Chapter twelve
The Presentation.
The hour turned late as Sharrkan and Ja'far watched Morgiana dance with Alibaba. The smooth sound of jazz music was enjoyable, as they saw them giving only attention to one another, as if nothing else mattered. ''Would be kinda nice to have Sinbad here now, wouldn't it?'' Sharrkan asked, before adding, ''As your date. Let it be clear, I don't see men like that at all.''
''I know. I wouldn't want you as competition for Sin, anyway. The secret skills you posses are scarily good.'' Ja'far said. ''And my lip skills?'' Sharrkan asked, wondering if it was too early to make jokes about that incident. ''Lip skills?'' Ja'far's growing blush was interrupted by a sudden realisation. ''Shouldn't we be preparing the presentation for Miss Pisti tomorrow?! We didn't even once discuss with Hinahoho what we're going to talk about.'' he added.
''Oh, right. We still had that going on. Better call Hinahoho, and ask what he had planned out.'' Sharrkan said. ''I don't have his number!'' Ja'far panicked. ''I do, relax. Just a sec, I'll text him, and we can prepare right here.'' Sharrkan said. ''Homework, here? In the restaurant where your little brother is having his date?'' Ja'far complained. ''Why not?'' Sharrkan asked. ''It's kind of a weird subject, especially for two guys to talk about, and this is a public area. Do I need to say more?'' Ja'far asked.
Sharrkan thought it over for a second before saying, ''You're right. I'll let Alibaba know we'll be heading home, we'll pay the bill in advance, and then we can do our homework at home.'' ''At your home.'' Ja'far stressed, reminding Sharrkan of the fact that he didn't sleep there anymore. ''Well, duh, obviously not in that wreck you call a home.'' Sharrkan said, rolling his eyes. As he headed over to the oblivious lovebirds, Ja'far went to the register to pay and fetch their coats.
Sharrkan tapped his brother lightly on the shoulder, breaking the eye contact Alibaba had with Morgiana. ''Ja'far and I are heading home early, because of some stupid assignment. You can stay here, and take Mor home when you're done. You know, being the gentleman and stuff.'' Sharrkan said. ''Sure thing, nii-san.'' Alibaba said, focusing rather more on dancing with Morgiana than whatever his brother blurted out.
Sharrkan turned, just in time to see Ja'far pay the bill. 'Should've expected that to happen, girlfriends usually do the same thing ever so often. Sinbad is very lucky.' he thought, before calling Hinahoho. ''Hello?'' he heard on the other side, but the calm giant didn't sound too well. ''Hi, this is Sharrkan speaking, I'm calling for the presentation tomorrow.'' Sharrkan said. ''Oh, right. I caught a cold, my wife has forbidden me from going to school until I can breath decently. Her words, not mine.'' he said.
''I see. That's too bad. Knowing Miss Pisti, she will ask us to do it anyway. Did you have anything in mind you wanted to talk about, or something prepared?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Not yet. We didn't prepare anything yet, but it is an easy subject. From what I gathered, she'd like to hear more about the feeling behind it, rather than simple facts.'' Hinahoho ended his sentence with a cough.
''That will be easy with Mr. I never kissed before.'' Sharrkan said sarcastically. ''Neither did you.'' Hinohoho managed to say inbetween his coughs. ''That's an entirely different story.'' Sharrkan said with a blush. ''Good luck, and have fun together.'' Hinahoho said, a slightly teasing tone in his voice, and Sharrkan hung up, just in time, because Ja'far already arrived with their coats. ''The bill has already been taken care off.'' his friend said.
''I know, I saw you paying it. A tiny piece of advice from your coach, a man likes to pay for his beloved, so arguing with Sinbad about who gets to pay, won't work all that well.'' Sharrkan lectured him. ''I'm a man too, you know.'' Ja'far said, and Sharrkan let out an ''Oh, right.'' He didn't have the guts to say that Ja'far was the slightly more feminine one. They left the building, as they headed towards Sharrkan's house.
''What did Hinahoho say?'' Ja'far asked as they walked, the path barely visible, due to the dim lights. ''Hinahoho didn't have much to say, he's ill, so we'll have to do the presentation together. He did figure that we shouldn't talk about the facts of kissing, but instead, the feeling behind it.'' Sharrkan explained. ''She literally told us to do that, so, obviously. I hope he'll get better soon, but it's a good thing we can prepare it together then. So, seeing that you are the only experienced one, what does kissing feel like?'' Ja'far asked, before adding, ''Who was your first kiss, and how was that different from any other kisses?''
