Shion liked his birthday. That is, he liked the idea. What he didn't like was all the attention that came with it.

"Shion will you stop fussing! I'm almost done."

"Mom, why did we have to invite so many people?"

"Well that's something you should be over by now," Said Karen sagely. She smiled at her son though the mirror while she brushed his hair.

Shion sighed, "But on my birthday?"

"That's exactly why honey," His mother chided. "This is an event for them too. You have to share special moments with your subjects if you want them to feel like they know you. Besides, there are so many people all you'll have time to do is pass out handshakes and smiles. It's not like you have to interact with them all at once."

"Yeah," Shion agreed reluctantly. Blushing faintly pink. "Mom?"

"Yes sweetie?"

"Have you ever…" Shion paused, quickly editing what he was about to say. "Have you ever had something you just couldn't stop thinking about?"

"What do you mean?" His mother asked, her crown glinting in the light as she raised her head. The gold looked radiant against her dark hair. The color Shion no longer shared with her.

"I mean…" Shion sighed. "Do you ever feel like… something important happened to you in a moment, and you can't stop wondering if… if that was it? If that's the only time you'll ever feel that way, or if somehow you missed a chance?"

Karen thought for a long moment while she gently adjusted her son's clothes so they were crisp and smooth. "Well… I think there are a lot of important moments in your life. It's easy to feel like each one you experience is the greatest at the time, but there are always more coming. Besides, there will always be a way to go after something if you truly want it."

Shion looked her in the eyes through the mirror, "What if… what if it involves another person? And now they're gone…"

Karen's eyebrows furrowed, "Oh Shion, are you talking about love?"

Shion flushed crimson, "No!" he sputtered, "No, just…. someone who made who made me see things differently."

Karen grinned, "Well Shion, it doesn't matter what it is that makes a person important to you. The second you meet them it will change things. Sometimes holding on to what a person taught you can be as important as holding on to the person. But… if there is anyway to be with them then it will be hard work to make it happen."

Shion smiled, "I don't know if there's anything I can do about it this time."

Karen shrugged, "You never know, Shion. Fate has a funny way of doing things. You might just find a way."

Shion felt a faint blush return to his cheeks, and he wondered if his mom was right. He thought of a small, pale, boy, with black silk hair and steel colored eyes, and that grin like a dagger on his lips. It had been four years now… but Shion still thought of him. Especially when it rained.

"I don't suppose you'll tell me what all these question are about," Karen hinted smoothing her thumb over the red tail on his cheek.

Shion chuckled, "It's nothing. I think nerves are just messing with my head."

Karen's expression soften, "You'll do great, sweetheart. Besides, I think you're going to like your present tonight. It's something special." she said with a grin, and Shion felt a nervous coiling in his stomach.

He hoped whatever it was, it would make getting through tonight a little easier.

"Happy Birthday, Your Grace."

The well-wishers flooded over Shion like a tide and most of them Shion didn't know. He wished he could sit down so his feet would stop aching, that is until, finally, someone familiar surfaced through the blur.

"Happy birthday, Prince Shion," said Safu, walking up to Shion with a smile on her face and a large box in her footman's arms. "It's so good to see you."

"Hello, Lady Safu," Shion replied with a genuine smile. Safu was the daughter of a duke who Shion had met for the first time at his mother's wedding to the king. She was a smart girl, and one of the only people in the noble crowd who Shion liked and willingly spent time with.

"This is for you," She said, gesturing to the footman's burden with excitement. "I picked them out myself."

Shion raised his eyebrows as the footman lowered the box to the floor and pulled back the lid. Inside were about a dozen books.

"They're perfect!" Shion exclaimed, kneeling down to read the titles off their spines. They were all nonfiction books. Topics ranging from historical, to budding theories of science that the kingdom called blasphemy.

"I'm glad you like them," Safu said, beaming. "I hope you'll save a dance for me later?"

Shion straightened and smiled, "Of course," He agreed, "I hope you enjoy the party."

And with that Safu mixed in with the rest of the crowd, and the greeting line continued to flow.

I should have told her that I've been reading fiction, Shion thought, but then thought better of it. Safu would find things like that frivolous, just like Shion used to. Besides, he could probably use some grounding in facts every once in a while.

