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Sometimes he had a hard time showing his feelings. Scratch that; he had a hard time all the time. If he walked into a room with a stranger and they started a conversation with the blue eyed German he'd give a gruff response and so it ended.

And there wasn't a need to mention rule breakers, lazy bones, or nitwits. It seemed nearly impossible to pull this strict and over worked man from the life he had become accustomed to.

But everyone has weaknesses. He could deny them until he was blue in the face. But there were only a few people that knew about them. His love for baking sweets, taking a walk with his dogs, and his best friend, (f/n).

He watched out the window at the chill of the fall breeze that rustled threw the trees. The wind gently twirled the leaves and back to the ground they slowly floated. He wished in his heart that he could have had someone to spend the friendly days of summer with. But those days were soon to be replaced with hayrides and a warm fire. Yet that someone wouldn't be there once again and that someone was (f/n).

Turning back to his work he started on the mindless task at hand. Granted (f/n) knew about his great chef abilities and his favorite time of the season to walk his dogs was in the fall. And she also knew that after a few beers he could really let his hair down. But she never knew the real impact she had on him. So when she stopped coming over he was at a loss.

"West?" The Prussian or the albino commonly called Gilbert walked into the office that was plastered with paperwork. The red eyed man looked over to his brother that currently was scanning over a paper. Tapping the pencil on the desk was the only way Gilbert knew his brother wasn't dead or sleeping.

"Vhat?" The blond didn't move a muscle at the simple one word question. He tried to ignore his brother. But he should have been paying attention to the fast movements of him.

Gilbert quickly walked behind the desk and leaned his head on the top of the chair. The German quickly covered the paper with another before his older brother could have a chance to see it. Or so he hoped.

Gilbert smiled a little at the picture that Ludwig had hid behind some report. "Vhat are you vorking on?"

"Development plans." Ludwig flatly stated.

Gilbert walked around to the chair in front of his desk and tossed himself back. "Must be very tedious work then," Gilbert chuckled. "You might want to propose cheaper materials. You know how they always try to screw you in the final act. And what color are her eyes again?"

"(e/c)," Ludwig sighed. He knew he had been caught. "The most perfect shade." He muttered under his breath.

"Why don't you call her?" Gilbert pulled the phone off the base on the desk.

"She's much too busy for me," Ludwig sat the paperwork back on his desk and leaned back into his chair. "Who are you calling?" It should have been obvious, but why not ask anyway.

"Pizza!" Gilbert's fingers flew like lighting on the buttons on the phone as he placed it to his ear. "Hey (f/n)!"

The snickering albino's eyes said all Ludwig needed to know. Ludwig mouthed what looked liked German obscenities at him.

"I'm great! Ludwig just walked in the room. Let me hand you over." He tossed the phone at his very crossed looking brother.

Ludwig palms were overly clammy at the moment the phone hit his hands. He wanted to kill his annoying arse of brother at the moment. But taking the latter of the two he pressed the receiver to his ear.

"Hallo (f/n)," Ludwig shifted his body into a comfortable position in the chair. "I've been good. Are you free this evening?" That sinking feeling came to his stomach as he nodded. Putting on a fake smile he spoke into the phone. "It's fine! We can always get together some other time. You have a good night."

He clicked the phone off and slammed the device onto the desk. With glaring cerulean eyes he visually ripped his brother apart.

"Trust me!" Gilbert loudly proclaimed. "This is going to work out in your favor!"

~time skip to later that evening~

She picked the lacey pink bra off the floor and glared at it. This wasn't hers. Dropping it to the floor she moved onto the next article of clothing. A giggle escaped from the bedroom. There was a just a door between her and whoever happened to be on the other side.

"I'm home early!" She yelled and threw the door open. "And I see we have company!"

"(f/n)! It's not what it looks like!" Her boyfriend that had his face buried between the fair haired women chest looked up.

"Really? It looks like I'm kicking your ass out!" She hissed and grabbed some of the girl's clothes off the floor. "If you don't mind?" (f/n) managed a half smile to the woman who skulked away.

