Ask Like Old Times

[Emryc Thorne]

There were no wars he had to deal with for now. Raze was still out there, but he was clearly not focusing on Emryc for now. His intelligence officers still kept tabs on his every move, knowing he was focused on Serenno. Above all, there were no secrets among the family now. A huge weight had been lifted, and he decided to take some time off. The half Sephi had been buried in his work, coping with things his usual way - always avoiding them. He leaned in this time, suggesting to take his husband to a different planet for some time off.

Ezra wasn’t the only sailor in the family, he had learned from his father. Emryc first tried his hand at boating when he was blind and a fisherman in a village far away. Of course, he had since taught himself the craft as a hobby, teaching it to Ezra who took it much further and delved into professional racing. Emryc was nowhere near as good as his son, but he knew enough to take his husband out sailing.

The half Sephi unraveled the sails, working the ropes and tending to everything to prepare for their little adventure out into the sea. The plan was to be out on the water for a few days and he would take them through the waves under the stars. The sportsboat in question was an almost 30 ft beauty that was built to cut right through the sea and navigate easily. He wasn’t going to test its limits - not when he had Jaikus, and not Ezra, with him.

Since they were somewhere no one would easily recognize them, Emryc decided to dress up a bit for his man. He was adorned in casual, nautical wear with the top entirely unbuttoned, shades hiding his silver eyes for now. His hair was styled and he still wore a nice chrono on his left wrist.

“All right, I'm taking us out,” Emryc called out, taking the rudder as they sped out of the way and towards open water. The sun was still high for now, the weather and wind perfect. There were plenty of islands along the way, some of which had ruins and mysteries to explore. For now, he planned for them to just enjoy themselves.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

It had been over a year since Jaikus and Emryc had last taken a vacation for themselves - separate from all the chaos and turmoil that enveloped the Galaxy. Raze ever-lingered in Jaikus’ mind, but wasn’t an immediate concern. Unsurprisingly, the conversation with Ezra had lifted the world off the Axxilan’s shoulders, healing the rift in their family and diminishing the stress that had plagued him. The half-Sephi would immediately see how Jaikus returned to his normal self, welcoming the vacation on the open water.

Growing up on an urban planet, Jaikus had developed a keen admiration for the outdoors - even though he was significantly less skilled in such activities, compared to his husband and son. It had taken years of family trips for the Axxilan to developed sea-legs enough to find the experience enjoyable, and by now was entirely eager to get away from it all.

While Emryc readied the sails and ropes, Jaikus gathered the last of their belongings - placing the large bag into one corner of the boat. He had learned to pack meticulously and deliberately over decades of adventures, passing that very trait down to his son as well. Home-prepared food, basic medical and other supplies were all neatly tucked within.

Knowing they would have their privacy on the open water, Jaikus had opted for a brightly-colored pair of swim trunks that sat low on his hips, accompanied by an open shirt that had since been discarded and neatly on the deck. His dark hair was styled perfectly into place, golden bracelet and chain necklace contrasting against his bronze skin. Unlike his husband, Jaikus went without any sunglasses - emerald eyes glinting vibrantly in the sun.

“Ready when you are, sailor.” Jaikus called back, flashing the half-Sephi a smirk. It was the kind of cheesy nickname that would receive no verbal response but make Emryc internally roll his eyes, which was satisfaction enough for the Axxilan.

Crossing his arms, he stood close by as Emryc began to navigate them out towards the open water. “Should I brace for impact?” He said, amusement lacing his words.

The tropical coast stretched out all around them - turquoise waters dotted with a multitude of islands and rock formations, forming a stone arch that their boat sailed underneath. The cry of native birds would be heard above them, the water gently lapping against the sides of the boat. Jaikus admired it all, and briefly leaned over to snake an arm around Emryc’s waist - tugging him a bit close as they sailed out.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc only gave a half grin when he asked about bracing for impact, “Careful, I can toss you overboard if you’re too annoying, puffer pig,” He reminded his husband, watching as they passed under the arch. They were well on their way now and the current would carry them for a long time. In the distance, they could see pods of dolphins hopping in and out of the water.

The half Sephi tugged Jaikus close, gazing into those emerald eyes he fell for many years back, “About time I got you out of the house,” He said quietly, pressing his forehead against his husband’s. He stole a quick kiss before stepping back, opening a cooler and tossing Jaikus a drink before popping one of his own open. He couldn’t remember the last time he sipped a cold beer, and he grimaced at once.

