no mader how strong the wind blows

chapter 9 Celebration

S

ummary:

The Callenreeses and Okumuras formally celebrate Eiji's Middle School graduation.

Notes:

For everyone's guidance, Ash is 11 and Eiji is 13.
Anyways, enjoy the update!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"Don't worry, Ei-chan. No matter what happens, I will never leave you and I'll do my best not to hurt you."
Until now, those words still continued to echo in Eiji's mind. Though it technically didn't sound like a promise, he still had faith that his best friend would actually do what he said because he felt the sincerity in his voice that night.
Going back to reality, he found himself standing in front of a full-length mirror, all dressed up. His parents decided to take everyone out tonight to a fine dining restaurant in the city for dinner to formally celebrate his graduation. Though they have been in Los Angeles for a few weeks now, they have been so busy touring around that they didn't have time to celebrate his graduation properly.
While Ash was changing clothes in the bathroom, Eiji was busy fixing his hair and applying the final touches. When he was done, he took a step back and looked at his entire outfit. He was wearing a dark blue polo shirt with the sleeves rolled all the way up to his elbows, khaki slacks and brown shoes to match his belt. A sky-blue necktie hung around his neck, completing the ensemble.
He couldn't help but smile at himself. Looking good, Eiji.
Just then, he heard the bathroom door open, indicating that Ash already finished changing.
"Ei-chan, are you finished?" he heard him ask, along with the sound of footsteps behind him. "I'll just check myself in the mi..."
The blonde-haired boy's voice trailed off mid-sentence, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw his best's reflection in the mirror, causing the raven-haired boy to turn around, letting out a soft gasp when he saw his best friend.
Ash was wearing a red denim shirt, the first two buttons opened to reveal a white shirt inside, dark gray jeans and white sneakers. It looked so simple and less formal compared to his own outfit, but why did he suddenly look so...handsome?
"Gorgeous as always, Ei-chan," said Ash, whose surprised look changed into a fond smile.
Eiji smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, Ashu. Same to you. Hehe."
Ash offered his arm. "Are you ready for your graduation dinner, Mr. Eiji Okumura?"
Eiji chuckled. "Seriously? There's no need to be so formal, Ashu."
"But we're going to a fancy restaurant, so we have to be formal."
"Okay, then. I'm ready, Mr. Aslan Jade Callenreese." Eiji grinned at him.
"You know what, Ei-chan, you're right. There's no need to be formal."
The two best friends laughed as they walked out of the room arm-in-arm, where their parents and siblings were already waiting outside.
"Awww, isn't that sweet?" Jennifer cooed, smiling widely as she watched the two boys.
"I know, right!" Mrs. Okumura added. "They look so cute together!"
"Wow Eiji, you're just starting your first year in High School but you're already rehearsing for prom?" Griffin teased. "That's pretty fast!"
"Tell me the truth, Eiji," Eika added. "Is Ash your best friend or your boyfriend?" Then she grinned at her older brother.
Eiji just rolled his eyes in response, but to his surprise, he heard Ash chuckle.
"Hey, what's so funny, Aslan?" he asked, frowning.
Ash shook his head, grinning playfully at his best friend. "Nothing, nothing."
***
The restaurant they went to was located right on the beach. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, they chose to sit outside on the veranda, where they enjoyed the cool breeze and a breathtaking view of the ocean next to them.
Just like everyone else, they chatted and talked as they ate their food. There were times where Eiji's parents would ask him on how his Middle School years went, if Shunichi has been taking good care of him and Eika, then they would tell everyone of their experiences while working in San Francisco.
There were also times where Jim and Jennifer would also ask him about his plans after High School. Griffin would also join the conversation, and then each of them would tell tales of their experiences in High School, which usually consisted of funny and embarrassing anecdotes.
And occasionally, Ash's parents and Eiji's parents would tease the two boys, sometimes Griffin and Eika joining in as well, much to Eiji's chagrin.
Everything went well, that is, until a waiter walked over to Eiji, holding a tray containing a cake.
"Are you Eiji Okumura?" he asked.
"Um, yes?" answered a puzzled Eiji. "What is it?"
Then the waiter smiled, placing the cake in front of Eiji. The raven-haired boy's eyes widened when he saw the inscription written on top of the cake in red icing.
