#EIJI GO BACK TO JAPAN (with me) -Ash

[turnupswritessometimes]

Bring it on Home to Me - Ash/Eiji Oneshot

A thanks to @holographiccs (who I bullied into reading Banana Fish) for imitating Ash's gang and their New York accents with me and inspiring this fic! <3

A03 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59433925

Summary:

Eiji heard Bones say it when he was posted outside their apartment. A friend of his had stopped by and asked both him and Kong out for a good time. Loudly. Loud enough for Eiji to hear in the kitchen. "Can't. We're guarding the boss' girlfriend." * Eiji finds out he's known as the boss' girlfriend - and he doesn't hate it. Ash should hate it - but he doesn't, either.

Word Count: 4,156

Bring it on Home to me

Eiji heard Bones say it when he was posted outside their apartment. A friend of his had stopped by and asked both him and Kong out for a good time. Loudly. Loud enough for Eiji to hear in the kitchen.

"Can't. We're guarding the boss' girlfriend."

Eiji’s stomach twisted. He stopped chopping vegetables - realised he was cooking Ash's dinner, like a girlfriend, and his stomach squirmed again – and looked to the door. It was closed; they probably didn't even know he'd heard.

What else had they heard? Had they heard him and Ash? Was that what they really thought about them? It wasn't not true, but it wasn’t true, either. He didn’t know what this thing was between him and Ash. He was already too soft for Ash's world, that had been made clear. The implication that he was his girlfriend didn’t sit right with him.

It hadn't been said with any judgement – not like they hated or looked down on him for it – just as a matter of fact. Not even, Eiji thought, as some kind of joke. He thought that was worse. Definitely worse.

He didn't feel like cooking up a nice, homemade meal anymore. He scooped the chopped vegetables into a bowl, and put them back in the fridge. They'd have a couple of TV dinners, or takeout, instead.

Bones came in, not long later, to catch his show on the ridiculously large TV Ash had brought. He always did, even though they were both meant to stay outside. It was their secret, between Eiji and Bones.

"You ain’t making dinner?" Bones asked, as he clambered over the back of the sofa to collapse into a heap on the too-firm cushions.

"Not tonight," Eiji replied. He picked up the book on the side, as though he'd been reading instead, but Bones wasn't even looking. He was already helping himself to the remote, and flicking through the channels.

Eiji watched him, for a moment. He thumbed through the pages of the book. His voice came out much smaller than he wanted it to: "The boss'...girlfriend?"

"Huh?" Bones craned his neck to look at him. "You heard that?"

Bones' voice carried; Eiji heard most things he said, though it was mostly him and Kong chatting about nothing. "It's just – I'm not – it's not—"

"It ain't about girls or boys," Bones said. "A girlfriend's the one who keeps house for you. Who you come back to after trouble."

Eiji still didn't think that was the right word. But maybe this was some new American slang he didn't understand. "Oh."

"It's a good thing." Bones smiled, showing his sharp canines. "And being Ash's girlfriend? Gives you a hell of a reputation."

Because Ash had a hell of a reputation. Because Ash was a gang leader, and he had the respect of most other gangs around New York. Did they all know him as that? As the Lynx's girlfriend?

"I'm not Ash's," Eiji said, because his stomach hadn't just squirmed, it had somersaulted, at that thought. He did not want to be just the Lynx’s property.

Bones tilted his head to one side, frowning. "That ain’t bad, either. I'm Ash's. Kong's Ash's. We're all Ash's."

It was as simple as that to him. He followed Ash, so he was Ash's. And Eiji supposed he could try and deny it, but he did the same thing. Stubbornly stuck at Ash's side until he'd stopped telling Eiji to go back to Japan. Didn’t have any plans to leave him, any time soon.

He was Ash's, he realised, through and through.

"Right." His voice was distant, but he didn't think Bones heard anyway; his show had started and that always hypnotised him. Eiji took his book to his bedroom, heart thumping. It was something, he realised, that he'd known for a while. He'd known it, but he'd only just realised it, and it felt overwhelming. Just how much he was Ash’s.

He sat on the end of the bed, and wondered what Ash was doing right now. Gang business. Dangerous business. And Eiji was the one he came home to – who he’d chosen to come home to. They didn’t have to live together, alone, here, but Ash had chosen that, and Eiji hadn’t argued. This was Ash’s safehouse, and that Eiji's job was to be there, when he came home.

His mind didn't settle to read. He flicked on the radio, and shifted restlessly, waiting. Thinking about fights and guns and gangs and realising he didn’t know much about how it worked at all.

Ash called from a payphone, to say he was on his way back. Eiji called for takeout. It arrived minutes before Ash himself, and he had to sacrifice a handful of fries to Bones and Kong when they saw the delivery boy. They clapped Eiji on the back as they said goodbye, then stopped to debrief with Ash in the hall. Eiji couldn't keep up with their conversation; their words were too fast, and their accents too heavy. He leant against the doorframe, and watched Ash's expression; that tense, serious expression he had around the gang. His eyes glinted green, his jaw set.

It relaxed, when he met Eiji at the door. Softened. His hands found Eiji's hips, and he brought him close for a hug. Eiji's arms went around his neck automatically and he pressed closer. Smelt of sweat, cigarettes and smoke. It was unpleasant, but it was Ash's.

He pulled away, ghosting his lips over Eiji's cheek. "Honey, I'm home."

It was a joke. It had started as a joke and because of Ash kissing him in jail. He still teased that they were together, like that. Every time it made Eiji duck his chin, and laugh, cheeks warming. Americans were too free with being intimate.

Ash was too free with being intimate.

He stepped away, not seeming to realise Eiji hadn't responded, and saw the paper bags sat on the table.

Eiji leant his back against the door to close it. "Sorry, I—"

"It's alright." Ash looked back at him. He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I'm not going to beat you with my belt for not having a roast on the table after my day at the office."

It was another joke, but Eiji didn't laugh. He could see why the boys thought what they did. Ash noticed. Tilted his head to one side; his hair fell with the movement, gold in the artificial light. "Seriously, don't worry."

Eiji bit his lip. He wondered how to tell Ash about what Bones had said – wondered if Ash knew – if Ash called him that, himself. Wondered if he’d see it as another joke, and Eiji didn't know if he wanted it to be. Didn't know how he could even word it.

Ash stepped forward, again. His hand grazed Eiji's arm; brushed his hair behind his ear. It was genuine, and he looked up.

"What's up?"

Eiji tangled his fingers in Ash's. Took a deep breath. "The boss' girlfriend."

Ash frowned. "Huh?"

Eiji looked at their joint fingers. Ash's looked like the colour of ivory, against his. How was it that this boy could spend a summer outside in New York, and not tan at all?

"That's what they call me," he said. "The boss' girlfriend."

"Ah." Ash paused, for half a second. "Right."

"I don't hate it," Eiji continued. His voice came out much smaller than before. "At least, I don't think I do. It's – the food will go cold."

Ash let him get away with that. "Right."