The rest of the crowd dragged on without interest. Shion was just starting to wonder how they were all fitting into the building when last of them arrived and the doors swung shut. Shion gave an internal sigh of relief.

The rest of the evening settled into a giant feast. Everyone sat at long tables in the great hall, piled high with food.

Shion got to sit at a raised table in the back, with his mom and Rikiga, directly across from a velvet curtain hanging on the wall.

"What's going on?" Shion asked as servants put out the brighter torches and replaced with a scattering of candles. Karen smiled discreetly.

"It's your present dear," she said with amusement, and at the same moment Rikiga stood and began to speak.

"In honor of this important day," He began, in a voice that echoed off the walls, "My queen and I have planned something special. Something we all can share. And so in that spirt, I'd like to introduce tonight, a performance of Hamlet by the West Side Acting Troop."

At this announcement, applause broke out across the room. The king swung his arm, and the curtain raised over a giant stage, lit against the darkened room, that took up most of the far wall.

Shion had been going to the theatre consistently since that night when he was twelve. He'd read many books and plays and he knew that his mother had noticed, but he hadn't expected this. He'd never seen Hamlet preformed. But when his mother had asked, he had told her it was his favorite because it was the first play that he'd ever read.

He'd never mentioned that it reminded him of a boy with long black hair.

As the play began Shion watched in awed silence as the familiar scenes unfolded before him, full of life and sound.

Then, Ophelia entered the stage.

Shion felt it the instant her saw 'her'. Something in the way she moved across the stage, the voice that echoed from the stage. He'd pitched his voice high, to sound like a female, but something in the lilt of it struck Shion sharply. He knew this person… he had heard them speak before.

He was too far away to see their face clearly, especially since coated in make up, so he forced himself to focus on the story. It helped how much he genuinely loved it. The actors were incredible. He'd always loved Hamlet, and even when Ophelia spoke, it was easy for him to see just the character and not the person behind it.

Before long Shion had suppressed his curiosity. The play even made him cry. It felt that too quick when it came to an end. Cheers seemed to roar forever after the actors took their bows. The party guest were almost hysterical with their praise. Shion felt stunned watching, until suddenly he heard someone call his name.

"And if Prince Shion would join us on stage, the cast would like to wish him a happy birthday."

That voice again. The one he knew. It had been Ophelia's actor who had spoken, and this time their voice didn't sound like a woman's and it dug at Shion's memory like a knife.

I know that voice.

Shion was numb as he stood from his seat and walked towards the stage, his eyes frozen on the actor in the long dark wig and flowing white dress. The closer he got, the harder his heart pounded. As if every step brought him closer to remembering.

Shion mounted the stage, greeted with an arm draped in white silk being slung around his shoulders. Shion turned his head to look and found himself met with bright, steel colored eyes.

Shion's heart stopped.

"Let's all sing, Happy Birthday,"

Singing began, a dull roar in the background, but all Shion could hear is the low, musical voice in his ear.

"… Happy birthday… dear Shion…" The voice sang, soft and sweet like it was a secret. "Happy birthday… to you,"

At some point a cake rolled out, giant and lit with candles, and Shion was lead towards the edge of the stage.

"Blow out the candles, Shion." The voice said, amused now, teasing him. "Make a wish."

Shion took a deep breath and blew until the lights flickered out. And the only thought on his mind as the coiling gray smoke rose to into the air, was one word.

Nezumi.

Shion took awhile to calm down.

After the candles, the actors had all left to change, but Shion couldn't remember anything after that. Somehow he'd managed to get off stage, and was now standing at the edge of the room before his awareness started to return.

He wasn't sure why seeing Nezumi had hit him quite so hard.

Maybe it was something about how the boy had become little more than a dream to him over the past four years. Someone who was there so shortly but somehow changed everything about his life. Or maybe it was simply Shion had never believed he would see him again.

Emotions seemed to move through him like butterflies. Obvious and colorful as they came close but were always out of reach. And the more he struggled to sort out his feelings about seeing him, the more confused he became.

He somewhat stuttered responses to anyone who came to talk to him, but he could hardly remember what he'd said afterwards. Everything around him had turned to blurs and distant roaring. That is until something snapped him out of it.

