The soft, cat-like appendages retreating within the silky black strands that they were identical to. The boy looked around, more than just slightly nervous of the horde of people bustling about. Soubi had all but insisted that he come here together, but Soubi doesn't "insist" on anything. Instead he lets his master "decide" on what course of action to take, though he makes not so subtle hints at most irritating of times that he wants something.

For instance, today! It certainly wasn't his idea to come to this obnoxiously loud and unruly "hip" restaurant! Soubi had waited for him patiently enough at the school gates, wanting for the Saturday class to dismiss, and then pounced on him with this new idea. Rather it was more of a request of his, but with the way he dismissed Yuiko and Yayoi before they could offer to walk them home. Honestly, it felt more like it was a demand.

Fidgeting slightly, Ritsuka absently rubbed his arm as he looked at everything except the blonde sitting right in front of him. He winced the slightest bit as his fingers lightly brushed against the newest of injuries his mother had made. He had hoped it would have healed a bit by now…but at least it wasn't bleeding anymore. What was it that made her so mad this morning anyway?

Oh yeah…the painting. Soubi had been true to his word, for once, and gave him the most beautiful painting he had ever seen a few months ago. Unfortunately, the vibrant canvas was misplaced when his mother randomly cleaned his room one day while he was at school. Long story short, her Ritsuka would never ever hide such a thing, or steal. When he kept telling her it was a gift, she became enraged and threw so many more things at him this time. She didn't miss her mark much either.

Sighing, he shifted his weight for the umpteenth time and waited impatiently for their ordered food to come. It wasn't as though he felt particularly hungry, but the faster they ate the sooner they could leave. And the less he'd have to think about how much seeing Soubi made his heart ache. He wanted so much just to melt in the other man's arms, whisper back 'I love you' and keep him forever. But he knew he couldn't, Soubi belonged to Seimei after all.

The knowledge of who, in the end, held power over the blonde's heart was devastating. When everything was said and done, Seimei's word was still law. There was no denying it, and no way to get around the hideous truth. He loved his brother so much, but he still ached for something more. Deep inside he hid his heart well, even if he could hear it screaming at him every waking moment.

"Ritsuka?" The voice tore him abruptly from his thoughts, ripping him away from whatever plan he might have developed. "Is there something wrong? You look…"

"I'm fine!" He sounded irritated, and he didn't know why he felt so angry. He was actually relieved to be torn from his depression, but somehow he wasn't feeling at all grateful.

"I see," Soubi frowned, not looking convinced. "Ritsuka, what's been bothering you?"

"Nothing!" He felt himself slouch, slinking under the table as though he could hide himself. Thankfully their waitress interrupted, bringing their food that was erupting steam and the fresh smell of whatever it was they bought. He didn't remember, nor care, what it was he was eating; but he shoveled the food in his mouth to avoid Soubi's questions. When he finally realized it was pointless to ask, he sighed and ate slowly, watching Ritsuka carefully.

The walk home was a quiet one; Ritsuka still wasn't ready to answer anything. Strangely enough, Soubi felt mild relief and just thought Ritsuka was finally punishing him. He was doing the same thing he did: refuse to let on to what was going on. "Are you sure?" Soubi stopped when Ritsuka reached the door, knowing full well he wasn't allowed inside. The boy never paused or acknowledged him, and he took that as a 'yes' as he reluctantly made his way home.

Making his way around the house, he quietly checked to see the time while keeping an eye out for his mother. It was almost six; he only just made it. The sound of soft footsteps behind him startled Ritsuka and he gasped while his mother embraced him, for once in a loving manner.

"Ritsuka! My Ritsuka, you've come back to me! You must have!" She babbled on for quite a while, and Ritsuka was too tired to say he wasn't her Ritsuka. No, just let her pretend for now, it would only do her good right? "Ritsuka-kun! Go upstairs, there's a surprise waiting for you!"

Now somewhat afraid, he did as he was told, quietly wondering if this was another trap. What would the real Ritsuka do, obey his mother right? "Okay mom, I'll go right up," when she didn't look at all displeased, he smiled gently. For once he did something right!

He let himself be dragged by his mother up the stairs, but she stopped in front of his room where the door was closed. "Go in, Ritsuka!" She sounded absolutely thrilled, and was all but beaming. After he grasped the doorknob and assured her that he was in fact going right into the room, she ran back down the stairs muttering something about making dinner. So had she finally cracked?

When he finally stopped musing about his mother and threw open the door, the sight of what lie inside was almost too much to take! Gasping, he took ginger steps into the room, stepping as though the floor were made of glass and a misstep would cause everything to shatter. "Sei-mei!"

AN: Yes…That's where I'll stop it! Please review, and I will update soon!