[Omegaverse] A Stroke of Luck (America/Romano)

Subject: [Omegaverse] A Stroke of Luck (America/Romano) Sat Jul 14, 2012 6:17 am

Unlike most of the southern half of Italy, Naples was never a quiet place. The bustling city was home to Lovino, a young man of humble background, with a not-so-humble mouth. Although it tended to get him in trouble more than help him, it was still all he had, and he hardly hesitated to use it. If there was one thing Lovino could do right, it was talk- and he often abused this right when it came to winning the ear of a tourist, his only source of income. With a brother that was too air-headed to hold a job and a grandfather who preferred drinking wine and chasing women to supporting his family, the task of putting pasta on the table tended to fall to him alone. Lovino was used to it, though. He’d support his family in whatever way he could. That’s why he was here today, hanging out by the airport, trying to catch a wealthy ear. Using some of his well-practiced English, he called out to the passersby, advertising his services as a native tour guide and the provider of a full experience.

Getting a much needed vacation was something Al had really doubted he'd be able to get, let alone one as long as he'd managed. But Ludwig was good at handling things on his own, and had offered, in exchange for a vacation of his own when Al's was over. That, would be hard to do, but could be done, nonetheless. So, here he was, in Naples, Italy, with a month to enjoy himself doing whatever he wanted. Sure, his Italian was horrible, and the trip had been a bit last minute and a little expensive, but it was still needed, even all that time on the airplanes hadn't bothered him- though flying commercially had been a rather new experiance. Something he didn't think he'd want to do again.

He was waiting for his ride to arrive when he heard the heavily accented English, and turned to get a look at the one shouting. He was attractive looking, all tanned skin and caramel brown hair, though the air around him was a little on the rougher side. Al could already hear Ludwig telling him to stay away from the natives, in his head, and as usual, ignored it. He could use a tourguide, and it could be fun for it to be a native, as opposed to the usually trained up 'professionals' who were little more then tourists that had overstayed their welcomes, anyway.

So, he made his way forward, brushing a hand through his hair, and smiling a bright, and cheerful grin. "What's your usual going rate?"

Lovino had been shouting for almost an hour before he got anything close to a taker. When he heard the foreigner’s voice, his head whipped in his direction, and he forced a smile on his face, trying to look as friendly as possible, though even now, it was never easy to do. Lovino was cautious by nature, and if it hadn’t been for his situation, he would have been happy not dealing with strangers at all. As it was though, he felt he had no choice, and necessity had slowly hardened him against fear and mistrust. At least this guy was easier on the eyes than most, but for now, that was Lovino’s only consolation.

“Twenty-five euros for the basic tour,” he replied. “Anything extra…we can talk about later.”

He shifted, nervous, and kept himself from looking around self-consciously. He had to be careful not to act too shady around his client. Suspicion would only leave him hungry for another day. Instead, he kept the smile on his face and the warmth and persuasion in his voice.

“It’s a good deal, really. I’ve lived in this city all my life. I know it better than anyone else! And I’ll translate for you…Anything you need. How about it?”

As he got closer, even in the airport he could smell that the other was an omega. This seemed, to Alfred, to be a rather bad job for an omega to have- but he knew he tended to be a bit old fashioned, so usually ignored this particular thought. This omega didn't look particularly happy about his job, either, though he tried to smile bright, Al, who worked in a pretty big business cooperation had practice knowing a real smile from a false one. But, after spending so much time on a plane, he was less inclined to be bothered by whether or not this stranger was actually happy or not. His mind imediately set to work converting euros into US dollars, and decided that was hardly anything to bat an eye at, and really, if it turned out he was being jipped, well, it wasn't that big of a deal, just thirty bucks.

Al shifted his carry-on bag around on his shoulders, and dug his phone out, sending a quick text to the person picking him up, letting them known just to pick up his bags and take them to the hotel. He could get a cup of coffee and be fine for a good few hours before the need to sleep would hit him, and he'd like to know what all this 'basic tour' included. "I've had a long flight, why don't we get a coffee and you can tell me what all is including in the basic tour?"

