Yays~! now that the romance has begun, my story is picking up ^_^

PS~! I have opened a poll for this series (yes series, working on a story for each couple, currently trying to finish the GerIta one) However, I have so many pairings for America that I like, I can't decide on any of them. Go to the poll or feel free to tell me who you would like to see him with. The choice is all yours and I will go with what you have chosen to start his storyline.

Current options listed are all viable in the story since each person has met or will meet at on point:

USUK; RusAme; AmeBelarus; KimchiBurger; AmeMex and if I have missed any of your favorites, feel free to tell me and I can add it to the list.

Kismet

Chapter Ten: I'm Not a Fool

Lovino leaned back against the basin, finally gaining some peace. Antonio was also relaxing, holding Lovino's hand, "Lovi, my love~ can I court you?"

The Illonian man was caught off guard at the sudden question and if it were possible, his face would have become more red than it already was, "W-why would y-you ask s-something like that, b-bastard?"

"Because I want to be professional about this, my love (sorry~ I can't say that enough!) and I'm asking your permission to court you. Tomorrow, after my coronation, I'll see about taking you to the beach or something like that. What do you say~?"

Lovino looked into Antonio's glittering green eyes and sighed, "You're really going to make me say it? Fine. You you can court me …" he mumbled, turning away.

"Yay~ I'm so glad!" Lovino rolled his eyes and picked up the cloth to wash himself. He was actually really sleepy and just wanted this … exciting and emotional roller coaster of a day to be over.

Antonio took the cloth from him and took over washing his back and arms, "You don't have to do that, bastard …" Lovino let his eyes close and he enjoyed the feeling of Antonio's hands skillfully massage the soap onto his skin.

"Mm, I know, my love," Antonio pressed a kiss to the back of Lovino's neck. The place where his lips touched seemed to burn and Lovino frowned. It was happening again. His stupid problem was back.

"I-I have t-to g-go now! Sleepy!" the Illonian rose from the cooling water and grabbed and towel and wrapped it loosely around his middle before grabbing his clothes up and running to his room. Antonio called after him, but Lovino didn't stop until he dropped at the side of his bed. He couldn't risk messing up the sheets, but … his hand flew to his member and he began the process all over again.

At least this time, when he'd finished, the towel was the only thing to suffer. He cleaned up and tossed the towel in the hamper with his sheets. He'd need to get those washed tomorrow.

Sleepily, he crossed the room and washed his hands in the large bowl and looked up into the mirror. Was there even a chance for him? His fingers grazed the choker. He'd completely forgotten (again) to ask Antonio what it meant. He figured at least now it was a gift of love. Lovino let out a soft sigh and turned around. His eyes widened in shock to see Antonio standing in the door way, dressed in his night clothes, which reminded Lovino he was still stark-naked from his … alone time.

"Antonio! What are you doing in here?" Lovino grabbed his blanket from the bed and wrapped it around himself. The prince smiled and walked up to him, gently pulling the embarrassed younger man into his arms, "I just wanted to say good night to you, my Lovi~!"

"Well, now you've said it! So you can go now!"

Antonio laughed lightly, "I see, I see. Good night, Lovi~ I'll see you tomorrow~ you'll be at my coronation, right?" he looked hopeful.

"Of course, now just go!" Lovino tried to push him with one hand, the other desperately trying to keep the blanket up.

"Okay, good night Lovi~, I love you." he stole a soft kiss from Lovino and left the room. The Illonian sighed in relief and climbed into the bed, not even bothering to locate his night clothes. Sleeping nude was far more comfortable anyway. His fingers brushed against the choker and he drifted to sleep.

He was awoken, not by Femke, like usual, but pressure on his face. His eyes opened to find Antonio bent over his bed, kissing him awake.

"What the hell, bastard?" he quickly sat up and looked around sleepily.

Antonio smiled, "You're awake! I missed you so much~!" the prince hugged Lovino close.

"I was in the next room over, clingy bastard!" the Illonian blushed.

"I know, Lovi~ and it was the worst night of my life! Tonight, I want you to sleep in my room … my new room. Since I'm king, I'll be taking over the king's old bedchamber …" he said slightly sad. Lovino frowned, "I'm not sleeping in the same room as you!"

"But you have before~! Please, Lovi~? Please?" the soon to be king's eyes watered up and his lower lip popped out. Lovino hated when Antonio did this. It made saying 'no' to anything impossible.

"No, no, no … not that face!" Antonio added a small whimper to be on the safe side.

