Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN SAMURAI CHAMPLOO or any of its characters.
Sorry I haven't updated sooner! I've been stuck for ideas? Enjoy.

Chapter 7: Dinners On Me

His eyes widened at her making him balance on his elbows. "WHAT?"

She rolled off him, smiling as she bit her lip and pushed her feet into her sandals. She looked back at him, over her shoulder smirking slightly at him. "You really are going soft, just like Jin said..." She stood hand on her hip and the other swirling in the air as she gestured her words.

Mugen rose, cracking his neck as his pride switched on. He locked eyes with her. A scowl appearing on his lips. "Ya little brat!"

He snarled. He ran toward her as her eyes widened and her little white legs started moving too. Why did she even try? She pushed past tree branches as they tore at her skin. She knew he'd catch her sooner or later, she'd just have to keep running hoping he wouldn't kill her. She knew he wouldn't but he did really scare her at times. She felt warm liquid upon her lips, the taste of blood souring her tongue but she ignored it. She panted heavily, her calf bones threatening to break if she took another step. Her head racing from the adrenaline, a sickish swirl in her stomach. "Where is that pig?" She looked around at her surroundings, she had run deep into the forest. She cursed, she couldn't spot Mugen which meant he was watching from somewhere she hadn't spotted or had lost her completely. She was stuck with what to do...WHAT DO I DO? ARGH! She thought.

"There could be a rapist about...oh wait that's Mugen!" She muttered with sarcasm in her voice. She turned to walk further when-"Oit, I ain't no rapist?!" He swung upside from a branch, inches away
from her face.

"AHH!" She screamed cringing away from him, "FUCK ME MUGEN!" Her hands clutching where her heart should be.

"Already did..." He smirked, jumping down from the tree with a smirk on his lips. Leaves sticking in his hair as did most stuff...

"Knock it off, jerk..."She shoved past him, tutting.

"I ain't done with ya sweetheart" He grabbed her arm, spinning her around and pressing her body against his. His hands tightly gripping the bottom of her spine as he leant down connecting them both. Fuu's arms balanced on his solid shoulders as she yet again melted into him, their tongues dancing with each other in a battle of dominance. Her small hands tangled into his hair, tugging roughly as he dug his fingers into her back making her lean into him more. He pulled back for a second giving her a devilish look, "It's time for round two girlie..." He winked and dived back in for another kiss.

Jin had heard the whole conversation and more than he would have liked to. He sat up on his futon, rubbing his temples as Fuu's squeals of ecstasy became more audible through the echoing trees. He truly wished he could curl up and die right there or hope they both just stopped. There were making love in the forest only a few hundred yards away and yet he could still hear them. He felt tempted to get up and leave them to it, to continue his journey alone but he knew. He knew Fuu would be devastated like he couldn't depend on her and that wasn't true. Fuu was one of his first friends and no matter what happened she'd bandage him up and smile at his weak, beaten face. She could somehow stop him and Mugen in their tracks by saying just two words. Guys! Stop! Those two words. Jin chuckled to himself thinking of the many adventures they'd all had, breathing heavily he lay back as he replayed the adventures in his head. Drowning out the couple soon became easy as he eyelids dragged his consciousness down.

Mugen lay upon the dirt with Fuu in his arms, her hair ruffled, her obi untied and her kimono barely hanging onto her skinny limbs. He felt the sweat trickle down his spine as he breathed heavily into Fuu's hair as it swayed with the wind. They both panted, Fuu raised her wrist to her forehead wiping away the sweat soaking her face. She lay her head on his shoulder and he smirked as she playfully bit his shoulder. He ruffled her hair and kissed her head lightly before sighing.

"This is heaven..."

"Nah, I ain't goin' heaven Fuu yo know why?" He looked down at her curious brown eyes.

"Do I want to know?"

"Shut up...its cuz that heaven is in ma arms right now..." She kissed his neck lightly.

"I guess I had sex with a god then?" She smirked at him.

"Yeah ya did sweetheart" He leant down and nibbled at her earlobe making her giggle even more.

