Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Chenglei and Kenren's Home "​

"I sensed that you wanted me, I wanted you too. Then, when you kissed me, I couldn't hold back anymore. When I woke up the next day, I felt so happy, like I was homesick for a long time and finally had my comfort again. I thought about what that meant, the danger I was going to attract to us if we got back together again and if the risk was worth it. My brain was telling me it wasn't, but seeing you beside me again just made me feel secure. Like I've got my home again." said Kenren, remembering that time.

"You looked so happy too, and to tell you that it was only a one-night stand, that we should go back to being prince and guard, I knew that would hurt you, I didn't want to. I could feel what you want and so I asked you if you were willing to get back together knowing what it means if we get caught. I guess I wanted to get back together because I wanted to keep you, there is no one else as great as you, and if I didn't have you I would . . . be so . . .sad."

Katsuya
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei listened intently and for a moment his eyes became dull at something. Probably a very dark thought has passed through his mind before he shook his head. Then he leaned in, forehead touching forehead as he sighed and opened his eyes to gaze in Kenren's dark ones. In those ash purple eyes is a glint of determination? No, it's a lot warmer then determination...A promise perhaps...

"Ken'en...oh Ken'en...."Chenglei cupped his face, leaving a small kiss on his nose and cheeks as he mumbled his name with a tender tone. "Welcome home, Ken'en..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Chenglei and Kenren's Home "​

Kenren blinked, looking like he might have said something wrong when he saw Chenglei's eyes dull, and was surprised when it was immediately followed by a promise look and then, tenderness? "Y-yes, I'm home, Chenglei. What did you think about?" he said, cautiously.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"I wondered what would hav' happened if ya told meh it was a one night stand at dat time and da ansah dat came up...is not a very nice one." Chenglei replied quietly. "I didn't want tuh stay in dat mind set because it didn't happen. Ya didn't say it. Instead ya risked so much just tuh stay wit' meh...so I made a promise."

It was his turn to hold Kenren's hand, intertwining their fingers as he told what he thought. "I promised dat I'm not gonna die an' I'm not gonna let anyone hurt ya. Not because ya are da emperor, but because I still want us to experience life together. I wanna swim wit' ya, cuddle and hold ya. I wanna go riding our horses in the forest just to play tag. I wanna celebrate with ya and feel your arms around me..." Chenglei looked like a tomato.

"I wanna live my life wit' ya beside meh, I beside ya. Hand in hand...Not alone an' support each otha'." The blonde can already feel steam coming out of his ears, very flustered at saying what he thought honestly.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Chenglei and Kenren's Home "​

Kenren smiled brightly. "It's like you're telling me marriage vows." he chuckled, gazing at Chenglei affectionately. He squeezed his hand meaningfully, looking like he found the words for the reason at last why he picked Chenglei.

"This is why I chose you, because you love me. This is why I'm with you." he hugged him. "Chenglei, I will take care of you too, and support you too. Thank you for supporting me all these years. I like being with you too, and cuddling, and riding, and just talking together. I feel like we can take on the world if we're together, just like with the war. I can't promise not to let anyone hurt you though, like what happened when that deranged sailor took you, because I chose to protect Tsumiki. Can't promise not to die either, but I can promise that I will never leave you to deal with your problems alone unless you want me to."

His hug become tighter. "I love you, Chenglei."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"M-marriage vows?" Chenglei's voice cracked in a high pitch at the end, his overheated head pondered on it and turned redder, completely flustered.

As he listened to Kenren, the blonde's narrow eyes got wider and wider, looking innocent and touched. The emperor can feel the heat coming from his face. "I-I-I-!" He gulped to stop stuttering, hugging back. "I wuv' ya too...h-hhhiiieee..."

