Author's note

Hello! ^^ It's time for a new chapter. Thank you again for following and liking my story and of course for your comments! I really appreciate them! :3 Sorry if I don't always answer everyone personally.

This chapter contains mature content. So please don't read if you don't like boy x boy action. XD

Concerning the next chapter… I'm not sure if I can manage it to upload it in two weeks. I'll try it, but I have a horrible shift schedule, we have summer season and I have another little job to do in my remaining free time, so that I'm not always able to continue this story nearly every day like back then when I started to write it. But I'll try my best to update as soon as possible. If I can manage it, I'll update in two weeks, if not, I'll definitely update in July. (Or maybe I'll upload a slightly shorter chapter then. I mean the chapters are pretty long anyway...)

Well, I hope you'll stay tuned.

Like always... I'm sorry if there's something wrong. I don't speak English. ^^

Until next time then!

Mother

"Who's there? Come out!" Nezumi voice cut through the air – as sharp as one of his knifes.

"What do you want, huh?"

Shion was stuck between a big tree and Nezumi's back. He wasn't scared at all and looked over the older male's shoulder curiously, not even sparing a thought about all those dangerous creatures that might lurk in the shadows of the forest. Furthermore, Nezumi seemed to be pretty sure that their follower was a human. But in contrast to Shion, Nezumi was at the end of his patience and threw his knife in the direction the rustling sounds came from. A frightened yell resonated through the air and the sharp metal got stuck in the trunk of a birch tree.

"Nezumi!" Shion yelled shocked and grabbed his shoulders, but the dark-haired ignored him and pulled his spare knife out of his pocket. The leaves rustled and then, finally, their follower crawled out of the bushes. A small surprised sound left Shion's lips. It was the tanned, long-haired teen they've met before in the settlement. But because of the whirl of excitement that old hyperventilating geezer had caused, Shion had totally forgotten what happened before their rescue operation.

"S… Simmer down," Inukashi shrieked with widened eyes, raising two thin arms in defense. "Oh my fucking god! What crawled up your ass and died there, Nezumi? Throwing with knifes!"

"What do you want?" Nezumi's hissed once more, but his tensed muscles relaxed slowly and he let his knife slip back in his pants pocket; then stepped forward to make room for Shion and to get his other knife back. "Why did you follow us?" he asked, pulling the sharp blade out of the trunk. It cut through the wood as if it was butter. Inukashi gulped loudly.

"Y… You didn't really want to kill me, did ya?"

"Why… did…you…follow…us?" Nezumi said word for word.

"You put on quite the show and then made such a quick getaway."

"Well?" Nezumi asked.

"You didn't introduce us."

The dark-haired affected a sigh and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb. Slowly but surely he developed a headache. It was simply too much for him.

"No need for it. I guess you know him already."

"Yeah, for sure, but you've awkward manners, stinky rat."

"And that coming from a snooping fleabag!"

"Nezumi!" Shion interrupted and took a few steps until he reached the short, boyish teen with dark waist-length hair, black eyes, jeans shorts and a baggy shirt. Never in his whole life had Shion met a more androgynous person.

"Nice to meet you," he said. "My name is Shion."

"I know," Inukashi answered.

"Then fuck off," Nezumi interfered in their conversation. "You wanted to be introduced. But there's no need for it."

"Nezumi! That's rude," the white-head stated and hit his friend's shoulder slightly – not enough to actually hurt him, just to bring him back to reason.

"He's always rude," Inukashi retorted with narrowed eyes.

"That's not true," Shion defended his love and sighed. He had the feeling he was caught in the middle, since he felt sympathy for Inukashi.

"I ask you for the last time! What do you want?"

"The little one's sick, okay?" Inukashi yelled with flushed cheeks.

"See? I knew you had ulterior motives."

"Well, so what! It was on the recommendation of that old hag! And my dogs also told me he's the right one for this job."

Nezumi clicked his tongue.

"No problem. Like I said, I'm no doctor, but I can take a look at your child," Shion said softly and smiled gently. "Just come to the ruins. We'll be there."

"No way!" Nezumi yelled. "That's not alone your decision, Shion!"

"But my first aid kit is there. I'll treat the child outside. What's wrong with you?"

But Nezumi didn't answer; he just turned his head away from the white-haired and clicked his tongue. Shion raised one of his eyebrows and sighed, patted Nezumi's shoulder a couple of times and gave Inukashi one of his disarming, charismatic smiles, causing the tanned one to gulp hardly.

"Until later then," he said gently and grabbed the paper bags filled with groceries.

"Y… yeah."

