Work Text:
It had been a long day. Ludwig finally stands after hours of filling out paperwork, stretching his arms above his head and leaning back a bit until his muscles pop. It seems he works longer than ever these days. Likely due to incompetence from his subordinates. Subordinates. That’s right, it HAS been oddly quiet for the last… hour?
Of course, Ludwig knows why.
When Feliciano asked if he could be excused early, Ludwig granted him permission. It’s difficult to be productive with him around, for several reasons. First, and most obvious, the man is loud and can hardly sit still to save his life. Second… Ludwig is, admittedly, very fond of the Italian.
Only months ago had they been beating around the bush, avoiding anything past the safe limits of very close friendship and camaraderie. The hugging, the cuddling… Kissing and the like, those were all normal behavior for close friends to partake in! However, Feliciano became progressively less subtle and… Well, even someone like Ludwig couldn’t look past it any longer- Even as shy as he is concerning matters of the heart. Still, he’s German for goodness sake! And more than capable of being direct. Months, YEARS, of avoiding the question all culminated in one embarrassing, “FELICIANO. YOU ALWAYS ACT LIKE THIS! DO YOU LIKE ME, OR WHAT!?”
Ludwig feels embarrassed even now, recalling it. Ignoring the light flush to his ears, he gathers up all his paperwork and neatly files it away in that ever efficient way of his. Then, packing his bag, he’s finally able to go home for the day. Luckily, (well… Most people likely wouldn’t consider it lucky, but silver linings!) It’s gotten late enough that rush hour is long passed and he has no problems driving home.
His home. It feels strange to be sharing his space with someone so often these days. Of course, he doesn’t dislike it. If anything it feels somewhat comfortable to live with another person after it’s been only him and his dogs for the past several years. He lived with his brother for a long time, but living with family and living with your lover are obviously two quite different things.
Ludwig spends the 10 or so minute drive sort of lost in thought. He’s a safe driver and his attention is undeniably on the road, but his mind does wander a bit. He hadn’t questioned before why Feliciano wanted to be excused early, not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth and lose precious work time distracted by who knows what. Now that it’s crossed his mind, he starts to feel that odd, itchy worry that his brain has manufactured for Felicano alone. The German can only begin to imagine the sort of things his lover could be getting up to…
Ludwig pulls into his driveway. Usually, they go to work together in the mornings and ride home together in the evenings. Today, Feliciano must’ve gotten a ride or taken the bus. Still, the lights are on inside, so he must be home. Ludwig takes out his key, fitting it into the lock-
Why does he even bother?
“Feliciano! How many times do I need to tell you to lock the door behind you! Do want another situation like—”
Ludwig doesn’t finish his sentence, instead reacting to the human cannonball flinging himself into his embrace. He can hardly be mad, Feliciano is so affectionate… He always ends up going a bit easy on him. It feels right, he thinks, hugging this way. Despite his initial annoyance upon stepping inside the house, he can’t help but adjust his posture to hold the embrace better. It somehow makes even his muscles feel a bit more at ease, his shoulders less stiff.
“Luddy, you’re finally home!” Feliciano exclaims, though his voice is thoroughly muffled by Ludwig’s broad chest. Slender hands find their natural place at the small of Ludwig’s back, rumpling his shirt a bit. Not that either of them mind. Pulling his face away from the source of his obstructed voice, he cheerfully calls out,“I have a special surprise for you!”
A surprise. Ludwig isn’t sure he likes the sound of that, no matter how good the intentions are. Surprises often lead to mess and discomfort in his experience. His face must reflect that uncertainty. Feliciano looks up at him, soft lips quirking into a small pout. What is it about that face that so easily makes Ludwig cave?
“It’s something good, I promise! Don’t you remember it’s a special day?” Feliciano steps back, no longer clinging for now. He tilts his head to the side, looking over Ludwig’s expression and body language. When he sees no such recognition, he’s surprised. “Ah, you really didn’t remember…!”
Now it’s Ludwig’s turn to panic. The man functions on order and organization! Could something have really slipped his mind? He goes over any possible events in his mind, scanning for what could possibly be the supposed “Special day” Feliciano mentioned. It’s not any major holiday as they certainly wouldn’t have been casually at work, nor could it be any relevant anniversary. Ludwig wasn’t sure how important new relationships weekly or monthly anniversaries were, but he memorized them regardless, just in case, and surely it isn’t one… And it isn’t Feliciano’s birthday, because if it were, there would be the first comings of spring rather than the cool autumn breeze that’s been making itself known over the past few weeks.
“I.. I didn’t. I’m sorry, what is it?” Ludwig mutters. There’s a soft flush to his face, his voice a bit uncertain and his accent a bit thicker than usual. It’s incredible how little it takes to fluster such a serious guy.
“My goodness, who can forget their own birthday!? Luddy, you work way too hard!” Feliciano cries, flinging his arms around Ludwig’s neck once again. In truth, he really does worry about his Type-A lover. “There’s nothing wrong with taking many, many siestas, Luddy!”
