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Luca knew that one of the most powerful emotions in the world, was jealousy. He knew that it was capable of possessing someone and turning them into a darker, more sinister version of themselves.
He should have taken his Mama’s warnings more seriously.
He stood by Vincenzo, listening to Michel’s laughter from across the room, glancing between his technical boss and the love of his life, trying to will Michel to come back over to him.
To pay him the attention that Michel was giving that man.
The man who was leaning in a little too close to HIS boyfriend.
“Luca?”
He flinched, looking over at Vincenzo, who was giving him a knowing look.
“Oh, if looks could kill.” His friend teased¸ “You know that he doesn’t have eyes for anyone other than you, right?” He gestured at Michel “That is the charming, Chairman of Babel persona… a mask. You’d be surprised at how often he has to use it really.”
That didn’t sound like a positive thing to Luca.
How often had he had to use this mask.
……………….
Sometimes, Michel thought back, viewing his memories like a movie.
His favourite ones were the ones before his mother fell ill, that slow decline, the mood swings… the way she pushed him into his father’s harsh grip and told him that he would be living in this big empty house now. With a father who only gave him attention when he was drunk, a stepmother who hated his guts and a brother who slowly became more and more obsessed with him.
Back before then, his world was full of laughter, joy, soft smiles and gentle kisses.
Back then, he had no worries other than sneaking out of bed to try and find the desserts that his mother had made earlier in the day. Nowadays, he’d completely forgotten what his mother’s cooking was like.
Her voice didn’t sound quite right.
He couldn’t remember what she looked like, not unless he tried to find a photo of her on the Babel website from her secretary days.
And that was too painful.
As the man he’d been talking to moved away, Michel took the time to take a breath. These were the days, when he was sure that he should be dead.
He sent half of his life being beaten and assaulted; his brother ‘graciously’ allowed him to stay alive so that he could be a puppet CEO of Babel... and then he was shot in the stomach by the same brother.
How was he not dead yet?
“Michel?”
He jumped a little, looking over to see Luca standing there, an understanding look on his face.
“The main office is open, if you need to take a breather?” He whispered.
“Yes…please.”
….
Hours passed and the party was coming to an end when Luca looked around for Michel, seeing that he was in the room. He probably hadn’t left the office since being directed to it.
He looked over at Vincenzo, who gave him a ‘go on’ gesture, before turning back to whoever he was talking to.
Luca left immediately, heading for the office. When he found that empty, he panicked for a brief second, before heading towards their shared bedroom. On the way, he spotted one of the waiters, who looked like he’d gone out for a bit of a cheeky smoke.
“Whilst you’re not busy.” He gave the younger man a knowing look, “Would you mind bring some food up to Michel’s room?”
“Y-Yes Sir.”
“Thank you.”
Michel needed to eat something; he was sure tha the other man hadn’t eaten much during the gathering.
He sped up a little, entering the room, seeing Michel curled up under the covers. It was clear that this was just a probable case of exhaustion and needing some time alone, rather than anything deeper, but his heart still panged a little.
“Michel?” He gently shook at his lover’s shoulder, seeing Michel stir, before he was rolling over to bury his face into the closest pillow.
“Mm?”
“I’m going to assume that you’re asking what I’m doing.” Luca chuckled, “I’ve asked one of the waiters to bring up some food for you. I didn’t see you eat a lot during the party.”
“…You were watching me a lot.”
Luca grimaced, “Well… that man looked like he was making you uncomfortable.”
Chuckling, Michel shook his head fondly, “I think the past few months have proved that I can take care of myself, hm?”
“That doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t want to make you’re okay.” Luca leant over, pressing a quick kiss to the crown of Michel’s head, before helping him up, just as the food arrived.
Michel ate in mostly silence, before putting the tray to one side and leaning back against the pillows, looking up at the ceiling.
“At least Vincenzo doesn’t need me to be at every party.” He sighed, “I suppose there’s only so many times you can see the ‘mysterious brother’, before I’m no longer interesting.”
“You hate being the centre of attention.”
“I didn’t say that I didn’t like the change.” Michel smirked, “I kind of wish it had happened sooner.”
“… Interesting things do keep happening to you though.”
“I don’t want them to.”
“I know.” Luca pressed another kiss to Michel’s crown, humming when he realised that he could still hear the music from downstairs, “DO you fancy a waltz?”
“…Really?”
Luca just got to his feet and held out his hands, looking so expectant that Michel couldn’t help but join him, the pair of them swaying from side to side, as they faintly listened to the music coming from downstairs.
“Feel any better?” Luca asked.
“…A little.”
When Michel then stumbled a little, he held up a hand, stopping Luca’s exclamations of worry in their tracks. “It’s okay, I’m just tired.”
“Oh…do you want me to carry you?”
It had half been a joke, but the profound weariness in Michel’s eyes told him that he should, no matter how much his lover’s pride protested, “It’s okay.” He scooped Luca up into a bridal carry, “I’ve got you.”
He gently placed Michel back into the bed, on top of the sheets as he lay next to him, accepting a soft kiss from Michel, who hummed softly.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”