New Rome

14. Agrippa the Bully

Arly and Kaze neared each other walking down the corridor. When this happened in the past, Arly had always sensed his presence - alerted by the tingles on her skin to his approaching. She'd imagined that he felt it to, that her unrequited love had forged a bond between them. Now though, she didn't have to pretend that he noticed her in return. He genuinely acted upon noticing her.

He stopped in front of her, causing a stir in the straggle of classmates around them.

"How fare thee?" He asked. Arly didn't understand how he managed to make their uniform look like a fashion piece. He had his sleeves rolled up, his shirt's top buttons unused so that she got a glimpse of his smooth chest. She nodded.

"Well. How fare thee, Kaze?" It felt like a small victory – that she was able to reply to him like a vaguely normal person.

Giggles made them look up and a gaggle of girls made little sounds of alarm. They were all staring and blushing at Kaze. He nodded his head at them and the girls all sighed, completely satisfied to soak in the oozing waves of his charm. Arly grimaced.

"You're pale," he commented with concern. His words immediately made her flush, her head becoming light. "Are you are not eating well?" She opened her mouth to deny it but Kaze cut across her. "Eat lunch with me today."

Arly blinked, thinking this over.

"Why?"

"I promised your father to take care of you." 

"Our father," Arly amended. He inclined his head, acknowledging the correction. Arly tried and failed, yet again, to read Kaze's expression. What did he think about being her adopted brother? Arly desperately wanted to know, but his mood was impenetrable to her.  

"Duty commands that I watch over you."

Arly didn't know what to say. She didn't like the idea of him feeling obligated to spend time with her, but she also couldn't believe her luck that she had the chance to spend time with him. Gnaeus came to her rescue, accepting the invitation on her behalf.

"Your concern is touching," Gnaeus assured him. 

Movement behind Kaze made Gnaeus look around him. "Arly, what stranger fast approaches you?" They all turned to face Sejanus who was striding down the corridor, headed in their direction.

"Jay!" Arly called, recognising Guy's friend. Kaze's nostrils flared irritably as he looked Jay up and down.

"Arly, greetings." Sejanus' manner was distracted as he kissed Arly in a friendly greeting. 

"What brings you to the academy?" Arly asked, a little hesitant. How many more surprises could she handle?

"I would share words, in private." He murmured glancing across suspiciously to Kaze and Gnaeus. Arly nodded, her earnest eyes shifting apologetically to her friends. Gnaeus gestured for her to go ahead. Nervous, Arly led Sejanus a little away from the others – so that they wouldn't be overheard. 

Kaze watched them. His lips were compressed in a stern line and when Sejanus lowered his head to talk in Arly's ear – Kaze's expression darkened. Too far away to hear them, he could only speculate what they were talking about. 

"What knowledge have you of your brother's debts?" Sejanus asked, in a rapid whisper.

"Agrippa's debts?" Arly clarified. "Our allowance is a fair sum – I fancy he has none."