Requested in the reviews
Hinahoho let out a deep sigh of relief, sinking down into the relaxing waters of the hot springs. This was just what they all needed. Already Hinahoho could feel the tension of the past few weeks evaporate into the steam.
"This is the life, isn't it?"
A chorus of mumbled agreements filled the air, everyone far too caught up in their own relaxation to form coherent words. Only two individuals huddled at the far side of the springs found complaint with the whole situation. Hinahoho lazily opened one eye to look over at the sulking forms of Sinbad and Mystras. Lips twitching in amusement, one giant hand curved through the water sending a tidal wave crashing into the duo. Everyone laughed as they disappeared under the barrage of water only to reemerge sputtering and glaring.
Hinahoho brushed off their venomous looks with a snicker, "Are you two done pouting now?"
Sinbad huffed, roughly pushing wet locks out of his face. When he heard communal hot springs, he envisioned lounging alongside beautiful women, not a bunch of men. Besides him, a similarly disappointed Mystras let out a whine and flopped back into the water.
"How can you sit over here knowing there are beautiful, nude women right on the other side of this wall?"
Ja'far sneered at Mystras' over-dramatic cry, "Because we aren't as pathetic as you too." Sinbad scoffed, swatting the former assassin with water, "You'll understand when you're older." Vittel and Mahad quickly grabbed hold of the Ja'far to keep the small teen from throttling the male.
Ignoring the curses being thrown his way, Sinbad laid back against the side of the springs with a dejected sigh. What was the point of a hot spring without women?
Far away from the commotion, Hinahoho leaned over to Drakon who sat quietly to his side, unaffected by the spectacle. "Who do you think Sinbad is trying to sneak a peek at?" The dragon snorted, not even bothering to open his eyes, "It's Sinbad. I don't think he cares who it is as long as its female." Hinahoho looked over at the teen, seemingly lounging carelessly by the wall that separated them from the women's spring. "I'm not so sure about that."
Just then, little Masrur paddled by them and made his way out of the water. Hinahoho smiled fondly at the red head, "Heading back to the rooms, Masrur?" The stone-faced child walked purposefully towards the exit, "No, I'm going to go swim with Kagome."
With a strangled cry, Sinbad bolted out of the water and raced to block the little Fanalis' path. Drakon smirked and looked over at Hinahoho, "I guess that answer's your question."
Sinbad knelt down in front of Masrur, firmly clasping his shoulders, "What do you mean you're going to go swim with Kagome." Masrur stared at him blankly, undisturbed by the teen's hysterical behavior, "Kagome said I could bathe with her." Sinbad gaped at the young boy. Why did Masrur get to bathe with Kagome? If anyone was going to bathe with her, it should be someone who'd actually appreciate the sight!
Sensing that something stupid was going to happen if someone didn't step in, Hinahoho sigh exasperatedly, "Masrur, you can't bathe with Kagome." The little boy looked blankly at the other male, head cocked to the side, "But she said I could." Hinahoho looked at him firmly, "It's inappropriate."
"Why?"
"Because you are a grown boy and grown boys have to bathe with other grown boys."
The males yelped and quickly ducked under the water as Rurumu's robe-clad figure suddenly appeared in the doorway. Taking Masrur in her arms, Rurumu couldn't help but giggle at the blushing men hiding in the hot springs. Unflustered by her appearance, and relieved that Masrur was now contained, Sinbad questioned Rurumu, "Are you all done bathing?"
She nodded, adjusting Masrur in her arms, "Nearly. Kagome decided to stay a bit longer and no Masrur you still can't go swim with her." Shut down before the words could leave his tongue, the boy in question shut his mouth, looking away with a pout.
Hinahoho smiled fondly at the heart-warming sight of his nurturing wife and their newest, unofficially adopted son. "I am sure we will be joining you soon. You go ahead and retire." Rurumu nodded thankfully at her husband and turned to walk away when a thought hit her.
"Sinbad, I forgot to ask yo – huh?"
Rurumu stared in confusion at the blank space Sinbad had occupied only moments before. "Where did he go?"
Everyone looked around, dumbfounded by the sudden disappearance of their boss. A disgruntled little huff brought everyone's focus back on Masrur, who looked uncharacteristically put out.
"Masrur?"
The boy's eyebrows furrowed, lips pursing in a frown, "He went to go swim with Kagome." The hot spring froze in silence as its inhabitants processed what Masrur said.
"Is that so?"
With an eerie calmness that sent shivers down the men's spines, Rurumu set Masrur down on the floor and made her way towards the exit without another word. However, before she could make it very far a loud shriek pierced the night air.
Moments Before
Without a sound, Sinbad swiftly made his way into the women's hot spring. A sense of giddy anticipation filled him as he took in the sight of the newest member of the Sindria Trading Company. Only a tiny white towel hid her body from his perusal, but even that left little to the imagination. Long black hair was piled on top of her head, exposing her delicate, arching neck. Her skin was flush from the heat, which conjured thoughts of other activities that could replicate the appealing shade of pink. He had been with plenty of beautiful women, but Sinbad had to admit there was something the innocent, yet fiery priestess that drove him wild.
Sinbad had to take a deep, shuddering breath to try and calm himself. He had to be smart about this. Even though she was obviously attracted to him, his cute little priestess turned him down at every turn. Tonight, however would be different. Between the romantic atmosphere and his seduction, Kagome would be putty in his hands.
Slipping quietly into the water, Sinbad slowly made his way over to Kagome, who remained oblivious to the intruder. His excitement grew as took notice of the drops of water sliding erotically down her skin. He licked his lips predatorily as he imagined following their path with his tongue. Now only a short distance away from his prize, Sinbad decided now was the time to make himself known. Slowly, as to not startle her, he placed his hands on either side of her tiny frame and leaned forward until they were only inches apart.
"Finally, we're alone."
Kagome's eyes flew open and gasped when she came face to face with her handsome boss. Wide-eyed and tongue-tied, her brain tried to figure out how to react. She wanted to be furious, but Sinbad smoldering eyes and roguish grin sent her stomach into knots. He pressed his chest flush with hers and suddenly the saying "stuck between a rock and a hard place" took on a whole new meaning. Brain still fighting her hormones, Kagome couldn't help but follow the beads of water that slide across his toned muscles with rapt attention. She could feel her pulse and breathe quicken as everything seemed to grow unbearably hot. With a painful gulp, Kagome did the only thing she could think of.
Scream.
Sinbad instantly pulled back as if burned. Before he could say anything, Kagome began hurling whatever she could get her hands on at him. Realizing his mission was a failure, Sinbad rushed out of the water trying his best to avoid the projectiles Kagome was lobbying at his head with frightening accuracy. Reaching the exit, he breathlessly threw open the door only to run head first into something very hard. Stunned, Sinbad stepped back and looked up to see a very displeased Rurumu staring down at him.
Sinbad gulped and chuckled nervously, "I can explain."