"Happy birthday, your majesty." came a voice, drawing Shion's attention to a figure in dark clothes who lounged against the wall beside him. "I'm pleased to hear you're such of fan of the arts."

Shion turned, his face turning pink. His eyes took in Nezumi, wearing a black jacket and trousers with a thick scarf wound around his neck.

He looked taller, and his hair was long and pulled back in a short, spiky tail, making him look more masculine than when he was a child. But his frame was still graceful and narrow, with sharp, pretty features and dark lashes framing his eyes.

He looked different. Older, and…. Shion flushed to think he looked much more attractive. Both the way a man should be attractive, and with a sort of beauty that was usually reserved for women.

Shion let out a breath.

"You came back," He said, his voice breathless like he'd been running. This made Nezumi smile.

"What can I say? You never write." the raven boy teased, smirking mischievously at Shion. "You've hardly changed. You're still the same skinny kid I remember. I'm even taller than you are now."

Shion rolled his eyes. "I've changed!"

"So," Nezumi ignored him, continuing on with an airy, superior tone. "Hamlet is your favorite play, huh?"

Shion flushed, feeling like admitting it was giving away something personal. "Well, someone once told me it was one of the great achievements of the soul."

Nezumi grinned, "Then maybe you have learned something."

"Shion!" Came a shout, as the king barreled over towards them. "Ah! it seems you already met Eve."

"Eve?" Shion repeated. Luckily only Nezumi heard him.

"Your Highness." Nezumi bowed, "It's an honor."

"For me as well, Eve. I had heard you'd steal the show, but I never expected to meet someone so talented playing a female role."

"What can I say, I like to be surprising." said Nezumi with a charming smile. "But of course, getting to preform at the palace has been the greatest experience I could ask for."

"Glad to hear it," the king grumbled. He seemed a little drunk, and Shion wrinkled his nose. "Of course you all have to stay for the party."

"We have a long journey back, Your Majesty," Nezumi replied. "We shouldn't be getting off too late if we want safe travel home."

Shion felt his heart sink.

"Nonsense! Just stay here. You can leave in the morning. It'll be enjoyable to have a little culture around here. What do you say?"

Nezumi's smile was radient, "We would never refuse the hospitality of our king."

Rikiga laughed obnoxiously, "Good, good." He clapped Nezumi hard on the back. "Well enjoy the refreshments, Eve. And keep an eye on Shion for me. He always sneaks out of these parties."

Shion flushed and Nezumi seemed to be repressing a laugh.

"I'd be happy to, your highness." The actor said, and with a gruff nod as his reply, the king hobbled off toward a table full of food.

Shion glanced at Nezumi, "So you're staying?"

"Seems that way," The boy replied, seeming amused by the question. "Do I still have a spot in your bed, Shion? Or should I make other accommodations?"

Shion's cheeks felt like they could burn off his face.

Nezumi burst out laughing. "I was teasing you, Shion! Looks like you're still pure as the driven snow. And here I thought princes got all the women."

Shion blushed darker, if that were possible. "I'm not—, I— I'm supposed to be a gentleman!"

"Supposed to be?" Nezumi repeated, a wicked glint in his eyes, "I'm pretty that's just your nature, little prince."

Shion dropped his eyes to the ground.

"Eve!" came shouts from the other side of the room and Nezumi looked toward them instantly.

Shion raised an eyebrow. "You changed you're name to Eve?"

"Hell no," said Nezumi, sounding appalled. "It's just the stage name I go by. It's what happens when you're famous for playing female characters."

Three boys Shion recognized as other actors came charging up to Nezumi, then. Looking buzzed and out of breath.

"Eve! The dancing is about to start, and we told everyone that you would sing!"

"What?" Nezumi's voice went flat, "I never agreed to that."

"Come on! You're the best at it! We want to impress everyone don't we? I've got debts to pay!"

Nezumi grumbled under his breath.

"Fine! but you guys owe me for this."

The three men wolf whistled in response.

"You can sing?" Shion asked in amazement as the three boys disappeared.

Nezumi turned around and smiled, "Looks like you're about to find out, doesn't it?" and he disappeared into the crowd.

"Shion!" Came a call after Nezumi was gone. Shion turned to see Safu emerge from the crowd with a shy smile on her face, "I thought, maybe we could have our dance. I hear they're about to start the music."

