The Visitor

"What are you looking at? Who are you looking for? Don't let your eyes wander so far away. Look at me. I'm right in front of you."

No. 6, Volume 2, Chapter 4

The dark clouds, which had been hanging over the market since nearly three days, began to disappear slowly. Old barracks and tents lined the muddy roads; and from them, thick black smoke swirled in the air, irritating the eyes and airways of the passerby. People coughed, they yelled and bellowed while bumping into each other. Dogs barked, children begged or tried to steal and merchants cried their wares clamorously.

"Excuse me, sir. I've got a question. Madam?" Among the throng a young woman tried to stop one of the pedestrians, but nobody wanted to give audience to her. The girl's high voice nearly disappeared in the noisy shuffle.

"Would you mind if I ask… Sir? Excuse me, please!" With desperate courage she grabbed the dirty sleeve of a middle-aged man's jacket, slightly away from the crowd of people. The man turned around and looked at her derogatively. He breathed heavily.

"Whaddaya want?"

The girl sighed with relief. Finally! Finally someone would listen to her.

"I'm looking for someone, Sir. Did you see a boy, 16 years old, brown hair and eyes? About 1,70 meters tall…"

The man raised one of his eyebrows.

"Just look around, silly bitch. They all look like that!" The man said and grabbed the girl's chin violently. "Hm… Not too bad."

"Let go of me, please!"

"No, I gave ya information. Now I wanna be payed! One silver coin."

"What?"

"No money, huh? Then why don't ya suck me off instead?" Even before the girl could start thinking about what she was doing right now, she grabbed the man's shoulders, quickly twisted them and put her foot right behind his leg. She kicked the hollow of his knee, managed to bring the taller one down easily and made a quick getaway, running straight back into the crowd. The young woman's eyes watered, she breathed heavily, panicked. She wanted to be away from here. She was scared. The girl didn't even realize that she bumped against someone's back. Her body was falling to the ground, but before she reached the muddy street a strong hand took a hold of her wrist, saving her.

"Are you alright?"

The girl's eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat. That voice. She would recognize that warm and gentle voice amongst thousands upon thousands! And she had wanted to hear it again so badly. She needed to hear it.

Shion… I've finally found you.

"Safu?"

The girl raised her head. Both gaped at each other in bewilderment. Shion's mouth was wide open.

"What are you doing here, Safu? Are you absolutely crazy?" His gentle voice changed. Shion yelled. It was the first time in her whole life she heard him in this way. Safu's eyes flickered slightly.

"Shion…" She whispered, still in disbelief. First she barely recognized him. What happened? He looked like a totally other human. If the Security Bureau was still searching him it was nearly impossible for the tracking satellites to find him looking like that. His snow-white hair, those amazing purplish eyes, so suitable for his name – he was beyond all beauty. Never in her whole life had Safu seen someone looking so astonishing. And still, Shion's gentle facial features didn't change a bit.

"Shion! Shion! Shion!" Again and again she mumbled his name like a spell. Rough hands grabbed her slim shoulders.

"Safu! Answer me… What are you doing here?" Shion yelled once more. His face looked angry but also sorrowful.

"Shion!" Her eyes watered slightly and her small arms embraced him tenderly. "I've finally found you. Oh, Shion!" The boy's body tensed up a bit. He wasn't used to hug other people, especially not in public. He gently shoved her away. She wasn't deterred; she just smiled at him relieved, still holding his sides. "You're alive. I'm so glad, Shion. Oh, just look at you. You're so thin. What in the world happened to you? How did you end up here?"

"Here's not the best place to talk about that…"

After a small march past several ruins Shion and Safu reached the entrance to Nezumi's underground hideout. Shion pressed a section of the wall to open it soundlessly. It moved aside and let them through.

"Be careful, it's pretty dark down there. We're going underground now." Shion said and bended down to be at eye level with the big brown dog that had accompanied him. He stroked the dog's head while the animal licked his face several times.

