Volume 1, Chapter 2

August 12, 2018

4:00pm

4 O'clock...time to wake up Nezumi.

Shion walked away from the window, and went over to the couch. He bent down and lightly shook Nezumi's left shoulder.

"Nezumi, it's 4...wake up."

Nezumi's eyes fluttered open. He stared at Shion for a moment, then rose up from his previous position.

"Ngn...what? It's already 4 O'clock?" Nezumi questioned, groggily. He placed a hand on his forehead, and shook his face from side-to-side, as if to regain his consciousness.

"Yes, it is."

Shion got up and strode over to the coat rack that was next to the door. He grabbed his jacket, along with Nezumi's leather one. Then, he watched as Nezumi sluggishly lifted himself off the couch. Shion handed the leather jacket to him and proceeded to leave his office. Nezumi quickly put on his coat, contrary to his previous movements. He followed Shion to the elevator, watching his every move.

He watched as the boy next to him pushed a button. It was a round, silver button, with an arrow that pointed down. The elevator door opened. They waited as a few people got off. Some of them saying their respects to the man known as 'Mayor.'

"Good afternoon, Sir." One man said, waving his hand.

"Aww, leaving so soon?" A woman with red hair flirtatiously asked.

Nezumi listened to their words. Then, he heard Shion's response.

"Yes, it is a good afternoon. Sorry I have to leave so early. Have a great rest of your day, Sir, Madam." Shion said as he politely waved back at the man.

He gave a warm smile to the lady as well. She blushed and turned to go back to her office. Nezumi was used to this, so he didn't pay any mind or get jealous. Shion continued walking into the elevator, Nezumi did the same. The enclosed space was free of any humidity or dust. It was made of soundproof metal, had one touchscreen, and no buttons. There was no life to it at all, it was completely sterile and free of germs.

However, the building wasn't entirely like that. There were greenhouses on the 3rd floor. They were constructed when Shion had concluded that the city needed a backup resource plan on standby. He hired people from No.3 who specialized in garden plants and fruit trees. Reason being, if the planet went through another nuclear winter, like the one that caused the authorization of The Babylon Treaty, the people would be ordered to flee underground, and food would be a necessity. Three months ago, Shion's backup recovery plan was dubbed 'The Humanity Revival Project.'

There were also laboratories on the 5th floor that specialized in insects and arachnids. A vast diversity of species were kept there: Rose-haired Tarantulas, Desert Scorpions, and Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies are just a few examples.

Several other similar sites were installed following the mayor's decision. Such as a water processing plant that was placed downtown, an animal conservation facility, and a real garbage processing plant. The previous one was being misused, since it just concealed No.6 dumping their filth into West Block.

It was Nezumi's request to build an animal conservation facility. He insisted that it was needed to restore life to the planet. The staff there are specially trained and they focus on raising normal pasture livestock, species from the Northern District, a variety of endangered species, and even household pets. Cats being Nezumi's favorite. Shion preferred lounging with the Hyacinth Macaws, that is, if he had time in his schedule.

Being mayor is a difficult and tedious job to uphold, but Shion manages fairly well. With Nezumi by his side―and his mother, too―there's no challenge Shion hasn't been able to overcome.

"Nezumi?"

"Hm?"

"Did you have a good nap?"

"Huh?..."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Oh...yeah."

Nezumi was staring at his reflection in front of him, seeing as the entire inside of the elevator was a mirror. He discreetly fiddled with his hair, straightening his ponytail. He didn't want Shion to notice, not wishing to be considered a narcissist or a perfectionist. Shion was standing motionless next to him, so he decided to lighten the mood a little.

"Uh, so...I was thinking about going to the market after we leave. That ok with you?"

He could visibly see the other boy light up at the statement. Shion turned his head and their eyes locked.

"The market? Why?"

"Well, I was gonna buy some chicken and potatoes for dinner tonight. Or bat wings and newt eyes, according to Macbeth."

Shion giggled at Nezumi's joke. It was a simple inside joke, but it meant the world to Shion. It meant thinking back to when he and Nezumi were staying together in West Block. Remembering all of those special memories is something he didn't get to do very often.

"Yeah. Oh, you gotta remember the frog feet, too."

Nezumi snapped his fingers in realization.

"Ah, Garlic! That's what we need, I noticed we were out yesterday. Thank you for reminding me, your Majesty."

"You're welcome."

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I know this isn't as long as what I normally post, but I've been upset lately and it's affecting my writing. Sorry... :( I WILL be writing and posting an extra chapter. It'll be just like an OVA for any anime.