Even if the World Turns On You
"Now that you finally don't want me to leave you anymore ...", Eiji began, finally approaching the topic he feared the most.
"I never told you that!", Ash interrupted him stubbornly, sitting up and glaring at him, his green eyes flashing wildly with annoyance.
Eiji glared right back at him but there was humor sparkling beneath the irritation in his brown eyes. "But you didn't tell me to leave either. You had the chance. You didn't take it. Now it's too late.", Eiji replied as stubbornly, a devilish grin spreading over his face. "Not answering is an answer in itself, you know?", he replied, resting one hand gently on Ash's shoulder. He just frowned up at him.
"Whatever...", Ash crossed his arms and turned his gaze away from him. But Eiji had still seen a glimmer of happiness in his green eyes. "You're hopeless.", Eiji told him, smiling anyway.
"So what I wanted to say before you so rudely interrupted me ... now that you don't want me to leave anymore...", Eiji repeated, stopping him with an annoyed glare from doing so again, "why don't we move on? To the topic we've both avoided until now ...", he explained, once more turning serious.
Ash saw him hesitating for a fraction of a second and the color of Eiji's eyes darkened to a chestnut brown while he sighed and said to him in a painful voice:
"You still haven't told me what happened after Sing gave you my letter..."
Yes, Eiji knew more or less what had happened when seeing the crime scene. But he wanted to hear it from Ash himself. He just had to know if his letter had really been the reason Ash had been too distracted to notice Lao attacking him. He had mixed feelings about that. He wanted to know the truth but was afraid to hear it at the same time.
After a moment of watching Eiji, Ash sighed in defeat and reluctantly nodded. "I guess after saving my life you deserve to know ... but you won't like it. You're sure ?", he finally asked.
Eiji hesitated for a second but nodded in confirmation. "I am sure."
"Ok, then ... .", Ash replied sadly, wondering where to begin.
"After Sing had left, I sat down at a bank next to the public library reading your letter. After reading it and finding the plane ticket, I decided on impulse to go to the airport after all and see you off myself. I couldn't fly with you to Japan but I at least wanted to tell you in person. Your plane ticket had shown me how serious you had been about inviting me to Japan. I hadn't realized that before. But I knew I had to tie up some loose ends here in NYC before I could leave.", Ash tried to explain honestly.
Eiji nodded, showing him that he understood his reasoning. "And that was when Lao attacked you, wasn't it?", Eiji asked, swallowing hard, his voice barely a whisper. As if whispering it would make it less real. As if whispering it would undo it. As if it would hurt less. If Ash hadn't been so close he wouldn't have heard him at all.
"Yeah...", Ash replied in a glum tone, his eyes downcast, "although it had been a surprise attack I never saw Lao coming. He totally caught me off guard because the only thing on my mind was reaching you in time...", he admitted, his green eyes downcast, flooding with regret. "I knew I didn't have much time left. So I started running, never paying any attention to my surroundings for once." Ash had a really miserable look on his face when he finally looked up again.
"I'm so sorry, Ash. That's all my fault." Eiji began sobbing, sitting on Ash's bed with a hand over his eyes, his head pulled back in a last attempt to stop the tears from flowing down his face. "Lao only got so close to you because my letter had distracted you, right? I realized that when I saw the crime scene.", Eiji explained, turning to look at Ash with pure sorrow dominating his features.
"Wait, Eiji, that's not what ...", Ash began, immediately trying to deny it. Protecting him from the truth. He knew Eiji would just blame himself otherwise.
Eiji stared directly at him, no longer trying to hide the tears running down his face, his eyes burning bright with an intensity Ash hadn't seen before. "Don't you dare lie to me, Ash! You told me I deserved to know what happened! So stop hiding things from me!" Ash looked at him, frustration clearly visible on Ash's face. He had still hoped that Eiji wouldn't have grasped the whole truth, especially his letter being the reason for his distraction. But noticing that he had already seen through it all, it was no use denying it any longer. He exhaled noticeably.
"All right, I was kind of distracted after reading your letter. But that was because I started running without paying attention to my surroundings. It wasn't your fault, but mine." But Eiji didn't hear him at all. His heart pounded as loud as gunshots in his chest, his pulse echoing deafeningly in his ears, so that he was oblivious to Ash's reassuring words.
