Loveless #9

[pinned_butterfly]

So. Another volume is in English. If you practiced Japanese more, you wouldn't need it. English manga is no good anyway; it destroys the flow of words.

Not that I would expect you to understand that.

It probably won't last in America. This sort of manga never sells. Practice some kanji and leave me alone.

Comments

[in_loveless_memory]

You're being quite negative about it, Soubi.

[pinned_butterfly]

[He looks at Ritsuka gravely.]

It doesn't use honorifics, Ritsuka. Would you talk to someone you don't know without honorifics?

[He would, of course, but that's not the point. The point is that English translation is pointless.]

[in_loveless_memory]

Well, yeah, but it's not that big of a deal, Soubi. Just use them in your head.

[pinned_butterfly]

It doesn't sound right, Ritsuka. The right sound is very important in any story.

[Yep. Soubi clearly knows everything about good story telling.]

[in_loveless_memory]

But the translations in books may be closer to what is said than scans since they're supposed to be professional translators.

[pinned_butterfly]

[He looks mournful.]

How can anyone become a professional translator of Japanese without knowing when to use honorifics, Ritsuka?

[in_loveless_memory]

Well... if we're together does it really matter? [His face is beat red. He can't believe he just said that but he doesn't see it as that big of a deal.]

[pinned_butterfly]

[Soubi's face instantly breaks out in a grin. His argument is pretty much rendered invalid at this point - Ritsuka says that he wants to be with him. He scoops him up into a huge hug.]

You're right, Ritsuka. It doesn't matter.

[See how easy he is to convince?]

[in_loveless_memory]

S-so easily appeased... [But he doesn't pull away because he's missed Soubi more than he ever wants to admit.]

[pinned_butterfly]

[Soubi only gives a soft snort in response to Ritsuka's bafflement. Maybe he is easily appeased, but that's because he has his Ritsuka in his arms now. His hand caresses the back of that dark head, the silken fur of his ears.]

[in_loveless_memory]

[It feels nice, to be petted, to be held. It feels nice to know that Soubi is with him again. He doesn't fuss.]

H-How have you been?

[pinned_butterfly]

[Soubi takes a deep breath. Ritsuka's hair smells like some kind of scented shampoo - strawberry scent, or maybe grapefruit.]

I've missed you very much.

[in_loveless_memory]

I-I've missed you to. I don't get to ever see you.

[pinned_butterfly]

[The hesitant way with which Ritsuka admits his loneliness breaks his heart. He squeezes Ritsuka tighter.]

I am yours. You must only call me, and I'll always come.

[in_loveless_memory]

[He sighs into the cuddling.]

But... I can't... I can't call you in- [His game. Because Soubi isn't there and that's where he needs him. He looks away. It's not Soubi's fault. It's not anyone's fault. It's simply what the situation is and the situation sucks.]

[pinned_butterfly]

[Soubi knows, he knows. A lump forms in his throat; the idea of Ritsuka alone, unable to call for him when he needs it, defenseless against those who might mean him harm...]

You have me while we're here. I won't let you go.

[in_loveless_memory]

[It...

It doesn't feel like enough. He can only vent about his issues here, he can't... He has Natsuo and Youji but Natsuo's first concern is protecting Youji. Kio tries to defend him but that doesn't do much in really difficult times even though he means well.]

Don't let go, then.

[pinned_butterfly]

[He squeezes him more tightly. Ritsuka's thin shoulders feel so utterly insubstantial.]

Never.

[in_loveless_memory]

Is your mun treating you alright?

[pinned_butterfly]

[He doesn't answer immediately; he's too busy nuzzling against Ritsuka's hair, his delicate neck with its soft skin, feeling those small hands clasped around his back, his Ritsuka, his tiny, beautiful Ritsuka. When he does answer, it's only in a small murmur.]

She's a foolish old lady. She doesn't concern us.

[in_loveless_memory]

[He's blushing deeply but doesn't pull away. He hasn't had this in a long time and it sucks. He misses being held like this, by these arms, by this man. Why must he like Soubi so much?]

Are you alright, at least?

[pinned_butterfly]

Yes.

[His reply is whispered, or more accurately sighed into Ritsuka's shoulders. But then he pulls away and holds Ritsuka almost at arm's length, his eyes searching Ritsuka's face and body.]

Are you well, Ritsuka?

[in_loveless_memory]

I'm... fine.

[He isn't. But he can't burden Soubi. Soubi isn't with him so he doesn't want the other man to worry.]

I'm not hurt and I'm not in any sort of danger that isn't what everyone else suffers from.

[pinned_butterfly]

[Soubi knows perfectly well that Ritsuka is not fine. It's not a Fighter's place to worry over his master when his master has told him there's nothing to worry about: a Sacrifice does the thinking, a Fighter protects him when it's needed. But this isn't just any master. This is Ritsuka. And Soubi is still under orders from Seimei to protect Ritsuka at all costs. His hands grip Ritsuka tighter as he frowns in dismay.]

Are you frightened, then?

[in_loveless_memory]

[He can't take it. He can't take how gentle Soubi is when he knows that Seimei rules in his mind. Seimei says "come" and Soubi obeys no matter how much he claimed to love him, how much to claim he was his fighter. Ritsuka had accepted Soubi as his fighter.

And was abandoned.

Intentional or not Soubi committed what the act he feared to have done for him.]

I'm fine, Soubi. Even if I were, which I'm not, you...