Chimera of Life
Story Six: Wisdom's Harmony
Chapter Six
By Heartfire
~*~
He was looking for Midii when he saw him again. It was in the same place where the teen had backed away from him. Onie. He wasn't facing him, but his body was in such an angle that Trowa knew a sudden movement would attract attention. So, he stood still and watched.
Onie was on his hands and knees, appearing smaller than ever in his baggy, black uniform and meshed cap. Trowa was starting to wonder what he was doing in such a position when he heard a chirp, then a brown bird jumped over his arm and a suppressed chuckle left Onie's mouth.
'The bird…' He stared at it, knowing full well that its wing had healed. Onie patted its small head and Trowa understood. The little boy was letting the bird go. When Onie stood up and turned. His brown eyes fell on Trowa and he stilled.
The teen really does have an appealing face, just like his older sister. Their eyes, nose… lips…
Trowa inwardly jerked, forcing his eyes to look at Onie's brown ones. He didn't see the fear in them today, but not wanting to chance it being directed to him again, Trowa gave a slight, tense nod, then started to walk away, deciding to look for Midii later. To have Onie's fear directed at him was… not a nice feeling at all, especially when he's interested in becoming well… friends with the child. Kindred souls, that's what this was about.
…
She rigidly stood against the doorframe of Jessie's large facility until the last person left the room. She cleared her throat and Jessie looked up from scribbling something on his pad paper.
A wide, welcoming smile appeared on his lips and he motioned for her to come in. "Hello, dear! Is this business or pleasure?" The troubled look on her face made his smile waver. "Ah… I see that it's business. What's wrong? Your dad?"
She shook her head as she sat on the chair right next to him. It had been weeks and weeks since she had told herself she would be all right- weeks of seeing and staring at Tristan- both inside and outside her work area. And it seemed that whatever it was that was ailing her, was only mounting to an insurmountable high. Why… two weeks ago, she saw him in the outside gardens and she all but felt as though her saliva was falling out of her lips!
Jessie's worry deepened. There's never anything else that worried her, save for her dad! "Are you going to tell me?"
"I…" She gulped then looked up at him while she wrung her wrists with restless hands. "I think… there's something wrong with me."
Jessie reached out and touched her hand, instilling confidence so she would have the courage to tell him. "I'm sure that this doesn't have to do with your wound, or the skin rejuvenation. Those came out successfully. I'm willing to help, just tell me."
She bit her lower lip then sighed. "I don't know how to start this… it's… embarrassing."
"Just try, hun." Jessie whispered affectionately. Whatever it was, he will help her.
"Well…" She wetted her lips with her tongue and forced herself to speak. "I'm having lapses of body heat, mostly on my face, and… er… I'm starting to look at…"
Jessie had to lean over to hear her. She was starting to whisper so softly.
"Lips."
He nearly fell down from his chair. "Say- what?!"
"Tristan." She fidgeted then started plucking on her dress. "I've found myself staring at his lips more than enough times." She sighed, then her voice became stronger, a little angered by this uncommon feeling. "It is most disturbing. Really! I cannot concentrate! I've been with him before but I've never had this kind of…" What word could she use? "Curiosity- and only about his lips! But recently…" Her cheeks flushed a bright red, unable to continue explaining that recently, she'd been staring at his whole body…
He wants to laugh. Honest to goodness, he wants to bark out and laugh. She was starting to discover men, inner urgings. Her hormones were working! Thank God for that! He thought that Blake had done something to her, but now, she's acting more like a woman. She'd never been this agitated before. "It's just hormones, dear."
"Hormones?" She frowned. "I know all about hormones. I've read them and aced all my dad's tests. How could it be about hormones?"
Jessie frowned. She was educated in all aspects- arts, literature, languages, and most especially science and math… but… "You never had sex education, have you?"
Her eyes narrowed, feeling a bit as though she did something wrong when she hadn't. She became defensive. "I know all about genders, if that is what you mean. The creation of a human life form within a woman's body is clear to me. I know the difference between the male and female's organs-"
"Kissing? Making love?" Jessie cut in curiously. When she tilted her head and frowned, he nearly fell off his chair again… But then, he shouldn't have been surprised. He knew that her mom died when she was… well… young. Blake's also overprotective of her. It shouldn't have been a wonder… 'Well,' an inner mischief popped its head in him. 'I'm just gonna have to taint her innocent little head about it… maybe have a bit of fun?' He's on his deathbed from boredom, this will give him a good boost of energy!
"Jessie? What is… kissing? You make it sound… prohibited. And what of making… love? I mean, I know what love is, but how could it be made?"
He shook his head, already figuring out how to set his plan. "My dear, you've been deprived! Imagine, not knowing what the truth of kissing and making love is about!"
"Then…" She leaned forward, her eyes brimming with curiosity. "Tell me, please."
