***Warnings: Light yaoi, some language
***Rating: PG-13
***Disclaimer: Don't own the characters. Making no money of off this fanfic.
***Notes: Dialogue heavy. Edited with the purchased program Grammarly
Chapter 9
Sousuke had fallen asleep the moment he returned home, refusing to share dinner with his father and stepmother. He claimed he was exhausted from his ride, and he was. Makoto tired him out. Well, that and his constant racing thoughts about Rin. Being jealous of the Shark King really took a lot of energy out of him. He made a mental note to write to Rei and have the scholar bring over as many books containing undines as he can.
He tended to be a deep sleeper, often sleeping through knocks on his doors and servants entering in and out. This night, however, he heard the knocking at his chamber doors and the name 'Haru' spoken. Sousuke wasn't sure if he had heard right. The knocking continued until he sat up in bed and heard someone say 'Haru' again.
"Who is it?" Sousuke called towards the door.
"Master Sousuke! Sorry to be bothering you so late, but there is a young man here to see you named Haru."
'What's Haru doing here?' Sousuke got out of bed and pulled on a pair of leggings then his robe. 'Wait, I know why he's here, but it could have waited until tomorrow.' "Alright. Send him in, and bring me some wine!" 'It's going to be a long night. But be calm, Sousuke. Be nice. You need to win Haru's trust, for Makoto's sake.'
A short while later (Sousuke almost fell asleep while waiting), a servant entered the room with his wine followed by Haru. Haru was dressed only in a tunic top, and Sousuke wondered where he got it. The servant answered for him, saying that Haru came to the door, naked, and then given a tunic. Sousuke narrowed his eyes at Haru.
"Thank you. That'll be all." The servant placed the wine pitcher on the table, bowed to Sousuke, and left quickly. Sousuke got up from his chair to fill his cup to the top with wine. "Someone could have seen the scales on your back," Sousuke stated. "Why the hell did you come here naked?"
"I hadn't any clothes," Haru answered. "That servant said I could keep this one."
Sousuke turned to Haru and took a hefty gulp of wine. He wanted to throw the wine in the shorter male's face for being so careless.
"It's dangerous for you to walk around humans naked. Humans are afraid of your kind."
"I wasn't worried," Haru said. "Makoto was happy tonight. I haven't seen him that happy in a long while."
Sousuke took another sip of wine. "So, why are you here? I didn't do anything wrong. You said Makoto is happy, and we'll be meeting again in that same spot soon." Sousuke returned to his seat. "Does Rin know you've left in the middle of the night to bother me?"
"Rin allows me to wander around more than Nagisa and Makoto. My powers are stronger than theirs."
"I see." He took another sip. Just being around Haru is enough to make him agitated and drive him to drink.
"I like to see Makoto happy," Haru said, walking over to Sousuke's chair. "And I know it will mean a lot to him if we were to get along."
Sousuke let out a little snort. "I doubt we could ever be friends, Haru. We're too much alike, and not in a good way." He looked at the remaining dark red liquid in his cup. "We may be able to tolerate each other." Sousuke heard the familiar sound of clothing hitting the floor, and he lifted his eyes from the cup to Haru standing naked before him.
Sousuke raised a brow and drank what's left in the cup. "I get it. You hate human clothes." He frowned when Haru took the cup from him, ready to protest until the undine suddenly straddled his lap. Sousuke didn't move, remaining perfectly still, and waiting to see what else Haru would do. It was out of character for Haru, and Sousuke prepared himself to attack if Haru tried any magic. Something was off about the whole situation. Haru was lighter than Makoto, he noticed. Makoto is big but clumsy and gentle. Haru may be small, but he is dangerous when he wants to be.
"What are you doing?" Sousuke finally asked.
"Makoto has never felt so strongly about anyone before," Haru said. "I'm curious to know what makes you, a human, so special."
"That's between Makoto and me," Sousuke said. "Now get off of me."
Haru didn't move, only stared at him. Sousuke wanted to push him off but feared the possible dangerous result of touching Haru. He remembered how Haru made those bandits walk away through no control of their own. He hasn't let any of Haru's powers affect him, but that was before the undine plopped himself in Sousuke's lap. Sousuke cursed himself for feeling the slightest bit of arousal for Haru. Sousuke could just give in, put a blanket over Haru's face, and pretend it's Makoto. No, that wouldn't be right. He blamed the arousal on his past when he used to have many naked men in his bed. Now he only wanted Makoto.
