#40k fic

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

Third Times A Charm (right?)

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‘Is everything alright?’

‘Why wouldn’t it be?’

Balen looked up from his dataslate. ‘You have been staring at me for forty five minutes.’

‘Maybe I was admiring the wall.’

‘You weren’t.’

One of the Azars, Janus couldn’t even remember which. Had told him once that one of the worst things was being known.

Now Janus didn’t believe it was the worst. But sometimes he could understand where Azar was coming from.

‘I have a question for you.’

Balen pushed aside his dataslate. ‘I’m listening.’

Janus opened his mouth then closed it.

Ridiculous.

He was a Custodes.

Janus could do this. It was just a question.

But the words stuck in his throat.

Balen stood.

Closing the distance between the two of them. He stopped in front of Janus, tilting his head up.

All of Janus’ thoughts scattered like a swarm of insects.

Normally Janus would kneel down. Always worried about Balen straining his neck. But right now with the words bouncing in his brain.

He didn’t.

Lavender eyes narrowed.

Had Janus offended him? Before he could ask. Balen spun around. Walked over to the table, yanking a chair and dragged it over.

Janus blinked.

Bewildered.

‘Balen?’

‘Yeah?’ Balen placed the chair right in front of Janus.

‘Are you redecorating?’

‘Nope.’

‘Then why—’

Balen climbed on top of the chair.

‘Careful,’ Janus raised a hand prepared to steady Balen. He might be one of the most competent baselines Janus knew.

But he’s still a baseline.

They were fragile, like eggs.

Wait.

He couldn’t compare Balen to an egg. Janus hated eggs. He loved Balen.

What could he—

Balen placed his hand on Janus’ chest.

‘Lean down please.’

Janus obeyed.

Balen’s other hand reached up to brush the hair from Janus’ face.

It needed cut.

But every time he cut it, Balen seemed disappointed.

Dilemmas.

‘Are you trying to ask me out?’

‘What?’

Balen smiled. ‘Yeah, you are.’

Then he kissed him.

It ended far too soon for Janus’ tastes.

‘So you do like me?’

Balen took a deep breath, glanced up at the ceiling.

‘I’ve tried asking you out twice.’

‘You have?’

When was this?

‘Explosions then Tyranids.’

‘Oh.’

He had been meaning to ask about that again. But he had been so happy with Balen being back. He hadn’t been sure if bringing up an attempted conversation that Balen might not even remember would be wise.

‘Yeah,’ Balen pressed kisses all over Janus’ face. Before finally kissing his lips again.

This time it was Janus who broke the kiss.

‘Please get off the chair.’

‘Should I stand on the table instead?’

‘That’s even more dangerous.’

‘You would catch me.’

‘I would but still please get down.’

Thankfully he did.

‘Come on,’ Balen made a gesture for Janus to follow him.

Hard to believe that once upon a time. Balen couldn’t even look him in the face without apologizing.

‘You can make me dinner.’

Notholy gold this was actually happening.

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The First Time and The Second Time

@depressedperpetual @goldenthroneresident @inkedfrankestien @valdormyprogramingiswrong @justheretoovibe

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

🙏 🥺

"Can you squeeze my hand? I need to know you can hear me."

Could it be Commissar Toll and Venty Azar (cause you said they had feelings for each other and I want to see how they interact?)

Venty’s day had been going to shit long before the box exploded in his face.

Then it was copper and burning and horrendous pain that he should be used too by now. But somehow he wasn’t.

He wasn’t aware for the longest time. But eventually through the white hot agony he felt a familiar enough presence.

Toll.

Slowly he could hear the sounds of panic. The roaring of fire. The breaking of steel. Ugh. He didn’t get blinded. He was regrowing his eyes outright.

Azar hated eye regrowth with a passion.

‘Azar.’

A hand against his.

‘If you can hear me,’ Toll said. ‘Please squeeze my hand.’

Azar flexed his hand.

Muscles twitching and uncooperative.

Eventually he managed to somewhat accomplish his goal.

Felt quicker.

‘Looks like your healing is getting stronger.’

Absolutely not.

‘Sorry, but that’s what it looks like.’

Eventually Azar managed to stand and Toll guided him out of the carnage. His eyes came back within the hour but it took his brain awhile to comprehend that he could see again.

When his sight did come back, he caught Toll smiling at him and wasn’t sure how he felt about the twisting of his heart.

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

The Second Time Balen Rise Tried Asking Janus Out

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Morae is not labeled a paradise world. Doesn’t fit the criteria. But it is more breath taking then most paradise worlds that Balen has seen.

Granted he’s only seen a few.

The point still stands.

Maybe it was all the Cadians who somehow ended up on Morae for one reason or another.

It certainly wasn’t the copious amount of fish. Don’t get him wrong. He was happy not to be on corpse starch and questionable rations.

