A/N: Hi again, everyone. Looks like the next chapter is finally here. But before I get started, I just wanted to say, AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! So many reviews for the last chapter! Thank you all so much! I love you all! I didn't think this one would be that good! This was, by far, the most reviews I've ever gotten for a single chapter! Whew, now that I got that out of my system, I want to say thanks for all the reviews and sticking with this story for as long as you have been. I should be wrapping this story up pretty soon, and the sooner I get done, the sooner I can get started working on my other stories.
CookEatShare : No problem, don't worry about it. I'm just glad you found yet another story to enjoy.
Shizukan : Oh, thank you so much! And hopefully, everything will be answered soon, so stay tuned to find out. And lucky for you, I never really mean to make the chapters so long, it just sorta turns out that way.
Shimitsu-chan : Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad I was able to keep you entertained with my story. And thank you again for reinforcing my grasp on character personalities.
KirishimaYui : Lol. Don't worry about babbling too much, it happens to me too. I'm glad I can make you feel the mood of the story so that's good for me as well. And I know what you mean, a lot of people do expect us to know who characters are. I didn't even know who anybody was a while ago, since I didn't even know they had human names. That, and plus I probably forgot too.
Rhee-chan : Lol, don't worry about feeling weird. I do agree, it must feel weird having someone acknowledge you in their author's notes. But I only offer friendly responses, so don't worry.
Crimsonyaokiku : You have no idea how many other people have thought that, it's not even funny. But don't worry you'll all find out soon. Can't reveal everything, right? It'll spoil it.
By the way, long chapter ahead. And with all that, chapter 10 starts now!
Chapter 10
Lovino woke up with a loud yawn and a stretch of his arms.
To think, this would be one of the last days that Lovino woke up with someone else in the house with him.
After Feliciano moved out, Lovino would be all alone.
He would wake up to an empty house.
He would wake up to no smell of cooking food coming from the kitchen in the mornings.
He would have to cook for himself now.
And perhaps, the worst of it all, he would have to go to bed by himself.
And that, among everything else, was the most devastating.
He could deal with waking up to no food cooking and cooking for himself, that was the easy part.
He just didn't want to be alone!
And with a pang of hurt and a bit of regret that he had ever given Feliciano permission to move out, Lovino turned his head to the spot in the bed next to him and saw that Feliciano wasn't there.
He was gone.
Probably off getting ready to leave him and go live with that damn German.
Feliciano seemed to be getting up earlier and earlier.
Before he had even met the bastard, Feliciano would usually sleep for most of the day before getting up.
And when he woke up, Lovino would always ask him why he always slept so late.
And Feliciano would always reply with a smile and a shrug of his shoulders and say, "I don't know."
And Lovino would always give a humorless snort and go back to whatever he was doing.
And that's how it always was.
A bit monotonous, but still pleaseant.
And now their lives would enter a new phase, a change that was welcome by one but not another.
Lovino just sat in bed, wanting to feel sorry for himself until he heard something.
It sounded like a squeak and his ears perked up then.
As he listened, he heard that the squeak came from Feliciano, not doubt excited about moving out.
And if Feliciano was squealing with delight, then that must have meant that he was either talking on the phone to the bastard or that the bastard was actually here.
Lovino guessed the latter.
After all, he was always here in the mornings.
Or rather most mornings.
So, Feliciano was still here after all.
Lovino thought that Feliciano would have been gone by now.
Gone, off preparing for his new life and leaving him behind.
Lovino stayed in bed, trying to listen the conversation that Feliciano was engaging in.
But he couldn't make out anything since he was so far away.
The only thing he could hear were the occasional squeals of delight and giggles.
So, finally giving a sigh, Lovino got out of bed to get ready for the day.
When he was fully dressed, Lovino walked out of his room and down the stairs.
On his way down, Lovino heard the conversation get louder as he got closer.
He heard Feliciano giggle yet again and he heard a deep chuckle and a response follow it.
He knew that low, baritone voice very well.
Yep.
He was right.
That damn German was indeed here.
Like he always was most mornings.
When Lovino got downstairs, he walked into the kitchen with downcast eyes.
Feliciano was the first to notice Lovino standing in the doorway. "Lovino! Good morning! I was just telling Luddy the good news!" Feliciano said, happily.
And when Lovino looked up, what he saw was too much to bear and the regret in his chest grew exponentially.
Feliciano's hands wrapped around Ludwig's bigger hands as they were talking to each other.
Why, oh, why had he given Feliciano permission to move out?
Sure, he had seen it as an ok idea, but to see it actually happen was a whole different story.
He could have said "no" after all, and that would have been it.
And Feliciano probably would have never brought it up again.
But he didn't.
He didn't think it would be so hard.
But it was.
Oh, God, it really was.
"Here, Lovino, come sit down and eat!" Feliciano said, motioning Lovino over, excitedly.
Lovino did as he was asked and walked over to sit down at the table.
He sat down and squirmed uncomfortably in his chair as both Feliciano and Ludwig looked at him, amicably.
So, making an attempt to move and get out of their sight, Lovino got up to get some food before he was promptly stopped by Feliciano.
"Wait, Lovino don't get up! I'll get it for you. Just stay here and talk to Luddy, ok?" Feliciano asked. "Just tell him what you told me. You said you wanted to talk to him about this, right?"
Lovino didn't say anything and begrudgingly sat back down.
Damn Feliciano.
And with that, Feliciano smiled and got up to fix Lovino a plate.
Lovino watched as Feliciano ambled about this way and that around the kitchen, getting plates and silverware.
He did not feel like talking to that bastard right now.
He was going to take Feliciano away from him, so why should he?
But that would only upset Feliciano if he didn't and he didn't want him to be sad.
He knew it would have to happen eventually.
And it did when Ludwig turned to him and spoke up. "So, you wanted to talk to me?" Ludwig asked.
Lovino continued to watch Feliciano mill around the kitchen. "Yeah." Lovino said, lowly.
Feliciano returned to the table and placed the breakfast in front of Lovino before ambling off again.
"Ja? About what? Feliciano told me you wanted to talk to me." Ludwig said.
'What? I never said I wanted to talk to you. I asked why you weren't here discussing this with us when he told me. Stupid Feliciano.' Lovino thought to himself. "Uh, yeah." Lovino began. "So, as I'm sure you already know, I told Feliciano he can move in with you." Lovino finished.
Feliciano came back and set down more plates of food, one for him and one for Ludwig.
"Ja, he told me this morning. Thanks for letting him move in with me. I appreciate it very much." Ludwig said, smiling.
"Yeah, yeah, you're welcome." Lovino said.
Feliciano giggled.
Ludwig smiled back at him.
"But." Lovino added.
Ludwig and Feliciano looked back at Lovino then.
"I told Feliciano that he could move in with you on one condition." Lovino said, looking at Ludwig.
"Huh? Condition? Uh, ja, sure. What is it?" Ludwig asked.
Lovino gulped, dreading what he was about to say. He had to say it now, he was in too deep. He couldn't just take it all back. "I told Feliciano that he could move in with you…if you protect him. If you keep him safe." Lovino said. "I told him that since he's moving out, I won't be able to watch over him anymore. And because of that, I want you to keep him safe for me and protect him. Can I trust you to do that?" Lovino asked, looking directly at Ludwig.
"Ja, of course you can!" Ludwig said, with fervor. "I promise I'll keep him safe no matter what! I'd never let anything happen to him!"
Lovino looked down at his food and back up at Ludwig and saw something different in those icy blue eyes.
Confidence.
"I won't fail you." Ludwig said, determination in his voice.
That look was almost too much for Lovino to bear.
"Oh, Luddy!" Feliciano cooed grabbing Ludwig's hand and squeezing.
Ludwig smiled back at Feliciano.
"Alright then." Lovino said, lowly and began eating.
Ludwig and Feliciano began eating as well, Feliciano with a smile on his face, happy that everything was ok and set in stone.
And as they were eating, Lovino couldn't help but feel that same feeling of regret grow even bigger.
He would be so alone without Feliciano.
As much as he didn't want to admit it.
All alone in a big house and no one to share it with.
Sure, there was Antonio, so he wouldn't be completely alone.
But Antonio wouldn't move in with him.
No, not when he has his own house.
The best he could do was come over and maybe spend the night if Lovino decided to have him over, but that was it.
The thought of Feliciano moving out and leaving Lovino all alone was almost too much to bear and too familiar.
Like the time when Feliciano and that damn bastard went on that goddamn cruise without him.
Lovino had tried his best to forget, but it was still in the back of his mind no matter how much time had passed.
It would be just like the first night Lovino came home alone, but this time, it would be forever.