Here it is. He'll straighten her out later, but let him have a bit of fun right now. She'll understand later. "Making love is when you show your affections. A gesture, a touch, a look, a whisper." Well, at least that was not exactly a lie, but here comes the real zinger- Jessie leaned closer and whispered- "Touching lips…"
"Touching…lips…?" She blinked, a bit surprised at that revelation… She couldn't imagine touching lips with anyone! It was giving her goose bumps just thinking of it!
"Kissing, on the other hand…" He gave a dramatic sigh and noticed how she tilted her head. "It is the ultimate show of affection."
Jessie leaned back on his chair, appearing as though the most knowledgeable of the subject. "You NEVER ever kiss anyone unless you're serious about him."
"Serious?" She whispered in interest. "Why?"
"Well, because the person you kiss is someone very special to your heart." Yes! Another point for the J-man! He didn't lie with that one. Jessie nodded. "Mothers touch their lips on children's cheek to show her love, but two people who have affection for each other kiss…" He let her wait a bit. When he was sure his pause was enough, he continued. "On the lips… exchange saliva, and move all over your body."
She felt her cheeks aflame with those last words. Imagine! Exchange of liquids- and lips going all around the body? Though the notion was seemingly disgusting- and obviously unhygienic- a part of her tingled with anticipation.
"You see, the first step to kissing is making love- that is, making love just on the lips. But with kissing, you are … experiencing something entirely different." Jessie suddenly remembered Dorothy, and it wasn't a surprise that he had to cover his… uhm… crotch with his pad paper to hide his reaction.
"Go on."
Her whisper reminded him of what he was doing. He looked at her and saw her curiosity. "Well, there are three kinds of kisses. The osculum, the basium, and the savium. The first is just a friendship and affection kiss, the second is a passionate kiss, while the last is a very deep kiss. Those last two, you should be careful with because it includes shedding your clothes and well…. Scientifically speaking, kissing signals our brain to produce oxytocin, and it's a hormone that gives us these tingly, yummy feelings, and you want to have more and… well… do it."
She wasn't exactly sure what 'do it' was about, but she was a little afraid to ask about it. "So… what good is a kiss aside from just a way to exchange liquids?"
Jessie nearly choked when he almost laughed. "Dear! The way you say it… It's more than that! It also has a psychological effect! You see, when your mouth is in a kissing position," He leaned forward, putting his hands on her cheeks and pushing upon them to make her lips pout like a fish, "You're almost smiling, and since your emotions and body language are linked, you are relaxed. You close your eyes and breathe deeper, and it helps you shut the world out. Plus, it makes you burn sugar faster than usual, and it tones your cheeks and jaw muscles so, no sagging!" Jessie leaned back on his chair, trying to think up of more 'good of kissing' he had read when he was just studying about medicine. "You also release adrenaline into your bloodstream so your heart pumps more blood and its like a good cardiovascular workout."
"Really?" She never thought that kissing was so healthy.
He saw something in her eyes that made Jessie back up a bit. It was a combination of curiosity and wondering… a very bad combination, especially for a scientist. "Of course, you don't make love or kiss with everyone. Remember, you make love first, then the intimate kiss, and you don't do that to just anyone. Only make love to those you want to."
She nodded. "So, from what you are saying, this is a natural phenomenon that occurs to everyone. It is hormonal and therefore, there isn't anything to be worried about, correct?"
Jessie nodded, slowly feeling dread seep through his bones.
"Good!" She jumped out of the seat, relieved and started walking to the door. "There's nothing to be worried about now. Since it's only natural, then it'll pass." She paused then turned, her face in a frown. "It will pass, right?"
"What will?" Jessie asked, his mind slowly reeling… He'd done something bad.
"Thinking of lips."
"Oh… yeah… it will." Well… not to him, but still…
"Good! I have to go now," She walked to his door, ready to leave. "Tristan's waiting and dad's going to be home in a few more minutes."
The next thing Jessie knew, she had closed the door. He scratched his head… maybe he shouldn't have twisted his words? No… she's responsible enough… but she's also a scientist, and that means… experimenting… No! Give the girl a chance. Even if she wants to experiment, her guts would tell her no, and she does follow her instincts more than he knew of anyone.
Well… it seemed that having Tristan Brigham with her was a good investment. It wasn't that she doesn't interact with men, but he thought it'll give her some experience… and it was working.
…
It's been a few weeks since her talk with Jessie… she still hadn't seem to get over it. What should she do? She'd researched plant medicines and chemicals, but she couldn't find anything to help her.
She sighed then knocked on the private quarter's door. "Sir?" She cringed at the word. She used to be able to talk to him, when mother was alive… Now, it was different.
"Come in, Lieutenant."
She closed her eyes, willing away the tears. Why couldn't her father be more… like a dad? Self-consciously, she pulled down the lapels of her borrowed clothes then closed her right hand around the knob. At the last minute, she tilted her head up high and placed a mask of indifference on her face. "You called me, sir?"
