Title: Quality Time

Anime/Manga: Loveless

Rating: T

Pairing: Seimei x Ritsuka

Warnings: Boy x Boy, Fluff, and incest.

Status: Complete

Disclaimer: I no own Loveless

Summary: Seimei comes home late from a spell battle to find Ritsuka being abused by their mother again.

With a sign the young cat eared boy removed his shoes as he closed the door as quietly as possible. He glanced at his watch and sneered. ‘I’m late. Useless Soubi. Weaklings like Kindless shouldn’t have taken more than five minutes. If Ritsuka’s been harmed because he made me late, I’ll have to punish him.’

A crash sounded from the kitchen. “Damn!” he cursed as he quickly strides into the kitchen. There standing above a cowering Ritsuka was their mother, knife in hand. Stepping in front of Ritsuka he swatted the knife from her hand and pushed her away.

She looked shocked as she saw him and cried, “Seimei! Seimei, Seimei! Where has Ritsuka gone? Why does that boy have Ritsuka’s face?! Make him go away! Bring back Ritsuka!”

Seimei glared at the woman and said exasperatedly, “Mother. Don‘t be foolish. He is Ritsuka. He doesn‘t need to change.” She stared up at him and ran off to her room tears streaming down her face. “Mother…” He heard from behind him and glanced back in time to see Ritsuka rise and try to go after her.

Seimei gently grabbed his wrist and shook his head, “Don‘t bother Ritsuka. She‘ll just hurt you again.” He looked so sad hearing truth. Seimei gave an encouraging smile and said, “Come on. Let‘s go to my room, so I can bandage those cuts.”

He lead the fragile boy up the stairs and to his room. He sat him on his bed as he rummaged through the nightstand drawer for his first aid kit. “Ritsuka, when she gets like that run and lock yourself in my room. I don‘t want you getting hurt.”

“I‘m sorry, Seimei.”

“There‘s nothing to be sorry for Ritsuka.”

“….Was she like this when “Ritsuka” was here?”

“Don‘t think like that. You are Ritsuka no matter what she says.”

Seimei finished wrapping the bandage around Ritsuka’s forearm and patted his head right between his cat ears and smiled gently. “Stay here with me tonight Ritsuka. We can do whatever you want. ”

Ritsuka looked up at him and smiled. “Would it be all right if you help me with my homework?”

“Of course. What do you need help with?”

“Math.”

“Hm. Your books are in your room right? I‘ll get them, you stay here.”

At Ritsuka’s nod Seimei headed to his room. He found the books easily on the younger boy’s desk. Above his desk sat the cork board Ritsuka kept his pictures on. Most were of himself and Ritsuka. There were some of Ritsuka and a girl from school. Osamu was her name if he remembered correctly. She was the one who started Ritsuka on his pictures. And there were even a few of Ritsuka and his therapist. Katsuko-sensei, she handled things well.

But the one that caught Seimei’s attention the most was a picture of himself. It was from a trip to the beach he had taken them to. Ritsuka must have taken it without him knowing.

In the picture Seimei was facing the ocean as the sun was setting, it’s warm rays casting an orange glow on his face, and lightly toned chest. The spray of the ocean had misted his chest. The wind had been blowing and was wiping his hair around his face which had the smallest of smiles, his eyes half closed. His ears were held high against the wind as his tail curled slightly around his thigh.

‘This is amazing. I didn’t know Ritsuka could take photo’s like this.’ He looked at the picture for a moment longer then left.

As he walked back into his room he saw Ritsuka sitting at his desk waiting. He smiled at the young boy. “Ritsuka, let‘s get started.” The boy scooted out of the way as his brother pulled another chair to the desk. As he set the books on the desk and sat down he couldn’t help but stare at Ritsuka. ‘My sweet little Ritsuka. So sweet and innocent.’ “Now where would you like to start?”

“Quadratic functions, it‘s confusing.”

Seimei glanced over at his beloved brother to see him flipping sheepishly through his math book. ‘How cute, saying he needs help to spend time with me.’ He smiled serenely as Ritsuka looked up at him and blush. ‘Seimei is so….beautiful.’ His blush darkened at this thought. “Ritsuka?”

“Ah! Y-yes?”

“We need to get to work.”

“Right.”

They worked on math for another thirty-or-so minutes. Seimei stretched with a sigh. “So Ritsuka? How was your day? What all did you do?” Ritsuka turned his swivel seat to face Seimei a bright smile plastered on his face.

“It was great! We had a history test and I passed! Me and Osamu took a lot of pictures today. The leaves are staring to change color so we took a lot of photos of them falling. We got up in one of the trees and knocked the leaves down and watched them fall. What about your day Seimei?”

He smiled at the boy. “Nothing to interesting. A friend and I went out to lunch. I apparently made someone mad in class, they came over to us and we got into an argument. I won of course, but I feel kind of bad about it. Their argument wasn’t very strong, it was to easy to prove them wrong.” Ritsuka stared at him for a minute.

