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Deep within the manor’s garden, Mike and Matthias are tangled together in the comforting shade of the gazebo, providing protection from the raging sun threatening to burn their skins. The ground beneath them is covered in vibrant green grass, surrounded by a variety of colorful flowers scattered across the landscape. Soft buzzing from dragonflies flying across the pond next to them only adding to the serene atmosphere.
“Here matty, try this!”
The blonde lifts a hand to bring a puff pastry to the others lips, and Matthias recognizes it immediately. Sauerkraut strudel, it’s not like the brunette was surprised, Mike has been trying to understand his culture and his countries culinary for awhile now. Asking him questions like, “What kinda holidays do you celebrate?”, “Do you have any traditional dishes you like?”, “What kinda foods did you grow up eating?”, “Would it be okay if I tried to make it?”. But still, it doesn’t fail to make the puppeteer’s heart swell at the thoughtfulness.
Taking a bite Matthias hums softly in approval, flakes fall from the pastry, sticking on his lips. The tangy sourness from the sauerkraut and saltines from the bacon mix together on his tongue in a dance that is pure perfection. Mike’s expression is expecting, eyes staring intensely at his boyfriend, as if scanning for any other reaction.
“Well?” The blonde starts
“How is it..?” Mike bites his lips, feeling nervous.
“It’s good, I like it.”
Matthias sends him a soft smile before taking another bite from the acrobat’s hand. Mike practically squeals, face changing into something more cheerful at the confirmation.
“Oh I’m so glad! I’ve spent so much time on these. Honestly, without Naib taste testing everything the first time I don’t think I would’ve had the courage to bring them out!” The blonde exclaims.
Matthias hums again, this time raising an eyebrow. “ Them..?” He pauses, eyeing at the picnic basket the blonde has been holding close to his side protectively . “ Did you make more, moje láska ?” The other only giggles in response, quickly placing the basket in front of the both them. With an eager but slightly nervous energy, he opens it to reveal an assortment of all the puppeteer’s favorite Czech foods.
“ Ach můj.. ” The brunette breathes out, eyes wide looking at the array, it’s almost everything the acrobat would ask him about. Favorite snacks, spreads, and even sandwiches. The rich, familiar scents waft up, hitting his nose, smacking him with the reality of everything. It’s all here, right in front of him. “You did.. all of this..? ” A warmth weighs on the puppeteer’s chest as he peals his eye away from the display to face the blonde, a stunned look is prominent on his face making the other chuckle nervously.
“Heh.. yeah,” Mike mumbles, scratching his neck and evading his eyes elsewhere. “Sorry it isn’t much! I couldn’t find the ingredients for the rest..” Matthias stares at him for a moment, then quickly shakes his head. “No! No.. this is, more than enough Mike I— I have no words!” His voice is earnest, almost shaky, and his wide-eyed gaze flickers between the carefully prepared food and Mike’s face. The puppeteer’s usual composure is completely undone, leaving only raw gratitude and disbelief in its place.
“I mean, no one has ever done something so thoughtful before! I—I don’t know what to say..” The puppeteer stumbles over his words, taking a moment to compose himself. Gathering his thoughts before taking the blonde’s hands into his, holding them close to his chest causing the acrobat’s eyes to search for the others own dark brown orb. “I’m very happy Mike, thank you..” Matthias finally breathes out, voice soft and gentle with a smile to match.
“ Awe .. No need to thank me Matty, I’d do anything for you.. I love you. ” Those three simple words are enough to make Matthias’s breath hitch. His chest tightens as a rush of emotions washes over him. He’s heard those same three words fall from the acrobat’s lips thousands of times before, yet each time, it never fails to make the brunette’s face flush red.
“I love you too.. můj anděl .” Matthias breathes out, eye switching from gazing at Mike’s lips, back up to his mismatched blue orbs. Itching closer and closer till they can feel each other’s breaths dancing on their faces, warm and hot making the brunette’s head feel fuzzy. They’re so close, Matthias can practically count the freckles littering the blonde’s face. His face, so smooth to the touch, as if the puppeteer is caressing a porcelain doll. And his lips, pink and plump, just asking to be kissed… Until—
“Ew, what you two, doing?” A high pitched clipped voice cuts through the air, startling the couple off of each other. Oh right, they brought Louis with them too.
