Good things come in small packages 3/?
anonymous
April 27 2009, 16:51:10 UTC
I AM SO SORRY ANON. I was going to post another part shortly after, as I felt so guilty for leaving you all in such a moment... But then my internet broke, basically. ;_; I feel really bad now... I will try my best to bring the rest swiftly.
Lovino sighed as he surveyed his current wardrobe. Antonio had just invited him to a restaurant for this evening, promising delicious pasta. Lovino could not turn down such an invitation, especially when he could hear ripples of tension distorting the Spaniard’s musical voice. He was unsure as to the cause, but the Italian was not so unkind to disappoint him when something clearly was not right.
“Hey, Feliciano. What do you think I should wear tonight?” He asked his younger brother for a different opinion. Currently, he was considering a casual jeans and shirt.
“Ve~ Nii-chan, didn’t you say Antonio sounded nervous or something? And that he promised good pasta.” Feliciano pondered as he relaxed on Lovino’s bed, watching his brother choosing his clothes. He had his own date with a certain German that evening, but had decided to kill time hanging around Lovino for a while.
“Yeah, he sounded pretty tense. Wonder what’s gotten into that git?”
“Mmmm… I don’t know, but how about something a little smarter than usual, ve?”
“Why? You think I’m going to make an effort for someone like him?” The younger brother chuckled to himself at the elder’s attempt to sound completely uninterested. Lovino had never been one to openly express these sorts of emotions.
“If he’s promised good pasta… He usually tries out new places with you, but it sounds like he’s already checked it out. Ve~ I think tonight is special, so no jeans, right?” Feliciano smiled innocently, guessing Antonio’s true reasons for nervousness. Antonio had called before his brother had returned from a pasta shopping trip, and Feliciano had been able to determine from the sound of his voice that this was no ordinary evening.
“I guess you’re right.” In the end, Lovino chose a smart suit, without the tie to avoid looking too smart. As he headed out, trying to decipher the scribbles he’d made of the directions, his mind wondered back to the Spanish man. At first he’d hated the man, oh god was he annoying, always going on about Feliciano and saying weird things but somehow as he had grown up his opinion had changed. Lovino supposed that it was how the Spaniard had always tried to spend time with him when really the man had more pressing commitments, or protected him from various countries when he was in trouble. When he’d come back to Italy, initially Lovino had enjoyed the peace and his brother’s company. But that potato loving idiot always interrupted his brother’s train of thought, if not their relaxing evenings.
Slowly, Lovino had realized that, although he would never admit it, life was better with Antonio in it. He’d wished for the Spaniard to barge in with one of his weird ideas, or suddenly whisk the Italian away on a seemingly random day trip to an aquarium, somewhere ‘just for the fun of it’. Lovino kept his ear out for the phone’s inspiring ring, sprinting to pick it up whenever it rung, only to find the man the other end was never Spanish.
One day, he had found himself outside of Antonio’s house after wandering, lost in thought. He had decided that, maybe, something was wrong, he ought to confirm the Spaniard was well, and had reluctantly pushed himself to the door. His slender hand trembled as he raised it to knock. Lovino swallowed his pride, aware that he couldn’t think clearly without knowing the other’s well-being anymore.
The knocks sounded feeble, but he knew the country of passion would never miss a single one. The door opened, revealing an emotional Spaniard, whose look, initially shocked, quickly changed to that of gratitude and relief upon seeing him. Lovino was quickly hugged tightly, and while he acted surprised, he secretly smiled to himself. This idiot’s just fine.
Good things come in small packages 4/?
anonymous
April 27 2009, 21:15:42 UTC
Lovino now stood outside the restaurant, so adrift in his current concerns of the quality of the pasta at this restaurant that he initially failed to notice Antonio turning up.
“Found this place alright then, I see.” He jumped, turning to see the familiar face. The nervousness still lingered in the other’s voice, and Lovino wondered if it was possible to attain the reason. Equally he was sure what the Spaniard wanted him to know he’d say in due time.
“Hmph. I guess so.” He replied, their eyes locked together for a long moment. Unable to take the intense emotions radiating from the other, he broke away awkwardly.
