As soon as I closed the door, we were embraced by the silence that followed.

(It is quite late at night now.)

The sliver of moonlight streaming in from the window reminded me the end of the evening was near.

(To me, January 11th is just another normal day of the year.)

I sat upon my bed and looked over at [Alice].

(However, this year because of [Alice], I felt that this day was different.)

She was the one who took me out to celebrate my birthday.

It was the first time we had celebrated my birthday together.

[Alice]: “…”

Appearing slightly out of place, she stood in the center of the room staring at her folded hands.

Lancelot: "What is the matter?"

As I broke the silence and spoke to her, she lifted her eyes to mine.

[Alice]: "Well, today we went out on a date so--"

[Alice]: "Now that it's just the two of us alone in your room--"

Her cheeks reddened to the color of a blooming rose as she spoke.

(Oh, perhaps she is nervous.)

Lancelot: "I thought that you were ready for this moment."

I did tell her what would happen later tonight at the end of our date.

[Alice]: "Yes, that is true, I thought so too."

[Alice]: "But I am just feeling especially self-conscious all of the sudden--"

Earlier, she had been so excited to take me out this afternoon.

But suddenly with the anticipating atmosphere of the night, she was nervous.

(She can be so adorable.)

I could feel the corners of my mouth lifting up in amusement.

Lancelot: "Come here, Alice."

I didn't move towards her and kept eye contact with her as she came closer.

I carefully took her hands in mine, and guided her to sit on my lap.

Feeling her body touch my own sent shivers down my spine.

[Alice]: "Lancelot?"

Her voice had a hint of surprise as I placed my lips on hers.

Lancelot: "No one else is here but the two of us."

Lancelot: "So there is nothing to be embarrassed about."

[Alice]: "But l'm embarrassed because it is just the two of us--"

Lancelot: "I understand. Don't fret about it."

I gently stroked her hair and let it flow between my fingers.

Her nervousness melted away and the corners of her lips lifted slightly.

(She finally smiled.)

I felt my own face soften at her reaction.

When I am with [Alice] I can't hide my own feelings.

[Alice]: "Hey Lancelot."

Lancelot: "What is it?"

I continued to play with her hair as she spoke in a melodic tone.

[Alice]: "Was I able to give you the best birthday possible today?"

Lancelot: “…”

(You tried so hard to make me happy by celebrating my birthday today.)

(Yet here you are still thinking of me now.)

A warmth filled my chest as I admired her compassion.

I was very happy with the best gift.

[Alice] knew exactly what words would move me.

(I had never wished for anything in my life, not once.)

(Even though it was my birthday, I had never asked for a gift, not even once.)

But she always knew how to read me.

In the depths of my heart I knew what I wanted.

Lancelot: "The only thing I wish for is you, Alice."

Lancelot: "Give all of you to me."

Before she could answer I kissed her deeply.

[Alice]: "Nnn-"

Our tongues intertwined with longing for each other.

As we kissed I tenderly laid her down on my bed.

I untied the ribbon at her chest and the bare skin was already hot to the touch.

[Alice]: "W-wait a minute."

She put her hand up and placed it on delicately my chest.

Lancelot: "Are you still feeling nervous?"

[Alice]: "No, it's not that."

Lancelot: "What is it?"

Lancelot: "Do you not want to give yourself to me?"

[Alice]: "I do..."

Her eyes pierced with determination.

[Alice]: "I have not finished celebrating your birthday properly yet."

Lancelot: "What do you mean?"

[Alice]: "Since your birthday is not over, I want to give it my all to celebrate it with you."

She clumsily tried to undo the buttons on my shirt.

(I wonder if she is trying to take the lead?)

Surprised, I stopped moving for a moment.

But I couldn't help it and I smiled.

(It is very endearing that she wants to please me.)

I let [Alice] rain kisses upon my neck.

[Alice]: "I'm not very good at this--"

Lancelot: "Why do you say that?"

[Alice]: "I feel like when you touch me back I can't think and I loose concentration."

Lancelot: "You're better at this than you think you are."

Actually, I love you so dearly that it doesn't matter.

Lancelot: "Let me take you passionately with these hands... and give it all to you."

