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One afternoon when I'm scouring the Kogane Dori markets for mechanical parts for another one of Aulus' magitek commissions I run into Emet-Selch. In the eastern garb he'd taken to wearing for his visits to us he doesn't stick out as much as he might, but I'd recognise that distinctive streak of white hair anywhere. It seems like he was expecting me and as soon as I catch his eye he smiles and beckons me over with a tilt of his head.
"Claudius. Out doing errands for your beloved again?"
I smile at hearing him use that word to refer to Aulus. "I am. And you?"
"Waiting to bump into you," he says, returning the smile. "Let me take you to lunch."
"Oh, I should stop by the apartment and let Aulus know."
"Ah, I was hoping to spend some time alone with you this time, if that's all right."
I blink up at him, taken by surprise. He came to see... me? "Well... yes, but what about Aulus?"
"Oh I think he'd be glad to miss me for once, don't you?"
"I suppose..."
"Come." He holds out an arm for me. "We're long overdue a good chat."
He takes me to Shiokaze Hostelry and orders us several plates of sushi and a bottle of sake. I hadn't been expecting to be drinking at this time of day but it might help to calm my nerves about being alone with him. And if I'm very lucky, it could help him open up a bit more too. As much as I'd tried to break through his walls the last few times the three of us had gone drinking together I feel like he's still holding back. I wonder if that's why he wanted to meet with me alone today. Could it be because he doesn't feel able to open up around Aulus? Or is it too painful for him? I find myself wondering more about their past together.
I take a sip of sake then clear my throat. "So..." I pause, suddenly not knowing how to word this. "I've been wondering. About you and Aulus."
He gives me a wry smile. "I did notice."
"Well... can you tell me about it? He said you helped him with his research for a time, but then in Ala Mhigo..."
He sighs. "Yes, I fear I broke his heart."
"He loved you."
"Despite his protestations to the contrary, yes."
"You didn't love him back."
That earns me a derisive laugh from him. "You say that so confidently."
"You're going to disagree, then?"
"No. Whatever I feel for him... I wouldn't call it love."
"Then what would you call it?"
"Curiosity. I had an interest in his research, how his mind works."
I'm unable to stifle a laugh. "Oh, I see now. You fed his ego and then were surprised when he fell for you? For all your great wisdom you really are an idiot sometimes."
He scoffs. "For someone who's been alive barely two summers you're surprisingly perceptive."
"Hmph." That stings a little, but I probably deserved it. I grumble and stuff a piece of sushi into my mouth.
"You may have noticed I feel the same about you, Claudius. I'm curious about you."
I glare at him, taking my time to chew and swallow before replying.
"Yes, you enjoy studying me like some kind of lab rat. The only thing that interests you is my soul."
He sighs and rests his chin in his hand. "You make it sound so... clinical."
"But you don't disagree."
He gives an exasperated shrug. "How often does one get to study the development of a being with a completely new soul? It's unprecedented. Even in the ancient world, it..." He trails off.
Finally, a chance to move away from this depressing topic. "Can you tell me more about the ancient world?"
"I already explained everything."
"Explaining isn't the same... I want to hear stories about your life."
He grumbles, then gives me an apologetic look. "Well, I have a few that might interest you..."