We're Here For a Reason

Chapter Twelve

"And you're sure you can keep an eye on Emil? I'm seriously trusting you here Mathias, I know you can't cool and things like that but he knows where his little lunchables are-" Mathias cut him off.

"Don't worry! I'll make sure he eats, brushes his teeth, and is in bed on time." Lukas took a deep breath, giving a curt nod. "Thank you..."

Mathias gestured towards the front door, smiling sweetly at him. "Good luck, I'm sure your first day will be great."

Crouching down, Lukas turned to Emil who had been watching the exchange the whole time.
"Behave," he paused and added, "Keep an eye on Mathias, yeah?" Emil smiled a bit. "Yeah!"

Standing once more, Lukas grabbed his bag and headed towards the door. "Bye, love you."

"Love you!"
"You too-" Emil and Mathias had said at the same time, though Lukas was already out.

"You too?" Emil asked, giving the ghost a questioning look. Mathias flushed, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously and stuttering a bit. "I meant- erm... I just, it's a habit! Y'know? When someone says something you usually... You usually say it back!"

"Really?"

"Of course!" Emil srunched his nose before shrugging in what Mathias assumed was agreement. "Anyways- are you hungry?"

"I guess..." Emil made his way to the kitchen before being told and got out the lunchs Lukas had bought him.

***

Berwald had yet to visit Lukas and Emil now that they were fully moved in. But, he decided he could stop by on his way home from work. Maybe surprise them with some cookies Tino had made for him that he didn't finish. He drove up the longish gravel driveway, quirking a brow when he saw Lukas' car gone.

Usually the Norwegian worked early hours so he could stay home with Emil. Getting out of the car, Berwald surpressed a shiver as he looked around. There wasn't much that made the man tense but this house was one of the things that did. It was one of the few places he felt were creepy.
His footsteps sounded heavy as he went up the front stairs. Giving three firm knocks, he waited. The door opened slowly and the air around him chilled, the hair on the back of his neck rising. He stepped inside, frowning. "Hello? Lukas, Emil?"

Soon there were little footsteps rushing towards him. "You weren't suppose to open the door for anyone- oh, hi Berwald." Emil looked up at him with a small frown.

"Who are you talking to?"

"Mathi- er, I meant... No one. No one's here," Emil responded slowly, glancing behind him.

"Did you open the door?"

"... Yes."

Berwald felt his frown deepen. "Where's Lukas?"

"He got a new job..."

"So you're here alone?"

"N- yes..."

"And Lukas is okay with that?"

"It's only for a few hours." Berwald sighed, moving to place his tupperware bowl on the table. "I'll stay with you then, until your brother gets home."

Emil didn't argue, leading the man into the living room. Berwald sensed that Emil was acting off, though the kid was always kind of odd anyways.

~~~

Mathias frowned deeply, slapping himself for opening the door. He was sure Lukas mentioned something about not answering the door. Did he? Well now the Dane wasn't sure. Groaning, he trailed after Emil and Berwald. The latter was looking around the bare sitting area, his forever scowl not changing.