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“Mom, I’m fine.”

“__________ ___________, don’t come at me with this nonsense. You were on a comatose state, for god’s sake! Don’t ‘I’m fine’ me!”

You pinched the bride of your nose and let an exasperated sigh out. “Mom, for the tenth time, I’m alright, okay? I get that you’re worried but please don’t freak out!”

“I’m not freaking out, _________,” she said, and the live video chat on Skype showed as she frowned, eyebrows knitting together.

“Of course you’re not,” you deadpanned while rolling your eyes. “Mom, look, it’s been, like, what? One day and half since I got out from the hospital, and 3 days and a half since I woke up? You want details, I’ll give you details. My muscles are sore, I have a light head ache and my ass hurts from sitting on this damn wooden kitchen chair for more than two hours straight.”

“Don’t swear, __________, it’s not polite. And don’t say ass – it’s butt for you, young lady.”

“God, mom!!” you grunted through gritted teeth and running a hand through your (h/c) hair. “I’m not fucking five!”

“___________!! You better stop with it!! Where’s your Christmas spirit? Ok, forget it, you don’t need Christmas spirit to stop swearing. Do not swear anymore, are we clear?” she said darkly and you couldn’t help but flinch internally. Once a mother, always mother, wasn’t it?

“Yeah, whatever…” you groaned in a softer tone, but still not willing to bow your head. You saw her sigh and you did the same, putting your elbow on the table and resting your head on your palm.

“So, how are you feeling, dear?”

“I told you, most of my muscles ache due to the lack of exercise and the doctor said it’s normal and that it’ll take a few days before I get back to normal. I lost weight since I didn’t ate for nearly two weeks , but that’s also alright, Dr. Bensch said that it’ll only take a while for me to eat steak and all that things again since my stomach probably won’t keep it inside for now; I’m doing fine with bread and soups, though. Hm… what else…. It freezing cold outside but luckily Ludwig and Gilbert have heaters in almost every room of the house, so it keeps warm. I’m literally banned from doing anything for the next week, so yeah, I’m either on my bed or on the couch – Ludwig doesn’t even let me help him with cooking or washing the dishes! Honestly, I feel bad for being so useless…”

It went silent for a few seconds, and you started to worry that there was no more internet connection. But you mother spoke again, breaking any doubts down.

“That’s good. That’s very good, I’m relieved,” she smiled and you felt a smile form on your own lips. “I assume both of them are taking great care of you, right?”

You nodded heartedly, a soft expression painting your face. “They are…”

“And I assume you and Ludwig are more than just friends now,” she stated, an eyebrow rising and a playful smirk on her face. You felt your cheeks growing hot and blood rushing up, giving them a nice red color. You looked at your lap when your mother laughed. “I’m happy for you, ___________. It calms me to know you finally found someone to love so dearly.”

You lifted your gaze to meet hers and smiled wider, the blush still on your face. “Thanks, mom. I really do love him… and I’m glad that you accept him either…”

“You’re welcome, love. And well, it’s not like if I have much of a choice, right?”

You looked at her, eyes widening in a quick pace. What did it mean? She didn’t have a choice? So it meant she didn’t really approve the both of you? Was she feeling forced to-

Your trail of desperate thoughts were interrupted by her laughter. You looked up to meet her eyes and you could swear your expression must have looked stupidly comical. “Oh, love, I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist it- You-… I mean,- I’m sorry, dear…” she managed to say between fits of laughers. You gazed at her dumbfounded, your already red cheeks getting even redder; great, now even your mother got to make shitty joke with you.

“Screw you, mom…” you whispered, barely audible so she wouldn’t scold you once again. You were going to pout on her but decided against it when you heard the front door open. Your whole face changed, a shiny light brightening your eyes. “Mom? I gotta go, Luddy is back!”

“Oh, wait, wait, wait!! Let me talk to him! It’s been so long since I last saw him! Let me see what kind of boy he turned into!”

You blinked twice and nodded discretely. Why were these kind of situation, aka boyfriend meeting family, so awkward?

“_________, I can see how flustered you’re getting~” your mother teased and you wanted to hide under the table. “C’mon, sweetie, it won’t hurt! I already know him!”

“Yeah… whatever you say, mom. I’ll go get him!”

And with this excuse you lifted your sore ass from the chair and walked out of the kitchen into the main corridor, already seeing Ludwig, who was currently occupied with taking his layers of coats off. “Welcome home, Luddy!” you said, a smile on your face as you walked towards him.

“Hey, Liebe,” he answered, his ocean blue eyes locking with yours. You almost caught your breath as you saw the amount of affection that reflected on his orbs; they always showed so much caring, so much love, that you sometimes it worried you that you weren’t showing him the same. You loved him so damn much, and sometimes you asked yourself if it was humanly possible to love someone so much, no matter how cliché that sounded – and god, were you afraid that he didn’t see it, that you didn’t show it properly.

“__________, what’s wrong?” Ludwig suddenly asked, and you noted that he was standing next to you, a conflicted look on his eyes. You blinked twice.

“Huh?”

“You looked lost into your thoughts, and you were biting your lip – you always bite your lip when you’re worried. Is everything alright?”

See? That’s exactly what you meant. He was always taking care of you, always looking after you. He never gave you the chance to worry after him, he was always smiling so softly at you, and his eyes were so tender, so loving, so adoring. It had been always him taking care of you, even when you were kids; he always protected you and never showed if he was hurt or unsatisfied. You came always first, no matter how bad and hard the situation was. And good lord, it felt wrong.

