Jin goes home to get some rest. He has a lot on his mind, but foremost is the situation with Mugen. He cannot explain this sudden, unwanted attraction, and strives to clear his head.

He goes outside to meditate beneath a tree.

It takes him a long time to focus--too long, in his opinion. He is unable to clear his mind adequately. He tries really hard.

...Really, really hard. Finally he ends up kicking himself in the head, in a stunning display of samurai agility.

Next he washes himself off, but seems to get distracted.

Jin: ...Hey. What are -you- doing? Stop that.

He picks up a book of philosophy to...

Er, Jin? ...Somehow I don't think that's philosophy he's reading!

Jin: Certainly it is. What ever would give you that idea?

...Back outside to the tree. This obviously isn't working.

Dear Diary:

This situation keeps getting worse. I cannot clear my thoughts of that miscreant. It is as if he has entered my soul and gnawed a little hole there, in which he lurks. Further complicating the matter, he keeps stopping by and stealing my books of philosophy.

Finally Jin cannot resist any longer. He sets aside his writing and surprises Mugen with a deep, passionate snog. As his lips meld against Mugen's, he becomes aware that Mugen, too, appreciates the books of philosophy in the same way. Jin presses a little closer to make sure.

Suddenly Jin jerks back, realizing that his feelings for Mugen go farther than mere books of philosophy and Chinese take-out. He swoons, whispering his secret through trembling lips.

...Don't they look pleased?

A few moments later, however, the passion strikes again. Mugen takes Jin in his arms and returns the sentiment, pulling Jin hard against his body to lock his hungry mouth against Jin's.

Afterward, Jin's hungry mouth demands food. So they decide to go in search.

Jin and Mugen find an Asian garden and wander inside.

In the privacy of trees and fountains, Mugen embraces Jin and whispers a secret.

He too feels this strange, yet undeniable, attraction toward the other. He seems uncertain, but pleased.

They're even more pleased when they find food inside the pagoda.

After a hearty meal, Jin returns to his shack. Once again, he is alone with his books of philosophy... and unbidden thoughts of Mugen.

He spends the rest of the night looking through his books.....



...I'm sorry, what was I saying? I seem to have gotten distracted.

Oh yes! The, um... philosophy. Writing...

Oh screw it; you know damn well what he's doing! LOL