No Rest for Exams

Title:
NO REST FOR EXAMS
Author:
Samurai Champloo (c) geneon.
Summary:
Don't ask where the idea for this came from ^_^U It was partially wrote in an old notebook, so I
decided to resurrect it. Mostly wanted to use the characters in another setting, until episode #16
airs.
Rating:
R - Yaoi, Lemon, Shonen-ai, Language, Violence, Self-mutilation.
Pairing(s):
Mugen/Jin, Hinted OC/OC/Mugen.
Characters:
Usual SC cast, plus a few OC's. AU/OOC.
Author's Notes:
So, prepare for mass AU/OOC after this point, but sweet, sweet Mugen/Jin action...Enjoy!
Disclaimer:
...I think we all know I don't own any of the characters...except the ones I made up...
________________________________________

NO REST FOR EXAMS
CHAPTER FIVE - BLOOD AND WIND

~~~~~
"You're such a disappointment..."
~~~~~

Jin's eyes snapped open, he was certain he heard his Father's voice. His pulse was racing as he sat
up, clutching his chest.

"You're awake."

He startled, glancing towards the direction of the unfamiliar voice.

"You're a jumpy little thing, ne? Name's Yanagisawa, I'm Mugies friend. Call me Yana."
//He's cute.//

"H-hello." Jin folded his legs up to sit indian style, facing the blonde. "My name is Jin."

//I take that back, man, he is gorgeous!//
"Mugen will be back shortly, he went to pick a few things up. We had like two grains of rice left,
heh." The man smiled.

Jin looked him over quickly. He was tall, taller than him. Large stocky build, like he lived in the
gym. Blonde hair, short and spiky, with his bangs being a little longer. Crystal green eyes smiled
within the masculine face. The pale one had to look away quickly, before his wandering eyes
could go lower.

"I see."

"So, you do Kendo? Or something like that...your little outfit."

"Yes. Well, I did, I taught at a dojo my Father bestowed upon me. But no longer, now I will live
here with Mugen I assume."

"You know...you talk funny."

Jin blushed a little. "Forgive me."

//What is Mugen thinking? He's beautiful, but...//
"Don't sweat it, hun. Just remember we're all normal here, kay? Heh..." He smiled. "Not use to
anything too formal."

"I will remember that."
//Normal? I suppose I am not very normal...//

"Well...I live here too. Mugie has known me forever, and personally, I can't stay away. Ya gotta
love the scrawny fuck." Yana laughed, as Jin looked away nervously.

"I am sorry if I am imposing on any of you. This was a very sudden decision."

"You're what-ing us?" Yana blinked, playing dumb.

"I mean." He stammered. "I hope I am not in the way..."
//Stupid, he just asked you not to talk weird.//

"Oh. Nah, we come and go. Just stay the fuck away from my hair stuff, and we'll get along fine."

"Right..." He fidgeted slightly, unfolding his legs.

"You're too uptight, babe. Pull that stick out yer ass."

Jin blushed. "What?"

"You heard me. Loosen up...You making me feel uncomfortable." Yana shook his shoulders to
loosen himself up.

"I am sorry...I think I will go outside until Mugen gets back." Jin rose from the couch,
straightening the pillows back.

"Whatever, be careful. There's mosquitos out the ass out there."

Jin walked quickly from the living room, through the kitchen, and out the front door.

Yana sighed, leaning back against his chair.
//Maybe I was a little harsh on him? He seems retarded or something...I don't care, I can't let
Mugie bring home any more psycho's...I wonder what happened to his face?//

