Chapter fifteen.
Roommates at camp, either you love 'em, or you want to smother 'em.
''Wow! This is awesome!'' Sinbad cheered, as he entered the inn first, followed by what he considered his friends and subjects. ''I approve.'' he stated. The inn had one floor, divided in several rooms, that the students could share, futons already prepared, outside was an onsen and inside a bath. The dining hall had several tables, where they could play games, or just rest, and the long wall housed a bar, where they could purchase drinks and souvenirs.
''So glad it's up to your taste.'' Pisti said sarcastically, before adding, ''Okay, enough gawking around. We had a long trip, and we're going to do quite a lot tomorrow. Your dinner will be served at six o' clock, I know, suprising isn't it. After dinner, you can take a bath, or do whatever you crazy kids do these days. And no, sex does not count as an approved activity.'' she said, embarrasing the teachers, students, and staff. ''You'll be expected to be in bed around ten, and please try sleeping, because we'll have to get up early in the morning. One student is required to gather a key, and keep it with him or her. I suggest a responsible student should be the key holder.'' she eyed Sinbad, ''Not some delusional king, or anything below that level. Slightly above doesn't count as well.''
'Who made her teacher and the guide for this camp?' Ja'far wondered. ''Okay, gather your keys, put your stuff in your rooms, and then join us in the dining hall.'' Pisti said, before skipping towards the desk, picking up the key to the teacher's room, and then heading off to see her room. ''How come she is a teacher?'' Judal asked. ''I don't have a clue.'' Sinbad and Sharrkan said. ''Yeah, but you two never get a clue.'' Judal said before looking over to Ja'far in an unspoken question. ''Me neither. I never know why or how she became our teacher.'' he answered.
''Then that remains a mystery.'' a fifth voice added. They turned to see Yunan standing there. ''I assume Ja'far here is going to gather our key.'' he added. ''Why me?'' Ja'far asked, was this some kind of plot, one could never be too sure around Yunan. ''Yes, why him? I'm trustworthy, and can handle the responsibility of a key.'' Sinbad added. ''You see my point?'' Yunan asked Ja'far, who nodded. ''I'll go and pick it up. No offense Sin, but you are known for losing your stuff... ALL THE TIME.'' Ja'far said, before heading over to the counter.
''Ah, welcome at the Baldadd inn.'' the girl behind the counter greeted him quite cheerfully. ''Hi. I'm here with Sindria high, I'm here to pick up a key for our room.'' he said. ''Sindria high, man's dorm'' the girl muttered as she clicked a few times on her computer. ''What's your name, sir?'' she asked. ''Ja'far.'' he replied, as she typed his name. ''Okay, here you go.'' she handed him a card. ''Please return it on it's due date, before ten p.m. We'd prefer the sheets off the futon, you can leave them in the bathroom if you wish among the towels. We wish you a pleasent stay, and please don't be shy to ask if you need anything.'' she said.
''Thank you very much, I'll try to keep the room as clean as possible. I don't suspect we do, but in case this card falls into my roommates hands, and they end up loosing it, is there some fee to be payed, or some costs for a new one?'' Ja'far asked. ''Regulations state that whenever your keys are lost, you must take contact immidiately. Please remember your room number, and provide us with your ID, so we can check the key indeed belonged to you. We'll print a new one, and provide you with a new code, so that the old one can't be used anymore.'' she explained.
''Ah, I see. Thank you very much.'' Ja'far said, as he took the card. ''You're welcome, sir.'' she said, before he walked towards the others. ''I got it.'' he said, ''We should move our stuff towards our room, and go to the dining hall.'' he added. ''Sure thing.'' Judal said, as he took his stuff, and Sinbad followed suit, as did the rest. When he opened the door, the room was kind of plain. Just five futons, a cabinet to put their stuff in, and they had a view towards a nice forest, that was behind the inn.
''It's nice. Simple, but neat.'' Sharrkan commented, as he claimed the bed at the side, by putting his stuff on it ''Woah, who said you could take that bed?'' Sinbad exclaimed. ''Are you some petty five year old or something? You're seriously arguing about who sleeps where?'' Sharrkan asked. ''But... but I really want to sleep next to Ja'far and Judal, and Judal really wants to lie near a wall.'' Sinbad pouted. Judal nodded, as Ja'far just groaned. ''There are two walls, he can take the other. I don't see a problem here.'' Sharrkan shrugged.
