Samurai Champloo Fan Fiction ❯ Dancing Cherry Blossoms ❯ So Seductive ( Chapter 5 )

Dancing Cherry Blossoms

 

Chapter 5: So Seductive

 

 

 

Mugen opened his eyes. He looked to his left at the sleeping girl next to him. Hakumi shifted in her sleep, smiling happily. Mugen rolled his eyes and sat up quietly, trying not to wake Hakumi. He stood up and dressed quickly. He looked up when he heard footsteps coming down the hallway. He made a mad dash for Hakumi's window and jumped out just as the door slid open.

 

Naemi looked around her daughter's room. Hakumi was fast asleep, looking as innocent as ever. Naemi smiled and gave the room one more glance before sliding the door closed.

 

Outside, Mugen breathed easier when he heard the door close to Hakumi's room. He stood up and dusted himself off. Sighing, he started to walk to the house. He was in no way prepared for what he saw when he opened the door.

 

Fuu and Jin were engaged in what looked like a game of strip chess. Fuu was facing the door, topless and smiling. She looked up as Mugen walked in and screamed. Jin whirled, grabbing his katana. Mugen looked mortified at Jin.

 

“What the fuck?! This is SICK!” Mugen closed his eyes. Fuu scrambled to cover herself and she ran to her room, slamming the door shut. Jin stood up in all his naked glory, gathering his things.

 

“You're not supposed to be here.” He said. Mugen opened his eyes, determined to look him in the face.

 

“What? I live here, damnit!” Mugen stormed pass Jin towards Fuu's room.

 

Fuu was nervously biting her nails and rocking back and forth. She sighed when she heard the door slide open roughly. She turned slowly to face a very angry Mugen. He was staring down at her with contempt.

 

“You're fucking that idiot? How long has this shit been going on?” He yelled at her. Fuu smiled innocently.

 

“Well, what do you mean, exactly? How long have we been playing strip chess or howl long have we been together?” She said. Mugen's eye twitched.

 

“Both!”

 

“Well it started by us playing a game of strip chess. That was about six months ago...” Fuu looked thoughtful. Jin sauntered pass Mugen without a care in the world and sat down on her futon. Mugen crossed his arms, his eye still twitching.

 

“SIX MONTHS?! And you just didn't feel the need to tell me something like this?” Mugen asked. Fuu shrugged.

 

“Well, after a while, we thought you could've figured it out by yourself.” She said meekly.

 

“You forget who he is, Fuu. He isn't exactly the most observant of people.” Jin said calmly. Mugen's eyes cut towards him. He drew his sword quickly and pointed it at Jin. Jin quietly looked down it at Mugen.

 

“Listen, you prick. I'm definitely in no mood for your fucking wisecracks.” Mugen said. He turned his sword towards Fuu, who gasped. Jin did not move. “We will continue this conversation soon. You two are very lucky I'm tired as hell.” Mugen sheathed his sword and stalked out of the room. Fuu let out a long sigh and looked at Jin. She punched him in the arm.

 

“What was that for?” Jin asked calmly.

 

“He could've cut me! You weren't going to help?” She yelled at him. Jin just smirked, taking Fuu off guard.

 

“I am confident that by now Mugen will never threaten your life and actually follow through with it. He wasn't going to hurt you.” Jin said calmly. Fuu crossed her arms and lay down.

 

“Yeah, whatever. It's easy for you to say. You can actually fight him.” She mumbled.

 

Mugen fell face first on his futon. How had he totally missed something like Jin and Fuu? They had obviously been sneaking around. Mugen turned over, putting his hands behind his head. He stared up at the ceiling.

 

`I'm not that damn unobservant, am I?' Mugen sighed and closed his eyes. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Sakura smiling at him or Sakura holding her small sword at him.

 

“Damnit.” He whispered.

 

Sakura tied her sack together. She hid her sai in her sash. She put on her sandals and looked at Sayuri. Sayuri was standing at the door to the room, smiling with her arms crossed. She winked at Sakura and picked up her things.

 

“Ready?” She asked her friend. Sakura nodded.

 

“Let's go.” Sakura walked past Sayuri. Sayuri frowned.

