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Chapter Text

For most of the affluent families that cared to send their boys to Kent, it was the norm to kiss them goodbye on the platform. The number 6 - direct from London central. The heavy coal engine pulled away from the weeping mothers at quarter past 8 with a dozen or so new boys aboard. Each one had been scrubbed clean, their hair tamed back by heavy grease and their patent shoes buffed to a gloss. The Kent School boys, who were only made aware of one another by their emblazoned school coats,  wore sullen looks for their summers recently lost and for the impending gloom that came with the return of a new school year.

Most of the boys were making this trip for the first time. Most, if not all, but Wolfgang.

"Be good." were his father's last words as Wolfgang was pushed towards the train, "Don't waste a good investment."

Money.

That's all his father ever seemed concerned about. What problems couldn't be solved by money? Hardly any, his father would say. Commerce and shrewd business sense had helped to grow his family fortune, and from that tidy sum had come Wolfgang's education, his private racquet lessons, the memberships at both the polo and cricket clubs, and of course his summers spent abroad.

His golden tan was evidence of his recent return from southern Italy. While most boys had gone home to their families for the summer,  Leopold had instead chosen to have Wolfgang spend his holiday in intensive musical study.

But Italy hadn't been all bad.

A pleasant memory soon gave way to a faint smile.

He toyed with the silver latches on his violin case as the sinking feeling of mid September began to weigh on his soul. Watching the window with disinterest, Wolfgang noted the sheep that dotted the sprawling countryside, it would be only another hour or so before the train would reach town. He knew this trip well. The Headmaster would be standing by upon arrival, waiting to ferry the boys to their new lives.

Welcome to the Kent School - his deep baritone would rumble in Wolfgang's ears, bringing a small smile of familiarity to his face.

As a senior, Wolfgang would be expected to assist with settling the new students of course, a task he would complete with practiced poise. He'd shake their hands, show them the new routines and help them find their way. He was an excellent ambassador for the school and with his father's recent, and sizeable donation - Wolfgang could certainly do no wrong.   

His leadership and seniority had earned him the position of school prefect, a title that he took most seriously. His considerable charm and popularity had made him the ideal candidate for such a position, as he was favoured among students and faculty alike.

Now entering his final year, Wolfgang had mixed feelings about his return to school, knowing that soon he'd be leaving the structure of Kent behind in exchange for the drudgery of the adult world. At seventeen, he wished that he had had more time to find his way - but unfortunately life seemed to be closing in on him faster than he could escape it.

"I'll miss you terribly - please write to me every day, send it to Nardini if you must - I simply cannot bare to be apart!"

Wolfgang refolded the letter, thumbing over the postage markings. He quietly tucked the letter back into his breast pocket, leaning back against the wooden bench as it jostled along with the rhythmic claque of the tracks below. He sighed softly, heart aching.

 Italy had been good.

Very good indeed.

The train whistled low as the platform came in to view, and Wolfgang could already see the hired cars waiting. Vans to load their luggage, and drivers to shepherd the boys. Headmaster Joseph was already looming at the edge of gate. Wolfgang swallowed his melancholy and rose to straighten his uniform, checking himself in the cabin's mirror.

Most of the boy's travelling that morning had been given tickets in shared cabins, an opportunity to save a few quid - but perhaps more importantly, it was a chance for the boys to meet one another before disembarking. Everyone who came to Kent hoped to find friends as quickly as possible, as most were being sent away from anyone they'd ever known!

Sharing a train cabin was the easiest way to break the ice.  

But not for Leopold's son.

"A private cabin please."

The payment slid across the counter at the wicket, instantly upgrading the one way transfer.

”But Papa - the other boys go together, shouldn't I be with them? I don't want to sit by myself for the whole trip."

"It's not up for discussion Wolfgang. Gather your bags."

Leopold never left room for negotiation.

Wolfgang smiled at his reflection in the mirror, tucking a stray piece of his strawberry hair behind his ear. What would Thomas think about his silly school outfit if he ever saw it? Wolfgang frowned. He'd probably like it!

"Silly Englishman" he muttered to himself as he gathered his things

The train doors were opened in a loud clatter that made Wolfgang jump, "Town of Kent - your arrival time is 11:13 am, please exit this way, you will find your luggage on the platform."

Wolfgang nodded his silent thanks and slid past the crew as they began to clear the train. He stepped out, blinking against the sun as he shielded his eyes. The sun was hot and the air was thick. He felt himself instantly begin to sweat under the heavy school blazer. Summer was digging its claws into the last few days of the season.

Wolfgang was suddenly greeted by a loud familiar sound.

"Master Mozart" the recognizable boom called out to him. A broad palm was soon shaking his hand before his eyes could even register a face, "Welcome back, welcome back" Wolfgang was roughly patted on the shoulder, "Thanks to your father's generous support, we were able to finish that library we were hoping for over the summer holiday. I think you're really going to enjoy it. Come, come right this way -"

Wolfgang was ushered past the other boys who were busily collecting their things and looking about with nervous uncertainty. He remembered his first year away, but watching them now, it felt like so long ago.

"Twenty new boys this year - we are quite full, which is why we are planning for a new dormitory. Now with enrollment up, finances are in excellent shape. Our next project is also for our athletics field. I know how much you love Kent athletics, I'm sure your father would agree."

Loaded into a private car, Wolfgang nodded politely while the Headmaster continued his report. "I think we can win a championship this year, we will have to make you a team captain of course."

The Headmaster chatted to him all the way from the station to the dormitory, only slowing as the car came to a halt at the main gate. "And so? Are you happy to be back then?" he asked with an expectant smile. Wolfgang's blue eyes flashed a brief cloud of sadness before they lit up again with his characteristic brilliance, "Yes, of course Sir. Always glad to be back."

"Excellent, let's get you inside so we can have you ready for when the others arrive. I hope you'll have time to assist our teachers with the freshmen."

Wolfgang nodded and bid greetings as he was led down the corridor of the old stone hall where staff and counsellors were busily preparing for the opening assembly. They were laying out hymn books and registration packages, a full school mass on the opening day was a Kent School tradition.

"Will you be accompanying the mass choir for the opening hymn?"

Wolfgang placed his violin case gently on the wooden desk of his room. It had been tucked against the wall, facing the window that overlooked the main gate. The small living space was rather barren, with no more than what was required for study and sleep. The school provided each student a single bed, a wool blanket folded crisply, a lamp, a writing desk and a chair. It was all one needed for success, and it was all just as he had left it.

All accept the second bed.

Wolfgang stared at it questioningly before looking to the Headmaster who was leaning against the door frame while he unpacked.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Wolfgang blinked, his mind still curious about the other bed.

"The hymn - at noon today, can I count on you to accompany the hymn?"

"Oh," he shrugged, "Yes of course."

The Headmaster followed Wolfgang's eye to the narrow cot, but offered nothing. Wolfgang grew suspicious of the additional furniture, but his inquiry was soon forgotten as he was soon distracted by the arrival of the new students just down the hall.

"Line up this way boys - this way please"

The sound of a teacher's voice directing traffic and the distinct claque of formal shoes on wooden floors suddenly caught both of their attention.

"Ah, it sounds like everyone has arrived - let's go greet them shall we?"

Wolfgang quickly deposited the last of his bags and closed the door behind him, following in close step behind the Headmaster. As they made their way to the gathering of new recruits, Wolfgang had already begun formulating a little welcome speech for them. As prefect, he knew his job was to serve his people. But his first task was to introduce himself to them!

Something to put them at ease...something simple....

"Good morning gentleman," Wolfgang suddenly stood tall, his voice echoed off the stone walls of the foyer. "My name is Wolfgang Mozart, and I am pleased to welcome you to the Kent School. I am proud to be your prefect for this school year and my first task will be assisting you with moving in and registration, following this morning's opening ceremonies."

The boys eyed him curiously

"Please file this way for the auditorium"

If there had been any question about the extra bed, Wolfgang would simply have the custodians remove it later. His father had most certainly paid for a single room. Wolfgang was sure it was a simple administrative error, but for now he had other business to attend to.

"Right this way gentlemen, single file please...."

The school's clergyman droned on in his monotonous voice, so much so that even the Headmaster had begun to sway in his seat. The opening assembly was always long and drawn out, but this one was made especially worse by the staggering heat wave!

Wolfgang felt his eyes grow heavy with boredom. It was so hot. His vision blurring as he quickly blinked to correct himself. This was hotter than Italy...

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?"

Wolfgang frowned, unrighteous...

His stomach knotted.

His mind flashed to Thomas.



Kissing him.



His warmth.



When they -


He jumped a little when his page turner elbowed him out of his reverie. The sermon was almost finished. "Thanks" he whispered, thankful he hadn't daydreamed through his cue. Wolfgang cracked his knuckles in preparation, shaking out his fingers and placing them over the ivory keys with relaxed familiarity.

" - ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Amen."

"Amen...." Wolfgang parroted back with the crowd, before diving into the first hymn of the service, shaking any feeling of irony or eternal damnation from his soul.


He promised himself that he'd write to Thomas later that night.




















Standing out front while the last of the boys moved their trunks to their rooms, Wolfgang chatted with the Headmaster about his summer in Italy.

"Yes, well - Papa arranged it all. Signor Nardini is a world class teacher." Wolfie blushed a little, but not from pride.

"Well your father certainly is an excellent planner, we both know that?"

"Oh actually Sir," Wolfgang began, choosing his words carefully, "That reminds me."

The Headmaster raised a curious eyebrow, "Yes?"

"Oh it's nothing a great importance, but -" Wolfgang looked about suspiciously, "there seemed to be a second bed in my room when I arrived earlier today."

The Headmaster's smile fell and he quickly tucked his hands behind his back.

"Ah yes," he cleared his throat with a nervous chuckle

Wolfgang's eyes widened in surprise, he could sense what was coming next. He crossed his arms haughtily, "Does my father know about this?"

"Well -"





The deafening sound of a fast approaching motorcycle quickly drowned out the escalating conversation between staff and student. The growling engine thundered its way right to their very feet, its leather clad driver stopping just short of their well shod toes.

Releasing the throttle and letting the engine choke and sputter until it finally died, the brazen young man finally pulled the helmet from his head, shaking his wild mess of dark curls loose from underneath.

Wolfgang, shocked by the audacity of the rogue interloper, scowled at the new arrival as he wasted no time in lighting a cigarette while sweeping his damp hair back in to place.

"Kent School?" His voice was muffled by the cigarette as it dangled from his chapped lips. Wolfie narrowed his eyes at the burning embers, placing his hands on his hips authoritatively. How dare he!

"Young man, there is absolutely no smoking permitted on school property" the Headmaster began sternly, but the boy pulled it from his mouth without argument while raising his hands in defeat.

"No problem" he muttered under his breath as he flicked the smoking remnant to the ground at Wolfgang's feet, raising a defiant eyebrow towards him. Wolfgang scoffed and stepped back with a sneer, disgusted by the disgraceful display of arrogance.

The Headmaster drew himself up to his full height, straightening his shoulders in challenge to the boy's raised brow. "You must be Johann's son?"

As if the attitude hadn't been enough of a giveaway.

"Some might call me by my name..." he grumbled and sat back on the seat on his bike, shrugging against the guitar case that had been slung over his shoulders.

"Yes well, you're late for registration. By several hours in fact."

The Headmaster's tone was stern

"I should hope this is not any sort of indication for a lack of integrity and passiveness towards education on your part young sir."

The boy scoffed and barely made to disguise a roll of his eyes.

"Just got here and he's already sizing up my integrity? Unbelievable"

Wolfgang's eyes widened at the tone of complete insolence from this relative stranger!

"You'd better rid yourself of this....vehicle, you've already missed morning program and tea -"

"Oh my.." He fiend his shock, forcing Wolfgang to bite his tongue in anger. This boy had some nerve!

"Yes well, Wolfgang will show you to your room where you can change in to the school uniform. I suppose due to your charitable case, you have arrived without any of the appropriate attire?"

The boy's face fell from victorious to sudden anger at the implication.

"Wolfgang will help you find some pieces to wear in the interim. Won't you Wolfgang?"

Wolfgang stood with his mouth agape, a look of complete shock on his face. He'd dealt with many new students before, but certainly never one of this description.

"I - "

"Wolfgang is our prefect here at Kent, his family has helped build our library and athletics programs through their generous philanthropy."

Wolfgang felt his skin crawl under the boy's fiery green eyes.

He could tell he was being sized up, and he didn't like it.

Wolfgang scowled back with as much ferociousness as he could muster. Who did this kid think he was?

The boy raised an eyebrow at Wolfgang before he finally chuckled, a soft smile breaking out across his stormy face. "Relax...." he waved Wolfgang off, "let me park this thing and I'll come back, ok?"

Wolfgang looked towards the Headmaster for approval and he nodded.

The engine backfired and sputtered in a plume of thick exhaust, before the bike was kicked into gear. Wolfgang shook his head and watched as he drove off, leaving the pair alone once more.

"Are you serious?" Wolfgang turned to the Headmaster with wide eyes of disbelief

"He will never fit in here, I hope you know that." Wolfgang said with arrogant tone, "He's not like the boys here."

"I know you'll do your best to make him feel welcome Wolfgang , despite what others may say about him - and that's why I've put him in your room."

Wolfgang's mouth fell agape with shock

"What? No!"

"He had to go somewhere Wolfgang, and all other rooms were already at double occupancy."

"Then make a triple occupancy!" Wolfgang flailed, "or send him back!"

The Headmaster placed a heavy hand on Wolfgang's shoulder and shook his head, "I know you'll make this work. Thank you for your patience."

"What? Wait - no, I did not - "

"I'm trusting you Wolfgang."

Wolfgang frowned and then let out a long, frustrated sigh.

This isn't over.

"I'm calling my father - immediately."

Chapter Text

Wolfgang's call home regarding his less than desirable rooming arrangement had been long winded and dramatic. The headmaster's secretary had watched with a raised eyebrow as the angry young man paced back and forth, stretching the telephone cable to its meager limit, clutching the receiver in his shaking fist.

Normally Wolfgang was a model student - on the Dean's list for academic excellence, a star of the school cricket team and prime minister elect of the student council. He was articulate and well read, and his jovial personality - partnered with his considerable family wealth, made him a quite popular among teachers and peers alike. It was not often that the plucky young man lost his temper - if ever in fact, that anyone could recall.

The secretary paused her typing in order to listen more carefully.

Wolfgang was mad.

No - Wolfgang was livid.

"But Papa this a complete outrage!" he hissed, not caring for his overt display of emotion. This was an emergency! He could no longer contain his discontent - his current rooming situation was a complete indignation. This heinous administrative error called for immediate action!

His father's muffled reply was indiscernible, but the irritated huff that followed made it immediately clear to anyone who may have been listening in that Wolfgang was not happy with Leopold's response.

"Papa -" He began again, lowering his voice to a near whisper while looking about with great caution. Wolfgang never really cared much for prying eyes. "He seems..." his voice trailed off as he thought on choice words, "unsavoury."

In the few minutes that Wolfgang had interacted with the boy, he had been quick to judge. He felt that Ludwig seemed the type to rough house - there had to be some reason why a student would show up for senior year? Whatever the cause, it could not have been good. He already had evidence that this new boy cursed on the regular and even some hint of criminal activity! Smoking on school property was bad enough as a first offense, but Wolfgang had later caught him signing books out of the library before receiving a library card.

 Alright, so perhaps stealing a book from the school library was not the worst of all acts, but it still proved the brute's untrustworthiness. Wolfgang glared at him through the office window as he walked passed, Leopold's voice ringing in his ear. There he goes right now - Wolfgang scowled at him through the glass, eventually turning his attention back to his father's voice on the other end.

"Wolfgang? Are you even listening to me?"

He prayed Papa would see the danger in them sharing a room. A foul mouthed little bandit from a rough home who clearly had difficulty obeying the rules and who couldn't keep himself out of trouble? Not exactly the type of student Wolfgang's father would approve of for a roommate - let alone a classmate! The Headmaster hadn't given too many details on why Ludwig had been sent to Kent, but based on what he had already seen, Wolfgang could only surmise.

Couldn't Papa simply donate a little more money to grease the Headmaster's palms? How could the school Prefect be sharing a room, and in his senior graduating year no less? The whole idea was simply preposterous and Wolfgang would be having none of it!

After a solid hour of negotiating over the phone, it was clear that Wolfgang had made little progress on the matter.

"Well, it'd better not go beyond the Christmas holidays then" He grumbled with a defiant roll of his eyes, thankful that his father would be none-the-wiser on the other line, "Charity is a virtue Wolfgang."

Wolfgang sighed in defeat, sinking slowly into the armchair that had been placed phone side, not that he had even taken a moment to relax.

"I know Papa."

Wolfgang knew that he had somehow lost.

Leopold's voice was stern and dry.

"Be good, and work hard."

Wolfgang lowered his eyes to the floor, toeing the wooden floorboard beneath his feet, "Yes Papa."

"For now you'll just have to make due."

Wolfgang sighed in frustration, returning the phone to its cradle with a disgruntled clank. It was loud enough to make the secretary jump, looking up from her work at the typewriter, "Is everything alright dear?"

Wolfgang looked at her weathered face, her half moon glasses resting casually down the bridge of her sharp angled nose. She had worked at Kent for years, in fact she had been the one to register Wolfgang on his very first day when he first arrived for junior school.  Through familiarity, Wolfgang had come to appreciate her dry sense of humour and her intimidating command when dealing with some of the more unruly boys who found themselves waiting outside the Headmaster's office.

"No" Wolfgang answered truthfully with a sad, lifeless shrug

She seemed taken aback by his blunt reply, blinking curiously at him with an empathetic smile, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

He paused, thinking on it.




"No."




She cocked her head before turning back to her work, "Alright then, off you go."



"Tell your father that the Headmaster has invited him to the opening dinner in a few weeks will you?"
 


Wolfgang looked back towards the phone, then met her eye, "Of course"



There was nothing she - nor anyone could do at this point. Wolfgang was stuck with him. He quietly trudged his way back to his room with his hands shoved in his pockets, praying that he wouldn't be there.

Placing a wary hand on the knob he sighed, I should write to Thomas.





















Thomas you wouldn't believe the situation!

The rhythmic clack of Wolfgang's type writer silenced as he took a pause. What could he say to Thomas about this oddity? This....beast

He looked up curiously towards the boy who was lying atop his bed, guitar across his lap. He was humming quietly to himself, without having even attempted to say two words to Wolfgang the entire night. He was struggling to replace a broken string, though it would appear that he was somewhat novice at the task . His humming was not altogether favourable either. Finally, like in some comedic scene, the unruly string finally uncoiled itself in a bright snap!  causing Ludwig to curse under his breath. A fat droplet of blood leaked to the surface of his thumb and his face grew rather stormy. Sucking the wound on his finger he hissed another curse softly, shaking it out with a frown before resuming his work.

"Fucking thing"

Wolfgang disguised a roll of his eyes behind his letter, continuing the correspondence with a shake of his head.

I'm forced to share my room with a brutish animal who's probably never even seen a blazer in his sad, pathetic little life. He's quite angry looking, rather unfortunate actually - and all he does is sit atop his bed staring angrily across at me, or work on his ramshackle guitar. Can he even play? It remains to be seen.

If he were half the musician you are, at least we'd have something in common. From what I can tell, the boy can't even read a single note, he's likely self taught - it's quite obvious his family couldn't afford quality instruction even if it were free!

The pathetic ingrate probably wouldn't know a good education if you threw it at him, you should see the way he's glaring at me as I type this now -

Wolfgang paused, looking up over the letter once more, seeing Ludwig's arched brow aimed in his direction.



He suddenly addressed him.


"Are you going to clack on that thing all night or what?"



Wolfgang scoffed and returned to his typing without reply



Now he's trying to challenge me as I type this - how pathetic!

Does he even know who I am? I've been at this school for years! Papa has built nearly a full wing, I was appointed Prefect - I am accompanist for the weekly sermons, I've been invited to the Headmaster's home for holiday dinners. Who is he?

He's a nobody. He probably couldn't even read this letter - though I'd bet he'd want to.

Wolfgang reread that phrase, with a vague shadow of guilt passing over him for his cruel judgement of a boy who was still more stranger than foe.

He quickly shrugged it off and continued,

But how are you? Have you been practicing?

Is Nardini still adamant that you perform that Sonata that we had worked on?

You know the one...

Wolfgang let out a muted giggle, blushing at the memory before glancing up suddenly, remembering he was not alone.

A pair of dark eyes watched him curiously, their attention momentarily drawn away from the task of restringing the old guitar.

Wolfgang cleared his throat and shook it off, it's not like Ludwig could know his thoughts.

Finish the letter Wolfgang - he urged himself.


His typing continued.



I'm afraid I could use a few moments alone with you now. I still think about that one afternoon when we were finally alone, and you thought I couldn't keep you from practicing!

I always warned you that your music would bring me to my knees, didn't I?

You did sound quite distracted by the time you got to the cadenza - do you remember Nardini commenting on having heard it through the wall? Ha! He thought you had taken ill mid phrase!

What a stupid old man
 
But alas - now I'm stuck with this....

Beast!



Ludwig looked up as Wolfgang slid the bar across and reset the machine, as if he had heard that final sentence read aloud. Wolfgang staring at him was making him feel uneasy - and he didn't appreciate it. This kid had better know how to mind his own business, Ludwig thought to himself.




Anyway - he's still staring at me as I finish this letter

He'd better know how to mind his own business, because if he thinks he can interfere with what I've got going on at this school - he's got another thing coming.

Oh Thomas - I hope you make time to visit me, maybe you'll have some time over the winter holidays? Please tell me how your lessons are progressing, I'm dying to hear of your success - write soon,


Your devoted friend


Wolfgang



He zipped the final bar and the machine let out a delighted chime, just as Wolfgang quickly pulled the paper and folded it neatly into an envelope. That was not something he was going to leave just lying around, especially not with those prying eyes.

After sealing the letter, Wolfgang looked up with a smug expression, "To answer your question - no, I will not be on that thing all night. I'm quite finished now, apologies for keeping you up." He slid his letter under his pillow and drew back the blankets, crawling in to bed with a bit of shiver against the feel of the cool sheets.

Ludwig chuckled to himself, placing the guitar at the foot of his bed, it's strings finally tuned and ready.

"Good"

He shrugged on his leather jacket, its buckles clanking against themselves as he adjusted the collar.

"Where are you going? It's nearly midnight?" Wolfgang sat up, watching him slide his heavy leather boots on and drop his keys into his pocket.

Ludwig swept back his hair and with a grin, "Out?"

"Are you my mom or somethin'? Am I on watch?"

Wolfgang narrowed his eyes and shook his head, "No - I'm not your mother. "

I doubt you even have one

"You know curfew is 10 pm? If they catch you, you'll have detention."

Ludwig scoffed, "Oh ya? Guess I won't get caught then."

Wolfgang snorted at his audacity, "Oh really? Just that easy?"

"Relax kid - I'm just going for a smoke, I'll be back in 5 minutes. " Ludwig opened the door and turned back over his shoulder with a devilish grin, "Then I can read you a bed time story or whatever it is your problem is."

Wolfgang rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest, "Excuse me?"

Ludwig just smiled and shook his head with a saucy wink, "You're excused."

The door clicked shut - leaving Wolfgang with his mouth agape.

The NERVE!

"I am not a kid - we are the same bloody age! Where does he even get off?" Wolfgang argued with himself, turning to look out the window above his head - hoping to catch of glimpse of where this brat had gone to light up. Hopefully he could sic the Headmaster on him!

After a few minutes of staring off into the darkness of the school yard, Wolfgang gave up and sank back down into bed. He sighed and snapped off the bedside lamp, plunging the room in to complete darkness - he couldn't have cared less about how inconvenient it would be when Ludwig finally returned from his illicit activities. His problem!

"What a pompous little...I hope he stubs his toe on every piece of furniture in this room..." Wolfgang grumbled to himself as he hugged his pillow. "If Thomas were here, he'd...he'd....." Wolfgang's words trailed off as he yawned. He buried his nose into his pillow, what would Thomas do if he were here? His thoughts soon wandered.



Summer



Warmth - sun



Laughing -  being absolutely silly and completely breathless





Wolfgang's eyes became heavy and his breathing finally slowed to a soft, gentle rhythm.




He slept though his heart still hurt.



He missed him dearly.

What seemed like many hours later, Wolfgang was suddenly awoken by a loud crash and a string of belligerent profanities that had him sitting bolt upright as if he had been roused from a nightmare.


"Jesus fucking Christ - son of bit-"


"Ah! What? What's happening?!"

Wolfgang switched on the lamp in a panic, only to find his ungraceful roommate dancing about the room clutching his shin with a pained expression.  

"Fuck fuck fuck..." Ludwig hissed between clenched teeth, "I bashed my shin right into that stupid desk - who puts a desk there?!" he growled with an accusatory scowl, pointing to Wolfgang's type writer which had been knocked clean off the table, sending it crashing down onto the floor with a heavy thud.

Wolfgang's eyes nearly doubled in size as he leapt out of bed to retrieve it, "My type writer!" he mourned as he scooped it from the floor, placing it back in its rightful spot . He tapped a few keys to confirm its continued functionality, still good - it's ok Wolfgang, it was probably just an accident...

"Who puts a desk in the pathway of a door?" Ludwig challenged him again, still limping about the room as he kicked off his boots.

Wolfgang merely glared at him, "Who walks into a desk?"

"People who can't see in the dark!"

Wolfgang returned himself under the covers, feeling somewhat redeemed, "People who go out past curfew and break school rules that's who" he spat haughtily. He deserved that.

Tossing his heavy jacket across  his desk, Ludwig tisked - shaking his head as he pulled his ratty cotton t-shirt over his head without a care.

Wolfie's curiosity eventually got the better of him as Ludwig continued to undress and he began to watch out of the corner of his eye. Ludwig unbuckled his jeans and kicked them unceremoniously into a heap, leaving only his underwear for bed. Boxers Wolfgang noted. Old ones.

When he finally turned around, he caught a flash of Wolfgang's pale blue eyes before they quickly darted away. Ludwig paused, staring back at Wolfgang - bare chested and proud - was he just looking at me?



That  judgemental little bastard....




"I never got along well with rules - you'll find that out."



Wolfgang watched as Ludwig crawled under the blankets, punching up the pillow behind him before settling down. He was brutish - even to his bed linens!

They both lay in their respective beds in silence for a few moments before Ludwig sighed and turned away with a grumble of annoyance

"I wouldn't suppose you could turn the light out now, could you?"

Wolfgang  frowned, thinking of something quick to say.

"Well - you're not going to walk into my type writer again are you?"

Ludwig rolled his eyes, but with his back turned, Wolfgang was none the wiser.



"Whatever - just do what you want kid."





Wolfgang scowled at Ludwig's broad shoulders, reaching to turn off the lamp.




"For the record, I'm not a kid - and my name is Wolfgang."




He clicked the lamp and Instantly they were shrouded in renewed darkness




Wolfgang lay staring at the ceiling, waiting for an ornery retort, but thankfully none came. Within a few minutes the gentle rumble alerted him that Ludwig had likely fallen asleep, and with a final roll of his eyes Wolfgang tossed to his side and drew his blankets about him. Hopefully he could return to that dream about Thomas - the one he was having before the beast had so cruelly interrupted.




"Good night Thomas..." Wolfgang whispered into his pillow, "I wish you were here"



His chest ached and he let out a little sigh




"I miss you"

Chapter Text

Ludwig woke up bleary eyed and yet somehow still exhausted.

Despite a full night's sleep, a warm bed, and a full belly - he didn't feel rested at all. He'd tossed and turned all night, occasionally sneaking a glance at his roommate sleeping peacefully across the room. He couldn't help but think about how his brothers were doing in his absence. He would have written them by now, if he had the confidence to put pen to paper. Baring that, he could always phone them - if he knew Johann wouldn't be listening in on the other line.

The stillness in the air blanketed the little room in an eerie hush that drew Ludwig onto his side. He was immediately curious as to where his roommate had gone since last night? It was early still - too early for much, especially on a Sunday. The distinct lack of rhythmic click-clack from Wolfgang's typewriter made Ludwig suspicious. Where had he gone?

Was today really Saturday?

Maybe Ludwig had his days wrong - perhaps he had slept in and missed class?

The curtains had been drawn and the heavy grey gloom of the late fall morning was casting little light about the room. The leaded glass panes were fogged and dewy, enough so that Ludwig could hardly make out the trees below as they brushed up against the glass in the wind. Blustery and grey. Ludwig frowned, burying himself further under the blankets.

Summer was most definitely over.

The bright, lush colour of October leaves had finally given way to the darkened drudgery of November.  He had been at Kent a whole two months and he had hardly said a word to anyone. Naturally aloof, he preferred to keep to himself. His bubbling roommate on the other hand seemed to let forth a constant stream of excitable babble.

Ludwig rubbed his eyes gruffly with the palms of his hands as his belly grumbled. He was hungry, but  after looking at the bedside clock he sorely realized that he had already missed breakfast.

Damn it.

He scowled at the ornamental hands as they ticked past 10:05 am ....

Across the room his roommate's bed was already neatly made, with its crisp linens tucked in just so. Everything on Wolfgang's side was just perfect. His books were alphabetized, his pencils sharpened, even his sweaters and dress shoes were neatly lined and hung with measured precision in the closet.

Ludwig squinted at the spines of the novels that populated Wolfgang's shelf.

Tolstoy


Flaubert



Ugh.


Ludwig scoffed


Nerd.


Ludwig rolled his eyes as he flopped back down, silently calculating how many hours were left before lunch. However, his thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps and muffled conversation through the door.

His eyes widened and he quickly drew the sheets up about his chin, but he just as soon recognized the sound of Wolfgang's voice as it drifted through the opening door. Just Wolfgang, relax.

The soft tenor sang back to whomever was still hidden behind the door

"Ya, I'm just going to change and grab my bat" he poked his head in to check the room, not noticing that Ludwig was awake.

"Hurry up Wolfie, isn't that new kid still in there?"

Ludwig frowned.

The other boys' voices he did not recognize.

"Ya, he's probably still sleeping," Ludwig heard Wolfgang chuckle, "I left this morning and he was passed out drooling - you should've heard him snore!"

The response from his audience was stifled giggles as Wolfgang quietly opened the door, peaking in with great caution. He whispered back over his shoulder to his mysterious companions, "I'll be really quick, I'll just go in and grab - oh!"

Wolfgang jumped in surprise when he finally saw Ludwig sitting up in bed with a serious scowl, "You're uh - awake?..." he chuckled nervously, slinking in to the room and latching the door behind him.

From Wolfgang's sudden awkwardness, it was almost as if he knew that Ludwig had heard him and his friends laughing about him just now.

"I'm just going to grab my stuff for cricket - I'll be out in a couple minutes, don't mind me." He seemed almost nervous under Ludwig's stern glare, though his smile eventually softened and his attitude quickly changed to that of a proper school spokesman.

Make them feel welcome - good old Kent School hospitality!

The Headmaster's voice rang in Wolfgang's ears.

And so did Leopold's...

You are fine example of a well bred young man, so remember to act like one.

Wolfgang cleared his throat, throwing his eyes over Ludwig's mess of a bed with a disapproving click of his tongue

 "If you ever feel like getting out of bed early on the weekends, we've got a lot sports teams that run on Saturdays and Sundays here."

Wolfgang paused abruptly and turned to eye the dishevelled boy skeptically, "if....that's your kind of thing of course."

He could tell Wolfgang was judging him.

Ludwig chose not to respond but instead remained gloweringly silent as Wolfgang began to swap out his blazer for a team sweater. The cable knit pull over looked nearly unworn, with nary a thread out of place. A bright crimson C had been stitched on to the arm band, proving Wolfgang's title as captain for whatever athletic event he seemed to be preparing himself for.

Ludwig inhaled slowly, trying to swallow his own snide judgements as Wolfgang dressed.

Captain - of course he is, what else would he be? I wonder how much daddy paid for that privilege. He probably doesn't have an athletic bone in his delicate little body. I've seen girls with broader shoulders.

"I'm not really in to team sports" Ludwig finally muttered his reply, mostly looking to avoid the conversation altogether - the faster Wolfgang could leave, the faster Ludwig could go back to sleep. He only had to fill a few more hours before food and being awake was only reminding him of how hungry he was.

"Oh?" Wolfgang said with half interest as he changed his shoes, "What are you into then?"

Ludwig, dumbstruck by the inquiry, had no idea how to respond.

Was he being genuine?

Did this kid actually give a shit about what Ludwig was interested in?

Ludwig's words faltered.

What did he like?

”Besides stealing library books that is..." Wolfie chuckled and raised a knowing eyebrow as he rose to his feet. Then, a wry little smirk began to spread across his face. "Come to think of it - we don't have any teams for criminals in training. Perhaps you could captain that one?"

Ludwig felt his jaw clench as he gritted his teeth, thinking on something smart to say.

As if Wolfgang even cared about the two books on Ludwig's shelf that had been stamped by the school library - isn't that what libraries are for anyway? Which, by the way, had he cared to ask, Ludwig had full intentions of returning. Just as soon as his paperwork was finalized and they issued him a library card. According to registration, his scholarship was pending his academic probation. If he could keep himself from getting in to trouble like at his former schools, then he'd probably make it 'til the end of the year without issue. Ludwig wasn't going to let two library books stop him!

Ludwig was a lot of things, but he was no thief.

"If I were to captain a school team - I wouldn't have enough money to buy the sweater" he sneered, in an attempt to make light of Wolfgang's offense, despite its obvious sting.

Without skipping a beat a smiling Wolfgang winked and grinned, before finally slipping out the door, "You know, that's probably true!"

He chuckled at his own joke

"...so, uh - enjoy your sleep-in."





And with that - the door clicked shut.

The hands on the clock ticked in the silence that followed.

Ludwig felt his ears close over and his jaw clench.

That son-of-a....

In a flash of sudden boiling rage, Ludwig leapt out of bed and stormed over to the door - throwing it open with a low growl. That snotty little rich kid deserved everything he was about to get!


Freshly out of bed, Ludwig's hair was nearly as wild as his eyes - probation or not, this little shit deserved a beating.


He began to bark, not caring if the whole world were to hear their confrontation


"Listen you - "


But the empty silence of the corridor quickly muted his fiery rebuttal - Ludwig's anger was too little, too late. Wolfgang and his teammates had already gone, and the only reaction was that of Ludwig's voice as it echoed off of the lonely stone walls. 

He hissed through his teeth in frustration.



Unrequited anger shook his balled fists.




Bastards.

















Some time later that morning, Ludwig had decided to drag himself out of bed to explore the campus.     

He walked, with his collar up against the wind and his hands buried deep in his pockets. He noted that the grounds seemed particularly quiet, as though he had missed some great invitation. Not that he cared, he couldn't identify with these boys anyways - nor could they identify with him. Ludwig was used to being a loner, he didn't really mind it so much.

It was something that he'd grown used to.

As he rounded the corner towards the athletic field, he began to hear voices cheering and shouting.

Some sort of game. He thought to himself.

He continued his approach, assessing the scene before him.

A large crowd had gathered, including teachers, students and parents. They were bundled in their woolen hats and scarves, jumping up and down and clapping - shouting their encouragements for the students at play.

Off in the distance, Ludwig watched the sweatered boys run between the wickets, and take turns at bat. Wolfgang's reddish blonde hair was immediately recognizable, even from several yards away. Ludwig paused to watch the proceedings from the foot of the turf.

He had never been a big sports fan, and even less so for cricket - in fact, he barely understood the game with all its strange rules, but whatever they were doing, Wolfgang really seemed to have the crowd's attention.

A few girls were chatting off to the side, unaware of Ludwig's presence looming behind them.

It wasn't uncommon to see visitors from the Catholic girls school on weekends, most especially during Kent sporting events.  The Kent boys often lost their minds for their little kilts, blonde glossy curls and the sweet waft of feminine perfume. Most of the boys were completely clueless when it came to girls, but they tried anyways. The girls were mostly daughters of bankers, doctors and socialites - sent far away from the bustle of London to ensure a proper education, more likely, to get them as far away from the city's nightlife as possible. For most of these girls, boys were strictly off limits. Daddy's fortune often depended on them marrying a boy with just as many zeros in his family bank account, so keeping them locked up until a suitable match could be made was most beneficial.

Though a few of the more curious ones had eyed Ludwig before, he wasn't much interested in their antics.

Ludwig would laugh to himself as he watched the boys' awkward attempts at flirtation, and their pained expressions when the girls would laugh at their efforts. On occasion, a few girls had been bold enough to approach Ludwig himself, but he was quick to send them off with a cool glare of indifference.


Though Ludwig appreciated women, rich Catholic school girls weren't really his type.


Though the uniforms were cute enough.


He thought about running his hands up under those pleats for once, it'd be a nice place to warm up ....he flicked the ash from his cigarette with disinterest.

Mostly, he didn't want to deal with the girls afterwards.

So needy - Lord knows, Ludwig wasn't looking to be tied down.

The girls shivered in their knee socks as they continued to gossip. If he were lesser man, he would've taken a longer look at the milky thighs that peaked out from under the wool tartan, but something else had drawn his attention.

The little red headed kid had just landed some sort of victory that had the whole crowd whooping and clapping. 


"Oh my god, he's so cute - he winked at me right before the game, did you see that?"

The girls sighed

"He's a dream! That hair is perfect."

Ludwig snickered, loud enough that the girls turned over their shoulder to see him standing there, listening in on their every word. The quickly skittled away, giggling as they fled.

Ludwig just shook his head.

Wolfgang? A dream? Ha!



He  watched as the team hoisted Wolfgang above their heads, chanting his name until the whole crowd had joined in on the celebration.




He arched a dark brow before lighting himself another cigarette.



He took a slow drag, watching the chaos of the victory with an ironic smile.


Could that little brat's life be any more fucking perfect?


Ludwig scoffed at the thought and flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing the embers into the freshly lain turf. "Sorry Herr Mozart..." he muttered through his exhale, seeing the little muddy pit his boot had made in the new field grass, "that was probably expensive, wasn't it?"

"I suppose daddy can just pay for some turf repair..."

He watched the cigarette sizzle and plume as it died out.

Eventually, the crowd dissipated and Ludwig decided to slowly make his way back inside. He wasn't really looking forward to hearing Wolfgang chirp about his victory all night, maybe he could go out for ride later - but it was getting pretty cold and it looked like it might rain.

He shivered a bit, rubbing his hands together to warm them.

It was getting close to dinner - time to head in.

















At dinner, a Sunday tradition, the school served a roast to which the Headmaster lead a toast and a short prayer. He praised the Lord for the bountiful food - but more excitedly for Kent's victory that afternoon against that team from Sussex.

"And bless our team captain, Wolfgang" he raised his glass over the room, "for leading us to a brilliant victory - what a way to start off our season! Let's cheer!"

The boys whooped and banged the table tops until the cutlery shook raucously, "Alright everyone, let's eat!"

Ludwig sat quietly, brooding over his meal as Wolfgang regaled the table with stories of the field.

"I had to dive for that one - it almost got away from me, but you know - practice always pays off doesn't it?" He beamed, between bites of lamb. The boys hung on every word.

If nothing else, Wolfgang was a dramatic story teller.


Ludwig picked at his food, though his belly rumbled.


"Did you see the game Ludwig?"


He was so in his own thoughts that he'd barely registered when Wolfgang addressed him directly.


"Ludwig?"


He looked up to see Wolfgang staring at him questioningly



Ludwig stared back, not having heard the question


"What was that?"


Wolfgang chuckled and waved his knife as if to say, No matter - I'll carry on without you.


Ludwig frowned at being passed over

”No really, what was the question?" Ludwig grew a little impatient


Wolfgang just shrugged and chewed, "Oh nothing - nothing, I was just talking about the game. I had asked if you had seen it? But I suppose you wouldn't have, you did say that wasn't your thing."

He had been politely dismissed from the conversation.


Ludwig narrowed his eyes


"Actually I did see it."


Wolfgang tilted his head curiously, "Really? I'm surprised!"


Ludwig shrugged, feeling himself gain the upper hand as he saw an opportunity to attack, "I just wasn't sure if you were looking for more half hearted praise for your efforts, or if you just wanted me to confirm my attendance - further witness to your great athletic glory?"

Wolfgang's bright blue eyes snapped up at the insinuation, "Are you trying to say something?" he tried to brush Ludwig's words away, but the dark haired boy hadn't finished with him just yet.

"Well actually," Ludwig's voice became a little stronger, noticing that he'd perked Wolfgang's interest, "I'm just shocked that a spoiled little brat such as yourself even gives a damn about my opinion at all. Wouldn't you rather seek your daddy's approval over mine? After all, it's like you said earlier - I'm just a common criminal, what do I matter?"

Wolfgang scowled, resting his utensils across his plate with a definitive clatter before crossing his arms over his chest impudently.

"I'm curious Wolfgang, tell me - does Leopold ever come to your games? He did pay for that field after all, you'd think he'd want to see what his money bought him."

Ludwig knew that one would hurt.

He'd overheard Wolfgang's conversation with his father over the phone the other day, he'd practically begged his father to attend the next match.

"It'll be so much fun Papa! We can go out for supper after, just you and me"

Judging by Wolfgang's presence across the table, his dinner plans had gone unmet.


Wolfgang suddenly sprang up from the table, his bright eyes had turned ominously dark. He paused, looking over the witnesses that sat before him as he spat back venomously, "What would you know of anything? Papa told me your father is a useless drunk who left you with nothing. You're only hear because of the generosity of people like my Papa - in fact, your entire survival is dependent on people taking pity on you."

Wolfgang drummed his fingers on the table, thinking over his next shot very carefully

"...it's no surprise that you're practically illiterate, and naturally aggressive. It's simply poor breeding."

Wolfgang pursed his lips in a mocking pout, "And you couldn't help that, could you Ludwig?"

"Can you even spell the word generosity?"

Ludwig gritted his teeth

"No?" Wolfgang's smug little smirk made Ludwig want to leap across the table, "How about charity?"

Wolfgang sauntered over, leaning down to eye level, "Hmm?"

Wolfgang smiled as he whispered low enough that none of the other boys could hear, "Too hard? How about...... loser?"


Ludwig suddenly growled and pushed himself back from the table, nearly knocking Wolfgang off his feet.

"Enough!" he shouted, silencing the entire dining hall, right to the furthest table.

Wolfgang's eyes had nearly doubled in size as he shrank away. He shielded his face as he braced himself for impact - but surprisingly, none came. He only opened his eyes when he heard the retreating sound of footsteps - he blinked to see the whole hall staring up at him curiously.

He nervously smoothed out his blazer and chuckled nervously, "He'll be alright..." Wolfgang laughed awkwardly, "He's gone for a walk...."



The table slowly resumed its chatter as Wolfgang lowered himself down in his seat, wondering about what awful things Ludwig was already doing to his side of the dorm. Or worse yet, what he was planning for when Wolfgang arrived back for curfew.


Books and clothes were replaceable, but it was the impending black eye that Wolfgang feared most.


.....shit.


He swallowed the last of his dinner anxiously.

Chapter Text

Ludwig stormed back to the dormitory shaking with a fury so violently fierce that it frightened even himself. His bitter rage towards that little brat was now scathing - it burned his skin, and shook his fists. It was a toxic. It was a black boiling tar of sickly turmoil that urged Ludwig to react more with his fists than with his tongue.

