Okay, I clearly underestimate my writing skills, because the last chapter ended up being over 10 000 words long XD So I had to split that into two parts as well. But hey, at least there won't be any waiting, I will release the second part right after this one. And even this one is over 6000 words long…
Anyway, after these last chapters the main story is finally over, and I will probably write an epilogue 'cos I long for some fluff and domesticity. Now have fun reading the last chapter of Under the North Star~
P.S: these chapters might be bit rushed or clumsy in some parts, I basically wrote them in a haze at 2am XD Also warning. Blood and death coming up.
I do not own Hetalia, I only own my own imagination.
16. There Lives a Finn
When Tino had escaped from the burning Bondevik estate he had had close to no earthly possessions. But still Tino thought it was sad to see how small his luggage was in the end. He had merely grabbed few blankets, his kuksa (Tino had made it himself so it was crude to say the least), the tinderbox, some dried meat and bread as rations and the few extra shirts and pants Tino owned. Tino, with a heavy heart, burned his easel in the fireplace after snapping it in two (it wasn't hard, the easel was very old and brittle like a stick). The contraption was much too big to carry comfortably and he and Berwald would have to travel light and fast. But his paint brushes Tino took, along with his paints.
In under an hour Tino was done and back in Berwald's cabin. Tino started packing some of Berwald's things too, he and the Swede had agreed that if Tino got started on it they could leave faster. Tino packed all of Berwald's clothes and tried not to blush like a maiden when handling the other man's undergarments. As Tino began emptying the cabinets he found that Berwald had a kuksa too, and it too looked handmade. But it also looked much better than Tino's, which wasn't surprising. Tino remembered that Berwald had said he whittled and carved as a hobby. But the Swede's work was excellent, Tino suspected that he could work as a carpenter or even as an artist if he wished. The thought of Tino and Berwald working together as artists made the Finn smile, both wistfully and sorrowfully. Tino packed the Swede's kuksa as well the other handmade wooden utensils Berwald had, they all had the Swede's carved signature on the bottom. Each of the items was made with the skill of a professional and Tino found himself to be slightly jealous of such a versatile gift.
The sun was already halfway on its way down the sky by the time Tino had little over half of Berwald's possessions packed. The Swede had a lot more of them than Tino, but that wasn't surprising. Berwald required a lot more luggage since he traveled a lot while working and he wasn't on the run like Tino. The Finn set down the third full bag when he heard the distinct sound of Kukkamuna's feet on snow. Tino frowned a bit, wasn't it too early for Berwald to return?
Tino stood and walked towards the door to welcome Berwald home. Tino already had his warmest smile on his face, he liked being the first one Berwald saw after coming home. It felt like he really was Berwald's wif-, no, husband. It should be husband, not wife. Tino was a man.
In any case, Berwald didn't get the chance to see Tino's smile, because before the Finn could even open the door the Swede burst in. His steps were frantic and there was panic in his eyes. Tino's warm smile was replaced with a confused frown.
"Berwald? What's wrong?"
He asked, his tone alarmed. Tino didn't like the look in Berwald's eyes, that look never meant anything good. Berwald, who had been looking around the cabin frantically, spun around when he heard Tino's voice. Relief briefly filled the Swede's eyes and with few long strides he was in front of Tino. Berwald pulled Tino into his arms and crushed the smaller man against his chest. This made Tino blush furiously and his pulse skyrocketed, but he didn't want to waste this opportunity. Tino also wrapped his arms around Berwald and squeezed, taking in every single moment of the closeness and warmth. It was good he did too, because the embrace didn't last long. Berwald took a hold of Tino's shoulders and pushed him back, keeping the Finn at arm's length. The panicked look was back in his eyes, and it also made Tino panic. What was going on?!
"Ivan's here."
Tino's eyes widened at those words, and his mind emptied of all thoughts momentarily. Berwald said something else, but Tino didn't hear. Shock had taken him somewhere far away, and his body didn't feel like his own.
Ivan was here? No, it couldn't be, it was several days too early. Or maybe Tino had just wanted to tell himself they had had more time; it wasn't like they had known exactly when Ivan would arrive. It had all been speculation. But then that meant…Tino had lost. Ivan had found him, and now the Russian was going to come and take him and never let go. No, Tino didn't want that, he didn't love Ivan anymore and never could again. There was only Berwald now. But…if Tino resisted then Ivan would make it painful not only for him, but for Berwald too. The whole village. Tino couldn't let that happen, he should give up. Let Ivan take him without a fight, Tino could do it. Tino could sacrifice himself. Tino should…Tino…Tino-
"Tino!"