“Ah Louis! Are you enjoying the garden?” Mike asks quickly, his face flushing pink from the sudden intrusion. He straightens himself, offering a sheepish smile.
“No, boring.” The puppet pouts, crossing his arms just to emphasize on his disappointment. “Ah.. is that so..” Mike replies with a tilt of his head, tapping a finger on his chin, seemingly deep in thought.
Matthias just stares down at the little boy, his expression distant. The dynamic between the two lately has been.. strange. Though, Matthias now understands that his parents replacing him with Louis isn’t exactly the boys fault but, still, after years of hating something so strongly it doesn’t erase the lingering bitterness. Louis will always be the thing that is better than him, the thing that people want that the puppeteer could never give. Louis is his replacement, the reason for his unhappiness. Mike said bringing him along would help Matthias form a better connection with the puppet boy. But the acrobats hopeful suggestion feels like a stretch, an attempt to mend a fractured connection that Matthias isn’t sure how to repair. The brunette isn’t confident that spending time with the boy will make things any easier.
“Ou! I did see a swing somewhere around here,” The boys eyes light up, “Maybe you and matty could go and he could swing you!” And his face drops immediately after hearing that last line.
“No!” The little puppet stomps his feet, and Matthias lets out a low tsk , folding his arms as he stares down at Louis with malice. “Don’t yell, Louis. It was just a suggestion.”
“No! Louis don’t wanna!” The boy snaps back, his voice high and defiant. “Fine then.” Matthias narrows his eyes, his tone dropping to something colder. “Do what you want, just don’t yell at Mike, brat .” The puppeteer mumbles the last part under his breath, yet still, the little puppet’s sharp ears managed to catch it.
“Louis no brat!” he shouts, stomping again for emphasis. “M—Matthias, meanie!” His bottom lip trembles slightly, balling his tiny hands into fists.
“Alright alright , you two.” Mike cuts in with his voice laced with nervous laughter, trying to keep the situation from escalating further. “Let’s all just take a breath, okay?” Louis pouts, his little shoulders rising and falling with his shallow breaths, while Matthias rolls his eye, refusing to look at the boy. Mike sighs, glancing between the two of them, God this feels impossible . Taking a moment to think the blonde’s face lights up as an idea comes to mind.
“How about you twoooo.. go pick some flowers while I set everything up!” The two boys stop to stare at the acrobat, their faces both equally skeptical.
“Pick.. flowers?” Louis starts, tilting his head in confusion.
“..Why?” Matthias finishes.
“Well, why not!” Mike places his hands on his hips, trying to keep the mood light. “It’s something peaceful you two can do, and plus,”The blonde shoots Matthias a pointed look “Your room could use some color to it, hm ?”
Matthias raises an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Are you suggesting that my room is dull, můj drahý?” Mike only smiles cheekily in response, eyes playful. “ Nono ! Im just saying it’s a little... monochromatic.” Louis giggles, finding amusement in the exchange. “Matthias room, boring!” That causes the puppeteer to sigh, running a hand through his brown locks before locking his eye with Mike’s, face showing uncertainty.
“Mike.. I’m sorry moje láska , I really don’t know if I can handle it..” The acrobat’s expression softens at this, leaning closer to the other, locking their fingers together in an embrace. “It’s okay Matthias.. I just wanted to give you a chance to try, that’s all.” The blonde rubs at his knuckles comfortingly, offering a reassuring smile before adding on. “You don’t have to push yourself, okay?”
The puppeteer exhales heavily, a mixture of frustration and vulnerability in his gaze. “It’s not— Mike it’s not exactly about.. trying . It’s just—“ Matthias takes a moment to turn his gaze to the small puppet. Analyzing the way his grubby little wooden hands dig inside the picnic basket, pulling out crackers to snack on. His attention completely fixated on it.