But he didn't drop his hand, as he crossed to the table. Not until Eiji had to step around to the other side, and he absolutely had to. His fingers fell away, slowly. Then he was pouncing on the bags and pulling out the burgers and fries, smiling like a child.

"No weird Japanese dish tonight?"

"Sometimes I think you really are just an uncultured American," Eiji replied, and for a moment, it was just like normal. He unpacked his food. Caught Ash glancing up, smiling at him. A soft smile that made his heart squeeze.

But Ash saw through him. "This is because of what Bones said."

Eiji nodded. He helped himself to fries, chewing slowly. Ash ate like he hadn't in a week; like he was barely tasting any of it. Eiji picked at his own food, steadily.

When Ash finally came up for air, he said, "It’s not your cooking. Just – this food is predictable, you know?"

"Predictable?"

"You know exactly how it's going to taste, because it's come out the machine that way."

"I don't think it's all made by machines."

"It's – safe." Ash met Eiji's eyes, his were shards of emerald, then away again. Back to his food. But there had been something in that gaze; something vulnerable. It was the same kind of vulnerable he'd seen at Cape Cod; that glimpse of Aslan Jade.

It felt like a peace offering. Ash had offered up that, about himself, because Eiji had mentioned the girlfriend thing. Probably looked vulnerable too.

Ash was weird about food. He'd noticed that. Noticed that sometimes he ‘d eat like he hadn’t in a week, or didn't eat at all, or would only pick at his food. That the other boys would eat three or four hot dogs back to back, and Ash would find a subtle way to toss the rest of his out. Eiji didn't press about it. He’d do his best to push Ash towards eating more healthily.

He continued steadily through his own meal. For once, Ash finished long before him.

"I'll tell them to knock it off," Ash said. "I've half a mind to bash them."

"You...didn't say that, then?"

That there was this thing between them. The same thing as in jail; in that road trip across America; in Ash lying in his lap in the middle of the night. They were joint by this thing. They weren’t just friends; they were something more.

"No, I didn't." Ash's mouth twisted. "They're idiots."

"They aren't," though Eiji's protest was half-hearted.

Ash raised an eyebrow, unbelieving, and Eiji had to look away, biting his cheek in case he started laughing. He liked Bones and Kong, but he understood why they were often stationed outside his safe apartment building, where nothing happened, as opposed to the real work Ash had done today.

The work Ash had done today. The work that left him smelling like gunpowder. When Ash was like this, domestic and teasing, it was hard to equate him with the feared gang leader – whose reputation Eiji had by association.

He gathered the trash from their meals together, and threw them away. At least he didn't have to wash up tonight – and that was another part of playing house, wasn't it?

When he looked back, he saw Ash examining the back of his hand. Even from where Eiji stood, he could see the knuckles were red, starting to turn purple and blue.

"You've been fighting," Eiji said, automatically getting the first aid kit from under the sink. It was replenished nearly weekly.

"It’s nothing," Ash replied. He left his chair untucked, and flopped onto the sofa. He went over the arm, lying lengthways, and Eiji wondered if any of these boys were capable of sitting normally.

He crossed over, with a bag of peas. How many times, he wondered, could you refreeze peas before they were no longer safe to eat?

Eiji tossed them to Ash. He caught them without looking, and pressed them against his hand. Eiji perched on the arm of the sofa. Ash's hair flopped over his face, but he saw him wince at the ice.

"Bones..." Eiji swallowed. "Bones didn't make it sound like a bad thing."

Ash didn't answer, immediately. "That right?"

"He said – a girlfriend – is who you come home to, after a long day at war," Eiji said.

Ash smiled. A slow, unconscious smile that sent a rush of warmth through him. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Ash sat, properly, his back against the arm of the sofa, his knees drawn up. He nodded to the empty space. Eiji slipped onto it, aware of his elbow knocking against Ash's knee. The touch tingled.

"And Bones didn't say what you did after a long day at war?"

Eiji's cheeks felt hot, at the suggestion. "I don't think he knows about that kind of thing."

Which made Ash chuckle. His knee bumped Eiji again, and he but his lip. It felt mean to laugh at Bones, but it was easier than this thing, and he loved making Ash laugh like that. He chanced a glance at Ash from under his bangs, only to see him watching Eiji closely. It sent that wave of heat down his neck.

"And – do you?" Ash's voice was soft; soft enough Eiji suspected he could pretend not to have heard, if he wanted.

"I..." He traced the gain of the sofa with one finger. "I have an idea, or two."

"Yeah?” Ash sat up further, leaning forward. “Care to share?"

He'd turned to Ash, and he wasn't sure when he had. But now his face was only inches away.

"You mean – demonstrate?"

Ash smiled – smirked – and Eiji's stomach twisted. "Only if you want to."

Eiji wanted to. He wanted to, but then it wouldn’t be a joke, anymore. Things would change. Still, he didn’t wouldn’t back down. Ash had that effect on him; made him want to rise to the glint in his eye.

He leant forward – didn’t let himself hesitate – and pressed their lips together. He felt Ash’s part, like he was surprised Eiji actually did it, before he kissed back. He moved slowly, as if he was savouring it, one hand sliding into Eiji’s hair. The bag of frozen peas fell to the floor with a loud thump.

Eiji shifted, so he was securely between Ash’s legs, hands on his knees to steady himself, as he kissed him back. Only pulled away when he felt lightheaded, and not far enough to see Ash clearly.

“That okay?” Ash whispered.

“If that’s – if that’s okay with you?” Eiji replied.

Ash pulled away. Eiji let him, though he was still very aware of how close they were; how he was pressed between Ash’s legs. His lips tingling. Ash raised a hand, brushing Eiji’s bangs from his eyes. His fingers trailed over his cheekbone, green eyes examining him. Eiji stared back, heart pounding. There was everything, and nothing, to say. Ash made a noise, then stopped. Tucked Eiji’s hair behind his ear.

“I like coming home to you,” he murmured.

Eiji felt heat rush through him, like he’d just sunk into a warm bath. His hands had moved, he didn’t know when, to Ash’s shoulders. “I like you coming home.”

Because Ash had been fighting, and he may only have come home with bruised knuckles today, but he could easily come home much worse. Eiji kissed him again, pressing their foreheads together.

“Please come home, Ash.”

Ash took a breath that Eiji felt against him, pressing his hands against the small of his back. Pressed him closer, until they were inches apart. He nodded, his hair falling over his eyes. It hid his expression. He pressed his mouth against Eiji's cheek. Properly, this time, lashes brushing his skin.

Eiji held Ash back. Felt his spine, his shoulder blades, and Ash's mouth moved to his temple. Kissed there, too, and then tugged him down so he could rest his chin on Eiji's head. He let him, falling ungracefully against Ash's chest, their legs tangled on the sofa. It wasn’t quite big enough, for this. They were very close. Closer than ever before, and this time, it was serious.

He didn't want to pull away. Listened to the steady beat of Ash's heart under his ear. His fingers reached up to curl a blonde strand around his finger.

"I'll try my best," Ash murmured.

