Yays~ I love you guys so much~!

VEEEEEEEEEEEE~! - Raina

anyways~ lol here ya go~

Kismet

Chapter Thirteen: Operation: Seduce the Bastard

The next thing Lovino knew was the familiar buzzing in his ears. He woke to find Antonio sound asleep beside him. The older man was holding onto Lovino tightly, like usual. Lovino cursed himself for falling asleep like that and wriggled his way out of the king's grasp to stand up. He frowned, noticing he was dressed in his night clothes, which meant the pervert had undressed him and changed his clothing.

"Wake up, Antonio … it's time to get up," Lovino shook the man gently, before going to his room to pick out a thin tunic to wear and a thin pair of trousers. Back in the room, Antonio was stumbling around putting on his own clothing, which was weird, because Lovino rarely saw Antonio in simple clothing. Without the crown and jewels, he looked almost normal, though how many sexy, tan and well muscled men with perfect skin and hair did you see running around the streets of Sverran's capitol? Not many.

Lovino gave him a look, "Wow. This is different."

"You like it? Miss Tessa made them for me~! She said I'd blend in perfectly~!" He turned and Lovino licked his lips. His mouth was suddenly dry. Why did Tessa have to make the pants to tight in the back? Those things hugged his ass perfectly.

"It doesn't look … bad." Lovino shrugged. A knocking came from the door and Lovino grabbed his keys to unlock it and open it. The old man and several servants walked in to carry the bags to the carriage, "Right this way, your majesty, young sir. As per your instruction, your majesty, breakfast is waiting for you in the carriage. The old queen has been instructed on her strict duties as well. I wish you a most safe trip, your highness."

Antonio smiled, "Thank you~ come on, Lovino." he began walking to the carriage.

The two settled in their seats. Lovino looked around, never having been in Antonio's carriage before, since the king rarely went into town for anything and when he did, they just took a different one.

There were two trays sitting in the seats next to them. A bowl of cut fruit, a tomato omelette, and some fresh bread were waiting for them, so Lovino dug in.

Antonio, who sat across from him, smiled and also ate his meal. Once the food was finished, Antonio pointed out the window. As they passed through the streets of his kingdom, people began waking up for their days. The sun was barely peaking over the horizon, lighting the sky up with a mixture of orange and pink.

Lovino stared at the colors for some time, having a sudden bout of homesickness for his brother, who could paint a beautiful sunset without even trying, "So no word on Feliciano?" he asked suddenly and quietly.

"No. I'm beginning to believe the king of Illonia is dead. Some of my birds have come back, but no reply. The message wasn't even removed. And the few men I do send, either don't come back or can't get passed a naga village that has been built up on the borders of Illonia and Fayldyr. Perhaps I can ask the prince of Fayldyr, an old friend of mine, if he knows anything about Illonia."

Lovino nodded. His brother just had to be safe.

Hours passed and the sun was now high over the kingdom, raining down heat on the poor servant and king. Antonio was upset because he wanted to draw the curtains so that he could cuddle with Lovino, but now it was too hot to do that. Lovino was keeping his mind off the heat by playing with his armband. He'd grown so used to them since he'd never taken them off. Yet, that didn't seem to help and he was growing irritable quickly, "Damn it, tomato bastard, I'm burning up in here!"

The king smiled sheepishly and pushed on a handle connected to the window, sliding it open. He then did the same for the other, letting in a small, but noticeable breeze.

Lovino sighed in relief and closed his eyes to fan himself. He would have preferred to stare at his king, but the image of Antonio wearing tight pants and a vest alone, dripping with beads of sweat was enough to drive him to tackle the king and do things to him. It was best to just close his eyes and think about the ocean waves lapping at his toes while Antonio ran through the water like a maniac.

It had been so long since their last encounter with a beach and Tessa was right, this time it would be better. Lovino was going to make sure of it.

Lovino's stomach growled and he frowned, being jarred from his dozing.

"Hungry? Sorry, we'll be there soon and we can cook up something, okay?" Antonio smiled.

The Illonian nodded, but was still irritated about being in such heat. It hadn't been this hot where they lived, but he knew it was coming.

The carriage came to a stop and the driver jumped down to pull open the door, "Your majesty, we're here."

Antonio smiled and climbed out, followed by Lovino. Lovino took one look at the beach home and was in love. He didn't usually say things like that about housing, but it was so simple, yet beautiful. Two floors and a balcony facing the ocean, which was far down from the cliff the house was built on. A small path led down to a private beach. The beach was a small strip of sand with a huge expanse of crystal blue water. Lovino could even see some larger fish swimming from where he stood.

The inside was nothing like what he had grown used to. Instead of grey stone walls, it was a tan color and simple decorations hung around, including a painting of Antonio's family. Antonio looked to be seven or so in the picture. He had his trademark smile on his face, a tomato in hand and sleeves that were just a tad bit too long.

Lovino smiled at the picture, but followed Antonio to the small kitchen, "It should be stocked up some, so we can throw something together really quick and head to the beach~ okay?"

