Wow can you believe I'm uploading twice in the same week? I must be sick or something, huh?

Well I hope you all enjoy this chapter, kind of intense and kind of mushy. But yeah I hope you enjoy it.

Thick silence filled the air between the three of them as the porridge on the table had gone cold and Lukas stared at Mathias. Mathias was hunched over, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees sitting across the table and looking at Lukas. "So," Lukas whispered staring at the old wooden table that he ran his fingers over mindlessly. "You're not Mathias?"

"I am," Mathias said and pressed his lips into a thin line for a moment. "I am, that's my real name."

"But, you're not really Berwald's servant...you're his cousin?"

"Yes."

"And...this thing with your family, you didn't get it...because you're an illegitimate child?"

"Well, that's what everyone thinks," Mathias replied as he pressed his clasped hands to his lips.

"And you faked your death..." Mathias nodded, "...so Berwald's family thinks you're dead. That's why you're here?"

"Yes."

Lukas nodded quietly watching his fingers slowly slide from the table to his lap. "So...give me one good reason why I should believe anything you just said?" He glanced up across the table meeting his eyes.

"Because it's the truth," Mathias furrowed his eyebrows and sat back letting his hands fall to his side. "Why would I lie to you?"

"You clearly deceived me on who you were before, why would I believe you now?" Lukas muttered crossing his arms across his chest. His eyes lingering on the messy bed head Mathias always seemed to have, although large nearly black bags were under his eyes as if he hadn't slept in days. Small details he would have never noticed about anybody else, and it pissed him off.

"You think I'm lying? That I would really tell you this insane story and it's all just a lie?" Mathias was getting frustrated, but he tried not to show it as he ran his hand through his hair. "Why would I make up something so ridiculous?"

"I don't know," Lukas wasn't even looking at him anymore as he stared at the cold bowl in front of him. "Why would you be someone you're not and then treat me like I'm someone you think is special?"

Taisto had been standing there quietly, and he glanced around the room awkwardly not really wanting to be there for this part of the conversation. "You know," he chuckled forcefully, "I'm going to be outside painting the fence." Neither of them looked at him and he quickly headed for the back door trying not to catch their attention as he did.

"Is that what this is about?" Mathias asked and leaned forward resting his arms on the table. "You think my feelings for you aren't genuine?"

"How am I supposed to know?" Lukas wasn't looking at him anymore, and tried with all his might not to let his eyes water up. "You've just told me you were someone completely different than I thought you were. Why would I believe your feelings for me are true? That this isn't just an act."

"Because the person I've been when I'm with you is me. I have never been more of myself since I met you," Mathias stared at Lukas with his shoulders hunched slightly and his hair seemed to have grown a little bit. He clenched his jaw telling himself that now was not the time to notice. "Why would I do something like that?"

Lukas ran his tongue over his teeth and looked back down. He took a deep breath and licked his lips shaking his head slightly. "I don't know what to believe, Mathias."

"You don't have to believe anything else, just please believe me when I say what I've done, what I feel for you, everything is real. There isn't a moment where I've forced a smile with you, or forced myself to spend time with you." Mathias took a deep shaky breath looking away and running his hand through his hair. "I...I have been travelling with Berwald for the last two years. I've lived in constant fear that someone, anyone, may recognize me. That's why when we moved here it was a relief. I didn't have to be scared to go out, or even be scared to actually just talk with people." His bottom lip began to twitch, but he couldn't help the smile on his face. "Then I just happened to meet you…" his voice became hushed as he said the last few words.

Lukas felt the small flutter in his chest and the heat crawling up his neck and to his cheeks. He ignored it of course, but he hated how stupid simple words like that could make him feel such a way. "We haven't even known each other that long," he forced out past the growing lump in his throat.

"I know, isn't that the mad part about all of this?" Mathias scooted his chair forward hoping to get Lukas to look at him. "We haven't even known each for more than three months, and I feel like I've known you my whole life."

