The Supreme Court was lavish in design. Decorated in red and gold silk, the Judge's Bench was located in the center of the room, standing five feet tall, and seated for three people. In front of that was a lower seating for the Chambers Legal Officers and Court Clerk, on either side of those seats were the representatives of States and Defense. Ritsu had learned that not all of these people were Vampires, many humans knew the existence of the supernatural in their world, and instead of exposing them or haunting them down; they've decided to work together.

There was still much Ritsu didn't know about the legal system. He was still learning from his uncles and sometimes – when his Grandfather wasn't busy – Suoh would teach him a thing or two. But it wasn't a walk in the park. Apparently, Vampires had twice as many Laws than humans, and seventy-five percent of those laws were inhumane. Ryuki helped him understand why in simple words; "Humans simply fear us."

Ritsu winces in discomfort. Oh, how he wished he could sit in one of those comfortable chairs down below. Instead, he was stuck on one of the beams in the ceiling rafters, on his stomach, with his head peering over the wood, while his uncles were squished beside him, their eager eyes locked down on the Supreme Court. He desperately wanted to shift away, but his uncles had a tight hold on his back, and even though he could shift without them, they had warned him that he would pay dearly.

Ritsu pales. Why did they always threaten him with Masamune? Damn it! He had to stop reacting to his name!

"Look," Ryuki whispers to his left, "they're coming in."

Sure enough, the room started filling with both Vampires and humans. Women and men took their respective seating and started conversing amongst their own kind. It was obvious how the humans nearly refused to acknowledge the Vampires. Ritsu wondered why they even bothered to work together at all with all this tension in the room.

When he spots Masamune and Yokozawa entering the room, Ritsu's heart nearly burst out of his chest. Masamune looked…apathetic. It was the only word he could describe him at the moment. It was obvious he was uneasy being in the room; like he was preparing for an upcoming attack. His gaze was hard, his shoulders set back, and he only spoke to Yokozawa.

"All rise," A human states out. Everyone did as told. Suoh Onodera enters the room along with two others on each side. The one on his left was human. He was just as tall as his grandfather, just as broad of shoulders, but his eyes were light with critical amusement and his posture was relaxed. The one on his right was Vampire and he reminded Ritsu too much of Masamune. Dark features, handsome face, and his expression was cold and unreadable. Ritsu couldn't help but seek out Masamune. He and Yokozawa stood two seats away from where his grandfather would sit. That was surprising. He didn't know he was part of State Defense.

Actually, Ritsu shrugs, I don't know much about Masamune or his work. Despite being together for almost two years, Ritsu only knew that Masamune was a Clan Leader. He protects and provides for his people, he hunts Rouges, and he had an important role in his grandfather's army. However, what kind of role, he had no idea.

As soon as Suoh and the other two sat down, everyone followed. A vampire instantly drew up the conversation with, "What are our leads to MUSHA?"

Ritsu frowns with confusion. Musha? As in Japanese for Warrior?

Hours passed. Ritsu grew sick with worry as the room filled with angry shouts and worried speculations. One issue after another was brought up and Ritsu barely understood what they were saying with all the regulations and Laws. It was further proof that he wasn't ready for any of this.

And his grandfather wanted him to take over one day? Ritsu suppressed a shudder.

Suoh Onodera raised a hand to quiet the crowd. "Reports came in. Last seen in Paris. Now long gone."

Ritsu's heart clenched in panic. They already tracked them down in Paris? So soon!?

"What do you mean he got away? How is one Vampire managing to get away from a fleet of Elite Warriors?" A human barks out.

Suoh shrugs, "There were eye witnesses saying he wasn't alone."

The man scoffed. "How many aided him?"

This time a tired sigh escapes Suoh's lips. "…Just one."

Loud exclamations sounded all over the room.

Masamune leans back in his chair nonchalantly, as if the information didn't surprise him. Ritsu cocks his head at the action. He seemed more bored than interested in this discussion. Wasn't he concerned? Or worried at all?

A Vampire stands up, "Lord Suoh, this is serious. That Vampire has unimaginable power. His gift is said to be able to destroy us all. We need to find him and have him behind bars at once."

