DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to Sai Yukino and Kairi Yura, Kadokawa Shoten, Madhouse Studios, etc., i.e., not me.
I'm just borrowing them for a while to spin a tale
Submitted to the Saiunkoku Fic LJ's Fic Battle
Related to Prompts 69 and 95
149) Ryuuki + Shuuei: Overprotective Seiran
By firewolf
September 2008
"I've heard that you've asked Shuuei to stay over again tonight."
"What of it?" Ryuuki calmly continued writing, refusing to let the slightest twitch show his nervousness for having this confrontation at last.
"Ryuuki--"
Ryuuki laid down his brush and raised an elegant eyebrow at his brother. "Your bed partner has more permanence. But do you then begrudge me my brief dalliance for comfort and company?"
Seiran took in a sharp breath for this first time Ryuuki had ever addressed his relationship with Kouyuu. "Ryuuki--"
"I'm not jealous." Ryuuki told him firmly. "I'm in fact truly happy for you and Kouyuu. But Shuuei needs a friend too."
Seiran let his breath out in a long sigh. "I hadn't known before I committed myself, Ryuuki. And I really am sorry for Shuuei, but I'm not backing off."
"It would shatter Kouyuu if you ever left him, whatever the reason." Ryuuki fixed him a steely glare for that suggestion. "After the mess with his father and getting arrested… Kouyuu has so little trust in anyone anymore, Seiran. Right now you're the only one he will believe in."
"When Kouyuu loves, Ryuuki. He gives his all." Seiran told him with a touch of wonder in his eyes. "It is a precious gift I will not ever allow to slip through my fingers.
"But Shuuei…"
"You weren't to know. I was taken by surprise myself." Ryuuki admitted. "I saw him when he faced off Shusui and tried to shake her out of the spell she was under. I really thought he loved *her*."
"He fooled everyone…"
"Unfortunately, now he fools no one."
"Kouyuu really is trying to be kind to him."
"But that makes it all the worse." Ryuuki sighed. "I don't doubt Kouyuu has forgiven him—forgiven us for not being there for him when he most needed his friends. But we see *can* see that wall of hurt and distrust surrounding his heart, Seiran. Only with you do we see that wall dissipate. And of course Shuuei is so much more sensitive to its presence."
"And do you think you're doing Ran Shuuei any good with what you have with him, Ryuuki?"
Ryuuki looked up at Seiran in surprise. He hadn't anticipated this. That Seiran would be looking out for a friend as much as he actively looked out for Ryuuki's well being. "I would not set him aside for convenience, Seiran. Believe me. I care for Ran Shuuei very much too. And I believe he is in as fragile a state as your love."
Seiran nodded to him solemnly. "In this you are the stronger man, Ryuuki. And I too do not wish for Shuuei to be hurt anymore than he already is."
~owari~
Thanks for reading.
Cheers, firewolf
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