“I don’t know if I can handle spending that much time with him.. I still feel like..” He trails off, his words thick with the unsaid. Mike listens intently, his thumb still brushing lightly against Matthias’s as he waits for him to continue. But, When the puppeteer doesn’t speak any further, Mike squeezes his hand gently, his tone earnest. “I understand, but.” His blue hues follow the others to the little puppet, watching with a soft smile as the little boy chews on the Zelníčky with a gleeful expression. “I also think you can handle more than you realize.” Mismatched eyes meet Matthias’s gentle warm browns.
The words hang in the air between them, a quiet reassurance that seems to settle in Matthias’s chest, even if just for a moment. He looks back at Louis, who is still happily munching on the crackers, oblivious to the tension between the two adults. For a long moment, Matthias doesn’t say anything, lost in thought. Then, with a deep, reluctant sigh, he mutters, “I’ll try. For you, Mike. I’ll try.”
Mike smile brightens at those words, giving his hand another gentle squeeze. “Thank you, Matty.” The acrobat lifts his head up to plant a gentle kiss on the puppeteers cheek, causing the brunette to stiffen and flush red. “ I’m very proud of you~ ” Mike whispers in the tallers ear, a silly smile growing on Matthias’s lips. Hearing those words fill the puppeteer with a strange mixture of pride and relief,as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. But their moment is short lived when Louis speaks up, again.
“Gross.” Louis stands there with his arms crossed, a small frown on his face, clearly unimpressed by the display of affection. Matthias’s smile falters, and he groans, his face turning even redder at the interruption. Mike only chuckles softly, turning toward the little puppet. “ Okay okay , you two go have fun now, okay lou?”
“But.. Louis don’t want to!” Louis huffs, testing the puppeteer’s patience. But before he could get a word in, Mike takes over. “I’ll make more snacks for youuu.” His tone playful and coaxing, making Louis immediately perk up at the mention of food, his pout disappearing as quickly as it came. “Snacks?” he asks, his voice high and curious. Mike grins, nodding. “Yep, whatever you want, Lou! You liked those cookies I made last time, right?” And Louis’s eyes light up, nodding eagerly. “Cookies! Yay! Okay!” With that, the little puppet practically springs off the ground, running out of the gazebo to the field beneath them, his small legs moving as fast as they can.
“Wha—? Louis! Don’t run off too far! Louis!” Matthias scrambles to his feet, yelling after the younger as he chases him. Mike watches the scene with a soft chuckle, the sight of Matthias after Louis bringing a warm amusement to his eyes. “ They need this.. ,” he murmurs to himself, a grin tugging at his lips as he pulls out wine. Letting himself enjoy the scenery before him.
-
“ Louis ..!” Matthias huffs, finally coming to a stop. Hands resting on his knees, chest heaving as he tries to catch his breath. “Slow—slow down..” The little puppet, now a few steps ahead, turns around with mock innocence, “Matthias, too slow, blehhh!” Louis sticks out his tongue adding a playful raspberry for emphasis. Matthias just straightens up, narrowing his eye at the boy.
“You cannot be running so carelessly like that, Louis!” The brunette sends a pointed glare at the younger. “You might trip and break something, and I know the both of us don’t want me fixing you if you do.” Louis just frowns, eyebrows furrowing at the words. “Louis strong, don’t need fixing.” He crosses his little arms over his chest before mumbling on. “Especially from Matthias. Humph! ” The puppeteer just stares stunned, and slightly offended! Running a hand down his face Matthias takes a moment to hold himself back from just throwing the puppet into the nearby pond and never looking back.
The little puppet never fails to test his patience, ever since the day he was made he never stopped weighing on his nerves. He doesn’t want to be here with him , he wants to be with his boyfriend. Laying with arms tangled around him as the blonde feeds him the treats he made. But no, they just had to bring him. The puppet who only brings him pain and misery, the puppet who always finds himself back in the puppeteer’s life no matter how hard he tries to escape him! Matthias wants to leave, he wants to be in his room, alone with his boyfriend distracting him from his raging thoughts. But he can’t , not after seeing Mike’s happy face when he said he would try . Try for him. So, with a deep breath, he pushes the heavy weight of his emotions down and, exhale .
