The Parade ((Open to all))

[Solus]

((As with last year, this thread is open to everyone who wants to join, and everyone is encouraged to join. I'll be posting under this account when it leaves the Lowlands, when it reaches the Highlands, and at dawn.))

The days leading up to the parade were drizzling and wet. It looked like it was going to be a miserable one this year, and the shops and market stalls did a roaring trade in umbrellas, coats and waterproof lanterns. However, although the day of the 31st was just as bad as those preceding it, by nightfall it started to ease up, and the clouds briefly parted, revealing a beautiful sunset, lighting up the twin cities with red light as the final preparations were made. In the Low Lands, by the great hall that was the starting place of the parade, the hustle and bustle that always preceded it had started as politicians in their ceremonial outfits arrived and started to arrange themselves.

The boy who was to lead the parade this year happened to be the son of one of them, but that wasn't surprising. The child who was to lead the parade was picked by putting everyone who turned ten on the 1st April that year into a ballot, so a lot of parents tried to conceive for that date. Schools were always full of children whose birthdays were at the end of march or the beginning of April. For some reason, though, Highlanders seemed to be picked more often than Lowlanders. About half an hour before sunset he arrived with his parents, his father dressed up like the other politicians. He didn’t seem nervous like last years, and he held himself proudly, much like his father beside him. They fussed over him as crowds started to fill up the square in front of them, policemen marking out a passage for the parade to start through.

Between the buildings there was a clear view of the sea, and as the sun started to dip behind the horizon, the boy and his family made their way down to the front of the queue of politicians. His mother fussed over his outfit once more, then gave him his lantern to hold as they watched the sun slowly disappear from view. When at last it did, he lit the lantern from his taper, and around him the men and women that had come to watch the start of the parade did the same, lighting the dusk with tiny flickers of light as the parade started on its journey up towards the Hall.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Even though it was a bank holiday, Timo had still managed to get a shift at the cafe the day of the 31st. His boss seemed pleased to keep the place open - as most people did have the day off it was busier than normal, and Timo was pleased to find that most were being more generous than normal with tips as well. He couldn't help but smile brightly as he counted them up in his brief break. For once he wouldn't have to worry about the first week after paying the rent, and maybe he'd even have something left to buy Berwald a present!

By the end of his shift, though, he was tired, and he didn't have long to get home and shower. He ended up falling asleep in his towel, half draped over his bed, but luckily he was woken by the noise as people started to gather. He'd only slept for half an hour or so, but the sun was already beginning to set. Dressing quickly, he made up a sandwich to take for dinner, and grabbed his lantern from the table. He'd thought that he wouldn't be able to afford one this year, but one of his regulars had taken pity on him and tipped him enough that he'd be able to buy a cheap one. He felt guilty now after all the tips that he'd gotten today, but maybe he'd pay her back when he next saw her.

Running, he made it to the starting point just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Panting a little, he hunted in his pockets, but then realised he hadn't remembered to bring his matches to light his lantern. Flushing, he looked to the person next to him, waiting for them to light their lantern, and then gently tapping them on the shoulder. "Ah, sorry. Can I borrow that?" He asked, pointing to what they'd used to light theirs. "I managed to forget mine." He added, with an embarrassed chuckle.

[Mathias Køhler]

It had been an extremely boring day by Mathias's standards. With the holiday taking work away from him, the woodcutter spent most of the day at home baking danishes and listening to the radio. Mathias figured he might as well cook up a storm of danishes and bring them to the parade. He and a close annoying friend of his, Berwald, were supposed to meet up at the starting point twenty minutes to sundown. It was still a couple of hours before their arranged meeting time but Mathias was getting impatient, alone in his log cabin. The blond packed his pastries and decided to go on ahead to the parade early.

As soon as Mathias arrived at the starting point he found himself still waiting impatiently except in an open space with a large amount of people. The blond spent the rest of his time buying food and even found a good place for a smoke. Undeniably, though, it was a little refreshing to see so many unfamiliar faces all at once. Mathias had been spending so much time chopping down trees in a forest he'd almost forgotten what a crowd looked like. A kindle of appreciation for the parade lit in the blond's heart. Oh snap the parade. He still didn't have a lantern.

A small jolt of panic came over him as he started frantically searching his long black coat for some money. He had spent quite a bit of his pocket money on stall food and a box of matches. Thankfully, there was enough money in his pocket to buy the crappiest lantern in the universe. After breathing a sigh of relief, Mathias looked at his old hand-me-down watch. Waldy was a good ten minutes late already and the parade was about to start. Getting restless, Mathias grabbed a danish from his satchel and took an equally impatient bite of the tasty pastry.

