Chapter nine:

The get-together!

Somehow, in some way, Ja'far should've known that the celebration of their victory would be at an outdoor basketball field. The only one among them that didn't seem too thrilled about that idea, was Sinbad. ''Cheer up, Sin. You make it seem like winning is something to be depressed about.'' Ja'far told him. Sinbad pouted childishly as he clung to Ja'far's arm, and wailed, ''But, 'mommy' I wanted to play with them!''

''Who're you calling mommy?'' Ja'far asked him, accusingly, before sighing. ''You can't. Your leg has to heal first, daddy.'' he added, making Sinbad blush furiously. ''That's new.'' he said, making Ja'far blush as well, who realised what he had implied. Sinbad quickly added, ''I still wanted to play. Can't you stop them, you're good at that.'' ''Sin, I'm not going to ruin their moment.'' Ja'far said, as they watched Alibaba, along with Aladdin and Morgiana play the other members of the basketball team, excepting Sharrkan, Sinbad and Judal.

''But I know for a fact that there is more to this get-together than playing ball. For instance, we could get you some food.'' Ja'far said, with a fond smile. ''I suppose so.'' Sinbad said, before Judal randomly popped up out of nowhere, and sat next to Sinbad. ''You're getting food, get me some too.'' he said with a grin, before asking Sinbad how he was doing. 'This guy...' Ja'far thought, but Sinbad seemed to be happy with his presence.

'For Sin's sake.' he thought, before making an awkward smile, ''What do you want?'' he asked. Judal smirked at him, ready to reply something, perhaps something nasty, but Sinbad beat him to it. ''I want the same as usual. I want steak, and a hamburger, and some chicken, and...'' ''Some bacon, right? Care for some salad as well, carnivore?'' Ja'far asked teasingly, but Sinbad seemed confused. ''It means you love meat.'' Judal deadpanned.

As Sinbad ooh'ed, Ja'far turned to Judal. ''And you want?'' he asked, not caring to be all that nice. ''Salad, and some chicken will do for now. Get it quick, okay. I'm hungry and your king is starving.'' he said. Ja'far composed himself, trying to convice himself he didn't actually want to kill the guy, as he headed over to the barbeque.

He spotted Sharrkan, and Masrur in the company of a pretty, taller girl. ''Ja'far!'' Sharrkan's eyes widened with glee, as he rushed forward, before wacking Ja'far's head. ''You were supposed to cheer for Sinbad, not for me, silly you. Why are you still wearing that? I thought that was supposed to be for..'' Sharrkan didn't finish the sentence, not wanting to embarass him any further. ''It was, but, never mind that. And if I hadn't cheered you on, everybody here wouldn't be half as relieved we won after all, and this wouldn't be as festive in the first place.'' Ja'far argued.

''You're right. But why are you here, you're supposed to be spending time with Sinbad. He, however, isn't.'' Sharrkan said, as he cast a baleful eye at Judal. ''It's fine, I promised to get something to eat for both of them. Sin seemed hungry.'' Ja'far said. Sharrkan wasn't sure how to reply to that. ''Don't you want to eat something?'' he asked instead. ''Better get them something first, they are probably hungry from playing.'' Ja'far said.

''Is this who I think it is?'' the girl asked Sharrkan, who nodded. ''Hi, my name is Rumuru. I'm Hinahoho's wife.'' she introduced herself. ''She knows, doesn't she?'' Ja'far asked, Sharrkan nodded. ''My name is Ja'far.'' he said, ''So I've heard. No worries, I'm here to help you and feed those bottomless pits these idiots call stomachs.'' she replied. Ja'far stiffled a laugh, before saying, ''I've got an order, so that that assignment can be completed.'' as he listed Sinbad's and Judal's wishes.

