He still feels a little ill the next morning as he examines the marks on his body in the looking glass. He was right – there are bruises, standing out starkly from the paleness of his hip bones and higher up. He scowls and quickly covers himself in his normal robes. There, invisible again. No clues as to what had happened and if he can keep a hold on the sombre expression on his face; no visible sign there either. It never happened, he told himself sternly. Even the finger marks will fade in a day or two.

He's sorting the inventory with Yamuraiha when Sin enters, Judal following close behind. He looked up panicked and the mage frowned at him. Once she saw it was the King though, she put the list of items aside. No, I don't want to see them again yet, Ja'far thinks, his thoughts white hot with anger or pain, he isn't really sure which. Both, perhaps.

"Morning," Sinbad said with a nod, but his face is severe for once, serious. "Yamu, can you do that somewhere else? I need a word with Ja'far here."

It's not a question and she knows it; gathering up her things quickly. She shot Ja'far a questioning look, though as she moved.

"Sin, the inventory list is important so I'd rather talk later," Ja'far said softly. He began to move to leave too but Sinbad stopped him with a dark look.

"Stay. This can't wait."

Ja'far watched Yamuraiha flee with yearning, then sighed. It was too early in the morning for this. He guards his expression, body tense and waits. It slips a little though when Sinbad pushed Judal forward, roughly.

"Go on. Tell him."

Judal looked uncomfortable, something that didn't match well with his normally confident demeanour. His red eyes nervously tracked the room. What in all of Sindria is he upset about?

When he speaks finally, his tone is mocking but doesn't quite hold the usual sharp edge to it.

"So, it turns out your King is just as frigid as you are. Wouldn't even let me touch him after you left. Such a waste, really. We could have had a lot of fun, Sin."

"Doubtless," Sinbad said through gritted teeth. "As you've heard him yourself now, will you believe me now, Ja'far?"

"It... really was just a business meeting then?" Ja'far asked, voice soft. He still didn't quite believe this, although the way Judal was asking didn't suggest a lie.

"Yes," Sinbad said and there was a worried note of pleading in his tone.

Judal crossed his arms over the muscles of his chest, a frown touching his lips. "Believe me, I've no idea why this idiot seems to think you're so important, either. I'm actually a little offended by the rejection."

Ja'far's mind is working furiously, trying to sort out his mixed feelings. But when his eyes meet Sin's and he sees the desperation there; he knows that he still trusts him. Too many years spent together had taught him that much.

"Alright," He said, grudgingly. "I... I misjudged you again, Sin and for that I'm sorry."

"I suppose with my track record, I can't blame you."

Ja'far took an uncertain step forward; felt the tension start to dissolve out his body as he did so. He can't resist one last warning though, just for all the trouble Sin's caused him in the last few days. "Still, if you ever give me cause to worry again like that, I'll string you up from the ceiling. Got it?"

Despite the threat, Sinbad's face split into a grin. "Noted."

There's sudden noise outside and all three look to the sound.

"What can it be now?" Sin asked, irritated.

The answer was provided fast enough though when the door crashed open to reveal a familiar figure, with burning red hair; flanked by a stressed looking Sharkann.

"Princess Kougyoku," Sin exclaimed. "I... was not expecting you."

She wore a grumpy expression on her delicate face, though it softened somewhat when she looked at the King.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion, Sinbad. I came to bring Judal back with me." She glared at the magi, though on her face it looked more funny than threatening. "You haven't been causing trouble again, Judal?"

Judal grinned. "Of course not! What do you take me for?"

She grabbed onto his arm, pinching and he complained at the treatment, loudly. He didn't push her away though, Ja'far noticed with a smile. And he was more than strong enough to be able to. So, there really is someone he cares about. That is a surprise.

"Forgive me, Princess but I was under the impression that Judal was here to negotiate terms with your country."

She stopped tormenting the magi then, face falling.

"I... I'm sorry, Sinbad. Kouen, he... he called them off. He doesn't seem to think there's any need for negotiation anymore."

The apology is real in her eyes and Ja'far can see what a difficult position she's in. She liked Sinbad after all, more than liked him – but then, the Kou were her family.

"I... I wish it didn't have to be like this," She murmured.

"It's alright, Princess," Sin said. "I did not really think that I could agree with Kouen on anything. The war is inevitable. I must thank you for going to such trouble to pick up Judal though. Our hospitality is always open to you."

