[F] A Delivery [Berwald]

[Timo Väinämöinen]

“Oh, give me a moment! I’ll be back with a refill in a moment!” Timo said, smiling brightly at the older man who’d just drawn his attention. The morning rush had just started, and some of the men and women in the café Timo knew from his other job, men and women who were here before there shift in the factory started, or even after it ended. The café paid better than the factory for night shifts, though, so Timo always grabbed those when they came up. He needed them right now. His rent had just gone up again, and he’d spent what little savings he had on expensive lanterns for the parade just before he’d been told about it. This was his fourth night shift in a row, and it was starting to show on his face, though it did nothing to hinder his happy smiles. He really did enjoy working here, he got to talk to interesting people, and it was nice to be able to walk around rather than standing still in the factory.

The dishes in his hand were placed in front of the people who had ordered them with cheerful comments, and then Timo went to get a fresh cup of coffee for the man who’d asked. “Here you are, sir! Is there anything else you need?” He asked, beaming at him. The man shook his head, and for the first time in a while Timo found himself in a bit of a lull. He moved back, behind the counter, took a deep breath, and then sunk down into a chair. Ah, it was so good to rest! Violet eyes flicked to the clock. Just over an hour left! He should stack the dishwasher again before –

“Timo, the delivery’s due to arrive soon.” The young man’s boss appeared from upstairs, and Timo quickly jumped up, smiling at him. He was allowed to sit down, but he still felt guilty being caught out like that! “Will you go and take it, please?”

“Of course! Let me just finish up here.” Timo said, quickly, smiling again. He moved to the dishwasher, piling up all the plates and cups that had gathered while he’d been trying to keep up with the rush. Perhaps another man might have noticed that his boss appeared only after the rush had slowed a little, but Timo didn’t even think about it. When the dishwasher was loaded and set off, Timo wiped his hands on his apron and headed out towards the back. Opening the doors and propping them open to make it easier for them to get everything inside, he paused again, leaning against the wall for another break. Once this shift ended he had three hours for a nap and to get something to eat before his shift started in the factory, but at least after that he could finally rest properly. Spotting the delivery van coming up the street, Timo straightened up and smiled again, ready to greet the man about to arrive.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

“Here's the address, Berwald. I scribbled a description of the cafe on there, too. Ya know, jus' in case... Anyways, sorry fer asking ya ta do this extra delivery... It's 'cause the guy who usually does the deliveries for tha' place called in sick today. Hope ya understand,” Berwald's boss said apologetically, handing the blond a small piece of paper. “S'alr'ght, sir. I d'n't mind... Could alw'ys use the m'ney anyway,” Berwald said, shrugging his shoulders and looking the paper over once before stuffing it in his pocket. “A'right, then. Thanks. Check the supplies one more time before leavin', will ya?” his boss said, nodding to the back of the van. The tall blond just grunted and moved to the back of the rickety old van to re-check its contents. After a couple of minutes of double checking, Berwald was finally satisfied and went to retrieve the keys from his boss.

“Here ya go,” his boss said in a sort of singsong tone, throwing the keys to Berwald. The blond caught them with ease and went to unlock the van's door. He got in, put his seat belt on and waved goodbye to his boss before starting the van up and driving off onto the street. Not unexpectedly, the van's engine stopped two times on the way to the cafe. Some people – Highlanders, Berwald tended to imagine – probably would have found the constant failure of the engine to be frustrating but the blond was simply grateful that the man he worked for was actually able to provide a delivery van for him to use. He was aware of how uncommon vehicles like this were, even in the Highlands.

He glanced at a street sign and took the scrap of paper out of his pocket. He was happy to find out he was on the right street. He deemed his boss' description of the cafe more than satisfactory since he was able to locate it immediately, even though he had never been there himself. There was already someone outside the cafe waiting for the delivery and Berwald was grateful for that. When he brought the van to a full stop, the blond was finally able to get a good look at the man awaiting the delivery.

