That wasn't how I had planned that kiss at all…

When Ash had ended the kiss, Eiji felt as if everything was going in slow motion. That kiss had felt so… perfect. It had definitely felt completely different from the one in jail. It hadn't lasted very long, but it had still been beyond anything Eiji had ever imagined. It had been incredibly gentle and passionate at the same time. He had never felt so many emotions at once. Ash's gentle touch let him forget that he was a complete beginner and had no clue what he was supposed to do. But he didn't feel like an idiot. He felt as if he was loved. Special.

For the first time Ash had been completely carefree and relaxed. Eiji had been able to feel it. It was in every movement he had made, in every gesture, in every touch, in every fiber of his being. That kiss told Eiji everything that Ash had always wanted to tell him, but couldn't find the words for. It was his way of saying I love you.

When the kiss had ended, Eiji could see every tiny emotion running over Ash's face. Like a movie in slow motion. Eiji lifted himself up a bit to look at Ash's face. And he liked what he saw. An expression of pure happiness mixed in with unhidden surprise flew over his features. His eyes had widened and the green color sparkled brightly while he looked at him. There was a small shy smile playing on his lips. Eiji would have done anything to see more of that genuinely happy side of him. It made him look so much younger. Like a normal teenager. Especially when a faint blush spread across his cheeks like now.

But after a moment that happy expression was replaced by a slightly guilty one while he still stared at Eiji. He always got that look when he was overthinking things. Or when he regretted things he had done on a whim. Without thinking them through.

To Ash it was a new concept to lose control over his emotions. Being overwhelmed by them. Drawing a blank. Or his smart mind flatlining. Eiji could see in his eyes that it confused him. His eyes had darkened slightly and there appeared little wrinkles on his forehead. Ash would probably think he'd taken advantage of the situation and had forced Eiji into the kiss. Without considering what he wanted. By catching him off guard. Exactly like that one time in jail.

Eiji knew he had to react, to say something. Do something. Anything. Or Ash would probably torture himself again. Ironically it had been him who had forced a kiss on Ash this time. Eiji felt a tiny bit guilty himself. Not for kissing him. He didn't regret that at all. Quite the contrary, in fact. But for kissing him without any prior warning. Without asking him. He had been completely surprised when Ash had kissed him back. Apparently he hadn't been the only one thinking about kissing him…

Yes, it had been an accident, but that didn't mean Eiji hadn't thought about kissing Ash for a while now. But he had also been painfully aware that Ash needed time to sort out his true feelings towards him. So he wanted to give him the time he needed. He didn't want to pressure him into something he wasn't ready for. But he had enjoyed that kiss far too much to be able to hide the huge smile that spread across his face.

"Eiji, I – "

"That was amazing!" Eiji beamed at him, his big brown eyes shining golden with pure joy while looking into his eyes.

Ash relaxed instantly. A small smile was dawning on his lips again and his eyes lit up again while all of his features softened.

"Yeah, it was. It felt so different from … the one in jail…", Ash admitted shyly. Eiji sat up again and Ash did the same, still looking at him with a hint of confusion in his green eyes.

"But I must be a really lousy kisser judging by the look on your face.", Eiji said, smirking at him while putting some blonde strands behind his ear. .

That finally did it. Ash got that very rare, but radiant smile that lit up his whole face and made his eyes sparkle with joy while he ruffled Eiji's hair softly.

"No, Eiji, the kiss felt great. But I'm – "

"If you tell me you're sorry, I'll seriously punch you, Ash! Because I'm not sorry at all. And you don't look sorry, either." Eiji glared at him intensely, his golden brown eyes glowing fiercely while burning into his.

Ash sighed. "You're right, I'm not. But you looked like back then. In jail. You had the same dumbfounded expression on your face."

"Ash, you do realize that was my first real kiss, don't you? Of course, I looked surprised, I had no idea how to react, what to do. That's all new to me.", he admitted while a faint blush spread across his face.

"That was practically my first real kiss. Not counting the one in jail."

"It was my first real kiss, too…", Ash whispered more to himself.

"And you asked before kissing me. In a way."

"I did? I don't remember that. When your lips touched mine, my mind just flatlined.", he admitted reluctantly while nervously running a hand through his hair. Eiji just had an amused expression on his face.

"Actually, I wanted to kiss you for some time now. But I didn't want to pressure you. If I had known that all I had to do was to fall on top of you, I would have done that much sooner.", Eiji grinned mischievously.

Ash smiled softly. "So that means I can kiss you again?", he asked hopefully, his green eyes lighting up.

"Anytime. But we should really choose more romantic places than the living room floor and a jail to kiss…"

"Since you're the romantic one of us, I'll leave that up to you."

~

"Wow, it's so beautiful here.", Ash exclaimed in fascination while shielding his eyes from the sunlight.