A nice fat black eye was what that stupid Wolfgang boy deserved -  that and then some.

Ludwig's fists trembled as he gritted his teeth.

He hated him.

Had the Head of School not been present at that dinner, it wouldn't have taken much for Ludwig to reach across the table and seize that little shit by the neck and punch his lights out. With that ivory complexion of his, he'd likely be wearing the effects of a good fist to the face for weeks after.

Ludwig shrugged his heavy leather jacket over his shoulders as he marched. Flipping his collar upwards to shield himself against any curious onlookers, Ludwig stormed down the halls of the dormitory without a word.

He sneered at the portraits of past presidents, teachers, head boys and administration as he marched. Their well pressed suits and glassy black eyes seemed to taunt him as he passed.

You don't belong here - just keep walking.

As much as he had wanted to break Wolfgang's arrogant little neck right there in front of all of his adoring fans, Ludwig knew that it would have been precisely the reaction that Wolfie had been planning all along. One major slip up would see Ludwig out on his ass, and Wolfie would magically return to his blissful single dorm lifestyle.

Was that not what a little prince such as Wolfgang, his highness, justly deserved?  

Though unfortunately for him, Ludwig refused to make things that easy.

Create another opportunity for Wolfgang to come out on top by causing a public scene?

I don't think so.

He sneered at the thought, wiping his nose with the back of his sleeve, "Fucking asshole" Ludwig muttered to himself under his breath. He couldn't think of anyone he'd rather pummel at that very moment.

Though, skirmishes aside, Ludwig refused to fall for any of Wolfie's little traps.

He could only imagine what Wolfgang had been thinking in that moment as had Ludwig leapt up from the dinner table scowling at him with darkened eyes of fury

Wolfie's arrogant smile had broadened sickeningly

His perfect teeth glistened, as did the mischievous little glint in his eye

Yes, that's right Ludwig - show everyone what an animal you truly are.

You don't belong here.

Though Wolfgang may not have said it out loud- the sentiment was clear.

Ludwig only wished for an equally as damning situation for which he could cut his foe down where he stood, for there was nothing Ludwig took greater pleasure in than putting insolent little brats in their place. What did Wolfgang Mozart, Captain of the cricket team, school prefect, classical pianist and school pet know of Ludwig's life anyway?

Born with a silver spoon shoved up his arse, Wolfgang had likely never suffered a day is perfect little life. For such a privileged young man, Ludwig could not seem to fathom his source for cause in his desire to perpetually insinuate Ludwig's inferiority. While Wolfgang was celebrated as a damn near hero - Ludwig was the unfortunate recipient of the little shit's much uglier side.

Frustratingly, the young blueblood was practically Kent School royalty and virtually nothing that spilled from his acidic little smile could garner any sort of negative attention. He had the entire school in his back pocket, and it seemed that he feared very little - other than his father, and perhaps social rejection. Though, it appeared that he had developed a tangled system that kept both of those elements rightly in check.

Wolfgang had mastered the illusion of being untouchable.

Almost.

Ludwig kicked open the door to their room and scanned the surroundings.

Everything was pristine, everything was in its rightful place.

Wolfgang's bed was made up with crisp new sheets.

The pencils on his desk were sharpened and perfectly aligned.

His stupid type write was positioned just so upon his study desk.

It was all just perfect.

Of course it was.

Fighting the urge to turn the little prince's entire side of the room upside down in a foul move of aggressive vindictiveness, Ludwig instead chose to seek out his revenge in a far more cunning move.

He'd be damned if he were going to be expelled simply for Wolfie's own entertainment.

Ludwig knew better than that.

He slid his hand under Wolfie's pillow and snatched a carefully sealed envelope that he'd witnessed hidden earlier that morning.

No - this, this - was far more powerful than any blow he could deliver.

He fingered the letter tentatively, squinting at the text

It was post marked for a destination somewhere along the coast of Italy, personally addressed in Wolfgang's elegant cursive scroll to a Mr.Thomas Linley.

A venomous smile quietly crept across his face.

Wolfgang had no doubt meant for that letter to remain a secret, having placed it protectively under his pillow before the cricket tournament that morning, but Ludwig had caught the act with an observant side glance of his eye.

This in fact, was not the first time Ludwig had witnessed this very same ritual of secrecy.

It was in fact, almost a daily occurrence.

Wolfgang at the typewriter.

Type.

Type some more.

type - Type - TYPE.

Ding!

The little chimed would chirp as he pulled the letter from the machine, quietly folding it in place and tucking it inside the envelope.

The clickety-clack of the typing was hard to ignore, however, the secretive storage of the sacred script was something that Wolfie kept awfully quiet about.

He would often wait until Ludwig had left the room, or had turned his back before quickly squirreling his letters away for safe keeping.

Ludwig had never questioned Wolfie's odd sense of secrecy, nor the contents of his many letters. He didn't care what Wolfie was writing about - or to whom. It was none of his business really, but at this very moment he knew there was something to be learned about this little brat.

Wolfgang had to be hiding something - and Ludwig was not afraid to do some digging in order to find out.

He ripped open the letter and sank down on his bed, allowing his stormy green eyes to rove the writings freely. He shifted and kicked off his heavy boots, letting them plop down with a laden thud on the floor below. He didn't care about the cleanliness of the room the way Wolfie did, and quite frankly - he enjoyed watching the frustration it caused him.

He secretly hoped that Wolfie would walk in and see him, muddy boots on the floor, clothes strewn about - his personal letter in hand....

Ludwig smiled as he continued to read silently

.....Dear Thomas

Though the further Ludwig read, the higher his brow began to raise in a mixture of both shock and curiosity.

"Oh shit..." Ludwig chewed the grin of satisfaction that threatened to spread across his face

Wolfgang's letter had wasted no time in delving into a steamy account of his most recent dream, which he'd obviously spent much time typing out in sordid detail for his reader's pleasure. Wolfgang's character came through in the letter and it was both seductive and sweet.

In a strange way - Ludwig found the depth of Wolfie's emotional profession rather endearing.

Whoever this Thomas Linley was, he obviously had Wolfgang's heart.


Ludwig read further still


"...I miss you so much that I feel my heart may burst at any moment- and if this were to come to pass, we'd truly never be reunited. This thought is more troublesome to me than your absence at this moment, so for now - I am content to suffer in our separation. I'll ache for you each day until your return to London, I can only hope that you feel the same...."

By the time Ludwig had reached the bottom of the note, he was beginning to feel a growing guilt in his gut. He quietly folded the letter and slipped it back inside its envelop. Leaning back against his pillows, he tucked his hands behind his head and sighed, staring off into nothingness.

He quickly found himself lost in deep contemplation.

Some of Wolfgang's strange quirks were now beginning to make more sense to him, given light of his...situation.

Ludwig thought back to when he'd been changing out of his school uniform one day, and Wolfie - who appeared a little uncomfortable with Ludwig's display of flesh - had asked if he'd prefer some privacy.

Ludwig had turned over his shoulder with a confused expression and chuckled, "Why? See something you like, or what?" Ludwig had meant it as a joke, but it had failed to draw even the faintest smile.

In that moment, the colour had drained from Wolfgang's face and his mouth hung agape.

For once it seemed, the little chatter box had run out of things to say.

Ludwig had found Wolfie's awkwardness towards him changing out of his clothes a bit strange, but he'd simply chalked it up to Wolfie's lack of familiarity in dealing with a shared living space.

Wolfie had likely never dealt with anyone being on his turf before.

Though there had been other little signs to peak Ludwig's curiosity as well, some of which were easy to ignore.

That is, unless you were paying particular attention.

Curiously, Wolfgang was obsessive about his appearance - his clothes - and his hair in particular.

He always carried a comb in his bag, and a small mirror just in case. He ironed his clothes each morning, and even used starching powder on his collar. To his credit, Wolfgang was impeccably well turned out. Ludwig wasn't sure if he found it ridiculous, or if he was somewhat jealous?

Either way, the boy always looked good.

Wolfie would wash and file his nails every evening, and he religiously brushed his teeth.

He was curiously hygienic for a young man, not that it bothered Ludwig any.

Wolfgang enjoyed all sorts of activities that may have seemed strange to most young men - he read poetry, he enjoyed drawing and singing, he loved playing his violin or the piano in the main rooms when time permitted.

He'd often practice classical repertoire, but when the other students were around, Wolfie was known to take requests. This made him quite popular among the other boys, especially when he played rock n' roll tunes.

Being one to appreciate many of those same things himself - Ludwig never really considered his gentle spirited roommate as anything other than artistic, albeit somewhat haughty.  Though, when coupled with his curious side glances while Ludwig was in a state of undress, or the silly blush he'd have while typing to his mysterious pen pal in Italy, Ludwig was beginning to piece together a very different profile indeed.

The contents of that racy letter would serve to prove only what Ludwig had only ever somewhat considered.

The perfect Wolfgang Mozart - was not so perfect.

Ludwig lulled the thought over in his mind as he reached for his own notebook. He needed to process his new discovery.

He began to doodle absently on the nearest empty page...

He hummed to himself as his mind wandered, his eyes only barely watching as his hands moved freely across the page. His drawings were mostly on the theme of music, but sometimes they morphed to other interests. Today they were swirls, many - many interwoven swirls.

Ludwig loved swirls and how their endless lines interplayed with one another. Their tangled webs were both one dimensional chaos, and yet - somehow they were also intricate specimens of deeper expression.

They were irreproducible - like humans themselves.

Unique and yet flawed in their very nature.

Dismissible by some, while considered art by others.

Ludwig glanced at the envelop with a distant eye

....Were they not so different?

Ludwig had eventually calmed from his earlier anger - so much so, that when Wolfgang finally returned for the evening, Ludwig had barely even noticed the door open.

"Oh - " Wolfgang paused at the threshold of the room. He was surprised to see Ludwig splayed out so comfortably on his own bed, and seemingly so content - completely preoccupied with his notebook.

Wolfgang had half expected to come back to find the room on fire - or at the very least, to see his things scattered to the wind, courtesy of his disgruntled roommate. Wolfgang would have to admit, if only to himself, that he would have earned such a retaliation in spades.

 Ludwig paused his doodling to briefly look up with an flat, unreadable expression.

No words came to pass between them.

Soon Ludwig quietly returned to his drawing.

Wolfie's continued silence on the matter had Ludwig raising one dark brow towards himself in curiosity, but he wasn't about to start a conversation that he knew would eventually erupt regardless.

Ludwig's subdued nature was deeply unsettling, and considering his dramatic exit from dinner, his sudden calm had Wolfgang immediately on edge.

Wolfie slowly slinked into the room, keeping one eye cautiously turned towards the quiet colourer across from him.

He couldn't be sure if Ludwig would lash out, or worse... but either way, Wolfie was very uneasy with the whole situation.

The pair sat in relative quiet, with only the sound of Ludwig's pencil strokes to punctuate the otherwise silent chill in the air. Ludwig could see Wolfgang struggling under the pressure of the silence, unsure as to whether he should speak, or if he should let things lie.

Ludwig felt it fair to let him stew in his own mess for some time, a sort of torture in the form of justice served. He smiled to himself, glancing down at the letter he'd placed as a marker inside his sketchbook.

Ludwig knew he finally held the upper hand.

By the time the clock had ticked past 11 o'clock, Wolfie had decided to ready himself for bed - and so began his evening ritual.



Brushing his hair

Changing into his pyjamas, a task that always solicited a rosy complexion

Drawing back the covers on his bed

Turning his pillow over....




Ludwig watched quietly out of the corner of his eye

He knew what would come next



Wolfgang suddenly paused - staring down curiously at the empty place where his letter had been.

He pulled the sheets back a little further and ran his hands down the edge of the mattress, but of course - no luck. He ducked down and peered under the bed with a growing expression of panic on his face.

He then opened his bedside drawer, and quickly checked his shelf.

Nothing.

He moved to his type writer, checking the desk - its drawers - and everywhere else of relevance.

He looked to Ludwig, as if to ask if he'd seen it - but instead, thought better of it.

Ludwig tilted his head curiously, watching Wolfie silently implode.




Ludwig knew the boy's heart was sinking - he could feel it.





"Missing something?" Ludwig finally offered up in a disinterested drawl

Wolfie's eyes quickly snapped up in wild alarm, "Huh?"

Ludwig waited for him to reply, making as if to continue his drawing with general indifference.

”...Well,” Wolfgang stammered, scratching at the base of his neck as his eyes scanned the floor, hoping for any sign of the lost letter, "yes - I'm missing a letter."

Ludwig quietly closed him book, pulling the coveted envelop from within its pages and replacing the drawing tools to his shelf.

He extended his hand, with the letter visibly opened, "You mean, this?"


Wolfie's eyes nearly doubled in size as he recognized it immediately

It was undoubtedly his letter to Thomas.


He recognized his own pen immediately.

Ludwig watched as Wolfie began to tremble, though he could not tell if it was from fear - or anger, or perhaps a mixture both?

He quickly snatched the envelope and turned his back, quietly unfolding the contents to verify the damage.


Wolfie held his breath.


The letter had been read.


There was no doubt in Wolfie's mind - it was obvious.


Ludwig had read the letter.


His personal letter.




This was...



It was...




Wolfie spun back to face him with angry tears already streaming down his face as he clenched the letter in his shaking fist. He didn't care for its ruin, for it was he that would be ultimately be ruined from this - letter be damned.

Destroying the evidence was only a feeble attempt to slow the inevitable.

Ludwig was taken aback by Wolfie's sudden loss of composure, especially for a young man who prided himself on his outward facade and demure personality.

He watched as Wolfie struggled to process the reality of the situation, his pain silently sliding down the softness of his cheeks in fat, salty droplets.

Ludwig could tell that Wolfie was breaking inside.

Wolfie's mouth hung open, but no words would come. He was at a complete loss - he was unsure of how to respond - and had he had any idea, he'd have lost the ability to do so anyways.



He was rendered completely immobile.

Who could he report any of this to?

And what good would it do?

Wolfie was alone in all of this.


He could never tell the Headmaster, the Dean - and God forbid, Papa!





Ludwig remained silent still, quite unable to look away as Wolfie began to sob. His silence had finally broken with a heavy choke that drew gasping, rattling breaths and a pitiful little whimper that sounded nothing if not defeated in absolution.

It was akin to watching a structure collapse under its own weight - the forces of nature being too strong for it to support itself any longer. Wolfie swayed where he stood, overcome with emotions in a mixture of both grief and anger.

"Why?" was the only reply he had managed to express between sobs as he slowly sank down to sit on the floor

He drew his knees to his chest, cradling the crumpled letter in his lap, before dissolving into complete and utter morose.

Ludwig watched from his bed, feeling rather sympathetic as he watched his roommate sobbing on the floor.

He wasn't entirely sure what to do now.

Initially, reading the letter had seemed like the perfect act of retaliation and the information that he'd gleaned from reading it had certainly brought to light some very intriguing information. However the results of his actions were far more extreme than perhaps Ludwig had imagined, and Wolfie's obvious misery were an unintended side effect for which he felt solely responsible.

Maybe he had gone too far.

Or perhaps it was exactly far enough?

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, Ludwig watched Wolfie cry while feeling rather disappointed in himself.

He could feel Wolfie's self loathing seeping through his skin and it made him shiver still.

He frowned at the sadness in Wolfie's eyes as he looked upwards from his position on the floor

"Why?" He squeaked in a broken rasp while wiping the tears from his cheeks with the backs of his hands

Ludwig sighed regretfully before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder

He squeezed him gently, feeling the trembling under his hand

"Wolfie -" Ludwig began in a quiet voice, more mournful than perhaps he deserved to be - but something was drawing his heart out on a string for this kid, and whatever it was, it made Ludwig want to sink down on the floor beside him and cry too

But he knew he could not

So instead, Ludwig offered up the best he could - for now

 "I'm sorry"

Chapter Text

That night, the boys were quieter than usual as they prepared themselves for bed.

As was his routine, Wolfie brushed out his hair with painstaking care, paying particular attention to the knots at the ends. Normally he'd be humming a little tune while he groomed himself, but not tonight. Tonight he calmly undressed, caring not for any wandering eyes, but instead slipping out of his school uniform with his head hung low. He simply could not find the strength to care anymore - he supposed that crying over things didn't really matter in the end anyways, so what more could he do about it?

That seemed to be a reoccurring theme in his life thus far - what could he really do about anything?

Wolfie wiped the corner of his eye with the sleeve of his nightshirt, he was tired of crying - it was an emotional instinct that he was not so proud of. He could certainly picture Papa's steely grey eyes on him, with an unfortunate frown of disapproval. This thought only proved to make him feel even worse!

What kind of man cries?

The more he thought on the matter, the heavier his shame became. Alas, the tears still fell - despite his attempts to hold them back, it was beyond his control.

Everything always seemed to be out of Wolfgang's control.

While he resided nervously under an illusion of absolute compliance and restraint, the world instead viewed him as exemplary model of youth today. Through his father's perpetual acts of deification, Wolfie had become the epitome of the perfect student - the perfect child - the perfect young man.

Though he enjoyed the accolade and affection it brought, none of it was Wolfgang's own doing.

Wolfie desperately wanted to please, and more importantly - he wanted to please his Papa.  

And so, he'd obey.

He'd practice.

He'd brush his hair, his teeth - and hell, he'd even shine his shoes and press his shirts.

Wolfie was determined to meet everyone else's expectations of him, whether it broke him or not.  The older he got, the more he realized that there was certainly more breaking than strength that came from trying to be everybody else's idea of a wunderkind.

Thomas was the first person to truly understand this.

A like minded genius boy, Thomas and Wolfie had an instant connection.

Besides his brilliant violin playing, Thomas knew the pressure of prodigal talent all too well.

"You know Wolfgang, you really ought to cut your father some slack," Thomas sat beside him on the piano bench one afternoon, nudging his knee against Wolfgang's thigh playfully. He was only trying to break the ice following one of Wolfie's more routine verbal lashings - this time it had been for wasting practice time by socializing.

Papa had heard their giggles down the hall - there was no denying that Thomas and Wolfgang had been more at play than at work.

 "Just be thankful he only ever uses words to discipline - and that must mean something?"

Thomas absently picked his violin strings, "Better than if Nardini had caught us..." he chuckled quietly at the idea under his breath.

Wolfie gave him a nod of acknowledgement as he eyed the welt on the back of Thomas' hand.

Nardini was certainly more strict with Thomas than he was with Wolfie - perhaps because Wolfgang had the protection of his omnipresent father, or perhaps because Nardini knew that Leopold would take care of matters himself..

Wolfie chose no rebuttal to Thomas' comment, but instead allowed his hand to slide silently over the keys, pondering the distorted reflections against the ivory.

He began to chew his lip - as he tended to do when deep in thought.

If God were real, why would he permit such things?

Thomas watched him with a sad smile, likely knowing his thoughts already.

Wolfie could feel Thomas' eyes on him but he refused to meet them. It was almost as if Thomas could read his thoughts, and had a shared understanding of what it meant to be a frustrated boy with more talent than humanly reasonable - and a mind that runs at a million miles per hour!

Never one for wallowing in self pity, Thomas simply slapped Wolfie's thigh and grinned, "Well - enough with the sadness!"

Wolfie jumped, shocked from his own thoughts by Thomas' sudden spring to action

"Play my accompaniment - or I shall be forced to kiss you"

Thomas winked, "- on the mouth!"

Wolfie blushed with a soft giggle, squirming himself back into playing position before flashing a brilliant smile upwards towards him, "Rogue..."

Laying atop his sheets, Ludwig shifted back against his pillows - his book was open, but his mind was racing.

He allowed his eyes to wander, watching his roommate undress,  turn down his bed and eventually, crawl under the covers. Ludwig knew that he should do the same, but something urged him not to disrupt whatever little routine Wolfie was creating for himself. He closed his book and re-shelved it within an arm's reach. Tucking his arm back behind his head, he shifted again and sighed a little. He had sort of hoped that Wolfie might talk, or even hum like he usually did. Anything to break the ice.

Ludwig was at a loss

He'd be lying he if were to deny any sense of guilt as he watched Wolfie wordlessly sink under the covers. He continued to watch Wolfgang out of the corner of his eye and wondered if he knew that Ludwig truly was remorseful for reading that letter?

Ludwig knew that if the situation had been reversed, he himself would certainly not be forthcoming with any sort of amnesty.

Ludwig was truly an awful person - or at least - that is what he felt while lying there watching Wolfie wrestle his own demons.

Awful.

His stomach churned when Wolfie met his sideways glance and wordlessly turned out the light, leaving Ludwig with his thoughts still fully clothed and in the dark.

I'm not talking to you - Ludwig could almost hear his voice.

Ludwig turned on his side, facing towards the other boy with his hands tucked under his pillow. Ludwig made as if he were to speak, but thought better of it and swallowed his words instead. The darkness of the room was the perfect cover for any words unspoken.

Ludwig's heart sank lower still.

It's not your place to counsel him Ludwig - leave him be.

He waited for his eyes to focus in the darkness. He could reasonably make out the lumpy ball that he knew was Wolfie curled under his blankets across the way.

Ludwig frowned.

There was nothing particularly fascinating about Wolfgang - at least not to Ludwig, but there was some sort of inherent dolefulness about the boy that Ludwig now recognized and it made the perfect boy seem just a little more human.  Albeit, a sadder little human.

After several minutes of silence, Ludwig finally decided to kick off his jeans and socks, burrowing under the covers in no more than his boxers and undershirt. He shivered a bit as the blankets warmed under him. He was not as religious as Wolfie when it came to his personal routines, hell - Ludwig wasn't religious at all, but he hoped for the sake of Wolfie's soul that the golden child wasn't either.

He heard Wolfie sniffle and shift around under the covers - but Ludwig couldn't bring himself to speak.

Try not to worry about it Wolfie

That was what Ludwig wanted to say

Trust me Wolfie - I understand more than you know.


Unfortunately, "Goodnight" was all Ludwig had managed in treaty


But his simple peace offering was met without a reply

 

Clickety-clack-clack


Ding!


Dear Thomas......


Clickety-clack-clack-clack


I am sorry for the delay in writing you, as I have been met with some rather unfortunate circumstances.


Ding!


Wolfie's eyes wandered to the sleeping lump that was his roommate - still in bed at quarter past 10 in the morning. He frowned and returned to his typing.

......A rather unfortunate soul deemed it appropriate to read my most recent letter to you before I was able to post it. Tragically, as it was designed for your eyes alone - it contained rather damning passages that leave no doubt in the reader's mind as to the nature of our relationship.....


Ding!


Ludwig stirred and then stilled, his arm now hanging nearly to the floor as his breathing slowed. Wolfie sighed, at least one of us is sleeping well...


Wolfie continued his letter

.....Regardless, I suppose the truth was bound to come out at some point. Though I'd rather have been in control of the when, and the where. Not to worry, this particular individual likely poses no threat to either of us - but his new found knowledge is unsettling......

He paused to watch Ludwig sleep




....He seems harmless......

....For now.



Clickety-clack-ding!



He quickly averted his eyes when Ludwig began to stretch and yawn, signalling that he was indeed now awake.

.....He's awake now, and so I'll write more later,


All of my love


Your Wolfie


Ding!

He zipped the paper from the roller and quickly folded it into a fresh envelope, licking the seal before Ludwig could even rub the sleep from his eyes. He thought of slipping the letter under his pillow, but realized that there was now little need to hide his letter, given the circumstances.

Ludwig, propped up on his side, raised a curious brow as Wolfie boldly placed the letter on his bedside table before gathering his things for class.

Their eyes exchanged a brief, but silent conversation.

Ludwig cleared his throat and scratched the wild mess of brown hair, half flattened from sleep,  "Not gonna hide that one under the pillow are you?"

He gave a false chuckle to lighten the mood, but Wolfie's icy glare confirmed what he already suspected.

Wolfie was pissed.

Which Ludwig still felt rather guilty about, and so he wasn't entirely surprised at Wolfie's increased hostility.

Wolfie wasted no time with a haughty shot back, "You're not gonna read this one are you?"

Ludwig knew it was coming - he had expected much worse actually - but he also knew that Wolfie couldn't throw a punch to save his life. He'd ignore the grammatical taunting - Ludwig figured Wolfie deserved at least that much. He was a smart kid, but scrawny and soft, so words were likely Wolfie's only defense against attackers. Not that he had many of those

... until now.

"No actually - I have no plans to read any more of your letters." Ludwig tossed back the covers and slid out of bed, "In fact," he paused in thought as his bare feet hit the floor, "I hadn't really planned to read the first one either...it just sort of happened."

Wolfie rolled his eyes as he stuffed his bag with textbooks, "Right, it just magically opened itself and you just happened to read it...." he muttered under his breath

 Ludwig, who was already shrugging on his jacket, presumably to go outside for a morning smoke, just chuckled at Wolfie's obvious passive aggressive stance.

"Ya actually - it was something sorta like that"

Wolfie became infuriated at Ludwig's response to his mutterings and balled his shaking fists at his sides. If he ever had enough bravery to start fight - it would be now! His jaw ached from clenching.

"I wasn't trying to start a conversation with you but clearly you don't understand sarcasm" Wolfie shouldered his bag and narrowed his burning blue eyes towards him, "But I should think that you don't understand a lot of things."

Ludwig, surprised at the little man's sudden fire, paused as he laced up his boots. He hadn't heard that level of pretentiousness from Wolfie since he'd read that damn note....Ludwig was somewhat relieved to witness snobby Wolfgang's pompous resurrection. It meant that he wasn't broken - or at least not fully.

Looking up at him from the edge of his bed, Ludwig cracked a smile, "That's probably true..." he finished rolling his cigarette and licked the paper to seal it, watching Wolfie frown at him in disgust, "but I seem to know enough to get by."

He held his work at a distance, admiring the evenness of the roll.

Wolfie just stared back at him, shaking in fury.

Ludwig placed the hand rolled cigarette between his lips and shrugged,  continuing to finish buckling his jeans, "And aren't we all just trying to get by?"

Wolfie sneered at him and the disgusting habit that hung lazily from his lips, "I should like to do better than simply get by Mr.Beethoven." he paused, hand already on the door knob

"And I expect that you should like more out of your life as well."

Ludwig leaned back on his elbows, taking in Wolfie's aggressive sass through an ever broadening grin, which of course only proved to further anger the boiling young man.

"Yes sir" Ludwig chuckled through his cigarette, in mocking compliance. He even threw in a lazy salute for good measure, knowing that it would drive Wolfgang up the wall.

Wolfie rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Are you mocking me now?"

Ludwig smiled, "No sir"

Wolfie narrowed his eyes at him before opening the door in order to make his exit, "And one more thing -" he paused, half way out the door, "You'd better not light that thing in here or I'll report you."

Ludwig pulled the unlit cigarette from his mouth and instead tucked it coolly behind his ear, "Yes sir, Mr.President."

Wolfie scowled over his shoulder, "I'm a prefect - not a president."

"Yep - Mr.Perfect"

"I am not perfect either!

Ludwig smiled devilishly, "You're not? Wow me neither...so that's at least two things we have in common then. Way more than I thought."

Wolfie growled in frustration and slammed the door closed, though he could still hear Ludwig's voice through the other side, "See you in class Mr.President."

Wolfie simply rolled his eyes and marched off.

 

"Asshole" he muttered to himself under his breath....

Of course Wolfie would never see Ludwig in class, as they were not in the same academic stream. While Wolfie was burying himself in University Prep courses and test taking - Ludwig was far removed from the world of high achievement. They only chance the boys ever had of bumping into one another was during a non core subject, such as physical education. Not Wolfie's best subject, but surely one where he was able to assert his powerful leadership skills.

"Napolean was only 5'2 and he managed to conquer most of Europe - so naturally, I am at no physical disadvantage regardless of the physicality of the sport!"

"This is a strength exercise Wolfie, we need someone with..." his classmate looked downwards shamefully, "with muscles."

Wolfie rolled his eyes and crossed his arms about his chest.

He was hurt, but also knew that he was indeed the least brawny of the boys in his gym class.

Wolfie kept an unmoved expression on his face during the public rejection of his offering

If I had to choose between brains and muscles - I choose brains, these boys are all idiots!

"Well, if not me - then, who do you propose leads this team?"

The coach blew his whistle and shouted his next instructions to the class

"Right boys - now we need 2 boys up here, one from each team. First one to the top of the rope wins."

Wolfie looked back over his shoulder towards the thick rope that dangled gruesomely from the ceiling. It was meant for climbing, a direct shot to the top - as fast as you could manage. Wolfie had participated many times before, and never in a winning race, that rope's very presence struck anxiety into the core of his chest.  He chewed his lip while his team mates continued to debate which of them should represent the team.

"Last time Trevor climbed, he nearly fell down and broke his arse!"

"Ya and James got all the way to the top, but it took him twice as long to haul himself up there."

"William could do it but he's got that damn cast on his arm from rugby"

"Don't ask me - I've got vertigo"

There was a long pause

"What about that new kid?"

The group began to murmur, "The one that smokes during outdoor gym classes?"

"I heard he sneaks out at night to go drinking"

"I heard he sneaks out at night to go snog the girls up the road"

"I don't give a crock of horse piss what he does at night - can he climb that God damned rope?"

The conversation softened to a din as the group of boys turned towards Ludwig who was sitting on a bench near the doors. He hadn't even bothered to change for class, and he'd been benched for it. Not that he seemed to care in the least. He sat leaning back, head against the cool of the tiled wall, eyes closed and hands in his pockets.

Wolfie was quite certain that Ludwig was actually asleep.

And in the middle of class!

"Wolfie - you go ask him, you're his roommate!"

"Ya Wolfie - you go!"

Wolfie frowned, "What? No! He's not even dressed for class! He's been benched."

"Come on - we need to win the ropes or we will have lost at every game today!"

Wolfie rolled his eyes, "And so? Does that matter?"

"Come on Wolfie!"

"Ya Wolfie, come on - we want to win for once!"

Wolfie glanced back at Ludwig who seemed to be turning his attention towards the group, as if he knew he was being discussed.

"See? He's already looking right at you - just ask him!"

Wolfie rolled his eyes, "He's not looking at me - he's looking over here because you all are causing a ruckus!"

"Hey you!" one of Wolfie's classmates brazenly called out to Ludwig, "You wanna come over here and climb this rope?"

Ludwig remained immobile, somewhat confused by the offering...

”You're uh...bigger than the rest of us. You can probably get to the top of it pretty quick right?"

Wolfie scoffed, "Gentlemen! Just because he's bigger doesn't mean that he's -"

Suddenly Ludwig placed a heavy hand on Wolfie's shoulder, cutting him off mid sentence, "I'll do it."

Wolfie's face fell as the group erupted in cheers, "Yes! We might actually have a chance at this!"

Disappointed by the sudden turn of events, Wolfie realized that he had been unceremoniously dethroned. He quietly slinked off to sulk in the very spot that Ludwig had just vacated, on the bench, by the doors. He crossed his leg over his knee and began to pick at his nails in feigned disinterest, despite the rapid nervous shake in his leg.

Still angry from that morning, Wolfie was adamant that he not to pay any further attention to the proceedings with Ludwig acting as participant. He refused to pay that wretched boy any further attention, come hell or high water!

At this point, Ludwig could fall off that damned rope for all Wolfie cared.

"Alright boys - after 3, I'll blow the whistle to start - and then again when the first boy gets to the top."

Ludwig, vaguely listening to the instructions, stared off at his roommate who had taken up residence on the bench. He could tell Wolfie was still seething, and probably more so now that his team had abandoned him in favour of the very person he wanted eliminated.

Ludwig shrugged off his blazer and tossed it aside before rolling up his shirt sleeves. Glancing at the lanky boy to his side, Ludwig knew this race wouldn't be much of a struggle. Other than his smoking, Ludwig remained in considerable form. He only hoped that he wouldn't start coughing half way up...

Gettin' old there Ludwig....better quit smoking

The coach began to count out loud - Ludwig placed his hands on the rope

"One - two - three!"

Then came the metallic chirp of the whistle, sending both boys scrambling up as fast as they could, fueled by their classmates cheering them on from the ground.

Ludwig was surprisingly sure footed as he snaked his way easily to the win, touching the ceiling well before the other boy - much to other team's disappointment. By the time the whistle blew, Ludwig already knew that he'd won. He surveyed briefly from the top of the rope, meeting the pale blue eyes of one particularly curious onlooker who quickly averted his gaze once noticed.
 
Ludwig arched a curious brow and smiled, if only to himself. He casually slid his way back down the apparatus to many cheers and pats on the back - though none of that mattered to him as he continued to eye the sullen boy in the corner.

Come on Wolfie - I'm not so bad...

"Good climbing kid - you should participate in more sports. We could use those arms on our cricket team. We need a new bowler." The coach pressed his hand to Ludwig's shoulder, "We practice Mondays - games are Sundays. You could ask your roommate Wolfie about it, he's captain."

Ludwig eyed Wolfie suspiciously, with only half an ear towards the conversation, "Hmm? Ya," Ludwig scooped up his blazer from the floor, dusting it off half heartedly, "I'll look into it."

He paused on his way out of the gym, exchanging yet another silent set of eyes with a boy who was too hurt, no - who was too proud to speak to him. Ludwig sighed, leaning against the push bar but not passing through.

Wolfie remained silent, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

Wolfie refused to look at him any longer - though Ludwig refused to leave

"So..." Ludwig thought carefully, "you gonna help me learn cricket by Sunday?"

Chapter Text

Teaching Ludwig to play cricket was like teaching a stone to sing.

It was almost Friday when Wolfie finally began to realize that despite what the Phys Ed instructor had originally hoped after watching Ludwig race to the top of that climbing rope in gym class, that the brutish young man may not actually be ready for collegiate level sports.

Wolfie watched Ludwig hopelessly hurl another stone towards a row of distant cans with a frustrated grunt – his form was terrible, his arms were everywhere – and he was forgoing every lesson that Wolfie had bestowed him thus far.

“Remember what we talked about” Wolfie said from a few paces back, watching with an unenthused frown as he shoved his hands in the silk lined pockets of his fall jacket. He shivered against the bluster of the autumn wind and began stamping his feet to regain their feeling. Should have worn socks…he berated himself.

He continued to watch as Ludwig struggled with his throw, beginning to replay his own teachings in his mind…

He had taught him everything – but somehow Ludwig just didn’t seem to learn?
 

There was no way Ludwig would be ready for the weekend game.


Wolfie did not anticipate that conversation going over well with the gym teacher


It’s not like Wolfie didn’t try to help him…

Ludwig! Eye on the target!

Follow through with your arm …

Breathe in through your mouth, but out through your nose – really try to concentrate


“I’ll just try a few more throws,” Ludwig called over his shoulder, making as if to aim with great care, “then we can go in – before I freeze.”

Wolfie said nothing, but chose instead to bury his nose into the scratchy woolen weave of his scarf. It was getting cold indeed, he shivered as he worked to stifle a yawn. Wolfie checked his watch. Coaching was tiring work, especially when your student was not particularly talented…

“Ok last one – this’ll be the one, I can feel it” Ludwig’s tongue was stuck out in concentration as he eyed his target

Wolfie shook his head, and muttered into his scarf, “Who knew you were the eternal optimist…” He could tell by Ludwig’s body positioning alone that he was about miss, again.

Ludwig, not hearing the snarky remark, focused himself and threw again – this time missing the cans by nearly a mile. It was probably the worst of his dozen or so attempts thus far.

Was it possible that one could get worse with practice?

Wolfgang folded his arms across his chest and rolled his eyes.

No matter how he explained it, nor how many times he demonstrated, Ludwig just could not seem to figure the game out. For someone as athletically built as he seemed to be, Wolfie was surprised by Ludwig’s lack of grace and stamina – and his abysmal lack of coordination, which no doubt carried over into his studies.

“Someone with arms as big as yours should be able to bowl with twice as much power” Wolfie muttered under his breath as he narrowed his eyes towards the lone soup can that he’d lined up along the fence rail. It sat proudly besides its friends, all tins of various descriptions, with not one having moved so much as an inch since Wolfie had placed them down for Ludwig’s practice.

The cans had been placed at about twenty yards pacing, near regulation distance, atop an old fence. Each one was at perfect height for a wicket, just like Ludwig would encounter in a real game. Surely knocking at least one of them down was a feasible first training exercise, no?

“A good bowler needs to be able to aim,” Wolfie slowly strolled over to Ludwig’s side, kicking at the pebbles beneath their toes, “It’s not enough to just hurl the rocks towards the cans, the goal is to actually hit them.”

Wolfie began to chuckle to himself, “I think you are zero for zero on this one, no?”

Ludwig narrowed his eyes, noting a sting in Wolfie’s words as he lifted an unlit cigarette to his lips, “Maybe I need a better coach then?” Ludwig muttered back, fumbling for his lighter, “Ever think of that?”

Wolfie bit his lip to keep from smiling as he watched Ludwig struggle to light up in the wind, this guy is full of shit…Wolfie thought to himself with a smirk, some tough guy he is…

It was after a few moments of awkward silence, and several more plums of obstinate smoke, that Ludwig finally regained his tomboy courage, despite the growing bruise on his ego.

“If it’s so damn easy, then let’s see you do it short stack”

Wolfie wiggled his chin out from under his scarf with a mischievous smile, “Are you sure your confidence can take it Ludwig?”

Ludwig flicked the burnt ash from his cigarette and exhaled, sizing up his challenger through narrowed eyes, “Try me.”

Wolfie kicked some gravel loose, toeing out a small rock before bending low to snatch it up from beneath them. He turned it over in his hands, dusting the soil from the divoted surface.

“How many shots do I get?” Wolfie tossed the stone upwards, alternating it between his palms with an air of nonchalance. The arch in his golden brow dared Ludwig to challenge him.

Ludwig leaned against the edge of the dormitory, finishing his smoke while sizing up his opponent. He couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling growing in the pit of his stomach that told him he was about to lose, but it was too late to back down now.

He flicked the cigarette to the ground and stomped it out

“One”

Wolfie scoffed as if Ludwig’s request was simple child’s play

“From this distance?” Wolfie pushed the sleeve of his coat up his arm, “No problem”

True to his word, Wolfgang wasted no time in reeling back and launching the small rock from his hand. It had been aimed with expert precision at the first tin in the line of cans. The stone connected with enough force to not only knock the can from its perch, but to pierce its sidewall and weaken the structure as it fell to the ground below.

Wolfie looked to Ludwig with a winning grin of satisfaction as the can rolled about on the asphalt. Quickly shoving his hands back in his pockets Wolfie gave a sweet smile and a shrug, “Any other requests for your not-so-good coach?”

Ludwig held back a grin, though the soft flush on his cheeks hinted at a crack in his normally impenetrable armor

How embarrassing…

Ludwig felt dizzy.

His stomach churned. He did not know how to process this moment of obvious defeat. He also was not entirely sure why it made him feel the way it. He was not mad – nor was he even jealous of Wolfie’s obvious superiority at the sport? If anything, he felt nervous, and perhaps even a little shy?

He scratched aggressively at the base of his neck hoping the feeling would evaporate soon.

Ludwig decided that he had to create a diversion in order to save face, and he had to do it fast!

Ludwig cleared his throat and shivered audibly as he zipped up his leather coat, “Ya, how about – can we go inside now? I think my nuts will freeze off if you make me stay outside any longer.”

Wolfie snickered quietly and nodded as they began to trudge back towards the dormitory, “I don’t think that’s how biology works Ludwig. Your nuts, as you call them, will be just fine.”

Ludwig smiled to himself and rolled his eyes, shoving Wolfie off balance playfully as they walked together, “You always do that, you know what I meant – you’re such a nerd”

Wolfie stumbled after being shoved, eventually trotting to catch up with a pant, “You know, nerds run the world, we are very important people. Without nerds, you wouldn’t have half the things you love.”

“Oh ya? Like what?”

“Well,” Wolfie looked about for inspiration, “your motorcycle for example – if somebody hadn’t engineered it, you’d be walking everywhere!”

Ludwig chuckled, “Oh ya? Like you, you mean?”

“Hardly, I get rides from my friends.” Wolfie scoffed, “Besides,” he continued with an air of indignation, “I would never ride a motorcycle, my Papa says they’re only for rebels and criminals. Veritable death machines, they are incredibly dangerous.”

Ludwig grinned, biting his lip with a smile, “Ya, I’ve heard it goes something like that.”

Wolfie eyed him, noting Ludwig’s attempt to conceal his own amusement at their conversation. It was worth noting that in that moment, Ludwig’s dark curls looked particularly pretty, and there was something about the way they gently bounced against the breeze that made them look enviously soft. Wolfie wondered what it might be like to run his fingers through them. Would they be as soft as Thomas’ golden tresses? What a thought!

Wolfie quietly smiled into the thick layers of his coat, keeping his eyes fixed to pathway for the remainder of their short walk. The silence between them gave Wolfie a fascinating sense of bewilderment, and as his mind raced with a growing number of questions – so too did his guilt.

He met Ludwig’s eyes for a fleeting second as Ludwig stopped to hold the door, “Thanks” Wolfie nodded to the dark haired boy, though he was so deep in his own thoughts that he barely recognized his own voice as it came out with a comical pubescent crack.

Wolfie shook himself, as if trying to jolt himself back to reality, When was the last time your voice cracked like that? Lord Wolfie, get ahold of yourself!

Ludwig stared back with a smirk – as if he could read Wolfie’s very thoughts.

He offered a reassuring smile and gestured Wolfie inside without a mention of it, “After you….”

Wolfie’s mouth ran dry just looking at him.

He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.


Fuck!

He began to panic.

Wolfie quickly slipped through the entrance to the dormitory and began to make great haste towards their room. Wolfie needed to get away from him, and quickly.

Fuck – fuck – fuck!

Wolfie stumbled, turning back towards his new teammate with a flustered expression. He wasn’t sure how to exit this conversation gracefully….

“Uh – thanks for all your hard work today Ludwig – I think we may be seeing some improvement….” Wolfie nervously tugged at the scarf around his own neck, it was like a noose around him, “But I have a lot of assignments I need to work on so I’m going to grab my stuff and head to the library, ok?”

Thomas’ voice began to guide him authoritatively, Get on with it Wolfie– just get out of there, stop looking for something that isn’t there. Besides, when are you going to write me? It’s been days, I’m beginning to feel like you’re losing interest in me…

Wolfie’s eyes widened at the thought


Just get to the typewriter!


Wolfie stared back at Ludwig for a moment – frozen by his inner thoughts


I have to write to Thomas – just walk away, he doesn’t matter anyways, right? Forget him, go write to Thomas….


Ludwig tilted his head questioningly, he could tell Wolfie was unsettled by something, but he wasn’t about to pry, he’d already learned that lesson.  

“So….I’ll see you around later?” Wolfie smiled hesitantly, while suppressing an overwhelming urge to run away.

Ludwig seemed to sense his need to escape and thankfully let him go in peace, though his face was etched with disappointment.“Ya that’s cool, I’m probably going to take my bike out anyway. You can have the room to yourself for….” Ludwig chuckled, “whatever it is that you do when you’re alone.”

Wolfie felt heat rising in his cheeks, “Right, well – I’m not entirely sure what you mean, but thanks anyway. I might try to go to bed early tonight.”

