I am a terrible, terrible person. I hate when people do not update for a very long time, and yet, I do the exact same thing. Sorry. Thank you to all the people who have continued to read/review/alert/favorite this story. It makes me feel so wonderful, and makes me want to continue it. As before, I blame my neglect for this story on my writer's block and busy schedule. I own nothing, of course, except the character of Jakob Gierster, whose name I created from a random German name generator I found on the internet. Romeo and Juliet lines from Act V, scene iii. Also the Bible verse in this is Deuteronomy 6:5. This is the final chapter in this story.

"For never was a story of more woe

Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."

Jakob Gierster, the Prince, spoke the final lines of the play, standing above two prone bodies on the floor. Hanschen held Ernst close, feeling like it was the last time he could do so, as Romeo and Juliet lay dead in each other's arms. Moritz sat crying in a back corner, making a final decision of what he would do shortly, a few days after the play, and the Nurse sat in the same corner weeping for the death of her mistress.

Off-stage in the final moments of the play Melchior, no longer Mercutio, observed the scene briefly before shifting to look over to Wendla. She had buried her face in her hands, and her thin shoulders shook, as if she were crying. His eyebrows shot up. Why would she cry?

The lights blacked out, and the audience erupted into applause.

When they came up again, the cast took their bows. As Melchior took his, he attempted to catch Wendla's eye once again, but now she was looking at her mother. He mother was saying something, he could not quite make out. As he moved away from the front of the stage, he missed Wendla's mother forcefully dragging her away.

Hanschen and Ernst took their bows last. They stood next to one another. Hanschen bowed, then Ernst, and then together. As they stepped back to join the company in a final bow, Ernst tried desperately to catch Hanschen's eye, but the blond stared determinedly forward, or to the other side, never at Ernst.

The cast exited the stage and headed back to the dressing room. Otto, Georg, Bobby, and several others chattered happily about their remarkable performances.

Listening to this, other than muttering the word, "Fools," Hanschen remained stoic and silent. Ernst stayed quiet as well, walking next to the taller blond.

"Hanschen?"

At this Hanschen sped up his steps, leaving Ernst in silence behind him. The smaller man stopped in his tracks. Moritz passed him, tears still streaming down his face, and Melchior followed him quickly, attempting to comfort him.

In the dressing room, much was as it was in the hall. Most of the boys quickly changed and then went out to enjoy the food and company. Moritz changed and then left, deciding to take a walk. Melchior rushed out, hoping to find Wendla.

Soon, Hanschen and Ernst were the only ones left in the room.

They stayed in silence, other than Hanschen forcibly removing his costume and putting on his normal clothing.

In a small voice, Ernst tried again, "Hanschen?"

Nothing.

More desperately, he tried, "Hanschen, please look at me."

Suddenly, the taller boy turned to him, face stoic, eyes almost boring into Ernst. Still, he said nothing.

"Why won't you speak to me?" Big, brown eyes began to fill with tears, as Hanschen turned away, yet again, buttoning his shirt.

"Understand it is not that I dislike you, Ernst, but I do not think we should speak to each other anymore." His voice was even and matter-of-fact as he finally answered.

Now, Ernst fell silent. What did this mean? And really, what could he say?

"Hanschen…" He found his voice, and almost whimpered.

"Ernst, please do not speak."

After a few breaths, Ernst nearly started sobbing, as he spoke, "Hanschen, how can you do this?

"How can I not?"

Ernst broke into a sad, angry yell, "I went against the Bible for you, and you…"

He was cut off by a growl, and Hanschen picking up a Bible used in the Religion lectures in the class and throwing it at Ernst's feet. He screamed, "It is because of your Bible that we cannot continue this. If before someone found us together, I could say we were rehearsing for our play. I was preparing, being a skilled performer. If I kissed you now, and someone saw. What would I say?"

"I…I don't know, but…"

"No." Hanschen had finished changing. "I now must take my leave of you now, Ernst. I am sure my parents are waiting to speak to me." And with that, the blond composed himself and left the room.

A few moments later, Melchior reentered the room, asking, "Has anyone seen, Wendla…" He stopped, surprised to see Ernst, still in costume, crying. He walked up to the smaller boy.

"What is wrong?" He knelt by Ernst.

"Nothing."

"Can I help you?"

"No, Melchior you cannot."

"What is it about?"

"Nothing, Melchior! Nothing!" Ernst burst into sobs once again.

After a pause, Melchior ventured, "Is it about Hanschen?"

"I-I…W-what do you, do you? I…"

"I saw you two before the show."

Ernst fell silent.

"I hold nothing against you two. I swear." Melchior placed a hand over his heart to emphasize.

Ernst cracked a small smile. "No. I suppose you wouldn't." He took a breath and continued, "He does not think we should see more of each other. Now, that the play is over, I mean."

"Oh…I am sorry."

"He feels it is too dangerous, I think."

Melchior burst, "And that is what is wrong with society! What should it matter if…!" He stopped and stood up. "Well, we should be getting outside."

"I suppose." He stated dully.

"Look," He placed a hand on the boy's thin shoulders, "Perhaps we can speak with Hanschen outside. We will work this out…"

"No. We should not speak of this."

"But, Ernst, we can…"

"Melchior," Ernst spoke with a warning, "Hanschen will only be angry for my telling you. He will not change his mind."

Melchior tried to protest, but a shared look stopped him. "Well, then…I suppose I should go outside. I have been looking for Wendla Bergmann."

Ernst nodded as Melchior left the room again. He was no longer crying, but held a blank, emotionless face.

After several minutes, Ernst picked up the Bible that rested at his feet, and flipping to a random page, he found, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with your entire being and with all your might."

He felt tears prick his eyes again. He read the passage again and again, and he cried knowing he did and would love God entirely, even if that was not what he wanted.

A/N: And there, is the end of this story. Again, thank you to all those who stuck with it. I am very proud of this, but I admit, I was terrible at updating the final chapters.

To those who wanted a happy ending, I am very sorry. It was never in my plan to end this story happily. As much as I love these characters, it would not make sense. Romeo and Juliet does not end happily. I did not kill Ernst and Hanschen because, again, it really would not make sense. This can be considered a tragedy, since we know Moritz and Wendla will die, but I'm not writing it. I truly would have loved this to be a happy ending, but Romeo and Juliet kill themselves because they cannot be together. Ernst and Hanschen will not kill themselves, but the cannot be together.

If you are curious about my opinion, I do think Hanschen loves Ernst. However, I do not believe he would be willing to sacrifice his comfort or place in society for it. Maybe he will grow to regret that choice, but that is not for me to say, at least not in this story.

If this ending upsets you, I am so sorry. I do hope you still enjoyed the story. As always reviews are greatly appreciated. And honestly, thank you so much for everyone who kept reading. You are all the reason that kept me going when it was hard getting through this.