Dein Hand, in Meine

Chapter 26

Last Caress (Pt. 2)

I led Ludwig down streets and up winding paths, across roads and through grassy patches of land. Buildings loomed from either side of us but I was too focused on getting the confused German to our destination. Too focused to even take notice in how eerily empty the city was today.

I kept on, nearly dragging my partner as he chuckled, seeming to -oddly enough,- find it difficult to keep up with me.

It must be those years of fighting, of rushing across the ever-changing terrain of the world. Of sitting in cramped tanks with the heat of the desert brewing inside. Of having to aim a weapon at another...having to chose their fate. Of pretending...hiding and swapping from one identity to another...

I shook these thoughts from my head in an attempt to stop the pain growing in the back of my throat, to hinder the oncoming tears.

We hurried across the Santa Trìnita, finding that the bridge in fact lacked a human presence as well. The same eerie air had fallen over us again. Nothing but the statues of the four seasons accompanied us along the way.

As we reached the end of the bridge, I pointed forward, knowing exactly where we had to go from there. I squeezed the German's hand as we moved forward, past each transcendent structure.

I came to a halt when I reached a small alleyway, a space wide enough for a few people to slip through. I smiled. Hurriedly I led Ludwig through the crevice, tugging his arm when he gave me an unsure look.

"Trust me, this is it. Come on!"

I whispered, giving his arm another tug.

He nodded with a sigh, finally following me through. His body was built enough to probably get caught in the tiny expanse, but somehow we both made it through.

On the other side, I was content to see what I had expected; a blanket laying across a grassy area and a minuscule view of the night sky-which was brimming with stars.

I immediately walked over, taking a seat on the spread-out cloth. It had always felt safe here, which was why I was glad to see my arrangement still the way it was when I had visited last time. I patted the spot next to me, glancing toward Ludwig with welcoming eyes.

He stood there awkwardly, his arms dangling to his sides. But eventually he sat beside me, leaning against the stone wall behind us. He let out another one of those stressful sighs, closing his eyes for a few seconds and then seemingly to pry them open.

The larger male turned toward me, his bright eyes piercing my dark ones.

"What were you running from, Feliciano?"

He whispered, his voice hoarse and his eyes still locked with mine.

I tilted my head to the side, unsure of what he was talking about.

"What do you mean...? I-"

He put his right hand over my left, never breaking his gaze.

"When you nearly injured yourself stumbling into me, what were you running from? If we were followed, I will be sure to 'take care' of whomever-"