Chapter twenty-one:
The dance (last day at camp)
When they were back at the inn, Spartos' brother, Mistoras, worked a shift behind the bar, serving the students as they bought their drinks and lounged in the lobby. ''Was it fun?'' he asked, as his brother got a drink. ''It was a lot of fun, nii-san! Though I was with a group of troublemakers, but I managed just fine. Aren't you supposed to be in the kitchen?'' Spartos asked.
''Nope. Your teachers and the inn-staff arranged a surprise for dinner, top secret. Even I don't know what they arranged. You didn't hear this from me.'' he said. Spartos held his finger against his lips, silently promising he wouldn't tell. Mistoras offered him a grin, as Spartos smiled, drank his tea, and headed over to his friends. He told Mistoras he would see him later.
But soon enough, Mistoras was distracted as a certain someone took a seat at the bar, along with a taller friend. Oh, how he longed to bid him welcome by simply stating, welcome back gorgeous. He would certainly be flustered, probably stammer. But that could cause trouble, so he decided against it. ''How was your day?'' he asked instead. ''Great, we had a lot of fun. Could we order something to drink?'' Ja'far asked.
''Yeah, of course. Tea, I guess? And what can I get you?'' he asked Masrur. ''Ice-tea.'' Masrur said. ''Coming right up. So, did you get in the infamous love-boat? A lot of people that attended the park confessed there, you know. Seeing your little situation...'' Mistoras smiled, as Masrur quirked his eyebrows. 'How much did this guy know?' he wondered. Ja'far on the other hand blushed, before saying, ''I went in it. It was, fluffy... I guess. Nothing special happened though.'' he rambled.
Mistoras smiled, this guy was just so adorable. ''Nothing happened, too bad. A chance lost on their side.'' he said, serving both the cold and warm tea. ''Here you go. I would give you a snack, but we'll be getting an announcement about dinner soon, so no spoiling that.'' Mistoras added. ''What are we going to eat?'' Ja'far asked, happy to chance the subject. ''Honestly, it's a surprise.'' Mistoras said, before attending to some other guests, ready to take their orders.
Masrur gave Ja'far a look, as the latter took a sip. ''What?'' he asked, when he noticed Masrur's look. Masrur motioned at the bartender. ''Oh, Spartos' brother. Nice, isn't he?'' Ja'far said sheepishly. Masrur gave him a slightly different look. ''Oh, that... he knows a thing or two... or more'' he added that last part a bit more quietly. ''Can't we talk about something else, I'm done with that for now. I don't want to think about it anymore, at least not until next week, when I actually... you know... confess.'' he nearly whispered the last part, knowing Masrur would hear it anyway.
'Confess?' Masrur wondered. Ja'far couldn't confess to Sinbad yet, Sharrkan was... Sharrkan was still... but Ja'far had waited for so long, why should he interfere? Masrur was so glad he didn't have anything to do with love, because man, it sure was complex. ''Students of Sindria high, if I may have your attention for a moment.'' the owner of the Inn said, making the students turn to him, as they quickly quieted down.
''Some of you may have come to realise that the kitchen staff isn't currently cooking. This is due to our annual outing, and because we value you as the lovely company you are, your principal and I, have decided to bring you along for dinner at a famous restaurant, which is known for it's spectacular venue and show. From there on, you'll head back to school. Please remember to pack your stuff, and check-out, the inn is closed for the time being, so don't forget any of your belongings. We thank you for your patronage and hope you've enjoyed your stay.'' the inn owner told them.
Mistoras smirked, no wonder his boss had only allowed the students of Sindria high to stay over, he should've known. Rumours broke loose as the students started talking about the event, and what an honour it was to join the company on their outing. ''Why didn't you tell me?'' Pisti whispered to Ugo. ''It was a surprise, and you have earned such treatment for going on this trip, and arranging the field-days.'' Ugo whispered back.
Pisti nearly squealed, before taking the attention of the students as she shouted, ''Okay, listen up!'' 'Now what?' most of them wondered, instantly listening to the petite teacher. ''You heard the man, we've got some time to spare, as the inn-workers will prepare themselves as well. Please return to your rooms, gather your stuff, and make sure you check out within, let's say, half an hour. No, wait, seeing it's you guys, an hour, but try to do it faster, so the staff can get ready too.'' she said while eying Sinbad's group.
