forum Greek One on One

Started September 20, 2020 by Deleted user

tune

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Yeah, I'm sorry, yes I would love to do that.

And yeah, wait. . .oof, I sort of didn't think of that.

Theron is just going to freak and stuff. Knowing my boi, he'd like it, but he'd be too embarrassed to admit it.

The sun was high, stretched across the furthermost ring of the sky as Castor made his way down the cobbled paths. Most days, he loved the way the sun warmed his tan, freckled skin, yet today he found it insufferable. Sweat stuck to his brow and the halo of bronzed curl around his head glowed even brighter in the light, yet a furrowed expression diminished his appearance.

Apprenticing around some of the most talented writer’s was difficult and frustrating, especially when he could not grasp a concept quickly enough. The thought of having to work harder dampened his mood, he’d much rather have it come to him naturally. The young boy practically sulked, a deep frown along his soft features as he made his way towards the town square, clutching his satchel tightly.

The only thought that seemed to warm his displeased expression was the thought of seeing Theron, a slight smile piquing the corner of his lips. Yes, half the time the taller boy seemed to find Castor nearly unbearable, yet there were always moments in which the two enjoyed one another’s company. His soft smile returned to his features with this thought as he finally made it to the main square of the town, the bustle of merchants breaking through his thinking. Loud arguing surfaced, bartering and calls in the midst of the tumultuous crowds, the smell of sweet pies which Castor’s nose made him follow abruptly.

Theron had been working for a while that day on an order of weaponry that he had received. It was tedious work to begin with, having to stand next to open fire, but during this time of day, with this heat, it was unbearable. He longed to stop, if only for a few moments to relax and just take a break from the flames, but he had made a deal with himself, I need to finish one set of armory before I even consider relaxing. He thought to himself as he lifted the hammer yet again to form the shape of a breastplate.

He was growing tired of his work though. This was redundant and boring him to him, and he hated. He'd rather have been able to go to school like his friend Castor and be able to learn under poets and scholars. He was rather jealous of the boy, and of some of the other boys of the town. He watched them live out his dreams, his wishes, while all he was able to do was work in his father's shop, and have to take care of the business, after all, his family needed to eat somehow, and as long as he was doing honest work, he was satisfied, happy, but not satisfied.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Theron finished the third set of armor, he had only been able to finish three throughout the span of a week, and he still had a few more to finish, he might be able to finish a few more pieces to the fourth set, but not anymore than that. He stepped away from the fire, after dousing it out. Then moved out of the area towards the front of his home, walking towards the marketplace. He had a little bit of money, and he was hungry, he could possibly get himself a snack from on of ever arguing vendors.

Castor continued to walk through the marketplace, eyeing a few sweet tarts though he had already bought a couple in his hands. They were always affordable, but he usually got even more of a discount if he talked up the boy sitting behind the table. He clasped the cakes between the clothe napkins gently, careful not to leave any imprints. The young boy had been hoping to find Theron so they could have the tarts together, he already sensed how much of a bad mood they would be in by the overwhelming heat. It wasn’t much better when you were stuck in the armory either.

As if the gods were answering his prayers, Castors wide eyes caught the boy wandering through the cobbled streets. It wasn’t very difficult, his height practically looming above the other merchants with an impenetrable grey gaze, the towns people practically clearing the path in his wake. Yet, the sight of the taller boy awakened a bright smile across Castor’s soft features, quickly making his way towards Theron.

Theron walked through the market, viewing the different items and foods when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Figuring that it wouldn't be anyone than Castor, he turned around to face the other boy, "Why hello, Castor." He said in a somewhat cheery voice, despite his fatigue. "How are you this day?" he said, his voice voice now growing quiet as the two began to walk away from the market place. He had decided not to buy anything for himself, although he was hungry, that could go towards something else, maybe a treat for his sisters or something.

