Well, this story has run it's course now and it has come to the end. Another fanfiction complete and behind me. Now there's a chance for me to get to writing some more stories that I have in my mind and plot ideas up my sleeve. So don't think that MidnightSakuraBlossom's general writing ends here!

*Wipes a stray tear on the tip of my eyelash* W-why are you staring so strangely at me? I'm not crying over the fact this story has finally came to end, of course not! STOP YOUR GODDAMN LAUGHING! D:

*Huffs and hides my tearing eyes in an emo manner with my bangs concealing them* I hope that you enjoy the epilogue. I would like to receive some sort of commentary, as well. And we shall meet again in the ending A/N.

Final Disclaimer: Hetalia doesn't belong to me. *Glances over to see her Hetalia manga, cosplay, DVDs, fan art, and other stuff* Let's just say that I'm a mere fan and keep it at that, 'kay?

~MidnightSakuraBlossom

. . .

Just One Kiss -

The Epilogue

. . .

Ludwig yawned and adjusted himself to a sitting position. When his eyes finally blinked and the blur cleared, he noticed that his bedroom was still cast in darkness; it must have been very late at night. But he, he just couldn't sleep well after all of the excitement and peril that he had experienced that night. Even if he didn't show it outwardly, it had given him quite the rush.

Of course, it was nice to be lying underneath the warm covers of his bed after such a long night. Especially considering the fact that he once again had a bedfellow.

His cheeks reddened once he glanced to the right at Feliciano still sound asleep and smiling peacefully as he cuddled his arm. This was still was somewhat awkward considering that the Italian insisted upon getting under the covers stark naked like he had done the first time, but if he was going to continue having this sort of relationship with him, these kind of nights were to be expected.

Still...Feliciano was far too cute for his own good. If only the ditz had the slightest idea how much he drove him crazy. The slightest touch, the most fleeting gaze, even the simplest first kiss. All of the stated and many other gestures just caused Ludwig to be increasingly nervous and surprised. The weird way that his heart sped and his body temperature soared was still confusing, but that was a small price to pay for the feelings that he was overcome with when they were all alone together.

And in this moment, Ludwig almost wanted to extend a hand and caress his boyfriend's sleeping face. The sight was just too adorable to leave alone and merely burn into his mind. But once his fingers were mere inches away from his cheek, they halted and retreated back. He didn't want to risk waking him up after all of the chaos tonight.

Seeing as though he couldn't drift off to sleep, Ludwig was prepared to quietly slip out of the bed and maybe go take a shower to try and relax himself. But before he left the warm covers and Feliciano's tight hold, his body just moved on it's own and he found himself leaning forward and giving the worn out Italian a quick peck on the lips.

Well, it was intended to be quick. Just a quick kiss so that he wouldn't feel fully stupid in hindsight after the first kiss had gotten very delayed, all of the attempts leading up to several almost-kisses, and then finally only being able to kiss him after their noses accidentally smacked together. Ludwig was confused after meeting his lips, he could feel two arms slowly encircle his neck and pull him in more while the kiss was surprisingly being returned for a more prolonged moment.

Of course, not expecting that at all, Ludwig broke the kiss and stared in surprise at the now-awake Feliciano smiling from ear to ear and softly chuckling.

"F-Feliciano!" Flustered, Ludwig inched back out of the embrace to his original spot in the bed and his eyes screwed shut. "How long have you been awake?"

"Ve~ Long enough to find us suddenly kissing." That response was innocent...so damn innocent...the blush stained across Ludwig's cheeks intensified and spread to his neck, thank God for the darkness they were in right now. "I was kind of enjoying it actually. Considering all that's happened tonight, we should be lucky we're finally together again."

"Tonight was pretty eventful. Now that it's all over, I'm glad we're together and don't have any problems holding anything back."

Feliciano nodded in agreement and inched closer and nestled his head against Ludwig's chest affectionately. "Ve~ I never want to leave."

'You took the words right out of my mouth, Feliciano.' Ludwig almost smiled as he carefully stroked the edge of Feliciano's cheek and purposely avoided the bizarre curl that he didn't want him to touch. Of course, found a way to hold that back for now and released a sigh inwardly. 'Oh mein Gott, even the thought of saying it feels awkward. So much for me ever being able to communicate my feelings through words...'

Well, it didn't matter if he couldn't say all of the things that he wanted to. Just as long as Feliciano got the point through actions, Ludwig couldn't care less about speech. Take into consideration that he was just barely able to calmly and with much composure admit to his innocent face that he was in love with him.

Relationships don't need to be rushed. That's what Ludwig now understood as he lied there, hand caressing his boyfriend's smooth pinking cheek finally feeling like the world was in balance and fate was on his side. Considering how the way they were like opposites personality wise and had different approaches when it came to romance.

It was just amazing how they were even able to get together like this. How they managed to overcome that "milestone" in the relationship and succeed in getting Lovino to maybe back off for now. And for some reason, Ludwig found himself reflecting back as he lied his head back against the pillows and wrapping an arm around Feliciano's bare shoulder as he crept closer and snuggled into the embrace.

. . .

The moment became increasingly awkward once Antonio just had to go on ahead and outwardly consider the double meaning that may have been hidden between Lovi's words. A sexual one that is. And once realizing where exactly he was going with that assumption, Lovino turned to the Spaniard and gave him a harsh glare before immediately turning quite the interesting shade of a bright red and evading any eye contact with anyone.

"Humph," Lovino crossed his arms and turned to a different angle, his gaze finally resting on a shivering Feliciano. "If we can all get back to the fucking topic..."

"Wait a minute, there is nothing left to say." Antonio interjected, taking a step forward once he looked over at Ludwig trying to comfort a shivering and terrified mess that was Feliciano.

"Excuse me...?" Lovino growled, turning to Antonio and giving him a typical evil look through the bangs beginning to fall to his eyes. "Look, we had our moments earlier...but I will fucking punch you in your stupid face if you try and interfere with OUR problems."

Ludwig glanced back and forth at the tension unfolding and turning into chaos before his eyes. But if you were to ask for an honest interpretation of this, it seemed like a hell of a lot of turbulent sexual tension. He sighed and interrupted, "Antonio should at least be able to explain the situation more easier than me or Feliciano could."

"V-ve~ it's obvious that you would listen to him more anyway..." Announced Feliciano, whom found the strength to smile nervously despite how the sudden appearance of Lovino was scaring the crap out of him.

Just what the fuck were they thinking? Using that sort of wording. Well, Lovino didn't know entirely, but the suggestions that those two were making really were causing the heat to burn in his cheeks and ears – which was not all from his absolute rage.

"Lovino," Antonio came closer, and despite Lovino's attempted struggles, he managed to hold his shoulders and get him to look at him face to face. The moment might have been on the romantic side everything wasn't so tense and time was passing by so dreadfully slowly. "Take a long look at Ludiwg and Feli. Take a very long and deep look at the two of them." Antonio and Lovino both craned their necks and studied the scene before them: Feliciano smiling brightly and contently as Ludwig was implied to be holding onto his hand and giving a slight reassuring smile. "Now tell me...do you really think they don't deserve each other?"

For a long time, Lovino surveyed the couple. It honestly made him sick to his stomach at seeing that goddamn annoying bastard try and reassure his Fratello that everything would be okay. But he couldn't find it in him to ignore Antonio's instructions after what had happened between them.

