-1A/N: I'm not dead. I know. I know. "It's about time." But it's hard for me to get motivated to write sometimes. Many thanks to my beta reader, DarkVerity. If you enjoy a good Harry Potter fanfic, go see her. Her story will make you melt with goodness.

Disclaimer: Fuu, Mugen, Jin, and anything else having to do with Samurai Champloo do not belong to me. Blah…blah…blah.

And so continues our story…

Fuu warily approached Haruka. She had never worked in such an elegant place before and wasn't sure how Haruka would feel about Jin hanging around. It didn't seem professional, but she didn't want to disappoint anyone, least of all, Jin. She took a deep breath but found it hard to move from her spot close to Jin. 'Oh, but what if she says no? I don't want to start my first day off on the wrong foot.' Fuu looked around for her employer, Haruka. She was busy with a customer at the moment and Fuu relished in the fact that her favor would have to be put off for another moment.

Unfortunately for Fuu, Haruka had finished talking with her patrons and looked up to see her standing in the doorway. "Fuu, good morning! How are you, dear?" Haruka greeted with a warm smile.

"Uh…I'm doing well, Haruka-sama," Fuu replied nervously.

"Haruka is just fine. No honorific needed," she laughed. Haruka noticed Jin standing behind her. His silent and stoic face immediately grasped her attention. "And who is this lovely samurai behind you?"

"This is my companion, Jin," Fuu said quietly, motioning to the hushed man near her.

Haruka raised her eyebrow, "Companion, hmm?"

Fuu blushed and began to clarify what she meant, but her tongue felt like a slippery eel in her mouth, unable to stay still long enough for her to form words.

Jin took a step forward. "I'm traveling with her, for my own reasons as well as to ensure her safety."

Haruka smiled slightly, "Well I can see you've made her safety a great importance to you because she appears to be in lovely shape. A little skinny, but lovely nonetheless."

"Thank you, Haruka," said Fuu, appreciating the compliment Haruka had paid her.

"Why do you think I hired you? Now your kimono is in the back room. Go put it on, I want to see how it looks before we get busy in case any changes need to be made."

Fuu nodded and began to walk towards the room Haruka just mentioned. She would have escaped to it's solace, avoiding her original task, if Jin had not cleared his throat. Fuu sighed in defeat and turned to Haruka. "Um…Haruka, would if be alright if Jin stayed for a little while? He's supposed to be working at the eel booth in the market, but the lady in charge doesn't need him until the afternoon. He won't be any bother, I promise." Fuu began to speak faster and the pitch of her voice was raising at startling speeds, "Jin's a quiet man, but a good one. And he won't scare away any customers with that stony attitude of his. Although I do admit he's a little unnerving at times--"

"Fuu, you're rambling," Jin interrupted. "And you started to sound like a boiling kettle."

Haruka laughed at Jin's remark, "He's a funny one. I like him."

"Funny! Ha! Jin is not one for making jokes…but please, can he stay?" Fuu implored.

"Oh, of course he can. He might even help attract some more female customers. Now shoo! You have a kimono to try on," Haruka ushered Fuu into the back room with haste.

Fuu was shocked to see the number of kimonos that had been packed away into the little room in which she was standing. Haruka laughed at Fuu's amazed expression. "Our customers aren't mostly men for nothing, sweetie. Now, which one would you like to wear today?"

"Today? You mean I can wear a different one tomorrow!" Fuu excitedly questioned as she searched for the one she would wear.

"Well if you don't like the way it fits or feels or for whatever other reason, I'm not going to make you work if you're unhappy or uncomfortable with what you're wearing. You won't perform as well that way, but let's not worry about what you plan on wearing tomorrow."

Fuu was grinning from ear to ear as she delicately looked through the myriad of kimonos that lay before her. The only thing she was worried about at that moment was how the hell she was going to decide among all these beautiful garments.

Jin vaguely smiled as he watched the two women rush into the other room. He may have been one of the best samurais in the world, but he knew nothing about women. He didn't understand their zeal for silken dresses, but then again he didn't have to understand. He didn't need to. He was happy enough just to gaze upon the attractive women in their stunning attire. 'Beauty wrapped in beauty,' he mused.

Jin heard the teahouse door open and looked at the band of gentlemen that had walked in, removing him from his thoughts. Several of the men were heavily robed in grey, swords hung at their hips, not trying to hide the fact that they were obviously bodyguards. They surrounded a couple of men who were lavishly dressed, although he could not see the wealthy men's faces. Personally, Jin thought it was a little early to be visiting a teahouse, but then again the rich did as they pleased.

As the guards dispersed around the two men, Jin was able to see their faces more clearly. A serious-looking older man sat upright, scanning the room with his cold eyes. Jin knew that he was not a man to take lightly, but the other man that sat there was a perfect example of the polar opposite of the former. He was young and chatty, laughing cheerfully with once of his guards. The young man nudged the older one in an attempt to get him to join in on the joke, but the old man remained silent. This did not bother the youth in the slightest and the boy continued to joke and carry on as though the aged man was not even there.