- - - - -

As soon as the pale one was outside, he let out the breath that was caught in his throat.
//That could have gone better.//
He unfamiliarly walked to a green wooden chair, sitting. It was dark now and the sounds of night
were everywhere. Crickets and the sounds of moths, on the porch lights.
//Not even ten minutes and you're upsetting his friends. Can't you just be normal?//
His hands fidgeted with his hakama leg.
//You probably look ridiculous to them...//
Subconsciously he wished he could have brought the first set of clothes Mugen chose. It wasn't as
bad as some things.
//Maybe you would not look so strange then.//
He sighed again, closing his eyes. It did feel peaceful here. But the image of an upset Sayoko and
furious Father, shattered that well.
//Forgive me...//
Pain and sorrow rose again, but tears were not the response he got. His eyes went wide when his
mind whispered the suggestion.
//No! It's been seven years...I do not do that anymore.//
His hand shook, running it along a few light scars on his arm.
//But you would feel better...just a scratch maybe. To let the pressure off.//
His face smiled almost. Remembering the feeling of the first breaking of the skin.
//One. Small. Mugen would see, and you'd be tossed out on the streets.//

He rose from the chair, fumbling around the kitchen looking for anything sharp. His hand found a
can opener in a messy side drawer.
//Perfect.//
He held the object up, looking at the shinny thing. No rust or anything.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Yana asked with a displeased look on his face. Jin was holding the can
opener, looking it over like a baby or gem.

"I..." He froze, almost dropping it.

"Mugen and those fucking weirdo's...God..." Yana sighed leaving, not caring what he was doing.
//Why are the sexy ones always crazy?!//

It took a few seconds before he snapped out of it and went back to his spot on the porch. Taking a
deep breath, before pulling out the corkscrew part. The tip looked clean, and very sharp. He
closed his eyes, pulling up his sleeve. Letting the cold metal graze up and down finding it's own
choice spot. He carefully found the spot, close to his elbow. He dug the point in slightly. Pushing
it in farther, causing him to bite his lip, dragging it about three inches to the side. He gasped as his
shaking hand dropped the metal object.

"Yes..." He sighed, slumping in the chair.

The odd sense of euphoric calm filled him with each stabbing throb. He had just closed his eyes,
when he heard keys jingling and rapidly approaching foot steps.

"Jin!" His voice was filled with intensity.

The pale one snapped his eyes open.
"Mugen?!"

"What the fuck did you just do?! I was standing there getting the stuff from the trunk, when I seen
you come out. I thought I'd be sneaky, see what you were doing. I didn't expect to see you
stabbing yourself!" His eyes turned angrily. "With my fucking can-opener?!" His glance noted the
bloody object.

"I..." He didn't know what to say. In his years of cutting, no one had ever caught him.

"What's going on?" Yana walked out, hearing Mugen shout. "Oh shit..." He seen Jin bleeding,
dripping down his arm. "What happened?!"

"Jin decided to mutilate himself." Mugen sighed rubbing his eyes.

"What? What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

Jin began to cry slightly. "I am sorry...I."
//Look what you've done now!//
He lowered his face, hair falling to veil him. Clutching his steadily bleeding arm. "I do not know
what is wrong with me...Oh no!" He seen the blood beginning to drop onto the wooden porch.

Unsteadily he stood, running to the grass to avoid ruining anything else. "I am s-sorry. I'll clean
that up in a second." He slumped to his knees, crying harder.
//You ruin anything you touch.//

"Yana, will you find some sutures and stuff? I know there's some in the office."

"Look Mugen, I don't feel safe around him, he's a freak..."

"What did you say?" Mugen growled, turning to face the shocked man.

"Nothing, he's crazy, you know it."

"Say that again, and I'll throw your ass out...in pieces. And if I find out you were saying anything
like that to him, I'm kicking your ass tonight, bitch."

"Whatever...Office you say?"

"Yes, dear." Mugen smiled.

Jin jumped when he felt Mugen's arms around him.

"I am so sorry. If you want, I w-will leave..." He bit his lip, trying to stop crying.

"Don't be sorry, I want to know why? Is it because you came here?"

"N-no."
//I'm so happy I'm here, Mugen.//

"Let me see your arm, please?" He kept his voice soothing and calm.

Jin held it out, it had almost stopped bleeding. He made it a little deeper than he planned.
//Supposed to be a scratch, loser.//

"Mmh...Why would you do this? I love you so much Jin, I never want you to do this again."
Mugen looked away as he rolled the large sleeve up.

"I am such a failure. As a person, as a whole..."

"What?"

