A/N: My friend Ichihara-Mina helped me with the dialogue here.

Francis buried himself in work for the following week. He didn't dare to allow himself more than short breaks.

The Sunday had been a torture to him. After he had cleaned up his kitchen and the bedroom, he had tried watching TV. But he hadn't been at peace. Eventually, his thoughts would start to wander. There would be memories of the previous night, of his fantasies while preparing breakfast and, most annoying because of an odd little sting in his chest, of Ludwig leaving after a kiss. More than once he repeated this kiss in his mind. He feared he'd never forget about this – and a small part of him hoped that he was right on this.

So he got his drawing equipment out and started drawing. First, because there was nothing else to keep his hands and thoughts occupied. Later, because he kept having new ideas which he dropped almost as fast as he drew them. But by Wednesday he was sure he might have a chance to actually finish a concept for new clothing line until the dead line his boss had set for him. By Thursday, he planned to keep some concepts to himself for an own fashion show.

And by Friday, he was wondering if Antonio would have a date with that little Lovino.

Because he remembered Lovino, he started wondering about Ludwig again, something he had successfully avoided for the whole week. He still hated himself for not asking for Ludwig's cell number. On the other hand, he just knew that this wouldn't work out anyway so having his number and not being able to call because being so full of doubt about a serious longterm relationship was even more awful than not having his number at all. Thinking about bad and worse. The worst thing right now was that he would never be able to see Ludwig again while Antonio seemed to have started going out with Lovino – something he repeatedly used as an excuse to call and babble about.

Wait a second. Antonio was dating Lovino. Lovino and Ludwig were co-workers and friends. Maybe he could ask Antonio to get Ludwig's number from Lovino. ...As if that idiot would listen when all he could think about was how cute his new little boyfriend was in his opinion. Francis started pacing up and down his home office. Merde, why was it so difficult to call up his best friend?

Finally, at the evening, he took his phone and dialed Antonio's number. He never felt this nervous about it. Actually, he'd never really thought anything before calling his buddy.

"Diga?"

"Hey, Antonio, what's up? Are we going out today?"

" ...Er … Francis, no. I just called Lovino and asked him out. Oh, he was so cute while he tried to hide how happy he was that I did. He even screamed at me and told me to die. Aw, so cute. I'm so gonna do him today."

"Oh, that sounds great, 'Tonio. Taking him to a decent restaurant beforehand?"

"Should I? I was thinking of spending loads of fun time with him in an amusement park! I'm sure he will have fun there. I'll hold his hand while we visit the haunted house! And at last the Ferris wheel! It's going to be really romantic there and stuff~"

"Usually, the big boys take their lovers to a restaurant for an romantic dinner. It's faster, you know?"

"Oh, I see~ Then should I choose an Italian or a Spanish restaurant? Lovi is really picky with his food, you know? But that's so cute."

"I'd go with Italian. He's more used to that and, you know, Pasta is a pretty romantic dish."

"That's true! Oh, Francis, what would I do without you? You're such a good friend."

"It's alright, lad. But could you do me a favor in return?"

"Everything! Just tell me! I'm happy to be able to help you!"

"Remember Lovino's friend, Ludwig? That big guy? You don't think you could ask Lovino for his number, do you?"

Antonio chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"It's just that," he chuckled. "Just that I was asked by my little Lovi the same concerning your number. But don't misunderstand! He was asking for Ludwig! My Lovi is mine after all."

Francis went silent, his mind was numb. "...he did?" he finally muttered.

"Sí, he did."

"So you passed my number to him?" When Francis' mind started working again, he wondered why on earth Ludwig hadn't called him yet if he had his number.

"Ah..." He stopped and laughed softly. "Ah, you see, I didn't have my cell phone with me that day, so I wanted to give it to him later, your number I mean, but I forgot. Lo siento! Ah but you know, I have his number, so it's okay if I just give it to you? So you like Ludwig?"

"...You're an idiot."

"Really? I seem to hear that a lot," Antonio laugehed.

"I wonder why. Wait a second, I'll get a pen and some paper." Francis ran off to his desk and took a fresh sheet of paper and one of his pencils. "I'm back, so, you have his number ready?"

"That was fast! Yeah, I have it here."

"Give it to me!"

"Huh? Why are you that impatient? Ah, you really took a liking to Ludwig? That's great! That means we can have double dates and stuff! Wait here~ " Antonio started dictating the number. Francis hurried to write it all down. He couldn't wait to call Ludwig right now and barely listened to what Antonio babbled.

"What did you say?"

"I said, that they are having an important meeting right now, that's why I planned my date with Lovi after, so he can relax and have fun with me! Making Lovi happy is the reason of me being alive! I just KNOW it!"

"...okay, thanks, 'Tonio. Have fun and don't overdo it. See you round. Salut."

With this, Francis cut off the connection. He'd love to listen to Antonio babbling about his new boyfriend but right now, he couldn't wait any longer to call Ludwig.

But what would he say? "Hi, remember, I'm the guy you met last weekend and went home with?" No, that would be stupid. Plus, what had Antonio just told him

They were in a meeting. It wouldn't do any good calling Ludwig while he was in the middle of a meeting. Ludwig might not answer the phone or worse, he would get in trouble because of him and then refuse to talk to him ever again.

Most Likely, a short message would be better. Francis typed some words, then deleted most of it to start again. This repeated itself for several times, until Francis finally dared to press the send button. In the end, the message read like this:

"Hello, Ludwig. It's Francis, remember me? May I pick you up after work? I miss you and want to see you."

Francis made himself sit down while he waited for an answer. Never before had he been this nervous about a simple SMS. His heart had sped up a bit and he had difficulties to cool down again. Minutes of anxious waiting passed. Francis tried not to figure about what Ludwig's answer might be. The more he tried, though, the worse it went in his imagination.

It was a relief when his cell finally hummed, informing him about an incoming text.

"I'd love to see you again," it simply read.