FicWad

Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Loveless!

He'd done it again.

Ritsuka, as much as he'd grown physically, was still a bit rash and emotional when it came to his friends. Soubi felt safe classifying himself in that genre now, although it had taken quite a bit of time and effort on his part to get the now prickly teen to trust him.

He enjoyed his quiet moments with Ritsuka the most, the evenings spent studying together or debating their theories on life and love. The young man still couldn't hide his thoughts from Soubi, much as it frustrated him, and it was always an easy win for Soubi.

He appreciated it that way though, knowing that no matter what, Ritsuka couldn't hide what he felt. He'd never been connected to anyone in the way he was to his current sacrifice.

It still caused problems when he shielded the fragile body, taking damage that should have been dealt his sacrifice, but he didn't let Ritsuka's rants bother him. What else was he supposed to do? There was so much worth protecting in that slender form, all his hopes and dreams for the future were intertwined with Ritsuka's health and happiness. He'd only be dooming himself if he let something happen to him.

Jerking himself back to the present, he stared at the scowling face seated across from him. They sat eye to eye now, Ritsuka having grown much taller in the last four years. Someday, if the boy ate right, he hoped to see him fill out a little bit. It was still a standing order though, he was not under any circumstance allowed to touch Ritsuka's mother, who still beat him if he chose the wrong food or enjoyed the wrong taste.

Ritsuka often preferred to just not eat rather than to cause her pain and inspire her wrath. It was beyond his understanding how the teen could live that way, half starving himself for her comfort.

But now, now he'd done it again. Ritsuka had once more thrown himself in harm's way to protect Soubi. It had happened once years ago, when they'd first started battling together, after a battle an opponent came after him with fists. This time though, not realizing what was happening in time, he'd watched as Ritsuka flung his body between the two fighters, falling to the ground with a thud as the punch landed. Soubi had been enraged, fighting back without thought until he'd felt Ritsuka tug on his pants leg, asking him to please stop.

Picking up his sacrifice he'd walked away without a backward glance, content to carry him until he'd squirmed and demanded to be set free.

Watching the figure stalk gingerly ahead of him, he made a mental note to assess the wounds on Loveless' body when they got back to his apartment. Ritsuka had been moving stiffly even before their battle, so he could only conclude his mother had been after him again.

Staring at Ritsuka, watching as he raised the cup of coffee to his lips to drink, Soubi continued with his lecture, hoping to make some impact on the grumpy, reckless teenager.

"Ritsuka, you know you can't just charge ahead like that. I'm more than capable enough to handle those situations, just trust me."



Ritsuka could feel his scowl deepen.

"What the hell am I supposed to do when you're about to get hit? Ignore it? Stupid Soubi."

It frustrated him to no end when his fighter injured himself on Ritsuka's behalf but wouldn't let him return the favor. Maybe silly Soubi needed to reread their job descriptions.

"You're supposed to let me take care of it. Now you're going to let me take care of your wounds, without complaining."

The dynamics of their relationship really had changed over the years. Soubi now felt comfortable enough to occasionally give him orders/, and while he was glad to see the blonde man less brow beaten, sometimes it got on his nerves when the fighter got demanding. He /really didn't want the blonde man prodding around on his sore body right now.

Especially not today.

His mother had been worse than normal this morning, becoming angrier quicker than she normally did. He really, really didn't want to deal with Soubi's displeasure on top of the pain he was already suffering. It was not going to make anything easier if Soubi knew it hadn't gotten as much better as he'd let him believe.

"I'm fine Soubi. Let's go get something to eat, I'm hungry."

Watching the frown crossing Soubi's face deepen, he knew that distracting him wasn't going to be an easy task. It never was, but one could always hope.

"That's not going to work today Ritsuka. Don't make me have to force you. I love you Ritsuka and am only worried for your well-being."

With those words the now only slightly taller but still much more intimidating man stood and rounded the table.

Body tensing, he jumped up and made for the door, praying for a clean escape before his fighter saw the many cuts and bruises littering his body. If he could only keep him ignorant for a few days they would fade, as they always did. He'd gotten much better at hiding his pain from Soubi. But apparently today was not going to be his lucky day, he decided, feeling the hand grasping his upper arm sharply. Gasping in pain before he could stop it, he damned the fate that made Soubi's hand land on one of his more tender discolorations.