''Are you asking this as research?'' Sharrkan asked with a blush. ''I suppose so. Sinbad has kissed more often, whereas I have only kissed once.'' Ja'far said, before adding more darkly, ''With you, nonetheless. So, you owe me an explanation at least.'' ''I'm not a bad person to have a first kiss with. That being said, my first kiss only lasted two seconds as well. But, I dreamed about receiving a kiss, and read stories, or rather, watched movies, imagining how it would feel to be kissed, and to kiss.'' Sharrkan said.
Ja'far blinked a few times, before saying, ''You really are full of surprises tonight.'' ''What do you mean?'' Sharrkan asked. ''I mean the subtle touches with Morgiana and Alibaba, but now, you also appear to posses a romantic streak. That's why I'm curious why you offer up time to help me out, rather then working at your own romantic life. The person that you first kissed has got to be special, and whoever you are interested in, even more so. I feel bad for hogging your time.'' Ja'far said.
'My first kiss was with you, Ja'far.' Sharrkan knew it was not wise to state this right now. ''I suppose so. I can compare my first kiss, or the person I kissed with a fruit.'' he offered. ''Why not.'' Ja'far shrugged, maybe if he thought about it, he'd be able to unravel it. ''My first kiss was with a pear.'' Sharrkan said. ''Hey, that's actually a good idea.'' Ja'far said, making Sharrkan quirk his eyebrow. ''Kissing a pear?'' he asked.
''No, the presentation. Because you are the only one with experience, and not exactly willing to talk about it, we can use this fruit equation thingie. We can make a diagram of what fruits there are, which ones are compatible, and why they have which persona, you know, like an introduction before we go over to feelings.'' Ja'far said. Sharrkan's eyes twitched a few times, before he said, ''You know, most people don't understand how I think. But how you got that from a kiss with a pear, I'll never know.'' Ja'far just rolled his eyes.
''So, what fruit do you suppose Sinbad is?'' Sharrkan asked, as they entered his house. ''I'm not quite sure yet. Something with a sweet, yet mysterious core, and an appealing look.'' Ja'far said. ''Doesn't everyone get compared to something with a sweet core? Isn't that too easy, and too broad, seeing that we are going to use this in the presentation?'' Sharrkan asked, taking off his coat, and waltzing towards the couch to sit down.
''Not really, there are those with a good look, but a sour taste. Or, a strong yet unappreciated kind of fruit.'' Ja'far explained. ''Sounds like Judal and Masrur.'' Sharrkan said, understanding. ''But we can't just talk about this. It's too shallow.'' Ja'far said. ''Miss Pisti wouldn't care that much. We can read some cute or M-rated fanfic, and she'd be basicaly satisfied as well.'' Sharrkan shrugged.
''Still, we should put some kind of effort in it.'' Ja'far lectured, as he sat down next to Sharrkan. As the night fell, they came up with a decent presentation, and a diagram sketched by Sharrkan for the fruit equation. ''So, how does one engage a kiss?'' Ja'far randomly asked. ''Ehr.. just, ehr...'' Sharrkan stammered. ''I'll pretend you're Sin. Just show me, and this time, don't actually kiss.'' Ja'far requested.
''What?'' Sharrkan asked, had Ja'far gone insane? ''Please?'' Ja'far asked. ''Ehr, sure, if we must. For the sake of a good grade, and your love-life to be.'' Sharrkan paled a bit. Ja'far closed his eyes, a peaceful expression on his face, an ever so tiny smile on his lips and his chest moved up as he breathed in, before he opened his eyes. ''Okay, I'm ready.'' he said. ''Hiya babe.'' Sharrkan said, making Ja'far scrunch his eyebrows.
''Disgusting.'' he said, he really hoped Sinbad would never say such a thing. ''Try again, and this time, for real. I'm imagining you're Sinbad, just imagine me to be whomever you like. Why not try Yamuraiha?'' Ja'far offered. ''I don't like her like that, and your breast aren't bouncy enough.'' Sharrkan deadpanned. ''I don't care, just whomever you like, that's all.'' Ja'far said, closing his eyes again to take a deep breath.
