Let's Kill Caesar

12: The Bitch is Back

Endymion's legs turned to jelly as he climbed out. The driver didn't follow. He didn't need to. The guest knew his way around.

Caesar...? Endymion glided across the concrete quadrangle toward the awaiting house. Huge oak trees lined either side of the villa's entrance, casting long shadows in the moonlight. Beneath one of them was a wooden bench carved on by all the Caesars before Endymion's lifetime. Somewhere on it was his own initials; Vero had insisted.

His boots scuffed against the ground, crunched the amber leaves scattered about. Just... Endymion couldn't think of anything comforting. He couldn't shake the doubt blossoming in his heart. Like a game was afoot at his expense. You've been around Antony too much.

He crept to the open air pavilion leading into the huge house, braziers all lit. Endymion's boots echoed against the clay tiles. He walked with baited breath as the tall frowning statues of Vero's ancestors leaned over him. Not one of them was armed with a quill or a book. The Caesars knew only war, conquest. Or politics.

Endymion still felt dazed as he crossed beneath the ivory pillars of entrance. Instantly a familiar scent washed over him. Mint, jasmine and sweat.

His body began to tremble as he strode across the cavernous parlour, eyes drawn to where honeyed light spilled from Vero's office.

His fingers traced along the tops of the armchairs gathered around the onyx fire pit in the centre of the house. Endymion allowed a smile as he traced the leather of a familiar satchel; it had been cast over a doorknob and was brimming with papers and who knew what else.

A red-figure vase of the hero Jason was topped with fresh lilies and gleaming with new polish from it's place on a side table. From where Endymion stood he could see the kitchen, a few dishes piled in the sink and another vase of lilies resting on the bench. His favourite.

Endymion balled his fists, afraid now to wake up. Don't let this be my imagination. Let me have a win today Jupiter.

He sighed and turned back toward the office ahead. Endymion picked at his nails, slowly inching forward. His legs continued to shake with each lift of the heel. Let this be real.

Everything aside from the kitchen looked relatively undisturbed. The busts mounted proudly on oak shelves were covered with a thin layer of dust. The pens usually scattered about the house were all still in their ceramic cup. Endymion bit his lip, heart hammering. Worry was nestling in his mind, justifying the dishes in the kitchen sink as a forgotten mistake.

"My gullibility would certainly be the highlight of today," Endymion sighed.

This was surely some cruel prank set up by Antony or his friends. The young man slapped his forehead, cheeks blushing. That's enough humiliation. I should get out, go home. Endymion's shoulders slumped and he turned to leave.

"Your gullibility is certainly the highlight of my day. Or trust, as a diplomat would call it."

Endymion's hands flew to his mouth. A warm hand laid on his shoulder. "Hey Brutus."

"You're...back."

Vero Caesar grinned and kissed his cheek. "I'm back."

Endymion could do nothing but stare. Caesar looked different. Gone was that careless smirk and slightly hunched shoulders. No, all cares were given up at the age of thirty. No doubt he was still handsome, just...stern. All angular nose and cheeks. Deep umber eyes flecked with knowledge. Thin blond hair straight as an arrow.

"You look...you've changed so much." Endymion cringed at the word vomit that rose up his throat. To his relief Vero just laughed and gave him a friendly shove. "You look the same."

"Yeah." Endymion wrinkled his nose.

"I'm glad for it." Caesar pressed his lips into a shy smile, eyes lingering on his friend's face. There was a short pause.

Vero cleared his throat, rubbing the side of his neck. "I'm sure we both have a lot to catch up on. C'mon I'll make you a coffee."

"Actually, I prefer-"

Vero smirked and flicked Endymion's nose. "I know. A strong brewed tea with three teaspoons of sugar and two tiny pours of milk. I'd never forget."

Endymion sat on a stool while Caesar mixed the milk into the drinks. He still expected to be suddenly awakened, realise he had passed out at that chaotic assembly somehow. It was more plausible than the shit that had unfolded the past two days. To see Vero whisking about the kitchen was the cherry on top.

"Does Bastian know you've arrived?"

Caesar shoved a warm mug of tea into his hand with a strange smile. "Yes, he does. I'm seeing him later tonight. But I wanted to see you first."

Endymion couldn't help the prideful smile that creased his eyes. "You're a weirdo Vero."

Vero chuckled and took a sip of coffee, eyes fixed on his guest. "Probably. I just couldn't help myself." He reached across the bench and gently took Endymion's hand. "I've missed you Brutus."

Endymion ducked his head, fingers drumming against his mug. "I'm glad you're back, but..."

Caesar sighed and drew his hand away, chiselled features shaping into something grim.

"You didn't expect it," Vero said. "No one did."

"Yeah." Endymion cocked his head, eyes searching Caesar's face.

He half expected the man to gush why he was back, why he'd abandoned Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul. But...well, Caesar will probs. tell you. That's what Bast had said.

Endymion leaned forward. His lungs paused with breath in the silence.

"I won't go into logistics, I'm sorry." Vero scratched his chin, eyes on his coffee. "It's just not the right time. Besides, it doesn't matter to you Endymion. Not yet. It's too soon."

Endymion tried to hide his disappointment as he replied, "I understand. I'm just glad you've returned. Rome is boring without you."

Vero grinned and leaned against the counter, mug balancing in one hand. "I wouldn't be so sure, Brutus. It seems Bastian has been entertainment enough?"

"Oh gods, you heard about that?"

"Heard about it?" Vero snarled, laughing bitterly. "I was tagged on about 200 000 Assembly posts. And trust me I saw the #putoctaviusontrial."

Endymion bit his lip. Oh shit. This is bad. Caesar shook his head, one hand balling into a tight fist. The coffee slammed down on the bench as Vero hissed, "Bastian made us a laughing stock."

"I'm sure it was by accident." Endymion flinched as Caesar banged his fist on the counter.

"Of course it is, but he put all my alliances in jeopardy! Pompey is essential - if Cato or one of those snakes gets in his ear we are ruined."

Endymion swallowed, placed a steady hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know what has been said; Pompey himself has made no statement. We both know Narcissus isn't one to leave allies behind."

The young senator offered a tiny smile. "Especially his strongest."

Vero huffed. "I suppose. Still, that won't save Bastian from a tedious lecture on etiquette."

"Fair enough."

Caesar smirked and nodded at him. "What about you, Brutus? How are your political exploits going?"

Endymion snorted. "Well...my brother is probably getting a triumph for his victory in Athens. And thus far i have accomplished nothing but the contempt of certain politicians."

"Cassiel?" Vero grinned. The hunky man sniggered and flicked his chin playfully.

"He really hates me, huh?" Endymion smiled weakly. You're nobody to him.

Vero cocked his head slightly. "Maybe a little. He's...a jealous man."