“These are for you.” The Spaniard offered a large bunch of red flowers. It took Lovino a moment to register the type, and another for the hidden message to slot into place. Suddenly the possible reason for the odd actions of the other man flashed through his mind, and he couldn’t help the heat burst across his face. This could be a long evening, he thought as he accepted the bouquet reluctantly, and motioned to move into the restaurant.
Once inside and eating his spaghetti bolognese, Lovino relaxed a little. Antonio seemed to have calmed down. What a idiot. Getting himself all worked up, over what? An evening out? It was true that they hadn’t had an evening like this before. Usually the Spanish man would drag him on some trip out, and Lovino would insist he take him to a restaurant in compensation. To go to just a restaurant, it was like… No, no, I didn’t just think that! This is not a date! Damn you, Antonio… Making me think strange things… Lovino shot a glare at Antonio, but he appeared not to notice, continuing their conversation about that crazy boss Lovino had at the moment, and current popular artists like Eiffel 65.
Once they had finished, Antonio fell silent, which worried Lovino somewhat. The Spaniard was not one to struggle with finding new ground in their conversation. The Italian watched him closely as he seemed to mutter to himself, his eyes closed, and Lovino was about to speak when those green eyes flew open.
“Lovino…” That tone sounded dangerous. Lovino hoped he was wrong this time. “What?” He shot back.
The Spanish man seemed to steel himself for something, then he slid onto one knee at Lovino’s side, his large hand now clasping Lovino’s. His cheeks reddening, Lovino tried not to react, helped by the fact no-one was around, and stared at the other man. Those vivid green eyes sung with passion. Those moist lips parted with determination. Those callused hands surrounding his own. The Italian could not look away.
“Lovino, would you like to marry me?”
At first the Italian was about to snap back that that was a great joke, but then his brain registered the words, and his mouth didn’t work anymore. He knew Antonio liked him, had a special place in his heart for him, but he’d never realized, never thought this would happen, never thought Antonio would ask such a question. He'd thought it was parental love really, the way that the Spaniard protected him, the way he fussed over him. The silence roared in his ears. Finally, he managed to stutter a few words.
“Wha… you… er… eh?”
“I thought… You know… I promised, after all. And now you’re older, I guess… I like to keep my promises. But it’s okay… If you don’t…” The Spaniard trailed off. Antonio looked disappointed with the lack of reply. Lovino felt guilty, and was about to respond, when he noticed something was off.
“You… Honestly! If you’re going to ask something... like that, haven’t you forgotten something?” Lovino managed, trying to sound much less embarrassed then he was.
My mind is racing away now, after that cliffhanger I just knew I had to post two parts tonight to make up for it... I am so sorry anon. Working on the next part as you read this.
Good things come in small packages 5/?
anonymous
April 27 2009, 23:53:17 UTC
“I… What?” He frowned, then blanched. “The ring!” Antonio now fumbled in his pockets, blushing at his mistake. Lovino smiled to himself, despite the situation. The other had obviously gotten so worked up that he’d completely forgotten. He didn’t seem to be having much luck on finding it either, and his blush deepened. To see the Spaniard get embarrassed like this was unusual.
“Sorry, Lovi… It appears I have…” Antonio murmured.
The Italian knew it didn’t really matter. He’d obviously left it at home or something.
“It’s okay.” Lovino said, with a kinder tone than Antonio was accustomed to. He stopped his frantic search and looked up, slowly, hopefully. The Italian looked uncomfortable, yet somewhat content, a splash of pink decorating his cheeks. Antonio was struck by the rare moment.
Lovino noticed the other’s hands tremble, and he knew that, as much as he would like to deny it, he liked how Antonio tried his best for him. He liked how Antonio always had something to say, and was never afraid to say it. He liked how Antonio did everything with a passion, whether it was playing his guitar, or cooking a new dish. He knew that really, he’d been lying to himself that Antonio liked him as just a friend, or like a parent. He knew that he would be lying to say that he disliked Antonio anymore.
And the Italian realized his answer.
“Antonio…” He paused, unsure how to reply. This is just too embarrassing, damn it. His lip quivered.
“Lovi-” Antonio stopped when Lovino made a face at him. He’d never be able to reply if the Spaniard kept interrupting.
