Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Please give me ideas for Banana Fish short stories

They can be about anything but I'm best at writing angst, smut or gore

There are a few rules:

Must be ash-centric
preferably m/m but fem!ash is ok
Must be bottom Ash

Chapter Text

Why does he keep coming back?

Ash must be a glutton for punishment, some sort of sick masochist.

How else would he fall for someone who hated him, who thrived in seeing him suffer. Maybe it was Ash’s way of punishing himself.

These were the thoughts running through his mind as teeth clashed together, blows were exchanged and nails sunk into flesh. This is what love felt like for Ash, it was always painful.

“Fuck you!” Ash screamed as Arthur bit into his full lower lip, tearing the flesh until it bled.

“That’s what I plan on doing.” Arthur shot Ash a look halfway between a glare and a grin, dogging a kick from Ash. He gripped the smaller man’s hair, roughly turning Ash around onto his stomach.

“I fucking hate you!” Ash spat bitterly, elbowing Arthur square in the face. “Keep that energy.” The highlighter blond whispered into his ear, nipping the lobe and slamming Ash’s face into the carpet.

Arthur wasted no time in ripping his jeans down, the cool air making Ash shiver. Two fingers were shoved between his lips.

Resisting the urge to bite down, Ash drooled all over the other man’s digits. It was likely the only lubrication he would get.

Arthur seemed satisfied enough, thrusting the moistened fingers into Ash. A dying whimper escaped his throat. Pathetic.

Just like last time, just like the time before that. Arthur fucked into Ash’s body like he wanted to kill him, murder him with his own hands. It was never sweet but Ash didn’t want sweet.

Dino was sweet, when he wanted to be.

That’s what Ash was running away from. He would never admit feeling remotely near love towards his life-long enemy.

“Don’t you dare cum inside me.” Ash hissed out, tone holding all of the information Arthur needed to know if he went against these wishes.

“It’s not like you’re going to get pregnant.”

Ash froze.

Arthur glowered down at him, like Ash was his prey. “Do you wish you were a woman? That way our relationship would be normal and we wouldn’t be freaks?

Ash paled. “You think I want to be a woman! If I was a woman I’d have it way worse. I’m already a whore…”

Arthur kept going.

“I’m not gay Ash. What we have, it’s not permanent.”

His words hung in the air like a death sentence.

“I was raised to be a man. A man marries a woman, Ash. A man provides for his family and supports the children his wife gives birth to.” Even from his own mouth, the words sounded rehearsed. They were words that were repeatedly drilled into Arthur’s head. They were his law at this point, the only right way to live.

Something about the pained expression on Ash’s face made his heart lurch. His lip was busted, bruises already forming around his left eye and throat. Ash didn’t so much as wince when Arthur dealt him these wounds.

“Get out!” Ash’s voice broke, green eyes burning with hatred. “Get out!”

Arthur was stunned, jaw clenching and unclenching like a fish out of water.

No words came out. Arthur left.

Chapter Text

“It is just a fever.”

“It’s NOT just a fever!” Ash placed his hand against Eiji’s forehead. “You’re burning up! Should I take you to the hospital?”

Eiji scoffed. “You were almost bleeding out the other day and REFUSED to let me take you to the hospital. This is just a simple fever Ash, I already feel better.”

This was common behavior from the blonde, he was quick to ignore his own suffering, worry about others before himself, especially Eiji.

“That’s it. I’m calling your mother.” Ash stormed out of the room but quickly came back almost immediately after. “If you need anything, ring this bell.”

“Fine, fine.” Eiji placed the small, silver bell at his bedside table. He had to admit, it was nice having Ash fuss over him like this. He closed his eyes, maybe a bit of rest would help.

~~~

Eiji opened his eyes, blinking them until his vision was no longer blurry.

“Ash! What is wrong?”

The other boy was sitting in a chair next to him, expression panicked.

“I thought you would never wake up! I was so worried…” Ash looked like he was on the verge of tears. “Dear lord! I was only sleeping Ash. Stop being such a drama queen.”

Eiji heard the sound of a plastic bag rustle and Ash removed some items from it. “I told Shorter to get things from the grocery store while you rested. Your mother said to give you barely tea, let me know when you’re hungry. I’m going to start making dinner.”

“You never make dinner.” Eiji mused, surprised and delighted at this change of pace. “It’s because you’re better at cooking!” Ash grumbled, “don’t get used to this.”

Soup was almost impossible to burn, Ash couldn’t possibly mess up something so simple.

~~~

“I fucked it up Shorter!” Ash glared at the watery bowl of broth, looking both unappetizing and inedible. “Can you please come over here and help me?”

“No can do, I’m busy at the restaurant. You’re really hopeless, aren’t you?” Ash heard Shorter chuckle unsympathetically into the phone.

“Whatever! Just tell me how to fix it.” This has to turn out perfect for Eiji.

“If the broth is thin you’ve added too much water. Dump some of it out and add seasoning. Have you cut the vegetables yet?” Shorter walked Ash through the rest of the steps and finally the soup came together, it wasn’t perfect by any means but Ash was more worried about feeding his sick boyfriend.

Are you hungry yet? Ash asked Eiji, gently tucking the boy’s sweaty hair away from his face. “Yes, it smells good, it reminds me of my childhood.”

Ash smiled proudly. “It’s a recipe that your mother gave me. She said it’s one of your favorites. I’ll go get you some.” He came back shortly with a small bowl balanced on a tray. “Let me know it you want more, I only started out with a little bit.”

Eiji tried a spoonful. Although the broth was a bit bland and the vegetables were a tad undercooked, it was extremely charming that Ash had made this for him.

“It is delicious.”

Ash blushed a little, hiding his face. “Thank Shorter. He’s the one who walked me through this.”

“I have one more request, Ash.”

“Sure, anything.”

“Can you feed me? I think I am too sick to eat by myself.”

“Whatever happened to I already feel better! Is this one of your weird kinks?” Ash was all of a sudden flustered.

“Please?”

“Fine.” Ash was easily defeated by his love for Eiji. “Say ahh! Here comes the train.”

“Ahhh.”

~~~

“If this is what being sick is like I want to be sick forever.”

“Don’t joke. I’ve been worried to death about you.” Ash pouted a little, pressing an ice pack to Eiji’s forehead.

“Is this even the same Ash as before? You have been buzzing around me like a mother hen, constantly checking my temperature and insisting I stay hydrated.”

“It’s not my fault you act like a big baby when you’re sick!” Ash shot back defiantly. He would never admit it but Ash loved taking care of Eiji like this. It made him feel so much closer to his boyfriend.

“I love you Eiji, get well soon.”

~~~

The next day Ash woke up with a fever.

Chapter Text

He wanted to feel like nothing.

No, scratch that.

He DESERVED to feel like nothing. To curl up into a little ball and dissolve, no flesh, blood and bone remaining.

Sometimes Ash couldn’t sleep at night when he thought about the disgusting, laughing men grinning down at him with yellowed teeth and the deranged things they did to his body. Things that made Ash want to shrub ever inch of his body until it was raw and red or throw up in the toilet over and over again. Even if he knew the scum they spat into him was already gone and digested.

Other times he would long for what they did to him. In some kind of sick perverse way, Ash’s mind replaced the pain and panic he felt with a nostalgic feeling. It was probably a way to cope and protect his brain but Ash couldn’t stop thinking about it. Maybe a therapist could explain it to him. Maybe being abused was one of the earliest examples of “love” Ash felt, no matter how twisted.

Even memories of Griffin had been swallowed up by time, replaced by the empty shell of his older brother. Ash was only 7 when it all started…

Eiji was the first example of pure love Ash felt, besides Griff. It was wonderful, oh so wonderful.

But it still felt wrong.

