Warning: AU, pseudo-Historical Romance, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note Before: Well, here we go. The last chapter. Extra long for extra goodness! Hee-hee! Please enjoy! (Author bows respectfully to all the readers and crosses her fingers behind her back!)
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss, so please don't take legal action!
Tell Him That it Wasn't Love
Chapter Thirteen
Ken didn't sleep that night. When the first light of dawn crept into the room he rose. He washed and changed behind the dressing screen so Yuriko wouldn't be disturbed, then he sat at the desk near the window. Taking out his writing box he wrote four letters.
The first was to Mrs. Hudson explaining that he was unavoidably detained, but would return home as soon as he was able, and to request some changes he wanted in the house. The second was to Caroline. He'd decided to keep his heart to himself until Ran's return, but he had to tell someone and he couldn't keep anything from her. She may, he realized, have already guessed based on his last letter. The last two were for Yuriko. One telling her where his estate was located and offering her a position there if she ever wanted to leave the Count. The other was a letter for her to present to Mrs. Hudson. He put these into the same envelope along with what he hoped was enough money for passage in a coach.
When he was done he pocketed the two outgoing letters and left the others on Yuriko's clothes, then slipped quietly from the room.
Sometime later Yohji emerged from his room stretching and yawning. He'd had a rather late night. Just down the hall Ken's door opened and a young woman stepped into the hallway. The Prince felt his eyes widen in surprise. She caught sight of him and curtsied before scurrying off toward the back stairs. Well, that was interesting. Yohji scratched his head. Perhaps Ken had only needed a bit of persuasion.
Yohji was relieved. He hadn't relished having a discussion with Ken about his lack of interest in women, and what that meant about his sexual preferences. Not that it would bother the Prince if it turned out that his younger cousin preferred men, he just wasn't sure how to cover the topic. What if Ken had questions? Having no personal experience rather limited Yohji's knowledge of the subject. But obviously his suspicions were ungrounded.
Sighing, he headed downstairs to breakfast where he found Ken smiling brightly and chatting with Omi. Again, the Prince felt relieved. When Ran had left Ken had sunk into depression. They'd all seen it despite his valiant attempts at acting happy. Ken was a horrible actor. His eyes revealed the truth no matter how he smiled and laughed. But the depression was no longer in evidence.
"Well, good," thought the Prince. "Two birds with one stone." Aloud he said, "Good morning, Cousin Ken. You seem in fine spirits this morning."
"Morning," Ken smiled up at him. "I had an idea."
"Oh? And what's that?" Yohji asked reaching for some toast.
"Well, since I can't leave until Ran comes back I decided I'd try to learn more to help the estate while I'm here. So, I thought I'd attend some lectures on the latest ideas in farming."
"Lectures on farming?" asked Yohji. He tried to refrain from sounding too horror struck by the notion of several hours before a man lecturing on plows and livestock.
"I told him it was a good idea," piped in Omi. "I also offered to go with him, so you needn't appear so apoplectic."
Yohji sighed and smiled.
"In that case, I think it a fine idea. I've been meaning to spend more time with my father at Court, and if you're safely installed at a lecture I can do so."
Ken frowned at the suggestion that he needed looking after.
"Omi doesn't have to go," he stated crossly. "I can go by myself."
"Ken, I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't take care of yourself," Yohji said patiently. "I simply meant that I feel obligated to be your guide as long as you are here, but if Omi were to be with you then that obligation is met."
"Oh."
Omi jumped in as Ken was still frowning.
"Besides," he said, "if I'm to live on your estate for a while then I should know something about it. After all, wherever Ran goes I go."
Omi almost cringed when he realized what he'd said. Ken's brow creased in thought and his frown didn't alter. Ran hadn't taken Omi home with him. Another sign that it'd been a hasty decision.
Suddenly Ken brightened again.
"Well, I'm glad he left you behind this time, so you can help me remember what they say at the lectures," he said.
"Gladly," Omi smiled.
"We'd better be off," Ken said rising. "May we borrow a coach? We'll send it back to you."
"Certainly, Cousin Ken. I can't wait to hear all about cows, pigs, and plowing."
"Ha-ha-ha," said Ken as he left the room. Omi followed him.
Yohji finished his breakfast in deep satisfaction. Things appeared to be looking up. Perhaps Ran's sudden disappearance had been for the best, forcing Ken into self reliance. Still, the Prince was bothered by it, and he worried about his red-headed cousin. Ran was hiding inside himself and now appeared to be running. Neither one was a good sign. What if he had fallen for the young Duke? What if he'd run because he couldn't control his feelings? What would it do to Ken if he didn't come back?
Yohji frowned. Had he really just been thinking that things were looking up? He shook his head.
The next few days went by without incident. Ken and Omi attended lectures and demonstrations while Yohji fell back into his place by his father's side. There was no sign of Ran.
Ken soaked up as much as he could about the latest farming techniques and animal husbandry. He had no idea what the tenant farmers on the estate routinely did, but he did know how they ran the manor's small farm. He was surprised and pleased to learn that as far as that went they were up to speed. He had high hopes the rest of the estate would be.
Omi helped him review each lecture in the evening. Ken discovered that his knowledge of how a farm works was rather extensive, and he had a few ideas for changes which he discussed with Omi. He also asked Omi to tutor him in chess. He was determined to get better at it so he could play Ran when he returned.
At night, after supper, Ken took to wandering the veranda that stretched along the back of the house. It gave him a chance to be alone with his thoughts. He'd never realized before how precious his time alone could be. Mainly because he'd had plenty of it. During his time on the veranda he allowed himself to think about Ran. Ken was well aware of how easy he was to read, so he endeavored not to think about the stoic red-head when he was in anyone's company. But alone on the veranda he allowed himself to dream.
At the end of Ken's fifth week in Town Ran returned. He rode in one afternoon just after tea. Yohji, Ken, and Omi went out to meet him as he came in from the yard. They stopped short when they saw him.
Although he wasn't wearing black he may as well have been. His emotionless mask had become a frozen scowl and his eyes were glacial. Yohji frowned in apprehension.
"Welcome back, Cousin," he said. "I trust all is well at home?"
"Aa."
"And your mother and sister?" Yohji asked.
"Fine."
Ran marched past them into the house. The Prince pursed his lips in thought while Ken and Omi exchanged glances.
"This is new," Yohji muttered before turning and following Ran. Ken and Omi followed the Prince.
Ran went straight to his room to unpack. Omi followed, but was told not to bother, and summarily dismissed. They didn't see Ran again until dinner where he held himself aloof and would not be brought into conversation.
No one knew quite what to do, so they did nothing. The Grand Duchess suggested he was tired from his journey and therefore out of sorts, and Ran agreed.
Ken wasn't sure what to make of the changes in the red-head. He decided not to push him, but to give him time to rest and come back to himself. So, as the family broke up and went about their after dinner pursuits Ken and Omi moved to their chess lesson, while Ran once again went to his room.
Ran's reclusive and silent behavior continued for the next few days. Yohji tried to talk to him, but came out of it annoyed and not any wiser. Omi advised Ken to stay clear of the red-headed Earl until things smoothed over, and Ken heeded his advice.
Part way through the week that followed the King issued an invitation. There was a new opera to be performed in his honor. He requested the presence of the Grand Duke's family, as well as all nobility currently residing in Town. He wanted a full house for the event, or as close to one as he could get.
The night of the opera Ken decided he couldn't wait any longer for Ran to emerge from his shell. He'd been in Town almost six weeks, and he had to get home. So, after dinner he followed Ran into the study where the red-head was writing some letters.
Ken entered the study quietly. He waited for Ran to acknowledge his presence, but the red-head continued to write silently.
"Ran, may I speak to you for a minute?" Ken finally asked.
"Can it wait? I have some important correspondence I need to attend to."
"No, it can't wait," Ken said stubbornly. He had to do this before his courage failed him.
Ran stopped writing but didn't turn around.
"What is it, Ken?" he asked looking out the window.
"I've been here nearly six weeks now. I can't stay any longer," Ken stated stepping a bit closer.