Shit.

"Stop fighting me Ritsuka, I only want to take care of you. I love you Ritsuka."

Feeling himself being tugged toward the bed, he struggled, pulling his arm sharply and cursing the pains shooting through his muscles at the rough contact.

"Dammit Soubi! Who's the sacrifice here. I said no!"

Pulled tightly to Soubi's chest, held firmly in place as he was pulled to the bed, he sighed in defeat. It was all over. Now he'd have to placate a ticked off Soubi for the next few days.

"What are you so upset about Ritsuka? I've taken care of your wounds many times before."



Soubi knew that he was hiding something, had known it since the dark-haired teen had walked up to him after school that afternoon. There was just something about the stiff way he moved, the tender way he sat, that Soubi knew all to well. And now it was time to do something about it.

Pulling him to the bed, he pushed him ungracefully down upon it, a slight smile crossing his lips as he eyed the tangled mass of slender arms and legs that was Ritsuka.

What was he going to do with him?

He had plenty of things in mind, but he still wasn't certain his sacrifice was ready for those particular ideas. He was close, but still so awkward at being openly emotional that it was nerve wracking.

Soubi had spent many hours wondering if Ritsuka really cared for him, needing reassurances that his sacrifice didn't know how to give. He knew in his heart that Ritsuka loved him, some days though, some moments, he would just like to feel those emotions physically played out.

He'd had to restrain himself when the boy was young and tattered, bandaging his many boo boos and protecting him from those who would do him harm. Forcing his body to patience had become a way of life.

It was pure torture now though, to see Ritsuka, practically a grown man, and not know whether he could progress or not.

Perhaps it was time to take things to the next level, his body argued greedily, desperately craving the release only Ritsuka could bring.

Grabbing the struggling wrists, he halted them, smirking at the way one of his hands could still wrap around both of the fragile limbs at once, with room to spare.

Seeing Ritsuka blush at his prone position and turn his head to the side, Soubi started tugging at his shirt, undoing the buttons with one hand. In silent horror, he stared at the mosaic of blues, greens and purples that was Ritsuka's chest, silently marveling that his sacrifice could still move at all. What had that woman been thinking? An even better question would be, what had she been hitting him with this time? Most of the bruises looked to be deeper than they'd been in the past. Was he wrong in thinking that things were going slightly better for Ritsuka at home?

Had he been hiding the truth from him?

Come to think of it, it had been quite awhile since he'd seen Ritsuka when he wasn't fully clothed. Was this the reason?

"Ritsuka," the name breathed across his lips, all his pain breaking free in that single sound.

"It's okay Soubi, it's no big deal. Mom just had a worse morning than usual."

Looking up, he saw the violet eyes clench shut, red still flooding Ritsuka's features as he tried to bury his face more firmly in the pile of pillows surrounding him.

Eyes drifting down to the bare chest once more, he froze, realizing that some of these bruises were older than others, obviously half healed.

"How long have you been hiding this from me Ritsuka?" he whispered, watching as Ritsuka shuddered, pressing his mouth tightly shut, refusing to answer.

"I love you Ritsuka, I only want to care for you. Can you not give me the chance?"

Leaning forward he kissed his way across the discolorations, a lick here, a press of lips there, determined to ease the burden his sacrifice was intent on bearing alone.

Seeing the tiny nub surrounded by green, he nuzzled his way to it, teeth nipping the hardening nipple lightly. Hearing Ritsuka gasp, he smiled against the soft skin, repeating the nip before soothing it with his tongue. The body beneath him twitched, the faint red hue trying to peek through the mottled colors before him. Smirking, he ran his tongue over delicate ribs, pausing to lave the indentions between each one before moving on. He was rewarded with a soft moan from his sacrifice.

Spearing the small belly button, he swirled his tongue, retreating to place soft kisses on the crinkly hairline dipping below Ritsuka's pants. Tongue sliding suggestively under the waistband, he smiled determinedly upon hearing protests emanating from above him.

He would not be deterred so easily this time.