“What was the argument about Seimei?”

“Oh nothing to important. Just on how a feudal Lord treated their vassals. He didn‘t believe me when I said to the Lords saw them as tools.”

“Shouldn’t that be obvious? I even know that.”

Seimei smiled and riffled his hair. “Of course you know Ritsuka. You’re smarter than most people I know.”

His smile widened as he hit a sensitive spot behind Ritsuka’s ear that earned a giggle. ‘Such a sweet sound.’ His hands went to the young boys stomach and started moving rapidly. Ritsuka laughed louder and tried to get away. “S-seimei! S-stop that it tickles! Ha, ha!” His hands moved faster up and down the little boy’s stomach and chest earning more laughs from him. “But, Ritsuka. You look so cute when you laugh!”

A gleam in Ritsuka’s eye was his only warning as the boy pounced on him, knocking him off his chair, hands flying to the tall man’s stomach in vengeance. “Ah!” Came his startled cry as the younger boys hands hit a particularly ticklish spot. He tried to hold in his laughs, but failed miserably. He let out a soft chuckle as the eared boy doubled his efforts.

When Ritsuka slowed for a mere second Seimei took advantage. His long arms wrapped around the young boy pulling him tightly to his chest with a smile. “I‘ve got you now.” Ritsuka rested his head against his chest with a contented sigh. “I‘m glad you have me Seimei.” Seimei’s smile softened as he nuzzled his head in the young boys soft hair taking in his sweet sent. ‘Everything about him is sweet. My darling Ritsuka.’

Delicate arms wrapped around his waist as Ritsuka melted into his embrace. ‘So gentle.’ Seimei’s right arm wound around the boy’s shoulders while the left traveled to rest on his slim hips and his hand loosely grasped his fragile tail.

His hand gingerly stroked the young boy’s head, finding a cat ear he made soothing circles on the supple appendage. An affectionate smile spread across his face as a quiet mewl escaped the boy in his lap. The dainty tail lovingly clasped in his large hand coiled around it. He kissed his beloveds brow.

Ritsuka slowly pulled his head from his brothers chest to study his face. The ethereal smile resting there mad his face redden. ‘So…so lovely.’ Slender fingers traced the contours of his elders face. ‘Seimei.’

A loud beep rang from the clock at the desk causing the two seated on the floors attention. “Oh, wow it‘s ten. It‘s time we take a bath Ritsuka. Let’s go.” He grasped the small boy’s hand as he strode to the dresser grabbed some clean pajama’s for them -Ritsuka had been spending so much time in his room he thought it easier to keep some in his room- and headed to the bathroom down the hall.

The tub was big enough for both of them so they often bathed together. They were family after all.

Seimei locked the door as soon as they were inside and had striped himself. Ritsuka on the other hand seemed to be have a disagreement with his shirt. He couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. The poor boys head was stuck in his own shirt. “It‘s not funny!” Came a angered hiss from the ensnared boy. “Sorry. Would you like some help?” A moments pause before “Please.”

The elder boy walked calmly to the petite boy in front of him and grasped the soft material in his hands and pulled it over Ritsuka’s head. “There.” He smiled down at him as he looked away in frustration. ‘So adorable.’ He ran the water in the tub to let it start to fill. “Continue undressing the tubs almost ready.” And Ritsuka did just that.

After a minute the tub was half filled so Seimei motioned Ritsuka over as he climbed in. Ritsuka carefully climbed in the tub in front of his cherished brother. Large arms wrapped around his stomach in an affectionate embrace. Nimble fingers gently rubbed the wash cloth across the boys pale scarred chest and stomach. A frown spread across his face as his fingers grazed the scars ’How dare she mare my Ritsuka. One day I’ll see to it she’s paid back double.’ It was a soothing, gentle action, meant to help the younger of the two to relax and forget about the earlier chaos.

Petite hands returned the favor after he was thoroughly rinsed of all the sweat and grime of the day. He was careful, tender, shy, and sweet. ‘My pure little Ritsuka, you’re breathtaking. Such gentle hands.’ The hands stopped as the small voice said, “Seimei, we need to soap up. So we have to get out.” “Right.”

Carefully so as not to spill the water out of the tub they climbed out together. “Go ahead and sit down Ritsuka. I‘ll get the soap and shampoo.” “Okay.” The slight boy sat on the blue bath foot rest to await his adored brother.

A minute later he felt deft fingers lathering shampoo into his silken hair. They massaged his scalp with fondness and care. He released a heartfelt hum of appreciation. One hand moved to a feline ear and compassionately rubbed from base to tip in caring fluid motions, making small circles. A sigh came from the frail body of the young boy. The hands left in favor of rubbing the knots from the his back. His lanky tail was the next victim, both hands vacated his back and clasped his tail. One sliding to the end in a slow meaningful movement repeatedly. While the other caringly rubbed around the base in a kindhearted bliss. His hands moved to the supple chest to rubbed gentle and smooth circles. They ran over shoulders and slowly kneaded the tense muscles into relaxation. They moved to his back and continued the massage with a smile on his face. The action elated a soft purr from the tiny boy. A moment more of scrubbing and then, “There. All done.”

