“Oh... maybe I can help, actually... I have something for you.”
Marius pursed his lips and waited; his arms folded.
Clavius walked up to him, putting his hand on his shoulder. “I wanted to surprise you when we arrived but, looking at you, I think this is a better time if I want you to make it there alive.” He walked to the tent’s entrance and folded the lapel back. “Come in.”
Kyle pushed past him and stopped short, his eyes on Marius.
The Roman’s face fell, his lips parting in shock, his voice a breath. “Kyle?”
Marius could not believe it, blinking, fear invading him he might be hallucinating but Kyle walked to him and cupped his face. “Yes...”
His hands on his skin made Marius swoon, and he grabbed his shoulders not to fall, Kyle’s arms going around him, alarmed at how much weight he’d lost again. They hugged, Marius closing his eyes in shock.
Finally, they parted, Marius looking at Clavius, clenching Kyle’s hand. “I... I don’t know what to say...”
“Then shut up.” He took a scroll out of his tunic. “Here. This is also for you.”
Marius raised his eyebrows. “A letter?”
“Just open it, you giant twithead.”
He unfurled it and read the lines written in neat black ink and his eyes closed, his hands trembling, looking at him. “This is for real?”
“Yes, twat. I’m gifting your precious one back to you. We had a deal, or so I seem to remember.”
Marius couldn’t speak, and Kyle went to his knees, whispering. “Thank you, dominus...”
“My pleasure. Now, enough of this nonsense, boys. We are up early tomorrow. See you fresh and ready at dawn’s early lights.”
Marius stepped to him, his voice almost gone. “Clavius, I....”
Clavius grabbed his shoulders. “Save it and do me a favor: fuck that depressed, drowning- in-sorrow look off your face and feed properly. You can’t ride into that fort looking like your own grandfather.”
He left before Marius could react and he turned to Kyle, kneeling next to him, pulling him into a kiss. They tumbled on the carpeted floor of the tent, their mouths wide open, panting, Marius crushing Kyle against his chest and the young man sobbed, his tears flowing down Marius’ neck.
They stayed there for a while, just hugging, crying softly, then Kyle sat up, pulling him up. “Come...”
Kyle pulled him to the bath and peeled his tunic off, pushing him into the tub. He left then to get more hot water and came back with two full buckets, carefully emptying them in the tub. Kyle stripped and climbed in behind Marius, soaping his back, washing his hair.
He was much leaner, and Kyle spoke softly, gently tugging at his mane. “You promised you would eat...”
“I am sorry... I tried...”
He didn’t comment and climbed in front of him, facing him, kneeling, rubbing the soap on his abs, his eyes meeting his eyes, his hands gliding to Marius’ cock, making him lean his head back and moan.
Kyle’s lips pursed. “Let’s eat first.”
Marius looked at him, his eyes wide. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, come.” He helped him out and threw a sheet on him, walking to the low table where the slaves had laid out the food, some meat and bread with fruits.
Kyle watered the wine up and offered Marius a cup, making him sit and he watched him eat, his grey eyes shining when he stopped. “More.”
Marius shook his head. “I can’t.”
“You promised...”
Kyle got up and stood above him, picking up a piece of meat from the plate and pushing it in his mouth, his finger lingering on the roof of his mouth. Marius’ blue eyes sparkled, but he didn’t push him away, and Kyle fed him slowly, his finger teasing him until a point where Marius could not take it anymore and he suddenly got up, grabbing his wrist, his eyes dark with desire.
