My apologies for being a day late. I forgot due to everybody having holidays around me.
He was on his feet and out of the office in nearly record time, yet still Ja'far had managed to sprint out of sight before he had gotten there. He had to give it to him, that kid was fast. He cursed under his breath before pointing at a servant who was standing utterly shocked and confused next to the door.
"You. Alert the guards and everyone else you come across. Have people look for him, but don't let them try to catch him. This is of vital importance: nobody gets to approach him except me, or risk dying." He turned on his heel without checking if the servant had grasped all of that, clearing his throat to get the office quiet again. "Keep doing what I ordered you to do. I want this office back in order in a way that will make Ja'far proud, understood? And then get some work done while you're at it!"
He turned and started running in the direction Ja'far had left, shaking his head in exasperation. He wasn't sure whether he was about to agree with Ja'far on the people in his office being rather useless, or prepare a lengthy scolding for his adviser because it was probably the pale man making them this useless. Either way it looked like he was going to have a tough time getting anything done, and he had to mentally prepare for the resentment this would surely result in once Yamraiha managed to fix this up.
Just like he instructed the servant, he passed the message along about the dangerous little assassin child on the loose to everyone he passed, knowing that the boy was perfectly capable of taking care of himself and therefore he had to put the safety of his people first now. Even if Ja'far had suddenly and inexplicably bolted when he had seemed to have made peace with his predicament, he doubted he had much to worry about at this point. Ja'far had probably just gotten too bored, or too upset with Sinbad controlling him. It had taken months of Rurumu's strict regime before he started openly acknowledging Sinbad's authority back then, so he was quietly impressed with the amount of obedience he had already gotten out of the kid at this point.
Ja'far had always been strong. Especially now - long before his loyalty towards Sinbad became serious - it was near impossible to hurt him.
Right?
Well, it wasn't like he had done anything to make Ja'far upset. They had just been sitting there quietly and all. Maybe the boy had been overthinking things.
Surely he just got bored.
He was pretty sure he had worked his way through the entire building trying to locate Ja'far by the time he bumped into Masrur. He halted immediately and grabbed the Fanalis' arm, rarely so glad to see the man.
"Masrur! Perfect timing! I need you to help me find Ja'far!"
Masrur just blinked at him, and even if his expression really didn't change Sinbad was suddenly fully aware of the pure irony of this situation. Writing Masrur's silence off as a deadpan look he huffed, pouting at the other.
"Come on, I need you to help me. You never met Ja'far before he got... well, civilised, but now he's all tiny and a raging spitfire - and running somewhere through the palace. If we don't find him fast who know who he might kill!"
"What did you do this time?"
He opened and closed his mouth a few times in indignation. "I-I didn't do anything! He just bolted out of the blue! He's different now than from the way you ever knew him Masrur!"
Masrur shook his head, clearly not accepting his words. "Ja'far never does anything without a reason."
He pinched the bridge of his nose - a body part never as much abused as today - and sighed deeply. "Okay. I have no idea what I did, but I'll try to find out what upset him if I find him. Now could you please?"
"He's on the roof."
He blinked in surprise before looking up at the Fanalis. Masrur had known all along? Wait... was he seriously being reprimanded here by Masrur for treating Ja'far wrong? How else was he supposed to handle the little assassin!?
"Why didn't you tell me immediately," he asked tersely.
Masrur merely shrugged, not impressed. "He's crying. I thought you hurt him."
"I- wait, what?" He gave the other an incredulous look. Ja'far was crying? He could barely even imagine it, especially at the age he was now. He never allowed for such weakness - although now he had to wonder if that was really true. Perhaps he just had been really good at hiding his weakness, like he was doing now. If it wasn't for Masrur, he wouldn't know.
He turned to run off, intending to go to one of the towers so he could get on the roof. He paused just in time to give Masrur a disapproving look. "You really don't trust me not to hurt him, do you? Immediately assuming he must be crying over me."
Masrur shrugged once more, his face remaining impassive. "He never cries if it's not for you."
Oh.
He bit his lip, leaving the Fanalis behind to find Ja'far. That was information that made him happy and sad at the same time - his chest burning hot with equal parts of guilt and hope. He should've asked just how often Masrur had heard Ja'far crying - or more likely smelled the saltiness of his tears on a further scentless person - but he somehow doubted he would've told him. Masrur usually wasn't this forthcoming with personal information about anyone.
Which reminded him that he had forgotten to silence Hinahoho regarding the whole kissing and love confession business. He cursed under his breath, realising this might mean all the generals already knew. Ja'far would have his head for this.
He had no idea what he should even do about that stupidity. It was surprisingly easy to ignore now Ja'far was a child - he might've have fallen for him at such a young age, he didn't feel any inclination whatsoever right now to romance a eleven year old child - but that would be over soon enough. No doubt Yamraiha was already onto a new solution despite her earlier desperation, and if Ja'far turned back to normal... he'd remember Sinbad's confession. And he'd remember turning Sinbad down.
