Chapter Twenty-Five: Pink Silk & Pajamas
Four Weeks Prior
"It doesn't need to be perfect."
"I-I know."
"But you still want it to be."
Ash nodded.
"And that's fine, understandable even. But if you don't mind, I'd like to offer some input."
"Okay."
"You're worried for nothing. There's no way he'll say no."
"That's not what I'm worried about."
"Then what's your concern?"
"His family, mainly his dad. I don't want to seem like some clueless American who wants to marry his son on a whim. I want him to know I thought about it-really thought about it. And I'm prepared. I want to have a place picked out-or at least some options. I want him to know Eiji will be well provided for."
His therapist, Iku-san, sat across from Ash in the small office smiling gently. She knew she wasn't supposed to get too attached to clients, but still, she had a special place for Ash in her heart. She'd watch him come a long way in a short amount of time. She was proud of him and she was rooting for him.
"His father is quite traditional," she inferred.
"Yes, very. And I've only met him once-he lives in Tokyo. He doesn't speak English and I am still learning Japanese...so I couldn't really have much of a conversation."
"Will you ask him for his blessing?"
Ash inhaled a deep, shaky breath. "That's the plan."
"So you'll be traveling back to Tokyo?" She asked, trying to better understand Ash's plans.
"No. No. There's a family wedding...in a few weeks. Eiji said he'll be there." Ash explained.
"So you plan on asking him then."
"Yeah," Ash said without much confidence.
"I can help you if you'd like," She offered.
"How's that?" Ash asked, a bit confused.
"I can help you prepare what you want to say. So that you get all the Japanese right."
"Oh, yeah, that'd be great," he replied with relief.
"If you already know what you want to say, we could work on it now, or you can always email it to me and I can translate it for you. Or we could discuss it next week. All up to you."
"Let's talk about it next week," he decided.
"Now, Ash, I have one more question before we wrap up, if it's alright."
He nodded.
"How are you going to work around the legality of it all?" She asked tactfully. Gay marriage was not actually legal in Japan.
"Most my life has been illegal," he huffed. "I don't give a shit if the country recognizes our marriage. We don't need a piece of legal parchment to say we're married. No one can stop us from having our own ceremony-even if it's not 'official.'"
She smiled sweetly. "I was hoping you'd say that." She really was rooting for him.
Present Day
"Won't we be dressed all wrong?" Ash asked Eiji as he began to tie his tie in the floor-length mirror that hung on Eiji's closet door.
"What do you mean?" Eiji motioned for Ash to move. "I need to get in there."
Ash moved slightly so Eiji could reach into the closet for his dress shoes.
"I mean the suits? Shouldn't we be in kimonos or something? Don't you guys dress traditionally for festivals and shit?"
"She met her husband in America, remember? His family will all be dressed in Western clothes. The invitation said to dress in whichever formal attire we prefer."
Ash raised an eyebrow and straightened his tie. Perfect. "And this is how you prefer?" He doubted it.
Eiji shrugged as he laced his shiny black shoes, "Usually we'd dress traditionally for a wedding, but we thought you'd prefer your normal style of dress." He finished with his shoes and started on his own pink silk tie. "Plus, Miyuki has never had an excuse to wear a big fancy American dress...so ya know...ulterior motives," he added with a smirk.
"Ah," Ash answered with a smirk of his own. "I should've known."
Eiji fiddled with his tie clumsily in the mirror. "I…" he began "am not very good at this…" he laughed. He never had many reasons to wear ties and when he had, his father had always tied them for him. Ash, on the other hand, was excellent with ties, thanks to all the fancy parties Dino had made him attend.
"Here," Ash offered, taking the silk fabric from Eiji's hands. Ash could have tied it with impressive accuracy and efficiency, but instead, he decided to purposely mess up once, just so he could spend a few extra moments tying Eiji's tie. He straightened it out and then slapped a hand to Eiji's shoulder. "Gorgeous."
Right on cue, Eiji blushed pale pink. "Stop," he said bashfully.
"I must tell the truth, no secrets," Ash teased.
"Well then... I guess I must too…" Eiji said with a mischievous wiggle of his eyebrows. "You always look great but with your hair like that...you're striking."
Even.
Ash wore his hair slicked back. Eiji wasn't used to seeing his forehead like this. It made him look grown up, so professional.
Ash smiled but didn't make a joke or tease him as Eiji expected. In fact, he blushed, although just slightly. If Eiji hadn't seen the color change with his own eyes he wouldn't have noticed it. He found it very strange. That sort of thing usually didn't get to him. Ash's right hand found his pocket in an almost nervous fashion. Very odd indeed.
There was a small knock on the open door frame and Miyuki peeked in, already wearing her pink gown.
"AHH! You two look so GOOD!" She squealed in utmost delight.
"What the hell, Mi! How did you afford that dress?!" Eiji couldn't help but ask as he saw her dress.
