DISCLAIMER: I do not own Samurai Champloo or any of its characters. Sorry I took so long to write this chapter, I know I'm sorry. Love me? I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 4: Unexpected News?
Jin's only just turned up and Mugen's already ripping into him. What's wrong with him? Yes Jin walked up to us in an awkward situation but it didn't mean Mugen could verbally attack him? What is with them...I mean Mugen's probably telling Jin we've had sex and now Jin will never look at me the same only as another whore Mugen had fun with. Fuu's brain was on overload from being kidnapped, having sex with Mugen then Jin showing up. Her life was calm and peaceful and within a day it was somehow thrown back into chaos and lunacy. She finally made her way into town where the market was still like hell. Maids and young women were running around pinching things and throwing their money around the place, while stall vendors smiled fiendishly, catching the money within their greedy hands. Fuu sighed, eyeing the market stalls till she found the right one, the food and drinks stall. She gazed over the foods deciding straight away, the vendor smiled asking her how he could help her today. "Can I have some sake, rice, beef, miso, and some fish?" Fuu requested as she reached into her kimono pulling out her purse. The vendor collected the products wrapping them and handing them to her. "1825 yen miss." He requested as Fuu clutched the food and handed over the money. She looked in her purse, Damn! I'm broke now, I haven't had to feed two others in ages ;she thought. She sighed walking back up the hill, she giggled a bit thinking of when Mugen picked her up running the hill the day before.
She missed eating with the two men, but now she could relive those missed moments one last time. She looked at what she bought realising she bought sake even though she didn't drink, Mugen. Ahh, he seems to influence my decisions now...jeez what am I thinking? I need to stop acting like a puppy with him and stand up and say 'no', she thought.
Mugen still sat facing Jin. What's fish face here for? He better not try it with Fuu...I've bagged that chick whoa. What's this? Suddenly I care if Jin marries Fuu? Fuck sake, why would anyone marry that broad...just cos I had sex with her doesn't mean I care. I'd rather marry some chick with decent hooters, fuck. Why am I even thinking of settling down. That bitch's got me thinking of mushy shit. DAMN HER! He thought. He growled looking at Jin. Jin raised an eyebrow, hearing his rival make such a typical noise. "I suggest if you're trying to start a conversation while Fuu's absent you start it with words..." Jin showed disgust on his face as Mugen glared back.
"I wasn't gonna start a conversation four eyes so I suggest ya shud it!" He raised his tone threateningly at Jin. Jin smirked slightly at him rather amused at his reaction Mugen scowled more than usual. Which always failed to scare the samurai.
"You've gone soft Mugen..."Jin stated quite suddenly.
"WHAAAAAAT? Pffft. HAHA!" Mugen shocked at first burst into laughter, sprawled across the floor as he cracked up at the statement.
"I said you've gone soft Mugen. Not physical but your characteristics you used to hold aren't as vivid as when we were on our journey."
"Fish face, ya need to get down to it?" Mugen didn't see the point of conversation. Pinkie in his ear to gesture he lost his interest.
"What I mean is that our friend Fuu has changed you, you used to argue with me and Fuu constantly. You were smiling when I encountered you and Fuu upon the hill, you've gained feelings for her haven't you?"
Jin had him all worked out. Fuck! He knew before I even knew I like her...Now I think of it. The chicks wormed her little, whiny, brattiest ass into my head. The brats ass looks even better now I've done her in- whoa. Ahh come on, fuck that stupid chick. She has a life, she would have a nice life with Jin as a husband. He thought.
"We were the little brats body guards for a year course I feel I have to save her fat ass all the time..." He wasn't going to give in to Jin's accusations, he could kiss his ass before saying anything.
"Mugen, you misunderstand what I am saying. We both had the instinct to look after her, my instinct as a friend is to care but you seem to have strayed onto another sort of instinct. You say you had intercourse with her," Mugen knew he couldn't duck out of this one. He shouldn't of said he had sex with Fuu. That was the giveaway. "If you didn't care for her you wouldn't still be here. You would have left yesterday or this morning. You haven't obviously noticed but during our travels Fuu didn't let anyone man touch her affectionately even in the slightness. She only embraced me once but for her to let you do your dirty biddings with her is what allows me to think she has grown feelings for you too. From the way you touched her when I arrived you've also grown feelings for her." He finished his theory and looked at Mugen expected an answer.