Her eyes hungrily took him in. She rarely saw her father, unless he asked for her like today- or if she asked for permission to meet him. Other than that, he stayed away from her like the plague, and she couldn't get near him. So, times like these were always a treasure. She wished mother didn't die… He wasn't even looking at her… does he even know what she looked like? She wants to pound her fists on his table and tell him to look at her. Her, not his darnable papers. Her. His daughter. No one else. She wants him to call her by her name and not her given position. She wants to hug him, feel his arms around her just like when she was young…
"I want a progress report on your project." Blake demanded as he checked off some additional contracts with the Arche government.
She stifled a sigh. This was the only thing that was giving her hope that he would finally acknowledge her as a daughter. Maybe if she discovers this breakthrough, he'll finally notice her. It was just too bad that… she's using lives. "It is going well, sir. I've noted some slight lack of memory on the two specimens within the five-month period since I've injected the serum into their system."
Blake took his eyes off his papers to raise an eyebrow at her. "I want a faster response."
Her eyelids fluttered as she glanced at her feet, then at the edge of the table, unable to look directly at her father. "I know, sir. I've been experimenting with some new combinations, and a higher dosage might help…"
"So, you need some new people?" Blake asked as he leaned back on his chair and crossed his arms over his chest.
'No! I don't want any more!' Her mind screamed, but what could she do…? With her heart sinking and becoming smaller, she nodded. "Yes, sir. I need another male and female."
"I'll send word to the Ground." That said, he looked back at his papers with undivided attention. "You know what to do."
She felt her head nod though she couldn't feel her body. Was that all? 'Dad… I'm here. Please, look at me…'
As though he heard her, he glanced up once again. "Well? You're still here?" His fingers started tapping on the table and she felt torn.
"I apologize, sir." She quickly turned around and left the room. In her mind, she vaguely remembered the time when her mother died… she didn't know how it happened, her yaya just told her that her mother was gone. When she tried to talk to dad, he wouldn't look at her… He never talked to her again until… until she showed him her work. By then, she noticed that he would look at her more patiently if she called him sir… and then she noticed that- her hands went over her clothes and she sighed once again. With a quick shake of her head, she walked to Jessie's office.
…
Blake bit his lower lip as he stared at the closed door. Why was it that he feels so guilty whenever she was around? "Tsch… You know why…" He muttered under his breath. He pushed her away, he isolated her from society-
"I was only trying to protect her from harm." He muttered once again, then he pushed his hands through his hair. "Laurette… what am I doing wrong?"
Slowly, he opened the lower drawer of his desk then took out a colored picture of his wife… smiling. "She's starting to look like you, you know… She has your smile…" His last word wavered. He rarely see his daughter smile anymore. She doesn't know that he visits her at night, just to look at her… to touch her face and press a light kiss on her hair… She doesn't know how he would hold her hand when she had her nightmares… She doesn't know how much he loves her, but he just didn't know how to show it. "I'm not like you, Laurette… I'm not."
The one last thing his daughter didn't know was that in his desire to still be a part of her life, he always listened to her recorded diary… and he always felt awful that he was putting her through all these things. Every sob that was recorded made his heart cry.
His mistakes, and she's paying for them… "I'm sorry, my little pie… I'm so sorry…"
…
Jessie leaned against the wall, watching the scene unfold in front of him- a crying woman, a scared looking young man, and his friend's sympathetic face.
"I… I w-wa-want t-to go h-home! P-pl-please… just take m-me home!" The young woman cried, wrapping her arms around her waist while the man seemed ready for a fistfight.
Jessie eyed them wearily. There was a time when the prisoner she picked was hysterical from lack of human contact and fear. It resulted with his friend getting a bruised cheek, and the man's death the moment Blake heard of what happened. Of course, she doesn't know that last part…
She shook her head, showing her sadness through her eyes. "I'm sorry, I can't promise you that… what I can promise you is that I'll take care of you. If you help me, if you take this chance that I'm offering you, I'll make sure no one will hurt you so long as you're in my care."
Jessie looked away. He knew the key word in that often spoken speech- 'so long as you're in my care.' In which case, no one is ever in her care for long… If the serum didn't work, they'll be sent to the machine, and if it did work, they'll still be sent to the machine as a precaution… either way, Blake wins.
"What are you planning to do to us?" The young man finally spoke. He looked healthy with thick brown hair, a pointed chin and almost symmetrical eyes. The man looked just slightly taller than the woman, but then, he was sitting.
"I am going to be blunt. I am in charge of an experimental serum. It is supposed to help you," She looked from the man to the woman, "escape the… process of what you will have to go through, in a few more days…"
Both she and Jessie saw the cringe in the prisoners' eyes. Day and night, they were the closest to the machine where the brainwashing happens. They probably heard the torturous screams from their fellow cellmates.