"I don't believe anyone is holding you here. You are free to leave whenever you wish."
Ken started, stung.
"Aren't you coming with me?" he asked bluntly. "I only waited this long for you."
"I'm sorry, Ken, but I can't go with you."
Ken blinked and shook his head.
Ran still wouldn't look at him.
"But...we were going to go on the tour and Hargrave had you learn half the financing!" cried the young Duke.
"Something has come up," Ran stated calmly. "I'm sorry, but I can't get out of it. Perhaps sometime in the future I can come for a visit, but now its out of the question. As it happens, I'm writing to Hargrave now requesting that he find an appropriate replacement for me. I'm sure he'll be able to find someone who-"
"I don't want anyone else to help me!" Ken cried. " I only want you."
Ran sighed, but still refused to turn around and face him.
"I'm sorry, Ken," he said softly. "I can't."
Ken took a slow deep breath. He knew what he was hearing. He recognized a rejection when he heard one. Ran didn't want him.
"I...see," he said stiffly.
Ken exited the room as quickly as possible. He stood in the hall and leaned against the door. The pain from his stepfather's riding crop was nothing to what he felt at that moment. His heart burned with a raw pain, and he felt hollow.
Numbly he stumbled down the hall. Somehow he found himself in his room. Looking around Ran's words came back to him. No one was holding him here, and so he would leave. Ken reached under his bed and dragged out his saddle bags.
A little while later there was a quick knock at his door and Omi entered carrying Ken's dress clothes.
"Hello. I've brought your...Ken, what are you doing?" The young man asked, stopping just inside the room and staring.
"What does it look like? I'm packing," Ken stated crossly. He didn't look at Omi but continued to roll up clothes and shove them into his bags.
"But why?"
"Because I am leaving."
Omi blinked in confusion.
"When? Tomorrow?" he asked.
"No. Tonight." Ken savagely shoved one of his night shirts into the bag he was filling.
""You can't leave now! Its dark, and we have to go to the opera!"
"Sod the opera."
Omi took a step backwards. Ken was obviously upset. Very upset He dashed out of the room and straight to the one person he thought could calm Ken down. He burst into Ran's room just as the stoic man was tying his collar. The red-head turned from the mirror to take in the young man's panicked expression.
"You have to stop Ken! He says he's leaving tonight. He's in his room packing!" Omi cried.
Ran sighed expressively and set his jaw. He knew he hadn't handled the young Duke well, but he couldn't have done it any other way. He knew if he'd faced Ken he would've lost his nerve, and only prolonged the inevitable. A quick cut was best for both of them.
He followed Omi back to Ken's room just as the young Duke finished shoving the last of his clothes that would fit into his bags. He'd have to have the rest sent. Ken didn't look up at them, but tied his bags and slung them over his shoulders. He straightened his back, set his jaw, and turned to leave. Ran blocked his path.
"Ken..."
"Get out of my way, Ran."
"No."
"You were right. There's nothing keeping me here. I'm leaving."
"You can't leave tonight, Ken!" Omi cried. "We have to attend the opera. The King-"
"I don't care about the King!" Ken shouted suddenly. "I'm leaving. Right now."
"You can't leave," Ran stated coldly, getting angry himself at the stubborn Duke.
"Watch me."
He didn't even see it coming. Ken threw the punch so fast that Ran was unaware of it until it connected with his jaw. He staggered back with the blow. Clutching his jaw he stared at Ken. The young man was breathing heavily, his eyes full of hurt and fury.
Ken resettled his bags on his shoulders and started to walk past Ran. The red-head's fist collided full force with his stomach, driving him backwards several steps. Robbing him of breath.
Omi gaped in astonishment as the two faced off for a few seconds before Ken dropped his bags and they lunged at each other. They grappled violently, exchanging blows. The young servant blinked in stunned silence then turned and exited the room. He walked steadily down the hallway to Yohji's room and knocked at the door. The sounds of the fight followed him down the hall.
After a few minutes the Prince's door was opened by another servant. Yohji turned from his long mirror where he'd been admiring himself, and looked at Omi's stunned expression.
"Omi? What's wrong?" he asked.
"They're fighting," the youth answered.
"Fighting? Who's fighting?"
"Ran and Ken."
Yohji strode from his room and marched toward Ken's closed door. Omi noted that the sounds of fight had died and wondered what had happened. The Prince stopped before the door and threw it open. He stood in the doorway dumbfounded.
His two cousins were sprawled out on the floor unconscious. Both sported cuts and bruises. Their clothes and Ken's room were in disarray. Omi, peeking in behind the Prince, squeaked in surprise.
"Omi, if you please, lay Ken's clothes down on the bed and fetch the water pitcher," commanded the Prince darkly.
Omi blinked down at the clothes in his arms. He'd forgotten he was holding them. He obeyed instantly. Once he had the pitcher Yohji dumped half its contents over Ran's head. The stoic red-head sputtered awake. The Prince set the pitcher aside and yanked him to his feet.
"Omi, take my cousin to his room and attempt to make him presentable,"he snapped thrusting Ran roughly at his servant.
Omi caught him and dragged him from the room. Yohji turned to Ken.
Sighing, he retrieved the pitcher and emptied it in Ken's face. His younger cousin coughed and groaned. The Prince pulled him up off the floor.
"Mind explaining to me what caused you to nearly destroy one of my stepmother's best guest rooms?" Yohji asked crossing his arms over his chest.
Ken blinked, bleary eyed, and looked around at the devastation. He had the good grace to blush and stare at the floor.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled.
"Be sorry later. Get dressed. Now. We'll be late as it is," scowled Yohji. "And I would strongly recommend washing first. You look awful."
Ken shuffled his feet, but didn't argue. Within a few minutes he was washed and changed. Yohji escorted him down to the carriage that was waiting, Ran and Omi already inside. No one spoke as they traveled to the theater. Ran staring out one side of the carriage, Ken the other. Things weren't much different at the theater. Ken sat at one end of their box while Ran sat at the other glaring death down at the audience. Neither one spoke to anyone throughout the evening, and their mutual silence lasted through supper.
After supper Ken found his way out onto the veranda more out of habit than anything else. It was there that Yohji found him.
"An interesting night, I must say," the Prince said taking a seat near his cousin who was leaning against the railing and staring out into the dark.
Ken didn't acknowledge him.
"Well? Are you going to tell me what happened?"
Ken looked down at the lawn.
"Do you...do you think...when two people are in love, and one of them dies...do you think the other can ever love again?" he asked quietly.
Yohji blinked, caught a little off guard.
"I don't know," he said. "I think it depends on the person. My own father seems to have found happiness, but that hasn't been my experience."
"You mean Asuka's mother?"
"Yes," the Prince answered. "Is this about Ran and Richard?"
Ken shuffled his feet again, still studying the yard below him. He sighed. It was a defeated sound.
"He-he doesn't want me," he said so softly Yohji almost didn't hear him.
The Prince blinked in surprise, but quickly schooled his expression.
"What makes you say that?" he asked.
"He's not coming back with me. He said he has something important to do that can't wait, but I know he was just trying to spare my feelings. He wouldn't even look at me," Ken spat. He was starting to get angry again and took several breaths to calm down.
"He told you that?!"
Ken nodded.
"Well, well, well," Yohji sighed. "You certainly got under his skin."
"W-what?" Ken asked finally turning to glance at his cousin.
"You've got him so wound up he doesn't know what to do, so he's running," Yohji smiled, his teeth visible in the darkness.
"What are you saying?" Ken asked confused.
"I'm saying," the Prince said, standing, "that its time for you to go home."
He stood next to Ken and placed a comforting hand on his back.
"He'll be two days behind you at most."
Ken blinked up at him in surprise and confusion.
"But he said-"
"Ha! Don't listen to him," smirked Yohji. "Trust me."
He smiled broadly at his cousin and tousled his hair.
"You had me fooled!" he laughed. "I thought I read you right that night that girl was in your bed, but when I saw her leaving the next morning I guessed I'd been wrong."
Ken blushed.
"I let her stay in my bed," he shrugged. "She would'a been in trouble if she left before morning, and I've been sleeping on the settee anyway."