Holding the danish in his mouth, the lonely woodcutter took out his matches and lit up his lantern. Mathias then felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned around expecting to see a tall scary man but found the complete opposite. "Ah, sorry. Can I borrow that?" the stranger asked. Mathias gobbled up the rest of the danish still hanging from his mouth and swallowed. "Oh, ya' o'course," the taller of the two replied, handing the small blond his matches.

The woodcutter took a small glance at his satchel full of pastries. He sort of planned to give some to strangers during the parade anyway so he put the opened pastry pouch in front of the stranger. "Want one?" Mathias asked, a cheerful grin accompanying his offer.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

While he waited for the other man to decide, Timo took him in. He was so tall! Probably as tall as Berwald. He didn’t look as scary, though. Timo decided that he looked mischievous. It was quite a nice, impish look, and Timo thought that he was the kind of man that you could trust with your life, but not with S10. Of course, Timo trusted everyone, so that was completely by the by.

Perking as he was offered the matches, he took them. “Thank you!” Lighting one up, it was easy enough to light the long burning light on his lantern, ready for the walk up to the Hall. It didn’t look bad for a cheap one, although Timo still felt a little bad that he’d only been able to buy one. He hoped that his family would forgive him! Offering the matches back to the man, he smiled even brighter when he was offered a Danish, taking it in return for the matches. “Oh, wow, thank you so much! These look really good! Did you make them yourself?” The sweet pastry was more of a treat than he’d had in a month, and hopefully it would be enough to sustain him on the long walk.

“I’m Timo! It’s nice to meet you!” He said, happily, before taking an eager bite of the Danish and making a pleased noise. It was so good!

[Mathias Køhler]

The smaller man received Mathias's matches and lit up his lantern that looked so much better than his. Then again, everyone's lantern looked better than his. No, really, it was made of newspaper and twigs. It cost 2 Sol and the hobo who sold him the lantern wanted a danish. Mathias wanted to cry because it looked so terrible.

Still, the tall blond found this new face interesting. The stranger was quite a step down from the tall burly woodcutters Mathias usually hung out with. He was small, seemed extremely nice, polite and well-mannered. How surreal.

After returning the matches, the short stranger accepted Mathias's offering with a gleeful smile. Mathias couldn't help breaking a smile himself. He was just so enthusiastic and, well, cute. "I sure did make 'em myself!" said Mathias with boastful look on his face. "In the Lowlands, no one makes danishes as good as me!" he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, I' never had one made from those fancy kitchens up in the Highlands but I bet ya' Thirty Sol mine are still better!"

The woodcutter's smile grew even wider, witnessing the stranger's face light up in delight as he savored the pastry. "Hehe, good right? The name's Mathias. Nice ta' meet ya'!" the taller man exclaimed. "Me and my tall scary friend were supposed ta' eat these but he's a no show. Tell ya' what, Timo, if ya' wanna walk the Parade with me, I'll share the whole satchel with ya'!" Mathias offered, flashing a grin at Timo. Mathias had no one to share his pastries with and what better way to make a new pal than by talking about baking pastries?

[Timo Väinämöinen]

“Really? That’s amazing! Are you a baker?” Timo asked, enthusiastically, taking another eager bite of his pastry. “You should be! They’re delicious!” At least he didn’t mind the taller man’s posturing; in this case his pride was well worth it. It really was that good! “I bet they are better than the ones in the Highlands!” It wouldn’t surprise him! Timo had pride over the things that the Lowlanders made. The Highlanders relied on them after all!

“Mathias? It’s a good name.” Timo decided with a nod. “And really, the pleasure’s all mine! You’ve given me matches and a delicious Danish; I was lucky that you were there!” It was funny that he mentioned a tall scary friend, though, and a reminder that Timo was meant to be meeting Berwald. “Oh, really? I’d love to have your company but I couldn’t eat that many, though.” …All right, that was probably a lie since they had the whole night and a long walk ahead of them, but nonetheless it’d be a fun challenge.

“I’m meant to be meeting a friend too, but I’m sure he won’t mind.” Now that he had the reminder, he pulled his phone out to check to see if there were any messages from Berwald. “I was a little late because I fell asleep so I don’t know where he wants to meet me, but if you don’t mind we can find him when he texts me?” He asked, smiling up at Mathias happily. Two friends to walk with were better than one, even if that one was Berwald!

[Mathias Køhler]

"A baker? Me?" said Mathias, somewhat taken aback. He let a hearty chuckle out at the thought, it had never occurred to him to do anything other than bring down trees. "I'm a woodcutter, ya' see? I live out in the woods and chop down trees with ma' axe," he told Timo, another grin spreading across the taller man's face. "And ya' better believe I'm the best at that, too!" he said, finishing his danish with a loud chomp.

