod and then they were at the wall. Once again Yohji gently hefted Kate upon his shoulder. Taking up the rope he climbed as quickly as he could to the top of the wall where Bastion was waiting.
"Katherine, Darling, is it you?" he asked in hushed tones.
"Yes, thank you, Dear," she answered softly as he assisted her off the Prince's shoulder and down onto his horse.
The others quickly followed, Ken with the dog tucked into his coat, and before he knew it they were back on the road headed toward Ran's estate. Despite his aching forehead from where he'd struck the topiary's trunk he felt himself filled with a new type of excitement. An exhilaration he could hardly find words to describe. The idea that they'd been inside Asataiyo's walls with none of the residents any the wiser thrilled him. That they'd successfully taken Kate and freed her from her brother's clutches was enthralling.
He wanted to put her back and rescue her again.
By the time they reached the house everyone was talking freely. The butlers had been on the look out and were out to greet them holding lanterns to light the yard, and accompanied by several disheveled and sleepy looking stable boys. The lads took the horses in hand as everyone dismounted and Ken set Makoto down. The little dog jumped around excitedly.
"Ken, let me look at you," Ran commanded, wanting to be sure the young Duke was okay after his tumbles.
The young man smiled brightly up at the Earl then grabbed him and kissed him hard. His excitement was beginning to translate into something else, and he was too wound up to care who was watching.
Ran stared at him in shock when he was released. They were in front of everyone. Bastion and Kate, the servants, the dog. But Ken didn't seem to care. He was laughing.
"That was great!" he exclaimed loudly, smiling up at his lover. "Let's do it again!"
Ran's shocked expression softened into a warm, loving smile. Then changed just as quickly to a concerned frown. He gripped Ken's chin gently and tilted his head up toward the light from the butlers' lanterns. Brushing the Duke's bangs off of his forehead he gazed intently at his face, scrutinizing it and wincing.
Ken's left cheek and his forehead over his left eye were badly bruised. The skin already a dark angry purple. And the bridge of his nose was scratched and bleeding.
"We'll have to see to this," Ran muttered, still examining the Duke who was beginning to fidget.
"Am I bleeding? I hit the trunk of that shrub with my face," he announced.
Ran's eyes warmed back up, and he smiled again.
"Yes, you're bleeding and you're badly bruised. We'll get someone to bring up some hot water and a clean cloth," the Earl said, turning to head into the house.
The others were on their way in. Surreptitiously casting glances back at the two lovers and exchanging amused smirks.
"Come, Makoto," Ken called as he followed Ran inside.
The little corgi instantly obeyed.
"Miss Misekake, you are welcome to our home," Lady Fujimiya announced upon their arrival in the entrance hall.
She stood at the foot of the stairs and came forward to embrace Kate. Elinor was dressed in the elegant gown she'd worn to dinner and to all appearances hadn't yet retired to bed. The men stopped and stood, staring.
"Lady Fujimiya, thank you," Kate replied happily. "I am most pleased to be here."
"A room has been prepared and Aya has set aside some of her best gowns for you. We assumed your things wouldn't make the trip," Ran's mother said as she wrapped Kate's arm around her own and led her toward the stairs.
The men exchanged surprised glances.
"You are so kind to those in need," Kate said as they began climbing the stairs. "You and Aya have always been two friends I knew I could rely on."
"Mother," Ran called in confusion. "How...?"
The two women paused on the stairs and looked back toward him and the others.
"There will be plenty of time for answering questions in the morning, Ran. Now it is far past time to retire. Good night," her tone, although warm, left no room for argument and the men found themselves wishing them good night and moving toward the stairs.
----------------
"So why exactly did you leave the shadows and risk detection by going after the dog?"
"I told you, I thought he was a person."
They were sitting on Ken's bed in their nightshirts facing one another. Ran sat close beside the bedside table where he could easily reach the bowl of hot water left there by a servant. He was gently washing the dirt from Ken's scratches and bruises. Besides the ones on his face they'd discovered several on his throat from the fall into the shrub, and some long ones on his chest from Makoto's claws, which were in need of trimming.
"I thought someone was watching you and Yohji," Ken explained, patiently allowing Ran to dab at his face with the wet cloth while he played with the ties to the Earl's nightshirt.
The room was cosy and warm. Lit by the cheery fire blazing in the fireplace and the candles on the bedside table. Ran redipped the cloth and rang it out to begin on the Duke's throat.
"And what did you intend to do if it was a person?" the Earl asked, trying to sound more serious than he felt. Since they were all home safe and sound, and he and Ken were alone in the comfort of the blue room, he wasn't as anxious as he'd felt earlier.
Ken shrugged and tugged on the dangling ties.
"I don't know. Hold 'im, knock 'im out. I couldn't let him shoot you," he said, blinking his large brown eyes up at his lover.
Ran arched an eyebrow at him and rinsed the cloth again.
"Shoot me?" Ran asked, pulling the front of Ken's nightshirt open so he could start on the long scratches.
"Yohji said they could be armed."
"What if you'd been shot?" Ran asked, carefully cleaning the scratches.
"I wasn't thinking of that. Forgive me?"