"It's my house!" He raised his voice. But quickly back down once he saw her sweltering anger.

"Your right," she grunted and stormed to the closet. Grabbing a bag she started to walk through the house and fill the bag full of anything that happened to be hers.

"Would you stop?" Her now ex-boyfriend pleaded with her. He pulled the sheet up around himself.

"That's cute!" She glanced back at the man that once had captured her heart. "Now you're shy!"

"Would you stop?" He grabbed a hold of his hand and yanked her back. He must have forgotten that she had a mean right hook.

~time skip to much later that evening~

It was dark as she walked up the sidewalk. A cool wind blew through the almost bare trees. She stuffed her hands back into her pockets. Maybe it was mistake to come here.

Watching the leaves crinkle under her feet she frowned and turned back to her car. The house was dark and they were probably asleep. No sense in waking up the household. She pivoted on her heels and started back to her vehicle

A soft orange glow casted around her and stopped her in her tracks. She should have been quicker. A few pairs of soft padded feet came around to greet her.

"(f/n)?" A familiar German accent took over the fall air. "Is that you?"

She turned and waved at the German that stood in the doorway. He rubbed his blue eyes and cocked his head to the side. He tried to rub the sleep from his eyes that almost pleaded to close again.

"I was in the neighborhood," she tittered. "And I was wondering what Ludwig was up too?"

"It's almost midnight," Ludwig glimpsed down at the watch on his wrist. "Is there something wrong?"

Blackie whined at the (h/c) haired girl that stood over him. She kneed in front of him and rubbed his head. In joined the other two large canines, Aster and Berlitz. She stood after giving equal attention to each one of her old friends.

Ludwig came off the steps and walked towards the girl. She looked as if she had been crying. Her cheeks still looked stained with tears and under her (e/c) eyes seemed red.

Looking up from the trio in front of her she watched Ludwig make his way over. He still wore a white button shirt and black dress trousers. No doubt he had fallen asleep working late again. That was something she could never understand about this man. But it was also something she admired.

"Is there something wrong?" Ludwig asked again.

She drew in a sharp breath and nodded. "I…I was wondering…" She speculated on how to phrase her question. It shouldn't be that hard. But even since she had meet that cheating scum of the earth she had seen less of Ludwig. But they had made that promise to help each other no matter what.

"Ja? Wondering what?" He crossed his arms.

"I was hoping I could stay here." She whispered. "Just for a bit."

Ludwig smiled inward. She didn't have to ask twice, but might as well keep up appearances. "I guess you can." He sighed but chuckled lightly.

She snorted at his poor attempt to act as if he was being put out. "I can always sleep in my car tonight." She pointed back at the car that idled at the end of the driveway.

"Shut your mouth," he rolled his eyes, "and get in the house."

"Aye aye captain!" She gave a dorky salute and called the dogs to follow her. "Can you grab my bag from the car?"

Ludwig nodded his head and chortled at her childishness. Ludwig did as he was asked. Swigging the cloth bag over his shoulder he started for the house.

"Looks like you're staying for more than just a 'bit'?" Ludwig dropped the flimsy bag on the hard wooden floor of the living room. "Won't what's-his-face be missing you?" Even he knew he voice had a hint of jealousy to it.

"That jackass decided that we should see other people." She sighed unfazed by his tone. "I just wish he would have told me, so we both could have been on the same page."

Ludwig frowned at the scorned lover sitting on his sofa. Should he go over and try to comfort her? Or stand back let her talk?

"Why do you pick men like him? This isn't the first time." Ludwig stated matter-of-factly.

Leave it to Ludwig to go right to the quick. It was accurate this wasn't the first time, maybe the fifth or sixth? You lose count after awhile.

"Because Gilbert is always busy," she smiled. "And I'm waiting for Mr. Right. But the man never gets the hint." She rung her hands to together and bit her bottom lip. Knowing perfectly well that Ludwig had turned her down before so she kept those feelings for the German bottled up.

He snickered and nodded. "Gilbert wouldn't know what to do with you."

