Chapter XXXVI – S for Sanctuary

AN: Hey everyone! Sorry for the extremely loooong wait! I had a writer's block and couldn't get rid of it. I can't remember the number of times I stared at this chapter for hours trying to figure out how to finish it. I think this version is good enough. And I should be updating more often starting from now. Hope you like it.

Antonio nursed the blonde who had yet to speak a word. Arthur almost looked in a trance of some sort. He allowed Antonio everything: feed him, bathe him and dress him. But he not once spoke a word, like a doll moving at the will of its owner. Antonio did try to engage in a conversation multiple times but Arthur would never answer. Not even nod or complain. Nothing. Just an empty doll.

Night was falling and Antonio knew he wouldn't get any answers from Arthur today. Maybe he'll figure something out by asking Feliciano tomorrow. As he carried Arthur to his bed, Antonio tucked him in and was about to take the couch himself. His studio was small and only suited for one person. But before Antonio could leave, Arthur grabbed his shirt and tugged him closer. Antonio lifted an eyebrow. The blonde had not spoken a word and his expression was unchanged but … even Antonio was not oblivious to the fear and loneliness in those emerald jewels.

With a smile, Antonio joined Arthur in the small bed. They had to squeeze against each other to fit in. Antonio felt his heart beat faster when Arthur snuggled against him. He clumsily wrapped his arms around the smaller frame of the blonde. If this is a dream, Antonio never wants to wake up.

They both fell asleep and for the first time in his life, Antonio felt safe. He didn't feel like an assassin would jump through his window. He didn't feel like a bomb was ticking under his bed. He didn't feel like his phone would ring any second to inform him of a job. He didn't feel the darkness surround and devour him. For once, there was a soft light keeping him safe from all harm, like the sanctuary Antonio always wished for.

It was too good to last, wasn't it?

Antonio stared in shock, his face growing red in panic and his eyes gazing into the vibrant emeralds of the gorgeous blonde straddling him. It's only been a few hours since they fell asleep and now, Antonio wakes up to find the blonde he fantasises about doing … well, something very akin to the said fantasies. Not that Antonio was complaining but this situation feels a little too unlikely to be genuine.

Arthur was breathing heavily, his body burning up fast and a fever causing him hallucinations. The Omega couldn't even think straight anymore, his senses all were being overpowered by the infatuating scent of Alfa. Arthur's natural body reaction is causing him to lose all grasp with his rational self. All Arthur could be now is a mess of hormones begging the presence of an Alfa.

Leaning down, his emeralds half-lidded and his face flushed in sexual desire, Arthur clasped his lips against Antonio's. He felt the Spaniard hesitate before returning the kiss, a low guttural growl of want escaping the Alfa. Arthur began to move himself above Antonio's firm abdominals, edging lower and grinding against the growing hard of the older teen. Antonio's hands suddenly grabbed hold of Arthur's thighs, clinging desperately but not as aggressively or possessively as Arthur wanted them. It felt like Antonio was holding back and still hesitated to take the blonde.

Arthur whined his displeasure and almost like he had snapped, Antonio flipped them around, towering over the smaller teen, his expression one of a predator. Arthur smiled lazily, his arms reached up to wrap around Antonio's neck and he pulled the Spaniard closer and over himself, kissing him deeply and passionately. In the storming agony and hallucinations of his heats, Arthur no longer cared who he chose, his bodily need was no longer containable. Not after spending almost the entire day being cared by Antonio and surrounded by the Alfa's scent. It was torture for Arthur's senses and his mind lost all restraint.

Feliciano had all but slipped his mind.

To say Antonio was surprised is an understatement. To say he wanted this situation to prolong itself was also an understatement. But even with all the chances offered to him, the Spaniard still felt something was off with this. He knew Arthur well enough that he could not fathom Arthur ever doing something like this willingly. But evidence seemed to prove otherwise.

