Before you read:
Hello All! waves I'm glad you are taking a look (or peak) at my story! It's long, but I hope you enjoy it! Written for a friend for luck in high school, we are ready to walk those halls!
Final Word Count: 6239 (WOW)
I don't own any of Loveless, (probably a good thing) and I did this for...I don't know why XD
On to the story!
Four years, they seemed to go so quickly. Ritsuka could hardly remember what had happened. He opened his eyes. Summer... would it ever come?
"Aoyagi-kun? I'd love it if you paid attention, I'll be testing you on it," his teacher warningly told him, it was almost a threat really. He nodded. His mind was wondering to much to pay attention. Yuiko stared at him, she had grown, not nearly as much as he had. He was taller than her now. He rested his head in his hands. Soubi...the name almost hurt, he felt his heart flutter and jump, skipping beats almost if it had a mind of it's own.
He shook off the feeling and looked out the window. The clouds were beginning to be the big fluffy ones, as Yuiko had described. The sky was a very pure blue, it belonged on a canvas to enjoy forever, and Ritsuka wanted to go outside and be in the sunlight. It would be even better if he was there, just being by his side and adding beauty to the already gorgeous day.
He blushed at the thought of him. His heart began it's strange dance again. Thoughts of Soubi filled his mind. His silky blond hair, his sharp blue eyes, his soft skin, even the way he smelled...it all made Ritsuka crazy and he almost felt like crying, for no reason he could come up with.
The bell rang, just before he broke down. He stood up, his mind racing, he grabbed his stuff and headed out for the courtyard. Yuiko called for him, but he obviously didn't hear. He pulled out his cellphone and debated over if he should call Soubi or not. It had been weeks since Soubi last came and picked him up, or for that matter said anything to him. It was frustrating, and worrying. He leaned against a wall and stared at the butterfly wallpaper. Yuiko stared from across the room, longing for a way to cheer up ar help her friend. Yayoi walked over to Yuiko, just as worried over her as she was Ritsuka..
"Yuiko-san? What's wrong?"
"Ritsuka-kun..he's not acting like himself..."
"What do you mean?" Yayoi looked at Ritsuka, who was preparing himself to go outside.
"He wasn't paying attention in classes today. At all. He seemed distant, and a bit day-dreamy. He didn't even hear me calling his name...He's been like this for a few weeks now though. Today was really bad...I feel so...helpless" She took many pauses, carefully assembling the way she felt.
"He's just got something on his mind. He'll tell you when he's ready, okay?" Yayoi explained. To his surprise, Yuiko didn't cry. Not a single tear. Yayoi wondered what was wrong with their friend, it was a different worry than Yuiko's longing worry however. It wasn't like him to not say goodbye to anyone, he was usually careful about such matters. Ritsuka shook his head and decided to wait until he got home to call Soubi, the school was too crowed. He hoped he made the right decision. His stomach was all twisted up, he felt like he was going to throw up.
He gathered himself and left the school. The courtyard was full of students, some had already lost their ears. It was usually the talk of the girls, it was almost like a status symbol. He walked out of the courtyard, not listening to any of the chatter coming from around him.
It was a warm day, summer was defiantly coming. The school was close to a bakery, and the air was filled with the scents of pastries, fresh bread, and anything else you would find at a bakery. Ritsuka started running, he wanted to be alone. He didn't want anyone to find him. Not until he was ready.
His raven black hair shimmered in the summer sunlight. His tail floated behind him, not showing any emotion of it's own. His ears folded back against his head. His deep violet eyes focused on the path in front of his feet.
As he got about half way home, he heard very familiar voices, however, he didn't want to stop. He looked as he ran past. Kio, Youji and Natsuo, they were carrying boxes into a home-like building. Even though Ritsuka was interested in what they were doing, he didn't stop. He had to get home. Kio caught a glimpse of him running by, he called after the young boy. Ritsuka didn't hear him, and naturally didn't stop.
Running home, Ritsuka it wouldn't take him long to arrive. It was only a couple minutes away if he ran. Once he got home, a small note on the door caught his attention before he entered. He took it off the door and promptly read it.
Ritsuka,
I'll be out taking care of your grandmother. I do not know when I'll be home. Be good for mom while she's gone alright?
