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 Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:30 pm
Sessrumnir knew the teenagers would be fine. They were responsible and weren’t total troublemakers. At least for the most part. But even if they did get a bit rambunctious, he was certain that Ephesus would get them to calm down.
Unless he was feeling like a rebellious teenager and wanting to do what the others did then, well… hopefully they would stay safe.
The Springs had a variety of rooms that were set up around the various pools that split off from the main one. Most of them were at least partially natural, but it was clear that walls had been constructed for additional privacy.
Locks were also installed, which Sessrumnir had no problem with clicking into place once the door was closed behind them.
It was technically a medical room, although not the one they’d used for when Atticus had been injured, but it was probably his favorite because the crystals seemed to sparkle a bit more here.
He powered down, not having to worry about the others sneaking up on them since he could still feel the young knights, and because it was a lot easier to get undressed this way.
Although he did pause with a small grin of amusement as he turned to Alastor.
“You weren’t serious about helping me with my armor, were you? I can put it back on for you,” he suggested. The casual outfit he was wearing now would certainly take less time to remove.
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:34 pm
Though Alastor clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth as if disappointed, he powered down just afterwards. “Well, I was serious, but this will be easier for the both of us. We’ll lose too much time on my boots, I’m sure that’s not a relaxing end to your long work week.”
And, though he had a pair of boots on now, he’d gotten used to the convenience of zippers. This would take far less time, anyway.
He was already pulling his hair up into a ponytail but he stopped to give Michael a kiss while he did so.
“To think, you told me I could stay,” he laughed softly. “As if I wouldn’t want to spend as much time with you as I could. I miss you when you’re away at school. Lucien and I were busy working up on Alastor all day, I’m so sore. And yesterday we were poring over books in preparation. So lonely without you.”
Even if Devyn was teasing, of course there was sincerity in his words. Michael had his job at the school but he’d been spoiled having all summer with him. Devyn had been alone for a long time so it wasn’t anything new to him–and he’d been excited to find some old texts and was working on deciphering them with Lucien. They hadn’t made much progress but it was still something new and unknown to him about his homeworld.
He was still hoping to figure out more about that island in the sky, and while the tomes he found while excavating old ruins seemed like they should be unrelated, something was still nagging him about it.
They were hoping to find more today, like they had on their last trip, but the underground chapel had caved in on itself and required a dual effort of clearing out debris and putting in support beams to prevent a cave in. Very much work for very little to show for it, but maybe next week would work out better. Lucien had at least been able to examine some strange symbols carved into the wall, and they found a mural that seemed like part of a set.
There was still hope. He’d hardly had time to fill Michael in on much, but between needing to fit in dinner and making plans to meet up with the boys to set this up for Cassidy, they had greater priorities to focus on.
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:34 pm
Michael kissed him back, of course, and then worked on removing his own shoes and socks.
“I said you can stay. If you wanted. I know you’ve been working hard, so if you wanted a chance to just sleep--”
But Michael had missed him and was grateful that he wanted to come with him to Sessrumnir. Even if they were just glorified babysitters.
With Devyn’s arms up and working on his ponytail, Michael reached over to Devyn to start untucking and unbuttoning his shirt for him, tugging him a little closer in the process.
“If you’re sore then you should let me take care of you,” he insisted, working on unbuckling Devyn’s belt even before removing his shirt completely. It was just an excuse to hold onto him.
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:35 pm
“I’ll sleep when you’re in bed next to me,” Devyn promised. “Besides, if I go to bed before you, you know Lucien’s just going to take your spot.”
He leaned forward to plant a kiss on the tip of Michael’s nose, but when that wasn’t enough he kissed him deeply, too.
“I know you’ll take good care of me, you always do. And you have been, for as long as I know you. Ah, you spoil me so much, Michael. How am I ever going to return the favor enough?”
A few more kisses couldn’t hurt, and now that he’d finished tying up his hair, his hands slid down to work at the buttons on Michael’s shirt. He had to put very little effort into them; it seemed like all he had to do was move his fingers over the button to deftly undo them.
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:36 pm
A sputtering laugh escaped when Devyn seemed to unbutton all of his shirt in a single sweep of his fingers. His face was warm from the kisses, and heart fluttery from Devyn’s -- very direct flirting? He certainly wasn’t playing around.
“Impatient?” he laughed again, taking a moment to shrug his shirt from his shoulders, and then reached up to help Devyn do the same. And peppered a few kisses along his shoulder and neck as well.
“I don’t suppose Lucien could be tempted to have his own bed?” he hummed with amusement. “If it’s because he’s cold, we could get him a heating pad.” Surely it would be better than stretched out between them.