"Thank you. You can go home now." He laughed and stood up, fixing his coat. Safu also stroked the shaggy fur slightly. After being petted, the dog turned around slowly and went galumphing off.

"Watch out, the stairs!" Shion said and reached out to Safu, but in contrast to the white-head the girl didn't seem to have problems with her night vision. They walked a few steps until they reached one of the doors. Shion opened it. The room was bathed in a dim light. Safu followed her childhood friend inside and looked around curiously, astonished. Never in her whole life had Safu seen so many books. She went to the nearest of the bookshelves slowly, skimming her fingers along the row of covers Shion had organized a couple of weeks ago. The young woman closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. The smell of old books reached her nose. A hint of grass, a hint of vanilla…

It was the first time she experienced that certain smell, but she had read something about it a couple of years ago. As a book ages, the glue, paper and ink begin to break down, releasing volatile compounds. It was just like the smell of summer rain – attached to fond memories. Just like Shion's. But Shion's smell had changed. Of course there was still a nuance of it, but it was mixed with something else.

Nezumi!

Safu looked around. Books, a piano, a massive bed, an old worn-out couch, a coffee table, two mugs – they were obliviously living here. Eating together, sleeping together... And even if the walls were bare and everything was used and old it had a cozy warm atmosphere, a peculiar charm. It was a home. It was Shion's and Nezumi's home and their refuge.

"Nezumi? I'm back!"

"You're late!" Nezumi's slightly pissed voice came from the hindmost corner of the underground room behind the bookcases.

"Yeah, I know. Sorry." Shion answered, closing the door.

"Did something happen? It's already dark outside."

"No, everything's alright. I had the dog with me!"

"Fine. I've already eaten. But there's a piece of bread left." The older boy said, slowly walking past the bookshelves, carrying a couple of books in his arms. "You can… What the fuck is that chick doing here?" Nezumi asked, finally noticing Safu.

"Nezumi! She's no chick! Her name is Safu!"

"Don't worry. I forgot your name, too." Safu retorted.

"Oho! A virago, huh?"

"Nezumi!"

"What?"

"You're not better. Could you please shut up for one second and let Safu explain why she's here?"

In an instant, Shion was slammed against the nearest bookshelf with a strong force. Just like back then, in that stormy night, he felt five cold fingers closing around his throat.

"Don't think too full of yourself. Don't think I wouldn't throw you out. Don't press your luck…" He whispered right into Shion's ear, choking him. "And don't think I wouldn't kill you if it's necessary, Shion."

"STOP IT!" Safu yelled and wanted to grab Nezumi's sweatshirt, but Shion raised one of his arms, signalizing her not do anything. Safu paused for a moment, watching the scenario with widened flickering eyes.

Nezumi stared right into Shion's deep purple, but his dangerous gaze turned into a slightly confused one once he saw the other boy's grinning. The hand around Shion's thin neck loosened and the white-haired didn't miss the opportunity to slide a hand around the back of Nezumi's neck, pulling him closer. He clicked his teeth and bit Nezumi's beautiful straight nose. Immediately the dark-haired let out a very bewildered sound, breaking away from Shion.

"Woah! W…what the heck, Shion! Biting is the worst! Are you one of Inukashi's shitty mongrels?" Nezumi yelled at him while rubbing his nose. He sounded nasal. Shion giggled slightly; then started to laugh.

"Oh god, your face! Your face was priceless, Nezumi."

"It's not a matter to laugh about." The bitten one said grumpily.

"Ah, come on. I was really tender."

"You're the worst."

"Would you please listen to Safu now or do I have to bite you again?"

Nezumi rolled his eyes. "Go ahead."

"Thank you." Shion said and patted Nezumi's shoulder. The older brushed his hand away and sat down on the bed.

"Well Safu, tell us about it." Shion said, looking at his childhood friend curiously.

