A Rose of Passion
Dinner
"Francis! Quit sulking already! You know that there were too many people coming to this dinner! Hell, even the prissy headmaster came with his girlfriend! You couldn't have cooked for everyone!"
"Do you doubt my cooking skills, Gilbert?" Francis asked with a dark look towards his red eyed friend across the table.
"Nein! Not at all! We just wanted to save you the trouble … er … not that I think you couldn't have made it in time … and I know the dining table back at the house is big enough but … it's that prissy headmaster! He wanted to go to the restaurant! What was I supposed to say? Franky? Hey, Francis don't look at me like that! Come on! Don't be mad! We know your cooking's the best, right Tonio? Antonio? Little help here! Francis …?" Gilbert tried to explain at a glaring Francis who then started ignoring him.
The trio was seated at a large rectangle table in an English restaurant located somewhere between the school and Francis' house. They all arrived in advance because of Antonio not wanting to be rude if Arthur (cough) if the guests were to arrive earlier than expected. Francis was sulking in his seat because he had been told that they were going to the restaurant instead of letting him cook the dinner. Gilbert was trying to apologise since he had planned that with the 'prissy' headmaster without consulting either of his two friends. A blond boy was seated next to Gilbert and was trying his best to pretend that he didn't know the albino or his crazy friends. Antonio, sitting next to Francis and in front of the younger boy, wasn't even paying attention and instead had his eyes focused on the entrance door of the restaurant. It was half past six. The blond boy eyed his apologising brother with a resigned look in his sky blue eyes. He sighted. Maybe, telling his brother about his trip to England hadn't been such a good idea. He only wanted to catch up with Gilbert, he never asked for this dinner. But as usual, his brother always made a big show out of everything. Ludwig sighted loudly before looking at an unusually silent Antonio. Ludwig had met this Spanish man a few times before and had always found him to be easy – going and carefree. He always seemed so cheerful about everything and Ludwig was sure never to have seen a serious look on his face before … so what happened? This man was usually the type who never stops talking but he hadn't spoken a word since they arrived at the restaurant.
"Herr Carriedo? Is something the matter?" the boy asked, unsure.
Antonio snapped back into reality and looked at the 18 year old boy staring at him with confusion and a beginning of worry. Gilbert's brother was so sweet … it was hard to believe the two were related.
"Si! Grazias for worrying Ludwig! I'm fine! I was … just waiting for … our guests!" Antonio replied with one of his 'everything's fine' smile. Apparently, their exchange caught Gilbert's ear and he smirked while turning to his little brother. Ludwig saw his smirk and couldn't help but think that this whole dinner must be one of his brother's crazy plans. And he was right!
"Kesesese! He means that he's waiting for one particular guest! That's why we're here an hour early! Don't worry Luddy! He's just very sick but there's no cure for him! He's a desperate case! And desperate cases call for desperate measures!"
"Meaning this dinner?" Ludwig asked with a hard and scolding look.
"Awww! Don't make that face, bruder! I was thinking about you too! I just thought it would make a perfect opportunity for both of you!"
"Why am I not surprised? I knew there had to be something behind this whole dinner scheme. So, what's that special guest you were talking about?" Ludwig asked turning back to Antonio only to see him go red like a tomato. Ludwig blinked in surprise at his reaction then glanced at his grinning brother. Wait … was he missing something here? Wasn't this just a dinner with some pupils of his own age from Antonio's school?
"Um … uuh … erm, there's … no special person … really … just … other kids … and that's all …" Antonio stuttered.
"Come on Tonio! Luddy isn't going to tell anyone! Actually, that special person is Antonio's …" Gilbert whispered in his brother's ear before being interrupted by a shouting Antonio.
"NO! Don't tell him!"
"Allons, du calme! Gilbert, let 'im be if 'e doesn't want to tell." Francis said in a calming tone. But Gilbert wasn't done teasing. Ludwig could tell from the look on his brother's face.
"Awww! What are you worried about? It's not like anyone here will go and tell your lover boy!"