He quickly put a hand over his mouth as casually as he could trying to stay focused on the table. His legs were bouncing up and down, but he knew there was no use. His cheeks were burning hot, and as sweet as those words were. Why did he feel like crying?

"At the risk of sounding like a fool," Mathias continued, "I just want you to know you're the best thing that has happened to me in years. Having to lie to you...not letting you know who I really was. It has been killing me inside. I want nothing more than for you to know the truth about me. I-I just couldn't tell you." Mathias said and looked at Lukas. He felt his nerves getting the best of him each moment that passed with Lukas not uttering a word..

"Why?" Lukas murmured as evenly as he could. He cleared his throat adjusting slightly in his seat. "Why...why couldn't you tell me? Did you think I would hate you?"

"I know how you feel about Berwald," Mathias replied and glanced down at his hands. "Our-that family, they truly want nothing more than to see the world burn. I didn't want you-If I told you-I mean…" he didn't know how to word it, and his hands became fists as he tried to think.

"You thought I would think you were just like him? Didn't you?" Lukas asked now looking at Mathias who met his eyes. He nodded silently and Lukas felt the oxygen leave his lungs. "But you're not?" it came out sounding more as a question.

"I'm not," Mathias repeated. "And neither is Berwald," he added softly. "That's why...that's why he helped me fake my death. So they wouldn't come after me anymore."

Lukas stared at him, what was he supposed to say now? What did any of this mean? But most importantly, "How do you really feel about me?" Lukas whispered absently.

"Like I'm going to be crushed if you tell me you won't consider going on a date with me," Mathias replied with a small crooked smile.

Lukas stared at him and he scoffed, a small smile forming on his own lips. "You and me? Really?"

"I mean, you could always date Oleo," Mathias said with a small shrug and the slight raise of his eyebrows.

Lukas scowled, "No." Mathias stood up slightly and leaned across the table and their faces were just inches away from one another. Lukas didn't move and the same heat from earlier seemed to be intensified. His eyes slowly closed and he leaned forward as their lips pressed together, he could feel Mathias' hand slowly caress his cheek. His lips began shaking much to his protest, and Mathias pulled away slightly their lips still barely grazing against one another.

"Didn't think so," Mathias hummed.

"Shut up," Lukas muttered and pushed Mathias slightly, and Mathias grabbed his hand leaning in to kiss him once more.

"Hey are you guys done-"Taisto had his head slightly sticking inside from the door. The pair of them glanced over at him. "On second thought I missed a spot," he smiled a bit, wiggling his eyebrows slightly before slowly backed out and closed the door.

"I'm not the only one who found that creepy, right?" Mathias asked looking over at Lukas who had had his head on the table, clearly dying from embarrassment. "Oh come on, it was just your uncle."

"Shut up before I hit you."

"With your mouth on mine? Wait wait-ow!"

The carriage bounced slightly as it exited the black forest and headed straight for the town. Berwald sat beside Tino as the sound of the carriage along the dirt road was the only thing that filled the silence. He had repeatedly told Tino they didn't have to go, and no matter how much he insisted Tino didn't consider it. He glanced over at Tino who silently stared out the window his hands clasped together over his lap as he stared at the passing scenery.

Tino could feel Berwald's stare, that and he could see him looking at him through the reflection of the window. He knew the other was concerned for him and he appreciated it. But, he didn't want to be a burden at the same time. He looked down at his lap and opened his hands slightly to look at his palms. "I'll be okay, honestly."

Berwald kept staring at him, the light orange in his aura growing considerably as they neared their destination. "I want you to be comfortable," Berwald said and furrowed his eyebrows. That sounded awkward, but he didn't know any other way to put it.

"I am," Tino said and looked up at Berwald. "I know you're looking out for me. It…" he chuckled and had to look down thinking he sounded ridiculous. "It makes me feel safe."

Berwald felt a light heat go over his cheeks. Tino was just too cute for his own good sometimes. He looked down at his own hand and then over at Tino's and then slowly reached over to grab one of Tino's.