Tugging the pants down slightly with his free hand, he followed a particularly nasty cut around Ritsuka's hip, sucking lightly on the protruding bone as he passed. Turning the younger man he continued on to his back, shock stealing his momentum before he forced it away. Ritsuka's back looked even worse than his chest! That woman should die for the harm she inflicted on his Ritsuka.

Moving up to the bony shoulders, he pressed his cheek tightly to the trembling frame, wishing he could absorb some of the pain his sacrifice obviously felt on a regular basis. The order tore at his heart, ripping each time he could do nothing to stop this insanity, to end Ritsuka's hurt. It was humbling though, to see how Ritsuka could still love the woman, protect her even, when no one saved him from her.

Caressing his way downwards, he suckled on the scratch marks littering the shaking tender back, trying to soak the scrapes in his love, hoping to lessen the permanent scars Ritsuka hid inside. Slowly, gently moving further he felt his sacrifice arcing into the strokes of his tongue, the brushes of his lips, moaning softly. Seeing Ritsuka quivering beneath him warmed Soubi's blood more than anything he'd experienced before.

It made him feel fresh and new again, which he would've thought impossible.

Licking the waistband of his pants once again, he paused, waiting for permission from Ritsuka to progress. Sliding his tongue under the edge, he teased mercilessly and said permission came in the form of a long, drawn out moan, full of need and innocent lust.

Gripping the offending pants tightly, he tugged harder this time, completely baring the creamy thighs in one swift movement. Teasing the crinkly hairs with his hand as he drew it back up, he began his healing ministrations once more, tongue trailing further down, nibbling the base of the tail still present on Ritsuka.

Feeling the pale hips jerk, he paused and smiled. Maybe it really was time now, time to stop avoiding their desires, time to admit their feelings, time to put an end to this chaos that consumed them daily.

It was time to act.

Scooting lower, he nibbled one pale cheek lightly, tongue licking the exposed crevice. His heart sped up when he heard the breathy whispers of his name resonating faintly in the room around them.

Attacking Ritsuka with renewed fervor, his enthusiasm earned him another, louder moan as he neared his destination. Using his hands, he gently held the small globes apart, laving the tight opening at the same time, refusing to give Ritsuka time to think, time to deny what they both wanted.

Tongue circling lightly, he teased softly before dipping in and finally tasting his treasure. Pressing deeper he groaned when his sacrifice started begging, pleading for more. He was sure the untried young man wasn't entirely certain what he was asking for, but Soubi knew, he knew and would happily lead Ritsuka down the path they both so desperately needed to travel.

Moving one hand, he reached into the nightstand at the side of the bed and rummaged around quietly, fingers seeking the bottle that had been hidden there, unused, for many years. Finally finding the oil, he pulled back slightly, popping the cap and pouring some onto Ritsuka's arching back. Laying the necessary bottle back on the bed, he trailed his fingers lightly through the liquid, coating them thoroughly and drawing soothing designs on his sacrifice at the same time. One last lick and he pulled back, savoring the flavor of Ritsuka on his tongue but ready to progress to other things.

Kissing his way back up the knobby spine, he positioned a single finger at that same opening, pressing forward slowly as Ritsuka's breath caught. The warmth surrounding his finger pressed hard against his self-control, making him want nothing more than to thrust relentlessly into the tight body beneath him. Only his infinite love for Ritsuka was holding him back, being the one thread of his patience that would never snap. He had to wait, had to make this perfect for the young man, had to make him want more of this. More than that, he needed Ritsuka to want him, crave him, as he himself ached for the younger man.

Breathing deeply, he forced his body to restraint once more, taking his time to let Ritsuka adjust. Feeling him breathing once more, he stroked slowly, easily into the warmth, fingers angling slightly trying to find that one special spot, hidden within his depths, that one spot that would ensure his pleasure.

Hearing a loud gasp trail into a moan, he smiled, knowing that he'd found what he was searching for. Reaching for it again, he grinned, hand moving faster as Ritsuka fought for breath. Sliding a second finger in to join the first, he groaned feeling the tightness, the heat slowly driving him insane. He wouldn't last much longer. His long touted self-control and unemotional nature was nearing its shattering point.

Feeling Ritsuka's uncertainty melt away, he gasped as the younger man started responding, thrusting his hips backwards, searching for more. Spreading his fingers, he stretched the narrow passage, unable to wait much longer. Pulling out slowly, he smiled when he heard Ritsuka's grunt of disappointment.

