#avidius

These two had a kid, and it's Avidius.

No spoliers here, don't worry! Just pure Avidius fluff

AVIDIUS, who honestly, felt guilty for you. To see you tied down to him. Unfortunately, any attempts he made against this marriage was immediately shut down. You were the only heir to a high ranking member of the senate, and while he is a renowned gladiator, even his word meant nothing to your father. You were promptly sent away for political purposes, with no say on who you wanted to spend the rest of your life with.

AVIDIUS, who knew he couldn’t change your fate, resolved to at least make your time spent with him enjoyable. His heart tightens to the sight of you trying so hard to keep a straight face, in front of the deplorable father that just signed your marriage documents. Avidius stays silent. Your gaze turns to him, tears welling up in your eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. He returns a kind look, and a light nod, assuring you he means to bring you no harm. You were relieved that at least your husband-to-be was no villain, but being restrained to a fate you cannot escape still brings you great anxiety. Your father departs, and Avidius takes the opportunity to gently clasp your hands in his, “I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything to help. But…know that I will take care of you to the best of my abilities”

AVIDIUS, who had to leave home for an extended period of time to join the hunt. It’s been weeks since you’ve coexisted in the same space as Avidius. He was nothing short of perfect. Never made any moves. Never tried to control you, force you to eat, force you to talk, even though you were reclusive. You needed time to think everything over, and Avidius completely understood your needs. You would leave your bedroom, not having eaten anything all day, to find a home cooked meal left specifically for you in the pantry. “I won’t be here for a few weeks. Feel free to help yourself to anything you need in the house. I know we haven’t talked much, but please do take care of yourself –Avidius”. You place your hand over your chest, tight with a funny feeling. He’s leaving for the hunt, you thought, will he return safe? Your heart fills with worry. Anxiety and dread overcomes you. The thought of losing him seemed to hurt you more than being forced into this political marriage.

AVIDIUS, who valiantly fights in the hunt, leading and supporting his fellow gladiators into the fray. His group suddenly gets ambushed by tacet discords. Painful wails and screams erupt around him. He thinks of you. He wanted to see you. He didn’t want to die here and have you be married off to someone else. Not on his watch. He raises his spear and rallies his allies, charging ahead with the unwavering intent on returning home. 

AVIDIUS, who along with Augusta and his group, return to the Hunter’s Den triumphant. He walks using his spear as support, having injured his leg in the battle. He exhales deeply, relieved that he returned safe. He can come home, to you. He slowly looks up as he drags his leg, and sees someone rapidly approaching him. A woman? Tired and weary, he could only make out their silhouette. She runs with ragged breath, desperately gasping for air. It was when she embraced him that he realised that this woman was his endearing wife. You tightly wrap your arms around his neck, and he hears your quiet sobs. Gently, he wraps his arm around your waist, burying his face into your neck. 

“...Avidius!” you cried. 

“Yes, my dear?” You pull away to really get a good look at his face. Even when exhausted, he still looks at you with eyes full of kindness. Full of warmth. Full of love.

You cup his face with your hand, gently tracing and caressing his face with your thumb. Leaning forward, you gently plant a kiss on his cheek. “Welcome back…my husband”