Chapter Text
Martin watches as his pretty little boy dunks his purple toy into the warm water and then giggles in a way that makes his hopeless dad sigh. Tim really enjoys his bathtime; it’s become a little tradition between them. In the evening, before bedtime, Martin kneels on the tiles next to the tub and watches Tim splash happily, heart melting.
His son continues to play with the purple plastic gnome (the little Tim has named him Veigar or something like that) and Martin finds himself lost in his thoughts. He is very excited by the events coming, but wonders if he is doing the right thing.
Rasmus asked me out on a real date.
As two single fathers, it was a huge gamble, nothing less. Not because they don’t want to do it; if their shared glances mean anything, they really do. However, there are certain consequences to consider, and the last thing they want to do is hurt their children. Even the thought of causing harm to the two kids scares Martin more than he’d like to admit. Thus, he plans to discuss it with Rasmus.
As a matter of fact, maybe they shared more ice-creams than normal people would before asking each other to go out together. The main problems that lead them to wait almost a whole month after their first meeting (which Martin relives mentally after bad days at work) to find the perfect occasion were these two: having their busy schedules align and getting a babysitter for the evening.
Eventually, they managed, mostly thanks to Rasmus undefeatable puppy eyes, and the sunny boy had organized everything before asking Martin. They were sitting under a tree while their kids were running around, the whole thing had made Martin’s heart filled with something scarily similar to love.
That, thus, contributed to the fact that Martin is not ready at all. He wants to do it so badly but is freaking out equally as much. He is not ready. It is easy for people to like him as an acquaintance, but most people don’t like what there is under the surface. He sighs again.
Also, he didn’t find the time to -
“Dad, what are you worried about?” Tim is staring at him with a grumpy facial expression, as he is bothered by not having all his Papa’s attention. Martin sighs, another time. The time has come, apparently.
“Tim, do you know that I love you more than anything?” Tim nods, his toy forgotten in the water and his hands absently squishing soap bubbles through his fingers.
“And that I will never leave you? Not even if someone tried to separate us? I will always be by your side, I will always be your dad, and we will be together forever?” Martin’s heartbeat picks up. Tim, however, continues to play with his bubbles.
“Yeah well… I kinda have a confession to make to you. I am sorry that I didn’t do it before, but…” He fluffs his kid’s wild nest of hair, petting him gently. “…are you going to be ok not staying at home this evening?” Tim doesn’t seem to listen, all his attention focused on the soap in his lap.
“You know I’m not abandoning you right? And Oskar will be with you!” At his last sentence, the little boy looks up, smiling widely.
“Oskaaaaaar! I like Oskar!” The kid says, standing up and stretching his tiny arms to him, the bath and the poor gnome clearly forgotten.
“Did you even hear a single word of what I said?” Martin whines playfully, while scooping up the little boy in his favourite towel, embroidered with bees.
“Papa, you have a date with Rasmus. Oskar’s dad.” Tim shakes his head, disappointed. Martin absently hums and starts drying off his son, making his way to the kid’s bedroom. “Hm, you knew?”.
Tim giggles: “You didn’t make me deaf, so yeah I knew! Me and Oskar had heard you in the park!” Martin stares at his child for a while, wondering what sweater he has to choose for the date. No way he is going for a skirt.
He has to work to see me in a skirt, Martin thinks.
After all, it’s not like he can be seen in his best outfit, at their first date. No, at the first date Rasmus has to like him as he is. After the first, maybe he would try to impress the Dane more. But if he goes all in on the first date, then he won’t have any for the next dates, right?
Yes. No skirt. A sweater.
Then, he registers what Tim has said.
“Wait, what?!” He sputteres, amused. “You knew all this time? I mean, it has been a week! You could have stopped me from worrying about you not liking him! Also, aren’t you spending too much time with Oskar?” Martin smiles at the thought of how much Tim has started to mimic the speech of his little best friend.