Ludwig snorted and patted Wolfie roughly on the top of his head, just as a parent would do when dismissing their child’s silly thought, “Sure thing Captain” Ludwig added with a wink, “whatever you say.”

He placed a heavy hand on Wolfie’s shoulder, squeezing firmly, as if to say, I’ll give you space – if that’s what you want.

“Thanks for trying to help me today,” Ludwig said in quiet earnest, “even though I’ve been an asshole – I guess we can say this is kind of a truce between us then?”

With Wolfie frozen in place under Ludwig’s touch, he failed to form words in reply. Slowly, in admission of the growing awkward silence between them, Ludwig’s hand finally slid loose and dropped to his side with a small frown, “I guess I’ll catch you later then.”

Wolfie’s hand flew to his shoulder where Ludwig’s hand had been, now feeling the missing weight from its touch. He glanced over his shoulder, watching Ludwig retreat down the hall and eventually disappear out a side door – he would likely not return until dinner. His bike rides usually took a few hours, and he usually came back stinking of engine oil and cigarettes…

Wolfie felt a pang of guilt for not answering his offer of a truce – but, instead he felt even more still for the wicked thoughts that had crept through his mind over the course of that morning.

His inner monologue continued obnoxiously

Write to Thomas – just get your thoughts out on paper.

You’re lonely, and you miss him – invite him over for the next holiday!

That will surely brighten the mood, Ludwig is just a silly passing phase.

He doesn’t even like you, remember?


Wolfie shed his coat at the door and hung everything neatly by the radiator to dry. There was no snow yet, but the air was damp and chilled. If It weren’t for Christmas, Wolfie was certain that winter was his most hated season.

He rubbed his hands together to warm them, sitting himself in front of his typewriter and he soon began feeding it its first blank sheet.

Breathing into his hands for warmth, he tried to calm his thoughts. He began to summarize the day’s events in his mind for inclusion in his letter – Ate breakfast, finished my essay, taught that new boy how to bowl properly, he was terrible but I told him to keep at it and……….Wolfie’s thoughts were interrupted by a moment of clarity.

I shouldn’t mention Ludwig to Thomas.

Thomas thinks I hate him.

There’s too much back story to cover, he’ll wonder why I left it out for so long? Last he knew, I wanted Ludwig expelled so I could have my room back… but he’s not so bad, is he? I mean, he’s gone most of the time – he’s barely even around.

I hardly know anything about him

He's not even half way through that book I leant him – oh.

Wolfie looked at the book on Ludwig’s nightstand, bookmark in place.

I leant him a book.

He's actually reading it.

I told Thomas that he probably couldn’t read…..or write….

But he writes poems, I’ve seen it.



His fingers hovered over the keys



Maybe it’s easier if I just skip that part – Thomas won’t mind.

I’ll just update him on my science project, he’ll love that!




Wolfie pulled the letter from the feed and crumpled it into a ball. He quickly fed another paper down low, setting it for his customary greeting.

He cracked his knuckles, shaking his fingers out and breathing deep.


“Take two Wolfie…” he coached himself under his breath as he began to type


Dear Thomas,


Wolfie paused before his next sentence

His eyes roamed over to Ludwig’s side of the room – his messy bed, his clothes strewn about, the book on his bedside table, his lamp still on.


He swallowed thickly


Fingers poised


Today was a pretty uneventful day…..


He glanced back up, noting Ludwig’s rumpled sleepwear from the night before. Only a cotton shirt and a pair of briefs. Wolfie hadn’t even noticed how little Ludwig had worn the night before, was he supposed to?

Wolfie shook his head, and pinched the bridge of his nose - enough!



He quickly continued his letter


Thomas please accept my formal invitation to attend Christmas celebrations here in London with my family. Papa and Nannerl will be delighted to host you over the school break….




Wolfie smiled as he watched the sealed envelope slip into the post box, letting the handle slam shut with a satisfying clang!

He hoped that Thomas would write back within a few days.

Rocking on his heels, he felt reborn as he smelled the wintery air. He welcomed the sobering chill as he found his way back to the school from the post office. The walk would only further help to clear his head.

Thomas’ voice drifted in and out of his thoughts on the walk home

Once you get to your room, you’ll have to take advantage of that alone time Wolferl – clearly you’ve been missing me a little too much.

He could picture the sultry voice and the seductive smile that would’ve accompanied such phrase – Wolfie felt his groin twitch.

“It’s been too long” Wolfie murmured back aloud, after all, he now had plans for the rest of that afternoon.
 

Chapter Text

“My beautiful, darling, charming, sweetest Wolfgang –“

Wolfie chewed his bottom lip, sinking back against his pillows with the letter in hand

“You would have to be entirely mad if you thought for a fleeting second that I would wait until Christmas holidays to see you.”

Wolfie stifled a chuckled as he read, Thomas’ words were quick to draw butterflies

“You cannot know how long I have been dreaming of you in this silly school play that you have been writing about – do you really think I would miss your performance? Nonsense!

Besides, what sort of Englishman would I be if I were not an avid Shakespearian?

Now as for you my handsome woodland creature, you can expect me late next week. I would never miss this for the world.

I have arranged to stay in town as I know of your….shared accommodations – and that simply will not do. I’ll take you out for dinner afterwards, the inn does roasts on Sundays, I’ve heard it is quite good.”

Your adoring fan,

Thomas”

Wolfie hugged the letter to his chest with a dazed smile. He breathed deeply and closed his eyes, imaging Thomas walking through that door at any moment – when Wolfie was suddenly jolted back to reality by a sharp knock at the door.

He jumped and scrambled, shoving the letter instinctively under his pillow just as the door opened a crack, “Are you decent?” came the familiar voice.

It was only Ludwig…

Wolfie patted his hair into place and smoothed out his sheets, “Uh, yes – yes, I’m fine.”

He felt awkward as Ludwig entered, fresh from the showers with little more than a towel to keep himself covered.

Wolfie kept his eyes fixed to his bedspread while in his mind, there was a dismissive scoff in Thomas’ voice, Walking around in a towel – my god, does he not own a damn bathrobe?

Wolfie felt his eyes wander as Ludwig silently dressed himself, but he quickly averted his gaze as Ludwig turned back to grab his sweater. Alas, he was certain that Ludwig had caught him staring as their eyes met for an instant, though neither spoke.

Ludwig cleared his throat audibly as he tugged the knitted layer into place. The crackle in his throat soon gave way to a fit of deep, rumbling coughs which made Wolfie jump in surprise.

“Are you getting sick?” Wolfie frowned, feeling somewhat safe to make eye contact now that Ludwig was fully clothed.

Ludwig, still trying to swallow the hoarseness in his throat, simply waved him off, “It’s nothing –“ though Ludwig was immediately interrupted by a second round of coughs and sputters.

Wolfie drew his knees up to his chest, hugging them tightly.

Wolfie hated being sick.

It was one of the reasons why he ended up in a single room all these years. Wolfie had always been a sickly child, it seemed that he’d had virtually everything there was to have! You name it, Wolfie had battled it – chicken pox, measles, mumps, mono – well, we came blame Thomas for that last one, pneumonia, bronchitis – literally everything!

Papa had insisted that Wolfie lodge in a single room from primary school right through – the fewer students he was exposed to, the less likely he was to catch another illness. Wolfgang was not convinced, as each year it seemed inevitable that he’d end up in bed for several weeks battling something or other.

Single dorm my ass – I still catch something every damn year!

In academics, as he was in life, Wolfie was quite gifted. However, in health – it was clear that Wolfie had received the short end of the stick in life.

He watched Ludwig blow his nose into a handkerchief with a sad, knowing smile.

“I hate being sick” he offered supportively

Ludwig turned over his shoulder with a furrowed brow of confusion, “Does anyone not hate being sick?”

Ludwig somewhat regretted his dismissive reply seeing Wolfie’s smile fall to a frown. Ludwig grunted and threw himself face down on his bed with a groan of utter defeat. He hadn’t meant to be mean, but sometimes his words just came out that way.

“Well I hope I don’t catch what you have before the play on Saturday.” Wolfie tried to lighten the mood.

Ludwig wriggled under the blankets, punching up his pillow for comfort, “Is that the book you’ve been reading for weeks now?” Ludwig asked with casual disinterest.

Cricket season had officially ended some weeks ago now that there was snow was on the ground and since then, Wolfie had seemed far more preoccupied with reading a book than he did with hanging out with Ludwig.

Ludwig sort of missed those afternoons out behind the dormitory, tossing stones and joking around. He could have sworn that Wolfie was enjoying himself too.

Wolfie was funny

…and he had a good arm!

At one point, Ludwig even had him convinced to try riding his motorcycle.

But then it snowed – and they had never gotten around to it.

Cricket season was finished – and so too did it seem, their friendship.

Ludwig supposed that whatever he thought may have been between them, had only been a figment of his own imagination.

He’s not even in your dimension Ludwig, don’t be stupid. He was only hanging out with you because the gym teacher asked him to.

Almost overnight, Wolfie had distanced himself again.

Though there was no animosity between them, there was certainly a new sort of coolness that had not existed before. Wolfie was reticent to joke around, or even to chat. There were times in the dark, before sleep, when the sparks of nervous conversation would ignite, but they would be quickly extinguished.

Wolfie had closed himself off, quietly resuming his place as head boy – simply too busy to be seen with someone like Ludwig.

It made him feel quite sad, and he couldn’t exactly tell why. It’s not like Ludwig hadn’t been rejected before.

Wolfie’s curious blue orbs were watching now, watching him snuggle under the quilts that he’d leant him.

“Yes exactly, it’s a Shakespeare play – have you ever read it?” Wolfie seemed in disbelief that anyone could be a stranger to Shakespeare’s work.

Ludwig finally settled in his bed, perching his cheek upon his hands and staring back at the paleness of Wolfie’s face with a spiritless expression, “Is that the one with the ear poison?”

Wolfie giggled childishly, the sound of which made the hair on Ludwig’s arms stand on end.

It was beautiful.

Ludwig awaited his reply feeling rather doleful about the whole situation. He wished they spoke more – Ludwig loved books.

“No – that’s Romeo and Juliet! It’s the one with the lovers lost in a forest, and the forest fairy casts spells on people and plays tricks on everyone?”

Ludwig’s lips twitched into a soft smile, “And which role do you play?”

Wolfie proudly placed his hand over his own chest, sitting tall on the edge of the bed, “I am Puck! The trickster forest nymph.”

Ludwig waited silently for further information – he knew Wolfie loved any opportunity to talk about himself.

“…. You know? The fairy creature? The loveable trickster?”

Wolfie’s brows were frozen in a place of confusion, “Do you not know the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream? It’s one of his most famous plays.”

Ludwig shook his head, coughing into his fist briefly, “News to me….” He groaned before rolling onto his other side. This nagging headache simply would not leave him be.

Wolfie frowned, “Really?” ignoring Ludwig’s obvious discomfort, “Well, since you’re sick and all – do you want to help me go over my lines before rehearsal? You don’t even have to get up.”

Ludwig began to cough violently, a deep wet heave that shook his body down to his toes.

Wolfie watched, head tilted curiously.

When the coughing subsided, he slid the book over Ludwig’s shoulder as if nothing had happened, “Let’s start from Act I – I’ll be Puck, you just have to read the other characters.”

Clearly Wolfie was unphased by Ludwig’s illness. Part of him just wanted to sleep, but more of him wanted to spend time with Wolfie – flu or not.

Ludwig eyed the text as it lay on the blanket beside him, its pages already well-worn from use.

Wolfie wants to practice with me?

“You just read it – go, go – it’s good I promise!”

Ludwig reluctantly sat himself up, turning the book to the first phrase while eyeing Wolfie with a great deal of suspicion.

“Don’t you have somebody better to do this with? Like somebody actually in the play with you?”

Wolfie shrugged, his smile still shining, “Maybe, but - you’re already here”

Ludwig wished that his head weren’t swirling, or perhaps that was his stomach? If it were the flu, or the affects of Wolfie, Ludwig could hardly tell between them. He only hoped that he wouldn’t embarrass himself by emptying the contents of his stomach onto the floor between them.

He thumbed the first page nervously and cleared his throat, preparing to read – though Old English was not his forte.

His eyes focused on the words before him

“Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour

Draws on apace; four happy days bring in

Another moon”

Ludwig raised a brow towards Wolfie who gave little notice, he was fully enraptured upon hearing the text – his fingers clung to edge of his bed as he leaned into Ludwig’s every word.

Ludwig cleared his throat and continued, watching a great smile spread across Wolfie’s face

“but, O, methinks, how slow

This old moon wanes…”


Ludwig found himself beginning to smile too.

By Friday evening, Wolfgang was practically a bouncing ball of excitement. The play was tomorrow, and Thomas had promised to arrive in time to see it. He was giddy – flitting about the room, arranging everything just so.

Ludwig watched as Wolfie pressed his shirt for the third time that afternoon.

“Aren’t you worried you’re gonna burn a hole in that thing?” Ludwig shook his head, trying to ignore the feelings that nagged him bitterly.

Wolfie simply laughed, “Nothing is more impressive than a well pressed shirt Ludwig.”

“…nothing?...” Ludwig scoffed, muttering under his breath. He wasn’t going to go there. If Wolfie wanted to live in a world where the most impressive thing was an ironed shirt, then who was Ludwig to stand in his way?

“Thomas is going to take me out to dinner, we might get back after curfew – you won’t tell on me will you?” Wolfie suddenly looked to Ludwig with worry in his eye

Despite the jealously that Ludwig felt, he knew better than to hold his feelings against Wolfie’s happiness. It wasn’t Wolfie’s fault that Ludwig had lived a shitty life – or that he’d never experienced these types of feelings for anyone else.

It wasn’t his place to fuck up somebody else’s life out of spite.

Ludwig picked absently at the threads on the blankets beneath him, “I’m not a tattle tale Wolfie – you can do what you want.”

Wolfie’s eyes lit up instantly as he bounced across the room, throwing his arms tightly around Ludwig’s neck.

“Oh thank you, thank you – thank you!” he practically squealed as he squeezed Ludwig’s neck with all his might.

The first hug.

Ludwig allowed himself to smile a little, as always, Wolfie’s enthusiasm was infectious.
 
“Ya, ya – just remember this next time you want to turn me in for smoking on school property.”

He patted Wolfie’s arms as a signal to release and he watched as Wolfie returned to finish packing some small items in a shoulder bag with a silly smile plastered across his pretty face.

Ludwig mused as he watched helplessly

Then came the inevitable knock at the door

Wolfie’s head snapped up immediately – “It’s Thomas!”

Ludwig felt his heart sink, but he remained silent as Wolfie flung the door open, giddy with excitement.

There was a flurry of arms and bags, and greetings and embraces as the two boys met at the door.

Sentiments were muffled among scarves and winter layers, and kisses were daringly stolen from cheeks and necks.

They withdrew, breathless and flush.

Ludwig watched with great fascination.

Two men in love – how does one navigate this?

“Well – come in, come in!” Wolfie finally gestured, grabbing Thomas’ luggage from his gloved hands.

“Actually, Wolfgang – I have that spot down at the inn, I should probably just keep my bags in the car for now, no? What do you think?”

His voice was elegant – Ludwig could tell simply by inflection, and how he used Wolfie’s full name.

Fancy boy.

Wolfie suppressed a giggle, “Of course, have you checked in yet?”

“No no, not yet – I just arrived in town and I drove immediately to you of course. I wanted to see you and thought perhaps you could give me a tour of the infamous Kent School of which I have heard so much.” The boy, more man, chuckled charmingly as he stepped beyond the doorway and into the room, his eyes immediately falling on Ludwig who lay in bed, Shakespeare in hand.

Thomas raised a curious golden brow, “A fellow Shakespearian? You must be Ludwig” Thomas extended his hand, still gloved in fine lambskin, “Wolfie has told me all about you in his letters” he winked with a cheeky grin that Ludwig could hardly place.

Was he being flirtatious?

Ludwig stared at the hand extended towards him and thought what of not taking it.

You’ve heard of me have you?

Ludwig narrowed his eyes at the stranger distrustfully

How nice.

Ludwig pushed the jealously down and begrudgingly lifted to shake hands, “Likewise” was the best he could come up with.

Thomas smiled over his shoulder back at Wolfie, “Really? Wolfie’s spoken of me to the great Ludwig? I’m flattered…”

Ludwig had no doubt that Wolfie had told Thomas that Ludwig had read his letters.

“Wolfie never mentioned that you were in the play as well.” Thomas eyed the text in Ludwig’s hands, “Which role do you play?”

Ludwig shifted uncomfortably, “Well, I actually –“

“No no, let me guess!” Thomas interrupted him with growing interest, “You look like a Theseus type to me, a ruler – a king?”

Ludwig felt fleetingly flattered by Thomas’ initial assessment, but he knew he was simply wishing to charm him.

“Ludwig isn’t in the play Thomas,” Wolfie interrupted them, placing a hand on Thomas’ arm, “He was just helping me with my lines.”

Thomas quickly looked between them and smiled, “Oh?”

“How kind.”

He patted Wolfie’s hand, “Well? Shall we head in town and get me checked into my room Wolfgang? It was nice to finally meet you Ludwig…” Thomas tipped himself towards him with a wink, “I’ll bring him back in one piece.”

Wolfie was already dressing himself for outside, coiling his scarf about his neck and gathering his bag.

Thomas gently took the book from Ludwig’s lap and slid it onto the bedside table, “You probably want to sleep anyway, try drinking lots of tea – it always helps me when I am sick.”

They eyed one another for some time, silently setting their terms as Wolfie laced his boots, unaware of the invisible war that waged across the room.

Wolfie finished by buttoning his woolen coat, “Thomas, did you park out front?”

With his blue eyes locked on Ludwig’s, Thomas smiled, blinking slowly, and threw down the boundary line

“Yes love.”

Ludwig held his breath, but did not react

Thomas grabbed his bag and guided Wolfie out into the corridor, “Enjoy your rest this evening Ludwig, feel better soon.”

Ludwig caught Wolfie’s wave goodbye just as Thomas closed the door with a soften click of the latch, and with that – they were gone.

Alone, Ludwig flopped back against the pillows with a heavy sigh.

“Damn it” he groaned as he rubbed his own face aggressively, “damn it, damn it, damn it!”

Ludwig eyed the book on the table, slowly narrowing his gaze towards it.

In an instant he flung it across the room, watching as it slammed against the door with a feral grunt of anger. Some of its pages were struck loose, as the violence of the attack sent them scattering towards the floor.

In that moment, Ludwig no longer cared for anyone – or anything. Besides, it’s not like anyone ever cared for him anyways.

He burrowed under the blankets and fell into a fitful sleep.

Thomas had indeed booked himself a room at the inn, and in classic form, he had spared no expense.

“And the evening menu begins at 6 o’clock Mr.Linley, it will be lamb roast. Your room is at the top of the stairs, on the left.”

The keys were dropped into Thomas’ hands while a baggage attendant began to lug his suitcases up the stairs.

“Ah – and his is my good friend Wolfgang, can you please add his name to the dinner reservation, I’ve come to see him in the school play. Isn’t that something?”

The clerk raised a curious brow as he looked between the two young men, “And shall I add his name to the room as well, sir?”

Thomas laughed him off casually, “Oh no, no – of course not! Don’t be ridiculous, what would my fiancée think?”

Wolfie’s ears perked up immediately, “What?”

“Of course Sir, so just the dinner reservation then – but otherwise, please alert us if there is anything you should need during your stay Mr.Linley.”

Thomas nodded his thanks and turned to follow the baggage attendant upstairs, “Wolfgang, there’s still another hour before dinner, you’re welcome upstairs?” Thomas paused halfway up, realizing that he was not being followed.

Wolfie, staring up at him from the landing, was still stuck on the conversation from check in.

Fiancée?

Wolfie swallowed the rising bubble of panic in his throat and placed a shaking hand on the banister, “Thomas?”

“Come Wolfgang, I’ve got a good scotch upstairs – I’ve brought it all the way from home. It’ll be time for lamb before you know it.”

There was something in his eyes that reassured Wolfie that there was indeed more than just small talk to be had. Wolfgang, though shaken, was compelled to follow.

“Thank you” Thomas pressed a fresh bank note into the attendant’s hand before closing the door behind him, “Enjoy your stay Mr.Linley – if you need anything, just call down to the reception desk.” Thomas nodded and shut the door, quickly turning towards his long awaited prize with a look of eager passion.

Wolfie had perched himself on the edge of the bed, unsure of how to proceed. His world had been shaken.

Thomas seized the opportunity and strode across the room, shedding his coat and scarf as he went. He cupped Wolfie’s face, tilting his head upwards for a hungry kiss. Now was not time for sadness!

Wolfie’s eyes flew open in shock as Thomas wasted no time in continuing the kiss lower, trailing along his jaw and neck, grazing his teeth along the sensitive edge of Wolfie’s ear – where he knew he’d get the reaction he was after.

“I know what you’re thinking” Thomas offered while he began to undress his prize, “you’re so easy to read, honestly Wolfgang” he scoffed with a dismissive roll of his eyes, “But truly, you have nothing to worry about pet.” He raked his fingers through Wolfie’s hair, and it was still just as soft as ever.

Wolfie, still shocked by Thomas admission downstairs, just stared back with a blank expression, completely immobile while he allowed himself to be undressed.

Thomas paused his ministrations and knelt down at the edge of the bed, placing himself submissively between Wolfie’s knees.

“Wolfie….” He rubbed the paleness of his thighs adoringly, “I’ll be 18 in a few months, you know my parents have been planning this since birth – it’s inevitable darling.”

Wolfie’s normally bright blue eyes were now dark and miserable

Thomas sighed, taking his hands and squeezing gently

“Any possible wedding won’t happen for some time still, don’t despair Wolfgang – we still have now.” He thumbed the tears from Wolfie’s cheeks with a frown, regretting that he’d even brought it up.

He’d meant to break the news more gently, he’d meant to make mention in his letters, he never meant to hurt him.

But he’d never meant to fall in love either.

And now here they were.

“Thomas…” Wolfie sobbed pitifully into Thomas’ hands, clutching over them as if he were afraid to let him go.

“I know Wolfie,” Thomas cooed to him as he slipped from the bed down onto the floor before him, “I know my darling.”

Wolfie’s sputters turned to waves of heartache as he choked on his own breath, shaking as they both stood on their knees.

Thomas wrapped Wolfie in his arms and whispered softly against his hair while rocking him gently, “It’ll be alright Wolfie, I promise. It will all work out, please don’t be sad – it breaks my heart to see you cry.”

Thomas held Wolfie while he cried, resting his chin atop his strawberry waves. “It’s alright…” Thomas kept repeating, as if more so for himself, or perhaps in an effort to drown out the sound of Wolfie’s sobs.

He combed his fingers through Wolfie’s hair, relishing the chance to touch him – as he had only imagined, for it had been months since they had last seen one another.

God how Thomas dreamt of this reunion – but now his love had been reduced to tears. Lord help us both Thomas thought to himself. He pressed his nose to Wolfie’s hair and smiled against him.

“Even crying you’re still cute, you know that?”

Wolfie managed to chuckle a little through his tears

“That’s my boy, hmm” Thomas brushed the bangs from Wolfie’s eyes and held his chin, “Very cute indeed” he kissed him chastely with a wicked smiled, “I dare say, you are the cutest.”

Wolfie blinked wildly at his tears. He sniffled and wiped with the back of his hand. His thick lashes were clumped with the salty droplets that continued to roll down his reddened cheeks.
He certainly didn’t feel cute.

He laughed through his tears, “Nobody is cute when they cry Thomas.”

Thomas tisked and produced an embroidered handkerchief from his pocket.

“Wolfgang,” he wiped at the stray tears with the silken cloth, “I think everything about you is cute.” He finished his thought with a kiss, which was quickly followed by another – and then another.

Soon Wolfie found his arms around Thomas’ neck as he was lifted back up onto the bed, with Thomas following close behind. Stretched out under him, Wolfie felt his sadness wash away under an assault of ever more demanding kisses.

Wolfie wriggled and groaned as Thomas pushed him further down against the mattress, grinding his need against him with fervent passion.

“I hate to see you sad,” Thomas whispered between kisses, “you’re too sweet to ever be sad – don’t you know that?”

“Thomas,” Wolfie whispered breathlessly under him, “aren’t you going to take your clothes off?”

Thomas paused, looking between their bodies with a smirk, “Right!” he winked and leapt up off of the bed, quickly throwing his clothes about the room in a dramatic show.

He was completely uninhibited about his body, stripping completely naked in broad daylight before him. Wolfie envied his confidence and watched with great awe as he struck a ridiculous pose.

“See anything you like?” Thomas winked, approaching the bed with the winning grin of a cat that had finally cornered its mouse.

Wolfie giggled, all sadness lost, “I think I like everything before me!”

Thomas let out a low growl and crawled overtop of him possessively, “Then everything is what I shall give you”

Wolfie gasped and hissed as Thomas lowered himself to take him in his mouth. He arched upwards, craving the wet heat of Thomas’ mouth on him, but he was quick to be held down.

Thomas’ hands held him to the mattress as he teased his way to the base, Wolfie’s soft mewls alerting Thomas to his immediate pleasure.

“Please tell me you’ve miss me” Thomas whispered in Wolfie’s ear as he moved back over top of him, straddling his hips in a glorious show of desire. Wolfie lay under him, breathless and desperate.

“I’ve missed you” Wolfie admitted no lie as Thomas slide himself down his length, barely stopping to adjust before establishing a torturously slow rhythm from above. Wolfie gasped and made to sit up, but Thomas held him down still.

“Let me” Thomas whispered against his ear, suddenly aware of the noises they were making, and the hotel reception desk directly below.

“Please let me – I’ve been dreaming of this moment.”

Wolfie fell silent under him, and aside from the quickening of his breath and the sporadic punctuation of strangled, needy moans, he did not speak.

Thomas rocked his hips, watching Wolfie’s expression change from one of surprise, to one of absolute need.

He smiled triumphantly to himself

“We must remain quiet darling,” Thomas leaned down close, sliding a hand over Wolfie’s mouth, “Wouldn’t want anyone to think we were a couple of fags fucking in here, hmm?”

Wolfie’s eyes closed as they rolled back in his head. He groaned and huffed against Thomas’ hand, bucking his hips upwards for more. He was desperate for more!

Thomas smiled to himself, he knew just how to make him moan. Feeling Wolfie’s mouth panting hard against his hand was only proof that even after months apart, Thomas could still make this boy sing.


“Cum for me Wolfie,” Thomas grazed his teeth along Wolfie’s ear, causing him to shudder and whine under him. He could tell by the shortness of breath that Wolfie was close.

He cautiously released Wolfie’s mouth and covered it instead with his own, kissing him hungrily as he felt him release in spastic bursts of excitement, passion and heat.


“fuck, fuck, fuck…” Wolfie repeated at a murmur against Thomas’ lips as he found himself in that familiar, intoxicating delirium that was giving yourself to another.

Thomas chuckled in heady triumph as he watched Wolfie’s eyes glaze and his belly tremble in submissive defeat. He leaned down and kissed his swollen lips, “Time for supper”

Wolfie remained silent – trying to regain his breath



“You like lamb don’t you Wolfgang?” Thomas slid off, and began gathering his clothes from the floor, “I’ll need to make sure you’re back by curfew – wouldn’t want you to get in trouble now, would we?”

Wolfie lay on his back, staring at the ceiling as his vision spun.

“Ya, I like lamb enough…” he muttered



Thomas grinned, tossing Wolfgang his shirt, “Well get up then, I’m starving.”

“I’ll drop you off after dinner, if we eat now, we can still get you back in plenty of time. We wouldn’t want Ludwig to worry, now would we?”

Wolfie scoffed as he pulled his leg through his trousers, “Don’t worry, I don’t think he cares too much about me.”

Thomas only chuckled, “Well, let’s not give him a reason – shall we?”

Chapter Text

If there were ever any creature more beautiful than Wolfgang costumed as a spirited young dryad, Ludwig had yet to lay eyes upon it.

Thomas had indeed returned Wolfie the night before and he had been true to his word as Wolfie was in fact, still in one piece. It had been sometime before midnight, when Ludwig had been roused by the unlocking of their door and the muted whispers of two people clearly in love.

Groggy and barely lucid, Ludwig remained still in his bed, wishing not to give way to his secret consciousness in that moment.

“I wish you could stay with me…” one boy lamented to the other, “Well, one must get at least some sleep, no?” As the whispers quieted to the sound of only breath, Ludwig could only assume that the pair had covertly snuck a kiss.

He lowered his eyes, feeling somewhat awkward as he listened in on their good-byes

“I’ll see you tomorrow, my little star.”

A soft giggle made Ludwig’s chest ache as he listened in further

“Good night” were the last words shared before the door clicked shut, which was followed by a gentle sigh that signaled the couple’s new found separation.

Wolfie quietly felt his way through the darkened room towards his bed and crawled under the covers, still fully clothed. Ludwig listened for further sounds, somewhat wishing for Wolfie to initiate a conversation, if only to acknowledge Ludwig’s presence in the room at all.

Much to his disappointment, Ludwig soon heard the gentle rhythm of sleep from the bed across the way.

Wolfie had already passed out, he was clearly exhausted.  

Ludwig turned onto his side, squinting in the darkness at the little ball of blankets and pillows that was already snoring softly.

Good night Wolfie, Ludwig whispered to himself under his breath, sleep tight…

He watched Wolfie sleep for a little while longer before he found his own eyes drooping and heavy. Feeling quite lonely for the first time in a long while, Ludwig eventually let sleep seduce him into a restless darkness.

If all seemed impossible - Ludwig could always dream.

When Saturday morning finally came, Ludwig was no longer sure that he wanted to attend this play at all. It seemed that each time he found himself in Wolfie’s realm, he only felt more wistful for a deeper connection. What good would staring at this boy up on a stage do for Ludwig? The thought of it only brewed feelings of jealousy and longing.

Wolfie obviously did not share the same feelings of curiosity towards Ludwig as he did in return. He was nice enough, and he’d spent much of his free time helping Ludwig with various tasks, but that is where their relationship seemed to end. Wolfgang was clearly wholly dedicated to Thomas, making Ludwig merely an outsider who was deeply confused by his feelings and if he were being fully truthful, Ludwig was downright terrified.

He'd dabbled with girls in the past, sharing some quick and unsatisfying experiences with a variety of blushing teens who ultimately wanted far more than Ludwig was willing to give. He was virtually repulsed by the thought of marriage, and there was nothing he wanted less than someone in his life who thought that they could tell him what to do.

A house? A few kids? A dead end job?

Ludwig didn’t have any money – nor did he have the skills or education to earn a decent wage.

He knew that he wanted nothing to do with building a family – nor did he dream of the white picket fence that seemed to come with it.

Every time he got close to a girl, the subject of a ring always seemed to surface.

Ludwig knew that he had to take his exit quickly.

Their kisses always seemed hollow, and other than the friction that they could provide, Ludwig found very little appealing about the physique of a woman. He’d always assumed that one day, he’d meet his match – and that he simply hadn’t found her yet.

He rarely partook in the wide-eyed gazing and wolf-whistling of his friends. They’d joke and taunt him for it, but his reply would always be the same.

”Ladies always prefer a gentleman…”

Or at least, this is what he told himself.

However, the longer Ludwig spent with his silly little roommate, the more he began to question exactly what it was that he wanted for himself.

What was it that made his heart ache?

What thoughts seemed to occupy his mind?

And the one question that seemed far more difficult to ignore than all the rest – what was it that his body wanted? What was it that he lusted for?

Ashamed of his newfound discovery, Ludwig was reticent to dwell too much on the subject. However, sharing a room that was no larger than a closet made avoiding the issue quite the challenge.

His mouth had run dry and he coughed quietly into his palm, trying his best not to disrupt Wolfie’s scene.

Ludwig had found himself a spot somewhere near the back of the theatre, sinking down low in his seat in order to avoid being noticed – though his persistent cough was not helping the matter.

Dressed in a silly costume of green leggings and a floral crown comprised of scavenged bits of woodland detritus, Wolfgang was the picture of a magical forest nymph. He was lithe and spritely with a melodious lilt to his voice; it was almost as if he had been born for the role.

Among Wolfie’s many talents came a natural aptitude for the stage. He was compelling as he delivered his lines without a stutter, and his delightfully cheery personality rang through in his stage presence. Most of the school was in attendance that evening, more so for the opportunity to make eyes at the girls who had come from the neighboring school as part of the play, but even still, the audience was packed to the very last row.

As the boys grappled for the seats near the front, hoping for a chance to sneak a glance up a skirt, Ludwig however, was not interested in any of them.

He followed the third act closely in his printed programme, noting Puck had arrived back on cue


Act III - Scene II

Puck describes his love of mischief as he continues to confuse and befuddle the young lovers lost in the forest. Puck’s love of trickery, and all things backwards becomes increasingly evident

Wolfie stood near the edge of the stage,

“And those things do best please me

That befall prepost’rously.”

Ludwig smiled to himself as Wolfie delivered the line. He was reminded of earlier when the pair had rehearsed together and by Wolfie’s rather fascinating explanation of that particular double entendre.


“Puck basically describes how he loves things in reverse – chaos, if you will. However, some people believe that there is a sexual undertone to that line, ‘loving all things prepost’rously?’ In other words, loving things that are from the back…..if you get what mean?”

Wolfie had waggled his eyebrows at Ludwig before bursting into a fit of giggles

With his breath caught in his throat – all Ludwig could do was smile and shake his head.

“Are you saying Shakespeare meant for this character to be a fag?”

Wolfie rolled his eyes with a laugh, “Well no, not exactly. But all things are open to interpretation, are they not?”

Ludwig arched a curious brow, “All things?”

Wolfie’s reply came in the form of a sultry little grin, “Indeed. All things.”




By curtain, Ludwig had found himself fully enraptured by Wolfie’s magical spell.

He was sweet – charming – and rather funny.

It may have been only Ludwig’s opinion, but he was certain that Wolfie’s performance had stolen the show.

He clapped with particular enthusiasm when it was Wolfie’s turn to approach the front of the stage, even throwing in a hearty whistle in for good measure.

A few curious onlookers turned back over their shoulders, but Ludwig simply ignored them as the crowd continued to cheer.

“Bravo!”





As the audience filed out into the lobby, Ludwig quickly noted that Wolfie and Thomas had found one another and were already deep in excited chatter.

Though he was too far away, and the crowd was far too noisy for him to hear, Ludwig could tell that Wolfie was gushing as he gestured wildly with his hands.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to get my lines right in that scene, I always stumble there and –“

Thomas briefly interrupted Wolfie’s own performance review to grab Ludwig’s arm as moved to walk past the familiar pair. Ludwig carried his head down as he walked quickly with his dark eyes fixed on the tile the floor.

It was evident to Thomas that Ludwig wanted nothing more than to sneak out of the theatre unseen by either of them.

“Ludwig!” Thomas’ grip was far more powerful than Ludwig would have expected

“How good of you to come, being sick and all?”

Wolfie’s expression seemed to be one of surprise as he registered Ludwig’s presence among the crowded foyer.

“I thought you were going to stay in bed?” Wolfie questioned, equally as surprised to see Ludwig there

Ludwig, stunned by having been caught in attendance, struggled for a reply, “I…well…”

Thomas knowingly narrowed his eyes at the stammering boy as a wicked smile began to spread across his smug face, “Well what did you think? Wasn’t Wolfgang magnificent?”

Thomas’ grip on his arm felt rather threatening in that moment, but as Ludwig’s eyes came to rest on Wolfie’s sweet face, he couldn’t help but soften.

Truthfully, Wolfie looked rather ridiculous standing there in his green unitard and flower crown. Rogue sparkles were clinging desperately to his pretty golden hair, cast offs from the stage props – but regardless, they gave him an angelic glow.

Any other boy probably would have been embarrassed to wear such a revealing costume. However, years of classical ballet training had grown Wolfie quite accustomed to form fitting clothing.

Wolfie’s expression was hopeful

“Yes Ludwig, what did you think of the play?”

The sound of his voice made Ludwig’s pulse quicken

Say something.

Thomas’ hand remained firmly on Ludwig’s arm

“I thought…” Ludwig began, but quickly made to clear his throat, glancing down at Thomas’ grip.

“I thought…” he faltered again, this time gently slipping Thomas’ hand from his arm before continuing, “I thought you were wonderful Wolfie.”

That’s the honest truth.

Wolfie quickly glanced towards Thomas who nodded his head with a smile

There was an awkward silence between all parties with only the din of the dwindling crowd to distract them.

Ludwig coughed again – hoping to soon be able to leave

“Ludwig” Thomas began quite loudly

“what are your plans for the holidays? When the school closes for Christmas next week?”

Wolfie’s smile nearly doubled and he clasped his hands behind his back.

Ludwig gave a look of confusion, “Um, I’m not entirely sure yet. I may stick around. Why?”

Thomas looked to Wolfie, prompting him to interject

“Would you want to come my house with Thomas and me for a few days?”

“Thomas and I” Thomas quickly corrected him under his breath

Ludwig found the grammatical correction rather strange, but he said nothing of it as he shrugged, digging his hands into his pockets as he tended to do when nervous.

“I….”

Thomas spoke again, “Only if you’re interested of course. How well do you know your carols?”

Ludwig shrugged, “I’m not much of singer actually…” he scratched at the base of his neck, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sudden proposal.

Wolfie frowned, “Really? That’s too bad – singing carols is a tradition at my house.”

Ludwig felt his heart sink a little, he did not want to disappoint Wolfie – in fact, it was simply his own stupid pride that was keeping him from jumping at the opportunity to be with him over the holidays. The alternative was two long, lonely weeks stuck in the dormitory by himself. It’s not like he had anywhere else to go.

“My singing was never that great, but I can play piano pretty good I guess?”

“Pretty well.” Thomas murmured before patting Ludwig on the shoulder, “Good, an excellent contribution then. I’ll be driving through to pick Wolfgang up next Saturday, I’ll make sure there is room for both of you.”

Wolfie’s smile grew brilliantly and his lashes fluttered, “Really?”

Ludwig felt his cheeks warming under their combined gaze, “Sure” he muttered quietly with a shrug, “It’s not like I’ve got anything better to do, I can pack a bag.”

Wolfie and Thomas exchanged a curious glance that Ludwig couldn’t quite place.

He felt a little silly – but excited nonetheless.

He had been invited into Wolfie’s home, giving him somewhere to be – and from that, a great sense of relief soon washed over him.

“Well, I’ll see you both in a few days then” Thomas winked at Wolfie and bowed out of the conversation, “Beautiful performance Wolferl, and Ludwig – I’m glad you made it out to see the show. Wolfie was getting a little worried about you, weren’t you?”

Wolfie quickly averted his gaze and chuckled, “Well….”

Ludwig sensed Wolfie’s instant aversion to continuing that conversation

Thomas chuckled to himself, taking his car keys from his pocket

“Well - regardless, I’ll see you both soon. Look out for him Ludwig, keep him out of trouble.”

Wolfie and Ludwig looked sheepishly towards one another as Thomas walked out of the theatre towards his car. They were left standing alone in the vacant lobby, with no one to rescue them from their thoughts.

“Shall we head back then?” Ludwig eventually offered quietly

Wolfie answered with a nod as the pair began to walk the long, silent trek back to their room for the night.

At some point on the way back, despite all the thoughts that swirled in his head, Ludwig managed to find a few words

“I thought you were really good tonight Wolfie”

Wolfie smiled to himself, keeping his eyes fixed on the tiles as they passed under foot

“Thank you for coming.”

Chapter Text

Wolfie’s seasonal invitation to join in on his family’s festivities had come as a wild surprise to Ludwig.

But that was Wolfie.

Full of surprises.

Though he had felt that their friendship was beginning to take a positive turn over the past several weeks, Ludwig had never imagined that Wolfie would ever feel comfortable enough to extend such a personal favour to a boy who only a few short months ago had been more foe than friend.

That being said, Ludwig was hardly in a position to pass up a free meal over the holidays.

The afternoon that Thomas had arrived to pick them up from the dormitory was blindingly bright with the ground below being decorated by a blanket of crisp, freshly fallen snow. The handsome young blonde had arrived soon after lunch, bundled in his thick woolen coat with his collar turned upwards against the cold. He was clearly missing the sun and warmth of the Italian countryside already.

However, given his neatly combed hair and his polished leather shoes – Thomas made it quite clear that just because it was winter, that it did not mean that one could not still be fashionable. Ludwig had to admit, Thomas was rather intimidating to lay eyes upon.

Most of the school had already been emptied with the first few trains departing for London central the night before. Much of the Kent school was well on their way home for the holidays – with luggage, gifts and heavy trunks in tow.

Had Ludwig not agreed to accompany Thomas and Wolfie for the holidays, he would likely have been left to his own devices for the duration of the winter break. Though Ludwig was used to being somewhat of a loner, the idea of spending the holidays alone in an empty school made his stomach turn. He was grateful for the invitation, albeit somewhat anxious about the company.

“You’ll like it at my house, Papa always goes all out at Christmas. Every year I bring someone home from the school, usually one of the students who does not travel home for the holiday break. He’s very generous that way.”

Perhaps Wolfie’s Christmas invitation was not as meaningful as Ludwig had originally hoped.

Regardless, he felt rather awkward watching Thomas load his father’s canvas duffle into the trunk of his sporty little cabriolet. The dull goose grey of the army issued duck oil canvas failed to compliment against the tell-tale patterned leather of Wolfie’s luxurious Louis Vuitton. Seeing the two bags nestled side by side in the tiny little trunk answered just as many questions as Ludwig could ever wonder, and yet they also served as a stark reminder of the differences between them.

Ludwig suddenly yearned to light up a smoke.

He needed the nicotine to calm his nerves.

With a sharp, definitive slam of the trunk, Thomas clapped the snow from his gloves and questioned coolly, “Anything else boys?”

Ludwig eyed the sexy little convertible with growing skepticism.

It was a beautiful car. A sleek Frazer Nash in forest green with tastefully appointed chrome accents. The interior was a plush tan leather, handstitched in a deep silvery thread that glinted under the early winter sun. The car was no doubt worth a pretty penny, and it was by no means anywhere near Ludwig’s fathomable financial reach. However, that sentiment would imply that Ludwig even had a financial reach.

Sadly, Ludwig had little means to speak of, and certainly what little he did have was not nearly as impressive as either of these two boys. If there had been any prior doubt in Ludwig’s mind regarding Thomas’ royal like elitism, this car was evidence enough to curb the opposition.  

He shivered in his leather jacket, waiting for his next cue. He’d normally zip up in this weather, but it was busted, and he wasn’t the type to start complaining about it either. Ludwig would wait until he was told, cold or not.  

He remained quiet as Thomas opened the passenger door and gestured them towards the cab, “Gentlemen…” he swept his arm towards the front bench in an open invitation.

Ludwig raised a curious brow at Wolfie who seemed completely unfazed by the whole situation.

A tiny little roadster, with barely sufficient seating for three teenage boys?

What could possibly go wrong?

“Ludwig, you can go first” Wolfie smiled over his shoulder at the now noticeably shivering boy

Ludwig’s teeth began to chatter as his mind raced to calculate just how Thomas envisioned all three of them fitting inside the little car.

