Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: Happy Halloween! I decided to update early again! Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 11
"One would hardly suspect we have house guests," Elinor stated at breakfast the next morning.
Aya glanced at the Countess and then round the empty table and nodded in agreement.
"My dear Elinor, you can hardly blame the poor dears for sleeping in," Eriko admonished in her high breathy voice. "After all, they did have quite an adventure last night."
"Fiddlesticks," Lady Fujimiya stated. "From what I know of my son's and Prince Yohji's activities in the past, last night should've been no more than a walk in the park."
A demanding bark came from below the table.
"Hush, Makoto. There's a good boy," the Countess said, dropping a tiny piece of crust onto the floor. "I am so pleased to have Katherine safe, but Makoto was a surprise. Did she tell you where they found him?"
"No. I put her straight to bed. We didn't really have a chance to talk, but I expect we'll get a full account of events once everyone gets up," Elinor said, serving out more tea.
Just then the breakfast room door opened and Omi walked in. He was just finishing a wide yawn and once he was done he blinked sleepily at the three ladies, then attempted a wobbly bow.
"Good morning, Omi," Lady Fujimiya welcomed. "Please do sit down."
He nodded and sat. Aya rose and served him tea, then offered him toast before returning to her seat.
"Thank you," he mumbled rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands.
"Omi, dear, what are you doing up?" Elinor asked gently.
"Had to lay out Ken's clothes," he answered then gulped down a healthy dose of tea.
"Is the Duke up?" Aya asked curiously.
"No, but I wasn't here to do it yesterday and I wanted to make it up to him," he said, blinking as the tea began to clear the fog from his mind and vision. Aya reached across the table and refilled his cup.
"Oh. Yes, that did cause quite a little stir actually," Elinor said with a small smile.
Her amusement was interrupted by the arrival of Kate and Bastion. Both looked wide awake, refreshed, and happy enough to burst. They paused inside the door to curtsy and bow to those already seated at the table. Then Kate went to her mother and embraced her.
"Mama," she said, smiling.
"Oh, it is good to have you safe," Eriko said, beaming.
"Mama, this is Count Sebastion Shadwell," Kate said, standing and motioning him over. "We are engaged."
"Count Shadwell, what a pleasure. I couldn't be happier," the Countess said. "Thank you for rescuing my daughter. You are indeed worthy of her hand."
"I did the least amount of rescuing, I'm afraid," the Count admitted, holding Kate's chair for her as she sat, and then taking the seat next to her's. "I was left as look out upon the wall. The Prince and the Earl got Kate, and the Duke and Omi got the dog."
Omi snorted.
"Ken got Makoto after he chased him half way cross the yard," Omi stated.
"Mama, I felt sure I remembered that you took Makoto with you," Kate said.
"I did, but the inn keeper wouldn't have him and put him out. I thought he was lost. Clever boy to find your way home," Eriko said and dropped another bit of crust onto the floor.
"Poor thing. Warner was feeding him," Kate commented, accepting some tea from Aya. "Thank you so much for the borrowed gowns, Aya. They're lovely."
"Not at all," the younger woman replied.
"I say, where is everybody else? Not still abed are they?" Bastion asked, glancing around.
"Ran and Ken are," Omi answered. "They were still asleep when I laid out Ken's things. And we probably won't see Yohji 'til noon."
"Ah," Bastion said, recalling the kiss he'd witnessed in the yard the night before. "I see."
"I hope you are not put off by my son's great affection for the Duke, and the Duke's great affection for him, Count Shadwell," Lady Fujimiya stated in a superior tone laced with warning.
"On the contrary, Lady Fujimiya," he said, bowing in his seat. "I am a great admirer of those who follow their own hearts. For you see, I have benefitted greatly from such a man. My uncle. He was very wise and generous. I shall be forever in his debt."
Elinor smiled broadly in approval and relief. They certainly didn't need anymore drama than they were already sure to get.
"Anyway, one can hardly blame the Duke for staying in bed. He was, after all, pretty badly banged up. What befell him?" Bastion asked, looking at Omi.