“You cooked?” He asked as he looked over the meals, “MREs would have been sufficient for this, babe,” Emryc said, shaking his head.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus arched a brow towards Emryc, glancing over when the half-Sephi threatened to send him overboard. The Axxilan knew his husband enough to know that Emryc might just do so if provoked, but that didn’t prevent the mirth that spread across his lips. “I’d like to see you try, Gundark. I’ll be happy to pull your ass in with me.” He said with a proud smirk.

His gaze briefly flicked out towards the horizon - watching the pod of dolphin that rose from the waters surface. The Axxilan leaned over ever-so-slightly, letting his hand glide just above the misty spray of ocean water.

“Get me out of the house?” He said, his smile tugging onto that ridiculous expression as Emryc tugged him close. Jaikus snaked a hand to rest against the back of his husbands neck, his fingers tenderly raking the back of the half-Sephi’s hair as their foreheads pressed together. “Please. I’m going to start sending Aila’s calls to spam, if you aren’t careful.” Despite the teasing, Jaikus knew that the last year had been rough - and his own emotional state had left the Axxilan a shut in for the most part.

He felt himself again for the first time in a while - and it was reflected in every quip and smile. Jaikus savored that brief kiss, lounging back onto the deck as Emryc tossed him something out of the cooler. The Axxilan grimaced at the sight of the beer that the half-Sephi originally grabbed, only to breathe a sigh of relief when the fruitier beverage was selected.

Jaikus blinked when Emryc mentioned his cooking - having not even given it a second thought. His mouth opened and closed, only for his eyes to narrow ever-so-slightly when Emryc mentioned MRE’s. Some things never changed, and that was a disagreement the Axxilan would never surrender.

“Baby, I love you,” He began, “But I would sooner out of that bait bucket,” Jaikus extended his pinky finger - still holding his drink - towards the compartment filled with slimy bait fish. The Axxilan had purposefully made sure everything was stocked and multiple rods were packed, giving Emryc the opportunity to fish to his heart's content.

His gaze briefly flicked out towards some of the ruins in the distance - narrowing his eyes ever-so-slightly as their boat passed by. For just a moment, the Axxilan thought he could see someone standing amongst the cobbled stone and ivy-covered pillars, but a blink revealed nothing at all.

“Didn’t you say this place was completely isolated?” He asked, his gaze lingering for a moment before flicking back to Emryc.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

“Bait bucket?” He asked. Emryc walked over to check, seeing an entire assortment of fishing rods and a tackle box - his old tackle box. The half Sephi stared at it for a long moment, his eyes the only things betraying his emotions. His fingers brushed lightly over the tackle box where the village children had crudely painted the words 'box' before he looked over at his partner. No words were said, but the twitch of his ears was unmistakable.

He was too distracted by the affectionate gesture to notice what Jaikus saw. Emryc followed his line of sight, not spotting anyone, “Why, did you see Mr. Goat?” He asked, actually half expecting to see the monster lurking over the horizon. Emryc noticed the waters were shallower near the ruins and he took control of the rudder to guide them towards them.

Emryc disappeared briefly into the cabin to change into swimming shorts. He packed a quick travel bag and anchored them, jumping down the side of the boat and helping Jaikus off. The water was waist deep…for Emryc. He waded his way through before climbing up what appeared to be old, worn stone steps. One of them failed to support his weight and crashed through. Emryc grunted in displeasure before peeling himself up and climbing up. Yet another damn ruin that wasn’t compatible with his size…

“This wasn’t on any charts or maps,” Emryc declared as he eyed the ruins. He couldn’t sense anything off with the Force, but not every mystery had to be associated with the Force after all. He gazed at where the waves crashed against the rocks below, noticing several different kinds of debris, “Lots of shipwrecks here…” His brows furrowed.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

There were no words that needed to be exchanged. From a mere step away, Jaikus watched as Emryc turned his attention to the bait bucket and tackle box, unable to help the smile that slowly crept its way onto his face. The years had imparted a sense of understanding that went deeper than what was merely said, especially with someone like his husband. The Axxilan knew just how important the old tackle box was to Emryc - he knew the history behind it - even though there was never a word that needed to be said.

His free hand snaked around the half-Sephi’s waist, sneaking a quick kiss to his cheek in that moment. Of course, it didn’t take long for him to be distracted by whatever appeared in the ruins - and his expression immediately soured at the half-Sephi’s words. “Don’t jinx it,” He hissed the words. “You know this by now, damnit..”

