Chapter twenty-three.
Confession: part one
It was really late when Alibaba welcomed his brother back at their place. ''Welcome back.'' he said, as his brother got in. ''Bet you didn't miss me at all.'' Sharrkan said, teasing, ''Must have been fun with Morgianna here.'' as he put his bags down. ''And Alladin and Rumuru. Never a boring second passed.'' Alibaba said, before teasing, ''Our adventures didn't get as crazy as yours though.''
''Yeah, camp was something, it was kinda weird how it was always our group, but then again, a lot of fun too. ''Sharrkan said, letting himself fall on the couch. ''Even when Hinahoho and Masrur started knocking sense into you?'' Alibaba asked, sitting next to him. ''You knew about that?'' Sharrkan asked. ''They called to ask permission.'' ''And you gave it to them?'' Sharrkan asked, bewilderd. ''Of course.'' Alibaba confirmed.
''Why? I mean, why would you let those violent giants kick your poor brother's ass.'' Sharrkan asked. ''Because those friendly giants are telling you the truth. I mean, what you are doing is nice and all, but just be selfish for once, and confess to Ja'far that you like him. The entire world can see you two are into each other.'' Alibaba said.
''Except Ja'far is not, and is going to confess his all to Sinbad, until the school king marries him and they rush of to Vegas, or elope someplace.'' Sharrkan replied. ''That is insane. First of all, you'd be the only one stupid enough to do that. Second, you can tell Ja'far not to confess, and explain why. I am pretty sure he will understand.'' Alibaba said.
''You sound like everyone else.'' Sharrkan groaned. ''Maybe if everyone else is saying it, there might be some truth in it.'' Alibaba lectured. ''Are you trying to coach me?'' Sharrkan asked, suspiciously. ''Maybe, the entire coaching thing does sound like fun, though I draw the line at kissing you.'' Alibaba said, before turning to another subject, ''So, camp, tell me everything that happened!''
As they talked it over, Ja'far was at Masrur's home, unpacking all of his stuff. He decided to call someone to check his ceiling tomorrow, hoping he'd be able to go home soon. He even missed the neighbourhood. Soon enough, he heard a gentle knock on the door. Ja'far assumed it was Masrur, as he told him to come in, but it turned out to be Morgianna.
''Oh, hey Mor.'' he said. ''Welcome back.'' she told him. ''Thank you, I bet you missed your brother a lot.'' Ja'far said. She nodded, before saying, ''I missed all of you. Camp sounded crazy though.'' ''Oh yeah, you didn't miss a lot there. And I heard you had fun times with Rumuru, Alladin and Alibaba.'' Ja'far said.
''Yes.'' She stood there awkwardly for a moment. ''Can I help you with anything?'' Ja'far asked. ''Actually, I wanted to help you. I am a bit unsure of how to tell you, but... Sharrkan really likes you.'' she quietly started. ''Oh... uhm... not really, or so I found out. He actually plans to break up the friendship the minute I start confessing to Sin. It's not a big deal, I mean, we are not even going to see each other that much anymore.'' Morgianna definitely didn't miss Ja'far's dull expression.
''But...'' Morgianna started, and Ja'far interrupted by saying, ''Oh! Don't worry. If we do see each other, it is no problem. We can still hang with the gang pretty much the same. And I love to see you and Alibaba as much as possible.'' Morgianna now started to understand how the others got so frustrated with the situation, and wondered briefly if he had always been this oblivious.
Before she could continue talking, Ja'far's phone rang. ''Oh, it is Sinbad calling. Do you mind if I take this?'' he asked, and she shook her head, exiting the room. She quickly texted Alibaba to let him know that talking to Ja'far had not gone as planned, before heading over to her big brother, to see if she could help him unpacking.
''Hey Sin.'' Ja'far said, as he picked up the phone. ''Oh hi. I wanted to talk about going to the cinema. Did you arrive home safely?'' Sinbad asked. ''I am still staying over at Masrur's place, but yeah. Sounds like a plan, when did you want to go?'' Ja'far asked. ''Tomorrow.'' Sinbad stated. ''That fast already?'' Ja'far freaked a little.
''Well, I think it is smart to go tomorrow. We didn't hang much, recently, and now we do have got the time. Also, there is something really important I want to tell you, it can't wait.'' Sinbad said. ''I actually have to tell you something important too.'' Ja'far confessed. ''Then let's tell each other tomorrow, before or after the movies.'' Sinbad said.
''Ok, tomorrow. Sounds like a plan.'' Ja'far said, excited. ''Tomorrow,'' Sinbad verified happily ''After school, I guess?'' he asked. ''Obviously, Sin, really. And then we have the whole night ahead of us to talk, if it's that important, it could take some time.'' Ja'far said. ''A lot, I think. I have kept this in for so long, and I don't know who else to share it with.'' Sinbad laughed nervously.
