behind great names, are great liars
(to those who love less, to those who love too much, and to those who feel nothing at all)

I.

The morning Ritsuka finds his name, nothing in him halts. Hesitates.
(It is not how he expected it to be. All sudden realization, passion---Fury.)

Instead, it is a white-wash winter morning. It is still and humbled and bright.

And for a moment, Ritsuka presses his ears against his head. Touches the sole of his right foot, and tries not to laugh from the irony of it all.

Because, as once spoken: Those who tread on those who love, tread on hope of receiving.

He pulls on his socks and shoes, his coat and his hat, and walks (as usual) out the door.

(Because, really, nothing had changed at all.)

II.

It said that their names are given to them before they are born.
(But Yamato doesn't believe a word of it.)

Because, when she first kissed Kouya, touched her naked breast (pale skin soft skin and she will always remember the first, softsad moan), she felt the impression that lie there, arching up as though to meet her.

"Ya---mato..."

(fate and destiny be damned, it was the placeholder zero.)

III.

Most of all, Soubi wanted to be needed.
(Possessed. For once, noticed.)

And so, when Seimei pressed the tip of the knife against his unmarred throat (young boy, dark hair, and eyes like the gods in greek myths), Soubi gladly embraced it.

(And for a moment, he was Beloved.)