It was obvious the preteen was still uncertain about his father's new partner. And honestly, the Finn couldn't blame him. The boy was taken out of a neglectful, abusive household. He had moved countries, was thrown into a new school. By the time he finally got adjusted to these terrifying changes, Tino came along. The first time they had met, Peter had screamed and yelled and cried, insisting that they didn't need anyone else. Tino tried his best to make the boy like him, spoiling him to no end. Yet while Tino tried to win him over, Berwald insisted that it would take time. Tino wasn't sure how much more he could take. He cared for the boy, that much was true. But even if others said otherwise, he wasn't the best with children. They were so fragile, yet so strong. And their emotions were unpredictable. Tino sighed, letting his eyes fall on the father and son, Berwald encouraging Peter as he tossed foam balls in attempt to knock down a trio of tin milk bottles. Berwald nudged the boy away, taking the last foam ball from the boy. He aimed, throwing the foam asteroide with all his strength. The top bottle fell. Tino let out a low chuckle. Spotting a carny game with a rifle, and the disappointed look on Peter's face, Tino pulled the tow towards the stand. A look of joy flashed through Berwald's eyes. Quickly handing over the money, Tino waited with an anxious excitement as the play rifle was loaded with fake ammunition. Before the man behind the stand could explain how the game works, Tino had the firearm aimed and ready. The gun was a lot lighter than what he was used to; but, if this made Peter like him a bit more he could manage. In a matter of seconds, the red star that had been in the center vanished. The man behind the stand looked on in admiration, obviously shocked.
"Take your pick." He laughed. Tino looked back, wanting to push Peter forward to choose his prize. The spot where the young boy had occupied now laid empty.
"P-peter!" A feeling of dread caused a lump to form in the male's throat. Having noticed the male's panic, Berwald plucked a random plushie from the line hanging above before turning to look for his son.
The night was nearing, and the panicked couple were closing in on insanity. This was the last plan. Their only hope. Tino was starting to think the worst. He was trembling with fear and anxiety, his worry pushing him to the brink of tears. It was obvious that Berwald was terrified too. Yet the stoic man tried to keep his calm. For both Tino and Peter's sakes. The pair rushed into the park's police station, Tino pushing past a few people to get to the clerk.
"M-my son. We can't find him. P-please." This seemed normal to the woman as she calmly asked for his name. Tino responds without hesitation, and watched apprehensively as he spoke his name over the intercom. Minutes passed at an achingly slow pace. Tino wasn't sure how much longer he could hold himself together.
"Dad?" Tino rose quickly from his seat, falling to his knees and pulling the boy closer. He was now openly sobbing, cradling the boys face and showering him with kisses.
"I-I thought I lost you! Oh, sweetie! You're safe. You're okay. Just….just never do that again." Tino pulled back to look at the boy.
"I'm sorry, mum." Once more, Tino began to sob pulling the boy closer.