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It had been far too long since he felt simple peace.
The quietness of a library, the moments where there were no battles, no soldiers to lead, no deals to be made or always having to watch his back. All he had to worry about now was a certain trio of custodes, Dorn if he requested help with something because his dear brother was well… a wall. And then there was their Father if he wished to speak about something, there was a chance that it might cause him to feel a headache or irritate his back in some form.
Until then, it was just him and his direly-in-need-of cleaning quarters and his library. It had been ages since he had stepped through the chambers and if he was honest with himself, he didn’t expect to feel the pangs of joy that smacked him the moment he did. After all, Magnus figured that after ten thousand years or so he would have moved on and stopped caring about the items inside.
Well, there was always learning to be done, even within himself, he supposed.
Yet he found peace in the mundane nature of it.
Handling his old tomes and scrolls, long unread by anyone and placing them gently in stacks around the chambers while he cleared away the dust and spider webs. Oh sure, he could have a servant do it all but that was a matter of trust; one that was fragile still. He doubted many trusted him-and his collection of books-yet and in all honesty? He figured it would do him some good just to clean, relax and think.
There was so much to think on as well.
Dorn was alive, Vulkan and Corax were alive, dear Jaghatai was somewhere still speeding around on his bike! Lion apparently never died but throne knew where he was! Probably creeping around a death-world forest like the over-sized cat he was. And from what he had been able to gather from his Father, it was only a matter of time before others appeared as well. What that meant for Guilliman, lifeless on his own gilded throne, he wasn’t sure. What that meant for his brothers still bound to the Warp, he was less sure of. He wasn’t ready for that discussion or trail of thought, he knew deep inside, doubted that any of his brothers were or even their Father.
‘I can already imagine the lecture Jaghatai might give me later on’ Magnus huffed as he turned his mind away from that subject. But he smiled as he cleared another shelf and placed the collection on a table. So far, he had managed to clear out nine of the full bookcases though he admitted quietly that it was a slow start. The remaining shelves were still in the double digits. Not that it was a problem per say, a little bit done whenever he could manage some time was fine. It wasn’t like he was busy these days.
His peace continued on, lightened further when he found an ancient music disc hidden behind one of his books, one that he thought was lost forever! But no, just hidden, likely by one of his brothers in the far past after he had played it too many times and far too loud for their own liking.
‘I wonder if the playing device is still here, hidden in a cabinet… or under a pile of books’ Magnus shook his head.
His solitude was broken when he felt a presence by the entrance to his quarters and heard a chime just moments later requesting access.
“Enter” He said as he turned his attention back to the tome in his hands; an old thing that had been a gift from Perturabo, he would find a better place to put it. It was too dear to simply shove away on some shelf.
The quiet steps of his visitor stopped by one desk, and he heard the soft sounds of books being picked up and flipped through.
“I’m not very familiar with this language, old Terran?” His visitor asked, his identity well known to him.
Magnus smiled as he turned and nodded. “The language is lost to time, aside from those that have access to old history and the right books. It was one of the first old language I learned when I was first reunited with Father ages ago. He likely knows it though, would speak it fluently as well and would probably curse like a master in the language too if someone bought it up to Him.”
He could already picture it in his mind, the booming of the text-to-speech device struggling to translate the old words into noise and angering his Father even more, thus requiring Dorn to act. Typical, as always.
But still his smile grew as he looked his guest over slowly.
The Captain-General was-to his shock-out of his armor but thankfully not covered in oil, though privately he admitted he wouldn’t mind seeing Kitten nude in his library sometime. Shaking his head Magnus pulled his mind out of the gutter and focused on the fine details of Kitten’s less formal but refined clothes, fitting for his rank and his face.
Internally he winced, Kitten’s expression was calm and strong but there was a tiredness in his eyes, well-hidden but apparent to those who looked deeply enough. The weight of his duties and titles were heavy and constant over his long life, it was something Magnus understood well, and his hearts ached for his companion.
Kitten smiled and shook his head, “Probably yeah. Still, I’d like to learn the language sometime, would you teach me?”