"I have abandoned my family, I am upsetting you and your friends...I am weird." The last part
was more of an afterthought.

//Damn you Yana.//
"You're not weird. I love everything about you, never think that..."

"Mugen..."

"Here ya go, it's in the bathroom." Yana called out, not bothering to open the door.

"Come on, let me fix this..." Mugen smoothed the silky bangs back.

- - - - -

//What a headcase! Where does Mugie find these people?!//
Yana stared as Mugen began stitching Jin's arm, they sat in the bathroom on the tub. He was
hidden by the half shut door.
//I remember when he use to look at me like that...//
The blonde sighed. Jin yelped and Mugen caressed his face, Yana glared red.
//I know all about those types. The 'help me-save me-oh my hero' types. Keh, I can't believe he's
falling for it!//

"You just gonna stay hidden, Yana?" Mugen spoke over his shoulder.

"But how did you?"

"That perfume you wear is stronger than it should be..."

"Ooo..." Yana huffed, stepping into the room.

Jin looked at the ground.
//It's bad enough Mugen has to know I'm crazy.//

"Look, the three of us are going to have to get along. That's the only way this will ever work."

Jin looked a little shocked. "But, I have no problem with anyone...You all had nothing to do
with-"

"I know babe, that wasn't directed at you really." Mugen smiled, smoothing the inky bangs from
his lovers face.

"I'm fine as long as no one stabs themselves anymore." Yana sighed sarcastically.

The pale one blushed slightly. "It will not happen again, forgive me. I do not wish to cause tension
between you and Mugen."

"Good..." Mugen ended the conversation. "We're almost done here, I know you wanna take a
shower."

"Make it quick love birds..." Yana turned, exiting.

Jin returned his gaze to the yellow tile floor.
//I'm hindering their routine again.//

//He still hasn't looked at me...Is it because he's ashamed of what he did? Or...//
Mugen tied the final stitch, applying the gauze with much care. When he was done, he leaned over
and softly kissed the white cloth.

"Be easy with this. It's deeper than it looks."

Jin nodded, staring at the tan one.

"How do you feel? You lost a good amount of blood."

"This blood...is the reason why we will be separated. I wish all of it would leave..." His eyes
stared, dull and blank.

"Jin..." Mugen frowned. "Shut the fuck up...We're here, we're together! What happened to option
two?"

"Mugen...I am scared..." He looked away.

"Scared? Of what?"

"Everything...I have tried my whole life to be at peace with myself. I say I am, I show I
am...but...I am not. Leaving today made me realize how desperate for life I am. I threw it all
away to feel how you make me feel. That was so selfish of me...Now I am messing up your life
and your friends'. I am in the way and soon I will drive a wedge into you two. Then I will die and
disappear. All your efforts, kind words, your friendship lost, for nothing..." He took a shaky
breath. "Please...do not waste it on me. I am not worth it Mugen. All I will do is cause you pain
and trouble...Get out now before I ruin your life too. Everything I touch turns to-"

SLAP

Jin froze, eyes opened wide; as a large red mark began to show on his face. Mugen breathed
heavy through his nose, mouth pressed into a deep frown. Eyes glaring at the shaking form in
front of him. Neither said anything, two trails of shiny tears began to fall from Jin's eyes.

"I'm sorry...But you can't keep blaming yourself for everything. I don't care if I lose a friend or get
hurt, all I care about is you! No matter how long we have. A day, a decade, a lifetime; that doesn't
matter! Can't you just fucking get that, and stop acting like everything's your fault?!"

Jin bit his lip to prevent a sob. He understood, but being struck and yelled at by the tan one on top
of everything else; hurt more than his arm. He nodded, getting up quickly.

"Jin?"

The pale one turned heading for the door.

"Jin, wait..." Mugen stood.

"Please..." The voice was full of tears. "Leave me alone for a little while...I will be back..." He
exited, a few moments later the screen door clacked shut.

"Kuso!" Mugen hissed, slapping his forehead.

- - - - -

Yana walked in promptly. "Did he hit you?!" Anger washed over his face.

Mugen sighed, falling back into his seat. "No...sit down."