Annnnd...he fainted from overheating and blood flowing in his head. There was a huge and silly smile, stretched to his now plumped super red cheeks. Why are there birds singing? It's nighttime and cold right now...and puffs of steam is coming from Chenglei's head as he mumbled nonsensical things like: "Peachy~ dere's a bird stuck in a riceball, we should pluck it out." and "I smell rainbows, Peachy."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Chenglei and Kenren's Home "​

Kenren laughed, giving Chenglei a big smooch on his cheek. "This too, Chenglei! Your hiee's, this is also why I chose you, you're funny!" he chuckled, still wearing that affectionate smile as he watched his purring dragon be all silly. "Smell rainbows . . . What do rainbows smell like?" he snuggled his fainted Chenglei.

That night Kenren had a big smile on his face as he hugged him. He slept in good spirits and woke up just thanking his lucky stars for that night they met. Once again amazed at how such a good thing came out from a bad thing. The secret preparations for his birthday went on as planned. The emperor really felt like it was a holiday, celebrating the day his love was made. Imagine a world without Chenglei, wow, all the things he would have missed out . . . all this joy . . . it was a super special day.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Like...pomegranate rice~" Chenglei mumbled.

The secret planning for Chenglei's birthday went off without a hitch in those couple of days. Tsumiki showed Kenren which studios that can teach him how to blow glass and paint the wind chimes while Renee went off to do her part for the party. She invited everyone who's close to the pair so that they can celebrate together.

On that special day, the blonde woke up to find his sister leaning over him like a creeper, smiling an excited smile. The chair and vases in the room were floating. "GOOD MORNING BIG BROTHER!"

"...Good morning, Tsu..." The blonde winced at his sister's loud voice, blinking rapidly as he sat up from his bed. Where is Kenren? "I have breakfast ready for you. It's your favorite: Honeyed peaches, steamed rice, and a hamburger with an egg!" She revealed a tray with said food on it with a cup of water.

"...Why is the egg shaped like a flower?"

"Because it's cuter that way." Chenglei raised an eyebrow at that reasoning...and his sister's behavior. She's never this attentive even when she's nice. With a hesitant bite, the blonde didn't bother to ask what's going on and throughout the whole morning and afternoon, he was freaking out. Why was his sister doing his chores around the house and stable? Where is Kenren? He hasn't seen him all day and it worried him. If he was going to work late then he would have said something to him before he left, even leave a note on the pillow; but that didn't happen.

"Okay, Tsumiki. What is goin' on?" Chenglei finally cornered his little sister on the first floor veranda, blocking her only exit to the living room.

"Nothing is going on-"

"Oh? Den why are ya doin' meh chores?"

"B-Because I felt like it?"

"...I can hear da question mark. Now tell meh da truth..."

"...Okay fine...I'll admit it." Tsumiki took a deep breathe and bravely said: "I burned your treasure room!"

"...Ya. Did. What?!" Chenglei didn't even wait for an answer, he ran up the stairs to the attic. Unbeknownst to him, Tsumiki rubbed her hands mischievously as she quietly followed him up and locked the door. She can hear her brother exclaim that she lied and to let him out but she ignored him.

"And now...we can prepare everything...Heheheh!"

"You know...we could have just sent him away in the forest." Renee muttered from behind a corner, holding the katana string cake as she peeked her head out. Mica grumbled in agreement as he skulked in front of her so she can follow.

"But it wouldn't be as fun, Ren~" Tsumiki whined quietly as the bangs from the attic door echoed in the house. Renee sighed. "You are as bad as the twins."

"I'm taking that as a compliment. Now let's get everything set and ready."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Chenglei and Kenren's Home "​

"Chenglei, we got a problem!" came Kenren's voice from downstairs after the front door banged open. "Chenglei?!" He must have heard the banging because he ran up the stairs then opened the door. "How did you get locked here?"

Some time had passed since Chenglei had been stuck in that room. Kenren looked like he just came from the palace and seemed anxious. "Someone's been spreading vulgar propaganda about us --- I think it's that sailor! There are people outside the palace asking about what happened in Tolouse and they're saying you've been having an affair with a porter behind my back. They wouldn't believe me, when I said it was me."