It was a silk, pale pink, floor-length ball gown, nothing short of what one might wear to an American prom. She'd curled her long hair and styled it in an impressive up-do with a few shorter pieces framing her face. Dainty gold jewelry littered her fingers, neck, and ears. Waiting for her downstairs were a pair of white and gold heels. If her goal was to look like a princess, she'd certainly achieved it.
She spun ecstatically on the ball of her foot, the skirt of the dress ruffling with the movement. "Don't worry about it, Eiji," she said with a wink directed at Ash.
Eiji's head spun towards the tall blond beside him. "You didn't," he said with an edge to his voice.
"No, I really didn't," Ash said defensively, holding his palms out before him. His right hand then returned to his pant pocket.
And he really hadn't paid for the dress...or at least not directly. He hadn't gone dress shopping with Miyuki, but she did buy the dress with all the money he'd been not-so-secretly slipping her for their weekly tutoring sessions.
Eiji eyed him suspiciously. Just then, Aki beckoned them downstairs with a shout from the stairwell.
"Time to go!" Miyuki chirped. She spun once more on her foot and made her way downstairs.
"You bought her that dress, didn't you," Eiji asked, still unwilling to drop the subject.
"I pay her to tutor me, it's none of my business how she spends that money," Ash shrugged.
Eiji gasped, "Miyuki…I can't believe her…letting you pay her," he tsked with disapproval.
"She told me not to, but you know how I am."
Eiji shook his head slowly in disbelief.
"Come on, we're holding things up."
"Hey," Eiji gently touched his arm, causing him to wait, "you okay? Something seems off."
"I'm alright, maybe a bit nervous, but okay," Ash said convincingly. Too convincingly.
"Then what's in that pocket?" Eiji asked, his eyes coming to rest on the hand Ash nervously had in his pocket.
"Mint," Ash said, pulling his hand out with a wrapped mint between his fingers. "In case they serve some smelly fish and I wanna kiss you later," he teased.
But Eiji didn't laugh or tease him back.
"Hmm," he said doubtfully, "I'm watching you, Ash."
"Nothing to see," he fibbed.
Four Weeks Prior
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Ash asked over his weekly lunch with Miyuki.
She leaned over the table excitedly. But then forced herself to mellow as she realized Ash looked...nervous.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"What's your opinion of me?"
"Huh? Why are you asking me that?" She asked with wide eyes and brows raised halfway up her forehead.
"Just answer."
"Hmmm," She pondered. "Well let's put it this way...if I had to make a list of my top ten favorite humans, you'd make that list," She told him with complete honesty, in classic Miyuki fashion. "So I guess you could say I really like ya," She added with a smile.
Ash nodded. He looked deep in thought.
"Why do you ask?" She asked more seriously.
"Well…" He rubbed the back of his neck. He was nervous. "I-uh-I'm thinking of asking Eiji to marry me."
"WHAT, ASH?! What do you mean THINKING?!" She shouted, causing a few heads at the restaurant to turn towards their table on the sunny patio.
Ash looked upset, more like embarrassed, by her volume. "Do you not think I should?"
"What?! NO! I mean YES! Yes, you should ask him to marry you! I thought it was understood that you'd be asking him sooner or later!" She responded with gusto.
"So you're okay with it then?"
Miyuki threw her hands in the air. She couldn't believe him right now. "OF COURSE I AM!" She mouthed the words slowly and quite loudly.
Ash relaxed just slightly. He leaned over the table, his head in his hands. "Uh, I'm so nervous."
"He's not gonna say no."
"But he can."
"But he won't. Because he loves you."
"I still need to ask your mom and dad," he muttered into the palms of his hands.
"Mom will be overjoyed…" she began, "and Dad? I think he'll be surprised you asked, but I can't imagine he'd shut you down."
Ash whined anxiously. Miyuki rarely saw this side of him, so vulnerable.
"Ash," she said seriously.
"Hmmm?" He groaned.
"Even on the off chance Dad says not to ask...you still have to. Some things are just meant to be."
Another groan. His face slipped through his hands and his fingers tangled in his hair.
Present Day
As they approached the venue, Ash was still fiddling nervously with whatever was in his pocket. Eiji wasn't fooled by a simple mint. Ash was hiding something.
It was an outdoor wedding, taking place at a local shrine. It was a gorgeous day. The sun shone brightly, but not too bright. The wind was gentle, just enough to rustle the skirts of dresses and hems of kimonos. It carried the fragrance of blooming flowers and bouquets in its wake. Clouds decorated the sky aesthetically.
"We should have worn kimonos," Ash whined as he saw more and more traditionally dressed guests adorned in ornate kimonos with delicate patterns of golden thread.
"It's fine, look," Eiji motioned to a group of Americans arriving from the groom's side of the family.
"But they're all American," Ash observed.
"So are you."
That was the problem. If he was talking to Okumura-san tonight, he wanted to make a good impression. He wanted so desperately to have his blessing and overall approval.
