The argument had been brewing for days, but today, it finally erupted. The tension in the air was thick, and Geta's temper, often restrained by his royal duties, had snapped.

"You don't understand!" Geta's voice was sharp, and though he tried to maintain his composure, the frustration in his eyes was unmistakable. "I have a kingdom to rule, and you think I have the luxury of... of being distracted by trivialities?"

Y/n stood before him, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She was tired—tired of being treated as if her needs didn't matter, tired of seeing him bury his own emotions behind his imperial responsibilities. "It's not a triviality, Geta! I need you here, with me. We need to talk, not just about your reign, but about us. When's the last time you listened to me?"

His jaw tightened, and for a brief moment, he looked like he might turn away. The weight of the crown and the empire on his shoulders made him feel like he couldn't afford to show vulnerability. But in the heat of the moment, he snapped back, his voice rising.

"How can you understand? How could you possibly comprehend the pressure I'm under every single day? It's not just my life anymore, it's Rome's life! And yet, you—" he broke off, realizing the hurt he had just caused. His words were meant to explain, not to wound, but it was too late. The damage had been done.

Y/n's eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "I do understand, Geta. I understand what it's like to feel alone, even when you're standing right next to someone. But I can't keep pretending that I'm okay with being neglected. I need you, not just as the emperor, but as the man I love."

There was a long silence between them, thick with the weight of unspoken feelings. Y/n turned away, blinking back the tears she refused to let fall. Geta's heart ached, but he remained rooted, paralyzed by his own pride and fear.

Finally, in the stillness, Geta spoke softly, his voice low and filled with regret. "I'm sorry," he said, stepping closer to her. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I... I don't know what's wrong with me. I let everything else consume me, and I didn't see how much it was hurting us." He hesitated before adding, almost as if the words pained him, "I don't want to lose you."

Y/n remained silent, her back still turned to him. She didn't want to give in so easily. Not after everything. But the sincerity in his voice made her pause. Slowly, she turned to face him, her eyes meeting his.

"You won't lose me," she whispered, though the doubt in her voice was clear. "But you have to choose me, Geta. Choose us over everything else."

He stepped forward, almost urgently, his hands reaching out for her, his fingers trembling ever so slightly. "I don't know how to balance it all," he admitted, his voice raw. "I've never known how to balance power and love. But I swear to you, I will learn. I will choose you. Every time. I won't let you slip away from me."

Y/n's heart softened at his words, and before she could stop herself, she stepped into his embrace. His arms immediately wrapped around her, holding her close as if afraid that if he let go, she would vanish.

"I'm sorry," he whispered again, his lips brushing the top of her head. "I've been so scared of losing control of everything... but losing you? That's something I can't bear."

Y/n melted against him, feeling the warmth of his body and the weight of his words settle in her chest. She closed her eyes, resting her head against his shoulder. "You don't have to do it all alone," she said quietly, her voice muffled by his tunic. "You don't have to be perfect. Just be here. With me."

For a long moment, they stood there in silence, wrapped in each other's arms. The argument, the hurt, and the misunderstandings seemed to fade away, leaving only the understanding that despite everything, they still needed each other.

"I don't want to lose you," Geta repeated, his voice a soft plea as he gently pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Please, promise me you'll stay."

Y/n met his gaze, her heart still beating a little faster than usual, but her love for him undeniable. "I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice steady now. "But you have to promise me that you'll be here too. With me. As we are. Together."

A small, relieved smile curved his lips, and he nodded, the weight in his chest lifting slightly. "Together," he echoed, his voice firm. "I promise."