Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken (Oh yeah, Baby!).
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
First Born: Sacred Flame
Chapter Eleven: Ran's Birthday
13 days after the Summer Solstice
The morning of Ran's birthday dawned clear and warm with a gentle cool breeze blowing in off the ocean, bringing smells of surf and salt into the Palace. And as with every morning for the past several weeks Ran was awake to see it.
Ever since the last breaths of spring had become the first gasps of summer he'd been waking with the birds and unable to return to sleep. The reason was simple enough but with no easy solution.
He was hot.
He was hot and couldn't bring himself to do the one thing he knew would keep him cool. Sleep in the nude. Especially not after he'd woken the first time to find Ken using his chest as a pillow. A discovery which had both startled and pleased him, until he'd realized that it severely tested his self control. And if having the younger man's head resting on his nightshirt covered chest was a test he knew what might happen, what would happen, if Ken's warm, soft breath was ghosting across his bare skin.
Just the thought made him shiver, and Ran sighed. Despite the absurdity he'd been living with since the game of Epiant Amoure had begun he'd been forced to finally admit his own feelings to himself. He was not only attracted to Ken, but well on his way to becoming infatuated with him. And it was getting harder and harder to hide his feelings.
In fact, he'd made more than one overture toward the former servant in the past weeks almost without realizing what he was doing. And Ken hadn't refused his attentions, quite the opposite. The problem was he still couldn't tell if Ken responded because he was interested or because he was always happy with any and all attention Ran paid him. They were paired and Ran wasn't at all clear where the line was.
Of course, if Aya was to be believed Ken was more than willing and just waiting for Ran to give him a definite signal. But since she'd taught Ken how to shield his emotions from her even she had to admit she was judging by what she saw rather than what she felt. And Ran wasn't sure he could trust that with Ken. Although, Aya argued, in every other way the former servant was as easy to read as a book, and so this situation shouldn't be any different.
But it was different. It would change everything between them, and Ran knew he couldn't afford to be wrong. So, he watched, and moved by degrees, and suffered being hot in the mornings as he watched Ken sleep.
And the morning of his birthday was no different.
Ken's head rested on Ran's chest, just above his heart. One hand was gently curled up near his mouth, as though he might suck his thumb, the other lay as though he were reaching for his pillow. Ken's body, which was wound up in his nightshirt and the sheets, stretched out across the expanse of the bed, one leg tucked up under the other one. He looked delectable and it took every ounce of Ran's will not to wrap himself around the sleeping brunet.
He never touched Ken. He didn't dare. The younger man was a fairly light sleeper and was used to getting up early. When he began to stir Ran would pretend to be asleep. It gave him a slightly dirty thrill to listen to Ken wake and prepare for the day. All the while he'd sneak peeks that made him feel extremely naughty but good in a way he'd never felt before. It also lengthened the time he spent at his toilette in the mornings, but afterward he was relieved of enough pent up frustration to make it through the rest of his day.
That morning however Ken's face wasn't set in the peaceful countenance of sleep. There was a crease between his eyebrows and a sheen of sweat over his features. Every so often the hand near his mouth would twitch, and as Ran felt his own brow furrow in concern a thin whine of distress escaped Ken's lips.
Ran reacted immediately.
"Ken," he called softly, resting one hand on top of Ken's soft main of hair and lightly grasping his shoulder with the other. "Ken, wake up."
The former servant woke with a start, sucking air in through his nose and holding it as his entire body went stiff. His head raised up off Ran's chest an inch while his large brown eyes finished blinking away the last of sleep. Then all of him relaxed at once and he let his head fall back with a slow exhale of air.
"Were you having a nightmare?" Ran asked as he began to stroke his fingers through Ken's hair. The action seemed to relax Ken further and he lay still for a moment with his eyes shut.
"I think so," he answered after several minutes. His eyes blinked open again and met Ran's. "Somethin' 'bout men 'n danger."
Ran studied his face. He could feel himself frowning.
"The same one you've had before?" he asked.
"I think so," Ken answered, sighing. "But I"ve never had it in here before."
Ran simply nodded in agreement and waited to see if Ken would say more. When he didn't Ran decided to prompt him.
"It didn't seem as strong as before, was it?"
"No. It felt as if...as if the dream was fading away, but the danger was still real...getting closer. I wish I could remember it." Ken rolled onto his back, untwisting the sheets as he did so and pulling his feet free of their confines. "Do you think it really is the Sacred Fire, like Omi says?"
"I don't know," Ran said, continuing to comb his fingers through Ken's hair since he hadn't objected. "If so I can't make sense of it. I was sure you were dreaming about your past."