But he’s never liked fish and that hasn’t changed.

The best part about Morae was definitely the sunrises. Everyday he gained a new appreciation for them.

Today’s appreciation appeared when Janus was already at Balen’s favorite spot. The sunrise glittering off both the crystal clear water and Janus’ auramite.

Balen didn’t ask why Janus killed the planetary governor.

Not his business. But he recognized the pattern and figured it was something Valdor put him up too. What even was his life?

Friends with a custodian. Having tea with the Constantin Valdor.

Cadian professionalism, Balen told himself. Cadian professionalism.

He didn’t even know what Cadian professionalism could do in this situation. He just kept repeating it to himself.

‘Fish for your thoughts?’

‘I hate fish.’

‘Fudge for your thoughts then.’

Balen shrugged. ‘It’s nothing interesting, I just think the waters nice.’

‘It is lovely,’ Janus hummed. ‘Reminds me of the Emperors old oil paintings.’

‘A high compliment.’

Balen leaned against Janus. It wasn’t particularly comfortable but he was allowed too and he would often use the privilege.

‘So what were you going to ask me?’

Balen blinked. Trying to figure out what he was talking about.

‘When?’

‘On Duna.’

‘That was a year ago,’ Belen said.

He didn’t say that was seventeen meetings ago. He might die of embarrassment if Janus knew he counted time through their meetings.

He held back the why didn’t you ask before? Already knowing it was a silly question. The seventeen meetings had all been in various states of warfare.

‘Yes but you had a question.’

‘I did.’

Well he supposed now was as good as any other time.

‘I was going too—’

Balen paused.

The air shifted. The water stilled. He pressed the palm of his hand to his forehead.

‘Balen?’

‘Is your head on fire?’

‘Why?’

A loud shrieky wail echoed from the distance.

Tyranids.

Great.

Fuck his bones twice over.

The battle was hard. Balen’s head never stopped burning. He didn’t see Janus again until after the battle was over.

The adrenaline fading. Red in his eyes. Janus knelt down in front of Balen wiping the blood away.

‘You fought exceptionally well today,’ Janus said. He paused. ‘I mean you are always exceptional. But today was incredible. I enjoyed witnessing your ferocity.’

Balen bit his cheek hard enough to draw blood. So he didn’t say something stupid like. You’re prettier than the water.

Or you too.

Instead he chose to bask in Janus’ attention.

———————

@goldenthroneresident @depressedperpetual @inkedfrankestien @justheretoovibe @valdormyprogramingiswrong

Alright.

Next up is Three Times A Charm (right?)

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

Idiot Little Brother (affectionate)

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Wrath let the words sink in. Then he picked up his remote and paused his show.

‘Please repeat yourself slowly.’

‘Do you think I’m in love with Balen?’

Wrath stared at Janus for a long moment. Wishing he could celebrate this breakthrough but unfortunately he knew Janus.

Therefore he knew how this conversation was probably going to end.

Because Janus for of his virtues was terrible at self-reflection and even more terrible at sticking with it.

‘Yes,’ Wrath said bluntly.

‘Wrath I’m serious.’

It begins.

‘As am I.’

‘I just—‘ Janus plopped down on the bed. Burying his face in a pillow.

Wrath finished the last of his popcorn. ‘Fell in love with a hyper competent guardsman?’

‘He’s my friend.’

‘You can fall in love with friends.’

‘Maybe it’s the concussion.’

Wrath looked up at the ceiling. Why was this his life?

‘Leopard healed it before we even knew if it was a concussion,’ Wrath pointed out. ‘It could have been a nasty cut for all we know.’

‘Concussion.’

Wrath stared longing at Bones and Spock arguing on his television.

‘Why do you think you’re in love with Balen?’

Janus proceeded to show that Custodes education in the arts. By getting poetic. Balen was everything form Janus’ breath to the very reason he existed.

Balen’s eyes became amethysts, his voice became birdsong. He was a lord of war, a bringer of death and thousands of other battle heavy descriptions.

Which given how much Khorne wanted both Balen and Janus.

It was a little concerning.

Three hours later.

Janus finally paused in waxing poetry about the love of his life.

Which of course meant Janus looked Wrath directly in the eye and had the nerve to say.

‘Nevermind. I was overthinking. Balen and I are definitely just friends.’

Is he serious.

Great.

Khorne was spying on him again. Normally Wrath would tell him to shut the fuck up. But he didn’t have time for that right now.

Instead he tackled Janus.

——————

@goldenthroneresident @depressedperpetual @inkedfrankestien @valdormyprogramingiswrong @justheretoovibe

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

The First Time Balen Rise Tried Asking Janus Out

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Balen didn’t know how he ended up on a paradise world with Janus.

Well he knew it had something to do with Commissar Darcia.

Okay.

