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Just a second ago, Octavius was wasting his time away at the museum. With the help of his loyal troops, he watched cat videos like usual. The day was as normal as any other; however in the blink of his eyes there was a blinding flash. As the spots and dizziness slowly faded, something was immediately off. It was easy to notice the dry dirt that he was laying on top of, that replaced the familiar museum countertop. His sudden change of location was the least of the man’s worries. As I looked up at the harsh sun, the skies were less endless than usual. Everything seemed more suited for his size, and at a glance he couldn’t see the end of a diorama. Somehow despite all odds, Octavius was alive once more.
This wasn’t a case of him, being given a brief moment each night, from the tablets' ancient magic. No, he was actually human again, or well the person he was based off of. Not a figure made to resemble the grand general, created with his memories, he was truly him now. Octaviis had no clue how this happened, or how he still could recall those precious moments from the museum. To him the how didn’t matter, it didn’t have to make sense for the man to enjoy it; actually something else was keeping Octavius from truly feeling joy.
While yes he occasionally wished for this, dreamed so desperately to truly live, things had changed. Yes it would be amazing to be able to go back to Rome, but the experience would be hollow. For back at his homeland there was no Jedediah, the man that made Octavius believe he had a heart every night. That was one thing the museum had over the country he cherished so much. He didn’t know if that made him a treasonous traitor, it was easier not to think about it.
Slowly Octavius got up to his feet, brushing off his old dusty military garb. He took off his helmet casually tossing it aside, the sun was just too harsh it seemed. The Roman then stripped off his chestplate, getting rid of what was unnecessarily. While it left Octavius open to attack, that wouldn’t matter if he died of heatstroke first. Though he had to admit, he did look a bit ridiculous in only half his uniform.
Taking his first steps forward, he was actually able to take in his surroundings. It was a slow realization, to something that was immediately obvious. Ocatvius was indeed not in Ancient Rome, but it also was still not the museum. It was very puzzling, why was he here in the middle of nowhere. Not knowing what else to do, he just kept walking forward. Octavius was not the kind to wait for death to find him, why start now?
As he ventured through an endless stretch of nothingness, and exhaustion slowly crept at him, his eyes spotted something at the horizon line. A flat long thing that was low to the ground, with men at its side tending to it. Getting a bit closer, he could notice a large train. Wait? This all looked familiar, like something straight out of Jedediah’s diorama. Octavius was already running as fast as his legs could take him, before he could finish the thought.
Nothing else mattered to him in this split second, there was a chance that his little cowboy was here. That they were both truly alive, and could have a life together. Even if the law and culture wasn’t against it, that didn’t matter to him. For just a real moment together, Octavius would happily put his life on the line. His only hesitation was being unsure if Jed felt the same. That was a problem for the future, at this moment he had to keep on running.
Octavius was only a few yards out from the tracks, when his vision began to blur. Each step became even more sluggish, his balance wavering. The general’s legs were so numb, he didn’t even realize when they buckled at first. Octavious reached out a desperate hand, grabbing at some dead grass. He gave a pointless attempt to crawl the rest of the way, when everything finally went dark.
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His eyes were still resting closed, as Octavious slowly eased back into consciousness. Female sounds of chatter tickled against his ear, but he didn’t care enough to pay attention. The general was just glad to be alive, and maybe was still a bit exhausted. Octavious hasn’t felt such a morning straight, since being on active duty. The pain was annoying, but also somehow a smidge nostalgic. He gave a tiny yawn, as his mind drifted back towards Rome. A couple of more minutes of sleep couldn’t hurt, that's when a familiar voice forcefully yanked against his attention.
“I don’t know who this foreigner is, he looks a little funny. I was just checking on the railroad construction, keeping the peace. Saw him conked out, face smooching the dirt.” Jedediah spoke up. Octavius knew it was him before even opening his eyes. He shot up in the infirmary bed, almost giving the poor nurse a heart attack.
“..Oh uh hello there…” The Roman spoke up, fumbling his words horribly. He softly cursed under his breath, and looked over at Jedediah waiting for some kind of quip. Seeing his sweet cowboy look at him, without a hint of recognition, hurt worse than a spear to the heart. Though the pain was something Octavius could deal with, he was alive and near Jed. Things could, very much, be worse than this.
He watched Jedediah turn away to talk to the nurse more, it was in a hushed whisper the General couldn’t quite make out. Octavius used this moment to take in his surroundings. It was odd to see a medical area in such a stable building, instead of the tents of war time. Glancing down at himself, he got an even more potent shock. Someone, that nurse probably, had changed out his clothes. Instead of his bare remnants of a Roman uniform, he now wore a shirt and pants that didn’t quite fit. He liked to think they were Jed’s clothes.
Taking a deep breath, having an actual moment to think, one thing was clear to him. This wasn’t a dream, he woke up and was still somehow alive. Did a hidden wish in his heart somehow get answered? Again he didn’t care or need an answer, it was just a thought that crossed his mind. Maybe because this was what he had wished, every time a shooting star passed him by. Though he doubted that theory, he didn’t believe in wishes even if he partook in them.
His train of thought was interrupted by the sweet sound of clacking cowboy boots. Jedadeiah alone slowly waltzed into his view, with his own signature sass. He gave a small tip of his cowboy hat, making direct contact with Octavius. The ladder had to look away, to hide a growing blush. He kind of regretted throwing away his helmet, it made hiding a flushed face easier.
“So what is an outsider like you, doing around these parts? Keeping the peace, that's my job around here, kapeesh?” Jedediah pondered, as he took a step forward. Octavius felt himself get grabbed, by his short messy brunet locks. He was forced to face the cowboy, to look him right into the eyes. There was not a chance to hide, or cower within his own emotions.
“Caught wind of the great railroad, and your people manifested their destiny… Is it a crime to be curious...” The Roman softly muttered, struggling to get the last part out. His heart felt like it was gonna explode. He thought Jedediah was against being manhandled, or maybe the cowboy just hated being on the receiving end; either way Octavius didn’t have a reason to complain. There were many moments when he wished for an opportunity, one just like this, even if he never would admit it outloud.
“Well I can’t blame you for that, who wouldn’t want a peek. I can’t have you just wandering around. You haven’t exactly proven yourself to be the trustworthy type. It doesn’t matter if I understand your curiosity, I don’t take kindly to strangers.” Jedediah spoke up. His eyes slowly looked the soldier up and down. Octavius felt his blush deepen, as he was stuck pinned in place.
“May I ask how you plan on doing that?” The general slowly asked. He found that each breath was getting harder to form. The warmth of Jed’s breath gently tickled his nose. As they stayed close, Octavius felt the cowboy’s grip slightly loosen from his hair.
“While you are in this town, my neck of the woods, you are staying with me. I assume you don’t have any reservations already, for a place to bunk for the night. Don’t make me say out loud, partner, I’ve already made myself clear.” Jedediah whistled softly. He finally let go of the other’s hair and pulled his hand back to his side.
Octavius watched every single small, minute detail the man made. He wished it lasted longer, that their half hearted embrace could go on forever. Yet a simple threat, no promise, kept his heart soaring even now. He was invited to stay at that cowboy’s house, and be at his side. While his home in Rome always had a place in his heart, he didn’t mind never seeing it again, if it meant that he could keep this. A chance, a life he can spend with Jedidah. What more could a man ask for?