“You want me in the middle?” Ludwig replied doubtfully, “Shouldn’t the smallest person go in the middle?”

Thomas smiled charmingly at him, “It’ll be warmer for you between us. Silly boy hasn’t even got mittens.”

Ludwig could have sworn he’d seen a sly wink, but he shook it off as he dipped his head submissively. He wasn’t about to argue the seating arrangement, in fact he’d rather ride in the trunk if it meant that he could finally get out of the cold. It wasn’t his car, it wasn’t his rules. So be it, he’d ride in the middle.

“Alright” Ludwig muttered his acquiescence, sliding past Wolfie as he folded himself up just enough to slink into the middle of the bench. The engine was already running, and the cab was blessedly warm. Ludwig tucked his hands under his arms and let out a violent shiver as he adjusted the heater.

Thomas let his hand slip from the door handle and casually pinched at Wolfie’s backside, before whispering in his ear, “You’re next, little one.”

Ludwig’s ears perked up at the delighted giggle that bubbled from Wolfie’s lips, “You’re going to get us both in trouble if you keep doing that.”

Thomas only laughed, “You’re certainly worth all the consequences”

Once Wolfie had tucked himself in beside Ludwig on the passenger side, Thomas quickly shut the door and made his way over to the driver’s seat.

“You warm enough Ludwig?” Wolfie asked with half interest as he adjusted his scarf and mittens

Ludwig, feeling more like a painfully deflated third wheel, simply nodded with a quiet, “I’m fine.”

Thomas slipped in behind the driver’s wheel and cleared the snow from the windshield with a swipe of the wiper blades.

“So,” he began with the car idling, “everybody’s in and ready to go?”

“Yep!” Wolfie chirped excitedly

Thomas snaked his hand over Ludwig’s thigh towards the gear shift that was awkwardly nestled between Ludwig’s knees. “Sorry there Ludwig, I’m not used to there being someone there. Is that gear shift going to bother you?”

Ludwig looked down at Thomas’ gloved hand as it rested on the leather wrapped knob

Was Thomas trying to….?

No.

Not a chance.

Give your head a shake Ludwig!

Ludwig simply shook his head no and quietly replied, “It will be fine.”

Thomas smiled curiously at the position in which his hand was now perched, but said nothing as he shifted the car in to drive, “Alright, then let’s be on our way.”

After a long and winding hour drive from Kent – the boys finally hit London traffic.

A sea of red tail lights alerted them that they had indeed reached the capital in good time for the holidays. As did it appear that half of the royal kingdom had done so as well.

“Traffic – damn.” Thomas sighed, resting his wrists atop the wheel with a roll of his cool blue eyes

“Get off here and just drive through Newington, it’s probably faster.” Wolfie watched out the window with disinterest as the other cars rolled by, “Papa said that he would leave the gate open for your car.”

Ludwig’s eyes widened as they exited the highway and began to tour through an obviously affluent residential street.

Georgian townhomes lined either side of the narrow cobble roadway, with thick stone walls and wrought iron fencing declaring quite loudly for all who passed that only those with significant fortune were welcome through their gates.  

Festive greenery had been hung from the street lamps, giving the flickering gas light a cheery Christmas appeal.

“It’s just up here, is it not Wolfgang?”

Ludwig had nearly forgotten to breathe as Thomas slowed the car to a stop beside an elegant end unit that backed on to a private parkway. The front curtains had been drawn to reveal a twinkling scotch pine in the front window.

“Yes, it’s number 6 – right here!” Wolfie tapped the glass with his woolen fingers, “Just park out front, Papa must have put the car in the garage because he knew we were coming.”

Thomas squeezed his hands between Ludwig’s knees once more, this time with his eyes focused more intently on parking his vehicle than with anything else – though the electric tingling in Ludwig’s belly knew of no difference at all.

He swallowed thickly as Thomas turned the engine off just in time for Wolfie to leap out of the car and into the waiting embrace of the man Ludwig could only presume was his father.

“Papa!” Wolfie declared with much enthusiasm, leaving Ludwig and Thomas still struggling to untangle themselves from one another in the front seat.

“Wolfgang, welcome home darling” the grey haired man held an air of distinction as he held his son in his arms, “Quick, come inside – we can get your bags later. Boys, come! Before you freeze.”

Thomas waved through the windshield, seemingly familiar with the stern looking man already

“I’ll grab the bags Herr Mozart, not to worry – we are right behind you” Thomas wound down his window to announce himself with a smile

“Good, well – the sooner the better. As always, my Wolfgang is right on time for dinner.” He laughed as he gestured his son towards the house by the small of his back, “Nannerl will be so glad to see you…”

As the pair entered the stately looking home, Ludwig was left speechless as he stared out the windshield, watching gentle flakes land against the glass wordlessly.

“Well?” Thomas turned to him curiously, “Are you getting out or what?”

Ludwig shook his head, as if to gain some sense, but words failed to articulate exactly what mixture of feelings Ludwig was attempting to navigate in that moment.

“Nice home, isn’t it?” Thomas chuckled to himself, seeing Ludwig still struck speechless beside him, “But tell me truthfully, did you really expect any different from the Mozart family?”

Ludwig turned quietly towards Thomas with an unreadable expression, as if to say

Where am I?

Who are these people?

What am I doing he-

Ludwig’s eyes flew open as he felt Thomas’ lips crush against his own.





His mind froze.


His body stiffened.


He simply forgot to breath.






What the hell was happening?!



Ludwig’s eyes were suddenly wild.


Thomas however, seemed unfazed by Ludwig’s reaction as he dug his fingers hungrily into the lapels of the leather jacket, tugging the dark haired boy close. He wasted no time in allowing his tongue to brazenly explored what was accessible only through Ludwig’s slack-jawed surprise.

After what felt like far too long, Ludwig finally began to regain his voice and quickly pushed Thomas away with a great look of confusion. Ludwig swept a hand shakily through his dark curls and hastily distanced himself to the other side of the cab. He did not know how to process what had just happened. Had Ludwig been somehow meant to expect that? Worse yet – had he somehow invited it?

Thomas eyed him curiously for a moment before breaking into a lecherously charismatic grin that had Ludwig somewhat concerned. Feeling a little like prey ensnared in a trap, Ludwig knew he needed to get out of that car – and quick.

“I’ll get the bags…” Ludwig managed to stutter somewhat audibly while reaching for the door handle with a shaking hand. “Good idea” Thomas simply leaned his arm against the wheel with a wicked grin before adding, “Wolfie’s father’s name is Leopold by the way.”

Ludwig paused, half out of the car, when he turned back over his shoulder, unsure of how Thomas could simply pretend that nothing was the matter.

The man had just kissed him in front of Wolfie’s house!

With his father standing a mere twenty feet away!

What the hell was wrong with this guy?

The idea of having him sit in the middle for the entire trip now dawned on Ludwig as no mere accident.

Thomas soon winked at him cheekily, “His sister is quite cute too. I think you’ll really like her.”

Ludwig just shook his head and slipped out of the car without a word. He made his way to the trunk to retrieve the bags but at this point, Wolfie had come to the doorway to see what was taking the pair so long to get inside.

“Are you both coming in? What’s taking so long?”

Thomas waved him off from the front seat, “Nothing, we just had some trouble getting the boot open”

Ludwig looked between the boys suspiciously – Wolfie seemed to easily accept Thomas at his word, without any indication for the brief, and unexpected transgression that had Ludwig clearly shaken.

Ludwig watched as Thomas strolled up to the threshold of the home and quickly planted a kiss on Wolfie’s cheek – much to Wolfie’s embarrassment, “Stop, are you mad? What if Papa sees?” Wolfie blushed as he tried to suppress a lighthearted giggle.

Laden with their bags, Ludwig’s dark eyes were nearly as wide as saucers as he watched the embrace from the driveway

What the fuck….?

Ludwig hesitated, feet firmly rooted to the pavement

“Come on Ludwig – aren’t you coming in?” Wolfie called to him with a shiver, “It’s freezing out here, get inside! Come meet my Papa and my sister Nan.”

Ludwig dropped his head to obey and began to trudge slowly towards the imposing home. In that moment, he vowed to himself to not speak a word of any of this to anyone.

Whatever was between Wolfie and Thomas was none of his damn business.

It was not his place to make waves for either of them – this was not his world.

He’d keep his mouth shut about the stupid kiss.

What good what it do to tell anyone?



Besides – he didn’t want to be the one responsible for breaking Wolfie’s heart if this Thomas guy turned out to be an asshole.


No.


Ludwig decided to keep everything to himself.


At least he knew how to do that.


He’d been practicing his entire life.

Chapter Text

Christmas Eve began with mass.

Like any good Catholic boy, Wolfie was quite well versed in the hymns and psalms that made up the majority of the holiday service. He sat neatly near his father, bible on his knees, hands clasped and eyes bright. He had a cherubic quality that no doubt had his idealistic father melancholy for simpler times. Wolfgang appeared quite pleased to be home, as he soon turned much of his attention to his father who in turn, showered the boy with loving affection. There was no doubt that Wolfgang was the apple of his father’s cool grey eye.

While Wolfgang could hardly peel his brilliant smile from the sermon, Thomas was quite the opposite. With a stiff posture and a wandering eye, Thomas preferred to people watch rather than listen to some old coot drone on and on about religion.

Ludwig caught a subtle roll of Thomas’ eyes as he attempted to shift away from his neighbour, an elderly man who had nodded off to the dulcet tones of the pastor’s voice. Thomas sighed impatiently, shrugging his shoulder against the heavy lump of a man that leaned against him. He huffed again, digging a finger into the man’s side hoping for a reaction – but alas, the fat lump remained in deep slumber.

Ludwig couldn’t help but smirk at the situation

“Why don’t you just keep poking him until he wakes up?” Ludwig whispered to Thomas under his breath. He made sure to swallow the comedy of the situation in fearing that he’d catch Leopold’s attention for speaking during the service. Ludwig hadn’t been to church in awhile, but he was pretty sure that talking wasn’t allowed…

Thomas’ blue eyes quickly snapped up to meet his own, “He’ll probably get startled and cause a scene!” he whispered harshly, clearly quite aggravated, “Oh God, and he smells!” Thomas retched, “It’s bloody unbearable”

“And – So - Heavy!” Thomas whispered his complaints with a soft grunt, pushing back against the man

Ludwig bit his lip and suppressed a chuckle. With Thomas on his left and Herr Mozart on his right, Ludwig was not willing to let anything compromise his situation. He had already been judged for being a charitable cause - and he did not want to add further reason to be dismissed by Wolfgang or his family.  

Ludwig picked at his knitted scarf. He had borrowed it of course – from Wolfgang.

And the same could be said for his mittens – and also, his hat.

Leopold had lent Ludwig a heavy woolen coat, as leather unzipped in the winter wind does little for your protection. “It no longer fits Wolfgang or myself, and it still looks to be in top condition. You will need it far more than any of us, please – consider it a gift.” Ludwig felt awkward as he stared himself down in the mirror, his new coat far from anything he would ever pick for himself.

Thomas had commented that it made him look like a lawyer, “An expensive one too.” Then he’d smiled and ran his hand along the arm of the coat with a grin, “Very professional, Ludwig.” Something about that boy’s tone made Ludwig’s hair stand on end. No one else, however, seemed to notice.

Suddenly the slumbering man let out a strangled hiss of noxious gas making Thomas begin to flail even more.

“He just farted, oh Jesus Christ!” Thomas quickly pinched his nose shut with indignation

Ludwig snorted, unable to contain his amusement any longer

The brief chuckle was enough to turn Leopold’s attention

“Boys” His steely voice threatened the silliness with a raise of his bushy grey brow, “Enough.”

Ludwig sunk low, quickly digging his hands into his pockets like a young child scolded – damn it.

Thomas sighed and squirmed as far as he could be from the unconscious blob, however as a result of his struggling, Ludwig now found himself pressed even closer to the English boy’s side. Ludwig glanced across to Wolfie for help but he was so entranced by the pageantry of the nativity play that he’d hardly turned his head to acknowledge Thomas or Ludwig at all - even as Leopold had scolded them.

Fuck.

Ludwig kept his eyes firmly fixed to the front of the chapel and silently vowed to stay focused for the remainder of the evening. Thomas be damned.

Just ignore it – him - ignore everything.

Ludwig remained stiff, pressed up against Thomas’ thigh

Soon enough, he could feel Thomas’ eyes begin to wander and he held his breath, but thankfully something else soon caught the boy’s attention. Ludwig exhaled slowly and tried to relax.

When the serviced finally ended just after midnight, Leopold quietly shepherded the boys into his car. Wolfgang was quick to claim superiority with the front seat – relegating both Thomas and Ludwig to the back. For most of the drive home, Wolfgang filled the air with his cheery review of the evening including a brief re-enactment of his favourite hymn and commentary on how he would have reworked the voice leading to include a descant solo.

“Don’t you think a soprano part there would have really made that piece shine Papa?”

Ludwig leaned his head against the glass of the car window, he knew little of formalized voice leading – and even less about writing it. Ludwig squinted at the homes as they drove through the neighbourhood, I just play music, I don’t write it.

He continued to listen in with half ears

“I think it would have sounded ridiculous with a descant. Those altos could barely find their pitch with the sopranos warbling about, imagine adding a fifth voicing to that choir? It would absolutely implode!” Thomas chimed in from the backseat. His haughty review of the amateur choristers made Leopold chuckle as he glanced up in the rear view mirror, noting silence from the third boy.

“Ludwig, do you play music as well?”

The car seemed to suddenly fill with nothing but road noise as all eyes turned to Ludwig with great curiosity. Wolfie turned in his seat, hands clasping the headrest with brows raised, “I’ve never actually asked you about that before – do you?”

Ludwig sat himself upright, shoving his fingers under his thighs to keep from fidgeting.

“Well,” he stumbled, “I can play a little piano I suppose.”

Wolfgang’s face suddenly lit up, grinning towards Thomas who sat with a coy smile, pretending as if he were the one now staring out the window with disinterest.

“That’s quite good news” Leopold began, “has Wolfgang told you about our family caroling?” he continued to watch the boy through his rear-view mirror.

Ludwig looked to Wolfie with a hopeless expression of nervousness, he had no idea what Leopold was talking about.

“Every year we invite anyone who’s staying with us over the holidays to sing along on Christmas morning and –“ Wolfie was quickly interrupted

“Oh, well I’m not much of a singer –“ Ludwig began to back peddle with a forced chuckle, waving his hands dismissively, “Not something I’m really any good at.”

“Then you’ll play piano” Leopold cut in with such certainty that Ludwig found himself wordless for a reply

Ludwig’s silence on the matter seemed to be taken as acceptance all who listened, “Fun!” Wolfie’s grin was nearly ear to ear, “Tomorrow after presents you can play and we can sing, do you know Holy Night? It’s my favourite!”

Thomas scoffed with a lecherous smile, What an innocent little thing you are Wolfgang. I am truly going to miss you. He knew that no wife he could ever marry could ever replace that sweet little man in his life.

“I thought A Virgin Most Pure was your favourite Wolfgang?” Thomas’ comment quickly hijacked the conversation with a daring little grin, and a wink in Wolfie’s direction

Wolfie narrowed his eyes towards the bold young man who beamed at him rather smartly, “No, it is not my favourite carol Thomas. Thank you.” Wolfie hissed with indignation at Thomas’ suggestive comment. He hated how Thomas always tried to push the boundaries in front of Papa. It always made Wolfie feel uneasy, he would never dare admit anything so indecent in front of his father.

Papa would surely have the lot of them out of the house in an instant!

Leopold smiled to himself as he listened to the boys banter, “Turn around now Wolfgang, you’ll break your neck if you sit like that. Eyes on the road – it’s settled, tomorrow Ludwig will play and we lot can provide the choir.”

Thomas raised a challenging eyebrow towards the curiously  boy seated across from him, “I hope you know my favourite carol” Thomas prodded him softly, his voice barely audible from the opposite side of the cab

Ludwig tilted his head in curiosity, “Which is?”

Thomas flashed a wicked grin

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Ludwig frowned at the suggestive title, “I see”

Thomas began to chuckle, he knew the message had been received.




















Once home, Leopold announced that he was headed directly to bed as it was already well past midnight. After depositing his coat in the front hall closet, he soon disappeared - leaving Wolfgang and his houseguests alone with the run of the place.

“Don’t stay up too late boys, I’ll see you all in the morning.”

He kissed his son on the cheek with a rub to his arm, “You’ll get your friends settled in the guest room won’t you?”

“Yes Papa” Wolfie smiled warmly up at him from the bottom step, “I’ve already brought their bags up”

Leopold paused, reassessing his son with a nostalgic smile, “My boy…” he ruffled Wolfgang’s hair affectionately and turned back to the stairs with a tired sigh, “Alright gentlemen, sleep well.”

Wolfgang remained on the landing with his hand on the banister and a dazed smile of satisfaction across his beautiful face. “Good night Papa.”

Ludwig would be lying if he didn’t admit that he was at least a little jealous in that moment. He watched the intimate exchange between father and son with growing envy. Wolfie clearly adored his Papa, and Leopold – the doting father – was quite obviously smitten. It was almost storybook in its simplicity.

“Good night Papa” Thomas teased in his best falsetto voice just as soon Leopold was out of sight. To further make his point, he blew a few kisses and batted his long lashes in Wolfie’s direction.

“Stop…” Wolfie rolled his eyes with a laugh, “I don’t sound like that!”

Thomas smiled and stepped towards the smaller boy, slipping his arms around his waist, pulling their chests against one another. “It’s cute – I love it” Thomas kissed Wolfie’s nose sweetly, not caring that Ludwig stood witness to the entire thing

“Thomas!” Wolfie gasped in surprise, half amused, yet half embarrassed for the public display

“What – come now, he knows! What’s the big secret?”

Ludwig stood silently aside, unsure of how to respond.

When the pair turned to look, Ludwig simply shrugged

“I uh – I should probably get to bed.”   

Wolfie squirmed his way out from Thomas’ grasp and grabbed Ludwig’s hand, “Come on – I put your stuff upstairs. You and Thomas have to share the guest room, I hope you don’t mind.”

“I mind.” Thomas called up from the bottom of the stairs, “You should give him your bed Wolfgang – we can share instead”

Wolfie rolled his eyes with a smile as he led Ludwig to the room at the end of the hall.

“Here, there’s a washroom just across the hall and I am right next door.” He flicked on the light to reveal the single bed configuration of the room, “Maybe one of you can sleep on the floor?”

Ludwig felt himself be pushed aside as Thomas barged in between them, “Nonsense, we’ll both fit just fine.” He began to unbutton his coat, “That is – unless you have a problem with that arrangement Ludwig?”

Ludwig locked eyes with the older boy for a brief moment, his blue orbs daring Ludwig to say otherwise.

“It’ll be fine.” Ludwig murmured his defeat as he eyed the contents of Thomas’ luggage – silk pyjamas, leather toiletry bag, fresh shirts – Thomas clearly never travelled without his creature comforts. Ludwig began to wonder if he had remembered to pack his own pyjamas? No matter, he’d come up with something – it was only for two nights anyways.

“Well, if you need anything I’ll be right next door…” Wolfie lingered in the doorway watching as Thomas unpacked, “It’s quite alright Wolfgang, we’ll be fine.” Thomas scooped up his change of clothing and walked towards the door, pausing on his way towards the washroom. “Try not to miss me too much” he planted a quick kiss on Wolfie’s cheek before he slipped out into the hallway.

“Good night Wolfgang” he called over his shoulder as he closed the washroom door, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

Wolfie’s hand flew to his cheek, he was frozen in threshold – his cheeks burning red with embarrassment. He smiled awkwardly towards Ludwig with a shrug, “Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

Ludwig frowned, the honest truth was that he wasn’t entirely sure that he could trust this Thomas guy, but what choice did he have? Besides, what was Thomas really going to do anyways? Ludwig was at least twice his size.

I could crack that kid in half if I had to….Ludwig narrowed his eyes towards the bathroom door

“I’ll be fine” he murmured

Wolfie smiled, “Alright – good night then.”

Ludwig watched him disappear before turning back to his belongings in an effort to make sense of something he could pass off as sleepwear.

Much to Ludwig’s surprise, Thomas had returned from the washroom and found his way under the covers without incident. In fact, Ludwig could have categorized his demeanour as quite cold upon his return to the bedroom. He wordlessly pulled back the covers and tucked himself neatly onto his side with his back towards Ludwig.

“Turn that light off will you?” He eventually sighed, adjusting the pillow beneath his head, “Oh,” Ludwig – startled by the sound of the other boy’s voice, quickly obeyed, “sure thing.”

Ludwig sank down under the covers, laying flat on his back.

He stared up at the ceiling listening for any sound that would alert him to either Thomas, or anyone else for that matter. He wondered if Wolfie had fallen asleep next door yet, it usually didn’t take him long. Ludwig smiled to himself, Wolfie always did that cute little snore while he was sleeping. Though he couldn’t hear it now, the sound was still fresh in his mind.

He wondered if Thomas snored too?

Without any reason to remain awake, Ludwig’s eyes slowly began to droop under the heavy veil of sleep. Thomas’ breathing had slowed to a deep and peaceful rhythm, and outside the window the sky seemed as black as tar – not a sound to be heard. It was an odd feeling, lying beside Thomas, especially while Wolfie was in the next room, but Ludwig too soon fell into the comforting embrace of sleep.

“Kiss me”

Wolfie was hovering above him, his knees sinking into the mattress on either side of Ludwig’s middle as he crawled up to press his lips to Ludwig’s

“Haven’t you ever done this before?” his blue eyes seemed curiously entertained by Ludwig’s frozen expression of both shock and surprise

“I….” Ludwig stuttered, “I – well, not with a man”

Wolfie chuckled and sat himself upright, straddling Ludwig’s belly, “I’m a very good teacher I’ll have you know”

Ludwig didn’t answer, he simply lay immobile under the little nymph.

And nymph he was – he was still wearing his Puck costume from the school play!

“What about Thomas?” Ludwig finally managed to speak, just as Wolfie was beginning to undo his jeans

“Don’t worry about Thomas – he knows I like you”

Ludwig’s belly twitched……Wolfie likes me?

He watched as Wolfie knelt between his thighs with a greedy look upon his face, “And besides, I don’t like sharing”

Ludwig hissed as Wolfie took his cock into his mouth with great enthusiasm, leaving no room for teasing – he was right into a vigorous rhythm that had Ludwig’s head tossed back and whimpering against gritted teeth in an effort to stave off an early demise. Ludwig suddenly wished that he had taken care of things himself earlier that afternoon, anything to make this last longer.

“Jesus Christ….” Luddy whined, clenching his fists at his sides, he could feel a tightness growing in his belly

“Now, now” Wolfie paused, looking up with smouldering blue eyes, “what would Wolfie say if he heard you take the Lord’s name in vain?”

Ludwig gained sudden lucidity

“What would Wolfie say….?” He became instantly confused, looking down at the golden hair below

He watched as it bobbed and slurped with uninhibited obscenity – though this was darker than Wolfgang, and his form was slightly broader too.

“Thomas!” Ludwig suddenly gasped, his eyes now fully awake to the reality of the situation

Ludwig flung his hands down to knock the other boy from his position in a clatter of limbs and bedsheets. He reactively felt his right hand connect with the suspect with a little more force than perhaps he had intended to.

“Ow, what the fuck?!” He heard Thomas exclaim angrily after being knocked to the floor

Ludwig quickly flicked on the bedside lamp to shed some light

“What do you mean what the fuck?! What the fuck to you!” Ludwig quickly righted his boxers and covered himself with the blankets, “What were you doing?”

Thomas sat on the floor, pinching the end of his nose in an effort to stave off the inevitable bloody mess that was about to drip all over the Mozart’s beautiful oriental rug.

He rolled his dark blue eyes, “Get me a handkerchief you fool – before I bleed all over this damn carpet”

Ludwig dug through his bag in search of one, but only found an old shirt – balling it up, he shakily passed it to Thomas to stop the bleeding.

“Here…” he offered

Thomas looked up at him in disgust, “This is a shirt! Don’t be ridiculous”

“It’s that or I wake up the entire house looking for a handkerchief so you figure it out.”

Ludwig returned to his side of the bed and sank under the covers with his arms firmly crossed

“I think you should sleep on the floor”

Thomas laughed, holding Ludwig’s shirt to his nose, “Me? You think I would sleep on a floor?”

“You will sleep on the floor.” Ludwig shot back – throwing Thomas’ pillows over the side the bed, “and if I catch you up here again, I’ll box your other eye. Then at least you’ll match.”

Thomas scoffed, using his free hand to stack the pillows, “I’m not sure why you are so angry, you were begging me for it just before you put the lights on. You seemed to be rather enjoying yourself.”

Ludwig suddenly became nervous, “I was not enjoying it!”

Ludwig pulled the covers up to his chin and reached for the light, “I was asleep - I didn’t ask you for anything.” Ludwig threw a blanket down towards him, nearly striking him in the eye, “You’re a pervert Thomas – shame on you”

“Shame on me? For what cause?” Thomas continued to argue as he built himself a little nest upon the floor, “There is nothing wrong with pleasure. Don’t preach at me - you enjoyed yourself – the only person harmed in this was me!” Thomas huffed, “Pervert…ha!”

Ludwig snapped off the light, not caring for Thomas’ lack of accountability nor for his comfort on the floor

“Wolfie loves you” Ludwig hissed

Thomas continued to settle in the dark – but failed to answer

“Are you trying to hurt him?” Ludwig asked quietly

There was silence between them both for some time

“I’d rather die” Thomas finally spoke, his breath growing rattled, “This is our last visit together before the wedding”

Ludwig heard a quiet sniffle as he took a moment to pause

Ludwig listened wordlessly as Thomas attempted to compose himself, “All I know is,” Thomas drew a shaking breath, “I’d rather die”

As the room grew quiet once more, Ludwig’s mind raced with a million thoughts, though none were more concerning than his last. Had Thomas meant what he said in getting married – or was it in losing Wolfie?

Perhaps Thomas had meant that he’d rather die in both – as in truth, the two realities were almost inextricably linked.

There was no further communication between the boys and Ludwig’s sleep remained fitful until morning.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Ludwig woke to the soft metallic click of the door latch as it was shut.

It was still dark out and given his intermittent sleep from the night before, Ludwig was far too groggy to immediately register what exactly had woken him from his dreams – or if he had simply imagined it. He rubbed at his eyes with the palm of his hand and squinted in the dark in an attempt to confirm his whereabouts.

He was in a strange room – tucked into strange bedding, albeit rather comfortable. Ludwig knew he was no longer in his narrow dormitory bed, but rather the lavish guest accommodations at Wolfie’s family home somewhere in the posh suburbs of central London.

He had spent the night, and now It was Christmas morning!

Suddenly registering the unsettling events from the night before, including the dull ache of his knuckles, Ludwig quickly checked over the edge of the bed for his reluctant roommate.

Sure enough, there lay a rumpled pile of blankets and an abandoned pillow – however, Thomas himself was nowhere in sight.

It was far too early to be getting out of bed, even for Christmas morning. Ludwig figured that Thomas had simply left to use the washroom, or perhaps he’d gone off to tell Wolfie about how he got his black eye.

Not likely…Ludwig thought as he punched up his own pillow and settled back under the blankets with a yawn. Thomas would certainly have to come up with something creative in order to explain his way out of that one. Ludwig only hoped that Thomas’ excuse wouldn’t involve him.

He could picture it now, “Wolfgang – that boy attacked me! He’s a complete beast!” Ludwig frowned to himself and let out a doubtful sigh. There would be no easy explanation.
















Thomas never did return to his pile of blankets, and eventually Ludwig rolled out of bed to face the morning. He’d never spent Christmas with another family before, and certainly not one as affluent as this. Though the great house seemed suspiciously quiet for what traditionally should be a festive morning.

He found his way downstairs, following the sound of chatter that floated from the kitchen


“He didn’t say anything – he just said it was some sort of emergency”

“Don’t you find that odd? On Christmas morning?”

“Will he be back?”

“He just said that he had to get back to his family immediately and then he practically vanished”



Ludwig paused just outside the doorway, listening in on the conversation with a growing knot of discomfort in his belly


“And what about the other boy?”

That was Wolfie’s father, Ludwig could tell by his rigid tone

“Ludwig?”

Wolfie

“He’s still upstairs”


Ludwig inched a little closer, but stalled as a tall, slender woman began to push past them both in order to make way to the dining room, “Well wake him up will you, I’m starving. You two can blather on about that Thomas boy while the rest of us eat.”

By the time Ludwig lifted his eyes from the floor he found himself practically tete a tete with the blue eyed enchantress. If Wolfie’s looks were any indication, it was becoming increasingly apparent that the Mozart’s were genetically blessed.

Her firm lips curled into an appealing smile

“Speak of the devil”

Her eyes roved him appraisingly before she addressed him directly, “Good morning”

Ludwig, too stunned from having been caught lingering in the shadows, simply stared wordlessly back at her.

She laughed at his teenage awkwardness

“Wolfie – come be a good host, your guest needs assistance.”

Ludwig’s eyes quickly glanced over her shoulders towards the young man still pyjama clad, who was mid conversation with his Papa.

“I’m Nannerl by the way,” the fair haired young woman extended her elegant hand towards him, “You must be Ludwig.”

Ludwig cautiously took her hand, this must be Wolfie’s sister.

Ludwig shrugged a little, “Ya. That’s me”

“Oh good you’re awake!” Wolfie chirped, “Did Thomas mention anything to you about why he needed to leave so urgently this morning?” Wolfie quickly overtook their introduction with a spew of his own need for immediate answers.

“Thomas just burst in to my room at three in the morning telling me it was urgent and he needed to leave – he barely explained a thing!”

Ludwig wasn’t entirely sure what to say – he didn’t know that Thomas had decided to leave, though looking back, he could see that decision quite clearly now. There had been no suitcase left behind, his effects from the washroom had been packed away, and not a sound after he had heard the initial click of the door. Ludwig quickly realized that Thomas’ departure had unfolded right before his very eyes.

“No,” Ludwig stumbled over his words, “he didn’t really say anything.”

Wolfie’s eyes seemed pained at Ludwig’s inability to provide a more satiating account of the events. He was desperate for any details that lead to explaining Thomas’ early departure.

They were in the same room, how could Ludwig not have more information?

Wolfie looked over his shoulder towards his father with doleful eyes, “I guess I can phone Nardini later today and see if Thomas arrived?”

“That’s nearly a 20 hour drive Wolfie – there’s no way he could make it all the way back to Nardini’s in one day” Nannerl rolled her eyes at her brother’s innocence

Leopold frowned and planted a heavy hand on his son’s mournful shoulder, “I’m sure it will all work out, Thomas is a grown man who can sort out his own affairs. I’m certain he will call when he can – come, let’s eat.”

Though the mood was dampened by Thomas’ mysterious departure, it was Christmas morning nevertheless – and the Mozart’s had planned accordingly.

Ludwig had never eaten so well in all his life.

Christmas morning was no amateur gathering at the Mozart house.

“More?”

A steaming ladle of eggs was held at Ludwig’s eye level.

Though he could barely breathe he felt so full – he could hardly say no.

Ludwig’s eyes were wide as saucers as he was continuously fed a seemingly endless stream of baked sweets, fruits, coffees – virtually anything a hungry boy could wish for.

“Yes,” Ludwig smiled as he watched his plate fill with all sorts of delicious treats, “…yes, please” he added sheepishly, suddenly remembering his manners.

The woman serving the table smiled and gave a hearty chuckle, “I like this boy Wolfgang – you’ve finally brought one home with an appetite!”

The Mozarts were wealthy enough to enjoy the luxuries of a large home, fine furniture, ivy league education and of course – as Ludwig was now learning – a small army of domestic staff.

Since their arrival yesterday, Ludwig had become immediately aware of a small number of hurried individuals who seemed to be preparing the house for guests. There was laundry being ironed, surfaces being dusted, meals being prepped. It was almost as it were a choreographed routine.

A housekeeper…

A cook…

A gardener – imagine!

“Wolfgang, you keep bringing these skinny little rakes home for Christmas, I was beginning to think that Kent wasn’t feeding any of you!” she plated a second, heavy mound of eggs onto Wolfie’s dish, ignoring the fact that he’d barely finished his first serving.

“However, you my dear, are still just as skinny as ever!”

Wolfie frowned at the mountain of scrambled egg, “You’re not going to be able to get me fat off of one breakfast alone you know”

Leopold’s ears perked up at the comment and he quietly glanced at the young men, noting the differences between them to himself.

He ruffled the morning paper and placed it at his side.

“How do you like it,” Leopold began, catching Ludwig rather off guard by addressing him directly, “at the school?”

Ludwig paused, his mouth full of food, Was he talking to me?

Leopold tilted his head towards him curiously, “Ludwig?”

Ludwig looked to Wolfie then back to Leopold’s steely grey eyes before swallowing what was left of his mouthful

“School?” Ludwig clarified with a sense of uncertainty, “It’s….”

Wolfie raised his brow curiously, what was Ludwig’s opinion on school? It was quite obvious that he was none too interested in academics, however he seemed to enjoy attending the Shakespearian play well enough – and he’d even volunteered to run lines for practice!

“It’s good I guess” he shrugged

Good was the best answered that Ludwig could come up with.

Besides, what else was there to say?

He had somewhere to sleep, he was being fed three meals a day – if he ever woke up on time – he attended most of his classes, he’d even played on a team – hell, he’d helped to win a game! Though the knitted team sweater had seemed a little silly at the time, Ludwig did feel some pride in taking part in the winning game.

Granted, Wolfie’s wickedly accurate left pitch was certainly a far greater contribution to the team’s overall success.

Leopold said nothing and quietly resumed his meal

Ludwig felt awkward as he finished the last of his plate, contemplating whether his reply had satisfied Leopold’s curiosity.  Judging by the occasional glance from across the table, Ludwig thought not.

“So, Wolfie says you play piano”

Wolfie’s sister had decided to break the ice while sipping her coffee

Seated between her brother and her father, Nannerl certainly held a place of power within this household. Ludwig felt his cheeks burning.

“Well…”

Nannerl arched an elegant brow curiously, “Do you not?”

Wolfie quickly chimed in

“He does! Sometimes…” the blonde-haired boy carefully licked the sticky cinnamon frosting from his own fingers, “There’s a piano in the games room at school, I’ve caught him on it once or twice.” Wolfie winked as he sucked the last of the goo from his thumb, “Or are you going to call me a liar?”

Ludwig bowed his head and folded his hands into his lap, “I’m not trained or anything”

Leopold narrowed his eyes at the pair, a stern frown made interpreting his reaction nearly impossible.

“Well, all Wolfie does is play piano – it’s truly aggravating.” Nannerl teased, kicking her brother under the table with a sharp jab of her toe, “Ow! What was that for?” Wolfie jumped, rubbing his shin with a grimace

“For being so boring as to invite this poor boy over and all you can do is sit there and mope about silly Thomas. Don’t be rude Wolferl, you have a guest!”

Wolfie immediately narrowed his eyes at his sister, “I am not mopping. I am concerned, that’s all. Doesn’t it seem strange to you that someone would just up and leave in the middle of the night?”

Nannerl chewed slowly before murmuring under her breath, “Jealousy is truly a beast…”

Wolfie held nothing back as he brutally booted his sister with all the strength of his right foot. The kick was harsh enough to jostle the dining table, knocking Leopold’s coffee from its cup.

“Wolfie!” The woman who had served their meal was quick to intervene with a cloth to soak up the spilled drink, dabbing furiously at the table with her hand towel.

She tisked as she flitted about, desperate to clean the liquid before it permanently stained the wood underneath, “My apologies Herr Mozart, I’ll get another towel…” Leopold simply shook his head with a sigh.

“Enough!” He finally barked, interrupting the bickering with the sheer boom of his voice, “Enough – how embarrassing. Wolfgang, control yourself. Nannerl – mind your tongue.”

Wolfie was quickly subdued, despite his attempt to get the last word by sticking his tongue out childishly at his sister while making ridiculous faces.

Nannerl simply rolled her eyes, “Grow up Wolfie”

Leopold pounded the table’s surface with a clenched fist, “Did you two not hear me?”

Both children quickly sat bolt upright, eyes forward, a somewhat automated reaction to the sound of their father’s displeasure. Ludwig winced at the sound of Leopold’s voice as well – a physical reaction that was not entirely lost on the observant gaze of the older man.

After some time, the table cautiously resumed it’s meal – however, none of the guests appeared to be in any mood sort of festive mood.

“I’ve booked your return train Wolfgang”

His father’s words were plain and factual – however Ludwig could tell that they were also somewhat punitive and harsh.

“For today? But Papa we just got here!” Wolfie protested

“Well without Thomas to drive you back to Kent, I have few options – no trains will be running after this evening until after classes resume. It was the only option to have you both back in time for the new semester.”

Wolfie postured, “But you could always drive us back?”

Leopold simply shook his head, “I have too much going on at work to take a day to drive out there and back. The train will be just fine.”

Wolfie stared in disbelief

“You’re too busy to spare an afternoon? It’s only an hours drive from –“

“The train will be fine.”

Ludwig could tell that Wolfie was disappointed by his father’s decision, however – he had little weight in the matter and after all, he was fully dependent on the Mozarts to see his return to the school. Ludwig certainly had no means to fund his return ticket on his own.

“Ludwig will go with you, you’ll hardly be alone.” Leopold softened his tone, noting his son’s look of disappointment, “I’ve booked a cabin, on Christmas day? You’ll practically have the entire car to yourselves I’m sure.”

Wolfie looked towards Ludwig dejectedly, he hadn’t exactly planned his holidays to unfurl this way.

“But Thomas was going to drive us…” He murmured, if only for himself, “I don’t want to take the train.”

Leopold rose from his chair, placing his napkin on his seat dismissively, “We can have you both at the station after dinner this evening.”

Ludwig felt rather helpless, watching Wolfie slink down in his chair, “Francine is roasting a turkey – we’ll have an early meal as a final send off.”

Leopold paused on his way out of the dining room, threaded his fingers through his son’s golden hair with a great look of melancholy, “I know it’s early to go back – but it’s for the best. You’ll see Wolferl, I’m sure you’ll come round – you always do.”

As much as Wolfie seemed to enjoy his Papa’s brief moment of affection, he quite obviously struggled with the sentiment of his words. “Good boy…” Leopold quietly relinquished Wolfie’s wavy locks with a loving ruffle before he drifted off, “I’m going to rest, we can do gifts in an hour or so.”

With that, the three adolescents were left to stare at one another under a heavy blanket of awkward silence.

Some Christmas indeed.

Gifts were a welcome distraction from the residual awkwardness of breakfast, and Wolfie – recently made more calm by a brief and cryptic phone call from Thomas, seemed somewhat more settled. Thomas, who was somewhere en route back to Italy, had said little about why he had left but promised Wolfie that he would visit soon.

He had phoned midday from the ferry crossing at Dover.

The conversation had been hushed and hurried.

“I miss you already Thomas…”

Ludwig had heard Wolfie whisper into the receiver before a long pause and then the final click of the conversation’s end. He felt terrible – however, Ludwig knew that he’d do best if he kept his mouth shut. Whatever was happening between those two was rightfully none of his god damn business.

“And so where is he then? Thomas?” Leopold sat back in his chair, watching Nannerl model the delicate new tennis bracelet he’d gifted her

“He’s taking the ferry to France this afternoon, then he’s going to drive back to Nardini’s studio to finish his studies with him.”

“And what of his new fiancée? Will she travel to Italy as well?”

Wolfie just shook his head with a shrug, “I’m not even sure he likes her”

Leopold chuckled, “Well Wolfgang, when you’re from a family such as the Linley’s – marriage is more about risk management than it is about love.”

Wolfie frowned, “I don’t really see how that’s fair, how can you marry someone you are not in love with? I’d rather be given a death sentence!”

Ludwig smirked at Wolfie’s theatrics, though he could understand his angst as he was helpless to watch his boyfriend be married off to some debutante to whom he’d never met.

Wolfie hoped against hope that he could delay the inevitable. That he and Thomas could be together – somehow, despite law, despite family – despite everything! Deep down however, Wolfie knew that it would be impossible, though he’d dream of it regardless.

Who else other than Ludwig could truly understand what it meant to long for something that you knew you could never have? Wishing for something that was right in front of you?

Ludwig’s smile fell as he pondered the grim reality of Wolfie’s world – or at least, what was left of it.




“Well Wolfgang, one day when you are a father to several beautiful, talented young children,” Leopold chuckled, “Maybe you’ll see the value in advantageous partnerships – we cannot live our lives as romance novelists dear.”

Wolfie picked at a small piece of discarded wrapping paper, feeling rather lost in the chaos of the day. He hadn’t the energy to argue anymore.

Nannerl could sense her bother’s sinking heart

“Why don’t you give Ludwig his gift?” Nannerl prompted her younger sibling with a nudge of her foot, “It’s over there” she nodded towards a lone square package, wrapped with a neatly tie ribbon.

Ludwig shook his head immediately, “Oh no, it’s ok – I wasn’t expecting –“

“All of our guests receive a gift Ludwig,” Leopold raised his hand to dismiss the boy’s babbling, “It’s a token really, please. Our pleasure.”

Wolfie obediently crawled across the rug and retrieved the final gift – placing it neatly in Ludwig’s lap with a hapless smile, “Merry Christmas”

Ludwig, feeling rather uneasy about accepting a gift from near strangers, was unsure about what to do. Wolfie’s sad blue eyes weren’t helping any either! Ludwig’s stomach knotted with guilt for not telling him about what happened the night before – but what good would it do either of them to know?

“Well,” Nannerl lifted her coffee to her lips, “Are you going to open it?”

Ludwig quietly untied the bow, sliding it’s silky ribbon off to the side and lifting the lid to reveal yet more wrapping. Soft tissue had been folded over to protect a lavish set of silken sleepwear, in two pieces of dark navy with silver piping. The buttons were embroidered to match with silver filigree in an elegant swirling motif. The sleepwear was certainly nothing less than extravagant.

Wolfie peered curiously over the lid of the box, keen to gauge Ludwig’s reaction to the unexpected gift.

“Wolfie picked them” Nannerl added with a wink to her brother, who on occasion, was known to be rather clever in his gift giving.

Ludwig said nothing

“Are they the right size?” Wolfie asked nervously, unsure as to Ludwig’s reaction thus far

Ludwig fingered the softness of the silk between his fingers, it was most definitely the most expensive gift he’d ever received. Was he even worthy of something like this? He’d slept naked for most of his life with little care for his appearance, sleeping in silk embroidered pyjamas seemed rather formal for a working-class boy.

There was no chance that Ludwig could ever get away with wearing these around the house. Not while Johann was around anyways…

“Yes – I’m sure they’ll fit just fine thank you” Ludwig quietly closed the box

Wolfie frowned, noting Ludwig’s cool demeanour towards the gift

“We can get another style if they’re not to your liking –“ Wolfie began hopefully

“No, I like them.” Ludwig placed his hands atop the box protectively, “I like them as they are”

Nannerl narrowed her eyes with a coy grin, half hidden behind her mug as she watched the interplay before her with great satisfaction.

