When he was sure the greek wasn't going to continue, Olaf lightened his pressure and finally released his grip on the young man's mouth. The german's face was red, and his whisper was low but taut with emotion.

"Is not something to speak on--and is not all truth!" Olaf looked away a moment, then his blue eyes once more riveted Giton to the floor. "Why I tell you anyway--you stranger, not know me or ex-master--is none of your business." He began to walk out of the baths and east along the street past the temple of Jupiter.

Even before the implications of 'me or ex-master' had fully registered, Giton was seized by panic that he had ruined his attempt at getting better acquainted with his blond god, and quickly followed him into the street. He caught at the larger man's arm.

"Please--I'm sorry! I have so few friends these days!" The clear note of sorrow and regret which was evident in those words caused Olaf to stop walking, and he turned to look at the shorter native of Pompeii. The greek, despite the fairly brief exertion, was holding a hand to his side, and took a moment to catch his breath.

Olaf saw a hopelessness in the brown eyes which he hadn't noticed before, and something inside him--something which had at one time also felt alone and lost--responded. He might kick himself later, or even come to regret the decision, but for now he decided to give this stranger a second chance. He walked back to the temple steps, and sat down, patting the sun-warmed stone next to him.

"Are you well? I can get doctor to look at you--he is helping my ex-master. You want to come home with me?" He pulled out one of his pastries and handed it to Giton, who accepted it with a shaking hand.

A physician was seeing to Philandros?! What could have happened to him? He had heard nothing of him and Sextus since he had arranged the party at Lykon's earlier in the summer--the event which had caused the disaster he was living in now! He must not let this boy see that he had known Philandros--but yet--somewhere deep inside himself was the urge to run to his ex-friend's side, to tell him how he felt, and beg for the red-head's forgiveness!

Giton did his best to steady his voice as he spoke: "It's nothing--a cut from a fight--it gets better by the day. Thank you for offering to help...I appreciate it!"

Olaf didn't question that, but he sensed that the loneliness was still there, undiminished. "You shall come with me--have dinner! We talk, have drink--perhaps I show you something nice?"

Giton breathed a sigh of relief until he heard the invitation to dine with his dream man--but those words caused renewed anxiety to strike! He had to think of a way to avoid going to Philandros' house--for today, perhaps forever.

"If your ex-master is unwell, I don't think I should come--too much company isn't good for a man in ill health! Perhaps we can eat at a restaurant?"

Olaf thought that over--Valerius had been sitting with Philandros most of the day--but that had been just quiet watching...perhaps Giton was right. He patted the greek's hand and nodded.

"You are in right, I think! Is too soon--accident only happen yesterday when Philandros fall off cliff...." His glance fell on the basket of herbs once more, and he jumped up, but this time he assisted the other boy to his feet. As he started toward the cardo maximus, he kept his grip on Giton's hand, aiding his friend over the sidewalk curbstones.

"I just leave herbs with Grumio--then we go eat--is nice place close to house...I only be moment, and you can wait outside so as not to make too much noise!"

Giton kept pace with the giant, for he had no choice as long as Olaf maintained his grip on his hand....What harm could come of waiting outside?...

"If someone saw me, plenty!" he muttered to himself.

Olaf turned to look at his new friend, and his smile gave Giton the heart to continue.