Tino watched and he let his hands untangle themselves as Berwald grabbed his hand. It was amusing how awkward he did it; Berwald just kind of grabbed four of his fingers and didn't really seem to know what else to do. Tino glanced over at Berwald who was looking away and he slipped his fingers in between the larger hand. He thought he would feel more uneasy about this, but it was quite the opposite. He could feel the warmth from his hand which made him smile.

Berwald felt the smaller fingers slip between his and he stiffened slightly. He carefully glanced over seeing Tino staring down at their hands. It was a shock to him that Tino actually allowed it, he thought he would have pulled away. Or make some sort of awkward hand motion to try and not hold his hand.

He looked back down at his lap and slowly recalled all the time they've spent together these last few weeks that they've been married, even before his parents got there. Each meal they've shared no longer consisted of awkward silence. They actually talked about anything and everything, laughter filled the dining room now along with small inside jokes that only they knew of. Quiet afternoons in the library sitting together side by side, or right across from one another. Maybe it got Tino to trust him more, to perhaps even consider being his friend. Berwald didn't want to fill his head with unlikely dreams of Tino every actually liking him, but the fact that Tino didn't pull away was just enough hope. That's when it hit him, he was no longer just falling for Tino. It was as if a river had swept him away and instead of the forceful tides trying to drown him as he struggled against it, he let them float him down the river. No matter what laid at the end of the long and winding path he found himself already in the middle before he realized it had even begun.

The carriage came to a halt quickly pulling him out of his thoughts and he leaned over looking out the window at the large house. He glanced back at Tino who was staring at it, and then met Berwald's eyes. There was no point in telling him anything, instead he squeezed his hand gently in reassurance. He turned opening the door and let go of Tino's hand to step out.

Tino watched him quietly before feeling the need to start scratching at his arm once more. He closed his eyes for a second and breathed out slowly. He knew Berwald wouldn't let any harm come to him, he knew he could trust him. He walked out of the carriage as Berwald helped him down and they glanced over at the carriage in front of them. Lovisa, Erik, and Rasmus had all ridden together and were heading towards the door already. Tino looked at the large doors as they opened and out stepped Lord Bisok, with his wife, and Oleo. Tino didn't even think as he grabbed Berwald's sleeve.

Berwald noticed of course, and glanced over at the door. He stepped in front of Tino blocking the view of the door and everyone else. Tino seemed startled and looked up at Berwald, "I'm...fine." Tino said.

"I know," Berwald replied and placed his hand over Tino's. "It's just dinner. Then we'll go home."

Tino stared at him and nodded slowly, "Just dinner," he repeated.

Berwald watched as he closed his eyes for a second and when he opened them again. Berwald shifted a bit so Tino was holding onto his upper arm as they headed for the doors. They walked up the steps where Lovisa was chatting away with Lord Bisok's wife. "Everything alright?" Lovisa asked glancing between them.

"Yes," Berwald replied not looking at her as Bisok extended his hand.

"I'm honored for you to join us," Bisok said as Berwald nodded and stared at his hand for a few moments and then decided to shake his hand. From the corner of his eyes he could see his mother, father, and Rasmus walk inside. "Welcome," Bisok said and extended his hand toward Tino.

Tino shook his hand, "Thank you for having us over." He quickly retracted it not bothering to give a firm handshake. He bowed slightly to Bisok's wife and that's when Oleo stood there with a small smile on his face.

"Glad to have the couple of century here to join us," he said. He extended his hand toward Berwald who shook it and then reached out to take Tino's hand. Tino didn't even look up at him as he gripped Berwald's arm with both hands.

"I wouldn't overstep yourself," Berwald muttered.

Oleo glanced up at Berwald and retreated his hand, "Of course, Duke. Please, come inside."

The two of them walk inside and Tino felt like he could breathe again, even if it were only for a second. His grip had gotten tighter on Berwald's sleeve without him noticing and he slowly relaxed. Berwald moved his hand down and into his as they walked through the hall. Tino smiled softly as they turned a corner where a well lit dining room was before them.

