Disclaimer: I do not own loveless.
Warnings: sex humor and mild language
Notes: I'm not sure on how much I'm back. I'll be updating a few of my stories at random so long as nothing major happens to tearr me away from my computer. For now though I think I may have decided to turn this into a full story...
Soubi sighed mentally as he walked Ritsuka home. At this point he wasn't sure if what he was feeling was relief or disappointment. Ever since Ritsuka had entered high school he had stopped showing up with injuries and had been spending more time at his home.
A small soft snort of laughter draw his attention. "You don't have to mope this much."
"I don't pout."
Ritsuka stayed silent for a moment. "I'm sorry our night was cut short. Mother really needed some things from the store and I had to get them for her. She's still afraid of going outside at night."
Soubi glanced down at the two bags of groceries that Ritsuka was carrying and refused to let him help with. He had been leaving Soubi recently when his mother called him for what ever reason it was. Even though he hadn't shown signs of receiving any beating from her since he started high school Soubi still couldn't forgive her for the way Ritsuka was treated when he was so easily even if Ritsuka did himself.
Switching both bags to one hand momentarily Ritsuka fished his key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. Turning around he smiled at Soubi. "Thanks for the walk."
"It's the least I could do" Soubi did his best to sound nonchalant as he leaned forward to atleast get a good by kiss when a flurry of thudding footsteps approached then and a small woman tackled Ritsuka from the side holding him in a tight quivering hug.
It had been a long time sing Soubi had seen the woman and he watched as Ritsuka used his free hand to pat her on top of her head. "I'm home, I've brought the things you needed."
Not looking up she squeezed him tighter. "Thank God, I was so scared. I thought something happened to you and you'd never return again."
Placing his hand on her chin Ritsuka urged her to look up until violet eyes meet violet. "I'm here you don't need to worry I'm not going anywhere."
Seemingly satisfied the woman slowly let go of her son and walked inside her home again with Ritsuka following. Following the two in the doorway somewhat curious Soubi watched as Ritsuka helped his mother unpack the items she had wanted.
Satisfied that Ritsuka's situation was indeed looking better Soubi scanned the dark house. It gave off an oddly dingy clean feeling. At first glance one would look and see a perfectly clean well managed house but on closer inspection one would notice the fine layer of dust on may of the items and half the furniture from lack of use. The house indeed looked clean but that was mainly because no one ever used it the way it should with people living in it. The only item that seemed to be perfectly taken care of in the living room was Seimei's alter.
Turning around he nearly jumped when he found himself being watched by the woman. "Mother?" Ritsuka questioned from out of sight.
Turning her head she called to her son. "Did you bring a friend?" When Ritsuka replied with a yes her face immediately broke out into a smile as she walked up to Soubi. Walking up to him she bowed politely. "It's a pleasure to have you here would you like a drink?"
Unsure of what to do Soubi simply said that a water would be good. Smiling she ushered him to sit down on the barley used couch. Sitting down he couldn't help but frown, even now soft candles and fresh flowers adorned the alter. A new photo was in place of the last one he had seen there but nothing else in the room had changed in the slightest.
Turning when someone sat down next to him he accepted the glass of water. As far as he could tell she was doing far better for herself than last time he had seen her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Seimei's mother. This is the first time he's brought a friend home with him. I've always wanted to meet one of his friends."
"Seimei? No I'm"
"Mother have you taken your medication yet.?" Ritsuka interrupted Soubi be fore he could finish what he was saying. "You need it before you go to bed." Handing her a glass of water and some pills Ritsuka gave Soubi an odd look he couldn't quite read."
"Thanks Seimei." Handing the empty glass back she smiled once again to Soubi as she wrapped her hands around one of Ritsuka's like a young child waiting to be escorted to bed.
"Thank again for seeing me home tonight, I'll call you later." as Ritsuka left the room to escort his mother to bed Soubi finally understood what it was about the living room that had been bothering him so much. Seimei's picture was no longer in the alter. Instead there was a picture of Ritsuka when he was younger.
As much as he wanted to rush up the stairs and confront Ritsuka immediately about it he knew better and Ritsuka's message was clear. Walking out of the house he locked the door behind him and started out on his walk home. Puling out his phone he quickly typed a message and sent it.
[Ritsuka, why is your photo on the alter?]
Soubi never got a reply that night nor was their one their the next morning when he checked his phone.
