Taking Care of You

By the Alternative Source

Disclaimer: I don't own anything when it comes to Samurai Champloo. Except my story of course. Lol.

Summary: Fuu gets seriously injured when she saves Mugen during an attack.

Chapter 10

Previously on Taking Care of You………………

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Fuu smiled as she tried to lower herself on her futon, "Come on Mugen. Is that the best you can do?"

Obviously having some trouble Mugen walked over and helped Fuu lay down on the mattress, "I can do better. Just don't want to hurt your feelings girlie. Tired?"

"Yeah. That was a good amount of exercise for today but I'm tired. And my shoulder is hurting."

Mugen grabbed some of the balm and bandages next to the wall, "Just sleep."

Fuu searched for his hand as she felt sleep creeping in on her. Without searching much she felt his fingers twine with hers, "Thank you for everything Mugen."

"No more chick moments. Sleep," Mugen grumbled as he started changing her bandages. Fuu smacked him lightly and fell asleep with one more comment on her lips.

"Told you that you couldn't get me mad."

Mugen looked down at her and watched as she drifted off. Replacing the bandage on her shoulder he traced his hand over the red scar. Her wounds were healing quickly but she would have scars. It would hurt her but he promised himself that he would be there. He wasn't the type of guy that talked about his feelings but he would have to admit that this girl had wormed his way into his heart. And that was exactly why he had gotten her the necklace. He wanted to show her that after all these years he had learned something about himself. Something that he had never wanted to do, "Believe it or not. I want to keep you happy forever girlie."

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Now on with the story……

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A couple hours later Fuu and Mugen were being seated at the local inn. As they took their places across from each other Fuu looked around for Jin.

"I'll have some with you in a moment," a polite little woman said before scurrying away.

Mugen eyed her, "Looks like you when we started out. Scrawny with no chest."

Fuu kicked him under the table softly, "Hey….Still trying to get me mad."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Now where's that waitress?" Mugen said gruffly as he looked around for a waiter or waitress to help them, "Starving."

"You wonder where Jin is?" Fuu asked.

Mugen answered her without turning her way, "Probably with some broad. Looks innocent the first time you glance at him but I know better."

"Jin is probably running a little late. He's been acting really weird lately. Only comes around when I'm asleep or to bring me more balm for my wounds."

At this comment Mugen turned to her and smirked, "He's nervous."

"Nervous? About?"

"About you and me. That's what he's nervous about. Can't get a glance at either of us together before bolting out the room like he's on a damn mission."

Fuu shook her head. She had noticed that he had been acting weird. Jin she meant. Mugen was acting different because they were moving forward in their relationship. But Jin was a completely different story. He had barely been near her during her waking moments. And she didn't deny that she missed him.

"I miss him."

"You miss four eyes?"

"Stop calling him that. He's a great guy."

"Great guy?"

"Yeah, great guy," Fuu pointed a finger at him, "You jealous?"

"No, does it look like I'm jealous."

"From here it does."

"Well…" what he was about to say was cut off by the sound of the waiter. He was a young man with brown short hair. His skin was tanner than most of the other waiters. Probably a young man who had just started there by the looks of it. Probably used to spend most of his time outside playing with his friends or working in the fields. The first suggestion was probably it. The young man was too happy and well fed to be a field worker.

"Hello," he said in a cheerful voice as he shuffled from foot to foot, "I'm Juro. And I will be your waiter tonight.

Before Mugen could say something rude Fuu gave a polite smile and said, "Hello."

Juro handed them two booklets, "Here are the menus. Would you like anything to drink? There is a new…."

"Sake kid. Just bring some sake," Mugen said quickly before opening the menu. To Mugen the conversation was over but for Juro it wasn't. Turning to Fuu he smiled and asked her what she wanted to drink, "Sake kid. Didn't I just ask for some?"

Fuu kicked Mugen under the table and smiled at Juro, "Don't mind him. He needs better training."

