Clutching My Cure

Chapter Seven

It was another beautiful day on Telos, the sun shining brightly, the sky a deep blue. A gentle breeze blew, keeping the temperature at a perfectly comfortable level for the natives who strolled the streets. The local shops were all doing a brisk business, their customers smiling and happy to be parting with their credits. The local tourist business was also thriving, hoards of beings flocking to beaches that housed white sands and the clearest water in the galaxy.

Large cliffs overlooked the exotic ocean, palatial homes dotting the landscape. Only the very rich could afford the spectacular views, Telos political, business and scientific minds some of those lucky enough to call one another neighbor. It was one of these houses that Xanatos had brought his young lover to. Although not his main residence on the planet, it was the one he most enjoyed. No one but his most trusted employees were allowed entrance to the beach house. Until now.

Pouring himself a glass of wine, Xanatos made his way through the decadent bedroom and pushed open the glass door leading out onto the balcony. Leaning his shoulder against the doorjam, he took a sip of the drink while staring down on the scenic view spread out before him. He could find a measure of peace in this place, feeling close to the Force that had ruled his life for so many years. He saw his relationship with the Force as a love-hate one. At times he craved its gentle embrace, and at others he cursed its very existence in his veins.

His brooding gaze shifted toward the figure that reclined on a lounge chair. Time spent in the sun had turned once pale skin a glowing honey color, the reddish, gold hair now heavily streaked with golden highlights. Wearing nothing but a pair of low hanging swimwear, Obi-Wan Kenobi was a mouth watering sight to behold. Eyes closed, a thin sheet of sweat glistened on the young man’s toned body, a small content smile curving the full lips. Even asleep, the one-time Jedi oozed sex and had Xanatos’ own body stirring in reaction at the mere sight of him.

Xanatos’ stare grew brooding as he tossed back what remained in his glass. They’d been on his home planet for a week now and during that time he’d rebuffed the younger man’s amorous advances. It was one of the most difficult things he’d ever been forced to do, rejecting the man he craved with every breath in his body. But it was a necessary evil. He’d meant what he’d told Obi-Wan before they’d left for Telos. Casual sex wasn’t enough between them. Xanatos could get that from scores of willing individuals across the galaxy. He wanted, no he needed, more from the younger man.

Setting the empty glass down on the floor, he unbuttoned his shirt and toed off his boots before making his way over to the reclining figure. His eyes drank in the delectable sight laid out before him, his mouth watering in remembered ecstasy. Bending down, he lightly trailed the pads of his fingers along the smooth, sweat drenched chest. Obi-Wan purred at the sensation of being stroked, his back arching off the lounge chair. Long lashes slowly lifted to reveal sleepy muti-hued orbs that gleamed with an unspoken invitation. One that Xanatos was finding more and more difficult to resist. Careful to shield that though from his companion, he pulled away and dropped down on the lounge chair next to his young lover.

"Best be careful, you’re beginning to look like a savage," he cautioned, ignoring the look of frustration shot his direction. It was good to know he wasn’t the only one suffering from forced abstinence.

"You told me to enjoy myself. Although at the time you offered, I was under the impression that you’d be keeping me company."

The accusation was accompanied by a delightful pout. Obi-Wan was feeling neglected and sexually frustrated, both facts that worked in Xanatos favor.

"Offworld doesn’t run itself you know," the fallen Jedi chastised his companion. "Besides, I’ve been working diligently to bring us closer to the object of our mutual loathing."

Attention diverted, Obi-Wan quickly sat up and swung his legs around to face Xanatos, eyes lit up with excitement. "You’ve found a way to get Jinn?"

"Perhaps." Xanatos reclined on the chair, his head shifting to stare out at the ocean. "Were you aware of the fact that he took another apprentice?"

Even though he wasn’t looking at the younger man, the shock waves his query elicited were enough of an answer.

"No." Obi-Wan’s reply was barely audible.

Xanatos turned to find the young man sitting with a shell shocked expression on his face. He wanted nothing more than to gather Obi-Wan in his arms, smooth the lost expression from his eyes. Instead, he made himself respond with exasperation.

"Force, Kenobi! All the years you’ve been tracking him and your sources failed to uncover something so obvious?"

The younger man flushed at the harsh words, his cleft chin tilting in defiance. "I don’t have the money you do, Xan. I have to make do with what I have and good informants aren’t cheap. So, who is the poor sod?"

"Someone named, Bruck Chun."

The reaction the news brought wasn’t one Xanatos had been prepared for. Obi-Wan’s initial shock quickly gave way to an almost manic hilarity as he burst into loud guffaws. Tears streamed from the young man’s eyes as he fought to remain upright instead of doubling over in laughter. Xanatos eyed his companion worriedly, fearing the longer the laughter continued, that Obi-Wan had snapped. Aware of the look directed at him, Obi-Wan fought to control himself, wiping the tears away as he struggled to speak.

"Chun! The Force.. loves me!"

When no further information was supplied, Xanatos reached up to clasp his lovers face between his hands. Holding Obi-Wan’s gaze he willed him to listen. "You know this Chun?"

Nodding his head vigorously, Obi-Wan was finally able to catch his breath. "Agemate of mine. We couldn’t stand one another and he spent years bullying me in order to prove his dislike. Fitting he ended up with, Jinn."

Xanatos grew thoughtful at the new information, his thumbs unconsciously stroking the younger man’s cheeks in affection. Obi-Wan’s lashes lowered as the caress ignited the hunger he carried for the older man. He was rapidly growing to crave Xanatos’ touch, like a starving man craves food. The knowledge didn’t sit well.

"So, the apprentice holds his own grudge. No doubt against both of us," Xanatos mused aloud. "He may be the key we need."

When all he received in response was a low keening moan, Xanatos returned his focus to Obi-Wan, only to find the young man soaking up his caress. Eyes mere slits, all Xanatos could see of the blue-gray irises was a heated sliver that burned for him. Swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat, he released his hold on Obi-Wan’s face and sat back.

"I’ll have my men get busy checking into their mission dockets. You stay here and enjoy the sun."

As he stood and made to leave, he found himself with an armful of clinging Obi-Wan. He was forced to brace his legs in order to keep them both from teetering over, his head shifting side-to-side to avoid a set of determined lips. Capturing hands that grabbed at sensitive areas of his body in a firm hold, Xanatos gave the younger man a gentle Force push in order to put space between them. His smooth chest heaving, Obi-Wan stared up at him in confusion.

"What’s the matter with you?"

"We had this discussion the other day, brat. I will no longer engage in casual sex with you. If you decide you’d like to explore a more meaningful, adult relationship, let me know. Until that time comes, I’d appreciate it if you keep your hands to yourself."

Hurt disbelief at his rejection quickly gave way to outrage. Lips curling in a nasty smirk, Obi-Wan raked the fallen Jedi with a dismissive glance as he dropped back onto the lounge chair.

"Don’t hold your breath, deCrion."

Xanatos’ hands fisted in anger as he struggled to keep from rushing over and strangling the younger man with his bare hands. Even though he cautioned himself to proceed carefully, he wasn’t a patient man under the best of circumstances. Turning a rigid back toward Obi-Wan’s gloating face, he spoke in a low voice that was even more troubling in its quietness.

"Careful, bratling, or the solitude you claim to crave, may soon be all you have."

He forced himself to retreat, leaving a bristling and off balance Obi-Wan staring numbly at his back.