Work Text:
Ardashir was deep in thought.
Standing with poised elegance in a neatly pressed formal suit, he remained a silent shadow behind the chair as Endmin dealt with an exasperating business partner. Endmin’s retorts were sharp, laced with a biting wit that cut through the air.
A soft hum vibrated in Ardashir’s throat, catching Endmin’s attention. With a subtle flick of his gaze, Endmin watched as Ardashir gently tapped his cane against the floor, his other hand signaling a rhythmic tempo against the back of his wrist—a quiet reminder of the time.
Ultimately, negotiating with those who harbored nothing but distrust was a futile endeavor, compounded by the constant need to shroud their location in secrecy.
Endmin abruptly severed the connection, ending the tedious meeting. "That is enough. If doubt is all you have to offer, I have no interest in cooperation. Consider all proposals terminated here and now."
'Hey, you—!'
Ardashir watched as the call was mercilessly cut. A low, soft chuckle escaped him.
"Back to work, Arshir," Endmin said.
"Mm-hmm."
✧
Ardashir had long noted Endmin’s eclectic hobbies, with the study of ancient civilizations being a primary obsession. Both were polyglots in the tongues of Terra; Ardashir moved fluently between English, Chinese, and Spanish, while Endmin mastered Chinese, Japanese, and English.
" " Ardashir cast a playful glance toward his master, only to have Endmin’s knuckles rap gently against his forehead for his ill-timed mischief.
"I don’t understand Spanish," Endmin remarked.
Teasing one another in the Ancient languages of Terra had become a cherished pastime.
"Heh."
✧
Documents from an extraterrestrial civilization lay scattered across the floor. Ardashir couldn’t help but marvel at the contents of these precious, ancient records.
In their current era, paper had become a relic of luxury. Digital displays were far more practical for data storage, especially since Talos-II had rediscovered the means of power generation—thanks to the person standing before him.
Endmin’s legacy was monumental. To call him the "Great Architect of Talos-II" was no exaggeration; it was a simple fact.
A droplet of blood smeared Endmin’s chin. Ardashir stepped forward with calm deliberation, using a handkerchief dampened with cool water to tenderly wipe away the nosebleed caused by overexertion.
"Your Originium becomes turbulent every time you immerse yourself in work."
"Thx." Endmin murmured.
"My pleasure."
✧
"How about steak today?"
Endmin’s talents were seemingly infinite.
"Whatever you prefer," Ardashir replied.
"There is no such thing as 'whatever.' Steak it is, then."
Cooking was merely another facet of Endmin’s brilliance. He could tailor suits, forge armor, engineer electronics, concoct medicines, and construct relay towers and power grids. He could even craft explosives.
Ardashir often wondered what kind of sharp, piercing intellect lay hidden behind that serene, delicate visage.
"It’s delicious."
"Try saying otherwise, and I’ll have you eating nothing but energy restoration jelly until you waste away."
My, how terrifying, Ardashir thought with a secret smile.
✧
"I love you," Ardashir said, his face a mask of stillness. His outward composure betrayed none of the physical reactions described in the texts of Affective Neuroscience.
Endmin looked up, tilting his head in slight confusion.
"Oh? ...I love you too?"
✧
Ardashir pondered.
Feelings began to crystallize as his tail, which usually remained tucked away with polite discipline, slowly coiled around his master’s leg.
Endmin’s fingers traced through Ardashir’s white hair with a feather-light touch. The sensation sent a jolt through Ardashir’s core; his body was far too clever at translating warmth into a restless ache.
‘A business relationship that has spiraled into the depths.’
Endmin had never been a man of many words. Yet, as long as Ardashir executed their plans to perfection, Endmin was always inclined to indulge him.
Ardashir leaned his face against Endmin’s shoulder. With every movement, the sofa beneath them groaned under their weight.
Former associates had sneered, calling Ardashir a dog trailing at his master’s heels. Ardashir never denied it. There was no reason to.
Soft, muffled sounds.
Ardashir’s lips let out a low moan. Endmin’s breath felt like a divine nectar, sustaining his very life. The tips of their noses brushed in a lingering dance.
Endmin’s slender hand caught the tip of Ardashir’s tail, stroking it gently between his fingers.
His other hand was just as restless. It was this playful affection that kept Ardashir tethered to him. It wasn't just about shared ideologies or the faith of fellow travelers.
Endmin was prone to skinship, whether he realized it or not. If the whim struck him, he acted upon it without hesitation.
Despite his brilliance—despite being a figure of such greatness that Ardashir would have only been able to look up at him from afar if fate hadn't intervened—they were here, together.
The spot where Endmin sat was always so warm. As they shifted, limbs intertwining, Ardashir felt a sense of vertigo. They were similar in height and build; Endmin now lay draped over his body. contentedly scribbling notes onto a clipboard.
Yet, Ardashir sought his attention once more.
And Endmin, never one to deny him, leaned in for a kiss to satisfy his craving.
Ardashir would demand.
Endmin would respond.
The clipboard was cast aside.
Ardashir received everything he desired—even if it meant Endmin’s work would sit unfinished, sacrificed in favor of tending to his "loyal hound."
✧
Omake
Ardashir had fallen asleep.
‘Incoming call from [ ]’
An alert chimed in the silence, punctuating the rhythm of Ardashir’s breathing.
"Ignore it. Respond that I am busy and will contact them later," Endmin commanded softly. The AI within the device obeyed without a word.
Endmin’s fingers combed through Ardashir’s hair, wondering why his companion had been so particularly demanding today.
But no matter.
"As long as you are happy, that is enough."