Chapter Text
Moving on…
For 23 years. Those two words plagued their lives.
Moving on…
Haunted them- followed, taunted them,
Moving on…
Jedediah strong smith.
A cowboy miniature of a man almost forgotten by history Stood at the front of his diorama, hands pressed against the glass barrier just rolled into place by Cecil Fredericks. The small cowboy was screaming profanities and fake words at the night guard- swearing up and down about how if he could, he would shoot the man. But Jedediah knew he wouldn't be able to. The glass stopped him, not to mention that his Guns had the worst of luck, always misfiring.
“Moving on…”
Those words- those two stupid words sent waves of anger through Jedediah’s body. It took everything out of him to not slam his hands on the glass. Hopelessly, the tiny cowboy watched as Cecil closed up the Rome Diorama, listing to the muffled yelling of the general- Gaivs Julius Caesar Augustus- or as Jedediah knew him.
Octavius
His enemy, rival, the stupid Rome emperor, trying to take his land, with his stupid golden-brown eyes, and strong mussels, and…and…
Jedediah forced himself from the glass. That dumb Roman with a stickup his ass- he would never- could never like him. Bound to be enemies and fight, but…if that was the only way he would be able to see those big brown eyes, hear that strong voice- than enemies they shall be.
“Jedediah!”
An older cowboy was running over, pulling Jed out of his thoughts.
“Tom- whatcha doin’ here Partner?”
Tom took off his hat, fanning himself with it, once he reached his leader. He looked disheveled, more than normal, Brown hair Messed up, Shirt roughed up, more dirt covered his pale face, and was that the start of a bruise?
“Now- Thomas, explain to me what in blazing hell has happened?!” Jedediah turned away from the glass, giving the older cowboy his full attention.
“It’s Billy again! Old maggot try’n to start a fight over some woman work’n at the saloon!” Tom growled, plopping his hat back on his head. Jedediah let out a huff and without a second thought or a look back, raced his way to the saloon, Tom hot on his trail.
“Moving on…”
Octavius watched as that stupid night guard walked out of the room, he was still yelling at the man about the glory of Rome and how he swears by the wrath of Mars the man will see his end. After another moment of yelling at nothing, the small Roman sheathed his Sword, letting out a heavy sigh. From where he was standing, he could see the Western diorama and more specifically the blonde hair, blue eye’s Cowboy leader. At the moment, the barbarian as Octavius would call him, was turned away, talking to an older looking cowboy- who Octavius learned was named, troublesome Tom. He watched, as the blonde made a run for it, the older not far behind. Another heavy sigh escaped his lips. If only the western leader had looked back, maybe he would have seen Octavius watching him, maybe the two would start to fight like normal, maybe- just maybe Octavius would see that- stupid- Cowboy’s blue eyes sparkle under the building lights, shining brighter than any star. The stupid cowboy. That barbarian. That- that- stupidly attractive man- who Venus herself must have sculpted. His long blonde hair- bluer than blue eyes- the little stubble he had- skin somehow pale even under the western sun- him and his stupid crooked nose that Octavius found even more attractive, being one of the people to break it over and over again. Octavius forced himself away from the glass, walking back into the Rome city.
Two people stood waiting for the emperor.
Postumus Pavo Amadeus - a young Boy- wearing a white toga that had red accents with some armor. His Galea had fluffy white feathers. All this brought out his dark skin and black hair, Brown eyes filled with worry.
And Antonius Pollux- Also a young Boy- wearing a white Toga with purple accents, with no Armor. A golden leaf crown sat atop of brownish-black hair. Light freckles covered his pale skin, His eyes hazed over blue- holding just as much worry as the Boy next to him.
“ Princeps Civitatis”
Both saluted the Emperor.
“Pavo, Antonius- What New’s have you brought today?”
Octavius looked over the two boys- two people he found himself looking after like they were his sons. He knew his historical counterpart had children but these two- the two boys in front of him now. They were his sons.
“ Our Soldiers are growing restless and are asking for some more training!” Pavo informed Octavius.
“ The senate would also like to speak to you about your ideas on expanding over to the west.” Antonius continued.
Octavius gave a small nod to the two, thinking things over. “Pavo. go and fetch my second in command. Have the soldiers start some training games, fight one another safely. I can not lose any men over something as small as a training game. “ he sighed, remembering the last time.
“ Antonius, come with me- we shall go to the senate building. You will fetch my notes from my chambers once we reach there. Understood?”
Both boys saluted- before giving each other a glance. Pavo ran off towards the training grounds, and Anton followed the Emperor further into the city.
Moving On.