Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Rose In Paradise ❯ Rose In Paradise ( Chapter 1 )

ROSE IN PARADISE

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Disclaimer

Sywren: Not mine. Song doesn't belong to me, characters don't belong to me. Hate to break it to ya'll. Rating of NC-17 for possible character death, in the other ending. I might throw a lime or lemon in somewhere, it depends on what my plotbunny has in store. I'm just typing....

Sylence: *shakes her head* My sissy is being controlled by her plotbunnies.

Sywren: Look who's talking, Miss Let's write this plotbunny tonight so he'll go away.

Sylence: *sighs and smacks Sywren* Get on with the story already.

Sywren: Oh yeah, took a few liberties with some words in the song, not to mention the order they go in. So...I'll be posting the whole song in its original format at the end of the story. Maybe.

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(He was a banker from Macon)

Brad looked around the restaurant he was in. It wasn't much, a few tables and booths scattered here and there. It did have a nice homey look that he liked and put him at ease. The town he'd chosen to settle in was fairly small. He hadn't been there long and was still viewed with some distrust. Brad straightened the tie on his suit absently and fiddled with the menu. A few minutes later he heard soft masculine laughter and turned to look in that direction.

(He was a flower for the taking, his beauty cut just like a knife.)

Brad was sure he stopped breathing. The man was so pale, but so beautiful. The ivory skin, blood red hair, and amethyst eyes. The tall lean body was encased in simple black jeans and a black t-shirt. Brad swore he would do anything in his power to get the young man to be his. The redhead tucked his notepad into his back pocket and walked over to his table.

"My name is Ran, I'll be your server. Can I get you something to drink?" Brad smiled at the sound of the younger man's voice.

"Yes, coffee, black."

"Do you know what you want to eat?" Brad shook his head.

"Just the drink. I've already eaten." He received a short nod and Ran vanished before quickly returning with his coffee. When Ran returned he spent a few moments talking with Brad, during which Brad somehow managed to get a promise of a date with Ran later in the week.

Brad had never been so happy. He loved everything about Ran and was sure the other man felt the same. The past few weeks had been bliss for the usually uptight banker. He found himself relaxing and talking with the other man. Something no one else had been able to get him to do. Relaxing didn't come easy for him and he hardly ever took time off from work.

(He swore he'd love him all his life.)

Brad knocked on the door of Ran's apartment that he shared with the town's local soccer hero. Ken answered the door. He took one look at who it was and vanished into his bedroom. Brad still wasn't sure why Ken didn't like him, but he knew for a fact it was so. Ken never said more than two words together to him if he could help it. He waited at the door because he knew Ken didn't appreciate his presence in the apartment, as if he thought he tainted it or something. Ran emerged from his room and smiled at Brad before grabbing his coat. Ran had chosen to dress in a white tux in contrast to Brad's black one. He knew Brad planned to take him somewhere nice tonight so he had worn his only good outfit.

Ran and Brad talked all through dinner. Ran found himself curious as to why Brad seemed so intent on making this dinner last as long as possible. By the time dessert came Ran's curiosity was burning and he was hoping Brad would hurry up and tell or ask him or whatever before he died from suspense. Ken had told him the other man was madly in love with him, but he wasn't sure he believed his friend. Finally Brad took a deep breath and looked into Ran's eyes.

"Ran, I want to ask you something, will you come live with me? I know we can't get married, but I want us to be together." Ran's jaw dropped slightly. He hadn't been completely expecting that. He thought back over the past few weeks and the time he had spent with Brad. Before his mind had caught up his voice had already taken over and answered.

"Yes." Brad smiled brightly at him and grabbed his hand to hold in both of his. He found himself wondering if this was a good idea. But he had agreed so he would go through with it. Ken would probably be upset. And saying that he'd be upset was probably an understatement. Brad took him home and he dazedly opened his door and walked through it. He found Ken up waiting for him, watching the latest game on TV. Ken looked up as he locked the door.

"He asked you didn't he?" Ran heard Ken ask softly from his place on the couch. Ran turned to look at him before nodding.

"You said yes didn't you?" Ken asked, resignation coloring his voice. Ran looked at him curiously and dropped onto the couch beside him.

"Yes, why?" Ken looked into Ran's eyes before answering.

"I just knew. I don't trust him though Ran." Ken's earnest blue eyes stared into Ran's, and Ran understood. But Brad loved him right? They would be okay wouldn't they? Ran smiled reassuringly at Ken.

"I'm sure everything will be fine Ken."

