Chapter Text
He's combing his hair when he hears a knock at his door. Opening it, he straightens slightly when he sees who it is.
It's Sven, who seems a bit flustered and out of breath. Did he run here?
"Uhm—Do you want to…I don't know, get breakfast together, or something?"
Burt is a bit confused, and tilts his head slightly. This is the first time anyone has wanted to hang out with him.
Sven must have interpreted that as a bad thing, because he flushes harder, taking a step back and raising his hands defensively. He is very obviously avoiding Burt's gaze.
"It's fine if you don't want to though! I understand."
He mumbles something like 'Why did I think this was a good idea' under his breath, which makes Burt snicker.
Sven seems pleased to have made Burt laugh, his lips quirking up and a bashful smile.
Cute.
"Sure, I don't mind. Give me a second to change."
He opens his door wider, an invitation for Sven to come in. Sven hesitates before he wanders in, looking around curiously.
"Oh, n-nice room…"
"Thanks."
Burt retreats into the bathroom to change, bringing along a shirt, hoodie and a pair of jeans. Burt never really cared about the dress code for the Toppats, as long as he wore a dress shirt underneath or had a suit to pull on at any time he'd usually be fine.
Sven was dressed pretty casual as well, simply in a Peter Pan collared shirt and an off shoulder sweater with leggings, a contrast to the usual formal wear he's seen in, so Burt actually felt like he was allowed to wear whatever.
What intrigued Burt was that they were all over-sized. He'd noticed that same trend for Sven's formal wear, but he had just assumed it was from him raiding the Chief and his Right Hand Man's closet, but he guessed it was just something he liked.
When he goes back into his room, Sven is huddled on the floor, leaning against his bed, mostly just staring calculatingly at his alarm clock.
It is a cute alarm clock, shaped like a strawberry. It was a gift meant for some guy named Charles that accidentally arrived at his house, so he took it.
Being one of the few things he kept from before he joined the Toppats, he was quite fond of it.
He makes Sven jump when he clears his throat. He hastily turns around to look at Burt. Once he sees him, he actually beams at him.
"You look pretty!"
Oh, that was really sweet. Burt hopes that he isn't blushing.
"You too."
Burt offers him a hand, which he takes and they stroll out of his room. Sven is rambling about some book series he was reading, which sounded pretty interesting. Burt might ask to borrow them from him if he felt like it.
Sven stops rambling suddenly when they reach the lounge, where the higher ups usually relax. Burt's allowed there but he doesn't usually go, though not for any reason in particular.
There're chocolate cakes though, and Burt immediately perks up at the sight. He loves sweets.
Sven laughs, picking up a sandwich as Burt takes 3 of the plates, somehow balancing one on his forearm while supporting it with his chest.
Waving at Carol, who's using her phone, as they pass by, they settle down at one of the tables next to the window.
"She's totally texting her girlfriend. You know that government lady, Victoria?"
"Oh yeah, weren't they all over each other during the last time we clashed with the Government?" Burt snickers as Carol looks up from her phone and flips them off.
Sven's phone vibrates in his pocket though, and he checks it and giggles, passing his phone to Burt. Carol had sent him a picture of Victoria and a small girl, around five, posing in front of a quaint cottage with the caption 'Vicky says hi'.
"Tell her we say hi back."
Carol gives them a thumbs up, returning to her phone. They see her lips turn up in a small smile.
They just sit there and finish their food, chattering about trivial things and occasionally commenting on the scenery.
Burt sighs suddenly, pushing the remains of his last chocolate cake to Sven. He still can't stop thinking about the previous night.
"Hey, do you think I'm use—Uhm, a prat?"
Sven looks incredibly confused, half-way through a mouthful of Burt's chocolate cake. He swallows.
"Uhm, no? You're not incompetent, you do your job well. You're actually quite invaluable as a member of the Toppats."
Then he looks away, his cheeks becoming slightly dusted with pink.
"On a personal level, you're a good friend and I can have fun and meaningful conversations with you. I like you, and being around you, and… Wait, did someone call you a prat?"
Taken aback by Sven's response, Burt kind of zones out for a bit.
"Well no, it was just a thought."
"Oh, is that the best insult you can come up with?" Seemingly relieved, Sven returns to the chocolate cake.
"Psh, maybe."
He watches Sven laugh.
"You know, if any arsle ever insults you, just call me. I'll bitch at them so hard, they'll never dare do it again."
Burt smiles fondly, reaching out to ruffle Sven's hair. Maybe his day won't be so bad after all.
"I'll keep that in mind."