A human near the end of the room murmurs, "Why not just be done with it and let MUSHA destroy you all."

Suoh ignored the man and continues, "I understand that. I have an army searching the world as we speak. It's not easy when you're trying to find an ant in a large city."

Another Vampire stood. "My lord, what about the half-breed traveling with him? What should we do with him once he's captured?"

Ritsu frowns. Half-breed? Were they talking about Kiyoshi?

Suoh leans back in his chair, "…The law still stands. He will be dealt with once we have both apprehended."

The room became eerily quiet. Ritsu was about to ask Ryuki what was wrong when a human in the front stood up. "My Lord, we are still unclear about that Law. After the incident two years ago, do we still kill any and all new-born's created by Vampires?"

"Yes."

Ritsu tensed at the seriousness of Suoh's answer. But that wasn't fair! He thought he resolved this matter two years ago when Suoh agreed to keep the newborn's.

"Then why," the human continues, "did you keep those newborn's if the Law-"

"Those New-born's have already made progress. They now live peacefully in our lands and have new families. I will accept these but no more."

"…Or is it because of your grandson?"

Suoh glares at him. "What about my grandson?"

"Is he not a new-born?"

"What about my grandson?"

The man gained enough sanity to shut his mouth and sit back down.

"Let me remind you that Onodera Ritsu is the next heir to the throne and you will not talk blasphemy about him." Suoh's voice boomed throughout the room. "Do not forget who's in charge here."

Ritsu chanced a peek at Masamune only to find him glaring at the human also.

The human at Suoh's side chuckled, "Easy, my friend, he meant no harm. We must cover all things regarding MUSHA, no?"

Suoh scowls at him. "And how is my grandson apart of this?"

"He isn't. But the topic is."

Takeshi nudges Ritsu's shoulder, drawing his attention away from the Court. "Come." He whispers, "Let's get out of here." Ritsu nods gratefully. He didn't think he'll be able to handle anymore of this.

Ritsu grabs both Vampires and shifts them outside the room. He had no energy or control to shift them back to the mansion due to lack of blood, so this would have to suffice. Luckily, their transportation was waiting for them outside the building. They quickly maneuvered through the empty halls, cautious in avoiding people. However, luck wasn't on their side. Once Ritsu turned a corner, he bumped into the one person he wasn't ready to face.

Masamune pulls Ritsu to his chest, his eyes hard on his cousins. "What are you doing here, Ritsu?"

"M-Masamune!" Ritsu manages to squeak out, blushing at the intimacy of his hold. He tries to pull away but Masamune had a tight grip on his back.

Both Takeshi and Ryuki glare at him. "This is none of your business, Takano."

Masamune snarls, "Anything relating to Ritsu is my business and the fact that I found the three of you here - uninvited - solidifies my resolve. Are you two stupid? You know the consequences of sneaking into a meeting like this."

Both Takeshi and Ryuki growl in warning. "We're Elite Warriors. We never get caught."

Takano snorts. "You just did."

Ryuki suddenly smirks, his eyes calculated, "Would you really tell on your precious Ritsu? Imagine what they would do to him once we're in Vampire custody."

Masamune lifts a brow. "You thought I was going to turn you into Vampire Custody?" He smirks, "Hmm, I wonder what Lord Souh would think of this."

Before either Ryuki or Takeshi could respond to the threat, both Ritsu and Masamune suddenly shifted. Ritsu's head snaps up to Masamune and gaps with astonishment. Did he just...?

Masamune looks over his shoulder, "thanks Yoshino. And nice timing."

Chiaki's head pops up, a smirk on his lips, "No problem! Hey, Ritsu!"

Ritsu smiles sheepishly, "Hey, Chiaki."

"Kisa requested to spar with you later today."

Ritsu nods weakly, "Ok."

Grinning, Chiaki shifts out of the room, leaving Ritsu and Masamune alone. Ritsu peaks up at Masamune only to find his gaze focused in front of him. "Um, Masamune, I can't stay-"

Masamune stops him with a light kiss to his forehead, his lips moving. "I know. I'm just teaching those guys a lesson." Masamune closes his eyes and moved down to kiss his lips. "I'll return you later tonight." With that said, Masamune bents down and lifts Ritsu over his shoulder.

