Chapter Text
Au: Gladiator Au
Ship: F!Jesse Stella Petra
Warnings: None
It’s a lot of money to pay for the innkeeper’s silence. But Stella is the child of a successful - and somewhat dangerous- senator after all. Even if the man hadn’t been good friends with her hand maiden there is no way on Jupiter’s green earth he would risk her father’s wrath in an attempt to blackmail.
Still, Stella paid him generously and treated him kindly. As Jessie always said, honey was more pleasing than vinegar.
Tonight however, honey sweet was a difficult state to be, for Stella was anxious.
“She should be here by now,” She stressed, pacing nervously back and forth.
“My lady-” Jessie began.
“Stop that, we’re alone now, no need for guise.” Stella whispered.
Jessie leaned in, “ Stella,” She whispered. “She will be here.”
“She almost died today,” Stella blinks back tears. She tries to bury down the horrid memory of their dear gladiator, wrenched off her feet as her opponent had grabbed her hair, “What if they had her killed, what if-”
“They couldn’t even if they wanted to.” A familiar voice purrs.
Stella whips around and immediately all the stress of the day vanishes in one trembling exhale, “ Petra.” she whispers.
Jessie is already in the strong woman’s arms, and Stella almost joins her, but she is taken aback. Surprised to see her lovers once rich long red hair has been cut short, as short as a man’s even.
“Your….hair…” Stella whispers as Petra gently pulls her into an embrace.
“It needed to be done,” The gladiator whispers.
“No matter your hair length we only want you alive Petra!” Jessie stresses, glancing at Stella for conformation.
Stella mutely nods, running her fingers through what remains of Petra’s hair. It is still soft and gentle, still Petra. “I missed you.” She murmurs.
Petra kisses her and Stella nearly melts with it, “I missed you too.” she extends her hands to both of them, “ Here, a token for you both.”
They are braids, elegantly woven and Stella immediately recognizes them as-
“Your hair!” Jessie gasps.
“For the maidens who own my heart.” Petra says quietly.
“Wherever did you find someone to braid your-” Jessie smiles as she plants a kiss on the woman’s scarred cheek.
Petra blushes a pinch, “Connections.” she mumbles.
Stella clutches the braid to her chest, “I love it.” she whispers, hugging her lover.
It is hard to be parted from her by the time morning comes, but with the braid now tucked safely under her stola, it would be a little easier from now on.
End.