"I'll hold you to that." And he felt Ash's chuckle as a rumble. He shifted, to look at him, their faces so close that Ash's eyes were a sea of green. "I promise, Ash Lynx."

"Well—" Ash kissed him. Long, slow and savouring and Eiji felt as though he was melting. "Then I can't let you down."

His voice was soft, like a purr. He pressed kisses to the corner of Eiji's mouth, trailing down his jaw. Eiji twisted Ash's hair in his fingers. This was earnest – so earnest and reverent, that it made his chest ache.\

He kissed Ash back. Kissed his temple; his cheekbone; the hollow of his jaw, and felt Ash's breath catch under him. He drew him even tighter against him, so there wasn't even room for that. They lay on the sofa, hearts beating against each other.

His eyes half-closed, and he didn't mind the smell of sweat and gunpowder. It was Ash's smell. This felt right, Eiji thought. Thought perhaps he was Ash's boy, after all, because this felt like where he belonged.

*

"So, who started it?"

Ash leant against the bar, and did his best glower at Alex. Made sure to sweep said glower over the guys standing around, so they all knew he was bothered by something. Bones ducked behind Kong; maybe he guessed what was up. Eiji, though, was in the thick of it, being taught how to play pool.

Alex smiled, but he looked tense, too. "Started what?"

Ash tilted his head and raised his eyebrow. "Started calling Eiji the boss’ girlfriend?"

Alex's grin stiffened. He swigged from his beer bottle, either buying for time or building up his courage. Ash didn't relent his stare.

"Ain't it right?" Alex eventually asked.

Ash huffed, taking a drink himself. His was an excuse to look over at Eiji. He was concentrating hard, lining up a shot, his brows together. He was biting his lip, and it made Ash's stomach twinge. Adorable.

"I never said that," he said; it came out much too defensive.

Alex shifted. Glanced across at him, and Ash stayed scowling. It was half the job of being the boss – he had to be imposing – had to have his respect and reputation. That was how you survived in New York. That was what Ash loved about New York.

Alex leant across, looking straight ahead, probably watching Eiji too, as he said, "You didn't have to."

Ash's stomach twisted. He watched Eiji as he took the shot. A ball fell into the pocket. The boys cheered him like he'd won the game, clapping his shoulders. Eiji laughed, the low lighting casting a halo on his hair. He looked like he was glowing, from the inside out. Those dark eyes found Ash's.

He looked away. "That obvious, huh?"

Alex half-laughed, like he wasn't sure if he'd get hit, if he did. "Yeah, boss, that obvious."

That was bad. Ash finished the bottle, and lined it up on the bar alongside the others. Beer wasn't his drink of choice, but it was what they drunk here, so he did too. At least it filled him up.

"It ain't him," Alex continued. Conversationally. "It's you. The way you look at him."

"Well, shit," Ash said it on reflex, like he'd dropped a glass or missed a shot. Like it was an accident. It was an accident. Being around Eiji was making him soft. He knew that, knew it particularly when they were alone together, but he hadn't realised it seeped through to everywhere.

He glanced up just in time to meet Eiji's eyes again; stood at the side of the table, with his pool-cue held like a staff in front of him. He smiled.

"I gotta smoke," Ash said. Snapped. Headed through the back of the bar. Stalked through, so that Bones leapt back out of his way. The lynx on the warpath.

He tried not to think about how that would seem to Eiji; for him to storm away just after being smiled at. But he needed space. Needed air. Needed to slam the door to the tiny courtyard and fumble for a cigarette in his pocket. He lit it with fumbling fingers, and leant against the brick wall.

Said courtyard was a square of cobblestone, surrounded on all sides by tall buildings, a hodgepodge of brick and stone, fire escapes twisting around them like ivy. Just a patch of sky at the top, and the light pollution of the city meant no stars or moonlight got through. It cast everything yellow.

Ash took a deep drag, and let it out slowly. The smoke drifted into the night air in a gray ribbon. His muscles relaxed, his mind numbed.

Alex pushed open the door. He leant against the frame, and watched Ash. He didn't look away from the patch of night, but held out the cigarette pack. Alex took it, and pulled out his own. Handed it back, and kept his palm out for the lighter.

Ash didn’t give it to him. He stepped forward, holding the lighter up to where Alex held the cigarette between his teeth. It was a challenge; to see if you flinched, at the flame so close to your mouth. If you trusted the person with the lighter.

Alex didn't flinch. His blue eyes held Ash's. The blue of new jeans.

Ash leant back against the wall.

Alex blew out smoke. "You know we don't mind, yeah?"

"It's not you." Ash held the cigarette between his fingers, and focused on the warmth of it. "It's – if you can tell, anyone can."

"Not anyone." Alex leant next to him, just as he did at the bar. There was no shaking him, and Ash thought he loved him for that. "But we can. Because you're different with him. You didn't beat him to a pulp for waking you up – things like that. We knows you, is all."

"And other people know me." Ash tapped the end of his cigarette, sending a miniature meteor shower to the flagstones. "Golzine knows me."

So if Alex and the boys – if Bones – could tell, Dino Golzine definitely could. Every time Ash went out with Eiji, he was parading his Achilles heel. If he was Achilles, he thought, as he took another drag, Eiji was Patroclus.

There was that painting. Achilles Lamenting the Death of Patroclus. An image flashed in his mind of Eiji, that pale – that dead – and his chest ached.

Alex didn't press for those details; respected Ash's privacy when it came to his past with Golzine – even those visits before all this Banana Fish business that were much too recent for his liking. Just why had it taken him so long to get out of there – completely?

Ash's smoke blew out shakily.

"We'll protect him," Alex said. "We won't let anything happen to him."

It already had. Ash had been there, in California, and he'd not been able to do that. Eiji had been taken, right under his nose. If Ash Lynx couldn't protect him, then what hope did anyone else have?

Now everyone knew he had a weak spot.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"Yeah." Alex paused. Smoke came out his nose, as he laughed. "'Cos he's your girl."

Ash punched his shoulder. Enough to smart, but not to bruise. He took the final drag of his cigarette, and crushed it under his converse, as he headed back inside. Didn't correct Alex.

Came face to face with Eiji, once he was back inside the bar. Eiji, dithering with a bottle in his hand, and looking concerned.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, when Ash was close enough.

The dim lights made his eyelashes spidery shadows on his cheeks. Caught in his dark eyes, and if Ash looked long enough, he could map galaxies in them. There was something about Eiji Okumura. He was unreasonably kind and thoughtful and if Ash was feeling philosophical about it, he would say something about his innocence – that boy had never seen a gun. But it was that stupid stubbornness Ash felt drawn to, like a moth to a flame.

If they were alone, he’d kiss him. He didn’t think that was possible, even if the boys knew, because he didn’t think Eiji would want that.

Instead, he smiled. Flung his arm around Eiji's shoulders, and steered him towards the bar. Eiji let him. It didn't matter if anyone saw, Ash thought, because all the boys knew anyway. The knew, and they'd protect Eiji.