“Papa?” Tim interrupts him by putting his little right hand on his cheek, still wrapped in his arms.
“Yes?” Martin tilts his head.
“You’re so dramatic.”
Martin gasps. “Oh, I am? And then why were you so happy before knowing you will be with Oskar if you knew everything before I said to you?” The father teases his son.
“I am always happy to see Oskar, even if I know I will. Like every morning at school, no?” Tim stares at him right in his eyes, unbothered. “I am happy when we go to school because I know he will be there. Also, of course I knew, Rasmus told him, and he told me about it! I even knew the restaurant you are going to! But still, hearing you confirm it makes my tummy feel kinda funny? Why does that happen?” Tim touches his belly, tilting his head curiously.
Martin can’t decide whether he's more surprised by the huge amount of words his son has just spoken or more amazed by the meaning in it.
He has got his first crush quite early, uh?
“Is it weird, Papa? That I feel that way for Oskar?” Tim asks, blushing.
“No, love, definitely not. Do you like feeling like that?” He lays him on the bed, beginning to search for Tim’s clothes.
“Yes! Because Oskar always makes it better!” The kid eagerly explains. Martin’s heart aches. Kids’ love is something else entirely.
He smiles at his child, nodding, while picking out a grey sweater and a pair of jeans for his son to wear. “If you say so, I hope it stays that way!”
“Papa?” Tim asks again after a while, when Martin has started dressing himself. “Do you feel the same way for Rasmus?” Martin gulps.
“Well…” The adult begins to say, but he is quickly interrupted.
“Never mind, your face says you do!” The kid giggles.
Martin freezes. Oh my god, is it that bad?
“Traitor…” He whispers.
He and his kid look up at the same time, looking at each other, recognising the quote. Then, they burst into laughter.
It seems that Tim is not the only one gaining new habits from a certain amusing family.
***
Rasmus is trembling. No, he is shivering. When was the last time he got so excited about someone? The last time he cared so much about being liked by someone? Of course, when that someone is a guy like Martin, it's easy to be in love.
In love.
No, that’s too strong a word.
Or is it?
Rasmus sighs, torn between what he thinks is normal to feel for a person he met just a few weeks earlier and what he is actually feeling for the stunning green-eyed man.
"Papi, what are you doing?" Oskar asks, peeping into his dad’s bedroom door from the doorway.
"I have literally no idea, champion!" Rasmus frowns, looking first at himself in the mirror and then at the clothes scattered on the bed. Being a doctor and a father, you’d think he should know how to dress properly for a date. Rasmus clearly doesn't.
"Oh, are you in trouble for the date?" Oskar wonders.
"I am not in trouble!" This kid, honestly. How can he possibly be born with so much personality?
"You aaaaaare!" Oskar teases. "Oh, dad, you are so hopeless! You can't even decide how to dress up!"
"Oh, and you with all your five years of experience can do better?" The adult replies, feigning hurt.
This kid, honestly.
"Well, of course! It is so simple, honestly dad, how can you…" The kid scoffs at him, resigned. "You have to just dress up like you want Martin to see you!" He waves his little hands, clearly annoyed at his father's lack of focus. "You have to wear what you want him to see! Your best outfit! The one that makes you feel confident!"
"Yeah but… I have no idea of what that is!" Rasmus frowns, not knowing if his conundrum is due to the fact that he doesn't have a particularly stunning outfit or if it’s because his son is giving him dating advice at only the age of 5.
"Well… Wear a thing that you like wearing a lot then. So that he can see you for what you really are! That is also how you want Martin to see you, because you want him to like the actual you so… you have to be more spon-spontaneous!" Rasmus blinks, a little bit stunned. When has Oskar become so mature?
"Think about that ok? I am hungry, see you in a minute!" The kid vanishes. There, that’s more like the Oskar Rasmus knows.