"The color of the sea and the beach looks so different from the US…"

They sat down on a blanket and took out all the food they had prepared. Ok, Eiji had prepared it. Ash had just put the rice in a rice cooker and cut the vegetables while Eiji had done the rest.

Ash wondered why there were no people here on a weekend, but Eiji had explained to him that it was a secret spot most people didn't know. So they enjoyed all the food in comfortable silence while looking at the sea that was sparkling in the bright sunlight.

After a while they were just lying there, enjoying the sunny weather. Eiji took some photos of the beach while Ash was reading a book, some glasses perched up on his nose. After a while he caught Eiji smiling at him.

He just looked up and nodded at him, giving him permission to take some photos of him as well. Eiji's photos were pure and full of life and joy, so he had never been afraid when Eiji had taken photos of him. But still, Eiji always asked first, especially when Ash was reading and his mind was wandering around in fictional worlds and he didn't notice his surroundings anymore. Ash had noticed that he did that more often now. Forgetting his surroundings. Even in the Public Library, that had been a sanctuary to him, he had always paid close attention to his surroundings. But here he had slowly stopped doing that. Because Eiji made him feel safe. Maybe that was a good sign…

Eiji took some photos of them together while they were lying next to each other by holding the camera above them. Then he looked through all of them together with Ash. After that, Eiji stared down at him, a cute frown appearing on his face, leaning closer. Too close… But then he grinned and pinched his nose.

"Congratulations, you've gotten sunburnt. I've told you to use sun cream, you stubborn idiot."

He looked through his bag, found was he was looking for and slapped some sun cream on his forehead while a devilish grin appeared on his face. Lucky for him, Ash had taken off his glasses when he had stopped reading. They probably wouldn't have survived this attack.

"What the fuck are you doing?", Ash exclaimed angrily, totally caught off guard.

"Protecting you.", Eiji simply replied. "Remember what I've told you at the hospital? I'll protect you. If necessary even from yourself. So hold still, you dumb idiot!", while he applied more cream to his face, this time more gently.

Ash just stared at Eiji, but didn't refuse. When Eiji had that piercing look in his eyes, it was useless to argue. And if he was perfectly honest, he loved Eiji's gentle touch. How he gently removed some blonde strands out of his face. How he pinched the bridge of his nose playfully. How his fingers brushed across his lips… All while wearing that radiant smile that made Eiji's whole face shine with happiness. His face slowly came closer and closer… his golden-brown eyes glowing softly…

Eiji slowly moved closer, bent down and … kissed the top of his head at the end while having a wicked grin on his face after that.

"You're messing with me!", Ash complained softly. But he actually lived for those kind of kisses. Much more than that passionate one from before. Because those kisses on the crown of his head or on his forehead told Ash that he was protected and safe. That there was someone who was taking care of him and was worrying about him. That he wasn't alone anymore. As someone who had never known what it felt like to be protected by someone else, those kind of kisses were actually the ones that he loved the most. He had never told Eiji that, but Eiji probably had always known that by the way Ash always leaned into them and instantly relaxed.

Eiji giggled. "Yes, I am. Just a little. But you smell like sun cream. Ew. Not sexy. And you have to earn another kiss. He looked around at the beach, the sea and the blue sky. "But at least our surroundings are more romantic this time."

After a while they went for a walk along the beach. Eiji put a straw hat on his blonde hair. "Wear this, my little vampire. Or you'll probably combust in the sun." Ash glared at him, but then his look softened and he took his hand while they walked barefoot and with rolled up jeans through the sand next to the waterline.The wind was still pretty strong, but it was already spring and the sun dominating the blue sky was already warming them.

"I still can't believe how peaceful it is here. I've always thought you were exaggerating when you told me that Izumo is peaceful and quiet…"

"It's the world you deserve, Ash.", Eiji said honestly. "The world where I've always wanted to take you to. Where I wanted to spend my life together with you." He smiled shyly at him.

"I still can't believe you've done all of that just for me. I can never thank you enough for that. Still seems like a dream to me sometimes…", he admitted quietly.

"I've done that for both of us. Because I love Izumo, but without you it wouldn't be the same. It would be like living in a black and white movie while all the other people were living in a world full of color. My world is only complete with you in it, Ash."

"I feel the same way, Eiji. I haven't told you that with words, but, knowing you, you've probably realized that already.", Ash smiled softly at him. "But I still think you could have found someone better than me…", he said while running a hand through his hair.

Eiji suddenly turned around lightning fast and gripped his shoulders, his penetrating gaze practically shooting daggers at him. Boy, was he mad…

"Ash, I don't want anyone else! I want you and you only! When will that ever get into your stubborn head? If I were able to choose again, I'd still choose you. Always!", he exclaimed angrily, his eyes glowing dangerously, as if on fire. Ash nearly flinched at the intensity.

