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

[Katsuya]

Chenglei's smiled brightened when Kenren accepted his hand and lead their way to the dance floor. "I can't help it..." He pulled him close as Serena started to play a sweet and spicy tune. "I've always wanted tuh dance wit' ya..." He felt envious that he couldn't dance with his love when others could before. Now that everyone knows, the blonde is taking his chance to fulfill his wish: to have fun with Kenren in every way possible.

With a hand on the emperor's hip and the other still holding his, Chenglei danced with Kenren, letting him to find the beat first. Then once he was comfortable and having to find his rhythm, the blonde followed confidently, swaying to the beat of the violin's strings.

Serena quickly waved at Seifer before playing a salsa song. "Have fun, good sir!"

Renee smiled when she heard Seifer's exclamation, giggling as she continued to dance the night away. "It's part of my spell. I just never knew when I could use it until now." When she heard the transition to a salsa song by Serena, the winged teen followed the beat, remembering the steps Seifer has taught her befor- Oh! Speak of the devil...

"Why, of course, your handsomeness." He can hear her amused tone in her voice, wings fluttering happily. "I would be honored to dance with you." Renee didn't stop swaying her hips alluringly as she offered her hand to where she believed Seifer was based where she heard him. She can hear Echo asking Johnny if he wanted to dance with her too.

Spoiler: Serena's tune

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

Kenren smiled happily, and playfully danced with him, his hand on his shoulder. "Definitely romantic!" he chuckled. The crowd faded away and all he could see was Chenglei, he smiled at him, feeling light. Feeling a lot of affection again when he waited for him to find his rhythm. "When you do gentle things like this, Chenglei, I fall in love with you more." His eyes were alight with love, like stars.

Kenren boogied with him like silly, just having fun as he let loose as though they were kids; on the stage, a Seth in a tuxedo suit with a rose in his mouth tap-danced into stage facing Serena, and got down with the tango, shaking a pair of maracas; Sen, after dramatically playing out a slow drawn death when Minnie shot him with confetti ("M-Minnie! --- gasp --- I am deaded. Deaded. Hold me in your arms, mon petite, mon aime, mon lady. At least I get . . . to die in your arms . . . meh." Sen went cross eyed) , asked her for a dance; Johnny was cutting a rug with Echo, his curly sheep horns decorated with tiny lanterns, while Butters was "baa-ing" and Frey was tossing his horns as they wiggled in place.

Seifer danced close to Renee, despite being blind, they had the best moves. His touches playfully flirty. It was like they were in a world all on their own, and it was getting steamy. He had a way of moving that was like he was worshiping her body, with a touch of affection she could feel the way he gently caressed her. She could tell he was enamored again, and it was going to be another hot night tonight.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei blushed red again when he saw Kenren's eyes bright up, smiling silly before he kissed him; he completely ignored the girls fainting again. "...Aishiteru..." he whispered shyly. The blonde was having a grand time dancing with the emperor, happy that he was loosing up like when they were kids.

Serena cackled quietly when she saw Seth tap dancing his way towards her. Her glass violin had a pink tint as the fishes within the water hearts changed into hearts too. She danced with him, following the beat Seth has made with the maracas. She's tempted to kiss him and steal that rose from him somehow...

Minnie flushed red when Sen just collapsed into her arms, calling her so many 'mon something' until she giggled her chirp-like laughter as he went cross-eyed. The gunslinger accepted his hand, smiling softly as they swayed together. After a few minutes of dancing together, Sen can see that her eyes lit up to something. Then she leaned up close. "...Your lips are like wine...and I want to get drunk." She whispered to his lips before sealing the deal in a kiss. The hands on his shoulders slightly squeezed timidly.

Echo popped her hips and boogied with Johnny like no one's business, her large antlers decorated with flowers draped over them as she laughed gleefully.

Renee gasped silently when she felt his playful touches, shivering and blushing red. Every tease he did, she responded with flirty pop or sultry sway of her hips. Sightless and smouldering eyes glittered as her wings fluttered, her body moved fluidly with him. He can tell that she's yearning for him with the way she's tracing his body, completely under his loving enchantment.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

"We need to go backstage, Renee." said Seifer, breathless with desire. It was good that the music was loud and there was so much reveling.