Sensing the shift of mood in the atmosphere, Ludwig once again met the hazy and keen eyes of Lovino but still held onto his boyfriend's shaky hand – hoping to reassure him that he was there on his side and he had no reason to be intimidated. "Your answer won't change anything, Lovino. I don't want to have to piss you off, but I just can't stay back and let you run over Feliciano and be in control."

"You know what?" Lovino suddenly snapped, the intensity of his tone now really reflecting how pissed off he was becoming the longer that this moment dragged on. "I think you should just shut the hell up and don't bother standing up for him! You sound so in control and unwavering, as if you know what you're talking about like the back of your hand! In reality, you don't have a fucking clue as to why I want him to say away from your kind!"

"My KIND? Lovino, I don't even know what you're trying to imply here at this point."

"All I'm trying to say is that he could do so much better! That's specifically what I was doing tonight by locking him in his room and giving him some time to get it through his fucking thick skull!"

Feliciano looked back and forth between Lovino and Ludwig, unsure if he should interject or not. The both of them were now standing inches apart and both were determined to get the point across. Honestly, he hated that they all had to be out here doing this. He never wanted Lovino to have any objections over the person he fell for, and he still hadn't the slightest hint of why Lovino detested him so much.

Now it was more of stare-off between the two. And that was when Feliciano had enough and decided to speak up. He removed his hand and walked in between the two. "Ve, I have something to say." When he noticed that all of the attention had shifted towards him, Feliciano sighed sadly and continued. "Fratello...do you have any idea how I felt about the way you locked me in there and said all of those horrible things about Ludwig?"

Lovino, for once, didn't have some sort of vulgar or regular comeback and yet he remained scowling at his brother whom went onward with the comments. "I...I was feeling so miserable and I missed Ludwig so much. I didn't want you to know, but I cried – I also cried on the way home." If Feliciano's eyes were open rather that characteristically closed, they would have probably appeared very misty. His gaze lowered. "Lovino, why can't you just accept that I really li-love him? Why is it so...ve...so difficult?"

And though Feliciano was probably one step away from bursting into tears, Lovino still kept a straight face and refused to break down as well. Antonio could only watch from a distance, hoping that things would straighten out accordingly. Meanwhile, Ludwig could feel a strange pang in his chest at seeing the always smiling and bouncy Italian so close to tears.

"When you told me that you loved Antonio earlier, I didn't object to it at all. So why...why can't you just accept my decisions and feelings?"

All of Feliciano's words were becoming shaky and saddened as he went on and finally stopped himself as he could feel the tears prick uncomfortably in the corners of his eyes. But that last part before he stopped altogether – the part about what he admitted about Antonio – properly made Lovino's scowl shatter and stifle a choking fit on his own spit.

Hopefully Antonio wasn't listening...hopefully he wasn't...but when Lovino uneasily turned to Antonio, he wasn't surprised to see him staring with eyes widening slightly as if he hadn't expected that to be said.

An awkward silence filled the atmosphere. Well, it would have been really silent if it wasn't for Feliciano's strangled sobs he was trying so hard to mask.

In fact, Feliciano would have probably broken down more. But he slowly peeled his fingers away from his eyes when he felt a strong arm slip around his shoulder and glance towards the opposite angle at Ludwig suddenly standing there.

"Ve? Ludwig?" Feliciano's cheeks immediately flushed and he glanced away, feeling self-conscious at an alarming rate. Why did he have to cry easily in these kind of moments?

"Don't worry, Feliciano. Give Lovino some time, he will have to break down once Antonio gives him an earful." Ludwig's tone lowered to just above a whisper, as he didn't need Lovino to overhear and go all tsundere on him for uttering such a thing. "And even if he doesn't," Feliciano wiped a stray, traitor of a tear from his eyelash and looked back up at Ludwig's eyes. "What a person doesn't know won't hurt them..."

There was that beautiful smile once again. Ludwig was not quite sure, but he could sworn that his heart had just fluttered at the sight of seeing this smile full of characteristic innocence after all of this very unnecessary drama.

But soon enough, Ludwig and Feliciano successfully escaped the moment and shifted their attention back to Antonio and Lovino. It almost seemed like the two of them were forgotten now. But that was okay, because just maybe they could slip away into the night un-noticed. Besides, those two needed to finally get together after all of these years of obviously pining for each other.

Hey, if they received a happy ending, then Antonio and Lovino may as well have one as well. Seems like fate was actually being an angel tonight, rather than a cruel bitch.

And it was true. For the time being, Lovino just about forgot that he had discovered his brother in the arms of the worst person possible and caught them sharing a kiss in the moonlight after he had just happened to turn his head towards the window with his instincts kicking in.

For some reason, Lovino found it impossible to look at Antonio's face. He kept his gaze locked on the ground rather. And the heat burning in his cheeks returned ten fold.

Antonio himself hadn't expected this. He could guess that Lovino kept a harbored crush towards him – earlier when he had confessed to "not hating" him was all the evidence that he needed. But love...? Who could have guessed that? For once, he hadn't the slightest idea what to do or say and was quite flattered if not just a tad embarrassed by the fact everyone probably assumed he was such a dumbass for not realizing sooner.

"Lovino...is is true?"

"Is WHAT true?"

Antonio rolled his eyes. Why did Lovino insist on being so stubborn with this topic? "Please just be honest with me, Lovi. I'll find out sooner or later how strongly you feel." He smiled and folded his arms across his chest before turning at an angle and aimlessly watching the night sky. "After all that we've been through tonight, we should just forget about keeping anything secret."

"You really fucking believe I'll admit how I feel about you right here? In front of my stupid crybaby of a fratello and his annoying bastard of a boyfriend?" Lovino spat, tone wavering just a bit in embarrassment.

"Think back to earlier in Feliciano's room. When you broke down and after I embraced you, you specifically said and I quote – 'I...I don't hate you'." Antonio pointed out, causing Lovino to be frozen with mortification at this being brought up on front of outsiders, Ludwig to stare in surprise at the mere thought of the tsundere Italian actually breaking down, and Feliciano to look on with his head tilted and a curious expression visible across his features. "Well, don't you think that I should know just how much you 'don't hate' me?"

"You bastard! You aren't supposed to say things like that outside those walls!" Lovino's eyes immediately screwed shut, face burning brightly in the usual and complex mix of fury and mortification.

Ludwig interjected with a sigh. "We already can see how you feel. It would be fitting to just admit it to him so that we can get back to the topic of whether or not it's okay in your mind for us to see each other."

As much as Lovino didn't want to admit it, God knows he didn't want to, he hesitantly confessed; "For once in your life, you have a damn point." He shifted his weight on each foot and turned to Antonio's eager expression. "Listen closely: we will talk about this shit later. For now, I need to put my foot down and rip apart the rest of their ties!"

"You can't!" Antonio insisted very quickly, not liking the direction that this was taking. He wanted to hear Lovino admit in his own words that he cared about him, and he also wanted Ludwig and Feliciano to have a happy ending that they earned. "Lovi, it's clear to me that all you did by locking Feli in his room was make him long for Ludwig even more. What would be the point of separating them now after they have fallen so hopelessly for the other? How could you accomplish anything?"

Lovino didn't have a reply. He turned around, away from the three pairs of eyes staring holes through him just waiting for their answer. He knew why he was doing all of this; even if he couldn't stand his brother, he was the only family that he had left and the only person to still care about him despite the way he treated him like shit. And lately he had been deserted for Ludwig...he didn't want to be alone.

