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The sunlight filtering through the curtains cast golden bands of light over the small, New york city bedroom. The harsh brightness caused Eiji to stir from his light sleep, rolling over to turn his face into the solid chest beneath him, shielding his eyes from the glare.
Still in a sleepy haze, Eiji had yet to open his eyes, but he was awake, present. He could feel the steady rising and falling of Ash’s chest with every deep breath the other took, comforting and constant beneath his head, almost like ocean waves. Eiji brought an arm up, moving his palm slowly over the expanse of warm, sleep-flushed skin until he felt a strong, reassuring heartbeat beneath his fingers. Eiji’s lips pulled upwards in a lazy smile, letting out a long, pleased sigh. Ash was with him, breathing and alive- he was safe. The simple signs of life that anyone would normally take for granted brought such comfort to the older boy. Even if it was just for now, Ash and Eiji were safe, in a world that was made just for them with no gunfire or sirens. They could simply breathe and exist together, take in each others warmth, without worrying about who was out to kill them.
Hand still resting over Ash’s heart, Eijis thumb moved tenderly, tracing soothing circles on the expanse of soft skin beneath him, and when his fingers brushed over Ash’s nipple, the blonde shivered against him, the reaction filling Eiji up with overwhelming fondness, making him chuckle softly.
He shuffled upwards carefully, pressing his face into the crook of Ash’s neck and sighed deep, filling his senses with the smell of masculine cologne, sweat and something sweet that was uniquely Ash. Eiji decided that this was his new favourite smell in the whole world, and tipped his face up, instantly feeling a rush of endorphins and his face filling with colour at the proximity.
The reassuring warmth and solidity of Ash’s body pressed against his own, paired with the gentle puffs of breath that ruffled the hair at the crown of Eiji’s head and the soft snores that Ash made when he was asleep. Everything was perfect. These were all little things that Eiji made sure to catalogue, storing the memories and sensations safely in his mind so he’d be able to relive this morning again and again- he couldn’t be sure when they would get a chance to be alone like this again, with everything else going on, and he knew that moments like these were precious and fleeting.
Eiji pulled away ever so slightly, just enough so that he could see Ash’s face. For once, his expression was relaxed, peaceful even, the ghost of a smile on his parted lips, and blonde eyelashes fanned out over creamy white skin, casting small shadows under his eyes. Ash was beautiful, no question about it but nothing compared to when he was fast asleep like this, vulnerable and so soft, just for Eiji to see. He couldn’t help but feel possesive in that moment, he wanted to make sure to protect this boy, no matter what it took. To make sure nobody would ever hurt him again, though he knew that was wishful thinking.
Eiji couldn’t help but lean in, pressing his lips gently to each of Ash’s eyelids softly, his cupid’s bow, the arch of his brow. He moved his lips over Ash’s face so gently, so tenderly, mapping every curve and sharp edge.
After a few more sleepy kisses, Eiji traced the bridge of Ash’s nose with his pinkie, letting out a soft, fond laugh. Ash was too cute like this, and he was the only one who got to admire him so unbashedly. At this, Ash started to stir beneath him, inhaling deep and letting the breath out with a long, satisfying stretch before bringing both of his arms around Eiji’s shoulders, drawing him in closer. Still groggy, he nuzzled his face into the soft mop of dark hair, and Eiji’s smile widened impossibly, eyelids fluttering shut against Ash’s skin.
They laid there for a while, and the next time Eiji pulled back, his brown eyes met jade green, already looking up at him, half lidded and cloudy from sleep. They were intense and striking as ever, but they lacked their usual sharp edge, softening as they scanned over every part of Eiji’s face, now cradled in Ash’s clammy hands, as if he was committing it to memory.
He swiped a calloused yet soft thumb over Eiji’s skin, so carefully as if he was made of porcelain. Ash’s hair was disheveled, the golden strands splayed around his head, and the way that they were illuminated by the morning light made it look like a halo, framing his face beautifully. His cheeks were rosy, flushed light pink from sleep, his eyes half lidded and hazy, wetting his lips as he stared up at Eiji, wordlessly.
Eiji thought He looked like an angel at that moment .
Eiji’s lips parted, words caught on his tongue. A small smile graced Ash’s features as one of his hands skimmed long fingers up and down his spine, while the other scratched gently at Eiji’s scalp, who leaned into the comforting touch almost on instinct.
They stayed in silence like that for a little while, taking each other in, surrounded by the heavy morning air, legs tangled in the comforter that had been tossed aside at some point during the night.
Slowly, hesitantly, Eiji leaned down, brushing his lips against Ash’s, in a chaste kiss, the connection sending lighting bolts through every nerve ending in his body. Pulling back so Ash could just see his face, he tilted his head to the side a little and flashed him a sweet close-eyed smile.
‘Good morning, Ash’ he said sweetly
Ash smiled, feeling his face heat up at the simple innocence of the gesture and overcome by fondness, brought the smaller boy back into his chest, pressing his lips against Eiji’s forehead.
‘Morning Eiji’ he whispered back against his skin, his voice gravelly from sleep yet sweeter than anything the Japanese boy had ever heard before.
They laughed together, holding each other close in the morning light and though it was foolish, the boys wished that they could wake up like this every morning, surrounded by warmth, comfort and each other’s company.
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Now, Eiji remembered that morning fondly, a sad smile tugging at the corner of his lips as a cold, lonely tear rolled down his cheek.
He curled in on himself as his arms closed around empty space that should’ve been filled by another, missing the feeling of a warm body next to his in a bed that was too big for only one person. “Goodnight, Ash…”