A Rose of Passion

Trick or Treat

"Alright class, that's all for today!" Antonio said brightly.

In the past few weeks he had been even more cheerful than usual (if that's possible). He felt less tensed and worried around Arthur and in fact always felt his heart skip with joy and his mind go blank, with a stupid grin on his face when he looks at the boy.

Their relationship hadn't changed much. They would sometimes have little chats about Portugal or about homework but that was all. Antonio didn't mind though. At least, now, they were on friendly terms and he could finally talk with Arthur without always switching back into Spanish.

"Hey Arthur! You're coming to the party tomorrow, right?"

Arthur turned to smile at a tall albino with light blond hair and a little hat on one side of his head.

"Of course, Stephan. I can't wait! I bet you'll dress up as a vampire, right?"

"Haha! Good guess! But Sigurd is going as a wizard and I heard Feliks is coming dressed as a princess and is forcing Toris to wear a dress too! Haha!"

Arthur and his friend laughed under the watchful eye of their Spanish teacher. What were they talking about? What party?

"That guy is seriously crazy!"

"Yeah …" Arthur smiled as he calmed his laughter down.

"What about you Arthur?"

"Well, I'm not sure yet … I think Belle's going to be dressed as a policewoman or was it a nurse …? Lovino said he didn't like dressing up but I think he'll choose a gangster outfit. I was thinking maybe a pirate outfit for me but …"

"Pirate? That's great! We don't have a pirate yet! Oh, got to go! There's this chick I have to get as my date to the party tomorrow! See you later Captain Sparrow!"

"See you! Good luck with your date!"

"Thanks!"

Arthur watched his friend rush through the door at the suite of a pretty Mexican girl. He then noticed Antonio looking at him with curiosity. They were alone in the classroom and class had finished for the day.

"Señor? Is something wrong?"

"Um … No! I was just curious about this party thing … I'm sorry I overheard …"

"It's alright. It's not a secret anyway. Stephan is organising a Halloween party tomorrow night. What will you do for Halloween tomorrow, Sir?" Arthur asked with curiosity.

"I … I don't know … I didn't realise it was Halloween …" Antonio said with a clueless face making Arthur laugh. The teacher felt his face warm up in embarrassment.

"Why don't you go out trick or treating or something?" Arthur kept laughing.

"I'm not a kid anymore, Arthur!"

"Really? You sometimes act like one!"

Antonio was now bright red and all flustered. Arthur noticed his teacher's struggle and smiled apologetically.

"Sorry. I was only joking. But you should go out with your two friends. Halloween is meant to be fun so I hope you enjoy yourself, Sir."

"I … I will … um …?"

"Hm? Yes? Is something the matter?"

"No! It's just … you … you don't have to keep that distant tone with me … uh …"

Arthur watched his teacher in surprise.

"What do you mean, Sir? You're a teacher. I can't be disrespectful with you … you might give me another detention!"

"You don't have to be so formal … after all, we're only a few years apart. I'm turning 22 and you're probably just …"

"I'll be turning 18 in April."

"April? What day?" Antonio asked with his face brightening up.

"Hum … the 23rd." Arthur answered surprised by his teacher's sudden question but mostly by the eagerness he saw in the tanned man's eyes.

"The 23rd of April! I'm the 12th of February!" Antonio declared happily.

"O … Okay." Arthur was wondering who the hell was that silly, child – like man in front of him. He had always seen Mr Carriedo either cold and snarling or cheerful and caring. But here … he looked like a spoiled kid with eyes shining with an innocent curiosity.

"So we just have 4 years between us!" continued Antonio with a grin. He was so happy that he got to know Arthur's birthday!

"Yes, I suppose."

"What do you want to do when you leave school?" Antonio asked. This was going well. Arthur seemed willing to talk with him! He wanted to know all about the Englishman.

"I'm not completely sure but … I'd like to be a journalist."

"¿En serio? That's great! Why do you want to be a journalist?"

"Well, I like to write. I like reading and writing and actually … I would love to be a writer but it's unlikely that I'll ever get my work published. So the closest thing I have is journalism … which isn't so bad either." Arthur explained. He started to like his Spanish teacher. Their ages being so close to one another helped him feel less like in a teacher – to – pupil talk but more in man – to – man talk.

"A writer? Oh! Can I get to read one of your books? Por favor?"

