Hallå

jag heter Berwarld Oxenstierna. I am 22 years old and work in the lower level as a dairy farmer, working part time in a restaurant in the city.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"Sir? I-I think something trampled on your plants..." He frowned and looked at them, they looked so sad.

Ber glanced down, mumbling a small curse under his breath in Swedish when he saw that the young boy way right. He knelt down to pick up the destroyed rosemary and basil that he had planted just the day before. Great, now I have to go into town and deal with loud people, he grumbled in his head. Who could’ve done this?  

Remembering the presence of the boy, he looked up and squinted. Crouched down, he was about the same height as the kid. “Tak…. Who ‘r you?” 

[oftheseaandtheland-blog]

He looked really mad. Peter hoped that it wasn’t at him. “I’m Peter. I was just walking around the area when I saw–I swear I didn’t do anything.” He stared at the man with sincere eyes. It took a lot of courage for him to go up to the man and tell him what had happened, since he was kind of scary-looking and tall.

“Um…what are you going to do about them, then?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Making an effort to seem less intimidating -despite his scary demeanor, Berwald really liked kids- he knelt down to one knee to be on the young boy's level and attempted a smile. " 'S fine. Just hope it wasn't th' rabbits again." Hoping to seem more friendly, he wondered if Peter would be curious enough to see the burrow where a young hare family had made a home to snack on his garden. "Want t' see their den?"

[orvost-deactivated20160517]

"Oops! So sorry. Did I hurt you?"

With the shake of her head, she offered him a weak and evidently pained smile. “Oh, no. Silly! I’m fine. Absolutely bueno,” lying right through her teeth, she lowered her palm only to grip at her side, which he had bumped into. Normally, things such as these wouldn’t have hurt but she already had a bruise from a little mishaps days prior that still remained sensitive to the touch.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

He wasn’t so sure she was fine, but he decided to let this one pass. She seemed busy. He took her hand and shook once firmly.

So I’m not the only one… Maybe she could help him out. “Berwald Oxenstierna.” Gesturing with a cut nod, he said, “”M the owner of t’ farm down t’ road. Three cows.”

[orvost-deactivated20160517]

“Three co- Oh! You run a dairy farm as well?” Isabel’s eyes seemed to light up for a moment. Whether it was due to being within the same line of work or due to a bit of friendly competition wasn’t identifiable at the moment but still, she seemed rather thrilled to hear this. In fact, it was as if all the pain she’d just felt had immediately ceased. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Berwald. Would you,” her eyes flickered over towards her home, “like something to drink? I’m interested in knowing more about you, and that farm of yours.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Startled at her sudden friendliness, Berwald melted a little. He had to go and feed the hens soon, but it couldn’t hurt to talk business. After all, he needed the help, and still felt a little guilty about bumping into her.

“Sure. ‘M not so experienced bein’ a farmer though. How m’ny d’ you have?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"You don't look good. Are you feeling okay?"

“Mhm..” he rumbled, trying to seem most certainly fine. In reality, his mind was chaos.

It is too hot out. It feels like my brain was boiling. I need water. It’s too much. Too humid. Too hot hot hot…

He began to sway on his feet. If he didn’t sit down soon he might-

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Room started to spin. Man’s outstretched arms blurred. He could no longer hear, he couldn’t see.

“I’m-” but was abruptly cut off with a crash as he fell to the floor. 

[soleadosonrisa]

Antonio’s eyes widened and without a moment of hesitation, he dropped to the floor, only to turn this man over be onto his back. Pressing his palm over his forehead, he could feel just how hot this guy’s body heat was. 

First, Antonio went ahead to loosen this man’s upper clothing, unbuttoning his shirt a bit to help with releasing the heat from his body. In a bit of a panicked state, he reached into his bag and pulled out a water bottle filled with cold water, fumbling it open and accidentally allowing it to slip from his fingers. At least the water itself fell all over this guy’s body. “Wake up, wake up!”

