Thanks to my wonderful beta, sweetedge, for help and suggestions.

xXx

"You're not going to wear the mask?"

Vieri glanced to Federico when he heard the question, then his attention dropped to the mask in Federico's hands. He rolled his eyes and went back to observing the groups of colorfully dressed people from his spot around the corner of a building at the mouth of an alleyway. The mild weather and the sun nearing the horizon made the festival tolerable, but somebody was making it difficult for Vieri to enjoy.

"No," he said simply. He didn't care for dressing up during the celebration. It attracted too much attention—something he'd rather not have when Federico insisted on following him out in the open, which was why he watched the festivities from the safety of the shadows. Like he needed everyone to know he could tolerate the other's presence.

He would normally be out there, participating in certain events, but he was stuck with this annoying child latched onto his side—one who apparently thought his attention was worth more than anything else at the moment. He whacked away the hand nudging his ribs.

"What?" he hissed, and Federico smiled widely.

"Come on. Get into the spirit. They're fun." And with that, he pulled his own mask down over his face, and looking at it, Vieri couldn't believe Federico got these things. Even though they were plain, it was still ridiculous. He didn't like the idea of hiding behind one, but of course, Federico was enjoying it. "Try yours on. Let me see what you look like."

The one Federico had on only covered the top half of his face, but Vieri realized it wasn't his pleading smile he was looking at. It was something he'd never voice out loud...but Federico had nice eyes. They were always full of unguarded emotion—bright when he was eager and excited, full of fire when he was roused or upset. When Vieri lost his temper and said something undeservingly harsh to him, his eyes would soften, losing some of his spark. When Federico woke first thing in the morning, his eyes were slow and vulnerable, glancing around until they landed on Vieri; they would light up then. And when Federico guided the both of them to the bed and pressed him down onto the blankets, his eyes would darken and cloud over, never straying from Vieri's own.

Federico's eyes were attractive, and the mask only made it stand out more. Vieri couldn't believe how much he had noticed about them and how much attention he was paying to them, and when Federico started to smirk smugly, he realized that he was simply staring. He hastily spoke.

"Why are you being so persistent about this?"

"I think it would look nice on you." Federico attempted to place it over Vieri's face, but he jerked back.

"I'm not putting that stupid thing on!" he snapped. "I'm here for the races, the fights, and that's it. I'm not spending it with you."

He watched as Federico's eyes dropped sadly to the mask in his hands, watched as his shoulders slumped, and he heard his disappointment when he sighed out softly.

Vieri snatched the damn thing from him and scowled. "You are such a child." Even though Federico gave him a small smile, he didn't acknowledge it, and instead, glared at the mask and clutched it hard with his fingers. This was so stupid.

Federico's hands came up to hold his, and Vieri had to resist the automatic reaction to hit him off. "If you wear it, no one will know it's you." Vieri frowned, but Federico curled his long fingers around his wrists, holding him gently. "Think about it." He smiled, his eyes shining with excitement. "No one would know who we were. We could spend all night together."

Vieri scoffed. "I thought you were supposed be giving me an incentive to actually want to wear this thing."

Federico laughed, somehow managing to not look silly even with the mask Vieri so dreaded. "You really want me to give you an incentive?" He leaned forward, his voice lowering. "I'm sure I can manage something."

Vieri felt a tiny smile pull at his traitorous mouth and he grabbed Federico's collar to pull him closer. "It better be worth it." He tried to sound at least somewhat threatening, but he found himself smiling even more when Federico beamed.

"When is it not?" His voice was smooth, teasing, and while Vieri knew he should push him away since they were more or less out in the open, he really didn't want to.

A hand came up to rest over his chest, sliding up to his shoulder to press him back against the wall, and he felt his heart race in excitement, wishing immediately that he and Federico could be back in one of their rooms. But he kept his expression disciplined.

"Enough."

Federico wasn't fooled by his stoic demeanor. His wide grin along with his hand sliding up Vieri's neck to thread through his hair showed it, but he backed off, his hands returning to himself. Vieri was seriously thinking about skipping out on the festival and simply dragging Federico back to his room right then. At least he wouldn't be pestered into wearing the stupid mask.

Federico leaned against the wall next to him. "Put it on. Please?" he whispered, giving him an affectionate look, his eyes softening, and Vieri felt his face heat up.

"Whatever," he said irritably. He slipped the mask on quickly and ducked out of the alley, ignoring Federico's protests.

"Wait," Federico scrambled after him. "I didn't get to see how you look."

"Perfect as always," Vieri said dismissively as he purposely stayed ahead, passing numerous decorated stalls. "Why do you care? You know what I look like."

Federico seized his arm, pulling him to a halt to speak heatedly in his ear. "I think I care because I might possibly love looking at you."

Vieri wrenched his arm back. "Are you stupid?" he hissed quietly, glancing around in alarm even though the crowds of people paid them no mind, too involved in their own enjoyment to notice them. Federico gave him an amused look, and Vieri had to remind himself that yes, Federico was stupid. "It's not like it's not horribly obvious who we are."

Federico nodded. "Should have gone with costumes." Vieri sneered, eyeing with distaste some of the more fanciful garbs people were dressed up in.

"You couldn't pay me to get into one of those monstrosities."

"Not even with my form of payment?"

"You wouldn't have the energy needed to change my mind."

"Is that a challenge?" Federico made to sidle closer, but Vieri pinned him with a hard stare.

"You wouldn't," he said pointedly, "have the energy."

Federico laughed. "You do take up a lot of my energy." He took a step back, placing his hands on his hips. "So, may I see how you look?"

Vieri crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Hurry up," he said, crossly. He should just leave this idiot behind. Always with his demands! Vieri made a noise of impatience as Federico quietly stared at him. "Well?"

Federico shrugged, smiling. "Like you said, perfect." Vieri paused. He stared straight into Federico's eyes, quiet for a moment before giving him a quick once over.

"I suppose you're decent enough."

"I melt at your heartfelt words, you know that?"

Vieri instantly glared. "Shut up."