Sugar & Spice 03
Feb. 24th, 2007 06:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrMuch love to Tygs for putting up with me.
This is the last set up chapter. All MCs are now present and accounted for.
Chapter Three
Caius laughed low, amused by nothing. The ceiling perhaps, it was rather an amusing ceiling was it not? He voiced the opinion and got a hard pinch for his efforts. “Unnecessary violence, Saffron. Now make it better.”
“Oh, shut up,” Saffron replied, rolling his eyes.
Caius laughed again and reached up to take the small cigarette they were sharing from Saffron’s lips. He took a long pull, sighing softly in satisfaction, then held it out of reach. “No. You pinched me. Make it better.”
“You’re such a baby,” Saffron muttered, but obediently bent down and covered the red mark left by his fingers with his mouth, lapping at it with his tongue – then biting down hard.
“Bastard!” Caius said, jerking hard. He turned his head where it lay in Saffron’s lap and returned the favor, nipping sharply at bare stomach. “You’re not being very nice tonight, Saf.”
Saffron leaned over him and deftly took back the cigarette Caius had forgotten about. He took a deep pull and settled back against the cushions on which they reclined. “I’m never nice.”
“Ah, yes. That is true. S’why I like you, I think…” Caius laughed again and reached up to drag Saffron’s head down, loving the soft feel of his dark-brown hair His lips were just as soft, warm and smooth, almost tingling where the sharp, bittersweet tralta they smoked remained on his lips. “Mmm, Saffron, you are quite delicious. To taste…touch… Caius ran his hand along Saffron’s chest and arm, tracing the lines of his intricate snake-skin tattoo. It was inked into the entirety of his arms, stopping just past the wrists, stretching across his shoulders and down to stop just past his nipples on his chest. Along his back, Caius knew, the snakeskin pattern followed the length of his spine and disappeared into the crack of his ass
He pulled Saffron’s head back down and took a harder kiss, biting at his lip before slowly pulling away. He stole the cigarette back and took another long pull, letting the bittersweet smoke work its tingling, mellowing magic. This time he handed it back, eyes locked on Saffron’s lips as he smoked. Caius licked his own lips, tasting Saffron and tralta, a hint of the wine they’d shared earlier. “I want you to ride me.”
Saffron rolled his eyes, but Caius could feel how unopposed he actually was. “I thought you wanted to spend the evening luxuriating in my lap.”
“Does being buried inside your fine ass not count as luxuriating in your lap?” Caius reached out and stole the cigarette back, humming softly in pleasure at the taste, the tingle. He loved smoking tralta with Saffron. He needed more evenings like this, not just the occasional one.
“No,” Saffron replied with a snort, though his pale brown eyes were bright with amusement behind the effects of the drug.
“Oh.” Caius thought for a moment, struggling briefly to remember what they’d been discussing. “What if I suck you off later?”
“That would count.”
“Then ride me.”
Saffron rolled his eyes again, but a faint smile tugged at his delectable mouth. He snatched the cigarette back even as he shifted Caius’ head off his lap to the floor, taking a long pull as he straddled Caius, leaning back to tease his ass along Caius’s hard length He bent down to lap and bite at first one nipple, then the other, all the while teasing the cock rubbing against his ass.
“Tease!”
“I have never denied it,” Saffron retorted.
“Merciless Viper,” Caius taunted, grabbing his hips hard and grinding against him, making Saffron stutter and moan.
Saffron threw his head back, and Caius wished he could convince the man to grow his hair out, because as pretty as it was short and close to his head, it would be far finer if it spilled over his shoulders. Then Saffron dropped the cigarette on a nearby tray and reached back to Caius’ cock, guiding it to his entrance and then sinking down with agonizing slowness.
Caius hissed at the heat and tightness. “No fair that you always get yourself ready beforehand. I want to watch.”
“Then tell me…when you’re coming,” Saffron said, planting his hands on Caius’ chest as he began to move along the length of his cock.