Where was the closest medical clinic? Perhaps he could carry this guy. It’d be difficult but.. Damn it. He didn’t have too much of a choice. Hefting the blond’s body up onto his own back, he did his best to ensure he was holding onto him firmly as he dragged him with him towards the nearest medical clinic.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Coming to, in his hazy mindset Berwald distinctly noticed two things:

1) He was being carried by someone having great difficultly handling his weight.

 2) He was partly unclothed and soaking wet.

“Hrrmm?” He slurred, trying to make sense of the situation. He knew he had probably overheated, and it wouldn’t be the first time. The last thing he remembered was talking to a man -Tony? He remembered catching the guy’s name, but it was before he had gotten to introduce himself. Sweet. He thought sarcastically in his mind. I’m going to be known to him forever as “dumb Swede who faints like a damsel in distress.” 

Trying to get his rescuer’s attention again, he coughed slightly.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"You left your bag behind."

“Hmm?” Indeed he had, looking down and realizing one of his grocery bags wasn’t in his hand. Instead, it was being held by the small young woman in front of him. “Thanks…”

[myladyliechtenstein]

“Oh, you-you’re welcome!” She hadn’t realized how scary this man looked until she saw him this close. I shouldn’t judge, he can’t help how he looks. And he’s polite.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Great, she probably thinks I’m angry at her.

Hearing her slightly guarded voice, he tried to relax his usually tense facial expression. Unknitting his brows, he attempted a small small. It probably looked terrifying. 

[myladyliechtenstein]

Lilli smiled back, thinking that his face looked similar to her brother’s when he had to spend money. Or he was constipated. Either way, the man was trying his best. “Um… so… do you, um, live around here? In Gramina?” 

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Pleased she hadn’t run from him terrified, he shifted his weight and leaned slightly on the vegetable stall. She seemed an especially kind person. “Mhm. I own Ko Himlen -th’ dairy farm down th’ road. ‘N you?”

[myladyliechtenstein]

“My brother and I have a sheep farm. Just over the hill that way.” She pointed. “So I guess we’re kind of neighbors, then.” She smiled again, slowly getting used to his outward demeanor. “Need any help carrying your groceries? I mean, not that you look weak or anything, just… since we’re close by and…” she trailed off. She didn’t even know why she’d offered. He was obviously much stronger than her.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Her offer was sweet, but unnecessary. He shook his head slowly and attempted another small smile. 

“Thanks, b’ ‘m alright.”

A sheep farm? He might need more yarn. It was getting colder by the day, and winter would be here soon, so he needed to knit himself a new sweater to keep warm.

“Shearing soon?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

((Umbrella~))

(our muses get caught in the rain outside without an umbrella)

Berwald squinted through his fogged up glasses down at the shorter man. He looked like he was shivering slightly in the cold downpour, some water droplets falling off the end of his nose. 

Stop staring and be polite, Berwald! He cursed himself in his head. Make friends. 

Silently, Berwald took off his thick coat and rested it around the stranger’s shoulders and over his head. 

“Here.”

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

“Oh- I’m Tino!” Shifting the cup in his hands, Tino was quick to stand- habit from recieving guests- and offered Berwald his hand. “Nice to meet you, Berwald.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Surprised at Tino suddenly rising, Berwald coughed a little on the tea had just sipped. For the first time he was craning his neck to look up at the other man, instead of the other way around. Quietly he took the other man’s soft and warm hand and gave it a gentle shake, his expression unchanging. “Mm… good t’ meet ya…” In a rare attempt to make conversation he added, “y'live by here?”

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

“Oh- no.” Tino admitted, shaking his head so as to accentuate his response. “I actually live in the upper level, in my inn. I’d ask where you live, but, well, obviously this is your house so there’s not really any point in doing that…”

He trailed off, laughing awkwardly at his own mistake.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

“Hm.” Chuffed at Tino’s adorable awkwardness, Berwald felt more at ease. Nodding towards one of the windows where his barn was visible, he said, “Got a farm. Small, but nice.” That reminds me, I have to fix that leak in the barn roof later. And make sure the cows will be warm in this downpour....

“Also work ‘n upper level too. As a cook.” 

Feeling that he spoke too much, he slowly took another long sip of his tea.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"You left your bag behind."

