Chapter three:
Catwalk advice (courtesy of Sharrkan)
Both Judal and Sinbad stared at the commotion that Sharrkan was making, as he demanded to know why Hinahoho, Masrur and Ja'far were laughing. ''You know, I always thought that Ja'far kid only existed in your shadow. How did he wind up becoming friends with that idiot?'' Judal asked, as he watched them. ''That's not a very nice thing to say.'' Sinbad said with a laugh, ''Ja'far is allowed to make friends other than me. In all honesty, I think hanging with a loudmouth like Sharrkan will do him good.''
''I guess so.'' Judal said, ''See you at practice.'' he then headed to the classroom. 'Better go and see what that is about.' Sinbad thought, before ambling over to his friends and teammates. ''What's going on?'' he asked, and the minute he did that, the group stopped laughing. 'Weird.' Sinbad thought, before shrugging. ''Ja'far is being impossible.'' Sharrkan said, still not fully understanding why Ja'far had said that he was hired. When did he apply for a job?
''I seriously doubt that Ja'far is being impossible, unless you broke his brain last night?'' Sinbad questioned, referring to the study session they were supposed to have had. Sharrkan quirked his eyebrow, but before he could answer, Ja'far beat him to it. ''The one who has lost his brain is you, Sin. How dare you let Morgiana and Masrur commit a crime, by breaking into my house?'' he scolded the king. Sinbad grinned carefree, before putting an arm over Ja'far's shoulders.
''Well, you see...'' Sinbad started, before the bell rang. ''...class is starting.'' he said, then walked off. Ja'far's eye twitched, before he followed Sin, demanding an answer. ''They are kinda cute together.'' Hinahoho said, before following them. ''Masrur, help me out. What did I get hired for?'' a desperate Sharrkan asked. Masrur shrugged, then set of, leaving the puzzled Sharrkan to trail after them.
As first class began, Ja'far took pity on the fretting Sharrkan, so he texted him: 'You're hired as my coach, you oaf. Just don't take me to Vegas, Sin is enough of a gamble as is.' Sharrkan nodded at his classmate when he received the text and replied: 'Leave it to me.' They were fortunate enough to have Biology at the first hour from Miss Pisti.
Pisti was known for the fact that she preferred to allow students to study on their own, rather than teach them. So, it came as no surprise that she had decided to allow the students to divide themselves into groups of three to study the upcoming test material. However, she herself was somewhat surprised when Sharrkan volunteered to work with Ja'far and Hinahoho. To top that, her worst student, the so-called class king, decided to work with Masrur and Yamuraiha. She wondered what was going on, but was too eager to read her cosmo magazine, so decided to let it go for now.
''So, what did you really want to discuss?'' Ja'far asked after five minutes of study. He too had known it was unlike Sharrkan to volunteer for studying. ''What do you mean, maybe I genuinely want to study?'' Sharrkan replied. Ja'far gave him a blank stare. ''Fine, fine, you got me. I had an idea.'' Sharrkan whispered. ''Dear lord, the world has come to an end.'' Hinahoho loudly joked, which gained him some weird looks from his classmates.
''No, the Maya predictions have been misunderstood, otherwise we wouldn't exist anymore. But this is biology, not history.'' Ja'far pretended to explain. Everyone quickly returned to their work, even Pisti shrugged before returning her attention to her magazine. ''Keep it down, will you?'' Sharrkan whispered. ''And I'll have it known that I tend to have brilliant ideas.'' he added with a hushed voice. ''I suppose Vegas is not one of them?'' Ja'far quitly asked. ''Not if the participant isn't willing to cooperate.'' Sharrkan softly replied.
''So what was your idea?'' Hinahoho asked, this time using a lower volume. ''Oh, yeah. We have this game next saturday. You are to come, and cheer your precious Sinbad on. After the match, we usually have some street ball, and a barbeque. You dress up fancy, and join us.'' Sharrkan excitedly hushed. ''Alibaba and Morgiana will be there too.'' he added. ''So?'' Ja'far asked, making sure Pisti wasn't watching them. ''I get it. My wife and I hooked up at one of those parties as well. She'll be there too, so she could give you advice to seduce your man. It's a good idea.'' Hinahoho whispered.