A few moments after, while Rasmus is still trying to choose between two skirts and a pair of black jeans, the kid comes back, with what seems a spoon full of Nutella in his hands.
"Oskar, what is that?" Rasmus wonders, amused.
"It was supposed to be my snack, but you're so upset that I thought it would help you feel better! It's my magic recipe, though! You take a spoon, you stick it into the jar of nut cream without being caught by your father, you roll it into it and TA-DA!" Rasmus's heart melts, and suddenly he is much more confident than before about the date.
“I love you, kiddo.” He grabs Oskar in his arms, squeezing him and rubbing his face against the kid’s.
“Papi… I am suffocating over here…” Oskar wriggles out, but Rasmus knows he is only pretending to be annoyed. “Papi, papi, papi!” He continues. “Please let me go! You’re running late!” The kid tries, obviously trying to get away.
“Ok, I have made my decision!” The adult leaves his son, rooting through the pile of clothes on his bed. Oskar rubs his clothes, clearly trying to clean them of his father’s touch. “Puah. Cuddles.”
“Oh, shut up, if it was Tim you would never react that way!” Rasmus rolls his eyes, amused. Oskar scowls at him, whispering something that sounds suspiciously like “Of course, it’s Tim.” Rasmus eats the Nutella on the spoon, then lays it somewhere on the cupboard, adding to the already messy room.
“Anyway, I will wear a hoodie!” He grabs the said garment, happy with his decision.
If you like me, Martin, you must like me as I am!
“Oh, no. Oh no no no no! Don’t you dare!” Oskar grabs the black hoodie, pulling him towards him.
“What? But why? You said I have to be myself!” Rasmus pulls the hoodie too.
“Yes, but I was thinking that you at least would have tried to dress up! Come on! He’s special after all!” The kid pulls again.
“Hey! That’s…” Suddenly, Rasmus lets go, and Oskar tumbles backwards onto the floor with a cry. “…true. Oh, I am screwed! Oskar! Quick, tell me what to wear! Oskar? Why are you on the floor? We are running late! Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, I am going to ruin this so badly… What can I do?”
Oskar glares at the ceiling, still lying down on the floor: “Please, send to us all the luckiness in the world. We need it.” Then, sighing, he stands up, takes a black jumper, and gives it to his father, together with the black jeans Rasmus had considered before.
Then, he plops down onto the bed, resigned.
“The only thing you can do, now, is be yourself. But don’t worry, I think it will be fine!” The kid says.
“How can you be sure?” Rasmus wrings his hands nervously.
“Martin is Tim’s father. Tim likes me. Let’s just hope it’s genetic!” Oskar grins up at his father, clearly having the time of his life.
“Very funny, Oskar!” Rasmus dresses, shivering in excitement.
“I know, I am the best!” Oskar nods.
“And I am the worst…” The adult groans, defeated.
I can’t do this properly.
“Papi, he likes you, otherwise he wouldn’t agree to date you! Use logic, will you?” Oskar glares at him angrily.
“But…”
“No more buts. You can do it. Go and win his heart, you are my dad! That’s enough to make you the best dad ever! I mean, you made me! That’s proof you can make miracles… Let’s try another one, ok?” Oskar smiles eagerly.
“Ok. Let’s go! Wait, are you ready yet?” Rasmus doesn’t need anything more than his child’s approval. With that, he can truly conquer the world.
“I have been ready since an hour ago, and you’re late.” Oskar frowns in disbelief.
“…traitor! You had to tell me!” Rasmus starts running back and front, grabbing things messily, making sure to collect everything they need for the night. Then, he scoops up Oskar in his arms and leaves the apartment in a hurry.
“I tried…”.
But Rasmus isn’t listening anymore. He is too excited, after all.
Martin… tonight, I swear, I will try my best! You deserve it, beautiful star of my sky.
“Ok, papi, what was that? Is it supposed to be romantic?” Oskar grins.
“Shut up!” Apparently, he has spoken his lovely thoughts out loud.
