Just for Tonight

18.

"If everyone wants me to come to the US, then I'll come with you," Chloe sighed. " Everyone but Seppo", she sadly smile.

"Are you sure, honey ? Is that really what you want ?" Ville asked.

"I... I can't be without you, beautiful", she replied. "I'm here to support you. You just have to promise me that I won't slow you down in your career. If you feel that..."

Ville kissed her with passion. "Thank you so much, honey, I needed to hear that !", he said, relieved.

It was the end of the festivals season. They still had four months of gigs ahead of them before Helldone, on the last three days of December, then a three-week break before taking off for the US.

It was also time to say goodbye to the members of The 69eyes and Apocalyptica.

With a pang in his heart, Ville watched Perttu hug Chloe. Perttu had become attached to her during the festivals. Everyone was aware of this, except Chloe.

" See you at Helldone, Chlo", Perttu whispered as he softly kissed her cheek.

" Time to go", Ville nervously said. "See you all in December !".

" Take care of her", Jussi told him. "She's drinking more and more, but she's hiding an unhappiness behind it... " he muttered into Ville's ear. "You know how it works...".

" I'll keep an eye on her", Ville sadly said.

Chloe took a seat at the front of the bus near the window. Seppo sat next to her, Ville and the guys lay down in the bunks.

" Thank you", Seppo softly said. " Ville told me that you are going to come and support him for the US tour. So I guess there will be an US part."

" I love him, Sepp. I don't want him to stop or miss out on this fantastic opportunity. He needs me by his side as much as I need him. I'll do anything for him." Chloe replied." But I'll say it again. Be careful, the pace is very high and make sure they all hold on. "

" I can understand that. I'll look after the six of you. I sometimes overreact when it comes to Ville. But I can see how much you love him and I'm grateful."

Chloe joined Ville in his bunk and wrapped him into her arms. He smiled in the dark." Thank you honey. You know.. Your talk with Sepp... I love you too. "

She buried her nose in his hair and fell asleep.

---
" And and and... You should have seen that, guys !" Chloe burst out laughing and took a sip.

" And then, whathhh happened ?" Migé laughed with her.

" The girl wanted to kiss Ville but he pulled away and said :" Sweetheart, at the risk of shattering your dreams, my heart already belongs to someone." He is soooo sweet !" Chloe smiled widely.

" Another beer ? ", Migé asked her.

" I think that's enough for now", a deep voice replied.

" Beautiful ! Here you are ! I love you, Ville Valo. I want everyone to know", Chloe exclaimed happily.

She climbed up on the bar table, put her hands on a megaphone and shouted : "I love you, Ville Hermanni Valo ! ".

The people in the bar applauded and shouted. Ville couldn't help smiling before catching Chloe, who was completely drunk and in love, in his arms.

" Little honey, you need some fresh air", he smiled as he led her away from the bar. The next minute, he was holding her hair while she vomited her guts out.

" Never.... Drink.. Again...", she tried to put it into words.

He smiled again. She was so sick, so pale but so funny when she was drunk. He remembered what Jussi had told him and his expression turned serious again.

"Is it a promise ?", he muttered.

" Sure... Too sick... Too bad... I'm... Sorry... You don't deserve... That", she said with difficulty. She gave him an apologetic smile.

"Promise me you won't drink again, honey. You're not as big as Migé, you can't hold your liquor very well and... I don't like that."

She put her hands in front of her mouth, horrified.

"I'm so sorry, Ville. I hadn't thought... I didn't think anymore.... Sorry about that!", She cried her heart out.

"Shhh Shhhh, love, it's nothing. I know all this is difficult for you. I've been drinking to cope too. Luckily I've got you now, and you're my addiction.", Ville gently replied as he hug her. "And even when you're drunk, you keep saying that you love me. You make my heart beat faster every time."

" I can't... Be apart from you. I'm scared Ville.", she sobbed as he helped her get into bed. "I love you, body and soul".

" Now you understand what I meant... When I told you how much I love you", he sighed.

----

" Wake up, sleepy honey... " Ville whispered in her ear.

" Need to sleep... Five more minutes please... Where are we ?" she groaned as she tried to open her eyes.

" Someone is grumpy" he laughed. "We are in Belgium"

"What day is it today?", she asked, confused.

" Wednesday, I think..." he replied. "You will see, the Belgian audience is the best. People are really kind and there is a friendly atmosphere. You will enjoy tonight's gig."

"I believe you," she said laconically. "Five more minutes now..." she said as she closed her eyes.

Ville kissed her hair and whispered: "Five minutes tops. After that, I'll send Gas and Migé to wake you up" he said, laughing and moving away from the bunk.

In response, she threw him a pillow.