"Hmmm," She wrapped her arms around his torso. "Tell me one thing you haven't told anyone?"

"Ermmm...those earrin's we share were the first thing I ever stole without gettin' caught...Yo turn girlie"

"Ermm...well. When I was tied to that cross...I, I didn't think you or Jin could save me that time...I thought I was actually going to die. So when you turned up, giving up your sword for me. I was so happy but so scared that you wouldn't make it..." A tear ran down her porcelain cheek.

"No tears now girlie..." He licked her tears away. The cold, saltiness reminding him of one thing he loved except Fuu. The sea. He breathed in, closing his eyes for a moment imagining him and Fuu by the sea. The breeze flowing through their lungs as the scent of salt fills their nostrils. He got up dragging Fuu up with him. "Come on chick, we betta get back to fish face before he thinks I murdered ya"

He placed his arms over her shoulders, gluing her to his side as they slowly walked back. Her hand found its way to his side, latching onto him. He looked at her, she was so small and fragile and yet she seemed happy to be by his side. To be by the side of a criminal, ill-tempered murderer and yet she wasn't bothered or scared. Many were scared to get close and Mugen was okay with that, he didn't trust them either but Fuu...she was different. She wasn't scared by his harsh remarks or his burning stare...she seemed immune to all that. They walked further till they found the river edge again, reminding themselves of their second argument in one night...Fuu picked up her tanto as Mugen sheathed his sword on his back and returned his shirt to his torso. She came up behind him, weaving her twig like arms around his torso and bit his shoulder lovingly. He chuckled unwinding her hands and holding one in his big, tanned, rough hands. He grinned at her, making her feel nervous like the day she met him. He moved fast, swinging his arm around her waist and the other under her knees. She yelped quietly, putting her hands over her mouth as she leant her head against his neck. He held her bridal style and her arms wrapped around his skinny neck, stroking his neck as she smiled into his collarbone. He walked further until they reached the camp, Jin lay as usual tensed and breathing lightly as he lay on his futon. Glasses folded to the side of him and that usual calm look upon his face.

He placed Fuu down upon the futon, smirking as she yawned and let go of his neck as she pulled a blanket over herself. "Oit, no hoggin' the cover chick!" He whispered harshly in her ear as he stepped over her and got on the futon too. He pulled her to his chest, her back curving into him perfectly and he held her there. She spread the cover over them before quickly whispering "Stop whining...that's my job..." She closed her eyes and within minutes she was softly breathing.

"Dumb broad..." He smirked at her once again before falling into a deep sleep, still holding onto her fragile body.

* 2 months later *

Jin watched them in front of him, he was surprised they hadn't had a huge argument in the last two months. He had to admit they still bickered on small things but they didn't seem to change behaviours to each other. It was like they were travelling to find Fuu's father again. He listened to them, chuckling to himself at their topics.

"I never got dem hundred dumplins ya promised me when we met!" He hissed at her.

"I would of given you them if you didn't go overboard, burn down the teahouse and chop everyone to pieces!"

"Yo lucky ya didn't get chopped eh? If it weren't for me, ya'd only have a finger dumb broad!"

"It wasn't my fault the governors' son was a jerk!"

"What like it ain't ya fault ya gotta big mouth?"

"I would mind your mouth Mugen or you won't get anything from me!"

"Nahh dont tempt me ya little brat!"

"Okay then big guy, no sex for a week!"

"Fuck that Fuu, ya be beggin' for it by tomorrow chick!"

"I think that's quite enough you two..."Jin interrupted before things got too out of hand, where he might have to try to erase such words. They both looked round at him, Fuu sheepishly smiled. Guilty no doubt and Mugen...a scowl as usual. "We'll be arriving in a town in a while and I'd rather you two were getting on when we arrive..."Jin shut his eyes sighing slightly as they continued.

Just as Jin had said a town stood on the horizon and they slowly crept towards it. The sun faded away as they arrived in a well light and buzzing town, stalls surrounded them. Food steaming around them as the scents flew up their noses, their stomachs grumbled to consume the food in which such great smells came from. Fuu held her stomach, it rumbled and ached manically. Just like the old days I suppose, she thought. Her hand lingered there for a moment. Her stomach felt hard...unnaturally hard and tender...She ignored it, it was probably because she was so hungry.