"I needed to see you, Shion." Safu answered. "I needed to know that you're safe and sound. That you're alive." She said and walked a few steps, raising one hand. Gently she stroked Shion's cheek, looking at him with the tenderest expression the boy had ever seen. "They said you were planning indiscriminate murder from twisted hatred. It has been broadcasted by the Bureau, but I didn't want to believe it. You're not twisted. You never would harm anybody, wouldn't you? I wanted to know what happened, so I visited your mother. She told me that you're alive and that you're in the West Block. So I came here to find you."

"Are you completely insane, Safu? It's dangerous here. Just because my mom told you I'm here you tried to find me?"

She nodded slightly. Shion was angry. This once so calm and serene boy yelled at her again, showing another bunch of emotion. He was like a stranger but still so familiar.

"What was your intention? What's your plan? I can't go back to No. 6, you should know this already."

"I do know!"

"Then why? Why do you put yourself in danger? Why are you…"

"Idiot!" Nezumi's voice cut through the air like a sharp knife. Shion stopped immediately.

"Why, why, why? Why are you still that dumb, huh? Can't you finally stop asking your stupid questions and just use the head of yours at least one single time? Sometimes I really don't know whether to laugh at you or pity you, Shion. Isn't it obvious? She has nothing to lose."

Shion's eyes widened.

"What?"

"My grandmother died. That's why I came back to No. 6. And I wanted to see you." Safu said with a faintly voice. She lowered her head slightly.

Shion kept silent for a second. He was shocked. She had lost everything. She had nowhere to go. The white-haired clenched his fists. His body trembled.

"I'm sorry…" He whispered after a while, nearly swallowing his words. "I'm so sorry, Safu."

Nezumi shook his head.

What an idiot, huh? But you're not better, risking your life because of him. But for what? Because he's your anchor? Because he's the only person you can rely on? And still, he doesn't know anything. He just can't figure it out. Really, he's such an airhead, a dork, the stupidest person I've ever met.

And you… you're pathetically.

"Did you get rid of your ID card?" Nezumi asked sharply.

"Yes."

"Did someone follow you?"

"No, of course not. I'm not stupid."

"Oh, is that so? Well, then." Nezumi answered and threw the extra blanket Shion had found while organizing the books at her.

"Make yourself at home! Why don't you clean the bathroom?"

"Nezumi!" Shion scolded.

"Just kidding. Don't make yourself too comfortable. You'll just stay tonight."

It was way too late to bring her to Inukashi's right now. And Nezumi didn't feel like a night walk. Of course he wouldn't let Shion walk back all alone. He didn't rescue that idiot just to let him getting raped and probably killed by those cleaner guys who seemed to like Shion's doll-like face.

"Thank you!" Safu and Shion said in unison, looking at Nezumi with glistening eyes. The dark-haired's cheeks blushed slightly. He turned his face to the wall and clicked his tongue. Horrible!

He grabbed one of the books next to him and started to read. He wanted to get distracted.

"I'll bring you to Inukashi tomorrow." Shion said, pouring hot water into cups, even if one of them was an old measuring jug. He placed one of the mugs for Nezumi who still was reading, facing the wall. He gave the other one to Safu and took a sip out of the jug.

"Inukashi? A dogkeeper? So you lent the big brown dog earlier?"

"Kind of. The dog seems to like me, so he accompanies me pretty often." Shion answered and put his jug back on the table. Tsukiyo and Cravat were lying rolled-up on his lap end enjoyed Shion's tender loving care. He fondled the little mice carefully. Hamlet slept on Shion's head. The small white mouse was nearly invisible there.

"I didn't know that you're so good with animals."

"Animals are great. Ah, I'm washing Inukashi's dogs so they're clean for the rental. Inukashi manages a hotel here, that's why I'll bring you there tomorrow. I'm sure we can find a way you can stay there when you help out a bit. And don't worry. Inukashi's a bit bluntly and has a rash way of speaking, but also has a very kind side. As long as you don't insult the dogs everything's fine. And I guess there's no safer place in the West Block."

Safu nodded and also drank a bit of her hot water. She didn't come here to be safe, but at least Shion seemed to care for her safety. What a nice feeling.