Sousuke tried to get Haru off of him. He made the mistake of looking into Haru's eyes, which locked with his, and Sousuke felt stuck to the chair. Those eyes were glowing, brightly, and Sousuke saw the waves behind the orbs. 'He's doing it again!' Sousuke thought. Haru's lower half pressed against him, and then cold lips pressed against his.
Without a care for Haru's safety, Sousuke roughly shoved him away and watched the undine hit the floor. He stood up and over Haru's form.
"What the hell are you trying to pull?"
Haru slowly stood up from the floor and walked over to get the tunic from beside Sousuke's chair. "Testing you."
Sousuke raised a brow. "Testing me? What for?"
Haru pulled the tunic up and over his head. "If you're true to Makoto or not."
Sousuke wanted to reach out and straggle Haru. He could probably do it with one hand, since after Nagisa, Haru is the smallest. Sousuke thought about doing it. It would give him a bit of satisfaction. He hated when people tried to test or trick him, and the fact that it was Haru of all people just now had Sousuke seeing red. Sousuke kept his temper in check.
"So, did I pass your test?"
"Yes, but I'm still not convinced," Haru said. "There's something about you I can't quite figure out, and I don't know if it's good for Makoto or not. If, and when, I find out what it is, you better hope it's nothing I deem dangerous."
Sousuke crossed his arms. "And, if it is?"
"Then I will take Makoto away from you."
Sousuke didn't like the tone in Haru's usual stoic voice. "If I didn't know any better," he took a few steps towards Haru. "I'd think you're threatening me."
"That's because I am," Haru answered, showing no fear of Sousuke's towering form. "You may be loyal to Makoto now, but how long with that last?"
"That's for me and Makoto to decide. It has nothing to do with you or Rin, got it? Now, leave my castle." Sousuke pointed to the door. "You've caused enough trouble here, and now I have to cover up your mess. Keep that damn tunic on until you leave."
"Before I go, I will tell you this," Haru started. "Makoto has asked me to tell Rin about the two of you. However, I still have my doubts about you. So, I do not know what I will say to Rin if I tell him."
"Tell Rin about us, in whatever way you want," Sousuke said. "Makoto doesn't want me approaching Rin. But, if Rin wants to challenge me after you tell him, you know where I live. Send for me, and I will confront Rin. But you should keep in mind that it will hurt Makoto. So, don't go throwing Rin at me as a plot to soil Makoto's feelings for me. It won't work."
Haru turned away from him. "I won't let Rin hurt you, for Makoto's sake. But should Rin act on his own, I can't promise anything."
"I won't need your help. I know Rin is your mate and Makoto is your friend, but I plan to be with Makoto. So, you and Rin are going to have to get used to me." When Haru didn't answer, Sousuke decided to ask him the same question he asked Makoto, but in a different way. "I think Rin is too possessive of you and the others. I think Rin just wants to have all three of you to himself. Maybe I should defeat him, because then I will be the alpha of you, Makoto, and Nagisa." He saw Haru's eyes begin to shine blue. "At least I would allow you to be with who you want."
"You won't beat Rin," Haru stated coldly.
"I bet I can. Let's just hope Rin wishes to speak to me in peaceful terms. I know how to be civil. It seems your mate is the one who wants to cause all the trouble."
"I will speak to Rin," Haru said. "But I can't make any promises."
"That's fine," Sousuke walked over to the chamber door and opened it for Haru. "Go. I'll be waiting to hear from Kisumi what Rin's answer is. Good evening, Haru." Haru didn't return the farewell, and Sousuke didn't care. The blue undine infuriated him, and he's just happy to have Haru out of the room. Sousuke let out a sigh. "I'd best rest my shoulder and brush up on my sword skills."
"How long will you be gone for?" Makoto asked Rin and Haru.
"Well, that's up to Haru," Rin said. "I'm a little surprised he sprung this trip out of nowhere."
"I think a week is fine," Haru answered. "We'll leave tomorrow morning."
