"But what if your family doesn't like me?"
Ash was standing in front of a mirror, trying to smooth down his messy blonde hair. Eiji just watched him with an amused look on his face. The notorious gang leader was fumbling with some strands of his hair sticking out at his sides, trying to arrange them in a more decent style , but miserably failing. Eiji had to grin when he thought about the irony. That Ash had practically ruled New York's underworld with cold-blooded leadership and iron willpower, scaring people to death with one intense glare only. But here he was, scared of his ordinary and definitely harmless family.
The Ash standing there wasn't a ruthless gang leader anymore, but a normal teenager who worried he couldn't impress Eiji's family. He hid it well, but Eiji could still see his hands trembling barely noticeably and there was a tiny shadow darkening his green eyes. Seeing that Eiji couldn't help but ruffle his blonde hair affectionately.
"Fuck, Eiji. Now I look as if I've just gotten out of bed!", Ash complained, but he couldn't hide the small glint in his green eyes.
"That's because you did just get out of bed, sleepyhead.", Eiji reminded him smugly.
"But I have to admit, I'm impressed that you actually found jeans that look brand new and aren't torn anywhere. And your t-shirt looks new as well. Where did you even get those?", he asked him curiously. "I've never seen them before."
"My dad.", Ash replied, stressing the last word longer than necessary, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"The old man insisted to buy me some clothes to take with me to Japan. Since I couldn't just return to our hideout in New York to grab a few things…", he clarified.
"He said the least his son could do to thank him was to dress nicer. More like you. I told him that we have a deal as long as I can keep wearing jeans and t-shirts. But damn him, look at me.", making one swift motion with his hand from top to bottom. "I look like a model from the cover of one of Jessica's dumb magazines.", Ash complained, but there was no real strength behind it. Eiji knew Ash secretly loved Max for worrying about him. Ash loved how Max treated him like his own son, but was still too stubborn to admit that. But Eiji saw it in his eyes which had brightened instantly when he had mentioned Max's name.
"You should thank him. Jessica, too. These clothes look really great on you. Knowing Max's questionable taste in clothes, Jessica probably played a significant part in choosing them. But I think I should be insulted that you haven't worn them in front of me before."
"That's because I've forgotten about them. They look too neat and expensive. I feel weird in them. And they're too tight. I prefer my clothes to be more comfortable. I feel like I'm wearing your sister's skinny jeans. Eiji laughed at that.
"Ash, ", Eiji began in a soft tone. He came closer and watched him intensely while tucking some of his blonde strands behind his ear. "You look really handsome in those clothes. And that t-shirt totally brings out your green eyes. You should wear them more often." A faint blush spread across Ash's face as he looked away from him stubbornly.
Eiji grinned, but then he turned to him, suddenly serious again.
"Ash, you know that's Max's way of taking care of you, right? He worries about you. Have you even called him since coming to Japan?"
"No.", Ash admitted reluctantly, running a hand through his hair, avoiding his gaze.
"Ash, that's really rude after all he has done for you. He saved your life, Ash. Call him. Tell him how you're doing. How you like Japan. You owe him that at least."
"Fine, you're right. I'll call him.", Ash said reluctantly.
"Great! Now, come on or we're gonna be late.", Eiji reminded him impatiently while he took his hand and dragged him to the door. When he saw his uneasy smile, he put an arm around his shoulder, trying to reassure him.
"Ash, my mother and sister know what you look like. They've seen some pictures of you. Just be yourself, ok? My mother is strict, but she's a good-natured and kind person. Don't outright lie to her and you'll be fine.", Eiji told him honestly while they were walking through Izumo to Eiji's parents. His parents lived only a few minutes away in a small house.
Eiji wanted to tell his mom about New York, but leaving some things out wasn't exactly lying, right? At least he told himself that over and over again. So Ash and Eiji had decided to just skip over the most dangerous parts. His mother would be terrified if she knew he had used a gun and had actually shot people. That he had been kidnapped several times and had seen people die directly in front of him. His family would either be overprotective and never let him leave the house again or think he'd gone insane. He wondered which option was the better one. And besides, one person who was acting too overprotective towards him was more than enough, he thought while glancing at Ash from the side.
