"Attention all passengers," a flight attendant called over the speaker {A/N: everything is now in Japanese}. "We will be arriving in Izumo Enmusubi Airport shortly. Please fasten your seat belts and prepare for landing."

   I looked down the aisle and saw Ibe putting away his book. He saw my glance, and smirked at me. Glaring at him, I turned back around.

   I wanted to see Eiji, but I didn't want Ibe to tell him. I wanted to find him on my own.

   Of course, I would have to conquer this city first.

   After getting off the plane, I pulled Ibe to the side, and he put his hands up.

   "I didn't tell him anything," he said. "After I leave, I'll tell you the coast is clear. But here." He handed me a slip of paper. "That's his address. Drop by tomorrow when you get some rest. He's been waiting."

   "Thanks, Ibe," I took the paper, and watched him walk away. Walking by a trash can, I was about to throw the paper away, when I hesitated. "What a waste," I muttered, shoving it into my pocket.

After I was brought to my hotel, I went to my room and collapsed on the bed. The hotel was only temporary since I hoped to get an apartment soon. I took the piece of paper out of my pocket and stared longingly at it.

"Maybe I'll go take a look around," I muttered, getting up. It was getting dark, and the area was still unfamiliar, so I would have to be careful. I memorized when my the hotel was, and some nearby streets in case I got lost.

The part of the town the hotel was in was fairly quiet, with a occasional dog barking. I looked at a map on my phone, figuring out how to get to Eiji's.

I arrived at his street, carefully looking around to make sure he wasn't outside. He lived in a nice two story house, with a small front yard.

"Who are you and what are you doing in front of my house?" a young girl asked. She looked like a high schooler, so I figured she was probably Eiji's younger sister. She was carrying her schoolbag and a plastic bag with groceries.

"Just a visitor from the States," I shrugged, taking a step away from the front gate. I jabbed my thumb in the direction of the house. "Is he home?"

"Ei-san?" she asked, pushing the gate open. "I think he is. Do you want to come inside?"

"No, thank you though." I started walking away when front door opened and the light flooded outside.

"Eiko!" I heard Eiji call. "Did you happen to see a male with blond hair?"

"He just left," the girl said. "Went that way."

Ahh crap. I can't let myself get busted.

I started running, turning onto different streets trying to loose the voice calling out to me.

But it was no use.

I felt his hand grab the back of my shirt and we rolled down a hill. He fell on top of me, clenching the front of my shirt so I wouldn't run away.

"Nice to see you too, Eiji."

   "You... you... idiot!" Eiji put his arms around me, burying his face in my chest. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Do you know how long I've waited for you to visit?"

   I sat up, Eiji in my lap. He was covering his eyes, but I saw tears rolling down his face.

   "So Ibe told you I was here?" I asked and Eiji nodded. I sighed, but put my arms around Eiji. "It's been a while since I held you." Eiji snuggled his face in my neck, holding me close.

   "So where are you staying?" Eiji asked after he calmed down.

   "At a hotel for now," I said. "I hope to get an apartment soon."

   "What do you mean?"

   "I've decided to go to university here."

   "What!?" Eiji looked at me. "Are you serious? Does that mean you're going to be staying a while?"

"That is if I get in the university," I said. "I don't even know where to start looking."

"There's a school near here," Eiji said. "The University of Shinmane Izumo. I'm sure if you took the entrance exam tomorrow, they may consider letting you in."

"There you are!!" Eiko exclaimed, finding us at the bottom of the hill. "Ei-san, Mom's worried about you."

"Right," Eiji said, getting up. "Why don't you come over for dinner, Ash?"

I shrugged. "How could I resist?" Eiji blushed. "As long as the food isn't yours." He smacked my head.

"I'm sorry you didn't like my food!" he exclaimed, walking up the hill towards his sister.

"Ei-san, aren't you going to introduce me?" she asked when I joined them.

"This is As-," Eiji cleared his throat, "Aslan Callenreese."

"I see you remember how to properly say my name," I said.

"Oh shut up already!" Eiji punched me, and I chuckled.

"Nice to meet you, Eiko-chan," I said.

"Aslan Callenreese... Aslan... oh! Ash Lynx?" Eiko asked, thinking for a moment, putting my two names together. "Oh! You're the boy Ei-san wouldn't stop talking about when he got home! Went on and on about how you two hung out all the time."

"Oh?" I glanced at Eiji. "You didn't tell her everything I hope."

"Of course not!" Eiji frowned. "I can keep secrets if need be!!"

"Hai, hai, Onii-san," I shrugged, teasing him.

"What? What?" Eiko looked at us. "What are you keeping secret?"

"Nothing for you to worry about," Eiji said, pinching Eiko's nose. "I'll race you two home! The loser doesn't get desert!" Eiji started running down the street.

"Hey!!" Eiko quickly followed, and I jogged behind her. After spotting their house, I sped up, running faster than them and reaching the front gate first.

"Damnit!!" Eiji clenched his fists. "I don't believe I lost!"

"Come on, Eiji," I said. "You can't win against me."

"I will some day," he muttered, walking up to the front door. He walked inside, and I followed, gingerly stepping inside.

"Finally!" a woman exclaimed, stepping out into the hallway. "Where have you been, Eiji? Who's that with you?"

"This is Aslan Callenreese," Eiji started, "Ash for short. He's my friend from the States. He just arrived today."

   "Oh! Eiji still talks highly of you, Ash-kun," Mrs. Okumura said, smiling. "Please. Stay for dinner."

   "Thank you very much," I said, sitting next to Eiji.

   "So how are things back in New York?" Eiji asked. "Is Bones and Alex and the others doing well? What about Sting and Cain?"

   "Calm down," I chuckled. "I'll tell you everything. But first, let's eat!"