Shion smiled, "Of course, Safu. I'm honored." Shion offered her his hand.

Music started to play as the two of them reached the center of the dance floor. Shion placed a hand at Safu's waist and began to lead her around the floor.

It took all his willpower not to look up to see Nezumi taking the stage, but in the end he thought he might have been glad he hadn't. Because when Nezumi started to sing, he felt like his heart had stopped.

"Are you alright, Shion?" Safu asked, "You looked strange just now…"

"Oh,"Shion breathed, "I'm sorry. I'm fine." he found a smile, "This is just beautiful music."

"It is," Safu agreed, but she didn't seem interested. Instead she just leaned into Shion a little. So that they were dancing closer.

On a turn, Shion got the chance to to look up at Nezumi on stage, and when he did he their eyes met.

When Nezumi saw Shion, something changed in his expression. Something softer, that felt like it was just for him. Shion smiled.

He didn't get many chances to look at Nezumi again, but he listen to the song carefully the entire time. Greatful that Safu seemed content to lay her head against him as opposed to talking. And when the song ended Shion felt like he was letting out a breath he'd been holding.

"Thank you for the dance, Safu." Said Shion, detaching himself from the dark haired girl and giving her a bow. But before she could reply, Shion had turned away and run off into the crowd.

"Looking for me?" Nezumi asked, and Shion turned around, smiling immediately.

"That was amazing!" Shion said with a voice full of wonder, "I didn't know you could sing like that!"

Nezumi chuckled.

Shion frowned, "What?"

"The way you looked just now," Nezumi explained, "It reminded me of when I tackled you. I can't decide if I you have diverse interests, or if you're just easily impressed."

Shion flushed.

"So," said Nezumi with a grin. "Now what do you say I show the pure little prince how to have a little fun?"

Apparently, fun meant alcohol.

"Nezumi, I can't," Shion protested, "I'm a prince, there are expectations—,"

"Don't worry," Nezumi waved away Shion's protests. "The king got zonkered already, and I'll make sure to whisk you away if you start making a fool of yourself."

Shion sighed, it wasn't just about his reputation. Shion didn't particularly like alcohol. He drank wine at dinner, because that's what everyone drank, but he never had much. He didn't like the way it mad his head swim.

"Come on, Shion, it's your birthday isn't it?" said Nezumi like it was a challenge. "Can't you let go for a single night?"

Shion eyed the glass Nezumi held out for him, and with a reluctant breath accepted.

"Just this once," He warned, giving Nezumi a stern look. The dark boy smiled.

"Just this once," He agreed, and they clinked their glasses together.

To no one's surprise what so ever, Shion turned out to be a bit of a light weight.

"Come on Shion. You're going to go sleep this off," Nezumi said as he pulled Shion's arm around his shoulder. He let the fair-haired lean on him as they walked.

Shion giggled.

"You look less like a girl now, Nezumi." said Shion with a slur, reaching out to give Nezumi's head a heavy handed pet. "You're still kinda pretty though."

"How flattering, your grace," Nezumi teased, half dragging the staggering boy out of the great hall. "Now, which way was your room?"

Shion looked around for a moment, as if surprised at where he was, and then he pointed. Nezumi sighed in relief and followed his direction.

"Hey Nezumi?"

"Yes, Shion?"

"Why'd you leave without saying goodbye?"

Nezumi faltered, his breath coming in a little sharp.

"I left while it was still dark, Shion. It was just safer that way."

They kept walking.

"Have you thought about me at all?" Shion asked, his voice coming out heavy and awkward sounding. "I thought about you. Everything made me think about you."

Nezumi felt a little jolt run through him, and then shook his head.

"Did you now?" he asked, instantly teasing. "Was it late at night and covered in rose petals?"

Shion tried to shove him and missed, Nezumi had to elbow him to keep him from stumbling over.

"It was always," Shion mumbled. "just always."

Nezumi found himself short for a comeback this time. So he cleared his throat and continued walking in silence.

Soon they found themselves at Shion's bedroom door.

Nezumi struggled to open it around Shion's limbs, but once he managed, the two of them somewhat stumbled into the room. Nezumi looked up as they entered, his eyes taking in the room. It was almost exactly how he remembered it. But now some book shelves lined one wall, and books no longer scattered the floor.