“Enough, Louis.” He finally gets out. “I don’t need your sass right now, let’s go pick flowers, for Mike .” Louis blinks up at Matthias, his expression faltering slightly at the puppeteer’s sharp tone. The little puppet looks as though he wants to protest but, for once, keeps his mouth shut. The field is quiet now, save for the rustle of the wind in the tall grass. Matthias takes another deep breath, glancing down at Louis, who’s still pouting but has begun to idly kick at a patch of daisies. “Go on now.” The taller gestures to the field, Louis grumbles something under his breath before stomping away from the puppeteer to a small patch of flowers. Angrily pulling out white lilies from their roots, still grumbling.
For Mike . Matthias has to remind himself, Not for him. Not for Louis. For Mike . Groaning he walks over to the younger, crouching down to his level and ignoring the glare the other gives him. “Not those Louis, Mike likes the colorful ones.” Louis stops mid-yank, his tiny wooden hands clutching the stem of a white lily. He scowls up at Matthias, his daunting brown eyes narrowing. “Why? These fine! Colorful stupid!” Matthias sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Mike’s hopeful expression flashes again in his mind, keeping him anchored from marching back to the gazebo and leaving the brat to his tantrums. “ Because , Mike likes the colorful ones.” Matthias explains, his tone clipped but steady. “Fine! But Louis pick flowers without Matthias!”
“ Hah ? Fine with me.” Matthias straightens up, crossing his arms as he watches Louis stomp off to another patch of flowers. Snatching at brightly colored blooms with a mix of determination and frustration. “ Good ,” Matthias mutters, mostly to himself. “ Less whining for me to deal with. .” For a moment, the puppeteer lingers, unsure whether to follow or let Louis handle things on his own. But then he notices the way the boy is pulling flowers out, roots and all, and groans. If he leaves him alone, he’ll probably ruin the entire patch. And he doesn’t want to be a nuisance to Emma because of the little boy.
So, with a heavy sigh, Matthias trudges after Louis, stopping a few steps away before saying. “You’re not supposed to yank them out like that,” he says, his tone exasperated. “Just take the stems.” Louis whirls around, glaring at him. “Louis do it his way!” He shouts “Yeah? And your way is wrong,” Matthias snaps back, crouching down to demonstrate. He carefully snips a flower at the stem with his fingers, holding it up for the smaller to see. “See? Like this. That way, they’re neat, and Mike can put them in a vase.” Louis stares at him for a moment, his lips pursed. Then, reluctantly, he mimics Matthias’s motions, clipping a bright yellow flower at the stem. “Like, this?” he asks, his tone grudging. Matthias nods, surprised at the boy’s cooperation. “Yes. Much better, Louis.”
For a while, the two work in relative silence, gathering flowers into small bundles. Louis occasionally mutters complaints under his breath, but Matthias chooses to ignore them for his own peace of mind. And as time passes, slowly, the awkward tension between them begins to fade, replaced by a tentative rhythm, and it feels, comfortable ? Wow, comfortable and Louis are two words he’d never thought would be shared in the same sentence, by him nonetheless. Glancing back at the puppet boy his expression softens despite himself. Louis is crouched low, his small hands carefully plucking flowers now, his earlier grumbling reduced to a quiet hum. The sight is... odd, Matthias realizes. There’s something almost peaceful about the boy like this, his energy channeled into something productive rather than chaotic. Comfortable. The thought sneaks up on Matthias again, startling him.