"Hush Ritsuka," he murmured as he pulled the small frame to rest on its knees. "It's time. Trust me. You'll have all you want soon."

Leaning forward to cradle Ritsuka against his chest, he position himself against the begging entrance, body straining when he felt skin pressing against him, seeking, searching.

It was time.

Pressing forward slowly, he felt the warmth begin to engulf him. Moving infinitesimally, he eased forward, centimeter by agonizing centimeter. He had to make this good. Ritsuka cringed and stiffened against him, causing the already snug tunnel to tighten even more. Breath stalling at the sensation, Soubi stopped, letting Ritsuka get used to the feeling while he struggled to regain some semblance of control. Hands stroked the soft, scarred skin, comforting the younger man until muscles loosened and breathing resumed.

Hips moving once more, he pushed deeper, body aching to slam forward and drown himself in the warmth, the love that Ritsuka innocently offered. Finally in as deeply as he could go, he paused to catch his breath.

"Soubi," the breathy sigh whispered through the room, fanning his ardor like dried leaves on flame, desire racing through his body like wildfire.

Pulling back, he thrust forward experimentally, hoping his sacrifice was ready for more. At the surprised moan from Ritsuka, he knew it was time.

The fragile body beneath him trembled as he thrust, shaking uncontrollably when he found that spot once more.

Driving forward relentlessly, he felt Ritsuka tensing beneath him. Knowing he was close, Soubi grasped his sacrifice's straining length, running his thumb teasingly over the tip before stroking in time to his thrusts. Ritsuka's desperate moan sliding hotly through him, his hips jerked frantically, striving for the release he knew was close.

Pressing harder, faster, he drove them onward, aching already, but needing Ritsuka to reach the end before him. Gripping tighter, he stroked more firmly, praying for his body not to fail him now, trying not to give in to the pleasure which hovered so close.

Feeling Ritsuka stiffen beneath him was the sweetest sensation he'd ever felt; the stillness lasting only a fraction of a second before Ritsuka shouted his completion and convulsed in Soubi's arms. The rhythmic tightening of those nether muscles sent Soubi soaring over the edge, growling Ritsuka's name as he felt himself fill the trembling body.

Collapsing together, both lay still, gasping while they tried to catch their breath. Moments later, sanity somewhat regained, Soubi pulled himself from Ritsuka, moving from atop his sacrifice so he wouldn't crush the fragile teen.

"I love you Ritsuka," he whispered softly, tenderly in his ear before rolling to his side and tugging his still senseless companion on top of him. Wrapping his arms tightly around Ritsuka's middle he hugged him gently, now remembering how this had started in the first place. Mindful of the bruises, he tipped Ritsuka's face up to his, kissing the parted lips softly.

"Please be honest with me from now on Ritsuka. I can't stand the thought of what that woman's doing to you. Will you please trust me to help you?"

"Soubi," came the whispered reply," I love you."

Squeezing his eyes at the dampness that appeared there from the soft admission, he felt his throat working to contain the joyous cries trying to burst forth. Hoping, needing to keep Ritsuka safe, he decided it was time to broach the topic of his sacrifice's living arrangements once more. He sincerely hoped this time he wouldn't be denied.

"Would you like to come and live with me Ritsuka? You know you're welcome here and that you would always be safe here. Please say that you'll think about it."

Anxiously awaiting the tenseness that usually came with his request, he was pleasantly surprised when Ritsuka looked up at him, a look of complete happiness on his face.

"I know you'd take care of me Soubi. But who would take care of my mother if I left her there? She's not quite able to take care of herself you know. Who'd help her?" Ritsuka questioned quietly.

They were back to this again. Ritsuka's misguided concern for the woman who bore him and now beat him mercilessly. How he could still have affection for her was beyond Soubi. But if there was one thing he had learned over their many years together, it was that Ritsuka was all forgiving to those he chose to care for. And apparently his mother fit into that category, no matter how badly she hurt him.

Nuzzling the soft hair, he nibbled gently on one of Ritsuka's cat ears. He would be sad to see them go. They moved sluggishly now, unable to twitch as was their norm when Ritsuka was thinking of his mother. Kissing first one then the other, Soubi pulled himself back to the task at hand.

