Ash had been awake for a while, but hadn't stirred even when he had noticed Eiji waking. They were lying tangled on the couch, some of their clothing still unadjusted.

Eiji was looking at him with that wondering look again. That didn't happen so often anymore. Ash let him look, and waited for the question which usually didn't come.

"Do you like it at all?" Eiji asked quietly.

Ash didn't smile, didn't answer, but kissed his cheek softly. That wasn't the kind of thing Ash did, but he did it now. It was all the answer he had to give.