OH MY GOD look who decided to update after a long time ugh author is such a butt she is sorry! o College is exhausting and I had little time to add to the chapter so I usually write a few short paragraphs when I had time to spare.
However thank you to those who still read the story and waited patiently for this chapter. I will try to do my best to update earlier especially since Christmas is just around the corner. Hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 4: Day 3 - Sketches and Purchases
Thank Odin he didn't have a hangover when he woke up but he was tired as hell, half growling while his phone rang loudly again.
They were docked at Aarhus, Denmark today. He had the option to stay on board the ship since he was going on his own at this port of call however that meant throwing money away because he already pre-booked his transportation.
He was at least thankful that he wasn't part of any tour after the party last night.
He groggily stood and drank a glass of water, throat still dry from the drinks he downed and clumsily went on with his morning routine. The call time was 07.30 at the Vista Lounge, giving him less time to be somber and eat breakfast.
Even at this ungodly hour there were plenty of passengers at the buffet area all rushing to have a decent fill of food before going to their respective tours. Tino managed to get his plate of food and a cup of coffee but spent quite some time spacing out from exhaustion. He never should've started to mix all those drinks with vodka.
He smiled to himself, remembering the taste. It has been a while since he had any; being a student did prevent him from actually drinking anything alcoholic and more on coffee to keep his eyes open and finish the immense load of papers he had to do... and the fact that he opted not to drink entirely unless he seriously had to. He was too busy daydreaming that he didn't even realize someone had joined him on the table.
"Don't you look happy today…" teased the blond, fixing the table napkin on his shirt collar. Never mind if his pants got dirty, his fuchsia shirt was far more important.
Tino blinked and stared at Feliks as he rolled up his sleeves to his elbows so that they also don't get dirty. Since when did he get there and for how long?
"You know they really should give you two table napkins… one for your shirt and the other for your pants…" he commented, grabbing the napkin of the extra set of cutlery and drapes it on his lap. "Anyway I'm very impressed with you honey you look absolutely dapper even after drinking that much."
Tino chuckled nervously. "…I'm not sure if I should feel good about that to be honest. What about you, Feliks? You also look like you didn't even order all those drinks let alone made the get together a full blown party."
The pol waved his hand dismissively. "All in a day's work really. Being an event planner has its perks. Oh and where are my manners… is it okay if I stayed here? I mean… sure I ramped up the whole party but that doesn't change the fact that I'm still cruising alone… and so far you are the only one that I found somber. Talking drunk is a big no no for me… pretty please?"
Tino laughed a little, nodding. "I don't mind. Besides I would also appreciate the company. But I am in a rush just to let you know."
He grinned at him in such a way that Tino felt like he could be a predator's next lunch. "I see… I do believe I still have enough time to find out. I was slightly curious when he lingered around until we ended… so spill."
Tino cocked his head slightly to one side. "Spill about what?"
Feliks pointed his fork at him, a serious look on his face. "Who else would it be other than that cute guy with glasses who escorted you out? There is no way you two are related which means you must've bagged someone… and It's been only two days!"
Tino flustered a bit. "I didn't 'bag' him… He's an acquaintance and… not exactly a passenger…" he slowly said, toning his voice down.
Feliks made a 'mhm' sound while munching on his salad. His eyes widened and sparkled right after he processed what he said. "Oh my god… Don't tell me he's part of the staff!"
Tino nodded a little, glancing around just in case. "Not so loud okay? But yeah… we met during the lunch shift and he also caters to our section of the dining room. He was the one who told me about the meet and greet."
He watched as the older man squeal in his seat, fanning himself with his hand. "And he said he came to check on you he is such a sweetheart! He serves you your meals too! Let's not forget the fact that he did make sure you returned to your stateroom… ah he's perfect!"
Tino gave the fangirling pol an incredulous look. "H-he's just doing his job, Feliks!" he reasoned, cheeks turning a bit pink. "T-that doesn't really count as anything especially serving my food…"
Feliks pouted at him. "Okay so maybe I'm a little bit eager but I do know where you're coming from, Tino. See, there's this really cute awkward waiter somewhere around here that I can't seem to find. He's a brunette with semi-long hair and a bit tall… a Lithuanian but I forgot his name and I've been so stressed about remembering what it was…"
"…would it be something like Toris?" he suggested, taking a bite off his bagel. He still had to hurry and finish his breakfast even if Feliks was talking to him.