Yohji quirked a brow.
"The bed's too soft," Ken explained.
"Ah, that would explain why Asuka and the Aunties found you there."
Ken nodded, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"Do you really think Ran'll follow?" he asked uncertainly.
"Never doubt those older and wiser than yourself," Yohji said grandly, but laughed at Ken's dubious expression. "Trust me, Cousin Ken. Two days, no more."
The next morning Ran awoke in a foul mood. He had a slight headache and his face hurt where Ken had initially struck him. The young Duke certainly was capable of self defense when necessary. He would have to apologize to him today for the fight. Ran hadn't intended to lose control of himself, but his emotions were already volatile from their earlier discussion. He was sorry for hurting Ken, but he had to get away from him before he alienated the young man by inadvertently revealing his feelings. When the Duke had said he'd wanted him the night before it had gone straight to his heart, followed closely by his groin. It was just too dangerous for him to be near the younger man, and too painful.
His mood further deteriorated when he couldn't find the waistcoat he wanted to wear. He broke down and called for Omi, and was even more annoyed when the youth didn't answer. Grumbling to himself he made his way down to breakfast.
Yohji was the only one in attendance in the breakfast room. He had his nose buried in the paper and barely glanced up at Ran's entrance. Something the red-head was infinitely grateful for, but knew the Prince's inattention wouldn't last long. Not after the events of the previous evening.
"Morning, Cousin," the Prince called from behind his paper.
"Hn," snorted Ran. "Have you seen Omi this morning?"
"Yes."
Ran waited for Yohji to elaborate and sighed tightly when he didn't.
"Where is he?"
"With Ken."
"And where is Ken?" Ran asked with great patience.
"Gone," Yohji answered flipping the page of his paper.
"Gone?"
"Gone."
"So he left after all," Ran muttered, staring at his empty plate. For some reason he didn't feel relieved at all, but sad.
"Yes, he's gone home," the Prince said, loudly turning another page. "He had no reason to stay after you rejected him."
"I didn't reject him," Ran scowled.
"Oh? Then what would you call it?" Yohji asked glancing at his cousin over his paper.
"It can hardly be considered a rejection when there's no offer," Ran said knowing he didn't believe it himself. "Ken doesn't even know or understand how I feel."
"How you feel?! Bloody hell, Ran! What about how he feels?" cried Yohji, crumpling his paper. "That man's in love with you!"
Ran blinked at him before shaking his head. Yohji replaced his paper before his face. There was silence for a while.
"Ken is too young and inexperienced to know what he's feeling," Ran said at last.
Yohji's only response was to snap his paper straighter.
"You know he can't possibly understand, Yohji."
The Prince lowered the paper and held his cousin in an appraising gaze.
"What I know," he said, folding up the paper and setting it aside, "is that Ken feels a great deal for you. He's mad over you, Ran. And based on how you look right now, not to mention your most recent decent into bad behavior, you are miserable without him. Now get on your bloody horse and go after him."
Ran pouted and squirmed in his seat. The Prince rolled his eyes and reopened his paper.
"You know," he said from behind it, "I seem to recall you promising Hargrave that you would assist with Hidaka estate's finances."
Ran scowled death at his empty plate.
"Knowing Ken the first thing he'll do is start employing laborers and implementing the changes he thought of," said the Prince turning a page.
"Changes?" Ran asked, curious despite himself. Although the thought of Ken hiring help made him cringe.
"Oh, yes. Didn't Omi tell you?" Yohji asked glancing briefly at Ran. "Oh, no. Of course he didn't. You've been antisocial of late."
"What changes?" Ran demanded, quickly losing patience.
"Ken and Omi have been attending lectures on farming."
"They have?" Ran asked surprised.
"Indeed. It turns out Ken is quite serious in his responsibility to the estate."
A small smile of pride flitted across Ran's face.
"Of course, his interest may wain in the light of recent developments," the Prince added, causing Ran to scowl again.
He was feeling a twinge of shame and didn't much like it.
"What else has he been up to?" he asked blushing fiercely.
"You mean when he wasn't pining over you?"
"Yohji!"
"He's been spending time with the girls and Omi's been teaching him chess. Oh, and there was that incident with the young lady."
"Young lady? What young lady?" Ran asked feeling the pangs of jealousy, and not liking those either.
"The one that was in his bed."
Ran nearly choked. He stared at the Prince then glared death at the table top. Yohji smiled behind his paper.
"Don't worry, Cousin. Absolutely nothing happened. Ken was in a state of near panic, and trust me, he knew exactly what she wanted. He just wasn't interested in giving it to her."
"Are-are you sure?" Ran asked, stunned.
"Quite sure."
"Why?"
"Why? Because she wasn't you, that's why," the Prince said fixing Ran with another glance.
Ran blinked. Could that be true? Could Ken really want him? Could he really love him? There was only one way to find out. Ran stood up from the table.
"And just where are you off to?" Yohji asked with a smirk.
"I'm going to pack," Ran stated. "I did promise Hargrave after all."
"Yes, you did."
Ran suddenly glared at Yohji.
"I'll be back in a week," he declared and headed out the door.
"I'll see you at Christmas!" Yohji called, laughing.
Ran packed and took his leave of the Grand Duchess who smiled knowingly at him. She wished him luck and a safe journey before requesting that leftovers be packed for his trip. By luncheon he was ready to go, but was delayed by the Grand Duke's arrival and insistence that he stay for the meal. By the end of it he was fairly dancing in his seat. Yohji laughed and demanded that Ran be set free before he burst something. Finally he was away.
He hoped to catch Omi and Ken on the road, but he saw no sign of them. Ran wasn't exactly sure what he would say to the young Duke when he saw him. He knew better than to put all his faith in what his cousin had said, or even in anything Ken may have said. Even if it came to be true Ran wasn't entirely sure he wanted to open his heart again. He wasn't sure he could survive another loss like the one he'd suffered a year ago.
Yet the comfort he'd found in Ken, the pure joy, the laughs and smiles, those were precious as well. Could he really live without them? And if he could what kind of life would it be? Ran shook his head and spurred his horse. He would just have to see.
Two days later he came pounding into the courtyard before Ken's manor.
It was a few hours before sunset, but all seemed still, and at peace. Ran hadn't yet made a decision, but he felt his heart begin to pound at the sight of the house and the yard where they'd first set eyes on each other.
It wasn't Ken, however, who emerged from the stable to take his horse, but Omi. The youth had a rather sarcastic smirk on his face which brought a scowl to Ran's. He dismounted with a glare. Omi was unfazed.
"Am I to take it you have found me unsatisfactory as an employer, and have sought work elsewhere?" Ran demanded darkly.
"Hah! I knew you were coming, I simply preceded you. That is all," Omi answered taking his reins. "Welcome home," he added with a cheeky grin.
Ran glared at him some more, but with no better effect.
"Good Lord, Ran!" Omi cried as he took in the horse. "Is this all the luggage you brought?"
"Yes."
Omi sighed and rolled his eyes.
"I guess we'll have to send for the rest. They can send it with Ken's," he said leading the horse toward the stable.
"I'm only staying a week," Ran stated, but even to his ears it sounded petulant.
"We'll see," Omi called over his shoulder.
Ran scowled again, but the youth didn't turn around. He waved over his shoulder as he led the horse into the stable.
"Where's Ken?!" shouted Ran after him.
"In the garden," came the answer from within the stable.
Ran frowned and looked at his feet. It was best to get this over with. He started off around the side of the manor house.
All in all it didn't appear much different than it had when he was last there. The vines on the side of the house were now full of bright green leaves, and everything seemed to be blooming, but the house itself appeared unchanged. There were, he noted, a few more windows open than there had been. Evidence that the whole house was in the process of being aired and cleaned.
Ran came around the far side of the manor and paused to take in the back yard. The lawn behind the house was trimmed and neat, walled in by flowerbeds now in full bloom. The scents of the roses and peonies drifted to him, filling him with a quiet calm. He did like it here.