(He bought him a mansion on the hillside, with a formal garden and a lot of land. But paradise became his prison, that Georgia banker was a jealous man)

Ran thought back, remembering his last words to Ken. *Add those to someone's list of Famous Last Words.* Ran muttered to himself bitterly in his mind. The first week or so had been wonderful. Nothing had gone wrong. Then Brad started going back to work. Before he had left for work he had told Ran something that had caused the redhead's blood to boil and the result was several broken objects. Expensive objects but Ran was beyond caring. The only thing he regretted about the destruction of the objects was that it hadn't been over Brad's head. He couldn't leave the place. Granted the house and garden was huge and exploring its secrets had taken a few days, but he missed his friends. Ken and Omi, even Yohji, playboy that he was. Hell, he'd be happy to see Ken's boyfriend Schuldig, the annoying bastard. He hadn't even seen his sister since he'd moved in. He hadn't realized before that Brad could be so jealous.

(Every time he'd talk about him, you could see the fire in his eyes. He'd say, "I would walk through hell on Sunday, to keep my rose in paradise.)

Schuldig smirked at Brad. He'd gotten the brunette to talking about his lover boy, even though he already knew him through Ken. The only time he'd ever seen fire in the other man's eyes. He wasn't sure even Brad knew how much this man was affecting him. He listened as Brad swore he would do anything to keep his Ran safe.

"But doesn't he get lonely now that you're working so much?" Schu asked. Brad stared at him.

"And how do you keep up the garden and house if no one is there? I know someone who could stay there to help out." He continued. He continued to smirk at Brad until the other man caved in.

"Fine. Who's this friend of yours that can help me out?"

(He hired a man to tend the garden, and keep an eye on things while he was gone)

Ran heard the door open and peered around the corner to see who it was. Brad was back, and he had someone with him. This was highly unusual to say the least. Brad hardly ever brought anyone here. Curiously he walked up to Brad to greet him.

"Brad, welcome home." He said softly, examining the new comer from the corner of his eye. Light reflected off of silver blond hair and earrings running around the edge of the man's right ear. An eye patch covered one eye and the remaining golden eye watched him uninterestedly. He saw a large duffel bag at the slender man's feet. The blond was wearing a light blue vest over a white tank top and had bandages wrapped around his upper arm and neck. His jeans were tied together at the knees, the strap joining them dangling slightly as he stood there.

"Ran, meet Farfarello, he's going to be taking care of the garden and keep an eye on things whenever I'm gone." Ran nodded politely to Farfarello and received the same polite nod in return. He could tell the pale man would be just as quiet as he himself had become.

Brad watched the two. This first meeting was important. If it looked like they were interested in each other at all Farfarello would not be staying long. He observed how quiet Ran was and the way Farfarello was looking around him without any interest what so ever. He worried about Ran's quietness. His lover used to be much more outgoing and talkative. He wore his emotions for all to see. Now, he was the opposite, quiet, reserved, and had developed an icy mask to hide how he felt.

"Ran, I hate to do this but I have to leave for Atlanta for a week or two. I'll call you whenever I get there." Then, feeling slightly guilty he adds, "If you want, perhaps Farfarello can go with you into town to visit your friends and your sister." He had seen the shattered pieces of a few of his more favored objects the day after he had told Ran he couldn't leave the place.

Ran looked at Brad suspiciously. Of course the other man wouldn't know that because he had his mask firmly in place. *He's letting me go visit my sister and friends? Who could have made him feel guilty enough to let him do that?* (A/N My bunny changed his mind. So there will be two posted endings to this story) He smiled suddenly at Brad *This could be the opportunity I wanted.* he threw his arms around Brad's neck and thanked him.

"When do you leave?" Ran asked.

"Tomorrow morning." Brad answered.

"I'll show Farfarello to a room and then make a quick supper." Ran said before turning to Farfarello. Farfarello met his eyes and Ran finally noticed the scars on his face and arms.

"Follow me please." He started walking off without making sure the other was following. He could barely hear the soft footfalls of the other man. As soon as Brad was a few hallways away he was startled to feel a hand close over his arm, causing him to stop and face Farfarello.

"You really don't like it here do you?" Ran hesitated about answering until Farfarello added. "Ken thought you might be unhappy here." Ran's jaw dropped and he watched the other for a moment before nodding.

"At first it was perfect. But then he changed. He never let on that he would be that jealous of people. I couldn't even go visit my family. Why has he changed his mind?" Farfarello shrugged a shoulder.

"It's a domino effect. Ken worried about you; he told Schuldig who works with Brad. He talked to me. We came up with a plan and Schuldig told Brad he needed someone here. Here I am." Ran half-smiled.