"Gilbert! Bastard!" Antonio shouted before jumping on his friend. The two of them wrestled while Francis was sipping his glass of white wine, completely ignoring the commotion his friends were making. Ludwig, too, ignored the two fighting idiots and again pretended not to know them. He was starting to wonder why in the world he accepted his brother's invitation to this dinner. But he found it disturbing. Gilbert had mention a 'lover boy'? Did he mean that Antonio had … but, there was only pupils coming … and the headmaster but he had a girlfriend so … No! Could Antonio have … he did say lover 'boy' …
Ludwig hit his forehead with his palm. How did he get involved in such a messed up situation? Again? His brother always got him involved in strange things but this was the strangest one yet! His brother organised a dinner under the false pretext to help him in his learning of the English language but in fact wanted to get Antonio to … what? Meet with his crush or something? If he's a pupil then that could be problematic for a teacher like Antonio. Ludwig lifted his eyes up only to see four teens staring at the fight between the two adults with astonishment and maybe even embarrassment.
Antonio was swearing in Spanish while giving blows in his laughing friend who didn't hesitate to send the blows back. He suddenly felt someone grab him from behind and as he was going to turn and hit that person, he heard a familiar voice.
"Mr Carriedo? What in the world is going on here?"
Antonio stopped moving and slowly turned his head and his eyes met emerald scolding ones. Arthur was holding him by the shoulders with a firm grip, preventing him from moving. It surprised Antonio that the boy had that much strength that he could contain him easily. Ludwig was helping his brother up while scolding him in German. Antonio saw Gilbert send him a grinning wink.
"What was that all about? Damn it, I thought we were having a dinner, not a pub fight! Are you guys already drunk or something?" Lovino exclaimed. He was standing next to Arthur and was sending his Spanish teacher a 'what kind of idiot are you' glare. His brother Feliciano was hiding behind the two of them, too scared to speak. He was always a soft one and hated fights.
"Ve~ Is everybody ok?" he asked with a shivering voice.
"Don't worry, Feli! Everything's fine!" Belle said while patting him gently. She then took notice of the Frenchman sipping his wine and screamed.
"Francis! What the hell are you doing here?"
Francis looked up at the group of teen that had just arrived and, noticing Belle, smiled broadly before jumping towards her to give her a hug.
« Belle! Comment ça va, ma poupée ! Antonio ne m'avais pas dit que tu viendrais ! »
"Get off me ! Go away ! Francis, bordel, mais lâche moi ! I told you to stop hugging me like that! I'm not a kid anymore! And you didn't answer my question! Why are you here?" she replied while hiding with Feliciano behind her two friends.
"Ma chérie! I just came because Antonio needed 'elp to organise zis dinner! 'Ow are your brother and Matthieu?"
"They're fine! Now go back to your drink and don't come anywhere close to me!
"Tu me brises le cœur, mon chou! Hmm ?" Francis said as he looked at the other boys. He smiled at the twins. "Ah! You must be the Italian boys, right? You both look so cute and adorable!"
Feliciano duck even more behind Arthur and his brother joined him. The creepy look Francis was giving them was … creepy! Now, all three were huddled up behind Arthur who was still holding a self – conscience Antonio. Francis eyed the green eyed boy with an appreciative look and smiled. Gilbert joined him and whispered something in the Frenchman's ear with a smirk. He too, eyed Arthur with curiosity and licked his lips.
"Mon Dieu! What a handsome boy we 'ave 'ere! And what's your name?" Francis asked with his sexy, smooth and flirty tone.
"Perverted frog! Stay away from him!" Belle shouted at Francis from behind Arthur's back.
Antonio glared at Francis who, surprised, took a few steps back. Gilbert looked at his Spanish friend with a confused look. Why was he so mad?
"My name is Arthur Kirkland. I'm pleased to meet you. I've understood that you are friends of Mr Carriedo and that you helped organise this diner. Thank you very much for inviting us all." Arthur said while nodding politely his head.
Everybody fell silent. The polite boy got his teacher back up and calmed his friends down. Francis and Gilbert just stared at him. They never expected Arthur to look … like that! That was Arthur? No wonder Antonio had glared at them! But the boy was indeed pretty hot and so damn cute! They were surprised since usually, Antonio went for brunettes more often and wasn't much into blonds. Francis and Gilbert were still overcoming their shock at meeting Arthur when they felt Antonio's deadly glare on them. Okay, maybe trying to woe the boy hadn't been such a good idea but … how were they supposed to know that he was Arthur Kirkland? The boy was so sexy and attractive! How could they not want to get him in their bed? Francis smiled weakly at Antonio and mouthed "Pardon!" while Gilbert was holding his head in his hands trying to regain his senses. Ludwig had watched the whole scene in silence. He looked at Arthur who was currently comforting a terrorised Feliciano with the help of Lovino. He clearly had understood what was going on and he felt that this would be a very long diner!