“Hmm?” Indeed he had, looking down and realizing one of his grocery bags wasn’t in his hand. Instead, it was being held by the small young woman in front of him. “Thanks…”

[myladyliechtenstein]

“Oh, you-you’re welcome!” She hadn’t realized how scary this man looked until she saw him this close. I shouldn’t judge, he can’t help how he looks. And he’s polite.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Great, she probably thinks I’m angry at her.

Hearing her slightly guarded voice, he tried to relax his usually tense facial expression. Unknitting his brows, he attempted a small small. It probably looked terrifying. 

[myladyliechtenstein]

Lilli smiled back, thinking that his face looked similar to her brother’s when he had to spend money. Or he was constipated. Either way, the man was trying his best. “Um… so… do you, um, live around here? In Gramina?” 

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Pleased she hadn't run from him terrified, he shifted his weight and leaned slightly on the vegetable stall. She seemed an especially kind person. "Mhm. I own Ko Himlen -th' dairy farm down th' road. 'N you?"

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

((Umbrella~))

(our muses get caught in the rain outside without an umbrella)

Berwald squinted through his fogged up glasses down at the shorter man. He looked like he was shivering slightly in the cold downpour, some water droplets falling off the end of his nose. 

Stop staring and be polite, Berwald! He cursed himself in his head. Make friends. 

Silently, Berwald took off his thick coat and rested it around the stranger’s shoulders and over his head. 

“Here.”

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Tino floundered for a brief second, trying to juggle the feat of taking the blanket, and coupling it with what to do with this giant coat that he was still wearing. In the end, he just shrugged the coat off first and then took the blanket without looking up- definitely easier- as he hooked the coat over one arm and then drew the blanket around himself.

I didn’t realise how badly it was raining until I was inside.“ He babbled. “It came on pretty fast, right? One second I was happily walking with a few clouds, and the next time I looked this was happening! Hopegully it doesn’t last too long, otherwise I’ll end up holed up here for a while- not that there’s anything wrong, but we’re complete strangers so that might be a little weird, ya know? And-”

Only then glancing up, Tino found himself mildly caught off guard by the man’s intense stare. He quailed under it, a little at least- why was he being stared at? “Is there… something on my face?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Berwald blushed deeply, the tell-tale dark pink creeping across his face all the way up to his ears. Wrapping his own blanket around his shoulders and close around his neck, he hoped the other man did not notice. He watched the cute stranger chatter away and juggle both his coat and the blanket as he… wait. Did I just call him cute? Actually… he kind of was. 

The man was shorter than Berwald by quite a lot -almost an entire head. His drenched light blonde hair was plastered around his head, almost covering his brown colored eyes. He had a small button nose and rounded head, giving him the appearance of seeming younger, almost more feminine. What really caught his attention though, was the frequency in which the man smiled. Genuine smiles, that crinkled his eyes and made his whole face transform. It was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.

Realizing a second too late that he was just asked a question, Ber shook himself and mumbled a quiet, “No.” Thankfully at that moment the tea kettle in the kitchen gave off a high pitched whistle, giving him an excuse to quickly dodge out of the room.

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Tino waited for a response, shifting awkwardly in place as he stood. This guy was so big and tall- and he just kept staring! Had he even blinked?? e spoke eventually, at least- Tino gave a shaky smile.

“oh, that’s good- wait!” He went to move, but paused. He didn’t want to traipse through someone’s house! “What.. do I do with your coat..”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Quickly, Berwald poured the mint tea into two of his least embarrassing mugs (he had quite the collection). He was so anxious in pouring the tea to make his guest comfortable that he accidently spilled some on his hand, burning himself. Hissing a small curse in Swedish, he placed a cool wet rag on his burn. I’m such a mess, he thought. I want to seem like a friendly normal guy for this stranger and instead I’m already caught staring, I haven’t even introduced myself yet, he probably thinks I’m some crackjob… He continued to mentally berate himself as he headed back into his living room.

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Oh, no answer then…

Tino gave himself a couple of seconds of standing awkwardly, before finally seeing sense. There was a coat rack there, see- he hung Berwald’s coat up on it, and then pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders and slipped off his shoes.

