The mysterious bad guy will finally be revealed, in case you haven't figured it out yet. No offence towards this character, I actually like him a lot, despite writing this. ^^ I hope you'll enjoy the chapter~

oOo

It had to be a nightmare. Lovino could find no other logical explanation for everything that had happened these last few days. After the date on the beach he had been in a bit of a happy rush, feeling uncharacteristically giddy and hopeful.

When he came home, however, he had found yet another tuberose, this time on the kitchen table. It had unnerved him greatly, and he'd almost considered calling Antonio in a moment of pure fear. The thought had been quickly banished, however, as he didn't want to bother the other with his own paranoia. Instead, he'd thrown the flower in the garbage, and tried to forget about it.

It was hard to forget, of course, when it repeated itself the next day when he came home from work. That time there were two flowers. When the door bell had rung, shortly after he found the flowers and went through the routine of checking the house for intruders, he was positive his heart had stopped, and he was so sure that he would stand there outside, smiling sickeningly at him when he opened the door.

Instead, it proved to be Feliciano, standing there with a guilty expression on his face and a bouquet of Chrysanthemums in his arms. Lovino had been so relieved that his legs had turned to jelly, and made it hard to stand. But he'd forced the feeling away, and all but pulled his brother into the house.

Feliciano had apologized, over and over again, hugging Lovino and crying. Lovino, of course, hadn't even considered being angry with his brother, as he knew he'd deserved it. They hadn't talked much, and as Lovino had let his brother hug him, his mind had travelled to the tuberoses. Part of him wanted Feliciano to move home again, of course, as the fear of being alone had grown a lot stronger during the last few days. But when he spoke, he found himself telling Feliciano to stay at Ludwig's house.

"W-what...? Fratello, are you feeling ok?" was the question Feliciano had asked him then, and he couldn't blame the younger Italian for looking at him like he'd lost his mind. No, he wasn't feeling ok, far from it. But stronger than the fear of being alone, was the fear of getting Feliciano mixed up in the things that were going on. If his brother ended up hurt because of him, he would never be able to forgive himself.

Years of wearing masks proved to be of good worth, and though he felt horrible for lying, he managed to convince the other that everything was fine. He also got him to believe that spending some time away from each other was probably doing both of them good. Hell, he'd even gone as far as to say that Feliciano should go stay with the man he loved, rather than his brother. It had felt as if he'd killed a little part of his heart, and when Feliciano had thanked him for finally accepting his relationship with Ludwig, before leaving with a cheerful wave, a strange mix of relief and pain had made him sink to the floor as soon as he'd shut the door.

It was at that moment that his phone had called, and he'd responded without even looking at the caller-ID. He regretted this when he heard that deep, smooth voice at the other end, greeting him as if everything was ok. That too-familiar voice that made it feel like someone was clutching painfully at his neck, constricting his breathing. Due to the shock of suddenly hearing from that man again, he couldn't recall much from the phone call. He remembered vaguely asking what he wanted, and getting to reply that he had come back for "what was his". As he said that, and started laughing, Lovino had screamed at him to leave him alone, and thrown his cell phone into the opposite wall, bits and pieces flying in every direction.

For days, Lovino was constantly on the alert, jumping at every sharp movement and unexpected sound. And then, when he had just begun thinking that perhaps nothing would happen after all... he had been there when Lovino came home from work, sitting calmly at the kitchen table and sipping at the coffee he'd taken the liberty to make in Lovino's kitchen. After that, things were hazy, but he recalled clearly the absolute terror when the large, broad-shouldered man towered over him, eyes twinkling darkly and white teeth gritted in anger.

He'd almost forgotten how tall the man was, but the nasty tendencies he got when he was angry was by no means forgotten, and it was that memory that had made him run for the door, nearly reaching it before a fist grabbed his hair, tearing him to an agonizing stop.

Things were blurry, and he barely remembered all the screaming, cursing and accusations that had been thrown at him, as the other man shook him like a rag doll. Somehow during the attack, he'd managed to plant a knee to the other's groin, and as he'd been released, had gotten out into the garden. Of course, he got no further than that, and to his fear, none of the neighbours seemed to be home. The neighbourhood had been silent, as most people were probably still at work, or too absorbed in their own business to care about the two figures in the garden in front of their house – one of which were crying and cowering pathetically, and one of which was making a number out of tearing up plants and kicking at the grass in his fury.

The hit to his cheek had sent him stumbling to the ground, and he gasped as the other kicked up his tomato plants – his precious tomato plants...! The fear of more hits stung more than the actual connection with his cheek, however.

