A/N: After a little trouble with uploading, I got some help from KittyB78!! So, thank you!! I am happy to present to you the next installment. I hope you enjoy it, and there's another note from me at the bottom. You should totally read it.

Living To Let Go

Chapter 2

Backseat Driving

Three days. It had been three days since Bankotsu had arrived at the Kitamura residence. The past few days consisted of Bankotsu vaguely getting used to the place, feeling out Kenji and Maaya, and texting and calling Jakotsu. Of course you couldn't forget the pigging out on all of the snacks in the kitchen, the channel surfing on the pristine flat screen HDTV in the den, and all the practicing of sliding down the wooden banister along the staircase whenever he descended the stairs. The house was westernized, and though there were some things he didn't care for, such as the high dining room table and chairs, he preferred the western home anyway so he wasn't disappointed. What was surprising to him the most was that Kenji and Maaya barely even spoke to him. He could do whatever he wanted and if he saw Maaya she would just smile, and if he saw Kenji he would just grunt in acknowledgement. So far, neither of them were bothering him at all, to be honest. And this was starting to bother Bankotsu. He hadn't gotten lectured yet, no one had yapped off a list of rules and expectations to him, nothing. Of course they knew he was the worst kid to come from the orphanage. Of course they knew he was a big trouble maker. But maybe they were just waiting for him to do something before they started knuckling down. He came to the conclusion that he had to provoke them if he wanted to see any kind of rise out of either of them.

Yeah, he was asking for trouble. But he wouldn't be himself if he didn't. He'd been causing a ruckus since the age of ten, and he wasn't about to stop now. Not a chance.

Bankotsu was sitting in the den, sprawled out on the dark brown leather sofa, with his head turned sideways to watch the television. His right arm hung off the edge and grazed the floor with the remote in his hand, and his long, black, braided hair hung down as well. One knee was bent up while his other leg stretched to the other end of the sofa, propped up by the arm rest. He gazed dully at a commercial about some magic brush for pets, noting how almost everything that was sold on television was only $19.99. He did some channel surfing, barely seeing what each channel had to offer before he went to the next one. Most channels were broadcasting soaps, cartoons, or boring documentaries, and none of it was of any interest to him.

It was an early Monday afternoon, and he was the only one in the house. It turned out, much to Bankotsu's satisfaction, that Kenji did have a job, as a construction worker. He took day shifts during the week, and was gone until around six in the evening. Maaya was a preschool teacher, and she was gone until five in the afternoon. At his last house, the baby sitter was there with the young boy who lived there, since summer vacation had just started, so Bankotsu never really got any time alone. But now, he had the house all to himself. Summer vacation had never felt so relaxing.

"Relaxing"? Why was he relaxing? 'What have I been doing with myself?' he thought. He switched the television off and left the remote on the floor as he slowly stood from the couch and made his way out of the den. There was a small table against the side of the staircase with a telephone resting on it, so he walked to the front of it and stopped.

"What was the number again..." he mumbled to himself as he took out his iTouch and maneuvered to the text messaging application. He pulled up Jakotsu's number and took hold of the receiver, beginning to dial. He precariously held the phone between his shoulder and ear, and as soon as he heard the line pick up he held it properly with his hand.

"Hello?"

"Yo, Jakotsu," Bankotsu said.

"Bankotsu! You called at the perfect time!" Jakotsu said with glee through the phone.

"I bet." Bankotsu felt a smile tug at the corners of his lips. "Look, what are you doing right now? I've been dying to get out of this house since I got here."

He heard some noises, before an automated voice crackled on in the background. Then Jakotsu spoke, "I'm coming up from the train right now, but I'm not too far from where you said that house is. I can meet up with you at Koneko Cafe if you don't mind."

"No, that's fine. I'll meet you there, Jakotsu."

"Alright."

Bankotsu lay the phone back down in it's cradle before jogging to the front door sticking his head out to feel the temperature of the air. Deeming the weather appropriate for his navy t-shirt and blue jeans, he turned around, stuffing his feet in his shoes and taking off through the door, without bothering to lock it. The couple hadn't bothered to hand him a key yet, so he couldn't lock it anyway. Oh well. If anyone felt like breaking into that house, Kenji and Maaya would be S.O.L.