“I’m impatient too,” he added after a moment, not wanting Devyn to think that he wasn’t. “I missed you. I know you’re doing great things on Alastor, but damn if it doesn’t make me want to retire so I can join you.”
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:45 pm
“You think I’m impatient?” Devyn asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But I was patient all day. That must count for something.”
He liked the attention Michael was giving him, and between the two of them there was a flurry of kisses and soft touches as they helped undress.
Michael was patient, but how could he not be? He had too many students to look after to lose himself to impatience. And he’d been doing this for years!
Devyn still liked to see those walls come down.
“I’m not sure if Lucien cares as much about the warmth as he does about being involved. He’s a social creature.” He and Devyn had that in common, so he wasn’t really one to judge. “I’m sure he’s already gone over to the Reids to see what they’re up to tonight.”
Of which, Devyn offered no judgment. He exchanged a few more kisses with Michael as their clothes mixed into a pile on the ground. “There’s plenty to do on Alastor, Love of my Lives. Don’t worry, I’ll have plenty left for you when you’re ready to retire. I think you might like the ruins I found. Peter, too. But I need to get a little more support built in before I have company. It’s going along well, I’ll have to show you the pictures Lucien and I took. The murals are interesting. I’ve seen the art before but I can’t recall where. And the language is archaic. It’s been very difficult to translate. Even when we’ve identified some words, it still feels like it’s written in riddles.” Very exciting for someone who liked to spend time with books, probably. He was involved only because he was an expert on all things Alastorian but he’d have rather been excavating and reinforcing the ruins while someone else handled the deskwork.
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:13 am
“Ruins in need of support,” he repeated thoughtfully as he took Devyn’s hand to lead him back towards the pool of water. “You know you could get in there faster, and make it safer, if you had people to help you.”
He knew Devyn was used to doing things on his own. He’d been doing it for hundreds of years. There was no doubt in his mind that Devyn could absolutely do anything he set his mind to. But he couldn’t help but think of the dangers. The possibility of Devyn getting hurt because he didn’t have someone watching his back. Or the time that could have been reduced significantly to complete something, had he only had someone else to hold the other end.
Devyn knew that Michael was capable when it came to construction. He’d already adjusted their home to better accommodate their needs by adding in spaces specifically for Devyn. And he had plans to build something for Atticus and Elliot and their friends at some point. He was hoping Devyn would lend a hand as well. It was something to talk about later.
“I’d like to take a look. I’m getting pretty good with identifying words in your language. I might be able to help with decoding it,” he suggested as he stepped back into the sloping entrance to the shallow pool.
Archaic languages. Murals. Riddles. It was all definitely something he was interested in. And he suspected Peter was as well.
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:17 am
“I thought you might be interested,” Devyn said, not bothering to hide a smile. “Part of why I took so many pictures, too. I thought your input would be very valuable when it came to bringing up supplies and figure out how to best stabilize it.”
He let himself be led to the water with no resistance; it was warm in the springs already but as soon as he started to sink into the water he let out a contented smile. Sessrumnir had always taken care of him, and he felt a welcoming warmth in the water as soon as he stepped into it. Maybe some of it was just in his mind; he’d hardly had time to get wet, much less soak, but he already felt better.
It was probably just because he was here with Michael.
“Maybe one of these weekends we can go up. Lucien will want to come, so we might as well invite the boys.” Not that they had to help in the ruins, there was just so much to see and do up on Alastor already. “I haven’t even brought Peter yet, but I told him I want to send him some pictures. Your family is full of such incredible people, you know. You’re at the top of my list, but every one of you I’ve met has been amazing.”
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:24 am
Michael knew it was silly, because Devyn had always wanted to involve him in things. But whenever Devyn confirmed it, such as thinking that he’d be interested and why he took so many pictures and thinking his input would be very valuable, Michael always felt his heart swell.
The pool was shallow enough for them to sit comfortably, with the water still up to their chest, so Michael lowered himself down into the water, gently pulling Devyn to join him.
“That sounds like a good idea. I know the boys have been wanting to visit Alastor again.”
He agreed that his family had a lot of incredible people. His found family included. He often thought about how different things were than what he’d ever imagined them being like, and he loved every moment they had together.
“You’re at the top of my list too,” he teased, lifting Devyn’s hand from the water so he could kiss the back of it. “I still don’t know how I was lucky enough to get you to fall for me.”
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:27 am
Devyn offered no resistance; when Michael pulled him down, he made himself comfortable next to Michael. He planted his free hand on the ground and leaned backwards, breathing a sigh of relief.
