#stuffandsassafras

Sunshine beamed through the window, falling down upon the peaceful bedroom. Tranquility reigned it, giving off a comfortable feeling of being. It seemed like another good day filled with merriment in the beautiful streets of Italy. The bustling of people outside and the sway of water from the force of boats could be heard from inside of the home. Still, there was nothing — only the content silence.

Except, it was not another normal day. At least, that was not how neither Antonio nor Lovino, saw it. To them, this was an early day into their new life, the fourth day since their marriage, to be exact.

It had been a beautiful ceremony back in Spain, one which took place five months after Antonio got down on his knee and asked for Lovino’s hand in marriage. The answer had been obvious, so very clear by the way that Lovino had shed tears of rare outward joy and threw his arms around Antonio. Like that evening, the one of the wedding had been full of celebration. Their family and friends came to it, joining them in their glee and joy, yet Antonio and Lovino had only been able to focus on one another, relishing in the new direction that their relationship had taken.

They had been dating since they were teenagers, when Lovino had moved with his brother, Feliciano, to Spain in order to live with their grandfather while attending a performing arts school. Antonio had been in the theater club and on the soccer team, an odd, but fitting contrast for someone as filled with energy and enthusiasm as him. It had only been a matter of time before they caught one another’s eyes, becoming inseparable the more that they spoke to each other, accepting their faults and virtues, falling in love.

Really, it had only been a matter of time before they got married. It surprised nobody, not even Feliciano, as naïve as he was, that they would get married in their early twenties rather than later on.

After the evening of their wedding had passed and morning came to light again, the newlyweds had headed to Italy for their honeymoon. They decided to go back to Lovino’s hometown since he had not been there in years, only once or twice since he moved to Spain. Antonio had naturally been thrilled by the prospect, beyond ready to learn more about Lovino and his history. It had embarrassed Lovino, really, however, it had also been very flattering.

So that was the story of how they wound up where they were now, curled up in a bed together in their rented home in Italy. The week had been so magnificent that neither wanted to see it end. For now, they were grateful for fact that it didn’t have to.

Lovino had been the first to stir, the sunlight falling down right onto his eyes. Shifting at the heat, he hazily opened his eyes, his eyebrows coming together. There was a frown that came onto his face. Groggily, he scooted over, closer to Antonio, turning his face into his husband’s bare shoulder. Sighing in relief at how that felt a lot better than his previous position, he lazily shut his eyes again. These past few days, there had been no time for his usual siestas so he had been getting less sleep. Besides, it meant that he had a proper excuse to hold Antonio, although he was sure that he would do that even if he did not have one.

When arms wrapped around him though, his eyes briskly opened again, a brief feeling of surprise striking him, causing for his heart to pick up. Looking down, he saw that Antonio had merely embraced him closer. Giving a sigh of relief, Lovino allowed it, his hand moving to press onto his husband’s chest. His movement must have awakened Antonio or maybe he had been awake the entire time. Antonio could be pretty unpredictable.

“You almost made me have a heart attack.” Lovino halfheartedly remarked, although his tone was light and warm, coated over by tiredness. It was not meant to be taken seriously, especially not with the way that he was clinging to Antonio.

Contrary to popular belief, Antonio had woken up shortly after Lovino had, if it could even be called at. It was more like he was still in that half-asleep state with a fog resting over his mind. His urge to bring Lovino closer against him had merely been a subconscious movement. Therefore, when Lovino spoke with that lovely accent dripping off of his lips like honey, Antonio blearily hummed, “Hmmm?” before starting to become aware of his surroundings.

When he realized what Lovino had said, Antonio opened his eyes, at last, warmly crinkling them as he glanced down at the other. He noticed Lovino’s hand on his chest, being keen enough to do so. The ring around Lovino’s finger gleamed where it rested, prompting for Antonio’s lips to lift upwards in a loving smile. Slowly, his hand came up to cover Lovino’s own, their rings rubbing together.

“It’s not my fault that you were always such a scaredy cat, Lov.” Antonio cooed back, teasing him.

A scoff escaped Lovino at that, followed by a snort, although he returned the gesture, fingers tenderly curling around Antonio’s.

“No, I mean that- Nevermind.” Lovino sighed out, knowing that it would be no use to go on and that he also had no point to prove. He brought his free arm over his own face, hiding a quirk of his lips when Antonio pressed a kiss to his temple.

Antonio flashed a white-toothed grin at that. Rolling over and taking Lovino with him, he went onto his back and pulled Lovino into his lap. He stared up at Lovino, who had a rosy shade on his tanned skin, much like Antonio had on his own, except the former’s was highlighted by the sunshine’s hues.

“I love you.” He wooed, making Lovino freely chuckle and squeeze their still joined hands.

Tilting his head to peer down at Antonio, bit by bit, Lovino found himself leaning down until he was looming over Antonio. Pressing his lips against Antonio’s forehead, they both clearly smiled as he replied, “I love you more.”

I love you most.

I love you hard.