It took a long time for Ash to stop flinching when Eiji touched him. Even longer for them to develop a romantic relationship. Ash couldn’t shove down the terror of sharing a bed with someone until Eiji.

Because he knew Eiji wouldn’t purposefully hurt him.

Sometimes Ash wanted to be hurt.

He found himself chasing the pain of his past.

Whether it formulated in letting some street thug beat his ass or going to the club just to get groped and sexually harassed.

It was still attention.

And sometimes Ash needed it, no matter how humiliating it was to admit that.

‘You are hurt. Very hurt.’ Eiji had told him once and it was true.

So hurt that it felt like his entire existence was being hurt. Still, he could never tell Eiji. Eiji would be so disappointed in him. Angry that his pathetic self couldn’t give up being abused.

“I’m gonna go study. Don’t wait up for me.” Ash prayed that Eiji wouldn’t detect his lie.

“Good luck!” Eiji smiled, looking back down at his book.

Ash stepped outside, removing his jacket. He was wearing a mesh black tank top, nothing too crazy but more than enough to draw plenty of attention. That combined with his ripped jeans and trademark converse.

When Ash arrived at the club he went straight to the bar. The bartender liked him and gave Ash free shots. That way he didn’t have to think too hard.

Ash was a lightweight, he was already feeling a little dizzy, pleasantly so. Buzzed enough to justify what he was doing to himself.

Several men approached him that evening, probably wanting somebody to grope or grind against. Ash wasn’t interested. He considered packing up and going home. Nobody was interesting or aggressive enough to mingle with.

At one point some guy bumped into Ash and insisted to buy him a drink as an apology. He seemed nice enough so Ash decided to humor him. They talked for a while and it was nice and maybe someone wanted Ash for more than just his body. Maybe someone wanted to be his friend, no strings attached.

Ash couldn’t help but think of Eiji. Eiji wanted him for more than just his body. Why the hell was he here and not home with Eiji?

Ash finished his drink and suddenly the world began to spin. It was more than just a buzz.

Shit the guy must’ve drugged him.

Of course this guy wasn’t just being his friend. Men always wanted something in return, how stupid could Ash be? He went here looking for trouble and now he’d found it, although worse than he’d expected.

‘Eiji wouldn’t ask for anything in return.’ A terrified, little voice whispered in the back of Ash’s head

‘This is what you expected. This is what you wanted.’ More voices drowned out his common sense.

He was half dragged, half carried to the back. Where nobody would see them. Ash’s stomach lurched. He couldn’t move his body. Couldn’t kick, couldn’t form a punch.

“You must want this, looking and dressing the way you do.” The man whispered into his ear, pinching Ash’s nipples through his thin shirt.

Typical, victim blaming behavior. Ash wasn’t surprised.

“You look like a slut. I’m gonna treat you like one.” Slamming him into the ground, the man hovered above Ash.

He couldn’t fucking move. Couldn’t scream, just sit there like a little doll.

Like THEY would’ve wanted.

The thought alone makes Ash want to vomit but he made this bed, now he had to lie in it.

Pulling his pants down the man spread Ash’s legs roughly. Actual, real terror strikes him now. Ash didn’t want this. He didn’t want this.

Was he doomed to live this lifestyle over and over again? As nothing but a street whore to be used and abused by whoever saw fit? Would he even mind?

No. He hated this. Stop. STOP.

The words formed by his lips never left Ash’s mouth.

“Stop now or I will shoot off your dick.”

A blur. Someone was there to save him. That voice? Eiji??

The man pulled up his pants and ran away.

The coward.

Shit. How did Eiji find him? How did he get a gun? More importantly, Eiji had just caught him face down in the pavement with his ass up, like the whore he was. How would he ever find it in his heart to love Ash again?

“Ash are you ok?” Eiji’s concerned face lingered above him.

I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry!

He tried speak but no words came out.

“Let us get you home.” There was no hate, no disgust in Eiji’s words.

~~~

Ash woke up in his bed, last night seeming like a bad dream. “Eiji!” He threw the covers off, terrified that the apartment would be empty.

Luckily Eiji was at the table, reading the newspaper. “Good morning Ash.” He smiled pleasantly.

“Aren’t you mad? I almost cheated on you Eiji!” Ash gripped his sleeves, shamefully huddling in on himself.

“You did not almost cheat on me Ash, you were almost raped.” There it was again, a voice completely free of malice.

“How did you find me?”

“I followed you. You are a bad liar Ash. You always look away when you lie. I grabbed your gun to protect myself, like you always tell me too do. Why do you do these things to yourself Ash?”

Ash’s voice wavered, “because I deserve it. Because I miss it.”

That powerless feeling, depending on someone else to do with you what they pleased. It was enticing. Terrifying but still enticing.

“How can I help you? You need to stop hurting yourself Ash.”

Ash sighed. “You can’t help me and…I don’t want to stop. It’s all I know. If I stop now I won’t know what to do with myself.”

It was better to be honest with Eiji. He could see right through Ash.

“I understand but please Ash, when you feel this way please let me know. That way I can try to convince you to stop. You are so beautiful Ash, inside and out. You are worthy of love. Good, pure love.”

Ash fell into Eiji’s arms and he felt happy, safe. Maybe he could convince himself that this love was better.

Chapter Text

He was just a kid. Why. Why?

Ash’s arm was shattered, not his shooting arm, Dino’s request. Bone was peaking through the mangled flesh. Blanca would worry about that later. Right now he had to realign the kid’s ribs or Ash would stop breathing.

There was so much blood.

Soaking into the white of Ash’s shirt but more worryingly spreading steadily down the seat of his jeans. Blanca was afraid to see what damage had happened there. “If you keep letting this happen they’re going to kill you Ash…” Blanca’s words trailed off. Tremors wracked the kid's petite frame...Ash was going into shock. “Let em kill me. It’s better than this hell.” The boy slurred. “Are you going to rape me too? If you do then kill me first. Dolls should be quiet and obedient. But that’s hard for me y’know?”

Blanca was horrified. He knew things like this were happening behind the scene but not to this brutal extent.

“I’m not going to hurt you Ash.”

“That’s what everyone says but they always do anyway. It’s ok you can use me too. I’ll be a good little toilet.” He reached for Blanca’s trousers with a painfully small hand. It was easy for Blanca to stop him, placing his hand back on the bed.

Ash had gone into autopilot it seemed. Doing whatever he could to protect himself.

“You’re losing a lot of blood. Let me treat your wounds or I’m taking you to the hospital.” It was a lie of course. Dino would never allow that. Especially since Ash was underage, a situation like this would call for protective child services.

“You should let me die. I’ll never be free, never!” Ash's eyes widened in a moment of clarity.

Blanca covered his mouth, trying to keep the boy from working himself up further. Ash immediately went limp, a trained response. The thought made Blanca sick. Should he tell Dino about the extent of damage done to his favorite toy? Would he even care? Sometimes he would charge extra to let people beat Ash up as well as fuck him. Especially when he wanted to punish the kid for being rebellious. All Blanca could do was fix the physical damage done to the boy’s body the best he could.

Was it the only action setting him apart from the men who did this?

Was he just standing idly by as his student was abused, assaulted and tortured?

It was too much to think about right now. Blanka would be surprised if Ash ever got over the mental damage.

“Here, this should help with the pain.” Blanca grabbed a flask out of his coat, pressing it against the boy’s swollen lips. Ash’s tense body relaxed almost immediately. "I'm going to touch you now, is that ok? The last thing Blanca wanted was another person touching the kid without his consent. A weak nod. "This may sting a bit." Blanca took the chance to turn Ash over, shucking his pants off.

Some of the bleeding was internal, which Blanca could do nothing about. However, he could stitch up shredded skin like a second nature. Ash didn’t even wince when the needle entered his mangled flesh. Blanca prayed that the boy had gone numb. “I’m going to work on your arm now.” Blanka gently turned Ash over again. “Bite down on this if it hurts.” He handed the boy a handkerchief.

There was a plain oak nightstand nearby, that would work. Blanca snapped the legs off easily, he could already hear Dino’s complaints. First Blanca applied pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Ash winced but otherwise stayed still. Then he fashioned a splint out of the chair legs on either side of the boy’s wounds, tying it together with leftover rope found in the bedroom.

Dino would have to call some underground doctor later. Soon preferably or Ash’s body may never heal correctly. The boy was in shambles. He’d gone silent, quiet breathes escaping his lips.

Blanka prayed that Ash would sleep for a long time and escape the pain as much as possible.

Chapter Text

Eiji and Ash had been married for two years. Everything was perfect, almost like a fairytale. Ash never doubted Eiji’s love for him. He would do romantic things all the time like bringing home flowers or cooking dinner. In a way Ash felt…inadequate.

When people got married it was traditional to enter a sexual relationship, at least that’s what Ash was told. He’d never had sex with Eiji. Not even once. They did other romantic things like hand holding or even kissing. That was nice and all but Ash was worried that it wasn’t enough to keep Eiji in his life. What if Eiji found some women who could give him twice as much as what Ash could?

It wasn’t like Ash was opposed to sex. It just didn’t feel like the right time yet. Neither of them were virgins and that’s partially what scared Ash too.

When the time was right for him and Eiji to have sex would he look used up?

Ash was insecure about his body. Mostly because he felt like used goods and worried about how his body looked because of that. He’d had sex. A lot. It wasn’t his choice.

If he could be fresh and unused for Eiji he would. He’d do most anything to be perfect for Eiji.

It was really effecting his mood.

Eiji noticed because of course he did. “What is wrong Ash? You have been quiet lately.”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Ash sighed, shoulders drooping. “Do you even want to have sex with me Eiji?”

Eiji looked genuinely shocked. “Of course I do! I mean I would love to when you’re ready.” The dark haired man looked sheepish, perhaps worried he had answered too quickly.

“After we have sex do you promise to stay with me?” Ash asked in an almost-whisper.

“Of course Ash. For as long as you need.”

“Forever?”

“Forever.”

