Author's Notes: Here's the second and final half to this little tale. Do enjoy & pardon the shameless waff -_-;;
Lyrics once again the same ones- "From Way Before" from Gensoumaden Saiyuki.
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To See You Smile Again
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you could just believe
In you and me to see
There's no need for you to hide
Cry alone anymore, 'cause I will
Share my life with you
This world can be too tough when you're alone
But you seem to be so far-oh tell me
Why you're crying now
I'm standing by your side
Tell me why your tears are blue
And how to stop them too
Tell me what you want from me
I'll do it just for you
Just because I want to see your smile again
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Satisfied that the porch was clean enough for Renkotsu to go easier on Bankotsu in the morning, Jakotsu sighed and began to walk inside. He stopped when he heard the footsteps headed towards him and quickly hid himself from view.
Seeing Bankotsu emerge from the darkened hallway, and watching as he began walking off towards the nearby forest, Jakotsu was a bit perplexed. Then it registered in his mind that when Bankotsu was upset, he would often take a walk to cool off.
Glancing about to make sure no one else was still awake, Jakotsu quietly followed the other figure as he disappeared into the depths of the nearby forest.
Bankotsu looked up to the star-speckled sky and frowned; it was hard to enjoy such a pleasant night when so much was on his mind.
A twig snapped, and knowing it wasn't from something he'd stepped on Bankotsu paused, poised to fight off whoever or whatever was following him
"Don't worry, they didn't notice that I followed you." The voice spoke as the tall figure came into view.
"Jakotsu…"
He walked over and without a single word, reached down and clasped Bankotsu's in his own.
"Jakotsu?" He tried to peer up under the dark bangs that hung in front of his companion's eyes, obviously worried as to why he'd followed him.
Looking up and smiling widely, he began to run, pulling Bankotsu behind him.
"Come on…" He said with a laugh.
The shock of the motion and the situation had left him with his guard down more than it should have been, so he was easily tugged off in the direction Jakotsu ran.
"But where are we…"
"Doesn't matter does it?"
"But…"
"Just come my way, this time…" Jakotsu replied, veering off the path and into the deeper parts of the forest.
Moving quickly, they ran into the depths of the night, Bankotsu trying his best to keep up with the one who was still holding onto his hand.
Jakotsu looked back, smiling to himself as he took in the unique expression on Bankotsu's face.
"He's trying to figure out what I'm up to, yet… there's something else there too."
The expression on the young Leader's face, was indeed, inquisitive in nature, but behind that there laid a depth to his thoughts.
"Such a strange feeling… he could be dragging me to my death, yet… I don't seem to care. Is it the adrenaline rush of running like this? To get this feeling… it's almost surreal… like I'm dreaming."
"Bankotsu…" The voice snapped the man from his thoughts as he came to an abrupt halt, "Come closer to me," He said quietly.
Blinking, he was about to protest when Jakotsu tugged at his arm slightly, causing him to be jerked forward into his arms.
Still somewhat disoriented, he noticed that they were nearing a cliff edge of sorts and looked up at the taller man, "Jakotsu, what are you…"
"Hold on." He explained simply, tightening his grip about the shorter man's waist, "We're jumping."
"Jump—ing?!" Bankotsu's eyes widened as he felt them descending off the ledge to the flat ground below.
Landing a bit unsteadily, the two took a tumble onto the ground, finally rolling to a stop.
"What is this feeling…" Bankotsu thought, looking up at the figure above him, "Am I dreaming…this?" He wondered, bringing the figure into focus.
"Are you okay, Bankotsu?"
"Yeah… I guess so…" He replied, rubbing his head a bit.
"I think we're alone now."
"Huh?" Blinking innocently, he didn't read into the meaning behind that.
"There doesn't seem to be anyone or anything around here." Jakotsu explained, a soft smile gracing his features.
Pausing Bankotsu listened, only able to make out the beating of their two hearts in the quiet clearing.
The silence continued as they just stared at each other. Slowly, Jakotsu placed his hand on Bankotsu's cheek, frowning as he noticed him flinch.
"I understand that we have to hide this from them. I mean, what would they say if they knew…they're not to fond of my preferences as it is." He said softly, "But if you don't want this… let me know. I care about you too much as a friend to let this ruin that."
Bankotsu could see how hard it was for Jakotsu to say that last part and bit his lip- his thoughts running wild.
Very quietly, and almost inaudibly, he finally spoke, "I get this feeling around you… and it's different than that of just well… friends. Yet, the fact I get this feeling about another man scares me. I know that sounds stupid to you, but…it really does scare me."
Jakotsu laughed to himself, causing Bankotsu to shove him away slightly.
"Don't laugh, it's not funny to me…" He muttered, blushing a bit.
"It's okay…honestly, it scares me too." Jakotsu admitted.
A look of confusion appeared on the braided-man's face, "Why…why would it scare you?"
Jakotsu moved to the side, helping Bankotsu sit up. Looking off in another direction, he quietly replied, "Because when you care about someone this deeply, you're always afraid they don't feel the same."
"Is that what I'm afraid of too?" The young Leader thought to himself as he watched the slight rise and fall of Jakotsu's shoulders- both of them still catching their breath from the run through the forest.
"But as long as I can be with you…then I'll be just fine." Jakotsu offered a smile, hoping to ease the nervous tension that was building between them.