"Where should we eat tonight?" She twirled around to them. A smile consuming most of her pale face, Mugen smirked lightly and Jin raised an eyebrow. "Come on guys, this is a rare opportunity! You two can pick!"

She stood in front of them still smiling as the two men looked at each other clueless on what to do. Mugen hooked his arm of Jin's shoulder, his finger begging Jin towards his face. Mugen's mouth moved but Fuu couldn't translate what he was saying, he smirked making eye contact with Fuu as he shut his mouth and Jin nodded. The two parted and Mugen walked toward Fuu, Jin following like an obedient dog follows its master. Mugen faced Fuu holding her shoulders comfortingly and crouched slightly so he was on eye level with her. "Okay Fuu...since ya offerin' why don' cha use ya cute little ass to get us free food?" He turned her around so her back hit his shoulders and he stretched out his arms gesturing towards a restaurant that poured steam out of its doors and into the street. "Go on, ya know ya want to..."He pushed her forward a bit, his voice purring into her ear.

God he can make me do anything...bloody pirate, she thought. She huffed, dragging her feet towards the restaurant trying to think of a way to get sympathy and lots of food. She peeped in, keeping her head there and letting her stomach grumble louder and louder so the restaurant owner could hear it through the room. She put her hand to her stomach as it grumbled saying loud enough for everyone to hear "Oh...the food smells so good but I have no money..."

Mugen watched with Jin, knowing what was coming next...the face. All women had one and Fuu was about to do hers. "What is Fuu doing to manipulate the restaurant owner?" Jin muttered as he stood behind Mugen.

"She's doin' what all bitches do, whine, blackmail, look cute and get result" Mugen simply answered.

"You truly are a fool..." Jin rolled his eyes as he placed his palm on his forehead. "If this terrible plan of yours doesn't work I'm not getting involved..."He took a step back, showing how serious he was.

"More ass to kick for me then eh?"Mugen turned raising an eyebrow but quickly whipped his head towards Fuu as he spotted the owner coming towards her.

Fuu's stomach started to hurt with hunger now and kept growling almost like it was screaming through the walls of her body. She hunched over a bit, looking like she was in pain and grabbed her middle slightly. The owner approached, it was man in his forties, grey strands of hair staining his jet black locks. He was quite handsome and concerned consumed his face as he approached. Fuu looked up at him trying to smile at him and straightening up.

"Are you alright miss?" His voice was deep, like a purr and it sent shivers up Fuu's back.

"I-I...," A loud rumble escaped her as she clutched her stomach. "I'm fine..."

"Oh god," The owner took hold of her shoulders and guided her into the doorway. "Here have a seat?" He gestured towards a table.

"B-but I have no money? I-I can't..."

"Shh it's on the house my dear. Are you alone?" He nodded at a waiter who served her a cup of sake and a bowl of rice.

"No...my two friends. Well they're starving too..." She looked up at the owner, rice sticking to her chin as she widened her eyes begging for sympathy.

"I'm sure we can accommodate them too!" He smiled unknowing of what hell he was releasing onto his restaurant.

"Sir!" she grabbed his sleeve, bringing him close to her face. "We're quite big eaters..."

"We've got plenty of food! What's all your names?" He stood a smile still on his face, Fuu felt bad for him.

She finished the bowl wiping her face with her sleeve, her hand to her chest. "I'm Fuu and my two friends' names are Mugen and Jin. They're outside..."

He moved to get them but she caught his sleeve and caught his attention with it. "Thank you so much..." She murmured before tucking into another bowl of food.

Mugen saw the owner come out and approach various groups of people looking rather confused. The owner approached them slowly as he fiddled with his hands, nervousness painted on his face. He paused in front of them before looking them in their eyes. "Do you know of anyone called Mugen or Jin around here?" He said timidly, "They're expected at my restaurant..."

"Hmm Mugen 'n' Jin ehh? I saw dem..."Mugen slyly replied a smirk curving his lips.