"So when are you gonna tell me what's wrong," Eiji asked.
"I'm not."
"What happened to no more secrets? It's your own rule."
"Rules are meant to be broken from time to time," Ash argued.
"Only with good reason."
"I have a good reason."
Three Weeks Prior
"So you think that's okay?" Ash asked anxiously.
"I think it's perfect," Iku-san reassured him.
"What will you do if he says no?" She asked.
Ash shook his head, "I'm trying not to think about that."
"But you should probably have something in mind."
He sat and thought for what felt like forever. What would he do? Then, he remembered Miyuki's words.
"I'll marry him anyway, just won't invite pops," Ash said with a bite.
Present Day
The bride and groom walked down the aisle, further knotting Ash's anxious stomach. This would be him and Eiji soon...assuming Eiji said yes.
Eiji looked at Ash as the couple passed. "Okay?" He whispered.
Something crumpled in Ash's pocket. "Fine."
On the other side of him, Miyuki squeezed Ash's free hand reassuringly. Though he appreciated the gesture, he didn't have the courage or will to return it. His hand became clammy as she held it. Everyone sat as the ceremony began.
Three Weeks Prior
"Hey, I need a favor," Ash told Miyuki as he hovered at her doorway.
"What is it?" She asked, looking up from her homework.
Ash stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He perched at the foot of her bed. In a whisper, he said, "Will you help me decide on a ring?"
She shut the textbook she was taking notes on with a loud thump. She abandoned her desk chair and sat next to Ash on the foot of the bed.
"YES!"
Ash chuckled and held a finger to his lips, "Shhh. Eiji's gonna hear us."
She slapped a hand over her mouth. "Ooops."
"He's going to see an old friend tomorrow. I'm going to the jewelry shop then, can you come with me?"
"What time?"
"4."
Miyuki jumped off the bed and checked the planner on her desk. "Yep, no tennis tomorrow. I'm free."
"Perfect."
"Are you gonna splurge?" She asked with a smile and a quirked brow.
"Of course," he grinned.
Present Day
Everyone cheered as the bride and groom kissed. Everyone, that is, except Ash and a few small children. He wasn't paying attention. He was too busy thinking about his impending conversation with Okumua-san. Halfway through the ceremony, he spotted him in the crowd. He hadn't been paying attention since. The cheers brought him back to reality.
Eiji grinned and clapped beside him. He looked up at Ash, only to find him looking a bit disoriented. With a finger, he beckoned Ash to move closer so he could whisper something to him. Ash obliged.
"Could be us soon," he whispered.
Bile burned Ash's throat. He hoped it'd be them soon.
"What's wrong, Ash?" Eiji asked again.
Ash shook his head, "I'll be alright. I promise, Eiji."
Three Weeks Prior
"These are my top two. Which do you like more?"
"That one's gorgeous," Miyuki replied, pointing at a dainty gold ring. It was Ash's favorite too.
It was thinner than most men's rings, in fact, thinner than many women's rings as well. It had no stones or engravings, yet it shined magnificently, because the surface of the ring had been dusted with diamonds. In dark light, it was hardly visible, but under direct light, it was absolutely breathtaking.
"It's stunning," Miyuki elaborated, "but not at all gaudy. Oh, Ash, he'll love that."
"God, I hope so."
"Are you getting one?"
"Mmm, same one without the diamond dust."
Present Day
"There's still some time before the reception starts. I brought my camera, want me to get some pictures, Mi-chan?"
"Yes! I was hoping you'd bring it!" She said gleefully.
Eiji took a few glamorous pictures of Miyuki in her fancy dress, posing in the beautiful scenery surrounding the shrine. Then she got a few with Aki and even one with Ash. The three of them stood together for a group photo, squinting slightly in the setting sun.
A tall young man about Eiji's age walked up beside Eiji and slapped a hand onto his shoulder as he took the group shot. He turned and greeted the other man excitedly with hugs and words Ash could hardly understand through his excited tone. They exchanged a few words and then Eiji handed over his camera to the man and joined the other three. He stood pressed closely to Ash's side, an arm winding around him. The man snapped a few photos and then Miyuki and Aki ran up to greet him.
"Ash, this is my cousin Toki," Eiji said in English, gesturing to him. "And Toki, this is Ash, we met while I was in America," he explained simply in Japanese.
Toki bowed slightly and greeted Ash. Ash did the same.
"I guess America is the place to meet people," Toki said, elbowing Eiji's side in jest. Toki was the bride's brother, so he was of course referring to the way she'd met her husband.
"Bold of you to assume we're dating," Eiji returned his tease.
"It would be even bolder to bring someone you're not dating as a guest to a wedding."
Eiji laughed and shrugged slightly, "Yeah, okay, we're dating."
"Didn't know you swung that way, Ei-chan," he remarked with a sweeping glance at Ash.
