||YO FAM I'M ALIVE I PROMISE. I found a way to motivate me to write this- and it's called Spotify playlists! LMAO. Okay. This is the chapter where things get a lil heated uwu. Smut will be in the next chapter- I'm writin' it now. ;3 ||

As Klaus pulled into the long driveway of Mr. Beilschmidt's large penthouse, he let out a gentle hum of satisfaction. "Lovino, we're here-" No response. Klaus turned his head to find Lovino fast asleep. The thunder had stopped for the most part, and the Italian had fallen asleep to the sound of the rain lightly falling onto the window. Klaus grabbed his pager and promptly paged Mr. Beilschmidt. The German man rushed outside and opened the door of the limousine, scooping Lovino up into his arms, smiling gently as he gazed down at the Italian. He looked so peaceful as he slept… Ludwig ran his fingers through Lovino's hair and carried him out of the car, Klaus following behind him with Lovino's bags. Ludwig carried him into the house and up to his bedroom.

The windows were wide and long, filling the room with bright flashes of lightning. Lovino suddenly jolted awake as thunder shook the earth, and he let out a shriek as he noticed Ludwig carrying him.

"H-hey! Put me down..!" He protested, jumping out of his arms. He blushed feverishly and pouted, sitting down on the couch by the window that overlooked the city. Rain pelted against the window, lightning flashing through the sky. He trembled slightly in fear as he curled up a bit. Ludwig came down beside him, sitting on the couch. The German placed his hand gently on top of Lovino's, causing the Italian to turn his head to face him.

"Che..? What's up…?" He asks. Ludwig noticed Lovino's eyes… They were wide, wet, and full of fear. It broke his heart. He leaned down and hugged Lovino softly. "G-get off!" He protested, but Ludwig just tightened his hold, pressing his face into Lovino's hair. He huffed, and he was about to protest again, but… something about this made him feel safe. He nestled into Ludwig's arms, sniffling softly. His eyes darted to the side as he sighed, hugging back.

The quiet moment was interrupted when a loud crack of thunder shook the building again.

"My apologies. To be frank, and I mean no disrespect, Mr. Vargas; but you looked scared." Ludwig stated, scratching his chin. Lovino couldn't help but give a little pout. He didn't particularly like to be babied- Especially by his damn boss. He let out a light huff and slid away, looking out the window.

"Anyway… Where will I be sleeping tonight?" Lovino asked, crossing a leg over the other as he rubbed his temples. "I don't mind sleeping on a couch."

"Don't be ridiculous- You'll take the bed." Ludwig nodded once. Lovino waved his hands about.

"No, nonono, I don't want to intrude and steal your bed, no, I'll take the couch. I insist." Lovino panicked a bit. He cleared his throat, glancing up at Ludwig with a light tint of scarlet in his cheeks. He really hated the fact that Ludwig was being so nice to him. Well, he didn't hate it, per se, but it wasn't something Lovino was used to. His hands gripped the edge of the black leather couch tightly, draining the color from his knuckles. He grabbed his bags, and he stands up. "Actually, I really shouldn't be here at all- I mean, you're nice an' all, but this is really unprofessional," Lovino muttered awkwardly.

"Lovino…" Ludwig stands up and grabs Lovino's wrist. "Please. Don't go." Ludwig's eyebrows knitted together, furrowing in frustration. He pulled the Italian closer and took his bags from Lovino's hands, setting them down by their feet. "It's fine, really." The blond man assures Lovino, and Lovino swallowed deeply. He felt his heart thump in his chest as he stepped closer. The German's eyelids lowered a bit as he brought his hand up to graze his fingertips across the soft, tanned skin of Lovino's cheek.

"I-I…" He scanned the other's eyes. He wasn't sure what he was searching for, but he felt like he found it, in Ludwig's eyes. Which to Lovino sounded stupid, but it just felt right. He wasn't sure what to say. Ludwig leaned down and swiftly pressed his lips to Lovino's, letting them linger together for a moment in a soft, gentle, yet passionate kiss.

Lovino was stumped.

And a little embarrassed, but he went along with it anyway. His hands traveled up to curl around the back of Ludwig's neck, pressing into the kiss a bit.