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Later that day you were cooking (fav dinner) when you heard a knock on the door. You put your spoon down and ran to the door. You were not surprised this time when Ludwig was there when you open it. You smile at him, and he smiles back. That’s different.

“I brought you your jacket ______.”

“Thanks I appreciate you coming over here to return it.”

You both stood there in silence not really sure what to do next. You’re about to ask him about last night, when Ludwig broke the silence.

“Something smells good.”

“I’m making dinner.” You felt bad saying that you’re making food. You felt obligated to ask him in. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

He thought for a moment. “Ja frau, I’d like that.”

You ushered him in and return to the kitchen. You ran to the stove and attend to the food. He followed you into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. Neither of you say anything for a while. You just stir the food and try not to look at him. You found that you were getting accustomed to his appearance. He is actually quite handsome. When you could no longer stand the silence you ask him a question.

“So what do you do? Like, what job do you have?” It was a safe question. You wanted to ask him about last night, but it might be too early for that.

“I work for the government.”

“Oh, what area?”

“I can’t tell you much about my job. It’s classified.”

“But you do work for the government?”

“Ja.”

“Are you some kind of secret agent? Like in the movies.” You made a gun with your hands and strike
a pose like you were shooting something.

“Nien.” He stared harshly at your smiling face. He didn’t get that you were teasing him.

“I was just teasing you Ludwig. Just a joke.”

“Oh. I thought you were making fun of me.”

“It might have been that too.” You laughed and smiled at him.

He just stared blankly at you. You thought you might have pushed it too far. Right as you’re about to apologize he changed the subject.

“You like to laugh don’t you?”

“All the time. Don’t you?”

“I don’t joke much.”

“I’ve noticed that about you. You don’t seem very outgoing, or even talkative.”

“If I have nothing to say, why talk?”

“And you’re practical. Almost to a fault I think.”

“Really. What makes you say that?” Just as you were about to answer the timer beeped and dinner is
ready.

“Dinner’s ready. Let’s eat.”

You put 2 plates on the table and gave him and yourself a glass of water and start eating.

Once you’ve both been eating for a while he looked up at you. “This is good _____.”

“Thanks, it’s easy; I can give you the recipe if you want.”

“I would like that.”

And you both go back to eating in silence. Once you both finish you cleared the few dishes and started filling the sink with warm water.

“You dry?” you asked as he looked at you questionably.

“You ate, now you help clean up. You’re obviously a good cleaner. Your house was spotless.”

He sighed and grabbed a dish towel and started drying the dishes you hand him. This felt oddly domestic and you kind of liked it. Once you’ve finished washing you started putting away the dishes he had stacked. He went back to the table and sat there watching you. You felt a little awkward now that he was watching you. But this was your house.

“So you never told me how I’m practical to a fault.”

You winced, and were thankful that he couldn’t see your face. You were hoping he wouldn’t bring this up again. You took a couple deep breathes and turned to answer his question.

“You don’t have any knickknacks around your house, nothing that expresses your personality. You are closed off to everyone you meet. Except your Italian friend it seems. And you’re very strict with everything you do. You don’t seem to have any fun.”

You quickly turned around. You didn’t want to see his reaction to your answer. You heard his steady breathing for a few seconds and turned to look at him. You saw him sitting at the table still staring at you. You slowly moved towards your chair and sat down. He hasn’t moved since you answered him.

“That’s just who I am.” He turned to look at you. You were speechless. You didn’t know what to
say.

“I’m sorry if what I said hurt you. I didn’t mean it to. Sometimes I don’t think before I speak.”
You were willing him to look at you. He had to see that you’re sincere in your apology.

“_______ you haven’t offended me. Not many people are brave enough to be completely honest with me.” He looked at you with a sad look in his eyes. “That is who I am. I find it hard to open up to people, and I guess I am practical to a fault.”

“Being practical is not a fault. It can be useful.” You were desperately try to patch any damage you’ve done.

You sat in silence for what seems like forever. And finally he moved. He grabbed your hands and just held them. You remembered the feeling from yesterday. They were big warm and rough.

“______ you are truly remarkable. You are only the third person I’ve met who can be honest with me.” You don’t know what to say to him so you remain silent.

You both sat in silence for a while and he didn’t let go of your hands. You didn’t want him to, but he had been holding them for a long time.

“There’s something I want to ask you.” You had been waiting to ask this for a while, and this was a good a time as any. If you didn’t ask now, you might never ask him. You took a few steadying breaths and asked him. “What happened last night after we had dessert?”

You saw him visibly change at the question. “I thought you didn’t remember anything.” He released your hands.

“I don’t, well not completely. I remember eating the cheesecake. Then I remember touching your hair, and there was some talking, but I don’t remember what was said.” He turned his face from you. You could tell you’ve struck a nerve. “I know it must have been important based on your behaviour this morning.”