Jaikus crossed his arms as Emryc began to guide the boat towards the shore - carefully watching where the turquoise water lapped against the ancient ruins. The Axxilan was half-convinced that the same figure was going to appear from around the nearest pillar, never quite letting his guard down the entire time. He didn’t miss the appearance of previous shipwrecks and other wreckage that washed against the shore, not exactly encouraging by any stretch of the imagination.

“For the record, none of this is Kilik in origin. Just so we establish that fact ahead of time.” He said with no lack of side eye, glancing down at the water as Emryc extended a hand to help him out of the boat. While the water only came up to Emryc’s waist, Jaikus was easily chest-level in the water - each wave bringing the water a bit higher on his frame.

He followed closely behind Emryc - walking alongside the half-Sephi until one of the worn steps collapsed beneath the weight of his husband. Purely out of instinct, the Axxilan reached out to take hold of the man’s wrist - though it did little to actually prevent the fall, and only lessened the impact. Jaikus said nothing about it - though his emerald gaze promptly flicked towards the rest of the ruins and signs of decay.

“Oh well that is certainly encouraging.” He squinted at the mention of the ruin just miraculously not being on any map.

As they ventured deeper into the ruins, both would witness how the architecture around them changed ever-so-slightly. Dilapidated, wooden structures gave way to stone - shaped obsidian that was covered in a thick layer of moss and ivy. Runic symbols covered the vast majority of structures, marking the entrance of ruined houses, markets and a central square.

“Em,” Jaikus said abruptly, grabbing Em by the wrist. He jutted his chin towards the ground, gesturing to the track of footprints that led from the ruins, deeper into the tropical forest directly ahead of them. The mud was damp, and it was clear that whoever had made the tracks had only done so mere minutes ago.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc looked at Jaikus when he brought up the Killik theory, “The Killik have resurfaced once more, and they no longer fit solely under the category of ancient history, and therefore no longer your topic of expertise,” He stated flatly with a wink. It was technically true - if they emerged once more in the galaxy, it meant they were making moves not yet documented, which effectively meant no one could claim to be an expert.

He was looking at the ruins when Jaikus got his attention again. He looked at the footprints - they looked humanoid at first glance - and then back at his husband, “You know I’m not practically invincible like I was before,” He reminded Jaikus, “If we get into a mess..” He said nothing beyond that, trailing off. It was a reality he still hadn’t accepted entirely. He spent a lifetime empowering himself in the Force and rising through the ranks only for Raze to take it away. However, he had never known more peace than since the monster was cut out of him.

The half Sephi started to follow the footsteps towards the forest. He tried to recall where he had seen designs like that in the past, “The architecture almost looked like the remnants of a town,” He said quietly as they walked into the forest. He could hear all sorts of critters on all sides, but his superior hearing picked up a rhythmic movement that matched with someone walking. Emryc grasped Jaikus’ wrist to stop him from walking.

“Why are we going after this, Jai?” Emryc asked calmly as he looked away from the path the figure took and back to his husband.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus stared back at Emryc - his brows knitting together as the half-Sephi disputed his claim. “Look right there.” He pointed at a random, tall structure. “Not in twenty-four-thousand years has Kilik architecture exhibited corbeled roofing. And there is no signs of resin or Kilik saliva being used between brick.” He stated matter of factly. He couldn't actually dispute anything that his husband said, which made it all the more irritating. Emryc would know simply by the level in which Jaikus argued - without addressing the original point - what was going on in his head.

Jaikus kept his gaze fixed in the direction of the footsteps - skepticism etched into his expression. He didn’t know what was out there, nor could he feel anything in the Force. But it was clear that something was on that island with them.

“It looks like the people here just.. Left.” He said, gesturing to some of the structures around them. Everything was overgrown and worn by time, but there was little other external damage. No scorch marks or signs of the enemy attackers. If it had been disease, if left no trace amongst the ruins.

Jaikus only paused when Emryc spoke - declaring that he was no longer invincible. It was a sentiment that briefly gave the Axxilan pause, even though he had known for months that his husband was significantly weaker in the Force without Raze. Truthfully, it wasn’t something he spent more than a few moments thinking about in all that time. Decades together had solidified the value and opinion that Jaikus had for his husband, and the split with Raze had done little to change that.