Sharrkan lowered his gaze to his pink lips, his breath just ghosting as the tiny silverette took another breath. 'They were incredibly soft.' Sharrkan reminded himself, as he braced himself. Ja'far's eyes fluttered open again, as he asked, ''Ready?'' Sharrkan nodded ever so softly, as he prepared to set the right mood.
Alibaba's night had been great so far. Around eleven, he had brought Morgiana home, and he was rewarded with a shy kiss on the cheek! Mor was definitely the best. He almost floated home, that's how cheerful he was. When he arrived home, he found his brother and Ja'far fast asleep on the floor, their upper bodies leaning against the couch. Or rather, Sharrkan's did, as his arm was wrapped around Ja'far, who leaned against Sharrkan's chest, snoring ever so lightly.
Some weird diagram with pieces of fruit drawn on it was sprawled on the floor. 'Oh, nii-san.' Alibaba thought, but knew he couldn't say that much, as he realised he had been pining for Morgiana quite some time as well. His brother wasn't even aware of how cute they seemed. Alibaba sighed to himself, he had noticed that Hinahoho had dropped plenty of hints, just as he had.
But, Sharrkan remained a blockhead, and Ja'far, no matter how clever he was, still had an air of innocence around him, to the point of being oh-so oblivious. Alibaba took a blanket from the cabinet, covering the both of them so that they wouldn't catch a cold. He couldn't wait to hold Morgiana like that, but somehow, he got a feeling Mor would hold him like that before he could do such a thing. Her masculinity was a part of her charming nature, and that's why he liked her. Alibaba chuckled at the thought, before heading towards his bed.
The next morning, Ja'far was awakened by the rays of sunshine through Sharrkan's blinds. He blinked a few times before staring at the clock. Seven o clock seemed like a decent time, he figured before scrunching his face. 'Masrur's room didn't have a clock like that.' he thought, before looking around, only to find a drooling Sharrkan, a goofy expression on his face.
''Aaaah.'' he shouted as he pushed Sharrkan off him, which somehow didn't wake him. He blushed heavily as he reminded himself off what had happened the night before. When Sharrkan had put his arm around his shoulder, the air somehow felt different. More comfortable, yet a sort of pressure was there. Sharrkan gave him a look that he had never seen before.
He heard the footsteps of Alibaba, who bolted down the stairs. ''Everything alright?'' he asked worried, ''I heard you shout.'' ''I'm fine. A bad dream, that's all.'' Ja'far said, slightly panting. ''Are you sure it was a bad dream?'' Alibaba asked, implying something else entirely. ''I'm fairly certain. It appears I fell asleep here. I'm going to go ahead, and give Masrur a call that I'm still alive. Did you have fun with Morgiana?'' Ja'far asked.
''Lots of. We ended up closer than I expected. Soon, I'll be giving you advice rather than my brother.'' Alibaba teased. Ja'far smiled, he was very happy for them. ''I suppose so. Hey, you wouldn't happen to know who was your brother's first kiss. He's really keen on not telling me, so she must be someone special.'' Ja'far asked. Alibaba frowned, before saying, ''He may brag a lot, but as far as I know, he's never kissed before. Saying something about saving his lips for a special person. That was until that incident with you, but that's water under the bridge right? He only did it, because, well, I don't get why, but he had his reasons.'' Alibaba explained.
Ja'far blushed, he had almost forgotten about that, or rather, banned it from his mind. ''Ah, is that so?'' he managed to say, making Alibaba smirk. ''So, what is that diagram I saw before?'' he asked. ''Ah, that's for our presentation. Miss Pisti has ordered us to do some interesting presentations regarding biology.'' Ja'far explained. ''I see. Good luck with that.'' Alibaba told him, before Ja'far left the room to give Masrur a call.
Alibaba stared at his still fast asleep brother. 'He seems pretty worn out. Oh well.' he shrugged, before tapping his shoulder. ''Nii-san, today is a big day. You have to get to school and be on time for your presentation.'' he co-erced, but he didn't garner a reaction from his brother. ''Nii-san, please get up.'' he tried more loudly, but to no avail either. He rolled his eyes, before getting to knee-level to whisper, ''Hinahoho is here to show his man-boobs.'' making Sharrkan shout, ''Keep those things away from me!''
Alibaba snickered, especially seeing that Ja'far just entered the room, confused at Sharrkan's outburst. ''Just joking.'' he added, still laughing. Sharrkan pouted, as he said, ''That was mean! I hope you choke on your laughter.'' Ja'far rolled his eyes, as he said, ''No worries, next time just take a bucket with ice. Does the trick with Sin everytime. Even taught him to sleep with a shirt and boxers on when he's staying over.''