He didn’t say anything he just stood up. “I think I should leave now. Thank you for dinner.”
He walked to the door. It was almost like running that’s how long his strides are. You were up in a second chasing after him.

“No.” you yelled after him. “You have to tell me. What did I say? How did I embarrass myself this time?”

He stopped and turned to you. “What makes you think you were the one embarrassed?” His eyes boring into yours.

“I’m always embarrassing myself. You would never do anything stupid.”

He just stared at you for a minute and then fell to the ground with his hands in his face. “It wasn’t you _______. It was me. I embarrassed myself.”

“What, it couldn’t be you.” You sat on the ground in front of him. You have to look at him.

“Do you really want to know?”

“Of course or I wouldn’t have asked.”

“It will change how you think of me.”

“Nothing could change that. You’ve been nothing but a gentleman since I’ve met you. Except for the whole not talking to me this morning.” You smiled at the last part. He just looked more saddened by your comment.

He straightened up and looked you in the face. “That just makes this even more impossible. I’ll never treat you right. I don’t know how to treat people.”

“What are you talking about? You were fine tonight. Even if you didn’t get my jokes.”

“You’ve been so sweet frau, and I’ve been ghastly.”

“No you haven’t. Now stop stalling and tell me what happened last night.”

He looked at you and asked “Are you absolutely sure you vant to know?”

“For the last time YES.” Now you were starting to get annoyed with him.

“Fine, I’ll tell you.” He paused and took a breath. “After dessert and your three glasses of wine you started flirting with me.” You felt the blush warm your face. How could you be so stupid? “Und I liked it. You asked me why I run every day. I told you it was so I could see you again.” Now you really couldn’t believe it. You started to speak but Ludwig placed a strong finger over your mouth. “Let me finish. You didn’t respond to that comment. So I told you you were special to me, and I moved to kiss you. Then you fled in terror.” You sat there speechless. This sounded like it fits with what you remember. But you couldn’t believe it. This couldn’t be what happened. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long. But I scared you off. I don’t know how to handle people. I’m sorry. I’ll leave now.”

He got up to leave and you grabbed his arm and pulled him towards you again, but instead of sitting like you were before, he fell on top of you. He was lying on top of you. You could see him blush and trying to recover his thoughts.

“Don’t leave before I’ve had my say about this.” You were trying to be forceful, but your wavering voice gave you away. “I want a moment to think about what you’ve said.”

He face was inches away from yours, and you suddenly realized you want to kiss him. He was staring at you with such intensity that you almost wanted to look away. But you didn’t. You put your hands in his hair and planted your lips on his. At first they were unyielding, but then they yielded and you heard him moaning. You realized what you’re doing. This was crazy.
You pushed him off of you and stared at him as you both sat up again.

“Vhat was that for?”

“I wanted to kiss you.” That was the only reason you can think of.

You both sat in silence for a few minutes just trying to avoid each other’s eyes. Your mind was in a jumble, but you know you wanted to kiss him again.

You inched towards him again, and grabbed his chin forcing him to look at you.

“Look, I don’t know what this is, but I like it.” You paused not sure how to convey what you wanted. You giggled, and continued. “I don’t know how to say this, but I’ve grown to like you.”

You let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding.

He stared at you in surprise.

“Say something, please.” You needed him to say something.

Instead of saying something he grabbed you and pulled you close. This action causeed you to squawk in the most unladylike manner.

“What did you just do?”

“I was surprised.” You bristled at him.

“Did you really just squawk?” You saw him trying to smother a smile.

“No I did not.” You humphed.

He whispered in your ear. “I zink you did ______.” He tilted his head back and laughed. It was
deep and throaty. Just what you expected to hear from him. His laugh caused you to smile.

“I like your laugh.”

“I’m sure you’ll make me laugh often.” He kissed your head.

You pushed away from him and looked at his face. “Look, I’ve never had a real boyfriend before, so I don’t know what happens next.”

“Well ______, I’m going to kiss you, and zen, I’m going to go home.”

“What, now? After all that’s happened to us tonight you’re just going to leave me?”

“Well I have to plan our next date don’t I? And I want it to be soon.” You laughed at the look in
his eyes.

“How soon?”

“How does tomorrow sound?”

“Perfect. I can’t wait.”

He pulled you close again and kisses you soundly. You felt his passion and returned it with gusto. After the kiss is finished he stood up and offers you his hand. You took it and don’t release it
when you’re standing.

“So tomorrow?” you said hopefully.

“My place 7pm.”

You walked him to the door, holding his hand the whole way and loving it. You stopped him at the door.

“Before you go I have one more question.” He nodded for you to continue. “Will this be our first date? Or our second?”

“Oh_____ I hope it will be the first of many.” He leaned in, kissed you, and walked out the door
to his car.

You watched him go with a huge smile on your face. Who would have thought the straight-laced German would have been such a romantic. And now he’s all yours.

End