I, Alibaba Saluja, have a predicament.

That was the first thought that sprung up with no warning as I discovered that I was clinging to Kouen's naked torso, the smooth skin warm underneath the small of my cheek; his arm resting on -my thankfully clothed- back, effectively confining me to the bed. Fearfully I peeled back the sheets, letting out a sigh of relief at seeing he was wearing pants, assuring myself nothing had happened last night.

So much for keeping things on a professional level.

I'm pretty sure sleeping with your boss broke a few 'professionalism' standards. "That didn't come out right." I muttered to myself, conflicted weather I should try to sneak away, or wake up Kouen to spare the effort.

"So you have to do what the other person says?" Kouen asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, its's pretty fun with the right people." I explained, sitting across from him; regardless of how it was now five in the morning we both had agreed that our insomnia was an perpetual condition, and decided to pass time with a game. "So truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"The weirdest habit you've ever had?"

He hesitated, tilting his head in thought. "I pulled on my brother's hair often when I was little."

I offered the most dubious expression at that. "Okay. You ask."

"Need I really?"

"Yes!" I waved my hands encouragingly.

"Truth or dare."

"Dare." I accidentally let my usual reply slip out; terrified at the voracious grin that quickly manifested on his lips.

"Come with me." He beckoned, guiding me to the kitchen. Shuffling through the cabinets I recognized various liquors and fruits. I watched as he tossed various ingredients into a food processor, I watched as he poured in different drinks creating a tri-colored rainbow of green, blue and yellow. "A hobby of mine." He slid the glass towards me; if I weren't so preoccupied with the drink I would've mistaken his smile for a gentle one.

"Is that a cocktail?" I couldn't help to ask, as I lifted the glass to my lips. "That's really good!" I recognized the tang of pineapple instantly, also a subtle effervesce in the first yellow layer. Happily finishing the glass, Kouen watched intently. "How long have you been mixing?"

"A few years." He admitted.

"That's really cool- ah was that my dare." I stuttered dumbly. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

I giggled, running into the living room, pushing the couch against the wall to create more space. "My brother- he wrestles- and when we were younger he practiced a lot of his moves on me." I started, meeting Kouen's questioning gaze. "After a while I picked up a few moves myself- so wrestling turned into a little hobby of mine. I dare you to try a three minuet round- no breaking bones or anything I probably would have to slave away for twenty years to replace." I started listing the rules on my fingers. "And we have ten seconds to get off the ground."

Mildly amused, Kouen joined me in the living room. "What happens if I loose?"

"I duno- I have to figure that out."

"If you loose you'll have to give me a full body massage." He declared proudly.

"Ready?"

A quick nod was all I needed to rush at him, knocking him to the ground; my arm snaking around his head in my favorite submission lock, my legs wrapping around his chest. The muffled, startled cry he let out was ignored after a few seconds his hand slammed against the tile. Releasing him, his hair in disarray and the most stunned expression evident on his face. "What happened?"

"I think you lost a match in fifteen seconds." I giggled.

"Name your prize."

My mind became blank as I tried to conjure some reasonable request. "I don't think you can buy me a Unicorn named sir-strips-a-lot, but if you make a few more drinks I might give you that massage you talked about. H is face retained it's impassive disposition, but the peculiar shine in his eyes was in more ways than one, less than subtle. He did make more drinks for me, and I told him my opinions about each one. "The rainbow one was-" A small hiccup, "so hard to choose which one to drink first." After seven drinks, Kouen finally lifted me away from the counter- bridal style- tossing me into my bed as he stripped himself of his clothes.

I let out a small yelp of surprise, quickly covering my eyes. "At least keep your underwear on..."

"Okay..." There was some shuffling. "You can look now." I felt his warm breath tickle my hands as his own larger calloused hands gently pushed my hands down, holding them in his own. Laying on his stomach, my hands hovered over his back; feeling his eyes on me I stared back unsure of what to do. After a few moments of this, I summoned the courage to run my hands along the curve of his shoulders- surprised at the aggregate of strained muscle, I nervously rubbed his back listening to his breathy moans that were escaping his parted lips.