"Not from you," Mugen replied but backed down slightly at the look on Fuu's face. She was angry and a little embarrassed. Leaning back his seat he pulled up his menu and looked and said, "I'm ready to order."

Fuu looked at his through her lashes. He had given up. Never in her entire time with him had she seen this. Mugen the man with the ego the size of the sky had just backed down from a glare from her. The bond that was growing between them had to be the cause for this change.

'Well can't expect him to be an ass to me forever. Maybe a little bit of an ass but he's changed,' Fuu smiled, 'He's being nicer to me.'

Fuu pulled her menu up and looked at it quickly also, "Might as well order too. I'll have…." (Author's Note: Insert whatever food you think they would order. Lol. Not good with knowing what they would eat and what was available during that time.)

After placing her order Mugen went ahead and placed his order. Juro smiled and took their menus, "Good choices indeed. Ordered the most popular things on the menu."

Fuu smiled back at him and looked at him with a little question in her eyes, "Anything else."

He jumped a little at her voice and his eyes came back into focus. Juro scratched the back of his head and laughed, "Sorry. Have a short attention span. I think it's because…"

Before Mugen could insult the poor kid a man placed his hand on Juro shoulder and pulled him back slightly, "Always the talkative one." This one was even better looking than Juro. But there were similarities. They must be family. The man who was obviously a waiter also had long brown hair in a high ponytail. He also had the tanner skin that Juro had. Fuu thought they were friends at first until she looked at their faces.

'Same exact faces. But he looks older than Juro. Probably the older brother.'

"Juro likes to be a little talkative sometimes. Gets his nerves into place. I'm Arashi. This one's brother," Arashi said quickly as he looked at Mugen and then Fuu. His eyes seemed to settle on her, "And who is this?"

"None of your business. Shouldn't you be getting our food?" Mugen said with jealously slightly edging itself in his voice.

Arashi let out a laugh, "Just asking the ladies name. We usually don't get such beautiful ladies here. Small place and all."

Fuu looked at Mugen with anger evident in her eyes, "You know everyone's not out to get us? We're just eating food."

"Yeah, sure. Things can happen at any time," he said as he looked straight into her eyes.

Suddenly understanding what he saying Fuu sighed. Mugen wasn't acting out or being disrespectful because he was Mugen. He was acting this way because he wanted to protect her. No matter where they were and who was with them he still had an eye out. He was watching out for her and she….loved it.

"Can we just get our food?" Fuu asked with a soft smile.

Juro nodded and headed off to hand in the order to the cook and Arashi bowed, "Did not mean to offend. We really don't get customers like you two here. It's refreshing." And with that he walked away to help other patrons.

When Fuu turned back to Mugen she could see that he was cleaning his fingernails. Watching she could tell that he was tenser than usual. His shoulders were straight back and his muscles in his arms were flexed. Deciding to calm him down she reached across the table to take his hand. When she was inches from his hand a pain shot through her shoulder and she recoiled back. Hissing in pain she didn't even see when Mugen moved next to her. Without saying a word he pulled back her top to look at her shoulder.

"You strained it you idiot. What were you doing?"

"Nothing," Fuu said as she turned away from his questioning eyes. She felt a hand under her chin. Letting it guide her she was looking at Mugens face again. He was a couple inches away.

"What were you doing?"

"Just trying to reach for something," she said as she didn't look at her face.

Mugen gripped her chin a little tighter, "Fuu." Obviously he didn't believe her. Looking into his eyes she gave in. Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his briefly.

"Iwasreachingforyourhand," she said quickly.

"What?"

"I was reaching for your hand."

Mugen smirked and sat next to her. Without saying a word he took one of her hands into his under the table. Fuu looked at him in surprise but didn't say a word. Turning back around they sat in silence until Jin appeared. He looked as calm as ever. Walking towards them he took a seat across from them.

"Hey Jin," Fuu said, "Where you been?"

"Hello. Had some things to finish," Jin said as Mugen snorted at his comment, "How do you feel Fuu?"