"I … I don't really want to show my work just yet! It isn't finished anyway!" Arthur answered with an embarrassed blush. Antonio stared at Arthur's slightly, very slightly flushed face. He couldn't help but feel his own face warm up and his lower body react. He tensed up slightly as he was getting hard. This guy was just soooooo cuuuuute!

Arthur then looked down at his watch and finished packing his things. As Antonio's hand brushed Arthur's when the boy walked towards the exit of the room, he felt his body tense up and an itching in his lower parts.

"It's getting late, Mr Carriedo. We should probably get going." Arthur said absent – minded.

Antonio felt his heart sink in his chest. He had wanted to continue their talk a bit longer. He wanted to make Arthur love him. But the green eyed teen was already gazing off, his thoughts elsewhere.

"Si. You can go. I'll just finish tidying up." Antonio muttered.

"Do you need help? With the tidying, I mean." Arthur asked, snapping out of his daydream.

"No! It's not necessary! I … I'm just going to finish my report and then I'll go home." Antonio replied quickly, his cheeks getting redder. Arthur nodded then grabbed his bag and headed to the door. He stopped before getting out and turned to face Antonio with a frown on his face.

"Sir?"

"Si?"

"Remember when you said you had been jealous of me? When you still hated me? Why did you stop acting jealous with me?"

Antonio didn't answer. He was furiously trying to find a good excuse for his change of behaviour but nothing came to mind. Arthur watched him struggle then decided it didn't matter and shrugged his shoulders before saying:

"It's alright if you don't want to answer. I was just curious as to why you suddenly changed. But … I' m glad you did. I really enjoy talking with you. I should go now or my brothers will kill me for being late! Adios, Señor!" Arthur said and left.

"Adios … mi amor." Antonio whispered in the empty room.

When he got home, Antonio told about the party to his housemates. It had become a habit for him to keep them updated of his progress with Arthur. Recently, they had been really bored but as soon as they heard of the party, their eyes glittered with malice and cunning smiles spread on their faces, sending shivers to Antonio.

"That's perfect, Tonio! You'll go to that party!" Gilbert decided.

"Agreed!" Francis nodded.

Antonio remained speechless for a few moments before bursting in anger at the foolishness of his two friends.

"What are you both talking about? I can't crash my pupils' party! I'm …"

"A teacher! Yes, we know." they both replied with bored look on their faces and dismissing this fact as if of no importance what's so ever.

"Look, Tonio! Parties are the best ways for hooking up! The atmosphere, the too many drinks and the opportunity! You would easily get Arthur that way!"

"He is right, Tonio. You also 'ave ze advantage zat it is a costume party so nobody will recognise you! You could sneak in and take Arthur to a quiet place and zere …" Francis' perverted smile grew on his face as he was imagining … god knows what and Antonio really didn't want to know!

"But … but …"

"No buts! That's an order!" Gilbert told him. "Now, we have to find you an awesome outfit that will keep your identity hidden from everyone, and then you can tell Arthur who you are once you're alone with him! It's my most awesome plan yet!"

"Oui, and remember? Arthur told you to go trick or treating. Well, you're going to do both tomorrow! Trick zem all and treat yourself wiz a lovely pirate lover!

Antonio had a bad feeling about this. But his friends seemed so caught up in their delirious plans that he couldn't stop them. Hopefully, Arthur won't hate him the next day.

"Whoa! Tonio! This is awesome!"

"I agree. You look perfect!"

Antonio was standing in front of his mirror, eyeing himself in his Halloween costume. He was wearing a Zorro outfit that showed off his body through the elastic, black material and the mask hid his face along with the hat so people wouldn't recognise him. He wore tight, black, leather trousers, a black top with golden ornaments and a black cape covered his shoulders. He had a false sword and gun at his waist and overall, Antonio had to admit he looked good, like a black, sexy knight. He wondered what Arthur looked like in his pirate outfit and various images of Arthur in various costumes popped up in his head and he grinned widely.

"Tonio? Stop dreaming about your pirate and let's get you to that party!" Gilbert smirked.

They drove to Stephan's house. It was a big and old mansion and it somehow suited the Halloween-ish scary atmosphere. There were lights and loud music coming out of the house. Both Gilbert and Francis winked at the Spaniard.

"Alright, Tonio! Have fun! We'll come to pick you up at around 2am! It's 10:30 so you have up till then to kiss blondy, got that?" Gilbert said before they drove off.