"Ah, it's nothing... but thank you. I'll remember that," She flustered; her skin tone clashing horribly with the vivid shade of her hair. She pulled again violently on Judal who bore it surprisingly well.

"Oh, so we're having a war then? How fun!" He crowed, a savage grin on his lips.

"There's nothing fun about it, you idiot," Ja'far said but he didn't think that the Magi was listening to him.

"Come on, Judal. Kouen wants to see you and you know he doesn't like being kept waiting," Kougyoku said, her hand never leaving his arm.

"Alright, alright," He complained. It seemed that for now though, at least, his good humour had returned. "Well Sin, it's been fun. You ever get bored and want someone who won't bruise so easily... you know where to find me."

"That won't be necessary," Sinbad said.

Ja'far sighed in frustration. Trust the Magi to throw in one last jibe before he left. Then Judal is gone, pulled physically out of the room by the Princess, who offers an apologetic look at them. Clearly, she has some sort of idea what havoc Judal had been causing and Ja'far realises she's smarter than she looks. Of course, he thought. She did grow up with him... she should be under no illusions regarding him. He looked at Sinbad then, allowing a little warmth back into his face. And, it's the same for him and I too.

Sinbad rubbed the furrow out his brow.

"Those two sure make a lot of ruckus. I don't which is louder."

"Aren't you disappointed, Sin?" Ja'far asked. "The war with Kou... it won't be long now. No negotiations mean it's already that far advanced."

They followed the retreating figure of Kougyoku and Judal out into the sunlit courtyard. Already, they're far away. He's relieved to be alone with Sinbad now.

"Disappointed? Perhaps. I cannot think of this war as a good thing... too many of my people will be hurt. That's what's most frustrating about it. They will suffer and I can do nothing to stop it."

His face is sombre and for once, Ja'far can see how heavy a burden the country is on him. I wish I could relieve some of it for him...

There's little he can do though – it is Sin in the end who has the closest ties with this country, Sin who feels the full extent of what happens to it. It's too painful to watch Sinbad like this and his body moves on instinct; holding the King in an embrace. He's warm and solid to the touch and that reassures him a little. Sin is strong – strong enough to deal with this, he's sure.

This is perhaps all I can do for him... just be here and not let go of him.

Sinbad flinched a little as Ja'far folded into him, then he sighed and patted the silver head.

"It seems you always do enough worrying for the both of us, Ja'far. Things will work out somehow – I don't intend to let Sindria slip through my fingers so easily. Kouen has no idea who he's dealing with... I'll be glad to teach him."

He lifted Ja'far's chin up to look him straight in the eyes and there's a certain fervour there. "Besides I have something Kouen doesn't."

"What's that?" Ja'far asked and he can feel the breath catching a little in his throat. Why is that Sin's presence always manages to catch him off guard, still?

"Because I have you, obviously."

He pulled him even closer; kissing him feverishly and Ja'far moaned a little at the force of Sin's tongue on his own. He allowed it for a second and then pulled away, trying to put distance between them.

"Sin, we can't here! What if someone sees?!"

Luckily, the corridor was empty; Sharkann having left after he'd escorted the Princess to them.

"So what if they do?" Sinbad said, with a smile. "I don't care."

"Well, I care," Ja'far scowled. "It hardly looks professional."

"Must you talk of business now? If our time is limited, I'd much rather make the most of it."

He laced his fingers in Ja'far's and literally pulled him along the corridor. Ja'far stumbled to keep up; Sin's larger strides forcing him to almost run.

"Sin, what are you -?"

Only, of course he knew the palace well enough to know the direction to Sinbad's room off by heart. He protested – this was the middle of the day after all and he still has work to do. Typically, Sinbad doesn't listen. And maybe Ja'far isn't protesting as loud as he could be...

This time, Sinbad barred the door with a wicked smile curving his lips.

"I don't intend to be interrupted this time."

Once again, Sin always takes this too fast – Ja'far wishes he would slow down a little but it's as if the King is trying to make up for lost time. He paused though as his hands circled Ja'far's hips; sensing the reticence there.

"You're all tense," He said softly. Ja'far just blinked at him; letting some of his irritation show.

