Romeo and Romeo

Chapter 17

The day dragged on longer than ever and by the time the sun hung low in the sky, Feliciano was ready and eager to go to sleep so tomorrow, Christmas, could come earlier. He didn't feel tired, but rather the opposite. He got into his pyjamas while blabbering excitedly to Ludwig who only grunted in response to show that he had heard him.

The rain had diminished just before dinner (which was very swift and early) but everyone mutually decided that it was too late to do anything as it would soon get dark.

'...And I just can't wait for tomorrow, can't you?' Feliciano asked brightly for the third time.

'Mmh.'

'And - WOW! Look at the sky!'

Feliciano pointed towards the stunning sunset whose light was filtering in through the tall windows. Ludwig initially turned to Feliciano at the sudden change of subject but then followed his finger to the sky which looked as if it was lit up with all of the colours of orange that were possible.

At the top of where they could see was the deepest shade of purple you could imagine, it was almost black. And the sun that was barely visible behind the soft rolling hills was golden and immense. The few clouds that littered the sky reflected the glow of whatever colour was around them. Everything seemed to be pulled towards the centre.

'It's beautiful.' Ludwig muttered, his eyes shining and his face mirroring a fragment of the sunset before him.

Feliciano strode towards the window, the quiet sound of his clothes rustling was the only noise to be heard. He attempted to heave it open but Ludwig had to assist him. There was a small decorative balcony that spread between the three windows that were in their room with pretty planter boxes with low maintenance wild flowers sprinkled unevenly throughout.

There was a small but nippy breeze that rushed through their hair and clothes. Ludwig turned to see Feliciano's eyes glued to his and very slightly shiny.

'Are you ok?'

'Yes,' the young man wiped his eyes and smiled sadly, 'it just reminds me of a time in Italy when Lovino and I were... sorry, you probably don't want to hear, we should go to bed.' Feliciano turned away but Ludwig put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

'No. I want to hear. Please tell me.'

'Really? Well Lovino and I were standing in the furthest field from our house after a day of hard work. We just stood there and listened to the crickets. And...' Feliciano's voice cracked but he continued 'It was perfect.' He paused to wipe his eyes again, 'I'm sorry that probably didn't make any sense.'

Ludwig supportably put his arm around his small frame. 'No, it did make sense. I understand, I remember sitting with my brother and we didn't even need to speak.'

They stood in silence for a while, each avoiding eye contact but still being strangely aware of the other.

'Let's go to sleep.' Feliciano watched the remaining portion of the sun disappear and the beautiful purple that followed.

They stepped back through the window and Ludwig shut it again, warmth instantly gathering in the room. Ludwig got into bed but Feliciano stayed in his spot for a moment longer.

The storm had finished, so there was no reason to go to Ludwig. However, why did he still feel drawn to his bed?

Ludwig mentally prepared for a long, cold, sleepless night and he pulled the covers up so his shoulders were submerged and closed his eyes.

He heard a floorboard squeak and he felt the mattress dip. Suddenly, he felt soft hair brush his nose. He came to the realisation that Feliciano had gotten into his bed. He smiled to himself and debated asking him about it. He decided against any confrontation.

'Goodnight Luddy.' Feliciano put his hand to his mouth. He just gave Ludwig a nickname!

'Goodnight Feliciano.' His voice showed no signs of irritation.