Summer Getaway

[Atrice]

August, 77AD

 Time sure flew by, didn’t it? But at the same time, life was very much the same. Except that he had a lady to take care of now, whenever he got the chance anyway. And that wasn’t nearly as often as he would have liked, so he tried to focus on Lexus’ plans for the future – he wanted to study and maybe become a garden architect or something like that (high goals, Alexius thought, but he did what he could to support his son). And he tried to focus on his job with Teutus. And then all the other job offers he got. He thought he might not work for Teutus forever, because after the infamous attacker and killer had been executed in the arena, Alexius could finally let it be known that he helped catch the killer. And suddenly he got quite a few more job offers than usual.

 One came from a particular woman he’d not at all mind working for. In fact he had to tell Teutus that since this was a former Vestal he was going to guard, he had to take the job. It was a very good and well-paid job after all. Not that he did it for the money. He would have done it for free, but then people would have talked for sure. Now, he was just guarding a former Vestal and highly ranked noblewoman of Rome. Guarding her and watching over her as she went to spend a little time in her countryside villa outside of Rome. Rome was way too warm to be in now anywhere. Out in the countryside, the air seemed more fresh.

 And he would act all kinds of proper on the way, not even joining her in her litter, but walking towards the front of the little party travelling, because he had to scout ahead for any dangers. He recalled a few years back, one of the princesses was attacked on a horseback ride outside of Rome. You could never be too careful! But they got there safely and Alexius stepped politely aside while the slaves got busy unloading. He barely looked at the villa, because his eyes were elsewhere - as the litter came to a stop and he rushed over to it to lend the lady a hand when she left her seat.

"Lovely Lady Calpurnia... I trust you had a pleasant journey?" That wasn't too much, was it? It wasn't. It was fine. He could have spoken like that to anyone.

Edited January 23, 2023 by Atrice

[Chevi]

It took some work and some convincing, but in the end Calpurnia got what she wanted. A new bodyguard. Who just happened to be a famous ex-gladiator, whose reputation among certain parts of Rome was lately overshadowed (and washed clean) by the fact that he had helped apprehend a notorious killer. That was one of the reasons why, she argued, he would be a good, and respectable bodyguard for her. The other reason was that it was hard to find a good bodyguard who was not shorter than her, and frankly that would just have looked ridiculous.

And since it was summer, Calpurnia took some time to go to her small villa by the sea. Aulus' family had gone too, on and off, whenever he was not too buy with politics. It didn't take much to find a time when she could go - she did have to keep up the villa, after all, and supervise preparations for harvest - and the others couldn't. It's alright, she said. She had a good bodyguard now.

It was a good tactic, but it was torture to have him around in an official capacity. Calpurnia traveled light, with only the most necessary entourage, but they still had to be discreet. She selected people she trusted. Once at the villa, there would be more space, and more privacy.

She smiled as Alexius helped her out of the litter.

"Glad to finally stretch my legs" she admitted. "Welcome to the villa, Alexius. The others can show you around... but it's not a very complex place. Once we settle in, I'd like to go for a walk. You have to come with me and keep me safe."

@Atrice

[Atrice]

Had he known she'd given his height as a reason for him to be her bodyguard, he would have laughed. And then he would agree with her. How stupid would it look for such a magnificent woman to be followed by a tiny bodyguard? How could a small man ever guard a woman like her? Had she not been born into the family she was, she could have made it well as a gladiatrix, he thought. Stunning as she was. But no, she was a former Vestal and high-born and here he was, escorting her to this lovely villa by the sea. But he didn't care about the villa; he cared about her. The villa was just very... convenient to have. 

She took his hand and he smiled as he saw her emerge, while she welcomed him and said she'd like to go for a walk soon. Alexius nodded at her words.

"I do. I do have to come with you and keep you safe." Alexius replied with a smirk, "Since that's what I'm here for. At all hours." He added, attempting to not grin broadly. And then he remembered to let go of her hand. Gods, he was really here, with her, far from Rome and with only a few slaves to accompany her. He was really here and she was really here. Alexius inhaled a small breath by the thought, trying to gather his wits again, "You'll let me know when you're ready... for that walk." 