There were 8 chairs set up and Erik took a seat at the end of one table with Lovisa sitting to his left and Rasmus sitting beside her. Berwald took a seat to the right of his father and Tino sat beside him. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence for dinner,," Bisok said taking a seat at the other end of the table.

"Thank you for inviting us," Lovisa replied as she turned to Erik who glanced at Bisok with a bored expression. Berwald watched as Oleo took a seat beside Tino, and he casually pulled Tino's chair a bit closer to his. The Lady sitting across from Oleo as he smiled at the rest of the table.

There was small talk amongst the table as drinks were being served and food was coming out of the kitchen. "So, tell me what you're doing now for business now that the mine has collapsed," Erik said taking a sip of his wine.

"We've invested in doing lumber," Bisok replied with a large smile. "Black wood from the black forest is in high demand at the moment, and since the King decreed he would like to shrink the forest by 30% then I saw a great opportunity."

"A great opportunity?" Erik repeated. "Was not saving the mine of great importance to you?"

"The mine was old," Bisok waved his hand. "It was eventually going to collapse."

"And yet, you still let those miners go inside." Erik looked down at the plate brought in front of him with pork covered in a sort of sauce.

Bisok forced out an awkward chuckle, "Well, I had to get out everything I could out of that old mine. You should understand this Duke, buisness is buisness."

Tino sat there staring at his plate of pork, he didn't even have an appetite. He closed his eyes for a second wishing, hoping, that someday the Lord would get the karma he deserved.

"Of course," Erik said glancing up at Bisok as a piece of pork on his fork lingered near his mouth. "Buisness is buisness when it brings me profit, and does not harm my assets."

"Well, the good thing out of all of it is that my son found a lovely spouse out of it all," Lovisa hummed as she drank her wine. "Tino is truly a good match for him, don't you think?" she asked looking at Bisok.

There was silence as Bisok agreed with food in his mouth, but laughter broke the silence and everyone turned to look at Oleo who covered his mouth with his napkin. He let it fall to his lap as a large smile sat smugly on his face. "Why is it, that out of everyone in this town the Duke chose Tino? Don't you think he had any ulterior motive?"

Berwald looked over at him and then at Tino who hadn't even touched his food since it was set down in front of him.

"You all know, that before the gracious Duke showed up I had asked for Tino's hand in marriage," Oleo sat back in his chair looking directly at Tino. "Clearly, Tino wanted to go for someone with perhaps, a bit more money?" Tino looked up at him and narrowed his eyes. "I mean, don't any of you find it odd that a someone as common as Tino would just agree to marry the Duke? He hadn't even met him before that day and-"

"Then what was your reason for asking for his hand?" Rasmus interrupted. "If you don't mind me saying, if Tino is so "common", then why ask for his hand? Why someone from such a small and simple town?"

"Because I find him attractive," Oleo replied. His eyes met Tino's, and that's when Tino began to falter looking down back at his plate. "I've always been the type of man that when he sees what he likes, he'll go for it. Therefore, I went right after him."

Tino felt the need to scratch again, he could feel Oleo's eyes on him and his legs started bouncing quickly in place. "Right, but there is no benefit to marrying him," Rasmus continued. "Though you may like him for his looks, what benefit would that prove to you?"

"Well why don't we ask your brother the same thing? Why marry Tino, Duke?" Oleo asked now looking at Berwald whose gaze was piercing. "Why choose him?" Oleo leaned forward in his chair, "I think I asked you that once. The first time you decided, and if I remember correctly, you also said something along the lines of the way he looked. Did you not? Unless, of course, you have another reason entirely different." Oleo patted the arm of Tino's seat.

Tino flinched and quickly stood up making the chair fall back. Everyone looked at him and he could feel their stares as he looked between them. "I'm sorry," he said quietly and then turned heading for the door quickly.