Ken wasn't in evidence in the immediate garden so Ran moved down the lawn to the hedgerow which divided the cutting beds from the vegetable beds. The hedge was in need of a trim, but he could hear some activity taking place behind it. He passed through along the little path and stopped dead.
Ken was indeed in the garden. The young Duke was crawling along a row of beans weeding. He was in a pair of his new breeches and one of his new shirts, which was untucked and open at the collar. He'd rolled the sleeves up to his elbows, but it hadn't saved them from becoming dirty and frayed. He was stockingless, but was doing a good job of ruining a pair of his new shoes as he dragged them through the dirt behind him. An act Ran could only asume was malicious due to Ken's own assertion that he was used to being barefoot.
Ran marched up to the end of the row and glared down at the young Duke.
"I see you didn't even bother changing from your nice clothes," he said, his scowl evident in his voice.
Ken stopped weeding and stared at Ran's feet before raising his eyes to frown up at him. The Duke slowly climbed to his feet and faced him, still frowning. The hurt and anger were still present in his eyes. He rubbed the back of one hand across his cheek, leaving behind a large smear of dirt.
"Well, if you recall, our cousin burned all my work clothes, so I figured I'd just make a new set by ruining these," Ken spat back.
Ran snorted and crossed his arms over his chest.
"You shouldn't even be working in the garden."
"I like working in the garden," Ken stated angrily, then took a deep breath. "It helps me think."
Ran watched as some of the fire died in Ken's eyes. Sighing, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and marched over to Ken. He grabbed the young man's chin, and began roughly rubbing the dirt off his cheek. Ken winced, but didn't fight him.
"You're a mess," Ran muttered.
"Ow," he whined when the red-head failed to stop after a few seconds.
When he'd gotten as much dirt off as possible Ran stepped back again, and observed him.
"They're going to eat you alive," he said shaking his head.
Ken glowered.
"You think I don't know that?!" he cried angrily. "Of course I do! But what was I accomplishing in Town?"
"I heard you attended several lectures," Ran stated calmly.
Ken quieted again and nodded.
"I did. They were interesting."
"Yohji said you have some ideas for changes."
"Yes, I do." Ken shuffled his feet and pouted for a moment. When he met Ran's eyes the fire was back. "But I hate all that gossip and game playing, Ran. I need to be here. And what I need here is someone who can teach me how to run this place."
Ken faltered and looked at his feet again, digging the toe of one shoe into the soft soil.
"Someone...like you," he said quietly.
He peeked up through his bangs at the stoic red-head before him, waiting for a reaction. Ran looked at his own feet.
"Ken," he said struggling. "I don't think-"
He never had a chance to finish. Ken launched himself at Ran. But rather than striking him as Ran expected, the young man wrapped his arms around the taller man's neck, and crushed their mouths together in a bruising kiss. It was hard and it hurt. Ran didn't react, but rode it out. After a few minutes Ken pulled back a bit and fixed him with a fierce glare.
"I can see that managing the estate isn't the only thing I'll have to teach you," Ran said coldly.
"Does that mean you're going to stay?" Ken asked, a challenge in his voice.
Ran's mask slipped then, revealing his fear.
"Ken, " he said honestly, "I'm afraid you really don't understand what you're asking of me."
Ken sighed in exasperation and released him. The young Duke stepped back several paces so he could face the taller man squarely, his eyes still hurt and angry.
"Yes, I do, Ran," he said. "Incase you hadn't noticed this is a farm. I maybe naive about some things, but I know a hell of a lot about nature."
Ran's eyebrows shot up at the implications of Ken's statement. He desperately wanted to believe him.
"It maybe rare, but it happens," the young man continued. "But more than anything I know my own heart. I know what I want. I love you, Ran. And I want you here with me. Here on my estate, in my life, and in my bed."
Ran felt his heart beat quicken and his breath stop. Ken wanted him. Ken loved him. He blinked in stunned silence.
Suddenly, Ken's whole demeanor changed. The fire left his eyes. They grew wide and moist. His voice took on a note of pleading.
"I know I'm not Richard," he said, his voice quivering. "I'm not smart or important. But don't you think you could learn to love me? Even just a little?"
Ran stepped forward and enveloped Ken in his arms. He held the trembling young man close against him, rocking gently. He felt the young Duke's arms come around his back, holding tight.
"I do love you," he stated quietly in Ken's ear. Then he tipped Ken's chin up and gently kissed his lips, his nose, his eyelids, his forehead, his cheeks. Ran left sweet soft kisses all over Ken's face as tears slid from his closed eyes. Between each kiss Ran whispered, "I love you."
After a few minutes Ken pulled back to meet Ran's eyes.
"You mean it?" he asked still a tiny bit uncertain.
"I mean it," Ran answered. "With my whole heart."
Ken's smile was beatific as Ran swooped down, claiming his lips in a searing kiss of possession. When they parted there was a glint in Ken's eyes.
"Where's your horse?" he asked huskily.
"In the stable," Ran said not sure what Ken was upto, and not entirely trusting the look in his eyes.
"Let's go," the Duke said taking Ran's hand and beginning to lead him back toward the side of the house.
"Where to?"
"Somewhere more private," Ken answered flashing him a cheeky grin over his shoulder. He was blushing fiercely, but the fire was still in his eyes.
Ran laughed aloud and caught Ken around the waist.
"Are you sure?" he asked into the brunette's ear.
"Most definitely!"
They hurried up the lawn and around the side of the house. Together.
Fini
Author's Note After: Well, that's it. What did you think? Too sappy? I originally had this in two chapters, but decided to combine it into one long one. And I lengthened the ending just for you guys! It used to end with Ran saying he loved him! Sorry there isn't more, but I'm a 'shut the door and walk away whistling' writer. Yaoi when written well enhances a story, but I don't write it well. I just had to include the fight scene from the comic. I love that fight. They're stubborn and they don't communicate very well, but still we love them, especially together! This story is meant to be the first of several. Each is going to explore the past of one of the characters, which is why there are hints to those pasts in this story. Also, Schwartz is there, well two of them are. They're just not mentioned by name. If I ever finish the sequels they'll show up. See if you can guess who they are and where they're mentioned! Well, its been a great joy sharing this with you! I'm glad I finally got up the courage to post it. All of the wonderful people who reviewed this totally made it worthwhile! The second one is started, but needs a lot of work. I'm going to work on it over the summer, so look for me in the fall! Thank you so, SO much for reading and please, please R & R! (If you do review please include your email so I can respond to your directly. Thanks!)
Mondtanz: Well, I hope you weren't too shocked that this is the end. I guess you missed all the notes about how many chapters were left, but I am writing the sequel. I hope you liked this chapter as much as the last one. You're the third or fourth person who's suggested dancing lessons. I'll tell you what I told them, look to the sequel. But I'll also warn you that they didn't waltz in the 18th century. I'm working on something hopefully to make up for that. And I'd never dream of disappointing anyone! So far all I write is WK, and Ran/Ken at that. I have two other stories I'm working on, and the sequel which I'll work on all summer. I pinky swear! Thanks for all your reviews and please keep in touch!
Chaosdreamer1: I'm glad you think its progressing well. How's the ending? I have my eye out for your next chapter and your Ran/Ken! Hurry, hurry! Meanwhile, I'll write the sequel to this over the summer! Keep in touch, please!
Akikaze-san: I'm glad you like long chapters. Me too. What'd you think of this one? BLUSH You always say the nicest things! I'm working on the sequel, I swear! First three chapters are at the editor's, and the fourth is written. Just give me the summer, okay? I promise I'll be back (barring illness or death). I do have other stories, but its hard to focus on more than one at once. I'm part way through two fantasies which I'll post someday. They're all Ran/Ken. I just can't get past the idea that they'd be the ones to get together if any of them did. Thank you for all your wonderful comments, and please keep in touch!
Allis: Hi! Yeah, obviously I have no love for Kase. That wasn't originally him, but I wanted to include him somehow. Also, that woman wasn't originally Yuriko either. I decided to use more characters from Weiss, and they seemed to fit. How'd you like the ending? Good? Bad? Look for the sequel in September, hopefully! And now I'll go write back to you! Thanks for reviewing!