"It'll make us forget… won't it?" The woman asked in a whisper.
She nodded. "Yes… It's supposed to…" She reached out and patted the woman's shoulder. "But, don't worry… I'm working on a cure for that one, too."
The helpless droop on the prisoners' shoulders prompted Jessie to turn away. She had convinced them, it's only a matter of injecting the serum. Sometimes, he wonders whether or not she takes pleasure in what she does… As quickly as he thought it, Jessie pushed the thought away. He turned around, knowing what he would find- two people on the chair, asleep- a side effect of the serum- and she would be shaking. "Are you all right?"
"You know…" Her head drooped a bit more to her chest, "I wished so hard that I would never have to do this again…"
Jessie sighed. "I'll bring them to their rooms." He walked to the man- Kevin Tramo- soon to be… well… whatever number he becomes assigned with. From the corner of his eyes, he saw her nod, stand, then walk away.
…
"Troy, Jenna-" she gave a grunt, accompanied by sounds of splashing water. "Hanna, Greg, Iris, Rewn,-" a sound almost akin to a sob left her lips, "Jen, Frea, Nick, Rick- dumb!" she stomped her foot on the wood, then gasped when the ladder she was standing on wobbled. She steadied her center of gravity then gave a sigh of relief as her high ladder stabilized.
She wasn't finished with her litany of names yet, and she continued while she drowned the foam in the bucket of water then flattened the blood- which was actually just water- out of it then started swabbing the highest windows she could reach for with her ladder. Cleaning these windows was her stress reliever, but the main point was being up high, away from the science and near to the real nature which was the only way she found herself able to relax. Too bad the first time she figured that out, she fell down the tree and broke her arm in the process. This time around, she was killing two birds with one stone- the windows needed washing, and she needed relaxation. And, as a precaution, she laid two layers of mattresses around her ladder, just in case she fell down.
Her litany of names ended with the latest couple of victims- "Tristan, Midii, Kevin… Ana…" Her right hand swiped a strand of errant hair back under her cap while her left arm faltered during it's mid-swipe. She glanced at her lab table then, without thinking, threw that sponge at it.
Standing just two steps shy of the top of the ladder, with the sudden jerk that came from her pitch, accompanied by the sway of the bucket, still full of heavy water, hanging by the side… the ladder teetered.
She tried to go against the sway and steady the ladder again, mentally scolding herself for such a stupid behavior, but she leaned on the other side too long. Her eyes went wide and her stomach dipped.
"Uhm… uh-oh…"
The ladder groaned, her hair flew in front of her face, and she closed her eyes while she mentally tried to tell herself that she'll be fine because of the mattresses… Of course, even though she was trying to be reasonable, that does not necessarily mean that she was not panicking inside!
…
Trowa wiped away the bead of sweat that dropped from his forehead. He just came from his daily exercise from the gym and his heart and health was still perfect- or so Jessie kept on exclaiming. Unconsciously, he pulled at the edge of his uniform's coat, then finally, he pressed the button to go inside the garden, hoping his expression didn't relay the stirring excitement he could feel bubbling at the mere thought of seeing Christy.
But the bubbling excitement boiled over and turned into a sudden rush of fear as he took in the wavering ladder and the person on the very top. The pail of water swung out of the hook and landed against one of the trees just as the person on top- Onie- lost the grip and footing and seemed to hang in the air.
Not losing any time, Trowa ran, calculated the distance and height then he jumped in the air, reached out, and thankfully hooked his arm around that waist. He tried to land gracefully, but in a garden where almost every square inch was covered with plants… it was a bit too hard, and they stumbled to the ground and rolled with Trowa trying to protect the person in his arms and getting the brunt of the situation. Finally, they stopped and he heard that unmistakable 'blag!' from the high ladder.
His body hurt, and… God! His chest felt so tight he could barely breathe! And his hands felt so cold- they were shaking! Good Lord! What was wrong with his hands! Without opening his eyes, he flexed them and tried to bring back feelings into them. When he heard a groan from the idiot he saved, he opened his eyes to glare, but in a span of two seconds, his glare turned into a look of surprise just as she opened her eyes and stared into his.
Lying on their sides, one arm still around her, her eyes widened just as he couldn't seem to be able to control the expression on his face… a million and one things passed between them.
Trowa finally worked his jaw, but the words he uttered weren't the ones he wanted to say- "You're Christy…!"
Just as she said- "Tristan… your eyes…!"
At her words, Trowa's face became shuttered while Christy frowned from what she heard, and they both slowly moved away from each other.
"Should I be someone else?" She asked, her eyes still holding his.
Trowa took in her black uniform, the same as his. He thought he was saving Onie… The uniform, the cap… His eyes went from Christy's almost waist length hair to the cap she had been wearing that now laid a few arms away. Her loose uniform made her appear smaller than when she wore her dresses… How could he have not noticed that they were the same person?!
