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.
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@goldenthroneresident @depressedperpetual @inkedfrankestien @justheretoovibe @valdormyprogramingiswrong
Alright.
Next up is Three Times A Charm (right?)