Tino jumped, when he heard a sound that was completely alien and unexpected. It was Berwald shouting. Berwald never shouted, or at least he hadn't before now. Tino blinked and stared at the Swede with wide eyes.
"Ya back?"
Berwald asked, he was still panicked but now he also seemed determined and stern. Berwald hadn't given up, Berwald was ready to fight. Ivan was here, but Ivan hadn't found them yet. They still had time. So, Tino nodded, and his mind returned to his body.
"Yes, yes, I'm…I'm sorry, I…You were saying?"
Berwald sighed and released Tino's shoulders. They ached a bit, Berwald must've been squeezing them and shaking Tino in order to make the Finn wake up from his trance.
"Raini 's buyin' us t'me. We sh'uld go now."
Raini was buying them time? The thought made Tino extremely concerned, Ivan enjoyed the company of people who were small and timid. Ivan enjoyed seeing the way he scared them, enjoyed making them feel fear. Tino had learned that from Eduard and his friend Tolys after Tino had escaped Ivan's office. Tino had been the exception to that rule, perhaps because he had never been intimidated by Ivan's mannerisms or looks. But Raini, Raini certainly would be. The poor man was afraid of his own shadow sometimes. Tino just hoped Ivan wouldn't set his eyes on poor Raini…
But there was no time to let himself get swallowed by worry. Raini was basically sacrificing himself to Tino and Berwald could escape. Tino sent a thank you and a prayer to Raini and helped Berwald carry all the bags they had to the Swede's carriage. He had bought it from the village in order to smuggle Tino across the border. It had wheels, because they were going to travel along roads that didn't have the snow that sleighs required.
"No t'me to get my hors' from the stabl'. We need t' take Kukk'muna."
Kukkamuna lifted her head when she heard her name, and Tino frowned in concern. They didn't own Kukkamuna, taking her would be a crime and if the owner wished he could make Berwald a wanted criminal. Stealing reindeer was a surprisingly heavy offense, because the animals were so many people's livelihood.
But…Berwald was right, they needed to take Kukkamuna. And Tino couldn't deny a part of him was happy. He had always wanted to own Kukkamuna, she was treated so badly by her actual owner and the Finn really loved her. So, Tino nodded and quickly brought Kukkamuna over to the carriage. He attached her in front of it, the harness was bit too big because it was meant for a horse.
"Alright, let's go, quickly. I know a shortcut to the road that leads to the border through the woods."
It was Berwald's turn to nod, and they both quickly jumped on the carriage and Berwald snapped the reigns. Kukkamuna could tell this was a tense and rushed situation and didn't waste any time in speeding up to a run. She was fed, hydrated and rested and Berwald and Tino were prepared to travel all night if needed.
Neither of the men looked back as they disappeared amidst the trees.
Ivan's patience was reaching its utmost limit, as he and his men made their way to the cabin that this Hålberg man claimed was Tino's. Dealing with the infuriating blabbermouth of a man had made Ivan feel genocidal, so much so he hadn't even had time to enjoy how terrified the small thing, Raini if Ivan remembered correctly, that had showed them to the mansion had looked. Such a waste that Ivan's heart was reserved for Tino, truly. Otherwise he would've made the small man his toy.
Nevertheless, this Hålberg had immediately recognized Tino's name and there hadn't even been any need to check the records. The man had actually been very eager to show Ivan and his men to the cabin. He had even said he was glad to be rid of Tino, had called the Finn "a filthy sinner". And for that Ivan had pulled out his pipe, happy that he finally got to use it on someone.
Even now the image of Hålberg on the floor with a visible dent on his skull made Ivan smile, despite his rage. And the look on Raini's face had been a very nice bonus. The small man still had a similar expression, as he was showing the Russians where Tino's cabin was. Raini was shaking so much he almost had trouble keeping his horse in a gallop. He had just witnessed a possible murder, Raini wasn't sure since he hadn't had the chance to see if Mr. Hålberg was alive after Ivan hit him to the head with his pipe. But judging from the dent in his employer's skull Raini wasn't hopeful. He felt slightly nauseous upon remembering the situation and had to swallow a bitter lump in his throat, so he didn't vomit in his lap and on his horse.
