A/N: After updating the fic last time I realized I had a mistake in grammar, so I will try to be extra careful with this chapter. Thank you so much for the feedback once more, it is very encouraging. Without further or do here's chapter two!
R.I.P Prince Rogers Nelson.
Chapter 2: Small World
The chilly April weather went straight to their bones as Afonso and Lovino scurried to Abel's car, holding their coats close to their torsos to avoid nippy winds that turned their skin pale. It didn't help that they weren't wearing actual pants, and they could only pray that the car would heat up in time before they got frostbite. Well, the weather wasn't that bad, but it felt that way.
Afonso was still pondering over the previous event that took place. Abel had explained that he was out for a smoke when he saw their boss grab them in the ways that he did, so he just called him out like anyone should. He and his friend took separate cars, so he didn't have to deal with him on their trip. He did notice him write a few things down in his phone right after the incident which puzzled Afonso. Was he a cop or something? No, he would've arrested Mr. Smith.
What this was going to do to them and their jobs was unknown. They'd been sexually harassed by their own boss so something was certain to change. Not only that, but now Antonio's car had finally reached the end of its lifespan and that was the only source of transportation his brother had. It was beyond fixing, Afonso presumed, so they would have to save up for a brand new car. What a bother.
He didn't even care for cars to begin with, and neither did Antonio. They may look cool and cut back on walking, but it wasn't healthy for the environment and it was hardly affordable when you pay for rent, groceries, healthcare, home insurance, then car insurance, etc. Being from Europe, they were much more accustomed to public transportation, walking, and bikes. In America, and specifically Ohio, there was a lack of said transportation. Bikes? Oh no, you were just asking for death if you rode a bike on the streets. Rarely were bike lanes provided. This made walking to work a pain in the ass if they ever attempted it.
Once they reached the safe haven that was the Dutchman's car, Afonso and Lovino gave out a sigh of relief, plopping down in the back seats. They were unbelievably comfortable. Abel didn't own a showy car, but it was undoubtedly high end. The interior was a light beige which complimented its silver exterior very nicely. The upholstery was faux leather, but it looked fancy nonetheless. The dash was entirely digital, from the volume controls to the built-in navigational system. The overall atmosphere was unexplainable. He could only dream of getting his brother a vehicle this wonderful. Se apenas…
"Why don't you bring any extra clothing to work? Surely you can't keep coming out in the cold with so little on. Also not good with all the creepers around, as we've just seen for ourselves." Abel seemed genuinely concerned, but not in a motherly way, as he seated himself in the front. He grabbed his keys and placed them in the ignition once the door was shut, starting the car and turning up the heat. Afonso was sure that he could feel his bum get a little warmer too. Heated back seats too? Damn. This was definitely a luxury car.
Lovino decided to break the pause by clearing his throat and speaking, "We used to bring in regular clothes for after work until some fucker started stealing shit from the dressing rooms. I didn't feel comfortable leaving my stuff in there. The guy probably stole the girls' underwear and bras, but still." The Italian huffed out in annoyance. "You need our addresses. You won't come in and murder us at some random time, will you?"
"If I would I wouldn't admit it to you." Abel smirked. "No. I wouldn't think of it."
This whole time Afonso could not muster up the courage to speak, which was very out of character for him. The man who always had a clever comeback to insults, and the one to retort with pride. He let his friend do all the talking when it was needed. Why was he so quiet after Abel had given him the money? It wasn't like he was madly in love with the somehow infuriating being that was Abel Janssen and was refusing to speak so he wouldn't embarrass himself. They weren't even in the same class. It would almost be immoral.
Lovino gave him his address first since it was the closest to them, but also because he refused to sit alone with the scary Dutchman. He was always a little scared of talking to new people when it was in a private setting, and Afonso respected his decision. He knew that his friend couldn't change who he was, because if it was possible he would've done it a while ago. That was a thing neither of them liked to talk about.
The drive wasn't too awkward, despite nobody making conversation. Occasionally Lovino would text his boyfriend and show Afonso his responses, but other than that it was silent. Abel had turned up the radio a tad to lighten the mood, muttering something in his native tongue when an annoying ad came on instead. He changed the station countless times until he reached one that they all agreed on. It was a station called Rewind and a song by the legend known as Prince was playing. Afonso always enjoyed old songs even if he didn't live through those time periods.
Afonso hummed the melody of the song softly so the others wouldn't become irritated, gazing out the window as the dark city whirred past. The buildings were no longer lit or filled to the brim with customers now that it was past midnight. How had it gotten so late so quickly? He felt like he could've taken a nap right then and there, but turned down the thought. If he did he could've ended up in their driver's house instead. Not like he would kidnap him, but he wouldn't want to wake up his sleeping passenger. It's happened once or twice before.
Abel, Abel, Abel… that was all he could think about anymore. That golden blond hair seemed so fluffy to the touch that he was almost tempted to do just that. His eyes would narrow in on whatever he would concentrate on, and his form would stiffen. His overall attitude seemed stoic and apathetic, but after sitting around him for much longer he realized this wasn't true. The Dutchman had a fine way with words and it was clear that he always thought before spitting them out. Abel was captivating in his own way.