“_________?” his voice was getting anxious, and you numbly felt as he cupped your face. “__________, look at me, what’s wrong, Liebe?”

You sank your teeth deeper into your lower lip. It was wrong. You wanted to help him either, you wanted him to see how much you loved him, wanted him to realize that you cared for him just as much, if not more, as he cared for you.

Without any warning you pushed him into a tight hug, pressing your cheek against his chest. You felt him stiff for a second and quickly wrap his arms around you, hands softly petting your loose hair. “I love you, Luddy. Love you, love you, love you.”

He chuckled lowly and whispered back, “I love you too, ________.” And after a few seconds he added in a smiling tone, “Zhis was so out of zhe blue…”

You held back a giggle. “Just wanted to let you know…”

A joyful breath caressed the top of your head and you pushed back to look at him. “Mom’s on Skype. Says she wants to talk to you.”

“Is zhat so?” he asked, pulling your bangs up and placing a kiss on your forehead.

“Mhm…” you hummed, and kissed his jawline in return (you swore you saw him shiver, and that made a light blush creep on your face). A faint laugh escaped your lips. “Come on, let’s go. It’s never great to let the monster waiting.”

“Whatever you say, Miss,” he responded, a delightful glint on his eyes. You smirked and grabbed his cravat, pulling him down and connecting your lips on a quick and teasing peck. When you backed off, you were surprised with Ludwig’s red cheeks and wide eyes. You laughed for real this time, covering your mouth and turning on your heels, already walking away.

“Point for me, Beilschmidt!”

Ludwig allowed a playful and rare smile to form on his features and walked after you, muttering something about “You’re impossible” and “I love you anyways” under his breath. You grinned to yourself.

Both of you entered the kitchen and Luddy placed his grocery bags on the counter while you sat back on your chair. “We’re here, mom!” you said a little louder, once your mother was nowhere to be found on the video image. It didn’t take too long and her head pocked up from behind a wall.

“Took you long enough! I was just making coffee, hold on for a minute, dear!!”

“Okay~!” you said affirmatively, and turned your attention to the blond man, seeing he was unpacking and guarding his shopping bags contents on the larder, while another part he just let on the sink. You saw butter, vanilla essence, sugar, dark chocolate and eggs. “Luddy, are we doing anything?” you asked, genuinely out of curiosity.

He added milk alongside the other supplies and glanced up at you. “We’re making nothing. I’m going zo make Christmas cookies for zonight and you’re going zo patiently sit on the sofa, doing what you’re supposed zo do, zhat is rest.”

“Nope, forget it. I’m helping,” you declared, crossing your arms in front of your chest.

“Nein, you’re resting.”

“Luddy, pleeaseee! I’ve been resting for the whole day, at least let me help you with baking!”

“___________,” he sighed. “Zhere’s no point in this conversation. I’m going to do this alone and zhat’s it. Zhe end.”

“Ludwig, I’m serious. I’m not five years old, I can take care of myself, if I’m not feeling well I’m going to stop. Besides, it’s boring to do nothing all day long. It’ll distract me.”

“Nein,” was the only answer you got.

You looked angrily at him, running your finger through your hair and letting a loud grunt out. You were not about to fight with him over something so stupid and childish, but goddammit, it pissed you off. “Fine. Fine, I’ll sit on my chair like the obedient kid I am and watch as you work after you just got home from work. Fine. If that’s what you want.”

You heard as he sighed loudly, while taking his pink apron and wrapping it around himself.

A few seconds went by with a tense atmosphere that both of you refused to break, pride too big to step over. That was, until you had enough and whispered, regret in your voice, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that…”

He turned to look at you, his shoulders relaxing significantly. “Ja, that’s okay, I’m sorry either, I was too harsh. Es tut mir leid, _________.”

You smiled at him, glad it didn’t go worse and eager to change the subject. “Hm… so how was your day?” you asked while eyeing him as he took some bowls and spoons.

“Pretty much zhe same as always… I also went to zhe hospital and took care of the bill, so zhere’s nothing for you zo worry about.”

Your eyes widened. “You paid the bill? Ludwig!! How much did it cost?!”

He didn’t care to look at you. “Don’t worry about it…”

“Ludwig Beilschmidt, tell me right now how much it cost!”

He hesitated for one moment, but said nonetheless. “Eight thousand and five hundred Euros.”

You paled. You paled for good and felt your legs and arms go numb – you were lucky you were already sitting, otherwise your knees wouldn’t have been able to support you. “8.500 Euros… Eight thousand…. L-Luddy…” you choked on your own words.

“___________, it’s alright, you know zhat Bruder and I are from a well-known family. You remember our house back when we were kids, right? We have much more money than we need, and it makes me feel much better knowing zhat I helped you at least in one way since you arrived.”

At least in one way? He helped you with everything since you arrived Germany. He was always there when you needed. And the hell with he had more money than he needed, it was still no reason to spend such a great amount on you.

“Ludwig, no…” you shook your head. “No, that’s insane! I got sick, I pay it!”

He was already shaking his head negatively. “Nein, __________. Look, I don’t want zo boast, but we have money for a whole lifetime and reincarnation. Our family left us tons of money, and believe me or not but eight thousand is nothing compared zo what we have, so please calm down.”