Rin grinned his shark teeth at Haru. "I can show you the new ocean lair where we'll be living! You're going to really like it."
Makoto smiled happily at Haru for he understood why Haru is taking Rin on a trip; so he can spend time with Sousuke.
"Are you sure you two will be alright?" Rin said, looking at Makoto and Nagisa. "You've never been without both of us."
"Makoto and I will be fine!" Nagisa said. "You and Haru deserve some time to yourselves! Don't rush back. Take your time and relax!"
Rin laughed. "Sounds like you're trying to get rid of us, Nagisa."
"I'll keep him out of any trouble, Rin," Makoto said. "We'll be fine."
"Alright," Rin said with a chuckle. "We'll leave first thing in the morning."
"I'll go find Kisumi and let him know," Makoto said. "He'll be on the lookout for any trouble in the area."
Rin nodded. "Sure, that's a good idea."
Makoto smiled at them both and swam out of the lair to make his way back to the forest pool. Kisumi's fairy village is nearby, and the fairy liked to explore as much as Nagisa does. Makoto called out for Kisumi, watching the treetops for him. He couldn't wait to let Sousuke know the good news! Makoto will have to thank Haru better tonight after Rin is asleep.
Kisumi finally heard Makoto's call and landed before him on the bank. "Hey, Makoto! You look so happy right now you could fly away!" He laughed. "Did you tell Rin and he agreed, or something?"
"No, not that," Makoto said. "Haru is taking Rin to the ocean for a week! They are going to spend time together, which allows for myself and Nagisa to stay at Sousuke's castle!"
Kisumi grinned. "That's great! When are they leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning! I would like you to tell Sousuke and Rei to meet us here tomorrow afternoon. Will you do that for us?"
"Of course! A whole week, huh? Wow, that gives you two a lot of time! And Haru will not let Rin come home early!"
Makoto's smile matched Kisumi's grin. "You're a good friend, Kisumi. Thank you so much for your help!"
"Hey, quick question before I give the Sousuke your message. Do you think I should still tell Rei to come and meet Nagisa? Nagisa was pretty upset after his last meeting with Rei."
Makoto remembered asking Nagisa why he was so sad, and though he wanted to scold his friend for doing something so dangerous without telling him, he just couldn't. Nagisa was too upset over Rei's dismissal of him. Makoto tried to help Nagisa understand Rei's concerns, but Nagisa wouldn't hear it. And Nagisa is not going to give up on Rei.
"Yes, please send for Rei as well. If Rei comes, then I'll know he has feelings for Nagisa. If he doesn't…then Nagisa will have to accept Rei's choice."
"I'll let them both know," Kisumi said and flew off to deliver the message.
Makoto couldn't wait until tomorrow! He will have a whole week with Sousuke, and he won't have to worry about Rin finding out! He'll be able to fall asleep in Sousuke's arms, in that big bed, and wake up to pretty teal eyes. As much as he loves Haru, it will be nice not to have him around when he's with Sousuke. Makoto won't have to worry about Sousuke and Haru not getting along. He won't have to fret over Haru either because Rin can take care of him. This is going to be a worry-free adventure! Makoto can finally learn more about Sousuke and the human world.
The following morning, Makoto and Nagisa bid farewell to their friends, eager to go to the forest pool. Makoto hugged both Rin and Haru, telling them to be safe. Makoto nuzzled behind Haru's ear, silently thanking the other for the thousandth time. Haru just looked at him, and Makoto didn't need to hear his friend words to know what Haru is saying.
"We'll be alright," Makoto said.
"Yeah! You two get going!" Nagisa said, shooing them away. "Go have fun and enjoy the alone time!"
Rin chuckled and took Haru's hand. "Alright, we know when we're not wanted." Rin teased. Let's go, Haru."
Makoto and Nagisa waved at the pair until they were out of sight. Nagisa smiled up at Makoto.
"This is our chance, Makoto! I'm not going to give up on Rei!"
Makoto ran his fingers through Nagisa's hair. "Remember, Nagisa, if Rei doesn't come-"
"I know. But he will come! I just know it! Now come on! We don't want to be late!"
