Chapter 26

The new teacher!

A week passed before Ja'far and Sharrkan finally went back to school, with no after effects of the terrible flu. ''Sooo-'' Alibaba asked, as they met up, finally seeing his brother again, and Hinahoho shared the same look. ''You two?'' he asked, and Sharrkan nodded. ''He knows already. You can say it.'' he told the group. ''You two are dating?'' Morgianna asked.

''We are.'' Ja'far said, proud albeit blushing. ''Well, we, wait, are we?'' Sharrkan asked like a puppy and Ja'far nodded. ''Finally.'' Alibaba and Hinahoho cheered, and Masrur patted Sharrkan's back, happy that it finally worked out for them. ''Wait, everyone knew?'' Ja'far asked, and the group stared at Sharrkan. ''I only told him about the feelings, not the entire story. We can do that later, and enjoy now. We have been sick for days, today is about feeling good.'' Sharrkan said.

''Are you sure he's not sick anymore?'' Alibaba whispered. ''Well, he didn't have a fever this morning, must count for something, right?'' Ja'far whispered back, and Alibaba nodded. ''You and my brother, huh, means we might be brothers in law someday.'' Alibaba joked, and Ja'far blushed. ''Bit too far ahead.'' Morgianna told him, before adding, ''I am happy for you, Ja'far.''

''Thanks.'' Ja'far said, before Sinbad headed their way. ''Oh, hey.'' the school king said awkwardly, and the group, aside from Hinahoho teasing Sharrkan, went quiet. ''Oh, hey.'' Ja'far replied. ''Heard you were sick. Nothing too bad I hope.'' Sinbad said, not sure where to look, it was kinda weird after last week, when he had rejected Ja'far.

Ja'far, who shared the same feeling, wasn't sure where to look either. ''Nothing too bad. Just a minor flu.'' he said, flippantly. ''I missed you at school.'' Sinbad said, and Ja'far nodded. ''I missed your company too.'' ''We better get going, see you later.'' Alibaba told Masrur in the background, before heading to class with Morgianna. It was a bit too awkward to watch.

''But, I noticed Sharrkan was absent too. I hope he kept you company.'' Sinbad said, looking at Sharrkan, who was finally aware of Sinbad's presence. ''Morning.'' he said, before bickering with Hinahoho again. ''Yeah, he did.'' Ja'far told him, and Sinbad looked at him for a brief moment. ''Good. Happy to hear that.'' they both stood there awkwardly for a moment.

''Sin.'' Ja'far started at the same time as Sinbad said ''Ja'f-.'' they both stopped, before laughing. ''Go ahead.'' Sinbad told him. ''It's okay, you know. I mean, it's weird for now, but I support your choice. Any choice you make.'' Ja'far told him. Sinbad practically glowed after hearing those words.

''I've decided to ask Judal out.'' Sinbad blurted out. Ja'far blinked a few times, before slowly nodding. ''Good choice, I guess. I mean, I don't really get along with him, but he seems to think highly of you.'' Ja'far said. Sinbad nodded, ''Not at the cinema, though.'' he said. ''God no, I mean, awful place and time to do that.'' Ja'far said.

They laughed, and Sinbad felt happy they could joke like old times again. ''Maybe, when you are dating, we can go on a double date. Maybe you can even stand Judal, and I can stand your date. I presume.'' he said, eyeing Sharrkan again. ''You assume correct. Maybe in the future, but let's not for now.'' Ja'far told him. ''Later.'' Sinbad reaffirmed before heading off in search of Judal.

Masrur placed his hand on Ja'far's shoulder, as they watched Sinbad head off. ''It's fine. Getting used to it.'' Ja'far affirmed before looking at him. ''Even you knew?'' he asked, and Masrur nodded. ''Has he been that terrible, and have I been that blind?'' again, Masrur nodded. ''Blind doesn't even begin to describe it.'' Hinahoho told him, and Ja'far laughed. ''Was it that bad?'' he dared asking.

''Remember at camp, when we knocked sense into him.'' Hinahoho said. ''Killing me you mean? Honestly Ja'far, they were trying to end my precious life there.'' Sharrkan exclaimed, and Ja'far nodded. ''He was getting desperate, and doing everything not to tell you, and then, during the trip back... But anyways, love always prevails. Just ask my wife.'' Hinahoho said.

