We are working on our third foot of snow at the moment. Whoo~

The bus ride took awhile but I hardly noticed the passage of time. Berwald and I were chatting up a storm…well, I was. Berwald was mostly sitting there watching my lips move pretending like he was catching it all. He liked to watch me talk even if he didn't pick up everything I said. Which was okay, because I wasn't saying anything very important anyway. When the topic of signing melted into what kind of food we liked I lost track. Berwald would say one or two things, I would shamelessly go on for minutes, that sort of thing. I tried not to but otherwise it would be an awkward lull between us the whole way there. Besides, I kind of wanted to get him talking. It seemed to be working.

I could tell some people were a little put off by his presence but they ignored it. Seeing me, the picture of innocence and non-threatening, having no problem talking to a daunting guy like Berwald eased their worries about him a little. Don't worry folks! His bark is way worse than his bite. (If he even has one.) Berwald was just happy to be there. He is a man of simple pleasures.

Our stop was up so I pulled the line. There was a ding and the bus came to a gradual halt at a bus stop just across from the museum. We got off with a few others and I pulled my coat around me a little tighter now that I was reacquainted with the chilly air. It felt like only yesterday that I was basking in the summer sun and now the ground was collecting frost in the mornings.

"Ready?" I asked after hitting the crosswalk button. He nodded and stood next to me as we waited for the little green man to light up in the box on the other side. Berwald couldn't fool me, though. His mind wasn't as quiet as his mouth was.

I wonder if I can get him to hold my hand as we cross. After all, it is only proper to help someone with a disability cross the street. If I have to use my deafness as an excuse, so be it.

Oh no, buddy. This might be a mock-date but I'm not going to hold your hand just-

"Erk!" I made a sound in the back of my throat when I felt something grab my glove. The light just changed and I was determined to start walking fast so he wouldn't get the chance to ask, but it turns out Berwald wasn't planning on asking. He grabbed my hand and latched on, I could feel his resolve to keep it that way, and I stole a quick glance at him. He quirked an eyebrow as if questioning what I thought was wrong. I didn't have the strength to tell him no without making a fool of myself somehow.

"Ne'd h'lp."

"Heh…I didn't know being deaf made it hard to cross streets…" My arm gave a little tug as we walked over white lines in the road past waiting cars but all I got in return was a little squeeze.

He wants me to let go but I don't want to. Tino can deal with it until we get to the sidewalk.

You little…! Great, he's getting bolder…

Finally, I sped walked Berwald to the other side of the street and he reluctantly let go. Both of us had a sense of victory but for different reasons. "Okay, I've got the tickets. The Rome part is just past the ancient Egypt section and the aquarium so we'll have plenty to look at while we go." He nodded and we entered the building. Ah, the indoor heating felt nice.

And so our adventure began.

000

It was a little different being out with Berwald compared to the library, but somehow similar. There were more people in the museum and not many of them were as relaxed as the ones from my sanctuary so their thoughts were loud and endless. I took some medication today, though. With any luck I wouldn't be getting too bad of a headache. This is how it was if I wanted to go anywhere, I was very used to it by now so no worries.

The first place we checked out was the dinosaur exhibit. It was rather extensive and well put together. Many little kids were running around and pointing at the life-like dinosaur animatronics. I used to love dinosaurs when I was little, too. In fact, I still do which is probably why I was enjoying the place. As we walked along a twisting path past a long-neck, a pterodactyl let out a call and swooped over our heads. I laughed because it really did look silly dangling from wires and looking like it was made of paper mache. Berwald wasn't really into dinosaurs much but he liked to see me smile.

Next was the Great American Wild West. Acoustic guitar could be heard playing from a speaker and there was a guide dressed up like a cowboy teaching a group of people about how they wrangled cattle all over the prairies before the railroads and fences started breaking up the land. There were all kinds of things to learn, including famous outlaws and a lot on the railroads. Berwald read a few of the signs there and decided that he was developing an interest for this time of history. I knew what kinds of books he would be checking out from the library soon.