"I'm glad. I've missed them all so much." He pointed at the door behind him. "This will be your room. Mine and Brad's is right across the hall. I'll have supper ready in about twenty minutes if you want to join us." Farfarello nodded and adjusted the strap to his duffel bag before opening the door and going inside. Ran vanished down the hall, relieved at how thoughtful Ken had been and looked forward to seeing his friends again sometime soon. He found himself whistling as he fixed the food, something he hadn't done in awhile. He thought about going to see his family and when he looked in the small mirror in the kitchen he saw a small smile playing around his lips. In no time at all the food was done and he took it out to the table. It wasn't much, but it was enough for tonight. Brad was already sitting at the table reading the local paper. Farfarello showed up seconds after he sat down the last of the plates and silverware.

It was moments later when he was handing Farfarello one of the dishes that he felt fingertips lightly brush against his knuckles as it was taken carefully from him. He outwardly ignored it but inside he was slightly shocked at the sparks that had tingled up his spine from that simple touch. Brad hadn't seemed to notice so he quickly forgot about it. Farfarello excused himself from the table, taking most of the dishes with him to the kitchen. As soon as he was gone Ran could feel the tension building in the air.

It suddenly hit Ran; Brad had been gone for a week already. He could feel himself blushing slightly at what he could feel was going to happen. He quickly gathered the dishes and took them into the kitchen. He jumped when he felt Brad's arms wrap around his waist. He suddenly wished that Farfarello had not yet left the kitchen, but that would have only delayed this. He made himself relax back against Brad's body. Warm breath ghosted over his neck moments before he felt Brad's mouth latch onto his neck. Brad's mouth sucked gently on his skin shortly before spinning him around in the circle of his arms. Ran dimly felt Brad's mouth cover his own and his own tongue automatically dueled lazily with Brad's. He found himself running on autopilot, glad for once that his body reacted without his direction. His arms came up around Brad's neck as Brad's swept down his back, hands resting on his ass. He heard Brad reaching for something and found himself vaguely relieved that it would be over with sooner than he'd thought. Brad unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, pushing them and his boxers down to his knees.

"Sorry to take you like this, but I need you so much. I've missed you. I love you." Brad whispered into Ran's ear as he was lifted to sit up on the table facing the door. His chin was tucked over Brad's shoulder as Brad's slick fingers glided along his opening. He was quickly prepared and he held back a gasp as Brad slid inside. His eyes widened and he was glad that Brad's back was to the door. He saw a glowing golden eye watching him and for once he saw interest in it. He felt himself harden a little more at being watched and he let out a gasp. Brad reached in between them and wrapped his hand around Ran's erection, pumping in time to his thrusts. His hands tightened on Brad's shoulders as he watched Farfarello watch them. Farfarello licked his lips and half-smiled at Ran before mouthing the words, "Come for me." Ran's body suddenly decided obeying Farfarello's words sounded like a great idea and he cried out as his body tightened around Brad's as he came in the warm grip of his hands. He sagged against Brad's chest as he felt the brunette come inside him. Farfarello vanished from sight just as Brad pulled out of him.

He sat bonelessly on the counter as Brad cleaned them both up. He was tucked back inside his boxers and pants and then he was being lifted and cradled against Brad's chest. He didn't feel like protesting, he was too busy thinking about Farfarello. He hoped Brad left before he woke up and also that he could talk to Farfarello at more length. He let Brad undress them both and pull the blankets up to their chins. He felt slender arms encircle his waist, pulling him back against Brad as he fell asleep.

Brad watched Ran sleep. The fire he felt for the redhead hadn't lessened as he thought it might. He worried about Ran so much, and he knew a psychiatrist might say he was obsessive and got jealous too easily, but he couldn't help it. Surely they would see how easy it was to get obsessed with him. Perhaps being able to go see his friends would help him. Reassured by Ran's steady breaths he fell asleep.

He woke before Ran and lightly stroked a pale cheek as he slid out of bed. He left a note and some money on the table by the front door for Ran if he decided to go into town today. He walked out to the car and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. Nothing was wrong after all. As his driver took him down the drive he watched the mansion behind him.

Ran stretched and woke up. He felt surprisingly well rested considering he'd spent the night in Brad's arms. He smiled as he remembered that with Farfarello there now he could go into town and see his friends. He climbed out of bed and had just slipped his jeans on when he sensed Farfarello enter the room. He continued to search through his closet for a shirt as he bid Farfarello good morning. Backing away from the closet after slipping on his shirt, he tripped over something in the carpet and he felt himself falling. He had braced himself for the fall when suddenly strong arms caught him. He glanced up and saw Farfarello watching him. He blushed at his stupid mistake, any other morning he must have walked over that spot about ten times. Fate was conspiring against him he was sure. As he caught his balance and stood back up he turned to face the scarred man. Curiosity won out and he found his hand reaching for Farfarello's face without his conscious permission. His fingertips lightly touched one of the scars on Farfarello's face and when they weren't knocked aside, he gently ran them along the length of it.