“A- As it’s you… I-I guess it’s okay, damn it. I expect daily pasta, you know.” The Italian muttered. The other looked stunned, then a wide smile slowly spread across his face.
“Lovi! That is, to say… You…”
“You had better make a smoother proposal at home, jackass.”
“Of course! Anything!” Antonio positively beamed. Lovino was bright red like a tomato now.
It was later on, when Lovino arranged those flowers in a vase that he wondered how they had managed to make it out of the restaurant with no questions asked, and how no notice was taken at the sight of two guys walking home together, one bright red, the other ecstatic. The Italian had even let the Spaniard loosely hold his hand, and they walked under the moonlight in an awkward silence. It would take time adjusting to this sort of relationship for a man used to covering up and lying about these emotions, even when the truth was apparent.
“Lovi! Come here!” Antonio shouted joyfully.
“I’m not some dog, you know. Honestly.” He muttered as he reluctantly followed the sound of that musical voice into the gently moonlit garden. Antonio was gleaming, hiding something behind his back. It didn’t take two guesses as to what it could be. The Italian sighed, and sat down.
“Lovino, I apologise about earlier. This time, I’ll do it right!” The Spaniard seemed confident. He knelt once again, and there was an understanding silence between the two for a moment. Antonio held his gaze steady in Lovino’s eyes, his hands once again finding Lovino’s, squeezing them gently.
“Lovino, will you marry me?” Each word seemed to ring in Lovino’s ears. A happy bubble seemed to rise within him, and he blushed as Antonio held out a small box this time. He took it, to find two simple rings within. The elder man had apparently chosen with care, knowing that Lovino would not want something obvious or flashy.
Now he felt awkward, knowing that he had to be open about this, possible replies filling his head. Lovino wasn’t used to speaking in this way, so open, and he didn’t like it. But he could not avoid it any longer. He knew it was now or never.
“You idiot, of course I will.” Lovino replied quietly.
I hope that I have made up for my horrible cliff hanger earlier with this. The most intense part yet~ But it gets better! There's more to come... but not tonight. I hope you have forgiven me now, anon.
Re: Good things come in small packages 5/?
anonymous
April 29 2009, 01:46:07 UTC
Awwwwwww.
“You… Honestly! If you’re going to ask something... like that, haven’t you forgotten something?” Lovino managed, trying to sound much less embarrassed then he was. Hahahaha.
Good things come in small packages 6/6
anonymous
May 1 2009, 01:15:45 UTC
Antonio beamed, and taking the little box, tenderly grasped his hand, slipping one of the rings on. He glanced at Lovino expectantly, and he realized, flushing, that he needed to do the same. Taking the large hand into his own, he quickly pushed the other ring on, and pulled back. This romantic atmosphere was not his forte, and part of him wanted to run far, far away.
Shamefully, he realized another part of him wanted this. A very small part. He hated being around whenever Feliciano and Ludwig, that potato bastard, were together. They always acted so lovey-dovey, and that very small part of him wanted to be at the receiving end of romance, not just watching. He wanted to show his brother that he was loved too. All too often Lovino felt like the extra, the add-on, ignored in preference to his brother whom everybody loved.
Except with Antonio. At first he may have preferred Feliciano, but now he only looked at Lovino. And that very small part of Lovino liked that. He liked to feel needed.
Lovino looked back to the Spanish man, now sitting beside him. He noticed how the mellow light struck Antonio’s face, and on impulse he leaned forward to press his lips against those luscious Spanish ones. Antonio, initially shocked, was quick to respond to the sudden advance, running his hand though the Italian’s soft brown hair, elongating the sweet moment. Gradually Lovino pulled back, wearing a look of embarrassment and pleasure. Antonio knew that act all too well, hiding satisfaction due to sheer humiliation of admitting to it. And he wiped that look straight off Lovino's face with another, more passionate, kiss, his hand ruffling the other’s hair further, until it found that particular curl. The heat radiating from Lovino intensified dramatically. He shot back.
“Wha-what a-are you do-doing?!” The Italian stuttered. Antonio was slightly taken back at this reaction. He knew he would have to take things at the Italian’s pace, but this was ridiculous. What had he done…?