“It isn’t the Force that makes you invincible to me, Emryc.” He said simply, his fingers extending to curl around his husband's own. Emryc was a wealth of knowledge all his own, and the man was stronger than anyone he’d met. He’d been the rock that helped Jaikus weather so many storms, and never faltered when he was needed most.

“We have each other. We’re more than enough to handle what comes our way.” He said confidently.

Jaikus turned back to face his husband - glancing down at the hand that grasped his wrist. It was perhaps the first time he’d seen Emryc hesitate during any of their little adventures, and it was enough to make the Axxilan reconsider exactly what they were doing. At first, he only smiled. “When have we ever shied away from weird anomalies?” A hint of mirth still lacing his words. It never failed for the Axxilan to be capable of his quips and lighthearted commentary, even when things were going horribly wrong. In the end, though, he merely glanced back at the trail before stepping away from the forest.

“Wherever we go, we go together. This is our vacation.” He said. “We could track whatever lives on this place..” The Axxilan turned on a heel. “Or we can take a trip to that cove we spotted on the way.” He said with a smirk. “Might be a good spot to break open that tackle box.”

He turned to start walking in that direction unless Emryc stopped him. “But if the some goat-person comes back to haunt us, I’m blaming you.”

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc eyed Jaikus as he professed how it wasn’t his Force powers that made him invincible, “You are still remarkably cheesy,” He observed out loud, though the hint of a smile almost tugged at his lip. The half Sephi was still not convinced about following the mystery figure, but he wasn’t going to be off his guard either.

“Let’s keep looking around the ruins,” He decided, starting to turn around. However, that was when his ears almost flattened. He grabbed a hold of Jaikus and ducked down, something flying right over them. A glance back suggested it was an arrow. Rage began to swirl within Emryc and he channeled the Force to use Sight, looking for the outline of a humanoid figure. When he spotted it, he coiled the Force around it and yanked it forth.

The figure landed with a thud in front of them, cowering before them. Emryc stood above the figure, prepared to snap their neck, but he held back for now. It became apparent it appeared to be a rugged, homeless young woman. She had mud caked on her face, disheveled and filthy hair and what appeared to be a trashbag with slits for arms as an outfit.

“I thought you were looters!” The woman practically shrieked. Emryc stared at the woman and Jaikus would be able to tell he was already losing his patience.

“Don’t kill me!” She said, terror in her eyes as she looked up at both men. She smelled as filthy as she looked. Emryc thought it was curious she was babbling about looters when she herself presented as one. His silver gaze flicked to a necklace around her neck, the pendant bearing a symbol similar to what they saw back on the ruins left behind. It was the only thing on the woman that looked like it possessed any value. Either she looted it or there was more to her story. Either way, Emryc didn’t care. He began to tug Jaikus away because he just plain didn’t want to bother.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus tilted his head to the side - staring back at his husband with eyes of emerald green. That smirk tugged sideways across his expression, just as it had since the very day they’d met. “And you happen to adore me for it, baby.” He said, tracing his fingers across the defined edge of Emryc’s jaw.

“If you see any hoof prints, we’re leaving.” He said plainly. He hadn’t seen Mr. Goat yet and hadn’t for a solid ten years. But Jaikus was taking no chances with encountering that infernal beast at any point during their island excursions.

Jaikus barely had time to get the words out before he was grabbed by Emryc, yanked down to avoid the projectile that soared overhead. The Force billowed through the Axxilan at once, fragments of stone and ruin debris - swirling between his fingers like bullets at the ready. He watched as the half-Sephi yanked the woman towards them - instinctively position in himself infront of Emryc and ever-so-slightly to his left. There was no mistaking the protective nature of his position, eyes narrowed into daggers at once.

Until he realized who was cowering before then.

Jaikus stared down at the woman - his emerald gaze flicking between the attire she wore, and the amulet that adorned her neck. A single glance at Emryc revealed just how done the half-Sephi was with the entire ordeal, but it didn’t prevent the Axxilan from pulling back a bit - urging his husband to wait for only a moment.

“Assuming you don’t throw anything at us again? We won’t.” He said simply. The Axxilan made no attempt to help the woman to her feet - his guard failing go lower - but neither did Jaikus become any more hostile if she remained calm.

“Looters? Not a fan of the competition?” He said.

