The Fault in Our Republic

Part 3

And so, around dusk, Brutus's careful dance with emotion and lies began. He hadn't realized how naturally it came to him to give Cassius an adoring gaze, but now he glared everytime he looked at him. But even their shared looks did not occur as often as before, but he was also doing his best in trying not to overdo it. He was supposed to be convincing, not acting.
    But luckily for him, Cassius seemed to be a natural at avoiding and despising him, and it almost made Brutus worry. He assured himself thoroughly that it was only a part of the play. Maybe he was only worried about his own attitude. Either way, it was still a painful process. He hated it, and he hated to be lying so.
    The beginning may have been the most unbearable, though it didn't last long, thankfully. They had to tread carefully between "despising" one another and having to work together without causing any problems. Though, as time went on, they could relax bit by bit. Their acts feigned hatred, which slowly sizzled into a mutual friendship like they were before ⏤ way before. And even better, Caesar seemed to be buying it. The only frustrating part was the amount of caution they had to practice. Meetings alone were few and far between, and didn't last long either. But as unfortunate as that was, Brutus held out strong. Although, one night, Cassius seemed rather irritated and had been growing distant, truly.
    Portia had been out for the night, indulging in her own business. Cassius paced in long strides across the room, and Brutus watched from his seat. Cassius didn't even try to hide his irritation that night, but Brutus was almost too fearful to ask what had been on his mind lately. But lucky for him, or maybe not, Cassius soon burst out without provocation.
    "We have to do something about this! We can't just keep going like this forever!"
    "Cassius sit down, will you?" Brutus spoke in a gentle voice, careful not to upset him even further. His attempt was all but futile.
    "No!" He stopped his pacing and turned to Brutus. "This will take a wrong turn eventually, and you should know that as well Brutus. We have got to do something." He stepped closer, gesturing with his hands. "We need to do something about Caesar."
    "Whatever do you mean?" Brutus looked up at him with a worrisome expression. The way Cassius's tone had changed when he said those words was almost frightening.
    "We get rid of him." He took another step closer. "But not only for our own reasons. You know, at the Feast, he was thrice offered the crown. And you know as well as I do that Caesar wants that crown, but what did he do? He refused it, but rumor has it that he only did do for the favor of the people. He's cunning and manipulative. He must be stopped!"
    "But Caesar... he would be a good ruler, would he not? Albeit, the people of Rome, the last thing that they want at this time is a king."
    "See? The people do not want a king. And Caesar is truly too ambitious. He will abuse his power and forget who all helped him along the way. That man is a coward and a tyrant." Cassius took a breath and sat down next to Brutus. "Please, tell me that you heed my words."
    Brutus's gaze had been fixed on the floor. It all made sense, but he couldn't bring himself to think that killing Caesar would be the solution. "I'm not sure, Cassius. I will need to ponder this awhile longer. This seems brash."
    "No. This is our only answer. We must act before it is too late." He sat back with a sigh, relaxing his shoulders. "But, I shall leave you time to think. I shall respect your word, but my stance shall not change. I know it ⏤ I can feel it ⏤ that this is the only way."
    "Of course..." Brutus stayed tense. More and more questions piled on top of one another, as well as doubts and new ideas as well. Eventually he let out his own sigh and leaned back. "It is rather tiring to have our arrangement in such a way," he admitted.
    "Another good reason as to why we should follow through. You haven't realized it, but all this back and forth is making you miserable. I makes my heart ache." He rested a hand on Brutus's shoulder and turned to him. "We can make the people, and ourselves, happier. We will free them, and again, ourselves."
    "Alright, alright." At this point, Brutus was almost irritated himself. He was just so overwhelmed with everything and could hardly think straight. He let out another huff of air and leaned over on Cassius's shoulder. "I am rather exhausted."
    Cassius smiled and moved his hand to Brutus's head, gently holding it there in the dip of his shoulder. "I know. You should rest now."
    "Will you stay?"
    "Perhaps for a while longer. You know we have got to be careful even now." Cassius lowered his voice, adding on in a mumble, "If Caesar were out of the way we wouldn't have to be."
    Brutus nodded slowly, practically ignoring what Cassius spoke under his breath. "I'm aware. I just would like to have some company, your company. Portia is out more and more often these days. It's cold."
    "I've noticed, and I apologize. I wish that there was more I could do. Just keep in mind that you are my dearest and most beloved."
    The corners of Brutus's mouth curved into a tired smile. "And the same goes for you. Just being here is helping." His voice got softer, his eyelids getting heavier with each passing second.
    "Alright, then I will stay." Cassius didn't say anymore. He felt Brutus's weight on his shoulder get heavier and he naturally leaned into Cassius more as he drifted off. They were surrounded by that comfortable silence, which had been stirring for quite a while. It was a safe, still air. It was warm.
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[1023 words]