Author's Note Before: Well, here we go. The last chapter. Extra long for extra goodness! Hee-hee! Please enjoy! (Author bows respectfully to all the readers and crosses her fingers behind her back!)
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss, so please don't take legal action!
Tell Him That it Wasn't Love
Chapter Thirteen
Ken didn't sleep that night. When the first light of dawn crept into the room he rose. He washed and changed behind the dressing screen so Yuriko wouldn't be disturbed, then he sat at the desk near the window. Taking out his writing box he wrote four letters.
The first was to Mrs. Hudson explaining that he was unavoidably detained, but would return home as soon as he was able, and to request some changes he wanted in the house. The second was to Caroline. He'd decided to keep his heart to himself until Ran's return, but he had to tell someone and he couldn't keep anything from her. She may, he realized, have already guessed based on his last letter. The last two were for Yuriko. One telling her where his estate was located and offering her a position there if she ever wanted to leave the Count. The other was a letter for her to present to Mrs. Hudson. He put these into the same envelope along with what he hoped was enough money for passage in a coach.
When he was done he pocketed the two outgoing letters and left the others on Yuriko's clothes, then slipped quietly from the room.
Sometime later Yohji emerged from his room stretching and yawning. He'd had a rather late night. Just down the hall Ken's door opened and a young woman stepped into the hallway. The Prince felt his eyes widen in surprise. She caught sight of him and curtsied before scurrying off toward the back stairs. Well, that was interesting. Yohji scratched his head. Perhaps Ken had only needed a bit of persuasion.
Yohji was relieved. He hadn't relished having a discussion with Ken about his lack of interest in women, and what that meant about his sexual preferences. Not that it would bother the Prince if it turned out that his younger cousin preferred men, he just wasn't sure how to cover the topic. What if Ken had questions? Having no personal experience rather limited Yohji's knowledge of the subject. But obviously his suspicions were ungrounded.
Sighing, he headed downstairs to breakfast where he found Ken smiling brightly and chatting with Omi. Again, the Prince felt relieved. When Ran had left Ken had sunk into depression. They'd all seen it despite his valiant attempts at acting happy. Ken was a horrible actor. His eyes revealed the truth no matter how he smiled and laughed. But the depression was no longer in evidence.
"Well, good," thought the Prince. "Two birds with one stone." Aloud he said, "Good morning, Cousin Ken. You seem in fine spirits this morning."
"Morning," Ken smiled up at him. "I had an idea."
"Oh? And what's that?" Yohji asked reaching for some toast.
"Well, since I can't leave until Ran comes back I decided I'd try to learn more to help the estate while I'm here. So, I thought I'd attend some lectures on the latest ideas in farming."
"Lectures on farming?" asked Yohji. He tried to refrain from sounding too horror struck by the notion of several hours before a man lecturing on plows and livestock.
"I told him it was a good idea," piped in Omi. "I also offered to go with him, so you needn't appear so apoplectic."
Yohji sighed and smiled.
"In that case, I think it a fine idea. I've been meaning to spend more time with my father at Court, and if you're safely installed at a lecture I can do so."
Ken frowned at the suggestion that he needed looking after.
"Omi doesn't have to go," he stated crossly. "I can go by myself."
"Ken, I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't take care of yourself," Yohji said patiently. "I simply meant that I feel obligated to be your guide as long as you are here, but if Omi were to be with you then that obligation is met."
"Oh."
Omi jumped in as Ken was still frowning.
"Besides," he said, "if I'm to live on your estate for a while then I should know something about it. After all, wherever Ran goes I go."
Omi almost cringed when he realized what he'd said. Ken's brow creased in thought and his frown didn't alter. Ran hadn't taken Omi home with him. Another sign that it'd been a hasty decision.
Suddenly Ken brightened again.
"Well, I'm glad he left you behind this time, so you can help me remember what they say at the lectures," he said.
"Gladly," Omi smiled.
"We'd better be off," Ken said rising. "May we borrow a coach? We'll send it back to you."
"Certainly, Cousin Ken. I can't wait to hear all about cows, pigs, and plowing."
"Ha-ha-ha," said Ken as he left the room. Omi followed him.
Yohji finished his breakfast in deep satisfaction. Things appeared to be looking up. Perhaps Ran's sudden disappearance had been for the best, forcing Ken into self reliance. Still, the Prince was bothered by it, and he worried about his red-headed cousin. Ran was hiding inside himself and now appeared to be running. Neither one was a good sign. What if he had fallen for the young Duke? What if he'd run because he couldn't control his feelings? What would it do to Ken if he didn't come back?
Yohji frowned. Had he really just been thinking that things were looking up? He shook his head.
The next few days went by without incident. Ken and Omi attended lectures and demonstrations while Yohji fell back into his place by his father's side. There was no sign of Ran.
Ken soaked up as much as he could about the latest farming techniques and animal husbandry. He had no idea what the tenant farmers on the estate routinely did, but he did know how they ran the manor's small farm. He was surprised and pleased to learn that as far as that went they were up to speed. He had high hopes the rest of the estate would be.
Omi helped him review each lecture in the evening. Ken discovered that his knowledge of how a farm works was rather extensive, and he had a few ideas for changes which he discussed with Omi. He also asked Omi to tutor him in chess. He was determined to get better at it so he could play Ran when he returned.
At night, after supper, Ken took to wandering the veranda that stretched along the back of the house. It gave him a chance to be alone with his thoughts. He'd never realized before how precious his time alone could be. Mainly because he'd had plenty of it. During his time on the veranda he allowed himself to think about Ran. Ken was well aware of how easy he was to read, so he endeavored not to think about the stoic red-head when he was in anyone's company. But alone on the veranda he allowed himself to dream.
At the end of Ken's fifth week in Town Ran returned. He rode in one afternoon just after tea. Yohji, Ken, and Omi went out to meet him as he came in from the yard. They stopped short when they saw him.
Although he wasn't wearing black he may as well have been. His emotionless mask had become a frozen scowl and his eyes were glacial. Yohji frowned in apprehension.
"Welcome back, Cousin," he said. "I trust all is well at home?"
"Aa."
"And your mother and sister?" Yohji asked.
"Fine."
Ran marched past them into the house. The Prince pursed his lips in thought while Ken and Omi exchanged glances.
"This is new," Yohji muttered before turning and following Ran. Ken and Omi followed the Prince.
Ran went straight to his room to unpack. Omi followed, but was told not to bother, and summarily dismissed. They didn't see Ran again until dinner where he held himself aloof and would not be brought into conversation.
No one knew quite what to do, so they did nothing. The Grand Duchess suggested he was tired from his journey and therefore out of sorts, and Ran agreed.
Ken wasn't sure what to make of the changes in the red-head. He decided not to push him, but to give him time to rest and come back to himself. So, as the family broke up and went about their after dinner pursuits Ken and Omi moved to their chess lesson, while Ran once again went to his room.
Ran's reclusive and silent behavior continued for the next few days. Yohji tried to talk to him, but came out of it annoyed and not any wiser. Omi advised Ken to stay clear of the red-headed Earl until things smoothed over, and Ken heeded his advice.
Part way through the week that followed the King issued an invitation. There was a new opera to be performed in his honor. He requested the presence of the Grand Duke's family, as well as all nobility currently residing in Town. He wanted a full house for the event, or as close to one as he could get.
The night of the opera Ken decided he couldn't wait any longer for Ran to emerge from his shell. He'd been in Town almost six weeks, and he had to get home. So, after dinner he followed Ran into the study where the red-head was writing some letters.
Ken entered the study quietly. He waited for Ran to acknowledge his presence, but the red-head continued to write silently.
"Ran, may I speak to you for a minute?" Ken finally asked.
"Can it wait? I have some important correspondence I need to attend to."
"No, it can't wait," Ken said stubbornly. He had to do this before his courage failed him.
Ran stopped writing but didn't turn around.
"What is it, Ken?" he asked looking out the window.
"I've been here nearly six weeks now. I can't stay any longer," Ken stated stepping a bit closer.
"I don't believe anyone is holding you here. You are free to leave whenever you wish."