Ritsu gasps at the sudden action and holds on to his shoulders. "Idiot! You didn't have to pick me up!"

Masamune doesn't answer. Instead, he walks into his office and gently places Ritsu on the chesterfield. Ritsu blinks in surprise when Masamune walks off to his desk without a backward glance. That was it? He wasn't going to demand things from him? Beg him to stay? Shower him with affection?

Ritsu blushes at the last thought. N-not that he wanted it! He was just surprised Masamune wasn't trying anything. Usually, he couldn't keep his hands off of him.

Ritsu shifts uncomfortably in his seat, wondering what he should do now. Masamune had surprised him with this penthouse months ago and he and Masamune had been living here ever since. The best part about this gift was that it was located only a few miles away from his family's Church.

This was his home. But at the moment he felt like a stranger.

"...What were you doing at the Courtroom?" Masamune asks slowly.

Ritsu's head jerks up, flinching when he finds hard eyes focused on his neck. It was obvious Masamune was avoiding his eyes on purpose. That notion alone made his heart ache. This is why I didn't want him to find out… "Ah...My uncles forced me to go."

Masamune rolls his eyes, "Of course. Those two idiots love springing trouble wherever they go."

"They just wanted to know more information on Sa-MUSHA." Ritsu hastily stumbles, growing panicked at the way he almost slipped on the name.

Masamune's eyes snaps up to his, "don't get involved, Ritsu."

Ritsu flinches at this, surprised by the sheer venom of Masamune's order, and shocked at the fact that no memories came to haunt him the moment their eyes met. Masamune looks back down to his paperwork and Ritsu was left in a stupor. What the hell was that all about? Masamune was never this passionate about his safety on missions before.

In fact, what was it about Saki that had everyone on edge? He wasn't a killer - from what he'd seen - he was kind, and fragile. Though, he had to keep in mind that he'd once had him pinned down with a knife to his throat, but then Ritsu reasoned it was self defense. Vampires were after him and after learning that the man who rescued him was Vampire he grew defensive. But there was also the time Saki thought he was human and nearly drank him dry. However, he knew Saki needed it, especially when he was feeding for two.

Ritsu inwardly sighs, realizing what he was doing. He'd grown so used to making excuses for his memories that it started to affect his life.

Nothing makes sense anymore...

Masamune grabs his iPhone out of his pocket and dials a number. Ritsu looks on with curiosity as Masamune answers, "This is Takano Masamune."

"You son of a bitch. Where's my grandson!?"

Ritsu nearly chokes on his spit. Grandfather!? Why would Masamune call him of all people!?

"I took him in my care when I witnessed how unfit Ryuki Onodera and Takeshi Onodera were taking care of him." Masamune answers calmly.

"Bullshit! They reported you kidnapping-"

"I spotted them above the rafters in the meeting. A meeting they were not invited to." Masamune stresses out, "They forced Ritsu to tag along with them."

There was a long, tense silence, on the other side that had Ritsu gulping nervously. Then, "...Are you sure about this?"

"Affirmative."

"...I will deal with them. Have Ritsu back before this day is over."

"Understood." Masamune hangs up and resumes his attention on his paperwork.

Ritsu openly gapes at him. That was it!? No demanding him back? No argument over how Masamune was bad for him? He had never witnessed his grandfather and Masamune talk in a civilized manner before. Surely, Hell must be freezing over.

As the minutes rolled by in tense silence, Ritsu was left to wonder about earlier, about how he didn't suffer any memories when they had made eye contact. Was it possible that they were calming down? Were his efforts finally taking an effect?

Ritsu inwardly shakes his head at the idea. He doubted it. The last time he was with Masamune, the memories reacted horribly. Then why was today an exception? Ritsu racked his brain for any differences between now and earlier this morning. The only conclusion he could come up with was the meeting. Hearing about Saki, about how they tracked them down in Paris, put such a negative burden on him that he could hardly focus on anything.

Was it possible that this new stress was overshadowing everything else?