Oh, God, would he be able to handle it?
To handle being alone forever?
No.
He didn't think he could.
But he would have to.
Otherwise, Feliciano, ever the worrier, would be fawning over him all the damn time.
"So, how long?" Lovino asked, after taking another bite of food.
"Hmm? How long what, Lovino?" Feliciano asked, looking at Lovino.
"How long until you leave?" Lovino asked, painfully reminded of that same question he had asked, a long time ago.
Feliciano tilted his head in thought. "Ummm. I don't know." Feliciano said, then turning to Ludwig. "Luddy? How long until I can move in with you?" Feliciano asked.
"Hmm." Ludwig said, voice rumbling deep in his throat. "Well, since I've been wanting you to move in with me for a while now, I've already moved everything around to make room for you. Und all we have to do is move your stuff from your house to my house. Und moving all of your belongings shouldn't take too long, so if I had to guess, I'd say about a week." Ludwig finally concluded.
Feliciano giggled. "Oh, Luddy, you're so smart! And thank you for thinking of me like you have been." Feliciano said, smiling.
Ludwig blushed. "J-Ja. No problem. I-It's nothing." Ludwig said, returning to his food, cheeks red.
Feliciano giggled again. "You see, Lovino, you have nothing to worry about! Luddy will take care of me just like you wanted! You see how far back he planned? I can move in in about a week! Isn't that great?" Feliciano asked, excitedly.
Lovino looked up at Feliciano and tried his best to give a smile. "Y-Yeah. That's great. J-Just great." Lovino said.
Feliciano giggled and went back to eating.
Lovino just sat there, eyeing his food.
He looked up at Feliciano and then at Ludwig before looking back down at his food. 'Just…great.' Lovino thought, as he picked up some more food and put it in his mouth.
They ate in silence before Feliciano spoke up again. "Hey, Luddy?" Feliciano asked.
"Ja? What is it?" Ludwig asked.
Feliciano paused as if to gather his thoughts. "Ummm. Do you mind if we start today?" Feliciano asked.
"Start what?" Ludwig asked.
"Start getting my things ready to move, of course!" Feliciano said, happily.
Lovino froze and nearly dropped his fork. 'Now? He wants to get ready to move now? What the hell?' Lovino thought.
"Uh, ja, sure. I mean, if it's ok with Lovino." Ludwig said, looking at Lovino.
"Oh, please, Lovino, please!" Feliciano pleaded, clasping his hands. "Can we?"
Lovino tried not to get angry at Feliciano's eagerness to leave him behind.
Was he that desperate to leave Lovino all alone?
What kind of brother is that?
And so, finally giving a big sigh, Lovino begrudgingly nodded his head and said, "Ok. You can."
And at that, Feliciano squealed in delight. "Yay! Thank you, Lovino!" Feliciano said, happily.
Ludwig just chuckled at Feliciano's excitement.
A short while later, they were done eating.
After they finished, Feliciano put all of their dishes in the sink and pulled Ludwig by the arm and out of the kitchen so that they could begin the long arduous task of packing Feliciano's stuff.
"Hey, Lovino? We're gonna go get started now. You can help if you want." Feliciano said.
"Yeah, maybe." Lovino said.
And with that, Feliciano pulled Ludwig deeper into the house.
Lovino still sat at the table, wondering how Feliciano would want to begin to pack up so soon.
As he was deep in thought, Lovino was startled out of his thoughts by a sudden movement on his thigh.
A sudden vibrating feeling.
It was his phone.
Taking it out of his pocket, Lovino looked at the caller ID.
It was Antonio.
Looking around to see if Feliciano and Ludwig were out of earshot and, seeing that they were, Lovino answered his phone.
"Hello?" Lovino asked.
"Lovi? Is that you?" Antonio asked.
Lovino narrowed his eyes, sighed and face palmed. "Of course it's me, you idiot! It's my phone, isn't it? Who else would it be?" Lovino asked.
Antonio laughed. "Oh, ok, so it is you!" Antonio said.
Lovino rolled his eyes. "What do you want?" Lovino asked, impatiently.
"Oh, yeah, um, Lovi? I just wanted to tell you-and please don't be mad at me-that since I'm gonna be busy at my house for a while-you know, watching over the renovations and all-we won't be going on a date for a few days…" Antonio's voice trailed off, voice heavy with lament.
Lovino paused.
"I'm sorry." Antonio said, apologizing.
Lovino almost dropped the phone.
"Lovi? A-Are you there?" Antonio asked, starting to panic.
"Wh-What? You mean I won't see you for a few days?" Lovino almost yelled.
"I-I'm sorry, Lovi! I-It's just that I'm so busy, I-" Antonio said before he was cut off.
"J-Just shut up, already!" Lovino yelled, just low enough so that Feliciano and Ludwig wouldn't hear him. "Wh-What am I supposed to do here all by myself?" Lovino asked.
Antonio didn't respond.
"Well?" Lovino asked, viciously, venom dripping from his words.
He could just feel Antonio flinch at his words.
How could he do this to him?
First, Feliciano was anxious to leave Lovino all alone, and now Antonio is saying that they can't go on a date for a few days?
What the fuck is going on?
"I-I don't know, Lovi. Y-You could always hang out with your brother." Antonio offered.
And since Antonio didn't know the situation with Feliciano, that comment only hurt him worse.
Lovino felt like crying right then and there.
"Lovi?" Antonio asked, worried. "Are you still there?"
Lovino nodded but then realized that Antonio couldn't see him before he finally spoke up again. "Y-Yes. I-I'm here." Lovino said, lowly.
"Look, Lovi, I promise I'll make it up to you, I swear! And I'll try to get done over here as soon as possible, ok?" Antonio asked. "So don't worry, it won't last forever."
"Yeah, ok." Lovino said, lowly.
"I'm really sorry, Lovi! I feel even worse than you do! I told you that I would make up for that last short date we had and now I'm telling you that I'll make it up to you for not seeing you for a few days." Antonio said, apologetically. "Please don't be mad at me, ok?"
Lovino muttered a response. "Yeah, ok." Lovino said, voice low.
"So…I'll see you in a few days?" Antonio asked, hesitantly.
"Ok." Lovino said, simply.
"I'm really sorry, Lovi…bye." Antonio said.
"Bye." Lovino said.
And with that, Lovino hung up his phone.
He stared at it for a while before putting it back into his pocket.
Lovino still sat at the table.
He leaned down to the table and buried his face in his arms.
Great.
Now, this was just great.
Now that Antonio would be gone for a few days, and Feliciano would be busy packing up his stuff to leave, Lovino would be all alone.
Although, he did stop to think and consider Feliciano's offer.
'You can help if you want.' Feliciano's kind words rung in Lovino's head.
And for a split second, he considered it, but then decided against it because seeing himself move Feliciano's stuff getting ready to leave was just too much for him.
The regret grew a lot more, but Lovino was already way too deep in this and it was impossible to turn back now.
Lovino's head hurt from all the things that were going on.
And burying his face deeper into his arms, Lovino felt his eyelids getting heavier. And within minutes, Lovino fell fast asleep, leaning over the table, face buried in his folded arms.
Time passed as Lovino slept soundly at the kitchen table.
He woke up after an unknown amount of time had passed.
Lovino yawned and stretched before looking around. "How long was I out?" Lovino asked, groggily.
He got up out of the chair and walked out of the kitchen.
He looked around and saw bags of Feliciano's stuff packed neatly away in the corner.
And, oh, God, Lovino felt another pang of hurt wash over him as he looked as the pile that was getting ready to leave.
He walked over and something suddenly caught his eye.
Lovino turned towards the couch and saw Feliciano and Ludwig sitting there.
They were in each other's arms, Feliciano's arms wrapped around Ludwig's torso and Ludwig's arm slung over Feliciano's shoulders, both asleep.
Was Lovino asleep all day?
That couldn't be all of Feliciano's stuff, right?
There had to be much more.
Lovino was sure of it.
Lovino then walked out of the living room before looking back at the sleeping couple.
Then, giving a big sigh, Lovino walked out of the living room, leaving them to sleep.
Lovino decided to take a walk around the house to see how far they got in packing up Feliciano's stuff.
Lovino walked through various rooms to see that they have been mostly cleaned out, save for his stuff.
The rooms just looked so empty with most of his stuff there.
And after a week, it will be only his stuff here.
Lovino didn't know how long he walked around the house, inspecting each and every room because he was in a daze, but all he knew was that he came to his room last.
He probably came to it last because he didn't want to see how empty it was.
But he knew he would have to come to it eventually.
And when he walked into their room, to Lovino's shock, it wasn't under furnished like the other rooms had been.