“I’m wonderful, but the heat is insufferable,” Castor replied, his more reserved personality completely peeling off when Theron spoke to him. “Though Nephus wrote a beautiful poem today at the guild,” he added with a sigh, his tawny eyes alight with a faraway gaze. “Perhaps I can read it to you?”

He always loved spending time with Theron, the two had been extremely close since they had been children. Most of their summer days before the taller boy had to work had been spent in the shade of a Cyprus tree found in Castor’s grandparent’s courtyard. The weather was practically begging for the two to return.

“Oh! And before I forget, these are for you,” Castor added, unwrapping two sweet tarts meekly, quickly handing them to Theron.

Theron kept in stride with the smaller man, just wandering through the marketplace. He was listening to the other man, but was keeping an eye out for some of the young men who he had gotten into a skirmish with just a few days before, "Oh, of course, please do, but can I ask you if I don't know one of the words?" That had been a normal thing for them, and although Theron hated to mention that he couldn't read, or at times understand the words being used, he knew that if he didn't understand the words, he'd ask.

They eventually came to an empty part of the market, and he sat down on the steps of a building, motioning for Castor to sit next to him. "Before you start, I must ask, what is it about? I'm just curious about it." He said with a smile, waiting for the other boy to answer.

"Oh, no, I couldn't't, Castor, I must than you, but if anything, could we share?" He said, as he wiped his ash stained hands against his tunic.

“Theron, I bought these specially for you. Don’t feel bad,” Castor answered with a small, childish pout, sitting down beside the other man. “But of course we can share.” He added with a soft smile, breaking off a piece and handing the rest to Theron.

“And the poem, it’s so beautiful…the ‘Ode to Aphrodite,’ that is,” Castor began, his usual dreamy expression taking over his features. He was never ashamed of finding beauty in the arts, even when half the boys in the town taunted him for being so feminine, calling him rude names and slurs.

“Iridescent-throned Aphrodite, deathless
Child of Zeus, wile-weaver, I now implore you,
Don’t—I bet you, Lady—with pains and torments
Crush down my spirit.” Castor recited, finishing the poem softly as he looked towards Theron, slipping a piece of tart between his lips. “Isn’t it just lovely?”

"I know that, but I wouldn't be able to finish it, and it would be rude not too, so I just had to ask." But, Theron knew that Castor wasn't fooled by that. Castor knew him like he was the back of his hand, Sebastian really wasn't able to hide anything from the other boy at all no matter how hard he tried. And although he was quite hungry, but to be fair when was he not, he knew that it wouldn't be right to eat it all himself, even if that was what was the other boy had wanted.

It sounds beautiful." Theron murmured his agreements, waiting for the other man to begin. He knew that Castor always enjoyed to just 'get in the mood' of the poem that he was about to recite, or read. It was almost as though the boy was performing the poem rather than just reciting it, and Theron loved listening to it, although at times he barely understood them.

When Castor finished he nodded slightly, "But what does iriiiiideskent mean?" He said, completely butchering the word. "I've never heard it before. Does it have to do with like shining or something like that?"

"Yes! Exactly that, my friend," Castor grinned, his features alight when the other boy spoke…even if it was not completely right. He threw an arm around Theron's neck, giving him a comfortable side hug. "Keep that up and you'll be able to attend the poet's guild with me," he added with a small chuckle, ignoring the odd stares that he received from the townspeople. Theron wasn't one to be touched, much less by a man. Though, one group did seem to catch his eye as he glanced up towards the merchant crowd, his thin brows scrunching up.

"Aren't those the boys you got in a scuffle with a few days ago?" Castor questioned, unlatching his arm from around the taller boy's neck. He tried not to show his obvious disdain of the burly group, yet his discomfort was painted clearly across his face. The group was always taunting him for his small size or more…feminine attributes, but Castor had learned how to ignore it as much as he wanted to sock one in the face.

