The sun had gone down in the Merciful office, papers and other management codexes and indexes rested upon his arms as well as the desk he had in front of him. He had a lot to do, but it would be fine. He was certain of that.
Ascelin hadn't even known since when he had started to do that whole ordeal, he only knew the sun was rising in the sky when he started, now with the night closing in, it felt like it had been merely a couple of minutes.
The Marine grumbled as he checked the numbers of Astartes still actively rebuilding their home, civilians displaced by the reconstruction that were actually harming the world's economy by not having a stable job in those moments of crisis, by the Emperor even the amount of cousins (happily brought by his husband, Jubik) still giving a hand was far too much for how long they had been doing it, and yet, it seemed like the work wasn't even close to being done.
The door to the office opened and someone got inside, a soft click told him it had been closed again. Ascelin turned around and looked at the intruder, he could feel a certain amount of familiarity radiating from whoever it was.
"I'm busy, go away" Ascelin didn't even raise his sight from the papers, but the scent that filled his nostrils was enough to know who it was
"I know, I haven't seen you since breakfast, and a certain baby has been missing his other father as well" Jubik soothing tone of voice was a delight to the ears, and Ascelin almost dropped everything to turn around and hug him. Almost.
"I will be there in a moment"
"I hope so, because I am tired and we are going to sleep together tonight, and also tomorrow, and the day after that. You are not escaping this"
"Are you giving me an ultimatum?" Ascelin chuckled, it felt nice after having so much tension welling up inside of him "Am I going to sleep on the couch if I don't immediately go?"
"Take it however you like, I am just saying I will sleep with someone today, be you or our baby"
Ascelin made an exasperated sigh as he looked up from the pile of work to Jubik; that beautiful innocent smile, his hands together in his chest, the long tied hair on the man's back just the way Ascelin loved to see. It would be a lie to say the Marine didn't consider himself incredibly lucky for having such a beauty by his side.
"Do you want to take my place instead?"
"I have never been good with numbers or paperwork, but I could give it a try"
"No, I don't think that's a good idea, I'll do it. I'm already almost done anyway"
"Oh do not give me that excuse; not because I come from a tribal world means that I am stupid. You were already working when I woke up this morning, and I highly doubt you would be done so soon" Jubik snatched away a paper from Ascelin hands
"Wh-hey that's mine!" The Merciful tone was almost childlike "You don't have a clue on how to-"
"Speak less and grab another paper, I am more than happy to help you"
It took a few moments for Ascelin to fully understand that wasn't a play from Jubik; the Nomad was serious in his attempts to help, even if he hid his complete lack of expertise in dealing with big numbers not too well.
The Merciful thought about how that would had never happened if he was with...the other, the Black Templar would had probably come and just snatch Ascelin away from the papers, not caring if he ripped the robes out of Ascelin body and had his way with the Merciful; Jubik would never do something like that, he was far more gentle than Ascelin ever thought someone could treat him. And that was far more alien and scarier for Ascelin that what he thought it could be.
They both sat there, on the same chair, working on the paperwork for the night; Ascelin made sure to take some breaks in between just to check on Jubik, even if they were just seconds long. It was the first time he had seen Jubik so concentrated on something other than war or their own "work" as fathers, and it was rather cute to watch him try to figure out some of the calculations.
The paperwork was advancing way faster than before when it was just him doing it, Jubik even lended some help from how thew Nomads used to do calculations or spending resources in things such as armor or metals utilized for their weapons; his husband at some point arguing with the Merciful about the Nomads handing some of their resources to the Merciful so their designs could be cheaper but more sturdier, with Ascelin naturally thinking it was too kind and excessively cooperative from Jubik's part.
