ask Emperor Maximus

Hello and welcome, all curious masses alike! I may have been de-throned but not shut up! As long as we all behave and don't push any boundaries, I'm sure we can have a wonderful time!~ (blog is run by mun cyber, main is cyberstarlope, reximus ship themes, after events of movie, interaction with other playmobil chars only please!)

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Checking in on this acc, how have u been? Searched up ur main and its not there so i wanted to see if u r terminated or just doing irl stuff since im getting into the Playmobil Movie a lil bit, thats all, dunno if this will get answered or not tho lol

[HI sorry for the late response I only occasionally look at the asks on my sideblogs since I'm not active on any of them

I am still here on tumblr! I forgot to update my main blog name in my bio, it's cyberstarlope now ^^ I'm not super active with work but I still try to make art when I can

I haven't drawn anything playmobil in years but I do have old art on there you're welcome to go through!]

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

You alive?

[Figured I'd answer this one as mun lol

short answer yes! eventually!

I'm very busy with school and tpm hasn't been my main hyperfixation so I just haven't been in the headspace for this blog haha

I'd love to keep answering asks and maybe even start posting some art/story bits on my max backstory headcanons but I just don't have the time/energy for it rn ^^;]

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

@roguishlyhandsomesecretagent​

Max thought he’d gotten over his swooning problem when it came to Rex considering how often they saw each other but the image in front of hit just a little different.

Keep reading

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Maybe it was his ego slipping through again, or the stress, he didn’t really know, but he only just about noticed the blush that was flooding Max’s face and the books that began to slip out of his arms as he appeared to flounder when making a response.

Keep reading

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max mumbled an embarrassed ‘thanks’ as Rex helped with the books, letting the spy help him off the floor. He avoided the other’s gaze, still flustered over both the image of him burned into his brain and the fool he’d just made of himself.

Keep reading

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

It probably surprised him, that as he helped up Max from the floor, that his embarrassment and avoidance of his gaze was momentary before the other man met his eyes and smiled broadly, but softly, not able to help a burst of laughter escape him at the words Rex had said to him.

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[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Rex’s comments only made the emperor laugh more. Although he preferred the genuine charm that Rex seemed to exhibit when he was comfortable, Max still adored his barely-over-the-top Bond-style charm, chalking it up to one of the many enjoyable talents the agent possessed.

He bit down on a grin as he watched the spy’s face flush at his touch, secretly proud every time he managed to fluster the naturally suave man. He giggled, pulling himself closer to Rex, “Do what darling?” He inquired in faux innocence as one hand crept around the other’s shoulder, playing with the strands of loose hair at the base of Rex’s neck.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

"An Aries then? Or Pisces?" Rex asked with a crooked grin, in full on flirtatious mode, "I guess I'm a little fond of astrology. As a Capricorn, I do hope there's compatibility. Opposites attract, right?" He raised one eyebrow at Max, in a playfully inquisitive manner. - @roguishlyhandsomesecretagent

Max raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Aries yes~ I gave up on the stars ages ago but I’d be willing to give them another shot if it means I can get away with you” The emperor winked at the spy, all too happy with the attention. “Opposites indeed~” He drawled, stretching his legs out across the agent’s lap.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex made a face of mock surprise before it slid into his usual flirty expression. He would admit that he did love it when Max made it so obvious that he wanted his attention, but hoped his ego wouldn’t go haywire as a result. The wink from the emperor certainly didn’t help things.

“Get away with me, I see? Is this how you test the world’s greatest spy?” he drawled, pulling the red headed man onto his lap by his waist, faces only inches apart, “I hope you’re willing to give them another shot with me around, then.”