Antonio stood there and felt like an idiot. What was this? Cinderella? Well, never mind, right now his main objective is …

Antonio walked to the house. He rang many times but nobody answered. The music was probably too loud for people inside to hear. Other guests came and just entered without even ringing. Antonio followed them in. He looked around and felt overwhelmed by the atmosphere. He felt like he was sent back to his own teenage time. People drinking, laughing, dancing, kissing, fighting, partying … it was … surreal. Antonio scanned the room, looking for a particular person and his eyes fell on a gangster looking Lovino, a policewoman Belle and a beautiful pirate captain Arthur.

He wore a white pirate shirt that revealed partly his chest with strings hanging down from the V collar, tight black trouser and a large belt, a gun and a sword hanging from it. He had black leather boots and an overall red with golden designs pirate coat. With a large, black pirate hat and red feathers sticking out of it, on his head, he also wore a black eye patch on his left eye and a golden earing with a green pending gem on his right ear. He was so elegant and handsome that Antonio could stare at him for hours … and almost did. Arthur seemed to have noticed that he was being watched (or more like stalked) and looked around him. His eyes fell on Antonio and he frowned, trying to figure out his identity but Antonio rushed out of Arthur's sight and into the back garden.

There he noticed many couples kissing and making out. This made him feel uncomfortable and very envious. He almost wanted to get back in, grab Arthur and kiss him outside like all these couples. He sighted and lifted his head up. It was a full moon.

"It's a full moon. Quite suiting for a Halloween night, right?"

Antonio jumped and turned his head to see Arthur standing by his side, his eyes looking up at the shining moon. Antonio gazed at the beautiful glow in Arthur's uncovered eye before looking away, hiding his blush, forgetting he was wearing a mask.

"Why …" Arthur started before being interrupted by Stephan. The vampire dressed albino was walking towards them, hands in hands with a cowboy dressed Mexican girl.

"Hey Arthur! Nice costume!"

"Thanks, you too."

"Oh, yeah, this is Neila. Neila, this is my mate Arthur."

The Mexican girl smiled and winked at Arthur. Antonio held back a glare. It was obvious that she was just being friendly since she obviously already had someone with her.

"Aren't you going inside? The costume contest is about to start!" Stephan said with a grin.

"Yeah … I'm not really into that stuff …"

"Oh, come on Arthur! It's going to be fun! Plus, your outfit is great, you might win!"

"I told you, I'm not interested …"

"You're boring! At least, participate in the dance!"

"That I can do." Arthur smiled with remembrance. "Do you have any good music for an Argentine Tango?"
Antonio stared at Arthur in shock but the boy was grinning at Stephan who seemed a bit clueless but shrugged it off and nodded.

"Yeah, probably. You want to dance that?"

"Yeah."

"Do you have a partner?"

"Actually not."

"… Well, since you don't want to participate in the contest but will still do the dance … Neila?"

The girl smiled before nodding.

"I don't mind." she said softly.

"Great! Okay, Arthur! Neila agreed to be your partner. Don't you dare change your mind in participating in the contest!"

"Why? It's just some costume contest were you elect a king and a queen, right? Sounds like an American tradition if you ask me."

"Yeah but the King and Queen then have to kiss in front of the other participants!"

Antonio felt his face burn and he could barely hold back from asking Arthur not to dance with that girl. But if he talked, Arthur might recognise his voice and it'll blow his cover. Arthur just shrugged while Neila was giggling under Stephan's panicked look.

"No worries here. I just want to dance not win. Besides, you don't have to participate in the contest to do the dances, right?"

"Yeah. Well, good luck to you both! We should hurry, it'll start soon."

The couples participating in the contest where all asked to perform a dance together, alone on the dance floor and in front of everyone. Stephan was the host and entertainer and therefore couldn't participate since he was busy doing the commentary. Antonio enjoyed watching the first few couples but when Arthur and Neila were called, he felt his heart tighten and a feeling of dread washed over him. Stephan specifically stated (at least 10 times) that they weren't contestants but nonetheless wanted to dance. And then the music started.

