Um, Hi minna-san. Do you still remember me? Yeah, well, sorry I've been gone so long, these past two months have just been crazy! Vacation was awesome and I had a blast. Then my costume for the Renn Faire came out great and I had a lot of fun with that too. Unfortunately I was also uncharacteristically exhausted during the month of June and probably slept through most of it. . :( I wasn't happy about that. In addition to all that my muses have seemed to have fled too. I just haven't been inspired to write or do anything. And that also frustrated me to no end! But I'm trying some things right now to see if I can get my muses back. So cross those fingers and entice them with reviews, ok? Thanks! . :D
Moon without a Sun – Yeah, I do so enjoy laying the Angst on that boy. But Ran is around to help him so it's all good, ne? Thank you!
Bengali – Glad you like RanKen cause more's a comin'! Heck, most Americans don't speak English properly and less write it! (Me included, lol) And since this is AU I can make him a bit smarter than they portray him in Side B. hehe. Anyway, you'll have to wait for a while to get the answer to that question. Mwhahahaha! Thanks again!
Chitoshiya no Tohma – Yeah, made RanKen fangirls happy! . :D So do I. I mean it's hard to resist a tortured lil Kenken, ne? He's just too yummy that way! Thanks!
HeatherR – I'm sooooo sorry I was gone for so long again! I hate it when my writing becomes sporadic! Hopefully with some things calming down my muses won't feel so neglected and hide away anymore. Vaca was great but also had a very annoying part to it. But we still had fun. And I was able to get ZeroSum Magazine and it even had a new chap for Side B! Wohooo! And yes, Ken's immediate memory issues are only the tip of his real problems. And shhhh, there might be a connection but you'll just have to wait and see! . :p Thanks for reviewing!
Keesha Kal'daka – That's ok. I know, everyone seems to hate Kase. But that's ok. He's just such a mean man in canon that it's easy to hate him. Um, yeah. I'll get around to the real RanKen action in a bit. Of course if you really want a RanKen scene now, I do have a 'Scene Challenge' for myself up on my Yahoo Group. You can submit a request and I would have to write it. Hehe. Sorry for the delay but I'm hoping I'll finally get back into this to update more readily. Thanks for reviewing!
Quietladybirman – Yeah, but as you so recently found out, Ken's going crazy as it is! Ha! But yes, some nice moments do help him deal with the nastier ones. Just hold out for a few more chapys and the heavy Angst should be back. :D And you're a very good theorist. But how that all plays out may not be exactly as you thought. ;) That's ok. I know how that is some times. Thanks again and there will be more omake at the end! Yeah! . :D
Evelyn – Thank you! The mystery man will be revealed all in good time. ;)
Rebellion2fate – Thank you very much! You sure know how to make a girl happy! . :D Yes, they'll have their time together but I'm taking this slow for now. Want to make that moment when they really get together something special. :D Thanks again!
Scelerus animus – Thanks. More RanKen sappy moments abound here. Enjoy!
And now that the reviews are done, on with the fic! . :D
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A pristine blue sky shown brightly overhead. It was so clear and perfect, not even a cloud marred its perfection. The day was warm and inviting. And for once, he looked forward to the day. Today Asia Construction Company's family picnic was being held. And for the first time in a long time, the whole family would be going. His older sister was off somewhere with her most recent boyfriend, some Masa-something. And he was helping his mother get situated. At this moment she was surprisingly lucid and smiling at him.
Staring up at the picturesque view, he was jolted into action when he heard his name called. A soccer ball flew through the air and he blocked it easily with his chest. It didn't even touch the ground as his foot came up to bounce it back up. For a moment he juggled the ball. "Stop showing off and let's play already."
Ken smirked at his best friend. "Alright, you asked for it." And he kicked the ball initiating a one-on -one session with the older boy. Their feet entwined in effort to gain the ball from the other.
A voice behind him called out, "Don't forget about me!" Surprised, Ken let his guard down to glance over his shoulder at his father. Kase took the moment to kick the checkered orb at the man.
After the momentary bout of shock, a huge grin spread across the youth's face. And soon all three were scrambling around vying for the sphere, laughing and having a great time. Their fun was halted a short time later by his mother's cheerful voice announcing food was ready. They hurried off to devour the feast before them.
When they were done, his mother was sitting under a tree. Feeling light and content, he wandered over to her and laid down next to her. She smiled at him so he placed his head on her lap and watched the clouds move lazily across the great blue expanse. Her hand immediately brushed back the chocolate bangs in a steady rhythm.