"Let's go, Nezumi," Shion said and thrust one of the bags back into the dark-haired's arms. They left Inukashi behind and set off for their home.

"Is that really necessary, Shion? Do you understand what you've done? You gave that mutt an invitation to hang around in our territory."

Shion's jaw dropped open. "What?" Shaking his head in disbelief he took a running jump at the little brook, this time without slipping. Nezumi followed suit.

"If someone asks for help, they'll get help! Calm yourself. I'm pretty sure they won't hang around in your so-called territory."

"Jeez, are you that dumb, Shion? Switch your brain on if you have one!" Nezumi gnarled. "You helped that old geezer and then you'll help Inukashi at home. You really want those people to pester us for curing their little aches and pains all the time, huh?"

"Oh."

"Oh!" Nezumi aped his lover. "You made a special effort in not using that gifted head of yours today, huh? And I've already told you I'm not a fucking people person, Shion."

Both boys made their way through the bushes and crossed a clearing with beautiful wildflowers. Shion gasped. Either he didn't see this wonderful sight due to his excitement when they headed to the Mao settlement, or they took another way back right now.

"Wow, this is amazing!" the younger gasped again, feeling slightly muzzy because of the flowers' heady aroma. "My mom would love this meadow. She loved wild flowers, especially asters – that's why she called me Shion."

"I thought so. And you've already told me that one," Nezumi whispered and placed the paper bag on the grass, stepped towards the astonished boy and embraced his lithe torso from behind. "It's a beautiful name."

Nezumi's lips were right next to Shion's sensitive ear, brushing the light skin with his hot breath, just to send shivers down the younger's spine. Purple eyes fluttered closed and a little moan left his throat once the older started to place open-mouthed kisses on Shion's neck. He removed the fabric of the white shirt a bit to expose the ecologist's shoulder, biting and nibbling it until the skin was slightly bruised. Satisfied with the red mark he had left, Nezumi used the opportunity to bite him a second time, since Shion tilted his head, permitting his lover to do whatever he wanted to do with his neck. Nezumi's slim but strong arms held the thin body tightly, nearly forcefully.

"You're mine," the older whispered hoarsely against the reddened skin; frightening himself with those words. He didn't know about his own possessiveness. What a terrifying feeling! Since it was his very first time being in love with someone, there was no way of knowing all those foreign emotions Shion aroused deep inside of him. Nezumi didn't want to admit it, but at the moment he just wanted to be alone with this precious boy. He wanted to hold him tightly, he wanted to hear his laugh and he wanted him to smile just for him. Shion's moans and his flushed face when he was aroused belonged exclusively to Nezumi. He bit his own bottom lip. His breath quickened.

"I need you, Shion. Now!"

"What?"

While pressing the obvious bulge in his pants against Shion's butt, needy hands ripped the grocery filled bags out of the boy's hands and threw them on the grass.

"What are you doing? We have to go back. Inukashi will—"

"We'll make it quick," Nezumi panted and turned Shion around. The younger gazed into Nezumi's eyes – liquid silver full of burning desire, full of powerful passion, like a gathering storm in a glass globe. Purple orbs flickered slightly as they observed Nezumi's facial expression. He was vehement like a wild animal, and Shion had never seen them like that before. Nezumi wanted him. He really wanted him.

"Nezu—" Shion started, but greedy lips prevented the boy from finishing his sentence. Magnificent purple fluttered closed within a second and soon the ecologist was melting in Nezumi's arms, absolutely enjoying their connection. It was a deep, slow and very wet kiss, and Shion didn't even recognize that Nezumi's skilful fingers unbuttoned his shirt quickly. He flinched slightly once he felt Nezumi's wonderful warm hands on his bare chest while continuing the passionate dance of their tongues, a kiss that caused Shion to get weak in his knees. A deep moan left the white-head's throat, swallowed up by Nezumi's open mouth. Elegant fingers unbuttoned Shion's pants as well, hooking into the waistband of his underwear, tugging it down over his lover's hips and thighs. Nezumi nearly dragged the boy to the ground, straddled him and kissed a path along his neck and chest downwards; enjoying Shion's smooth and lean body without excess, massaging his bottom cheeks which awaked the most primal hunger for more deep inside of his being. Shion choked out a husky whine, giving Nezumi the chance to enter his mouth with two of his fingers.

"Wet them properly."

Shion nodded, not able to even utter a word in response. His gaze was heavy lidded and yet so lasciviously, and while Nezumi's tongue dig in the boy's navel, Shion's hands reached down and buried themselves in Nezumi's long, silky hair, of course after untying it.

