DISCLAIMER: Suikoden 2 and all its elements are properties of KCET. The fanfiction belongs to littlemaiko. Stealing is prohibited.
NOTE: There is an optional chapter rated R following this chapter. The entire Chapter 9.5 consists of Flik and Jess making love. I don't think the sex scene is necessary in the flow of the plot, so if you would like to read Chapter 9.5, please go to my homepage.
-------------------------------------
~ Silent Little Mermaid 9 ~
Establishing a relationship proved harder than Flik nor Jess had imagined. A single kiss worked as the link for their mutual attractions, yet the young chamberlain's shyness toward physical affection and Flik's doubt of how to proceed further kept them close yet apart. Although the tea-colored young man never avoided Flik now, their conversation fell short of customary greetings and awkward endearments from the mercenary's end.
// He acts all shy and embarrassed, self-conscious. It's hard even to kiss him when he's so nervous yet doesn't fight back. //
Flik groaned to himself when he failed to plant a kiss upon Jess' lips upon seeing him in the deserted morning corridor. Only yesterday, he had enjoyed those pink lips in abandon, and now, he hesitated. The lithe man seemed disappointed and relieved at the same time when Flik drew back. That threw in more confusion to the swordsman's brain.
"...'Morning, Jess."
Jess nodded back in greeting, his gaze a little downcast and hands holding the leather binder and hardcover ledger close against his chest. He had been holding his breath for Flik to glaze his lips, but had not the courage to go for the initiated kiss. Now feeling more than a little dejected, he huddled nearer to Flik as they walked side to side.
// There was a saying about a cat borrowed from a neighbor... meaning the usually-spirited someone turning meek. My lil brown bundle of kitten fur acting like a borrowed cat. Heh. //
Remembering trivial things, Flik chanced to reach a hand to Jess' lower back in a half-hold. The lithe body tensed for a second, then resumed to walk naturally.
"Jess, don't you think we are not acting the way a full-fledged couple ought to act?"
A small side-way glance told Flik well enough that Jess felt the same way. The younger man agreed with a helpless little nod. He didn't like the strange tension between them anymore than the mercenary did. However, before they could discuss the grave issue, Jess stopped short at the door to Shu's office. He looked at the wristwatch and looked apologetically at Flik before knocking at the wooden door.
"It's alright. See you later, mister chamberlain." Flik watched Jess disappear into the head strategist's office. He had to do something about this situation and he hated to admit that he knew only one person to rely for an advise. "Off to the bear I go..."
**********
Jess' long-lashed eyes widened a little when he found Huan in Shu's office. The doctor gave his trademark gentle smile and beckoned the chamberlain to join them.
"Jess, Doctor Huan suggested a possible way to treat your disability." The elegant strategist explained without much elaboration, turning to the other Asian to speak the rest.
"I can't guarantee anything, but I received a letter from Master Liukan and he offered to take a look at your throat."
Jess knew about Liukan's fame as the "god-like doctor"; rather than let his hope inflate, he kept quiet and nodded that he understood. For all the pessimism, however, he couldn't help shuffling in anticipation for the best results.
// If there is a chance... //
The first possibility of speaking linked together with the thought of speaking his mind to Flik. Jess almost blushed at the notion, but that warmed up his heart the most. He wanted to tell the handsome mercenary all in return to the endearments and passionate words. Old habits would die hard and he probably would not give sweet words of appreciation, but the most significant message he wanted to give, that of reciprocated affection, would be conveyed.
// I wonder if Flik will be pleased? //
Seeing the tea-colored eyes light up, Huan continued, "My speciality is in medicine, but Master Liukan is a surgeon at heart. I have faith that he can do what I could not."
"So, Jess, I have decided to excuse you from your duties and send you to Toran Republic. Viki can teleport you as close as Banner and from there..." Shu trailed off and pointed to the map that was spread out on his desk. "Gregminster is a little distance from Banner. You will need a bodyguard."
The lithe chamberlain gave Shu a half exasperated, half gladdened look. The beautiful strategist smirked most smugly and they spoke and mouthed the same phrase.
"Take the blue one with you."
Although Huan did not understand the reason for a sudden burst of light laughter from the two others, the doctor bowed modestly and left the room in its mirthful state.
**********
Flik declined the immediate suggestion of his bear-like friend to go to a tavern. Instead, they retreated to his chamber for a private and sober talk. As they took seats across from each other, one on the rim of a bed and other on a wooden chair, the younger mercenary wondered how long it has been since he last had a serious conversation with Viktor without the aid of liquor.