Innocent , he thinks. He’s just a boy, he didn’t mean to be made into this world to be the breaking point to the puppeteer’s life. He’s innocent , Matthias stands still for a moment, caught off guard by the realization. Innocent. Louis was just a boy, made to bring joy to others, to be cared for and protected, not to be a constant thorn in Matthias’s side. He didn’t mean it. The frustration, the bitterness he’d felt toward him , all because of his parents. Louis wasn’t at fault, no. It was his parents . Louis hadn’t chosen to be made, hadn’t chosen to be a constant reminder of Matthias’s own deep-seated insecurities. They’re both victims.
A deep breath fills his chest, and as he exhales, a part of Matthias feels lighter, more at peace than he expected. He watches Louis for a few moments longer, a small, almost imperceptible shift inside him. And just when Matthias felt like he could connect with his little puppet counterpart, Louis just had to fuck it up. “Matthias,” Louis walks over to him, in slow, tiny steps. Holding up a bundle of wildly mismatched flowers, decorated in poppy’s, violets, and many more. “This, good?” The shorter tilts his head to the side, questioning. “Yes Louis, this will make Mike very happy.” He gives a gentle smile to the other, and it noticeably catches the younger off guard at the sudden softness at the other. Giggling, he takes a step further, “Louis make Mike happy! Happier than Matthias!”
—Oh, there it is.
Matthias’s smile falters for a brief moment as the words hit him. He tries to suppress the rising irritation, but it bubbles up too quickly. “ What ..?” Matthias begins, but Louis doesn’t let him finish. “Mike like Louis! More! More happy!” Louis giggles again, oblivious to the way Matthias’s expression is hardening. “Why do you do this Louis.” Something inside of finally him snaps, and he has no intention of holding back this time.
“All you do is take take and take from me! You take the very last little bit of my happiness, you bring me to my braking point everyday constantly !” His words are sharp, loaded with frustration, and he takes a step toward the little puppet, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his anger. Louis’s face twists with confusion, his small hands clutching the flowers, completely unaware of how badly his words had hit him. But Matthias doesn’t stop. “You take, and give me nothing but problems. But you will not take my boyfriend’s love Louis, you won’t! so don’t you dare try to start something! You stupid , stubborn , doll!”
Matthias’s voice cracks in his the final words, his breath sharp, the bitter edge to his tone cutting through the air like a blade. Louis stands frozen, his wide eyes flickering between Matthias’s anger and the flowers clutched tightly in his tiny hands. His face slowly falters, the gleam of joy fading as his expression falls into one of hurt and confusion. His lip quivers slightly, his eyes welling up, and before Matthias can process, the small puppet takes a step back. “Matthias.. hate!” A loud whail comes from the small puppet, flowers fall to the ground as Louis brings his arms up to cover his eyes. Little body shaking as loud sobs fall out from his lips.
“Louis just miss maman et papa! — hic! Matthias always mean to Louis! Why? Why Matthias not nice like Mike!” Louis’s voice cracks, small and fragile. The words hit Matthias like a punch to the gut. His heart stops for a moment, the weight of what he’s said sinking in with a mix of confusion. “Louis— no wait, what?” Matthias starts, but the boy’s body only trembles even more. Taking a shaky breath before continuing. “Matthias hurt maman et papa! Matthias always mad at Louis! — hic-hic , Louis just want love!” And just like that, the puzzle pieces finally click together.
Louis’s small sobs only seem to make the weight on Matthias’s chest heavier, suffocating him with guilt. He hadn’t even realized how much Louis had been craving affection, how much he just wanted to be accepted . He feels sick to his stomach at the thought of how he’s treated the boy, all the sharp words, the dismissal, the anger . “No Louis— Louis , I—it’s not like that! I—“ The puppeteer drops to the boys level, on his knees he reaches out to grab the younger’s shoulders only for the other to flinch back. Quickly bringing his hands back down to his sides, he pauses for a moment. To let Louis calm himself down and to gather all his thoughts.