Feliks clasped his hands in delight. "YES! Toris was his name! Thank you thank you thank you so much you have no idea how much it was driving me crazy! He was so awkward when I tried talking to him and I don't know why so I planned on talking to him again but as I've said I haven't seen him around."
Tino stifled his laugh as the pol pouted even more. "Well if you promise not to scare him off, he has the same shift with Eduard during lunch and dinner."
Feliks' pout slowly morphed into a cheeky smile. "So… if I just happen to eat dinner later at the same resto as you… I get to see them both~?"
Tino gave him an apologetic look. "Maybe… you might be in a different section though. Like I said, it was a coincidence that I was placed there. Your waiters can be entirely different."
The pol whined loudly. "That would be really depressing if it were true. I might just save myself the heart ache and try to see him around here during lunch but I have tours to go to. My only chance would be the Sea days…"
Sea days… somehow it made Tino a little sad. Sea days were free days when a ship's voyage between two countries is far enough that it spends an entire day sailing and passengers can use the numerous facilities on board to pass time. It would be fun… if he had someone to spend it with. Sure he was lucky enough to meet new people but he also didn't want to squeeze himself into their schedules. They had their own plans and he was certain it doesn't have him in it.
"…everyone would be on board and he would be super busy catering other people besides me…" continued Feliks, oblivious to Tino's inner turmoil. He had no doubt the blond also has his own schedule panned out.
Things would have been a little bit easier if his family was around; they take up most of his time. Soon he might find himself just sitting in his balcony reading a book he brought and feeling as miserable as some lovesick character who can't get the girl or something cliché like that.
Feliks frowned a little when he had gone quiet, tapping his hand gently. "Hello? Are you okay over there?" he asked. "…was I talking so much? I tend to ramble so feel free to cut me off…"
Tino also frowned, lost in his thoughts but immediately started apologizing, bending his head low. "Ah! You were absolutely not rambling at all! There was something you've said that made me contemplate about and my mind wandered off a little. I should be the one apologizing for not paying attention…" He flustered, clearly embarrassed.
Feliks watched him closely, his frown fading into a warm gentle smile. "You know… I'll be surprised if you got off this boat without finding the right one for you… assuming that you are actually single."
Tino gave him a confused look. "I am single as of this moment but what exactly do you mean?"
He rested his chin on his hands, careful not to get any food on his elbows, and tilted his head so that one of his hands cradled it in place. "I am no match maker and even have my own troubles finding someone who could keep up with me… however, there is something about you that is… different. "
Tino felt more confused at that, eyebrows furrowing. "Is that… a good thing?"
"Absolutely!" he answered. "To be honest my first impression of you was that of a sheltered young man who didn't give himself enough time to meet anyone because he was far too busy with something he prioritized… which kind of encouraged me to drag your cute little tush to the dance floor."
He took a moment to chuckle, eyes sparkling again. "Something told me you're finally finished with that chapter in your life so here you are trying to get back all those times you passed up except that you are such a bashful little cherub that you don't know how to begin!"
Tino pouted a little since it was technically true. He did focus a lot on his studies just to boost his chances at a stable job. Yet he didn't anticipate being on this cruise on his own before he could do any decent job hunting and meeting someone like Feliks who was exceptionally good at assuming his failed attempts at finding love.
He was at least sure he wasn't a bashful little cherub! He could approach someone if he wanted to!
Maybe!
Sort of!
Ugh it was way too early to talk about stressful things like these.
"Okay… let's just say I am a bashful…cherub." He started, feeling awkward. "It's just difficult to find someone you can instantly click with, you know? And I have a few… standards to meet… a lot if I took the time to assess them."
"Don't we all? You think with your head and your heart… I like that. Whoever would grab your attention should feel flattered." He told him. "You're smart, good looking and when you get all flustered you make the cutest reactions! I just want to pinch your cheeks!"
Just when Tino thought Feliks was really serious about their talk he ruins it and returns to his naturally peppy self. But he also liked that about him and made him feel much better. He had a chance. Besides, if it's not meant to be on this cruise then there were other opportunities.
Feliks grinned at him then glanced at his watch, his happy demeanor suddenly changing into one of panic. "Oh my god! I talked too much and now you barely even touched your food and I barely touched mine and we're totally late! It's nearly time to get to our venue!"
