Author's Notes: Thank you to those few of you that took the time to review. It meant a lot to me, really ^^;

Getting the story moving with a bit of a nice little friendly talk, and then we see what is the beginning of the "storm" ^^;;

I hope you all enjoy, and please take the time to review if you are enjoying this ^^;

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"That's right…" My brain reprimanded, "I should probably tell Suikotsu that… that Jakotsu and I…"

I looked up as the brown-haired man simply shook his head at my struggles to find a pair of clean jeans.

When I'd first met him- I would have never guessed from his normal appearance and sometimes obsessive-compulsive issue about blood strains that he had the problem he did.

I guess it's sort of like- how when people look at me, they would never guess I was a guy that…well, liked another guy. I, on the other hand, would have never thought Suikotsu suffered from a unique blend of schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder.

Makes me think on what Kaede always likens it to- that old saying, "never judge a book by its cover." Then again, I'm not so worried about being judged by the outside… it's when people open the book, I get scared.

I suppose that's one way I could relate it to Suikotsu. I remember how terrified he was when his other personality had confronted me. Honestly, he apologized for the black eye he'd given me for weeks.

But- I could see it then- he was scared. Scared I wouldn't accept him anymore. Scared I wouldn't trust him or call him my friend since he'd never explained his medical condition until it was too late.

It was then- I knew if anyone could understand me- it would be him.

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Chapter 2: Since You Deserve an Explanation

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This was truly a 'now or never' situation, Bankotsu realized as he quickly pulled on his shirt and raced to catch Suikotsu before he went out the front door.

"Suikotsu- hey, wait up!"

The brown-haired man turned, having just opened the apartment door.

"What is it?" He asked, expression softening.

"Do you have- a few minutes to talk? It's…kinda important."

"Won't you be late to school?"

He shrugged, "Don't worry about it. My first hour teacher isn't a problem."

"Well if it's really important- okay," He closed the half-open door and stepped back inside.

"Thanks," Bankotsu replied with a smile- headed for the breakfast that sat out on the kitchen table.

Still uncertain as to how to break news like this to another person, the braided-young man absorbed himself in eating the toast.

"So…?" Suikotsu asked, sitting down across from him.

Pausing, Bankotsu began to fidget with the silverware, "It's…about Jakotsu. Um…since our room isn't finished yet, he's gonna have to stay here with us for awhile."

"Well that's no problem," The older boy replied, seeming relieved that the matter wasn't that serious, "He can borrow my bed."

"Actually…" Taking a deep breath, and praying to any and every god that might hear him, he continued, "He'd probably…rather sleep in mine."

"Oh, well... I can get you a sleeping bag or…"

Figuring this was a good enough way to drop the bomb, he interrupted, "No… he'd want…want me in it," He swallowed hard, "With him."

The room fell silent for a moment and Bankotsu was beginning to fear all the horrid outcomes.

"Bankotsu?" Suikotsu asked on seeing the other boy's strange expression.

"You… you remember how bad you felt when… when I found out about your other personality. How you felt bad that you hadn't told me about it sooner?"

"Yes…what are you getting at, Bankotsu?"

"I…I need to tell you something before… before you find out the hard way."

Suikotsu nodded politely and waited quietly for his friend to continue.

"You see- Jakotsu…he's…he's…well, I'mhisboyfriend," He rushed out.

This time the room fell silent, and showed no signs of becoming otherwise- leaving the incessant ticking of the kitchen's clock echoing across the apartment.

"If it's a problem… I can just get a hotel or something 'til our room is finished and…and…"

Bankotsu paused on feeling the warmth of a hand over his own.

"You can stay."

"What?" He breathed, his emotions tearing him every which way from the inside out.

"I can't say 'I understand'- because in that manner, I don't… but, I was taught never to judge people by their beliefs and lifestyles."

"You aren't…mad or…disgusted…or upset? I mean- I've never like…you know…thought of you in that manner or anything. Not that you aren't a nice guy, it's just Jakotsu's the only one I…"

"Bankotsu. It's okay," He said, moving his hand further up the man's arm, "I only wish you'd felt confident to tell me sooner."

"Sorry- I just thought that…you'd kick me out or…hate me or…"

"Why would I do something like that?" Suikotsu questioned; his naïve and innocent nature showing through.

"My mom did. The world does."

"Bankotsu…"

"I…I can't help it! I just…It just…is…"

Standing, Suikotsu walked over to the other side of the table, and leaned down to wrap an arm around Bankotsu's trembling shoulders in reassurance.

"I'm studying to be a doctor, Bankotsu. You could no more change that than you could your other genetics. It's the way God created you. It would be petty for me to like you any less because you are involved with another man."

"It's not like that!" He exclaimed, pushing Suikotsu's arms away.

"It's…not?" Suikotsu questioned, not quite sure what he referred to.

"I mean…we…were together…but we…we haven't gotten…that…that far," Bankotsu explained in a hushed whisper, anger building up at himself for acting like such a wuss about it, "I'm just…not ready for that yet."

The brown-haired man just smiled, "Then I'm even more confident in it. If you and Jakotsu have maintained a relationship not entirely driven by physical lust and attraction- then it displays a truly healthy emotional bond has been formed."

Bankotsu smiled in spite of his mood, knowing that Suikotsu could be a bit of a walking Psychology or Health book at times.

"Thank you," He finally managed.

"I'm your friend, Bankotsu. You shouldn't have to thank me for that."

He looked up, traces of possible tears hiding behind deep blue eyes, "I mean it- thanks, okay?"

Suikotsu shook his head lightly, despite how tough the young boy was, and given his strength when angered, not many would have guessed he had a bit of an emotional side when it came to people he truly cared for.

