Warnings: Cuteness and yaoi; AU: Jude is 20, Gaius is 37.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Tales Of-series. I do not own anything. I love the games though. OC characters are my own.
Originally a one-shot; now a two-shot.

Jude spent the rest of his work hours in a daze.

Twice, Leia had to smack him on the top of his head to get his attention. When she asked what was wrong, Jude blushed and waved off her concern. She only relented when he said he was thinking about Gaius and his idea for integrating Rashugal's and Auj Oule's medical knowledge. He held back from telling her about what had occurred in the hall.

She would tease him mercilessly for days. He decided to wait a few years before divulging his love life to her.

Jude found himself looking out his bedroom window again, dressed in his pajamas and fresh from the shower. He had scrubbed his body thoroughly and made sure to spend extra attention…back there. He blushed heavily in embarrassment.

It's true that he's still a virgin, despite being surrounded by beautiful women all the time. The many proposals and offers to meet single women had flooded in when he arrived in Kanbalar. Being polite and respectful, he refused them all and continued to pine after the tall and handsome King of Rieze Maxia.

After tonight, a part of his life will change.

Jude rubbed his arms absently as he moved over to his bed. The soft spirit lamp was his only source of light since the sun had set. Nerves and fear made his stomach roll.

'Would Gaius come?'

'Is this a onetime thing or more?'

'Does he...love me?'

His last thought almost sent him rushing to the toilet because his dinner came close to making a second appearance. He's scared, absolutely terrified, to put his heart on the line for a man who ruled over many. Gaius is the King, why would he want him of all people?

His personal storm of self-doubt came to a crashing halt when someone knocked on his door.

"Jude?", Gaius's deep voice came from the other side.

Jude jumped off his bed and ran to his door. He said a quick silent prayer to Milla before opening the door.

Gaius stood patiently outside, hands clasped behind his back and still wearing his day clothes.

"Gaius", Jude greeted with a smile.

"Good evening", Gaius nodded with his own half-smile.

"Please, come in", Jude opened the door wider.

"Thank you"

Jude closed the door after him but stayed near it. He bit his lip nervously as he fidgeted. What to say, now that he was here?

Luckily, Gaius wasn't tongue-tied like him.

"I apologize for disturbing you so late. You must have had a busy day?", Gaius started casually.

"Huh? Oh, sort of. All of my patients are doing well. No problems have come up", Jude relaxed a little.

"That's good to hear. Has there been any trouble with the other doctors?", came the next question.

Jude shook his head negatively, "To be honest, they avoid me and hardly say two words. They usually send their assistants when they need information on patients. I don't particularly mind but, it's not good a situation for the future. Dr. Ruuk has been the most helpful though, I enjoy talking with her. She has already sent me a few documents of different herbal remedies".

"I see", Gaius mumbled as he loosely crossed his arms.

Jude gave a weary smile and moved closer.

"How was your day?", he asked as he carefully laid a hand on Gaius's arm.

Gaius covered Jude's hand with one of his own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"It was fine but..."

Jude blinked in surprise. Gaius looked openly hesitant; a rare sight indeed.

"Forgive me. I am…unusually nervous right now. Just looking at you...my heart won't be calm", Gaius admitted with a faint blush.

Jude felt the same way.

He reversed the hold on his hand and led Gaius to his bed. He sat down first and patted the blanket next him.

After Gaius sat down, Jude quietly studied their joined hands as he gathered his thoughts.

"Gaius—", he was interrupted by Gaius placing a finger on his lips.

"Erston"

"Eh?"

Gaius smiled and moved his hand to cup a soft cheek, "From now on, say my real name".

Jude gasped, a bright red blush tinting his cheeks. To be given permission to call him by his true name, Jude felt special.

"Erston", he stammered quietly, gripping the other's hand nervously.

"Again", Gaius urged.

Jude did, stronger and with more confidence.

This is real. Gaius, no, Erston is looking at him as if he wanted to devour him.

"I won't hold back anymore. I need to hold you, please", Erston said hotly as he leaned in closer.

"Yes", Jude sighed as he tilted his head forward too.

Familiar lips touched his, sending a tingle of excitement down his spine. The kiss is gentle and sweet; soon followed by another and another. Jude moved his trembling hands to Erston's shoulders, gripping them for balance. With each kiss, his thoughts were getting more and more jumbled.

A curious swipe on his upper lip made Jude gasp and a slick tongue entered his mouth. It nudged his tongue playfully and Jude made an effort to mimic it. He curled and twisted his tongue in a sensual dance with the other; becoming utterly breathless. Erston's a very good kisser.

Just kissing alone left Jude feeling boneless and needy. He moaned suddenly, pulling back from the kiss.

Erston's hands were not idle. One is creeping up his chest, massaging and rubbing his trembling muscles. The other is… further south…palming his firm butt cheeks.

"Wha—, w-wait!", Jude pleaded as he tried squirm away.

The hand on his chest moved to grip his chin and a hard kiss silenced his protests. Jude pushed weakly against Erston's firm chest but, submitted quickly as his body craved more of the man's touch.

"Let me love you", was whispered against his lips.

Jude whimpered as his body responded in complete agreement.

His mind blanked out as he stopped thinking.

…

Jude panted as he rested in cradling arms. A soft kiss is placed on his forehead and silky hair tickles his neck. He cracked his eyes open; tired amber eyes locking with sleepy magenta ones. The small smile softened his lover features, making him look irresistible and boyish despite his age. Jude knew, with all his heart, that he loved this man.

The brush of fingers on his cheek snapped him out of his thoughts.

"You're glowing", Erston whispered.

Jude blushed but didn't look away. He's entranced by the openness of his lover's face.

"I want to always make you happy"

"So do I", Jude whispered.

"Never leave my side", Erston demanded quietly. That's as close as he would get to begging.

"Never", Jude promised. He nuzzled the hand stroking his cheek.

He's rewarded with a gentle kiss on the lips and pulled closer to other's warm body.

"Sleep, my love"

Jude did, with a smile.

The End. Hope you enjoyed it :)
I am brainstorming a longer story for Tales of Xillia, both of the games. I have a few ideas but nothing concrete.
P.S. Ludger is a cutie too 3