"A large shrub and his own clumsiness," stated the servant, shaking his head.
"Oh, dear," Aya muttered. "Is he alright, Omi?"
"He's fine, but I think he may have killed the shrub," Omi said smiling. "Still, if he hadn't knocked us into it we would've been seen by the servant who shot at Makoto."
"Someone shot at Makoto?" Aya gasped.
"My dog?!" cried the Countess.
"Just to scare him," Omi amended. He glanced at Elinor then fixed her with his piercing blue gaze. "How did you know?"
Ran's mother slowly smiled.
"Nancy's brother, Thomas, works the stables at Asataiyo," Lady Fujimiya answered. "And her cousin is a chamber maid here. We've known for quite sometime that Reginald was in financial trouble. It wasn't too hard to guess what he would do to get himself out of it. A few weeks ago he began consolidating his staff. Letting go some of the older retainers that had been loyal to the family for years. That's when I sent for Ran. I knew it wouldn't be long before he tried to get Katherine."
"You sent for Ran by way of Yohji in case you needed a higher authority," Omi added.
Elinor nodded.
"I sent for Eriko at that time as well, but she refused to come," Lady Fujimiya said, casting a glance at her friend.
"You know why I couldn't, but now everything is set to rights," the Countess smiled.
"Yes, Ran needed that. We also attempted to warn Kate, but by that time it was too late," Elinor said.
"Wow," Omi said. "So you've known all along."
"And I wanted to meet Ken, and have the chance to get to know him in a more tranquil environment than one finds at Court," Elinor added. "Of course, this is not over yet. Unless I am very much mistaken Reginald will come here once he discovers Kate is missing."
"Yes, but what can he do?" Bastion asked.
"I don't know, but I'm sure we'll soon see," answered Elinor.
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It wasn't often that Ken woke first. Not unless he had some urgent chore which called him from bed first thing in the morning. And when that was the case he couldn't take the time to admire the sight that was greeting him this morning.
Beside him, curled up half on his side and half on his back, was Ran. To Ken he looked like a sleeping angel.
The Earl's red hair was unbound and spread across the pillow, surrounding his head like a fiery halo. His mouth was opened just a bit as if he were about to speak. Pearl white teeth visible beyond his parted lips. His breath a whisper in the air between them.
Ken lay on his stomach, his chin propped up on both hands, enraptured. In the quiet of the morning he felt the full force of his love for the man lying beside him. In that moment he knew he would do anything to see him always safe and happy.
The Duke sighed contentedly, and smiled when Ran smacked his lips. The tip of his tongue slid out to moisten them as he began to awaken. Eyelids fluttered over violet eyes, and blinked sleepily up at Ken.
"Good morning," the younger man said, smiling broadly.
"Morning already?" the Earl asked, his voice cracking a bit.
"Yep," Ken answered cheerily.
Ran groaned and looked up at his lover.
"You're in a good mood," he stated softly.
"Yeah. I've been watching you," Ken said, still smiling. "You're beautiful."
Ran felt himself blush. How was it Ken could do that to him? One complement and his innards melted into a warm jelly. He smiled up at the younger man and reached up to brush the fingers of one hand across the Duke's cheek.
"So are you, Love," he said softly, letting his fingers linger over the dark bruise. "How do your cuts and bruises feel?"
"Okay. A little sore an' itchy," Ken answered, leaning into the gentle touch.
"They've started healing. Don't scratch them," Ran commanded softly.
"I won't, Mrs. Hudson," Ken said, turning his head so he could nip at the Earl's fingertips.
Ran teased him for a moment then sighed.
"We should get up," he muttered, tugging his finger from between Ken's teeth.
"Do we have to?" the Duke asked, leaning forward for a kiss.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Ken instantly ducked back under the covers, yanking them up over his head.
Ran just laid still and watched the display with the curious arch of an eyebrow.
"Who is it?!" Ken yelled from under the blankets.
