Octavius

xxiv

(Do you ever stop staring?)

"I... umm, I'm staring at..at your book.." I gestured to the heavy book he held in his hand, nimble fingers quickly flipped the inky pages with frustration. His dark olive-eyes instantly snapped to mine, a bewildered expression shone through his hardened features. "I know a little... little bit of Spanish and I've been practicing so.. so I can communicate with Octavius better in Italian. Oh! Can I ask you a question, I know you don't.. don't like me but can I-I ask you a question?"

        He directed a dark glare at me, silently demanding for me to shut up; his lethal warning was clear as day yet I couldn't help but open my big mouth and ramble. "Why.. why don't you like me? D-did I do something to offend you? I.. I'm sorry if I did anything or.. or accidentally hurt you.. I'm really sorry, Sil."

        "Don't fucking call me that," He grunted lowly, and completely ignored my earlier statement. I attempted to make conversation once more yet he didn't show interest which led me to silently mumble to myself. I even drew him a perfect picture of his reflection, and handed it to Silvio but he simply glared at the paper and balled it in his pair of strong hands.

When I had finished eating a portion of the pancakes, I immediately headed for the bathroom, the big, slender frame of Silvio haunting me with each movement.

        My feet halted in front of the doorway, eyes peeking at Silvio's hardened expression. "I.. I have to pee-pee, and.. and I need my p-privacy, please."

        "Two minutes."

        Two minutes to pee-pee? "But... but.." I spluttered out trying to find words that could accurately describe my frustration.

        "I'm counting. Two minutes," Silvio said with a firm tone and I instantly knew he wouldn't go back on his word. He meant every bit of those words. Every single one.

"Okay." And with that, I quickly rushed into the bathroom to do my business, hoping that Silvio would count slowly or perhaps extend the time.

        I spent nearly half of the day with Silvio, trying my absolute best to ask polite questions about him, and slowly persuade him to open up to me yet it was to no avail. Silvio was like a hardened rock of mountain that wouldn't move even with heavenly grace. Every few minutes, I would check my phone for any missed messages or calls... especially Octavius'.

        He hadn't texted me in a few hours except for the last message he sent me before radio silence. It was a bit nerve-wrecking but I silently prayed for his safety.

My eyes darted to the television where Lion King was playing, I couldn't help but giggle to myself as I mumbled the dialogue of the movie.

        "What's a motto?" I mustered a deep voice, feeling darkened eyes watching me. "Nothing, what's a-motto with you?"

        Yeah, I've watched the movie more than once.. haven't you?

        The sharp sound of the front door slammed instantly alerted me, and I jumped slightly as my curious gaze flickered to the doorway where a tall, muscular figure stood. Silvio stood upright, gripping onto the silver knife and lunged the dangerous pair of weapon towards the door. I let out a low gasp, quickly rising to my feet when I slowly realized it wasn't just any stranger, it was Fabiano.