"Oh, come on, Yoshite. You know it was funny," the young man tried once again to get the elder man to join in the fun.

"I am not in a laughing mood, Kyoji. You need to take your father's wishes seriously or you shall soon find yourself out on the street and not even the charming women of the Tanaka Teahouse would serve you."

"How quickly you forget that I am just as charming, if not more," Kyoji said, flashing a magnificent smile.

"I don't know Lord Kyoji, you are quite charismatic, but my new girl may captivate you and then you'd really be in for some trouble," Haruka playfully chided as she emerged from the back room.

Jin frowned at the thought that Haruka was going to show Fuu off in front of these men, but this was Fuu's job now. He wouldn't cause trouble, but if she began to feel uncomfortable or she was treated inappropriately, that would be the end of his gentlemanly behavior.

"You too, Jin. You may find your friend to be more…entrancing…than usual," Haruka quietly warned Jin.

Jin scoffed, "As much as Fuu is my friend, she has about the level of social elegance as the eels that I cook."

Jin heard Kyoji laugh across the room. "Haruka, get that man a cup of sake and some for us as well. When is Nami coming in?"

"She shall be here later this afternoon when we have more patrons. Be patient, Lord Kyoji. I know she is your favorite," Haruka said knowingly. 'Although after today, I believe you shall have a new favorite.' Haruka left the room to prepare the sake and debut her newest employee.

Haruka could tell Fuu was nervous by the way her chest rose and fell erratically. "Fuu, are you sure you're alright?" Haruka asked as she placed what she hoped would be a comforting hand on Fuu's shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm just not used to wearing a thing like this, ya know? It's kind of heavy and way too beautiful for someone like me. I can wear my pink kimono. It's fine, really," Fuu stammered uneasily.

"You will do no such thing. You look wonderful and there's some men I would like you to meet. Just relax," Haruka said with finality as she brushed off some dust on Fuu's kimono with her hands.

Fuu had decided on a red kimono, yellow and orange autumn leaves were tracing down in golden thread and a yellow obi holding everything in place. Fuu's hair was taken out of her traditional pony tail and was left to hang down to her shoulders. One side had been pulled up with a red comb that had been adorned with a golden, ceramic flower. Haruka had added color to her lips, but that was the extent of her make-up. Fuu looked stunning, but her mind was going crazy with worry. 'What if spill something on this? What if I trip in front of Haruka's important guests? This is going to be horrible, I just know it.' Her thoughts continued on this path until she felt Haruka's hands on her back, guiding her towards the front room.

Fuu gingerly stepped into the room, her eyes shut tightly. As she entered, she could hear a sharp intake of breath. "Fuu, open your eyes. You can't serve tea and entertain with your eyes closed. I won't leave your side 'til you're ready, okay?" Haruka reassured her.

Fuu nodded and slowly opened one eye and then the other. She looked around the room slowly. A pair of elderly men had stopped their reminiscing to peek at her, but quickly turned away when Fuu noticed them. In the middle of the room was seated a large group of men, all of whom were gazing at her. 'These must be the men Haruka spoke of earlier. They must be important if they need so many guards.' Fuu noticed that some of the men's mouths were agape. She even thought she saw a little bit of drool. She giggled, eliciting even more of a response from the men. Fuu bowed as gracefully as she could and continued to scan the room. She looked intently at Jin, who had been watching her from his silk cushion in the corner. His cup of sake was still held up to his mouth, but not a sip had been taken. She waited for a response from him, any response at all. She waited for what seemed like an eternity and a half for him to acknowledge her. He only gave her the smallest of nods in approval. She gave him a tiny smile and turned back towards Haruka's aforementioned guests.

"Shogun Yoshite and Lord Kyoji this is Fuu, my newest girl," Haruka introduced with a beaming smile.

Fuu bowed before them once again. "It is a tremendous pleasure to meet you both."

Kyoji gently grasped Fuu's hand and pulled her back up to a standing position. "I must say that I feel slightly embarrassed for not noticing your beauty earlier."

Fuu blushed at his comment, "I am not from here, Lord Kyoji, so please…do not feel embarrassed on my account." Fuu surprised herself at how naturally this was all coming. 'It's amazing that haven't stumbled or made a fool of myself yet.' She mentally congratulated herself.

"Lord is not necessary. I would prefer if you'd address me by Kyoji, if that would be okay with you?" Kyoji said, still holding onto Fuu's hand. He could feel her pulse quicken underneath the tender flesh of her wrist.

"That would be absolutely fine, Kyoji," Fuu said softly. "So, who is this lovely gentleman next to you?" She piped up in curiosity at the man behind Kyoji.

