I really couldn't believe the morning had come so fast. I woke up in bed, but Berwald was on the couch just in case the army men came to pick him up.

So when I woke up, I was all alone in our bed.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes, hurrying out of bed and into the living room.

He had to still be here. He had to.

I ran into the living room where Berwald was half asleep in the army clothes issued to him last month.

I sighed in relief and walked over to the couch.

"Tino, you're my brother to them. Okay?"

I sighed and nodded in understanding. I didn't want to, but I had to. If we were allowed to hug before he left I'd have to be his little brother.

If the army knew we'd be killed on the spot.

Gays aren't allowed.

I sat down on the couch and pecked his lips.

I savored it as much as I could.

A faint sound knocked me back to consciousness, and I peeled myself off of him. It was just our dog.

I shuddered.

"You need to be careful, Tino. Remember that."

I nodded again, staring at the ground.

It was just our dog. Nothing to worry about.

But the army could be coming at any minute today.

It could have been at the stroke of dawn this morning, or at the last darkness of today's night.

I sat on the couch quietly and Ber pulled me closer. I sighed heavily, leaning into him.

"It'll be okay." He said at a whisper to me, and all I could do was nod.

Then the door swung open.

Berwald pulled me even closer, glaring at the army men who busted through the door.

I was tearing up.

The army men stared down at me. Maybe hey suspected us. Maybe...

"Hey little bro, I have to go now."

I blinked at him, terrified.

"Tino..."

I burst into tears and hugged him tightly. I didn't want him to leave yet.

The army men sighed and walked out the door. "Five minutes!" one of the gruff men yelled sharply, turning tail out the door.

"Are they coming back in?" I whispered quietly to him, and he looked at the door. It was shut. The blinds were closed.

He kissed me gently and I kissed back before he pulled back and hugged me yet again.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too..." I said, smiling faintly at him.

And he showed me his rare smile. It was also pretty faint, but it was as beautiful as always.

"One minute!" The same voice called out to us.

I sighed and hugged him tightly.

"I'll miss you. You need to come back. Promise me you'll try."

"I promise." He said, and caressed my cheek.

I smiled at him and felt engulfed in his hug.

The army guy walked in through the door. "Times up."

I saw Berwald slip a small picture of me into his pocket. "I love you."

"I love you too... Bro." I said, and he was pulled out the door, him scarcely able to grab his shotgun as he was being dragged.

The door slammed shut.

I sat back down on the couch and cried.