Sousuke remembered his promise to Nagisa to let him ride on a horse, so he and Rei chose to ride to the forest pool. He wasn't sure how Makoto would handle being on a horse without Haru to hold his hand. Sousuke was thrilled to receive Kisumi's message, and he even made a mental note to thank Haru, since this is obviously Haru's doing. Sousuke must have made an impression on Haru that night.
Their ride through the forest is silent, which is unusual for Rei, who likes to talk on and on about everything he's learning. Sousuke didn't blame Rei for being quiet. After Nagisa's surprise visit to the abbey library, Rei had come to his castle, late at night, explaining that he is in trouble. When Rei related the story to Sousuke, he didn't think it was such a big deal, and he congratulated Rei on standing up for himself. Even if the scholar didn't want to admit it yet, his little blowout with the Headmaster only proved to Sousuke that Rei had developed feelings for Nagisa. Rei's parents will lose their minds when word gets back to them about their son chasing after a charismatic blonde male who spends all his money and makes him forget his studies. Sousuke prayed to whatever deity may exist above that he will be present for that showdown.
"Perk up, Rei," Sousuke said. "I told you, you can stay at Seabriar for as long as you need to."
Rei pushed his glasses up. "I hope I will not have to do that," He said. "It all depends on the letter I receive from my father. I won't like what it says. I'm sure they know by now."
"Again, I point out your father pays that place more money than necessary to keep you there. The monks will find a way to keep you so they can keep taking your father's money. You're not a monk, you're a scholar. You shouldn't be following their rules anyway."
Rei sighed. "I shouldn't even be doing this...spending a week with Nagisa."
"Well, you're going to be, because I won't have anyone bothering Makoto. Your job is to keep Nagisa entertained and busy so Makoto doesn't have to worry about him. We can do things together from time to time. So just enjoy yourself this week. If you cared that much about your parents' opinion, you wouldn't be riding next to me right now to meet Nagisa."
"Yes, that's true. But I could have handled myself better when speaking with the Headmaster. I was fine with the first meeting, but the second one...well, you know."
Sousuke smirked, thinking back on what Rei told him and wished he was there to see it. Rei didn't 'appreciate' (Rei's choice of word) the names passed when the Headmaster referred to Nagisa. Rei apparently became defensive, overly so, and yelled at the Headmaster as well as the other monks. Rei couldn't even repeat the words the Headmaster called Nagisa, but Sousuke had a good idea of what words they were.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Rei. You know that, right?"
"In theory, yes," Rei said. "But socially...it's a big problem, especially for me."
"Well, don't let Nagisa know anything about what happened," Sousuke said. "I might mention it to Makoto, though."
"That's fine."
The forest pool came into sight, and they saw Makoto and Nagisa sitting on the bank. Sousuke announced their arrival, and bright smiles with hugs returned their greeting. Rei had the foresight to bring them their clothes. After they dressed, Sousuke told them that they would be riding the horses back to the castle. Nagisa was thrilled, launching himself up to the saddle of Rei's horse. Nagisa tried to pull himself up, but the horse was too high. His legs peddled as he tried to get up on the saddle. Sousuke left Nagisa to Rei's care.
"I'm so happy we can spend all this time together," Makoto said.
"I have a few things planned for us," Sousuke said. "And don't be afraid to voice something you would like to do."
"Well, I would like to have a meal outside. I've seen some humans do that by the lake in the past, and it looks nice."
Sousuke thought for a moment. "Oh, a picnic. Yes, we can do that. We'll talk more when we get back to the castle. I brought the horses because I promised Nagisa that he could ride one."
Makoto looked over at Nagisa, who is still struggling to get up on the horse even with Rei's help.
Sousuke grumbled. "Hold on," He went over to the pair and pushed Rei out of the way. Sousuke easily lifted Nagisa by the waist and placed the smaller male atop the saddle. "He's not that heavy, Rei."
Rei said nothing as he mounted the horse to sit behind Nagisa, instructing him to hold onto the saddle horn.
Sousuke returned to Makoto. "Do you want to try getting on? It might be easier for you since you're taller than Nagisa."
"Um," Makoto looked at the saddle. "Sure, I think I can."
"Put your foot in the stirrup, grip the saddle, and pull yourself up."
