Let's Kill Caesar

21: No Hard Feelings

The comitium was already packed with bodies when Endymion turned up. No plastic chairs were arranged, the Aediles hadn't been given enough notice. Endymion's face burned as he pushed through the crowd. He dared not meet the eyes of Clodius' types, avoided the tribunes of the plebs entirely. It was tunnel vision, just trying to recognise a friendly face. 

Endymion gasped when hands grabbed his shoulders and pushed him forward roughly.

"What took you so long, Brutus?"

Cicero pinched the back of his neck with a snarl. Endymion chuckled nervously. "I took a ride with my father."

The young woman snorted and took him by the wrist. "I see. Well you're here now - join us at the front."

Endymion blanched. Gods no - he'll see me and everything will be ruined. The amateur senator shook his head and strained against Alma's grip.

"I don't think that's a good idea-"

"Too bad."

She shot a frown back at him. Endymion hunched his shoulders, failing to think of a better excuse. Say you saw five crows - that means misfortune doesn't it? Or is that sparrows? Fucking auspices. 

He could feel his insides stirring like a cake mixer as Alma shoved him where Cato and Pompey were waiting at the head of the mass. 

Cato scowled and flicked his cousin in the ear. "About time you showed up, Brutus. I almost lost fifteen asses to Atticus."

"I'd appreciate it if you stopped betting on me," Endymion hissed, cheeks turning scarlet. Iovita smirked as Alma broke in, "Then stop acting like a petulant child. None of us should have had to alert you about this - you should know." 

Endymion didn't bother to answer her. He never got the chance. 

A chilling quiet settled as a sharp voice cut the air. "You are all questioning why another assembly has gathered I expect."

Cicero's nose crinkled and Cato let out a soft huff as Cassiel strode to the edge of the rostra. Oh my gods. Seriously?

Not even Clodius deigned to respond with some clever quip. It was the one time Endymion was disappointed by the ratty senator's silence. 

"Last time we met was the announcement of Vero Caesar's return. Today we acknowledge his return entirely." 

A loud murmur echoed through the senators and equites; the plebeians remained stony and quiet. Endymion's brows dipped a little as Cicero laid a firm hand on his shoulder. "Brace yourself, kid."

Why? He risked a glance at Narcissus. 

The general's mouth was set in a hard line, grey eyes dotted with trepidation. 

Antony drew back from the rostra, hand outstretched as a man rose from the shadows, a winning smile on his face. Endymion's right came a shocked applause. 

He arched his head, stomach flipping as he spied Bastian leading the virtuous welcome only a few feet away, eyes fixed on his husband-to-be. Endymion swallowed, panic rising as Cato and Alma remained unimpressed, arms crossed in stubbornness. 

Narcissus paid no mind to his allies. Endymion could see the sparkle of fresh tears in his eyes as he clapped. That was all the confirmation he needed. Endymion joined the applause, that funny feeling he couldn't name spreading through his chest in pulsing aches. It grew as the people began to scream the name like an old classic rock ballad. 

Caesar! Caesar! Caesar!

Vero stepped into the light, chin raised high. He was dressed in a fresh pressed toga and violet tunic, thin hair gleaming like gold. He held up his muscled arms to the crowd, a serene smile on his face. Vero said slowly, "Friends, friends. It is wonderful to return to you."

A chorus of joyous cheers lifted from the crowd. Caesar laughed and shook his head. Any other man in his position would be stoic, gleam with sickly ego. Not him. Endymion pressed a hand to his chest as those deep brown eyes landed on him.

"I have missed you all greatly." His eyes remained on Endymion. "My love for Rome never fails to call me home."

Vero held out his right hand. From the sea of people, someone emerged and glided upon the rostra. 

"GET OFF THE STAGE!"

Bastian didn't look toward the crowd but Endymion could see pink creeping across his cheeks as he took Vero's hand. Cato sniggered. 

"Strap on your sandals, gentlemen."

More angry whispers spread around as Bastian cleared his throat, eyes fixed on the senators peering at him in the first few rows. 

"As you know last assembly I announced Caesar's return. I want to apologise to the members of the assembly that I insulted." 

Iovita rolled his eyes and hissed to Alma, "Bullshit. The fool's just covering his ass."

Cicero didn't answer. Her eyes were watching Pompey as he ran up much to Cato's horror. A hoard of surprised voiced lifted as Narcissus pushed his way to the rostra. 

"What the fuck is he doing?"

Cato crossed his arms, steam close to blowing from his ears. Cicero smiled wistfully, hand on her ally's shoulder. "You're an idiot if this surprises you."

Iovita scoffed and shrugged off her hand, eyes blazing. Endymion held in a smirk as Cicero shot him a toothy grin. Maybe she does hate me less. 

He turned his attention back to Pompey. Narcissus stood before the rostra, head tossed back to look at Vero. Endymion held his breath as Caesar bent down and reached for his friend. Bastian backed up, face deathly pale as Narcissus climbed up the rostra's prow decor, feet swift as a mountain goat. The moment his feet touched the stage both of Rome's darlings embraced in a tight hug. 

In the past they would have been enemies, arch rivals. Yet there they stood before all their peers pulled into an emotional embrace.

Endymion swallowed hard as a queasy feeling bloomed in his belly. Pompey broke apart from Vero and turned to Bastian. The assembly fell quiet, shared one breath as Narcissus moved closer, baleful eyes fixed on his junior. Endymion dug his nails into his palms, tongue too big for his mouth. Hey Minerva - please be nice. Bast needs more of your guidance. I'm sure you can tell. Endymion could hardly stand to watch as Pompey pressed a hand on Bast's shoulder. 

"No hard feelings Octavius."