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The logic had been perfectly sound when he made the request. Austria was well aware that he could easily be defeated in one-on-one combat. His poor eyesight had made it impossible to be any use with a sword when he was younger, and he had tacitly accepted that he would have to avoid a fight. He had never been able to see who he was fighting before, at least not clearly enough to know what he was hitting.
But, once he had his glasses, it had become abundantly clear that he should learn in case he was in a position where he could not avoid it. He was a growing empire, and someone may try to tempt him into a duel. It would also allow him to appear in the battlefield like he hadn’t before.
He had asked Spain the question over breakfast, “Would you teach me how to sword fight?”
If he could choose anyone to teach him, it would be his husband. He knew that Spain was very accomplished in battle, and knew how to use a whole repertoire of weapons. His conquests certainly spoke for themselves.
Learning from Spain also meant that he would be able to learn from a man very well versed in war, and it also meant that he could do the embarrassing work of showing his own ignorance with someone he was comfortable with. He knew that he still had the martial skills of a child, and it would show the moment someone started to teach him.
But, the way that Spain had smirked at the question made him feel a strange fluttering in the pit of his stomach. Spain had responded with barely concealed delight, “I would be happy to.”
That was how Austria had found himself standing in front of Spain with a training sword in his hand, watching as his husband stripped himself down to his chemise and stretched his arms.
He was almost certain that Spain was trying to distract him by flexing his muscles under the thin fabric of the shirt. If that was his intention, then it was certainly working. All of the fighting in the New World had made Spain lean and tan, and very attractive. Austria had always though he was a good looking man, but tropical sun had done wonders for him.
To distract himself he tried lifting the training sword and weighing it in his hand. It was heavier than the light dress swords that he was used to, and he was certain that his wrist would hurt after training with it.
Spain finished stretching, and said, “Let’s start on the basics. Block my attacks as well as you can.”
Austria swallowed any reservations, and nodded. He had asked for the training, so Spain already knew how hopeless he would be with a sword. He raised his own dull blade and prepared himself.
Spain’s first couple blows were relatively easy to block, and he was certain that the man was going slow and easy. He knew that restraint was not something that came easily to Spain, and he was grateful for it. Spain’s full strength would have rendered him defenseless in seconds. The dull clang of the blades colliding as he caught the blows gave Austria some confidence. Perhaps he was not as bad at fighting as he had thought.
Then, he caught Spain’s sword in a crossed guard. Spain leaned in and said, “That’s good so far. But, what if I do this?”
With that he used one foot to sweep Austria’s front leg out from under him. Suddenly off balance, Austria felt himself falling backwards. He expected to hit the ground in the next moment.
But instead he felt Spain’s arm around his back, holding him up easily. Spain leaned in, close enough that Austria thought for a moment that they might kiss. He felt himself blushing at the thought, even though he knew that he should keep his mind on what he was learning. It was not the moment to be appreciating the alluring glimmer in Spain’s eyes.
Spain said, as though he was not doing anything provocative, “You are only thinking about your sword. You need to think about your feet too. It is like dancing; if you do not match your partner’s steps you will fail.”
With a smirk, he kissed Austria one time on the cheek and added, “Now try it again.”
Austria straightened up, and tried to focus. He did not let his mind linger on how easy it had been for Spain to hold his whole body weight. He turned his mind firmly to doing better on the next part of the training.
This time as Spain attacked he made a conscious effort to match his steps and not leave his feet where they might be swept. He could feel the way that Spain was pressing the attack and he was retreating. But, it seemed only natural since he had been given the task of defending. Attacking would require more skill than he had.
It felt like sparring in a way that he could manage, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Spain was about to do something else unexpected. Spain said with the look of a wolf who had his prey right where he wanted it, “That’s better. But next you need to learn to watch your surroundings. Or else I can do this.”
With a firm push against the crossed swords, Austria felt his back hit a wall. He hadn’t noticed how far they had gone, and how close they had gotten to the wall.
The impact was enough to make the training sword drop from his hand, and clatter to the ground. Spain took the chance to kick the sword away with his foot.
Spain took the chance to press his advantage. He put the sword under Austria’s chin, keeping him pressed against the wall, and said, “Look at how helpless you are now.”
The sound of his voice, which was playfully mocking, made Austria’s blood rush away from his head. Spain was so close that he could see the different shades of green in his eyes, and feel the heat of his breath on his neck.
Austria tried to sound composed as he replied, “I understand my mistake.” Spain used the edge of the blade to tilt his chin upwards and said, “I don’t think you do.”
Austria could feel his heart beating faster, even though he knew that the training sword was dull. He was in no danger, but the feeling that Spain had complete control over him was having an effect on him that he did not expect. Spain planted a soft kiss on his neck and said, with a purr in his voice, “I could do anything to you right now, dear husband.”
Austria felt utterly distracted from sword-fighting. He could feel Spain’s breath hot on his neck and it was exciting. Spain pushed him further by nipping his earlobe.
Austria said, utterly breathless, “Antonio, you’re being distracting.” Spain chuckled and said, “You don’t seem to mind.”
For a moment, Austria contemplated whether he really wanted to continue the lesson. They could just easily tell Spain that he would rather kiss him, and go to bed with him. The thought was very appealing, even though it would do nothing to improve his ability to fight.
He took a deep breath and replied, “That is for later.” Spain chuckled again, and said, “Very well.”
He released Austria, and backed up to allow him to retrieve his sword. Austria took a couple deep breaths to try to regain his composure. He was beginning to question whether it had been a good idea to ask his husband to be his teacher. No one else would dare to be so bold except for his Spanish bull.
He picked up his sword and turned to face Spain again. Spain said, looking like he was amused by the challenge, “Why don’t you try to attack me?”
Austria took another deep breath, and decided that he would try. He took a swing at Spain, which failed to make any contact. Spain easily dodged it, and then used his foot to again destabilize his stance. Austria fell and the sword skittered out of his grasp again.
Before he could get up, he felt Spain’s weight on top of him, which immediately erased all thoughts of the lesson. Spain kissed his neck again from behind and said, “I like you like this, Rodrigo. It makes me want to do so many things to you.”
Austria was convinced
Austria groaned and said, “You are a terrible teacher.” He could not focus if he tried, especially with how he could feel his husband on top of him. Spain nibbled on his neck and replied, “But you’re enjoying it.”
Austria decided to give up on any lessons for the day, and to enjoy Spain’s strong arms and tanned chest. He rolled onto his back and said, “I am,” before pulling Spain into a deep kiss.