Banana Fish short stories | ✔

Pillow fort

Dedicated to @BehemothCutie for voting and getting me in the mood to write some more ideas, this was supposed to be called 'Bad day at work' (like the original idea i had) but I like this name more. Hope you'll like it.

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One rainy day in Januar, Ash was reading a book in his cozy room, sitting comfortably in his armchair with his glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. The book was English, but with numerous Japanese words, one of many books Eiji got him to help him with his Japanese which he was doing better at. With just a couple of months in Izumo he ould already form Grammarly correct sentences that don't sound like a malfunctioning radio. Eiji was very proud, though disappointed he couldn't tease Ash more about it. Ash lifted his gaze from the book when he heard clicking and shuffling from downstairs. Ash smiled and put the book away, making sure to insert small paper between the pages. Just as he stretched his legs the doors were pushed closed, more loudly than usual. Ash blamed it on the wind roaring outside, but instead of cheerful "I'm home,"  he would normally hear, a whine was heard from the hallway. Ash quickened his approach. He was met with dazed black eyes, ruffled hair and frown, rarely seen on Eiji. As if really really-upset Eiji and not playfully-teasing Eiji.

"Eiji?" Ash quirked an eyebrow questioningly. "Hi, Ash." the other smiled weekly. Ash immediately saw how lifeless he looked compared to his usual, super energetic, almost hyperactive self. "You good?" he took a step closer, scanning instantly for any injuries, seeing none he slightly relaxed. "Just tired, hard day at work," Eiji replied with a sigh. Ash watched him until Eiji went to his room across his. Ash frowned and went to the living room and sat deep in thoughts. He knew how much Eiji enjoyed working, he was definitively the most hard-working person Ash can remember. Even with Ash assuring him the money he has is enough for both of them to live wealthy for the rest of their lives, Eiji still insisted that he wants to make money on his own, although he felt bad he leaves Ash on his own while he works but Ash sleeps through big part of it and reads his way through rest of it, so he wasn't that lonely.

Eiji loves his job as a photographer. Seeing him in a bad mood, something that is rarely seen on Eiji, makes Ash wonder: "Who should i visit?" Killing is, of course, out of the question since he wants to continue his peaceful life with Eiji, thank you very much. Occasional threat and insurance of Eiji's happiness is needed though. Ash won't stand still while some idiot looks down on Eiji, oh no, he will use his IQ of 200+ to let that person know, he isn't someone you mess with, though very subtly and quietly. Eiji is very sharp when it comes to him. 

His head perked up at the sound of footsteps coming closer and Eiji came into the view with a pink sweatshirt and baggy jeans and even messier black mop of hair. The silence stretching over them was even more confirmation to his doubts. Ash got up and quickly shuffled from the room leaving confused and worried Eiji to stare after him. When he came back, pillows and blankets neatly folded in his arms obstructed his view yet, unsurprisingly, he didn't walk into anything and Eiji became even more perplexed. After putting them down Ash turned to Eiji and became ushering him out. "I'll call you back later, it's a surprise and no peeking," he said sternly before locking the doors once Eiji was out of doorsteps. 

Eiji walked to the kitchen, carefully listening to the shuffling across the hallway. He made himself some scrambled eggs and just as he put the plate back the click was heard, followed by footsteps. He turned to face blond American, Ash smiled and motioned for him to follow after him. Eiji trailed after him curiously. When they came to the living room Eiji was, sufficient to say, surprised once again.

The living room was not that different than usual. The only thing catching the eye was blanket dropped over two sofa's and table that was usually there was pushed to the corner of the room. "Come on." Ash tugged him to follow along as he crawled inside. The two laid at futons, staring at the blanket above them when Eiji snickered "Pillow fort? really?" Ash shrugged, their shoulder brushing at action "Griffin would do it for me every time during thunderstorms, it helped pass the time. We would either tell stories or just... talk." He said fondly. Eiji shifted so he was now facing Ash "Thanks, Ash. I really like it." he smiled "I'm glad. It's my job to be grumpy it doesn't suit you." Eiji rolled his eyes "Yeah, yeah." The soft laughter and chatter drove out the pit-patter of the rain and continued long into the night.

From then on, whenever Eiji had a bad day Ash would be waiting within their pillow fort, sometimes with the random movie playing on the laptop, sometimes with warm mugs of chocolate with steam still rising. Sometimes with more pillows inside to hug, sometimes with books and stories, he would tell tirelessly and with catching enthusiasm. And Eiji loved all of it, all of him.

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Fun fact: When I was younger we would often make pillow fort's for my brother who was scared of them. And so I decided to make a short story of these two. It's short but I hope you all enjoyed it. :)