Euronymous

Chapter Twenty Seven

T/W - mature themes

I woke to the cold and I reached out for Øystein, but was met with only bed sheets. I frowned and sat up groggily. Where was he? He hadnt come to bed. It was quiet in the shop. No music came from the cellar.
I climbed down the ladder, careful not to miss any steps. There was no sign of Faust either - his cave empty. I walked downstairs and checked - there was nobody else in the shop. I was alone.
I stood, confused for a moment until I heard the keys in the door. I returned upstairs as Øystein and Faust came inside. Faust beelined straight for his bed and I watched as Øystein took off his jacket, throwing it on the counter. He looked exhausted. His paint was almost completely worn away and his eyes were set deeper than usual, small bags under them. He spotted me standing in the doorway and did a double take.
"Hey, you're up." He tried to smile but it felt off.
"Where'd you go? You didn't come to bed." I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist. His clothing smelt faintly of smoke as I rested my head on his chest.
"Just for a walk." He said, embracing me and kissing the top of my head. I didn't believe him, but he looked exhausted and I didn't want to push him.
"Let's go to bed." I murmured, instantly sleepier since he was holding me, despite being sceptical about where he had been. He climbed up after me and we curled up together, falling asleep quickly as Faust snored below us.

I woke later that day to the sunlight blaring through the cracks of the terribly blacked out window. I rolled over to face Øystein and he breathed in, waking just slightly as I placed my hand on his bare chest and buried my face into the nook of his neck, planting a soft kiss into his skin. His thumb stroked my arm gently for a while as he both enjoyed the quiet in each others arms.
"Morning, Peach." He mumbled sleepily, kissing my forehead. I smiled into his neck and began tracing small circles on his chest with my finger. I felt a knot of anxiety growing in my stomach as I thought back to earlier. "Where'd you go again?" I mumbled curiously. I heard his heartbeat pick up a little at the sudden question. "We just went for a walk." He said simply again. I still didn't buy it, but it looked like he wasn't going to talk to me about it.
"What're you doing tonight?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Nothing, why's that?"
"My parents want you to come over for dinner." He moved, positioning himself so he laid on his side, facing me. I looked at him, a little stunned. "Y-you told them about me?" I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as I saw him fight back a smile nervously. "Yeah... is that okay?" He blushed and I felt my insides swirl. "Of course. I just.. I just didn't expect it." I was honest and he shrugged a little. "I can be surprising." He muttered, sitting up slightly so his face and torso hovered above mine. I smiled, pulling his face down to meet mine. He returned one, pulling back slightly as he brushed some hair out of my face. His eyes scanned my face thoughtfully, as if he were trying to memorise every detail I was his. Suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips parted. He gently touched my cheek and grazed my jaw, softly tilting my head to the side.
"Did I do that?" He whispered, confusion and concern written in his expression. I realised that Varg's assault must've left bruises. I looked him in the eyes. "Of course not." I took his hand and held it against my cheek as I leaned into it. "Where did-" I shook my head. "I'm not sure. You know me though, I bruise like a peach." I joked. He bit his lip, nodding as he held back a pity laugh. "You're lucky you're beautiful because you'd be a terrible comedian." He smirked. My jaw dropped in dramatic shock, then I grinned playfully. "You think I'm beautiful?" I teased. He rolled his eyes and sighed in defeat but didn't respond.