Lovino watched the man, studying him. His clothes and the way he carried himself told the Italian he was probably well-off. Maybe he could get away with raising the price a good amount by offering a more elaborate tour. His potential client had a friendly face, but that didn’t make Lovino trust him any better. It wasn’t important, though. As long as the man could pay, Lovino really didn’t give a damn about anything else. He only hoped that the foreigner had brought plenty of cash to blow on this trip.

“Sure, I know a good place,” he replied. “Follow me.”

He led the other man along, down a busy street away from the airport and towards a quieter neighborhood full of shops. As he walked, Lovino looked over his shoulder, wondering if he should offer to help his client carry anything. The man looked so much stronger than him, though- an alpha for sure, as if the scent wasn’t enough to give it away. The last thing Lovino wanted was to make a fool of himself, so he kept his mouth shut and pushed his way into his chosen café. He walked up to the counter and ordered what the foreigner wanted. Once the man had his coffee, he quickly found a table with a good view of the street and sat down there. The tourists liked this kind of thing. As he waited for the other, he began to run ideas through his mind about where the two of them should go. They could visit the usual places, sure, but first Lovino had to find out what kind of attractions his client was into.

“So what do you like? My basic tour covers most of the popular places in the city, without admission, but if you like, I can also show you the best shopping, restaurants, and attractions most visitors miss. There are castles, the theater…lots of art and history. What we see all depends on you.”

Following closely, Al made sure to glance around as they went, keeping track of how far they got from the airport. It was different, walking around like this, even having lived in the city most of his life, Al generally didn't walk many places. He had a personal driver back home, so there was rarely any need. He could do it, but never did. The cafe the omega chose was small, a little quaint, but it looked nice. Letting the other lead things, Alfred took the coffee orderd for him, and followed the other to a table, taking a moment just to look and see what he could from their seat. It was a good view, and he was growing rather attached to just the feel of Italy. The few times he'd been to the country on business, there'd been no time to really look around, and he'd hardly had any business in this particular country.

Sipping at the coffee, and finding it a little too strong for his tastes, Al was glad to turn his attention fully to the tourguide. Listening close to what he said, and thinking over the options given. Al wasn't particularly interested in art or history, but he knew that if he didn't see some thing that focused on those, he'd likely get reemed when he went home. He had a month, though, so he was sure there was no avoiding it.

"Well, I have a month here, I'm assuming that I can fit a little bit of everything in, in that time." He took another sip of his coffee, deciding to drink it slowly, "I'm sure your basic tour usually lasts a day, hence the low price, correct?"

The Italian listened to the other man, nodding. He hadn’t expected the foreinger to be staying so long, but he was more than ready to take advantage of this new information.

“That’s right…Though I do have other options,” he added, thinking quickly. “A week tour covers everything- the theater, garden, art museum, ancient ruins, churches, castle- and if you want to pay for more days, I can show you the best beaches and markets too. It’ll cost you, though. Two hundred euro for the week and twenty-five per day after that.”

He wondered if he could get any more out of the guy, but Lovino decided it was best not to push his luck for now. If he was lucky, maybe he’d even get some free meals out of this arrangement. There was no telling how generous a client would be, though. Lovino watched him drink his coffee, wondering how long it’d been since he’d had a cup himself. Most people wouldn’t consider such a small thing a luxury, but for Lovino, anything that wasn’t necessary wasn’t worth shit. Still, he wished he could live a little once in a while. He thought of his fratellino and nonno back home. If this deal worked out, he’d be able to take care of them for a good while, even with the ridiculous amount those two idiots ate.

It still didn't seem like a bad deal, he'd been sure it would get rather pricey, but given the amount of time he had, and how expensive he knew a 'professional' tour guide would cost. Worse came to worse, he lost some money and found someone else to show him around. This was almost fun already. "That sounds like a fair enough deal."

And he had the money to cover it easily, so why not? Taking another sip from the coffee, Al leaned back in his seat a little, looking the tour guide up and down a bit, as if sizing him up. It was always good to not seem too eager, but really, with Al that was hard to do. He'd been told before how amazing it was he hadn't run his father's company into the ground, just by being too readable- granted, that was by people who didn't do business with him.

