Drum roll please~! *drum rolls*

Ok, that was lame XD anyways, enjoy this chapter~ I know you will ^_^

Kismet

Chapter Nine: I Must Be Dreaming

Lovino awoke way earlier than planned and was disgusted to find he'd fallen asleep in the mess he'd created. He silently cursed himself and climbed out of the bed and walked over to the water pitcher and poured it into the large bowl. The Illonian used the water to cleanse his chest, stomach and member and stripped the shirt, which also took some of the 'damage' and re-dressed in something else.

He pulled the bedding away from the bed and replaced it with a spare set and when he deemed the evidence well hidden, the exhausted man crawled back into bed and groaned. He hadn't wanted to do that earlier that night, but … a blush spread across his cheeks and he let his eyes close. Lovino curled up underneath his blanket and frowned.

Was a crush really supposed to last this long? And do these feelings come naturally with a crush? Of course, Lovino told himself, that's all it is. He grabbed the choker he'd tossed to the night stand and ran his fingers over. Whatever it was, it seemed really important to Antonio. So of course Lovino was going to keep it with him … but why didn't he want him to just wear it instead? He'd forgotten to ask Femke or Tessa and he would risk asking anyone else in case it was supposed to be secret.

He clutched it tightly in his hands and fell fast asleep.

The next morning he awoke to Femke banging on his door, "Wake up! You're kind of late! The prince is already in his study and has requested you immediately … something's going on Lovi … please get up …"

Lovino forced himself out of the bed and got dressed. He left the room and glared at some of the passing guards. They were all running around, as well as servants rushing from place to place.

"What the hell is going on here, Femke?" She looked at Lovino and frowned sadly, "The king died in his sleep last night. They are trying to prepare for the funeral …"

The Illonian's mind wandered from the king, whom he would mourn later. His main concern now was how Antonio was feeling. The prince was extremely close with his father and was probably taking things hard, especially now that he was … king. Lovino felt his heart skip a beat, but not in a good way. Would he get a new servant to help him? One that would be appropriate to be seen in public with such high ranking royalty.

The only upside Lovino could see was the fact that he would finally be able to get a message to his brother. "You said Antonio's in his study?"

Femke looked at him with mild shock, "You didn't call him a name! Could this be love~?"

Lovino's face turned beet red and he shook his head, "NO! I just feel bad for him because he lost his dad. I wasn't as close with my dad as he was, but I know what it's like to lose a close family member." Femke gave him a cheshire smile, "Of course, Lovi~ I believe you~ … not! You like him, don't you?"

The Illonian servant blushed a deeper red, "S-shut up! D-don't talk about it s-so freely like t-that!" she giggled, "I'm sorry, but you two are so adorable together!"

Lovino glared, "Don't say things like that … I mean it … it's just a stupid crush, besides," he frowned, "You know as well as I do that we couldn't be together."

Femke stopped laughing, "I guess … but then why would he … oh never mind … I have to get upstairs. See you later~!"

He waved her off and went to the study where Antonio was sitting at the window, not doing any work. Tears streaked his face and he looked genuinely pained.

"Lovi?" he turned to meet eyes with his servant and smiled lightly, "Thank you for coming in. Lock the door, please." Lovino nodded and slid the bar into place. That was rather unusual behavior, but who knew? Maybe the king hadn't just 'died' and the royals were under lock down until an assassin was found. Which, the thought itself made no sense since the late king was loved by all.

"Do you have that choker?" Antonio asked, motioning for Lovino to come a little bit closer. The Illonian man nodded and pulled it from his pocket, "Why?"

"Put it on … please." Lovino raised his brow, but did as he was told and tied the black leather onto his neck. This made Antonio smile brightly again, something Lovino was relieved to see. The Sverran grabbed his wrist and pulled him into his arms and began sobbing. Lovino became confused, but lifted his hand to Antonio's back, which he began awkwardly rubbing in hopes of getting the prince to calm down.

It worked and Lovino sighed in relief, but Antonio still hadn't let go of him, only held him tightly in his lap. Maybe he just needed the comfort?

Lovino closed his eyes and let the blush stain his cheeks. The two sat in silence, Lovino being uncomfortable for obvious reasons. He bit his lip and squirmed, "Okay, bastard! Enough of the awkward hugging shit!" Lovino pushed away and crossed his arms and glared. Antonio smiled, recovering from his shock.

"I'm sorry, Lovi~ I was just … I don't know. Things are out of control today … my father passed away and my coronation as king is tomorrow! Things weren't supposed to happen like this!" he let his head drop into his hands and the soon to be king let out another light sob, "I'm so scared. What if I mess up and ruin the empire my father created?"

