CHAPTER 88

Ryoma felt himself being woken up by someone rubbing his back and whispering his name softly. Instead of opening his eyes he let out a small breath and rubbed his face against the persons neck. "Sleepy." The cat muttered. He heard a chuckle and soon got a reply.

"I know. But everyone left half an hour ago and if you want dinner it's best to have it now. It's already 9 o'clock. Even Tomo has gone home for the night." Ryoma pushed himself up and used the back of his hand to get the sleep out of his eyes. Looking he was met with ocean blue eyes.

"Seiichi... When did you get home?" Ryoma watch slightly dazed as Sei smiled and rubbed their noses together.

"About 4 hours ago. You were fast asleep on Mitsu's lap and wouldn't wake up for anything. Not even when Tomoko and Keigo started to fight. I skipped dinner and slept on the sofa with you for a bit. So I don't know about you but I'm hungry." Ryoma's stomach decided it was time to announce that yes he was starving. The cat blushed and nodded his head.

With that they went and joined the others who were sitting at the table in the kitchen. Ryoma sat down next to Gen and Sei had taken the chair opposite the boy and next to Mitsu. Syu placed a bowl of raman each in front of the blunette and cat. Handing chopsticks to both he sat at the head of the table so he was facing Keigo.

Sei dug in straight away, while Ryoma watch him and then looked to the things in his hand. 'What do I do with them?' He thought in slight panic. Looking round he noticed Mitsu staring at him. "Can I help with something?" Ryoma asked. The Seigaku captain leaned on the table and laced his fingers together. Hiding his mouth behind his hands. Hoping the boy didn't notice that he found this amusing.

"Do you know how to use chopsticks?" All the others stopped the small talk they were having and looked towards the cat. Ryoma ignored him and instead stabbed the boiled egg in the middle. The cat smiled when it went though the egg and took it out the bowl to show Mitsu that he did it before shoving it in his mouth. Syu, Sei and Kei chuckled at the boy. Ryoma scowled and spoke in an annoyed tone when he realize no one believe he could use them.

"Fine. I've never used chopsticks in my life. Shan only taught me how to use a fork." Mitsu pushed his chair back and went over to one of the draws. Taking out the cutlery he passed a fork to Ryoma. "Thanks." The cat muttered, just as he was about to start eating properly he felt fingers go under his hood and unclip it, pulling down off his head.

"Who are you sleeping with tonight?" Mitsu asked as he sat back down. Ryoma swallowed what was in his mouth before answering.

"Syu." He said before stabbing some pork and shoving it in mouth. The tensai looked at the cat knowing that on Mondays he would normally sleep with Mitsu so he voiced his question.

"Saa... Ryo-Chan, I have a feeling you're just using me as an excuse of some sort." Ryoma looked at him with disbelief.

"What... Never." He said with fake innocence. "Why would I do that?" Syu opened his eyes and smirked at the cat.

"Yeah, I wonder." The tensai looked over to see Mitsu looking jealous. His smile widened. He loved it when Mitsu lost his emotionless expression and actually showed this true side. As he was about to carry on, Tezuka announce that he was going to bed and left the kitchen. Sei and Kei had both excused themselves not long after. When it was only Gen, Syu and Ryoma left it was quiet with the only noise of Ryoma on his third serving. Syu watched the cat and Gen was in deep thought.

When the clock struck 10, the tensai told Ryoma to go get ready for bed which left him and Gen in the kitchen. Syu just had to hope that Ryoma wouldn't listen in.

"Do you think Mitsu will be alright? I know Ryo-Chan's trying to make some distance between them, but it's just going to hurt both of them." The vice-captain sighed. He stood up and walked to the door only to stop and look towards Syu.

"I'll talk to Mitsu. You try convince Ryoma to at least stop pushing away. Even if he doesn't want to admit he loves him, you can always try and get him to at least keep the same relationship that they had before Keigo let the whole thing slip." Syu nodded in agreement. Getting up and following Gen up the stairs. Both wishing each other a goodnight before going to their room. As Syu guessed, Ryoma was already under the covers waiting for him to get changed and join him.

Gen had entered his shared room and took of his shirt and trousers before stopping to realize that Mitsu wasn't asleep. Since he was still moving under the covers more than he usually did and his breathing was heavier. Walking over, he stood by the side of the others bed. "Mitsu move over a bit." When he got no reply he sighed in frustration. He knew this was Mitsu version of being stubborn. Gen pulled at the blankets and joined the Seigaku captain on the bed. Slightly nudging the other closer to the wall. "You're upset." Gen whispered into the other ear. Mitsu kept facing the wall feeling the other's chest on his back and the breathing in his ear.

"I am?" He asked in a questioning tone. Gen lowered his head so he could bury it in the back of the others neck.

"You are. And it obvious that it has to do with Ryoma." Gen snaked his arms round Mitsu's waist and pulled him even closer if that was possible towards him. "Why not just give Ryoma some space. He'll be missing you eventually. Knowing it he'll sneak in at night and hug you or something."

"But what happens if I'm the one already missing him?" Mitsu felt lips kiss his neck as he felt hands do small circles on his bare stomach. The captain finally decided to turn and face the other. Gen had to admit, Mitsu looked different without his glasses on. Sure, he had seen him without them on before, but he never really took much time to take a proper look. Take one hand away from his waist, Gen brought it up to the others face. Resting his hand on Mitsu's cheek and using his thumb to touch the bruise on the captain's nose. The vice-captain watched as Mitsu's eyes started to close. Whispering a goodnight, Gen closed his eyes hoping that tomorrow would be better.

(Flashback / Ryoma POV)

Master let me sleep with him today. I don't know what was happening, but he said there was something he didn't want me to see.

Recently I walk on all fours. My feet and hands. It's comfortable in a way. Master gave me a jigsaw puzzle to try and solve. It had 50 pieces to it and the picture was a tiger. I didn't know at first what the animal on it was so when I did ask him he just told me it was one of the most beautiful creatures that ever existed and it was called a tiger. Looking at the picture on the box, I couldn't help, but agree with him. There was something about the animal that made it look graceful and dangerous at the same time. He then reminded me of a discussion we had when I was only four. I remember it sort of now that I think about it. This animal was the one that let me live. Master was watching from the chair which was in the corner. He was leaning forward with his elbow on the arm rest and his head leaning on his hand.

I didn't realized I zoned out until I felt a hand on my head and stroking me. I purred and leaned into the touch. When Master thought he had my attention he sat back down and I crawled over to him and rested my head on his lap and nudged his hand with my nose. Taking the hint, he caressed my cheek and smiled down at me. I could hear my master humming the strange tune again. Closing my eyes, I let myself fall into dreamland.

I woke up. I don't know how long I was asleep for, but I was now in Masters bed and in his embrace. Relaxing into it I watched the peaceful face he made. My most important. I could never replace this man who gave me a purpose. I love him. I don't understand what sort of love, but I would happily give my life just to see him smile.

I'm Beauty. I'm six years old and I no longer care where I am. If my Master is here then I know this place can't be as bad as I first thought.

(End Flashback)