''Let me guess, she knew it too.'' Ja'far asked, and Hinahoho nodded. ''How did you know?'' Sharrkan asked in disbelief. ''Well, she gave some hints in the past, as did your brother and Hinahoho. I thought playing it all subtle was your forte.'' Ja'far teased him. ''I'll have you know I am very subtle indeed.'' Sharrkan said. ''You never noticed once during camp. Then again, you were getting all the attention from that guy, what's his name again?'' Sharrkan pretended to think.

Ja'far rolled his eyes as Hinahoho interrupted, ''Guy from camp? Oh, Spartos' brother you mean? He was all over you, Ja'far, I thought Sharrkan was going to explode from jealousy.'' Hinahoho laughed. ''He was not all over me. He was just being friendly.'' Ja'far told him. Masrur shook his head, as Sharrkan and Hinahoho gave him an incredulous look.

''Ja'far, I think you are amazing, smart and all, but I think you have been oblivious there.'' Sharrkan told him. ''So cute. But yeah, Mr Casanova here is right.'' Hinahoho said. ''Even you think so?'' Ja'far asked Masrur, ignoring Sharrkan sputtering about being right plenty of times.

''Bath.'' Masrur simply said, and Ja'far sighed. ''If you say so. I thought he was just being friendly, really.'' Ja'far said. Hinahoho replied,"No, he was being reeaaally friendly.'' ''Bath?!'' Sharrkan panicked in the background, ''You've seen that guy naked?!'' Hinahoho shook his head, ignoring Sharrkan's continued ranting ''None of that matters now. It's not like we are going to see him again. So, how did you two get together?'' he asked instead. ''The entire story? You know that started months ago!'' Sharrkan protested.

''Short version.'' Masrur breezed. ''Yeah, short version, class starts in ten minutes any way.'' Hinahoho agreed. ''Miss Pisti's class, so all the time in the world to talk, you know.'' Sharrkan said. ''There isn't that much to tell. I was sick, then he dropped by, and we talked, and talked, and puked, and talked.'' Ja'far recounted.

''Classy.'' Sharrkan said, grossed out, but nodding along. ''It's very true. We have talked, and puked, and talked, and after a week of doing so, we got together. Well, we are still working out the details, but at least now he knows how I feel towards him.'' Sharrkan said. ''Somehow I doubt that is the romantic story my wife wants to hear.'' Hinahoho said, figuring out how to break the news to Rumuru.

''Well, story telling was always Sin's forte.'' Ja'far said. ''What about that?'' Hinahoho asked. ''The story telling? It can probably be learned, I think.'' Sharrkan said. ''No, Sinbad. I mean, you two were still kinda awkward right now, and it's only been a week. Isn't it too soon for you?'' Hinahoho asked.

''I thought the same thing, when Sharrkan told me. But we talked about it over the past week. After all, my biggest fear was losing him in my life. That must count for something.'' Ja'far said, and Sharrkan gave him a fond look. Hinahoho smiled, and Masrur curtly nodded in approval. ''So, what did we miss at school?'' Ja'far asked, ''I've never missed it for this long.''

''You'd be the only one in the world actually missing this place.'' Sharrkan rolled his eyes. ''But… did we miss something? Other than the supposed new teacher?'' he asked. ''New teacher? You didn't mention that.'' Ja'far said. ''I had other stuff on my mind, to be fair.'' Sharrkan said, eyeing Ja'far.

''We haven't seen him yet, either. He is supposed to arrive today.'' Hinahoho said. ''Morning.'' Masrur added. ''He supposedly comes from further away.'' Hinahoho elaborated. ''So exciting. Any clue what he's going to teach?'' Ja'far asked. ''Home ec.'' a voice said behind him before engulfing him into a hug.

''Goodness, I missed you so much. I had heard rumors of you being ill, but you never missed school before, I was worried.'' Yunan said, as Ja'far struggled to get out of the tight hug. Then he looked at Sharrkan, winked and said, ''Missed your presence too of course.'' Sharrkan groaned and rolled his eyes.

''Sorry, there are two things I didn't miss here. But, you see, Ja'far, I was right.'' he boasted. Ja'far only glared back, but Sharrkan offered him a smug smile. ''Something has changed between you two.'' Yunan noted as he slowly let go. ''I didn't think Sharrkan would ever tell you.'' he teased.

''I did.'' Sharrkan said, looking at Yunan. He was still uncomfortable with the way he looked at Ja'far. ''Good for you. So, you must have heard about the new teacher already?'' Yunan said, changing the subject. ''I just heard, he is supposed to arrive this morning, right?'' Ja'far said.

