Let's Kill Caesar

10: That Bad, Huh?

"Fuck me, Endy. I've been waiting for half an hour!"

Valerian rolled up the sleeves of his red shirt. His brown skin was flushed with anger as he stormed toward Endymion. The anger faded when he saw the chalkiness of Endymion's face.

Instantly his arms safeguarded his friend's back and he guided him toward the gaping entrance of the temple. Endymion said nothing as they hurried around the gatherings of worshippers surrounding the mischievous-faced statues of Mercury.

The usually breathtaking masonry of the bronze-plated friezes throughout the building were grossly unimpressive. Endymion didn't smile at the enormous hearths burning brightly on the borders of the temple. He hardly glanced at the central marble monument of Mercury with his winged sandals, all brightly painted and cheerful.

Valerian led him to a reserved corner on the far side of the temple. He poked Endymion in the chest. "Spit it out Brutus - you look like you've seen Cicero searching the internet."

The man opened his mouth but no sound came out. The majority of his brain was focused on keeping the vomit down.

Valerian pouted and crossed his arms. "That bad, huh?"

"You saw me get out of a taxi," Endymion managed. His friend snorted and ran a hand through his loose ginger-brown ringlets.

"I just assumed Antony realised he wasn't cut out for politics."

Endymion smirked and pat Valerian's back. "If only."

Valerian sighed. "You know you look like shit, Endymion."

The Brutus rolled his eyes and watched as Cassius dug out a cigarette and lighter.

"You'll look like shit too if you keep smoking."

Valerian stuck the cigarette between his teeth and lit the butt. No one around them took any notice. Endymion leaned against one of the many pillars of the temple, fingers drumming against the stone.

"So," Valerian grunted, smoke billowing from his mouth, "why the Hades did you arrive in a cab?"

Endymion swallowed hard and snatched the cigarette from Cassius's lips, taking a long bitter-flavoured drag. Valerian raised his brows. "So it was really fucking bad."

"Yep. That bad."

"Keep the cig then." Valerian pressed next to Endymion, gaze darkening. "Don't take whatever Antony did to heart, he's not worth your time; there will be time to break even."

Endymion chuckled, shaking his head. "Even. Is that all you think about, Val?"

Cassius met his friend's eyes, not an ounce of jest twinkling in his serpent-green eyes. "Yes. What else is there? We live in Rome."

"Yeah, Rome," Endymion jabbed, "where we have elections in less than a month." He cringed as bitter smoke curled around his tongue.

"Elections? The only people our age entering this time around are fools or arrogant wankers."

Endymion didn't answer. Already the adrenaline was draining from his body and the overwhelming weight of the weeks ahead was settling again. Fools. That's nothing new.

Suddenly Valerian tensed, mouth dropping open. "Oh shit."

Endymion ducked his head, colour flooding his cheeks. Cassius shoved him roughly, eyes wide as Luna herself. "Endy, tell me you're not that stupid."

"I have to start somewhere. My brother..."

Valerian cursed, tugging at Endymion's shirt wildly.

"Vero Caesar is rejoining the Senate in a few days. We both know what that means."