Of Flowers and Fire

Chapter 19

Sawyer woke up without Diego and was disappointed. Sawyer checked the clock and sighed, throwing off the blankets, and reaching over the side of the bed for his shirt. He had the barest hint of a headache, and stood, cracking his back and resigning himself to the feeling of exhaustion building in his stomach.

He'd opened the wine last night for the first time since his Nona died. He'd done it to dull the feelings seeing his father had brought on. He had also done it to enhance every way Diego touched him. It had helped, but not as much as he'd hoped it would. He went for a shower, and when he was finished, he went downstairs to open up.

The room was already lit and warm when he entered and found Diego sitting at the front desk. He looked up when Sawyer came into view. His smile was soft and his hair was damp. He must have gone home to shower and change.

"Hey," Sawyer said, Diego raised his eyebrows playfully and drew Sawyer over.

"Hey," Diego mimicked bringing his arms up around Sawyer's waist.

"You're here," Sawyer said.

"I am," Diego said, "and I'm about to romance the fuck out of you, Hannigan."

Sawyer smiled, dropping his head back and laughing, "Oh really?"

Diego put his hands on Sawyer's waist and pulled him up close to his chest. "Mhm," Diego kissed him and Sawyer laughed. The door opened and Diego threw his head back and groaned quietly, "Come back later," his voice was almost a growl and his hands tightened on Sawyer's shirt. Sawyer laughed and spun out of Diego's hands.

"Hi," he announced grinning. His smile collapsed upon turning and he bumped into Diego's chest. "Stefano."

Stefano was standing, hands clasped and eyebrows raised, in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt," Stefano said.

Anita was next to him, smiling a little, "Hi, Sawyer."

"Hey, Anita," Sawyer said without looking at her.

"We were heading to brunch, and we wanted to see if you'd be interested in joining us," Anita said calmly.

"Um," Sawyer looked over his shoulder at Diego and furrowed his eyebrows. "Okay," Sawyer agreed, "sure, I'll run up and get a jacket, Diego do you want yours?"

As Diego opened his mouth to reply, Stefano interrupted, "I had hoped just to speak with you, Sawyer."

Sawyer returned his attention to Stefano and clenched his teeth, "I'd prefer if Diego came."

Anita seemed to shrink into herself, pulling her hands together and to the center of her chest. Diego silently watched. Stefano's nostrils flared but he took a moment to calm himself and swallowed. "Sawyer, I would like the chance to get to know you, and I'd like for you to have the chance to know me."

Diego squeezed Sawyer's shoulder and gave him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. Sawyer narrowed his eyes but didn't look angry, just curious. Maybe a little uneasy. He swayed forward into Diego's space. "I don't want to do this alone," Sawyer whispered so only Diego could hear.

Diego nodded, "I know. You don't have to." He patted his pocket, "I'm just a text away."

Sawyer anxiously searched Diego's face, "Promise?"

"Promesa," Diego assured gently. A smile touched Sawyer's mouth. Diego raised his voice for the room to hear, "I'll stay here." He gave a cursory glance to Anita and Stefano and then looked back at Sawyer. "If anything happens and you need anything..."

Sawyer nodded, "I will." Diego smiled and Sawyer nodded. "My jacket," he said pointing as he excused himself upstairs.

Diego folded himself back onto the stool behind the counter and looked up to meet Stefano's gaze. "Thank you," Stefano said, "for understanding."