"You did… you thought I was someone else!" She whispered, awed. "Who?"
'She doesn't seem to notice that he just showed her that he wasn't brainwashed.' Trowa thought just as Christy- or Onie- tentatively touched his hand.
"Please, Tristan. Talk to me. I know you've broken free of that mental programming that my father had forced you into. I'm not going to betray you. I'm actually glad. Now, please…?"
The way her chocolate eyes implored, and the fact that he knew she was aware that he wasn't brainwashed made him talk. "I thought Christy and Onie were two different people."
"But…" Onie frowned. "How could you think that?"
He nearly harrumphed. Instead, he just stifled it and wondered why in the world he was just sitting here on the soil, conversing with her instead of making sure that she won't tell on him. "Ever compared how you look like in your uniform with your cap on, with the way you look like with your dresses?"
"No." Onie tilted her head. "I never did. I only started to dress that way because people take me more seriously when I'm in uniform." She frowned a bit more, trying to understand something. Trowa's memory must have been going through lapses. That's the best explanation she could garner. A memory of her as Onie, then a different memory as Christy. "Just to clarify, my name is Onie Christine." She stood up, feeling suddenly uncomfortable with the way she was staring intently at his eyes, trying to gauge his emotions. "I prefer to be called Onie…" She looked away. "I haven't been called Christy for a long time."
Trowa heard the note of pain in her voice but tried to ignore it. Standing up, he mentally studied this new situation he found himself in. "Are you going to turn me in?"
"No!" Onie cried out as she turned to face him, her face full of shock. "How could you ask me that question? I said I was glad you are yourself, didn't I?"
Trowa kept his stoic face. "What are you planning to do, then?" The change on her face from one of shocked anger to curiosity almost made him smile.
"I was… well… I was planning to ask you about your past- and life outside this-" she opened her arms wide around her. "Place… I mean, I do get to the nearest city, but other than that, nothing else. I'm curious about our world."
Trowa nodded, feeling the urge to open her eyes on some of the wonders mankind found. "I cannot tell you about my past-" the sad look on her face hastily made him add- "- because I still cannot remember it." Understanding shone in her eyes as she nodded. It still scares him how much he understood her. He was always good at reading other people, but not on this different kind of level. And it was scaring him that he was just babbling to her. This wasn't at all like himself. "As for the outside world, it is better to experience it first hand than to hear it from the lips of another."
"Oh…" Her face fell. Then, as if she was so used to such answers, she shrugged and tilted one corner of her lips in a semi-smile. "I suppose that… it's for the best that I do not know about it… people should be happy with what they have and not always wish for what's on the other side of the fence."
She turned away from him then started for her lab. "Tristan, please be careful with your facial expressions once outside the garden. I wouldn't want you to go through the 'process' a second time." She reached her table and started pounding the pestle into the mortar. "You are free to help me if you wish to do so, and while you're inside the garden, you can do anything." Mentally, she wondered why she felt so sad when he wouldn't share his knowledge of his world to her… It was… curious to feel in such a way… it reminded her of how she feels towards her father, but different.
Trowa followed her with his eyes those first few minutes, feeling as though he had just let her down, then he stood up and walked towards her. Like before, they worked silently and in perfect synchronization.
"Tristan…?"
He didn't answer, he just paused his work to show her he was listening. She bent her head lower, and he noticed a faint blush that erupted on her cheeks.
"Thank you for saving me again."
The corner of his lips went up, the uncomfortable feeling left, and he started again. "You're welcome."
…
There was a flurry of activity going on in the center. Sentries were doubled, the base was in red alert, meaning that security became stricter, resulting in delay to acquire more data- specifically, the real target of this whole base. He was able to read some of their small time missions. Onie was also willing to supply him with information, but even she didn't really understand why Blake started this whole operation, and according to her, though she was a bit vague and skitterish about it, she had been with this operation since the beginning. She was part of its Research and Development team, and though he had been working with her, he didn't know what exactly she was doing either.He walked into the garden and found it empty, but Trowa confidently walked to the table and found that she had stuck with their system- writing down a note. It was funny how much she trusted him, even showing the exit on the glass windows, which he used when he searched for her.
'Out to gather more plants.'
He nearly smiled. Short and quick, just the way he liked messages to be relayed. He reached underneath the third left drawer of the table and pushed the button he barely felt- another trick she showed. He heard the audible click of the doors around the garden to secure that no one would interrupt him. Then he twisted the leaf on the left lamp, hinged to the wall, and a square panel appeared. A few seconds later, a small computer and keyboard appeared on a mechanical ledge.
Trowa pulled his chair in front of the computer and then started hacking into the main system. He went through his usual route, tried to check if he missed anything, then he tapped into the main system database and… stared at his picture.