Congratulations, Eiji!
"Enjoy your cake, sir. Congratulations on graduating," he said before he left.
"Is this..." Eiji's voice trailed off, unable to take his eyes off the cake.
"CONGRATULATIONS, EIJI!" everyone happily chorused.
And with that, the boy smiled widely at his family and friends.
"Thank you, everyone! Wow, I can't believe I get a cake for graduating. Really, thank you all so much."
"You deserve it, Ei-chan," his mother said, smiling at him. "Not everyone makes it to High School, so consider yourself lucky for graduating."
"Mommy, Daddy, I'll be in my 5th Grade in the fall! Does that mean I get a cake too when I graduate?" Eika asked, her eyes twinkling in excitement upon realizing that she'll be graduating from Grade School soon.
Mr. Okumura chuckled, patting his daughter's head. "Of course you do, princess. That's why you have to do well when school starts, okay?"
Eika grinned. "Okay!"
"I'm so proud of you, baby boy. Congratulations!" greeted Mrs. Okumura, who suddenly walked over to Eiji and engulfed him in a tight embrace.
"Congratulations on graduating, Eiji!" Jennifer added, smiling widely at him.
"It seems like you were only in Grade School the last time I saw you," said Griffin, who walked over to Eiji and draped an arm around his shoulder. "You grow up so fast, Eiji boy. Good luck in High School!"
As Griffin headed back to his seat, Jim stood up and gave Eiji a gentle pat on the back. "Do well in High School, okay? The Callenreeses will always have your back."
"I'm sure my boy can handle High School just like his old man. Right, Ei-chan?" Mr. Okumura asked his son, proudly smiling at him.
Just then, Eika bounded over to her older brother and hugged him tightly.
"Congratulations, Eiji! I hope you do well in your new school." She quickly kissed his cheek before running back to her seat.
As Eiji smiled at everyone, Ash suddenly leaned over and kissed him on the forehead, prompting the Japanese boy's eyes to widen in surprise.
"Congratulations, Ei-chan," he said, smiling.
Right then and there, Eiji felt his heart pound hard against his chest, a bright red blush forming on his cheeks. He knew that Ash showing him affection was a normal thing between them, but he still found it sweet.
Calm down, Eiji. This is only normal between the two of you, he told himself.
"Your son's growing up fast," he heard Jennifer say to his mother. "The next thing we know, he'll start dating someone from his new school."
"You're right, Jennifer," Mrs. Okumura sighed. "My baby boy's growing up so fast. The last time my husband and I were in New York, he was only in 5th Grade."
"Well, since your baby boy's no longer a baby anymore, my little man can now date him!" Jim exclaimed, grinning widely at the two boys.
"Eiji's too young to start dating anyone, Jim," Mr. Okumura retorted. "Let the boy be a boy as much as he can."
Ignoring the others who began to tease them again, Eiji looked at Ash to see what his reaction was, and to his surprise, he saw his best friend blushing.
"I don't think Ashu has plans on dating me, guys," he said. "Apparently, he likes someone else."
He smiled bitterly. He thought that admitting the fact that Ash likes someone else would help him accept things, just as the guy named SW told him on his graduation day.
***
A few hours later, the two families headed back to the hotel, but Eiji's graduation party wasn't over yet. Everyone gathered in the hotel gardens, the Okumuras' camera sitting on a tripod set in the middle. They wanted to make the most out of their formal wear, so they decided to do a simple photoshoot.
Of course, being the graduate and the main reason why the party was held, they took solo portraits of Eiji. Ash's solo pictures were also taken, followed by Griffin, then Eika.
After the solo portraits were taken, family pictures were taken next. The Callenreese family was up first, so the Okumuras sat down as their photos were taken.
The entire time, Eiji stared at Ash. He had to admit, as the they grew older, he noticed a lot of changes in his best friend's physical appearance. From a girly-looking kid, he slowly grew into a manlier, more masculine-looking boy.
Eiji's lips slowly formed into a smile when he realized that he actually witnessed Ash growing up. Just thinking about it was enough to make his chest flutter with happiness.
"Eiji, we're up next!" Eika told him, abruptly ending his train of thought.
"Oh, o-okay!" Eiji answered before he stood up to join his parents and sister.
After the Okumuras' pictures were taken, they all gathered in front of the camera for a group photo. Eiji and Ash sat in the middle, Eika sat beside Eiji while Mr. and Mrs. Okumura stood behind the two siblings. On the other hand, Griffin sat next to Ash while Jim and Jennifer stood behind their two sons.