"What about your sister?", Ash asked curiously.
"Hana already adores you. She'll probably faint if she sees you in person. She is convinced that you have to be a celebrity in the US with your looks."
Ash grinned at that. "She's not entirely wrong. I was kind of famous. Or rather infamous."
"Please don't tell her that. You'll just encourage her obsession with you.", Eiji pleaded, but smiled as well.
"When Hana saw a photo of you, her only comment was: 'How in the world did you meet someone like HIM?!' Told you she isn't cute.", Eiji complained to him.
Ash grinned at that. "I still bet your sister is cute. She has to be if she's related to you.", he told him in a playful tone.
A faint blush spread across Eiji's cheeks. "You look really cute when you're blushing like that.", he teased him, obviously trying to hide his own nervousness in front of him.
Eiji feigned annoyance, but the truth was that he felt as nervous as Ash. His mother had been pretty angry when he had told her on the phone he wouldn't come home for some time after Ash had nearly died. Of course, she had just been worried about him. Which was understandable after he himself had been injured pretty badly and had also been dangerously close to dying. He owed her an explanation. A real one. About how he had gotten shot at least. But he could never tell her the whole truth. So Ash and he had decided they'd tell his family the short "official" version they told most people here. A half-truth, so to speak.
When they had entered and had taken off their shoes, Eiji's mother came from the kitchen and hugged her son. "Eiji, welcome home, it's so good to see you." Then she pulled back and looked at him more closely. You look great. But are you really fine?", she asked worriedly. Eiji just smiled at her. "I'm fine, mom. Don't worry. I'll tell you more later. I promise. This is Ash."
Ash greeted his mother in Japanese. His mother looked surprised, then she smiled and replied in Japanese as well. After that she switched to English again.
"Welcome, Ash. I've heard so much about you. Come in.", she said with a heavy accent. "Your Japanese was pretty good just now."
Eiji was not any less surprised. He had taught him some basic sentences, but not how to greet his family in Japanese. Ash winked at him when he noticed Eiji's dumbfounded expression.
"Eiji, why don't you show Ash around the house? I need another 15 minutes until we can eat.", his mother suggested.
So Eiji showed him the living room, the kitchen, the small porch and the little but beautiful garden. He also explained that while their parents lived on this floor, the room of his sister and himself were on the first floor.
"Come on, I'll show you the first floor. There's really only my own room left. Hana will kill me if I let anyone see her room. She's still in school. You'll meet her later."
If Eiji was perfectly honest with himself, he didn't really want to enter his own room. His mother had probably left it as it had been before. It was kind of like going back in time, time traveling to a moment he preferred not to remember. But at the same time he was curious himself because he didn't remember how he had left his room before going to New York. Ash saw him hesitating slightly, watching him carefully, his forehead furrowing with worry for a moment.
Finally Eiji got the courage to open the door, entering first. Ash was following him inside, looking curiously around as if he wanted to grasp everything about Eiji's life before he had met him. "It looks exactly as I have imagined it", Ash said more to himself, half-smiling, pulling Eiji out of his thoughts.
"How did you imagine it?", Eiji asked curiously, standing beside him. "My room in New York has always looked practical. I sometimes had to move quickly and therefore took only necessary things with me, so it mostly felt empty and cold. A hideout, not a home." Ash looked sadly at him. But then he cracked a smile.
"But I've always imagined your room would look as if you had lived in a real home where you felt safe, protected and loved. A place giving off a warm feeling and decorated with things you love, cute decorations, photos from your childhood and stuff like that.", Ash clarified, smiling at him. Slightly embarrassed, Eiji looked shyly at him.
