[fanfic] Diligere Errantem - Eight

[damagectrl]

Title: Diligere Errantem
Part: Eight
Characters: OCPhilippines, Spain, & America (mainly)
Pairings: America x OC Philippines, Spamano
Warnings: OLDER TEEN - Highly Alternate Universe, Historical Setting, Non-Countries, OC Warning, Drama, Angst, Romance, Cross-Dressing, Some Implied Adult Themes, Unbetated Mind Dribble...in fact, nothing about this is Hetalia except the characters, and even they're completely displaced. I'm sorry.
Summary: Sought out by one of the most powerful men to paint for his family, Antonio must uproot his life and move to Rome. Under the eyes of the most scrupulous men in the world, he attempts to protect his daughter by disguising her as his male apprentice, but that would only make her the object of even more scrutiny, especially by that of his young rival, Alfred.

Preview:

"Do not forget our deal," his voice rasped in her ear. Maria closed her eyes and forced herself to remain composed. "The moment Antonio goes off one on of his meetings or liaisons with the church, and we are alone," he stated. "You owe me your body." His grip tightened and Maria bit her lip. "Do you understand?"

She felt dirty and disgusted with herself, but Maria swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded obediently. "Yes," she replied in a broken voice. It was for her father, she reminded herself. "I understand."



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Diligere Errantem
.Eight.
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own anything other than the plot. Even then, it's not that creative.
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His daughter.

Just when Lovino thought there were no words to redeem Antonio's depraved treachery, he was hit with two words that seemed to change so much and make him feel completely foolish. In retrospect, the woman being Antonio's daughter shouldn't have been a surprise.

Lovino had always known he had a daughter. In fact, some of Antonio's first words to him were "I have a daughter a few years younger than you. I'm sure you two would get along wonderfully."

Now, crumpled on the floor before him was proof that Antonio had indeed returned to Florence once a year to see his only child. The shaking, sobbing mess of a linen nightgown and black hair was the woman in the sketches. In front of him and informed of her relationship to the Master Artist, it was suddenly obvious that she was his daughter. It should have been obvious from the beginning.

The sketches of the young woman did resemble the sketches of the little girl, only older. Why hadn't he seen it sooner? How many people had such exotic features, now that he thought about it. It wasn't as if the daughter would stay a child forever, either. Of course Antonio would sketch is adult daughter. Why wouldn't he? He was an artist and had been doing so for years!

"Papa...!" she cried. Lovino watched as her fingers curled into her father's shirt as she sobbed. "Papa, I'm sorry!"

"Shh, hija, shh...," the green-eyed artist cooed as he tucked her head beneath the crook of his neck. His arms seemed to tighten around her as he closed his eyes tightly and rocked her in place. Her hair was a mess and her face was a rich rusty-brown color. Tears were streaming down her soft cheeks and Antonio held her as if she would disappear at any moment.

"Your daughter...," Lovino struggled to say. Even as it all made sense, he still sounded full of disbelief. "She's...she's supposed to be in...in Vienna!" he countered, as if refusing to believe that she was there in front of them.

A pair of dark, reddened eyes settled on him. A look of distress graced Maria's face as she pulled away from her father's embrace and shakily crawled to him.

"Young Lord, please," she pleaded as her hands rose and grasped his arm. "Please! I beg you, do not report my father to your grandfather! I will leave!" she offered, her grip tightening on his arm. "No one needs to know that I was here! You...you can just tell everyone that...that Papa fired me! Yes!" she said as her eyes widened. They still shone with desperation. "Tell them that he fired me! For what reason, I care not, but I beg you, do not report my father!"

Her eyes were rimmed with tears as her hands trembled around his arm. Lovino stood, unmoving before them, his eyes locked with Maria's intense, desperate eyes; unsure how to answer her.

He could feel his heart twisting in his chest as he began to tremble himself. His mind began to rage. It was this woman's fault. The reason Antonio had been hesitant about continuing their physical relationship when Maria arrived was because she was his daughter! The reason Antonio had given him less attention since he became the Master Artist was because of her! Now, the reason that Antonio could be disgraced and kicked out of the job he lived for - the job that brought them together - was because of the wench before him.

Narrowing his eyes and gritting his teeth, he tore his arm from Maria's grasp and shot her a hateful glare. He stepped back quickly, avoiding her attempts to stop him and sending her tumbling to the floor.

"Young Lord!" She quickly pushed herself back up, trying to move towards him once more. Antonio darted forward and pulled her back, afraid that Lovino would lash out and hit her in his rage.

As the older man gathered his daughter against him, Lovino felt another rush of anger, but this time at Antonio. Daughter or not, Antonio was willing to give up everything for her, including him it seemed, and the heir seethed at the thought.

"Why is she here?!" he demanded angrily as his hands flew out at his sides. Maria shrank back against her father at the sound of his voice.

"I-"

"I brought her!" Antonio cut off is daughter quickly. He tightened his arms around her protectively and met Lovino's eyes. "Maria has always wanted to paint with me and I swore to myself that one day she would paint by my side! I spent so long away from my daughter, Lovino...I left her when she was seven!" Antonio stressed as his own eyes damped with tears. "I left my little girl alone! I only want to live with my daughter in peace!"

His daughter. There was that word again in a sentence that didn't include him. The Master Artist couldn't have spelled it out any clearer. Antonio wanted to live with his daughter...but cared not for him. Bitterness mixed with the anger already bubbling in him and Lovino's hands tightened into fists at his sides. He shook his head as he took another step back.

"No...," he spat out as shot them both glares. He whirled around, his fists shaking as he stormed towards the door.

"Young Lord!" Maria called out in a pleading voice.

He paid her no attention as he grabbed the door handle and forced it open before slamming it angrily in his wake. Maria choked back her cries as she lifted her hands to her face and wailed into them. This was it. It was over...she had single-handedly ruined her father's great career and reputation.

Behind her, Antonio closed his eyes and held her tighter. He silently cursed himself. Somehow, he knew, he was responsible for this. For Maria and for Lovino. His daughter sobbed into her hands. She had worked so hard to get where she was.

