One of my roommates is from China and neither of us speaks the other’s language but lately when she’s in a chatty mood she comes into our kitchen and shows me these douyin Matt Damon x Ben Affleck RPF videos and puts her theories about how Ben has been pining for Matt into google translate for me to read. fujoing out transcends language barriers
Summary: Lucius teaches Geta how to fight, lots of political intrigue, secrets, fluff and smutt
Previous parts: part 1, part 2, part 3, Part 4, Part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8
That morning, Lucius woke up with a start. He shot up and looked around. Geta was lying face down on the sheets, still in his festive wear, knocked out cold. Lucius took a deep breath of relief, wondering when Geta had come back and how he hadn't noticed. He left him to sleep and headed out to freshen up.
When he returned after a quick breakfast to check on him before looking for Marcus, he found Geta awake. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring out of the window with a glassy look in his eyes. His face lit up when he saw Lucius enter.
“Good morning,” Geta smiled and stretched out his arms.
Lucius came closer and let Geta wrap his arms around his waist, pressing his cheek against his stomach.
“Good morning,” Lucius replied, placing a hand on the back of his head. When Geta let go, Lucius took his chin and tipped his head up, making him look at him.
“Where on earth did you go last night?” he asked, trying his best to keep his tone neutral. “I was worried about you.”
Geta looked up at him. “I ran into my uncle. He wanted to talk to me.” His was voice still rough from just waking up. “I asked Laurentius to find you and update you on my departure.”
Lucius frowned. Laurentius had done no such thing.
“What did your uncle want?”
Geta lifted a shoulder. “He heard I had been injured. Wanted to check up on me.”
“It has been months since the incident,” Lucius noted.
Geta nodded, furrowing his brow. “I know. I thought it was curious too.” Geta rubbed his temple.
“Is everything alright?” Lucius asked, not wanting to press but endlessly curious about Geta's family and who he was beyond the one version he got to see.
Geta nodded. “He just wanted to know who I thought had attacked me, how I was treated here.” Geta looked away briefly, then back again. “He invited me to come to his villa after he returns from a trip to the south.”
Lucius searched Geta’s eyes but found nothing but a hint of genuine confusion.
“Okay,” Lucius said, stroking Geta’s skin with his thumb absentmindedly, sinking deep in thought.
“Were you close with him? Your uncle?” he asked after a moment of silence.
Geta shook his head. “Not at all.” His eyebrows knitted together. “He lived in Sardinia throughout my childhood. As far as I know, he still resides there. I met him maybe once." Geta leaned back a little. "He’s my mom’s brother, and she was… a cunt, so…” He smiled tightly.
“How so?”
“She just was. Believe me.” He chewed on the inside of his cheek.
“She died?”
"When I was eleven."
Lucius was quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I don’t miss her.”
“I meant about her being a cunt.”
Geta looked away. “Ah.”
Lucius wanted to know more. The fact of the matter was that Geta’s life remained a big mystery, no matter how much time they spent together. He sighed softly and let his hand slide into Geta’s hair as he bent forward. He took his face in his hands and pressed his lips to his. Geta opened his mouth, eager and wet.
He moaned in frustration when Lucius pulled back slightly. “I have a council meeting in five minutes,” Lucius said, pushing a curl from Geta's forehead. “I just came back to check on you.” When he saw the disappointment evident on Geta’s face, he added, “If you feel up to it, I’d like to start our lessons later this afternoon.”
Geta nodded, pressing his open mouth into Lucius’ palm. “Yes,” he mumbled.
“Great,” Lucius replied, aware of the wetness he left there and wanting nothing more than to just stay.
Later, he told himself, letting Geta rest his cheek against his fingers.
“Feel free to do whatever you want. I’m in the left wing if you’re looking for me.”
Geta smiled at him, then dropped his hands and leaned back on his elbows. Lucius pressed a brief kiss on his forehead before leaving the room.
—-
“So, what we do know is,” Marcus began, his hand resting on the edge of the map, “there’s a group forming in the northern provinces—small for now, but growing quite rapidly.”
Mantius, who had been informed about the recent events and knew more about the matter nodded. “No clear leader, no fixed location, just whispers of discontent and old loyalties.”
He leaned back against the table and crossed his legs. “But as we know, those are enough to spark rebellion. And, from what we've found out so far, this has already been happening.”