They stayed like that for a long time. Ken was feeling so good, he couldn't have stopped the words from coming even if he tried. "I love you mom." In an instant the gentle fingers in his hair clenched pulling at his scalp painfully. He tried to look up at her, his confusion and discomfort clearly written on his face, but the tight grip on his head prevented that. In a tiny voice he questioned, "mom?"
"Don't call me that." Her tone so icy cold it sent a shiver through him. "You are not my son."
He choked back a sob, "mom?"
"Stop that! You're just a cheap replacement!" Impossible strength dislodged him from the warm comfort of her lap and flung him on to the ground. Tears fell unbidden from turbulent seas. When he finally managed to look up, all he could see was long loose brown hair framing a shadowed face with glowing white eyes. A hand sought to clutch at the hem of the kimono just beyond his reach. A sandaled foot kicked it away in disgust. "Don't touch me!"
"Get away from her!" His father barked right before something connected with his ribs. "Should never have picked you up. Should have left you at that orphanage." He continued to punctuate his angered words with harsh strikes.
Ken automatically curled in on himself crying due to pain and heartache. Some minutes later, the blows seemed to lessen and Ken dared a peek. A silhouette began to form in his blurred vision. It took another moment to realize who it was. Out of a dry throat, through cracked and bleeding lips, he begged, "Kase, help me! Please."
Glowing white eyes bore into his very soul. In a voice so calm it cut to the core, Kase answered, "Why would I want to do that?" A sob escaped him. "I don't need you anymore. I don't want you anymore."
Defeated. Used. Discarded. Unwanted. Deceived. Unloved. Disillusioned.
Fear. Anger. Hate. Sorrow. Disbelief. Wretchedness. Confusion. Pain.
All of these things crashed over the huddled form. All he ever wanted was to have someone who cared for him. And now all he knew was that he was just a thorn in their side. He stiffened when he felt someone lie down behind him. A hand casually caressed his side. And he for some reason he knew that the gesture was mocking his torment.
A strange voice hissed in his ear, "You should never have been brought into this world. From the moment you were born, you were destined to be forever abandoned."
"no," he denied weakly. He didn't want to believe that to be true.
Then somewhere high above them a deep timbre crackled, sounding odd, robotic and hollow yet calming and warm all at the same time. And all it said was his name, but he instinctively wanted to answer and run to the source. The figure behind him chuckled cynically.
"You think he will be different? He's using you too. A stepping stone to be thrown away when his dear sweet imouto decides to wake up and take her place in his life once more. You are used goods. And all you'll ever be good for is a temporary solution until they realize that you aren't worthy of their time. You should just give up. Forget about this world. It would be the easiest way."
Gasping sobs tore from the shaking form. It was a deep-seated fear that he had never voiced to anyone, but it was always there, haunting his every move. He wanted to ignore that insidious voice but couldn't.
"Ken!"
He wanted to go to his scarlet haired Angel. But now there was doubt there. Another mocking snicker sounded. "Go ahead. Go to him. But don't think it will last. He'll toss you aside soon enough. Just you wait."
And then the world faded. Along with that mocking guffaw.
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Strong hands firmly squeezing his shoulders that were anxiously trying to bring him back to reality, were the first things he became aware of. The dampness on his face and the trembling of his body were second. Ran gently shook him, "Ken, please, please, wake up." He sounded frantic and worried. "Please," he pleaded.
Relief crashed over the concerned redhead when those captivating blue-green portals cracked open. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around the lithe form, drawing Ken's body closer to him. "It's alright. I'm here. You were having a nightmare. You're safe." He just cradled the younger boy lovingly.
Ken desperately wished he could melt into the embrace and forget his fears. But that voice still lingered in his mind. "He'll toss you aside soon enough." Another sob shook him. Hastily, he clung onto the soft material of the other boy's shirt. Seeking anything that might anchor him to this world. He didn't even realize he was speaking until Ran answered ever so softly, "I won't leave you. I won't. I swear it. Just please, calm down." The older boy didn't know what to do or how to help. All he knew was he had to reassure the youth, so he tightened his embrace.
And all Ken could do in return was nod jerkily and lean into the man further. He could hear Ran's heartbeat and the steady beating gave him something new to focus on. The rise and fall of the redhead's chest beckoned him to slumber once more by its gentle rocking motion. He tried to fight the urge considering his dream but intense emotional strain usually drained a body and mind quickly.
