In this together

[Atrice]

 

He knew it must be hard for her, this new life. Being his wife, having to live up to the demands of the wife of a Praetor. And even one who couldn't truly call herself his wife, because it was only words and not something they could write and decide it was so. Augustus made sure of that. He did many great things, but that one thing... Tertius did not find that very great at all. That all men should marry, but they could not marry their own former slave and now freedwoman. Yet he would treat her as his wife. And demand that everyone else did the same. After all he'd put her through, that was the least he could do for her now, right? Sure he could do more. But then he would risk losing her... and more importantly, his son. And that, he could not risk. So he couldn't ever set her entirely free. Not unless she would give up Peregrinus, and he did not think she ever would.

But he did care for her. And she said she knew and that she was grateful for him giving her freedom. This conversation had taken many turns, had it not? And now she brought it all back to the beginning, the day he bought her. Broken, but beautiful.

She kissed him softly, almost sadly, he felt, but he returned her kiss and stroked her cheek gently, meeting her eyes, "Let's keep our minds on the present. What we have now. And what will come." Tertius said with a soft smile back to her. She was very sweet, whatever was on her mind. And they'd been sitting here for a good while now. He pressed another kiss to her lips, so soft and warm and lovely as always. He did care for her... and didn't like to just leave her here, "I need to get up and move on with the day. Perhaps a bite to eat? Will you join me?" Tertius asked as he pulled back again, getting ready to get up.

@Sara

 

[Sara]

She felt his thumb brush across her cheek as they pulled back from the kiss and she met his gaze, as vivid blue as her own. Why had she kissed him? Was it just seeking some sort of comfort? Or in thanks? The thought sad uncomfortably in her as he spoke and she nodded silently. They had to keep their minds on the present and the future, not the past. But what would their future hold? Years of resentment? Could she ever forgive him, and move past what had happened? She didn't know, but either way she felt a weight settle on her chest like lead. In a way, she longed for the simplicity of being a slave, when she didn't have to make these choices.

He kissed her again and she sank into it for a moment to show willing, her hand framing his face gently, before he moved away, preparing to get up and she sighed. She had absolutely nothing else to do - Peregrinus was cared for and she had no tasks today. She had no way to really refuse that offer, much as she might have wanted to be left alone with her thoughts. So she nodded and smiled softly. "Yes, please." And she pushed herself up fluidly with nimble grace, dusting her plain chiton off. "I can direct the slaves, what would you like?" 

 

TAG: @Atrice

 

[Atrice]

 

Tertius just enjoyed her kiss. She could have whatever reason for it and he wouldn’t know. He just knew his own feelings for her and how he enjoyed her tender care – he could only hope that it was genuine, but he would have it anyway. She was his to have. As she had been as a slave and now his wife. Their eyes met for a moment, before he kissed her again, after telling her that they should focus on the present and not the past. Charis returned his kiss, her hand touching his face and he leaned into her touch, before he moved to get up, thinking they’d been sitting here long enough now.

 His question was simply a question and not an order, but she smiled and got up too, saying she did want a bite to eat and wondered what he’d like.

 “If you want to. Surprise me.” Tertius said with a smile, certain she knew just what to pick for him. He was telling her, or trying to tell her, that he would trust her to find something good. Hopefully, she’d believe that.

@Sara