Nezumi puffed contemptuously and leafed through the pages of his book. Shion looked at the dark-haired boy's back.

"Why don't you stop sulking and join our conversation, Nezumi?"

"I'm not sulking."

"And why are you reading like that, looking at the wall?"

Nezumi turned around.

"Why I'm reading? You know, there are hidden stories among all those letters. And regarding your other question I want to say: Why not? I don't want to disturb Your Majesty's love talk."

"Nezumi!"

Shion sighed and looked at Safu apologetically.

"I'm sorry."

"Never mind."

Both remained silent, drinking their hot water thoughtfully.

"Safu, how did you manage to get out of No. 6?" Shion asked after a while, breaking the silence.

"I had my ways. It's not important."

"Of course it is!"

"There's no need to talk about it. I'd rather know why you've bleached your hair like that. And what happened to your eyes? What's with that scar…?"

Shion sighed.

"Well, things happened. I'll tell you another time. It's late already."

"Yes… You're right." Safu answered. Shion stood up and made his way to the bed, covering his body with the little piece of the blanked Nezumi had left him. The older boy seemed to sleep, or he pretended it, Shion didn't know.

"Good night, Safu!" Shion whispered.

"Good night." Safu answered and tried to make herself comfortable on the saggy, way too short couch. The girl watched Shion with tired eyes. He took the book Nezumi was reading and put it on the table, then dimmed the kerosene lamp a bit. The nearly non existing light conditions let the boys only appear as a silhouette, but after a while Safu's eyes got used to the darkness. It was the first time she shared the room with another person and although Safu was pretty tired there was no way to fall asleep. Every little rustling, the little mice calm squeaking while they dreamed, Shion's regular breathing – everything seemed to be way louder than it actually was. And it was cold. Safu was freezing, although she was all wrapped up in the old blanket. But she wasn't the only one who felt cold. Shion's teeth chattered. After a few minutes she heard another louder rustling. Nezumi had turned around. He pulled Shion closer, rubbed his back a few times and covered him tightly. While he warmed him up, Safu managed to see that Nezumi was stroking Shion's hair tenderly, again and again, as if it was calming him down. She was sure that Nezumi thought she wasn't able to see them in the darkness. But she was able to see it perfectly. Nezumi was so lovingly, so caring – it moved her to tears and broke her heart at the same time. In the morning hours Safu finally fell asleep, short and dreamless. A little tear glistened in the corners of her eyes.

When Safu woke up the next morning, she found herself alone in the underground room. The kerosene heater spread warmth and another cup of hot water was waiting for her. She sat up and let her fingers run through her short dark hair. After a while she put on her light grey coat and looked around the room for the last time before leaving it. She closed the door and raised her head, looking at Nezumi who was standing next to it.

"Morning."

"Good morning." She answered and smiled.

"Shion's waiting outside for you."

Safu nodded.

"I'll be going then. Thank you for allowing me to stay here overnight."

"Never mind."

"Ah, there's one thing I want to tell you, before I leave…"

"Which is?" Nezumi asked languidly.

"You have feelings for Shion." Safu answered straightforward, looking fair in Nezumi's face. For a split second Nezumi's expression was confused, but he composed himself pretty fast. Unfortunately not fast enough – Safu's was an eagle-like watcher. A faint smile flashed over her face.

Nezumi quickly cleared his throat and crossed his arms while leaning against the bare clinker brick wall.

"My personal preferences for certain other persons are none of your business." His voice was as cold as ice. Safu smiled and shook her head slightly.

"Indeed it is. Of course you're right, I'm sorry. But eavesdropping on other people is also not a nice way."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You're using your mice to spy on other people. Back then in Lost Town a mouse climbed on Shion's shoulder. Now I'm pretty sure you used this mouse to talk to him."

Nezumi clenched his wrists. What did this girl want? His silver eyes glistened slightly in the underground's darkness, staring right in Safu's. After a short while Nezumi started to smile. "Pff! Well, so what? Do you want me to praise you for your sharp intellect? Or insult me, because I overheard your awkward sex talk back then?"