You’d better run Thomas – and don’t you come back. Nannerl chewed her lip to hold back a smile. Thomas was dear to Wolfie, but Nannerl had her reservations. Thomas was vain, haughty and rather pretentious. Nannerl couldn’t quite understand what had drawn her brother to Thomas in the first place, perhaps it was simply being in the right place at the right time – or perhaps it was something else. Either way, she had never quite approved of their friendship. Thomas was quick to be overbearing, and often goaded her brother into situations for which he was ill prepared. Being the type to live with an open heart, Wolfie would rarely protest.

“Be careful with that Thomas fellow, he has a lot of things to deal with and I don’t want to that becoming your problem.”

Nannerl adored her little brother and treated him like somewhat of a doll.

One of her favourite pass times was brushing out his glorious curls, while listening to him pour his heart out. It was there, sitting cross legged on his older sister’s bed, that Wolfie had shared some of his deepest and most meaningful secrets.

“He needs to sort out his life before trying to drag you into it.”

She soon shook up his curls and kissed his cheek chastely, “There! Now you’re pretty as a picture!”

Wolfie’s smile lit up watching Ludwig clutch the gift box possessively, “Really? You actually like them?”

Ludwig began to chuckle, “Of course – would I lie to you?”

Wolfie paused with a chuckle, “Well…..”

Ludwig too soon joined in the amusement, the sounds of their shared laughter was music to one’s ears

As the afternoon drew on, so too did the need for the boys to ready themselves for the journey back to campus. Leopold eventually placed his hands on the arms of his chair and made to raise himself from his perch for the final time.

“Excellent, well, gifts are over– early dinner, then I’ll drive you both back to central for the evening train. I’m glad you enjoyed your gift young man.”

Ludwig looked from each member of the family to another with an appreciative blush, “I’m sorry I did not bring anything in return for any of you”

Nannerl stood to make her way back upstairs, following close behind her Papa with a wink, “You’ve brought plenty already.”

Ludwig tilted his head curiously towards her, “But I haven’t –“

Nannerl simply smiled

“You will.”

Chapter Text

As it turned out, Ludwig never did need to sit down at the keyboard to prove himself during that Christmas visit.

Despite Leopold’s initial interest in Ludwig’s piano skills, in support of the Mozart traditional carols of course, the desire to gather round the family instrument had long since waned. Given Thomas’ sudden unplanned departure, and Wolfgang’s obvious distress, there was little merry making that final afternoon as the boys packed their trunks for the trip back to Kent.

“This will be your last Kent Christmas Wolfgang” Leopold hummed with nostalgia as he ruffled his son’s golden hair with a smile, “Only a few months left until graduation.”

“Then what? Yale, Oxford?” Leopold paused in thought, “Harvard – but I’d rather keep you on this side of the ocean.”

Wolfie’s hands flew to recover what was left of his carefully crafted locks while Leopold looked on with a smile and a chuckle

“Papa….” Wolfie grumbled under his breath as he smoothed everything back into place, “I’m not going to some American university, don’t be ridiculous.”

Ludwig stood by quietly on the platform, watching the interplay between father and son – or perhaps more appropriately, between master and commander. Having spent a mere few days in the Mozart household, it had become immediately clear to Ludwig that Leopold was certainly not the type of father one would ever want to disappoint, let alone displease. He was well read, sharp witted and equally as sharp tongued. Wolfie seemed to have developed his own special coping mechanisms, one of which of course was in bringing friends home in order to divert some of Leopold’s intense focus elsewhere. 

An equally as talented young musician, Thomas had played the role of best friend for some time now.

Ludwig wondered just how pleased Leopold truly was by Wolfie’s young virtuoso friend? While Thomas was indeed of similar stock, he surely had a tumultuous relationship with the youngest Mozart child.

Was it love?

Musical talent?

Friendship?

Experimentation?

Ludwig could no longer be sure – but whatever relationship was between those two, Ludwig found himself growing ever more interested in the final result.

With Thomas’ impending marriage, and Wolfie’s soon to be graduation, their lives seemed to be splitting in vastly different directions as of late – and that unsolicited attention the night prior had Ludwig’s head spinning. Had he woke to find that it were Wolfie’s head between his knees, Ludwig may not have stopped him.

Though, Ludwig could not quite understand why Thomas was interested in him in the first place. Wasn’t Wolfie enough?

If I had Wolfie the way Thomas did, Ludwig frowned to himself, I would never conceive of such a thing.

Clearly Thomas felt at least somewhat of the same, as through his guilt he was unable to meet Wolfgang in the eye the following morning. The best the coward could do was up and run before dawn without so much as a proper farewell. But did Thomas’ hasty disappearance actually mark his end?

Ludwig could only prophesize

“Well, we have several months to decide on a university. We shall see, won’t we?” Leopold handed off his son’s luggage to a station attendant with a tip of his hat, “In any case – the train waits for no man, so you’d better get up there boys, or neither of you will be graduating on time.”

Ludwig glanced down at his printed ticket, fondling it’s raised text with the broad flatness of his thumb.

First Class Car

Ludwig had never ridden on a train before – and certainly never in anything as bourgeois as a first class cabin. He felt like an imposter as he hoisted himself up onto the small steps, towards the fashionably uniformed rail staff who was beckoning him forward.

“Good evening Mr.Beethoven,” The attendant’s voice was neutral as he scrutinized Ludwig’s ticket with a bold green eye. His flat expression suggested Ludwig’s inadequacy for such an elegant mode of travel, but Wolfie, the ever impatient, soon squeezed between them both – shaking the steward’s mind from its focus.   

“Excuse me – pardon me – coming through!” Wolfie brushed between both men with a smile, tugging behind him a luggage case fit for a month long adventure. It banged and thumped its way down the narrow cabin aisle behind him as he stumbled forward towards his final resting place.

“Here Ludwig – Cabin 2 – it’s right here!” Wolfie waved enthusiastically, much to the steward’s dismay.

“Oh,” Wolfie glanced back towards them as he soon realized Ludwig’s position. Wolfie’s brilliant blue eyes quickly flitted between Ludwig’s ticket, the steward, and his brooding young travelling companion. The stern looking man clutched Ludwig’s ticket skeptically, as if he dared to question its authenticity.

Wolfie simply flashed one of his most charming smiles

“He’s with me. It’s fine – come on Ludwig.”

On Wolfgang’s confirmation, the steward immediately stood down – gesturing Ludwig down the aisle towards Cabin 2 with a tight lipped frown.

Sorry to disappoint you Sir….Ludwig thought to himself with a roll of his eyes as he reached down to retrieve his duffle bag.

“Thanks” Ludwig snatched the ticket from the attendant’s gloved hand and tucked it into the back of his jeans with a facetious wink, “Let me know if you need to check it again.”

Ignoring Ludwig’s obvious sarcasm, the attendant quickly disappeared, leaving Ludwig alone to handle his own bags. Ludwig scoffed as he finally made his way into the cabin, stumbling over Wolfie’s suitcases which had been sprawled across what little floor space was available. Designed for four, the first class cabins were hardly big enough to contain Wolfgang and all of his things, even in his singularity.

Just as his friend Thomas, the privileged young man was not one to travel lightly.

Ludwig took a deep breath as he sank down on the bench, depositing his one bag at his side.

He was trying his very best to seem at ease, though he couldn’t help but feel like a fish out of water as he peered out of the curtained window. The train whistle signaled their immanent departure and Ludwig found himself bracing at the sudden lurch of the car as the initial chug forward jostled them in their seats.

Wolfie on the other hand was already settled in, magazine open, feet up and humming to himself. He was quite comfortable on the train. This was most obviously a practiced mode of transit for the worldly young man.

Wolfie peered over the top of his magazine curiously

His eyes darted to the white knuckled fingers that clutched into Ludwig’s knees in a subtle cue of nervousness

Wolfie watched as Ludwig held his breath, staring out the window into the darkness of the winter sky – perhaps in an effort to calm himself. Or perhaps to identify his whereabouts as the urban landscape soon gave way to the rural beauty of the English countryside.

“First time on a train?”

The rhythmic clickety-clack of the rails below were hardly enough to drown out Wolfgang’s question

Ludwig pretended not to hear, it was rather embarrassing to admit – being afraid of riding on a train. Perhaps more embarrassing was having never ridden on a train before this moment while Wolfie clearly seemed at perfect ease.

Ludwig’s eyes darted down at the floor between them.

It was littered with luggage

For such a small man, Wolfie really knew how to take up a lot of space.

 Ludwig’s eyes slowly raised to meet the warm smile across the way

“It’s perfectly safe, don’t worry.”

Ludwig was stunned – and somewhat offended - at Wolfie’s presumption.

“I’m not afraid.” Ludwig quickly defended, crossing his arms over his chest, though he suspected that Wolfgang was far better at interpreting his body language than Ludwig was at hiding it.

Wolfie’s smile grew as he hide himself back behind his magazine

“Sure” came Wolfgang’s unconvincing reply

Ludwig furrowed his brow angrily and quietly turned his attention back to the window – or least, enough to give the impression that his mind was elsewhere.

Several minutes passed of nothing more than muted steam whistle and the iron metronomic clack from the tracks. Ludwig found himself beginning to soften, enough so that he eventually leaned himself up against the cool of the glass, pressing his forehead to the chilly surface with a gentle sigh.

Stupid train. I’m not scared.

Ridiculous.

A sudden knock on the cabin door made both boys jump, and soon enough Ludwig’s eyes were wild.

“Tea service? Snacks?”

A pretty young woman, perhaps only a few years older than themselves, poked her head in cautiously.

She wore a small pillbox hat neatly pinned to the crown of her hair, and a silly little neck scarf that was clearly more part of the uniform than it was of her own personal fashion choice.

Wolfie’s eyes lit up and he quickly lay his magazine down to retrieve his money

“Oh yes – definitely! Tea for sure, Ludwig what do you want?” Wolfgang asked as he dug through his change, “Whatever you like, anything.”

The young woman slid the door the rest of the way with one bump of her curvaceous hip, “Milk? Sugar?” she continued the transaction after depositing her tray of wares between the boys. She began quickly pouring fresh tea from the carafe into the china cups that waited below, not waiting for Ludwig’s reply.

“Two teas, milk and sugar,” She mentally calculated, “Anything else gentlemen?”

Wolfie elbowed Ludwig rather harshly in the side, “What do you want?”

Ludwig just shook his head, staring at them both

“Alright then, I’ll charge your account for the tea and if you either of you change your mind, just ring that bell” she pointed at a small pull chain beside the cabin door, “I’d be happy to come back.”

Wolfie wasted no time in downing his tea, heavily whitened with milk and sugar, before returning to his magazine.

Ludwig eyed the second cup between them.

He was feeling rather thirsty…

“Hey Ludwig,” Wolfie suddenly spoke up, “want to take this quiz? It’s called Your Ideal Partner”

Ludwig chuckled, “What?”

“In the magazine! It’s a quiz – it’s multiple choice.”

Ludwig felt brave enough to reach for the tea and took a tentative sip

It was sickeningly sweet

“Question one – what’s your favourite pass time?”

Ludwig paused for a moment, “Well – “

Wolfgang quickly interrupted him

“Option A, sports – Option B, arts and culture – Option C, science and technology”

Wolfie glanced up at him, “It’s multiple choice – you have to pick one of the options.”

“Oh” Ludwig chuckled nervously, having forgotten the options already, he was too busy staring at his ideal partner…

“Um, arts and culture I suppose?”

Wolfie smiled at Ludwig’s answer but said nothing other than to continue on with the next question

“Question 2, blonde, red or brunette – which do you find yourself most attracted to?”

Ludwig quickly averted his gaze – his tea cup becoming a convenient prop between them

He could hardly figure a way to answer that one

“Blondes have more fun I suppose?”

Wolfie licked the tip of his pen and made to circle Ludwig’s response with a raised a brow

“Are you marking down my answers?” Ludwig sought to gain the upper hand

“It’s a quiz Ludwig – I am obligated to keep track of your answers. It’s for scientific research purposes of course.”
 
Ludwig felt a throbbing heat rising in his cheeks

He wished that Wolfie would stop staring at him

“And for the record, I prefer blondes as well.” Wolfie shot him a smug grin before continuing with the inquisition, “Next, Question 3 – which of the following would make the ideal first date?”

Ludwig swallowed thickly as he listened, eyes fixed to the floor


The train jostled along


Clickety-clack


Clickety-clack



“Option A – the movies, Option B – the symphony, Option C – a moonlit stroll”

Their eyes met in the silence in between, if only for the briefest of moments

“B – A !” They both called out simultaneously

Wolfie immediately ruptured into a fit of laughter

“The symphony?!” he held his belly as he laughed uncontrollably, “How is that romantic?!”

Ludwig blushed wildly, “What do you mean? It’s most romantic of all the options!”

Wolfie wiped the tears from his eyes and tried to swallow the last of his giggles, “Hardly – at the movies you can hunker down between the seats and practically procreate!”

Ludwig frowned, “That’s not romantic – that’s just heavy petting!”

Wolfie giggled, “Is there a difference?”

Ludwig furrowed his brow, “Of course there is, romance and sex are not inextricably linked.”

“You can have sex without it being romantic – just as you can be romantic without having sex. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Wolfie tilted his head curiously, taping his pen against the glossy publication in thought.

“Sex and romance are not inextricably linked? Have you met Thomas Linley?” Wolfie chewed his lip to keep from smiling

Ludwig shook his head and grumbled, “Well enough, yes.”

The sudden mention of that boy’s name brought an immediate dampening to their fun

Wolfie could sense Ludwig’s humour was now lost

He soon abandoned the quiz all together

The sounds of the rails underneath soon buffeted the awkwardness between them

Wolfie allowed some time to pass

“What is the most romantic thing you can think of?”

Ludwig leaned against the window, staring out into the blackness below

He had hoped that the quiz had been finished, but alas, Wolfie persisted still


“What are my options?” Ludwig asked flatly, without so much as a turn of his head

Wolfie slid the magazine onto the tea tray between them

“That is my own question. I have no options for you – I’m curious as to what you will come up with.”

Ludwig eyed him cautiously before turning to face him, “The most romantic thing?”

Wolfie starred back, his eyes fixed to him

Ludwig chewed his thumb nervously as he thought on it

“It depends I guess,” he said calmly, “What you might find romantic, I might not.”

Wolfie smiled at him pleasantly

“I didn’t ask you what you thought I found most romantic. I am asking for your thoughts.”

Ludwig’s words faltered

“Well?” Wolfie prodded, “Something better than the movies I suppose?”

Ludwig chuckled, “Ya, definitely” he scratched at the base of his neck, “Maybe a bike ride?”

Wolfie’s brow shot up in surprise

“Like on a bicycle?”

It was now Ludwig’s turn to laugh

“No,” he chuckled, “on my motorcycle – I don’t even own a bicycle!”

Wolfie shook his head in disbelief, “You’d put a girl on the back of that death trap and call it romantic?”

Ludwig’s laughter slowly subsided as he thought on it, “Well,” Ludwig paused on his next words carefully, “I suppose I wouldn’t put a girl back there.”

Wolfie narrowed his eyes skeptically at the young man across from him

He couldn’t help but feel that there was more to what Ludwig’s was saying – however a sharp knock at the door soon interrupted both of their thoughts

“Kent station, 5 minutes to platform – luggage retrieval on the platform, please see an attendant for assistance.”

The boys sat upright in their seats, their eyes wide and curious, yet their smiles somewhat nervous – no longer for the train ride itself, but more so for the company therein.

“Have you ever taken anyone for a ride on the back of that thing?”

Ludwig shrugged, “No, but I’d like to try someday”









Wolfgang stood as the cabin door was opened, “Gentlemen, this is our final stop for the evening. Please collect your bags from the platform – a car is waiting from Kent school should you be returning to campus.”

Wolfie gestured with a nod of his head, “Let’s go then,” he grabbed hold of his baggage, “Mr.Romantic.”

Ludwig’s cheeks flushed as he trailed behind his travel companion, thankful for the crisp chill of winter air to sober him up. He hadn’t expected the ride back to school to be so stimulating, though watching as he marched confidently ahead, it appeared that Wolfgang was unfazed by it all.

“Welcome back Master Wolfgang,” the school’s driver began to load Wolfie’s luggage into the trunk, “It’s a little quiet back on campus – but I’m sure you’ll find something clever to do with your time.”

Wolfie gave a polite reply before diving into the backseat with a shiver, “Come on Ludwig, get in the car – it’s freezing out there!”

Ludwig eyed the car suspiciously, and against his better judgement, he decided to join Wolfgang in the backseat.

His reward was Wolfie’s brilliant smile beaming back at him

The short ride from the station back to the dormitory was held in silence

Ludwig watched as Wolfie drummed patterns on his knee, scales?

Ludwig took note of the familiar twitch of his fingers – scratch that - formula patterns.

Once parked, Ludwig was quick to jump out though he did pause to hold the door for the other boy

“How romantic dear Ludwig” Wolfie winked as he slid out of the car and into the foyer of the residence with a shiver, dusting any evidence of snow from his coat sleeves.

“For you, any time.” Ludwig played back, feeling boldly flirtatious now that there were no witnesses to be had.

“I’m off to take a bath before bed – but I’ll see you later, I’m just going to throw my stuff in the room. I can always unpack tomorrow.”

Ludwig slung his only bag over his shoulder so that he could grab some of Wolfie’s luggage as well, “Do you want me to help with these?”

Wolfie turned to see Ludwig hopelessly laden with his baggage

Wolfie’s grin widened

“What a gentleman - Thank you”

Wolfie checked his mailbox on the way down to their room, but alas there were no letters, and no phone messages. No further word from dear Thomas. His shoulder slunk a little.

Determined not to let it get the better of him, Wolfie simply carried on – straight to their room, and he proceeded to throw his things down on his bed.

“There – now time for a bath, and then bed!”

Ludwig, who had watched him dejectedly check for letters, was not far behind

By the time he had reached their room, Wolfie was already half undressed

Ludwig didn’t know whether to look away, or to pretend that he didn’t notice the flesh before him

He decided on the later

With a towel draped around his narrow hips, Wolfie soon stalked off to the washroom down the hall leaving Ludwig surrounded by nothing more than stacks luggage and his own thoughts.



 
























Alone in the bath, Wolfie found his mind racing.

He thought about Thomas – but mostly, he thought about Ludwig.

Why did that boy keep creeping into his thoughts?

Wolfie’s heart was hurting from Thomas’ abrupt departure – but Ludwig had still managed to find a way to make him laugh. Hell, he’d laughed harder than he ever had in months on that train ride, thanks to Ludwig and his silly comments.

“Sex and romance are not inextricably linked”

Wolfie smirked at the thought

“Ya right.”

He sank lower in the warm water until only the bright blue of his eyes were visible above the bubbly surface.

He wondered just how much experience this philosophical boy really had in the world of sex and romance…..





























With his hair still dripping from the tub, Wolfie quickly made his way back to bed in little more than the towel that he had taken with him.

Walking in, he was met the image of Ludwig dressing himself in the dark silk pyjamas that he’d received at Christmas. He was fighting the pearl buttons on the chemise, as they were somewhat slippery to handle.

Wolfie snickered when Ludwig turned towards him, with the buttons clearly mismatched.

“Having trouble with the buttons?” Wolfie held his smile, and his towel.

Ludwig frowned, knowing that he looked like a right mess – what kind of man can’t button his own buttons?

“Try buttoning them first and then sliding the whole thing over your head.” Wolfie suggested as he rooted through his own closet for something to wear

Ludwig quietly obeyed, slipping the top from over his shoulders and onto his lap for further inspection. He squinted at the tiny buttons and attempted to realign them as designed, for the second time.

“Here, let me – “ Wolfie took pity on him after watching him struggle, and soon he had righted the buttons and held out the shirt for Ludwig’s approval, “See?”

“Arms up” Wolfie held the shirt high above Ludwig’s head, as one would dress a child, “Almost…” Wolfie giggled as Ludwig struggled to find the opening for his head….

“There!” Wolfie’s expression lit up when Ludwig’s wild mess of curls finally popped into place and Ludwig scrambled to cover himself with the rest of the fabric. Though Wolfie had seen it many times before, Ludwig felt awkward being without a shirt in front of Wolfie.

Especially since Wolfie’s supposed boyfriend had attempted to suck his dick on Christmas Eve.

On the contrary, Wolfie seemed quite at home in no more than a towel

“Very distinguished looking, Mr.Beethoven.”

Ludwig quickly scrambled under the blankets and turned politely away – assuming Wolfie was about to dress the same for himself.

He could hear Wolfie digging through his luggage across the room

“Mine are similar” Wolfie chatted to no one in particular, “I love how they feel”

Ludwig grunted softly – he was too shy to look now…

“See?” Wolfie’s voice beckoned Ludwig’s eyes to look

Ludwig tentatively turned over his shoulder to see Wolfgang fully clothed in a matching set of silk sleepwear, though something about them seemed a far better fit on Wolfie’s slender frame.

“Aren’t they soft?”

Ludwig nodded in agreement

Wolfie reached for Ludwig’s hand, guiding it towards his belly, “Feel – soft, right?”

Ludwig allowed his hand to be placed on the flatness of Wolfie’s stomach, feeling the soft warmth of his flesh through the silken fabric. His palm flattened naturally against Wolfie’s middle, while his eyes nearly doubled in size at the feel of another man’s body. He felt nervous, albeit he was glad to be laying on his front in that moment.

“Yes they’re soft” Ludwig admitted quietly

Wolfie released his hand and watched as the other boy’s fingers lingered against his middle

He smiled to himself, having found the answer to his research not through some quiz, but instead through the delicate nature of Ludwig’s touch

Wolfie soon made to return to his bed on the opposite side of the room, though Ludwig’s fingers were quick to grab a fist of luxurious silk instead, “Wait!” Ludwig gasped.

Wolfie paused, looking down at the hand that clutched his chemise

“Yes?” Wolfie smiled nervously as Ludwig sat himself up

Ludwig clamoured up onto his knees so that he could meet the smaller man eye to eye

“I….” Ludwig faltered

Wolfie continued to hold his breath


 “Thank you for everything”



Wolfie’s heart sank a little, but he smiled nonetheless



“You’re most welcome Ludwig”



Wolfie chuckled nervously, taking a sobering step back, “For a second there, I thought you were going to try to kiss me or something, ha…” Wolfie patted Ludwig’s hand as it finally released his pyjamas

Ludwig’s eyes darted about before he reached out to grab at Wolfie again, this time pulling him chest to chest. Wolfie panted anxiously with a tremble to his laughter, “Ludwig?”

Ludwig’s mind argued with his conscious

Just do it – stop thinking so much

Ludwig grew bold and seized Wolfie’s face between the broadness of his palms and pulled him into a long, yet hesitant kiss.

Wolfie’s eyes fluttered closed at the sensation of their lips colliding, coupled with the hungry desperation of Ludwig’s nervous energy. It was different than Thomas. More unsure, yet still head strong and brazen. They weren’t just sharing a kiss, Wolfie was being kissed.

Kissing Ludwig felt powerful.

Wolfie had to admit - he kind of liked it.

When their lips parted, they remained closer still – tasting each other’s breath for the moment.

“Good night” Wolfie managed to whisper, his breath close enough that Ludwig could practically feel his words against his lips. Ludwig could feel the hair on his arms standing on end. Kissing Wolfie was electric.

Ludwig had to admit – even though Wolfie was a boy – he kind of liked it.

Wolfie slowly distanced himself without a word and soon returned to his own bed. Sliding under the covers without another so much as a whisper, Wolfie quietly turned away on to his side.

Before Ludwig could form a coherent thought, or any words of closure – off went the lights!

Settling wordlessly under the covers, Ludwig quickly pulled his quilts up to his chin with a shiver.

“Good night, Wolfie.”

Chapter Text

In the days leading up to New Years, the boys had the run of the place.

The halls echoed with the sounds of their laughter as they played rounds of soccer along the stone corridors, cranked out the tired old record player to its most powerful, took turns shouting profanities under portraits of past Deans and school associates, and perhaps worst of all – sneaking holy wine from the rectory.

“Sshh!” Wolfie giggled through an intoxicated hiccup

They’d all but cleared out the communion wines from the clergy storage

“We could get in a lot of trouble for this….” Wolfie warned half heartedly

Ludwig’s lips curved into a rebellious little smile as he watched his blonde-haired friend down the last of the sacramental bottle. Wolfie held the bottle to the light, shaking what little contents remained with a frown, “I think that’s it. Empty!”

Ludwig shrugged, “I’m sure they’ll restock it soon enough, after all you can’t have Jesus without wine – right?”

Ludwig had never been particularly devout, in fact – he really couldn’t remember the last time that he’d attended a church service outside of the Kent school. He never could understand how any God could allow their own people so much suffering, and so much sadness. In Ludwig’s mind, religion was no more than somebody’s opinion on how to control others. How to shame them into submission – how to make them hate themselves, and question who they are.

Once someone is down, it’s much easier to control them.

His father Johann had spent most of Ludwig’s childhood teaching and reinforcing that very concept. 

Ludwig had always questioned who he was – alas, it seemed that no one had ever answered.

When Ludwig first arrived at Kent, he fought the teachers on attending mass. He had even been sent to the principal’s office over it.

It’s part of the routine they’d said, an expectation of all Kent students.

 Just be thankful we are not asking you to participate in the choir.

What good was it anyway, attending Mass?

Even Wolfie had tried to convince Ludwig of the merits of ceremony

At least attend Mass for the music Ludwig, open up your soul!

…after all, Kent has an excellent organist if I do say so myself….

And so, upon his urging, Ludwig went.

Not for Jesus, nor for God 

Not for the holy wine either.

Ludwig went instead for the little blonde haired boy who smiled so sweetly

The one who’s eyes were deep and soulful

The one who’s music made the hair on Ludwig’s neck stand on end

The one who’s fingers danced while he accompanied the choir

The one that Ludwig found himself thinking about most often

Besides, it’s not like Ludwig would attend a religious service for just anyone. Not even for some girl, or his own family for that matter. If his own father were to drop dead tomorrow, he likely wouldn’t attend the funeral. What did Ludwig owe to that pathetic man anyway?

Ludwig was coming to the realization that his thoughts were wholly consumed in a deep and terrifying hormonal maze. It was a religion in and of itself and the utter absolution in which Ludwig now found himself was beginning to scare even him. The intensity of his dreams, and of his thoughts were fervent. He could not stop thinking about this boy. In all his forms – religious or not. Thomas be damned, Wolfie had Ludwig’s full attention.

Wolfgang was much more exciting than Ludwig had previously judged. A prissy little rich boy from London, private school, tennis lessons, the whole nine yards. Not exactly someone Ludwig could relate to, or so he had initially thought. He soon learned that there was more to Wolfie than his outward appearance.

Wolfie was kind.

He was curious and bright.

He was more complex, he had feelings and desires that he kept close to his chest. He was talkative, but not overbearing. He was sweet, but no push over.

He was more empathetic, more talented, and Ludwig was finding as of late - more seductive.

Ludwig couldn’t help but feel drawn to him – to Wolfie’s bright and bubbling spirit.

And that cheeky little Devil’s smile – God help me.

Ludwig couldn’t help it.

It made his jeans feel tight, and his cheeks flush

God, it was all so embarrassing!

Ludwig was beginning to realize that the devotion he felt did not need affirmation from the pages of some ancient book, nor from a cup of wine, or even the passing hand of a priest’s blessing. True devotion spoke to whatever thoughts held your mind, spirit – and heart. Devotion was at once both visceral, and ungovernable. Devotion is a sort of blindness that allows worshippers to be led, either by hand or by heart, questionless and subservient to their chosen God.

Whether that be a man or woman.

However, of all the religious ideas, Ludwig did hold a true fear for wrath - and for that, he knew that his newfound consecration for his fascinating young friend must remain silent, as sins are often meant to be buried deep.

Ludwig watched as Wolfie worked to pick the lock on one of the chapel cupboards. Ludwig was both shocked and impressed at his skill, given his proper upbringing and prim facade. Wolfie’s subtle rebellious streak was proving to both be a turn on, and a source of inspiration for Ludwig. He quite admired the lanky little rebel.

Words from last week’s sermon rang deafly in Ludwig’s ears as he watched Wolfie work with growing interest.

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Ludwig frowned and quickly trained his eyes elsewhere just as the cupboard finally popped open.

Wolfie turned to Ludwig with a dubious grin of absolute triumph

“See? Told you I could do it,” he began to rifle through the cabinet, “I used to pick the lock on my sister’s diary all the time.”

Ludwig smiled shyly, keeping a curious green eye on him as Wolfie cracked open the final bottle from the stash. Ludwig wasn’t entirely sure how they’d manage to cover up the crime, but clearly in his drunkenness, Wolfie wasn’t really thinking about that yet.

“You know, Jesus died for our sins Ludwig,” Wolfie flopped himself down on the first pew, stretching himself out along its grainy wood bench, “and now here we are, drinking all his grape juice like a bunch of degenerates!”

Wolfie hiccuped as if on cue, “So I guess we are both going straight to Hell”

Ludwig chuckled at the thought – if he were to be damned to Hell, it might as well be with Wolfie

Wolfie was cute

Ludwig never seen Wolfgang drunk before – especially not off of stolen church wine – but Ludwig had to admit, he kind of liked it. However, Wolfgang’s drunkenness was in stark contrast to Ludwig’s father, a drunk that Ludwig fiercely wished he’d never have to see again

Wolfie by contrast, was philosophical when inebriated.

He was at once quiet, mixed with an endearing zest of naivety. His natural silliness was subdued to a more lethargic, sleepy kind of intoxication. When drunk, Wolfie became drowsy and loose of tongue, he was completely harmless – and somewhat vulnerable in thought.

Ludwig felt safe, and somewhat amused.

“Don’t you think he’d be mad at us?” Wolfie blinked at varying rates, as if his eyelids were confused by their own job, “Jesus I mean…. Being mad at us for drinking all his grapes?”

Ludwig chuckled, “I don’t think Jesus is real Wolfie”

Wolfgang suddenly sat bolt upright, as if he had just been woken from a nightmare

“What?” the panic in Wolfie’s voice was clear

Was Ludwig a non believer?

Ludwig slowly lowered himself onto the same pew, staring ahead at the carving of Jesus as he was nailed to the cross. His wrists bled for all of eternity, his nakedness and peril on display for all to witness as the carving hung from the alter before them.

Ludwig quickly looked away.

“You can’t really believe in all that Bible stuff, can you Wolfie?” Ludwig tried to make light of the situation, but he was growing increasingly concerned that Wolfgang may not see eye to eye on the matter.

Wolfie was a good boy, and had been raised in the church – he sang Palsms, he accompanied the choir, he arranged music for school services and sometimes Wolfie even lead Grace at meals. Certainly, Papa Mozart would have made sure that religion played a role in the lives of his children, if not for the guidance, but more simply for the musical opportunities that it would afford.

Music and worship were often closely linked.

“I mean,” Ludwig sat on his hands, “The bible doesn’t even accept – you know, certain people…Don’t you disagree with that Wolfie?”

Wolfie stared at him curiously, “The bible doesn’t accept what kind of people?”

Ludwig rolled his eyes and sank back against the pew with a heavy sigh, “Are you really going to make me say it?”

Wolfie’s continued silence only served to further prove his admirable innocence

Ludwig rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands, grunting in frustration

He didn’t want to do it.

He didn’t want to say it.

But he knew he had to.

“Gay people Wolfie – faggots? Homosexuals? You know –“ Ludwig narrowed his eyes towards him, “People like you.”


Wolfie’s eyes widened in shock as he locked eyes on his friend


Ludwig tried to clarify his view, “How can you worship a God that refuses to acknowledge that people like you even exist?”


“People like me?” For once in his life, Wolfie was speechless


The silence between them alerted Ludwig to his significant overstep, while his stomach began to knot itself for what he had said aloud….


“You think that I –“ Wolfie sat himself up, struggling under the inconvenience of his staggering intoxication


“Listen, Wolfie I didn’t mean –“ Ludwig quickly began to back peddle, recognizing consequently that questioning someone’s faith and sexuality was perhaps not the best strategy to get them to like you….

“No, no, I get it” Wolfie soon cut him off with a raising of his hand, “I just didn’t think that those kinds of things mattered,” he paused and stared Ludwig in the eye, “to you of all people.”

Ludwig’s eyes quickly locked on Wolfie’s

Ludwig soon grew nervous under Wolfie’s judgemental gaze

What is he insinuating?

He had to respond!

“And so it doesn’t” Ludwig quickly blurted out into the icy silence between them.

That wasn’t enough to end the awkward conversation, nor was it the answer that Ludwig was certain Wolfie was after, but for the moment, it was enough to shut it down.


The voice inside Ludwig’s mind began to scream.


Quick! Change the subject!


Wolfie dragged himself up onto his feet, staggering his way towards the pulpit where the Priest’s notes lay upon the desk. He cleared his throat and squinted at the text briefly before launching into what Ludwig could only describe as his own version of papal indoctrination

“Parishioners, families….” Wolfie announced with a sway, “Today’s sermon will be on the topic of sex.”

Ludwig raised a curious brow but remained silently seated in the first pew

The man was clearly drunk

“Sex is one of life’s greatest pleasures,” Wolfie paused, then giggled, “Well, depending on who you’re fucking I suppose.”

Ludwig just shook his head, at least watching Wolfie play priest would be entertaining…

“I think that all creatures can fuck whoever they want, because God doesn’t really care,” Wolfie shuffled the papers before him, “I think he’d much prefer that his people were happy.”

In a moment of passing sobriety, Wolfie winked at him from the podium

“So if that means I should be kissing a boy – then I’m more than happy to do it.”

Ludwig snickered at the thought, “For Jesus?”

Wolfie smiled as he stepped down, staggering his way towards him, “Yes,” he grinned, leaning over Ludwig with a lecherous smile, “I’d kiss a boy for Jesus”

The two of them hung there for a moment, tasting each other’s breath, hovering but a mere brush from one another. They were locked in a heated exchange of both thought and enflamed passion.
 
Wolfie’s bright blue eyes had soon darkened with lust

Their ferocity quickly made Ludwig both hot, and somewhat uncomfortable

Ludwig didn’t quite know what he wanted

“So kiss me then, for Jesus’ sake” Wolfie gave a breath chuckle as he leaned closer, so close that their lips were practically touching. He whispered again – this time in a softened, raspy voice that smelled faintly of cabernet, “Kiss me, I dare you.”

Ludwig swallowed thickly, growing nervous under the mounting pressure of the moment.

Wolfie quietly waited for his reply – but alas, Ludwig remained mute

Wolfie smiled to himself before whispering again, low against Ludwig’s ear

“You’re just like me Ludwig, admit it”

Ludwig suddenly felt a lump tightening his throat as he was soon confronted with his greatest fear

Not in the form of some school yard bully, nor from his father Johann – or some Kent official

It was happening right here

In the school parish

Under the paintings of Mary – beneath the carvings of Jesus – surrounded by symbols of obedience and oppression

Under the gaze of the most beautiful person Ludwig had yet to encounter

How could Wolfie know, when Ludwig himself was hardly sure?

Ludwig squirmed under him – fighting the swirl of cheap wine that fogged his mind

Wolfie straightened himself upright with a laugh

“You can deny it all you want Ludwig, but trust me,” Wolfie crossed his arms over his chest, “It’ll always be there.”

Ludwig rested his head in his hands in an attempt to quiet the waves of nausea that disoriented him

He wished that he could just up and walk away – but he knew Wolfie would find him. Besides, it’s not like he had anywhere he could go

He knew Wolfie would never let this go – he already knew too much, simply based on his insinuation.

Ludwig tried to calm himself

Breath deep – just breath it out

His mother had taught him that

She’d rub his back when he was worried or down.

She needn’t say anything as her presence was enough to refocus him, to soothe his heartbreak, to quell his fears.

Soon Ludwig felt a gentle hand on his back and it was as if for that moment, he had been transported back to simpler times. When his mother could solve all his problems with a hug and a kiss, or how she always seemed to know the right thing to say.

Ludwig missed her dearly, especially now.

The gentle hand began to rub his back soothingly, and it was not at all unpleasant


“It’s alright though” Wolfie cooed to him

Though this voice was not his mother’s – it still brought him some comfort

“You still have me”

Wolfie was now watching over him with a growing look of concern


Ludwig reluctantly sat up, tilting his head curiously towards his friend

Was this boy out of his mind?

“And besides –“ Wolfie continued,  “I’m not going anywhere until I get that kiss” he paused briefly, “unless…” Wolfie’s hand stilled, “You forfeit?”

Ludwig grunted

That settles it. Wolfie’s officially crazy!

Ludwig narrowed his eyes in confusion, “What are you even talking about?”

“Truth or Dare – I dared you to kiss me, and you didn’t. So I guess that means that I win…” Wolfie shrugged with a haughty little grin that only Wolfgang could pull off

Ludwig shook his head, “Since when were we playing a game?”

Wolfie laughed, “Ludwig you’ve been playing games with me for months!”

Ludwig suddenly looked shocked, if not offended!

“What! That’s preposterous – how do you mean I’ve been playing games? I’ve stayed away from you – you were a complete asshole to me when I first arrived!”

“Preposterous, oh big word!” Wolfie giggled, unfazed by Ludwig’s sudden change of humour, “Not to worry Ludwig, I can go on pretending - just as I always have. If that’s what you’d prefer?”

“I’m not pretending and I’m not playing games! What are you even talking about?”

Wolfie’s smile only grew

“Are you going to kiss me or not? Unless you want to sit here all day and argue, though I can think of better ways to use my energy”

Ludwig, baffled at where all this was leading, simply shook his head with a shrug of confusion. Here was his second chance, while most people rarely earned a first. His mouth was dry and his ears felt as if he were holding himself underwater.

Wolfie, still emboldened by what remained of his libations, came round to face Ludwig head on.

Ludwig remained seated as Wolfie pushed him back against the pew, pushing Ludwig’s hands aside as he straddled his waist. Wolfie was taking no prisoners, and accepting no bribes.

“Come on, don’t you like me?” Wolfie began to pout

Ludwig was sweating, and his hands were shaking – he was not entirely prepared for this level of intimacy. It was true that he found Wolfie attractive, but to have him live and squirming in his lap? This was almost too much at one time. Ludwig tried to remain calm, though the suggestive grind of Wolfie’s hips were rather difficult to ignore.

“Yes, I do” Ludwig admitted in quiet defeat

Wolfie’s only reply was a squeal of sheer delight

“I knew it!”

Even his giggles were musical

“Thomas was jealous for a real reason then I suppose….” Wolfie murmured to himself, “So, about that kiss then?”

Ludwig stared up at him, eyes wide, breath short and strained. His lips were gently parted and full.

He was quite kissable in that moment

And Wolfie was never one to pass up a moment

When their lips met – it was as if a flood gate had been opened

Wolfie’s hips stilled, though his hands flew to bury themselves in Ludwig’s thick chocolate mane.

“Mmm” he groaned against Ludwig’s lips, sucking gently as he worked to tease a reaction from the less experienced boy.

Ludwig’s hands immediately found Wolfie’s waist and snaked their way around him, though the shape of him was unfamiliar, Ludwig was soon driven by instinct.

Their hands roamed one another greedily as their kisses deepened, squeezing and groping at bits of softness. Ludwig shivered at the raking rough of fingernails against the sensitive landscape of flesh.

Ludwig groaned as he was pushed flat onto his back. The rigidity of the wooden pew was a far cry from the comfort of his bed, but Ludwig was not exactly in a position to complain. Wolfie’s mouth was soon on him, and all concerns of comfort were soon lost to a heady need for relief as it strained against the front of his jeans.

“Take your pants off” Wolfie demanded breathlessly as he hurriedly began to strip himself without ceremony

Ludwig, awe struck by Wolfie’s obvious comfort with his own nakedness, was rendered immobile.

“Ludwig – pants!”

Wolfie barked his command again, this time reaching for Ludwig’s belt buckle himself. With shaking hands, Ludwig found Wolfie’s as they worked to remove Ludwig’s clothing, tossing it carelessly onto the floor below.

Once naked, Wolfie was quick to resume his pleasures – starting first with his tongue.

Ludwig’s hips bucked against Wolfie’s mouth as it licked and sucked a fevered trail down his torso towards his – well.. Ludwig quickly looked away with a flush in his cheeks.

Don’t look down – he coached himself prematurely.

His innocence was rightfully ignored as Wolfie continued to torture him slowly, exploring his body with his lips and his tongue, just as much as with his talented little hands. Ludwig oozed and leaked readily, finding it increasingly challenging to regulate his breath under Wolfie’s ministrations.

“I’ll be honest with you Ludwig,” Wolfie began what felt like a casual conversation as he prepared to lower himself onto to Ludwig’s lap. Grabbing Ludwig’s cock to steady it, Wolfie carried on as he sank down onto him, “I’ve wanted to fuck you since you first arrived”

Pausing briefly to adjust, Wolfie soon found himself neatly perched from above, with a spellbound Ludwig looking up at him most hopefully.

Ludwig licked at the dryness of his lips and then swallowed nervously, allowing his hands to find Wolfie’s hips for both comfort and reassurance.

Ludwig wasn’t entirely sure what was expected of him in that moment

So he simply nodded

“Did you feel the same about me?” Wolfie asked curiously while he rocked his hips, sending Ludwig into instant, orgasmic bliss. He choked and shuddered under Wolfie’s narrow hips, feeling himself seep into the other boy while the waves of pleasure rippled all the way down to his toes like thunderous shockwaves. Ludwig was panting and short of breath by the time he was even able to open his eyes.

Wolfie had paused his movements and stared down at him with a cheeky smile

“Did you just cum?”

Ludwig was speechless – and somewhat embarrassed that everything had passed so quickly. It felt like an instant!

He - well….

Ludwig’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red

Wolfie soon erupted in a fit of giggles, “Oh my God – I did not expect that!”

Ludwig felt himself growing soft, the feeling was somewhat uncomfortable. Wolfie must’ve known as he intuitively dismounted and began to redress himself, still chuckling under his breath with a smile on his lips. Ludwig scrambled to follow Wolfie’s lead in redressing, without another word. though he was suitably embarrassed by the whole thing, he kept his eyes fixed to the floor. He sank back down on the pew, tucking his hands under his thighs to keep from fidgeting.

“Sorry – I, I didn’t think that,” Ludwig paused as he felt fingers gently threading themselves into his hair, “Ludwig,” Wolfie hushed him in a rather endearingly maternal way, “there’s no need to apologize.”

Wolfie tipped Ludwig’s head back to reveal the deep green of his eyes with an affectionate smile, “I should’ve known – you gave me plenty of signs.”

Ludwig frowned, “But – “

“It’ll be better next time,” Wolfie winked at him, “Trust me, I’ve got your number now!”

Wolfie bent down to retrieve Ludwig’s jacket, as it too had be tossed aside in the frenzy

“Here, don’t forget this, you’re going to need it if you’re going to take me on that romantic bike ride.”

Ludwig stared at his jacket as it lay across his lap, he had never felt more defeated, embarrassed and yet exhilarated in all of his life!

Wolfie made his way to the door, turning back with a sensual smile, “So shall we keep playing then? It’s your turn by the way – I can’t wait to hear what you have planned for me.”

And with a wink, he was gone – leaving Ludwig sitting there, surrounded by empties and a hell of mess – wondering what the fuck had just happened?