"Maybe you know someone who would?" She winked.

"No," he shrugged and dropped down in the recliner. "But you'll find someone one day (f/n)." He gave a reinsuring smile. "There's someone for everyone." He just felt that didn't apply to him.

It was hopeless with this German!

"Ludwig it's…"

"(f/n)! I thought I heard the awesome voice of you!" Over the back on sofa hopped the boxer clad Gilbert. He landed next to her and tossed an arm around her shoulder. "Vhat are you doing here?"

"Stupidly bought me here," she grumbled and pushed his heavy arm off her.

"You didn't have to come on a count of me!" He cackled loudly. "And Gilbird says Hallo too!" He pointed to the now sleeping bird perched on his head.

"Right then," she rolled her eyes and pulled the fabric bag off the floor. "I'll just change and take the couch."

Gilbert waited until (f/n) was out of earshot. "You're not going to let her sleep on the couch, are you?"

"Of course not," Ludwig placed his elbow on the arm of the chair and watched his brother's red eyes gleam. "She gets the spare bedroom."

Gilbert rubbed the sides of his face in annoyance causing a red glow to flow to his cheeks. "That's not what I mean."

"Then what do you mean?" Ludwig groaned. "She just broke up with her Arschloch of a boyfriend."

"And what would be a…"

"No Gilbert!" He shook his head fiercely. He couldn't take another time of rejection from her. Each and every time he had gotten the nerve to ask her out she come home with a new boyfriend.

"Ludwig?" Out walked a towel covered (f/n) from the bathroom. "It seems in my packing I forgot pajamas. Do ya think I could borrow a shirt?" She fixed the fluffy white towel around her chest.

"Ja," he nodded and walked up the stairs. She looked delectable in that towel. But he had to remember they were just friends and nothing more.

"That's a nice look for you (f/n)!" Gilbert chuckled.

"Stupid," she huffed.

"I know you would rather my Bruder say that," that sparked a smile to form on his lips, "but he won't get the hint."

She nodded and went to address his statement. But quickly shut her mouth as Ludwig made his way down the stairs. In his hand he held out a shirt and she snatched it from him quickly making it back to the bathroom.

Out she came in a black 'German's do it Wurst' shirt. The article of clothing almost came to her knees. Sitting back on the couch near the albino but still far enough away.

"I thought you said you lost that shirt?" Gilbert asked his brother that had made himself comfortable in the chair once again. "That was like an awesome Christmas gift!"

Ludwig rolled his eyes and shook his head. He already had been through this with Gilbert.

"You can have the room upstairs," Ludwig said, "the guest bedroom."

"Or you could share my room!" Gilbert snorted at his comment.

"Gilbert," she said and reached over and patted his bare knee, "no."

The sliver haired man pouted but twisted his face in a devilish manner. "That's fine! It's Ludwig who rather…."

Ludwig cleared his throat and waved his hand in the air. "It's late. We can talk more in the morning. A good night sleep is what you need (f/n)."

Gilbert was going to be beat around the room if he kept it up. He just had to wait to find out who it was that going to do the pounding.

~time skip to the next morning~

"Did you sleep well (f/n)?" Ludwig asked over his coffee mug. His blue eyes scanning over the paper that sat perfect on the dark oak table.

"As good as can be expected," she sighed. Reality of breaking up with her boyfriend was hitting her hard now. Maybe a little self pity for her today? That might just be the plan.

"I'm just waiting on Gilbert to get up," he flipped to the next page in the world news, "I'll make breakfast then."

She scrapped the chair across the floor and dropped down onto the cold wood. Laying her arms on the table she rested her head into her arms. Once the sound of the loud albino pounded up the basement stairs she groaned.

"Is she dead?" Gilbert asked and yanked sharply on her (h/c) hair.

"No! But you will be!" She straitened up quickly at the pain that shot threw head. Glaring her (e/c) eyes at the cocky Prussia she blew out an annoyed breath. He wasn't worth it this early in the morning.

