Hey ! first I love your writing! I was wondering, do you also take request for the Abbe de Coulmier?
Anyway, I got a request I hope will interest you! I was thinking of a comfort fic, reader is feeling down or just tired and Commodus distract you, makes you laugh even, something all soft T_T
Thank you in advance
First of all, thank you so much for this ask and your sweet words!!
I do take requests for Abbe, and just recently finished my first fic with him. As for your request, I had a lot of fun writing it and hope you enjoy!!
Sweet Distractions - Commodus x Reader
Reader is drowning in their duties, exhausted from everyone always needing something from them, and feeling like they're alone in their struggles. Commodus finds them breaking down in a hidden corner of the palace and helps to comfort them.
masterlist
“If you could just take a look at these proposals,” Gracchus insists, holding out a thick scroll. You nod, a forced smile on your face, taking the scroll from him and placing it with the growing pile of tasks on your desk.
You sigh as he walks off, dipping your quill in ink and beginning to read through the mountain of things that need your attention. You had taken up more responsibility for Rome since marrying Commodus, wanting to help take some of the weight off his shoulders. You’re finding, however, that the weight is quickly becoming too much to bear and you're beginning to stumble beneath your tasks.
Of course, you could always tell Commodus you're struggling. But you worry that if you do, you'll be putting more stress onto Commodus, and the last thing you want is to hurt him or cause him any pain. You certainly don't want him to feel the way you're feeling, like you're drowning in papers and quills. So, you put on a brave face and throw yourself into the work.
“Excuse me,” a servant knocks on your door, and you look up in acknowledgement. “Sorry to bother you, but your presence is needed in the courtroom.”
You sigh and nod, a smile on your face. You follow the servant into the courtroom, mentally preparing yourself for hours of droning debate before you would be allowed to return to your work.
“No, you don't understand!!” Heated yells can be heard from down the hall, and you groan to yourself. The last thing you want is to have to mediate a bunch of grown men.
“Senators,” you say placidly as you enter the room. “What seems to be the matter?”
“Oh thank god,” Gaius hurries over to you, placing a scroll in your hands. “These neanderthals are endlessly arguing, and your voice is needed now more than ever.”
“Oh yes,” Falco drawls cynically. “Let some uppity, inexperienced fool decide what's best for Rome. Surely that will end well.”
Falco's comment hurts more than you care to admit, but you square your shoulders and step into the center of the room.
“Well,” you say determinedly. “What can I do to help?”
And so began hours of yelling, arguing, and moderating. You were no closer to achieving a resolution, but you had had enough.
“We are done!” You finally shouted, storming out of the room. Silence echoes behind you, and you walk as fast as you can through the halls. You don't know where you're going, but you have to find somewhere to hide before you start to cry. Your eyes burn with unshed tears and your breath begins to hitch in your throat.
You slide into a crevice in the wall, hidden behind a statue of Venus, her kind face seeming to keep you safe from any prying eyes. You put your face in your hands and begin to sob, your shoulders shaking. All your stress pours out of you in salty tears and hiccupy breaths.
You don't notice someone else is there until he sits down right in front of you, startling you. Commodus takes your hand, kissing your palm and drawing you into his lap. He doesn't say anything, just lets you cry into his shoulder as he runs his hands through your hair softly.
“What's wrong, my love?” He murmurs once you've calmed down a bit. You shrug, sniffling. Suddenly all your energy is gone, and you rest your head against him, your shoulders slumping.
“I am certain you don't just come to cry here out of boredom,” He teases lightly, scratching at your scalp. “Would you like to talk about it?”
You shake your head, not wanting to cause him any more problems. He nods, understanding. Instead of speaking, he presses soft kisses to your cheeks, wiping away your tears. Then, he takes your hands in his and kisses your palms, your knuckles, your fingertips. Warmth blooms in your chest at his gentle kindness.
“Did you hear about the monkey that wandered into the palace this morning?” He asks playfully. You shake your head, and shift your body so you can watch him as he begins to tell the story.
“It was this sweet little creature,” he says, “and it just wandered in through the front gate. It hopped onto a platter of dates and began to eat them, which terrified the servant carrying it. She dropped the plate and screamed, and one of the cooks came running out to see what was the matter!”
“It's taking them so long to try and catch the monkey that someone had to come get me!” His hands move as he narrates, and he has a smile on his face. You begin to chuckle at the story, your previous worries forgotten. “And so finally I was able to lure it into my hands with a date, and put him outside!”
The mental image of the emperor and two servants trying to catch this little monkey makes you laugh, and Commodus smiles. He presses a kiss to your temple, and you sigh happily.
“Shall we go somewhere more comfortable?” He asks, holding a hand to help you stand. You accept it, and the two of you walk hand in hand through the halls.
“Thank you,” you whisper, kissing him softly.
“Of course, my love,” he replies. “To see you happy brings me joy like no other.”
You smile, and he wraps you in his arms in a tender hug. You two stay like that for long moments, basking in the evening sunlight and your love for one another.
an: thank you for the request, anon! I really enjoyed writing this and I hope you enjoyed!!