No, it was exactly the same.
So, walking to the center of the room, Lovino looked around, taking in the last views of it before Feliciano moved out.
And as he was looking around, Lovino's eyes fell upon Feliciano's dresser.
Lovino slowly walked over to Feliciano's dresser and, exhaling a shaky breath, he put his hand on top of the dresser.
It was hard for him to believe that after this week, Feliciano would be gone.
Lovino must have been in their room for a while because when he came out of his depressing daze, he heard talking downstairs.
Making his way downstairs, Lovino saw Feliciano and Ludwig getting off of the couch.
Feliciano yawned. "That was a good nap. Sorry I got sleepy, Luddy, I was just tired from moving all my stuff." Feliciano said.
"It's ok. It was nice to take a little break after a while." Ludwig said, rubbing Feliciano's head.
Feliciano giggled. "Ok, where did we leave off? Oh, yeah, we were about to arrange everything. We can just leave them in the corner." Feliciano said, inspecting the pile of things.
"Alright. Well, shall we get the rest of your things, then?" Ludwig asked.
"Sure!" Feliciano said, smiling.
They walked out of the living room and Feliciano bumped into Lovino.
"Huh? Lovino? What are you doing here? I didn't see you when I woke up, so I thought you left." Feliciano said.
"Oh, uh, n-no. I'm still here. I…don't have anything to do for a couple days, so I'm gonna be around for a while." Lovino said, lowly.
"Oh. Ok, then! You wanna help us out? It'll be a lot faster if we have three people." Feliciano said.
"A-Alright. I'll do it…I'll help." Lovino said, reluctantly.
"Yay!" Feliciano said, loudly. "Ok, then. Come on, let's get started." Feliciano said, walking past Lovino, Ludwig following behind.
Damn!
Now, Lovino had to help.
He couldn't say no and just let them do the work themselves, that would be rude.
And plus, he had nothing else to do but just sit around the house for a couple of days.
And so, begrudgingly, Lovino set off after the two and began to help pack.
And with every bag of Feliciano's stuff he carried, Lovino felt the weight of being alone more and more, and felt Feliciano slip further and further away.
Towards the end of the day, they had almost packed all of Feliciano's things and placed them neatly, at Ludwig's insistence, in the corner.
"Whew, that was a lot of work!" Feliciano said, plopping himself down on the couch.
"Well, it was much faster with three people. Thank you, Lovino." Ludwig said, turning to Lovino.
Lovino just shrugged. "Whatever. I didn't have anything else to do." Lovino said.
Feliciano looked outside.
It was dusk.
"Well, I think it's a good time to start dinner. I think this is a good place to stop until tomorrow." Feliciano said, getting up off the couch.
"Ja, we got a lot done today. I think that's fine." Ludwig said, agreeing.
Lovino just said nothing as he sat down on the chair on the other side of the room, watching as Feliciano walked into the kitchen.
Ludwig sat down on the couch in Feliciano's spot and smiled at Lovino as Feliciano wandered around the kitchen, getting ready to prepare dinner.
"So, are you excited about finally having the house all to yourself now?" Ludwig asked.
Lovino shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. I guess I can have more freedom to do what I want." Lovino said, still watching Feliciano in the kitchen.
Ludwig chuckled. "That's good. It's nice to do what you want without having someone to worry about you all the time." Ludwig said.
"Yeah, I guess." Lovino said.
Feliciano finally came to a stop in front the stove and began preparing dinner. "I'm gonna make us something good, just you guys wait!" Feliciano said, looking into the living room.
"Take your time." Ludwig said, looking back. "Don't push yourself."
Feliciano giggled. "Oh, Luddy, I'll be fine! You worry too much!" Feliciano said.
"Well, alright. I was just making sure." Ludwig said, turning back around.
Feliciano returned to his dinner making, humming a tune as he put the ingredients in the pots.
"I bet you're going to miss Feliciano's cooking, huh?" Ludwig asked, chuckling. "But you can cook too, right? Und besides, you're always welcome to have dinner with us."
Lovino shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. And yes, I can cook too. It's just that Feliciano does most of it." Lovino said.
"Alright. But just remember, you're always welcome. If you don't feel like cooking one day, come on over, we'd be more than happy to have you." Ludwig said. "Right, Feliciano?"
"Of course! I don't mind one bit! You should really see Luddy's house, Lovino! It's so nice!" Feliciano said.
"Oh, it's not that great, Feliciano." Ludwig said, protesting.
"Oh, Luddy, don't be so modest. There's nothing wrong with having a nice house!" Feliciano said. "Just relax!"
Ludwig groaned, cheeks red from embarrassment.
"Well…anyway, like I was saying…you're more than welcome to come und visit." Ludwig said.
"Yeah…I'll keep that in mind." Lovino said, not really sure if he would want to or not.
"Good." Ludwig said.
A short while later, the whole room smelled of cooking food.
Lovino just stared out the window, not really wanting to talk very much and wondering what he could be doing right now if Antonio wasn't so busy.
"Well, I'm going to check on Feliciano. See how he's doing." Ludwig said, standing up and stirring Lovino from his daydream.
Lovino turned to see Ludwig staring at him. "Ok." Lovino said.
Ludwig smiled and turned around before walking into the kitchen.
Ludwig walked into the kitchen and behind Feliciano, wrapping his arms around his waist.
Feliciano jumped slightly, not noticing Ludwig come into the kitchen.
Ludwig rested his chin on Feliciano's shoulder. "What'cha makin'?" Ludwig asked, casually.
Feliciano giggled at Ludwig's question. "Pasta." Feliciano replied, leaning into Ludwig's embrace.
"Mmm. Smells good." Ludwig said into Feliciano's neck.
Feliciano giggled again, as Ludwig's breath tickled his neck. "Luddy, stop it. You're distracting me." Feliciano said, trying half-heartedly to push Ludwig away from him.
"But I just want to see how you're doing." Ludwig said, sweetly and tightening his grip on Feliciano's waist.
"Oh, alright. You can watch me. But only 'cause I love you." Feliciano said, acting like he was reluctant about his decision.
Ludwig chuckled. "I love you too." Ludwig said, hotly into Feliciano's ear.
Lovino, still sitting in the living room, watched as they openly flirted again and just turned away with a frown on his face.
If stupid Antonio wasn't so fucking busy for a few days, he wouldn't have to witness this.
"Here, Luddy, taste this." Feliciano said, putting a tiny bowl to Ludwig's lips.
Ludwig tasted the pasta sauce Feliciano was making and smiled when he was done.
"Tastes good." Ludwig said, resting his chin on Feliciano's shoulder again.
Feliciano giggled. "Well, it has to! I put extra love in it for you." Feliciano said.
"Well, I'm glad you did." Ludwig said.
"It'll be done in a few minutes." Feliciano said.
"I'm looking forward to it." Ludwig said.
Feliciano spent the next few minutes stirring the pasta sauce and noodles, making sure that they were cooked equally.
With the sauce finally done, Feliciano turned the fire off but not before adding a secret ingredient.
"What are you adding, now?" Ludwig asked.
Feliciano giggled. "It's a secret. You'll have to find out when we eat." Feliciano said.
"Aww, come on. Can't you give me a little hint?" Ludwig asked.
"Nope! You'll just have to wait!" Feliciano said, smiling.
Ludwig groaned.
And with that, Feliciano turned the fire off from under the pot.
"Well, it's done! I hope you're ready to eat, Luddy." Feliciano said, turning around.
"More than ready." Ludwig said, wrapping his arms around Feliciano's waist again.
"And to think, after this week, you'll be eating my cooking every day." Feliciano said, wrapping his arms around Ludwig's neck.
"Ja, it's hard to believe. We can even cook together." Ludwig said.
"It's gonna be so great living together." Feliciano said, putting his face into Ludwig's chest.
"I know." Ludwig said, smiling.
Feliciano giggled as Ludwig began kissing his neck. "Luddy, you know that tickles. Why do you keep doing that?" Feliciano asked.
"Because I love hearing you laugh." Ludwig said.
"Oh, Luddy, you're so good to me." Feliciano said.
Ludwig then pulled away from Feliciano's neck and captured his lips in a passionate kiss.
Feliciano tightened his grip on Ludwig and kissed back.
Ludwig tilted his head and deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue into Feliciano's mouth.
Feliciano moaned into the kiss as the hot, wet muscle made its way into his mouth.
Feliciano was almost lost in the kiss before he remembered that Lovino was in the other room.
"Mmm! Wait, Luddy, stop!" Feliciano said, pushing Ludwig away. "Lovino's still here!"
"Oh, ja, right. I forgot." Ludwig said.