Fuu had got to the top of the hill, hearing them talking of something. THEY WERE TALKING! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! Wow, they're actually getting on. They're not murdering each other! But what are they saying? Fuu crept outside sitting against the wall next to the doorway directly behind them listening patiently.
"Well maybe ya right four eyes. I don't give a rats ass if ya care. Yeah, maybe she 'likes' me an' maybe I want the dumb board too. She'd rather be wit someone else like ya, I don't settle. I'm stray, the chick wouldn't cope an' I won't always be there when she's got her ass in trouble. Some other bastard will have to do that...but they'd probably die an' then what? I go get her again? Do all that mushy shit hoping she'll cry in my arms like the wimp she is an' want me back? I ain't no hero an' ya know it..." He pounded his fist onto the table making Fuu jump, tears ran down her face.
He was scared... of what I'd do if I knew. He has feelings for me and he thinks he's not good enough...If only he knew how much I like him...oh Mugen if only you knew I was hear listening. He thinks he can't be the one. Oh Mugen. She thought. She wanted to curl up and cry in his lap but he'd know if she did. She decided to listen and cue when to arrive.
"Fuu's my friend and quite dear to me, of course I care what man she loves in the end. Mugen, I don't think she cares if you're a wanderer. I think if you wanted a woman and not Fuu you would of headed into the city for that but you had Fuu instead. I didn't care Shino was married, like how Fuu doesn't care about your past. I want to be with her, you have to make a decision Mugen if you want to be with Fuu or not. I'd make it soon if I were you, breaking Fuu's hope may land you in a early grave from me personally..." Jin got up, sitting down meditating with his back towards Mugen. Mugen was still angry that Jin had figured him out that he wasn't as discreet as he thought he was. He only took off the mask with Fuu. Fuu decided it was time to show, wiping her eyes with her sleeve hoping it would hide what had happened.
Suddenly she appeared at the door startling Mugen. "I'm back!" she smiled, though Mugen saw a sad look in her eyes. Her eyes were bloodshot. Her cheeks were puffy and her lips was quivering. She'd been crying and he wasn't going to stand watching it if she broke down, tears flooding down her beautiful face. "What bastard did it?" He got up, acting like he wanted to kick ass so needed a reason.
"Who did what?" Fuu was confused, her head twisted in interest and curiosity of his care. She placed the products on the counter, unpacking them slowly as her hands shook violently.
"What bastard made ya cry Fuu? I need to kick some ass give me the reason..." He stood between her and the counter, wedging himself in place so she couldn't get past. He bent down, staring her into her face till she pouted. Her hands making fists as she shook her head.
"No one.." She shoved past Mugen. Grabbing the sake and slamming it on the counter, she popped the cork open and took a swig. She wiped her lips with the sleeve of her kimono still holding the bottle of sake. Mugen snatched the bottle corking it before she drank the whole thing, he wasn't going to take her attitude; he was the one with the attitude not her. He placed the bottle on top of the highest shelf thinking, She's such a short ass, she'll never reach it without me.
He grabbed her chin with one of his hands, smirking as he made her look at him. "Then why were you crying girlie?" He raised his eyebrow at her.
"Fine, I saw a family. A little girl with brunette hair with her mother. She also had her father...that's why..." Fuu lied knowing Mugen would understand that Fuu always wanted a complete family not the broken one she used to have. Now she was an orphan and he knew that. He leaned back a bit, taking his hand off her face taken aback by the sudden sadness in her eyes. Jin suddenly stood said he was going to meditate where no emotion interrupted and excused himself.
They were alone. Fuu was glad Mugen has fallen for her lie, had not figured out her true feelings or knew how he felt from eavesdropping him and Jin. Act normal, normal? nag him, be annoying as hell! Normal...She thought.
"Mugen..."She whined tugging at his shirt he smirked knowing she was fine now. "Get the sake please? I won't drink it! Come on! PLEASE!" She ended up shouting at him. He chuckled putting one hand over her face and the other reached for the bottle. He mimicked dropping the bottle panicking Fuu a lot till she was cursing just like he usually did. "Fuck sake Mugen, pass it here! DON'T BE SUCH A BASTARD, FUCKING GIVE IT OVER NOW!" She was screaming furious now at his games.
