Catching Up [Berwald]

[Timo Väinämöinen]

The atmosphere still felt a little awkward, but at least the subject had changed, so Timo relaxed, watching Berwald as he took a surprisingly small bite out of his sandwich. “If you do, send me a text first!” Timo said, happily. “I’m trying to get more shifts there because I like working there best and I get tips there, but I am only part time there.” He didn’t want Berwald to turn up when he wasn’t there, after all! “I think I’m going to be there most of next week, though.” He knew he’d be tired by the end of it, but he needed the money, and he preferred to get the rent put aside as soon as possible so he could relax somewhat for the rest of the month. Just realising that he’d asked Berwald to spend even more money on him – this time coming to visit him at the café, Timo’s blush darkened again. “O-oh, and I’ll ask if I can get you a discount!” He said, quickly. “I’m sure they won’t mind, they give discounts to their friends all the time.” He said, with a nod. “You really don’t have to come if you don’t want to, though. I don’t mind! When I have some more money I can treat you then instead, or, um, we can meet up and go for a walk or do something free. We can do that anyway, but I mean instead…” Timo trailed off, embarrassed by how foolish he sounded, and looked down at his lap. “I don’t want you to waste more money on me, not when you have your parents to look after.” He said, quietly. He couldn’t imagine how Berwald was doing that when Timo needed two jobs just to pay the rent. Maybe Berwald was paid well, but Will had assured him that he was paying him more than usual.

Reaching out for the cake to distract himself a bit, Timo cut it in half, and nudged the slightly bigger bit towards Berwald, but then sat back. “I don’t mind waiting for you.” He was hungry, and the cake looked and smelt delicious, but that didn’t mean that he was going to be rude! “You brought it after all!” He smiled brightly at Berwald, still a little guilty, but at the same time pleased that Berwald had. It was a nice gesture.

Timo blinked when Berwald hesitated, but smiled at what he said. “It’s all right. I don’t mind. You were just asking a question!” He was a little sad to hear that Berwald had dropped out, remembering his plans to get a college degree. “I’m sure you did your best. You must have had a good reason to!” He smiled at Berwald, trying to cheer him up. “Anyway, you’re the best woodworker that ever was, so you don’t need it!” Leaning in a little, Timo beamed at Berwald. “One day you’re going to be the most famous carpenter, and then you won’t need that degree anyway.” He spoke confidently, sure of Berwald’s ability. He was only sad that Berwald hadn’t completed the degree because he thought that it might make Berwald think less of himself, Timo trusted Berwald utterly to do what was best.

“Oh, that’s what I wanted to tell you!” Timo sat back suddenly, still smiling happily. “I got to go fishing last month and I caught two fish!” Timo wasn’t too good at fishing – while he had endless patience, he wasn’t very good at sitting still. But he enjoyed it anyway, especially since it made him think of his father. “We should go fishing together one day, and then I’ll cook the fish for us!” He said, excitedly.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

“I'll text ya then... N'xt week sounds good ta me,” Berwald mumbled quietly. All of a sudden, Timo's blush darkened noticeably and he started babbling. The tall blond was listening intently to Timo's words at first but ended up blinking in surprise as the younger man looked down at his lap, his voice trailing off feebly. “I don't want you to waste more money on me, not when you have your parents to look after,” he said quietly, almost sounding ashamed. Berwald's bright turquoise widened visibly, he was honestly perplexed as to why Timo would ever think that spending money on him would be a waste. “T'mo... I w'nt ta go. I-I w'nt ta see ya again... and it'd be easiest fer us ta jus' meet in yer cafe, right? S'not a waste of m'ney if it's on you so... so don't th'nk th't,” Berwald said softly but sincerely, a fierce blush on his face. “B'sides... the woodw'rk shop brings in a good amount of prof't so don't w'rry 'bout how much it'll cost me. And s'nce me and m'p'rents l've in our own house, we don't h've ta w'rry 'bout rent. Ah! N-not th't a d'scount at yer cafe wouldn't be appreciated... We st'll get strapped fer m'ney ev'ry now and then,” the tall blond explained sheepishly, still blushing scarlet partly due to his surprise at how much he said.

