Just for Tonight

8.

"Dude, need to talk to you"
Migé stared into Ville's eyes and Ville didn't dare refuse the conversation.

"What's up ? " he asked.

" Yesterday was a mess. YOU made a mess" Migé coldly said.

" We did worse in the past" Ville chuckled.

" You are right. But you also swore it wouldn't happen again", Migé reminded him. " What's going on, bro ?"

" Don't know. Not really. Chloe and I..."

" Is it about her ? Really, Ville ? Are you kidding me ? "

" Well I guess so... She told me that she was once engaged to someone... Well, I can't tell you everything she explained to me, I don't want to break her trust in me. But short story, I found a picture of that guy and.... Just have a look", Ville said, showing a picture on his phone.

" Oh boy, he is so handsome ! ", Migé exclaimed.

" Yes he is. And now, Migé, look at me. My hair is a mess and I have to hide it with my beanie , I have big dark circles under my eyes, I stink because having a shower is quite difficult on tour..."

" How ugly you are" Migé laughed. "Be serious guy, all other the world, women do want to fuck you. You are the one in the band who moves his skinny butt and made them faint. What more do you want ?"

Ville's expression softened, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I don't know. I just... feel so insecure. For the first time in years, I'm losing my confidence."

" Tell me if I'm wrong. Are you falling for her ? ", Migé gently asked him.

" No no no, it's not like that. I like her and I care for her. She is my friend and maybe the best "girl" friend I ever had. That's all. But...maybe I'm getting older and I have to deal with that. I'm not twenty anymore." Ville softly smiled." To be honest with you, Migé, I almost kissed her the day before yesterday. But it was... I don't know. Maybe the old Ville who wanted to kiss a random girl. Or maybe because she was so sad. "

" She is not a random girl ! "Are you sure you don't feel anything for her? Like, truly?" He tapped Ville's chest lightly, emphasizing the point.

" You know how my heart is. Desert. Dry", Ville stated, bitter.

" It's up to you, Dude." Migé replied.

This conversation continued to haunt Ville the whole day. Was he falling for Chloe ? He remembered her sweet lips. Her tears falling on it. Her voice. The softness of her skin when he cuddled her. Her frutty smell. Her kindness and the way she sank into his embrace confidently. Her beautiful grey eyes. Was it... Love ? How could it be possible ? No, all he had to do was to focus on the tour. Nothing else but the tour.

At the next gig, Ville threw himself into the performance, determined to make it a night to remember. Every now and then, Mige caught his eye from across the stage, and they exchanged satisfied nods.

Suddenly, before Ville knew it, some words came out of his mouth and his gaze went backstage :

" Ehm, I would like to dedicate the next song to a dear friend of mine"

The opening chords of Fortress of Tears echoed through the venue, and Ville's eyes found Chloe's. She sat frozen, her eyes locked on him as he sang with an intensity that seemed to bare his soul.

" This forteress won't fall
I've built it strong
For you"

He winked and smiled to her. She blushed. " Thanks" she mimed with her lips.

After the gig, he grabbed her hand and took her through the city streets.

" Where are we going, Ville ?" she laughed.

" Somewhere where we can find a good coffee" he giggled.

They found a café still open and they rushed in. They sat at a table at the back of the room.

"You will be the end of me" she told him with a serious look.

" Why ?" he said before going on. " I know. I can be an asshole." he stated.

" Once again, what do you expect from me ?" she asked, softening her gaze.

" Can we... Can we keep our relationship as it is ? I mean... You and me. Not a rockstar and a press agent. Only Chloe and Ville. No need to define what binds us."

"Okay but maybe can you avoid your many mood swings" she kided. "Sometimes you make me feel... Liked. And sometimes you make me feel like shit. And it's getting more and more uncomfortable"

"First of all, I want to apologize. You didn't deserve my bad moods. You didn't make anything wrong. I'm a stupid guy. You opened up to me and I was unable to support you in the best way. All I have ever done is taking one's hand, wrapping someone in my arms or most of the time, running away. I can't deal with sadness from others than me and I don't want to. I have enough with mine and as you know, sadness is my muse and has always been. But with you... It's something else because there is something else. I don't want to run away. I want you to share your burden, your grief with me. But... " he hesitated. Life had taught him that honesty, with all the best intentions in the world, was not always understood.
" But I am not... Ian. "

He stopped talking and tried to read her.

" Of course you are not" she whispered. " You are Ville. You are the man I let touch me for the first time in five years. I let you cuddle me. I let you sleep with me. You, Ville".

His eyes widened. Her soft smile was unreadable.

" It means a lot for me" he said. He gently squeezed her hand. Their fingers entwinded and he felt shivers all down his spine.

***
Great if you are still there !
I hope you enjoy this journey with my dear Chloe and our beloved Ville.