"What are we going to do, Papa?" her broken cries reached his ears.

Antonio bit his lower lip and shook his head. "I don't know, hija...," he admitted painfully. "I don't know...."

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It wasn't that Alfred hated his quarters at the Roma Estate, it was just that there was always a much more comfortable bed waiting for him at Francis' flat. It was larger, softer, and had imported pillows. The only downside was that after he finished work at the estate, he still had to walk to the flat.

Still, it was closer to the Vatican from the flat and he had to go to work there the next morning, therefore, it would be worth it to walk to Francis' that night. There was also something to eat there.

The blond artist reached for a rag and dried his paint stained hands thoroughly before tossing it to the side and proceeding to blow out all the lanterns in his studio. Just as he stepped out and turned to lock the door, a body slammed into his.

Alfred barely had time to shift his weight on to his back foot and keep from falling backwards as a skittish Lovino pushed himself away.

"You will pay more attention next time," the brunette grumbled with a low voice. His face was dark as he quickly sidestepped the blond and continued on his way without a word. The senior artist could almost feel the anger rolling from the heir.

Alfred raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to apologize, though it wasn't his fault, but Lovino was already halfway down the corridor. Alfred furrowed his brow and then shook his head. Perhaps the heir was having some sort of argument with the Master Artist.

Like many of the other artists at the estate, Alfred didn't exactly approve of the Young Lord's methods of joining their ranks. However, he was still Lord Roma's grandson and no one felt it was worth it to question the whims of their patron's irritable heir. So long as he didn't make their jobs any more difficult, everyone seemed to turn a blind eye to Lovino's unorthodox apprenticeship.

Pushing the brunette into the back of his mind, Alfred turned around a headed for his own quarters. He needed a change of clothes and hadn't sent his laundry off to be laundered yet. Usually, Francis would have sent it to be done, but the older artist was off on his little trip.

After gathering some clothes into a worn canvas bag, he looped it across his body and left his quarters. He locked the door behind him and proceeded to walk back down the hall. He made it out towards the walkway that cut through the courtyard when he saw a faint figure moving from the corner of his eye. He tensed for a moment and snapped his head to his left, narrowing his eyes as he tried to find the figure in the dark.

When he couldn't find it, he shook his head and continued on his way. "I really need to get some sleep...," he mumbled as he rounded the corner. He lifted his hand to his mouth to let out a yawn and didn't hear the quiet footsteps coming from behind him.

Just as he lowered his hand, he felt something slam into his backside, making him stumble forward.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" There was a dull thud behind him and he whirled around just in time to see the person who had run into him fall on to her behind and slide over the marble tiles. Their arms had flown out to try to steady them as a familiarly large hat slid an arm's length away. The petite figure turned towards her dislodged hat and scrambled to get a hold of it as long, black tresses scattered around her.

Even in the dim lights of the lanterns that lined the hall, Alfred could figure out who it was. "Juan?" he asked, confused. It was late. He didn't expect his friend, who had a reputation for being at the work site earlier than anyone, to be up so late.

"Alfred?" Maria froze. Her fingers tightened around the hat as she whirled around and faced the golden-haired artist.

A small smile appeared on his lips as he extended his hand to help her up. "What are you doing up this late-?"

"Have you seen Young Lord Lovino?" Maria completely ignored his outstretched hand as her frantic, reddened eyes darted around.

Alfred blinked, surprised, but didn't withdraw his hand. "I saw him a moment ago-"

Wide, dark eyes grew even larger as Maria scrambled on to her feet, not even looking at his extended hand. She looked at him eagerly. "Where!?" she gasped.

For a moment, Alfred stared at her. He'd seen her one or twice with her hair down, but he had never really noticed it before. Perhaps it was the play of the lantern light against her face that drew his attention. When her hair fell around her face and framed it, she looked more like a young woman than ever. He felt his cheeks heating up slightly. She would've made a cute girl.

Maria didn't seem to notice Alfred's gaze as she grabbed her hair with one hand and twirled it into a quick knot before shoving it beneath the hat she was still holding. Suddenly, the rather attractive young woman had vanished and in her place was...as still rather attractive young man.

Silently, Alfred cursed his idiocy. All artists had an attraction to beauty, it's just that he tended not to care whether or not that beauty was male or female. What did matter, however, was that he was finding himself attracted to his friend...by comparing his friend to a female. If 'Juan' knew, the pupil would kill him.

"Alfred," Maria called out once more, snapping his attention back on to her. "Where did you see him?"

"Uh...," Alfred blinked. He drew his head back and gave it a slight shake. "He was walking down the main corridor earlier."

"I see," Maria nodded. That meant he was still within the estate grounds. She gave Alfred a thankful nod of her head. "Very sorry for the bother, Alfred! Thank you!"

"Juan, about the imp: he looked a bit upset," Alfred warned, concerned as he held out his hand to try to stop her. "Perhaps you should-"

"It'll be fine, really," Maria assured him with a weak smile. "I just need to speak to him!" She began to head down the corridor, putting more and more distance between them. "Have a good evening, Alfred!" she added quickly before vanishing after Lovino.

Alfred remained standing where he stood, a look of uncertainty on his face. He took a deep breath and bit his lower lip. Grasping the strap of his bag tightly, he ran after Maria. Lovino was angry when he had bumped into Alfred earlier. The blond doubted that a few moments was enough time for the hotheaded youth to cool off.

Now that he thought about it, the other pupil had looked upset as well. Maria's eyes had been swollen and red; a sure sign of crying. Had they finally gotten into a fight? All the other artists thought that eventually, the first pupil would become irritated with the second, or vice versa. If that was the case, then Lovino would've been angry at Maria and....

Alfred quickened his pace, suddenly worried that the two would get into a physical argument. If that were the case, Lovino could possibly hurt Maria and, as he was the patron's grandson, get away with it. A chill ran down his spine at the thought. He ran down the hall where he hoped that he would find the duo, but couldn't see them or hear their footsteps.

He clenched his teeth and looked around, hoping to spot at least one of them before someone was hurt. Then, in the distance, half hidden by the carefully pruned shrubs of Lord Roma's gardens, he saw Maria's hat. Alfred wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or not. Carefully, he walked along the corridor that lined the garden and hid behind one of the columns. He peeked around one and squinted.

