A Library Romance

Just before anyone reads this I would like to say that you may want to re-read the story as I have rewritten it a bit to make it a bit more rounded out. I felt like some of the things didn't really make sense before.

Now most importantly, I would like to bring up something that was brought to my attention a couple of weeks ago. A very dedicated fan of this story is going through an extremely hard time. She has leukemia. I relate very personally to this as well as my step father was diagnosed over 2 years ago with stage 4 colon cancer. So I wanted to dedicate this chapter, and this story, to L.G.Ayala in hopes that this will help her in her fight, along with anyone else out there who is going through a traumatic experience, no matter what that may be. I believe that these stories that we read and write on this site are extremely important. They have saved me in times of despair and I hope that they can help other people as well.

Thank you

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*Nico's POV*

My mind awoke slowly, savouring the warm feeling of being entwined with another warm body. I didn't want to open my eyes in fear that it would all have been a dream, that none of it ever really happened. He stirred beside me, pulling me close to him, and breaking the spell. I opened my eyes and witnessed the greatest thing ever; an amazingly sweet, caring, misunderstood, gorgeous man lying naked in my bed, clinging to me possessively.

I could have stayed there looking at him all day; he was so beautiful, and so peaceful. Unfortunately, what my bladder wanted came first compared to what all of my other senses wanted. I disentangled myself from Adlar's limbs and after pulling on a pair of grey cotton pants, tip toed out the door, across the hall and into the bathroom.

I had hoped to go back and crawl under the covers with Adlar but of course Antonio had to thwart my plan. I almost walked into him as I left the bathroom.

"Dude, is Adlar really in there?" he said loudly.

I grabbed Antonio and moved him towards the stairs, "Shh! He's sleeping."

Antonio followed me into the kitchen as I grabbed the orange juice out of the fridge, pouring two glasses.

"Whatever! What happened? Word around town is that he went berserk at his grandfather's wake in front of his whole family and screamed that he was gay."

"There's a lot more to it then that, man."

He looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to dish out the gossip.

"It is not my place to say."

I grabbed the two glasses in attempt to leave Antonio and return to my bedroom, however my mother chose then to appear in the kitchen. Immediately she ran up to me, asking whether or not I'd used protection.

I dismissed her question, not untruthfully saying, "Mami we did not have sex!"

She gave me the all-knowing look, as if to say 'You know what I mean!'

Finally I managed to sneak away from the two of them, praying I wouldn't see anyone else. I successfully made it back to my bedroom without meeting any obstacles, or spilling the orange juice. Adlar looked up as the door shut behind me. I couldn't help but smile at how adorable he looked with half his hair sticking straight up, and his eyes still foggy with sleep.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," I chuckled as I handed him a glass, "How'd you sleep?"

"Like I handed slept in years. Thank you."

I sighed as I melted into the sheets with him. Uncontrollable joy surged through me as Adlar's hands immediately sought me out, pulling me towards him. Hesitantly I pressed a kiss to his lips and was rewarded as he pressed his even harder against mine, entwining our tongues.

"Don't worry," he whispered as he pulled away.

"About what?"

"About me leaving and denying any of this ever happened. I'm tired of living a lie. And I truly am falling in love with you, Nico."

I couldn't help but pull him underneath me at the sound of his declaration. I held his head to mine as I kissed him hungrily, pressing my body fully against his. Adlar responded with just as much passion and hunger, but unfortunately we were interrupted by the knocking on the door.

"Colazione!" my father's voice boomed from the other side.

"Si!"

I glanced at Adlar, trying to determine whether the thought of going downstairs to see my whole family frightened him or not. Then I remembered he doesn't speak Italian and felt dumb.

"It's breakfast time," I smiled at him almost apologetically.

"Great!" he exclaimed, to my surprise, "I'm starving."

I couldn't help but laugh. Adlar surprised me more and more each day. I shrugged when he looked at me, confused.

"The bathroom is across the hall if you need."

I kissed him once more before climbing out of bed and going through my closet and drawers.

"Mind if I borrow something to wear?" Adlar asked as he held up his crumpled and dirty suit pants and shirt.

"Sure, you'll probably look better in them than I do anyway," I chuckled as I threw him a pair of jeans and a shirt.

"I highly doubt that," he said as he pulled on the jeans and then walked out the door before I could answer.

I smiled to myself before dressing. I met Adlar as he came out of the bathroom and we made our way downstairs, awaiting the embarrassment I was sure was about to happen.

The dining room went quiet as we entered. Both of us stood there quite nervously, waiting for someone to break the ice, say something.

My mother beamed her giant smile at us, rushing over to stand in front of Adlar. He looked quite frightened as my mother grabbed him on either side and stood there looking at him for a minute. He glanced at me, seeking help.

"Welcome to the famiglia!" my mother cheered, pulling Adlar into a crushing hug.

The smile that split his face was the most genuine, most beautiful thing I had ever seen. He looked on the verge of tears as he hugged her back and then let her pull him to the table to sit beside Ariana.

"Boyfriend!" she cheered, squirming in her seat.

I laughed, sitting in the seat next to Adlar, "Yes, Ariana, Boyfriend."