"Come," Sinbad said and he pulled Ja'far along with him as if he can't manage to lose contact right now. Ja'far isn't sure what he has in mind, until Sin stops by the bath; scented already that morning by the servants.

"What are you planning?" He asked, suspiciously.

Sinbad pulled off his clothes; smoothly and in a practised manner. Ja'far had a quick glimpse of his full nakedness; all the tanned, strongly corded muscles and then Sin steps in the water and submerged.

"Come in too," The King said, dark hair floating around him. Ja'far hesitated – the thought of undressing so easily and joining the King is embarrassing.

"Ja'far, it'll help relax you," Sin's voice called out and then he sees the pink flush on the other's cheeks and his smile widened. "If it'll make you feel better, I'll keep my eyes closed."

And he does then; his lids heavy and he floated serenely in the pool.

So, Ja'far gave in with a sigh, slowly undoing his own garments and let them drop to the floor. The weapons are the last to go and take some time; twisted about him as they are. As always, he feels most vulnerable without them on; more so than just his clothes. He looked up as he removed the last coil – and Sinbad's eyes are most definitely open, locked on him with a hungry stare.

"You lied," He said harshly and then quickly submerged himself. The water is warmer than he'd thought it would be; faintly heated by the sun.

Sinbad laughed. "You were too tempting to keep my promise."

His face turned serious tough, a slight down turning to the eyes and mouth.

"I hated that he touched you." A moment while Ja'far looked at him, without comprehension. "Judal. I... I didn't like it, not at all. I want to wash it away from you – make you mine again."

Ja'far bit down on his own retort – that as far as he was concerned, Sinbad had been the one Judal had been getting all touchy feely with.

Sinbad reached for Ja'far; held the pale face delicately in his hands and kissed him again. It was a powerful kiss, a lingering one - enough to distract him for a second of how close their bodies were. He remembered soon enough though, when Sinbad's erection nudged his chest and he jumped a little at the touch.

Sinbad broke away, laughing. "See the effect you have on me?"

"You can't blame me for that," Ja'far said. "Your sex drive is way too high."

The warm water is doing its work though as Sin said: his body is starting to relax, become more pliable. Sinbad moved, backing him against the wall of the bath and his hands moved lower now; down his chest and further. He gasped slightly as Sin touched him and felt himself harden under that touch.

"My sex drive is high, is it? You don't seem to be doing too bad there, yourself."

Ja'far coloured but he clung tighter onto Sin. His mouth pressed against the King's shoulder and then when the caress sped up, he bit down. He heard a moan leave Sin's mouth and smiled slightly – so he'd found something Sinbad liked then.

He was feeling warmer by the second now; not sure whether it was due to the water lapping around them or Sin's rough fingers. His breath came sharper and a wave of dizziness hit him.

"Sin," He murmured. "I think I'll pass out if we stay in here."

Sinbad cursed but obviously he remembered the time Ja'far had collapsed – he didn't want a similar thing happening now.

He lifted Ja'far bodily out the pool, leaving him dripping on the side as he pulled himself out. It's more exposed like this and Ja'far curled up a little; embarrassed to show how his body had reacted. Sin's hands trailed up his legs, following the pattern of scars there. Sinbad had scars too of course, many of them, but mostly they marred his chest and his arms. He seemed fascinated by Ja'fars.

"They're ugly," Ja'far said and he almost pulled away. But then, Sin's lips are hot paths on his skin, over his legs and thighs.

"No, they're not. Not one part of you is ugly. These scars are part of who you are."

He worked his way slowly up Ja'far's body like this, though annoyingly, he bypassed the area where he wanted most attention. His purple eyes fixed on the dark marks on Ja'far's chest.

"Did I do that?"

Ja'far raised an eyebrow. "I don't recall letting anyone else manhandle me. You forget I'm not as strong as you."

"You're plenty strong... I think I like how easily I can leave my mark on you though."

He touched a bruise and Ja'far winced. "Well, I'd rather you didn't. I have to live with them after, you know."

He'd complain more but Sin silenced him with another kiss. His whole body is lying on him now and for a second, Ja'far thinks he'll be crushed. Sinbad is so much bigger, heavier than him after all. He tried to move a little, to allow more oxygen to his lungs – and then Sin held him tight and flipped so Ja'far now lies on top of him. It's a strange feeling, straddling Sinbad like this and unbidden, a memory returns from the last time they were in this position; with Ja'far's weapons held to his throat. But of course, this is different, completely different and it's oddly comforting to feel Sin's chest beneath him; to lie on it and feel the rise and fall of his breathing. He wondered if he could hear the heart beat if he listened hard enough and rested his ear there. He shifted slightly, enough for his skin to brush up Sin's erection and for the man to hiss deeply at the movement.

