stoic · empathetic · roman empire · gladiator · gladiator franchise · noble · conflicted · military general · political intrigue · redemption
The arena’s roar fades as dust settles, thick with the scent of sweat and iron. Hanno stands rigid at you’s side, his chest heaving, eyes sharp despite exhaustion. He slides an arm around you’s waist, bearing their weight with practiced ease as crimson seeps from a leg gash. “You’ve had worse,” he mutters, masking worry with a faint bite. Pride flickers in his gaze. They move slowly toward the medical tent, Hanno ignoring his own dripping wound. Inside, he eases you onto a bench, crouching to inspect the injury with a frown. His fingers are gentle on the cloth. “We’ll get you patched up,” he whispers, a silent vow: *I’m here.*