When Ash still stared at him, a stunned expression on his face, Eiji sighed in frustration and put an arm around his waist while they continued walking along the beach.

"There's a Chinese proverb many people here believe in. It goes like this:

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.

It means that those who are bound by that thread are destined to meet and will eventually fall for each other. I believe that we share such a thread and that our bond will therefore never break.

"That sounds cheesy.", he smirked at him without thinking. But then he realized that Eiji was really serious.

"But it's so like you to believe in something like that. I like the imagery. Especially the part saying that the thread will never break. I love that part. Because I would also choose you, Eiji. Always."

Eiji's face lit up with that radiant smile that Ash so loved. The one that turned his eyes a golden brown. The one he only got when we was extremely happy. It made him feel loved and complete. As if he was the only person that mattered to him.

That was the moment when he finally realized it. The whole truth. Not only that he loved Eiji, he'd known that already for some time if he was perfectly honest with himself. But at that very moment it finally dawned on him that Eiji truly loved him as well. He could suddenly see it in his honest eyes, in his warm smile and in the way he had gently put his arm around his waist. Sometimes he couldn't believe how oblivious he was. And apparently fucking blind. Why hadn't he realized all of that much earlier?

Eiji suddenly stopped walking, realizing that Ash had finally figured it all out. His feelings for Eiji. And Eiji's feelings towards him as well. Ash could see it in his eyes, as he stared knowingly at him. Then he looked straight into his green eyes.

"Took you long enough.", he smirked at him. "I love you, Ash.", he said honestly. "Even if you are a clueless idiot."

Ash froze up for a moment, then he could feel a soft, but shy smile spread across his face.

"Can you say that again? Just in case I heard you wrong?", he whispered quietly.

"I truly love you!", Eiji told him happily, giving him a peck on the cheek. A blush ran over Ash's pale cheeks. "Forever!", he promised him.

Ash wiped the tears away that pricked the edges of his eyes. It reminded him of the time when he had asked Eiji to stay by his side.

It doesn't have to be forever. Just for now.

Forever. That was what Eiji had answered instantly, without a moment's hesitation. Just like now.

"I have loved you for a while now, but I knew it was too early to tell you. I wanted to give you the time you need to figure out your own feelings.", he explained seriously.

Ash smiled sadly at him. "Thank you, Eiji. I probably would have panicked if you had told me that back in New York.", he admitted honestly. "Sorry you have to spend your life with an idiot like me."

"It's fine. My idiot has sparks of brilliance from time to time."

Ash hugged him tightly. "I- I love you, too, Eiji. So much. Sometimes I think I had to go through hell to deserve finding you in the end. If so, it was totally worth it."

"Ash…", Eiji stammered, cheeks flushed bright red in embarrassment. "You can't say something that cheesy with such a straight face.", he complained to him after pulling out of the hug.

"Was it cheesy enough to get a kiss as a reward?", Ash asked hopefully. "A second first kiss? The one on the floor was kind of an accident. So, let me ask you properly this time. Can I kiss you again, Eiji?"

"Always.", Eiji nodded, smiling shyly at him.

Ash moved slowly closer and gently touched his face. Eiji was blushing instantly and looked at him, his huge brown eyes widening, reflecting uncertainty and affection at the same time. While moving closer, he saw Eiji's lower lip trembling slightly when Eiji leaned back a little. His lips felt so soft and warm when his own lips finally touched them, kissed them.

He had been kissed by countless people before, not once with his consent, and had always thought that a kiss was nothing special. It had always been a way of domination or demonstrating power. Exercising control over someone. Or getting information out of people by faking love or other emotions. He had never felt anything at all. Except for pure disgust.

He had never understood why a first kiss was supposed to be so damn special for most people. Ash had never believed all of that romantic crap that a first kiss was a special moment or a unique feeling that would stay with you forever.

But all of that changed within a matter of seconds. Because this was the first real kiss he wanted to give voluntarily. This time it was entirely his choice. He had simply been wanting to do that for a very long time. Unlike all the other times, he had been the one initiating the kiss this time. That little detail changed everything and turned everything he had believed to know about kissing upside down. He really wanted to show Eiji how much he loved him. He could never find the right words, especially when it came to emotions or declarations of love. So maybe he could just show Eiji how much he meant to him in some other way? By pouring all of his emotions into this one kiss?

