Disclaimer:
I do not own Loveless or profit from writing this in any way, shape, or form.
Loveless is the property of Yun Kouga.
This is Fanfiction and, therefore, written only for my own amusement, and the enjoyment of whoever reads it.

Summary:
Of all the things Seimei values, control is one of the most important…
Past moments involving Seimei's connections to Soubi/Nisei/Ritsuka.


How to Command

"He who wishes to be obeyed, must know how to command."
- Niccolò Machiavelli


Outside of a slightly unkempt studio, which proclaimed in large letters 'ART CLASSES', a tall man with blonde hair sits patiently, awaiting the arrival of 'his' Sacrifice. Bandages wrapped around his neck, hiding the name he was 'given', violently carved into his flesh.

A cigarette hangs loosely from his lips, the thickly scented smoke wafting around his head like a dark grey halo. The man was without his ears, an 'adult', though he was barely older than seventeen. Half a block away, a younger man with black hair that fell softly around his face was walking towards him. A smile graced his lips, though it never reached his dark, controlling eyes. Ears still attached, not even fifteen, he exuded an air of confidence and power.

The blonde man stood, never meeting the other's eyes. The younger man stopped a few feet away from the blonde, "Soubi," came the cold, nearly emotionless words, "Get that garbage out of your mouth. I dislike having fumes desecrating the air I'm breathing."

The blonde quickly removed the cigarette from his mouth, "Forgive me, Seimei." was whispered and his shoes crushed it into the ground.

The younger, digust painting his features as the blonde called him by name, gave a non-commital noise and continued walking. Soubi followed suite, knowing by sheer instinct and years of obediance that he was to follow without question…


Two years had passed since that day, and now, a sixteen year old Seimei had just arrived at a large apartment complex. He walked past door after door until he stopped by one with the name placard, 'Akame, Nisei'. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he drew forth a key.

Inserting his key and turning the door open, he stepped inside, wrinkling his nose at the overpowering scent of candles. He held his hand against his nose, breathing in the scent of his own skin, anything to disrupt the irritating smell of the burning wick, and walked towards the kitchen.

Inside, sitting on a bar stool at the kitchen counter, eating something out of a bowl, was his Fighter, the one who, by birth, had born the Name BELOVED. To the far left of the fighter, a candle burned, giving off the scent of lavender.

Seimei sighed, "Nisei," he spoke, startling the young man at the counter, "Blow out that candle."

The older male, long black hair swishing as he spun around on the stool, glared at him, "What's wrong with it? And don't you know how to knock before entering someone's home?"

Seimei ignored the glare, "You are my Fighter, Nisei, I have no need to knock on your door. If I want to come in, I will do so. Now, do as I said, blow out that candle."

The Fighter huffed indignantly before jumping off the stool and blowing heavily on the candle, ousting it instantly, "Better?" he asked.

Seimei merely nodded and turned around, "Come, Nisei."

The Fighter sighed dramatically and followed, sticking his hands in his pockets as the pair walked out of the apartment, 'Duty calls…'


It was one day before Seimei was turning seventeen. He was sitting in his room, glasses perched atop his nose as his fingers ran over his computer's keyboard.

A slight creak gave away his younger brother as he crept into the room, which Seimei ignored, a small knowing smile on his lips.

Thin arms laced around his chest, and a cheerful, "Happy birthday, Seimei!", was shouted. The older turned his head around, removing the glasses from his face, "My birthday is tomorrow, Ritsuka." he admonished, smiling down at his brother.

"I know, Seimei, but… I wanted to wish you happy birthday before everyone else!" the younger said with a broad smile, his cat ears twitching atop his dark head.

Seimei smiled and pulled his younger brother onto his lap, sharing the seat in a way that he never would dream of doing with anyone but Ritsuka.

The younger laughed as he leaned against his brother's chest, then frowned slightly at the screensaver that adorned his brother's computer, "Seimei? What does this say?" he asked, confused.

Seimei placed one of his hands on top of his brother's head as he leaned back in the chair, "It says, 'He who wishes to be obeyed, must know how to command.' It's a quotation from Niccolò Machiavelli."

His younger brother frowned, attempting to understand, causing Seimei to chuckle softly, "Don't worry, Ritsuka," he said, smiling, though if it was a true smile, it was near impossible to tell, "You'll understand it someday…"


A/N: A two, possible threeshot.
Transferred from my other account.

Black Rien