After Livia proceeded upon her way Arrius and Verrius were left alone again. It had been quite a day so far with questions and confrontations at every turn...Hermes, Verrius and Livia. He almost expected to see Sextus himself come walking around the next corner!
Arrius spoke first hoping to divert Verrius from the question that he had asked just before Livia's arrival.
"That Livia sure is something, isn't she?"
Verrius chuckled. "No shrinking violet that one! Is she always so direct?"
"She was behaving quite well today for Livia, you should see her when she's really in a mood!" Both man had a good laugh and they continued to walk but Verrius didn't let things lie.
"So what about you and Sextus? I need to know."
Arrius stopped, turned and looked at him.
"I loved him, I still love him and will always love him. We were so close, we shared every thought, every emotion, every heartache. We were like brothers."
"So the two of you weren't lovers?" asked Verrius.
Arrius looked him straight in the eyes and told him the truth.
"We had sex once, only once and even though it was the most wonderful experience of my life it will never happen again. Sextus and I have gone our separate ways."
"But why did..." Arrius interupted Verrius in mid question.
"Please Verrius, don't ask anymore questions. Not now. When I'm ready I will tell you more."
Verrius clasped his friend upon the shoulder. "Alright, I won't ask anything else, I understand. Why don't we go grab a bite to eat, I'm starved!"