"So he kissed you back." Viktor grinned, almost looking stupid in his teasing expression. Of course, he knew the little string his own lover had pulled to get the chamberlain to open up to Flik. He wouldn't share that secret with the blue-clad one, however.
"Well, that's the good news. The bad news is..." Toying with the loose end of his blue bandana, Flik sighed like a true lovestruck man.
"He's all embarrassed now, eh?" Viktor finished the sentence, knowing very well how ones like Jess reacted to blooming relationships. After all, Shu had been a handful to take care of when they'd finally gotten together.
"Right. So tell me, how did you get Shu to mellow out and accept things as they ought to be?" Expecting much information from the older swordsman, Flik leaned forward a little in stance of a good listener.
Viktor had to laugh inwardly at how his friend was so serious over the matter. He didn't blame Flik for going head over heels with Jess, but when the younger man had been with Odessa, he hadn't been so paranoid or concerned with things going perfectly.
// But then, Odessa was the experienced one. //
Odessa Silverberg had been a woman of courage and initiative. Not only in the field of leadership were her traits displayed, but also in the matters of romance. She had taken a wrong fancy with Flik, using him as a replacement for the fiancee she had lost; after seducing the virgin swordsman and making him fall in love with her, she had come to her senses and grown to return the feelings in a more rightful fashion. Viktor knew of all this just from observation.
"Well, man, Shu'd kill me for revealing this but... I slept with him and all became as things are now."
A faint blush crept up Flik's neck and face at the revelation, but he kept a straight face and nodded somewhat awkwardly. He had imagined enough times of taking Jess to the bed; it was just that he thought such advances too hasty and cruel for the chaste little chamberlain.
"The difference is that Shu was aware of how good he looked and that many lusted after him and Jess... well, I don't think the kid's got that sort of vanity." Shrugging, Viktor added that there was a number of mercenaries who had negative attraction toward the tea-eyed young man. "It's a miracle that he lived so long without suffering assaults, but I bet 2000 coins that you were his first kiss, Flik."
"Good thing we didn't bet, since you are right."
Flik nibbled on his right thumb, contemplating if he should follow the path Viktor had treaded. He could take Jess anytime in terms of the mind-set. On the other hand, he knew that the chamberlain would object. Maybe not a whole-hearted denial but that out of embarrassment and fear. Folding his arms before his chest now, the handsome mercenary weighed the stakes for convincing Jess and seducing him.
// Either way, I'm jumping ahead of myself. I'm no genius in love relationships, and what if we got into the bed and he completely flipped? //
"Easier said than done, isn't it?" Shifting on the chair and making it creak, Viktor got up and excused himself for the tavern. There was nothing else he could say to the Blue Thunder. He had done his fill in the helping, as had Shu.
**********
Treading in a suppressed pace toward Flik's room, Jess stopped every five steps to think over his plans for the upcoming meeting. The day had gone by quickly with meetings and work in the office, even though he had quite a lot to do. Perhaps the anticipation for the journey and possible cure drove time on in haste. He planned to tell Flik the news first and the order of Shu that the two of them travel together.
// I don't know what else. Brace myself for another kiss, probably... //
The habit of blushing was finally wearing off, so Jess went on to agonize over how to receive the attention. He hated himself for being this ditzy, or girlish for the lack of better word, but he'd heard before that kissing an unresponsive lover was as boring as kissing a wall. Flik's constant presence and the claim that they were officially a couple grew on Jess to the point that disappointing and repelling the swordsman was unthinkable.
// Hold him, keep my mouth parted, um... tongue pliant. //
The lithe young man nodded to himself a few times and stopped before Flik's room. He knocked in modest taps until the tall mercenary welcomed him in.
"Good... evening, Jess. You worked all day?" Flik asked, obviously trying to get a conversation rolling. Seeing a nod, he offered a chair and sat down across from the chamberlain. "Same here. Not that there's much for the mercenaries to do with no battle coming up."
Taking out the notebook and pencil, Jess wrote his response. "You are still getting the same pay as in the war times. Better work hard, Flik."
"True. So, what brings you here?"
"Doctor Huan suggested that I travel to Toran to be seen by Doctor Liukan. Sir Shu gave me leave for a few days and he wants you to accompany as a bodyguard." Jess saw the older man's vivid azure eyes twinkle and had to curl his lips in a pleasant snicker before writing on. "I know. Sir Shu is personally involving himself in our matter. I'm not sure whether to take this as good will or meddling."
"Good will, I think. Liukan is amazing. It's well worth a try to go, Jess."
