“Water...” Kyle went to the jug and poured a large cup, handing it to him. “I slept?”
“Yes, dominus.”
Marius closed his eyes, completely lost, cursing Clavius for his ideas of fun...What the fuck’s going on with me? Bedding this slave... He cursed softly, trying to get up, but he felt sick, not just because of the wine.... He moaned and rolled on his side, watching the sunset through the balcony columns.
“Sunset? How long… ah, never mind. Help me up.”
Kyle took his hand and pulled him up, Marius’ blue eyes dazed under his black hair, smiling slightly. “What the hell... I can’t even see straight...” He pulled a face, swallowing his nausea, and leant on Kyle’s shoulder to walk outside to the balcony, collapsing on the bed there.
The weather was warm, and he just lay there, at ease, looking in wonder at the sparkling terrace. Kyle brought a sheet to cover him, and he was just grateful, slightly ashamed, too.I said I would not touch him... so much for this...
“Are you hungry, dominus?”
He mused, his eyes glinting in the sun. “Yes... maybe. Bring something light. My stomach is revolting.”
Kyle left then, and Marius stayed, facing the sunset, when he heard footsteps and Clavius appeared, grinning. “What’s up?”
Marius grimaced, not even getting up, annoyed. “Damn you and your fun! I almost died.”
Clavius laughed, lying down on the other bed. “Softy... look at this terrace and this view! Amazing.” He turned his head when Kyle appeared with the food, laying it on a low table between them. Kyle had brought enough for two, having seen Clavius arrive earlier. Clavius eyed him carefully, the slave pouring him a glass of watered wine, and water for Marius who could not even look at him.
Clavius smiled and waited until Kyle left again. “So, you fucked him?”
Marius smirked. “You were there, you moron.”
“Not that morning... today?” Marius blushed slightly, annoyed at his reaction, and Clavius laughed. “Cheers to that!”
Marius’ irritation flamed up, his anger hammering at his painful temples. “I was drunk.”
Clavius patted his hand, shoving food into his mouth. “Why are you upset? That’s what he’s good for. You are quite lucky in that sense; he is a fine one.”
Marius closed his eyes. “I am not into boys.”
Clavius laughed hard. “I think you were very much into him this afternoon.” He rolled from laughter and Marius closed his eyes, pained. Kyle appeared then, bringing some fruits and cheese, waiting when he had put the plates down and Clavius spoke to him. “Your dominus would like your sweet ass for dessert.” He roared with laughter.
Kyle didn’t reply, just stood with his head lowered, and Marius sighed. “Stop your nonsense, will you?”
Clavius raised his glass at him. “To you and your lovely fuck boy.”
Marius closed his eyes, his lips pinched. “Don’t call him that.”
“Oh really? What should I call him then?”
But Marius didn’t reply, his eyes on the sunset.
Kyle waited until they finished, and Clavius was relating their adventures at the brothel, endlessly teasing his friend. “You might not be that much into boys, but boy, that hooker you fucked senseless, she was something. The whole brothel could hear you.”
He laughed hard, and Marius fumed. “Just shut up. It is embarrassing enough as it is.” But he was smiling too.
His eyes drifted to Kyle who had started putting their meal away, looking at Marius. “Anything else, dominus?” He had left the wine out and the jug of water with their cups.
“No, Kyle. Just come back here.”
Kyle nodded and left, coming back a while later and he sank to his knees next to Marius, his head bowed.
Night was falling, and they sipped on the wine and water, silent, cricket songs filling the night, both men grim, watching Rome light up. Kyle had already lit the torches and candles on the terrace, bathing it in a soft glow, and Marius’ hand went to Kyle’s head, without thinking, petting him, absentminded, not even realizing he was doing it.
Kyle kneeled very still, his emotions raging.What is he doing?He said he would not touch him and now... petting his head? It felt good though, and he didn’t pull away, of course, but he was confused.