Ran paused in his gentle ministrations and met Ken's eyes. The Duke blinked innocently at him and Ran resisted smirking.
"Those don't work anymore," he informed the younger man and began dabbing at his chest once more.
The Duke pulled on the nightshirt's ties to draw the Earl closer.
"Please?" he asked huskily.
"Maybe," Ran answered, allowing himself to smile a little. "I may need a little convincing."
Ken smiled and snickered. Then surprised Ran for the second time that evening by hopping off the bed and heading to the door. The Earl looked after him in confusion.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Locking the door," Ken answered without looking back at him. He reached the door and turned the key as Ran continued to watch him.
"Why?" the Earl asked.
"In case someone comes," Ken replied heading back toward the bed.
Ran gave Ken a speculative look, arching his eyebrow once again.
"Who?" he asked. "Are you expecting anyone other than me?"
"N-no," Ken stammered, glancing down at his feet. "Just in case."
"I didn't lock it last night," Ran said, carefully watching his lover. He'd been speaking in jest, but didn't like Ken's reaction. Just what could have occurred to cause Ken to want to lock the door? His mind flashed briefly on the fact that the night before the door had been locked when he'd arrived. "Ken, did something happen?"
The young Duke stopped just short of the bed and began fidgeting.
"W-well, a-a maid came in this morning," Ken stated, peeking up through his bangs.
"And?"
"I was naked! Over there!" he cried, pointing toward the foot of the bed at the sitting area.
"She didn't knock?" Ran asked.
"Oh...I don't know...she might've," Ken answered considering.
"But you didn't hear her," Ran said.
"Not over the screaming."
"Who was screaming?" the Earl asked both confused and concerned.
"I was," Ken stated as if he thought it was obvious.
Ran sighed and rubbed his eyes, then took a deep breath.
"Why were you screaming?" he asked with great patience.
"W-well...umm...O-Omi didn't leave my clothes out for the day," Ken said.
Ran just looked at him. It wasn't a complete lie. The Duke knew he couldn't get away with that so he didn't try, but he was being evasive. His statement was a partial truth at best. The Earl decided not to pursue it. He shook his head.
"I'm going to make you pay more attention to your own attire. Its shameful that you can't dress yourself," Ran muttered to let the Duke know he was off the hook. For the moment.
Ken shuffled a bit, but crawled back up on the bed. He leaned into the Earl's personal space, and gave him a naughty little smirk.
"Ready to be convinced?" purred the Duke.
"Yes. There's just one thing," Ran said softly smiling.
"What?" Ken blinked.
"Omi can't get in to lay out your clothes if the door's locked," grinned Ran.
Author's Note: Did you laugh? Or at least chuckle? If not then I have failed! FAILED!!! Okay, its late and I'm tired. Please, please, please review! Thanks!
Chitoshiya no Tohma: You changed your name! Yay! I'm glad I made you laugh. That's one of my most favorite things to do. And...well...since I don't have children then I guess you could consider this my baby, or one of them. Shhh, don't tell my cat. She's the jealous type. ;) Thanks for reading!
Fiery-icicles: C-c-cooooffffffeeeeeee!!! That's what I need right now. I do like cappuchino too. Yummy! Thanks for reading!
Mondtanz: Yeah, my scene breaks were finally there. Both my stories had them I just never knew they weren't showing up. I had two readers tell me about it last time, so I tried to fix it. Glad it worked! Ha-ha-ha! I like how you worded that! Well, it doesn't go quite like that, but that scene will be coming in the last chapter. Glad you like the rescue! I hope you liked the rest of it as well. Thanks for reading!
xXLil Yu JahXx: What'd ya think of how it turned out? And...um...how do you pronounce your nick name? I'm dying to know! Thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: Yeah, I had to take them at least a little bit back to their roots. No one gets killed by that wire. I swear! It would change the mood. They aren't assassins in this story, and I won't forget that. I promise! Thanks for reading!
Raven's Light: Thanks! I'm glad you love it! Thanks for reading!
Zeto: There now. They're fooling around a little. Are you happy? I didn't say they'd never get married. You're reading the story of someone who was engaged for eight years before we finally did the deed. There's no need to rush. Romping is always good though. To make you feel better I've planned a special scene for the next story, but I'm not promising anything. Thanks for reading.
Akimoto Kin: Hee-hee! I'm glad you liked it. Making people laugh is half the battle! The play was about Ken's story. They (the people that made it) created the love story for the opera. They don't know about Ran...yet. Well, I hope you found this chapter at least as funny as the last. Maybe even more? O.O Thanks for reading!
Rapunzel4: Yay! I'm glad you liked the part about the play. That just came to me and I couldn't resist. Yeah, Ken was mortified. Heh-heh. You're welcome! Thanks for telling me the scene breaks weren't there. I had no idea. I don't use that "Quickedit" thing. I do all my editing in word perfect before I upload. I agree that they help. My other story had them too, so I bet they never showed up in that one either. Darn. Thanks for reading!
Allis: Yay! I'm glad you liked this chapter. And there'll be more action too! Well, all I can ask is that you try. Thanks for reading!