But then Antonio mentioned earlier that he wouldn't be alone – not as long as he had him at his side. If he truly felt that way, if he truly wanted him, then why did Lovino still hear that it was all a lie and he would once again be left behind and the one treated like shit?

Damn it, he could feel his eyes stinging again. But he couldn't cry...he refused to cry again...that last time should not have been witnessed by Antonio of all people.

"I don't know what goes through your head, Lovino." Ludwig suddenly spoke up, taking a step forward once he released Feliciano's hand. He found Lovino to be the most confusing guy he had ever met, but it's not like he hated him or anything. He couldn't get pissed at his actions for some reason. "Honestly, I doubt I ever will understand you. Nevertheless, I need you to tell me what made you think that keeping us apart would solve."

Antonio suddenly raised an arm in front of Ludwig, effectively preventing him from making another step. His expression was actually rather serious: full of sympathy and yet mild annoyance. "Ludwig, he won't open up to you, he most likely can't even do it to his own brother. But he did to me, and so I will explain everything."

Whoa, whoa, was Antonio going to betray his wishes and completely humiliate him by revealing his thoughts that he had freaking confided to him? This immediately won Lovino's attention and his fists clenched violently to the point of veins popping up on the skin. He sharply turned with a hostile look in his misty eyes. "Don't you dare fucking tell them that!"

"They need to know the truth." Antonio said with much composure, complete opposite of Lovino whom was scowling and just about twitching all over. He could not stop feeling sorry that he had to anger him like this, but Ludwig and Feliciano – especially Feliciano – needed to hear this. "I know it may embarrass you, Lovino. But...you'll have to let your emotions and thoughts all come out eventually."

"I'd rather die." Lovino grumbled, huffing afterward and looking away. But once Ludwig and Feliciano were looking back at Antonio, he stealthily slipped a finger to his mouth and quietly chewed the tip frantically.

There was no way that he would be able to even meet the eyes of either Feliciano or that bastard once Antonio revealed all that he confessed to him in private! Hell, he would probably have to lock himself in his room to just get away and scrounge back up what remained of his pride!

Fortunately for Ludwig and Feliciano, unfortunately for a severely mortified Lovino, Antonio kept his word and went into an explanation over the latter's reasons for all of the drama that he single-handedly caused despite his frantic pleas and the curses thrown around.

Without any interruption whatsoever, Antonio went into detail about how Lovino confessed to him previously that he felt alone all the time. How he claimed that everyone he encountered always "fucked up" his life and he could not put trust into anyone – not even Feliciano. But there were some people that he wanted to be able to have some faith in, yet another part of him objected fiercely and screamed for resistance. He was just too conflicted about this topic. Yet, Lovino was surprised in a good way when he bothered to un-plug his ears and discover that the bastard left out the part about him freaking out and warning him to not leave him alone, and didn't add in that he broke down into tears.

Was he just sidestepping these parts of the story to save him from extreme, painful, sheer mortification? Or did Antonio have different motives?

But once again, Lovino's face rapidly turned bright red and he plugged his ears once Antonio went on to mention in such a very straightforward manner that he detested Ludwig so much because he viewed him as some sort of evil that was slowly taking away the only person that still liked him anyway despite how many times he openly said he didn't want him in his life or treated him like shit. In his mind – it was like Ludwig was taking Feliciano away because now he has fallen so hard for him and constantly had his head in the clouds rather than reality, and all the talk about how much he wanted to have a first kiss with him felt so sickening and painful at the same time.

If he could sever their ties, if he could convince his younger brother that he was making another mistake with his life and this next strong relationship was doomed to fade, then Lovino would be able to have silent satisfaction with the fact he still had the only person whom probably genuinely liked him regardless of how he badly he treated him. Antonio theorized that Lovino was even more bitter and hateful now that he and Ludwig actually came down here and defied him like this.

In conclusion, Antonio mentioned how he tried to tell Lovino that he was not alone. He was never alone. He wouldn't continue to feel alone if he would accept that he shared the same feelings that he had. And he would feel like a huge weight was lifted if he could just say in his own voice: "I love you, Antonio." Or something like that. Even if their was a "fucking", "damn", or "you stupid bastard" scattered alone as per usual.

By the time that Antonio had finished the lengthy explanation, Ludwig and Feliciano could do nothing but remain utterly silent and exchange varying expressions. Neither knew what to make of what they had been told – judging by how serious the Spaniard had become as he announced it all, it must have been true.

Meanwhile, Lovino could have not been any more mortified than he was right now. The worst part about this situation was that he had to be around the area as all of this was being said. Now these personal thoughts were no longer so personal and concealed behind a hostile masquerade so easily. He finally unplugged his ears, refusing to even turn and face the three. He couldn't...it was too challenging.

"Ve~ Lovino..." Feliciano trialed off, not really confident that what he had tried to say would make the situation less mortifying for his fratello. He realized very quickly, however, that nothing would cushion this impact.

Having his fill of embarrassment for one night, Lovino said nothing and quickly walked back to the house. His gaze was locked on the ground the entire time and his face was burning so badly it felt as if it would be scarred from the aftermath. And once at the door, he was prompt in slamming it so loudly that Ludwig was honestly surprised it didn't fall right off it's hinges.

Thus, the three still remained outside around the back of the home. Antonio felt so badly for Lovino, he was fully aware that would hurt his pride beyond repair...but it was necessary if he were to be of some use to Ludwig and Feliciano. And now that he thought about it...perhaps he was help after all. If it weren't for him, for once, taking notice to the drama going on here and knocked on Ludwig's window to tell him that, there was no telling what could have gone down tonight.

With Lovino gone, however, it was still unclear whether or not it was okay for them to be together. And even if Ludwig didn't care what he had to say about the relationship, Feliciano was openly concerned about the final declaration. He just wished for everything to be set right. Even if it was truly unfair.

"Ve~ Somebody should talk to Lovino." Feliciano proceeded to make an attempt to walk towards the front of the house, knowing that he should be the one to talk.

However, he was stopped once Ludwig grabbed his wrist. "Are you sure that we should even bother to speak with him now?"

"Do I really have much of a choice, Ludwig?"

"...Yes. You do have a choice. You can either continue to live under his regulations until you move out of the house, or you can stand up for yourself and tell Lovino that it's time he stops interfering like this."

Feliciano was silent, but surprised by what he had just heard. The surprise faded soon enough, and he was left biting his lip and glancing at the kept lawn beneath his feet. In truth, this was what led to all of this drama. Because he could not gather the courage or strength to walk up to his brother and announce that he was finished with being controlled and have his decisions made for him. Now that he knew how Lovino really felt, he was just so confused and his head was spinning...he didn't know what to do.

"Lovino has always liked to treat me like I'm not important and I can't make important decisions for myself. Ve...I used to not know the real reason because he never opened up to me – earlier tonight about Antonio being a rare exception – and so it was all a mystery." Feliciano sighed deeply and looked up at Ludwig with an obviously sad smile. He removed their hands almost hesitantly. "If he really does feel like you're in his way and some kind of obstacle trying to destroy his life, it's unlikely he'll agree. Ludwig...I..." The corners of Feliciano's eyes began to tear and he raised an arm and wiped them away. "I don't want this to be the last night we get to be together!"

The instant those words left the sobbing Italian's mouth, he rushed forward into Ludwig and proceeded to let his emotions out once again with absolutely no shame. It was amazing how the two brothers were completely opposite when it came to shedding tears, Antonio noticed this whilst watching.