And he'd begun apologizing, pleading for the other not to hurt him anymore. Looking up at him, he'd felt like his life was in this man's violent, traitorous hands.

"S-Sadiq... please... don't hurt me!"

Sadiq Adnan, as violent as he was when angry, had at that moment calmed down slightly, as if he found some immense pleasure in Lovino's broken figure, crying and pleading at his feet. And with a last smirk, he'd reached down, planting a kiss to Lovino's forehead, before marching out the gate and disappearing as abruptly as he'd appeared.

Lovino had no idea how much time had passed, as he couldn't even feel the icy rain that soaked his clothes. Whether he was trembling because of the cold or the fear wasn't easy to tell, and he honestly couldn't care less.

Why was Sadiq back now? And here he'd finally started believing that dark chapter of his life to be over... What the hell had he done to deserve all this shit? Wasn't it enough that he'd had to deal with that horrible man before, did he really have to go through it all over again? He couldn't deal with that... Last time had left him traumatized and broken, and if he was to go through it again, it would end in his death. That much he was sure of.

"L-Lovi!"

That voice... Didn't he know it from somewhere? Somehow, his body refused to move, as if it was frozen in place. He couldn't even move his head to look in the direction of the voice.

"Lovino... Honey, what's happened...?"

His mind worked desperately to place the voice. It was an important voice, belonging to someone very important to him... Wasn't it? Bits of memories floated up from the back of his numb mind. Warm, green eyes. Spanish accent. Laughter and honest smiles. A beach, and a kiss...

"Antonio...?"

It took a moment before he realized that he was the one who'd spoken. That name made him slightly more aware of his surroundings, although he was much too exhausted and afraid to think clearly. Was Antonio really here? Or was he merely imagining things?

Movement at his side caught his attention, and when he registered a hand reaching out for him, he gasped, the previous hope flickering out and dying as he quickly shied away.

"Don't hurt me...! I'm sorry... I'm really, r-really sorry!" Sobbing, he tried to get away and stumbled to his feet, only to have them give out on him. As a result, he toppled back over, feeling for the first time how his wet clothes clung mercilessly to his frozen body, weighing him down.

"L-Lovi, it's me! Antonio! I won't hurt you, I promise!" He could hear the voice call, but the voice sounded distant and the words didn't seem to make sense. Wouldn't hurt him? Lies. All lies... Everyone ended up hurting him in some way or the other. "Listen to me, honey, you are safe, everything is going to be all right now!"

How could things be all right? For as long as Lovino could remember, things had never been all right, so why now? Why would this time be any different?

More voice could be heard in the distance, approaching slowly, though he couldn't make out what they were saying. Perhaps the neighbours were finally realizing that something was going on. Realizing that their peaceful neighbourhood wasn't quite as peaceful as they first thought, and conveniently rushing to the scene now that things had calmed down.

"Lovinito..." The first voice was nearer now, and suddenly, his mind was as clear as glass, for a fleeting moment, seeing the scared expression in Antonio's eyes. Why did he have that look in his eyes...? Had Lovino done something wrong? "Please, Lovi... let me help you..." those whispered words seemed to touch something in the Italian's aching heart, and before he really knew what he had done, he'd scrambled up, stumbling over to the other, and collapsing into his arms.

Antonio was warm and secure. His arms were safe, immediately holding Lovino close, with the intention of protecting and comforting.

And Lovino could only pray that this man wouldn't leave him, as the world slowly started to fade away, and he fell limp, somehow knowing that those arms would not let him fall.

oOo

"Sadiq, huh...? I take it you're not from here, then?" He eyed the unfamiliar man before him with wonder, eyebrows raised. The man's deep brown, mysterious eyes met his own without hesitance, and he laughed. It was a deep, rumbling laugh that somehow lured Lovino in, making him shiver for a moment. He couldn't tell if it was a good or bad kind of shiver, but the smile he was presented with was kind.

"No, I'm not. Your name doesn't sound too American either, if I dare say so."

"I'm Italian," Lovino couldn't help the slight pride in his voice at this, and smirked ever so slightly. Sadiq chuckled again, though he nodded all the same.

"Well, I'm a Turk myself, though I must say; if every Italian is as beautiful as you, I might consider moving to Italy."

Lovino couldn't help but smile back, charmed by this handsome stranger and those deep, luring eyes pulling him in like a fly to a light.