Lucius scratched his chin. “Which means the propaganda of the former senate is working.”
Mantius nodded. “But they’ll need supplies, weapons, and safe houses. Those leave trails. We should send scouts to the north immediately.”
Lucius frowned. “Too risky. A single misstep, and we confirm their propaganda—that I rule through force, not unity.” He started pacing back and forth between the map and the table. “What about here in the capital? Who’s funding them?”
Mantius leaned forward. “The old Senate is the obvious place to start. Some of them never accepted your rule, and from what we’ve found, they are not only responsible for spreading propaganda but also financing the rallies. If anyone’s funneling coin to the north, it’s them.”
“Then watch them,” Lucius ordered. “Carefully. Follow the money. Someone is supporting this rebellion, and I want names if you can find them.”
Mantius gestured to the map. “And the north? Rebels don’t organize themselves. We could send someone able to move among them, gather their trust, and report back.”
Lucius hesitated. “If this person is discovered, it could escalate the situation.”
“And if we do nothing, it will escalate anyway,” Marcus stepped in.
Lucius exhaled sharply, glancing between his two advisors. “Fine. Marcus, investigate the capital. Discreetly. Mantius, choose your best for the north—no soldiers, just eyes and ears. I want to know how these rebels think, how they operate, and most importantly, who’s leading them.”
Marcus nodded.
“What about Geta?” Mantius asked suddenly. “He is not involved?”
Lucius’s voice softened. “He knows nothing of this; it’s not him who’s fueling this. Trust me.”
"He won't have been able to achieve much in the past months." Marcus agreed, then turned toward Lucius.
“But again,” Marcus rubbed his forehead. “Don’t be too casual about these recent developments. He will have an opinion.” Marcus sat down on a chair, restless energy oozing off him. “He might find truth in their ways. These might be people he has worked with directly.”
Lucius raised an eyebrow. “So you think I should share this with him? Since when do you trust him so?”
“I don’t. But he will find out, and it will be worse if he finds out through one of his own than through you. You keep regarding him as a puppet who has been moved around while on the throne, but don’t mistake his gullibility for idiocy. The man has a brain. Don’t underestimate it.”
Lucius wondered if Geta had perhaps already been informed by his uncle and if he had completely misread Geta’s demeanor and character.
“I know he’s intelligent. But from what I’ve seen, this wouldn’t interest him much. He loves reading and poetry. If he hadn’t been born into royalty, I doubt he’d be involved at all.”
“Yes, you’ve mentioned that. All I want is for you to be cautious. Don’t stop using that sharp mind of yours. You’re smarter than this.” “I’ll talk to him,” Lucius agreed. “Good.” Marcus’ gaze returned to the map, his expression shifting. He stood up and tapped it with his finger, concluding: “This has to end before it begins.”
After the meeting, Lucius went to find Geta.
He was in the garden with Marcella, who was teaching him to play the lyre. Lucius watched them from a distance for a moment, then walked up to them. He greeted Marcella, then turned to Geta.
‘Ready?’
Geta gave Marcella her instrument back and thanked her, jumping up on his feet.
“Absolutely.”
“Follow me.”
Instead of heading to the training grounds, he led Geta to his horse. Helping him up, Lucius climbed on behind him. He noticed that Geta had gained a bit of weight which satisfied him. “Hold on to me.”
Geta obeyed, wrapping his arms tightly around Lucius’ torso, pressing close. Lucius urged the horse forward. They rode for thirty minutes until Lucius brought the horse to a halt. He dismounted, stretched out his arms to help Geta down, and led him to the river.
“We’ll start with the basics.” Lucius stopped at the even riverbed. Nature around them was lush and vibrant. It had rained that morning, and the world smelled fresh and clean. The silence was broken only by the sound of the water. Lucius waited patiently as Geta took in the mountain air, his eyes closed. Once he was ready, Lucius handed him a wooden sword. “Alright, look at me and mimic my stance,” Lucius instructed, dropping into a combat posture. When Geta copied him, Lucius stepped over, adjusting his posture here and there. He placed a hand on Geta’s abdomen.
“Your strength should come from here. Keep this tight to absorb blows and to strike effectively.”