The cabin came into view from between the trees, and when Raini pointed it out Ivan's smile widened. His horse was heaving but Ivan didn't care and made it run even faster for the remaining meters. Ivan basically leapt from his horse and with one big stride he was on the door. Ivan didn't bother knocking and just threw the door open, bone-chilling grin on his face.
"Tino! Моя любовь, I've come-!"
Ivan's sentence was never finished, and smile froze on his face, as he saw that the small space before him was empty, cold and devoid of any signs of living. The bed had no covers, the cupboards and closet were open and empty and the embers in the fireplace had completely gone out. It looked like someone had packed everything and just left. As this thought registered in Ivan's head his eye twitched, which his lieutenant beside him saw. The man paled, and quickly ushered the three soldiers behind them outside. He knew what was coming. Ivan took few shuddering, deep breaths and pulled out his pipe. With an ear-splitting roar of rage Ivan began swinging at everything in the cabin. He completely destroyed the cupboards and the window, cracked the bed's headboard and frame, punched several holes on the floorboards and walls and brought all the shelves in the closet down.
It took Ivan almost an hour to calm down, and even then, only half of his rage was gone. But enough of it was gone for him to think rationally. He stood in the middle of the destroyed cabin and pondered. Tino had known he was coming and ran. But the embers in the fireplace had still had lingering warmth, and the tracks on the yard hadn't been snowed over. Tino had still been here this morning, or earlier. Which meant he wasn't too far away. And he was moving slower than Ivan and his men because he had luggage and an inferior steed, at least compared to Ivan's and his men's war horses. They could catch up to the man despite his head start. But where would Tino go…?
It didn't take long to figure out. Ivan walked out of the cabin and straight to Raini. He took a hold of the smaller man by his collar and yanked him up, chilling smile on his face. For a second Raini felt like he would faint then and there.
"What road lead to Russia Sweden border?"
At first Tino and Berwald traveled in tense and fearful silence. Both were listening for the sound of approaching horses, or yells, or any other signs of pursuit. But they heard nothing and encountered no one on the empty side road, and when they entered the road to the border there were no travelers. That wasn't rare, they were in the middle of nowhere and Lapland was very sparsely populated. But the silence made Tino extremely nervous and jumpy, though it usually didn't bother him. This silence made Tino listen to every single small sound, made him feel paranoid about everything around him. Tino knew they had a head start, and Kukkamuna was strong and fast. She had an advantage on the snow, Kukkamuna could run her top speed whereas horses had to slow down, because their hooves weren't meant for snow. But this knowledge did little to soothe Tino, familiar fear and paranoia already had him in their tight grip.
Berwald was in a very similar state, although on the top of his mind was Tino's safety and getting him as far away from Ivan as possible. During the brief time Berwald had seen Ivan the Swede had realized why Tino was so afraid of the Russian. Ivan's face had child-like features and so did his voice, but his mannerisms revealed clearly that Ivan was no stranger to violence. Tino was no fool and wouldn't have fallen in love with someone like Ivan, so Berwald was sure that the large man was also good at hiding his darker side if needed. Perhaps it didn't even show most of the time, just when Ivan willed it to appear.
Nevertheless, Ivan was very dangerous for Tino and now Berwald as well, since the Swede was hiding Tino from the Russian. But Berwald didn't care about himself being in danger, not when it came to Tino's safety.
After over an hour or so of travelling in silence Berwald glanced at Tino for the first time. It was dark, but they had a lantern to guide their way. And in the lantern's light Berwald could clearly see the tightness around Tino's eyes and lips, and the Finn was gripping the hem of his jacket with his mitten-clad hands. Berwald frowned a bit, he didn't like seeing Tino like this. Of course, Tino would be afraid and nervous in this situation, but Berwald wanted the Finn to always smile and never know strife again after this experience. Berwald wanted to make Tino smile every day of their lives, he wanted to protect and cherish the smaller man, and Berwald found himself vowing that after they crossed the Swedish border, he would tell that to Tino. He would clearly confess his feelings. No more hesitation, ifs or buts. Berwald could guess that Tino was planning to leave after they entered Sweden, but Berwald didn't want to let that happen. He wanted Tino to be in his life, and Berwald's wanted to be in Tino's life. If Tino didn't feel the same Berwald would let the Finn leave, but if he felt the same the Swede would do everything in his power to hold on to the love of his life.
