24

Rebirth

Furuichi waited for the guards to pass before scurrying to the prisoner cells. It was more dangerous now because the moon was full and bright. "Little prince," The prisoner reached through tight iron bars to caress the tender cheek of Prince Furuichi, "You look dashing under full moonlight."

"Your sugar coated words become you." The prince produced a teasing smile along with treats from tonight's dinner. "My dear prince, you don't need to bring anything. Just you are enough to lust over."

"Says the man shoveling food in his face!"

Forgetting their circumstances, the dark soldier let out a bark of laughter. "Guilty as charged," said the Southern soldier around a mouthful of food.

The alarm clock blared at exactly seven thirty in the morning. Furuichi rubbed his eyes then fumbled over to the bathroom. He'd been having the same dream for the past week. Although, it stopped feeling like a dream after the second night. Groaning and ruffling his silver hair, Furuichi went to brush his teeth. What did it all mean?

...

Oga had been having a dream about Furuichi lately, but how could he bring it up.? It was weird to dream about your best friend without any romantice implications. It was even worse because there were romantic implications! Oga hunched his shoulders and stomped his way to school. They haven't been talking lately. Everytime one of them breathed, they would blush and stare in the opposite direction. It wasn't like them to ignore each other, and Oga hated beating around the bush, but the brunet didn't want the silvernette to run away by admitting these dreams. For some reason, thinking about Furuichi slipping away from him made his usually stoney heart unusually ache. The bell rung for the end of the school day and Oga walked Furuchi all the way home. Just to spend more time together.

...

The prince quickly reprimanded the prisoner, reminding the dark soldier that they could get caught. "Forgive me… Takayuki," Furuichi blushed and Oga was quick to like the prince to a deliciously ripe strawberry.

"Yes, and with a bloody nose, you resemble a squashed tomato."

"You wound me my snow prince!"

The two men fell into a comfortable silence as the moon moved to hover directly above them. "There's a legend in my little town about those who kiss under a full moon."

"Oh? Let's hear it. If I deem it worthy, I might be so tempted to believe it."

"Mother Moon watched as young couples used her light to meet and enjoy their moments together, but one such couple intrigued her. A king and peasant would whisper sweet words that reached Mother Moon's ears. She became interested in the forbidden couples' rendezvous, until one night under a full moon Mother Moon overheard that the peasant had gotten sick and that night would be the last they'd ever share. Distraught as the couple, Mother Moon vowed to grant one wish as they kissed under her full light. She would grant them the opportunity to meet during their rebirth, to give them a chance to live their happily ever after. The legend in my little town is that when a hopeless couple kisses under her full light, she may grant them the same wish."

"A lovely tale, but does it work?" Prince Furuchi was fully endeared by such a story. He couldn't help but hope it was true and that Mother Moon would pity their love too. Oga pressed against the bars, "Shall we try and see?"

Furuichi pressed a hand to his lips the following morning. Suddenly, the silvernette had wanted nothing more than to know if Oga's lips were firm and warm as they had been in the dream. When school ended that day, both teens realized they didn't want to go home. "Let's go into the city today," the silvernette proposed.

"So long as you're buying," Oga replied with a cheeky grin that had Furuichi's heartbeat raise.

When two began heading back home, the moon peeked between buildings before rising high enough above the skyscrapers to illuminate the night sky with full, bright beams of light. Overwhelmed by the sight, Furuichi and Oga spoke in unison.

"I've been having a strange dream lately."

Mother Moon gazed down at the kissing teens and gave herself a good pat on the back.