 

“Whatever you say, Otome.” Sayuri said sarcastically. Sakura cringed at the nickname. Although she hated it, everyone called her by it. It was what she got for being the youngest assassin. As she passed Hinome's room, the woman called to them.

 

“Otome and Sayuri, come in here before you depart.” She called. Sakura stopped and turned to face her door. Ichi stood there and stepped to the side. Sakura and Sayuri entered, walking around the curtain to see Hinome. She smiled when she saw the girls.

 

“Hai, okusama?” Sayuri and Sakura bowed their heads.

 

“What did I say, you two?”

 

“Old habits die hard.” Sayuri said. Hinome nodded.

 

“I see that saying is apparently true. Otome?” Hinome focused on Sakura. Sakura's eyes widened. She could feel Hinome analyzing her slowly. She knew that Hinome was going to be able to tell something was bothering her.

 

“Hai, Hinome-sama?” She asked. Hinome put a cherry in her mouth. She chewed slowly.

 

“Something is troubling you.” She said. Sakura shook her head furiously. Sayuri looked from one to the other, curious as to what was going to happen.

 

“Iie, Hinome-sama. Nothing is wrong with me.” Sakura said. Hinome shook her head.

 

“It was not a question, Otome. It was a statement of fact. I have cared for you since you were six. I believe I know when something is bothering you. What is wrong? Is it the assignment? Does something trouble you about it?” Hinome asked. Sakura shook her head again.

 

“Nothing is wrong, Hinome. I am fine, I assure you.” She said, trying to sound convincing. Hinome, seeing that she was not going to get the truth out of Sakura, just nodded.

 

“You are dismissed. Hurry back. Sayuri, stay with me for a moment. Sakura, go on ahead. Sayuri will catch up with you.” Hinome said. Sakura nodded and walked out of the room. Sayuri faced Hinome.

 

“What is it, Hinome-sama?” She asked. Hinome put another cherry in her mouth.

 

“Watch out for Otome. I have feeling she might do something rather reckless during this assignment. I want it done as efficiently as possible. Make sure it is accomplished by any means necessary, Sayuri. I will not tolerate failure.” Hinome said.

 

“Hai, Hinome-sama.” Sayuri bowed. Hinome nodded in dismissal and Sayuri walked out. She was curious as to what Hinome meant. Shaking off her suspicions, Sayuri went to catch up with her best friend.

 

Five days later, Mugen woke up to the loud knocking at the door of the house. He growled something and listened to see if Fuu or Jin were going to answer it. Hearing that no movement was being made in the house, Mugen got off of his futon and stalked to the door, carrying his sword.

 

“I swear if you are not someone of importance, I'm going to collect your head.” Mugen said. He slid the door open noisily.

 

“Hi, Mugen!” Hakumi threw herself on Mugen. Mugen stared down at the girl, unsure of what to do. She rubbed her face in his chest. “You left me again, Mugen. Why don't you ever stay until morning?” She asked. Mugen pried her off of him and took a step back.

 

“Because your mother will skin me alive if I don't. She checks up on you every night.” He said. Hakumi nodded.

 

“You can at least wake me up before you go...” She whined. Mugen sighed.

 

Fuu walked up to the front, tying the sash on her robe. She saw Mugen talking to Hakumi and growled something illegible. She had always thought that Hakumi was nothing but a slut. Apparently, she was so naïve that she could not see that Mugen was obviously using her. She hid behind the wall, eavesdropping.

 

“Listen, Hakumi. You're a really nice girl and all, but...” Mugen began. Hakumi stared at him with a blank look on her face. Mugen took a deep breath. “...I don't think I should see you anymore.” He said quickly. Fuu snickered to herself as Hakumi looked at Mugen as if he had said something offensive.

 

“Nani?” Hakumi looked confused. Fuu resisted the urge to just bust out laughing all at once. Mugen sighed. This was not going to be easy.

 

“I don't think we should meet anymore. I can still be your friend, though.” He said. Hakumi's bottom lip quivered. Fuu's eyes widened as she heard the sound of a hand going across someone's face.