Makoto did as instructed, and he was able to sit comfortably on the saddle. Sousuke climbed on behind him and took the reins.
"I won't let you fall off," Sousuke said to Makoto, turning the horse to follow behind Rei and Nagisa, who were already a few feet ahead. "Would you like to learn how to ride?"
"Maybe. This horse is very big."
Sousuke chuckled. "Alright, we'll talk about it at another time."
When they reached Seabriar, they returned the horses to the stables with Sousuke promising Nagisa that he will teach him how to ride soon. Sousuke noticed that Makoto looked a little nervous while staring at the castle.
"What's wrong?" Sousuke asked.
"Hm? Oh. I'm just a little worried about meeting your father," Makoto answered. "I know to call your father 'My Lord,' and your step-mother 'My Lady,' and you should always be 'Young Master' when we aren't alone. I'm just worried about messing something up, and your step-mother already doesn't like me."
"My father has the final say in everything, not my step-mother. Her word only counts for so much. She can influence my father, but I don't want you worrying about any of that. This week is about us."
Makoto smiled at him. "Alright. As long as I'm with you, Sousuke, I won't have to worry!"
"Sousuke!" Nagisa called over to him. "Rei's going to start teaching me how to ride instead! Can we take the horse out again?"
"Yeah," Sousuke answered. "Do as you wish." Good. He'll have more alone time with Makoto. Before Makoto could voice his concern for Nagisa, Sousuke said, "Rei will take care of him. They're not going far. Let's go to my chambers for a bit." He flashed Makoto a smirk, making the undine blush and lower those green eyes.
Sousuke took Makoto's hand in his as they entered the castle, not caring who sees. The servants will whisper amongst themselves, but Sousuke didn't care about their opinions. He knew the servants would grow to like Makoto eventually. The male doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and he's always more concerned with others than himself. Makoto, he knew, will make an excellent life partner and an even better 'Lady of Seabriar.' Maybe Sousuke should see to it that Rei gets on the royal council for political influence to work in his favor. But Rei will only be one person willing to vote to allow two men to rule their castles. The issue of finding a female bride and an heir will not go away until he picks a 'suitable' lady. He'll keep holding off for as long as he can.
It was inevitable, but right before they reached the hall leading to his chambers, Sousuke's father and step-mother were just leaving theirs. Sousuke cursed under his breath and squeezed Makoto's hand. His parents stopped directly in front of them with his father's eyes landing on their joined hands. His father cleared his throat while his step-mother looked away. Sousuke will not hide his feelings for Makoto from his parents, so he addressed them as if there was no awkwardness in the hall.
"Good day, father. Step-mother." Sousuke said.
Makoto bowed as he would greeting the sea god, and addressed them both as 'My Lord and Lady' just as Sousuke taught him.
"I see you're back from your morning ride," His father said. "Where is Rei?"
"He's still off riding with Nagisa," Sousuke answered. "Our other friend."
"I'm afraid I haven't met your friends," his father looked to Makoto. "Is he one of your guests from before?"
Sousuke nodded. "Yes. This is Makoto."
"It's very nice to meet you both," Makoto said with a friendly smile.
"He'll be staying here with us for the week, along with Nagisa, who will be staying with Rei."
His father cleared his throat again, and his step-mother gave a soft little scoff.
"Does Rei's, um, father and Headmaster know that he will be rooming with a…a friend?" His father asked, embarrassed.
"Rei can handle his own business," Sousuke said.
"Would you and Makoto like to join us for dinner tonight?" His step-mother offered. Before Sousuke could say 'no', his father said,
"I think that's a wonderful idea. We will love to have you at our table tonight, Makoto." He said. "We'll have a private dinner in our chambers. Any friend of my son is welcomed to break bread at our table."
Makoto looked at Sousuke, waiting for him to answer.
"I guess dinner won't hurt," Sousuke said. After all, he did want to get his father's approval of Makoto. His step-mother will never agree to it.
"Splendid," his father said. "We'll send for you when its time. Enjoy the rest of your day, Sousuke. And Makoto, welcome to Seabriar."