The first pupil was standing in front of the second, clutching his arm with what looked like an iron grip as she pleaded something Alfred could not hear.

"Please, Young Lord, do not tell your grandfather-"

"You will release my arm at once!" Lovino hissed in a low voice, making the young woman grasping his arm wince. He tugged it once more, but Maria held on to him.

"Not until you assure me that you will not inform your grandfather of this!" Maria choked out. "Please, Young Lord, I do not wish for my father to be disgraced and discharged from his position! He loves his work, you know that!"

"I know damn well what your...father," he forced behind gritted teeth. "Loves! If he's willing to put his precious position as Master Artist - one he has worked for years to reach - at risk because of his cross-dressing daughter, then so be it!"

A pained look filled Maria's face as Lovino managed to tear his arm away and storm past her. She wouldn't relent. She scrambled forward, darting in front of him and stopping him before he could leave.

"It is my fault! I'm the one who wanted Papa to come to here work! I'm the one who told him I wanted to paint with him!" Maria insisted. "It is my fault! Papa shouldn't suffer because of my selfishness!"

"Do you think it's that simple!?" Lovino growled. "That I can turn you in, but not your father!? Do you think my grandfather is stupid enough to believe that Antonio didn't know his own daughter was Juan Fernandez!?

Maria bit her lower lips. "Then please just let my father fire me," she said. "You need not say a word, simply let me leave."

Lovino narrowed his eyes. Let her leave? Was that her answer? Allow her to escape, unpunished for her ruse that went directly against his grandfather's will? It was almost laughable. He didn't like her as Juan and as Maria, she was the cause of even more problems. Why would he let her go so easily?

"You can take my place," Maria suggested earnestly. "With me gone, you can become Papa's only apprentice!" she insisted, hoping that it would be enough to sway the heir.

That was an attractive offer. Lovino knew it was a good deal, but the issue still remained, if she left, there was a chance that eventually, Antonio would, as well. If she left, her father, who had risked everything for her, would surely follow! What good would that do for him!? Losing the Master Artist would severely hinder his efforts to become an artist. Worst yet, Lovino wasn't sure he was willing to let Antonio go. As angry as he was, Antonio was still one of the most important people to him.

That was the reason he had reacted so violently upon the thought of betrayal in the first place.

His silence left Maria more and more unsettled. She searched his eyes, frantically looking for a glimmer of interest or a spark of faltering will. Lovino shook his head, more at himself than at her. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He wanted her to be punished and suffer, but he didn't want to lose Antonio. He turned away from her, stepping around her trembling body.

Maria's heart sank. He was going to report her father.

"Young Master, please!" Maria cried out once more. "I'll do anything!" she choked out. "Just do not do this to my father!"

Lovino froze in his tracks, his mind mulling over her words. When he stopped, Maria held her breath in hope. The brown-eyed heir glanced over his shoulder. "You would do...anything?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at the word.

Without question, Maria nodded. "I will do whatever you ask of me," she assured him in a shaking voice. "So long as Papa keeps his job."

The corners of his lips curled up into a lecherous sneer. "You disgusting whore...," he said in a low voice. Maria's went wide. "You think you can just offer yourself so easily for such a noble cause?" he spat out as he turned around and faced her. His eyes raked over her body and Maria took a step back, her arms automatically rising over her chest. She hadn't meant it in such a way, but she had already spoken and Lovino had reacted. "Who do you think you are?" he leered as he took a step forward. "Who are you to offer yourself to someone like me...."

His voice trailed off as he watched her arms cross over her stomach as her head lowered shamefully. He hadn't noticed earlier, but now that he got a good look at her body, the perfect idea formulated in his mind. She was perfect. The situation was perfect. His lip twitched, wanting to smile at the sheer genius of it all.

She was wearing a loose tunic but beneath it laid a petite female body with all the curves that he needed to practice. And she was in his debt. He let out a muffled laugh. He couldn't believe how lucky he was after all that had happened!

His eyes narrowed. "You will do anything?" Lovino asked carefully, unable to keep the smirk off his face. Maria bit her lower lip and nodded once more. His body tingled with anticipation. She was his now. "Then let me name the terms of our agreement."

Her eyes crinkled up as she suddenly wished she had never offered such a thing in her desperation. She hesitated. Lovino continued to look at her, knowing full well that no matter how long she hesitated, she would eventually conform. Silently, Maria prayed for forgiveness for something she had not yet done. Then, she agreed.

The next morning, after being sworn to secrecy, Maria stood over her father's sleeping body. His hair was tousled and his eyes had dark circles around them. He had fallen asleep awkwardly on a large chair in the main living area of the flat, just a few paces from where Maria had been dragged out and thrown to the ground before his feet hours earlier.

He had probably been waiting for Lovino to return, but by the time he and Maria walked through the door, Antonio was already asleep. Lovino had given her a pointed look; one that told her not to tell him about their agreement or he would tell his grandfather. Maria nodded solemnly and looked away from her father, almost shamefully. She wouldn't tell him even if she could.

She had quickly disappeared into her room, locking the door behind her and even dragging her heavy chest of clothes against it.

Lovino had almost gleefully returned to his own bedroom, feeling in control of the situation once more.

When the sun rose, Maria, who had barely gotten any sleep slowly changed into her chest confining under shirt and layers of men's clothing. She crept outside and found Lovino already standing beside Antonio's sleeping body.

"Are...are you going to wake him up?" she asked quietly after Lovino remained where he stood, unmoving.

A pair of brown eyes rose and glanced over at her lazily. "He is your father," he told her in a smug voice, as if reminding her why she had agreed last night in the first place. "You wake him up."

She lowered her eyes and obediently rounded the chair. She placed her small hands on his shoulders and began to lightly shake him.

"Papa," she called out quietly. "Papa...." She repeated, stronger.

The tan-skinned man slowly stirred and opened his eyes. Antonio could make out familiar black hair and a brown face and instantly sat up straight. "Hija!" he choked out, his hands automatically reaching for her.