His servant nodded and they made some simple, yet refreshing tomato salad. Antonio licked his lips and called the guards in, after the meal was through. He grabbed a large sack that Lovino hadn't seen before and inside were smaller bags, clicking with the sound of gold, "Under my direct orders, you are being sworn to secrecy. Anything and everything you see, hear or do while protecting this household will be forgotten and never spoken of to a single soul. Am I clear?"

The men swallowed at the intense, blood lust look in Antonio's eyes. He smiled darkly, "I'm good we understand each other. I know my mother can be a little frightening, but I did come here to escape for a while. She is not your queen any more, but I AM your king. Here's a bonus to help keep those mouths of yours shut. Consider it the beginning of your pay rise." the six men gasped and looked down at the bags filled with gold.

"But … your majesty …" one of them spoke. Antonio glared darkly, "No 'buts'. These are my final orders: Not. A. Word. Or else."

Lovino knew the men were scared and confused. They didn't know what they were being sworn to and Lovino hoped that they didn't find out. It would give them plausible deniability if something did come up. Of course, with Antonio, that was too much to ask for.

"Remember this, if I find out who speaks a word if a word is spoken, the gold you see before you will just be the start of what I take from yo-"

"That's enough, Antonio!" Lovino yelled, "Now that you've emotionally scarred them, can we just go to the beach now. You're starting to piss me off."

The guards looked at the mere servant with wide eyes. Had someone of that low a station really just spoken to the king like that?

"I'm sorry, Lovi~! I was just making sure we'd be safe …" he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Lovino who blushed and kept his arms crossed.

"Shut up, bastard." he growled.

Antonio laughed lightly and nodded, "Okay, my love, let's go. You men are dismissed for now. And remember: Not. A. Word."

The men were just staring in shock at what they had just witnessed. No wonder the king was adamant about their cooperation! They licked their lips in fear and nodded, bowing to the king and his lover and left to go to their posts. Each one making a vow to forget what they saw, heard or did on the trip.

Lovino glared daggers at Antonio as the man dragged him upstairs to the upper rooms, "Go into that room there, I have to do something real quick." Lovino huffed and walked into the room. It was roomy, but much smaller than Antonio's room at the castle. A bed with a canopy sat in the center of the left wall and a fireplace was on the right with a animal skin rug in front of it, perfect for the colder nights. Two large window were on either side of the wall facing Lovino, and a set of glass doors was in between. That same type of fabric that Tessa had shown him, but this kind was a teal blue, matching the blanket and pillows on the bed. Antonio's bags were on the floor in front of him and he sighed, figuring he should probably unpack them and put the stuff away.

Antonio entered the room, carrying Lovino's bag, "Sorry, they put this in the servant's room downstairs and you're definitely not staying there~ so I brought it to you~" he set it down, "Are you putting the things away? I'll help~!" the king opened Lovino's bag and pulled out his clothing to be put in the 'hers' dresser that was next to the one Lovino was filling.

"You didn't pack much, did you?" He asked, shoved the pants into one drawer.

Lovino grinned, figuring he'd put a start on he secret mission, "I wasn't planning on wearing much clothing this week~"

He looked at Antonio, but it seemed the message flew over his head, "But it get's kind of cold at night, Lovi!"

The Illonian frowned, but sighed and put on a sly smile, "Then I'll just cuddle up to you. You'll keep me warm, right, Antonio?"

Antonio smiled happily, "Of course, my love!" he walked over and hugged the steamed servant. Lovino was pissed that the first try he'd actually given at flirting with Antonio and trying to seduce him failed. The ladies he sometimes flirted with at the castle melted for lines much less sexy than that!

"You should probably change into some beach wear, Lovi~!" the man let go and grabbed his own to slip into.

Lovino rolled his eyes and stomped over to the dresser to pull his out. Maybe try three? He slowly pulled off his tunic and fanned himself, "I really hope the water is cool …" he remarked, making sure the Sverran was watching as he slid down his pants. He stood stark-naked in front of Antonio before blushing deeply, feeling stupid all of the sudden and pulling on the pants he would be swimming in.

Antonio smiled at Lovino and dressed himself, seeming to ignore everything Lovino had just embarrassingly done, "Lovi~? Do you have the choker? I want you to wear it the entire week, please …" Lovino frowned, wanting to say no, but maybe it would help his cause. He grabbed his discarded pants and tied the dragon skin onto his neck, ignoring the look Antonio gave him.

The entire walk down the trail was silent as Lovino was angry. Antonio pouted, not knowing what he did to upset his love, but he shut up when Lovino snapped at him.

The king slipped off his boots and smiled, feeling the hot sand squish between his toes, "Isn't this great, Lovi~? Just sun and sand and my Lovi to help me relax!"

Lovino shrugged and pulled off his boots as well, "What ever bastard." he walked to the water and slowly walked in. He hadn't been swimming since that day on the island and was afraid about being a little rusty on it. Lovino decided against swimming and made up his mind to just stand waist deep in the water.

