Chapter Thirty-Three: Love In The Suds

The bathroom smelled heavenly, like lavender, thanks to the bubble bath Eiji had prepared. Ash opened the new towels they purchased and placed them neatly in the bathroom cabinet. He then undressed and joined Eiji in the luxurious tub. They relaxed against the powerful jets, relieving the tension in their backs.

They both hated these things to feel scheduled or planned, so Ash talked, saying whatever came to mind to break up the cloud of nervousness that had settled in the humid air.

"The sofas and chairs are coming tomorrow around noon," Ash said as he sat. "And I figured we should probably work on assembling the rest of the stuff tomorrow so we can start unpacking everything we brought with us."

"Mmm," Eiji agreed wordlessly.

"I for sure want the guest room ready to go. He'll be here before we know it," Ash said, referring, of course, to Eiji's father's impending visit.

"Yeah, but he understands that we just moved in, nothing has to be perfect."

"Well...you know how I am…" he replied as his finger poked a large bubble that floated near him.

"You want it to be perfect," Eiji reflected.

"Yup."

The bubble popped. Eiji smiled. "I'm meeting Ibe-san for lunch later this week," Eiji remarked, off-handedly.

"Oh yeah?"

"Mmm, he says his company's hiring."

"And he wants you to apply?" Ash inferred.

"Yeah, he says he'd put in a good word for me."

"And are you going to?"

"I want to…" he said uncertainly.

"But?"

"But I want to talk to Ibe first, so I can have a better understanding of the position."

Ash nodded.

"And if I do apply and if they do hire me...I'm not sure it's something I'd want to do forever, but, it would be a nice place to start."

"Mmm, yeah."

"Ibe-san said he'd help me put together a portfolio," Eiji added.

"Yeah?" Ash raised a brow, "Gonna put one of me from Tokyo in there?"

Eiji blushed as he remembered the photos they took of each other back in the Tokyo hotel room.

Ash scooted closer in the sudsy water. "Or are those just for you?" Ash suggestively teased.

"Oh...OH! Was that the point of those pictures?" Eiji asked with genuine confusion. The pictures had been Ash's idea, Eiji would have never dared to ask for pictures of Ash half-dressed in their hotel bed.

Ash shrugged, "I took those for you...I didn't care what you did with them," he said with a wink

"Well, I didn't."

"No?" He asked in a tone that showed doubt.

"No." Eiji shook his head. "No, Ash, I would never be so foul!" He exclaimed with conviction.

"Foul?" Ash asked with a raised brow.

"Foul," Eiji confirmed.

"I wouldn't have minded," Ash scooted closer.

"Well, I would have! You're not an object," Eiji said almost angrily. He couldn't believe Ash expected Eiji to be secretly getting off to his picture.

Ash's voice audibly caught in his chest. "Not an object?" he whispered.

"Of course not!" Eiji's eyes darted back and forth across Ash's face. "Of course not, baby," he repeated in a whisper. He cupped Ash's cheek gently. "You knew that, didn't you?"

"Yeah, of course, I just-" Ash took a deep breath and then smiled. He leaned forward and kissed him ever so softly. "It just means a lot to hear you say that."

Eiji brushed his blond hair away from his face. "You're not an object, Ash," he said softly. "I love you because you're YOU, not because of what you look like," he said sincerely. "Being gorgeous is just a bonus," he added with a smile.

Ash averted his eyes from Eiji's and pulled away just slightly. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Fuck, Eiji, you're gonna make me cry," he said, his voice shaking and cracking slightly as the words left him.

Ash knew Eiji loved him for so much more than his body, of course, he knew. He knew that an object was the last thing Eiji saw him as. But it still meant a lot to hear those words. Dino and all the other bastards only saw him as an object. He was just a pretty body, a doll, a toy. He meant nothing to them, even if they tried to tell him otherwise.

"You can cry," Eiji said sweetly.

Ash exhaled a tearful laugh, "I don't want to cry," he said, wiping his eyes in an attempt to stop the tears. "I was looking forward to you 'loving me' like you said," he exhaled loudly, eyes finding the ceiling, and blinked back tears, "but here I am, ruining the mood."