[Chevi]

Calpurnia breathed deeply. She loved the villa, and the fresh seaside air, especially in the summer. But even more so, fresh air felt like freedom right now. She smiled at Alexius, walking into the building. It only took her a short time to give orders and get things arranged, leaving instructions for dinner, before she summoned Alexius again. Making sure everyone had a job to do, she walked out into the afternoon sunshine, head held high as she walked past him. "I'm going on a walk. Follow me at a respectable distance." She made sure people heard her orders. "If anyone tries to approach me, stop them. I wish to be alone."

[Atrice]

Alexius got his tour of the villa, noting how he was being watched carefully especially by the female slaves. Poor girls. He wasn't here for them, even if they could easily think he was. He was here for one woman only, but that didn't mean he couldn't talk to them and charm them. That would also make it appear more normal, right? That he really was just her bodyguard and nothing else. The villa was beautiful, so large, his own flat could fit in here many times. He was briefly reminded of his affair with Oriana, to whom he'd also been a bodyguard, she'd had a nice house too. But this was different. And by the sea. He'd only rarely seen it, could probably count on one hand the times he'd seen the sea. Now he looked forwards to seeing it again. Together with the woman he loved.

At last she walked past him, dishing out orders as the high-born woman she was. Alexius quickly wiped off his admiring smile and followed her.

"Of course, Domina. I'll make sure no one approaches you." He promised out loud and kept a respectable distance as they followed a pathway away from the villa. Alexius didn't know the area and had no idea where they were going, so for now, he'd be a pet, following his mistress... "It's a beautiful area, this. Where are we going?" Hopefully somewhere far away from other people. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing that the villa was disappearing behind a corner, realizing he was growing impatient. 

[Chevi]

Calpurnia knew this place well. The lands, down to the shore, belonged to the villa; there were olive groves, vineyards, orchards, and pathways that wound through them all. She walked with a smile on her face, up a slight slope and over the hills to the hillsides that fell gently towards the sea. They were alone out here now, out of sight from the villa. She heard Alexius' voice behind her and smiled, not turning to look at him yet. 

"Down to the water" she answered, picking her way along the narrow path leading from the gardens to the rocky steps that led down to a small cove. "Have you been to the sea before, Alexius?"

[Atrice]

Down to the water... well that sounded nice, in particular with her. He'd never seen her bathe before, he thought he might like that. But she wouldn't, would she? Out here, where people could see her? Alexius would love to try and swim in the sea though. It must be very different from the baths of Rome. But he followed her, watching her from behind. She'd not even turned to look at him yet. She had him twisted around her finger, didn't he? And he followed her with joy.

"I have, a few times. But it's been years, again." He explained. He'd seen it a few times back when he worked as a henchman/bodyguard/mercenary for hire, after he divorced his wife and left Rome for a while. 

"I suppose you've been here often. Do you ever swim in the sea?" He asked, as they were far out of sight from anyone else. 

[Chevi]

"Sometimes. But I haven't done it since I left the Vestal House." she admitted as they descended to a small sliver of sand at the bottom of the cliffs. It was an enticing game, walking ahead like this with Alexius following her. She didn't have to look to see if he was there. She stopped at the water, enjoying the scent of salty air and the sound of the waves in the cove. It was quite a beautiful spot. She finally glanced back over her shoulder. "Still keeping a respectful distance?"

[Atrice]

She was musing about the water, still not turning to face him. Instead she made her way all the way down to the water and he stopped, watching her just standing there. Such a beauty she was. He could easily imagine a sunset and her watching it. With her feet bare in the sand and she'd let her hair down. That would be a sight for the gods. How did he end up loving a woman like her? Then she glanced over her shoulder and he had to smile at her words.

"Well... I realized you forgot to tell me, what you consider a respectful distance." Alexius said with a grin and came closer. As far as he could tell, they were alone, "Is it here..." And a few steps closer, "Here perhaps?" And then all the way up to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind and kissing her hair, "Or maybe you want me here?" Gods he'd waited for this moment, to just be close to her again. Right where he wanted to be. 

[Chevi]

Calpurnia smiled as he walked up to wrap his arms around her. It had been a long time, too long. She sighed, leaning back agasint him, tilting her head to the side. "Yes. This feels very respectful." It was everything but. And she didn't mind. He got to hold her again, which had been missing from her life every day. She would her arms over his across her waist. "You know, pretending you are just a new bodyguard has been harder than I expected..."