''It couldn't hurt to just watch, and maybe stick around for once.'' Ja'far mumbled, before eyeing Sharrkan's book. ''Oh, you made a mistake at question fourteen'' he said, pretending to tutor Sharrkan. Sinbad, on the other side of the room, was glaring at his co-captain. ''Say Masrur,'' he said. The giant looked up. '',did you notice that Sharrkan has been getting awfully cuddly with Ja'far?'' he asked. Masrur nodded. ''Do you think they are flirting, sire?'' Yamuraiha asked softly. ''Nah. I know Sharrkan prefers boobs, especially your size. I think he's dragging my innocent Ja'far into one of his insane plots.'' Sinbad whispered dramatically.
''That sounds a bit far fetched, my lord. You are making him sound like a weird idiot. And we both know only the second part of that is true. Right, Masrur?'' she asked. Masrur only offered them a blank stare, wondering how he got dragged into all this in the first place. ''I still think he's up to something, and he shouldn't involve Ja'far in his moronic schemes.'' Sinbad insisted. ''Enough with the crazy talk, you're starting to sound like you're jealous.''Yamuraiha quipped. Sinbad hmmphed before glaring at Sharrkan once more.
He slumped back in his seat, not breaking his glare even once. Sharrkan, who had been conversing intimately with Ja'far, looked up. He noticed Sinbad's glare, before giving back a smirk, and with a glint in his eyes, he whispered something in Ja'far's ear. Ja'far looked up, before offering a small wave. Sinbad forced a smile and waved back.
The minute class was done, Judal sneaked over to Sinbad. ''Say, I can't help but notice that your friend has gotten awfully close to our co-captain.'' he said. ''Oh, really?'' Sinbad asked, dripping sarcasm.''Of course, it could have something to do with your position. Or maybe, they are banging.'' Judal said. Sinbad twitched, before replying, ''No way. Most likely Sharrkan has to up his grades or give up sport. Ja'far is just helping him.''
''Just saying.'' Judal said, ''See you at practice.'' he added. Sinbad nodded him off, before noticing Yamuraiha was accompaniying Sharrkan to the next lesson, discussing the magic of cheering. ''Ready for next class?'' Sinbad asked, making Masrur and Ja'far look up. ''You bet I am! I love history, even though the author of our books really bragged a lot about his generals.'' Ja'far said, as Masrur just nodded.
''I think he didn't. And even if he did, he had a good reason. His most loyal companion did everything for him, it's kinda romantic.'' Sinbad said, making Ja'far blush. ''Sin?'' he asked, making Sinbad look down. ''Speaking of doing everything for a friend, I'd like to cheer you on at the game next saturday. Sharrkan mentioned something about a get-together afterwards. Would you mind if I were to join in?'' Ja'far asked as they headed over to their next class.
''Oh... you really want to?'' Sinbad asked, sounding way too hesitant for Ja'far's liking. ''It sounds like fun.'' Ja'far tried, Masrur frowned at Sinbad's reaction. ''Well, if you really want to. But I personally don't think you'll enjoy it.'' Sinbad told him. ''Oh.. if you say so..'' Ja'far said. ''We could hang out some other time, though.'' Sinbad casually mentioned. ''I'd like that.'' Ja'far replied, as they walked into the classroom, where Sharrkan eyed them suspiciously. Masrur shook his head, to signal Sharrkan that things weren't looking good. Sharrkan just frowned.
After two hours of studying the tales of dungeons, and their myths, it was time for a break. Sharrkan wasted no time grabbing Masrur's arm, as they walked to the cafeteria. ''I'm starving.'' he complained. ''I'm not paying.'' was all Masrur told him. ''You're no fun. Oh well, I can actually pay for lunch today. What did you mean by your gloomy look? I mean, history ain't that bad. The book we are reading is kinda awesome. Over the top, but awesome.'' Sharrkan told him.
