"Paul, I love you."

No matter how he said it, it never seemed… right.

"Paul… I… love you…"

Ferner pulled at his hair in frustration. He was currently pacing the front lobby of the Oberstein home, attempting to work out his words before he surprised his superior upstairs. His only company was the dog, who sat upright and watched him pace. He gave it a glance out of the corner of his eye. It cocked its head and Ferner found himself walking over. He held its head in his hands, pouting at it and playing with its ears. The pooch gave him a smile and just sat there, allowing the customary affection. Perhaps it was finally happy, it was rare that someone visited and didn't scratch behind it's ears at least once.

"How do you say it? How do you tell your master you love him?" Anton probed him, looking the animal straight in the eye and begging it to answer. At this comment, maybe the dog understood, it licked his face and barked. Ferner yelped in surprise and fell back, rubbing dog slobber off his face with his sleeve.

"Well I don't exactly think I can do that… but maybe it gives me an idea. Thanks."

Ferner stood and gave the dog a scratch behind the ears before running towards the stairs. He took them two at a time before reaching a hallway. He jogged down that before reaching Oberstein's work study and flinging the door open.

"Paul!" He cried as he burst into the room, causing Oberstein to be distracted from what he was writing. Ferner walked over with purpose, around Oberstein's desk to stand right next to him, staring him down. He was very clearly surprised; a single drop of ink had splattered out of his fountain pen onto the document he had been writing.

"I apologize in advance for this sir!" Ferner said sharply before grabbing Oberstein's head, leaning down and kissing him. It definitely wasn't the most passionate kiss Ferner had ever had, considering it was rather like kissing a brick wall but when he pulled back he couldn't help but smile at the complete look of shock his superior had. Ferner took a deep breath and then said as clearly as he possibly could: "Paul von Oberstein, I can't deny it anymore, I love you!"

He then saluted. "I will now accept any punishment you see fit sir!"

Oberstein set his pen down gently. "Anton." Ferner's heart did a little leap at the sound of his name. "Three things."

"Yes sir?"

"Before entering a room, it is polite to knock first. Second, when a door is closed before opening, it is customary to close it after entering before proceeding any further. Third…"

Oberstein's voice trailed off, for once he was out of words. He touched his lips for a moment before glaring up at Ferner.

"Don't kiss someone without asking for permission first!"

And Ferner was happy.