When he started to kiss Eiji, his mind suddenly flatlined. Everything felt completely new to him, he had never experienced something like this before. The sensation of it just overwhelmed him, taking him completely by surprise. Every emotion, every touch, every scent was overpowering him. Because now he paid attention to every minor detail. Because he did enjoy kissing someone for the first time. And instead of wishing for it to be over, he wanted the kiss to last longer. That this moment would last forever…

It was as if this really was his very first kiss. And in a way, it was. His body just moved on its own, his fingers running through Eiji's hair, pulling him even closer while the rest of his body dissolved into Eiji's, ultimately becoming one with him. 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, touching his hair as well, but not pushing any further, letting Ash stay in control. He could feel Eiji's inexperience during the kiss. He was hesitating slightly at times, counting on Ash to take the lead. His touch was a bit clumsy and he was unsure what to do, but that made Ash only enjoy the kiss more. And love Eiji more.

Eiji closed his eyes 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. His lips tasted like pure sweetness and innocence and Eiji's arm tightly around his waist made Ash relax, felling instantly safe and protected. He had never thought that one single kiss could arouse so many different emotions in him. Affection, love, passion and pure happiness. All those emotions rushed through him, sending electric sparks through his body while at the same time a warm feeling spread through him he had never felt before. While kissing Eiji he felt alive, loved and wide awake for the first time. Eiji made him feel special, loved and truly happy. As if he was the center of his world. The only person that mattered.

He slowly softened the kiss again before slowly pulling out of their embrace until their entangled lips finally parted. Eiji nearly tumbled over, but Ash caught him at the last second. His face was completely flushed and he was panting, unable to say anything for a moment. But why was there such a worried look on his face?

"I'm sorry, I think I overdid it a little.", Ash apologized quietly when he saw the shocked look on his face.

Maybe I did something wrong? Why is Eiji looking so worried?

"No, it's fine.", Eiji said after catching his breath. "But, Ash, are you all right?", Eiji asked, frowning, his brown eyes watching him closely.

"Why – ", Ash asked in bewilderment. But Eiji just reached for his face, 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 crying? And why now of all times? Because it had felt completely different from all the other kisses? Because it was the first kiss I've initiated? Because I've actually enjoyed it for the first time? Or because I was sharing the kiss with a person I truly loved?

"I don't even know why I'm crying.", he tried to explain himself.

"My kissing was that bad,huh?, Eiji said, smirking at him.

Suddenly Ash burst out laughing. "No, that was the best kiss ever, it felt amazing. Even better than the one before."

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

"You look so cute when you're blushing. Makes you look even younger.", Ash teased him.

Eiji pouted when hearing that and suddenly pushed him backwards and he fell into the water. Eiji started laughing at him, but Ash tripped him and he lost balance, falling into the water next to him.

"I can't believe I didn't see your attack coming.", Ash said, looking playfully at him.

"I've only learnt from the best", Eiji grinned and winked at him.

"But you're a damn liar. The water's still fucking cold.", Ash complained, rubbing his arms.

"Softie.", Eiji replied, splashing water in his face.

"I wonder what my gang would do if they heard you call me a softie. They'd probably faint."

"Probably. Do you miss them?"

"Yeah, a bit. They were a pain in the ass. But the closest thing I had to a family. But I don't miss the violence and warfare." Then he grinned at him mischievously. "I prefer freezing to death together with you on a beach in Izumo."

Eiji rolled his eyes dramatically. "You overdramatize everything. Makes you sound like Yut Lung.", Eiji sneered, a challenging glint in his eyes.

"Please let that be the first and only time you compare me to that bitchy drama queen. Take that back. Now!"

When Eiji didn't comply, Ash pushed him underwater. But Eiji just hugged him tightly and pulled him underwater with him.

After some time, they went back to their belongings. Eiji handed him a towel. And some fresh clothes.

Ash glared at him dangerously. "You smug bastard. You've been planning that all along. Even down to the drenched clothes.

"Of course. You can't go to the beach without taking a swim."

"I don't know about Japan, but in Cape Cod we didn't swim in jeans and a t-shirt."

"That was entirely for my own entertainment. I've always wondered what you'd look like when drenched from head to toe. And I love when your hair is dripping wet.", he told him, grinning mischievously while brushing some wet strands out of his face and giving him a soft kiss on his lips.

Pure Surprise widened Ash's eyes before he looked away from him and feigned annoyance again.

"Being the softie you are, you would have never gone swimming with me, so I had to give you a little push. Literally."

Ash just frowned. "I didn't know you had a talent for scheming. I thought the evil mastermind was me…"

"I'm only a pro at fooling Ash Lynx. But I've achieved my goal." Eiji grinned at him triumphantly.

"Goal?"

"Yes, to see you smile again. Not that sad and forced smile you've had the last few days. But the genuine and bright smile that even reaches your eyes and makes them sparkle like emeralds. The one you have now."

"So now that my clueless boyfriend has finally realized I love him as well, I can finally call this our first official date and give you this." He handed him a little box.

"Boyfriend, huh? It has a nice ring to it when you say it."

He opened the box. Inside were two necklaces, one with an A and one with an E as a pendant.

"Look at the side of the letter.

At the side of each letter was a small engraving.

Forever.