Ritsuka crumpled the note. She didn't even say goodbye. He didn't really care, it was just the point. He went up to his room. The house was quite. He threw his bag down, and sighed. He went to the bathroom to check the wound on his face. It was almost healed. He pulled of the bandage and walked out. He looked around. He opened his cellphone, and looked at it. A text message arrived, it startled him, simply stating "Open the window. Please?" Soubi...Ritsuka thought. He had locked it since Soubi hadn't been showing up. He walked over to the window. He unlocked it, and smiled. Soubi grinned and came in.
"Hey Soubi." Ritsuka broke the silence. He sat on his bed, and watched the tall man come over.
"How have you been?" Soubi sat beside him. He kissed Ritsuka on the cheek, and answered,
"I've missed you." Ritsuka's cheeks filled with a rosy color.
"I missed you too Soubi..." Ritsuka leaned against Soubi. "Next time your gone for a long time call please. I was worried." Soubi chucked a little.
"Alright. I'll make sure to call." He pulled the younger boy closer to him. Ritsuka's heart raced, it wouldn't calm down. Soubi's warm hand gently slid up Ritsuka's back, under his shirt. "Ritsuka, are you okay?" Soubi noticed how fast Ritsuka's heart was beating. Ritsuka nodded, still trying to calm himself down. "Alright," Soubi announced after a fe minuted of silence had passed. "Lets go."
"Go? Where?"
"Somewhere." Soubi grinned. He stood up. Ritsuka followed. He didn't care where they went, as long as he was with his fighter. They left out the main door, as Ritsuka asked. The entire walk, Ritsuka kept his head down, and Soubi had his arm around his shoulder. Ritsuka was getting taller, Soubi somewhat enjoyed him being so tall. He no longer had to bed over so far to kiss him. Soubi stopped in front of a gate.
"Ritsuka, look at me." Soubi said. Ritsuka did, and Soubi kissed him. Ritsuka's body was struck with nerves for a moment, and then he calmed down. Soubi held Ritsuka close, not letting him move. Ritsuka closed his eyes, warmth filled his body. Soubi pulled away, just far enough to look at Ritsuka. Ritsuka opened his eyes to meet the gemstone blue ones staring back. Ritsuka looked away, turning a bright red. Soubi smiled. Ritsuka had melted in Soubi's embrace, and he didn't want to leave the warm safety of Soubi's arms. Soubi pulled away and began to walk, Ritsuka noticed and quickly followed after. Ritsuka noticed shortly that this was where the others were bringing boxes to. Soubi unlocked a door, pretty close to the entry, and opened it. Kio was sprawled out on the floor. The zero boys were sitting next to him.
"Ah. Soubi's back." Youji said. Kio about jumped up. Soubi shook his head, he walked in, Ritsuka followed. Closing the door behind him, Soubi walked over to where the three were sitting. Ritsuka wandered in, looking around.
"Finally." Natsuo teased.
"Sou-chan! I was worried when you bolted off like that. Plus you left the rest of the boxes for us." Kio whined. Ritsuka chuckled a little. Youji and Natsuo grinned.
"I didn't think you'd mind. Plus, you said .." Kio interrupted.
"No excuses! You'll just have to make it up to me." Kio started to flirt with Soubi. Soubi looked at him and sighed.
"How about dinner for everyone then?" He asked, completely ignoring Kio. The two zeros perked up, and Kio sighed. Ritsuka looked around, Boxes were everywhere. Some were open and empty, others were closed, and probably full. There was art supplies scattered, and a canvas stood near a window. Ritsuka looked up, to find another floor. The place was lightly furnished, enough for everyday living.
"Ritsuka?" Youji asked.
"Huh?" He responded, looking back at the others.
"Come sit." He grinned as he invited Ritsuka to the floor. Ritsuka nodded, somewhat regretting the choise to sit with them. Soubi went to the kitchen, Kio followed. The two zeros had grown, but were pretty much the same people.
"So, How's everything been?" Natsuo asked.
"Alright I guess. How about you two?" Ritsuka sat across from them.
"Hrm, well we've been good." Youji answered for both of them. Ritsuka felt nervous all of the sudden. He glanced over his shoulder, like something was watching him. After seeing nothing, he focused on the conversation. While the boys caught up, Kio and Soubi were in the kitchen talking.