Ken nodded. The weight of his head rubbed uncomfortably against Ran's ribs, but he didn't complain. They lay in silence for a few moments. Ran watching Ken and Ken staring out the open glass doors of the balcony. The breeze came in cool and refreshing, just strong enough to tease at the light curtains and the hem of Ken's nightshirt.
"Looks like it's gonna be a nice day," Ken commented almost absently. "Are you excited?"
"Excited?" Ran asked, a little perplexed.
"It's your birthday," Ken said, turning his head to look at him.
"Oh. Yes," the red-head smiled, "so it is." He'd forgotten. "Another big party," he sighed and pulled his hand reluctantly from Ken's hair.
"What? You don't want one?" Ken sounded surprised.
"Not particularly," Ran confessed. "I'm not fond of crowds, as you know, and I like being the center of attention even less than you do. It just seems silly to me for us to be having another gala event since we've just had one. We could be on our way north right now."
Ken frowned thoughtfully then brightened again.
"But we aren't having the players this time," he smiled. "Or the games and fair."
"True. A masquerade ball can be entertaining," Ran nodded. "But I'm not happy about my birthday being the reason for debauchery."
"And a bonfire and more fireworks," Ken smiled excitedly, ignoring the Lord's last comment. "I already promised to dance with Aya, Chiyo, Hanako, Kishi and the Queen. They wrote my name down on their dance cards," Ken said happily, turning to look out the window again. "Ursula says I'm getting pretty good and I haven't stepped on her toes in weeks."
Ran chuckled.
Somewhere below their balcony a baby began wailing and Ken sat up. He scooched his way over to the edge of the bed and stood up.
"Its early yet," Ran said, wishing to draw him back. "You don't have to get up. I don't mind," he added with a chuckle and Ken flashed him a shy grin before moving toward the water closet.
"Naw...thanks," he replied. "I'm awake now. Might as well get up and get going."
"Stay for breakfast?" Ran asked quickly.
Ken paused in the doorway and nodded, then disappeared into the little room. Ran smiled almost giddily and climbed from bed, eagerly tugging the bell-pull for a servant.
Small careful steps, he thought to himself as he pulled on his robe. Small careful steps.
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The day seemed to fly by. After breakfast Ken departed to his classes and Ran prepared for the day. Then the usual meeting with the King which was entirely focused on the preparations for the tour. Since Keiji was free from the Flame's renewal he was to begin his tour of the Boarder Houses without delay. Manx had returned from the Thirteenth House and was being briefed on security for Keiji since Yohji would be accompanying Ran and Ken north. It had also been decided to include Omi in the party, so he'd been admitted to the meetings for his input.
Then lunch, which joyfully reunited him with Ken. They were almost always itching to catch sight of one another after being separated and in the last few weeks those feelings had been increasing. As much as Ran tried to control himself Ken was unrepentantly wild with enthusiasm and usually latched onto him in a manner that said he'd be impossible to shift. Ran had become almost accustomed to the Epiant Amoure cards that were always in evidence, but that day he felt resentful that they were always under scrutiny and scowled darkly at anyone openly holding one.
They ate quickly then headed down to the practice rooms for Ken's weapons work and their combined magic lessons. Both had become much more intense since the Solstice as their professors strove to get Ken as prepared as possible for whatever they would find. Ran was rather proud at how well Ken was handling the pressure and had tried, subtly, to let the former servant know on more than one occasion. Whether Ken understood or not he wasn't sure.
After a quick trip to the bathes they headed upstairs to change for the party. They were to wear the new outfits they'd gotten for the Solstice and Ran was looking forward to seeing Ken in the fitted green suede suit with the delectable green and cream striped waistcoat. The memory of how the slippery material felt under his hands was sharp in his mind and he wondered whether he'd be able to maneuver himself into helping Ken with his buttons again.
The thought made him smile.
However once they reached the royal apartment everyone was in an uproar over which mask looked better with who's outfit. Ran didn't see how it mattered since all the masks were half masks made of a light, white paper and he couldn't really see the difference between them. Which was in fact the whole point. Once the masquerade moved outdoors and the bonfire was lit you weren't supposed to know who your partner was. Any use of the masks before that was simply for fun. By the time it was all sorted out they had very little time to dress, and so had to rush.
Unlike the Solstice celebration for Ran's birthday the royal family marched down to the feast in an ordered procession. The King and Queen led the way, followed by Ran with Aya on his arm, and then the other royal children paired up by age, and Ken and Omi brought up the rear. Their Majesties wanted to ensure that Ran's importance as the man of the day would be clear to all, and he was given place of pride on the King's right hand at dinner.