"Its Rumpold, your Grace," answered a rather droll voice from the other side of the door. "I assisted your Grace with dressing yesterday. Do you need me this morning?"
Ken cautiously uncovered his head and peeked out toward the door. Then crawled down the bed and looked at the settee, unknowingly offering the Earl a tantalizing view of his bare backside.
"Ah...nope. I'm all set. Thanks," he called happily toward the door.
"Very well, your Grace," Rumpold answered.
"Omi laid my clothes out," Ken said, turning his happy smile on Ran.
The Earl reluctantly dragged his eyes upward to meet the Duke's. He knew how he looked at that moment by the change in Ken's expression.
"You said we should get up," the younger man stated, crawling back up the bed at a seductively slow pace.
"What's a few more minutes?" Ran asked, smirking.
Ken snickered and pounced on him.
----------------
It wasn't too much later that they made their way downstairs for breakfast. Their amorous activities having been curtailed by a loud rumble from the Duke's stomach. As they came across the landing a loud banging began on the front door, and they watched as a butler moved to answer it. Before opening the inner door he turned to them and bowed.
"I believe its Count Misekake, my Lord," he said softly to Ran as he and the Earl stepped off the stairs.
Ran felt his face darken and his mouth twist into a scowl. He straightened his waistcoat and nodded.
"Let him in," he said coldly.
The butler bowed again and disappeared into the vestibule to open the outer door. An angry exchange was heard and then the Count burst into the hall, halting only when he saw the Earl there waiting for him.
Ken, who was hanging back slightly, looked him over curiously. He was about Ran's height, though obviously older. Gray streaked hair was pulled back into the customary tail, and dark eyes glared out of a face red with fury. A face which was similar to the one in the tiny portrait the Countess had shown him, but sharper and less attractive.
"Fujimiya," the angry gentleman spat.
"Count Misekake," Ran answered icily.
"Where is she?!" Reginald demanded.
"Who?" Ran asked.
"You know very well who! My sister!" Reginald cried angrily.
"I've no idea where she is," Ran answered calmly, but his gaze would've frozen Ken's blood if it'd been directed at him. "However, your mother is here if you would like to see her."
"Hang my mother!" Reginald cried and stepped threateningly toward Ran.
The Earl didn't move except to narrow his eyes, but Ken stepped up next to him and glared angrily up at the Count. Misekake stopped, finally taking note that someone else was present. He looked Ken up and down scornfully.
"Who is this pup?" he spat, then looked at Ran, his eyebrows raising in suspicion before his face darkened in disgust. "Oh. I see."
"Get out of my house," the Earl said, his voice deadly.
"So, you continue to spread your disease. My brother passed it to you and now you pass it to this...boy!" the Count sneered.
Before Ran could react Ken's fist landed squarely in Reginald's face, snapping his head back, and causing him to stumble back a few steps. The Earl reflected absently that sometimes the Duke's speed simply amazed him.
"He said, 'Get out'," Ken stated loudly, planting himself between Ran and the Count.
"Insulant pup! I'll have your head for such an insult!" As he spoke the Count reached for his sword.
Ran yanked Ken back and reached for his sword.
"Hold!"
Everyone froze as the loud, authoritative command rang through the hall.
Yohji lazily finished descending the stairs and crossed to the group by the door.
"Count Misekake, before you go about skewering my Cousin's guests I think I should inform you that this is the King's nephew, and the Earl has every right to protect him from physical harm," the Prince stated. He stopped beside Ken and looked down at the enraged intruder. "I believe you came here for your sister, and have been informed that she is not here. Therefore, your business is done and you should go. Now."
Ken had rarely seen Yohji so serious. He looked from his Cousin to the Count and watched as the man released the hilt of his sword. He was still red-faced and enraged, but he bowed stiffly.
"You Highness," he said, making the Prince's title sound like an insult.
Then, casting one last withering look over Ran and Ken, he turned and left. The waiting butler slammed the door behind him and came back into the hall to quietly close the inner door.
"Well done, Sir," he muttered to Ken as he passed.