"Neither did I, till I met him," Eiji flushed, although just slightly. Maybe it was the lighting from the sunset.
"Well, he is quite striking."
"Bold of you both to talk about me as if I'm not right here." Ash crossed his arms and smirked devilishly with a quirked eyebrow.
Toki's eyebrows shot up, he obviously hadn't expected Ash to understand their exchange.
"Sumimasen!"
"Relax, I'm just teasing."
Miyuki and Aki then engaged Toki in quick Japanese, eager to catch up on his life.
"That hand is still in your pocket. Don't think I haven't noticed," Eiji told Ash under his breath.
"Let it be, Eiji."
"You're plotting something, I can feel it."
"Am not."
Two Weeks Prior
Ash jumped off the couch as he heard the bathroom door close. Eiji was getting in the shower. He had about twenty minutes, give or take a few. He wasted no time, making his way outside where Aki was gardening in the setting sun.
"Hey, Ashu! Come to help me?"
He stood beside her as she pulled weeds from the wet soil.
"Yeah, okay." He squatted beside her and began to tackle the other side of the garden bed.
"But I was actually hoping to talk to you about something."
"Ah," she said with raised eyebrows.
"What…?" he asked suspiciously.
"Miyuki is a very poor...secret keeper,"
Ash let out a sigh of exasperation. "What did she tell you?"
"I asked her other day...to go get groceries, but she said she had tennis. I could tell," Aki said, tapping her temple, "she lie to me. I thought she do not want to do me favor. Thought she was lazy girl. But then I saw her leave with you. And when you two get back she was so happy. I ask where she went and she forgot her lie. She said library."
Ash was annoyed but also amused. He listened to Aki's story with squinted eyes and the slightest smirk.
"So I told her I knew, knew she lies. And I said, 'tell me where you go or you are….'" she stalled, not knowing the English.
"Grounded?" Ash offered.
"Yes. Grounded. So she told me, 'Ashu take me to jewelry shop to pick earrings for Suzume wedding.' Another lie. I know. I know real reason, Ashu, I am no fool."
Ash shook his head and released an exasperated laugh. "Wow."
"When will you ask him?" Aki grinned from ear to ear.
Ash shrugged and focused his attention on the weedy garden bed. "Haven't decided yet."
"Ah."
"I wanted to ask your permission first, but I guess you're okay with it."
She let out a shocked laugh, "Ashu! Of course, I am okay," she said the final word mockingly. "I am happy! Sooo happy."
"Really?" he asked timidly.
She wiped her muddy hands on the grass before pulling Ash into a tight hug. "Really," she whispered. And then, with a dramatic MMM-CHHAA, she kissed his cheek.
Ash laughed awkwardly and turned bright red, up to his ears. Aki had a special talent for flustering Ash. He exhaled a shaky breath, a true sign of how nervous he'd been.
"Why were you nervous?" Aki asked, challenging him with utmost sincerity.
"It's a big deal," he admitted. "This family is so good. And I'm….whatever I am."
"Oh, Ashu, baka dayo. You are good too." She gave him another hug. "And besides...life been much more fun with you here," she said with a genuine grin. "Now! Show me rings!"
He smiled. It was one of relief. One of slight sadness. One that said he still questioned whether or not he deserved all of this. But it was also one of joy. Now only Eiji's father and the question itself stood between their future.
He helped Aki off the ground. "They're in my room. Hurry, while Eiji's still in the shower."
Present Day
"I thought I was in charge of keeping you sober," Ash teased as Eiji returned from the bar with a beer for them both
"I think I can handle one beer, Ash," Eiji smiled. His eyes glinted in the dimmed light like stars in the night sky.
At their table sat Eiji, Ash, Miyuki, Aki, and Okumura-san. Ash barely said a word to him, but his stomach was in knots the whole dinner. Still, the meal came and went without a hitch.
On the dance floor, the band warmed up, preparing for the couple's first dance. Okumura-san went to mingle with some of the family. This was technically Aki's side of the family, but he'd come to know them well. He and Aki simply fell out of love, so he harbored no disdain for anyone here. In fact, they all still had a special place in his heart.
Miyuki leaned across the table, getting the boy's attention. "Grandma's coming over here," she warned.
Ash braced himself as he saw the petite woman resembling Aki make her way to the table. She greeted them warmly with smiles and hugs. She then sat in the chair Okumura-san had previously occupied.
Her eyes met Ash and she looked at Miyuki. "Miyuki, introduce me to your friend," she instructed.
"Oh! This is Ash, obachan," she replied. "But he's not my friend...I mean, he is, but he's not my boyfriend," she clarified.
"Oh?"
Ash stiffened in his seat. This was it. The moment of truth.
"Obachan, this is Ash. He's my friend, I met him in New York," Eiji chimed in.
"Oh, visiting all the way from New York?"