He leaned against the backrest as he stared at that bare shoulder to head picture. For the life of him, he couldn't remember ever having this picture taken, nor did he know how Midii got a hold of it- the right angle for the database. There was something else that was bugging him, but he couldn't figure it out. He'd stared at that picture countless of times and reviewed the stats that he figured Midii had entered. They were all correct… save for his birth date, which he didn't know. So, what was wrong…?
Trowa leaned in closer to the monitor, his eyes squinted, and finally… he figured it out… He quickly shut down the computer and put everything back in place. "Midii, where ever you are…" he couldn't finish his sentence, irritated to the core. She was not going to escape this time.
…
Onie plucked a violet flower from the weeds at the base of the cliff. It took quite an effort to make her father giver her permission to grab supplies, especially with the government surveillance team in the area. She told him that she knew the area like the back of her hand, and finally he let her go. Of course, she didn't tell him that the only place she found the flowers she needed was near the rest shack for the government troops. If he knew… he'd probably never have let her go.
She sat down on the ground and sighed. It seemed that her little hormones dilemma wasn't letting up. The other bad thing that was happening was that the un-brainwashed Tristan was the same as the brainwashed one. He doesn't talk at all. Not that she minded, but she was curious of him.
No… that wasn't at all the truth… It was the hormones dilemma, period. She likes Tristan just the way he is. It was just being in close contact with him every day that she felt… restless. Yes. That was the word she was looking for… Restless.
She shifted her weight, crossed her legs in front of her and placed her chin on her bent knees. There was something about this hormones dilemma that Jessie hadn't told her. Maybe she should ask him some more about it? After all, she already had an enlightening talk with him a few days back. Jessie had sealed her guess about the truth behind his identity, but she was not about to betray a good friend. She wants to help, and she already have the best gift she could give him- a few days of vacation.
Onie stood up, turned, then stopped in her tracks. 'Company…' She squinted her eyes from the sun's glare, and blinked. 'No… that can't be…' It- they… the two were their soldiers. Tristan and Midii, one of the last couple she-
'What are they doing out here?' The way the two were fluttering their arms about them showed anger. Anger. An emotion. Midii had never shown any indication of such before, that was why she focused on Tristan… but this meant that her serum was definitely a success! Of course, success or not, she must still warn those two that there's a dangerous surveillance team around the area!
Her mind made up, she took a step towards them then faltered as she watched the two stared at each other, Tristan did a resigned gesture, then Midii went into his embrace and… made love the way Jessie had explained to her.
She quickly looked away, tears prickling her eyes. There was definitely something wrong with her. She wants to stop what was happening, punch Tristan and scream at Midii, yet at the same time, she felt helpless. It was an emotion she had never before experienced. Something was happening inside her, too… She felt… crushed.
Biting her lower lip, she turned away from the scene and ran back to compound. She wants to lock herself up in a room and cry her eyes out. She wants to go to the gym and exhaust herself. Most of all, she wants to forget what she saw-
"Whoa there, sweetheart. Where's the fire?"
Jessie's hands clamped on her shoulders just as she bounced off his chest from the sudden impact she didn't see coming. The basket she was carrying fell to the floor, and she kept her eyes fixed on the flowers.
"Here. Let me help."
Onie watched as Jessie bent down to put the flowers back into the basket, then looked up at her and met her eyes. She saw the concern instantly light in them. He quickly stood up and turned her face to meet his.
"What's wrong? What happened? Was it your dad again?"
She couldn't talk, her throat too constricted, and she could only shake her head. She couldn't even begin to explain what was happening to herself, how could she tell Jessie?!
"Onie, breathe." Jessie took a huge gulp then let it out, making a comical face.
She closed her eyes and followed his instructions. Thankfully, she felt a little bit calmer.
"Better?" Jessie asked as she opened her eyes.
Onie nodded as she reached for her basket and clutched it to her stomach. "Thank you." She side stepped from him and gave a sorry smile. "I have to go."
Her voice was low, a whisper full of emotions, and Jessie was hell sure he wouldn't let her go in such a state! Her father may not give a single damn for her, but he does! He reached out for her arm, stopping her before she could take a step. "Tell me what's wrong."
"What… what makes you think there's anything wrong?" She turned and gave him a smile that she hoped was convincing enough… But the way Jessie scowled down at her- he was definitely not convinced. She doesn't want to tell him. How could he understand? She tugged her arm away, suddenly finding a driving anger. "Can't you just leave me alone?"
The way Jessie's jaw fell, and the hurt in his wide eyes made her want to take back those words.
"Fine… if that's what you want." Jessie straightened then turned away. It was the very first time he heard that tone of voice from her. It was the very first time she had pushed him away. He was about to step away from her when he felt her hand on his arm.
"Jessie… I'm sorry."
He turned back towards her and gave an encouraging smile. "Ready to talk?"
