#ashren

a familiar contact lingers on the screen, hesitation building up in his chest. it hasn't been long since they begun dating again and yet, ashveil already felt guilty for even considering calling him. it was late in the evening, and the last thing he wanted was to bother blade with his own troubles.

and yet his heart betrayed any rational thoughts in his head, actions spoke louder than words. his thumb absentmindly press the call button before raising the phone to his ear. 'he's probably asleep, i shouldn't get my hopes up,' a hint of doubt echoed in his mind, his finger twirling a strand of his hair nervously.

the call immediately connected and his heart almost jumped out of his chest, hearing a drowsy voice on the other end. "hello?" ashveil froze on the spot, he wasn't expecting blade to pick up so quickly. "h-hey! sorry, did i wake you?"

"it's fine, i'm alright. but what's wrong? you sound.. scared." it's endearing and impressive how perceptive blade was. a bittersweet smile forms on his lips, doing his best to keep his tone lighthearted. "worried about this old wolf? don't be, i'm fine. i just couldn't sleep-"

the call ended abruptly, ashveil look incredibly puzzled. but he decided to not question it, after all, blade must have been exhausted. this was a poor judgement on his part, he shouldn't have call at all. but ashveil couldn't deny how lonely he felt.

a knock on the door caught ashveil's attention, standing up to go answer it. "sorry, we're closed for the night-" his words were cut short, noticing his lover was standing in front of him. blade was carrying a bunch of blankets and pillows in his arms, a subtle smile on his face. "what are you doing here? it's late!"

"i thought you might want some company." he answered honestly, a faint blush appearing across his cheeks. "... was i mistaken?" ashveil let out a soft sigh, a genuine smile spreads across his lips. he steps aside, welcoming blade inside of the facility. "not at all. thank you, yingxing.."

"you don't have to thank me. where's your bed?"

"oh.. about that. um.." it didn't take blade long to discover the refrigerator on the floor, his expression shifting into one of disbelief and disapproval. he slowly turns around to look at ashveil, who was clearly embarrassed. "don't give me that look! it's hard to make a living around here."

blade could only sigh, deciding to not say anything. he wasn't about to criticize ashveil's living situation. instead, he spreads the blankets across the inside of the refrigerator, every surface of the interior was covered by soft pillows.

"... you deserve to sleep comfortably too." those words struck a sensitive chord in ashveil, tears slowly building up in his eyes. it had been so long since anyone had shown him kindness. he quickly brushed the tears away before blade could notice, smiling warmly. "you're too kind to me, dear. i can't thank you enough."

blade responds with a soft hum, turning around to face the detective. those tear-filled eyes did catch his attention but he chose not to mention it. blade reached for ashveil's wrist, gently guiding him inside the refrigerator.

honestly, the space was far too cramped. it was barely big enough for one person but they managed to make it work. blade gently pulled ashveil on top of him, covering their bodies with the warm, cozy blankets. "you need a bigger refrigerator."

"do i look like i have the money for that?" both of them shared a soft laugh, their bickering was always lighthearted but never hurtful. ashveil pressed a tender kiss on his lips, smiling as blade returned the gesture softly. ther lips eventually pulls apart, simply looking into each other's eyes affectionally.