Banana Fish- Alternate Ending

AU Ending

Ash Lynx raced down the street on his way to the airport. He grasped Eiji's letter tightly in his hand as he ran. It was finally all over.  He'd said to Blanca that he would never see him again. But in his heart, they both knew it was a lie. Ash had made up his mind to stay. All resolve quickly left him as soon as he had read the letter. His mind was now made up. He couldn't live without Eiji. 

For once in his life, he felt free. No more Dino, no prostitution, no more killing, and no banana fish.

As he turned the corner down the next street he felt slightly uneasy, like someone was watching him. He slowed a little, and it all happened within a few seconds. Lao rushed forward with a knife, a look of rage on his face. With quick reflexes, Ash managed to dodge the knife by a few centimeters. It lightly grazed his jacket as he reached for his gun with lightning speed.

Instantly Lao was on the ground, a bullet in his shoulder. Blood was already gushing out the wound.

"You really do never let your guard down, do you?" he managed to choke out as he tightly held his wound. "I guess it's impossible to take down even the great Ash Lynx."

Ash barely had time to process what had just happened before he took off running down the street again. He felt pale thinking about what would've happened if he had been a second too slow.

He glanced down at his phone and checked the time. He still had enough time to make it. He rushed to the airport and burst through the doors. After looking around he made it past security and hurried to the gate. From far off he could see Sing and the others saying their goodbyes. 

Finally he caught sight of him. Eiji. His dark brown hair and light skin. Ash felt as if his heart left out an exhale of relief. As if sensing him, Eiji turned his head, looking around. Then they caught eyes. Ash felt himself let out a slight gasp. At the hospital, a small part of him felt like that'd be the last time they would ever see each other again. But now they were both okay.

"ASH-" "EIJI"

Ash ran forward, towards Eiji's wheelchair as the others noticed him too. Eji managed to stand up and they came together, clutching each other. Tears running down both of their faces. Ash felt so safe in his embrace.

"I thought you weren't coming!" Eiji let out after they'd pulled back a bit. They looked in each other's eyes as if not believing the other was real.

"Well," smiled Ash. "I did say I would come visit your country someday."

Eiji held him close, his eyes still glassy. "can you promise me something?"

"Anything," Ash breathed. And they both knew he meant it. He meant it with everything in his being.

"Stay by my side- forever."

"forever," he uttered, looking into his eyes.

"no matter what, we'll be together."

Then they held tight on tight, and never let go.

"My soul is always with you."