[Alice]: "Ah--"

I removed her blouse completely so that her chest was exposed.

My hands caressed her and I put my lips to her chest.

Her eyes were wet with overwhelming emotion.

(Even her tears are beautiful.)

As a tear rolled down her cheek I kissed it.

Surprisingly, her tear tasted sweet.

(It is hard to believe I am holding someone this beautiful in my arms.)

[Alice] squeezed my left arm and I was reminded of the numerous scars of my past.

This arm was so used to being alone. Until now.

(You always tell me that you would do everything in your power to make sure I am never alone.)

She reached out her hand to stroke my face.

[Alice]: "Oh, Lancelot--"

Her voice awoke a strong sense of need from deep within me.

These hands are fervently holding you but I want to be more delicate with you.

Yet no matter how much I touch you, it's never enough.

Lancelot: "[Alice]--"

In her ear, I whispered her name and [Alice] replied with a sweet sigh.

I knew how she felt just from this reaction.

(Euphoria-- That is what I want to show the one who taught me about love.)

(And at the very least, I pledge to--)

(Give all my love to you in return.)

Even as the day ends, and my birthday is over,

we revealed more and more to each other in a tangled embrace of passion.

I suddenly realized I was stuck in the middle of an incredibly cold moment.

Red soldier: "Did you hear? King Lancelot took out all the Black Army soldiers that attacked the Red Army himself."

Red soldier: "He's merciless. But what else would you expect from our King of Hearts? There's a reason they call him the 'Beautiful Beast."'

(Why are they still talking like that even now?)

Jonah: "You two! You should be more careful about wagging your tongues in the presence of King Lancelot. Isn't that right, Edgar?"

Edgar: "Yes, Jonah is exactly right. If you want to gossip, do it outside."

Zero and Kyle watched on silently, but didn't join in with scolding the soldiers.

(Jonah, Edgar, Zero, and Kyle-- Why do they all look so miserable?)

(Their eyes aren't supposed to be that dull and cold. Please, men, smile!)

(I can't stand to see you looking like that any longer!)

I wanted to say something, but I couldn't. It was like I had lost my voice somehow.

I was sinking deeper into the dark depths of night, when--

Lancelot: "Hm!"

My consciousness suddenly rose to the surface, and a gentle voice tickled my ear.

[Alice]: "Lancelot?"

Bathed in a faint sunbeam, [Alice] was looking down at me with concern in her eyes.

Seeing her made me realize that I had just been dreaming.

(It's not unusual for me to have dreams about my past. But I never do get use to how dark they are.)

[Alice]: "You were terribly restless just now. Were you having a bad dream?"

Lancelot: "Yes, a very bad dream indeed. My hands are still trembling in fear."

[Alice]: "But what kind of dream could frighten you, Lancelot?"

The trepidation in [Alice]'s voice made me want to chuckle, but I kept a serious tone as I replied.

Lancelot: "I dreamt that Kyle was chasing me relentlessly, trying to give me a shot. He actually had a syringe in each hand."

Lancelot: "It was truly horrifying."

[Alice]: "Hee-hee, that's not scary. It's funny! You really are a baby about getting shots."

Lancelot: "I'm not a baby. I just don't like them."

A look of relief spreading across her face, [Alice] showed me an amused smile.

(I'm glad I got you to smile. I don't want you to have to listen to memories of my dark past.)

Lancelot: "So, Alice."

[Alice]: "Whoa!"

Wrapping my arms around her slender waist, I pulled her onto my lap and gazed into her big eyes.

Lancelot: "It's your turn to talk. You must have had a reason for coming to wake me?"

[Alice]: "Well-- Today is your birthday, right Lancelot? So, I wanted to be the first person to see you today!"

[Alice]: "And I wanted to ask you if you'll spend the whole day with me."

Lancelot: "My birthday? Ah, yes."

[Alice]: "Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday!"

[Alice]'s bright smile clouded over again.

(Her expressions are as changeable as the weather on a mountaintop.)

(It is very charming, though.)

Lancelot: "You're right. I forgot."

[Alice]: "Seriously?!"

Lancelot: "No, of course not!"

I grinned and gave her a peck on the lips, which made [Alice]'s cheeks flush with indignation.