Ludwig just felt kind of awkward about what to do with a crying person. Of course, he had seen Feliciano cry in the past, but this was far before the relationship upgrade and before he realized how he felt about him. Now it really made his heart sink...to see him be broken down to tears. He just allowed Feliciano to let it all out into his chest as he rubbed his back. The pathetic babbling of "I don't know what to do!" and "Ve! Why does something horrible happen every time I fall in love with someone?" could be vaguely heard from the Italian.

Several seconds and Antonio had his fill of seeing this. He knew that he had to be the one to do something here, before all of their relationships got damaged tonight. And of course, the only way to solve things would be to confront Lovino once again...but it would have to be done more properly.

From a past experience, Antonio had learned that Lovino always went straight to his room, locked the door, and chose to either curl up for a long time in solace or go on a rampage of emotions when mortified this badly. Feliciano had even shared a story about one time back a grade when Lovino had this majorly embarrassing moment towards the end of school and once back at home, he went straight to his room but forgot to lock the door. When Feli had quietly pulled it open a little he caught sight of him lying on his bed miserably with his head buried in a pillow – when he was detected, Lovino had grabbed a DVD case and tossed it at him which gave him an ugly bruise for a week.

"What are we going to do now?" Ludwig inquired, switching his attention over to Antonio as he continued to hold his sobbing boyfriend and rub his back gently.

Antonio thought for a moment, suddenly flinching a tad once we felt some drop of water splash onto his wrist. He glanced up at the sky and sighed. "Ludwig, you take Feliciano and wait in your car. It looks like it's beginning to rain any minute now and he's recently trying to get over a cold." Despite the seriousness of the situation at hand, Antonio smiled oddly suspiciously. "I will confront Lovino and get the final word."

Ludwig nodded in understanding and explained everything to a still-crying Feliciano whom was too choked up to make a humanly response. After taking once last, doubtful look at Antonio making his way to the house, he guided Feliciano back to the shelter of his car to get out of the rain shower that has sneaked upon them all.

. . .

Thank God that Lovino didn't lock the door behind him. Antonio didn't have to play out his own advice and go around to his bedroom window and toss rocks or something along those lines as if something out of Romeo and Juliet. He got out from the rain coming down and silently closed it behind him.

Once looking around, he wasn't surprised to see that the place was not totally neat and tidy and most of the lights were off. The place almost appeared to be empty – of course he knew better.

It took a few moments of trying to find the correct room in the dark halls on the second floor, Antonio finally stopped at the last. He just had the special sense that this room was Lovi's.

...Considering the fact that he could hear Lovino murmuring quietly from the outside and he had been in this house so many times to know the place inside and out.

He didn't want to keep Ludwig and Feliciano, or himself, waiting...but Antonio found himself hesitating to twist the unlocked doorknob. Would it be better to knock or barge in? Both options were appealing – the latter especially because he may get to walk in on Lovino and see him get all cutely surprised.

And if he waited any longer, this would just bring unnecessary suspense for all of them. Nodding, he twisted the thankfully unlocked knob and walked right into the room.

"Lovino, I came to talk to you about..." Once opening his eyes and getting a good look at Lovino, Antonio trailed off until his words became so slow and quiet to the point of not being understandable. This really wasn't what he was expecting at all, but he really shouldn't be too surprised...

There was Lovino...sitting on the floor by his bed hugging his knees close to his chest. His facial expression was not readable, but his cheeks were bright red and probably radiating heat. Well, this was going to be more challenging that what he expected it to be...

The weird thing about the situation was that Antonio didn't get any acknowledgment about his presence, nor any words exchanged. Truth be told, this caught him off guard. Wouldn't Lovino toss a random item and cuss him out? Literally kick him out? Give him a typical almost trademark glare?

Something was definitely wrong here. Maybe Lovino really was that affected by his revelations of the things he told him. If he had done the wrong thing and ultimately murdered any slight chances of a relationship upgrade, Antonio was going to detest himself in the morning.

Maybe he would need to try and smooth the situation, perhaps get that relationship he honestly longed to have, and then get the final answer on what was to happen to Ludwig and Feliciano's relationship – the two of them have come too far to let things slip away in this anti-climatic manner, dammit!

"I, ah, thought you may be here." Antonio received no response. He sighed and quietly closed the door behind him. "Lovino, please talk to me. You can't sit here all night and leave everyone – literally EVERYONE – hanging."

Tch, as if he would really respond to the bastard after what he did out there. Lovino expected him to follow and try in vain to smooth things over – he seemed to overlook the little flaw in his plan. He was just far too...mortified to be able to face any of them now. Honestly, he would be just fine with sitting in solitude for the rest of the night.

Lovino just kept his gaze locked on the wall. Refusing to meet the bastard's face now after all that been revealed outside. All of that personal information that he was perfectly fine with keeping hidden behind rough edges – it was best to keep it all in the darkness anyway! He didn't need anyone else' sympathy! His cheeks lit up a bright red and his fingers clawed into the jean material over his knees.

"I won't leave until I've made one thing clear. So clear and painfully to the point of you believing it." Antonio stated simply, almost smiling in an attempt to make the atmosphere less...rough. He walked over and sat beside the object of his affections, mimicking his sulking position. "Listen to me, I know you're embarrassed about all that I said to them. But they needed to know the truth sooner or later."

Lovino buried his head farther into his arms, feeling his cheeks begin to just about scorch now as he recalled the memory.

"It's not characteristic of you to not have some sort of comeback, Lovi." There was some sort of longing in that tone of voice, Lovino almost slipped up and shifted his attention towards him; but he quickly got over it. "Please speak to me." Antonio turned and crept very, very close to Lovino, to the point of it being disturbing to a degree.

Stubborn Lovino refused to meet his eyes or even say a word. He knew that Antonio was coming closer, feeling his warm breath against the skin on his neck.

"I want to hear your voice yelling at me, cussing me out for what I did." Antonio held back a soft chuckle, totally having no idea why this was somewhat amusing to him. Maybe it was because Lovino's tsundere-ness was a turn on?

Said amusement began to intensify once he took a finger and softly traced along the sides of the Italian's neck, going along his flushed cheek and around his ear. He could feel the skin become very warm at the contact and it wasn't just from the mortification that he still felt.

Finally, Antonio just took a chance and leaned in closer, brushing back some of his dark brown hair to plant a kiss on his cheek. But that was when Lovino finally cracked and his head immediately raised, a scowl once again visible on his features as he avoided the contact.

"What the hell are you trying to do?" Lovino spat, glaring evilly and just about leaping off the floor to his bed. "Do you really think I'll let you flirt like that NOW after the way you embarrassed me like that, you fucking annoying asshole?"

Ah, it was so satisfying to finally hear that. At least he finally got Lovino where he wanted him – and that was back to his default personality and majorly pissed off at everything that he did. Antonio sighed oddly happily and sat up on the floor gazing up into those fierce hazel eyes burning holes through him.

"Now that's what I like to hear. Seeing as though you're talking again, let's settle things right here."

"Who says I'm talking to you after what you did?" Lovino countered angrily, huffing and turning away.

"Whatever I said that embarrassed you, I'm sorry. The reason I did this was so Ludwig wouldn't hold anything against you and Feliciano wouldn't feel like his brother was so confusing for no understandable point." Antonio rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at the floor of the bedroom. "I understand if you never forgive me of course – that's kind of suitable considering your personality. But know that I really am sorry."