Antonio slipped up behind him and let his arms encircle Lovino's waist. His head rested on the younger man's shoulder and he sighed contentedly, "I'm so glad you're here with me. I love you so much, Lovi~!"

Lovino's face lit up red, remembering his revelation from the day before. He'd been planning on telling Antonio the night before, but he'd foolishly fallen asleep. He bit his lip and let his anger fade as he let his head rest against Antonio's, "I love you, too, Antonio …"

The world seemed to fall silent as Antonio slowly let his head rise off Lovino's shoulder, "What was that, Lovi?"

Lovino blushed and turned around angrily, "I said I love you, t-" he was cut off by Antonio connecting their lips in a fiery kiss. Lovino melted into the connection and felt his knees go weak. Antonio's arms tightened around him and held him close as he pressed kisses to Lovino's lips, cheeks, nose and forehead.

"I've waited so long to hear those sweet words, my Lovi~! You really make me the happiest man in the world~!" Lovino frowned at the tears in Antonio's eyes.

"Don't cry! Seriously, you crybaby bastard!" Lovino laid his head on Antonio's chest and closed his eyes, "Just go swim now …"

Antonio laughed, rubbing his eyes, "Okay, Lovi~ let's go!" he pulled the Illonian love further into the water, where he gave the reluctant man some refresher courses on swimming. Soon, both men were laughing and having fun. Antonio couldn't help but enjoy the look of pure joy on his love's face.

To tell the truth, Antonio was a little worried about his Lovi's actions earlier. It almost seemed like he was trying to seduce him! Which was crazy since Lovi was opposed to having sex with Antonio. It hurt a little bit, to think Lovi didn't trust him enough to give himself over like that, but he didn't mind. As long as his Lovi was happy, he was happy.

But he was confused, because maybe Lovi thought that since he'd been dragged to this private bit of land, that he had to give himself up. That's not what Antonio wanted at all. He just wanted to pretend that he could walk around freely with Lovi and pretend to be married or at least openly together. The thought warmed his heart and he looked at Lovi, who had retreated to the sand to lay down, since the sun was beginning to set.

Antonio walked from the darkening water and smiled, laying down next to his Lovi. It made his heart swell to know … to hear … Lovi loved him. He wanted to say it a hundred times if just to hear Lovino tell him he loved him back a hundred times. The younger man cuddled up to Antonio, feeling the cool night breezes settling in. Since it was only early summer, the night air would be slightly chilly.

He picked up Lovi and carried the sleepy Illonian back up to the house. A guard opened the door for him and shut it tight behind. Antonio smiled. He was sure they would hold their tongues, else he knew he would hold them instead. In a little jar perhaps? The king shook his head. Lovi didn't like when he thought or talked like that!

The older man set his love down on a sofa and walked to the kitchen to make something for their dinner. They would probably just eat out the next night since the festival was starting then.

While he never had the need, he still knew how to cook (and he had to admit he was damn good). He learned here and there as he was growing up from the chefs in the kitchen and the occasional helping Tessa on Lovi's birthdays.

He smiled cooking up a large pot of Lovi's favorite pasta, something Tessa pestered him to know how to make. Once it was finished, he scooped two huge bowls and set them aside before walking outside, "There's food in the kitchen, but be quiet while getting some. Lovi~ is sleepy."

The guard nodded and thanked the king before returning to his position. Antonio smiled and walked back into the den where Lovi was curled up, "Lovi~ my sweetheart, I made something to eat …" Lovi lazily opened his eyes and made a noise that was a mix between a moan and a whine. He pushed Antonio's face and closed his eyes again.

"Come on, love. You need to eat and take a bath. There's salt water in your hair~!" Lovi growled and sat up, "Fine."

Antonio handed him his bowl and watched him slowly eat about half before he was finally awake enough to finish it. The king ate his as well and carried Lovi to the bathing room on the lower level, despite the younger man's protests.

He, himself, filled the tub with the hot water, as he'd seen Lovi do a few times and prepared it with some salts, "There you go, my love." he helped Lovi undress and then he, too, pulled off the short pants and stepped inside the water. It felt relaxing on his muscles and he pulled Lovi to his chest. Lovi groaned in protest, but was too tired to fight as Antonio began washing him, letting the cloth linger on his neck.

Once they were both clean, he carried a naked Lovi up to their room and dressed him in night clothes and finally let him go to sleep in peace. The king stayed up a bit later, just watching Lovi sleep. His fingers brushed across Lovi's smooth, light pink cheeks. He pushed his damp hair from his face and kissed his forehead.

There was one thing that had Antonio curious about for the six years he knew Lovi: that curl. Lovi had a long curl of hair twisting off the side of his hairline. Antonio had thought it was just an Illonian hairstyle or something, but it stayed in place, even when Lovi washed his hair or got his hair wet period. Antonio had been tempted many times to pull on it, just to see if it was even real, but feared he'd anger Lovi.

He sighed and closed his eyes, maybe he'd figure it out tomorrow. The king yawned and fell into a deep, relaxed sleep.

TBC

Operation Seduce the Bastard isn't goin as planned, is it?

~Lady Pyrien