Work Text:
A zigzagging flash of iridescent light, a piercing boom, and an uncontrolled tremor.
Eiji huffed a wavering puff of air and shook his head from left to right, his hair tickling his cheeks.
He took a sip of his coffee, his eyebrows furrowed.
Twenty-two, yet still easily scared of thunderstorms, he scolded himself internally, biting his lips harshly.
His fingers slightly trembling, he looked to his right, and sighed peacefully, trying to appease his heart.
Camouflaged by the pitter-pattering rain, the skyscrapers were standing tall, their glum shadows towering over the entire metropolis.
No lights were igniting the surroundings.
No lights, safe for the frequent, reiterating bolts of lightning that were attacking the city every few seconds.
Eiji smiled shyly, admiring the view with a pinch of nostalgia.
He stood up and approached the wall of translucid glass, as if he were entranced by the darkness emanating from downtown.
Again, the flash of light made his heart fly inside its cage of bones, and he backpedaled, just a little.
Fearing the roar of fury from the sky, he put his hands on his ears, the muscles in his shoulders tenser than before.
Another boom, louder than all the previous ones, then mute, echoing, reverberating silence.
The rain continued its endless waltz in front of him, and he exhaled tiredly, yawning.
Resolute, the black-haired man walked towards the kitchen’s counter, rummaging in many cupboards and drawers for a certain amount of minutes, the dimness consuming him being the sole obstacle on his path.
Finally, a whisper of victory slipped past his lips, and he took possession of two candles, putting them on the dining table carefully.
Using Ash’s lighter, he put the candles to life by marrying them to fire, subtle, mild scents flowing around the apartment.
The atmosphere quietened the adrenaline that was running in his veins, shushing his anxious, spiraling thoughts.
A tad more confident, Eiji brought the radio along, placing it between the two candles. He turned it on, pushing the button and angling the antenna.
The melody of a song resounded in the open area, and he hummed to it, reproducing the repetitive beats with his nails bumping against the wood.
Waiting for the musical piece to come to an end before the hourly news report, Eiji let his head fall on his knuckles, still dreamily gazing at the tapestry of windows.
Although the cracking sounds were still producing shivers running down his spine, the sight was soothing him, and he took time to admire the way the droplets of water were dancing around the Empire State building and its many companions.
Ash was right; the best view in the metropolis was now theirs.
Ash had gifted his Eiji the best sunrises and sunsets of New York City.
The Japanese male beamed, his cup of coffee close to his lips.
The artist’s last spoken lyrics disappeared in thin air, and the reporter’s gruff, strict voice reappeared, announcing ten in the evening. He briefly introduced the events of the day, announcing details about the blackout and its repercussions on the citizens.
“The city that never sleeps is taking a nap,” he quoted from an article, explaining in further words how the lack of electricity had sent the habitants in a frenzy, panic illuminating the streets and alleys since earlier, in the afternoon.
Boom.
Eiji gulped, turning the volume down. Just a little.
Of course, ‘New York’ and ‘asleep’ was not a good combination of terms.
Ash, Eiji, Shorter and all the others knew better.
Catastrophes remained present no matter the season, in the underground world.
The announcer’s voice faded out, and another song started, the thunderstorm’s own harmony gluing itself to the rhythm of the music.
Aslan is okay. It’s in the past, he mentally repeated to himself like a mantra.
Shuffling steps startled him out of his bubble, and he turned around, still sitting on the chair.
A fluffy cover engulfing his body, Ash Lynx was moving towards him, a grumpy expression on his facial traits.
Paired with platinum blonde strands sticking in all directions, the man looked incredibly annoyed, even if his emerald eyes reflected endless care for his boyfriend.
Laughter on the tip of his tongue, Eiji stood up and automatically surrounded Ash’s tiny form with his comforting arms, his nose in the blonde male’s neck, his hands settled on his shoulder blades.
“What the hell is going on?” the younger one sullenly questioned, his deep voice muffled by Eiji’s dark hair.
“The obscurity swallowed New York City. A huge blackout,” he clarified, “we still do not know the cause, but electricity entirely vanished.”
“Is your Japanese this poetic?” Ash chuckled, Eiji rapidly joining him.
But, before even enouncing his reply, he gripped Ash’s shoulders, seeking comfort.
Three vibrant, loud booms, and Eiji gritted his teeth, getting closer.
Aslan understood. He always did.
“Don’t be scared,” he mumbled, gently ruffling Eiji’s mane. “I’m here,” he recited assuredly.
He enveloped Eiji with the blanket, kissed his forehead, and together, they waddled towards the windows, sounds from the radio and contagious giggles resonating in the apartment.
They sat down, the cold ceramic tiles surprising them both, and they stifled another laugh, linking their hands with joy.
Another boom, and Ash strengthened his grip on Eiji’s fingers, kissing his nape tenderly.
“Did I wake you up?” Eiji inquired, his English lazier than usual due to the exhaustion.
Ash grinned, silently cooing.
He shook his head negatively.
Eiji inhaled.
“Were they… nightmares?”
“No,” Ash answered vocally, “It… It was a dream, this time.”
Astounded, Eiji stared at him.
“A dream come true,” Ash continued, a wonderful, positive aura around him.
Together, they longingly looked in front of them for what seemed like hours, their hearts waltzing in unison, the rain and its beads accompanying them.
Another boom.
Fingers intertwined, breaths mingling and pampered kisses on cheeks.
No tears, no fears.
No more.
When Ash awoke the next morning, the sunrays directly brightening his face, his fingers still around Eiji’s, he took his time, and slowly, lovingly, he promised, swore with all his heart;
“My soul is always with you.”
To which Eiji faintly murmured a soft “tsuneni” in response.
I love you.
Endlessly.