Author's Note: I do NOT own any of the characters. They are William Shakespeare's not mine. The descriptions of the characters come from Manga Shakespeare's verious of Romeo and Juliet. It was fun to read!

Warning: This IS slash if you do not like then don't read.

A Plague On Your Houses: A Benvolio & Mercutio Romance

Chapter One

Modern Day. New York City.

Spring

The two families, Montagues and Capulets, run the town. No one messes with the mobs of New York City, especially those two families. Messing with a Montague or Capulet is asking to be 'taken care of' and not in the pleasant way. Despite living on opposite sides of the city, the power and control they both have over their domains is extensive. And the rivalry between the two families has become deadly, no end was in sight. And after living with the fighting for his whole life, the stress was beginning to get to Benvolio, a Montague and friend to Lord Montague's son.

It was hard enough for him watching his outlandish cousin go around trying to woo the young and only daughter of Lord Capulet. But he also had to watch the fighting and try to keep the peace between his small group of friends. It was getting a bit too much for him to handle. Though some would think that he, Benvolio, would be jealous of Romeo, when in reality it was the exact opposite.

He had no eyes for Juliet, Rosaline or any woman. No, the object that drew his eye was much…much different. But there was no way that the one who captured his attention would look at him like that, look at him with the compassion or desire that would occasion show in his eyes. And what's worse, if he actually told anyone there was a high chance that it would all blow up in his face would wreck everything. And Benvolio couldn't stand to think of living without…

"Hey you ready to come back to us yet Benvolio?" The sound of Romeo's voice drew Benvolio out of his thoughts. His blue-green eyes met his cousin's gold ones; there was a questioning sparkle in those gold eyes. "You keep spacing we're going to end up late meeting Mercutio."

Ah, yes there, that's right. "Sorry," he replied softly, running a hand through his pale blonde locks glancing around the street for the Italian restaurant that they were to meet up at. A small smile formed on Benvolio's lips as Romeo headed towards the restaurant. There already sitting at a table dressed in a black vest, white shirt, and black pants was Mercutio, the rust colored hair falling into his face, his red eyes looking their way.

But just as Benvolio was about to enter and take his place beside Romeo, someone walking outside and very close to them caught his eye. A soft curse escaped his mouth. "I'll be right back I think I dropped my wallet." A lie and a horrible one at that, but it was better to lie to them than let him start anything. Mercutio's eyes met Benvolio's for a split second, but the kinsman of Prince Escalus said nothing, did nothing to stop him.

He hurried outside and passed by Tybalt, grabbing his wrist, dragging him into an alley. In the next instant, Benvolio was up against the wall a dagger to his throat. "You best have a damn good reason to touch me Montague. An even better reason for me to not slice your throat open."

"I'm just trying to help. Please I don't want you to fight with my cousin. Not today. Please Tybalt," he pleaded with him, though a part of him wondered if his words only met deaf ears.

A cold laugh came from Tybalt's mouth. "A plea? From a Montague? Oh they will never believe me. No there's another reason. What is it?"

"Why would I tell you…it's not like it matters to you." Or anyone else, Benvolio thought, doubt that even he would want me to try and stop him from fighting…but I don't want to see him hurt.

"What's her name?"

The question startled him, the lack of the blade against his neck even more so. "W-what?"

Tybalt rolled his eyes at him, putting the switch-blade back in his pocket. "Clearly this has something to do with your pathetic heart. So what's her name? She's that special to you to make you want to face me alone that impresses me. Now then, her name."

For a moment, Benvolio looked at him, looked at the long black hair and equally dark eyes. Slowly, his eyes fell to the ground, chewing on his lower lip softly. "Not a she…" he whispered.

A pause, the silence sounded so very awkward and increased Benvolio's fear even more. "What's his name then?" The gentleness in Tybalt's voice completely and utterly shocked him. Benvolio looked up at him, his eyes wide with the shock, the surprise and the look on his face only made Tybalt chuckle. "Come now, really you didn't think that I had not wondered about you. Or myself for that matter." He just blinked at Tybalt, completely dumbstruck. "Least you probably have a shot. Me? The 'apple of my eye' just happens to be marrying my cousin. And there's no changing that. Who is he?"

Paris, Benvolio instantly thought while he listened to Tybalt speak. His gaze dropped again and said in a voice barely more than a whisper, "Mercutio…"

Reviews are loved!