“Competition?” Her eyes narrowed at once - seemingly offended. “I am not a foreigner! I am Aen Heide.” She said, clearly referring to whatever tribe or people she hailed from. “I-I have lived on these islands all my life.”

The Axxilan blinked a few times. For all intents and purposes, the ruins were completely abandoned and had been for years. If she was telling the truth - and it wasn’t entirely clear if she was - the woman was a descendent of the people who’d built the ruins, or from another culture group all together.

“You have no idea we would be here. Why are you perusing through this place?” He wasn’t entirely convinced that she wasn’t a looter - his gaze still traveling back to the amulet she wore.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc stood still as a statue, present only because his husband insisted. He despised situations like these and meddling in the affairs of others. However, Jaikus was notorious for wanting to solve everyone’s problems, even if most of them ended up blowing up in his face. The half Sephi was detached and silent, crossing his arms over his chest and looking around the forest for anyone else that could have been lurking. His ears twitched slightly, listening for any other movement.

“I…I thought you were going to destroy the remnants of the city,” She said quietly, “There have been big investors visiting other islands to bulldoze everything to build resorts…I can’t do anything about it so I’m doing my best to protect my ancestor’s work.”

Emryc had it with the sob story. In fact, it probably would make a great resort. From what he could tell, the ruins were random and not tied to anything important. However, the design on that amulet still looked annoyingly familiar.

“How many of you are there?” He asked curtly, his gaze icy and cold, his bearing the complete opposite of Jaikus. He towered over her tiny form, and he didn’t hold back that he was displeased to be here.

“I-It’s just m-me..” The girl said, clearly terrified. She quickly looked to Jaikus for comfort.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus only glanced towards Emryc in passing - but that was all the Axxilan needed. He didn’t miss the crossed arm and distant expression, those fluted ears twitching the faintest degree. He already knew that his husband was losing his patience for the ruins and the woman who allegedly protected them. His own desire to investigate any mystery or strange occurrence gnawed from within, albeit tempered by those subtle cues from his husband. This was their vacation, after all.

“I can only imagine,” He said pleasantly enough. The Axxilan had a lifetime of diplomatic training to his name, and knew precisely the type of tone to use to have the woman trusting him at the end. It wasn’t within his nature to be particularly cruel or hostile, especially now that the woman wasn’t a threat to him or his husband.

“Are these the only ruins left of your ancestors? All that remains of the Aen Heide?” He asked with a raised brow.

The woman frowned, looking back over her shoulder. “One of few.. There are other sacred places that dot these mountains. All of them are precious. Even here..” The corners of Jaikus’ lips twitched up ever-so-slightly.

Jaikus paused then - turning in earnest to see his husband step up to the woman, displeasure clear. The half-Sephi completely engulfed the woman in his shadow, a combination of height and build adding to the intimidation factor. Internally, Jaikus couldn’t help but muse how Emryc was going to make the woman pass out from terror before he got any useful information.

And couldn’t help but note just how fine he looked while being intimidating.

Wordlessly, Jaikus brushed his fingers against Emryc’s bicep - allowing them to linger there tenderly. His gaze flicked back to the woman, emerald eyes still significantly warmer than those of his husband. “We are only explorers here. If you mean us no harm, you can expect the same.” He said smoothly.

Of course, Jaikus couldn’t help but squint at the thought of her being the only one present within the area. His gaze flicked out towards the jungle around them, still unable to feel any additional presence within the Force.

Just as his gaze left the woman, however, she moved suddenly - desperation and clear fear of Emryc finally taking over. Her hand brushed against the amulet that she wore, fingers pressing to the runes. With the faintest shimmer, trash bag girl nearly vanished from sight - though not quite.

Only a second later, the pair would catch sight of the form of a Moon-yo that darted through the vegetation and trees, attempting to keep itself hidden via its natural camouflaging. Clearly hoping to slip the pair due to the confusion.

Emryc would quickly realize where he’d seen an amulet of similar design, and the functions they all seemed to share.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc wasn’t impressed as the girl kept talking. He could tell something was off - his suspicions confirmed as she began to shift in appearance. However, her getaway wasn’t as slick as she hoped. The half Sephi abruptly coiled the Force around her new form, slamming her down to the ground. It lacked the strength and finesse he had before, but he wasn’t exactly acolyte level either.

The half Sephi walked over, the girl choking where she fell. He reached down and snatched the amulet from her neck, “Where did you get this?”

“It’s a family heirloom,” She choked and sputtered.