He didn't even understand.
Hinahoho had assured him Ja'far returned his feelings. Masrur had just told him Ja'far only ever got emotional over him. So why was he so coldly turned down? He hadn't even gotten a 'I need to think about it', just a 'I'm busy now'. Admittedly, Ja'far had invited him to calmly talk this over later, but he hadn't sounded too enthusiastic about that prospect. More like he felt it was only polite to offer Sinbad that much. His main concern had been how busy he was with Sinbad not doing any work.
He felt guiltily happy about stealing a kiss when Ja'far was asleep, a little more guilt in the mix over this one than usual. He had been a child, he shouldn't have done that to Ja'far. It was typical though, and not the only time he had stolen kisses when Ja'far had been asleep. It was a rare thing for Ja'far to sleep deeply enough to make that possible, so he had taken the opportunity every time. It made him feel terrible and like a molester, but he had never found to courage to just tell Ja'far his feelings before.
And apparently that was for a good reason.
It seemed like he would have to savour all the stolen kisses from the past now, as they were hard to get by nowadays and he had most thoroughly ruined his chances for getting them freely now.
He just wished it didn't hurt so much.
...
He hadn't been sitting there all that long when he suddenly heard someone coming on the roof around the corner. He quickly quieted his pathetic sniffling, rubbing his face raw with his robes. He wasn't sure if this person knew he was here - or if they were about to find out - but he wasn't going to be found looking miserable and pathetic. Ja'far didn't cry. There was nothing to cry about, and even if there was he wouldn't act like such a fucking child anyway.
He went completely still, slowing his breathing to deep even breaths that couldn't be heard across the roof, not moving a muscle to be completely silent.
Still, it seemed like this person had been aware of Ja'far's presence from the start, and had been looking for him as well.
A tanned man appeared from around the corner, his hair stark white and his robes draped over his arms casually. He sported a long thin sword, but he didn't look like he was about to use it. That at least was a comfort, considering the disturbing lightness of his arms and legs - he was still unarmed and therefore hardly a threat to a grown man.
"Hey there kid. Are you okay?"
He growled at the man, scowling and refusing to reply to that.
"Whoa there, I had heard stories about your evil glare, but I never imagined you'd look this scary." The man laughed and approached Ja'far, crouching before him. "Don't worry, I have no intention to hurt you, nor do anything you don't want. I just came to talk, okay?"
He gave the man a distrustful look, but he supposed talking couldn't hurt. This man seemed friendly enough, and he didn't look like he was going to try to control Ja'far like Sinbad had done before either. Furthermore he didn't look like the brightest light in the palace, so Ja'far had no doubt he'd easily escape if he suddenly became too annoying. So he nodded slowly, indicating he'd tolerate the man's chatter.
"Good!" He was offered a bright smile, and the man raised a hand in greeting. "I'm Sharrkan. I'm one of Sinbad's eight generals, just like you'll be. I'm not an intellectual mastermind like you tend to be, but I'm pretty damn good with my sword. We've sparred a few times before you decided we couldn't anymore because of the damage we did to our surroundings." He chuckled, shaking his head. "It's strange seeing you unarmed though. Still, I respect your skill, whether you're eleven or twenty-five."
A flatterer huh? Well, he didn't mind talking to a guy like this. At least he knew who the better one was. "You're pretty tan," he offered, not really knowing what to say but still wanting to acknowledge this guy somehow.
The man laughed, nodding. "I'm from Heliohapt, this is how we normally look. You've never been there, have you?"
He shook his head. "Mainly Parthevia. And we travelled to Imuchakk as well. Where's Heliohapt?"
"To the west from Parthevia," Sharrkan explained readily, "across the sea. Not really worth your trouble, Sindria is better."
"Or else you wouldn't be here," Ja'far agreed slowly. It made sense. Why would you move to a different country if you thought your own was good enough? He never really had any bond with any country really, so it was easy enough for him. But he knew most people had some attachment to their own country.
"Even if I'd be in a situation that would allow me to stay in Heliohapt, I'd really prefer being here anyway," Sharrkan grinned. "Sindria is like a paradise. The weather is beautiful, the women are beautiful, the wine is delicious- And then there are people who just make this place worth everything regardless of what bad things could happen. Sinbad is an inspiring leader, and most of the eight generals make for very good friends."
"Most of them?" Ja'far frowned, expecting him to be excluded here. He didn't really do friendship, after all. Friends were for weak people, someone to lean on when you weren't strong enough. Ja'far was always strong enough. He didn't need friends. He didn't need Sinbad.
But Sharrkan scoffed and rolled his eyes. "The damn witch isn't. She's annoying and a complete magic freak. It's her fault you're in this state to begin with."
Ja'far bristled immediately, sitting up a little straighter. "The fucking bitch!"
