Author's Note: Refer to my user profile for anything about updates/delays.

For reference: Hoshiyomi and Tsukiyomi are two characters that appear in episode 137-140 of the anime. Hoshiyomi is a youkai and Tsukiyomi was the miko he was in with.

I'd hoped to get this up for Coming Out day back on October 11th, but things came up and so I'm posting it a bit late. Anyways, enjoy!

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It's not like I could avoid this, I duly noted to myself. Having known for months that this was the day that he was coming back, it was only natural that people would ask where the Jakotsu they'd heard so much about was.

Part of me was relieved to notice that Jakotsu had toned-down his usual eccentric attire and didn't put on any lipstick that morning after taking a shower. But then, I felt somewhat guilty for thinking that way. Once again, here I was trying to hide the way things were just to get by.

Walking out onto the field to start warm-ups, I thought back to the conversation we'd had on the drive to the school. Suikotsu had started it innocently enough, probably just trying to get to know Jakotsu better.

"So, do you always wear lipstick or just for certain occasions?"

Jakotsu didn't seem to take any offense by it, shrugging it off as if it was part of the normal FAQ for meeting him.

"Just whenever I feel like it. I figured today if I was sitting out in the sun, I didn't want any makeup caking itself on my face," He'd remarked laughingly.

Deep down, I wanted to believe that that was the only reason why he'd opted to not wear any today. The cynical side of me said it was only because I'd told him to lay low until I got things smoothed out. But even if I got things worked out with my closer friends- it's not like I was planning on broadcasting my sexuality to the entire school or anything.

And with that thought, and a tense muscle I was stretching to go with it, I found myself dealing with a bigger problem than just talking to Hiten.

Was I supposed to tell Jakotsu that he couldn't wear any "gay" colors or lipstick or anything that anyone might find somewhat queer? I sure as hell didn't want to do that to him- that was like telling him not to be Jakotsu anymore.

Looking up into the stands, I spotted him sitting beside Suikotsu and I couldn't help but smile. Call it stupid or sentimental or whatever- but there's just something about knowing he's here that makes everything seem like it'll be okay. No matter how bad it gets.

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Chapter 13: Winners and Losers

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As Bankotsu looked out at the stands, another person caught sight of him and came rushing out onto the field. Straightening up his uniform as he rushed towards the rest of the team, Akitoki was- as usual- smiling.

"Hey! Mr. Asazuki!" He skidded to a halt in front of Bankotsu, pausing to catch his breath.

Shaking his head, Bankotsu couldn't help but smile back, "I thought I told you, you can call me by my name."

"Oh- yah. Sorry," Akitoki mumbled rubbing the back of his head. Then, remembering what he'd run over for- he glanced back up, "So, is that him? The one sitting with your roommate?"

Bankotsu glanced up into the stands; catching Jakotsu's eye, he gave a slight wave in his direction.

"Yah. That's him. But Akitoki, if you could…"

"I know- I'll be completely quiet about it. I promise," The boy bowed forward, practically bent in half, "It means a lot to you, I know. So I promise- not a word. Absolutely, positively not a single--"

Reaching out, Bankotsu placed a hand on Akitoki's shoulder.

"Okay, okay. You promised enough," He laughed a bit, then sighed, "Sorry… I guess I'm just a bit nervous."

Akitoki nodded, "He seems really nice. I mean- he even helped me stand back up after I tripped coming out of the concession stand."

Bankotsu shook his head, "Let me guess- he had a Coca Cola in his hand from the concession stand, right?"

"Actually… it was a Pepsi, I think."

The dark-haired teen paused a moment, blue eyes blinking in surprise.

"Is something wrong?" Akitoki questioned on seeing his friend's strange expression.

"He started drinking that? Heh, that was my favorite before he left."

Bankotsu shrugged, "Just trying to figure out some of the new little quirks he's picked up while in Japan- that's all."

Akitoki nodded, then paused as something dawned on him, "Oh no, I promised coach I'd help him carry the supplies out today. I'll be right back!"

Shaking his head, he watched as the other boy ran off. After a moment, blue eyes drifted once again to where Jakotsu sat in the bleachers, a warm smile on his face.

"I wonder if there are other little things that have changed. Things you can't tell by a voice over the phone..."

"You got a girlfriend out there today, Asazuki?" A firm voice asked from beside him.

Bankotsu started at the inquisition, quickly turning to face the older man.

"C-coach Hoshiyomi..."

"Sorry to startle yah, kid. So whatcha staring at?"

Meekly, Bankotsu pointed.

"Ahh, your friend from Japan, eh? He play any sports?"

"Now now, not everyone in the world plays sports," A woman's voice cut in.

"Tsukiyomi..."

The brown-haired woman pecked a kiss on his cheek, "You forgot your medicine again, Hoshiyomi. How many times must I tell you that if you don't take it your temper will get out of control and..."