"Thank you, sir." Makoto said, remembering to use the word 'sir' whenever he isn't addressing the Lord of Seabriar in public. Makoto watched the pair walk away and looked up at Sousuke's frowning face. "I don't think dinner will be terrible," Makoto said. "Your father seems very nice."
Sousuke grumbled. "Yeah. He is nice. My step-mother is another story," Sousuke led him into his chambers. "She wants me to find a bride, so she's been tracking down young women for me to marry. It's all she ever talks about."
"Oh."
"But I don't want women," Sousuke pulled Makoto into his arms. "I want you."
Makoto blushed. "That's going to be a problem, though," Makoto gave a lopsided smile. "I wouldn't pass for a woman if I wore a dress. Nagisa and Haru could, but not me."
Sousuke chuckled. "I don't want you dressing up like a woman," He kissed Makoto's nose. "I don't want you worrying about any of that, okay? You leave all the boring political castle-life stuff to me. Your only task is to be on my arm."
"Oh! Like how your parents were walking?" Makoto moved out of Sousuke's hold to link their arms and press close to him. "Like this?" Sousuke nodded. "You have such amazing eyes, Sousuke," Makoto said. "You don't look anything like your father. I look like my mother."
"My father says I am the spitting image of my birth mother. And that's why my step-mother doesn't like me."
"But, doesn't your father like your step-mother? He married her."
"He had to remarry. He doesn't hate her, but-"
"But he still loves your birth mother." Makoto finished for him.
"Yes. That's the impression I get."
Makoto hugged Sousuke's arm. "You should be kinder to your step-mother, Sousuke."
"Hm. Well, let's start reviewing your answers to the questions she'll ask you at dinner. There goes our cuddle time."
Makoto laughed. "Cuddle time? I didn't think someone like you would use the word 'cuddle'!" Makoto pinched at Sousuke's cheeks.
"Yeah, well, I did. Now let's sit down and begin. The sooner we get this dinner over with, the sooner we can spend time together."
Makoto wasn't worried about the dinner before, but standing outside Sousuke's parents' chamber doors awakened the butterflies in his stomach. He had to make the best of it. Makoto liked his outfit as well as Sousuke's. He insisted that Sousuke wear the bright blue doublet to bring out the color of his eyes. It's a doublet that Sousuke kept at the far end of his closet because he doesn't prefer to wear bright colors, but Makoto won him over. Sousuke looked so handsome with his teal eyes and black hair in that doublet that Makoto had to kiss him after they finished dressing. It was a mistake because Sousuke wanted to take the kiss further, but Makoto didn't want them to be late. His lover still wore a little scowl because of Makoto's dismissal of foreplay.
Makoto wore the outfit Sousuke bought for him during the shopping trip. The sleeves, he thought, are a little too long. Sousuke explained it is the style of dress, and they're called 'bell sleeves.' Makoto wanted to call them 'wings' because that's what they looked like. The material of the emerald green tunic is soft against his skin, and he liked it. The collar is high so it covers his green scales. Makoto is still getting used to leggings. Maybe he should attempt a dress.
When they entered the chambers, arm and arm, Sousuke's father stood from the table and greeted them. Makoto noticed that the Lord of Seabriar is dressed mostly in black and grey, while the Lady of Seabriar wore a simple form-fitting dress of pink. Makoto bowed to them after Sousuke did. The Lord offered them to take a seat, and Sousuke guided Makoto to his chair first before taking his own. Makoto made sure to thank them both, greeting them as Lord and Lady respectfully. Plates of food like fish, bread, and fruits decorated the table. There is a large piece of carved meat in the center, and Makoto wondered what type of animal it had been. The smell of wine lingered over the table. Makoto hoped he wouldn't have to drink it. Then again, he shouldn't be rude. After all, he is sitting at a table with not just the Lord and Lady of Seabriar, but Sousuke's parents.
"Please, help yourselves," the Lord offered. "Sousuke, pour some wine for your step-mother and Makoto."