Meanwhile, Kenren swooned happily under Chenglei's kiss. He was putty in his arms, melting so easily like marshmallow to a fire. "I love you too." he said looking like he got knocked on the head.

There was so much love in the room. Minnie's words had frozen Sen's mind, followed by her kiss that made him . . . made him . . . what is this feeling? Like eating his favorite food, bacon and eggs with poetry. Good . . . the word is good . . . his brain isn't working. But this feels good. It took him a moment to realize after Minnie had pulled away. "Minnie, can we do that again, with two hundred percent interest?"

And when they did, there was no doubt in Sen's mind that Minnie's a girl. SHE'S A GIRL. He kissed back and he was like someone finding something out, only to realize it really was as good as bacon and eggs with poetry, except it's a person, and a good friend too at that. Romantic good friend. Wow, that line. "Minnie, your lips are like poetic bacon and eggs."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Take me there, Seifer." Renee gasped out, cupping his face and bringing him closer to kiss him. She let him drag her to backstage, entirely drunk from the steamy dance and love in the air.

Chenglei chuckled and brought Kenren closer so he can lean on him as they danced. Nuzzling his nose into his hair and smiled warmly. Oh yea, best day ever!

As they danced on stage (and secretly watched Seifer take Renee in the back), Serena spun closer to Seth and kissed him; her teeth nipped on the velvety stem of the rose before she pulled away. She playfully wiggled her eyebrows as the song became very sweet and sultry.

Minnie laughed and leaned in again. "Alright, with two hundred percent interest..."She whispered, fluttering her eyelids teasingly as her tender lips kissed his again. When she leaned back, fluttering her teal blue eyes open, the gunslinger couldn't help but smile softly at the green-eyed twin. "...So I'm delicious?" She raised an eyebrow at him, amused. "Then...wanna have another bite?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

Somewhere backstage, it sounded like someone was doing construction at this time of night? That pounding sounded loud.

Seth went red, Serena just took the rose. And her music was so . . . he knew what she was saying . . ."W-wait!" he said, both palms up, "I-I'm not ready for that yet, Serena, I'm just sixteen --- um! C-canwedoitwhenwe'remarried?" he said frantically.

On the dance floor, Sen immediately nodded. "Yes." and he kissed her again, this time savoring it. This felt really good!

Meanwhile, Kenren was happily plopped on Chenglei's shoulder, oblivious to the world. He was already hugging him and just enjoying swaying peacefully here like this.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena blinked rapidly at Seth's reaction, not expecting that at all. Then she cackled, trying her hardest not to mess up her playing. "Oh! Oh dear Seth-! That's just too adorable! Honestly you are just the cutest red apple in my eyes." The rose fell from her mouth as she cackled her laugh, turning pink herself.

"I would ask you first when you are ready. Not play in my violin, but asking. With words." Serena wanted to make it clear that in serious parts of the relationship, she would talk unless she honestly could not. The violinist smiled warmly at the reddening twin.

"For right now though...If music be the food of love, I will play on. You're the only one I'm giving excess of it." She hoped he understood what she's trying to say with this quote; that she will continue to play sweet and sultry songs because that's part of how Seth makes her feel and she wants him to know. "So fret not, my dear apple. Take your time to ripen and let me know when you are ready to be plucked...I am a patient woman to those who I care after all." Serena leaned in to kiss his cheek, smiling. Her sultry song took a more innocent touch.

Minnie melted in Sen's arms when she felt him savoring their kiss and she wrapped her arms above his shoulders to pull him in closer. Her brain is just gone- what's going on? She didn't care because the kiss is intoxicating.

Chenglei looked up when he heard the smooth change of songs and spotted why. Serena is teasing Seth again. Grinning, the blonde soldier sighed and gave a peck on Kenren's head.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Awashima "​

Seth went redder from her poetry, but at the same time, it seemed to inspire the poet in him, and he held on to her hand before she could pull away and then kneeled. "Then, can I be in your garden? Enclosed, I shall be your apple tree where you can roll out a blanket and rest under my shade. Enclosed in your garden, my fruits will be yours only. Plant me beside the heart of your springs, and I will flourish."

