Off work~ Here you lovely people go~

Kismet

Chapter Twenty-One: Share a Dance With Chiara Vargas

Lovino felt like he was walking on eggshells. Every time he passed the pigtails girl she gave him weird looks or turned the other way. 'Big Brother' Francis wouldn't leave him alone and continued pestering him about Feliciano, Antonio, and anything else that came to his mind.

On top of worrying about people finding out Antonio's and his secret, Antonio was spending less and less time with him, staying late nights in his office trying to catch up on his paperwork.

It was only a week passed and it felt like Antonio wasn't even back. He was asleep before Antonio even came in and when he awoke, Antonio immediately got up, kissed him goodbye and went to his study. Their time during breakfast was dwindling to a 'thank you, I'll see you later' if that. Lunch was the same thing, and with Francis visiting, he didn't serve Antonio dinner.

He glared up at the ceiling, having finished what little chores he had early. It was late at night, but he was determined to stay up this time for Antonio. Lovino rolled over on the bed and felt his eyes start to droop.

The door opened and Antonio slipped inside quietly. Antonio hadn't noticed that Lovino was awake and grabbed the younger man's keys to lock the door. Lovino watched in silence and the obviously tired Sverran changed into something suitable for sleeping in and dragged his feet to the bed, where he collapsed with a sigh. The older man rolled over and placed a kiss the Lovino's temple, still unaware that he was awake.

"I miss you so much …" he whispered, wrapping his arms around him, "Life is becoming so much more difficult, what with all the work and dealing with the court … I miss just getting to lay with you … you're the only thing I look forward to in life … good night, my Lovi … hopefully tomorrow will be better … "

Lovino bit his lip and rolled over under Antonio's grasp and pressed a firm kiss to his lips.

"Lovi~?" Antonio looked down at the very much awake Lovino, "You're awake?"

"Yeah … couldn't sleep," he lied. Antonio smiled softly and kissed him, "I'm sorry."

The Vargas rolled his eyes, "Just go to sleep, bastard."

Antonio chuckled, "Okay, my love, I love you~" he whispered, kissing Lovino several times all over his face.

Lovino buried his face into Antonio's chest, "I love you, too, bastard." he pulled his head back to look at Antonio's face, but the king was already passed out from exhaustion. He sighed and closed his own eyes hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.

Of course, why would anything be going Lovino or Antonio's way? They were in for a much bigger problem the next day, of course, Lovino wouldn't find out until he was approached by the old man servant, dragged to his room and given an expensive uniform to wear. Once he was changed into it, after much confusion and complaining, the old man led him down the halls.

"Young sir, today is a big day for our young king. His mother and the court have put together another ball in hopes of finding a bride." Lovino's blood began to boil, "The king needs an heir and he's taken on the crowned queen's duties as well as his own. It's not as much as the king's, but he's already behind from his extended trip." Lovino frowned. Why was Antonio doing all that? It was more work than he should have been taking on …

And the servant felt he wasn't doing anything to help things. There had to be a way to make life easier for Antonio. He entered the ball room and saw hundreds of people packed inside, all wearing masks. "Oh that reminds me," the old man spoke, "You'll need to wear this." he pulled out a simple mask with a few white tear drop shapes in one corner and black swirls covering the mask. Silver lined the edges of the mask as well. "All servant's will be wearing these, so if you need anything, look for these. You're job is to make sure people who aren't dancing are having refreshments." Lovino nodded, tying on his mask and walking towards the table to grab a tray to begin serving.

He never made it to his destination, however. As he walked passed a column, he felt hands grab his arm and pull him behind it. The mask was ripped away and blindfold covered his eyes and a hand covered his mouth. Lovino tried to kick away, but a soft voice muttered for him to please stop kicking.

Lovino was led down a hall and was finally pulled into a room. The door behind him shut and the blindfold removed. Francis, Matthew, Michelle (he learned was the girl's name) and Jeanne were all standing in front of him.

"What the hell is going on here, you crazy bastards?" the servant growled.

"Any one who sees the way Antonio looks at you knows that his majesty will never find love with anyone else," Jeanne knelt in front of Lovino and placed her hand on his shoulder, "So, tonight, you're going to enjoy the party and dance with Antonio." she grinned slyly.

"And just how am I supposed to do that? The old bastard will know that I've skipped on my job!" Lovino crossed his arms.

"Not necessarily, my little cherry~ Matthew will be taking your place. Matthew?" Francis looked at the blonde, who slipped a vial from his sleeve and drank the whole thing, making a face at the taste.