"Haha, Timo's a pretty nice name, too!" approved Mathias, it was incredibly fun talking to someone who just as enthusiastic and happy as him. He was definitely the liveliest person he knew. "I'm just happy ya' enjoyed ma' danish so much! I'm real glad you asked me for matches. It's not everyday ya' get ta' meet new faces, especially when ya' live out in the woods of all places!" said Mathias, the grin on his face becoming wider. "Hahaha, ya' only have ta' eat as much as ya' can, Timo!" Mathias said as another chuckle escaped him. Berwald was definitely missing out tonight, Mathias thought to himself. Well, the big oaf could still show up but he somehow doubted it. He would have at least texted.

Oh, yeah he would have at least texted. Getting the same idea from the smaller blond, Mathias took out his phone. No messages from Berwald. Welp, looks like it'll just be him and Timo, not that Mathias minded. Mathias could relate to Timo on this one. There had been many a time when he was late for something because of an innocent catnap, but also, he was definitely on board with meeting another new face! "Hah! Would I mind? I'm pretty sure ma' friend got caught up working again so I'd love ta'!" Mathias said enthusiastically.

"Ma' friend, though, Timo, scariest man I'll ever know. You could sue him for Criminal threatening as soon as he looks at ya'! I s'pose it works funny that way. If he showed up and met with me, ya' probably would have stayed away from us!" Mathias said, laughing breezily at the possibility. Mathias reached into his satchel and fished out another pastry. He held up the small pouch to Timo, offering him another one.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

A woodcutter? “Wow! I’ve never met a woodcutter before. There can’t be that many of you on the island, but you have such an important job! Is it lots of fun? You must be pretty strong as well, doing that all the time!” Timo said, speaking all of his thoughts out loud as normal. They were all honest, of course. He always was. Mathias looked pretty strong, but maybe that was because he was so much taller than Timo. Most people were, but Mathias did seem strong.

Nodding eagerly, Timo smiled. “It’s always good to make new friends!” He agreed. “I live right here in the city and I still don’t make enough friends. And you can never have enough friends!” It was nice to have someone as enthusiastic as himself to talk to, and Timo found himself thinking that Mathias would be a good friend to have. He loved Berwald’s quiet dignity, but it was nice to have someone to bounce off as well.

Since there was no text, Timo opened up a new one to start a new message to Berwald. ‘I just got here, and I met up with someone nice! Are you around to join us? Timo. Xxx’ He couldn’t type and talk at the same time, so he fell quiet for a moment as he concentrated on his phone, sending it with a happy hum. He was looking forward to seeing Berwald and finally getting to walk the parade with him again. Finally he pocketed his phone again and turned his attention back to Mathias. “Oh, I’m sure he can’t be that bad! My friend can be a little scary too, but I know that he’d never hurt a fly.” He said, happily. “He’s really thoughtful and really sweet, but he gets lost for words at times. We went to school together.” He waved away the offer of another pastry for now, still enjoying the first one. “Why don’t we walk on a bit while we wait for him to reply, or the parade will go on without us!”

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

Berwald cursed lowly under his breath, obviously in a hurry to get to wherever he was going. “Home… then the parade,” he muttered to himself, doing his best to take very long strides. The tall blond didn’t have to glance at his watch to know that he was late. The sun, which seemed to be setting faster than usual, was evidence enough. He thought back to the earlier encounter he’d had with his boss…

“Huh. This is the first time I’ve ever seen you hesitate to accept extra work, Berwald.” The man being addressed rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Sorry, boss… ‘m not sayin’ no. Jus’ wanna be on time fer the p’rade lat’r,” he explained. “The parade? Oh! Ohhh, I get it now…” the other man said, his last sentence trailing off, making it apparent that he had more to add. His tone was reassuring, though, and Berwald thought that maybe the extra job wouldn’t make him too late. “…You’re meeting someone!” his boss finally concluded triumphantly. “Boss, come on,” the tall blond grumbled. So he was a little eager to see Timo later. Nothing wrong with that. His boss laughed cheerfully. “Sorry, I can see past that scary face of yours so you’re too fun to rile up. Seriously, though, Berwald, you might be a tad late for the parade if you take on the extra work… By the way, you can always say no, you know,” he reminded kindly. Berwald briefly thought about his parents and then shook his head. “S’okay. Could always use the extra Sol.”

He was regretting his decision a tiny bit now, though. He considered texting Timo that he’d be on his way soon but decided against it because he’d have to stop walking to text properly. He was pretty bad at typing things on his phone. When he arrived home, he hurriedly greeted his parents before rushing up to his room. He was sure they understood he was running late. Less than ten minutes later, the tall blond was wearing a fresh set of clothes, holding a lantern in his hand and bidding his parents farewell. “Take care, Ber! Have fun!” Atalie said, handing her son a small, rather battered pouch bag. “Cinnamon rolls for Timo,” she explained brightly. He smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her on her cheek. “Don’t forget ta meet up with Mathias, too! We told ‘im you’d go with ‘im, r’member?” Emil said, grinning. Well, that was a bit of a damper on the young man’s spirits. “Yeah. I r’memb’r,” he said, now wondering how he was going to ditch the woodcutter. With that, he uttered one last goodbye to his parents and took off for the parade’s starting point. He was sure that it had started already, though.

