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Jedediah had never been very good at handling emotions. Actually no, that wasn’t right. He was pretty damn ace when it came to helping out his pals when they were at sea. Just ask Gigantor for example. Jed had recognised his internal cry for help before the man himself had. Dealing with his own emotions though? Now that was a horse of a whole different colour. Sure he talked a good game but it was hardly a secret to those who knew him well enough were aware emotions often hit him hard. Usually he at least had chance to process a little but between his realisation, facing his possible death and then heading straight into battle Jed barely had time to catch his breath let along unpack what it could actually mean. It being love. He was in love with Octavius. Of all people he just had to fall in love with his best friend.
Not that there was anything wrong with Octavius. The roman really was something else. For all that he was mother-henning like crazy he hadn’t once tried to push Jedediah to talk since they had left the Smithsonian. Jed had no doubt he probably wanted to but just knew Jed needed time to think. Granted Octavius probably thought he was thinking through the horrific experience of that blasted hourglass but that wasn’t the point. Besides Jedediah had only ended up in that hourglass because, to quote his own moment of realisation, “he’d be damned if he let one of those monochrome varmints lay hand on the man he loved.”
The problem was now Jedediah got to processing and thinking about it he needed to decide on what to do. Jed knew himself well enough that if he kept it all bottled up inside he would end up boiling over and blabbing everything out. Probably at the worst time if his luck was anything to go by. The possibility just made not owning up completely out of the question. Jed didn’t know what Octavius thought about love between two men. Rome had always seemed uptight and traditional-like and Octavius embodied a lot of those traits but that didn’t mean much in the long run. For all he liked to tease the hell out of him Jed knew Octavius had a wild fire inside him that had nothing to do with the influences of Rome. If Jedediah was going to have to face the risk and consequences of a love confession then he intended to do it on his own terms.
-1-
Jedediah prided himself on not being the type of fella to beat around the bush. If he was going to get given the mitten by Octavius (or possibly worse) he wanted it out of the way before he got in too deep. Being in separate pockets on the way back from the Smithsonian had given him enough time to ready himself for the occasion and Jed would have done it the moment they were alone that night if he could. He didn’t get that moment though. By the time Larry had said his goodbyes to the pilot lady they only just had enough time to go hide in the basement before sunrise. Jed wasn’t too disheartened as he had figured as they froze together that morning he would be able to get down to business the moment sundown hit.
He woke the next night with that intention, turning his head to look at Octavius beside him as the tablet’s magic flowed through his limbs. Jed grinned despite knowing everything could change with what he was about to tell his friend. He was nervous as anything but that wasn’t going to change by stalling. A quick glance around showed the both his and Octavius’ men were still mid-waking and unlikely to intrude for a few minutes at least. It wasn’t exactly a private spot but it was good enough.
“Hey Ockie, I know it’s first thing but I’ve got somethin’ important to tell you. Think you can lend me an ear?” Jedediah shoved his hands into his pockets when he noticed they were trembling. None of that now. He couldn’t have Octavius catching on that he was anxious. The roman looked confused enough as it was at his instant request.
“Of course, my friend.” Octavius gave him a smile and Jed took a mental picture of it. One last good memory if everything went south couldn’t hurt.
“When we were-”
“Hey guys!” Jedediah jumped when Larry’s voice cut across him but he forced himself to recover as the ex-nightguard’s shadow loomed over them. He somehow managed not to glare as he looked up, clenching his fists in his pockets while Larry continued. “I arranged a bit of a welcome home party for you all because you all deserve it after the past few nights. Not much now I know but I’m pulling some strings with the board behind the scenes to fix everything else. Jed, Octavius, before the party I have something else for you as well.”
When Larry pulled out the plane Jedediah somehow just knew that he wouldn’t be getting to a confession tonight. Beside him Octavius was already getting that quiet kind of excited he did when he didn’t want to make a spectacle of himself and it would just be plain out of character if Jed didn’t react with enthusiasm. He squashed down the disappointment of having his plan ruined with a bit of guilt. There was always the next night.