The girl shook her head again.

"No. I want to know why you've observed him." She needed to know, because she had the feeling that she'd finally find her answer to the question why Shion had to leave Chronos four years ago.

"It's none of your business."

Safu blinked and sighed, but her lips formed a little smile.

"You're very stubborn. But it just strengthens my assumption that you're in love with him."

"Then you're assumption is pretty misguided."

"It's not. I can prove it."

"Give me a break."

"First of all…."

"Oh god, why?"

"…your body language. Although you're some kind of actor, if it's right what Shion told me, you can't control your body completely." Safu said, pointing at Nezumi's arms.

"Your crossed arms with clenched fists are showing a hostile defensiveness since I've confronted you with the fact that you probably have feelings for Shion. You feel offended. I guess you're still struggling, but you can feel it already, don't you?"

"I'm just feeling the urge to tape your mouth, because it's full of bullshit."

"Apropos mouth – you gave me a pretty pasted smile, just seconds ago. It appeared quickly and it was fixed for longer than a natural smile. Furthermore it didn't extend to your eyes. This typically indicates suppressed displeasure…"

"Duh! This whole conversation incurs displeasure!"

"Yes, because I'm right. My statement totally threw you off the track. Those feelings are deep inside of you, but you're still unsure about them. That's why you had no time to play it down. You started to think about it, because your subconscious mind knows that I'm telling the truth. But all you do is trying to deny it."

A few tears were welling up in Safu's eyes. Nezumi gulped.

"Coward!" She whispered.

"Huh?"

"You're such a coward! Grow up a bit, will you? You're such a dork and you're definitely not better than Shion."

"What are you…?" He replied angry, but Safu just slapped his mouth with her fingers.

"Would you please let me finish? You've awkward manners!"

"What the f…"

"Every time Shion and I met, he didn't look at me..." She said, lowering her head. "His eyes wandered so far away. Why didn't he look at me, who was right in front of him? He had forgotten about me. But I've known that for ages. His soul has been captured by something else. And then I got to see it. After the mouse tried to run away he yelled your name. It was the first time I had seen Shion that agitated, showing something like… emotions."

She raised her head again and stared into Nezumi's eyes powerfully.

"It was because of you! The whole time he just wanted to see you. He longed for you."

Nezumi gulped. His eyes flickered.

"What idiot you've fallen for, huh? Longing for another guy… Poor one." He said, trying to maintain the mocking undertone in his voice.

"No, what idiot HE has fallen for!" Safu answered sharply. "I don't know what happened between you two, but I guess it has something to do with the fact that Shion had lost his elite status, his security and his bright future. He was destined for greatness, but instead he lost himself in his love for you. I'll tell you something, mister! If you dare to hurt him, if you dare to wind him up, I'll break your thin neck! I'm warning you. I'm pretty good at martial arts."

Nezumi raised his eyebrows. This girl had some guts. He really started to like her somehow.

"What are you talking about? Even if you're trying to threaten me, I won't go out with him. Just look around. We're in the West Block. Here's no place for being all lovey-dovey. What's your idea as to how that will happen?"

"It just will happen. Someday. I know it for sure. You love each other."

"Not that again… Come on, girl. Go and watch some soap operas…"

"You're also looking at him with longing in your eyes. I've watched you last night. You like to caress Shion's hair and you can be really nice and caring." She giggled slightly.

"There's so much love hidden deep inside of you! But it makes you vulnerable."

"Shut up! Aren't you ashamed talking such embarrassing shit?"

"First I really thought you were just some jerk having an identity crisis. And you were really jealous. You're so afraid of losing him that you tried to kill me with your death stares, although you've nothing to fear from me. I can't take him away from you and I won't try it."

Out!

"You are your own worst enemy." Safu laughed quietly.

Out of my head! Stop it!