Berwald was sure his heart skipped at least 3 beats. He nearly scrambled out of the van. He had to be absolutely sure that this person was who he thought it was.

Light blond hair much like his own, bluish eyes that he remembered to be purple under close inspection and a cute round face that was more than a little familiar.

“T-T'mo?! S'that really you?”

[Timo Väinämöinen]

As the van got closer, Timo was able to see through the windscreen, and he quickly realised that it wasn’t the usual guy, though. What he could see was a shock of light hair and glasses over a scowl, and that was enough to cause a fond smile and for Timo’s hand to move to his chest to where his cross was hidden under his uniform. As the van drew up and stopped, though, Timo blinked. There was only one man he’d met before who was, to be honest, that terrifying. Though, to be fair, he’d been a teenager then, not a man, as had Timo himself.

The man got out of the van, and any disbelief that Timo might have had vanished. There was only one person that he could be. “Berwald!” Taking a step closer, Timo hesitated, unsure exactly what to say. “W-what are you doing here?” A light blush appeared on his cheek, realising what a stupid question that was. “I mean – I can’t believe that you’re here!” Was he dreaming? He hadn’t seen Berwald since he was thirteen, since Berwald was fourteen, when his father had decided to move across the city and out of the home that they’d lived in with Timo’s mother, away from the school that he’d shared with Berwald. Three years before Timo had been forced to leave home and school completely. It was a long time ago now.

Taking a step forward, Timo moved his hand as though he was going to reach out for Berwald, but in the end didn’t dare, and was even more embarrassed by that. “We should get everything inside, you must have other deliveries to do.” He said, quickly, looking towards the van, but he waited for Berwald to move rather than move on his own. “U-um, how have you been, though? Why’re you making deliveries now?” If you’d asked Timo when they’d been at school together, he’d have been certain that Berwald would go on to make furniture like his father. He hoped that nothing had happened! He didn’t want the things that had happened to him to happen to Berwald, though obviously Berwald was a lot stronger than him, so Timo was sure that Berwald would still do his best!

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Though a million thoughts were rapidly buzzing around in Berwald's mind, he still noticed Timo take a step forward before speaking to him.

“Berwald!” the younger blond exclaimed, hesitating a little before continuing. (Berwald could not blame him for hesitating. He was feeling rather unsure of what to say as well. He was still trying to fully wrap his mind around the situation – it was just too surreal. He hadn't seen or talked to Timo in years. Had he always been this much taller than Timo? When had Timo's voice gotten that deep? Had it really been that long?)

“W-what are you doing here?”

Berwald watched his old friend's cheeks color. He probably realized his question was kind of silly. “I mean – I can't believe that you're here!” Timo quickly amended, moving on from his earlier inquiry. He paused for a short moment before moving his hand in a way that made it seem like he wanted to reach out to the tall blond. Timo seemed to think better of it and stopped, looking more embarrassed and flustered than before. Berwald wanted to chuckle at Timo's antics but was able to restrain himself. 'Seems l'ke he h'sn't ch'nged much,' the older man thought fondly.

“We should get everything inside, you must have other deliveries to do,” Timo finally said, looking towards the van. “U-um, how have you been, though? Why're you making deliveries now?”

“Yeah, s'ppose I do. Should be d'ne with all m' deliv'ries a l'ttle bit aft'r noon, though. M'just f'lling in f'r s'meone,” Berwald mumbled, gesturing for Timo to come with him. He moved to the back of the van, unlocked the backdoor and effortlessly took two boxes out. “'m good. Doing m' best ta t'ke care'f m' p'rents. Oh, h'pe ya d'n't mind helping me br'ng some of the boxes in. It'll be f'ster th't way,” he explained somewhat needlessly.

But when Berwald turned to hand Timo a box, he finally noticed how tired and sleepy his old friend looked. “Actually, nev'r m'nd. I'll do it. D'n't argue,” he said softly but firmly, recalling how much Timo disliked it whenever he was denied the chance to help. “Ya look exhausted, T'mo. Just t'lk ta me,” the tall blond said, lifting three boxes and bringing them over to the open backdoor of the cafe.

