A/N : Not mine. No money made. Many thanks to the author for her work and for allowing us to play with her characters.

Rin, I'm not sure you'll find this chapter angsty enough but I sure hope you will like it anyway. Promocat, thank you for your time and reviews. I really appreciate it.

Chapter 6 : uprooting a dispute

It took them several days to feel comfortable again with each other. Still, too much had been left unsaid and Soubi would never initiate any conversation that might potentially make Ritsuka angry or ill-at-ease. The teen was left to ponder how he wished to tackle the problem.

Soubi was an adult and it had been deeply ingrained from a young age what his behaviour should be like. Ritsuka felt his Fighter couldn't even fathom the kind of relationship he was considering. How was he supposed to explain it? Soubi always took it upon himself to never let his feelings show, to always put his Sacrifice's needs before his own, to conceal his true self. It was daunting.

He snuggled closer to him, buried his nose in the other's chest and felt his own body relax, surrounded by the familiar smell and strong arms. He might be acting as a big brother but Ritsuka's love for him was definitely not the same he shared with Seimei.

"Soubi?" he whispered, catching his attention. "What sort of relation do you wish to entertain with me?" he finally found the courage to ask. He saw Soubi smirk and reflected that somehow, saying it out loud sounded far much different than in the safety of his mind.

"Ritsuka... You're twelve. Don't misunderstand me, cuddling is fine. But anything else is sick."

The teen blushed scarlet and squirmed under the unwavering gaze of his elder.

"That's— that's not what I meant." he stuttered. "I've thought a lot about it. I don't like how Seimei talked about you. Or to you for that matter. You have explained," he paused, looked for the right words and found none "this," he added and pointed to his bandaged neck. "But I don't understand. This self-denial, this abuse, I can't stomach it. I know you feel differently but I won't ever consent to such a relation. I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to command you. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes," he answered lazily. "You won't give orders."

"It's more than that. I promise I will do my part in a battle. I am your Sacrifice. I will endure the damage and direct the fight. These orders, I can give. But outside these peculiar occurrences, I won't dictate your life. I wish you would do something for you, something— selfish. Please, shift your perspective because I don't want to be your sole concern."

He only felt his Fighter stiffen because he was curled up against him, an arm draped over his stomach and chest, a hand over his heart. It was becoming increasingly easier to perceive Soubi's mood shifts despite his passive attitude. He always tried very hard to stifle his emotions but Ritsuka was attentive. Living with his mom had driven the lesson home. The smallest change was a warning.

"Do you want me to spend less time with you?"

"Do you?" Ritsuka answered back. " I didn't mean I don't care." he elaborated when it became clear Soubi was not going to reply.

"Since we want the same thing, why are we even talking about it?" he finally enquired.

"Have I hurt you?"

"What is your point, Ritsuka?" he asked, efficiently dodging the personal question.

"You never talk about yourself. I wish you wouldn't step aside all the time. I wish you would do something for you. I wish you would shed this heavy clock of Fighter you always wore and allow us to know who you really are. I wish you would find a purpose outside the Spell Battles. I wish you could believe that you deserve to be treated as a human being. I wish you wouldn't expect me to be your master or to hurt you because we disagree. I wish you could feel safe enough to share your thoughts, opinions or desires. I wish you would trust me and treat me as a partner, as an equal, not a superior to be worshipped— because I'm not perfect. I'm not above hurting you, even if I don't want to. It doesn't make it right."

"You are very sweet, Ritsuka." He must have done something right in another life to have been gifted with such a Sacrifice. Such a beautiful soul, full of love and compassion. But indeed, he didn't understand. "There are many things far worse. I don't really mind, all the more so if it's you because you're a kind and forgiving— child." he added after a pregnant pause. "The wish to make you happy comes naturally."

"Go ahead, Soubi and say it. I know you didn't mean 'child'."

Soubi cocked his head slightly and looked straight at him.

"You forbade it. Along with a few other words." he replied. Sometimes, it was difficult to identify the limits because his Sacrifice's orders were often half-hearted and mostly given as angry retorts that would contradict his strong beliefs.

"I did not!" he spluttered, outraged.

"Shall I consider it wasn't an order then?"

"Of course you should ! You're an adult, you can say whatever you want!"

"Really, Ritsuka?" he purred. He propped himself up on his elbow, studied his features, their heads almost touching and smiled softly. Ritsuka tended to be very permissive and he was curious about where he would set the limit. The boy couldn't accept he willingly bore a chain, even yearned for it. His shackle was proof of his existence. A Fighter's fetter was unfailing. It was living evidence he belonged and would always be needed. The thicker the chain, the stronger the bond. Surely they could manage to strike a balance along the way. He had never hoped for a master like him. He hadn't known it existed.

And no matter how insulted he had felt when given to Seimei, a younger Sacrifice, he didn't mind in the slightest with Ritsuka who was still a child. It was so easy to love the boy.

Ritsu and Seimei. He had both loved and hated them. He had been happy when he had managed to please them. It was enough if they let him stay at their side, especially Seimei. Seimei had been his everything. He bore his name and he would have done anything for him, no matter how hurtful he sometimes were. Despite the agony of his faked death or the misery of betraying Ritsuka, Seimei had never had the intention of abandoning him. He was grateful for Seimei's need for him and the thick chain he had given him.

But Ritsuka, sweet Ritsuka, was different. Ritsuka was so young and already so grown-up. So adamant and so naïve at the same time. So independent and yet so needy. Ritsuka was a kind and soft heart in spite of his flaws.

"I love you, Ritsuka."

His Sacrifice's response was immediate and exactly as he had expected : a deep blush, knitted eyebrows, pinched lips, an angry frown, a darker shade of his irises. He was adorable. The boy averted his eyes and turned his back to him.

"I wish you would stop saying that. It's worthless if you say it out of a sense of duty or obedience. Don't love me because we bear the same name or because you consider me your master," he spat. "Love me for who I am. If you love me, do it from the bottom of your heart, as a unique person with his own individuality. Love me as Soubi, not Loveless. I won't accept anything less."

Oh, cute little boy. How could he not love him like that ? Talking about love always put Ritsuka in a strange mood. It was in those sparse times he showed his true vulnerability. It was during those times Soubi wanted the most to protect his Sacrifice. He nuzzled his neck.

"Who said I didn't mean it?" he countered. He was rewarded by the youngster facing him again.

Soubi could see so many emotions swirl in the depths of his violet eyes, so many questions there, tumbling against one another. His Sacrifice didn't know yet how exhilarating it was to abandon oneself to another. A fond smile graced his lips and lit his eyes. One day, when he would be older, he would understand and value the selflessness of such commitment. He kissed him tenderly.

"Hush now. You should sleep." he said, holding the teen closer.

They would find their way. Together, they would not be defeated.

The end