It was at the age of 14, when it became painfully obvious that Jakotsu was not an ordinary boy. Jakotsu's best friend, Hikaru, often teased Jakotsu for not being interested in girls. He believed that Jakotsu hadn't matured enough. Yet there was a different reason why Jakotsu wasn't attracted to females. A reason that Jakotsu knew he could never tell Hikaru. Jakotsu was in love with him. He was in love with his best friend.

"You're so lucky." Hikaru said, who was sitting beside Jakotsu. "Sayo is such a beautiful girl. And she's your fiancé!"

Jakotsu sighed, rubbing his fingers on the ground. He and Hikaru were sitting by the edge of the river, just outside the village. He, and Hikaru would come to this spot often, to skip stones, or just to talk. Hikaru found it very boring, just to sit and talk, but Jakotsu enjoyed it. He found it very relaxing, and peaceful.

"Sure, whatever you say, Hikaru." Jakotsu muttered. "I don't even know her, very well, and yet my parents have put me into this arranged marriage."

Hikaru laughed, the sunlight reflecting his eyes, and making them a brilliant amber color. "I don't see why you mind so much. She's adorable."

Jakotsu studied his friend in the light. He had a beautiful face, with thick shiny hair, often falling into it. His skin was unusually fair, for someone who spent so much time outside, playing ball, and he had magnificent eyes, that were a soft brown color. He was by far, the best looking boy in the village. It's hopeless. Jakotsu thought, sighing. His friend was totally straight, and if there even was a tiny chance, Hikaru would fall in love with him, then Jakotsu would become the enemy of every young woman in the village of Murabito. Not to mention his mother. She would probably disown me.

"Besides, you two would look cute together." Hikaru chirped. Jakotsu felt surprised. A tiny part of him felt hurt. He looked into his friends brown eyes, and felt slightly sad. I don't want to be with Sayo. I want to be with you Hikaru! Jakotsu thought. I love you!

"Erm…I had better go." Jakotsu stood.

"Why?" Hikaru asked, his face concerned. "Did I say something wrong?"

Jakotsu shook his head, and gave a reassuring smile.

"No, It's just my mother. She probably wants me home by now."

"Ah." Hikaru said knowingly. "Well I'll see you later then."

"Take care." Jakotsu began walking back to the village, feeling guilty. Jakotsu had told Hikaru that his mother was strict, and that was the reason he wasn't allowed out much. But that was a lie. Jakotsu knew exactly why he wasn't allowed out. He clearly remembered, the day his mother, Kiko, had told him not to spend time with Hikaru.

"That boy…Hikaru. You fancy him don't you? I will not allow this! You are to marry Sayo! Besides…would your friend want you to play with him, if he knew you were attracted to him?"

Jakotsu often wished he hadn't told his parents he was gay. Things would be so much easier for him. If he had never told, his mother would never had treated him the she did, Yelling at him, half the time, and acting afraid of him, the other half. He thought of the moment, the moment that changed his relationship with Kiko forever.

"Sayo's mother just dropped these off!" Kiko exclaimed, clutching a bag of buns. "She told me Sayo made them. Isn't it wonderful? Sayo is such a good cook. She's a perfect wife!" Jakotsu bit his lip.

"Mother…father…I have to tell you something." Kiko's face immediately grew apprehensive. She didn't want to deal with Jakotsu's problems. Even so, Jakotsu felt that he had to tell his parents

"I…I'm not normal." Jakotsu's voice wavered as he spoke.

"What do you mean, not normal?" His father, Reisuki asked.

Jakotsu studied floor. "I…I don't like girls, father." Reisuki's eyes widened.

"Jakotsu…do you mean…?"

Jakotsu nodded slowly. "Yes…I'm…I'm gay." There was a silence.

"No…" Kiko stood, suddenly. "No! Jakotsu this isn't funny! Don't joke like this!" Her eyes were full of fear and fury. In one quick stride, she strode to Jakotsu and slapped him. He let out a cry of pain, as his head was thrown to the side from the blow. The pain felt sharp, like needles, stabbing into his flesh. "Jakotsu! Tell me your joking! Apologize for joking right now!" She grabbed Jakotsu's Yukata, and shook him roughly.

"Kiko!" Reisuki stood and grabbed his wife's arm. She let out a furious growl and wrenched it from his grip.

"No! I wont accept it! I cant! What will the other villagers say if they found out? Our family name will be dishonored, forever!" She glared at Jakotsu. "Don't tell anyone this, do you understand! If you ever do, you are no longer part of this family!" Kiko gave another cry of anger, and then ran from the house, leaving the straw door flapping behind her.

Reisuki sighed. "Don't worry Jakotsu." He said softly. "In time, your mother will accept your life choice."

Yet, it had been a year since Jakotsu had confessed he was gay, and his mother had still not accepted it. She made no effort to hide the fact that she resented him. She would often yell at Jakotsu for the smallest of things. I hate her! Jakotsu thought bitterly. He clenched his fists angrily, and gritted his teeth. Jakotsu stopped, as he realized he had reached his house. He carefully lifted the straw door, and stepped inside.

"Jakotsu! Where were you?" Jakotsu winced, as Kiko glared at him, from the straw mat floor. "You're late for dinner!" Jakotsu sat down on the floor, next to Reisuki and began drinking the remaining bowl of soup from the small table.

"I'm sorry. He murmured.

"Don't tell me you were with that boy, Hikaru again." Kiko narrowed her eyes.

"I was just taking a walk!" Jakotsu protested. He bit his lip. Kiko looked suspiciously at him.