He shushed her with a finger to her lips, "Okay okay. Not in front of the team."

Tsukiyomi shook her head, before turning towards Bankotsu, "Hello, Bankotsu. You feeling better today?"

He nodded, "Yah... at least, I think I am."

She smiled at that, "Good. Because whether or not the old lout over here will admit it or not, he's counting on you to help win this game."

"Hey! I expect all my team to work their best," Hoshiyomi defended himself.

Leaning over, Tsukiyomi whispered in Bankotsu's ear, "I heard from Nurse Wakana about what happened, and it sounded like stress to me. If you need to talk to me about anything- don't hesitate all right?"

"O-okay," Bankotsu replied nervously.

"Well, I'll stop pestering you boys and let you get to work. Break a leg!"

Tsukiyomi waved as she walked off towards the stands, and Bankotsu couldn't help but smile. He'd grown fond of the unique pair- Hoshiyomi, sports fanatic and PE teacher and his wife, Tsukiyomi, the drama teacher. Thinking back to Tsukiyomi's concern, he knew exactly why he'd grown so attached.

"She's been like a mother to me and all the team this year. And Coach can be just as tough as my dad when it comes to baseball. I guess I've been a bit spoiled by them. Once they found out I was living without my parents- it's almost like they tried their hardest to fill their shoes for me."

"Come on, kid. We're starting up warm-ups now," Hoshiyomi's voice cut into his thoughts.

Bankotsu turned to look towards where the rest of the team was, his eyes noticing Hiten waving him over from out by second base.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled his resolve and walked out to stand by the others.

"Here goes nothing…"

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At intermission, the game was tied 5-5 and everyone was tense. Bankotsu knew his batting was off- hits that would have normally earned him third or a homerun were only coming up with first or second. And deep down, he knew exactly why.

"Only a few more innings and then I have to tell him. I can't wait anymore…I've already waited too long."

A group of people filed down into the dugout, mostly girlfriends and mothers coming to dote on the boys. Bankotsu looked up as he noticed Kaguya walking towards where Hiten sat.

"Hey."

"Here- someone wanted me to give this to you. And if it's from some other girl, I'm going to…"

Hiten eyed it the folded paper square, "If it is, they aren't trying very hard. It's not doused in perfume this time." With a shrug, he tucked he note beside his water bottle, "Okay, delivery complete. I'll deal with it after the game."

Planting her hands firmly on her hips, Kaguya pouted, "Hiten, this isn't funny. I'm tired of the way you let these other woman hang all over you."

He stood at that, "Well excuse me; I thought it was okay given the way the guys hang all over you!"

"It's not like I ask them too!"

"Yah, well I don't ask them too either!"

The two glared at each other for a few moments, and just when it looked like they'd start fighting again- Kaguya leaned in and gave Hiten a kiss.

"I expect a present if you lose."

Hiten smirked, "You'll want one if we win too."

"Well all right. If that's the case- good luck then," She remarked, flipping her hair over her shoulder and once again walking back towards the air conditioning.

He was so caught up in watching the exchange between Kaguya and Hiten that Bankotsu didn't even notice he had his own visitors.

"It's like having your own personal soap opera that resolves itself within minutes. Amazing, really," Jakotsu's distinct voice whispered to where the other players couldn't hear.

Glancing up, Bankotsu noticed Jakotsu and Suikotsu standing there.

"Hey- what are you two doing here?"

"We're here to kick you into shape- that's what," Jakotsu remarked, sitting down on the bench beside Bankotsu. "Look, I know you're distracted- but you can't let it affect your game. You have to separate the two, worry about your distractions later. Right now- just play and play to win. Isn't that right?"

Bankotsu smiled at that, "Someone has been listening to my dad."

"And someone needs to start listening to him," He replied, playfully punching Bankotsu in the arm.

"Okay okay, I get your point."

"You still going to go talk with him after the game," Jakotsu asked in a whisper.

Looking to Suikotsu, Bankotsu's face was once again etched with uncertainty.

"It's up to you, but you know how I feel about it," Suikotsu replied quietly.

Sighing, Bankotsu forced a weak smile, "I guess so. Sorry, but I'll be home once I can."

Jakotsu stood, glancing about the crowded dugout. After a moment's hesitation, he reached out to ruffle Bankotsu's hair; his hand momentarily drifting down and caressing the side of Bankotsu's face.

"Good luck, okay?"

Bankotsu smiled, "Thanks."

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The locker room after the game was high-strung and full of cheers and energy. After intermission, the team had come back to win 11-5 and everyone was going about slapping each other on the backs and congratulating the two players that had made the turnaround.

"That was some killer pitching, Hiten! They couldn't hit a damned thing!"