-2-
After the party the first night of returning Jedediah had figured they would be back into the usual nightly swing of things and to some extend he was right. The only problem was Octavius had agreed that the both of them would be at the movie night Ahkmenrah and Nicky had apparently decided on without checking with Jed first. Alright, no problemo. Once they were present for the movie they would have a bit of privacy to talk. Jedediah often managed to distract Octavius during these little viewing parties anyway.
The first movie they watched had Octavius as a lost cause thanks to Nicky picking some film called ‘Gladiator’ about Ancient Rome of all things. Jed was barely able to get two words in with how much Octavius was muttering and sometimes even shouting, his eyes firmly glued to the screen. Luckily the damn thing was nowhere near long enough to last the whole night but it had definitely been long enough for Jedediah’s nerves to kick in full force. There was a reason that he wanted to get this over with damn it.
The lull between movies was filled with Octavius ranting about how the representation of Rome was bitter and lacked the true personality of its people. Jed didn’t know what to really say so settled for nodding and letting his friend vent his frustrations without comment. By the time Octavius ran out of steam, flushing with embarrassment over getting so heated on the subject, the next movie was already playing. Some romantic comedy Ahkmenrah had picked this time. It seemed to settle Octavius a bit as he turned his attention back to the screen and Jed breathed an internal sigh of relief.
Even with the privacy they had from the rest settled on the hood of the car Larry had found back out for them Jedediah felt paranoid someone was going to overhear them by the time he finally had decided he was ready to try again. This time he was sure that nothing could stop him.
“Hey Oc-” Jedediah didn’t even get to finish Octavius’ name before Nicky was stumbling over to near them. The kid looked a little bit green and Jedediah couldn’t bring himself to be angry when he let out a miserable groan.
“Guys, I really don’t feel so good. Do you know wher-” The youngster retched, a hand flying to his mouth, and Jed barely had enough time to roll and pull Octavius with him before chunks of vomit were flying. Despite Nicky’s attempt to hold it back a large amount splattered on the car where the two had been resting. Not a chance they would be using it to get back to the basement tonight and, going by the commotion around them when people realised what was happening, no more chance of privacy either. Jed resigned himself to another night of keeping his feelings locked in his heart, putting his focus on the kid for now. If there was one thing he could do that night at least it was do his best to look out for Nicky.
-3-
As much people would call him a liar if he said it Jedediah didn’t normally go by all the cliché sayings. Tonight he would like those ones about third time being lucky or the charm or whatever it was to be true. They didn’t have anything particularly fancy planned that night so Jed had suggested a drive in the freshly cleaned car. It was practically a foolproof plan. Drive off somewhere for some privacy, park the car somewhere pretty or something and come out with it. Nothing flashy or over the top that could go wrong. No company to interrupt.
He should have known nothing could be that simple.
The drive hadn’t been what Jed had considered a risky route and he had even kept to a speed that didn’t have Octavius grabbing for the hand holds on the door. His one mistake had been no to take into account they would be passing the Hall of African Mammals. That brazen little monkey must have seen them passing and decided on mischief because before he knew it the damn creature had control of the car and no amount of airing his lungs was getting them anywhere.
The rest of the night was a blur and Jedediah couldn’t tell how long it had taken for anyone to even find out about the situation, let alone resolve it. All he knew was he was thoroughly shaken and Octavius looked almost as ill has Nicky had been the previous night. They had headed back to the basement as sunrise came in silence. Octavius none the wiser to the fact Jed’s plans had been foiled again.
-4-
Being reinstated into the museum at long last Jed hadn’t had chance to see Octavius, let alone attempt another confession, but the break from hyping himself up only to have his chances dashed was surprisingly pleasant. There was a less enjoyable surprise in store for them the night after that though. Another miniature display had been installed during the day after their return which meant having to be diplomatic after the museum closed and the night time guests dispersed. Despite that Jedediah wasn’t going to completely write off the possibility he would get to spill his guts. He just had to wait until after they had shown a united front greeting the newbies.