"Everything's fine," Ash said. Aware that he stunk of cigarettes, but Eiji didn't pull away. If anything, he leant into him slightly. "Just peachy."

He didn't think Eiji believed him. He didn't quite believe himself. He felt itchy, ready for an attack, like a guard dog. Eiji was in danger, because of him. Because it was obvious how Ash felt about him.

But the gang would protect him. Ash would protect him.

Eiji was his.

[whiscey]

drop your devastating banana fish fanfics list bestie 🙇🏻‍♀️

AHSHWJEVJ YES OMG thank you so much for this ask!!! i have a very very long list of fanfics that i love so im not gonna put every single one here, but here’s a list of my favorites :)

note: 1) of course please be mindful of the tws— most of these have the usual list of the tws associated with ash’s trauma; 2) i don’t read anything that complies with the canonical ending cause i cannot handle that lol; 3) the first half of this list is just purely devastating, and then the second half is mostly just hurt/comfort; 4) the order in this doesn’t mean anything

I fell in love with a war and nobody told me it ended (by ihavenomorals): very shorter-centric; retells the canon events in his perspective (with it being heavily implied that he’s in love with ash); definitely very devastating, i cried multiple times while reading it

dead birds and bloodhounds (by ihavenomorals): also very shorter-centric lol; incredibly devastating for similar reasons as the last one (i also really really loved the ending of this one)

Streetlight angel. (by chaos101): this one’s also shorter-centric; a lot of pre-canon shorter’s thoughts about ash; i do not have words to describe how much i loved the whole “streetlight angel” thing

New York, New York 1980 (by wbss21): ash-centric; talks about precanon ash living on the streets (no shorter); genuinely so so heartbreaking

Just offscreen. (by chaos101): focuses on ash; please be very very careful with the warnings, this really graphic and can be very triggering; i almost feel weird recommending this one cause it’s not really meant to be read for enjoyment, but it’s very well-written and really really impactful so i do want to include it; almost threw up the first time i read this (and i mean that as a compliment to the writing, not in the sense that i personally found it triggering), it was so incredibly devastating and gut-punching

how strong the blood (by ihavenomorals): nadia-centric; it’s about nadia’s experience raising shorter on her own; one of the only fanfics i’ve read that focuses on nadia and i loved it so so much

Odour of Chrysanthemums (by nyanja14): eiji’s-mom-centric; eiji’s mom’s perspective on ash and his relationship with eiji after they move to japan; this was so cool ahdhwje, i loved how much depth and backstory they gave to eiji’s mom; one of the less devastating ones on this list, but it’s still so sad in its own right

like a peach (by Quintessence): asheijiii; eiji takes care of ash’s wounds (canon-compliant, takes place around when they rescue ash from dino) and they talk about how he sees himself; definitely a lot more hurt/comfort than pure devastation but the way ash sees himself is so heartbreaking :(

Hydrangea (by Bleed_Peroxide): jessica-centric; first half is jessica’s thoughts as she gets to know more about ash and then second half is an expansion on that one scene where jessica asks ash about what foxx did to him; also more hurt/comfort lol, but i love found family sooo much

Even that could be forgiven. Even Ash. (by chaos101): focuses on max and ash; obviously had to include this since i literally requested it lmao (don’t get me wrong tho– that’s not the only reason why it’s here; it’s here cause i love this fic a lot :3); ash thinks max is going to punish him for talking back to him and max comforts him; hurt/comfort

You’ve paid this world more than enough. (by chaos101): also focuses on max and ash; pretty similar to the last one but i just had to include this cause i love it so so much; hurt/comfort

Safe and Sound (by Dodici): focuses on shorter and ash; pretty short but so so impactful (literally took my breath away ahdvwjeh)

I wish that things had been different. (by chaos101): focuses on ash and griffin; it’s about ash’s reunion with griffin after he starts recovering from the effects of banana fish; this was so emotional and well-written abdvwjbd

Down toward the Healing (by Dodici): asheiji; part of a series (i recommend the series as a whole honestly, but definitely this fanfic in particular) called Eight Million Gods; it’s about ash struggling to find a therapist who works for him; the writing is so beautiful in this and i personally find it somewhat devastating in the sense that it’s a big reminder that healing takes time and a lot of effort

Feed My Body. Feed My Soul (by Wings_and_Feet): asheiji; it does have one (consensual) explicit scene, which is important to the plot but can also probably be skipped over if you’re not comfortable reading that; talks about ash’s relationship with food through eiji’s perspective (please be careful with the trigger warnings)

To Sleep; Perchance to Dream (by Wings_and_Feet): asheiji; it’s about ash and eiji’s post-canon life in japan and eiji’s family’s reactions to eiji being ash back home; literally one of my favorite post-canon japan fics ever, it’s soooo good; a lot of hurt/comfort

Pain Management (by Wings_and_Feet): asheiji; discusses ash’s struggles with addiction as a result of his experiences at Club Cod (not elaborating on this cause of the triggering content); i haven’t read many fics that talk about this, so i thought this was really interesting lol (and also it was very well-written)

Just because I love you. (by chaos101): asheiji; ash sickfic combined with ash and eiji talking about the horrible “he’s not your salvation” stuff blanca said to ash; genuinely one of my favorite sickfics ever (although that’s not really entirely the focus of the fanfic but like still)

How to love someone back. (by chaos101): asheiji; i saved the best for last :3; this is a character study of ash and it’s literally one of my favorite fanfics ever – please go read it, it’s so good aksjdke

bonuses :D (these count as bonuses since you requested devastating fics and these are pretty fluffy lol):

What you’ve been waiting for. (by chaos101): professor ash!! this fic is so sweet 🥹 i love it so much, it’s one of my comfort fics

the Childhood at Eighteen series (by armjail): asheiji; these are my other two comfort fics, they’re both so incredibly wholesome 🥹🥹

[theladyvalkyrieskyeart]

I want you all to know that Ash could have given Eiji back to Max and Ibe to so he can go back to Japan and Ash refuses because HE SIMPLY DOES NOT WANT TO LET HIM GO BUT HE CANNOT BRING HIMSELF TO FUCKING SAY IT SO HE USES THE BULLSHIT EXCUSE OF "HE'S SAFE WITH ME"

Ash Lynx.... you're a shitty liar and Max Lobo has already read you like a book.

[bananafishdepression]

Hi..if you don't mind me asking, can I ask your top 5 (or top 3) favorite characters from Banana Fish? And why you loved them? And your top 5 favorite moments from the series? Sorry if you've answered this question before....Thanks...

Oh theres soo much to unpack here okay here we go

My favorite character must be Eiji. I relate to Ash a lot, but I've always liked characters that aren't like me. He is the person I wish to be, since I get angry really easily and sometimes I bring other people misery and it makes me feel so bad, so I try my best to be calmer. I just hope my anger issues is a thing of puberty and I wish for it to go away as I get older. I always kept people like Eiji close to me because people like him are so gentle and humble, they can give you an advice if you need it, but if you'd rather sit in silence they'll sit with you. Altought, Eiji is very loyal which I relate to, but sometimes he gives me delulu vibes and I'm a realist so when I see him being weird I'm just like "oh baby you havent met the real world havent you"" but it's fine sshsgsgsg.

