The Story Of Bunny And Fox

Vol 4 (Side Story 1): Propose day (1)

Everything went back to how it was supposed to be in wake of the Hazel incident. Their relationship feels even stronger than before.

On the day Karlyle made up with Ash, he fell into a deep, long slumber while hugging him close. Apparently neither of them could sleep a wink the day before, and Ash slept like a log with Karlyle cradled in his arms. They fell asleep while watching the bluish evening sky through the window, and got up together when the warm yellow sunlight tickled their eyelashes. As the sun rose, they looked into each other's eyes. A soft smile bloomed on Karlyle's lips as he immersed himself in Ash's gaze.

Their two-day fight, which seems so short and long at the same time, now seems like a distant past. He hasn't forgotten the vivid despair and pain he felt, but the cozy time with Ash has healed him somehow. He’s come to realize many things as well - the enormity of Ash’s love for him. But also that his rather alarming desire to monopolize and restrain Ash was even stronger than he thought.

After realizing those things, the idea of getting married, which he has been ruminating  about for quite a while, has come bursting from his chest, up his throat, and to the tip of his tongue. To the point where he can hardly hold it in any longer. But it's still too early. They just had their fight last week, so bringing marriage up after at least a few weeks later would make more sense, right?

Even though that thought has taken residence inside his head, he can't help but hesitate. As a result, unconsciously, he keeps sneaking glances at Ash. Noticing it, Ash observes him for a few days with a contemplative face, and then sends a text to him on Friday evening.

[There's a place I want to stop by after work. Would you like to go with me?]

Of course Karlyle says yes. He still feels guilty about them having to cancel the zoo date due to their fight, he had been looking for something to do to make up for that anyways. He contemplates taking a trip around the Croatian and Greek coasts before autumn finally kicks in, and finally he arrives in Soho.

Soho, as always, is overcrowded. People sitting on patios fill up the narrow alleyways. He takes careful steps in his pointed shoes to avoid rubbish on the road. Of course he appreciates everything Ash does, but Karlyle finds Soho a bit much.

After rolling up the sleeves of his thin white summer shirt, Karlyle arrives at the address Ash gave him. He stops between a small coffee shop famous for its Flat White Coffee and an open space in the city center in an alley leading to Yauatcha. Compared to other places in the city, the smell of weed here is exceptionally strong. It’s quite filthy as well.

"Are you here?"

As he is about to call Ash, Ash has found him first. Ash’s arms envelop his waist, which is unusually thin for his physique. Warmth spreads beneath his thin shirt.

"Ash."

His face, stiff with the discomfort of coming to such a rowdy place, brightens in an instant. Unable to hide his joy, Karlyke rubs Ash's hands on his waist.

"Did you have a good day?"

"It wasn't bad. Except for the fact that I couldn't wait to see you. What about your day, my Lyle?"

"I had a good day, too."

Even the cliche regards become special words when he exchanges them with Ash. Tracing the back of Ash's hands, Karlyle asks what he has been curious about.

"What do you want to do here?"

As if he had waiting for this question, Ash perks up and whispers in his ears:

"There's something I want Lyle to pick out for me."

Hearing that Ash needs him, Karlyle answers with enthusiasm.