A Rose of Passion

Happy birthday my Valentine

School went as usual. It was as if nothing had happened. As if Antonio hadn't gone on holiday to Portugal with Arthur, as if he hadn't made up with his brother João, as if he hadn't spent New Year at Arthur's, as if he hadn't argued with Kiku over Arthur, as if he hadn't seen Arthur cry and comforted him, as if none of that ever happened. But it had and Antonio was truly grateful to whatever gods might be watching over him.

Things were going smoothly. Antonio would keep glancing at Arthur during class and the fluttering in his stomach never disappeared. Arthur was so damn gorgeous! Antonio mentally slapped himself before returning to his lesson.

Arthur watched his teacher with a pensive look. He wondered just how he could pull off his plan without scaring Antonio. He didn't want to ruin his friendship with the Spanish but … he also wanted to reveal his feelings. Again Arthur felt something jab his heart. He felt doubtful and scared. He knew he wasn't good enough for his teacher. The man could be a model, for fuck's sake! He was hot, he was elegant, he was attractive, he was sexy, he was kind, he was gentle, he was sweet, he was playful, he was cheerful, he was strong, he was … Okay stop! Arthur frowned but didn't show any of his internal debate. It didn't matter if Antonio rejected him. He loved his teacher. He was sure of it now. But he also knew there is little chance for his feelings to be returned. Antonio could choose anybody. Why would he choose him? Arthur knew what awaited him but he really had to tell him. If he didn't … he'd never be able to move on.

Antonio noticed Arthur's frown and he worried. Was Arthur having some trouble? Was he feeling unwell? Should he ask him? Should he take him to the nurse or maybe back home? Was he depressed maybe? How could Antonio help him?

No! Now's not the time. Work first, Arthur after.

Despite saying this, Antonio kept sending worried glances at his pupil but Arthur was so deep in his thoughts to notice.

Someone did notice though.

Lovino had been surprised by the change of attitude and the strange evolution of Arthur's relationship with their Spanish teacher. He knew something was terribly wrong. He had long realised the longing stares Antonio sent Arthur and somehow, the Brit never noticed. He also wanted to check something about Arthur. Arthur has been acting weird since his trip to Portugal. Lovino would definitely confront Arthur about this later. He was worried that Spanish bastard might have done something to his best friend!

Lovino dragged Arthur away as they walked around the school grounds during lunch break. He avoided Belle who was now in deep discussion with her friend Lili. Arthur was a bit confused but waited for his friend to explain.

"Arthur … what's going on between you and Mr Carriedo?"

Arthur blushed and looked away, avoiding the inquisitive stare of the Italian.

"Wha … what do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. I noticed you've been acting strange since you came back from Portugal with that bastard. Has he … has he done something to you …?"

"NO! No. Don't worry, Lovi. Nothing like that happened (well, apart from that episode with João but that could only make things more troublesome if he mentioned it). It's just that … … I …"

"What? Spill it out already, dammit!"

"I … I think I might have fallen in love … … with our teacher." Arthur mumbled as he kept staring intently at his feet.

Lovino stared in disbelief. He blinked once … twice … three times … Did he hear correctly?

"You … fell in love with … the Spanish bastard?"

"Shhhh! Keep it down!" Arthur hissed, a deep blush covering his face.

Lovino only watched him with wide eyes before needing to sit down on the nearest bench. He felt his legs wouldn't be able to support him pretty soon.

"Since when …?" he asked in a whisper.

Arthur sat next to him and gazed at the clouded sky.

"A while now. I realised it mostly after the trip from Portugal."

Lovino only nodded.

"Hey Lovi … can you … not tell anyone about this?"

"I won't. But I think you should give up."

"What why?"

"I … As your friend, I … I worry about you and … to be frank, I'm worried you might get hurt with this. He is a teacher and you're …"

"I know. And I know there is little chance that he likes me back. But … I want to tell him. If I don't … I feel I might never be able to move on in life. Even if he rejects me, that's fine. At least I tried."

Lovino couldn't help but stare in awe. Arthur was always so mature.

"… You might have a chance … if you wait for graduation …" he muttered as he remembered the lustful looks that Mr Carriedo sent to his friend. He didn't like it but if Arthur liked Antonio then Lovino would be damned if he didn't help his best friend out!

"… I don't want to remember my graduation with a painful memory like a rejection."

"But … what if he doesn't reject you?"

Arthur laughed sarcastically.

"Seriously? Look at me Lovino! I'm nothing like him. I'm not the type of people he hangs out with. I'm probably not the type he loves. And he's probably not into boys anyway. Even if he is, there are plenty of hot looking guys around him … why would he pick me out of the lot? I would be the last choice of his list … maybe I'm not even on the bloody list. Lovi, I don't stand a chance and I know it."