Since he was walking at a rather brisk pace, it wasn’t long before he caught sight of the parade in the distance. It was at that moment that he received a text. He took out his phone, hoping it wasn’t from Mathias. Ah, it was from, Timo. He read through the short text and briefly wondered who his friend had run into before pocketing his phone again. He didn’t see much point in replying since he was so near already. As soon as he joined the crowd of people walking the parade, he looked around for his friend, inwardly grateful for his height. After about five minutes, he finally caught sight of a familiar blond head… Scratch that, two familiar blond heads. Berwald felt his stomach drop a little. Of all the “nice someones” Timo could have met, it just had to have been him. Well, that pretty much killed his plan to avoid Mathias.

He hurried forward, intent on getting in between the two other blonds. “Timo! Mathias!” he called out as he approached them. He silently regarded the two of them, trying to process the absurdity of the situation. He was assaulted by a strange combination of feelings: the familiar pleasant one he got when he saw Timo and the equally familiar but unpleasant one he got when he saw Mathias. “This def’nitely isn’t someone nice,” Berwald told Timo, feeling the need to correct the text message the small blond had sent him a little earlier.

[Mathias Køhler]

"Important!? Solus would sink without me!" said Mathias, not realizing how much he was over-exaggerating. Well, maybe he did realize but he didn't care. Mathias let out another enthusiastic chuckle, he was absolutely loving Timo right now. If this was Berwald, he'd probably have his fist in Mathias's face by now! "You bet I'm strong, Timo! In fact, no tree can last more than eight swings from me and ma' axe!" Mathias boasted, wildly grinning at the smaller blond. You can never have enough friends indeed. Mathias greatly appreciated anyone who was happy being around him and Timo, this little ball of energy, was making him smile ear to ear.

Timo fell silent for a moment, opening up his phone and starting to write up a message, probably to his friend that Mathias was going to meet very soon. Mathias fished another pastry, only about seven left now, out of his satchel and took a huge bite while Timo worked on his text. Mathias took a glance at the smaller blond, he looked really, really happy just texting. He must really like his friend. Mathias started getting a bit excited to meet him now! He's sure to be just as enthusiastic as Timo! Mathias wondered how he could be scary like Timo described. Maybe he had a mohawk and carried around a butterfly knife? Or maybe he had a huge scar that he got when he fought off a rival street gang!

Timo's voice, however, brought Mathias back from his surreal daydream. Mathias gave a big nod. "Yeah, we don't wanna let the parade get too ahead of us. Just say the word when yer friend texts ya' back and we'll go and meet 'im!" said Mathias, giving his new friend a big thumbs up.

Mathias and Timo began walking, the two of them already trailing from most of the parade. Mathias was still holding his really crappy lantern and was trying to decide whether or not it was worth it to carry something so horrible till the end of the parade. Actually, he wasn't even sure if it was going to float away or just drop to the floor and burn when it was time to let the lanterns fly. Nevertheless, Mathias decided to continue his conversation with Timo. "So, Timo, I never asked ya' what you do," Mathias said. He was going to say Timo definitely looked like a pre-school teacher or something but he suddenly heard his and Timo's names being called out by the same voice. No. Way.

A tall blond, taller than Mathias himself, emerged from the crowd. His face set into an intimidating, stern expression partially concealed by his spectacles. Mathias felt a shiver run down his spine. Oh my God. That's it, abandon ship. Nice knowing ya', Timo. Berwald was going to walk over here and Timo'll run away crying. But wait a second. Berwald called Timo, too. Was Berwald the friend Timo was talking about? Naturally, the first thing that comes out of Berwald's mouth is an insult to Mathias. "Oh my God, how do you know Timo?" Mathias blurted out, ignoring the insult and cold stare Berwald was giving him. Business as usual, really. Mathias turned to the smallest blond. "Timo, is THIS guy the friend you were talking about?" Mathias asked incredulously as he pointed to Berwald.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Well, that was clearly an exaggeration, and Timo chuckled, amused. Obviously Mathias hadn’t heard of modesty, but Timo found his enthusiasm enjoyable. Besides, he was sure that he was good, and he was pleased that Mathias could be so proud of his work. “Wow!” Impressed by his boasts, Timo looked up at him, but then laughed and blushed a little. “I’ve never tried to cut down a tree so I don’t know how hard it is, but that sounds really good!” He admitted.