He set down another book and nodded, “Of course. For you? Ask any time that works… and when we both can manage some alone time…”
There was never telling when one of those three would suddenly drop in. The most likely being Custodisi, for one reason or another, not that he was the most insufferable of the three, no, that title belonged to Karstodes. Even Wamuudes was fine so long as he didn’t get any oil stains near his prized collections of books! Or comics… or the few figures he still kept on display.
The point remained, they were annoying at most times and his chambers were his fortress walls against them.
Especially when Kitten was involved.
A thought flickered into his mind like a match being sparked.
“Would you like some tea?” Magnus asked, stepping beside his dear companion, and placing the books in his arms down.
Kitten sighed and rubbed at his eyes before nodding and speaking. “Yes please, I feel a bit on edge at the moment. It has been a very eventful week, to put it politely.”
He snorted, “In private, you don’t need to be so polite you know. You can let out your frustrations here.” Ah but his Kitten was so sweet and mindful.
“Can never be too sure” Kitten shook his head but offered him a light smile and placed a hand over the one he kept on top of his books. “I am alright Magnus.”
By habit Magnus turned his hand over and grasped Kitten’s, entwining their fingers as he pulled him closer, bending down to place a gentle kiss against Kitten’s cheek. Being this close to him, Magnus found peace in breathing in his scent; the polish of his armor, the gentle smell of Kitten’s preferred soaps, everything that combined to together to make up his unique smell.
“Magnus?” Kitten whispered, softly brushing his free hand through his hair, making a slight shiver run down his body.
“It’s been too long since we were able to enjoy this” Magnus replied. He hardly recognized his own voice with how soft the words came out. It had been… far too long since he last heard himself speak in such a way that didn’t involve irritation or some attempt at plotting. There was nothing in his words but the warmth he wished to give to Kitten, a sweetness that felt more like a memory than anything real.
Kitten sighed and scratched gently at the back of his neck, something they had both learned was one of Magnus’ sweet spots.
“I’ve missed it too” Kitten spoke, “It’s been… oh well wildly busy doesn’t even begin to describe it. Plus having to watch out for the others sneaking about, assisting Dorn with some new plans has becoming bit a bit…” He trailed off but Magnus understood.
Custodes were meant to be his Father’s perfect bodyguards, they were not supposed to tire easily, were not supposed to feel in such raw human ways. But the life of a transhuman; Astartes or Custodes, Primarch or whatever Father was, found ways to tire someone.
Ah, dealing with his Father and brothers was never an easy task. He knew best from experience of doing it for many, many years and to disastrous results. Kitten had fared better than many, by the warp, even better than some of his brothers too. But everyone had their limits, and it was clear that Kitten was reaching his.
Magnus placed a hand against Kitten’s hip and leaned up to press another quick kiss against his cheek. “How about I make us that tea and we can relax for a while?”
Kitten hummed, a light and gentle sound as his hand stilled against his neck, “That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Magnus.”
Warmth bloomed inside of him, spreading up to his face as he shut his eye and nodded. Strange how powerful a simple “thank you” could be.
“Tell me which one is your favorite” He spoke, “I’ll look through all the shelves in the kitchen for it.”
Kitten laughed, “Shouldn’t be too hard. Just find the ones with my name literally written on it.”
“Your whole name or?” Magnus smiled, drawing out the last word for dramatic effect.
“Magnus!” Kitten shouted and smacked his arm, but there was warmth in his voice.
“I was joking!”
It was almost humorous how at one point in time he and Kitten irritated each other constantly. They had differing opinions, outlooks and then there was the times he would drag the Custodes into-admittedly a lot-of drama and adventures. But they did have moments of peace and quiet when they managed during it all.
It was during such times, a while back that Magnus realized that much like a young man interacting with his first crush, him dragging Kitten around was an awkward and embarrassing attempting at spending time with the special person he was crushing on. ‘I’m too old for poor attempts of seduction’ he had thought then. He could have face palmed at the memories of it all, wished he could have shaken himself and told him to do better! But even that was nothing new too.
Somehow, it all worked out, mostly. Kitten had felt mutual feelings towards him, ones he hadn’t been sure how to display or react on, so they took things slowly. It was new ground for them both, after all.