Besides the bed, the shelves, a wardrobe and a desk, Eiji's room was indeed decorated with warm colors and cute things and toys from his childhood. Many pictures of friends and teammates from his school days and his pole vault team from college were hanging everywhere as well as posters from his favorite bands and TV shows. There was also the framed picture still standing on a shelf Ibe had won his photo competition with. The picture where Eiji was pole vaulting, still high in the air with a completely happy and relaxed expression on his face. Next to it were hanging a lot of medals Eiji had won at various pole vault competitions. "Wow, you really had amazing talent…", Ash said, looking at the medals more closely, but suddenly stopped in his tracks, probably because he had realized how quiet Eiji had become next to him. Without realizing it Eiji had turned away from all those memories of his pole-vaulting days. He had forgotten how much those memories still hurt. He had hoped he could handle it better now. When so much time had already passed. Believing that incident wouldn't effect him anymore. That he had overcome all of that. But now he realized that he had just been running away from it all. Never even trying to come to terms with it.
It felt as if all the emotions he had suppressed or denied before going to New York were crushing down on him now, all at once. Sadness, pain, hurt, despair, emptiness, self-loathing, worthlessness, solitude, resignation, hopelessness. He actually flinched when Ash placed a hand on his trembling shoulder asking if he was alright. Ash pulled back instantly, as if burnt. Eiji wanted to hide his tears from Ash, not wanting Ash to see him like that. So pathetic. He desperately wanted to stop the tears, sobbing quietly, hoping Ash wouldn't notice. But then Ash did something he had never done before, completely taking Eiji by surprise. Ash took his hand and kindly forced him to turn around and face him. Eiji was so stunned, he didn't know how to react at all. Ash never initiated physical touch first, he always responded and returned it, but he had never been the one who started gestures like that. Ash had probably noticed that he didn't feel comfortable being here. Even if Ash was not good at displaying emotions, it always surprised Eiji how well Ash knew him, noticing even the slightest changes in his behavior. When Eiji finally faced him, Ash's eyes were flooded with worry while he looked directly into his tear-filled eyes that looked probably devastatingly sad.
"It's nothing, I'm f –", Eiji began, but even he could hear his voice cracking.
"Eiji, you're not fine!", Ash exclaimed angrily. But Eiji could see the worry reflected in his eyes as well as in his clenched fists.. "Sorry for yelling at you.", he apologized instantly, his thumbs gently wiping the tears on his cheeks away. Then, after hesitating slightly, his hand trembling a tiny bit, he put an arm around his shoulders, slowly hugging him. Eiji immediately returned the hug, gripping his back probably too tightly and began sobbing into his chest. He felt Ash relaxing immediately at his touch before Ash stroked his hair and put the other arm around his back. After a while, Eiji slowly calmed down. "Thanks, Ash. I think seeing all of that overwhelmed me a bit. I'm feeling better now.", Eiji tried to reassure him, smiling sadly. Ash slowly let go of him, but still watched him intently. "You don't want to be here, do you? Do you want to leave?", Ash asked, a small frown appearing on his forehead.
Eiji just nodded thankfully and Ash grabbed his hand gently before dragging him out of the room.
Ash and Eiji helped Eiji's mother a bit with lunch and they ate together while telling her about New York. The censored version. How Ibe wanted to meet Max and had to learn he was in prison. How Ash met Eiji and thought he was much younger than him and was asking him if people in Japan offered jobs to kids these days.
His mother smiled at that. "Japanese people always look younger, but Eiji pushes that to new limits. Most people think that Eiji is the younger one and Hana's the older one."
"Ibe will also be back soon.", Eiji told her. "He didn't know exactly when and told me he'd call you when he knew the exact date. "He's working on an article with Max in New York."
"Max – ? You mean the journalist you told me about?", she asked.
Yes, he's Ibe's friend. The one who was in prison when we arrived." His mother's brows furrowed at that. "He's not a bad guy, he's just a bit hot-headed sometimes.", Eiji assured her when he saw her concerned face. "He has promised us to come and visit. Especially Ash. He's kind of Ash's dad.", Eiji explained.
"Or at least he acts that way.", Ash added. "But he saved my life. And he helped us a lot in New York.", he said honestly. His mother's features relaxed again, obviously relieved.
"Then I should probably invite him as well when Ibe comes here.", his mother said. "To thank him."