[Atrice]

It felt good when she leaned back against him, it felt right. He kissed her hair again and inhaled the scent of her, it had been too long again. He chuckled when she deemed the distance respectful. She might be alone in thinking that, but here they wouldn't be interrupted and he'd waited so long with coming this close. He'd kept that actual respectful distance all the way down here, to the edge of the water. But that was more than enough.

"Pretending to just be your bodyguard is hard enough." Alexius said, "Here at least, I don't have to." He squeezed her a little tighter, kissed her hair again, "I missed you so much. What do we do now?" He knew what he'd like to do, but he also didn't want to rush it, because even though they were here, their time was always limited. At some point, they'd have to return to the villa and the slaves. Prying eyes. 

[Chevi]

"Try to enjoy the moment?" she ventured, smiling with eyes closed as he kissed her hair. She melted against him, enjoying the feeling of being held. They didn't have all the time in the world... but they had some time. They had day at the villa, to steal moments like this. And she'd missed him, just as much as he'd missed her. "What do you want to do?"

[Atrice]

Calpurnia just wanted to enjoy the moment, which made sense. He wanted to do that too. She then asked what he wanted to do, and he twirled her around in his arms so that he could kiss her, "I just want to worship you, that's all." He said, when he pulled back from the kiss. There was so much he wanted to do with her, but he did want to enjoy the moment and really not rush things. Just try and relax, with her, "Maybe... go for a swim? The water looks nice. Would you do that?" 

[Chevi]

Calpurnia gave him a bright, unrestrained smile as he turned her around, and returned his kiss with a satisfied moan. It had been too long. She wound her arms loosely around his shoulders. For now, he was all hers. "Swim?" she quirked an eyebrow at him. "Are you trying to get me out of my clothes, Alexius?"

[Atrice]

Oh he loved how she moaned into his kiss, although it wasn't like such a sound and reaction made him want her any less. Alexius had not grown bored with her and he didn't think he could. Her lips and her love was all he wanted. And the rest of her. All of her. He smiled at her, still enjoying that he didn't have to look down, but that they were more or less the same height. It just felt so right. More than it should feel. And that gave him ideas he probably shouldn't be getting, but they were there. He should tell her. But not now. Right now, he would just enjoy being with her after another of the always too long breaks between seeing each other.

"And if I were?" Alexius said with a grin to her, "Would that be so bad? I'll get out of mine too, then we're even." He said and plucked another kiss from her, "This feels nice. Kissing you in the fresh air." They never did that. It always had to be somewhere secret, somewhere dimly lit or somewhere private. Not outside in the bright sunlight.

[Chevi]

"It does, doesn't it" she chuckled. It was a certain kind of freedom, being away from prying eyes without being locked inside. It allowed them to be playful. She suspected this was what it felt like to be young and in love. Except neither of them was young, and therefore they were less stupid. Maybe.

"Can you swim?" she quirked an eyebrow at him, smirking. "Because maybe I fancy a swim, so you'll have to keep watch. But if something happens... and I might require help... you better know how to swim."

[Atrice]

Alexius smiled when she chuckled, "It does. Very much." He said with a playful tone, but then they were discussing a swim and would it be so bad, if was trying to get her out of her clothes? And would it be very surprising, really, if that's what he was trying? But he did also want to try and bathe in the sea; the few times he'd seen the sea he hadn't tried bathing or swimming in it, but here they were alone and it just looked so nice. 

She wondered if he could swim, so that he could save her if something happened, "I can swim. I swim in the baths of Rome." Alexius said. He'd been able to swim since he was a child, he must have learned it before he came to Rome. He vaguely remembered a lake in a forest near the village, where he'd go to play and swim. 

"And I won't let anything happen to you, by the way. I am your bodyguard, after all. I'm going to guard you very carefully..." He said and pulled back, glancing around again. Just to make sure it would be safe to undress here, in front of a lady, with no one else in sight.

[Chevi]

"Very well. I feel very safe, then." Calpurnia gave him a smile, before she stepped back to undress. She slid off her dress and undid her sandals. She was not wearing anything underneath, and she nonchalantly looked away from Alexius as she walked to the water, trying it by dipping in her feet before she walked in deeper.