[Alice]: "Don't startle me like that!"

Lancelot: "Sorry. Your reactions are just so cute, l couldn't help myself. But I think it would be quite impossible for me to forget my birthday.”

[Alice]: "Oh?"

Lancelot: "I noticed things here have been more lively than usual the past few days. I got curious, so I snuck a peek into the dining room."

[Alice]: "Do you mean.."

Lancelot: "Everyone is planning a celebration for me today, right? I overheard it all."

Her head drooped in disappointment at that.

[Alice]: "Geez, I kept telling everyone to keep their voices down. But they just wouldn't listen."

[Alice]: "Jonah wouldn't stop talking about ordering the fanciest strawberries in all of Cradle. Kyle was hungover, as usual."

[Alice]: "Edgar was insistent on making a jellybean birthday cake. The only one who took things seriously was Zero."

As [Alice] explained about their shenanigans, a thought popped into my mind.

(Those bitter memories are my past. And this is my reality.)

[Alice] sat on my lap and I could hear the laughter of Red soldiers in the distance.

(I used to dream about happy things, but would then awaken to a sad, miserable reality.)

(But now the opposite is true.)

I wasn't yet used to waking up to a happy reality.

But when I could see [Alice]'s face, the fact that this was my real life now hit home.

And that made me extraordinarily happy.

[Alice]: "Lancelot?"

Lancelot: "Yes, l'm listening. Don't be disappointed, Alice. You said you would spend the whole day with me, right?"

Lancelot: "Well, I'm going to bring you along as I do whatever I feel like doing today. How does that sound?"

[Alice]: "Great! I'll go anywhere with you, Lancelot!"

In the pale sunlight, I nodded at [Alice]'s smile and took hold of her dainty hand.

Lancelot: "Let's go, Alice."

We spent the afternoon walking hand in hand through Red Territory.

Then we returned to headquarters and had a dizzyingly lively dinner with everyone.

By the time it was over, the sky had turned a deep shade of azure and the light of the full moon lit our way.

(That sure was a hectic dinner.)

As I took off my jacket and sat down on the bed, Alice stood facing me.

[Alice]: "When you said you wanted to go out this morning, I didn't think we'd be shopping for thank you presents for the others."

Lancelot: "You didn't have fun?"

[Alice]: "It's not that. The fact that you think about others first, even on your birthday, is incredibly sweet and kind."

[Alice]: "But--"

[Alice] touched my cheek as if caressing something that wasn't quite whole.

(Hm?)

[Alice]: "You don't need to be that considerate of me. I don't want you giving me anything, I want you to take what you want."

[Alice]: "Because today is a special day."

Her sultry gaze and enticing words made me tremble with desire.

(When did she start saying things like that?)

Lancelot: "Oh, yes? In that case--"

Pulling [Alice] gently by the hand,

I drew her onto the bed and then climbed on top of her.

Lancelot: "I'll take as much as you wish. As long as you think you can handle it?"

[Alice]: "Oh, I can."

I took hold of the ribbon on her bodice with my teeth and untied it slowly. I felt like I was opening the most perfect present.

(Do you know, [Alice]?)

(Each and every moment I'm with you is impossibly happy.)

(I am more thankful than anyone for this wonderful age of peace we find ourselves in.)

Wanting to feel this reality even more deeply, I let my hand trail across [Alice]'s hot flesh.

[Alice]: "Ng-- Ah-"

When I brought my lips to her sensitive bosom, her back arched and she hugged me as tightly as she could.

Lancelot: "What, you surrender already?"

[Alice]: "Ah-- Mm-- No-- Don't stop yet."

As [Alice] shook her head desperately and begged for more, I lost all control.

As I slid my hand up her thigh, the room was filled with the sound of her sweet, gasping breaths.

[Alice]: "Mm--"

(Maybe I'm teasing her too much.)

When I stopped moving, [Alice] shook her head again and hugged me closer as she pleaded.

[Alice]: "Don't stop-- All night long-- I want you to take me and not let go."

([Alice]?)

[Alice]: "No, one night still isn't enough. I want you to take me with you even into your dreams."

Her words startled me.

Lancelot: "Alice, did you realize the I made up that dream I told you about this morning?"