"I…I think I'm done" Ascelin stretched out his arms, the last of the paperwork was over
"Finally!" Jubik stood up, almost knocking down Ascelin as well, rushing to the office door and opening it fully
"Woah easy there big guy, you really want to get to bed already?" Ascelin stood up as well and started to make his way to the door
"I have been without touching my husband for an entire day, how torturous you think that was!?! For Chotum sake I started to reminisce about past nights just to get through the day"
"Ah, so this visit wasn't just to keep me away from job?" Ascelin teased, taking one of his fingers up to his mouth and biting on it softly. His tone was low, almost like a whisper; it was a play he used many times before when trying to lure in his lovers, and he was more than confident it would work now.
"Mhm" Jubik chuckled and pushed Ascelin against the wall, closing the door again behind them with his foot "Maybe a little bit of that too. How could I not miss this sweet body of yours?" He pulled Ascelin's body close to him, the bulk on his pants growing slightly
"Oh? Are we going to do it here? Wasn't your whole point to get me in be-"Ascelin smirked trying to keep composure, but only having eyes for Jubik incoming arousal
The Merciful couldn't even finish the sentence when Jubik pulled him into a kiss, pressing their bodies together; Ascelin moaned in delight, his tongue searching for Jubik's as their hands wandered around their bodies.
Ascelin was the first one to break the kiss, a trail of saliva connecting their mouths together. The Merciful panted as he looked Jubik up and down, his needy hands getting a hold from his husband chest.
"I have missed you so much" Jubik whispered, his husky voice filling the room as he nuzzled into Ascelin's neck, placing soft kisses along the skin. His hands wandered down Ascelin's back, pulling the robe up slightly to touch the soft skin underneath. Ascelin arched his back, pressing himself closer to Jubik, his own hands fisting in the Nomad's hair.
"Fuck, you feel so good." Ascelin's head fell back against the wall, his eyes fluttering closed as he relished the feel of Jubik's lips and tongue on his neck. His robe had already slipped off his shoulders, baring his upper torso to Jubik's hungry gaze and wandering hands. The Nomad's touch was gentle, almost reverent as he traced the contours of Ascelin's body.
The Merciful's heart pounded in his chest, his body aching with anticipation. He looked at Jubik, his eyes filled with desire and longing.
"Please, Jubik," Ascelin whispered, his voice thick with need. He reached up, cupping Jubik's face in his hands and pulling him into another passionate kiss. Their tongues danced together, tasting and exploring with expertise. Ascelin's hands roamed Jubik's back, feeling the strong muscles beneath his skin.
Jubik growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating against Ascelin's lips. With a flick of the wrist, the Nomad got through Ascelin robes reaching his cock. Ascelin moaned loudly, his body arching into Jubik's touch.
His cock throbbed eagerly, already half hard from the intense foreplay. Jubik's strong hand wrapped around Ascelin's length, stroking it slowly and deliberately. The Merciful's breath came in short, ragged gasps as he buried his face in Jubik's neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin.
Jubik continued the motion, his thumb swirling around the tip to gather the bead of pre-cum. He brought it to his own lips, his tongue darting out to lick it clean.
"Mmm, you taste delicious," he purred, his voice husky with arousal.
His free hand slid back up Ascelin's torso, tweaking a nipple through the thin fabric of the robes.
"How long until you get this fucking thing off from me...?" Ascelin, between gasps, asked as his gaze went to his robes and then back to his husband.
The Nomad grinned, a wicked spark lighting up his features. He used his strength and lifted Ascelin easily, carrying him towards the desk. The Merciful was caught off-guard and let out a surprised laugh.
Jubik set Ascelin down on the edge of the desk, his robes falling open to reveal his naked body. The Nomad stepped between his legs, his own robes parting to show his impressive erection straining against the fabric. Jubik growled, his hands sliding up Ascelin's thighs. The cool wood pressed against the Merciful bare skin, contrasting with the heat radiating from his husband's body. Ascelin's eyes were locked onto Jubik's, his pupils dilated with desire.
"You are so fucking beautiful," Jubik murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down Ascelin's spine.
After much preparation and foreplay, Jubik finally penetrated his husband's hindquarters. Ascelin cried out in ecstasy as Jubik slowly filled him up, his back arching off the desk.
