AN: Aghhh I've actually had this chapter written out for a few weeks now, but I felt like it was missing something important... And I didn't have many opportunities to finish it before, so I'm sorry!
Anyways, the plot really picks up at the end of this chapter, so make sure you stick around! c:
Thank you everyone for the reviews, follows, and favorites!

The Hands of Time
Chapter 5: Unanswered Questions

Shion huffed as he reentered the small room, trying to catch his breath.

Nezumi eyed him suspiciously, but said nothing. His eyes spoke for him, flashing with concern, worry, and possibly irritation.

"This isn't a dream, is it…?" The white haired boy asked, but immediately wondered if this was ground he should tread on.
Nezumi's eyes widened, if only slightly, and he corrected his posture as he turned to face Shion. "No. Why would you think that?"

"Well… it's just…. Haven't you seen some strange things around here?" He asked, admittedly a bit frightened. Shion spread his arms, gesturing to the walls surrounding them.

"No, I haven't. Everything's the same as usual, except for you. You're constantly throwing me for a loop." Nezumi replied bluntly with a shake of his head, allowing his blue locks to sway freely.

At hearing this, Shion decided it would be best not to bother telling Nezumi of the things he'd seen, as nerve wracking as they may have been.
"How long was I asleep…?" The younger boy asked softly, moving to sit beside Nezumi on his bed.

Nezumi sighed, but did not oppose this. He shifted slightly to permit Shion a place to sit.

"…7 hours or so." Nezumi replied brusquely.

Shion simply nodded, looking down at his hands, which were now folded in his lap. He tried his best to remain calm. "How did I get in your bed?" He questioned cautiously.

"I put you there, obviously." Nezumi said as he gazed at the white haired boy knowingly.

"T-that's not what I meant!" Shion started, raising his voice a bit now. "I mean where was I before…? Where did you find me? Because I remember passing out, but nothing after that! And then it was so dark… and cold… I nearly drowned, and then—"

"Hey, calm down, your highness." Nezumi interrupted, reaching out and grasping Shion's jaw between his thumb and index finger. "I don't know exactly what you're trying to say, but I found you passed out at the entrance to the underground housing units." He answered in that smooth, calming voice of his.

Shion could only stare as those piercing grey eyes met his.
His heartbeat picked up in pace, and his eyes widened. "And… How did you know I was there?"

"Just a feeling I had. Besides, you normally come home earlier. I know you can't stand being away from me." Nezumi stated, wearing one of his crooked half-smiles. The smile didn't reach his eyes, though. Shion suspected that Nezumi was worried.

"It's almost 1am. You should get to bed." The grey eyed male advised, finally releasing Shion's jaw from his grasp.

"Fine." Shion said as plainly as he could, although he was shocked. He moved to the couch and pulled a single blanket over his small frame.

"Goodnight…" He trailed off, his voice barely above a whisper. Shion was still shaken by this entire ordeal.

Nezumi did not reply. He simply sat there, mulling over the day's events with a sullen look.

Shion felt a shock run through his body, and his eyes snapped open. He awoke in a white building filled with complex technology and sliding doors. Everything was clean as a whistle, and not a sound could be heard.