With all that done he moved over to a couch, and decided to sit down to wait for Berwald. Hopefully he wouldn’t leave all that much of a damp patch on the sofa.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Striding back into the room with false confidence, he handed off one of the mugs to him. He hummed lowly to himself, pleased to see that the man had made himself comfortable.

Sitting across from him on his favorite chair, he took a sip of the hot tea before he attempted a warm smile.

“M’ Berwald. ‘N yer name?”

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

“Oh- I’m Tino!” Shifting the cup in his hands, Tino was quick to stand- habit from recieving guests- and offered Berwald his hand. “Nice to meet you, Berwald.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Surprised at Tino suddenly rising, Berwald coughed a little on the tea had just sipped. For the first time he was craning his neck to look up at the other man, instead of the other way around. Quietly he took the other man's soft and warm hand and gave it a gentle shake, his expression unchanging. "Mm... good t' meet ya..." In a rare attempt to make conversation he added, "y'live by here?"

[noiseuls]

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

♤

(an uncomfortably long stare)

Berwald did not know who this stranger was, walking up to his garden when he was in the middle of weeding. But he didn’t say a word, just stared at the Swedish man like he was the strangest person he’d ever seen in his life. Berwald felt a little uncomfortable, but kept his stony expression closed off and stared right back. 

[konnytyp-blog]

Feliks kept his eyes fixed on the crouching man, not realizing how long he’s had his eyes locked on him. He was brought back to his senses when he noticed the man staring back into his eyes, his expression sending a chill down his spine.

“Uhhh…h-hi.” he sputtered for a moment, trying to gather his words. It usually takes him a while to get comfortable enough to know what to say to people after he first meets them, but this guy…there was something about him -his aura maybe- that made it much more difficult for Feliks to even feign confidence. The way his steely eyes bore into him, his stony and serious expression, even the way he was crouching seemed to make him appear somewhat intimidating.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

“I’m scaring him,” Berwald thought, worriedly. Trying to seem less intimidating, he yanked up the last weed and stood up, towering over the other man. He kicked his garden shears out of the way and tried to smile. The sun was in his eyes so he ended up squinting awkwardly.

“’M Berw’ld”, he mumbled, stretching out his hand to shake the strangers’. He noticed a tad too late that the stranger -”New neighbor, perhaps?”- probably wouldn’t want to shake his dirt-covered hand.

[konnytyp-blog]

He felt his eyes widen as the man stood up, not expecting him to be that tall. Feliks quirked an eyebrow, keeping his eyes on the other as he met his hand.

“Feliks…” his eyes trailed down to his own hand now, realizing it was now covered in potting soil. Lovely.

Well atleast it’s not manure

Retracting his hand he wiped it on his pants, regaining his composure. “He listen, you haven’t scene a hat around here have you? It fell off while I was riding a while ago and I really want to get it back and stuff.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

A hat? He has just moved in a week ago, and hadn’t really left his house except to buy food and seeds to fix the hopeless mess of a garden the home came with. He hadn’t really been paying enough attention to see if there was anything lying around while he was moving in. 

Berwald noticed that he had waited a minute too long to reply. “No…” The man looked impatient. Berwald didn’t know what to do next. He was always a hopeless case in these sorts of social situations, or “any sort of social situation” as his brothers would tease him. His eyes darted around until they rested on a hand-painted poster nailed to a fence-post a little further down the road.

“FIREWORKS SHOW! AT BEACH!” it proclaimed.

“M…M’ybe someone th’re has it?”

[konnytyp-blog]

He sighed. “Damn it.” Feliks followed him down the road a little and looked up at the sign. Oh yeah, that was happening. “Well…I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go look.” He figured. Feliks wanted to go down there anyways, he loves fireworks. He glanced over at the looming figure next to him. Mustering up some courage, he put on his confident face, trying to push the feelings of intimidation away. “Ok then, come on.” He announced, turning and walking away.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

What? Now? We just met? Thoughts raced through Berwald’s mind, along with nervousness and an overwhelming sudden shyness. Into town? Where I have to talk to people? 