"Now, given the nature of the deal, I'm not going to pay you the full two hundred up front- for starters, I don't have that much on me right this second, and secondly, I don't have proof that you'll return to continue through the week. I can give you fifty now, another half way through the week, and the last hundred at the end. Does that sound alright with you?"

Lovino gave a smirk, genuinely pleased. He had this one in the bag. It would probably be the most he had ever earned off one client, for just a tour at least. He nodded, never having expected to be offered the full amount right away in any case. It was a surprise to even be getting fifty today. And then, there was still potential to earn more later.

“That’s fine,” he replied. “My name’s Lovino, by the way. I’ll be your personal guide to Naples. During the tour, we can change the plans to go wherever interests you most and do whatever you like. So if you have any special requests, please let me know. I want to make this a…good experience for you.”

It was pathetic how many of his lines were rehearsed. That was just the nature of this job, though- same show, different audience. The words still felt strange on his tongue, though they passed through his ears like an overplayed recording. Lovino’s only concern was pleasing his client. He had lost a lot of self-respect over the years, but this was how he had survived till now. That had to count for something.

Glad to have Lovino agreeing to the terms Al had given, as far as payment went, Al offered the omega a bright 100 watt smile. It would make things easier to remember and figure out later one when it came time to find out just how much money he'd spent. For now, there were other things to be concerned with. Finishing off his coffee, Alfred took in the lines Lovino fed him, hardly noticing how rehearsed they were. Being in the business as he was, most people spoke in a manner similar to Lovino's, as if they'd practiced the sentences in front of the mirror and then grew so used to saying them over time it was just second nature.

"I'm Al. Alfred Jones, that is." Al held his hand out to Lovino, though he wasn't sure if the omega would shake hands with him or not. There were a lot of omegas he knew back home who wouldn't dare touch a strange Alpha if they could help it. But it was better to seem friendly, which was really Al's forté. "You mentioned beaches?"

The man’s smile did nothing to relax Lovino, but he did notice it was kinda charming. This guy was definitely a people person. The Italian tugged the corners of his own lips up more, knowing he couldn’t match his client in cheerfulness but still wanting to appear amiable. It helped when he thought of what he could buy from the money he’d be earning for this job. He tried not to overdo it, though. His brother told him he could be scary when he smiled too much.

Jones, he repeated to himself, making a note to remember it. He didn’t really feel comfortable calling his employer by his first name unless the other insisted on it. Some tourists did, but Lovino would just have to wait and see. He hesitated to take the outstretched hand for a moment, but the well-practiced gesture soon prompted his own hand forward, and he gave the alpha a firm handshake.

“Yes, Naple’s beaches are great this time of year. If you like, I could even take you to the islands off the coast. Capri is one of the most popular vacation spots. That place is built like a resort, but it has a few quiet spots too if you know where to look.”

The idea of a beach, on a little island, sounded quite wonderful, especially after that long plane ride here. Not today, of course, today, Al intended to work out the schedule with Lovino, then check in at his hotel, and sleep the day and night away. He wouldn't probably destroy his sleep schedule by doing it, but sleep was sounding like the best thing, even after that rather strong coffee.

"That sounds like a good start, actually. Tomorrow, though." He leaned back in his seat, "For today, I'd like to get to my hotel and sleep. I'm sure you can help me get there, since I don't know quite where we are?"

Lovino nodded as he pulled a well-worn organizer out of his pocket and made a small note about visiting the beach the next day. He looked back up at Alfred curiously. So his client just wanted to sleep for now…Lovino wondered if that meant today wouldn’t count as the beginning of the week-long tour, but he decided that helping the other find his way to the hotel was still work, and so, he should be able to get paid for it.

“No problem,” he said. “Where are you staying?”

Al eyed the organizer with a bit of interest. In his world everything was electronics, and it wasn't new, it was not something you wanted people to know about. He was careful to keep from looking quite so interested by it, glad to have something to say so he could stop wondering how one even used an older organzier. "Oh, the Romeo hotel?"

