[The first thing Eiji does when Ash gets better is kidnap him.
He spends a large chunk of the flight to Japan thinking about how he should have just stayed before, or how he should have just went to Ash instead. Can't believe Ash gave him a damn heart attack. He also spends a large chunk of the flight thinking about how overly easy it was to get Ash a passport considering.
But it's fine. He purposefully nyooms them back to Izumo. They could have landed in Tokyo, and he could have shown Ash every little detail he could squeeze out of Japan on their way... but no, to Izumo first, and then they can travel. When Ash is settled. He can't overload Ash so suddenly.
Still, it's embarrassing in Izumo. His family isn't... perfect--happy, healthy--not by a long shot, but then he feels ungrateful thinking it when Ash is right there. Also, his sister is annoying. She does the very thing he knows she'll do, and that's fawn over Ash. There's not enough room for his mom, his grandmother, his sister, and him and Ash, so the two of them split his room. He gives Ash privacy when needed, though. (And he has to keep his stupid sister out.)
Like he does now because it's yukata season. Izumo has decent festivals, he thinks, since it's home to one of the oldest shrines. He knocks on the outside of his own damn bedroom door because of course he does, trying to listen for Ash inside.]
[ it's very funny how one moment you think you're about to die, and then you don't.
granted, a large amount of ash's life can be described in that sense, multiple moments that all could have been the very last one until they weren't. but, that time, ash did think that was it-- he tried to make sure it was it, until a library patron noticed the blood and called for an ambulance.
it's probably best not to think too much about it while he's here.
the culture shock has been great, and he once again marvels at how absolutely amazing eiji is. adapting from this city to new york would have been hard in a regular setting, but on top of everything else eiji had been very violently thrown into? there really aren't enough ways to apologize or show his appreciation, so instead, ash is doing something smaller. you know. struggle to fuckin put this on. ]
I can dress myself.
[ it's said in the tone of someone who is obviously struggling but doesn't want to admit it, it's fine. ]
Eiji is quiet for a moment. What seems like a tough line to walk for most people--for the people tucked under Ash's side back in New York--is not so tough for him.
Quite simply, despite spending God knows how long shooing his sister, he opens the door very carefully and sticks his head in to see without a single ounce of fear.]
Oh! [He sounds so soft! Enjoy.] It looks really good, Ash!
[It doesn't matter if Ash is only partially dressed. Eiji said what he said.]
[ there's a slight huff, and a few seconds of consideration before he gestures for eiji to come inside. it's fine, eiji has seen him even less dressed than this
but ash has no idea how to tie this thing? he's holding it closed over him, just in case there's anyone else trying to peek, but this is? way harder than it should be? japan?? ]
I didn't know you were into flattery.
[ a light joke as he. squints at the fabric. how. ]
[He is nearly completely in the room by the time Ash gestures to him, so he just, like, continues right on inside. He does make a face while he shuts the door.]
Not flattery. [Huff.] It is a good color.
[Oh. Hm. Ash is a mess. This is very funny. Eiji doesn't laugh exactly, but he does start sort of smiling.] Hold, please. [He takes up the edge of both sides of the yukata in the front, and then waits for Ash to hold them in pinched fingers together like he does.
And then he will go around Ash to check the back. To make sure the seam is straight and centered.]
I guess Americans would think we make it difficult, huh?
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're doing this to mess with me...
[ for all the times ash teased him when they were back in america.
but ash obediently holds onto the ends, because if there is a single person who can make him do something, it's eiji. he tries to peek over his shoulder to see what's happening back there, but it's difficult to see from the angle. ]
[Maybe a lil. It is fun to tease Ash when it's softly! There is no reason to be mean to Ash, but gentle ribbing is a requirement to putting up with the guy.]
Very easy. [He adjusts the collar at Ash's neck a bit, and then comes back around to the front.] Not like a girl's kimono. You need another person, sometimes two. Okay, like this.
[He moves Ash's hands: opening the left side a bit, getting Ash to tuck the edge of the right side at the hip, and then folding the left across again.] Now, koshihimo. [He takes up the long, thin belt. This thing.]