“Um….” he stalled, trying to find the right words. Did he really want to go? …Actually… he might. He hadn’t seen fireworks in a very long time, and it wouldn’t be too much longer of staying at home until he became “that scary hermit guy”. Perhaps going out would be good for him. 

[konnytyp-blog]

Making his way back to his horse, he climbed up on the saddle. Once aboard, Feliks turned back towards the man. “Well, are we going or what?” he asked, motioning for the other to get on. He reached out a hand as an offering, hoping to get some help on his wild hat chase and also hoping for some company to such a crowded public place, even if he was kinda scary and -well- a stranger.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Berwald confusedly took the strange man’s hand. Using the fence as brace, he hopped on the horse’s back, behind the saddle. “I hope I’m not too heavy. It’s been so long since I last rode….” he mentally worried as they set off down the road. Glancing back at his garden, he noticed he had left his garden gate open, by what looked to be an old piece of cloth and his garden tools.

[konnytyp-blog]

They searched as best as they could the whole way there, but there was no sign of what Feliks was looking for. By this time it was already dark, and feeling utterly defeated he plopped his butt down onto the sand with a sigh. He stared out at the ocean, feeling the sunburnt tip of his nose and sad for the wasted day.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Tired from a long day spent around town, he stonily sat next to Feliks on the sand. Surprisingly, Berwald could be quite the optimist; so he rationed in his head that the day searching for the hat lead to several good things. He got to meet a new neighbor, as well as see parts of the lower level he never would have before.

Hoping to cheer up his new friend, Berwald hummed quickly and pointed upwards, right as the first firework blast went off. Even though they didn’t find the hat and he didn’t get to finish working in his garden, today wasn’t such a bad day after all.

[konnytyp-blog]

Feliks glanced over at the swede before looking up at the night sky, watching it illuminate with blasts of colorful light. He just sat there in silence for a while, enjoying the company of the other after the long day of searching. Slowly, he began to feel a little better as he watched the fireworks, letting the pretty lights cheer him up.

“Hey.” He said, turning towards Berwald. “So um,” he began but fumbled. “Like…” he sighed, and brought his legs up, hugging them to his chest. “Thanks for helping me and stuff.” He felt his cheeks heat in embarrassment, and shyness. Turning his head away from the other, he looked out onto the water now as the lights reflected on the waves.

“That was…a nice thing for a stranger to do”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

He glanced over, squinting at the other man in the now dim light.

Thinking, you have no idea how happy I am to have a friend. Someone to drag me out of my shell, he just gave a half smile. He was glad Feliks had invited him along, and while the man’s boisterous attitude energy throughout the day was fun to be with, he also enjoyed him in this more mellow state.

“D’n’t worry about it. Sorry we couldn’t find yer hat.” Turning back towards the vibrant fireworks, he risked a glance at his watch. The show would end soon, and he couldn’t stay out too late. He had a long way to walk back since he rode here on Felik’s horse. 

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

((Umbrella~))

(our muses get caught in the rain outside without an umbrella)

Berwald squinted through his fogged up glasses down at the shorter man. He looked like he was shivering slightly in the cold downpour, some water droplets falling off the end of his nose. 

Stop staring and be polite, Berwald! He cursed himself in his head. Make friends. 

Silently, Berwald took off his thick coat and rested it around the stranger’s shoulders and over his head. 

“Here.”

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Tino floundered for a brief second, trying to juggle the feat of taking the blanket, and coupling it with what to do with this giant coat that he was still wearing. In the end, he just shrugged the coat off first and then took the blanket without looking up- definitely easier- as he hooked the coat over one arm and then drew the blanket around himself.

I didn’t realise how badly it was raining until I was inside.“ He babbled. “It came on pretty fast, right? One second I was happily walking with a few clouds, and the next time I looked this was happening! Hopegully it doesn’t last too long, otherwise I’ll end up holed up here for a while- not that there’s anything wrong, but we’re complete strangers so that might be a little weird, ya know? And-”

Only then glancing up, Tino found himself mildly caught off guard by the man’s intense stare. He quailed under it, a little at least- why was he being stared at? “Is there… something on my face?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Berwald blushed deeply, the tell-tale dark pink creeping across his face all the way up to his ears. Wrapping his own blanket around his shoulders and close around his neck, he hoped the other man did not notice. He watched the cute stranger chatter away and juggle both his coat and the blanket as he… wait. Did I just call him cute? Actually… he kind of was. 

