Restless (T)
"The rush stops when his muscles relax under the steaming water. An odd image of tea leaves brewing sadness floats around in his daydreams. Tearing himself from the relaxing steam, he dries off, brushes his teeth, lotions, and shoves on some comfy gray sweats and one of Ash’s cashmere sweaters. He won’t tell Ash, but the softness of the sweater and the familiar smell really make him feel more secure.
If anyone looked at him from the outside, Eiji seems perfectly put together."
Eiji's doing his best, but some days even he breaks down. Sometimes he needs to be shown a little bit of that unconditional love that he gives to others, too. Ash and the gang are there and ready to support.
Bundtlets (T)
" [Eiji] looks so pleased with himself, revealing the tray with a flourish, and Ash hides a smile as he finishes the eggs.
“What are Bundtlets, then?”
“A Bundtlet is a mini-Bundt cake! See?” Popping them out of the small frames that he must have ordered while at home, he shows Ash the tiny versions of the cakes. “What I’m doing is filling the dip on the inside with an icing. The chocolate ones get vanilla icing, and the yellow ones get chocolate icing. And then I’m putting them into these boxes I have here.”
Ash rinses his plate, observing the two other boxes- six Bundtlets fit neatly, three of each flavor, already finished.
“How thoughtful.” Sweet and sentimental, just like you. "
To be honest, Ash has many reasons not to care for Valentine's Day. However, he finds himself unexpectedly free on the day, and decides to surprise Eiji with something a little romantic.
Eiji's Grace (M)
People tend to underestimate just how much Eiji notices, and therefore, how much Eiji influences. The truth of the matter is, Okumura Eiji wields a gentle, firm power that he chooses to use to comfort and protect his loved ones. But underneath the surface, those closest to him recognize the truth: that they all depend on Eiji's kindness. That because of his grace, his patience and his mercy, even the infamous Ash Lynx melts in his presence.
Wonderful Christmastime (M)
"...However, it’s when he buys a nutmeg-colored bear with large sparkly green and red bow and shoves it into Ash’s surprised hands that Ash’s world stops for a moment.
“For you! Isn’t he handsome?”
The bear is pleasant and comforting, velvet fur soft enough to rub his face against. Ash smiles softly at the stuffed animal, before raising the expression to a flustered Eiji.
“I love him. Thank you, Eiji.” He looks down at the little bear once more and realizes why the familiar tan fur makes him feel so sentimental. “I think I’ll call him Griff.” "
A collection of cheerful, loving moments for Ash and Eiji during their first truly free holiday season together ❤️ Written for BFWinterWeek, 2021.