{~*~*~}

The best thing, and the worst thing, about being out in public was the amount of people. Tokyo was always jam-packed and constantly moving. Though it was a great place for a fun time, it wasn't the best place to be if you wanted some peace and quiet. Even though usually Bankotsu was content to be left alone, he didn't mind seeing people around him. It had been a while since he was in the actual city, since the last home he was sent to was up north a ways. Currently, the sky was almost cloud free and a breeze bounded down and in between the streets. It was almost two o'clock when Bankotsu stepped into Koneko Cafe, scanning the place for his friend.

A voice called out accompanied by a waving arm, "Hey, Bankotsu, over here!" Bankotsu turned his head to the left to see his friend sitting on the far side of the cafe, and started walking through the rows of chairs, reaching Jakotsu's table and taking a seat across from him. He assumed his favorite sitting position by leaning back and slouching into the chair, but he didn't get the chance to open his mouth before Jakotsu started talking.

"It's so good to see you, Aniki! How have you been since I saw you last? What's it been, two months? Oh, and estimate for me again how much longer you think you'll stay where you are this time, so I know how much time I have to spend with you!"

"Whoa, slow down Jakotsu!" Bankotsu told his friend, laughing lightly. He reached up and ruffled his bangs out of his sapphire eyes before folding his arms over his chest. "It's great seeing someone I know for a change."

Jakotsu smiled. "Well?"

"What do you want me to answer first?"

"Well, how you've been is the most important thing. So start with that."

"I've been well, could be better," Bankotsu replied. "Same old same old."

Jakotsu reached out and pulled toward him the mocha frappuccino he had ordered earlier, lowering his head so the straw could meet his lips. He took a few sips before saying, "It's good you're closer to the city."

"Yeah, I guess." Bankotsu turned a bit in his chair to look out of the window to the side of them, silently observing the pedestrians that passed by.

"How is the new couple? What are they like exactly? I couldn't tell by your text messages really."

Bankotsu turned his attention back to his friend. "They're very liberating, I guess. They haven't told me about any dumb 'household rules' or anything like that. Uh, the food is good. Kenji is--"

"Who's that?" Jakotsu asked abruptly.

"Oh, Kenji is the guy's name, his wife is Maaya. Anyway, Kenji is pretty quiet. Actually, they're both pretty quiet."

"And no kids, right?"

"No kids."

"Hm." Jakotsu sat forward and rested his forearms in front of him on the table. He blinked and shook his black bangs out of his brown eyes, studying Bankotsu's face across from him. For a moment they stared at each other, waiting for the other to say something first. It turned into an unannounced staring match, which carried on for another minute or two. Suddenly, Jakotsu's face broke out into a wide grin, and he said, "Well I'm very happy for you."

"Yeah, yeah," Bankotsu said, breaking their eye contact to look down at the table. There were little grains of sugar across the table next to a few sugar packets in a cup. He set about gathering them with his index finger.

"You're not upset about it."

"What?" Bankotsu asked, glancing up at Jakotsu's face before returning his gaze to his little task before him.

"Usually when we talk about the family you've been placed with you're really angry about it. You talk about all of the things that bug you first, with little room for things you find enjoyable, if there are any at all."

"You know me too well. I...I just mean they're alright. They're not...great or anything. I'm counting on them to piss me off soon." Once he had a sufficient pile of sugar he turned his hand and flicked his finger to launch the pile onto the floor next to the table. He caught the eye of a cafe employee all the way behind the counter, who was staring straight at him with irritation written all over her little face. Bankotsu held their gaze for a second before flashing the teenaged employee a boyish, winning smile. He could see the girl visibly change her mind about being upset over his sugar-flicking, and proceeded to smile back and promptly found something to busy herself with. "Heh," he mumbled.

"They sound nice...don't you think..."

Bankotsu shot Jakotsu a suspicious look before saying, "What are you talking about?"

Jakotsu took a few more sips from his drink, looking up at Bankotsu to return his suspicious looks. "The new 'rents...you just said you're fine with them."

"In a way, yeah. Jakotsu what are you getting at? If you think I'm actually happy, I'm not. I hate it there just as much as anywhere else," Bankotsu said defensively.

"Oh yeah? Pull the other one."

"I-I'm serious!"

"Whatever you say," Jakotsu said in a sing-song voice.

A frustrated growl came up from within Bankotsu's chest and he opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off again.