With these thoughts in his head Berwald carefully reached out his other hand and put it on top of Tino's. Tino jumped and turned to look at Berwald, alarmed. There was a question in his eyes, was something the matter? Had Berwald seen or heard something? But the Swede merely shook his head slightly and squeezed Tino's hand. Tino relaxed a bit, and after a moment of hesitation, wrapped his own hand around Berwald's and squeezed back. The simple gesture made both Berwald and Tino feel better, and both blushed slightly. Tino gladly welcomed the butterflies in his stomach, they eased the painful knot of worry that currently resided in his guts. Yes, Berwald was here, and Berwald would stay here. They would protect each other, Tino was not alone in this. Not anymore, and not ever again. Tino had long since decided he was sick of being a hermit, he liked laughing and company of his loved ones, which now included Berwald. And so, once Tino would meet his friends he would never again be apart from them. They could console Tino when he cried over losing another love, and they could help Tino stand back up after a probably long time of grief. Because Tino had a feeling it would take him a long time to get over Berwald.
With these thoughts in mind Tino kept his hand in Berwald's, and neither of the men released the other for the rest of the night.
Around midnight both Berwald and Tino were starting to feel the effects of both mental and physical fatigue. Kukkamuna was getting tired as well, and had long since slowed down to a jog instead of a run. She was heaving and frothing at the mouth and Tino noticed it. He squeezed Berwald's hand, still holding his, to get the Swede's attention.
"Berwald, Kukkamuna is reaching her limit. How much longer until the side route?"
Berwald, hesitantly, took his hand from Tino's in order to pull out a map. He and Tino inspected it in the lantern's pale light, they had kept an eye on landmarks and road signs and more or less knew where they were. Berwald traced his finger on the paper along the road they were on, there was still about 15 kilometres to the side route they were going to take. It was a precaution he and Tino had agreed on. If they stayed on the main road it would be easier to find them. But at one point the road diverged into four smaller roads, each of them going to their own respective villages. But one of the roads had another smaller road diverge from it, one that wasn't on the map and lead straight to the border. Berwald knew of it because he had been told about it by a border guard, it was a shortcut. That was the route he and Tino were going to take, it was quicker and threw off pursuers.
"Sh'uld take 'bout half 'n hour with th's pace. 'M sorry, but K'kkamuna sh'uld be able t' last just a bit l'nger."
Tino bit his lip and looked at Kukkamuna. He didn't want to push her too much, she had done so much for them already. But Tino knew it was the best solution, even if it made Kukkamuna collapse from exhaustion when they stopped. Hesitantly Tino nodded, and then fished Berwald's hand back into his as he listened to Kukkamuna pant and huff. It made his chest constrict from pity and pain for his reindeer friend, but Kukkamuna seemed determined. She wasn't fighting or stopping of her own accord, she trusted her human friends. And it moved both Tino and Berwald.
As Berwald predicted, half an hour later they arrived at a fork on the road. Two smaller roads continued to the right, two to the left, and the main road continued on forward. Berwald pulled gently on Kukkamuna's reigns and directed her to one of the roads on the right, the one closest to the main road. With heavy steps she obeyed, and it made Tino almost cry to see her so tired and exhausted that she couldn't even fight back or snort in defiance. Tino sent Berwald a pleading look, and the Swede sighed silently. He squeezed Tino's hand, and after few more minutes they finally stopped. The moment her feet stopped moving Kukkamuna collapsed, folding her feet under her, and she breathed so heavily it sounded like her lungs would come out of her mouth. Tino jumped out of the carriage and rushed to her side, immediately petting her snout gently and murmuring encouragement and words of gratitude. Berwald smiled at the sight and grabbed a bunch of hay for Kukkamuna from the back of the carriage. She gobbled all of it up the moment Berwald put it in front of her and ate snow for hydration, and then promptly fell asleep. Tino and Berwald both chuckled as the reindeer snored and Berwald covered Kukkamuna with a blanket. They couldn't let her muscles cool down too fast in the cold night air or she might pull or rip them tomorrow when she had to run again.