It had all been a lie. From the very first moment they met, Sadiq had only gone after him to hurt him. To hurt him until he was thoroughly broken, only to spit on him when he was of no more use, and leave...

"Fucking bitch! You dare oppose me, you filthy good-for-nothing shit? No wonder everyone loves your brother more than you!"

Hurtful words, stabbing at the fearful remains of his heart, tearing it further apart. Planting even more seeds of doubt and pain in the wall of thorns that was cutting deeper and deeper.

Hurtful hands, forcing him down with might, though careful not to make visible damage. Sadiq was many things, but he was not a stupid man. This made him all the more of a threat.

"Fratello... are you all right?" Feliciano reached out, compassion and worry evident in his eyes. And Lovino pulled away. He couldn't get his brother involved in this. He was much too precious to him, and the only thing that kept him sane at the moment.

"I'm fine, Feli. Just a bit tired. Work's been busy these days..."

Masks and pretences. Lies and illusions. And everyone fell for it, even the one who knew him better than anyone. Some days, he wondered what really was reality and what was the illusion. Perhaps he was just stuck in a nightmare? Or was it his brother's kind smiles that was nothing but a dream...?

Lovino stared, wild eyed up at the man standing over him, the dark eyes he'd come to fear gazing right back at him without hesitation. Sadiq's hold was the only thing stopping him from falling over the fence and into the dark, furious water below, and it was a scary though, because Lovino knew this man would never hesitate to drop him, and watch him fall to his death. Laughing, even.

"You mustn't forget who you belong to," Came the quiet, cold words. "You're life is worth nothing, and there is not a person who would stop to care if I were to drop you right now."

"Then drop me... Dear God, just let me fucking die!"

"You should be careful what you wish for..."

Lovino wondered briefly if he didn't see a note of panic in those dark depths, but it was gone immediately, as an insane smirk took its place instead. All he could do was stare at the man, wondering how he could ever have been foolish enough to think that this man was any different than the rest. How he could ever have believed that this man would love him, when no one else ever did.

How the hell could he ever have loved this evil beast and given up his heart for him to destroy and feast on like the vulture he was...?

"I pray that you'll burn in hell, Sadiq Adnan!" he sneered, a strange apathy taking over for all the fear. And then the one last hold on his collar was released, and his stomach twisted sickeningly as he was sent tumbling backwards into the suffocating darkness, that somehow felt so much more tempting than staying another second in the presence of that man.

For a brief moment, he thought he saw a hand reaching out in regret, but then it was gone and Sadiq simply disappeared out of view, leaving Lovino to the mercy of the water that pulled him into its depths...

oOo

A distinctively unpleasant scent was the first thing that struck him as he began the long, slow process of waking up. The next thing he noticed was the dull ache in his body, as well as a bone-chilling cold. It wasn't logical at all – he could tell that the surface he was lying on was soft, and the room was so hot that it was hard to breathe, making him feel sweaty. It was a bit like walking bare feet in the snow, while wearing at least five thick winter jackets at the same time, and the contrast was horrible.

Why were things so hazy? He wasn't normally this slow at waking up properly, having fallen out of his old heavy sleeper-habits long ago, and gradually building up the horrible sleeping pattern of a true workaholic.

Work...! Shit, he wasn't late for work, was he? He was never late, and punctuality had become something he relied heavily on. It gave stability and rhythm to an otherwise chaotic existence. Opening his eyes wasn't as easy as he'd expected, however. It felt as if they were glued shut. Fighting against drowsiness, he finally managed to crack them open ever so slightly, only to be blinded by the sudden light, and promptly closing them again.

Shit, if it was that light outside, he was definitely late, but... perhaps it was a weekend-day? What the hell was this, was he even so groggy that he couldn't tell what day it was? No, he concluded, he was groggy enough to be unable to tell what day it had been yesterday, and how long ago that was. Time was a foreign concept, and he found that quite disturbing.

Shifting, he noticed that his body felt as heavy as lead, and wondered just how much wine he must have had to drink to end up like this. His head was killing him too, and his throat was as dry as the Sahara desert. He'd kill for some water right now.

Water... rain. That thought struck a chord within him, and his mind began clearing up a bit. Rain... and dirt. And a pair of violent hands, tearing apart his garden and his heart...

With a gasp, his eyes were open, and every memory both old and fresh crashed back. Where was he? Looking around wildly, he expected that horrible figure appearing over him again, reaching out his hands to hurt him...

"Shh, Lovinito, it's all right! Honey, you're safe now, no one is going to hurt you."