Feliciano turned to Lovino then.
And he was staring right at them, brow lowered and a frown on his face.
"I'm sorry, Lovino. I told Luddy that he was distracting me, but he wouldn't stop!" Feliciano said.
Lovino didn't say anything and just stared.
Feliciano looked at Ludwig then, eyes narrowed.
"I'm sorry, Feliciano. I forgot." Ludwig said, trying to explain himself.
"Stop trying to flirt with me when Lovino's around…he doesn't like it." Feliciano said, turning downcast eyes to the floor before walking over to Lovino.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." Ludwig said after Feliciano.
"I'm really sorry, Lovino. Please don't be mad at me." Feliciano said, trying to explain himself.
Lovino still didn't say anything.
"S-So, uh…d-dinner's ready. Why don't you come to the table and we'll eat, ok?" Feliciano asked.
"Alright." Lovino said, after a long pause.
And with that, Feliciano walked back into the kitchen, giving Ludwig an annoyed look on the way to the cabinets, before getting the dishes out and setting the table.
Ludwig walked over to Feliciano, who was setting the table with an annoyed look still on his face, and tried to apologize again. "I'm sorry, Feliciano. You know I didn't mean it." Ludwig said.
When Feliciano finished setting the table, he turned to Ludwig. "Well, tell him that, not me." Feliciano said, pointing to Lovino. "Lovino, everything's ready, come eat."
Ludwig turned to Lovino and watched as he got up out of the chair as walked past him to sit down at the table.
Ludwig sat down at the table as well while Feliciano began putting the pasta on their plates before sitting down himself.
A short while passed as they sat there in silence.
Ludwig looked at Feliciano who urged him to say something to Lovino.
And so, taking a deep breath, Ludwig spoke up. "I'm really sorry, Lovino. I get carried away sometimes. I didn't mean to flirt so openly." Ludwig said, apologizing.
"Yeah. Ok. Forget about it." Lovino said.
Ludwig heaved a sigh of relief.
Feliciano smiled then. "Well, shall we eat now?" Feliciano asked.
"Alright." Lovino said.
"Ja, sounds good." Ludwig said.
And with that, they began eating.
As they ate, Ludwig made a peculiar face as they ate the pasta.
As did Lovino.
"Uh, Feliciano?" Ludwig called out.
"Yes?" Feliciano asked.
"This sauce tastes different than when I tasted it. What did you put in it?" Ludwig asked.
Feliciano giggled. "Why don't you guess?" Feliciano asked.
Ludwig took another bite and looked at the food, inspecting it. "I see pieces of something." Ludwig said.
"Yes?" Feliciano giggled.
Looking closer, Ludwig eyed the food. "They…look like tomatoes." Ludwig said.
Lovino's eyes widened.
So that's why this pasta tasted so familiar!
Feliciano had put tomatoes in it!
Feliciano just smiled.
"Are they…tomatoes?" Ludwig asked.
"Yes!" Feliciano said, cheerily.
"Tomatoes? Where did you learn to put tomatoes chunks in pasta sauce?" Ludwig asked.
Feliciano giggled. "From Lovino." Feliciano said, looking at Lovino.
Ludwig looked at Lovino. "From you?" Ludwig asked.
Lovino blushed, slightly. "Y-Yeah." Lovino said.
"Well, where did you learn it from?" Ludwig asked, curiously.
"Fr-from a fr-friend. He taught me." Lovino said.
"Well, it's really good. Thanks for showing Feliciano." Ludwig said, smiling.
"Yeah, uh…n-no problem." Lovino said, blushing even more.
And with that, they began eating again.
"Hey, Lovino, since you have nothing to do again tomorrow, could you help Luddy and me, pack some more of my stuff?" Feliciano asked.
Lovino felt like he was struck by lightning at Feliciano's words.
'Since you have nothing to do again tomorrow.'
Even though Feliciano didn't mean anything by it, Lovino felt hurt by his kind words anyway.
"Uh, s-sure. I-I'll help. No problem." Lovino said.
"That's great! I really appreciate it. It'll go much faster! And it'll be a lot of fun!" Feliciano said, happily.
"Yeah. I bet I will be." Lovino said.
And with that, they continued eating and a short while later they were done eating.
Feliciano put the dishes in the sink and ran the dish water.
He then turned around and beckoned Lovino and Ludwig to come wash the dishes with him.
As they were washing, Feliciano sighed, wistfully. "This is nice." Feliciano said.
"What's wrong, Feliciano?" Ludwig asked.
"Huh? Oh, nothing. I just said this was nice. You know, just the three of us washing dishes together." Feliciano said. "We should do this more."
"Well, Lovino can always come over for dinner one day." Ludwig said.
"Oh, yeah. You'll come over for dinner one day, won't you, Lovino?" Feliciano asked.
"Yeah. I'll think about it." Lovino said.
"Good. I can't wait until then." Feliciano said.
When they were done washing dishes, Feliciano looked out of the window, it was getting dark outside.
"Hey, Luddy? Can you spend the night tonight, so you can help us pack tomorrow? Or do you have to go to work in the morning?" Feliciano asked.
"Sure. Und lucky for you, I have a few days off." Ludwig said, smiling.
"Yay! I'm glad." Feliciano said.
They walked out of the kitchen and sat down in the living room.
Lovino sat down on the same couch as Feliciano and Ludwig, with Feliciano in the middle.
Feliciano grabbed the remote and turned the TV on.
They spent the rest of the day just relaxing and watching TV.
As the sky got darker and darker, Feliciano yawned, sleepily and rubbed his eyes.
"Boy, I'm tired. What do you say we go to bed? We got a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Feliciano said.
"Ok." Lovino said.
And with that, Feliciano turned the TV off and the lights in the kitchen before walking back into the living room.
They then walked out of the living room, turning the lights out before making their way to their room.
Feliciano and Lovino stopped in front of their room while Ludwig walked toward the guest room.
"Hey, Lovino?" Feliciano called.
"Yeah?" Lovino asked, looking at Feliciano.
"I'm gonna sleep with Luddy tonight." Feliciano said. "We need to talk about what we need to pack next and where I can put my stuff when I move in with him."
Lovino didn't say anything.
"Is that ok?" Feliciano asked.
Lovino wanted to say "no".
Oh, God, he wanted to say "no".
But he didn't.
Instead, against his inner feelings, Lovino nodded, despite himself. "Yes. It's fine." Lovino said.
"You're gonna be ok by yourself tonight, right?" Feliciano asked.
"Yeah. I'll be fine. It'll be nice to spread out on the bed for a night." Lovino said, trying to smile.
Feliciano giggled. "Yeah. So, we'll just get ready for bed and then I'll leave, ok?" Feliciano asked.
"Ok." Lovino said, walking into their room.
They walked into the bathroom and a short while later, they were finished brushing their teeth.
When they walked out of the bathroom, they stopped in front the bedroom door.
Feliciano then gave Lovino a big hug. "Thank you for helping us, Lovino." Feliciano said.
"No problem. Don't mention it." Lovino said.
"Are you sure you'll be ok by yourself tonight?" Feliciano asked again.
"Yes, I'll be fine." Lovino said, trying to push Feliciano off of him.
Feliciano then released Lovino from his grip and walked towards the hallway. "Goodnight, Lovino. I'll see you tomorrow." Feliciano said.
"Yeah. Goodnight, Feliciano." Lovino said.
And with that, Feliciano smiled and walked down the hallway to the room Ludwig was in.
When he heard the door open and close, Lovino closed the door to his room as well and walked over to his bed and crawled in, pulling the blankets over him.
He was about to go to sleep so that he wouldn't have to bear the pain but just as he was about to close his eyes, he shot up, startled.
'I'm gonna sleep with Luddy tonight.' came the loud and clear words in Lovino's head.
Oh, God, Lovino hoped with all his heart that when Feliciano said "sleep with Luddy", he actually meant sleep with Luddy.
He hoped to God, he didn't "sleep with Luddy" as in fuck him.
And so, he waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Lovino didn't know how long he waited, but during that time, he didn't hear any creaking or bumping or moaning or grunting.
Just muffled talking.
Lovino let sigh of relief and a thoughtful, "Hmm."
Guess Feliciano was telling the truth about talking.
After all, Feliciano wouldn't have sex with the bastard.
Not while they were in the same house and after Feliciano got mad at him for flirting in front of Lovino.
Yeah, that's right.
They wouldn't.
What was Lovino worried about?
He had nothing to be afraid of.
And with that, Lovino spread himself out on the bed, somewhat happy that he would have it all to himself after this week.
It was very bittersweet.
On one hand, he would gain a lot more space with Feliciano gone but on the other hand, he would lose Feliciano and he would be living all alone.