Sousuke picked up the pitcher and went to serve his step-mother first then Makoto. He looked at Makoto with a raised bow when the undine held out his goblet. Sousuke poured him a little bit. Sousuke knew what not to put on Makoto's plate, so he made up the plate for him. Fish and fruits. Sousuke was a little surprised that his father had fish on the table since his step-mother hated it. She said she never liked the smell of fish, or the ocean, or any water at all. It was ironic that she married a knight who owned a fishing port by the sea and whose business consists of catching and selling fish. Sousuke would eat anything. He didn't care. It was almost as if his father knew what Makoto would like to eat, and that's when Sousuke grew suspicious. He briefly remembered his father's words to him about undines, and he had to wonder if the Lord of Seabriar already knows what Makoto is.
"So, Makoto, do you miss your village of Iwatobi?" The Lady asked.
"Sometimes I do," Makoto answered.
"Yes, I heard of what happened in your town," The Lord added with a sip of wine. "Disease. It's a terrible thing."
Makoto just nodded and popped a grape into his mouth. He had to remember how to eat like a human, so he waited for one of them to pick up those utensils so he can mimic the actions.
"Do you like to swim, Makoto?" The Lord asked him.
Makoto glanced at Sousuke who had paused in eating his bread.
"Ah, yes, sir. I do. Swimming is something I love to do."
"My son likes to swim as well. But since his shoulder injury, I haven't seen him go down to the shore to swim in the ocean,"
"Nor has he reported to his knightly training," the Lady added.
"I will return to both," Sousuke said. "For this week, I want to spend time with my guest."
"Of course," his father answered before his step-mother could. "You should rest your shoulder a little longer anyway. Knighthood will still be there when you're better."
The butterflies in Makoto's belly are increasing. He can sense the tension at the table between the two human men and the woman. It drove him to drink the wine, which wasn't as bad the second time around. Sousuke started to eat, and Makoto mimicked the actions of the utensils to cut the fish into pieces. Cutting the fish seemed like a waste of time when all he had to do is merely swallow it, but he had to act like a human. He chewed and swallowed, slowly, like the others are doing. Why so slow? He wondered.
For the rest of the dinner, Sousuke's step-mother drilled Makoto with questions that he didn't always have an answer for. Sousuke would answer for him if needed. She asked about his parents, if he had any siblings, or had any noble blood at all. Makoto had to respond with 'no,' which made her frown deepen. Only Rin and Haru came from 'noble' blood. He and Nagisa were born as regular undines. She started bringing up the topic of Sousuke's marriage and naming off 'eligible' female humans who will be good for him. This made Sousuke and his step-mother break out into a 'polite argument' about the topic, which furthered Makoto's growing anxiety. Sousuke's father said very little on the subject of marriage, choosing to focus on his plate filled with food looking as if he wanted to disappear into it.
Sousuke suddenly slammed his hands on the table, startling Makoto. "That's it, we're finished here!" He pulled Makoto up from the chair and ushered him out.
"Sousuke, wait!" His father called after them, but Sousuke didn't stop to turn back.
Makoto tried to keep up with Sousuke's fast pace of walking as he is pulled behind, his lover's grip tight around his wrist. They went into Sousuke's chambers where he slammed the door and even locked it. Makoto stood silently while he watched Sousuke rest his forehead against the door. His shoulders were trembling, not with fear or sadness, but with rage. Makoto could sense Sousuke's intense anger, and it was only growing. He knew what to do. Makoto walked up to Sousuke and embraced him from behind, resting his chin on the uninjured shoulder. Makoto closed his eyes, summoned his healing power, and started to hum.
Sousuke felt his body filling with a warmth that was not arousal but something much more peaceful. It was calming. All his anger is melting away and even forgot what he was mad about. He leaned back into Makoto's embrace, letting his head lull to the side as he suddenly became sleepy. Makoto's humming was like a lullaby. Sousuke caught himself before he slumped in Makoto's arms. He was so tired, but calm. Calmer than ever. He felt Makoto shoulder his form as they glided across the floor and to the bed. When he landed on the bed, he felt Makoto roll him over onto his back. Sousuke couldn't remember a time when he felt so peaceful. His eyes are closed, but he is still aware of Makoto's lullaby and the undine's gentle touches. Sousuke's boots came off, making him more comfortable, and then that familiar warmth snuggled up beside him.
"Sleep, Sousuke," Makoto whispered in his ear. "Be calm. I'm right here."
Sousuke drifted off into a peaceful sleep with Makoto close beside him.
TBC