“Ludwig, you don’t realize it! You’re not seeing behind it! It makes me sick knowing I’m the cause of you wasting your money. It doesn’t matter if you have money flowing out of your pockets, eight thousand and five hundred are a fucking mountain of money, damn it! It’s not fair that you’re the only one helping and not being helped. I want to do more than just be pitied. Actually, pity is the last thing I need. I hate feeling useless, I hate depending on others, Luddy!” you practically screamed the last sentence, and tears were seriously threatening to roll down. “I hate feeling weak and abusing of others! I-… It just isn’t fair, d-damn…”

Ludwig’s heart clenched painfully at the sight in front of him. He was always making you cry. He was always making you feel desperate and sad. And god, he couldn’t stand it. Placing the bowl he was currently working with, he circled the counter and walked up to you – and without saying anything he pushed you into a tight embrace, his forehead resting on the top of your head and his breath tickling your hair. You didn’t hug back, instead your arms hung numbly on your sides. But you confess you pressed you cheek on the cloth of his pullover.

“I won’t say I’m sorry for paying the bill, __________. But I’m sorry for making you cry. Gott, I’m so sorry…”

“I’m… I’m not crying” you managed to say; and it was true, you weren’t crying despite the tears that were accumulating in your eyes.

He frowned and hugged you tighter. “Zhen I hope you won’t any time soon. I hate zo see you crying, _________, it breaks my heart…”

“And it breaks my heart to know you’re the only one helping. I want to help you too, you know.”

“Just coming zo see me; just coming after me when I didn’t even contact you was enough, Liebe. You’re not useless as you zhink you are. You’re one of zhe bravest girls I’ve ever known. Zhere’s no need to feel like you’re in debt with me. If anything, I’m zhe one feeling in debt. I can’t zhank you enough for all zhe years you kept thinking about me, and for zhe will power you had zo come here barely knowing a word in German, just zo see me. I can’t. So I’m thanking you in any little way possible. Just accept it, okay?”

“Luddy, money doesn’t show gratitude nor buys happiness” you murmured, shaking your head.

“But it’s still a way – not that I pretend to use it. You wouldn’t be able to pay it anyway, am I wrong?”

Well, you certainly wouldn’t. Most of your savings had been spent on this travel after all. “Uh, yeah, but I could manage!”

Ludwig sighed. “What’s done, it’s done, so no looking back now. Don’t be angry, ok? I really just want zo see you smile, without any kind of worries…”

“… Then at least let pay you back…”

The blond man frowned deeper. “I think we already discussed it?”

“Luddy, c’mon, don’t be an ass!”

His eyebrows twitched. “An ass?”

“Well, that’s what you’re being.” You stated, not being able to contain the smirk that painted your lips.

“…I’ll let this pass for now. Just because it’s you. But you’re not paying me back.”

Your smirk dropped a little and you sighed again, for what?, the eighth time that day? You wrapped your arms around his waist and said, “Then at the very, very least you’re going to let me help you with the cookies.”

“__________...”

“No, Ludwig. Shut up.”

“Alright, alright. But if you’re feeling anything- tired, sick or anything, you’re going back to zhe couch and rest. Do we have a deal?”

“Yes, dad,” you mocked and pecked him on the collarbone, what made Ludwig smile a small smile and step a little back, just so he could see your face. “Good,” he said and then pushed your head nearer, and you could almost feel the kiss that was coming. But it never came. Instead, his lips brushed softly over your earlobe and you got goose bumps all over your arms. Then he whispered, just as softly against your ear, “But maybe you’d like to know that your mother has been watching for a while now.”

Your eyes widened once again and you pulled off your boyfriend, orbs staring at the laptop’s screen where your mother’s image looked at you with a rather bemused expression.

“Well, wasn’t this entertaining…” she said, taking a sip of her coffee and looking knowingly at you.

You wanted to die.

-----------------------------------------------

After half an hour later, you had finished an embarrassingly conversation between you, Luddy and your mother. Another one and a half hour later you and the tall German man had finished baking the Christmas cookies. And after one hour they were ready to eat.

Ludwig took a kitchen glove and opened the oven, taking the pan out of it; the smell of freshly baked chocolate cookies invading the room and making your belly rumble. You blushed lightly by the loud noise, what made Ludwig crack a playful smirk. You blushed redder. Ludwig laughed for real.

“Stop laughing at me!!” you pouted, washing your hands.

“I’m sorry, Liebe,” he said, while placing the pan on the sink and tilting his body so that his lips pressed a quick kiss on your cheek. “It’s your fault you’re so cute.”

You looked away, feeling heat rise to your face in a hotter way. Stupid handsome German man.

“So, do you want to zry one?” he asked as he put all of the little cookies on a Christmas basket.

“Hell yeah! I’m starving!” you said cheerfully and danced towards him. You took one that looked big, fat and delicious and put it almost whole inside your mouth, chewing it happily. “Oh my gosh, thish ish sooo good~!!” you ‘squeed’ like a little kid with a brand new toy and full mouth.

Ludwig snored and hid his smile behind his hand, looking caringly at you. “Well, I’m glad you like it. It’s an old receipt, but one of zhe best.”

“You kiddin’? Thish ish amaziiing~!!” you said and swallowed the last piece contently and looked at him. “You should be a cook.”

“Danke…?”