The rest of the guests were now arriving. Feliciano was clinging to Arthur under the jealous eye of Antonio. Lovino was getting angry at the look his Spanish teacher was sending his brother while Belle was staying close to Lovino and Arthur, avoiding all contacts with Francis. They all sat down and started to order.
The five adults were all seated on one end of the table and the rest was covered by the group of teens. From left to right, all around the table, and starting from one end we had: Mr Edelstein (presiding the dinner), Elizaveta (his girlfriend), Gilbert (who would frequently receive frying pans in his face from the woman), Francis (laughing at his friend's misery and making friendly, noticeable, embarrassing waves and sending kisses to Belle), Heracles (falling asleep in his plate and nobody cared anyway), Eric (bored to death and as quiet as a grave), Ludwig (at the other end of the table and facing Mr Edelstein, in big talks with Feliciano who he found attractive), Feliciano (who was now completely focused on the shy German boy and finding him so cute, he was trying to use his Italian charm to seduce him), Lovino (complaining to Arthur about their bastard of a teacher making a scene in the restaurant, and of Feliciano being too friendly with this new German boy, and basically about everything that pissed him off), Arthur (trying to stay polite and pleasant, discussing with Lovino and Belle and somehow feeling like someone was watching him), Belle (ignoring Francis and talking to Arthur about all the random topics of conversation she could come up with), and finally Antonio (watching Arthur while pretending to listen to Mr Edelstein next to him).
They all enjoyed their meal in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. By the end of the dinner, a band started playing and people gathered on the large dance floor at the centre of the room, the dining tables surrounding the dance floor. Mr Edelstein went to dance with Elizaveta. Francis had invited Belle but she hissed to him and hid behind Lovino and Arthur before he gave up and invited some random pretty young women in the restaurant. Ludwig was dragged on the dance floor by an excited Feliciano and under the dark glare of Lovino. Arthur was pulled by Belle who monopolised him for a while before she became breathless and Arthur brought her back to the table. Antonio was talking with Gilbert while eyeing with annoyance the pair of them.
"Go and ask to dance, already!" Gilbert said to his friend.
"I can't. It's wrong for a teacher to …"
"You're not a teacher tonight! You're a man! Go get him, that's an order!" And Gilbert pushed his friend towards Arthur, Lovino and a less breathless Belle. Lovino and Belle were now arguing again and Arthur was rolling his eyes when he saw Antonio walk towards him, followed … no almost pushed by Gilbert. The music changed.
"Hey, Arty! Antonio wants to teach you the Argentine Tango! He's a pro at it! (that wasn't true, Antonio only roughly knew the basic steps) What do you say?"
Antonio was beetroot red and hissing "Gilbertooo" in a threatening tone. But Arthur just smiled politely at Gilbert and Antonio.
"Why not? I've learned a bit of ballroom dancing a couple of years ago but the Argentine Tango wasn't my strongest. Mr Carriedo?" Arthur asked as he held out a hand to his blushing to the near point of fainting teacher. Antonio took his hand and they headed to the dance floor. Lovino and Belle barely noticed them since they were too busy arguing.
Antonio and Arthur started dancing. Antonio was doing the move correctly and leading Arthur the right way but … the lack of aggressiveness and passion in the dance made it a quite weak Argentine Tango. In fact, Antonio was so embarrassed and could barely breathe or think that it was the best he could do in that state of mind. They danced in silence like that for a while before suddenly Arthur became more aggressive and started to lead. He spun his teacher around and then threw him backwards and held him down, holding Antonio's back at only a dozen centimetres from the floor, bending over the Spaniard with his knees bent, Arthur's other hand holding Antonio's, their faces only inches from one another. Antonio had stopped breathing and Arthur smirked.
"Señor, por favor se un poco más serio. Creo que tengo el derecho de movimiento. ¿Bailamos?" (Sir, be a bit more serious please. I think I got the movement right. Shall we dance?)