"You better have only been taking a walk!" Kiko snapped. She pursed her lips tightly, making lines stand out on her face. Jakotsu occasionally thought that his mother might have been pretty when she was younger. But a life of stress, and anger, had caused her to age beyond her years, erasing whatever beauty she might have once held. Is it because of me, that she's so angry? Jakotsu wondered. Or was she angry at something else, and taking it out on him? It doesn't matter. Jakotsu dug his nails into the palm of his hand. She's such a bitch! How could she treat me this way?

Jakotsu pushed away his bowl. "I'm finished. I'm going to go collect wood for the fire." He stood, a stepped out of the house, and into the cool night air. The sun was just starting to set, and the horizon had been tuned into a streak of orangey flames. The beautiful scenery did little to sooth Jakotsu's emotions. He felt so angry. He knew he should be used to his mothers behavior, but this night he felt unusually angry. Normally, when his mother mistreated him, he simply nodded. Later, when his father, would ask if he were all right, Jakotsu would smile brightly, and laugh. He didn't want Reisuki to worry. Lately it seemed like he was hiding his true emotions from everyone. He kept from showing his rage towards Kiko. He acted cheerful so his father wouldn't be upset. And most of all, he kept his emotions from Hikaru. He would laugh, joke, and talk to Hikaru, as if he had no care in the world, but often it would hurt so much to look at him. To look at his gorgeous face, and know that they could never be together. Jakotsu lifted his head, as the sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. A warm hand settled on Jakotsu's shoulder. Jakotsu turned to see Reisuki standing beside him.

"Aren't you getting firewood, son?" Reisuki smiled softly, his dark eyes crinkling in the corners.

"Oh yeah…I'm just enjoying the view." Jakotsu gestured to the sunset.

"Jakotsu…Don't pay attention to the way your mother acts. There is nothing wrong with you. Its not your fault."

Jakotsu's eyes widened.

"I…I know that." He paused. "She acts like it's my fault, though. Its as if I did something wrong…"

"No." Reisuki's voice was firm. You haven't done anything wrong. She doesn't have the right to be angry at you." Jakotsu looked at his father, feeling surprised. His eyes…they were soft, and distant, as if he was thinking of something.

"What is she angry of?" Jakotsu asked.

His father didn't reply.

"Father?"

Reisuki finally looked at Jakotsu. His face wore a strange expression that Jakotsu could not read…it looked…sad…regretful, maybe.

"Its…its nothing." Reisuki rubbed his arms. "Its getting cold isn't it? I'm going inside. Good night Jakotsu" He hurried back into the house. Jakotsu watched him go, feeling surprised. In Jakotsu's opinion it wasn't the least bit cold. Why was his father trying to avoid answering his question? Jakotsu stared at the place his Reisuki had just stood, and wondered exactly, what his father, who was usually so honest and truthful, was keeping from him.

-

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Jakotsu hurried outside, wanting to get out of the house as fast as he could. The morning air was fresh and full of the scent of flowers. Birds chirped softly. It was a bit chilly, but Jakotsu would rather freeze, then to be in the same house as his mother. He thought about the odd conversation he had had with his father the previous night. It had been very strange. Jakotsu had pondered it, before he slept and hadn't figured out what his father was talking about. Even now, in the morning, after he had rested, Jakotsu still had no clue why Reisuki had been acting so oddly. Jakotsu shrugged, deciding not to worry about it. He would probably find out in time. Now, he was simply concentrating on heading to Hikaru's house. The guy will probably still be sleeping. Jakotsu smiled. Hikaru was so lazy sometimes. Jakotsu began to jog, as he saw Hikaru's house in the distance. He felt surprised as he noticed Hikaru leaning against the house. He looked so cute, standing there, with his hair fluttering in the breeze. Jakotsu smiled slightly, and wondered what his friend was doing, up at this time.

Wait…who's that with him? Jakotsu blinked. His friend was talking to Sayo. Weird! Jakotsu slowed his pace, and squinted. Sayo was grinning at Hikaru. Jakotsu saw her mouth move. Hikaru replied something back to her, and Sayo pouted. She rested her hand softly on Hikaru's shoulder, and whispered something. She's flirting with him! Jakotsu watched unbelieving, as his fiancé waved to Hikaru, and walked away. Jakotsu hurried over to Hikaru.

"Hikaru!" Hikaru turned, and grinned happily when he saw Jakotsu.

"Hi Jakotsu. Do you want to head out and play ball in field?"

Jakotsu stared at his friend. His face looked friendly, and open, but Jakotsu swore he could see guilt lurking behind those warm brown eyes of his.

"Yeah I would love to. Um…did I just see Sayo here?" Jakotsu had tried to make his voice sound casual but it had came out sounding slightly worried.

Hikaru nodded. "Yeah, she was just here."

"What did she want?"

Hikaru hesitated. "She was just asking about you and stuff."

"Really?" Jakotsu asked.

"Yeah…she sounds really excited about being your fiancé." Hikaru smiled.

Jakotsu nodded. He knew his friend was lying. Hikaru…he was a gorgeous male specimen, and almost all the young girls of their village liked him. Sayo was probably no different. Except…Sayo was admittedly, very pretty as well. Was it possible that Hikaru was interested in her, as she was in him? As soon as Jakotsu thought this, a sharp stab of jealousy stabbed his heart. Face it. Jakotsu thought bitterly. I have no chance.

"Jakotsu?" Hikaru asked? "Are you alright?"

Jakotsu blinked. Then he grinned brightly. "Of course, I'm fine! Lets go play ball."

Together, they walked together towards the field.