Alibaba couldn't help but notice Sharrkan had kind of a strange reaction when Ja'far mentioned Sin. Something that could be descriped as a low growl. 'Such a caveman.' he thought, before he headed towards the kitchen for breakfast. ''So, ready for the big presentation?'' Ja'far asked, and Sharrkan nodded. ''Yeah, I suppose so.'' he answered, Ja'far nodded. ''Hey, thanks for letting me stay over.'' Ja'far told Sharrkan who blushed. ''Not a problem. I kinda slept well.'' Sharrkan admitted and Ja'far had to admit as well that he had slept better then ever before.
Soon enough, they had eaten their breakfast and headed towards school, where they met up with Masrur and Morgiana. Alibaba, who was elated to see his girlfriend, rushed over right away. ''Mor!'' he exclaimed, but the red-haired girl blushed, before she bowed and said, ''Goodmorning, Alibaba-kun.'' Alibaba nodded, as they headed towards class. Sharrkan noticed Alibaba was relucant to take Mor's hand, but it wasn't neccesary. Morgiana took his hand instead.
The powerful grip made his little brother yelp, ''Ouch. Mor, that's a bit too much strength.'' but Morgiana seemed way too happy too notice this. 'To date a Fanalis. Just your luck.' he thought, as he watched over Ja'far who was chatting with Masrur. He blushed as he thought back to last night. He actually had the nerve to ask what Ja'far wanted of him. No, not him, he had said he would be thinking of Sin. Better pick someone as well, before this all get's awkward. But he didn't have anyone one in mind. ''Tell me, Ja'far, do you desire to kiss me?'' he had asked instead, pretending to be somewhat in character like Sinbad.
Ja'far did seem taken aback at first, as if reminding himself this was supposed to be with Sin, not with Sharrkan. But then his eyes softened, and a shy smile, probably reserved for moments such as these, was on his lips. ''I desire for you to kiss me, Sin.'' he said, and for a moment Sharrkan felt envious. Sinbad was always the lucky one, but then again, this is what he had agreed upon. ''Maybe I will, and maybe I won't.'' he replied, and Ja'far just came closer. ''Maybe I can convice you.'' he said.
''-kan, SHARRKAN!'' a loud noise ripped him from his thoughts. He looked up to see Ja'far raising his eyebrow, Masrur just staring, a smirking Judal, and Sinbad, who gave him a weird look. ''Sharrkan Saluja, I can't believe you are ignoring me.'' another voice added, he looked to see it was their teacher, Miss Pisti. ''Oh right, you were so tiny, I didn't notice you.'' he said, not willing to admit he had been a little pre-occupied with his thoughts.
''So mean.'' she pouted. ''I asked whether you were ready for your presentation!'' she repeated. ''Ah, sure.'' he said, and she huffed as she walked away. ''She is soooooooooooo going to give you minus points for that.'' Sinbad said, and Ja'far rolled his eyes. ''She can't do that Sin, she's still a professional teacher.'' he told the school-king, who erupted in laughter. To be fair, even Masrur couldn't hold back a chuckle at that.
''Never pegged you to have humor like that.'' Judal said, as he walked off. ''So, what's your presentation about? She gave some pretty indecent subjects.'' Sinbad asked. ''Kissing.'' Ja'far said, and Sharrkan nodded. ''Pretty vanilla for her. I look forward to seeing it.'' Sinbad said, and just then the bell rang. ''Looks like I don't have to wait.'' he added, as they headed for class. As Sinbad walked to class with Ja'far, who was talking about some movie they wanted to go to, Masrur asked Sharrkan, ''Everything alright?''
''I think so.'' Sharrkan answered. Masrur raised his eyebrow. ''You don't think.'' he replied, and Sharrkan wasn't sure what he could say to that. ''What's up?'' Masrur asked instead. ''Nothing much. It was kinda late last night, so I'm a little sleepy.'' Sharrkan said. Masrur decided not to press the matter, but it definitely seemed that Sharrkan wasn't his usual loud self. Soon they were seated in the classroom, as Pisti scraped her throat.
''Okay, listen up. Before we start with the presentations, I have an announcement.'' the students could only wonder what she came up with this time. ''Seeing that the sophomores have gone already, it's now up to you second-years to go on a camp. This camp will last a week, and there will be some events that we'll go to. Aside from that, I know how hormonal you all can and will get. This camp is about more than your personal romance ideals. That being said, we don't disencourage them either, as long as it won't interfere with any education we offer.'' she said.
