Antonio lifted a wide-eyed Lovino out of the river and sat him on the grass. Lovino scanned the area and let out a sharp scream.
"WHERE THE FUCK AM I? WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING? AM I DEAD?" Low wails escaped Lovino's tightening throat. "It's fucking freezing out here! And why are my clothes wet? And my fucking wrist really hurts." He noticed Antonio. "WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING, BASTARD? DON'T JUST FUCKING STAND THERE, DAMMIT!"
"Lovi, calm down. It was the only thing that would wake you up."
"DUNKING ME IN A RIVER? AND I'M CALM AS FUCK."
"You can't keep yelling. I don't know how close we are to anyone here. You have to be quieter, mi querido. Just breathe and I'll tell you what happened," Antonio said. Lovino shivered and looked up at Antonio, who took in a deep breath before saying,
"I didn't tie your ropes well on purpose. Then I pressed a spot on your neck. You passed out. I think you might have thought you were dying. Once you were out, I cut your ropes and pulled you off. That took about ten seconds. Maybe a little more. Maybe fifteen. And I had a few friends on my side helping me. I had my horse waiting for me at the bottom of the platforms. I hopped on and bolted. I'm leaving out a great deal of detail, of course. I really don't want to talk about it. But we're out. And that's what really matters. You're safe, Lovi. You're alive." A grin spread across the Spaniards face. But Lovino looked down.
"What about my grandfather?"
Antonio's grin didn't falter. "We got him out."
Lovino's eyes widened and he shot up. "There is no way." Antonio raised an eyebrow and laughed his cheerful laugh. Lovino smiled and jumped onto Antonio, knocking him down into the dew covered grass. "How'd you do it? It must have been tricky." Lovino brushed his fingers through Antonio's hair gently. Antonio was silent and his smile faded.
"I really do not feel like talking about how I saved you both. I did some questionable things that I wouldn't like you to question," Antonio said. Lovino nodded and blinked back a few tears, which Antonio didn't understand. "Why do you look so upset, Lovi?"
Lovino shook his head. "It's nothing. Just my fucking wrist. One of the guards bent it back and I think it's broken." Antonio picked up Lovino's hand and examined it. He ran his fingertips over the bone until he reached one part that was sticking out ever so slightly, though the skin wasn't broken.
"It isn't broken. One of your bones has dislocated. I can pop it back into place, but it's going to hurt. I'd ask for your permission, but you don't really have a choice at this point. Please don't be angry with me."
Lovino's breath quickened. "Whatever, bastard, just don't do it so fast. Count to three or something."
"Okay, Lovi. One-"
"Wait, I'm not ready!"
"Here, bite down on this rag. Alright?"
"Whatever. Go."
"One . . . Two . . ."
"Wait a second."
"Lovino Vargas, this is the last time. Got it?"
"Fine. But maybe you could count to five this time?"
"Okay, okay."
"I'm ready."
"One-"
Crack.
"F-FUCK! That fucking hurt and you didn't even go on five! Fuuuuuck!" Lovino brushed away the tears clinging to his eyelashes.
"I'm only trying to help, Lovino. You would have just pulled away at four. Now it's over and done with." Antonio wrapped his wrist up tightly. "There. Better? Does it need a kiss?"
"Don't mock me, bastard."
"I brought your clothes for you. You should change before you get sick. It must be fifty degrees out here. You could probably change on the other side of the horse. He won't move."
"The horse will stay put?" Lovino looked concerned. Antonio raised an eyebrow and said, "He'll only move if I tell him to move, Lovi." Lovino squinted, murmured something, and stood on the right side of the horse. Antonio flashed a smile and looked up at the stars. He could hear Lovino's soaked clothes plopping into the grass. "The stars look nice tonight, don't they, Lovi?"
Lovino muttered something under his breath. Antonio looked at the horse, then at Lovino, then at the horse again.
"Adelante!"
The horses eyes widened and it ran to Antonio, exposing a shocked Lovino in just a shirt that swayed around the top of his thighs. "Dammit! Bastard!" He turned away, exposing his pale thighs and . . .
"You know, Lovi, the stars definitely look nice, but I think the moon looks even better," Antonio said, stifling a laugh. Lovino scowled and pulled down the shirt. "Fuck you, Spaniard."
Antonio's nose scrunched up as he let out a bell-like laugh. "Aw, Lovi, please. You look so lovely in the moonlight." Antonio made his way over to Lovino, while Lovino, on the other hand, started walking quickly in the other direction.
Antonio pouted. "Fine. I respect what you want. Finish dressing and try to rest. We have to leave early tomorrow morning. We're meeting your grandfather in a village a few hours from here." Lovino smiled before he realized what he was doing and said,
"Grandpa Roma? We're meeting him tomorrow? I can't believe . . . " He trailed off when he noticed the bastard eyeing him. He scowled. "I mean, It'll be great seeing him. Yeah. Shut up, bastard."
Antonio grinned. "Alright. I see, I see. I'm going to try to rest, Lovi. Goodnight."
Lovino huffed and turned to his clothes again.
.
