Pallas simply nodded, still feeling dazed by all that had happened. When Philandros and his friend Olaf had bid their goodbyes, he’d been about to bolt, but Titus’ firm arm around his shoulder kept him fixed to the spot. And again he experienced the same enchantment as before – feeling himself melting away under the Roman’s lips, until there would be nothing left of him but the sound of his rapidly beating heart. Pallas smiled at Titus and dutifully reached for one of the scrolls his friend had spilt into their laps, a copy of “De corporibus natantibus” by the famous Sicilian, Archimedes. Pallas put it aside. The next one was of a more practical nature – “De Arboribus” written by a Roman Pallas had only heard about up to now, Lucius Iunius Moderatus Columella. This one was followed by several other treatises on natural sciences, more Archimedes, a scrap of Plinius along with a few scrolls by Euphemios of Corinth. The next one made the Greek sigh with pleasure, he smiled, closed his eyes and quoted without opening the scroll.

“Ἐκ Διὸς ἀρχώμεσθα, τὸν οὐδέποτ' ἄνδρες ἐῶμεν
ἄρρητον. Μεσταὶ δὲ Διὸς πᾶσαι μὲν ἀγυιαί,
πᾶσαι δ' ἀνθρώπων ἀγοραί, μεστὴ δὲ θάλασσα
καὶ λιμένες· πάντη δὲ Διὸς κεχρήμεθα πάντες...”

Titus smiled wryly at his young friend and took the scroll from his hands. “It sounds wonderful, but…” The clueless Roman studied the tag. “Aratos of Soloi, ‘Phainomena’ – what is it about?” Pallas opened his eyes, and the youth’s enthusiastic smile took the Roman’s breath away.

“‘From Zeus let us begin; him do we mortals never leave unnamed; full of Zeus are all the streets and all the market-places of men; full is the sea and the havens thereof; always we all have need of Zeus...’* It’s about the stars, Titus!” Pallas hesitated and his cheeks turned slightly rosy. “I often spend the night outside, on the roof of my house, watching the sky”, he confessed awkwardly as if this was something outrageous to do.

Titus smiled in return. “I’d like to spend a night on top of your roof with you and watch the stars.” He took the Greek’s hands into his, knowing by now he had to be bold with his shy and elusive beloved. “Maybe tomorrow night, after we’ve carried the crates to your shop?” Pallas’ eyes took on that certain liquid shimmer Titus had come to love and crave. “Yes, I’d love to…”, the young Greek said softly. Then the meaning of Titus’ words eventually dawned to him, and he gazed at his friend, bewildered. “Carrying the crates to my shop? They aren’t meant for your library? Of course I will take them on commission and sell them on your behalf, if you wish.” Titus squeezed his beloved’s hands. “Oh no, Pallas, they are all meant for you!” The young man just stared at him, speechless. Before he could protest, Titus sweeped the scrolls between them aside, pulled Pallas close, and again their lips met in an all-consuming kiss that made the Greek melt into his lover’s arms, again moaning softly in delicious defeat.

At exactly this moment the curtains leading to the kitchen parted and Laris’ head appeared. “Dinner is ready, Master.” The sight of Titus and Pallas took him by surprise, and his head withdrew hastily behind the fabric. “Dinner is ready, Master”, he repeated softly and shook his head, smiling at the sight of his usually so restrained and sober-minded – to avoid the term ‘stuffy’ – master suddenly engaged in such passionate activities, and put the plate next to the small oven to keep it warm. With a tolerant sigh he plopped down on the carpet, ready to wait for a sign to serve dinner; considering that lamb was on the menue, though, Titus and Pallas would most likely have to dine out tonight if they didn’t manage to stop snogging anytime soon. Considerably more worldly than his master, Laris hoped they wouldn't, and picked a piece of grilled lamb from the plate as long as it was hot and edible.

* Translation by G.R. Mair