Antonio and Francis made Lovina stay with them for the night. Neither of the two liked the idea of her being alone. Not when things were so crazy and uncertain. Lovina hesitantly agreed, not entirely sure how she felt about the offer.
She was even less sure how to act around Antonio for numerous reasons. One, she'd never had anything even remotely close to a relationship before. Hell, she didn't even know if she was in a relationship now. Everything had just happened so fast, Lovina didn't even know what she was doing. Honestly, it was a miracle her little stunt had produced a…favorable result…
Two, everything just felt so…awkward. Sure, the moment had been wonderful; rose petals flying, sunset in the distance, woodland creature singing and Disney princess shit. But what now? Just awkwardly laugh and glance away while Francis desperately tries not to comment? Or how about letting Francis ramble on about anything while the three of you shared an uncomfortable meal?
Three, Antonio was unsure. He was the experienced one, the older one, and the supposedly more mature one. But in all honesty, around Lovina, he acted like just as much of a blushing virgin as her. God he was so cautious, it was a little bit annoying.
And as if the night couldn't get more uncomfortable, the problem of sleeping arrangements came up. Lovina had actually hoped to put this off as long as possible. But heaven knew she was exhausted. She barely noticed Antonio and Francis sharing glances.
"Lovi, you look tired" Antonio murmured, sitting beside her on the couch. Lovina only glanced at him and sighed. Antonio cleared his throat a bit before gently placing his hand on her back, rubbing circles into her shoulders. "Amada, please. You need to rest."
Truth be told, Lovina hadn't slept in days. How could she, really? "I can't" she mumbled, resting her head on his shoulder. He was really warm. And he smelled good. Antonio frowned and tried to pull her closer. "I want you to try…"
Lovina nuzzled closer, feeling oh so comfortable. She tried to scowl when she heard Francis chuckle. "You're sure you're not tired, fleur?" he snickered, leaning over to ruffle her hair. Lovina rolled her eyes and clung to Antonio. "Shut up…" she growled, barely noticing being picked up off the couch by Antonio.
"Time for bed" he sighed, carrying her into a different room. Lovina glanced around before letting her eyes go wide. Oh. This was his room. Lovina tensed a bit in Antonio's arms. She knew Antonio would never, ever in a million years try anything. But sleeping in his bed…was nerve racking to say the least.
Lovina gripped Antonio tighter when he tried to set her down. "I-I'll take the couch" she squeaked. Antonio frowned and sat down with her still in his arms. "Lovi, you need to get some sleep. The couch isn't comfortable at all."
Lovina gulped and tried to stand. "I don't want to impose-"
Antonio pulled her back down. "Lovi, stay here and sleep" he sighed, tucking her in. Lovina remained stiff when he kissed her forehead. But she found her heart sinking when he pulled away. She didn't feel like she could sleep. "Antonio, w-wait" she called weakly, catching him just before he left. Antonio turned around with a concerned look.
"S-Stay" she mumbled, staring at the sheets. "At least until I fall asleep." Antonio nodded and went back to her, silently crawling in beside her and wrapping his arms around her waist. Lovina turned to face him, burying her head in his chest. She could feel him breathe and hear his heart beat and she was sure she hadn't slept better ever before.
(-)
Roma didn't talk much anymore. He didn't really do much either. Just nodded along when Lovina or Feliciana spoke to him. Antonio, Gilbert, and Francis along with Ludwig and Opa Beilschmidt came whenever they could as well. Antonio and Gilbert moved past their disputes quickly; they both just wanted what was best for Lovina and Feliciana.
Even though she and Feliciana had been spending all their time in the same room together, Lovina still never heard anything from her sister. She was always talking to Nonno or with Ludwig on the phone, when wasn't there, at least. Lovina mostly kept to herself; she wasn't good with the whole comforting thing. Lord knew she tried, but she just wasn't good at it.