There was a silence in the room that lasted for a while. It was almost intimidating for the both of them in this situation. So lost in the drama that had overcome them for God-knows-how-long, Antonio momentarily forgot his other motive for coming to confront Lovino – Ludwig and Feliciano's relationship.

Antonio didn't know this, but Lovino's scowl was beginning to falter and his cheeks began to lit up a bright red once again. He was thinking...thinking about what he had just apologized. Nobody hadn't ever done that before after committing one of the horrible acts – in his mind that is – of 'fucking up his life'. In fact, the words sounding so foreign and strange to his ears.

But he...he couldn't dare slip up and easily forgive him! Not now after he bothered to come to the house, go straight into some sort of confession about how he really felt, witness and comfort him when he finally broke down and cried, and finally go against what he had swore he wouldn't do and tell Ludwig and Feliciano about the stuff he confided! Despite the apologies, Lovino had the sneaky feeling that he honestly did not comprehend WHY saying all of that affected him so badly.

"Humph...I don't know if I can forgive you." Lovino pressed his hands to his burning cheeks, inwardly cussing himself out for acting like this over the situation. At least Antonio could not see him directly or catch sight of the faint tear streaks down his skin.

"Why not...?" If Lovino had been facing him, he would have caught sight of Antonio immediately perk up and stare in shock.

"I can't remember a time I got that embarrassed – it just HAD to be right in front of them as well! You've got no fucking clue how I felt about you rambling all of the stuff I confessed!" Those words...they were spoken in fierce tone, but was that a little bit of sorrow that Antonio detected? Lovino arose from the bed and began to pace the floor of the room. "All of the stuff that I told you...it was my intention to never let anyone know that's how I really felt, I didn't want a soul to ever see me break down and cry, but I...I allowed you to see it and tried not to hold back and resist as I normally would had the person be Feliciano or someone else..."

Antonio wordlessly arose from the floor and just watched Lovino pace around furiously. He closely listened to these words, feeling more and more guilty by the second.

"Do you...do you know why I lowered my guard and admitted everything? Do you have even the slightest idea as to why I still let you into my life and act so flustered yet furious when you randomly try and flirt with me as you've done all these years?" Lovino turned away and wiped a tear from his eyelash. He would never admit that he was crying from sadness alone, of course he may agree if you were to add in the fact that it was also from fury.

Antonio sighed deeply. "Lovino, I'm not totally stupid. All this time, I've concluded that there has to be some reason why you're like this."

"You're damn right there's a reason!" Lovino snapped, sharply turning around despite the fact the tears were really pricking in the corners and there was no doubt they were close to descending. "Listen, I love you, okay? I didn't want to admit it but you're making so pissed off right now! I can never trust anyone, but I want to trust you and though I never say it, I always have some faith in you! It kills me to push you away and tell myself I'm making a rash decision by pining over you secretly..." Cue tears. Lovino almost felt like gasping once he could feel the tears falling down his cheeks, but he shook his head and tried to be unwavering with the rest of his ranting. "I finally confessed all of that to you because I had so much trust that you would respect my wishes and keep your big damn mouth shut, but it obviously didn't happen! Now...I know better. It's happening all over again..."

Holy crap. Was Lovino really confessing all of this right now? Well, he did seem very broken up and yet hostile about the topic judging by his tone of voice that was showing signs of wavering. Antonio stared in surprise, he could feel the tips of his ears burn.

Once Lovino's ranting came to a sudden halt, and he was over by the window looking out uninterested at the scenery, he was mostly trying to hold back any more tears from falling down. Even after he had been discovered capable of shedding tears earlier, he refused to let them be seen again. Never again.

That was what he wanted at least...alas, he could not control the tears and as the room sank into a state of very intimidating silence, he pressed his palms to his eyes and cried into them.

"This makes no sense...Feliciano is supposed to be the one to be the one to fall headfirst into hopeless love without any sense of control. Why...why am I doing it?" Lovino managed to snap, though his words were all barely able to understand as he was trying to fight back the tears while speaking. "Damn it, why can't I forget about you? Why can't I just assure myself you aren't worth pining after?"

Lovino was prepared to go on, but when he opened his mouth all he could manage was a sudden brief gasp in surprise when he felt a pair of arms slip around his neck from behind. He stood there, his palms rapidly falling back to either side of him and his expression a rare one of bewilderment.

Seconds later, he knew fully well that it must have been Antonio whom suddenly sneaked up behind him and dared to embrace him again after all that has happened in such a short amount of dramatic time. His cheeks that were already flushed from the anger and crying, began to darken more as he felt a pair of lips peck his right cheek.

God knows he was loving the position they were in. The soft peck to his cheek made him weak at the knees and he was prepared to cry again for some reason the bewildered Italian could not comprehend. And yet, another part of him was still against this after all that has happened.

"L-let go of me, bastard!" Lovino broke out from the embrace and turned around sharply to glare at Antonio. That little sneak attack of his did nothing more than to fuel his embarrassment. Did he really expect that to do anything else? "What more do I have to do to get it through your fucking thick skull? I'm head over heels for you and yet don't want anything to do with you now after that episode...I-I...I don't know what to..."

The glare and pissed facade was shattering rapidly. Too rapidly. Antonio hadn't expected to see Lovino looking so honestly confused and genuinely hopeless about the matter. Surveying his red and tearing hazel eyes, his flushed cheeks, and his overall expression...it made his heart sink in so much sympathy for the second time tonight.

"Lovino...you really do feel the same way about me that I do for you, right?"

"As embarrassing as it is to admit..." Lovino held back another sob and averted his eyes to his feet. "Yes, Captain Obvious, we've established that."

"Then you won't punch me in the stomach for what I'm about to do, correct?" Antonio suddenly moved in, a rather suspicious glint in his emerald eyes that made Lovino look back up and inch backward to the window mildly uncomfortably.

"Just what the fuck are you...planning on doing NOW after you saw me cry – twice, embarrassed me to death in front of other people, and haven't done a thing to-"

Whatever Lovino was going to say, it probably was irrelevant. Or well, it would just have to be assumed relevant seeing as though he didn't get the opportunity to finish. Because he was instantly shut up once Antonio grabbed his shoulders and pulled him in to which...their lips met in a sudden kiss.

It was quite a shock...

Lovino didn't know why the hell he couldn't escape and do the aforementioned response of smacking him in the gut. Or why he was enjoying this.

In a certain point of view, this just caused more tears of the opposite emotion of sadness to spill over once he found it in him to return the kiss.

It was honestly no wonder why Feliciano was so pumped up about kissing Ludwig for the first time...now that Lovino thought about it, this strange sensation of doing such a thing for the first time with the annoying bastard he secretly pined for it...was amazing.

Much too soon for their liking, the kiss was broken. Antonio smiled dreamily and Lovino just stared with widened eyes and then tried to blink away the tears.

"In case I haven't said this enough, I really am sorry about that tonight. And I know now...somewhere deep down you want to forgive me and you want to be with me." His cheeks began to warm a little, still totally surprised by all that he had learned in just a few hours about he couldn't complain at all. Antonio smiled nonetheless. "Judging by your expression, your answer is fairly obvious. Why don't you just say what you want to say, Lovi?"

"Humph, have you seen yourself?" Lovino countered, cracking at least a smirk as he raised a finger and wiped away the remains of his tears. "You're the one smiling like a retard and turning all red."