Antonio felt hands on his shoulders, shaking him awake. He looked up. It was still night. They didn't have to leave for a couple of hours. He looked to his right to see Lovino hovering over him. He was completely wrapped up in a thick blanket.
"Bastard! Hey, bastard!" He was trying to whisper, but he was a terrible whisperer and it just sounded loud and raspy. Antonio groaned and covered his ears with his hands. "Lovinooooo why are you up?"
Lovino lifted the corner of Antonio's blanket. "Bastard, scoot over." Antonio sighed and stared up at Lovino, who was trying to lay down while keeping the blanket on. He looked sort of like a sausage falling over, and Antonio thought it was funny, but he kept it to himself. He didn't want to piss the Italian off. "Lovi, why are you-"
"I was cold, okay?" He curled up. "And I was kind of-" Lovino murmured the rest. Antonio scoffed. "Lovino, just say it, please. I'm tired."
"I was kind of an ass earlier, okay? Thanks for saving me." Lovino looked away, but Antonio couldn't stop smiling. "Oh? Are you . . . apologizing to me? Aw, Lovi." Antonio pulled Lovino closer. Even in the dark he could see Lovino's face glowing red. "Mi amor, mi tomate."
Lovino faced Antonio. "Tch. Your what? Your tomato? Why the hell would you call me a tomato? What kind of term of endearment is-"
"Oh, and bastard is better?" Lovino was silent. Antonio continued. "You look like a tomato when you blush so hard. I love it. It makes you look delectable like a tomato, too." Antonio pressed a kiss between Lovino's eyes. "Te amo, Lovino Vargas. You give meaning to my life."
"You're just tired, bastard. You don't know what you're saying."
"I'm quite aware of what I'm saying," Antonio said as he kissed the side of Lovino's neck. "Te amo. I love you so much." Lovino lifted his chin so Antonio could trail warm kisses up his throat. Each kiss made his heart flutter. He closed his eyes, parted his lips, and allowed the sensations his lips caused to consume him for a moment.
He opened his eyes when he felt those lips on his own. He glanced at the Spaniards closed eyes and felt stupid for having his own eyes open, so he re-closed them. Antonio's lips felt fuller than his own and slightly cooler. His tongue parted Lovino's lips and slid across his teeth, trying to gain access. Lovino gasped and pulled away. "I d-don't . . . uh . . . I've never had a kiss like that, bastard."
Antonio raised his eyebrows. "Not even with a girl?" Lovino shook his head and blushed an un-natural shade of red. Antonio, however, smiled a kind smile and said,
"I'll show you." He placed his hand on Lovino's chin. "First, you part your teeth. Not just your lips, querido. Though if you wanted to, you could, well," Antonio let out an awkward laugh, bit down on Lovino's bottom lip, and tugged at it gently. "You could do that. Or this." He sucked lightly on Lovino's bottom lip. "But you don't have to do that. It's always there though. As for the tongues, though, it is much like . . . dancing."
Lovino touched his own damp bottom lip and shivered. "Yeah? How?"
"Well, in a dance, I move my left foot forward, and my partner will move their right foot back, heeding to me. We work together, fit to each other, and that is why dancing is enjoyable. And that is why kissing is enjoyable. But I suppose this could be too technical. Kissing always came very natural to me. Move with what your body wants. Also like dancing," Antonio said with a chuckle. Lovino nodded slowly, eyebrows raised in concern.
"So, I part my lips and my teeth?" Lovino's mouth hung open far too much. Antonio smiled and pushed his jaw closed a bit more.
"Not so open, Lovi. Just like . . . there! Just like this," he said, tracing the Italian's jawline. "Now, do not pull away, please. Just . . . feel. Yes?" Lovino gulped and nodded. Antonio flashed an appreciative smile, then leaned into the smaller man again. He pressed their foreheads together carefully, shut his eyes, and gently flicked his tongue against Lovino's. He could feel the other man flinch ever so slightly. His courage increased, giving him the willpower to try to slide his tongue over Lovino's. This time, he was met with a gasp.
He pulled away. "This is an invitation, Lovino. I'd like it if you would accept it. I will not judge you for your inexperience, I promise. But move for me. Do what your body compels you to do. I'm going to try this again. Yes, querido?" Lovino nodded. He felt as if he might pass out.
Antonio slid his tongue once again into Lovino's mouth, though this time, Lovino moved with him. It was sloppy and inexperienced, but it was definitely enough to make the Spaniard feel lightheaded. He pulled away to catch his breath and smiled. "There, Lovi. You've learned how to kiss. And it was wonderful, too."
Lovino turned away, wide-eyed and red-faced. He let out a faint hiss and sat up quickly. "Uh, I think I should go back. It's actually colder over here, I think." Lovino wrapped his blanket back over his entire body and tried to stand up. Antonio sighed. "Lovi, I think it would be easier if you took off the blanket, stood, then wrapped the blanket back around your body. Or you could stay with me, querido, and let me love you."