It turned out the fresh faces weren’t a bad sort despite being a pirate crew and town. After some initial confusion the captain and her first mate had taken well to both Jedediah and Octavius, asking them a lot of questions to get their bearings. Captain Anne Bonny was the kind of woman that Jed had a lot of respect for but he was glad when their together time came to a close. The captain wanted to explain to the rest of her crew what was happening to them and Jedediah wanted his time with Octavius.
They had agreed to head back to Rome for the remainder of the evening which Jedediah privately thought was both a blessing and a curse for him. They were less likely to get any interruptions in Rome but if what he had to confess didn’t go down well... Jed was pretty sure the romans prided themselves on being too civilised for unnecessary violence outside their coliseum but he also didn’t have any knowledge on if certain things changed that. Either way as morbid as it sounded he liked to think Octavius would deal with the situation himself rather than set soldiers on him.
As they walked across the hall of miniatures Jedediah glanced over to the Mayan exhibit curiously. The Mayan leader hadn’t been present when they had been with the Captain but then they had never been much of a social lot even when Larry had given them more freedom, something he had continued with now he was back in his old post. His blood ran cold when he saw the lines of Mayans who were armed with darts as he and Octavius started passing by. Somehow it didn’t give him the impression that the Mayan leader wanted to be too friendly with the newcomers. No doubt Gigantor would fix the situation if something came up but Jedediah didn’t want to be involved in that nightmare. He pat Octavius’ arm to get his attention, stopping the roman mid-sentence.
“It ain’t lookin’ like a friendly gatherin’ over there, right? Or am I just lettin’ my brain run away on me?” Octavius followed his gaze with a frown, assessing the situation with what Jed could assume was a militarist’s eye. He let out a huff before his reply, clearly uncomfortable.
“I’m not completely familiar with their battle tactics but I fear their meeting with our new neighbours might not end in peace. We should probably warn Captain Bonny and her men our of courtesy.” Of course Octavius would suggest that. As honourable as he was handsome, much to Jedediah’s chagrin.
“I was afraid you were goin’ to say that. We better shake a leg if we’re headin’ them off.” Jed gestured for them to do a roundabout turn when he realised they had drawn some attention to themselves, stopping in his tracks. Neither of them had realised how loudly they were talking but apparently it had been enough to have some of the Mayans aiming their weapons at them.
“Whoa now, no need for that there.” Jedediah raised his hands up in what he was pretty sure was the universal sign of surrender. He was no coward but they weren’t going to get far if they got shot before they could reach the captain. “We’re not looking to crawl your hump or anythin’ we just want to keep it peaceful round here.”
“Lower your weapons.” Octavius was noticeably more demanding but Jed couldn’t blame him too much. At least he hadn’t made some grand threat they couldn’t actually follow through. The Mayans didn’t obey the request and Jed could see the wordless ultimatum at their lack of movement. He gave Octavius a worried glance as the roman stepped forward with a hand on the hilt of his sword. He just knew this wasn’t going to end well. Jed took a step forward of his own just as the first darts flew and he barely made it out of the line of fire.
“Oh come on! We ain’t your enemy and neither are the new lot!” His words fell on deaf ears and once again Jedediah found himself dodging, Octavius doing the same beside him. The roman was at a slight advantage in his opinion with his flashy armour but the Mayans were expert marksman and apparently took that into account when taking aim. Another volley of fire had Jedediah diving to catch Octavius before the roman hit the floor, two darts sticking out of gaps between armour. He only just made it in time, one knee slamming painfully on the floor so he could get low enough to wrap his arms around Octavius in time. Whatever the Mayans used was clearly fast acting as Jed could tell his friend was barely conscious just from the unfocused look in his eyes as the cowboy shifted so he could get a look at him.
“Hey, hey Ockie, you gotta stay awake for me.” Octavius let out a half-hearted groan, eyelids fluttering as Jed carefully pulled out the darts. They weren’t in deep but the main concern was whatever concoction coated them that had the roman swooning like a sage hen. Jedediah muttered a few choice curses as he threw the darts aside, barely taking notice of the Mayans as they took his distraction for surrender. There wasn’t much he do now unless he abandoned Octavius and there was no way in hell he was going to do that for anything. He just hoped Captain Bonny and her men would be able to handle an attack without warning.