Pleased to get on their way, Timo matched his steps to Mathias’ longer strides, trotting a little as they made their way to catch up with the main bulk of the parade. “Oh, I work in a toy making factory and I’m a waiter too.” He said, happily. It might not have been too impressive, but Timo was just happy that he had jobs that (mostly) paid the bills.

“Ber!” Timo replied eagerly, turning round to see his friend. He couldn’t help but smile even brighter than before, it suddenly seemed like forever since he saw him last. His heart fluttered excitedly, and when he was close enough, Timo stood up on tiptoes and wrapped his free arm around Berwald, pulling him in for a quick hug. As he dropped to his feet and Berwald looked at Mathias, though, his expression fell a little, replaced by confusion. “W-wait, you two already know each other?” He asked, looking from one tall blonde to the other. “Berwald and I went to the same school.” He replied to Mathias for Berwald, but he was still confused. Was this the scary person that Mathias was talking about? …Well, Berwald was pretty scary, before you got to know him, but it seemed more like they’d known each other for a while, so surely Mathias should have realised that Berwald wasn’t as scary as he looked.

“How do you two know each other?” He added, quickly. “A-and, Berwald! You shouldn’t say that Mathias isn’t nice! He’s been nice to me!” He didn’t much like telling Berwald off, but he felt like he needed to correct that. Even if Berwald had known him for longer… well, he’d given him a delicious Danish! And shared his matches. He couldn’t be that bad! Maybe they had a bad past, and the thought of that made Timo sad. He’d just have to make them put aside their differences!

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

As soon as Berwald felt Timo’s free arm wrap around him, he completely forgot about his irritation towards Mathias. Both his hands were full but he did his best to embrace the small blond back. Even though the hug ended quickly, he could still feel the familiar swooping sensation in his stomach. He had come to associate the pleasant feeling with the younger man being very close to him. His friend’s next words and puzzled expression, however, made him aware once more of what was going on in the present. He turned back to the older blond, feeling significantly less annoyed at him. Though he didn’t feel like completely ignoring Mathias just yet, he was thankful that Timo had answered the noisy blond’s question.

“We used ta go ta the same college. He’s a woodcutt’r. He provides the wood fer the woodw’rk shop,” Berwald replied, quite satisfied with his explanation. There was more to it than that but the story was Mathias’s to tell. “He bett’r’ve been nice to ya,” he said to Timo, though he was looking at Mathias with a rather warning look in his eyes. “He’s jus’ not v’ry nice ta me so I don’t like ‘im much,” he explained, turning back to the small blond, all the harshness in his eyes gone. Berwald couldn’t help feeling a little jealous, though. The two had only just met but Timo was already defending the frustrating loudmouth on his behalf. “But ‘nuff ‘bout him. S’good ta see ya, Timo. Been okay? Look, Moth’r made these fer ya,” he said, smiling softly as he opened the pouch bag and showed the younger blond the fresh batch of cinnamon rolls.

“Mathias, hand ov’r yer matches,” the tall blond said, knowing the woodcutter had some on him due to his awful habit of smoking. “Y’need ta quit,” he added as an afterthought, feeling like this was the millionth time he’d tried to dissuade the older blond from slowly destroying his lungs.

[Mathias Køhler]

The look of surprise on Mathias's face started fading away as he started to get a foothold on the situation. Mathias then turned to Timo. "Went ta' the same school, huh? Ya' mean school before college, right? I mean, I'm pretty sure Berwald would'a mentioned ya' then," he said, trying to wrap his mind around this surreal chance encounter. Still, Berwald and Timo seemed real close, like real good friends. Mathias started to wonder why Berwald never bothered to mention Timo whom he really seemed to care about. Mathias noticed the way his glare melted when he saw Timo. He'd never seen it before and it took all his strength not to gawk.

And Mathias, dissatisfied with Berwald's explanation, went over and clapped the big guy on the back. "That's the lame way a' saying how we became buds, Berwald." he put bluntly. "Berwald and his folks saved ma' life, Timo! I told ya' I lived in the woods in an awesome log cabin, right? A few years back, I lived in one jus' like it but it burned down! Berwald let me live in his house for a whole year while I rebuilt the cabin from scratch! Ta' be honest, I pro'lly wouldnt'a made it without Berwald and his folks. I owe 'im a lifetime worth'a gratitude and what better way ta' show it then by giving him my company and friendship whenever I can?" Mathias ended, shooting a cheesy grin at his soul brother. His brother from another mother, if you would. But no, really, Mathias wanted to strangle him but not in front of Timo.