"Better thanks to the balm that you brought me. You're never around enough for me to thank you."

"My apologies. I've been canvassing the area lately."

This got Mugen's attention, "Why four eyes?"

"Things have been odd lately," Jin said as he picked up the menu and looked through it.

"What are you talking about?" Mugen asked as he leaned forward. He was definitely interested now in what Jin was talking about.

"Since the attack I've been keeping a watch out. Talking with the neighbors and seeing if there was any strange activities lately. Apparently nothing was happening until a couple weeks ago when some farmers bodies were found in the river near by."

Fuu's eyes looked surprised. Jin hadn't dissppeared because he was nervous about the blossoming relationship between Mugen and herself. Well maybe a little nervous. But he was really spending most of his time guarding her. Watching out for her. Protecting her.

"There have been some petty crimes here and there but those that one got my attention. Apparently their farm was on the edge of the village. Near the forest where the attack happened. I think we might have a problem."

"What do you mean?" Fuu asked with worry evident in her voice.

Jin placed his menu down and looked at Fuu, "I think we're being followed."

"Followed?" Fuu laced her fingers through Mugen's hand and squeezed it. He held her hand reassuringly, "What do you mean?"

"I've found a couple foot prints around the balcony and shuffling here and there. At first I didn't care much for it until those murders."

"Murders?" Juro asked as he suddenly appeared with their sake. Behind him Arashi appeared carrying their food. Placing their food in front of Mugen and then Fuu he stood back up with a smile.

"What are you guys talking about?" Arashi asked with a smile aimed for Fuu.

"I think their talking about those two murders by the forest," Juro said as he nervously poured their sake, "Heard there was blood everywhere."

"Ohhh, those murders. One of the first murders we've had here in a while," Arashi said as he wiped his hands on his apron, "Was a surprise."

Mugen tightened his grip on her hand as he eyed Arashi. The jealousy was clear in his eyes as he spoke, "We're talking here."

"Yes," Jin piped in as he gave his order to Juro, "We have some important things to discuss and we can't afford any distractions."

Arashi held up his hands in surrender, "Sorry. You guys new to town? Aren't you? This town is full of people that have been here for generations. Just a little weary of new comers. Come on Juro," turning around he pushed Juro to follow him and gave Fuu a small smile and wave.

"You know, people in this place are so fucking nosy. That kid's been eyeing us for a while," Mugen said as he dug into his food without letting go of her hand.

"No he was not," Fuu said as she began to eat without letting go of his hand either. It just felt so right and she didn't have the heart to let go of it.

"Yeah, whatever girlie. You didn't even notice him eyeing you."

"Eyeing me? You're delusional."

"If you didn't notice you aren't a flat chested ugly broad anymore, so yeah, he was eyeing you. Learing actually."

Looking over at Jin for some assistance he shrugged his shoulders, "If I were you I would take that as a compliment."

Fuu scoffed and shook her head. Mugen was jealous. But that put aside she wanted to know more about what Jin was saying. She wanted to know if anyone was really following them. Chances were that they were being followed, "So what are we going to do?"

"Do what we always do. Head out of here as soon as possible," Jin said as Juro quickly brought him his food and walked away quickly with a nervous smile and nod.

Fuu smiled back and turned back towards Mugen, "What do you think?"

Mugen stuffed his face with some more food and when a response was needed from him he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "We should leave tonight but since you're not really in the shape for walking far we're going have to give it a day or two. Maybe build up your strength. Either that or I'll have to carry your fat ass."

Fuu smacked his shoulder, "I am not fat."

"With the way that you're stuffing your mouth right now I'm beginning to doubt it," he responded as he finished his food and began drinking the sake.

Fuu ignored his comment and continued eating. If she gave him the attention that he wanted right now they would continue arguing. And right now was not the time for that. They might have a serious problem on their hands.

"Ok, in a couple of days we'll leave. I'll try to walk around a little more than usual to make it easier. On Mugen of course," she said while glancing at him, "Knowing how things happen in our lives murders is never a coincidence with us. Maybe…maybe.."