"What's up hun?" Yana sat close.

"I hit him...nothing crazy, just a slap. He was rambling about all this bullshit. About him ruining
my life, you and me...I snapped."

"Huh?"

"I fucked up...I think I reminded him of something, and I hate myself for it now..."

"Oh please." Yana took Mugen's hand. "What did you remind him of?"

"I don't know..."

"You're hopeless, I can't stand seeing you upset like this. What happened to the rebel without a
pause Mugen I love so much?"

Mugen smiled weakly. "I'm still here...somewhere."

"Lose the tightass..."

"Watch it."

"What? I'm entitled to my opinions."

"You don't even know him."

"So? You've only known him like a month."

The tan one sighed. "That doesn't matter."

"Where is the drama queen anyway?"

"I don't know, he walked out. Stop with all the insults."

"No. Let him sulk for a while."

"But-"

"No buts. Just relax, he can't leave, you know this is the middle of nowhere."

"I have to find him."

"I'm not letting you out the door. You'll make yourself sick!"

Mugen smirked. "Like your fruity ass could stop me."

Yana glared. "Let's see, nurse."

"Oi, I'm not a nurse!"

"Where's your little white dress?"

"Shut up." He began to laugh. "Fine, I'll let him have some time alone..."

"Good. I missed you, it gets lonely here."

"What, no random men?"

"I mean other than that, bitch, of course I got my booty..."

"You're sick."

"So are you, oh master of the three way."

"Shh! What if he can hear you?!" Mugen panicked.

"Oh I see...Four-eyes doesn't know about that?"

"I don't see a reason to tell him."

"You little liar, you didn't use the line about being a virgin did you?"

"Nah..." He couldn't help but laugh.

- - - - -

//Why do I still live?//
Jin took a deep breath of the cool night air. He was sitting on the ground, leaning against the side
of the house. He pulled his knees to his chest tightly, putting his head down on them.
//Why can't it just hurry up and happen? This waiting, it's eating me alive.//
Silently he began to cry again.
//The more people I know, the more that will be hurt by my loss. I do not want Mugen to suffer
because of me. Enough people have been hurt by me.//

An image of his Father hitting him flashed into his mind. His eyes angry and vengeful.

~~~~~
"You're worthless! You've ruined everything!"
~~~~~

Then the mans rage would be unleashed. That was only one of the times he lost an important
match, or lesson. The pale one shivered.
//I am so sorry Father, Sayoko...Mitscher...//
He took a gulp of air.
//Mugen...//
He allowed the feel of his bruised face be singled out. The tan one had forgotten how easily he
bruised as a result of his illness.
//It has never been his problem...Why should he worry? It is your fault.//

"Escuse me..." A deep, smooth voice startled him.

He cried out softly, snapping his eyes up.

"Uh...who are you?" The unknown man asked.

"I, I am sorry. I am Mugen's friend." He wiped his eyes quickly, trying to calm himself. “Should I
be here...I-”

"Oh, you must be Jin?” He cut him off. “Yana's told me a lot about you. Mugen calls a lot." The
boy laughed nervously.

He was tall, thin, skin a little lighter than Mugen. His hair was red and spilled messily over his
shoulders and eyes.

"Yes, forgive my intrusion. I will find somewhere else to sit."

"I come out here all the time, it's the best view of the woods. Can I join you instead of running
you off?"

"If you so desire."
//He probably lives here too.//
"Do you live here as well?"

"Mmhm. Me, Mugen, and Yana bought this place when Mugen first graduated. We all saved for
years. Just wanted to get the fuck out of that hellhole city." The boy fished something from his
leather jacket. "I hope you're not a narc, I just got off work and wanna get high." He stuck the
paper stick into his mouth.

"Narc? You mean drugs?"

"You retarded or something?"

Jin looked away shyly. "Forgive my ignorance."
//You’re doing it again...//

The man sighed. "No prob, it's weed. Pot, marijuana...you smoke it. Do you mind?"