Lovino looked away. He had that feeling all the time, just there wasn't an empire resting on his shoulders, but his own life. With the queen constantly overshadowing him, there was no room for noticeable mistakes. He frowned, "You're not going to mess up, Antonio. That's just not the kind of person you are nor the king you will become … you're going to do fine." why was that so hard for him to say? Yet at the same time, it felt natural for Lovino to say things like that to the man he lo-liked.

The Illonian servant's face lit up bright red.

"Lovi~? You really think so?" he pulled Lovino into another tight embrace, "You're so cute~!"

"Damn it, bastard!" Lovino shouted, pushing against the older man's chest, but not really wanting to be let go, "I'm not cute! Handsome, gorgeous, sexy, yes … cute? No!"

Antonio laughed and kissed Lovino's cheek, "You made me feel so much better, Lovi~"

The prince let out a small sigh, "I have to get somewhere now … extra hot bath tonight. I'll see you then~" the older man left the room and Lovino behind.

Lovino said nothing, but let his hand rise to rest on his cheek. Antonio had kissed him … Antonio had kissed him! He shook his head and untied the choker then slipped it back into his pocket before going to find Femke to help her with her chores until it was later.

Antonio bit his lip as he walked down the halls. He hadn't meant to let himself slip like that! Going so far as to kiss his – no, not his – Lovi on the cheek. It was forbidden for him to love anyone but another noble or royal. But … he hadn't known when it happened … nor did he truly understand why, but he was head over heels in love with his servant, Lovino Vargas.

Lovi was … Antonio couldn't even begin to describe how great he thought Lovi was! The younger man was rough around the edges, but that's what made him so unique compared to other people he knew that were frightened of him because of the power he held in his hands.

And they were right to fear him. Anyone but Lovi insulting him would result in punishment. So what if it was favoritism or double standards or whatever you would call it? Lovi was different. He'd been hurt so badly somewhere in his past and now to see him occasionally smile or laugh, to see him open up to the prince … it made life brighter for Antonio.

He'd known he was in love with Lovi for a few years now. He remembered the exact moment he realized it, too. It was a few days following his sixteenth birthday. It was one of Lovi's days off and the boy was out in the tomatoes, like he did every day off.

Antonio had had nothing better to do … "Lovi~ are you out here?" the prince frowned, searching for his servant. It was late and Lovi still had not shown up. He was beginning to get worried about him.

He walked through the tomatoes and found Lovi curled up on the ground, sleeping soundly. A smile graced the prince's lips and he sat down beside the sleeping twelve year old.

Who knew that Lovino Vargas liked to sleep talk when he was comfortable?

"What was that, Lovi~?" the Sverran prince leaned over.

Lovino grumbled in his sleep and rubbed his face, " …n … Tonio …" Antonio blushed lightly upon hearing the sleeping preteen mumbled his name.

"Aw, Lovi is dreaming of me perhaps?" Antonio laughed. His laughter was cut short, however, by Lovi's next words.

" … kiss … kiss me …"

He stared at him in shock, his face becoming dyed to match the tomatoes he loved so much. Had … had Lovino actually said that? What exactly was he dreaming about to elicit such words? D-did Lovi think of Antonio that way?

Antonio bit his lip and was suddenly fraught with images of Lovi. A jealous, possessive Antonio began bubbling to the surface, wanting to be Lovi's first kiss, wanting to be his first everything. Of course, he wouldn't have to wait long. At least until the boy's fifteenth birthday when he was considered a man.

But these thoughts weren't normal, were they? He looked down at the servant and licked his lips. He no longer cared. He would wait for Lovi and then he would have him.

Of course, now Antonio knew he could never be with Lovino the way he'd wanted. He could pretend, even if Lovi didn't know what went on in his mind. And Lovino didn't have to. As long as he could hold Lovi once or twice, and in his mind, imagine that they could be married and happy, that was enough for him.

He also knew that Lovi returned these feelings, at least … that's what he heard several nights a week. Lovi wasn't very quiet with his alone time, and Antonio heard the things the servant screamed in his ecstasy. Just the thought of hearing the one you love call your name like that … Antonio bit his lip and willed away those images. He just wished he could be the one causing those noises and moans, not just the images he created in his love's mind.

He opened the door to the meeting (usually the war room) and took a deep breath before smiling at his mother softly. She smiled back, but he could see the pain in her eyes from losing her beloved husband.

"Ah, prince Antonio, you're arrival is most excellently timed," one of the court members, a noble by the name of Tulio, smiled.

"Thank you, lord Tulio." he seated himself at the opposite end of his mother and chewed the inside of his lip. This is what he had been dreading: the talk of his rising to the throne. But then he pictured Lovi's beautiful hazel eyes, looking away. A light blush covering his cheeks as he nervously encouraged Antonio to be a great ruler. It made the meeting that much more bearable.