"This unexpressive man next to me is my father's most trusted advisor, Shogun Yoshite."

Fuu smiled at the man and, unexpectedly, he smiled back.

"You are quite the picture of beauty, young miss," he said calmly.

"You are too kind. Although, I must say that I am not used to these frequent compliments," she confided.

"Oh, come now. I'm sure men from all cities and towns strive for your attention," Yoshite said, not believing Fuu's previous statement.

Fuu laughed, drawing the attention of everyone in the establishment. She couldn't help herself. She hadn't had a shower in over a week and here these men were…complimenting her of all things.

"What is so funny, dear Fuu?" Kyoji asked, wanting to be let in on the joke.

"Well you see, the truth is that I've never worn anything so extravagant in my life. This all seems so surreal to me. I've been traveling for so long that luxury has become long forgotten," Fuu confessed. It had been so long since she'd been able to talk to someone besides Jin…or Mugen.

"You've been traveling by yourself?" Kyoji questioned, looking concerned.

"No, I had two traveling companions," Fuu answered.

"Had?"

"Well, that sullen looking man in the corner over there is Jin. He watches out for me, ya know? And the other…he…he left," Fuu admitted sadly.

"I can see this is a touchy subject, so we shall dwell on it no longer," Yoshite insisted.

"Now onto more merry issues," Kyoji announced as he set a cup of sake in Fuu's hand. They all raised their glasses in a toast and began speaking about less personal matters.

Haruka walked over towards Jin and sat down next to him. She had noticed that he had remained silent through most of the morning. "Yen for your thoughts, soundless samurai?" Haruka asked.

Jin remained quiet. His thoughts were his own and he didn't feel like sharing them with a stranger. He had thought she looked amazing and wondered how Mugen would react to Fuu now that she had cleaned up a bit.

"No need to tell me really. After years in this business, you learn to read men carefully and accurately. You may think that you're hiding everything you're thinking, but to a trained eye, your notions may as well have been posted on every door on every establishment in Kyoto."

Jin mulled over her words, but if she thought her efforts would convince him to reconsider sharing his feelings, she was sadly mistaken. "I am here to make sure Fuu completes her journey safely. That is all."

Haruka smirked, "Well with all the attention she seems to be getting from the opposite sex at the moment, you might have to work double duty from now on."

Jin didn't disagree with what Haruka said. He disliked the way Kyoji charmed Fuu because it meant that there would be another person that he would have to watch out for to ensure Fuu's safety.

"As much as I'd hate to admit, Fuu looks like she doesn't belong here. She looks far too luxurious to be entertaining patrons in an elegant teahouse," Haruka sighed.

Jin nodded in agreement causing Haruka to smile at him.

The door to the Tanaka Teahouse opened for the second time that morning, but everyone was too wrapped up in their own business to notice. Jin's ears picked up the faint thud of wooden geta hitting the floor. Jin looked up at the potential patron and cleared his throat.

"Mugen," Jin murmured.

"Well, hey Jin. I didn't see you there. Did you decide to leave the little brat, too?" Mugen gruffly asked.

Haruka scowled at Mugen, knowing the "brat" he was referring to.

A loud roar sounded from Kyoji's table. Everyone was in hysterics. Even Yoshite managed to crack a smile. Fuu was contagious to the pack of men. They were all so distracted by their frivolity that they didn't notice the new visitor in the doorway.

Fuu turned her head towards Jin, waving him over, "Jin, you have to come over here. Kyoji has some really funny stories that would even make you smile."

"Obviously you don't know Jin very well, I don't think he's capable of smiling, sweetheart," joked Mugen, clearly not realizing who he was speaking to.

"I know Jin better than--" Why hadn't she recognized that voice at first? Maybe she was starting to forget him, the way he sounded and smelled. If she wasn't staring right at him, she wouldn't have believed he was in the same room. All she could do was stare into his honey-colored eyes. She knew he could read the look on her face; one of pure shock.

Mugen took a step towards her, his eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, "Fuu?"

Kyoji was curious as to who this scruffy man was and how he had any sort of connection with the delightful, young woman sitting in front of him. "Fuu, who is this man?" Kyoji asked, noticeably interested.

Fuu's eyes hardened. She may have forgotten how rich his voice was to her ears and how addictive his scent was to her nose, but she had not forgotten what he had done to her heart. He didn't care an inkling about her and now she could care less, right?

"So, Fuu…who is he?" Kyoji asked again.

Fuu looked directly into Mugen's eyes. "Nobody."

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, if any of you were waiting. I had written about fifty words a month or so ago and one night I was bored as hell and I decided to pick it back up. I finished writing the chapter in one night, so hopefully this means I'm back on my writing kick. So we'll see, but no promises. I just hope you guys keep reviewing because it helps me know what you, the readers, actually think of the story and where you think it's going and what's going to happen…etc. I really hope you enjoyed the chapter.

-TinyMinx