Mirror of the Past
Chapter 11:
The lights dimmed in the small café, which by now had filled with patrons. Everything was set for a show and it was a proper affair. There were only as many people as there were seats, so as not to overwhelm the whole place. Sitting in the middle table with Shu, Sion felt his excitement build. He was about to see his two favorite people sing together. Inori because she had a very emotional singing voice and Nezumi because… he was Nezumi.
As the lights turned to spotlights, Sion's gaze locked on a young woman who came out on stage. She had long pink hair that tumbled down her back and rested on either side of her face. Her outfit was an amazing bit of fabric that seemed to defy gravity. There was just a thin part that ran along her throat and then came down to just cover her breasts. It left her middle expose but had long sleeves on either side. It appeared to be like a swimsuit bottom with high boots that ran all the way up to her leg to her hips, but only on the outer parts of her legs.
As she moved to center stage, she began to sing. Her voice vibrate and full.
so, everything that makes me whole
I offer it all to you.
I'm yours…
As the music kicked in, Nezumi came out from the other side. He was dressed as he'd been for their date, yet he had a jacket that seemed more like a trench coat and managed to accentuate his beauty and sensuality instead of detract from it. Together, they sang the next part of the song.
Hey, this is the first time
that I have smiled this much.
I'm sure that I
took all the wrong paths
just for this day…
always walked all alone…
Nezumi moved toward the edge of the stage, his eyes meeting Sion's as he sang this part alone, directly to the other.
Far, far, far as the eye can see.
I'll hold hands with you forever,
we should be able to go anywhere we want.
You told me I won't be alone anymore
and smiled once again.
Inori moved toward the crowd, her eyes meeting Shu's, as well as Gai's. A smile on her lips as she joined in along with Nezumi, yet her own voice was softer, letting Nezumi's shine, which was rich and pure. Completely enrapturing the young white haired man who only had eyes for Nezumi.
We now have something precious we must protect.
But there will be a time when we won't be able to do anything,
we'll lose all possibilities and the darkness will take you away.
When despair tries to swallow you up,
I will become the light that shines upon you.
I won't even let the lord of this world take you away.
Once more, Nezumi sang, his solo vocal standing out in the middle of the song. Those few lines being stressed directly to his lover and no one else. There were sighs and soft sounds from everyone watching. It was a scene that was completely amazing. The two worked as one and yet, while Inori was the main guest, she seemed to let her voice often fade into the background so Nezumi's voice would stand out brightly among the crowd.
so, everything that makes me whole
I offer it all to you.
I'm yours…
From here, Nezumi let Inori sing the part herself, as he moved off the stage and came to stand before Sion.
Hey, there is so much
happiness in this world isn't there?
One day us too…
Nezumi glanced at Inori, who seemed to nod slightly, before moving to the side of the stage, as if to purposely remove herself from the line of sight. As she did so, Nezumi turned to Sion, slowly beginning to kneel before him, his voice the only one singing now.
One day someone will call you a liar,
if they try to hurt you with those heartless words,
if the world won't even believe in you,
if they try to put on a crown of thorns,
I'll be your one and only ally…
I know that loneliness and pain…
so, everything that makes me whole
I offer it all to you.
I'm yours…
As the song built toward its end, Nezumi reached out and took Sion's hand into his own, kissing it softly, lightly between his words.
If one day you come to understand all of me,
I will surely be at that place.
So even if there isn't a piece of hope there,
if I become someone that must not exist,
I know, more than anyone,
that you will never forget about me.
Nezumi looked right into Sion's eyes as he sang the last part, his emotions written clearly in his gray gaze as he reached out and placed a single band onto Sion's left hand. On it was a simple phrase. One that Nezumi believed was the embodiment of everything Sion was to him. In a beautiful scrawling engraving were the words 'My Weakness; My Strength'. And it was true. Sion was Nezumi's greatest and only weakness. If anyone wished him harm, they had only to do something to take the other man from him. At the same time, it was because of Sion's smile, his laugh, his touch, that Nezumi often felt indestructible. As if he could take on the whole world and win. With that action, he sang the last part, by now, knowing Sion understood what he was asking. Even Inori had stopped singing to watch the two together.
So, for you, I take my everything
and offer it all…
Sion stared at the ring, the song having come to an end beautifully and now the whole room was silent. They were waiting, with baited breath. It was obvious that this had been a proposal and while Nezumi hadn't said the actual words, the song had spoken far better than the asking could have. Of course, Nezumi wasn't a fool. He wanted to make sure Sion had no doubts about what he was doing. Because, after all, the Sion he loved could be dense some days. This was one time he didn't need him to be.
