Chapter 10: Words Across The Pacific
The shrill tone of the phone rang through the dark room. Eiji ripped off his sheet and crossed the room to grab his phone.
"ASH?!"
Across the ocean, in New York, Ash pulled the phone quickly away from his ear as Eiji screamed into the phone.
"Jeeze, Eiji are you trying to rupture my eardrums?" He scoffed.
"Is something wrong?!"
"No, I'm just calling like I said I would. Why would you think something's wrong?"
"Well, why else would you call at" there was a pause as Eiji, presumably, checked the time "attt 2 AM?"
"Cuz apparently I'm an idiot who forgot about the time difference." Ash cringed. It was 1 PM in America. "Sorry to wake you, I can call back later if you-"
Ash heard Eiji laugh as he flopped back onto his bed.
"No, no it's fine. I was having trouble sleeping anyway. It's so hot here in August, I can't seem to cool down enough to sleep."
"Are you having nightmares again?" Ash asked. He correctly assumed the heat was a good cover story, but the root of the problem was his dreams.
"Mmmm, yeah. Yeah, I am." Eiji sighed into the phone
"About me?"
"Yeah, I-" Eiji stopped talking. Ash heard someone, a woman, talking in the background but he couldn't make out her words. Eiji was now speaking rapid Japanese to her. The sound was muffled, Ash pictured Eiji covering the phone's microphone as he spoke. He wasn't sure why, it wasn't like Ash could understand them. However, he was able to make out the words "Gomen ne,'' which Eiji had told him meant "sorry," and "Ashu," which of course was how Eiji said his name in his native tongue.
Ash heard the door close and then a soft patter of Eiji's feet going down, what he assumed, were stairs. Another, heavier sounding, door closed as Eiji went outside.
"Who was that?" Ash asked as the noise settled down.
"My mom. It's late, I guess my talking woke her up." Eiji explained sheepishly.
"Ha, I guess so" Ash said, remembering the scream Eiji released when he answered the phone. "Where are you now?" He asked.
"Outside, sitting on my front steps."
"But it's 2 AM, you shouldn't be outside alone!" Ash protested. He heard Eiji laugh into the phone.
"Izumo is a small town, Ash. Even at 2 AM it's safer here than New York is in broad daylight." He explained.
"Ah, apparently I'm not thinking too clearly today." Ash said rubbing his forehead, a bit embarrassed. "Anyway, what were you saying about your dreams?"
"Oh...I'd rather not say. It will upset you. Let's talk about something else."
"Eiji" Ash said sternly as if he were the older boy's father.
"Really, Ash, I-" he began.
"Come on, it's only fair, I told you everything." Ash interrupted. There was a pause of silence. In the silence, Ash could hear crickets chirping and the soft sounds of wind chimes in the gentle breeze. He pictured Eiji sitting under a lamppost while the rest of his world was dark. His bedhead was probably catching the hot summer breeze.
"Alright. That's fair." Eiji said after a moment. He took a deep breath before continuing. "One time in America, I watched one of those medical dramas on TV. I saw the way those bodies thrashed about when they shocked them back to life." He paused. Ash's face scrunched in pain. "And well I, I can't stop thinking about that happening to you. That's what I was dreaming about. Them shocking you over and over, but you wouldn't wake up. And I was watching it through someone else's eyes. I wasn't me, and I couldn't help you."
Ash took a deep breath. "Those are just dramas, Eiji. What you're picturing is probably exaggerated." Ash lied.
"No, it matches your own description. Besides, that doesn't seem like something they'd exaggerate. It's already dramatic enough." Eiji said, seeing right through Ash's failed attempt to put his mind at ease.
"Just try not to think about it, I'm fine now." Ash pleaded.
"Easier said than done. I hate thinking of you in pain. I wish I could have been there to hold your hand."
"If you were holding my hand, you would be shocked too." Ash reasoned. He heard an awkward half-laugh escape Eiji's throat.
"Oh yeah, bakadesu."
"Yeah, baka dayo" Ash said in jest. He caught Eiji off guard. Eiji laughed in surprise. He really shouldn't be surprised that Ash remembered the phrase. Eiji muttered it to himself more than he probably realized. More than he should, Ash thought.
"I wish I would have left you a jacket of mine. Having your sweater helps me sleep. Having one of mine would probably help you too." Ash told him. Eiji did a mischievous laugh before responding.
"Aaaactually, I kinda stole that red jacket of yours." He said grinning ear to ear into the darkness.