“You can certainly say we are too,” he asked, voice lower, raising to brush some loose strands of hair behind Max’s ears and holding his chin up for him to look at him with his other arm still around his waist, “otherwise we’d be in a very awkward position, wouldn’t we, hm?”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max let out a squeak of surprise as he was pulled onto the other man’s lap, his face burning with blush threatening to drown out his freckles. He recovered quickly, purring and lacing his arms around Rex’s shoulders, “Mmm that depends if the world’s greatest spy let’s me get away with him~”

The emperor bit his lip down on the almost maniacal smile that tried to work its way up as Rex caught his chin, suppressing it to a smirk and shuddering slightly at the touch. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the spy’s statement however, “I’d be willing to reconsider my pact with them... would be rude to turn down such a wonderful offer~”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Hey Max - I would've contacted you sooner but I've been feeling in over my head. Not the greatest. I hope the emperor is doing alright himself. - @roguishlyhandsomesecretagent

“Ooooh Rex…” Max cooed sympathetically, “I’ve been- well- managing. I know you’re busy, but don’t you forget you’re welcome over anytime, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex sighed. He really had been overwhelmed, and it hurt that he’d had less time to visit Max. Out of everything, he’d found that being with Maximus was the one thing he’d look forward to all day. With everything that had been happening, however, that had been more of a problem.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, more than a little tiredly, “I might be able to come over in a bit.” He put a hand through his hair, before rubbing the back of his head. “To be honest, I guess there’s a few things I’ve been meaning to say since we last spoke.”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

“Oh?” Max chirped curiously. As well as he knew the spy, that could mean anything. But as long as he got to see Rex, the emperor would listen to whatever he wanted to talk about.

“Come over if you’ve got time, dear. I know you don’t really get to choose your schedule,” Max chuckled, “But you deserve a break.” He absentmindedly pushed around a few empty wine bottles with his foot, feeling almost guilty that he couldn’t help Rex in anyway other than offer his company.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

He heard the curiousness and also maybe slight worry? He didn’t know, but he nonetheless didn’t want to take the risk. Perhaps he knew the emperor enough to address it.

“It’s…nothing bad,” he explained, feeling bad for trailing off in the middle there and perhaps not sounding the most convincing, “it’s just been a while and I wanted to talk about some things. If you don’t mind, that is. I prefer not to keep lying.”

Rex mostly just wanted the company. It’s not like he was able to be completely honest with anyone in his life until he met Max of all people. Of course, he didn’t exactly want a part in his own family’s dealings even if there was some responsibility there. But he’d been demonstrably different once he was able to look behind the scenes with Max showing how much he actually followed in his own mother’s footsteps. Perhaps it was comforting then, being with Max and his truer self, despite his own relatively reserved self from the beginning.

Keep reading

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max cocked an eyebrow in interest but responded warmly, “Of course, Rex, you know I’m always ready to listen to you~”

A small hint of nervousness rose in the back of Max’s mind regarding the words ‘we need to talk’ and what they usually meant but the emperor pushed it back, refusing to dwell on what was most likely just anxiety.

The nervousness was quickly quelled however by the excitement that snapped the emperor out of his chair at the idea of getting to see the spy again. He’d felt himself falling into old habits again and a break in routine- especially one that would involve his favorite agent- would be more than welcome.

Keep reading

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex couldn’t help but laugh, in a good but maybe nervous way as well? He didn’t like to dwell on these things. “That’s very kind of you,” he said back, always undeniably flattered by the emperor’s words, and would’ve added on about how Max seemed always so ready to talk to him, but a thought pushed that idea back. He had a feeling that he didn’t want to raise what he already knew was the emperor’s anxiety and usual worry by pointing that out. He wasn’t a bad thing he wanted to talk about, was it?

But, also as usual, excitement from the other man almost instantly replaced any perception of nervousness and quietness in his voice. It made him laugh affectionately, amusedly, that this man had an eagerness around him unlike anything he’d seen before. He didn’t recall anyone even having this sort of reaction towards since well, ever. He just always hoped that the man would be doing alright when he wasn’t around.