The fingers in Shion's mouth were more than wet now and Nezumi decided that they had enough foreplay for a quickie; therefore he fingered his slightly younger lover gently, loosening him up properly. Even though it was just a pretty quick lovemaking he didn't want to hurt him. But since they had an extremely extended first time not that long ago, Shion was still soft and didn't need that much preparation.

A soft moan escaped Shion's trembling lips as the other hand of his pleasure giver wrapped itself around his already slick arousal, collecting Shion's precum to use it, his own and a bit more salvia as a natural lube after freeing his way too long neglected length from the disturbing fabric of his pants and underwear.

After a minute, Shion reached down for Nezumi's head and brought him back to eye level, gazing into his lustful liquid silver, and suddenly unusually dark, clouded eyes. Gentle fingers cupped the older boy's delicate neck, pulling him closer to share another wet, fervently kiss. He pushed into the boy, slowly and yet with one single flowing motion.

"Shion!" he groaned. Finally! That was just what he needed right now!

Shion found the strength to put his slightly shaking hands on Nezumi's chest, slipping them under the thin, black fabric of the older male's black muscle shirt. After stroking the other's muscles he moved his hands around his lover, caressing his back – especially the scars – fascinated. A throaty moan escaped his lips, shocking himself. Was that weird sound really inside of him? But it seemed like that, judging by Nezumi's low giggle in his ear, followed by a groan when Shion moved his hips against the older male's groin, breaking the other's immobility. Actually, Nezumi just wanted to give Shion time to get used to the intruder deep inside of him.

"Nezumi," Shion murmured coarsely against the soft skin of the grey-haired beauty's neck. His lips brushed the Adam's apple slightly, feeling every movement – even the slightest twitching. The older responded with another loud groan and his first slow thrust, just to keep still again afterwards. The white-head whimpered. That was torture!

"Nezumi!" he whined before his mouth claimed Nezumi's, tongues tangled with each other. Both moaned, especially when Shion moved his pelvis once again, this time more intensive and in a circular motion. Heat flooded between his thighs, and he wrapped his legs around the slim waist of his lover, pulling him even deeper inside his warm tightness. Nezumi gasped into Shion's mouth as he started to thrust in and out of him, slowly at first; and the younger pulled him closer, his hips moving of their own accord while both boys' breathes came out in short, frantic gasps. Shion gave his body to him and felt himself floating away, as if he was completely lost in the other's being – his voice, his warmth, his touches. Nezumi filled his heart, and it was a warm and welcoming feeling which spread through his whole body until it reached even the tiniest cell. A moan left his trembling throat and was caught by Nezumi's soft lips.

"Shion…" the older breathed and closed his eyes, quickening his movements. They were so close. And it was hot, so incredibly hot and soft inside of his lover, and he felt how Shion's heartbeat slowly took possession of his whole being, causing an unprecedented feeling of warmth in his very core.

"Sh… Shion…"

Trembling fingers grabbed his hair, the boy threw his head in the neck and Nezumi watched his blushed orgasm face while he felt the sticky spurts of Shion's cum between their bodies; ignoring the fact that he was still wearing his black muscle shirt, which absorbed the wetness quickly. The younger bit his own fingers while the aftermaths of his climax still sent waves of pleasure through his whole entity. His muscles contracted rhythmically, which caused Nezumi nice sensations as well, but alone seeing the boy having an orgasm was enough to make him finish as well. Nezumi's white teeth bit his glistening red bottom lip while giving Shion a last hard thrust before spilling his liquid heat deep inside of him. He moaned. It was a leg-shaking, mind-blowing, holy-shit orgasm – better than every feeling he had experienced before.

Gentle fingertips caressed his hair, his face and shoulders while he fought against the trembling of his body. Nezumi opened his eyes and met sparkling purple ones. A soft smile played around the corners of the white-haired's mouth.

"Are you feeling better now?" he whispered and brushed one of Nezumi's dark-grey silky tendrils behind his ear, chuckling slightly once he saw the singer's blushed cheeks. His light grey eyes flickered slightly seeing Shion's white hair splayed on the rich green grass beneath his head, surrounded by vibrantly colored, fragrant wild flowers. But the most beautiful flower was Shion with his purple eyes and his ivory skin. It was Shion with the nearly translucent, shimmering hair and the most gorgeous smile in the whole world.

"Yes," Nezumi whispered barely audible and stroked those full lips with his thumb before kissing them anew; full of love and affection, and full of tenderness. After that he placed wet little smooches all over his face, causing the boy beneath his body to laugh happily.

"It tickles, Nezumi! Stop it!" he giggled, then grabbed his shoulders and gave him a serious look. "I mean it! We have to go! They're probably waiting."

