Just for Tonight

6.

"Chloweeee here you are my dear", Migé laughed.

Chloe was sitting on a bench next to the venue, lighting a cigarette.

The afternoon had been quiet for everyone. They were in a small city, the venue wasn't so big and the first round of interviews at noon had been the only one of the day.

"Oh my, don't tell me that you are a smoker" he told her, glowering at her hands.

"Only when I really need to calm my nerves or when I feel frustated" she smiled.

"Let me see. Ville ?" Migé said, raising his eyebrows.

"well it's complicated. You all know now that from time to time, we spend the night together in my bunk. Not as a couple, it's not like that. It... Helps him and me to... Sleep. Yes, that's it."

Migé looked at her. She was so small, so pretty with her eternal black make up, black clothes and converse on her feet. Not Ville's type of woman but she had something special everyone could feel being around her : a kind of spell wich made them all feel more quiet, peaceful, valuable.

"And you are upset because ? You know, every woman would love to spend the night with him" Migé giggled.

" I guess you are right" she winced.

" And you want... More ?" Migé asked.

" No no... Being around him is enough" she smiled. "But our relationship seems to exist only at nights. During the day he clearly avoids me and it's like we were two perfect strangers. When everyone is asleep, he tells me that he cares for me.. Well... I don't know, I feel so lost Migé... And I know that I should not... I'm his employee and that's all".

"Ville and women" Migé whispered. "He can be very clumsy when it comes to women and relationships. You are more than an employee. Your work here does not define who you are here in the band through this journey. We all agreed that you are now the sixth member of HIM. Always kind, you seem to know each of us more than we do, you are like our little sister. We all like you very much. I don't know if Ville told you about that. "

"Yeah in a way, even though it's nice to hear it from you, too. You guys are my family" Chloe replied, lighting another cigarette. "I don't know what to do. I feel guilty. I shouldn't expect him to be so nice to me every time, every moment. I am lucky enough to be here with all of you right now. But when you feel... Close to someone after such a long time... I guess you want it to last "

"You both have to talk to make it clear" Migé said.

" You are right. Please, don't tell him how I feel about our relationship."

"Don't have to ask" Migé smiled. He kissed her both cheeks and left.

Later that night, after the gig, Chloe saw Ville leave the venue, probably to smoke.

She ran after him and softly grabbed his arm.

"Feel like a walk?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

"Actually, I need a smoke," he replied, not meeting her eyes as he took a cigarette from his pack.

She frowned, her hand slipping from his arm. "Okay then. Good night, Ville."

She made her way to the bus and heard his lighter.

His deep and velvet voice stopped her.

" But a walk with you is always a pleasure, honey".

She turned to him. He grabbed her hand and locked eyes with her.

" Good to see you" he whispered, his fronthead on hers. He was so handsome. So tall. So beautiful. His piercing green eyes tried to read her for a while. Then he broke their embrace.

They walked in their usual silence until they found a quiet spot overlooking the town, bathed in moonlight. Ville took off his jacket and laid it on the grass, gesturing for her to sit. She shivered slightly in the night air, and he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close. His mouth was near her ear, his voice a soft murmur.

" I don't want to get used to that" he muttered, softly kissing her neck. " I am sorry if I seemed kind of.. Distant... But I am so afraid that one day you'll vanish in thin air...".

" I'm going nowhere, Ville."

" You don't make things easy, honey."

He started to sing softly.

" you have demons to kill
Within you screaming
With a gun loaded with guilt.."

She shyly smiled, recognizing the lyrics.

" Here we are" she sighed.

He sat behind her, his legs on either side of hers. She rested her head against his chest. He softly stroked her hair, patiently waiting for her to share whatever she was ready to.