"It's alright, Papa," she smiled softly as his hands grasped her shoulders. "It's alright. The...the Young Lord has decided not to report this to his grandfather."

Green orbs widened and Antonio whirled around, looking for Lovino. The heir was standing with his arms crossed not too far away. "Lovino?" he asked, his voice shaking, almost refusing to believe it was true in case it was a cruel joke. His eyes crinkled up. "Why?"

"There's no point in telling my grandfather," Lovino stated blandly. "It will reflect badly on us and disgrace me, as well."

"Lovino...," Antonio nearly slid out of his seat and prostrated himself on the ground before the heir. "Thank you!" he stammered as joy filled his face. It quickly vanished as Lovino looked away. "But...Maria...."

"She can stay," Lovino spat out. "I want to be an artist," he reiterated. "If she goes, then you'll have more work on your hands, which means less time for you to teach me. I know where I stand artistically. I'm not a fool. I know that no one else would take me seriously. I need you here."

His voice was gruff and his reasons were selfish, but Antonio still rose from the ground and rushed over to him. His arms wrapped around the smaller frame of the younger man. Lovino tried to remain stiff and unswayed against the Master Artist's warm embrace, but couldn't help but flush as he was crushed against Antonio's broad chest.

"Thank you, Lovino!" he said. "I owe you a great deal-"

"Just continue to teach me as you do," Lovino snapped, cutting him off. God, it felt good to be in his arms again. He almost followed Antonio with his body as the older man released him. "And make sure to keep this a secret. Both of you."

"Of course! Of course!" Antonio laughed, overcome with relief. He turned to Maria and smiled brilliantly. "Hija! Lovino has been merciful to us!"

Maria remained where she had been with a smile on her face. "I am aware, Papa," she said, trying to sound as pleasant as possible. "You must go and wash up now. As soon as we finish breakfast, we must leave for the chapel."

"Yes!" Antonio beamed. He swept past her and kissed her on the head joyfully before rushing to his study. The door closed behind him and Maria's smile immediately fell from her face. She turned her head away from Lovino and started towards the kitchen.

"I will begin preparing breakfast, Young Lord-"

She sucked in a sharp breath as Lovino grabbed her upper arm as she passed. His grip was painful, but she didn't dare cry out. The young man lowered his head down, his lips hovering just beside her ear.

"Do not forget our deal," his voice rasped in her ear. Maria closed her eyes and forced herself to remain composed. "The moment Antonio goes off one on of his meetings or liaisons with the church, and we are alone," he stated. "You owe me your body." His grip tightened and Maria bit her lip. "Do you understand?"

She felt dirty and disgusted with herself, but Maria swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded obediently. "Yes," she replied in a broken voice. It was for her father, she reminded herself. The man who had raised and loved her. "I understand."

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Antonio assumed that Maria had dived deep into her apprentice duties as a way to redeem herself in his eyes, though he felt it unnecessary. More than ever, she insisted on accompanying him places, such as the market and even to church. When he forgot something at the chapel, she would immediately go and fetch it, even after he said it was unnecessary.

He had tried to speak to her and tell her that she need not push herself so far. He told her that what had happened was not her fault and that he was the one who arranged for her to come to Rome. Maria had assured him that she was fine doing all the additional errands and spending longer periods of time at the chapel.

When Antonio was teaching Lovino, Maria made a point to be elsewhere, if only to avoid being in the same vicinity as Lovino and her father. The heir didn't bother keeping his activities with Antonio secret. He would boldly inform Maria that he wanted private time with her father and, trying not to look as disgusted as she felt, Maria would take it as an order to leave them for an hour or two. The young heir himself hadn't said a word. He was certainly in no rush to use her and was more than happy to be showered with attention from her father. Antonio did so willingly; after all, it was Lovino who was being lenient with them.

Unknown to Antonio, it was directly for his sake that she was constantly by his side or playing the role of diligent pupil. In truth, she knew that if her father was there, Lovino would ask nothing of her. She was doing it for the sake of her father, but she had brought the situation upon her self. She could only hope that her father would forgive her using him to avoid Lovino.

As a result of her trying to avoid Lovino, she had inevitably avoided Alfred for five days, as well.

She missed their random talks and the ease in which he put her. She missed his bright, cheerful smiles and his boisterous laughter. She missed his easy going attitude and his company. Every time she passed his work areas, she felt a surge of guilt for avoiding him. Once, she was tempted to seek him out and explain why she was avoiding him, but managed to stop herself.

How could she possibly explain everything without mentioning the fact that she was a woman? He would be shocked...disgusted! Possibly horrified! Maria lowered her eyes as she dried a trowel at the floor of the chapel, where she was spending the day with her father. Lately, her mind had been wandering back to her friend during the moments her mind wasn't focused on her work. Perhaps she should pay him a visit....

"Juan!" a voice called behind her. She automatically turned around and searched for the owner of the voice. She could see her father climbing down the final steps of a ladder. "Juan! We're out of candles for tonight," he said. "Do we have any more at the estate? Can you fetch some for us?"

Her eyes widened. Lovino was at the estate. She blinked and turned away. "I am unsure if we have any more candles there, Master Carriedo," she answered as she lowered the trowel that was clenched tightly in her hand. "Perhaps I should run to the market instead? I can purchase a handful and bring them directly here for use at the chapel."

Antonio's eyes widened, looking pleased with the idea. "Excellent, Juan," he nodded as he reached into the folds of his clothes for a small velvet money sack. "By enough for two weeks," he said as he managed to fish out a small sack of coins. "Do you require assistance?"

"I may need another set of hands," she admitted as she took the coins and slipped it into the folds of her shirt. She looked past her father and waved a hand in the air. "Flavio!" she called for one of the younger assistants. "Bring a large bag! We need to purchase candles at the market!"

"Yes, Juan!" The assistant, a boy a year or so younger than her, nodded and jumped from his spot to go fetch a bag.

"We'll return soon," Maria assured her father as she began to make her way to the exit. Antonio nodded and turned back to the scaffolding where he had spent the last few hours on his back. He lifted his hand and cracked his neck. It was such an odd angle, but he was sure it was worth it. After stretching his arms and legs for a few more minutes, he headed back to the ladder and prepared to climb up.