"Geez, you're ruining the mood," Nezumi complained and pulled his still semi-hard length out of his lover. Both boys closed their eyes and shuddered due to their current over-sensitiveness. Shion gasped slightly and wanted nothing more than enjoying their togetherness for a another while, but the thought of letting Inukashi and the sick child wait for too long caused him a bad conscience.

"Business before pleasure, Nezumi," Shion said and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket to clean his stomach and Nezumi's and his own private parts, even though the older struggled a bit.

"Stop it! I'm getting horny again!"

"Jeez! I'm just cleaning you! You can't put it back in your pants like that!"

"Said the one who came all over my shirt, huh?"

"Waaaah? That wasn't my fault!" Shion shrieked, blushing right up to his ears. He covered his face with both of his hands, totally ashamed. Laughter dripped from Nezumi's lips. He raised his arm and ruffled Shion's hair.

"Come on, let's go home," the dark-haired said softly and dressed himself properly. Shion nodded and buttoned his shirt up. In the meantime Nezumi searched the white-head's pants and underwear, since he had thrown the disturbing garments far away during their lovemaking. He held them out to Shion afterwards, still chuckling from time to time, especially when he caught sight of the flushed boy who tried to hide his private parts clumsily.

"Idiot, I know exactly how you look like down there. And how you taste like…" Nezumi said and made a large step until he stood right in front of the smaller boy. A cheeky hand cupped Shion's private parts and soft fingertips started to massage the sensitive skin once more. Shion's hands found their way to the taller one's slim and yet muscular shoulders, a row of pearl-white teeth captured their own bottom lip and a slight dust of pink decorated his cheeks while he closed his eyes and gasped.

"Nezumi, don't…" It was just a whisper, barely loud enough for Nezumi to hear. "Don't tease me so much," he pleaded desperately while shivers run through his whole body. A heavy sigh left his lips and he lowered his head to rest it on the teasing beauty's shoulder. Finally Nezumi showed mercy and let his hands wander to Shion's butt, massaging the cute cheeks slightly.

"Too bad, you're so cute right now. I don't want to go home to that mutt."

Shion sighed in relief and grabbed Nezumi's hands to remove them from his bottom. The other yelped in disappointment, causing Shion to smile. Nezumi was totally clingy today. It was weird, but also sweet and it nearly broke his heart to upset him. He was all too well aware that Nezumi was moody and Shion wanted nothing more than give him all the love the other male needed at the moment, but he also wanted to be true in his words. Especially because of the fact that he was a stranger and wanted to gain people's trust, since he had to stay in the forest to the bitter end.

"Nezumi… Don't badmouth other people. I have the feeling I'm like a broken record. How often have I to tell you until you'll finally stop that?" he queried and managed it to put on his pants at last. He cupped the taller one's cheeks then and gazed into Nezumi's silver orbs before kissing him gently.

"Let's go back now. After treating the child we've still time left for a second round," Shion said with a smirk, rubbing his lover's back.

"Aha, listen to this!" Nezumi raised one of his eyebrows and grabbed all three paper bags. Shion stretched his body to give the dark-haired another kiss and took one of them off Nezumi's hands simultaneously. Both boys finally made their way back home, freshened up at the river and reached the ruins of the ancient library after another little walk through the late summer forest.

Inukashi and an approximately three year old, sleeping boy awaited their arrival sitting on a low ruin wall, together with the huge white dog from before, another older brown one with sad eyes and a little blackish brown ankle-biter with white spots. He growled once Nezumi and Shion stepped closer, hurried in their direction and barked at the boys while baring his teeth. But before the dog reached the boys, he suddenly stopped and lay down whimpering before Nezumi could even think about pulling out his knife.

"Good boy," Shion said softly and Nezumi noticed that the younger had stared at the animal the whole time. "No need to be aggressive."

"Heel!" A sharp command cut through the air. Inukashi leaped up, eyes widened. The dog hurried back to his master.

"Nezumi! Where did you find this airhead! Jeez, didn't ya know? Direct eye contact is a sign of aggression to a dog. Never look directly at a dog you're approaching for the first time."

"Huh? But it's a good dog. It recognized me as something like an alpha dog immediately."

"Alpha dog? You?"

"When you look into one another's eyes, you'll both sense the sincerity of the other," Shion said and tilted his head.

"Jeez, Nezumi! What's with that guy?"

"Not my problem."

"Didn't you teach him the forest can be dangerous?"

"I tried, but he does as he pleases. He's stubborn."

"Hey!" Shion complained and put the heavy bag down. Nezumi followed suit.