After they spoke of the coronation, the lords left and all who remained, the queen and her son, stood up. "Antonio, my sweet child, I'm so proud to see you finally ascending to the throne. Your father would be so proud! I only wish he could have been here to see it." she hugged her child and kissed his forehead.

"Thank you, mama." he whispered, hugging her back.

Queen Isabella smiled, "Maybe now you can replace that old servant of yours. Get one suited to your station?"

Antonio laughed it off, "Lovino is fine. I don't care that he's a little clumsy sometimes."

Isabella frowned, "You should, though! You don't want to end up like Rosana … who ran away with her servant … god knows what she was thinking!"

Rosana had found happiness with the young man that served her faithfully for years. Isabella didn't know, but Rosana sent Antonio a letter telling him about his nephew and how happy she was.

He only wished for some of that happiness, "You think I'll run away with Lovino?"

"Heavens no! I am only pointing out what becomes of bad servants. They put bad thoughts into your head if you're not careful. That boy is tricky and is only after his own self interest. He's no good and it would be best that you rid yourself of him at once."

Now he felt she was crossing lines. Lovi wasn't bad! And he wasn't putting bad thoughts in Antonio's head!

Antonio knew what he wanted … and he just wanted to freely love Lovi. Maybe … yes … maybe that would work! His mind began twisting with thoughts and plans. He would have to try it out and hope for the best, else Tessa's anger would be unleashed upon the soon to be king. Lovi was like a son to her and she made her threats clear. If Antonio broke Lovi's heart, she would break him.

Lovino growled in annoyance, filling the tub with the final bit of 'extra' hot water. He threw the scented salts in it and crossed his arms, waiting for the bastard to show up. He'd even taken the liberty of tying on the stupid choker so Antonio would be happier upon coming back from the meetings and pre-coronation set up.

He double checked that he had the Sverran's favorite soaps and a wash cloth. He'd grabbed the prince's night clothes and those were folded on one of the stools in the bathing room. A few towels were neatly stacked up on a wooden shelf next to the basin. All that was missing was a spoiled bastard who was late.

Lovino didn't have all night to sit around and wait. He would prefer to go to bed before anything else happened.

He was already in a foul mood because of Femke's teasing. That girl definitely knew how to exploit a stupid crush!

And! And! She danced around his questions on the choker. His best friend, one of those people he thought he could trust, refused to tell him what was so important about it. She just said it was nothing and smiled lightly, ending the conversation.

Lovino's gaze turned to the mirror, "What is so important about you?" he glared at the black strip on his neck. The door opened behind him and Antonio stumbled in looking worn out, "Hey, Lovi~!" the man locked the door behind him and glanced at his bed room door to make sure it was locked as well.

The Illonian raised his brow and shrugged it off, "Hey yourself, bastard. You're late! I'm tired and don't want to be kept up all night, damn it!"

Antonio laughed and rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry, Lovi~! I got caught up with the tailor. Mother had requested I have a new outfit completely done for tomorrow. Then the funeral for my father took longer than expected …"

"Tch, whatever." Lovino crossed his arms. The Sverran prince grinned and pulled off his clothing and slipped into the water.

"Mm, this bath feels wonderful, Lovi~!" Lovino rolled his eyes and knelt down at the edge of the basin to dip the cloth.

As he washed the older man's back, Antonio struck up an odd conversation, "Lovi~? Have you had your first kiss, yet?"

Lovino's cheeks became red, "What kind of question is that, bastard?"

Antonio chuckled, "You're face is so red, just like a tomato!" Lovino hit him with the cloth, splashing droplets of soapy water everywhere.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I have!"

The prince's laughter died quickly and he turned a gaze to Lovino. Lovino could have been mistaken, but was that … anger? Jealousy? It couldn't be … he was imagining things … right?

"Who was it? Did you enjoy it? You're not courting anyone without telling me, are you?"

Lovino bit his lip. Antonio rarely became this intense … and over something as stupid as his first kiss?

"When I was about ten … Femke and I were talking about that stuff and we decided to try it out. No, I didn't enjoy it. It was awkward and weird. Both of us agreed and I shouldn't have to tell you if I'm courting anyone or not, but no, I'm not. God bastard … you're … acting … so … bastard? What are you doing?"

Antonio still looked angry, obviously not happy with Lovino's answers. What the hell did it matter to him anyways? The prince was completely turned around, facing Lovino, in the bath and was slowly climbing out.

"Would you like to try kissing again, Lovi~!" Antonio breathed huskily, once he was hovering over Lovino, who had fallen over trying to push away from Antonio.

"N-no! Like I said, Femke and I thought it was too weir-"

"Not with her, my little Lovi~" his what? "with me~" Antonio's emerald eyes met Lovino's.