He stared at Masamune for a while, wondering if he should try it. What can go wrong? Ritsu thought sarcastically, remembering Masamune's distress. However, if there was a change in him, shouldn't he try it? Takeshi had always told him; 'If you don't take risks, you'll never know success'.

"...Masamune?"

Masamune froze. "...What is it?"

Ritsu takes a deep breath before saying, "Look at me."

Masamune frowns down at his papers, "why?"

"Please?"

Masamune cursed. Ritsu begging was always his undoing. Masamune looks up to catch emerald eyes staring back at him. After a moment, Ritsu's eyes widens and Masamune was forced to look away. "What did that prove?" he asked bitterly.

"...Something's wrong with me."

Masamune scoffs. "Nothings wrong with you. You're perfect."

Ritsu's eyes soften at this, his hands curling for his Mate. The memories did appear, however, they weren't as poignant as he was used to. Feeling hopeful, Ritsu checked himself. Physically, he was weak. He hasn't eaten in days, and that small portion of Masamune's blood was nothing compared to what he actually needed. Mentally he was exhausted and wanted nothing more than a whole day's worth of sleep.

Ritsu gave a long suffering sigh, "...Masamune?"

"Hm?"

"...Can I have some blood?"

Masamune instantly scowls, "Idiot! Didn't I tell you to take care of yourself!?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Ritsu waves it away. "I'm an idiot."

Masamune quickly calls for a maid and orders five plasma bags.

Ritsu scowls, "I don't need that much!"

Masamune gives him a hard look. "Yes. You do." Knowing he couldn't deter him in this, Ritsu slumps in his chair and pouts. He should have kept his mouth shut.

A few minutes later, two maids enters the room with two different types of trays in their hands. Ritsu glances at Masamune in question, wondering why they brought him breakfast as well, but he pointedly ignores him. As soon as the maids place the trays down on the table in front of him, Masamune dismisses them and moves to sit beside him.

Ritsu flinches slightly at this, suddenly aware of the heat pooling in his stomach at Masamune's close proximity. He wanted nothing more than to sink his aching teeth into that hot skin, feel Masamune's heart beating against his own. Ritsu couldn't help but side glance at him, jerking when he notices Masamune staring back with an equally heated expression. Ritsu quickly looks back to the meal, stuttering on how good the food looks.

"What are you waiting for? Eat."

Ignoring the heat radiating from Masamune, and the shivers going down his spine, Ritsu grudgingly takes a bag and sinks his teeth in. However, the moment the blood touches his tongue, Ritsu recoils from the taste.

Masamune frowns. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know." Ritsu places the bag down with a grimace, "It tastes like lead."

Masamune picks up the same bag and takes a small sip. "It's tastes fine to me. It's only three days old."

Ritsu shrugs, his eyes focused on the table in front of him, "I don't know. Blood, for me, it's...just...losing its taste?" He didn't know how to describe it. He felt like he had a mindscape of a human. The thought of drinking blood was...wrong. Horrid.

Masamune contemplates this for a few seconds before he responds with, "eat your breakfast."

Ritsu blinks at this. "Oh. Of course." Right when he was about to reach for the fruits among eggs and toast, Masamune drowns the whole bag. Ritsu's eyes widens at this. "Wasn't that meant for me?"

"I got a plan. Keep eating."

Still frowning in confusion, Ritsu finishes his eggs and toast by the time Masamune drowns the third bag. What was he trying to do?

Masamune sits quietly for a moment, probably letting the blood sit inside him, and then he motions Ritsu over with a wave of his fingers.

He does what is ordered from him and was surprised when Masamune drags him over his lap. "Masamune!"

Masamune ignores this and brings Ritsu's head down to his neck. Ritsu stiffens. "Drink."

Masamune's scent was already invading his senses and Ritsu was unable to hold his moan as he sunk his teeth deep into his Mate.

Masamune moans. "God damn it, Ritsu. You do it too gentle. I want rough!"

Ritsu groans in reply and bites harder, the wolf inside him growling with pleasure at the ferocity in which he was claiming his Mate. His claws dug into Masamune's shoulders and he moved his hips over his lap, earning a guttural moan from the Vampire. "Have you noticed," Masamune moans out, "that you always grind on me when you take my blood?"