Berwald watched him as he threw his napkin down on the table and followed after Tino. "Tino… Tino, please wait." He called out seeing Tino nearly run out of the house. It didn't take long for Berwald to catch up to him until they were on the steps of the large house and Berwald had reached out simply putting his hand on Tino's back. However, this time Tino pushed his hand away and moved back from him. "Tino-"

"Stop, please," Tino whispered his voice quivering and he began to scratch at his arm again. His body was shaking and the scratching stung, but it was better than feeling like he was being suffocated. "Please just, stop." He could feel his eyes stinging as tears slowly poured out. "They're...they're right you know. I'm just a commoner…"

Berwald furrowed his eyebrows, "No, that's not true," he whispered.

"Then why?" came the muffled question as Tino tried to speak as evenly as he could without breaking out into sobs. "Why choose me? If you wanted someone pretty there were plenty of other girls you could have chosen from." He scratched harder and he could already feel the blood smearing along his arm as he did so. He didn't care, he was confused and honestly scared. "It doesn't make any sense!" he choked on his words and shook his head.

"I-I'm sorry," Berwald whispered. Tino looked up at him, his entire face flushed with hot tears running down his face. Berwald could barely handle looking at him without feeling ashamed. "I should have never let them make you feel that way. I should have stopped them." Tino looked away wiping his eyes, but his lips were still trembling. He reached out for Tino, slowly and carefully wondering if Tino would push him away again.

Tino watched him, he didn't want to push Berwald away. He looked up at him and stepped forward slightly to let Berwald touch his arm gingerly.

"I married you, because you have the most beautiful soul I've ever seen," Berwald said. Tino slowly looked up to meet his eyes and Berwald felt a lump in his throat, hoping he wouldn't say the wrong thing. "The time we've spent together. I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've gotten to know you, and I wouldn't trade it for anything." He watched as Tino looked back down at the ground and he stepped a bit closer until they were both about eye level. "I'm falling for you, Tino."

Tino looked up at him and he could feel the tears still falling from his eyes. He slowly covered his mouth and pressed his lips together nodding. He had no words, all he knew is that he felt the same and he stepped a little closer resting his head on Berwald's shoulder. "You must think I'm ridiculous," Tino whispered and sniffled.

"I don't," Berwald murmured and next thing he knew Tino was hugging him. Of course he tensed up not expecting it, but after a brief moment and then let his hands rest on Tino's back. Tino felt like he was going to start crying all over again as his hug became tighter and he let his head rest in the crook of Berwald's body shook as he let out a soft sob with Berwald slowly running his hand up and down his back. The comforting touch slowly silenced him to small hiccups. "Let's leave," Berwald said.

"But your parents, and dinner," Tino muttered with his eyes closed. Although he didn't really care to stay.

"Do you know any good places to eat in the village?"

Tino smiled a bit, "A few."

Berwald nodded letting Tino go and asking a servant from inside to get their carriage. "Stay here and wait for the carriage, I'll go inside and tell them." Tino pulled away wiping at his eyes and nodded watching Berwald walk up the steps again and he pressed his lips into a firm line before breaking out into a big smile. He was sure he looked like a mess, but he felt happier than he had in a long time.

Moments later the carriage pulled up and the driver pulled open the door for him as he thanked him and climbed in. He sat back in the plush seat and looked at the large lawn that had several neat trimmed hedges. He didn't think Berwald had such a sweet side to him, it was surprising to say the least. Even more surprising, he openly admitted that he was falling for him. He covered his face a bit and his sleeve fell a little to reveal his arm. It definitely looked much worse than before and he let out a heavy sigh. He knew if he didn't take care of it then it would get infected. That's when he heard a small thud and he looked over at the door, but nobody was there. "Berwald?" he called out.

The door flung open and Tino was startled leaning back into his seat. He didn't even get a chance to blink as a cloaked figure appeared at the door and then reached in gripping his arm and trying to tug him out of the carriage. Tino gripped his arm right back and with his foot kicked him back. The figure nearly stumbled out of the carriage but caught himself by gripping the door as he pulled out a knife. He launched for Tino once again, this time Tino able to go underneath him and slam the figure into the other window slightly cracking it before rolling out of the carriage onto his back and then scrambled to stand up.