Eiji clicked his tongue softly in sympathetic disagreement. "No, no you're not. It's okay, you haven't ruined anything." He smiled and added, "We're just...taking a bit of a detour."

Ash smiled as he wiped away the last of his tears. "A detour," he echoed.

Eiji smoothed the hair of Ash's forehead, wetting it in the process, and placed a kiss on both apples of his cheeks.

Ash smiled. "Ei-chan?"

"Hmmm?"

"Have I ever mentioned how much I love you?" He asked goofily.

Eiji pretended to ponder the question. "Hmmm...you may have mentioned it once or twice," he teased.

Ash captured his lips and struggled to kiss him, thanks to his smile. "Well…" He climbed onto Eiji's lap, which earned him a surprised gasp. "Once or twice isn't nearly good enough," he joked. "Words can't begin to express how much I love you," he gushed. He kissed his lips again. "I adore you."

"Oh wow, adore?" Eiji said flirtatiously.

"Yeah," he croaked. The smile he'd been wearing slipped from his lips and he leaned forward and kissed Eiji slowly and deeply.

Eiji's arms cradled his back as Ash's hands found Eiji's hair.

Between kisses, Ash asked, "How...did you...want to do it? How did you want...to...love me?"

"Don't...care...however you want...anything is good," he responded selflessly. But it was the honest truth, as long as he was with Ash, he genuinely didn't care what they did.

"Anything?"

"Mmm...don't care," he said, still kissing Ash.

Ash didn't say anything, just continued kissing Eiji. His tongue slipped inside Eiji's mouth, and his hands slipped down from his hair to rest on his chest, causing quiet moans to resonate between them.

It took everything Eiji had to push Ash back slightly, forcing their contact to break. Ash stared at him, flushed and breathless. "What?" Eiji asked breathlessly.

Ash shook his head in confusion. "What do you mean 'what,' you're the one who stopped us?"

Eiji shook his head, "No. I mean, what do you want? You never said."

Ash leaned in close and peppered Eiji's jaw with the work of his teeth and tongue. He whispered, "I want to ride you."

The words alone made Eiji moan softly. Ash chuckled in his ear. Ash pulled back tauntingly and jokingly said, "Eh, never mind, you don't seem too into that."

Eiji rolled his eyes and flicked Ash with hot water. "Stop," he laughed.

Ash pretended to misinterpret his words. He rose to his knees, as if he were going to dismount Eiji's lap.

Eiji laughed and grabbed his wrists lightly, "Ashhh," he laughed, "Stay," he pleaded.

Ash laughed at his own stupid joke and sat back down. "Oh, if you insist," he mocked.

"You're such a tease," Eiji laughed.

Ash cocked his head to the side, "Just trying to have some fun."

Eiji swatted his arm lovingly, "Clearly."

Eiji wrapped his arms around Ash's shoulders and Ash leaned down to close the distance between them. Their mouths moved passionately in unison, while hands wandered, for a long while, until they were both panting breathlessly against the other's lips. Ash removed one of his hands from Eiji's skin, to reach behind and prepare himself for Eiji. It was then Eiji broke away from Ash's mouth.

Still breathless, he asked, "Won't that hurt? Water's not the same, right?"

"Same as what?" Ash asked mercilessly. He knew Eiji purposefully left out the word.

But Eiji was past the point of blushing. Ash had such a bad habit of forgetting that arousal muted all typical embarrassment.

"Lube," Eiji said without skipping a beat.

Ash shrugged, "At first, yeah," Ash said, answering his initial question. He pushed his hair back with one hand. "Don't worry, I can handle it."

Eiji shook his head fiercely, "No, Ash, I don't want to hurt you."

Ash's mouth quirked in an amused half-smile. "You won't," he insisted.

Eiji's eyebrows furrowed and the corners of his mouth pulled downward. "You just said it would."

"Only for a minute," he reasoned. "It's a good hurt, Eiji."

"Don't lie to me, Ash!" Eiji said, raising his voice slightly. "We've never done this before and I know any experience you have here would have been painful."