The man was shorter than Berwald by quite a lot -almost an entire head. His drenched light blonde hair was plastered around his head, almost covering his brown colored eyes. He had a small button nose and rounded head, giving him the appearance of seeming younger, almost more feminine. What really caught his attention though, was the frequency in which the man smiled. Genuine smiles, that crinkled his eyes and made his whole face transform. It was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.

Realizing a second too late that he was just asked a question, Ber shook himself and mumbled a quiet, “No.” Thankfully at that moment the tea kettle in the kitchen gave off a high pitched whistle, giving him an excuse to quickly dodge out of the room.

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Tino waited for a response, shifting awkwardly in place as he stood. This guy was so big and tall- and he just kept staring! Had he even blinked?? e spoke eventually, at least- Tino gave a shaky smile.

“oh, that’s good- wait!” He went to move, but paused. He didn’t want to traipse through someone’s house! “What.. do I do with your coat..”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Quickly, Berwald poured the mint tea into two of his least embarrassing mugs (he had quite the collection). He was so anxious in pouring the tea to make his guest comfortable that he accidently spilled some on his hand, burning himself. Hissing a small curse in Swedish, he placed a cool wet rag on his burn. I’m such a mess, he thought. I want to seem like a friendly normal guy for this stranger and instead I’m already caught staring, I haven’t even introduced myself yet, he probably thinks I’m some crackjob… He continued to mentally berate himself as he headed back into his living room.

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Oh, no answer then…

Tino gave himself a couple of seconds of standing awkwardly, before finally seeing sense. There was a coat rack there, see- he hung Berwald’s coat up on it, and then pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders and slipped off his shoes.

With all that done he moved over to a couch, and decided to sit down to wait for Berwald. Hopefully he wouldn’t leave all that much of a damp patch on the sofa.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Striding back into the room with false confidence, he handed off one of the mugs to him. He hummed lowly to himself, pleased to see that the man had made himself comfortable.

Sitting across from him on his favorite chair, he took a sip of the hot tea before he attempted a warm smile.

“M’ Berwald. ‘N yer name?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"You don't look good. Are you feeling okay?"

“Mhm..” he rumbled, trying to seem most certainly fine. In reality, his mind was chaos.

It is too hot out. It feels like my brain was boiling. I need water. It’s too much. Too humid. Too hot hot hot…

He began to sway on his feet. If he didn’t sit down soon he might-

[soleadosonrisa]

Antonio’s brows furrowed in worry. Although this guy didn’t really say much at all, he could tell that something was not fine. The way his forehead appeared - it was quite.. sweaty, which wasn’t surprising seeing as it was Summer and all but still. Taking notice of the swaying, he immediately stood closer to the man who was, evidently, taller than he was. Both arms were held in front of him, as if ready to catch him if he did lose his balance. “I’m not so sure that you are fine. Maybe you should sit down for a minute? I have some water in my bag if you need any–”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Room started to spin. Man’s outstretched arms blurred. He could no longer hear, he couldn’t see.

“I’m-” but was abruptly cut off with a crash as he fell to the floor. 

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"You left your bag behind."

“Hmm?” Indeed he had, looking down and realizing one of his grocery bags wasn’t in his hand. Instead, it was being held by the small young woman in front of him. “Thanks…”

[myladyliechtenstein]

“Oh, you-you’re welcome!” She hadn’t realized how scary this man looked until she saw him this close. I shouldn’t judge, he can’t help how he looks. And he’s polite.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Great, she probably thinks I’m angry at her.

Hearing her slightly guarded voice, he tried to relax his usually tense facial expression. Unknitting his brows, he attempted a small small. It probably looked terrifying. 

[orvost-deactivated20160517]

"Oops! So sorry. Did I hurt you?"