Time flew by because in the blink of an eye, they were parked outside of Lovino's home. It was such a cute house, one that their Grandfather had previously owned. Only two years ago they lost him to a gruesome car accident. It messed Lovino up and his brothers for a long time. They were unable to talk about him for what seemed like ages, but now it was easier to do that task. Lovino learned to accept that death was a part of everybody's life, and that he would eventually be dancing on the clouds with his parents and Grandpa someday.
It was a blessing that Lovino was old enough to take care of his siblings on his own at the time and was given the house in his Nonno's will. It was still a pain in the ass for them to survive and that is why Lovino took on such a degrading job.
Lovino gave Afonso a parting kiss on the cheek, thanking Abel awkwardly and finally stepping out of the car. The brunet sprinted to his house, unlocking his front door and disappearing all in one swift movement. Afonso sighed; his friend was undeniably adorable when he felt like it. He should know since they used to be friends with benefits. That was all until Antonio came into Lovino's life, which he was admittedly a little sad about. But his brother and Lovino were their best whenever together and that is what mattered the most.
Abel had politely waited outside his house to make sure he got in alright, then looked back at Afonso. "Address?"
"7568 Walker Street. It's in an apartment complex." Afonso said the numbers slowly so his friend- no, acquaintance, could type it into the GPS. Where did "friend" come from?
"Walker Street, eh? I'm in the neighborhood behind you." Abel announced after entering the street name. Afonso was surprised at this information. "Really?"
"Yep. Moved in six months ago. It's a nice place."
That was odd. How could they live so close to each other? The city wasn't that small, he had thought. Maybe they'd met once or twice before today.
"That's kind of cool, actually. But you still didn't know me at the club? Even though we've probably crossed paths before?"
"Nope."
Afonso scoffed at his answer. "You must not observe your surroundings. Nobody could miss my face."
"You are pretty damn cocky, you know."
"My job requires for me to be cocky."
"That's just an excuse to be a little shit."
"You aren't complaining about it, though."
Somehow during the car ride Afonso had managed to find himself in the passenger's seat. Abel feeling agitated was an understatement as he climbed over the armrest and into the front, swearing that he'd punch the boy in the nose if he got his shoes on his very expensive "leather" seating.
Afonso chuckled at his threat, "This shit isn't real leather."
"Shut up. How would you know?" Abel had sounded offended.
"I work in the sex industry, I should know what real leather feels like." He giggled softly when Abel's cheeks became dusted with pink. So he wasn't as nonchalant as he made himself appear to be. After this, he cleared his throat and tried to ignore the suggestiveness of his tone just seconds ago. He definitely did not want to hear any more of that. So he simply changed the topic.
"Why do you work at a strip club?"
Afonso would be lying if he said he was never asked this question. Almost everyone he had told this secret to asked the same thing. He couldn't get mad at them for it. It was definitely not a job many people looked at fondly. It was often a job people were forced into because they had nothing else. He would also be lying if he said he wasn't in the same boat. "Well," he began, "I didn't grow up having much. My dad was pretty shitty to say the least, and I refused to take any money or possessions from him to start my new and independent life." Abel listened to him carefully.
"My brother needs my help too, and my old jobs as a waiter and pet groomer weren't cutting it," Afonso sighed, "I quit being a waiter, and now I groom animals on the weekends only. It just made sense that I could thrive off of men's dirtiest desires since everyone told me I was beautiful for a man." He looked back up at Abel, smiling softer than he had been earlier. "That doesn't sound too slutty, does it?"
"It's nothing but slutty," Abel shrugged, "but you have your reasons. It sucks you have to do this."
"It's whatever. I'm past the stage of grief. At least I get paid way more than I was as a waiter. Never applying for a restaurant ever again."
"I hear you."
Afonso nodded, averting his eyes from this sickeningly handsome man. But he still felt a pair of eyes burn right through his body when he did. He couldn't stand the way his hazel eyes bore into him, just reading his every thought and noting every small change in expression and posture. He couldn't stand falling in love, and he definitely couldn't stand falling in love with a stingy, rich bastard. Why were crushes such a pain in the ass? It wasn't like they were going anywhere with this!
Filho da puta!
Dropping the Portuguese man off at his apartment was a little harder than Abel had first thought. For some reason he just wanted to keep him or offer to let him stay at his house. He may have been a little picky, but he always showed a hospitable attitude when inviting guests over and he knew that this guy really needed it. Afonso declined, but it seemed a little reluctant.
"I wouldn't want to impose, I really am fine here. Just a little pissed off at how the world is treating me."
Abel had nodded in return and that was it. Once stepping out of the car, the two waved goodbye and Afonso left with a thank you. Like he had with Lovino, he waited until he was inside before putting the car into drive. Instead of taking off, he grabbed his phone and dialed a very short number.
"Hello? My name's Abel Janssen. I would like to report a sexual assault on two people. It's been a little over a half hour since, but I have the man's license plate number. Thanks."
To be continued…
Translations:
"Nonno" - Italian; "Grandpa"
"Se apenas" - Portuguese; "If only"
"Filho da puta!" - Portuguese; "Son of a bitch!"