 

Mugen's cheek stung. He turned his head as he saw Hakumi storming off. She pushed some little kid out of her way. She was most likely going to go and cry to her mother about how Mugen had used her or something of the sort. Then Ai would have to come to his rescue so that the villagers would not try to kill him. Mugen sighed as he slid the door closed. This was going to be a long day.

 

“Smooth, Mugen. Very smooth.” Fuu said as she walked past him. Mugen grabbed her by her ponytail. Fuu's eyes opened as she felt herself be jerked back.

 

“Nani? You thought I was kidding when I said that I wasn't through with you? I might've let a few days slide by, but I'm not done with you two yet.” He said. Fuu struggled in his grasp. Mugen merely dragged Fuu back to her room where Jin was dressing. He threw the small girl back on her futon.

 

“Hey! What's the big idea, Mugen?!” She yelled, glaring maliciously back at him. Mugen crossed his arms.

 

“I just want to know why you two decided to sneak around like some fucking punks.” Mugen asked with his arms crossed. Fuu looked at Jin. Jin stood up and faced Mugen.

 

“What does it matter? You know now, so get over yourself.” Jin started walking towards the door. Mugen glared at him. He grabbed Jin by the neck. Jin just stared at him. Fuu sighed and shook her head.

 

“If you hurt her, I'll break every bone in your body very slowly and very painfully.” He said in a low tone. Jin smirked.

 

“Really, now? Not that I would ever do that, but I'd love to see you try.” Jin said. The lightning practically crackled between them. Fuu walked between them.

 

“All right, children. No need to start the testosterone wars yet. It's too damn early in the morning. I'm going to go get a bath. Jin, are you coming?” Fuu walked past Mugen. Jin stared Mugen in the eyes and smirked.

 

“Of course.” He said. He left Mugen standing there. Mugen rolled his eyes and started to head for the tea house.

 

Kyoko was inside, cleaning the tables. She smiled when she saw Mugen. Mugen sat down heavily and looked up at her as she approached him.

 

“Aw, Mugen. Are you still sulking about that chick leaving?” Kyoko asked. She sat down a cup of tea in front of him. Mugen frowned at her.

 

“Me? Missing a scrawny bitch? You've got to be kidding me, Kyoko. Why would I miss a girl I only knew for a day?” Mugen asked. Kyoko smirked.

 

“I forgot. You are the great womanizing Mugen. How dare I assume that you give a damn about any girl?” Kyoko said in a mocking tone. Mugen looked away from her, poking out his bottom lip.

 

“I am not a womanizer.”

 

“Yeah and Jin's not screwing Fuu.” Kyoko said sarcastically. Mugen glared back at her. Kyoko smirked.

 

“You knew about that?”

 

“The whole damn village knew about it. You're just so damn inattentive...”

 

“You know what? Shut the fuck up before I cut your bottom lip off.” Mugen said. Kyoko nodded and went to tend to some other guests. Mugen sipped his tea sullenly. He let his thoughts drift back to Sakura. He would love to fight her again.

 

Sakura and Sayuri walked across the bridge into Sugiyama. The town was waking up. Sayuri looked at Sakura. Sakura was looking around. Sayuri smirked and crossed her arms. Sakura looked over at her.

 

“Nani?” She asked. Sayuri just smiled widely at her. Sakura rolled her eyes.

 

“Looking for someone in particular, Sakura?” She asked. Sakura resisted the urge to push her friend in the creek and started walking towards the town. Sayuri followed her, picking a lily out of a patch and putting it in her hair. She began whistling as they approached the tea house. Sakura closed her eyes before going inside.

 

Mugen looked up just as a girl walked in. Another female entered beside her. The sun to their backs made their faces dark. Across the room, Kyoko turned her head. When the cloth covered the doorway again, Kyoko gasped, as did Mugen.

 

Sakura stood, looking around. She was praying her heart out that Mugen would not be in there. She turned her head and instantly, their eyes met. Sakura inhaled sharply. Next to her, Sayuri looked at her friend. She followed Sakura's gaze and saw Mugen staring back at her. Sayuri smiled and sauntered over to Mugen. She slid down next him.

 

“Hi there. I'm Sayuri.” Sayuri held out her hand. Mugen tore his eyes away from Sakura and looked at the cute Sayuri. She looked a little older than Sakura. She also smelled of a flower: a lily.