That voice snapped him out of his panic, and he remembered the second part of the incidents in the garden, although his memory was still blurry. Looking to his side, he saw no evil dark eyes. Instead a green, compassionate gaze was eying him worriedly.

"Antonio...?" Speaking proved just as difficult as opening his eyes, and his voice came out as nothing more than a weak groan.

"Yeah, it's me, Lovi. Oh, Dios Mio, I was so scared...! You've been unconscious for days, w-with a fever and..." he broke off, and his gaze fell to his lap. There were tears pooling in his eyes, and upon further inspection, it looked like these tears weren't the only ones he'd shed lately. In fact, he looked horrible, pale and drawn, dark circles resting under his eyes and a heavily concerned expression still lingering in his eyes.

"I'm... sorry, Antonio," Lovino forced out, having to swallow the lump in his throat at seeing his boyfriend looking so miserable. He felt utterly horrible for being the cause of the Spaniard's tears. "I never meant t-to worry you."

The Spaniard looked at him sharply, eyes wide with surprise and something else that Lovino couldn't quite define. Then he bowed his head again, making his hair fall like a dark curtain in front of his eyes, as he clutched at his knees.

"Antonio?" Lovino wondered vaguely if he'd said anything wrong, but before he could voice this concern, Antonio spoke up.

"Lovi... May..." his voice was thick with tears, shoulders trembling, "May I have the permission to hug you?"

Lovino could only stare, and suddenly he wanted nothing else than to have the Spaniard's arms around him.

"You... don't have to ask for permission, you i-idiot!" his voice broke at the last word, and it was true. Antonio would never need a permission to hug him, probably the only one except his brother to earn such a privilege. While he feared physical contact, this man was different. There were no egoistical catches behind his hugs. There was nothing false and sugar-sweet with them. Only affection, or maybe even... love?

At his words, Antonio didn't hesitate even for a moment, one knee on the bed, as he pulled the Italian up easily into his arms, holding him tightly yet gently at the same time. Lovino let his own arms circle around the strong chest of his boyfriend, clutching at the back of his shirt, and letting himself get lost in all the spicy, pleasant scents that were so uniquely Antonio.

"It's so warm..." he whispered after a while, voice still hoarse as he remembered just how thirsty he was.

"Well yeah, you have a fever. Oh shit, I'm sorry! You're sick and– I'm not hurting you am I?" Antonio sounded a bit frantic at this, and a tiny ghost of a smile wound itself onto Lovino's lips.

"No... It's a pleasant warmth," he assured, eyes closing for a moment. Shit, he was getting drowsy again. Somehow, listening to the Spaniard's steady heart beats was like a lullaby, convincing him to sleep off his sickness.

"Oh... I'm glad," Antonio held him a bit tighter, kissing the top of his head gently. "I was so worried, finding you like that..." Lovino supposed it must have been quite a sight. He wondered what Feliciano would think when he saw the mess their garden had become. Gasping suddenly, he sat up, breaking away from the embrace to look around.

"F-Feliciano! Where is he?" he asked as he searched the room. Only now did it occur to him that he wasn't in his own room. This place was white, sterile – a hospital room, most likely.

"He and Ludwig went to get something to eat at the cafeteria. He's been very worried about you, you know. Has barely left your side since he first came here."

"Oh no..."

"Hey, don't you start feeling guilty about worrying us now, you hear? Worrying is what you do for people you care about when they're sick or hurt. Or both."

Lovino swallowed, looking to Antonio and noticing the sincerity in his eyes. He supposed he was right. If it had been Feliciano, he'd be worried sick too. And if it had been Antonio... He couldn't even think the thought, letting out a shaky sigh, which turned into a throaty cough. It made him wince and remember a fact he had yet again forgotten.

"A-Antonio?"

"Sí! Are you ok? Do you need anything? Just tell me, I'll do anything!"

Lovino couldn't help but smile weakly at this, looking at his boyfriend and raising an eyebrow tiredly, as he let the pregnant pause stretch out a bit, until he figured he'd made the other wait long enough.

"I'm kind of thirsty..."

oOo

Oh, I feel so bad for making Turkey the bad guy… Sadiq Adnan is the human name this character has been given, in case you didn't know. I know it's probably wrong to write it with a q, but this way of writing it is what I'm used to so that's what I'm going to use. ^^

Please leave me some feedback telling me what you thought of it, it would really make me happy! : )

Lovinito - Added "ito", Spanish expression/suffix indicating affection