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Together and apart
‘Even if the whole galaxy was on fire, sometimes lovers simple need to take time to each other inspire.’
“Echo, we are not going to talk about it. Consider this an order.” Hunter had been adamant in his statement, even having gone to Rex before finally making it an order for Echo to remain behind. The rescue mission ahead fart too dangerous for the whole team to embark on that much Hunter was sure of. “It’s way too dangerous of a mission for all of us to go on. Some of us need to stay behind, just in case…” Hunter did not even want to counter the reasons behind his decision.
“Hunter, every mission is dangerous for us. Especially now with the Empire lurking around each and every corner.” Echo’s counter arguments weren’t making the point however.
Hunter having made his mind up before entering the conversation. They were going deep into enemy territory. And this time, Hunter had decided to make sure most of his family would be safe. Kept out of harms way.
“You will stay. Omega needs you. Tech and Rex need you. The Cause needs you. In case myself, Wrecker and Gregor won’t make it back you will be the one to keep this family together.” Hunter’s words had been choked, sticking to his throat with the emotional implications of his decision weighing heavily on both of them. But the decision hade been made.
The fact that Hunter and his team might not return. As this may just have been an elaborate trap set by their enemy to capture the team, the rogue clones. They could not know. The source not necessarily trustworthy. And so, going in blind for the meet-up.
It had taken a few more arguments, several more counters but in the end, Echo had yielded. He would remain behind while Hunter as off with Gregor and Wrecker to meet up with their contact. The mission of a high value rescue and intel, the location deep in the imperial territory. At least, that was the plan for now. Not really knowing if this was a real defector or possibly a trap. Something they could prepare for up to a point.
*
The arguments behind them, the decisions having been made Echo and Hunter had made the effort to spend their last night before the mission together. This time it wasn’t about romantic dates or the vistas spent. Nor was it about dwelling on the chances to be taken. Not the time for arguments or quarrels.
No, this was about the two of them. The time to be spent in each other’s arms one last time before… well… equal to pre-battle jitters during the war when the uncertainty of returning was always an option present for each and every soldier.
Echo and Hunter had taken the time. Letting their friends and family know there would be absolutely no interruptions, no matter important enough to disturb them during this time. No calls, no contacts, no urgencies. No nothings. For the others to consider the two being inaccessible, AWOL for the lack of a better word. Locking the doors to their private quarters when retreating to their sanctuary for the duration.
The refresher dimmed with candles spread around the space the only light. The cozy feel of it all making the space homey inside the concrete walls of the base. The bath water warm, bubbly even but most inviting. The setup surely perfect for time to be spent just for each other.
Hunter was standing in front of the mirror staring at his reflection. Naked as the day he was decanted. Echo having joined him in this silent reflection. Being slightly taller of the two, Echo had an advantage standing behind Hunter watching him through the mirror image. It was precious, having this time to simple take his partner in without hurry, committing the familiar features to memory.
Echo started placing soft kisses on the other man’s neck and back while his flesh arm was roaming on its own accord, mapping the muscular planes of his lover. Each soft and hard bump he already knew by heart.
They weren’t in any hurry having all evening and all night to bask in each other’s presence.
The mission planned to start the next afternoon. But those thoughts were all pushed aside. The dangers lurking out there, waiting for them. Those thoughts were not going to be taking over this special moment that much the two had agreed on as hard as it might have seemed.
Hunter leaned back, enjoying to soft touches of Echo taking his time in lulling Hunter into the secure state shared in their small safe haven. It had been a while since their date night in the wild of the planet. The new rescue missions getting away in their alone time. But Hunter and Echo made due with whatever time they had to spend together.
Echo moved from touching Hunter to kissing him. Turning the other man around. Face to face, the two shared a passionate kiss before Echo’s mouth started following the same path his hand has done moments earlier. Mapping Hunter’s body with his hungry mouth.
“Want to take a dip in the water while it’s still warm.?” Echo asked a moment later, having planned to give Hunter a bath as well.
“Y…yeah. Soon sweetheart.” Hunter managed, the soft touches of his lover already heating him up rather nicely.
Echo smiled against the skin he had not let go of and continued with his caresses with is mouth and hand. As whatever Hunter wanted, Echo would comply and give him.
*
They were seated in the tub.
Hunter was leaning against Echo, the warmth of the water and the gentle massage Echo was applying on Hunter’s scalp lulling him into a totally blissful state. They had used the washcloth to wash each other’s bodies after stepping into the tub. The gentle nature of the touches nothing arousing only with the sensations of taking care of each other. Echo also having promised he would give Hunter’s hair a deluxe treatment.
It was a most intimate moment the two shared. Taking care of the other in this manner. Despite all the sex they had shared while being together this, bathing together seemed so much more personal somehow. Having someone taking care of ones personal grooming and all.
Hunter felt the love of his partner all around him. Like a very soft blanket surrounding him. Only it was Echo who was there making Hunter feel safe and cared for.
Hunter’s thoughts going back to the time when they had been apart and Hunter having ended up a total mess without Echo. Wondering now how he could ever had made such a bad choice. Keeping them apart.
Even if this upon coming mission meant the same. However, it was only temporary. At least that was what Hunter had to believe. That they would defy all odds and come back home. All of them. This was what they did after all. Having a hundred percent success rate. Or was that simply a delusion from the past?
*
Hunter and Echo were lying on their shared bed.
The bathtub long since discarded, the soft touches and massages having grown to something much more. And so, the need to take their explorations of each other to the next level deciding the bed would be better and more comfortable than the slippery watery bathtub.
Their bodies tangled together, the flesh and the artificial finding a collaborative space even during their more heated encounters. Hunter and Echo having honed their love making to a fine art. The kisses, the wanton sighs and soft moans shared between them the only sounds in the darkened room.
They had agreed to take things slow, the reasons behind it clear. Wanting to commit to memory each and every moment, each soft moan and content sigh with the highest of bliss shared. But sometimes, the urges driving them both would override even the best intentions and soon enough they were both lost in the heated passion of their lovemaking.