"Calm it girlie!" He put her in a head lock with one arm while taking a sip of sake making sure the liquid covered his lips. "Wanna sip chick?" He looked down at her as she nodded and pouted.
He put her out the head lock taking one more sip before gesturing for her to come closer, sake soaking his lips. She stepped forward her arm extended so she could have the bottle for herself. He put the base of the bottle on top of her open palm but didn't let go. He suddenly pulled her closer with his other hand at the back of her neck, crashing his liquid soaked lips into hers so she could taste the sake between their lips. He managed to get his tongue into her mouth allowing her to taste even more sake upon his indulged tongue that danced with hers. He pulled away letting go of the bottle and leaning against the counter smirking flirtatiously. "Good sake ehh?" He looked at her still puzzled face her eyes wide and blinking.
"Y-yes..."Her face turned to anger as she started shouting and punching his arms "MUGEN! YOU PERVERT LETTING ME DRINK SAKE THROUGH YOUR MOUTH!" She punched her little fists into his chest as he chuckled from the tickling sensation she was creating with her weak fists.
"Oi girlie," He took hold of her wrists, turning and throwing her onto the floor. Pinning her down with his body. "Ya such a weakling ya know?"
"Me the weakling?" She smirked and kneed him in his manhood, his eyes crossed as he rolled over in pain next to her. She grabbed hold of one of his hands bringing it to her lips when the pain left him. Kissing each of his knuckles softly smiling and whispering 'sorry', he looked at her in shock. Fuu's holding my hand...does she care like I do for her? She felt his hands, rough and strong against her gentle and soft skin. She traced her thumb over his knuckles, the rock hard mounds somehow contained within the tanned skin. She opened his palm looking fascinated at the scar he had gained saving her. Claws impaled his hand and yet somehow he fought for her, he even gave up his sword willingly. The pain's evidence was just a pale jagged line across his huge palm, she traced it with her finger affectionately, smiling at how he must care for her then and now.
"Fuu..."She jumped a little at Mugen's voice but she looked up looking at him in those dark eyes. He held her hand now putting his other hand behind his head as he looked at her. Those innocent eyes, he had to tell her even if he faced rejection, he had to. "I got to tell ya something...don't get ya obi in a twist oka-"
Jin walked in realising the pair were laying next to each other. Staring into each other's eyes, holding the other's hand. They looked up separating from one of another, mumbling that they had an arm wrestle that went 'over board'. They both got up standing away from each other as Fuu blushed and Mugen scratched his chin.
"It appears I've walked into a private moment, my apologises but I must talk with both of you." He sat at the table waiting till they also sat round the table. "It seems I haven't told you why I'm visiting at such short notice and I've only just stumbled upon this thought. So now I shall tell you, in five exact months Shino will be released from the camp I sent her to nearly two years ago. I'm planning a trip to meet her and thought that for our previous travels sake that you two would maybe like to join me. So Fuu and Mugen would you join me for another journey but in this case on my reasons" Jin smiled at them for a few moments. Fuu's mouth gaped open, she smiled and launched across to Jin hugging him as she cried. "Of course we'll join you! Won't we?" She pulled away from Jin pouting at Mugen convincingly.
"Fine bitch, I'll travel with ya and fish face for old times' sake..." He closed his eyes leaning against the wall, hands behind his head as per usual. Fuu squealed with joy embracing Mugen's chest as he looked down rolling his eyes, patting her back with one hand. "Stop the mushy shit girlie..." He raised his eyebrows when she looked up and finally pulled away.
"When do we leave four eyes?" Mugen lay across the floor, hoping he may get a nap in before they left.
"Tomorrow morning...so rest." Jin still sat closing his eyes like he was in meditation.
"I'll make dinner now then?" Fuu got up wanting to stuff her face just in case she got starved like the last trip.
"Yeah, rice and fish stew grub now..." Mugen ordered earning himself a slap from Fuu as she nagged at him for being a jerk. Mugen jumped up nagging back on how whiny she was.
"Hmm..." Jin murmured.