Ritsu jerks in surprise, his first instinct was to lift his head up and gape at Masamune, but his mate had a tight hold on his head, pushing him down on his neck, urging him to take more. So instead, Ritsu ignores the lewd comment and focuses on the sweet taste.

After what felt like an eternity, Ritsu moves away from his neck and winces at the purple bruise. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

Masamune chuckles. "Don't treat me like a flower, Ritsu. I only felt pleasure, I assure you."

Ritsu blushed, "O-oh? Well that's good, um," Ritsu clears his throat nervously and looks away from Masamune's teasing gaze, "I don't think I'll be able to do that again."

Masamune pouts playfully, "why not?"

Ritsu looks back at him, gaping, "I'm not used to it!"

Masamune laughs, "don't worry, I'll make sure it's all you do."

Ritsu punches him playfully, "shut up."

Masamune throws his head back and laughs.

Ritsu couldn't help but grin at the sight. He was about to speak when he realizes…

I've been looking at Masamune this whole time…

Ritsu froze in shock.

Masamune notices and quickly averts his gaze. His expression turning a mixture of frustration and pain. "What's wrong? The memories?"

Ritsu shakes his head dumbly. How was that possible!? "Masamune!"

"What? Tell me." He rubs his hands up and down his arms, seeking to comfort him.

"Look at me."

Masamune blinks in disbelief. "No. It'll only make it wors-"

"Just look at me."

Reluctantly, Masamune does, and Ritsu had to gasp at the fact that; no memories came to haunt him. In fact...he felt so much better after drinking…

"Ritsu, what's going on?" Masamune reaches up to caress his cheek, concern evident in his eyes.

Ritsu blinks back into focus. "Oh, I'm fine."

"you're fine?" He says slowly, unsure.

Ritsu nods. "No memories."

Ritsu suddenly yelps as Masamune quickly reaches for his phone in his back pocket and calls Yuu. "Get your ass over here pronto. I'm in Tokyo."

"Wait! I'm not sure if-"

"I'm not taking any chances. Understand that, Ritsu." Masamune cuts off harshly. He reaches behind Ritsu and grabs another plasma bag. He sinks his fangs in and drinks the whole thing. Masamune maneuvers his head back to his neck. "Drink until you feel bloated."

Ritsu tries to push away, "but I'm already full!"

Masamune scoffs, "your definition of full is half empty. Now drink."

"But-!"

"Drink. Or…" Masamune smirks. "Or you and I won't leave our bed until your grandfather bursts into that room and takes you by force"

Ritsu chokes. Masamune took that chance to place his gaping mouth to his neck and bit down through flesh. Ritsu jerks, Masamune's blood flowing down his throat and he was helpless not to swallow.

A few minutes later, they hear a knock on the door and Ritsu scrambles away just as their butler, Samuel, opens the door to introduce Yuu.

Blushing, Ritsu gets off of Masamune's lap and looks away in embarrassment.

Yuu sighs deeply upon seeing Masamune, "I already explained-"

"Try now."

Yuu frowns. "Now? Is there something different than last time?"

Masamune nods. "We locked eyes for a full minute before Ritsu realized what was happening. When we tried again there was no pain. No memories."

Yuu frowns in confusion, "What's your theory?"

"The mind is only strong when the body is."

"Hmm, in some cases, yes."

"I made Ritsu drink three bags worth of blood and then some of my own, after the feeding, he gained more strength."

"But I don't think this may be the case. Why now? Why not weeks ago or years ago-"

"He hasn't been eating much." Masamune admits slowly.

"What do you mean?"

"He forgets to eat sometimes. I'm the one who has to constantly remind him." Masamune frowns down at him, "but even then I'm not here all the time."

Yuu scowls down at Ritsu. "Have you been eating properly?"

Ritsu ducks his head in shame.

Both Yuu and Masamune scowl. "If that's the case," Yuu turns to the butler, "Samuel, get me two more plasma bags and a full set of food for Onodera-san."

Samuel bows. "Right away, Sir."

"But I'm full!"

"No one asked you, Ritsu/Onodera-san." Both Masamune and Yuu said at once.

Ritsu leans back in his seat with a huff. I should have kept my mouth shut.