[He gives Ash a look, the corner of his lips somewhat curled. Not bad. But of course! Ash is very smart! :pensive:]
Yes. Like this.
[He wiggles a piece into a few of Ash's fingers while Ash continues to hold the yukata edge in place. The other end goes into Ash's other hand, and pulling the belt against the hips makes it easy to keep the yukata where it should be while wrapping the belt around behind.
Eiji helps, of course, guiding it and Ash's hands to Ash's lower back as he steps around. And then he loops to the frontside again. It's a very long belt.] It's okay to tie in a little knot. [He'll let Ash do it. He's helping Ash learn, not babying him.]
Then you put on the obi. [A slightly fancier, wider sash that Eiji takes up.] It will cover it. Like... decoration.
[ he still wonders how someone can do all of this on their own, and honestly, it's a little comforting to find something here that he's not used to. it really drives the point that he's so very far away from his home right now.
... although that's not really a bad thing, all things considered. he knows that he'll return to america at some point, but he needs this. ]
What? This feels like you're wrapping me up like a gift!
[Gently, he gives Ash a kind of chiding cluck.] No. [That's all he can think to day at first because English.]
Okay, a little harder this time. You can do it.
[He folds maybe a foot of one end of the obi in half like a taco, then places it against Ash's waist over the other belt.]
Hold this, please. Why wrap a gift for myself, then unwrap it later?!
[He does not mean for this to sound the way it does. More... why would he wrap Ash like a gift if he is just going to have to help Ash take it all off later.]
[ he holds the obi like instructed, although he almost lets go after eiji says that. like, ash knows what he actually meant, but it's so funny and he's having trouble controlling his expression to not laugh.
he fails. ash totally laughs. ]
Eiji... you sound so dirty!
[ as if eiji could ever actually be that, but it's nice to joke. ]
[Oh no............ an Ash laugh. UwAH. Eiji is THRILLED!!! But he doesn't make a huge fuss about it, too worried he'll scare it away. Ash's laugh... soft and wonderful, something to be protected.
He makes a fussed face, pretending to be insulted because even if he doesn't know what the hell Ash is talking about, he can tell by the laugh and the tone he's being teased.]
What? Ash, the obi will be bad! [He forgets the word for "crooked" in his time of need. Carefully, he straightens Ash's hand again, and then shows Ash how the rest of the belt, not folded, loops around Ash's waist over the other one until it's in the front once more.
And then!! he shows Ash how to do the artsy "clam's mouth" knot.] There. It looks good in the back, like this. [He twists it around.] But to the side. [Why does it not line up with the damn seam in the back? We just don't fucking know, but it's fashionable to have it to the side. Whatever.]
[ he gives it a slight tug, not forceful enough to undo it or anything, before nodding his head in approval. ]
Good work. I'll try to learn it so I can do it myself next time.
[ even if it's a little nice to be taken care of like this.
... although that's odd to think about, since it's something he never allowed anyone else to do. but it's safe, to let eiji do it at times. even if ash has probably just memorized the instructions and will have no issues with doing this if they ever have to wear yukata again. ]
[Ash is sooooo smart, and Eiji will be sad he does not have to help next time. But maybe Ash will take pity on his puppy eyes and pretend to need help.]
...Ah. [Eiji steps back to look Ash over, and it's terribly far from the looks Ash has always received. He beams a bit, not an ounce of scrutiny in his expression even if he idly smooths out the lapels.] You really look amazing!
[Now he and Ash matchies! Nevermind Ash's yukata happens to be one of his own. He will buy Ash another yukata later, one Ash can personally keep, not some kind of hand-me-down.]
but hakama... he makes a note to look that up later. honestly, ash isn't the type to wear restricting clothing considering he's used to always needing to be ready to move at a moment's notice. even now, he can't fully believe that they might not have to drop everything and leave if something happens.
it's not like anyone would have followed him this far out, though. it's okay. ]
Yeah, what is with the heat here? The humidity is awful.
[ he fans himself with his hand, to drive the point home. ]
The end of rainy season, and summer. We're by the coast, too.