''Sinbad shot Ja'far's idea of coming to the get together down.'' Masrur explained, eyeing Sinbad leading Ja'far to the cafeteria. ''That's not good for his self-esteem. Did Sinbad even say why?'' Sharrkan asked. Masrur shook his head. ''Well, Sinbad isn't the only one who can bring people to the get together. He'll have to come with us.'' Sharrkan decided. ''How are you going to persuade Ja'far?'' Masrur wondered, knowing how stubborn Ja'far was.
''Well, clearly we can't drag him with us.'' Sharrkan said. ''Can drag who where?'' a voice asked, they looked down, only to meet eyes with Alibaba and Aladdin. Sharrkan's brain quickly formulated a plan, before sharing a smirk with Masrur. ''I think I know how to pursuade him.'' he added, before whispering something in Alibaba's ears.
Ja'far wondered why Sinbad had told him not to come. It had seemed like a good idea, one of Sharrkan's first. Then again, it came from Sharrkan. Maybe this coach thing wasn't a good idea after all. ''Something wrong?'' Hinahoho asked. ''No, not really.'' Ja'far said, and Sinbad smiled. ''Well, I haven't seen your pretty smile today.'' he told his best friend. Ja'far blushed, before whacking him. ''Don't say that.'' he said, making both Hinahoho and Sinbad laugh.
''Mr. Ja'far?'' A tiny voice suddenly asked. They looked around to see Aladdin and Alibaba standing behind them. ''How adorable, they call you mister.'' Sinbad awed. ''Shut it, Sin.'' Ja'far said, before asking, ''How can I help you?'' with a smile, then cocking his head at Aladdin. ''Who are you?'' he asked. ''My name is Aladdin, I'm Yunan's little brother.'' he explained. ''Nice to meet you, Aladdin. Alibaba, what did you want?'' Ja'far asked.
''Well, it's about upcoming saturday, and the get-together. I am going, but I'll probably get bored. Would you mind keeping me and Morgiana company?'' he asked. Ja'far bit his lip, Sin had asked him not to come. ''Well... I'm not sure I've got time...'' he replied. ''But earlier today you asked me if it were alright if you could come.'' Sinbad asked concerned. 'Sin, you don't want me to come, what are you doing?' Ja'far wondered. ''Besides, it'd be cool.'' Sinbad added.
'What?' Ja'far thought confused, before nodding, ''I'll see you there.'' he promised Alibaba, who cheerfully nodded, before promising Aladdin some apples. ''Sin, just now, you clearly said you didn't want me to come. Why the change of heart?'' Ja'far asked. ''Well, I thought you'd be bored. I'd be out there playing, and drinking and so would Sharrkan. Hinahoho always leaves early, and Masrur never showed before. But since Alibaba and Morgiana will be there, there is someone to keep you entertained. I'd hate to see you like a wall-flower, not having anything to do, because you are too good for that. And I'd feel bad.'' Sinbad explained. Ja'far blushed a bit, before replying, ''You shouldn't think for me. I'm capable of taking care of myself. But, thanks.'' After school was done, Ja'far received a text from Sharrkan. 'My house, tonight at eight. Alibaba will cook.' He shrugged before heading to his work.
''Alibaba-kun?'' Morgiana asked, as she saw him in the grocery store. Usually he stayed waiting for his brother, so she hadn't expected him here. ''Mor? Nice meeting you here.'' he said, as he threw a package with chicken in his basket. ''Are you going to cook for someone?'' she asked. ''Ja'far is eating with us tonight, my big brother arranged it.'' Alibaba explained.
''Your brother has been hanging out a lot with Ja'far lately. I thought Ja'far only hung with Sinbad.'' Morgiana said. ''It's some idiotic idea my brother had. I don't mind the company, because Masrur hangs with them too, and the more the merrier.'' he said. 'Not to mention that seeing Masrur means seeing you.' he added in his mind. ''I suppose you are right.'' Morgiana said. ''Want to come too?'' Alibaba asked, but Morgiana shook her head. ''Maybe tomorrow.'' she said. ''Sure.'' Alibaba said, with a smile.