Ash sighed. Eiji was right. He'd been had in plenty of hotel jacuzzis and private hot tubs. Lube and water don't mix well, and no one ever took the time to prepare him. It had always been painful. And Ash had always hated it, more than most things. But Ash wasn't trying to lie to Eiji. He knew from things other guys had said, and from the feeling in his own gut, that sometimes pain felt good. And he was certain that, with Eiji, it wouldn't hurt for long. Because he was preparing himself, and he wanted this. And so did Eiji. He suspected there'd be some initial pain and maybe even some panic, but if he could push past it, he'd be alright. More than alright. He'd be able to enjoy himself and satisfy Eiji as well.

"That's true, you're right...but I'm not lying, I promise. It's a gut feeling, instinct if you will. It will be okay, I promise."

Eiji looked far from convinced. He looked worried, maybe even afraid, causing Ash to have another gut instinct. He parted the bubbles on the water's surface and peered into the water. Just as he suspected, Eiji was no longer hard. Ash looked up at him, only to find him looking terrified, as if he'd done something wrong. He was embarrassed.

Ash didn't speak, just stared at him for a moment. He scooted off Eiji's lap.

"I just don't want to hurt you!" Eiji explained. "I-I still-"

"Shhh," Ash soothed. "It's alright, I get it, I do." He spoke to him softly, as one might a frightened child.

Eiji shook his head, "Ash, I- I just don't want to hurt you. I don't want to bring up bad memories. I don't want you to panic- I-"

Ash quieted him with another, "Shhhh." He smoothed Eiji's hair away from his face. "I understand," he said softly. Eiji looked like he was about two breaths away from a panic attack, so Ash decided to add, "And actually, I'm touched. No one else has ever cared. But you care, because you're perfect. You always care, and that's just one of the reasons why I love you."

Eiji calmed a bit, forcing himself to breathe. "You're not...upset, then?" he asked ever so quietly.

"Oh, Eiji, no...no, I'm not upset," he said sadly. "I've been where you are, you know that. Who am I to judge?"

Eiji averted his eyes and nodded slowly. Ash had a point.

"Do you want to stop?" Ash asked, fully expecting his answer to be yes.

"Do you?" Eiji asked, without actually answering.

Ash shook his head in disagreement. "Hey, that's not how that works, I asked you first," he said sternly.

Eiji nervously licked his lips. "...no…" he said shyly, the word almost sounding like a question. "Do you?" he asked quietly.

Ash smiled, "No, but I want you to feel comfortable…" Ash spit in his hand and held it out between them. "I'll stop you if I am not okay, you have my word."

Eiji stared quizzically at Ash's hand. "What on Earth is that all about?"

"Spit swear," Ash answered as if it were obvious.

"Must be an American thing," he said with raised eyebrows and a slight shake of his head. Still, he followed Ash's lead, spitting into his own hand and shaking Ash's. "Deal." Then, he exhaled a laugh through his nose, "Weird," he remarked humorously. He brought their hands underwater, freeing them of spit.

"Can we start over?" Ash asked gently.

Eiji nodded, "Yes."

Just like always, Ash began the kiss slowly and gently, both for his sake and for Eiji's. As Eiji relaxed further, the passion built, until their tongues were no longer confined to their own mouths and the fingers tangled in the other's hair and grabbed at each other's skin. And after a good long while, Ash slowly climbed back into Eiji's lap. Slowly enough that he could have protested if he wanted to. And then, Ash's mouth began to wander. He kissed down his jaw and focused his attention on the soft skin of Eiji's neck. His hands trailed down his body as well, fingers teasing his nipples, drawing out a variety of pleasured sounds from Eiji.

Eiji's hands were all over Ash, in his hair, scratching his back, gripping his hips. He couldn't get enough.

Eiji whimpered as Ash's mouth suckled his soft skin, marking it slightly. Ash's hand's moved to Eiji's hips, as he rolled his own teasingly against him.

"Uh!" Eiji moaned at the action, causing Ash to smile and repeat the movement.

"Gosh, you're perfect," Ash breathed.

Suddenly, something came over Eiji. "Kiss me, Ash," he begged. Ash obliged and Eiji kissed him passionately, with great desperation, leaving Ash dizzy. Without warning, Eiji's hand wrapped around Ash and began stroking him generously. Ash broke the kiss, unintentionally dropping his head to Eiji's shoulder.