''I'll get right to it, want something yourself, sweetie?'' she asked, but Ja'far shook his head. ''Not yet.'' he added, before she started grilling. ''I forgot that Sinbad loved meat that much, are you any good at preparing meat?'' Sharrkan asked, innocently. ''What do you mean by that?'' Ja'far asked. ''Well, a man's love tends to go trough the stomach. So, be prepared to make a lot of meals when you Get Together.'' Rumuru said, before giggling. Sharrkan's eye twitched on purpose. ''Did you just make a pun on this holy event?'' he asked. ''My husband only came up with that name, because we got together after one of these, so yeah, I did.'' she told him, watching the meat, so it wouldn't get burned. ''I see. How did you and Hinahoho get together?'' Ja'far decided to ask.

Her eyes lit up, as she patted the spot next to her. ''That, my friend, is a great story. Come sit here, and let me tell you a story about true love.'' she said with a smile. Ja'far sat down, as she started telling her story. ''It happened two years ago. We were both freshman, and had just enrolled into Sindria high. He was the only one I knew that was taller than me, so it was nice to talk to him every once in a while.'' she flipped a burger.

''He had asked me to watch one of his basketball matches. I'm not into sports, and had lots to do back then, but I came anyway. Afterwards, the guys just went home. I mean, they had a glorious match, and did absolutely nothing to celebrate it. So, I asked Hinahoho to call them, and told him to bring a barbeque to some worn down basketball-field. After we gathered, things just started, and we ate, they even played some ball.''

''I see.'' Ja'far said. ''That happened a few more times, before Hinahoho discovered I never had played myself. That, of course, was not what he had expected, and he wanted me to at least take a shot. So, he taught me. And I realised, it felt nice to be near him. So, that evening, as he walked me to my house, I told him that, as he turned red, and told me that I was pretty. In fact, that was the reason he had invited me to the match in the first place.'' she said, as she piled the meat on a plate, and gave it Sharrkan. ''Be a deary, and give this to your captain, and his friend.'' she said.

''Actually, I was supposed to bring it.'' Ja'far said, but she shook her head. Sharrkan shrugged, before taking the meals to the idiot-king and his companion. ''Get your man sweetie, but make sure your heart is settled on the right one.'' she said, as she pointed over to Sinbad, who happily dug into his food. ''Your man is among them. Go get him, and never let go.'' she said. Masrur was positive that she had just implied the same thing, as Hinahoho had every single day.

He was about to say something, but then Ja'far got this dreamy look. ''Thank you, I really started doubting, because I like Sin. But never was sure about love. Now that I heard your story, I'm fairly certain that that is something I truly want.'' he said. She smiled, deciding not to give her opinion. ''Then, I hope you two will find true love with each other.'' she said instead, as Sharrkan returned.

''Your beastman is devouring it's food.'' Sharrkan said, before getting some more salad. ''You aren't eating any meat?'' Ja'far noticed. ''Yeah, I'm not much of a meat-man. It's not up to my taste.'' Sharrkan said. ''It's not? But you ate chicken last time?'' Ja'far said. ''Alibaba makes a good chicken, it's just I prefer fish. Not like I'm a vegetrian.'' he said. ''Ah.'' Ja'far replied dumbfounded. A sweaty Hinahoho joined their group. ''Those kids are good.'' he said.

''They sure are, sweetie.'' Rumuru said, as she handed him a plate with food. Morgiana was having fun, as Alibaba and Aladdin asked her to pass the ball, just some freestyle playing. ''Oh, are you two having fun?'' Hinahoho asked, as he eyed Sharrkan and Ja'far. ''Sure do. Sin's elated that we've won, even though he pouted about the fact that he can't play.'' Ja'far explained. ''Which sucks, because he can't teach Ja'far, so we've got to change our gameplan. Do you have any idea how hard it is to come up with an idea?'' Sharrkan asked.

None of them commented on the fact that he was somewhat braindead, so that was probably in the way. ''Jealousy is a pretty good method.'' Masrur suddenly said, out of nowhere, startling everyone. ''The talking statue is right, but how should we make him jealous?'' Sharrkan wondered. Masrur quirked his eyebrows did Sharrkan just call him a statue? ''Sin isn't one to get jealous. And I don't want to trouble him.'' Ja'far added.

