Malik was content. He reclined carelessly against a small pile of bright pillows, his lover's naked form draped possessively across his chest. With one finger Altair traced lazy circles, first around one dusky nipple and then spiraling downward at random. The darker skinned man felt himself starting to drift off, when Altair's voice roused him.

"What was that, Novice?" he mumbled.

"I said we should work on new techniques tomorrow," Altair repeated, still mindlessly caressing Malik. "I know you wanted me to look at those reports from Jerusalem, but perhaps after lunch…"

"In the middle of the day? " Malik asked, sitting up to give Altair a faintly amused look. "I hardly think that's appropriate."

"Why's that? As long as the work gets done it doesn't matter when we do it," Altair mused.

"You are absolutely insatiable," Malik admonished, brushing his lips against Altair's head. "What kind of example are you setting for the Brotherhood?"

"An excellent example," Altair huffed. "This is all for the sake of the Brotherhood in the first place."

"Is that so?" Malik narrowed his eyes. "I wasn't aware. Here I thought you were enjoying yourself."

"Aren't you the one always harping on me to get back to work? I thought you'd be pleased."

"Idiot." Malik shoved a stunned Altair off of him. "If you're suddenly so concerned with your duties then why don't you get back to them?" Malik moved to get off the bed. "Don't let me distract you."

"What are you so angry about?" Altair asked, confused. "Malik, where are you going?"

"I'm tired. I've been busy serving the needs of the Brotherhood all day," the man spat. "I'm going to get some sleep before my services are needed again."

"Your services? Malik, I thought you enjoyed our work. You've never complained before now, anyway. If it's too much strain I can find someone else."

"I see. I'm easy to replace, am I?" Malik sneered.

"What? No!" Altair sputtered. "You're my second in command." Altair wrapped his arms around his lover. "I'd be completely lost without you. You know that, right?" Altair tried to kiss Malik, but the shorter man turned his face away. Sighing, Altair rested his forehead against Malik's temple instead. "I'm sorry I brought it up. I promise not to bring up work anymore tonight. Will you please come back to bed, Mal? Please?"

Altair punctuated the request with a kiss, starting on the rim of Malik's ear then slowly trailing down the darker man's neck. Malik groaned at the attention, then scowled up at Altair. "I don't know how I feel about working this late in the evening."

"Who said anything about working?" Altair grinned.

"You're the one who said that this," Malik gestured between the two of them, "was all for the sake of the Brotherhood.

"What? When? I never-!" Comprehension dawned on Altair's face. "Malik, you know I was talking about assassination techniques, right?"

Malik's face went blank, then red. "Assassination techniques? You were…Idiot Novice!" Malik lightly shoved Altair. "Only you would think about work while in bed."

Altair smiled as he drew Malik close, pressing lips and bodies tight. "That's Grandmaster Novice to you."