“Louis..” Matthias whispers once the others loud crying comes to soft sniffling, “Can you look at me, please?” He asks, voice thick with regret as he’s met with a shake of the hand from the smaller. “Alright..at least hear me out, okay?” Louis is still, but he doesn’t say no, which gives Matthias the OK to continue. “Listen I— I had no idea you were feeling this way Louis. I mean— with mother and father, I’m sorry Louis you don’t understand they were— they just— ugh .” Matthias lowers his head into his hands, struggling to find the right words. The feeling of tears swell up in his eye, but he pushes past it. “Máma a táta never treated me very well Louis, they were, mean.” Louis slowly drops his arms down, looking at the taller puzzled. “Maman et papa.. bad?” Matthias looks up, “Yes, bad— it’s complicated Louis I’m sorry I just—“
He lets out a heavy breath, hands shaking slightly as he wipes a few stray tears away. “I don’t know how to explain it in a way you can understand.. But.” Another breath, “It doesn’t dismay the way I’ve been treating you.. I should’ve tried to understand you instead of pushing you away my Louis.” The boy sniffles, wiping his eyes with his sleeve, and it’s then that Matthias notices just how vulnerable the boy truly is. He’s not just some brat trying to get under his skin, he’s a small child, desperate for someone to care. And Matthias can finally see the parallels, closing his eye, he feels a deep ache weighing down on his chest as tears begin to fall. “I’m treating you the way they treated me! I’m sorry Louis I— I’ve been selfish, and I let my anger get in the way!” The words feel heavy in Matthias’s chest as he says them, but they bring an unexpected release as well, like the pressure is slowly starting to ease.
Louis sniffles again, a small tremor in his voice. “Louis not, bad?” Matthias shakes his head quickly, his hands reaching out to gently grasp Louis’s shoulders, this time Louis lets him. “No, Louis. You’re not bad, you never were. I was the one who failed! I’m sorry.” Hands tremble as they clutch tightly around little wooden shoulders, whispered sobs fall this time from the older as the little puppet try’s to process everything. “Maman et papa, mean to, Matthias?” The other closes his eyes, taking a shaky breath, “Yes, Louis,” Matthias whispers, his voice cracking. “Máma a táta were mean to me. They— they didn’t care for me like they should’ve.” Louis’s eyes, still wide with confusion, search Matthias’s face for understanding. “But... why?”
Matthias swallows hard at the question, struggling to explain in words the tangled web of pain he’s carried for so long. “I don’t know, Louis. They just... they didn’t know how to love me. And I was angry because of how they treated me, and I took it out on you. But you didn’t deserve that. You didn’t deserve any of it…” Louis’s face scrunches up in a mix of confusion and sadness, trying to understand what Matthias means. “Louis not want hurt Matthias,” he says quietly, his little voice fragile. Matthias chokes back a sob, shaking his head quickly. “I know, Louis, I know. You never wanted to hurt me. I’m sorry. I— I just didn’t see it. I couldn’t see that you were just a boy who wanted to be loved too.”
The silence between them grows heavy again, but this time, it feels different. Matthias feels something shifting, something softer between them. Louis doesn’t pull away, doesn’t flinch from Matthias’s touch. His small, wooden arms raise slowly to embrace him, and Matthias feels a flicker of something warm in his chest “I’m sorry,” Matthias repeats, his voice raw with emotion. “I’m sorry for everything. I’ll try to do better. I promise.” Louis looks up at Matthias with tear-filled eyes, his expression still unsure but hopeful, like he’s starting to believe the words. “Matthias... not mad?”
“No, Louis,” Matthias whispers through his tears. “I’m not mad at you. I was mad at myself. And at them, at my parents... but not at you. Never at you.” Louis, still trembling slightly, nods, a tentative smile curling on his lips. “Okay. Louis... try too.”
Matthias’s heart swells, and he hugs the little puppet tighter, his sobs quieting as he presses his cheek against Louis’s wooden head. “Thank you, Louis. We’ll get through this. Together.” The little puppet beams at the words, smile widening as he tightens the embrace as much as he can. “Well then,” Matthias starts after calming down, leaning over to gather the fallen flowers that were laying still on the floor, bringing them up for Louis to carry them. “Let’s go bring these to Mike.” He smiles at the other, “Yay!” The younger cheers making Matthias laugh. Picking him up as he stands up to his feet, walking back to the gazebo where Mike awaits.