"I guess we officially owe her our lives."
Tino said quietly and looked at Berwald with a warm look in his eyes. Berwald nodded in agreement, without Kukkamuna they could still be stuck in the village, just waiting for Ivan to realize where Tino was hiding. They both owed Kukkamuna a huge debt now.
Tino yawned widely, and Berwald nudged Tino towards the back of the carriage. Together they climbed in, and after Berwald set up a make-shift roof from a tarp they lay down, using the bags with their clothes in them as pillows. Both men had several blankets, but they both also scooted close to each other in search for warmth and closeness. Tino closed his eyes and breathed in the cold air, that had Berwald's scent mixed in. Even though they were sleeping at the side of the road in the middle of a God-forsaken wasteland in frost-bitten air Tino still felt warm. He would always feel warm as long as Berwald was close. And Berwald felt the same, and the two men fell asleep with their hands entwined yet again.
Tino was the first one to wake up, though Berwald wasn't far behind. Because they had been woken up by a loud sound. It sounded like someone was hitting or kicking the side of their carriage. Tino and Berwald frowned almost at the same time and with eyes heavy from sleep looked outside from the wide entrance of their make-shift tent. Both of them froze and the last of the remnants of sleep vanished, when they saw Ivan looking down at them. The Russian had a small, scary smile on his face, and it gave both Tino and Berwald chills. Tino could feel fear crushing his lungs, Ivan looked no different from 5 years ago, but at the same time he also looked…monstrous.
"Доброе утро, моя любовь. You sleep well, I hope?"
Tino didn't answer, Berwald didn't say anything and neither of them moved a muscle. Because behind Ivan there were two soldiers pointing their guns at them. And soon the tarp roof was ripped off, as the third soldier yanked it away. Momentarily Tino and Berwald were blinded by the rising sun. Damn, they had slept for too long, they should've gotten up before sunrise. The exhaustion had really taken its toll, and now Tino and Berwald were paying.
Tino was using all of his willpower not to hyperventilate, and Berwald had slowly put his own body before Tino's protectively. There was a fierce look on his face, and Ivan's eye twitched as he saw how Berwald was treating Tino. His Tino.
"Who this, Tino? A friend?"
Ivan's tone was dangerous, it told Tino to choose his next words carefully. Tino swallowed, he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to answer. But when he thought of the alternative, of what Ivan would do to Berwald if the Russian learned Tino loved the man, Tino found his voice working.
"No. He's no one. He was just giving me a ride to the next village over. I'm moving from my old village to a new one."
Not once did Tino stutter, and his voice was neutral and betrayed no emotion. It was out of pure willpower that it remained that way. Berwald glanced at Tino with shock and slight hurt in his eyes, but before Berwald could protest Tino slipped away from behind him and stood up before Ivan. The sight of the Russian made Tino terrified and he wanted to run away, but he didn't let himself do it. They couldn't run, not from this situation. So, all Tino could do was ensure that Berwald stayed alive.
"How did you find me, Ivan?"
Tino's voice wanted to shake, to sob, to break, but Tino just thought of Berwald. Thought of getting them both out of this situation alive. And Tino tried to convey that to Berwald through the brief but desperate glance he sent to the Swede. 'Please, say nothing, and we may yet see tomorrow'.
"You move? I guess it make sense…I find you because I love you. Come with me, Tino. I make sure you no go to prison. I lift all charges towards your friends. If you remain with me. Is good deal, дa?"
That did sound like a deal, that would save all people dear to Tino. In that moment Tino could see his whole future ahead of him. In Ivan's mansion, trapped like a housecat, pretending to love a man that ruined his life and would probably end up ending it one day. After all, Tino knew there were more depths to Ivan's violence, depths he had not yet seen. But at least he would know his friends and true love would be alive and safe. The alternative was much worse, Ivan killing Berwald now and later Tino's family and still keeping Tino as a pet. That would be unbearable. So, slowly, as if it brought him pain, Tino found himself nodding. Ivan's face lit up with a smile that was very genuine, a smile that Tino had once loved. Now it only filled him with despair.
"That is good! Now I only shoot this man and we go."