Ken started, stung.
"Aren't you coming with me?" he asked bluntly. "I only waited this long for you."
"I'm sorry, Ken, but I can't go with you."
Ken blinked and shook his head.
Ran still wouldn't look at him.
"But...we were going to go on the tour and Hargrave had you learn half the financing!" cried the young Duke.
"Something has come up," Ran stated calmly. "I'm sorry, but I can't get out of it. Perhaps sometime in the future I can come for a visit, but now its out of the question. As it happens, I'm writing to Hargrave now requesting that he find an appropriate replacement for me. I'm sure he'll be able to find someone who-"
"I don't want anyone else to help me!" Ken cried. " I only want you."
Ran sighed, but still refused to turn around and face him.
"I'm sorry, Ken," he said softly. "I can't."
Ken took a slow deep breath. He knew what he was hearing. He recognized a rejection when he heard one. Ran didn't want him.
"I...see," he said stiffly.
Ken exited the room as quickly as possible. He stood in the hall and leaned against the door. The pain from his stepfather's riding crop was nothing to what he felt at that moment. His heart burned with a raw pain, and he felt hollow.
Numbly he stumbled down the hall. Somehow he found himself in his room. Looking around Ran's words came back to him. No one was holding him here, and so he would leave. Ken reached under his bed and dragged out his saddle bags.
A little while later there was a quick knock at his door and Omi entered carrying Ken's dress clothes.
"Hello. I've brought your...Ken, what are you doing?" The young man asked, stopping just inside the room and staring.
"What does it look like? I'm packing," Ken stated crossly. He didn't look at Omi but continued to roll up clothes and shove them into his bags.
"But why?"
"Because I am leaving."
Omi blinked in confusion.
"When? Tomorrow?" he asked.
"No. Tonight." Ken savagely shoved one of his night shirts into the bag he was filling.
""You can't leave now! Its dark, and we have to go to the opera!"
"Sod the opera."
Omi took a step backwards. Ken was obviously upset. Very upset He dashed out of the room and straight to the one person he thought could calm Ken down. He burst into Ran's room just as the stoic man was tying his collar. The red-head turned from the mirror to take in the young man's panicked expression.
"You have to stop Ken! He says he's leaving tonight. He's in his room packing!" Omi cried.
Ran sighed expressively and set his jaw. He knew he hadn't handled the young Duke well, but he couldn't have done it any other way. He knew if he'd faced Ken he would've lost his nerve, and only prolonged the inevitable. A quick cut was best for both of them.
He followed Omi back to Ken's room just as the young Duke finished shoving the last of his clothes that would fit into his bags. He'd have to have the rest sent. Ken didn't look up at them, but tied his bags and slung them over his shoulders. He straightened his back, set his jaw, and turned to leave. Ran blocked his path.
"Ken..."
"Get out of my way, Ran."
"No."
"You were right. There's nothing keeping me here. I'm leaving."
"You can't leave tonight, Ken!" Omi cried. "We have to attend the opera. The King-"
"I don't care about the King!" Ken shouted suddenly. "I'm leaving. Right now."
"You can't leave," Ran stated coldly, getting angry himself at the stubborn Duke.
"Watch me."
He didn't even see it coming. Ken threw the punch so fast that Ran was unaware of it until it connected with his jaw. He staggered back with the blow. Clutching his jaw he stared at Ken. The young man was breathing heavily, his eyes full of hurt and fury.
Ken resettled his bags on his shoulders and started to walk past Ran. The red-head's fist collided full force with his stomach, driving him backwards several steps. Robbing him of breath.
Omi gaped in astonishment as the two faced off for a few seconds before Ken dropped his bags and they lunged at each other. They grappled violently, exchanging blows. The young servant blinked in stunned silence then turned and exited the room. He walked steadily down the hallway to Yohji's room and knocked at the door. The sounds of the fight followed him down the hall.
After a few minutes the Prince's door was opened by another servant. Yohji turned from his long mirror where he'd been admiring himself, and looked at Omi's stunned expression.
"Omi? What's wrong?" he asked.
"They're fighting," the youth answered.
"Fighting? Who's fighting?"
"Ran and Ken."
Yohji strode from his room and marched toward Ken's closed door. Omi noted that the sounds of fight had died and wondered what had happened. The Prince stopped before the door and threw it open. He stood in the doorway dumbfounded.
His two cousins were sprawled out on the floor unconscious. Both sported cuts and bruises. Their clothes and Ken's room were in disarray. Omi, peeking in behind the Prince, squeaked in surprise.
"Omi, if you please, lay Ken's clothes down on the bed and fetch the water pitcher," commanded the Prince darkly.
Omi blinked down at the clothes in his arms. He'd forgotten he was holding them. He obeyed instantly. Once he had the pitcher Yohji dumped half its contents over Ran's head. The stoic red-head sputtered awake. The Prince set the pitcher aside and yanked him to his feet.
"Omi, take my cousin to his room and attempt to make him presentable,"he snapped thrusting Ran roughly at his servant.
Omi caught him and dragged him from the room. Yohji turned to Ken.
Sighing, he retrieved the pitcher and emptied it in Ken's face. His younger cousin coughed and groaned. The Prince pulled him up off the floor.
"Mind explaining to me what caused you to nearly destroy one of my stepmother's best guest rooms?" Yohji asked crossing his arms over his chest.
Ken blinked, bleary eyed, and looked around at the devastation. He had the good grace to blush and stare at the floor.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled.
"Be sorry later. Get dressed. Now. We'll be late as it is," scowled Yohji. "And I would strongly recommend washing first. You look awful."
Ken shuffled his feet, but didn't argue. Within a few minutes he was washed and changed. Yohji escorted him down to the carriage that was waiting, Ran and Omi already inside. No one spoke as they traveled to the theater. Ran staring out one side of the carriage, Ken the other. Things weren't much different at the theater. Ken sat at one end of their box while Ran sat at the other glaring death down at the audience. Neither one spoke to anyone throughout the evening, and their mutual silence lasted through supper.
After supper Ken found his way out onto the veranda more out of habit than anything else. It was there that Yohji found him.
"An interesting night, I must say," the Prince said taking a seat near his cousin who was leaning against the railing and staring out into the dark.
Ken didn't acknowledge him.
"Well? Are you going to tell me what happened?"
Ken looked down at the lawn.
"Do you...do you think...when two people are in love, and one of them dies...do you think the other can ever love again?" he asked quietly.
Yohji blinked, caught a little off guard.
"I don't know," he said. "I think it depends on the person. My own father seems to have found happiness, but that hasn't been my experience."
"You mean Asuka's mother?"
"Yes," the Prince answered. "Is this about Ran and Richard?"
Ken shuffled his feet again, still studying the yard below him. He sighed. It was a defeated sound.
"He-he doesn't want me," he said so softly Yohji almost didn't hear him.
The Prince blinked in surprise, but quickly schooled his expression.
"What makes you say that?" he asked.
"He's not coming back with me. He said he has something important to do that can't wait, but I know he was just trying to spare my feelings. He wouldn't even look at me," Ken spat. He was starting to get angry again and took several breaths to calm down.
"He told you that?!"
Ken nodded.
"Well, well, well," Yohji sighed. "You certainly got under his skin."
"W-what?" Ken asked finally turning to glance at his cousin.
"You've got him so wound up he doesn't know what to do, so he's running," Yohji smiled, his teeth visible in the darkness.
"What are you saying?" Ken asked confused.
"I'm saying," the Prince said, standing, "that its time for you to go home."
He stood next to Ken and placed a comforting hand on his back.
"He'll be two days behind you at most."
Ken blinked up at him in surprise and confusion.
"But he said-"
"Ha! Don't listen to him," smirked Yohji. "Trust me."
He smiled broadly at his cousin and tousled his hair.
"You had me fooled!" he laughed. "I thought I read you right that night that girl was in your bed, but when I saw her leaving the next morning I guessed I'd been wrong."
Ken blushed.
"I let her stay in my bed," he shrugged. "She would'a been in trouble if she left before morning, and I've been sleeping on the settee anyway."