"Uhhh," he whimpered.

Eiji continued stroking him, paying attention to his breathing and vocalization. Ash began rolling his hips into Eiji's hand and right when he was on the brink of climax, Eiji stopped, edging him just like Ash had done to him in the car.

"Fuuu-!" Ash bit back a curse. He slumped against his shoulder for a moment. "You little devil!" He said with obvious amusement as he composed himself slightly and sat up straight again.

Eiji smiled shamelessly, "Just doin' what you taught me, boss," he teased.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh while you still can." He captured Eiji's lips once more, kissing him with skill, in a way that made both their heads spin. While Eiji was distracted, Ash reached behind his own body once more and prepared himself for Eiji. After his fingers did all they could, he removed them and rose to his knees, breaking away from Eiji's lips.

"I swear I'll stop us if I need to," Ash said honestly.

"If you want to," Eiji corrected firmly.

It was a subtle, yet vital, difference.

Ash nodded in agreement. "I'll stop us if I want to," he confirmed.

"Good."

Ash reached into the water and guided Eiji to his entrance. Slowly, he lowered himself. His eyes closed, somewhere between pain and pleasure. Eiji watched his face closely. There was no panic on it, but Ash still felt it in his chest. He pushed it down, unwillingly to let anxiety win this fight.

"I'm alright," he reassured him. Slowly, he began to move, up and down in circular motions. The pain and panic that had been present just a moment ago were already starting to fade. Eiji's hands settled on his hips.

"Don't hold back?" Ash asked breathlessly.

"Don't hold back," Eiji confirmed.

Ash wanted to say, 'the same goes for you, then,' but right now, Eiji was afraid of hurting him, so the comment was pointless. Another time.

So Ash moved, increasing his speed, not holding back. Ash treated him how he used to perform for sickos, only this time it wasn't a performance. This time, he wasn't acting. This time, he chose this, to masterfully unravel Eiji, eventually bouncing on him wildly, until he was panting Ash's name.

And then suddenly, right when Eiji was on edge, he stopped, causing Eiji's eyes to flutter open. But before he could ask why Ash stopped, Ash said, "Two can play at that game, lovely." He added a wink for good measure.

Eiji rolled his eyes and actually whined, "I was so close."

Ash smiled triumphantly, "I know." He leaned in for a kiss, which Eiji hungrily accepted. As he pulled back from it he said, "But, ya know, even, and whatnot."

Eiji laughed slightly, "but I was the one making us even from the time in the car."

"Nah," Ash teased, "I don't think it rolls over like that."

Eiji shook his head impatiently, "Whatever. Can we just… get on with it?"

Ash snickered, "Someone's antsy."

Eiji was unfamiliar with the term, but he could guess what it meant. He didn't respond, just boldly moved his hands to Ash's hips and encouraged movement. Ash grinned and finally began to move again. Eiji was still close, Ash could tell, and once Eiji put his hands on him, he would be too. So he pulled Eiji's hands from his hips, around to the front of him.

"Please, please touch me," he pleaded.

So Eiji did, matching Ash's rhythm and speed. Ash gripped Eiji's shoulders, almost painfully tight, and really went to town, Eiji's hand couldn't keep up. He was moaning and gasping loudly with closed eyes. Chest heaving and back arching, he finally came with Ash's name on his lips. His limbs turned to jelly and he could no longer keep his grip on Ash.

But Ash hadn't had his yet, so he kept moving, angled in just the right way. Eiji whimpered slightly with each movement, overstimulated, but not in pain. Ash gripped one of Eiji's hands and brought it to his still-hard cock. Eiji's grip was so weak, so Ash wrapped his own hand around Eiji's, helping him out. Together, they finally pulled Ash over the edge. He fell against Eiji's chest after he came, and after a few minutes of heavy breathing, he slipped himself off the other boy and rested in Eiji's arms once more.

When some strength returned to him, Eiji stroked his back lovingly. "You should have told me mine was no good," he murmured into Ash's hair.

Ash lifted his head, finding Eiji's eyes. "What?" He asked with some heat.