She gave another weak smile. "I don't really know where to begin." There were so many things flying in and out of her mind.
"Well, I've got time. I can wait." Jessie took the basket from her hands then tucked her right hand in the crook of his elbow. "Let's go to your garden as a precaution, though. I don't want prying eyes on us."
She chuckled her response as she followed him. "I am surely blessed to have a friend like you."
"Heh, if you don't know it by now, I dunno where your mind has been these past few years." Jessie squeezed her hand, just to accentuate his point. They reached her garden and he led her to the fountain. He never minded sitting on the dirt in front of this nice scenery, and neither did she. "So… figured everything out?"
Onie shook her head as she cupped her chin on her left hand. "I haven't figured out anything at all… in fact, I think I am more confused than ever."
Jessie nodded, watched as she leaned over and touched the clear water that overflowed from the fountain and went to the stream that snaked around the garden.
"Jessie… is there something you haven't told me about making love and kissing?"
He blinked. "Uhm… like what?" He felt as if he has this guilty sign flashing over his head!
"Oh, I don't know…" She focused her attention on the water, too embarrassed. "You said that you only make love to those you like, right?"
'What exactly are you hinting at?' Jessie nodded- slowly. "Er… yeah…"
Slowly, she figured something out, and she glanced back at Jessie, focusing on him. Jessie, on the other hand, felt like squirming. He does not like that look at all.
"You like me, don't you?"
'No!' Jessie's eyes widened. 'This cannot be happening!' He stared at her like she grew another head, and he tried to phrase his answer in the best possible way. "Uhm… of course I like you. I wouldn't be talking to you if I didn't."
"Then…" She tilted her head and her loose cap fell down, making her long, black hair spill down her back. "Make love to me, Jessie."
Jessie swallowed- hard. This was definitely… his fault.
"I just want to know how it feels." Although, why was it that she had this weird sensation that if she let Jessie make love to her, it was going to be all wrong?
'Think fast, Callum… Think fast, or you're going to burn in hell.' He pushed his hands through his black hair as he pieced together a pathetic excuse. "It isn't that simple, Onie… Liking is only a small part of it… I need to find you desirable."
She saw the meaning in his eyes and she quickly looked away, her skin feeling as though it was burning from embarrassment. "Oh… and I am not desirable, correct?"
"No!" Jessie mentally slapped himself. "I think you're plenty desirable."
"And yet, you still do not want to make love to me." Onie answered, her voice lifeless. Was there something wrong with her?
"No. I mean… I…" He tried to come up with something better… something- "Dorothy!"
"Dorothy?" Onie turned her face towards him, curious. "What about her?"
He finally found the perfect excuse. "I already found the person I like and desire, Onie. It's Dorothy. If I make love to someone else, it would be and act of betrayal on my part. I will be betraying her… Her trust in me. Do you see that?"
She nodded. Somehow, she understood… but… "Jessie, I won't tell Dorothy… I would just like to feel it. Research. That is all."
Jessie's right eyebrow dubiously rose. "That's all?"
Onie quickly nodded. "Yes. That is all." She was lying. That wasn't all. She wants to make love to Jessie as a personal vendetta against… against Tristan and Midii…? She couldn't really comprehend it, but she wants to do this.
"Well… if it's going to get you off my back, fine." Jessie gulped. 'Dorothy, I'm just doing this as a favor. You'll understand, right?' Yeah right, she will! She'd probably hack him to pieces if she ever found out. One thing about that woman- she was one helluva possessive gurl—but boy! Does he love it!
He flicked his tongue over his lips, wetting them. Onie's eyes were curious, but that was all. Her lips were closed, and she was very still. He reached out for her face, one hand going to her cheek while the other to the back of her neck to massage her. "Relax. This is supposed to be good."
He saw her gulp- thank God! That means she was also having second thoughts! He angled her head, and slowly, he leaned forward just as he gently pulled her face to his…
…
Trowa flexed his right hand open and close as he tried to control his anger. There was only one place where he would find peace- the garden. Today was not one of his good days.
He opened the panel that led to the garden and let his eyes roam- stop. He blinked a couple of times to make sure he wasn't dreaming, frowned in a squint, just to make sure… but he didn't need to. He knew that trail of long hair… and he knew that hot pink lab coat…
And he knew exactly what they were doing. They were mere inches from each other, and for every second, a millimeter closer.
His whole body went frigid. Countless of nameless emotions swept through him, but mostly, it was governed by anger. Not wanting to see it happen, Trowa quickly turned around and walked out of the garden, feeling suffocated. He couldn't breathe. His chest hurt… he was sweating cold beads of perspiration, and his head was pounding. A word he very rarely utter left his lips as he tried to control his suddenly off the wall emotions- "Shit…" This was definitely not his day…
…
"I can't do this." Onie whispered, her breath teasing Jessie's lips with only a millimeter of breadth from hers.