[This makes him happy... to see Ash with such small worries, nothing at all like the life-or-death or New York. But despite wanting to bubble over eagerly saying they could visit the coast, Eiji tables it for now.
Ash had such a time with his home, and he doesn't want to make the mood sour.]
Now we have to get out without my sister being annoying... [His expression says the "hmph" he doesn't voice.] Oh--is the obi okay? On your...
[Well, he sort of pats his own stomach where Ash got fucking shanked.]
[Ash........ Why are you gonna switch topics from getting shanked and almost dying to siblings? "He said brother and sister siblings." SIBLINGS?
Eiji hesitates, but manages to muster up a disgruntled expression.]
We won't ever make it to the festival if she keeps asking you nosy questions, [is his reasoning, and his excuse. He nyooms around that topic because he doesn't want to think about Griff.] Ready?
We will ride a bike to the station. Okay?
[Eiji, in his own town, in his own country: is this okay for you to do, ash???]
[ yea he worded it that way on purpose. it's fine.
a bike... he considers that, and just shrugs. he's done more strenuous things than that while injured, so it doesn't really seem like a problem other than the fact that with their luck, they'd probably crash. ]
Okay, okay... I want the authentic Japanese experience, you know?
[ and apparently that means riding a bike in yukata ]
[ASHU. Eiji gives him a Look.] You have to stand on the back just like real American tourist. [Like hell he is going to let Ash pedal anyway. Not in this post New York stabbing economy.
He takes Ash my the elbow of one arm and pulls him toward the door.]
[ but it's said with a smile, because eiji being pushy about these sort of things is very familiar at this point.
and so is sneaking out, technically, but normally it's sneaking away from gangsters and not sisters who are thinking who even knows what. ash doesn't know if she has a crush or what. ]
[He makes Ash stop behind him at the door, just so he can open it and stick only is head out to look for """"danger"""" in the hallway. Hmmmm. Safe? Safe.
He eases out into the hall, and then beckons for Ash to follow him. They can creep downstairs to the front door. Time to put Ash in geta.] Sometimes. [He is whispering. He is so sweet, but he's going to die on the annoying little sister hill.] Little sisters can be annoying. [It doesn't sound like he hates his sister, though. Soft Eiji.] They want you to do everything for them, and they escape trouble with a cute face.
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hewwo
He spends a large chunk of the flight to Japan thinking about how he should have just stayed before, or how he should have just went to Ash instead. Can't believe Ash gave him a damn heart attack. He also spends a large chunk of the flight thinking about how overly easy it was to get Ash a passport considering.
But it's fine. He purposefully nyooms them back to Izumo. They could have landed in Tokyo, and he could have shown Ash every little detail he could squeeze out of Japan on their way... but no, to Izumo first, and then they can travel. When Ash is settled. He can't overload Ash so suddenly.
Still, it's embarrassing in Izumo. His family isn't... perfect--happy, healthy--not by a long shot, but then he feels ungrateful thinking it when Ash is right there. Also, his sister is annoying. She does the very thing he knows she'll do, and that's fawn over Ash. There's not enough room for his mom, his grandmother, his sister, and him and Ash, so the two of them split his room. He gives Ash privacy when needed, though. (And he has to keep his stupid sister out.)
Like he does now because it's yukata season. Izumo has decent festivals, he thinks, since it's home to one of the oldest shrines. He knocks on the outside of his own damn bedroom door because of course he does, trying to listen for Ash inside.]
...Ash, do you need help?
[ASH your YUKATA.]
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granted, a large amount of ash's life can be described in that sense, multiple moments that all could have been the very last one until they weren't. but, that time, ash did think that was it-- he tried to make sure it was it, until a library patron noticed the blood and called for an ambulance.
it's probably best not to think too much about it while he's here.
the culture shock has been great, and he once again marvels at how absolutely amazing eiji is. adapting from this city to new york would have been hard in a regular setting, but on top of everything else eiji had been very violently thrown into? there really aren't enough ways to apologize or show his appreciation, so instead, ash is doing something smaller. you know. struggle to fuckin put this on. ]
I can dress myself.