Lovino wasn't sure which one outweighed the other.
They were too equal for him to choose between and it was definitely a hard choice for him to make.
Maybe it would become easier for him to make with time, but he would just have to wait and see.
Lovino tossed and turned before he found a comfortable spot and it surprised him how big the bed was without two people sleeping in it. Maybe he could get used to this after all…hopefully.
And with that, Lovino closed his eyes and fell asleep.
The next morning came and Lovino woke up stretching.
He was about to get up and get ready for the day until he realized that he wouldn't see Antonio today.
He had forgotten that he was so busy.
Damn it.
And so with that, Lovino fell back into the bed and went back to sleep, not having enough energy to get up.
What was the point when you had nothing to do today?
In fact, he could have slept all day, if only to not have to endure the long days between him seeing Antonio again.
That is, until Lovino was stirred from his sleep by a knock at the door.
Lovino grumbled, sleepily. "What is it?" Lovino asked, groggily.
No answer.
Another knock.
"What do you want? Just come in." Lovino muttered.
Again, no answer and another knock.
Lovino growled and looked at the door.
Another knock, even louder this time.
"Ugh! Goddammit!" Lovino growled, getting out of bed.
Lovino walked towards the door with a scowl on his face.
When Lovino got to the door, he wrenched it open, impatiently. "What?" Lovino said, angrily to whoever had the nerve to wake him up like that.
Lovino then calmed down as he got a look at the person through bleary eyes.
It was Feliciano who had been knocking.
"What? Feliciano? What are you doing?" Lovino asked.
"I was waking you up. You slept later than usual, so I thought I would wake you up." Feliciano said.
"Well, why were you knocking? It's your room too. Why didn't you just come in and wake me up instead of knocking?" Lovino asked.
"Well, the door was closed. I thought you were busy." Feliciano said.
"But didn't you hear me say 'come in'?" Lovino asked.
Feliciano shook his head. "No." Feliciano said.
Lovino groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, well what did you wake me up for?" Lovino asked, yawning.
"You were supposed to help us pack today, remember?" Feliciano asked.
Lovino groaned.
God, he was so tired!
He stared at Feliciano for a short while through sleepy eyes, contemplating if he should help or not.
Well, he did say that he would help them pack.
"Alright, I'll help you." Lovino said, reluctantly.
Feliciano smiled. "Thank you, Lovino. Don't worry, it shouldn't take long. Just you see, with three people helping, it'll get done much quicker!" Feliciano said, cheerfully.
"Yeah, I hope so." Lovino said, lowly.
Feliciano smiled. "Well, I'll see you downstairs, Lovino." Feliciano said.
"Yeah, yeah." Lovino said, waving Feliciano off, dismissively.
And with that, Feliciano turned and headed down the stairs.
Lovino watched him go down the stairs before he retreated back into his room.
As he made his way to the bathroom to get ready for the day, he stopped and stared at the bed.
And he wanted, desperately, to just collapse on the bed and sleep all day with no annoying interruptions.
But, ignoring his impulse to just jump in bed, Lovino forced himself to go get ready to help Feliciano and the bastard pack Feliciano's stuff.
A short while later, Lovino walked out of the bathroom and downstairs to help with the packing.
When Lovino got downstairs, he was surprised at the pile of stuff Feliciano had.
He didn't realize that Feliciano had that much stuff.
A lot of it was mainly things Feliciano had around the house.
No clothes or anything since Feliciano still had the rest of the week until he moved out.
They were mostly the paintings Feliciano had done.
Paint, easels, brushes and palettes.
Feliciano had painted so many that there was simply not enough room for them in the house anymore.
They had so many paintings decorating the house; it was like a mini museum.
So he had resorted to putting them away until he could figure out what to do with them.
Well, at least now, he had a place to put them.
They spent most of the day packing up Feliciano's painting supplies.
They would leave Feliciano's clothes until everything was moved.
The same routine continued from yesterday.
Packing, followed by Lovino's slipping further and further into depression as he moved things from one room to another.
Feliciano came in with yet another painting as set it down against the wall.
"Lunchtime!" Feliciano said, loudly after looking at the clock.
Lovino looked at the clock as well.
They had been moving things all day.
Just one more day and he wouldn't have to deal with this anymore.
Just one more day and he'll be able to see Antonio again.
Just one more day.
Just one more day.
Ludwig came into the living room then. "What? Lunchtime already?" Ludwig asked.
"Yeah. And besides, I'm hungry. I think this is a good place to take a break." Feliciano said, smiling.
"Well. Alright then. If you say so." Ludwig said.
Lovino and Ludwig sat down in the living room as Feliciano prepared lunch.
Time passed by in a haze for Lovino and he was startled by a hand shaking him.
It was Feliciano.
"Lovino, it's time for lunch. Are you ok?" Feliciano asked.
"Yeah. I'm ok." Lovino said, getting up and walking to the kitchen.
Feliciano followed after him and Ludwig into the kitchen.
After lunch, they arranged the bags into neat little piles.
God, Ludwig and his neatness complex.
It could be very annoying sometimes.
Lovino didn't know how Feliciano could deal with it.
Maybe it was just one of those quirks that couples loved about each other.
Feliciano's messiness and Ludwig's cleanliness.
For God's sake, the two were polar opposites.
Guess it was true.
Opposites do attract.
The rest of the day, like yesterday, was spent watching TV.
Movies, sitcoms, they watched them and everything in between.
Lovino looked out of the window.
The sky was beginning to darken.
Feliciano yawned. "I don't really feel like making dinner. Is anybody hungry?" Feliciano asked.
Ludwig shook his head. "Nien, I'm ok. It was a big lunch." Ludwig said.
"Lovino?" Feliciano called. "Are you hungry?"
Lovino shook his head as well, too. "No." Lovino said, simply.
"Ok, good." Feliciano said, smiling. "Guess we can get ready for bed then."
After they walked out of the living room and up the stairs, Feliciano waved Ludwig off to the guest room.
"What, you're not gonna sleep with him tonight again?" Lovino asked.
"No. We already talked about our plans for when I move in. And besides, I wanted to sleep with you until I move out. Just so I can savor the moments." Feliciano said.
"Oh. Ok then." Lovino said.
"I'm just gonna go tell Luddy goodnight and then we can get ready for bed, ok?" Feliciano asked.
"Ok." Lovino said.
And with that, Feliciano walked down the hall and knocked on Ludwig's door.
Lovino walked into his room and waited for Feliciano.
A few minutes later, Feliciano came back. "Well? Shall we get ready for bed, then?" Feliciano asked.
"Alright." Lovino said.
They walked into the bathroom and a short while later, they walked out and climbed into bed.
"So, how was sleeping by yourself last night, Lovino?" Feliciano asked.
"It was…alright." Lovino said.
"That's good." Feliciano said. "You'll get used to it."
There was a short silence before Feliciano spoke up.
"We're almost done with the packing. All we need to do is move my stuff to Luddy's house. And then we'll come back and move the heavier furniture." Feliciano said.
"Ok." Lovino said.
"Are you…doing anything tomorrow?" Feliciano asked.
"I don't know. It depends if my friend wants to do something or not." Lovino said.
"Oh, ok. Well, that's ok if you can't. You helped me a lot more than I would have asked for. Thank you." Feliciano said.
"You're welcome." Lovino said.
And with that, Feliciano turned over and fell asleep.
As Lovino lie in bed, still awake, he wondered what would happen tomorrow.
God, he hoped that Antonio would be done with whatever he was doing tomorrow.
That way, he wouldn't have to sit through watching Feliciano's stuff being carted off that damn German's house.
And so, eyelids getting heavier, Lovino turned over and fell asleep as well.
When the next morning came, Lovino woke up and, to his surprise, Feliciano was still in bed, fast asleep.
Well, that was weird.
Feliciano was usually up before him nowadays.
Maybe he was just really tired from yesterday.
Lovino didn't hear any movement from the other room and assumed that Ludwig was still sleep as well.
And so, taking this opportunity as a good sign, Lovino fell back to sleep, uninterrupted.
However, this didn't last as long as Lovino had wanted because he was stirred awake by Feliciano. "Lovino, wake up. Wake up." Feliciano said, shaking Lovino lightly.
Lovino grumbled. "What is it?" Lovino asked, sleepily.
"It's time to get up." Feliciano said.
Lovino sat up in bed and looked at Feliciano.
He was standing next to Ludwig.
"The moving truck is here to take my stuff away." Feliciano said. "Can you help us?"
Lovino groaned. "Alright. Let me get ready." Lovino said.
"Ok. We'll get started. Join us when you get ready." Feliciano said.