"Look...maybe you should just relax for a while." Jakotsu paused, and sighed. "I know you may not like it, but really...if you stay, there's still enough time to enroll in a public school. You'll be able to start eleventh grade like the rest of the kids your age. And I think that would do you some good."

"Not happening," Bankotsu deadpanned.

"Aniki, you're being outrageously stubborn."

"So what if I stay?" Bankotsu challenged.

"Then at least you'll be with me," Jakotsu replied. His pretty brow lowered into a frown at his friend's stubbornness, but he continued, determined to try getting through to him. "Since I'm your good friend and all, that wouldn't hurt. Plus, the couple you're with doesn't sound bad at all. Well, you know them better than I do, I know. But it's already your third day and you actually haven't broken anything yet."

An irritated scowl covered Bankotsu's face and he stared down at the table. Jakotsu had a good point...these new fosters really didn't bother him like he thought they would. And in all honesty, going to a public school again, after years of learning in the orphanage facility, didn't sound like a bad idea at all...and Maaya's cooking was good, much better than the cafeteria food he usually ate. Though he may have to swallow a little pride and stop being the toughest kid to handle, he would reap the benefits. He missed making friends. He'd be able to see Jakotsu much more often. And plus, he kinda liked the room he slept in...

"Just give it a chance," Jakotsu added softly. "For once."

He looked up at Jakotsu with a new resolve. Jakotsu was running a hand over the looped hair bun he had done up with his black hair. "Jakotsu," he said.

"Aniki."

"I see your point. I'll tolerate these people...for the food and for the chance to go to a regular school again. But mostly for the food...Maaya is a good cook."

"You don't say," Jakotsu teased. Bankotsu leaned forward on the table, glaring at him to get him to shut up. Jakotsu only smiled knowingly. "Now let's get out of here. If you want anything from here it's on me." Jakotsu stood up from his chair and grabbed his drink, walking towards the front of the store. "You coming?" he called over his shoulder.

Bankotsu stood as well, and said, "Yeah, thanks."

{~*~*~}

It was great being able to spend some time with his friend for once. Bankotsu and Jakotsu ended up visiting several places together, stopped for a late lunch, and for fun decided to hit up an arcade. It was discovered that Jakotsu was superior in gruesome shooting games, and Bankotsu was the master of motorcycle driving. After several hours, Jakotsu got a call from his home and bid farewell to Bankotsu at the train station, catching one in the opposite direction Bankotsu needed to go. 'Today was good,' Bankotsu thought.

Once he got to the Kitamura residence he wasn't exactly prepared for the door to be locked. 'Fuck,' he thought. 'Guess I have to knock...' He rapped his knuckles on the door, and turned to face the driveway looking at the big jeep on the pavement. Soon, the locks on the door switched and he turned around to see Kenji standing there, stepping back holding the door open for him. He lightly smiled at Bankotsu who just looked back at him expressionless.

"Hey there," Kenji said. Bankotsu stepped into the house and slipped off his shoes.

"Hey."

"If you're hungry, dinner is just about finished." With that, Kenji walked away and into the kitchen. Bankotsu heard Maaya's voice but couldn't make out what she said over the sound of the running faucet. It occurred to Bankotsu that the first time he walked into this house Kenji had behaved the same way. That same, "I'm sure you catch my drift" kind of tone played in his words and actions. In a way he kind of liked it, but at the same time he couldn't help but wonder why Kenji behaved that way.

Bankotsu wandered into the kitchen after Kenji, following his nose and listening to his growling stomach. He'd never pass up a meal. "Yo," he called to Maaya when he saw her at the sink.

"Hello. Is it nice out this evening?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Bankotsu took a seat at the table, joining Kenji. He knew how to clean up, that was for sure. Instead of smelling like sweat, man, and building materials he smelled like soap and laundry detergent instead. He had on a nice off-white sweater which looked pretty new. Once Kenji noticed Bankotsu studying him he rose his eyebrows as if to ask if something was wrong. Bankotsu just turned his head away.

Maaya came down the length of the kitchen bringing the last of the dinner with her, and the meal commenced.

{~*~*~}

It wasn't until later that evening, while Bankotsu lay sprawled out on his bed staring up at the ceiling, that he heard a quiet but firm knock on his door. "Yeah?" he called.