Antonio growled in need and want as he began to rip Arthur's shirt off (which was one of Antonio's shirts falling to big on the Omega since Arthur's clothes were still drenched in rain). Arthur whined and moaned cute little noises, begging for more, his body shivering under Antonio's touch. The Alfa could even smell a change in Arthur's scent. It was much more delectable, sweeter, almost infatuating and driving the Alfa crazy.

Antonio wasn't entirely sure but he had a feeling that Arthur was not conscious of his own actions. The many times Arthur had to skip school for little less than a week per month, the times when Feliciano would arrive late every day from visiting Arthur at his home every morning, the times when Arthur was locked up in his room and forbidden any Alfa presence … it all suddenly made sense now. Antonio had never realised just how painful those heats could be. And it seems Arthur was pushed beyond the limit that he no longer had any control over his needs.

Antonio paused suddenly.

This is wrong.

Arthur whined and complained, attempting to pull the Alfa back towards him. He was desperately needing this! He no longer could think or see or sense. Only the pain and pleasures mixed in him, confusing yet so clear. Feeling Antonio pull away and off from straddling him, Arthur cried in panic, his arms reached to wrap around Antonio's waist, holding him like a safety line.

"Please …" The Omega pleaded in a voice and tone that did not suit the normal Arthur. It almost made Antonio's resolve crumble. Almost.

Firmly, the Alfa pulled Arthur into his arms in a tight embrace. Arthur purred happily, thinking they would resume where they left off but the next instant, he felt a sharp blow at the back of his neck and Antonio whispered softly to his ear.

"Sorry cariño … Next time, if you still want me."

Arthur fell unconscious on the bed, naked and vulnerable. Antonio's eyes loomed over the porcelain body of the blonde, half-regretting his own actions. If he had simply let things be … if he had satisfied Arthur's needs … what could have happened? Antonio shook his head. He knew exactly what would have happened. Arthur would have hated himself and be even more miserable than he is now. And Antonio could not bring himself to hurt the blonde, even if that was his once-in-a-life-time chance to sleep with his loved one.

Pulling the covers over the shivering blonde and wrapping him in his warm embrace, Antonio cursed his misfortune. He tried shifting his position so that his hard groin would not get too close of Arthur. The blonde sought the warm Alfa presence by his side and unconsciously leaned closer to Antonio, caressing the tanned chest tenderly and making the Alfa groan in both delight and agony. Why could he not just satisfy both their needs? Why must Antonio act like a good Samaritan for once? Why? Why when everything he desired in life suddenly fell in the palms of his hands?

Antonio chuckled at his own actions. He would never have cared so much for an Omega before. And there he was, holding back, because of Arthur's feelings! How ironic!

Arthur groaned awake, rubbing his eyes and blinking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Where is he? How did he get here?

"Awake now?"

Arthur jumped out of his skin at the sudden voice by his side. He looked up to see Antonio watching him with an amused expression. If that was all, Arthur wouldn't mind but … what are Antonio's arms doing around him? Why is he leaning and sleeping against Antonio's bare chest? Why the hell is he naked?!

"No … No … No, no! I did not …! No …" Arthur repeated in a panic, trying to remember something of last night, anything that could dispel his doubts.

Antonio watched the blonde panic and couldn't help but feel relieved at his own decision last night. Seeing Arthur this distressed was not worth the pleasure of one night. Leaning closer, he placed a calming hand on Arthur's shoulder. The blonde tensed up under his touch, making Antonio sigh. He knew it. He knew it all along but it still hurt to see Arthur so distant with him.

"Nothing happened." Antonio appeased the Omega with what he hoped to be a cheerful optimistic voice. Arthur shot him a confused look, his beautiful green eyes wide and surprised.

"No …?" He let out in a weak frightened voice. Really … was the idea of sleeping with Antonio that terrifying?

"No. Well … almost but no. I … I kind of had to knock you out but it was for your own good …" The Spaniard explained quickly, averting his gaze and hoping not to get too scolded or yelled at for what he did.

Arthur didn't answer for a while, pondering on Antonio's words. When he did speak, his voice was normal and confident again, although distant.