"Okay everyone, smile!" Mr. Okumura announced after setting the camera to take ten consecutive shots.
Picture after picture, the two families did random poses. They did formal poses, silly poses, and even serious poses.
Ash had his arm around Eiji the whole time, but on the last shot, he suddenly hugged Eiji and kissed him on the cheek, making the raven-haired boy's jaw drop open in surprise, his entire face turning red.
"Ash boy, you're being too obvious, dude!" Griffin teased when they began to look at the pictures taken.
"Eeeeeeww!" Eika commented. "Ash just gave Eiji the cooties! Gross!"
"I've got my eye on you, Aslan," Mr. Okumura added, stifling a smile.
"Oh my, look at Eiji blushing! He's so cute!" Jennifer squealed.
Ash just grinned. "C'mon, you guys, that's only normal between us. Right, Ei-chan?"
"Uh, yeah, right. Normal between two best friends." Eiji faked a laugh, his face burning in embarrassment.
"I have an idea," Mrs. Okumura suddenly said. "Why don't we take a picture of the two of you?"
"Hey, that's a great idea!" Ash answered before turning to Eiji. "C'mon, Ei-chan. Let's do this!"
And before Eiji could protest, Ash grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him in front of the camera.
Okay, Eiji. Act normal. You're just gonna do random poses, that's all.
"Ready?" Mr. Okumura asked, looking into the camera as he pointed the lens towards Ash and Eiji. "Smile!"
The first picture was a recreation of the picture they had in Grade School, the two boys smiling widely as their arms were wrapped around each other's shoulders.
The second picture showed them playfully sticking their tongues out.
For the third picture, Eiji just folded his arms and smirked while Ash stood behind Eiji, raising a few strands of his raven-black hair with both hands to mimic devil horns.
In the fourth picture, they folded their arms as they stood back to back, grinning confidently.
Ash playfully pinched Eiji's cheeks in the fifth picture, Ash's laugh and Eiji's half-annoyed, half-amused look candidly caught on camera.
The sixth picture was sillier, with Eiji pulling Ash's ears from behind him while the blonde-haired boy crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out.
The seventh picture showed the boys hugging each other tightly, wide smiles plastered on their faces.
"Ash! Kiss Eiji on the cheek again like what you did earlier!" Jim suddenly hollered.
"C'mon, do it! It's the last shot anyway!" Jennifer added.
Eiji was about to protest, but before he could even say a word, Ash immediately pulled him into a hug again so he had no choice but to do the pose.
And so, for the last picture, their arms wrapped tightly around each other, Ash kissed Eiji's cheek while Eiji stuck his tongue out.
***
Before they went back to their respective rooms, Eiji received a lot of graduation gifts from his family and friends. He got a watch from Jim, a wallet from Jennifer, a new laptop from his Dad and a new phone from his Mom (which basically shocked him because he knew how expensive they could get). Griffin also gave him new shirts, while Eika simply gave him a handmade card (which he also loved because of the effort she put into it).
"Ei-chan, I also have something for you," Ash said after Eiji put his presents in his luggage bag. He reached into his pocket and handed over a small box to his best friend.
Opening the box, Eiji was surprised when he saw a silver necklace inside, his name as the pendant.
"Wow, Ashu," he exclaimed as he took the necklace out. "It looks great!"
Ash smiled. "Give it to me, I'll put it on for you."
Eiji handed over the necklace to Ash before turning around, then Ash proceeded to wrap the small chain around Eiji's neck. Eiji felt little bolts of electricity coursing through his body the moment he felt the tip of Ash's fingers brushing against the skin of his nape, making him gulp.
Hold yourself together, Eiji!
"There you go," Ash said once he closed the clasp of the necklace with a solid click. "It looks good on you."
Eiji smiled widely, watching as the silver pendant sparkled under the lights, before turning around to face Ash, engulfing the blonde-haired boy in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Ashu."
As Eiji rested his head against Ash's chest, he felt like time stopped. He felt safe and warm in his best friend's arms, like they were the only people in the world. It just felt so right, if only they could stay like this forever.
But at the same time, it also felt wrong.
Because no matter how good it felt, it wouldn't change the fact that Ash liked somebody else.
Is this a dream? If it is, I don't wanna wake up ever again.