"Whatever!" Inukashi sighed, looking at the two of them annoyed. "Where've ya been so long?" The teen sniffed a couple of times. "And you stink! And there are leaves in your hair and pollen all over your back…" The tanned one said with wrinkled nose, tugging Shion's shirt a couple of times. The white-haired gulped and blushed slightly. He was horribly embarrassed.

"Knock it off and stop sniffing. You're a pain in the neck," Nezumi grumbled, rolling his eyes. He grabbed all three grocery bags and darted a glance at his roommate. "I'll put the groceries away, Shion. Treat the brat," he added and narrowed his eyes while looking at Inukashi. "And then fuck off! Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah."

Nezumi clicked his tongue and disappeared in the direction of his underground room, leaving a confused Shion and a slightly pissed Inukashi behind.

"Why is he so angry?" he asked and knelt down to the little boy who was totally dead to the world and slept huddled up against the big brown dog. "Does he hold a grudge against you?"

"One of my dogs killed one of his mice years ago," Inukashi explained, causing a sweat drop to run down Shion's temple. It gave him a pretty strange déjà-vu.

"It was an accident!" the younger yelled furiously, but sighed after that. "But I'd be pissed, too."

"When something like that happens to one of your dogs?"

Inukashi nodded slightly. Long dark lashes covered nearly black eyes heavily and a tendril of dark-brown hair slipped down over the young tanned face.

"Or to your child, huh?" Shion asked softly. Inukashi blinked.

"He's not my biological child."

"I thought so. He doesn't resemble you. But that's not important. Family is family, right?" Shion said softly and gave Inukashi one of his disarming smiles, causing the younger to blush slightly after a little gasp left the pretty teens full lips.

What's up with that guy! He confuses me so much!

"Yeah. He's a foundling. Just like me," Inukashi explained, trying to wake the child up gently.

"Well, now that you mention it, your name is pretty uncommon for a Mao, huh? Nezumi called you Inukashi. Is that a nickname, just like Youba? Is your name Inu then?" Shion asked and blinked. Head-shaking was the answer.

"I'm no Mao. People here call me Inukashi 'cause I'm lending dogs, ya know? When people wander around or leave the core it's safer when they've a dog with 'em." My mother brought me in the core when I was a baby. It's safer here than in West Block."

Shion narrowed his eyebrows and scratched the back of his head. That was impossible.

"But that's not possible. Your mother had to break through the barrier, unless – yeah unless she's a Mao. But then you'd be one as well," the white-head concluded.

"My mother's a dog. That's why she could come and go just as she liked."

"Could?"

"She's already dead," Inukashi whispered with lowered head.

"I'm sorry," the ecologist breathed and he got outright nauseous. He remembered Karan, his mother, and even though he wasn't able to see her again, he was glad to know she was still alive and well. The mice delivered messages once in a while. And Shion was deeply grateful. It was his only connection to the world outside of the core, the only connection to his previous life. The only connection to his mother – and just the thought about Karan being dead caused a horrible pain in the boy's chest. He felt so incredibly sorry for Inukashi and also for Nezumi.

"Can't be helped. Death comes to everybody. Shouldn't ya know that?"

"I hope all beings can continue to be living beings. Life shouldn't be unfairly wrenched away from people who want to live."

Inukashi stared at Shion with wide, black eyes openmouthed.

"What an airhead! I've never met someone like you. Such an idealist, no, I'd rather say you're quixotic."

"My mother told me to never give up hope," Shion answered and sat the little boy up. The small one opened his brown eyes with purplish speckles, causing the ecologist to gasp slightly.

"He looks a lot like you," Inukashi whispered. The boy rubbed his tired eyes and smiled at Shion, then snuggled up against the dog lender.

"Mama, who's that?" he asked high voiced.

"Hello. I'm Shion. Your mama told me you're not feeling well. What's your name?" Shion asked gently.

The child hesitated and looked at its foster-mother, who played with the boy's hair teasingly and answered, "He doesn't have one."

"Huh?"

"He doesn't have a name."

"You should name him! It's important. How do you call him anyway?"

"Little one, kiddo, there are a lot of possibilities."

Shion shook his head in disbelief. "That's not right. He should have a name. You're his mother. Just pick one for him. We don't want him to get an identity crisis when he's older." A heavy sigh left his lips and he stroked the boy's head gently. But first of all he wanted to examine the child.

"Where does it hurt?"

The child raised his hands and grabbed his throat.

"There? Your throat hurts?"

The little one nodded shyly and pointed at his head and stomach as well. "Here, too."

"Since when doesn't he feel good?" Shion asked and pulled the little solar-powered flashlight out of his pants pocket. He always used to take it along; some parts of the forest were really dark after all.