"Do you regret it?"

Antonio bit his lip. There's no point in pretending. They both understood last night's situation perfectly and Arthur's emeralds were watching his reaction like a hawk. He felt like he was in an interrogation.

"Yes and no. Yes, because that was probably the chance I've dreamed for. No because I wouldn't want to hurt you … and doing this would definitely have hurt you." Antonio mumbled darkly, mentally cursing himself.

Arthur smiled thankfully to the older Alfa, gently squeezing his arm in a silent thank. Arthur never really considered Antonio able to be so considerate. H only assumed he was like all Alfas: Arrogant, Sexist, and Inconsiderate. But in this instant, Arthur was glad to have mistaken. There is one thing that troubles him …

"Why am I with you?" Arthur frowned confused at why he was at Antonio's house of all places.

"I found you under the rain outside yesterday. You looked unwell and I wasn't sure what to do so I took you here. What were you doing out anyway?" Antonio questioned, having wished to ask this since the moment he spotted Arthur looking lost and broken yesterday. If someone is responsible for this … Antonio felt a throbbing anger race through him but he contained it, not wanting to frighten the Omega. He just barely managed to gain Arthur's trust and didn't want to lose it due to his own misplaced protectiveness.

Arthur took in the Spaniard's words, slowly remembering the events of yesterday. He remembers his family discussing his condition. He remembers he would be forbidden to see Feliciano. He remembers the pain and agony of his Heats. He remembers the excessive blood loss. He remembers running away and …

"I ran away …" Arthur whispered more to himself than to his host, shocked at his own rash action. Arthur may be impulsive at times but never this unreasonable. He suspects his hormonal turmoil might have influenced his decision and made him act even more reckless than normal. Oh when Alistair finds him, he is going to make him suffer. Delightful prospect.

"Why?"

Arthur jumped and looked up, remembering that he was not alone in the room. Antonio was watching him with concern in his olive eyes and an unusually serious expression. Arthur blinked. Had Antonio always looked this handsome? Shaking the thought away, Arthur answered with a sigh.

"I guess I overreacted. Bloody Heats …" Arthur muttered in a breath. Antonio watched the blonde with careful eyes, noticing his depressed behaviour. He gently reached over and ran his large hand through the golden locks, stroking the blonde. Arthur blinked in surprise before a rush of red flushed his face in embarrassment and he pushed away the Spaniard's attempt at comfort.

"I don't need pity!" Arthur yelled angrily.

"I wasn't pitying you. I was just trying to cheer you up." Antonio frowned, angry at Arthur's lashing out at him.

"I don't need cheering up! Especially not from a bloody Alfa!"

"What is wrong with you?! Why do you hate Alfas so much?!"

"That's none of your business!"

"Tch! Omegas …" Antonio hissed quietly but Arthur caught him and glared even harder.

"Yeah? What about Omegas? Do you have a problem with me being an Omega?"

"You know what? Actually I do! You're not cute! You're not sweet! And you're the worse Omega I've ever met!" Antonio yelled back as they restarted their argument.

"Well excuse me for having a personality of my own! It's because of wankers like you that I hate Alfas! You always think you're so superior and you can get away with anything! I hate it! You lower other people for your own convenience! You're just a selfish, arrogant, self-centred bastard too!"

"What do you even know about me?! Alright, maybe I don't really give a damn about other classes but don't think for one minute that my life is all rainbows and sunshine, Eyebrows! You wouldn't last a day in my life!"

"How dare you call me Eyebrows, you Spanish wanker?! And you think you have problems? Well guess what, Princess? We all have problems! You're not the only bastard with fucking issues so don't expect bloody sympathy!"

"I would be ashamed of sympathy from an Omega!"

"Well good because no Omega will ever pity you! And trust me, keep that attitude up and you'll be alone the rest of your miserable life!"

"Like that'll be any different!" Antonio suddenly spoke in a quiet mutter, lowering his head.

