@DragonSong Probable
M Rating for Aurelio's potty mouth and typical Gladiator violence
The arena is full today. It was the first thing Aurelio thought as he approached the firmly shut portcullis, dark eyes narrowed in some mix of disgust and excitement. He could feel the familiar thrill of anticipation running through his veins, burning with a fire he could never quite contain. He clenched one hand around the solid wood bars of the gate, glared at the crowd with venom as they jostled and clamoured in anticipation of the coming match. He would have liked to see them down there, in the pit, fighting in the grit and sand and blood. It was not the first time he had thought it, and he knew it would not be the last. Most of them wouldn't last five minutes. A cruel smile twisted at his lips, '
Not if I had any say in it.'
"Lio." Eleodoro called his attention away from the arena outside, his vision turning black as he moved away from the portcullis and the glaring light outside, to the dim shadows of the passageway. His armour, light and leather, scratched and worn by years of use, hung from his brother's fingers and he couldn't help the shadow of a smile that danced across his face as he stepped forward to accept it. No words passed between them as Eleodoro helped him into his armour, tying the matching braces around his arms with silent precision. He had been doing this for years, for as long as Aurelio had needed it, and they do not need to speak to know what the other is thinking, fearing.
Eleo tied off the last strap, tucking it safely behind the leather brace, and dropped his hand onto Aurelio's shoulder, contrasting pale eyes meeting Aurelio's own, and he silently leant forwards to press their temples together, hand cupped around the back of his brother's neck. Eleodoro released a soft breath, his fingers digging into the flesh of Aurelio's shoulder.
"Be careful." He whispered.
Aurelio nodded fractionally, letting his twin's presence temper a little of the fire racing through him, controlling it instead. "I always am."
The crowd cheered outside the gates, the sound echoing through the empty passageway and drawing both their gazes. Aurelio squeezed Eleodoro's arm reassuringly and collected his weaponry from its place against the wall. He faced the portcullis, head held high and stance strong, and lifted his hands to pull the loose strands of hair around his face into a tight, half-ponytail behind his head.
The chains on the gate clattered and groaned with the effort of pulling the heavy fixture upwards, and the crowd roared as he stepped forwards into the light.
