Let's Kill Caesar

2: Cato Goes Out to Scream

Endymion's cheeks were stained red as he fled the comitium, Cicero's eyes boring into him. No doubt the three schemers were discussing Caesar, although Endymion couldn't imagine about what. From what he knew Caesar and Pompey were friends. Well, at least allies. Besides, why would Narcissus bother to dabble in Cicero and Scipio's bullshit?

He shrugged and took out his phone. A smile crept across Endymion's lips.

2 missed calls from BAST.

Warmth crept up his neck as Endymion joined the crowds of the forum.

Rome was buzzing today. The streets were clogged with limousines as the wealthier senators came from the assembly, their mouths running with the news of Caesar's forthcoming return. Camera crews followed the praetors and Consuls like a flock of panicked geese, shoving their microphones and questions in their faces. Equites moved in packs toward their awaiting steeds, eyes shining with excitement as they watched the astonished senators scramble with Bastian's announcement. Endymion shook his head as they laughed and mocked, arrogantly swinging up gracefully upon glossy-brushed horses. They won't be laughing when Vero returns. He'll make sure of that.

The young senator himself bee-lined for an awaiting white limo. The wind tousled his grey brown curtains of hair and playfully tugged at his toga. It was odd wearing the garb of a senator, even after admiring it for so long.

Endymion couldn't help but smile as eyes fell upon him filled with the same reverence his father and brother had received since he could remember. The youth knew the envy behind those gazes was hollow but it did not numb the buzz of excitement beneath his skin.

His loafers crunched the falling autumn leaves as he strode along the footpath. The door to the Brutus limo opened with a snap and a tall man stepped out. Endymion shook his head as the young man lifted the designer shades resting on his nose and clicked his tongue.

"Hey! Get your ass over here Brutus - I don't have all day."

The man smirked and leaned against the car like he was in a commercial, all sleek blue suit, loose red tie and side-swept hair.

The young patrician elbowed him in the stomach and skidded into the back seat before the guy could react. Endymion sniggered as the cocky man slipped in beside him, brows knit. "You're a fuckwit. I hope you know that."

Endymion shoved him in the arm. "Where were you today? I'd expected to hear an objection or two from you."

"Like what? 'Carthage must be destroyed'?"

Endymion sniffed at the dripping derision on his cousin's face. "But it's the Cato legacy."

"My name is Iovita, not Marcus." Cato scrunched up his nose, stretching out his long limbs as the driver pulled onto the street. Endymion let his shoulders slump, amused as the other man dug out a pack of cheap gum from his specially-tailored blazer and popped a piece in his mouth. "Anyway," Iovita mumbled through loud chews, "What did I miss? Another long debate between Cicero and Clodius?"

Endymion rubbed his neck, throat bobbing. The longer you stay quiet the more suspicious he'll be. Cato scowled and straightened up, grape-green eyes thinning to troubled slits. "Well, Brutus? Spit it out."

The cousins stared at each other for an eternity. Endymion released a short breath, shoulders rolling forward. "Caesar may, kinda, be returning to Rome..."

Iovita stiffened, one eye twitching. He sucked in his lips, porcelain skin flushing ruby red. Endymion smiled anxiously as his cousin nodded silently, thin fingers gripping the leather seat. The youth scratched his head, voice quivering, "Cato? Are you alright?"

Cato scrunched his eyes shut, hands clenching into fists. "When? Why?"

Oh gods he's going to self destruct. Endymion grit his teeth. His voice was barely audible as he answered slowly, "A couple of days."

A startled cough. Still Cato remained tensed, body shivering now. Endymion swallowed, lump forming in his throat as his cousin hissed, "Why?"

"To rejoin the Senate, I think."

Cato lunged forward and screamed to the limo driver, "PULL OVER!"

The car had barely slowed to a stop when Cato scrambled over Endymion and onto the street. His cousin didn't bother to stop him. If he gets it out now he'll tire himself out for later.

Passers-by flinched with shock as Cato let out a magnificent screech of rage.

"Saw that coming," the young senator mumbled as he shut the car door. Cato would come back once he grew bored with screaming. So I have a few minutes. Endymion took out his phone and began to scroll The Assembly. Already the platform's number one trending tag was 'Caesar'. No doubt Cato would be joining the onslaught of posts in the next twenty-four hours.

It was something Endymion had never understood about Cato; it wasn't like Caesar had done anything. Vero had always been good to the Senate, always defended Rome with all his strength. He had always taken care of Endymion. You will always have a place with me, young Brutus. I promise you that. It seemed senators like Cato merely enjoyed rivalry.

Endymion frowned as a post from Cassiel Antony popped up.

ca55_anton. I cannot express my excitement for your return v_caesar 😃👍 #finally

"Urgh. Ass-kisser." Endymion's frown deepened as he spied an attached photo of Cassiel with Caesar and his heir, his arm wound tightly around Bastian's waist. Something prickled sharply in his lungs as he ran his eyes over the infuriatingly adorable profile picture of Cassiel and Bast in matching beanies, their eyes sparkling with giddy adoration.

Endymion couldn't fathom how in all his innovative wisdom Caesar had offered the hand of his heir to Antony. Bastian was sweet, full of honest conviction. Cassiel was a douchebag obsessed with Caesar's gratification and collecting trophies, so far Bastian being his most precious. Definitely not worth the betrothal of Rome's most eligible bachelor. I'll tell Caesar so when I see him, Endymion lied to himself forcing the tab to close. At that moment Iovita swung back into the limousine, face flushed red.

Endymion smirked as his cousin straightened his tie, drew in a heavy breath. "Feel better?"

"No," Cato snarled sinking into the seat. "I can't believe I missed the assembly to take a lesson in Greek."

Endymion cackled. "That's why you ditched?"

Cato was shaking his head utterly deflated. His hand grabbed his cousin's shoulder, eyes wild. "Tell me, what did Cicero say?"

The young man grimaced and pat Cato on the back mockingly. "She said nothing."

Cato moaned and slipped onto his back, hands thrown across his forehead like a helpless Ulysses at the feet of Calypso. "We are ruined, Brutus. Utterly ruined."

Endymion tilted his head brows knit. "Caesar is returning, Iovita. The sky is not falling."

Cato dragged his hands down his face as he barked, "It might as well be."