At this point, Emryc didn’t care what she had to say and he wasn’t concerned about Jaikus’ moral dilemma. Without a word, he compressed the Force around her neck till life left her. The girl gasped her last breath, her bulging eyes staring up at the skies. Emryc used the Force to casually toss her over the side of the rocks, sending her plunging to the depths where no one would ever find her.

He turned to walk back towards Jaikus, inspecting the amulet calmly. He looked up at his husband, eyes narrowed, “Do not attempt to lecture me. I did what I did,” He warned Jaikus, making it abundantly clear there was no room for discussion about him murdering the woman.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

If nothing else, Jaikus was pleased with the small bit of information that he had gotten out of the woman - making a mental note of the mountainside ruins of alleged importance. However, that was a hike that likely would take all day and Jaikus wasn’t about to volunteer for hiking.

He was prepared to follow up with more questioning - only to be momentarily distracted by the sudden shift around them. He watched as the woman suddenly transformed, once again defiant as she darted back into the treeline. Jaikus didn’t know if she planned to warn others or lure them into some kind of trap. Before he could step forward, Jaikus watched at Emryc abruptly coiled the Force around the woman’s neck - yanking her back into place. Not a word left his lips as Emryc asked that final question, only to tighten his grip and squeeze the remaining life from her body.

Emerald eyes followed as her corpse was discarded, grimacing ever-so-slightly through the process. Nevertheless, his gaze flicked back to the amulet that was retrieved - sweeping across the runic markings and faint energies that still swam across the stone surface. He stepped towards Emryc, pausing only when the half-Sephi glanced up to address him.

There was a tick of silence before Jaikus tilted his head to the side - eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly. “Have I been known to intensively crow at you in the past?” He shot right back, rolling his eyes ever-so-slightly. Moral dilemma or not, things were made far more cut and dry in those final moments.

“She didn’t listen.” He said plainly. The Axxilan wasn’t cruel by nature, but the woman was a wildcard and potential threat to their well-being. There was little he had to argue about when the woman had openly defied them, and Jaikus took little chances when it came to the safety of those closest to him.

The Axxilan took one more glance at his surroundings - emerald eyes sweeping between the tree and vegetation - before landing on something he hadn’t seen prior. As the path led them away from the ruins, his gaze fell upon a space just where the jungle pulled back. “Come on,” He insisted, reaching back to grab Emryc by the wrist and guide him along.

After a few moments of weaving through the Fernando’s and tropical trees, Jaikus stepped through the vegetation with his husband - standing at the base of a deep, crystal-blue pool of water, forming a lake that stretched out towards the cliff directly ahead. A natural waterfall had formed over the eons, cascading down the rocks and covering the entire area in dense mist. It was beautiful to behold, framed by the trees and greenery that was their backdrop.

“Damn..” Jaikus said, stepping towards the water with a faint smirk. He glanced back at his husband, arching a brow ever-so-slightly. “Unless you’re worried about a lecture,” The Axxilan said with a smirk, jutting his chin for Emryc to follow towards the pools.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc quirked a brow at his question, “Yes,” He answered curtly. The half Sephi was methodical and logical in every way, and he could think of several instances where Jaikus gave him the moral ground lecture or gave him the silent treatment. The silent treatment almost always backfired because Emryc simply participated as that was his default state.

The half Sephi followed his husband, still inspecting the amulet. It was very different from the one crafted by Renfry, and he knew it took quite a bit of skill to craft one. Years ago he would have been curious enough to keep the girl alive and try to probe for further information. The new Emryc was content with just having this amulet and understanding its origins.

Emryc looked up, having been deep in thought to where he briefly didn’t pay attention to his surroundings. The sounds of a waterfall caught his attention and he glanced up when his husband started walking towards the water. Emryc stood still a statue, silently wondering how sanitary the water was. What if the temperature and conditions were perfect for different kinds of amoeba?

He was shaken out of his thoughts by Jaikus’ quip. Silver eyes flicked briefly to regard the Axxilan. Without a word, the bronze man was unceremoniously launched into the water, tossed like a sack of potatoes right into middle of the pool.

Emryc remained standing where he was, a half grin on his face as he unbuttoned his shirt before tossing it aside, leaving him shirtless and in swimming shorts. The amulet was set down as well before the titan of a man stepped into the water and started walking in. He scoffed to himself as he thought of what he did to Jaikus. Oops, it was definitely cold.