"What's for breakfast?" Gilbert dropped down into the free chair between (f/n) and Ludwig. He adjusted himself into a comfortable position and propped his feet on the top of the table.

"Let me," (f/n) stood and cracked her back. "It's the least I can do since you let me stay here last night."

The two brothers looked at each other and grimaced. It wasn't that she was a bad cook…okay Arthur's cooking was five stars compared to hers.

"Don't give me that look!" She chuckled. "I've got a lot better at cooking since the last time."

"You burnt water!" Gilbert exploded with laughter. "How in the wide world of leather do you burn water?"

Ludwig nodded and let out a small laugh.

"Don't encourage him!" She tossed her hands on her hips and look fiercely at the blond German. "Just wait and see!"

~mini Time skip~

"You can make eggs," Gilbert rolled his eyes. "Big deal!"

"And toast!" She held up the triangle piece of pumpernickel bread.

"Vhat do you two have planned for today?" Gilbert shoveled the eggs into his mouth.

"Work," Ludwig grunted.

"Feeling sorry for myself," (f/n) sighed.

"You should take the dogs for a walk," Gilbert said threw a bite of toast, "and you should go with Ludwig." He pointed his fork at (f/n).

(f/n) looked over to Ludwig who was contemplating the idea. It wasn't a bad idea. "Ja, I guess I could. Do you want to come too Gilbert?"

"No!" Gilbert sternly shook his head. "I've got awesome things to do today."

"Then I'll get changed Ludwig," (f/n) flashed a smile towards the German. "Then we can be off?"

"Sounds good to me." He nodded and watched the girl walk away that happened to still be in his shirt. "What are you planning East?"

He gave a shocked look towards his younger brother. "Me?"

"Ja you." Ludwig jeered.

"I think you need to know there is more to life than just work." The Prussian stated point-blank. He wondered why his brother never learned that.

"Ready!" (f/n) said and carried in three leashes.

"You two kids have fun!" Gilbert chuckled and leaned back in his chair watching the two leaving. "Plan: Hook and Line is a go!" He fist pumped the air.

"What was that?" Ludwig called from the living room.

"Nothing! I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing!" Gilbert yelled loudly from the kitchen.

"Why do you let him watch 'Hogan's Heroes?' "(f/n) asked completely serious. "You remember when you let him watch 'Get Smart'?

~time skip to late in the afternoon~

It was a beautiful out in the park on this fall day. It gave proof that the lazy hot days of summer where coming to an end. The fireflies, picnics, and baseball games were on the brink of being put away for another year.

But the cooler air and gentle breeze would be embraced and welcomed. Ludwig watched (f/n)'s hair caught by the soft wind and tussled; maybe this why he enjoyed the autumn. How he wished it could be his fingers that ran gently threw her hair.

She held onto Aster's leashes. He was the most calm of the three and hardly ever pulled. All the dogs kept a brisk pace ahead of them.

"We could let them run." (f/n) said and kneeled next the Aster's collar. Off she snapped the shiny metal hook and Aster ran out towards the grassy mound.

A low whistle came from the dark and bare words. That set the other two dogs to twist around the German's legs and his companions with their leashes that where yanked from his hands.

The two bodies intertwined together. She squealed as she fell forwards into the German's arms that steady her from toppling over.

"Blackie! Berlitz!" The German order loudly as he released the girl from his hands. He clapped loudly to stop the two canines from running amuck. They stopped at their master's voice and waited for him to let them also run free.

"What the heck was that about?" The girl fixed her jacket that had wrinkled from being pressed into Ludwig.

"I don't know." Ludwig peered into the woods that the sound came from. Once he realized how he held (f/n) he blushed slightly.

She dropped down on the hilly part and watched the dogs chase each other. She patted next to her and waited for Ludwig to join her to watch the wonderful fall colors.

Tall, willowing trees with lengthy brown arms now gave way to the most vivacious of colors. Rich reds, brilliant yellows, full-bodied oranges, and mahogany browns adorn the trees. Soon enough, what was left on the tree would decorate the ground.

