Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Swemania: Book Cover

Vlad sighed when he reached the gym. His days consisted of dropping off his son at preschool, work a morning shift, pick up his son from preschool, fix lunch for the two of them, and then later he had to drop his son off at the neighbour's apartment before going for the evening shift. It was hard to be a single parent.

On days when he didn't have a shift during the morning or evening, he liked to go to the gym. He wasn't trying to lose weight or bulk up. He just did it for his general health, and to let out some steam.

At first he thought that he was alone in the gym, but then he heard weights clanking. He looked in that direction, only to meet the intimidating blue-green gaze.

He didn't know this man, only that he had moved to the town about a month ago. He was large, with a perpetual glare on his face. Even if Vlad hadn't been on the small side, this man would have been considered a giant.

He shuddered, but attempted a weak smile, before going to the other side of the gym. He had the overwhelming urge to do cardio today.

…

Berwald watched the smaller man heading towards the treadmills, and couldn't help but wonder about him. He'd seen him a few times, but they had never actually spoken. To be honest, people didn't really speak to Berwald unless absolutely necessary.

But every time he saw him, he couldn't help but think that he looked tired. Berwald was a little concerned about him.

And only once the smaller man had his back turned did Berwald return the smile.

…

Vlad slumped a few days later as he walked up to the gate of the kindergarten that his son attended. It was fortunate that they had managed to find a decent kindergarten only a few blocks away from where they lived, since Vlad didn't own a car.

He knew that the school had gotten a new teacher recently, but Vlad had yet to meet him. But Alex said that he was super nice.

Normally, Alex was at the swing set when he arrived, and he was, but he wasn't alone. A man was sitting nearby, and Vlad felt his heart stop. It was the same man from the gym.

Alex turned in his direction and smiled, before running over to him.

"Papa!" he exclaimed, hugging Vlad. "Papa, come meet Mr Berwald."

Vlad was perplexed. This bear of a man was the new kindergarten teacher?

'Mr Berwald' approached, a small smile on his face. This actually softened the blow somewhat. He held out his hand.

"Berwald Oxensternia," he said. "I think I've seen you at the gym?"

Vlad nodded his head, taking the other's hand.

"Vlad Lupenesku," he said.

"I have to say, I'm impressed," Berwald said. "I know how difficult it must be, being a single parent to one so young. Do you mind if I ask about his mother?"

Vlad flinched, before looking down at Alex.

"It was just one night we spent together," he said. "She got pregnant, but didn't want him. I said that I would take him. And I've never regretted it."

Alex smiled, hugging his father. Berwald's small smile grew just a bit wider.

"You're a good person," Berwald said. "I'm glad I finally got to talk to you."

Vlad smiled.

"The same," he said.

The prompt is: 'Person A and B go to the same gym. Person A looks very rough and intimidating. Person B is a single parent and looks small and frail. Then person B finds out person A is the new preschool teacher at their kid(s)'s school and is super kind.'

The title comes from the expression 'never judge a book by its cover'.