Then it clicked.
“Nothing much, my dear Lovi~ Unless you have a problem…?” He responded slyly, knowing this would create the desired result from the proud Italian.
“O-of course not, idiot!” Lovino gasped, unable to admit the truth about that singular curl of hair, and at that Antonio sidled closer to continue as if uninterrupted.
This time, Lovino let him persist, with no complaints, wondering how he was to explain the sudden development of their relationship to his brother - no, to the world.
And that's it. Hope that was all IC. Thanks for reading!
Lovino sighed as he surveyed his current wardrobe. Antonio had just invited him to a restaurant for this evening, promising delicious pasta. Lovino could not turn down such an invitation, especially when he could hear ripples of tension distorting the Spaniard’s musical voice. He was unsure as to the cause, but the Italian was not so unkind to disappoint him when something clearly was not right.
“Hey, Feliciano. What do you think I should wear tonight?” He asked his younger brother for a different opinion. Currently, he was considering a casual jeans and shirt.
“Ve~ Nii-chan, didn’t you say Antonio sounded nervous or something? And that he promised good pasta.” Feliciano pondered as he relaxed on Lovino’s bed, watching his brother choosing his clothes. He had his own date with a certain German that evening, but had decided to kill time hanging around Lovino for a while.
“Yeah, he sounded pretty tense. Wonder what’s gotten into that git?”
“Mmmm… I don’t know, but how about something a little smarter than usual, ve?”
“Why? You think I’m going to make an effort for someone like him?” The younger brother chuckled to himself at the elder’s attempt to sound completely uninterested. Lovino had never been one to openly express these sorts of emotions.
“If he’s promised good pasta… He usually tries out new places with you, but it sounds like he’s already checked it out. Ve~ I think tonight is special, so no jeans, right?” Feliciano smiled innocently, guessing Antonio’s true reasons for nervousness. Antonio had called before his brother had returned from a pasta shopping trip, and Feliciano had been able to determine from the sound of his voice that this was no ordinary evening.
“I guess you’re right.” In the end, Lovino chose a smart suit, without the tie to avoid looking too smart. As he headed out, trying to decipher the scribbles he’d made of the directions, his mind wondered back to the Spanish man. At first he’d hated the man, oh god was he annoying, always going on about Feliciano and saying weird things but somehow as he had grown up his opinion had changed. Lovino supposed that it was how the Spaniard had always tried to spend time with him when really the man had more pressing commitments, or protected him from various countries when he was in trouble. When he’d come back to Italy, initially Lovino had enjoyed the peace and his brother’s company. But that potato loving idiot always interrupted his brother’s train of thought, if not their relaxing evenings.
Slowly, Lovino had realized that, although he would never admit it, life was better with Antonio in it. He’d wished for the Spaniard to barge in with one of his weird ideas, or suddenly whisk the Italian away on a seemingly random day trip to an aquarium, somewhere ‘just for the fun of it’. Lovino kept his ear out for the phone’s inspiring ring, sprinting to pick it up whenever it rung, only to find the man the other end was never Spanish.
One day, he had found himself outside of Antonio’s house after wandering, lost in thought. He had decided that, maybe, something was wrong, he ought to confirm the Spaniard was well, and had reluctantly pushed himself to the door. His slender hand trembled as he raised it to knock. Lovino swallowed his pride, aware that he couldn’t think clearly without knowing the other’s well-being anymore.
The knocks sounded feeble, but he knew the country of passion would never miss a single one. The door opened, revealing an emotional Spaniard, whose look, initially shocked, quickly changed to that of gratitude and relief upon seeing him. Lovino was quickly hugged tightly, and while he acted surprised, he secretly smiled to himself. This idiot’s just fine.
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“Found this place alright then, I see.” He jumped, turning to see the familiar face. The nervousness still lingered in the other’s voice, and Lovino wondered if it was possible to attain the reason. Equally he was sure what the Spaniard wanted him to know he’d say in due time.
“Hmph. I guess so.” He replied, their eyes locked together for a long moment. Unable to take the intense emotions radiating from the other, he broke away awkwardly.