"Oh fuck, Jubik..." The Merciful panted, his fingers digging into his husband's shoulders. Jubik groaned, his hips rolling forward to bury himself to the hilt inside Ascelin's tight heat.
The desk creaked under their combined weight, the paperwork scattering across the floor. The Nomad's breath hitched as he felt Ascelin's body envelop him, the tightness and heat sending waves of pleasure coursing through his veins. He paused for a moment, allowing Ascelin to adjust to his size, his hands gripping the Merciful's hips tightly.
"You alright?" he asked, his voice strained with effort.
Ascelin nodded slowly, his eyes fluttering open to meet Jubik's gaze. It took a second for him to process Jubik caring for his well-being and enjoyment.
"Yes, please, don't stop. I'm fine"
The Nomad's eyes darkened with lust, a predatory grin spreading across his face. He pulled back slightly, then thrust forward, burying himself deep inside Ascelin. The Merciful let out a long, loud moan, his head tipping back as Jubik set a slow, deep rhythm.
The desk creaked ominously under the force of their movements, its legs scraping against the floor with every thrust threatening to collapse under such pressures.
They lasted for a few more minutes, stretching almost to an entire hour of passionate embrace.
Their cries and moans filled the small room, each lost in a world of shared passion and intimate ecstasy. Sweat dripped down their flushed skin as the heat and tension built with every movement of their intertwined bodies.
Suddenly, there was an almighty groan and a loud screech. A desk leg gave out beneath them with an ominous crack and Jubik tumbled to one side as it collapsed completely under them.
He withdrew from inside his husband in shock as his hands instinctively went to aliviate his beloved's fall. Ascelin gasped as he suddenly found himself half-sprawled across the debris of the shattered desk, his bare skin now dusted with scattered papers and a light sheen of sweat.
A startled laugh escaped his lips, the absurdity of the situation momentarily overriding the lingering haze of arousal. He turned his head to look back at Jubik, his eyes glinting with mischief and a hint of residual need.
"Well, that was rather...unexpected."
"Guess the spirits had enough of hearing us" Jubik added, chuckling.
His eyes twinkled with mirth as he took in the sight of his husband sprawled across the wreckage of the desk, a light sheen of sweat glistening on his skin.
The Nomad's gaze raked over Ascelin's body, lingering on the curves and planes he had so recently explored with his hands and mouth.
With an awkward cough he stepped away from Ascelin, putting up his pants still giggling and slightly embarrassed of the comedic end to their affair.
Ascelin, still catching his breath, propped himself up on his elbows, a playful smirk on his lips.
"Well, that was certainly a...memorable way to break that old thing." He glanced around at the scattered papers and broken wood, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
After tidying up, the couple retired to their bedroom, finding the baby fast asleep in his cradle. They climbed into their large, soft bed, curling up together under the thick covers. Ascelin nuzzled into Jubik's chest, his body still humming from their earlier activities. It didn't take long for sleep to find them, cuddled up very close in a tender manner.
In the morning, a shift in the bed stirred Ascelin from his slumber, noticing Jubik by their door whispering to another Astartes; Kubayen, if his memory served him good.
Ascelin blinked sleepily, rubbing his eyes as he tried to make sense of the early morning scene unfolding before him. His husband was speaking in hushed tones, his body language tense and urgent.
"What's going on?"
"They need me, and it is not the scouts"
"Do you have to go so soon? Emperor's teeth is not even past 8"
"I promise I will be back soon"
Jubik turned to face Ascelin, his expression a mix of regret and determination.
"I am sorry, my love. I did not want to wake you, but I have to go."
"Everything's alright...right?"
"No...the Horns showed up again, they hit Ogodei hard" There was pain laced on his voice
Jubik stepped closer to the bed, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of Ascelin. He sat down on the edge, his hand reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from his husband's face.
