Welp another chapter pretty quick. Maybe cause it's so short? Maybe cause I just love umu so much?
Nero knelt at her Praetor's side, her hands resting on her beloved's thighs. The Emperor gazed solemnly up into the face she adored oh so much, as hidden by hair as it was. Her Praetor was not one for facial emotion, so the expressionless face was not a new sight to Nero.
However it tore at her heart. Doused her inner flames. For as stoic as her Praetor was, there was always a hint of happiness when Nero was by her side. But now, there was nothing. Soft lips set in a thin line, caring eyes shrouded by her fringe. Hakuno displayed nothing. No emotion, no sign of life.
Yet Nero continued her vigilance. If her Praetor were to awaken, she would awaken to Nero's presence. The Emperor would settle for nothing less than the best for Hakuno. And nothing would be better than awakening to her own brilliant person.
No matter how long it took.
Nero would be there for her.
The smallest twitch of her Praetor's right hand brought Nero out of her resting state. The Emperor's eyes lit up with anticipation, but her face remained passive. It would not be the first time that Hakuno had twitched in her slumber. A movement of a leg she had been resting on brought a smile to Nero's lips. She knew that her beloved Praetor was stirring now.
So she moved from her kneeling position and stood in front of Hakuno. Nero would be the first thing to be seen, as soon as her Praetor opened her eyes and looked ahead.
Nero fiddled with her hair, making sure it was as impeccable as always. She smoothed out a few creases in her attire and lightly tapped her cheeks to bring some colour out in them. Hakuno had mentioned how much she loved it when she saw her blush after all.
A light groan brought Nero's attention back to her beloved. One dainty hand had been lifted to rub at her eyes and Nero beamed in happiness at seeing proper, conscious movement. The hand moved away and two slightly hazy eyes gazed at Nero. They slowly cleared and the lips that Nero adored moved into a gentle smile that sent tingles throughout the Emperor's body.
"Nero…" The soft uttering of her name brought a grin to her face.
"Umu! It is good to see you awaken, Praetor! You had kept me waiting for a while, but I shall forgive you." Nero's clear voice rang throughout the chamber as Hakuno shifted in the throne, leaning forward, elbows on knees and chin resting on her hands.
"Why was I sleeping here…?" The drowsy tone hadn't completely left Hakuno's voice and the breathy nature of it was music to Nero's ears.
"You were simply exhausted, Praetor. I did not have the heart to remove you to our room, knowing you could awaken at any time. You may thank me for my thoughtfulness." Nero held her chin up as she smiled at Hakuno.
"You always know what's best, Nero. Thank you." Her face settled into it's familiar neutrality as a yawn came over her. Nero's smile faltered as Hakuno brought up a hand to cover her mouth.
"U-umu. It is to be expected. May we converse, Praetor? I know you are exhausted but…" Her voice trailed off and Hakuno looked up, the hesitation in her voice clearing alerting the Master to her Servant's distress.
"Nero. You can always talk to me. You know that I enjoy our talks. No matter the topic." Hakuno leant back in the chair, the posture eerily similar to her resting state. But Nero could do nothing, not without distressing her beloved Praetor.
"Of course I do! It is conversing with myself, after all." The familiar air of, dare Hakuno call it, smugness brought a slight smile to the brunette's face.
"What have you been doing while I rest?" The innocent question left Hakuno's lips and Nero froze for a split second before covering it up with a bright grin.
"Bringing Rome back to it's true glory! Umu, it is a sight to behold. One day we shall travel it's expanses ourselves, experiencing all that our empire has to offer!" Nero made grandiose hand movements as she spoke, passion bleeding through her entire existence.
"Our empire? I thought it was yours." A fond smile was on Hakuno's face as she took in the form of her Servant.
"Praetor! It is most shameful, but I did not seek to obtain your permission. Th- This ring, our affections and our bond… I named you joint ruler of our empire. In the eyes of our citizens, we are married. I- I hope this does not displease you, my Master." Nero's expression was a mix of fear, anticipation, love and pleading.
Hakuno, her face expressionless, held her left hand to Nero. The Emperor moved forward, clasping it with both of her own, eyes firmly stuck to the offered hand. The slight warmth that it pulsed through her grasp, Nero made sure to burn it into her mind.
"P- Praetor…" Her gaze slowly moved up into the eyes of her beloved.
"I'd like a ring, Nero. I see one on your hand but I seem to be missing my own." A full smile came across Hakuno's face, exposing perfect teeth that Nero rarely saw.
"Umu! It shall be done! I will accept none other than the best craftsmen to create you a magnificent ring, worthy of your own brilliance!" Nero squeezed her Praetor's hand and stepped away to pace as she thought the matter over.
"I… I'd like that, Nero…" Hakuno yawned once more as she closed her eyes, the blanket of exhaustion covering her.
Nero, so caught up in her planning didn't catch the slight shift of her master's voice.
"Praetor, I shall leave immediately so that I may procure yo-" The Emperor's sentence was cut short as her eyes took in the form of her beloved. Arms resting on either side of the chair. Body leant back against the throne. Head slumped forward and hair shadowing the eyes.
The passionate light in Nero's eyes, the excited and elated air that surrounded her slowly dissipated. Bleeding out into nothing but a fond, accepting smile.
Nero knew the circumstances. She knew that they would never truly live the life she wished them to. She knew that Hakuno would not allow her to live this way, if she only knew the situation. But the Emperor wouldn't be swayed. She wouldn't be persuaded from this life.
Nero Claudius dearly loved her Praetor, and she would take whatever she could get.
Even if it was merely a few minutes of conversation.
Why do I torture myself by writing sad stuff? Well, at least it's kinda sad to me. Not sure if I'm any good at bringing emotions out into my writing at this stage.
Also if anyone plays F/GO on the NA server and is actually active, my friend code is 243,564,762. Add me if my supports would be of use, or if you want a active person on your list.