“S'okay... Jus' go ahead and start on yer half already. It looks too good ta ign're fer much long'r,” Berwald said, a soft chuckle rumbling past his lips. It was sweet of Timo to offer to wait for him but he still had quite a bit of his sandwich to finish off. The tall blond had always been a pretty slow eater. Berwald was grateful for Timo's usual thoughtfulness but wouldn't mind at all if the small blond went ahead and ate his share of cake. It was the thought that really mattered anyway.

Berwald blushed so deeply at Timo's praise that he thought steam might come whistling from his ears. He was extremely flattered that the small blond really thought that. “I-I, uhm... I...” the older man stuttered out somewhat pathetically, obviously struggling to come up with a proper response. “Nobody's ev'r s-said anyth'ng l'ke th't ta me... Thank you,” Berwald finally breathed out, trying to calm down and force the dark blush to fade from his cheeks. Timo's words meant a lot to the older blond. He was relieved that the small blond didn't think less of him for not finishing college. The younger man even thought that he could achieve so much without a college degree. Berwald had always been confident about his skills as a woodworker but Timo's words gave him something else, something a little bit more than just confidence. The tall blond couldn't quite put his finger on what it was but he felt as if his love for woodworking grew after watching his dearest friend speak so passionately. The younger man's belief in his abilities as a woodworker shone brightly in his violet eyes and it made something spark in Berwald's heart.

“Sounds l'ke a lot of fun. Would love ta go f'shing w'th ya s'meday,” Berwald said quietly, a small but pleasant smile curling his lips. He hadn't gone fishing that many times in his life but he knew that it was a task that suited him well since he was a very patient man and quite good at sitting still. A peaceful day of fishing with Timo sounded like an amazing break from his usual quick-paced days of making deliveries. And for some reason the tall blond couldn't really fathom, the thought of Timo cooking for him was very comforting.

((YAYYY! Page two! <3))

[Timo Väinämöinen]

When Berwald admitted that sometimes his family still got strapped for cash sometimes, Timo looked down guiltily at his empty plate. He should have thought and asked Berwald out for a walk to catch up on in the first place. This café had been a bad idea from the start, and inviting him to his own was even worse. Still, he didn’t know what to say now. He couldn’t take back the offer. He’d just have to live with the guilt and hope that he could get Berwald that discount. Maybe if his boss didn’t give him one he’d just take the difference out of his wages.

A little amused by the blush on Berwald’s cheeks, Timo was amazed to think that he’d caused it. It made him a little embarrassed himself, actually, and a trace of red returned to his cheeks. Still… Berwald was strangely cute like that, even if he was still terrifying to look at, and in a way it pleased Timo to know that he could make that kind of response from the other man. It was good to see that softer side of him. “It’s all true!” He said, quickly, to reassure Berwald. “I believe in you.” He smiled happily. He always had believed in Berwald. The other man was too strong and good not to get everything that he deserved, and if there was anything that Timo could do to help him get there, he had always been willing to help.

Timo was pleased that Berwald accepted the offer and he smiled brightly at him. Maybe somehow at the end of the month he’d be able to afford a day off and he’d be able to spend the whole day with him. That would be a rare treat and if he could… well, it’d be worth any amount of missing sleep. But with his rent raise… well, he’d try not to think about it. And even if they couldn’t have the whole day they could still go down for the evening, maybe. He hummed happily and did a pleased little wiggle in his seat, obviously happy at the thought of it. “Maybe at the end of the month, then!” He said, smiling brightly. And if not, he’d suggest it again next month, because it really did sound like it would be fun.

Finally reaching out again, Timo took his half of the cake and carefully slid it onto the plate that had held his sandwich, unable to wait any longer. It just looked so delicious! And when he took a little bite he was pleased to find that it tasted just as good as it looked. Letting out a content moan, under the table his toes curled from pleasure. It’d been so long since he’d had such a lovely treat! “This is so good! You picked really well!” He ate slowly so that he could enjoy it for as long as possible. He was unlikely to get another sweet treat like this for a long time, so he needed to indulge while he could.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

When Timo glanced down at his plate guiltily after Berwald mentioned how things were tight for his family every once in a while, the tall blond frowned softly. “T'mo... S'okay w'th me, really. Wouldn't h've agreed ta meet at th's cafe or offered ta treat ya if I couldn't aff'rd it. Same goes fer anoth'r meet'ng at yer cafe,” Berwald said softly, hoping his words would be enough to reassure the younger blond. The older man truly didn't mind spending more money on eating out since it meant he would get to see Timo again soon. Of course, he wouldn't have objected to a cheaper alternative either but Timo's cafe was probably the most convenient meeting place at the moment. Besides, it didn't matter to Berwald if he had to take another delivery shift or bear a couple of sleepless nights to build extra pieces of furniture for more money because he knew it would be worth it. And he really did want to try out the food there anyway since Timo had spoken so positively about some of the choices on the menu.