"Soubi, I'm worried about you and that brat."
"He has a name you know." Soubi muttered at Kio, becoming slightly irritated. Kio sighed, he was worried about his friend and the relationship he had with Ritsuka.
"I saw the kiss before you two came in," Kio said sounding almost disappointed. "The question is, why?"
"Because, Kio, I love him. Do you need anymore explanation?"
"Why him?" Kio protested, his voice was whiney and the 'him came out more like 'hiiimmm'. Soubi looked up from his cooking, to find Kio looking at him, almost crying.
"At first, it's because Seimei told me to, but after a few days..." he paused. "I didn't care what Seimei had ordered me to do. I found myself in love. I don't know what it is about Ritsuka, but I love him. Do you understand?"
"I guess, He's so much younger, couldn't that be a problem?" Soubi chuckled and returned to cooking. Kio hadn't given up, Soubi was just avoiding Kio's questions.
"Ritsuka, you okay? You kinda pale..." Youji said worried. Ritsuka nodded and Natsuo sighed at Ritsuka's reaction, and the fact that he knew his partner was pushy and would get what he wanted to hear. No matter how long it took.
"Well, I'll go get Soubi if you don't tell us what's up." Youji said getting up.
"Honestly, I'm fine. I just felt sick for a moment. I don't know why really." Ritsuka said. He hated people worrying over him, he always had. It wasn't about to change. Youji chuckled and sat down.
"I still can't believe it's been three years since we met you and Soubi. It seems like so long ago." Natsuo noticing the discomfort in Ritsuka's voice. Ritsuka nodded.
"Everyone is getting so tall..." Youji said. The fighter flopped down on his back. The two zeros started to tease each other. Ritsuka's mind began to wander again, he kept thinking of the kiss Soubi has given him before they came. It almost felt like a dream, his heart longed to return to that moment. Why was he always thinking of Soubi? His mind was filled with thoughts of him, and nothing seemed to change that. At school he couldn't focus very well, especially when he hadn't seen Soubi in a while, his friends and teachers were worried. He told them it was nothing, but was Soubi nothing to him? No, Soubi was everything. He couldn't imagine what it would be like with out him. Every time Soubi held him close, he felt warm and safe, like nothing could hurt him.
His voice, it was powerful, yet warm at the same time. His kisses, they made Ritsuka melt, unable to think or function. Being near Soubi made his heart pound, his stomach fluttered, He could hardly look Soubi in the eyes, as beautiful as they were. Why was he feeling like this all the time? It was frustrating, he couldn't get it off his mind. He didn't want to tell Soubi, or anyone Soubi knew. Maybe he'd ask his therapist tomorrow. If he couldn't figure it out. Ritsuka sighed in his own thoughts, not knowing what was going on with himself. Unfortunately, the zero boys heard it, and came up behind him.
"Ritsuka?" Youji whispered in his ear. It startled Ritsuka and made him jump. He was abruptly taken from his thoughts. His cheeks were burning, he didn't even notice that Youji and Natsuo had moved.
"Sheesh! Don't scare me like that," Ritsuka said, regaining his sanity. The two other boys grinned.
"We thought you would notice us walking over."
"He was deep in thought Natsuo, he was turning a bright pink too. I wonder what her was thinking about." Ritsuka rolled his eyes and sat up.
"I'm not sure." Youji grinned. "What were you thinking about?"
"Nothing." Ritsuka responded coldly.
"Come on Ritsuka!" Youji pleaded and teased. "Tell us what you were thinking about!"
"Give it up. I'm not telling." Ritsuka wouldn't tell them and that was that, the zeros however, knew no sense of defeat. Luckily Youji's phone rang, interrupting the, interrogation.
"Ah!" Youji scrambled to answer it.
"Who is it?"
"Nagisa. What a bother." Youji said and answered his cell. Ritsuka gave a small sigh of relief, and tried to calm down. Their conversation wasn't long.
"I'd love to, But we're a bit busy. I'll call you later." Youji said. You could hear her screaming from across the room. Youji hung up and shoved it into his pocket.
"What was that about?" Natsuo asked.