"In the car," he began to explain, "I obviously didn't know what I was doing. Because that's what it's supposed to be like."

Ash's eyes narrowed and Eiji instantly knew he shouldn't have said that.

"That's the stupidest shit you've ever said."

"Ash-"

"No, it is. You call me on my bullshit and I have to call you on that," he interrupted. "I've had far too much practice. That's the only reason you think it was better."

"Far better," Eiji clarified.

Ash pursed his lips tightly, "Are you trying to piss me off?" Eiji opened his mouth to answer, to tell Ash, of course, he wasn't, but Ash continued speaking, "There's no 'right way' to make love, got it? Sex? Yeah. Love? Fuck no. You do what comes naturally and that's that. Got it?" He spoke sternly, with wild eyes.

Eiji looked a bit dumbstruck. He nodded hesitantly. "Sorry."

"You don't have to apologize, I just don't want you thinking bad things about yourself," Ash explained. "You're perfect. Maybe not to everyone, but you are to me. And really, that's all that matters."

Eiji smiled, "I didn't say that because I was insecure, I was just trying to compliment you," he explained finally.

"Well, you don't need to cut yourself down to build me up," he answered seriously.

"I wasn't trying to upset you, I promise," Eiji clarified.

"I know…" His face changed, and suddenly he looked like himself again, no longer angry. "I know, it just comes naturally, huh?"

Eiji smiled. Ash was teasing him again, he was fine.

"Just so you know, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the night in the car," Ash said sweetly, tucking a strand of Eiji's hair behind his ear. "I loved it."

Eiji nodded. He already knew that, but at the same time, he recognized what Ash had just done was objectively better. "M'Kay."

Eiji lifted his hands and examined his fingers. "I'm getting…" he closed his eyes and tried to remember the word Ash had taught him. "I can't remember what you call it," he said bashfully.

"Pruney," Ash told him.

"Yes, pruney. I'm getting pruney."

Ash looked at his own hands. "Me too." He got off Eiji's lap. "Let's get out."

Eiji nodded and stood. "Good thing we have towels this time."

Ash nodded, "Yeah," he huffed.

Eiji got out and grabbed them each a towel. They both dried off and dressed for bed, Ash wearing his typical boxers, and Eiji in boxers and a sleep shirt he'd stolen from Ash. They climbed into the giant bed, whose size seemed even more ridiculous since they laid so close together anyway.

"I love you, Ash," Eiji said sleepily as snuggled closer.

"Love you too," he replied softly.

Eiji's eyes closed, but a moment later they snapped back open. He propped himself up on his elbow. "You never said what you thought," he said hastily. "Was it alright for you? You weren't in pain, were you?"

Ash shook his head. "I loved every second," he said honestly.

Eiji's worried eyes calmed and he laid back down, sighing contently. "Good. I'm so glad." He placed a kiss on his bare chest. "I'm so glad," he repeated.

[Hey!] Ibe-san waved from across the cafe.

He rose from his seat as Eiji approached. Eiji began to bow, but Ibe-san went for a hug. They laughed at the awkwardness and both went for a handshake instead.

[Good to see ya, Ei-chan!] Ibe-san said as he shook his hand firmly.

They had seen each other since returning, but not since Ash had come to Japan. They ordered food and spent some time catching up. Eiji told Ibe-san about the house he and Ash just bought, as well as their engagement.

[You're invited, of course,] Eiji said, speaking of the wedding, [but we haven't sent out invitations yet. We still haven't picked a date.]

[What are you waiting for?] Ibe-san asked.

Eiji shrugged, [I don't know. Ash doesn't care when we have it, as long as it's not too cold or too hot. We both think spring would be nice, but neither of us really want to wait that long.] He stirred his drink with his straw mindlessly as he talked. [But that really only leaves fall, and fall can be iffy. Plus, that's approaching pretty quickly.]

[So wait for spring,] Ibe-san suggested. [Spring weddings are definitely the prettiest.]

[It just seems so far away.] Eiji sipped his water, [I mean, we're already living together, so it's not like anything will actually change and legally we'll still just be roommates…] he rolled his eyes at Japan's laws, [but it will just be nice to make it 'official.']