''Honestly, why are we so excited about a new teacher?'' Sharrkan asked, confused. ''New information, new stuff to learn. New teachers usually have a lot to add.'' Ja'far said. ''And more people to meet is what is amazing in life.'' Yunan said. ''Well….'' Jafar didn't know what to say to that. ''For all we know it might be a teacher like Miss Pisti.'' Sharrkan said, and they all laughed at that. ''Oh, you are talking about the new teacher, right?'' another voice added, belonging to Yamuraiha. ''I heard he's dreamy. Miss Pisti couldn't stop talking about him. I am so curious.'' she added.

Sharrkan raised his eyebrows. ''Not to burst your bubble, but he's a new teacher, not a student. It's probably some old fellow.'' he said. ''I was this close to missing you, but you're back already.'' Yamuraiha said annoyed, as she squeezed her fingers together, leaving a tiny opening.

Sharrkan smiled, knowing she meant it well. ''Hope you don't catch it. None of you, it was a pretty bad flu.'' he said. ''Even stopped Ja'far from getting to school.'' he added. ''It's strange that only you two caught it. Maybe after the event on the trip back, but Sinbad didn't catch it, and he did the same thing you two did on the way back.'' she replied.

''Let's not mention that.'' Ja'far said and they all nodded in agreement. They headed towards Miss Pisti where the tiny teacher was tidying. Flabbergasted that she was actually working, they remained standing in the door opening. ''Move.'' Judal groggily said, before pushing Sharrkan to the side, and making his way towards his seat.

''You can just tell even he missed us'' Sharrkan said, glaring at Judal. ''Did you really expect everything to change, we only missed a week.'' Ja'far said, helping him up. He gained some confused looks. ''Now we know something changed, you wouldn't miss a day for anything in the world, let alone a week.'' Yamuraiha said.

''Dating of course helps with making time seem go faster.'' Hinahoho joked. ''Dating?'' Yamuraiha asked, pouting as she looked at Sharrkan. ''You are dating?'' she asked. ''Oh good, you are back!'' Miss Pisti said, as she welcomed her favourite students back. ''Don't just stand there, come on in. I have just prepared today's lessons, and we are going to learn so much.'' she added, then went back humming as she finished writing the material on the blackboard.

''I-is she teaching?'' Sharrkan stuttered. Masrur curtly nodded. ''Like, a proper lesson? Not something she read out of a recent magazine?'' Ja'far asked, as Sinbad waltzed in, and went to his spot. ''Sinbad is on time for a lesson?'' Sharrkan asked, shocked. ''It appears so.'' Hinahoho replied.

''Now that you mention it, that is a first.'' Yamuraiha said, heading to her spot as well. ''We only missed a week.'' Sharrkan said, at a loss for words. ''Sit down, quickly. We have to begin.'' Pisti told them. The entire class sat, shocked as Miss Pisti managed to get two thirds of what they were supposed to have learned this year into a single lesson.

Some students wondered if it was contagious, some whether it was a miracle. ''Do you think someone threatened to fire her?'' Masrur heard someone whisper. Since everyone was engrossed in Miss Pisti actually teaching for once, they never noticed the person standing in the doorway.

''Goodness, you got your students to listen, of course you always were the very best of your class, so nothing else is to be expected.'' he said, getting her attention. Sharrkan, never neglecting a chance to tease Pisti, started, ''The best of your c- IT'S YOU?!'' he pointed towards the taller man, who seemed fairly amused.

His roar got everyone to snap out of their shock, and look as well. As some girls started blushing and drooling, he simply waved back ''Long time no see.'' he told them. ''Huh, the guy from camp, I thought he had found another job.'' Sinbad said. ''Yep, he's become a teacher. Wonderful addition to the team.'' Pisti said, gently dabbing drool from the corner of her mouth.

''I see Spartos kept it a secret. How fun. I look forward to seeing you all in my class later on.'' he said, before taking his leave. ''Good, that's done, now back to the important stuff, read chapter wherever we left last time, and be quiet, the new Vogue came out this morning. Whenever you have any questions, ask the smarter students.'' Pisti said, getting the latest magazine out of her drawer. Then she turned a stern look at the class, "Eyes only, ladies and gentlemen. Understood?"