"Don't know, don't care. She'll call later if it's important." Natsuo laughed. Youji turned to Ritsuka once again and grinned.
"So Ritsuka, what were you thinking about?"
"I'm not telling you." Ritsuka said, crossing his arms, his ears flattened against his head.
"We'll see about that." Natsuo announced. The continued to try to get it out of him until Soubi came out. He saw the Zeros teasing Ritsuka, and chuckled a little. He leaned up against the wall and watched. Youji glanced up and grinned.
"Soubi, You should ask. He'd tell you," Ritsuka looked behind him to see Soubi standing there. He glared at Youji for a brief second, and then sighed. Soubi only grinned.
"I told you I'm not telling." Ritsuka muttered, trying to sort out his feelings. Natsuo shrugged. He went to go sit with his partner. Soubi wandered over to Ritsuka, and kissed his cheek. Ritsuka smiled a little, hoping Soubi would notice his appreciation.
"You know, your cute when your frustrated." Soubi teased. Ritsuka ignored his last comment, Soubi noticed the cut on Ritsuka's cheer, and he frowned a little. He hated that Ritsuka was abused,. Sometimes he wish Ritsuka was old enough to leave her, but anytime Soubi brought it up, Ritsuka refused. He said that She needed him, or she'd go completely insane. It was only for a few years, and Soubi would try and keep Ritsuka away from the house as much as he could. As long as Ritsuka didn't object, Soubi would do anything for that boy. Soubi placed his hands on Ritsuka's shoulders, and naturally Ritsuka tensed up, like he was frozen and stiff.
"Relax Ritsuka, I'm not going to do anything. I promise." Ritsuka blushed for a moment, and Soubi smiled.
"Sou-chan! I think it's burning!" Kio yelled from the kitchen, obviously panicking. Soubi sighed and walked off to the kitchen shaking his head. Ritsuka glanced over his shoulder to see The zeros kissing. He rolled his eyes, and laid down once again. Hoping that he would be able to be with Soubi alone for a little. He decided to not think about Soubi, so he closed his eyes and began to think about the past three years. The battle with Beloved stood out. Wait, wasn't Soubi beloved? But that means that there would be three in one team, how could that be? Ritsuka knew that only two people could have the same name, not three.
That had been made clear to him. Well, with the exception of the zeros, who knew how many people had the name zero. But, the thing that worried Ritsuka most was how whenever he brought it up to Soubi, it was only brushed off. It was frustrating, because Ritsuka really wanted to know, and he wouldn't ask anyone else, it didn't seem right. Ritsuka thought of Soubi's name, it looked different, like it had been carved in, and also it was in a different spot. Beloved was on the middle finger stretching onto the hand for Seimei and Nisei. Soubi's was on his neck, with what looked like barbed wire marks surrounding it. It bled, until Soubi began calling himself Loveless.
Loveless, what a terrible name, Ritsuka wished Soubi never took his name. That point alarmed Ritsuka, how could he be Beloved, then Loveless? It made no sense! He had two names? And he wasn't always Loveless. Did he lose the name Beloved? But that still didn't explain why he had become Loveless.
"It makes no sense..." Ritsuka muttered.
"What makes no sense?" Natsuo asked. Ritsuka hadn't realized he had said anything out loud.
"I'd like to know," Youji added. Ritsuka opened his eyes to see the questioning males sitting on both sides of him.
"You guys REALLY shouldn't be able to sneak around. You don't need to be able to do that at all." The two boys laughed a little.
"Hey! Dinners ready!" Kio called. Youji and Natsuo stood up, and walked towards the table.
"Wonder what they made."
"Dunno. Probably tasty though." Ritsuka got up and stretched. Soubi was standing a few feet away.
"Hope they didn't give you too much trouble." Ritsuka walked over to Soubi and shook his head.
"It's fine." Soubi ruffled Ritsuka's hair, and kissed his cheek. Soubi and Ritsuka joined the others The seating arrangement was as followed, Youji and Natsuo, then Kio at the head of the table, then Soubi and Ritsuka. As they began to eat, a conversation began. Ritsuka wasn't really listening, but the voices and laughing was very comforting to him. He enjoyed being with everyone that was there, he didn't really care if Kio flirted with Soubi a lot, or if Youji and Natsuo teased him about things, they were friends, and he hoped to keep them through it all. The most important person, was sitting next to him, Soubi. Ritsuka felt a sense of safety when he was with Soubi. He felt warm, and more recently nervous and fluttery.
