A/N: Two uploads within the same month? Even in the same week? I think it's obvious that my muse hates a certain series. I did predict that this chapter would be just as short as the first one, but once I get to the last chapter I'm sure it'll be much longer. Enjoy this chapter everyone and see you in the next update!


The bell rang for the last time that day and Kiku could only sigh. The Japanese man had been hoping he could talk to Ludwig about what happened with Feliciano. If he was going to help the Italian figure out how to talk to the blond, it was best that he got the German's feelings into account. Unfortunately, Kiku couldn't find the right time to talk to Ludwig about it. Out of all the classes they shared, they only sat next to each other in one and that class had a rather strict teacher who did write ups at a drop of a hat. The other two classes might have worked better if the majority of the school's main gossipers weren't in them.

Kiku gathered his things from his locker, planning on how he could approach the German the next day without Feliciano around. Just as the Japanese man shouldered his backpack and closed his locker, he noticed Ludwig walking by alone. This could be his chance!

"Ludwig!" Kiku called out to the blond and made his way through the crowd of students that were either taking their sweet time in the halls, or fighting to make it through the halls between those who just stood around.

Ludwig turned at the sound of his friend's voice and offered a hand to pull the smaller man beside him so they could walk alongside each other. "Hello, Kiku. Is the newspaper club meeting today?"

"Not until next week. Were you about to pick up Feliciano for that?"

The German shook his head, fixing the straps of his backpack, "No… I actually have to head home now. Gilbert said he has something planned and needs my help."

"Is Feliciano going to be walking home with us again?"

Kiku hoped not. The three of them lived within walking distance between each other and it was common for them to walk home together. If Feliciano were to walk with them, he would be with them through most of the trip and by the time the Italian got home, Ludwig would be only a couple houses away from his home. There wouldn't be any time for Kiku to talk to him at all.

"He's helping the drama club with something today." Ludwig replied.

Kiku internally cheered. "I see." He said, trying his best to sound nonchalant about it.

Ludwig just simply hummed in response and the two of them walked together in silence. As they made their way out of school, Kiku contemplated on how to approach the situation with Ludwig. He really wanted to be upfront with the German, but he also didn't want Ludwig to weasel out of the conversation due to embarrassment.

"Did… you and Feliciano get into a fight?" Kiku asked when they were out of ear shot of any students.

Ludwig raised an eyebrow at him, surprised at the sudden question out of the blue. "No? What gave you that idea?"

"Well, you used me as a wall to separate the two of you for one thing. You guys barely had a full conversation with each other either." The darker haired man counted the reasons with his fingers, watching the German come to realize his actions. "Something happened and neither of you looked too happy to be around each other."

The blond blinked in surprise, staying silent as his gaze moved to the ground. His face seemed to brighten and he adjusted his backpack on his shoulders. "I didn't realize…" Ludwig paused and sighed before looking straight ahead, "Kiku, I know you mean well but I don't want to talk about it. It was just a simple mistake. I can sort things out myself."

Kiku began to internally panic. He couldn't let his friend avoid talking about what happened! "Feliciano told me!" He blurted it out so abruptly, he made Ludwig stop mid-step.

"W-What?" Ludwig stared at the smaller man wide eyed and almost looked pale.

"He told me what happened during lunch."

The German looked shocked for a moment before frowning. Kiku could tell that Ludwig was angry and heard him mutter, "That's exactly like Feli" under his breath before giving his attention to the Japanese man. "If you knew, why act like you didn't know anything?"

"I apologize. I was hoping you'd openly talk about it without me asking about it." Kiku admitted, "I only wanted to help you guys out. You're both my friend and I would hope that you would come to me if something was bothering you. I just don't want you two to grow apart because of this."

"I don't want to talk." Ludwig stated, waving his hand in an attempt to dismiss the topic for good as he continued walking home.

"Well you have to talk about it sometime!" Kiku stressed, moving to catch up with him, "Feliciano feels like he did something wrong!"

Once again Ludwig had to stop mid-step, this time nearly tripping on his own feet. Kiku could see that the blond was both surprised and confused before his gaze fell to the ground once again. "That's like him; taking the blame when it's really my fault."

"Your fault?"

He stayed silent and sighed as he continued walking at a slower pace. Kiku frowned with sadness as he followed, feeling disappointed in himself. Ludwig didn't look like he was going to elaborate and the smaller man wasn't sure if he should risk getting his friend mad or if he should drop the subject altogether.

"I've… liked Feliciano for a while now." Ludwig spoke in a quiet voice, making Kiku turn his head in surprise, "Remember when I told you I was getting ready for a date back in freshman year?" Kiku thought for a moment before silently nodding. "Well… that was supposed to be a date with Feliciano."

"Oh?" Kiku asked.

The German nodded, feeling his face heat up at the memory. "Emphasis on supposed. I had thought he shared the same feelings but he wasn't treating it like a date. I've been doing everything I could to not ruin our friendship since, but it looks like I screwed up."

"Ludwig, you didn't ruin it."

"Kiku, I used you as a wall to separate me and Feli and I made up excuses so I wouldn't be around him alone." Well, Kiku couldn't deny that but that didn't stop the Japanese man from rolling his eyes at Ludwig. "I'm sure Feli told you about our study session."

"He did, but I'd like to hear your side of the story."

"What's there to say?" Ludwig asked, kicking the ground in frustration, "I was explaining the questions to him and I think we got too close. You know how he likes to kiss my cheek as a thank you sometimes? Well, I'm sure he was going to do that and I turned my head and we just…" He growled in both frustration and embarrassment, slapping a hand to his red forehead.

"I panicked after we pulled away." He continued, sadness overtaking his embarrassment, "I made up some excuse and left as fast as I could. I have been trying to figure out how to talk to him about all of this, but as you saw it's just been too awkward."

Kiku nodded, "I can see that, but avoiding the topic isn't helping. You guys need to talk as soon as possible."

"I know, but I can't just speak to him about it right now!"

"Ludwig, please-" Kiku tried to reason with the blond, but the German moved ahead and glanced back at the Japanese man.

"Thank you Kiku for listening and for your concern, but I just can't deal with this right now. Just let me figure things out first and then I'll talk to him."

Before Kiku could say another word, Ludwig ran to his house that was just a few doors down. The smaller man could just stand there, stunned at the blond's sudden retreat. After a moment of letting Ludwig's words sink in, he sighed and shook his head as he continued walking home. What's there to figure out? Everything is as clear as day! As Kiku neared his house, he glanced back at Ludwig's house with a determined look. He was going to get those two to talk and once they did, they'd have to realize their mutual feelings for each other.