"Bankotsu are you sure you weren't just saving up all your hits for the last inning? Their pitching was so pissed off when you kept hitting everything they threw at you."

Hoshiyomi, while pleased himself, tried to get everyone to calm down and clear out of the locker room.

"Come on, let's get moving!"

"Got tickets to another musical, Coach?" Manten asked with a laugh.

The green-haired man glared, "You got a problem with my wife's taste in entertainment?"

The stout boy mock saluted, "No sir."

Scattering to their own lockers, they all busied themselves with packing up their belongings. Noticing the note from before, Hiten paused to open it.

A picture fell out into his hands, and the bold text bore into his eyes.

Hiten, just what team are you batting for anyways?

His eyes widened as he realized exactly what the picture was of. Sure- it was clearly two men kissing; one of which having a long black braid much like Hiten's.

Murmuring to himself, he glanced up from the photo across the locker room, "But, that's not me. That's..." His eyes settled on Bankotsu, "That's him."

Before the full impact could hit him, Hiten felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Uh Hiten? It's not true is it?" Gatenmaru asked, false concern on his face.

"What?" He asked, still somewhat preoccupied.

"That you're queer."

And that was all it took for Hiten to snap completely.

"Who the hell told you that?" He yelled, turning on Gatenmaru.

Still playing the innocent card, the other teen held out the other note he'd arranged, "Well, this was in my locker so..."

Snatching it from his hands, Hiten's anger boiled.

Hiten's a fag. Watch your back in the shower.

"Is this some sort of sick joke?" He demanded, grabbing up Gatenmaru by the collar.

On cue with their plan, Garamaru made his move at that moment. Casually walking over to Bankotsu, he congratulated him about the game.

"You did great today! You know, you should definitely get that baseball scholarship."

Flattered, Bankotsu rubbed the back of his head, "Thanks, but unless a miracle happens- it's going to Hiten for sure."

Red eyes flared at that, the whole mixed up situation becoming suddenly clear.

"A miracle, eh Asazuki? Like what- framing me for the fact you're a fag?"

Practically tossing Gatenmaru aside, Hiten stormed across the room and got right in Bankotsu's face.

"We need to talk. Now."

Caught off guard by his friend's anger, Bankotsu nervously responded.

"Well, actually I needed to talk to you as well. So why don't we go somewhere and…"

Cutting him off, Hiten shoved the picture in his face, "Oh really? Would it have anything to do with this?"

Bankotsu froze on recognizing the picture and he could have sworn his heart stopped beating for a moment.

"How did you..."

Shoving him, Hiten sneered, "Don't play dumb. You planted it on me."

"What? No! I didn't. Why would I…"

"Now the whole damned team thinks I'm a fag because of it. Cute little tactic to try and get the scholarship, Bankotsu. Shit- I thought you were my friend!"

"But I didn't do it!" He pleaded, not even realizing that everyone was staring at them, "Why do you think I did it?"

"Well since this picture was taken before I knew you then the only one that should have a copy of it would be you!"

His own anger flaring up, Bankotsu began yelling back, "That is my copy!"

"See! You just admitted it!"

Taking a deep breath, Bankotsu desperately tried to figure out how to explain this to his friend before things got any worse.

"Hiten- listen to me. Someone's trying to set us up. They must have stolen it from my wallet to try and get you in trouble."

"And how does that explain the notes?"

"What notes?"

Hiten crossed his arms, glaring intensely, "There were notes put in the team's lockers. 'Hiten's a fag. Watch your back in the shower,' really fucking cute, Asazuki."

"But I didn't do it!"

Behind them, the two cousins grinned maliciously as they casually played their last cards.

"I would have never thought Hiten was a fag. And in that picture- it looked like that friend of Asazuki's with him," Gatenmaru whispered loud enough for others to overhear.

Garamaru feigned shock, "Wait, so Hiten is sleeping with Bankotsu's friend from Japan?"

"Yah, who else could it be? It's not like we know any other queers around here."

Furious, Hiten shoved Bankotsu to the ground, "Bullshit, Bankotsu. That's all this is. Stop fucking lying to me and stop trying to frame me. I'm not gonna get caught up in your little stupid fag-drama. You're the only fag here- got that!"

The room fell silent then, his last words echoing off the concrete walls. Turning away, he grabbed his things from his locker and yelled across the room to Manten.

"Bro- we're leaving. Now!"

Nodding mutely, the other teen followed his brother out the door.

Hoshiyomi came out of his office, looking about at the team. "What's going on out here, what's the yelling about?"

Gatenmaru shrugged, "Nothing Coach. Asazuki and Raijin just got into it."

The rest of the team began to murmur amongst themselves, all quickly gathering up their things and quickly leaving.

Walking over to where Bankotsu still remained slumped against the wall, Hoshiyomi frowned, "What happened kid?"