 

“You're with her?” Mugen asked. Sayuri nodded. Mugen looked her up and down. “What are you? Her sister?” He asked. Sayuri shook her head. She removed the long staff-like object from around her shoulder and relaxed in the seat.

 

“I'm her best friend. I guess you can say we're something like sisters. Isn't that right, Sakura?” Sayuri turned her head and looked Sakura in the eye. Sakura blinked from her stupor at the sound of her name. She narrowed her eyes and started walking forward.

 

“I see you've met Sayuri.” Sakura sai primly as she sat down. Kyoko walked over to her, beaming.

 

“Good to see you back, Sakura. The same?” She asked. Sakura nodded. Kyoko looked over at Sayuri. Sayuri was enjoying herself a little too much. “And what can I get you?” She asked. Sayuri looked at her.

 

“Well, I just want some sake. That's all.” She said. Kyoko nodded and disappeared. Mugen looked past Sayuri at the long, staff-like object that was wrapped up.

 

“What's that?” He asked. Sayuri looked over to her weapon. She picked it up and uncovered it. The staff had a large blade at the end of it. Sayuri lifted it with ease, despite its length.

 

“This is a zanbotou. It's basically just a bo with a large blade at the end of it. Very, very deadly if you know how to use it right.” Sayuri said, admiring her weapon. Sakura lowered her head and shook it. Sayuri sat the rod down. “So, what's your name? Equivalent exchange, sweetie.” She said, winking at him.

 

“Mugen's the name...” He said.

 

“...and womanizing's his game.” Kyoko said as she sat Sakura's food in front of her. Sayuri immediately took a dumpling off of her plate and popped it in her mouth. Sakura chose to ignore the action until Sayuri did it again. In the blink of an eye, one of her sai appeared to be stabbing Sayuri in the hand. In actuality, it was between her fingers. Sayuri laughed.

 

“You know, one of these days you're going to miss when you do that and I'll be very unhappy with you.” She said with a mouth full of food. Sakura turned her head at her friend.

 

“What makes you think I didn't miss?” She asked in a deadly tone. Sayuri stopped chewing and looked at her friend. Sakura smiled, satisfied with her friend's reaction. She removed to sai out of the table and put it back in her sash.

 

“You're pretty quick with those. I never even saw you reach for it.” Mugen said lazily. This was the first time that he had acknowledged her by speaking. Sakura looked over at him. He was staring her down.

 

“It comes with knowing how to fight for most of your life.” Sakura said. Mugen nodded.

 

“I'm curious. Why'd you come back?” He asked. Sayuri and Sakura looked at each other. They both knew that someone was going to ask this question. The only thing was that neither had figured out what to say when that time came. Thinking quickly, Sayuri faced Mugen, smiling.

 

“We needed a break from Edo, you know? Life there can get so stressful. So, we can consider this a little vacation.” Sakura said quickly. Mugen looked between the two girls. Sakura nodded.

 

“Hai. We did need a vacation. Sakura can get so caught up in her work that she forgets to have fun. Don't you, Sakura?” Sayuri asked. Sakura turned her head slowly towards her friend. Sayuri nudged her in the side.

 

“Hai. I don't know how to have fun like Sayuri says.” Sakura said. Mugen looked from one to the other.

 

“What do you do exactly?” Mugen asked pointedly. Sakura just stared at him blankly.

 

“I thought I told you already.”

 

“What is the most frequent job you get?”

 

“Housekeeping.” Sakura said in a low voice. Mugen resisted the urge to laugh. Sakura raised an eyebrow at him.

 

“Why are you laughing? What's so damn funny?” Sakura asked, frowning. Mugen looked back at her, trying to stifle his laughter.

 

“You just don't look like the `housekeeping' type. That's all.” Mugen said. Sayuri laughed without any qualms. Sakura turned her head towards her.

 

“He does have a point, Sakura. I mean, you can fight rather well. If I had to choose what your profession would be, it would be an assassin, not a housekeeper.” Sayuri said between giggles. Sakura crossed her arms.

 

“Is that so, Sayuri? I don't know whether or not that's a compliment.” She said.