(For plot, maybe Theron gets in a fight again? Then they can spend more time after together, treating wounds and such since Castor is such a mom)

((That could totally happen, although I must admit, I am the worst at writing fight scenes))

"Really?" Theron said happily, for once not minding the hugs of the other boy, "You jest Castor, we both know that I wouldn't make it into the guild, no matter how many words I was able to guess on. You have to one of those schools, like the one you went too, and you'd have to be able to. . .well, I'm sure you understand." He said, cutting himself off a bit. He didn't want to talk about that, even if the other boy was joking. It was a bit of a touchy subject for him at times.

Theron nodded, standing up, and pulling castor up with him, "Come, let's go before they see us." But he knew that it was too late. The group had started to make their way over to them, but Theron hoped that they could escape quickly and avoid another skirmish. He still ached from the last fight he had gotten into, and he knew that more that he fought the boys, the more they hated him, and the more they would try to kill him rather than just fight.

(You're totally fine, I'm not the best either)

Castor frowned heavily, sticking closely to Theron as the three other men approached. He recognized each of them, each key players in his childhood, thought they had been rather kind growing up. Trying not to cower as much before the taller boy, he pushed himself forward, soft features turned into a narrowed glare.

"Hey, Cassie," one boy called out, a deep smirk spreading across his tanned skin, dark eyes unfriendly and predatory. The two other boys mumbled the same taunting nickname, low chuckles blowing out. "Cuddling up to your boyfriend, hm? What were you two lovebirds talking about?" Castor went to open his mouth, glancing angrily up towards Theron as he tensed, preparing to say something…though nothing exited.

"Cat got your tongue, Cassie?" Another boy laughed, his voice taunting. "Does Theron need to talk for you now?"

Though always being quite a calm person, Castor all but fumed. The boys had always picked on him for his choices and path in life, but they didn’t need to drag Theron into this. Yet, he couldn’t even find the words to respond.

((oof, so sorry))

Theron kept his head down, not even looking at the boys. He knew them all, and who they were. He remembered hearing their jeers and mocking words to him when he wasn't able to go to school like they did, and when he had to work, and work hard while they did nothing at all. They had seemingly liked Castor when he was a child, but since Theron was from they considered a lower class they would either taunt him, or have nothing to do with him.

He let out a sigh when he heard the other boys speak, turning to face them, his eyes cold and seemingly distant, as though he didn't care about what they were saying or what they thought. He knew that the other boy's loved to tease Castor about his love for poems and things of that nature, so maybe he ought to say something to put them in their place, or get them off their backs, or even just make it seem like a joke. But he didn't to say anything just yet, at least not until that other boy chimed in. His grey eyes flashed with annoyance, and he somewhat glared at him. "It's not that he needs me to speak for him, he'd just prefer to not have to associate himself with any of you." Once those words came out of his mouth, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, glaring down at the other boys, as if daring them to try anything, but that was a bad move.

(totally fine!)

One of the taller, dark haired boys approached, snickering at his friend once the word's left Theron's lips. Castor recognized him as Adonis. "Associate himself with us? Cassie is this true," he pouted mockingly, feigning to be hurt by the comment.

"Last time we encountered each other, Theron, I remember practically beating you to a pulp." Adonis added with a snarled smile, his two counterparts snickering behind him. Castor grimaced, glancing up towards the taller boy as if assessing the damage that Adonis had been speaking of.

Oh gods. . . Theron thought, realizing his mistake of speaking when one of the boy's approached him, the one who had begun and had nearly won the fight the last time the two had gotten into one. I am such a fool. . . He thought with a shudder sigh, preparing himself for what was to come.

"I would think Adonis, that a mind as quick as your's is would be able to remember the simple fact that it was the other way around." Theron retorted, his voice as cool as ice. He took a few steps back when the other boy came closer, knowing that he wouldn't really be able to avoid a fight, but it would be worth a try. He didn't want Castor to see this, and to be quite honest, he didn't want to get into another one.

"Adonis!" Castor called out, an upset frown dragging down his features as he stepped closer to the other man unknowingly. "Can you simply stop fighting everyone? It's tiresome!" He added with a grimace, though it looked less than menacing upon his usually soft expressions.