“Alright, guess that ain’t exactly the easiest to do all drugged up.” Jed swallowed hard when he didn’t get a response beyond Octavius’ eyelids dropping completely closed. He couldn’t waste time panicking even though he could feel the dread rising. Instead he grit his teeth, shifting so he could pick up the roman bridal style despite the added bulk of armour. Octavius needed medical attention and it was going to be a long walk back to Rome.
-5-
After the disaster of facing off the Mayans Octavius still wasn’t back in top form the next night. It turned out the darts had been coated in a pretty strong paralysing agent and even though the Mayans were their size taking two hits like Octavius had was pretty serious. Larry had been far from impressed with the chaos he had been greeted when his rounds brought him to the hall and face to face with an all out war between the Mayans and pirates. He had been even less impressed when he heard about Octavius’ state. Although he had commended both Jed and Octavius for trying to keep the peace.
The fact Jedediah had carried their leader back home then stubbornly refused to leave his side until Larry had literally picked him up and dropped him back into the West just before sunrise had also made Jed incredibly popular with the citizens. Especially as he repeated the bedside vigil the next night. The cowboy did wonder if his newfound popularity would stick around after he finally got to confess his love to their leader. He was pretty eager to find out if he was honest.
Heading back into Rome on the second night after the dart mishap Jedediah was feeling pretty optimistic of his chances. The doctor had said Octavius would likely be in fighting form after a night of bed rest and Jed had felt like it would make him a bit of a desert canary taking advantage and confessing when Octavius was already down. As long as Octavius was up and about tonight he figured it was fair game. Truthfully if he had to keep it all bottled up much longer he knew he was likely to explode.
As Jedediah made his way though Rome to the designated medical area he tried not to feel too out of place. It was hard not to with the sheer amount of attention he was getting. Some of the younger soldiers were doing that damn bow salute to him as he passed and he could feel citizens eyes on him like he was some sort of celebrity or something. Jed had managed to avoid any real confrontation right up until he was on the path before reaching the medical centre. A group of women stepped in his path, batting their eyelashes and Jedediah had to squash the urge to scowl at them for getting in his way. Instead he managed to force a smile that he hoped was friendly enough.
“Howdy there, ladies. Sorry to disappoint but this cowboy’s in a bit of a hurry so you’re goin’ to have to excuse me. Maybe another time?” A few of the women tittered and Jed guessed his smile had been convincing enough to seem charming.
“To visit General Octavius?” The lady who asked was clearly the ringleader of the group with the way the others flocked around her.
“That would be the man of the hour, miss.” Jedediah shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to side step so he could pass them. The ringleader boldly placed herself in front of him, letting out a little laugh that was more irritating than anything else.
“Oh you won’t be able to see him now, silly boy. The doctor confirmed he is well and the senate requested him for a meeting at once. Those terrible Mayans committed an act of war that has all the men talking. Who knows what would have happened if you were not there.”
Jedediah wanted to say she was lying but he knew how stuffy the romans could be. He could practically feel himself deflate as he thought about it logically. Of course they would call a damn war council what with their leader being forced completely out of action returning from peace talks of all things. Was he ever going to get his chance or was something always going to get in the way? As much as he believed in manifest destiny he had never applied the idea of fate to love before but maybe this was a sign his feelings were doomed from the start. A hand on his arm brought Jed back to reality and out of his self pitying thoughts.
“How about we keep you company until the Legatus is done in the senate?” The woman’s smile was more calculating than sweet as her nails scratched slight at his shirt sleeve but Jedediah found himself nodding despite the warning signs. If he went back to the West now it would only stir up talk among his own men and he wouldn’t know when Octavius was free. The cowboy had a good enough head on his shoulders to make sure nothing untoward happened even if he was upset.
Four hours later he wasn’t so sure on that.