Eiji wrapped his arms around himself, shivering. "This time you got hurt because of me" Panic shot through him again when flashbacks of the crime scene played in front of his eyes in slow motion: Ash's revolver lying in a pool of blood, a shot Lao, drops of blood on the ground, Lao's bloodstained knife ...
"Hurting you was the last thing I wanted to do." He started trembling even worse, unable to stop the never-ending river of tears running down his face. Ash didn't know what to do. He was never good at reacting to outbursts of emotions but this time Eiji obviously didn't hear him anyway. And he actually flinched back when he tried to touch him, not noticing it was him at all. So Ash suddenly pulled back as if burnt, freezing up for a moment, not daring to touch him again.
Oblivious to Ash's touch and the hurt in his eyes from his unconscious rejection, Eiji exclaimed, getting even more agitated. "My letter was practically the reason you nearly died, Ash! I might as well have stabbed you myself!", Eiji concluded, utter despair flooding his eyes.
Ash was still hesitating. He had never learnt how to show emotions but instead only to hide them, to suppress them, to ignore them. In his dark life they had been useless and a hindrance. So he never learnt how to react to them either, how to comfort someone. What to say. How to respond. But he had to do something, to console Eiji somehow. So he tried again, faltering for a moment, then grabbing both of his forearms in his own, trying to get Eiji to look up at him. "Eiji, just look at me, ok? I'm still here thanks to you." Eiji still wouldn't meet his eyes, head lowered, his brown eyes swimming in guilt. "But still, I should never have written you that damn letter...", he sobbed while calming down little by little.
"I'm so s ..."
Ash interrupted him suddenly. His green eyes were glowing deep green with pure anger as he gripped both of Eiji's shoulders so tightly that Eiji finally looked up into his eyes in bewilderment. He actually flinched from the violent storm he saw raging in them.
"Eiji, just stop it! Now! Whatever you were going to say, don't!" Ash practically shouted, clearly agitated. When Eiji had a confused look on his face, he continued in a softer tone "It wasn't your fault but mine for not noticing my surroundings. Your letter meant so much for me. I've never had someone telling me he wanted to protect me." Hesitating for a second he tentatively put an arm around Eiji's shoulder, still braced for rejection. When Eiji didn't pull away, he said quietly "So calm down, ok?"
After a moment Ash continued "Your letter convinced me that maybe I really could have a second chance in life...", he explained. "You even told me that you'll never forget me even if you leave here... No one's ever told me something like that. So don't you ever regret writing it. Don't you dare!" His green eyes were flaring up with a sincerity completely new to Eiji, rendering him completely speechless.
"I meant each word.", Eiji finally replied, wiping tears from his eyes with his sleeve. "So, what happened then?", he finally asked.
"Actually Lao was more surprised than I was. He had never expected to really stab me. I used his surprise to shoot him in the chest. I knew I couldn't stay there for long because the police would arrest me at once. So I walked away.", Ash said matter-of-factly, as if telling Eiji today's weather forecast.
"Without looking for help?" Eiji asked incredulously. He still couldn't believe he had really done that. "I thought my letter gave you hope. So why would you still do that?"
"With that injury I'd have never made it to the airport, so I just ... accepted my fate? That was my punishment for all the sins I've committed. I deserved it after all the blood I've spilled. I've always known my life would never have a happy ending anyway. That I'd never get a peaceful life like you have. Believing that was beyond naive." Ash looked away from Eiji, facing the window because he couldn't bear to see the disappointment in Eiji's eyes.
Eiji wasn't disappointed. He was furious, leaning over to him and forcing Ash to look at him by turning his face in his direction again, his eyes glowing golden with anger.
"You know that's not true, Ash! I told you that you are not to blame for anything you did. That you deserve a normal life like mine. That I'll help you with that. That I'd do anything for you! What can I do to make you finally believe me?" Eiji was nearly shouting, frustrated that Ash still thought he didn't deserve happiness, even after all they had been through.
When seeing Eiji like this frustration rose up in Ash because Eiji still didn't understand why he had acted that way. Why didn't he get that without him in his life nothing mattered anymore? Without him only darkness was left ...
"But that's the point, Eiji! You couldn't help me. You weren't here anymore! You left!", Ash painfully shouted, failing to fight back his tears. Wiping his eyes he continued in a calmer tone. "At least that's what I thought ... at the time."