“I st'll w'rk at the woodw'rk shop, in case you w're wond'r'ng. M'pretty s're ya know I'll n'ver be able ta g've up woodw'rk'ng an' build'ng furn't're,” Berwald said with a very, very small smile on his face. “I jus' took th's deliv'ry job f'r more m'ney. How 'bout you, though? How've you been, T'mo?”

[Timo Väinämöinen]

It amused Timo that Berwald would finish just as Timo started his second shift, but disappointed him a little was well. He was wondering if they could meet up after he finished this one, but perhaps it was better that he went home and napped after all. They could meet at some other time, perhaps. “Of course not!” He cheerfully exclaimed, following Berwald out to the back of the van, ready to help. His smile fell a little when Berwald held back from offering him a box, though, and he frowned at him. “I can help! I’m not too tired!” He tried to claim, but Berwald seemed determined, so Timo quickly moved to get out of the way, following him as he carried the boxes. He was pleased to hear that Berwald was still doing his woodwork. That had always seemed to make him happy. He hoped that money wasn’t too tight that Berwald had to take a second job!

“Oh… I’ve been good!” Timo said, quickly, smiling happily at Berwald. It was true! He had a roof over his head, thanks to his boss at the factory, and his health had been good. Money was tight, well, all of the time, but Timo managed. There was no need to mention that he’d left home either, he thought. He was still more fortunate than many! “I’ve got my own place now, and my other job’s at the toy factory down the road.” He said, with a little nod. Perhaps Berwald would remember the dreams that Timo had once had to be a teacher, but of course those had fallen by the wayside when he’d had to quit school without finishing it. Those just seemed like the dreams of a ltitle boy these days, anyway.

Realising he was following Berwald back and forth like a little puppy, Timo stopped by the crates and started to go through them, checking that there was everything that they needed inside. He could at least be helpful! As he stooped to look, though, his necklace fell out of his shirt, and Timo quickly blushed and shoved it back under, wondering what Berwald would think of him, still wearing that necklace like a soppy little girl. Especially when it had apparently been Timo’s fault that they’d lost contact anyway. When Timo had first moved, they’d sent text messages to each other, but Timo’s father had decided that the bill was too high and taken Timo’s phone without warning, and Timo didn’t know how else to contact Berwald. By the time he’d got the phone back… Well, either Berwald hadn’t replied to Timo’s messages or he’d changed number, and visiting him had been impossible as a child, and then… seemed foolish as an adult.

“Do you still live with your parents, then?” Timo asked to hide his embarrassment. “How are they?” Timo had always liked Berwald’s parents. They were nice, and good to Berwald too. “I always liked your house. It’s so nice!” He praised, happily, as he lifted the top box off so he could look at the one underneath. “Is your dad still running the woodworking business or have you taken over?” He asked, curiously.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Berwald was happy to hear that Timo was doing well. The younger man smiled cheerfully at him and Berwald felt his heart melt - it was at that moment the tall blond realized exactly how much he missed Timo. They used to be such good friends, pretty much inseparable. Berwald found it strange that they had drifted so far from each other. He remembered keeping in touch with Timo for a little while after the younger man moved but, at some point, what little communication the two of them had died all at once very suddenly. Timo just stopped replying to his messages one day. Berwald had never blamed him for not keeping in touch – he was so sure it wasn't Timo's fault - but missed the small blond terribly all the same.

This abrupt reunion meant something, Berwald was sure of it. Timo was the closest friend he'd ever had. Berwald couldn't describe how happy he was at getting a chance to rekindle their friendship.

However, after hearing Timo mention having a second job, he wasn't feeling quite as happy anymore. 'He's work'ng two jobs...? Wh't does th't mean?' Berwald thought concernedly, silently hoping Timo wasn't having financial troubles.