''But then Ja'far has to lie close to Yunan.'' Sinbad pouted. ''Sinbad! He's right here.'' Sharrkan hissed, as Yunan seemed amused. ''Don't you want to lie next to your boyfriend?'' Sinbad opted, making the other guys stare at him, save for Ja'far who smacked his forehead. ''We aren't dating.'' Sharrkan told him. ''Oh.'' Sinbad said. ''Sin, I don't care who lies next to me.'' Ja'far said. ''I do. I don't want to lie next to any of you. Sinbad is the one that bothers me the least.'' Judal added, as he took the bed at the other side of the room.
''Why don't we swap anyway? If it soothes our King's mind, and you don't mind where you lie down.'' Yunan offered. ''Sure thing. See Sinbad, that's how adults handle it.'' Sharrkan said, as he shrugged, and moved his stuff. ''Like you're an adult.'' Sinbad retorted, as he put his stuff near his bed, glad to be able to sleep next to his two best friends. When they were done, they headed towards the dining room.
''I'm so sorry for what he said before. Sin hardly ever thinks before he says something.'' Ja'far told Yunan. ''It's fine. Really.'' Yunan said. ''That does not give him the right to say such things though.'' Ja'far said. ''No. But I can imagine he would have the urge to protect his dear friends from the unknown.'' Yunan said, with a twinkle in his eyes. ''I suppose so.'' Ja'far answered, this guy was just way too vague. ''Besides, the thing you and Sharrkan are doing will be easier if you sleep closer.'' Yunan added with a wink, before he entered the dining room.
'What? Does he know? No, that can't be!' Ja'far thought panicked. ''I don't think he knows.'' Sharrkan whispered, who had overheard the conversation. ''I hope not.'' Ja'far whispered back. ''Let's assume not. And hey, look on the upside. Sinbad wanted you close to him. Perfect to score some brownie points.'' Sharrkan said with a wink, before joining the others. 'Brownie points?' Ja'far wondered, before joining his group as well.
Dinner was quite delicous, they had served something basic, yet tasty, a typical Kyoto curry. After dinner, the students were free to do whatever they wanted, activities varied from taking a bath, playing games, or just relaxing and reading a book. Some teachers recommended reading the guide, but few to none of the students opted for that choice. Ja'far chose to relax in the onsen, and surprisingly, Sinbad joined him.
''The stars are so bright out here.'' he said, as they enjoyed the warm water. They were the only ones choosing the outside onsen, whereas most students preferred a shower, or the bath inside. ''Yeah. It makes you feel so small when you gaze upon them, wondering if you're a little dot in life as well.'' Ja'far said. Sinbad chuckled, before he said, ''Sometimes, you sound like a wise old man, did you know that?''
''I don't sound like an old man.'' Ja'far pretended to be offended. ''Well, you do sound wise nonetheless. It's nice being able to spend time like this.'' Sinbad said, as he added, ''I mean, just you and me, a little chatter. Some alcohol would definitely be great.'' ''You aren't supposed to drink alcohol, it's prohibited, and more important, it's dangerous to drink in warm water. It makes you lightheaded, and it's airy enough to begin with.'' Ja'far teased.
''People always say that, but there is more to me than just some handsome man, you know.'' Sinbad told him. ''I know that, Sin. Believe me, I know that better then anyone else.'' Ja'far reassured, a coy smile present on his face. ''Sometimes, I think you are the only one who gets me.'' Sinbad said. ''What do you mean by that?'' Ja'far asked. ''No one seems to take my ambitions, or my personality serious. It's always the so-called king, not the King. I wonder how Sinbad of the seven seas dealt with that.'' Sinbad said.
''Well, in this era, we don't suddenly become king anymore, so being a school king automatically sounds like a joke. That being said, you do inspire people in more senses then just one, Sin.'' Ja'far told him. ''I know I asked you more then once, but I need a real answer, Ja'far.'' Sinbad said. ''My house is just being renovated.'' Ja'far automatically replied, assuming Sin was going to ask that. ''I meant you and Sharrkan. Does he inspire you in the same way I do?'' Sinbad asked.
''How awfully vain. But no, Sharrkan inspires people in a different sense then you, but I think the both of you have a different approach. Sharrkan likes to just go for it. You go for it, but somehow, you think things trough. Not too much, but you still calculate the risks.'' Ja'far said. ''Do I inspire you, Ja'far?'' Sinbad asked. ''Yes.'' Ja'far replied. ''Good.'' Sinbad seemed content enough with that answer.