He'd let Ludwig book the hotel for him, so he didn't even quite know what it looked like. The plan had been for the car to take him, but he'd ruined that by letting Lovino bring him here for coffee.

Lovino almost dropped his organizer on the floor.

“The Romeo?!” he burst out before composing himself. “I mean…That’s a really nice place. Of course I know how to get there- it’s about five kilometers away. You’re probably better off taking the shuttle from the airport since you have stuff to carry, though.”

The Romeo! For a whole damn month! This guy must have had some serious cash to burn. Once again Lovino wondered if he should have tried to squeeze more out of him, but he decided he’d just have to take what he could get and hope for a generous tip.

Leaning away, and a little wide-eyed at the outburst, Al arched a brow at the omega. He was both a bit amused and surprised. He supposed he should be used to that kind of reaction, but people were looking at them now. Al chuckled, and leaned forward to rest his arms on the table. Five kilometers, he didn't feel up to walking quite that far.

"Then, help me get back to the airport?" He could probably find it, if he had too, but he'd feel a little better about getting back with a guide. Especially when he had some of his bags with him. It was easier not to take the risk.

Lovino felt the weight of people’s eyes on him and glared at them out of the corner of his eye. As if his reaction to his client being so filthy rich hadn’t been embarrassing enough. I can show them how loud I am when I really shout… He tried to keep his temper under control for Alfred’s sake, however. He didn’t need the foreigner thinking he’d hired some crazy guide.

“I can do that. I’ll even come back with you to the hotel if you want some…company,” he added quietly. “That is, if you’re not too tired.”

His eyes slid cautiously to the side and then directly up at Alfred’s, trying to convey a message. Would the alpha take the hint? Lovino was still nervous about losing this job before he even got his first payment. Maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut…

Having grown up in the society that Alfred had, he did know about omegas who would offer up affection or worse for money. Being nearly married to his work, and having a rather old fashioned mindset, it wasn't something Alfred had ever truly encountered. He didn't seek out those kinds of omegas, and generally paid no mind if they ever tried to catch his eye. Having been on a plane for as long as he had, and being half asleep as it was, Lovino's offer went in one ear and out the other without the meaning settling.

The look he gave the omega was rather blank. Trying to process the meaning of the offer, but not really willing to grasp it. Finally, he smiled, bright and cheerful, and shook his head. "Just help me get to the airport, and I'll be fine."

It was the simplest way he could think of to decline the offer he wanted to deny was there at all.

Lovino nodded, trying not to look too affected by the declination. At least it hadn’t been a flat out rejection laced with disapproval or disgust. Despite the way he lived now, the Italian still had some pride. He was disappointed to lose a chance to make money, but at the same time, relieved that he had been spared the degradation that would have come from selling one of the only things he had left to offer. For now, the money he was making for the tour was enough. If Alfred showed any signs of interest in him later, maybe Lovino would try again.

“Alright then. I’ll give you my phone number in case you need to contact me.” The Italian flipped to the back of his organizer and scribbled his name and number down on a blank memo there. Tearing it off, he handed it to his client. The phone he owned was a cheap pay-as-you-go model that he rarely added minutes to, but it was reliable enough. Besides, it put returning customers at ease knowing they could call him whenever they wanted. Whether Lovino chose to answer them or not was a different matter.

“Whenever you’re ready, we can go,” he said.

Alfred wasn't aware that he'd rejected anything at all, and so missed the Italian's struggle to look unaffected by that rejection. He took the memo, tucking it safely in his pocket and hoped it wouldn't disappear by the time he got to the hotel. His things had a habit of getting lost. Really, this method was so old fashioned, he really preferred business cards or electronic exchanges. But, if nothing else, Alfred had learned not to mention things like that. It usually ended up insulting the people he was working with.

He finished off his coffee and stood up. Ready to get to his hotel. He was pretty sure even the coffee wouldn't be enough to keep him awake to long. The long flight hadn't been good for getting a lot of sleep, he'd probably spend most of the day sleeping. "I'm ready to go now."