''Sweetie, Sinbad is sweet, but does get jealous easily. The question of how to do it shouldn't be difficult either. You've got a coach, don't you? Why notuse that?'' Rumuru offered. ''What?'' Sharrkan exclaimed. ''My wife is right, it's the best method, and he's someone Sinbad is familiar with.'' Hinahoho added. ''And somewhat jealous.'' Masrur said, causing Sharrkan to exclaim once more, ''WHAT!''

''I suppose so.'' Ja'far said, as he eyed Judal and Sinbad laughing, and talking. ''See, it's that easy. Get to it, coach.'' Hinahoho said, patting Sharrkan's back, causing him to almost tumble over. ''Why did I offer to be a coach again?'' Sharrkan wondered out loud, before grabbing Ja'far wrist. ''Follow me.'' he said. ''What are we going to do?!' Ja'far shrieked, as he was pulled along. ''To teach you your future husbands favorite hobby.'' Sharrkan replied, dragging him towards the basketball field.

Sinbad watched as Sharrkan dragged Ja'far to the field. Judal smirked, as he watched the envious look on said basketball captain's face. ''Something wrong?'' he asked, with an innocent voice. ''Nothing.'' Sinbad grumbled. ''There is. You're bothered by the fact that you can't play, and your boyfriend is spending most of his time with mr. Braindead over there, who in fact was injured as well.'' he said. ''He's not my boyfriend.'' Sinbad said with a blush. ''Could've fooled me.'' Judal said, but his heart fluttered at those words.

Alibaba was about to pass the ball, as he spotted his brother dragging Ja'far to the playground. ''Mr. Ja'far.'' Aladdin cheered, as Morgiana offered them a small wave. ''Having fun, kiddo?'' Sharrkan asked Aladdin, who nodded. ''I want to teach Ja'far some moves as well. Mind if I borrow the ball?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Of course not, knock yourselves out. I was getting hungry anyway.'' Alibaba said.

''I'm gonna go and see if my brother is still around.'' Aladdin cheered, and Morgiana just followed Alibaba, as she was getting a bit hungry herself, and maybe, just maybe, she wanted to spend more time with Alibaba. ''Sharrkan, I don't do basketball.'' Ja'far objected. ''Today you do. I can't believe they forced me into this position.'' Sharrkan replied, whispering that last part as if having a grudge. ''I don't even want to.'' Ja'far argued, as Sharrkan stubbornly handed him the ball, which he dropped right away.

''Wow, you really never played. Can't you at least attempt to dribble?'' Sharrkan said, saying the first part rather sarcastically. ''No.'' Ja'far shook his head. ''For god sake, Ja'far, put some effort in it. You know, Sin wanted to teach you anyway, I can always call out for him and,'' ''Fine.'' Ja'far said hastily. 'Too easy.' Sharrkan thought. ''Okay.'' he said, as he picked the ball up, and got behind Ja'far, leaning his arms over Ja'far's. ''Try and hold the ball like this. This is the best way to shoot.'' he said, as he showed how to hold the ball.

Ja'far swallowed, usually only Sin was allowed to get this close, and that would be about an enforced hug that he would recieve from the purple-haired king. ''Aren't you supposed to be using only one hand?'' he asked, shyly. ''Not when you're about to shoot, and teaching you to dribble wouldn't coax the right reaction out of your crush.'' Sharrkan whispered, making Ja'far look to Sin.

Glaring, that was what the king was doing at the moment. ''He's obviously not enjoying the attention. To hell with my sprain, I'm going to them and...'' Judal stopped him. ''You could do that, but you could also show some patience. Look at his position, obviously, Sharrkan is trying to get arise out of you. I'd say, teach him a lesson and don't do what you're about to do.'' he told Sinbad flippantly. ''Do you really think that would help?'' Sinbad wondered. ''I do.'' Judal said honestly, so Sin decided to offer Ja'far a smile, and a tiny wave.