"Bambine" Roma murmured one afternoon when everyone was present. Feliciana and Lovina stepped forward when he waved them over. Antonio and the others glanced away. Roma drew Feliciana closer first and began quietly speaking to her in Italian. Feliciana was just stunned silent, shaking her head or nodding along as he spoke. She seemed too horrified to cry. At least at first she was. But she slowly broke down once again as soon as Roma had to stop to take in a heavy breath. He gently kissed his granddaughters cheeks, which really only made things worse.
Antonio watched Lovina carefully. She was a blank slate, not letting any grief, or in her opinion, signs of weakness show. When Feliciana finally pulled away, Lovina slowly opened her arms to receive her, but her younger sister went to Ludwig instead. Antonio pretended not to notice the pained expression that peeked through.
Lovina was the first to speak when she approached her grandfather. Under any other circumstances, Antonio would've found the contrast between the two conversations amusing. Feliciana nodded along, listening respectfully. Lovina almost argued, crossing her arms and scowling a bit. Her tiny scowl vanished as Roma continued to speak. Instead she started to raise her voice and shake her head, almost angry with her grandfather. She froze when he took her hands in his.
He glanced at Feliciana before giving Lovina a stern look and speaking again. Lovina clamped her mouth shut and nodded. Roma glanced at Antonio as he started murmuring something he couldn't understand. Lovina hesitated before nodding again. Antonio's heart sank as he watched Roma flash her a small smile, mumbling what could only be sweet and encouraging words. And Lovina absorbed everything he said, concentrating on his voice. Roma again kissed his granddaughter as he had the other. Lovina slowly went back to Antonio's side when Roma started speaking to Francis and Gilbert in a hushed tone. Antonio wordlessly took her hand in his and brushed his thumb over her knuckles. Lovina could only squeeze his hand back.
(-)
Antonio found it unacceptable to be forcing Lovina and Feliciana to sit in the waiting room, away from their grandfather. But the doctor needed people out of the way to run some tests. So Lovina sat silently, staring off. Like her grandfather, Lovina wasn't talking much. She barely uttered a word, at least when Antonio was around. He tried to take time off or call in sick or something so he could stay with her, but Lovina had only gotten upset and guilty. She insisted that he already came more than he needed to, and any more time with her would really start to look suspicious.
It was so frustrating, having to hold himself back in public. More than anything, he wanted to hold Lovina and kiss her and just keep her as close as possible, but he couldn't. You never know who you'll run into. God forbid a student or teacher sees them doing anything remotely affectionate.
Antonio was pulled from his thoughts when he felt Lovina rest her head against his shoulder. He couldn't help but smile as she clung to his arm. Antonio knew Lovina hadn't been sleeping enough, so seeing her nod off was a good thing. Against his better judgment Antonio gently pulled her closer and pressed his lips to her temple. Lovina sighed happily in her sleep and shifted even closer to Antonio. Antonio continued to lightly kiss her forehead and the top of her head, pleased with his actions' results.
Antonio almost didn't notice the nervous figure approaching. "Um, M-Mr. Carriedo?" Bella muttered. Antonio froze and let his eyes go wide as he pulled away from Lovina. Yes, Bella already knew, but still…
Lovina grumbled unhappily when Antonio shifted away. "B-Bella?!" Antonio stammered. Bella forced a smile and looked down at Lovina. "I guess I came at a bad time. She looks tired" Bella sighed, stealing a glance at her teacher. Antonio mentally cursed the others for going to get something to eat and leaving him alone with Lovina.
"She's been stressed…anyone would be…" Antonio mumbled, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. At that, Lovina finally stirred and woke up, blinking as she tried to remember she was. Well, it didn't really matter, since Antonio was there with her.
"How long was I out?" Lovina yawned, leaning against Antonio again. Antonio chuckled nervously and glanced at Bella. "N-Not long enough, ama-L-Lovi…But you have a visitor…" Lovina froze, slowly turning her head to face Bella, who offered an awkward wave in response. Lovina shot up straight and scooted away from Antonio, clearing her throat.
"O-Oh, w-what are you doing here?"