"Master Carriedo!" a voice called from the door. "Master Carriedo!"

The green-eyed man, with his hands still on the ladder, turned towards the door and raised an eyebrow. A handsome young guard was standing at the threshold, his lance still in his hand as he peered in cautiously.

"Here!" Antonio said as he released the ladder and made his way over. His lips turned into a frown at the thought of being interrupted. "What is it?"

The soldier gave him a slight bow of his head as he stood up straight. "Master Carriedo, there is a man at the western entrance who has been asking for you."

Antonio snorted and turned his head away. He gave the guard a dismissing wave of his hand. "I've already instructed the guard to turn away any visitors!"

"Sir, this is not the first time he has come," the guard told him. "He has been here several days in a row and demands to see you."

Antonio tensed. He narrowed his eyes. "Who is this man?"

"He will not say, Master Carriedo. We've asked him and threatened him, but he returns every day and asks for you."

Antonio scowled. "Another fanatic, perhaps." He turned away and began walking back. "Arrest him if you will. It is no concern of mine."

"Yes, Master Carriedo. He has been spouting non-sense since he's arrived," the guard said as he began to head back to his post. "Something about a sister named Jin."

The Master Artist froze. "Jin?" He whirled around and called the guard back, assuring him that he would deal with the man himself. Quickly, Antonio made his way towards the western entrance, stumbling to a stop only when he finally laid eyes on a familiar Asian man surrounded by uniformed Swiss Guards.

A silent swear escaped his lips as his eyes crinkled up. It was Maria's eldest brother.

"Carriedo!" A pair of dark eyes caught his and for a moment, Antonio was frozen in place. Yao tried to take a step forward, but was held back by the guards. "Let me go! I need to speak to him, aru!"

He looked angry and was arguing against the guards. Finally, Antonio stepped forward and waved for the guards to stand down.

"I was told he was waiting for me?" Antonio asked, feigning innocence as Yao's eyes bore into his head.

"Master Carriedo, this man is causing a disruption. Is he an acquaintance of yours?" one of the older guards asked.

"No."

"Liar!" Yao yelled as he lunged out at him, only to be held back by two guards. "Where is my sister, you devil!"

"I'll deal with him him," Antonio told the guards. They gave him questioning looks, but he nodded. They released Yao and the man rushed forward and grabbed the artist by the collar of his shirt.

"Where is she!?" Yao demanded immediately.

Antonio frowned and grabbed his arm. "Come with me," he said in a low voice as he dragged the man further away from the gate. "What are you doing here, Yao?" he demanded as he finally released the man in the shadow of city walls.

"I'm looking for my sister, aru!" Yao scowled "Why else!?

Antonio ran a hand down his face. He had avoided their store at all costs. How did Yao find him? He shook his head. "She is fine, Yao. As I told you when I took her into my care, I would give her a good home and nurture her talents," Antonio reminded him firmly. "She is my daughter now and she is an exceptional artist!"

Yao's eyes narrowed. "Why did you not bring her back to see us?" he demanded. "Not once had you returned!"

"It was not part of the arrangement for me to bring her back for visits!" Antonio growled. "She became my daughter!"

"But she is still our sister!"

"You gave up the right when you let me take Maria!" Antonio barked. Yao's eyes widened with surprise.

"Maria?" he hissed at the name. His eyes narrowed. "Her name is Jin, aru! Why did you change her name!?" he demanded furiously.

"Maria was a more fitting name!" Antonio remarked. "She already looked different from the people around her, I didn't want her name to stand out , as well!"

"You brainwashed my sister, aru!" Yao accused. "First you took her from us, then you changed her name!? Are you striping her of her past!?

Antonio gritted his teeth. "I just want her to live a good life!"

Yao shook his head wildly. "That no longer matters, aru! What matters now is that we want to see Jin!"

Antonio shook his head. "I'm afraid you made a mistake, Maria is not here. She is in Vienna."

"You lie," Yao spat out. "I know she is here! I have seen her recently! You know where she is! Bring her to us!"

Their yelling was drawing attention. "Master Carriedo? Is anything the matter!?" one of the guards asked as they peered down at him. Antonio lifted his hand to signal that everything was under control.

"Everything is well!" he assured him nervously. He turned back to Yao and frowned. "I cannot speak here and must return to my work. If you wish to speak once more, and openly about Maria, then we will need to meet elsewhere."

Yao frowned. "Very well," he agreed. "But you must bring Jin with you."

Antonio's lips tightened into a line. "I will bring Maria if I see it fit. Say what you want, but do not forget that it was you who gave up Maria as a child. You cannot simply demand her back after over a decade!"

Yao's eyes bore into Antonio's. "Jin belongs with us. It was the biggest mistake I have ever made to let her go off with a man I hardly knew."

"I gave her a good life," Antonio defended. "I gave her a home, an education, freedom to paint as she wishes. I gave her a family!"

The black-haired man scowled. "You made her a man." Antonio's eyes widened. Yao turned his back to him. "You must know where our shop is since you were not surprised to see me, aru. Come tomorrow night."

"I can't-"

"You will," Yao assured him coldly. "Or my entire family will be at these gates every day, aru, demanding to see Jin until you give her to us."

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He made her go home early with him with the lie that he suddenly wished for her to cook a stew that Sister Giselle used to cook. Maria loved the recipe and gladly allowed her father to come with her to market to gather the ingredients. Antonio had kept a wide smile on his face the entire day in hopes of killing any suspicions she had.

He hadn't told her about the run-in with her brother or how he and his entire family wanted to see her. He wasn't even sure if Maria even remembered that she was adopted. How could he possibly tell her? If he did, would she want to leave to be with them? The thought terrified him more than being expelled from Lord Roma's estate.

"We could've just bought pork, Papa," Maria said as she happily made her way across their flat to the kitchen. Her arms were filled with a basket of vegetables and meat. She looked forward to cooking. Sister Giselle's stew was like a comfort food for her. While she was certain it wouldn't be exactly the same, she looked forward to eating something Florentine. "You didn't have to spend that extra money on the salted boar leg."