James looked on at his siblings. He really hoped they're making love safely. Jeez, their raging hormones, he thought, as he saw Sen now look like a wrestling eel as he made out with Minnie. When the two paused for breath, the twin grinned at her and then made a questioning gesture towards the outside where they could enjoy each other privately.

Kenren was now like a panda on a bamboo tree, he seemed to be getting heavier as he leaned on Chenglei, as though the peacefulness was close to making him fall asleep on the spot. He nuzzled closer in his neck, mumbling contentedly when Chenglei pecked him.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Her violin playing stopped when Seth took her hand. She went red as a strawberry when he kneeled and listened to his flirtatious poetry. Oh goodness...her heart fluttered. Serena didn't know how to response back or at least in a poetic way; she's too flustered and froze. Is she breathing? She can't tell anymore. "...Y-Yes..." She had to say something, no matter how lame. "Please flourish in me...Wait! I mean-! Um...Eep!" What is she even saying anymore! "Thank you for the shade-! I mean........" The blonde hid her very reddened face with her violin, eyes wide in wonder and embarrassment as she fumbled on her words. Her heart is racing-! She's sure that Seth can feel her strong pulse in her hand.

The little hearts inside the water droplets bursts into sparks like fireworks.

Minnie gasped when they broke the kiss, a bright hue of red colored her cheeks. It deepened the hue when Sen gestured questioningly to have...private times. Pondering (if that's even possible right now), the tiny teen stared back at the twin and shyly shook her head 'no'. Too soon. If it's what she believes it is, then it's too soon for her. It's only been a year since she even heard about the...um...science behind love-dancing and she wanted to be prepared for it once she's ready. "...Too soon...I'm sorry..." She mumbled, remembering about the limits Minuette mentioned before. "...Um..."

Chenglei didn't mind holding Kenren as they swayed in place, pausing when the violin music stopped and looked up again to see Serena...flustered? Seth is on his knee too, like he was proposing to her. Oh love is in the air indeed.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sen Pendragon -
" Awashima "​

Sen was surprised she declined, and looked disappointed. "So . . . this is the limit?" he clarified. He didn't look angry, just trying to understand Minnie.

Meanwhile, Seth grinned at Serena. "You're cute too!" he went full romeo mode, now holding her hand in both of his. "Your hand is trembling. Are you nervous, Serena?" he whispered. "You're a cutie for forcing yourself to tell me , my violinist spry." sparkle, sparkle, heart fireworks background.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"...I don't know what we are." She muttered, flustered. "We're friends but I want to know for sure: are we dating? I want to add more." Minnie looked up to gaze at his green eyes, searching for an answer. "I want to cuddle and hold hands and eat poetry bacon and eggs while drinking wine..." She admitted quietly, timid. "...Tell me Sen. I see your actions but I don't know what you want; let me hear it."

Oh goodness, now Seth is just too sparkly and she couldn't look away. Serena mumbled, not knowing that she's tongue-twisting her words as she tries to explain. So she gestured her violin, already knowing that she wanted to speak through her violin again now that words failed on her at the moment.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sen Pendragon -
" Awashima "​

Sen looked relieved, understanding her better. He looked steadily into her eyes. "I like you, and I feel excited kissing you, Minnie. I'm curious about what's going to happen to us, and I want to find out if this is a forever deal." he said slowly. "Will you go out with me?"

Seth smiled and let go of Serena's hand. He nodded.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie smiled shyly. Her hands gently caressed down his arms to reach his hands to hold and squeezed lightly. "...Yes...I would not wish any other companion in the world but you." She let Sen lead the way to a quieter space for them to cuddle together and away from prying eyes.

When Seth let go of her hand, Serena cleared her throat, cheeks flamed in red as she prepared her violin's strings. Taking a deep breathe, she stood still with the bow on the thin strings and played. It started quiet and timid. Then it warmed up, slowly catching momentum before it bursts into a sweet tangent like someone was helping her along and it got her to open up some more. What Serena was playing is a dream of creating a future to explore some more, to see new things together with Seth with no fear. Her expression softened up, cheeks pink as her smile is warm and caring.

