I wrote this oneshot (a while ago) with the theme of 'winter and end' in mind. Enjoy.

subside. limit.

(onesided Yuiko/Ritsuka)

Yuiko knew that Soubi was special on whole other level to Ritsuka. She knew that if given an ultimatum he would be the one that Rituska would choose; Ritsuka wasn't cruel, just oblivious. So she wasn't at all surprised when he immediately, frantically, clumsily ran off after hurriedly muttering that he needed him.

It was Soubi.

She knew that. It was a certainty – really.

But that didn't mean that she didn't hope that he'd look back at her like those shoujo manga heroes always did. And that's what made her heart hurt so much.

He'd left her behind.

She had asked him once, what is Soubi to you?

He, innocent as he was, did not understand the implicit meaning in her words. He looked at her, with one eyebrow raised as if the female mind worked through totally incomprehensible coils of consciousness. And then, he said, my older brother's friend.

She looked at his back, ignoring the pain coursing through her blood, screaming at her to cry out in pain. She repressed it and focused on the figure running further and further away. She stared as if her looks alone could will him to turn back around and show her that he hadn't after all, forgotten her.

Was it cruel of her to want Ritsuka's attention on her when in fact it was so obviously meant to be for him instead?

She didn't know. She did not want to know. She did not think her heart could take the pain just yet.

Even before Soubi, even when she was the only one that he had evidently tolerated, Ritsuka was never really hers.

And she was even farther away from him than ever before now. She stood there staring at the space that he disappeared into, the space in which his form vanished leaving nothing but the falling snow and endless stretches of white. The distance which was even now increasing was both literally and symbolically meaningful. She could not see his heart any longer. There was, in the end, a part of it which she probably would never be allowed to see.

Before she knew it she had stated to walk forward, faster, quicker, and more hopeless with each step, her footsteps leaving imprints on the clean snow just as they may have on another's heart, "Ritsuka..."

She didn't even know what he wanted from her any longer. He did not seem to need her any more.

Letting a gasp escape she shook her head vigorously. This was no time for self pity! She clenched her fist and tried to brace herself for an onslaught of optimism but it seemed that she could muster none. She slumped a little, her resolve weakening.

He was so sweet, so kind, so patient–

The pain squeezed her heart so tightly it oozed out to the rest of her body.

–she wanted him all to herself.

Listlessly she looked around but by then, all traces of Ritsuka was gone.

Perhaps it would have been better if she had grabbed onto him and never let go. It was what she should have done. It was what she should not have done.

Whatever it should have been, it was too late now. All she could do for him was just to sit and wait. When he saw her again, she'd put her most cheerful smile on her face and greet him.

But for now, she cried.

"Make some memories with me"

Disclaimer: Loveless not mine.

I realise this is most probably OOC, but apart from that I sort of like the piece. Personally, I really like Yuiko's character. But I won't divulge here. She deserves a big hug though.

By the way, I proofread this in a hurry. Any mistakes, big or small, or any comments on my writing style, characterisation etc. - just throw 'em my way. Concrit is more precious than gold. (I'm not so subtly asking - probably - for reviews. All comments are most appreciated.)

15/08