Eiji looked as if he'd been shot again, all color draining from his face at once.
"You were the only good thing in my life.", Ash admitted silently, closing his eyes for a moment and shoving blonde strands of hair out of his face. "With you gone my life would return to endless fighting again. I didn't want to go on like that. I was just so tired of leading such an empty and meaningless life again. So when I was stabbed I thought that my death would actually be more peaceful than my pathetic life. It would take away all my suffering and pain. At that time death was just the better option for me.", he concluded with a resigned look on his face.
Eiji was completely dumbfounded for a moment, his eyes drowning in regret.
Still, Ash was right. He had left him alone. He had abandoned him. Although he had promised him to stay by his side. Forever. He hadn't been any better than his brother, Blanca or his father. Even worse he had wasted so much time feeling sorry for himself. He had only returned after Sing had seen which state Ash was in and had convinced him to do something. He hadn't been there for him when he needed him the most. He really hated himself right now. He had always known Ash had suicidal tendencies at times. And about his self-destructive behavior. His self-loathing personality. Ash had never cared what happened to him after all. So as the person knowing Ash best he should have known Ash would do something drastic like that if he left him all alone. He had completely failed Ash. He was the one responsible for that outcome. But he couldn't break down now, he had to be the strong one now and show Ash he would never leave him again, ever. Until he really believed it.
"I understand what you're saying, Ash. And I'm really sorry for leaving you. But I'm here now! And I won't leave again. I'll be there for you no matter what you do. I promise.", Eiji repeated, compassion underlining his words.
Ash smiled sadly at him. "I want to believe your words, Eiji, really.", Ash said, his green eyes full of pain and sadness. "But I don't deserve to live a happy life after destroying so many lives myself."
"But dying will achieve nothing either. That would definitely be meaningless. Try to lead another life to make up for it instead. Live for all the people you've killed. Try to help save people instead of killing them. You're smart enough to do it.", he told him reassuringly. Ash still looked skeptical.
"But even if I try to make up for it, it's just too easy that a cold-blooded murderer and ruthless killer like me can have a happy ending.", he finished, his green eyes darkening again.
"You're neither a murderer nor a cold-blooded killer. Stop saying that about yourself!" Eiji exclaimed furiously, glaring at him."
Great, now he had upset Eiji again. But Eiji thought in too simple terms. He really envied his innocent view on the world sometimes. It made life so much easier, less painful. He'd have died a long time ago with such a naive way of thinking.
But still, he wanted to believe in Eiji's kind words, believe that it would be really alright to hope for a better future... leading a peaceful life like Eiji's ...
But his mind automatically doubted everything Eiji had just said, looking for an ulterior motive, a catch, afraid that the only person he trusted would also abandon him. Again. Like everyone before him. Maybe not now but eventually. He didn't even understand why Eiji had stayed by his side all this time. His damn superior mind was already planning five steps ahead, looking for any worst-case-scenarios that he had to anticipate. He just couldn't help it, he thought like that as if on autopilot. It was natural to him, the analytical mind of a trained soldier analyzing all possible tactics and outcomes and turn the tables in his favor. He glanced up suddenly when he heard Eiji speak again.
"You are a kind person with a pure soul who is just hurting and went through a lot. You were just defending yourself. You were a child for God's sake. You told me yourself that you just learned how to shoot because it was the only way to survive."
Eiji was clearly frustrated because his words apparently had never reached Ash's ears. He heard them but didn't listen to them. Didn't believe in them. He knew Ash was always questioning everything, casting a doubt even on his own words. He had to get through to him somehow. He wouldn't give up so easily, he thought stubbornly.
"There's nothing pure about my soul, Eiji. I committed too many evil deeds for that. Too many sins.", Ash told him with a resigned look on his face.
Eiji just smiled sadly and gently put a hand on Ash's shirt exactly were his heart was. "I know you can't see it yet but I can see your pure soul and your kind heart. And you will, too, sometime. Not now, but eventually.", he assured him confidently.
"Besides, only a good person would worry about hurting me. That thought would never even cross a bad person's mind.
Eiji's words were like a soothing lotion for his injured soul, spreading warmth and comfort throughout his body. But he just didn't know what to do. He didn't want to go on fighting endlessly like this... But would it really be ok if Eiji stayed by his side? Would he really be safe? He doubted it.