After a moment Caius began to move with him, hips working, thrusting up, matching the rhythm, talking reduced to pants and moans, sweat making his grip on Saffron’s hips slick, the heat and rush of pleasure combining with the buzz of the tralta.
The door slammed open across the room. “Caius, his Lordshi—“
“Out,” Caius snarled, furious.
The two men who’d appeared paled and quickly fled.
Swearing, Caius shifted his grip on Saffron, moving so Saffron was beneath him. Bracing himself on one arm, he used the other to stroke and tug at Saffron’s cock while he thrust with renewed fervor, pounding hard into his lover, crying out as Saffron climaxed, ass squeezing his cock, milking it as he came.
Caius collapsed on top of Saffron, moving only when he received a sharp pinch to his side.
“I guess you’re not staying,” Saffron said finally.
“No,” Caius said, thoroughly displeased. This was supposed to have been his night off, he’d worked hard to get it. What did Otho want now? He levered himself up and dropped a kiss on Saffron’s mouth. “I may be back. If not, I owe you one next time, hmm?”
Saffron nodded but did not reply, merely stood and went to get cleaned up.
Furious, Caius fetched his clothes and went to go see what Otho wanted – and knock a few heads around for daring to just walk in on him. Storming out of Saffron’s gold-and-brown room, he stalked down the hallway—
—and smacked hard into something small and slender. He moved reflexively, arms snapping out to catch the poor thing he’d tried to run over. “Sorry, Sugar.”
“That’s alright, Caius. Used to it.” Sugar winked at him, smoothed his diaphanous robe, then continued on his way down the hall with a wave.
Caius smiled briefly, but it faded as he reached the stairs and stomped down into the lobby below. The two guilty men waited in somber silence, and it was only because he wanted to get the job over with as quickly as possible that he let them off with merely a hard punch each. “What does Otho want now?” he asked when they’d picked themselves up.
The first man pointed a group of four off to the side. Caius burst out laughing. Four of Otho’s favorite thugs and they looked as though they were fresh meat and had been dumb enough to tangle with someone like Caius. “What in Havaramina’s Tits happened to you lot?” He sat down on the steps, laughing all over again, finally motioning for them to explain several minutes later.
Disgruntled, the men stiffly went about explaining what had transpired.
Sending Caius into renewed fits of laughter. “Kicked around by—and you call yourselves—” He doubled over on the stairs. “Otho must be having kittens. Lead the way, my fine soldiers, I want to meet this stranger.”
It didn’t make up for the fact he wasn’t with Saffron, but better to be amused than supremely pissed off. He followed the men through the dark streets of Minatolus, moving from the less reputable districts to the upscale, whistling in appreciation as they finally reached the home of the Marius family.
He’d heard about this one. Knew more about it than Otho thought he did.
The eldest brother was all set to marry the princess, living in fear that Otho would ruin everything or kill Sugar. Caius didn’t know his real name, just that he was well named and far sweeter than he should be for the life he was being forced to lead.
Not that Caius cared; his only interest in anything was getting himself and Saffron out of Havarin. Still, he hated the ones like Sugar, who hadn’t done a thing but suffered all the same.
Wasn’t there a third brother? Away somewhere. A scholar or something.
He wondered if Marius realized all Otho wanted was the connection to the throne. Surely the family wasn’t that stupid. Who knew with nobility though? They couldn’t be that smart if so many of them were under the thumb of the gangs that ran the underworld of Havarin.
Snorting softly, Caius ordered the men home and then scaled the gate, moving swiftly and silently through the yard. A moment’s work was all it took to pick the locks and then he was inside, movements near soundless as he moved through the house.
Too bad it was late; he otherwise might have been able to get in a good fight…making just enough noise to rouse someone was tempting, but Otho wanted a tidy job done and Saffron was far more interesting to him than even a good fight.
He paused at a turn in the hallway and peered cautiously around the edge, a tingling up his spine alerting him that something was suddenly off.
Unfortunately he didn’t realize that something was off behind him until he felt the knife at his throat. “Good evening.”
