Berwald stood unmoving; completely still to the point of hearing the smallest noise in every direction. Tino couldn't tell where his gaze was, since his eyes were clouded and hazed, but he had this odd feeling that maybe, just maybe, he was trying to look at him. The Finnish man cleared his throat, "W-Well, I should be going. I'm sorry about running into you."

No. Don't leave. "It's alright. Nice to meet you." Please don't leave. Stay with me. But there was no way he could say such a thing. They had just met, after all. And who was he to beg him to stay when he didn't want anyone anyway? Tino was rather concerned about the silence and his stillness. Why wasn't he moving? He knew Berwald was blind but he didn't even edge on his dog to start walking. He just.. stood.

"N-Nice to meet you too." Tino murmured, deciding the moment was just slightly uncomfortable and slowly walked towards the counter to order his coffee. That was it. Faintly, Berwald could hear his voice. He wanted to stay to listen. It sounded silken; soft and sweet. Smooth like honey and gentle like a mother's loving voice. There was really no other proper way to describe it. A soft bark from Hanatamago brought his attention back to reality. And the reality was that he would never see Tino again. Why do I care so much? He asked himself, shaking his head and walking forward, searching for the cool glass door with his hand, I don't need anyone. I'm okay alone. I always have been. Oh but he was so wrong. He needed someone, but he was too stubborn to admit it. Berwald Oxenstierna was denying the fact that loneliness was creeping in day by day.


Tino glanced behind his shoulder after ordering his coffee and the blind man was gone. Half of him thought Berwald was just a bit off, but the other wanted to learn more about him. He seemed brave to be walking around with only a small dog to help him. And, although at first he was intimidating seeing as he towered over his smaller frame, he was actually very polite. Tino reached out to take his coffee from the cashier when a question came to mind. "Does... Does that man come here a lot?"

"Who? Oh, the blind man?"

"Yes, that one."

"He comes in almost everyday. Usually in the early mornings. Today he was just a bit late."

Tino nodded, wondering why he came in later than usual, "Ah. Thank you." He said promptly and quickly he was out the door. Something about him made him curious. He didn't know what, but it was definitely something. However, now he couldn't worry about it. He had to get to work on time, otherwise it would be the third instance of being late that month. He couldn't afford to lose his job. Quite literally. Rushing down the sidewalk, his dress shoes clicking on the pavement, Tino found the tall, metal building and opened the front door. The front entrance was bland and professional, much unlike his personality, but the job paid well and gave Tino a home so there was no way he could complain. Pressing the button on the elevator door, Tino walked inside and took a deep breath. This day was far too busy already.


Berwald was quite surprised and delighted to know that coming into work wasn't necessary. Apparently he had a day off and he didn't even know it. A small smile grazing his lips, the Swede, along with Hanatamago, walked in the hallway where phones were ringing and people were walking. He was greeted nicely and he spoke back to them with equal kindness. Hanatamago jumped at the elevator button, pressing it with her paw, and suddenly it was ringing as if it was already landing on this particular floor. Berwald stepped forward, hearing a small "excuse me sir" before fully going inside. He mindlessly pressed the button before his mind clicked into place.

Tino was in the same state. He brushed right passed Berwald without noticing and then as soon as he turned around, he realized who it was. "Berwald?" He asked in shock, but before Berwald could respond, the elevator door closed in his face.


This is literally the worst thing I've ever written...