Silver

 

531 AD

           

            Antonius had been in love with Maximilian ever since they first met. Maximilian was tall with dark brown hair and light eyes, an uncommon appearance in Rome. He was smarter than everyone despite the fact that he seemed to be no older than twenty. Maximilian had been working in the palace for the past 49 years, and yet he hadn’t aged a day.

           

            Antonius trailed along behind Maximilian as they strode down the massive hallway and into the courtyard. Maximilian was rambling on about the lack of drink there was at a party the previous night, but Antonius was only half listening. He had tried for 7 years to get Maximilian to see him as more than an adviser, and yet they were still having conversations like this.

            “Antonius!” Maximilian stopped in his tracks. “Are you even listening to me?”

            “Yeah- yes, I am”, Antonius sputtered. Maximilian was arrogant and hated being ignored.

            “As I was saying, if they had taken the time to…” Maximilian continued his story and Antonius continued to drown him out. “…You know there’s another party tonight”, Maximilian stopped walking and turned to look at Antonius.

            “Hm?”

            “A party. Someone got married”, he said impatiently.

            “Oh”

            “I’m going. Are you?”

            “Sure”

Maximilian was obviously annoyed. He turned back and continued on his way down into the courtyard to meet some officials. Antonius decided this would be a good time to go escape Maximilian’s anger and go back to his chamber to prepare for the party he dreaded going to tonight.

 

            The party had lasted at least 10 hours. Antonius had no interest in being there and was ecstatic when people began to leave. Maximilian, who was dressed in a far too elaborate armor piece, met up with Antonius and they walked back to Maximilian’s chamber.

            “Help me get out of this”, Maximilian began to tug on the large plate covering his chest.

            Antonius sighed, “I’m your adviser not your servant”.

Maximilian glared, “Come on Antonius it weighs a ton”. Antonius sighed and began to untie the leather straps that bound the armor to his body. After about ten minutes the plate slid off, leaving red raw marks where the straps were. Antonius brushed his hand over one of the marks on his shoulder. Maximilian turned to look at Antonius, only a few inches separating their faces. He then reached around his waist and brought him in for a soft kiss. Antonius’ heart stopped as he pulled away, a look of shock on both of their faces.

            “I, uh”, this was the first time Maximilian didn’t know what to say.

Antonius realized that his feelings weren't completely unrequited, so he leaned in and kissed Maximilian back. He could feel the tension release as they continued, each kiss becoming longer and more passionate. Maximilian pushed Antonius onto his bed and began to pull off his clothes. Maximilian climbed on top of Antonius and flipped him over. His heart almost exploded out of his chest as Maximilian ran his hand up his bare thigh and latched on to his slender hips. He placed a light kiss on Antonius’ neck then, very suddenly, forced his entire self into him. Antonius let out a sharp cry that was muffled by Maximilian’s hand. He thrust into him several times and moved his hand away from his mouth and ran it through Antonius’ sandy blonde hair. The pain and pleasure was almost unbearable as Maximilian continued to thrust into him, each one more rigorous than the last. After what felt like hours of this, they both finished. Maximilian flipped onto his side, panting hard. Antonius was unsure what to do; he could feel Maximilian’s hand rubbing his back.

            “Antonius”, Maximilian whispered into his ear “Come here”. Antonius rolled over into Maximilian’s arms and laid his head on his smooth chest. Maximilian lovingly stroked Antonius’ hair as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

           

            Sunlight spilled in from the window, directly on to the two sleeping boys. Antonius blinked awake, fragments of the night before rushing to him. He had never been so frightened in his life, and yet, he didn’t want to leave Maximilian’s side. I rested his head back onto his chest and laid there in silence. Silence. There was something wrong, something missing. He listened again, still nothing. Maximilian didn’t have a heartbeat. Antonius quickly sat up and tried feeling a pulse at his neck or his wrists but nothing was there.

            Maximilian’s eyes began to open and he looked up at Antonius, “Good morning”, he said with a weary smile. His smile quickly faded when he noticed the fear in Antonius’ eyes. “What’s wrong?”

            “Where’s your heartbeat?” Antonius whispered.

            “What?” Maximilian sat up to meet Antonius’ gaze

Antonius hesitantly put a hand on Maximilian’s chest, “There’s nothing there”.

Maximilian pulled away, “It’s – it’s nothing”.

            “Yes it is. What’s wrong with you?”

            Maximilian got out of the bed and put on one of his robes, “Nothings wrong with me Antonius! I’m fine”.

            “Does this have to do with you not aging-?”

            “Shut up”, Maximilian turned away, obviously very upset.

            Antonius got up and stroked his back “I just want to know what-

            “Just shut up!” Maximilian smashed his armor on the ground and cradled his head in his hands”.

            “Please, tell me what’s wrong”, Antonius stood up and stroked Maximilian’s head.

Maximilian nodded and leaned up against the cold stone wall, “I guess I’ll start from the beginning”.