Keep reading

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

As soon as the call ended, Max went to work picking up the place. The excitement from Rex visiting fueled him as he went about putting books back in their place, tossing out trash, tidying papers, and sticking the empty wine bottles in a bin in the kitchen.

Keep reading

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

He’d barely stepped out of his own car and shut the door before the red headed emperor ran up to meet him, though was careful not to run into him. He was tired and had been thinking about a lot, and this welcome hug from someone who was always excited to see him meant a lot. He blinked softly with a tired smile down at him, trying to keep a handle on his suitcase as the other man nuzzled his shoulder.

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[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max cocked his head at the suitcase as he shut the door. Rex never really brought his work to the hideout, for legal reasons Max had assumed, but he didn’t mind either way.

“No problem! Feel free to use the coffee table,” He strode over to the spy, trailing a hand around Rex’s back, “Speaking of coffee, would you like some? You seem like you need it.” He laughed softly and smiled sympathetically up at the other man.

Rex was good at covering how he really felt but over time through their growing comfort with each other, Max had gotten better at noting the agent’s mannerisms. And heavens did the poor agent seem tired.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max, when is you birthday ?

“March 21st, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

"I think I might keep that in mind," Rex smirked, winking, "if you want to know mine, it's January 4th."

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max’s eyebrows rose as a smile tweaked his features. “Mmhmmm I’ll have to add that to my calendar~” He drawled, fluttering his lashes at the spy.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex’s eyebrows also raised, albeit in a playful surprise. He certainly found Max’s flirtatious comeback enjoyable; it was more fun that way. Of course, it was just as fun to pretend to be surprised, that was part of the affection.

He found himself blushing, still maintaining his usual charming smirk as he managed his own drawl by the time he finished. “Oh, I bet you will,” he said, leaning forward and propping his head up with both arms, “you can never know...or have...too much of me at once, y’know.” He softly blinked back at Max as if to return the gesture, before raising an eyebrow affectionately.

It reminded him of so many times he played up his part of the classic flirtatious spy, but it felt different here. It wasn’t a bad thing, always wondering if it was just a pretence he put on which just stuck, but here, it felt natural. It made sense here and after a long time in his life, he felt happier about it.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max’s eyes widened before bursting into a fit of flustered giggles, his face flushed a deep red. The suddenness of the spy’s flirting caught him off guard but the emperor definitely wasn’t complaining. “Ooooh you know it don’t you, darling~” Max drawled back, propping his face up in one hand and using the other to twirl his hair purposefully. The agent’s flirting had become much more confident lately and the emperor was overjoyed both in knowing Rex was feeling more at ease as well as the attention it brought him. Being the main focus of Rex’s attention never failed to fill him with a warm feeling that he would never turn away.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Of course this revived confidence in flirting elicited the desired reaction, and Rex couldn’t help but make his own share of flustered laughs as he looked at Max in the middle of his, bright red in the face. He regained composure, glancing away momentarily before looking back at him whilst flashing his usual flirty side grin.

He was about to make another comment, but Max was testing him with that particular drawl, almost reflecting Rex’s current position. Though he promptly sat up, eyes caught by what clearly felt a deliberate playing with his curly red hair. Though he knew he was more confident in his flirting and it was having an effect on him and he himself was loving how he was reacting - well, how could he not? In all truth, he always found it adorable when Max did that. But it always had an effect on him. And to understand that on so many levels and not hide it was beginning to feel a little less uncomfortable and a lot more precious to him.

Max never failed to adore the attention he gave him and maybe it bolstered his ego, but frankly, he’d rather be openly affectionate with an even more new found confidence, especially with someone he really loved. After all, how could the feeling be mutual to him if he didn’t get flustered once in a while?

