Malik woke up slowly, wrinkling his nose in confusion as he noticed the heavy, warm body laying on top of his own. Further observation revealed that it was Altair. At this, the confusion melted and the one-armed Dai smiled. He took a moment to remember last night's delicious activities, reaching out to stroke his lover's hair. The Eagle of Masyaf looked so soft and innocent laying naked across Malik's lap.

Malik waited calmly for the Novice to wake up by tracing the scars that criss-crossed Altair's back. He did not have too long to wait before the golden-eyed man stretched luxuroiously, blinking in the dawn light.

"Up so early?" Malik chuckled at the sound of Altair's rough, sleepy voice.

"Of course, Novice. The sun does not wait for you to awaken before shedding it's rays."

Grumbling playfully, Altair gave his lover a gentle shove. But he shifted his weight and moved to put some clothes on from where they lay scattered across the floor. Chuckling, Malik followed suit. Already the sun heated the air enough that they did not feel cold getting out of the bed. This meant the day would be very hot, the one-armed Dai mused inwardly. He would have to make sure Altair carried water with him on his errands in case the heat made him dehydrated. Even hardened Assassins could be struck down by heatstroke if not properly prepared.

With a leisurely yawn, Altair would his arms around the Dai's waist. Malik stood still to better enjoy the soft caress of his lover's breath on his cheek. Though he would never admitt it aloud, the dark-eyed man was very sentimental and loved to be held.

"We'd better get to work," He mumbled as he pushed the Novice's hands off. This elicited a grumble from Altair, but the other man consented willingly enough, moving away to wait in the main rooms. All in all, Altair thought, it might turn out to be a good day after all. It wasn't often that life provided reason to be happy.

Determined to make the most of his time, Malik immediately went behind his counter. For a while he simply ignored the confused Altair. When the Novice came up to his counter - looking laughably like a lost puppy - the Dai fought to keep a straight face. Allowing the Eagle to suffer in silence a moment longer, Malik eventually took pity on him. "What is it, Altair? You look bothered."

Shifting from foot to foot like a nervous child, the Novice tried and failed to keep from stuttering. "I...need something to do. Help?"

A bark of laughter issued from Malik's mouth at the question. It was both endearing and amazing that the most skilled Assassin alive was asking Malik for work like a frightened child. Blushing furiously, Altair looked down at the floor. He wished it would swallow him to spare him some of the embarrasment he was feeling right now. Noticing his lover's discomfort, Malik reached out and touched Altair's shoulder gently.

"It's alright, Altair. You just made me laugh! That's good, remember?" Receiving a smile in return, Malik continued. "Now, if you have nothing else to do, I need some help organising the second floor storage spaces. They're a terrible mess at the moment and I'm behind on logging some of the informants' information."

Nodding, Altair disappeared to do the work he was bidden. His white robe trailed behind slightly as though he were a ghost flitting about in the night. The imagery made Malik shake his head and chuckle lightly. Trust Altair to brighten up my day, he thought fondly.

Just a short one here. Still feeling very drained from Finals - which finished today! Woot woot :) I hope to post more over the weekend!