Eventually, Ken had managed to find sleep again, this time less the dreams thankfully. Ran situated himself so that he could lean back against the headboard and waited out the morning. Gently, he stroked sweat soaked strands back and away from Ken's face. He had come to appreciate the sweet innocence displayed in the slumbering visage over the past few days in the hospital. And now he could admire it without the threat of interruption. He felt content and happy for the first time in a long time. So as time drew on, he drifted off with that image joining the brunette in slumber.
They stayed huddled together for hours, just past the time when the sun came up. Ran was first to stir and managed to wiggle himself out from under the brunette without disturbing him. He had spotted some items that would make a good breakfast yesterday when he was in the kitchenette. And so, he went out to make a decent meal for two. When he was finished, he came back to Ken's room to let him know it was ready.
But when he got there, he just stood in the doorway for a while. Ken was still sleeping and he wasn't sure if he should wake him considering the rough night the younger boy had. The urge to have that thin warm form leaning against him arose and who was he to argue. Sidling back under the covers, he carefully repositioned himself to how they were only about an hour ago. Amazingly, Ken didn't wake through the adjustments.
Carefully, Ran brushed away some errant cinnamon bangs that had fallen and obstructed his view. And he heard the change in breathing pattern follow. It took another minute before earthen lashes gave way to the sparkling seas beneath. "Morning," he muttered.
Ken smiled sheepishly, his eyes locked with amethyst gems. "Morning," he replied softly.
"I made us some breakfast. If you want I can bring it to you when you're ready."
"Thank you, but I think I should get up to get it. I don't want you playing nursemaid anymore." Ken pushed himself up, instantly regretting leaving the warmth he was nestled into. Ran nodded. And soon both were sitting on stools at the tiny table in the kitchen. The pale man placed two bowls in front of the brunette eliciting a smile from the younger man. Ken took a big gulp of the soup and sighed in contentment. "This Miso is great, Ran. Did you make this yourself?"
"Yes." He answered as he sat across from his charge.
Clear blue-green eyes sparked brightly up at the redhead. "Wow, how did you learn to cook so well?"
"My mom and dad both went to work very early, so I used to get Aya and myself ready in the mornings. And I'm not that great of a cook. This just happens to be one of my specialties."
"Well, I think it's great. And I would probably even love what you may think is bad. I love food and I'm not very picky."
"I doubt it. I've burned rice on occasion." Ken stopped in mid spoonful and glanced over at his other bowl incredulously. Ran laughed, "Not this morning though."
Blushing, Ken's gaze moved to meet his companion's. "Good thing, because I'm starving." They ate for a few more minutes in silence. Ken finished his soup and was chowing his rice when he asked, "Can I get another bowl of Miso before you go?"
Wordlessly, Ran stood with a small frown to fulfill Ken's request. When he turned back he noticed that the goalie had stopped eating and was eyeing him suspiciously. "Here," he muttered while handing over the full bowl.
Ken wasn't about to be put off. He felt a rise in tension the moment he asked the question. Something was clearly on the other boy's mind and he needed to know what it was. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing really, just…." Ran probably couldn't pin down exactly what was bothering him. All he knew was that when he was making breakfast he started thinking about how Ken would be alone. And that thought made him extremely nervous. He glanced up and noticed Ken's stern expression. Realizing that Ken's stubborn streak matched his head for head, he knew this conversation would not end until Ken knew what he was considering. He sighed heavily, "I was thinking of not going to practice, at least not until you're better situated."
"But you have to go. You shouldn't be worrying about me. This is something you have to do for yourself. I can't rely on you forever, so why try cushioning the situation now? I've got to do things on my own and I think I've disrupted your life enough. Don't get me wrong I'm incredibly grateful for everything you've done for me, but you also have to do things for yourself. I'm not your only concern. I know how you feel about Aya and what it is you want to do. Don't let my own problems stop you from doing what you have to do." Ken kept on talking even though Ran tried several times to deny or dispute a point. But now that he was done, Ran immediately took his opportunity.
"I know you will need to be on your own eventually, however it's too soon. You only just got out of the hospital yesterday and…."
"And I was going batty the whole time I was there. I'm much more used to being out and about. Getting tied down to a stupid bed and confined to a tiny room has only made me that much more anxious to get out. You've stuck with me the whole time and I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you for everything that you did. But, you had a life before me, you had goals to attain and things to learn, so it's high time you stop babying me and get those taken care of."