“Indeed,” a cool voice answered, and then Caius found himself shoved roughly up against a wall, held firmly in place. He grunted, trying not to laugh, having more fun now than he had in a long time – outside of Saf’s room anyway. “I would imagine you work for Otho.”
“Usually. I have other clients, but most of my work is for him. You’re the one that tossed around his goons earlier today.”
“Yes, and I will slit your throat unless you tell me where to find Felix.”
Caius stilled, confused. Then it clicked. “Oh, I bet that’s the little brother, eh?” He hissed in surprised pain as his arm was twisted in a remarkably creative way. He made a note of the move for future experimentation. “Look, I have nothing to do with all that. My jobs come one by one. You beat up his thugs, so I was supposed to take care of you.”
“Such a fine job you’re doing, too…if this is the best Otho has to offer, I don’t see why Honor is so terrified.”
Grinning, Caius abruptly relaxed, making himself a dead weight, forcing the stranger to carry it which threw the man off, gave him an opening. Regaining his balance, Caius whipped around, leg snapping out—
--Only to be blocked, then grabbed, and he found himself flat on his back. He lifted his arms to block a swing, kicked the man back and regained his footing, swinging his fists even as he was still standing.
The fight continued, and Caius took more hits than he liked admitting even to himself. It stopped only when they found themselves at an impasse, each pressing a knife blade to the other’s throat.
“I want my little brother,” the man said.
“I know where he is,” Caius said, “but I advise not trying to get him out.”
The man sneered. “I’m not that stupid. I want to see him. Take me to him.”
Caius frowned in thought. “Look, my orders were to kill you. I’m predominantly an assassin, though not by choice. I like you, though. No one’s ever snuck up behind me before, and I don’t think I’ve ever ended a fight in a draw. If I take you to see…Felix, then you have to behave.”
“I will not risk my brother’s life.”
“That I believe,” Caius said, and withdrew his knife as the other man did the same. “I’m Caius.”
“Cyriacus. You are the most interesting assassin I’ve ever encountered.”
“Met a lot of assassins, have you? I guess you’re the middle brother, though somehow when I heard ‘scholar’ I expected something involving books and paper.”
Cyriacus grinned. “I’ve been getting that a lot since I returned home. My education was not what I expected, though I much prefer it.”
“Your fighting style reminds me of Saffron. He’s lost his temper with a couple of Otho’s thugs before…” He led the way out of the house and down the street, quickly making his way back to the House of Exotic Flavors.
“This place…” Cyriacus shook his head. “Even I heard of this place as a boy. Felix is here?”
“If he’s who I’m thinking of. I never knew his real name. I doubt you’d see it as a good thing, but he’s well liked by everyone – the other men, the patrons…”
Cyriacus grimaced and said nothing.
As they stepped inside, Caius passed a few coins to the steward who met them in the hall, murmuring softly that he’d brought a guest for the evening. The steward frowned, but did not protest. In this house, Otho’s gang ruled with impunity. Caius was not actually a member of Riptide, but he did enough work for Otho most thought he was or may as well be. “This way,” he said quietly, swiftly leading Cyriacus up the stairs and through the maze-like hallways of the House to Saffron’s room.
When he walked in, Saffron was sitting at his table, drinking wine and reading a book, wearing a dark brown robe. He looked up and started to smile in greeting, but it turned into a confused frown when he saw Cyriacus. “Caius?”
“You’re a Viper!” Cyriacus exclaimed.
Saffron stiffened. “How would a heathen know that?” he demanded. “Who are you?” He stood up and came around the table, tensed for a fight.
“I intended no offense, I was merely surprised.” Cyriacus hesitated, then sketched an elegant bow. “I am Cyriacus, son of Livius, son of Spider, son of Havarin and the Lady of the Sands.”
“Spider?” Saffron asked, and Caius wasn’t certain he liked the smile that broke out on his lover’s face one little bit. No one made Saffron smile except him. “I think we were still on good terms with them when I…left. I am Saffron, former son of Viper, son of the Lady of the Sands.”