"It is your house." He looked upward at the sky.
//I will just remain silent, perhaps that will work.//

The other smiled, flicking his lighter a few times before it lit. It was dark, so he seen Jin's face
clearly for the first time.
//Huh?//
He seen a deep bruise, and a few cuts covering the left side of his face. A large red mark that
would soon be a bruise, on the other side. Tears stained his cheeks and eyes. The man stared until
the metal heated, burning his fingertip.

"Ow." He dropped the lighter, Jin's eyes drifted back to him. "It's not really my business, but what
happened to your face?"

Jin felt his heart jump.
//What should I tell him?//
"Accident."
//I do not want to cause more trouble between Mugen and his friends. Just remain quiet.//

"What accident does that?"

"I fell...on a dojo floor. It was a Kendo match, the guy was quick. I did not block in time, fell on
my face."

"Oh."
//Explaining too much to be the truth.//
"Want some?" He offered the smoking object.

"Oh, no...I should not. I am not entirely sure what it is." Jin held his hands up in a defeated
manner.

"Heh, it won't kill you. I'm not gonna kill my friends boyfriend."

"I have never smoked anything before..." The dark hid his blush.

"You just inhale and exhale..." He placed it into Jin's pale hand.

Carefully he brought it up to his lips, pulling a small amount of smoke. Only succeeding in
making himself cough violently.

"Fuckin' rookies..." The red head sighed, smiling.
//He’s kinda cute.//

After some air and a few more tries, he managed to take a real hit.

"Puff, puff, pass dude."

"Oh, sorry." Jin jumped, quickly handing it back.
//What a strange taste...//

"You need to loosen up, and I'm still not buying the accident deal."

Jin paled. "Please do not ask. I do not wish to cause more trouble tonight."
//Why did you say that baka?!//

Peach fingers passed the joint back, Jin took a hit nervously.

"Cause trouble? Did that happen here?!"

Handing it back, Jin sighed. "Yes, but it is no problem, everything is fine now."

"Someone hit you and it's no problem?"

"It was my fault. I was making Mugen upset and-" Jin froze, slapping a hand over his mouth.

"Mugen did this to you?" The red head sat up.

//Baka, baka, baka!!//
"Please...let's not do this. It is fine, we worked it out."

The boy stared at Jin as hard as he could, eyes better adjusted. He noticed a dark spot around his
one sleeve, it looked like a blood stain.

"What happened to your arm?"

Jin felt his heart drop again. "I did that myself..." He pulled his knees back to his earlier position.

"So let me get the story straight. You're cutting yourself, Mugen hit you, you're outside, and
everything's okay?"

"It is not like that." His face burned in embarassment.

"Where are they?"

"In the house I believe...but-"

"I'm gonna go talk to them. I'll be right back, here you can have this." He handed Jin the joint and
lighter.

"Wait...please..." Before he could say much, the red head was up the porch and through the door.

//Even silent you've ruined everything again...//
He sighed, frowning and lighting the joint.

- - - - -

"Vodka? You're in here drinking with this whore, while he's out there crying?!" The red head
entered, looking very angry.

A lidded eyed Mugen looked up.
"Shigure?"

"You hit him...why? I just want to know why? How was he upsetting you?"

"I..." Mugen froze.

"Look bitch, he's sorry. We're just giving the crybaby some time alone." Yana smiled taking a sip
from his glass.

Everyone stopped when Jin walked through the door. Silence filled the room.

"Escuse me..." He looked down shamefully, wishing he didn't interrupt them. "Sorry for the
intrusion..." He bowed slightly, walking quickly into the living room.

As he left the room he heard the low dull of voices return. He was looking for a bathroom, he felt
very sick. Stumbling a little in the darkness and unfamiliarity with the room. He found a little door
leading to a small bathroom. Shutting it behind him, he quickly put the seat up, barely standing as
he began vomiting.

In a few minutes he dropped to his knees, taking gasps of air whenever he was able. After he was
finished, his shaky hand flashed the mess away, as he collapsed against the cold tile wall. With
much effort he got the crumpled joint and lighter out of his gi sleeve. It made him feel better, his
nerves were making him sick. This eased the nausea.