I don't have any other favorite characters, I love the good ones all equally (Ash, Shorter, Yut-Lung etc...), but if I saw one of the bad guys I'd throw up all over them (even Blanca don't fight me on this)

For the favorite scene, it must be when Eiji uses an old pipe to jump over a wall and saves Ash and Skipper. Oh my god, the visuals, the music, everything is perfect about it. Theres even a rainbow in the background (gay). The way Ash looked at him flying, and kept staring in the sky even when he jumped to the other side, nobody can convince me it wasn't love at first sight. When asked where Eiji was, Ash said "he flew like a bird" but he didn't mean to make fun of him, he was legit shocked to the point he couldn't belive his eyes. I could forever talk about that scene but I don't want to bore you to tears shshshhssh.

Most of my favorite scenes are from the first half of the anime, like when Ash tells Eiji he should go back to Japan because he's a burden but tries to get drunk later because he didn't mean it, or when Eiji stands up for Ash against his father because he couldn't listen to stuff he said about Ash. There is so much and I'm really not planning to write an essay shshshhs.

Thank you for the question!! <3<3

[sakurasnowfall]

Ash : Eiji....go back to Japan. Where it’s safe. Forget about all this. Forget about me.

Eiji : I could never forget about you.

Ash : .......then let me be a good memory.

[future-mr-red-lion]

Okay I need to say something but it’s a spoiler so warning for a banana fish ending spoiler under cut

Back in 2019 my friend watched the show and he told me that Ash dies, obviously most people would forget that, but I have really good memory on spoilers because they tend to stick with me when I end up watching a show that’s older. meaning just not came out within the year because it’s the one thing I’ll be able to know and connect back to on the show. So watching the episode where Eiji asks Ash to come back to Japan with him, and the fact that I guessed that was gonna happen, but I was praying that it wouldn’t, hit so much harder. knowing the fact that Ash will never be able to go. Like I think the first time when they were talking Ash truly thought he could go. It feels like he tends to forget a lot of his worries and pain when he’s with Eiji. But when he says it to Ibe, I think by then, when he’s already going back to Galzine, he knows he’s not gonna live or at least he thinks he won’t. I felt like by then he was just referring to his body or ashes. Ash knows that Eiji would never leave his body unburied or or left to rot like many other gang members. So the idea of Ibe and Eiji burying him in or taking his ashes to Japan isn’t a far stretch. my only issue is that I don’t yet know how he actually dies. It’s a sad thing to say, but I honestly hope it’s suicide because there’s no way I want Galzine or anyone else to be the one to kill him. People say suicide is the easy way out, but I think for Ash and anyone else It’s extremely hard decision and I think by taking his life ash would try to be protecting Eiji and also because Ash knows that the trauma he’s endured will never let go of him. 

SOMEBODY SEDATE MEEEEE

[fairydust-stuff]

Black lagoon: Sing & Cain

“ Ouch!” Sing grumbled as Cain patched him up every inch of him hurt. 

“ Don’t be such a baby, your lucky you only got bruises” the older boy lectured him. 

“ Your on his side?” 

“ As your friend i’m furious seeing you like this, but the part of me that’s a boss see’s Yut Lung’s position” he admitted. 

“ Yeah Mr Chang and Balalikia made it very fucking clear” Sing said shuttering. 

“ You both fucked up ….because your dumbass kids….who got thrust into leadership roles” Cain observed. “ I wasn’t much better at your age” 

“ Are you going to show me how to get those big muscles?” Sing asked eagerly 

 “ Don’t change the subject….Sing you won’t get away a second time. Is Ash Lynx really worth this?” 

“ Your pulling out?” Sing asked the thought stung. 

“ I didn’t sign up to go against the Lee family and Roanapur” he explained. “ Dino is dead and so is Arthur, so I don’t have a stake in this conflict” 

“ What about Eiji?” 

Cain sighed  “ I feel for the kid, but he should get on a plane back to Japan.” 

“Your not going to help him?” 

“ I have at least thirty guys who depend on me and their families who count on me to try and keep them alive for as long as possible. . I cann’t risk my people for one guy, sorry Sing” 

“ But you’ll side with Yut Lung?” 

“ Business only, I won’t fight his battles for him like some damm toy soldier” 

“ No that’s my job” Sing said bitterly. 

“ Look, that shit cares for you, otherwise you’d be dead” 

“ And I like him but….I don’t want to become like him…ya know?” 

“ Shorter?” 

“ He mindlessly worshiped them and look what happened” 

“ But you're the betrayer this time Sing” Cain reminded him gentally. 

“ I know….I never meant to hurt him….I just wanted to be free…like Ash”  

Cain sighed  “ Sing, you aren’t Ash” 

Sing falls silent his eyes stinging, as he wipes at them. “ I know today proved that! ” 

“Sing  Baby, you need to stop trying to be other people” 

“ But being me is shit!” Sing protested. 

“ It might feel that way right now….it always does at first.” Cain grinned  “ But as tacky as shit as this is going to sound….baby you ‘ll find your own way” 

Sing paused contimplating his words. 

“ Sounds like fucking bullshit” he muttered….

[confused-bat]

I am a very dyslexic and as a result I try and watch all my anime in dub. However there is one main exception to this golden rule is banana fish.

Banana fish has no dub and as a result rewatching it is a massive undertaking and with the ADHD I can't keep my focus on one thing for long so while i watch my dub i also play solitaire and still regain my attention. Once again, I can't do this with Banana fish.

But for a long while I have thought that Banana fish (I'm just gonna shorten it to BF from now on) would make an amazing dub if done correctly, much like how amazingly the manga is translated.

All characters can speak English and have accents that go along with their respective birthplaces and upbringings. For example Ash would have a fancier New York accent along with a slight country tinge. Blanca would also have a Russian accent he tries and mostly fails to cover up.

When talkin to each other, Eiji and Ibe would speak Japanese and so would the characters who can speak that language, and the Chinese would talk Chinese but only some would have the accent, shorter wouldn't for example and he would have an accent similar to Ash's.

Language barriers would also be a thing and can be used as a plot device (much like we see in episode 15 where Yut-Lung speaks Chinese so Eiji wouldn't understand his command). And scenes like when Eiji teaches Ash some Japanese before they plan to go back to Japan together would finally make sence and probobly carry more weight then they already do.

Obviously there would still need to be subtitles and it may make it harder to watch but with how amazing BF is I truly believe that it would have to have an amazing dub instead of a dub like 'To Your Eternity' (it has a horrible dub in my opinion).

It would be a lot of work and be expensive but with the correct people it would be a masterpiece of a dub (like sk8 if you get me)

Also no Bryce Papenbrook, I love most of his characters but he haunts me. Same with J Michael Tatum. They need a break. Some smaller lesser known va's would be amazing to fit the roles and could provide a career for some with stronger accents.