-
“Took you two long enough.” Mike smiles from where he sat, paying special attention to Matthias carrying the younger. “The food was getting cold.” He gestures to the array, organized across the blanket with spreads and other various foods littering the plates. “I’m sorry, moje láska . We got a bit caught up..” The brunette’s smile is warm as he glances down at the little puppet boy who just tightens his hold on the older. Holding up flowers they picked proudly to the blonde who gasps in response, standing to meet them. “My my, you picked these yourself Louis?” Louis beams, nodding enthusiastically, though he remains snug in Matthias’s arms. “Oui! Louis pick colorful ones! For Mike!” He wiggles the bundle of flowers in his small hands, his earlier tears forgotten in the excitement of showing off his hard work.
Mike chuckles softly, his eyes sparkling as he carefully takes the flowers from Louis, bringing them up to his nose to take in the blossomy scent. “They’re beautiful Louis! Thank you so much!” His voice is kind and sincere, and the praise only makes Louis puff up with pride, his wooden chest swelling as he grins from ear to ear. Matthias watches the exchange feeling a warmth he’d never felt before steady in his chest, seeing Mike acting so kind to Louis used to irritate the puppeteer to no end, but now? Something about it is so domestic, so soft . Just him, Mike, and Louis, together. Caring for each other, loving one another, almost like a.. family .
The thought makes the brunette’s heart swell, lowering his head to hide the tears forming. Noticing this, Mike quickly diverts the little puppet’s attention. “How about you start eating hm? Lou? I know Matthias mentioned you liking those cheese biscuits!” Louis’s eyes light up at the mention of the snack, and he gasps, clapping his small wooden hands together. “Cheese biscuits?! Yay! Louis eat now!” Without missing a beat, he scampers over to the picnic blanket, diving into the spread with a single-minded focus that draws a laugh from Mike. Turning back to Matthias, his expression softens as he notices the brunette subtly wiping at his eyes. He steps closer, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Matthias’s cheek. The puppeteer wrapping his arms around the other instinctively, “You okay, Matty?” The blonde’s voice is gentle, his concern evident.
Matthias takes a shaky breath, lifting his head to meet Mike’s gaze. “Yeah..” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion, “Just.. a lot to take in..” He gestures toward Louis, who’s happily munching on a biscuit while humming a little tune to himself. Mike wipes the puppeteer’s tears away with a gentle smile, moving closer to give a kiss to his good eye. “You’re doing good mat, I’m so, very proud of you..” Matthias closes his eye for a moment, leaning into the warmth of Mike's kiss. The gentle words and tender gesture soothe something deep within him, “Thank you, Mike.” he whispers, his voice barely audible. The acrobat lets out a gentle hum in response, “Of course Matthias.” They take a moment to just stare at each other, getting lost in their haze until a little hand tugging on Matthias’s pants pulls them back to reality.
“ Louis save Matthias biscuit!” He holds up two slightly squished biscuits triumphantly, crumbs tumbling onto the ground. “Ah, thank you Louis..” the puppeteer gently grabs the smushed biscuit in the puppets little wooden hand before taking a bite, heart feeling heavy at the gesture as he reaches out to pat the puppet’s head gently. “I.. appreciate it..” Louis looks up at him, his eyes wide with surprise, then breaks into a toothy grin, clearly proud of himself. “Yay! Come sit! With Louis!” The younger pulls at both of their hands, making the two adults follow as they sit down on the soft blanket sprawled out on the hard, cold surface. Louis settling right between them, still chattering excitedly about whatever comes to mind. With Mike listening attentively, adding on with his own thoughts when needed. Silently watching the interaction, Matthias’s gaze falls to the flowers the blonde is still holding tight. Feeling something shift from within, for the first time in a long while, Matthias feels a sense of peace settle in his heart, knowing that perhaps, him and Louis could both heal from the pain that had plagued them for so long.
Him and Louis, like a family.