"Well...I didn't expect things to go exactly this way. But now that it's all said and done," Antonio paused to sigh. Was...was that a content sigh? "I will remember this night for a long time."

"Considering how much I embarrassed the hell outta myself tonight..." Lovino grabbed Antonio's hands and proceeded to try and peel them off his shoulders...oddly, they were not going anywhere. "This night will be forever burned into my memory and most likely, I won't be able to show my face in front of Feliciano or that potato bastard for at least a few months...!"

"Oh God, look," Antonio thought for a moment and rolled his eyes. "When you're like me and have been embarrassed literally countless times, you learn to get over it shortly. So, what do you say about wrapping this evening up with an apology and a third kiss?"

Lovino rolled his eyes and was prepared to try and push the bastard away once again. But then...then his gaze lowered and he noticed how his own hands were reaching up and trying to interlock between the fingers of his hands still on his shoulders.

He blushed and scoffed, wondering why he just had to unconsciously attempt to interlock hands with the likes of him. What the hell was wrong with his mind?

But at least now...they knew the truth. Maybe Lovino didn't want to accept the apology and move on. The way that Antonio apologized was just so...adorably sorry that it really made him feel like the jackass here for not accepting it. And he did sound genuine. Reading the situation deeper beneath the surface, Lovino knew that he had fallen head over heels for the bastard...

Honestly, he had no regrets whatsoever (not like he would ADMIT that to anyone's face). He felt so alone and broken because of everyone else he encountered 'fucking up' his life. He needed someone who truly cared about his feelings and would never try to hurt him. Which is why...he kept returning to Antonio and never bothered to push him away in the tough times. As long as he was there. Well, he felt absolutely amazing and on cloud nine like how his brother felt when around Ludwig.

Wait...'like how his brother felt when around Ludwig'?

Whether or not Lovino knew and believed it, Antonio did care about him. He's always noticed that he seemed to have some sort of issues with the world but could not understand the subtext of it. And now he knew better and, frankly, wanted to kick himself for not understanding that it was all out of paranoia and unwanted solitude. But he had to admit, the tsundere Italian really did put up quite the impressive guard and was successful in harboring these thoughts and issues for a long time. His facade was undeniably bewildering and easy to become interested in analyzing.

Now after all that has happened, why should he bother to hide his feelings? Lovino wondered this for several long seconds; seeing as though Antonio pretty much knew one-hundred percent how he truly felt beneath the vulgarities thrown around and the scowls and glares, not to mention the threats to call the cops. He was silent and nervously held eye contact with Antonio.

"You know what? I will forgive you this one time..." Antonio stared in shock, hardly expecting that answer. He was prepared to cheer about this and assure Lovino that he would not spill any more 'confidential' secrets again. But that's when the Italian reached out and grasped the front of his shirt, pulling him in to the point of where their noses were just about touching. "Don't you DARE do that to me again though. I'll seriously fuck up your stupid smiling face!"

"Well, I'll try not to spill any more secrets although there is no guarantee." Antonio said casually as if this sort of thing happened every day. Lovino sighed deeply and released his handful of his shirt. "If you give me a chance, Lovi, this just may work out between us."

That was the last thing Antonio said...before he unexpectedly pulled Lovino into another kiss. This time, actually going as far as to turn the two of them around and dip him. If Lovino hadn't felt enough sparks the first time, there was no doubt in his complex mind that he literally felt some now.

. . .

Back in the car, Ludwig and Feliciano still sat there just chilling. Antonio had been in the house, presumably trying to confront Lovino about some main topics of the evening. The former was getting a bit confused by how long this was taking, Feliciano would just smile brightly and assure him that they should have all the time in the world. That Lovino deserved someone as well and besides, they couldn't leave until they found out if he would leave them alone from now on or not.

This was a chance for Ludwig to reflect on how far they had all come over these past few weeks. There was no doubt tons of awkward, embarrassing, tense, and ridiculous moments but he...he could honestly say that it was unforgettable. He would remember all of this for years to come.

As sort of embarrassing as this was to confess, the best highlight of the evening was getting to finally have that kiss both (among others) were longing to make a reality. It finally did and well, he could still feel the sparks flying. Did Feliciano feel the same way?

It was safe to assume that he did. Feliciano didn't even make a futile effort to hide his dreamy smile he would slip into as time went by. Once he 'just happened' to make eye contact with Ludwig, his cheeks would flash a pink color briefly and he would glance away from his eyes.

Even if Lovino didn't approve of this relationship, due to some now-clear issues of being alone and conflict over whether he really cared about his brother or not, why should they give a damn? From the first time that Ludwig met Feliciano he honestly didn't think that much of him, but before his head hit the pillow that night he entered a quick flashback of the moment he saw that innocent bright smile and he instantly sat up with widened eyes as his heart began to pump faster. Now after befriending him and getting to know him inside and out (nudge nudge wink wink), he could see that he really did have feelings for him.

And if Lovino didn't approve, well, that was his problem. He shouldn't stop them from being together like he attempted tonight.

But, Ludwig sighed and leaned back in the driver's seat. There was no way that he could find it in him to mention this to Feliciano. He wanted to, but was somewhat afraid it may sound real stupid coming from him. In a certain point of view, he may have been correct with that one.

Hearing the sigh, Feliciano quietly drummed his fingers over his knee unconsciously as if in thought. Seconds later, he had decided what kind of move to make and his lips curved into a smile.

All of a sudden, he leaned over in the seat over to Ludwig and allowed his head to brush against his arm affectionately. Perhaps too affectionately, because the simple contact was enough to make his boyfriend's heart skip a beat.

It was just...the moment was so quiet and pleasant for a change. And from the windshield of the car they had the most marvelous view of the night sky showing off the glowing moon and the occasional light twinkle of the surrounding stars. Such a huge contrast from earlier when everyone was in a state of confusion and panic over the separation attempt.

This moment could go on forever. Neither would care, because it was just the feeling of being close to the other. Being able to see each other after that time of being separated. Though indescribable, it was definitely nice.

Feliciano's words that he softly uttered once resting his head against Ludwig's arm really summed up the moment rather well, in fact; "Ve~ despite what happened earlier, Ludwig, I am glad we're finally together."

Ludwig could sworn that his lips were betraying him and forming a smile. It was pretty dark in the car though, so Feliciano didn't have to know this...

. . .

Later, Antonio had left the house with a big smile on his face. Feliciano noticed and commented that something good must have happened otherwise it would have been his fratello to come out. The Spaniard announced with no hesitation whatsoever that he had a long discussion with Lovino about matters – though it was apparent he was being rather vague about some parts in the discussion, so the two could only imagine what happened in that house – and felt so fulfilled.

He went on to explain that Lovino was extremely mortified by the way he had blurted out all of that stuff he wished to keep a secret. But nevertheless, he did forgive him in the end and even agreed that he would take their relationship up a notch and give him a chance. With much joy, Antonio had added in that he was going to make sure Lovino would never regret agreeing to be in a romantic relationship and there would be plenty of good things to come (once again, nudge nude wink wink). Feliciano couldn't have been more happy that this happened because, in all honesty, Lovino deserved to have a happy ending as well if he really had felt so horrible and hopeless all this time as he discovered earlier.

When prompted to respond to Ludwig's question of: "What did Lovino say about our relationship?", Antonio couldn't hold back a grin. And with nothing but excitement, he explained that he did confront his tsundere love interest about that before leaving. At first, Lovino was silent and it seemed he would not get a response at all.

