I do not own magi or the characters. I do own my oc.

Epilogue

—Sinbad's POV—

"What do you mean they turned our ships away," I ask Ja'far. I read over the report, still in shock.

"It's exactly as they said." I glance at a clearly confused Ja'far. "Strange things have been happening since King Rashid's son took the throne. We may have to intervene."

"I suppose…"

I look towards the door as it opens. Zahara, now six, comes running over to me and Ja'far quickly with her blond hair bouncing wildly. A black and white puppy I got her for her birthday following closely behind.

"Hello, beautiful," I comment cheerfully as she hugs her uncle before coming to me. She smiles brightly as Ja'far glares at me.

"Is that the only compliment you have for women," he snaps.

"Uncle Ja'far," whine the young girl. "Don't be mean."

I ruffle her curly hair as her dark gray eyes focus on me. She smiles and hugs me.

"Besides, Uncle Ja'far, I am well aware of how smart and talented she is and she knows it. Right Zahara?" She nods and giggles as Ja'far glares at me. "You're just whiny."

"And my girl is not very well behaved."

"Hi, Mama," comments Zahara with a wave. I look over and feel my heart skip a beat.

Leila is standing in front of my desk now, I slight smile on her lips. Her dark gray eyes that match Zahara's perfectly hold pure amusement and happiness.

I still can't believe how well she's doing right now. When I first saw her after all those years she was just skin and bone, beaten half to death and sick with a two year old clinging to her for safety. It took two years before I could even touch Leila without fearing that I would scare her half-to-death.

Now Leila is finally healthy again. Her body, well toned from working diligently, seems more womanly now. Maybe it's the way she carried herself, but her full chest and shapely hips certainly don't hurt the image. Her hair is just past her shoulder and curlier than it was when we were younger.

I can't believe I just thought about that in terms of when we were young. We're only 29.

Leila's happier now though. More free and relaxed. She doesn't have to watch over her shoulder constantly and is relishing in that. Spending time with her daughter and loved ones. Making the most of the time she lost.

It hurts still to think that we aren't even close to the same place as before and that the little girl i've grown to view as my daughter isn't.

"Hey Mama," I comment with a wink. Leila just rolls her eyes and sit on top of my desk. "And Zahara has excellent manners. She is always allowed in here."

"Besides, you're the one sitting on the table." Leila shoot a slight glare at Ja'far, who replies with a smile. He's not wrong.

"That might be true, but that doesn't mean she should," warns Leila. Zahara nods as Skyla, the puppy, jumps onto my lap. "Skyla."

"Relax, Mama." I watch as she glares at me. "You know I don't mind."

"Stop calling me Mama," scolds Leila. "Zahara knows I have a name, Sin. It isn't this big secret."

"I'm just teasing," I comment with a smile.

"Now, come on Zahara," remarks Leila calmly. "Let's go outside and leave them alone. I'm sure you'll see them later and can spend time with them."

"But-"

"I'll come and say good night," I assure. I smile as Leila gives me that look that says I don't have to. "How about that?"

"And tell me a story."

"Trust me," remarks Ja'far. Zahara turns towards him. "You don't need Sin to tell a good story."

"He tells the best stories," she argues. I won't lie; that comment fills me with pride. "Please Sin."

"You know my answer," I comment helping her down. "Of course."

"Thank you." I ruffle her hair as she smiles. "Come on, Mama. Lets go play."

"Wait outside for a minute," warms Leila as Zahara skips outside with her puppy. Zahara nods, but the little one is adventurous. Leila doesn't have much time.

"Sin-"

"I know, but I want to."

I tense as Leila leans closer. Before I can ask anything, she kisses my cheek softly. I watch her as she moves away, embarrassed. With a pleased smile on my face, she stands up and walks to the door.

"Thank you, Sin."

Leila leaves before I can say a word, shutting the door behind her.

"Holy fucking shit." I turn towards Ja'far as he stares at the door. I'd like for him to elaborate on that comment, but will only end up offended. "Did she just?"

"Yeah." I watch as he stares ahead flabbergasted. "Leila really did."

"Damn it."

I raise an eyebrow as Ja'far becomes considerably grumpier.

"I owe Salena three bronze pieces."

No matter how hard I try, I burst out laughing. Completely ignoring the scolding from Ja'far in the process.

—Leila's POV—

"Mama, where's Sin?"

I continue to brush through Zahara's hair as she hugs her stuffed kitten. It is without a doubt her favorite toy. There are very few nights when she goes to bed without it.

"I'm sure he's on his way, sweetie. You know he can get busy."

"Yeah, but…"

I watch as she pouts a little before Skyla comes over and nudges her foot.

"I'm sure he's just a little late. You know how much work he has. He won't back out of a promise he makes to you."

I look up as the door opens and as if on queue, Sinbad comes in smiling. Zahar immediately forgets that she was upset. I take a deep breath, silently scolding myself.

No matter what happened, there's no denying that I find Sin damn good looking. There's something about him now that I just can't put my finger on. He's still larger than life and charming as hell, but more mature. Yes, he drinks and sleeps around, but if he has ever told Zahara or I that he would do something, I'll guarantee that it's done. He's a good friend.

"Sin!"

I watch my little girl leap up and run over to give him a hug. He crouches down and readily accepts her hug.