The illusion took form of a small flower field around the couple, a soft breeze made the flowers dance together.

Renee perked her head up as she listened in to Serena's violin and smiled. Half-lidded eyes fluttered sleepy as she hummed along, sitting up from Seifer's lap. "This sounds really pretty...aww~...Serena must be with Seth to play this." They were resting when they noticed the violin stopped. She only had a extra curtain over shoulders and pooling above the couple like a nest of warmth. "So sweet...Hmmm..."

Spoiler: Serena's playing to Seth

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Awashima -​

Seth was touched. He smiled at Serena, feeling the sincerity in her music. She was serious with him, and at the end of it, he held her hand. "I'm looking forward to our future too." and for the first time he actually felt nice thinking about the end of his thief days and living a simple life with her. Somewhere with a field of flowers . . .

Behind the stage, Seifer, whose hair was tousled with his arms wrapped around Renee, rubbed her back as he held her like a precious treasure made of glass. He mumbled in agreement. "And I think she just made that on the spot too." he whispered sleepily. "Thank you for the hotness, baby."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena sighed at the end of the song, blinking when a hand lead her to the apple of her eye. Her heart skipped a beat at the line and smiled before she came closer and hugged him tight.

Renee leaned into Seifer's precious warmth, humming still as she rubbed her cheek on his chest, her ruffled wings fluttered contently. She chuckled quietly. "Of course she did..." Her tender lips placed a loving kiss on his chest where she can feel the pulsing of his heart. "Thank you for the sweetness, Snugglebunny." She said, content and happy in his arms despite the cold around them. Even now, she reached over to his hair and started to braid little braids, placing kisses on his head.

At the end of the party, Chenglei carried a sleepy Kenren to their home after saying goodnight to everyone; a bit drunk from the drinking Echo's mix. He invited those who couldn't stand on their two feet to the home, still wanting to look after his men even after a year. "Johnneh! Jamesu! Ya shouldn't stay out late anyways. Come ovah and sleep in meh place."

Tsumiki helped them carry the presents back to his place and her told her and Granny Zhou to stay over until tomorrow so they can rest in their home peacefully.

Once in their room, the blonde tucked Kenren in bed, smiling gently at the emperor before placing a kiss on his forehead. "Had fun, love?" He curiously looked over to the pile of gifts that Tsumiki placed at the corner of the room, smiling at the variety of sizes and shapes. "...Kufufufu...I wondah what's inside them..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hajime -
" Chenglei & Kenren's Home "​

James and Johnny agreed to stay over for the night, the two camping out to enjoy the stars. They stayed up late just talking and drinking, catching up on each other's lives. His best friend had already started his apprenticeship under Madam Goodhart. Just like James he only had his thesis to finish and then graduation to look forward to at the end of the school year.

In the bedroom, Kenren was fast asleep, hugging the pillow after he unconsciously kissed the air when Chenglei kissed him goodnight, muttering. "Happy."

Among the pile of presents was a big crate with a big red bow that had a warning sign 'No smoking within twenty feet' from the twins, an ordinary looking rectangular box that felt like there was wood inside and something papery from Johnny, an enchanted pouch from James, a box of sweets and a letter from Princess Mia, a heavy egg-shaped object the size of a beach ball and wrapped in gold foil from Mr. and Mrs. Pendragon, and a small box wrapped in forest green paper and a bow of katana strings. There was a pile of letters too, all neatly stacked by Tsumiki, and many flowers from admirers and fangirls.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Giving up, he walked over and started to unwrap some of them.

From Renee and Seifer, a colorful painting of Kenren and him sitting together. He could hang it up somewhere. From Echo, a small wooden box filled with dried peaches. He ate some with ease, chewing it through. From Minnie, a book of...are those love poems? He looked inside and blushed at the lyrical words before closing and leaving it on the side. From Serena, an enchanted jar that's filled with dancing fireflies. Thankfully, they didn't burn anything or anyone as he slowly and calmly caught each one again with the jar. Then he looked at the other kids' presents. He was wary with the twins', excited with Johnny's, curious with James and his parents' gifts. He un-boxed Queen Mia's and smiled at the delicious taste of the sweets while reading her letter.