“It was a compliment!!”

“Ja, ja. I got it. By the way, zhere’s some dirt on zhe corner of your mouth.”

“Huh? Where?” you asked, rubbing your face with the back of your hand. “Is it gone?”

“Uh, nein. Here, look,” he retorted and leaned forward. Before you could do anything, he took a hold of your waist with a firm grip and pushed your face next to his, and licked the corner of your mouth. Needless to say that you blushed furiously. “Ludwig!!”

He pulled back only a little, a smile on his lips. “You called me?”

You huffed and looked away. “And I always took you for the serious and not teasing type…”

He chuckled, and it still amazed you of how the sound of his laugh made your heart flip inside your chest. Love is a strange thing…

“Everyone has zheir hidden nature, Liebe…”

“Pffff, yeah, right. You tease…”

“I could stop teasing, you know” he purred, and you nearly melted.

“Oh, is that so?”

“Ja, I believe it is…”

“Then show me,” you said, this time staring him straight on the eye. On those light blue eyes you fell for.

“Gladly,” was all he answered before connecting your lips together. It was a sweet kiss, full of caring and love, in which you felt that your body wouldn’t be able to support your weight, so you clung into Ludwig, arms flying around his neck and face angling so that your lips would fit perfectly into each other. His strong arms tightened around your waist while his tongue worked on liking your lower lip as if asking for entrance – which you gave without any second thoughts. God, how it was perfect. You were both made for each other, there were no doubts. The way his tongue interlaced with yours, the way he explored the already familiar cave, the way he always tried to deepen the kiss, and the way one of his hands would make little affectionate circles on your back while the other would lazily comb through your hair. And there was when both you had the urge for more, for something more desperate and passionate, the desire of burning fire in the depths of your heart.

The need of physical contact, the need to feel each other up to the bones, to carve a mark of possessiveness that read ‘mine’. The need to hold the other as if the world would end at any minute. Hands exploring different places, ghosting over sensitive areas and daring to go to places they were still unexperienced with. Lips leaving lips, wandering over smooth skin with the intent of leaving a warning, a note for anyone else. You belonged to him, and he belonged to you. There was a firing need to show it, to mark each other. The man’s lips found the right spot, just above your collarbone, on the crock of your neck, and sank in, sucking it and biting lightly, afraid to hurt, but brave enough to continue.

Your own hands traveled up and down the toned chest in front of you, eventually finding their way under the fabric of the blue pullover your boyfriend was wearing. Soft skin they found, tentatively stroking it, ghosting above it, teasingly slow. A low groan was heard and you were encouraged. Until you felt those rough yet surprisingly soft hands caressing the skin of your back, under your long sleeved button up shirt. Lips found their way together one again, seeking for more contact and passion and heat. Tongues danced with each other and it seemed like time stopped. A moan was heard here and there, a needy hand going further up, shamelessly, while hips found each other and bucked in a steady loving rhythm. Legs tangled together as much as they could, careful to not make them lose balance. Minds were blank, and the scene would probably look erotic if it wasn’t for the amount of love that showed off. There was lust of course, but it came nowhere near love. It didn’t look erotic, it looked beautiful. It didn’t look desperate, it looked passionate.

“Oh mein Gott, go get a room you two!” an annoyed yet amused voice snapped you out of your little moment and the two of you harshly pushed away from each other, breathes erratic and faces painted in red. Gilbert looked with a raised eyebrow at both of you, a smirk playing on his lips. “Zhe kitchen, West? Seriously?”

You burst out laughing despite being mortified embarrassed, holding your sides and tears rolling down your cheeks. A faint laugh escapes Ludwig’s mouth and he laughs along with you, a wonderful smile on his face – and you’re proud you’re the one who put this expression on his face. “I’m sorry, Gil. Pfff-bwhahahaha!!” you laughed harder and the albino man joined you.

“You two are an old couple, you know zhat?” he said, wiping the corner of his eyes. “Gott, zhat was all I needed as a Christmas present.”

You giggled, and leaned your back against Luddy’s chest, and said person passed his arms around you. You stayed there for a few more minutes after, chatting a little and eating cookies, before you decided to go to the living room and exchange gifts. You got Gilbert a yellow hoodie which was written on the back with big red lyrics ‘I AM AWESOME, SUCKERS!’ (no need to say, he absolutely loved it), and for Ludwig you got a big fluffy cream colored scarf, that suited his sky blue eyes. He thanked you with a tender kiss on the forehead and said he was in a need of a good scarf.

From Gilbert you got a short royal blue dress, that defined your curves and made you look sexier as he stated it. He gave it to you with a wink and made a discrete movement with his head, pointing at Ludwig. You shook your head, a blush on your cheeks.

And from your boyfriend you got a delicate silver necklace, which had a petit shining crystal pendant and looked absolutely beautiful. You kissed him slowly at the lips, not being able to contain the happy tears that flowed down you face.

“Merry Christmas, you two,” you said with a sweet smile.

“Yep, Frohe Weihnachten!” they said and smiled at you just as happy and sweetly.

You cuddled on the couch with Ludwig and nuzzled against his chest.

“I love you, Luddy.”

He chuckled softly and caressed your head. “I love you too, __________. And I’m glad zhat you’re here with me. I’m glad you’re back zo me.”

“Mhm, I’m also glad. I’m back to you. I’ll always come back to you.”