"There's something nice about sitting here with you, Ludwig." She scooted closer to the blond. "You make everything better." Her words came out as a mummer as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Its…umm…" He watched her head snuggled into his shoulder. He was at a loss for words again. It was always when she showed him any affection. "A good day to make pie." He bit the inside of his cheek. Pie? He wanted to kick himself. Was that really the best thing he could come up with?

She giggled at his response. "If you say so, Ludwig."

~time skip to the next day~

"Gilbert?" Ludwig stormed down the stairs ready for bear.

"Ja?" The albino looked up from the book he happened to have his nose in at the moment. "Vhat's up?"

"Where are my suits? Jeans and shirts?" The German held onto the towel that was wrapped around his waist. "All I have left is mien Lederhosen!"

"And that cute little hat! And that nice green vest that brings out your eyes!" Gilbert chuckled. "Now go put them on and go take (f/n) to Oktoberfest!"

"Do you have a death wish?" Ludwig huffed.

"Gilbert!" In stormed (f/n). "Where in the Hell are my other clothes? All I've got is this!" She pointed at the short dark green dress with white apron. "And what the heck is up with this shirt? If it was any lower I'd fall out!"

"I made some alteration! I bet you didn't know I could sew so well!" Gilbert went back to his book and began to read. But once he realized that the two weren't going anywhere he slammed the book shut. "You two go to Oktoberfest and I'll return your clothes safe and sound. If not…bonfire!"

Up the stairs pounded the German to change into his traditional outfit. He couldn't remember the last time he had to wear it.

"What's your plan, Gilbert?" (f/n) eyed him up and down.

"Plan?" He smiled. "My Bruder works so hard and needs a break. There is no plan."

~Time skip~

"You look cute, Ludwig." She chortled and poked him in the ribs. "I'm glad you decided to wear the hat too."

"Well you can't wear all this," he motioned his hand in a sweeping manner, "and not wear the hat too."

"I wonder why Gilly likes to make our lives a living hell. He's always doing thing like this to us. Remember when we were little and he locked us in that woodshed?"

"How can I forget," Ludwig rolled his eyes, "when my Vater and yours found us, they were so mad."

"But it was all in good fun!" She slipped her arm around his. "Shall we eat?" She used her free hand and pointed to one of the many food tents. "Gilbert said we stay here at least two hours before he gives back our regular clothes, so we might as well have some fun."

"Sounds good to me!" He pulled her towards the tent and order up a large stein of beer for himself and her. Chugging half of the amber elixir he could feel himself loosen up. "Aren't you going to drink?" He motioned to frosty mug with his. "Don't want your beer getting warm."

"No," she shook her head. "You drink and have a good time."

~time skip: four hours~

"Come on!" (f/n) let the drunk German lean on her as she made her way to his car. "I think you've had enough Luddy. And it's been over two hours."

"I've always liked when you called me that!" He hiccup and laid his head on her shoulder. "You smell so good too!"

"You're drunk, Ludwig." She said and yanked the back passenger side door open. "Now you get back here and I'll get you…" She squeaked as she was pulled on top of the German. He grinned at her as she used her hands to steady herself.

"(f/n)," he tried to pulled her down.

She laughed and patted the side of his face. "Ludwig! Let's not do something you'll regret!" How bad she wanted to kiss him. Put found her composer and snaked her way from his grasp. Slamming the door shut she went around to the other side. Looking in the review mirror she watched the tall blond drift off to sleep.

~time skip to the next day~

"How could that awesome plan not work either?" Gilbert looked at little yellow ball of feathers that flapped in the air. "Should we try Plan: Pumpkin?"

A loud groan echoed into the kitchen as Ludwig dragged himself to the kitchen table. He dropped into the chair and watched his brother closely.

"You know how much I hate you, right?" He muttered and gripped his head. "I think I might have kissed (f/n)."

"No," Gilbert tsked. "I don't know how you can be so unawesome! Are you sure you're mien Bruder?" He watched his brother pale and lay his head in his arms. "I would have screwed the sexy (f/n) by now."