"Soubi, remind me you can cook," Kio said grinning a bit like an idiot. Everyone smiled. It was true, what Soubi had prepared was amazing. The taste seemed to melt and change as you ate, each bite contained the same things, but each bite was better and better. Ritsuka began to think about Soubi again, his ears folded back at his own disgust. He needed to stop thinking about Soubi, it was beginning to be annoying. Soubi noticed Ritsuka's frustration, and smiled a little, he returned to the conversation, he'd ask Ritsuka later. The conversation bubbled, about his and that. Ritsuka smiled but didn't say anything.
The sky was orange, clouds covered most of the sky. It was going to rain, the sun couldn't shine through the dense blockades. Outside was calm, a small breeze blew through the town, causing the leaves in the trees to rustle a little. People were heading home from their long day at work, just to get up the next morning to do it again. It was the daily rhythm of life. The breeze was interrupted by a high pitched noise that ran through the ears of the fighters ans sacrifices that sat eating. They exchanged looks to one another. Kio looked completely lost as the conversations came to a sudden halt. Ritsuka looked over at Soubi, who was starting to say something.
"So, who wants to go?"
"We'll go." Natsuo said. "I think these were the guys Nagisa were talking about." The zeros stood.
"What's going on?" Kio said, unaware of what was taking place. "Sou-kun?" Soubi was standing up with the zeros.
"You two sure?"
"Yeah, no problem. You'll know if something happens to us." Natsuo smiled. Soubi nodded.
"We'll tell you who it was in a bit." Youji added, confident in his skills. They headed towards the front door. Soubi sat down, close to his sacrifice. Ritsuka leaned his head on Soubi's shoulder and closed his eyes.
"You alright Ritsuka?" Soubi asked, worried.
"Yeah. I'm fine." Ritsuka replied quietly. Soubi didn't believe him, but wouldn't push the boy. He didn't want him upset. Kio sat in silence, not know what to say. He didn't like those two together, he was worried that Ritsuka was like Seimei, and would hurt Soubi. Kio didn't want his friend in that state again, it was painful.
"Soubi, what's going on?" Kio said, not know of what was taking place outside.
"Remember those battles I was talking about?"
"Yeah. With the fighter and sacrifice?" Soubi nodded.
"That's what's going on." Kio nodded, obviously not caring what was going on, just trying to strike up a conversation. Ritsuka was feeling weak, and was glad he wasn't fighting, he didn't know if he would be up to it. Youji and Natsuo always seemed up to a good fight, it must be something about them being zeros. Soubi leaned over and kissed Ritsuka's black ear, trying to make sure he was okay.
"Soubi...will they be okay?" Kio asked, sounding worried about his friends.
"They'll be fine. Remember, they can't feel pain, they should be fine. Unless they other pair is really good. But I doubt that."
"Wait, why don't they feel pain? Aren't they human? Oh my god, are they robots?" Soubi signed. Ritsuka smiled a little. Soubi went into explaining why they didn't feel pain. Ritsuka was happy to hear Soubi's voice, that's all he really wanted right now. To be with him. The rest of the world could wait. Ritsuka hoped the battle wouldn't last to long. He didn't really want anyone to be fighting, he was against it as it was. Having his friends fight wasn't his favorite thing.
"So, they've been altered. Creepy." Kio said, obviously trying to shake the thought. "Anyway, how long do the battles usually last?"
"Not too long, It depends on the skill of the pairs." The room was quiet, it seemed as if nothing was happening outside the condo. Before long, the silence was broken by the two boys coming inside, talking as if nothing happened.
"Hey guys," Natsuo grinned. Neither of them had a single scratch.
"How'd it go?" Soubi asked. Ritsuka still hadn't moved of his shoulder, he was trying to stay still.
"Fine. I'm sure they'll be back. Once they recover anyways." Youji said.
