"I was an extremely insecure teenager," Nate admitted, staring off to the side. "And I still am an insecure adult... I never even thought you considered me a friend, Mihael."

Mihael reached up and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"I can't believe you played the smartest guy." He said.

The pale boy laughed a little, looking down and rubbing his upper arms. "Yeah, well... can you believe not a single person at Wammy's has any common sense? A bunch of geniuses, but they can't even fathom that on their friend's long lost love's birthday, he doesn't want to be alone..."

He nervously peeked up through his bangs.

"I celebrated your birthday," He mumbled. "I thought about trying to find you, but you were like, ten years old... But I went to your shows a few times..."

"...I never saw you...I didn't know you at all back then." Mihael murmured- looking down. "I started touring when I was thirteen...became on of those teen idols and was one of the few people that managed to keep at it all the up to now."

"I know," Nate whispered, smiling weakly. "I went to your first show..."

He looked down again.

"...It was a talent show." Mihael breathed. "I got first place."

The pale boy smiled a little. "Remember the idiot backstage who knocked over a clothing rack... the one you defended because it was an accident? Yeah... you're lookin' at him."

Mihael looked up and blinked.

"That was...wait, he had...you died your hair back then?" Mihael stared.

Nate nodded. "I've been dying it since I became my own Wammy's kid, really. Apparently they needed a bomb expert on their team and I kind of have a thing for explosives..." He laughed a little.

"...That was NOT on your resume." Mihael frowned.

"Yeah, I left that one off for good reason!" Nate laughed before he sighed and looked at Mihael. "I missed talking to you..."

"...Missed you." Mihael said. "I don't know why you had to be away for so long."

"It wasn't that long for you," Nate reminded. "But I'm sure it feels like forever, since I'm so different now... I'm sure you and Mail both can sympathize with how Near is feeling, although he was a bit closer with Mello and Matt then I was with you guys."

It was obvious by the look in his eyes that the words had a deeper meaning.

"He's going to break down when he finally comes to terms with the fact that he can't go back in time," Nate whispered. "Wammy's was relying on them and he'll feel like he let them down... he's going to need someone to lean on." He glanced up at Mihael.

"...What are you...what do you mean we can't put it back?" Mihael blinked.

"I asked the Shinigami," Nate whispered. "What could have caused us to switch places... and you know what she said?"

"...What?" Mihael asked.