Jakotsu was tired, but happy. He had just played ball with Hikaru. And he had won. Jakotsu had always been very fit, and could probably beat many people at ball. Yet, Hikaru was different. Hikaru was a good athlete as well, and he was the only person who actually challenged Jakotsu. Other then his father that is. Reisuki was very good at physical activity.

Jakotsu sat down, breathing heavily.

"Good game, Jakotsu." Hikaru panted. He sat beside Jakotsu in the damp grass. Jakotsu and Hikaru rested for a moment, catching their breaths. Jakotsu turned to look at Hikaru and saw a glittering object poking from his friend Yukata.

"Hey…What's that?" Jakotsu asked, pointing to the odd metallic object.

"Oh…" Hikaru pulled it from his pocket, and Jakotsu saw that it was a butterfly hairpin. Its metallic blue wings caught the sunlight, and Jakotsu sharply inhaled.

"Yeah, this thing." Hikaru said. "I found it in my house. I guess it was my mother's before she died." Hikaru paused. "My dad told me to go sell it at the pawn market."

Jakotsu stared at the beautiful hairpin. He wasn't sure why, but he found himself oddly mesmerized by the dazzling silver of its color. I hope I don't make a habit of being fascinated with female clothing articles. He thought to himself.

"Can I…Can I see it?" Jakotsu asked. Hikaru dropped it onto Jakotsu's outstretched hand, and Jakotsu lightly ran his finger along the smooth surface of the pin.

"Its beautiful…may I buy it?" Jakotsu looked up at his friend.

Hikaru laughed. "Its yours."

Jakotsu blinked, feeling surprised. "Um…so how much should I pay for it?"

Hikaru shook his head. "Nothing. You're doing me a favor by taking it." Hikaru's voice grew quiet. "My father cant stand having anything of mother's in the house. I'm glad to know it will be in the hands of someone who will take care of it."

Jakotsu looked into the reflective surface, of the pins iridescent blue, butterfly wings. Then he softly curled his hand around it, and clutched it to his chest. "Thank you."

Hikaru smiled softly. "You're odd, you know Jakotsu?"

"Huh? Why?"

"Because…that hairpin is meant for girls. Why would you want a girl, hairpin?"

Jakotsu felt startled. He laughed.

"I guess I just have a weakness for beautiful things." He gazed into Hikaru's soft brown eyes and smiled. Just like you, Hikaru.

Hikaru chuckled. "Weirdo. You're so different!"

You don't know how different I am, Hikaru. If you knew…would you still like me? Would you still be able to laugh with me, and have fun around me? Would we still be friends? Or would you become like my mother, fearful and so full of hate?

Jakotsu gave a soft smile, one that masked the bitterness he was feeling.

"Yes…I am different, Hikaru."

"Jakotsu?" Hikaru's voice was concerned.

"Nothing, Hikaru. Its nothing."

……………………………………………………………………………………………

"Jakotsu! Your home just in time!" Reisuki said happily, as Jakotsu stepped into the house.

Jakotsu studied he father, who was standing beside Kiko. He was dressed in a loose top, and cotton gi pants, tucked into boots. Shoulder armor and a chest plate covered his upper body.

"I was afraid you wouldn't get home until I was gone!" Reisuki came up to Jakotsu and patted his shoulder. "I wanted to say goodbye, before I left."

"Where are you going, father?" Jakotsu asked. He wasn't surprised to find his father was leaving. He was constantly being called off, to help rid a demon in a neighboring village, or to fight in a small battle. Yet, his father would always return, with stories of his adventures to tell Jakotsu.

"Oh. I've been called off to the small mountain village Shigakoku, to fight a powerful demon. Apparently, the demon is a wicked powerful witch who seduces men." Reisuki laughed. "Can you believe it? All people have been killed, just because of a seductress." Jakotsu smiled.

"Well be careful, not to fall for her charms."

Reisuki laughed again. "I have a stronger willpower then that!" His smile softened "I wish I could stay around a bit longer, you always make me smile Jakotsu."

"Don't worry, father, you'll see me soon, after you slay this demon."

Reisuki nodded. "Be good while I'm gone Jakotsu." He laid a hand on Jakotsu's head.

Kiko scowled. "I think you should go already, shouldn't you Reisuki? People are dying, up in Shigakoku, and you're chatting with your son!" Reisuki paused.

"Yes, you are right, Kiko. He suddenly turned around and softly kissed Kiko's forehead. He seemed slightly sad. Jakotsu felt surprised. His father didn't often kiss Kiko. He thought she would have been pleased, but instead Kiko tensed up, a look of anger briefly passing over her features.

"Farewell, Kiko. Jakotsu." Then he turned and slipped out of the small house. Jakotsu frowned, thinking of his mother's reaction. Perhaps he had imagined it? Kiko is probably so uptight, she even cant stand her own husband. Jakotsu decided.

"Jakotsu! These plates are filthy! It's your responsibility to clean them!"

Jakotsu sighed. "Yes mother." He stood and gathered up the dishes, to be scrubbed.