Disclaimer: Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou copyright? Why dost it not lie in my possession? Has it to do with my name? Shall I change it to Shakespeare and then possess all that I desire?

Too bad it wouldn't actually work that way.

So no. I claim no ownership to Romeo and Juliet…not that I want them, mind you. Are Benvolio and Mercutio for sale?

Prologue: Dreams of Repetition and the Endless Cycle of Waking

"Dost thou love me?" he asked. He had to know before the shadow disappeared on him once more, leaving only the cold darkness this dream world afforded him.

"Nay." But he didn't believe the shadow. It was smiling, it could be such a silly shadow sometimes, and it could be such a lying shadow as well.

"Doest thou love me?" he questioned again. He could already feel the shadow fading away.

"Nay." But he refused to accept that. It could not be true. The shadow would not visit him night after night if that was true. Surely not. He had to try again. He had to hear the shadow speak the truth this night.

"Dost thou love me?" It was his last chance, already the shadow was fading. Moments were left, and then it would be gone for another night. "Dost thou love me!"

"My mad Benvolio, dost thou need to ask thy Mercutio? Of course I love thee."

"Then do not leave me!" Benvolio cried.

"Dearest, I have no choice in the matter. But a change in the world I sense. Do not fear our parting this night, for I believe this dream dance Queen Mab has set us in comes to a close. Dear Benvolio, look for me now in the light of day, for the shadows seem to be lifting."

"No! Please! Do not go!" he cried. But it was too late. The shadow, whom he loved more than anything, was gone.

……………………………………………

Benvolio opened his eyes. He was still laying his bed from the comfort of his new home in Verona, Italy and it was still painfully obviously night.

"Damn time zones," he mumbled quietly. He could get up and watch some television he reasoned. Some nice Italian television.

He groaned and shut his eyes again. It wasn't enough that ever since coming to Verona exactly a month from tomorrow he had been having bizarre dreams, dreams he didn't care to think about –ever. It wasn't enough that he had left all his friends back at home in Miami, Florida. No, apparently fate really had it out for him, because now he couldn't even watch his favorite shows. At least, he couldn't watch them and comprehend what was being said.

He was really looking forward to starting school tomorrow. All those nice kids, all fluent in Italian.

It was times like this that he wished desperately that his parents were teachers, or police officers, or something that didn't follow orders from CEO's who had better things to do than cater to the needs to teenagers and had no problem sending it's employee's to a far off country.

He yawned. Might as well try and fall back asleep, he reasoned. There would be plenty of time to worry, grumble, and lay out all the teenage angst he could onto his parents.

He was sure they would appreciate it, and even if it didn't get him back to Miami, chances were if he laid it on thick enough, he could mange to get grounded. What better excuse to not take part in any school activities?

"Perfect," he muttered, pulling the covers up higher over him, yawning again.

Perhaps he could simply count sheep. That was supposed to bore you to sleep.

All right then. One…two…three…four…five…

"Mercutio," he mumbled as he slid peacefully back into dreamland.

……………………………………………

Queen Mab watched in delight. It was all set in place, everyone was where they were supposed to be and everything was right on schedule. Tomorrow, she thought gleefully, would bring more fun than she had had in years.

It was always nice when people behaved like the good little pawns they were supposed to be. And when the pawns had a sense of humor like Mercutio did, she was more than ready to make them happy.

But only after she'd had her fun.

This was going to be simply amazing…provided, of course, that no one got in her way. She would have to keep a better eye on Romeo and Juliet this time.

Author Notes: Well, this is certainly a new genre for me. This could become very ugly. A modernized Shakespeare fic…we must tread carefully, precious, or we'll take a tumble from which we will not return. I think I'll rather enjoy developing my Mab, however, and who knows, maybe someone will even be patient enough to wait this story out with me. –shrugs- miracles can happen. So please, if you've read this, please review and let me know what you think. Comment, complaints, criticism? I think that we can look for the next update next Monday…assuming, of course, that anyone reads this. If not, then I will have the next update on Monday for myself. –grins- All right, enough babbling. Please review! -Remo