When he returned to that more private section of his library, he couldn’t help the smile reappearing on his face at the sight he saw.
Kitten had dozed off on a long and overstuffed couch, a tome in his lap as he leaned his cheek against a fist, lips parted slightly as he breathed. Magnus couldn’t help but memorize the scene before him as he quietly placed the tray of hot tea down on a table, one hand going to smooth Kitten’s soft, tightly curled hair. Ah the Captain-General was overdue for a trim as he preferred the shorter cut of many a military man but in Magnus’ mind, he loved his companion’s hair as it was.
‘Little lion indeed’ He chuckled quietly at the other fond nickname his companion held.
Naturally from the movement Kitten stirred, brows furrowing and mouth twitching as he took a deep breath and shifted into consciousness. Amber eyes were revealed as Kitten looked towards him and sighed, rubbing his eyes, “Seems I’m more tired than I expected.”
“With my family? That’s to be expected, with your comrades even more so” Magnus said, allowing a fond smile to appear as he sat beside the Custodes and uncapped a few jars on the tray. He had gone for tea but couldn’t help but grab a few other odds and ends so he could make Kitten his preferred tea to his taste. And a few simple, non-sticky or staining snacks.
Kitten made a sound of mild disgust as he shook his head “Those three have always been trouble since we were young, only now has it gotten worse. But I have a few ideas of how to deal with them now.”
“Plotting revenge, are we?” Magnus teased, handing a cup of tea to his companion, he had learned how the other man had enjoyed his tea long ago.
Kitten nodded his thanks and gave him a rather sly look “One could say that. But its more along the lines of letting Dorn to chase one of them with his shotguns. Or have one ‘help’ Boy with his target practice. Or I could simply give one of the Tribunes a call.”
The idea of seeing the usually stoic Dorn chasing someone down a hallway, firing shotgun blasts around without a care in the world was simply hilarious. So, Magnus laughed, throwing his head back as he did, and heard Kitten join in at a quieter level.
“Given how low his patience is going with them, I dare say Dorn will take care of them himself soon enough. Especially with Boy being around these days” Magnus said, wiping away a tear from his eye as he shook his head.
“Oh and the day that happens, I will hesitate to help them” Kitten replied, grinning.
“And what of the Tribune?” Magnus asked, taking a sip of his tea as he placed an arm on the back of the couch near Kitten’s shoulders.
“Ah the Tribune” Kitten said, sighing in a tone of admiration. “She’s been around long before me or those three. She taught us; I can only imagine the looks on their faces if our dear old teacher were learn of their current behavior.”
Magnus winced, the look of a disapproving tutor was a ferocious one indeed, one he could still see and feel in the back of his mind. “Now that borders on the realm of being cruel” He said, though privately he did almost want to see those three squirm.
He didn’t doubt that it would even bring his father some joy as well.
“We live in a cruel time” Kitten countered. “She would send those three back to their quarters like tearful children. Though, perhaps I’ll just send them on some task, far from the Throneworld for a while.”
“That would be easier for sure” Magnus said, grinning still as he watched Kitten relax against the back of the couch and sip more at his tea. He found himself focusing entirely the Captain-General and in the low light of the room, the man looked every bit as regal and strong as he did in his armor.
“Perhaps, perhaps” Kitten said, leaning his head back, “But for now, I’ll take what peace I can manage at least.”
“Better use it to the fullest then. If you need help with that, just ask dear Kitten” Magnus purred, grinning again when Kitten gave him a narrow-eyed at the underlying suggestion.
“You are terrible, you know this right?” Kitten replied, tsking his tongue. But his cheeks were visibly warmer as he spoke.
“Not as bad as some, you know this and-“ Magnus said setting down his drink before continuing. “I know you can be quite terrible when you want as well. In many ways.”
The look Kitten gave him would have sent many other men running, ah it was a look that fit the Captain-General. But Magnus was not a simple man and only smirked in return, fingers twitching, thoughts flowing wild in his mind.
“Perhaps I’ll be terrible the next time we decide to spar” Kitten replied, turning his head to hide his apparent blush, “And not in that manner.”