[Alice] smiled softly in affirmation.

(So that's why you've been intent on staying with me today.)

(And why you're holding me so close right now.)

(I really am no match for you.)

My affections for her forming a lump in my throat, I hugged [Alice] tightly.

[Alice]: "Lancelot?"

Lancelot: "I'm sorry for lying. I just didn't want you knowing that I have dreams about my dark, painful past."

[Alice]: "Your painful past?"

Lancelot: "Yes. Memories from before I met you."

Lancelot: "Whenever I have those gloomy dreams I do wish that you were there by my side, but--"

Lancelot: "I can't take you into my dreams with me."

She looked at me quizzically, so I explained as I stroked her silky hair.

Lancelot: "Because if I don't have you here when I wake up, I won't realize that I have woken up."

Lancelot: "[Alice], each time I see your face, I'm reminded that I am here 'now' in this happy reality."

(Before I met you, I was extremely lonely.)

(Before I met you, happiness was nothing but an unattainable dream.)

(Before I met you, I didn't know what happiness was.)

[Alice] had come from the world on the flipside of the coin that is Cradle.

And somehow dreams and reality had flipped for me as well.

Lancelot: "So, when I wake up, I want your smile to be the first thing I see of the real world."

Lancelot: "That is enough to make me astonishingly happy. So much so, that I can forget my bad dreams."

[Alice] smiled affectionately.

[Alice]: "I understand. But for tonight, let me keep holding on to you like this. At least until dawn."

Lancelot: "Yes. I won't let you go even if you get sick of me."

Clasping our hands together, we shared in each other's warmth.

The longer I embraced her lovely heat, the more the dark memories faded. Maybe one day I'd stop having those dreams altogether.

And those dark memories of yesterday would surely be replaced,

with the happy memories I would make with [Alice] tomorrow.

It was midnight and the full moon was high in the night sky.

(Hmm--)

I heard the bed creak and woke up.

(Lancelot?)

I opened my eyes and searched for my boyfriend.

Lancelot: "Did I wake you? My apologies."

[Alice]: "That's okay, what's wrong?"

Lancelot: "I just could not sleep. But do not fret about me."

[Alice]: "You can't sleep?"

Today was a party for the residents of the Red Army territory.

It was a fabulous evening of dancing and delicious cuisine.

(I was exhausted from the festivities but it seemed Lancelot was not.)

[Alice]: "Are you thinking about something in particular?"

Lancelot: "Perhaps."

Lancelot sat up in bed and his piercing blue eyes looked out the window.

Lancelot: "Tonight is a full moon, isn't it?"

(Yes that's true.)

Outside the window, the full moon shone brightly.

The light of the full moon connects my world, the Land of Reason, to this wonderland.

You can only travel between the two worlds on the night of a full moon.

Lancelot: "I get nervous trying to fall asleep on nights of the full moon."

Lancelot: "If I were to fall asleep, wake up, and you were gone-- I feel a chill just thinking about it."

Lancelot: "Even though logically I know that won't happen."

[Alice]: "Oh, Lancelot--"

The light of the full moon glowed on his blond hair, making it seem ethereal.

Lancelot: "After a lively day, the quiet of the night seems to ring loudly in my ears."

(I decided I would not return home and stay with Lancelot forever.)

(Even if I tell him that, I don't think it's enough though.)

Lancelot knew that I would not return home.

But since he had been lonely for so long, it wouldn't be easy for him to adjust.

(What can I do to make him feel more at ease?)

I spoke softly to him.

[Alice]: "So why don't we meet in our dreams?"

Lancelot: "In our dreams?"

(It may seem childish but hopefully he'll at least be less concerned about falling asleep.)

[Alice]: "Yes! Let's meet in our dreams and dance together."

[Alice]: "Since I couldn't dance with you at the party today, Lancelot."

(We were both preoccupied with chatting amongst others so we didn't have much alone time.)

[Alice]: "If we hold hands before falling asleep, surely we can see each other in our dreams."

Under the sheet, I took his hand.

And Lancelot's eyes softened as he looked at me.

Lancelot: "It's mysterious,"

Lancelot: "How much power your words have to move me."

(I'm glad, this seems to be working!)