There were lots of exhibits and activities, plenty of people enjoying them, and lots to do. Personally I'm not a history nut like Berwald but it was still easy to enjoy myself. He was having a blast…though only I could tell. To anyone else he appeared to be bored and questioning why he came. I would like it if he could smile more or at least change his facial expression…I have only seen him do it a handful of times.

There was something other than the history or being with me that was making Berwald inwardly smile. There were quite a few kids here, some brothers and sisters chased each other around between exhibits and found every little thing exciting. Berwald really likes kids which came as a surprise to me. Not that I thought he would make a bad father, but…well…I don't know. The thought of Berwald with a child on his back calling him 'Papa' was kind of endearing. I like kids too, they are fun to be around and their thoughts are honest and pure.

"Wow, they seriously mummified their cats?" I peered into the glass of a case showing a golden sarcophagus made for a small feline. "I thought that was a myth!"

"Hm," Berwald hummed and came to stand next to me. "Assoc'ated w'th E'ypt'an g'ddess Bastet," he explained.

"Cool…where does it say that?" I asked and looked around for the information he was reading from the informative museum podiums posted around the area. Berwald shook his head. "You mean you already knew that? Wow, I swear you know everything! Have you ever thought of getting a job as a historian or something?" Surprisingly the thought actually hadn't crossed Berwald's mind. He always thought of his love for history as just a hobby. "I think you should check it out. Wouldn't that be cool, to get paid for doing what you love?"

"Hm. Ah'll lo'k intah it."

"I hope you do. So are we done here, Mr. Know-it-all? The Rome exhibit is next."

As we neared the little hallway that separated the rooms I began to pick up a lot of activity…more than I was expecting. So far I was able to keep my head screwed on right for most of the day but now I was getting a little anxious about the daunting task ahead. The new exhibit was apparently very popular…there were maybe fifty to seventy people in that room. And I'm sure as many of you are aware: I do not do well with dozens of people. I wasn't expecting so many to come to the museum on a Monday afternoon just to see the new display! Of course Berwald didn't have any problems with it and kept on going while my steps started to slow.

Shit shit shit…this isn't going to be fun. But this is why we came here, I can't just bail now! I guess…I've been in larger crowds before, I can handle this…for Berwald. He was kind of excited to see it. So I took a big gulp of air and put one foot in front of the other.

The place was very new and authentic looking. From the second you step in between grand arches, it was like you just time traveled back to ancient Rome in its finest. There was a large model of the coliseum in the center as if it were brand new, a few replicas of famous statues, tons of glass cases with artifacts in them, and tall white pillars framed the room and hugged the walls. Red curtains hung from them like delicate ghosts and the floor was crafted to look like an assortment of stone slab pieces fit perfectly together. Standing on those slabs were people…tons of people. Old and young, all going from place to place to read the podiums of information and chat amongst each other. Of course what I heard the most was their heads.

Everyone was reading information and thinking about it. I was being bombarded with random flashes of images and snippets of thought at a speed that was dizzying. But I kept it all inside and willed myself to ignore as much as possible. Stay calm and don't let your mind open, Tino. Retreat as far into your own consciousness as possible, don't focus on anything but yourself. This is okay, it is just a little noisy in here. Nothing you can't handle. Think of it as an exorcize.

"T'no?" It was about then I realized someone had been calling my name. It was Berwald who waved a hand in my face and quirked an eyebrow. He zoned out.

"O-oh, sorry about that! Just thinking of something." A woman nearby threw me a look and a few others were visibly disturbed.

That guy is talking too loud!

What is his problem?

Hey! I've seen this kind of thing on TV…

I wonder how much these gold coins go for each.

Will they let me chew gum in here?

No, no, no! Don't pay attention, just ignore them. I guess I was yelling to be heard over the 'loud chatter' only in my ears. It was impossible to tell how loud the place actually was, it might be close to silent for all I knew. I would have to remember to keep my voice down for now on…actually, why did I need to speak at all? Berwald could understand me if I just mouthed the words instead. Then I wouldn't have to worry about being heard.