"Ha! You ass! That one's my favorite!" Ash laughed.
"Now we're even." Eiji said slyly.
"That's not usually how gifts work, Ei-chan." Ash teased.
"Ah, well, maybe it's a cultural disconnect." Eiji teased back.
Ash laughed deeply, causing him to wince in pain. "Ah, stop, you'll make me bust a stitch!"
"Don't you dare…" Eiji scolded.
"I know you said it's hot there, but maybe place my jacket on your pillow. That's what I'm doing. It smells like you. Tricks my mind into thinking you're here. Fuck. When did I turn into such a sap?"
"Mmm. I have you spilling your beans again." Eiji mocked. "But actually, I'm already wearing it."
"Well, that's your problem! You can't sleep in a jacket in August."
"Ehh." Eiji offered, shrugging. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
"You're such a dork."
Eiji started laughing more than he normally did at the comment. "Oh my gosh, Ash, I looked up that word the other day while I was still in New York. Apparently, it's a slang word for dick. How dare you."
Ash died laughing. "Maybe at one point. But that's not what it means anymore! I'm not calling you a dick!
Eiji was still laughing, "I know, I know, I'm just teasing."
As their laughs died down, a silence lulled between them. Both boys were tired but neither made any effort to wrap up the conversation.
"Hey, why do you keep calling on Max's phone?" Eiji asked randomly.
"Oh, well, I'm supposed to be dead. The boys trashed my phone for me. No one's had time to get me a new one yet, so Max is letting me use his to call."
"Want me to order you one? I have Max's address, I could have it sent there." Eiji offered selflessly.
"What?" Ash was caught off guard. Eiji was selfless but damn. "No, Eiji, don't spend your money on me. I'll get one soon. It's not a big deal, really."
"Bold of you to assume I meant for free." Eiji teased, even though that's exactly what he'd meant. This got another chuckle out of Ash. God, Eiji could listen to his laugh all day.
Eiji changed the topic, still not wanting to hang up despite his tired eyes. "Mom said you can stay with us when you come to Japan." He said sweetly. "We have a guest room. She said you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. She'd probably adopt you as her own son if you let her. But then we'd have to pretend to be brothers, and I'd much rather be lovers."
Pain flashed across Ash's face. He was glad Eiji couldn't see. "Ewww, Eiji, please. I hate the word lovers." Ash complained, keeping his tone casual.
"Sorry." Eiji said more seriously, realizing his mistake.
"It's fine, it's fine." He reassured him quickly. "I'd love that though. To stay with you and your family, I mean."
"Any idea when we can expect you?" Eiji asked curiously. 'Please say soon…' Eiji thought.
"I wish I had an answer, but I don't yet. Hopefully by the end of the Summer. But it might take longer to wrap everything up. I want to play it safe, ya know. I can't bring any danger to Japan with me." Ash told him solemnly.
"I know, I just-miss you."
"I miss you too." Ash said with a yawn. It was getting hard to contain his drug-induced exhaustion.
"Are you falling asleep on me?" Eiji asked with a goofy smile.
"Not on purpose." Ash said with another yawn.
"Okay. Well, I'll let you sleep."
Before Eiji could say goodbye, Ash asked hastily, "Hey, Eiji, do me a favor would ya?"
"K"
"Send me a picture of you in that jacket." He asked shamelessly.
"You really are turning into a sap." Eiji mocked, not answering his question. "I love you, Ash."
"Goodnight, Eiji. Tell your mom I say 'hi,' will ya?"
"I will, she'll love that. Goodnight, Ash." And then Eiji hung up, leaving Ash smiling in his bed like the sappy dork he'd become.
After a few minutes, the phone chimed. Ash hastily opened the text. It was a selfie of Eiji laying back on his pillow wearing Ash's red jacket. The hood was pulled over his head, his messy hair sticking up wildly. He was smiling goofily, his eyes just mere puffy slits. He had dark circles under his eyes, evidence of sleep loss. But he looked happy. Ash wished he had the courage to send Eiji a photo of himself with the pink and white sweater wrapped around him, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Seeing his own photos was triggering. Instead, he just sent back a heart and the words 'que paquete.' It was a Spanish phrase another gangster once taught Ash. Literally, it translated to "what a package," but it was a slang phrase that more accurately translated to "what a riot," or "how wild." It amused Ash to picture Eiji fiercely googling the phrase, trying to decipher its meaning.
Chime: Ash, what? Speaking two languages is hard enough. *tongue out emoji*
Chime: I googled it and am more confused
Chime: lol
Chime: Oh wait, I get it now.