He maintained the side grin, hesitating a bit as his face flushed at the response Max gave him. He did enjoy who he was, even if he got a little ahead of himself, especially if it involved what felt like genuine, mutual attraction. “Why wouldn’t I?” he asked, regaining composure with a similar drawl and sat up to lean closer, his grin becoming more knowing, “You’re just doing this to test me, aren’t you? All the more fun, right?”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

This only sent the emperor into another fit of laughter, “Ooooh would I do that?” He cooed coyly, knowing damn well he was. He fluttered his eyelashes innocently. This teasing between them that had progressed from banter to straight up flirting sent the emperor’s head spinning in the best way.

“Test you? Why, I would never~” In emphasis, Max hooked a finger under the spy’s bowtie, pulling him just a little closer. He knew he probably wouldn’t win this flirt-off but trying was the fun part.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Hey Max - I would've contacted you sooner but I've been feeling in over my head. Not the greatest. I hope the emperor is doing alright himself. - @roguishlyhandsomesecretagent

“Ooooh Rex…” Max cooed sympathetically, “I’ve been- well- managing. I know you’re busy, but don’t you forget you’re welcome over anytime, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex sighed. He really had been overwhelmed, and it hurt that he’d had less time to visit Max. Out of everything, he’d found that being with Maximus was the one thing he’d look forward to all day. With everything that had been happening, however, that had been more of a problem.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, more than a little tiredly, “I might be able to come over in a bit.” He put a hand through his hair, before rubbing the back of his head. “To be honest, I guess there’s a few things I’ve been meaning to say since we last spoke.”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

“Oh?” Max chirped curiously. As well as he knew the spy, that could mean anything. But as long as he got to see Rex, the emperor would listen to whatever he wanted to talk about.

“Come over if you’ve got time, dear. I know you don’t really get to choose your schedule,” Max chuckled, “But you deserve a break.” He absentmindedly pushed around a few empty wine bottles with his foot, feeling almost guilty that he couldn’t help Rex in anyway other than offer his company.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

He heard the curiousness and also maybe slight worry? He didn’t know, but he nonetheless didn’t want to take the risk. Perhaps he knew the emperor enough to address it.

“It’s…nothing bad,” he explained, feeling bad for trailing off in the middle there and perhaps not sounding the most convincing, “it’s just been a while and I wanted to talk about some things. If you don’t mind, that is. I prefer not to keep lying.”

Rex mostly just wanted the company. It’s not like he was able to be completely honest with anyone in his life until he met Max of all people. Of course, he didn’t exactly want a part in his own family’s dealings even if there was some responsibility there. But he’d been demonstrably different once he was able to look behind the scenes with Max showing how much he actually followed in his own mother’s footsteps. Perhaps it was comforting then, being with Max and his truer self, despite his own relatively reserved self from the beginning.

Keep reading

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max cocked an eyebrow in interest but responded warmly, “Of course, Rex, you know I’m always ready to listen to you~”

A small hint of nervousness rose in the back of Max’s mind regarding the words ‘we need to talk’ and what they usually meant but the emperor pushed it back, refusing to dwell on what was most likely just anxiety.

The nervousness was quickly quelled however by the excitement that snapped the emperor out of his chair at the idea of getting to see the spy again. He’d felt himself falling into old habits again and a break in routine- especially one that would involve his favorite agent- would be more than welcome.

Keep reading

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex couldn’t help but laugh, in a good but maybe nervous way as well? He didn’t like to dwell on these things. “That’s very kind of you,” he said back, always undeniably flattered by the emperor’s words, and would’ve added on about how Max seemed always so ready to talk to him, but a thought pushed that idea back. He had a feeling that he didn’t want to raise what he already knew was the emperor’s anxiety and usual worry by pointing that out. He wasn’t a bad thing he wanted to talk about, was it?

But, also as usual, excitement from the other man almost instantly replaced any perception of nervousness and quietness in his voice. It made him laugh affectionately, amusedly, that this man had an eagerness around him unlike anything he’d seen before. He didn’t recall anyone even having this sort of reaction towards since well, ever. He just always hoped that the man would be doing alright when he wasn’t around.