Bella fought back a pained expression and simply stepped forward before silently bending down and wrapping her arms around Lovina. "I'm so sorry" Bella croaked. "I've been a terrible friend."
Lovina just sat there, stunned by Bella's change in heart. But soon enough, Lovina returned the embrace, slowly and hesitantly; almost afraid she might ruin the moment somehow. "N-No, it's ok-"
"It's not" Bella interrupted, pulling away. "Y-You didn't do anything wrong, and you had to go through all of this a-and you were…" Bella trailed off and glanced at Antonio. "…Having problems with him and God, I should have been there!"
Lovina slowly rose and held Bella tighter. "I-It's alright…" she responded softly. Bella shook her head and started to pull away. "I feel awful" Bella whimpered. Lovina only shook her head and held Bella again.
And that absolutely infuriated Antonio.
Why in god's name did Lovina have to be the one comforting Bella?! Bella was in the wrong, Bella was the one who hurt Lovina, so why was she being told everything was alright? Nobody had been sticking up for Lovina. Even Gilbert and Francis committed more of their time to Feliciana, who admittedly was a mess, but still. Antonio was sick of seeing Lovina have to look after others when she was barely capable of holding herself together.
"Bella" Antonio muttered as calmly as possible. The girl looked up over her friend's shoulder nervously. Antonio had to look away from her teary eyes. "I think you should let Lovina rest. She's been through enough. She shouldn't have to be the one comforting."
Lovina turned to face Antonio wide eyed before smacking him on the back of his head. "Don't be rude!" Lovina scolded. Antonio pouted back at her. "I wasn't being rude. I was trying to take care of you, something that you haven't been doing" Antonio sighed in response. Lovina scowled and glared at him.
"There are more important things-"
"He's right" Bella interrupted. Bella offered Lovina a sad smile before pulling her into a hug once again, gently rubbing her friend's back. "Sweetheart, you look exhausted. You've been doing so much. You're sister told me you stay up all night working. It's not fair."
Lovina tried to pull away, but damn, Bella had a strong grip. "Doesn't matter if it's fair or not" Lovina grumbled. Bella shook her head as she brought Lovina to arms length. "No, I'm going to help take care of you! I'm not upset or jealous anymore!"
"J-Jealous?!" Lovina sputtered. Antonio had to bite back a smile. Bella chuckled nervously and shrugged, a light blush spreading across her cheeks. "Well, yeah…" Bella started quietly before rolling her eyes at Lovina's still stunned expression. "Oh don't give me that look. Who wouldn't be?! I mean come on…"
The rate at which Bella went from embarrassed to devious was frightening. "We've had this conversation before" she snickered, casually glancing at Antonio over Lovina's shoulder. Lovina turned a deep shade of red and pushed Bella away, scowling when she heard Antonio chuckle behind her.
"Lovi, do you find me attractive?" Antonio asked in mock confusion. Lovina glared with all her might before plopping back down beside him. "You're not going to be when I beat your face in, smug bastard" she grumbled. Antonio only laughed and kissed her cheek.
"I always thought you were beautiful" he chuckled, giving her another peck. Bella sighed and looked at the pair. "I think that's what I was jealous of" she murmured, glancing away. A smile quickly returned to her face before either of the other two could comment.
"Well, Tim needs me to be home by dinner, but I'll come back tomorrow. I really did like your grandfather. I want to make sure he'll be alright."
Lovina nodded dumbly and let Bella hug her one last time before watching her leave. She hardly even noticed Antonio bringing his arm back around her. "Are you alright?" he mumbled, lightly kissing the top of her head. Lovina nodded and leaned against him again, letting Antonio pull her closer.
"Sleep, amada" he sighed. Lovina nodded and quickly pressed her lips to Antonio's cheek, squeezing her eyes shut before she could see his reaction.
Antonio put Lovina's blush to shame.
I HAVE BEEN SO GOD DAMN BUSY BUT I DID IT I UPDATED EOOUHLFALIACGCIKHRCAIRCAWRACLHSFC