"Hey, I'll have ya' know I was plenty nice ta' Timo, right Timo?" Mathias fired back angrily. "And I'm nice ta' ya' too, Berwald! Sometimes!" said Mathias admittedly. Berwald was simultaneously Mathias's favorite and least favorite person to be around with. It was a weird feeling but Berwald was a weird guy so Mathias always just thought of it as fitting. When Berwald turned his back on him and started talking to Timo, Mathias couldn't help notice a twinkle in his eye he had never ever ever ever EVER seen before. It was almost like his expressionless face's way of smiling without smiling. Mathias thought it was kinda sweet mother of God cinnamon rolls.

And Berwald needed his matches? Golden. "I'll give ya' ma' matches if ya' give me one'a those." Mathias cooed connivingly, pointing at the pouch in the taller blond's hand. "And I'll stop smoking when I'm dead and in the ground." Mathias added. "It's not like I ask ya' to quit any of yer bad habits." the woodcutter retorted. Well not like he knew of any bad habits Berwald had in the first place but Mathias never really thinks any of his sentences through.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Timo nodded at Mathias. “The first couple of years of secondary school we went to the same school, but then I had to leave.” He explained further to Mathias. “I lost contact with him, but we found each other again recently.” He felt a familiar flood of guilt at the fact that he’d lost Berwald for so long, but he pushed it away for now. At least they had found each other again! Berwald seemed like a ray of light in Timo’s life just when he needed one most.

Ah! Well that made sense why Timo had never met Mathias before. By the time Berwald got to college Timo had been absent from Berwald’s life for a couple of years already. He nodded, taking it in. “Oh, I never even thought about where you got the wood from.” He admitted with a little blush, but then he turned his smile to Mathias. “Thank you for providing Berwald with such good wood so he can make such beautiful things!” From their reaction to each other he bet that wasn’t something that Mathias got told often. “Really, though, Ber. He’s not that bad. You should try and get along better.” He reprimanded him gently, but he leant into him as they walked, pleased to have him at his side again. Mathias’ explination was a little more colourful, and Timo’s eyes widened a little. “Atalie and Emil are good people. I’m glad they were there to help you.” He said, smiling.

“I’ve been all right! Mathias was nice to me, don’t worry.” Timo told Berwald, not wanting him to worry. He was tired, as usual, and the rent was coming up soon, but that was just how things were. He perked at the cinnamon rolls. “You’ll have to say thank you to her! I’ll have one in a little bit, though. Mathias already gave me one.”

Timo did frown a little when he realised what Mathias’ matches were for. “You know, you shouldn’t smoke.” He told him off in the same gentle voice that he’d used on Berwald when he told him to be more friendly. “It’s bad for your lungs. Besides, it’s expensive! Think of all the nice things you could buy with the money!”

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

There had been two or three occasions wherein Berwald tried to bring Timo up while talking to Mathias but each time felt off for some reason – and they were both drunk during one of those times! He still found it rather surprising because he usually found it easier and more enjoyable to talk to the older man when they were both, well, pretty wasted. They also tended to get into fist fights a lot quicker in that state, though that was beside the point. The bespectacled blond didn’t drink particularly often but when he did, it was almost always with Mathias. As much as he wanted to deny it, the two of them were pretty close; Mathias was one of the few people he could be completely frank with and, if they were both drunk, he could tell him practically anything. But Berwald simply supposed that talking about Timo, someone who made him so completely happy, was another matter entirely.

Despite the statement of thanks being aimed towards Mathias, the tall blond couldn’t stop himself from blushing at Timo’s indirect compliment. He automatically turned away. Though he didn’t mind the small blond seeing him embarrassed like this, the woodcutter even catching a tiny glimpse was totally out of the question. “Used ta try. Gave up years ago,” Berwald replied, shrugging his shoulders. Not getting along with Mathias just came so naturally to him that he presumed things would be too weird if they were friendly with one another.

Berwald made a low, disapproving sound as Mathias clapped him on the back. “Tch, most chaot’c year of m’life. Couldn’t have breakf’st without gettin’ inta an argument with ya. Ya can show yer grat’tude by not bein’ so annoyin’. Don’t act like I don’t piss ya off eith’r,” the bespectacled man remarked gruffly, returning the older blond’s wide grin with a frown that nearly looked like a scowl on his stern face.

At Timo’s words, jealousy unexpectedly reared its ugly head once more – and it was much stronger this time. Berwald briefly glanced at Mathias’s satchel and resisted the urge to full-on glare at the older blond. He hurriedly shifted his gaze back to the younger blond. Just one look at Timo and he calmed down right away. “’kay, jus’ lemme know when ya want one,” he said in his usual low, quiet rumble.

Berwald just barely managed to contain a scoff. “Bad hab’ts ‘f mine? Right. ‘m the one who drags ya back ta yer cab’n aft’r ya’ve had two’r three too many at the bar, Mathias,” he stated dryly. “But fine, I’ll give ya one. Now hand ov’r yer matches, still hafta light m’lant’rn. Here, help yerself,” he said, holding out the pouch bag for the older man to take. “Fer him, the cigarettes are the nice things. ‘ve told ‘im ta quit how many times now but he jus’ doesn’t list’n,” he told Timo, shaking his head a little.