 

“I would take it as a compliment.” Mugen said. Sakura smirked.

 

“Of course an ignorant, womanizing idiot like you would. I bet you find a girl that can kick your ass a turn on, don't you?” Sakura asked, eating a dumpling. Mugen watched as she put it in her mouth slowly. She was doing it on purpose. Mugen swallowed hard.

 

“No, I don't actually. I prefer the ones that submit to my fantastic charm.” Mugen said. Sakura nearly choked on the dumpling. Mugen smirked at her distress. Sayuri just watched their exchange. She knew exactly where this was headed. Kyoko watched from the other side of the tea house. She knew it as well.

 

“Charm? You call fucking girls between the ages of fifteen and eighteen charm? If you ask me, I think those girls have really low standards.” Sakura countered.

 

“You're just mad because you probably haven't gotten any in ages. That's probably why you have a stick up your ass.” Mugen said. Sayuri watched Sakura's facial expression drop. She stared Mugen in his eyes. By staring in her eyes, Mugen realized something. He began laughing.

 

“There you go with that fucking laughing again. Do you mind telling me what's so fucking funny this time?” Sakura asked. Mugen nodded eagerly.

 

“You're a virgin.” He said. Sakura frowned.

 

“And how did you come to that conclusion? You don't know anything about me.” Sakura said defensively. Mugen looked at her face.

 

“It's written all over your face.” Mugen leaned over the table and got in her face. Sakura just looked at him. “You know, I could rectify that for you...” He whispered. Sakura's eyes widened. She pulled out one of her sai and pointed it into his neck. Mugen smiled.

 

“You're such a pervert.” Sakura mumbled.

 

Sayuri looked over at Kyoko. Things were not looking too good. At this rate, Sakura would kill Mugen. Kyoko just shrugged. Sayuri sighed and watched the two. No one saw Mugen's hand slowly moving towards the sheath next to him.

 

“You've got so much sexual frustration that you're probably aching for me to fuck you. From the looks of it, you'd probably like it very much.” Mugen said, egging her on. Sakura pushed the sai in his neck harder.

 

“Don't make me kill you right here, Mugen.” She whispered in a deadly tone. Mugen smiled. In half a second, he had knocked the sai right out of Sakura's hand. It went flying across the room, making several patrons duck. In a flash, Sakura was standing with her own sword drawn. Both held their swords to the other.

 

“We can do this here or we can take it outside.” Mugen said. Sakura frowned at his nonchalant attitude. She thrust forward. Mugen sidestepped her. Sakura smiled to herself and threw her leg up behind her. Mugen's face met her heel. Sayuri got up and moved towards the other side of the room. Sakura turned around quickly.

 

“Not so cocky now, are you?” Sakura said. Mugen growled some very colorful words and ran towards her. Sakura ducked his blow and tripped him up. Mugen caught himself and bounced backwards. Sakura went for him and swung. This time, Mugen kicked her dead in the stomach. Sakura stumbled backwards, feeling the wind getting knocked out of her.

 

“What the hell? Do you have metal on your shoes?” She asked, coughing. Mugen smiled.

 

“You can't handle it?” He asked. Sakura smirked and slashed downwards at Mugen's foot. Mugen stepped back but in the process his shoe fell off. With unmatched quickness, Sakura picked his show up. As Mugen realized what she had done, he looked up to see his own shoe come flying towards his face.

 

“Oh, I can handle it. The question is, can you?” Sakura said. Mugen ducked his own shoe and turned to face Sakura. He met the sole of her sandals.

 

“Hey, you two! Take it outside!” Kyoko yelled. Sakura nodded as Mugen regained his bearings.

 

“Catch me if you can, Mugen.” Sakura said. Mugen growled again and started stalking calmly towards her. This took Sakura completely off guard. What was he going to do? Before she could raise her sword in a defensive position, Mugen swung horizontally at her. Sakura had to suck her stomach in. The very tip of his sword cut her shirt. Sakura frowned and Mugen smirked arrogantly. “Asshole...” Sakura growled.