Yohji quirked a brow.
"The bed's too soft," Ken explained.
"Ah, that would explain why Asuka and the Aunties found you there."
Ken nodded, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"Do you really think Ran'll follow?" he asked uncertainly.
"Never doubt those older and wiser than yourself," Yohji said grandly, but laughed at Ken's dubious expression. "Trust me, Cousin Ken. Two days, no more."
The next morning Ran awoke in a foul mood. He had a slight headache and his face hurt where Ken had initially struck him. The young Duke certainly was capable of self defense when necessary. He would have to apologize to him today for the fight. Ran hadn't intended to lose control of himself, but his emotions were already volatile from their earlier discussion. He was sorry for hurting Ken, but he had to get away from him before he alienated the young man by inadvertently revealing his feelings. When the Duke had said he'd wanted him the night before it had gone straight to his heart, followed closely by his groin. It was just too dangerous for him to be near the younger man, and too painful.
His mood further deteriorated when he couldn't find the waistcoat he wanted to wear. He broke down and called for Omi, and was even more annoyed when the youth didn't answer. Grumbling to himself he made his way down to breakfast.
Yohji was the only one in attendance in the breakfast room. He had his nose buried in the paper and barely glanced up at Ran's entrance. Something the red-head was infinitely grateful for, but knew the Prince's inattention wouldn't last long. Not after the events of the previous evening.
"Morning, Cousin," the Prince called from behind his paper.
"Hn," snorted Ran. "Have you seen Omi this morning?"
"Yes."
Ran waited for Yohji to elaborate and sighed tightly when he didn't.
"Where is he?"
"With Ken."
"And where is Ken?" Ran asked with great patience.
"Gone," Yohji answered flipping the page of his paper.
"Gone?"
"Gone."
"So he left after all," Ran muttered, staring at his empty plate. For some reason he didn't feel relieved at all, but sad.
"Yes, he's gone home," the Prince said, loudly turning another page. "He had no reason to stay after you rejected him."
"I didn't reject him," Ran scowled.
"Oh? Then what would you call it?" Yohji asked glancing at his cousin over his paper.
"It can hardly be considered a rejection when there's no offer," Ran said knowing he didn't believe it himself. "Ken doesn't even know or understand how I feel."
"How you feel?! Bloody hell, Ran! What about how he feels?" cried Yohji, crumpling his paper. "That man's in love with you!"
Ran blinked at him before shaking his head. Yohji replaced his paper before his face. There was silence for a while.
"Ken is too young and inexperienced to know what he's feeling," Ran said at last.
Yohji's only response was to snap his paper straighter.
"You know he can't possibly understand, Yohji."
The Prince lowered the paper and held his cousin in an appraising gaze.
"What I know," he said, folding up the paper and setting it aside, "is that Ken feels a great deal for you. He's mad over you, Ran. And based on how you look right now, not to mention your most recent decent into bad behavior, you are miserable without him. Now get on your bloody horse and go after him."
Ran pouted and squirmed in his seat. The Prince rolled his eyes and reopened his paper.
"You know," he said from behind it, "I seem to recall you promising Hargrave that you would assist with Hidaka estate's finances."
Ran scowled death at his empty plate.
"Knowing Ken the first thing he'll do is start employing laborers and implementing the changes he thought of," said the Prince turning a page.
"Changes?" Ran asked, curious despite himself. Although the thought of Ken hiring help made him cringe.
"Oh, yes. Didn't Omi tell you?" Yohji asked glancing briefly at Ran. "Oh, no. Of course he didn't. You've been antisocial of late."
"What changes?" Ran demanded, quickly losing patience.
"Ken and Omi have been attending lectures on farming."
"They have?" Ran asked surprised.
"Indeed. It turns out Ken is quite serious in his responsibility to the estate."
A small smile of pride flitted across Ran's face.
"Of course, his interest may wain in the light of recent developments," the Prince added, causing Ran to scowl again.
He was feeling a twinge of shame and didn't much like it.
"What else has he been up to?" he asked blushing fiercely.
"You mean when he wasn't pining over you?"
"Yohji!"
"He's been spending time with the girls and Omi's been teaching him chess. Oh, and there was that incident with the young lady."
"Young lady? What young lady?" Ran asked feeling the pangs of jealousy, and not liking those either.
"The one that was in his bed."
Ran nearly choked. He stared at the Prince then glared death at the table top. Yohji smiled behind his paper.
"Don't worry, Cousin. Absolutely nothing happened. Ken was in a state of near panic, and trust me, he knew exactly what she wanted. He just wasn't interested in giving it to her."
"Are-are you sure?" Ran asked, stunned.
"Quite sure."
"Why?"
"Why? Because she wasn't you, that's why," the Prince said fixing Ran with another glance.
Ran blinked. Could that be true? Could Ken really want him? Could he really love him? There was only one way to find out. Ran stood up from the table.
"And just where are you off to?" Yohji asked with a smirk.
"I'm going to pack," Ran stated. "I did promise Hargrave after all."
"Yes, you did."
Ran suddenly glared at Yohji.
"I'll be back in a week," he declared and headed out the door.
"I'll see you at Christmas!" Yohji called, laughing.
Ran packed and took his leave of the Grand Duchess who smiled knowingly at him. She wished him luck and a safe journey before requesting that leftovers be packed for his trip. By luncheon he was ready to go, but was delayed by the Grand Duke's arrival and insistence that he stay for the meal. By the end of it he was fairly dancing in his seat. Yohji laughed and demanded that Ran be set free before he burst something. Finally he was away.
He hoped to catch Omi and Ken on the road, but he saw no sign of them. Ran wasn't exactly sure what he would say to the young Duke when he saw him. He knew better than to put all his faith in what his cousin had said, or even in anything Ken may have said. Even if it came to be true Ran wasn't entirely sure he wanted to open his heart again. He wasn't sure he could survive another loss like the one he'd suffered a year ago.
Yet the comfort he'd found in Ken, the pure joy, the laughs and smiles, those were precious as well. Could he really live without them? And if he could what kind of life would it be? Ran shook his head and spurred his horse. He would just have to see.
Two days later he came pounding into the courtyard before Ken's manor.
It was a few hours before sunset, but all seemed still, and at peace. Ran hadn't yet made a decision, but he felt his heart begin to pound at the sight of the house and the yard where they'd first set eyes on each other.
It wasn't Ken, however, who emerged from the stable to take his horse, but Omi. The youth had a rather sarcastic smirk on his face which brought a scowl to Ran's. He dismounted with a glare. Omi was unfazed.
"Am I to take it you have found me unsatisfactory as an employer, and have sought work elsewhere?" Ran demanded darkly.
"Hah! I knew you were coming, I simply preceded you. That is all," Omi answered taking his reins. "Welcome home," he added with a cheeky grin.
Ran glared at him some more, but with no better effect.
"Good Lord, Ran!" Omi cried as he took in the horse. "Is this all the luggage you brought?"
"Yes."
Omi sighed and rolled his eyes.
"I guess we'll have to send for the rest. They can send it with Ken's," he said leading the horse toward the stable.
"I'm only staying a week," Ran stated, but even to his ears it sounded petulant.
"We'll see," Omi called over his shoulder.
Ran scowled again, but the youth didn't turn around. He waved over his shoulder as he led the horse into the stable.
"Where's Ken?!" shouted Ran after him.
"In the garden," came the answer from within the stable.
Ran frowned and looked at his feet. It was best to get this over with. He started off around the side of the manor house.
All in all it didn't appear much different than it had when he was last there. The vines on the side of the house were now full of bright green leaves, and everything seemed to be blooming, but the house itself appeared unchanged. There were, he noted, a few more windows open than there had been. Evidence that the whole house was in the process of being aired and cleaned.
Ran came around the far side of the manor and paused to take in the back yard. The lawn behind the house was trimmed and neat, walled in by flowerbeds now in full bloom. The scents of the roses and peonies drifted to him, filling him with a quiet calm. He did like it here.
