Chapter One:
An arrow to the heart and a bullet to the head
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Today was supposed to be just another day; another day for Lovino Vargas to live and forget. However something happened. The change from the monotonous daily routine, the jolt of a new stimulus awakened something within the young man.
He was no longer that horny sixteen year-old; he was a young adult, 21 years old to be exact, who was seeking a relationship that lasts beyond bedroom encounters. Despite his desire to be committed in a long term relationship, Lovino was wary with the intentions of a certain Mister Francis Bonnefoy.
"What are you planning Bonnefoy?" Lovino asked with his voice on the edge.
"Lovino, you can call me Francis. What I said is true. I truly admire you. You are feisty individual filled with -"
"Just stop. I don't have any fucking intention to listen to your tirade of words." Lovino raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.
This was a great surprise for Lovino: the sudden declaration of admiration from Francis Bonnefoy. For one, they only knew each other by face. Francis is was a year older than him and was in the Master's program while he was in his last year for his baccalaureate degree. Another reason of his shock was the rumor that Francis Bonnefoy was a skirt chaser.
He didn't have the right to chastise the other man since he too had his fair share of lovers both in and out of his bed.
However he swore that he was going to be a changed man.
"You aren't dating anyone dear. I am also single right now. I think that we will be a perfect couple." Francis flashed a very genial smile and Lovino's heart beat quite fast when he saw piercing blue eyes boring into his own eyes.
Lovino was flustered and his face was quite red by the time he shoved Francis away. His chest tightened; he felt like he was about to have an asthma attack.
"F-Fine you damn bastard. But just for a month. I will be leaving France after graduation." Lovino replied. He wanted to convince himself that he must not fall hard for this man.
Gender was never an issue for Lovino. Love was love; everything else was irrelevant.
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Francis Bonnefoy always admired beauty. What is considered to be beautiful varies from person to person. To the Frenchman, there was currently one man whom he deems to be the most beautiful of all. This person was Lovino Vargas.
Francis could still remember the first time he met the Italian. It was during his graduation ceremony a year ago. The trees were swaying gently to the rhythm of the wind. Gently, the leaves fell down. Lovino stood underneath a tree and his eyes were fixated on the other man's figure.
Apparently Lovino was Antonio's cousin.
For Francis, this made knowing Lovino easier because Antonio was his best friend; one of his best friends. It also happened that Lovino's younger brother, Feliciano was acquainted with his other best friend, Gilbert through Ludwig (Gilbert's adoptive younger brother).
While the Frenchman connected the dots with his and Lovino's social circle, it was impossible that they have never met before. Through their network of friends, they should have met a long time ago. However the impossible became possible.
Francis first approached Feliciano who very amicable. Casually, the older of the two asked about Lovino.
"Ve~ My brother always keeps to himself. I always invite him to social gatherings but he always says that he has something to do. I am happy that he decided to come with us to celebrate Big Brother Toni's graduation." Feliciano explained. At times his eyebrows would scrunch but it was only for split seconds. It was soon replaced with smiles.
"Oh. It seems like Lovino is a social hermit."
"Yes but he is a good person. I think he has not gotten over with his last relationship." Feliciano's eyes then dilated as if he said something that he shouldn't have.
In Francis' perspective, the last bit of information was very helpful in gauging his chances with Lovino. If what Feliciano says is true then it would be inappropriate for him to barge in the life of the older Vargas brother.
"That's just my observation. From what I know, that was Lovino's longest relationship ever."
The conversation between the two shifted to their academic plans. It was very easy for Francis to talk with Feliciano because both of them were taking up the same major: mass communication.
Since at a young age, Francis knew he has a gift with words. It was easy for him to express himself. He polished his English to perfection. He could even speak the language without any hint of his French descent. However he could also speak an accented tone if needed be. Somehow, most of the ladies enjoyed if he spoke in that way.
On the other hand, approaching Lovino would be more difficult because the Italian was a major within the Engineering College. Gilbert and Ludwig were there. However, according to Feliciano, his older brother was not fond of the German siblings.
Anyhow, Francis just watched Lovino from the sidelines. He enjoyed watching the minute shifts of facial expression as well as the colorful language he uses. Another reason that he loves looking at Lovino's features was those soulful hazel eyes and rich brown hair.
He would trade his soul right then and there just to have Lovino underneath him. He would let his fingers run through the other's hair. Kiss those lips passionately. Slowly -
Francis stopped his thoughts from advancing. He really might not be able to control himself if he continues.
Instead of taking a full-time job that was offered to him, Francis decided to be a weekly columnist at one of the local newspapers. He was also an occasional contributor to one of the country's leading newspaper publications.
A day after graduation, Francis decided to take a Master's degree so that he could stay in the university just a little bit longer.
Francis didn't regret his decision one bit. He befriended someone from the University Registrar's Office who had know-how on the student's schedules. He didn't print the schedule of Lovino. That would be too stalker-ish for Francis' tastes. Instead he took note of some liberal arts subjects that Lovino took and he purposely enrolled to the same subject.
For one whole school year, Francis was the distant classmate of Lovino. He tried to make opportunities wherein they would become partners or group mates to class projects or assignments. However this never happened.
During his first time meeting Lovino, he thought that it was predestined that he saw the other man. At how their social circle was actually very intimate.
Right now, he was losing that confidence.
But something boosted it back. It was a final project for their Theater class and
"Oh my beloved… come and take a look at me. Let myself be reflected on your eyes." Francis looked at Lovino squarely. His lines for that particular scene were a reflection of his desires. It was what he wanted Lovino to hear. He deeply hopes that his message will get across.
Somehow his prayers were answered by the end of the entire show. Lovino approached him and whispered, "That was an amazing… performance. Congrats."
Despite the brevity of the compliment, Francis was soaring on cloud-nine. It was probably one of the best that he heard. He was very happy.
Being in love with Lovino made every day feel like a ride. It brings him to the highest of the high and the lowest of the low.
It was inexplicable in one.
Sometimes Francis thinks to himself that he may be romanticizing everything. Perhaps it wasn't only Lovino's beauty that he was attracted to. Perhaps it was because Lovino would not fall for his charms and that fueled his attraction to the brunet.
Then one day, Francis braced himself; swallowed his self-doubts and armored himself with the confidence he always has.
"You aren't dating anyone dear. I am also single right now. I think that we will be a perfect couple." Francis moved his face closer to Lovino. He searched through those hazel eyes for any sign of apprehension. The Frenchman inwardly smiled. This person before him was different; somehow, Lovino changed and he didn't even know it. That lifeless youth he met more than a year ago was gone.
Francis was forcefully pushed away. He could see that the other man was embarrassed (?) and… blushing.
"F-Fine you damn bastard. But just for a month. I will be leaving France after graduation."
The reply was sufficient for Francis. It was a challenge issued to him and one that he will gladly surmount. He will make Lovino retract his words. He will make Lovino want to stay here in France. He will make Lovino love him beyond their time here in Earth.
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Both men took the bait of passionate desire.