Description
“Mom, I’m fine.”

“__________ ___________, don’t come at me with this nonsense. You were on a comatose state, for god’s sake! Don’t ‘I’m fine’ me!”

You pinched the bride of your nose and let an exasperated sigh out. “Mom, for the tenth time, I’m alright, okay? I get that you’re worried but please don’t freak out!”

“I’m not freaking out, _________,” she said, and the live video chat on Skype showed as she frowned, eyebrows knitting together.

“Of course you’re not,” you deadpanned while rolling your eyes. “Mom, look, it’s been, like, what? One day and half since I got out from the hospital, and 3 days and a half since I woke up? You want details, I’ll give you details. My muscles are sore, I have a light head ache and my ass hurts from sitting on this damn wooden kitchen chair for more than two hours straight.”

“Don’t swear, __________, it’s not polite. And don’t say ass – it’s butt for you, young lady.”

“God, mom!!” you grunted through gritted teeth and running a hand through your (h/c) hair. “I’m not fucking five!”

“___________!! You better stop with it!! Where’s your Christmas spirit? Ok, forget it, you don’t need Christmas spirit to stop swearing. Do not swear anymore, are we clear?” she said darkly and you couldn’t help but flinch internally. Once a mother, always mother, wasn’t it?

“Yeah, whatever…” you groaned in a softer tone, but still not willing to bow your head. You saw her sigh and you did the same, putting your elbow on the table and resting your head on your palm.

“So, how are you feeling, dear?”

“I told you, most of my muscles ache due to the lack of exercise and the doctor said it’s normal and that it’ll take a few days before I get back to normal. I lost weight since I didn’t ate for nearly two weeks , but that’s also alright, Dr. Bensch said that it’ll only take a while for me to eat steak and all that things again since my stomach probably won’t keep it inside for now; I’m doing fine with bread and soups, though. Hm… what else…. It freezing cold outside but luckily Ludwig and Gilbert have heaters in almost every room of the house, so it keeps warm. I’m literally banned from doing anything for the next week, so yeah, I’m either on my bed or on the couch – Ludwig doesn’t even let me help him with cooking or washing the dishes! Honestly, I feel bad for being so useless…”

It went silent for a few seconds, and you started to worry that there was no more internet connection. But you mother spoke again, breaking any doubts down.

“That’s good. That’s very good, I’m relieved,” she smiled and you felt a smile form on your own lips. “I assume both of them are taking great care of you, right?”

You nodded heartedly, a soft expression painting your face. “They are…”

“And I assume you and Ludwig are more than just friends now,” she stated, an eyebrow rising and a playful smirk on her face. You felt your cheeks growing hot and blood rushing up, giving them a nice red color. You looked at your lap when your mother laughed. “I’m happy for you, ___________. It calms me to know you finally found someone to love so dearly.”

You lifted your gaze to meet hers and smiled wider, the blush still on your face. “Thanks, mom. I really do love him… and I’m glad that you accept him either…”

“You’re welcome, love. And well, it’s not like if I have much of a choice, right?”

You looked at her, eyes widening in a quick pace. What did it mean? She didn’t have a choice? So it meant she didn’t really approve the both of you? Was she feeling forced to-

Your trail of desperate thoughts were interrupted by her laughter. You looked up to meet her eyes and you could swear your expression must have looked stupidly comical. “Oh, love, I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist it- You-… I mean,- I’m sorry, dear…” she managed to say between fits of laughers. You gazed at her dumbfounded, your already red cheeks getting even redder; great, now even your mother got to make shitty joke with you.

“Screw you, mom…” you whispered, barely audible so she wouldn’t scold you once again. You were going to pout on her but decided against it when you heard the front door open. Your whole face changed, a shiny light brightening your eyes. “Mom? I gotta go, Luddy is back!”

“Oh, wait, wait, wait!! Let me talk to him! It’s been so long since I last saw him! Let me see what kind of boy he turned into!”

You blinked twice and nodded discretely. Why were these kind of situation, aka boyfriend meeting family, so awkward?

“_________, I can see how flustered you’re getting~” your mother teased and you wanted to hide under the table. “C’mon, sweetie, it won’t hurt! I already know him!”

“Yeah… whatever you say, mom. I’ll go get him!”

And with this excuse you lifted your sore ass from the chair and walked out of the kitchen into the main corridor, already seeing Ludwig, who was currently occupied with taking his layers of coats off. “Welcome home, Luddy!” you said, a smile on your face as you walked towards him.

“Hey, Liebe,” he answered, his ocean blue eyes locking with yours. You almost caught your breath as you saw the amount of affection that reflected on his orbs; they always showed so much caring, so much love, that you sometimes it worried you that you weren’t showing him the same. You loved him so damn much, and sometimes you asked yourself if it was humanly possible to love someone so much, no matter how cliché that sounded – and god, were you afraid that he didn’t see it, that you didn’t show it properly.

“__________, what’s wrong?” Ludwig suddenly asked, and you noted that he was standing next to you, a conflicted look on his eyes. You blinked twice.

“Huh?”

“You looked lost into your thoughts, and you were biting your lip – you always bite your lip when you’re worried. Is everything alright?”

See? That’s exactly what you meant. He was always taking care of you, always looking after you. He never gave you the chance to worry after him, he was always smiling so softly at you, and his eyes were so tender, so loving, so adoring. It had been always him taking care of you, even when you were kids; he always protected you and never showed if he was hurt or unsatisfied. You came always first, no matter how bad and hard the situation was. And good lord, it felt wrong.

