Chapter 3
Shion wasn't waking up. Nezumi did everything he could-changed Shion's wet, snow-covered clothes into dry, warm ones, put the unresponsive boy in front of the old heater, and covered him in all the blankets he could find-but Shion still hadn't recovered.
Nezumi's hands were shaking. Maybe he had been too late. He placed a hand on Shion's forehead, brushing back his snowy white hair. His skin was cold.
"Don't tell me I've lost him…" Nezumi felt something warm on his face. It took a moment for him to realize that they were tears.
He blinked, startled, and a tear dropped onto Shion's face.
Damn. This was the second time Shion had reduced the unbreakable, emotionless Nezumi to tears—The second time the strange boy from No.6 had opened the well in Nezumi's cold heart.
'I'm sorry, Nezumi.' Was that what Shion had whispered? Sorry? Sorry for what?
Nezumi recalled the argument that had started it all:
"You're useless." He had been reprimanding Shion again, for some insignificant reason he couldn't remember.
"No, not anymore." Shion replied.
"Oh, really? What—may I ask—has changed, Your Highness?" Nezumi mocked, bowing slightly to his companion.
"I can do things on my own now. I've gotten a job from Inukashi and I've even managed to clean this dump up." Shion looked far too proud of himself.
'What's that look for? Arrogant little airhead.' Nezumi thought. "You're powerless. Stop trying to think you can do anything."
"That's not fair," Shion protested. "I've done the best I can with the little time I've been given."
"And yet you wouldn't be a match for a child outside this door, without me to guard your back and pick your battles." Nezumi shot back.
"Why would I want to be?" Shion retorted, starting to raise his voice. "I wouldn't ever want to hurt a child!"
"Ha!" Nezumi laughed wickedly, his voice dropping in contrast to Shion's. "It's that naïve idealism that will get you killed!"
"Well, that 'naïve idealism' saved your life four years ago!"
Nezumi's hand clenched into fists. That one had hit home.
Before he could even think about what he was doing, the stinging words had already left his mouth in a rush: "And I've saved you countless times in return! Face it: You're just a burden and you won't be able to save anyone! Not No.6 or West Block… Hell, you're not even going to be able to save your mother or that girl, Safu-"
He could still feel Shion's hands grab painfully at his shoulders, throwing him backwards.
Nezumi sniffed. "Idiot, what are you apologizing for?"
Beneath his trembling hand, Shion stirred weakly. Nezumi—so caught up in this thoughts—didn't notice it.
"Stupid Shion… I'm the one who should be saying 'sorry'…"