Business as Usual Sidetrack
wherein Jin and Fuu discuss important matters a year before BaU begins
by Laura Bryannan

They were together on his couch, and she was happily snuggled in the shelter of his arm, head on his shoulder. The credits were rolling and it was getting late, but she did not want to go back to the dorm. All summer his behavior had been distressingly consistent. During the time they spent together he was his usual charming and affectionate self, but made no attempts to get closer. It was enough to make a gal doubt her charms.

“I've been here for six weeks and you still haven't kissed me,” she complained. “I'm not just a little sister to you, am I?”

Jin cleared his throat. “No, Fuu, you're not.”

“So why, then?” she asked. “I thought for sure this summer, now that I'm all grown up, we would....”

He sputtered. “All grown up!?! Fuu, you're fifteen. You're just a baby.”

“Were you a virgin at fifteen?”

“Well, no, but that's different. I'm a guy.”

It was her turn to sputter. “That's totally sexist! Why is it different?”

“I don't know why it's different, but it is,” he insisted. “I didn't make up the rules, I just know they exist. And besides, himawari, even though I don't think of you as a little sister, I'm not....”

“Stop!” she cried. “I know, I know, you don't have to say it. You and Yuki. I guess I grew up enough to get a clue about that. He's handsome, alright, but who cares? I don't understand what you see in him. He's so obnoxious and stuck-up, and I think he hates me, too.”

“You dislike each other for the same reasons,” Jin told her. “Besides, he only teases you because you give him such satisfying reactions. You're a smart girl, Fuu. You know that, and yet you still let him provoke you.”

“Oh, pooh on Yuki!” she fumed, and then, more gently, “do you really love him, Jin?”

“Love, hime?” He sighed, smiling wistfully. “Yes, I love Yuki. I owe my sanity to him, as well as whatever social skills I possess. He was one of the most important influences in my life and he'll always be a part of me. We're no longer together, however. I've left him. It didn't occur to me to mention it....”

“You left him?!?” The hope she felt didn't quite drown out the confusion. “But if you're not with Yuki anymore, why won't you turn to me? Is it because I'm a girl?”

Jin gazed at her tenderly. “I don't believe so, but I honestly don't know. I'm still trying to understand it all myself. You will ever have my heart, himawari, but my body seems to pull me in other directions.”

She didn't care. Jin was hers. He'd been hers ever since she could remember, the beautiful, mysterious boy who was the most fascinating puzzle. She'd spent her entire life trying to figure him out and wasn't ready to give up, so she could be patient...and persistent. “I still want to give you my virginity.”

“Why, Fuu?” he asked sincerely. “Knowing what you know about me, shouldn't you wait for someone who's passionate about you to come along?”

“Passion is for shoujo manga,” she stated sensibly. “I love you, Jin. And I know you love me too, in the ways that matter, anyway. You've been there for me longer than anyone, my oldest and dearest friend, so I want you to be the first.”

“First what, hime?” he asked gently. “Surely not your first kiss.”

She looked down, blushing furiously. “Well, no...not that.”

He chuckled. “You're far too cute for me to believe you've never kissed a boy.” But then he turned to her, his tone a little more serious. “How many boys, Fuu?”

She met his gaze, eyes flashing. “How many lovers have you had?” she challenged.

“Touché,” he laughed, amused as always by her spunkiness, and reflected for a moment. “I can count them on one hand,” he replied honestly.

She looked relieved. “So can I!”

“Are you certain this is what you want, Fuu?” he asked. “I'd be proud to do it. You're sweet and fresh and very delicious, I'm sure, and I have wondered what it might be like to be with you, but....”

“You have?!?”

“Yes, hime, of course I have, but you deserve better for your first time.”

“I want my first to be with someone who loves me...who cares enough to be gentle and...um...make me ready.” She was blushing again. “You meet all the criteria, mister, and then some. I know you'll teach me well, you always have. Please, Jin.”

He looked thoughtful, eyes inward, then smiled mischieviously. “If I add my name to your roster of kissed boys, can you still count us on one hand?”

“Yes!” she said proudly.

“Good.” He hugged her closer, pulling out the old-fashioned sticks so that her hair tumbled to her shoulders. “Shall we begin, then?”

“Oh, yes!”

end