Chapter 31: Fluffy Fantasies/Arc 4.6

In the town square of B City, crowds of beast men, which had quite a few humans mixed in, filled the streets and flowed like water. Carriages were pulled by well groomed horses, parting the crowds.

Stalls lined the cobblestone paths, the vendors advertising their products with only their voice. The smell of meat wafted in the air as a band played a merry tune. Beautiful dancers leapt and twirled for all to see, catching the eyes of many.

Moving through the crowds a certain couple brought many eyes glancing in their direction. The handsome beast man holding a young human close was a sweet sight on the cheerful day.

The older man stopped to buy a gift for his lover, handing it to the boy with a gentle smile. The other received the gift with a small smile which brightened the older man's day.

Chen Xiang and Zhou Jian were out on a date, two months after the accident. The young man was now aware that the other remembered their past lives and so he quickly opened up and the couple started dating again.

Chen Xiang had also informed the other vaguely of his role in this world, hoping to not seem to be using the man for his mission. With the man aware of their previous time together, he had to be more cautious.

A while later, they now strolled through the streets, chatting and admiring the crafts on display. Zhou Jian was filled with joy the past few days once he realized that his lover was showing interest in his likes and dislikes. The Zion had been unable to forget instances the cake situation and it had greatly troubled him how things didn't seem to be improving.

"Jian Ge, thank you."

"For what?"

"For loving me and giving me this great experience."

Zhou Jian looked into the boy's eyes, a bit speechless. Chen Xiang seemed to become more and more caring as time passed and it was a good thing, just that Zhou Jian wasn't sure what to make of it.

His lover's eyes were twinkling and he appeared quite genuine. A blush crept up the boy's face as he gave the older man a kiss.

Zhou Jian felt his heart melt and he leaned in to give Chen Xiang a deep kiss. Zhou Jian didn't want to think anymore, hoping to just enjoy their time together. The couple continued their date, a sweet aura surrounding them.

- - - - -

In a secluded area, a good way off a forest, a Mansion stood tall among the other smaller structures around it. In the dead of night, as the guards changed their shifts, a group of beast men in black suddenly descended upon the unprepared humans.

In moments, the estate was set ablaze, a brilliant orange light up the dark night. Screams filled the air as the raid quickly came to an end.

.

.

A metallic scent wafted in the air as the flames of the torches flickered and danced. In the dim room, the walls painted in blood served to create an air of doom.

Chains rattled and mice squeaked, scampering through the holes of the brick walls. A figure bruised and beaten, barely managed to sit up, scraping his open wounds on the dirty ground.

His ghastly appearance turned to one of trepidation upon hearing the screech of the iron bars opening. His body shook as he scooted back against the wall.

His greasy and tangled hair covered his face as he panted, out of breath. The clacking of boots grew closer before stopping abruptly.

"How is your stay?"

"..."

Zhou Jian's eyes narrowed as he glowered at the disgusting man before him. After a bit of investigating, Zhou Jian had discovered his lover's heart rendering past in this world and was infuriated.

The transmigrator had made it seem like he was in this world since the time under this slave masters abuse. Not that it would matter since Zhou Jian would handle the man either way.

Unfortunately, the father had died long ago leaving only the slave master. So a few days ago, Zhou Jian led some of his men to capture the bastard and bring him back for torturing after destroying his trade.

Waving his hand, Zhou Jian exited the cell as two beast men entered and prepared the prisoner for his punishment. After watching for a while, Zhou Jian noticed the time and started to leave.

The hoarse screams and cries of the man followed, fading as the Zion made his way out of the dungeon. He was uninterested in watching the spectacle at the moment since he'd promised to show his lover something tonight.

_____________________

Three figures appeared in the darkness. The shortest of the three took in the view and was stunned.

"Jian Ge, it's so beautiful!"

Zhou Jian caught the boy who sprung on him, supporting his but with his hand. The boy gave the older man a kiss and smiled.

Zhou Jian's eyes were full of love as he gave the boy a peck. Wang Tao looked away from the couple and took in the beautiful view before them.

The black sky was dotted with millions of sparkling silver stars, complementing the full moon. The moon's rays showered the dark blue oceans, giving them a mesmerizing effect.

The sea breeze carried the salty smell unique to the ocean, brushing through the trio's hair. The snow white sand blanketed the ground meeting the softly crashing waves. In the silence, only the sound of waves pierced the air and were like a lullaby.

Wang Tao's eyes traced over every detail and his unstable mind entered a surreal state. To him, the ocean at night was the most beautiful in nature and enchanted him. He lay down on the sand in silence and his mind drifted off with the wind.