Inwardly he said a small prayer of thanks for the gift, he didn't even know the red head's name. A
knock snapped his thoughts away.

"Jin? You okay?" The unknown man's voice asked.

//Oh no...//
"Fine..." His voice was raw and tired, as he tried to put the item out.
//Maybe you’re not suppose to smoke in here.//

"I'm coming in, ain't nothing I don't have myself if you're naked."

"Wait-" He was cut off as the red head walked in.

"Why are you on the floor?!" He shut the door behind him, looking very concerned.

"N-no reason." Jin blushed slightly.
//Today is the most embarrassing day of my life...//

"Look at you..." Shigure grabbed a washcloth from the wall, wetting it. " Allow me to help you..."
He leaned down, wiping the remains of his emotions from his face and neck.

The pale one yelped slightly as the rag touched the deep purple bruise.

"Sorry." Shigure smiled calmly, pulling back.

"Could you help me sit up, please?"

"Sure." The red head slid his hands to the small back, only to have Jin collapse on his shoulder
weakly.

The pale one blushed deeply. "F-forgive me, I am not feeling well..." Trying to pull back, but not
having the strength to move.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Shigure couldn't help but rub the back of the other man.

"I need to lay down..." Jin shut his eyes under the soothing contact.

"Which bed is gonna be yours?"

"I do not know...I woke up on the couch..."

"They didn't even show you a room?!"

"It is all right. It is my fault actually..."

"I'm so sure." Shigure sighed sarcastically. "You can use my bed, until we make an arrangement."

"Wait, I cannot do that. You must have your own bed-"

"No way, I have a blow up one I'll use...Don't worry, want me to carry you upstairs? Or can you
manage..."

Jin almost laughed. "I am sorry, I cannot move at the moment."
//I am so pathetic.//

"No prob. I'll carry you, you look pretty light to me."
//And hella cute.//

- - - - -

"I am so sorry." Jin tried very hard to speak normally, it was becoming tiring just to breathe.

"Shh, you shouldn't waste your energy apologizing."

He sighed, relaxing in the man's arms a little. The two made their way into a medium sized, single
bedroom. Using extra care he lay the pale form down. Jin took a deep breath, feeling his body
cramp with the small amount of movement.

"Do you have a cold or something? This doesn't look normal..." Shigure sat on the other side of
the bed.

"Yes...That is probably what it is, heh."

"Do you need anything? Some tea, you hungry?"

Jin closed his eyes, shaking his head no.

"Okay, I'll sleep downstairs then..." Shigure got up.

"Wait..." He opened his eyes.

"Yes?"

"Could...I mean, would you, maybe, stay? Just until I fall asleep? I know that it is weird, and a lot
to ask someone I just met..." Another deep breath. "I have a hard time sleeping in new places..."
He looked away, instantly regretting asking.

"Sure. I'm tired anyway."

//What?!//
"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Jin rolled to his side, feeling the other man shift around the bed. Closing his eyes he tried to settle
his racing mind and stomach.
//Mugen...//
A deep breath held in his chest.
//I wish you were here...//

"You all right? You seem really tense, I can sleep in the chair if you want..."

"No." He almost gasped, breathing again. "I am fine, this is okay. New surroundings and all." He
laughed nervously, subconsciously punching himself in the face.

"Does this help?" Shigure reached his hand out and began rubbing the small back.

Jin jumped at the touch, but remained still. He didn't want to admit it out loud, but it felt good.
Everything that had happened left him feeling very scared and anxious. Somehow the rhythmic
touch was easing that.
//Is it okay to let someone else touch me? Would Mugen be angry with me?//
His thoughts blurred as sleep began to pull him in.

//He finally relaxed.//
Shigure removed his hand, setting up on his elbow.
//What is Mugen thinking? He's got someone this beautiful and he's down there with Yana's ass...//
Sighing the red head lay down.
//Screw it...it's my bed.//

- - - - -

A knock at the door pulled the tired pale one form awake.

"Mornin'...You feel like waking up?" Shigure slowly slipped through the door.