I had gotten ready at my house before dinner, and truthfully, I was anxious. I knew Øysteins family reasonably well and had been over several times in my life - but this was different. I'd insisted that he spend the afternoon with his family before I arrived. I needed to spend some time at home anyway. I missed him, but I also enjoyed my solidarity. I'd pulled on a pair of jeans and a red sweater for dinner. Sitting on the bottom step of the staircase, I pulled on my boots. My dad walked in, another 6 pack in his hands. "You headed out?" He asked. I nodded, smiling a little. "Yeah, I'm actually going to the Aarseth's for dinner." He raised his eyebrows, a little surprised. "Really? Huh." Was all he said, walking off into the kitchen. I laughed a little. "Yeah, you surprised?" I asked, following him. He opened the fridge and placed the beer inside, closing the door before turning to face me. "A little." He admitted. "He just didn't seem the type to bring home a nice girl like you." He shrugged and I rolled my eyes. "He treating you right?" His question caught me off guard and I blinked, staring at him for a moment before I nodded. "Yeah, Dad. Of course." He nodded in approval and cracked open his first beer. "Right. Well you send him my way if that changes." He muttered, taking a sip. "Alright, Dad. I'm gonna go." I laughed a little and waved goodbye before I stepped out into the cold. I smiled at how protective and sweet my dad could be as I watched a couple of blocks to the Aarseth's house.
It was brisk - I should've layered up. Finally, I arrived and knocked on the door. Øystein answered it, offering a small smile as I stepped inside. "Hey, you." He muttered, sneaking a quick kiss before I heard Anita come downstairs. "Elsie, hey!" She greeted me with a warm hug. "Hey, been a while." I laughed a little. "I know, right? Took him long enough." She rolled her eyes and smirked at him as he glared at her. I chuckled. His parents greeted me eagerly, but I could tell his mother was the most excited. I glanced at him when we had a moment alone. "Have you never brought a girl home before?" I chuckled and he scratched his head. "Is it that obvious?" I smirked, blushing a little at the fact I was the first.
Dinner was delicious, and I had to admit it went well. It was easy to speak to his family - they were all so welcoming, friendly. His Mum even asked about our matching bracelets. It made Øystein blush but I smirked. It was refreshing seeing this side of him - the family guy. His dad asked about Helvete and the Label, getting into some music talk as his Mum and I laughed about the moustache he tried to grow out a while ago. He'd ignored our comments but had rolled his eyes.
Shortly after dinner, we sat in the living room on the couch beside his Dad watching TV while Anita and his Mum finished cleaning up from dessert. Despite how easy it was to be around his parents, I still felt a little anxious. It was hard to relax. Øystein must have noticed, because he gently placed a hand on my knee and gave it a quick squeeze. I looked at him and he smiled reassuringly as I placed my hand over his.
"Yet another church has been destroyed by flames in a long string of recent church burnings. The purposely lit fire started in the early hours of this morning. Police currently have no leads as to the perpetrators, but sighted at least three suspects at the scene of the crime, before they got away on foot."
I tensed at the news broadcast, glancing at Øystein. I knew he could feel my gaze, but he kept his eyes focussed on the TV. I took a deep breath and swallowed before removing my hand from his. I didn't give a shit if he wanted to burn down a church. I just hated that he'd felt the need to hide it from me. I saw him bite the inside of his cheek as his mother came into the room and sat down. "Would you like a coffee or tea, Elsie?" She offered thoughtfully. I smiled, shaking my head. "I appreciate it, but I should get going." I stood up. "I've got an early day tomorrow." I lied. "No problem. Thank you so much for coming." She embraced me in a warm hug and I returned it. She was genuine and kind, and I hoped she didn't find my sudden leaving as disappointing. His Dad gave me a hug and smiled. "It was great seeing you, Else. Good luck keeping this one in check," he joked. "You've got your hands full." We laughed, mine a little less genuine. He wasn't wrong though. Anita shouted out a goodbye from her room upstairs and I walked to the door. Øystein opened the door and we stood alone out the front of his house for a moment. "I'll drive you home." He offered. I shook my head. "Thanks but I think I'll just walk." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you getting involved." His voice was a low whisper and he stepped closer. I bit the inside of my cheek. "Its Varg... he's hellbent on burning every fucking church in the city." He muttered, shaking his head. Usually I would have laughed a little at the ridiculous thought, but given last night's events, I didn't find anything to do with Varg funny. I stayed quiet for a few moments. "Else," He took my face in his hands gently, but I winced slightly from the bruises beneath my make up. His eyes flickered with concern again. Before he could ask, I turned away. "I'll call you tomorrow." I forced a smile and headed home.