"Thanks," Ken said, then turned to Ran. "What an ass!"
The Prince smirked. Ran released his sword and partially relaxed, although his expression remained dark.
"How's your hand?" he asked, his voice softening slightly.
"Fine. Doesn't even hurt," the Duke answered, flexing his fingers.
Yohji's smirk grew into a grin.
"Well, if you didn't have an appetite before, I'm sure you've got one now," he said, slapping Ken on the back.
The Duke smiled at his cousin then glanced worriedly at his lover. Ran graced him with a small smile but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Go on, Love. We'll catch up with you," the Earl said softly.
Ken nodded and moved off down the hall in the direction of the breakfast room.
"And how's your appetite?" the Prince asked the Earl quietly.
"I've lost it," Ran answered, his scowl returning. "He'll be back."
"Yes," Yohji agreed. "We should send Kate and Bastion packing. The quicker they can get to Town the better."
"It may be better and more expedient to simply have them married here. Either today or tomorrow," Ran commented as they began walking in the direction the Duke had taken.
"And remove Kate's money from her brother's reach? A good idea," the Prince agreed. "Then Reggy can follow them to Town all he likes, but to no avail. Except, of course, for the rumors he may spread there," Yohji said, giving his cousin a significant look. "Aya may not be the only one coming out this season."
Ran released a long sigh.
"The rumors would spread anyway," he said. "Ken and I will be seen alone together this season, and I've been living on his estate. Its inevitable. I'm not even sure he ever considered secrecy an option."
"Omi said you two had been cautious while out on your tour," Yohji said, watching his cousin closely.
"We were. Mainly because I insisted on it, and Ken was distracted by all the new sights and people, not to mention information he had to take in. I told him his tenants should have a chance to see what sort of land lord he'll be before shocking them with his personal habits," Ran muttered, automatically lowering his voice as they neared the breakfast room. He stopped just outside the door and turned worried eyes on the Prince. "What...d-do you think his Majesty will be...displeased?"
Yohji's eyebrows rose in surprise. His stoic Cousin had never before shown any concern about the King's opinions. In fact, he'd quietly gone against the traditional mode of conduct by accepting Omi as a friend and equal. The Prince reached out and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.
"Ken is comfortable and happy in his position, as are his tenants and servants. The estate continues to gain financially, and your own hasn't suffered. Why should he mind? You've done exactly what you were asked to do," Yohji stated.
"I've done a good deal more than that," Ran muttered, sighing.
"You pursued each other," the Prince said, giving his shoulder a little shake. "I'll be a witness to that if ever you should need one. And I doubt the Duke would let anything go without him having his say."
Ran nodded.
"Ran, you're not having regrets or second thoughts are you?" Yohji asked tentatively.
"No," the Earl answered, and the Prince was relieved to note he seemed surprised and slightly confused by the question.
"Good, because its obvious to me that the two of you are good for each other. Very good. It makes me a bit envious," Yohji admitted, realizing as he did so that it was true.
Ran gazed at him with a soft expression of gratitude.
"Thank you," he said.
"Not at all," the Prince replied, using the hand that had been on Ran's shoulder to wave it off as if it were nothing.
"By the way," the Earl stated, turning toward the breakfast room door but maintaining eye contact with the Prince. "Its really nice, this moving on. You should try it."
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Aya and the Countess's reaction to Ken's face as he entered the breakfast room couldn't have been more dramatic. He was pulled into a seat between them and they spent several long minutes fussing over him. They insisted on knowing all the details of the evening's events, were equally amused and horrified when they heard them, and fussed over Ken some more. He began to suspect they did it intentionally to get him to blush, which he did readily.
By the time the Prince and the Earl joined them they were beginning to discuss what their next move should be.
"In what state are your papers?" the Prince asked Bastion and Kate.
"What do you mean?" Bastion asked.
"Have you spoken to your attorneys and had the marriage agreements written up?" Omi clarified.
"Oh. Yes, but we haven't had the chance to sign anything or arrange the ceremony," Bastion replied.