Ran would've sacrificed the place of pride for being able to sit closer to Ken, who was at the end of the table between Michio and Omi. However there were some things he felt he couldn't refuse. The King sought to honor him and he'd be lying if he said that didn't mean anything to him. The King and Queen were like parents to Ran and what they thought mattered.
So they'd taken their seats in the great hall, dressed in their finery with their masks tied to their right shoulders. The cheers of those already seated faded as they sat and the first course of dinner began to arrive, and the musicians set up under the coat of arms began to play.
After the last course had been served and mostly consumed the King rose and signaled the musicians for quiet. They instantly stopped playing and the room grew silent.
"As you all know we are gathered this evening to honor my ward, Lord Ran Fujimiya, who was born on this day twenty-one years ago," his Majesty said loudly, his voice easily carrying to all corners of the great hall. "I'll never forget bringing him home to the Palace with his sister, Aya. He was just a scrap of a boy, not quite twelve but already exposed to the sorrows of the world. Our biggest hope then was that he'd eventually start speaking to us, we never dreamed what a bright, caring, strong, and loyal young man he'd grow into," he chuckled, but his eyes were full of pride.
The King turned and beckoned Ran to his feet, and he placed a hand on the red-head's shoulder when he complied.
"Ran, my boy, you are a son to me," King Renjiro stated earnestly. "I love you as though you were one of my own and I look on all your many accomplishments with pride. Not the least of which was getting paired to the young man just down the table."
Ran couldn't stop himself from turning to look at Ken who looked surprised at being mentioned, and the former servant ducked his head when the gathered masses laughed. Ran smiled and turned to face the King once more, when he did he found the monarch chuckling merrily.
"Happy twenty-first, my boy," he said with a wide smile and rested his other hand on Ran's other shoulder. "Thank you for permitting us a place in your heart and for allowing us the honor of being your family. Happy birthday."
His Majesty pulled Ran into a tight embrace while the room erupted in applause and loud cheers. As the dishes were removed the Queen took the King's place, giving Ran several kisses and a tight hug, all the while wishing him warm regards. The King ordered the music to begin again and as Ran received congratulations from his royal brothers and sisters a large, eager group of dancers began to gather around the edges of the dance floor.
Aya saved her hugs for last and fell on Ran after the others had moved to the floor to await the dancing.
"Congratulations, Niisan," she laughed as she held him. "Are you happy?"
"Yes," he answered truthfully.
"And do you have a wish for this night?" his sister asked cheekily, pulling from his embrace to look up into his eyes.
"Aya," Ran said, but the warning was gone and he couldn't fight his smile, so ended up shaking his head with a short laugh.
"Ken-niisan hasn't taken his eyes off of you all evening," Aya informed him and he blinked in surprise. "Make your wish. Tonight you just might get it."
She stepped away from him and they both became aware of Ken watching them from his seat. Aya cast Ran a quick, telling smile before skipping off toward the dance floor. As she passed Ken she reminded him of their dance and then she was gone.
Ran didn't immediately move toward Ken, but stood where he'd been standing, just behind his chair, and observed his friend and partner. The former servant was still seated at the table, ostensibly watching the Palace occupants trying to find their partners, but every few seconds his large brown eyes would peek sideways in Ran's direction. Almost as though he was afraid to look directly but couldn't help needing to know what Ran was doing. The idea made the Lord smirk and sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.
He suddenly felt powerful and in control, as if on that one night he could demand the stars and expect them to fall at his feet. But on that night there was only one thing he wanted..
"Ken," he called and to his own ears it sounded as though he were tasting the name.
The brunet's head snapped around to face him. Brown eyes met sharp, deep violet.
"Aren't you going to dance?" Ran asked in a quiet purr.
Ken actually quivered.
"Yes," he answered. "I was just waiting for you."
Ran smiled and stepped forward, stretching out an inviting hand.
"Then let's go," he said with a small, secret smile.
Ken blushed, then nodded and rose, pulling his mask into place. Together they made their way down to the dance floor and allowed themselves to be swept up into the frenzy of activity there.
Masks were put on, partners found, and the dancing commenced. Each fulfilled all their promises and obligations admirably and without mishap. Ran even danced with Lady Tomoe who wished him every happiness and gave him a knowing look before taking her leave of him.
Throughout the evening Ran tried to watch Ken, but was only successful in catching glimpses of him as they danced by one another. They were tantalizing, enticing, tempting glimpses which only served to heighten his growing appetite. As the evening progressed his hunger grew until he felt like it would consume him.