"W-what are y-you t-talking about, b-bastard?" Lovino's face was on fire and he felt he was inside one of those dreams of his … wait … maybe this was a dream! He sighed in relief. Had he fallen asleep while waiting for Antonio to show up.

"Mm, my Lovi~ oh how I've longed to hold you in my arms … I want to kiss you, my love." the prince wrapped his arms around Lovino and pulled him into his naked lap and began ghosting his lips over Lovino's cheeks.

Lovino shuddered in delight. The Illonian wanted to give in and kiss his prince, but if he did, he'd only wake up with that problem and he didn't have any more spare sheets in the room.

"J-just g-get back in the b-bath, perverted bastard!" Lovino stuttered, pushing out of the man's lap. His blush intensified when he realized he'd been sitting on Antonio's bare lap.

"Okay, my Lovi~!" he sighed and slipped back into the water, "It makes me happy to see you wearing that choker~"

"Y-yeah, yeah … whatever, just shut up … the sooner this dream is over, the sooner I can wake up and pretend it never happened …" Lovino frowned.

"Dream?" Antonio turned to face Lovino with a hurt expression, "This isn't a dream, Lovi … I really do love you …" the prince bit his lip and stood from the water, "Damn it … I should not have … I'm so stupid!" he grabbed and towel and wrapped it around his waist, "I'm sorry Lovino … I didn't … oh god … I was so sure you liked me, too!"

Lovino was speechless. His fingers slowly moved to his leg and his pinched hard. Pain shot up through his thigh and he bit his lip. Everything that had just happened wasn't a dream at all.

Antonio, prince Antonio Carriedo, heir to the throne of Sverran, wanted to kiss him … and was in love with him. He didn't know what to say.

"T-this isn't a d-dream?" that was the best he could manage? He felt like his heart was about to explode from his chest.

It was real. Antonio loved him! But they … they couldn't be together! It was … didn't Antonio know that?

"No … it's not." the Sverran prince knelt beside Lovino, "I just … I just wanted a taste of what it would be like to have you as my own. I'm tired of pretending and I wanted to feel your lips against mine and have you hold me ti-"

He was cut off by Lovino's lips, pressing against his own in a sloppy kiss. Antonio moaned softly into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Lovino's smaller frame. He deepened the kiss and ran his tongue along the younger man's lips. The Illonian parted them so that Antonio could slip inside.

Lovino's head swam and his cheeks were on fire, but he didn't care. He was kissing Antonio! The prince pulled away and pressed his forehead to Lovino's and smiled, "Still weird?"

"Shut up, bastard. Don't mock me!" Lovino blushed looking away. Antonio kissed him softly, "I wasn't mocking you, my love~"

The Illonian pushed at his chest, "You smell … finish your bath …"

Antonio laughed lightly, "Join me? I won't do anything, I just want to hold you close." Lovino blushed and nodded, stripping down to his underwear. No matter what Antonio said, he wasn't about to just strip naked.

With a bright red face, Lovino sunk into the water and pulled his knees up to his chin. This was real. He was really with Antonio in that way. What he'd thought was unrequited crushing … well … it turned out Antonio loved him!

But … what if he didn't? Lovino frowned as the prince settled in the water and began washing himself.

What if Antonio learned about his crush from Femke or something and was just playing along? Lovino glared. He didn't want to use Antonio for his own satisfaction, nor did he want pity love. Besides, the prince couldn't be with him! It was wrong! Lovino felt hot tears threaten to spill.

"Lovi, my love~? What's wrong? I didn't do anything to upset you, did I?" Antonio pressed a hand to Lovino's shoulder.

"No, bastard … but I don't want this!"

Antonio looked hurt, "I thought-"

"No! I do want you!" he felt his face heat up over the confession he'd let slip, "I don't want your pity. I'm not a child you can just play with. Just because I like you, doesn't mean you have to pretend to like me to make me happy."

The prince glared, "You think I'm pretending?" Antonio fell silent from a loss of words. He felt hurt that Lovino would think so low of him, "Why would I purposefully dangle something you wanted like that, Lovi? I love you. It hurts that you think I would do that to you."

"We can't be together, bastard. I'm an Illonian servant and you're about to be the fucking king."

Antonio smiled. Lovino was getting whiplash from his constant mood swings, "Exactly~! When I'm king, I'll have the power to do pretty much anything I want~ even allow myself to court my personal servant~!"

Lovino blushed, "You courting me? Hah! Yeah right, you can't resist my charms, bastard."

The Sverran man scooted to his love's side and kissed his cheek, "I know~ and I wouldn't want it any other way~"

TBC

Teehee~! they are finally together XD after nearly ten chapters, you guys get your love fest with the happy couple~! but ... how long will this secret happiness last?

~Lady Pyrien