Keep reading

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

As soon as the call ended, Max went to work picking up the place. The excitement from Rex visiting fueled him as he went about putting books back in their place, tossing out trash, tidying papers, and sticking the empty wine bottles in a bin in the kitchen.

He was adjusting the pillows on the sofa when he heard the security system beep, alerting him to the spy’s signature Porsche pulling through the soft grass. Hurrying to the door, the emperor practically threw it open, a big grin lighting up his face as Rex stepped out of the vehicle, tired but handsome as ever.

Running up to meet him, Max stopped short of slamming into the taller man, wrapping his arms gently but solidly around him in a hug, nuzzling his head into Rex’s shoulder. “Missed you,” Max breathed excitedly before pulling away, giving the spy a soft, wide smile, tugging him into the base.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

@roguishlyhandsomesecretagent​

Max thought he’d gotten over his swooning problem when it came to Rex considering how often they saw each other but the image in front of hit just a little different.

Keep reading

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Maybe it was his ego slipping through again, or the stress, he didn’t really know, but he only just about noticed the blush that was flooding Max’s face and the books that began to slip out of his arms as he appeared to flounder when making a response.

Keep reading

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max mumbled an embarrassed ‘thanks’ as Rex helped with the books, letting the spy help him off the floor. He avoided the other’s gaze, still flustered over both the image of him burned into his brain and the fool he’d just made of himself.

He met Rex’s gaze when the other spoke, a soft smile spreading to his face before he burst into laughter despite himself, “You are the only man I’ve ever met who’s apologized for being too attractive.”

Still chuckling, he gazed lovingly up at Rex. “You just caught me off guard Mr. Handsome~ Who said you could look like that hmm?~” Max teased, trailing his hands up Rex’s arms.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max, when is you birthday ?

“March 21st, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

"I think I might keep that in mind," Rex smirked, winking, "if you want to know mine, it's January 4th."

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max’s eyebrows rose as a smile tweaked his features. “Mmhmmm I’ll have to add that to my calendar~” He drawled, fluttering his lashes at the spy.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex’s eyebrows also raised, albeit in a playful surprise. He certainly found Max’s flirtatious comeback enjoyable; it was more fun that way. Of course, it was just as fun to pretend to be surprised, that was part of the affection.

He found himself blushing, still maintaining his usual charming smirk as he managed his own drawl by the time he finished. “Oh, I bet you will,” he said, leaning forward and propping his head up with both arms, “you can never know...or have...too much of me at once, y’know.” He softly blinked back at Max as if to return the gesture, before raising an eyebrow affectionately.

It reminded him of so many times he played up his part of the classic flirtatious spy, but it felt different here. It wasn’t a bad thing, always wondering if it was just a pretence he put on which just stuck, but here, it felt natural. It made sense here and after a long time in his life, he felt happier about it.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max’s eyes widened before bursting into a fit of flustered giggles, his face flushed a deep red. The suddenness of the spy’s flirting caught him off guard but the emperor definitely wasn’t complaining. “Ooooh you know it don’t you, darling~” Max drawled back, propping his face up in one hand and using the other to twirl his hair purposefully. The agent’s flirting had become much more confident lately and the emperor was overjoyed both in knowing Rex was feeling more at ease as well as the attention it brought him. Being the main focus of Rex’s attention never failed to fill him with a warm feeling that he would never turn away.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

"An Aries then? Or Pisces?" Rex asked with a crooked grin, in full on flirtatious mode, "I guess I'm a little fond of astrology. As a Capricorn, I do hope there's compatibility. Opposites attract, right?" He raised one eyebrow at Max, in a playfully inquisitive manner. - @roguishlyhandsomesecretagent

Max raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Aries yes~ I gave up on the stars ages ago but I’d be willing to give them another shot if it means I can get away with you” The emperor winked at the spy, all too happy with the attention. “Opposites indeed~” He drawled, stretching his legs out across the agent’s lap.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

@roguishlyhandsomesecretagent​

Max thought he’d gotten over his swooning problem when it came to Rex considering how often they saw each other but the image in front of hit just a little different.