Magnus couldn’t help but laugh, part of him hoped yes in that manner. “Oh but I do look forward to seeing you in action, even during our spars, you get so-“
“Do not finish that sentence” Kitten growled before smashing his mouth against Magnus’, preventing him from continuing. Instead all he did was smile as he gladly returned the kiss. Though he did not speak, he reached around Kitten with one hand up to rub at his lower back. Ah, that motion always earned a deep sigh or purr from him.
A fact he had learned early on when they both had become comfortable with the other touching them. It was a fun night when he learned what made Kitten purr the most. But today his attention was on sweet and pleasant things as he tried to keep the darker thoughts and questions in the back of his mind. He wasn’t the only one who needed to relax.
“Am I forgiven?” He asked, partly teasing softly, and pressing quick kiss again Kitten’s cheek, earning a brief laugh.
“Perhaps” Kitten replied, shutting his eyes, and resting his head against the crook of Magnus’ neck.
Magnus sighed and ran a hand from the top of Kitten’s hair and down his back repeatedly. “My poor Captain-General” He said, kissing him above a brow, “Your duties have taken much out of you.”
“My duties are my burden and strength” Kitten replied, unmoving from his place. “It is my honor and pride to continue where many came before me; the likes of Valoris and the first, like Valdor. The Emperor needs his Custodes even more than before…the sensible ones at least.”
‘Father requires many things’ Magnus thought to himself, ‘Sensible people and sanity the most of all.’
For that, he was glad Dorn is around at least, he was for the most part reasonable and not prone to fits of rage. Vulkan is reasonable…when in his right mind, which he sincerely hoped the Emperor could restore, though even then he wasn’t sure if he was looking forward to another bone breaking hug. It was like his back still ached when the temperature dropped or anything. Corvus was…Corvus, which meant many things; dangerous and good.
“You do them honor” He said, gently brushing Kitten’s hair still as he gently eased the Custodes into a more comfortable position. He didn’t mind Kitten laying mostly on him one bit, it just took some maneuvering for his wings. “Honor and pride, I’m sure” He added.
Kitten chuckled, content to lay his head against Magnus’ chest and lose the fight against his body’s demand for rest. “You have never met Trajann Valoris nor the tribunes” He said, throwing an arm over Magnus’ shoulder, “Doing them proud is easier said than done.”
“And yet” Magnus countered, “You were chosen to be Captain-General, a position you wouldn’t even been given unless you were thought to be worthy.”
“Point Magnus” Kitten mumbled and blinked his eyes heavily and groaned when he can no longer keep them open, “Damn, so tired…”
“Then rest” He said, “I will be here, if anything happens, I’ll wake you then.”
Kitten hummed and shut his eyes “Just teleport those madmen away if they try and sneak here. I’ll deal with them… later.” With each word spoken, his voice drew drowsier and more slurred, his eyes remained shut and he drifted off against Magnus.
Magnus held back his urge to chuckle and instead smiled, running a hand once more through Kitten’s hair as the Custodes peacefully napped. He didn’t mind being used a pillow like that, because Kitten was special and when out of armor he wasn’t too heavy that it was uncomfortable. Besides, he could still move around easily enough and simply use his gifts to retrieve any tomes he wanted.
‘And I must admit to myself’ He thought as he glanced down once more towards his sleeping lover, ‘This a scene…I wish it were always like this.’
Maybe one day, he thought to himself, maybe one day when all of his father’s “I can’t tell you”s and plotting stopped, when the Imperium somehow managed pull itself out of the gutter and cleaned up, when the madness of it all stopped. Maybe on that day the rare moments he had with Kitten would be more common. Not too common though, he chuckled to himself, after all they were both very busy men and things would fall apart without them, even in that far away dream of a future that might never come.
Until that time though, he would savor these moments while he could. The moments of peace and quiet, the way Kitten rested against him, the smell of his library and the tang of tea still lingering on his tongue. He would remember these moments but experiencing them was always so much more, each time they never dulled.
As he tilted his head back and shut his eye, Magnus took a long breath and felt something unclench within him. After ten thousand years of war, wrath, bloodshed, heart-break, plotting, studying and here he was, back at the heart of it all.
And yet…
Perhaps everything wasn’t completely awful.