Driven by impulse alone, Bankotsu reached out and wrapped his arms around the taller figure from behind; his face resting in the crook of Jakotsu's neck.
"I'm sorry…" His rushed words came out as he grabbed a hold of the front of Jakotsu's yukata in his frustration.
Jakotsu could feel the warmth of Bankotsu's face pressing against the side of his neck, and looked out of the corner of his eye trying to decipher the young man's expression.
"I'm scared Jakotsu….but… I'll be strong for you."
Eyes widening in shock, he opened his mouth to reply but paused when noticed that Bankotsu wasn't finished.
"But…if you… take things… a bit slower… then maybe… maybe I… I can not be scared to…" He said two more words, but no sound came out.
Jakotsu knew though, and that knowledge was all he needed to hastily turn and pull the shorter man to his chest.
"Okay." He whispered into the darkened hair, "Okay Bankotsu. I'll go as slow as you want me to- just stop me if I try too much. I'll do whatever you want me to so you won't be scared."
"It's silly isn't it," The muffled voice said slowly turning to look up at the one who held him, "That I'm scared by this…."
"No. It's not. Any sane person would be scared, Bankotsu. Love's probably the scariest thing in the entire world."
"Something that's scarier than the Shichinin-tai, now I know I've gotten into trouble." The younger man said, a smile beginning to tug at the corners of his mouth.
"At least we've gotten into it together, should be easier that way." Jakotsu replied, shifting the figure in his arms until he was sitting in his lap, "This okay?"
Bankotsu leaned into the loose embrace and nodded in reply, "Except the fact I'm feeling very short at the moment, it's fine."
Noting the smug and usual childish smirk on the young man's face, Jakotsu couldn't help but smile himself, as he slowly tightened his hold and leaned his head down to look into Bankotsu's eyes.
"Or maybe it's just I'm too tall, who knows?"
That remark caused a small laugh to come from Bankotsu, his face now adorned with a wide smile.
"Can I…?" Jakotsu hesitated, inches from Bankotsu's lips; looking up to read any emotions that might cross the other's face.
Bankotsu swallowed, and diverted his eyes. Biting his lip, he looked back up to Jakotsu and gave a very small nod.
"Just close your eyes and relax…"
Doing as Jakotsu suggested, he closed his eyes and took deep breath, waiting.
He could feel the warmth drawing closer, and then the gentle brush of the other lips against his own.
Jakotsu pulled back, and paused, not wanting to push things any farther than he should.
The dark blue eyes slowly opened, and a shaky hand made his way to his lips.
Before Jakotsu could tell if it was a good or bad sign, the young man had leaned up and returned the gentle sign of affection, his hand daring to cradle the taller man's face in his palm.
He sat back slightly, his eyes quickly darting towards the ground.
"If love's a battlefield, then he just made his first attack," He inwardly laughed, "Well, he did say he was going to get stronger…" Jakotsu mussed to himself, quite pleased with his comparison between love and battle.
Noting Bankotsu rubbing at his eyes, Jakotsu looked to the position of the moon and estimated how late it was. "We should both probably head back. Sleep is needed after a battle like the one today…"
"Let's get back. We're both tired." He spoke aloud.
"Jakotsu…"
"Hmm?" He paused as he watched the young Leader stand and offer him a hand to help him up with.
"Thank you. For…understanding."
Standing, he playfully ruffled the black hair, "Same to you."
"Come on…" Bankotsu said turning towards the direction they came from.
"Okay, Bankotsu." Jakotsu replied, following him
They walked through the sleeping forest without a word, all things quiet aside from the dull sound of insects and the leaves rustling.
The building and town was as they left it, aside from the fact the fires had now died and anyone that was struggling to live had lost their personal battle for breath.
Entering the building, they moved quietly, slowly seeking the first furnished room that wasn't already occupied by one of the other five.
Finally finding what they sought, Bankotsu entered and Jakotsu waited in the doorway, "'Night Bankotsu." He whispered about to turn and continue his search for another free room.
"Stay."
He froze, unsure he heard the single word, and looked with a questioning gaze into the darkened room trying to decipher Bankotsu's expression.
"Well…uh… not like… that…but… I mean…" The voice stammered.
"Okay. If that's what you want. I promise I won't try anything."
"I know Jakotsu, I trust you." He said simply as the figure moved into the room.
Looking to the futon, Jakotsu sat to one edge and pulled off his armor- quietly sitting it on the floor. He turning, noting that Bankotsu had done the same.
Lying down, he tentatively stayed as far away from the other form as he could- not wanting to cause any problems.
His eyes slowly drifted closed and he was just about to fall asleep when he heard a soft rustle of fabric from beside him.
Inquisitively opening one eye, he saw that Bankotsu had pulled the sheet up over them both and moved closer. Thinking that was all it would amount to, he closed his eye and went back to trying to clear his mind enough that he could sleep.
The sheets rustled again, but this time, before he could get his eye open he felt the warm body lying against his side.
"Bankotsu?" He questioned quietly.
"My mom…used to let me sleep like this when I was young and had a bad dream at night."
"It calms him…to have me here like this?" Jakotsu thought to himself, only to hear his thoughts echoed.
"I guess it calms me…to have someone beside me."
Gently, Jakotsu moved his arm to rest loosely around Bankotsu's back, "Then I'll always… stay beside you."
With that sentiment in mind, a smile appeared on Bankotsu's face and the two men found themselves drifting off into a peaceful sleep.
~~The End~~