"Ok." Lovino said.
And with that, Feliciano dragged Ludwig off downstairs to get started.
Lovino walked into the bathroom to get ready for the day and it took everything he had to force himself downstairs to help.
As they put Feliciano's things into the moving truck, the driver of the truck made a joke that was not meant to be taken seriously.
"So, you getting' tired of livin' here, huh?" the man said, not meaning anything by it.
Lovino did all he could to keep from shooting a dirty look towards the man.
Feliciano giggled. "No, it's not that. I just wanted to move in with Luddy here. It's nothing personal." Feliciano said.
Why can't the man just help move things without speaking?
That would be a lot better for Lovino.
Once all of the things were moved, Ludwig came back into the house after chatting with the truck driver for a while.
"He says, he'll be ready to go soon after he secures everything." Ludwig said.
"Good." Feliciano said, getting up off of the couch.
"Ja, so when he gets ready, we'll ride with him so I can show him where I live." Ludwig said.
Feliciano giggled then and turned to Lovino. "Thank you for helping, Lovino. You really helped us a lot." Feliciano said.
"Ja, we couldn't have gotten done as fast as we did without you. So, thank you." Ludwig said, smiling.
"Yeah…no problem." Lovino said, looking away.
Feliciano then walked over to Ludwig and wrapped his arms around Ludwig' torso and buried his face in his broad chest. "I get to live with Luddy." Feliciano said, wistfully.
Ludwig placed a hand on Feliciano's cheek and stroked it with his thumb. "Can't wait." Ludwig said.
And with that, Feliciano rose up on the tips of his toes and tried to kiss Ludwig.
Since Ludwig was much taller than Feliciano, he had to help out by bending slightly to meet Feliciano's lips in a kiss.
And as they kissed, Lovino finally felt the full weight of Feliciano leaving hit him like a ton of bricks.
And the regret that he had been feeling for the past few days had grown into an unbearable pain.
"I'm going out." Lovino said, walking quickly to the door.
"Oh, ok. Bye! Say hi to you friend for me!" Feliciano called after Lovino.
As soon as Lovino hit the sidewalk, he took off running as soon as he made sure he was out of sight.
He was going to his spot.
But Lovino didn't even know if going there would make him feel better.
But it was worth a try.
Lovino broke through the brush that separated the city from the forest to his spot.
The sky was still bright since it was around evening.
Lovino ran until he saw the cliff in the distance.
When he broke through the last few bushes before the clearing, he slowed down once he got there.
He walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down, panting hard.
He then heaved a shaky sigh before sinking down to his knees.
Lovino got down on all fours, still panting from running so long and then, not being able to take it anymore, Lovino burst into tears.
Lovino was shaking so hard with sobs, he fell into a crumpled sobbing mess on the ground.
Why, oh why did he give Feliciano permission to move out?
He didn't know it would hurt this much!
If he did, he would have never given Feliciano permission to move, if only because he didn't want to be alone.
Oh, God, he didn't want to be alone!
It was just too much to bear.
Going to bed alone day, after day, after day, was just too much to comprehend.
Lovino, feeling absolutely pathetic, gathered himself up and just sat down, knees drawn up to his chest and sobbed into his arms.
He was going to be all alone and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
There was a sudden rustling in the woods somewhere, but Lovino didn't hear it because he was sobbing too loud.
More rustling in the woods but Lovino still didn't hear it.
The rustling stopped as Lovino still hiccupped and sobbed and he didn't even notice the figure walking towards him.
It was Antonio.
"Lovi? I didn't expect to see you here." Antonio said.
Lovino looked up at the sudden sound and turned his head, eyes blurry from the tears.
Antonio continued walking closer. "What are you doing here-whoa, why are you crying?" Antonio asked.
Lovino didn't say anything.
"Whoa, Lovi. Are you ok?" Antonio asked, sitting down next to Lovino. "What's wrong?"
Lovino still didn't say anything.
"Come on, Lovi. You can tell me." Antonio said, putting a hand on Lovino's leg.
"Wh-What's wrong?" Lovino asked, voice breaking. "What's wrong? I-It's n-not fair!" Lovino yelled tears, flowing from his eyes.
"What? What isn't? What's not fair?" Antonio asked.
"I-It's my stupid brother! He gets everything! Why does he always get everything? It's not fair!" Lovino sobbed.
"What do you mean? How does he get everything?" Antonio asked.
"H-He's gonna move out with his stupid boyfriend and leave me all alone! And he didn't even once ask me how I felt about it! He just went along with it and didn't even bother to ask me!" Lovino said.
"But why is he moving out? Does he not want to live with you anymore?" Antonio asked.
"No, I…I-I gave him permission." Lovino admitted.
"What? But if you gave him permission, then why are you so upset?" Antonio asked, curiously.
"I didn't know it would hurt this much. I didn't know it would be this hard! That's why. At first, I thought it would be nice to live by myself, but then I started having second thoughts. And I wanted to call it off but I was too deep in it, I just couldn't." Lovino said.
"Wow, Lovi. I-I didn't know. I'm sorry." Antonio said.
Lovino continued sobbing.
Antonio felt absolutely horrible.
If he had known that Lovino was suffering so much, he would have had someone else watch over the renovations.
And he definitely would not have suggested that Lovino hang out with Feliciano while he was busy.
But he didn't know what Lovino was going through.
He had no idea.
And so reaching out, Antonio wrapped his arms around Lovino and pulled him closer to try to console him.
Lovino let himself be pulled into Antonio's grip if only because he was too tired from all the running.
Antonio rocked Lovino slightly. "There, there, Lovi." Antonio said, soothingly and running his fingers through Lovino's hair. "Everything will be ok."
Lovino's eyes widened then.
Oh, God.
When Feliciano and that damn German had left on that cruise, Lovino had wanted someone to hold him and tell him those same exact words.
And here he was, in Antonio's arms, hearing those desired words spilling from Antonio's mouth.
Lovino felt more tears coming and he started sobbing harder.
"Whoa, whoa, Lovi, calm down. Are you still hurting?" Antonio asked.
Lovino pulled away from Antonio and sobbed into his hands. "It's not fair. I-It's not fair!" Lovino said into his hands.
"It's ok, Lovi. Try not to think about it anymore." Antonio said, soothingly.
Lovino looked at Antonio then. "No, it's not that. I-It's…It's." Lovino said, stuttering.
"Then what is it, Lovi?" Antonio asked.
"I-It's just that, my brother's gonna move out and leave me all alone." Lovino said.
"But I thought you said that it would be nice to live by yourself." Antonio said.
"Yeah, but that's not the only problem I have with that." Lovino said.
"Then, what else is wrong?" Antonio asked.
"It's just that when my brother was so happy to move out, it felt like he couldn't wait to get away from me. It felt like he was eager to finally leave me and go start a new life without me in it." Lovino said.
"Well, just because your brother wants to move in with his boyfriend doesn't mean that he wants to have a new life without you in it." Antonio reasoned.
"Yeah, but why didn't he ask me how I felt about it?" Lovino asked.
"Maybe he was just so happy to move in his boyfriend, it just slipped his mind. It happens to a lot of people." Antonio said.
"Well, that may be true, but I just don't want him to leave me all alone." Lovino said.
"Lovi, he's your brother. Of course, he's not gonna leave you alone. He's just moving away. It's not such a big deal when you look at it up close." Antonio said. "Yes, it's true that he's moving away, but you'll still be in his life. He's not gonna forget about you just because he's living somewhere else. No, far from it. If anything, he's gonna miss you. He'll miss all the good times you had over the years. And besides, there's always the phone. He can call you whenever he misses you. Why, I'll bet he'll even come visit one day. Maybe even stay the night just for old time's sake."
"R-Really?" Lovino asked.
"Of course, Lovi." Antonio said, smiling. "So, you don't have anything to worry about."
"I know, but I just don't want to alone! I don't want to live by myself! It'll be just like that time when…when…" Lovino said, voice trailing off.
"When what, Lovi? What will it be like?" Antonio asked.
"N-Nevermind. F-Forget it." Lovino said.
"Oh, Lovi. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have left you to sit around the house and endure all that." Antonio said, apologizing.
"I just hate all of this. This is so stupid. It's not fair. I never get anything he gets." Lovino said.
"What do you mean?" Antonio asked.
"It's just my brother. He gets everything and I get nothing." Lovino said, darkly.
"What does he get that you don't?" Antonio asked.
"Like his boyfriend." Lovino said.
"Huh? Wait, what? His boyfriend? What do you mean by that?" Antonio asked, suddenly very curious as to what Lovino was trying to say.