~~~

“You are beautiful.” Eiji tangled his tongue with Ash’s, their teeth clicked together.

“This part.” Eiji kissed Ash’s eyes and eyelashes. “This part too.” He pecked the blonde’s upturned nose. “It all is.”

“Sometimes I don’t feel worthy. How do I deserve someone as wonderful as you?” A lone tear slid down Ash’s cheek.

Eiji wiped the tear away. “You deserve the world and so much more.”

“I love you Eiji.”

“I love you too Ash.”

They were both naked but it was comfortable. Ash wasn’t freaking out like he normally did. He felt safe, so safe. Every fear was washed away by Eiji’s laugh, Eiji’s warm smile. Eiji Eiji Eiji.

Are you ok? Are you ok? Eiji asked him for what seemed like the millionth time. Yes, the answer was always yes. Ash was ok.

“Dino said he was going to ruin me for any other man. I’m sure that I’m a mess.”

“A mess? I don’t think so.” Eiji speculated. Ash hadn’t moved from his position on the bed, arms tightly clasped around his legs.

It made sense that Ash would feel shame about his forced promiscuity.

“I wish that I could say something to take your shame away.”

Ash exhaled softly, legs slipping down and free from his hold. “I like having sex with you Eiji. Does that make me a whore?”

Thumbing away the moisture underneath Ash’s eyelid Eiji replied, “this is the first time you were able to chose who to love. Never feel ashamed about that.”

Chapter Text

“You’re Ash’s boyfriend?”

Eiji turned around to come face to face with an unfamiliar man. Some gangster punk it seemed. He kept on walking.

“How does it feel dating a used up whore?”

“Excuse me?” Eiji stopped in his tracks.

“You heard me. Do you mind getting sloppy seconds?”

Eiji took a deep breath to calm himself. “Please watch your language.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

~~~

“Eiji’s in jail?”

Ash was in shock. How could his sweet boyfriend get arrested?

“Aggravated assault.” Max looked up from his phone.

“Seriously? That’s bullshit.”

“I know, I’m surprised too. Luckily it will probably qualify as self defense and we can get him out easily.”

“Thank God.” Ash sighed. “I have to ask him why…it doesn’t add up.”

“Stop mopping or we’ll miss the appointment.” Max grabbed his car keys.

“Where are we going?”

“We’re going to visit Eiji.”

~~~

Jail wasn’t unfamiliar to Ash. What was unfamiliar was being on the visitor’s side.
When his boyfriend entered the room wearing a orange jumpsuit Ash nearly burst into tears.

“Eiji! What the hell happened?” Ash embraced the other man tightly, not intent on letting go. “I am sorry to worry you Ash.” Eiji wiped a tear away from his lover’s eye.

“What happened Eiji? This isn’t like you!”

“Somebody was saying bad things about you. Awful things. I couldn’t let it slide.”

“What things?” Ash let out a shaky laugh. “That I’m a slut? I can take that.”

“But I don’t want you too.”

“What did I do to deserve you?” Ash asked partially to himself. “I miss you too much Eiji. You better get out soon bastard!”

Eiji leaned forward, tangling Ash’s tongue in a deep french kiss and firmly squeezing the swell of Ash’s butt, making the taller boy jump.

“I miss this too.”

Chapter Text

It was the 6th of January in Paris, bitter, cold and unforgiving. Like every other morning, the Parisians awoke to the bells of Notre Dame, which were rung faithfully every day by the priests who resided there. Although it was mid-winter, folks gathered in the square for an annual festival. Everyone closed their shops, instead setting up bonfires and maypoles in preparation for the festivities.

Overlooking it all, the cathedral of Notre Dame was home to a Priest, Monsieur Dino Golzine. He was a stocky man of average height, his head bald besides grey, furrowed eyebrows and a thick mustache. Dino took it upon himself to oversee the festival, he wanted the people to know him as a hardworking man although most of his duties resided within the church.

“You may proceed with the festivities,” Dino announced in his loud, resonant voice. All the civilians bustled around, singing, drinking or otherwise making merry. Dino continued watchfully, finally settling his eyes upon a crowd nearby. Next to the crackling flames of the wildfire a young boy danced. Boy didn’t seem like the correct wording, he was more like a fairy or angel. He was quite tall with a slender, flexible body. Most enticing was the boy’s fiery emerald eyes, half hidden by pale, blond locks. Dino could just make out pieces of metal in the boy’s hair, glinting in the firelight. It was clear to Dino that the boy was a gipsy but somehow his heart twinged at the thought. Dino advocated for removal of all gypsies throughout Paris, it was his duty and right to exterminate them. How was his heart moved by this young boy? Despite himself, Dino couldn’t tear his eyes away from the gipsy’s hypnotic dancing. The boy seemingly danced himself out of breath. Dino momentarily felt the boy’s bright, gleaming gaze upon him. Tearing himself away from the charming figure, Dino continued on his way.

Today also chose to be the day a young man of Japanese decent arrived, Okumura Eiji was his name. He was a boy with hair and eyes black as midnight and a face that put you at ease. Eiji had left his humble birthplace to escape a disease that murdered his family, ravaged his crops and left him with no choice but to search for a better life abroad. After transporting on both boat and horseback, Eiji was worn and tired, looking for a place to rest. Unfortunately his name, Okumura, could’ve been equated with Satan the way townspeople stared upon him, with snide whispers directed at his person. It was no matter as Eiji was used to this kind of behavior. He had traveled far and wide. It seemed for this poor soul, he would need to keep traveling, for nobody was to give him board. But it was a cold January evening and sunset was approaching.

