Banana Fish short stories | ✔

Picnic time

"Say, Ash?" The blond boy looks up from the book in his hand "Yes?" He saw Eiji hesitate, quirking an eyebrow at him he waits firmly. Eiji squirmed under his questioning gaze.

   "I'm just bored. Can we go out today?" Now it was Ash's turn to hesitate "Pleeeaase~?" Eiji looked at him with pleading, heartfelt eyes. Well, damn. Who is he to say no now, some kind of monster? Maybe, but Eiji being around surpasses his primal instinct.

   "How about we go on a picnic?" Eiji froze and slowly a grin went up to his face. "Yes!" he cheered happily. Ash grinned along. 

* * *

   "Okay, out with it. Who are you and what did you do with Ash?" Ash looked back hurt only to see Eiji poking his tongue out. With an eye-roll, Ash motioned for him to sit down. Eiji obeyed with a light-hearted giggle. It was a sunny day, light shined through the tree above them beautifully, casting the shadow over them except a few small spots that were lit up with golden light. The blanket they sat on was soft but grass underneath it made it feel spiky when Eiji first sat down. The picnic basket - which was actually a backpack since they didn't have an actual basket in an apartment, consisted of sandwiches, some fruit, cans of cola, and a bottle of water. Ash took off his shirt claiming it was too hot for it and laid on his stomach with Eiji sitting next to him. 

They spend hours there, sitting and nibbling at food, talking and describing clouds, and Ash assuring Eiji that clouds aren't cotton candy. "Are you sure?" Eiji challenged coyly. Ash huffed. In response, Eiji laughed and murmured a not-so sincere apology. 

Just then there was a rustle from the bushes. Ash saw a small brown movement from the corner of his eye and he bolted upright - he held himself upwards on his elbows, only to see it was just a squirrel. He smiled and moved the frame of his sunglasses with one of his hands to take a better look at the little thief interested in red barries Eiji packed. The older boy looked over his shoulder and smiled at the scene of a brown squirrel looking at him.

   "Ash," Eiji called, pulling his knees up to his chin. The blond boy straightened warily "Yes?" 

In a small voice, Eiji whispered "It's just that I've always...you've always - taken care of me. Do you think... I'm a nuisance?" Ash was shocked. His jaw-dropped and he blinked, attempting to understand the sentence just spoken. Eiji gulped and met his bright, wide eyes.

   "It doesn't have to be forever," Ash murmured. He cupped his neck and pulled Eiji closer. Their forehead was touching now, Ash was staring determinedly at dark, soulful eyes. Eiji had Deja wu. The scene seemed so much like one from prison. Three years already passed since then. "But I want it to be." Eiji smiled. "Me too," he took a delicate, pale hand and intertwined their fingers "Forever," he promised again.