...Kill Him

Lucious took in the sight before him, his heart pounding in his chest, his hands trembling at his sides.

He was at his limit. He had always been strong—always able to endure anything for his master's sake.

But this? This injustice, this hopelessness? It was too much.

His throat tightened, his eyes burned, and just when he felt himself about to break—about to let the tears spill—

A hand landed on his head.

Warm. Gentle. Reassuring.

Lucious blinked in surprise, looking up to see Cassius's ever-present, carefree smile staring back at him. The same lazy, half-lidded expression he always wore, like he didn't have a care in the world.

"There's no need to get so worked up." Cassius said, ruffling his hair playfully.

Lucious gaped at him, his master—the man whose death was all but assured—who should've been filled with anger, despair, something—and yet, he stood there, utterly calm.