When they came down the stairs, Kenren suddenly strapped his old traveling pack on him. "Here, wear this." The emperor too pulled up his old back. But for some odd reason, they had belt straps in the front. He opened the door, for some reason, it opened to a cold, windy night sky instead of the palace.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

When Kenren opened the door, Chenglei had his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed. "...Meh sistah locked meh in 'ere..." As he listened to the emperor, he growled with golden scales molding on his skin. " 're dey serious?! Hmph!" The blonde followed Kenren down the stairs, ready to clear everything up one way or another; preferable with the sailor admitting his lies in front of everyone...and a few bruises afterwards.

Then he blinked in surprise when Kenren suddenly strapped his old traveling bag on him before wearing his own. As he opened the door, the blonde shivered from the cold air of the-

"Why 're we up so high?! I dun remember dat as part of da- hm?!" Whenever he's ready or not, Chenglei yelped as they were pushed off by-!

"TSUMIKI!!!!"

"HAVE FUN BIG BROTHERS!!" Tsumiki waved at them before closing the door and giggled as Renee sighed and shaking her head. "Come on. We better get going and meet up with everyone else."

"Woo-hoo!" Tsumiki and Renee left the emperor and his guard's house through doors before walking along in the streets of Awashima.

Meanwhile, Chenglei was not thinking straight at the moment, forgetting that he can change anytime and held onto Kenren as closely as possible. "What is goin' on 'ere!?" He yelled as the air almost muted his question

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

"Surprise! Happy birthday!" laughed Kenren, gleefully, holding Chenglei tight as they plummeted from the sky. The wind howled as they went rushing pass clouds. Below was the familiar twinkle of the lanterns of Awashima. The floating stone dragon city was alive as ever and beside it on a high mountain, the Jade Palace winked with its braziers and . . . what seemed to be fireworks shooting from the bottom?

Boom

They exploded far away and all around them. With a fwop Kenren pulled a string sticking out from his bag and they were jolted as a big parachute erupted from his bag. Now they were floating gently, the emperor still holding him. Kenren's hair looked all windswept.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Ha!?" Chenglei looked up at Kenren, shocked that he's even laughing about being pushed off by Tsumiki and- wait...did he say...?

"Me-meh birthday? HIIIE-!" He stammered before yelping in surprise again when they were jolted as the big parachute erupted from Kenren's bag. The blonde didn't know what to say, looking around as fireworks explored around and far from them as they floated down. His hair became wilder from the fall. His whole body shook from the adrenaline rush as his eyes became wide with wonder from all the pretty lights from below in the lively city of Awashima and the bright and loud fireworks above.

With a soft snort, Chenglei started to laugh breathlessly, plopping his head on the emperor's shoulder. Partially from having fun and trying calm his nerves. "D-did ya an' Tsu plan dis? Fur how long?" He asked Kenren, looking up again with a huge smile. Red tinted his cheeks.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

"Since a week ago!" said Kenren. "But we weren't the only planners, your men planned too, Renee handled the food, the twins and Minnie did the fireworks, Serena and Seifer are planning something, while the rest of the kids did the decorations and helped with cooking. Look down, see that earthen swimming pool? Echo made that again for the party."

The sound of clapping and whooping grew louder as they descended. And there assembled were a whole lot of people. Folks Chenglei helped in the past, old friends from their Oriental War days, Queen Mia, the kids, and Chenglei's loyal soldiers.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHENGLEI!" they all roared.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei looked for the pool Kenren mentioned and grinned when he spotted it, squeezing the emperor tightly. "...Sugoi..." He couldn't believe that everyone did this for him. At the ever growing cheers and claps, his cheeks and ears turned red, again not used to this type of attention.