Ritsuka glanced back over his shoulder at his darling brother and nodded. He stood up and ushered Seimei onto the bath foot rest.

Whereas Seimei had to rest on his knees to help Ritsuka bathe, Ritsuka had to stand up to reach Seimei’s head. Delicate fingers squirted shampoo onto tiny hands and gently got to work on the lovely locks in front of him. Lovingly running through his elders hair in adoration. Timidly thin hands moved to cup the supple ears perched atop the teens head. With the greatest of care they scratched, rubbed, and caressed the appendages. An approving hum was his reward. “Ritsuka you‘re so sweet.” It wasn’t odd to hear something like this from his kindly elder brother, so Ritsuka took the compliment with a certain pride, Seimei rarely complimented anyone. A moment later the lithe fingers moved to gingerly hold the fluffy, soft tail. His fingers racked through the soft tresses of his elders tail with warmth. One set of fingers moved to draw intricate patterns on the silky small of his back. He could feel the shiver go up Seimei’s spine. His little arms wrapped around the broad shoulders in the most affectionate embrace it warmed the tall teens heart. ‘You’re the most precious person in the world, my Ritsuka. The only one in the world like me. The world is for the two of us. Just you and I.’

The bath was over after a quick rinse down. Seimei turned to Ritsuka who had managed to get his boxers and pajama pants on while Seimei was already fully dressed. He grabbed the button up shirt from the counter and approached the small boy. “Here, Ritsuka, let me help you.” He slung the shirt around slim shoulders as agile hand went to work on the buttons. Hands touching the smooth skin at every chance he had. ‘So soft, so precious, my Ritsuka.’ He folded the color over as he finished and ruffle the slightly damp hair.

He slid a hand over one of the smaller ones and smiled at how his hand engulfed the younger boy’s. ‘Such tiny hands.’

The two walked back to Seimei’s room in a comfortable silence. Fingers entwined and slowly swinging back and forth. Seimei’s thumb rubbed back and forth along Ritsuka’s. Abruptly Seimei came to a stop at the beginning of the hall with his room. In a splint second decision he bent forward and scooped Ritsuka into his arms. “Seimei!” Came the surprised call from the eared boy. He buried his nose in Ritsuka’s slightly damp hair. His arms tightened around the boy in a possessive fashion. Tender lips planted a kiss on the crown of his head. With a feather like touch his lips set the most caring kisses to each cat ear, starting from base to tip, leaving a tingling trail. One of his hands grasped the young boys tail loosely as his thumb stroked the base carefully. ‘This is all I need in life. Just you Ritsuka. All I will ever need is for you to love me as much as I love you.’

He sighed in contentment as he started back to his- no, not just his anymore. Their room. It was both of theirs. Now that Ritsuka couldn’t be safe in his own room, it had become theirs. It was Seimei’s way of showing Ritsuka how much he loved him. He would hold, touch, caress, and embrace him. When with other people he wouldn’t even eat in front of them. Let alone touch anyone. But with Ritsuka…they shared a bed, a bath, and chairs all the time. It was only natural for him to adore Ritsuka. It was all his heart knew. ‘Loveless. Such an inappropriate name for him. They picked the wrong one. They must have gotten which Aoyagi boy mixed up. Beloved isn’t be suiting of me. Loveless: one without love. Ritsuka has love in his heart for many. Katsuko-sensei, that girl Osamu, even mother. But most importantly me. He loves me. Beloved: one who is loved. Heh. That doesn’t seem quite right. I love no one. No one but Ritsuka.’

When they reached the room Seimei set Ritsuka on the bed. He flipped the light on his nightstand and turned off the overhead light. The light from the nightstand cast warm orange ray upon the boys pale face. It looked like he was glowing. ‘Makes him look like the angel he is. My angel of light and innocence. All mine.’ He ruffled his hair as he sat on the edge of the bed. “You‘re too cute Ritsuka.” It earned him a brilliant smile from the boy, and it was all his. He planted a soft kiss, chaste kiss on even softer lips, and smiled at the boy. This smile was for him and him alone. No one else had ever seen it nor will anyone see it. It belonged Ritsuka.

He slid in behind Ritsuka and pulled him against his chest. “Time to sleep Ritsuka.” A sigh escaped the boy as he gazed up at the older boy. Sleepy violet eyes gazed into a carbon copy of themselves. The tiredness was obvious in the younger ones eyes. It was understandable. It was eleven o’clock at night. The boy was the furthest thing from a night owl. Before the boy drifted off completely he whispered in a cat ear, “Goodnight Ritsuka. I love you.” A sleep filled murmur came, “I love you too Seimei. G‘night.” And that was that. Ritsuka was asleep and Seimei watched him until he too drifted off with one final thought, ‘Mine. All mine’