The Games Gods Play

Notes: Has it been a while? Yes, it has? Four... six... a lot of birthdays have passed, working on other stories, researching and stuff. And now we're in another year! But still... here we are with another chapter.

Also, these next two chapters will be them chilling before the true chaos comes. This chapter is more about them heading to the vacation spot, so it's short.

Comedy reasons, if you know how I write.

Chapter 3

For the next two weeks, the family prepares for their much needed vacation. There is a lot of plans, shopping, packing and double checking during that time. Once or twice, Jonathan and Evy got into an argument about swimsuits. Luckily, Terrence had been present to stop that quick.

With the preparation of the vacation, there was also something happening with Rick. He suddenly found his early mornings hovering over a toilet, headaches occurring at random, and even his sudden distaste for pineapples and liking for chocolate. Sometimes, he's super cuddly, either attached to Imhotep's side or cooing over Alex. They figured he was sick, of course he had to be. His body just wasn't agreeing with him, but that wasn't stopping him from going on this vacation.

Eventually, it came to the night before they'll be leaving out.

Rick was cuddled up to Imhotep's side in their shared bed, arms around the other's waist. This has been the most he's been at peace physically for the past two weeks. It could be because, hey, vaca to a tropical island starts in just a few hours.

He recalled reading the pamphlets, seeing that the island was recently discovered just a year ago. It was small, quaint and very much so a well liked place. He was willing to get a more hands-on experience. Especially, with his hubby.

Said hubby was now kissing his forehead, rubbing the skin of his waist under his shirt.

"Are you feeling alright, my seer?"

The ex-soldier nodded, smiling. "Yeah. Excited really. I mean, you do realize this is the first time we'll spend a vacation as a married couple?"

"It's our first vacation, regardless."

Rick shifted so that he laid completely on Imhotep, content when he was comfortable enough. He paid no mind to how Imhotep was dealing with the weight, but whether or not he wanted it, he didn't complain. "Mmhm. Can't wait.", he mumbled, feeling exhausted now.

"Then we should sleep."

"Too excited."

However, the excitement was not enough to keep sleep at bay. A second later, Rick was knocked out, his husband following.

And despite all those hours he managed to catch, Rick felt undoubtedly drowsy. Leaning on Imhotep while waiting for the train to arrive was the best he could do to stay awake, with the aid of some coffee minutes before. Their son was seated on a nearby bench, reading through a book. Evy came up beside him and rubbed his arm, having noticed his discomfort since this morning.

"Rick, are you okay?", she asked.

Rick nodded, sighing and rubbing his cheek against Imhotep's chest. "Yeah, I'm fine.", he answered as a strong arm protectively embraced his waist and a kiss pressed against his forehead. He was well aware that Imhotep was worried for him and has been since Rick fell 'sick'. However, the brunet continuously assured him and the others that all he needed was this vacation.

The train came up soon, the blaring of its horn echoing. It gave Rick a headache, but he decided not to voice it.

"Well, it's going to be a while till we get to our destination, huh?", Jonathan had chuckled as they boarded on, finding a suitable place for them to settle since it was going to be a while.

"Hopefully, sooner than much later. I really can't wait to see the waters. Do you think they'll be as blue and clear as the pamphlet says?", Evy asked, taking a seat after Ardeth put her suitcase away.

"Only us getting there can really answer that, but I pray they are.", Terence responses. He already has his reading glasses on and what looks to be today's paper in his hands. Not having seen the exact source of where he could have possibly go it from, they could only guess. The elderly man sits at the window with Alex across from him. Evy sits next to him. Rick and Imhotep sat across Jonathan and Ardeth just in the other booth on the other side of the aisle. Just how the ex-soldier is to Imhotep, Jonathan is cuddled up to his own husband's side.

Ardeth is rubbing his side, kissing him here and there. Obviously, he's already getting into the romantic vacation mood.

Everyone is like that for the next hour or so. Having light conversations or playing a game they found that could entertain them.

Within four hours of the train ride, Rick is the sole one sleeping. Once in a while, he would mumble something or shift against Imhotep with a moan. Being his husband, the (much) older hugged him, pressing soft kisses against the skin of his cheeks and forehead.

Jonathan had been eyeing Rick for some time, curious to his physical situation.

"I hope this vacation does him some good.", he admits, feeling Ardeth rub his back to soothe his worry. "Also, does it seem like something is... different about Rick?"

"What do you mean?", Evy asks, eyes on the chest board in front of her. She pouted when Alex ended the game victorious. "I'm tired of your madness, Alex."

"Don't be jealous, Aunt Evy."

"Well...", Jonathan starts, tilting his head. He continues to stare at Rick, trying to pinpoint exactly what was going on with him but couldn't find anything. "...there's something... I can't exactly put my finger on it."

"Let's pray it's not anything harmful.", Terrence says, shooting Imhotep an assuring glance. "That's the last thing any of us needs."