"Thank you for saying that. I mean it. But I have too many enemies that would constantly chase after me. Even if I 'm officially dead they'll find me eventually. I can never outrun my past. Be rational for once in your life, Eiji!, Ash replied sadly, tears slowly escaping from his eyes, making Eiji nearly flinch from the desperation he saw in them.
Eiji smiled warmly at him, taking his hand, reassuring him. "Ash, your enemies think you're dead. They won't be looking for you anymore. Max made sure of that. But I agree that staying in NYC would be dangerous. You're too well-known here, your picture was all over the news and the police would arrest you on sight. People here will eventually recognize you. You have to leave. The States I mean. Come to Japan with me. We'll be safe there. You still got my plane ticket, right? He asked winking at him.
"I have... But I can't do that to you, Eiji. I'll only bring you trouble. I've already hurt you enough. By dragging you into my dangerous world. Hell, Eiji, I even failed to protect you. I even nearly killed you! Ash knew that Eiji saw the guilt and shame overflowing in his eyes and lowered his head staring at his hands.
Eiji turned Ash's face upwards again and forced Ash to look at him.
"Stop that nonsense! Me getting hurt has never been your fault. Stop blaming yourself! Your enemies always hurt me, not you.", he said in an agitated voice, warm eyes staring directly into his.
But that's the same..., Ash began, but Eiji interrupted him in an exasperated tone. "No, it's not the same as you hurting me at all!" Ash just stared at him. In a warmer tone Eiji added calmly. "You tried to get me to leave but I stayed anyway. That was my decision. As was shielding you from that gunshot and pushing you out of harm's way. I make my own choices. And I have to live with the consequences. None of these events were your fault, ok?"
Ash stayed silent for once, unsure what to say to that.
"But you know what really hurt me the most? Do you?", Eiji asked him in an agonizing tone. "Because there was one time where you did hurt me. And that had nothing to do with your enemies. That was entirely you!" Ash's eyes widened in shock, his body freezing up completely. Eiji might as well have punched him from the pain overpowering his green eyes.
"It was seeing you bleeding out in that library. I was so scared that you'd die and that I had arrived too late so save you! Eiji's eyes were flashing golden with anger.
"I guess it was also my fault for leaving you. I get that. I really do. But have you ever thought about me when doing that? What I would be going through when learning you were dead? I thought I meant something to you. How would you feel if you learned I was dead?" Ash felt his chest tightening and panic rising up inside of him just imagining that. He started trembling at the mere thought, his hand clenching into fists.
"That fucking hurt. I still have nightmares about you bleeding out in that library, coming too late to save you!", Eiji continued in such a painful and sad voice that Ash couldn't help but stare at him, completely frozen up and stunned.
During all the time they had spent together he had never heard Eiji swearing like that. Hell, he had never heard him swearing at all. No matter how upset he was Eiji had never used swear words when talking to him. Or anyone else. That in itself conveyed more meaning than Eiji could ever express. And he had never seen Eiji getting so agitated, so furious, so sad before. And so worried. That was all his fault.
Apparently having been miles away, Ash was completely surprised to see an ocean of tears streaming down Eiji's face. Until that moment he really hadn't realized how much he had hurt Eiji with his final decision. The whole idea had never occurred to him that Eiji would suffer as well when he died. He had always thought that he needed Eiji much more. That Eiji gave him so much happiness, safety and comfort. But he had never expected Eiji to need him as well. He had never imagined he could comfort Eiji as well, give him something in return. That his death would even matter to anyone. That there were people actually caring about him he would leave behind. Like Eiji. Or maybe even Max?
Hesitating for a second he tentatively hugged Eiji, afraid he would pull back. Afraid to be rejected after this emotional revelation. When Eiji returned the hug at once, clinging to him like a life line, Ash relaxed instantly and tightened his arms around him. But be was wondering if he had imagined hearing Eiji wince faintly when moving.
He rested his head on Eiji's shoulder. "I'm sorry, I hurt you again. I really didn't expect that my death would be so hard on you. I thought without me you had time to heal and move on. That at least you could lead a normal life.", he tried to explain himself.
"Eiji gently pulled back from the hug and looked at Ash. "You're really dense for someone this smart. My whole world came crashing down on me when I saw you bleeding out. I'm so glad I've found you in time." Eiji said, still sobbing, hugging him again.
