The Gladiator and The Girl

The Horn Sounds

As we walk into the Ludus ground I want to say I did not scan the immediate vicinity for Sina but then I would be a Liar. Which I am not. Besides it's only because I wanna make sure he isn't around. He puts me on edge.

"He's in the back practicing."

I look back to find Falco smirking at me with his arms crossed.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I say as I start walking towards the infirmary.

I hear him speed up his walk a little in order to catch up with me, "Sure you don't. You were obviously making sure there was no immediate danger towards me."

I stop short. "You're a crazy old man you know that?"

He just nods and keeps walking.

Crazy.

- - - -

We enter his main office and I place my bread down and take only one loaf out for now. I may be willing to share but he's being sassy. So he gets half.

I pull a chunk of the bread apart and hand it over to him, "Here papa, try this."

He nonchalantly throws a piece in his mouth as he sits down. I stare at him waiting to see if he likes it. I mean I think it's darn near amazing.

He nods, "Very good. Where did you find it?"

"I went to a new bakery. They seem to have amazing talent for baking."

"I have to agree. Is that why you were out and about? For bread?"

Why is he looking at me like that's not a solid reason to go out? Food is life.

I shake my head anyway, "No, I was taking a letter to Valeria to take or send to Belva for me. Her anniversary is coming up and with the new baby I figure Valeria will be going into super grandmother mode again soon."

"I see, well if you'd like I can give it to her later? I have a meeting with her about some medicine to take Belva this evening actually."

"That would be great! Thank you."

"You're wel-"

A horn sounds in the distance and draws Falco's attention immediately away from our conversation.

"What does that mean?"

"Means I have to go. Gene I want you to go home."

He looks upset, which is rare enough but he doesn't typically end our time together so suddenly usually.

"Sure, can I pick anyth-"

"Now sweetheart."

Jeez hold your horses old man.

I get up and quickly pack my bread back up but not before pulling some more off and leaving it in front of him.

"Please eat Papa. Whatever you're doing now cannot be done without you at your best."

He looks up and smiles at me. "Thank you. I'd be lost without you."

I nod and turn around to leave, "I know."

I walk down the main hall and it seems this horn called a lot of higher ups out from their normal business. I see Adriano coming towards me and give him a small wave. He gives me a small grin and nod as he passes by. He looks stressed out too, I hope everything is okay.

I walk towards the side gate as I'm figuring that since I needed to leave so quickly I probably shouldn't go out in front of everyone.

"Carissi- Gene!"