Soon enough, it became late and they had to leave the onsen, and turn in for some sleep. The minute Sinbad hit his pillow, he fell asleep right away, not bothering to cover his bare chest or legs with his blanket. The heavy snores he created made both Judal and Ja'far twitch. But the King was happy, as he smiled trough his snores. ''Idiot.'' Ja'far scolded, as he took the blanket Sinbad had neglected to use, and covered the king with it.
''Housewife.'' Judal sneered, as he turned his back, making himself smaller as he fell asleep. ''Nighty night~ Have pleasent dreams!'' Yunan called, before dozing off. 'Weirdo.' both Sharrkan and Ja'far thought, before sighing, and then looking at eachother. ''We've got the weirdest roomates ever, or the rudest.'' Sharrkan whispered. ''It's not that bad...'' Ja'far said, but Sharrkan gave him a look, and he had to agree somewhat. ''So, how was bathing with Sin? Did you two have some lovely, private time?'' Sharrkan asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
''I thought it was odd that no one joined us, what did you do?'' Ja'far asked. ''I didn't do anything. Titus was in the man's bath, so everyone went there. Did you know that he was a guy?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Obviously.'' Ja'far said. ''I heard, but didn't believe him. Goes to show that I shouldn't believe everything I see.'' Sharrkan joked, before a silence fell over them.
''Did you have a good time though?'' he eventually asked. ''Yeah. It was nice spending some alone time with Sin again. It had been a while, and I tend to forget how gentle he is when we are alone.'' Ja'far said. ''Ewww.'' Sharrkan commented, making Ja'far whack him with his pillow. ''Not like that, moron.'' he scolded. ''I mean, how sweet his words are, and how much he cares for others. He may be good-looking, but I definitely like him for his charisma and good nature.'' Ja'far said.
'I don't want to hear this.' Sharrkan had the urge to pout, but instead he smiled, and said, ''That's good.'' ''It's odd you can like another person so much. I guess the phrase soulmate really exists.'' Ja'far said, as he fondly looked over to Sinbad, before turning his head back to Sharrkan, ''It's odd, but it's also a great feeling. I can only imagine how it will feel to be able to hold his hand, or perhaps, kiss him.'' he added.
'It's odd how much you can like another person.' Sharrkan thought, as he fondly looked at Ja'far. ''That's disgusting.'' he told Ja'far. ''You were the one that wanted to help me in the first place.'' Ja'far said, sticking his tongue out like a child at the end of his sentence, before suddenly some weight crushed him. It appeared that Sinbad had started rolling in his sleep, and he ended up bear-hugging Ja'far, who blushed instantly. ''Sharrkan, help me.'' he whispered.
Sharrkan managed to hold back a laugh, as Ja'far seemed desperate to escape his demise. ''What, you don't want to be 'crushed on' by Sinbad.'' he joked. ''Jerk.'' Ja'far spat, attempting to push Sinbad off, damn the king was hot and heavy. Suddenly the king started rolling again, ending up rolling over towards Judal. ''Phew.'' Ja'far let out. ''You're strange. You like the guy, but get embarrased the minute he starts bearhugging you. I think you'll have to get used to it.'' Sharrkan whispered.
''It was just unexpected.'' Ja'far huffed. ''Wanna switch then?'' Sharrkan offered. Ja'far shook his head. ''I don't mind lying next to either of you, even if Sinbad has those habits. It feels nice. But if you don't mind, I will scooch somewhat closer, so Sinbad can't roll on me that easily, and so you'll be able to help me push him off when he does.'' Ja'far said, before getting up and moving the futon way closer.
Sharrkan only managed to blush, as Ja'far lay down again. 'He's so close.' Sharrkan thought, as Ja'far seemed content and closed his eyes. He reached out, almost ready to stroke through Ja'far's hair, but stopped himself. 'What am I doing, I should have told him to move closer to Sinbad, not to me.' Sharrkan thought, but the light snores ensured him that Ja'far was fast asleep.