Was there anything as relaxing as this? Nothing came to mind immediately. The warmth of the spring felt like fingers digging into his sore muscles, and just being around Michael was a balm in itself.
With Michael’s hand already linked with his own, it was easy to return the kiss; he drew Michael’s hand to his lips and kissed the back of it playfully.
“Well, that feeling is mutual.” He hadn’t thought he’d ever want to fall in love again, not in this lifetime. He hadn’t even known if his heart was capable of loving again. Apparently it was just very, very picky.
Devyn wasn’t complaining. Michael was well worth the wait.
“Every day I wake up next to you, I’m in awe that you are the first and last thing I get to see every night. I wake up to a good day and I go to sleep to a good night. Ah, what a life.”
A kiss to the hand wasn’t good enough. He leaned over to kiss Michael’s shoulder, and then his neck, too. He was working his way to his lips, there was just plenty of skin waiting for attention along the way.
There was no need to rush.
“It’s getting a bit busy on Alastor. I haven’t found anyone yet, but these animals certainly aren’t shy. Atticus will like the babies.” And they’d love him. “I’ll have to find something fun for them to do while they’re up there. Unless they want to work, I’ve got plenty they could help with. Too bad they’re such good kids, they never have to get grounded so I have to do all the dirty work myself.”
As if the boys wouldn’t offer to help, even if the task was undesirable. As if Devyn would ever use Alastor as punishment, anyway. He took pride in his world; if he had to do hard labor to fix it up, he wasn’t the sort to complain.
…Well, maybe a little. He always did like a bit of theatrics, and Michael was always so quick to pamper him.
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:30 am
Michael felt so pampered with Devyn. He tilted his head to make room for more kisses, and he moved his arm around Devyn’s side, brushing his hand up and down his side under the water. He liked being able to touch him. And kiss him. As soon as he had the chance he would definitely be kissing Devyn back.
“We’ll keep looking,” he promised, because Michael knew how important it was for Devyn to search for any survivors. And while he hadn’t thought it very likely when they first went to Alastor, Devyn’s optimism was contagious.
“Alastorians are hardy and clever, if I’ve learned anything about them,” he hummed thoughtfully, recalling any of the memories he’d had, and everything Devyn had shared with him.
“They might not know it’s safe to come out of hiding. So we’ll keep looking. And we’ll see what the boys can do that will keep them entertained while we sneak off again,” he teased with a grin, kneading his fingers into the muscles of Devyn’s back.
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:45 am
Devyn made no effort to hide the soft moan that slipped from his lips. His eyes closed and he leaned into the touches with a contented sigh. Michael knew every part of him, which meant that he knew exactly what parts of him he’d overworked.
“Maybe they can visit Arista,” he mused. “That’s safe. Although, Villefort is looking very good these days. Atticus might like the bees there. I saw one nearly the size of my head, bloated with nectar and sleeping on the ground. I was worried it was dead but had just gorged itself. Their wings make such a pretty buzzing noise, it was nice to hear the forest with so much life. The flowers have really taken over now that all that water’s gone. I’ve been meaning to spend a bit more time there, too. Ah, but I wouldn’t want to send the boys over there alone, just in case.”
Villefort had a rich and troubled history. He could see the beauty and the ugliness. Things were looking good now, he didn’t want something foul to rear itself while his guard was down.
“Imagine, someone from Villefort running into them. Ah, probably best to keep them somewhere safe if we’re not nearby. I trust them, they’re good boys, but I want them to see the good in Alastor. I didn’t get the chance to introduce that before. I suppose if there’s anything good to come of this, it’s that I get to retell the stories in my words. Mm. I am a bit biased, though.”
He didn’t turn away from the horrors that had happened here on Alastor. He’d never tried to sugarcoat it. He just saw the good in it as well.
“Maybe they’re hiding underground and that’s why I’ve never found them. I wouldn’t want to look there.” His lip curled just slightly but he twisted it into a smile and hid that with a kiss. “Or across the ocean. Which I suspect is as choppy as ever but I haven't been close enough to find out. Maybe one day I’ll hitch a ride on that island up there and see if I can’t get a good look below. You’re invited, of course. But I know you aren’t particularly passionate about heights. Although, I suppose we’d have plenty to distract ourselves with up there.”
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 7:49 am
“We should have your stories written down,” Michael suggested as he worked his fingers into the tense muscles of Devyn’s back and shoulder, shifting a bit as he leaned against the side of the pool so he could draw Devyn closer to him.
“That way they can be shared with everyone we might find on Alastor.”