He tried his best to listen to the spy talk about his day but he could feel his face burning with blush and his eyes struggling to not wander. Something about the natural attractiveness of Rex’s posture, with his ruffled hair and undone tie, was making it extremely hard to focus on the conversation at hand.

He did his best to respond in turn but with the combination of his flustered brain and attempt to concentrate on the conversation, he didn’t notice the books he’d been carrying slip out of his arms till he was tripping over them.

Max swore as he scrambled to pick himself up off the floor, sputtering an apology, his face even redder than before if that was even possible. Stupid stupid stupid he reprimanded himself in his head for getting so hot at the collar over Rex just existing.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Your favourite food and food that you hate?

“Mmm nothing specific but almost any type of pasta or fruit will win me over~ There’s not one in particular I hate most of all, mostly just some vegetables and foods with textures I can’t stand,” Max made a face to dramatize his point.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

"Remind me to bring some over in the future then," Rex casually remarked, flashing his usual smile, "I'm personally particularly fond of strawberries."

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

A light blush dusted Max’s face, melting under the spy’s charming smile. “Oooo I’ll take you up on that offer~ Strawberries would be very much welcome, grapes and peaches are also acceptable tributes,” the emperor joked, hiding how flustered he was over someone paying attention to his interests with humor.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max, when is you birthday ?

“March 21st, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

"I think I might keep that in mind," Rex smirked, winking, "if you want to know mine, it's January 4th."

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max’s eyebrows rose as a smile tweaked his features. “Mmhmmm I’ll have to add that to my calendar~” He drawled, fluttering his lashes at the spy.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Hey Max - I would've contacted you sooner but I've been feeling in over my head. Not the greatest. I hope the emperor is doing alright himself. - @roguishlyhandsomesecretagent

“Ooooh Rex...” Max cooed sympathetically, “I’ve been- well- managing. I know you’re busy, but don’t you forget you’re welcome over anytime, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex sighed. He really had been overwhelmed, and it hurt that he’d had less time to visit Max. Out of everything, he’d found that being with Maximus was the one thing he’d look forward to all day. With everything that had been happening, however, that had been more of a problem.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, more than a little tiredly, “I might be able to come over in a bit.” He put a hand through his hair, before rubbing the back of his head. “To be honest, I guess there’s a few things I’ve been meaning to say since we last spoke.”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

“Oh?” Max chirped curiously. As well as he knew the spy, that could mean anything. But as long as he got to see Rex, the emperor would listen to whatever he wanted to talk about.

“Come over if you’ve got time, dear. I know you don’t really get to choose your schedule,” Max chuckled, “But you deserve a break.” He absentmindedly pushed around a few empty wine bottles with his foot, feeling almost guilty that he couldn’t help Rex in anyway other than offer his company.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

He heard the curiousness and also maybe slight worry? He didn’t know, but he nonetheless didn’t want to take the risk. Perhaps he knew the emperor enough to address it.

“It’s...nothing bad,” he explained, feeling bad for trailing off in the middle there and perhaps not sounding the most convincing, “it’s just been a while and I wanted to talk about some things. If you don’t mind, that is. I prefer not to keep lying.”

Rex mostly just wanted the company. It’s not like he was able to be completely honest with anyone in his life until he met Max of all people. Of course, he didn’t exactly want a part in his own family’s dealings even if there was some responsibility there. But he’d been demonstrably different once he was able to look behind the scenes with Max showing how much he actually followed in his own mother’s footsteps. Perhaps it was comforting then, being with Max and his truer self, despite his own relatively reserved self from the beginning.

Rex laughed affectionately himself. He wished he could get a break, despite how focused he was on his job. He always realised boredom was an absolute nightmare for him and even doing the stuff he did seemed to take his mind off of that. It was weird though, telling Max why he was so resistant to the idea of relaxing.