“Why in Havaramina’s Tits are you being nice to a complete stranger?” Caius snapped. “You weren’t that nice to me for the first three months!”
Saffron rolled his eyes and crossed the room, twining himself around Caius and tilting his head up for kiss. “Stop pouting. As cute as it looks, it’s obnoxious.”
“Assassins do not pout,” Caius said, but dipped his head to take the offered mouth, kissing Saffron hard enough to bruise his lips, ensuring his Viper would remember to whom he belonged.
“Then I guess you’re not an assassin,” Saffron said with a smirk as they broke apart. “Because you were definitely pouting. I’m greeting a fellow savage, that’s all. Why did you bring a guest on your night off? After we were interrupted.”
“Don’t remind me,” Caius replied. “It’ll put me in a bad mood again. They won’t make that mistake again, trust me.”
Cyriacus coughed, clearly trying to smother a laugh.
“He’s here to see Sugar,” Caius said. “Do you think you could arrange something?”
“Sugar? Why?” Saffron asked sharply.
“His brother. Don’t worry,” he said before Saffron could start in on a protest. “He’s promised to behave, and he snuck behind me and we finished a fight in a draw.”
Saffron grunted. “Impressive.” He turned to face Cyriacus. “How are you a Spider?”
“It’s a long story. Suffice to say my lover is the second son of the Spider Sheik.”
“That would certainly explain a great deal,” Saffron replied. “Very well, for Caius and a son of the Lady I will do my best to bring Sugar here. One wrong move though and I will flay you both.” Grumbling low, but clearly far from annoyed, Saffron vanished from the room.
Cyriacus slid him a thoughtful look. “You two are close…”
“Yes,” Caius said. “Ours is another long story. Perhaps someday we might feel like exchanging them. I would like to think we could continue to get along.”
“I will not become friends with someone who works for that bastard ruining my family’s life.”
Caius snorted. “I hate Otho at least as much as you. I’m just smart enough not to let him know that until I can declare checkmate.”
There was a long silence, then Cyriacus crossed the room to join Caius as he sat down at the low table. “Saffron?”
“Mostly,” Caius said quietly.
Cyriacus nodded, and did not press for more.
What a strange night this was turning out to be.
They sat in silence, quietly sipping the wine Caius poured for both of them, until at last the door opened to admit Saffron and a second man.
Sugar. The young man had been in the House for about three years now, give or take a few months, and was fast becoming the most prized Flavor. He was a beauty, no mistake. Caius knew men and women who would commit murder for even half his beauty. Sugar was a perfect, shining example of Havarin – the palest white-blonde hair, eyes like perfect, clear emeralds, fair, unmarked skin and a slender build. At the moment he was dressed in a simple green wrap the same shade as his eyes, the material thin and shimmering, showing off his legs, bare torso, the carefully maintained muscles.
“Felix,” Cyriacus said, voice pained. He stood up and crossed the room.
Sugar stared wide-eyed, comprehension flooding. “Cyri? Is that—is that really you?” He clung tight as Cyriacus embraced him, and Caius turned away to politely ignored the choked, quickly muffled sobs. Fingers tangled with his, and he tugged Saffron down into his lap. “I am sorry to drag you into this.”
“Do be quiet, heathen,” Saffron replied, twining his arms around Caius’s neck. “I’ll just add it to your tab, never fear.”
Caius cringed in mock horror. “I think paying that tab might very well kill me.”
“You have a lot of stamina,” Saffron said, and dipped his head to nip and suck at Caius’s throat, bring up a mark. “I have faith you’ll pay it off.”
“No one has that much stamina,” Caius said with a snort, and gave Saffron a last deep kiss before shifting his attention back to Cyriacus and Sugar, wondering how in Havaramina’s Tits he’d gotten into this situation and how he was going to get out of it.
Still, Cyriacus had snuck up behind him. In Caius’s world, that said he was an equal…and he did like Sugar, and he most definitely hated Otho…
“Let’s sit and talk a bit, eh?” he said, motioning to the brothers. “Saf, call for more wine.”
