Disclaimer: I don't own Loveless, or the quote tagged "Bitter heartless bitch" I got from a FB group that is like words from my own lips, but many other aspects mentioned are mine.
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Chap 20: "Hatred is the word"
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Chipper Ritsuka spread several dozen photographs on the floor of Soubi's apartment. He was overjoyed Annabelle did not choose death and felt the need to review their memories together. Today he snapped shots on the way to and from school of himself and his five dear friends.
He sat in the center of the pictures while Annabelle and Soubi viewed from the couch.
Laughing Ritsuka said "Look there's you with Youji doing rabbit ears". Her eyes widened "That little…" she chuckled then pointed "Oh look that's one from the time we went to the Haunted House. Gah and there's one with me screaming. You're as merciless as me when it comes to pictures, gotta capture everything", he nodded. The photos she sent him were in the mix as well, including that of him and Soubi holding hands smiling after the Haunted House. "I'll be right back" Ritsuka said standing. "I promise I won't trash the pictures of me with weird faces". He pointed at her with a smirk "Better not" then walked down the hall.
As she looked at the photos, those of Soubi frustrated her beyond belief. The man with his well-practiced mask-smile was never real but for once in a while when he spoke with Ritsuka, but even with Ritsuka he pretended.
With anger boiling over she called out to the man who was now smoking while painting, "I don't understand why you think Ritsuka should believe you when you say you love him". He regarded her with contempt icing over dark blue eyes. What gave her the right to speak to him so, with such blatant insult to his character?
"Or that he should believe you about anything. From what he's told me, and from what I've learned watching you, yeah you "care" about Ritsuka, but it's just because pretty much his brother's dying wish was for you to watch over him. That's all well and good, but I see the look on your face whenever Seimei's name is mentioned". She glanced at him, "There it is- it's obvious you had feelings for his brother and still do, but now all you have is Ritsuka and he'll just have to do, as a replacement. Gods a replacement and Ritsuka knows it, he knows he's only a different version of Semei to you. It's beyond messed up. I just hope that when you find out Ritsuka can't be Semei and leave that me and his other friends can help him… I hope we can be enough." She clutched the couch cushion with nails pressing into the fabric. The age difference between Soubi and Ritsuka was not the issue, and Annabelle was old enough to believe strongly that it is unlawful in the ways of love to simply toy with someone's heart.
Soubi was so tired of this putrid child behaving as though she knew anything about him, or the ways of the world.
In a low tone he backlashed "Little girl" the words were as blades and how he wished they could be. "Ritsuka told me that you almost killed yourself, why not? You're weak and can never be what he needs." His icy glare fell upon her, but she did not falter, accustomed to such a glare from her father. Thinking back to the evening he spoke to her in this very manner and she became suicidal, she spoke through gritted teeth *"I've lost track of how many times in my life that I wanted to give up, but I'm still here. Don't ever tell me I'm weak".
They stared eye-to-eye until Ritsuka came out. Annabelle was first to look away, as Soubi knew she would.
Ritsuka felt the tension between them. After mentally debating between addressing it and leaving it be for now, he decided to talk to them individually when he had the opportunity.
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Ritsuka sternly told Soubi to stay in his apartment, "I'll walk Annabelle home, then come back here". Soubi nodded.
Walking just past the staircase he asked "Annabelle what happened?" "What do you mean?" "When I was in the bathroom something happened with you and Soubi, don't lie I know what I saw when I came out". She didn't care for the notion of lying to him in the first place, "I started it this time. I…"
I know he's been by your side longer, but I know what I've seen…
"I'm just afraid he's lying to you."
He looked down at black pavement "I know". Wanting desperately to believe in something he then said "Soubi's trying to protect me". "From what though?" He edged away from full truth, "Things he believes will hurt me to know".
"He doesn't trust me, and it's obvious he's the kind of person that has trouble trusting people, but I'm not going to hurt you Ritsuka… I'm just a limpy gimpy little girl" she threw up her hands dramatically. He chuckled, she smiled.
"I trust you Annabelle" he assured "Thank you for that".
After walking her home he returned to Soubi's, opening the unlocked door. "Annabelle said she started it this time, is that true, or did you say something again?" "You don't trust your friend?" "Don't give me that crap Soubi".
What detrimental influence she has had on him…
Ritsuka accepted his hand and they sat on the couch. "She accused me of the intent to hurt you, but what I want is to guarantee you never undergo any measure of the abuse and psychological torment you've already suffered", long fingers traced from his eyebrow to chin.
Falling into Soubi's arms Ritsuka buried his face in his chest; these great levels of devotion pulled him in two directions with powerful force, so much that he couldn't bear the backbreaking confusion.
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After bringing Ritsuka home Soubi called Kio. Joyously he answered "Sou-chan it's 12am, are you actually studying?" "Kio" "Oh what am I saying, you never need to study, not that you go to class all that often-" "How would you like to share a few drinks at my house?" "Hmm I have work to do… of course Sou-chan, how could I ever pass up this kind of offer? You buying or me?" "I already have a full case" "See ya soon".
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End of chap 20
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Hope you liked it, by the way only a few chapters left dears!