Finally, the big moment that had been waiting for occurred. Lovino seemed to have been contemplating the situation: contemplating how happy Feliciano was whenever around Ludwig, how he was too blind to notice that this real relationship of his may not work out like another from the past, and about how he still couldn't stand that bastard he was in love with. More than likely. Antonio threw in some comments about how he should stop trying to control his brother's life just because he wanted to feel like he was strong and so that he could hide his fears of being left alone. Because he had him there, and he promised him that he wouldn't hurt him. Not ever.

This seemed to seal the deal. At long last, Lovino sighed and shrugged his shoulders before giving his answer of; "If that's the way it is, tell Feliciano he can do whatever the hell he wants with the guy. But I swear, he won't be welcomed back home tonight." This basically summed up why Feliciano was currently lying here in bed with him; having been in need of some place to go.

Ludwig and Feliciano had been absolutely surprised by what Lovino had said. Neither could really believe it, but Antonio assured them that it was all true and they were now free of his attempts to separate them. Unless fate was going to go back to being a bitch again, there was nothing to worry about. Feliciano had cheered happily and attacked his boyfriend in a hug, separating shortly afterward to inform him with a laugh or two that he would need a place to sleep for the night since Lovino was still being all tsundere and possibly too embarrassed to show his face outside the house. Seeing as though all felt right with the world, how could Ludwig have possibly said no to the offer? Besides, he actually liked sleeping with him – in a non-sexual way, mind you.

Now that all was said and done, Ludwig had offered to drop Antonio off at his home. Strangely, he just smirked and refused the offer. And once he popped the question as to why, Antonio replied that he was going to "spend the night" here with Lovi. And that was all that he said before waving goodbye and going back to the house with almost a spring in his step. One could only imagine what was going to go down tonight, but Feliciano suggested on the way to Ludwig's place that he was probably going to try and talk him into having sex or something like that.

If only he knew how correct he was with that theory.

At least everyone was finally living a happy ending after all of this chaos centered around just one kiss. Ludwig and Feliciano could finally be together without anymore objecting tsundere brothers and the cruel ways of fate. Antonio and Lovino were most likely going to end up together whether the latter wanted to accept that or not. Gilbert and Elizabeta finally made things more interesting between them and the latter finally gave in and most likely had sex. Somewhere between all of this, Kiku even managed to settle that very stressful love triangle he had gotten tied into.

"Ve...? Ludwig, where are you going?" Feliciano asked somewhat tiredly as he raised his head up. Ludwig had tried to slip out of the bed without causing much of a disturbance, though it did not work out well apparently.

It had been a few seconds, but Ludwig just couldn't drift off to sleep. How could he after all of the drama and chaos that went down tonight? He stood there by the bed and reached over to pull the fallen covers back over Feliciano's bare shoulders. "I can't sleep right now."

"So...what are you going to do? I hope it doesn't involve any sort of porn-"

"There is no reason to speak about that incident!"

Feliciano thought back to the last time he had taken up residence at his boyfriend's home for the evening. About that awkward incident with porn. He just remembered that they had agreed to not bring that up again. Stupid him.

Hoping that the major blush in his cheeks would cool eventually, Ludwig turned away and went over to the door. That's when Feliciano sat up once again and tilted his head in confusion.

"Well, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to go take a shower; but you can still stay in bed and sleep because you need any amount you can get."

Feliciano didn't protest to that comment. He lied back against the pillows, really not wanting to leave the warm, comfy bed. But being alone was not very comfortable for him. He was used to almost always having a bedfellow in some way whether they knew of his presence or not. He watched Ludwig leave and head to the bathroom.

It wasn't until Ludwig shut the door, did Feliciano pull back the covers and get out of the bed now having his mind made up.

. . .

No more than a few moments later, Ludwig was standing underneath a blast of warm water cascading down his body. It really felt quite relaxing after all of the tension and frustration these previous few weeks have brought him.

The warm water falling over his exhausted body was like heaven to say the least. He sighed underneath his breath, just letting it all take him away.

His mind was still centered on the topic of all the chaos and drama that had happened. It was very amazing to realize that previously, he had been so confused over how the hell to handle having romantic feelings for that ditzy Italian. He panicked and worried what should happen if this was ever revealed or what he could do to even get it through his head without having to do anything too embarrassing of course.

Then came the moment they were caught underneath that tree in the rain. When the moment felt so perfect and ever-lasting for the both of them. Reaching the point of when the confessions all came out. Ludwig's heart still – secretly 'cause he wouldn't admit that to anyone – skipped a beat as he recalled the moment Feliciano came out and said straight to the point that he really, really liked him.

Soon enough, Ludwig and Feliciano found themselves outside the former's home after one of their first dates. They had been watching movies and had such a great time just being in the same presence as each other. It was real magical almost. Something that neither had hardly felt in their entire lives. Right then and there, they realized how badly they wanted to kiss: to show the ultimate sign of just how much they cared about each other. It didn't...happen.

Which set off the chain of chaos, awkwardness, embarrassment, and perfect moments that had been horribly cockblocked too many times to count. There was several moments that they could have locked lips...so many moments that all went to waste. Gilbert and Elizabeta behind the scenes trying to provide maybe helpful advice. Each fail only brought more determination upon them.

Ludwig hadn't ever felt this way before. Until Feliciano crashed into his life (almost literally – given their first meeting), he didn't understand how love worked. Why did it make people feel so good and secure? Why would it make them hurt deeply once it ended badly? Needless to say, he started to really experience them.

Tonight they were going to go on their first date out in a public place. Both viewed this as a pretty big deal considering how strange they may look to other people – they would either be stared at because they were both guys or because they looked like opposites personality-wise and it seemed odd how they would even hook up. They had meant for everything to go well and have a memorable time. But that's when Antonio, whom was on their side, entered the picture and Lovino, whom was openly against the relationship.

It goes without saying what happened afterward. And at the final moment of reuniting, the two of them...finally shared a kiss. The kiss that they had been wanting all this time. The one that left quite an impact despite it being kept rather simple if not very prolonged. As Ludwig thought about it now, he realized just how much of a shock he felt once he had just moved in and kissed him. He didn't plan anything out, it was all just thought up right then and there.

All this time he had been worried how the hell he could plan it out to work. But was this unnecessary? Come to think of it; the moment when they were finally reunited and free to do whatever really felt perfect. Ludwig's mind was basically wandering, his body had just moved and leaned in. Every single action that occurred for them after the movie once Lovino intervened was hardly planned out – except for Antonio and his bizarre and yet likely plotting.

Perhaps he had thought this out too much. Ludwig had always tried to have some sort of plan in life to get things down and over. But with his relationship with Feliciano – plans of any sort fell through in maybe the good way. Soon enough he had contemplated the whole idea of love; you can't really rush into anything, calculate it to a T, and as far as the intimate gestures go...well, those come almost without knowing at the times when it is needed. There is so certain time frame or anything along those lines.

This week could prove to have been a fascinating, if not very exhausting and lengthy experience. As Ludwig stood underneath the falling warm water and let it just cascade heavily, he realized that he did come to understand lots of things. Perhaps some things he could have lived without knowing, but still some important things all the same.

Wait a second, was everything leading up to that kiss worth it?

That was a brief thought that wandered into Ludwig's mind. But, with a shrug, he let that drift away as he returned to lathering his body. Perhaps that question was irrelevant...