"Oh good, so what's their where abouts?" he face beamed at Mugen.

"Yo lookin' at dem..."He smiled crossing his long arms across his chest.

Horror flashed across the owner's face. "Ik..eh..."He turned around slowly away from them. "This...way..." He started walking slow and awkwardly towards the restaurant.

Mugen smirked in victory following behind, his head held high as Jin tutted in his usual serious manner. Mugen followed the man into the restaurant with Jin shuffling behind like an old man. The restaurant was rather busy, waitresses staggered around the place with trays balancing huge amounts of food and drink in their hands. Mugen could see Fuu sitting at a table, staring sadly into her bowl. Rice stuck to her small bony chin. They approached the table and Fuu looked up. Her eyes glittering at Mugen almost like he'd been gone for a lifetime and had finally come back. She smiled happily fiddling with her chopsticks. The restaurant owner left them, smiling sweetly at Fuu before leaving hurriedly after receiving a scowl from Mugen.

"Come on, I got us food!" Fuu said happily, patting the table near the food. Her mouth bulged with the amount of rice she was shovelling in which reminded the two men of their previous adventures.

Mugen sat next to Fuu, feeling her heat radiate onto his skin and her scent lingered in his nose as he leant across to grab a bowl of food. Mugen stared at Fuu, the rice sticking to her chin reminding him of her cheeky gesture when he first found her again. He smirked to himself before leaning dangerously close to her and letting his long tongue connect with her chin. Fuu's cheeks flared into a bright red shade as Jin placed his face in his palm with a sigh.

Later that night when the trio's stomach were almost bursting they set out to find themselves a place to sleep. Fuu lacked behind and was unusually slow which concerned Mugen and she wasn't talking which scared him. She'd been silent most of the time during their dinner and if he said anything that criticised her, she'd shrug and continue her silence. He stood waiting for her to reach him as Jin finally stopped a few metres in front. Mugen scowled at him, "Da fuck does he want?" Thought Mugen. Jin approached Mugen silently muttering to him, "What do you think is wrong with Fuu?"

"I dunno...she aint herself"

"Maybe she ate too much rice..."

"Nope, dat broad never have too much rice"

"It's getting late so we better hurry along..."

"I gotcha" Mugen winked quickly approaching Fuu and before she could protest he slung her over his shoulder. Mugen quickly caught up with Jin walking along side him like it was normal to have a girl hanging over his shoulder.

"Is Fuu asleep?" Jin raised an eyebrow at Mugen, nodding towards the girl limply hanging like a doll.

"Oi...Fuu. Dumb broad?" He waited a moment but no response came, "She outta it..."

"I feel that something may be incorrect with Fuu. Her behaviours have changed..."

"Ain't noticed it"

"I didn't expect you to" Jin smiled at him intelligently.

"I will end ya"

"I think those tables will turn..."

They continued in silence until they approached a small hut looking lonely upon a hill. The sky was black and only a few sparkles of the stars shone through the thick shadow of the night. Jin pushed open the door, creaking and whining under his touch. Mugen stuck his head through the door way, looking around the room for a place to sleep with Fuu. He sniffed slightly and hurried in. Jin just stood looking at him as he acted like a stray dog. Mugen quickly got out a futon, dusting it off before transferring the unconscious girl from his shoulder and onto the soft layer of bedding. He smiled to himself when he thought Jin wasn't looking. She looked so peaceful, some of her brunette hair stray upon her forehead. He didn't linger too long as he was aware of Jin still standing in the door way.

Mugen lay down casually next to Fuu, hands behind his head, closing his eyes but keeping awake. He put on a soft snore and listened until he could Jin's soft breathing settle into a pattern. He was asleep, he opened one of his eyes, double checking for the sneaky bastard. Asleep...stay down fish face...he thought. He slid across the floor towards Fuu, her peaceful face towards him. He stared at her face, lightly brushing her lips with his before wrapping his arms around her waist. He placed his mouth next to her ear.

"Night" He hesitated, "I...I love you"

Sorry I took so long guys! I was a tad stuck but I hope you enjoyed that.