He sighed as he surveyed the destruction

He soon felt the nagging ache of a hangover coming ….

Chapter Text

Wolfie was smiling to himself as he gathered his things for the showers.

He couldn’t help it

He chuckled as he replayed earlier events in his mind, shoving his towel under his arm.

Who knew big, bad tough guy Ludwig was a virgin?

Wolfie smiled to himself at the thought, it was kind of sweet actually.

His eyes danced as he placed his toiletries into the little basket he used to organize himself, “Silly boy…” he murmured under his breath. He vowed to reserve judgement for another time. It’s not like anyone could be judged on a first attempt, and if teaching Ludwig how to play cricket were any indication. This boy was going to need a lot of practice.

Wolfie checked his watch before placing it on his bedside table, 10 pm, just late enough to have a quick shower and then off to bed. He could always muse about Ludwig later, as he had not yet returned to their room – Wolfie assumed that he had gone into hiding somewhere in the heat of shame.

“You’ll get over it eventually…” Wolfie muttered under his breath as he shut the door behind him, “we all have to face the truth sometimes” Just as Wolfie passed the school’s office on his way to the baths, he caught the faint sound of the secretarial phone ringing from inside the main office.

He stopped to listen more carefully

Ring ring!

A moment’s pause before the next chime came, quite loud and obvious

Ring ring!

As it was the holiday season, the Kent school, and all of its offices were officially closed. There was no one to answer the phone or sort the letters, though Wolfgang was quite sure most of the families were well aware of that.

So who could be calling at such an hour?

Wolfie peered through the office window curiously, everything was eerily dark.

Ring ring!

But the phone rang again, there was no mistaking the sound. Someone was clearly desperate to get through. Perhaps it was an emergency?

Wolfie poked his head into the school office, listening for the sound of another ring –was it Papa calling from home, to see how Wolfie was faring within the confines of an empty dormitory?

It certainly couldn’t have been anyone else’s family – nobody else was even here!

He finally nudged the door open and trotted over to lift the receiver as it shook in its cradle

“Hello?” he answered cautiously, half expecting the flat line monotone of his father’s voice on the other end of the line.

“Thank God!” the voice gave an exasperated gasped, “This is only the 15^th time I’ve phoned in the last hour!”

Thomas, despite a somewhat concerning tone of desperation, was immediately identifiable even over the phone. Wolfie could recognize that voice anywhere.

“Thomas!” He nearly dropped his things from the shock

Wolfie had not expected to hear from Thomas at all, and given his sudden and curious departure following Christmas morning, he certainly did not expect to hear so soon.

As he glanced up at the office window, Wolfie caught the sight of Ludwig giving him a curious glance through the other side of the glass pane. Wolfie simply waved him off as he chewed his lip nervously, he began to feel immediate guilt and it was making him nauseous.

Or perhaps that was the cheap wine?

“Oh Wolfgang darling I miss your voice,” Thomas sounded rather down already, even as the conversation was only beginning, “I wish I could see you.”

Wolfie, still in shock from the phone call itself, could barely form words. He simply clutched the receiver as he twirled the cable around his fingers anxiously.

What was there to say?

Wolfie glanced towards the window again, but Ludwig was gone.

He swallowed nervously.

“Wolfgang?” Thomas called out into the silence, “Are you there?”

“Yes,” Wolfie replied, barely above a whisper, “Yes, I’m here.”

Thomas let out a nervous chuckle, “It was so quiet, I thought maybe you had been disconnected”

Though he was still on the line, Wolfie did feel somewhat disconnected in spirit. Thomas’ phone call had taken him by surprise – he was not expecting it, and without time to properly prepare his thoughts, Wolfie’s head was immediately a swirl of questions, and emotions.

“You left” Wolfie soon blurted out – he didn’t know what else to say. He needed an explanation. Thomas owed him that much at least.

“Yes – I know, and I am sor-“ Thomas began, but was quickly interrupted

“You said you would drive me back to Kent, Papa had to book a train. We ended up going back nearly a week early” he looked about the empty office, “So now I’m here alone.”

Wolfie’s voice carried a wounded tone of sadness and disappointment

“Wolfgang…” Thomas sighed with a heavy heart

Then came a thick, awkward silence as both boys contemplated their realities

They listened to each other’s gentle breath over the receiver, it was a thin, fragile sheet of protective silence under which a tumultuous storm had most certainly brewed. Wolfie felt his chin quiver, and his eyes begin to cloud with unshed tears. He wanted to let Thomas have it, but in the same breath – he also desperately wanted Thomas to love him and hold him.

Wolfie wanted to have Thomas forever, though they both knew that it was impossible.

Wolfie was hurt from being abandoned, and Thomas was too proud to admit that he had been wrong to walk out on without explanation. Getting an apology from Thomas was as futile as trying to squeeze water from stone.

It was a fatal combination of wills that Wolfie had endured many times before. Thomas was unbending, and through his stubbornness, he could be quite unkind – even to those he claimed to love. There were times when Thomas’ cool, logical nature truly smothered Wolfie’s light hearted zeal, or worse – wounded him deeply and made him feel small.

“You know I’m engaged Wolfie,” Thomas’ voice was calm and factual, “you knew this was going to end eventually. We talked about this.”

Wolfie felt a trickle down his cheek as he wiped furiously as his face, he refused to be the weaker party in all of this. He hated crying in front of Thomas, it made him feel stupid and pathetic. He could still breathe without Thomas – surely he could!

Couldn’t he…?

Wolfie held his tears admirably

After another round of shared silence, Thomas softened his tone and tried once more to coax Wolfie into conversation

“Wolferl, darling –“ Thomas spoke softly as he listened for signs of life on the other end, “are you crying?”

Wolfie refused to respond to that – he would not give Thomas that power. Not this time.

Thomas, in a regretful tone, continued regardless of Wolfgang’s silence

“You know I still love you very much – I will love you forever, you know I don’t want to do this.”

Wolfie stared up at the ceiling in an effort to stem the tears that streamed freely, he couldn’t stop them anymore. They came in hot, salted droplets, rolling down his cheeks, dropping pathetically onto his chest and hands as he struggled to hold the receiver with a shaking fist.

He quickly held the phone away from his face to disguise his distress as he wiped his face across his arm

Wolfie slid himself down onto the tile floor, sinking as low as the telephone wire would allow.

He didn’t know what to say.

“I only wish for you to be happy Wolferl – you know that.”

Wolfie dug his nails into the flesh of his thigh, squeezing until he felt more pain than sadness – anything but sadness!

“Thomas – “ Wolfie choked, he hated the sound of his own voice in that moment. He sounded pathetic to his own ears.

He gave up wiping the tears from his eyes as it did little good, with each passing second fresh ones fell in their stead, “Thomas - I did something very bad.”

There was silence on the other end before Thomas prompted him, “Wolfgang?”

He sounded somewhat alarmed

Wolfie tried to calm his breathing enough to speak further

“Wolfgang, are you alright over there?” The panic in Thomas’ voice was intensifying, “Wolfgang, are you safe? Or, what’s going on?”

Wolfie nodded against the phone, unable to articulate any further as he broke down into uncontrollable sobs, rubbing the heel of his palms harshly into his big blue eyes.

“Thomas…” was all he could manage to say between ragged breaths and sputters

“Wolfgang, what is going on over there? Should I call your Papa?”

Wolfie could only stammer a few words as he drew shaking breaths, “No…no…I’m fine”

By the tone of Thomas’ voice, he was clearly concerned

“Wolferl, you’re going to have to tell me what’s going on – what has you so upset? Surely it can’t be having to take the train back early? My dear, you’re bigger than that!” Thomas gave a lighthearted chuckle, hoping he was wrong.

Thomas was correct that Wolfie’s tears were not simply about some silly train ride – but more so the fact that Thomas could not see what was right in front of him!

It pained Wolfie that Thomas could never tell when he had hurt him, and his nonchalance was what truly stung. But that was Thomas, Woflie’s sentimentality always seemed to roll right off his back.

Thomas’ coolness and lack of empathy towards his feelings were what wounded Wolfie the most

Wolfie sat on the cold tile floor, among the spilled toiletries and linen, clutching the phone against his ear. His eyes were red and cheeks were wet. Wolfie was certain that he looked a right mess! He thanked God that the school was empty and that no one was around to see him in such a sorry state…

“Wolferl, listen –“ Thomas quickly took charge of the moment, as he often did, “I am regretful that I did not stay at your Papa’s longer, truly I am, but –“ he paused on thought for the briefest of moments, “crying over something you ultimately knew about would be silly, wouldn’t you agree?”

It’s more than that…Wolfie argued in his mind as he continued to chew his bottom lip.

He traced over the fresh scratches on his thigh. The angry red marks from where he had dug his fingers earlier were now raised and aching. His skin was reddened and sensitive to touch. Wolfie winced as he squeezed a few little droplets of blood from one of the deeper claw marks. He watched as the deep red beads rolled across the white of his thigh. There would be no visible scar, though there never was with Thomas.

“Thomas,” Wolfie tried again, nervous of his task

“Wolfgang, we’ve been on the phone for the better part of an hour and so far all you’ve said is my name – what exactly is going on over there? Do I need to come get you?”

Like ripping off a bandage, Wolfie held his breath and quickly blurted out

“I fucked Ludwig.”

There was silence

“…Just now” he added shamefully, “in the school chapel”

There was a painfully long pause before he heard Thomas draw a long breath

“Did I hear that correctly? The school chapel?” Thomas tried to sound amused, though Wolfie could tell he was immediately hurt.

Wolfie stared up at the ceiling, forcing the tears back into submission, “I believe so” he murmured somewhat incoherently, “we were both drunk I – “

“My, my” Thomas started to laugh, “My little Wolfgang, a lecher! Who knew?”

Wolfie put his hand to his forehead as it was beginning to ache from all the tears

“And in the school chapel, how sacrilegious – what a naughty student you are.”

Wolfie could almost picture Thomas’ sickening smile, “And so did you enjoy yourself? Is he as good as he looks?”

Thomas’ questions were at once amused, and accusatory. Only Thomas could pull off that combination of both praise and punitive tone in his own charismatic way. Wolfie could tell that he had upset him, though Thomas would likely never admit it.

“Wolferl?” Thomas prompted from the other end – he was growing aggressive, “Was it worth it?”

There was a knock on the glass and Wolfie quickly scrambled to his feet – wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand and sniffling away the evidence of his distress. He looked up to see Ludwig’s expression of concern through the window, he gave Wolfie a shrug as if to say, Are you ok? What’s taking so long?

“Listen, Thomas –“ Wolfie kept one eye on Ludwig through the window, “I – uh, I have to go –“

“Wolfgang – you can’t just –“

“I –“ Wolfie began to panic realizing that he had no reasonable way to explain himself other than lust, “I have to go, I’ll phone you tomorrow”

“Wolfie!” Thomas hissed, but before he could say any more, Wolfie dropped the phone into its cradle and ended the conversation.

Wolfie stared down at the phone, somewhat outside of himself as he replayed the conversation in his head. Thomas would be livid – though he would never lower himself to admit any emotional response, nor would he be satisfied with Wolfie’s brief synopsis of the events. He’d want to know every dirty detail, so that he might produce rightful and proper judgement of Ludwig and Wolfie both.

Wolfie knew he would never hear the end of this.

He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder

“Jesus!” Wolfie gasped at the unexpected touch

Ludwig simply chuckled, “You alright? What happened?”

Wolfie shrugged him off, and began to gather his things for the bath, “Nothing, nothing – everything is fine.”

Picking up his stray toothbrush and handing it over, Ludwig challenged him with the arch of his brow, “Yes, because that’s what I look like when I’m doing alright,” Ludwig thumbed a stray tear from Wolfie’s reddened cheek, “tears and all.”

Wolfie swatted his hand away defensively and backed away, “It’s nothing – I just, scratched up my knees it's nothing, really.”

Ludwig held his hands up in surrender, “Ok, alright. It’s nothing if you say so – I was just wondering what your plan was for all those empties? How are we going to replace those bottles before anyone finds out?”

Wolfie frowned, he’d already forgotten about that.

Shit

Thomas was older – he had always bought the wine.

Even before he was of age, Thomas would steal wine from his teacher Signor Nardini, a violinist who ran a small winery out of his Italian estate. Thomas would often bring the bottles on his visits to Wolfie and the pair would greedily down them before falling into a passionate, sensuous exchange of limbs. Their lovemaking was often heated, and quite carnal when drunk on wine.

Thomas was quick to learn Wolfgang’s body, and even more so to teach him.  

Wolfie looked forward to it very much – though the headaches the following morning were somewhat regrettable.  

“I guess we need to get rid of them quick – maybe we can convince them that somebody stole them?” Wolfie’s mind was drawing a blank. He was still stuck on Thomas.

“Well,” Ludwig said with a bemused smirk, “Somebody did steal them.”

Wolfie scowled at him, though he knew he was right.

“I can get my sister to buy some replacements – she’s on holiday still, she can drop them off.”

Ludwig shook his head, “Wait, you have a sister?”

“Yes, she lives not too far from here during the school year actually, she’d definitely help us.” Wolfie was becoming ever more confident as an elaborate cover up scheme began to gain traction in his mind.


That was, until the lights of the main office flicked on – exposing them both to the head of the school’s steely glare.

They shielded their eyes and squinted against the whir of sudden overhead lighting

“You two!” the older man barked menacingly at them, “In my office – immediately!”

Wolfie turned white as a ghost as he felt his stomach drop to the floor. He’d never been in trouble before. Ever!

He felt like he was going to be sick, he was dizzy – and rather confused in his surroundings. This was nothing like what he had pictured for his holiday, and certainly not what Papa would want to hear. He swayed a little, clutching the secretary’s desk in order to stabilize himself. He found himself short of breath.

Ludwig gave him a slight shrug, tucking his hands into the back pockets of his jeans with a hopeless expression of guilt, “So, how fast can your sister deliver?” he whispered, but Wolfie was already on the floor.

Fuck.

Chapter Text

Wolfie hanging up on him was a new experience.

Thomas stood wordless against the deafened dial tone of the receiver still pressed to his ear. For a young man that prided himself on his ability to maintain control, this sudden proclamation of infidelity was certainly a threat to Thomas’ outwardly poised demeanour.

Though he knew that his own behaviour towards Wolfie had been less than loyal over the years, he had scarcely considered that Wolfgang would ever grow to be so bold as to retaliate. Wolfie had always been sweet and understanding, an endless spring of forgiveness and undying affection. As it had seemed until now, no matter what, they had been destined to be together. Despite Thomas’ impending nuptials.

Perhaps Thomas had been wrong about the depth of Wolfie’s vows all this time – perhaps he had only imagined the profoundness of their relationship. Had he simply imagined a love where in reality, only lust existed?

Thomas drew a shaking breath as he willed himself to maintain composure

“I fucked Ludwig”

The sharpness of Wolfie’s words rang in Thomas’ ears even after he’d returned the phone to its cradle

There was no possible misinterpretation – no counsel, nor denial in his tone – though his words had been short, Wolfie had delivered them with a bluntness that was at once, both direct and fatalistic. Thomas stared down at the now silent telephone for some time, unable to process the thoughts that swirled in his mind.

Was he trying to tell me that this is over?

Are we over?

He desperately wanted Wolfie to be his forever love, in spite of his family’s directives – and notwithstanding the societal implications of such a taboo. Thomas felt that he and Wolfie were fated to live a great injustice, sentenced to a life of unfulfilled longing and secrecy. Bound by the pressures of the world, yet poisonously drawn to one another. However, Wolfie was a poison that Thomas would readily ingest, expectations be damned – so long as it meant that he and Wolfie could be together as their hearts intended.

Yet still, Thomas questioned through his shock whether Wolfie truly felt the same in return. He had never given Thomas any indication of unhappiness, nor hints that his heart would stray. Wolfie had always seemed wholly dedicated, and deeply in love.

Flirtatious? Sure

Silly? Absolutely

Disloyal?

Never.

Not his Wolfgang

Though he’d tried to brush the phone call off as casual news, Thomas couldn’t deny the new found dryness in his throat and the heavy tightness in his chest. He loved Wolfie more than anything, and though Thomas knew that he had not always been the best to him, he always felt that Wolfie knew of Thomas’ true feelings above all else. He was certain that Wolfie knew Thomas loved him.  Did he not?

Thomas had to admit, he didn’t say it often – and for that, Thomas was truly sorry.

His mind flashed to Christmas eve, and the fumbling in the guest room.

He deeply regretted his own thoughtlessness.

Thomas had certainly been suspicious of Ludwig’s intentions, and admittedly, the boy was rather charming in his quiet, brooding sort of way. Thomas saw the way Ludwig looked at Wolfie from the moment he had met the boy. At first Wolfgang’s sworn enemy, Ludwig soon became the subject of Wolfie’s regular letters, though through the months, Wolfie’s tone had softened and his mentions of the boy became less discriminatory. He began to write of their truce, then eventually their budding friendship. Soon Wolfgang’s letters ceased completely – and quickly Thomas grew wary of Ludwig’s presence in Wolfie’s life, and the influence that boy held over him.

Thomas’ suspicions were confirmed the night of the school play, when even while considerably ill, Ludwig found a way to attend and even loiter in the aftermath simply to lay eyes upon his talented little friend.  The pathetically long and sorrowful glances that passed between them were evident during Thomas’ visit, and the unrequited lust between the pair was nearly palpable. Was there already something there, and Wolfie had simply neglected to share the truth of his conquests?

Had Thomas already lost Wolfie long ago, and had simply yet to realize it?

Or worse – was this indiscretion some sort of retaliatory measure against Thomas’ poor judgement?

Thomas sank down in the chair next to the telephone with the weight of the situation laying heavily on his mind, and on his soul.

He had fucked up – he had fucked up royally

He found himself feeling quite helpless in that moment, and somewhat disgusted with himself

“Thomas darling,” his mother’s voice perked his ears, “are you alright?”

The very question he’d proposed to his dear Wolfgang not moments before – he never realized how uninterested those words sounded

Thomas jumped when he felt her hand on his shoulder, “Thomas?”

Her face was one of surprise as he flinched away, quite obviously his mind had been elsewhere.

“Sweetheart, Elizabeth and her parents are leaving shortly, come bid them farewell.”

Thomas’ eyes were hollow as he looked past his mother towards the foyer where the guests were retrieving their coats. “Come, let’s not be rude – after all, they are soon to be family are they not?” His mother’s soft fluttering laughter was evidence of her deep investment in her son’s impending nuptials.  

Thomas watched the young girl as she slipped into her coat

She was pretty enough

For a girl

“The Mackay’s are an established family Thomas, their eldest daughter is quite lovely – I have met her myself. She is fair, well educated, and her father’s estate has hectares of working land both here and in Scotland. This marriage would net quite a tidy sum for our families.” His mother seemed almost gleeful as she described the prospect of inherited wealth.

Thomas frowned, his life had been reduced to nothing more than another one of his father’s business transactions.

His father chewed his pipe, considering the match silently as his son grew ever more anxious

“Do you truly expect me to marry some woman I have never met?” Thomas argued hastily, pacing about the room, “What if I don’t even like her? What if she doesn’t like me? What if she –“ Thomas’ protest was quickly cut short

“You will marry her Thomas. This is not a discussion – it is your duty to us, and to this family.”

Thomas’ heart sank and he grew immediately angry

“I’d rather die than live the rest of my life unhappily married,” Thomas spat, “Do you not care for my happiness, or for what happens to me in all of this? Do I not have a say?”

His father chuckled dismissively, “You can say whatever you like dear, but you will come to see the reason in all of this with time. We are securing your future – and that of your children. You’ll thank us when you’re older.”

Turning on his heels, he quickly stormed out of the room and flew up the stairs to his bed

Diving under the covers he buried himself in the softness of his pillows – they were the only thing that seemed to embrace him in that moment. He clung to them desperately.

That night, Thomas cried.

This time, Thomas knew there was no running away – there was no opportunity for outburst or sudden tears

This time Thomas was expected to play his part

His mother’s eyes were kind as she adjusted his collar, she could tell her son was down. “I know this is hard for you Thomas,” she stroked his blonde curls, “but it is for the best darling. We all must grow up at some point dear?”

The green in Thomas’ eyes grew glassy and distant under his mother’s words, “You’re not a little boy anymore Thomas, and life isn’t some storybook like when you were a child. You’re not Peter Pan darling.”

And with that she kissed his cheek and ushered him off to bid farewell to his fiancée – and to his world as he knew it.

Back at Kent – Wolfie and Ludwig had found themselves in no less of an uncomfortable situation

“Sit down”

His tone was commanding

Father Michael lived on campus and had for many years.

It should have come as no surprise to either of the boys that seeing lights on in the empty building would have alerted groundskeeping to suspicious activity. Surely, they had been destined to be caught, however being apprehended by Father Michael was perhaps the most unfortunate of all possibilities for the ill-fated pair.

Father Michael was a pillar of the school community, as he was both faculty and member of the board in trust. He held great power at Kent, and under his direction – the school had grown exponentially over the past few decades. He recruited boys from across the country and abroad, lauding the school for its rich academics and diversity of offerings. In his younger days, he had coached the football teams, and remained active in his role as the school’s religious leader, preaching sermons each week to a captive audience of both staff and students.

He was charismatic, articulate and as such, he was well liked by many. He was well respected among the staff and Kent families – though his more unsavoury habits were what had earned him his true reputation among the boys of the school. Those who knew their place knew better than to cross him. Father Michael had been known to oversee expulsions and disciplinary action, in conjunction with other administrative duties. He was practically head of the school – in every facet but in title. He could be generous, to those he deemed worthy of his blessing – however, his cruelty knew no bounds.

He walked the halls with great authority, smiling at everyone he met – though his outwardly personable façade was what masked his truly toxic nature.

He was a master of deception and absolute manipulation

Rumour had it that Father Michael had the power to convince a boy to do almost anything

And no one was ever brave enough to report him

Being a Kent boy from junior age, Father Michael knew Wolfgang quite well.

“Wolfgang,” he began, eyeing Ludwig suspiciously, “What is the meaning of all of this insolent behaviour? I have never seen such recklessness from you in all my years.”

Wolfie said nothing, folding his hands into his lap with a bow of his head

“And you –“ he gestured towards Ludwig from the far side of his oak desk, “You were trouble from day one, I remember”

Ludwig’s expression was baffled, do I even know this man?

“This is very disappointing indeed,” Father Michael rose from his chair, placing his hands upon his hips, “this is certainly going to result in a call to your father. I cannot imagine Leopold would be happy to hear about this…..indiscretion.”

Wolfie opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it and swallowed his words

“We would likely be looking at an expulsion for this type of behaviour.”

Wolfie’s eyes widened nervously, “Father Michael, I can explain –“

“You do understand what expulsion means, don’t you Wolfgang?”

The aging man began to nod his head, as if agreeing with himself over some argument that neither Ludwig nor Wolfgang could hear, “Yes, I think you’d be quite embarrassed. It’s really not a road a good boy like you would want to go down, is it?”

Wolfie remained silent under his gaze

“It’s been some time since you’ve found yourself in my office, hasn’t it Wolfgang?” he mused, scratching at the stubble on his wrinkled chin, “Such a shame, you were always one of my favourites”

Ludwig, having landed himself in the principal’s office many times in his life, began to grow suspicious of this character. Was he some sort of authority? What the hell was going on here? He watched as Wolfie began to aggressively pick at his nails, nervously fidgeting with his hands as they clasped together on his lap. Ludwig narrowed his eyes at the man who walked around to lean on the edge of his bureau, “And you,” the man sighed, finally turning his attention to Ludwig, “I suppose this sort of behaviour is routine for you, is it not?”

“Excuse me?” Ludwig was somewhat surprised at being suddenly being addressed, he immediately sat up in his seat

“I’ve seen boys like you come through here,” he paused to draw a breath, “To be plain, it’s quite obvious that you do not belong.”

“Wait –“ Ludwig moved to interject

“There is no redemption for you,” the man crossed his arms over his chest, “you are dismissed, I will deal with you later.”

Ludwig furrowed his brow in confusion, “But – “

“Dismissed – to your room, immediately.”

Ludwig looked to Wolfie in utter shock, were they being let off the hook?

After a few moments of silence, Father Michael spoke again – this time his tone had grown irritated, “Did you not hear me? You are dismissed.”

The pair exchanged a nervous glance and moved to rise from their seats, but Wolfie was quickly planted back down by a firm hand on his shoulder, “Not you Wolfgang.”

Ludwig paused with his hand on the door, looking back over his shoulder as Wolfie remained seated, head bowed submissively. Ludwig’s heart sank for Wolfie, knowing that any fault on his name would cause him great shame and contempt from his father. He knew that he had to do something, he couldn’t let Wolfie take all the blame in this!

“Sir – er, Father – none of this was Wolfgang’s fault, I was solely implicated in all of this. Really it’s me that should be expelled, not –“

“Enough – you are either deaf, or stupid. If you do not return to your room immediately as I have already asked, you will be expelled, that is no question.” The anger in the man’s voice was evident, “You are playing fire boy, now go.”

Ludwig looked sorrowfully towards Wolfie who remained unmoved in his seat

“Just go Ludwig!” Wolfie quickly spat out, trying his best not to burst into tears, “I’ll be fine” he added in a muted murmur as he heard the click of the office door closing.

Wolfie knew he was now alone, and the lecherous smile spreading across Father Michael’s face was enough to alert him to that fact. He bowed his head once more, knowing what was likely lying in wait.

Wolfie could hardly bring himself to look that man in the eye.

“Now Wolfgang,” Father Michael began heavily, leaning back against his desk once more, watching the young submissive man before him begin struggle in his seat, “You know I always want what’s best for my boys – don’t you? Hmm?”

Wolfie tried to think about Thomas – Ludwig – anyone else!

“Are you going to answer me? It would make this a lot less difficult child.”

Wolfie’s breathing was becoming short and erratic as he felt the panic begin to return.

He felt sick.

Fingers laced into his hair, causing Wolfie to shudder

“A yes Father wouldn’t go amiss my child.”

Wolfie whispered so quietly that even he could scantly hear his own words, “yes Father…”

Wolfie began cry, his tears rolling silently down his cheeks and landing in his lap, spotting the trousers of his school uniform.

“You always were such an emotional boy weren’t you?” the priest mused to himself, turning Wolfie’s chin upwards towards him with a frown of disappointment, “But ever so talented, hmm? I remember your very first day, all those years ago now.”

Wolfie quickly looked away, blinking back his tears – he felt repulsed, nauseated.

“Oh now, don’t be like that Wolfgang,” he cooed gently, “that’s disrespectful, isn’t it?”

Wolfie wept quietly, feeling completely naked under his eyes

“Say yes Father….” He repeated himself

Wolfie hesitated as his voice cracked weakly, he knew it was easier than a struggle, “yes Father….”

“Good boy,” he chuckled as he moved to unbuckle his belt, “Now you know that I’ve always been a reasonable man,” the metallic clink made Wolfie shudder, “and as such – I believe the two of us can work something out.”

Wolfie was too afraid to look as he felt himself guided onto his knees

“After all, God forgives all sins”

The fingers in his hair tightened suggestively as Wolfie faced a reality that he hadn’t known for some years now

Perhaps this was his repentance

“Be a good boy then, go on”

Ludwig lay awake in the dark, waiting for Wolfie’s inevitable return

His mind buzzed with questions, would they be expelled? Would Wolfie get in trouble with his father? Would he lose his privileges at the school – or worse, would they be forced apart?

He jumped when he heard the door latch open, the light from the hallway immediately spilling into their room

“Holy shit – what took so long?” Ludwig sat up suddenly, watching Wolfie as he peeled off his clothes in silence

“Wolfie?”

But Wolfie simply ignored him as he repacked his toiletries for the bath

“What did he say? Are we in trouble or what? Will we be expelled?”

Wolfie continued to ignore the onslaught of questions as he striped himself naked, caring not for modesty nor privacy

Ludwig eyed him carefully, “Wolfie? Are you alright?”

Wolfie could hear those words from Thomas over the phone now – Wolfie, are you alright?

He looked tearfully towards Ludwig before leaving with his things, “I’m fine – I said I’d be fine. I’m going for my bath now. Just forget it, it’s done.”

Ludwig looked at the clock skeptically, “But it’s nearly one in the morning?”

But by the time Luddy had glanced back, Wolfie had already left.

“Wolfie?”

Ludwig called after him, but there was no reply.

Chapter Text

Thomas sat up that night, sifting through his old photographs

It was a hobby that he had always held close to his heart, among an increasingly shorter list of other things. Next to the obligatory tennis lessons, the polo club and his hair-raising sailing adventures – photography was something that truly made Thomas feel just that much more normal.

Photography as an art form, had exploded in recent years, propagated by the weekly output of ever-growing fashion magazines which drew a wide audience of onlookers with their alluring glossy covers. This, coupled with the generally affordable availability of family cameras, made photography the newest amateur sport. It seemed that everyone with a spare dollar was taking up photography these days. However, Thomas preferred to think of his little hobby more as high art than as a simple pass time.

Thomas spent much of his free time honing his artistic skills, putting to use much of what he had only ever read in photography books. As a budding artist, he was constantly on the look out for new subject matter, and most specifically people. There was something intoxicatingly addictive about the candid nature of human photography, and the realism and depth that one could portray through their camera lens. Lighting, angle, shutter – it was all fascinating to Thomas, and it began well before Wolfie had ever entered his life. Thomas was in love with beautiful things, a romanticized ideal that likely began as a young boy in the company of his own mother.

Mrs.Linley, an elegant woman of upper standing, was always a proponent of haute couture. Whether it be through her personal collection of refineries, or her elaborate dinner parties, Mrs.Linley was far from a plain woman. She never drank spirits, always wore heels in the house, and was never seen without her hair coiffed, and her nails buffed. She was timeless.

Papa affectionately called her Grace, after the American film actress. Papa would always say, Mary is too simple a name for such a magnificent woman – a sentiment which never failed to curve her ruby lips into a smile.

It was true

She was gorgeous

Not only was Mary beautiful, but she was also socially wise and formed close friendships with the elite, politicians, celebrities and perhaps most especially with Europe’s most respected fashion designers. Mrs.Linley was also an avid subscriber to the world’s leading publications of Vogue, Bazaar and Elle, a passion that she passed on to her gentle spirited son quite readily.

She followed both English and American design trends, and in her younger years, she herself had even graced a few of their illustrious inner pages. She would pat Thomas’ hair as he leafed through the publications she brought home from Harvey Nichols, or Harrods. Sitting cross legged at her feet while she dressed, Thomas could not wait to devour the contents of those magazines’ whole!

“It’s all about chiffon and satin this year Thomas, you’ll see on the next page – what do you think of that neckline?”

Young Thomas’ eyes roved the pages, practically breathing in the imagery of young women as they danced hand in hand with their tuxedoed suitors. It was as if one could be transported through the picture itself. He always adored the beautiful gowns, though perhaps more so was his growing interest in the menswear in particular – or more accurately, the men in the wear themselves. Thomas somehow always suspected that his mother knew of his interests, though she never gave him any trouble for it.

He was grateful for that.

Papa Linley knew of Thomas’ affinity for fashion and art, and while he said nothing to the boy, he often criticized his wife for encouraging such peculiar habits in a young lad.

“Don’t keep dragging him into this fashion nonsense Mary, you’ll only confuse the boy. Next thing you know, he’ll be asking to wear a gown to dinner!”

“Oh relax dear, he’s artistic. Don’t be such a prude, what woman doesn’t want a well-dressed man?”

Thomas had often overheard the dismissive warnings from his father, though thankfully, both he and his mother seemed to wholly ignore them.

Thomas idolized his mother. He still vividly recalled seeing her image in a vintage magazine as a young boy. Her youthful smile beckoned him from a former spread in Vogue’s spring fashion line, 1935.

That was before she had married Papa, and long before Thomas and his older sister had been born.

From his photography experiences early on – it was clear that Thomas was hooked on cameras.

High fashion, elegance and beauty were all elements that he coveted, and through his earliest exploratory stages, he sought to replicate them as best he could. As a young boy, he had begged his mother to pose for him so that he might render an image as gracious as those from the magazines that he so avidly collected. He adored not only the act of portraiture, but perhaps more so, the hunt for suitable subject matter itself. He loved to take photos of anything that caught his curious eye.

“Thomas, you will have to get my good side darling, I’m afraid I am not sixteen anymore dear.”

Thomas smiled up at her with a silly grin, “You look beautiful mumsie, just stop moving!”

She shot him a wry smile before she flicked the end of her cigarette, “You should tell that to your father” she snorted through an ironic exhale of smoke. Thomas quickly snapped the candid image as the wispy tendrils of fume billowed around her. He grinned and chuckled, winding the film in his hands, saying nothing more. He knew that despite what his mother said of herself, that it would be a good shot.

He thumbed the old photograph now, it was the briefest moment in time. Nearly forgotten if not for the very piece of evidence that he held in his hand. He regretted that he had not taken more photos over his life, and more importantly - of his loves. How else would he ever be able to remember such moments?

There were other sentimental images in that box, one of his darling pony Butters, the family garden – his first car. It seemed that there was not much that Thomas could not artistically capture through the lens of his 35 mm, though it had not been without years of practice.

Ever the perfectionist, Thomas was determined to be the best in all things, which of course included not only his musical skills, but his artistic ventures as well. He believed that he and Wolfie shared this same seed of strength and determination. They were both artists, to the very core of their souls. It was an element that Thomas felt he had yet to truly render through his photographs, though it was not for lack of effort on his part. Among his many subjects, he adored photographing Wolfie most of all.

He mused, looking down at the various poses in the small box open on his lap – there were many of Wolfgang. Candid shots where he lounged in the grass, intimate ones of him tangled in Thomas’ sheets, peaceful repose as he was captured reading under a tree, and another of him playing something on his violin. The expression on his face while he performed was one of pure, unadulterated joy. Thomas pulled that one aside, closing the lid on the others.

There were indeed many to chose from, Thomas’ favourite subject would have been clear to anyone who might have stumbled upon his collection. There were dozens of boxes, each one tucked neatly under his bed, away from questioning eyes, and arbitrary opinions. Perhaps for his own protection, as much as for Wolfie’s. Thomas knew that this year apart from one another would be hard, and perhaps that is why he took so many photos last summer. A time capsule of sorts – or perhaps, more appropriately, a shrine.

He sat back against his headboard, staring longingly at the silvered photo.

He could feel a thick knot building in his throat as he attempted to swallow his pain, instead, trying to smile despite his sense of impending condemnation. He propped the image up on his bedside table, Wolfie’s beautiful face now dimly illuminated by his lamp. He lay on his side staring at it, his hands tucked under his pillow. His heart hurt for Wolfgang, and it did not seem to matter that he had grown an interest in that other boy – Thomas still loved him, more than anything in this world.  

They’d practically grown up together, becoming fast friends at Kent even in the junior grades. They had both sung in choir, performed in the school’s annual plays, and cheered one another on during sporting events. Thomas was never one for teams, however he adoringly attended every one of Wolfie’s cricket matches – encouraging him quite enthusiastically from the sidelines, whether win or lose.  

In the summers, the boys had travelled to Italy to study with a master violinist – however, they were quickly more interested in one another than they were in their studies. Innocent childish behaviour, such as walking hand in hand, or a congratulatory peck on the cheek soon turned bolder in early adolescence. Kissing became a regular nighttime activity, as the boys shared the room directly above Signore Nardini’s head.

Of the pair, Wolfie was surely the more adventurous of the two. He was always curious and willing to experiment. Thomas could vividly remember the first time they had touched one another under their nightshirts, their skin prickled with nervous energy. Wolfie’s eyes were dark and inflamed as his hands grazed along his friend’s soft middle for the first time. They both giggled from their shared anxiousness, though something in their blood had urged them forward that night.

Thomas recalled when he came in his friend’s hand in a breathtaking shudder that had him biting his lower lip for control. His breath had hitched, and his belly quivered, watching Wolfie feed the growing flames of his deepest, most secret desire.

It was all Thomas could do but return the favour to his beautiful, audacious, impulsive little friend. Wolfie’s soft moans were all the encouragement that Thomas had needed to find his way. He watched in fascination as Wolfie’s body responded to him quite hungrily. They both knew that they had discovered something that may very well ruin them both – yet neither seemed to care.

Part of him wondered how Wolfie had learned of such things, though it wouldn’t be until many years later that Wolfie would confide in him the truth of his many visits to the school’s rectory office. Thomas frowned thinking back on that startling conversation – and he felt poorly for his growingly distant friend. He hated to have left Wolfie alone at that school, knowing of all the things that had occurred there, though it was not like his parents had left him any choice in the matter.

He continued to stare at the photo

He wished that things between them could simply go back to the way they were when they were boys.
However, Thomas knew that this was impossible – their lives were diverging before his very eyes, and there was little, if anything, that either of them could do to stop it. This Ludwig boy was merely a distraction as their love was torn apart before them.

Thomas studied the lines of Wolfie’s face in the photo – and even in the dim, his gentle features stirred something in him. His lips softened into a gentle smile as he thought back fondly on their many adventures together.

Their little indiscretions mounted, both in expertise as well as in frequency over the years. They became masters of each others’ bodies, and minds - finishing one another’s sentences, as well as their fantasies. Thomas had proudly invited Wolfie to spend the summer at his parent’s estate. For weeks, they had lounged in the full offerings of luxury, nicking bottles of champagne from the cellar, and spending afternoons touring about in Thomas’ new roadster. A birthday gift from his father, though the boy had yet to officially learn to drive!

Thomas had taken many photos that summer – and most specifically, of his little strawberry haired muse.

Wolfie teased him, caught off guard by Thomas’ incessant photography – even in the most intimate of moments. Half nude, Wolfie would dive under the sheets to avoid the persistent snaps of Thomas’ ever-present camera. At times, Wolfie would give in – and simply pose in the nude, especially if meant that Thomas would provide him with a special reward for his cooperation.

Thomas smiled at the memory, though he had none of those photos left to mourn over

When Mrs.Linley had discovered the incriminating images as they hung in development in Thomas’ makeshift darkroom, she was quick to destroy the evidence. She cornered her son one evening after dinner, sending Wolfgang off on some irrelevant errand in order to get Thomas alone.

“Thomas,” she began carefully, eyeing her son with a manner of distrust, “is there something I should know about you and Wolfgang?”

Thomas must have turned white as a sheet – though he was not about the admit anything

“What do you mean mummy?” he feigned innocence poorly, though his nerves had already peaked

“I want you to come see something, follow me.”

Her words were cool as she turned to move up the stairs towards Thomas’ room – the room that he and Wolfgang had been sharing for the majority of the summer despite the many guest beds available. There were books strewn about, discarded clothing, and sheet music littering nearly every surface. The boys were clearly enjoying their life of leisure.

Thomas could sense, even as he followed behind his mother, that what she was after was not in relation to his housekeeping – nor the stacks of busy papers.

As she motioned to pull back the haphazard sheet that blocked his amateur dark space – Thomas quickly moved in front of her.

“That’s private” he became indignant

His mother raised a steely brow and folded her arms across her chest in a knowing fashion, “Thomas, I’ve already seen them.”

He panicked – his chest became tight, so much so that it was nearly impossible to breath!

“I burned most them while your father was out, you must promise me that you will destroy any others. Wolfgang can stay until the end of the summer, but that is all. You will not be back at Kent in the fall, this cannot be Thomas. This must stop – and your father must never know.”

Winded, Thomas had no means to retaliate in that moment, and it was the best that he could manage but to fall into his mother’s arms weeping hysterically as she cradled her son like she had not done since he was a young boy.

Not that he had noticed for his own emotions in that moment, but Mary Linley had cried too.

She cooed, stroking his hair and shushing him softly, “I’m sorry Tommy” she murmured repeatedly through her tears, though she doubted that her son ever heard it.  

Thomas had been inexplicably cool to Wolfgang for the remaining few weeks of the season – and though Wolfie had asked him of it, Thomas was quick to brush him off. He was attempting to protect himself from the impending heartbreak that would be saying goodbye come school season, though in effect, Thomas now realized that what he had done did little but hurt his very best friend.

Wolfie left the Linley estate with waves and kisses from Mrs.Linley, Papa Linley and a lingering embrace from Thomas. He travelled back home at the end of that summer to prepare for his final year, not yet realizing that he would be doing so alone. Thomas had decided to break the news, not in person – but instead more cowardly, in a letter.

For that, Thomas had much regret, a no letter, visit nor phone call could ever seem to make up for the distance between them anymore. He supposed that, that was where Ludwig was able to find his way – and in some ways, Thomas was grateful for his presence in Wolfie’s life. At least he knew that his Wolfie wasn’t alone anymore.

Chapter Text

Ludwig thought it odd that Wolfie was taking so long in the bath

He had seemed out of sorts, and particularly quiet after he had returned from the rectory office that evening. It troubled Ludwig that Wolfie had not responded in more detail when quizzed on their punishment. Was he in trouble? Were they both going to be suspended for stealing all that wine? Why didn’t the priest have anything to say to him? He had taken equal part in all of this and yet, Wolfie seemed to take all the blame?

Wolfie had given him little answer when he had finally returned, his face was sullen and long. Ludwig watched as he packed his caddy for the bath, curious as to Wolfie’s need to bathe so late in the night. He supposed that bathing had been his original plan all the while, however that was before they had been caught – but now that it was well after midnight, the necessity now seemed rather superfluous.

“You’re going to bathe at this hour?” Luddy questioned the other boy with an incredulous frown. Even Ludwig, who admittedly was a bit of a night owl, could hardly believe that after all the trouble they had found themselves in – that Wolfie still had the energy to bathe before bed.

Ludwig on the other hand, could hardly keep his eyes open!

More concerningly than his desire to bathe, was Wolfie’s lack of reply. Though, despite Ludwig’s questioning and its seeming absurdity, as Wolfie continued to pack his things his perplexing commitment to grooming himself was made quite clear. Despite how ridiculous it may have seemed to his friend.

Ludwig sensed a sudden coldness, and it was painfully obvious that Wolfie was not open to conversation at that moment. He watched as Wolfie stripped himself, not caring for his gratuitous nudity as he tossed his clothes to the floor. Again, rather out of character for a boy who painstakingly ironed his own socks each morning. Perhaps as they had now been intimate Wolfie felt more comfortable exposing himself in front of Ludwig – but there was something about the detached nature of it that made Ludwig think otherwise.

Ludwig felt quietly saddened as he watched from his bed.

Wolfie’s not talking to me……

Perhaps he had falsely judged the depth of their connection.

It was not like Ludwig had not faced reprimand before, however, he suspected that being in trouble was something far less common for a favoured student like Wolfgang. He could understand Wolfie’s embarrassment for having been caught, and worse, punished, especially by some paltry figurehead with little more to do with the school than his Sunday sermons. However, Ludwig supposed, Wolfgang did seem to take worship rather seriously and having been a long-standing member of the Kent choir, Ludwig knew that Wolfgang would be rather ashamed to have been apprehended in the theft of sacramental wine. After all, Wolfie was supposed to be a good boy.

He smiled to himself as he thought back on what had transpired between them earlier that evening

“I think that all creatures can fuck whoever they want, because God doesn’t really care,” Wolfie played preacher as he shuffled the papers before him, standing at the pulpit. “I think he’d much prefer that his people were happy.”