*THE NEXT DAY- ABOUT 10 AM*
The sun glared down upon the three companions as they prepared for another journey across into Edo. The sun became even more unbearable as the three packed supplies for their journey, Fuu pulled out her tanto slicing the bottom of her yukata off so the hem now stopped mid thigh, she also hung the material loose on her shoulders letting if any cool breeze hit her neck. She also tied her hair back with the material from her kimono looking like a bandana, her obi a smooth cream wrapped around her waist and linen shorts under her yukata so she didn't accidently flash someone. Mugen tied his red outer shirt around his waist so the thin white shirt flowed off him, his usual baggy shorts keeping him cool. However Jin somehow ignored the weather and kept fully clothed in his robes and his hair tied as usual. Fuu and Mugen looked at one another raising an eyebrow at each other. Fuu shrugged and walked in front of the companions and talked away. "You know Jin, we're completely comfortable with you taking some garments off, the weather is real harsh and you must be nearly dying in your samurai clothing..." She continued this subject on for a whole thirty minutes.
Jin's reply remained a "Hmmm..." walking next to Mugen who's hands naturally held behind his head as he whistled a familiar song. Mugen rather liked walking Fuu now, her legs were slender and showing and her ass. He smiled thinking that he was first to succeed, he noticed her hips swayed differently like women who were whores or had husbands. Yeah, she's part of my type now with those hips. They could smash down a door...He thought. He was so indulged in his thoughts he didn't notice he was ignoring Fuu still Jin hit him in the side with the hilt of his katana. "OW? Kiss my ass ya bastard..." He scowled at Jin.
"Thanks Jin, Mugen? You weren't listening," She was beside him, Jin walked ahead leaving them to talk and lead their journey. "I was saying about the time Jin tried fishing and finally caught one but when he ran up to us fell over?"
"I remember, when I did my impression of him as well! *In Jin's calm, deep one* Fishing is a life and death struggle between man and fish, forget this and you must certainly get hurt..." He cracked up laughing as did Fuu, she gripped the sleeve of his shirt stabilising herself. While Mugen walked along snorting with laughter, Jin turned glaring at both of them over his shoulder.
By the afternoon they had arrived in a town, with many teahouses but no brothels to Fuu's relief. She hoped that Mugen would prefer her company than other women's in the town and didn't think she was annoying and not worth his time. The nearest restaurant was lit up and looked friendly and the trio made their way towards it. They entered a restaurant and sat at the nearest table, Fuu sat and surprisingly Mugen sat down next to her, she smiled to herself. A waitress gave them some menus, bowing and left them to pick. Fuu picked up her menu choosing rice and squid sticks, she looked over to Mugen who looked puzzled at the page. He can't read, I remember now. She thought. She sat closer to him, took the menu off of him and started reading out the options for him. After she finished she said "So Mugen what are you going to have?" She smiled at him.
"Erm, fried eel and noodles...thanks chick" He took the menu back, smiling cheekily at her. The waitress appeared suddenly blushing whenever Mugen looked at her, which was only once to say his order. Fuu thought she was pretty, about nineteen years old, she wore a deep purple kimono, her dark hair tied up upon her head. They finished ordering as the waitress bowed and left their table, she came back with some cups and a big bottle of sake. Mugen popped the cork open pouring a small glass for the samurai and pushing it towards him. "There you go, light weight..." Mugen said as Jin replied "Ahh..."
He chuckled pouring Fuu a full glass and him also a full glass. " Hey girlie, wanna drink contest after the grub? It's on me..." He smiled at her knowing she'd say yes.
"BRING IT ON!" She said in a dramatic way thrusting her fist into the air. It made him laugh how dorky but still beautiful she could be, to hell he would ever admit that especially after Jin cock blocked him when he was trying to tell Fuu about his feelings. They gulped down their drinks but Jin was already glazing over and the food wasn't even here yet. Fuu started waving her hand in front of his face and snapping her fingers until he gained some concentration. He blinked and his mouth gaped when the food arrived rice, noodles, fish, squid sticks and fried eel.
The waitress showed up again with another bottle of sake and said it was on the house. Mugen beamed at Fuu, she knew he was going to enjoy their little contest after the food. Fuu stuffed herself but left room for plenty of sake. Jin suddenly finished his food seeming less intoxicated and said " It seems that waitress likes you Mugen..." His head hit the table and he passed out.