"It's not the same without the boar leg," Antonio assured her as he closed the door.

"Oh, you're back," Lovino said as he stuck his head out of the studio. Upon the sight of him, Maria's mood instantly fell. She had forgotten that he was there. She turned her head away and silently walked into the kitchen to busy herself. "You're back early."

"I was hungry for some Florentine food and so we came home early," Antonio smiled. "Maria will cook the stew."

"So we'll have stew for dinner," Lovino said as he walked out confidently. Antonio nodded. Brown eyes glanced into the kitchen, where Maria was preparing the ingredients. "I look forward to it."

"It will take her some time to ready the meal," Antonio said. "Let me see what you have done today. Did you study that bust like I told you?"

"Yes," Lovino nodded as he followed Antonio into the studio. The door closed behind them and Maria busied herself with cooking.

She wasn't sure how long she was in the kitchen, but by the time the stew was anywhere near done and was simply simmering over the dying fire, the sun was preparing to set. She wiped her hands and heard the faint sound of the studio door opening.

"Maria!"

"Papa, dinner is ready," Maria said as she stepped outside of the kitchen. Her father was adjusting his shirt sleeves. "Would you like to eat dinner now?"

"I'll eat when I return, hija."

The world came to a halt A chill ran down her spine. "When...when you return?" she asked quietly. Her hand reached forward and grasped the back of the chair in front of her. "Where are you going?"

"To town," Antonio replied. He offered her a reassuring smile. "It's just a meeting about some orders I put in for pigment."

She didn't remember him putting in such an order. "Should I go with you, Papa?' she offered. She could almost see Lovino smirking knowingly not too far away.

"No, it's a private meeting of sorts considering the prices," Antonio lied as he looked away. "However, please begin dinner without me. I am not sure how long the meeting will last and I will be back late."

Maria felt her chest constricting as she released the chair in front of her and followed her father worriedly. He wasn't supposed to leave. He never said anything about leaving! "But, Papa-" Wasn't he the one who wanted her to cook the stew in the first place?

"Lovino will be here with you," he assured her as he headed towards the door. "Just save a bit for me! I'll see you too in the morning." The door closed behind him and Maria was trapped.

She had no excuse. No where else to go.

"Don't look so scared," a voice spat out behind her. She felt a shiver course through her at the sound of the heir's voice. "Sooner or later, he had to leave." Maria closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. She turned around and shot him an half angry, half fearful look. Lovino rolled his eyes. "Don't look at me like that," he frowned as he uncrossed his arms and ran one hand through his thick , brown hair. "This is purely for artistic purposes. I have no other interest in your body." He sneered at her. "If I wanted a real woman, I would've paid for a whore."

Her face flooded with color as she turned her head away. "Then you should've gotten a whore to model for you," she hissed behind gritted teeth.

Lovino narrowed his eyes. He quickly walked across the room and grabbed her upper arm, pulling her closer to him and meeting her eyes with a glare. "Do not forget why you're doing this in the first place!" he reminded her coldly. "If you don't do this, then I'll inform my grandfather of your father's blatant disregard of his rules and your father will be ruined!" She lowered her eyes, her entire demeanor looking broken, and Lovino let out a triumphant snort. He released her arm roughly, almost shoving her aside. "Go change into something loose and then meet me in the old study."

Maria lifted her head, looking at him with wide, confused eyes. "Why not here?" she asked. Why did she have to go outside first?

"In case Antonio returns," Lovino snapped, as if it were obvious. He smirked. "I'm sure you don't want your father to find out that you're exposing yourself...even harlots don't dare strip for the eyes of an artist."

Lovino reminded her once more that modeling was the most demeaning thing that a woman could do. That only the most destitute and desperate would sink to such a thing. He seemed to take pride in the fact that he had reduced her to such a degrading, shameful position.

"How many more times will you need me?" she asked in a shaky voice. Lovino shrugged.

"As many times as it takes until I master the female form," he pointed out. "I'm a bit envious of you. All you need to do is look in the mirror, but for me...well, I simply cannot pay a woman to model for me. How would that look? I am still the grandson of Lord Roma." He smiled devilishly. "I'm pleased with the way this worked out. Now I have a model at my beck and call."

"I'm willing to do this so long as you keep your end of the bargain," Maria reminded him. "I will be your model as long as my father keeps his job and as doesn't find out about this!"

"Of course, of course," Lovino brushed off her words carelessly. He had it in his best interest to keep it a secret from Antonio, as well. "Now, go and change. I will be waiting in the old studio," he repeated as he headed towards the door. "And if you don't arrive there soon, I will return and drag you there by the hair."

He slammed the door behind him and began his way to the studio, clutching the keys in his hand. Most of the other artists were closing up their studios for the evening and Lovino greeted them solemnly. He tried not to look too pleased with himself. Upon reaching the old studio, he began to prepare something for her to sit on; a few crates and some sheets of cloth over them. He lit some candles to illuminate the area and began to prepare his things.

The door creaked open and soft footsteps entered the room hesitantly. Lovino glanced over his shoulder. Maria was dressed in a long tunic that nearly reached her feet and a frumpy over shirt that did a decent job of hiding her unsuppressed chest. Her hat was still on her head as she stood by the doorway, her eyes darting around nervously.

"Lock the door," Lovino ordered as he turned his back to her. "Then stand over there and then take off your clothes."

He motioned his hand to his modest set up and listened as Maria turned the key of the lock with a trembling hand. Clutching her arms against her chest, she quietly made her way to the pile of crates and cloth.

Lovino turned around and frowned. She was just standing there. "What are you doing?" he demanded, irritated. "Take them off! I told you, this is purely for artistic reasons!" Her hands hovered over the edges of her clothes and hesitated. She lowered her eyes, silently repeating the mantra that this was all for her father, over and over in her head.

Grasping the top front of her outer shirt, she carefully began to unbutton it open. Lovino watched silently, his eyes fixated on her fingers as she moved them down the front of her body. The front was open and she grasped the edges. Her eyes crinkled up as she took a deep breath. She tugged the thick outer shirt off her body, pulling back against the tunic underneath, and pushing her chest out against the cloth.

