Banana Fish: Three Special Words

Part 2

   Awwww.
The two of us kissed for a little longer on the bathroom floor. I parted our lips, and looked at his a blushing face.
"I like you, Ash," he said. "I like you a lot."
   "Yeah," I hugged him. "Me too." A few seconds passed before we spoke again. "Feeling better?"
   "Mmm," Eiji slumped against my chest. "I'm tired. We should just stay in bed all day."
   "I really wish I could," I picked Eiji up bridal style, carrying him towards our room. "I need to go out for a little though. This time Griffin will be with you. No more drinking."
   As soon as Eiji's head touched the pillow, he fell back asleep.
   "Love you, my precious angel," I whispered, kissing his forehead. I crept out of the room and went to a different room. More gang members showed up and we're waiting for my arrival.
   "Boss!" Alex said, standing.
   "How many others are coming?" I asked, sitting on the couch and grabbing a tablet.
"Andrew and his crew are going to show up a little late," Bones said. "And I know some others are going to be here in a moment."
"Alright. Have The Fly get these items for me." I handed Alex the tablet and then stood. "We're going hunting tonight."

   "Good job tonight," I told Bones. "You and Alex made good shots."
"Oh," Eiji looked at us as we walked into the dark kitchen. "Welcome back."
"It's past midnight," I said. "What are you doing up?" Eiji held up his glass of water.
"Just got a little thirsty." He walked over to me, and then put his hand on his nose. "Eww! You smell like sweat and blood! Go take a shower!" He shoved me towards the bathroom, and I shrugged.
   "Anything for my Onii-san," I said, making him shake his head.
After a quick shower, I walked into our bedroom and saw him lying in bed. The light was off, and he was just staring at the ceiling. I went over to my bed, and climbed under the covers.
"Have you ever thought of anything besides killing?" Eiji asked. I turned on my side, and looked over at him.
"All the time," I responded. "Most of the time I'm just thinking of-" I caught myself before saying you. I didn't want him to think I was weird.
"Thinking of what?" Eiji asked.
"Living a normal life," I lied, turning over to my other side. I heard Eiji's bed creaking, and a few moments later felt him climb in my bed beside me.
"Liar," he said softly, hugging me. I turned to face him, but couldn't look him in the eyes. "Hey. Why aren't you looking at me?"
"No reason," I muttered, finally making eye contact with him. He chuckled a little.
"You're a fearsome gang leader, but sometimes you can just be normal 18 year old," he said, rubbing his face against my chest.
"R-really?" I stuttered, blush creeping along my cheeks.
"Yeah," Eiji said, drifting off to sleep. I pat his head a few times before closing my eyes and falling asleep as well.

I woke up from the sound of the doorbell ringing. Eiji's arms were still wrapped around me, so I decided not to get up.
But the person at the door was persistant.
"What a pain," I muttered, getting up. I heard Eiji wake up as I walked out of the bedroom. Heading down the hall towards the front door, I saw the other guest bedroom door was open. Guess the others already went out.
Arriving at the front door, looking through the peep hole to see Max and Ibe.
"Morning," I said, letting them inside.
"It's already noon," Ibe said. "Did you just wake up?"
"It was a long night last night," I responded, combing my hair with my fingers. I went over to the coffee maker and started the hot water.
"Oh, Ibe-san!" Eiji exclaimed, walking out into the kitchen/dinning room. He hadn't gotten dressed yet, and his hair was still a mess.
"Did you just get up as well?" Max asked as he and Ibe sat at the table. "What were you guys doing last night?"
"Reading," Eiji responded.
"I was out late," I responded, pouring the cups of coffee and walking over to the table. "So what brings you two here?"
"Well," Ibe looked at Eiji. "Don't you think it's about time to go back to Japan?" I sat down, and looked at Ibe. Eiji was also a little shocked by his proposal. "I mean, we've been here for quite a while now. Almost a year. Don't you think you should go back to your family?"
"Yes, but..." Eiji glanced at me. "I don't know if I should leave yet."
"Max," I muttered, getting up and walking into the other room with him.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothings wrong," I said, sitting on the couch. "If canceled the rent on this condo, could you do the paperwork for me?" Max stared at me. "Would you?"
"You want to go to Japan," Max said. I looked away. I heard him let out a long sigh. He scratched his head. "I'll do the paperwork and talk to Charlie about getting your passport."
"I knew I could count on you," I smiled.
"Just promise me you won't forget where you came from," Max pat my shoulder as we went back into the kitchen.
"Ready?" Ibe asked from the doorway. He and Max left, and I glanced at Eiji who was staring at me.
"What?" I asked.
"I'm going back in two days," he said.
I flinched. "So soon?"
"They were the only available flights." I thought for a moment. If I canceled the rental today, that would give me tomorrow to pack and get my passport from Charlie. Hopefully he'll pull through just like always.
"You should go out," I told him. "You never really got to do much sight seeing, did you?"
"No, but I'm fine with it." Eiji smiled at me. "I was able to travel many places with you, even if they were dangerous."
"Yeah." I headed back into our room to get my computer.
All of a sudden Eiji's arms wrapped around my waist. I looked at him, and he kissed my cheek.
"Eehhhh!?" I exclaimed, trying to cover my red face.
"Hahaha!" Eiji laughed, smiling at me. "You know something, Ash? I love you!"
I stared back at him, a faint red appearing on my cheeks. It was the first time I felt genuinely happy towards someone.
Very, very happy.
I grabbed him, and kissed him on the cheek as well.
"And I love you!" I exclaimed, truly smiling at him from the bottom of my heart.