Date: March 17
Time: 20:24 (8:24 pm)

Ludwig let out a deep sigh. He was a tad bored. The party was lively, but he could find nothing to do that suited his tastes. Not a book or anything of that sort in sight. Plus, the ever moving crowd would barely allow him to get to the other side of the room, meaning he had given up on the refuge he had taken out in the backyard.

Currently, he was leaning against the wall next to the screen door that led back outside. A number of people were putting that door to good use, entering and exiting multiple times. To Ludwig, the creaking sound it made because of so much use was beginning to irritate him. Perhaps if someone had some oil, he could fix... no. This night was about relaxing! It was after all, Lovino and Feliciano's birthdays. Speaking of which... Ludwig hadn't had the chance to with them luck privately.

Stalking off, the German wanted to find the pair to wish them a happy birthday. And perhaps, he could get a chance to talk with Lovino. Ludwig knew after that one day, Valentine's day, he had began to find the elder Italian brother attractive. Ha had begun to watch his and his habits. Since then, his feelings grew, though not enough so that Ludwig would say he actually liked Lovino. No, he was simply very attractive.

Attractive. The elder boy had nice unblemished skin, and it looked soft to the touch. It probably was too, but Ludwig would be damned if he even attempted to touch Lovino. The Italian would have his head before he could even get close enough. Lovino had the most precious olive colored eyes, just the right shade. His brown locks looked soft to the touch.

Ludwig himself wasn't sure what brought on the attraction. After all, both Lovino and Feliciano looked somewhat alike, yet he wasn't attracted to Feliciano in that sense. Sure they boy was nice, but he was lacking in something that Lovino had an endless supply of, spirit. He didn't bite his tongue, didn't even attempt. If he felt he or anyone close to him was in danger of being hurt, physically or emotionally, he would unleash his raging spirit.

Ludwig pushed the thoughts away as he continued his search for either of the Italian brothers. With the constant pushes and shoves from other bodies, Ludwig's attempts seemed in vain.

"Ludwig!" A voice called out.

The German whipped around to find the owner of the voice and came face to face with sparkling emerald eyes and a smiling face. Antonio?

"Oh, Antonio. What is it you wanted?" Ludwig asked, his voice needing to be loud to reach the Spaniard's ears. He was having difficulty speaking because of the people moving around him.

"I wanted to ask if you were possibly looking for Feliciano and Lovino. Were you?" Antonio asked, not seeming to mind the shoving of others. When he saw Ludwig nod, he continued. "I saw them go upstairs a few minutes ago. Usually Lovi goes up to sleep after they surprise him, which I don't know how he does over all this racket."

"Thank you." Ludwig nodded and left the Spaniard who waved a good-bye and wore a bright smile.

The stairs were crowded with more people, but Ludwig managed to squeeze himself through the plethora of people. Just how many people did they invite?

The upstairs was relatively silent and people free. The lights were shut off and all the doors seemed closed. Except one. It was ajar, and a trickle of dim light seeped through. A bit hesitantly, the German neared the opened door, expecting the worst. Really though, what could be so bad in Feliciano and Lovino's home that it required extreme caution. It was true Lovino was a loose canon, but it wasn't like he was hiding in their preparing for a full fledged attack on some unsuspecting victim.

Ludwig peaked into the room. It was very dim, but Ludwig could still make out Lovino's figure on the bed. He was asleep. Blinking, the German took a cautious step inside the room, his blue eyes never leaving Lovino's sleeping face. He didn't know why he was getting closer, though he simply figured it was one of those things people do out of impulse.

Lovino's chest moved slowly as he steadily breathed. His face was peaceful, clean of any sneer or scowl a regular, awake Lovino would have. His eyes were closed, and his face had nothing but peace emanating from it. His body was curled inward as he lied on the bed, one hand behind his head, and the other draped over his stomach.

Ludwig slowly reached out, nervous that such a simple movement would awaken the Italian, and he would tune into a fit of rage and attract the party goer's attention. How he going to explain him watching Lovino sleeping, he didn't know.

He first reached for Lovino's cheek, but changed his mind and reached for his soft brown hair instead. He feared touching his cheek would awaken him. Careful to steer clear of that strange curl of his, Ludwig lightly ruffled the Italian's hair. It was soft.

Lovino stirred lightly, causing the German to freeze on the spot. He didn't remove his hand for fear the the movement of it's pressure would wake him up, and he didn't want that. Instead, Lovino did something he most certainly wouldn't do if he were awake. He reached up and grabbed onto Ludwig's hand, and pulled it against his cheek. He mumbled something and clutched onto Ludwig's hand tightly.

Ludwig stopped his breathing, and watched the Italian nervously, waiting to see what he would do, when he would wake up. Lovino though, continued in his slumber, letting out a soft groan as he moved into a more comfortable position, Ludwig's had still clutched in between his.

His movement pulled Ludwig down, and the German stumbled slightly. He had to kneel down slowly so he wouldn't end up toppling over Lovino. Ludwig blinked, still watching Lovino who was deep in slumber. He did a sharp intake of breath when Lovino mumbled in his sleep.

"I love you..."

What? Ludwig was more than confused by Lovino's words. He may have been asleep, but he had to have said them to someone, perhaps in a dream or... or what? A small pang of jealousy and want shot through the German. Who was this dream person Lovino was so in love with?

Staring down at Lovino, Ludwig decided that, maybe he did like him, and it wasn't just an attraction. Maybe there was more to the way he thought about how soft Lovino's skin looked, or how pink his lips were, or how beautiful his doe-like olive eyes have always been. Maybe...

"Happy Birthday, Lovino. Here's your gift."

And he leaned down.

A/N - I made you wait so long for such a let down... Sorry for the crap I presented to you today.

There are a few chapters left, I'm planning about three or four in total, and nothing under that.