“I believe in you,” Timo said, a cheerful smile on his face. Just those words made any hope Berwald had of fighting his blush down evaporate into the air, for the color in his cheeks intensified to the point that the tall blond just had to wonder if his face could get any redder. “Th-thank you... Means a lot ta me,” Berwald mumbled, more than a little embarrassed that he had admitted it out loud but too flattered and pleased to care too much. He wasn't quite sure himself as to why it was Timo's words that had affected him so greatly. His parents had spoken similar words to him several times already but when they came from Timo... His own reactions confused him and he really had no idea what to make of them at the moment so Berwald just settled for letting the issue slip from his thoughts.

Berwald couldn't help but let out a low chuckle as Timo wiggled happily in his seat and talked in his usual chipper manner. The younger blond was just too cute. “I'll m'ke sure ta free m'sch'dule up, th'n. Already look'ng forw'rd to it,” Berwald said, a small smile on his lips. The idea of fishing with Timo sounded even better now with a temporary date set. Even if something should happen to come up for either of them, they could always just reschedule the fishing trip anyway. The tall blond noted that it had been so long since the last time he had done a leisurely activity that wasn't related to woodworking. And as much as Berwald loved woodworking, he had to admit that fishing would be a nice change of pace.

Berwald watched Timo start on his half of the slice of cake with a look of amusement. The younger blond really was just too cute. He resisted the strong urge to shake his head fondly as he chewed the small chunk of sandwich he had just bitten off. “M'glad ya l'ke it,” he mumbled, after swallowing. He happily noted to himself that he was almost done with his ham sandwich. After just three more bites, he had finally finished all of it off. He wiped his hands clean with a paper napkin before setting his empty sandwich plate to the side and pulling his half of the slice of cake closer to him. He took a small bite and let out a low hum, enjoying the cake's sweet taste. “S'good...” Berwald murmured mostly to himself though he was sure his voice was still loud enough for Timo to hear. He suddenly remembered his mother who had quite a liking for any kind of delicious pastry. Maybe he could take both of his parents here on some other occasion-- Ah! For one reason or another, thinking of his parents gave Berwald an idea. “Ya should c'me ov'r ta m'place soon, T'mo. Fer dinner. I can pick ya up s'mewhere at the end of m'deliv'ry shift if ya need me to. I can dr'p ya off at yer place aft'r dinn'r, too, since I can jus' b'rrow one of m'boss' deliv'ry vans fer the night. Should be alright w'th him since he owes me a m'llion fav'rs anyway. So, u-um... would ya l'ke ta c'me ov'r? Me and m'p'rents would really l've ta h've ya. O-oh, y-ya don't h've ta if ya really don't w'nt ta, though. Jus' c'me ov'r if yer really alright w'th the idea,” Berwald said, trying his best not to look too hopeful that Timo would take him up on his offer. The last thing he wanted was to pressure the younger man into doing something he didn't really want to.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Berwald’s words did a little to reassure Timo, and he did look back up at him, relaxing somewhat. He gave a little nod, but he still promised himself that the next few suggestions he made about meeting up would be either free or considerably cheaper. And he’d still do his best to make sure Berwald paid as little as possible in the café too. It would make life easier for both of them. Timo was pleased to see that Berwald seemed to take his compliments well too, even if Berwald did seem to blush even more! On anyone else’s face that would have looked adorable, and even on Berwald’s Timo couldn’t help but think that he looked cute. Sort of. “Good! You’ll know that I mean it, then!” Timo’s compliments were always sincere, especially to someone like Berwald who meant so much to him.