When they were finished with lunch and they had cleaned the table, Eiji's mother sat down again. They showed her some photos of New York, Cape Cod, L.A. and some other places on Eiji's tablet and he told her about all the people they had met during their stay like Jenkins and Charlie, Shorter and Sing, Max, Jessica and their son Michael… She regarded everything with great interest, but frowned at Shorter's Mohawk, but that was to be expected. But hiding Shorter's photos would be an insult to Shorter's memory, so they had decided to include them. But they didn't tell his mother that he had died.
"Seems like you met some really interesting people in New York. And you've been to so many great places."
Eiji looked at his mother and smiled knowingly. "You could say that. Thanks for letting me go there with Ibe."
When they had ended, there was an awkward silence between them for a moment.. Then pure determination overpowered his mother's eyes while looking at them, making Eiji feel immediately like a naughty child caught in the act of doing something bad. Then she finally started her kind interrogation, her face radiating curiosity and concern at the same time.
"So, will you tell me at least the rough version of what happened in New York? I think I deserve to know how my son got shot.", his mother asked them.
Ash and Eiji both flinched slightly at that, sharing a quick glance with each other.
"I understand.", Ash said honestly. "What do you want to know?"
"Did you have anything to do with Eiji getting shot?", she asked.
Eiji was surprised. Normally his mother wasn't so blunt. She normally asked in a more polite or subtle way or let the end of a sentence hang heavily in the air. But she had probably realized her only chance to get answers was now, before Hana would show up. Eiji knew she would never ask those questions in front of her.
"Yes. It was my fault.", Ash admitted guiltily, looking down at his hands.
"No, it wasn't. Ash, stop saying that!", Eiji glared at him angrily.
"So? Then you tell me what exactly happened, Eiji.", his mother insisted softly.
"Ash was in danger and I protected him.", Eiji simply said. When his mother shot him a questioning look, he elaborated further.
"By pushing him out of harm's way."
"And taking the bullet for him?", his mother asked incredulously, all color draining from her face at once.
"Yes.", Eiji admitted honestly. No point in denying it now. Or downplaying it. Eiji wanted to tell his mother the truth, at least regarding his injury. Even though he knew she'd be shocked and wouldn't like it.
"Ok, I think I prefer not to know anything else… I have a feeling that it's better if I don't know all the details.", his mother sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"I honestly don't know if I should be proud of you or if I should give you a telling-off about how stupid that was.", his mother finally admitted after a moment of silence while shaking her head in utter disbelief at her son.
"Don't bother. Ash has already done that. Plenty of times."
"Unfortunately it doesn't seem to have any effect on Eiji.", Ash sighed in resignation while glancing at him from the side. His mother turned to him, really looking intensely at Ash for the very first time.
"Ash, I would like to ask you some questions. And I would like an honest answer." Ash just looked at her, then nodded.
"Ash, I know that you really care for Eiji. I can see that. And you seem to be really nice. But there's a darkness in your eyes that tells me that there's more to you than what I see at first sight. So what you want to do here in Japan?"
"I want to live here. With Eiji. I'm going to learn Japanese at a language school. Maybe get a part-time job at the beginning.", Ash explained. "That sounds reasonable.", his mother agreed.
"And I'll continue college and finish my studies.", Eiji added. "Don't worry, my college fees have already been taken care of.", Eiji said, exchanging a knowing glance with Ash.
"My adoptive father died and I've gotten some money from him. Enough to pay for that and to have some savings left.", Ash explained patiently. "It was my way of thanking Eiji to take me to Japan. I've learned that his father is sick and that you'd probably have difficulties paying the college fees."
Eiji smiled. The way he had formulated it it wasn't an outright lie. It was stretching the truth a bit. But Dino did die. And Ash got the money from him. In a way. Although Dino didn't give it to him voluntarily… But his mother didn't need to know that…
"That is very kind of you, Ash.", Eiji's mother assured him. And I'm really grateful that my son means so much to you that you're willing to do that. Thank you. That really helps a lot.", Eiji's mother said warmly. Ash looked at her awkwardly, obviously feeling uncomfortable. He wasn't used to people being grateful to him. His mother noticed that, too, changing the topic.