[ it's said in the tone of someone who is obviously struggling but doesn't want to admit it, it's fine. ]
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Eiji is quiet for a moment. What seems like a tough line to walk for most people--for the people tucked under Ash's side back in New York--is not so tough for him.
Quite simply, despite spending God knows how long shooing his sister, he opens the door very carefully and sticks his head in to see without a single ounce of fear.]
Oh! [He sounds so soft! Enjoy.] It looks really good, Ash!
[It doesn't matter if Ash is only partially dressed. Eiji said what he said.]
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but ash has no idea how to tie this thing? he's holding it closed over him, just in case there's anyone else trying to peek, but this is? way harder than it should be? japan?? ]
I didn't know you were into flattery.
[ a light joke as he. squints at the fabric. how. ]
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Not flattery. [Huff.] It is a good color.
[Oh. Hm. Ash is a mess. This is very funny. Eiji doesn't laugh exactly, but he does start sort of smiling.] Hold, please. [He takes up the edge of both sides of the yukata in the front, and then waits for Ash to hold them in pinched fingers together like he does.
And then he will go around Ash to check the back. To make sure the seam is straight and centered.]
I guess Americans would think we make it difficult, huh?
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[ for all the times ash teased him when they were back in america.
but ash obediently holds onto the ends, because if there is a single person who can make him do something, it's eiji. he tries to peek over his shoulder to see what's happening back there, but it's difficult to see from the angle. ]
How are you supposed to put it on by yourself?
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[Maybe a lil. It is fun to tease Ash when it's softly! There is no reason to be mean to Ash, but gentle ribbing is a requirement to putting up with the guy.]
Very easy. [He adjusts the collar at Ash's neck a bit, and then comes back around to the front.] Not like a girl's kimono. You need another person, sometimes two. Okay, like this.
[He moves Ash's hands: opening the left side a bit, getting Ash to tuck the edge of the right side at the hip, and then folding the left across again.] Now, koshihimo. [He takes up the long, thin belt. This thing.]
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Koshihimo.
[ he repeats it, a look of exaggerated pride on his face. look, eiji, he can pronounce things!! ]
This goes around my waist?
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Yes. Like this.
[He wiggles a piece into a few of Ash's fingers while Ash continues to hold the yukata edge in place. The other end goes into Ash's other hand, and pulling the belt against the hips makes it easy to keep the yukata where it should be while wrapping the belt around behind.
Eiji helps, of course, guiding it and Ash's hands to Ash's lower back as he steps around. And then he loops to the frontside again. It's a very long belt.] It's okay to tie in a little knot. [He'll let Ash do it. He's helping Ash learn, not babying him.]
Then you put on the obi. [A slightly fancier, wider sash that Eiji takes up.] It will cover it. Like... decoration.
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[ he still wonders how someone can do all of this on their own, and honestly, it's a little comforting to find something here that he's not used to. it really drives the point that he's so very far away from his home right now.
... although that's not really a bad thing, all things considered. he knows that he'll return to america at some point, but he needs this. ]
What? This feels like you're wrapping me up like a gift!
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Okay, a little harder this time. You can do it.
[He folds maybe a foot of one end of the obi in half like a taco, then places it against Ash's waist over the other belt.]
Hold this, please. Why wrap a gift for myself, then unwrap it later?!
[He does not mean for this to sound the way it does. More... why would he wrap Ash like a gift if he is just going to have to help Ash take it all off later.]
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he fails. ash totally laughs. ]
Eiji... you sound so dirty!
[ as if eiji could ever actually be that, but it's nice to joke. ]
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He makes a fussed face, pretending to be insulted because even if he doesn't know what the hell Ash is talking about, he can tell by the laugh and the tone he's being teased.]
What? Ash, the obi will be bad! [He forgets the word for "crooked" in his time of need. Carefully, he straightens Ash's hand again, and then shows Ash how the rest of the belt, not folded, loops around Ash's waist over the other one until it's in the front once more.
And then!! he shows Ash how to do the artsy "clam's mouth" knot.] There. It looks good in the back, like this. [He twists it around.] But to the side. [Why does it not line up with the damn seam in the back? We just don't fucking know, but it's fashionable to have it to the side. Whatever.]
