Chapter 6 - The Foul-mouthed Cook

March 21st, 1803

Following the aftermath of the harmless prank they pulled, Alistair and Arthur were kicked out of the house. Jett wasn't kicked out because he lived there, but he would be getting an ear full of complaints from James.

Alistair and Arthur stood in front of the house, not sure what to do now. Arthur eventually came up with an idea.

"We could go to the tavern" The Brit suggested, turning his head to look at Alistair.

"I guess..." the Scot shrugged.

"Ok let's go!" Arthur smiled, pulling the red head in the direction of the tavern.

Once they got there though, the sound of glass shattering and shouting could be heard.

"HEY! IF ANY OF YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME AGAIN I WILL KICK ALL YOUR SORRY ASSES AND THROW YOU OUT!" Someone roared. It sounded like a women and had a slight accent that Alistair couldn't quite place.

Arthur just shook his head and sighed before walking into the tavern, the Scot right behind him. Alistair could now see a women with long dark brown hair with a weird curl sticking out on the right side of her head. She was holding a man up by the collar, her face beat red with rage. The only thing Alistair could do was stare and think, what the hell?!

Noticing the new presence in the room the women looked up to see who had walked in, her face returning to its normal color when she saw who it was.

"Arthur! Where the fuck have you been! I haven't seen you for so long!" she shouted, releasing the man's collar, letting him hit the ground with a thump and walked toward them.

"I'm terribly sorry Lovina. I've been busy taking care of this twit" he said, pointing at Alistair.

Alistair snorted. "Am I really that awful?"

"Yes, you are" the Brit hissed.

The Scot gasped dramatically. "Arthur, ye wound me" he said in mock horror, a hand over his heart.

Arthur just ignored him, muttering something under his breath.

Lovina smirked. "Stop your bitching and follow me, I'll fix you up something to eat," she said, walking toward the back of the bar and into the kitchen.

Arthur and Alistair followed close behind, stepping over a couple of unconscious men in the process.

Lovina turned around and frowned. "Don't mind them, they fucking deserved it. I knocked them out for touching me. The fuckers better have the worse hangovers and bruises when they wake up."

Alistair was a little afraid of this 'Lovina' now. He couldn't help but wonder if this was the person Romano and Letizia were describing... If it is they weren't wrong when they said she has a colorful vocabulary, he thought.

Alistair sat down at the counter, Arthur next to him and waited as Lovina prepared them dinner. He was surprised when Arthur turned to face him, an excited smile on his face.

"You haven't lived yet until you have tasted Lovina's pasta! It's one of the best things I've ever eaten!" he exclaimed. Just then the brunette walked in carrying three plates piled high with pasta and covered in tomato sauce.

"You better fucking like it, or I will have to kill you" she said, setting a plate in front of the Scot.

She and Arthur waited in anticipation as Alistair took the first bite. His eyes lighting up as he did.

"Wow... it is really good" he gaped. He was at a loss of words, I never knew pasta could be this good, he thought.

Lovina smirked, proud that her cooking had impressed yet another person. She and Arthur started to eat as well, not stopping until it was all gone.

"I never did ask for your name, did I?" she realized, looking over at the Scot.

"It's Alistair," he said, lighting a cigar.

"Hm... I'm guessing you're the soldier the tea bastard found" she hummed

"Can you stop talking about me like I'm not here?!" Arthur exclaimed.

"Calm the fuck down Arthur, miodio!" Lovina grumbled. Wow she swears a lot, Alistair thought, blowing out a stream of smoke.

"Lovina where are ye from?" Alistair asked.

"Italy. Florence to be exact,"

I might as well ask her about the kids while I'm at it, he thought.

"Also by any chance, do ye have two kids named Romano and Letizia?" he added. Lovina looked surprised.

"Yes I do." Her eyes then suddenly went dark. "Why do you ask?" She questioned, a slight menace to her voice.

Arthur noticed her turn in attitude and interrupted. "We ran into them and Emil about a week ago. The twins described their parents and that one of them worked here, so I guess Alistair wondered if you were their mom." Nice save Arthur! She looked like she was about to kill me! Alistair thought, releasing the breath he had been holding in.

Lovina looked over at Arthur. "I didn't know they saw you. You could have had the decency to visit, but no you can't spend time with your friends," she pouted.

"I know, I would have liked to visit if I had the time. Maybe I could visit tomorrow, is that ok?" Arthur asked.

The Italian nodded. "You can both come over. I'm sure Antonio would love to meet you, Alistair."

"Oh and Arthur don't go starting a fight with Antonio please, I don't feel like repairing the house again." she added.

"It wasn't my fault he got angry!" the Brit exclaimed.

"It was your fucking fault! I had to replace the fucking door after the bastardocut it in half!"

At this point Alistair decided it was probably best to head home before the argument got any worse.

"Bloody hell! How was I supposed to know he would go get his axe?!"

"I don't know, maybe next time you won't fucking step on the tomato plants!"

Arthur crossed his arms over his chest. "I already apologized for that," he huffed.

Lovina sighed. "I know you did. I just don't want to see two people I care about try and kill each other, ok?" she stuttered slightly, her face turning red in embarrassment.

Arthur was silent. I never would have thought she'd actually admit it, and right to my face at that... I-I don't know what to say, he thought.

"Shit, did your brain stop working? Were my words to much for your puny mind to handle?" She smirked.

"My brain is not puny! I am very smart I'll have you know, unlike you" Arthur sneered.

"I will take that as a compliment. I love it when you enlighten me with your back talk," the Italian said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The Brit stuck out his tongue, causing Lovina to laugh.

"So mature of you Arthur."

Arthur paused and looked around, realizing they were missing someone. "Where's Alistair?" he wondered.

Lovina shrugged. "Hell if I know."

"You are always so helpful." Arthur grumbled.

"I try."

Later that night

After chatting with Lovina for a little while longer Arthur decided that he should probably head back home. He was beginning to worry about Alistair, not that he would ever admit it of course. Waving goodbye to Lovina he exited the bar and back towards home. In about ten minutes the cabin came into view, light flickering in the windows as he approached. I guess Alistair is inside then, he thought. He looked up at the sky, the stars glinting a cool white and an almost full moon lit up the sky. Arthur smiled as he reached the cabin, opening the front door to find Alistair laying in front of the fire, dead asleep. The Brit chuckled, noting how peaceful and calm he looked. He carefully took off his boots at the door and tip toed to his room, not wanting to disturb the sleeping red head.

Finally making it to his room Arthur quickly ripped off his thick, heavy sweater and pants, and changing into a more comfortable pair of pajamas. He sighed in relief, the sweater had been unbearably hot and became uncomfortable as the day grew hotter. He couldn't even remember why he had thought it was a good idea to wear it in the first place! He shook his head, Well there's no point in letting myself dwell in the past, now is there? He thought, the bed creaking as he climbed into bed...