“I’ve got some time currently,” he said, letting out a sigh, “unpredictable, I know. But I’d rather not feel like I have nothing to do.” At least being with Max felt like something else, something else to occupy his brain. Being bored and restless drove him up the wall and he always found it funny that it was being a secret agent that managed to drive those feelings away. And it was also this ex-villainous emperor. “I’ll be there in a bit, hopefully. I’m not exactly great with time.”

He laughed nervously, feeling like there was no possible way he covered that up. But he’d already come so far and frankly at this point, it wasn’t something worth worrying about.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max cocked an eyebrow in interest but responded warmly, “Of course, Rex, you know I’m always ready to listen to you~”

A small hint of nervousness rose in the back of Max’s mind regarding the words ‘we need to talk’ and what they usually meant but the emperor pushed it back, refusing to dwell on what was most likely just anxiety.

The nervousness was quickly quelled however by the excitement that snapped the emperor out of his chair at the idea of getting to see the spy again. He’d felt himself falling into old habits again and a break in routine- especially one that would involve his favorite agent- would be more than welcome.

“That’s alright!” Max winced slightly at how over-enthused he sounded, clearing his throat and mentally scolding himself, “Take your time darling, I won’t be going anywhere~” He drawled lovingly, his eyes already scanning the living room looking for ways to clean up and hide the disorganized chaos that he had admittedly fallen back into.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Well, I just want to say, I'm proud of you. it's quite noticeable that you've improved as a person, I wish I could do that-

The emperor laughed nervously, “I’m trying my best. Really not sure how much of me is salvageable at this point but hey, better late then never right?”

“And hey- If I, an emperor who owned a colosseum that served the purpose of graphic entertainment, can get my shit together, so can you, darling~”

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

“Well, I definitely consider it admirable,” Rex laughed, sincerely, but also in a bit of a joking fashion, “If you’ve got fans like that...”

He re-adjusted himself. “But, anyway, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in you lately, considering everything.”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

“Oh, shush,” Max scolded the spy, laughing sheepishly, “They’re just flatterers, the lot of ‘em~”

“Have you?” He asked shyly, instinctively playing with a curl of his hair.

[roguishlyhandsomesecretagent]

Rex grinned, understanding his nervousness. He'd come to see that a lot, even the more he knew him. It was certainly a part of him, which Rex nevertheless found adorable.

"I mean, I wouldn't say that myself," he said, winking, "but I'm not you. Though I can say how much I believe these people mean it."

Rex absentmindedly watched Max playing with the curls of his bright red hair, before shaking himself out of his reverie. His shyness was quite charming, and he pushed back the thought of whether Max was doing this on purpose or not.

Regardless of Rex's position and reputation, he was not completely immune to stuff like this and it probably wasn't just a coincidence when he ended up getting a little all too familiar with the once villainous ruler of Constantinopolis.

"Let's just say I may have a bias or two ever since I met a certain red headed emperor," he drawled, trying to cover up his own nerves. He was still getting used to being this open with someone, instincts always reaching the surface at inopportune moments.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max flushed bright red under the spy’s smooth demeanor and words. He laughed loud and light, gently slugging Rex in the arm.

“Of course you do, silly,” The emperor chuckled, propping his head on the other man’s shoulders. “I don’t know. I definitely feel better but... I don’t know.” He shrugged nonchalantly, a smile still on his face though a bit more solemn.

It was difficult putting it into words. Max felt like he’d left behind something in Constantinopolis. Like he’d separated part of himself and left it behind the sun stained pillars and crumbling columns of the Colosseum.

One was a product of circumstance and the other was the genuine copy, but which was which? Max tried not to think about it, preferring to focus on things that felt right- things like Rex.

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

Max, when is you birthday ?

“March 21st, darling~”

[maximus-arcus-inimicus]

girl your trouble in my bed

“...What? Is this one of those song references I never get?”