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[ he gives it a slight tug, not forceful enough to undo it or anything, before nodding his head in approval. ]
Good work. I'll try to learn it so I can do it myself next time.
[ even if it's a little nice to be taken care of like this.
... although that's odd to think about, since it's something he never allowed anyone else to do. but it's safe, to let eiji do it at times. even if ash has probably just memorized the instructions and will have no issues with doing this if they ever have to wear yukata again. ]
... how do I look?
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...Ah. [Eiji steps back to look Ash over, and it's terribly far from the looks Ash has always received. He beams a bit, not an ounce of scrutiny in his expression even if he idly smooths out the lapels.] You really look amazing!
[Now he and Ash matchies! Nevermind Ash's yukata happens to be one of his own. He will buy Ash another yukata later, one Ash can personally keep, not some kind of hand-me-down.]
...are you sure you haven't worn yukata before?
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It's not like I would have had a chance before this.
[ ash is so very, very american, in so many ways. but he lets eiji continue to fuss over him with no complaints. ]
They seem like they'd be hard to run in.
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[He about-faces and goes to a little dresser to dig around in one of the top drawers.]
Yukata aren't made for running, no. You need hakama for moving. Here!
[He brandishes...... an uchiwa! He comes back over to tuck the fan behind the obi on Ash's yukata in the front. Now Ash is Sasuke.]
It will be hot. Even at night for fireworks.
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but hakama... he makes a note to look that up later. honestly, ash isn't the type to wear restricting clothing considering he's used to always needing to be ready to move at a moment's notice. even now, he can't fully believe that they might not have to drop everything and leave if something happens.
it's not like anyone would have followed him this far out, though. it's okay. ]
Yeah, what is with the heat here? The humidity is awful.
[ he fans himself with his hand, to drive the point home. ]
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[This makes him happy... to see Ash with such small worries, nothing at all like the life-or-death or New York. But despite wanting to bubble over eagerly saying they could visit the coast, Eiji tables it for now.
Ash had such a time with his home, and he doesn't want to make the mood sour.]
Now we have to get out without my sister being annoying... [His expression says the "hmph" he doesn't voice.] Oh--is the obi okay? On your...
[Well, he sort of pats his own stomach where Ash got fucking shanked.]
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It's fine. You were pretty gentle.
[ he's always gentle.
... but he decides to switch topics, not wanting to linger on that one for too long. ]
But geez, are all brother and sister siblings like this?
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Eiji hesitates, but manages to muster up a disgruntled expression.]
We won't ever make it to the festival if she keeps asking you nosy questions, [is his reasoning, and his excuse. He nyooms around that topic because he doesn't want to think about Griff.] Ready?
We will ride a bike to the station. Okay?
[Eiji, in his own town, in his own country: is this okay for you to do, ash???]
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a bike... he considers that, and just shrugs. he's done more strenuous things than that while injured, so it doesn't really seem like a problem other than the fact that with their luck, they'd probably crash. ]
Okay, okay... I want the authentic Japanese experience, you know?
[ and apparently that means riding a bike in yukata ]
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He takes Ash my the elbow of one arm and pulls him toward the door.]
Now we will sneak out.
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[ but it's said with a smile, because eiji being pushy about these sort of things is very familiar at this point.
and so is sneaking out, technically, but normally it's sneaking away from gangsters and not sisters who are thinking who even knows what. ash doesn't know if she has a crush or what. ]
Are you used to doing things like this?
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[He makes Ash stop behind him at the door, just so he can open it and stick only is head out to look for """"danger"""" in the hallway. Hmmmm. Safe? Safe.
He eases out into the hall, and then beckons for Ash to follow him. They can creep downstairs to the front door. Time to put Ash in geta.] Sometimes. [He is whispering. He is so sweet, but he's going to die on the annoying little sister hill.] Little sisters can be annoying. [It doesn't sound like he hates his sister, though. Soft Eiji.] They want you to do everything for them, and they escape trouble with a cute face.
Probably not like American little sisters.
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i almost tagged this with blanca
i hate you
(blanca, in an eiji voice) i'll protect you
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