Then after reading all of the other letters, some he cried, others he chuckled, over all very touched with their words; He looked over at the last present. The one that's in a forest green and tied together by katana strings. He resisted on opening that one because he knew he wouldn't look at the others from that string bow. Now...now he gets to open it-!!

"Now...what's inside of ya? Hm?" He muttered quietly, excited to know until his curiosity is quenched.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hajime -
" Chenglei & Kenren's Home "​

A soft tinkling came from within when Chenglei pulled the windchime out. From the uneven glass he could tell that it was hand made by someone not skilled, but it was so clean and polished it seemed as though so much time and care was put into making it.

Whether through an enchantment or a trick of the lamp, the light that shone through the glass was like a soothing cloud, like a cool blue and purple dawn heralding a summer morning, or softness surrounded in warm light. The 'ting' from the metal had been carefully chosen because it made a sound too beautiful to be an accident. It was like a 'welcome home' kind of feeling, and underneath, written on the strip of paper hanging under a katana string was the word:

" Hope "​

There was a rolled parchment at the bottom of the box too, quite similar to Kenren's rolled orders, but instead of a seal, there was another katana string bow.

"Dearest, Chenglei

Happy birthday, my caring purring dragon! If I could have one thing for you, that would be to have you happy and healthy all the time, my Chenglei. To have been by your side and see you rise all these years to become the man you are now, has made me so proud, and so honored to be your friend, your comrade in arms, and your love.

I'm glad you were born. There is no one like you.

Chenglei, may you have the strength to make all your wishes and dreams come true, and when things don't go your way, may you have perseverance and hope until you finish. And don't forget that it was truly you who had acted those times we were in a pinch and you got us through. If you start to give up, come at any time. I'll give you support. I will never leave you alone, we will do things together, and you can always lean on my shoulder when you get tired.

I love you, and I really, really, wish you a happy birthday.

Kenren, your Peach"​

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

With a sudden intake of air, Chenglei stared at the beautiful glass treasure, seeing all the unique features of the handmade wing chime. When he held it up, he poked the metal rod lightly to hear the sound. He smiled, closing his eyes to enjoy more, feeling welcomed every time it 'ting'-ed. Then he looked at the paper that has a single written word on it, making him feel warm and fuzzy inside. The blonde gently placed the beautiful wind chime back in the box carefully as he read the scroll underneath.

By the end of it, Chenglei sniffled as warm tears rolled down his red cheeks, touched and enamored. He took the wind chime out, holding it close like it's the most precious treasure as he left the room to go to the attic. Where he collects the katana strings. He searched in the room for a space where the light can hit the wind chime just right with the wind dancing along with the 'Hope' paper and-

"Oh...the window is a good spot." Chenglei quietly kneeled down and meticulously tied the string up on the nail that's within the wooden circular frame of the window. He pushed the window a bit to let the cold air in and he sighed pleasantly as he hears the wonderful 'ting' again. Grabbing a blanket from underneath the kotatsu, the blonde draped it over his shoulders. Then he crossed his arms on the frame of the window, nesting his head in the middle, and sighed again; listening to the melodious chimes from Kenren's lovely present.

In the next morning, Kenren would find Chenglei peacefully sleeping in the attic, sitting and leaning on the window, with the wind chime above. It shined from the first morning light, reflecting the cool blues and dawning purples on the walls and strings. The scroll is on his lap. His cheeks tinted pinkish red from the cold as the breeze swayed his messy long hair a bit, sometimes he shivered before snuggling into the blanket for warmth. Never once did he move away from the window all night.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hajime -
" Chenglei & Kenren's Home "​

If Chenglei was awake, he'd feel someone pulling the blanket up higher to cover him more. Then another blanket draped over him, as someone caressed his hair. Quiet feet left the room for some time, before returning again, this time accompanied by a smell of sizzling breakfast and tea.