This is the last set up chapter. All MCs are now present and accounted for.
Chapter Three
Caius laughed low, amused by nothing. The ceiling perhaps, it was rather an amusing ceiling was it not? He voiced the opinion and got a hard pinch for his efforts. “Unnecessary violence, Saffron. Now make it better.”
“Oh, shut up,” Saffron replied, rolling his eyes.
Caius laughed again and reached up to take the small cigarette they were sharing from Saffron’s lips. He took a long pull, sighing softly in satisfaction, then held it out of reach. “No. You pinched me. Make it better.”
“You’re such a baby,” Saffron muttered, but obediently bent down and covered the red mark left by his fingers with his mouth, lapping at it with his tongue – then biting down hard.
“Bastard!” Caius said, jerking hard. He turned his head where it lay in Saffron’s lap and returned the favor, nipping sharply at bare stomach. “You’re not being very nice tonight, Saf.”
Saffron leaned over him and deftly took back the cigarette Caius had forgotten about. He took a deep pull and settled back against the cushions on which they reclined. “I’m never nice.”
“Ah, yes. That is true. S’why I like you, I think…” Caius laughed again and reached up to drag Saffron’s head down, loving the soft feel of his dark-brown hair His lips were just as soft, warm and smooth, almost tingling where the sharp, bittersweet tralta they smoked remained on his lips. “Mmm, Saffron, you are quite delicious. To taste…touch… Caius ran his hand along Saffron’s chest and arm, tracing the lines of his intricate snake-skin tattoo. It was inked into the entirety of his arms, stopping just past the wrists, stretching across his shoulders and down to stop just past his nipples on his chest. Along his back, Caius knew, the snakeskin pattern followed the length of his spine and disappeared into the crack of his ass
He pulled Saffron’s head back down and took a harder kiss, biting at his lip before slowly pulling away. He stole the cigarette back and took another long pull, letting the bittersweet smoke work its tingling, mellowing magic. This time he handed it back, eyes locked on Saffron’s lips as he smoked. Caius licked his own lips, tasting Saffron and tralta, a hint of the wine they’d shared earlier. “I want you to ride me.”
Saffron rolled his eyes, but Caius could feel how unopposed he actually was. “I thought you wanted to spend the evening luxuriating in my lap.”
“Does being buried inside your fine ass not count as luxuriating in your lap?” Caius reached out and stole the cigarette back, humming softly in pleasure at the taste, the tingle. He loved smoking tralta with Saffron. He needed more evenings like this, not just the occasional one.
“No,” Saffron replied with a snort, though his pale brown eyes were bright with amusement behind the effects of the drug.
“Oh.” Caius thought for a moment, struggling briefly to remember what they’d been discussing. “What if I suck you off later?”
“That would count.”
“Then ride me.”
Saffron rolled his eyes again, but a faint smile tugged at his delectable mouth. He snatched the cigarette back even as he shifted Caius’ head off his lap to the floor, taking a long pull as he straddled Caius, leaning back to tease his ass along Caius’s hard length He bent down to lap and bite at first one nipple, then the other, all the while teasing the cock rubbing against his ass.
“Tease!”
“I have never denied it,” Saffron retorted.
“Merciless Viper,” Caius taunted, grabbing his hips hard and grinding against him, making Saffron stutter and moan.
Saffron threw his head back, and Caius wished he could convince the man to grow his hair out, because as pretty as it was short and close to his head, it would be far finer if it spilled over his shoulders. Then Saffron dropped the cigarette on a nearby tray and reached back to Caius’ cock, guiding it to his entrance and then sinking down with agonizing slowness.
Caius hissed at the heat and tightness. “No fair that you always get yourself ready beforehand. I want to watch.”
“Then tell me…when you’re coming,” Saffron said, planting his hands on Caius’ chest as he began to move along the length of his cock.
After a moment Caius began to move with him, hips working, thrusting up, matching the rhythm, talking reduced to pants and moans, sweat making his grip on Saffron’s hips slick, the heat and rush of pleasure combining with the buzz of the tralta.