"I am so sorry, love. I wish I could stay, but-"
"I understand." Ascelin cut in softly, a sad smile on his lips. "You have to go, and I..." There was a knot on his throat "I'll watch the baby"
The Nomad delicately closed the door behind him, not before giving one last look to his husband, wishing with all of his heart to return to him as soon as possible. He did not looked at Kubayen; the boy had probably heard way too much last night to even dare to speak about anything other than the mission to his Captain, there was no need to have superhuman hearing to have heard what had exactly happened between Jubik and Ascelin a few couple of hours ago.
That was the reason Jubik only got a few glances from serfs or other Marines alike as he passed through the hallways of the Merciful's homeworld to the space ports; the lingering second-hand embarrassment coming from his Neophytes was clear as day, although nobody wanted to say anything.
"....So....uh our mission is....um..." Kubayen struggled to preserve his poker face
"Is...?" Jubik smiled devilishly
"Okay fine, the boys and I wanted to know what the fuck were those sounds last night" Kubayen exploded, getting a few giggles from other scouts
"Love, my boy, love" The captain chuckled and showed his teeth
"Did it had to be in the office of that Captain, sir? Couldn't had you picked...I don't know, a fucking room? With a door? And a bed?!?!"
"How did you know there was no bed involved?" Jubik raised his eyebrows
"Because the Chapter Master of the Merciful had to commission a new desk this morning and I spent an hour bringing it from here to Ascilen office"
"Hey, Aureus knows me"
Kubayen made a few sounds of disgust and protest, but finally he gave up throwing his arms up in the air and not speaking about the subject again. Between cheers and laughter the crew aboard the ship prepared to make a Void jump into the nearest system where they could travel to the last known location of Ogodei and the 5th company. Nobody worried too much about it, even the serfs and ship crew were having recaffs or eating some protein bars as the machine spirit powered up the engines and began the countdown to make the jump.
All aboard inside the ship, including the Space Marines, held on to something whenever the count reached zero; the Witchers aboard felt a strange tickling running down their spines at the last second, but preferred to stay quiet for now, thinking it was just some anomaly from the Warp product of their intrusion into said reality and that it would be gone as soon as the ship stabilized again.
"We have to find you a muse, Kubayen! Perhaps then you would not be so harsh on intercourse with others!" Jubik yelled over the engines sounds
"You think this is a good time for that, Sir?!?!?" The scout looked around as if making his point clear
"I am just saying that-"
Jubik never got to finish the phrase; a white giant flash engulfed him and all the ship just as he was pronouncing those words; in an instant the Nomad felt an excruciating pain shooting up from his chest to his head, like if some sort of giant bomb had gone off right beside him with the force of a thousand sun's. He couldn't hear anything, let alone see at all. It felt like a nightmare; as if his eyes were glued not able to open them once more.
When Jubik found enough will inside of him to extend his arm, a sharp pain punctured his hand like a thousand sharp fangs were chewing him up; he managed to scream and shoot up his other hand in a fist impacting whatever was holding him; there was some splash sound, a bubbling liquid running down his hand and then a screech as something got loose from his body.
"KUBAYEN!!!! DAEMONS!" Jubik managed to shout; forcing his eyes to open.
He thanked the Emperor and the spirits of his ancestors for having opened his eyes in time; there was a rift right in front of him that cut through the whole ship like a knife, from there hideous creatures were beginning to show their pointy, flat and elongated faces; their inhuman eyes bloodshot red or a rancid green. His mind connected the dots; the flash of light had been a failure in the ship or perhaps a collision with some Immaterial entity, the rumbling revealed to have been the transport metal giving in to the pressure and ripping apart; the pain he had felt was the first of many unwanted visitors from the Warp that had come for him and the Nomad scouts.
He realized then, brandishing his sword and helping those around him recover from the shock, that this would not be a pleasant or tranquil voyage.
A true believer of Al-Basir (البصير) are those who prevail in performing good deeds and acts of worship behind the eyes of other people, in hopes of seeking His mercy and reward.