The door opened and Maaya came in, closing the door softly behind her. "Evening, Bankotsu." She strode across the room and took a seat in the desk chair that was already pulled out. Bankotsu sat up and turned to face her, slightly irritated she intended to stay for a while.

"You want something?" he asked, his words coming out a bit harsher than intended.

Maaya only smiled and clasped her hands. She was in an olive green empire dress that came down to her knees, and half of her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail in the back. She said, "I just wanted to see how you're doing. You haven't said much."

He studied her warily, trying to figure out if she had something up her sleeve or not. His eyes narrowed slightly as he replied, "No, I haven't. And I'm fine." He turned and plopped back down on his back, propping his head up with his hands.

Maaya paused before speaking again. "So what do you want to do?" she asked.

'Ah, I knew she wanted to spit something out,' Bankotsu thought. "I don't get what you mean."

"Are you staying, or are you going?"

He was a bit startled by her forwardness...furthermore, that she had asked him directly if he was going to be a hassle or not. Her approach was smart. He fiddled around in his head with the idea of telling her that he was considering staying put for a while, but that was as good as being sentimental. And as far as he was concerned, he was still a hard ass. He tossed that idea, and thought about just telling her what he wanted out of this situation.

When Bankotsu failed to answer, Maaya looked down at her clasped hands calmly, and then she frowned slightly. She tried to figure out the best way to talk to this kid...

"I want to go to school."

Maaya looked up at him across the room after his sudden reply. She soon smiled and let out a delicate sigh. "Okay. We can look into that. I don't think it's too late to enroll." She stood and pushed in the chair. Bankotsu watched her as she walked towards the door.

"Ah," Maaya said more so to the air than to herself or Bankotsu. She reached into one of her pockets and pulled out a white envelope and tossed it over to Bankotsu. He reached up and caught it easily, and pulled it up over his face to see it. Inside he could feel a key, and on the front of the envelope there was a stapled receipt. "My apologies, I meant to leave it for you this morning. It's to the front door."

"Thanks..." Bankotsu replied. Maaya opened the door and stepped out into the hall, closing it after bidding him a good night.

He listened to the sound of her footsteps until they could no longer be heard, and then looked at the small receipt again. The purchase was made the day before, Sunday. He slid the envelope under his pillow and then draped his arm over his eyes, shielding them from the overhead light that illuminated the room.

This was just too strange. Even though he wasn't straight rude to these people, he wasn't particularly nice to them either. Since he decided to lay low when he got here, he tried the best he could to seem detached and uninterested to them. But their down right nice behavior was starting to freak him out. Where were the lectures that evening? Why wasn't there a problem with him leaving the door unlocked, like it would have been had he done that at anyone else's house? Why hadn't neither Kenji or Maaya started grimacing from the sight of him yet? They hadn't even asked him about the purple cross mark on his forehead, which was plainly visible almost all of the time. They hadn't put up a fuss yet, about anything. Of course he had seen this before, where the family he temporarily stayed with would try and let his little antics slide for the first few times, maybe even for a week, but eventually they would snap and get angry, and tell him off, quickly deciding enough was enough from him and send him back to the orphanage. Bankotsu had the odd feeling that they wouldn't send him back to the orphanage over anything rash he did. And that alone unnerved him. The loss of control was evident. But if he wanted to stay, he'd have to settle for taking the backseat, letting Kenji and Maaya drive the three of them forward at a dizzying speed.

Bankotsu grimaced under his arm before raising himself off the bed and changing into his night clothes. He hit the light switch and immediately hit the pillow, hoping to lose his thoughts to the ever-present idea of sleep.

A/N: Wow, I wonder how I managed to end both the first and second chapters with Bankotsu going to sleep on us. __ Well, don't worry. This shouldn't be a recurring theme, lol.

Auuuugh, those typos were bothering me so much in chapter one that I scanned the hell out of this one. But if I missed something then don't tell me, lol.

Now I know some of you may think this story is going nowhere, fast, but keep calm! This isn't a hardcore action fic, so there's not much of a *bang* I could add for the beginning. Things will undoubtedly become more interesting once more characters come into play. I'll try to make the next chapter fun.

You know, I always end up forgetting what I really wanted to say in my author's notes section, because I always think of the best stuff while I'm writing the story. And then I end up forgetting it. Anyway, hope you liked it. If you did, yay! Now, time to do some character development. [/Hint]