I don't know though this is all just a thought.

edit: for example Todd Haberkorn would make a great Shoter in my opinion; especially if an accent is added. He previously voiced Ling Yao in FMA:B and Death The Kid in Soul Eater.

[samthesuperiosane]

Similarities I noticed between Ash and Shizuo

So I just finished watching Banana Fish and have been contemplating about writing this post. Overall, it was great anime (minus the ending ofcourse), Ash Lynx has undoubtedly made it to my all time favourite anime characters list.

While watching this anime I noticed few things about him that immediately reminded me of my man, Shizuo. So here we go:

1. Both of them have anger issues. This is a no brainer. I could say Shizuo is bit more out there in this regard and would just beat up a random person if he is provoked by silly things. Ash on the other hand, has his niche triggers but he does let his anger take over him.

2. Both of them have disorted self image. It's a bit more complex in Ash's case, given his circumstances, which were the literally the worst. Shizuo also indulges in self-depracation a lot.

3. Calling themselves a "monster" and believing that they are nothing but trouble to their loved ones. Hence, trying their best to drive away from the people they love. For Ash, he literally did everything in his power to sent Eiji back back to japan, sometimes even forcefully. In Shizuo's case in Saika arc, when he is taunted he retorts that it is him who is scared to love someone as he feared he wouldn't be able to control his strength. This makes me think, that if Shizuo ever fell for someone, he'd definately have trouble accepting his feelings and be close to the person, as he'd always be worried about hurting them.

4. Unconditional love. Ash yes, the whole series very clearly showcases his love for Eiji. My favourite scene being when Yut Lung tells him shoot himself and he readily pulls the trigger to his head, without batting an eye lid. Shizuo, I think would definately be the same, he would go out of his way for someone he loved. I believe, if a person accepts him for who he is, he's definately capable of loving them back unconditionally. (Just thinking about it warms my heart. I-)

[ginza-division]

Masa's Thoughts on Shinagawa Division

Ritsuko Okada

"I've seen quite a lot during my time as a priest. I've seen men, women, and even children possessed by demons and devils. I've seen atrocities committed that make even the holiest of men lose faith. And I've seen things that can make one lose their sanity and declare all of life to be nothing more than a lie. I've dealt with these sort of things my entire life. ...But none have come close to this woman here."

"To say that her soul is darker the even the blackest of nights would be a complete and gross understatement. ...And knowing her, she'd probably take such a thing as a compliment. She has little to no morals, ethics, or any sort of right in her nonexistent heart. Such things make my heart heavy and my fury burn with all the passion of the sun."

"Yet, at the same time, I am intrigued by how far she will go to achieve her goals. It is something I admire, as it is a trait that I, myself, have. ...Perhaps I should endeavor to get her to join me. I know she and her sister, Sayaka, do not have a... loving relationship. But perhaps, if both of them join the Church, that would be a step in the right direction. It will be a challenge, no doubt. But challenges are what I live for. And besides... this woman seems to enjoy delivering punishment. So it will be interesting to see how she behaves when on the opposite end."

Miho Kobayashi

"Ah, Eiji-san has spoken much of Kobayashi, one of the CEOs of the pharmaceutical company, E.L. Medical Co. I can't say I know much about them, but apparently, they are one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Japan. Unfortunately, that's all I know about them. The business life is not for me. That is Eiji's division."

"But besides that, a part of me both respects and sympathizes with Kobayashi. Like her, I know the pain of losing a sibling." Masa looks off to the side, looking somber, surprisingly. He sighs and then looks back again. "I'd like to think with her impressive mind, the two of us could do great things together. Perhaps I should ask Eiji if he could introduce the two of us. I feel that there is much we could do."

Sumire Shinomiya

Looking at Sumire's photo, Masa gives a short chuckle. "And I thought the child from Edogawa was the incarnation of the devil. Apparently, I was mistaken. ...Or more like, she inherited the demon's strength, and this child inherited his conniving and diabolical ways. Stories of this child have reached my ears on numerous occasions. Getting involved in illegal street fights, making deals with nefarious individuals, and much, much more. I have to admit, I'd have use for someone like her in "The Crossroads". But... on second thought, no. Someone like her needs to be taught a suitable punishment first. And lucky for me, Juu seems to have something against her. If that's not a blessing in disguise, I don't know what is."

"So fair warning Miss Diabla, keep your affairs behind closed doors. Because if I should hear of them again..."

Masa's daughter, Juu emerges from the shadows, clutching her knife as if it were a newborn child, ignoring the bloodstains on it.

"...My darling daughter, Juu, here will pay you a visit. And I assure you, it is not one you will like."

CodeX

"Ah, such a truly diabolical team that has entered this tournament. And it boggles my mind that people actually respect and love them, when they should instead fear and hate them. But I suppose it shows just how fallen this society is. ...But I am not bothered. Not in the slightest. I will teach them all a lesson about using the darkness to commit your foul atrocities. You'll see just how searing and painful the light is when I shine it down on each of your ugly heads."

Masa picks up the photos of each member of the Shinagawa team and places them over a tall, lit candle. He discards the burning photos and walks off, leaving them burning until they slowly turn to ash on the ground.

[browngurl99]

Title: It's beautiful life, beautiful day

Fandom: Banana Fish

Relationships: Ash Lynx/Okumura Eiji

Tags: Reincarnation AU, First meetings, Stream of consciousness (Kind of?) Pov alternating (it's mostly Ash though), Implied spoilers, Hopeful/Happy ending

Warnings: Mentions of Death

Ao3

It had been a month since Ash landed in Japan and three weeks since he moved into an apartment. He did not buy the apartment. The owner was nicer to him than he expected. Perks of being a foreigner, I guess. He had thought as the owner had handed him the key to the apartment.

He does not know why he came to Japan. His family and friends were not against him wanting to move to Japan. But they were curious. Why? They asked. Ash could not answer. He could not tell them that he himself did not know why he wanted to go to Japan. He wanted to go to Japan for a reason that was a stranger to him. Almost as if someone he dearly knew was here.

Sigh. He should not be questioning his life in the middle of a library. He was trying to find some good Japanese books in order to improve his vocabulary in the language. This was not the appropriate time for this.

He picked a book and sat on a chair to read.

This was the best time of the day for him. Working at a Kindergarten school as a teacher was pretty exhausting. He admired kids but sometimes they could be a headache. When reading a book, He was not working and he could spend time with himself without his thoughts surrounding him like hunters surrounding their prey.

It was raining quite heavily. Ash was glad he brought an umbrella.

A young man made his way inside, his clothes drenched from the rain.

"Excuse me. Do you mind if I'm here till the rain stops?"

"There's no problem with that. Just try to keep quiet." Said the Librarian.

Ash's attention was pulled towards the man for a reason he cannot explain. Usually his surroundings do not bother him much when he is reading.

The man turned to Ash as he felt his eyes on himself.

Maybe it was the Lightning that suddenly struck when their eyes met but Ash felt his heart jump in his chest and his breath being stuck in his throat.