"Sion, ever since we met, all those years ago, you've been on my mind. It wasn't always as you're there now, but I knew, from the moment we met, that there was no one else like you." Nezumi smiled, still on his knees, watching the pale boy before him. "And now, we've managed to become even closer than any two people could be. You're my light. My hope. My happiness. My world. Without you, I'm nothing but the shell of what I could be.
'But my true love is grown to such excess.
I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth.'
"And that quote truly says it all. For my feelings for you can not be measured or counted. Thus it leads me to my simple question. Sion, will you marry me?"
Sion was speechless. Never before had he expected something so grand. Something so special to be done. Especially not for a simple engagement. Yet, this was Nezumi Sion was thinking of. Someone who never did anything half way and always did things so they would forever be remembered. Just as he'd blown into Sion's life so memorably all those years ago, so he was sweeping the other off his feet once more.
"Yes. Yes of course I will!" Sion said, once he'd found his voice. With that said, he threw himself into Nezumi's arms, clinging to him even as tears shimmered and then trailed down his cheeks. Nezumi smiled warmly, one hand coming up to wipe at the tears, even as he held the other to himself.
"Idiot, don't cry over it. You knew it was coming at some point. I just figured I needed to make certain you didn't see the exact moment."
Sion laughed, sniffling as he pulled back to look into Nezumi's eyes. "I guess I did, seeing as both my mother and Shion both talked about the whole thing. But… did you have to steal the song from Inori. I love that you sang it to me but I feel bad you had her brought here to sing and yet kind of stole the whole show from her."
A soft laugh drew both men's attention toward the woman in question. "I don't mind, she said in a soft tone, her voice like a light bell. "I knew he was going to propose, so I told him to sing most of it himself. I felt it fit what he wanted to do better." She then smiled and handed Sion a signed CD and bowed her head to him. "Congratulations. I hope you'll let me buy you lunch or dinner some time. I know we were invited for dinner, but I find I'd like to take a rain check."
Sion was surprised and awed by Inori's words, at the same time, he was a little happy. While he did want to be able to spend time with one of his favorite singers, he felt that right now was a time for Nezumi and him alone. "Thank you. I certainly look forward to it."
"Congratulations," Gai commented, moving to leave, Inori following. Shu bowed and said his thanks as well before rushing after the other two. There had been much cheering when Sion had agreed and it felt as if everyone was happy to have seen such a happy event. Now that the excitement was over, though, Sion found it was as if nothing had happened, except to Nezumi and himself, for all the attention the paid them. It felt like they were the only two in the room. Which suited Sion just fine.
"Nezumi… this was amazing! You really did manage to go over, above, and beyond what I could have expected. I loved it." He smiled, his cheeks a soft pink as he spoke his next words. "I love you."
Nezumi felt his heart tighten in his chest and a power unlike anything he could have ever expected wash over him. Sure, they'd shown one another how they feel in touches and looks, but neither one had ever really said it. With the proposal still fresh in his mind, Nezumi felt he could do no less than honor Nezumi and speak the words in return. "And I love you."
The two shared a kiss, which was different from all others they'd had before. It was sweet and warm, but full of their feelings for one another. It fairly scalded the boys with the heat they felt for each other. When they broke for air, Nezumi grinned. His eyes completely locked on the look of Sion's slightly puffy lip. It always amazed him how much fuller Sion's lips were after a good kiss. Almost as if they were begging for another one.
They ate their dinner and shared brief touches and looks. It was obvious the two were building a passionate fire, one that was certain to leave them both burned for the rest of their lives. Yet a part of the thrill seemed to be in seeing just how far they could stoke it before it burned out of control.
With the last of their meal finished and the dishes having been cleared away, Nezumi moved to stand up, holding his hand out to Sion. Sion placed his hand into the others, content to let him lead him from the room. "Let's go home. There's one last surprise for you there. Where I promise you, you'll fall in love with me all over again."
Sion smiled, his hand safely tucked into Nezumi's as he allowed the other man to lead him from the café where he'd found himself falling for Nezumi in a whole different way. "I look forward to it," he whispered, meaning every word and finding he couldn't wait to get home.
AN: Lyrics from the song My Dearest, by Supercell. Opening for the anime Guilty Crown, which is also where our guest spot characters come from. Translation of the song found here without the spaces in it:
Http : / suisei. kokidokom. Net / 2011 / 11 / 22 / supercell-my-dearest-lyrics-translation /
Also, the spoken line in Nezumi's proposal comes from our favorite and well known romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Act II. Spoken by Juliet during the secret wedding between Romeo and her. Once more, ten reviews equal the next chapter, which could be up as soon as tomorrow if I get the required amount. And just as a hint to get you to review, its so not going to be a work-safe chapter.