By the time evening fell, Ja'far was finally able to walk home. Work had been pretty tiresome, but fortunately Sharrkan had offered a dinner at his place. It was nice to have someone cooking for you. Ja'far wondered if Sinbad could cook, or maybe, he'd cook for Sinbad one day. He could picture it already, Sin coming home from his duties, a sweet scent entering his nostrils before pecking his lovers cheek.
Ja'far shook his head, Sharrkan had much work to do before he would live that fantasy. He could almost smell the dinner though, before he realised he was really close to home. He sighed, he had been wanting to just go home, and sleep. Sharrkan may be able to talk him into Vegas if he were this sleepy. But no, he had promised, and then again, there was that delicious smell.
He knocked three times, before Alibaba opened the door. ''Oh, Ja'far? You're just in time, I finished the chicken. Please come in.'' he said. ''Thank you, should I take off my shoes?'' Ja'far asked, before entering. For a home in a gloomy place, Alibaba's and Sharrkan's house was really comfy. ''It's okay.'' Alibaba said, guiding him to the dinner table. ''Sharrkan will be a bit later. Practice lasted longer than usual, because of the match this saturday. I heard their opponents are tough.'' he added. ''Sin has been waiting to play against them. He says it is a good test for their skills'' Ja'far replied.
''You and Sinbad are really close.'' Alibaba said. ''We're good friends.'' Ja'far explained. ''Oh... for some reason I thought there was more to it. Must be me.'' Alibaba said, making the conversation taking an awkward turn. Fortunately, just then, Sharrkan burst through the door. ''GOD, I AM STARVING, THAT SINBAD IS A TYRANT.'' he shouted, before realising he had invited Ja'far over. ''You're going to love it in bed.'' he joked. Alibaba blushed, and Ja'far had the sudden urge to murder Sharrkan, but decided that calling him rude would suffice for now.
They ate, as they decided that the game and the get-together would be a great topic at the dinner table. ''Yunan and Aladdin look forward to us coming.'' Alibaba said. ''Is little Mor coming too?'' Sharrkan asked, Alibaba nodded. ''About Saturday, do I really have to? Sin already mentioned-'' ''Absolutely.'' Both brothers said at the same time. ''What are you going to wear?'' Sharrkan said, before taking a bite.
''Oh, I was just planning to wear my uniform. To show a little school spirit.'' Ja'far answered. Alibaba smacked his forehead, and Sharrkan seemed absolutely scandalized. ''You are kidding me, right? You are not going to come to our get-together wearing your school uniform. I mean, it's just not right.'' Sharrkan said, slightly twitching. Alibaba nodded, a half-serious look present on his face. ''You do have something else, right?'' he asked.
Ja'far shook his head. ''I have my clothing for work, school, some jogging pants, one pair of jeans and a Halo shirt, but Sin doesn't remotely like Halo, so I can't wear that.'' he said. ''That sucks. Nii-san loves Halo, though he prefers the sword over the guns. He always complains that there should be a version with swords only. You two should play sometime.'' Alibaba said.
''Halo is awesome, no doubt about that. However, it is obvious you can't come in the attire you have.''Sharrkan said, before making a weird expression. ''What is he doing? It looks kind of painful.'' Alibaba said. ''I think your brother is thinking.'' Ja'far replied. ''Should we get him some asprin?'' Alibaba wondered. ''Or maybe call in some experts?'' Ja'far asked.
Suddenly, Sharrkan's idea crystalized. ''Wait here!'' he ordered as he rushed upstairs. ''Nii-san?'' Alibaba wondered. ''Your brother has snapped, hasn't he?'' Ja'far asked. ''Not even I know what his brain is thinking.'' Alibaba answered. They heard Sharrkan fall downstairs. ''Sharrkan?!'' Ja'far shouted, at the exact same time as Alibaba shouted ''Nii-san!'' and both rushed to see what was going on. They found Sharrkan holding up an old jersey, as he said, ''This is what you're going to wear.''