Lovino almost spilled it out. Almost. But he didn't. He didn't want to meddle in too much. He knew that if he told one wrong thing to Arthur, it could end this whole relationship and Arthur would be heartbroken. So Lovino only stayed silent, next to his friend as they both gazed at the sky.

Antonio was about to walk back home. Today was the 12th of February, his birthday. He knew that he would have to wait until the weekend before his two friends threw him a party. Francis had an exam tomorrow and Gilbert was unusually busy since a few weeks ago. Antonio didn't mind. What he did mind though was that nobody had actually wished him a happy birthday. Well, not exactly. Tones of girls at school had told him first thing in the morning. Some other teachers too and even the headmaster. Francis and Gilbert did wish him a happy birthday before promising to take him out to celebrate during the weekend. Even his brother had emailed him (something he hadn't done until now). But that didn't mean anything to Antonio. For him, nobody had wished him a happy birthday. Nobody meaning Arthur.

Arthur knew about his birthday! He had told the blond once so why didn't he say anything? Maybe he forgot? Oh shit … that means Arthur is definitely not interested in him! He's doomed.

Antonio sighted when he felt his phone ring. He checked his message and a wide grin grew on his face as he read the name of the sender: Arthur.

Hey! Happy Birthday! Sorry, I didn't say it earlier.

I was wondering if you were free on Saturday? I'd like to make it up for nearly forgetting your birthday.

Antonio nearly screamed of joy and earned some suspicious stares from random people in the street. Arthur was asking him out! Well, not exactly but close enough! Saturday! Today was … Thursday. Yes! Yes! Yes! Definitely yes!

Thank you for remembering I'm free this Saturday. Do you want to meet at your place?

Sure. At the pub at 2pm?

Perfect! See you then!

Bye.

Antonio let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. It wasn't a date but it felt just like one! Antonio was heels over joy and felt like he had wings … and he hated red bull.

Francis and Gilbert were going to bugger him all Sunday about it but at least he would enjoy his time with Arthur!

On Saturday at 2pm …

Arthur looked up as he heard the door of the pub open. He grinned as he saw his Spanish teacher come in and felt a light blush on his cheeks. Antonio was wearing his normal casual clothes (a beige shirt with top buttons undone, a golden cross around his neck and a pair of elegant, navy blue jeans that seemed bloody too tight and made Arthur's head spin) but … something was off. As if he had spent more time than necessary on arranging himself. Arthur walked up to him, trying to regain composure.

"Hi Antonio!"

Antonio smiled as he turned to his pupils but immediately felt his face burn. Arthur was wearing black leather. Leather trousers, leather jacket over a Pink Floyd T-shirt, fingerless, leather gloves and he held a motorbike helmet in his hand. Damn, he looked hot! Antonio slapped himself mentally as he tried not to stare at Arthur.

"Hola Arthur. Why … uh …"

"Hm? Oh, you mean my clothes? I was going to take us somewhere in my brother's motorbike. Ah! You don't feel uncomfortable with this, do you? I never thought of asking but have you been on one before?"

"Si, I have. It's not a problem but … I was surprised you could drive one. Aren't you under aged?"

At that, Arthur grinned cheekily as he motioned his friend out of the pub and towards a parking place at the back of the building.

"I am but I never got arrested yet."

"What? But that's not good! You could get in serious trouble and your brothers will get angry!"

"Ha ha! My brothers are the ones who taught me how to ride! And it was Scott's idea to take you for a ride today! They will only get angry if I bust the bike but otherwise, it's fine!"

"But if we get arrested and you don't have a license …"

"I have a license."

"What?"

"Well, it's not really mine. Here, look. It's my brother's, Conan. We look so much alike that on pictures, people tend to confuse us. In real life, I'm taller than him and thinner. And his hair colour is a bit darker and closer to brown than blond. But on an identity pictures, nobody notices the difference. So we're fine!"

Antonio gasped at the license. Yes, he would have believed it was Arthur, except for the darker hair but that could have been from a colour at the hairdresser. Antonio handed the license back and watched Arthur sit on the black motorbike before turning it on. Arthur grinned maliciously at him and motioned Antonio to sit behind him. Antonio's face grew red as he sat and wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist.

"You'll need a helmet. Here."

"Grazias."

"Ready? Hold on tight!"

And he did. Antonio held tighter than anyone as he pressed his body against the back of the blond. His face was red, his heart was pounding but he felt an overwhelming giddy feeling rush through his body. He didn't notice Arthur's strong blush under the helmet.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see! We're nearly there."

Antonio looked at the empty road they were riding on. He had never been to this part of town before. Were they still in town?

Suddenly, Arthur stopped the bike and took off his helmet.