"Fine! I'll sleep in your room, but no funny business! I mean it! Just because we're courting doesn't mean I'm bedding you. Ever." Lovino crossed his arms.

Antonio leaned forward and kissed Lovino's neck, right on top of the choker, "Don't worry, Lovi~ I promise to keep my hands to myself. Don't forget to take this off before coming to the coronation. By the way, you'll need to dress up nice, like in those clothes Tessa got you and meet me in my study a little bit before the ceremony. That way you can be with me when I get crowned."

Lovino blushed and nodded, trying to hold in the soft moan that the kiss to his neck induced, "Only if you tell me what it means."

"What what means?" Antonio tilted his head in confusion.

"This choker thing! I want to know what it means!" his eyes were hard as he glared daggers and the prince. Antonio's face lit up red and he shook his head, "It was just a gift Lovi~! I like seeing you wear it, that's all! … it's … it's hand made, by the way." the man touched the fabric, "dragon skin … when cured just right, it can become the softest thing in the world, but near impossible to destroy. It took me almost four months just to cut it, not to mention the time it took to carve the designs."

Lovino felt slightly guilty for not appreciating the gift a little more. Antonio seemed to put a lot of work into it and the Illonian scoffed at it because it was girly. He hadn't even taken the time to truly notice the swirls and lines that were pressed into the dragon skin.

"Incredibly rare, so I'm glad I got to give it to you for your birthday. It will last you until you die and even after. This choker is …" he stopped short and smiled nervously, "I hope you like it~!"

Lovino nodded and hesitantly kissed Antonio, "I do like it … I just want to know why I can't wear it in public."

"I want to be the only one to see it on my Lovi~!" the prince kissed the choker again. "Remember, meet me in my study before the coronation."

The Illonian shooed the prince out and laid back down on his bed. Antonio was moving rooms, which meant he was also moving to a new room. The personal servant's room the connected to the king's room. He'd been there only once before and didn't like it because there were multiple beds for the multiple servant's who served the king and the queen also had a room just like it for her multiple servants.

It also meant, he wouldn't be Antonio's only personal servant anymore. There would be several others who would fetch a snack, bring his drink, grab the book and paper, and … run his bath …

Lovino felt anger rise and jealousy bubble. Some other person was going to get to see HIS Antonio naked? He stopped and shook his head, "Not my Antonio …" he found the box Tessa had given him and pulled out the clothes and smiled lightly, donning the pants and throwing the tunic and long vest like jacket thing on. He brushed his hair and smiled at his reflection. He was feeling pretty good that morning.

He let his fingers glide over the dragon skin choker and frowned untying it. Lovino let it slip into his pocket and he pulled on his boots. A knocking came from his door, followed by Femke's voice, "Lovi~! Wake up! We have a lot of-"

Lovino swung open the door and waved, "I'm awake, Femke."

She raised his eyebrow and grinned slyly, "Tell me all about it."

He looked at her in shock and confusion, "What are you talking about?" she walked a full circle around him.

"You're up early, already dressed, nicely. Your hair is shining and actually brushed, early. You smell faintly of lavender … prince Antonio's favorite soap. Not to mention, there's a faint red mark all the way around your neck, which means you wore Antonio's gift. So? Are you going to tell me what happened or should I make up disgustingly disturbing scenarios until I get it right and/or make you wish you'd told me?"

Lovino glared, "You scare me sometimes." he muttered as they headed to breakfast, "Nothing happened … just … I ran the bastard's bath, like usual, but he came in and was acting all weird, then he starts blurting all this random shit about loving me. Then he … we … kissed …" he cheeks became red, "I went to bed and he woke me up a little bit before you came along to tell me he wanted me to be beside him when he's crowned."

Femke squealed in delight, "Oh! This is just like some romantic love story mama used to tell me before bed! How exciting!" grabbing her food.

Lovino rolled his eyes, "No it's not. It's creepy and weird. He even 'officially' asked to court me." they sat down at their regular table in the back.

The blonde giggled again, "I hope you said yes! You've been in love with him for years now!"

He choked on his wine and glared at her, "In love? Who said anything about me loving him?" the Illonian picked up the food on his plate and began eating.

Femke rolled her eyes, "You don't have to be a wizard or whatever to know you're head over heels. Come on, take your birthday for example. You were tomato red when ever the prince even looked at you! And a few months ago when he picked you up after you tripped. That was adorable. Lovi, you've got it pretty bad. You'd be insane not to take a chance to be with the crowned prince!"