Urged by the need to go and give an encouraging embrace, Flik left his seat and leaned down before his auburn-brown-haired lover. Lovely tea-colored eyes half-lidded shyly before he brushed his lips against the pink ones. His arms snaked behind Jess' slight back and he was rewarded with a returned hold. The kitten-soft hair ruffled as he moved one hand to caress at the smooth nape. The delicious moment beckoned for more, the slight, delectable body making it hard for Flik to let go.
// It wouldn't hurt to mention what Viktor suggested. //
The Blue Thunder pulled back just a few inches and whispered, "Jess, I want to... make love to you." He still held the younger man loosely as he resigned himself to the very probable denial and even an embarrassed punch or two.
Jess swallowed back his immediate reaction, which was to give Flik a good fist and shrug out of the gentle arms. He just let blood rise to his face and color him red, sitting in the same hold as though he had been thunderstruck. Seeing that Flik was waiting for the answer of yay or nay, he licked his lips still moist from the kiss.
"W-Why the sudden..." Stuttering even in his lip motion, Jess asked timidly.
"The moment seems right. Sure, we've only kissed a few days back and haven't even held hands, but I think the closer bond will get our relationship going for the better. For one, I don't think you'll be so shy or unsure after we... well, you know."
// Congratulations, Blue Thunder. You just spoke more than ever in your wooing of the kitten-fur-bundle. //
"And if we are to travel together to Toran, wouldn't you want the uneasiness gone?" Flik added as an afterthought, his cerulean blue eyes still intent upon Jess' flushed expression.
Jess found himself actually considering all that Flik had said and was astonished at himself.
// Do I want to lie with him? ......Perhaps, but why so out of the blue? //
The strange pun of the notion "out of the blue" coming from the Blue Thunder gave Jess a good diversion to chuckle at. He felt a bit more at ease, and shifted his frozen hold on the swordsman to run fingers through the short-cropped brown hair. The surprisingly soft texture of the beach-hue tresses soothed him and seduced him more than any words or caresses.
"What do you think of me, Flik?" Jess mouthed, knowing the answer and waiting for those words as a cue to his consent.
"I love you, Jess, from head to toe, inside and out." Catching on to the small game of words, Flik smiled like a dashing knight from children's tales.
"Then I yield to your wishes..." Jess fluttered his eyes closed as Flik kissed him again.
NEXT
NOTE: There is an optional chapter rated R following this chapter. The entire Chapter 9.5 consists of Flik and Jess making love. I don't think the sex scene is necessary in the flow of the plot, so if you would like to read Chapter 9.5, please go to my homepage.
-------------------------------------
~ Silent Little Mermaid 9 ~
Establishing a relationship proved harder than Flik nor Jess had imagined. A single kiss worked as the link for their mutual attractions, yet the young chamberlain's shyness toward physical affection and Flik's doubt of how to proceed further kept them close yet apart. Although the tea-colored young man never avoided Flik now, their conversation fell short of customary greetings and awkward endearments from the mercenary's end.
// He acts all shy and embarrassed, self-conscious. It's hard even to kiss him when he's so nervous yet doesn't fight back. //
Flik groaned to himself when he failed to plant a kiss upon Jess' lips upon seeing him in the deserted morning corridor. Only yesterday, he had enjoyed those pink lips in abandon, and now, he hesitated. The lithe man seemed disappointed and relieved at the same time when Flik drew back. That threw in more confusion to the swordsman's brain.
"...'Morning, Jess."
Jess nodded back in greeting, his gaze a little downcast and hands holding the leather binder and hardcover ledger close against his chest. He had been holding his breath for Flik to glaze his lips, but had not the courage to go for the initiated kiss. Now feeling more than a little dejected, he huddled nearer to Flik as they walked side to side.
// There was a saying about a cat borrowed from a neighbor... meaning the usually-spirited someone turning meek. My lil brown bundle of kitten fur acting like a borrowed cat. Heh. //
Remembering trivial things, Flik chanced to reach a hand to Jess' lower back in a half-hold. The lithe body tensed for a second, then resumed to walk naturally.
"Jess, don't you think we are not acting the way a full-fledged couple ought to act?"
A small side-way glance told Flik well enough that Jess felt the same way. The younger man agreed with a helpless little nod. He didn't like the strange tension between them anymore than the mercenary did. However, before they could discuss the grave issue, Jess stopped short at the door to Shu's office. He looked at the wristwatch and looked apologetically at Flik before knocking at the wooden door.