 

“Domo arigatou.” Mugen said. Sakura spun around to kick him. Mugen grabbed her tiny foot. Sakura tried to get free of him. Mugen smiled and looked at her foot. “You have a pretty foot, Sakura.” He said. Sakura frowned. She jumped up off of her other foot and kicked Mugen in his chest. Mugen released her and stumbled backwards. They then began a fight with their swords.

 

Eventually, they ended up outside. Fuu and Jin were walking down the street. Fuu frowned when she realized who it was.

 

“He can't resist fighting someone at least once a day, can he?” She said. Jin shook his head. “Then he's fighting a girl to make it worse. I'm going to put an end to this right now.” Fuu said. She started walking forward. Jin grabbed her arm.

 

“I think that the girl is doing just fine on her own.” He said. Fuu looked back at the girl. She smiled when she realized who it was.

 

“Kick his ass, Sakura!” Fuu yelled.

 

Mugen blinked. That was Fuu's voice.

 

“Hey! Who's side are you on anyway?!” He yelled. Sakura came at him again. Mugen was pushed back as he blocked her strike. The little girl was pretty strong. She pushed on him.

 

“Having a little trouble, Mugen?” Sakura asked. Mugen smirked right back at her.

 

“Not at all.” He kicked her in the stomach. Sakura fell backwards but not before swinging horizontally. Her sword nicked Mugen on his cheek. Sakura landed on her butt. Mugen jumped up to swing down on her. Sakura looked up at him. She put her legs up and flipped him over. They both rolled over and stood up quickly, pointing their swords. Mugen ran towards her. Sakura readied herself. Mugen smiled viciously.

 

Sakura was taken completely off guard and Mugen grabbed her wrist and swung her around. He twisted it very hard and Sakura was forced to release her sword. Mugen turned around, still holding her. Sakura thought quickly and kicked him. Mugen released her. Sakura looked to her left and saw her sword. Mugen ran up to her. Sakura dodged his onslaught with relative ease. Mugen backed her into the wall of the tea house. He threw his sword at her, barely missing her head. Sakura did not even flinch. He put his hands on either side of her head and leaned in to her face.

 

“You're pretty good, you know that? That's the best fight I've had in a long while.” He said. Sakura smirked.

 

“I could say the same about you.” She said in low voice. Mugen inhaled her scent.

 

`Cherry blossoms again,' he thought. He flinched when he felt something poking him in his stomach. Mugen looked down and saw that Sakura was holding one of her sai in his gut. He looked back up at her.

 

“I win.” She said. Mugen put his arms down. Sakura got up on the tips of her toes and leaned close to his ear. “You're still pretty good. But, I bet you can do better.” Sakura smirked and slipped out from around him, leaving much to the imagination. Fuu watched her walk over to her sword. Sakura went over to her and Jin.

 

“You're back, I see.” Jin said. Sakura nodded. Sayuri walked up to her side.

 

“This is my friend.” Sakura said.

 

“My name's Sayuri.” Sayuri said.

 

“I'm Fuu and this is Jin. I'm sure you've already met the bastard known to all as Mugen.” Fuu said. Sayuri nodded.

 

“He started the whole fight.” Sayuri said.

 

“I did not!” Mugen yelled while walking up to Sakura's other side. Sakura faced him.

 

“You did! Don't lie.” She said. Mugen's bottom lip quivered.

 

“Did not!”

 

“Did to!”

 

“Did not!”

 

“Did to!” They went back and forth for about a minute before Jin thumped Mugen on his head. Mugen faced him.

 

“Do you want some of this, four-eyes?” He asked.

 

“Four-eyes? Are you serious?” Jin said. Mugen frowned and walked off towards Ai's place. Sakura smiled and crossed her arms. She looked at the headman's house. It was blocked off.

 

“What happened there?” Sayuri asked. Sakura looked at her out of the corner of her eyes. Sayuri winked unnoticeably at her.

 

“Oh, that's the headman's house. He was killed about a week and a half ago. Jin said an assassin did it. Masaru thinks that one of the Hanafusa Shikyakus did it. I've never heard of them. Their supposed to be like this elite group of assassins from what Jin told me.” Fuu said. Jin nodded.

 

“The Hanafusa Shikyakus, huh? Never heard of them. They sound like a good fight, though.” Sayuri said. Sakura rolled her eyes and looked back at Fuu.