Everyone sweatdropped, it was so like Pisti to have her focus there. Ja'far was sure that was not what she was supposed to tell them. ''Anyhow, we'll decide who gets to split a room with who. That's so that the most irresponsible ones have someone that actually knows what to do in an emergency,'' she eyed Sinbad as she said this, ''And so that girls with big breasts,'' her glare turned to Yamuraiha, who blushed, and tried to hide her girls, ''Don't get gawked at by guys.''
Then her eyes turned to Kouha, as she said, ''That also goes for girls that flock over people, room's you're appointed to, are rooms where you'll have to stay. Several girls complained, but Pisti smiled as she said, ''You'll share a room with four other roommates. More information will get passed pretty soon. This camp will be about two weeks from now, so be sure to prepare your stuff on time.'' Once again, she eyed Sinbad, who nodded meekly.
''Okay, so Ja'far, Sharrkan and... wait, where is Hinahoho?'' she asked. 'She only noticed that now?' Ja'far was still way too suprised despite the fact she was known for not taking attendence. ''He's ill at home.'' Ja'far mentioned, making her nod. ''Good, then just Sharrkan and Ja'far, go ahead.'' she said, sliding the newest cosmo from her drawer.
''Our presentation is about kissing, and how you can be compatible.'' Ja'far said, as Sharrkan took the poster, and took a stand before the class. Ja'far followed him reluctantly. They went over the sorts of fruits, and why they chose this manner of compatibility. Pisti didn't seem to listen as much, but several students at least seemed interested. ''So, that's about what we came up with so far.'' Sharrkan said at the very end, but immediately Yunan's and Sinbad's hand were raised to ask a question.
''Yunan, go ahead.'' Ja'far said, hoping it'd be a normal question. ''Thanks. This is a funny method, but the assignment was to explain about kisses and how the feeling behind it works. Could you tell more about it?'' Pisti suddenly laid her magazine away, as she listened in. ''Ah, ehrm,...'' Sharrkan stammered, but Ja'far sighed, before he said, ''To be frank, yes, we can. A kiss isn't merely lips pressed to eachother. A kiss can go from loving like a mother kissing her babies head, to an expression of passion. I discovered that the right environment, but also, a feeling of security, and a close bond all matter.''
Yunan nodded, as Ja'far continued, ''Whenever the mood is right, a kiss can make you feel lightheaded, yet heavy. As if you roam the earth, and yet, the other can rule your world. But more importantly, no matter what kind, a kiss can make you feel loved. As if you belong. Does that answer your question?'' he asked. ''It does, thank you.'' Yunan said, before scribbling something down.
''Did you have something to add to that, Sharrkan?'' Pisti asked. Sharrkan thought back to last night. He gulped, as he said, ''Are you sure you want to do this? Last time-'' Ja'far interrupted him by pressing their lips together. ''Sin would go for it, right?'' he said, when they were finished, and Sharrkan only nodded. ''Everything alright?'' Pisti asked, as he stared into nothingness. ''Ehr, yeah. I did have something to add. Kisses are the best feeling, but something precious as well. They are the best, when you don't share them out in the open, but they are even better if you make sure the other wants it as well.'' he said rushed.
''Very good. I liked the fruit thingie too, but this was the best part. Your grade will be an A, for effort, and describing that. Very well, tomorrow will be Sinbad's, I'm sure we all look forward to it.'' she said, as they headed back to their seats. When class was done, Sinbad almost ran towards Ja'far. ''You didn't ask for my question.'' he complained, as Ja'far smiled. ''Sorry Sin, but seeing we are best friends, it could have feeled rehearsed. What was your question?'' he asked.
''I wanted to know who your first kiss was? I mean, now that you have answered Yunan's question, I'm even more curious who could make you feel like that. You seemed as if in a dreamlike state, so surely something must have happened.'' Sinbad asked. Sharrkan couldn't help but listen in. Would Ja'far answer that in all honesty, and what would it imply for him. ''I haven't yet.'' he heard Ja'far say, before adding, ''But I dream about kissing someone dreamlike.'' As Sinbad whined, and demanded to know who, Ja'far gave Sharrkan a wink. Sharrkan smirked, as he nodded in understanding.