Tino's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to shout. But two of Ivan's soldiers had already opened fire, each shooting one bullet towards where Berwald sat. Or had sat, because in the nick of time Berwald rolled and was able to dodge the bullets. Well, not entirely, one of them grazed his shoulder. But Berwald didn't care or even notice the pain. Instead he lifted his own shotgun (he had hidden it under the bags) and shot one of the soldiers right between the eyes. And with fatal accuracy Berwald used the other round to shoot the other soldier to the stomach. Ivan stared at the scene with shock, surprised the Swede was able to fight back. Tino, before Ivan recovered from his shock and grabbed him, dropped down and rolled beneath the carriage. His limbs felt like lead and his mind was foggy, but Tino was moving on pure instinct at this point. Under the carriage they had strapped a knife, that Tino now pulled free. He and Berwald had planned for as many scenarios as possible, and that included an attack by bandits (or in this case Russian military). This was Tino's role. He reached out and quickly stabbed the third soldier's leg, that was still standing beside the carriage. He was just about to pull out his sword. The soldier yelled in pain and fell to the ground, holding his badly bleeding shin. The knife had gone deep and Tino was fighting against shock, he had never stabbed anyone before. But he knew now was the time of action, and firmly ignored the blood that was staining his white jacket sleeves and mittens.
Ivan took only few seconds to recover from his shock, and then he was upon Berwald with his pipe out and rage in his eyes. Ivan grabbed Berwald and basically threw him off the carriage and onto the ground. Berwald grunted from pain, he landed on his bad shoulder, but quickly got to his knees and attempted to hit Ivan with the bunt of his gun. He had no time to reload. But it did little good, as Ivan simply deflected the blow with his pipe and then hit the gun so hard it flew from Berwald's hands. The Swede growled in anger and aimed a punch at Ivan's solar plexus. But Ivan had much more experience in combat and saw the blow coming from miles away. He caught Berwald's wrist and squeezed it, making Berwald shout out in pain. His hand felt like it was being crushed between two boulders. Tino scooted out from under the carriage just in time to see Ivan grab Berwald by the throat and lift him up. The two men were almost the same height and mass and still Ivan could lift Berwald with one hand. He had enormous strength. And in Ivan's other hand there was a sword, ready to skewer Berwald. Berwald was fighting for breath and flailed in the air, trying to free himself in vain. Ivan's tone and expression were murderous.
"You try and take what mine. Now…you die for that crime."
"Ivan, no!"
Tino screamed, and he got Ivan's attention. The Russian turned to look at Tino, the Finn had a desperate look on his face, and tears were streaming down his cheeks.
"P-Please…at least…let me say my last words to him…please, I beg of you…"
Ivan's eyes narrowed; he didn't like that idea at all. But his little Tino seemed to be very fond of this man, and Ivan didn't want to upset his sunflower unnecessarily. So, the Russian nodded, and Tino let out a shuddering breath.
"Th-Thank you, Ivan."
Tino said, and then caught Berwald's eyes with his own. Tino, slowly, mouthed the words "Don't worry" before pursing his lips and letting out a sharp whistle. For a moment Ivan looked confused, but then an angry snort sounded from somewhere behind Tino. Suddenly Tino side-stepped and Ivan saw an angry reindeer charging at him. Ivan tried to move his sword to kill the reindeer but Kukkamuna was faster. Her strong headbutt sent Ivan toppling over, and luckily as the Russian fell his head collided with one of his soldiers' helmets.
Berwald fell with Ivan, but as soon as it was clear that Ivan was out cold Berwald jumped up, gasping for air. Tino ran to him and embraced the Swede tightly, as if making sure he was truly there and not dead or dying. Berwald embraced back and nearly crushed the smaller man, but neither of them cared. They were both alive, and although the soldier Tino had stabbed on the leg was still whining by the carriage all the soldiers were immobilized.
The two men didn't let their embrace linger, they had to move quickly now. Berwald noticed that one of the soldiers that had been with Ivan was missing, and he didn't want to risk them suddenly appearing. So, without saying a word Tino and Berwald attached Kukkamuna in front of the carriage in record time and set off, leaving behind them four men in the snow.
Almost an hour later Ivan's missing soldier, who had been left to keep watch at the fork on the road, found his comrades and superior by the side of the road. Two of the soldiers were dead, only Ivan and his lieutenant are alive. The soldier helps the lieutenant dress his wound and shakes Ivan awake. And the moment Ivan's headache cleared up enough so he could ride without falling off the horse the Russians began pursuit.