With the shake of her head, she offered him a weak and evidently pained smile. “Oh, no. Silly! I’m fine. Absolutely bueno,” lying right through her teeth, she lowered her palm only to grip at her side, which he had bumped into. Normally, things such as these wouldn’t have hurt but she already had a bruise from a little mishaps days prior that still remained sensitive to the touch.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

It was clear the young woman was in pain, which confused him, since he was sure he had not bumped into her that badly. Maybe she was sick. Maybe the knapsack he was carrying had something sharp sticking out of it, and that hit her. Maybe she thought he did it on purpose, and was scared of him.

Berwald fretted in his head like a mother hen, and carefully tried to lead her to a chair to sit down. “Y’ sure?”

[orvost-deactivated20160517]

Instinctively, she pulled away the moment she was lead to the chair. She had a lot of things to do today, and the last thing she needed was to sit down and eventually get too comfortable. Running a dairy farm wasn’t easy work, mostly when one’s simply starting up in a new location. 

“Ay, si! Do not worry so much, I’m sure.” She smiled, the same pained smiled as before. “Thank you though for your kindness. What’s your name?” Extending her hand out, she did her best to make her smile appear as genuinely inviting as possible. “I’m Isabel, by the way. New dairy farmer.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

He wasn’t so sure she was fine, but he decided to let this one pass. She seemed busy. He took her hand and shook once firmly.

So I’m not the only one... Maybe she could help him out. “Berwald Oxenstierna.” Gesturing with a cut nod, he said, “”M the owner of t’ farm down t’ road. Three cows.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

"I might be drunk."

“Mmm,” Berwald agreed, already shouldering most of the other man’s weight. 

“Might.” he grumped in his head. The man was well past drunk, into the realm of ‘not going to remember any of this’ and in danger of ‘soon to be up chucking his dinner all over Berwald.’ 

“Where’d y’want me t’ take ya, again?”

[koningtulp]

Mo gestured in about five different directions, “That way.” Apparently thinking he had been pointing straight just then.

He then leaned even further onto Berwald, if that were even possible, and hiccuped. “Your– your shirt is soft.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Berwald gritted his teeth. This was going to be a long night home -but first, wherever this man lived. He had picked up the stranger stumbling in the streets drunk off his ass, and even though Gramania was a pretty safe town he wanted to make sure he got home alright. He stopped suddenly, the other man still attached to his side like a tick. Stooping quickly, he hoisted him up onto his shoulders, fireman style. “Now tell me. Left, right, or straight?”

[koningtulp]

Being carried this way caused his head to be upside down, and also very much confused Mo’s drunken mind. “Uh, I don’t know. Nothing is [hic] familiar from this angle.” At least he no longer was at risk for tripping over his feet.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

With patience he gained from years of doing the exact same thing for his older brother Mathias, Berwald heaved a sigh and tilted his shoulders so the man’s head was somewhat upright.

“Now?”

If this didn’t work, he’d have to resort to a final method -one that could possibly ruin his new living room couch and rug. He may have to dump the inebriated stranger in his home. Either that, or in his bin and hope the garbage men found him the next morning. 

[koningtulp]

“Hm…” He tilted his head a few different directions, apparently trying to figure the directions out. “How does that work? I was right [hic] right side up and knew where I was. Now [hic] I don’t.”

“Go full speed ahead, noble steed, may- [hic] maybe I’ll recognize the next street.” At least he was only hiccuping at this point and not vomiting. 

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

“Mm,” he grunted, trudging forth. Actually, this may be better than Mathias. His brother would probably be singing some loud obnoxious Danish song by now because he knew Berwald hated it. Not nearly as bad however as Mathias’s boyfriend, Lukas. When Lukas was inebriated, he was a runner. 

He stopped at an intersection. “Left, right, or straight?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

¤

(a book to read)

Berwald cautiously took the book the young woman was handing him. He adjusted his glasses and studied the title of the volume, but it was so faded that he couldn’t make it out. “Hmm?” he quietly questioned, peering at her.

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

The title sounded an American phrase he had heard once…. was it an American book? He turned the novel over, looking at the illustration on the cover. It appeared to be a stylized image of a tank, some explosions, and with WWII planes flying in the left-hand corner.

