“’Tis well I am found by you, then,” Othello replied with a nod. “I must give but a word inside, and then I shall away with you.” He acknowledged the group and made his way back inside the inn.
Once assured his general was safely inside the building, Cassio turned to Iago. Keeping an eye on the Duke’s servants, he said to Iago, “Iago! What is Othello doing here tonight?”
Iago, too, glanced at the gathering of people, before responding “Faith, he tonight has boarded a land carrack. If it proves lawful, he’s made forever.” Subtly, he moved closer towards Cassio, and away from the other men, who didn’t notice. They continued their conversation, steadily inching away.
“I do not understand…” Cassio’s words trailed off, as Iago grabbed his arm and steered him away from the rest of the gathering, around the side of the inn down a dark alley.
As soon as they were away from prying eyes, Cassio playfully held his lover around the waist, nipping at his lips. Iago returned the kisses eagerly with a laugh, asking, “What happened while I was away?”
“The Duke,” said Cassio in between light kisses, “sent for my appearance. Some military occasion in Cyprus, and he needs Othello’s leadership. How goes on your end?”
Iago scoffed. “Roderigo was as easy to manipulate as I had predicted. Even now, Signori Brabantio and his band are out for Othello’s blood.”
Cassio chuckled, his breath fanning hotly against Iago’s lips. “With luck, they should slay each other where they stand, and our troubles with them,” he whispered.
Iago laughed darkly, drawing his lover into another kiss. “And all that would remain is the disposal of Emilia, that wanton whore of a wife,” he muttered.
“And Desdemona,” said Cassio. “For her to live while Othello dies would be like killing the demon’s spawn while the Devil still runs free.”
Iago nodded. “A fitting comparison for that b***h-hound,” he grumbled, carefully peeking around the corner. With a noise of disgust, he turned back to Cassio. “Our general returns, and so must we to this charade,” he sighed, shifting to extract himself him Cassio’s arms.
Cassio quickly snatched at Iago’s waist before he could leave, drawing him into a fiery kiss. “Parting is such sweet sorrow, only the bitter bliss of your kiss could hope to help me bear it,” he whispered dramatically as he released Iago, who snorted, but walked away with a satisfied smile.
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