***
Mads is satisfied with his work.
Pillows? Placed.
Blankets? Fluffed.
Plushies of every form and dimension? Ready.
He nods at himself. He has prepared a perfect babysitting setting; he is a kindergarten teacher after all. Before he can question whether he should add some other plushies, his doorbell rings, making him jump, lost in his thoughts.
He looks at the clock on the wall, knowing that it is too early for his kids to arrive. So, it has to be…
“Wunder!” He greets his workmate, happily, while opening the door. He, along with everyone else, had stopped calling him by his first name a long time ago. His colleague prefers the nickname anyway.
“I’m pissed!” The latter enters Mads’ house, storming into it. “I mean, it’s Friday evening! I have better things to do than look after a bunch of kids. This is so unfair! Why did I agree to do this?” Mads sighs, resigned.
“Come on, it is not that bad! We do it every day! And it’s ok to do it on evenings too if we can help our friends have a date with that!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. I prefer other things! Like…” The other boy stops himself at the view of the living room of his mate. “Have you lost your mind? You should have hidden precious things away from those hurricanes, not have added fluffy things all around! Who you think you are dealing with?” Wunder stares at Mads, flickering.
“I don’t know, with the cutest and nicest little boys ever?” Mads replies, now annoyed. What is his workmate talking about?
“Are you…” Wunder shudders, oddly scared. “Are you kidding me? Are we talking about the same kids?”
“No wait: who are you talking about?” Mads starts to have something up in his mind, but he doesn’t want to believe it.
The two of them stare at each other, frozen.
Wunder gulps, and then, clearing his throat, he tries: “We are here because you asked me to help babysit some of the kids from kindergarten because their parents wanted to go out. Right?”
“Right… I volunteered after hearing that they can’t find a proper babysitter.” Mads nods. Nothing is lost, maybe.
“Okay. I spoke with their parents too, after accepting your request. And it made me more convinced, because… Come on, he is going to propose tonight!” Wunder waves his arms to punctuate his sentences, getting more worked up. He has realised that, after all, Mads had never told him which kid they were going to babysit.
Mads closes his eyes “Wunder. My dear friend, companion of uncountable adventures and hard days of work. Tell me you have not given our availability to someone that has two very… stormy kids, and a partner who has the loudest kid that has ever walked on earth. Please. Tell me I will have only one lively kid to deal with this evening, and that I can control him using a little angel that loves me almost as much as he loves him. Please.”
Now it’s Wunder’s turn to close his eyes, resigned: “You said yes to Martin and Rasmus. Not to Alfonso and Jesper.”
Mads glares at him. He nods, both exasperated and fond, raising one of his eyebrows.
“Uhm… Sorry?” Wunder tries. “But it’s kind of your fault too! You didn’t say to me it was about Rasmus and Martin, so when Alfonso asked, I said yes without thinking because I thought he had spoken with you first!”
Mads snorts, still glaring at his friend with his best angry face. Wunder smiles sheepishly, chuckling and trying to hug him.
Mads dodges his arms, a deadly expression on his face.
“FINE! It is entirely my fault! Sorry!” Wunder gives up, folding his arms on his chest.
“I have never wanted to kick your ass as much as right now.” Mads scoffs and shakes his head.
“I said I am sorry!” Wunder bites his lips, clearly sad.
“That’s not going to help us deal with five kids!” Mads is trying to stay calm and act cool, but it’s not working.
“We are kindergarten teachers! We can do it!” Wunder opens his arms, asking for a respite.
“We are not in kindergarten; we are in my home! Oh, I will definitely kill you…” Mads shivers, worried. What the hell can they do in his tiny living room? It’s going to be a disaster.
“No, no, no hey…” Wunder rubs his shoulder, softly, as if he is afraid the other man will bite him. (As a matter of facts, Mads is currently in the right mood to do just that.) “…I promise you we can do that!” They look at each other and Mads finds himself lost in a blue ocean.