So he didn’t have proof that the Commissar Darcia had done anything. But the Commissar was strange. Too tall and hard to look at.

They always knew everything and while the itch that Darcia caused in Balen’s brain was nowhere near the itch of a Commissar about to get labeled traitor.

It did feel almost Janus-like.

But that didn’t matter right now. What did matter was the list.

The one Balen just burned. He couldn’t leave any proof of it. But he had weighed the pros and the cons. Made the plan in his mind.

Now he just needed to find Janus.

If all else failed Balen would just put himself in minor danger. Janus always seemed to know when that was happening.

Okay.

So Janus found Balen first. Appearing in front of him out of nowhere. Then proceeding to smile when Balen almost walked into him.

As always Balen’s brain came to a screeching halt. To Balen Janus’ smiles were like the sun itself. He always had to stop and admire them.

Even when he had important plans.

Despite his slight annoyance. Balen returned his smile.

Quickly he squashed down the urge to just stand there and admire Janus all day.

Because again.

The plan.

‘Janus.’

He knelt down on the ground making it easier for Balen to look at him. Though he still had to tilt his head so that he could meet Janus’ eyes.

‘Yeah?’

Balen paused.

Now that he had Janus’ attention he couldn’t figure out how exactly he wanted to say this. The way he had practiced earlier felt off.

Janus deserved only the best.

‘Is everything alright?’

Balen nodded. ‘I- just give me a minute. Brains not cooperating.’

Janus’ hair was long enough. Balen could probably braid it. If he asked would Janus give permission?

Focus.

The plan wasn’t braiding Janus’ hair. The plan was too ask—

The ground decided then to shake. The world turning upside down with a loud roar. Balen found himself confused and pressed against Janus’ chest.

The smell of burning in the air.

‘Explosion,’ Janus said.

Naturally.

Fuck his bones.

————————

And done! Inching ever so closer to getting these two together.

@goldenthroneresident @depressedperpetual @inkedfrankestien @valdormyprogramingiswrong @justheretoovibe

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

His brain came to a stop. To Balen, Janus’ smiles were like the sun itself.

- I was supposed to post The First Time Balen Tried To Ask Janus Out today but uh it isn’t done yet. So here have this.

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

Space Pirate Au - P5 - The Cat’s Assignment

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‘Cat,’ Janus knelt down on the ground. Reaching out to offer their furry companion a hand. ‘You will be in charge while Balen and I get the goods.’

The Cat rubbed his face against Janus’ hand and vaguely Balen thought that they really needed to give him a name.

Janus continued with all seriousness. ‘Given your lack of opposable thumbs I made sure to adjust things so you can operate both ship and weapons.’

‘Given your lack of knowledge on flying might I suggest not doing that?’ Balen said. They should teach the Cat how to fly a ship.

Can cats fly ships? He’s certain the ones on his home ship could. But random domestic space cats?

The Cat slow blinked at him. Balen translated that as the Cat taking his advice into consideration.

‘Balen has a good point,’ Janus said. ‘Flying without training is a last resort.’

Gun cleaned. Balen started checking over his backup. Last thing he needed was to get in a gunfight and for it to jam.

The Cat gave a very serious meow.

‘Now remember if a stranger gets in,’ Janus’ voice got deeper the more serious he got. ‘You fight.’

Balen busied his hands with checking his ammo. But his attention was on Janus who scratched the cats ears. ‘And keep fighting until either they are dead or you are.’

Another serious meow.

Just that? Balen opened his mouth to protest.

‘I would advise getting up and shredding them to pieces if they kill you.’ Janus said. ‘Death is no excuse.’

Better.

Janus patted the Cat on the head. ‘I painted the self destruct button so you can see it easier.’

Serious meow followed by loud purring.

‘Are the weapons ready?’

‘Huh?’ Balen blinked then looked down. ‘Need a few more minutes.’

‘Alright.’

————————

@depressedperpetual @goldenthroneresident @inkedfrankestien @justheretoovibe @valdormyprogramingiswrong

[eleventhprimarchwanderingabout]

In the end it was rather anticlimactic.

Psy made sure the nuke-gun was charged. No need to repeat that particular oopsie.

He aimed.

Fired.

There was a glowy green light which vaguely reminded him of the Dark Angels’ armor. Then the whole thing vanished.

Around him the air shattered like broken glass.

Psy winced as the loops interference broke and he was assailed with all the things that hadn’t been able to get through.

Then the Universe started yelling at him.

Not my fault, blame the loop.

The Warp wrapped around him like an overly tight blanket.

Is this necessary?

Psy made sure to drop the nuke gun. No need to drag it with him.

Why was he being warp yeeted this time?

@depressedperpetual @goldenthroneresident @inkedfrankestien @valdormyprogramingiswrong @justheretoovibe

P16 of lost in the warp.