"I see them kissing all the time and I've walked in on them kissing before and it just made me realize…th-that…he has someone to love him and I don't. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm jealous of him for that. I'm jealous that he's in a loving relationship and I'm not. He has someone to love him and I don't…no one will ever love me. Not when my brother has all the talent. And what do I have? …Nothing!" Lovino said, bitterly, as he started sobbing again.
Antonio's eyes widened then because he was utterly shocked.
He couldn't believe that Lovino had not seen it before.
Especially after all his flirting and taking him out on dates.
Even he wasn't that clueless.
And so gathering up his thoughts, Antonio spoke up.
"But, I love you, Lovi." Antonio said, breaking the silence between them and looking directly at Lovino.
Lovino turned to Antonio, eyes wide with shock. "Wh-What?" Lovino said in disbelief.
"I said I love you." Antonio said, repeating himself.
"I-wh-why?" was all Lovino could say.
"Because I liked you ever since I first met you. And as I got to see you more, I began to fall in love with you." Antonio said.
"But…I…I-I don't get it. Wh-Why me?" Lovino asked.
Antonio sighed then. "I have to tell you something, Lovi." Antonio said.
"Wh-What is it?" Lovino asked.
Antonio paused, shortly, before speaking up. "When I first came here, I was gonna kill myself."
Lovino's eyes widened. "Wha-k-kill yourself? Wh-Why?" Lovino said in utter disbelief.
Antonio sighed again. "Because. I just couldn't handle it anymore. I lost my job, lost contact with my friends and I was so depressed." Antonio finally admitted, looking away.
Lovino just stared at Antonio, eyes wide with shock, still not believing that the happy-go-lucky Antonio wanted to kill himself.
Lovino was absolutely speechless.
Antonio looked at Lovino then and chuckled. "I know you're at a loss for words, Lovi, but it's true. Yes, I did want to kill myself. I was gonna take the easy way out. But that day, when I first saw you, I couldn't do it. I mean, I couldn't very well kill myself right in front of another person. I took you being there that same day as a sign not to kill myself and that's when I walked forward and talked to you." Antonio said.
"S-So, I-I saved you from killing yourself?" Lovino asked.
Antonio chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you can say that." Antonio said.
"Wow, Antonio. I-I…I didn't know. I'm sorry." Lovino said.
"It's ok, Lovi. You didn't know. No one did." Antonio said.
Lovino didn't say anything.
He had to absorb all that was happening right now.
Antonio wrapped his arms around Lovino again and pulled him close. "But even though you didn't, you saved my live, Lovi…thank you." Antonio said, as he brought his face closer to Lovino's.
Lovino blushed a deep red and instantly pushed Antonio off of him. "Wh-What are you doing?" Lovino almost yelled.
"Wh-What? I-I was gonna kiss you." Antonio said.
"Wh-Why?" Lovino asked.
"Because I love you." Antonio said. "What, you don't want me to kiss you?"
"N-No!" Lovino yelled.
"But why, Lovi? What's wrong with that?" Antonio asked.
"Because." Lovino said, blushing and looking away. "We're both guys…it'll be weird."
"So what? You didn't think it was weird when we went out on those dates." Antonio pointed out.
"Yeah, but I-" Lovino said before he was cut off.
"You what?" Antonio asked.
"I…I…I-I don't know! I-It's just weird right now, ok?" Lovino said.
Antonio pulled Lovino close to him again. "It's wouldn't be weird if we were in love." Antonio said, as he inched his face closer to Lovino's.
Lovino watched in horror, face red, as Antonio's face came closer and closer.
He was about to push Antonio away from him again, but before he reacted, Antonio pressed his lips to Lovino's.
Lovino's eyes were wide with shock as Antonio kissed him.
Finally, getting the feeling in his body back, Lovino pushed away from Antonio, blushing a deep red.
But as soon as he pushed away, Antonio inched closer and captured Lovino's lips again and tightened his grip on Lovino's waist.
Lovino tried to push Antonio away from him but he was just too strong.
And soon, Lovino felt his body lose all feeling again as it relaxed in Antonio's embrace.
Lovino felt like his body was paralyzed as Antonio kissed him.
Lovino didn't know how much time had passed.
He was too dazed from the kiss and could only stare as Antonio pulled back away from his lips.
Antonio chuckled. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do that." Antonio said, smiling.
Lovino just stared back and tried to say something but ending up stuttering words.
Lovino's felt like his face was searing hot.
"Oh, Lovi." Antonio said, holding Lovino against his chest and stroking his hair.
Lovino raised a shaky hand and clutched a handful of Antonio's shirt, as he tried to process all that was going on.
"And don't worry. We'll go on that cruise you've always wanted someday." Antonio said, softly.
Lovino shot up and stared at Antonio in disbelief. "Wh-What? H-How did you know that? I-I never told you that!" Lovino yelled.
Antonio laughed. "No, you didn't, but before I first talked to you, I heard you mention something about you wishing you could go on a cruise." Antonio said. "So, I promise you that we'll go on a cruise one day."
Lovino felt more tears coming as he saw Antonio get blurrier and blurrier. He kept tearing up as he pictured himself finally doing something he wanted to do all his life. "You better not be lying!" Lovino yelled, voice breaking, giving a teary eyed smile as tears flowed down his cheeks.
"I would never lie to you, Lovi." Antonio said, holding Lovino against his chest again.
It took a while before Lovino's sobs died down once more.
"S-So what are you doing here?" Lovino asked, wiping his face.
"Oh, yeah, we're almost done with the renovations and I thought I'd come here to relax a bit. And even though you were crying, I'm glad I got to see you today." Antonio said. "I missed you."
"Oh. So, will you be done soon?" Lovino asked, curiously.
"Why, Lovi? You miss me?" Antonio asked, playfully.
Lovino blushed slightly. "Sh-Shut up. I-It's just boring at my house, that's all." Lovino said.
Antonio chuckled. "I'm just kidding, Lovi. But yeah, I'll be done soon. Do you think you can wait for a little while longer?" Antonio asked.
Lovino nodded his head. "Yeah. I can wait." Lovino said.
And he could.
Now that Lovino knew that Antonio would be done soon, the time from now until Antonio was done could be much more bearable.
They sat there in silence for a while, Lovino in Antonio's arms.
Lovino wished it could last longer, but sadly, it couldn't.
"Well, Lovi. I have to go check on how the renovations are coming along, so I'll see you later, ok?" Antonio asked.
"Ok." Lovino said.
"Good." Antonio said.
"You seriously better not be lying. I can't sit around the house for much longer." Lovino said.
And with that, Antonio released Lovino from his embrace.
Antonio laughed. "Of course not. I told you I'd never lie to you…I'm gonna miss you, Lovi." Antonio said as he rubbed Lovino's head.
And as he did so, Antonio inadvertently stroked the curl on Lovino's head.
"Ah!" Lovino moaned out as the stray hair was stroked.
And hearing this, Lovino clapped his hands over his mouth, blushing a deep red.
"Whoa, Lovi. What was that?" Antonio asked.
"N-Nothing. J-Just forget about it!" Lovino said, getting up.
Antonio got up as well. "Ok, then." Antonio said.
Lovino was about to walk away, but before he could, Antonio pulled him into another tight hug.
"I'll see you later, Lovi." Antonio said. "Goodnight."
"Ok. Goodnight." Lovino said, into Antonio's ear since he was leaning into Lovino's neck.
And with that, Antonio let Lovino go.
Lovino then watched as Antonio walked towards the woods before setting off himself.
A short while later, Lovino was coming out of the woods and back into the city.
He walked down the street towards his house.
As he got closer, he saw that the moving truck was gone.
That must have meant that Feliciano and Ludwig were gone as well too.
But that wasn't the case as they were in the house when Lovino came in.
When Lovino walked into the living room, Feliciano was the first to notice.
"Lovino! You're back! We're done moving everything! All we have left to move now is my dressers and clothes and stuff! Isn't that great?" Feliciano asked.
"Yeah. It's wonderful." Lovino said, sarcastically.
"Oh, Lovino, don't be like that! We couldn't have done it without you!" Feliciano said, happily.
Lovino rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever." Lovino said.
"I was just about to cook dinner. Come sit down." Feliciano said.
Lovino shrugged his shoulders and sat down on the couch next to Ludwig.
"So, we've only got a few more stuff left to move. After that, you'll have the house all to yourself. I appreciate you helping us, Lovino. It went so much smoother with your help. Thank you." Ludwig said.
"Yeah, yeah, don't mention it." Lovino said.
A short while later, Feliciano announced that dinner was done.
Lovino and Ludwig both walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.
The sky was beginning to darken as they began eating dinner.