Tino also looked at his watch and paled. Both of them shared a look then speed ate through their breakfast all the while careful not to choke on anything before dashing back to their rooms to get ready. He was just starting to like the conversation too.
Tino excused himself as he made his way to the back of the bus. It was full today since they merged a tour group to Den Gamle By, the open air museum, with the passengers going on their own and the seats were quick to be occupied. Seeing as he was by himself he would have to share a seat with someone to maximize space, placing his bag on the floor and kept the arm rest up to let anyone who needed one to know the seat next to his was free.
And lo and behold someone did.
The two stared at each other for a moment in silence as if waiting for the other to react but didn't, making the atmosphere between them thicken. Berwald was the last to get on the bus and there was only one seat left and that was next to Tino.
"Everyone please take your seats and we will be off to the central market of Aarhus where we will be dropped off." announced the tour guide, silently eyeing the tall swede at the back who hasn't sat down for more than 5 minutes. Not that she could specifically calm him out… he was built like a tree.
He had to ask the obvious, making sure the seat really was vacant before sitting down next to him, draping his coat on the arm rest. That was all that he carried save a well hidden wallet.
The bus slowly pulled out to the road and the tour guide once again started her commentary, beginning with Aarhus being the second largest city in Denmark and how it was unfortunately overshadowed despite being the location of the botanical gardens, the royal family's summer home where its grounds are opened to the public, and countless well-preserved Danish architectural buildings and residences in the old town.
Tino tried to pay attention but the awkwardness of everything was choking him. They had spoken once, sure, but that doesn't give him any freedom to strike up another conversation about any random thing that wasn't full of assumptions like the first time.
Yet he had this weird urge to talk to him. What's up with that?
But if he did and Berwald was listening to the tour guide then he would come up as rude and end up bothering him.
It was either talk or stay in silence for the next 15 minute drive.
He could've just stayed quiet.
"A-Are you… p-part of the tour?" he meekly asked, giving him a side glance.
The swede didn't respond, eyes pointed straight ahead.
"I'm going on my own today…" he continued, trying to make a conversation. "… having a tour in every port can be tiring so it's like having a break every once in a while...a-and at your own pace too!"
Still nothing.
Harsh.
Hopefully no one was eavesdropping on his failed attempts because he had no doubt he looked pitiful right now.
"U-Um… I don't know if you still remember me-"
"You're Tino, am I right?" he responded, voice deep as ever. How could he not forget his not-so stalker the day before? He finally looked at him as if to acknowledge his presence.
Tino swallowed and nodded. "Y-yes… and you're Berwald if I'm not mistaken…"
"..mm…" he responded with a curt nod. Tino felt he just ended the chat.
He inwardly sighed, sitting upright and looked out the window. Guess there are some things that won't really work out.
"…did you try adding lemon to the salmon?" the other spoke, now looking at him with those piercing blue eyes.
He felt relieved that the other started to talk again. He smiled a little, sitting up straight and nodded. "I did and it made it taste better because I think it had some time to seep into the salmon. Every bite had a subtle tangy kick to it." He replied.
The swede nodded in agreement. "…if you like seafood, I suggest trying the crab shack…"
Tino looked at him curiously. "…crab...shack?"
"…the patter has it…" he explains. "…A special night where they serve fresh seafood including Alaskan king crab legs. It's highly anticipated by passengers and they can only cater to a few at a time. But the full course meal is only for twenty dollars."
"…t-twenty dollars?!" he exclaimed, watching the other confirm it with another nod. He had seen photos of king crab legs before and they were longer than the bowl they placed them in. He would have to remember to check on that later and also see when they would have Lobster Night.
"I-I don't think I could finish them all though. I saw pictures and it looked like it could be good for two to three people…" he added, smiling sheepishly. He wasn't a big eater and though he only gets what he could finish sometimes there is still a bit left on his plate. It would be easier to try it if his family was with him. He could try to invite Steven and Jett and also Feliks if the pol won't mind eating a potentially messy meal.
Berwald nodded. He had a point. "Sad to miss out on it though. Good seafood. " he muttered.
Their bus slowly came to a stop at a parking lot and the passengers eagerly made their way out. A small group for the tour formed outside and the rest crossed the streets at their own leisure; some waiting for the same group to start walking since they don't know where to go from there.
