Eiji lay in bed, watching Ash's face as he slept. Watching the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the slight fluttering of his eyes as he wandered through some pleasant dream.
Eiji reached out and brushed a strand of Ash's blond hair back from his face. Ash's mouth was open slightly in his sleep and Eiji felt the sudden, nearly overwhelming desire to kiss him. To feel Ash's lips against his, to feel his arms around him, his body pressing-
Eiji pulled his hand back, surprised at himself. He waited for the fear and the panic to find him, but there was only the gentle sound of Ash's breathing, the warmth of his body under the blankets. Here there were no nightmares.
There was a faint stirring of light in the air. It was almost morning. The sky was beginning to grow less dark now and the room was filled with soft, silver shadows.
It was so pleasant and quiet here. So safe.
Eiji slipped out of bed silently and pulled on his clothes. Outside the grass, cool and damp with dew, was soft and pleasant against his bare feet. A morning breeze was beginning to pick up with the dawn, bringing with it the salty scent of the bay.
Eiji wandered towards a tall tree that stood alone at the edge of the cliff. Beneath it, facing east in the direction of the sunrise, was a small gravestone.
It was a peaceful resting place for the soldier. The man who had given his life to save a boy he barely knew. Eiji had never even gotten the chance to get to know him, thank him, to say he was sorry.
The leaves fluttered gently in the branches and for a moment in the wind, Eiji felt the man ruffle his hair, kind eyes smiling. Eiji wiped his face against his sleeve but the tears wouldn't stop.
"You know he wouldn't have regretted it right?"
Eiji turned and found Ash's eyes on the stone beneath the tree.
"Saving you," Ash's green eyes rose to meet him. "He wouldn't have traded that for anything."
"He didn't even know me," Eiji sniffed.
"It's not about you," Ash said gently. "He failed once before. Failed to save his best friend. Saving you…" Ash looked at the grave and smiled. "I think you saved him just as much as he saved you."
The sun was near now, just below the horizon, painting the sky with stunning peach and orange stains.
But Eiji still felt the phantoms of the past. The warm hand beneath his fingers that now lay cold in the ground beneath his feet. The unfulfilled promise to come back. A debt that could never be repaid.
Eiji looked at Ash and found his eyes watching the sunrise, a soft smile on his lips, his hair ruffled in the strong breeze that was picking up under the dawn of a new day.
Ash turned and looked at him. "Do you like it here?"
Eiji stared at him. He was beautiful. His hair shining gold in the first rays of the sun, green eyes deep and sparkling. Eiji turned his eyes east and the sun rose, spreading light and color over the world.
"It is beautiful," he whispered.
Ash's fingers brushed his own. Their hands found each other and wove into a gentle grasp.
"We could stay here."
Ash turned his eyes towards Eiji. The light of the dawn had brought color to his cheeks, a new light to his eyes. And for a second, Ash saw that future dawn through Eiji's mind. Then the dream slipped away.
"I can't," Eiji said softly. "I have to stop Golzine."
Eiji looked at Ash. "This is my fight. But you don't have to come."
Ash smiled and pulled Eiji closer. "You're not getting rid of me that easy. I promised to stay by your side, remember?"
"Forever," Eiji whispered.
"Forever."
Ash's fingers locked with Eiji's. They watched the sunrise together, finding hope and strength in knowing it would continue to rise. With or without them there would always be a new day.
Then they turned away from the light and walked back together, hands clasped.
Ash stopped as they neared the house.
"Who's that?" Eiji whispered.
The car parked in front of the Green Hill Diner was unfamiliar. It definitely hadn't been there the night before.
Ash glanced at Eiji and gave him a quiet look. Eiji nodded. They slipped down the hill silently and pressed themselves against the side of the house.
Ash leaned over silently and peered through the window.
Jennifer looked frightened. Ash's father stood in front of her, a gun in hand, putting himself between her and the dark figure that sat at a table in front of them. The man's back was turned away from the window and Ash couldn't see his face.
Ash's sharp eyes scanned the area, but he didn't see signs of anyone else. The man had come alone.
The bell jingled as the door opened and Ash walked through.
Jim looked up, his eyes hard. "Ash, this fella says he's a friend of yours." His grip didn't loosen on the shotgun in his hands.
The tall stranger turned and looked back. His eyes widened in surprise and recognition. "Eiji?"
Eiji calmly reached over and grabbed Ash's gun. He aimed it at the figure, his eyes as cold as death.