A short while later, they were done eating.
Feliciano was about to go wash the dishes but then decided against it when he yawned, tiredly.
"I'll wash them tomorrow, I'm sleepy." Feliciano said.
And with that, they walked out of the kitchen, heading towards the bedrooms upstairs.
Feliciano decided to sleep with Lovino again tonight since this was one of the last nights that they could sleep in the same bed.
When they crawled into bed after coming out of the bathroom, Feliciano was the first to fall asleep since he was so tired.
Lovino followed soon after, but before he did, he thought about the day's activities.
Feliciano moving his things to be taken away, Feliciano kissing Ludwig, again, him running all the way through the woods and to his spot and finally…Antonio kissing him.
Lovino turned over and blushed as he remembered the feel of Antonio's lips against his own.
Lovino reached up and felt his lips with shaky fingers.
He couldn't believe that Antonio had kissed him.
It was so shocking.
But, all that aside, at least he'd see him again soon.
And with that, Lovino fell asleep.
The next morning, Lovino woke up with more energy than before.
It really surprised him.
Maybe seeing Antonio again finally gave Lovino what he needed to get a goodnight's sleep.
Feliciano was gone, of course, so Lovino got out of bed and got ready for the day.
When Lovino was done, he walked downstairs and ran into Feliciano.
"Oh, Lovino. I was just coming to wake you up. But I guess I don't have to now." Feliciano said, smiling.
"Yeah, I'm up." Lovino said.
"Ok, good. There's still some left over breakfast. You can have some if you want." Feliciano said.
"Ok." Lovino said.
"I'm gonna be at Luddy's house for a while, so feel free to eat as much as you want." Feliciano said.
"Alright." Lovino said.
And with that, he set off into the kitchen to get breakfast.
After Lovino got done eating, he got a call from Antonio.
"Hello?" Lovino asked.
"Hey, Lovi. Looks like I'm all done with the renovations. We can start going on dates again now." Antonio said, happily.
"Really?" Lovino asked.
"Yeah." Antonio said. "So, as soon as I clean up everything, I'll be taking you out for the time of your life, ok?"
Lovino smiled then. "Ok. I'll see you later, then." Lovino said.
"Yeah, see ya." Antonio said.
And with that, Lovino hung up the phone.
This was going to be a fun week.
Lovino could just feel it.
A week had already passed but Feliciano still hadn't moved out yet.
Lovino guessed that it took a little longer to plan out Feliciano's moving out.
Since Antonio wasn't completely done with the renovations, he still had to stay home some days.
But that was alright with Lovino.
They could still go out every other day.
On one day, they were finally going to move Feliciano's dressers and clothes.
Lovino had already gone out with Antonio.
When Lovino was out Feliciano and Ludwig were planning to move Feliciano's heavier things.
"Hey, Feliciano, can you get some bags to put your clothes in? We need to make sure that this is as light as can be before we move it." Ludwig asked.
"Ok, Luddy!" Feliciano said, happily.
Feliciano came back with the bags for Ludwig to put the clothes in.
When Feliciano walked out of the room, Ludwig began cleaning out Feliciano's dresser.
And when he did, Feliciano's clothes all but tumbled out.
Ludwig chuckled. "Oh, Feliciano. You're so messy. But I love that about you. As odd as that seems." Ludwig said.
Ludwig then put Feliciano's clothes into one of the bags.
He was almost done cleaning out the dresser until he came across something.
As he picked up a few socks and t-shirts, something dropped out of the clothes.
Ludwig picked it up and inspected it.
He cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"Huh? What the…Feliciano?" Ludwig called out.
Feliciano walked in, smiling. "Yes? What is it, Luddy?" Feliciano asked.
Ludwig took a deep breath before he spoke up. "Feliciano? What is this?" Ludwig asked.
For the rest of the week, Lovino and Antonio went on many dates.
This one just happened to be a simple trip to the museum.
Normally, Lovino would have been bored out of his mind, but since he was with Antonio, Lovino actually had a lot of fun.
And now they were on their way home.
When they got up the stairs to Lovino's front door, they stopped in front of it.
"I had a really great time together, Lovi." Antonio said. "Again, I'm really sorry; we couldn't go out every day this week."
Lovino smiled. "No, it's ok. As long as I'm not sitting around the house all the time." Lovino said.
Antonio smiled then and leaned down to capture Lovino's lips in a kiss.
Lovino blushed as Antonio pulled away.
"What's wrong, Lovi? You let me kiss you this time. Are you ok? You're not sick are you?" Antonio asked.
Lovino smiled and hugged Antonio, and buried his face in his shirt. "Well, I just thought it would be nice to have a kiss every once in a while." Lovino said.
Antonio hugged Lovino back. "Aww, Lovi, you're so cute!" Antonio said.
Lovino smiled. "Well, maybe, but not as much as that lisp you have." Lovino said.
Antonio released Lovino then and looked at him in disbelief. "What? I have a lisp?" Antonio asked.
"Yeah." Lovino said.
"Oh." Antonio said, simply.
"Well, it's only a little bit! I only hear it every once in a while. It's cute. I like it." Lovino said, blushing slightly and trying to explain himself.
Antonio smiled and wrapped his arms around Lovino again. "Aww, I'm glad you like it!" Antonio said. "Even though I had no idea I had one." Antonio added as an afterthought.
"You're welcome. Now, get off of me." Lovino said, pushing Antonio off of him.
"Aww, Lovi, stop being such a tease." Antonio complained.
"But where's the fun in that?" Lovino asked, opening the front door.
"You're so mean, Lovi." Antonio said, pouting.
"And you're so impatient. Have a little self-control." Lovino said back.
And with that, Antonio walked back to the car as Lovino watched.
When he got to his car, Antonio looked up. "Goodnight, Lovi." Antonio said.
And like every date before, Lovino replied with the same response. "Goodnight, Antonio." Lovino said.
And with that, Antonio got into the car.
When Lovino closed the door, he smiled to himself as he heard Antonio drive away.
Lovino walked forward, feeling happy for himself.
Finally.
Finally, Lovino was happy!
For once in his life, Lovino was happy!
It hadn't been for a long time since Lovino was in this good a mood, but he was so glad that it had come when it did.
Thank God, this was what he so desperately needed since Feliciano was moving out and all.
Lovino's good mood continued for the rest of the week as he went out just about every night with Antonio.
He couldn't wait until they could finally go out every night again.
Nothing, nothing could ruin his happiness now.
Who cares if Feliciano moved out?
Lovino would be just fine.
When Lovino came home one day, he walked into the kitchen.
He looked around and saw that there were dishes piled up.
Oh, yeah.
Lovino forgot that he was living alone now.
That meant that he would have to cook for himself and wash the dishes by himself, but that was ok.
He was too happy with Antonio to get mad at such trivial things.
And so, Lovino walked towards the sink and began washing the dishes.
Since Feliciano was so busy planning the move in the last few days that he was here, a lot of the dishes had gone unwashed.
Lovino didn't really mind though, because washing dishes was a great way to spend time alone.
Why, it was almost fun playing with the soap bubbles once Lovino really got into it.
Lovino washed the dirty dishes before rinsing them and putting them up to dry.
As he waited for them to dry, Lovino played with the bubbles.
Sure, it may have seemed childish, but it was fun.
Plus, no one was looking anyway and he lived alone.
When the dishes were dry, Lovino wiped them down to dry any traces of left over water from them and put them in the cupboard.
Lovino wiped his brow with the back of his hand. "Whew. Well, that was calming." Lovino said.
Lovino then let the water out of the sink, but before he could, Lovino heard the door slam open and heard loud bawling.
What the hell?
Wondering what the noise was, Lovino turned around and was all but tackled by a sobbing Feliciano.
"Wh-Whoa! Feliciano? What the hell are you doing here?" Lovino asked.
Feliciano sobbed, trying to speak, but ended up blubbering. "L-L-Lud-d-dy." Feliciano stuttered, trying to speak again. "H-H-H-He…I-I-I-I c-c-c-can't!" Feliciano sobbed, unintelligibly.
Lovino rolled his eyes. "Feliciano, stop crying. Calm down and tell me what happened." Lovino said.
Feliciano looked up at Lovino then with teary eyes and tears flowing down his cheeks and bawled, "Luddy broke up with me!"
Whew, that was a long chapter! Whoo, suspenseful, isn't it? What will happen next? To find out, you'll have to stay tuned!
P.S. Hopefully, all or most of people's questions were answered with this chapter. I feel like I did really well with this one. And sorry for the cliffhanger, but I just felt like it would be perfect for this chapter. But anyway, please read and review. And look forward to the next chapter! =).