"I was determined to have Mama there and was in the process of arranging rooms and transportation for her," Kate added, squeezing her mother's hand.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, my Darling," Eriko smiled.
Ran and Yohji exchanged glances.
"You want them to wed, and then Kate will be safe from Reggy," Omi stated, marking their looks.
"Yes," Ran answered.
"But it needs to be done quickly. I doubt our ability to get their lawyers here for an official signing within the next day or so," the Prince added.
"What about using Ran's attorney to create some sort of temporary documentation?" Omi asked. "The specifics of which would be deferred to the ones their attorneys are holding. If there's any big disagreement an annulment is always an option."
"Where is your attorney?" the Prince asked, turning to his cousin.
"The other side of the village," Ran answered, and they both looked at Omi who shrugged as if it were obvious.
"Brilliant!" Yohji cried, slapping the young servant on the back. "We'll send for him after breakfast!"
----------------
The servant they sent after Ran's lawyer and the local minister returned within the hour with word to expect the two men shortly before lunch, and that the road to the manor was being watched by what he described as highway men.
"Reginald's having the road watched," Yohji muttered from his position beside the fireplace in the drawing room. He was leaning on the mantel and scratching his chin in thought.
"Surely he wouldn't dare harm representatives of the law and the church?" Elinor asked worriedly. She was flanked by Omi and Aya who looked equally concerned. As did the Earl and the Duke who sat across from them.
"I don't think I'd put anything past him at this point, Mama," Aya stated. "He's desperate."
"Oh, my boy. How far you have fallen," muttered the Countess. She was seated in a chair by the window with her daughter next to her. Kate patted her mother's knee.
"We'll have to take care of these highway men before my attorney and the minister arrive," Ran stated. "Even if they're only there to watch they'll report what they see to Reginald."
"Yes, and who knows what he'll do," Yohji agreed. "He'll already be brought up on kidnaping charges. Since he's in debt that means prison, so I doubt he'd stop at anything now."
"We should arm the staff," Ran said quietly.
"Oh, Ran, really. Is that necessary?" Elinor inquired.
"I'm afraid I agree with him, Lady Fujimiya," Sebastion said. He was standing behind the chair Kate occupied by her mother. "If he's gone so far as to plan a forced marriage I'm afraid there maybe nothing he wouldn't do."
"Then its settled," the Prince stated firmly, "we'll arm the staff and go take care of these so called highway men."
The others nodded.
"Omi, will you have the butler meet us outside the armory with the rest of the staff, please?" Ran asked.
The young servant nodded and dashed away.
"Count Shadwell, you and Kate shall stay here with Lady Fujimiya, Aya, and Countess Misekake. With luck, we'll be back to join you before the nuptials take place. In any case, we'll occupy these highway men so Ran's attorney and the minister can get through," Yohji said.
Shadwell nodded. Any light and happy atmosphere left over from breakfast disappeared rapidly as the very real danger became apparent by the Prince's and Ran's serious countenances.
"What're we 'gonna do?" Ken asked, his large brown eyes glowing with interest and excitement.
"Ken," Ran said carefully, turning to look at his young lover. The Earl took in his bruised cheek and forehead, and the healing scratches across his nose. "I'd like you to stay here."
The Duke blinked at him in surprise.
"What? Why?" he asked.
Ran sighed. He knew this wouldn't be easy. He was going to hurt Ken, but it couldn't be helped. He had to keep the Duke safe.
"Because you're not prepared for this," Ran answered. "I don't want you to get hurt. Out there you'll just be a distraction that we can't afford. I won't be able to protect you."
Ken visibly bristled and everyone suddenly looked elsewhere.
"But I went with you last night," the Duke said scowling.
"Yes, and look what happened to you," Ran replied, motioning to his bruises.
Ken's whole body jerked as if he'd been struck. His face got very red and his fists clenched.
"You don't need to protect me. Just give me a sword or a gun," he argued, his voice rising with anger.
"You don't know how to use them," Ran pointed out sternly.
"Then show me!"