"Open your mouth. Say ahhhh!" The would-be doctor instructed and shone the light onto the back of the little boy's throat, looking for severe redness or red patches near and on the kid's tonsils and the roof of his mouth.

"It's red. When you take a sip of water, do you have to gulp it really hard? And does the liquid feel as if it's getting stuck in your throat?" he asked and placed his hand on the child's warm forehead. After that he felt the glands lying where the back of the kid's jaw line met the top of his neck, searching for lumps. But fortunately the boy's lymph glands weren't swollen.

"Yeah," the child answered slightly coarsely, answering Shion's question.

"Did he have to vomit?"

"No, but he doesn't wanna eat. Is it serious?" Inukashi asked, and little worry wrinkle decorated the normally so smooth tanned skin of the young mother.

"No. It's a cold and a strep throat. Let him sleep a lot, sleeping gives his immune system time and resources to fight the bacteria. Go to Taka-san and buy one of her natural antibiotics. You should cover him up with blankets and let him gargle with saline solution."

"What's that?"

"Just a fancy name for salt water. He shouldn't swallow it. You can also let him gargle with chamomile tea. And give him lots and lots of liquids. He should rest his voice and stay away from other people. Don't kiss him until he feels better, you don't want to be the next, right?" Shion advised.

"I won't kiss him! I'm not like you and the rat!"

"Oh." A light pale pink dusted Shion's cheeks. Inukashi grinned.

"Nezumi normally doesn't give a shit about other people. And then he falls for such a white-haired weirdo, huh? What a strange twist of fate," Inukashi giggled, but the expression on the teens face was probably softer than Inukashi wanted it to be. Shion smiled slightly.

"You like him."

Now it was Inukashi's turn to go red from embarrassment. "Me? That stinky rat? Never! I'll never like him!"

"You like him," Shion repeated. "Close as I can figure it you two are pretty much alike in some ways. I guess the Mao people aren't very fond of you."

"Yeah," Inukashi whispered and stroked the little one's short brown hair. The kid was sleeping again. But that was a good thing. He had to cure his cold after all. "They're a weird bunch, living horribly isolated. They tolerate my presence, but in the end they're just ignoring me. The goddess let me stay, since I was just a tiny baby back then. Just like the little one. My mother's brother found him outside of the core and brought him to me."

"I see."

"He found him lying in a dead woman's arms. She died in the forest while trying to find something edible. Probably because of exhaustion…"

Shion gulped.

"The goddess let him stay. He was just an innocent baby after all", Inukashi said and stood up, lifting up the sleeping boy carefully.

"That's good."

"You're also a good one, aren't ya? I mean you're allowed to stay," the younger stated while the little boy circled his arms around his mother's neck and his legs around the teen's slim waist. The sight of those two caused a faint smile on the white-head's face.

"I had to pay the penalty for my sins. That's why I look like that," Shion explained while touching his white hair and the end of his scar on his cheek slightly. "I nearly died. It was just thanks to Nezumi I was able to survive. And also thanks to Risu..."

"Risu? How's that even possible? You've met her? Then you really must've been dead!"

"Yeah, almost."

"Risu was my friend," Inukashi whispered. "She gave a shit about me not being a Mao. She respected everyone."

Shion nodded slightly. "She's great."

"Y…you didn't laugh when I told you my mother's a dog, just like Risu and Nezumi," Inukashi sighed.

"A mother is a mother. Whether she's your biological mother or not doesn't matter as long as she loves you, right?"

A slight pink color dusted Inukashi's cheeks.

"Are you always that awkward?"

"He is," Nezumi interfered. He leaned against one of the ivy-clad walls; his arms crossed and his head slightly tilted while his cold silver eyes glared at the three of them. "And he's a total sap."

"Nezumi!" Shion answered and raised one of his white eyebrows. Inukashi let out a guffaw and laughed until little tears welled up in the corners of the teen's black eyes.

"Well, I'll leave you alone. No need to hear your awkward dirty talk. I've to get my little Shion out of harm's way. Heel!" Inukashi commanded. The three dogs followed suit, even though the big brownish dog licked Shion's hand first before returning to its master.

"Little Shion?"

"Oh, my dog seems to like ya. But come one now, girl. We've to put Shion to bed and get some medicine for him later," the long-haired purred while walking away at a leisurely pace.

"You've named him after me?"

Inukashi stopped and turned around for a short moment, grinningly.

"Yeah. You've told me he needed a name, didn't ya? And he looks a lot like ya, so I just thought he should be called like that."

The tiny, light-brown haired Shion opened his purplish eyes and smiled weakly.

"I like that name, Mama," he whispered and snuggled his little face against Inukashi's shoulder.