Jin blinked a little before sitting up. "Hmm?" He still felt very exhausted, pushing his bangs from
his face.

"Heh, sorry. The only reason I ask is I made breakfast...You must be hungry by now."

"Oh, yes." He smiled, now realizing what was going on. "Thank you."

"No prob, I usually have to eat alone. Yana leaves for work early, and so does Mugen."

"Mugen? He is not here?"

"Nah, said he had to go back into work, now that he's home again. Don't worry he gets home
around six."

"I did not know..." Jin felt a little strange. It seemed like he was seeing less and less of the tan
one.

"He's left you here with all these weirdo's again?" Shigure tried to lighten the pale ones darkening
mood.

"No, you all are not strange. It is fine, I swear." Jin sighed, waving his hands in disagreement.

"Come downstairs or the food will get cold." Shigure turned to leave.

- - - - -

Jin was literally dragging himself down the stairs. He was exhausted and hurt all over. However,
his hunger outweighed both set backs.

"Glad you could make it, I was wondering if you fell back to sleep." Shigure sat, sipping coffee.

"Forgive me, I am a little slow today..." Jin took a seat across from him, staring longingly at the
steaming plate.

"You'll get use to it I promise, it's a little busy here. Do you want coffee? I didn't know if you
drank it..."

"Yes, where are your cups? I'll get it..."

"No, no. You sit, eat." Shigure rose. "How do you take it?"

"Black..." Jin blushed slightly.
//He is very kind...//

"I gotta load mine with sugar just to be able to swallow it." He sat back down, passing the cup to
Jin.

"Thank you, this is all very good. You must have talent in the kitchen."

"Eh, it's just some eggs. Thanks though, I don't think anyone has ever complemented my cooking.
They just eat and run."

"That is very rude."

"Yeah, but they ain't exactly known for their manners." Shigure smiled sighing.

"When is it you work?"

"I only work weekends, at a bar. I'm the head bartender/owner. The only reason I come in is to do
the books and empty the safe."

"Oh."

"It's not that far from here, about an hours drive. Everything else is at least three."

"I was asleep on the ride over, I had no idea it was so far out."
//Perhaps Sayoko will not be able to locate me here...//

"Pretty far out there."

A peaceful quiet filled the room as they ate.

- - - - -

"Mugen! You're back!" A tall man with short black hair approached.

"Yeah...Hey..."

"I missed you." He slid his hand in Mugen's back pocket, grabbing his ass.

"Oi! I told you Kaze, we're through!"

The paler man pouted.

"This has got to stop." Mugen pulled away.

"Then give in..." He closed in to kiss him.

"Kaze! I'm with someone now."

"Never stopped you before."

The tan one winced.
//He's right.//
"It's different this time."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I'm in love. Not just looking for a thrill."

"Love? You? Don't make me laugh."

"Fuck you, bitch. I'm going to lunch..." Mugen shoved past the glaring man, pushing a cart of
syringes and clamps.

"You'll be mine again...one way or another." Kaze smiled as he turned down the hall.

- - - - -

"Oh, hello Kaze." Yana leaned back in his chair, twirling the phone cord around his finger.

"Hey Yana, have you heard anything about Mugen's new boyfriend?" The raven haired mans
voice was calm on the line.

"Uh...yeah." He sarcastically sighed. "He's living with us now. Why do you care? Didn't
Mugie-baby dump your ass before he left? You wouldn't happen to be jealous would you?"

"Of course not. I'm curious as to whom the lucky dude is. What's he look like?"

Yana took a breath. He was a secretary of sorts at a law firm; personal calls were a no-no, but
gossip was worth the risk.

"He's gorgeous. Pale, slender, long silky hair. Bodywise he's a 20 out of 10. Well, except for the
glasses maybe..."

"But...?"

"But...I think he's bat fuckin' insane."

"Explain."

"You mean other than the fact he talks like a samurai? At first I thought he was just uptight,
maybe a little snooty...but then..."

"Then what? Get on with it Yana, I'm at work!"

"Me too, asshole...impatient. Everything was fine, until he gouged his arm out with a fucking can
opener on our porch. I didn't know what to think."