"I have to ask you a final question, Ash. You probably understand that I want to make sure that my son is safe with you." Ash nodded at her, understanding her reasoning.
"So do you plan to put Eiji in danger again?", she asked him seriously.
"No, I would never do that!, Ash exclaimed angrily while his green eyes flared up dangerously. Eiji took his hand to calm him down when he saw his mother actually flinch.
"I just want to live here with Eiji. Have a normal life.", Ash answered honestly in a calmer tone, his eyes darkening slightly.
"You say that as if you've never had a normal life before.", his mother replied, looking at her son questioningly. Eiji just shook his head, signaling her not to ask for more.
"I didn't. I've never had a real family. My mother ran away after I was born and my father didn't care for me at all. If it weren't for my half-brother I would have starved to death. But he also died.", Ash explained sadly.
"I see. I'm so sorry, Ash.", she said, placing a hand on his. Ash's eyes widened and he looked up at her in surprise. "So you came here to start a new life.", his mother finished. Ash nodded at her.
"I promise I'll never hurt him again. I just wanted to leave my old life behind me.", Ash continued.
"You're a good person. Your eyes are telling me that your life hasn't always been easy, but there's also kindness there. And I like your honesty, Ash. Then she looked at her son. "And you obviously make Eiji happy. I've never seen him so cheerful and relaxed before. Thank you, Ash.", she finished, smiling at him warmly.
Why are you thanking me?", Ash asked in confusion, flustered all of a sudden.
"I haven't done anything.", he told her, a flush of embarrassment running over his features before he looked away from her.
"I don't think that's true, Ash.", Eiji's mother replied, her eyes radiating kindness. "I don't know exactly what happened in New York. Ibe has just told me that New York isn't safe at the moment. But according to the news New York is quite a dangerous place right now. So I'm sure that what Eiji does for you here, you did for him in New York as well. You gave him a home, a place where he felt safe. Maybe you even protected him?", Eiji's mother asked while looking at Eiji for confirmation.
Ash just stared at her incredulously. "I – "
Eiji looked at Ash, then his mother. "You're right. He did protect me. And he also gave me a home.", Eiji confirmed, smiling. "He's the reason I'm here now. Alive."
"That's what I thought.", she told them. "Ash, promise me to take care of my son. He can be a bit too innocent sometimes."
"I know what you mean." Ash gave her a knowing look, a half-smile emerging on his face. "I promise." Eiji rolled his eyes at both of them, feeling as if he was 8 years old. At most. But he was secretly relieved that his mother was so understanding. She had probably noticed that Ash had led a much harder life than he did. She had always been good at reading people.
"Thanks for being so understanding. I wish I would have grown up with a mother like you.", Ash told her, quickly wiping away a tear that was running down his face. Eiji just smiled at both of them.
Eiji's mother was so dumbfounded she was at a loss for words, her eyes widening with surprise.
Luckily that was the very moment Hana returned, entering the living room. Pure joy was lighting up Eiji's eyes as he walked over and hugged her tightly.
"Hana! It's so good to see you again. You've really grown a lot.", he smiled at her, letting go of her again after a moment. "Your hair is longer. Looks good on you.", he greeted her warmly.
"It's good to see you, too. I've missed you, Eiji!", Hana said, smiling.
"Then Hana lowered her voice. "So my love charm worked, huh?", she asked, winking at him. Eiji rolled his eyes. Of course, that would be the only thing that mattered to her. He would never tell her that, but a safety charm would have probably been more helpful… If only she knew…
"It did, you airhead. I just don't know if I should be mad or thank you.", Eiji replied with a smirk.
"But you're really ok, right?", Hana asked, suddenly serious again, concern clouding her eyes and a frown emerging on her forehead.
"I'm fine. My wound has completely healed. I'll go to college again soon.", Eiji assured her.
"That's great!", exclaimed Hana happily. "Mom worried a lot about you. Especially if you would return to college again.", she told him seriously. "Can I see your place sometime?", she asked curiously.
"Of course. You're welcome anytime.", Eiji assured her warmly. Meanwhile Ash had walked over to them, wanting to greet Hana as well.
"Hana, this is Ash.", he introduced him.