"Don't make noises like that." I muttered, he opened his eyes gazing up at me with clouded eyes- one's that reminded me of when I was dancing in his arms in the diner, when I looked up into his eyes they were clouded with an overwhelming mixture of emotion I could barely decipher which he felt- unlike then when I had leaned away, I leaned closer our faces inches apart. "I don't know why...it makes me feel..." he propped himself on his elbow twisting his body so he was now on his side, inching closer. " ...would you please." I swayed feeling my eyelids become unbearably heavy, falling back on my pillows.

I heard a long sigh when darkness surrounded me, a thumb stroked my cheek affectionately. "You're dangerous, Alibaba. Making me feel this way." Leaning into his touch with a small mewl. "That's alright, you wouldn't need to ask for me- all I want is you." I couldn't find the energy to query why he had strayed from his usual terse way of speech. For a second as I became less aware of my surroundings the warmth of his hand disappeared. I tried to reach out for it- not wanting to be alone as I attempted to rouse myself from my sleep ridden state. I felt his arms wrap around me coaxing me to sleep as he stroked my hair- my arms wrapping around him as a weight rested on my back.

"Kouen."

A grunt of acknowledgment reached my ears.

"I might...sort of...love you."

{A.N: our beloved Kouen is now speaking;Kouen p.o.v}

I felt Alibaba stir, the gentle rise and fall of his chest becoming a metronome for the slow pace he had ran my fingers through his soft, golden hair. At this point, I was feeling conflicted- which was unlike me, I noted; initially I had only intended to sleep with Alibaba- but I found my self wanting something else. Closing my eyes and steadying my breathing, listening to his soliloquy; feeling the soft skin of Alibaba's smaller hands- which had surprising, hidden strength as he discovered last night- shaking me awake. "Good morning." I managed, attempting to sound less monotone- instead the hoarse sound the came from my throat had not been the most ideal sound I've made in my life.

Alibaba laughed, wiggling out of my embrace, muttered heat rising to his cheeks; "You don't have to try so hard." Shaking his head he hopped out of bed. "I'm making pancakes! Mine are going to have lots of chocolate chips!" He declared rushing out of his room with a grin. Still drowsy after a few hours of much needed sleep, I glanced about the room; the lack of personal items was disturbing- or any evidence that an actual teenage boy had lived here, yet there was a lone photograph next to various books that ranged from autobiographies to science fiction; there was a boy with dreadlocks crossing his arms over his chest next to a girl with identical hair fashioned into two ponytails standing on Alibaba's side- who failed to smile in the photo, unlike his female friend. He also wore a large scarf over his neck- I assumed this his the faded mark on his neck.

I didn't mean to get upset about thin line when my lips had lightly brushed against it, but the idea of something- or even worse; someone harming my lover seemed unimaginable.

My lover?

No. Alibaba wasn't my lover, I only had one lover and she was gone- but as I poked my head through the doorway watching Alibaba hum an upbeat tune as he poured an abundance chocolate chips into the batter, I realized I wouldn't mind this.

"I might...sort of...love you."

I doubted Alibaba would dare mutter those words if he weren't tipsy and deprived of rest, yet he had looked as if the words had been whispered from the bottom of his heart- of course that was a ridiculous notion, thought I wasn't lying when had told him that he already had me; I had accidentally let him become a figure of intrest, but for now I would go on as I normally would; even if I let myself indulge in my delusions of love and trust eventually it would end.

At least my goatee will still be cool.

I heard the front door open as a familiar voice called out. "Hey Alibaba I heard that you finally got laid last night!"

I couldn't help but snort at the loud clatter that came from the kitchen.

"Our little boy is growing up into a man." Another, deeper voice teased.

"I'm surprised you're still walking was it not as good as the gossip magazines say?" A third voice, this one accented, inquired.

