The Seven: Wanted Dead or Alive

Title: Jakotsu's request

Prompt and Word Count: Left waiting-535

Characters: Bankotsu and Jakotsu

Prompt Summary: Bankotsu offers up something of himself to make Jakotsu feel better.

Won third place for prompt!

About an hour later when Bankotsu regained consciousness, he found Jakotsu in the same position he had been in the entire time; knees to chest, arms wrapped around them. Far more worried about his friend's state of distress than his own pounding headache, Bankotsu quickly climbed to his hands and knees and crawled over to him. Not wanting to scare him, he gently touched his shoulder to get his attention but his forethought proved to be in vain as even the subtle touch startled him enough to cause him to cry out in fear.

"It's just me," Bankotsu assured him, though he wasn't certain he would find him nonthreatening at the moment and be reassured by knowing it was him. But much to his relief, once Jakotsu realized who it was beside him, he began to calm down and soon enough his tears began to dry.

"I'm okay," Jakotsu told him, nodding his head as though it would be enough to convince him of this. Though Bankotsu knew he wasn't okay, the fact that he was still shaking and curled up in a ball clearly stated this, he thought it best not to point out this fact. Jakotsu's next words caught him by surprise so much that he nearly lost his balance. "This wasn't the first time this has happened. I need only a few minutes to regain complete control."

Worried about his friend far more than he could remember ever worrying about someone before, Bankotsu felt a desperate need to give him some comfort; no matter how small it might be. "Is there anything I can do for you? Anything at all, just name it," Bankotsu promised, not caring for a moment if Jakotsu decided to take advantage of him and ask for something he wouldn't normally be willing to give. At that moment, it didn't matter to him if he did.

For his part, Jakotsu could only look up at him in silence and a bit startled by the offer. Giving someone permission to ask for 'anything' was never a good idea; even less so when you knew the types of things someone might ask for was something you would not be comfortable with. But as Jakotsu sat there watching him, seeing such a sure and confident look in his eyes, he knew Bankotsu fully intended to hold true to his word.

Deciding to have a bit of fun at his expense, Jakotsu opted to answer him honestly with the one thing that would make him feel at least somewhat better at that moment. The one thing that would allow him to end this nightmare on a more positive note. "A kiss," Jakotsu informed him seriously; watching as his eyes widened slightly for a moment before going back to normal.

"Very well," Bankotsu agreed without a moment's hesitation before leaning forward about half the distance between them and closing his eyes. Unable to do anything else, Jakotsu just sat there staring at him for the longest time. Finally realizing he was completely serious about his offer, Jakotsu decided he shouldn't be left waiting any longer and leaned forward. Smiling through the tears that were finally beginning to subside, Jakotsu gently kissed his forehead.