@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus stared right back at Emryc - regarding the half-Sephi with a blank, unamused expression upon being told ‘yes’. It was a rhetorical question that Emryc just had to answer. Over two decades together meant that the pair understood each other better than any other, and it meant he was far more willing to stand his ground and argue with husband on certain issues. Of course, the Axxilan would sooner keel over than admit to his attempted lectures and silent treatment.

Instead, he kept his attention fixed onto the beautiful pools and waterfall that roared in the distance, filling the air with damp mist. It was a welcome distraction from the ruins and whatever else was waiting for them, and Jaikus wasn’t entirely sure he would want to leave their little alcove now that they’d arrived.

He barely had time to register Emryc’s silence before he was abruptly thrown deeper into the water - immediately sinking below the surface. He appeared only moments later, gasping dramatically as the shock of cold rushed through his entire body. The Axxilan had deliberately avoided dipping much higher than his calves into the water, until Emryc decided to throw him in as revenge.

“EM!” He screeched, thrashing in the water in protest - still adapting to the cold. Slowly but surely, however, Jaikus couldn’t help the smile that worked its way onto his lips. That irritation and protest giving way to the audible, obnoxious giggle-snorting of the Axxilan. There was something about the entire exchange that reminds him of Telos all those years ago, and the memory was fond within his mind.

Just as Emryc stripped off his shirt, Jaikus whistled towards his husband - his tugging wider as his eyes shamelessly traveled. Years passed, and he still took every opportunity to ogle and stare at his man. “Don’t stop now babe,” He called out across the water suggestively, leaning back to float on the surface.

Of course, as Emryc began to wade deeper into the pools - Jaikus took the opportunity to get his own revenge. Flicking his wrist, the Axxilan summoned a surge of water directly underneath Emryc’s feet, spraying upwards with the intention of soaking him completely.

Jaikus kept his things hooked into the front waistband of his shorts, tugging them down just enough to flaunt those toned hips and just below navel, idly swimming backwards and towards the falls. Probably away from incoming retaliation.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc expected retaliation, of course. The cool water splashed against him, and almost took him under. However, he bore down where he stood, grinning with his hands in his shorts pockets as the water slid off his body. His styled hair was matted now, but he was largely unfazed. After all, the half Sephi didn’t mind the cold anywhere near as much as his husband did.

He watched Jaikus tug his shorts down and the smug grin faded slightly. It had been some time since they had been intimate - with Ezra having gone missing, Emryc being President and everything else going on in the galaxy, he often meditated or went right to sleep when he went home. Jaikus never pushed him or nudged him, but the half Sephi had been particularly withdrawn in that department for a while now. The simple sight of those familiar hip bones and the way Jaikus' body arched back in the water was enough to catch his attention for a moment.

Emryc recovered soon enough, wading deeper into the water and dropping their little feud. He took a dip below the surface, coming up again soaked. He made his way towards the waterfall, pressing his head into it and letting the water wash over him.

He drew back after a moment. He ran his fingers through his hair, the jet black strands spiked and tousled. Emryc looked over at Jaikus, “I can’t remember the last time we just…” He gestured all around them, “..did one of these.”

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

From a distance, Jaikus couldn’t help the devious smirk that spread across his expression - lips tugging wide, while those emerald eyes danced with amusement. Retaliation was swift, and the Axxilan took great pleasure in watching the gouts of water that splashed upwards to completely drench his husband, subjecting him to the sudden chill and messing his immaculately styled hair. Of course, Jaikus allowed his gaze to linger even still.

His eyes slowly drifted down every inch of Emryc’s muscle-toned physique without an ounce of shame. Watching the droplets of water that rolled and glistened down his chest and stomach, tracing every curve of his body and the particular way the swimtrunks fit snug to his form. Decades had passed, and Jaikus never missed an opportunity to gawk and appreciate the man he had married - and the fact they hadn’t been together in some time only served to awaken those familiar desires all the more.

His gaze lingered for a while - until he finally flashing his husband a smirk. He’d never been shy in the past, and made no attempt to mask just how much the half-Sephi managed to capture his attention.

Tilting his head backwards, allowing his body to sink below the surface of the crystalline pools. The cold water progressively became more comfortable as time passed, and the Axxilan only surfaced again closer to the waterfalls - propping himself against the same rocks where water splashed and poured.

