20. Antonio
Antonio
Domestic bliss was a unique joy Antonio never believed he would experience. He was dedicated to his work, to the island, to his team, but Lucky had swept in with an equal dedication and a heart big enough for both of them. Antonio felt blessed.
Antonio enjoyed the loud moments. He couldn’t deny the amusement of walking into his house to hear arguing, music playing, printers running, and watching the group interact.
Serena had in fact dyed parts of her hair green, an activity that had seen Lucky smiling sheepishly at the state of Antonio’s guest bathroom.
Joe and Aurora spent a few hours on Antonio’s couch, the tall Black man seated on it while Aurora sat on the floor between his legs while he braided her hair with bright green strands.
He enjoyed talking shop with her about boat engines, eagerly listening to her talk about the repairs to Lucky’s Turtle Top while she worked on logging names from the latest petition sheets. It was wonderfully chaotic.
It was the quiet moments that truly took his breath away.
He treasured the times when he came home after several long shifts to find Lucky curled up on the couch, waiting with a hot beverage.
Too early to think about forever but he wouldn’t mind if forever involved Lucky’s tea and a chance to sleep off the work in his lap.
Despite their busy schedules, the key became a point of connection. They didn’t have to wait. Lucky could just appear when he wanted, and they could make the time they found work in ways neither expected.
The morning of the BBQ was an entirely new experience.
After breakfast, Lucky took over the bathroom counter with lotions, makeup, and hair products.
Antonio showered while Lucky styled his curls, and he brushed his teeth while Lucky smoothed unscented sunscreen over his whole body. He kissed Lucky’s cheek on his way out.
Antonio pulled on a black button-down linen t-shirt and white linen pants for the BBQ, styling his hair with his fingers.
“That’s a nice watch.” Lucky hummed stepping out of the bathroom. Antonio arched a brow as Lucky looked him up and down.
“It was a gift from my mother.” Antonio fixed the clasp and gave himself a once over in the mirror.
“You clean up nicely.” Lucky teased, “Maybe I should make you take me out on a proper date with all the works sometime.”
Antonio sat on the bed, watching Lucky pull on a gold skort over beige underwear. Lucky carefully fit a white crop top over his head, one that showed the Marine Center logo in gold foil. “You’re adorable, mi amor.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Lucky hummed, vanishing into the bathroom once more. When he came out, there were small gold dolphins dangling from his ears.
“Maybe we don’t need to go, maybe I should just take you to bed.” Antonio smiled, tracing the line of skin on display between Lucky’s top and bottom. “You look good enough to eat.”
“Then we better get to the BBQ so you aren’t starving.” Lucky’s dry response dragged a laugh from him. But Lucky placed a hand on his chest as mischief glimmered in blue eyes, “Or should I say, before I give in and take a bite…”
Lucky danced out of reach, leaving Antonio to shake his head and follow the omega downstairs.
They stopped to pull on shoes. He had well-loved sandals while Lucky stepped into purple flipflops to match his purple sunglasses.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon, perfect for what the team had planned.
“Will I be the only plus one?” Lucky asked, tucking his tablet and a stack of fliers into his shoulder bag.
“No. Almost everyone is bringing someone, partners or family members usually.” Antonio held the Jeep door open for Lucky before climbing into the driver’s side.
He waited until he pulled onto the main road to continue, “It’s a way for us all to bond and also to remember we’re human.
We have lives, friends, lovers… Our work is dangerous, sometimes we need to remember what and who we’re risking. ”
It was somber but honest.
“Then I’m glad you have these events.” Lucky reached across to rest a hand on his thigh, giving a reassuring squeeze that made Antonio smile.
“I’ve never brought anyone before.” Antonio admitted, “My family is not here anymore, just Mateo but he works with me. And nothing ever got serious enough.” He rambled, unable to rein in his tongue until Lucky squeezed his leg again. His words ran out; tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.
“We’re serious enough, and I’m really, really excited to see more of your world.” Lucky’s words were soft. “You’ve joined me on a turtle crawl. This is kind of our next official date, isn’t it?”
Antonio smiled, “I think I like that. Two dates involving our work… Not exactly typical but it works for us, right?”
“It works for us.” Lucky echoed.
The drive up to their headquarters was pleasant. Lucky kept the window rolled down and they played music softly. Antonio was nervous, his insides twisted and squirmed, but it was a good feeling. He was excited to introduce Lucky.
