Convince Me

Chapter 2: Won't Say It

Antonio hadn't been back to the flower shop in almost a week and Romano couldn't help but feel responsible. It was a chilly autumn day as he walked to work, hands shoved into his coat pockets to keep them warm. No matter how hard he tried, the look in Antonio's eyes haunted him when he lay in bed at night. Jerk bastard; making Romano feel sorry for him. He arrived at work, putting his things in the little locker. He put on his apron and washed his hands, checking the list.
Work was once more, extremely boring. At least with Antonio around, the minutes would pass by so quickly but he would be gone as soon as he left, leaving Romano with crimson cheeks and a fast beating heart.
Suddenly, Romano's began getting that funny feeling whenever he began thinking of Antonio. At the top of the list of orders was one name. Antonio Carriedo. His heart almost jumped into his throat. Pickup today. Today. Antonio was going to come today. He almost couldn't believe the words he was reading. Maybe now was his chance to apologize, to make Antonio smile. But then Romano's heart sunk. No.
He couldn't let Antonio be with him. He was just Romano. The Spaniard would be much better off with someone of higher caliber. Perhaps he could recommend his friend, Arthur.
Romano sighed, determined to be calm and straightforward with Antonio, giving him no inkling that he was interested, not that he was. The flower shop soon became busy with customers and the Italian became lost in the mindless routine. That is, until a familiar voice filled his ears.
  "Well, if it isn't Romano," Antonio smiled and Romano couldn't help but become breathless. It hadn't even been that long since he saw him, but it could've been years for all Romano cared.
"I work here," is all he managed to say.
"Of course you do," Antonio teased. Romano almost felt like vomiting. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his face solemn.
"You came for your pickup?" Romano asked, though he already knew. Antonio nodded, his eyes never leaving Romano's face.
"That and I figured you would have been lonely without seeing my beautiful face around here." Romano snorted.
"Yeah, right, you bastardo," he said, rolling his eyes. Antonio's smile grew even wider, if that was possible.
"You're flirting skills are muy bueno," he complimented and it wasn't even sarcastic. Romano flushed.
"I'm not flirting with you... you tomato bastard!" he almost yelled. Antonio laughed and Romano forgot his anger for just a moment. He's not sure how much longer he could keep this up.
  "You're going to get me in trouble and I need this job," Romano said, somewhat furiously wrapping the flowers. Antonio gently touched Romano's wrist. Romano jumped.
"Don't touch me, you jerk," he hissed. Antonio backed away, taking the flowers and giving the money to Romano.
"Lo siento, amigo. I was just hoping you'd want to see me again. I suppose I was wrong. I apologize. I won't come back if it makes you feel better. Adiós." Antonio left the flower shop, not looking back and Romano felt even worse than he did before.
He told himself this was for the better. Antonio deserved beautiful people and Romano was just average at best. People said his brother was the cute one. "Feliciano this" and "Feliciano that", it was just humiliating. Romano was known as the bitter one. The angry one.
"You'll never get a man like that, Romano." The voice of his grandpa was ringing in his ears. No... no... NO! He shook his head furiously, trying to rid it of those horrible thoughts. But he couldn't. It was everything Romano had heard his entire life. Even sweet Feliciano was afraid of him. His own brother. He brushed something from his cheek and was startled to find that he had been crying. But thank God above, no one was around to see it. And certainly not Antonio. Romano would rather die of hypothermia before letting Antonio see him in a moment of weakness. He didn't want the Spaniard to think he was even more pitiful than before.
Romano calmed himself down, forcing himself to work. He even made himself work overtime, just so he could be distracted. But soon it was late and he needed to get home before any weirdos come around and try to jump him again. The shop was surprisingly busy at night but Romano had to shoo out any lingering customers so he could close up. His fingers shook as he closed the door, pulling down the metal covering. He then shoved his hands in his pockets, walking home.
At least he had Feliciano's pasta to look forward to tonight. His brother was an amazing cook which surprised everyone since they only figured Feli to be some kind of human cupcake whose only job was to sit there and look pretty. Feliciano was so much more than just good looks. He was so smart and loyal and funny and he deserved someone who yes, did appreciate his looks but also appreciated his brother for who he was.
"Feli, I'm home!" Romano announced, but the house was silent, save for noises coming from upstairs. Well, fuck. His brother must have brought his new boyfriend home. Feliciano had been in only one relationship before, so Romano is surprised he's letting his boyfriend fuck him. Romano shuddered, turning on the TV to block out the sounds that he could now make out. He rubbed his temples, changing the channel to the Food Network. If Antonio were here, he would be able to distact him, no problem. The Spaniard had shapely hips and he had trouble imagining what was underneath those clothes. Romano mentally slapped himself for that image. Damn it. He was supposed to forget about Antonio, not imagine having sex with him! God, Romano. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind. He made himself stare at the TV, trying to focus.
Fifteen minutes later, Feliciano came downstairs, followed by his boyfriend, blushing furiously when he saw his brother.
"Roma, when did you get home?" he asked. Romano ignored his question and instead examined the blond man behind Feli, who looked rather nervous. He was taller than Feli, with bright blue eyes and a strong figure. He could probably kick his ass if need be.
"Who's this?" Romano asked, crossing his arms. He wasn't going to trust this man, not yet. Feliciano lit up.
"This is Ludwig, my boyfriend! Isn't he cute? He's super nice too!" Ludwig blushed darkly, apparently not used to Feli's praise.
"I'm Romano," Romano introduced himself, shaking Ludwig's hand.
"It's nice to meet you. Feli talks about you all the time," Ludwig said, his voice strong and his German accent thick. Romano shot a look at Feliciano, who just waved cutely.
"I'm going to walk Ludwig home, okay? He doesn't live too far," Feliciano smiled, taking Ludwig's hand.
"Be safe, okay?" Romano murmured, giving his brother a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I love you." Feliciano grinned.
"I love you too, Roma. No worries, I'll be safe!" Then he dragged Ludwig out of the door. The German looked at Feli exasperated, but fondly. Romano wanted to throw up.
Soon, the house was quiet again and he was alone with his thoughts. He was so tired, but he wouldn't sleep until he saw his brother come home safely. Minutes past that felt like years and Romano could hardly keep his eyes open anymore.
Suddenly, there was loud banging at the door, which startled him out of his drowsiness. He rushed to the door and found Ludwig there, panting.
"What the fuck? Where is my brother?" Romano asked. He did not appreciate games like this.
Ludwig gave him a panicked look.
"It's Feli. He's being taken to the hospital."