Lovino nodded and rose from his seat to lead his client back to the airport. His mind was still turning, trying to think up more ways to earn cash, but he knew with these American types, it was best to earn their trust first before trying to put much pressure on them to spend more. At least he would be getting the first part of his payment today. It would be enough to pick up a few necessities at the grocery store on his way home. Whatever they had left in the pantry this morning was probably gone by now, and if Lovino didn’t restock soon, he had a feeling the tomatoes from the plants outside would disappear before they were even ripe. Damn his brother for not being affected by threats when he was hungry enough.

He didn’t say much on the trip back to the airport before they made it back to the pick-up area. Lovino led the other past the taxis over to where the hotel shuttles were waiting. He spotted the Romeo’s quickly and gestured to it as they came closer. “This will take you there. What time would you like to start the tour tomorrow? I can meet you at the hotel lobby whenever you like.”

The walk back to the airport was quiet, and Al was very glad to see that he recognized the way back almost perfectly. He could have easily found his way back, that was very reassuring. He made a note to keep that in mind later, and maybe, he wouldn't need the other after that first week.

As the other pointed out the shuttle that would lead to the Romeo, Al felt a sense of relief. It shouldn't take long to get to the hotel, and once he'd signed in, he could sleep for a few hours, which would do him a great deal of good, he knew.

"Sounds good, I'll likely be up early, is 8am good for you?" The last thing he wanted was a tired and grouchy guide, but Al really was an early morning person, chances are, he would be up before the sun was up. Unless this nap really did throw him off. Maybe an alarm was in order. Regardless, he would be up very early.

Lovino nodded in response to the question. Really, it was up to his client. The Italian was just a servant, and whatever time was good for his employer had to be good for him. Even if waking up early didn't sound very exciting to him at all...Lovino tended to try to get up at a decent hour because he knew most tourists didn't waste time sleeping. Given the choice, he wouldn't have minded sleeping in a bit more, but the time Alfred had suggested was close enough to his usual wake-up time that he didn't care.

"I'll be there at 8am sharp," he promised. "Look for me in the lobby."

With that, he waited for his payment, eager to get to the grocery store as soon as possible. He really felt fortunate to have found this client. After he brought the food home, he would probably try to see if he could get another job for the rest of today since it was still not too late- just a one day gig- but at least now he didn't have to worry about feeding his brother and grandfather tonight.

Glad to have the agreement on time, Al made a mental note to let the people at the hotel know he would be expecting Lovino, so they'd likely not give him any trouble. He knew for a fact that Ludwig had informed the people at the hotel to keep his name and information private, and he didn't want anyone hassling the poor omega.

Pulling out his money, Al counted out the fifty he'd promised, amused by the colorful money like he always was when he traveled outside the States. He handed over the fifty, "I'll see you tomorrow morning then."

With the money taken, and that said, Al left Lovino to do whatever he planned on doing. Al had a hotel to get too, and hopefully to explore later when he woke up. There was plenty of daylight and after a nap, he intended to explore the hotel, and maybe the area right around it himself.

Lovino tried not to look to eager when the other handed him the money. He took it carefully and thanked his client before putting the cash away. It was some of the easiest money he had ever made considering he had only showed the Alpha where to find some coffee so far. Alfred wouldn't have to worry about Lovino fulfilling the rest of the agreement, though. It would be stupid for the Omega to turn down the chance to earn more money, especially from a client who appeared to be so well off. The Romeo... Lovino still couldn't believe it.

"Have a good night," Lovino said as he bid the Alpha farewell.

Once he had made sure the other was on the correct shuttle, he left at a quick pace, headed straight for the grocery store. He wouldn't spend all the money tonight. He'd need some in case of an emergency or other unforeseen expenses came up while he was out guiding the rest of the week. His brother would be glad to hear he had landed a good temporary job. Now if only he could get his lazy grandfather to get it together...The old man had been a big shot once, but his lousy choices and bad luck had run his family into the poverty they lived in now. It was really no wonder Lovino resented him so much. The bastard was lucky he had at least one useful grandson.

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