"Well, he's actually moved here." Eiji took a deep breath. "We're dating, actually," he said, deciding to get it all out at once.
Instinctively, Ash braced himself for her reaction with a deep breath and closed eyes.
She put her hand to her ear and leaned in as if she'd misheard him.
"We're dating," Eiji repeated.
Aki leaned to her mom and whispered something in her ear.
"Ohhhh," she said, "Ashu."
Everyone relaxed slightly.
"Aki has mentioned you, but I didn't recognize the name. Difference in accent?"
Eiji laughed nervously, "Yeah, Mom says Ashu, but in America they say Ash. No 'U.'"
Ash's eyes darted between them nervously as they spoke. He didn't know what to expect.
"So you knew?" Eiji asked.
"Yes, Eiji, your Mom told me months ago," She smiled.
She stood and walked around the round table to Ash. She offered her hand in the way Americans did. "Pati," she said, introducing herself. "But Ashu-Ash-you can call me Obachan."
Ash shook her hand, his grip firm but uncertain. "Pleasure to meet you, Obachan," he said in Japanese.
She smiled at him sweetly and returned to her chair. "So! Tell me everything, Eiji. I want to know how you met this handsome, young gentleman."
Gentleman. Ash's face softened. She was willing to accept him, more than willing-she had complimented him. He shouldn't be surprised. This was Aki's mom, after all. But still, he couldn't help but feel great relief flood his body.
Ash's nervous hand left his pocket and found Eiji's beneath the table cloth. Eiji grabbed his hand with both of his own. He stroked it lazily with his fingers as he began to recount their story to his grandma. He softened all the harsh details and left out everything illegal, until the story was just an adaptation of the truth. But Obachan bought it, she had no reason not to.
Two Weeks Prior
"This is gorgeous, Ashu," Aki remarked as she held Eiji's ring up to the light. From a distance, it looked solid gold, up close, and under a light, it shined with brilliance, thanks to the diamond dust.
"Think he'll like it?"
"He'll love it."
Above them, Ash heard the bathroom door open and close. He snatched the ring from Aki and placed it back in the box. He buried it back in its hiding place; the bottom of his underwear drawer. And not a second too soon. He heard Eiji descend the stairs. He made eye contact with Ash as he saw the pair exit his room.
"What are you two up to?" Eiji asked with curiosity.
"Nothing that concerns you," Aki replied.
Eiji blinked, a bit taken aback by his mother's words.
'Fine then," he replied saltily.
Present Day
"Dance with me, Eiji?" Miyuki asked enthusiastically with an outstretched hand.
"You know I can't dance...especially to this slow song," Eiji responded.
Miyuki pouted. "Please?" Her hand was still waiting for Eiji to accept it.
"No way."
"Eiji," she whined.
Just then, Ash grabbed her offered hand. "I'll dance with you."
"Huh!?"
"What? I'm a great dancer!"
Miyuki's face changed and suddenly she was smiling, a wide grin that could not contain her teeth.
"Come on, then."
"Okay!" And she pulled him out to the dance floor.
Eiji stayed behind at the table, watching the two with a gentle smile.
Miyuki and Ash joined the crowd. With his hand in hers and the other on her waist, they danced as Ash had been classically trained to. Miyuki was not classically trained, but it didn't matter, because Ash led with elegance and grace that allowed her to follow his steps with ease.
"You really can dance," she remarked. "I'm impressed."
Ash smiled down at her. Even in her heels, she was a good several inches shorter than him.
"So what's the plan?" She asked softly as she looked up at Ash.
"As soon as your dad stops talking to that guy over there," he gestured to them with a toss of his head, "I'm gonna ask to speak with him."
"And then?"
"Well...if he gives me the go ahead, I'll ask him tonight."
Miyuki squeezed Ash tighter as they danced. "Ooooo! I'm so excited, Ash!"
"I'm so nervous, I might be sick," he admitted as they continued to tour the dance floor.
"At which end?"
Ash laughed at her ever-present bluntness, "both."
"It will all be fine, I promise."
Ash nodded with uncertain eyes. He sure hoped so.
"You sure you don't want to do my bouquet idea?"
Ash remembered her proposed idea. The bouquet toss was a tradition in which the women gathered behind the bride and tried to catch the bouquet as she tossed it. Tradition said that whoever caught it would be the next to be married. She wanted Suzume to be in on it, to purposely toss the bouquet Miyuki's way. She'd catch it-even if she had to dive for it-and then turn around and give the flowers to Eiji. Then, Ash would tap him on the shoulder and when he turned around, Ash would be down on one knee. Ash had shut that idea down real quick. Public proposals were a huge no-no in his eyes. It put wayyy too much pressure on the other person to say yes.
"Yeah, I told you I don't like the idea of public proposals."
"He's not gonna say no."
"But he needs to have the option. With everyone watching, that option disappears."
"Alright, alright." She conceded. Ash spun her as the song's tempo picked up speed. "So what are you gonna do then?"