“_________?” his voice was getting anxious, and you numbly felt as he cupped your face. “__________, look at me, what’s wrong, Liebe?”

You sank your teeth deeper into your lower lip. It was wrong. You wanted to help him either, you wanted him to see how much you loved him, wanted him to realize that you cared for him just as much, if not more, as he cared for you.

Without any warning you pushed him into a tight hug, pressing your cheek against his chest. You felt him stiff for a second and quickly wrap his arms around you, hands softly petting your loose hair. “I love you, Luddy. Love you, love you, love you.”

He chuckled lowly and whispered back, “I love you too, ________.” And after a few seconds he added in a smiling tone, “Zhis was so out of zhe blue…”

You held back a giggle. “Just wanted to let you know…”

A joyful breath caressed the top of your head and you pushed back to look at him. “Mom’s on Skype. Says she wants to talk to you.”

“Is zhat so?” he asked, pulling your bangs up and placing a kiss on your forehead.

“Mhm…” you hummed, and kissed his jawline in return (you swore you saw him shiver, and that made a light blush creep on your face). A faint laugh escaped your lips. “Come on, let’s go. It’s never great to let the monster waiting.”

“Whatever you say, Miss,” he responded, a delightful glint on his eyes. You smirked and grabbed his cravat, pulling him down and connecting your lips on a quick and teasing peck. When you backed off, you were surprised with Ludwig’s red cheeks and wide eyes. You laughed for real this time, covering your mouth and turning on your heels, already walking away.

“Point for me, Beilschmidt!”

Ludwig allowed a playful and rare smile to form on his features and walked after you, muttering something about “You’re impossible” and “I love you anyways” under his breath. You grinned to yourself.

Both of you entered the kitchen and Luddy placed his grocery bags on the counter while you sat back on your chair. “We’re here, mom!” you said a little louder, once your mother was nowhere to be found on the video image. It didn’t take too long and her head pocked up from behind a wall.

“Took you long enough! I was just making coffee, hold on for a minute, dear!!”

“Okay~!” you said affirmatively, and turned your attention to the blond man, seeing he was unpacking and guarding his shopping bags contents on the larder, while another part he just let on the sink. You saw butter, vanilla essence, sugar, dark chocolate and eggs. “Luddy, are we doing anything?” you asked, genuinely out of curiosity.

He added milk alongside the other supplies and glanced up at you. “We’re making nothing. I’m going zo make Christmas cookies for zonight and you’re going zo patiently sit on the sofa, doing what you’re supposed zo do, zhat is rest.”

“Nope, forget it. I’m helping,” you declared, crossing your arms in front of your chest.

“Nein, you’re resting.”

“Luddy, pleeaseee! I’ve been resting for the whole day, at least let me help you with baking!”

“___________,” he sighed. “Zhere’s no point in this conversation. I’m going to do this alone and zhat’s it. Zhe end.”

“Ludwig, I’m serious. I’m not five years old, I can take care of myself, if I’m not feeling well I’m going to stop. Besides, it’s boring to do nothing all day long. It’ll distract me.”

“Nein,” was the only answer you got.

You looked angrily at him, running your finger through your hair and letting a loud grunt out. You were not about to fight with him over something so stupid and childish, but goddammit, it pissed you off. “Fine. Fine, I’ll sit on my chair like the obedient kid I am and watch as you work after you just got home from work. Fine. If that’s what you want.”

You heard as he sighed loudly, while taking his pink apron and wrapping it around himself.

A few seconds went by with a tense atmosphere that both of you refused to break, pride too big to step over. That was, until you had enough and whispered, regret in your voice, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that…”

He turned to look at you, his shoulders relaxing significantly. “Ja, that’s okay, I’m sorry either, I was too harsh. Es tut mir leid, _________.”

You smiled at him, glad it didn’t go worse and eager to change the subject. “Hm… so how was your day?” you asked while eyeing him as he took some bowls and spoons.

“Pretty much zhe same as always… I also went to zhe hospital and took care of the bill, so zhere’s nothing for you zo worry about.”

Your eyes widened. “You paid the bill? Ludwig!! How much did it cost?!”

He didn’t care to look at you. “Don’t worry about it…”

“Ludwig Beilschmidt, tell me right now how much it cost!”

He hesitated for one moment, but said nonetheless. “Eight thousand and five hundred Euros.”

You paled. You paled for good and felt your legs and arms go numb – you were lucky you were already sitting, otherwise your knees wouldn’t have been able to support you. “8.500 Euros… Eight thousand…. L-Luddy…” you choked on your own words.

“___________, it’s alright, you know zhat Bruder and I are from a well-known family. You remember our house back when we were kids, right? We have much more money than we need, and it makes me feel much better knowing zhat I helped you at least in one way since you arrived.”

At least in one way? He helped you with everything since you arrived Germany. He was always there when you needed. And the hell with he had more money than he needed, it was still no reason to spend such a great amount on you.

“Ludwig, no…” you shook your head. “No, that’s insane! I got sick, I pay it!”

He was already shaking his head negatively. “Nein, __________. Look, I don’t want zo boast, but we have money for a whole lifetime and reincarnation. Our family left us tons of money, and believe me or not but eight thousand is nothing compared zo what we have, so please calm down.”

