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

Getting settled at the hotel was easy as pie. His room was large, with a great view, which he was likely paying a pretty penny for. It would be a good one though, even if at the end of the month he'd probably not notice it much at all. As it was, he took a moment to enjoy the view over the harbor, before he dropped his carry-on bag on the couch. Everything else was unpacked, so he took off his shoes, coat and glasses, and flopped back on the bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

A few hours later, he woke up, dressed, ordered food and explored the hotel. There was plenty to look and see, and he had access to everything. By the time he fell asleep that night he felt as if he knew his way around the hotel itself, well enough. He didn't bother taking advantage of the wake-up service, his cell phone's alarm went off at 7:28am, and he was up long before it.

Dressed rather casually, just jeans, his sneakers, and a t-shirt, Alfred felt much more comfortable in his street-clothes then he had his business suits, though he had a few of those here as well. He went down to the lobby at 15 minutes to 8, and found a spot to sit, flipping through apps on his phone, an eye kept open for his tour guide.

Lovino didn't end up getting any other jobs that day, but he wasn't sure if it was because he had used up all his luck for now or if he just wasn't trying as hard now that he had some security. He had brought his purchases home and stashed them in the pantry before returning to the front of the airport and calling out for the rest of the day offering his services. When the sun went down, he considered staying for the "night shift," as he sometimes did in times of desperation, but the thought of waking up sore and tired in someone else's bed when he had work to do in the morning was far from appealing and certainly not necessary for the rest of this week. So he came home and found his brother already cooking up some of his earnings for dinner- not surprising. At least his Fratellino was good for something. He made a first class meal even with little to work with. Well-fed and satisfied by his day's work, Lovino fell asleep, prepared to rise early.

The clothes he chose to wear that day were the best he had and really not his at all. They were his grandfather's, from the time when the old man still had money for things like new outfits. They were old, but not completely out of fashion. The only thing Lovino cared about was looking vaguely professional. He was at the Romeo ten minutes before eight and was surprised to see his client already waiting for him. Panicking for a moment, Lovino checked both the lobby's clock and his cell phone to make sure he really was on time, and after composing himself a bit, approached the Alpha.

"Good morning," he greeted. "Have you eaten already, or would you like me to show you a good place for breakfast?"

Last edited by United States on Wed Jan 02, 2013 6:08 am; edited 1 time in total

Alfred looked up when he heard the other speaking, flashing a bright smile. Locking the screen of his phone, he stood up, and tucked it away in his shoulder bag. He had eaten a little right when he'd gotten up, but Al was always hungry, really, no matter how much he ate, there was always room for more. And everyone was always going on about how great Italian food was, though he supposed for later in the day, not so much during the morning.

"Food would be great." He offered a bright grin, "So, lead the way, Lovino."

Lovino nodded, offering his own practiced smile. He led the way out of the hotel, taking a moment to glance around one last time and appreciate the grandness of the lobby. What must it be like to have enough money to stay at a place like this? He quickened his pace a bit, not eager to feel jealousy this early in the morning. He focused instead on deciding the best place to take his client for breakfast, somewhere that would impress him for sure.

"We're not very big on breakfast here," he told Alfred honestly. "We usually have- what do you call it? Continental? Well, there are places that serve full breakfasts, British style...but you don't want to go to those," he added quickly, wrinkling his nose. "How about coffee and a panino? Do you like sandwiches?"

He continued walking as he talked, leading the Alpha to the group of restaurants downtown.

Al followed Lovino out into the early morning sun, tilting his face up towards the light, and after the other spoke he thought it over. He'd had enough 'british' food in his life to know he was good with skipping that. He would have killed for pancakes and bacon, but that could be ordered at the hotel, so he would get it some other time. "Sandwiches and coffee sound fine to me."

A light breakfast, and then maybe a heavier lunch and dinner. That was the best way to go, and worked perfectly for him. Especially if they were possibly going to be on a boat, which was a high risk since Lovino had mentioned islands just off the coast. Alfred always got a little queasy on boats....

Lovino was glad when the other agreed to his suggestion for breakfast. There were countless places around here that sold panini and coffee. Even the cafe they had gone to before had it, but Lovino thought it best not to take his client back to the same place. There were plenty of options that were closer anyway. Lovino didn't go out for breakfast often though, so he couldn't use his own personal experience to chose the best cafe. Instead, he tried to remember which place he had seen the most locals frequent. Native Italians always knew best.

"In here," he said finally as they came to a busy cafe on the corner of the next street. The place was small, but cozy, filled with more locals than tourists, which Lovino took as a good sign. There was a bit of a line, but Lovino spotted a free table and immediately stood by it, putting a hand down on top to claim it.

"Would you like me to order for you? If not, I'll stay here and save this table."

There was no need for him to have anything himself. The Italian was used to just a meal or two a day.

The other led the way, and Alfred stayed close. The cafe was crowded, a bit more then Al would have normally liked, but he didn't complain. Tilting his head, he looked over the Italians in the cafe to get a look at the menu. He would probably butcher Italian, but he could certainly order on his own, and they weren't far away enough from the hotel that the people who worked here wouldn't understand him- he hoped.

Tilting his head a little, Al nodded, "I can order."

"Do you want something?" He loved to eat, but he always felt a little awkward doing so with other people, when they weren't eating too. That, and the other looked like he could use something to eat. "I'm paying."