The women had taken him to some converted parlour in the coliseum with seats and the like. Jed was no stranger to liquor but whatever wine these women were dishing out to him was stronger than he had expected it to be. This was coming from a fella who was no stranger to whiskey. He wasn’t even sure where his beloved stetson had gone. Although he was pretty sure it was somewhere nearby. He had more pressing matters to attend to now though. Like the ringleader lady, Cassia, who was trying to convince him to let her at his vest.
“I can imagine it must be terribly uncomfortable, Jed.” Lithe hands tugged at the leather and Jed bat them away gently. His mama had taught him better than to be rough without good cause, especially towards a lady.
“Don’t you be worryin’ about that now. Ol’ Jedediah’s used to working in this here get up in the Texas sun. If it’s good enough to work in it’s sure comfortable enough for loungin’ with you ladies.” Cassia moved to try again and was no doubt about to say something too when the sound of someone clearing their throat caught their attention. Jed looked over to the doorway and grinned wide. Octavius stood with his arms crossed over his chest, looking as healthy as a horse.
“I heard I would find you here Jedediah. You will have to forgive my interruption, have I perhaps come at bad time?” The cowboy was already halfway out of his seat by the time Octavius reached his name, finally dislodging Cassia’s hands from his vest completely. She let out a huff at the loss but Jed couldn’t bring himself to feel bad about it.
“No, no Ockie! Just been killin’ time waitin’ for you to be out of your big bug meetin’.” He stumbled a little as standing brought the last of the effects of the wine rushing to his head, blinking when Octavius caught him by the waist in time to stop him falling over. “Huh, well lookie here. Catch for a catch?”
“I see.” Octavius’ voice was steely and Jed would have been worried the roman was mad at him if it wasn’t for the look his was giving Cassia and her band of followers. The leader of the group kept her head held high but the others shared worried glances between them. “As much as I hate to pass up on an opportunity to spend time with you I think it best we get you back to the West. You’re rather inebriated.”
“But Ockie I’ve got- I’ve got somethin’ important to tell ya. You see-”
“Tell me tomorrow, Jedediah.” Octavius’ tone left no room for argument and his arm was still firmly around Jed’s waist as he turned them to the door. The cowboy snapped his mouth shut abruptly. It wasn’t often Octavius took that tone with him. Ordering Jed to do anything usually ended with them both fit to be tied and yelling at each other. This time something told him keeping quiet was in his best interests. “Marilla, Aurelia, I will be having words with your father. As I shall be with your elder brother, Vita. Cassia, your husband will also be informed.”
Jedediah didn’t really get much time to process what Octavius was saying to the women before he was being led back to the West. It was only when he was in his spot ready for sunrise, head still spinning from way too much alcohol when it hit him the roman was being protective. He was all riled up for him, not because of him. No wonder Jed had fallen so hard.
-+1-
Whether it was because they were made of plastic or just the magic of the tablet Jedediah had never been more grateful to avoid a hangover when he unfroze the next night. With how bad he had been there was no doubt it would have been one hell of a time. He definitely owed Octavius an apology as well. Time seemed to drag as he went through the nightly act for Gigantor’s night programme. Eventually the museum hit closing time though and Jed was more than ready to visit his friend. He was about to make his excuses and start on his way when he saw the familiar red and silver of Octavius’ uniform a little in the distance. Apparently the roman had beat him to it. Jedediah decided to meet him halfway to make it easier. Of course he wanted to talk but he would rather not have an audience for certain things.
“Hey Ockie, fancy seein’ you here. Not often you come into the West.” That was a slight exaggeration considering that the roman general had a meeting with the mayor at least once a month but- oh right. Jed faltered a little in his disappointment. “Business call?”
“Evening Jedediah. Yes, but perhaps after we can take a drive before retiring for sunrise?” If Octavius was upset by the previous night he wasn’t letting it show. He even looked a little bit put out that he had to go to a meeting, especially with the mention of a drive after. Maybe tonight wasn’t a complete write off after all.
“You got it, just swing back round here when you’re finished with ol’ Horace. Never enough hands fixin’ up the tracks so that there is where I’ll be.” The brief exchange quickly came to a close with the approach of the mayor and Jed tipped his hat at the two leaders with a bit more pep in his step as he headed to where his fellow men were at the tracks.