"All right, down you go." Nezumi huffed as he unloaded the prince onto his bed. The boy flopped there, bonelessly, and grumbled something under his breath.

Nezumi chuckled. Shion pink faced and sprawled out like that was kind of adorable.

Nezumi reached down and removed Shion's shoes. At first he was just going to leave him like that, until he noticed what Shion was wearing.

"Damn prince clothes," Nezumi grumbled, "How do you even move in that outfit?"

Shion didn't answer, and Nezumi suspected he'd fallen asleep. He sighed, and reached down to start unbuttoning Shion's suit.

Nezumi was trying to push the jacket and tie off Shion's shoulders when two red eyes blinked open and looked up at him.

Shion jumped, started.

"Calm down, you nun. I'm just trying to help you get some sleep." said Nezumi taking a step back. "But it looks like you can handle it from here." Nezumi moved toward the door.

"Wait," Shion caught Nezumi's hand as he tried to turn away and Nezumi looked back at him.

"Need something?"

Shion's eyes were down. His cheeks flushed darker than a moment ago and his hand slick against Nezumi's. The darker boy raised an eyebrow.

"Use your words, Kid."

Shion flinched. "If… if you go…." Nezumi waited as Shion tried to mumble his way through it. "I'll never see you again."

"That's being a little dramatic," Said Nezumi.

Shion looked up at him. "You'll leave in the morning won't you? You and the others?"

Nezumi shrugged, "Probably,"

"And you'd never come wake me to say goodbye." This wasn't a question.

"Well it's not like you're my lover," said Nezumi airily. "Do you have a point in here somewhere?"

"Stay."

Nezumi felt a jolt run through him at Shion's tone. He cleared his throat.

"You have no idea what it sounds like when you say things like that," Nezumi teased, "Inviting me into bed again?"

"You know what I mean," Shion insisted, his eyes bright and burning. "If you're going to leave, as least stay with me while you're here."

Nezumi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "You're drunk, Shion, you'll be asleep—"

"I don't care. I want you to stay."

"Is this an order from a prince?" Nezumi asked sharply. His eyes raising to Shion's, challenging him.

Shion shook his head. "No. I'm just asking as myself. You don't have to do anything."

There was a tense moment of staring between the two of them. Hot red and cold silver. Then… Nezumi smiled.

"Good." he said reaching up to unwind his scarf and shrug his jacket from his shoulders. "Because I wouldn't have done it if you'd said yes."

Shion's eyes widened, for a moment too surprised to completely process what Nezumi said. But his sense came back to him as Nezumi kicked off his boots and Shion slid over to make room for him on the bed.

Nezumi flopped down beside him, "You aren't going to make me wear that girlish night gown again, are you?"

Shion giggled, "Coming from the guy who dresses like a girl for a living?"

Nezumi grinned, "Ha! Look who learned to make a joke. Maybe you have changed after all."

Shion laid down, and Nezumi yawned, rolling over on to his side so his back was to Shion, one arm curling under his head. Shion looked over at him, and the sight of his back, thinly covered by a white shirt, reminded Shion of something.

He didn't think before he did it, his curiosity seeming to have a mind of it's own as Shion reached out and lifted Nezumi's shirt.

"What the hell?" Nezumi demanded, sounding furious and like he was about to pin Shion to the bed like last time. Shion hardly noticed.

"It healed! I'm so glad,"

Nezumi froze. There was so much genuine happiness in Shion's voice in that moment, that Nezumi couldn't decide if it made him angry or not.

"It's a scar." Nezumi's voice was cold.

Shion flinched a little, "Yeah…" He lowered Nezumi's shirt. "I'm sorry."

Nezumi shrugged, "I never said it was a bad thing," he said, voice low. "Scars are reminders of surviving something that might have killed you. They're badges of honor." Nezumi, rolled over to face Shion. "Right? Little prince." as he said it, his thumb traced the red tail of the scar against Shion's cheek. Shion let out a breath.

"Nezumi… I'm glad I got to see you again."

Nezumi smiled and removed his hand from Shion's face to roll back over in the opposite direction.

Nezumi's tone was teasing again. "Me too, your majesty." he said.

And he blew out the light.