"You should be glad, Nezumi. Unlike me, he loves you, too. He loves you so much. So stop being selfish and be a good boy. Let's be thankful. You've found someone who can handle your horrible moods and who loves you just the way you are, even if you're a complete idiot! But that's no wonder. Birds of a feather flock together."

"Are you through?"

Safu rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable. You're hopeless."

She sighed. "Well, I have to go now. You know, I still love Shion. And it makes me feel really uncomfortable being with you."

"You are a fine one to talk…"

"Nezumi?"

"Hm?"

"Not many people have something like that. They search their entire life to find their counterpart."

Nezumi sighed slightly and rubbed the base of his nose with his forefinger and thumb. He was developing a headache.

"Safu…"

The girl turned around to face him once more.

"What is it?"

"He is… Shion is still destined for greatness. Because he…is the greatest, most amazing human I've ever met."

Safu blinked, then started to smile gently.

"Yes, indeed." She said quietly.

"Four years ago, in a very stormy night, Shion rescued me. I was at my life's end. I was shot and the bleeding didn't want to stop, I had no place to go and no one would help me. But then, Shion opened his window in the middle of the rain and yelled."

"He yelled?" Safu said confused, then started to laugh. Nezumi smiled.

"Yes, he yelled like hell and he left his window open."

"How irresponsible!"

"Kind of, huh? But for me just the open window was like a miracle. And not only that: He also treated my wound and gave me food, warmth and shelter without expecting anything in return. He impressed me."

"You've endured horrible things, haven't you?"

Nezumi blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his head. He didn't even know why he wanted to tell her what happened back then. But he had the feeling that she deserved to know the truth.

"Well…"

"I'm glad that you've met Shion."

"What?"

"You've observed him, because you knew the Security Bureau had a down on him. So you rescued his life in return."

"I owed him a dept…"

"You two are caring for each other so much. That's why I'm glad you've met Shion. I just want him to be happy. But I also envy you."

Nezumi kept silent.

"Thank you for telling me your story. Good bye."

She climbed the stairs, leaving Nezumi behind in the underground's darkness. Nezumi looked at her back while she stretched herself out, walking into the light, bathing in it.

"Good bye, Safu…" He whispered and closed his eyes.

"Ah, good morning, Safu!" Shion shouted happily once he saw his childhood friend and stopped playing with the big brown dog that seemed to pick the boy up. It was a nice day. The rain had stopped and the early morning sky welcomed the girl with beautiful warm colors.

"I have to go now, Shion." Safu said.

"I'll bring you to Inukashi's hotel." The white-haired answered.

Safu shook her head. "No, I really have to leave." She told him, giggling slightly because of his confused face.

"What do you mean, Safu?"

"I'm glad I was able to meet you again, Shion. I'm glad you're alive and all right. And I'm glad that you're being loved and that you've met people who care for you."

"What are you talking about? Where are you going, Safu? You can't go back to No. 6! Let me take you to Inukashi's hotel now! You'll be safe there, I promise!" The boy said a bit desperately and wanted to grab his friend's shoulders, but his hands went through her body. Shion's eyes widened.

What was going on here?

"Safu… What?"

"Good bye, Shion! I'll always love you." A single tear rolled down Safu's cheek while she smiled.

"Good bye!"

"Safu!"

Shion tried to grab her, to embrace her, but Safu's body disappeared right in his arms. She turned into a warm, gentle wind that caressingly stroked through Shion's white hair.

"SAFU!

Shion awoke. He must have been yelled because Nezumi was sitting right in front of him, his face was shocked and worried at the same time. Within seconds Shion was bursting into a flood of tears. He trembled and grabbed Nezumi's sweatshirt, leaning his forehead against his shoulder.

"Shion…" Gentle stroking hands tried to calm the crying boy down. Normally, Nezumi wasn't someone who comforted other people. But Shion cried kind of uncontrollable and it scared the hell out of him. The dark-haired didn't know what to do, so he just embraced him and whispered calming words into Shion's ear.

After a while the boy quieted down a bit, but he was still crying.