Lovino couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could his best friend think he was actually in love with Antonio. Sure he liked him … a little … okay, maybe a lot, but still. It couldn't be love!

"I'm not in love with him …"

"Keep telling yourself that, Lovi … you might lose him that way." she sipped her wine.

"I'm going to lose him anyway. What part of I'm a servant and he's a king do people not seem to get?" Lovino muttered bitterly.

His best friend looked on him in sadness, "Sometimes, you just have to go with it. I'm sure it won't be all bad … you might be able to be together after all. Who knows? Just … do what makes you happy!" she rested her hand on his and offered a comforting smile.

Lovino sighed and nodded, "I guess you're right. He probably couldn't leave me alone if he tried." they shared a laugh and left the table to find Tessa.

"Mama! Guess what?" Femke called out. Lovino slapped his hand over her mouth, "Don't you dare!"

The girl glared and licked his hand. He pulled away in disgust and she took of through the small set of rooms the women shared, "Guess what?"

Tessa looked up from her sewing, "Hello, Femke, Lovino, what is it?"

Lovino grabbed Femke and pulled her back against the doorway, which Femke latched onto, "Lovi is b-"

He covered her mouth again, "I said no, Femke!" the blonde girl laughed, "Being courted!"

Tessa stood up from her chair and hugged Lovino tightly, "Oh, my boy is growing still!"

"It's no big deal … so I'm being courted … so what?" Lovino rubbed his cheek and looked at the ground.

"By our king to be, no less~!" Femke winked and ignored Lovino's death glare. Tessa smiled warmly, "Antonio finally worked up the courage to court you?"

Lovino didn't answer, his embarrassment was too great. Did everyone know about their feelings?

The older woman made things worse by giving him 'the talk' again as well as some advice on love. It had to be the single most embarrassing thing that had ever happened to him. Upon his leaving, he swore revenge on Femke.

The Illonian still had some time to kill before the coronation, so he decided to go early to the study. Antonio looked up from the window and smiled warmly when Lovino entered, "You're here a little early~!"

"I know, but Femke was teasing me about some stuff and I just had to get away." he explained, hoping Antonio wouldn't pry any farther.

The Sverran crossed the room and took Lovino into his arms and held him for a few moments, before pressing kisses to the top of his love's head and down his face, finally meeting his lips. Lovino moaned lightly into the kiss, which Antonio deepened by plunging his tongue into the Vargas' mouth. Antonio won the battle for dominance and his hands caressed Lovino's back.

"I love you so much, Lovi~!" he gasped, trying to take in air. Lovino blushed and just kissed Antonio. It was just a crush … just a silly little fling … nothing more …

The two continued their kissing until a knock came at the door, "My lord, it's time …" came a muffled voice through the door. Antonio frowned, his heart rate speeding up. He looked to Lovino. The Illonian glared, "What? Time for you to go become king and … stuff."

"Kiss for luck, my love?" Lovino blushed and closed his eyes and leaned forward, letting himself open for a kiss. Antonio captured his lips in a soft, yet passionate kiss, "Thank you, love, come on. I want you there." he gave the younger man's hand a squeeze. He let go and opened the door to leave. Lovino blushed lightly and bit his lip, following his master, soon to be king, and … boyfriend?

There were guards standing at the doors, but when they saw Antonio they let him through. The pair tried to stop Lovino from going in, but Antonio said he was with him and they moved.

Behind the doors was the throne room. Nobles and royalty from all over were standing behind velvet ropes, ready to see the monarch crowned.

Queen Isabella walked up to greet her son, "Oh, Antonio … you look wonderful. What is he doing here?" she looked at the servant.

"He's been faithful to me these many years. He deserves to be here, just as Alvaro was for father and Catalina for you." his emerald eyes were hardened. The queen frowned lightly, "Very well. To the side with you, boy."

Lovino nodded and quickly stood beside a bunch of other servants on the edges of the steps. His heart was racing and he didn't know what he was supposed to do. He definitely didn't want to upset the queen any further nor embarrass Antonio.

The Illonian's eyes watched Antonio closely as the prince crossed the room and knelt before an old man. Lovino heard the man begin to speak about vows to the kingdom or something like that, Lovino couldn't help but stare at Antonio's face. The crowned prince's circlet sat perfectly on his dark curls. The tanned face looked to the floor with an intense expression, one that showed how serious he was about taking the throne. The look made Lovino's heart pound.

More words were said and the old man grabbed the king's crown from a pillow. The circlet was removed and the crown was set where it used to be. Lovino's eyes darted up to the old man and back to Antonio as he said something.