Geta nodded. Lucius tapped Geta’s foot. “Since you're right-handed, your left foot should be slightly forward, with your knees slightly bent.” Geta followed the instructions silently. “Relax your shoulders,” Lucius said, circling around him to assess his form. Finally, he stood in front of him. “Good. Now, eyes on me.” Geta lifted his chin, looking Lucius in the eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. He was clearly enjoying himself. Lucius grabbed the hem of his own tunic and pulled it over his head, exposing his torso. “I’m going to show you where to strike and hit me.” Geta’s gaze remained forcefully on Lucius’ face, which made Lucius chuckle.
He demonstrated by placing a hand on his own neck. “Throat area—either thrust or slash here. Cuts off their breathing.” He pointed to his windpipe, then to both sides of his neck. “The carotid arteries lead to a quick death.” Geta nodded, listening intently.
“We’ll work on the technique later,” Lucius added, placing a hand on his abdomen.
“A deep thrust here might not always be fatal, but it will weaken your opponent significantly.” Lucius lifted his arm.
“If their arm is up, strike into their armpit; they’ll lose blood rapidly.” Geta grimaced, imagining it. As Lucius continued explaining the weak points on the body, Geta remained still, absorbing every word.
“Can you take off your tunic?” Lucius asked. Geta nodded, setting the sword down and pulling his tunic over his head. Lucius moved behind him, pressing his fingers under Geta’s ribs on his lower back, making him inhale sharply in surprise.
“A stab here, or on the other side, will puncture the kidney, causing severe internal bleeding.” Geta gave a quick nod. Lucius ran his thumb along Geta’s spine, down through his shoulder blades. “Anywhere near the spine is effective too.” Lucius moved back to face him.
“Alright, now show me what you’ve learned.” He gestured for Geta to prepare.
“Let’s start with the hamstrings,” Lucius instructed. “Stay in position.” Geta circled him, pressing the wooden sword into Lucius’ upper leg.
“Good. Now, the left artery.”
“Left for you or me?”
“You.”
Geta stepped to Lucius’ side, pressing the sword against the side of his neck. Their faces were close now, and when Lucius noticed Geta’s dilated pupils and parted lips, he shook his head and gently pushed him sideways. Geta nearly lost his balance.
“Hey!” he huffed indignantly.
“Never get distracted, Geta,” Lucius warned.
“Not even by me.”
“Not fair.”
Lucius shrugged. “It never is.”
“You’re no fun,” Geta groaned softly.
“Not when it comes to your safety.”
Geta rolled his eyes. Lucius let Geta practice until the sky darkened, and Geta’s breathing grew labored. When Geta bent forward slightly, Lucius steadied him with a hand on his arm. “Are you alright?”
Geta nodded, breathing quickly. “I still get winded easily.”
“No need to rush,” Lucius assured him, squeezing his arm gently. “Let’s head back. Looks like it’s going to rain again anyway.”
Geta glanced at the darkening sky and nodded. Lucius helped Geta onto the horse. “Sit in front; I’ll hold you.”
They didn’t make it back before the rain began, and by the time they reached the gates, they were soaked through. Thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed. They hurried to the bathhouse, where they found three women bathing, their skin glowing blue in the evening light. Leaving them in their quiet private world, they retreated to Lucius’ private quarters and entered the dimly lit space with the smaller heated bath. Lucius started peeling off the soaked fabric clinging to his skin, then helped Geta do the same. He was aware that Geta had never seen him fully naked before and noticed his gaze wandering over his body, lingering below his waist more than once. Lucius chuckled. “What?” he asked.
Geta’s eyes snapped back to his face, a bit sheepishly. His cheeks were flushed pink, a sight Lucius found delicious. “Nothing,” Geta murmured with a soft smile. They slipped into the hot water, steam curling around them. “Ahh,” Geta sighed as he submerged his chest, muscles visibly relaxing. Lucius sat on the wide stone ledge, watching Geta. The warm water lapped just below his collarbones. He pondered when would be a good time to discuss the earlier conversation with Marcus but decided now wasn’t it. He pushed the thoughts aside.
“Come here,” he said, softly rippling the water with his fingers. “I’d like to hold you.” Geta turned and waded toward him. Lucius spread his legs, letting Geta settle between them. “Lean back against me,” he instructed, and Geta obliged, resting his head on Lucius’ shoulder. Geta groaned softly in contentment, nestling more firmly into Lucius’ embrace, the soft skin of his butt pressing against Lucius’ groin and thighs. Lucius wrapped his arms around Geta’s torso, pulling him close. He pressed a kiss to Geta’s jaw. “I like holding you like this,” Lucius admitted, feeling warm and content. Geta made a small sound of agreement, sagging further against him. Lucius held him until Geta’s body grew soft and his breathing deepened. He loved the sensations of the rise and fall of Geta’s chest, his head resting heavily on his shoulder. “Don’t fall asleep,” he whispered, smiling.