Part of him just wanted to ask Timo about it directly but the part of him that was easily embarrassed decided against it. The tall man settled for trying his best to push the depressing thoughts aside as he continued unloading boxes from the back of the van. It deeply amused Berwald that Timo was trailing behind him the whole time he was unloading the van. However, it didn't bother him when the small blond moved away to start checking the contents of the boxes. He knew Timo wanted to helpful in some way.

It was while he was watching Timo bending down to check a box that it happened. Timo's necklace fell out of his shirt. And it wasn't just any necklace either, it was the very same silver cross necklace Berwald had given him years ago. The younger man stuffed the necklace back under his shirt so quickly that Berwald almost missed it. Almost. The large man felt a sudden rush of strong affection for his old friend. He was about to speak up about it but Timo, obviously flustered, hastily brought up new topics to discuss. Berwald decided to go along with it.

“I actually st'll d'n't have the heart ta m've out of m' par'nts' place,” Berwald mumbled, feeling his cheeks burn. “I do w'nt ta g't m' own flat, though. S'just that...” the blond trailed off, struggling to find the right words. “S'just that I w'rry 'bout 'em all the t'me and...” he trailed off again and sighed softly, feeling kind of pathetic and very childish.

“They're good, though. St'll in good health,” Berwald said, nodding to himself a little. The large man felt his cheeks flush darker when his friend praised his home. He was pleasantly surprised that Timo actually bothered to remember what his home was like. “You should c'me ov'r. I mean it. M'par'nts would be really h'ppy ta see ya again,” he said, sincerely wishing Timo would consider visiting very soon.

“M'dad ret'red jus' a year ago. Techn'c'lly, we st'll own the shop but it's m' dad's friend th't manages it now,” Berwald said, answering his friend's last inquiry.

“Anyway... I'd l'ke ta hear m're 'bout you, T'mo. How's yer fam'ly doing?”

[Timo Väinämöinen]

“Oh, there’s nothing wrong with that!” Timo said, quickly, beaming at Berwald. That little blush was oddly cute. “I’m sure that they love having you around, and it’s nice to be a family.” He gave a nod, a slightly whistful look on his face. He was fairly sure if his family was still… well, there, he wouldn’t want to be moving out. But perhaps that was just because he couldn’t help but look back on the days when they had been a family with rose tinted glasses. Perhaps if things hadn’t gone the way that they did he would have changed his mind as a teenager and drifted away from his mother. Still… that still seemed better than the alternative. “It’s good that you look after them, too. They must appreciate it a lot!” He was pleased to hear that they were doing well, too, smiling happily.

Timo blushed himself at the offer, and he considered it. “I’d like that a lot.” He said, honestly. “I wouldn’t like to be a bother, though.” There was also the matter of the time it took to get over to the other side of the city where Berwald lived. Time that he had precious little of these days. “We should definitely meet again, whatever happens!” Timo added, quickly. He’d missed Berwald a lot, and it seemed foolish to ignore this second chance at friendship. “I’m surprised you didn’t take over the shop.” Timo mused, as he shifted another box over, checking the one underneath it now. “You were always good enough too. Will you take over at some point?” He wondered. He hoped so!

Berwald asking about his family made Timo squirm a little uncomfortably. “U-um, well, I’m sure Dad’s fine.” He said, busying himself with the box that he was checking. He hadn’t replied to any of his calls or messages since Timo had moved out, but that didn’t stop Timo from trying, usually once a month or so. He was sure that Berwald must remember that his mother was dead, though, even if it wasn’t something that Timo had ever discussed with him properly. Either way, he didn’t want to mention it.

“But I’ve been really lucky.” Timo said, quickly, to get off the track of family. “My boss is really nice, he helped me to find the place that I’m living in now. And the job here too!” He said, happily. He’d been in big trouble until his boss had found him his flat – and he’d told Timo that he’d even lowered the price on it for him too! And then when Timo had been struggling with payments and considering looking for somewhere cheaper his boss had phoned up all of his friends for him to find him this second job so he could keep his flat. Timo really appreciated that. “There are some really nice people, too.” He added, with a pleased noise. “A lot of people that work at the factory come here for breakfast, so I get to talk to them then. There’s one lady whose great grandmother could remember the war and she told me all of the stories that she told her! Oh, and there’s another man who dresses up as Father Christmas each year to give presents to one of the orphanages, and last year I went along to help him as an elf.” Timo chuckled happily, remembering all of the children. That had been his best Christmas since his mother had died.