The man possessed black hair. His eyes were brown and big like a deers. His skin was tanned.

Ash felt an amount of Indescribable emotions because of his presence.

He suddenly felt a sort of hesitance. He tore his eyes away from the man and let out a sigh.

What was that?

Ash saw the man's face drop from a corner of his eye. He looked away as well. And sat at a table in the front. 

_

A Foreigner's presence in Japan was not unusual to Eiji since the last few years.

But for some reason he sensed a sort of shock when his eyes fell on that person. Something one would feel if someone who left them long ago came back - Startled, Curious and even overwhelmingly Happy.

He did not even feel this with any of his close friends or the people he had dated. He still could not quite describe what he was sensing, whether it was attraction or remembrance. 

It felt like this was Fate. If it did not rain heavily, then Eiji would not have placed his foot in this Library. In fact, he hated libraries. He did not have any particular reason for hating them, He just did.

Libraries - Silent, very silent, a place where people only bother with books rather than a person. A man could literally pass away in silence and yet, no one would notice. That is how silent libraries were. Not to mention, Eiji was not a fan of silence. To him, too much silence felt like mourning. He liked noises, which always reminded him that there were people around him, including those he loved.

He just needed a shelter to save himself from the rain. He could have stayed under the roof of the cafe or the flower shop, which were right in front of the library. But for some reason he felt like stepping his feet in this library. He walked in without a second thought the moment he saw the library. For a few seconds, he forgot that he hated libraries. 

Eiji could not get himself to look away from him. But when the person looked away, he felt a sudden emptiness in his chest. He did not have any choice but to look away as well.

What is this? Do I know him?

Eiji wanted to go up and start a conversation with this person. But what would he say? He could not find any words to come up with. The words he did not know were stuck in his throat.

Eiji tried to distract himself from him by trying to read a book. He felt a pull towards him. The urge to look at him again kept bothering Eiji.

His eyes read the words in the book before him but his mind focused back to that one person again.

Eiji's subconscious acted quicker than him and before he realized it, he was peeking over the book at that person.

Such captivating eyes. 

The person looked back at Eiji. Eiji gasped ; His throat suddenly felt dry. The green eyes staring back at him shone, almost as if they were glistening with tears.

Is he crying?

He looked away. Again. He lightly shook his head. He resumed reading the book in front of him.

_

Why was I crying?

Ash was bemused. He could not get the person out of his mind, whom he merely made eye contact with. When their eyes met again, Ash resisted to brush off an overwhelming sensation. This sensation felt happy but somehow painful, so much that he felt tears form in his eyes.

He did catch him looking at him. Did that mean he also felt something like Ash did? Maybe.

Ash's thoughts were running in a circle. The same questions were repeating in his head.

Do I know him?

When did I meet him?

Ash let out a hiss in frustration. He could not stop thinking about that person but he also did not have the courage to go up and start a conversation. 

Is he thinking what I am? No, there's no way.

The rain had stopped after 30 minutes. But the man was still in the library. He seemed like he was reading the book before him. But Ash could not hear any sound of a page turning which could be clearly heard from the distance from where he was sat.

Must be a slow reader.

Ash was done with reading. He was supposed to leave but he really did not want to. He hesitated for a moment before getting up.

I think I should just leave

_

Eiji could swear he tried to read and focus on the book before. But reading the words again and again did not make them connect together. His brain was functioning like a kid's. The words were right in front of him but his brain was too busy to comprehend any meaning to those words.

He took off his glasses and put them in a box. It seemed like he was done with reading that book. He got up from the table he was sitting at. Eiji's heartbeat quickened.

Is he leaving?

He looked sad. His brows were knitted and his lips in a thin line. His eyes seemed to say so many unspoken words.

Is he going to come here?

The person turned to the direction which led to the door. He walked with slow and heavy steps. Thus, he stepped out of the library without even taking a glance at Eiji.

Eiji felt empty on the inside. It was like a hole was punched in his chest. He immediately got up. His body moved quicker than his mind.

He ran out of the library. He hoped in his heart to see him. There was also fear that he will disappear before Eiji could reach him.

Please don't go.

_

Ash did not want to acknowledge how a something in his chest felt hollow. He has met so many people ; Some became his acquaintances, friends, he dated some of them and some just remained strangers. That man was different from any of them. His presence was thrilling but somehow comforting at the same time.

He is just a stranger.

He felt as if they had met before. But he was not able to  do anything about it because he could not remember how or when. He could have introduced himself like a normal person but he was unable to find words to speak when he looked at him. And For some reason he cannot explain, he was afraid, very afraid.

Thus, He put a rock on his heart and walked away from the library.

I will probably not see him again

Then, He heard a voice.

"Excuse me?"

Ash turned around. His heart started beating so rhythmically and loudly, a musician could record it and use it as beats in a song. Ash swallowed by nervousness. The Rest of the world was like invisible to him because of a certain stranger.

Black Hair, Big Brown eyes, Tanned Skin - The man he kept stealing quiet glances with at the Library.

It seemed like he was breathing heavily. His eyes said so many words that Ash could not quite comprehend. He was surely a lot more courageous than Ash.

"I'm sorry if this sounds wrong. But Ever since I saw you in the Library, I feel like… we have met before."

Ash was surprised at his boldness. It hit Ash that both of them were lingering in the same bubble of emotions. He opened his mouth to say something but the words he prepared to say kept getting rejected by his own mind. Then, He took a deep breath again and let his words out.

"Would you believe me if I said that I feel that too? I feel like I have met you before this, but I can't remember when or how."

The man's lips curved into a wide smile. It was a very beautiful smile. Ash felt himself silently gasping at that smile. How could a man he never knew make him feel such ineffable emotions?

"Maybe if we get to know each other well, we will remember everything."

Ash did not hate his suggestion. In fact, he wanted nothing more than getting to know this man by his soul.

"I would like that." Ash said.

Ash could feel his heartbeat pick up a faster pace. He could not help but smile. His smile, eyes, overall presence radiated so much warmth. The wind in the atmosphere was pretty cold because of the rain but he made Ash feel warm. He wished this moment could stop forever.

"So, What's your name?"

[whiskeysmulti]

He felt jetlagged after coming back to America. He wheeled his luggage over to where Ash was. He could not help but smile and laugh at him because he looked so grumpy and tired. "Shorter texted me to say you stayed all of last night into the morning for me." ((Everyone survived au))

Random IC-always accepting!

Ash made a mental note to kick Shorter for telling Eiji what he says when he's not there. Frustrations with his best friend aside, Ash was thankful to see Eiji had come back. New York wasn't Ash's home but with Eiji there it felt more comfortable. He wouldn't go back to Massachusetts, even if they paid him and their plans to go to Japan together were put on hold for the moment. There were still some things to clear up first before they could go anywhere. "Come on, Skip's watching Griffin for me right now. I wanna check on him before we do anything."