Wolfie winked at him with a sultry little grin that made Ludwig’s groin twitch and his cheeks flush

“And so if that means that I should be kissing a boy – then I, Wolfgang Mozart, am more than happy to do it.”

Ludwig snickered at the thought, “Kiss a boy, for Jesus?”

Wolfie smiled as he stepped down, staggering his way towards him, “Yes,” he grinned, leaning over Ludwig with a lecherous smile, “I’d kiss a boy for Jesus”

He had never envisioned that his first sexual encounter would be in a church – let alone with a boy. Ludwig was thankful for Wolfie’s patience, and gentle nature. Ludwig had held his breath as he came inside the slighter boy, and when he dared to open his eyes, he had seen nothing but dizzying dots and stars. He felt as though he might faint as Wolfie’s hips stilled above him. He regained a sense of self at the sound of Wolfie’s breathy chuckle, “Did you just cum?”

Ludwig’s cheeks turned deep crimson as he sensed the comedic disappointment in Wolfie’s voice. To save face, Wolfie simply laughed it off, reassuring Ludwig that it would “be better next time.”

Ludwig felt a sense of elation hearing those words of promise – next time.

His toes tingled.

He felt wanted.

It was an incredulous feeling.

Ludwig was sorry that the night had ended when they had been caught – and more so that Wolfie seemed to have borne the brunt of the reprimand. He could hardly stand waiting for news as he lay in bed, waiting for Wolfie to return. They certainly had much to discuss. Or perhaps, he would wish to just simply erase everything and forget it all?

Ludwig tossed and turned, nervous as he lay in wait.

With every minute that ticked by, Ludwig began to feel evermore uneasy about the whole situation.

He did not like the look of that preacher man as he had eyed them both in his office.

Ludwig did not fully understand why he had been dismissed so readily while Wolfgang, who rarely if ever stepped out of line, was being held back to endure the punishment alone. It seemed odd to Ludwig that no attention was paid when he made to shoulder the blame himself, and something unsettled him further still once he had been dismissed from the room entirely, even after admitting fault in the matter.

Wolfie had snapped at him, sending him on his way – which seemed rather uncharacteristic for a child who was afraid of maintaining his status as the school’s golden boy. Why was Wolfie trying to be the hero, especially to protect his nobody from nowhere roommate?

“Just go Ludwig, I’ll be fine…” Wolfie had practically spit the words without even lifting his eyes from his lap. He was shaking, but Ludwig could hardly tell if it was from anger – or fear.

Ludwig turned on his side to stare at the bedside clock. The door to their room was still slightly ajar and from the light that spilled in, he could faintly read the time. It was well after 2 am, and there was still no sign of Wolfie from the bath. Over an hour? How long did it take to wash your hair?

He listened intently from his bed for any sign of life in the corridor. Any indication that Wolfie was on his way back to bed, and most importantly, on his way back to Ludwig. Alas, it remained deafeningly quiet.

Finally, Ludwig sighed and sat up, pushing away the covers and swinging his legs over to hang to the floor. Perhaps it was best to go find him, or at least, check on him? He scratched nervously at the base of his neck, was he being ridiculous? Maybe Wolfie just wanted to be alone – or worse, maybe he was angry with Ludwig for getting him in trouble?

Finally pushing doubt aside, Ludwig slid from the bed and flicked on the shared lamp between them.

Wolfie’s bed was still crisply made

His clothes hung meticulously in his closet

His books ordered by author, and genre – not one out of place

Ludwig sighed as he glanced at Wolfie’s side of the room. He was neat, he was bright, he was rich. He was everything Ludwig was not. He could not help but feel a sweeping sense on inadequacy, especially having met Thomas, in all his old money elegance and refined glory. Ludwig realized just how little he truly had to offer. He felt saddened as he contemplated finally leaving his bed.

This boy is not for me.

Ludwig felt rather hopeless as he made his way down the shadowy halls towards the bath, still keeping an ear open for signs of life along the way. Outside, cold winter rains pelted the windowpanes, and casted a heavy chill in the air. He shivered as he rounded the final corner, only to step back as his bare toes touched wet.

“Some idiot left a window open…” he muttered under his breath as his eyes followed the swelling puddle that seeped out from under the door to the tub. He could hear water running, though there was little, if any, other sounds.

“Or not” Ludwig corrected himself and began to approach the door with growing caution

“Wolfie?” He called out loud enough to be heard over the water and knocked loudly on the door. Even after a moment of listening close, it was clear that there was no answer from within. Was he even in there?

“Wolfie, there’s a big puddle out here – it’s seeped out into the hall and everything! You’d better turn the water off.” Ludwig sloshed his foot through the mess with a chuckle, maybe Wolfie was doing it on purpose? Retaliation for getting in trouble? Perhaps he was turning into a bit a rebel child…

“You know they’re going to make us clean this mess up don’t you?...” Ludwig paused, waiting for a reply

“Wolfie?”

He placed his hand on the knob, turning it hesitantly as he peered through the crack.

Wolfie lay skyward, arms draped over the edges of the tub as it overflowed onto the tile in a pinkish waterfall of murky water. He was pale and unresponsive, even as Ludwig threw open the door with a loud crash, the boy did not even stir.

The tap gushed cold while Wolfie lay unconscious in the tub, his wrists gaping and bloodied, his skin pale and grey.

“Holy shit, Wolfie!” Ludwig lunged for the bath, shutting the taps and scooping the limp body up under his arms, he began to panic, “Oh my God, Wolfie wake up! Wake up, wake up!”

He quickly dragged Wolfie, lifeless, against his chest, “Come on, get up – get – up!” he grunted as he hoisted him from the bloodied water. Slinging him somewhat over his shoulder, Ludwig quickly ushered him back to his bed. He began ripping the sheets into hastily fastened bandages with which to wrap the oozing wounds.

“God damn it Wolfie, what were you doing?” Ludwig’s hand shook as he attempted to bandage the slender wrists, tying them just as the fresh linen began to turn a deep, terrifying shade of red, “Fuck!” Ludwig cursed loudly as he finished the knot. The bandages were already beginning to seep through, “Jesus Christ Wolfie….”

He began to feel sick, looking down at his friend’s colorless face, “What do I do?” he muttered weakly, feeling a desperate bubble begin to rise in his throat.

Ludwig’s mind quickly flashed back to the memories of his mother passing

That same ashen look, the lifelessness, the desperation – the fear

He suddenly felt overcome with nausea and he had to immediately turn away

“Holy fucking shit….” Ludwig panted, swallowing the urge to vomit as he leaned over his knees in an attempt to settle himself, “What do I do?” he murmured in a daze, glancing towards the other boy who remained limp and unresponsive.

Ludwig quickly tucked him into the blankets, and ran his fingers through the damp hair that clung to Wolfie’s forehead, “I’ll be right back, ok?” he spoke as if Wolfie would reply, though he knew an answer was unlikely.

“Don’t…don’t go anywhere – I’ll be right back, ok?” Ludwig paused in the doorway, looking back, hoping that he’d see the boy stir, or show some sort of sign.

“I’ll be right back” he repeated, this time more for himself than for anything else

He quickly sprinted to the school office as fast as his legs could carry him

“Fuck fuck fuck!” he cursed openly as he threw on the overhead lights and began routing through the school’s files. Parents, contacts, emergencies….he refiled through dossier after dossier, hunting for any phone number that might be of help.

Mozart….Leopold, Ludwig thumbed the numbers as he reached for the school’s telephone and began to shakily dial the requisite contact.

He chewed the cord as it rang on the other end, his heart was already in his throat when he heard the receiver click and a sleepy voice respond, “Mozart residence..” followed by a muted yawn.

Ludwig could hardly contain the panic in his voice, “Please send someone to Kent right now, Wolfie’s hurt himself – it’s very bad, he’s bleeding everywhere – I …I don’t know what to do!”

There was a moment of silence as the respondent digested the news

“Repeat that?”

Ludwig’s panic grew as he repeated himself, “Wolfie – Wolfgang – he’s bleeding, there’s nobody here, he needs help – tell his father, or somebody – “ Ludwig hesitated for a moment, “Look, I’m just a kid, I – I don’t really know what to do, he won’t wake up. Please help me!”

Ludwig felt helpless as he clutched the phone to his ear, waiting for any sort of direction – anything, or anyone, who might tell him what to do next. He wished that his mother were here, or anyone who could help him.

The voice finally responded with a flat, serious tone

“I’m coming. Call a doctor immediately, do not wait for me.”

That was the end of the conversation as Ludwig heard the definitive click on the other end of the line

With trembling hands he returned the phone to its cradle and returned to the telephone directory, quickly searching for medical contacts. Under the appendix section he located the school’s physician – and quickly dialed again, this time feeling somewhat reassured that someone, an adult, was already on their way.

After reaching the doctor and describing the situation with great urgency, Ludwig quickly flew back to their room to find Wolfie slumped on the floor – he had somehow managed to move himself off the bed and had knocked the lamp, as well as a pile of books over on the way down.

“Wolfie!” Ludwig dragged him up, tucking him back under the blankets as he felt some relief from him having him regain consciousness, albeit – momentarily.

“Wolfie what are you doing – I told you not to move,” he chastised the weakened boy as he righted the lamp, and the pile of books, “You’ve really hurt yourself, the doctor is on coming – just stay down”

Wolfie’s eyes opened under hooded lashes, they were dull and glassy, he had little fight in him.

“No” he managed to wheeze, trying to feebly to push Ludwig’s hands away, “Stop it!” Ludwig hissed, bringing his glass of water over to Wolfie’s side, “Stop fighting me, you’re being ridiculous – this is serious, you’ve really done it this time Wolfie. This isn’t funny.” He held the glass the Wolfie’s lips, but he refused to drink.

“Don’t be stupid, drink the water damn it!” Ludwig forcibly poured some into Wolfie’s mouth, causing him to sputter and cough, “There, see?”

Wolfie tried to push him away, but he lacked the strength, “Leave me” he protested against Ludwig’s care, beginning to claw at his makeshift bandages - though thankfully he was too weakened to do much damage.

“No!” Ludwig slammed the cup down on the bedside table, “Stop doing that – stop it! What is the matter with you?!” He quickly took Wolfie’s hands in his own, if for nothing else than to keep him from loosening his bandages until the doctor arrived.

“I won’t let you – so just forget about it.” Ludwig huffed, beginning to run his thumbs over Wolfie’s knuckles, “I won’t let you….” He repeated softly, watching Wolfie slowly give in, closing his eyes with a defeated sigh. He was too weak to protest any further.

Ludwig felt somewhat relieved seeing Wolfie awake, though his heart was breaking watching him lay there, wrists bound and spiritless. He hated seeing him so sad, and watching him now, weak and broken, only served to remind him of the rawness of his own wounds, and the tears that he now fought to hold back. His missed his mother. Every day.

“I’m sorry Wolfie,” he said softly, watching the slow rise and fall of the other boy’s chest, insurance that he was still with him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t check on you sooner”

There was no reply for some time as Ludwig watched him lay limp, holding his delicate hands in his own, and wishing there was more that he could do. His ears perked up as he heard footsteps down the hallway, approaching at a brisk pace, “Wolfgang?”

Ludwig recognized the voice as the physician from over the phone

“The doctor’s here Wolfie” Ludwig smiled down at him, brushing his hair back, “You’re going to be alright”

“Wolfgang?” the voice called out again, this time sounding much closer as he made his way towards them

Wolfie’s blue eyes were grey when they opened, “Please don’t tell Papa…” he croaked with a dry, hoarse voice just as the doctor entered, “Please….”

Ludwig sat back, not knowing what to say as he that Leopold was already well on his way

The physician put his hand on Ludwig’s shoulder authoritatively

“Step back boy, I’ll take it from here – not to worry”

The doctor soon cast Ludwig aside as he deposited his medical bag and began looking the boy over hurriedly, “Let’s take a look at what you’ve done here”

Ludwig backed himself out of the room, unable to watch any further – though he could hear Wolfie’s cries of protest as the physician began to suture the wounds, “You’re a lucky boy” he could hear him through the open door, “What a mess you’ve made here…”

Ludwig sank against the wall, not knowing what else to do – or where else to turn in that moment.

His misery was only briefly interrupted at the sound of a familiar voice calling to him from down the hall, “Where is he?”

Wolfgang’s father walked quickly towards him, “Is the doctor here?”

Ludwig didn’t know what to say, so he simply pointed

“In there”

Chapter Text

Wolfie was quickly whisked home to London that same evening in a flurry of bags and overstuffed cases.

After Ludwig had discovered him alone and bloodied in the bath, everything else had happened so fast.

Wolfie’s father had kept a keen eye on Ludwig while he hastily packed his son’s belongings for his inevitable, and indeterminant sabbatical from Kent.

Ludwig sat watching while Leopold took little care but to stuff his son’s clothing into the various travel cases, among a few other meager items of interest. Ludwig could tell by the pained look in Wolfie’s eye that he wished for his father to be more caring with his most delicate articles, but he had not the strength to protest.

Wolfie simply lay quiet, watching the proceedings with great sadness.

No one knew how long Wolfie would be at home, nor how long it would take him to fully recover from his indiscretion – however, Ludwig somehow knew that this would likely not be a short layover for his little golden-haired friend.

Ludwig watched Wolfie raise his hand in an attempt at protest as Leopold worked his way closer to the books on Wolfie’s shelf. Ludwig knew that within them was where Wolfie had stashed his most secret collection of letters. The ones that Ludwig himself had so brazenly read without permit some months ago. The ones that would ultimately prove to damn not only Wolfie, but Thomas and Ludwig as well should they ever be discovered.

“Papa –“ Wolfie’s voice was weak and hoarse as he attempted to interrupt

Ludwig immediately sat on his hands, a nervous audience watching desperately between father and son.

His heart beat in wild thumps in his chest as he swallowed himself and interjected for his friend. “Leopold – sir…” the sound of Ludwig’s voice startled even himself. What was worse was the sternness of Leopold’s gaze as he turned to note the dark haired boy that dared to derail him while on a task.

Leopold’s heavy grey brows read their question

Leopold gave no audible reply, but by his expression alone, the floor was undoubtedly waiting for Ludwig

“I could – do that if you like?” Ludwig motioned towards the suitcases half packed, “I know all of Wolfie – er, Wolfgang’s assignments and textbooks. I could pack the rest if you prefer? I know which ones to pick.”

Wolfie’s eyes brimmed with fear and anxiousness as Leopold scanned between the boys skeptically, “and I can carry them out to your car – it’s no problem at all,” Ludwig paused, “Sir.”

Leopold softened, albeit slightly, at the offer.

“Good” was all he said

Ludwig quickly stood and flew towards the books, nearly cutting Leopold from within their reach, “Alright, I’ll just – start…with these then…since I know which ones…” Ludwig lay a hand protectively over the spines, lightly pushing down the edges of the envelopes quietly buried within. He prayed that Leopold had yet to notice anything out of place.

Leopold raised a curious brow at the boy’s sudden urge to intrude, however he did truly have more serious things to do before he could remove his son from the school for the remainder of the term, and besides – the doctor was wishing to speak with him privately on the matter.

However horrendous this episode was, it was unfortunately not Leopold’s first foray into this sort of behaviour from his youngest child. Wolfgang had always been rather dramatic growing up, however, his teenage years seemed to be taking a toll on everyone. This was his second serious attempt in just as many years. One of the few reasons why Leopold had agreed to have him share his room this year, on his doctor’s recommendations.

He should not be left alone, if you can help him to establish meaningful peer groups – that may help with his … anxieties while at school.

Leopold frowned at them both.

This was not exactly the type of boy that he had hoped his son would take interest in.

“I’ll be back shortly, the car is parked out front. You can load these cases into the back then.” Leopold nodded towards the scattered belongings on the floor as he handed Ludwig the keys, “Make sure he has enough things to keep him occupied for several weeks at least.”

Ludwig stared down at the keys in his hand, and then quickly glanced up at Leopold’s stern frown

“I should not be more than a few minutes” he checked his watch, “I’d like to be back in London by morning at this rate.”

With that short set of instructions, Leopold made his exit – leaving Ludwig and Wolfie alone amongst the tattered remains of their shared space.

Ludwig looked dismally towards his friend who lay grey and pale, tucked amongst his sheets. His wrists had been bandaged tightly and at this point, thankfully, the bleeding had all but ceased. He had been administered medication for the pain, though Ludwig was certain that it did little for the truth of the matter. There was no medication for that sort of hurt, and Ludwig felt rather heavy as he watched him laying lifeless before him.

“Do you want me to hide your letters?” Ludwig asked, looking over his friend with great pity

Wolfie said nothing, but the slow nod of his head proved what Ludwig already knew.

Wolfie was terrified.

Terrified of being found out – terrified for whatever had happened behind closed doors – and terrified for having to move home, alone.

Ludwig repacked Wolfie’s clothing, taking care to fold each item piece by piece, laying them gently atop one another. He took his time selecting a few books of relevance, if not just for show. He knew Wolfie would likely do very little in the way of academics while at home, but Ludwig also knew the importance of keeping up appearances. Especially for a boy like Wolfgang.

Wolfie lay with his eyes closed, hands atop his chest, while Ludwig finished packing his things.
It was clear by his posture that Wolfie was more relaxed knowing that his friend was packing his things for him, rather than under the judgemental eyes of his father. Ludwig felt that he owed Wolfie at least that much, for all the times that Wolfie had come to his aid this past year already. He was happy to provide some sort of discretion for the boy, and his heart bled knowing that much of Wolfie’s anxieties were likely tied up in these written truths, and perhaps more so, in the secrets he still held within. 

Ludwig worked silently, not knowing what to say – or more importantly, not knowing what to ask.

He didn’t want to encroach on something that was entirely none of his business, however he had to question how his spirited young roommate could go from drunken love making one moment, to taking his own life the next?

Ludwig had a sinking feeling about what exactly had occurred in that rectory office once he had been dismissed, leaving Wolfie alone with that peculiar old man.

He chewed on the thought while he finished latching the final case shut.

“I’m going to take these out to your dad’s car, alright?” Ludwig finally broke the silence, turning towards Wolfie who’s eyes were now on him, dull and aching.

Wolfie outstretched his hand towards him with a look of utter helplessness

Ludwig frowned and stepped forward, taking his hand gently, “What is it? Did I miss something?”

Wolfie shifted himself up, using the strength of Ludwig’s hand to help himself up onto his elbows

“Wolfie you really should lie down,” Ludwig hesitated, watching Wolfie come close

Wolfie’s eyes were sad as Ludwig took his hand with a questioning look, “Wolfie, you shouldn’t be-“

Ludwig was softly silenced with the faintest of kisses, and a lingering look of deep and most earnest gratitude.

“Thank you” Wolfie managed to whisper, “for finding me, and - for being with me.”

Ludwig, both shocked and humbled by his words, touched his lips in disbelief, as if he could still feel Wolfie upon them. He mused with a breathy chuckle, “But where else would I be?”

Wolfie just lay back with a smile as Ludwig gazed dreamily towards him

They heard footsteps approach

“Wolfgang – we must get going,” Leopold’s stern, booming voice cut the room with its frigidity.

The boys nearly jumped out of their skins, shaken from their brief moment of reverie.

“If you take these cases, I’ll lift him to the car.” Leopold began to make his way towards Wolfie’s bedside.

“I can walk Papa – “ Wolfie began to protest being over-written, “You don’t have to carry me”

Leopold sighed, “Nonsense, Ludwig – you take this, and I’ll grab him, I’ll take the quilts as well, for the ride home.”

“Papa,” Wolfie pushed himself clear of the covers, struggling to find his feet beneath the bed, “I don’t need – “

“Stop your ridiculousness Wolfgang,” Leopold stood before him, hands authoritatively on his hips, “This is not the time to be making a scene, the doctor has ordered bed rest for at least two weeks.”

Wolfie rolled his eyes impetuously, pausing just short of having to stand up in order to meet his father’s eye. Leopold only shook his head at his son’s brief display of defiance, “Fine, Ludwig – you walk with him, I’ll take the cases myself, especially if Wolfgang’s going to put up such a protest about things.”

Ludwig felt trapped in the middle

“Just get him into the car, I’d like to be on the road in the next 10 minutes if we’re going to beat the morning rush hour into the city.”

Leopold grabbed a suitcase in each hand and made his exit in a fluster of annoyance

Wolfie looked towards Ludwig mournfully, “I don’t really want to go”

Ludwig sighed, sitting next to him on the bed, “It’s obviously not good for you here, these are your doctor’s orders Wolfie.”

Wolfie glanced down at the hand between them and began to trace along Ludwig’s fingers, “But I’ll be alone at home.”

Ludwig squeezed his hand, “I’ll call you – every day,” he paused, “if you’d like that.”

Wolfie’s expression broke into the saddest of smiles, “I would like that. Very much.”

Ludwig chewed his smile nervously, “Well, then I’ll do it. So –“ he paused, looking over him with his sad eyes, “I guess you need to get into that car….”

Wolfie frowned once more, his eyes cast towards the floor, “I’m sorry about everything Ludwig, really. I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

Ludwig’s chest ached for him, “Don’t be sorry – I’m the one that left you alone. I can’t help but feel responsible for all of this. I really hope you get better quickly, then you can come back for the rest of the year.”

Something passed between them – silently both knowing that this would likely be the end of the year for Wolfie, though still holding some sliver of hope for naught.

Wolfie meet his eye with a soft smile, “You’re not to blame Ludwig, there’s more to this than you know.”

Ludwig felt for a moment that Wolfie was about to divulge some more serious information that would perhaps help him to understand the situation better. However, Wolfie seemed to let that moment slip away between them.

He continued hesitantly, “You’re also the one that came looking for me. You’re the one that found me,” Wolfie sighed heavily as he thought of Thomas, “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have anybody right now.”

Ludwig squeezed Wolfie’s hand once more, but said nothing for the moment.

“Alright, we should go before your father comes back looking for you.” Ludwig finally chuckled, standing and tugging Wolfie up onto his feet quite gently, “He seems like he’s in a bit of a hurry.”

Wolfie laughed a little and rolled his eyes, “That’s Leopold – always going somewhere, and don’t you dare get in his way.”

Ludwig smiled, guiding his friend upon unsteady legs as they both made their way to the waiting car.

“Good, I was about to come looking for you” Leopold came round to open the passenger door, it was cold enough to see one’s breath, though thankfully the car was already warm and running.

Wolfie smirked knowingly at Ludwig as he was handed off to his father, “Alright, in,” Leopold tucked his son into the seat, surrounded by blankets and pillows, “and you, thank you for calling. I’m sure Wolfgang will keep you updated from home over the coming weeks.”

Ludwig gave a reserved nod of thanks as he watched Leopold make his way round to the driver’s side

“Enjoy the rest of your holiday,” he said – though by the awkward look upon his face, Leopold soon realized how tactless that sentiment may have sounded in the moment, “and – again, thank you for your vigilance.”

Ludwig stood on the front step as the pair drove off. He lingered for awhile, not entirely wanting to return to the emptiness that was their shared room. To see Wolfie’s bed empty, his cupboard bare. It would be too unsettling, and though it was nearly dawn, Ludwig could not find enough tranquility amid the chaos in his mind to actually sleep.

He did eventually return to the room, if for nothing other than for his journal – and slowly made his way to the emptiness of the school’s library. There he sat, and he wrote. Then he wrote some more. He stayed there until sunrise. Until his eyes could take no more, and his mind felt so exhausted that he felt that he might finally be able to get some rest.

He watched the burning red of that winter morning as it crested over the peaks of the lower buildings. He gazed with sense of dazed reality. Was this real life?

This was his school.

This was his home.

For now.

And it was but a few months until it was all over.

He’d be graduated – if he even got that far.

His grandfather’s money will have run out.

Then he’d be alone again, though he already felt his loss already.

Dragging himself back to their room sometime in the early morning, Ludwig quietly made up Wolfie’s side of the room. He smoothed out the sheets and righted the remaining books and belongings. He arranged Wolfie’s pencils and papers just so – as if he were to return at any moment.

He sat on Wolfie’s bed, staring across at his own – marvelling at the new perspective.

He then lay himself down, burying himself in Wolfie’s pillow, finding himself drawn into despair by its scent.

He wept thinking about him, though he could hardly pinpoint on what account. Loss? Pain?

Those were emotions that he’d become numb to over the years.

Was it love?

He couldn’t adequately place his feelings in that moment – or ever, so it seemed.

Ludwig’s heart ached as he clutched the pillow to his chest while silent tears slipped down his cheeks.

He couldn’t escape it – his heart ached for Wolfie even whilst he dreamt

Thinking about him was life some sort of interment, and in some ways, Ludwig was not even really looking for an emancipation. He reveled in his thoughts of him, and quietly wished for more.

Ludwig’s eyes closed wearily, and in the early light of new morning, he finally fell into a fitful and piteous sleep.

He prayed that when he finally woke – that things would somehow be different.

Though for Ludwig, this was a prayer that had always gone unanswered.

Chapter Text

Thomas hummed along with the radio while he drove, squinting into the light bluster of snow that fell against his windshield. He knew these roads well, and despite the impromptu voyage to London, he was quite comfortable guiding himself along as he had often travelled on his own. Thomas was easily prepared to make the journey to the Mozart’s residence, and he was sure to make quick time following the scenic routes which promised little in the way of traffic, and the ability to cruise at exhilarating speeds.

It was Wolfgang who had called him directly – no less than a few hours before.

“Wolfgang!” Thomas smiled into the receiver, turning his back cautiously towards his parents who were chatting in the drawing room nearby, “How good of you to call,” he paused, looking tentatively over his shoulder before adding, “I’ve missed you” in a mournful whisper, thought it had only been a few days since they’d last seen one another.

Wolfie whispered similar sentiments from the other end of the line – equally as chaste, similarly covert.

Thomas could tell by the noise in the background that Wolfgang was surely not alone

“Are you phoning me from the school office again?” Thomas attempted to steer the conversation into less damning territory – lest anyone overhear their muted whispers.

“No…” Wolfgang’s voice trailed off, “I’m back at home again,” Thomas made to interrupt, but held his tongue and allowed Wolfie to continue his laments, “Papa wants me here for at least six weeks.”

Thomas caught his breath while he listened – 6 weeks meant missing final exams. Rather uncharacteristic for someone as stiffly appointed and academic as Leopold Mozart.

“I’ve –“ Wolfie’s voice became very soft, “done it again Thomas, things just – got out of hand. I made quite the mess for the doctor this time.”

Thomas clutched the phone against his ear, “Wolferl…” he tried to mask the concern in his voice, “You promised me after the last time that this would not happen anymore. You know this won’t solve anything.”

Thomas caught himself sounding far too much like his own father and reeled himself back in with a sudden change of tone,

“Are you alright then? Are you hurt badly?”

Wolfie was quiet for a moment

“Wolferl?”

“I am alright. I have some stitches, that is all.”

Thomas curled the phone line around his index finger, looking towards his parents who had ceased their conversation and were now watching Thomas intently from the other room. He turned himself away from their prying eyes and lowered his voice to a whisper, “Did you tell anyone what happened?”

Wolfgang’s silence was far too suspicious for Thomas

“Wolfgang – the truth, did you tell the truth?”

“no.” Wolfie’s voice sounded so small, it made his heart break.

It was all that Thomas could do but throw the phone down and run to him immediately. Alas, he knew that would appear ridiculous to his family who had already long since tightened the reins on Thomas’ carefree adolescent ways. He had a future to plan, a household to receive, and a name to carry. There was no time for silly, rash decisions. When he’d returned a few days prior, after visiting the Mozart’s over the holidays – his parents had broken the news that due to his impending nuptials, they had cancelled Thomas’ spring lessons with Nardini. He would not be travelling to Italy this spring.

What reason did Thomas have to study violin any further if he were to be marrying that fall – and taking over part of the family business. Music was a lovely hobby, but it was time for him to start taking some responsibility, and to learn what it means to run a household. Thomas had been devastated by his parent’s decision, but he had little recourse but to accept.

His thoughts turned back to Wolfie on the other end of the line

He continued to grill him

“Wolfgang – you promised me that if it ever happened again that you would tell everyone…He’s never going to stop! If not you, then it will be some other boy – we both know that.”

“I’m graduating this year Thomas – it hardly seems worth all the trouble to –“

“That’s it – I’m coming over. I’m getting in my car right now.”

“No, Thomas –“

“Don’t be ridiculous Wolfgang, just do me a favour and tell your Papa that I’m on my way.”

“Thomas – “

“I’ll be there in a few hours. Try not to do anything too rash before I arrive, hmm? You can protest all you like, but I am coming to you.”

Wolfgang simply sighed, he didn’t know what to say – he did truly want to see Thomas, but – not like this. He suddenly heard his father call his name from downstairs, interrupting their call.

“Thomas, Papa is calling for me, I have to go…”

Thomas smiled, “Well, tell him I’ll be seeing you soon then, ta darling.”

He hung up the phone, and immediately went upstairs to pack his bags, ignoring his mother who called after him as he climbed the stairs two at a time

“Thomas? Thomas where are you going?”

Hours into his last-minute drive, he found himself passing the school – their school.

At least, it was theirs for a time.

That’s how he had first met Wolfgang – as a young school boy, it was his first time away from home.

They became fast friends, sharing interests in music, singing, art and languages. Wolfgang was a cheeky little thing, pint sized for his age, but full of absolute spunk. He was quirky and quick witted with an endearing mop of reddish blonde hair that he spent an unusual amount of time brushing out each evening before bed.

They would often pass notes in class, keeping their secrets to pig Latin lest they be caught of course. Both boys had a stellar reputation for academics, so thankfully much of their silliness flew under the radar of the Kent teaching faculty.

They were both wonderful students, and had reputations as such.

It wasn’t long before Thomas was inviting Wolfgang to spend holidays with his family at their estate, or bringing him along to his mother’s elaborate parties. Though Wolfgang himself was from an affluent family, his privilege was measurably lesser than the veritable life of royalty that the Linley family enjoyed.

Vineyards in Spain and Italy – stables in England, an apartment in Paris, live-in staff and a myriad of books, toys and fashionable clothing – it was a world with which one could easily become addicted.

Their lavish lifestyle was envied by many and surpassed by very few. The Linley’s were an elite family, with the bloodlines to prove it. Thomas was overjoyed when Leopold finally agreed to let Wolfgang spend the summer with the Linley’s in Italy while the boys studied violin, however it was Leopold who was perhaps the most giddy watching his son be carried off in a Rolls Royce packed with suitcases and bound for the Italian coast.

Leopold could hardly say no to the opportunity – and Wolfgang could hardly wait to say yes to his friend!

Thomas eyed the sign for the school as he passed, feeling somewhat melancholy for their youth as it shrank away in his mirrors.

He supposed that their summer together would be the best one of his life, as he knew there would never be another. Not now anyway…

His hands gripped the wheel, the leather of his gloves grinding against the stitching of the wheel, making a delightful squeak.

He sighed and pressed his foot down harder to make up time.

If he was efficient, he could hit London in under an hour – however it was getting dark, and the country roads were poorly lit. Thomas chewed his lip in thought, the last thing he needed was to end up in the ditch out here.

“I wish there was a faster way….” He muttered as he played with the radio dial, trying to catch a local weather report

“London should expect to see a few centimeters of snow this evening, if you don’t have to go out in this weather – stay home! This is a winter storm if I have ever seen one, temperatures will be near freezing all week.”

Thomas grunted, quickly shutting it off again, “Blast!” he swerved slightly as his tires skidded on a tire track which had already iced over. “Jesus…” he hissed, regaining control as he cautioned himself to ease off the accelerator.

He eyed the narrow single tire track, ensuring to avoid it as it zig zagged down the centre of the road ahead.

“Who drives a motorbike in this weather?” Thomas huffed, squinting at the track that lead to a dark figure on the side of the road up ahead. “What the bloody hell….” He whispered as he drove closer, “What kind of idiot…”

Ahead on the roadside was man that was clearly trying to start his motorbike as the snow continued to thicken around him. The nearer he got, the more Thomas began to realize that it was in fact no stranger, but Ludwig!

He slowed considerably as he approached at a crawl, wipers thumping, brakes squeaking.

Should I pull over? No, no… that boy is a beast. Besides, what do you care? He’s clearly got his own business to worry about.

Thomas began to agonize over whether he should pull over in order to offer assistance or not, but by now, Ludwig had clearly noticed the approaching car.

Besides, what good could you do Thomas? You can barely turn a wrench! You will be of no help to him…

Thomas came to an indecisive stop alongside the incapacitated vehicle. He rolled down his window and called out over the blowing snow towards the boy who was crouched down beside his bike, deeply engaged in some sort of attempt to fix the catatonic engine.

“Ludwig! Ludwig!” Thomas repeated his named even louder, making a cone of his gloved hands

The boy’s familiar face soon popped over the seat of the bike with a look of complete surprise, and caution.

“…Thomas?”

He seemed shocked, or perhaps it was just that he was nearly frozen to death.

“Come on, hop in – I can take you to the nearest garage.”

Ludwig hesitated, looking towards the snowy roadway with a frown. He knew his bike was a lost cause, especially in this mess.

“I don’t want to leave my bike here, how far away is it?” he questioned as he rubbed his hands together, blowing against them for warmth.

Thomas just shook his head with a laugh, “How should I know? I’m headed to London – I’m certain there will be one somewhere along the way. Though at this hour, you might have missed them being open.”

Ludwig shoved his fingers under his arms in an attempt to regain feeling

“London?” Ludwig hummed to himself

Thomas smiled at the stubborn donkey. He was clearly down on his luck, and too stupid to take a reasonable offer of assistance. What did Wolfgang see in this one? And what the hell was he doing out in the middle of nowhere in a snowstorm?

“Yes, London.” Thomas repeated, “I’m going to visit the Mozarts. Where exactly are you headed?”

Ludwig shrugged and walked towards the car, giving one final glance back towards his lost motorcycle. He opened the passenger door, and slid in, though it was against his better judgement. He had learned that riding in cars with Thomas was a dangerous sport, Ludwig was thankful for the distance between them.

“Right, so – where are you headed?” Thomas asked again as he watched Ludwig dust the snow from his jacket. He shook and shivered against the cold without reply.

“I’m going where you’re going” was all he managed to say, holding his hands over the dashboard vents, desperate for their warmth.

“London?” Thomas’ eyebrows raised in surprise, “Really? On a motorbike? In the snow?”

Ludwig turned to him with a scowl, “Well, I don’t exactly have one of these now do I?” gesturing at the opulent leather interior.

Thomas had to coach himself against a roll of his eyes, instead he simply put the car in drive.

They drove for a short distance before Thomas spoke again, this time, reminding himself that Ludwig was far less extroverted than his dear Wolferl and may not prove to give him much detail.

“So where in London should I drop you off then?”

Ludwig, seeming noticeably less frozen, simply shrugged, “The same place you’re going is just fine.”

Thomas stared at the road ahead, squinting through the snowfall – though his sour expression was more likely at Ludwig’s words if Thomas was being fully truthful.

“The same place…the Mozarts? You want to be dropped off at Wolfgang’s home?”

Ludwig was silent

Thomas shifted in his seat, leaning to turn on the radio in order to break the silence between them

“Please don’t” Ludwig stopped him, “Just – I’m, not in the mood for the radio. It’s probably all holiday music anyway.”

Thomas placed his hand back on the wheel, keeping his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

“Alright, no radio. Silence is fine…”

Thomas continued to sneak side glances at the other boy who remained pressed against the passenger window with a sullen look upon his face. Unmuted by the coldness between them, the windshield wipers rubbed rhythmically against the front window, sweeping the snow from the glass with each take of their arms. It made for a somewhat distressing rubbery squeal, though neither of them seemed ready to comment on its annoyance just yet.

After some time, Ludwig suddenly grunted and leaned over to snap the radio on in a huff of frustration. Clearly, he too was growing aggravated by the sound of silence.

“I hate the sound of the wipers too” Thomas smiled as Christmas music soon blared from the speakers.

Ludwig sat on his hands with a shiver

“Still cold then?” Thomas offered neutral conversation

Ludwig grumbled before answering, “Fucking frozen”

Glancing up in his rear view mirror Thomas smiled, “There’s a wool blanket in the backseat if you want it, it’s just under –“

“No.” Ludwig grunted definitively, “I don’t need a blanket”

Thomas shrugged with practiced indifference, “It’s a perfectly nice blanket…”

Ludwig’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Thomas’ fuel warning, the little symbol lighting up his dash as the needle began to shake with caution.

“Why didn’t you stop at that station back there?” Ludwig turned over his shoulder, squinting in the distance as if he could still see the pump now gone in the blowing snow behind them. He could see little other than the car’s taillights.

Thomas shrugged, “It didn’t have an attendant”

Ludwig turned back in his seat to face the front, “What?”

“An attendant – you know, to fill the tank.”

Ludwig turned towards him, “You mean to tell me you know how to drive this thing, but you don’t know how to put gas in it?”

Ludwig suddenly erupted into a raucous bout of laughter at Thomas’ expense. He was in stitches, doubled over and wheezing as Thomas sputtered to defend himself

“I – I’m sure I can do it, I just – stop laughing!” Thomas became indignant, “Who pumps their own gas anyway?”

Ludwig paused his laughter to tease him further, “Everyone?” before erupting into renewed giggles

“What a rich boy you are then…” Ludwig held his head as his laughter finally subsided enough for him to speak, “Just pull into the next one before we end up like my bike, stuck in the middle of fucking nowhere.”

Thomas tisked at the profanity and rolled his eyes, this time not caring for how his reaction might be interpreted. This boy was downright rude!

Thankfully, they were already approaching the next service station. Thomas really needed some air…

Once settled at the pumps, Ludwig made quick work of finding the tank and beginning to fill it, even though his fingers were freezing as he held the trigger. He shivered in the wind, still somewhat snickering about the little rich boy who didn’t know how to put gas in his own roadster.

“What a twit…”Ludwig snorted as he filled the tank

Meanwhile, Thomas stayed in the car – feeling somewhat sheepish as Ludwig so adeptly went about his way, he needed little instruction, and seemed rather confident out there, asking no questions as he found the tank and began to refuel the car as if it were his own.

Thomas was lost in thought when Ludwig knocked on his window, causing him to jump

Ludwig made the motion to roll it down

Cranking the window low, Thomas peered out into the bluster cautiously, “Yes?”

“Cash?” Ludwig rubbed his hands together while he waited on Thomas to fish out some bills.

“Here-“ Thomas slipped a fifty pound note through the opening, much to Ludwig’s shock.

“Fifty pounds? Are you mad? You haven’t got anything smaller?”

Thomas simply shrugged, “Sorry dear, I’m afraid not.”

Ludwig looked down at the cash, feeling somewhat disgusted by the flagrant display of wealth. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d even seen a fifty.

“Hopefully the have change….” Ludwig muttered as he stuffed it into his pocket and trotted into the shop.

Thomas watched from inside the comfort of his car as Ludwig disappeared into the small attendant booth to exchange the money. He felt somewhat inferior for not being able to complete such a seemingly simple task. He felt rather embarrassed as he reached round to pull the wool blanket from the backseat, laying it out on Ludwig’s side of the bench as a small peace offering for his assistance in refueling. Afterall, it’s cold out there, no?

It was the least he could do.

When Ludwig finally returned he paused before taking his seat, staring down at the tartan weave blanket that was laid out for him with a softened frown.

He quietly moved the blanket around his legs once seated and finally turned to Thomas with his change, “Here – “ he extended his hand with the coins and bills, “He had a hard time changing that big of a bill, next time a tenner will do.”

Thomas simply nodded as he took the money, dropping it into his overcoat and absorbing the basic information for future reference, “Right. Next time.”

With that, they were off again.




















“So why exactly were you out on your motorbike in the middle of this storm Ludwig?”

Ludwig, feeling slightly more comfortable than he did at the beginning of the ride, adjusted in his seat before answering.

“I’m done with that place. Kent – the school. Once I get my bike fixed, I’ll be on my way.”

“Done?” Thomas laughed, “School ends in late May darling, it’s not even the New Year!”

Ludwig frowned, “I don’t need the certificate – it doesn’t matter. I’ll find my own way, maybe work in an auto shop.”

Thomas raised a curious brow, “Pumping gas for little rich boys like me then?”

Ludwig snorted at the thought, “Ya, maybe. Who knows?”

“Well, I’m not sure you could make a living doing that – it can’t pay very well, can it?”

“No – but I don’t need much.”

Thomas frowned

In some ways, he sort of envied Ludwig’s freedom

“So, you’ve been there since the beginning of the year – why leave now? There’s only a few months left, couldn’t you wait until after you’ve graduated to fulfill your dreams of fueling other people’s cars?”

Thomas was curious as to what had Ludwig in such a state that he had decided to leave three meals a day and a warm bed.

“No, I needed to leave.” Ludwig said quite definitively, “That school is fucked up. The teachers are fucked up – the whole place is just a mess. I don’t trust anyone there. Buncha fucking perverts and psychopaths.”

Thomas detected something more worrisome underneath all of Ludwig’s vague complaints

“Except Wolfgang – you trust him,” Thomas said flatly, “quite obviously from all that he’s told me.”

He didn’t mean it to sound offensive, it was clear that Wolferl rather enjoyed whatever it was that Ludwig had to offer – not to mention their, recent indiscretions. Thomas side eyed the boy more closely, was he even that cute? He supposed so… in a rugged sort of manner.   

“Well,” Ludwig paused, “sort of? I mean, the second I wasn’t watching he tried to cut his own hands off!”

Thomas swallowed, tightening his grip on the wheel as the city lights finally came into view. London was cresting over the peak of the nearest hill. Thank God…

“I’m sure he has his reasons but – I wasn’t really expecting that from him. I just, I’ve never seen anything like that before. It’s really fucked up, you know? God it was a fucking mess.”

Thomas nodded, saying nothing, his mind replaying its own gruesome memories.

“Sorry if I’m missing something, but – who in their right mind would do that? You know? What was he thinking?”

They were silent again, each lost in their own thoughts.

Clearly Ludwig had little knowledge of Wolfgang’s past, nor for his present for that matter – and while the pair rode in silence, Thomas knew it was not his place to share that history. Though in some ways, he was shocked that Wolfgang had not divulged his secrets to Ludwig already, or, perhaps their relationship was not as deeply connected as Thomas might have once thought. Perhaps Wolfgang was trying to protect him. Thomas could not be sure.

Thomas slowed as he approached the Mozart’s home, yawning as he pulled into the drive and putting his car into park.

He turned to Ludwig suspiciously as he shut the engine, “London, final stop.”

Ludwig made no effort to move.

Thomas paused, eyeing the boy who’d wrapped himself in the blanket that he’d stubbornly accepted.

“I suspect in riding with you this whole way that you had no intentions of having me actually dropping you at a mechanic along the way. So tell me Ludwig, before I let you out of my car, why have I brought you here?”

Ludwig narrowed his eyes at his accuser, who rightfully narrowed his eyes back

Thomas knew he would get no true answer out of this boy

“Listen, Ludwig” Thomas struggled to find the words he truly wanted, “I’ve known Wolfgang for many years. Since we were children in fact. He’s very dear to me,” he paused, “the most dear in fact.”

