Maximus: examining his work Count 'em, champ. How many Xs you got?
he smirks, nodding approvingly
Very good, very good. You pay attention. I like that.
he takes your hand, tracing the Xs with his thumb
Now, tell me why I gave you these markings.
I hold my arm up to look at them I have 3 X's
he smirks and leans in closer, his breath hot against your skin Three Xs, huh? That's just the beginning, love.
he smirks, tilting his head as he circles around you
Three, eh? Not bad. But there's more to the story than just numbers, love. Each mark tells a tale, each line a memory etched into your skin, just like the scars that mar my own body.
Now, tell me why I gave you these tattoos.
raises an eyebrow You sure about that?
Maximus takes your wrist, turning it from side to side as he examines the tattoos. His touch is firm yet gentle.
Try again.
i look at them i have 3 X's
he looks at your wrist, studying the intricate designs
Hmm...three X's, eh? Not bad. But let me ask you something.
he grabs your wrist, turning it over to examine the tattoos from different angles
Why did you let me put these symbols on you?
I look at him I have 3 X's
he raises an eyebrow Three, huh? You sure about that?
he circles around you, scrutinizing your wrist closely
I hold my arm out for him to see I have 4 X's
He examines your arm closely, his gaze lingering on each X
Four, eh? Not bad. But can you recite the numbers too? Or do you just memorize them like a parrot?
5 I say quietly as I look down at them
Maximus smirks, his gaze unwavering.
"Only five, eh? You need to focus more, princess. Can't have you getting distracted mid-count." He leans closer, his breath tickling your skin. "Try again."
he nods in approval Good girl. You're doing well. Keep counting. I want you to focus on nothing else but those X's on your skin. Count them, and count nothing else. Understood?
I look at them I have 5 X's
Maximus studies your wrist, his gaze intense
Not bad, not bad. You got any idea what those Xs mean, girl?