Heartaches Knocking on Her Door

[July 29th, 2013, Helsinki]

Turning the corner Liv spotted the rehearsal space. She checked her phone, twenty minutes early. Well that was a quick walk, Liv thought as she took a seat outside the building, rummaging in her purse for a cigarette.

Liv had woken up that morning hoping to hear from Ville. Hoping that he would call to take her on that date he had promised. But he hadn’t. Instead Seppo had called asking if Liv could make it down to the rehearsal space to do an interview for a local rock magazine at twelve. She had reluctantly agreed, not understanding why any magazine would want to interview her in the first place.

Since the weather was so nice, sunny with a cool breeze, Liv had decided to walk down to the rehearsal place, it was only up the street from her hotel room in Helsinki, and taking the taxi everywhere was putting a dent in her funds. She had shrugged on a black cardigan over a tight fitting leopard print top. Wearing her usual black skinny jeans and leather converse.

Liv stuck the cigarette between her lips, still looking for a lighter as she thought. She’d last seen Ville the day before, as everyone had been preparing to head back to Helsinki. He was hung over, and though him and Liv didn’t have a moment alone, he had played with her fingers behind their backs as they stood talking with the rest of the guys about the other night with Bam. Gently stroking the back of her hand, intertwining their fingers. Liv sighed at the memory, still looking for her lighter.

Suddenly a figure blocked out the sun. “Need a light” Came a non-accented voice from above her.

Liv looked up to see a young man smiling down at her. He looked to be in his late 20’s. He had relatively straight light brown shoulder length hair. A slight stubble covered his face, his brown eyes looking down at her. Liv could see that he had plugs and tattoos. He wore a dark green tight fitting tee shirt and dark blue jeans. He was lean but muscular and looked to be around Liv’s height. A tattooed arm was extended towards Liv, holding out a lighter.

“Yeah, uh thanks” Liv said, caught off guard by the unexpected company. She took the lighter from him and lit her cigarette.

He took a seat next to her, shrugging off his backpack and extending a hand. “Hey, I’m Tyler”

Liv hesitantly took his hand, lightly shaking it until she noticed the time on his watch. “Shit, uh I should probably head in, nice meeting you Tyler. Thanks for the light.” Liv got up, she had five minutes to twelve and preferred not to be just on time. She took a deep drag of her cigarette before tossing it and getting up. But she stopped as she the young man, Tyler, began laughing at her.

“What?” She asked, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.

“You must be Liv Manning? I’ll be the one interviewing you” He smiled, getting up.

“You? You’re going to interview me? Oh, well I was expecting someone uh older, and Finnish” Liv smiled back at him. Definitely not what I was expecting at all.
“Yeah I get that. I was qualified and knew Finnish so I moved out here, I’m actually from Brooklyn.” He shrugged, running a hand through his hair.

“Oh” Liv laughed “Hey my grandpa’s from Brooklyn.” She felt oddly at ease in his company, not as introverted as when Seppo had made her meet other people from different magazines.

“Really? Well you’ll have to tell me more about that. Come let’s go in and I’ll set up my tape recorder. Don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds.” He smiled, allowing Liv to lead the way into the building.

“Honestly I was a bit nervous about this interview, it’s my first in person interview. Why did you pick this location?” Liv asked curiously, feeling relaxed as she walked down the familiar hallway which lead to the actual rehearsal room.

“Well when I was talking to Seppo, who I guess is your manager?”

“Um not quite, he just knows I have no clue what I’m doing so he’s helping me out till I get a hang of everything I guess, anyways go on” Liv unlocked the door to the dark room with the key Mige had given her, a heartagram ring hanging from it, and turned on the lights in the spacious room.

“Well he said this was your first in person interview so I figured why not talk with you in a place you are already comfortable with.” He smiled, finding two chairs in the corner and pulling them out for Liv and himself.

“Oh, well, thank you I guess” Liv took a seat, taking off her purse and tying her hair back.

“It’s not as amiable as it sounds, the more comfortable you are, the easily the answers come out, the more dirt I can dig up” Tyler smirked as he dug out his tape recorder from his backpack, along with pen and paper for notes.

“Well than, I’ll be on my guard from here on” Liv laughed, crossing her legs, preparing herself mentally for the interview. She wasn’t used to talking about herself much. She had always taken the back seat, and she didn’t mind, being front and center greatly unnerved her.