The hood fell back to reveal a man he had never seen before. The man was breathing heavily glaring at him with dark brown eyes, one of them having a scar over it. Tino's breathing was quick and he glanced around, only to see blood mixing with the sand near the carriage. His eyes followed the blood and he saw the driver lying lifeless in the dirt in his own blood. He didn't have time to process as the unknown man jumped out of the carriage and kicked dirt up. Tino tired to cover his face but sand had gotten into his eyes. He could barely see as the man ran towards him and seconds later he felt a sharp pain on his arm.

A deep pain that he couldn't describe traveled from his arm up and he couldn't make a sound. The man gripped his hair and dug the knife in deeper into his arm as waves of agony travelled up. Tino looked at his arm seeing it digging into an angle in his arm, the blood from where he scratched pales in comparison to the amount of blood that was already oozing out of the wound. The man was pulling him by his hair up to his feet as the blood dripped down from his arm into thick droplets onto the sand.

Tears spilled over as Tino cried out and choked on the pain. The man growled for him to shut up as he kept pulling him along and grabbed the knife pulling it out quickly. Tino screamed and tripped over his feet falling to his knees the man still dragging him by his hair. The pain was unlike anything he felt, it pulsated up and down his arm. Blood nearly covering his arm and staining his clothes. He could hardly breathe, but he didn't know to fight back or to stop the bleeding. Thoughts were clouded by pain as he reached up with bloody hands trying to get away.

Berwald exited the large house, when the familiar and heavy stench of blood filled his nose. His eyes quickly focused on the trail of blood from just beyond the steps and then screams filled his ears moments later. He turned only slightly to see Tino being dragged by his hair across the dirt, blood dripping down from his arm and a man in a black robe stained with blood telling him to shut up.

It seemed as if years passed by from where he stood on the steps to where Tino was. One second he was running toward him though, and the next the man was on the ground underneath him. He glared at him with loud growls came from his throat. He was snarling and the man was trying to back up from him but Berwald held him in place.

Tino was breathing quickly, one moment being dragged by his hair the next moment sitting frozen in fear. He stared at the large creature before him, and it was unlike anything he had ever seen. It was well over twice his size and wolf-like. However, the jaw didn't stop where a normal dog's jaw would. It continued down to the middle of the creature's chest and lined with rows of teeth. His eyes followed the large jaw line and that's when he saw a seperate mouth lining the creature's stomach. It was looking directly at him with piercing blue eyes; the man between its oversized jaws that could easily rip off the upper half of the man The creature huffed out before releasing the man and moved toward Tino. Tino quickly fell back holding his arm to his chest and using his other arm and legs to create some distance between them.

Berwald watched Tino scout away from him and he didn't understand why. He meant to call out his name, but all that came out was something between a low whine and soft bark. He looked down at himself and realized he had shifted without him knowing. That's when the pain of shifting hit him and he growled lowly shaking out his head as it passed his eyes landing on his blonde matted fur and large claws that sunk into the dirt. He knew Tino must be terrified having never seen him like this.

Tino couldn't take his eyes off the large creature and it lowered its body, it's ears pressing against it's head and looking at him. The pulsing pain from his arm was dulled by the immense fear he felt. The icy blue eyes stared at him, and a low whimper escaped the creature. It crawled a bit closer, and Tino scooted back some more when his hand hit something. He grabbed it quickly thinking to use it as a weapon. But when he saw them,they were simply glasses. He furrowed his eyebrows and his breathing became less erratic as he realized they belonged to Berwald. He stared at the creature and then at the glasses once more, "Berwald?"

The creature raised its ears, and Tino felt a sense of relief rush through him. He dropped the glasses and lurched forward toward Berwald who stood up in seconds covering the distance between them. Tino felt the large muzzle and he he hugged it with his free arm. He was shaking violently and gripped his matted fur. "I w-was so..scared.." he sobbed out. Berwald whined softly and moved away slightly only to surround Tino with his own larger body.

You guys I love all the support I'm getting for this story. It really means the world to me. And please, leave a review tell me what you like and what you didn't. It means a lot to actually know people are really reading this. Thanks so much!