He added it for good measure, not sure if it would actually get the other to agree or not.

Lovino took his seat, glad that his client was confident enough in his Italian that he felt he could handle this on his own. Not that Lovino would be very far if he was needed, anyway. At the offer, the Omega hesitated for a moment. He was usually hesitant to accept favors from clients due to his pride, but it was hard to turn down a free meal, especially when the smells of the cafe were making his mouth water. Finally, he decided just to say yes. He would need his strength if he was going to take the other all the way to the islands today.

"Well, if you don't mind...I'll have the same as you."

He smiled then- a real smile, surprisingly enough- and sat back to wait for his breakfast. He had lucked out to have such a kind client.

A little thrown off by the other's smile, Al grinned, unable to help being surprised. Lovino had thrown smiles at him, of course, but they were always a little tight, a bit forced- so that genuine smile actually caught and held Al's attention. Feeling a little bit warmer, he gave a short nod and made his way to the front, waiting in line.

Ordering wasn't quite as hard as he had thought it would be. The people in the area were used enough to tourists that they had a grasp on what Al was saying so when he ordered two coffees and two paninos, it went smoothly enough. He had a harder time getting the money just right, but even that went well enough. He stayed out the way while waiting for what he'd ordered, and as soon as it came, he took it back to the table the other sat at, setting both the coffee and food down, taking a seat across from him.

Lovino couldn't help perking up at the sight of the food and coffee. Breakfast was a luxury he hardly afforded himself, and the smell of the coffee throughout the cafe made him crave it badly. He picked up his cup and took a short sip, letting the flavor settle on his tongue before swallowing. It was hard to force himself not to scarf down his panino, but Lovino took small bites of that too, choosing to savor the flavor and keep the other from seeing how hungry he really was.

"Grazie," he murmured before taking another bite. "It was nice of you."

He wondered if his client would treat him to other meals. If so, he might have to start picking out some more high-end places...

Breakfast was an every day (well, almost every day) thing for Alfred, there was nothing particularly special about it. Other then where he was having it, he supposed. Most of his breakfasts were rushed and had while he was walking- sometimes even just random things shoved into his hands cause he'd slept in, or forgotten some important meeting so he had to hurry.

"You're welcome." Offering breakfast was no big deal to Al, in fact, he didn't think anything about it. And he would likely offer to pay for all the meals, since he had a feeling otherwise Lovino would not be joining him for meals, which was just not acceptable to Alfred. "Wouldn't want you going hungry, I'm hard to keep up with sometimes."

Lovino's cheeks reddened a bit. He was embarrassed knowing that going hungry was exactly what would have happened if Alfred hadn't chosen to treat him. He might have been able to earn back some more respect for himself if he paid for his own meal next time, but Lovino knew that just wouldn't be practical. He needed to take advantage of the free meals while he could, and put the money he had saved where it was needed.

"I appreciate it," he said calmly, taking another sip of his coffee. The strength and alertness it gave him made him feel like getting through today would be a breeze. He ate his panino faster, the eagerness to get the exploration started driving him more than his actual hunger.

If Al had been paying closer attention he may have noticed the blush on Lovino's face, however his focus was on his food. Really, Al was used to heavier breakfasts than this, but he'd skipped the meal enough times to know he could make it through on just a light meal. He would be sure to eat before leaving the hotel from now on, though. He didn't fancy buffets much, since his high metabolism caused him to eat quite a bit- even for an Alpha. People stared, and while that didn't bother him in most situations, it did when he ate. So it was to be avoided when possible.

It didn't take long for Al to finish the panini, though he sipped at his coffee slowly. Al was the type of person who drank very watered down coffee. He was used to a lot of sugar and cream to make it sweeter, the coffee here was strong and he doubted any amount of milk could lessen the bitter taste. And he didn't care to draw attention to himself over something as small as coffee.

Since he was mostly waiting on the omega now, Al found his attention wandering. He watched the people bustling in line to get their own food, and the ones outside walking quickly. There weren't quite as many people as there would be in New York right now, and that was rather nice. Even better, none of them knew him by face- his image wasn't everywhere. Being mostly a nobody was pretty damn relaxing.

Lovino finished his breakfast and watched the foreigner sip his coffee. He hoped it suited Alfred's taste. The Italian was very biased when it came to the drink his country took so seriously. Even though he couldn't say he had ever tried any other kind, the coffee here was undoubtedly superior. Maybe next time they would have to try another shop to give his client more opportunities to try the local blends.

"Take your time and enjoy it," he murmured, wanting to let the other know he was ready to go without rushing him.

As he waited, he began to map out in his head the fastest way to get to the ferry that would take them out to the islands. It had been a while since Lovino had been there. Not all the tourists he guided liked to walk too much, and getting around the islands took a lot of energy and endurance. He didn't doubt Alfred's ability to tackle them, though. The Alpha looked strong and capable. Without realizing it, Lovino found himself staring at the other man's arms and chest. Did he work out? His client seemed like a busy man- these rich guys usually were- so maybe he didn't have the time. Then again, someone that well off could probably afford a personal trainer. Thinking about it made Lovino feel lean and fragile. He didn't eat enough to build a lot of muscle, but he got his exercise walking around...and sometimes other ways, too. When his gaze shifted up to Alfred's neck and face, Lovino suddenly realized what he was doing and froze, averting his eyes quickly. He cursed silently in his head, kicking himself for not catching his awkward behavior sooner.

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