"Yeah, Nagisa was right about those two. If they took on a beginner pair they'd be toast. Thank god we can't feel pain." They returned to the table, smiling and laughing as if nothing had happened. Ritsuka was glad they were back inside, but really didn't have anything to say. Soubi gather Ritsuka into his lap, and wrapped his arms around him. No one seemed to care. They sat around talking for a good 15 minutes before Youji stood up.
"Well, It's about time we start heading home." Natsuo followed his partner.
"Alright. Thanks for all your help today guys."
"No problem. Nice seeing you again Ritsuka, See you Kio." Natsuo said
"Later." Youji finished. They left, still in a good mood. Kio stood.
"Well, we probably should clean up." Soubi nodded. Ritsuka had fallen asleep not to long ago.
"I'll be right down." Soubi said. He shifted his weight and Ritsuka, and picked him up. He still couldn't believe how light he was. Soubi carefully took him upstairs to the bedroom, trying not to wake the sleeping boy. Soubi laid him down on the bed, and covered him with a blanket. Ritsuka hadn't woken, and that was a relief to Soubi. He kissed Ritsuka's forehead, and headed back downstairs to the kitchen. Kio was carrying dishes into the kitchen. Soubi pulled back his hair quickly and began to was them.
"Soubi," Kio whined. "You should pay attention to me." Soubi smiled.
"Kio, I don't think I could carry you."
"Whatever." Kio said, "Anyway, It was nice to have everyone hanging out. We should do it more often." Soubi nodded in agreement. "When are you planning on unpacking?"
"Hopefully I'll be done end of this week. I'd like to be able to have all my stuff out again." Kio nodded.
Outside was dark, lights were on, and a gentle rain was starting. The wind had died down. And the trees remained silent. Halos appeared around streetlights, there was very few people wandering the streets. The sky was hidden, gray clouds covered the blue. The moon couldn't shine through the clouds, and if the streetlights weren't on, it would have been almost black outside. Silent, invisible rain hit the earth below, causing everything to become wet.
"Soubi, it's nice to see you smiling again." Kio said, smiling himself. Soubi looked at Kio and chuckled a little.
"It's nice to know that." Soubi said. He really did appreciate Kio saying things like that, if it weren't for Kio, it is pretty obvious that Soubi would no longer be alive. Kio didn't know much about Soubi's past, no one did, but he was very understanding of what his friend had been through.
"Kio, thanks for all your help. I appreciate it." Kio grinned. They spent a couple more hours talking before Kio headed out. Giving Soubi a small warning about spending too much time with a high schooler. Soubi took the warning, but he didn't really need it. Soubi sighed out of relief, glad to have everyone out of the house. He was exhausted, he had woken up early to paint, and forgot that everyone was coming over. Plus, Ritsuka had been spending more and more time with him, and he was able to stay in the same bed finally. Soubi flipped off the lights and walked upstairs and pulled his hair down. He got himself ready for bed, trying to stay quiet. Ritsuka was sleeping, he looked adorable Soubi decided. He slid under the covers and laid down, trying not to disturb his partner, who was apparently awake anyway. Ritsuka turned over to look at him, who at the time was putting his glasses on the nightstand.
"Soubi..." Ritsuka said quietly.
"What is it?" Soubi said understandingly, as he always was.
"Thanks for letting me stay here for tonight."
"Your welcome to stay as long as you want, alright? Especially with your mother not being home." Ritsuka smiled.
"Night Soubi." Ritsuka said drifting off to sleep. Soubi fell asleep not long after.
Dawn approached, and as it came time for the sun to rise, the sky began to lighten and fill with many colors. Soubi awoke to the cool morning light drifting over Ritsuka's teenage shoulders. Ritsuka was breathing softly, pressed up against Soubi, looking adorable. Soubi shifted a little, trying not to wake his sleeping prince. Soubi began shuffling through his morning thoughts, which were disorganized and cluttered.
Ritsu's teaching hadn't worn off, even after all these years, which begged the question if they ever would. His thoughts narrowed on Ritsuka, partly because he had shifted to stay warm in his sleep. He loved Ritsuka, not because of Seimei, not any more. Originally they were, to keep himself alive, to carry out his master's, no, not master, Seimei's final wish. But that didn't matter to him any longer.