''Hey, so it's like illegal for a teacher to hit on students right?'' Sharrkan asked in a hopefull tone, and Ja'far frowned. ''Well, it depends. As a teacher, yes, as an intern, much frowned upon but not illegal. What chapter are you on, and how is that relevant to your studies?'' Hinahoho asked. ''It isn't.'' Ja'far told him. ''Oh, I see.'' Hinahoho said with a grin before ruffling Sharrkan's hair. ''It's going to be fine.'' he said.

Sharrkan shrugged, he was probably right. During lunch it was nice to see everyone again. But it was strange when their new teacher showed up, to ask Ja'far a couple of things, and then went with him to look over some of the materials. ''I am class president.'' Ja'far reassured him, laying his hand on Sharrkan's shoulder.

''Have a bit of trust.'' he said, before walking to the home ec room with their new teacher, gaining some very jealous glares from several girls. ''He is just so friendly.'' Sinbad said in admiration, as he had watched the conversation. ''Too friendly.'' Sharrkan bit, gaining a laugh from Sinbad.

''You know-'' he started as he sat down next to Sharrkan, ''I said the same thing about you. In the beginning when you two were getting close. And I know the both of you were always nice people to start with. There was nothing wrong with that, as it turned out.'' ''Other than us dating right now. Too friendly ended with more. Try another speech, this one doesn't work.'' Sharrkan still wasn't too sure.

''Ja'far still has morals. He's a student, and wouldn't go for anything that daring. Besides, I don't know how it happened, but he has really fallen for you, and fallen so deeply. Do you really think he would get over confessing that fast if it wasn't for you?'' Sinbad asked.

Sharrkan thought for a second. ''Do you mind that?'' he asked. ''What?'' Sinbad asked. ''That he got over you. That, he picked me?'' Sharrkan asked timidly. Sinbad shook his head. ''I did think about it. I mean, he's my best friend, and if you hurt him, I'd be the first in line after I consoled him to hurt you back. But... that is all we really are. Friends. Good friends, but friends.'' Sinbad said.

''As long as you're not lying to yourself. I tried, I told myself that's all we were. And I don't want you to go for it, I mean, please don't.'' Sharrkan said. ''I won't. Ja'far already knows, I have my heart already settled on someone else.'' Sinbad told him. ''The king that doesn't want to get married wants to get someone's heart.'' Sharrkan said smugly. ''But, it is going to take time. In the mean time, you could use some distraction. So, tell me, how did this come to be?''

''And that would be all we have covered. Sorry you didn't have anything left by the former teacher, she's not all that keen on keeping the administration.'' Ja'far explained as they had gone over the materials. ''Well, it's a good thing there is such a fine class president then.'' Mistoras said.

''I can but try. Is there anything else you needed to know?'' Ja'far asked. ''I think you explained everything. Thoroughly even.'' Mistoras laughed. ''So, did you already know since camp? That you were going to work here? I thought you were going for some big goal. Other than making good tea, that is.'' Ja'far asked, blushing as he realised how casual he sounded.

Mistoras smiled. ''It seems you grew a bit. I can see some things have changed around here, but teaching is still my dream. And teaching at the place where I discovered myself, that is just wonderful. I know you didn't notice my avances at camp though, and no worries, I know my position very well. I won't continue them.'' Mistoras said.

''So Sharrkan was right?'' Ja'far mused. ''He was. But you two are a nice fit together. A good fit.'' Mistoras ensured him. ''You made a good choice. Despite your confusion back then.'' ''I still made the choice I made back then. It backfired and I am glad it did.'' Ja'far said proudly.

''Good. I mean, Sinbad seems like a decent friend.'' ''A good one even. Still the best friend I have.'' Ja'far said. ''Good friends are important to keep. I hope it will all work out.'' Mistoras replied. ''It will. If he can manage to find his own way, or so I hope.'' Ja'far said. ''That sounds like a story to be told some other time. You still have some time left, go to him. I think I can take the time to figure out what today's lessons will be about.'' Mistoras said.

Ja'far nodded, before making his way back to the cafeteria. But before he could enter, Judal stopped him. ''Something I can help you with?'' Ja'far asked. ''I can see you and Braindead over there decided to finally cut the bull.'' Judal said. ''Really, how was it that obvious.'' Ja'far said out loud.

''Obnoxiously so.'' Judal told him, and Ja'far sighed. ''What do you want?'' he asked. It was clear Judal wasn't really up to any good, and if he was going to get bullied over this, it sure as hell wasn't going to be by this guy. ''I need help, and it seems like you are the only one who can help me out.'' Judal said, almost like he asked.