Fuu snorted at Jin's face, mouth agape and his glasses slightly wonky. She took them off his face and placed them beside his face. "Lightweight..." She murmured.
"She's not my type..."Mugen suddenly muttered looking at the waitress who was bent over a table, her ass facing his way. "She ain't even got a good ass?" Fuu smacked him over the head, he turned glaring at her.
"Don't shout it though or she'll hear and not give us free booze?" She whispered into his ear. Smiling slyly, Mugen could see what he had to do. Flirt. Get free booze. Contest. Win. Best day ever on his records at least.
"Okay bitch, I flirt for free booze but you got to pay for the bill..." Fuu suddenly remembered going broke after buying food at her home town. Jin had money and he was first to pass out, he wouldn't mind at all and he wouldn't notice or even remember after the food.
"Or even better, get Jin to take the bill ehh?" She smiled at Mugen when he said she was a smart bitch. She carefully felt for his pouch sticking her tongue out in concentration. "Got it!" She thrusted the pouch into the air as she stood up and went to pay for the bill, she patted Mugen's back which meant flirt now and get us free booze! She left the table taking her time to pay and walk back by acting like she dropped something and chatting with other customers. She looked over the waitress was already there, oooh this girl's determined to get sex from Mugen. Flirt Mugen and I'll love you forever! She thought. Well half of it was true at least.
The waitress was annoying him now, she kept bending over like she had chest but seriously. He looked and she has smaller hooters than Fuu did when she was fifteen and this girl was supposed to be older, pffft. He just smiled at her and she nearly passed out while blushing, she hurried away saying she'd get them some more drinks. Fuu made her way over nudging him when she sat down. "How we doing?" Fuu eyes darting towards the panicking waitress as she smiled at Mugen.
"She's an emotional wreck, she's worse than you after five days of starvation..."Fuu slapped his arm playfully.
"She's that bad? Wow, she is defiantly a mess!" She said giggling a bit. She liked this game they were playing.
After drinking five whole bottles of sake between themselves, Fuu looked dizzy, she could hardly keep awake any longer. Mugen was on the edge of her state. "Fuu, yo improved ya drinking skills ha-ha, ya changed quite a bit ya know?" Mugen's eyes locked onto Fuu, who just shaked her head at him.
"Ya got real pretty, not like whorish pretty. I mean pretty girl, pretty ehh?"She was hick cupping, she needed to go to bed. Mugen was tipsy, very tipsy but nearly drunk.
"Ha-ha Mugen. Muu Muu, " Mugen looked at her smirking but cupping her face with one hand, mouthing 'pretty girl' at her. "We need to go home, Ji's nearly dead and at this rate I'll pass... out" She tried getting up but fell over the bench she was sitting on, Mugen burst into laughter. Cracking up and slamming his fist on the table before staggering up. He grabbed Jin by the collar dragging him across the floor while Fuu ran after him, staggering and tripping but she clutched his hand. The waitress got in trouble for giving them so many bottles of sake free. They slowly made their way out of the restaurant where the streets were lit up by lanterns, stalls and the red light district. Mugen staggered dragging the trio into an inn, he glared and somehow they managed to get a free room.
Most of it was a blur to Fuu, she remembers getting into her room and then blackness. Mugen let Jin go from his collar so he lay face first onto the flooring, Fuu stood wobbling until she finally passed out murmuring 'Muu, Muu Mugen...' every few minutes until Mugen actually pulled her by her collar towards the futons. He took his shirt off, If little girlie saw me now, she'd be redder than a whores lipstick...gotta love bein' me...He thought. Laying down as he pulled her unconscious body into his arms, wrapping her up in his shirt and falling unconscious himself.
Jin's been such a cock block this chapter. I'm so sorry I took so long! Been really busy but I took the time to make this a really long chapter for you guys! see I love you? What do you think will happen? Will Fuu freak? Will Mugen just say it was because he was drunk? Will Jin have carpet burn on his face and be in a fucking bad mood? I would be if someone dragged me by the face from a restaurant to an inn. I'd be mad pissed.