If they did find anyone, he couldn’t imagine they’d have all been frozen in time like Devyn and Lucien. From his understanding, everyone else continued to age. It would be dozens of generations that had passed if they did find anyone.
“You know I wouldn’t miss traveling with you for anything,” he promised, and then let out a little sigh. “It’s not so much the heights. It’s being confined in a man-made object that is supposed to fly but--”
He shook his head. He knew it was difficult to explain, especially since Devyn had never been on a plane or in a helicopter. Michael knew it probably sounded like he was exaggerating. Surely it couldn’t be that bad, right? If other people could handle it, then he should be able to as well.
Maybe it was one of those things he just needed to get over.
“The boys will be okay. We can send Lucien with them if you’re worried. If you don’t want to make them feel like we’re hovering.”
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 8:02 am
Devyn was pliable in Michael’s arms and he moved wherever he was guided. There was no need to offer any resistance when he was clearly enjoying himself so much. And then, he’d have moved closer even without the promise of Michael’s massage. He knew it was difficult for him to talk about some things but even when Devyn didn’t understand, he still trusted Michael.
He knew that Michael was uncomfortable and that was enough for him. He didn’t need to experience it for himself. Devyn didn’t think himself a coward by any means and yet he still found immense dislike for some water trips, or deep underground. He could handle it. He just didn’t like to.
Michael could handle being in some plane or helicopter. But why should he have to if there were alternatives? Devyn felt no temptation to experience something that had left Michael so wary.
He didn’t need an explanation.
“I don’t mind if the boys feel like I’m hovering. I am,” he pointed out, at least a bit amused. As he rested against Michael, he leaned forward to bury his face in his neck, pressing soft kisses as he made himself comfortable. “I learned it from Lucien, though. It’s good to worry about the people you care for. Although, I suppose Alastor is less dangerous now than it used to be. I think.”
He wasn’t entirely sure but there were less assassins running around at least. Less plagues and storms, too.
“We’ll see. But I do want time with just you.” Even if it was working. “Maybe you or Lucien or Peter can help me come up with an easy way to transcribe the stories. I don’t think I have time to write them by hand.” Too many other projects seemed more important. Maybe when he got older and wanted to sit more, but the thought of getting older and slowing down seemed like such a silly, foreign concept. Wasn’t he old now? And he hadn’t yet mastered the art of sitting still.
“We’ll find a comfortable way to travel. If you don’t mind the island, we’ll try that route. I don’t think it’s man-made but I know it’s got some magic in it.”
It must, to last that long. And he could feel something old, something powerful, resonating up there.
“There’s plenty of open space up there. A lot of fresh air. I’d like to have you with me up there,” he admitted. “I’m excited to visit again, but I feel a bit uneasy. Maybe it’s just because I don’t know what Lucien encountered before.”
Lucien didn’t know, either.
He offered a few more kisses up and down Michael’s neck as he spoke, hoping to give him something more pleasant to think about than man-made objects that were supposed to fly.
“Maybe I just don’t want to be disappointed by what I find. I want to go adventuring with you, though. Did you ever have boyish fantasies about uncovering a new world, or going on great journeys, or following some heroic quest? Your collection–I’ve seen your movies, read your books. What did little Michael dream of?”
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 8:05 am
“That’s a shame,” Michael hummed thoughtfully as he tilted his head back to give Devyn more room to kiss his neck. “You have beautiful handwriting. Perhaps -- instead of the full book -- you could write some of the more important parts? Or, you know, the more dramatic lines. Have some artwork in the form of typography.”
But Devyn had already said he didn’t think he’d have time, and Michael would respect that and drop the subject. Even if he did think Devyn’s handwriting was something that deserved being framed.
He was thinking about how he’d felt about going to the island before, and how different it was to being in a plane or helicopter -- as well as how similar -- but Devyn was good with distracting him.
Michael hummed and shifted a bit to make it more comfortable for Devyn to rest against him, and easier to kiss him. He wasn’t exactly shy about the way he ran his hands up and down his husband’s body, or how he kneaded into the tense muscle.
“I did. I dreamed of adventure,” he admitted. “Of exploring the world. It was part of the reason I joined the Navy. The reason I’d wanted to join before war pushed more selfish desires aside. I wanted to travel, and to help people when I did. I could have just purchased a plane ticket and gone from country to country, sure. But people aren’t going to accept help from a lone stranger. Being part of something bigger…?”
He paused to chuckle softly, at himself.
“I was naive. Too young to understand. Too idealistic. I still don’t know if I caused more problems than I helped solve. But I would like to go adventuring with you, and uncover new worlds. We make a good team, so we’d be unstoppable.”
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