"He must have forgotten to buy condoms." A girl pitched in- her voice also familiar.

"I'm pretty sure Alibaba just used that as a excuse and backed out- Alibaba are you okay?" Aladdin inquired.

I walked out into the living room staying close to the doorway as I watched, spotting Alibaba sulk in the kitchen, as if all his energy had been drained."Dave, could you make some coffee?" Alibaba asked, flatly with the most dejected expression on his face.

"Of course sir, I'll prepare it right away."

I was pondering what had happen to the AI. Alibaba spotted me leaning against the door frame; aghast, he slapped a hand over his face when Sarah- I believe was her name, whistled, dancing over to my side as she poked my bare arm teasingly. "Hey handsome, did you get a little action last night- don't leave anything out." She winked at me glancing in Alibaba's direction as he fumed.

"Other than screaming my name in pleasure, I don't think it quite fits your description of 'action'." I joked, watching a mischievous smirk spread itself on her lips.

Two of the men in the room groaned passing Aladdin a few bills as he cheered victoriously.

"Why the hell were you betting- wait what the hell did you guys bet!?" Alibaba yelled, waving his spatula angrily at them.

"Weather or not you were a screamer." The smaller, Hispanic teenager jibbed.

"Nice to meet you sir, we're Alibaba's friends- I'm James," he pointed to the other who had previously spoken, "that's Damion, and you've already met Morgiana, Sarah, and Aladdin." He held out his hand for me to shake. Shaking his hand, I noticed that his grip was rather firm- almost as he was giving him a warning. "Nice to meet you." He greeted.

I smiled ignoring the frigid tone he used. "Likewise."

"James, don't go around picking fights.". Alibaba scolded catching on.

"Why would I ever breaking off the legs of your precious lover?" James started eerily with a grin.

This guy is scary, I had mused to myself after hearing that.

Alibaba- visibly disturbed- shouted; "You sound like Toto and Kassim!

Aladdin who laughed nervously spoke up, " let's go shopping later. I have to get something for my flute."

Sarah laughed clapping her hands together. "Okay- I'll call dibs on Alibaba's bike."

"Absolutely not!"

"I'll ride with you." Morgiana proclaimed; ignoring the crestfallen look on Alibaba's face.

"Don't scratch my motorcycle! The last time you drove you scratched the paint!" Alibaba sputtered frantically to Sarah who was already out the door, Morgiana following her.

I chuckled, causing Alibaba to glance at me with wide eyes. "Are you okay?" He inquired.

"Why do you ask?"

"I noticed you usually don't laugh. " He admitted.

I touched his cheek reassuringly, "I'm fine." He continued look up at me- almost dubiously- as if he didn't quite believe me. I couldn't blame him for feeling like that.

I didn't beleive it myself.

Once at work, I slumped down into my chair. "You look tired." Koumei noted letting himself in.

All I did was let out a small grunt in response.

"Kouha, Hakuryuu left with to meet Saluja for a shopping trip; and Kougyoku tagged along." He added. "Also winced you failed to talk to father the other day, he's been rather adamant about talking with you today, despite everyone's efforts to persuade him.

"Screw him." I scowled. I just found Alibaba, he can't take him away like he did her. "I'll tell Alibaba to cancel any plans-"

"You can't be like this forever." Koumei interjected. "Even if you choose to have a relationship with him, he'll want to know... he deserves to know why you don't-" His voice started to waver as continued.

"Don't tell me you intend to tell him?" I looked away glowering down at the floor.

"If he loves you he deserves to know why you won't love him back." Koumei hid his face behind his black feather fan- a habit he developed whenever he was struggling to contain his emotions.

Then I realized it. "You aren't..."

Bashfully, he looked away with a snort. "No, but I think he could be a friend...the same way she was to me."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Recalling that one night... "Then you twist it like this..." She held the flower crown up proudly. "And that's how you do it!" She smiled widely down at Kougyoku who fumbled with the stems, and Kouha who had his adorned on his head.