Lovino looked over at Antonio again, an odd look in his eyes as he contemplated staying. That look was so . . . different than any other look Antonio had seen in Lovino's eyes. They were glossy, yet somehow still dull, and his eyebrows curved up slightly as if he was annoyed at something, but also disappointed.
"This isn't about you, dammit. Just let me," Lovino somehow managed to stand up with the blanket still wrapped around his body. "There. I'll see you in the morning, bastard."
"Wait, Lovi." Antonio grabbed one of Lovino's ankles. Lovino shot him a final look, one full of desperation and . . .
Antonio grinned knowingly before releasing his ankle. "Alright, Lovino. I suppose you should get back." Lovino didn't budge. He just glared.
"Why the fuck are you grinning like that, bastard?"
"I just thought you were leaving because it was too cold here. But that isn't the case. You're leaving because it is too hot here for you."
Lovino's eyes squinted. He looked like he wanted to die. That blush crept across his cheeks. "B-Bastard! Fuck off! That's not it!"
Antonio didn't smile anymore. "Lovi, let me take care of you. Please." Lovino's eye twitched as Antonio's hand wrapped around the top of his thigh. "You deserve it after everything I've put you through. And honestly, Lovi, it turns me on seeing you like this. You seem so distressed and it's wonderful."
"Uh, I think I sh-should go! I, uh, I'm . . . fuck, just-"
"Goodnight then, Lovino."
Lovino gave Antonio an appreciative look before shuffling away into the darkness somewhere. Antonio scoffed and laughed slightly to himself at how awkward Lovino was. He wished he was more open towards him, but he had all the time in the world to wait for the Italian. If not today, then soon.
Antonio tried to get in another hour or so of sleep while simultaneously, but not very effectively, ignoring the dull ache between his legs.
.
"Buenos dias, buenos dias, buenos dias, it's time to start your day! Buenos dias, buenos dias, buenos dias, ole', ole', ole'!"
"Fuck off, I'm sleeping, bastard. Don't wake me up now. Five more minutes."
Antonio flung Lovino over his shoulder. Lovino groaned. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? You b-"
Lovino was interrupted by Antonio cramming a piece of bread into his mouth. "Eat, Lovi. And don't argue." He sat Lovino on his horse, then hopped on the horse himself.
Lovino could feel them begin to move. The horse was going too fast for it being morning. And it was too bumpy. Lovino groaned again and rested his cheek on Antonio's back. "Dammit, bastard, I'm too tired for this."
"Did you eat your bread? Here, drink this." Antonio passed him back a dark green glass bottle filled with an odd purplish opaque liquid. Lovino took one gulp and choked. "What the fuck is this? It tastes like cheap, watered-down wine."
"It is. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And I know it tastes better than what they give you in those cells. So drink it and don't complain."
.
"This place looks like shit. Are you sure this is the right place?"
"Yes, Lovino. We'll be staying here for a while in the top two rooms."
"This is the worst inn I think I've ever stayed in."
Antonio held the door open for Lovino. "I know you haven't stayed in an inn before, querido. You're grumpy today, aren't you?"
Lovino looked around the lobby. There was nobody at the front, which was probably a good thing. Antonio motioned to a staircase in the corner and they crept up to the top floor.
There was a single door. Lovino give the door an excited knock before backing away impatiently.
The door opened a crack. Lovino smiled and pushed it open all the way.
Roma looked down at his grandson in shock. "Lovi! Mio Lovi! I've missed you, figlio. Ti amo." He lifted Lovino and swung him around before setting him on his feet again. Antonio pursed his lips and stood in the doorway. Roma patted Antonio's shoulder and said, "I'd try to pick you up and swing you around, Antonio, but I think you might be too big." Antonio laughed and sat down in a little chair by the door. Lovino punched his grandfather on the arm and called him an, "Idiota," for making such a stupid joke.
The three examined each other. It was at that moment that they decided they didn't want to talk about their experiences or what exactly had happened. They just wanted to forget it all.
Roma clasped his hands together, breaking the silence. "So where is Feli? You said you had it taken care of? And I don't see him. Where is my precious Feli?"
Antonio flashed a reassuring smile. "With a friend. Do not worry. He couldn't be in better hands. Specifically, he is still in Barcelona. But he is free and in hiding. They probably think he's with us, actually, so I doubt they'll search the city for him."
Roma nodded. There wasn't much more he could do than hope his youngest grandson was truly okay.
"You know what sounds good? Food. I'm going to cook some food," Lovino said, disbanding the second awkward silence. The other two nodded in agreement, and they spent the rest of the day eating plain bread that tasted better than expensive cake and drinking watery liquor that was somehow sweeter than honey.
To Be Continued . . .
I know what you're thinking. "The author is lazy for not writing in how the Vargas family was saved because it was improbable and such." Well that is simply not true. I know exactly how Lovino was saved and exactly how Roma was saved. I also know why Antonio doesn't want to talk about it. But it would have taken so much space in my story to tell how they were saved and I really didn't want that to be a focal point in this story. I thought it might take over a chapter to write, and that would be ridiculous, especially considering events that are soon to happen that I will have to dedicate time and story space to.
So I left it out. If you're curious, you can ask about it.