His long blonde hair became short and dark, his skin becoming more tan. Soon Lovino was staring at an exact replica of himself, however, this self was smiling awkwardly, "How do I look?" Matthew asked softly.

"Just like him, Michelle, go grab the box." Michelle nodded and grabbed a big box from the corner. Jeanne opened it up and pulled out several things, "Just leave things to me!" the queen laughed.

Francis kissed her and left the room to find a way to distract his friend. Jeanne looked back at Lovino, "Strip and give those clothes to Matthew so he can take your place, Michelle grab the corset."

"Corset? What?" Lovino raised his brow, not moving. Jeanne frowned, "We haven't much time, hurry up and take those clothes off!"

The Illonian sighed and removed the clothing, a little embarrassed about standing in front of the queen of Fayldyr almost naked. Matthew quickly dressed in the server's uniform and waved, "I'm off!" he left them.

Jeanne smiled, "Good luck!" she turned back to Lovino, "Now to turn our little servant into a princess for the king~!"

"Princess! Whoa, whoa, whoa hold on a minute! Wait! Stop! Get the fuck away!" he screamed as the women attacked him with the corset. He felt he couldn't breathe, but it gave him feminine curves. He glared at them when they pulled on the dress and tightened the laces in the back to fit his curves. Gentle rolls of fabric hugged his hips and flowed to the floor. Michelle pulled him to a chair and seated him, "Sit still, don't move or I'll mess up and you'll look silly."

She picked up a charcoal pencil and brought it to his face, "What are you-" Jeanne hushed him and instructed him to close his eyes. He did so, only to feel Michelle lightly drag the pencil along his eye lashes. "Open." She took the charcoal and made more irritating lines on the bottom lids.

"Now for a little powder~" Jeanne laughed, fluffing his cheeks with a pink powder, "Not too much, though, he has a natural blush already~!"

The women painted his lips and stood back, "Perfect!" the Fayldyren queen smiled happily, "Get the brush and other things for his hair."

Jeanne began to rake her fingers through his hair, "Don't touch the curl." Lovino growled angrily. The queen nodded, "I won't but shouldn't we hide it at least?"

"Most Illonians have them." he lied. At least a few did, including his family and one or two of his neighbors.

"Oh? I've never been there! Is it nice?"

He shrugged, "It is … or was … I haven't been back in years." She smiled sadly, "I'm sure you'll be able to return someday~! Antonio might take you if you asked."

Lovino rolled his eyes and let her brush his hair and do what ever it was she was doing. The two women stopped and smiled, "'She' looks great! Still enough like Lovino where Antonio should recognize him, but not enough where anyone he knows will be able to~" Jeanne laughed, "Alright, Lady Chiara, it's time to go to the ball!"

"Chiara?" Lovino raised his brow.

Michelle held up a glass mirror, "Her." His hair was long and wavy, framing his face. It was the same color, but much longer. His curl was bouncing where it normally was and there was a thin ribbon in his hair, holding his bangs out of his face. His eyes were bright with the thin black lines on his lashes and he blushed deep red, "I look like a fucking girl!"

"You're supposed to, silly! And girls don't curse like that … or scowl. Your name is Chiara, you're a noblewoman from southern Illonia. You were invited by me, since we met at a ball Francis held." Jeanne explained walking with 'Chiara' down the halls, "I say this because some may ask. You're going to be the most beautiful one there, so don't let us down!"

Lovino nodded, his heart pounding. He would be able to dance with Antonio and keep those women away. He reentered the ballroom and looked around. 'Lovino' was walking around, serving people drinks and spotted the real Lovino and flashed a small smile of encouragement.

Francis walked up, "Ah, my little dove, you've done wonderfully with our darling Chiara. My lady, your suitor awaits by 'Lovino'. He doesn't know, yet, so have a little fun~" he winked, "I never expected you to make anyone happy, but here you are~! It brings a man to tears! Go get him!"

Lovino blushed and turned to see Antonio approach Matthew. Matthew held out the tray but didn't say a word. The Illonian frowned when Antonio seemed slightly hurt.

"Lovi … you're not mad at me are you?" the real Lovino touched his shoulder gently and backed away, making sure the mask Jeanne had given him was fitting right. Antonio turned and put on a smile, "Well, good evening, milady."

"G-good evening, m-my king," he whispered back. His heart was pounding and his face was red.

Antonio turned back to see 'Lovino' had walked away and he whimpered softly, making 'Chiara' frown, "W-would you l-like to dance, y-your majesty?" the king leaned a bit closer, "Have we met before?"