''Okay, go ahead.'' she added, and the students headed towards their rooms. ''This is insanity. Do they not realise how much it costs to take us all with them?'' Ja'far asked, and Masrur nodded. ''It's an arrangement. We go there for our outing, and get to bring along some guests. In return, we allow some guests of theirs to stay for free at the inn, as an extra bonus for them. Good PR, I guess. Seeing you are students, and they probably have a lot of food that might be close to due date, it could have something to do with that. '' Mistoras explained in a hushed voice.
''I see. Still sounds silly, but at least somewhat of an excuse. Better gather our stuff, and check out.'' said Ja'far as he finished his tea, and fished for his wallet. ''It's okay. Just go already, and pack your stuff. I have to lock up.'' Mistoras said, before cleaning some dirty glasses. Ja'far twitched a few times, but shrugged. There was no talking to this guy, and Masrur got up too, each of them headed to their own room.
When Ja'far opened the door, a pillow almost landed on his face. Fortunately, his reflexes were rather good. ''What in the world, PUT DOWN THOSE PILLOWS IMMIDIATELY!'' he shouted, making Sharrkan and Sinbad stop, Judal looked up lazily, as Yunan just continued reading. There were still some feathers flying around. ''Okay,'' Ja'far closed his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose, and then proceeded to take a deep breath, ''Explain this.''
''Sharrkan and I were fighting with pillows because-'' ''Seeing it was the last day we started-'' both Sharrkan and Sinbad started at the same time. ''Not at the same time, learn some manners. Okay, Judal, you've got some common sense. What happened?'' Ja'far asked. ''Doofus and king over here wanted to be stupid for one last time, and so they wacked each other with pillows, for, and I quote 'Fun'.'' Judal said.
''Right. Should have seen you two drawing that conclusion after that announcement. Normal people would start packing, but no, our geniuses don't.'' Ja'far said, clenching the pillow. ''You want to join in?'' Sinbad asked, innocently. ''Oh, I will participate.'' Ja'far said, walking closer. A sly smile appeared on his face, making Sinbad smile, and Sharrkan look worried. ''Ehr, Sinbad, I don't think-''
Ja'far wacked their heads, particularly hard, before saying, ''Now get to packing!'' ''Yes Sir!'' both Sinbad and Sharrkan said, before gathering their stuff. ''Out of all idiots.'' Ja'far muttered, unaware that Judal was thinking the same thing. ''If you don't mind, I gathered some of your belongings already. Mine were as good as packed, so I figured I had to do something.'' Yunan told Ja'far.
Ja'far looked at his bed, his clothing was neatly folded, his bag ready to be packed and all of his belongings were stacked. ''That's kind.'' 'Of creepy.' he added in his mind. Yunan offered him a warm smile, ''You're welcome. It was no problem. If you go and check out, I can pack them if you want.'' Yunan offered. Judal gave him a weird look, and Sharrkan and Sinbad were occupied with throwing stuff in their bags without bothering to do it neatly.
''Ah, no thanks. Couldn't ask that from you, and we have a full hour. I mean, it's okay, really.'' Ja'far told him. Yunan shrugged, ''Then I'm going to see how some friends are doing. Maybe I can help them. I'll be back pretty soon.'' Yunan said, before skipping off. ''Creep.'' Judal said, as he resumed reading a book while Yunan skipped off, but the taller teen pretended not to hear him.
''Well, seeing as we're almost done, I'm gonna go ahead, and check out, so we beat the rush. I'll be right back. Behave yourselves.'' Ja'far said, before heading for the reception. And sure enough, in an hour, every student was checked out, and gathered at the front of the building. The staff were gathering their stuff, and the manager was instructing the busdrivers.
''Why do you have a feather in your hair, milord?'' Yamuraiha asked, as she plucked out a soft feather from Sinbad's hair. ''Well, last pillow fight you see, haha. Ja'far won that one, though.'' the king replied. Both Hinahoho and Masrur gave Ja'far a look. ''Don't bother asking, you really don't want to know.'' he said. Soon enough, they were on their way towards the restaurant.