[Atrice]

This woman, right? She would just smile at him and then she would begin undressing first, right in front of him, right here on this beach out in the open, as if it was nothing. She had about as much shame as he, didn't she? And of course she wore absolutely nothing underneath her dress. She was Venus in person, wasn't she? Except she wasn't born from the water, she was walking into it. Alexius sighed by the sight, how could he not love and adore her and everything she was? And the way she'd tease him like this, gods! 

He shook his head with an amused grin for himself and then easily got out of his own clothes, leaving them in a pile further up than hers - before simply walking through the water and out to where she was, "With such beauty you possess, I think I need to guard you very closely." Alexius said when he'd almost reached her and splashed some water up on her backside.

Edited January 25, 2023 by Atrice

[Chevi]

Calpurnia was up to her thighs in the cool water now, enjoying it in the heat of the sun almost as much as she enjoyed teasing Alexius. And then he went and splashed her and she jumped, turning around. "You dare!" he gasped, laughing at him. He was naked now too, and it dawned on Calpurnia that she had not seen him in the light of day like this before. He was quite a sight, making her blush. To mask it, she splashed some water at him too, before she moved to the deeper waters until she was submerged up to her shoulders.

[Atrice]

The water was a little bit cold, but not too much, not when you got used to it. And he could easily get used to it, when he had something else to focus on, like his own personal goddess in the water right now. He let out a laugh when she gasped after he splashed water on her, and then she turned and looked at him. He noticed how her eyes wandered over his body, he was not as far out in the water as she. And she had that look on her face, before she splashed water back on him.

"You dare too!" Alexius said when the cool sprinkles hit his own body. She moved further out and he followed, swimming when it was deep enough, to catch up with her. All the way over to her, "How are you so... perfect?" He asked when he reached her and reached out for her body under the water. He'd not even made love to her yet, and already he felt as if this was even better than some Elysian field in the afterlife. It really was perfect. 

[Chevi]

"Good upbringing" Calpurnia grinned at him, allowing him to touch her under the water, floating close. She never felt any hesitation about him touching her. Here, in the water, it felt even more natural somehow. She gave him another playful splash of water. Gods, she felt like a girl again. Or maybe for the first time. "... and lots and lots of practice getting rid of said upbringing."

[Atrice]

He chuckled when she judged that good upbringing was what made her perfect. But it was more than that. She was beautiful, smart, funny... her kisses were amazing and so was her body. Alexius enjoyed feeling it, as he reached out for her. It wasn't so deep that he couldn't stand, but then she splashed water at him again and he chuckled again and let his feet catch the sand underneath him. Pulling her all the way over to him, "Let's practice that some more?" He suggested with a grin, holding her tight with one arm, while the other hand would wander over her body. Alright, he'd postponed it long enough. His body told him so. It probably wasn't very long, but how could he keep his hands off of her and how could he resist her, when she was like this? He couldn't and he might as well just admit that.

Alexius plucked a kiss from her lips, "If you want to. I know I do." He always did, didn't he? 

[Chevi]

Calpurnia grinned as he pulled her closer, feeling weightless in the water, as if his body was the only solid point to hold on to. She returned his kiss. They were out in the open, for anyone to see, even if the chances of anyone seeing where very low. Still, it added a certain sense of urgency, of exhilaration to what they were doing. "Practice what?" she whispered playfully, hands traveling his shoulders and stroking his short-cut hair. Standing in the water like this, it was easy to hitch one thigh over his hip.

@Atrice

[Atrice]

 

It was and felt very bold to be here, naked with her, kissing her in the water, holding her close... out in the open, where anyone could see them. But this seemed like a nice little private beach and he was tired of always having to hide in the city. Wasn't that exactly why they went here? To be able to spend more time together. And they did that just now. She held onto him too and he suggested what to do next, but she just teased him and nestled her body closer to his. He let his hand travel over her backside to keep her leg where she'd placed it.

"Gods, woman..." He grinned, plucking another kiss from her lips, "Who knew a Vestal would be such a tease?" Who knew indeed? "You know what I want... or maybe..." He trailed off, wondering if she really would be this bold with him. Perhaps he was forgetting himself, "Would you rather we wait until tonight?" Not that he wanted to, but she was the lady here, this was her place and maybe she would prefer the safety of the darkness tonight. Even if he could just easily have her right here, but if she'd rather wait, that's what they would have to do. That's what she did to him. 

@Chevi