A/N: This one's a little longer than I usually write. I hope you like it! I'm trying to cover all the various dynamics of Hanschen and Ernst's relationship. My story is turning out to be a little more than eight chapters so I'll tell you when I'm close to the end. I enjoy writing this and keep thinking up new ideas. Hopefully you won't get bored of me before I'm done.
Ernst perched on the piano stool, his hands in his lap. He watched Hanschen intently as he stretched out across the armchair, laughing, his head tilted back so that it displayed his Adam's apple. The pale blue sky had darkened to a navy and Anna had left long ago. They had watched as she examined them, confused and bewildered about their sudden change in body language and as she eventually went home in vain. Hanschen had convinced Ernst's mother that there were some arithmetic questions that Hanschen needed help with and so they sat alone together in the sitting room with sandwiches that Ernst's mother had supplied, reflecting on the past events and contemplating what was to come. So much had happened that day that it left Ernst feeling numb. He felt a strange sense of euphoria mixed with anticipation and pure awe. Hanschen's smile was different now; it seemed more genuine and sincere. He sat trifling with the wooden arm of the chair as he spoke to Ernst, looking at him intently.
"Ernst Robel and Hanschen Rillow. Hanschen Rillow and Ernst Robel. I must admit: it has a ring to it." Ernst smiled and looked at the floor.
"I suppose it does."
"Did you ever think that…"
"No, never. I never expected anything like this to happen," Ernst said, interrupting Hanschen who simply smiled. Hanschen's eyes wondered about the room and he smirked as they rested on something behind Ernst. He turned around to see what it was and a sense of concern rushed through him as he saw the small mahogany liquor cabinet. "Hanschen, I don't know…" he said warily but Hanschen had already stood up and was walking towards it. He nimbly opened the cabinet and took out two glasses into which he poured some brandy from a heavy crystal bottle. He ambled up to Ernst and sat next to him on the small piano bench and held out a glass for him, smirking. Ernst stared at it, unmoving. Hanschen sighed and nudged him.
"Don't worry, Ernst. We're trying new things today, aren't we? Besides," he said, swirling the golden liquid, "it's so little it would hardly get a mouse drunk." Ernst bit his lip and cautiously took the glass. Hanschen smirked and unblinkingly took a hefty swig of his own drink. Ernst wondered how much experience the older boy had in drinking such strong spirits. Ernst held the glass nervously in his hand, looking down at it.
"How does it taste?" Hanschen laughed softly and ran the smooth rim of the glass along his lips as he considered his answer.
"Like heaven in a glass," he replied. He turned to Ernst, placing his leg on the chair so that they were facing each other. "Try it." His expression was gentle and affectionate. Ernst had hardly seen such an expression on Hanschen's face before. Ernst cautiously eyed the glass in his hand.
"I'm not so…" he said, but his voice trailed off as he looked back up at Hanschen. Hanschen had placed himself so close to Ernst that he could feel Hanschen's breath against his skin. He watched as Hanschen's eyes traced down his face, over his lips and back, staring at him fixedly. Ernst could feel his heart racing within his chest and his breathing becoming erratic but for the first time, he realised that Hanschen was the same. He ran a tender hand through Ernst's hair and pressed their lips together. Hanschen's lips tasted of smooth and alluring apple cider. Ernst indulged in the kiss, parting his mouth so that he could explore further. Hanschen tried to speak but his slight pleas were ignored and he finally gave in, running his fingertips along the boy's chest as he kissed him. At last Ernst pulled away, his eyes alive with excitement and his mouth wide from shock. Hanschen smiled mischievously.
"Good?" Ernst nodded. He looked over the brandy, readied himself and took a hefty swig. The taste was harsh and bitter in his mouth. The previously pleasant taste was far too strong for Ernst, causing him to cough and splutter. Hanschen cringed sympathetically and took the glass.
"I'm sorry. I guess it's not for everyone." Ernst grimaced and nodded. There was a pause as they sat in silence, enjoying each other's company. Hanschen ran his soft fingertips along Ernst's jaw line. His touch sent shivers done Ernst's body. Hanschen gazed at Ernst earnestly.
"I'm….glad we did this," Hanschen said, his voice surprisingly sincere. Ernst's heart leapt. He understood what Hanschen was trying to say; in his own way, he was thanking Ernst, expressing his joy that such an unlikely relationship could grow and blossom. Ernst was amused by the thought that such a consistently quick-witted young man was not quite so eloquent when expressing his emotions. Ernst smiled and took Hanschen's hands in his own.
"So am I." He was about to pull Hanschen in closer to kiss him again when his mother entered. They swiftly parted and faced her.
"Boys, it's getting rather late. I assume Ernst has a home to go to," his mother chuckled. She beamed at the boys until her eyes rested on the brandy beside them. Her eyes widened and her brow furrowed. Her voice became quiet, high pitched and erratic, her attempt at remaining calm failing pitifully. "Boys….I hope that's not what I think it is," she said, staring at the half drunken glasses. Ernst swallowed and looked at Hanschen who sighed and gave a guilty wry smile. Perhaps the day wasn't quite so good after all.