"Take him outside, ask him in the garden down by the lake."
Miyuki smiled, "That's so cute."
"Can I take pictures?" She added.
"No, what part of 'private' don't you understand," he teased, although there was truth behind his words. "If he says yes, we'll reenact it for you and you can take pictures then...happy?"
"He's gonna say yes, Ash!" She stressed. "But, yeah, that'd make me happy."
The song ended. They glanced at Eiji's father who was still engaged in conversation.
"Another? He's still talking," Miyuki asked Ash.
"No, I want to read over what I'm gonna say," he replied. His hand returned anxiously to his pocket.
"Relax, it's gonna be fine," Miyuki said, placing a hand on his upper arm.
"You still have the ring, right?" He asked anxiously. He couldn't risk Eiji finding it in his pocket, so he'd told Miyuki to bring it in her purse.
"Yes, Ash, I do."
"Okay, distract Eiji while I grab it from your purse," he directed as they walked off the dance floor.
"Eiji!" She exclaimed as they reached the table. "Come get a piece of cake with me." She grabbed his hand and pulled him along.
"Want any?" he called over his shoulder to Aki and Ash.
Ash shook his head no and Aki said, "Chocolate!"
When the coast was clear, Ash reached into Miyuki's purse and grabbed the ring box. Aki smiled as he slipped it into his pant pocket, making sure it was not on the side he'd been fiddling with all day. He took a deep breath and stood.
"Going for it?"
"After he finishes talking," Ash said with a head nod towards Okumura-san.
"Ganbatte," She said, wishing him good luck.
"Domo."
Ash made his way to the bathroom. Once inside he took the crumpled sheet of paper from his pocket. He read over the words at least a dozen times before. He had what he wanted to say memorized, but still, he read it over once more.
He could feel himself getting nervous, his hands were shaking, although just slightly. He ran them under cool water in an attempt to ground himself. He popped the mint he'd been carrying onto his tongue. Despite what he'd told Eiji, the real purpose of the mint was to suppress anxiety. Although he'd never tried it before, he heard it helped, so he figured he'd give it a go.
He gave the paper a final read and then opened the bathroom door with a deep breath. He ran into Eiji on the way out. Good thing he'd already pocketed his paper.
"Why does Miyuki get to know what's bothering you but I don't?" Eiji asked as he faced Ash.
Ash felt cornered. The only place to retreat to was the bathroom behind him.
"What are you talking about?" Ash asked defensively.
"I could see you talking on the dance floor. Judging by your face it was serious."
"It was nothing. Please Eiji, just let it go?" He pleaded. He crunched the mint anxiously.
Eiji's ears perked up at the sound. "Does that mean you're gonna kiss me soon?" Eiji couldn't help but tease.
"What? Oh, sure, whatever," he replied, a bit caught off guard.
Eiji's face saddened at the uncharacteristic response. "Ash, whatever it is that's bothering you...you can tell me."
"I know, Eiji. I just-I'll tell you later."
"Promise?"
"Yes," he said as he squeezed past Eiji in the doorway. "I gotta go." His shoes hit the ground loudly as he walked away.
"Go where?" Eiji wondered aloud.
By the time Eiji returned from the bathroom, Ash had taken Okumura-san outside to talk with him.
"Where did Ash go?" Eiji asked the table, speaking to no one in particular, hoping anyone would answer.
But they didn't. Aki kept talking to her mom as well as a few of his other relatives, and Miyuki just shrugged as she finished the last few bites of her cake.
He looked around anxiously, trying to find his blond. He shouldn't be hard to spot among the sea of dark-haired Asians, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Miyuki finally spoke. "Sit down, Eiji," She commanded, patting the seat next to her.
Reluctantly, he did so. His head was still searching for Ash. He knew something was wrong.
"He went outside, but he told me to keep you in here." Ash hadn't actually told her that, but she knew that's what he wanted, so that's what she told Eiji.
"Is he alright? He's been acting weird all day!"
"He's fine, Eiji. He's fine." Miyuki pushed a glass of water to him. "Here, drink something."
After what felt like an eternity, Ash reappeared. To Eiji's surprise, his dad was walking beside him talking to Ash. And Ash was smiling ear to ear. It was the love-drunk smile Eiji had come to know so well. Miyuki smiled and Eiji relaxed.
Miyuki rose and crossed the room as Okumura-san departed from Ash.
"Well?" She asked excitedly, she could tell it was good news.
Up close, she noticed a watery gloss over those green eyes.
Ash grinned at her. "He said yes," he exhaled a relieved laugh. "He said yes!" He repeated in astonishment.
Miyuki grinned and gave him a big hug. "I told you there was nothing to worry about!"
Eiji couldn't contain his curiosity. He approached them and stated, "I want in on this secret."
Ash grabbed his hands and kissed his knuckles. "Dance with me, baby," was all he said, completely ignoring Eiji's words.