He tried to ignore it. To put it to the back of his consciousness as he worked to be polite and make his dance partners feel as though they had his whole attention. But his eyes kept seeking his elusive quarry until they could catch another tingle inducing glimpse.
And Ken was glancing back.
Every so often their eyes would meet and Ran would experience a charge like static shock. It would leave his body humming and wanting more. As the evening wore on he found himself growing tired of the game and anxious for a conclusion, and it was Aya that delivered it to him.
They were involved in a favorite country dance. One where the women lined up on one side of the floor and their partners lined up across from them. The couples entered into a series of complicated exchanges with the partners of the people on either side of them, breaking into smaller groups for reels. It had been designed so that every person involved eventually danced with everyone of the opposite sex while gradually working their way from one end of the line to the other. And it ended when the couple who had started in the middle was once again in the middle after making a complete circuit. Ran and Aya had started in the middle, but Aya cleverly took an extra spin on the last reel, so at the end of the dance Ran found himself face to face with Ken.
The room exploded with uproarious laughter, applause and catcalls. Below the edge of his mask Ken's face turned bright red, and Ran had to fight the urge to pounce on and devour him. Instead he smiled broadly and laughed. The applause increased and Ken smiled too before ducking his head and scratching at the back of it nervously with one hand.
Before Ran could begin to think about how to get them out of there the jovial atmosphere was interrupted by the King.
"Ladies and Gents," he called giddily. "I've just been informed that the light of day has thoroughly fled and the fire's begun to burn. Let us away out of doors and see what delights are to be had in the mystery of the night!"
Everyone cheered.
"Be sure and come cloaked," his Majesty added, throwing a long dark robe over his shoulders to conceal his clothing.
Excited chatter rose again as the people moved toward the doors. Servants stood there handing out black cloaks to those who wanted them.
Ran reached out and stopped Ken from moving. He placed a restraining hand on the former servant's arm.
"Wait," the Lord said in reply to his questioning glance.
They let the crowd at the door thin to a trickle and followed the last few partners from the room, accepting the robes the servants offered as they passed. But when they reached the deserted hallway between the great hall and the outer doors Ran caught up Ken's hand and pulled him away. Leading him toward the grand staircase and the royal apartments.
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"You're sure this'll be a better view of the fireworks?" Ken asked as they entered their room, depositing masks and cloaks into a convenient chair.
"Much better," Ran said sounding confident. "And far less crowded."
Ken dared a smile and then proceeded to the balcony. He'd been trying to calm his racing heart for most of the evening without much success. But when Ran had taken his hand, and continued to hold it all the way to the apartment, he was sure it would hammer its way free of his chest. He was equally certain that Ran would be able to hear it, but if he had the Lord gave no indication.
Ken stopped at the railing and peered down at the bonfire below. Ghostly white faces swirled around it as the masks reflected the light, but the cloaks concealed all evidence of the dancers' clothing, along with their rank and station. It was a strange sight.
He felt Ran move up beside him, a shiver traveled down his spine. Ken had been hyper aware of the red-head all evening. Instinctively knowing where to look in order to catch his eye as they'd danced with other partners. He'd been secretly pleased to discover Ran glancing back, almost as if he'd been trying to spot him. Ken wondered if he had.
Suddenly there was a loud "pop" and the sky above them was filled with falling green fire. Ken gasped loudly and grinned at Ran.
"You were right," he smiled.
Ran merely nodded and turned to head back into their room.
"They'll look better with the candles out," he said.
Ken didn't watch what Ran was doing but he was somehow aware of the Lord moving through the room, systematically extinguishing each light before moving to stand before the dressing table. His presence stayed there for several minutes, then Ken felt him move toward the bed where he seemed to settle.
Sighing to himself, Ken wondered if Ran had decided to go to sleep. He'd been hoping that when the Lord took his hand to drag him upstairs that it was for more than a better view and a sensible bedtime. He watched a few more of the magnificent fireworks before turning from the balcony and entering the room.
"They're so...b-beautiful," he said, stammering to a halt as he took in the sight before him.
Ran was sitting on his side of the bed leaning back against his pillows, as he did some nights when he wanted to read, but there was no book in evidence and the candle beside the bed was out. There was also no sign of the nightshirt he usually wore. His pale flesh was exposed to the night air and the dim light from the fire below. The sheet was pooled around his hips and Ken's thoughts went instantly to whether or not the Lord were wearing anything under it. He'd looked at Ken when he spoken, and the former servant could clearly see his smile in the yellow flash of another fiery bloom in the star filled sky.