After a moment Ash suddenly pulled back from the hug, gripping Eiji's shoulders and watching him intently all of a sudden. "Eiji, what are you hiding from me? You're still in pain, aren't you?", he asked, worry overwhelming his features.
Eiji's face flushed with embarrassment. "What do you mean? No, I'm fine...", he said, automatically denying it, but he had hesitated for a second too long and Ash knew he didn't tell him the truth. "You're still a lousy liar!", he said, clearly irritated.
Since Eiji didn't reply at all, even avoiding his penetrating stare, Ash was gripping Eiji's hoody without warning, pulling it up until he could see the newly dressed bandage of his gunshot wound. Eiji gaped in surprise. Ash, what...?", trying to pull it down again, his cheeks flushing bright red.
"You opened it up again, didn't you? While saving me." Ash's eyes bored into his, flooded with regret and guilt. He let go at last. "And you're still in pain. I can see it. Your emotions are always visible on your face, clear as day.", Ash said in a scolding tone.
Eiji hesitated, one moment considering denying it. However, trying to fool Ash was useless. He was way too smart to fall for that. So he reluctantly told him the truth.
"Damn, Eiji, how could you do something that reckless?", Ash scolded him, frowning up at him.
"You're one to talk. I wasn't the one nearly dying from blood loss.", Eiji defended himself. "And honestly I was so focused on saving your damn life that I didn't notice my own wound had reopened until we reached the hospital...", Eiji admitted quietly.
"But...Max said you collapsed and were unconscious as well. How ...? Why would you go that far? For me of all people?", Ash asked, looking straight at him.
"I don't want to hear that from you! I wasn't the one close to dying.", Eiji insisted stubbornly, glaring at him.
"But...you weren't far off, Eiji...", Ash answered sadly.
"Ash, you flatlined! You were dead for some minutes, goddamn!", Eiji called out angrily. Sing and I saved you at the very last minute! That was really cutting it close. So I had no time to think about my own injury, ok? Eiji's agitated voice was drowning in sorrow. "You of all people don't have the damn right to tell me to stop being reckless. What should I have done instead, letting you die?!", he exclaimed furiously.
Ash looked hopelessly at Eiji. "I guess... you're right.", he admitted reluctantly. "I just don't understand why you still stay with me when I obviously hurt you and upset you so much. I've never seen you so furious. And sad... And knowing I'm the reason..."
"For someone with a superior intelligence like yours you're really dumb. Do you really think I'd stayed by your side this long despite all the danger if I hadn't needed you as well? That I would have protected you and shielded you from that gunshot?", giving him an exasperated look. " And I'm only this upset because I worry. About you. All the time. And I worry because I care for you. A lot. And because you gave my life a new meaning as well. Especially since I became all depressed after my pole vaulting career was over.", he finished.
"What could I possibly give you? I'm just a broken mess with a lot of emotional baggage I can't seem to get away from.", Ash asked honestly.
Eiji could see it in his eyes that he really didn't understand that he could comfort Eiji as well. He had already shown him that, told him that, tried to explain it to him. But he hadn't understood it yet.He still was convinced that he wasn't a good enough person to be worthy of trust, friendship or love. And to make him understand that would take time. Much more time than he had now. But he tried anyway.
"That's not true. When my pole vaulting career was over I was really depressed. I didn't know what to do with my life anymore. I had lost the most important thing in my life. I had given up completely.", Eiji admitted reluctantly. He had never spoken about that to anyone. Except for Ibe. "But your sheer willpower and your endless fighting spirit and courage taught me not to give up so easily. You never gave up fighting no matter how desperate the situation was. I really admired that in you. You gave me the hope and endurance to carry on. I learned that from you. And you protected me and made me feel safe in a world full of danger.", Eiji said convincingly, honesty clearly visible on his features.
"You really mean that, huh? I really had no clue that I helped you as well... ", he admitted slowly, his eyes sparkling faintly with happiness.
"But you did.", Eiji confirmed. "So I don't want to be separated from you again. I want to spend my life with you. If I return to Japan alone I may be safe but my life would be meaningless, incomplete without you. I need you as much as you need me." he tried to explain so Ash would finally understand. Ash just stared at him in complete disbelief. Eiji couldn't help but laugh when seeing his shocked face.