“Good day to you traveler,” Monsieur Golzine tipped his hat in the man’s direction. “It seems you are weary. Forgive my townsfolk as they are unused to such dissimilar, but you mustn’t lose heart. The cathedral of Notre Dame has plenty of room and is free of charge.” Eiji graciously bowed his head in the man’s direction. “How should I repay you Monsieur?”

“Speak of no such thing! I am but a humble servant of the Lord.”

No sooner had Eiji unmounted his horse as cries for “La Esmeralda, La Esmeralda!” shook the crowd with a great wave of applause. Seeing the young man’s attention drawn in that direction Golzine replied, “fret not, tis nothing but witchcraft. You see, there is a surplus of Gypsies in our wake.”

“La Esmeralda?” The Japanese boy learned much on his voyage but this name remained shrouded in mystery.

“Emerald. The color of the gypsy boy’s eyes. Devil eyes.” Golzine muttered more to himself.

“Will the Gypsy boy have warmth and shelter on this winter evening?” Eiji asked despite himself, he was a kind and gentle boy.

“Fret not for the Gypsy whores. They steal our riches and curse us with their charms.”

Against his better judgment, Eiji couldn’t stop thinking of the Gypsy. Was this boy an outcast too? He’d seen a glimpse of the boy who wore nothing but a sarong and gorgerette in freezing weather.

“Follow me, night draws near.” Dino motioned towards Eiji with a hand. The boy looked regretfully away from the gypsy, guiding his horse to the stable near Notre Dame.

Chapter Text

“Cain look after Ash for me!” Eiji pushed Ash back abruptly, into the larger man’s arms. “Eiji wait!” Ash fell against Cain, still in shock.

“Eiji come back! Come back!”

The Japanese man didn’t listen, instead running further away. A feeling of dread filled Ash.

He couldn’t lose Eiji.

Ash was ready for his own death. He wasn’t even afraid. It was the fear of losing someone close to him that truly drove Ash mad.

“Let go of me Cain. Let go!” He struggled against the hold of the other man but it was similar to tussling with a brick wall. Especially in Ash’s current malnourished state. Cain easily knocked the smaller man out, supporting his unconscious body.

“Sorry Ash.”

~~~

Cain had never been in such close proximity with Ash. In a way it was almost scary, having such a revered gang leader so near. Cain lifted the boy’s knees, it wasn’t a problem. The boy was light, worryingly so.

Cain was unsure of what exactly happened at Dino’s manor, weather he starved Ash to keep him submissive or if it had been an act of rebellion on Ash’s part.

He wasn’t going to pry.

Cain settled on carrying Ash bridal style as they escaped the sewers. He didn’t want to throw the boy over his shoulder like a piece of luggage. Constantly he checked through his shades to make sure Ash wasn’t stirring, he didn’t want any more trouble when the boy woke up.

Something about it was nice…in a way. He was so close to Ash he could count his eyelashes, smell the faint hint of shampoo in his hair. It made Cain’s heart beat a little faster. He wasn’t gay, Cain had always been into woman. There was just some androgynous appeal about this guy, like a boyish girl. There was strength beneath his bird-like bones. So palpable Cain was sure he would find it if he ripped open the cage of Ash’s delicate chest.

They were opposites in every variation. Cain with his tall, broad and handsome frame. Dark features and eyes always shielded behind a frame, his well muscled arms decorated with tattoos. He was intimidating, unreadable but reliable.

Ash was all angelic charm, thin wrists and pale skin. So white it was almost translucent, like he never saw the New York sun. He carried so much emotion in his eyes, jade green that looked about to spill over. And to top it all off he was absolutely, frighteningly beautiful.

Ash was non threatening, well, until you got on his bad side.

The black and white devils of New York.

Cain hoisted Ash up further in his arms, catching a flash of something on the boy’s nape. There was a map of bruising embedded in the soft skin. Webs of black, blue and purple bled into his collar bone. Cain didn’t want to think about what kinds of torture that old man had put Ash through.

He’d known as soon as the boy strolled onto their turf that nothing scared him. Cain even had to convince some members of the gang against capturing Ash and selling him on the black market. He had made it too easy, walking there all alone, not a single subordinate or guard by his side. It was practically a death wish.

After explaining his situation, the boy seemed noble enough. Not just stupid.

There was something unique about him, like finding a diamond in the rough. Ash didn’t fear death, that made him special.

Especially being a gang leader when death was always around the corner, ready to knock at your door anytime.

He didn’t want money, or land. He didn’t yearn for violence. Ash just wanted safety and peace. Security for himself and his friends.

Once they had cleared the sewers, Cain motioned to his gang. “Follow me, we’re going back to home base.”

~~~

“Hey, you awake?” Ash woke up on a soft surface to the rumbling of a now familiar voice. Cain, the bastard. Ash’s wrists were tied, restricting any movement and snuffing out any possibility of escape.

He took in the surroundings, Ash always had to be alert and aware. It was a dump, walls chipped and speckled with mold. Nothing different from his own refuges, abandoned buildings too banged up for anyone to miss.

“This is our hideout.” Cain continued, hands leisurely settling in his pockets as Ash glanced around.

“What the hell Cain? Take these off!” The blonde demanded, voice rising in irritation. This bastard was wasting his time, time that could be spent looking for Eiji.

“You’re nothing but skin and bones. You can’t do anything.” Ash froze. Cain had noticed his current anorexic state. He felt weak. Humiliated.

“Shut up and take these off!” Ash pushed down the shame he felt, eager to find Eiji.
“No can do. I’m already involved with this. The war against the Corsican mafia. We need you in order to win.”

Ash didn’t care about winning. He needed Eiji. Eiji was all that mattered now.

“Anyways, you rest up.” Cain turned to leave, intent on ending the conversation.

Suddenly a loud crashing sound alerted him. Ash had broken free from the binds, pulling away some of the wall by default. Cain’s eyebrows rose in surprise, how did Ash find this strength in his body?

“Out of my way.” The boys voice was horse, like he hadn’t drank water in hours, but it was determined nonetheless.

“Jeez, you don’t take no for an answer do you?”

Cain grinned despite himself. Maybe he had room in his heart for this small, pale boy.

Chapter Text

“A young boy with such an innocent face”

Foxx nodded in his men’s direction, ordering them silently to leave him alone with Ash. He blew a cloud of smoke onto Ash’s face, smirking at the boy.

“You’re like a leopard. A wild demon of the forests that the jungle dwellers dread the most. But it’s graceful and beautiful.”

“Those who hate me call me the devil, the reaper, whatever. But you, I will not let you say it. I don’t go around carving out eyes from people who are still alive!”

Foxx punched Ash savagely across the face, knocking him backwards and onto the ground. He gripped the rope around Ash’s neck, pulling it taut and therefore cutting off the boy’s airways.

“Why do you resist the Monsieur?” You’re talented, young and beautiful. You could have anything you want.”

“Anything? Only on his agenda. I have nothing to do with it.” Ash choked out, gritting his teeth from the pain.

“Why don’t you join hands with me, Ash? If you become the head of the foundation, the world will bow before you!” Foxx stopped choking Ash momentarily, leaning down to where he was kneeling. “I’ll take over the shady business so you won’t have to soil your hands.” He reached over and gripped Ash’s shoulder. “Join me, and the world will be ours!”

Ash started laughing despite himself. “Are you serious? I’d rather kiss a slug than join hands with you.” Ash grinned at Foxx, knowing that he wasn’t being wise. That we was digging his own grave. He didn’t care though, as long as Eiji and the others were safe. He was just buying time.

