CENTENNIALS
400: Artistic Differences
The corner of the drawing was sticking from one of the many folders that surrounded Soubi. Engrossed in his work, the blond never noticed Ritsuka pulling it out, mouth agape as he stared at it. 'W-Wow! S-Soubi! When did you...?'
Wayward strands of blond, having slipped from his messy bun, hung in front of Soubi's eyes when he looked up.
'Ritsuka?' Understanding dawned on Soubi's face when he saw what Ritsuka was holding. He sat back from where he hovered over his canvas, smiling up at his Sacrifice.
'I was hoping to show it only when I had framed it. I'm sorry.' A rueful expression momentarily passed over Soubi's face, but he was carefully emotionless when he asked, 'Do you like it?'
Ritsuka's lips moved silently, his eyes roving all over the charcoal drawing. Soubi had worked on it for several weeks, sitting up until the wee hours of the morning to painstakingly recreate every tiny detail he so adored about his Ritsuka.
'It's... beautiful, Soubi.' Soubi's smile was controlled, but entirely genuine. 'B-but...'
Searching Ritsuka's expression, Soubi encouraged, still smiling, 'But?'
Ritsuka blushed, seemingly torn between being flattered and feel exasperated. 'There's something missing...'
Wiping off his brush, Soubi turned to the teen. 'I know, Ritsuka. I couldn't portray the velvety sheen of your hair. I'm sorry' Sitting up on his knees, Soubi reached out to run reverent fingers through Ritsuka's bangs.
Ritsuka cringed away from the doting hand, colour standing high on his cheeks. 'Stop that! And stop apologizing all the time. You know that's not what I meant.'
Soubi was still smiling, his voice soft as he rose fully. 'Then, I'm sorry I was unable to capture the softness of your lips...' Leaning in, Soubi did not miss the opportunity to capture said softness with his own lips.
Although he stiffened, tail freezing ramrod straight, Ritsuka did not pull away. It was Soubi that ended the chaste but heartfelt kiss, not wanting to push his luck and anger his Sacrifice.
'D-don't just do... that...' Ritsuka sounded breathless. 'And that's not what I mean either!'
Soubi cocked his head, messy bun of hair flopping sideways 'I'm sorry. What do you mean?'
'Soubi!' There was a scandalized note to Ritsuka's voice.
The gleam in Soubi's eyes contradicted his innocent expression. 'Yes, Ritsuka?'
'Where are my ears?' Ritsuka shouted, blush surpassing scarlet.
Soubi smiled.
'Stop smiling! You can apologise now!'
A/N: Soubi would call the particular art style "post optimistic", I think. Thank you very much for reading!