#manialba

SECOND CHAPTER IS UP!!!

Last one of this set! Warnings for vomit mention and head injuries.

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"You're so fucking adorable. Especially when you're punching people in the face,” Manigoldo slurs. Albafica rolls his eyes. Ever since that trip to Venice where they'd ended up in the Praesepe, Manigoldo has been absolutely shameless about his flattery. It took Albafica off guard the first few times, but now he's used to it. The fact that Manigoldo has a mild concussion isn't helping. Albafica had, regrettably, not actually caused said concussion. But he had avenged it.

“You're fucking concussed,” Albafica replies absently. Manigoldo stumbles again and Albafica watches him worriedly. “Can you keep your feet long enough to get to Sanctuary?” he asks. Manigoldo lurches.

“No.” He mutters, and sits down hard. Albafica bites back a soft, shocked sound. Manigoldo leans to the side and is violently ill into a nearby hedge. Albafica winces, and pulls a flask from his boot.

“Here, to rinse your mouth. Just, for all the gods’ sake, don't actually drink any. It'll make everything worse.” he says gently, once Manigoldo is done retching. For all his peculiarities, Manigoldo is still his friend. His upsettingly handsome friend, at that, not that he lets himself think that most of the time. Manigoldo actually pays attention, swishing the high-proof ouzo around in his mouth and spitting it out obediently.

“That's gross. Why do you carry ouzo?” He croaks. Albafica raises an eyebrow.

“For situations like this. And as a disinfectant in a pinch. I don't generally drink it, if that's what you're asking,” he replies, tucking the flask away again. “Why, do you not like ouzo?”

“Can't stand the stuff,” he admits candidly. Albafica nods, considering. It feels like too much of a risk to try and help Manigoldo to his feet and assist him to walk. He's not wearing gloves, and if somehow he gets cut he's not sure what he'll do.

Manigoldo lurches towards him suddenly, and Albafica jerks away, losing his balance in his crouch, and going sprawling. Manigoldo sprawls atop him, and Albafica’s heart starts pounding for two very different reasons. Fear- for Manigoldo’s safety, and excitement, from the weight atop him, and the knowledge of who it was.

It’s no secret that Albafica has been touch starved since Lugonis died. In fact, it's pretty obvious. So Albafica doesn't know what to do when, of all the outrageous things he could do, Manigoldo kisses him. He freezes. He should push him away. He wants to pull him in closer.

Instead of either, Albafica freezes, shuddering under the gentle, ouzo-scented kiss. That's. Well, for one, his first kiss. And for another, what if Manigoldo vomits again? That thought gives him the strength to push him away.

“If you vomit in my mouth, I'll never forgive you,” he says, instead of what he should say, which is an imperative to never touch him like that again. Manigoldo laughs, rusty sounding and relieved.

“That's fair,” he groans. “Ugh, carry me back, Alba, I have no strength.” He whines, and Albafica rolls his eyes.

“This once, you may lean on me.” He allows. “But make sure you don't touch my skin any more than you already have, you suicidal buffoon.” Manigoldo grins at him dreamily.

(Please check my ask for the explanation of why I won’t be able to complete all your asks!)

(a gentle “i love you” whispered after a soft kiss, followed immediately by a stronger kiss)

Manigoldo is ready. His plan is foolproof- maybe. Hopefully. Definitely no one is injured or bleeding, and no one is going to become injured or bleeding unless something goes extremely poorly. He's got this. He slips through the underbrush to Albafica’s cottage, and knocks softly on the door. Albafica answers the door wearing nothing but a rather rumpled night shirt. Had he already gone to bed?

“What is it, Manigoldo? Is there a mission? I thought I had the next two weeks to myself.” Albafica grumbles, rubbing his eyes

“Uh, you do,” Manigoldo says, trying not to be distracted by the gorgeous show of legs on display. Very pretty, long legs. Right. “Um, I just wanted to see you.” He says, desperately jerking his gaze up. “I didn't think it was that late. Can I come in?” He asks. It's a miracle, or Albafica’s brain isn't quite awake yet, because he shuffles aside to let Manigoldo in. He closes the door softly behind him, and looks over at Albafica. All of his carefully plotted words desert him, and he extremely carefully approaches him. “I'm sorry about this,” he murmurs, before pressing in and kissing Albafica gently.