Foxx grabbed the rope, yanking it violently and distorting Ash’s body. “The son of a distinguished man shouldn’t speak like that. I noticed the Monsieur seems to have a trump card against the US government. You know what it is, don’t you?”

Foxx released the rope again and Ash’s knees gave way. His chest heaving desperately as he tried to fill his lungs with air.

“The Corsican Foundation has deeply penetrated the heart of the US. There must be something behind it.” Foxx inched foreword as Ash simultaneously backed away. His back hit the wall leaving him completely vulnerable to Foxx.

“You’ll tell me, won’t you? As a sign of our partnership.” Foxx gripped Ash’s chin, forcing him to look up at his tormentor.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re crazy.” Ash shot back. His voice was calm but his hands were shaking. This couldn’t be happening. This couldn’t be happening again.

“I understand very well that simple violence won’t move you.” Foxx bashed Ash’s head against the floor, gripping the roots of his blonde hair. “You try to escape the Monsieur because you were once his sex toy. You know he’ll control you once again if you return to him.”

Ash’s whole body was shaking now, scalp stinging from the pressure.

“Your knees will give way, and you won’t be able to move. You’re still powerless against that curse.” Foxx inched his hands up Ash’s waist, fingers splaying out across his ribs. His other hand gripped the blonde’s chin, forcing himself onto his helpless body.

“Stop, get your hands off me!” Ash cried out, his heart was beating so fast it felt about to burst from his chest. He could feel Foxx’s weight against his lower body, ready to defile Ash like all the other men in his life.

But not Eiji. Eiji had to leave, run away as fast as he could and never look back.

“Now ready to talk?” Foxx could sense Ash’s terror, he revealed in it sadistically. Ash knew his type.

“Your kind is always like that. You dominate others by forcefully crushing them.” Ash lifted his body off the ground, turning to face his enemy. “Suit yourself. But nobody can dominate me. Ash felt a twinge of satisfaction at the confusion on Foxx’s face. “I’ll never bow down to you!”

The rough material of the rope cut into Ash’s tender neck but he didn’t care. He wasn’t going to remain some helpless prey, submissive to a predator who would pick him to the bone.

“Well then. As you wish.” Foxx drew his knife.

~~~

It seemed like hours had passed when Foxx was finally done brutalizing Ash. At least for the time being. He redressed the boy even taking time to fasten his trousers and belt.

Foxx left Ash to the mercy of his men who pounced on him in the same manner a lion would pounce on a gazelle. They clearly tortured him for the joy of it, not with any overwhelming sense of duty. Sometimes they didn’t even ask Ash any questions, content in his screams of agony as an answer.

The door slammed open, making Ash’s weakened body jump. Foxx strolled in, looking like he won the lottery. “Eiji Okumura. Does that name ring a bell?”

Ash’s heart stopped like something was squeezing the life out of his chest, making it impossible to breathe. “How do you know that name?”

“It seems your men aren’t as loyal as you hoped. Now I’ll ask again. Will you join me? If you disagree I can just as well kill your men, Max and your precious Eiji. I doubt he’s gone far.”

“P-please anything but that.” Ash’s voice was faint, his face caked in blood. He dragged his battered body across the prison floor, pleading at Foxx’s feet.

“I like how you beg. Even after all this torture, just a few words broke you. I suppose that I’ll consider your offer, only if you promise to be my loyal slave.” Foxx wiped some of the crusted blood away from Ash’s temple and eyes, revealing their bright jade and still defiant glare.

“Sure. Not like I have a choice.” Ash sputtered out in his wrecked voice, spitting up a glob of blood.

Foxx leered down at Ash, evaluating him. “That was almost too easy, but I did enjoy torturing you.” He motioned his men forewords. “Load Ash into the truck, he’s my property now.” Ash was lifted to his feet, stumbling as pins and needles overtook his nerves.

“One more thing you bastard. Let me talk to Max before I go. Then I’m all yours.”

Foxx scowled. “Fine. Men, follow him. Make sure he doesn’t try anything funny.”

The scummy looking men wearing army fatigues dragged Ash up to his wobbly feet again, practically dragging him out the door. At the end of the hall they unlocked a metal door. Max was there looking worse for wear. His hands were tied tightly behind his back.

Foxx’s men threw Ash on the floor unceremoniously and closed the door, standing at the entrance with their guns cocked. It was too dangerous to try any escape plan now, especially if it put Max in danger.

Ash lugged his body upwards, getting on his bruised knees. “Max please. Get Eiji as far away as possible. Send him away to Japan. Change his name even. Tell him I’m dead. Promise me.” Ash whispered in the other man’s ear. “I promise.” Max nodded hesitantly, seeing the despair in Ash’s eyes. “That’s enough!” Foxx’s men grabbed Ash by the shoulders, dragging him backwards and out of the room. Ash let them, his mission was complete. “Ash! Ash!” Max’s distraught voice echoed through the corridors.

~~~

It was worse probably. Worse even than his time with Dino. Foxx was a true sadist. He’d fuck Ash just to fuck with his head. He’d fuck Ash like he hated him. Maybe he did or maybe it was another kind of twisted love.

Foxx dragged Ash around like he was some kind of sick trophy. He’d let other men fuck Ash in exchange for more power. He’d do awful, awful things and blame them on Ash. It was his charisma that sealed the deal, Foxx said. Because some shitty, bottom of the barrel perv liked how he looked enough to sign some papers.

Ash didn’t feel good. Was it the fifth week? The sixth week? Time was blurring together. His body hurt. He was feverish then he was freezing. He couldn’t hold any food down. He couldn’t remember a time where he didn’t hurt.

But he remembered Eiji.

His smile was so bright it felt like summer all the time being around him. His eyes would sparkle. His hands were warm.

It’s ok if he died, because he could still remember Eiji’s face.

Foxx didn’t want him to die. It was laughable because Foxx was the one who was killing him. He kept Ash chained to the bed like some kind of animal, even though he could hardly stand by himself.

It gave Ash deja vu to his time with Dino. Someway it felt right. This was the way it was supposed to be.

“You just want a body to torture, Foxx. Doesn’t it make you sad?”

“What?”

“That nobody will ever love you as much as I love Eiji.” Ash laughed at the expression on Foxx’s face. He couldn’t help himself. He didn’t stop, not even when he felt the man’s weight dip the mattress. Or the blows raining down on him, splitting his lip and bursting the capillaries in his eye. He knew that he would never see Eiji again but it was ok.

It was ok because Eiji could fly.

Chapter Text

“Since when have you liked woman?” Ash glared at Dino, face to face with the creep’s new toy. She was young, probably the same age as Ash. 14 or 15 at most. More shockingly, she shared several traits with Ash. Traits that Dino found desirable.

The girl had long, curly blonde hair. Not dishwasher or strawberry blonde but true blonde, almost white. Her skin was pale, like milk, and her eyes were such a pure emerald green they looked almost translucent.

Ash hated her.

“How impolite! You haven’t even greeted my new friend. Say hello Ashley.”

The girl didn’t say anything, eyes wide and scared.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Ash practically yelled, glowering at his master. “You’ve found a female replacement for me? Am I not good enough?”

Dino grinned smugly, “Replace? Of course not. I just found a promising new protégé, one that will be able to grant me children.”

Ash wishes he could wipe that expression off Dino’s face.

This had to be a punishment for Ash’s recent rebellious phase. The kind of “rebellious phase” where Ash fought back against his abuser, no longer scared enough to just sit and take it. He was tired of being a doll for Dino to pump and dump into, leaving him alone and sore once the deed was done.

“Fuck you!” Ash decided upon, that was easier than actually speaking what was on his mind.