It was a lovely place, really, but it was a bit too fancy. The restaurant was in a huge building. Several tables were prepared. Other then that, the place was deserted. ''Oh, welcome!'' some tall red-head greeted them, before talking to the manager of the inn. Some waiters and waitresses brought the students or inn-workers to their assigned tables. ''May I take you to your table?'' Ja'far heard someone ask, before he turned to see who asked the question.
''Hey, it's you!'' Sharrkan said. ''Hakaryuu, how are you doing this!?'' Ja'far yelled. ''No way, what a coincidence. I'm working my shift at our best restaurant for tonight, saw your names on the guest list before, but I was sure that couldn't be you two. How are you? Third date, I guess?'' he asked. Sharrkan nearly choked, Hinahoho stiffled a laugh, and Ja'far had the decency to look embarrassed. ''We aren't dating...'' he explained to Hakaryuu, who blushed. ''Oh, sorry.'' he gasped, clasping his hand before his mouth. Yamuraiha couldn't help but laugh. ''Those two, dating? That is hilarious. That would happen, in like, never.'' she said. ''Yeah, never...'' Sharrkan replied. ''Okay, we're getting off-topic. Ehrm, tables?'' Ja'far asked.
''Right, tables! I've got two tables set, each for five persons. Ehrm, I got one for Yamuraiha, Masrur, Sharrkan, Yunan and Judal. Then one for Hinahoho, Spartos, Sinbad, Ja'far and Mistoras.'' Hakaryuu read the names on the list for table 30, and 31. ''Great, all of my royal staff that's gathered right here. Lead the way.'' Sinbad said, enthousiastically. Hakaryuu gave him a questioning look. ''Don't try to understand. Please show us our tables.'' Ja'far said.
Soon enough, everyone was seated, and chatting with each other, as dinner was being prepared. ''So, how does this usually work?'' Ja'far asked Mistoras, figuring he had more experience with this. ''Usually, the manager does the talk, saying how he appreciated your stay, and our hard work. Then, we get around five courses, first an appetizer, then the second appetizer, main course, and two seperate deserts. And then we usually dance, which lasts until around midnight. You head back home with the bus, we head back towards the inn.'' Mistoras explained.
''Oh, sounds good.'' Ja'far nodded, and Mistoras smiled, before he leaned in, ''Between you and me, this is my last time, so I'm really glad it's with you guys.'' ''Last time?'' Ja'far asked, but before Mistoras could answer, the manager of the inn asked everyone's attention. ''As usually, we're gathered here for our yearly outing. It's has been a great year, thanks to your input. We consider ourselves very lucky with such loyal employees, and it's with a sad heart that one of them shall leave us after tonight.'' he stated, before signalling to Mistoras, who raised his glass.
''We thank you for your time and service and wish you luck with your further endeavours. As for our guests,'' he turned to the principal and then faced most of the students, ''We thank you for choosing the Balbadd inn. You have truly been a delight, and we hope to see you in the future, when you have another camp, or when you are travelling. Without further ado, because I know you're not here to listen to my speeches, please enjoy the food, and have a terrific evening.'' The manager toasted, as everyone clapped. After that everyone started chatting.
''You're leaving the inn?'' Spartos asked, and Mistoras nodded. ''So, you've finished your studies and found a job, then?'' Ja'far asked. ''Sure have. I look forward to my new career. I can start next week, already.'' Mistoras explained. ''You mean you're graduating, that's amazing, Nii-san!'' Spartos said, and Ja'far was amused. Whomever would end up with Mistoras as a teacher would be very lucky.
''What have you majored in?'' Ja'far asked. ''One would think history, but no, I've finished home economics, and homeroom teacher, because that's what the applied job asked for.'' Mistoras said. ''I'm sorry, but what did you study?'' Sinbad asked. ''I want to become a teacher.'' Mistoras said. ''Man, I thought you were cool, but thats a letdown.'' Sinbad said. ''Nii-san is very cool.'' Spartos defended, and Ja'far whacked Sinbad's head. ''That's impolite, Sin.'' he scolded.