Their relationship seemed to be stuck in a hole, with Ritsuka not budging in what he allowed. He had decided on his own free will, that Ritsuka was more than just "another master" no, he was someone to love, to care about. Free will, he had lost most of that a long time ago, most things weren't done out of free will, though he wouldn't tell Ritsuka about it. Seimei, and Ritsu had broken him, of any hope of being an individual. But Ritsuka, he, alone, was bringing it back. That was all that mattered, Ritsuka rarely ordered him around, but his commands were powerful, his mind seemed to shift back to the other state.
The part about himself that was miserable, but desirable. By sacrifices anyway. Soubi sighed, hoping that he wasn't just depressing himself again in the lost hopes of Ritsuka's love. He knew Ritsuka cared about him, that had been established long ago. But did Ritsuka love him? He was sure that there was a reaction somewhere inside the boy. He wasn't much of a little kid anymore, acting more and more like an adult, even if he retained the little kid ears and tails that marked his innocence. Soubi didn't dare take them, not yet, not until the love was mutual. His long blonde hair slipped across his face, masking his almost disappointment.
'Gather yourself Soubi. Right now it doesn't matter.' He had gained that look that Ritsuka so blankly stared at, trying to gather his feelings. Impossible. He liked to keep himself more in the shadows than in the blatant spotlight so many stayed in. Ritsuka, also lurked among the shadows. What was is about his love that drew him in?
He was intoxicating, that was for sure. His tall slender yet gently muscular body, his deep hair, this velvet eyes. They drew him in, that was for sure, but there was something beyond his appearance, something much deeper that played inside Soubi's heart. He'd decide it later, right now he had to enjoy the time Ritsuka didn't protest at being in his arms. It was rare, and precious.
Those soft gentle breaths, almost caressing his skin. Ritsuka's ear twitched, followed by a soft flick of the tail. 'One day,' Soubi thought 'They will become mine.' Quickly realizing what he had just thought, he almost punished himself. It wasn't good to be thinking about such things. Ritsuka would decide if they every became lovers or not. Soubi could only hope, and encourage. Ritsuka, being a teenager, 16, was plenty old enough to decide what he wanted. And unlike his brother, he wasn't afraid to make contact, to kiss, to embrace. More love than orders. But because Soubi was in love with Ritsuka, it made his every wish a simple task to complete.
No orders were needed, the ever increasing bond between them took care of that. The bond, had not changed in months. It seemed to have his a rough spot, and Soubi, not wanting to proceed with out Ritsuka helping, did not make a move. He resisted from leaning over and kissing him all the time, he didn't make contact as much as he use to. The kiss the other afternoon was simply to remind him that he was safe, with just a tiny bit of self satisfaction, knowing Ritsuka wouldn't object. In fact, he seemed to rather enjoy it. Soubi could use this to his advantage later on, and quickly shuffled it into his mind.
"S-Soubi..." Ritsuka murmured, not noticing how close he was to his partner. He had woken up, finally.
"Good morning," Soubi said, smiling.
"Today is Saturday, right?"
"As far as I know, yes." Ritsuka groaned, in an unhappy manor. He had school today, luckily only a half day though. But still...he'd have to go through leaving Soubi. His eyes focused, to see Soubi's bare skin close, falling softly as he breathed. He looked up to see the warm gaze of two beautiful blue eyes, looking into his own. Ritsuka blushed a little. He didn't mean to, it wasn't the first time he and Soubi had slept in the same bed. Anytime Ritsuka stayed over and was in a good mood, or in such a terrible mood that he didn't care, they slept in the same room, same bed. Soubi seemed quite pleased with himself, and Ritsuka didn't mind either. He found it much better than being at home, alone and cold, usually hiding from his mother. In a year, he would probably move out, and in with Soubi, like he had promised.
Soubi constantly worried about him when he was at home, even for a short time. Soubi, had saved Ritsuka a few times from his house. He was strong, but he refused to stand up to his mothers actions. Recently, Ritsuka's grandmother had fallen ill, and his mother was taking care of her. Soubi had invited Ritsuka to stay over. Soubi, smiling at Ritsuka's frustration, and though he wasn't the cause, he ran his fingers through his hair. It was soft, just gently flowing from his head, much like an angels.