Antonio was then pulled back onto his feet and led around the dance floor by his sexy looking student. Damn the boy was good! Was there anything he couldn't do? Antonio had been dressed up by his two friends for the occasion in order to cause an effect on the English teen but right now Arthur was the one causing a massive effect on his teacher. Antonio first followed the blonde's lead but then, noticing Arthur's wild grin, he couldn't help but play the game and started to fight for the lead with him. Their dancing became passionate, aggressive and sexy hot but at the same time remained gracious and coordinated with the music and with each other. They both fought for dominance while showing off their moves (moves they sometimes invented). Soon, other dancers, started to retreat away to give them more space and watch their wild tango.
Antonio eyed his partner. He was wearing a pair of black jeans and black shoes, a white shirt with the first few buttons undone revealing bits of smooth, pale skin and a silver chain with a silver pendant of a Celtic cross hanging from his neck. He had a black jacket too but had left it at the table. He wore an excited and fierce expression on his beautiful face, his eyes fired up by the rush of the dance and his golden hair moving swiftly around as he spun and turned and stopped and spun again and walked and turned.
Antonio was wearing tight black trousers (ironically fitted for the dance) and black pointed shoes, a purple shirt that revealed more chest skin than Arthur's and a black tie with red rose designs on it, tied loosely around his neck.
They both danced without a care about the people around them, at that moment it was just them in the world, fighting a battle through their dancing. Antonio felt great. This was the best moment in his life and he felt he could die happily. His only wish would be for this moment to never end. But all things end and the music was soon ending. Arthur smirked and in a trick managed to spin Antonio around, catch the lead and end the dance on his terms, the same way they had started, with him holding Antonio in a finishing position, leaning him backwards. Antonio blushed madly and Arthur chuckled. He pulled his teacher back up and under the applause of the other clients of the restaurant they headed back to their table. Arthur turned to Mr Carriedo and smiled, this time not out of politeness.
"Thank you, Sir. I really enjoyed this dance."
Antonio blushed and looked away while mumbling "it was nothing".
Arthur joined his two friends who were staring at him in shock and inquired as to why he was dancing with their teacher and Arthur shrugged. Gilbert pulled Antonio into a seat next to his and was already instructing him the next step to woe Arthur.
"Get him alone in a quiet place where you won't be interrupted and kiss him!"
"¿Quééééé? Are you out of your mind?"
"Nein! Not at all! That's the quickest way. Then, you take him home and you have sex and he's all yours. Easy!" Gilbert replied with his carefree tone.
"That will never work! Stupido! I'm a teacher, remember? I can't just kiss my pupil and even less, take him to my bed! Are you listening to me?"
"Ja, ja, I'm listening … damn, that's the fourth girl Francis is dancing with!"
"Gilbert!"
"Ja …? Oh, right! Well, ok! Maybe the sex part can wait but you have to kiss him! I mean, you won't have a better opportunity! In fact, this might be your only chance!"
Antonio thought about it for a second but before he could take a decision, Arthur was already back on the dance floor with Lovino who wanted to learn how to dance like Arthur and also to keep a closer eye on his brother and Ludwig. After dancing non-stop for so long, Arthur switched with Belle and she and Lovino danced while arguing at the same time. Arthur went outside for a breath of fresh air, Gilbert spotted that and forced Antonio outside.
"Go kiss him! That's an order!"
"Si! Si!" Antonio replied with exasperation. How was he meant to do that? He had never kissed a pupil before! He already had difficulties remaining normal around Arthur, how could he possibly kiss him. Antonio found the boy walking slowly down the street and he quickly caught up with him.
"Sir?" Arthur asked as he saw Antonio rush to him, breathless.
"Si! I'm … I'm coming with you! I don't want you to get lost! It's dangerous at night! You could get attack by … by some drunken people!" Antonio tried to find an excuse and Arthur laughed.
"I can deal with drunks. And I know this area like my house so there's no need to be worried." he replied with confidence. Antonio's face saddened slightly and Arthur noticed this.
"But I wouldn't mind your company." he said to cheer up his teacher and it worked.
"Grazias!" Antonio cheered lightly.
They both walked in silence for a long while. Night had fallen; it was dark and getting quite cold. The Spaniard shivered. He had forgotten his jacket inside in his rush to catch Arthur. Arthur smiled and took off his own jacket before handing it to his teacher.
"Here. I'm not sure if the size is right but it'll keep you warm."
"No! I'm fine! Besides, you'll get cold too!"
"Don't worry! My family originates from up north, in Scotland. So the cold is something I'm used to. And you look like you're going to catch pneumonia!"