The door slammed open across the room. “Caius, his Lordshi—“
“Out,” Caius snarled, furious.
The two men who’d appeared paled and quickly fled.
Swearing, Caius shifted his grip on Saffron, moving so Saffron was beneath him. Bracing himself on one arm, he used the other to stroke and tug at Saffron’s cock while he thrust with renewed fervor, pounding hard into his lover, crying out as Saffron climaxed, ass squeezing his cock, milking it as he came.
Caius collapsed on top of Saffron, moving only when he received a sharp pinch to his side.
“I guess you’re not staying,” Saffron said finally.
“No,” Caius said, thoroughly displeased. This was supposed to have been his night off, he’d worked hard to get it. What did Otho want now? He levered himself up and dropped a kiss on Saffron’s mouth. “I may be back. If not, I owe you one next time, hmm?”
Saffron nodded but did not reply, merely stood and went to get cleaned up.
Furious, Caius fetched his clothes and went to go see what Otho wanted – and knock a few heads around for daring to just walk in on him. Storming out of Saffron’s gold-and-brown room, he stalked down the hallway—
—and smacked hard into something small and slender. He moved reflexively, arms snapping out to catch the poor thing he’d tried to run over. “Sorry, Sugar.”
“That’s alright, Caius. Used to it.” Sugar winked at him, smoothed his diaphanous robe, then continued on his way down the hall with a wave.
Caius smiled briefly, but it faded as he reached the stairs and stomped down into the lobby below. The two guilty men waited in somber silence, and it was only because he wanted to get the job over with as quickly as possible that he let them off with merely a hard punch each. “What does Otho want now?” he asked when they’d picked themselves up.
The first man pointed a group of four off to the side. Caius burst out laughing. Four of Otho’s favorite thugs and they looked as though they were fresh meat and had been dumb enough to tangle with someone like Caius. “What in Havaramina’s Tits happened to you lot?” He sat down on the steps, laughing all over again, finally motioning for them to explain several minutes later.
Disgruntled, the men stiffly went about explaining what had transpired.
Sending Caius into renewed fits of laughter. “Kicked around by—and you call yourselves—” He doubled over on the stairs. “Otho must be having kittens. Lead the way, my fine soldiers, I want to meet this stranger.”
It didn’t make up for the fact he wasn’t with Saffron, but better to be amused than supremely pissed off. He followed the men through the dark streets of Minatolus, moving from the less reputable districts to the upscale, whistling in appreciation as they finally reached the home of the Marius family.
He’d heard about this one. Knew more about it than Otho thought he did.
The eldest brother was all set to marry the princess, living in fear that Otho would ruin everything or kill Sugar. Caius didn’t know his real name, just that he was well named and far sweeter than he should be for the life he was being forced to lead.
Not that Caius cared; his only interest in anything was getting himself and Saffron out of Havarin. Still, he hated the ones like Sugar, who hadn’t done a thing but suffered all the same.
Wasn’t there a third brother? Away somewhere. A scholar or something.
He wondered if Marius realized all Otho wanted was the connection to the throne. Surely the family wasn’t that stupid. Who knew with nobility though? They couldn’t be that smart if so many of them were under the thumb of the gangs that ran the underworld of Havarin.
Snorting softly, Caius ordered the men home and then scaled the gate, moving swiftly and silently through the yard. A moment’s work was all it took to pick the locks and then he was inside, movements near soundless as he moved through the house.
Too bad it was late; he otherwise might have been able to get in a good fight…making just enough noise to rouse someone was tempting, but Otho wanted a tidy job done and Saffron was far more interesting to him than even a good fight.
He paused at a turn in the hallway and peered cautiously around the edge, a tingling up his spine alerting him that something was suddenly off.
Unfortunately he didn’t realize that something was off behind him until he felt the knife at his throat. “Good evening.”
“Indeed,” a cool voice answered, and then Caius found himself shoved roughly up against a wall, held firmly in place. He grunted, trying not to laugh, having more fun now than he had in a long time – outside of Saf’s room anyway. “I would imagine you work for Otho.”