''Ouch, but it's true. He seems so cool, and he had so much knowledge about history. And to become a teacher, what if you end up in a place such as our high school? That'd be a waste.'' Sinbad said. ''He never learns...'' Hinahoho shook his head, but Mistoras seemed amused. ''What are your life goals?'' he asked Sinbad, making the others stare. ''My lifegoals? To be there for those who are in need. I guess I'd be fit for a king, but it doesn't work like that anymore. Maybe I'd want to become a professional basketball player...'' Sinbad wondered.
''You've got time to think. My goal is to teach my knowledge to those who want to learn, and to settle down eventually with someone I hold dear. Pretty dull maybe, but it's the vision I have, and the goal that I must reach.'' Mistoras said. ''Oh, wow. I respect that. Sorry for my reaction.'' Sinbad said. 'He's so much more than just a good teacher.' Ja'far thought. ''So, is there someone you hold dear?'' Hinahoho asked.
Mistoras quickly cast his eyes to Ja'far before smiling. ''Yeah, there is. But I haven't confessed yet. I'm waiting for the right moment.'' he said. 'Oh, sounds like my situation.' Ja'far thought, before Hakaryuu disturbed them. ''Ah, your appetizers.'' he said, as he served the dishes. He quickly placed them on the table, before heading over to the next, where Yamuraiha was chattering with Yunan about his hair, and Sharrkan kept glancing over to the next table.
'He looks like he belongs... like Yamu said, the idea of us is ridiculous. Why can't I turn these feelings off?' he sighed deeply, as Hakaryuu offered the appetizers. ''Ah, Sir Sharrkan, are you okay?'' Hakaryuu asked, as he placed the plate in front of him. ''He calls you Sir, that's adorable.'' Yamuraiha laughed. ''It's nothing.'' Sharrkan said.
Hakaryuu nodded, before bowing, ''I must apoligize for my words before, I really thought you two were right for eachother. I'm sorry if I have embarrassed you.'' he offered. ''It's was a mistake, that's all. We were chaperoning the others on their dates, so I see where you are coming from.'' Sharrkan said, and Hakaryuu smiled. ''Good, then please enjoy your appetizer.'' he said, before heading towards the kitchen.
''So, ehrm, sorry for asking, but how did he get the idea of you becoming something with Ja'far. I always thought he had a thing for our school king, or didn't really do love.'' Yamuraiha said, scooping up a bit of her soup, before taking a sip. ''We have gone to a few restaurants, one time for studying, one time to accompany my brother on his date, and I don't even remember why we went the third time..'' Sharrkan said. ''You two did grow closer, it's still a weird thought. But how adorable, Alibaba has a girlfriend! Tell me more.'' she squealed.
Randomly, back at home, Alibaba sneezed, as he was working on his homewo- oh, who was he kidding? His big surprise date for Morgianna! ''Musn't get a cold.'' he told himself, before heading to the kitchen for a big cup of tea. To surprise Morgianna, and receive a kiss as a reward, oh, he nearly couldn't wait!
''So, tell us more. I have a beloved at home too, she's my wife, and she makes my day. Once you've confessed, you'll continue to fall deeper each and everyday, I can assure you that.'' Hinahoho said, before eyeing the other table. ''I see it happen daily, and keeping it in sure makes a mess.'' he added. ''A wife?'' Spartos asked, and Hinahoho grinned. ''That seems a bit early.'' Mistoras said.
''He calls her his wife, and she calls him her husband. They aren't married yet.'' Ja'far said. ''Married life, torture if you ask me.'' Sinbad said. ''How do you know?'' Ja'far asked. ''Seems like the worst, being stuck to someone else for the rest of your life. A man should be free, and be able to explore the world. When you're old, you have more time anyway. Then again, taking care of someone who you hold dear, is admirable. Maybe I find someone one day who'll rob my heart. For now, you're stuck with me, Ja'far.'' Sinbad laughed, as he pulled Ja'far closer, and ruffled trough his hair.