"N-nothing Coach. Don't let me keep you, I can lock up."

His eyes narrowed at the request, but he sighed and tossed over the keys, "Okay, but I expect you to fill me in on what happened later. Got that?"

"Okay."

The locker room fell silent until the sound of soft footsteps reached Bankotsu's ears.

"Mr… Asazuki?"

"Go on home, Akitoki," He replied.

"But- you're…"

"Just go. Please," His voice cracked on the last word and reluctantly, the young boy started to go.

Pausing at the end of the hallway, he spoke up once more.

"You can…can call me if you need someone to listen, Mr. Asazuki. I'm sorry I can't do more for you."

Bankotsu cynically laughed to himself, "Heh. Not sure there's anything you could have done, Akitoki. But…thanks anyways."

Leaning back against the cold wall, he slouched forward and buried his face in his hands; the last echoes of Akitoki's footsteps dying away down the hallway.

"Fuck…"

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He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there and he really didn't care either. Bankotsu was too busy trying to figure out where everything went wrong and desperately trying topinpoint who would frame him like this. Not noticing the sound of someone entering the locker room, he practically jumped up on hearing the voice.

"Hey, Asazuki- whatcha doing down there?"

Glancing up quickly, he managed to make out a familiar figure standing over him.

"K-Kouga?"

"Yah?"

"What are you doing here? You're not on the team."

The other boy shrugged, "Just coming in to practice some on the track, but I thought the baseball team would be gone. I passed a few coming in but..."

"So...you heard, right?" Bankotsu asked meekly, turning to look at the wall.

"Heard what?"

"Che, you know what!" He snapped, "You mean it hasn't been plastered all over the school yet?"

Kouga blinked, thinking back to the murmurs he'd heard amongst the baseball players when he'd come into the locker room.

"Your fight with Hiten was that bad? I mean, I can see where he'd get all pissy because he got called gay just because you are but I mean seriously- it was that bad of a fight?"

Standing, and finding that his legs weren't cooperating at the moment, Bankotsu braced himself against the wall.

"Sort of. I was more worried about them plastering the fact I was gay everywhere than the fact we got in a fight though..."

"Oh."

A wry smile crept onto Bankotsu's face.

"He most likely doesn't want to talk about it. It probably makes him uncomfortable too. Shit- there goes most of my friends in two seconds..."

"I'll leave now. Sorry to bother you," Bankotsu muttered, absently going to grab his bag from his locker.

Behind him, he could hear the sounds of Kouga opening a locker and stuffing his track bag inside it. His shoulders slumped forward as the situation began to sink in further, but before he could turn to leave, Kouga spoke up.

"Do you need to talk to or something like that? Ayame always says it's bad to let anger and stuff build up."

A tinge of hope crept back into Bankotsu's eyes, "You mean… you don't mind?"

"Mind? Why would I mind that you're…" A cell phone started ringing then, and Kouga paused to rummage around in his bag for it. Answering it quickly, his eyes widened as the conversation progressed.

"Hello? Ayame? What? Yah I've heard. Everyone's talking about it? Shit..." Kouga paused to give Bankotsu a sympathetic look, "Who? Oh- okay. Yah, he's here. That might be the best idea. Okay- see ya in a bit then."

Hanging up, Kouga started to pull his bag back out of the locker.

"Your boyfriend and roommate were worried about you. Ayame said to ditch my practice for tonight and get you home safe- so let's go. How fast can you run?"

"Run?" Bankotsu said quietly, the full impact of everything leaving him somewhat dazed.

Kouga scratched the side of his head, "Well- there's a bit of bad news. Apparently word's getting out about you. We're going to make a run for where Ayame's waiting in the car so you don't have to deal with anyone right now."

Bankotsu nodded mutely, a queasy feeling once again rising in his stomach.

"Okay," He rasped out, "I'll try and keep up with you then."

Kouga gave him a playful pat on the shoulder, "That's the spirit, Asazuki. Keh- stupid bastards always having to make everyone else's business theirs. If I wasn't saving your ass, I'd be kicking theirs!"

"Heh. Thanks Kouga," He shakily picked up his things and handed Kouga the keys, "Coach wanted me to lock up."

"Consider it taken care of," Kouga replied with a smirk as he took the keys, "Let's get going, all right?"

Knuckles whitening as he gripped his bag's shoulder strap, Bankotsu took a deep breath and nodded in reply.

Quietly, they locked the door behind them and crept down the hallway. Once the reached the end, Kouga glanced back over his shoulder and whispered.

"Ready?"

After moment's hesitation, Bankotsu replied.

"Yeah…"

And with that, the two broke out into a run.

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Preview for Chapter 14:

No matter what happens- surround yourself with friends. And somehow, someway- you'll make it through.