Just for Tonight

4.

The first weeks of the tour were quite busy for everyone. Ville and Chloe barely found time to speak to each other.

Every day a new place. She was used to meet the journalists who were allowed to interview Ville and the guys around noon, warning them about the questions they could ask and the forbidden ones. There was a first round of interviews before the rehearsal and sound check in the afternoon, Chloe standing behind the journalists listening to all the questions they asked. Sometimes she had to cut off a journalist going too far into the private sphere. During the rehearsal, she prepared the second and last round of interviews- taking place before the gig-as she always managed to avoid a late meeting, knowing how exhausted Ville could be after a show.

She now could see all the gigs from backstage and she enjoyed each of them. It was amazing to see how the whole thing worked. There were no place for chance, everything had to be perfect. She knew all the songs by heart and never felt tired to see them performing on stage.

Somewhere in Germany and right after a gig, the guys decided to go to a bar and drink all night long. Chloe got up on the tour bus preparing herself for a lonely evening. It seemed she hadn't had one for ages and she was delighted to have some space for herself. Living in a bus with six guys was quite challenging between gravelly jokes and snoring and she was enjoying herself with some loneliness.

She was ready to read her book lying on her bunk when someone stepped into the bus. She sighed and opened the curtain. Ville was there just in front of her.

"Oh Ville, are you alone ?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said with a smirk. "A bar isn't really my scene anymore."

They both fell silent, the quiet of the empty bus surrounding them.

"Chloe... would you like to... take a walk with me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course !" she said, mentally saying goodbye to her book. "Maybe some fresh air by night can help me to sleep better".

"Do you struggle to sleep ?". He looked at her with concern.

"You know, Migé is a terrible snorer" she laughed. "And his bunk is just next to mine so well, sometimes it's difficult to fall asleep.

"I'm so sorry Chloe", he smiled.

"You know, it's nothing compares to what you have done for me. I mean this huge opportunity in my career" she said, putting on her shoes. "Ready to go ?" she asked.

They walked silently for a while. The night was cold but they didn't care. Chloe felt they were sharing a kind of silent intimacy which didn't need words.

Ville was the first to break the silence.

"The guys and I appreciate the way you are working as our press agent. And I wanted to thank you for every little thing you do" he smiled.

She blushed, warmth creeping up her face as she met his gaze.

He chuckled.

"I saw how you avoid meetings after a gig. I feel more relax and this tour is....different and better from the others and I know I own you this" , he said.

"No thanks needed, Ville. I own you so much more".

"Soon, we will have more opportunities to rest in hotels and things will be eventually more easier" he added.

They kept on walking for a while, shoulder to shoulder, arm to arm enjoying the moment. She felt from time to time his hand lightly touching hers.

They sat on a bench.

"You know lots of things about me, but I barely know a single thing about you" he stated.

"Well, what do you want me to tell you ?" she laughed.

He thought for a moment. "Why did you choose to become a journalist in the art and culture field?"

Her face shifted, the laughter fading as her expression grew distant. She turned her gaze away, her eyes clouded over with memories he couldn't see.

Ville's smile faltered. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I didn't mean to...".

She looked away for a while.

When she looked back at him, he saw her deep gaze searching for something into his eyes.

"There are some parts of my life I'm still dealing with", she whispered, locking eyes with him.

"If one day you need to talk about, I will be there" he said, taking her little hand in his. She didn't pull out his contact and smiled weakly.

"You just have to know, Ville... I really appreciate this walk by night with you. Maybe we can manage to do that more often ?" she asked, hope in her voice.

"Every time when it's possible. It will be my pleasure" he stated.

Back in the tour bus, the other guys were nowhere to see.

"Let's manage something" Ville said with a crooked smile and a wink.

In less than three minuts, he exchanged his own bunk with Mige's. Mattress, pillow and blanket.

Chloe couldn't hold her bursts of laughter and tears were falling down on her cheeks.

"Poor Migé" she laughted, "He might think I don't like him".

"I hope I don't snore", Ville grinned. "And I hope you will have more good nights now" he gently said.

"Thank you so much, Ville !", she smiled widely.

"Now I really can look after you."

"You don't need to thank me this way", she said.

"It's not only a thanks. I do care for you. And I really enjoy the time we have together. You are someone special you know", he whispered.

***

If you are here, thank youuuu ! I hope you enjoy Chloe's Journey !

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