[bananafishdepression]

Okay I'm gonna hyperfixate on this anime for the unforeseenable future so bear with me but I can't stop thinking about Eiji going back to America after he hears the news to... "visit" Ash and telling him how much he misses him and how he wishes he could've made it to Japan AND I'M JUST NOW REALISING THAT HE'S NEVER GONNA KNOW THAT ASH WAS GONNA COME TO HIM THESE TWO ARE GONNA DESTROY ME AAHHHH T_T (as you can see, I'm coping well)

There are analysis that Ash wasn't running to go to Japan with Eiji. He was a criminal and assumed dead (it's been all over news), therefore a little impossible to leave USA without getting arrested.

He was running to see Eiji once again. He was ready to let Eiji go so he doesn't get hurt again. He needed to let him go because of the way Eiji made Ash feel. Ash felt safe with him, but he's never been so scared of himself until he became close with Eiji. He probably always thought that he wasn't enough for him, which is why he tried to hide his murderous life from him by not telling him anything, which bothered Eiji for the most of the series because he felt shut out.

But Ash didn't mean for Eiji to feel that way. He was just hiding a part of himself that everybody sees whenever he's supposed to be the great Ash Lynx, and wanted to be more of his normal self with Eiji. He longed for normal life with Eiji so bad, but he also was depressed. He wanted to die. So when he ran to see Eiji for the last time and got stabbed, he decided to be selfish for the first time in his life, went to the library (where he felt most peaceful), sat on Eiji's seat to feel closer to him, read the whole letter and let himself be finally happy.

[uozlulu]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Saw this going around and thought I'd do this. I'm uozlulu on AO3

How many works do you have on ao3?

149 (not counting orphaned works)

What’s your total ao3 word count?

745,334 words

What fandoms do you write for?

I have written for 40 fandoms. I'll spare our dashboards the list, but you can find the list on my AO3 link at the top of this post.

Top 5 fics by kudos

Our Soulmate Academia - BnHA/MHA - TodoBaku soulmate AU - 366 kudos

Pain - Banana Fish (manga) - Eiji finds a plane ticket Ibe gave Ash to give to Eiji - 287 kudos

Crush - Teen Wolf (MTV)/Supernatural - Stiles has a one-sided crush on Dean - 261 kudos

A Gift - MCU!Avengers/Daredevil (Netflix) - Matt and Clint run into each other at a Claire's store - 222 kudos

Names and Promises - Black Clover - Asta & Yuno soulmate AU where they're platonic soulmates with the first thing they said to each other written on their bodies - 210 kudos

Do you respond to comments?

I always respond to comments. It seems polite. It's also a habit from posting my fics on message boards back in the day.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

In the Pasture of a Vale - Five years after the end of season five of Supernatural, Dean comes across Ben and Adam who have also become hunters (I wrote this back in 2010)

What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I think the majority of my fics skew towards the happy side though most I think are a mix. So I'll link the most recent one with a definitively happy ending.

The Mystery in the Fog - ACD!Sherlock Holmes - Unbeknownst to each other, Holmes and Watson belong to the same underground club. They find out at a wedding for a couple of fellow club members in 1902.

Do you get hate on fics?

I do occasionally. The worst one was a flame on an SPN fic that graphically detailed what would happen to me when I went to hell for my fic (It was an AU exploring who Castiel's vessel could be that I wrote while catching up on SPN not knowing the Jimmy episode happened).

Do you write smut?

It's not my fave but I do it when the story warrants it. So far I only have two fics on AO3 that deal explicitly with sex.

Swallow My Fang at Night Island - IwtV (AMC) - Devil's Minion human AU set in the year 2000.

Best Laid Plans - Banana Fish (manga) - Ash goes to Japan at the end of the manga AU

Craziest crossover

My TayNick character crossover New Information. Also my only crossover so far, but that’s a side note.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I have 15 crossovers but I think the fandoms I put together make sense together

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I've given permission for it but never heard back from anyone about it.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

My brother and I wrote several together that have been lost to time and space

All time favourite ship?

Probably Kagome/Inuyasha but the evidence of this has been lost to time and space

What’s a wip you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I really wish I had it in me to write that BnHA/MHA fic that's basically Tenchi in Love, but it's Aizawa and Class A going to the past to save All Might

What are your writing strengths?

According to compliments in reviews, fight scenes and fight sequences.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Spelling. Thank goodness for Word.

Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

I don't mind it, but it depends on how it's executed.

First fandom you wrote in?

Technically fairytales/fables but in terms of publishing it, then Gundam Wing.

Favourite fic you’ve written?

The Land Across the Sea - Black Clover/Boruto - Boruto gets taken to Clover by a tsunami and meets up with the Black Bulls and Golden Dawn recovering from the Spade Arc. Portions of both squads get to escort Boruto back to the Land of Fire, which is where Yami comes from. (This was written before the Spade Arc ended in Black Clover).

[animethings]

Ash: I won't make you go home.

Eiji: I can stay?

Ash: You won't go home even if I say no. Besides, it seems like it's better for me if you stay. Even if I sent you back to Japan, I'd still be worried to death about you. So, I'd rather have you here where I can see you.

Eiji: ...

Ash: Say something. You want me to ask you to stay by my side again?

Eiji: ...

Ash: What?

Eiji: I like that. Say it again!

Ash: Yeah, right. I'm starving. Let's eat.

Eiji: Come on, one more time!

Ash: Shut up.

[fairydust-stuff]

Eiji & Rock Black Lagoon crossover

Five minutes later. Rock faces Eiji who sits on the bed. His new prison is a second lavish room. 

“ So who are you and why are you so important?” Rock asked 

Within minutes the nineteen year old spills everything that happened to him these few weeks. With Rock pressing or offering sympathdic smiles until he gets the judist of it. 

“ Please you have to help me” Eiji argued. 

“ I’m afraid, I cann’t” 

“ Why not?” Eiji asked 

“ Because, I want to save Yut Lung” Rock said casually. 

“ What????” 

“ Why is that so shocking you said yourself, you want to save Ash”

“ That’s different “ Eiji argued. “ Ash isn’t a bad person” 

“ That subjective isn’t it? ” 

Eiji looks at him in shocked confusion  “ He…. kidnapped me….got Shorter killed!” 

“ I see, so your objections  to Yut Lung really have to do with personal grudges, rather then morals. I don’t have personal feelings toward Yut Lung either way” Rock confesses. 

“ You want to save people, help me save Ash” Eiji argues. 

“ My employers wouldn’t like that very much….” Rock gave him a pitying smile.  “ Your new to this world aren’t you?” 

He wonders looking into those clear eyes, if this is what Revy saw gazing at his face in the beginning. “ Someone let you in and you’d anything for the person, who shook you awake. Got you to leave your old life behind” 

“ Your wrong! I’m just a tourist I’m going back to Japan and i’m taking Ash away from this” Eiji argued. 

“ Your in the Twilight then…” 

“ The what?” 

Revy enters the room. “ Rock are you actually tormenting this asshole?” 

Rock slips back into English “ Just trying to get a few more pieces of the puzzle”