''Me too.'' Ja'far said, happy that he had been able to confide in Sharrkan for the time being. But being able to tell Sin, he was over the moon already. ''See you tomorrow then.'' Sinbad said. ''Till tomorrow.'' Ja'far replied. They repeated it to each other a couple times more, both not wanting to be the one to end the call. But eventually Sinbad did hang up, ending the game.
Ja'far stared happily at his screen, before realising he should probably let Sharrkan know tomorrow would be the day. He started his message, deciding texting it would be easier, in case Sharrkan was already asleep at this hour. But he didn't actually know how to start. He started first with thanking Sharrkan, but it didn't feel right so he deleted that.
Then he started by typing how much he would miss their friendship, but felt that was too sad to start a message with, so scrapped that one too. He ended up typing only goodnight, not even sending that as he had fallen asleep, drifting away to sweet dreams, absolutely unaware Sharrkan had spend the evening doing the exact same thing, the only difference being, his goodnight wishes had been transmitted, before he dozed off too.
''Coffee?'' was the first text he received in the morning. It had come from Hinahoho, and though the question seemed simple enough, Sharrkan was plenty sure he was invited over for coffee only to talk. He fondly remembered the time he had been late, together with Ja'far before the entire mess started.
''No thanks. I want to be in time for school today.'' he texted back, managing to perplex Hinahoho with his reply. ''You've gotten somewhat smarter. Maybe we did knock sense into you.'' Hinahoho texted back, a text Sharrkan decided to ignore. ''Alibaba, hurry up! I want to go to school and be on time! Wait, no, early! We need to arrive early today!'' he shouted. Alibaba at the other side, couldn't believe what he heard.
When they did arrive, half an hour before school would start, he spotted Ja'far and Masrur right away. ''I need help. Disctract the giant for me, so can I kidnap Ja'far to the library.'' Sharrkan told his brother. ''Or just ask him. I realise camp was crazy and all, but I am sure he's-'' before Alibaba could even finish his sentence, Sharrkan already was walking up to them. ''Oh, bother, what will happen this time?'' Alibaba wondered out loud, starting to chase after him.
Sharrkan grabbed Ja'far by the arm as he said, ''You, me, library, now.'' and dragged the defenceless teen away. Masrur gave a look, before looking at Alibaba, who held his arms up, and shared a confused look. ''Not a clue.'' he mouthed, but Masrur decided not to meddle.
As they arrived in the empty library, Sharrkan guided Ja'far to the chair where they met. ''Here, sit down.'' he said. ''Is there something going on?'' Ja'far asked. ''I know yesterday was stressful and all, but-'' ''We promised to not discuss the events from yesterday anymore. Remember, Sinbad made us.'' Ja'far nodded, it had been pretty bad. ''Then why did you bring me here?'' he asked. Surely it was not to study.
''I need to know how much time I have left.'' Sharrkan said, taking a seat across from Ja'far. ''Left for what? Examinations? Because they are still-'' ''No, not that nonsense. Your date with you know who. How much time left is there?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Oh, that. You should not take your exams that lightly though. But there is not much time left for it, so if you want to help me prepare, you'll have to be fast.'' Ja'far said.
''How fast exactly?'' Sharrkan asked, almost protesting. He didn't want to help prepare, he wanted to tell Ja'far the truth in time, but was not ready to tell him yet. He needed more time, the right place, the right words. ''Well, it's this afternoon.'' Ja'far replied. ''Oh...'' Sharrkan fell silent. ''It was faster then anticipated, but Sin had something on his mind. Something he had to tell today, in private. Things were getting confusing at camp, but I am sure it is a mutual feeling he and I share.'' Ja'far said.
''Oh..'' Sharrkan said, again. ''It's fast, but do you think you can help me?'' Ja'far asked. ''Uh, yeah, sure.. I think. Actually, I need to go.'' Sharrkan said, getting up. ''Where to?'' Ja'far asked. ''Just, to go.'' Sharrkan replied before hurrying off, leaving a bewildered Ja'far. His friend was acting very strange today.
On his way out, Sharrkan met up with Sinbad. ''Oh, hey, have you seen Ja'far? Usually he's early, and I wanted to discus the movies with him.'' he asked. ''Library.'' Sharrkan curtly answered. ''Oh, always studying, the exams are still two months away. Where are you going?'' Sinbad asked. ''Home.'' Sharrkan answered, and headed towards the exit. ''Home? But school hasn't even started?'' Sinbad said out loud, before shaking his head.
As he made his way over to Ja'far, Sharrkan continued to walk the other way. ''Nii-san, I thought you were talking with Ja'far. Did something happen?'' Alibaba said, as he saw his brother's upset face. ''No, nothing yet. I am not feeling so well, I am going home.'' Sharrkan told him. Masrur gave him a look, and Sharrkan did his best to ignore that.