"You don't need to repay me for anything. I chose to do it. I still don't think I should leave you alone for so long."
"And I won't be, remember? Part of the reason we came here was so that there were others around to help. If I need anything all I have to do is call Omi from downstairs. I'll probably head down there later anyway to meet Momoe-san. In the meantime, I'm just gonna try and unpack and settle in."
The odd reaction from yesterday still fresh in his mind had Ran asking, "Do you think that's a wise idea?"
"I'll be fine." Ken tried to smile to assuage Ran's fears, as well as his own. "If you really want to help me, you could move that box off to the side before you go." He added sheepishly.
Apparently, he was thinking about that incident too. Relaxing a little, that helped but now he just hoped nothing else would set the younger man off. "I think I can manage that. As long as you call me if you need me." Ran had made Ken memorize the number to his cell the second day the brunette was awake in case of emergencies.
A mischievous sparkle in his eye, Ken glared at his guardian and leaned in close, "You know, you're worse than a mother hen. If you worry this much while you're this young, you're gonna find yourself an early grave."
Ran didn't even bother with a rebuttal. He had to get going if he was going to make it to Kendo on time. "I've got to go now. I should be back early this afternoon. Would you like me to pick up some lunch?" He stood and collected all the empty dishes from the table.
"No, I'm sure I can get something with Omi. And maybe I'll try cooking for you tonight." Ken said from his seat, sipping the last gulps of his soup before getting up and adding his dish to the pile.
"Only if you feel up to it. Otherwise, I'll do it when I get back." After looking at the mess in the sink Ran decided he would do that later as well.
"Thanks, mom. You're the best." Ken teased his benefactor.
Ran glared at the brunette but there was no malice in his sparkling eyes. Deep concern reflected in the violet gaze. Turning to face the younger man directly, he placed his hands on the goalie's shoulders. "Just try to take it easy while I'm gone."
Sighing, Ken's eyes rolled. "God, how many times do I have to say it. I'll be fine." Slightly exasperated, yet still smiling, Ken headed out to the main room followed by the redhead. There he watched as Ran gathered his things and moved the box. Lastly, the redhead headed for the door and paused just short of it to look back at his companion. Ken smiled reassuringly, "Drive safe, ok?" Ran nodded then walked out, leaving Ken alone.
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I hope you all enjoyed it! I'll see if I can get the next chap up in a week. Things are still a bit crazy. Otakon is about a month away and I need to finish 2 more costumes for it. And hopefully my muses will be back in full swing by then too. Please encourage them by reviewing! I would greatly appreciate it!
s-k: Hmmm, now where are those guys? I thought that they would have shown up by now. –glances around-
. –suddenly the lights go out- . -a door slowly creaks open- . –a small flickering of flame can be seen-
s-k: What the…?
. –Lights get flicked back on!-
Boys: (singing) Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Shiki-kun, Happy Birthday to you! –huddle together holding a cake-
s-k: Awww! –blushes furiously- You shouldn't have! Thank you guys so much! I really appreciate it!
Ken: Omi made the cake. And I made you this… -pulls out a small bouquet-
s-k: AWWW! You guys really are the best!
Yoji: Although we probably shouldn't have done anything considering how long you've neglected us. –smirking-
Omi: Stop it. Now's not the time. If it happens again, that's when we'll have our say. –turns back to shiki- I hope you like it, it's Devil's food Cake!
s-k: I love it already!
Ken: Now blow out your candles and make a wish!
s-k: Ok! . –thinks for a moment then blows-
Ken: Yeah you got them all! So what did you wish for?
s-k: Oh no, I'm not telling. If I do then it won't come true and I don't think my readers would appreciate that. Teehee.
Ken: Oh alright. –pouting- Do you want you're other presents now?
s-k: How bout later. Let's wrap this chap up first, ok? Thanks for reading everyone! I really do hope you liked it. I'll try and get back on my weekly schedule if possible. Still trying to work through a hump but we'll see.
Aya: Reviews are great encouragement and would make a nice birthday gift too. –glares hard at readers-
s-k: Thanks Aya, but don't scare them all away before they can do it. And even though it's a day late, come join the party! OH, and go see Charlie and the chocolate factory! It's twisted and beautifully and totally rocks! I love the Burton/Depp/Elfmen combo! Later peeps! . :D Now, where's that cake!