Playing with his hands, Timo considered the offer of coming to his house for a meal. He wanted to visit Berwald’s house again and meet his parents, and if Berwald really would pick him up and take him home then Timo wouldn’t have much excuse not to go. But he didn’t want to take advantage of his hospitality! He was also terrified of Berwald seeing where he lived. “I… I think I would like that a lot.” He admitted, offering Berwald a shy smile. “Maybe at the end of the month? I don’t mind bringing something to eat! A dessert or something.” He offered. “And it seems a bit silly to drop me off at home. I can walk or get the tram just as easily. I’d really like it if you could pick me up, though! If it’s not too much hastle, of course.” He made a happy noise, thinking about seeing Berwald’s parents again. “Your mum likes sweet things, right? I can make a cake or a pie or something.” He said, already planning it out in his head happily, even though Berwald hadn’t asked his parents and they hadn’t set a date yet.

Finishing his part of the cake, Timo set his fork down and relaxed back in his seat, watching Berwald happily for a moment.. “You know, I dreamt about snow the other day.” He said, happily. “Snow and a lily of the valley, which is funny, because I can’t remember there ever being snow around when they bloom.” He seemed happy enough, though. It had been a very vivid dream. He could still remember the combined smell of the snow and the flowers, as though it really was a memory rather than a dream. “Do you remember that year that we got sent home from school because of the snow?” He said, suddenly, his attention flicking back to Berwald. “When I fell over on the way home and you saved me.” He chuckled at the memory. “You had to save me a lot at school. You must have been tired of it by the time I moved.”

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Berwald knew that Timo would never lie to him on purpose or praise him without meaning it. The younger man wasn't that kind of person; he was too honest and sincere. The tall blond resisted the urge to wearily sigh at himself as he continued to struggle to fight down his blush. 'Hav'n't blushed this hard in a long while,' he admitted to himself meekly, letting his gaze drop to his plate. With those thoughts lingering in his mind, Berwald realized that he had probably made a huge fool of himself for getting so worked up over something so little. He carried on staring hard at his share of cake, already beginning to feel even more embarrassed. He looked up again to apologize but, as soon as he laid his eyes on Timo's face again, he suddenly recalled what he had said earlier. 'T'mo's words... aren't somethin' l'ttle at all. Told him they meant a lot ta me... and they really do,' Berwald thought to himself, starting to feel a little better. As long as Timo knew that his words were important to him, the bespectacled man didn't care if his reactions made him seem silly. After all of his internal musing, the tall blond had managed to calm down. He was relieved to finally feel his cheeks cooling.

Berwald let a tiny smile curl his lips, pleased and relieved to hear that Timo wanted to come over. “Whenev'r is okay w'th me. S'not a hassle; 'm glad ta do it,” he mumbled, hoping to reassure the younger man. Berwald's eyebrows raised slightly in pleasant surprise upon hearing Timo mention his mother's fondness for sweets. “Hm, 'm s'prised ya r'member tha' much 'bout her. Moth'r'll be really happy,” the older blond said fondly. Of course, Berwald himself was happy that Timo actually remembered something like that; it was incredibly sweet of the small blond.

Berwald grunted softly in a pleased kind of way at the mention of snow. He had always loved it. Though some people disliked it because of the cold it always came with, the bespectacled blond found snow very comforting and familiar. “Sounds like an int'r'sting dream,” he commented quietly, trying to avoid letting his mind drift to his own dreams. The dreams he had been having lately were... interesting, strange and kind of troubling. Berwald grunted again, this time in affirmation. “Yeah, I r'member that. S'been so long,” he muttered, feeling delightfully nostalgic. However, the tall blond couldn't help but furrow his brow lightly at Timo's last sentence. “Ya know tha's not true, T'mo,” he said gently, remembering how protective of Timo he had been back when they were younger. He also began to remember how worried he'd been about the small blond when he had moved. What if people bullied him in his new school? Who would defend him? Who would protect him?

It wasn't that Berwald had had absolutely no faith in Timo to take care of himself, it was just that... that Timo meant so much to him he couldn't stop himself from worrying his head off. The possibility of Timo being bullied had been very real at the time and Berwald had hated it so much since he couldn't do anything about it. Right at that moment, Berwald practically forced himself to stop recalling those particular memories. He didn't want to grow too upset. “D'you r'member when we first met? I saved ya tha' time, too,” Berwald murmured, smiling lightly.