“I’m not,” Geta replied, eyes still closed. “Good.” Lucius gently stroked Geta’s lower abdomen and turned his head, pressing a kiss to the wet skin of his neck, then another, and another.
“Do you feel safe with me?” he asked then, the question important to him.
Geta inhaled. “Yes.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Lucius opened his mouth, sucking gently on Geta’s neck—not to bruise, but simply because he couldn’t resist. To him, Geta was irresistible. Geta’s breath hitched, and he turned his head to give Lucius more access, exposing the length of his throat. Lucius groaned at the display of vulnerability, licking his way up to Geta’s ear. He took the earlobe between his teeth, tugging softly before sucking on it, relishing the soft moans and whimpers that escaped Geta’s lips.
“Stay still,” Lucius ordered as he licked down toward Geta’s pulse point. Geta whimpered, struggling to remain still.
“You do like ordering me around,” he mumbled, making Lucius smile against his skin.
“I do.”
“What if I don’t like it?”
“Then you’re free to order me around instead.”
Geta grinned. “I like the sound of that.”
Lucius’ hands stroked the length of Geta’s arms. He then bit Geta’s neck gently.
“You taste like honey,” he murmured, sucking the skin into his mouth again. Geta’s arms slid up around Lucius’ neck, fingers threading into his curls. Turning his face, Geta found Lucius’ mouth and kissed him—wet, open-mouthed kisses that deepened and slowed until they couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. Geta sucked Lucius’ tongue into his mouth, his hands fisting in his hair and pulling—too hard, but Lucius didn’t mind.
Make me hurt, he thought.
I don’t care.
Whatever feels good to you.
When he sensed Geta’s exhaustion returning, Lucius gently turned him around in his arms. “Let’s go to bed,” he murmured into his damp hair. Geta sagged against him. “Thank you,” He whispered into Lucius’ neck.
They climbed out of the water, dried off, and headed to the sleeping chamber. They lay down, still naked, barely covered by the thin sheets. The doors to the garden remained open, letting in the sounds of the rain and thunder. A cool breeze stirred the fabric at the door. They both drifted into a light sleep. When they awoke, it was still dark outside. Lucius head rested on Geta’s thigh, giving him a view of Geta’s ankle and foot.
Despite trying to fight it, Lucius’ mind kept returning to the discussion he’d had with Marcus, playing it over and over.
Geta turned, grabbing a book from the bedside table. He yawned, stretched leisurely, then opened the book where he had left off.
“Poseidon has struck their well-rigged ship on the open sea,” he read aloud, “with gale winds and crushing walls of waves, and only a few escape, swimming and struggling toward the shore, their bodies—”
He stopped as Lucius pushed the sheet down, exposing Geta’s flat stomach, and began kissing his skin.
“Keep going, I’m listening,” Lucius mumbled. Geta whined softly but continued.
“But once they reach dry land, their terror breaks; their knees give way, relief and joy flood their hearts—”
Lucius started licking his skin lower, nuzzling his nose against the soft hairs on Geta’s lower belly. He tried to focus on Geta’s words, his body, the way he smelled, but his mind kept drifting to Marcus’ words, feeling the weight of the conversation they needed to have. The more he tried to push it away, the heavier his conscience felt. No matter how he turned it, he would have to bring it up eventually.
“She burst into tears,” Geta continued, “running to Odysseus, flung her arms around his neck, kissed his face, and cried out: ‘Odysseus—don’t flare up at me now, not you, my ever-faithful, ever-gentle—’” Lucius sighed against Geta’s skin.
“I have to tell you something,” he mumbled, almost unintelligible.
“What?” Geta paused, looking down at him. Lucius lifted his mouth slightly and repeated himself.
“I... I have to tell you something.”
I'd love to hear what your opinions in the comments!
Fantastic 4 being released in digital next week 😁😁😁. Honestly can’t wait. Need to see my man Johnny again 🥰😍. I know this will be my most watched movie this year.
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