“Ludwig, you don’t realize it! You’re not seeing behind it! It makes me sick knowing I’m the cause of you wasting your money. It doesn’t matter if you have money flowing out of your pockets, eight thousand and five hundred are a fucking mountain of money, damn it! It’s not fair that you’re the only one helping and not being helped. I want to do more than just be pitied. Actually, pity is the last thing I need. I hate feeling useless, I hate depending on others, Luddy!” you practically screamed the last sentence, and tears were seriously threatening to roll down. “I hate feeling weak and abusing of others! I-… It just isn’t fair, d-damn…”

Ludwig’s heart clenched painfully at the sight in front of him. He was always making you cry. He was always making you feel desperate and sad. And god, he couldn’t stand it. Placing the bowl he was currently working with, he circled the counter and walked up to you – and without saying anything he pushed you into a tight embrace, his forehead resting on the top of your head and his breath tickling your hair. You didn’t hug back, instead your arms hung numbly on your sides. But you confess you pressed you cheek on the cloth of his pullover.

“I won’t say I’m sorry for paying the bill, __________. But I’m sorry for making you cry. Gott, I’m so sorry…”

“I’m… I’m not crying” you managed to say; and it was true, you weren’t crying despite the tears that were accumulating in your eyes.

He frowned and hugged you tighter. “Zhen I hope you won’t any time soon. I hate zo see you crying, _________, it breaks my heart…”

“And it breaks my heart to know you’re the only one helping. I want to help you too, you know.”

“Just coming zo see me; just coming after me when I didn’t even contact you was enough, Liebe. You’re not useless as you zhink you are. You’re one of zhe bravest girls I’ve ever known. Zhere’s no need to feel like you’re in debt with me. If anything, I’m zhe one feeling in debt. I can’t zhank you enough for all zhe years you kept thinking about me, and for zhe will power you had zo come here barely knowing a word in German, just zo see me. I can’t. So I’m thanking you in any little way possible. Just accept it, okay?”

“Luddy, money doesn’t show gratitude nor buys happiness” you murmured, shaking your head.

“But it’s still a way – not that I pretend to use it. You wouldn’t be able to pay it anyway, am I wrong?”

Well, you certainly wouldn’t. Most of your savings had been spent on this travel after all. “Uh, yeah, but I could manage!”

Ludwig sighed. “What’s done, it’s done, so no looking back now. Don’t be angry, ok? I really just want zo see you smile, without any kind of worries…”

“… Then at least let pay you back…”

The blond man frowned deeper. “I think we already discussed it?”

“Luddy, c’mon, don’t be an ass!”

His eyebrows twitched. “An ass?”

“Well, that’s what you’re being.” You stated, not being able to contain the smirk that painted your lips.

“…I’ll let this pass for now. Just because it’s you. But you’re not paying me back.”

Your smirk dropped a little and you sighed again, for what?, the eighth time that day? You wrapped your arms around his waist and said, “Then at the very, very least you’re going to let me help you with the cookies.”

“__________...”

“No, Ludwig. Shut up.”

“Alright, alright. But if you’re feeling anything- tired, sick or anything, you’re going back to zhe couch and rest. Do we have a deal?”

“Yes, dad,” you mocked and pecked him on the collarbone, what made Ludwig smile a small smile and step a little back, just so he could see your face. “Good,” he said and then pushed your head nearer, and you could almost feel the kiss that was coming. But it never came. Instead, his lips brushed softly over your earlobe and you got goose bumps all over your arms. Then he whispered, just as softly against your ear, “But maybe you’d like to know that your mother has been watching for a while now.”

Your eyes widened once again and you pulled off your boyfriend, orbs staring at the laptop’s screen where your mother’s image looked at you with a rather bemused expression.

“Well, wasn’t this entertaining…” she said, taking a sip of her coffee and looking knowingly at you.

You wanted to die.

-----------------------------------------------

After half an hour later, you had finished an embarrassingly conversation between you, Luddy and your mother. Another one and a half hour later you and the tall German man had finished baking the Christmas cookies. And after one hour they were ready to eat.

Ludwig took a kitchen glove and opened the oven, taking the pan out of it; the smell of freshly baked chocolate cookies invading the room and making your belly rumble. You blushed lightly by the loud noise, what made Ludwig crack a playful smirk. You blushed redder. Ludwig laughed for real.

“Stop laughing at me!!” you pouted, washing your hands.

“I’m sorry, Liebe,” he said, while placing the pan on the sink and tilting his body so that his lips pressed a quick kiss on your cheek. “It’s your fault you’re so cute.”

You looked away, feeling heat rise to your face in a hotter way. Stupid handsome German man.

“So, do you want to zry one?” he asked as he put all of the little cookies on a Christmas basket.

“Hell yeah! I’m starving!” you said cheerfully and danced towards him. You took one that looked big, fat and delicious and put it almost whole inside your mouth, chewing it happily. “Oh my gosh, thish ish sooo good~!!” you ‘squeed’ like a little kid with a brand new toy and full mouth.

Ludwig snored and hid his smile behind his hand, looking caringly at you. “Well, I’m glad you like it. It’s an old receipt, but one of zhe best.”

“You kiddin’? Thish ish amaziiing~!!” you said and swallowed the last piece contently and looked at him. “You should be a cook.”

“Danke…?”