A slight clatter of plates and utensils on the kotatsu, then someone sat beside him, careful not to wake him up, and lightly rested his head on his. A hand held Chenglei's, ruffling the letter on his lap.

Kenren watched the morning light catch on the glass, the tinkling mellow in the breeze. It was Chenglei's birthday yesterday, but right now waking up to this and recalling all that happened last night, it felt like it had been his too.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- 9 3/4 platform, Dawnsfield -
- Echo Muses -
​

The newly built rustic station is lively today like any other day as passengers come in and out of large trains; puffs of white smoke exited out of the ceiling's open windows and the tunnel openings.

There's a pair of fawns waiting by the sidelines. One of them, the younger of the pair, tapping her hooves lightly on the porcelain tiled floor while the other, the older, smiled in amusement, sitting on the red bench. Aunt Melody knitted, patiently waiting while her niece anxiously mumbled under her breathe.

"Now pumpkin," Melody started, not looking away from her needle work, "I know you are excited to see him again after so long, but keep your calm." Echo sighed, uncrossing her arms and stopping her tapping.

"But...Auntie Mel, I can't help it." The fawn replied, "I haven't seen him in such a long time and I miss him-!" Echo wants to gather Johnny and Butters in her arms and snuggle with them. She has been waiting for so long and now that today is the day she gets to see them again, she couldn't wait anymore.

"Yes yes, but you will tire yourself out at this rate." Not true but she preferred not hearing her niece's hooves on the nice floor and accidentally breaking them. Echo sighed again for the umpteenth time that day.

"Maybe...maybe I should calm down- Oh! There's his train! There it is, Auntie Mel!" Echo excitedly waved her hand, hoping that Johnny can see her in the crowd. Her antlers have grown and stayed on a certain length, decorated with potted plants hanging on them. "Johnny!!"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
' 9 3/4 platform, Dawnsfield "​

The train whistled to a stop. Steam bellowed around the platform as the doors opened and the passengers stepped off the carriages. Many greeted Echo when they saw her, kids especially crying out, "Mama, mama, it's Lady Doom Hammer!" Faces turned her way when she called, and in the hustle and bustle and sudden cries of, "Johnny Caprice, the moving pictures director is here?!", she couldn't find him in the crowd.

Curious onlookers began to gather with her, among them there were newspaper boys who were immediately calling their friends to get the photographers down here.

A tall person in a hood, with a backpack and a familiar old tepee tent strapped on top hunched around the excited crowd. Following was a hooded giant fluffy dog, that has hooves? Wait, that dog head looks kind of fake . . . Steam swirled by as another train arrived. The platform guards, disgruntled by the hold up, ushered the crowd away and the two disappeared.

Suddenly, a familiar hand held Echo's, "Follow me, Echo Mello." whispered a deeper yet familiar voice behind her.

"AAAAAHH! THERE HE IS!" cried a newspaper photographer.

"Blimey, we've been seen! Run!" his hood pulled back by one of the curious onlookers around Echo, Johnny's pink-blonde hair, now a long ponytail framing a still sunny, yet now more rugged face, flowed out as he whipped out his white-wood wand.

POOF!

They were all engulfed in a summoning cloud.

"Baa, baa!"

"Over there! His pet Butters is running away down the south exit!" said someone from the crowd.

Minutes later, Johnny was laughing as he, Echo, and Aunt Melody made it into a field of corn, him still holding Echo's hand. "That was close! Are you alright, Echo , Aunt Mel?"

There he stood, his sheep horns curling at either side of his wind-swept hair. Johnny was bigger and taller than the last time she saw him, which was on the same platform almost three years ago. He must have been keeping up with working out because Echo's solid marshmallow was now looking like a hunter marshmallow, just like the main character of his moving pictures play that has been talked about in the newspapers last month, Marzan, a wild man who was raised by apes.

He had that same old cheerful smile, his orange eyes lit up with the joy of finally seeing Echo after a long, long time.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Echo jumped when someone grabbed her hand, sucking in her breathe as she felt the familiar hand. She was about to turn around when suddenly someone shouted and pointed at them. Her ears flew up and grabbed onto her aunt's hand as they made a break for it. When someone pulled his hood back, revealing his pink-blonde hair, the fawn gasped out, "Oh my-! Marshmallow?!"