Ash greeted her, but she was just staring at him blankly, her eyes widening in surprise, frozen up for an instant too long to be still considered polite. Ash looked at Eiji, then back at Hana. "I thought you were kidding when you said she would faint.", he said in a low voice.
"I told you she admires you. She's your biggest fan. Give her a moment.", Eiji whispered back to Ash, grinning. After a moment she pulled herself together, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"Uhm, I'm so sorry, I must have spaced out. I'm Hana, Eiji's sister.", she stammered, but quickly caught herself again. "It's just that I've never seen such golden hair and green eyes before. You look like a famous actor or a super model. How did someone as plain as Eiji meet someone like you?", she asked curiously, chattering away too fast to hide her nervousness. It was cute.
"We met while I assisted Ibe on his job.", Eiji explained honestly.
"Yeah, he's right. And I'm not famous in any way, sorry to disappoint you.", Ash said, smiling at her.
"So, will you finally show me some photos of New York now? And America?", Hana asked, her brown eyes practically sparkling.
Ash cast a quick glance at Eiji who just shrugged as if telling him Told you so.
"Sure.", Ash nodded, following her. But Hana had already grabbed Ash's hand, dragging him back to the living room. Eiji followed them, smiling to himself.
Poor Ash would be bombarded with questions about New York and America. He wondered if Ash still thought that his sister was cute after her thorough questioning. Probably made an NYPD questioning with Jenkins and Charlie look like a relaxing evening in front of the TV.
Eiji followed them quietly, standing next to Ash while watching Hana. "I guess you've really grown up, patting her head affectionately. "Stop that, it's embarrassing!", her face flushing bright red. "I'm not a child anymore. I'm even taller than you.", she told him, glaring at Eiji in annoyance.
But when Ash began laughing while watching them, her features softened and a shy smile crossed her face. Eiji was secretly relieved because Ash's smile had been genuine, not faked at all. It even reached his eyes, making them shine like emeralds and lighting his whole face up. He saw that smile on Ash's face more often now and tried to find ways to see it again.
"You should always take good care of each other. Eiji loves you a lot, he told me about you." Then he looked sideways at Eiji before turning back to Hana.
"Although he told me you weren't cute.", grinning at her.
"So you told people you have a little sister who isn't cute?", she complained while shooting Eiji a death glare. "Thanks, that's really nice, Eiji.", Hana answered sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, I can totally see how much he loves me.", she sneered, turning around to Ash again.
"Don't worry, I didn't believe him.", he said, winking at her. Hana blushed instantly, looking away from him stubbornly. Ash just chuckled.
"If you ever need help with your English homework, tell me.", Ash offered her honestly.
"Really?", she beamed at him with shining eyes. "You mean it?"
"Of course.", he said, smirking at Eiji. "Your brother can't help you. His English is … let's just say there's some room for improvement..."
Hana grinned at that. "Doesn't surprise me. The most intellectual literature he has ever read were mangas. The vocabulary in those is somewhat limited."
"I can see that. He read them in New York as well.", Ash grinned.
"Only because you always stole the newspaper from me.", Eiji complained, glaring at him.
"Because it took you forever reading it.", Ash explained with a smug look on his face.", obviously enjoying himself way too much. Eiji just glared at him, but had as much fun as Ash did.
Hana watched their bickering with amusement, then shot a knowing glance at Eiji. Who returned the look instantly. Ash stood there with a confused look on his face, obviously lost.
"So what about we show you some photos of New York?", Eiji began. "And Ash can answer your questions."
Hana beamed at Ash. "Really?"
Then she was shooting so many questions at them at lightning fast speed that even Ash could barely keep up, looking back at Eiji for help, but he just grinned at him while he tried to answer her questions.
"Eiji handed Ash his tablet. "I put most of the photos on there."
"So, let's see…" Ash scrolled through the photos "Oh, here are some good photos of New York. Your brother is a really talented photographer." He showed her some photos.
"Do you know where this is?", he asked her.