I have never noticed how blue his eyes are…
They stay like this, Wunder with a hand still on Mads’s shoulder and Mads too annoyed to come any closer, when the bell rings again, making them both jump and hug in panic.
Shit, I didn’t wanna to hug him! It makes me lose credibility!
“Our end has come!” Wunder sobs dramatically, hiding his head in Mads’ neck.
“What the hell are you doing? You’re so needy today!” Mads says nervously, while untangling himself from the hug and grabbing the handle of his door.
“If I have to die, I want to have a beautiful man near me so I can die happy, you know?” Wunder says, reaching him at the door. Mads freezes, not knowing how to interpret that.
“Shut up!” He decides to say in the end “Ok, fine, we can do that. I will kill you later.”
“You would never, you love me too much!”
Mads glares at him, challenging his coworker to make a step forward. He’s definitely going to bite him.
“I hope they are Tim and Oskar first!” He whines, finally opening the door.
“Hello THERE! The best TRIO in TOWN has arrived! Make SPACE!”
Of course. Why do I still have hope?
***
Rasmus slips in front of Martin’s door, catching hold of the door frame at the last second. Oskar, on the other end, doesn’t manage to stop in time and collides with Rasmus’s legs. The latter giggles, amused by how in sync they can be.
“Here we are! And we’re only…” Rasmus glances at his wristwatch “…ten minutes late! Well done, kiddo!” He holds his hand out for a high five.
“We could have avoided that if you…” Oskar whines, shaking his head and folding his arms over his chest.
“Ok, well, let’s just pretend it’s your fault!” Rasmus shushes him, raising his fist to knock on the door. With that, he freezes.
“Papi, it’s a miracle we made it on time, barely, and I really wanna see Tim, hurry up!” Oskar shakes him, eagerly.
“What… What if I screw up?” Rasmus licks his lips, suddenly very nervous. “Are you still going to love me?” Rasmus knows it is stupid, and that Oskar and Tim will be friends regardless of his relationship with Tim’s dad. Still… he can’t help but feel anxious.
Oskar hugs him very quickly: “Always, don’t be silly! I will be happy anyway, I have Tim. If you lose Martin you’re the one who is losing the most, no?”
“Thank you, Oskar. Now I am very not stressed!” The adult hisses, biting his tongue after realising the indoor people could have heard him.
“Papi, I was joking! Now knock! And by the way…” Oskar stares at him, deadly serious, “…kiss him before the midnight, would you?”
“What?! Oskar!” But his child, visibly excited, surpasses him and rings the bell. “Oskar!” Rasmus whispers again, panicking.
The door opens. Rasmus turns his head to the owner of the apartment so quickly that his neck cracks. But he couldn't care less. Martin is in front of him, stunning and smiling, and his stomach does somersaults.
He is wearing a green sweater… He is so beautiful. And his eyes… His eyes are…
The Swede smiles wider and mouths something. But probably Rasmus has turned down the volume of the world, just for being able to stare at Martin in peace. His mouth falls open. The other adult tilts his head, giggling. And Rasmus’s mind takes a rocket to hyperspace.
He is practically shining. How can he…?
“TIIIIIIIM!”
“OSKAAAAAAAAAR!”
The two kids jump in each other's arms, as if they hadn't even seen each other a few hours before, and Rasmus, pushed aside by his kid in his way to reach his best friend, comes back to the earth. He shakes his head and puts himself together enough to smile back at Martin.
“Well, hello!” Martin giggles again, shaking his hand a little.
“You’re very beautiful tonight, Martin.” Rasmus’s heart decides to say. He definitely needs his mind back from the hyperspace. He facepalms, then he retries: “Let me try that again, would you? What I wanted to say, to not scare you off, is: hi Martin, how are you? Are you ready for our date?” He chatters nervously, rubbing the back of his head.