"Soubi, you mind if I take a shower before school?" Ritsuka muttered face down into a pillow.
"Not at all," Soubi said, "You don't have to ask you know."
"I know...I still like to though." Soubi chuckled a little. Ritsuka pushed himself onto his knees, and looked over at his fighter, who was lying there, just grinning. He wasn't wearing his glasses that detracted from his eyes, Ritsuka had never noticed how different his face looked with out them. It was almost, new to him, his long lashes, his long hair gently draping over him. He felt himself blush a little.
"What is it Ritsuka?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking. That's all." Ritsuka said, shaking off this last thoughts. Soubi sat up, and pushed his hair behind his ears, almost in frustration. Sighing, Ritsuka stood up, and his tail flicked in the slightly, his face was still a little red, but that would go away. Ritsuka, gathered up his uniform, so he could change into it. He walked back over to Soubi, not really thinking. He leaned over, and kissed Soubi, before walking off and heading for the bathroom. Soubi just smiled, and once the younger boy left the room, he got ready for the day.
Because the weather was warming up, Soubi's usual attire of long sleeves was put away until he needed them again. He wore them when it was cold, or brisk, but not while it was so hot. He also wore them when he was hurt, which was becoming more rare, since Ritsuka was becoming stronger. He still wore similar clothing during the summer, still candy colored and pastel, but they were lighter, better suited for the summer months. He gathered his long hair into a ponytail, it wasn't to much longer than it was a few years ago, but still it was a little longer. He shuffled downstairs to throw something together for breakfast.
Meanwhile, Ritsuka gathered himself. The warm water hit his skin, it was relaxing. The steam helped clear his mind. He was so frazzled lately, nothing made sense. School was boring, his high grades didn't show how bored he truly was with school. Yuiko and Yayoi helped ease the pain of boredom. They were a handful.
Soubi kept flooding his mind, making it impossible to focus on any one thing. He'd talk to Katsuko-sensei about it. He still visited his therapist, though it wasn't for the same reasons. Every two weeks, they would hang out together and talk, more like two close friends would. Of course, she still helped him with his problems, but since Soubi had been around, they decreased, and the hour long sessions became lighter, and more about other things.
Ritsuka looked forward to them, he could clear his mind of other things, and he rarely thought of Soubi. He hadn't introduced his fighter to Katsuko-sensei, he needed to do that eventually. But what would he introduce Soubi as? His guardian? He sighed a little, and leaned against the pale tiling. It was cold against his skin, even though the shower was warm, borderline hot. His hair looked much longer when it was wet, much like Seimei's. He had never noticed it until someone else had pointed it out. He sighed, and pushed himself off the tiled wall and continued to clean up. He would have enough time to worry about such trivial matters later. Right now, he had to figure out how to get through school with out Soubi haunting his mind.
He stepped out of the shower, not long after cutting of his thoughts, and dried off. Soubi was downstairs, in the kitchen. Ritsuka had gotten use to hearing the creaking of the floor below him, and could tell where people were in the house. Anyone could if they stayed somewhere long enough, it was a natural thing to do. Ritsuka looked in the mirror, the cuts from their last encounter had faded, and they hadn't scarred to badly at all. The deep one that ran across his abdomen was noticeable, but you had to be looking for it. Soubi dropped something which caused a bang, it startled Ritsuka, and taking a deep breath, he began to dress into his uniform.
It consisted of four parts, navy-blue slacks, a white button down collared shirt, a blue jacket and a tie. For the summer, no one wore the jacket, and most kids left it at home. Ritsuka was one of those many. It was just too hot to wear them. He finished buttoning the top button on his shirt, and looked in the mirror, it was a decent look on him. At least he thought so, he usually wore long sleeves and pants all year round, he rolled up the sleeves during the summer on really hot days. The heat didn't really bug him any longer, neither did the cold. It was like he had adapted, and being a sacrifice, that was probably normal. He threw his tie around his neck, not tying it. He would later, he hated the stupid thing. He proceeded downstairs, knowing Soubi was waiting for him.
A/N: Well, I fixed the block text a little, I really hope it is easier to read now. I fixed a good portion of the mistakes as well :3
Anyway, thank you for reading this far! It means a lot, and I hope you enjoyed it :D