We went to the first stop in the room: a little thing about the roads of Rome and how incredible they were for their time. I tried to read the signs but it was really hard to concentrate, so I eventually gave up and pretended like I was reading them so Berwald wouldn't notice. It was working for awhile, but then…

Ah, my head! There was too much! We've been in here for ten minutes and already it was stifling. Sure I've been in crowds bigger than this but they weren't crowds of people learning and processing ideas and concepts. It was just like being back in school! You can see why I was home schooled after fifth grade. A throbbing ache in my temples made me wince and rub them a bit while Berwald was turned around. Just a little bit more of this, we have a little over half to go…just a little longer, I can hold out…

I don't think I even noticed when things started to get dim. It was all I could do to stay upright and I wasn't even doing that very well. It was an overload. I wasn't going to make it. Just as I felt my sense of balance slipping, I felt something take my wrist. It pulled me in a direction and I blindly followed so I didn't fall over. As I left the room I realized it was Berwald and he was leading me away into the open door that went into the aquarium. It was darker in there which kind of helped my splitting migraine but made me trip over my own feet slightly.

"T'no? T'no, ya 'kay?" Berwald led me to a bench in front of a large tank and sat me down. Relief was starting to wash over me now that I was away from Rome and I nodded my head as best I could. Berwald's thoughts were now the loudest to me, thank goodness. I couldn't hear him at all back there and I felt kind of alone even if he were standing just to my right the whole time. What happened? He was just fine a minute ago, why is Tino looking so ill? Is he sick? What should I do?

"W-water," I mouthed with my hands still massaging my temples. It felt like I was going to be sick…

Berwald nodded immediately and told me to stay put. He disappeared around a corner and I leaned back on the cool glass behind me taking long steady breaths to slow my heart and get oxygen to my excruciating head. It was much quieter in here and the dull roar in my ears was starting to ebb. Thank the lord Berwald noticed that something was wrong…

Oh shit, Berwald noticed that something was wrong.

Didn't Tino say he was claustrophobic? Was that too much for him? It wasn't even that many people and it was a pretty big room…

Berwald came back a few minutes later with a bottle of water he got from a vending machine and a million questions. He tapped me on the shoulder and sat down next to me as I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out the little bottle of pills I carry around just in case this sort of thing happened. They were for my worst headaches and if there were ever a time for them, it would be now. The reason why I only take them for emergencies was because of the little side effect they had on me…I tended to get really tired. It was a good thing I had Berwald with me or I could've had trouble getting home. He would make sure I didn't get off at the wrong stop.

With a big gulp of water then another for good measure, I took a reassured breath and wiped my mouth off with my sleeve. It would be another half an hour until they kicked in but it was nice just knowing that relief was coming soon.

What were those? I didn't get a look at the bottle. Does Tino have a condition he hasn't told me about? I hope it isn't serious. I wonder why he hasn't said anything about it. Or is it for his extreme claustrophobia?

"Thanks, Ber…I'm so sorry about that." I got the idea to thank him in sign and I touched my chin then brought my hand down face-up. He responded with 'you're welcome.'

"Wr'ng h'nd."

"Darnit," I tried to smile and alleviate some of his worry. It only worked a little bit.

At least he is calm enough to still remember that. "Ya 'kay?"

"Yeah, I'm getting much better."

"Wha' ha'ened? Wha's wr'ng?" He put a comforting hand on my upper back and rubbed little circles through my unzipped jacket. The touch was welcomed but didn't help my anxioty.

"I-I…um…That happens from time to time, no reason to worry. I have medicine for it, as you saw."

"Wha' was it?"

"Oh, it was nothing…just a headache I get sometimes…"

"Mus've be'n r'lly bad. Lo'ked like ya're gonna faint."

"It's fine, really! I'm alright. Just…just give me a minute, okay? I'm still a little dizzy."