Aunt Melody coughed from the summoning smoke, waving it away as Butters ran. As the large ram stopped in the corn fields, Echo stared at Johnny with wide eyes, her fluffy ears folded back shyly. Her tanned cheeks dusted in pink. Who is this man? Is this really Johnny? Did he change so much while he was away? So many concerning questions popped in her head, flustered at the possibilities.

But when he smiled, the young fawn's lips tensed before giving him a big hug, squeezing him tight! "Johnny! My solid marshmallow! My love, how I miss you!!!"

"I'm alright. Thank you for asking, Sugar plum." Melody responded, giggling as her niece snuggled into his clothes and sniff his scent. Oh how she missed his comforting scent-! And his hair-! And his ears-! His precious precious ears!

Echo didn't grow taller but her antlers have grown, from what he can tell and wasn't weighing her down at all. Her bright red hair is longer, wavy still with thin braids and small cuffs to hold them tight, decorated with feathers and string. Her round cheeks isn't as round, giving her a graceful curve that made her look more mature and effeminate. Her ears is as fluffy as ever or perhaps it's fluffier then before. When she hugged him, he can see her tail waving side to side happily, cutely twitching.

"How's life?" Melody asked, watching Echo giving Johnny a lot of pecks on his face, ears and horns. Her hand is on Butters' fluffy wool, thanking him for the escape. "Hello again, Butters."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
" Cornfield , Dawnsfield "​

"I miss you too, my Echo Mello!" her solid marshmallow lifted her up her hooves easily as he spun in place in joy, hugging her and making missing humming sounds. "Echo, kiss me." he said with so much longing after she kissed his face, ears and horns. He put her down, cupped her face, then without waiting, kissed her with so much home-sick-finally-got-to-see-you-tenderness.

He hugged her so tight, and did not let go for a long time. When they parted, he smiled and rubbed noses with her. "You're as beautiful as the day you waved me good-bye, Echo. Blimey . . ." he looked her all over, then chuckled. "You look older! Like aging wine or a sunset emerald polished, growing brighter and brighter as the years go by." he hugged her again.

"Baa." Butters nuzzled into Aunt Melody's palm.

"Life is great, Aunt Mel," he looked at Echo. "I'm . . . back with you at last."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

She laughed when he picked her up easily. Echo kissed him back, melting into the kiss in a finally-got-to-see-you-too-miss-you-so-much-care. Then she rubbed her nose with his back, happy and content. "Heheh. You're as handsome as that day too. Same to you Butters. Fluffy as ever."

She blushed when he looked over her, still smiling. "Not as mush as you! You grew taller like a pine tree, being sturdier and sturdier with each year." She hugged back, her ears twitched, sighing and nuzzling under his chin. "Welcome back, love."

Aunt Melody grinned, wishing she had a camera to take the shot right now. "That's good. It seems you have gotten popular in the film industry. Congratulations is in order." Then she waved at him and Butters.

"Come on. We'll go to our home. I'm sure my brother-in-law would love to see you again too." Melody said calmly, leading the way with Echo holding his hand. As they made their way, he would notice how the crowds of people simply greeted Echo. From the men, solemn nods of respect. From the women, a wave and a warm smile. The kids tended to run around and hug her legs as they played tag until they left her with an excited 'Bye Lady Doom Hammer!' The elderly are the ones who actually came up to her and him, thanking them for everything, including the medicine Echo helped make with Renee thanks to the Society Lydia and James made.

"And we're home!" Aunt Melody announced, opening the wooden gates to the large estate that her family has lived in for years. Inside it's humble and welcoming, with rugs on the floor, the walls in warm and soft colors. Wooden rocking chairs and tables stood in the living room while the kitchen had a more rustic feel. There's a backdoor to the large garden Melody's crazy sister made once again.

"You can rest here while I'll make something for you and Butters, okay?" Echo said before she went into the kitchen and started to heat the kettle.

Zer0