“My birthday…? Yes, I suppose… It is the right time of year for it,” Ludwig murmurs. He couldn’t have gone so far as to forget something like his own birthday, could he? Sure, he doesn’t usually do much for it, usually having drinks with his brother at most. Perhaps Feliciano has the date wrong. It wouldn’t surprise him, the man might leave his head behind if it weren’t firmly attached to his neck. “No, it’s the third. It’s not for another couple days.” He rationalizes. Yes, that must be it.
Ludwig cranes his neck around where he’s being clung to like a particularly sturdy tree in a flood. He takes a glance at the wall calendar, Feliciano can be so absent minded—
...Maybe the Italian isn’t the absent minded one. His absurdly efficiently labeled calendar wouldn’t lie to him. He can just make out something written over the offending date. Some doodle with confetti and cake, standing out among the small, neat handwriting that fills the rest of the calendar.
“Don’t worry, Ludwig! I’ve been planning a special surprise, and you forgetting only makes it a more surprising one! I know you don’t like a lot of attention, so I held back on inviting people. I figured it’d be okay if it was just us… haha,” Feliciano trails off, dragging his hands down the taller man’s shoulders. He closely studies those bright, icy eyes. At first, they were a bit scary, but now he’s undeniably fond of them. “Come on, come all the way inside, it’s cold here in October!”
Ludwig allows himself to be taken by the hand and led further inside. Feliciano takes the liberty of unraveling Ludwig’s scarf, then unbuttoning his jacket and hanging it in its proper place on the coat rack. (Which definitely doesn’t make Ludwig feel a little warm inside that it now sports two people’s jackets… In fact, all the little changes to his home make him feel that fuzzy fulfilled feeling) Ludwig sits to unlace his shoes, removing them and putting them into the shoe rack, ensuring they’re not creased or damaged while he takes them off.
“Ludwig… It’s alright that it slipped your mind! It happens to the best of us. But I want to make if a day to remember,” Feliciano takes Ludwig’s hand once again. He pulls him up the stairs and in front of the sofa, gently pushing at the man’s chest until he sits. “I’ll be right back!”
The Italian runs off in the direction of the kitchen. Why can’t he be this quick when training, Ludwig wonders absentmindedly. In truth, he’s still off put he could forget a day with any sort of significance. He sinks back into the couch, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. His brows furrow in that way that anyone whose had to work with him is familiar with, an eleven shaped crease taking its place between them. He listens to the clamor of various cabinets and clinking of tableware in the kitchen. For the umpteenth time within the past half hour, he worries a bit at what the Italian could be up to. The insistent humming hasn’t ceased, but in general it’s a little quiet compared to usual. He considers getting up and seeing himself, but he was promised a surprise and figured Feliciano might be a little upset if his hard work was experienced in a way he wasn’t planning for. Besides, its a feat for Feliciano to keep any sort of secret, so Ludwig is very curious. It’s nearly ten minutes before Feliciano finally calls for him.
“Okay! Ludwig, come in now!” Ludwig stands from the couch, slowly making his way into the kitchen. It isn’t a long walk, but he’s sort of dragging it out. Anticipation? Dread? More so the former. When he steps into the well kept room, he can see very quickly what his lover had prepared. On the kitchen table, there’s a cake. It’s chocolate, topped with dark red cherries. “I’m not as good at baking sweets as you are, but I wanted to give you something I knew you liked and didn’t have often. When I called, Gilbert said this was the best thing I could make—“
The Italian doesn’t get the chance to ramble any further. Ludwig moves closer to him, wrapping him up in a gentle embrace that ceases any speaking. They always fit together so naturally, their height difference ideal for Ludwig to press his cheek to the top of his lover’s head, his hands sliding to the small of Feliciano’s back, rubbing gently. A natural flush has taken to his cheeks, spreading steadily down his neck and up to his ears. Ludwig isn’t usually so affectionate, this is a pleasant surprise.
“So this is why you wanted to leave work early. I can’t be upset, you put in a lot of effort for me. Thank you, really…” Ludwig has yet to pull away. He holds his partner close for a long moment, and neither of them feel the need to pull away. When they finally do, Ludwig is smiling. It’s such a truly refreshing sight, the way his teeth just peek out a bit, lips parted in a shy grin, cheeks pink.
“Mm, Happy Birthday, Luddy... Let’s light some candles!” Feliciano reluctantly pulls away from the ridiculously sweet embrace, digging through drawers for candles. Eventually he find some, along with a lighter, and sticks them into the soft cake. He lights the candles carefully and steps back. “Make a wish! Then we can try it and see how it came out!”
The eager man takes a spot at Ludwig’s side, leaning into him. Ludwig closes his eyes and considers what he might wish for. In truth, he’s already quite happy. He could wish for a load off, for more time to relax, but… In the end, that’s not what he’s hoping for. He inhales, then blows out the flames in one fell swoop, thinking to himself— or whatever magical being hears out wishes.
(I want things to stay this way forever. Is this what being loved feels like?)