Lancelot: "I'm looking forward to meeting you in our dreams."

[Alice]: "Me too!"

(I hope we really do meet up in our dreams.)

We held hands as we both fell asleep--

The next morning--

I felt the sunshine rays through the window and I awoke from a pleasant sleep.

(I feel like I dreamt about something--)

I don't remember it very clearly but I think I saw Lancelot in my dream.

(Because we fell asleep holding hands.)

I looked to my side and saw that Lancelot and I were still holding hands.

But Lancelot was still fast asleep.

(Good, it seems that he's sleeping deeply.)

As I stared at his gorgeous face, my heart skipped a beat.

He looks so innocent and calm right now.

(I want to touch him...)

I gently placed a hand on his cheek.

And I was just about to trace his lips with my finger when--

(Wait, he might think it's weird if I try to kiss him while he's asleep.)

So l put my hand back under the covers and continued to stare at his sleeping face.

Then, Lancelot's eyelids started flickering.

[Alice]: "Hmm?"

He reached out and pulled me towards him.

Our lips touched and he kissed me deeply.

[Alice]: "Nnn--"

He kissed me over and over, unusual for a simple good morning kiss.

(Lancelot?)

After our lips parted, he looked at me seductively with his light blue eyes.

Lancelot: "I thought you were going to kiss me."

[Alice]: "Were you already awake?"

Lancelot: "Since you moved and woke me up, yes."

(Oh so he pretended to be asleep--)

I felt my face turn red and Lancelot patted my cheeks.

Lancelot: "Before I awoke, I had a dream."

[Alice]: "What happened in your dream?"

Lancelot: "It was a dream of us dancing in the sunset."

[Alice]: "That seems like a lovely dream."

Lancelot: "Your kindness and warmth influenced my dream."

(I'm glad to hear that.)

His romantic words made my heart sing.

[Alice]: "You were in my dream too, Lancelot."

(Even on lonely nights, we can have sweet dreams.)

(And we can wake up next to each other every morning.)

We continued to exchange kisses with each other.

And enjoyed the early morning sunshine filtering into the room.

The warmth was always right here, in our hearts.

The night was growing late as the men talked to each other about their ideal dates.

Lancelot: "As King, I am naturally restricted in the sort of things I can do in public."

Lancelot: "This is more an idea of what I would do, if I didn't have to worry about that."

It was a bright morning, and soft, fluffy clouds floated lazily across the sky.

A special amusement park was open in Cradle for a limited season only, and [Alice] and I had agreed to meet at the bridge so we could go together.

(I may be here a little early, though.)

I pulled the tickets out of my pocket, gazing at them as I imagined her happy, excited face.

(It's strange, but even the time I spend waiting for you feels precious to me.)

I couldn't stop myself smiling, and then I heard the sound of familiar footsteps approaching, and my heartbeat quickened.

[Alice]: "Lancelot! I'm sorry, I didn't keep you waiting long, did I?"

Lancelot: "No, I only just got here myself."

We headed for the entrance to the amusement park, only to find that there was already a long queue just to get in.

(I'd heard that they'd limited the number of tickets so that the place wouldn't be too crowded, but this is still more than I was expecting.)

[Alice]: "There's so many people here! I can't believe you even managed to get tickets!"

Lancelot: "I was prepared to do whatever it took to get them, so I could see you smile."

[Alice]: "Oh-- thank you so much!"

Lancelot: "Don't mention it. All you need to do is enjoy yourself to your heart's content, and that's enough for me."

[Alice]: "I will!"

Her smile was more dazzling than the sun, and it warmed me in a way the sun never had.

(That's the smile I wanted to see.)

We studied the park map, making plans while we waited in the queue, until at last it was almost our turn.

By the time we walked through the gates, [Alice] looked like she was about to start skipping at any moment.

[Alice]: "Look, there's the merry-go-round! Oh, and the Ferris wheel is huge. And look, there's the spinning teacups! I've never

seen anything like them!"

Lancelot: "We can go on whichever ride you like."

[Alice]: "Then I want to ride in those amazing teacups!"

Lancelot: "All right, let's go."

Even just walking through the amusement park with her made me feel buoyant, like all the tension was flowing out of me and leaving me light as a feather.