That's all it takes for Albafica’s eyes to go wide and fully awake, as he catches Manigoldo’s shoulders and tries to push him away. Manigoldo goes, because he's trying to make a point, not push things. Albafica looks a little panicky.

“I'm fine, Alba. See?” He asks softly, spreading his arms. He does feel fine, and Pisces poisons are pretty fast acting, so chances are high he really is fine. Albafica scowls at him.

“Why would you risk yourself like that?” He demands crossly.

“To make a point. You're worth it.” Manigoldo retorts, equally stubborn. “It's just in your blood, okay? You're not going to poison anyone unless you actively bleed on them! So stop isolating yourself, please.” He reaches out, cupping Albafica’s cheeks. He flinches a little, but doesn't push him away again, watching with wide, worried eyes. Manigoldo takes his chances, and kisses him again, gentle and soft. Albafica shivers against him, hands resting against his shoulders, not pushing, actually gripping his shirt a little bit. Manigoldo pulls away only just slightly, looking into scared blue eyes.

“I love you,” he says hoarsely. Albafica is the one who hauls him close this time, kissing him with inexperienced passion. Tears are dripping from his eyes, but Manigoldo just pulls him close, tilting his head and pressing his tongue into Albafica’s mouth. Albafica shudders again, but he's kissing back, tongue sliding against Manigoldo’s. Manigoldo pulls away after a long few moments, gently wiping the tears from Albafica’s cheeks.

THIS IS SO LATE BUT THANK YOU FOR ASKING

Who cooks:  MANIGOLDO!! He’s a really good chef actually, he loves spicing his meals in different ways and preparing food for hours cause he just loves making this big feast and always tries to make the best dessert he can to impress Albafica.

Who does the laundry and other chores:  A little bit of both, but Albafica tends to want to take care of his own laundry and Manigoldo is pretty hardworking once you get him up and cleaning up his mess.

How many children do they have:  I don’t know if they’d have kids but I bet that Manigoldo would pester the other saints to try and be their uncle or godparent (especially Kardia)

Who’s more dominate:  Manigoldo only because Albafica lets him, plus Manigoldo is playful so Albafica lets him indulge in that.

Favorite nonsexual activity:  Ballroom dancing or going on walks together

Their favorite place to be together:  Manigoldo likes being in town with Albafica with a lot of people around to show him off like he’s always trying to hold hands with Albafica and kiss him just being like “LOOK THIS IS MY BOYFRIEND, HE’S SO HOT”. Albafica on the other hand likes it when they’re alone.

Any traditions:  Manigoldo buys flowers for Albafica during holidays and special dates, different flowers every time. 

Their “song”:  From Manigoldo’s point of view

What they do for each other on holidays:  Manigoldo’s kind of a sucker for romance so he loves doing the whole candlelight dinner, preparing a big fancy dinner for Albafica, with expensive wine. Albafica buys gifts for Manigoldo and they cuddle by the fireplace.

Where did they go for their honeymoon:  Bustling streets of Italy for some shopping, stargazing, and night walks by the canals

Where did they first meet:  Manigoldo dared Dohko and Kardia to climb all the way to the top of the 12 temples when they were still trainees. Manigoldo was the only one who made it at the very top and caught a glimpse of another kid, someone very beautiful, and he was very confused because no one was allowed to go to the 12th temple anyways. He smelled the aroma of roses and passed out, to wake up to Dohko and Kardia tending to him. Manigoldo looks at them like “I think I just saw an angel”

Any pets: Albafica has a very fancy aquarium with lots of colourful fish and a saltwater pufferfish in the middle. Manigoldo has a jar with a very resilient crab (a squat lobster) that he sticks his tongue out when he passes it. He calls the crab “Deathmask”.

What do they fight over: Albafica gets annoyed when Manigoldo praises his beauty too much like calm down I have other redeeming qualities man. Manigoldo of course tries to lighten Albafica up, stop being such a wet fish, and Albafica would give Manigoldo the silent treatment sometimes.