“Usually. I have other clients, but most of my work is for him. You’re the one that tossed around his goons earlier today.”
“Yes, and I will slit your throat unless you tell me where to find Felix.”
Caius stilled, confused. Then it clicked. “Oh, I bet that’s the little brother, eh?” He hissed in surprised pain as his arm was twisted in a remarkably creative way. He made a note of the move for future experimentation. “Look, I have nothing to do with all that. My jobs come one by one. You beat up his thugs, so I was supposed to take care of you.”
“Such a fine job you’re doing, too…if this is the best Otho has to offer, I don’t see why Honor is so terrified.”
Grinning, Caius abruptly relaxed, making himself a dead weight, forcing the stranger to carry it which threw the man off, gave him an opening. Regaining his balance, Caius whipped around, leg snapping out—
--Only to be blocked, then grabbed, and he found himself flat on his back. He lifted his arms to block a swing, kicked the man back and regained his footing, swinging his fists even as he was still standing.
The fight continued, and Caius took more hits than he liked admitting even to himself. It stopped only when they found themselves at an impasse, each pressing a knife blade to the other’s throat.
“I want my little brother,” the man said.
“I know where he is,” Caius said, “but I advise not trying to get him out.”
The man sneered. “I’m not that stupid. I want to see him. Take me to him.”
Caius frowned in thought. “Look, my orders were to kill you. I’m predominantly an assassin, though not by choice. I like you, though. No one’s ever snuck up behind me before, and I don’t think I’ve ever ended a fight in a draw. If I take you to see…Felix, then you have to behave.”
“I will not risk my brother’s life.”
“That I believe,” Caius said, and withdrew his knife as the other man did the same. “I’m Caius.”
“Cyriacus. You are the most interesting assassin I’ve ever encountered.”
“Met a lot of assassins, have you? I guess you’re the middle brother, though somehow when I heard ‘scholar’ I expected something involving books and paper.”
Cyriacus grinned. “I’ve been getting that a lot since I returned home. My education was not what I expected, though I much prefer it.”
“Your fighting style reminds me of Saffron. He’s lost his temper with a couple of Otho’s thugs before…” He led the way out of the house and down the street, quickly making his way back to the House of Exotic Flavors.
“This place…” Cyriacus shook his head. “Even I heard of this place as a boy. Felix is here?”
“If he’s who I’m thinking of. I never knew his real name. I doubt you’d see it as a good thing, but he’s well liked by everyone – the other men, the patrons…”
Cyriacus grimaced and said nothing.
As they stepped inside, Caius passed a few coins to the steward who met them in the hall, murmuring softly that he’d brought a guest for the evening. The steward frowned, but did not protest. In this house, Otho’s gang ruled with impunity. Caius was not actually a member of Riptide, but he did enough work for Otho most thought he was or may as well be. “This way,” he said quietly, swiftly leading Cyriacus up the stairs and through the maze-like hallways of the House to Saffron’s room.
When he walked in, Saffron was sitting at his table, drinking wine and reading a book, wearing a dark brown robe. He looked up and started to smile in greeting, but it turned into a confused frown when he saw Cyriacus. “Caius?”
“You’re a Viper!” Cyriacus exclaimed.
Saffron stiffened. “How would a heathen know that?” he demanded. “Who are you?” He stood up and came around the table, tensed for a fight.
“I intended no offense, I was merely surprised.” Cyriacus hesitated, then sketched an elegant bow. “I am Cyriacus, son of Livius, son of Spider, son of Havarin and the Lady of the Sands.”
“Spider?” Saffron asked, and Caius wasn’t certain he liked the smile that broke out on his lover’s face one little bit. No one made Saffron smile except him. “I think we were still on good terms with them when I…left. I am Saffron, former son of Viper, son of the Lady of the Sands.”
“Why in Havaramina’s Tits are you being nice to a complete stranger?” Caius snapped. “You weren’t that nice to me for the first three months!”