Realising he’d chattered on mindlessly, as was his wont, he blushed again, straightening up from checking the last box and looking at Berwald. Timo was fortunate enough that he could talk to almost anyone, but even so, none of the friends that he’d made had been anything like the friendship that he’d had with the other man. No one that he’d see out of work. “Did you find any other friends at school after I left?” He asked, curiously. He was a little worried that Berwald hadn’t had anyone to talk to but his family.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Berwald let a soft smile curl his lips. Timo had always been so understanding and accepting of him. He usually got weird looks when he told people he still lived with parents. Not Timo... Timo was never like that. The large man suddenly felt a familiar sense of admiration well up for Timo as he watched him smile so brightly and happily while he spoke of things like family. Berwald remembered that Timo didn't even have a mother. The only family of Timo's that Berwald really knew was his father. The tall blond tried hard not to think about Timo's mother. He didn't know about what exactly happened to her but thinking of a motherless Timo always greatly depressed him. Berwald had always believed that sweet, kind, loving Timo never deserved anything like that.

“Yeah... They do appr'ciate it,” Berwald said kind of absently, placing two more boxes on the floor as he began to wonder about his own mother who was probably getting breakfast started back at home. He quickly snapped back to reality, however, when he heard Timo say he'd like to take him up on his offer. “You'd nev'r be a b'ther ta us, T'mo. Yer alw'ys welc'me in our h'me,” Berwald said truthfully. He silently agreed with Timo about the two of them meeting again. Berwald wouldn't have it any other way.

“S'not really 'bout me not bein' good enough ta t'ke ov'r the woodw'rk shop. Could t'ke ov'r now if I felt l'ke it... S'just th't I can m'ke more m'ney if I w'rk th's deliv'ry job, too. I'll prob'bly t'ke ov'r the shop wh'n I'm too old f'r all th's manual lab'r,” he said, jerking his head forward to gesture to all the boxes he was carrying.

Berwald noticed Timo squirm uncomfortably when he asked him about his family. Timo's answer was vague and rushed, he even switched topics as quickly as possible. This startled and worried Berwald terribly. He recalled that Timo and his father were never really that close. But they were still a family... right? 'Oh, God. I h'pe I hav'n't ups't him,' Berwald thought anxiously, now worrying that he'd gone too far with his questions and offended Timo.

But Berwald started feeling better when Timo happily began chattering about other things. 'Ah... I've m'ssed th's,' Berwald thought vaguely as he contented himself with listening to Timo talk. It reminded him of all the times he had listened to Timo talk for what seemed like hours, not caring in the slightest about how much time was passing by, just happy to be the one to hear whatever Timo felt like saying.

Berwald found the image of Timo as an elf to be very cute but, in the end, silently decided to himself that Timo would look cuter dressed as Father Christmas. He couldn't quite place why but, judging from the image he'd come up with in his head, Santa clothes suited Timo adorably.

After straightening up from checking the last box, Timo asked, “Did you find any other friends at school after I left?” Berwald made a noncommittal sort of noise and shrugged. “I h'd s'me, I guess. Nob'dy I really l'ked that m'ch. S'hard f'r me ta f'nd people I l'ke m're than being alone,” he mumbled, not sounding bothered. Berwald liked being alone... a lot. The only people he really liked more than being alone were his parents and Timo. Then, all of a sudden, Berwald remembered that it was only after Timo moved away that he felt true loneliness for the first time in his life. At that very moment, Berwald promised to himself that he wouldn't let the two of them drift apart ever again.