"Ve~ Is there any room in here?" Totally not expecting that voice, Ludwig's eyes widened and he turned in shock to see that the shower door was slid open and Feliciano happened to be there glancing around – surveying the overall room and layout of the spacious shower, mind you – with a thoughtful expression.

"Feliciano! What are you doing in here?" Yes, it was a lame question considering how Feli insisted on doing the quirkiest things, but Ludwig was just too shocked by his sudden appearance at the moment.

"I couldn't really sleep either; all of the excitement tonight did wear me out of course, I just can't drift off..." Totally oblivious to the fact Ludwig was suddenly uncomfortable due to noticing how they were both practically in the shower and naked on top of that, Feliciano clasped his hands together and smiled; this aura of blissful unawareness radiating from it. "A shower does sound relaxing~! Can I join?"

"Wha...but...but this isn't the only bathroom in the house..."

"Ve~ I know that, but the other bathroom is too far of a walk and I wouldn't want to infiltrate Gilbert or your father's. Is it alright if I join? Please, just this one time?"

Did...did Feliciano seriously have any idea how much unfortunate complications was arising from his request? Ludwig honestly wondered this, and blinked repeatedly for several seconds trying to comprehend how he could make the most awkward questions sound casual and innocent.

Well, did he really have much of a choice? Feliciano seemed to really want to...join him, so how could he say no to that? Besides, these kinds of situations were bound to come up eventually from the minute the ditzy Italian crashed into his life. Why resist?

Even if it felt sort of awkward, Ludwig agreed to let Feliciano join in. He blamed his exhaustion from the experience tonight and that one fantasy of him with a post-sex look going on after Gilbert filled his head with perverted ideas. Yeah, let's go with that suggestion for now at least.

"Thanks!" Feliciano happily stepped into the spacious shower and closed the door behind him. He sighed in a state of relaxation already once the steam descended over him. Ludwig just backed up to give themselves a decent distance between each other...this was awkward enough. "It's not fun to be alone. Ve~ when you're with other people, especially a special someone, the time really seems memorable."

Unbeknownst to Feliciano, Ludwig was blushing so, so hotly at that remark. Maybe he didn't mean anything too...questionable by it, but the whole implications that came with it were not so G-rated if you catch my drift.

There just happened to be another washrag lying over the top of the shower door so he reached for it and then brushed by Ludwig to rinse it. He seemed rather comfortable and casual as if this was a daily routine for him. "Um, Ludwig?"

Ludwig paused in awkwardly trying to forget about so close their wet, naked bodies were to each other and maneuvering the washrag over his chest. He looked back over to Feliciano in interest around what he was to say.

Feliciano didn't finish his statement at first. He seemed almost nervously hesitant as he looked up at Ludwig's face. Through his wet copper bangs falling over his temples. "I never got to tell you earlier tonight...ve~ I'm glad that we found each other."

"What makes you say that all of a sudden?" Why does he insist on saying things like that? Does Feliciano not realize how inwardly nervous I am now?

Ve~ Ludwig must be nervous about this, I should go into more detail! "Well...I wanted you to know this because when my fratello brought me back home tonight...I feared the worst. I thought he would never get to see each other again." Feliciano smiled once again, rather than earlier when it faltered. "Once I escaped from the window and landed in your arms I never felt more...well, rebellious and also very happy. Yet I still believed we would be torn apart. What I'm trying to say is...well, you get it."

"I think so. What you're trying to say is that you believed Lovino would tear us apart so you wanted to tell me...you were glad to have met me and come this far with the relationship. It was a nice experience." Ludwig explained, fairly confident that this was accurate. Judging by Feliciano's expression, he was accurate after all.

"Exactly~! Meeting you was one of the best things that could have ever happened to me because I've experienced so much! I guess what I'm trying to tell you is, it's nice having you in my life."

Oh God, Ludwig really wanted to be able to reply to that entire proclamation that he really hadn't expected from Feliciano. But he just...well, it was hard to find the words he was looking for as they were lost halfway. It was getting quite hot in that shower and most certainly wasn't from the steam entirely.

Taking into account how straightforward Feliciano was saying all of this, Ludwig had no doubt in his mind that it was all how he really felt and viewed the situation. Apparently, could be deep when he wanted to.

"Feliciano, I could say the same thing about you. And tonight, I just wanted to be able to prove that before the worst happened. I don't understand how it happened or when it did, but I've fallen for you hopelessly now. If you suddenly left my life I wouldn't be able to go on the same way." Feliciano, actually feeling quite flattered by the response, averted his gaze to his toes and blushed vividly. He didn't notice Ludwig move a little closer and then grab his soaked shoulders. "Maybe I don't show it often but I...I want this to last."

"Ve~ So let's make it last, Ludwig." Feliciano murmured, this was almost unheard because of the loudly flowing water over the shower head. Ludwig caught it, however – barely, but it did count. His Italian boyfriend looked up into his eyes and fondly smiled. "Regardless of any of other obstacles and interruptions that pass by..."

Thankfully, the water was running loudly as it flowed over them and to the drain. Otherwise, Ludwig's rapidly-thumping heat would have probably been heard easily. He and Feliciano stared at each other, still remaining in their positions and the way they were holding a gaze...it was inexplicably tempting for a...

Well, that thought didn't have to even be complete in either of their heads. Ever so slowly, the two leaned in once again. Eagerly waiting for their lips to meet in a bit of a longer kiss – which finally happened in the correct fashion without any screw-ups or cockblocks bursting into the scene. It actually seemed that fate wasn't always a bitch.

Things now heating up, in more ways than one, Ludwig and Feliciano's kiss actually lasted a little bit longer this time and was quite enjoyable for the both of them. It didn't occur to them that there was going to be one hell of a water bill after this event, all that mattered was that it was just them. Alone together. At long last.

Hmm...was the overly-thought out planning really a bad thing in hindsight? Apparently, not so much. If they hadn't been so determined to at least have just one little kiss, Ludwig and Feliciano most likely would have never experienced all of this and feel so good in the end. Just the thought that this chaos and drama happened and they earned a happy ending when all was said and done.

In hindsight... Ludwig almost unconsciously pinned Feliciano against the tiled while, the latter rather willing to let this happen but he still reached his hands around his boyfriend's neck and pulled him closer to which their lips met in another kiss.

Hell yes. This was worth all the chaos I experienced this past week...

. . .

And so, The End – at least until Gilbert returned home afterward and walked in on the two in the shower. But that's a story to tell for another time...

. . .

Was that one hell of an epilogue or what? Length of course, because I wanted to wrap up everything in this one epilogue and not have to stretch it out to a second. I left the ending somewhat ambiguous on purpose: I will leave it to open to your interpretation what exactly went on in that shower with Ludwig and Feliciano. ;D

And about that ending statement...I seriously considered having Gilbert return from Elizabeta's (her mother returned home and caught them in bed – so let's just say the scene wasn't taken well) and walk in on Ludwig and Feliciano. In fact, I actually WROTE THAT in the original draft but it was discarded by the last second. Actually, I have several little scenes written in the original draft of this story that didn't make the final cut. (Would you like to see them? LOL.)

I hope that the overall story was to your liking. Thank you for taking some time out of your life to read 'Just One Kiss'; it really means a lot to know it was liked. And the fact it has...freaking 50 reviews! *Blushes and rubs the back of her neck*

Read and review, they are appreciated!