The train ride soon came to a closing, transitioning to the boat they had to the island. Luckily, this ride was going to be long since the island was in view as they boarding the boat.

Rick had sighed at the thought. "Just in a few hours and we'll be sipping drinks with little umbrellas in them."

"I'm so excited!", Evy giggled, heading to a railing to eye down in the water. She noticed how blue it was. It wasn't exactly clear, but the tint of it shown that it was still pretty healthy. "I can't wait to get into the water."

"I bet I can build a bigger sandcastle than Uncle Jon.", Alex taunted with a snicker.

Jonathan made a strangled noise, his husband chuckling at the challenge his nephew just declared.

"Show off, we all know you have photogenic memory, but that doesn't mean someone can't build a bigger and better sandcastle than you."

"Want to prove that?"

"I'll gladly do so!"

From next to Rick, Imhotep smiled. "Well, this vacation will be quite interesting, no?"

"Definitely. Got to admit, I'm on Alex's side on this. He's a killer at sandcastle building." He turned and kissed Imhotep briefly on the lips. "Maybe he's picking up on some of your architecture skills. Even before we got together."

"Possibly."

Rick then grabbed Imhotep's hand, leading him off away from the others. "Now let's find somewhere private."

From the glint he seen in those vibrant blues, he knew his spouse had something fun in mind.

Within the next few hours, everyone had gotten their rest, freshen up and had gotten something to eat. Nightfall had came and went and soon they had a little bit of distance to cover once they hit the island.

Standing by the railing, they could see the waters were much more bluer and clearer than before. Alex was even able to identify a few of the fish he caught sight of.

"I can't believe we're actually taking a trip to an island without our equipment. With having to do any work of any sort. I'm shocked.", Evy admitted.

"Feels odd to not be doing any duties, but I'm not complaining.", Ardeth added before planting a few kisses to Jonathan's neck. In turn, the other blushed, covering his face.

"Especially last night."

"I couldn't help myself."

In sympathy, Rick took hold of Jonathan's hand.

"It's okay, Jonathan. I feel the same way."

Imhotep pressed himself against his back, also kissing him on the neck.

"Remember, my Seer, you provoked it."

"Shut up."

"Gentlemen, can this cease until the bedroom? We do still have a child among us.", Terrence reminded them like the dad/grandfather he was. "I rather you not corrupt him."

Using this as an escape to avoid any more embarrassment and Ardeth's... desire, Jonathan parted from him, patting his cheeks as he stepped away. "Yes, Ardeth. We still have a child present."

Of course, that wasn't going to stop the other man. He shot Jonathan a grin. "Well, I'm sure once we're in the bedroom..." He leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "...I can do whatever I want to you for as long as I want."

The response was a shiver. And given the deadpanned looks on Evy and Rick's faces, no doubt they figured out what he said from Jonathan's red face.

Alex hadn't been paying attention to any of what was going on which isn't an issue. The kid's been scarred enough.

"Anyways... beautiful scenery, no?", Evy tried, gesturing to the water and the incoming sight of the island.

She was expecting one of the others to answer, but another voice piped up out of nowhere.

"It is very beautiful."

The voice was silky, but aged. There was even a tad bit of an accent.

They turned to see where those words were spoken from, finding it to be just a woman. She looked no older than Terrence, probably around his age, with bronzed skin and dark hair with a bit of grey intertwined and pulled back in a bun. She wore a simple red blouse, black skirt, black heels and a gold necklace.

And a warm smile.

"I'm sure you all will enjoy this time here as much as I did before.", she added, coming closer to the group.

"Before? Oh, so this isn't your first time here?", Rick questioned. He quickly gotten some... weird vibe from her. Like something wasn't... normal about her. Maybe it was the smile.

The woman nodded. "Yes. This is my second time here." She held out her hand. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Miss Sienna. But you can call me Sisi."

"It's nice to meet you... uh... Sisi."

She and Rick briefly shook hands. After, Rick took to holding Imhotep's hand. Maybe out of comfort.

"So this is your second time here. Can you tell us a little about this island?", Jonathan asked, clinging to Ardeth just as Alex had joined back with them.

Sisi chuckled, nodding. "Well, I can let you know that the waters are bluer than sapphires. And the air is extremely freshening."

"Can we get drinks with little umbrellas?", Evy asked.

"Of course! Personally, they're my favorite part about the island."

"Yes!"

The boat's horn could be heard then, signaling their arrival into the island's waters.

Alright, so I don't know when the next chapter is coming because I do have other chapters coming for other stories. However, I know that will be coming up soon.

I'll be honest. I'm shook about how many of you like my Mummy series. I wasn't expecting it at all.

I feel like I asked this before, but as much as many of us hate that third movie, after this story is completed, you think I should write my own version of it? Of course, if I do, Ardeth and Imhotep will be involved in it. So you can imagine how different the story is probably going to go.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this chapter and be on the outlook for the next one!