And it was funny to see Judal struggle with Sinbad's weight. With a smirk, he fell asleep. During the night, he had quite the pleasant dream as he dreamed about the future. It wasn't anything too special, just him and Ja'far sitting on a couch. But, somehow, they were holding hands as they snuggled. Little did he know that he actually held Ja'far in his arms in real life as well, who had rolled closer. All safe and secure in Sharrkan's arms.
The next morning, they were awoken by everyone's favorite teacher, miss Pisti. ''Okay, wake up, you all. The sun is rising, as is the temperature, and- oh my...'' she stopped suddenly as she spotted Ja'far and Sharrkan lying all close. ''I figured something was going on with them, but this is just too precious.'' she grinned, before closing the door. But when she had burst in, she did manage to wake up Judal, who pushed Sinbad off. And Yunan, who welcomed the day quite cheerfully.
Naturally, Sinbad remained snoring as he rolled onto his own futon. Ja'far was snuggled all close to a very content looking Sharrkan, who kept holding him. ''Isn't that adorable~ I almost can't bear the thought of waking them up.'' Yunan said, as he watched over them. ''It's disgusting.'' Judal told him. ''Aww, is someone jealous? But you're already got bear-hugged tonight. That's sweet too.'' Yunan said.
Judal decided not to reply to that, rather grabbing his clothes and getting dressed quickly. ''You sure are grouchy in the morning. Oh well, nothing can be done about that. How to wake them up?'' Yunan wondered out loud. He ended up deciding on a particular uncommon method, as he jumped upon them and shouted, ''Cuddle time!'' He succesfully crushed Sharrkan, who woke up with an ''Ouch, oof!'' and managed to barely startle Ja'far awake whom yelped, ''What the hell is going on?''
Yunan giggled as he got up. ''I just woke you two up before Sinbad could've seen you all snuggled up.'' he informed then. ''It's too early for one of your riddles.'' Sharrkan groaned, as Ja'far just blushed. ''We weren't snuggling.'' he said. ''If you say so. Mind waking up the king, before we head to breakfast, We've got a long day ahead of us.'' Yunan said, as he got dressed himself.
''As if it is that hard to wake up Sin.'' Ja'far commented, before poking the purple haired teen's cheek. ''Your highness, do you mind waking up.'' he said, and Sinbad bolted up. ''Goodmorning my citizens, I've returned from my night of sleep, and am happy to... where am I?'' he asked, as he looked around. ''Where are my royal chambers?'' he added. ''Home. We're at camp, remember. You were dreaming you were king again.'' Ja'far deadpanned, as he got dressed. ''It's too early for this shit.'' Sharrkan muttered under his breath, barely audible though.
Soon enough, they all had gotten dressed, and enjoyed their breakfast, before gathering at the entrance hall of the hotel, where Pisti waited for them. ''I hope everyone slept well, some more then others, I suppose.'' she said, with a wink to Sharrkan and Ja'far. ''Because we're going on quite the fieldtrip today, and you need to spend attention to where we are going too, for two reasons. One, this will come up in a test when we come back, probably for history, or maybe geography. And two, we don't want to lose you, we need the tuition. You'll stick with your assigned group, and yes, you are responsible for eachother. When you do lose someone, don't come crying to me, but try searching first, and implant the imbeciles of your group with some device so you can track them.''
''What if someone gets injured?'' Someone asked. ''I don't know. I give biology, not medical care. Maybe there is some first aid point, and if it's not too bad, deal with it.'' Pisti replied. ''Anymore questions?'' she asked in the sweetest voice possible. But no one knew what to ask, or what to say for that matter. ''Very good. Get in the bus, and we'll get going.'' she said.
''Seriously, how did she became our chaperone for this?'' Judal asked, and Ja'far shook his head to indicate he had no clue. For some reason, Yunan wanted to sit next to Ja'far, as Sharrkan had gotten stuck with sitting next to Sinbad and Judal didn't mind sitting next to some unknown student. The bus drove off and Sharrkan felt kinda awkward. He didn't really know what to talk about. He looked over to Ja'far, who was engaged in a conversation with Yunan about the location they were heading too.
Sinbad was his friend and coach damn it, he should be able to talk to him and not view him as some love rival. ''You snore really loud, you know that?'' he eventually said. ''Also, you turn a lot.'' he added. ''I've been told before, I'm just glad my habit of undressing didn't occur last night.'' Sinbad said with a smile. Sharrkan just blinked a few times, he couldn't exactly disagree with that.