(I might be feeling a little excited about this myself.)

[Alice]: "Lancelot... you look like you're having fun, too."

Lancelot: "I am. I don't have much experience with places like this. Yet I find myself surprisingly elated to be here."

[Alice]: "Then I want you to enjoy yourself to your heart's content as well, okay?"

Lancelot: "I'll do that."

Like all the rides, the teacups were powered by magic crystals, and they were clearly popular-- there was already a long queue.

(It looks like we'll be waiting a while. But queuing seems like a wasteful way to spend the time we should be having fun. And I don't want to do that to you.)

Lancelot: "I'll queue up here. In the meantime, you should go and find something fun to do."

I expected her to smile at me and hurry away, but instead she pouted, looking disappointed.

[Alice]: "No, I don't want to."

Lancelot: "Why not? You'll just get bored, waiting in line."

[Alice]: "I won't be happy unless we spend the whole day together."

(You really do say the sweetest things.)

I felt a sudden burst of fierce love for her, and without thinking I pulled her into my arms.

[Alice]: "Lancelot?"

Lancelot: "I'm sorry. It's just that... I feel the same way."

So we stood in the queue side-by-side, chatting about everything and nothing, and the time seemed to fly by almost too quickly.

Soon the attendant was helping us into our teacup, and as [Alice] stared around with wide, excited eyes, I reached for the handle in the middle.

Lancelot: "We're meant to turn this."

As soon as the ride started, and the teacups began to move, I gripped the handle and twisted it hard.

[Alice]: "Wheeeee!"

The teacup began to spin around and around, and her gleeful voice seemed to fill the air.

[Alice]: "Lancelot! This is amazing! Ahh, I'm having so much fun!"

Lancelot: "So am I."

(I want to you to keep smiling like that.)

(I want you to have even more fun.)

I focused all my attention on turning the handle with all my strength, caring only about the sparkle in her eyes and the laughter in her voice.

But by the time the ride was over, I wasn't feeling quite so well anymore.

[Alice]: "Lancelot, are you okay? I'm sorry, you were so busy making sure I had fun, and then--"

Lancelot: "I'm fine. I just need to sit down for a few minutes."

Lancelot: "I'm used to the swaying of a horse, and the jolting of a carriage... but I'm not used to spinning in circles like that."

(I was so focused on watching you have fun that l let myself get carried away.)

We sat down on a bench together, and I felt her hand on my back, her touch warm and soothing as she stroked me gently.

(Still, it's not so bad, having you take care of me like this.)

We didn't have to rest for too long before I felt much better, and we spent the rest of the day enjoy ourselves thoroughly.

As night began to fall, we sat across from each other in the Ferris wheel, our knees bumping together as [Alice] gazed out the window in awe.

[Alice]: "The park looks so beautiful, all lit up like that."

Lancelot: "It does. But the beauty isn't just below us. You should look up, too."

[Alice]: "Up?"

Lancelot: "3... 2... 1..."

I'd timed it perfectly, and just as I finished counting down, the first of the fireworks lit up the night sky above us.

[Alice]: "Oh wow! I've never seen fireworks this close before!"

Lancelot: "Really? Then I'm glad we're up here."

[Alice]: "Hang on... did you pick this time to ride the Ferris wheel, just so we could see the fireworks?"

Lancelot: "I wanted to prepare a special front-row seat for you."

[Alice]: "Lancelot-- oh wow, l'm so happy right now!"

Her eyes glimmered with joyful tears, tears that reflected all the colors of the fireworks.

[Alice]: "Hey, do you mind if I sit next to you? I mean... for me, that's the most special seat of all."

(There you go again, overwhelming me with your sweet words.)

Lancelot: "You can sit here."

Her smile widened at once, and as soon as she sat next to me, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

(I don't often get to go to public places like this.)

(But I'm so glad that I was able to come here with you.)

Lancelot: "We'll do this again, I promise."

[Alice]: "Thank you. I'd love that."

The Ferris wheel carried us up to the very top, with the whole park spread below us and the fireworks overhead.

But at that same moment, our lips met in a kiss, and nothing else mattered but the taste of her, and the love I could feel flowing into me...