Lovino's eyes widened.

He heard a sniff. His eyes rose to her face. Dark brown eyes were wet with shameful tears as her lips trembled, trying to hold back a cry. Her outer shirt dropped to the ground and shaking hands rose to begin tugging off the tunic. She tugged it upwards, past her calf...her knees...her thighs....

Lovino turned his back to her. His eyes focused on the charcoals in front of him and he pretended to busy himself while trying to ignore the tearful whimpering behind him. He heard the sound of cloth hitting the floor and finally looked back over his shoulder.

The wooden crates creaked beneath her weight as the petite would-be model took a seat on the highest one. Her right arm was covering her bare chest as her other hand desperately tried to hide her private parts. Too concentrated on shielding herself, she nearly slipped off the crate and fell to the ground. She stumbled back, crying out as she tried to regain her footing.

Lovino turned his head away. Refusing to help her, he merely rounded a little table that had all his charcoals and took a seat in front of a sheet he had prepared. The sounds of her choked sobbing filled the area around them.

His eyes glanced up. Her face was red. In fact, her entire body seemed to glow pink as she used her hair to cover as much of herself as possible. He could see the rivers of tears sliding down her damp face and sliding down her neck. For a moment, he didn't understand. She was a model. It was degrading, yes, but did she really need to cry over it? He wasn't even touching her and yet, she was acting as if he had raped her and left her a crumpled, broke heap in an alley.

Lovino lowered his eyes and lifted his hand and a piece of charcoal to the parchment. It hovered over it. She continued to cry.

"Stop it!" he yelled. "I can't sketch if you're sobbing the entire time!"

Maria tried to open her mouth and apologize, but couldn't find the words. She could only cry, trapped in her spot, unable to keep her decency. "I...I can't stop...," she choked out. "I'm sor...sorry...Young...Lo...Lord!" Each word seemed to stab at him.

Lovino felt his heart twist painfully in his chest. He wasn't a monster, damn it. He just needed a model! He forced his hand to draw a line. Then another. He grit his teeth. How could he possibly draw such an expression? Angrily, the threw his charcoal on to the floor.

He couldn't do this.

"I can't draw you when you're a sobbing twit!" he yelled as he shot up from his seat. He ran his hand through his hair, unsure of what he was doing. Maybe it was because she was Antonio's daughter. Maybe it was because he cared for Antonio enough to not be enough of a bastard to demean her as he was. Maybe it was because he found that he didn't know what the hell to do when he was faced with a crying woman.

He rounded his table and swept down over her pile of discarded clothes. He grabbed her tunic and over shirt and then reached for her hat. "Here!"

He shoved the clothes against her and Maria barely caught them before they hit her and fell to the floor. She looked at him, confused and unsure of what was going on. "I don't-"

"Just put your clothes on and leave!" he spat out as he turned his back to her. "You father has sketches of women here, doesn't he? Nude ones? I can just practice those!"

Maria's fingers curled into her clothes, unsure what to make of what was going on. "But...," she choked out. "The agreement-"

"Another time!" Lovino snapped, still refusing to look at her. "Just not now! Not when you're a sobbing mess! Just put your clothes on and get out!"

Quickly, Maria shoved her arms and head through the tunic and coiled her hair beneath her hat. She didn't question him further. With her over shirt clutched against her chest, Maria frantically wiped at her eyes and tried to level out her breathing as she stumbled towards the door.

The same shaking fingers that had nervously locked it earlier now struggled to open it. As soon as she heard the click, she ripped the door open and fled the studio. Lovino sat down numbly on his chair and covered his face with his hands. Another time? He lifted his head and eyed the vacant pile of crates and cloth that she had been seated on, frantically trying to cover herself.

His cheeks flushed. "Never...."

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She ran, clutching her over shirt against her chest to prevent any passers-by seeing the tell-tale mounds bouncing beneath her long tunic as she dashed down the hall. Whether or not anyone saw her, she wasn't exactly sure. All she wanted to do was get as far away from the heir as she could.

Maria didn't want to be anywhere near him. She didn't care that he had let her go. It was probably just another one of his whims. Perhaps he just wanted to play with her a bit. Besides, he said that he would call for her another time. Another time...she didn't think she could go through with the mortifying experience again.

Fighting back her tears, she saw a faint light coming from the crack between a door and a door frame at the end of the hall. For a moment, she forgot about what she was running from as she found a place to run to.

The door creaked open and Alfred lifted his head from the back of his studio, where he was trying to move a piece of marble. "Hello?" he called out. His assistants usually were home by this time. No one answered and the blond furrowed his brow. He clapped his hands together and then wiped it against his shirt to remove the marble dust as he wound his way through the studio.

He craned his neck and squinted. A figure was standing unsurely by his door, wearing a familiar hat. Alfred immediately smiled.

"Juan!" he beamed , practically rushing over to greet his friend. "I was wondering where you've been! I haven't seen you in a few days...." His voice trailed off as his wide smile fell. His blue eye settled on Maria's wet eyes and red, flustered face. "Juan...?" he asked quietly as he stopped before her. "What's wrong?"

She didn't even know why she was there in the first place, but supposed it was because she didn't want to be alone with Lovino even in the flat. Maria's arms rose and wrapped around herself, pressing the outer shirt against her as she looked away.

"I...I wanted to come to...see what you were working on," she offered weakly. She swallowed the lump in her throat and met his gaze. "May I sit down?"

The concerned look never left Alfred's face. "Yes," he nodded. He motioned for her to take a seat on a wooden bench. "Here, have a seat," he said as he tried to clear off part of the bench for her. Maria nodded and took a seat. "Should I close the door?"

She nodded. "Please."

Alfred quickly marched to his door and closed it shut before turning around to look at her. "Juan," he began. "Are you..."

"I've never watched you paint," Maria cut him off quickly as she placed the over shirt on the bench next to her. She turned to look at him and gave him a small smile. "Would you mind if I watched you?"

Alfred stood several paces from her. She was clearly upset. Something had happened that sent her crying to his studio, but she was trying so hard to pretend everything was fine. Alfred's eyes softened and he gave her a smile.