Martin laughs, throwing his head back and crinkling his eyes. Rasmus smiles automatically in response.
He is so awesome…
“That said, I really have to do something before we can go!” He teases. He crouches down on his knees, making eye contact with Tim. The kid is still entangled in a hug with Rasmus’s son. “Tim? Can I ask you something?” Due to the fact that the shy little boy has only spoken a few times in his presence before, Rasmus has decided to try having an interaction with him. Obviously, he didn’t expect too much. After all, few moments earlier, the kid had shouted his best friend’s name, and it was, for Rasmus, the first time he’d actually heard his cute voice.
As a matter of fact, Tim still won’t speak to him, but Rasmus doesn’t care. He is a very stubborn person, and he knows sooner or later he will win his approval and (hopefully) his speaking too. For now, he is trying his best in making the little boy comfortable. It is very important for Rasmus that the kid feels comfortable with him.
Tim hides himself a little behind Oskar, but he continues to look at him, giving Rasmus hope. He smiles at the kid: “There’s no need to push it, you know? I can ask you another time if you prefer!”
“Oh, Tim! My dad is nice, he won’t do anything bad!” Oskar tries, wrapping his arms more around his best friend, trying to make him feel safe. Tim looks at him, then up at his father, who is watching the scene with a pleased expression. Martin blinks at Tim, and the little kid, reassured, stares into Rasmus’s eyes, nodding firmly, giving him permission to talk. Rasmus chuckles, glad for the opportunity.
“Thank you, Tim. I am so happy you let me! Anyway, what I wanted to ask you is if I have your permission to take your dad out on a date! I am a little bit late but…” Tim doesn’t even let him finish though. He nods eagerly, and he even smiles at Rasmus.
“Whoa, that was easy!” Rasmus looks up at Martin, standing up. “I think he likes me!” He whispers to his date, whose eyes are still sparkling as the best possible scenario has taken place in front of his eyes. They smile at each other, pleased by the events.
“He likes me the most, anyway!” Oskar snorts, jealous. Tim kisses his cheek in confirmation after that, and the adults exchange an amused look.
“Whatever, Oskar, whatever… Shall we go to Mads’s house?” Rasmus asks at Martin. The Swede agrees.
“That was…” Martin starts, closing his door behind him. “…quite an achievement! For Tim, it’s definitely a step forward in your direction! You should be proud!”
“Well… Of course, I am! Having his approval means a lot” He stops to blink at Tim, who blushes furiously. “But… I kinda owe you two some apologies, you know? I was late, after all…”
“Oh, don’t worry…” Martin waves a hand absently.
“And, if you were expecting flowers from me, I am sorry to have disappointed you!” Rasmus moves close to Martin. “But I just thought you would have made them fade, being the most handsome flower on this planet!” Rasmus couldn’t help but blurt out those words. The Swede’s presence made him full of emotions.
Martins gasps, saying “Rasmus! Oh my God”. Rasmus grins at him.
Caught off guard, huh? Interesting.
“Bleah!” Oskar breaks the moment. Tim hides his face into his palms, shaking his head. “Dad, you can do better, come on! I feel sick!” Tim nods, peeking out from behind his fingers.
“I kinda enjoyed it, you know?” Martin teases them, and they roll their eyes and groan. Then, he pushes the kids gently towards the end of the hall.
“Really?” Rasmus whispers, in disbelief.
“Yeah, really!” Martin blinks at him shyly, his cheeks still red.
While their children lead the way, they sneak a second to stare at each other and enjoy what they are seeing.
“Incredible!” Rasmus shakes his head. Martin grins back.
Then, they follow their kids down the stairs, and Rasmus brushes their knuckles together. After that, not without a moment of hesitation, Martin holds his hand. Rasmus’s mind changed galaxy after that, still in hyperspace, apparently.
He misses a step.
Martin holds him closer, making sure he won’t fall.
But Rasmus has fallen for him already.