Chime: Wait...no, I'm not sure I do.
Chime: No wait, I do. I get it.
Chime: Omg *laughing face*
Chime: Are you even reading these?
Ash smiled at the barrage of texts. 'Yes Eiji, now let me sleep.' Sent. 'Max needs his phone back.' Sent.
August 3rd.
Ashu
Ashu: Max finally picked me up a new phone.
Eiji: *clapping emoji* *clapping emoji* *confetti*
Eiji: I'm gonna text you all the time.
Ashu: Don't make me regret giving you my
number
Eiji: :P
Ashu: So disrespectful.
Eiji: In Japan, we respect our elders…
Eiji: So I don't wanna hear it.
Eiji: Get with it, dork.
Eiji: And I mean the original meaning.
Eiji: You know I'm joking, right.
Ashu: Of course, I'm not a moron.
Eiji: *shrug emoji* One can never be sure.
Ashu: You use so many emojis, Ei-Chan.
Eiji: It's more fun this way.
August 9th
Ei-Chan
Ei-Chan: I just had the best sushi of my life! *ramen emoji*
Ei-Chan: Wow, I can't believe there isn't a sushi emoji.
Ei-Chan: When you come to town, we're going.
Ash: I had to read that first text twice…*eyes emoji*
Ei-Chan: You have such a filthy mind.
Ash: What are you on about?
Ei-Chan: Don't try to pretend that's not what
you meant.
Ash: Whatever you say.
Ash: That sounds fun though. It's been so long since I've had...
Ash: Sushi.
Ei-Chan: I'm gonna pretend you didn't
separate those texts.
August 10th
Ashu
Eiji: Mom wants to know if the three of us can
Facetime sometime soon.
Eiji: She really wants to meet you
Ashu: But Max just gave me the worst haircut…
Eiji: Excuses, excuses. :P
Ashu: I'm actually serious, it's so bad.
Eiji: I want to see!
Ashu: Not a chance.
Eiji: Just wear a hat.
Ashu: I'd really rather meet in person.
Cameras aren't really my thing, remember.
Ashu: *Teeth emoji*
Eiji: Sorry, I'm such an idiot.
Ashu: No harm done.
Eiji: Love you.
Eiji: I'll tell Mom you'd rather meet in person.
Ashu liked your text.
August 12th
Ei-Chan
Ei-Chan: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASH!
*Confetti emoji* *Confetti emoji* *Balloon emoji*
Ei-Chan: I wish I could give you a birthday hug!
Ei-Chan: Sending you loads of love!
Ash: How on EARTH did you know it's my birthday?
Ei-Chan: I have my ways…
Ash: You're too much
Ash: But like in the best way
Ei-Chan: Pure gold?
Ash: Pure
Ash: Gold.
Ei-Chan: Stop, you're making me blush!
Ash: GOOD
August 15th
Ei-Chan
Ash: You're sweater has officially stopped smelling
like you. I might cry.
Ash: That sounds like a joke, but it's not.
Ei-Chan: Do you want me to send you
another one?
Ash: I mean…
Ash: Yeah.
Ei-Chan: Which one?
Ash: Haha, you typed too fast
I wasn't done.
Ash: It's tempting. But you probably shouldn't.
We shouldn't risk it. :(
Ei-Chan: Yeah. I guess you're right.
August 18th
Ashu
Eiji: Mom wants to know if you'll be home in
time for dinner?
Eiji: Sorry, I meant to send this to Miyuki
Ashu: lol
August 27th
Ei-Chan
Ash: Just wanted to let you know I'm almost completely
healed. Things are getting real here. A lot going on behind
the scenes, so that's why I've been distant these
past few days. Hope I haven't worried you too much.
Ei-Chan: Thanks for the update!
I want more details on what's going on.
Can we call soon?
Ash: Hang on, I'll call you in five.
August 31st.
Ashu
Eiji: *image message* I got stung by a bee today.
Turns out I'm mildly allergic...Try not to laugh too
hard at my swollen face. *laughing crying emoji*
Ashu: I'm not kidding when I say you
made me spew my tea! I didn't know
that could happen! Is it painful?
Eiji: YESSSSS! What do you think?!
*crying emoji* *laughing emoji*
Ashu: Max says the same thing happened
to his dog once. Ahahahaha
Eiji: You showed him?!
Ashu: He was reading my texts over my
shoulder again. *angry emoji*
Eiji: HI MAXXXXXXX!