Dino’s chuckle followed him out the door.

~~~

He had to kill her. It was really for her own good, Ash thought. He’d seen that look, the same look in his eyes before scrapping his way up from the bottom. She was going to be used and abused just like him. Probably thrown away when Dino was bored. He had to kill her.

Ash followed the girl around, a knife stolen from his dinner plate clutched in shaking hands. Was he really going to kill an innocent girl? A child who was suffering just like him. Ash shook his head, clearing away any reasonable thought. He had to.

It was for her own good.

He couldn’t do it. Ash broke down sobbing, legs shaking until he fell, knife sliding from his open fingers. He wasn’t a monster, he couldn’t kill someone who didn’t deserve it.

~~~

Dino always dressed her up like a little doll. Big bows in her blonde ringlets, a frilly lolita-like dress and Mary Janes. The female version of the weird, fetishy outfits Dino forced Ash into.

Ash couldn’t stand it.

One day he snuck into the girl’s room, rummaged through her beautiful armoire, fingers brushing over fine, silky fabrics.

He tore one off the hook, it was a beautiful emerald color. One that perfectly matched his eyes.

Her eyes.

Ash stripped from his white t-shirt and ripped jeans, kicking off his shoes into the corner. He looked into the full body mirror coming face to face with his reflection. A young 14 year old boy looked back. His body looked younger than that, ribs poking out under pale skin, limbs thin and bony. Dino liked him that way.

Why wasn’t he good enough anymore?

He tried so hard to be good.

Ash ripped down the dresses zipper, climbing into the ballooning fabric. It was too loose in some places, Dino had tailored it to the girl’s size and she wasn’t malnourished yet. Ash could pass as a young girl like this, face androgynous enough to pass as feminine.

Would Dino like him again?

Ash tiptoed out of the room, like a lady would. He held his dress up elegantly as he walked, stepping gracefully towards Dino’s room.

The door opened.

“Welcome Ash! Are you here to join us?” Dino grabbed the boy’s elbow, pulling him into the room.

All the air left Ash’s lungs.

The girl lay on Dino’s bed, a white sheet covering her body. Blood seeped from her open mouth, staining the stark white and seeping into the mattress. “Aren’t you happy? I did it just for you!”

Ash gasped and sputtered, falling back onto the floor. “I-I didn’t want this.”

“Yes you did!” Dino dragged Ash up by his arm, almost pulling the limb out of its socket. He fixed his arm around Ash’s waist, keeping his wobbly legs standing.

“Look at it. This is how much I love you.” Dino forced Ash’s face in her direction. “I will kill anyone for you.

“You lied to me.” Ash slurred, the words sounding idiotic once they left his mouth.

Of course Dino lied to him.

“No. No. I didn’t want this. I didn’t murder her.”

“Then why is she dead because of you?”

Ash sobbed in Dino’s arms. He couldn’t stand it. Dino was right.

“You were jealous Ash, how cute. Look, you even dressed up all cute for me!”

Dino lifted Ash’s limp body, throwing it onto the bed.

“No I don’t want this…not here.” Ash gasped, face inches away from the dead body next to him. The smell of metallic blood infiltrated Ash’s nose.

“It’s ok I know you do. See, I know you better than you know yourself. I never truly wanted her Ash, I wanted her because she looked like you. Still, she wasn’t perfect. She didn’t have that fight in her that I love so much.”

Dino flipped up the dress, hand gently rubbing Ash’s stomach. “My only regret is that I can’t bore a child with you. How beautiful it would be to see your stomach swollen with child.”

“Stop, I don’t want you, I changed my mind!” Ash inched back on the bed, away from the bloodied body.

“You can’t change your mind Ash, your fate has already been decided.” Dino flipped Ash over, slipping down his boxers.

As this man old enough to be Ash’s grandfather fucked into him for the up tenth time, Ash wondered why.

Why was he jealous over a man he hated, a man who had ruined his life. It wasn’t normal. Maybe he just feared rejection. Maybe he yearned for love. Maybe he was a broken mess of a human being.

Ash’s brain turned to mush.

As he looked into the glassy eyes of the girl next to him Ash mouthed “I’m sorry” over and over again.

Chapter Text

There weren’t a lot of hot guys who came into Ash’s workplace. He wasn’t saying that in a mean way, it was just the truth. There were too many rough looking guys with unkempt appearances who were all too happy to flirt with Ash. He’d always end of with one of their tongues shoved down his throat, or bent over the toilet seat while they rutted hopelessly against him.

Ugh…Ash hated men sometimes. He was so close to giving up.

Maybe God heard his desperate plea or maybe it was straight up luck.

A handsome man walked into the bar and he was JUST Ash’s type.

He had tan, almost olive skin, tattoo sleeves on his visible biceps, dark, soulful eyes and thick brows. Ash almost drooled.

He approached the bar with a small, polite smile. It didn’t suit his demeanor.

Ash could tell at this distance that the man was shorter than him by a few inches. However, he was built a bit bigger than Ash with perfect muscles, they weren’t too big or too sculpted. They suited him.

God. What was Ash thinking? Why was he acting like some lovesick maiden. Had it seriously been that long since he’d gotten some good dick? No that wasn’t it. Ash didn’t want this man for a one night stand. He NEEDED this man. In his life. Forever.

~~~

Eiji huffed out an exasperated sigh. He was late. Again. The boss would never forgive him.

He checked the address again. Yep, this was it. Walking into the bar, Eiji’s eyes adjusted to the dim environment.

Might as well get a drink for his boss as an apology.

Eiji turned to the bartender.

Oh.

He was pretty.

The bartender was tall, model tall, especially for someone living in Japan. He was obviously a foreigner with long, blonde eyelashes framing his jewel-like eyes. Eiji swallowed, wanting to reach out and touch his creamy skin, feel if it was as soft as it looked.

He shook off those thoughts, offering the man a small smile. “Can I get an old fashioned?” The blonde smiled. “Sure.” He looked down, seemingly lost in thought before asking, “what brought you here? I haven’t seen your face before.” Oh my God! Was this pretty bartender actually talking to him? “Um…erm…uh yeah. I’m just here on bu-business.” Why the fuck was he stuttering so much?

Eiji couldn’t just say that he was a yakuza member, even if the tattoos gave it away. He didn’t want to scare off this cute guy. Awkward silence ensued as the bartender mixed his drink. “What was your name?” Eiji realized he had spoken much too loudly when several people turned to look at him. “I’m Ash. Nice to meet you.” The bartender replied with a little chuckle.

~~~

Ash walked down the street after his shift lost in thought. Damn that guy was cute. His actions were so different than his appearance. When Ash asked him a question he had stuttered, a lot. The blonde was so distracted he didn’t notice where he was going and accidentally bumped into something, hard. “What have we got here?” A tall man all in black looked down on Ash.

“You’re blocking me. Can you move?” Ash asked in a frustrated tone. It was just his luck, getting stopped by some bum. “Look this one’s giving me sass. What should I do about that?” Two other similarly dressed men joined him, faces hardly visible in the dark.

Shit. Ash had gotten himself into trouble again. He just wanted to go home!

“That’s pretty hair you got.” The man blocking his path grabbed it, keeping Ash from escaping. “Tell me, is it blonde down under too?”

Ash kneed the man in his groin, trying to run the other way. However, the other two guys were on him instantly, restraining his arms and legs.