Tino secured his bag and buttoned down his coat as the chilly air ruffled his hair, looking around to decide where to explore. Berwald was already a few paces ahead of him and since it looked like the crowd was heading the same way, he followed him.
The cobblestone streets crisscrossed through the Vestergade district which is iconic for the oldest church in Aarhus, the Church of Our Lady. Side shops pop up every now and then but most were clustered in several areas. He took his time walking, admiring his surroundings. Naturally the aforementioned church was already clogged by the entrance so Tino just admires its exterior before trying to see which angle would fit the whole thing on his camera.
He found it amusing that this church was right next to a shopping district, towering over the shops on a wide open space. Like other Scandinavian countries, small artistic structures were also made here and there like this low free flowing granite fountain that some children were playing with. The sky was a bit gloomy so he had his umbrella ready in case it did rain but with many of the shops next to one another he'd most likely be going in and out of them without needing to open it.
He checked his map and noted where he came from so that he didn't lose his way when he would go wandering through side streets, turning around to find Berwald seated on a bench and preoccupied with sketching something on a notebook. The swede looked up several times and back to his notebook without making eye contact with him yet Tino was certain he was on the same direction as to where he was looking. He craned his neck and the church was right behind him; perhaps Berwald had the intention of drawing it. He was about to move when a low voice told him to "..wait" and "stay right there."
The Fin did stay where he was but his peripheral vision was trained on Berwald since he was positive that it was his voice. He didn't complain though, even if he was confused, and patiently waited until the other told him he could finally move again while he compared his sketch and his subject.
Tino approached him and meekly asked what he was doing. Berwald merely lowered his notebook to show him that he did draw the Church of Our Lady, albeit somewhat of a rough sketch with enough details, as well as Tino with his back turned.
"Y-You know you could've just asked me to move before you started drawing…" he said, looking at him apologetically. "..I ended up being in the way…sorry."
Berwald shrugged, stuffing the notebook, mechanical pencil and eraser back into the interior pocket of his coat. "I was already halfway through my sketch when you stood there…. didn't want to bother you so I just added you into it. I don't mind… it makes it more realistic that way."
"It's a nice sketch though… do you mind if I ask why you decided to draw this one?" he asked.
"Not at all…" he replied, standing so that he could offer an old couple to use the bench instead. They both walked away from the plaza when another horde of tourists came. "I sketch buildings and objects that I like to bring home for references. We have a furniture business in Sweden and I want to have a variety of options available when I have to do some woodwork. We cater mostly to northern Europeans so having designs that remind them of home are best sellers."
"Like a mini IKEA?" Tino joked, chuckling. He looked up just in time to see a glimpse of a small smile on the swede's lips but it was gone in a split second so he wasn't too sure.
"IKEA is heaven on earth. To have our items sold in one of their stores would be a lifelong dream. Ah but then again my work isn't as good as their displays just yet… especially their revolutionary multi-purpose furniture made for the smallest studio apartments. I could read their catalogues all day and I won't get tired of it…." said Berwald.
Tino tried not to laugh. Berwald had sounded so much like a little boy getting excited about something but with his straight face and deep voice. He had to settle for a restrained smile. "I've only been to IKEA a few times to get some furniture but I haven't exactly gotten through all their displays. They're usually very extensive and it would take me hours to get out."
"I'd be happy to get lost in there. I did once. I stayed until closing time because there was this beautifully made birch veneer bookcase and I had to have it..." said Berwald. Tino couldn't help but laugh now.
Berwald raised an eyebrow at him and Tino had to take a moment to stop. "I-Im sorry but… hearing you talk about IKEA like that makes me think of say this boy talking about his favorite toy car or something."
Berwald looked away, slightly embarrassed. He was rambling about IKEA again but it wasn't as if he could help it. He turned back to Tino but the shorter male wasn't there, finding him window shopping nearby. It was a local shop selling sweaters and winter wear and the Fin was admiring a light blue and white with a reindeer motif.
He eventually went inside and Berwald followed out of mild curiosity. Tino had already entered the fitting room with the sweater and he busied himself by going through their other merchandise. Soon Tino came out still wearing it, making sure he had a good view of the sweater on him and even checking how it was from behind by twisting his body a bit. He looked troubled and always fiddled with the hem and the sleeves while he decided.