Eiji just watched them with amusement for a moment longer. How Ash's eyes lit up when he talked about New York while Hana hang on his every word and looked up at him in admiration. She practically glowed with pride when Ash praised her. When she recognized a building or a famous street. Ash would be a really great teacher, he was really good at explaining things and had an answer ready for all the questions Hana asked, even if he had never been there himself.
Sitting next to them, he stayed quiet for a while, thinking Ash could describe all the areas of New York better than he ever could. He just added some minor details here and there and explained some photos he had taken without Ash being present.
"What's that? It looks like a Halloween party. But why are you looking so scared?", Hana burst out laughing. "That expression on your face looks hilarious."
"Did you really have to add that damn photo, Eiji?", Ash glared at him.
"Yes, of course. As Hana said, it's hilarious. You see, Ash has one weakness. He's afraid of pumpkins. So I tried to scare him on Halloween.
I"ll never tell you a secret again!", Ash said, pouting.
"Really, that's just too funny.", Hana grinned. Then she moved a bit closer, asking Ash in a low voice:
"So you want to know what Eiji is afraid of?", she asked, an evil grin on her face.
"I sure do.", Ash said, a devilish grin on his face.
Then Hana whispered something into his ear. Ash smiled wickedly. "Interesting…"
Eiji was glad Hana had instantly warmed up to Ash, even if it was at his expense. Not that he was surprised. But he had been worried that Hana would ask questions that weren't so easy to answer. And was relieved when she didn't. She was probably too distracted by Ash's stories about New York.
"If you want to have some simple Japanese books, Hana can give you some. In case you want to practice."
"Yeah, that'd be great.", he said, smiling at Hana.
"Sure, come with me."
While Hana gave Ash some books, Eiji talked to his mother and promised her to come by more often. "Take care of Ash. He needs you. He must have experienced some really horrible things. It's not easy to overcome that." Eiji just stared at her, completely taken by surprise. But then he just nodded. He should have known that they couldn't fool his mother.
Hana came down with Ash again who was carrying a tower of books so high, he was unable to see where he was going.
"Eiji slapped a hand across his face in resignation, muttering "damn book nerd".
"Ash please don't tell me you want to carry a pile of books as high as the Empire State Building home.", he complained, but couldn't help but smile at him anyway.
"Why? You're not carrying them.", Ash's voice rang out behind the book tower. "And this is just a bit of light reading. I'll probably be finished in two or three days."
"Are you kidding? How do you want to read so many books in three days?", Hana exclaimed in disbelief. Eiji just grinned. "I can assure you, he can. Apart from being a hopeless book worm, Ash is really smart. He's basically a genius.", he said proudly.
"I told him that he can come back and borrow some others anytime, but he didn't listen.", Hana said, turning to Eiji.
"And what exactly did Ash and you do in New York? Did you live under a rock? I've never met a person who had no idea about movies, stars or series that are related to New York when he actually lived in New York. He doesn't even know the latest Marvel movie and that has been a blockbuster for months even here."
"Ash just shrugged nonchalantly. "I prefer books to movies." Then he turned to Hana again, after looking for something in his coat's pockets. "Thank you, Hana.", he smiled while placing a baseball cap on her head. "That looks much better on you. Like a real American. It's a present."
Hana took it off her head, looking at it. It was a marine blue New York Yankees baseball cap with the famous logo everyone knew.
"Thank you!", she beamed at him.
When they were walking home, Ash was awfully quiet. Eiji could practically hear the wheels in his head turning, processing everything that had happened today. When he did that, his expression always turned blank while he retreated into his own world and he wouldn't hear him anyway. But Eiji realized that by doing that he let his guard down and was beginning to feel safe here which was a good thing. Eiji was used to that habit by now, so he just remained silent, looking curiously around instead, noticing some changes around his hometown for the first time, stores that had closed, new shops and cafés that had opened and noticing new buildings and houses he hadn't seen before.
That's why he was taken by surprise when Ash's hand brushed against his before Ash clumsily took his hand, looking shyly at him, as if asking for permission. Eiji just smiled at him warmly, returning the gesture and Ash relaxed at once, smiling back softly, not saying anything.
But he didn't have to. Eiji just knew.