Ja'far blushed, he didn't mind the idea of being together with Sin forever, but whether a piece of jewelry or not connected them, he wasn't sure what to think of that. Relationships didn't exactly need an object to show that you belong to eachother, right? ''You'll look back on those words one day.'' Mistoras said, before taking a sip. ''So, other subject?'' Spartos, of all people, asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
''I heard you play basketball. Is the team still as horrible as back in the days?'' Mistoras asked. ''Horrible? We're better then ever, we're unbeatable!'' Sinbad boasted. ''The top notch, best of the best.'' Hinahoho added. ''They are really good, nii-san.'' Spartos said. They talked some more about sports, school and other subjects, while the courses kept coming. As Mistoras had said, and Ja'far had expected, the food was really good.
Soon enough, dinner was over and some of the inn-workers helped the staff of the hotel to shove apart the tables. ''Please enjoy the music, and we'll see you next year.'' the hotel owner said, before resuming his job. The music started playing. At first, it was awkward, as everyone just kept talking, but eventually some inn-workers started to dance, and some students got the hang of it as well. After all, this was supposed to be a huge party.
Soon enough, everyone found themselves enjoying the party, whether they were just chatting or slightly swaying to the music or full on dancing. ''Psst, Ja'far, come over here.'' Sharrkan pulled the smaller boy closer to him, before leaning over and whispering, ''You should dance with Sinbad. Flirt a little, and get closer to him. You're getting too chummy with that Mistoras, he's too boring.''
''And you are too rude. He's really nice, you know. But, do you really think Sinbad minds?'' Ja'far asked. ''I know I do.'' Sharrkan muttered under his breath. ''Sorry, could you repeat that?'' Ja'far cocked his head. ''I thinks he minds only a little.'' Sharrkan blushed a bit as he said this. ''Oh, then it's good you said something. You're such a good coach.'' Ja'far said.
''I'm the best.'' Sharrkan pretended to boast, but he felt like the worst. 'If only...' he thought but shook that off. ''Go on and ask him.'' he urged. ''What, you mean, right now? In front of all the students?'' Ja'far asked, and Sharrkan nodded. ''That seems embarrassing. I'm not sure...'' but before Ja'far could struggle more, Sharrkan already pushed him towards the school-king.
''Our beloved Ja'far has something he'd like to ask you.'' he told the school king. ''Oh?'' Sinbad's eyebrows were raised, as he gave Ja'far a look. ''Something the matter?'' he asked, and Ja'far shook his head, before giving Sharrkan a look. 'Do I really have too?' Sharrkan offered him an affirmative nod.
''Uhm... do you mind if we were to dance?'' Ja'far asked, and a surprised look appeared on Sinbad's face, before he turned red. ''I wouldn't mind, but I can't dance, my leg you know... and I don't think-'' he didn't have the nerve to say that he figured Sharrkan would really mind. He knew they said that nothing was going on, but still, it seemed something was up, and he didn't want to hurt their feelings.
''Eh, it's okay, if you don't want too. I don't even dance that well.'' Ja'far said. ''I'm fairly certain you can dance. Why don't you dance with Sharrkan?'' Sinbad asked. Of course, this was the exact opposite of what Sharrkan wanted to achieve. ''I'm sure you can sway a little. You've ran up the stairs at the start of this camp.'' Sharrkan argued. ''Yeah, not my brightest idea...'' Sinbad grinned sheepishly.
''It's really not that important.'' Ja'far said, but the two idiots were already bickering about who should dance. 'Honestly, they are so immature.' Ja'far thought, but then a hand tapped his shoulder. He looked to up to see Mistoras bowing, ''Would you mind dancing with me? Seeing how your friends are... occupied.'' he said.
''I don't see why not.'' Ja'far shrugged, Mistoras seemed like a good friend. Someone you could trust as an ally, and at least someone who wasn't so complex as his friends. ''Great.'' Mistoras said, as he took Ja'far's hand, and started twirling him teasingly, before they simply swayed to the music. ''Look what you've done. Now he's dancing with... That!'' Sharrkan yelled, and Sinbad shrugged, growing tired of arguing, so he decided to let that one slide for the time being.
''It's the last time we're seeing him anyway.'' he said, before focusing on something else. Sharrkan grumbled something, and basically, that's how the night lasted until the students went home.