His sudden odd reaction surprised Arthur and calmed him down. Looking over the Spaniard, the blonde could see how troubled the Alfa was. Having an argument with an Omega, Antonio was at loss at his own childish behaviour. He never snaps like that. Not usually. Not even against other Alfas. He's always able to keep up a distant tone no matter the situation. But Arthur was winding him up crazy!

Antonio jumped when he felt a pale hand reached to lift his head up. Emeralds peered into his olives, inquisitive and concerned.

"Sorry … I shouldn't have said that. Especially since you so kindly took care of me. I'm a bit on edge right now due to my Heats … I might go on tantrums and actually, I'll probably need you to leave me soon. Having an Alfa near me right now is making me even more irritable." Arthur explained.

Antonio stared blankly at the blonde before leaning forward and pecking Arthur's lips. The blonde unconsciously returned the kiss, moaning slightly as he felt his body jump in adrenaline and thrill. Suddenly reason snapped him back when Antonio pulled away. Blushing in anger Arthur was about to yell but Antonio's finger against his lips shut him up. He could feel his blood pulsing and ringing in his ears. If he keeps such a close proximity to the Alfa, he might lose it again! Antonio smirked, amused as he licked his lips.

"Compensation. For nursing a horny little Omega." The Alfa chuckled when Arthur attempted to punch him. They struggled and eventually both fell off the bed in a tangle of limbs as Arthur found himself underneath the taller larger ever-so-tempting Alfa. Bloody Heats. Bloody Hormones. And bloody Antonio without his bloody shirt!

Antonio stared down at the blonde. A relapse of last night flashed back in his mind. Really, why was he playing the good Samaritan. He never once considered an Omega's feelings until now. And suddenly, he finds himself unable to hurt Arthur in any way or form. Why? Why is this blonde devil torturing him like so?

"Sorry. Don't move." Antonio whispered as he moved up and away from Arthur whose heart was drumming against his rib-cage, probably about to rip out of his chest.

"Don't get too close …" He muttered when he felt himself able to breathe again and a safe distance between himself and the Alfa.

Antonio nodded, looking over his dresser as he picked up a random shirt from a nearby chair. Through his reflection, Antonio could see his body reaction from having to hold back while being so close to his object of desire. He should be given a medal for such self-restraint! The silver pendant hanging from the corner of his dresser's mirror made him frown. As he reached to grab it and hide it, Antonio heard Arthur's panicked voice behind him and turned to see him curled in a ball, hissing in agony.

"Get out …!"

Arthur glanced over the serious Spaniard. Antonio had not done anything to him despite how easily he could. The blonde smiled softly, but made sure he'd never let Antonio know how thankful he is. For a short instant, Arthur was able to cool down and take a step back over his situation. He still was in pain but at least, he wasn't agonising … yet. What should he do now? Go home? He really didn't want to have to face Alistair's fury right now. What other options did he have? Feliciano? No! No way! He can't! From the way his body is right now, Arthur fears he might do something to his friend that might destroy the precious bond they built. They had just started going out! ... ... They are going out, right? Feliciano did kiss him, right? Or was that all just due to his Heats as well? Arthur no longer knew, lost and confused. All he knew was that being near Feliciano, smelling Feliciano's scent, feeling Feliciano's presence and body heat, hearing Feliciano's voice ... it made his body break. He could not get near his friend. Not when he's like this.

Who would have thought that Arthur, Omega that hates Alfas, would find sanctuary in the house of an Alfa he hates, running from his own mate. Life has a weird humour.

Suddenly, Arthur felt his insides curl up and melt in an inferno of pain. He could not catch a break! Antonio panicked as he saw Arthur keel over and hiss in pain, holding his abdomen like he was wounded. Arthur's body temperature was already much higher than normal and he was sweating a lot. His vision started to blur and Arthur knew he would be having another crisis of pain and suffering. Antonio's presence next to him only made him feel worse.

"Get out …!" Arthur hissed in frustration.

