The streets of Rome were quieter than usual that night. The city, known for its endless bustle, seemed to pause as the moon cast silver light over its stone walls. But for Lucius Verus, the silence was deafening.

He stood in his chambers, gazing out the window, the soft flicker of candlelight casting shadows across the marble floor. The weight of the empire hung heavy on his shoulders, but that wasn't what troubled him tonight. It was the emptiness of his bed, the cold, uninviting sheets that only reminded him of the distance that now lay between you and him.

It had been several days since he had seen you-days of endless meetings, council discussions, and political affairs that kept pulling him further from the one place he longed to be: with you.

As the night deepened, a sense of restlessness stirred within him. He couldn't sleep-not here, not in this cold, lonely chamber. His thoughts kept wandering to you, to the quiet moments shared between the two of you. He remembered the way you would laugh softly in the privacy of his study, how you would find solace in the stillness of his company, your hand tucked safely in his. Those were the moments that made the weight of his title bearable. The moments when he was simply Lucius, not the emperor, not the general, but a man deeply in love.

"I can't sleep at home tonight," he whispered to the quiet air, as if speaking his desire aloud would make it real. He pulled on his cloak, not bothering with the usual formality of guards or attendants. His heart, heavy with longing, knew only one place where peace could be found: with you.

---

The journey to your villa on the outskirts of the city was swift but filled with anticipation. Lucius' heart quickened with each step, and by the time he reached the gates, he was almost breathless. He nodded to the guard who allowed him entry, and as he made his way through the familiar garden paths, his mind was consumed with the image of you-of the way your eyes softened when you saw him, the gentle smile you reserved just for him.

When he reached the door to your chambers, he hesitated. There was no need for words between you; you had always understood each other without speaking. With a simple knock, he waited, the sound of his heartbeat the only noise in the night air.

The door creaked open, and there you stood-surprised, but not shocked. Your eyes, still heavy with sleep, met his in the dim light.

"Lucius," you whispered, a smile tugging at your lips. "What brings you here at this hour?"

He stepped inside, his gaze never leaving you. "I couldn't sleep," he said, voice thick with emotion. "Not without you."

You reached out instinctively, your hand brushing his, warm and steady. "I knew something was wrong. Come, you must be exhausted."

He didn't hesitate. He followed you into the bedchamber, the familiar scent of lavender and olive oil soothing him instantly. The world outside seemed so far away now, as if it no longer mattered. There was only you, standing before him, the light from the hearth flickering gently in your eyes.

You motioned toward the bed, but he caught your wrist before you could move. His eyes darkened, not with command, but with something deeper-an unspoken yearning.

"I can't sleep at home tonight," he murmured, his voice a low, sincere promise. "Finding my way to you is the only way I can find peace."

Your breath caught in your throat. His words, so simple yet so full of devotion, washed over you like a wave. There was no need for further explanation. Lucius had never been one to indulge in unnecessary declarations; his actions always spoke louder than his words. And his presence in this very room, in this very moment, said everything you needed to know.

Without another word, you guided him to the bed, and together you settled into the soft linens, his arms encircling you tightly as if he could never let you go. The weight of the world, the empire, and the responsibilities that hung over his head, all seemed to melt away when he was with you. There, in the quiet of the night, Lucius Verus was simply a man in love, and you, his one refuge from it all.

His lips brushed against your forehead, a soft and tender kiss, as if to seal his promise. "I'll always find my way back to you," he whispered, his voice a low, soothing murmur.

And in your arms, surrounded by the stillness of the night, you both finally found the peace that had eluded you both for so long.