Lovino laughed nervously, "Maybe … I'm Chiara Vargas … from southern Illonia."

"Vargas?" Antonio tilted his head, "Do you happen to know a Lovino or Feliciano?" he asked, holding out his arm for 'her' to take. Lovino grabbed a hold of his arm, a little irked that he still hadn't realized it was him.

"You could say that …" Lovino blushed again under Antonio's intense gaze. He knew the man was dense …

"Lovi never mentioned a sister …"

"He doesn't have a sister. Just a little brother. And a bastard lover who doesn't recognize him." They began to spin to the music.

Antonio tilted his head. His green eyes sparkling with confusion. Lovino stared into his eyes with slight annoyance. Suddenly his eyes widened slightly, "L-Lovi?"

Lovino looked away, "My name's Chiara tonight," he whispered, annoyed.

"But then … who …?" He looked over at Matthew in disguise.

"It's a potion. Matthew looks like me so I won't get scolded for ditching my job and no one will know it's me here dancing with you." He looked away.

Antonio laughed lightly, "You look … beautiful … but I wish I could see the face I fell in love with~" his hand caressed Lovino's cheek. Lovino frowned, "Fine. I'll just go take all this shit off and-"

The king smiled, "No … I want to spend my time here with you, dancing. I'm glad I get to~" he brought Lovino's hand to his lips and kissed softly.

"Stop doing embarrassing things like that!" Lovino hissed as Antonio began to spin him again in their dancing. Antonio just laughed lightly.

Dance after dance, the music faded into the background and Lovino just enjoyed being held close, getting that loving look from Antonio, instead of standing of on the sides watching girls cling themselves to him. He let his head fall to rest on Antonio's chest.

Francis looked on the scene and smiled, "That Sverran owes me big time~ he looks so happy!" Jeanne nodded, "I'm glad we could do this for them." She grabbed his hand and led him to the dance floor to dance as well.

'Chiara' sighed, "It's getting late, Antonio. I'm starting to get hungry …" the King looked down at his love and smiled softly. He led him to the refreshment table and 'Lovino' smiled.

"How's it going?" Matthew asked.

Lovino shrugged, "I hate this dress, the corset is killing me, my feet hurt … but …" he looked at Antonio, whom was grabbing something for them to drink, "it's all worth it." Matthew laughed, "That's good."

The Illonian frowned, "Smile less or you'll give us away … really …"

Antonio walked over, "Here, for my lovely lady~" Lovino snatched the cup and glared, "Don't call me that bastard!" he hissed, sipping the drink. Lovino took out his embarrassed anger on approaching girls wanting their chances to dance with the king. His glare scared them all away. After a light bit of snacking, Antonio grabbed his arm and turned.

"Why Antonio, who is this creature that has taken your attention tonight?" the former queen spoke. Lovino bit his lip and sunk behind Antonio, acting shy, but trying to avoid her recognizing him.

"Um … Chiara …" Lovino cursed that he was a bad liar. However it seemed his mother didn't notice. Her faced was marked with a huge grin, "Well, she really is something. Have a wonderful night, my son." she walked away, pleased to see her son was taking an interest in at least one girl.

"That was … scary …" Antonio chuckled, "Let's dance again, my love~ I actually need to get some work done before going to bed." he dragged Lovino to the dance floor again.

"Speaking of, the old man said you are taking on both king and queen duties. What gives?" Lovino placed his hand on Antonio's shoulder.

The king wrapped his arm around Lovino's waist and sighed, "With out a queen, I need to pick up the slack. It's not much! Just … some paper work that the queen would usually be in charge of."

Lovino glared, "Why didn't you tell me? You can't handle all that work by yourself. You're already behind, bastard!"

Antonio looked away, "If you're suggesting I marry then I'm afraid I would have to decline. I can handle the work, I just have to catch up on mine and I'll be fine~" his eyes returned to their bright green.

The Illonian furrowed his brow and pinched Antonio on the shoulder causing the older man to 'ouch', "What was that for, love~?"

"Because you deserve it." he growled.

Antonio grinned and spun Lovino around, "Or were you offering to become my queen~" Lovino blushed and sputtered, his face going bright red.

"I wasn't suggesting that!" he finally managed to spit out.

"Aw~ my lovely Lovi is looking like a tomato~" the older man cooed. The song ended and he smiled, "Alright, how about this: I'll only do a little bit of work and spend the rest of the evening with you?"