"We could always check in on her Ritsuka. You could go by after school and make sure she had everything she needed. Surely your father could help a bit with the rest."

That man was about as low in Soubi's opinion as the wife, having stood by and let his youngest son be abused by the crazy woman he had married. It was a terrible situation and it tore at Soubi's soul to see Ritsuka bear the brunt of their anger and neglect.

"Ritsuka," he pleaded softly, "it hurts to see you this way. There are more bruises and scratches on your body than any child should ever have to bear. You should never have had to go through that, but you're grown now, you're an adult now. It's time to take back your life. Let me help you do that Ritsuka, let me help you grow as you should."

Soubi's heart soared with hope at the thoughtful look on Ritsuka's face. He'd never gotten anything but a no before and that Ritsuka was even thinking about it was a major step forward for their relationship.

"I could check her every afternoon? If she needed me I could be there?"

Soubi was startled out of his thoughts by the simple questions. His heart rejoiced at the actual reality of Ritsuka's thoughts.

Ritsuka was really thinking about it!

"Anytime you wanted. I have no ownership over you Ritsuka. If you live here you'll be free to do as you wish with no fear. If you choose to spend time with her, I won't stop you. It'll be your decision."

Seeing the happy look on his sacrifice[']s face, Soubi waited with bated breath for Ritsuka's decision.

He watched as Ritsuka stared at his face, wondering what was going through that beautiful mind.

"Okay Soubi," he answered softly, sweetly, his small voice quavering with the emotions behind it.

Soubi watched the trembling chin tip up and saw eyes full of questions and hesitations lock onto him, felt the fingers nervously clenching and unclenching against him.

"If-if you're sure you want to me to, th-then I'll come and live with you."

Relief rushed through him as what Ritsuka had said finally, completely registered in his stunned brain.

Squeezing his arms tighter for a split second, he was brought back to reality when Ritsuka yelped in pain. Cursing himself for forgetting Ritsuka's injuries once more, he pressed his lips hard against Ritsuka's in apology and in happiness.

It was finally time for /them/.




Things had gone more or less as he'd expected, once he'd finally gotten brave enough to face his mother. She'd ranted and raged but hadn't been able to touch him since Soubi had been standing protectively by his side.

It had been nicer than he'd expected, having the blonde man there. In hindsight, he was really glad Soubi had insisted on accompanying him. Judging from his mother's temperament, he would certainly have been in for a rough evening had he been alone to face her wrath.

He could still hear her screaming and throwing things downstairs, but that didn't matter anymore. He'd managed to catch his father at home as well, and had told him that it was now his responsibility to help his wife. He'd informed him that he would be by daily, but that the majority of her care would fall to him.

Having steeled himself against the disappointed lecture from his father, and the hysterics from his mother, he was now completely drained. Sitting on the bed listlessly, he watched Soubi pack his things, nodding his head in response to questions of whether he wanted this or that.
It surprisingly didn't take too long to pack up what he wanted. He'd chosen to leave behind anything that brought back bad memories of his times in that house.

Glancing toward the desk, he dragged himself from his bed and opened the second drawer. He would definitely take all of his memories with him. Taking extra care he packed the files of photos, obsessing over their safety during the relatively short trip.

Deciding they had packed everything of value to him, he motioned Soubi toward the door, following him slowly. Turning back in the doorway, he glanced around the room that had once been his home, his one safe haven in the madness that had been his life. Mentally telling it farewell he took a deep breath before switching off the light and closing the door.

It felt amazing and scary all at the same time. He was free, free to be happy, free to live, free to love and be loved. He didn't have to be afraid anymore. But also, he now had to place his complete trust in Soubi, and love the man though he did, Ritsuka also knew that Soubi had lied to him countless times with no remorse. He only ever got recited offers of punishment, which he never enforced.

He would be alone now, with only Soubi by his side to guide him and keep him safe.

Really though, if he were truly honest, he'd been alone now for more years than he could count. The blonde man had stuck by him, honesty of a sort being found in his persistence. And that was something Ritsuka could depend on. Persistence. Consistence. If nothing else, he knew that Soubi would be there for him for as long as they were together.