[Mathias Køhler]

Mathias sneezed. "'Scuse me." he said quickly.

The woodcutter let out a chuckle at Berwald's snide comments, as usual, letting most of the words go right through his ears. It was really no secret the two of them were constantly at each other throats but Mathias always felt like Berwald pissed him off the most pleasant way possible. A day wouldn't feel right if Berwald hadn't made Mathias mad and, seriously, it didn't take much to do it. Berwald's monosyllabic grunts of 'yes or no' were pretty annoying. Also the way he mumbles everything he says. Oh and also his dumb face.

Mathias felt a bit embarrassed, being politely scolded by his new companion. Not Berwald, though, Mathias never takes anything that guy says to heart and probably never will. Mathias didn't really know how to defend him smoking, no one really knows how to defend a blatantly bad habit. It was actually Berwald who got him smoking in the first place, ironically. When Berwald and Mathias were still in college, the two of them made a bet. Mathias had never held a cigarette before but he told Berwlad that if he could smoke a whole pack within the day, Berwald had to give him s30.

Mathias smoked a whole pack within a day and Berwald ended up paying him nothing because he never agreed to the bet in the first place. Nonetheless, from that point on Mathias became a smoker. He never really thought of it much, he had a whole percentage of his income set aside for cigarettes but Timo was looking like he had a point. "Ahh, tell ya' what, Timo. I 'aint promisin' I'll be quitting but I'll smoke two less sticks a day for starters. How 'bout that?" he said, offering a compromise.

Mathias shoved his matches in the taller blond's hands and quickly snatched up a delicious cinnamon roll. As he started to devour the pastry, he wondered how far they were to the end of the parade. Mathias had terrible memory and was never really up in neutral places much. "Hey, ya' know, I never actually got why a kid's 'sposed ta' lead the parade. Any of you know why? And well, I've never actually been in the front of the parade before. Kinda makes me wanna' race to the front and be the first to let ma' lantern go. Although I'm not a hundred percent sure it's gonna' fly."

[Timo Väinämöinen]

With a soft laugh, Timo tried to imagine what it must have been like having the pair of them in the same house. Poor Atalie and Emil! No doubt it had been hectic. Still, Timo was sure that deep down the pair were fond of each other, or at least he hoped so. They seemed familiar, even if that was just because they didn’t care to be polite with each other. “I guess it must be difficult living together.” He said, cheerfully. “When you’re always in each others faces like that. But now that Mathias has somewhere to live again it can’t be that bad!” Really, though, he couldn’t imagine Berwald pissing anyone off, he was too sweet for that. He certainly had never annoyed Timo, although he had scared him at times.

Two less was better than nothing, and Timo was quick to nod and agree. He was pretty pleased that he’d been able to make Mathias see sense. “You should keep a track of all the money you save and when it gets to a decent amount buy yourself something nice!” He suggested. “And when you’re used to smoking two less, take another two off and you won’t really notice.” Hopefully that would work, and who knew? That way Mathias might be able to gradually give up entirely without even noticing that he had.

“Oh, I don’t know either.” Timo admitted, chewing on his lip, as he looked ahead. He couldn’t even see the front of the parade. They were only just reaching the highlands, they were about half way through the walk. Timo was already starting to wear down. Maybe another Danish would perk him up. “Most people haven’t been in the front, though. Especially us. They’re almost always a Highlander.” Unlike most people he didn’t sound bothered by that, he was just stating fact. “Ber, can I have one of your cinnamon rolls now, please?” He asked, smiling up at the bigger man eagerly. He wasn’t that interested in looking around the other city. He’d seen it before, and besides, he told himself, it couldn’t be that different to their city, right?

[Berwald Oxenstierna]

“Him havin’ his own place is def’nitely a lot bett’r. He still drops by the house ev’ry now and then, though. Ta v’sit m’parents. An’ we see each oth’r pretty regul’rly ‘cause ‘f work, too,” Berwald said to Timo, though he was shooting Mathias a rather sour look. It was ironic and also quite frustrating that their professions essentially went hand in hand. It was also particularly maddening that the woodcutter was exceptional at what he did. There was no other supplier Berwald would rather turn to because the older blond’s woodcutting business, though small, was probably the best in the Lowlands. Having to encounter the irritating blond periodically was a sacrifice the bespectacled man had to make so that he could work with quality timber. During the occasions Mathias stopped by the woodwork shop, it was pretty much just for him to deliver lumber and talk about more order placements. It was Aleksander’s job to handle the business dealings of the store so, in theory, the tall blond didn’t have to interact with the woodcutter at all during work. But whenever Mathias was in no real rush to head back to his cabin (which was practically every time he came by), he’d barge into Berwald’s workshop to bother him.