'Thank God!' Jessie rejoiced as he leaned back and curiously eyed her. "What's the matter?"
Onie shook her head, questioning her sudden change of heart. "I don't know… I just can't." And yet, she knew… There was only one man she could imagine doing something as intimate as pressing her lips against his—and that man was pressing his lips on another girl earlier. "Ohh… what have I gotten myself into?"
"I don't know, dear… but I'm still here, willing to listen." Jessie whispered in a soothing voice as he rubbed her back.
"I can't explain it… besides, I don't want to bore you-" she held up a finger just as Jessie opened his mouth. "And before you say that I won't, I know I will. So how about if we talk about something that isn't boring… like for example, your Dorothy?" The silly smile on Jessie's face made her feel… envious? "When are you going to see her again?"
A lonely sigh escaped him. "I don't know…" He picked up a small rock and threw it into the fountain. "I've been sending requests for a few days leave, but your dad hasn't exactly been on a good mood."
Onie nodded, for the first time, feeling happy since she saw the two in the forest. "Guess what I did for you."
Jessie tilted his head, waiting. "What?"
"I reasonably argued with my father on your behalf. You are entitled to a ten day vacation, Jessie, and you didn't even know it." Actually, he wasn't, but she had begged her father, arguing the fact that Morley would probably want to see him, and without Morley's 'spy', father would be able to do some of the things he doesn't want Morley to know.
Jessie's jaw fell. For almost a minute, he couldn't speak, and then- "WAHOO!!!" He scooped Onie up in his arms and squeezed the life out of her. "Have I ever told you how much I loved you?!"
Onie chuckled as she hugged him back. "No, but you don't have to tell me."
"When? When can I leave?" Jessie asked as he hopped up started to pace. "I'll need to tell her. My God! We can't leave for town yet!"
She grinned impishly as she stood up and brushed back her hair. "I've already got you covered. You can leave whenever you want, and I already asked dad to let me go to town today to buy a few more syringes. You can send your letter and orders from there."
Jessie's smile reached from ear to ear as he punched the air with his fists in excitement. "You thought of everything!"
Onie shook her head. "Not really… only the essentials. So, ready to go?"
He gave her a look that said 'just try and stop me' before he grabbed her hand and headed out the door. "Oh yeah!"
…
Trowa nearly cringed when their hands touched. He had to stop himself from jerking away as he passed the test tube to her. Truthfully speaking, aside from the "Would you mind's…" or "Would you please's" he was correct with his assumptions- that they haven't really been talking these past few days. Granted, he didn't want to talk to her because… he just felt like it ever since he saw her and Jessie… but still! It was supposed to be him not talking to her. Why was it that she was also not talking to him? It was irritating him that she was using the exact tactic- though he did the tactic unconsciously- on him when he didn't do anything wrong!
"Would you mind if you fill this beaker up with water and then pour some of it into this test tube?" Onie asked as she handed him the beaker, one eye on him, the other on her work.
'There it was… the 'would you mind' start.' What else could he do but that? He walked to the faucet near lilies and the waterfall while Onie slyly checked him from the corner of her eyes.
'He's definitely been acting differently… I wonder why…?' She tapped her finger against the smooth marble mortar while she pondered on possible reasons—among other things. There was also that one want ever since she saw that event with Midii… it was just tearing her apart! She could just… just… "Tristan…?" She swiveled in her chair and gulped in air before she could lose her courage.
'There's a turn of events…' Trowa blinked as he neared her, beaker in hand. Was this a start to a real conversation? He couldn't believe how much he was craving for such. Silent treatment be damned. "What is it?"
"I was wondering…" Onie looked away, suddenly embarrassed, and she didn't see the sudden wary look Trowa gave her. "I mean… You see… The thing is…"
'She's never been this shy before. Never.' Trowa observed as he stood there, waiting for whatever it was that might break this ice that suddenly surrounded them.
Onie took a deep breath and finally blurted- "Did you like it?"
Trowa frowned, confused. "Like what?"
"Uhm…"
'If she turned any redder… Why is she acting like this?' His wonder was growing by the second!
"That… thing…" Onie looked at her lap and started to pluck at her peach cloth. "You know… that thing that you did with your… lips… to that girl…?"
If he was able to control his confused look before, this time, he wasn't able to. "Excuse me?"
A second passed… Two… Three before she spoke, her hands fisting on her lap and her face tilting up to meet his. He was surprised at the sudden determination he saw in her chocolate brown eyes.
"Forget it." Why was she asking how he felt about it when- "I don't really want to hear about it. I want to feel it on my own." She swallowed. 'Now… Ask now, before you let fear lead you once again…'
For lack of anything to do, and feeling rather stupid standing there for the longest time with the beaker, Trowa finally took a seat, grabbed a test tube and focused on pouring the water into the-
"Make love to me, Tristan."