Fuu didn't get to finish her sentence before Jin stepped in, "Maybe it has to do with the incident. Family or comrades. Back for revenge."

"And they won't know what hit them if they come near us," Mugen said as he brought his laced fingers with Fuu closer to him, "We can't let any shit like that happen again. Not again."

Jin gave him a strange look before nodding, "He's right."

Fuu brought her other hand up and patted Mugen's shoulder softly, "I know. He is right. It won't happen again. But if we leave this village let's make sure we do it right. No more just going and leaving villages for days at a time without real food or supplies. Let's be a little bit more prepared."

Mugen turned his head towards her and nodded, "Alright. I'll hang around with you while Jin gets the supplies we'll probably."

"Agreed," Jin said as they finished eating their food.

"Soooo, how was the meal," Ashiro said as he came back to their table, "Enjoyable I hope."

"It was delicious," Fuu said as she wiped her mouth.

"Good. Good," Ashiro said as he took the money for their meal and began to collect their plates, "We always try to make sure our customers are well fed. Especially travelers. So how long are you guys planning on staying here?"

The question was obviously directed towards Fuu. Being a little cautious Fuu shrugged her shoulders, "Don't know."

Mugen got up all of sudden. He menacingly looked at Ashiro. They were about the same height but Mugen was definitely the one in charge of the situation, "We'll be going now. Fuu?" Fuu shook her head at his behavior but nonetheless stood up and followed Mugen and Jin as they started to leave. The news that Jin had given them had put her on the edge. She would have to be a little bit wearier with people now. Anyway, she didn't want to get too familiar with anyone in the village because in a couple of days they would be gone.

"See you. Have a nice night!" Juro said as they left.

"Good night," Ashiro said with a wink.

Fuu gave a small wave to not seem impolite and walked in between Mugen and Jin. Fingering her necklace she contemplated what could happen. What would happen? Someone had murdered two people at the edge of the village. That might have just been a coincidence. But the shuffling footsteps and the footprints outside the window were not a coincidence. She knew what they were if everyone else didn't. Someone was coming back. Someone was coming back for her. She knew that Mugen and Jin were thinking the same thing from the glances they were giving her. They were watching her because they knew. Someone was back for revenge for what she had done.

'For what I've done.'

Fuu looked up when she felt a hand touch her lower back. It was Mugen. He looked down at her with a look of reassurance in his eyes. He was going to protect her. She knew that. But to what extent hadn't become evident until she saw the look he had given her. It was full of determination and dependability. He would protect her like she protected him. Fully with no restraint.

Walking a little closer to him she slipped her hand into his and gave it a gentle squeeze. He held her hand and continued walking to their room. Fifteen minutes they reached their room with no problem. Jin took his place by the door with his sword in his lap and Mugen went to prepare their futons. But Fuu stood by the closed doorway and took in the scene.

'Who would have thought this would happen? Mugen preparing my futon and Jin apparently uncomfortable because of a possible threat and not because of the relationship springing up between me and Mugen. These last couple of weeks have been so weird.'

Shaking her head she walked towards her bathing supplies. Today's weather had made her sticky and sweaty. And the perfect way to end the day was to take a bath.

"Where are you going?" Mugen asked as he pulled their futons close to each other. He didn't looked towards Jin while he said this. If he did he would have seen the raised eyebrow Jin was giving him.

"Just to take a bath quickly," Fuu said nonchalantly as she grabbed a towel and an extra robe.

"No," Mugen said sternly as he ruffled his hair.

Fuu smiled at the action and started walking towards the door, "Didn't ask for your permission did I?"

Exiting the room she could still hear the streams of cursing in the room before a door slammed shut. Mugen was obviously following her.

"You better be quick," he said as he caught up to her. Fuu gave him a look but kept on walking. But this walk was different. Every turn could be hiding the revenge that she knew now sought her out. Every door could have a possible brother, sister, lover, or friend seeking revenge for what she did.