((That took a lot longer than I expected, sorryyy. OTL))

[Timo Väinämöinen]

“We can arrange everything closer to the time, then!” Timo said, happily, though that wouldn’t stop him from planning things in his head. It had been so long since he’d seen Berwald’s parents! “I think I remember everything.” He admitted with a chuckle. “After all, they were really nice to me when we were young, and they’re important to you so they’re important to me too!” Timo’s memories of the time he’d spent with Berwald when he was younger was one of the things that he used to try and cheer himself up if his mood darkened when he was alone. There was just something about remembering those times, when everything had been so much easier and simpler that made him smile.

Actually, Timo had never really been a target for bullies. He’d done fine when he moved to his new school, and had made new friends easily enough, even if there had never been anyone quite like Berwald there. There had been a few people who had tried to take advantage of his niceness, who had fed Timo sob stories until he gave them what little money he had, or his lunch, or whatever else they wanted, but Timo had always honestly believed them, just feeling a little bit disappointed if they were ever proven to be false. “I remember!” He said, with an embarrassed chuckle. “I was almost more scared of you than those boys. At least I came back to apologise for running away from you the next day, though, or we might not have ever become friends!” Timo hated the idea of Berwald being left on his own. What if he’d never made any friends at all? That’d be awful!

“Do you remember the first time I came to visit you?” Timo continued, happily enjoying the nostalgia. “I thought your parents might be scary, but they were so nice that I didn’t want to leave!” He beamed, full of fond memories. He could still remember the smell of woodchips that seemed to fill Berwald’s house. Mind you, that might just be Berwald’s proximity, then and now. Timo paused, realising he’d never managed to return the offer and have Berwald over, not when they were children, and he still couldn’t now. He felt a little guilty about it, but at least he could bring something for them all to eat if he did visit this time, unlike when they were younger, and he’d just had to apologise and do his best to help around the house. Timo also remembered a couple of times when he’d slept round Berwald’s house. At first he’d been too scared to sleep next to Berwald, but they’d always woken up curled up together, even if some sort of unspoken agreement had formed not to mention it. Timo blushed a little, remembering how comfortable that had always been, but decided not to mention it now, keeping that agreement still.

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

“They missed ya a lot aft'r ya moved,” Berwald said, recalling the day he informed his parents that Timo was leaving. His mother, ever the emotional one, had cried a little. “Y-your... best f-friend, Ber! S-such a... sweet boy! Oh, this... this is aw... awful!” she had said tearfully in between sniffles. His father had taken it a little bit better. A little bit. “Nooooo, not Timo! The two of you apart... I can't even picture it! Why is fate so cruel, Ber? Why?!” he had whined loudly, sounding a bit like a child. Though Berwald hadn't vocalized his feelings about Timo's moving away as much as his parents had, he was, of course, the one who had taken it the hardest. Going back to how things were before befriending Timo had been very depressing because as much as Berwald liked being alone, he liked being around Timo more. The bespectacled man didn't even consider making new friends because he knew nobody would ever be able to replace the small blond.

“Wasn't s'prised when ya ran away fr'm me. Gen'ral reaction,” Berwald said, shrugging his shoulders lightly as if to say: That's how it is, nothing I can do. “What really s'prised me was when ya came ta talk ta me the next day,” the tall blond mumbled, a tiny smile on his face. After all, Timo had been the very first person to (nervously) come up to Berwald and (nervously) have lunch with him. The older man had never really minded being alone. The idea of going through all of his days at school totally friendless had not bothered him in the slightest. But things had changed after he met Timo. Though he still liked being alone, he eventually found out that being friends with the younger blond was a lot nicer. Timo's companionship had given him a whole new look on... well, almost everything that had to do with friendship. Berwald, however, didn't become any keener on making other friends. Timo had always been more than enough for him. And even after being separated from the younger man for years, the tall blond still hadn't changed his mind about that fact.