"Only it your wildest wet dreams!" (f/n) snarled as she made her way over to the fridge. "And don't ever fold my underwear again Gilbert. It's creepy."

"I was just being helpful after I returned you clothes!" Gilbert snickered. "But I must say Fräulein; you have a lot of sexy things!"

"Stop yelling!" Ludwig raised his head from the table and winced at his own loud voice.

"Today we are going pumpkin and apple picking," Gilbert crossed his arms, "for 'tis the season!"

"I don't feel like it." Ludwig laid his head back down. "And why bother getting one? You and your stupid friends end up smashing in the middle of the street on Halloween anyways."

"Because I said so." Gilbert said threw gritted teeth. "And it would be fun."

"It does sound like fun Luddy." (f/n) smiled. "Just like old times!"

~time skip to the Pumpkin Patch~

"Gilbert," Ludwig grunted, "please stop playing matchmaker." He crossed his arms and was getting ready to the read the riot act to his older brother. "If I've told you once, I've told you a million times – we are just friends."

"Maybe she wants more!" He pointed the girl that was currently checking out pumpkins that sat in row on the ground. "You'll never find anything that great again! (f/n) care about you! Balances out your sternness and even know about your weird fetishes!" Gilbert tossed his arms in the arm. "A past all that she still talks too you!"

"But she's turned me down so many times." Ludwig glanced back over to the girl that picked a bright orange pumpkin up and rapped gently on the side.

"Maybe she thinks the same way you do?" Gilbert drew in a breath. Could they both really be this thickheaded?

"We're getting this one boys!" She proudly carried over a perfectly round pumpkin. "It's awesome."

'Or I could keep her for myself?' Gilbert questioned himself.

~Time skip to Halloween Night~

"Gilbert, you really aren't going to go out with Francis and Toni to get candy, are you?" (f/n) ripped open a bag of candy and poured it into the bowl.

"Ja!" Gilbert put in the fake pointy teeth he pulled from a plastic pack. "You and Ludwig should come too!"

"We're going to hand out candy," she rolled her eyes.

Gilbert glanced down at the paper that happened to be sitting on the table. A few red circles were around apartments for rent that caught his eye. He picked the paper up and read them over. She was planning on moving?

"What's this?" Gilbert shook the paper at her. If she left Ludwig's house, it was going to be even harder to get them together.

"I can't stay here forever Gilly." She sighed.

"Yes you can! You just have to tell my dumb Bruder that you love him!" Gilbert exclaimed.

"He doesn't feel the same way about me." She picked up the bowl of candy and cradled it in her arms. "So come off it!" She stomped off towards the porch were Ludwig waited for her.

"Then I have no choice! It's the final plan!" Gilbert rushed out the door.

~Time skip~

"Hey kid!" Gilbert leaned against the neighbor's fence out of sight of the two star-crossed lovers on the front steps.

"Yeah?' The child dressed as a monster questioned the creepy looking man.

"You see those two people over there handing out candy?"

The kid nodded. "So?"

"There's a bag of pixie stixs if you do tell them something." Gilbert held out a large bag full of multicolor candy sticks.

"Make it twenty bucks and got yourself a deal mister!" The kids crossed his arms.

"Damn little brats," Gilbert hissed and pulled out his wallet.

The kid listened to every word Gilbert wanted him to say. And up he walked with his bag opened for the candy that (f/n) was handing out.

"Listen," the little boy sighed and looked into the bag at the candy she dropped in. "There is this weird white haired guy that wanted me to tell you what a great couple you two would make. But I don't know why he doesn't just tell you that! You two should hook up!" He turned to leave.

"What?" Ludwig squinted his eyes at the boy that just sideswiped them both.

"Jeez! Because he says you both love each other!" The kid yelled back.

"What the heck! You little Scheißkerl! I paid you twenty bucks to…tell…" Gilbert took a double take to the two that sat on the porch in a tender embrace.

Maybe it was worth a twenty then… and maybe they weren't that thickheaded after all.