"Happy to have a name, huh?"

"Get lost, you uncreative cur!" Nezumi yelled, grumbling once he saw that Inukashi waved at him with a perky grin before disappearing into the shrubbery. A startled sound left his lips when Shion suddenly was right in front of him. The boy had moved soundlessly. Nezumi's heart was in his mouth as Shion gently cupped his face in his hands, just to kiss him gingerly.

"I like it to have a namesake. It's nice not to be the only flower amongst nothing but animals."

"Scared you'll get eaten, huh?" Nezumi whispered and put both arms around Shion's waist, pulling him closer. Finally alone!

"As long as it's a certain mouse," Shion murmured with a slight chuckle in his voice and closed the gap between their lips for a longer and way more intensive second time. Both boy's eyes fluttered closed and they lost themselves in their pleasurable connection.

Time flew by and the hot summer was slowly coming to an end, just to be followed by a golden autumn. It was predominantly sunny and the mild temperature kept the boys spirits up. A soft breeze caressed the tall grass and all the treetops of the beautiful colored Northern forest. Brilliant, colorful leaves and the last insects collecting pollen from wild asters along the little river warmed his heart. Autumn berries grew in abundance and invited the two wanderers to snack on them while Shion enjoyed Nezumi and his endless strolls through the woodland, in the most impressive sceneries the boys had ever seen: The breathtaking beauty of the countless valleys, hot springs, crystal clear lakes, and green meadows; and Shion had to ascertain beyond doubt that the core of the Forest was huger than expected, which gave him a whole new feeling of liberty. He felt free, even though he was still a prisoner, and yet he had experienced the most satisfying and fulfilled months in his entire life. Shion enjoyed every second together with his great love, but he also cherished his time with Taka-san, who was like a grandmother to him, but also his mentor; he loved his conversations with Inukashi and little Shion's happy laughing when he played with his mother's dogs, and he loved it to deliver medicine to those people in the settlement, just to stop by at Akitsu's stall to chat a bit. Even though not all of the Mao accepted the former death angel Nezumi and Shion, who obviously was an intruder, the atmosphere was so much more at ease now when both boys visited the settlement. And there were even people who respected them and called on their healing and soothing services. Shion was glad that Nezumi didn't have to sing people to death that often anymore, even though it happened from time to time.

No one lives forever.

It was the ordinary run of things. At least, the Forest people had started to appreciate Nezumi's abilities. Admittedly, it wasn't all love, peace and harmony, but the situation had improved. And Nezumi didn't want to spend that much time there anyway. He enjoyed his togetherness with Shion the most, but from time to time he also went on a stroll all alone. Sometimes he just had to clear his mind, and he still was a loner. Old habits die hard, after all. But it took never long until he started to miss his white-head badly, even though he still wasn't able to tell him how much he loved him. Shion knew it, though. It was absolutely obvious. Shion felt Nezumi's love with every fiber of his body, every time their lips met, every time their bodies melted together to become one, every time when elegant fingers played with Shion's slightly smaller ones, every time Nezumi's eyes found his own and every time the older called his name. But he also felt it when Nezumi teased him, when they argued and quarreled, when Nezumi was worried and pissed or when he was angry. He loved their quarrels, because amazing reconciliations followed and afterwards Shion felt even closer to his friend than before. They made love, and even though they had embraced each other nearly countless times they still were able to learn new things about the other one and sharing impressive and absolutely mind-blowing experiences.

Shion was happy. Of course he missed his mother and Safu a lot, but thanks to Tsukiyo, Hamlet and Cravat Shion and his mother were still able to share some short messages from time to time.

When Nezumi had work to do or when he had to leave the core, Shion's duty was to help Youba to find herbs and healing plants and prepare enough of them a for the whole winter season. She had passed nearly her complete knowledge on her student, even things like preserving fruits and vegetables, since both boys had to stock up their winter supplies as well.

But time lapsed away, and the colorful autumn days were over all too soon, just to be followed by a cold winter. It was exhausting, at least for Shion, who had never experienced such a harsh life before. Back then in Lost Town, they've always had a warm house thanks to his mother's baking oven. Admittedly, Nezumi's kerosene heater did a good job in keeping the ancient library more or less warm as well, but it couldn't really compare to the warmth in their house in Lost Town and the pleasant smell of his mother's freshly baked bread lingering in the air. He missed her the most during those cold days. Nezumi comforted him a lot, even though Shion tried not to burden him with something like that too much. In those moments, Nezumi's closeness and warmth did him the world of good.