“You’re going to pay for that you bitch!” The man in charge roared, punching Ash across the face, hard.

~~~

Eiji sighed heavily. The meeting hadn’t gone well at all! The boss had scolded him for being late and didn’t even accept his apology drink. Eiji had just ended up drinking it himself, he needed it.

Ugh. What an awful day, Eiji thought. He supposed it wasn’t all bad since he’d met that cute bartender. If only he hadn’t embarrassed himself in front of Ash too…

He walked behind the bar where his car was parked. There were some people gathered in a dark alley, some of them looked like they were from Eiji’s gang. Going over to greet them he realized to his horror that they were holding down and beating someone. The person didn’t look to be in an opposing gang, they were wearing a uniform instead of street clothes.

“Stop guys! This goes against our gangs rules. We don’t hurt civilians!” He helped up the crouched figure.

“Ash!” The blonde’s face greeted him, although looking a bit worse for wear. He had a split lip, bloody nose and swollen eye.

“Thanks but I could’ve handled myself.” Ash pouted a bit. “Handled yourself? Those guys were beating the shit out of you!” Eiji pointed out. “Don’t worry, I’ll report their behavior to my boss.”

Ash seemed shocked. “You know those guys? Who the fuck is your boss?” Eiji looked down awkwardly, suddenly seeming very interested in the hem of his shirt. “He’s the boss of the yakuza.”

Ash grew increasingly irritated. “What the hell is the yakuza?”

Eiji thought of how to describe his “job” to a foreigner. “It’s like the mafia but in Japan, I guess.” Looking slightly horrified, Ash asked. “You’re part of the mafia??” He inched away from Eiji, eyes wide and full of terror.

“Hey, calm down! We’re not all bad.” Eiji tried to calm the blonde boy down. “It’s against our rules to injure civilians or anyone who honors the yakuza’s code. Those guys who hurt you don’t speak for all of us!”

Ash sighed, no longer scooting back. Falling back on his ass, Ash put his head in his hands. “Today was such a mess. The only good part of it was meeting you.”

Eiji blushed. “What did you say?”

Ash grinned deviously. “I said that I liked you dummy, and I know you like me too.”

Scratching his head Eiji mumbled, “am I that obvious?”

“Yeah.” Ash got to his feet. “How about we go to your place and you fix me up. Sound like a plan?”

“I-Um yeah!” Eiji could hardly hid his excitement, intertwining the blonde’s fingers with his own.

Chapter Text

Ash had a job to do.

Infiltrate, interrogate, then escape before anyone unsavory caught a whiff of his trail. Preferably with no casualties.

Should be easy enough, right?

Knowing his innocent catholic school uniform wouldn’t fool today’s target, Ash opted for a different disguise. Unlike Kippard, this individual‘s file had classified him as shrewdly intelligent.

“I’ll be back soon.” Ash promised Eiji, leaving before the Japanese man could convince him otherwise. Plucking an empty pizza box from the wastebasket on his way out, Ash pulled a gun from his waistband and placed it inside. The final touch.

This evening Ash was going undercover as a pizza delivery boy, knowing he’d blend in easily as a fish in the ocean. His ‘client’ didn’t have a name, but Max had provided him an address. Apparently, this individual was extremely dangerous, heavily armed and had copious amounts of information on Banana Fish.

Ash arrived at his destination just as the sun drifted beneath the cityscape, urban inversion dying the sky reddish-orange. Standing before him was a large brick building with an arched roof over the porch and double doors. A flickering sign hung above the entrance, designating the establishment as Devil May Cry.

It seemed sleazy, even dangerous. This has got to be the place, Ash thought, tatting his tongue. What kind of edgy loser names their shop something like that?

As Ash approached, he could make out music playing from behind the hovel’s shabby doors. It was so loud he could hardly make out the words clearly, but judged it to be some sort of early Y2K rap. The doorbell was cracked clean through the middle, so he settled on a firm rap to announce his arrival.

Nothing. Ash knocked again, waiting for another three minutes or so before he really started to get irritated. Whoever was in there had definitely heard him, but was going out of their way to deny him the courtesy of a response. “Hmph!” Ash sized up the door. It looked rotted enough. With a strong kick, he blew the damn thing off its hinges.

Inside was one square-shaped room resembling a studio, with wooden floor and plaster walls. In the corner, a man who looked to be around his age was absorbed in a round of Dance Dance Revolution.

Huh, so that’s the source of the shitty music..

The sounds of Ash’s encroaching footsteps notified the mystery man of his presence, even though he’d somehow been oblivious to the former obliterating his front door.

“Oh! You brought my pizza.” The man rummaged through his pockets, turning them inside out. “Sorry, looks like I’m outta cash. Can you put it on the tab?” He tossed Ash an apologetic smile.

Was the man really this stupid? Ash rolled his eyes in annoyance. Max had made him out like some sort of prodigy. Oh well, at least I won’t have to place 4D chess, sucker probably gets overwhelmed by checkers.

Pulling his gun out of the pizza box, Ash pointed it at the man. “What do you know about Banana Fish?”

His opponent approached him slowly, hands raised and looking not at all startled by the sudden development. His appearance was striking, taller than Ash by a couple inches and with hair the color of snow. “My name is Dante, what about you, blondie?” Ash blushed a little. Dante was very handsome and naked from the waist up, displaying his sculpted figure. Ash suppressed his wayward thoughts and cut right to the chase.

“I’m Ash Lynx. That information won’t be useful to you for long if you don’t tell me about Banana Fish.”

“Woah, slow down babe!” Dante jested. All of a sudden he disappeared and the gun fell from Ash’s hands. “If you wanted a date, all you had to do was ask.”

“Hey!” Ash shouted as the man pointed his very own gun right back at him.
This couldn’t be real! Ash was a sharp shooter, the best at what he did apart from Blanca. There was no way this scummy, low-life, good-looking…wait? What was he thinking?

“W-what are you-?!” Ash couldn’t help but stutter in awe as Dante stepped closer.

“Zip it, I’m the one asking questions here. Who the hell sent you?” Dante demanded, Ash’s gun clutched in his hands, finger on the trigger. The barrel hovered a couple inches away from his forehead.

Ash gnawed on his lip, mulling over where he could have possibly gone wrong. Suddenly, an embarrassing realization dawned on him.

“Before you blow my brains out, I think we might have a misunderstanding.” Ash replied casually, buying time. “Do you know this address?” Opening the pizza box, Ash removed a crumpled, greasy piece of paper which he hastily handed over.

Dante squinted, scanning the page’s contents before staring dejectedly at the empty pizza box. “Yeah.. it’s the place across from here.”

Fuck.

“I’m really sorry, but I gotta go-” Ash countered, trying to make an escape for the door.

“Hold up!” Dante grabbed the collar of Ash’s jacket, making him rock back on his heels with the force of the contact. He briefly considered fumbling for the switchblade hidden in his sock, but figured that would just be adding another weapon to Dante’s arsenal, given his ungodly speed.

“You haven’t explained yourself yet, plus my door is busted. How are you going to make up the difference?” Dante pouted.

Flight hadn’t worked, and Ash didn’t see himself winning in a fight against this overpowered freak. Now he had to fall back on his third option: flirt his way out. Ash took a deep breath and prayed his would-be target was as fruity as he looked.

“We got off to a bad start. Unfortunately, I don’t have any cash on me, so are there any other.. services I may provide? Something that might take your mind off this whole misunderstanding?” Ash looked over his shoulder, catching a surprised and bemused expression as it flashed across Dante’s features. Was it working? He took the opportunity to shimmy out of his jacket, freeing himself from Dante’s grip and showing off his form-fitting white t-shirt.

“Are you from Love Planet? Listen, I don’t need anything added to my tab!” Dante huffed, despite his eyes betraying intrigue at Ash’s offer. “Goddamn, did Enzo put you up to this? These pranks have gotten out of hand..”

Ash looked confused.

“Are you a prostitute?” Dante elaborated.

“Shhh, just let me take care of you~” Ash said seductively, turning to slip his hands beneath the lapels of Dante’s coat so he could shrug it off his shoulders. “You forgot about the door, and we can call it even.” He leaned closer, lips ghosting over Dante’s as he anticipated the taller’s response.

It'd been a while since Dante had been able to afford anything for himself, making rent ate up the majority of what little money he managed to scrape together from inconsistent jobs. Besides, he’d been banned from Love Planet ever since they’d sussed out the fact he was using a fake ID. One more year and he could cash in said ID for a free lap dance. Until then, he’d simply had to get better acquainted with his right hand. This unexpected but welcome opportunity felt like an overdue bout of good karma.

“Well.. I don’t see why not.”