Later that day Ran hurriedly grabbed his jacket, almost tripping again, much to the bemusement of the man watching him. Ran stuck the money in his pocket and his stuck his tongue out at Farfarello, which only amused the man more.

"Let's go see Ken." Ran suggested. Farfarello nodded.

"If we're lucky, we can just call the others over. It will make things easier. Ran bounced slightly and resisted the urge to do something about that smirk on Farfarello's face.

Too soon Ran found himself in front of the apartment, one hand raised to knock when the door opened. Schuldig stood there smirking at him.

"If I see one more smirk I swear I'm gonna..." Ran's voice trailed off as he stepped past Schuldig.

"Who's there Schu?" Ken's familiar face peeked around the corner and Ran found himself almost knocked off his feet as he was tackled by Ken.

"I told you he'd be by today didn't I Ken?" Schu said cheerfully.

"Yeah yeah, rub it in." Ken smiled and looked at Ran.

"The others will be here soon Ran. Yohji has an idea if you're interested. Aya said she'd be here in.." Just then they heard someone knock. Ran recognized it and jumped up to answer the door.

"Ran-nissan!" Aya threw her arms around Ran and gave him a huge hug.

"I've missed you! How are you? Have you been alright? If he's done anything to you I swear I'm going to..."

"Calm down Aya, and let us through the door will ya?" Yohji's voice was suddenly one of the best things Ran had ever heard. Followed by Omi and Nagi. As soon as everyone was inside and sitting down Yohji smiled.

"Well, here's my idea. I've found all the documents I need to make us all vanish. Most importantly, to make Ran vanish." Ran stared at Yohji, the implications clear to him. If he vanished, he could start over, away from Brad. The man whose possessive nature was slowly killing him inside.

"Let's do it soon then Yohji." They all turned to look at Ran.

"You sure about this?" Ken asked.

"Yes, if I have any of you with me, I'll be fine." Omi smiled at Ran.

"We've all already agreed to go with you Ran. We told Yohji when he first found these things out." Ran smiled back at Omi and gave him a brief hug.

"What do I have to do?"

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(Some say they ran away together... Some say that gardener left alone...)

A few weeks later the gossips in town were very busy. They had plenty to talk about. The mysterious disappearance of Ran and Farfarello. Ran's friends had slowly drifted out of town after they'd vanished.

Elsewhere, Ran and Farfarello were getting to know each other slowly. They smiled and laughed often. Yohji had found him someone to keep him grounded. His name was Kei, soft-spoken, optimistic, and head over heels in love with Yohji. They were a perfect match. Omi, Nagi, and Aya started school in the new town and were soon honor students and well loved by most of the school. Ken and Schuldig did what they always did best, soccer and match-making. Somehow, they all even managed to get along well enough to live in the same house. But not without sound-proofing all the bedrooms first.

(A/N, you want lemon, review. Otherwise, this is it. ^.~)

(Now the banker is an old man... that mansion's tum-ble-ing down...He sits all day and he stares at the garden... not a trace of him was ever found...)

Brad could feel the presence of the person from town who always brought him the food he ordered. He was staring out at the garden, just as Brad was. The mansion he had shared with Ran was falling down, and without the redhead around, Brad had not wanted to repair it. Let it fall down upon his head, but unless Ran came back to him, even now, it would remain as it was. The garden was running wild with flowers and trees now, rose bushes of every type and color imaginable.

(Now there's a rose out in the garden... its beauty cuts just like a knife... They say that it even grows in the winter time... and blooms in the dead of the night...)

Brad's gaze slid over to the oldest bush in the garden. It had been there a week before he'd come home to find Ran and Farfarello gone. All their friends had vanished as well. He'd come out to the garden, distraught, in the middle of the night. In the middle of the garden was a newly planted rose of a type he'd never seen before. Its beauty took his breath away, just like Ran's had. The rose's petals were the exact same color as Ran's hair, light patterns of amethyst ran throughout them, the edges had a rim of gold and silver. It bloomed every day, every night, and throughout the fall and winter months even. It was the pride of his garden. People came from all over to see it. He figured it was Ran's way of leaving him something to remember him by. His grief at his loss tore through him whenever he saw it. But as long as he knew in his heart Ran was happy, he could be happy.