But it was also a very beautiful season. The winter forest scenery had a very charming side. Former meadows turned into endless snowfields which sparkled in the winter sun and the snow-covered branches glistened magnificently. The forest was beyond beauty.

Nevertheless, the two of them spent most of their time at home. Nezumi didn't leave the core anymore. It was too dangerous to take on the long way. Of course it was still the easiest way to earn a lot of money, but since he lived together with Shion, he didn't need that much anymore. The villagers had stopped to charge horrendous prices for their goods when Nezumi wanted to buy something, like they did before Shion's little tantrum and the day they could help that old, hyperventilating geezer. Even though Nezumi was sure the man just started to hyperventilate because he was in town. He remembered the day Shion had found out about the fact that he and also Inukashi had to pay more than the other Mao. Shion gave them hell. The usually so serene boy had shouted the whole market down, and aside from that he had started to grow their own vegetables and to use the forest gifts to make useful things like wicker baskets or pottery.

"You made these?" Nezumi asked, looking at the dishes Shion had made with his very own hands.

"Yeah. I thought we could need more tableware. And I was bored. You weren't here after all," Shion explained. He didn't need to work for the old woman every day and Nezumi had left the core. The boy needed to do something when he didn't want to get sucked in a maelstrom of loneliness and melancholy. The fact that he'd never be able to see his mother and Safu again hit him right in the stomach when he had too much time left to think.

"Hm? And how did you do it? It's not gonna hold water or fluids if it's not kiln-fired."

"Even in Neolithic age people were able to fire pottery without a kiln."

"I see. And how did you do this then?"

"I just had to dig a hole and fill it with a layer of sawdust. That's all. Then you can add your pots. It's important that the pots aren't wet anymore, but there are so many rooms within these ruins, so I found a good place where the stuff could dry. I built up layers of sawdust and dry wood around the pots, lit the fire from the top and allowed it to burn," he explained.

"It might break easily and can't be used for liquids. It's definitely not made so that we can use it forever, but it's good enough to use it for a while; at least for dried food."

Shion never failed to surprise him. This boy was extremely good with his hands. He had laid bamboo canes and made something like a simple improvisational faucet so that they had running water inside of their hideout. They didn't drink this water, but it was good enough for washing their hands or using it to wipe the floor. But the most impressive thing was, that Shion had managed to repair an old gramophone he had obviously found while cleaning the room when he recovered from the snake bite. Nezumi didn't remember it, but he absolutely loved it. He loved it to hear music while cuddling with Shion during their candlelit reading sessions on cold winter nights in bed, and they had danced not even one time – sometimes passionately, sometimes wild, but most of the time tightly embraced.

"Aw!" Shion let out while he threw himself on the couch after another wild dance, completely exhausted. "It's a full-body workout!"

"Still not used to it, huh? Pampered little prince!" Nezumi grinned, grabbing the water pitcher. "Here, you should drink a bit," he added while looking into the container. "But unfortunately it's empty. I'll go and fetch some water for your illustrious well-being. On His Majesty's Service," Nezumi teased the still panting boy and made a bow. Shion narrowed his eyes.

"I don't need a purveyor to my Royal Household, knave! I'll go all alone."

"Knave?" Nezumi mumbled, slightly amused. "Your Majesty, I do not think it is advisable for you to go outside all alone. Our home pastures are full of dangers in these dark times."

"Don't exaggerate," Shion laughed and grabbed the water pitcher to make his way outside.

"I'm not! Don't get the yellow snow again, Shion!" the dark-haired cat-called at his lover who narrowed his eyes.

"I've never brought yellow snow before! Jeez, Nezumi!" the insulted shouted back and stepped outside. What a magnificent white landscape, even though it wasn't really white. It was multi-colored, just like the barrier Shion was able to see. It was a really fascinating sight. The colors glistened outstandingly bright. The boy took a few steps until he reached an untouched area with pure, fresh snow and squatted down to get some of the desired, frozen water. It was freezing cold, so the boy hurried to shove some of the snow into his jug, using his bare instantly reddening hand. His breath came out in white clouds, warming his face slightly and his nose started to run slightly.

He sniffed a couple of times and wanted to stand up again, but a sudden crackling sound attracted his attention. It sounded just like braking ice and he wondered if he stood right on the frozen little river which was totally covered in snow. Was he going to fall through?

"Wah!"

Carefully, the young man tried to slide backwards, but he slipped and landed right on his back. He screwed up his eyes and heard another cracking noise, but this time he was able to pinpoint it better. It wasn't beneath him, it was above him! He opened his orbs and stared at the sky.

It was the barrier.

And a huge piece of it was going to come off.

Shion's eyes widened and his loud scream resonated through the chilly winter air.

To be continued