“I r'member. Really well, too. Had lots of fun,” Berwald said quietly, a small but pleasant smile on his lips. “I don't think they wanted ya ta leave eith'r,” he said, chuckling softly. The older man fondly recalled how happy his parents had been about him making such a nice friend, about him making a friend at all. Emil and Atalie knew that their son was completely comfortable with being alone but had still been thrilled to hear that Berwald had made a friend that he actually liked. With all the reminiscing he and Timo were doing, the older blond began to feel as though he honestly couldn't wait any longer for Timo to come over again. Some of his most cherished memories were the ones of Timo coming over to his home and just spending time with him and his parents. Berwald also especially liked the times the small blond would come over to the woodwork shop and just watch him build furniture. He didn’t know why but whenever Timo was around him while he worked, he felt calm and at peace. It was almost as if he couldn't ask for anything more in the world during those moments.

“You should come ov'r ta the woodw'rk shop soon, too. I want ta show ya what I can do now... I've... I've gotten a lot better,” Berwald mumbled shyly after swallowing the last bit of his share of cake.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Berwald’s comment just made Timo feel even worse for running away from him that time. And after he’d saved him too! Coming back probably didn’t make up for it, and Timo played with his hands under the table. Maybe if he saved up if he could find some way to make up for it? It would be nice to take Berwald out somewhere, to a nice restaurant or something, or maybe to the theatre up in the Highlands, but that would take months, or even years to save up for. Maybe he could make something instead? Timo wasn’t sure what, though, and he wasn’t good with crafts like Berwald was. He wasn’t bad at coming up with ideas, but actually working them through… that was the hard bit.

Timo chuckled fondly, remembering how nice Berwald’s parents had always been to him. Sometimes… well, sometimes when his father was in a particularly bad mood he’d curled up under the covers and wished that Berwald’s parents were his as well and he could go and live with them. He always regretted it immediately afterwards, though, and felt bad about it. “It’d be fun to do something like that again!” He said, cheerfully, forgetting that perhaps that wasn’t normal for men of their age. But they didn’t have to sleep in the same bed this time! Timo was used to sleeping on the floor now. It’d just be fun to spend time together. “I want to come and see it again! You were so good to begin with, you must be amazing now.” Timo agreed, instantly, beaming happily at Berwald. “Maybe when I come over for dinner you can show me?” He requested.

Noticing that Berwald had finished his cake, Timo let out a little sigh. He didn’t want the evening to be over, but he was still tired, and he had work early in the morning. Glancing at Berwald he played with his hands again, before offering a small smile. “It was really nice to see you again.” He said. “I really missed spending time with you. But, um, I have work in the morning, and you probably do too, so…” He let the sentence trail off, and he let out another sigh. Still! At least he’d had a good time! And they’d been able to catch up, and Timo made a promise to himself that he’d make sure that he could see Berwald again soon. He didn’t want to let Berwald slip out of his life again. It had been too lonely the first time.

Gathering up his hat and standing up, Timo fumbled in his wallet to leave a tip for the waiter, and then waited for Berwald to join him. They could at least walk out together, even if they’d have to head in different directions after that. “Are you going to get the tram home or walk?” He asked, smiling again, and happily staying close to Berwald. He was determined to enjoy what time they had left together!

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

“I'd... really like that,” Berwald mumbled truthfully. The idea of two grown men having a sleepover was a bit peculiar but the older blond hardly cared. It didn't have to be exactly like when they were younger. The bespectacled man fought down a small blush as he recalled the times Timo had come over to his house to spend the night. The two of them had always shared Berwald's bed whenever the younger blond had come to sleep over and, for some reason, they had always woken up curled up together quite comfortably. Though Berwald had always found waking up like that to be extremely pleasant, there had been a silent agreement between him and Timo to never mention it. Directing his thoughts back to the present, the older man realized that the idea of sleeping so closely to his old friend again was weirdly inviting. He mentally chided himself a little, finally deciding it would be for the best if the younger man took his bed while he slept on the floor.

“I don't know 'bout amazin' but... u-um... Ah, y-you'll see fer yerself soon,” he muttered as he flushed light pink, half-embarrassed and half-pleased. Berwald had never been the type to receive compliments too well. “Alright. When ya come ov'r fer dinn'r, then,” he said quietly, not quite seeming it but already even more excited about Timo coming over.