~~~

That’s how Ash found himself under Dante’s desk, buried between the strange but sexy man’s muscular thighs. He was hidden from view if anyone were to walk into the shop, adding an element of exhilarating risk to the encounter.

Ash unlatched the button on Dante’s baggy trousers, unleashing a patch of silvery pubic hair and his flushed, half-hard cock. Cute. Dante’s member was proportionate to the rest of his body, a little above average but nothing Ash couldn’t handle. The blonde teen glanced up, gauging the other’s reaction.

“If you don’t wanna swallow you can spit in the trash can.” Dante was trying to sound nonchalant, but his bouncing leg and flushed face revealed a hint of nervousness.

“Thanks… nobody’s ever given me that option before.” Ash replied awkwardly. Usually he hated doing stuff like this but for Dante, Ash didn’t mind. The silver-haired man looked troubled, opening his mouth as if he wanted to say something. But rather than wait for the torrent of awkward questions, Ash sheathed Dante’s dick in his mouth, effectively shutting him up.

A sharp gasp escaped from Dante’s lips, his calloused fingers immediately wandering down to tangle themselves in Ash’s hair. The light tugging sent pleasant tingling up his scalp. “Is this okay?” Dante asked breathlessly, the tip of his member kissing Ash’s uvula. “I’m not gagging you, right? Just tap my thigh twice if it’s too much.” This guy.. did he ever shut up? Ash had taken dicks several inches longer and twice as girthy. Dante was a cocky piece of work, that much was obvious. Still, It was weirdly sweet how much he cared.

Ash gave himself a moment to adjust before he began his special technique- guaranteed to make any guy shoot in a matter of minutes. Dante was no exception, if his pleased sighs and muffled groans were anything to go by. He seemed more than happy to let Ash do all the work, admiring the sight of the blonde’s head bobbing in his lap and giving his dick some much needed attention.

Before Dante even realized it he was breathing heavily, not even trying to hold back his moans as Ash worked him good beneath the belt. Suddenly, the younger man pulled off with a salacious pop, and Dante shuddered at the sudden rush of cool air on his exposed member.

“Can you please be a bit more quiet? I know I’m good but…” Ash trailed off.

“Damn right you are!” Haha uhh I mean, sorry.. I’ll try to pipe down. Please, just keep going.” Dante responded sheepishly.

“Right.” Ash complied, bowing his head to continue the task at hand (or rather, mouth).

Dante bit the lapel of his coat, flushing with embarrassment as Ash’s talented mouth inched him closer to orgasm. This was all moving so fast, one second he’d been trying to beat his high score on DDR and now he had a trigger-happy twink chowing down on his dick like a five course meal.

Suddenly, a ring sounded from the old fashioned phone on Dante’s desk, startling them both. Dante let it ring a few times, glancing down at Ash before answering.

“D-Devil May Cry! Ughh.. Enzo it’s you. Listen, right now really isn’t th- huh? You got a new job for me? G-great! I could really use some extra cash..” Dante stifled a moan as Ash ran his tongue teasingly across the tip, clamping a hand over his mouth as he struggled to maintain control over his vocal cords. “Hnng— yep! All good, just stubbed my toe.” He babbled, an unconvincing attempt at damage control. “Y-yeah. I’ll see what I can do. Bye now.”

“Very cute.” Dante growled upon hanging up, although his voice held no malice. “That was my boss just now, luckily he’s not such an- ughh! u-upstanding guy himself.” Dante’s hands returned to Ash’s hair, tightening their grip and he actually started to move his hips a little, signifying how close he was. All Ash had to do was apply some delicious pressure and tongue at the sensitive underside before Dante came apart, thighs shaking on either side of his head as he dumped his load down Ash’s throat.

The white-haired man sunk back into his chair bonelessly, soaking in the afterglow as Ash wiped his mouth and got to his feet. Before he could turn to leave, however, Dante grabbed onto the hem of his shirt and pulled Ash squarely onto his lap. The blonde’s eyes opened wide in surprise as Dante’s lips found his, gently overlapping until Ash decided to take the initiative and slip in some tongue. Dante cringed a bit at the taste of his own spend, but decided he deserved it for not giving the younger man more warning in advance before blowing his gasket.

“Thanks for doing that for me.. Ash.” Dante tried out the new name, liking how it sounded on his lips, his sultry voice barely above a whisper. “I haven’t felt that amazing in a long time.”

Damn. If all it took was a good bj to make this guy’s day, Ash had a million other ways to ruin him for anyone else. Not that he’d use any of them, of course!

“I want to know more about you. What’s your story, where are you from?” Dante gently brushed Ash’s bangs aside, fingers tickling his forehead.

Shit, he’s getting attached. Ash opted for being blunt, hoping to get this sweet and slightly pathetic shopkeeper off his back. “I’m a child prostitute. That’s why I’m so good at sucking dick.” He retorted with a tinge of humor and bitterness, waiting for the pity to well up in his partner’s eyes. Instead, all he saw was regret.

“God.. I’m so sorry! If I had known better… Would you like to talk about it?”

Ash shook his head, hesitant to dredge up any more of those painful memories.

Dante arms tightened around him, keeping the blonde anchored on his lap as he briefly reached around to his desk. Swiveling his head, Ash watched Dante prop up a picture frame that had previously been lying face down, scanning the portrait within. It was that of a lovely, platinum-haired woman, sea-colored eyes staring tranquility at the pair as a warm smile creased the corners of her lips.

“My mother. I didn’t want her to see what I get up to in my spare time.” Dante’s laugh held a tinge of sadness. “I lost her when I was eight years old. For weeks I lived on the streets, alone, desperate for any kind of stability. I know what it’s like to be taken advantage of. Hell, I’m on the brink of going under at any given moment. The only thing keeping me afloat are the people who care enough about my sorry ass to help tide things over when the going gets tough. Are there people like that for you?”

Eiji. Max. Jessica. Shorter. Blanca.

Ash nodded hesitantly at first, and then firmly as their faces played through his head like a slideshow.

“I’m glad.” Dante squeezed Ash almost imperceptibly, before helping the younger to his feet. Both men suddenly seemed to realize how oddly intimate this whole encounter had become, standing awkwardly in the dimly lit shop while an ever-steady stream of drafty air flowed in through the demolished door.

“I really ought to be going.”

“This late? It’s a bad part of town, at least take my bed and get some rest. I’m fine right here.” Dante threw his legs up on the desk, hands behind his head.

“I’ve navigated worse places at night. And I’m really not that tired..” Stop lying to yourself. The thought of taking a nap right now was heavenly, he hadn’t slept in what felt like days. Especially without having to worry about a mercenary or hitman on his back. Dante’s power was otherworldly, and Ash felt fairly confident that an army of gun-toting gangsters would be no match against him.

”..But I suppose a couple hours wouldn’t hurt. I’ll be out of your hair first thing tomorrow morning. After all, I have a job to do.” Dante flashed a toothy grin, and Ash could have sworn he saw fangs. Eh, probably a trick of the light.

“Right this way, then.” With a dramatic sweep of his arm, Dante directed Ash towards the staircase leading to his personal loft. He cast one more glance in the direction of the wrecked entrance and shrugged, flipping off the shop lights. Business could wait for tomorrow.