"Alright! We've arrived. What do you think?"

Antonio looked in astonishment and awe at the scenery before him. They were at the edge of a cliff and staring down at the nearby forest next to the city. Further up, the sandy beach led to the blue, peaceful waters of the sea.

"Mi dio …"

"I thought you'd like it! It's my favourite spot. I've only recently found out about it. I come here from time to time when I need to relax. I've never told anyone about this place. You're the first."

Antonio suddenly felt proud and happy and this possessive feeling he has of Arthur grew drastically after he heard that. He was glad that Arthur considered him enough of a friend to show him that. No, more than an average friend since he hadn't shown Lovi or Belle.

Arthur gazed at the scenery and breathed out a small sigh. He suddenly remembered something and his face grew a deep shade of red. Antonio wondered about it but before he could ask anything, Arthur had already opened his mouth.

"Antonio … there's something I want to tell you. Two things actually."

"Uh … Si?"
Arthur drew a deep breath and with a beaming smile he handed Antonio a small, wrapped up parcel.

"First, happy birthday! I'm sorry for being a bit late."

Antonio blushed and looked away as he took the present.

"Grazias … you didn't have to …"

"Of course I did. I wanted to."

"… Grazias."

Antonio hesitantly tore off the wrapping paper and stared in awe at the small book in his hands. It had no title but a beautiful red hard cover. Antonio flipped it open to the first page and read:

Rose of Passion

By Arthur Kirkland

He drew out the breath he didn't know he was holding and looked up excitedly at his blushing pupil. No wonder Arthur was so nervous!

"Is this your book?" Antonio whispered out of breath.

"… Yes. Well, it's the first one. I've only made this one and published it. The editor wants to put it on the market. He says it could have a huge success."

"That's great! But why give me your first copy?"

"It's not the copy … it's the original. The others won't look like that. You've noticed that there's no title on the cover. And … you wanted to read my work. You were the first to actually take me seriously when I said I wanted to be a writer. Most people either laugh or joke about it. I know I'm not that good but … … I just really like writing. This is … my thanks to you … for supporting me. Thank you!" Arthur smiled sweetly and at that moment, Antonio thought he was seeing an angel.

They stayed silent for hours. Not moving nor speaking. They just relaxed in each other's company, deep in their own thoughts. Before they knew it, the sun was setting down.

"It's even prettier at sunset …" Arthur sighted, pleased.

"Si …"

Another long silence as they both watched the blazing sun settled down on the city, the forest seemed to glow gently from the light and the sea glimmered as if filled with jewels. Antonio caressed the cover of his book as he stared. He wasn't staring at the impressive scenery before him. No, he was staring at something of much bigger beauty. He was staring at Arthur's soft expression, illuminated by the changing sunlight. Arthur's eyes sparkled like fires and his sweet smile seemed so fragile and pure. Arthur definitely looked like an angel. Then, Arthur's face became flushed once more. Antonio couldn't help but find him adorable and cute when he blushed like that.

"Antonio … the second thing I wanted to tell you …"

Antonio waited but Arthur only kept staring at the sunset, as if in deep thought and avoiding Antonio's gaze.

"Si?"

"…"

"… Arthur?"

Arthur sighted and suddenly turned to face the Spaniard with a determined look. Antonio was surprised but he waited. Clearly this was important and meant a lot to the blond.

"I've been keeping this from you for a while now. I was afraid of how you would react. I know, I'm being selfish … to impose this on you but … I just feel unable to deal with it if I don't speak it out loud."

Antonio's heart started pounding. What? What was he saying? Was he angry at him? Did he do something to upset Arthur? Or has Arthur got into some problem and needs his help?

Arthur walked closer towards his teacher and out of the blues, he kissed him. Quickly and barely but he did kiss him. Antonio was shocked and his mouth dropped in a very comical way. Arthur's face was as bright and red as the sunset and he kept staring intently at the ground.

"I … I'm sorry but … I think I … I've fallen in love with you … Antonio … I'm sorry …"

When Arthur looked up, he felt his heart break as he could see no reaction from his teacher. Obviously he had shocked him. Maybe it was a bad idea but now was too late for regrets. Arthur held back the tears that were dangerously swelling up as he turned away, put his helmet back on and started his bike.

"Ha-happy Valentine's day … Sir."

And he drove off.

Antonio was still standing in utter stupefaction before his brain finally clicked. He looked around but Arthur was long gone. Antonio growled of anger. How could he have been so stupid! Why hadn't he answered? Arthur had confessed to him and he had just stood there like an idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Now what? What can he do to fix this! Damn! Antonio felt hot tears roll down his face. He looked down at the book Arthur had given him.

"Happy valentine's day to you too … mi amor"