"Grazias." Antonio mumbled under a blush as Arthur passed his jacket on the other man's shoulders. He had broader shoulders than Antonio but their sizes were about the same.
"You said you're from Scotland? I thought you lived in London?"
"Yes, I was born in Scotland but was brought up in London after we moved there. We go back to Scotland from time to time during the holidays."
"Why did you come here? Your school in London was at a much higher level and …"
"I wanted to change. My older brothers bought a pub in this town and invited me to come and live with them. I was a bit tired by the life in London and I heard that this school held a lot of students and teachers from various nationalities so … I guess it peaked my curiosity."
"So you left your parents and you're now living with your brothers?"
"Yes. Only two of my older brothers, the third one stayed in London for his studies. I also have a younger sister back in London."
"That's a big family!"
"Yes! I know it's a bit unusual nowadays! What about you, Sir? Do you have any siblings?"
"Si! I have a twin brother living in Portugal! But he's mad at me and won't even reply when I email or call him!"
"… Do you know why?"
"No. But I think it may be because I slept with his boyfriend."
Arthur shot a shocked look at his teacher before rolling his eyes making a 'Tsss' sound.
"Of course he would be mad at you! That's obvious! Why did you even do that? Have you apologised?" Arthur scolded. They were both acting and talking like friends rather than teacher and pupil. They didn't even realise the change. It was just … so natural.
"Si! I apologised but it wasn't my fault! His boyfriend came to my house in Spain one day telling me he had broken up with João and we had sex. João heard about it and left for Portugal without letting me explain. I sent him messages of apologies but he never answered. I didn't mean to! He said they had separated for almost a year so I didn't think anything of it! I didn't know they were still together! I'm so sorry João! Forgive me!" Antonio started crying and Arthur was now comforting the sobbing Spaniard awkwardly.
"It … It's alright! I'm sure João will forgive you … one day … Maybe you should go and see him and tell him to his face how you're feeling."
"Si … (sob) I wanted to go for Christmas but … hic … heeeerrrrmaaaanoooo! Why is he mad at me! I don't know how to face him anymore!" And Antonio started crying again.
Arthur sighted and waited for his teacher to calm down, giving him small taps on his back.
"So you're scared of facing your brother alone? Why don't you go with Mr Weildschmidt or Mr Bonnefoy? Can't they help you?"
"No … hic … they're going back to their own families for Christmas. They live abroad too so it's the only time they can see them … sob …"
"Okay … don't you have anyone else who could come with you?"
"Noooo … sob … I'm all aloooone … hermanooo … why are you mad … Joãoooo …"
"Errr … Sir? Mr Carriedo …? Antonio?"
At the sound of his first name, Antonio stopped crying and stared at the younger man. Once Arthur finally got the Spanish to stop his pitiful sobbing and to get his full attention, he sighted before proposing him his solution.
"Then what about this: I'll go with you to see your brother. But we'd have to go in between Christmas and New Year since I already have plans for both of them. But in between, we can spend a few days in Portugal to see your brother. If … if that's ok with you … you can refuse … I understand perfectly! I just thought it might help you … but if you don't want to …" Arthur stammered, a little embarrassed. Antonio stared in awe at the struggling blond and found him so cute it was turning him on. He quickly looked away and nodded.
"Si. I would like that. Thank you very much, Arthur."
Arthur smiled softly. It was the first time he saw his Spanish teacher so sad, powerless and defenceless. The man looked like a crying child seeking for comfort. Arthur couldn't help but want to be that comfort. He wanted to help the man, especially if it was about getting back with his brother. Arthur had had some tough arguments with his own brothers in the past and although now they're all fine, it had been difficult and he knew how pained Antonio must feel.
"I could send you my timetable for the holidays and you could arrange our flight." He proposed.
"Si! We could leave on the 26th and come back on the 31st?"
"Then it would be best to take a night flight on the 26th and a morning flight for the 31st."
"Si! I'll find good flights!"
"Here." Arthur said after scribbling on a small notepad he carried in his pocket with a pen and handing the paper to Antonio.
"What?"
"It's my email address. You'll need it if you want to send me the plane tickets."
"Gra … grazias …" Antonio whispered in a breath.
They hadn't realised it but they had walked quite far away from the restaurant. Antonio looked around and recognised the pub he and his friends go to all the time.
