The mists rising from the hot waters of the bathing pool were almost enough to hide the form of Lycon--and more than adequate to conceal the actions of his 'friend' whose hands were invisible below the water. Giton smiled to himself, having been in a similar position with the older man a few times...and he knew that before long the boy would have to learn to breathe underwater unless Lycon took mercy on him and took a seat on the pool's edge.

The party which he had been planning was to take place tomorrow evening, and Giton wanted to make sure that his plans were being followed by Lycon in every detail...if there was to be any hope for success, every detail had to be perfect. One way or another, Philandros would not be leaving that party as the same boy who went in.

A spate of coughing came from the dark-haired youth as Giton stood next to Lycon's steaming form. The older man grumbled irritably: "Giton--he's no damn good! Can't you..." The pleading in the man's voice was unmistakeable.

"I only came to confirm details for tomorrow night...not to gratify your evil desires!" Giton said with a grin. "At least, not today!"

Lycon stood up, and grabbed a towel from a stool nearby, shoving his companion back into the pool as he tried to follow them to the massage tables. "You annoy me...begone."

As the huge Thracian began to knead his shoulders, Lycon sighed. "Details? Everything is set...no need to worry!"

Despite these words, Giton felt the need to go over the plan one last time. Lycon was known for his excesses, as Giton well knew, so he felt obligated to confirm the arrangements.

"Please Lycon...Sextus is to show up two hours later than the other guests..." A nod from the Greek. "Messalina is coming?" Yes. "The wine is set--with the special additive for Philandros only?" An impatient wave of the hand. "What of the special entertainers?"

Lycon's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "The snake dancer, the musicians, the acrobats--and the satyr dancers...all right?"

Giton nodded, pleased that every detail he wished for had been arranged. "I still can't see why you want Messalina there? She is a beautiful woman...but she might find our evening a bit dull by City standards."

"If this plan is going to work, she has to be there for Sextus' benefit--he must choose where his heart belongs--either with her, or Philandros!"

"That's another thing...just why do you care if Sextus and Philandros get back together?"

Giton shrugged his shoulders and sighed again. "It's not that I really care--but Philandros needs to finally do something on his own, not be the meek sacrificial lamb for his grandfather--or the convenient outlet of some roman who has a taste for boys!"

You forgot to mention 'the possession of a greek debaucher'...Lycon thought to himself with a hidden laugh--for though he had initially agreed with Giton's plan...he now found himself more than a little interested in Philandros for his own uses. For Sextus to drop Messalina for him, he must be very good--and if he's not..he soon will be!

"You sound remarkably altruistic, Giton--that's not like you in the least!" Lycon rolled onto his back so the masseur could work on his chest. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were in love with the boy yourself!"

As Lycon's laughter filled the masseur's chamber, he did not miss the flush which came to Giton's cheeks.

...That could be a problem...Lycon thought as his laughter finally subsided. Perhaps Giton should disappear after my little party....