''Home? Already?'' Alibaba asked, before adding, ''Are you actually sick or-'' ''I need a sick day today.'' Sharrkan confirmed and realised that Masrur understood his situation. ''Ok. I hope you feel better soon.'' Alibaba told him. ''I will, eventually.'' Sharrkan confirmed, before heading the day, he barely ate, his everlasting hunger vanished. He tried to set his mind at ease, by gaming, reading, simply staring at the wall, but nothing could get his mind off Ja'far. ''Today, of all days.'' he groaned.
'Today of all days.' Ja'far thought happily as he was seated at his desk, as miss Pisti was explaining something about a new teacher. He glanced over at Sinbad. 'Is it for real? I never imagined to be the one asking him out. Sharrkan's coaching really did it's work.' he thought. He'd expected for it to be a disaster, and at moments, there were some tough times. 'Is dating Sinbad really worth losing Sharrkan's friendship?' Ja'far was still uncertain about that. He couldn't understand why Sharrkan wanted to take distance after that.
'Maybe because it wasn't really friendship? Maybe he really just likes helping people out. Had his fill of the drama, and is content with that.' Ja'far thought. He continued thinking it over through the entire day. When the day finally ended, he and Sinbad met up at the entrance of Sindria high. ''No practice today?'' Ja'far asked, considering how early it was.
''I told Hinahoho and Judal to give today's training. The sprain still prevents me from doing basketball, and Sharrkan was nowhere to be found.'' Sinbad said. ''He was really energetic this morning, I wonder what happened.'' Ja'far said concerned. ''He was probably really tired. I think he'll be back tomorrow.'' Sinbad said, shrugging it off. ''I sure hope so. So, to the movies?'' Ja'far asked and Sinbad nodded happily, as they went towards the cinema.
Alibaba went home as soon as school was finished, right after he explained Alladin and Morgianna why he couldn't hang today. He was really concerned about his brother, after camp his behaviour had gotten so much weirder. Almost depressed. ''Sharrkan!'' he shouted when he arrived home, finding his brother just lazing on the couch.
''Hey.'' Sharrkan said, before continuing to read his book. 'He's even reading school material, this can't be good.' Alibaba thought as he recognized the book being from history class. ''The exams are still months away.'' Alibaba told him. ''I know, told the same thing to Ja'far. Believe it or not, I like these books. They are quite nice.'' Sharrkan said.
''So you skipped school, to study at home?'' Alibaba asked, dropping his schoolbag on the floor and closing the door. ''I told you I needed a sick day.'' Sharrkan said, as he made place, so that Alibaba could sit on the couch too. ''A sick day doesn't mean you're being ill, so tell me? Why do you need a sick day?'' Alibaba asked as he sat down.
''I lost.'' Sharrkan said, and Alibaba frowned. ''You lost what? A match? Your stuff? Is it so important that you needed to find it at home?'' Alibaba asked. ''No, I lost Ja'far to Sinbad.'' Sharrkan sighed, and Alibaba shook his head in disbelief. ''You could still speak up, you know?'' Alibaba told him.
''It's too late. They are going to tell each other their feelings today, probably in a few moments from now.'' Sharrkan said, groaning. ''Then call him. Be rude, interrupt them.'' Alibaba urged. ''I can't do that.'' Sharrkan said, ''He's been looking forward to this.'' ''You could make him happy.'' Alibaba said, taking his own phone.
''What are you doing?'' Sharrkan asked, as Alibaba unlocked the screen. ''I am using the phone what it is intended for, emergencies.'' Alibaba told him, as he dialled Ja'far's number. ''You hang up this instance.'' Sharrkan hissed, but the phone already rang. ''This is your one chance, nii-san. You tell him or I do, but he should know you care for him, if only for your sanity.'' Alibaba lectured as the phone kept dialling.
Suddenly it clicked, and Sharrkan took the phone, as Ja'far's voice mail spoke to him. He pressed on the red button before handing it back to Alibaba. ''Coward, I will just keep calling until-'' ''It was voice mail. His phone is off because they are headed for the cinema, maybe already there. It is happening right now.'' Sharrkan told him. Alibaba sighed, even he now realised there was little to be done about it.
Sinbad and Ja'far were watching the trailers, as Ja'far just finished turning his phone off. ''I really have been looking forward to this.'' Sinbad said eagerly. ''Me too. It has been a while since we have hung.'' Ja'far said. ''So, ehr.., you had something to tell me, right?'' Sinbad asked, and Ja'far nodded.
The lights turned dark, showing that the movie was about to begin. ''You want to tell first?'' Ja'far whispered, as the intro ran. ''Mine can wait, honestly, you can go first.'' Sinbad whispered, adding, ''I am pretty sure your news is similar to mine.'' ''I hope so.'' Ja'far whispered, ''Cause I really like you Sin, and was hoping we could take the next step towards dating.'' Ja'far quietly said, anxiously waiting for Sinbad's reply.