"Ah. I didn't realise but we arrived to my home." Arthur said in a dull, disinterested voice as if stating a fact. Antonio looked at him in surprise.
"Your home?"
"Yes, that pub over there. That's the one my brothers hold. We live in the flat just above it."
Antonio was in shock. Was it fate that the pub he always goes to belongs to Arthur's brothers?
"I … I often come to this pub with Francis and Gilbert." He mumbled.
"Really? Wow, what a coincidence."
A red haired man came out of the pub, holding two drunks and guiding them out. He noticed Arthur and Antonio and smiled before calling them.
"OOOIIII! Artyyyy! Yer back from yer fancy diner! Who's yer friend? Wan' ta hav' a drink? Pat and I are getting' all tha last customers out! Com' lend us a hand!"
Arthur and Antonio walked over to him.
"Sorry Scott. The diner's not over yet. Mr Carriedo and I were just taking a walk and we went a bit too far. I'll help you clean the pub when I get back though."
"Damn righ' ye will! Mr Carriedo? Tha bloke's a teacher?" Scott said as he eyed the not teacher like dressed Spanish man with suspicion.
"Si. I'm Arthur's Spanish teacher, Antonio Fernandez Carriedo. Pleased to meet you." Antonio said while trying to give off a good impression.
"Aye, nice ta meet ye ta! A'right, Arty, get back ta yer party and take yer prancy teacher with ya! Don't take ta long, 'kay?"
"Yes, alright. See you later." Arthur waved his brother away as he and Antonio walked back to the restaurant. By the time they got back, they were discussing and comparing Britain to Spain. Antonio hadn't kissed him but it didn't matter. He had spent the most wonderful night of his life and besides, Gilbert was wrong. He'd have a second chance to kiss Arthur. After all, they would be going on holiday to Portugal together!
"Where in the world were you both?" Mr Edelstein asked angrily. It was quite late, much later than what had originally been planned. All the dancing and the fun and then waiting and looking for Arthur and Antonio had wasted a lot of time and it was now 01:10.
"Lo siente, Mr Edelstein. We were just …"
"We got lost."
The head master and Antonio both stared at Arthur.
"We're really sorry, Sir. I wanted to go out for a walk and have some fresh air after all the dancing and for security, Mr Carriedo accompanied me and we got lost. This was my fault and I truly apologise." Arthur said as he bowed his head slightly, a gesture he had learned from his Japanese friend back in London.
Mr Edelstein glared at the boy then Antonio but he couldn't bring himself to punish them after Arthur's apology. He told them off and left with his girlfriend. The other pupils were leaving too. Belle ran off before she could be caught by Francis and Lovino was dragging Feliciano away from his new boyfriend while Gilbert was shouting at Ludwig in German. Francis was having a sweet talk with the 10th girl he had danced with that night. And all was left were Arthur and Antonio.
"Grazias, Arthur."
"No problem. It was my fault in the first place although we didn't actually get lost."
Francis joined them while Ludwig was arguing with Gilbert before the teen finally left to go back to his own place to crash during his stay in England. The two friends looked at Antonio and Arthur and they discreetly went to hide close by as to not disturb them but close enough to spy. It was pointless since Arthur just smiled and said a simple "Have a good night, Mr Carriedo" before leaving.
"Buenas noches, Arthur." Antonio replied as he waved the boy away with a stupid grin on his face. His two friends jumped on him half angry and half curious. Angry because obviously nothing happened and certainly not a kiss, curious because there had to be something that happened, right? Even if it's just one tiny thing! Antonio was grinning like an idiot and only told them everything once they got back home.
"You're going to Portugal with him? How did you manage that and couldn't even kiss him?" Gilbert asked, completely stunned.
"I … I got a bit upset and so Arthur proposed to help get back with mi hermano again … He's so sweet and nice and caring and …"
"Oui, oui! We know, Tonio! You love 'im! But zat's good! If you keep getting close to 'im like zat, you will soon conquer 'is 'eart!" Francis said with a knowing smile.
"So this diner wasn't a total loss after all!" Gilbert stated proudly. "My awesomeness is really awesome!"
"Grazias, amigos! This was the best night of my life!" Antonio cheered with a wide grin. His friends returned the grin, pleased with themselves for helping Antonio with his love life.
They all went to bed and Antonio had sweet dreams of his trip in Portugal with Arthur.