The tall blond bit on his tongue a little, actively trying not to let the harsh insults out. He kept in mind that Timo would probably not appreciate the two of them getting into a real fight, verbal or physical. It was tricky, though. Mathias didn’t even have to try to rile him up, he just did. Like what had just happened now for example… He’d been telling off the older man for smoking for years now and all it took was a few words from Timo to get him to cut down. The only message he could pick up from that was: “I don’t take what you say seriously.” It was nothing new to him that Mathias didn’t listen to what he had to say but that didn’t diminish how inwardly annoyed he was at the loud blond right now.

Berwald chose to ignore how fast the woodcutter was scarfing down his cinnamon roll in favor of finally lighting his lantern. This was his second year of walking the parade without his parents. It still felt strange without them but he was really happy to be here with Timo, even if Mathias was around as well. Berwald merely shrugged at the older man’s inquiry, not knowing the reason why either. Though he had to admit that he was a bit curious now, too… He quickly shifted his full attention back to the younger man at the sound of being addressed by him again. He grunted affirmatively before returning Timo’s bright smile with a tiny one of his own. He wordlessly held out the pouch bag to the small blond.

[Mathias Køhler]

"And ma' place couldn't be better! Sweet an' cozy, made of the finest timber the Lowlands has ta' offer! In fact, you and Berwald 'outta come by one day! We'll fire up ma' old grill and have'a good time, whad'dya say?" suggested Mathias, kind of rolling with his sentence as he went along. It was a fine idea to him, he hadn't had Berwald out to the cabin in a while and with Timo, it'd be much more livelier since it wouldn't be just Mathias talking. Mathias was getting a bit, enjoy the pun, stoked about it.

Mathias silently took in what Timo had to say and gave him a big nod. "Yeah. I'll do that. What to save up for, though...?" Mathias said, wondering what he could possibly want with a lot of money. The tall blond wasn't so overly materialistic. He liked nice things, sure, but his opinion on what passed for nice things didn't exactly mean expensive. For one thing, Mathias had never actually been to the Highlands other than through the parade route so he almost had no idea what fancy could possibly look like.

"Hmm. Shame. I 'spose I never cared up until now but now I'm pretty curious. I don't 'spose you two want to go and cut to the front?" said Mathias. He peered out as far as he could into the crowd. He didn't know just how far back they were but he couldn't see anything that looked even remotely like the front of the parade. But oh! Mathias took the same opportunity to snatch another cinnamon roll from Berwald and swiftly bit into it like a rabid wolf.

"I've got an idea." blurted out Mathias suddenly. The woodcutter then shoved his crappy-ass lantern in Berwald's arms. "Berwald, yer pretty much the tallest guy on the island. Hold up yer lantern as high as ya' can so I can make it back to you two." said Mathias and then bolted off into the crowd, something reminiscent of an evil grin forming on his face.

[Timo Väinämöinen]

Timo found the way that the two bickered rather cute, and he hummed happily to himself, enjoying having the pair of them there. It was a pity that they didn’t get on better, but it was still clear to Timo that they relied on each other. “Oh, that sounds really nice!” He told Mathias, brightly. “I’d like that a lot and I’m sure Berwald would too.” Actually, looking at him, Timo wasn’t so sure about that, but he’d make sure that he had a good time, some how. “I don’t mind bringing things to cook!” That would only be fair if Mathias was extending his hospitality as far as Timo was concerned.

“Um, well.” Timo paused then. He didn’t know Mathias well enough to suggest what he could save up for. He looked up at Berwald, hoping that he’d help. After knowing Mathias for longer he should have a better idea of what to suggest. “Maybe a nice bed?” He offered, thinking of what he’d like if he already had a nice house. “Or you could use the money to get nicer food and cook yourself something special!” Timo perked as he was offered the pouch, and reached for one of the sweet treats, making a pleased noise as he bit into it. It was so good! Better than Mathias’, though he wouldn’t say that out loud. It made him miss Berwald’s home a little, and he hoped that he’d get to go and spend the evening with him there again soon so he could see his parents. Timo was a little startled when Mathias snatched another cinnamon roll and ate it so fast, but he figured that a man as tall as Mathias needed the energy.

When Mathias shoved his lantern at Berwald, Timo was even more startled. “Wait, what’re you going to do?” He asked, not sure where Mathias was going. Why on earth had he dashed off like that? And that expression on his face, well… Timo looked at Berwald again, a little worried. “Will he be all right? He’s not going to do something silly, is he?” He wasn’t sure what kind of scheme Mathias would come up with, but he hoped it wasn’t anything too extraordinary. He didn’t want Mathias to get in trouble or anything.