Flavia turned at Julius and shook her head. Julius could see that Flavia is asking him to back off. As usual, he would never understand the dynamics between those two. And just like always, he retreated.
Flavia asked Julius to back off because she knew Maximus has not fainted, but he is acting cuddly as he used to when he was young. She barely felt his weight on her shoulders. He must have missed having someone around him all this time. She regretted not barging in earlier.
She regretted following her husband's advice. He is not some Emperor she needs to be careful about. This is the boy she raised. She loves him and he loves her.
Flavia hugged him and ran her fingers through his greasy hair. "When was the last time you bathed? Should I prepare you hot water?" she asked. "You stink."
Maximus said nothing and leaned on her shoulder for some time.
