Always Forever

Chapter 7

Warm light filtered through a single, large window facing down to the courtyard where they had danced earlier. A worn, green rug and a plain bed were on the right wall of the small room. A big Phantom of the Opera poster was above the bed, glimmering with its white mask and rose. A plain wardrobe stood on the other side with a single rose in a glass vase. The only other things in her room were music sheets and a music stand. 

"Wow," Five stood at the doorway, "You've been living here your entire life?" Vanya blushed and nodded.

"It's not much, but I can manage to live off of it. I mean... I have my violin, a bed, and you. I think that's enough," Vanya smiled slightly. Five sighed.

"Yeah, I think having you is enough, too," Five kissed Vanya again. "Can I hear your violin?"

"Yeah, of course," Vanya opened the bottom drawer of the wardrobe, revealing a small, sleek black case. She carefully opened it and took out her beloved instrument, the one that kept her smiling through the years. Vanya's eyes shone with striking confidence as she picked up her bow and started to play.

She played her favorite song of all time. Phantom of the Opera. She started with a deep G chord and played with all of her heart. Vanya closed her eyes as she started to feel the music. After a slow intro, Vanya became unstoppable. Her energetic music sliced the air as she almost brought the Phantom from his theatre. Her fingers flew across the violin and her bow became a blur. 

After what seemed like the most thrilling moments in her life, Vanya relaxed and ended the song with a slow C chord. When she opened her eyes again, Five stood there mesmerized.

"Vanya... that was amazing," Five gaped and hugged her tightly. Vanya hugged him back and kissed him. She kissed him like he was going to leave her tomorrow. Five kissed her back as if she meant the world to her. 

"You are going to be the best violinist in the world someday," Five whispered in her ear, "I will always be rooting for you." Vanya smiled and kissed Five on the cheek. 

"Play another one! I like hearing your violin," Five sat on her bed and closed his eyes as Vanya picked up her violin and played a soft lullaby. Her violin sang in its soft, calming voice and Vanya closed her eyes too as she played. She didn't look at the sheet music. She had learned this one by heart. Just for Five when she was eleven. Back when she was a daydreamer, she hoped that when one day, when Five liked her, she would play this piece for him until he fell asleep. 

The song came to a close and she looked up. Five was fast asleep. He looked adorable. His dark eyelashes fluttered and he had his hands curled up under his head. He inhaled and exhaled in a slow rhythm. Vanya smiled and went over to push his hair out of his face. 

Vanya rubbed her eyes as the lullaby she played wrapped her up in a blanket of drowsiness. Vanya drew the curtains and closed the door. Then, she curled up next to Five and pulled a blanket over both of them. Her eyes drifted closed and her breath followed the rhythm of Five. They were two souls in the vast universe that found each other through fate. Vanya's hands would find Five's, and Five would close his fingers around hers. It was a match made in heaven.