I took off my shoes as I glanced about the living room. "Good evening." Koumei looked up from the papers he was reading. "Oh, you're home."

She angrily stormed over to me hitting me gently on my head. "OK! Kouen! What kind of greeting is that!? You're so cold to your siblings! Try smiling and saying hello for once!" She scolded.

Kougyoku fumed tossing her flower crown on the floor. "I still can't do it..."

Kouha smiled teasingly. "Maybe it's because your fingers are so fat."

Hakuryuu, who was sitting next to Hakuei across from Koumei at the table, looked up from the blueprint he was drawing on. "Kouha only says that because he's not good with anything else." He assured Kougyoku.

"Hey! I'm good at things!" Kouha shouted defensively.

My fiance laughed, eyes shining, as she added; "at eating, sleeping, and non productive work." She teased ruffling his hair. Her eyes widened in realization. "Oh? Koumei, didn't you say that you would let Kouha do your hair?"

Koumei stiffened in his seat. "No, when did I say such a thing."

I wrapped my arms around her kissing her cheek. "Last night."

She flushed jumping out of my embrace, waving her hands around frantically. "What's with the surprise kiss!?"

I poked her forehead teasingly, holding her hand that had an emerald ring on her ring finger, kissing her knuckles. "Have you forgotten already?"

Her face turned a deeper shade of red. "I haven't forgotten! Don't think I'm an old woman yet!"

I smirked at that. "Yet?"

Her grin grew wider. "Yeah, cause I'll be sure to return the years of teasing when you sound like a rusty well in bed!" I blushed, slapping a hand over my mouth, trying to hide my flushed cheeks. She snorted kissing the tip of my nose. "I love you old man." She teased.

"let's not scare the children with your vulgar sense of humor." Koumei jeered rolling his eyes.

"Wow, love you too pimples." She muttered dryly.

"Yes, you most certainly do, that's why I'll wash your mouth out with soap tonight."

"That's so mean, Koumei!"

"Okay." I sighed. "I'll talk to him."

Koumei smiled gratefully at me, lowering his head in a bow, and leaving me to my thoughts thoughts.

Do I want to be a relationship with Alibaba? We'll that answer was simple enough for me to answer; sometimes I want to pluck him right off his feet and screw him senseless. But I was contradicting himself. While I was happy to hear the confession I was reluctant to return his feelings. I want more than a one night stand.

Will I tell him about my deceased wife? Probably not.

This is confusing. When did I start using words like 'probaly'?

My day couldn't get any worse when a purple haired pain in my ass called. "Hey! Kouen, looking forward to your visit next week." Sinbad grinned golden eyes shining.

I grunted, scribbling a few sentences and signatures on some papers. After a long moment of silence I finally growled out; "What do you want ass hat?"

"As cold as ever." I heard him scoff. "I just wanted to let you know I can't see you on Tuesday afternoon, so you can spend some time with your family."

"I'm assuming your Fanalis subordinate is participating in the champions practice match?" I spoke up, still refusing to look at the idiot.

"Yeah...um you know about that?"

"I know things." Actually it was Alibaba's calendar that had revealed that, and a message from his brother, Kassim, that he didn't need a partner for the team up matches- and he was sure that Alibaba was disappointed at that knowledge.

"Uh sure...didn't take you as a wrestling fan..." The confused expression on Sinbad's face was worth it.

"No, but my new assistant is, after he so kindly wrestled me to the groans and suffocated me in fifteen seconds." I stated flatly.

Sinbad burst out laughing, holding his sides. "Nice guy. I like him."

"I have a favor to ask of you."

He raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Teach me about wrestling."

Yes, continue to gape like an idiot; it makes me feel accomplished. "Are you serious?" He stuttered.

"Yes."

"Well...uh okay."

"Sinbad."

"Yeah?"

"I hope your balls sag so low they get bitten off by a shark."

"You're welcome."