"I told you the view was better," Ran purred.
Ken gulped.
"You...Your skin looks like its glowing," Ken said in wonder, staring at Ran from the balcony doors. He couldn't tell if it was the brilliance of light against such white skin, or something else. Something inside him.
"Does it?" Ran asked. He sounded amused.
"Do you think it's because on your birthday you're at the height of your power?" Ken asked taking a cautious and curious step forward.
"Who told you that?" Ran asked, his eyes following the careful progress of the younger man like a cat watching its prey.
Ken paused at the foot of the bed.
"Omi," Ken said watching Ran's face as another brilliant light washed over them. He was smirking.
"Did he now?" Ran asked in another deep purr that made Ken shudder. "Well, I don't expect the height of my power would be very great."
Ken stared at him for a moment, caught by his dark violet eyes, then he shook himself and made his way to his wardrobe.
"Maybe it's the light from the bonfire," he said, although that had barely illuminated them when they'd been on the balcony, and inside the room it was negligible. He could feel Ran's eyes on him as he began to change for bed and it sent tingles everywhere. Ken found he almost couldn't manage his buttons. "S-so...you...y-you're gonna go...to bed?" he asked and his voice cracked on the word "bed".
Ran chuckled.
"Perhaps. I haven't been sleeping very well lately," his voice crawled out of the darkness and caressed Ken.
He shivered.
"W-why's that?"
"I've been too...hot," Ran replied and Ken could almost hear the rise of one red eyebrow.
Ken finally rid himself of his clothing and tugged on his nightshirt. Turning he glanced at Ran, who was merely a dark unmoving shadow against the larger darkness of the curtained bed until another flash of light revealed him. Still lounging against his pillows. Still watching Ken with a knowing smirk. The former servant fought to breath and quickly made his way to the end of the bed. Another flash and he stumbled over the edge of the curtains as his eyes latched onto the sharp angles and gentle lines of Ran's collar bones and refused to move until the dark returned. He swallowed hard and somehow managed to stagger around to his side, where he flung back the sheet and climbed in.
Just the idea of being in bed beside a naked Ran sent thrills of excitement tingling down his spine, but at the same time he was suddenly shy. He didn't know what to do. Sure he'd seen his share of trysts taking place. The Thirteenth House had been full of secret passages and spy holes. He'd seen quite a bit through them over his years of service, but he'd never engaged in anything himself. What could he do, what signal could he send, to encourage his stoic companion?
After a few minutes of lying in bed with the sheet pulled up to his chin, listening to the revelers outside and waiting to see what would happen, he was almost desperate. Ran hadn't moved an inch, apart from rolling onto his side so he could continue to watch Ken by what little light there was. Gritting his teeth in frustration as the little flutters of anticipation in his stomach demanded attention, Ken suddenly sat up and began wriggling out of his nightshirt. He pulled it out from under himself and yanked it off over his head before casting it, almost triumphantly, to the floor.
"Are you hot as well...Ken?" Ran asked sounding nearer than he felt.
"Yeah," Ken answered decisively. He laid down again and pulled the sheet up to his chest. "Figured I'd try it too...since you are."
Ran didn't move.
"And how do you like it?" he asked huskily.
"F-feels...cool and slippery," Ken answered and held his breath.
He was distracted into breathing again by a volley of fireworks so loud and close they seemed to be directly outside their balcony. Instinctively he turned to watch them, rolling onto his side as he did so. Behind him he felt the bed shift and suddenly Ran's chest was pressed against his shoulder blades. One long arm snaked its way around his chest and a warm hand came to rest over his heart. Ken shivered at the contact, something deep within him demanded more.
"Your heart's beating very quickly...Ken," Ran whispered beside his ear.
"Yes," he gasped.
"Mine is as well," Ran said shifting closer, pressing more of his front along Ken's back. "Can you feel it...Ken?"
"Yes," he replied as his whole frame shuddered. He felt as though something deep inside him was trying to break free and he'd die if it didn't happen soon. Ken rolled onto his back and stared up into Ran's dark eyes. "If...I get cold...will you keep me warm?"
"Would you like that...Ken?" Ran asked hovering above him.
"Yes," Ken answered and suddenly Ran's mouth was moving over his. Pressing, opening, searching.
As their bodies came together and their hands began to explore neither one noticed their magics rising up, and joining in the ancient dance of passion.
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Author's Note: Eventually has arrived! Happy now?
Incase anyone isn't familiar with English slang, "scooching" is when you use your feet to drag yourself across whatever surface you're sitting on. In Ken's case the bed.
