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Moving day was growing ever-closer, and the mood in the Rilow household had barely lightened since the news of the move had been broken to the children. Two days before the move, Hanschen had not packed a thing. His case remained untouched in his closet, and everything in his room was, as always, in place. Not only had he not packed or prepared, but he hadn't told Ernst.

He hadn't told Ernst because that would make his leaving all too real, and he wasn't prepared to accept that. So he'd been acting the same around Ernst, save for a few more kisses when awkward moments arose. He was due to meet him now, in the vineyard, but so close to the moving date, he wasn't sure if he could get through it. And he certainly couldn't show Ernst he was feeling this way, that would let him know he was falling. To Hanschen the only option now had to be facing up to it like a *ahem* man, and tell Ernst. He had to be strong. He was strong.

So he braved the 20 minute walk to the vineyard, even though rain clouds were quickly gaining in the sky threatening to open at any moment. As soon as he got there, he spotted Ernst sitting against the fence, playing with the grass, a solitary figure amongst the vivid greens of the vineyard. Slightly hesitantly, Hanschen made his way over.

Ernst looked happy when he saw him; a startling contrast to hoe Hanschen was feeling. 'Hanschen!' he hopped up and leaned up to kiss him. Hanschen bit his lip, then kissed him back half heartedly. Ernst was suddenly so much more... small to him. More breakable.

'Hello, Ernst.' He ran a hand through his hair agitatedly.

'What's wrong, Hanschen?'

Hanschen considered saying he was fine. Nothing was wrong or crappy and everything could go on. Then he could make his excuses and leave. But... 'Ernst, you should sit.'

Ernst sank on to the grass. 'What is i-'

Hanschen silenced him with a raised hand. 'I'm leaving, Ernst. My whole family is moving to Weimar.'

The first expression that registered on Ernst's face was shock. A pained, upset kind of shock that Hanschen couldn't bring himself to look at. 'How long... 'til you move?'

Hanschen sighed, closing his eyes. 'Two days.' He heard Ernst gasp.

'Th-thats all?'

He opened his eyed to see Ernst with a hand covering his mouth and a tear escaping his eye. It wasn't meant to hurt this much... he had to go.

'Sorry, Ernst, but I have packing to do. I must be off.' Damn, he hadn't meant to sound that cold. He stood up, Ernst following suit. 'Goodbye, Ernst.' He nodded.

Ernst timidly stepped forward to kiss him one last time, but Hanschen bit his lip, stepping back. 'Probably best not to...' He turned and walked off, raking a hand through his hair.

'I love you...' The smaller boy shakily called after him. The clouds opened then, and rain began to come down as Hanschen walked off, not looking back, and blinking the tears from his eyes.

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