Jin settled into the hot spring, feeling the tense muscles in his back unclench little by little. He had been spending a lot of time at the spring lately, for lack of anything better to do while Fuu and Mugen, er, – occupied – the room. Together. Naked. Stinking up the place. His eyebrow twitched at the thought that, at this rate, Fuu would surely become pregnant and require even more food (if that could even be possible).
He stretched, took off his steamy glasses, and closed his eyes. He could hear their voices about a hundred yards away, through the wooded path. It sounded like "oh yes, oh God yes" and "Yeah give it to me!" Again his eyebrow twitched, but then he quickly put it out of his mind. They must think I'm an idiot if they truly believe I don't know – considering they announce it every night to the entire forest. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He leaned his head back and sank into the water a little deeper.
Feeling jealous that Fuu didn't choose me to be her lover would be a waste of time, he thought. Besides, it helps avoid certain - inconveniences – that may arise three years from now. However, Fuu could have picked a less – feral – mate. But what man can possibly understand women? I may as well not even try. Jin sighed deeply, letting the water's heat loosen his muscles even more.
But perhaps they need to believe I'm oblivious, Jin thought. Perhaps they didn't feel safe enough with themselves, or perhaps they didn't know how he'd react. He smiled inwardly at the idea of breaking down in tears when they finally told him what he has known all along, but quickly dismissed the thought, knowing it would terrify them forever. He looked at his fingers, which were deeply wrinkled from his long soak. Indeed, he felt a little like stewed meat, so he slowly rose out of the water, dried himself off, and slipped into his clothes. Tying his hair back, he weighed his options. He could wander around the woods – again, or go back to their room and pray they're finished, or visit the town and try to find a willing shougi player.
I really need to find a hobby. Jin sighed and headed towards town.
fin
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A/N: Thank you for all the reviews, guys. I had a fun time writing this. Oh, and you Champloo fans are VORACIOUS readers ;-).