Ibe-san nodded in understanding.

Their food arrived and they thanked the waitress. Ibe-san ordered a vegetable and salmon rice bowl, and Eiji ordered a deluxe poppyseed salad with strawberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and chicken.

[So,] Ibe-san began [will you be going on a honeymoon after the wedding?]

[Mmm,] he nodded, [but we haven't decided where yet.] He smiled and stabbed a bite of food. [Buuut, I think Ash is secretly planning something. Sometimes he'll sit for hours at the computer, typing away and reading all sorts of things, but he never lets me see. He tries not to be obvious, but I'd have to be stupid not to know he's up to something.]

Ibe-san smiled, [Any guesses?] He asked.

[I think he's trying to work out a way to get us back to America. I think there's somewhere there he'd like to go...and knowing Ash, if it's safe enough, we'll visit New York while we're there.]

[Eiji...I don't know if that's a good idea,] Ibe-san worried.

Eiji shook his head, [I trust him.] Ash had a genius IQ and would never dare put Eiji in unnecessary danger.

Ibe-san shook his head, looking less than convinced.

[He wouldn't put me in danger.] Eiji sipped his water. [And besides, that's just my hunch, I could very well be wrong.]

[Mmm, that's true.]

They ate for a moment in silence, before Ibe-san began telling Eiji about the job offer. He gave Eiji more details than he had on the phone. One of their long-time photographers was retiring, and they were looking for someone to fill the position. If he were hired, he'd be working alongside journalists, to supplement their articles with photos.

[It's big shoes to fill, so I'd be happy to help you put a portfolio together for your application,] Ibe-san told Eiji. [Do you have one started?]

[Yeah, of course, I actually brought it with me.] Eiji pulled a manila folder out of the backpack he'd brought, and handed it to Ibe-san.

[Do you have more copies at home?] Ibe-san asked, making sure he didn't take the only copy Eiji had.

Eiji nodded.

[Great. I'll look it over tonight and email you my thoughts.]

Eiji thanked him and they finished their meals. They sat for a while more, chatting about this and that. After some time, Eiji's phone rang and Ibe-san insisted he answer it. It was Ash, of course.

"Hey, I'm still at lunch, what's up?" Eiji spoke into the phone. On the other line, Ash spoke louder than normal, Eiji guessed he had him on speakerphone as he did something around the house.

"Hey...I've done something reaaaaally stupid," Ash said. Ibe-san looked amused, while Eiji looked uneasy.

"Oh God...Do I even want to know?"

"So I ran the dishwasher and the laundry at the same time...and...kiiiiinda flooded the laundry room. I guess you're not supposed to do that."

Eiji's face twisted in panic, "Shit! I'll be right-" he stopped speaking as he heard Ash die laughing on the other end. "You ass! Are you just messing with me?!"

"HA! Yeah, yeah, I am! Man, I got you so good!"

Even though Ash couldn't see him, Eiji tried to look pissed, but in reality, he was holding back laughter. Ibe-san smiled, rested his head in his hands, and shook his head amusedly.

"So what is it really? Or is there actually nothing wrong?"

"Oh, I just wanted to see how much longer you'd be gone. I told Miyuki she could decorate the guest room and she wants to go shopping when you get back."

Eiji smiled, "Hey, Miyuki," he said, assuming she was silently listening.

"HEY!" She shouted.

Eiji pulled the phone from his ear, wincing at her volume. "I'll get going soon," Eiji said

"Alrighty, drive safe," Ash said on the other end.

Ibe-san smiled and so did Eiji.

"I will. See you soon. Bye."

"Bye."

[It's good to hear his voice happy for once,] Ibe-san remarked as Eiji hung up.

[Oh, you should see him now, he's turned so soft since he moved here.]

Ibe-san shook his head slightly in disagreement. [No, sounds like he's just happy now. I'm sure the Ash you see now was always buried inside...you've just helped him to the surface.]

Eiji smiled sweetly, [Yeah...yeah, I suppose that's true.]

Ibe-san spotted the waitress coming to the table with the bill.