He ran his hands through his soaked hair - brushing a bit of the water that soaked into the dark strands. Faint curls and waves began to appear in his ruined hairstyle, rarely seen due to the constant combing and straightening perfectly into place. Jaikus slowly rose to his feet once again, turning to face Emryc as he emerged from the waterfall.

“Me neither..” He said, stepping closer to capture his husband's lips for a brief moment. “It has been too long since we could do something for ourselves.” With everything that had happened in the past year - Raze, their son, Renfry.. It only compounded the stress that came with Emryc’s own line of work. It left little time for anything else.

With only a smirk for warning, Jaikus pushed Emryc backwards - stepping with the half-Sephi and into the waterfalls. He didn’t stop walking until they emerged into dry air - sheltered within a narrow alcove of rocks just behind the falls. Verdant plants and mosses covered the rocks around them, fed by the constant drip and spray of water nearby.

“Been too long since I’ve had you all to myself,” Jaikus said with a smirk, letting his forehead press against his husband's own. His index finger loops around the drawstring of those trunks, coiling it around and using his grip to pull Emryc’s hips a bit closer against his own.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc turned to regard Jaikus, watching him as he moved to close the distance. He looked different than when they first met, but the vibrant emerald eyes were the same, as was that sultry smirk. He tilted his head to accept the kiss, his fingers gingerly tracing down his husband’s back, sliding along the smooth, bronze skin. He took his time with that kiss, savoring the taste before he drew back just a bit, “Reminds me of that very first time,” He said with a grin, recalling that day on Keldooine over two decades ago when they shared their first kiss in a lake.

He was pushed back through the waterfall and he didn’t protest, walking backwards since he was an immobile titan otherwise. They had privacy now and even with his sensitive ears, he couldn’t hear anything behind them. Emryc gazed down at his husband, his hands sliding down to loosely grasp at his waist. Their hips pressed together and there was no hiding what the Axxilan was doing to him already. It really had been too long since they had a moment..

Emryc stole another kiss before tracing them along his husband’s jawline and down the side of his neck, “What do you plan to do about it now that you have me here?” He asked teasingly, that heavy baritone rumbling near Jaikus’ ear as his warm breath brushed against his damp skin.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Even as they passed beneath the waterfall, Jaikus allowed his gaze to linger on Emryc - emeralds glinting with a desire that was unmistakable. It had been entirely too long since they’d had a moment together, and the decades hadn’t diminished the passion that burned between them. They were older than during those first days and adventures. They carried scars of their own, and had become different people through every crisis and storm. But some things never changed between them.

Jaikus felt the hands that began to grasp at his waist, each brush of fingers sending goosebumps across his damp skin. His hips instinctively rolled forward, feeling exactly how the half-Sephi’s body betrayed him. The Axxilan’s small shorts left little to the imagination, already growing quite a bit tighter.

The Axxilan didn’t hesitate to pull his husband a bit closer - one hand coming up to rest gently against the back of his neck. His free hand shamelessly slipped down the back of Emryc’s waist, fingers digging in to grasp fistfuls of the half-Sephi’s rear. The kisses against his jawline and neck were enough to draw out faint gasps from Jaikus, that sultry smirk never quite fading. His face turned ever-so-slightly, positioned just to whisper against his husbands sensitive hearing. Knowing precisely the effect it would have.

“Maybe,” He whispered, his voice and warm breath rolling smoothly across the half-Sephi’s fluted ears. “I will show you,” As the words left his lips, Jaikus leaned in the rest of the way - his teeth grazing against the half-Sephi’s ear to nibble slightly.

Without any additional warning, Jaikus pressed his husband further against the stone wall behind them. It was his turn to trail kisses along the half-Sephi’s jaw and neck, working his way down the front of his husband's torso. The Axxilan took his time, brushing his lips across Emryc’s chest and abs. Down towards his navel with a mixture of kisses and gentle bites along the front of his body. The Axxilan hooked the fingers of one hand into the waistband of those swim trunks - tugging the drawstring loose and proceeding to yank the garment down in one, clean motion. Leaving not a single layer between them.

Jaikus didn’t hesitate to dip just a bit lower between Emryc’s thighs, his lip parting to finally reach his destination - teasing and tasting as he pleased. His every breath and noise echoed above the sounds of the crashing water, relentless as he worked for the first time in a while. The nails of his free hand shamelessly dug into the flesh of his husbands rear, emerald eyes flicking upwards to meet those piercing emeralds.

@Sreeya