“How 'bout you? W're ya okay at yer new school?” Berwald questioned in return even though he was sure Timo made new friends okay. The younger man had always been very good at talking to people. After that thought occurred to him, however, Berwald felt a strong spike of jealousy course through his body because of the possibility that Timo had become closer to someone than the two of them had ever been.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Timo blushed a little again at being told that he was always welcome in Berwald’s house. That was… nice. Like he could be part of the family. He didn’t let himself dwell on that idea, though, just nodding softly. After all, there was still the matter of getting the time to go and visit Berwald, especially with his rent rise and all the extra shifts he’d have to do to cover that. Giggling softly at the idea of Berwald being too old for manual labour, Timo watched him with a fond smile. He just couldn’t imagine him being old and weak. To Timo Berwald was so strong, and always had been. In some ways, he was the opposite of Timo, strong and tall where Timo was small and weak, and perhaps that was why Timo had always admired him so much.

Frowning a little to hear that Berwald hadn’t found anyone else to talk with (or at least to talk at him, Timo did nod a little, though. He didn’t understand how Berwald liked to be alone so much, but it didn’t seem like it had bothered him, so Timo let it be. Besides, he’d have him again now! “I was okay there.” Timo answered to the question about school with a little nod. “I never met anyone quite like you, though!” He said, happily, unwittingly solving Berwald’s jealousy. He hadn’t been looking to replace Berwald. He’d had good friends, and people that he’d liked a lot, but why would someone replace Berwald when he was still around, even if Timo couldn’t see him? Perhaps Timo had just been waiting for this kind of chance meeting to bring them back together. He did, after all, believe in happy ever afters. And something had obviously kept him tied to Berwald, or he wouldn’t have kept wearing the necklace for all of these years. “I think you would have liked it there. They had a really nice design and technology lab, and I think sometimes they went out to the collage where they had a whole workshop to practice in!” Timo had heard about those trips, but never reached the year that that trip took place. The only reason he’d taken DT in the first place was because the smell of wood shavings reminded him of Berwald.

Suddenly Timo became aware that that was all of the delivery completed, and his face fell a little. He’d missed seeing Berwald a lot more than he realised, and he really didn’t want him to go. But he didn’t want Berwald to get in trouble for being late for his next delivery, and if Timo’s own boss caught him hanging around talking rather than sorting out the delivery… Reaching into the pocket of his apron, Timo pulled out his waiter’s notebook and after some thought scribbled a number down there. Ripping the page out, he offered it to Berwald with a bright smile. “That’s my mobile number.” He told him. “I really do want to see you again. I’ve missed you a lot!” He admitted, blushing a little again. “Um… I probably can’t meet tonight, but I’m working seven to seven tomorrow, so we might be able to meet somewhere after that?” As much as he wanted to meet Berwald again tonight, Timo knew that he was reaching his limit, and it was doubtful he’d be good for anything tonight. Better to rest up, and then be able to be properly attentive in a day then see Berwald tonight and be good for nothing except causing Berwald to worry. And Timo hated other people worrying about himself. He wasn’t worth worrying over.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Berwald was glad to hear that Timo had been okay at the school he had transferred to and probably even more glad – embarrassingly enough – about his latter comment. 'Well, at least I d'n't feel jealous anym're,' Berwald mused to himself happily, another light blush dusting his cheeks. He was mildly surprised at his reaction, though, since he had never pegged himself as the jealous type. It bothered him a little but he decided to let it go and not think about it too much. He knew Timo was an exception for a lot of things so he figured he didn't really mind.

“Hm, th't does sound n'ce,” Berwald said in a dreamy kind of way or as dreamy as he could possibly sound, what with his mumbling and all, wishing the school he had gone to had had something like that. He let his mind momentarily wander to his father's workshop, the place he spent the most time in. And then he fondly began to recall all the times Timo had come over to watch him work. It was that thought that suddenly gave him the idea of making something for Timo. A wooden figurine maybe? Berwald wasn't new to carving figurines since he always carved all sorts of embellishments onto the furniture he made. He decided to think about it more later.