The other's eyes widened and he quickly gestured him to sit back down. "Whoa there, calm down. Even if it's her fault, she's also your only chance on getting this situation fixed. Trust me, you rather leave her to work in peace now."
"Who says I fucking want to be some old fart again," he hissed, "what's so good about that, huh? I think killing her will be much more satisfying!" He wanted to jump up and pounce, but the calm reaction of Sharrkan threw him off guard. The tan man merely shook his head, smiling ruefully.
"No. You're misunderstanding. I guess that's logical though. You know, the point is that at this moment you have no idea what you missed. Ja'far, your life becomes better. It becomes great, actually. Okay, you work too hard and you get a bit too uptight, but you get to be with people you love, you get to reach goals you can barely even imagine now - you are in for so much greatness Ja'far. But all of that is in the past for us, and it won't get a repeat. If you stay like this you will have missed all that, and the man I knew wouldn't want that for all the riches in the world. Trust me, you really do want to be turned back to your older self."
He paused, brows furrowed as he studied Sharrkan's face. He seemed serious. And it was the same thing Sinbad had said too.
"Did Sinbad send you to tell me this?"
Sharrkan shook his head laughing. "No, he's still running around in circles trying to find you. I just happened to see you go onto the balcony and then you were gone, so I guessed you were on the roof. I didn't speak to Sinbad since you became small at all."
He pursed his lips, suddenly not so sure of himself anymore. This Sharrkan guy was saying the exact same thing as Sinbad about his life, yet they didn't discuss this? Could he believe that? Sharrkan seemed to be honest though - hell, he didn't look like he'd be a good liar with a goofy smile like that. Sharrkan was a simple man with a simple smile and an honest speech - unlike Sinbad's manipulative tendencies. That was why he didn't like to admit how he trusted Sinbad with his life. But Sharrkan was more easy to like. He didn't have this overwhelming personality that made you look up to him and love him, he was just a nice man with a bright smile.
He nodded slowly. "Okay. I can accept that. But if I find out you lied to me I'll gut you and string your organs over this roof, understood?"
The other merely laughed. "Obviously. I wouldn't expect anything else from you."
Well, at least he knew his place then.
Ja'far cleared his throat awkwardly, not sure how to continue the conversation now. "So uhh, do you come to the roof often?" Fuck, that was a stupid question. Who the hell sat around on the roof all day?
Sharrkan was about to answer when they were both alarmed by the sound of someone else heaving himself onto the roof. Ja'far froze and pressed back into the corner as Sharrkan slowly rose to his feet, taking a few steps away from him. Ja'far felt grateful for the other doing this, clearly intending to taking the newcomer's attention first before Ja'far would be noticed.
He heard a few steps and then a pause. "Sharrkan? What are you doing here?"
Figures. Seems like Sinbad had found out Ja'far was on the roof as well, or he wouldn't be here. He glanced around, but didn't see any way he could escape without being spotted.
"Hey Sin! I'm just finishing some chores for Ja'far here. What brings the king to the roof, huh?"
"I-" Sinbad broke himself off, clearly surprised with the answer. As was Ja'far. What chores was Sharrkan talking about? Did he send the guy on chores before this whole thing started, when he was an adult? It felt really strange thinking of himself like that, but it sounded the most logical.
"I told you right? Ja'far had me run all over the palace with chores after that first evening you were small. He actually had me fix the roof! He was so pissed." The man laughed awkwardly, and Ja'far frowned. Funny things you found out about your new friends like this. Well, Sharrkan seemed to be clumsy enough, no doubt he'd get Ja'far's future self angry every once in a while. The thought he would be able to make Sinbad's other generals do chores as he pleased was actually rather satisfying.
"Yeah... now that you mention it, he did tell me he had you about on the roof for something. Say, you didn't happen to see him up here, did you?"
When Sharrkan didn't verbally respond to that Ja'far knew his cover was blown. Nice guy or not, he was clearly not about to lie to his king just to keep Ja'far hidden. He glanced around once more, listing all possible escape routes in less than a second - but opted against running. Sharrkan's words had actually done him well. He would cooperate with Sinbad, just like he apparently had done long ago. If it really made his life so much better...?
Then it was about to earn Sinbad's trust as well.
He slowly stood and turned around the ledge he'd be hiding behind, showing himself to Sinbad. None of them spoke, Sinbad just staring him down expectantly as he looked away, not willing to look his king in the eyes.
"We should get down," Sharkan finally muttered, "before someone gets a heatstroke out here." Without saying who he was - obviously - talking about he left the two to their own devices, leaving the roof in further silence.
The silence only lasted for another few seconds before Sinbad was suddenly upon him, grabbing Ja'far and smothering him in a tight hug. For once he didn't feel like struggling out of it, and he clung to the older man. He wasn't weak... But if Sharrkan was right, Sinbad could make him stronger.