Eiji looked utterly confused but followed him to the dance floor anyway. He caught his dad's eye as they passed him. He was watching the two with a small smile.
There was a slow song playing. Ash pulled Eiji in close and began to dance with him. It may have been the same steps he'd done with Miyuki, but this was far more intimate. And he was in a far better mood.
"What on Earth changed in the past half hour?" Eiji asked into Ash's shoulder.
'Everything,' he thought. But all he said was, "Don't worry about it."
So Eiji didn't, at least not out loud. He couldn't restrain his curious thoughts, but he could contain his words.
They danced to several songs. A few were fast and a few were slow. Eiji really wasn't the best dancer, but he followed Ash's lead and they did fine.
"Hey, have you seen the grounds yet?" Ash mumbled into the small space that separated them as a slow song ended.
"I haven't. Is that where you were?"
"It was. It's beautiful out there. Can I show you?" Ash asked softly.
Eiji considered it a moment. "Will you tell me what you've been on about all day?"
Ash nodded, "I will."
"Alright then, let's go."
Ash entwined his fingers with Eiji's. "Come on, lovely."
They made their way outdoors. It was dark now, but there was a beautifully landscaped path woven through the gardens that was lined with street lamps. Eiji's dark hair shined brilliantly under the soft lights. A little ways down the path was a shimmering lake with a bridge that cut through the center and a gazebo at its end.
"Oh wow, it is beautiful out here," Eiji remarked as he swiveled his head in observation.
"Come on," Ash said sweetly.
They walked through the garden, appreciating the plants and statues as they walked hand in hand.
They approached the lake and walked across the curved zen bridge. They stopped at its center and looked into the lake's expanse.
Eiji leaned his head on Ash's shoulder. Ash had grown a bit since he'd come to Japan, creating a perfect height difference between them.
"So what were you talking to Dad about?"
"You," Ash replied honestly.
"Me?" Eiji lifted his head to see Ash.
"Us," he clarified.
"Us." It wasn't a question.
It was really quite curious, Ash planned his words for Okumura-san down to the letter. He wanted them to be perfect. He wanted to communicate how much this meant to him, without being overly formal. He wanted to accurately illustrate his love for Eiji in a language that wasn't his own. He'd poured over each word, time and time again, memorizing them, making them perfect. And even after all that, he was still nervous. His voice was shaking as he spoke them not too long ago.
But now? Now when he was about to ask Eiji the most important question he'd ever utter, he felt no anxiety, even though he had not a single word planned. He was about to ask the love of his life to marry him and he hadn't even thought about how to phrase the question. Because he hated the formality of it. He hated the stress it put on the other person to say yes. Because even though it would shatter his soul, he accepted the fact Eiji could say no. He could always say no. Formality hinders truth, so that's why he wanted this to be casual, like a normal, honest conversation, but he also remembered Eiji's words. They were said in jest but he knew there was some truth behind them. So he decided to compromise. This was a romantic venue, plus they were all dressed up, but he'd keep his words raw and unscripted. Compromise. Even.
"This," he pulled out the well-worn paper from his pocket and set it facedown on the bridge's railing, "is what's been in my pocket all day."
Eiji's eyebrows knitted in confusion. "I don't get it." He reached for the paper but Ash lightly caught his wrist.
"Not for you to read," he said with a head shake.
Eiji dropped his hand and carefully watched Ash speak as he stood beside him.
"Those words," he began to clarify, "were for your dad. I wrote them down because I wanted to get the Japanese right. Iku-san helped me with the grammar."
Eiji stared at him, trying to understand where this conversation was headed.
Ash folded the paper and placed it back in his pant pocket. He leaned on his elbows over the bridge's ledge, staring out at the shimmering lake. "It's no secret that I love you, Eiji...but I wanted your dad to know too. When we first met in Tokyo, I didn't know enough Japanese to accurately communicate that. I don't know what he thought of me then, probably that I was just some foreigner having a fling with his son, stealing his innocence. So that's what I meant when I said we were talking about you, about us. I wanted him to know my love for you is genuine and unyielding. And this time, I got my point across."
Eiji straightened and pulled back just slightly. He felt his eyes burn with the formation of tears. He had a hunch where this was going.
"I was broken before you came into my life, Eiji," Ash began.
Eiji's breath caught almost inaudibly. Now he definitely knew where this was going.
"And don't argue, I was. You're the reason I'm not so broken anymore. On the mend. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, I did a lot of the work myself. And yeah, that's true, but I never would have done that if you and your family hadn't encouraged and supported me." He paused, stood up straight, and met Eiji's eyes. "You're so good for me. And I'm still not sure if I deserve you or this family, but I've talked to each of them now and they've all told me I do. So now it's your turn. And ultimately it's your answer that matters most, so I expect you to be honest with me."
He kneeled on one knee and reached into his left pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box. He opened it carefully and asked, "Eiji, sweet Eiji, will you marry me?"
