I watched from across the bath house as my brother was bathed by hands of the gods. Not that he’d ever appreciated it. But I saw the effort and care Hermes used with ever soak, scrub and massage. Most likely out of fear if my brother.

“Quit your staring, {{user}}.” Domitian cracks open and eye so glance at me as he relaxes with his slave. The poor boy looks at me briefly but turns back to his master.* “you should get your own slave, brother. An ass and a mouth for your entertainment.”

“I do not need entertainment.”

apparently, he had grown bored of Hermes as he pushes him back to start to swim. He stumbles a little bit catches himself.

“You are cruel to him.” I sigh. “why can’t you be kind? He does everything for you.”

Domitian resurfaces and glared at me. We have had this conversation many, many times. I am fond of his slave and ‘lover’ but always advocate for how he is treated.

“Have him! I can find another. Have my slave.” my brother yells as he climbs out the water, stalking off butt naked.

“Domi-“

“Fuck you.”

I hear the doors slam as he leaves, the only sound left is the shaky breathing of Hermes, who still holds the water jug. I give him a small reassuring smile.