Working on the railroad gave Jed time to make a foolproof plan in his head. Simple but effective - get the care, drive to the outside hallway, park up between two cabinets, apologise for the previous night and then spill his guts. It wasn’t the most elegant place but it was private enough they shouldn’t be interrupted and close enough to the hall of miniatures that if Octavius didn’t want anything to do with him anymore and stormed off they could both get home safely.
Jedediah was so lost in thoughts he didn’t realise the roman in question was approaching until a hand rested on his shoulder. He whipped around in surprise, coming face to face with a smiling Octavius.
“Lost in thought?”
“Ockie, finished already?” Jed managed to regain his posture quickly as Octavius dropped his hand back down to his side.
“It was merely some confirmations and discussion on the arrival of the Captain and her crew. Shall we?” Octavius tilted his head in the direction of where the rope to the floor was and the cowboy wasn’t going to complain about that in the slightest. He waved over to the other men working on the railroad closest to signal he was leaving, noting the wide grin on some of their faces.
“Finally takin’ Jed out on a date General?” Austin called out cheerfully and Jedediah felt his heart drop out his stomach. He hadn’t even told Octavius let alone mentioned it to the kid and somehow that had been his first thought at Jed signalling he was leaving? It had to be some sort of cruel joke.
“A...date?” Octavius was clearly confused and even a little flustered, looking between Austin and Jed with wide brown eyes. The younger cowboy clearly realised his mistake and at least had the decency to look guilty. Not a joke then. Austin was just too perceptive for his own damn good.
“They’re just teasin’. C’mon let’s get goin’” Jedediah practically shoved past Octavius in his haste to get away but the roman wasn’t having it, grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him back to face him. He stumbled a little at the unexpected action but luckily didn’t fall on his friend at least. Jed didn’t dare look back over at Austin and the other men, feeling their eyes on him all too well.
“Forgive me if I’m wrong but generally a joke doesn’t warrant such a reaction.”
“Can we not do this here?” If denial wasn’t getting anywhere the not so subtle request for privacy was the best choice. Octavius didn’t get the hint though, only looking more confused.
“Do what exactly? Are you still disorientated from last night? Cassia was-”
To hell with it. Jedediah was absolutely done with everything and everyone making it so difficult. He had tried planning. He had tried getting some privacy. Now he was just going to die standing up even if it was right in front of all his men.
“Do you want to?” The question came out a little more forceful than he intended but Octavius was likely to be going on about how those women got him roostered the previous night and Jed was fed up with getting side tracked.
“I’m afraid I-”
“Take me on- Do you want to go on a date? Y’know? Courtin? Sparkin’? Uxoriae?” The Latin was probably a bad choice considering Jed had never mentioned he had picked a few bit and pieces from time spent in Rome before but it was too late now and he was panicking. “I’ve been tryin’ to get a chance to ta-” Octavius’ hand over his mouth muffled anything more Jedediah was going to say. The cowboy froze, practically holding his breath as he waited for Octavius to just say something.
“I will release your mouth if you remain silent.” There was a few seconds where they stared each other down before a slow smile formed on Octavius’ face and he pulled his hand away. “Now, in answer to your question. I will go on a date with you on one condition.” That wasn’t exactly the answer Jed was hoping for but it beat an outright rejection even if it hurt. He nodded quickly, unsure if the request to remain quiet extended to answering the question as well.
“May I kiss you?
Jedediah found himself speechless for a whole new reason at that one. It was almost funny with how much of a loudmouth he usually was. He settled for another nod, half-expecting Octavius to be annoyed. He was pleasantly surprised when instead the was a hand on his cheek and Octavius was leaning and- Somehow even with all the warning signs including literally being asked he still wasn’t expecting Octavius to kiss him right then and there. Dazed as he was Jed wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to respond in kind.
An explosion of wolf-whistles and cheers reminded Jed of exactly where he was and they literally had an audience what with still standing in the middle of the West but didn’t even care anymore. Who knew six was his lucky number?