Tino and Berwald urged Kukkamuna forward in full gallop, and although Tino still felt bad about pushing the reindeer so hard it was much more necessary now. They only stopped briefly as they turned to the road that wasn't on the map and covered their tracks, so they couldn't be seen at first glance. That should buy them at least a little time. And then they were off again, pushing Kukkamuna harder than they had the previous day. Even at full speed it would take them several hours to reach the border, but Tino and Berwald had to try. Even though Tino felt like he couldn't breathe and Berwald's injuries ached they couldn't look back or stop. This was their last chance at getting away and they couldn't let Ivan catch up. But their chances weren't nonexistent. The Swedish hated the Russians, and the moment they would get to the border and say that Russians were chasing them the guards would probably side with them. Or just Berwald, since Tino was going to be hiding in the carriage. Ivan wouldn't be let over the border because he was Russian military, and that would mean the pursuit was over. Berwald and Tino would be home free. Both men tried to keep their hopes up with that thought as they ran through the snowy pines. The road they were on was barely a road, only a few people used it during the winter. But thankfully the snow wasn't too soft and Kukkamuna didn't have problems running through it while pulling the carriage. Their chances looked better and better as time went on and their travelling was swift and there were no sounds of pursuit.
After over an hour of travel Tino finally relaxed enough that he was able to direct his attention at the blood on his clothes. Tino could feel cold sweat upon his brow, he had never stabbed anyone before, and he could still feel the sensation of the knife sinking into soft flesh on his hands. Tino though he was pathetic, Berwald had just killed two men and here he was getting worried about merely stabbing someone's leg. Nevertheless, Tino took off his mittens, he didn't want to wear them when they were all bloodied. But he had to keep his jacket on, even if the sleeves had some blood on them. It was too cold to be without one.
Berwald, whose attention had been drawn by Tino's movements, glanced at the Finn and could see Tino's pale face and shaken expression as he looked at the blood on himself. Berwald's heart went to the man. Berwald had killed few men before, and every time it had been necessary, if he hadn't killed, he would've been killed. But it didn't make the experience any easier, and Berwald was shaken as well. But he was also able to temporarily push those feelings aside, he would handle them at a later date when he and Tino were out of harm's way. If this was Tino's first time harming another human being on purpose then the Finn must not have been able to do that, and Berwald could feel ache in his chest. He wanted to do something to ease how Tino was feeling right now. But he also knew that in the end it was up to Tino to come into terms with what he had done. All Berwald did now was reach out and loop his arm around Tino's waist, so he could pull the smaller man against his side. Berwald couldn't keep his arm around Tino, he had to concentrate on driving the carriage when they were moving this fast. But he wanted Tino close to him, for the Finn's own sake, and…for Berwald's sake too. Because like Tino, Berwald felt the weight of his actions, and Tino's warmth and closeness helped to temporarily ease it.
Tino flinched a bit, as Berwald pulled him close, but soon he relaxed and looked up at the Swede. Berwald was looking forward, he had to, but Tino could see his eyes were dark and burdened. Tino blinked, how could he have been so stupid? Of course Berwald was feeling much worse than he was, he had killed two people. The kind-hearted, awkward and gentle Berwald had killed, and it must've been killing him. Tino could feel tears forming in his eyes, and he pressed tightly against Berwald's side. Tino wept for both himself and for Berwald and buried his face in Berwald's shoulder. He gripped Berwald's coat tightly and sobbed, quietly muttering gentle words of gratitude and concern, apologies and reassurance. Tino didn't know if Berwald heard any of the words, but he wanted to voice them, wanted to bring them out. And Berwald did hear Tino, and although the Swede had only cried on few occasions during his life now, he could feel few hot tears fall from his eyes. They disappeared quickly, unseen by Tino, and the two men continued on, sticking close to each other like their lives depended on it.
Kuksa = Basically a special kind of cup made of wood, preferably by hand. I can't explain well how they look like, just google "kuksa mug" and you'll see what they are like. They are a Finnish thing and usually used when camping and for drinking coffee. I myself have one as well that my dad made me
Моя любовь = My love
Доброе утрo = Good morning
Now all the action is over, and we are moving into wrapping things up in the next chapter. Hang on tight, the end is going to be touching~
Please review, and favourite/review! It's almost over, you guys!