"There isn't time," Ran stated firmly. "There's no room for arguments, Ken. You're staying."
Ken's mouth pressed into an angry line. He stood up and marched from the room, slamming the door behind him. Ran winced. Seconds later the sound of another door slamming echoed through the house. Ran sighed. Then frowned as Aya scowled deeply at him and followed Ken from the room. The Earl ran a hand through his hair and rose to head out the door.
"That could've gone better," Yohji muttered, coming along side him as Ran exited.
"He has to remain safe, and that means staying here," Ran answered. "I know I've hurt his pride, but it couldn't be helped. Its hardly a fatal blow. When this is all over I'll talk to him and apologize. For now I'd much rather have him brooding in his room then with us directly in harms way."
"You know you'll have to teach him someday. A Duke can't go around completely ignorant of sword play or fire arms," the Prince stated as they headed down the hall toward the armory.
"I know. I've been remiss, but today is not the day to start," Ran said, frowning darkly. "Confronting armed men in broad daylight is nothing like sneaking onto a neighboring estate in the dark where no one expects you."
Yohji didn't answer, but nodded to the waiting butler who stood outside the door holding a large ring of keys. Several footmen and grooms stood by awaiting their orders. Without another word Ran took the keys, and unlocked and opened the door. He began handing out fire arms from within the large closet.
"Let's focus on the problem at hand," he said, handing the Prince a gun. "I'll worry about Ken's hurt feelings later."
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Author's Note: Uh-oh! Trouble in paradise...again. How was that? Still interesting? Well, have a happy and safe Halloween! And don't forget to vote on Tuesday!!!
Allis: You know, I never even noticed how many reviews I'd gotten until you said that. Almost 100! Wow! So exciting! OO Yes, he is clumsy, isn't he? But its funny, ne? And cute? I'm not sure how to fit the bugnuk, so none of that. At least for now, anyway. Thanks for reading!
swtjemz: Good! I'm glad that put a smile on your face! Mission accomplished! Weeellll, there's...nope! Not gonna tell you! You'll just have to keep reading! Thanks!
Chitoshiya no Tohma: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Yeah, I could see that too. grin I just had to write it! Not much excitement in this one, but just hand on. Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Yay! I'm glad you think its fun! grin Ken was a little over excited. He didn't really want to put Kate back...I don't think. Yeah, heh, a mother hen. Let's just hope it doesn't get him into too much trouble. Hmmm...will Ken ever tell Ran? I guess we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? evil grin Thanks for reading!
Raven's Light: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! I tried to make Ken-ish. How'd I do with this one? Thanks for reading!
Fieryicicles: Hey! You're pen-name saved me from a spelling mistake! Thanks! And thanks for being in love with my story. blush I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reading!
xXLil Yu JahXx: Yay! I succeeded in making you laugh! My mission is accomplished! Phew! Now for more excitement. And thanks for telling me how to say your alias. I'm afraid I won't remember, but I'll try. Thanks for reading!
Seph Lorraine: Yay! You thought it was hilarious! I forgive you for missing updates. We're all busy. nods For some reason I always see Yohji as a gentleman. In another story I'm working on he's a Prince again. I can't seem to help it. Now, I'm absolutely not offended or upset by what you said about Ran. The opposite, in fact. I was cheering! You got it! He IS codling him, and treating him as though he's weak and needs protecting. I'm sure you got that from this chapter too. And as we all know, or should know, Ken is fearless and intelligent and more than capable of taking care of himself. This is something poor Ran is going to have to learn the hard way, I'm afraid. Hang tight. Things will clear up. I promise! And thanks for noticing. I was so excited I almost emailed you on the spot. Too bad I was at work. pouts Thanks for reading!
Suke-san: Thanks for dropping a line! But I'm guilty of reading wonderful stories and not responding too. I'm often a "lurker". Hee-hee-hee. I'm glad it gave you a giggle. Poor Ken, though! He's not an idiot. He just got over excited, which he does have a tendency to do, and inexperienced. He'll learn. nods Thanks for reading and for reviewing!