God, he was mind blowing! Arthur guided Neila across the dance floor in a beautiful tango to which she was responding pretty well. Other participants started cheering them on and Antonio couldn't take his eyes off them for even a second. He had to admit, they both looked amazing together but that just made Antonio feel even angrier at the Mexican girl. Once the dance ended, everyone applauded them with loud cheers and whistles. Antonio felt too much jealousy and so went out for some fresh air outside. The backyard was now deserted since everybody was inside appreciating the show. He sat down on the stairs and glanced at his watch. 01:30. He still had half an hour but Antonio didn't feel like kissing anymore. He just … he just wanted to talk with Arthur like they did on that dinner night. He just wants his company. Why had he crashed his pupils' party? This was ridiculous! Was he going insane? If Arthur found out who he really was …

"Mr Carriedo? Is that you?"

Antonio jumped and spun his head to see Arthur eyeing him with his eye band off. The blond pirate wasn't exactly sure about his statement but that figure seemed so familiar and resembled Mr Carriedo so much … Why the hell would he be here?

Antonio was now panicking. What should he do now? Deny? That would be best! But wait! Wasn't the point of this whole mascaraed to lure Arthur in quiet place alone, just the two of them, and to reveal his identity before kissing him? They were in a quiet place, alone, and Arthur had guessed his identity. What else was needed? So why was Antonio so reluctant to admit that he had gate crashed their party for the sake of kissing Arthur?

Despite it all … Antonio didn't want to disappoint his pupils. He was a teacher first and Arthur was his pupil before being his potential lover!

Antonio shook his head while acting surprised. Arthur seemed surprised too but after he considered how ridiculous the idea of his teacher crashing their party was (although it would have been fun) he just sat down next to Antonio, nodding his head.

"I'm sorry. I guess it was a bit silly of me to think that you were … It's just that your figures are very similar and I couldn't help wondering … Again, I'm sorry for my mistake."

Antonio nodded silently, showing he understood. Their figures were similar? So … Arthur had paid attention to him? Enough to recognise him when nobody else did?

"That and also the way you both act are identical. I don't really know why but Antonio always acts like some cheerful idiot but when he's alone he looks more like a sad child who needs help. It kind of makes me feel sorry for him … and the way he acts like everything's fine and friendly with everyone … you wouldn't believe but he's actually quite a lonely person in the end … it's sad …" Arthur explained.

Antonio felt humiliated and angry at himself. Was he really that weak? Did Arthur only like him out of pity? This was … so painful.

"But you know … I quite like that side of him. I always used to think of him as someone strong no matter the situation. I never thought he had problems too like everyone else. The fact that he showed me that side of him … his weak self … to me … it's … it's a bit strange but … I like it. I can't really explain it but … it makes me forget sometimes that we're teacher and pupil. I … I kind of want to learn more about him." Arthur mumbled softly. His eyes were clouded by his thoughts and Antonio loved their mysterious glow. The boy continued, not realising that he wasn't being answered at or maybe he had forgotten that he was talking to someone.

"He needs help and I want to be there for him. I've never been this close to a teacher before and I really enjoy being in his company. I like … I like his childish behaviour and his cheerful smile. He used to hate me but I'm glad we're on friendlier terms now. I'm really glad."

Antonio felt his heart pound. Without realising it, he had kneeled closer to Arthur. Arthur too didn't notice, too absorbed in his thoughts.

"I like his smile. I really like his smile … and I want him to keep smiling. I hate seeing him cry like he did that night … it was painful." Arthur whispered, barely audible but Antonio heard him.

Now, Antonio was so close he could kiss the young man. They were both brought back to reality when Arthur's name was called by Stephan.

"Hey! Arthur! How come everyone voted for you when you're not even a contestant? You promised you wouldn't win! Get your ass here and explain to them that you were just dancing and not part of the contest! Neila! Stop giggling! It's not funny! Arthur! Get over here, now!"

"Damn! What's with him?" Arthur mumbled before getting up. He looked down at the Zoro and nodded courteously with a smile.

"Sorry, looks like my friend is about to kill me soon. I never got your name. Mine is Arthur Kirkland."

Antonio mumbled incomprehensibly, trying as hard as he could not to be understood. Arthur was about to ask again but Stephan's calls were getting urgent and he ran back inside. Antonio glanced at his watch. 02:00. He had better get back to Gilbert and Francis'. They'll be waiting to pick him up.

He hadn't kissed Arthur but he got to hear what Arthur thought of him. It made his heart flutter when he reminded himself of how Arthur had said that he liked him … well, his smile, at least. It was worth it, Antonio thought as he was getting driven back home.