Ken wasn't in evidence in the immediate garden so Ran moved down the lawn to the hedgerow which divided the cutting beds from the vegetable beds. The hedge was in need of a trim, but he could hear some activity taking place behind it. He passed through along the little path and stopped dead.
Ken was indeed in the garden. The young Duke was crawling along a row of beans weeding. He was in a pair of his new breeches and one of his new shirts, which was untucked and open at the collar. He'd rolled the sleeves up to his elbows, but it hadn't saved them from becoming dirty and frayed. He was stockingless, but was doing a good job of ruining a pair of his new shoes as he dragged them through the dirt behind him. An act Ran could only asume was malicious due to Ken's own assertion that he was used to being barefoot.
Ran marched up to the end of the row and glared down at the young Duke.
"I see you didn't even bother changing from your nice clothes," he said, his scowl evident in his voice.
Ken stopped weeding and stared at Ran's feet before raising his eyes to frown up at him. The Duke slowly climbed to his feet and faced him, still frowning. The hurt and anger were still present in his eyes. He rubbed the back of one hand across his cheek, leaving behind a large smear of dirt.
"Well, if you recall, our cousin burned all my work clothes, so I figured I'd just make a new set by ruining these," Ken spat back.
Ran snorted and crossed his arms over his chest.
"You shouldn't even be working in the garden."
"I like working in the garden," Ken stated angrily, then took a deep breath. "It helps me think."
Ran watched as some of the fire died in Ken's eyes. Sighing, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and marched over to Ken. He grabbed the young man's chin, and began roughly rubbing the dirt off his cheek. Ken winced, but didn't fight him.
"You're a mess," Ran muttered.
"Ow," he whined when the red-head failed to stop after a few seconds.
When he'd gotten as much dirt off as possible Ran stepped back again, and observed him.
"They're going to eat you alive," he said shaking his head.
Ken glowered.
"You think I don't know that?!" he cried angrily. "Of course I do! But what was I accomplishing in Town?"
"I heard you attended several lectures," Ran stated calmly.
Ken quieted again and nodded.
"I did. They were interesting."
"Yohji said you have some ideas for changes."
"Yes, I do." Ken shuffled his feet and pouted for a moment. When he met Ran's eyes the fire was back. "But I hate all that gossip and game playing, Ran. I need to be here. And what I need here is someone who can teach me how to run this place."
Ken faltered and looked at his feet again, digging the toe of one shoe into the soft soil.
"Someone...like you," he said quietly.
He peeked up through his bangs at the stoic red-head before him, waiting for a reaction. Ran looked at his own feet.
"Ken," he said struggling. "I don't think-"
He never had a chance to finish. Ken launched himself at Ran. But rather than striking him as Ran expected, the young man wrapped his arms around the taller man's neck, and crushed their mouths together in a bruising kiss. It was hard and it hurt. Ran didn't react, but rode it out. After a few minutes Ken pulled back a bit and fixed him with a fierce glare.
"I can see that managing the estate isn't the only thing I'll have to teach you," Ran said coldly.
"Does that mean you're going to stay?" Ken asked, a challenge in his voice.
Ran's mask slipped then, revealing his fear.
"Ken, " he said honestly, "I'm afraid you really don't understand what you're asking of me."
Ken sighed in exasperation and released him. The young Duke stepped back several paces so he could face the taller man squarely, his eyes still hurt and angry.
"Yes, I do, Ran," he said. "Incase you hadn't noticed this is a farm. I maybe naive about some things, but I know a hell of a lot about nature."
Ran's eyebrows shot up at the implications of Ken's statement. He desperately wanted to believe him.
"It maybe rare, but it happens," the young man continued. "But more than anything I know my own heart. I know what I want. I love you, Ran. And I want you here with me. Here on my estate, in my life, and in my bed."
Ran felt his heart beat quicken and his breath stop. Ken wanted him. Ken loved him. He blinked in stunned silence.
Suddenly, Ken's whole demeanor changed. The fire left his eyes. They grew wide and moist. His voice took on a note of pleading.
"I know I'm not Richard," he said, his voice quivering. "I'm not smart or important. But don't you think you could learn to love me? Even just a little?"
Ran stepped forward and enveloped Ken in his arms. He held the trembling young man close against him, rocking gently. He felt the young Duke's arms come around his back, holding tight.
"I do love you," he stated quietly in Ken's ear. Then he tipped Ken's chin up and gently kissed his lips, his nose, his eyelids, his forehead, his cheeks. Ran left sweet soft kisses all over Ken's face as tears slid from his closed eyes. Between each kiss Ran whispered, "I love you."
After a few minutes Ken pulled back to meet Ran's eyes.
"You mean it?" he asked still a tiny bit uncertain.
"I mean it," Ran answered. "With my whole heart."
Ken's smile was beatific as Ran swooped down, claiming his lips in a searing kiss of possession. When they parted there was a glint in Ken's eyes.
"Where's your horse?" he asked huskily.
"In the stable," Ran said not sure what Ken was upto, and not entirely trusting the look in his eyes.
"Let's go," the Duke said taking Ran's hand and beginning to lead him back toward the side of the house.
"Where to?"
"Somewhere more private," Ken answered flashing him a cheeky grin over his shoulder. He was blushing fiercely, but the fire was still in his eyes.
Ran laughed aloud and caught Ken around the waist.
"Are you sure?" he asked into the brunette's ear.
"Most definitely!"
They hurried up the lawn and around the side of the house. Together.
Fini
Author's Note After: Well, that's it. What did you think? Too sappy? I originally had this in two chapters, but decided to combine it into one long one. And I lengthened the ending just for you guys! It used to end with Ran saying he loved him! Sorry there isn't more, but I'm a 'shut the door and walk away whistling' writer. Yaoi when written well enhances a story, but I don't write it well. I just had to include the fight scene from the comic. I love that fight. They're stubborn and they don't communicate very well, but still we love them, especially together! This story is meant to be the first of several. Each is going to explore the past of one of the characters, which is why there are hints to those pasts in this story. Also, Schwartz is there, well two of them are. They're just not mentioned by name. If I ever finish the sequels they'll show up. See if you can guess who they are and where they're mentioned! Well, its been a great joy sharing this with you! I'm glad I finally got up the courage to post it. All of the wonderful people who reviewed this totally made it worthwhile! The second one is started, but needs a lot of work. I'm going to work on it over the summer, so look for me in the fall! Thank you so, SO much for reading and please, please R & R! (If you do review please include your email so I can respond to your directly. Thanks!)
Mondtanz: Well, I hope you weren't too shocked that this is the end. I guess you missed all the notes about how many chapters were left, but I am writing the sequel. I hope you liked this chapter as much as the last one. You're the third or fourth person who's suggested dancing lessons. I'll tell you what I told them, look to the sequel. But I'll also warn you that they didn't waltz in the 18th century. I'm working on something hopefully to make up for that. And I'd never dream of disappointing anyone! So far all I write is WK, and Ran/Ken at that. I have two other stories I'm working on, and the sequel which I'll work on all summer. I pinky swear! Thanks for all your reviews and please keep in touch!
Chaosdreamer1: I'm glad you think its progressing well. How's the ending? I have my eye out for your next chapter and your Ran/Ken! Hurry, hurry! Meanwhile, I'll write the sequel to this over the summer! Keep in touch, please!
Akikaze-san: I'm glad you like long chapters. Me too. What'd you think of this one? BLUSH You always say the nicest things! I'm working on the sequel, I swear! First three chapters are at the editor's, and the fourth is written. Just give me the summer, okay? I promise I'll be back (barring illness or death). I do have other stories, but its hard to focus on more than one at once. I'm part way through two fantasies which I'll post someday. They're all Ran/Ken. I just can't get past the idea that they'd be the ones to get together if any of them did. Thank you for all your wonderful comments, and please keep in touch!
Allis: Hi! Yeah, obviously I have no love for Kase. That wasn't originally him, but I wanted to include him somehow. Also, that woman wasn't originally Yuriko either. I decided to use more characters from Weiss, and they seemed to fit. How'd you like the ending? Good? Bad? Look for the sequel in September, hopefully! And now I'll go write back to you! Thanks for reviewing!