Then Antonio rose to his feet and turned to face the crowd of nobles and they cheered for the new monarch.

The Sverran king turned his eyes to the side to steal a glance at Lovino and he smiled, sending blood rushing to Lovino's face. Lovino clapped along with the others, even giving a smile to Antonio. The Illonian found the ceremony to be shorter than he'd expected, but Antonio was the king now. He was ruling monarch over Sverran. Many nobles came forward offering condolences and congratulations.

After all was said and done, everyone moved to the dining hall to have a light lunch and then after was a small ball.

Lovino didn't mind being the only one allowed to serve the new king. He even smiled smugly at the servant that was turned down. He set the plate Antonio had specifically ordered down in front of the king and Antonio smiled.

The queen looked up, "Boy, aren't you going to taste the food? For poison?"

Lovino bit his lip and nodded, "Of course!" he reached over to test the food, but Antonio smacked his hand away, "No need. He can do it." he pointed to a different servant. The servant tried the food and gave it a pass. Lovino glared at Antonio, but he wouldn't dare say anything in front of the queen. Eventually, the lunch was over and the queen led everyone into the grand ballroom to dance.

The Illonian servant found himself standing against the wall, watching as the man he lov-liked! danced with young women from all over the kingdom. Rage bubbled inside him at the look Antonio gave each woman, as if they were the only person in the world. He'd never looked at Lovino like that! And he was supposed to be in love with the younger man!

He clenched his fists and glared daggers at the king, wishing to walk over and punch him in the stomach for toying with his emotions. Not only had he pushed away his services at the table, he pulled this?

Lovino huffed in anger. Did Antonio think he wasn't suited for the tasks that had been asked of him? It was infuriating!

His arms fell to his sides and he leaned against the wall, very unprofessionally, and even though it upset him, he watched Antonio dance with a young brunette woman who was leaned against his chest.

An older man walked up and bowed lightly to Lovino, "Young sir, I've been instructed by the king to show you to your new room and the bathing room, where he wishes for you to draw him a bath."

"This early? But dinner isn't even being served yet!" the Illonian was confused.

"The king wishes to retire early in preparations for tomorrow. He's a big day ahead of him and dinner will be brought straight to his chambers." the man explained.

"Fine, better than sticking around this place." he gaze a final glare at Antonio before following the older servant to the chambers, "This first door here," he pointed a small door, "Is your new room. Your things are in there … and under the king's orders, the other beds have been removed, as well and the servants that were in there. A larger bed has been brought in for you. You must be one hell of a servant to get such special treatment from his majesty." the man laughed lightly.

He walked to a larger door, "And this is the king's chambers. His clothing is already put away, so make sure to find out where that stuff is, and finally the bathing chamber. Unlike the prince's old room, this one can only be entered through the king's chambers. Safety reasons, of course," he opened the door and led Lovino inside through the king's room, which featured a much larger bed than Antonio's old one.

"This door is the bathing chamber and here is the keys for all of these rooms. Do not lose them, else the king's life be in danger. Now I take my leave. Everything you need is inside. If you need anything, I'm in the servant's quarters." he bowed and took his leave.

Lovino rolled his eyes and unlocked the bathing chamber door. He walked inside and was surprised to see the basin was also built into the ground, but was twice the size of any bath he'd seen before. All of Antonio's salts, soaps and oils were sitting on the shelves and fresh linens were hung up and the well and heating system were in a connecting room. He wouldn't have to carry the buckets down the hall anymore. He sighed and got to work, heating the water to be carried.

After the bath was full (being twice the size, it took twice as long to fill with the scalding water.) He knew it would be perfect by the time Antonio got around to getting in there. If he wasn't busy playing around with those women, he thought bitterly. Lovino tossed the salts into the water and pulled down Antonio's favorite soaps and oil, as well as a cloth and set them out.

Being as angry as he was, he'd rather die than be in the bath room when Antonio showed up. He knew the king could bathe himself. Lovino could always blame his early retirement to his chambers on being woken up earlier than usual.

He ripped open the door to go to his own room, but came face to face with a surprised Antonio, "Lovi? Where are you headed?" the king went to place his hand on Lovino's shoulder, but Lovino shrugged it off, "Don't touch me, bastard. I'm going to bed. Everything is set up. Enjoy."

Lovino made a move to go around Antonio, but Antonio reached out to stop him, "Are you okay, my love?"