September 3rd.
Ashu
Eiji: Any news?
Ashu: Nothing new since we talked on
the phone. I'll keep you in the loop,
don't worry.
Eiji: I always worry.
Ashu: I know.
Ashu: That's why I said not to.
Eiji: OMG
September 9th
Ei-Chan
Ash: Sorry, didn't try to call. I know it's
late there. Hope I didn't wake you.
Ei-Chan: Call me back?
Can't sleep anyway.
Ei-Chan: Plus I miss you.
Ei-Chan: I mean, I always miss you…
Ei-Chan: But tonight, it's extra bad.
Ash: On it.
September 15th
Ei-Chan
Ash: *image message* I'm sorry, but
why does this bird kinda look like you?
Ei-Chan: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Ei-Chan: I'll take that as a compliment!
Ei-Chan: It's so cuuuuuuuttee! *heart emoji*
Ash: *laughing emoji* Don't worry I
meant it as a compliment!
September 17th
Ashu
Eiji: Are you allergic to cats?
Ashu: …...Noooo
Ashu: Can I ask why?
Eiji: Miyuki found a stray cat on the
street today. I think we're gonna keep her.
Eiji: Are you a cat person?
Ashu: I wouldn't know, I've never
had one.
Eiji: She's a sweetie, I think you'll like her.
Ashu: Send a picture?
Eiji: *image message* Isn't she the
CUTEST!? *hear emoji* *heart emoji* *heart emoji*
Ashu: She has eyebrows!
Eiji: I KNOW *heart emoji*
September 21st
Ei-Chan
Ash: Eiji! I miss you so much!
I need your lips on me, your body on mine!
Ei-Chan: Ash…?
Ei-Chan: Are you drunk?
Ash: No, babe, I just missssss you!
Ei-Chan: You're drunk.
Ash: SORRY! ALEX STOLE MY
FUCKING PHONE LIKE HE'S DUCKING TWELVE!
Ash: **DUCKING
Ash: OMG ***FUCKING!***
Ei-Chan: AHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Ei-Chan: I'm dying!
Ei-Chan: I knew that couldn't be you!
Ei-Chan: Tell Alex I say hi!
September 26th
Ei-Chan
Ash: I have news. Finally, right?
Ash: Call me when you can.
Ei-Chan: Give me like 5ish minutes.
Ei-Chan: It's almost my turn to check out
at the store.
Ash: K
September 30th
Ashu
Eiji: How many more days till the mission?
Ashu: Six. Not counting today.
Eiji: Everything going smoothly?
Ashu: Yeah, actually.
Ashu: Thank God.
Eiji: Such a relief!
October 2nd
Ei-Chan
Ash: Surprise!
Ash: *image message*
Ash: Finally bought my ticket!
Ei-Chan: Sorry for the late response, I was
busy CRYING MY EYES OUT!
Ei-Chan: I'm so happy, Ash!
Ash: Me too *heart emoji*
October 5th
Ei-Chan
Ash: Tomorrow's the mission.
Ash: Wish the boys good luck.
Ash: If everything goes as planned,
I'll fly to Japan on the 9th.
Ash: So fingers crossed.
Ei-Chan: I have too many words
Ei-Chan: I'm just gonna call you!
October 6th
Ei-Chan
Ash: Are you still up?
Eiji: Yes!
Ash: Good. It's finally over.
Ash: I'll call you.
October 8th
Ashu
Eiji: Are you all packed?
Ashu: Just about.
Ashu: There's no way I'm gonna be able to sleep
tonight.
Eiji: Same. I'm so excited. So are
Mom and Miyuki.
Eiji: So is dad, but ya know.
He doesn't know as much about
you yet. We're not as close.
Eiji: But don't worry. I think you two will get along.
Ashu: I'm so excited to meet everyone.
Ashu: Saying goodbye to Max and the
boys is gonna be hard though…I don't
know if I'm mentally prepared for it.
Eiji: Do you wanna call?
Ashu: That'd be great. Thanks.
October 9
Ei-Chan
Ash: *Image message*
Ash: See you in 14 hours.
Ei-Chan: I've been blessed with a selfie?!
Ash: What can I say, it's a historical moment.
Ei-Chan: AHHHH! I'm so excited!
Ei-Chan: Wishing you a safe flight!
Ei-Chan: Love you! Can't wait to *finally* see
you again!
Ash: They said we'll be landing in 15
Ei-Chan: Ok! I'll be waiting in the baggage claim!