Berwald raised an eyebrow just a fraction of an inch at the tiny sigh his friend had just let out. He opened his mouth to ask him what was wrong but quickly realized why the younger man had sighed. He had finished his cake. And that basically meant their meeting was coming to a close. The other blond offered him a small smile before speaking again. He didn't say a lot and it wasn't at all like his usual chatter but Berwald listened to him with the same intent attentiveness. Timo let his last sentence trail off before sighing again. The older man hummed somberly, also sad that the two of them had to part ways already. But he was glad, too, of course, because he'd had a very good time catching up with his old friend. “Thank you, T'mo. I had fun... Let's see each oth'r again v'ry soon, 'kay?” Berwald said, a light smile tugging at his lips.

Noting that his friend had already gotten up and was leaving a tip for the waiter, the tall blond promptly decided to follow suit, standing up from his own seat and leaving a tip as well. “...Walk, I guess,” Berwald mumbled after a short moment of deliberation. His home was a good 40 minutes away on foot but he decided that he wanted some time to think a little. After all, going for a walk was one of the bespectacled man's favorite things to do while brooding. “How 'bout you? Takin' the tr'm?”

[Timo Väinämöinen]

“I-I want to see you again soon!” Timo quickly agreed. “And I’ll text you when I can.” He promised. He’d enjoyed staying catching up with Berwald, but even more then that, he’d enjoyed spending time with him again. He wanted to meet up with him again, and soon, but he was aware that there was work to do for both of them. He just had to hope that towards the end of the month he’d have more time, so he could spend time properly with Berwald. He wished it could be like when they were at school, and he could spend hours and hours with Berwald every day.

Outside, Timo hesitated, watching Berwald. “Oh, I was going to walk home too.” He couldn’t afford to take the tram, but he smiled brightly anyway. “I like it! It gives me a chance to think.” He said, happily. He’d like the rest of getting the tram too, especially when he was so exhausted. “And the weather’s not bad today!” He pointed out. Obviously, they he was looking forward to the walk, which was probably promising.

Timo glanced down the street, and then paused and looked back at Berwald. He licked his lips nervously. He had always been too scared to touch Berwald when he was little. Oh, there had always been times when he had accidentally brushed against him, and the mornings they’d woken up pressed against each other, but no intentional contact, aside from that one, nervous hug before Timo had had to leave. Berwald was just too scary! But… Timo was too old to be scared now, right? It was silly to be scared. He knew that Berwald would never hurt him. Timo took a deep breath, then stepped closer to the taller blonde and leant up to wrap his arms around Berwald’s neck, hugging him in for the second time. It was a nervous, short hug, and soon he stepped back, giving Berwald a nervous smile. “Have a safe journey home. And sleep well!”

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Berwald nodded a little at Timo's response, silently wondering about how much time it would take for the small blond to reach his flat on foot. “Ah... I like it fer tha' reas'n, too,” he mumbled, sounding pleased. “Yeah, 'm glad 'bout that. Don't like it when I have ta take the tram jus' 'cause of bad weath'r,” he said, trying not to think about all the times he had been pretty much forced by nature to spend more money on tram fare.

Timo looked down the road for a brief moment and paused before shifting his gaze back to the older blond. Berwald remained silent as he looked back at his friend. He would have been a little more perplexed about Timo's nervous expression if something else about the small blond's face had not caught his attention. The exact same feeling of worry he'd had earlier that night slowly began to course through him again. 'He looks... so tired,' Berwald thought to himself sadly. He'd had a good time catching up with Timo but... when he looked at the dark bags under his friend's eyes, he felt something clench painfully in his chest and wondered if it would've been better if the younger blond, in favor of sleeping earlier, had not come to meet him. 'He still has ta walk back ta his flat... Don't want ta keep him from restin' any long'r, should jus' say g'bye now,' he thought decidedly. But just as he was about to open his mouth to speak, Timo hugged him.

Berwald blinked at the sudden swooping sensation in his stomach, completely unaware of the light blush forming on his cheeks. Quickly realizing he wasn't responding, he wrapped an arm around his friend's small frame and awkwardly hugged back. Before the tall blond knew it, the hug was over and Timo was stepping back with a nervous smile on his face. “Have a safe journey home. And sleep well!” the younger man said cheerfully. “Same to ya. Take care and... rest lots,” Berwald mumbled, trying not to sound too worried. “...G'bye, T'mo. See ya again soon.”