Unfortunately, the young man didn't realize his mistake as Adonis reached out, pushing against Castor's chest and nearly sending him toppling over. Luckily, he fell into Theron, who barely moved against the small weight pressing against him.

"Watch where you're going, little Cassie. Wouldn't want you to get hurt!" One of the other boys called out with a malicious sneer, glancing towards his two other friends for satisfaction.

That shove was enough to set Theron off. He gently helped Castor stand up, before moving him to the side, before out of nowhere he took a swing at Adonis, hitting the boy squarely in the jaw. "Leave him out of this." He growled at him, and started to turn away, but it was too late. The other boy's had gotten what they wanted, a fight, and sadly Theron just had to give it to them.

After what seemed to Theron to be forever, but what was really only a few minutes, the other boy's left, after pretty much beating him to a pulp. The time before it had only been among Theron and Adonis, rather than all three, but this time the others joined in. He glanced around, making sure there wasn't anyone left in this area -Castor had ran off seeing what had happened, and the other boys were gone now- he pushed himself off the ground, and began to walk shakily away from the market, I feel like a fool, why did I have to give them what they wanted, the satisfaction, of this. Theron questioned himself as he wiped the blood away from his nose, Well, I can't go back home, mother would be furious, and there really aren't any other places.. . _ He heaved a sigh of nervousness then got an idea, walking towards the lake nearby, _Perhaps I can just get some of the blood off?

Castor hadn't known what to do when the fighting had broken out, his small frame pushed to the outskirts of the market as a large group had gathered around the fight. He felt absolutely useless, especially after the fight seemed completely tipped off by his own words. You're such a fool for not keeping your mouth shut. Now Theron could get hurt. He chastised himself, a pained expression wrapping itself around his light features.

After what seemed like centuries, Castor could finally hear the ending of the fight, save for a few scuffles here and there. He resisted looking at any of the boys, letting the crowd part itself before he forced himself in the square. Adonis was gone, no surprise there, yet there was small droplets of blood hanging on the stoned floor of the market. Theron was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh my gods," Castor breathed out shakily under his breath, a panicky expression overtaking him. He spun around in a frenzy, tawny eyes searching for Theron in the crowds trailing out of the square. Where was he?

After a few moments of searching, grabbing the wrong people which resulted in more cursing than he thought possible, Castor spotted the older boy's tall figure…who's walk seemed to be practically heaving his pained body towards the outskirts of the town. No, no, no. But he knew the damage had been done.

"Theron!" Castor called out, his voice shrill with worry as he jogged towards the other boy, placing a firm hand on their arm. If it were any other normal case, he would have most likely combusted just from simply touching the other man's muscular frame. Yet, all his mind seemed to be able to focus on was the extent of Theron's injuries…which he had been waiting to fully assess.

He could hear Castor calling him, but he didn't want to turn around, he was hurting so badly, and he really didn't want the other boy to see him like this. Yet when the other boy came over, he turned around to face him, his face slightly bloodied from the fight. He pulled his arm away slightly, wincing slightly as he moved it, "I'm fine Castor, I'll be okay." He mumbled quietly, not even looking at the boy, his cheeks a dark red from the embarrassment he felt. "I didn't want you to see me like this." He hung his head, knowing fully well that Castor didn't care about that, and now that he had found him, he was going to help him.

But Theron was still going to try to just be left alone for a bit, "Castor, don't worry about me please." He began to take steps closer towards the shore of the lake, but stopped short, still in a great deal of pain, "It's nothing really, they took a few swings at me that I wasn't able to block, I'll be fine."

Castor's mouth fell open, lips parted in surprise as he saw Theron's bloody form. His chest ached, an immense amount of guilt forming like a painful cavity. Even with the other boy's words, he did not let go, instead latching both of his hands on the other's arms.

