My very first fanfiction! I'm in awe. I hope everyone likes, though it might be kind of childish. *blush* But anyways, this is what happens when Ritsuka's mom shoves superstitions on him.
Rain pattered gently against the glassy surface of the window. Clear drops fell like tears from the sky, each hitting so soon after another that it seemed one long, continuous tap. Staring intently out, Seimei watched each drop fall, eyes flicking back and forth agitatedly, the book of tales forgotten on his lap. Something about this kind of rain made him feel relaxed, but at the same time sad, as if a loved one cried over a wound that would soon heal. Or a nightmare that'll pass. He couldn't help with anything more than band-aids and caresses, and yet Seimei knew it would be alright. With rain, he could only sit and listen. And wonder.
One of his feline ears twitched and he scratched at the base of it absently. Sitting as he was, on the edge of the bed, Seimei had a pretty good view of the downpour outside. The bedsprings creaked as the cat-boy shifted his weight. His eyes stayed glued to the dark, stormy outdoors.
The room surrounding him was nearly as dark, only lit dimly by a nightlight on the nearest wall, at Ritsuka's request. Ritsuka. Seimei could feel his younger brother's quiet breaths gusting lightly against his back.
"Ne, Seimei. Are black cats evil?" Seimei turned to meet the nine-year-old's inquisitive gaze. Ritsuka's eyes shimmered up through the dark.
"I thought you were asleep" said Seimei. "You've been quiet so long"
"I didn't want to bother you. But are they?" Ritsuka persisted. He blinked up at Seimei with wide, innocent eyes.
Seimei shrugged "I doubt it."
"Then how come they bring bad luck?"
"Who told you they do?" with a sharp look. Seimei felt a frown furrow his brow.
"Mother said." Yes she would, drat her. He couldn't stop the hiss from escaping his lips. Not that I have anything against her, I just wish she'd mind her tongue more – especially around Ritsuka.
"What?" Ritsuka questioned, seemingly puzzled. "Maybe she's right." He sat, pulling his legs against his chest, hugging them for warmth. "I-"
Seimei closed his eyes. Shaking his head, he stated "You're not evil."
"Okay."
"Besides.."
"What?"
Seimei reached out and ruffled Ritsuka's hair and cat ears affectionately, grinning.
"What color ears are mine?"
". . . black. . . ohhhh" Ritsuka gave a startled giggle as his face changed from blank to surprised, then delighted.
A low chuckle rumbled from Seimei's throat as he pulled Ritsuka into an embrace.
For a long time they stayed that way, even after the storybook had fallen to the floor, unheeded. Half an hour later, Seimei found himself staring intently out the window, absently wondering when the rain had ended, the child on his lap nearly forgotten. Something about this kind of silence made him think of healing, when a loved one smiled for the first time after a wound was inflicted. Or after realizing that a nightmare is, after all, a mere dream like all the rest. At that moment he could smile, laugh along with them, knowing that everything is alright. With silence, he could sit and listen. And heal from the pain of each passed day.
One of Seimei's feline ears twitched and his eyes strayed to the boy on his lap, whose relaxed breaths gusted lightly against his arm. Seimei smiled.
Ritsuka. His younger brother slept at last.
Please review! I'd feel really happy if anyone can tell me how well (or badly XD) I did! *chu*