"Ah'm w'rried." Berwald leaned in a tad bit closer so our faces were level with each other. I tried not to tense up because his hand on my back would feel it. "Ya're not tell'n m' s'meth'n."

"Uh…say again?" I understood him perfectly well. I was just doing whatever I could to stall my response.

"Ya're not tell'n m' s'meth'n." He suddenly got a look of pure concentration on his face that could scare a small child. The words he said next were much clearer than any other I've ever heard him say. It wasn't easy for him. "Tino, don't hide these th'ngs. Ah want to halp."

"It's only a headache, Berwald!" My body scooted away a little and my eyes went to the right to lock onto a big fish swimming around behind a glass barrier. I crossed my arms and tried to look annoyed so he might drop it. Asking nicely wasn't working. "Look, I'll be alright so you don't have to baby me. I'm a grown man; I can take care of myself."

Berwald only stared as if he were expecting me to say more. When I didn't, he slowly looked away from my face and animatedly watched the fish swim around in the water across from us. The room was made of glass walls and all sorts of critters were swimming and scuttling around. It was calming…especially how everyone seemed too busy with the Roman exhibit to check out a boring aquarium. I could still hear the constant chatter of the masses but it was much quieter now that I wasn't in the same room. A minute went by, then two. All we did was sit and watch the sea life sway in an artificial current. Any other day I would have pointed at the black eel that just slipped by and excitedly tell everyone that I saw it. Right now, however, all I had energy for was sitting and regaining my composure. I instantly felt bad about snapping at the man sitting quietly next to me.

I just wanted to help. Tino doesn't want my help, I wonder if he doesn't trust me or if he is naturally this stubborn. Does he think I'll think badly of him for having some kind of medical condition? Perhaps it is mental. Obviously it isn't something Tino can control. He seems kind of mad at me right now but what can I do to break this tension? I don't want to make it worse…

Great, now I feel like an unappreciative dick. Berwald's mood was low and confused and I hated to be the one that made him that way. With a sigh, I cautiously poked his arm. My eyes were still glued ahead of me while his went to my lips. "Ber, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that, I'm just…"

"Ya're stressed."

"Yes, I'm stressed. I get migraines sometimes; it really isn't anything to worry about. My medicine will work soon and I'll be just fine again. You really don't have to worry. I'm okay." There was no response for a moment. I wondered if he needed me to repeat anything, then I received a thought.

He isn't okay. I can see it. Tino doesn't want to tell me…I guess there isn't anything I can do about that. But I want to help.

Not a moment later, his arm went around my shoulder and pulled me into his side for a gentle hug. It wasn't an advance, it was a kind gesture meant as an attempt to show me he understood when it was so clear that he didn't but wasn't willing to press it. Berwald really does care. He cares so much…I don't understand how he could but he does.

And I really care for him, too.

I leaned into his side after a moment of hesitation and let out the breath I didn't know I was holding. We just sat there for awhile, alone in the dim aqua lighting of the fish tanks, watching little schools go by and not doing anything. Sometimes someone would walk by, spot us, think something about how two guys were hugging like that, and return to looking at the fish before leaving. You would think I would be embarrassed but I really wasn't. I even closed my eyes for a little and Berwald was perfectly fine with being my support. Sooner than I expected I felt my headache start to wane. It was much easier to deal with now and the dizziness wasn't quite as bad.

"I think I can stand now," I said. Berwald didn't know I spoke and I had to nudge him and repeat. He nodded and let go so I could get back on my feet. Yes, I was feeling much better.

"Ya gonna make it?" he asked. I hesitated before answering which gave him all the answer he needed. "Hm. We c'n go."

"I don't want to rush you or anything. You were enjoying the museum before I had my little episode."

"Ya aren't fe'l'n well, shou'd ca' it a day. Had f'n."

I felt terrible about ruining our little outing but I knew he was right. Soon I would be feeling the fatigue those dumb pills give me and I would be no fun anyway. Might as well end it here, but I didn't like leaving on such a sour note. Things still felt a little tense between us. "Hey, can we get something to eat first? I'm supposed to eat when I take those and our bus doesn't come for awhile."