“These are for you.” The Spaniard offered a large bunch of red flowers. It took Lovino a moment to register the type, and another for the hidden message to slot into place. Suddenly the possible reason for the odd actions of the other man flashed through his mind, and he couldn’t help the heat burst across his face. This could be a long evening, he thought as he accepted the bouquet reluctantly, and motioned to move into the restaurant.
Once inside and eating his spaghetti bolognese, Lovino relaxed a little. Antonio seemed to have calmed down. What a idiot. Getting himself all worked up, over what? An evening out? It was true that they hadn’t had an evening like this before. Usually the Spanish man would drag him on some trip out, and Lovino would insist he take him to a restaurant in compensation. To go to just a restaurant, it was like… No, no, I didn’t just think that! This is not a date! Damn you, Antonio… Making me think strange things… Lovino shot a glare at Antonio, but he appeared not to notice, continuing their conversation about that crazy boss Lovino had at the moment, and current popular artists like Eiffel 65.
Once they had finished, Antonio fell silent, which worried Lovino somewhat. The Spaniard was not one to struggle with finding new ground in their conversation. The Italian watched him closely as he seemed to mutter to himself, his eyes closed, and Lovino was about to speak when those green eyes flew open.
“Lovino…” That tone sounded dangerous. Lovino hoped he was wrong this time.
“What?” He shot back.
The Spanish man seemed to steel himself for something, then he slid onto one knee at Lovino’s side, his large hand now clasping Lovino’s. His cheeks reddening, Lovino tried not to react, helped by the fact no-one was around, and stared at the other man. Those vivid green eyes sung with passion. Those moist lips parted with determination. Those callused hands surrounding his own. The Italian could not look away.
“Lovino, would you like to marry me?”
At first the Italian was about to snap back that that was a great joke, but then his brain registered the words, and his mouth didn’t work anymore. He knew Antonio liked him, had a special place in his heart for him, but he’d never realized, never thought this would happen, never thought Antonio would ask such a question. He'd thought it was parental love really, the way that the Spaniard protected him, the way he fussed over him. The silence roared in his ears. Finally, he managed to stutter a few words.
“Wha… you… er… eh?”
“I thought… You know… I promised, after all. And now you’re older, I guess… I like to keep my promises. But it’s okay… If you don’t…” The Spaniard trailed off. Antonio looked disappointed with the lack of reply. Lovino felt guilty, and was about to respond, when he noticed something was off.
“You… Honestly! If you’re going to ask something... like that, haven’t you forgotten something?” Lovino managed, trying to sound much less embarrassed then he was.
My mind is racing away now, after that cliffhanger I just knew I had to post two parts tonight to make up for it... I am so sorry anon. Working on the next part as you read this.
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“Sorry, Lovi… It appears I have…” Antonio murmured.
The Italian knew it didn’t really matter. He’d obviously left it at home or something.
“It’s okay.” Lovino said, with a kinder tone than Antonio was accustomed to. He stopped his frantic search and looked up, slowly, hopefully. The Italian looked uncomfortable, yet somewhat content, a splash of pink decorating his cheeks. Antonio was struck by the rare moment.
Lovino noticed the other’s hands tremble, and he knew that, as much as he would like to deny it, he liked how Antonio tried his best for him. He liked how Antonio always had something to say, and was never afraid to say it. He liked how Antonio did everything with a passion, whether it was playing his guitar, or cooking a new dish. He knew that really, he’d been lying to himself that Antonio liked him as just a friend, or like a parent. He knew that he would be lying to say that he disliked Antonio anymore.
And the Italian realized his answer.
“Antonio…” He paused, unsure how to reply. This is just too embarrassing, damn it. His lip quivered.
“Lovi-” Antonio stopped when Lovino made a face at him. He’d never be able to reply if the Spaniard kept interrupting.
“A- As it’s you… I-I guess it’s okay, damn it. I expect daily pasta, you know.” The Italian muttered. The other looked stunned, then a wide smile slowly spread across his face.
“Lovi! That is, to say… You…”
“You had better make a smoother proposal at home, jackass.”
“Of course! Anything!” Antonio positively beamed. Lovino was bright red like a tomato now.
