The Emcee: Ok, 3rd chapter is up. R&R.

Life Anew: Chapter III

Jakotsu slept all night sitting on the tree stump, the little girl in his lap. He woke up when the sun's rays hit him. Yawning, he stood up and looked down when he heard a soft "thump" on the ground. The little girl was laying on the ground and, much to his surprise, still asleep. He stared at her for a few seconds then walked to the hut where the others were. As he entered it, he saw that everyone was awake and eating breakfast.

"Ah, Jakotsu, about time you get back. Where were you all night?" Bankotsu asked Jakotsu sat down and grabbed the bowl of food placed in front of him by Mukotsu.

"I fell asleep on a tree stump," he said, taking a bite of food.

"Why there?"

"It's not like I planned on it. It just... happened..." Suikotsu looked up.

"Looks like we have an unexpected visitor," he said. Looking over at the entrance to the hut, Jakotsu saw the same little girl that was with him last night.

"Oh... It's you..." Jakotsu said. The others looked at him but, he didn't notice.

"You've met her before, Jakotsu?" Renkotsu asked. The girl stared at Jakotsu, body trembling. It was obvious to everyone that she was too frightened to come in.

"Well..." Jakotsu said. "You can come in ya know. It's not like we're gonna kill you." Reluctantly, the little girl came into the hut. She walked over to Jakotsu and stared at him for a moment before hugging him. "H-hey! You're not gonna start that again..." Suikotsu chuckled.

"Looks like I'm not the only one with a weakness for children." Jakotsu glared at him.

"You can grab her anytime you want to, Suikotsu."

"It looks like she's more fond of you." The other's laughed a little. Sighing in defeat, Jakotsu got up and, with the girl still hanging on him, walked out of the hut, Jakotsutou in hand. The laughter stopped.

"You don't think he'd...?" Suikotsu asked.

"He might." Bankotsu said and got up, following his friend.

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"Why me! Why? Why? Why? WHY!" Jakotsu yelled and pouted, walking in the woods. He swung Jakotsutou at some trees, making them fall on the ground. Pouting even more, Jakotsu sat on the ground and crossed his arms. The girl, who was a few feet behind him, sat beside him and gazed up at him.

"Jakotsu..." the girl said softly.

"Why do you follow me? What is so special about me that makes to cling to me?" he scowled and looked down at her. Tears formed in her eyes and the scowl on his face disappeared. "N-now don't cry! It's just... I've never been very fond of women so, it's a bit weird that you're kinda clinging to me." The littler girl hugged him again, only tighter this time. He patted her head. "Say, you never did tell me your name."

"It's Midori."

"Jakotsu." Jakotsu looked up and saw Bankotsu staring down at him.

"Bankotsu oo-aniki. What are you doing here?" he asked. Bankotsu sat down across from him.

"I've been a little worried about you Jakotsu."

"Why?"

"You seem a little... off." Jakotsu tilted his head.

"Off?"

"Yea. You're not like yourself, Ja," Bankotsu explained. "Everyone's noticed it and we want to know what's wrong."

"I just haven't felt like being myself is all oo-aniki," Jakotsu sighed and leaned against a tree. Midori climbed onto his lap. Bankotsu seemed a little taken aback with it.

"What're you doin' kid?" he asked. Jakotsu smirked. He hugged Midori.

"Jealous, Bankotsu?" Jakotsu winked. Bankotsu blushed.

"N-no. Why w-would I be j-jealous?" Jakotsu giggled.

"Because you're no longer my cuddle bunny." More giggles erupted from the older man. Bankotsu's face turned as red as a cherry tomato. "Don't worry Bankotsu. I'd love to cuddle with you any day."

"Jakotsu!"

"Sorry aniki. But, it's so cute to see you blush like that." Bankotsu sighed and Jakotsu giggled some more. The young leader stood up.

"C'mon. We've got some huts to work on."

"Yes, aniki!"

The Emcee: You like? You hate? You think I'm insane?