Lovino growled, "As if I'd want that, bastard! Do whatever! I don't care …" he blushed when Antonio kissed his hand and whispered that he would meet him later. The king thanked everyone for coming and left the ball room.

Matthew tapped Lovino's shoulder, "Um, Chiara, queen Jeanne is waiting for you outside the ball room doors." He sunk away.

The Vargas crossed the room and almost reached the doors when he was stopped, "Oh, lady Chiara!" he bit his lip at the former queen's words.

"Uh, yes?" he replied in his best female voice, pushing his fading accent back to the surface.

She smiled, "I'm glad to see my son take such an interest in someone, especially one as pretty as you. Can I expect you to be around more often?"

Lovino wanted to laugh and tell her 'yes' and that he was always around, but he shook his head lightly, "No, I must be getting home … it was so lovely, " he cringed inwardly, "meeting you and the king."

"Oh~! Chiara! There you are!" Jeanne walked up, "I was looking for you. Why, hello. I'm sorry if Chiara was being a bother, she's just visiting me and there happened to be a ball, so I hope she wasn't imposing on you!"

"Not at all, well, good night Chiara, queen Jeanne. Please, stay as long as you can, Chiara." the former queen said before walking away.

Jeanne grabbed Lovino's hand and dragged her down the halls, "You can return the dress tomorrow, or keep it. I don't need it anymore and I'm sure you would find a use for it eventually." she laughed.

"You're insane!" he shook his head, "I'll give it to my friend or something …" She bid him good night and they went their separate ways. He slipped into the king's room and sighed in relief, hoping to finally get the damn dress and corset off.

He tugged the false hair away and threw it in a spare drawer, as well as the dress and shoes. His feet throbbed and he silently cursed the shoes that had been tight on his feet. Lovino slipped the dress off and threw it in the drawer, shut it and head for the bathing room to clean his face and remove the corset.

A wash cloth took care of the colors on his face and he reached behind him to grab at the cording, but couldn't reach, "Shit!" he tried everything to reach it but it wasn't of any use. The man would just have to buy a new one for Jeanne, he thought grabbing his dagger from his own drawer in the room, the one Antonio made him keep.

He carefully moved the blade under the tight fabric and hissed in pain as the tip nicked his skin. The door open and he turned to meet a surprised Antonio, "Lovi~? What are you …" his look became dark, seeing Lovino's blood forming on the small cut, "Are you trying to hurt yourself?"

Lovino looked at the blade and shook his head, scared of the anger dripping in the king's voice, "No! I was trying to cut this damn corset off! I can't reach the ties and it's really hurting me now, bastard." he even threw the knife back into the drawer and shut it to prove his point.

Antonio shut the door and walked over to Lovino. Lovino trembled lightly, noticing the darkness still hadn't left the king's eyes. The mans fingers reached up to slip under the fabric. He pushed them together and little metal clasps slowly became undone. The corset fell to the floor and Lovino took in a deep, wonderful breath, "How did you know what to do, bastard?" he glared.

"Francis tried to teach me a while back." He picked up Lovino.

The younger man growled and hit Antonio's chest, "Put me down! Where are you taking me?" Without a word, Antonio set Lovino down on the chair in the bathing room and grabbed a cloth to clean up the cut with. After the blood was wiped away, Antonio ignored Lovino's shouts as he drew the bath and stripped down the both of them.

"Lovi~ my Lovi~" the man finally spoke, pulling Lovino to his chest, "I was worried you were trying to hurt yourself~ don't scare me like that again~"

Lovino blushed and nodded, "Bastard, I was just trying to get that thing off … I think it bruised my sides …" he complained. Antonio laughed.

They finished the bath and crawled into the huge bed, "Lovi~ my mother came to me while I was in the office and told me about how much she liked Chiara …"

Lovino snorted, "Funny … she 'loves' Chiara but hates me. How the hell does that even work?" he curled up against Antonio's side.

Antonio laughed lightly, "I don't really know. She just wants me to pick a girl … I wouldn't mind if it had to be "Chiara". I mean, I did have so much fun dancing with "her" and "her" alone~!" he kissed Lovino softly.

"Quit calling me a her or I'll bite your tongue off, bastard." Lovino yawned, "Chiara went home and you're never going to see her again. Deal with it."

The older man kissed him again, "I don't mind. Lovi is all I need."

TBC

Is it weird i'm editing this while watching WWII stuff on tv? anyways, I'm kind of worried ... only half the reviews i usually get for the last chapter... oh well, i did get a ton more favs and alerts ^_^ thanks you guys!

~Lady Pyrien