[Well,] Ibe-san pulled out his wallet. [Lunch is my treat, I insist-]

[No, no, no, no! I'm treating you, I insist!] Eiji insisted. Ash's 'treat the people you love' mentality was clearly rubbing off on Eiji.

They bickered over who would pay, and in the end, they split it evenly.

[We'll have you for dinner sometime soon,] Eiji told Ibe-san as they said their goodbyes.

[And I'll get to see the real Ash Lynx?] Ibe-san replied.

[Mmmm, you will...you will.]

Eiji drove home feeling light as a feather. It was always good to catch up with an old friend. Plus, he was hopeful. Hopeful he'd get the position and be able to work doing something he loved.

Eiji walked inside to find Miyuki sitting on the kitchen island while Ash put away groceries. She was babbling on about something with which Ash seemed wholeheartedly invested.

"Hey!" Ash called to Eiji from his perch in front of the fridge as he stocked it with food. Miyuki waved, but never stopped talking.

"-And so anyway, she's going to school in Tokyo and-she's the one I visited when we went-"

"Uh-huh,"

"And she said if I do end up applying to her same school, we could room together. But I don't know if I want to go away. AND, she's a good friend, but I don't know if I could room with her, ya know? Sometimes that ruins friendships and…"

Eiji smiled as he took off his shoes. Miyuki kept rambling on and on. Here and there Ash would manage to get a word in while he continued to put away the groceries. He and Ash had done a little shopping the other day but they didn't buy more than they needed for that week. Today, it seemed, Ash did some more long-term shopping, getting things they would want to have on hand, such as flour, rice, spices, condiments, the basics, really, as well as some fresh produce.

Eiji knew it'd be a while until everything was put away and they left for whatever store Miyuki would choose, so he sat on their new couch, taking everything in. Sometimes this life of theirs seemed too good to be true. Ibe-san's words from earlier came to mind. Ash hadn't changed, he'd grown. Eiji liked all sides of Ash, but the Ash that lived in Japan was his favorite. He'd worked through anger and fear and a lot of trauma and he was so much happier now. He still made sarcastic remarks, still lost his temper from time to time, still cursed, still tried to get under Eiji's skin with stupid jokes as relentless teasing. But he was more openly vulnerable now. He'd let the tough guy act go. Before, in New York, Eiji was the only one who saw just how hurt he was and he was the only one Ash was ever vulnerable with. But that had changed here. He not only disclosed his past with Eiji's family, but he was also so gentle, so sweet, and so loving to all of them, a stark difference to how he'd been in New York. Now, he did things such as going grocery shopping with Eiji's little sister. Not because he needed to keep her close to protect her, and not because he had any obligation to do so, simply because he wanted to.

"EIJI!" Miyuki and Ash shouted in unison, interrupting his thoughts.

"Huh?"

"I said your name like three times!" Miyuki said.

"Lost in thought, onii-chan?" Ash asked teasingly.

Eiji nodded, and rose from the couch, "Well, what did you want?" He asked Miyuki.

"We're ready to head out!"

"Mm, 'kay," Eiji said with a stretch.

Miyuki ran off to use the bathroom before they left for the store. Ash walked to Eiji and wrapped his arms around his waist and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"Have a good lunch?" He asked sweetly.

"I did," he responded as he returned Ash's hug, arms finding the blond's waist. "What's got into you?"

"Mmmm, nothing. Just missed you," he said simply.

"I was only gone a few hours, Ash," Eiji laughed.

"So?" He shrugged. "That's long enough."

Eiji rolled his eyes. "Dear God, you're like a puppy," he teased. "What are you gonna do if I get that job?"

"Hang out with Miyuki, I guess."

"Her summer break is almost over though," Eiji pointed out.

Ash frowned, "I guess I'll be lonely all day and very excited to see you when you get home."

"Like a dog," Eiji teased further.

"Guess so." Ash leaned in and kissed him softly, causing Eiji to melt into his arms.

Distantly, the toilet flushed and the faucet began to run. Eiji groaned and reluctantly stepped away from Ash and towards the door. Miyuki joined them a moment later and they all piled in the car. Ash rolled the top down and they drove away joyously with music blasting. Sometimes, life seemed too good to be true.