The Wounded

21

/Masamune's Point of View/
"Yes." He whispered tears, of what I hope to be from happiness, glided down his perfect pink flushed cheeks. Slowly I took his slender left hand and removed the ring from the box- which was gently placed on the floor next to my raven colored shoes. Looking at the slender hand in mine, I imagined the ring on it- showing the world that I loved and will always love this beloved person. And with the thought, I slid the perfectly sized ring down the corresponding wed finger . Quickly snatching his hand away from mine he covered his face, the ring shining beautifully on his finger. I eventually stood up from my proposing position and wrapped my arms around the shy man I've grown to love since my high school years. "I love you." I heard him whisper. "And I love you." I replied an instant later. The crowd cooed before dispersing back to their previous locations and activities. Seconds later, Yokozawa approached our location with a small smile. "Congratulations Masamune and Onodera." The little angel burrowed closer to my chest bringing out a chuckle from Yokozawa.

I thanked my best friend before asking him if he had any meetings this day. "Only one in about an hour or so." I groaned, that meant that I also had a meeting; being the first chair in the council, you had the most responsibility and more work to do. This was going to be a long day.

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After the meetings and paper signing I spoke to Akihiko and he agreed to bring Misaki over to our room for some quality time since they have not spoken since Ritsu's unfortunate experience... I walked back to the room excited to see the love of my existence. Nearly there I saw my smirking guards. "Congratulations Masamune. I saw the little shiny on his finger when you walked him back." I thanked them before opening the door to... not see the love of my life anywhere. "Ritsu?" I heard a shuffle in the bathroom, walking into it I felt electricity liven up my stomach. Ritsu was sitting in the bathtub washing his long hairless leg with a loofah. "Hey. I'm done with work today." He smiled up at me and motioned me to join him. "Come in. I can wash your back." I nodded. One by one I slowly took off my shirt, pants, and other garments before stepping inside the warm water. "How was work?" I shuffled against his chest before resting myself on him. "Boring, lately there has been many more attempts of trespassing. It's highly distressing to all of the council members and advisors. They think that some humans are trying to steal valuable items or kidnap Angels for trafficking" I heard him gasp and reach for the bar soap. "That's horrendous. What has the council concluded to do?" He asked rubbing the top of my spine in circular motions. "We've installed better locking systems, louder alarms, motion sensors, and even have more guards taking turns keeping watch. We have a curfew of 10:25 now as well." The slender fingers rubbed my back and occasionally massaged my shoulders.

Silently I confessed that I enjoyed the feeling of the ring on his finger against my back. "How was lunch?" I asked him. He exhaled a sigh on my warm back. "It was nice. I spoke with Yukina and Kisa, apparently they are throwing a huge engagement party for us in two days." They were going to throw a party, on a Thursday? "Are you looking forward to this event?" Shuffling a bit, he leaned down into the bubble pillow on the edge of the bathtub. "Of course. Though I don't see how I'd need a big celebration. Having you here is enough." I chuckled in content. "Misaki and Usagi, they will be here tomorrow to have lunch with us. I believe they will also be joining us in dinner." I leaned my head upwards and into his chest plate. "That's wonderful. I have not seen him since the day he told me about his mark." I felt his chest expand while he took a breath. "I told Akihiko that it would be better to wait till after we marked to bring you two together. I didn't want outside factors slowing down your healing," I held my breath. Would he be mad at me? Finally he answered, "I guess you thought it'd be better for my well being. Thank you for trying to watch over me in every aspect. Remember though that Misaki isn't a threat. I promise." I nodded in understanding. "I love you."

A chuckle was heard over the warm steamy air.

"I love you as well."

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Ritsu stood beside me, shifting with anxiety. "It's okay Ritsu. I'm sure you look fine." He swiped at me with his thin slender fingers. "Don't treat me as if I'm a woman who needs to be coddled !" Have I mention that was probably the fiftieth time I've reassured him? He denies that he is anxious about meeting Misaki again but I guess it can't be helped. "My apologies darling." A blush bloomed onto his face. "Idio-" "RITSUU!!" A person shouted before tackling Ritsu-who would have landed on the floor if not for me supporting him. I winced at the weight of the extra person hugging the love of my life as if his life depended on it. "I've miss you so much!" Ritsu agreed with the statement before motioning them towards our table. "Masamune," I looked at Akihiko as he walked beside me. "Congratulations."

"Thanks." He gave me a smile before we sat down beside our mates. "Are you serious! Lemme see!" Misaki demanded holding his hand out, which Ritsu placed his own hand in- displaying the ring. I smirked at the red that invaded Ritsu's face. "Oh Ritsu, it's lovely! Usagi-san gave me something as well." The other brunette pulled out a chain around his neck, presenting a feather. I tensed at it, glancing at Akihiko I mentally asked him if they really did that process. He only nodded at me. "That's cool! What does it mean? Where did he get it?" My beloved looked up at me from the feather and smiled lighting up the room. "It's one of Akihiko's feathers. It shows trust and loyalty. Feathers can become loose and fall but if one plucks them out, it's almost as special as touching the feathers." I explained earning a nod from Ritsu. "That's lovely. Did it hurt Usami-san?" Akihiko merely glanced at Misaki, "It did not, but if it did, it would be worth it." Misaki stared at Usami with a blush on his face. "So let's start eating guys!" Ritsu smiled at everyone before grabbing a big spoon and scooping out some of the fruit salad that was brought to the table by the waiter before the other two arrived.

"Would anyone like some?" A few nods were seen before three plates were placed near Ritsu's hand. "Oh okay. Is there anything you guys don't like in specific from the fruit salad?" He received a 'No' from all of us. Nodding he scooped fruits for all of us before placing the spoon down back into the bowl. "Thank you." "Thanks Ritsu-San!" Ritsu flashed a smile at everyone of us before replying,

"It's not a problem guys!"

At that moment, I knew he would have me on hands and knees for him in a flash with that smile. His smile brightened everything and the ring on his finger was displayed perfectly, not that it could dull his radiance and beauty. Absentmindedly I stabbed a raspberry with my small fork and brought it between my lips then pulling away chewing on the evenly tart and sweet fruit. Then staring intently at my fiancé I watched as he conversed with the occupants at the table, which only consisted of Myself, Akihiko, and Misaki. I watched as he fingered the ring before he, himself, began to eat some fruit. He first picked out the blueberries, then the pineapples, next the dragon fruit, and so on. This action itself made me love him even more.

I, Masamune Takano, am in love with Onodera Ritsu. I love him now and will forever love him.