"Why'd we come at night?"

Chen Xiang tilted his head as he looked at his lover. He preferred if they came during the day but didn't say anything.

He wanted to keep up his kind and obedient masquerade. Zhou Jian kissed Che Xiang's forehead and gazed at the calm sea.

"Because it's more alluring at night. I also wanted us to be alone and people rarely come here at this time."

"Oh, makes sense!"

Zhou Jian's smile widened as he looked at the silly boy before carrying him towards the sea. Chen Xiang came down and took off his slippers and walked in.

He grabbed Zhou Jian's hand to pull him in as well, and the man entered after taking off his shoes. The two wadded in until waist deep and swam around a bit.

Grabbing his lover from behind, Zhou Jian lifted him up and held him in a princess carry. Once Chen Xiang looked at him in confusion, he dunked the boy into the water again. Emerging, Chen Xiang glared at the man and the two engaged in a game of chase.

___

Wang Tao frowned upon feeling water dripping on him. He knew for sure that he wasn't near the water and came to the conclusion that someone was near him. Once he opened his eyes, his guess was confirmed as he came face to face with Zhou Jian.

The man's upper body was bare as water dripped down the six pack slowly. Wang Tao felt his face heating up and quickly sat up, pushing the man away.

An uncomfortable feeling arose in his lower area and he became perplexed. Ignoring the strange heat, he glanced at the older man.

Seeing the Celestial raise a brow at him, Zhou Jian sat beside his friend.

"You're not going to swim?"

"Maybe…Where's Chen Xiang?"

"Collecting shells."

Zhou Jian gestured to a spot a distance away which he'd been keeping his eye on. Looking over, Wang Tao observed as the boy picked up something every few steps, keeping or leaving some, as the waves crashed beside him.

Turning towards his friend, Wang Tao saw the indulgent look in the man's eyes and bit the inside of his lip. Lying down, he decided to attempt to reenter that tranquil state and forget everything. Just as he closed his eyes again, he felt Zhou Jian's hand trying to pull him up.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking you to play. You can't come to the beach and do nothing."

"Oh yes I can."

Wang Tao retracted his arm from the others grasp. Zhou Jian folded his arms across his chest and retorted.

"Oh no you can't."

"Yes I can."

"No you can't"

The two bantered for a bit before Zhou Jian simply resorted to begging. He wanted the other to cheer up as he'd been too gloomy these days.

Wang Tao rolled his eyes at his pleading friend but couldn't bring himself to keep refusing. Smiling triumphantly, Zhou Jian dragged the Celestial who'd caved in towards the wet sand closer to the water.

Sitting in the sand, he patted next to him and Wang Tao squatted beside him. He glanced at the bucket and shovel beside the man and had a faint idea in his mind as to the others' plan.

"We're going to build sand castles."

"?"

"Don't worry I'll show you how."

Zhou Jian smiled at his friend before handing him the shovel. Wang Tao held it in his hand and inspected it.

Not understanding he looked up at the amused Zion who then told him to dig up some sand and place it in the bucket. Following the instructions, the bucket was soon filled to the brim.

Wang Tao watched closely as Zhou Jian used the shovel to get rid of the extra on top and smooth it down. The older man then flipped it upside down and the Celestial's eyes widened for a moment.

Before he could question the man, Zhou Jian shushed him and started tapping the bucket. A moment later, he lifted it up to show their work.

Seeing the sand castle before him, Wang Tao now understood the whole process they'd gone through.

"Interesting…"

"Mm-hmm, we can try a bigger one if you want."

Zhou Jian chuckled as he watched the Celestial bob his head. After rubbing the other's head a bit he showed him how to do other castles. After a while, his lover came over and noticed their work.

"They're really good. Jian Ge is so talented!"

"Thank you, but it wasn't just me, A Tao helped too."

Hugging the boy he gave him a kiss. Chen Xiang blushed in embarrassment and apologized to the other man and praised him a bit.

The transmigrator then showed his spoils from his scavenging for the older man to appreciate. Admiring the beauty of the natural shells, Zhou Jian twirled them in his hands.

He kept most but gave a few to Wang Tao. Zhou Jian had noticed that the Celestial was staring at them in interest.

Wang Tao smiled brightly and thanked him. Meanwhile, Chen Xiang frowned in dissatisfaction but quickly hid it.

A few minutes later, the couple decided to go for a swim again, this time with Wang Tao following behind. The trio had a fun and enjoyable night at the beach and returned home late at night.

As they drove off, Wang Tao stared out at the beach fading behind them with a smile.

[ It was...a very pleasant experience. I hope I can come back in the future. ]