His grip on the emperor tightened as he heard everyone's roared and hid his face to quickly wipe the traitorous tears away. The blonde couldn't cry in front of the kids or his men. Pride wouldn't let him but as they landed on the ground, he sniffed and let out a teary and heart felt smile. "Dis is really sweet of ya guys...I can't believe ya did dis...all of dis..."His smile took a humbling twinge. "Thank ya so much everyone..."

Tsumiki came up to grab his hand and tugged on it. "Look big brother...over there." She pointed a table that has a pile of presents from his old friends, the folks he helped, from a lot of people. It's overflowing. "That's for you and that's for you and that is definitely for you-"

"Come here, ya trouble makah!" Chenglei head-locked Tsumiki and ruffled her hair as she yelped and laughed, poking his sides to be free. "The cake is over there." He turned around, arm still around Tsumiki's head as he saw the detailing of the...is that a thread cake?!

"...Best cake evah..." Chenglei mumbled, humbled and red faced. "It's angel cake with Carmel peaches and cream inside."Renee chirped as she placed another tray full of oriental food on the buffet table.

"Da fireworks 're really bright, Sen, Seth, Minnah." The gunslinger blinked at the accent, surprised. "Food looks delicious, Ren. Dese decorations 're lovely- Echo, ya really out done ya-self wit' da size of yur pool makin'."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

Kenren looked on, happy for Chenglei, and let everyone have their turn celebrating his birthday with him as he stayed at the sides. His thread cake suddenly lit up with sparkling candles like the ones on those little sparkler fireworks one held in his hands --- somewhere nearby, the twins were watching the happenings, remote control with buttons on hand.

There was a stage nearby and suddenly the curtains rose to reveal Seifer at the piano and Serena with her violin, playing a melodic intro as they waited for Echo and everyone else who was singing to come up stage. Then as all of them were assembled, they started to play an orchestra happy birthday song. It was over the top, and most of it was drowned by everyone singing along, as the birthday cake was being carried by his friends in front of him. Their happy birthday song was fun, and warm, as though they were either thanking Chenglei for all that he's done, or feeling affection for him for being their friend, caring big brother, hard-working leader, and love.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CHENGLEIIIII, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOO YOUUUUU!"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei jumped, surprised to see the candles sparkle like the firework sparklers.

He blinked when the curtains for the stage nearby lifted, revealing Serena with her violin and Seifer on the- Seifer can play piano? The blonde on the stage had a large and playful grin as they played the intro; people coming up and gathered. She twirled, her playing is being sassy and fun as the dress she wore glittered on like a diva. Echo was at the stage first, her lovely voice rang out sweet and melodious as ever. One by one, the ones who can sing sang up in stage and then everyone else started to sing with them too, almost drowning the violin's strings and the piano's keys.

When his friends lifted up the cake in front of him, they can see that his face is bright red and blinking his tears away. A certain cat lady with a very sultry way of wearing her kimono chuckled, the kanzashi that decorated her hair jingled with every movement she made. "Now now~" She purred, her slim tail swayed. "Blow the candles darrrrling Chenglei." Whoops, one of the male friends that's helping carry the cake blushed at her tone.

"Don't forget to make a wish!" said a bouncing teen, smiling wide. The pair was from the bathhouse he used to work in before meeting Kenren.

"Nakiri. Felidae. Ya 'ere too?" The seductive cat lady chuckled and lightly tapped his nose.

"Why, of course we are. Honestly, Chenglei, I don't ever rrremember you being this silly before. Now, make your wish." Nakiri, the little bouncing teen, giggled at the embarrassed grin Chenglei had on his reddening face.

As the two ladies suggested, Chenglei took a deep breathe and blew out the sparkling candles as everyone was ending with the 'YOOUUUU~'. Then he rubbed his arm, humbled and touched with everyone's singing. Including one of the shinobi who's screaming-singing.