''He thinks I like this? Sharrkan, I swear to god, if this gets me dragged into that sport you lunatics-'' Sharrkan stopped him right there. ''He wouldn't. Just relax, and enjoy yourself. After you've learned some moves, offer to take him home, and talk about all this. Show him that you liked this a lot. He'll appreciate it.'' Sharrkan said, before lifting up the ball, along with Ja'far's arms. ''Shoot.'' he said.

''What?'' Ja'far asked, worried something was wrong. ''No, not like that. Just, shoot the ball.'' Sharrkan told him, bending their arms slightly. Ja'far breathed in, it's not like they were counting on him to hit it. So, he shot the ball, and miraculously, it went in. 'Hah, I'm better than you under pressure.' is what he wanted to say, but instead he cheered, ''I made it!'' He was kind of excited about his first shot ever, so in excitement, he threw his arms over Sharrkan's shoulder, as he cheered, ''I made it!'' 'Aww, so cute.' Sharrkan noticed, as he was a little startled about the fact that Ja'far just hugged him. ''Woohoo! Nice going!'' Rumuru cheered from the side, along with her husband, and even Masrur was clapping.

''Good for him.'' Judal said, as Sinbad stared kinda shocked. ''No fair, I wanted to teach him that.'' he pouted. ''Oh, but there will be more opportunities.'' Judal offered, as Sinbad just munched stubbornly on his bacon. Ja'far blinked a few times, ''I'm still hugging you, aren't I?'' he said, nervously. ''Yeah, you are.'' Sharrkan said. ''I should let go, shouldn't I.'' Ja'far said. ''Yeah, you should. But, if it helps, it was a nice shot.'' Sharrkan said. Ja'far let go quickly. ''So, that dribbling?'' he asked with a red face. ''Ehr, yeah, it works like this...'' Sharrkan trailed off into an explanation with an equally red face.

Alibaba watched amusedly, as Morgiana sat next to him, enjoying some beef Rumuru had made for her. ''Hey, Alibaba-kun.'' she said, making Alibaba look at her. ''Something you wanted to know?'' he asked, his heart pounding. For some reason, it always pounded more when she was around. ''Would you like to accompany me to a dinner sometime, along with your brother and Ja'far?'' she asked, quickly adding, ''To celebrate your victory, and seeing that those two recently have gotten closer.'' 'And maybe, I can ask Ja'far what you think of me.' she added in her mind.

Alibaba nodded, ''I'd like that. How about next week?'' he offered. ''That'd be great.'' Morgiana said, blushing slightly. She'd never be able to guess that in Alibaba's mind there was a chibi-Alibaba cheering that Morgiana wanted to spend more time with him. Masrur watched over their conversation, a small smile playing on his lips. It seemed that their relationship was working out pretty well. As for his best friend, he rolled his eyes as he watched Ja'far chasing after Sharrkan because the taller teen had just jabbed his hips, causing Ja'far to drop the ball and yelp. Maybe, Hinahoho and his wife were right, he thought as he watched the couple enjoying the view of the two friends.

Evening fell soon, and everyone had been able to enjoy themselves. Alibaba had headed home alone, something about wanting to game before turning to bed. Masrur and Morgiana cleaned the place up by picking up the trash, and Rumuru was cleaning the barbeque as Hinahoho collected the plates. ''Go on, ask him.'' Sharrkan urged. ''Okay.'' Ja'far said, as he headed for Sinbad, who seemed to be chatting with Judal. ''Ehr, Sin?'' he asked shyly, making Sinbad look up. 'God, those eyes.' Ja'far thought, he could gaze at them for hours, becoming lost in those topaz eyes.

''Something you wanted?'' Judal sneered, and Sinbad scolded him, ''Play nice. He's my friend.'' ''Sure, sure.'' Judal said. ''Something wrong, Ja'far?'' Sinbad asked him, making Ja'far snap out of his thoughts. Not that he was thinking about kissing Sinbad, no, absolutely not. He'd deny it every single way. ''Ja'far?'' Sinbad asked, getting kind of worried. ''Ehr, want me to take you home? I mean, with your leg and everything, I thought it'd be nice if I were to accompany you?'' Ja'far offered.