"I had a bad dream…" His voice was shaky and he sobbed a couple of times.

"I thought so." Nezumi answered.

"Safu vanished right in front of me… There was nothing I could do about it. I… I was a horrible friend. But I never meant to hurt her."

Nezumi didn't answer. He didn't know what to say. And furthermore, hearing about it gave him the creeps. He didn't want to tell it Shion, but he had a strange dream about Safu, too. Although he hadn't even met her in person, it was really realistic.

Long, gentle fingers caressed Shion's hair.

"Stop crying. It was just a dream." But Shion's eyes still watered.

"Will you stop if I hold you?" Nezumi asked and embraced the smaller one tightly, lying down with him again. He pulled the blanket over them and was really glad it was still so dark, because his felt his cheeks burning. Shion trembled and started another crying fit.

Nezumi rolled his eyes and cupped the other's face.

"Be quiet!" He said and kissed him. His mouth covered Shion's, swallowing every single sob the younger boy let escape his parted lips. Shion's big, purple eyes were widened, his wet cheeks flushed and his grip tightened. Slowly he closed his eyes and responded. He intensified the gentle, lingering touch of their lips, both bodies pressed each other closer, light nibbles followed and Nezumi started to tease the tenderfoot with his tongue playfully.

After a while both boys parted and looked into each other's eyes, embarrassed. Their cheeks were blushed, and especially Nezumi was glad that it was too dark for Shion to see it.

"I feel so stupid…" Shion's hoarse voice whispered after a while of awkward silence.

"It's okay to feel what you are." Nezumi retorted.

"Thank you… I don't love you, too, Nezumi."

"Better living through denial, huh?"

"Who's the one denying it?"

"Touché."

"What? Are you aware that you gave me something… like a declaration of love right now?"

"God, shut up!"

"I'm right!"

"Fuck!" Nezumi cursed under his breath, pinching Shion's cheek.

"Awww, that hurts!"

"Stop crying. I'll hold you. So please be finally quiet. Deal?"

Shion looked at the other boy bewildered, but after a few seconds a smile flashed over his face. He huddled up to Nezumi and closed his eyes.

"Deal!"

OMAKE

Shion: SAFU! I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you, really!

Safu: Ah, it's alright, Shion. I love you enough for the both of us. That's why I want you to be happy, even if it's with this guy. *looks at Nezumi with narrowed eyes*

Nezumi: Aren't I charming?

Safu: No? You're just pretty weird and moody! You behave like a real louse to Shion!

Shion: Safu, calm down. It's alright!

Safu: Nothing's alright, Shion!

Shion: But…

Nezumi: Shut up, idiot! Don't interrupt other people.

Safu: How can you dare? Don't forbid Shion to speak!

Shion: It's ok, Safu. I really…

Safu: God, I'm on your side, you jerk!

Nezumi: Ha! God, that's so funny.

Safu: And you! Shut it, too! Strangle Shion again and I'll break your neck, I swear it! *shows him her fists*

Shion: SAFU!

Nezumi: Really? Why don't you try it, huh? Scared? *grabs his knife*

Shion: NEZUMI!

Nezumi & Safu: *start to fight*

Shion: SAFU! NEZUMI! Enough already! *knocks them both down with a special grip*

Nezumi & Safu: (x.x) (x_x)

Shion: There we go!

A/N:

Hello there! :D I'm back with another short story. This time I wanted to give a little tribute to Safu. I really like her character and I thought a lot about her and her relationship towards Shion recently. Well, I had a lot of fun writing this story, even if it's a bit dramatic. But I really hope you liked it. Please let me know if I made mistakes. Thank you. ^^

I want to give thanks to all those who followed and liked "What might have happened" and of course to those who commented. I really appreciate it. Big thanks to Yuneyn for your motivating, pretty long comment, and of course I also want to thank Lawl-ya, Hasashi-san, GlammieGirl328 and MadameVonPresident. Woah, so many thanks. XD Well! Have a nice day.