"It's alright. See you later, mister chamberlain." Flik watched Jess disappear into the head strategist's office. He had to do something about this situation and he hated to admit that he knew only one person to rely for an advise. "Off to the bear I go..."
**********
Jess' long-lashed eyes widened a little when he found Huan in Shu's office. The doctor gave his trademark gentle smile and beckoned the chamberlain to join them.
"Jess, Doctor Huan suggested a possible way to treat your disability." The elegant strategist explained without much elaboration, turning to the other Asian to speak the rest.
"I can't guarantee anything, but I received a letter from Master Liukan and he offered to take a look at your throat."
Jess knew about Liukan's fame as the "god-like doctor"; rather than let his hope inflate, he kept quiet and nodded that he understood. For all the pessimism, however, he couldn't help shuffling in anticipation for the best results.
// If there is a chance... //
The first possibility of speaking linked together with the thought of speaking his mind to Flik. Jess almost blushed at the notion, but that warmed up his heart the most. He wanted to tell the handsome mercenary all in return to the endearments and passionate words. Old habits would die hard and he probably would not give sweet words of appreciation, but the most significant message he wanted to give, that of reciprocated affection, would be conveyed.
// I wonder if Flik will be pleased? //
Seeing the tea-colored eyes light up, Huan continued, "My speciality is in medicine, but Master Liukan is a surgeon at heart. I have faith that he can do what I could not."
"So, Jess, I have decided to excuse you from your duties and send you to Toran Republic. Viki can teleport you as close as Banner and from there..." Shu trailed off and pointed to the map that was spread out on his desk. "Gregminster is a little distance from Banner. You will need a bodyguard."
The lithe chamberlain gave Shu a half exasperated, half gladdened look. The beautiful strategist smirked most smugly and they spoke and mouthed the same phrase.
"Take the blue one with you."
Although Huan did not understand the reason for a sudden burst of light laughter from the two others, the doctor bowed modestly and left the room in its mirthful state.
**********
Flik declined the immediate suggestion of his bear-like friend to go to a tavern. Instead, they retreated to his chamber for a private and sober talk. As they took seats across from each other, one on the rim of a bed and other on a wooden chair, the younger mercenary wondered how long it has been since he last had a serious conversation with Viktor without the aid of liquor.
"So he kissed you back." Viktor grinned, almost looking stupid in his teasing expression. Of course, he knew the little string his own lover had pulled to get the chamberlain to open up to Flik. He wouldn't share that secret with the blue-clad one, however.
"Well, that's the good news. The bad news is..." Toying with the loose end of his blue bandana, Flik sighed like a true lovestruck man.
"He's all embarrassed now, eh?" Viktor finished the sentence, knowing very well how ones like Jess reacted to blooming relationships. After all, Shu had been a handful to take care of when they'd finally gotten together.
"Right. So tell me, how did you get Shu to mellow out and accept things as they ought to be?" Expecting much information from the older swordsman, Flik leaned forward a little in stance of a good listener.
Viktor had to laugh inwardly at how his friend was so serious over the matter. He didn't blame Flik for going head over heels with Jess, but when the younger man had been with Odessa, he hadn't been so paranoid or concerned with things going perfectly.
// But then, Odessa was the experienced one. //
Odessa Silverberg had been a woman of courage and initiative. Not only in the field of leadership were her traits displayed, but also in the matters of romance. She had taken a wrong fancy with Flik, using him as a replacement for the fiancee she had lost; after seducing the virgin swordsman and making him fall in love with her, she had come to her senses and grown to return the feelings in a more rightful fashion. Viktor knew of all this just from observation.
"Well, man, Shu'd kill me for revealing this but... I slept with him and all became as things are now."
A faint blush crept up Flik's neck and face at the revelation, but he kept a straight face and nodded somewhat awkwardly. He had imagined enough times of taking Jess to the bed; it was just that he thought such advances too hasty and cruel for the chaste little chamberlain.
"The difference is that Shu was aware of how good he looked and that many lusted after him and Jess... well, I don't think the kid's got that sort of vanity." Shrugging, Viktor added that there was a number of mercenaries who had negative attraction toward the tea-eyed young man. "It's a miracle that he lived so long without suffering assaults, but I bet 2000 coins that you were his first kiss, Flik."
"Good thing we didn't bet, since you are right."
Flik nibbled on his right thumb, contemplating if he should follow the path Viktor had treaded. He could take Jess anytime in terms of the mind-set. On the other hand, he knew that the chamberlain would object. Maybe not a whole-hearted denial but that out of embarrassment and fear. Folding his arms before his chest now, the handsome mercenary weighed the stakes for convincing Jess and seducing him.