"Sure!" he said cheerfully. He would ask some other time. For now, he would simply do as she asked. He began to set up in front of her and Maria remained seated on the bench, pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. She leaned forward and watched intently as Alfred began to paint. For a few moments, he said nothing. "Wine," he said, breaking the silence.

Maria perked up at the sound of his voice and drew her attention from Alfred's body moving in front of the canvas to his words. "What?"

Alfred didn't take his eyes off of his painting. "What is your favorite wine?"

Maria blinked. He was playing the favorites game? Now? Alfred looked over his shoulder and smiled cheekily. "I like this white one that has a slight apricot taste." She stared at him for a moment longer. A small, genuine smile caressed her lips. So that's what he was doing.

"I don't have one," she admitted quietly.

"What?" Alfred asked, surprised. He clucked his tongue and shook his head as he turned back to his piece. "We'll have to fix that. Animal."

"Horses," she replied thoughtfully. "Animal?"

"Eagles," he grinned. "Pet."

"A rabbit named Iggy. Pet?"

"A horse named Anthony." He heard Maria suck in a sharp breath.

"You had a horse!?" she asked enviously. The closest she ever had was borrowing Jan's.

"Three," Alfred replied coolly. "Dessert?"

"Strawberries with fresh cream. Dessert?"

"This flan thing Francis makes. Oh, speaking of people...favorite person?"

"Pa...," Maria lowered her eyes. Alfred looked over his shoulder at her sudden silence. The thought of her father reminded her of Lovino and what had just happened. In front of her, Alfred lowered his paint brush and palette. He stepped back from his quick, still-wet oil stained canvas and approached the pupil.

He sat down beside her and grinned. "You don't have to be embarrassed," he said softly. "I already know who it is." Maria's head turned towards him carrying a surprised expression. Alfred glanced down at her and nodded. "Alfred Jones."

She didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or hit him. She opted for hitting him. Her legs lowered to the floor in front of her as she swept her arm across the space in front of her and slammed into his chest. "I wasn't going to say Alfred Jones!" she snorted.

Alfred chuckled and opened his mouth to reply when his eyes were draw to the exposed area over the front of her tunic. Maria's cocked her head at his sudden, unnatural silence and followed his gaze. Her eyes widened and her arms immediately shot up to cover her chest.

Alfred blinked at the sudden movement and quickly turned his head away. He was seeing things. Juan didn't have breasts. Just because she looked like a woman, didn't mean she would start to grow women parts. There was only one reason that a many would have breasts. Alfred lifted his hand to his mouth and let out a throat clearing cough.

"You're getting a bit fat, aren't you, Juan?" he offered as he stood up. Yes, that had to be it. "You should stop eating so many of those fried, sugar coated bread sticks or else the scaffolding at the chapel will collapse under your weight!"

Maria's eyes were fixed on the area in front of her. He saw. He saw them. Well, not them, but the bulge. None-the-less, he had definitely seen them. Why was he talking about getting fat? Oh... "I...um...but, they're delicious," she played along with his words, unsure if he was being serious or not. Maybe he did just mistake them for man-breasts.

"Yes, well...you better put on your over shirt, my friend," Alfred continued, still keeping his back to her. "It gets a bit drafty in here and...." He didn't know what else to say and ran his hand down his face, feeling stupid. Maria scrambled to put on her over shirt.

Her entire body was heated and flushed with embarrassment, but she didn't care. She buttoned up the front of her shirt frantically. "Favorite person!" she piped in an unnaturally high voice, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Who is yours?"

"Mine? Er...um...Matt!" Alfred replied, pulling a name out of nowhere. "My brother...Matthew!"

"Done!" Maria said nearly yelled. Alfred's shoulders slumped down and he released a heavy breath of relief. He bit his lower lip and carefully glanced over his shoulder. 'Juan' was now covered by a frumpy shirt.

Alfred tore his eyes away from her shirt once more and tired to focus on something else. "What do you think of my painting!?" he asked suddenly. He wanted to slap himself for sounding so uncomfortable. This was Juan he was talking to!

Painting? Maria stared at him stupidly. She had been so caught up in watching him move in front of the canvas that she completely forgot that he was actually painting and not simply wandering around in front of her. Alfred offered her a shy smile and motioned to the canvas he had been working on. "What paint...?"

Her words died in her mouth as the vivid orange and purples of a man-made sunrise met her eyes. Sweeps of color filled the once blank piece of cloth as the railings of a bridge filled out the bottom portion.

He painted her the sunrise from the vantage point of the bridge they crossed on their way back from the Vatican. Her eyes crinkled up. He painted her favorite place.

"I had walked over there one morning and caught the sunrise like you said," Alfred said. "My favorite sunrises are still at Lake Albano, but this one was beautiful, none-the-less.," he said as he took a seat next to her and looked at the painting. "I apologize for the rather unrefined depiction. I was in a bit of a rush," he admitted as he lifted his hand and sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll make you a better one," he promised her earnestly. "One that you can look at feel as if you're actually at there."

She shook her head and pulled back her lips into a smile. Her heart beat steadily in her chest; calm for just a moment. "No, Alfred," she said quietly. "This is perfect." She moved her still puffy, red eyes to his blue ones. "I already am in my favorite place."

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A.N. - Don't worry, Francis appears in the next chapter to lighten the mood with his quirky Francis-ness. I know the story is going by painfully slow and you're all wondering when Yao and them will get Maria back or when Alfred and Maria finally [insert dirty thoughts here]. Please be patient with me! T_T

You won't believe this. First, I forgot my notes for this at work. Then, after I went to work, sent it to myself, and worked on it at home, I forgot to send it BACK to work so I could finish it up and post it. Thus the delay. Sorry, guys, I'm getting forgetful in my ripe, old age.

I may take a two week break from DE in order to try to finish off some of the one-shots, with the exception of Pirihon, which I owe Viva and will be multi-chaptered. I know I still have some to do! I also need to work on anime convention stuff, panda comics, t-shirts, and my army of mochi.

Thank you all very much for reading!