Berwald finally snapped out of his half-reverie when he noticed he was finished unloading all the specified deliveries for the cafe Timo worked at. He felt his heart sink. He really wanted to stay longer and continue talking to Timo but he still had other deliveries to make. Timo had his own job to get back to as well. The younger man probably had to sort all the contents of the boxes already.

He was about to ask Timo how to contact him when the small blond suddenly took a small notebook out of his apron's pocket and started scribbling something on it. When he finished writing whatever it was that he wrote, he ripped the page out and offered it to Berwald. “That's my mobile number,” Timo told him with a big smile on his face. “I really do want to see you again. I've missed you a lot,” Timo added, blushing cutely. Berwald felt his cheeks grow warm at that. “M'ssed ya, too,” Berwald mumbled quietly as he took the proffered piece of paper. He usually wasn't so open about such embarrassing feelings but things were different with Timo. And if Timo could be honest about his feelings then so could he, right? He glanced at the number and felt his blush deepen for a reason he couldn't explain.

“Um… I probably can't meet tonight, but I'm working seven to seven tomorrow, so we might be able to meet somewhere after that?” Timo ended his sentence like a question, as if checking if what he said was alright with Berwald. “Th't sounds good ta me,” Berwald said, nodding once. “Pr'mise me you'll g't a good n'ght's sleep, though. L'ke I said b'fore, ya look exhausted... T'ke care of yers'lf m're, alr'ght, T'mo?” Berwald said quietly.

“Guess th's is it,” the tall blond said as he checked the rest of the boxes in the back of the van before re-locking its backdoor. He only had three more places to go and all of them were on his usual delivery route so there had been no need for his boss to provide directions for them like he did earlier for the cafe Timo worked at.

“I'll see ya soon, T'mo.”

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Timo’s cheeks only darkened further when Berwald admitted that he’d missed him too. Timo really thought that the older man would have forgotten him. After all, it had been so long since they’d last seen each other! Timo hadn’t forgotten about berwald, but he hadn’t known if Berwald had moved on. At least he took the number, though! He smiled when Berwald agreed with him, and he nodded at the request to look after himself better. He would sleep at least. He couldn’t not do! No doubt by the end of his factory shift he’d be barely standing.

“I'll see ya soon, T'mo.”

“Yes! I’ll be looking forward to it.” Timo hesitated, biting his lip and watching Berwald. He wanted to hug him – he’d wanted to earlier, but he’d always been a little scared of Berwald. He couldn’t help it, there was just something about the man that was terrifying, but he still felt guilty about it. He’d only managed to hug him once before, and that was the last time that he’d seen him. Of course… that had been all right, but that had been under very different circumstances. Still, Timo hesitatingly reached out, brushing his hand along Berwald’s arm, a light contact, but enough to reassure him.

“Please be careful.” Timo wasn’t a big fan of cars, or even of trains and trams, though that was probably something to do with how rarely he used them. “And thank you for the delivery!” He smiled brightly, and released Berwald’s arm so the man could get into his van, and stepped away so he’d be well out of the way of the vehicle when he started it. He waved cheerfully, standing in the doorway, intending on waiting on Berwald to be out of sight before moving on to start sorting out the delivery.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

When Timo reached out to him a bit cautiously and brushed his hand on his arm, Berwald felt yet another blush color his cheeks. He wasn't sure how to respond to the light contact but he, at least, didn't deny or brush it off. It was fleeting but... Berwald decided that he liked it. The idea of hugging Timo came to mind but Berwald almost immediately dismissed the thought. Though he actually found himself wanting to hug the small blond, he knew there was no way he could work the nerve to. He internally cursed his social awkwardness.

Berwald recalled the only time he had hugged Timo. It was right before he had moved away, the last time they'd seen each other. He remembered it feeling nice... almost indescribably so.

“Please be careful. And thank you for the delivery!” Timo said, smiling as he finally released his light hold on Berwald's arm. “I w'll. And you're w'lcome,” Berwald said as he got back into the van. He waved back to Timo before starting the engine and, as he drove off, found himself wondering if he could persuade his boss into letting him do all the deliveries for the cafe Timo worked at from now on.