Antonio frowned, not wanting to leave the blonde to suffer like that. Arthur's glare quickly convinced him and the Spaniard walked away, locking the door behind him, leaving Arthur alone in the room. Arthur took a good ten minutes to calm down, breathing slowly and in deep breathes as he tried to calm down his pulsing blood and the ringing in his ears. He felt lightheaded and his vision still had not fully returned. Really … what is wrong with him? His heats never were this serious before.

"Fuck … Fuck … Fuck …! Why is this happening?!" Arthur growled before he felt his heart leap and his mind blank out. He never realised that his body had suddenly reacted the moment a brunet had come rushing to Antonio's door, panic in his red eyes. Arthur fainted when the doorbell rang and the delicious scent of his mate called him.

Antonio kept up a straight poker face when he was faced with the bloody red eyes of the last person he ever thought capable of threatening him. Feliciano Vargas was more than pissed off, fury storming in his eyes, gritting his teeth as he tried to keep a cool-head … and failed.

"Where is he?" The Italian hissed in a low guttural warning. Antonio almost laughed at this. Since when could Feliciano threaten people? Since when did he actually feel fear in front of the younger Vargas?

"In my room." Antonio smirked, feeling a certain satisfaction and cockiness at the distorted expression of fear, rage and hatred on Feliciano's face.

Feliciano felt a sudden thrill run over his shoulders as his fist made contact with the other Alfa's jaw. Never before had Feliciano enjoyed violence. But ever since he had awakened his Alfa instinct, the taste of blood and the heat of the adrenaline made him crave for more. And the pure satisfaction of punishing those that harm his precious mate was immeasurable. Until now, Feliciano never really thought he hated anyone. Especially not Antonio.

Now, there is nobody else he holds such hatred for.

When the Italian felt some odd foreboding intuition, he had rushed first thing in the morning to the Kirkland household. Even though it's a Saturday and Feliciano is known for not being able to wake up in mornings, he arrived at Arthur's door at 7:30 am. Immediately, he sensed something was off.

Arthur's scent was missing.

He could hear shouts and panicked arguments rise inside and made out a few bribes about Arthur running away. Panic painted Feliciano's face and he felt his world break down. He ran back into town to find his missing blonde Omega. What if Arthur got attacked again? Or kidnapped? Or injured? Or killed? He'd never live it down if Arthur got killed. Sensing his partner, Feliciano felt his own Alfa blood call for the Omega. Almost like an invisible string tying him to his love. Feliciano growled as recognised an Alfa scent nearby Arthur's scent. Blinded by rage, the brunet rushed to the place he knew he would find Arthur, not even realising that he knew this place or the person in that flat. Only when the door opened did Feliciano feel the shock. He never hated Antonio before.

Now, he can't even bare to let him live.

Antonio pinned the Italian to the ground. Cute as he was, trying to be an all mighty Alfa, Feliciano still lacked fighting experience compared to a professional like Antonio. The Spaniard felt his own anger and hatred pulse through him. All his life he was forced to obey the orders of this little wimp and now, he can't even touch him. He can't even lift a finger on him. And such a person can get Arthur? How unfair is this world!

"I really hate you …" Antonio spoke in a cold low voice.

Feliciano stilled as he heard the words spoken with such cold hatred.

"You have everything I can never have. You are everything I can never be. And you still can't even act properly! Should I congratulate you for actually acting a bit more Alfa than you ever have your entire life? You're a disgrace to your family … so why are you the one entitled to have him?"

Feliciano heard Antonio's voice break slightly on his last words. He didn't understand why until a drop landed on his cheek. Twisting his head slightly and glancing up backwards, Feliciano was shocked at seeing Antonio's desperate expression of fury and hate. He had never seen such a dark expression on the sunny smiles of the Spaniard. Never had he seen Antonio's face without the happy-mask he always puts on. Never had Feliciano witnessed the Darkness behind the Sun.

"Make one move and your head will roll." the words were spoken colder than the blade grazing his neck.