***
Mads has just let their guests enter his house when he regrets not having kicked Wunder’s ass before. Marcin and Luka are already jumping on his well-made fort of pillows, destroying it.
Tim would have loved that…
He is a good teacher; he doesn’t have favourites. Only Tim.
“Marcin, please! Behave properly! It’s not our home! Well, you’ve already destroyed our home anyway…” Jesper sighs. The man seems to not be having the best of times. He has dark bags under his eyes, and his skin is pale and unhealthy.
Well, anyway, he is going to feel better soon…
The proposal. If Mads hasn’t killed Wunder yet, it was only for that. How can he not be excited for that? He glares at Alfonso, who seems to be barely keeping it together. The Spaniard is so nervous that he is shaking and Mads starts to worry for his friend’s sake.
I hope he has a plan. And that he can complete it! He owes me after this time bomb he’s handed me.
“Luka! You, too, you know?” But Alfonso is clearly distracted. He continues to tap the pocket of his jacket, probably to reassure himself he still has the ring, and glances occasionally at his boyfriend. Mads whines internally, knowing that if Jesper hasn’t been so tired he would have discovered everything. Anyways, he can’t think about that too much, because he needs to save his couch. He glares at Wunder and at the couch alternatively, making a giggling Wunder with a cuddly Mihael in his arms frowns and looks at the other two kids frightened. “You owe me one!” He mouthed, while gently pushing Alfonso and Jesper outside.
“Take a break ok? We have everything under control!” He reassures, speaking mostly to himself. The parents nod, and Alfonso hugs Jesper with one arm.
“Thank you so much, we really needed this…” Jesper sighs, melting into the hug with his whole body, letting the Spaniard hold him up. The scene makes Mads's heart melt. He mouthed a tiny “Break a leg!” at Alfonso and then closed the door.
Let the party start…
When he turns, Wunder is squished into the floor, immobilized by all the three children riding his back, his face pressed into the carpet.
It will be a long, long evening.
“Come on guys, let him breath…” He smiles, and he can’t help but think about how much he wants to leave Wunder alone and run away. But Wunder is right, he loves him too much…
The bell pulls him out of his dangerous thoughts, and he hurries to open the door.
“MAAAAAADS!” Tim jumps into his arms, while a grumpy Oskar tries visibly not to care too much. Mads chuckles, hugging Tim tight and ruffling Oskar’s hair. Oskar almost growls, making him laugh.
“Hi there! Welcome!” He greets his guests again, while three eager kids leave their prey and bound over to him.
“Are you here too?” Luka asks, looking at Tim and Oskar, amazed.
“Yes!” Oskar hugs the trio quickly, which is enough to make Tim wriggle out from Mads’ hug and hug Oskar instead. Mads smiles at the view, even wider when Mihael tries to hug Tim too and the shy boy blushes furiously, hiding behind Oskar.
“Oh? Have you planned a party here?” Rasmus teases.
“Please, don’t ask!” Wunder groans. His appearance makes all the kids run towards different directions, with a loud Marcin screaming: “YOU HAVE TO CATCH US!”
“Again? Why is it never the other way around?” Wunder groans again and starts to chase the kids around. Mads frowns at the idea of what will remain of his living room after that.
“We have everything under control! No, you don’t have to pay us! We are glad to help! Have fun, enjoy your evening and be back as soon as possib… I mean, whenever you want!” Mads giggles nervously, slamming the door in front of the happy couple. He doesn’t have time to think about how beautiful their evening is going to be. He can hear them chuckling outside the house and that’s enough to make him wish he had a love life. Before the door closed, though, he could notice Rasmus’s and Martin’s hands tangled together.
For love. You are doing this for love.
Picturing Wunder and himself as two Cupids, with robes and wings and arrows and everything, he shuddered and thought he had gone off the deep end. Nothing could be worse than that mental image.
Clearly, he was wrong.