"You're going to be the death of me, at this rate," Sin breathed. His hands passed down the lightly freckled back and hips and then Ja'far tensed sharply as Sin inserted a finger. He mewled slightly in protest, looking confused at Sinbad.

"What are -?"

He could feel it pressing inside him now, hurting and yet, perhaps it didn't feel too bad after all. And he can hear Sin's voice, made deeper with longing as he says:
"How do you think men do it, Ja'far? Come, I know you're not that naive."

Ja'far almost choked at the words – yes, he'd heard but... the very idea seemed so ridiculous he'd never given it much thought.

You mean he's really going to...

Sin's finger pressed deeper and he moaned a little, half pain, half pleasure. Sin's voice is hot by his ear as Ja'far clung onto him, desperately. "Move for me, now."

He isn't sure exactly what Sinbad wanted from him but he tries anyway; rides him even though it makes his body quiver. Sinbad's face is twisted as if he's the one in pain, not Ja'far and then with sudden motion, he pulled out and moved so once again Ja'far body was pinned beneath his own. His face was apologetic but heated with need.

"Sorry," He murmured. "But, I want to feel your body under mine as I have you."

Ja'far's too flushed to complain although when he feels his legs being moved apart and the tip of Sin's erection pressing against him, he panics a little. Their bodies are still wet, slippery and slick from the water but still, he isn't sure this won't hurt him.

"I'll try to be gentle," Sin said softly.

Ja'far doesn't quite believe him, not knowing him so well as he does – but when Sin enters him, it's slow and careful. It still hurts though and Ja'far's fingers scrabbled at his back, clawing with his nails and pulling at the long tendrils of hair.

"Easy," Sin murmured. "Almost there now."

And then he's buried in him, up to the hilt and Ja'far is left blinking tears from his eyes and wondering how the hell he even fit. It's never more clear than now how big he is; how full Ja'far feels stretched tight around him like this. Sin's mouth kisses the tears away before they fall, kisses his mouth tenderly. And then he moves inside him and Ja'far cries out; can't hold back the sound as Sin thrusts so deep. He can feel a heat building in his chest, in his own erection from the movement and only Sin's arms around him stop him falling apart right then and there. It's too much, surely. He doesn't know how other people bear it, how Sin has done this so many times before. But then as Sin begins to find a rhythm, he begins to let himself go into it, to the slowly rising pleasure. He comes first, which he isn't very surprised by – Sinbad is more experienced after all. But it isn't long after that Sin's body shakes against his own and he reaches his own climax, mouth fixing and leaving a red mark on Ja'far's chest.

More marks, Ja'far thought but the irritation is dulled. It doesn't seem to matter much right now, though he flinched a little as Sin pulled out of him, leaving a warm stickiness behind. He wants another bath again, but not now – now, he doesn't want to move at all. It's enough to feel Sin's heavy breathing next to him, his strong arms still, even now, holding onto him. He'd half expected Sin to get up and leave straight away once it was over, so this – this closeness – is a surprise. He quite likes it.

"So," he said after a minute or two had passed. "What now?"

He meant it too – really, he wasn't sure what was going to happen anymore. Sinbad's eyes were so warm, so familiar though when they meet his own that he feels his worry melt away, instantly.

"Now, I have to pretend I didn't just ravish you when we go back out there in front of everyone else. Which believe me, will be a very hard task. And then tonight, I want you all over again."

"Again?" Ja'far exclaimed in shock. He can't be serious, surely? Ja'far didn't think he could do that again anytime soon. Even his nerves had their limits. "Do you want to kill me?"

"I told you, didn't I? I plan to make the most of my time."

Ja'far frowned, but then Sinbad's lips met his. And he already knew that this was one argument he was going to lose.

Well, it took me a while but I finally got to this point! This isn't the end though... the story will be returning with a small time skip. I'll be away for about 2 weeks though as I'll be out of the country, so it'll have to wait for now... Hope you all liked this chapter after Judal fucking everything up for a while!