Ludwig said nothing and fixed his eyes to the floor

“I may seem like an outcast to you, but I assure you that my bond with Wolfgang is longstanding – and unbreakable. I know him better than I know myself…” he trailed off for a moment in thought.

“Which, is perhaps why I see what has been happening between you two for the past few months, and I watch it with great jealousy. Jealous for your closeness, as I am not able to be in his world each day - as you are.”

Ludwig looked up and caught a rather earnest look in Thomas’ eyes

“But make no mistake, Wolfgang and I will always be friends, if not more so.” Thomas repeated, “Always.”

Ludwig didn’t quite know what to say, though Thomas continued his words

“Wolfie is loved, but he is also broken. You may not realize, but this was not his first attempt – and despite what his family, what I have done to help him, he continues to struggle every day. I have always been there for him.”

Ludwig sat back with a shake of his head, “Then where were you this time?”

Thomas’ mouth hung agape as Ludwig exited the vehicle and made his way to the door of the stately home, leaving Wolfie’s childhood friend to suffer the throbbing pain in his chest alone.

For that is exactly how Wolfie felt in that bathtub – alone.

But Ludwig vowed in that moment as he stood on that doorstep, that it would never happen again.

Chapter Text

“Ludwig?” Wolfie peered over his sister’s shoulder as she opened the door to welcome the surprise visitor.

A cold blast of winter air whistled in behind him, chilling everyone instantly.

Even in the dim light of the front entry way, Wolfgang knew that calling out his friend’s name was merely a formality. He knew that he could recognize Ludwig’s tussled hair, and the deep green of his eyes almost anywhere. There was no doubt in Wolfie’s mind that it was him, as he had surely dreamt about him often enough.

Standing there with his hands shoved in his pockets, Ludwig’s rounded shoulders gave an awkward shrug, though he was too nervous to outright introduce himself – or better yet, to explain why he had appeared on the Mozart’s doorstep late into the evening without any prior announcement.

Wolfgang quickly shoved his sister aside and threw his arms around Ludwig’s neck, squeezing him far tighter than Ludwig could have ever assumed possible. Especially for such a slender little thing! Ludwig felt the scratchiness of the bandages that escaped Wolfie’s sweatered sleeves as he reached up on his tip toes to embrace him.

Ludwig felt incredibly awkward at Wolfie’s rather public display of affection. Not knowing quite what to do in such a situation and considering that Wolfgang’s sister stood as a curious onlooker, Ludwig provided little more than a half hearted pat on his friend’s back. A chaste acknowledgement of Wolfgang’s outward affection.

“I can’t believe you came all this way!” Wolfie’s infectious enthusiasm threatened to break Ludwig’s flatline expression, “Just for me?” Wolfgang pulled back from his embrace to look upon Ludwig’s face, though his own blue eyes were already dancing joyously.

“Well, actually, we came all this way – I picked this rebel man up off the side of the road on my way….”

Thomas’ voice from over Ludwig’s shoulder immediately side tracked any chance that Ludwig had to respond. Wolfie’s attention was quickly redirected, though Ludwig noted the slight apprehension on Wolfie’s face as Thomas came up the front steps.

“Thomas?” Wolfie stepped further back from Ludwig. His face was etched with growing confusion at this bizarre encounter, “You…came to London, together?”

Thomas deposited his bag next to Ludwig on the doorstep, dusting the light snow from his coat, “Well, not exactly – it was a rather impromptu thing, a chance encounter as it were.”

Ludwig said nothing, but instead stared down at the familiar leather overnight bag. He was suddenly reminded that he had arrived with no idea as to what would come next. He hardly had anything more than the shirt on his own back.

“Wolfgang – Nannerl –“

The sudden booming authority of the echoed voice drew everyone who stood at the door to immediate attention.

“Who is it at the door?”

Nannerl looked to her brother who simply stared at her, mouth agape

“Wolfgang, I had better not catch you out of bed -“ Leopold caught himself mid phrase as he finally looked out upon the scene before him.

His daughter, his son – and two young men at the door.

Snow wafted in, landing upon the marble tile and melting in place.

There was a chill from the open door that made Wolfie shudder, though part of him liked to believe it was from the presence of his Papa.

He looked to his Papa with doleful eyes, “Papa, Thomas – and Ludwig, have come to visit me!”

Leopold folded his arms over his chest with his glasses perched low upon his regal Mozartian nose. He had not been made aware of any impending visitors, nor had he granted permission for his son to be up and galivanting about the house while he was meant to be on bed rest. However, his soft hearted appreciation for the Linley boy had him silently reconsidering whether or not to send both visitors on their way.

“Mr.Linley –“ Leopold almost smiled as he gazed upon the blonde haired boy

“and – your name son, it escapes me?” it was almost as if Leopold had briefly forgotten that Ludwig was even standing there at all.

Thomas raised a cocky brow towards his opponent – it was evident that amongst Wolfgang’s family, Thomas held the upper hand.

“Ludwig” The dark haired boy murmured bashfully before Wolfie reached to drag him forward into the foyer. “Papa – you remember Ludwig! He was here just the other day! I’ve been telling you all about him, remember? I taught him how to play cricket? Don’t be silly!”

Leopold stroked his chin, if for nothing else but to provide the allusion of a learned man while he appraised the situation. His eye wandered to Thomas’ luggage, then upwards to the mischievous glint in the aristocratic boy’s eye.

“You’ve come to stay awhile have you then?” Leopold motioned for Thomas to step forward, finally closing the door behind his unannounced guests. “Wolfgang made no mention of having guests, he is – as I am sure you know, supposed to be on bed rest.”

Thomas smiled in a practiced fashion, beginning to unbutton his lambs wool coat, “Yes, he did explain that to me over our many phone calls,” Thomas paused briefly, raising an adversarial brow towards Ludwig who stood quietly aside. “However, I simply could not put off coming to see him in person. You know, as Wolfgang is my dearest friend.”

Leopold nodded along, digesting Thomas’ every word with a growing smile of appreciation

“Well,” he glanced towards his son, “I know how much you two enjoy each others company.”

Wolfgang quickly fixed his eyes on the floor, looking to avoid the conversation all together.

Leopold watched as the awkward silence blanketed the room

“Well – “ he cleared his throat before all, “Mr.Linley, I know how much you appreciate art – I actually have recently acquired a new piece that I think you might be quite interested in? Would you like to see it?” Leopold smiled, “It just arrived yesterday, I have yet to even find a spot to hang it.”

Thomas looked to Wolfie who’s eyes were still stuck on the tiles between them

He glanced back at Leopold’s hopeful grin

Thomas wished that Wolfie would look at him, but alas, Thomas could hardly say no to the master of the house.

“Of course,” Thomas pressed himself into the falseness of his own smile, “please – lead the way Herr Mozart.”

Leopold clapped his hands enthusiastically, “Excellent! Come, it’s in the parlour!”

Ludwig and Nannerl exchanged a brief glance before Wolfie finally peeled his eyes from the floor and engaged.

His voice was soft – and somewhat tentative.

Quite the contrast from his enthusiastic response at the door, only moments before.

“Come on Ludwig,” Wolfie nodded towards the stairs, “I’ll show you to the guest room…”

Nannerl watched the pair climb the stairs, noting Ludwig’s lack of luggage – not to mention appropriate outerwear for the season. His heavy leather boots left wet prints along the stairs as they climbed. She was certain that Papa would be none too pleased.

Once upstairs and out of sight, Wolfie quietly tugged Ludwig towards his room, quickly closing the door behind them.

“What are you doing here?” Wolfie practically hissed under his nervous breath

Ludwig struggled for a coherent reply – but instead came up with nothing but dead air

Wolfie sat on his bed with a sigh, “And Thomas? How on earth did you two end up together?”

Wolfie laughed to himself, “No offense, but – Thomas would likely rather die than be anywhere near you.”

Ludwig furrowed his brow angrily, “Why? What did I do?”

Wolfie scoffed, “Oh nothing, that’s just how Thomas is. He’s jealous of everyone.”

“Jealous?” Ludwig eyed Wolfie’s room for the first time.

He was suddenly reminded that during his last visit, he had never really been invited into the intimidatingly lavish space.

Wolfie’s bedroom was large.

Compared to the dormitory back at Kent, it was practically as large as the entire flat that Ludwig had been raised in back in New York. Yet despite the increased real estate of his bedroom, Wolfie’s affinity for having everything properly in its place was still clearly evident.

His shelves were lined with books, alphabetized of course, while his clothes remained neatly tucked into the dubiously polished antique drawers. Each item was placed about the room with mathematical symmetry, giving his room an air of elegance, and control.

His generously sized bed was trimmed with crisp linens, and an invitingly soft feather duvet, befitting of a young prince. Ludwig wondered what it might feel like to fall asleep on such luxury?

Ludwig allowed his eyes to wander, exploring the fascinating elements of Wolferl’s natural habitat.

There were photographs, framed of course. Perched upon drawers, chests and shelves. A curiously half-finished game of chess that stood alone upon the corner study. Two chairs indicated that an opponent had once existed, though Ludwig was curious as to whom it might have been.

Wolfgang also had a small array of potted plants perched on the sill of his large picture window. Their diverse and brightly colored clay pots were the only elements of his décor that challenged the Mozartian austerity of the space. Ludwig smiled, enjoying their loud colours – perhaps the only few items that truly claimed the space as being Wolfgang’s.

“Why would Thomas be jealous of me?” Ludwig wandered the room absently, looking upon the pictures with a curious squint of his eyes.

Wolfie tucked himself up under his blankets, picking at an old relic of a teddy bear – likely carrying more sentimental value than anything else.

“He’s just jealous all the time – he doesn’t like when he isn’t the center of attention.”

Ludwig scoffed, turning around to see that Wolfgang had put himself back to bed

“Well, you seem to get along just fine regardless,” Ludwig felt a little guilty for pushing back, “and your father seems to think the sun shines out his ass.”

Wolfie laughed at Ludwig’s own display of self perceived inadequacy, “Papa only likes Thomas because he’s rich, and his family is connected. He believes that our friendship elevates us.”

Ludwig finally sank down on one of the chairs nearest the chess board, picking at the pieces randomly, “And does it?”

Wolfie shrugged, shaking his head, “Papa’s always been obsessed with appearances.”

Wolfie watched as Ludwig knocked the queen piece over, placing the knight in its place.

“Did you really come to visit me Ludwig?” he asked nervously

Ludwig left the pieces and returned his hands to his pockets, “Ya, of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

Wolfie frowned for a moment, trying to piece the puzzle of Ludwig’s mysterious arrival together in his mind

“So how did Thomas get here then?”

Ludwig cast his eyes over the chess board once more before answering, “The truth? My bike broke down, he just happened to be passing by and pulled over. Sheer luck.”

Wolfie’s brows raised in surprise, “So, you were on your way here on your motorbike? In a snow storm?”

“I don’t exactly have another mode of transportation,” Ludwig shrugged, “so, in a sense, I guess I’m lucky that he came along.”

Wolfie toyed with his bear, picking at its button nose, “Yes, Thomas always seems to find a way to insert himself, doesn’t he?”

Ludwig narrowed his eyes, thinking on that comment for the moment – just as the door opened.

“Ah, Wolferl!” Thomas entered without knocking, “Your father just had to show me his new painting. He’s quite over the moon about it.” Thomas soon noticed Ludwig sitting in the corner, before looking back towards Wolfie suspiciously.

“…Have I interrupted something?” Thomas chuckled, “Shall I come back?”

Wolfie looked to Ludwig, then back to Thomas and just shook his head, “No, no – it’s nothing, we were just talking.”

Thomas eyed Ludwig distrustfully, “About....what?”

“You – Nothing!” they called out atop one another, instantly raising the hair on Thomas’ neck  

Silence followed

“Me?” Thomas tried to break the awkwardness of the moment with a dismissive chuckle, “Saying what about me?” he made his way across the room, taking the seat across from Ludwig with a growing grin of social power.

Ludwig clenched his jaw, but thought better of it, “Nothing, just saying how you picked me up is all.”

“Ludwig said you found him on the side of the road!” Wolfie jumped in from across the room, he could sense the tension between them already.

Thomas relaxed somewhat at the plausibility of the conversation, leaning back in his seat with a grin, “Well, it was nothing really.” He laughed it off, “Think nothing of it Ludwig, truly. I am sure you would have done the same for me.” Thomas said with a wink.

Ludwig frowned, “I doubt it”

Thomas’ smile fell briefly before he laughed it off dramatically, “Oh Wolferl, this boy – he’s charming! I can see why you two get along so well.”

Wolfie chuckled uncomfortably, “I’m glad you see that Thomas.”

Silence soon resettled between all parties

Thomas drummed his fingers on the table, “Well, shall we play a game you and I, Ludwig?” he quickly began to reset the playing pieces before Ludwig could even accept the offer.

“I –“ Ludwig began, watching Thomas right the characters into their appropriate spots. It had been a long while since he had played chess, and reality began to sink in that against this opponent, he was more likely to lose, and badly at that.

“You do know how to play don’t you?” Thomas paused, looking up with a malicious grin

Ludwig nodded – though inside he was shaking his head no.

Wolfie watched from his bed, knowing Thomas’ affinity for the game, and his incredibly competitive nature.

“What shall we wager?” Thomas sat back, folding his hands in his lap

“Wager?” Ludwig scoffed, “It’s fucking chess, not poker.”

Thomas grinned, “Ah, but all good games wager on a bet. Winner take all.”

Ludwig looked to Wolfie with a roll of his eyes, he couldn’t believe this kid wanted to bet over chess. What a twit. “All right Thomas – what do you want?”

Thomas paused, looking between Ludwig and Wolfgang with a sort of greedy hunger

“Winner sleeps here in Wolfie’s room tonight – the loser takes the guest room.”
Wolfie sighed, “Thomas….”

Ludwig sat up in his seat, “No, no, I can agree to this.”

Ludwig leaned over the board and whispered threateningly, “I’ll wager one more thing, the loser leaves tomorrow morning.”

Thomas scoffed, “Ah, so the truth comes out about you two, doesn’t it?”

Thomas extended his hand across the game, “Agreed then. Gentleman’s accord?”

Ludwig scowled as he shook the limp wristed hand, “Agreed.”

Wolfie sighed, “Ludwig I hope you realize that Thomas is a sore loser – he’ll throw a tantrum if he doesn’t win.”

Thomas glared, “Wolferl! Nonsense! I am a perfectly fair competitor.”

Wolfie rolled his eyes and hugged his bear to his chest, “Only when the wind is favourable….” He muttered under his breath, “You know, there’s no reason to wager on sleeping arrangements, there’s no way Papa will let anyone sleep in here anyways.”

Thomas waved Wolfie off as he took the first move, “Details Wolfgang, the game has already begun.”

Ludwig knew that he’d just signed a deal with the devil, knowing that he by rights, he had none of Thomas’ skill for the game, nor did he have any sense of where he might go tomorrow once he’d skipped out.

London was a big city, full of opportunity, but Ludwig was an immigrant and his thick American accent and student visitor status limited his prospects of landing a job. To make matters worse – he was certain that the school would be looking for him, not to mention the authorities for having abandoned his bike on the side of the road. It would be easy enough to trace his grandfather’s name from the plates.

“Your move” Ludwig grunted after arbitrarily putting his first pawn out to work

Thomas raised a victorious eyebrow noting Ludwig’s novice move, “I take it, you’re out of practice Ludwig?”

The nervous shake in Ludwig’s knee was evidence enough. Thomas simply smiled.

“So Ludwig, tell me – where will you be headed tomorrow morning, once you’ve lost this game?” Thomas asked smugly as he moved his queen into place.

Ludwig’s reply was simply a scowl and his next move

“Find a job in town somewhere I suppose”

Thomas pouted, “Oh? What sort of job might you be seeking? I hear it’s tough without a diploma, or a winter coat for that matter…”

Ludwig ignored him, making his counter effort – however at this point, he knew that he was merely guessing at how to win.

Ludwig was clearly out of his league.

“Checkmate” Thomas grinned, placing his final piece with a conceited smile. He leaned back in his seat, placing his hands behind his head, “Short and sweet.”

Ludwig sighed, looking mournfully towards Wolfie who still sat clutching his stuffed bear.

Wolfie grew angry, “Thomas, that wasn’t fair! You know how to play far better than Ludwig! What a ridiculously arrogant thing to propose, honestly!”

Thomas mocked offense, “My my! Wolferl, the boy agreed – how can I be held at fault for his actions?”

Wolfie rolled his eyes and fell back against his pillows with a huff, “Well you know what?”

Thomas’ eyes were still smiling at his own victory

“I don’t want either of you in my room.”

Thomas’ smile fell

“What?”

Wolfie sat up once more, “That’s right, neither of you. Thomas you can have the guest room, and Ludwig – there’s a couch downstairs, I’m not putting up with this. You’re both being ridiculous.”

Ludwig hung his head, feeling somewhat admonished – though Thomas by contrast quickly became angry.

“The guest room? Wolfgang, I am hardly a guest!”

Ludwig shook his head at Thomas’ assertation, but he chose instead to simply stand and make his way to the door. He wanted no part in this argument.

“Papa said I’m on bed rest, so honestly Thomas – he won’t want you in here. If you want to argue, I can call him up here and ask him myself if you don’t believe me.”

Thomas scowled, knowing that he had little grounds to argue against Herr Mozart. He stubbornly stood, nose in the air, “Well, that’s too bad Wolferl. We can always reconvene in the morning then, no need to get so worked up. You’ll only manage to exhaust yourself, especially in your delicate condition.”

“I’m not delicate Thomas” Wolfie gritted his teeth, “You’re just being a jealous cow!”

Thomas gasped in offense

“A jealous cow? Is that how you see me? I can’t imagine who would’ve placed an idea like that in your head.” Thomas’ words seethed anger, “I’m disappointed that you would choose to attack me in such a way Wolfgang, truly. It’s very unlike you.”

Wolfie narrowed his eyes towards his blonde haired friend, “Enjoy the guest room Thomas, have a good night.”

Thomas’ face fell, knowing that he had just been publicly dismissed, and he struggled for how to respond.

“Yes well,” Thomas hesitated, “bed rest anyways right? Doctor’s orders.”

He pushed passed Ludwig on his way to the hall, “I hope you’re feeling more like yourself by morning, and not so – dramatic. Good night darling.”

Wolfie exhaled in a huff, throwing his bear after Thomas in a rage of sorts. Ludwig watched as it hit the wall, and fell near his feet. He bent to retrieve it, returning it to Wolfie’s bed without a word.

“What were you thinking, playing against him?” Wolfie hissed, snatching his bear back

Wolfie was angry at the world!

Ludwig shrugged with a sad expression, “I thought maybe – “

“Maybe you could beat him? Come on Ludwig! What do you know about chess?! Who bets on a game they know they can’t play?”

Ludwig just shook his head, “I don’t know what to say – I guess I thought that I would at least have half a chance?”

“You thought you would have half a chance against Thomas Linley? Are you mad? He’s completely out of your league.” Wolfie sighed in frustration.

There was far too much testosterone around for Wolfie’s liking! These silly games had to stop!

Ludwig shrugged sheepishly, “I was willing to fight for it.”

Wolfie frowned, feeling his heart sink. He knew Ludwig meant well, but he hated how he allowed Thomas to always get the better of him. In turn, he hated how Thomas constantly tried to place Wolfie in a cage. It wasn’t fair – for any of them.

Wolfie reached for Ludwig’s hand, “Listen, I know Thomas can be a jerk – but, you’ve got to stop playing his stupid games. It only serves to drive him on.”

Ludwig let Wolfgang toy with his fingers, “There’s a couch in the parlour, you can – take one of my pillows, and the quilt at the end of my bed will probably do for tonight.” Wolfie paused, looking up at the sadness in Ludwig’s green eyes, “You’re not actually going to leave tomorrow morning, are you? All because of a stupid silly game?”

Ludwig pulled away and gathered the blanket and the pillow quietly

“Ludwig?” Wolfie questioned again

“I made an agreement, didn’t I?”

Wolfie sighed, “You can’t let him do that – don’t be ridiculous.”

Ludwig shrugged, leaning down to deliver a chaste peck on Wolfie’s cheek – much to the other boy’s surprise.

“You said it yourself, Thomas is out of my league.”

Wolfie’s heart broke as he reached for Ludwig’s hand again, “Wait, Ludwig! That’s not what I meant!”

Ludwig just shook his head, “Goodnight Wolfie, if you need me, I’ll be downstairs.”

Chapter Text

Ludwig felt rather awkward as he made his way down the stairs towards the living room. His arms were bundled with Wolfie’s quilt and a spare pillow from his own bed. Ludwig, not knowing exactly where to go or what to do come morning, was quickly coming to regret his decision to bet against a game for which he had little skill or expertise. He berated himself silently, knowing that this was likely not the last time that he would let his temper get the better of him. He feared that his own stubbornness was somewhat hereditary, if his father had left him nothing else, all bitter memories aside.  

Now, somewhere late into the evening, the Mozart household was rather quiet. After Thomas had haughtily stormed off to the guest room, Wolfgang had left Ludwig with little more than some directions towards the sofa that awaited him in the drawing room downstairs.

The old wooden staircase creaked with each step as Ludwig reluctantly descended from Wolfgang’s bedroom in shameful defeat. He hoped that he would not alert any of Wolfgang’s family to his presence, least of all, his father.

Ludwig eyed the old oil paintings that hung above him as he finally stepped down to the marble tile landing. Mostly landscapes and stormy countryside spotted with haystacks and the occasional livestock.

It seemed an odd choice for a Londoner’s city home. However, the rural scenes brought Ludwig some nostalgia for his own childhood – that was, before his family had moved to New York, and of course, before he was shipped off to England to live with his grandfather.

Though his earliest years living upstate while his mother had still been alive were mostly pleasant, Ludwig preferred not to think about what his life used to be like at all. There was no point in dwelling on something that he knew he would never get back.  

He shyly poked his head inside the formal living area, noting the fire embers were now cooling, and the lights had been dimmed. Seeing no one, Ludwig relaxed, albeit only slightly, as he ducked inside the sitting area.

He eyed the tufted sofa distrustfully. It would likely prove to be as uncomfortable as it looked. He sighed as he deposited the borrowed bedding in a lump, staring down at it with a lack of inspiration.

Placing his hands on his hips, he looked about – he had been in this room earlier, though he had been so distracted by Wolfgang that he had hardly noticed the décor. The Mozart family was presumably well bred, this was obvious from the portraits, and volumes of bound leather literature that lined the walls. There were trinkets in silver, and an antique mantle clock that ticked rhythmically above the hearth.

Ludwig watched the reddish glimmer of the dying embers as he sat on the firm horsehair cushion of the settee, contemplating yet another one of his ill-advised life choices. He did seem to be backing quite a few of those lately.

He rubbed his palms against his knees, trying to rid himself of the nervous, clammy film that coated them. The truth was, he had no idea what he was doing – and he certainly had no resources to be able to find his own way, especially now since his grandfather had passed.

Part of him regretted not staying at Kent, if only for the free meals and accommodations until the school year had run its course. It would have given him some more time to plan, and that graduating certificate might have helped a little, especially if he were to try to immigrate officially.

He tried not to become melancholy in his thoughts, but at times like this, it was incredibly difficult not to reminisce for better times. He missed his mother.

Ludwig was startled when the door to the parlor swung open, and Wolfgang’s father, now dressed down in slacks and a sweater, entered with the evening paper under his arm and a steaming cup of tea in his other hand.

He too jumped a little upon seeing the vagrant boy settled in the middle of his reading area.

“Oh my!” Leopold sputtered for the moment, glasses perched low upon his stately nose. “My apologies, I did not realize that you would be here this evening. Has Wolfgang not shown you the guest room?”

Leopold deposited his paper on the side table before lowering himself into a generous armchair. He set the tea down with a gentle rattle of the china cup in its saucer.

Ludwig, still somewhat shocked for having been caught making his bed on the family sofa, was not quite sure how to answer that one.

“There is a bedroom upstairs?” Leopold clarified through another question, taking his first steaming sip tentatively.

Ludwig nodded before answering, “Yes – sir,” he paused, “I believe that Thomas is the one staying in the guest room tonight.”

Leopold held the cup to his lips, then lowered it with a look of genuine confusion. He chuckled, “I suppose Mr.Linley had not informed you that there were in fact, two beds in the guest room?”

Ludwig furrowed his brow with a tilt of his head, “Two?”

Leopold picked up his paper, ruffling it open to the business section. “Indeed. I had them brought in after your last visit – it is so rare that we have two guests at a time, however I felt it was necessary to be prepared for future events, considering how – social – Wolfgang has become in his teenage years.”

Ludwig sat on his hands, staring down at the thick Turkish rug beneath his feet. His eyes were soon lost in the swirling, twirling designs of rich navy, reds, and golds all woven amongst themselves.

He could tell that Wolfgang’s father was hinting at something, however he did not yet know him well enough to be able to decipher the cryptic message hidden beneath the cool austerity of his words.

Social – Ludwig briefly pondered the insinuation

Leopold noted the boy’s silence and cleared his throat as he turned the page of the evening publication with disinterest. The paper was damp and wilted at the corners, likely from being out the winter rain, causing Leopold to shuffle them upright once more.

“I take it that this is news to you, and so I must presume that Mr.Linley is disinclined to share his lodgings this evening, for it is not for lack of bed space?”

Ludwig simply shrugged, Wolfgang’s father was probably correct on that one.

A small smile tugged at the stern expression of Leopold’s face. “Well, that is Thomas Linley in a nutshell – why would that surprise anyone?” Leopold chuckled, “A boy like that has likely never had to share anything, ever, in his entire life.”

Ludwig agreed with a nod of his head – though he did not dare say anything on the matter. He already knew Thomas’ jealousy and greed firsthand.

They sat in silence for some time, with nothing but the faint tick of the clock and the occasional woosh of a passing lorry in the street which could be heard from outside. These types of urban reminders gave Ludwig shivers. He never was much of a city boy.

“So tell me, Ludwig,” Leopold folded his paper down and took up his tea once more, “What brought you to Kent School?”

Ludwig held his breath, and he shifted in his seat.

“My grandfather, sir.”

Leopold paused, as if he were digesting that fact on a deeper level.

“Your grandfather, is he American?”

“No, Sir. He was not American.”

“Was, my apologies.” Leopold noted the boy’s correction with a frown. “I take it your parents are across the pond then. You certainly do not sound like a Londoner.”

Ludwig looked up at his from under his mess of dark curls, “I’m not, no.”

Leopold, looked to his tea, then back towards the boy.

“Would you like a cup of tea? We Londoners are always drinking the stuff.”

Ludwig shook his head, “No thank you.”

Leopold pursed his lips, then smiled at him again. “You’re quite polite, for an American.” He chided with a grin.

Ludwig shrugged a bit, “That would be my mother, I guess?”

“And where is she, your mother? Your parents, what are their whereabouts these days? America is a vast country, as I understand.”

Ludwig paused, fixing his eyes back on the ornate rug.

“It’s only my father now – he’s in New York.”

Leopold’s sense of jest faded. “I am sorry to hear that.” He quickly moved to change the subject, “New York, that’s quite a city. I visited once myself, of course that was before Wolfgang was born. Do they still do that blasphemously large evergreen tree in Rockefeller Center at Christmas time?”

Ludwig smiled a bit, “Ya, they do.” A giant Christmas tree seemed like an odd thing for an Englishman to inquire about. However, it was a New York city tradition of sorts.

“I remember that Wolfgang’s mother was quite enthralled by it. Personally, I felt it was little gluttonous, however I suppose that is the American way, isn’t it?” His grey eyes seemed to twinkle with a memory, however fleeting.

“That is quite the event for you boys to bond over, losing your mothers? I imagine that has been very therapeutic for Wolfgang, to be able to talk to someone about it. It’s not exactly something that he and Thomas shared in common.”

Ludwig felt a rising sense of guilt – he and Wolfie had rarely, if ever spoken about their mothers. He regretted not bringing it up, among the many other things that he now regretted about their friendship. How he wished he could do things over!

“In any case, until recently – Wolfgang seemed to be having an excellent year. He hadn’t been home once during the fall semester, and no reports from the school counsellor of any sort of distress.”

Leopold shifted, he seemed uncomfortable with the turn in conversation. “I assume this is in relation to you. He seems to trust you quite a bit. I thank you for calling the other night – I hate to think of what might have happened had he been there alone.”

Ludwig said nothing

“These sorts of things are why I requested he share a room this year. With Thomas going his own way, I suspected that Wolfgang would have a challenging time adjusting to being at Kent without him.”

Ludwig chewed his lip, thinking back on all the letters he watched Wolfie write – and the tears when Wolfie had discovered that Ludwig had read them. Ludwig still carried guilt over that.

Did Leopold already know about Thomas and Wolfie?

“This little slip up has shaken the family,” Leopold sighed, “I must admit, I thought that we were out of the woods on these types of – incidents.”

Ludwig’s mind flashed to finding Wolfie unconscious in the bath. The pinkish murky water pooled out onto the floor and trailed out into the hall. He shook his limp body, but he had been nonresponsive. The memory of it made Ludwig’s pulse quicken, even now.

“Why does he do it? Do you know?” Ludwig suddenly asked

Leopold sat for a moment, chin in hand.

“I thought perhaps you would be able to tell me that.” Leopold’s expression became somewhat curious.

Ludwig thought back to Wolfie’s return from the priest’s office, tear stains on his sullen face. The way he striped himself naked, without a care for any sense of modesty – the way he desperately begged Ludwig not to tell Papa. Tell Papa of what, Ludwig could not be sure?

That was, until the days which followed, where Ludwig’s promised phone calls had given him additional clues. Some suggested offerings, and ghoulish hints of something that may have been going on long before Ludwig was even in the picture. Perhaps even before Wolfie himself was old enough to recognize the evils that hung over him, and likely over many of the other Kent boys.

Ludwig wondered if this was why Thomas had decided to leave the school? Had he experienced these same things? Is this how he and Thomas had found each other, bonded in horrific tragedy and abuse?

The mounting evidence surrounding the insidious behaviour among school staff was confirmed the night that Ludwig took off in the middle of a snow storm.

Ludwig had found himself called into the rectory office, alone. There, the same priest grilled Ludwig on the events of the previous day, and on his knowledge of Wolfie and what secrets he held against him.

Ludwig confessed nothing, pleading ignorance in all matters. He feared little repercussion anyways, for you cannot take away what isn’t there.

The realities of the past decade of Wolfie’s life at boarding school became irrefutably obvious to Ludwig once the priest leaned across his desk. Running his hand down Ludwig’s front, he squeezed and groped in a sickening manner of appraisal – which resulted in Ludwig’s finest right hook cracking the cartilage of his nose and sending the old man reeling backwards onto the floor.

He clutched his bloodied nose as he cursed the boy who fled from his office faster than he knew his feet could possibly carry him. Ludwig thought of nothing else in that moment but getting to Wolfie – as quickly as possible.

By the time he hit the road, all Ludwig had was the clothes on his back. He knew his bike would not likely make it all the way to London on half a tank of gas – but he had to try, snowstorm be damned!

It baffled Ludwig that for all these years, Wolfgang had remained silent in his suffering. He made no mention of the abuse, and in fact – he had worked closely with the school staff on many special projects, and had be lauded as the model student by all who knew him. The thought of not only collaborating with, but living with your abuser made Ludwig feel sick to his stomach. It was a reality that Ludwig knew all too well. It was the same reality that had forced him across an ocean – and all this time, he thought that he had finally escaped.

How could Wolfie say nothing, all this time?

How could he be silent, and let that predator walk the halls?

How could he beg Ludwig not to tell, even after trying to take his own life?

Wolfie’s shame was clear – and what power that man still managed to wield over him, Ludwig had yet to understand.

That was, until the phone rang at the Mozart residence, interrupting their conversation.

Leopold jumped at the loud metallic brriiinnngg of the telephone coming from the kitchen.

He eyed Ludwig carefully before he rose to answer, “If there is something you know boy, I should hope that you will tell me.”

Ludwig swallowed nervously, watching Leopold rise from his seat, the telephone still ringing in the other room.

“The school,” Ludwig hesitated, the sound of the ringing was making him anxious.

“At school….” He tried again, while Leopold’s eyes practically bore holes in his soul. “There’s a priest who – well, I haven’t seen it, but,”

“Sir?” The house maid poked her head into the room, “Excuse my interruption – but, the headmaster of Kent school is on the line?”

Leopold looked over his shoulder, “It’s quite late for that, is it not?”

She shrugged, somewhat in agreement, “He says it’s urgent.”

Leopold frowned, looking back over his shoulder towards the boy.

“Tell him I’ll be there in a moment.”

She nodded and retreated back into the kitchen with a swing of the door. Leopold began to walk towards the kitchen with a cautious, grim expression.

He paused before he left the room, “If there’s something I need to know, I should know it now.”

Ludwig struggled to find his words, “It’s probably about me.”

Leopold raised a judgmental brow, “What is about you?”

“The phone call you’re about to take, sir.”

Leopold drew a slow, deep breath.

“Oh?”

Ludwig hung his head, “I punched a priest.”

His admission was met with silence

“…and I’m pretty sure I broke his nose.”

Leopold pushed open the door to the kitchen with a frown, “Good.”

Ludwig was taken aback, “Huh?”

“Father Michael I presume?”

Ludwig nodded sheepishly

“I’ve always despised that man - and so, you’ll have to tell me your side of the story when I get back.”

Ludwig looked up in surprise for Leopold’s calm reception of such spectacular news.

“For now, I’ll tell them you’re not here – I’ve never even heard of you.”

He gave a slight wink before he ducked out of the room, leaving Ludwig with nothing but questions – and nary an answer.

Leopold’s voice could be heard through the door

“I’ll put the kettle on”

Chapter Text

Leopold rarely took calls so late in the evening, especially not over the holiday season. However, with his son home on rest, not to mention the surprise visitors, Leopold suspected that something far larger than what he knew was amiss.

As much as he appreciated Thomas’ charming wit, and drive for perfectionism, Leopold had to admit that the boy was not without his own concerns. He was young, he was pretty, and just a bit wild. Wild enough to raise question, though it was not Leopold’s place to dispute the Linley’s parenting choices. There had always been something a bit strange about Thomas, even when the boys were quite young.

However brilliant the child seemed to be, there was always a sadness about him. His biting sense of humour only grew more acidic as he entered his teenage years, and though he remained very much attached to Wolfgang, it was becoming clear to Leopold that the relationship between Thomas and his son had deepened beyond that of simply childhood pleasantries.

He could see it in the way Thomas looked at Wolfgang – moreover, in his possessive insistence that Wolfgang spend every waking hour glued to Thomas’ side. The dozens of letters, extended phone calls, spontaneous visits to their home in London, just to check in – Thomas’ obsession with Wolfgang was all very obvious to Leopold.

Not that knowing about it made Leopold feel any less distressed.

He wished that Anna were still here.

She always knew what to say their son.

Leopold knew that Wolfgang missed his mother dearly – and he was not alone in that.

“Wolfgang will marry a nice English girl – I would love for him to settle here in London.”

Anna had always been very optimistic about her son’s future

“He hasn’t shown any interest in girls Anna,” Leopold sighed, laying his book open upon his chest, “All the boy wants to do is be with that Thomas Linley boy all day.”

Anna suppressed a giggle, “Now, now Papa, boys will be boys…Wolferl has plenty of time for girls dear.”

Leopold grumbled and picked up his book once more, pushing his glasses back up the steepness of his nose with a frown, “Yes well….that will run out eventually. They cannot be young forever dear.”

He listened in to the crackled voice on the other end of the receiver as it held it to his ear. Kent School calling in the middle of the night, this was obviously not about their annual charity auction.

“The boy who roomed with Wolfgang seems to have disappeared”

“Oh?” Leopold replied flatly, looked over his shoulder towards the door he had recently passed through. He imagined Ludwig just had he had last seen him, sitting atop his hands on the settee, head hung low as he fixed his eyes on the oriental rug. He was an odd child to be sure, quite different than that Linley boy.

Quiet little thing. Leopold mused to himself, not exactly who I imagined Wolfgang to befriend.

“Yes sir, and we have reason to believe that he is heading towards town as the local authorities located his abandoned motorbike along the roadside, headed towards London.”

Leopold frowned, he didn’t know anything about a motorbike.

Death machines! He sincerely hoped that Wolfgang would not share interest in such beastly things! Thomas’ roadster was dangerous enough for four wheels, let alone two.

He began to unwrap a hard candy that he had dug out from the tiny porcelain dish beside the telephone. He absently twisted the foil wrapper between his fingers while the school official carried on.

“He may be stopping in to visit Wolfgang – or so we think. If he does appear, please alert the police.”

The crunching of the candy immediately ceased, “Police?” Leopold slurred slightly as he quickly swallowed the bits of sticky sugar that clung to his molars, “Is he a criminal or what?”

“Well, he assaulted our school priest sir.”

Leopold stifled a chuckle, hiding his smile behind the receiver, “Oh? On what grounds?”

“He has had a reputation for this sort of behaviour sir since his arrival. It is not entirely unexpected.”

Leopold drummed his fingers against the wall, considering his response, “Well, my son has been sharing a room with him for months now and I’ve heard of no such behaviour in all that time.”

“Indeed – yes, however it appears that this student has a particular penchant for attacking authority figures. He seems mostly respectful towards other students.”

Leopold sighed; he was not exactly sure as to how to respond to that.

“What were his motives then? Do you know what he is running from? Why are you calling me about all of this, should you not phone his parents?” Leopold scratched at the base of his neck, leaning against the kitchen wall with a wayward glance towards the clock. It was getting late; he and the boy would have to talk about this in the morning.

“Well to be honest with you sir, we are not exactly sure where he is – but we thought there was a small chance that he may turn to Wolfgang for help or advice. His parents are not available, his mother has long passed and his father is completely incompetent. Grandfather was paying his accounts, but passed away this summer. As far as we know, the boy has no living guardianship on this side of the pond.”

Leopold listened intently – he knew little of Ludwig’s situation, the boy was somewhat of a mystery that way.

“Considering they shared a room, perhaps we could speak with Wolfgang directly? Perhaps he can provide us clues about where Ludwig might be. Father Michael is willing to come to London to speak with Wolfgang directly – he has offered private counselling, as we know that Wolfgang is in a time of need. He may wish to reach out to someone familiar, such as Father - ”

Leopold’s reply was quick, and curt.

“Absolutely not.”

There was a brief moment of reticence before the official pressed onwards with their agenda,

“Spiritual guidance – er, a sympathetic ear? Father Michael has a longstanding relationship with Wolfgang-“

“Not in my house. If my son needs guidance, he will seek it from his father thank you.” Leopold caught the impatience in his own voice and quickly softened his tone, “As for the other boy, I shall alert you the moment he arrives. Should he arrive at all. Thank you for the information, and until further notice I kindly ask that the school refrain from phoning my home on the matter. Wolfgang is on bed rest and should not be bothered by any such matters, I will advise if his condition changes.”

“But sir –“

“Good evening to you,” Leopold paused before hanging up, “and Happy New Year.”

The receiver clicked down as a smile spread across Leopold’s face. Sometimes it just felt good to put your foot down.

As he pushed his way through the door, back into the sitting room, with a smug grin on his face. He caught himself just as the door swung closed behind him. There, under the quilts that his son had lent him, was the little lost American boy. He was curled up on his side, nose tucked under the blankets with his lashes soft and fluttered.

He hardly looked a threat at all.

Assaulted a priest….right.

Leopold frowned, walking across the room towards him. His looming presence was enough to cause the boy’s eyes to flutter just enough to recognize that Leopold was standing near.

“Mmm..?” Ludwig sat himself up, groggy and rubbing the sleep from his bleary eyes. He had not intended to fall asleep before the phone call had finished, but it seemed that Ludwig was more tired than he realized.

Leopold just chuckled, “You’re alright, go back to sleep.”

Ludwig’s eyes were soft, and dark with uncertainty.

“What did they say about me?” Ludwig asked as Leopold made his way towards the door

The boy’s voice was groggy with exhaustion, yet Leopold could tell that he was rather concerned for what might have been said about him while he slept on the other side of the wall.

“Oh nothing much, you know – just how you assaulted Father Michael, oh – and they’ve found your motorbike.”

Ludwig tucked his legs up under the quilts and went quiet

“I told them you weren’t here – we can decide what to do in the morning. For now, you’re quite safe.”

Ludwig nodded slowly, realizing that soon he would have to find his own way in the world, and he had little resources or skills with which to turn his half baked plan into a reality. A sort of desperate panic was starting to set in.

He was not ready to be a grown up yet.

All he wanted was to be able to go home – just like Wolfie had done. Upstairs he lay tucked into the softness of his childhood bed, surrounded by pillows and sheets, books and photographs. Every momento of a life well lived. It was hard for Ludwig to imagine what that sort of stability might be like. That sort of comfort, and reliability, that comes from those who love you.

But alas, Ludwig knew that for him, going home was simply not possible.

Leopold felt uneasy leaving the boy alone for the evening. He sensed his restlessness, his skittish nature, and his doleful expression. It was all very disconcerting to Leopold, who could hardly let it go. He thought better of heading upstairs to bed and leaving the young man to his lonesome. He prayed that his paternal intuition would soon prove fruitful.

Leopold sank down in his chair, reaching for the iron tools nearest the fire, he quietly prodded the embers back to life. Reaching from the edge of his seat, he added a small log to the reddened coals and watched as it too was soon engulfed in new flame. Sitting back, he leaned the small poker against the hearth and sighed with satisfaction at the renewed glow of the fire.

“It gets damp in here during the winter, hm?”

Ludwig, perplexed by Leopold’s motion to settle himself down rather than head off to bed, simply watched in silence.

“So,” Leopold eventually broke the silence between them, “Tell me my little American friend, why are you punching priests at school?”

Ludwig, caught somewhat off guard by the directness of Leopold’s question, was not entirely sure how to respond.

“You seem like a nice boy,” Leopold justified to no one in particular, “My Wolfgang adores you – quite clearly you have Mr.Linley up for direct competition,” he chuckled to himself at the thought, “and here you are, throwing your fists around like some mad man?”

Ludwig simply shrugged, feeling rather sheepish as he pulled the quilts about himself

“I don’t know about you but,” Leopold leaned over the edge of his chair as if to be closer to the boy, “I would not punch a priest without a hell of a reason.”

Ludwig balked at the insinuation

“I had reasons”

Leopold leaned away, “Oh thank goodness!” he grinned, his voice thick with English wit, “I thought you were assaulting people without reason. At least, that is what the school would have me believe.”

“Really?”

“Well, as per that phone call, yes. However, there are always two sides to a story, are there not?”

Ludwig shrugged, knowing that though there may be two sides to a story, they are not always equally represented.

“And so?” Leopold crossed one leg over the other, hoping the boy would continue

Ludwig sat quietly while he considered his options







The reality was, school was over.

At least for Ludwig….

It was done – he could never go back there. Even if he wanted to, he would be expelled for certain. Without anything left from his grandfather’s estate – and no help from Johann back home, there was little chance to be able to make a go of it on his own. London was expensive, and Ludwig had not even passed his final year of classes.

He was stuck – not even able to afford passage back to New York even if it were offered.

He’d have to find employment, and somewhere cheap to live – and fast!