"T-thank ya everyone..." Annnddd tears fell from Chenglei's cheeks before he can wipe them away quickly with his arm, sniffling as everyone clapped; that screaming-singing ninja let out a loud 'YYEEEAAAAA~!'.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

His more affectionate friends hugged him as he cried, patting his back as they said, "Awww, you're welcome, Chenglei!" as everyone else clapped in the background.

Kenren was beaming; the twins had joined the shinobi singing, "YYEEEAAAAA~!"; James was describing Chenglei's expression to Renee; Hisaya and his family were there, amazed at this place and the sheer number of folks who came; while the soldiers gave a booming, "YOU'RE WELCOME, SIR!" One thing people get wrong about the army was that it was okay to look sappy when you're celebrating the birthday of a valiant commander. Chenglei had done so much for them, and now it was like seeing the man they want to repay living a happy life, like it was a good ending and they were happy for him.

Seifer and Serena's tunes played out as the party went on, the older of the guests shouting out song requests as they took turns singing; Meatballs was in the pool again with Butters and Frey, while Pond used her wind magic to lift kids up and down in the air as the rest clambered all over her.

The feast was swinging, the ale caskets brought out as old friends talked about how their lives were now a year later; Kenren sat by Chenglei's side as their very big circular table was full of chatter, and laughter. He had a huge smile on his face, feeling happy Chenglei was happy.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Renee's wings fluttered happily as she hears James describing Chenglei's expression before flinching from the twins and that one shinobi scream singing.

Feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside, Chenglei hugged them back, smiling wide as they partied together. Cups banged together as cheers of all kinds happened. Soldiers and people danced as Serena jigged her stuff, her illusion music bloomed from her violin and spread to Seifer and the piano; making the instruments look like glass that sparkle from the moonlight and fireworks above. There were fishes inside, mostly koi. For the songs that had lyrics in them, Echo sung up on stage like a pro, happy that her beau's summons are having fun. Mica was with Meatballs and lying on top of his head like he was sunbathing, only with a turtleneck sweater on. Minnie shot confetti at everyone with a small smile, giggling her chirping laugh as she watched Seth and Sen do their thing.

Renee was sitting next to Seifer as he played with Serena who's having way too much fun and is twirling around like she was rock star. Echo was trying to not laugh when Serena just made a split as she went with the flow of the music.

The winged teen bobbed her head with a soft smile, muttering that she knew he would sound nicer with Serena playing with him then she stood up to dance nearby on her own. As she spun around, Renee placed her hands on her chest and used Aqua curare; the liquid-like substance glistened brightly as they spread in large and small droplets that floated around the Pendragon teen before she made it grow bigger and bigger into a swirl of water. Like that of a ribbon, she danced and the watery ribbon bursts across the stage and towards the people and soldiers who watched. Felidae raised an eyebrow and poked a droplet only to see a little fish swimming inside, made by Serena's illusion magic.

Chenglei sat next to Kenren, listening in to all his friends and how they were doing before looking at Kenren with a bright smile. Then not minding if anyone was watching, he leaned in to kiss his cheek, before turning bright red and chuckling shyly.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

"Whooaaa!" yelled the crowd; some wolf-whistled, while ladies screamed madly.

Kenren went red as they all started chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Kenren wasn't one to kiss for show (though he didn't mind making Chenglei blush in front of Tsumiki), but everyone was expecting him to. He shrugged at Chenglei questioningly if he wanted to kiss. The emperor was only going to kiss him if he wants a kiss, though everyone's glee at their man love was making him smile.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Oh goodness gracious, his face is permanently staying red, isn't it?

Chenglei looked over at Kenren, smiling and chuckling at his expression as the crowd chanted 'Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!' Honestly he was glad that his friends are okay with them being together and treated them as a regular couple (though the women screaming madly made him want to inch away slowly from embarrassment).

With that in mind, the blonde leaned in and kissed his peachy and wonderful love. He can hear the women screaming again with wolf whistles from the men. There's even a flash. When he looked over, it was his sister gleefully grinning and saying that she's adding that to her photo collections with Granny Zhou shaking her head in disbelief. Chenglei just hid his very red face into Kenren's shoulder with a silly smile growing, plumping his cheeks.