As he pulled into the gravel lot, they could already hear chatter and music drifting from the side of the building. All the garage doors were thrown open, the larger rescue vehicles sitting neatly in their bays.
Lucky breathed in, grinning at Antonio as he helped the omega out of the car. “I smell something good.”
“Steaks, hopefully.” Antonio patted his stomach, “Pork too.”
“Is anyone going to judge if I gorge myself?” Lucky sighed and batted his eyes. Antonio wrapped an arm around Lucky’s waist and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.
“They shouldn’t, considering half the budget came out of my pocket.” He snorted.
As they rounded the corner, Antonio was unreasonably happy to see his crew. They were still a small unit. Fourteen people, split into shifts with him and Mateo picking up the most consecutive hours to ensure there was never a moment Paradise was left unguarded.
Picnic tables were already stacked with side dishes brought by various members.
Cups for fresh made juices and bottles of sugary sodas were scattered about.
A few kids ran around, and someone brought their dog who instantly ran up to sniff at them.
Instantly people shouted greetings, but it was Mateo who cut through the crowd with a wide grin.
“Tonio! You’re late!” Mateo grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him into a swift hug before turning grey eyes on Lucky. “And you must be the illustrious Lucky Wilde. I have heard quite a bit about you, and Tonio did not lie about your beauty, sirenita.”
“Mateo…” Antonio sighed, a pleading warning in his voice that was ruined by Lucky’s mischievous grin.
“So, you’re the Mateo I have heard so much about. I’ve been quite excited to meet you.” Lucky accepted Mateo’s hand, laughing as the man bent to press a kiss to his knuckles.
“The pleasure is entirely mine. If you ever need blackmail material on Tonio, I’m the one to ask, yeah?” Antonio groaned audibly but Mateo persisted, “My mother has a charming collection of photos from our childhood that I’d be happy to share with you at any time.”
“Absolutely not!” Antonio cut in, grumbling.
At the same time Lucky brightly chirped, “I look forward to it!”
Mateo snorted, releasing Lucky’s hands to raise his own in mock innocence. “And here I thought you’d be excited to share pictures of your first mohawk…”
Antonio sighed dramatically as Lucky burst into giggles. “I should make you file reports as overtime for a month.”
“Only if you want Misha to murder you, cabrón.” Mateo grinned but Antonio could see the tension around his friend’s eyes. The old arguments never ceased. He knew he was more than a little blessed to have Lucky who, so far, had no issues with his work schedule.
“Why will I be murdering Captain Saavedra this time?” Misha, Mateo’s spouse, appeared by the man with a bored look on his face. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his designer clothes stood out amongst the casually dressed attendees.
“Antonio was threatening Mateo with overtime.” Lucky hummed, offering his hand to the other omega, “You must be Mateo’s partner. It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m—”
“Lucky Wilde.” Misha cut in, shaking Lucky’s hand lightly, “Everyone knows you, or at least they do at the moment. Rumors are swirling that you’re running a little petition to get the new hotel project canceled.”
“I wouldn’t call it little…” Mateo murmured but dropped his head when Misha gave him a look from the corner of his eyes.
“Well, I suppose I don’t mind being famous for this.” Lucky shrugged.
“Lucky is going to set up a place for everyone to sign and take fliers. I hope you’ll take one as well, Misha.” Antonio encouraged.
“Perhaps. I suppose I’d be happy if there was less competition for Melody Resort, my boss is getting an ulcer over the whole thing. Worried a new resort will cut into our margins.” Misha shrugged, “And turtle snorkel trips do well in the excursion package.”
“Misha, let them get settled. We can talk more later, yeah?” Mateo encouraged, offering Antonio a tired smile.
“Looks like they are looking for you at the grill, Mateo.” Antonio played in.
“You’d think the place would burn down without Mateo.” The exasperation in Misha’s voice was not teasing. Antonio winced. “And the overtime better remain a joke.” Misha’s glare turned on Antonio.
He held one hand up defensively. “Understood.” The never-ending argument, Mateo’s schedule versus Misha’s wants. He did not envy his friend. It certainly made him appreciate Lucky’s acceptance all the more.
“Yeah.” Mateo shrugged, walking away and leaving Misha to follow.
As soon as they were alone, Lucky squeezed his hand. “Let’s get set up so you can introduce me to everyone.”
“Of course, mi amor.”