Saffron rolled his eyes and crossed the room, twining himself around Caius and tilting his head up for kiss. “Stop pouting. As cute as it looks, it’s obnoxious.”
“Assassins do not pout,” Caius said, but dipped his head to take the offered mouth, kissing Saffron hard enough to bruise his lips, ensuring his Viper would remember to whom he belonged.
“Then I guess you’re not an assassin,” Saffron said with a smirk as they broke apart. “Because you were definitely pouting. I’m greeting a fellow savage, that’s all. Why did you bring a guest on your night off? After we were interrupted.”
“Don’t remind me,” Caius replied. “It’ll put me in a bad mood again. They won’t make that mistake again, trust me.”
Cyriacus coughed, clearly trying to smother a laugh.
“He’s here to see Sugar,” Caius said. “Do you think you could arrange something?”
“Sugar? Why?” Saffron asked sharply.
“His brother. Don’t worry,” he said before Saffron could start in on a protest. “He’s promised to behave, and he snuck behind me and we finished a fight in a draw.”
Saffron grunted. “Impressive.” He turned to face Cyriacus. “How are you a Spider?”
“It’s a long story. Suffice to say my lover is the second son of the Spider Sheik.”
“That would certainly explain a great deal,” Saffron replied. “Very well, for Caius and a son of the Lady I will do my best to bring Sugar here. One wrong move though and I will flay you both.” Grumbling low, but clearly far from annoyed, Saffron vanished from the room.
Cyriacus slid him a thoughtful look. “You two are close…”
“Yes,” Caius said. “Ours is another long story. Perhaps someday we might feel like exchanging them. I would like to think we could continue to get along.”
“I will not become friends with someone who works for that bastard ruining my family’s life.”
Caius snorted. “I hate Otho at least as much as you. I’m just smart enough not to let him know that until I can declare checkmate.”
There was a long silence, then Cyriacus crossed the room to join Caius as he sat down at the low table. “Saffron?”
“Mostly,” Caius said quietly.
Cyriacus nodded, and did not press for more.
What a strange night this was turning out to be.
They sat in silence, quietly sipping the wine Caius poured for both of them, until at last the door opened to admit Saffron and a second man.
Sugar. The young man had been in the House for about three years now, give or take a few months, and was fast becoming the most prized Flavor. He was a beauty, no mistake. Caius knew men and women who would commit murder for even half his beauty. Sugar was a perfect, shining example of Havarin – the palest white-blonde hair, eyes like perfect, clear emeralds, fair, unmarked skin and a slender build. At the moment he was dressed in a simple green wrap the same shade as his eyes, the material thin and shimmering, showing off his legs, bare torso, the carefully maintained muscles.
“Felix,” Cyriacus said, voice pained. He stood up and crossed the room.
Sugar stared wide-eyed, comprehension flooding. “Cyri? Is that—is that really you?” He clung tight as Cyriacus embraced him, and Caius turned away to politely ignored the choked, quickly muffled sobs. Fingers tangled with his, and he tugged Saffron down into his lap. “I am sorry to drag you into this.”
“Do be quiet, heathen,” Saffron replied, twining his arms around Caius’s neck. “I’ll just add it to your tab, never fear.”
Caius cringed in mock horror. “I think paying that tab might very well kill me.”
“You have a lot of stamina,” Saffron said, and dipped his head to nip and suck at Caius’s throat, bring up a mark. “I have faith you’ll pay it off.”
“No one has that much stamina,” Caius said with a snort, and gave Saffron a last deep kiss before shifting his attention back to Cyriacus and Sugar, wondering how in Havaramina’s Tits he’d gotten into this situation and how he was going to get out of it.
Still, Cyriacus had snuck up behind him. In Caius’s world, that said he was an equal…and he did like Sugar, and he most definitely hated Otho…
“Let’s sit and talk a bit, eh?” he said, motioning to the brothers. “Saf, call for more wine.”
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Date: 2007-02-25 02:59 am (UTC)orly. I bet you don't know what they're doing right now just behind your back. . . . :P
|Meduza|