*
The cake turned out perfect. Despite his comment on not being as good of a baker as Ludwig, Feliciano certainly has the talent of one. The gâteau is perfectly fluffy and pairs well with the whipped filling and tart cherries between the layers. Even with his incredible will power, Ludwig has to really hold back from having a second piece. He wants to savor it and enjoy the nice gesture…
“Feliciano… If it’s alright with you, would you want to… One moment,” Ludwig reaches over, dabbing at the corner of his partner’s mouth, wiping away a little smudge of chocolate. He finds pleasure in taking care of Feliciano, even though he doesn’t usually say it straight out. “There, better. Erm, what I was going to say is… Would you want to embrace…?”
“Hehe, you want to cuddle? Of course I want to! Si, let’s go cuddle~” They work together to clean up the kitchen, leaving it as spotless as it was before. Feliciano hums as he wipes down the counter, happy Ludwig asked him for once. Usually, It’s him who suggests it to touch, so he’s all giddy. As soon as he’s finished, he jumps into Ludwig’s arms, clinging happily and unabashedly. Rubbing his face against a broad, warm chest and listening to the stuttering heartbeat beneath. It always pleases him to fluster his lover…
And Ludwig doesn’t seem to mind very much. It’s no secret the man is strong, finding a good hold beneath Feliciano’s thighs and lifting with little effort. When Feliciano giggles, Ludwig cant hold back his laugh either. He looks up into those warm, amber eyes he’s always been so taken by. Adjusting his hold, he begins walking towards their bedroom. Even he’s not immune to the appeal of being able to carry your lover around.
“Ludwig, Ludwig, I like you so much~” Feliciano babbles, rubbing his cheek against the German’s. He keeps his arms tightly around wide shoulders, his legs wrapping around Ludwig’s waist. One of his favorite things is the way he can physically feel Ludwig’s face get warmer, something that hasn’t changed despite being together for several months now.
“Mmm… I… I l-like you, too, Feliciano,” Ludwig presses the door into the bedroom open with his hip, making his way forward. While his intention was to set Feliciano onto the still-made bed, he stops to think for a moment. He’s been at work all day, and to feel truly comfortable and at ease… He doesn’t want to feel dirty in his bed. “But... Do you mind if I shower, first?”
“Not as long as I can come too! Let me wash your hair! I want to take care of you on your birthday!”
“I suppose I can’t turn down such a nice request.”
*
Once he’s dried off, Ludwig feels much better. It’s always more comfortable to lie in bed when you feel clean. He gets the idea that Feliciano doesn’t really mind either way, but it eases his mind. He changes into a clean black t-shirt and boxers, finally ready to relax in bed. He glances over at his lover. Feliciano is always very comfortable in his nudity; now is no different.
“Feliciano— Put it on..” Ludwig says, Feliciano only having a moment to react before a t-shirt a few sizes too big hits him in the face. He just barely catches it before it falls, then gleefully pulls it over his head. He’s never had any problems wearing Ludwig’s clothes, it’s one of the many perks of dating someone bigger than you.
At this point, there’s nothing holding them back anymore. Ludwig pulls back the neatly made covers, crawling into bed. In absolutely no time, Feliciano is under the covers too, ready to all but crawl into Ludwig’s skin. Lucky for him, Ludwig is willing to reciprocate this time. He presses his nose to the top of Feliciano’s head, inhaling the scent of citrus shampoo. Squeezing the smaller man close, Ludwig sighs in contentment.
Feliciano is seemingly just as content. He leans into the warm body holding him, cooing happily.
“Hehe~ Luddy, you’re so warm. I like you, kiss meee~”
Ludwig’s cheeks go a little pink. After thinking it over, he pulls back a bit before leaning in to press their lips together gently. As close as they are, Feliciano can feel Ludwig’s heart start to pound. It’s so cute, he wants to kiss Ludwig over and over. Maybe he would, if today weren’t Ludwig’s day. Ludwig asked for an embrace, so he must want just to relax. But just cuddling is nice, too! Feliciano and presses his cheek back to Ludwig’s chest, listening to the steady beat. It’s reassuring, reliable.
“Mmm.. I know I didn’t do much, but I hope you had a nice birthday…” Feliciano murmurs through a yawn, rubbing Ludwig’s back gently.
“Ja, all things considered, it was nice. I wasn’t expecting to celebrate anything today, so it was a pleasant surprise…” Ludwig exhales, gathering the man in his arms closer, finding himself feeling surprisingly clingy. “Thank you for reminding me. And for the cake. I really enjoyed it.”
“Si, I’m glad you liked it. I wanted it to feel special. I wanted you to feel special!”
“I do feel special. I…” Ludwig clears his throat, looking off somewhere else despite the Italian not even looking at him. He parts his lips a few times, as if about to speak. Finally, he swallows before speaking very softly, “I… Ich liebe dich, Feliciano…”
Feliciano smiles, squeezing Ludwig as he replies, “Anche io, Ludwig...”