METEORANGER.

　` is that so? ` the intonation of that last syllable hints at that curiosity that always seems to linger within eichi’s soul — that this boy’s vitality had mystified even the most stubborn and rash and perhaps even loathsome of nobility. that familiarity, that feeling of safety rests upon chiaki’s words, and eichi’s heart had begun to feel alive again.

　` i look forward to it, then. hmm, but don’t forget, alright? you have to stay safe, too…you are, after all, going to be this land’s ‘second king’ soon. ♪ `

       “ Certainly. I swear it- upon my honor as RYUSEITAI’s commander ~ ♪ ” He put a closed fist to his chest, and while a passing oath this may seem, the mercenary-turned-lord took it with utmost seriousness and heart; saying so with a voice fit for command, even giving a faint smile and nod as he would. His smile pushed through the tire of scarlet stained fields and peace talks that hardly fit its descriptor, all for the sake of those he served; his country, his friends, his king —- well, his fiancé now, to be more exact, but that’s not what’s at hand here.         Love and peace is a hard earned prize, and while both are in this timid king’s hands now, they’re both still so fickle. More troubles would surely come, but only all the harder. More enemies, perhaps even another war —- with no choice but to simply stand tall, and keep living. That’s the weight that comes with the crown, Chiaki supposed.        But, at the very least- Chiaki would stay by his side. To back him up, to fight by his side, to just be there for him. As a commander and his lover. Maybe that would be enough. He hopes it would be. 

that’s not a good idea.

       “ TSUKINAGAAA! ”        To the outside world, Yumenosaki Academy gave off an air of prestige and potential; a world closed off from the everyday, one big preparation for miracles and joy. Some could even call it a modern castle by the sea. However, that imagery of elegance fell apart too easily when one Morisawa Chiaki could be seen… Restraining knights’ leader by his arms, being the only thing between Leo and imminent damage for who- or whatever could be the next victim of his recklessness.        Not exactly a heroic image, but it didn’t matter right now; at least, it didn’t matter as much as the leader squirming in Chiaki’s arms.

       Strong. That word isn’t what you’d apply to Morisawa Chiaki on an everyday basis- as factual as it was. And it isn’t meant for the physical, typical kind of strong- but in the true kind. You can’t put it into words, it’s more so… An imagery; it involved what you’d imagine a hero getting back to their feet at the final battle, for the sake of those who have felt his courage, his heart, and for all the pitiful sight that he could be, he’d fight. On and on, until that happy end was achieved.       And, that kind of imagery rightfully fit for this Ryusei Red- according to this person.       At first, it was just stunted silence. Those words were far too grand for him, but… They were warm. It’s a warmth that was five years too late, but…       Any was better over none.       It’s what he’d ached for, for so long. To just hear from someone, “ you’re doing fine; you’re okay, you’re okay ”, it’s- well, he can’t pinpoint it, really. What he could equate it to, however, was in abundance.       He could say it was a pat on the back - but that’s too simple. A hug…? No. Not really. It wasn’t a physical gesture, per se. It’s… A light. Like mentioned before, it’s warm. It’s reassuring. It’s your miracle in the dark. Quite blinding, too- because he feels something burning at the corners of his eyes.       Oh. Tears… That’s what they are. How unsightly! He can’t show them to this person. It’d would hardly be fitting for such kind words. No. An ally of justice could only cry once it’s over- never to show his uncool side to a bystander, after all! He’d hold back his tears, and instead, give a smile.

      “ Wahaha! ☆ I don’t mind if you’d praise me some more… However, more importantly- it’s only natural that this is the case. Your hope, and your wishes… They become my strength!  So, really, I should be thanking you! ”        His grin faltered. It is here that he comes to note his progress and the true impact of those words in its entirety; it’s a quiet realization, but one nonetheless.      He could do it. He has done it, after all.      “ It ” being, “ living. ”       Chiaki’s battles were oft losing ones, he knew. From being bled out by words, to the murder of solitude, nothingness, and sinking, to his present life now. It’s a game rigged against him, and yet, he’d keep on fighting. Even if it’s simply through letting his heart beat on, and not arguing against it.      And, yes, it’s true: he still can’t fully accept it; a bad habit of his, he knew.       But the seed of thought is there, and it’s enough. So, he tried to get back that smile of his —- hardly as bright as his previous one, but it was glowing nonetheless. Lambently, softly, but hardly dying now.

       Chiaki wasn’t one to count kisses, or similar gestures in all- never was. However, he could say there were many. Past the point where he could guess that he’d still have to count on his fingers, and knew to handle it with some skill and composure, but not enough that it was a common happening; never enough that it would lost meaning. After all, no matter the kiss (who gave or received, the kind, the amount of time, etc., etc., ) Chiaki, without fail, still blushed to his ears, and as he would, he’d still have to fight the temptation to grin through it- sometimes failing, of course, this instance just not included.       So, when the emperor’s question is posed - with the hero still in a light post-kiss stupor - the smile he has is a wide one; it’s crooked, and goofy, and bright- shining with the light of juvenile love at its finest. He rubbed the back of his neck, now recalling the night and morning recent. The revelation’s a small one, but not exactly one he’s proud to have.