It was the perfect moment.

It was spring, and the sun was shining down on them from a cloudless, clear blue sky. Eiji had suggested a picnic in a park close to their home. So they had walked there and had found a nice spot under a cherry tree. They had put a blanket there and had taken out the food they had prepared beforehand and some drinks.

While they had enjoyed the food, the cherry blossoms had rained down on them with every small breeze. Ash slowly began to understand why Japanese people were so fond of them. Even he had to admit; it was a breathtaking sight.

After their picnic, Eiji had taken some photos of the park, of them together and the cherry blossoms while Ash had enjoyed the sun while reading a book. Then Eiji just lay next to him and enjoyed the sun.

After some time, he dropped his book as well and lay down next to Eiji. He watched Eiji's posture, the small smile on his face and the closed eyes while he was humming to a tune while listening to music on his cell phone with headphones. Ash could watch him forever like that. He looked so content, happy and at peace with the world. He wondered if he could enjoy life as easily as Eiji did one day.

After a while, Eiji noticed him staring, opened his eyes again, and their gazes met.

"What is it?", Eiji asked him curiously, a soft smile appearing on his face. "You've been staring at me for a while now. I could feel it."

Usually, Ash would counter that with some witty remark. But not this time. Even he knew this was the wrong move right now. Not in such a romantic setting. Especially not when he wanted to ask him something important.

"There was something I wanted to ask you for a long time. But I was too afraid you'd say no. Or reject me.", Ash admitted honestly, lowering his eyes to avoid Eiji's gaze. Eiji turned to his side to get a better look at him.

"Ash, you don't have to be afraid. I'd do anything for you." Eiji took his hand and smiled warmly at him. His warm smile made him relax within seconds, and it gave him the courage he needed to ask him finally.

"Eiji, I'm sorry I only ask that now. I know I should have done that much sooner... But can I kiss you? And I don't mean a quick peck in the cheek but a real kiss."

Eiji's eyes sparkled with pure happiness. "I thought you'd never ask. Of course, you can kiss me, Ash. Always."

Eiji nervously ran a hand through his hair. "Actually, I wanted to kiss you for a long time, but I didn't want to force or pressure you. I wanted you to recover first and take your time until you're ready for it. I also wanted the choice to be yours.", he explained honestly. "That's why I haven't asked you yet."

"Ash returned the smile. "Thank you, Eiji. You're too good to be true. I've dreamed about kissing you in such a romantic setting, you know. It's so beautiful here."

Eiji looked around the park. "It's really the perfect setting.", Eiji agreed. "You can kiss me anytime you like, Ash."

Encouraged by that, Ash moved a bit closer and gently grabbed Eiji's face. He noticed how a faint blush ran over Eiji's cheeks. He looked at him, his brown eyes widening with a mixture of uncertainty and affection. When moving closer, he saw Eiji's lips trembling slightly before Eiji leaned back a little. His lips felt so soft and warm when he finally touched them, kissed them.

He wanted to kiss Eiji for a very long time. Mainly because he wanted to show Eiji how much he loved him. He was terrible at expressing his real feelings with words. But maybe he could just show Eiji how much he loved him with this kiss?

When he started to kiss Eiji, his mind suddenly flatlined. Everything felt utterly new to him; he had never experienced something like this before. It was as if this really was his very first kiss. His body moved on its own, his fingers gripping Eiji's hair and pulling him even closer while the rest of his body dissolved into Eiji's, ultimately becoming one. Ash could feel the warmth spreading through his body and felt his heart nearly bursting with happiness.

He could feel Eiji responding to the kiss, grabbing his hair as well, but not pushing any further, letting Ash stay in control. He could feel Eiji's inexperience because he was hesitating slightly at times, counting on him to take the lead. Eiji closed his eyes slowly, and Ash did the same, slowly deepening the kiss into a more passionate one.

He could feel Eiji's heartbeat quickening and how Eiji's breathing was changing and became more fast-paced with every passing second. His lips tasted like pure sweetness and innocence, and his arm tightly around his waist made him instantly feel safe and protected. He had never thought that one single kiss could arouse so many different emotions within him. Kissing Eiji made him feel really alive, loved and truly happy. And he had never thought there could be a moment where he could feel even happier than he had already been while living with Eiji.

He slowly softened the kiss again, pulling back until their entangled lips parted, and he slowly pulled out of the embrace. Eiji's face was flushed entirely, and he was panting, unable to say anything for a moment. But there was suddenly a worried look on his face.

Maybe I did something wrong?

"Eiji, are you fine? Why do you look so worried?", he asked while scrutinizing his face.

"No, it's fine.", Eiji said after catching his breath. Looking at his face, Ash didn't believe him. But then, Eiji reached for his cheek, gently wiping the tears away that were streaming down his face. It was only at that moment that Ash realized that he was crying.

Tears? Why am I even crying? And why now? Maybe because it had felt entirely different from all the other kisses? Or because it was the first kiss I've given voluntarily? Because I was sharing this kiss with someone, I truly love?

"I'm fine.", Ash said. "I don't even know why I'm crying.", he tried to explain his reaction. Eiji smiled softly at him, relaxing again.

"I must be a really lousy kisser, huh?", Eiji said, smirking at him. "I knew I'm inexperienced but - "

Suddenly Ash burst out laughing. "No, you idiot. It was the best kiss ever; it felt truly amazing.", he admitted through the tears that were filling his eyes.

"It felt amazing to me as well.", Eiji assured him, smiling and blushing again.

"Does that mean I can kiss you another time?", Ash asked hopefully.

As a response, Eiji took his face into his hands and kissed him ...

The next one will be "Roadtrip"