"Please, Theron, let me help. This was all my fault," he murmured, his voice cracking as if he were going to break down any minute. He couldn't help that he was so sensitive, and seeing Theron like this made his chest tighten to the point that he felt like he was going to lose his breath. "I can't leave you hurt like this," he managed to say hoarsely.

Castor looked up towards the taller man, his tawny eyes wide and hopeful that Theron wouldn't push him away yet again as he continued to rattle off pleads to help them.

Theron knew that the boy wasn't going to go away, and if he tried to push him away, he would just come back. He looked over at the boy, and saw the look in Castor's eyes, his grey eyes peering into them. After a few seconds of him just studying the boy, reluctantly he nodded his approval.

He let the boy pull him along towards his home, his head held down. he ignored the stares of some of the people who say the way he looked, blood now dried on his face, but still it seemed as though it was all over it. He remained silent as Castor continued to apologize over and over and over for getting him into the fight, but eventually, he finally responded. "Castor, it's alright, please, stop apologizing, I know that you didn't know that they would go off on that, and it's alright, I'm not upset with you."

To be honest, Theron probably felt a lot worse than Castor. He had been pretty much been defeated by the other two boys, and he also felt bad for Castor having to witness it, and see him like this. The other boy knew that Theron would get into fights or even just a bit of a scuffle, it was sort of just a fact of life at times, but Tehron would always stay away from Castor until he was better, until all the cuts and bruises had healed to a degree. He could always brush off the bruises and say that he had accidentally hurt himself, and the same with the brusies, but at this point he doubted that the smaller boy would believe those stories again.

Castor nodded tensely, practically tethered to Theron's arm as he brought him through the town square quickly. Unfortunately, he lived further away from the main buildings and shops, resulting in the pair being stared down by many people passing by…most glancing tentatively at the smaller blonde's arm wrapped around the gruffer man. He ignored the looks simply, used to the uncomfortable feeling of harsh gazes and continued along, constantly asking Theron if he was too pained to walk.

After a few minutes of walking in silence, Castor had successfully led the two back to his grandparent's home, hurriedly entering the courtyard where the young men had spent most of their childhood summers. He pulled Theron towards a stone bench carefully, one shaded precariously by a sweet smelling Cyprus tree, where he knew the other man would feel comfortable.

"Okay, uh, don't move. I'll be back soon, alright?" Castor glanced down at Theron with wide eyes, as if the other man would simply disappear in his few absent minutes. "I just need to get the antiseptic, and–oh!– the bandages. Constance must have them somewhere," he added anxiously, hands unable to stay put as he rambled a list of supplies. Honestly, he had no idea how to do this, unless he counted the time his cousin had broken an arm…but Castor was determined to make Theron feel better.

As Castor began to flit around nervously, listing the things that he would need as well as trying to console Theron as well, he just tried to hold back a smile. This was what he was used to when it came to Castor. The boy was always worrying, always trying to do something. But while it normally annoyed Theron, who normally just liked to relax and see where life took him, this time it was nice to see that someone cared. "Oh, of course, Castor. Where would I go? My mother would be furious to see me like this, and Jacinta and Khloe would never let me live something like this down." He said with a shrug, wincing a bit as he did so. "Just take your time Castor, I'll be alright."

He watched the other boy walk away to the home, and he sighed with relief, happy to just have a second of peace to himself. He leaned against the tree, closing his eyes as he relaxed under the shade. But his mind wasn't letting the peace last. He was still angry about the fight, and just sort of hurt. He could understand the other boy's not liking him, he was different, he had less money than them, he couldn't even read, and he was from a rank or class than them. But what really upset Theron was the way they treated Castor. He was like them, and he deserved the same respect that they expected from other people. So why wouldn't they give it to Castor? He wasn't the only boy in the city who behaved the way that he did. Yet, they singled him out, perhaps it was the fact that the two were always together, maybe they found that to be a way to hurt both?

((I'm sorry it's so short, I'm just exhausted))