"So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone." Shion said as he closed the book with a satisfying thud. Both Karans - his mother and the little girl from the neighborhood - studied his face with anticipation, like they expected that he knew how the story continued.

A sudden slow clapping coming from the door startled the three of them. Nezumi leaned against the door, still clapping slowly.

"Well read, your Highness," he said smirking, "you would make Macbeth himself cry."

Shion blushed at Nezumi's words. He knew Nezumi was teasing him of course, but the acknowledgement was nice anyways. Shion treasured every comment from the dark haired boy - even the sarcastic ones.

"Yeah. Thank you Shion," little Karan said earnestly. She smiled, before hopping up to leave.

"Hold on Karan. Let me walk you back," said Shion's mother, grabbing the child's arm lightly. The little girl nodded her head, and the two of them left.

Shion got up too and waved to them from the door as they walked home, hand in hand.

"Well," Nezumi's soft voice breathed behind Shion's ear, "those two seem to be getting along great."

Shion could feel Nezumi's hands press gently on his hips, notifying him of his closeness. Turning to face him, Shion closed the door. They were so close they bumped noses. Shion could feel his cheeks burning.

Nezumi grinned at his innocent reaction before moving away. He sat down on the couch and grabbed a random book from a pile nearby, leaving Shion still standing there - flush and flustered.

"Well, don't just stand there Shion. Don't you have dog washing to do tomorrow?" Nezumi stretched lazily, exposing a strip of his smooth, pale stomach momentarily. He smirked at Shion, who was gaping at him.

"R-right," Shion said quickly. He looked down as he shuffled off quickly. Trying to hide his further reddening face from the dark-haired boy, he jumped into the bed fully dressed and covered his face with one of the pillows.

After a little while, the room fell into comfortable silence. Shion relaxed and was just beginning to lull into sleep.

The plop of a book being set down came from across the room. Then, the soft woosh of the candle being blown out.

The bed shifted under the weight of another body and the creak of the springs tugged Shion away from the deep slumber he had been so close to.

"You forgot something," Nezumi's deep voice whispered to him. Shion's eyes shot open and found Nezumi's face only a few meger inches from his own.

"W-what did I forget?" Shion asked a little louder than he meant to.

"You forgot to give me a goodnight kiss," Nezumi smiled down at him and closed the gap slowly.

The kiss was sweet and innocent. But it carried a surge of incredible emotion - a surge of love.

Then, with some hesitation, Nezumi pulled away. Shion could still feel the tingling sensation of Nezumi's lips upon his own and knew the Nezumi probably felt the same.

"Happy Birthday Shion," Nezumi said. Then, he settled down next to the albino boy, cuddling him until the both of them fell asleep.

Hey y'all!

Decided to write a little something for Shion's Birthday. I hope you liked it.

Feel free to give feedback. Favourites are awesome. Reviews are a blessing. And Con-crit helps me improve! :)