Some of the soldiers nearby blinked and laughed amiably when they saw roses blooming out of nowhere and spinning around the couple.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

So many people watching . . . Kenren can stand before an army of thousands, embodying them with courage and determination with his words, he can face a terrible foe braving the unknown consequences . . . but all these people watching, his mushy side was reserved for Chenglei's eyes only --- oh, he's leaning in!

Flustered, Kenren puckered up fish lips and pecked Chenglei, feeling embarrassed. Then, feeling like he should give a better birthday kiss ('Forget about everyone, this is Chenglei' birthday kiss!' he thought), he suddenly cupped his cheeks and pressed tender lips to his.

There was a clatter of plates as a few women fainted where they stood, drowned by all the screaming; a second flash had went off with Tsumiki to reveal Seth with Chenglei's camera pointed at them. He grinned.

'There's even roses . . .' thought Kenren, embarrassed, as he hugged Chenglei a little protectively amidst all the fan girling.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Why is everyone screaming?" Renee asked to Seifer as she continued to dance beside the piano. Her water ribbon twinkled in the light beautifully as her wings flapped in surprise with each scream she hears. "...I think some people dropped something..." She muttered in amusement.

As he felt Kenren cupping his cheeks, Chenglei just melted and wrapped his arms around him. He peeked up when he saw a second flash, narrowing his eyes at Seth who held his camera...again. Then he burrowed his face again into Kenren's clothes, hearing the fangirling and chuckled quietly. "...Best birthday evah..." He muttered quietly that only Kenren can hear. He has a bad feeling if he said it out loud, a few more girls would faint again.

Minnie was writing down something, inspired to write something thanks to the couples' shy display of affection.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

Kenren chuckled, "Tell me about it."

"Renee, they are screaming because of forbidden love between two handsome men --- though not as handsome as me," added Seifer, " --- who both display the classical love drama women are so fond of. A rich, hunted prince, saved by a strong commoner who fall in love amidst the tides of war that test their love. Add in certain death if they were caught by the emperor, hence resulting in their breaking up, plus being close to each other for many years yet not being able to fulfill their love until one fateful night the prince almost died and they had a fight, of course women would go gaga when they are finally able to be together."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"..." Renee smiled widely as she popped her wide hips before twirling again. "...Hahahah! Sweetie, you could have just said that Ken-chan and Chenglei kissed and girls went gaga over it." She laughed in mirth, her wings fluttered.

"Though...I'm happy that they finally get to be together too." She opened her eyes, half-lidded as the bond she has together with Seifer sent her share of love towards him, hinting that she understood how the royal couple felt at the moment. Taking a deep breathe, she leaped up in the air for a second and all the droplets that were floating popped into tiny hearts that sparkled.

Chenglei leaned back again, smiling warmly at his love before blinking at the heart-shaped droplet floated down between them. "Oh hello..." He poked it, fascinated as he spotted an image of a tiny fish inside, swimming in the water. His eyes were wide with wonder for a moment as he looked over at the stage where he can see Renee dancing before he offered a hand to Kenren, gesturing silently if he wanted to dance with him.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

Kenren became shy again. "You're so affectionate tonight." he smiled, and placed his hand on Chenglei's. He let him lead them to the dance floor. He was going to admit it. "This is kind of romantic . . . you're being extra romantic."

Kenren only became shy like this, speaking softly, whenever Chenglei was confident and taking the lead. It was what he looked like whenever he was swooning inside.

Seifer was surprised at the hearts. "That's amazing, baby!" he didn't know she could do that. Her half-lidded eyes, popping hips and dancing though . . . were drawing him to her. Seeing as Serena got this in the bag with her splits and diva playing, he told her he was going to take a break for a while and dance with Renee.

"May I join you, you hotness?"

Katsuya