“Not much into war ‘n violence…” Berwald cautioned. The friendly girl didn’t seem the type to read gory war stories, but then again, what did he know? 

[signorapollo-blog]

“You sure? It’s more from the perspective of a child growing up before, during, and after the events though,” she tried to convince this man to read it but if her efforts proved fruitless, she’s just gonna do it to some other stranger next time, no problem, “But oh well, if you say so, cried my eyes out when I reached the end. Maybe humanity is, after all, not as doomed as we think.”

Gee, getting ahead with all these dark thoughts, “Sorry if I disturbed anything, just wanted to share a great piece of literature like the stranger who gave me this.”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

“Mmm,” he nodded, accepting the book with one hand. It sounded good, and the young girl seemed enthusiastic enough about it anyways. He added it to the small stack of other books he was prepared to check out in his canvas bag. It stood out a little among the 3 recipe books, 1 herb gardening book, and the latest farmer’s almanac. Perhaps she was right, and he needed some great literature in his life. 

“’n you are?” 

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

OOC

sorry, yes, I alive. flu had me down for a bit but I am ready to rejoin the land of the living

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

((Umbrella~))

(our muses get caught in the rain outside without an umbrella)

Berwald squinted through his fogged up glasses down at the shorter man. He looked like he was shivering slightly in the cold downpour, some water droplets falling off the end of his nose. 

Stop staring and be polite, Berwald! He cursed himself in his head. Make friends. 

Silently, Berwald took off his thick coat and rested it around the stranger’s shoulders and over his head. 

“Here.”

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Tino floundered for a brief second, trying to juggle the feat of taking the blanket, and coupling it with what to do with this giant coat that he was still wearing. In the end, he just shrugged the coat off first and then took the blanket without looking up- definitely easier- as he hooked the coat over one arm and then drew the blanket around himself.

I didn’t realise how badly it was raining until I was inside.“ He babbled. “It came on pretty fast, right? One second I was happily walking with a few clouds, and the next time I looked this was happening! Hopegully it doesn’t last too long, otherwise I’ll end up holed up here for a while- not that there’s anything wrong, but we’re complete strangers so that might be a little weird, ya know? And-”

Only then glancing up, Tino found himself mildly caught off guard by the man’s intense stare. He quailed under it, a little at least- why was he being stared at? “Is there… something on my face?”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Berwald blushed deeply, the tell-tale dark pink creeping across his face all the way up to his ears. Wrapping his own blanket around his shoulders and close around his neck, he hoped the other man did not notice. He watched the cute stranger chatter away and juggle both his coat and the blanket as he… wait. Did I just call him cute? Actually… he kind of was. 

The man was shorter than Berwald by quite a lot -almost an entire head. His drenched light blonde hair was plastered around his head, almost covering his brown colored eyes. He had a small button nose and rounded head, giving him the appearance of seeming younger, almost more feminine. What really caught his attention though, was the frequency in which the man smiled. Genuine smiles, that crinkled his eyes and made his whole face transform. It was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.

Realizing a second too late that he was just asked a question, Ber shook himself and mumbled a quiet, “No.” Thankfully at that moment the tea kettle in the kitchen gave off a high pitched whistle, giving him an excuse to quickly dodge out of the room.

[inmoominn-deactivated20160905]

Tino waited for a response, shifting awkwardly in place as he stood. This guy was so big and tall- and he just kept staring! Had he even blinked?? e spoke eventually, at least- Tino gave a shaky smile.

“oh, that’s good- wait!” He went to move, but paused. He didn’t want to traipse through someone’s house! “What.. do I do with your coat..”

[bertheswedishchef-blog]

Quickly, Berwald poured the mint tea into two of his least embarrassing mugs (he had quite the collection). He was so anxious in pouring the tea to make his guest comfortable that he accidently spilled some on his hand, burning himself. Hissing a small curse in Swedish, he placed a cool wet rag on his burn. I’m such a mess, he thought. I want to seem like a friendly normal guy for this stranger and instead I’m already caught staring, I haven’t even introduced myself yet, he probably thinks I’m some crackjob… He continued to mentally berate himself as he headed back into his living room.