"Don't you 'my love' me!" Lovino hit him in the chest, his raw anger and embarrassment coming out. Tears welled up in his eyes and he stormed about half way through the king's chamber before Antonio grabbed his arm.

"Lovi! What did I do …?" the emerald orbs looked sad and lost and confused.

Lovino glared and turned his head away, "Not only did you make me look foolish in front of your mother by not letting me do my job, but you …" he stopped, feeling the rest was too embarrassing to say.

"Lovi … my love, my sweet, my best friend," he pulled the reluctant servant into his arms and began stroking his back, "Think about what the food taster does … they check the king and queen's food for poisons and other deadly things … I couldn't live with myself if I'd let you die for me …"

The Illonian's eyes widened. He hadn't thought about that. Antonio was right. If someone had attempted the new king's life by poison … he could have died instead.

"Still … it's my duty as your servant to keep you safe and happy …" Lovino ground out. It was constantly drilled into all their heads.

"Lovi~!" Antonio tilted the younger man's head back to stare into his hazel eyes, "I love you. You're only job is to stay safe and happy. Then I will be safe and happy."

"If you mean all that shit, then why the hell were you looking at all those women so lovingly? Huh, bastard? Answer me that!" Lovino's glare could have killed.

Antonio's face went from shock to entertained, "Were you jealous, my love?"

"NO! I mean … maybe … sort of … okay … I might have been a little, teensy weensy bit jealous …" Lovino felt his face go red. He tried to look away, but Antonio had his hand tucked gently under his jaw. Not to mention, those bright sparkling green orbs had captured Lovino's attention completely.

"Don't ever be jealous, my Lovi~ you are my only love. I was being polite and kingly to those girls, but none of them mean a thing … not like you do." he pressed his lips to Lovino's gently, pouring his love into it.

Lovino felt tears prick his eyes again, but for a completely different reason. No one had ever picked him over someone else like this. Those women were gorgeous, beautiful, young and noble, everything Lovino wasn't.

He wrapped his arms around Antonio tightly, trying to hide the tears. He hated the way the bastard made him feel, but he couldn't let it go. Now that he finally had something with the man, he'd become addicted. And in such a short time!

"Come on, Lovi. They'll be bringing me dinner soon and I want to bathe before they come along~" he slowly led Lovino back to the bath.

Antonio let go of his hand and walked to the vanity, where he set his crown and other jewels. The king took off the many layers of clothing he was wearing, "Much better … I think I'm going to dress lightly from now on~! Especially since summer is just around the corner – are you going to bathe, too?"

Lovino looked at him and shrugged, "I guess …" he threw the vest and tunic to the ground, but became aware he'd forgotten underwear that morning. Having been in a rush to just get dressed. He bit his lip. Antonio couldn't force him to bathe, but he would feel silly putting the clothing back on. And the king also wouldn't allow him to wear his new pants into the water either.

"Are you getting in Lovi?" Antonio asked, sinking into the water.

The Illonian nodded and closed his eyes embarrassed and slipped his pants off, along with his boots.

"I don't know why you bother hiding your body like you do … you really are beautiful~! So gorgeous~!" Lovino blushed at his words and sunk into the water, as far away from Antonio as he could manage without upsetting the monarch.

Antonio frowned. Lovino knew he would understand that it was much harder to hide the inevitable problem without some sort of cover on him. His face was bright red and he just wanted to be left alone, but Antonio couldn't even do that for him. The king grabbed the cloth and began washing Lovino, as he'd made a habit of doing.

Lovino tried to keep his mind on anything, but the sexy man running a soapy cloth down his shoulder.

"Lovi, my love, where is the choker?" Lovino jumped, startled from his 'non-Antonio' thoughts and grabbed the fallen pants, "I-in h-here."

He grabbed the dragon leather necklace and tied it around his neck for Antonio, "Mm … so beautiful … I love you so much, Lovi~!" Antonio leaned forward and kissed Lovino softly. Lovino kissed back, still trying to keep his mind off of the problem. He pushed Antonio away and frowned, "Hey, bastard, you still planning that 'vacation' of yours? And what about my brother? Are you still going to find him?"

Antonio smiled (what was new?), "Of course I am, Lovi~! You're going to have so much fun! And first thing tomorrow, I'll send some of my men to retrieve information on him and make sure we find him, okay?"

Lovino nodded, happy with the answer. He grabbed the forgotten cloth and took to washing Antonio so they could get out as soon as possible.

TBC

Remember to vote or let me know what you choose~

~Lady Pyrien