“It was a compliment!!”

“Ja, ja. I got it. By the way, zhere’s some dirt on zhe corner of your mouth.”

“Huh? Where?” you asked, rubbing your face with the back of your hand. “Is it gone?”

“Uh, nein. Here, look,” he retorted and leaned forward. Before you could do anything, he took a hold of your waist with a firm grip and pushed your face next to his, and licked the corner of your mouth. Needless to say that you blushed furiously. “Ludwig!!”

He pulled back only a little, a smile on his lips. “You called me?”

You huffed and looked away. “And I always took you for the serious and not teasing type…”

He chuckled, and it still amazed you of how the sound of his laugh made your heart flip inside your chest. Love is a strange thing…

“Everyone has zheir hidden nature, Liebe…”

“Pffff, yeah, right. You tease…”

“I could stop teasing, you know” he purred, and you nearly melted.

“Oh, is that so?”

“Ja, I believe it is…”

“Then show me,” you said, this time staring him straight on the eye. On those light blue eyes you fell for.

“Gladly,” was all he answered before connecting your lips together. It was a sweet kiss, full of caring and love, in which you felt that your body wouldn’t be able to support your weight, so you clung into Ludwig, arms flying around his neck and face angling so that your lips would fit perfectly into each other. His strong arms tightened around your waist while his tongue worked on liking your lower lip as if asking for entrance – which you gave without any second thoughts. God, how it was perfect. You were both made for each other, there were no doubts. The way his tongue interlaced with yours, the way he explored the already familiar cave, the way he always tried to deepen the kiss, and the way one of his hands would make little affectionate circles on your back while the other would lazily comb through your hair. And there was when both you had the urge for more, for something more desperate and passionate, the desire of burning fire in the depths of your heart.

The need of physical contact, the need to feel each other up to the bones, to carve a mark of possessiveness that read ‘mine’. The need to hold the other as if the world would end at any minute. Hands exploring different places, ghosting over sensitive areas and daring to go to places they were still unexperienced with. Lips leaving lips, wandering over smooth skin with the intent of leaving a warning, a note for anyone else. You belonged to him, and he belonged to you. There was a firing need to show it, to mark each other. The man’s lips found the right spot, just above your collarbone, on the crock of your neck, and sank in, sucking it and biting lightly, afraid to hurt, but brave enough to continue.

Your own hands traveled up and down the toned chest in front of you, eventually finding their way under the fabric of the blue pullover your boyfriend was wearing. Soft skin they found, tentatively stroking it, ghosting above it, teasingly slow. A low groan was heard and you were encouraged. Until you felt those rough yet surprisingly soft hands caressing the skin of your back, under your long sleeved button up shirt. Lips found their way together one again, seeking for more contact and passion and heat. Tongues danced with each other and it seemed like time stopped. A moan was heard here and there, a needy hand going further up, shamelessly, while hips found each other and bucked in a steady loving rhythm. Legs tangled together as much as they could, careful to not make them lose balance. Minds were blank, and the scene would probably look erotic if it wasn’t for the amount of love that showed off. There was lust of course, but it came nowhere near love. It didn’t look erotic, it looked beautiful. It didn’t look desperate, it looked passionate.

“Oh mein Gott, go get a room you two!” an annoyed yet amused voice snapped you out of your little moment and the two of you harshly pushed away from each other, breathes erratic and faces painted in red. Gilbert looked with a raised eyebrow at both of you, a smirk playing on his lips. “Zhe kitchen, West? Seriously?”

You burst out laughing despite being mortified embarrassed, holding your sides and tears rolling down your cheeks. A faint laugh escapes Ludwig’s mouth and he laughs along with you, a wonderful smile on his face – and you’re proud you’re the one who put this expression on his face. “I’m sorry, Gil. Pfff-bwhahahaha!!” you laughed harder and the albino man joined you.

“You two are an old couple, you know zhat?” he said, wiping the corner of his eyes. “Gott, zhat was all I needed as a Christmas present.”

You giggled, and leaned your back against Luddy’s chest, and said person passed his arms around you. You stayed there for a few more minutes after, chatting a little and eating cookies, before you decided to go to the living room and exchange gifts. You got Gilbert a yellow hoodie which was written on the back with big red lyrics ‘I AM AWESOME, SUCKERS!’ (no need to say, he absolutely loved it), and for Ludwig you got a big fluffy cream colored scarf, that suited his sky blue eyes. He thanked you with a tender kiss on the forehead and said he was in a need of a good scarf.

From Gilbert you got a short royal blue dress, that defined your curves and made you look sexier as he stated it. He gave it to you with a wink and made a discrete movement with his head, pointing at Ludwig. You shook your head, a blush on your cheeks.

And from your boyfriend you got a delicate silver necklace, which had a petit shining crystal pendant and looked absolutely beautiful. You kissed him slowly at the lips, not being able to contain the happy tears that flowed down you face.

“Merry Christmas, you two,” you said with a sweet smile.

“Yep, Frohe Weihnachten!” they said and smiled at you just as happy and sweetly.

You cuddled on the couch with Ludwig and nuzzled against his chest.

“I love you, Luddy.”

He chuckled softly and caressed your head. “I love you too, __________. And I’m glad zhat you’re here with me. I’m glad you’re back zo me.”

“Mhm, I’m also glad. I’m back to you. I’ll always come back to you.”