"Ash, please come to Japan with me. You won't need a gun there and can lead a peaceful life there. Without worrying for enemies lurking at every corner. You can be free, reborn, have a second chance. Both of us. Together.", Eiji tried to convince him.
"Are you fucking serious? I can't go with you!" Ash exclaimed, completely astonished.
"Why not, Ash? You're officially dead and you have a new passport and identity and everything else you need for a fresh start.", Eiji assured him. "And you can't stay here. You know that.", Eiji told him, trying to convince him again. He wouldn't give up that easily.
"But... ", Ash's voice faltered a bit. "Is that really ok? After all that happened... You're sure you still want me to stay with you?", he asked uncertainly, a slight tremble in his voice.
Eiji stared directly into his eyes swimming in doubt. "I'm sure. It will be alright. You will be safe in Japan. No one will hurt you there. And you're not alone, Ash. I'll help you, ok?" Eiji's warm eyes ignited with a confidence that made Ash somehow relax. Maybe it would really be fine? As puzzling as that was for him Eiji apparently wanted to stay with him. Maybe he could have a second chance? Did he really deserve that?, Ash kept wondering.
Eiji still saw the doubt in his eyes. "You deserve a new life, Ash. This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance of grasping it. It's ok to wish for a happier life. It's not selfish. No one deserves a happier life more than you do. And if I make you happy you deserve me as well. Listen to me for once, ok?", Eiji smiled at him, his eyes radiating comfort and kindness.
When Ash didn't say anything, Eiji looked at him, a deep frown on his face." Don't be so stubborn and just admit to yourself that you wish for a new life far away from all this violence, too.", he told him, slowly losing his patience. But Ash was confused, unsure what to do. He didn't want to put Eiji in danger. But he didn't want to stay here either.
Eiji smiled wickedly to himself. He knew he had one last trump card up his sleeve he could still play. Honestly he didn't want to go that far. But if it was the only chance to get Ash to agree he would play it. It was a dirty trick and slightly illegal ...
Sorry, Ash... You don't leave me a choice here...
"I'm not leaving you alone again. I told you that already. If you stay here, I'll stay, too. You're not the only one who can be stubborn as hell.", Eiji crossed his arms, a devilish smirk spreading across his face.
"But, that's ... You can't ...", Ash shouted in a worried tone, his eyes widening in pure horror.
"Watch me!", Eiji replied, a wide grin on his face. "It's your choice. But wherever you are I will follow. No matter what you say. So if you don't want to put me in any more danger you'll have no choice but to follow me to Japan." Eiji actually had the audacity to have a vicious grin on his face, obviously enjoying himself immensely.
"That's blackmail.", Ash said, crossing his arms. And emotional kidnapping, more or less." When did you switch over to the dark side?", Ash asked, pouting, but the brightness was slowly returning to his jade green eyes.
"When I got to know a rude blonde gang leader. He taught me not to give up easily.", Eiji was grinning. "You left me no other option as stubborn as you are.", Eiji complained, still smiling.
Ash sighed dramatically. "Alright, I give in. Congratulations, you're the first person succeeding in blackmailing me. And surviving.", Ash said mockingly, a half-smile on his face.
Eiji beamed at him, eyes shining with pure happiness. "You really mean it, Ash?"
"Yeah", you finally wore me down...", he confirmed, exhaustion on his face. Shoving some blonde strands out of his eyes and letting his hand rest on his forehead, he continued reluctantly "I surrender. Fighting you is too tiring. As is pushing you away. I have a feeling you'll never give up. I never saw such a determined look in your eyes before. So here you go. You got yourself a rude blonde gang leader complicating the rest of your damn life. You're sure you won't regret that? Not now, but eventually?", Ash asked, a hint of uncertainty still in his green eyes.
Eji stared straight into Ash's eyes while his brown eyes burnt golden with compassion and unconditional trust.
"Never! I'd never ever regret that!", his features burning with a self-confidence Ash had never seen before.
"I promised you to stay by your side. Forever!"
He assured him, beaming at him with a smile radiating pure happiness and the most joyful expression he had ever seen on Eiji's face. Seeing Eiji's happiness, warmth and unbreakable resolve, all of his doubts slowly shattered into tiny little pieces.
Ash looked up at him, relaxing slowly, while the first real smile was lighting up his jade green eyes, making them shine like emeralds.
"Forever, huh?"