"No way...what did Mugen do?"

"Sewed him up, kissed his boo-boo, and acted like nothing happened."

"I see."

"Yeah, Mugie's definitely got me wondering about this one. Either that guys great in the sack or
he's in love, somehow."

"The only thing Mugen Ryutaka loves, is between the sheets."

Yana laughed, covering the mouthpiece of the phone. "That's mean you know..."

"So, what's the psycho's name?"

"Jin."

"Jin...sounds harmless enough. Okay, I'll talk to you later, thanks for the 411."

"No prob babe." Yana hung up.
//My poor Mugen...//
He sighed, shutting his eyes.
//Slashers, stalkers, Shishi, and me. Do you ever fuck anyone normal?!//
As more of an afterthought, Yana remembered Shigure was home alone with Jin.
//Poor Shishi...//

- - - - -

//Finally done...//
Jin sighed quietly, sitting on the porch. Shigure had slipped out to take care of a few errands,
while he was gone the pale one began cleaning. At first it was just to occupy himself, but a few
minutes into it, it became a mission. The house almost didn't look the same, but he was careful not
to move or change anything. The smell of pine cleaner filled the place with a cleanly aroma.
//I hope they are not angry. It does seem rude to clean someone's house without asking...//
His slender fingers played aimlessly with his disheveled hair. Just as he was about to go back
inside, an unfamiliar black car pulled up. He watched carefully as a tall, thin man exited.

"Hi, is Mugen here?"

"No, I am afraid he is not present." Jin stood, dusting himself off a little.
//I probably look horrible right now...dirty...//

"Oh."
//You know he's at work still...//

"I can tell him you came by, if you wish."

"Actually, could I wait for him?"

"I suppose, I do not see why not. Would you like something to drink?"

"Sure." Kaze took a seat, as Jin entered the house.
//This must be the guy Yana was talking about.//

In a few moments Jin returned with a cup of tea. "I am sorry, that is all I could find. I only arrived
here yesterday."

"So you must be Mugen's new boyfriend."

"Yes." Jin blushed slightly, taking a seat.
//They are all so open about it.//

"Did he introduce you to Yana and Shigure?"

"Yes, I have met them both."

"Any action?" The man raised an eyebrow, taking a sip.

"Escuse me?"

"Action...Like the three-way kind. Has he introduced you to that yet?"

Jin cleared his throat nervously. "I am not sure what you mean."

//This guy...//
"Three dudes fucking each other."

Jin's eyes widened. "Nani?!"

The man smiled again. "I'll take that as a no. Heh, how unlike Mugen."

The pale one stared at his hands.
//Is that why they all live here?//

"Ya known, your boyfriends been around the block more than a few times. I don't see how you
could be with someone like that. I love Mugen, but he's not very loyal."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he sleeps around. In fact...this is awkward...he told me to come over today."

Something inside the pale one jumped. "What for?"

"God are you dense...to fuck, retard. A quickie, a booty call...to have sex. I didn't expect anyone
to be here. Especially not his so called boyfriend."

The words cut like knives.
//How could this be?!//
He didn't know how to respond, his entire body felt cold.
//All this time, I was thinking I was special. That we shared something no one else did...was it all
a trick? Was I just another partner?//

"I only wanted to stick around to see if he still wanted a little fun."

"Please, escuse me." Jin stood, quickly entering the house.
//I can't take this...//

"I'll just sit here, great tea by the way." The raven eyebrows smiled as he took a sip.
//I'll destroy anything you two may have. No flaky bitch is gonna take Mugen away from me!//

END CHAPTER FIVE

((Thanx again for all the praise...I always worry if my pieces sound as good being written, as
when they are read. Heh, if Sayoko pissed you off, you’ll hate this chapter. O_^ But there is much
in store for our pasty little friend...Whew, no one knows how hard it is for me to make fun of Jin.
@_@ He's my sexy, little sexy! How could I?! Heh, actually it's a little easier than I'd like it to be.
O_^ Hope you like it so far; there is much, much, more to come. Domo!))