((Wow, already chapter 6? It really hasn't even been two weeks since I started this fic, and now it seems like I'm getting ideas for it left and right. Now, understand that I'm going to be starting work soon, so you may only see a new chapter either every (or every other) week. I can't make any promises, but I'll definitely try to get a new chapter out within about ten days of the last. If I don't, I sincerely apologize.

Also, notice the chapter title. Finally, you'll understand the name of this story! xD Don't let me keep you… Get to reading! ))

Chapter 6: Stuck on a Carousel

Antonio's lips stayed connected to mine for a few moments, and I wasn't sure how to react. I had absolutely no wits about me to react, in the first place. So I just stood there, hands on his hips, letting him kiss me. Normally, I'd have protested such an affectionate act, especially in front of that many people, but Antonio's lips felt so soft and warm that I didn't want to pull back. I might have kissed him back, even, but I was far too shocked and embarrassed to even try something like that.

Then Antonio pulled back and my mouth just gaped with unformed words. It definitely wasn't something very gentlemanly to reply in some kind of way, but how the hell would one reply to that? Antonio just studied me for a moment before the slightest laugh came from the back of his throat—I could have confused it for a small choking noise had I not known better. "Arthur, I don't think it's good to leave your mouth open like that." I nodded and shut my mouth, but tried to understand his expression. Of course, I still barely knew Antonio, so it was obvious that he was more than a little difficult to read. Though, despite that, I saw a hint of doubt hidden in his eyes. I was about to ask him about it, but then I heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, Antonio, what do you think of my party so far, huh? Better than that shit you took me to in the city when we were kids!"

Antonio broke eye contact with me and looked to the side of us to the owner of that voice—none other than Lovino. "Es mucho bueno! Much better than the others, you're right." I noticed that he completely removed himself from me as he spoke, batting my hands away. This confused me, but I noticed the amused look on Lovino's face as he'd realized we were dancing together. But Antonio didn't come across as the type to be bothered by that kind of thing, which confused me even worse.

"Good! Someone had to show you what fun is really like, huh?" Lovino asked with a laugh.

"Y-yeah, you're right…" Antonio replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

That's when Ludwig came through the crowd to stand behind the Italian, as if some kind of body guard. Lovino looked over his shoulder questioningly. "I thought you were going to going to break up that conflict…?"

"Didn't have to. The moment they saw me coming over, they did it themselves," Ludwig replied, face as serious as ever.

Lovino smirked at him. "That's what I like about you, Ludwig. You're strong enough to stand equal to me, rather than grovel at my feet." With a chuckle, the Italian pulled the blond down for a kiss.

As if in response, Antonio grabbed my hand and forcefully pulled me away from them. "A-Antonio…?" I sputtered out, the first thing I'd said since the kiss we shared. Of course, abruptly pulling me away like that was more than obviously strange.

"L-let's get something to drink, si?" he asked as he pulled me toward the refreshment table, "I bet you're parched, and I'm a l-little thirsty, myself." His voice began to falter worse toward the end of the phrase and I had a feeling I knew why he wouldn't let me see his face.

"Antonio, what's wrong?" I asked, taking a shot in the dark as I yanked my hand back so he'd look at me. And, surely enough, the saddest frown was planted on the very same lips that had been pulled up in a smile only minutes ago.

"Nothing…" he said, and I was sure it was out of reflex, but I could tell it was definitely a lie. The Spaniard heaved a sigh and looked around. "Alright, I'll explain… Come with me to the guest bedroom. It's too loud out here."

"Okay," I said, and let him lead me through the crowd to a door. He grabbed a key from the top of the door frame and unlocked the door before opening it.

"After you," he said, stepping back.

I walked in and he shut the door behind us and locked it. "So what's this all about, Antonio?" I asked, turning to face him.

He just frowned at the floor for a while before he looked up at me. "I used you," he said, then returned his gaze to the floor.

"Excuse me?" I asked. Of course, I should have seen this coming—good things don't come so easily without a catch.

He began to twiddle his thumbs. "I've had feelings for Lovino for as long as I can remember, and when I planned to confess, he fell for that damned Ludwig. Ugh, I don't like saying this, but I hate that German. The only reason I didn't fight for Lovi when I had the chance was because Gilbert would have never forgiven me if I'd have stolen his precious little brother's boyfriend…" He got a bitter look about him. "But he's the one who stole Lovino from me! I'm sure that if I'd have acted sooner, I would be the one out there dancing with him on the dance floor!"

I just stood there and took this all in as I watched Antonio begin to tremble and sniffle. "Augh… Don't start crying. Suck it up…" I couldn't believe how much I sounded like Allistor when I said that. I even reached out and put a hand on Antonio's head. "Look, he may not like you like that now, but he might come around… And if not, go find someone more worth your time, aye?"

"That's just it, though…" he spoke up again, "My experience with romance is like a carousel. There's me, on one horse, then every other horse has no one on it… Of course, some people get on it every now and then, but… Eventually they find someone else on the carousel that they'd like to get to know better, and they leave. Even if I try to go faster to catch someone first, I can only go as fast as the little metal horse lets me." He heaved a sigh. "I wish that I could get off of the carousel, too."

I found myself frozen at those words, save for my arm falling back to my side. I really didn't know what to say then.

"Listen, m-maybe… We shouldn't associate for a while… I'm so sorry for getting you wrapped up in all of this. I-if you need a ride home, ask Francis, okay?" He didn't wait for a response before he left the room, leaving me dumbfounded and feeling like shit.