"Sorry I'm late," he comments. They both let go as she grabs his hand and drags him over to her room. I follow as he winks at me. It's not a flirty wink, but an amused one. "Uncle Ja'far works me too hard. He was grumpy today."

"Why," I ask pausing in the door.

"He owes Salena some money." I can't help but smile and try to keep from laughing as Zahara looks at me confused.

"I'll explain when you older, Zahara."

She shrugs and comes over as I go to leave the two for story time. Sinbad sits down on the edge of the bed and shrugs clearly confused.

"What are you doing, little one," I ask as she grabs my hand and pull me towards the bed.

"I want you to stay, Mama." She crawls onto the bed and into Sinbad's lap as I sit down. She pouts and reaches over to gently pull me closer. It's not hurting anyone to I indulge. "It's better when you both do it."

"So I take it you want to hear about the dungeon," remarks Sinbad happily. Zahara nods excitedly. "I wish I would have known. I'd have brought my metal vessels."

"Absolutely not," I warn him. He just smiles as Zahara giggles. "Last time you did, there was a hole in the door."

"That was an accident," he points out with a smirk. He turns back towards Zahara. "Now...where to start."

I lean back and watch as Sinbad tells the story (made a bit more age appropriate). He has her completely entertained and urges me to help tell the story. Gradually, Zahara starts to doze off.

"Too tired to hear the rest," teases Sinbad. Zahara shakes her head, but yawns and snuggle against Sinbad. She likes the fact that he's warm. I completely understand. "I think so. We can finish it another night."

"Come on," I whisper, picking her up. Sinbad gets up as I tuck Zahara in and she curls up. Sinbad takes her stuffed kitten and gives it to her as Skyla jumps into the end of the bed to sleep. "Sleep tight, Zahara. I love you."

"I love you too, Mama," she yawn as I kiss her forehead. "Night, Sin."

"Good night. I'll see you tomorrow."

I blow out the candle that was illuminating her room as I make my exit. Even in the dark, I can feel Sinbad's eyes on me.

"Thank you for doing that," I comment, looking up at Sinbad as I shut her door.

"You know I enjoy it. She's a really good kid."

"I would hope."

"And I hope that you don't mind if I have some business to talk about with you." I shake my head as Sinbad hands me a scroll. Starting to scan the document, I sit on the sofa. "I really can't tell what happened."

"Balbadd cut of trade with us," I muse only to hear Sinbad taking the lone bottle of alcohol I have and pouring us each a drink. "That's so many levels of stupid, I don't know where to start."

"Have you hear anything from Latif?"

"No." Sinbad hands me a glass before sitting down next to me. "Not like this. The brothers had been trying to cut him out of the loop for years and it looks like they did."

Watching out of the corner of my eye, Sinbad leans back thoughtfully while enjoying his drink. It's strange to think about how often we've ended up in this spot in the last year.

"I'm planning on having a group of us go to Balbadd to sort this out." I urge him on, upon placing the scroll on the table and turning to lean against the arm of the sofa. Sinbad takes this opportunity to pull my legs across his lap, his hand keeping me in place.

Sometimes he just does things like this out of habit. Little things he use to when we were together. There's no ill will behind it, so I'd rather let it slide than make him feel bad.

Besides, I don't exactly mind them. Those little gestures like this that show he cares.

"Who would go besides you?"

"Ja'far and Masrur." Sinbad doesn't look towards me and kind of stares off into space. "Salena should be on her way back so we can meet her there. And of course, we'll have Latif's help."

"Sounds like a solid plan."

"I was also thinking that you should come." I pause and take a drink.

"How long would this trip be?"

"Probably two weeks." Sinbad's golden eyes focus on my gray ones. I know he didn't want to bring me into this. "Leila, I understand if you don't come because of Zahara."

"I've never been away from her that long."

"You don't have to. I just thought that you may have the best chance of reasoning with that brat. Thay perhaps a mother's scolding is all we need to fix this." My throat feels a bit dry at the idea. "Leila-"

"I'll go." Sinbad goes to argue, but decides to wait. "This is my daughter's home, so I'll be damned if I don't do everything I can to protect it."

"If you change your mind-"

"I know."

We fall into this comfortable silence and just sit here. Leaning against the back of the sofa I feel myself drifting to sleep. He's just so damn warm and even if we had our roughy patches, I still feel safe with him.

"So about that kiss."

I sit up and look at a smirking Sin. He seems far too proud of himself.

"Don't get excited," I warn half-heartedly. "It was just a kiss on the cheek. As a thank you."

"Just admit that I'm winning you over. That's all I ask." I look away, attempting to look insulted at the idea.

"And inflate your ego more. No."

Sin just chuckles and moves my legs to get up. He's in front of me before I can react to the sudden lack of his body heat next to me. Sinbad leans closer and urges me to face him with a gentle hand under my chin and leans closer. I grip the glass in my hand tightly as his warm breath tickles my ear.

"Still so stubborn," he whispers. I shiver as he rests his hand on my waist. Gripping his arm lightly, he leans closer. "Don't worry, Leila. I know."

There's no time for me to respond before he kisses my cheek. His grip tightening, signaling that he wants something more, but won't push.

"Good night, Leila."

Slightly dumbstruck I watch as he walks out the door, pausing to wink at me.

"Damn." That is the most forwards Sinbad has been with me.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it.