Heart lightening at the thought, he braced himself and made his way down the stairs to where Soubi was patiently waiting at the bottom.

Here it was.

It was time.

Goodbye mother, goodbye father, he told them both stoically, while mentally kissing them, loving them and wishing them well. It still caused his heart to ache that he couldn't physically act out what his mind truly wanted.

It was okay now though, he had Soubi and it was all going to be okay.

Leaving through the front door, he cringed as he heard yelling behind them, shoulders stiffening at the first crash heralding the resumed throwing of his mother. Focusing his eyes steadfastly on the pavement, he forced his feet to move. One step then another, one foot in front of the other, until eventually, finally, he could hear the screams no longer.

The tension in his body slowly filtered away the further they got from that cursed house.

Feeling Soubi's skin touching his, he glanced down in surprise to see his hand clenched tightly, soothingly in a larger, warmer one. Smiling softly, he felt the love he held inside pouring from his very soul as he raised his eyes to meet the insecure ones of his fighter.

All would be well now.

It was time for them to move on.

Arriving back at the apartment, he smiled happily when Soubi opened the door for him, blushing when the blonde man carefully sat down what he was carrying and lifted Ritsuka in his arms, prepared to carry him over the threshold.

Tears filled Ritsuka's eyes and he buried his face against the warmth and softness of Soubi's shirt as his mind raced at the enormity of the event.

"It's all okay now. I love you Ritsuka, always and forever. I'm yours and now you're mine."

The tender words pushed him over the edge as Soubi laid him gently on their bed, caressing his hair softly while he wept.

When Ritsuka's emotions were spent and his eyes were drifting closed, he sagged back against the pillows, jerking in surprise at the warms words feathering past his ear.

"I think it's time to break in your new bed Ritsuka, the one we'll be sharing from now on."

Mouth widening in a grin, he pulled Soubi down for a kiss, ready to step into their future and embracing the beginning of their life together.

It was definitely their time, from that moment onward through eternity.



In the stillness of the night, Soubi closed his eyes enjoying the feel of Ritsuka curled in his arms. Soft snores echoed around the darkened room as he watched Ritsuka sleep, gently stroking the soft hair falling over those closed eyes whenever his sacrifice whimpered and stiffened. Ritsuka had been restless since the moment he'd drifted off, undoubtedly reliving his mother's anger and worrying about brutalities that would never again occur.

It had been an eventful day all around, from confronting Ritsuka's parents to breaking in their new bed, only new because it really was now theirs and not only his. By the time they'd unpacked and decided to call it a night, Ritsuka had been pale and trembling, obviously exhausted after the long days' many events.

Soubi had gladly lifted Ritsuka's slight weight, cradling him close to his chest and being mesmerized by the look of pure and total love reflected back at him. It had been wonderful, to be able to freely love his younger sacrifice without fear of retribution and rejection.

They'd finally arrived at that wondrous point in their relationship, the one where they could now be called lovers and friends above sacrifice and fighter.

Soubi had never experienced either classification before, even with Seimei, and it had frightened him at first. The depth of his feelings for Ritsuka had been dizzying, choking him with their intensity before he'd finally let them fly free and surround him, immersing them both in warmth and affection.

It had been freeing.

Never before in his entire life had he known it was possible to care so much, and be so absolutely adored in return. No pain, no restrictions haunted him, just love. His opinions now mattered, his thoughts were now welcomed, his actions, even when irritating to the younger man, were appreciated. It was all so different.

Feeling the body in his arms twitching once more, muscles tensing from hidden terrors, he stroked the velvety hair softly, murmuring sweet words and welcoming the snuggle that would come when the tightness passed.

It had all been worth it. Every insult, every time Ritsuka had pushed him away, it all had meaning now.

It was time for the two of them to begin living their lives, free of the past and looking only towards the future, dealing with what came with the surety of their love for one another as an anchor and as an incentive.

They could never fail now.

No matter what they wished for or hoped to achieve, all was possible as long as they remained true.

Basking in the warmth flooding through his body, Soubi finally closed his eyes, relaxing in the embrace and letting sleep claim him.

It was time, and he was finally home.

A/N: Please let me know what you think! This one sat on my computer quite awhile before I finished it and got brave. Thanks for reading!