For a moment, he couldn't answer. His hands covered his mouth in absolute awe as tears streamed silently down his face. He used his fingertips to smooth the tears from his eyes. He shook his 'yes' over and over again. "Yes, Ash. Yes, a thousand times yes," he managed to say. A happy laugh broke free from his throat, "Oh my God, yes!"
He held out his left hand shakily. Ash slipped the delicate ring onto his finger. It fit perfectly, Ash let out a sigh of relief. He pocketed the box and Eiji pulled him to his feet. Eiji slung his arms around Ash's neck and kissed him with all the love and admiration in the whole world.
"I love you, Ash," he murmured softly as they momentarily drew apart.
"God, Eiji, I love you too," he whispered just centimeters from his lips.
"It's even more gorgeous in the light!" Eiji exclaimed as they walked back inside the well-lit entrance hall. He wiggled his fingers, watching the ring catch the light and throw sparkles across the room.
"I'm glad you like it," Ash smiled sweetly, "I was worried, I've never seen you wear jewelry so I didn't have anything to base it on...but Miyuki and Mom both said you'd love it."
Eiji blushed, "So they're in on it?"
Ash flashed that love-drunk smile Eiji loved so much. "Yeah."
They returned to the reception hall, hand-in-hand. All it took was one glance at Eiji's left hand and Mikyuki was running across the hall, holding up her skirt around her ankles with her heels hitting the ground loudly as she ran. Heads turned in confusion as she made her way to them. She caught them both in a giant hug as she reached them. If Ash and Eiji hadn't braced themselves, she'd have knocked them over, no doubt about it. Eiji laughed at her typical theatrics but Ash just held her tight with a sentimental smile upon his lips. He glanced across the room and saw Aki and Okumura-san seated next to one another watching the scene unfold. They were speaking to each other and although Ash couldn't make out their words from across the room, he could tell by their faces it was all good things. He shared a smile with them both as they caught his eyes.
Ash sat and ate cake while Eiji told Miyuki about the proposal. Ash couldn't help but chuckle at all her questions, there weren't that many details to recount, but still, she interrogated Eiji until she had them all-or at least all the ones he wanted to share.
"Now Ash," Miyuki began, "you see now you were worried about nothing, don't you?" She asked the question just so Eiji would realize how nervous he'd been.
"Ash!" Eiji exhaled, "Why the hell would you be nervous?!"
He blushed, just slightly, though Eiji didn't catch it in the dim light. "You might've said no," he shrugged.
"Bullshit, Ash!" Eiji huffed. "Why the hell would I not say yes?!"
Ash shrugged and popped another bit of cake into his mouth. He winced, it was solid icing, and chased the bite with a gulp of water.
"Hey!" Eiji said, causing him to look up. "I don't care if you think you deserve me or not. That's beside the point. You're stuck with me and that's that," he told Ash with absolute confidence.
Ash smiled, "Alright, alright."
After Ash finished his cake, the three of them returned to the dance floor and danced the night away. Miyuki, of course, held Ash to his promise and took a few pictures of Ash and Eiji reenacting the proposal on the bridge before they left that eventing. She actually shed a tear at the sight of it.
"There's something bothering you, I can tell," Ash muttered through toothpaste as he brushed his teeth beside Eiji.
"You don't like it."
Eiji had been twirling his fingers as he brushed his teeth, eyes fixated on the ring.
"Actually, that's not it...I love it," he said slowly.
Ash swished with a cup of water. "Then what is it?"
"It's just that...that you don't have one. Feels weird."
A huge, toothy grin appeared on Ash's face. "Wait here."
Eiji's eyes followed him as he left the bathroom. In less than a minute, he returned. Wordlessly, he slipped a small velvet box into Eiji's hands.
Slowly, he opened the box, just enough to see the contents through a small crack. Eiji's face softened, a smile spread across his cheeks. Clothed in pajama pants and an old, oversized t-shirt, Eiji lowered himself onto one knee upon the cold bathroom tile. It was redundant and completely unnecessary, but still, he asked.
"Will you marry me, Ash?"
"I'd love to," he said with a unique smile fashioned only for Eiji. He held out his left hand and let Eiji slip the dainty gold ring onto his finger.
Even.
"No shimmer for you?" Eiji asked as he noticed Ash's ring was not dusted with diamonds.
Ash shook his head, "Nah."
"Got a reputation to uphold?" Eiji teased.
"Something like that."
Eiji stood. Ash cupped his face with both hands and kissed him gently.
"Better?" He whispered as he drew apart.
"So much. Now we're even," Eiji whispered back.
After another moment, they both continued getting ready for bed, ending the night snuggled together in Eiji's bed.
They both got what they wanted in the end. Eiji got his formal proposal and Ash got a raw, casual one; completely unplanned and unnecessary, but that's what made it perfect. Neither boy would have wanted it any other way.