'Come on, say something about Ja'far. Figure out how he feels about him.' Sharrkan's mind told him. ''So, camp. How do you feel about having us as your roommates?'' he asked, not even remotely attempting to dance around the subject at all. ''Good. I'm glad I'm friends with most of my roommates, there isn't one I despise. But it can feel a little awkward too at times. Especially since I don't want everything of me seen by someone. Yet.'' Sinbad replied.
'You can say that again.' Sharrkan thought, before thinking it over. ''Why not yet? What do you mean?'' he asked. Sinbad blushed, before he whispered, ''Between you and me, like you I'm of the homosexual kind. And I really, really like someone in our group. We're kinda close, so I'm not sure how to handle it.'' ''I'm not of the homosexual kind, but okay, cool.'' Sharrkan said, as he freaked a little on the inside. Sinbad probably meant Ja'far, and that was good and all, except it was not.
''You're not. Oh well, must have been my imagination then. So, do you think I stand a chance?'' Sinbad asked. ''I don't see why not. You're not the brightest, sure, but you're popular, not too bad-looking, and generally a good person.'' Sharrkan said. ''I think you're right, but I want to be perfect for this person.'' Sinbad replied. 'Okay, definitely Ja'far. Goodbye chances.' Sharrkan thought, but at least he was able to help Ja'far out.
''Get to know each other slightly better during camp, even if you know a lot about each other already, and ask him out after camp.'' he told Sinbad, before looking over at Ja'far. ''I think he'd accept.'' Sharrkan added. ''Is it me or have you gotten wiser in a really short amount of time?'' Sinbad asked. Sharrkan decided not to reply to that, and then they arrived at their destination, though they couldn't quite see it yet.
They only spotted a very high hill, with a very long staircase made of stone. ''At the top of these stairs, there is an temple. We will visit this temple, and the person that does the upkeep here has agreed to tell us some of it's history. I expect you to listen and be polite. Otherwise I'll leave you here, and explain how you stayed here to become a monk when we're home again.'' Pisti said.
The class just nodded, before she led the way. It was kind of funny to see how her tiny legs climbed up the very long staircase. Soon enough Sinbad, always the child, turned to his group and yelled, ''Race you all to the top!'' and then proceeded to run. The group blinked a few times, and before Pisti could even atttempt to say something about it, Sharrkan smirked, and shouted, ''You're on!'' before he followed the kings example.
The other students only seemed bewildered, before they continued walking at their own pace. ''They had to be in our group.'' Judal grudgingly said, whilst Yunan just smiled, and Ja'far wondered if it was too late to switch to a normal group. Suddenly Sinbad stumbled and fell over, his lips kissing the harsh ground. The sound he made was a loud thump, making Ja'far run over to see if he was alright.
He scanned for injuries worriedly, but aside from the bruised lips, the king seemed fine. ''Maybe you should take it more easy. You're still recovering from that match.'' Ja'far told him sternly. ''You're right.'' Sinbad said, as he got up. ''But I still gotta beat Sharrkan!'' he shouted, before he started running again. Ja'far sighed, he had to fall in love with that idiot of all persons around.
When he reached the top, Ja'far found Sinbad and Sharrkan spread on the ground, huffing as they were sweating excessively. ''Perhaps.. it was not the brightest idea to race on such a bloody hot day.'' Sinbad managed to say. ''You think so?'' Pisti asked, huffing as well, even though she hadn't ran along with the idiots. ''Nonsense.'' Sharrkan huffed, but silently, he agreed.
Soon enough, or at least when they had somewhat caught their breaths, the tour started. The monk explained why they had chosen the very top of the mountain, how this building had been build, and why they chose certain materials, and how rituals had grown into traditional methods. After an hour or two, they were offered a lunch, which Pisti gently declined, explaining how they had arranged one at the next location they would be heading to. ''Wait, this isn't over yet?'' Sinbad wailed, before adding how tired he was from running up the stairs, as the group made their way down.
In the mean time, back home, Alibaba was in bliss. He had their house for himself. He smiled gleefully, as he drifted to some imaginary place, despite the fact that Aladdin was sitting right next to him, asking how the controller for the x-box worked. Morgiana was trying to figure it out as well, using slightly too much force, accidentally splitting the device in half. Back at camp, Sharrkan stumbled from the last staircases, and fell face down on the dirt. ''Somehow I have this ominous feeling.'' he said, frowning his eyebrows.