"So- does anyone else know?" He questioned, going to sit back down.

"Just Kaede. My dad told her when we set up the leasing agreement here."

Taking that in, he nodded, "You should probably bring it up with your friends at school before tomorrow."

"But…"

"If they're really your true friends, they'll accept you just the same."

Bankotsu sighed, "I guess…I could try…but, I don't want another person to hate me like my Mom does."

"I'll be here for you- no matter what they say. Okay?"

Once again comforted by the man's infectious caring nature, Bankotsu found himself smiling again, "Thanks Suikotsu, I really don't deserve your kindness sometimes," Looking to his empty plate, then to the clock, he frowned, "I'd best get going… I'm late enough as it is."

"Ah, I should as well. Kikyou is probably worried sick…" He said, light panic in his voice.

"I'll try and…you know…tell them."

Suikotsu placed a hand on his shoulder, as he looked down at him, "It's like you told me. It's better they hear it from you rather than find out on accident. Trust me."

Nodding, Bankotsu found himself hugging the older man for all he'd done, "Thanks man. I'll have to make this up to you somehow."

He gave a light pat to Bankotsu's back before turning to leave, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call here. I only have one class today so I'll be home early."

"All right. I've got practice after school, then I'll help you move a few things to help accommodate another person being crammed in this apartment."

"Okay- see ya then!" He replied, picking up his books and heading out the door.

"See ya!" Bankotsu called after him, frantically beginning his search of the room for his backpack.

As his eyes scanned the room, he felt like an incredible weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"It's amazing how just telling one person like that can make you feel so much better about yourself," He remarked inwardly, finding a stay book and still wondering where in the room his backpack could be.

"I should have told him sooner…but, now all I can do is…well…try and tell the others before Jakotsu comes back. I just hope…that like Suikotsu, they can understand."

Pausing, he thought back on how Suikotsu had said- he didn't understand him, yet how he wouldn't judge him.

"No, even though you might not understand me like that, you understand that it's part of who I am- even if I find myself constantly hating myself for it, it's something I can't change."

Finally spotting the strap of the backpack poking out from beneath the couch, he snatched it up, stuffed his books in it, and rushed out the door.

"The question is- how do I tell them?"

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Despite the fact that first hour had started minutes ago, the hallways of the school were still full of lingering bodies who had yet to find their way to their classrooms.

Bankotsu saw a few familiar faces, but decided right before rushing to class wasn't exactly the best time to stop and have what could be a life-altering discussion.

As he rushed down the stairs to his first-floor locker, his body was set on a one-way collision course with someone rushing upstairs at the same moment.

Both bodies sprawling out on the floor, the two slowly recovered, and brought themselves to their feet.

"I'm so sorry, I'm late to class because my mom's car broke down and then I forgot my homework at home and had to go get it and…and…"

"Hey, its okay- calm down," Bankotsu said, reaching out a comforting hand to place on the boy's shoulder.

As the mop of light brown hair tousled upward to reveal a face, Bankotsu couldn't help but smile, "Akitoki, why are you spazzing out around me man? We're both on the same team, right?" He said, shaking his head at the kind, albeit somewhat clumsy sophomore that had managed to earn the position of official benchwarmer.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Asazuki! I hope I didn't hurt you, I'd hate to think what the team would be like without your talent!"

Stooping down, Bankotsu picked up a few of the papers and handing it over to him, "Don't worry about it okay. I wasn't looking where I was going either. It's just a careless mistake on both our halves."

"Okay, thanks." He said, taking the papers and shoving it back into his arms.

"See ya at practice, okay?"

"Um…sure!" He said, tripping on a stair as he turned to reply.

Shaking his head as he watched the boy retreat up the stairs, he didn't notice the figure looming behind him.

"What was that about?" The familiar voice intoned.

Turning quickly, he came face to face with the only other boy in his class that had long black hair worn in a braid.

"Hiten! When'd you get here?"

"Bankotsu- we are seniors. We are the stars of the baseball team."

"And…?" He blinked, not following him.

"We don't need to go out of our way to be nice to underclassmen. They're supposed to suck up to us."

"Hiten- what's wrong with being a little nice to him? Akitoki's a nice guy, even if he is a bit…careless at times."

"Look why don't you stop patronizing him before I start thinking you're gay or something. Ugh," He shrugged, "I mean- I know you aren't Mr. Saint or anything, but you are way too nice to people that should be cowering before our almighty senior powers."

Normally Bankotsu would have just shaken his head, writing his friend's behavior off at the fact that Hiten tended to have an overactive ego at times, but this time, he was frozen.

"Bankotsu?"

"Why don't you stop patronizing him before I start thinking you're gay or something. Ugh."

It played like a record stuck on repeat through his mind, leaving him a statue of a person on the stairs.

"Bankotsu? What's wrong?" Hiten asked, shaking him gently.

Snapping out of it, his eyes sought out Hiten's red one's; hoping he could tell that the other boy had been merely joking.

"Um…nothing. Look, let's just get to class," He said coldly, brushing past him.

"Sheesh man- you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or what?"

"I…I guess I did…" The brief murmur was barely heard over the rustle of the others in the hallway.

Hiten said something else, but Bankotsu didn't hear it. His mind replaying his conversation with Suikotsu from earlier in that day.

"Sorry- I just thought that…you'd kick me out or…hate me or…"

"Why would I do something like that?"

"My mom did. The world does."

"And the world…always will…" He added bitterly.

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Preview for Chapter 3:

When there are two paths in the woods- no matter which one you choose, you'll have to face the consequences of journeying down that path.