The heavy weight that had temporarily ceased returned upon Benvolio's chest as he walked into the hospital. He leaned against the dreary glass, against his tired arms, and stared at the Capulet Prince as nurses made his death-bed comfortable and his poison new.
"Good Benvolio." The redhead turned and came upon the image of Sir Capulet, a wrenching in his heart at sight.
"Capulet Lord, how do you?" He bowed his head slightly in respect for his elder, eyes slipping back to Tybalt.
"I ask the same of you. Though vicious enemies, like Dog and Cat, you see Father Time each day for time to visit my nephew, when his own flesh and blood see him only when Father Time permits." Uncle and old enemy watched Tybalt through the glass, Benvolio once again gazing past his arm. "I inquire my days away as to why and still no answer comes to my mind, except to beseech your own. Come now," Capulet wrapped an arm around surprised Benvolio and gave a warm smile. "Our feud over, Montagues be family now. You are nephew newfound, so may you confide in me."
"Dearest likewise Uncle, I do wish to tell you why. And I would, if not the fear of ancient grudge long-since buried rise up again were twirling a Pas de Deux in my head." Benvolio's voice hung with sadness inherited from his cousin.
"Kinsman, whatever reason you give me, injury shall only follow in words and barely that. Ancient grudge be an ancient grudge long-since buried. Now, tell me why you visit my nephew."
Benvolio sighed, pushing his forehead deeper still to his aching muscles. "I have fallen too deep in love. In love's maddening tight grasp have I stumbled. No, fallen, fallen, fallen and no longer wish to be saved. With Tybalt." Capulet said nothing, but the shocked expression screamed loud. Benvolio groaned. "Aye, me, it is true I love the Prince of Cats. Long since he was mine enemy. To pull his sword, I was but 16, and shower himself with praise and pull myself in as well."
"Ay," Capulet said in comfort, what little it was. "Then, to your god." And though it helped none, Benvolio felt relief that he was now thrown to the streets. "I have work to attend to. Things for the solemnities in honor of my ascended Juliet and your fallen Romeo." Benvolio breathed. It had escaped his memory that tomorrow had been a month since such a happening.
Capulet turned, but then caught the new Montague heir by the shoulder. Benvolio looked back with innocence, and curiousity. "Benvolio, find a new love. For if tomorrow meet not Tybalt's eyes, nothing ever will again." Capulet pursed his lips, patted Benvolio's shoulders and left.
As such, the weight that had lifted, the weight that lifted with every confession, crashed down upon him tenfold. Benvolio sighed.