Fuu shook the thoughts off, 'No. Definitely wise to keep my eyes open but Mugen is here to help me. If it wasn't for my wounds.' She would have brought up a hand to her shoulder but she still was still hurt pretty badly. Her wounds had turned to red angry scars and her body still ached. If met with a fight she would be in trouble.

'Concentrate Fuu. Mugen and Jin are here.'

When she reached the bath house she stopped at the entrance. Blocking Mugen's way she turned to him, "I think I want to try to do it myself."

"Yourself?" he said as he peered down at her with some uncertainty in his voice, "You…"

"Can try it by myself," Fuu completed for him.

"Don't be ridiculous. You need protection."

Sighing Fuu stepped forward and pressed a hand to his cheek, "Then stay by the door. Can't have you taking care of me all the time. I'll be fine."

He contemplated the decision before nodding and taking a hold of the door, "Ok girlie. But you better hurry. If you're not out in ten minutes I'm coming in."

He gave her no chance to agree or disagree as he bent down and gave her a soft kiss. He pulled her a little closer momentarily and deepened the kiss. As soon as Fuu closed her eyes and fell deeper into the kiss Mugen pulled back and closed the door with a smirk.

'Evil,' Fuu thought as she prepared to get in the bath, 'Pure evil.'

She took off her clothes rather smoothly considering her wounds and removed her bandages. Placing them to the side she knew Mugen would have to help her to place new ones on her wounds. Sitting down she lowered herself into the bath. Sighing in relief she laid her head back and tried to relax. After a minute she gave up trying to relax and began cleaning herself.

'This is ridiculous,' Fuu thought as she cleaned her wounds, 'If you worry too much about it you will miss out on the important stuff. The important details that all around you. You will miss out on the warnings signs that could be around you.'

Fuu turned around sharply as she heard a shuffle. She was alone. She was sure of it. Looking around the room she saw no one. But her ears had picked up on something and she learned from Mugen to never deny your instincts. They were one of the sure things that she could defend on. Taking one more glance around the room she stepped out of the bath and wrapped the towel around herself.

"Mugen!"

Instantly he was in the room with her, "Done?"

"I think I heard something. No I'm positive I did," she said as she dried herself quickly and wrapped herself in her robe. Mugen didn't hesitate and began searching the room. As Fuu collected herself she noticed something.

'A note.'

Fuu looked at the note and frowned. It was a small cream letter that was folded. And somehow it had been slipped onto her things. Pulling her robe tighter around herself she looked around. Mugen was still looking around the bath with no results. He was searching every nook and cranny obsessively.

'There's no one here Fuu. Maybe it was Mugen,' Fuu said as she tried to reassure herself. But her reassurances were of no use because her senses were the one thing that she had to pay attention too.

Tentatively she picked it up and opened it. As she read the letter her breathe hitched and she stumbled back as she dropped the letter. As her things clattered to the floor Mugen headed her way quickly. Grabbing her shoulders he asked her if she was alright. But her mind was somewhere else at the moment. Her mind was on the note on the floor. When she gave him no answer he shook her again trying to get a response from her. But instead she looked around herself desperately and looked for anyone. Anyone who had entered the bath house while she wasn't looking. Anyone who had come and dropped off the note. Any evidence or opening that someone could get in. Anyone who knew why she was given a note that said:

"Be careful little one. I'm out for more than blood. I'm out for your life."

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To be continued……

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Author's Note: So what do you think? Please tell me. So nervous with this chapter. Action is going to start up again so be prepared, but I want to know if I did it right??? Also I changed the ending a little compared to the sneak peek in the previous chapter.

Important!!! I lost my beta so if you see any mistakes please tell me. Or even better if someone would like to help me with my stories they could definitely be my BETA. SO HELP!!! Lol.

But most importantly: REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW……or I won't update…..Sike……I will anyway. Reviews just keep me happy.

Ciao!!!