Sinbad practically beamed, ''That'd be awesome, then you and Judal can finally meet eachother properly.'' Sinbad said. ''Ehr, what?'' Ja'far asked, trying not to let his expression drop. ''Yeah, I offered the same thing. I happen to live closeby, and have been there like several times, so know the way.'' Judal replied. Masrur, who overheard the conversation, tapped Sharrkan's shoulder. ''Might want to help him.'' he said. ''He only has to accompany Sinbad home. If he can't do that, then he's beyond my help.'' Sharrkan said.

Masrur rolled his eyes, ''Judal is going as well.'' he said. ''Oh. I see. Leave it to me. Oh, and your baby sister and my baby brother are adorable together. She has my blessings.'' Sharrkan teased, before making his way. 'As if they need that.' Masrur thought, rolling his eyes. No doubt Morgiana had overheard that conversation, if the blush she had was anything to go by.

''Oh.'' Ja'far said. ''Sure, I don't mind.'' he gritted his teeth, as Judal just smirked. ''Ja'far!'' another voice whined, and of course Sharrkan joined them. ''My head still hurts so bad. Please take me home.'' he said. ''Ehr, he's going with me and Judal.'' Sinbad told him, why did this guy keep popping up? Sharrkan wondered the exact same thing about Judal. 'Sin wants me to go? Sharrkan, what are you doing?' Ja'far wondered.

''I'm going too, you know. I'm more than capable, and this idiot could get injured when left alone. As much as I hate to admit it, we'll need him for the sake of the team.'' Judal said. 'Prick.' Both Ja'far and Sharrkan thought. ''I guess you're right. Maybe you can go home with me tomorrow. I'll need some attention on my math homework.'' Sinbad offered Ja'far, who nodded. ''Of course, Sire. I'll kick your lazy ass and make you understand those numbers. It's a date.'' he said. ''Keh?'' both Judal and Sharrkan said. ''Oh, we role-play history sometimes, seeing that we are so alike. So he's the loyal companion and I'm the awesome king.'' Sinbad said. ''That I did not need to know.'' Judal said, somewhat disgusted, and Sharrkan agreed. ''Big babies.'' Ja'far huffed, before taking Sharrkan's wrist. ''Let's get you home.'' he said, waving Sinbad off.

They walked for a while, before Sharrkan suddenly cleared his throat. ''You can let go of my arm, if you want too.'' he said, and Ja'far immediately let go. ''Sure thing. Nice save back there, I didn't really want to be in the company of Judal. For some reason, I sincerely distrust him.'' Ja'far said, before adding, ''Though I had looked forward to taking Sinbad home.'' Sharrkan nodded, as he noticed Ja'far's deflated posture.

''You'll get the next shot, I promise you that. I'm sorry I didn't deliver this time.'' he said. ''Sure thing.'' Ja'far said. Sharrkan smiled, the kid had such faith in him. 'I even promised a first kiss.' Sharrkan thought, as he stared at Ja'far. ''You had high hopes, didn't you?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Well, there was so much excitement for it. When you build up to something, you expect a lot. But, it was still fun, so that's worth something.'' Ja'far said.

Sharrkan swallowed, he wasn't one to break his promises at all. ''Close your eyes for a sec, please?'' he asked. ''Ehr, I'm not gonna be kidnapped to Vegas, am I? Cause if that's the set-up, then-'' ''Just close them.'' Sharrkan said. Ja'far sighed, before complying. Sharrkan nodded, before pressing his lips to Ja'far's, who's eyes flew open, and pushed Sharrkan off. ''What the hell?'' he shouted, as Sharrkan said, ''I promised you a kiss. Prepare with this material, because your next is going to be with Sin. Also, use some chapstick, makes them softer.'' he told Ja'far, who stomped off to Sharrkan's home, wondering if he could get Alibaba to lock Sharrkan outside for tonight.