Berwald threw him a side glance, watching the flustered Fin having an internal battle with himself. Tino subtly posed a little with the article of clothing, raising his arms, crouching and smiling towards the mirror with his head tilted some to the side. He looked rather…
"You know if you want it… buy it. It's not like you have another chance to go back here once we sail out of Aarhus." The swede suggested.
Tino looked at him, partly surprised that he went into the same shop instead of going ahead but he dismissed it. He took one last look at the sweater before entering the changing room to take the sweater off and reappearing a moment later to buy it.
They left the store and continued to walk down the cobblestone streets, weaving through the crowds of tourists and locals alike. There were more stores further in and across bridges, side streets that branched out from the main shopping district. Tino hugged his new purchase close, obviously pleased that he got it.
"Thanks for helping me decide. I can't really imagine how I would be lying in bed just thinking about it if I left it on the rack." he said, smiling.
"It's fine." he replied. "I'm…like that too sometimes..."
Tino cocked his head to the side then chuckled in amusement. "I see…"
There were 7-Eleven stores EVERYWHERE. It made Tino consider that they could have been walking around in circles if he didn't notice that it was an entirely new street. He went inside one of them while Berwald stayed outside. The beverages there were much cheaper compared to buying on board so he took a few bottles of soda and a relatively small bottle of vodka for… his reasons. He made sure to keep it underneath the soda.
There was much to Aarhus that he couldn't properly explore mainly because he preferred not to stray too far from the church that became his personal landmark in getting back to the parking lot. Sometimes he felt like he should tell Berwald that they could part ways right then and there since he felt guilty of dragging his new acquaintance around…and that maybe the other was secretly annoyed at how often he checked out things in the shops but not buying anything. Still he didn't deny that he wanted to have someone around than just aimlessly wandering through the streets. He kept it to himself.
The duo went in and out of shops, giving each other the freedom to choose and waited for the other until they were done before moving to next one. Tino had to hold back on purchasing small items as presents, keeping in mind that they still have several ports of call for more shopping. Sometimes they had to stop when Berwald saw something he wanted to sketch and Tino would quietly watch him.
It was when they were back in the bus that his curiosity got the better of him.
"Hey Berwald? Could I maybe… take a look at the sketches you have so far?" he asked meekly.
Berwald looked at him and shrugged, pulling out the notebook and handing it over to him. Tino flipped through the pages carefully, eyes widening at the amount of detail in each one. There were rough sketches of chairs and tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture. There were occasional drawings of people but they were there mostly because they were part of the scene the other wanted to illustrate.
Most if not all were done skillfully. The shading was spot on and his perspectives created more depth to the drawings. There were, as he would put it, "lazy day" drawings when the page only composed of incomplete sketches with little detail but enough to make out what they were supposed to be.
The smile on his lips did not go unnoticed. Berwald kept his peripheral vision on him while he faced front, observing Tino's reactions; how his eyes widen slightly at seeing something amazing and the miniscule movements of his mouth as he breathed "…wow..." or "…beautiful."
It made Berwald frown a little. His sketches weren't that good… or at least that's what he thought. There was always room for improvement and some he wasn't really in the mood but he had to draw it or else he might forget. Perhaps the Fin was just easily impressed. That must be it.
Tino returned the notebook, his eyes sparkling. "…ah thank you for letting me see it Berwald! I have to say I love your sketches. They look really realistic and well made! I can't imagine how they would look once you carve them out from wood if they already look that good on paper."
Berwald muttered a quiet "…thank you…" as he kept the notebook again, looking away. He wasn't used to compliments besides the ones his clients give him and they usually come with constructive criticism.
Tino continued to smile, leaning back on his seat as he stifled a yawn. It was their first tour and he was already starting to feel weary. He told himself he won't be out that late anymore so that he wouldn't tire easily especially when it was on his whole day trips the next few days. They got off the bus a little while later and boarded the ship, entering through the piazza.
Feliks was seated on one of the plush chairs a floor up, overlooking the piazza near the bar. He returned a few minutes early and decided to treat himself to a flute of wine. Looking at the people filing back inside out of boredom, he sat up straight when he saw the familiar face of his Finnish friend accompanied by a much taller, mysterious blond man and they seemed to be talking. His lips curled into a devilish smile, leaning on his palm as he watched them.
"…what do we have here?"