It was later on, when Lovino arranged those flowers in a vase that he wondered how they had managed to make it out of the restaurant with no questions asked, and how no notice was taken at the sight of two guys walking home together, one bright red, the other ecstatic. The Italian had even let the Spaniard loosely hold his hand, and they walked under the moonlight in an awkward silence. It would take time adjusting to this sort of relationship for a man used to covering up and lying about these emotions, even when the truth was apparent.
“Lovi! Come here!” Antonio shouted joyfully.
“I’m not some dog, you know. Honestly.” He muttered as he reluctantly followed the sound of that musical voice into the gently moonlit garden. Antonio was gleaming, hiding something behind his back. It didn’t take two guesses as to what it could be. The Italian sighed, and sat down.
“Lovino, I apologise about earlier. This time, I’ll do it right!” The Spaniard seemed confident. He knelt once again, and there was an understanding silence between the two for a moment. Antonio held his gaze steady in Lovino’s eyes, his hands once again finding Lovino’s, squeezing them gently.
“Lovino, will you marry me?” Each word seemed to ring in Lovino’s ears. A happy bubble seemed to rise within him, and he blushed as Antonio held out a small box this time. He took it, to find two simple rings within. The elder man had apparently chosen with care, knowing that Lovino would not want something obvious or flashy.
Now he felt awkward, knowing that he had to be open about this, possible replies filling his head. Lovino wasn’t used to speaking in this way, so open, and he didn’t like it. But he could not avoid it any longer. He knew it was now or never.
“You idiot, of course I will.” Lovino replied quietly.
I hope that I have made up for my horrible cliff hanger earlier with this. The most intense part yet~
But it gets better! There's more to come... but not tonight. I hope you have forgiven me now, anon.
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OP was literally grinning from ear to ear when she was reading this, and she cannot wait for the next part. Liek srsly. *A*
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“You… Honestly! If you’re going to ask something... like that, haven’t you forgotten something?” Lovino managed, trying to sound much less embarrassed then he was.
Hahahaha.
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Shamefully, he realized another part of him wanted this. A very small part. He hated being around whenever Feliciano and Ludwig, that potato bastard, were together. They always acted so lovey-dovey, and that very small part of him wanted to be at the receiving end of romance, not just watching. He wanted to show his brother that he was loved too. All too often Lovino felt like the extra, the add-on, ignored in preference to his brother whom everybody loved.
Except with Antonio. At first he may have preferred Feliciano, but now he only looked at Lovino. And that very small part of Lovino liked that. He liked to feel needed.
Lovino looked back to the Spanish man, now sitting beside him. He noticed how the mellow light struck Antonio’s face, and on impulse he leaned forward to press his lips against those luscious Spanish ones. Antonio, initially shocked, was quick to respond to the sudden advance, running his hand though the Italian’s soft brown hair, elongating the sweet moment. Gradually Lovino pulled back, wearing a look of embarrassment and pleasure. Antonio knew that act all too well, hiding satisfaction due to sheer humiliation of admitting to it. And he wiped that look straight off Lovino's face with another, more passionate, kiss, his hand ruffling the other’s hair further, until it found that particular curl. The heat radiating from Lovino intensified dramatically. He shot back.
“Wha-what a-are you do-doing?!” The Italian stuttered. Antonio was slightly taken back at this reaction. He knew he would have to take things at the Italian’s pace, but this was ridiculous. What had he done…?
Then it clicked.
“Nothing much, my dear Lovi~ Unless you have a problem…?” He responded slyly, knowing this would create the desired result from the proud Italian.
“O-of course not, idiot!” Lovino gasped, unable to admit the truth about that singular curl of hair, and at that Antonio sidled closer to continue as if uninterrupted.
This time, Lovino let him persist, with no complaints, wondering how he was to explain the sudden development of their relationship to his brother - no, to the world.
And that's it. Hope that was all IC. Thanks for reading!
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You have no idea how much I loved reading this. SO MUCH THAT CAPSLOCK CANNOT EVEN EXPRESS IT. *A* You've made me such a happy OP. ♥
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Ah, these two are wonderful. I wonder why I wasn't that interested in them before. The bit at the end with the curl was just fantastic.
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