Berwald nodded and took me by the arm. He wasn't pulling or gripping, it was just to make sure I was with him. He was still kind of worried I was going to fall over even though I told him I was feeling better. My friend led me through the museum and we exited the building to find the chilly air had not gone away since the last time we were outside. I zipped up my coat and Berwald took a moment to do the same to his. I quickly put on my gloves and we started to walk down the sidewalk in relative silence.

Not too far away was a sushi bar. After finding out that Berwald didn't mind sushi, we went in. The people inside welcomed us and gave us a seat at the stools in front of a conveyer belt. Yes, it was conveyer belt sushi. That is the best way to have sushi and if you haven't tried it then you should! Stuff on little plates goes around in circles and you pick out whatever looks tasty, then you eat it. No waiting for your order and no hassle! Plus you get to watch the chefs make the stuff right in front of you. One of them was putting a freshly made batch of California rolls out for the taking as we requested our drinks and I snatched one before it got away.

I've never been to this kind of place before. What do I do? Oh, Tino just took a plate off the line. How do you know what it is and how much it costs?

"I see you're a little confused," I said after swallowing a big bite of my roll soaked in soy sauce. "There is this chart right here saying how much each color plate is, and here's a chart showing you what it is. Just grab whatever you want and chow down, it is on me."

"Ya don' have tah pay the who'e b'll…"

I gave him a stern look balanced with a smirk. "Who's the one with the job, here? That would be me. Seriously, don't sweat it. Besides, I owe you for today."

"T'day?"

"Yeah, you know…for dragging you away from your busy schedule to see some museum."

"Who's one w'th the jo'?" Berwald raised an eyebrow and returned my question to me. I shrugged.

"I make my own hours, so whatever. Plus I owe you for helping me out back there. You are a great friend to stick around even when I was getting snotty."

"Ya weren' s'otty."

"Whatever it was, it wasn't pleasant. Thanks again." I did the 'thank you' sign and he nodded with the gesture for 'you're welcome.'

"R'ght h'nd this t'me."

"Sweet! I'm getting the hang of this. Now pick something and eat it before I pick for you. And I have really weird tastes, so you better watch out."

Berwald snapped his chopsticks and looked at the food for a minute before picking up a red plate and setting it next to my yellow one. On his was a sliced up volcano roll. "Hey, can I have one of those? I don't see any more going around so…"

"Hm." Berwald took a piece between his chopsticks and held it up to my face. I blinked before realizing what he was trying to do. The food was popped in my mouth when it opened and he watched me chew. "Go'd?"

"Yeah! It's delicious," I said with my mouth still a little full. "Needs soy sauce, though."

He sure puts a lot of that on his sushi. He must like really salty things.

"Hey, ever had wasabi on this before?"

What started as a strategically planned day at the museum that became a little dodgy halfway though was shaping up to be nice after all. In no time we were both enjoying our food and the atmosphere was pleasant again. We didn't talk too much throughout dinner, but it was fun anyway. Especially when I tricked him into trying salmon roe. He popped a few of the little red eggs into his mouth and immediately his face scrunched up. I laughed as he downed an entire glass of water just to get the taste out and he sent me a narrow eye'd glare. I knew he wasn't really mad; it was payback for the leaf thing earlier.

It is like I can be myself around Tino. No trying to hide my expressions or make them look different, he doesn't fear my face at all and even knows things about me that anybody else would never be able to pick up. How does he do it?

It is simple my dear Berwald. Once you get past the tough exterior, I can't see you as anything more than a big soft lug. You really are different in that you genuinely care without needing anything in return. This whole time you've pursued me when I showed no sign of even considering you but you still did it. Even if I wasn't ever going to turn around and love you back, you were still going to keep loving me. I admire that about you, your courage and tenacity, and because of that I can understand.

I can also read your mind. That helps too.

Hold up! The date ain't over yet…