// Either way, I'm jumping ahead of myself. I'm no genius in love relationships, and what if we got into the bed and he completely flipped? //
"Easier said than done, isn't it?" Shifting on the chair and making it creak, Viktor got up and excused himself for the tavern. There was nothing else he could say to the Blue Thunder. He had done his fill in the helping, as had Shu.
**********
Treading in a suppressed pace toward Flik's room, Jess stopped every five steps to think over his plans for the upcoming meeting. The day had gone by quickly with meetings and work in the office, even though he had quite a lot to do. Perhaps the anticipation for the journey and possible cure drove time on in haste. He planned to tell Flik the news first and the order of Shu that the two of them travel together.
// I don't know what else. Brace myself for another kiss, probably... //
The habit of blushing was finally wearing off, so Jess went on to agonize over how to receive the attention. He hated himself for being this ditzy, or girlish for the lack of better word, but he'd heard before that kissing an unresponsive lover was as boring as kissing a wall. Flik's constant presence and the claim that they were officially a couple grew on Jess to the point that disappointing and repelling the swordsman was unthinkable.
// Hold him, keep my mouth parted, um... tongue pliant. //
The lithe young man nodded to himself a few times and stopped before Flik's room. He knocked in modest taps until the tall mercenary welcomed him in.
"Good... evening, Jess. You worked all day?" Flik asked, obviously trying to get a conversation rolling. Seeing a nod, he offered a chair and sat down across from the chamberlain. "Same here. Not that there's much for the mercenaries to do with no battle coming up."
Taking out the notebook and pencil, Jess wrote his response. "You are still getting the same pay as in the war times. Better work hard, Flik."
"True. So, what brings you here?"
"Doctor Huan suggested that I travel to Toran to be seen by Doctor Liukan. Sir Shu gave me leave for a few days and he wants you to accompany as a bodyguard." Jess saw the older man's vivid azure eyes twinkle and had to curl his lips in a pleasant snicker before writing on. "I know. Sir Shu is personally involving himself in our matter. I'm not sure whether to take this as good will or meddling."
"Good will, I think. Liukan is amazing. It's well worth a try to go, Jess."
Urged by the need to go and give an encouraging embrace, Flik left his seat and leaned down before his auburn-brown-haired lover. Lovely tea-colored eyes half-lidded shyly before he brushed his lips against the pink ones. His arms snaked behind Jess' slight back and he was rewarded with a returned hold. The kitten-soft hair ruffled as he moved one hand to caress at the smooth nape. The delicious moment beckoned for more, the slight, delectable body making it hard for Flik to let go.
// It wouldn't hurt to mention what Viktor suggested. //
The Blue Thunder pulled back just a few inches and whispered, "Jess, I want to... make love to you." He still held the younger man loosely as he resigned himself to the very probable denial and even an embarrassed punch or two.
Jess swallowed back his immediate reaction, which was to give Flik a good fist and shrug out of the gentle arms. He just let blood rise to his face and color him red, sitting in the same hold as though he had been thunderstruck. Seeing that Flik was waiting for the answer of yay or nay, he licked his lips still moist from the kiss.
"W-Why the sudden..." Stuttering even in his lip motion, Jess asked timidly.
"The moment seems right. Sure, we've only kissed a few days back and haven't even held hands, but I think the closer bond will get our relationship going for the better. For one, I don't think you'll be so shy or unsure after we... well, you know."
// Congratulations, Blue Thunder. You just spoke more than ever in your wooing of the kitten-fur-bundle. //
"And if we are to travel together to Toran, wouldn't you want the uneasiness gone?" Flik added as an afterthought, his cerulean blue eyes still intent upon Jess' flushed expression.
Jess found himself actually considering all that Flik had said and was astonished at himself.
// Do I want to lie with him? ......Perhaps, but why so out of the blue? //
The strange pun of the notion "out of the blue" coming from the Blue Thunder gave Jess a good diversion to chuckle at. He felt a bit more at ease, and shifted his frozen hold on the swordsman to run fingers through the short-cropped brown hair. The surprisingly soft texture of the beach-hue tresses soothed him and seduced him more than any words or caresses.
"What do you think of me, Flik?" Jess mouthed, knowing the answer and waiting for those words as a cue to his consent.
"I love you, Jess, from head to toe, inside and out." Catching on to the small game of words, Flik smiled like a dashing knight from children's tales.
"Then I yield to your wishes..." Jess fluttered his eyes closed as Flik kissed him again.
NEXT