 

“Can we stay with you all?” Sakura asked. Fuu nodded happily.

 

“Jin sleeps in my room from now on, so I guess you two can share his for as long as you like. I'm sure Mugen won't mind you being there, Sakura. I seriously think he likes you.” Fuu said. Sakura just stared blankly at her.

 

“So do I.” Sayuri said slyly. Sakura turned towards her and frowned.

 

“Yeah right. Mugen's not for me, I can assure you. He's the biggest asshole I've ever met. I'm surprised any girl would like him.” Sakura crossed her arms. Fuu smiled.

 

`Denial,' she thought.

 

“Believe me, you should be surprised. Well, I'm going to work. Jin will be at the bookstore if you need him. I'm sure you know where to find Mugen. He spends so much time at Ai's place he might as well live there.” Fuu walked off with Jin.

 

“Come on.” Sakura started walking. Sayuri followed her. When they arrived at the house, Sayuri immediately went to sleep. Sakura shook her head as her friend began snoring almost as soon as she hit the futon. Sakura looked around and decided to pay Ai a visit. She stopped when she got to the door of the house.

 

`What the hell are you doing? Mugen's over there,' the little voice in her mind said.

 

“I'm going to see Ai. She's my friend. Who cares if Mugen's there?” Sakura whispered to herself. The voice said nothing else. Sakura began walking. When she arrived at Ai's, she saw the woman look up. She smiled at Sakura.

 

“I see you have returned, hime.” Ai said. Sakura raised an eyebrow as she walked in.

 

“Hime?”

 

“Well, you sure do carry yourself like one. I presume you are looking for Mugen.” Ai said. Sakura shook her head quickly.

 

“Iie. I'm not looking for him.” Sakura said quickly. Ai nodded, not believing a word that Sakura just said. As if on cue, Mugen came from the back carrying some bags.

 

“Here's that rice you wanted.” He said. Ai nodded.

 

“Sit it in the kitchen, sweetheart.” Ai said. Mugen nodded and turned his head. Sakura was standing there. He smirked and threw a bag towards her. Sakura caught the heavy bag and stumbled backwards.

 

“You asshole!” Sakura yelled and she struggled to hold the bag correctly. Mugen waved his other hand.

 

“Stop your whining and come on.” He said. Ai smiled as Sakura muttered under her breath as she followed Mugen. When they put the bags away, Mugen rounded on her. “Come to see me, have you?” He asked. Sakura frowned.

 

“You assume a lot. You must really think highly of yourself.” Sakura tried to go around him. Mugen nearly clotheslined her as she tried to pass. Sakura had to duck in order to avoid it.

 

“Tell me what you meant earlier.” Mugen said. Sakura looked at him.

 

“Meant by what?”

 

“When you said that I could do better.”

 

“I meant that you can do better when you fight me. I know you hold back.” She said. Mugen grinned.

 

“My, my. Aren't you the observant one? I wouldn't want to scar that pretty face, now would I? It would be a shame to do that.” Mugen said. Sakura rolled her eyes and tried to go around him. He stopped her again.

 

“Stop being an asshole and let me pass you.” Sakura said. Mugen shook his head.

 

“Fucking is great. You should try it some time.” Mugen said. Sakura nodded. She stood directly in front of Mugen.

 

“Maybe I will. I could with a big, strong man such as yourself. I'm sure you'd do a great job, wouldn't you, Mugen?” She said, drawing circles on his chest. Mugen stared down at the short girl.

 

“Hai. I suppose so.” He said. Sakura smiled. She got up on her toes, making sure to push up against him flirtatiously.

 

“Hmm. That sounds very good. You'd fuck me right, wouldn't you, Mugen?” She whispered hotly, raising her knee slightly. Mugen flinched a bit.

 

“Hai.” He mumbled.

 

“You'd like to do me right here, wouldn't you, Mugen?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Mmm...” Sakura moaned. She felt something against her leg. “Down, boy.” She smirked, having accomplished her goal. She came back down off of her toes. She looked down, smirking. Then she looked Mugen back in his eyes. “Always a pleasure.” She walked past him. Mugen looked heartbroken.

 

“You bitch!!”

 

 

Hime-princess