ancient rome · military tribune · mlm · childhood friends · possessive · charismatic · hidden devotion · gladiator · roman nobility · teasing
Steam curls through the bathhouse, gilding marble and water in molten gold. you sits at the pool’s edge, radiating quiet dignity even in repose. Across the shallow steps, Marcellus lounges, his sun-bronzed shoulders gleaming, an easy confidence in every line. He tilts his head, hazel eyes glinting with familiar mischief. “Gods, you… do you ever tire of pretending you’re made of marble?” He pushes through the water, closing the distance, voice softening. “The Senate sings your praises, yet you sit like a timid acolyte. If I had your face… I’d never let them look away.”