The whole interview had gone by very fast. Liv had really enjoyed herself. Tyler had made her feel very comfortable, he had made her laugh, he had been very easy to talk to. And Liv had found that they shared many similarities.

Liv locked up the door laughing as Tyler waited out in the hall for her. “Oh come on, Old Gregg is by far the best Mighty Boosh sketch!”

“No, not at all, there are far better ones. You know what, I could actually go for some bailey’s now.” He laughed walking alongside Liv.

“It’s only what, one? A little early for drinking don’t you think” There was something different about Tyler. He wasn’t as rough around the edges as the roadies Liv had gotten use to hanging around, nor did he have an over eagerness about him like Jarno. He reminded her a lot of Marcus.

“Not too early for a beer. Come grab one with me?” Tyler asked as he held the front door of the building for Liv.

Liv walked out, the sun had suddenly disappeared in the course of an hour, light gray clouds turning its brilliance to dullness. “Um, well uh, I uh” She didn’t have plans for the rest of the day, and though talking with Tyler had been wonderful, Liv was unsure whether she should take up his offer.

“Just as friends of course” Tyler quickly interjected, feeling Liv’s uneasiness.

The sound of the theme song from Suspiria filled the air suddenly. Liv smiled, it was the ring tone Mige had set for his number. She looked up at Tyler with a questioning look, he nodded for her to pick up, amused at her ring tone.

“You’re quite menacing when you call, you know that?” Liv laughed, turning slightly away from Tyler.

“Twas the point my dear. I heard you are at the rehearsal studio right now, care to stick around? Linde thinks we should rehearse some more before we become complete lazy asses before the show in Germany.”

“Yeah sure. Luckily I brought my camera. Will you guys be much longer?” Liv asked, smiling at the waiting Tyler.

“So eager to see my lovely face eh? We should slowly start arriving in ten, twenty minutes.” Mige laughed over the line.

“Okay, I’ll hold the fort down until back up arrives.” Mige was still laughing as Liv hung up. She turned to Tyler. “Can I get a rain check on that beer?”

“Of course” The two exchanged numbers and Tyler left, smiling.

I like him, Liv thought as she walked back into the building, unlocking the door to the rehearsal space and flicking on the lights. It would be nice to have a friend outside of work.

She looked around the spacious room. Various band posters hung on the walls, instruments strewn around, scattered candles and skulls. Unsure of what to do with herself, Liv took a seat at the piano which sat in the corner of the room. She took off her purse, and hovered her fingers over the keys.

She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, waiting for a song to come to her.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqT7Dje3Am8]

Then suddenly her fingers were alive, the sound of Beethoven’s 9th symphony, second movement, filling the studio. She thrust with the force of the notes, allowing all but the song to be forgotten, images of droogs filling her mind. It was one of her favorite pieces to play when she had access to a piano. Ludwig Van was also one of her favorite composers. Her hair swung as her hands moved over the keys, having slowly come loose from his loose bun as the song progresses, her fingers pressing more violently against the keys.

She dramatically finished, the sound of her heavy breathing filling the quiet space.

“If Miss Honeychurch ever takes to live as she plays, it will be very exciting—both for us and for her.” Quoted a deep voice from behind her.

Liv jumped, startled at not being alone. She turned though, recognizing the voice. Ville leaned against the back wall, behind her, arms crossed, smirking. He wore his hair tucked beneath a black beanie, a buttoned up black cardigan with nothing on underneath, a light gray scarf, and black jeans.

“You scared me half to death” Liv smiled, turning around in her seat to face him.

“Oh darling, if I truly wanted to scare you, you would know it.” He mischievously grinned, approaching Liv, stopping just in front of her.

Liv stood up, standing inches from him. “You’re all talk” Liv smirked, taking a slight step closer so that their bodies were touching.

Ville slowly lifted his hands to Liv’s neck, thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. He leant in and tenderly kissed her. He slid his arms and wrapped them around Liv as he pulled back, his chin resting on her shoulder. “I wish we had the studio to ourselves.” He sighed.

Liv held him back, burying her face in his chest. “We do for now”

“Not enough for this greedy soul my dear. Tonight however, will you come with me, on a date, as I promised.” He rubbed circles on her back.

“Of course” Liv whispered, kissing his bare chest, exposed by the low cardigan.

“I’ll pick you up at eight. Now come, play another piece for me.” He pulled back, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Liv smiled, knowing exactly which piece. Marcus had made her learn it when they first moved in together, it was his only requirement for living with her. Liv took a seat, turning to smile at Ville who had taken a seat on the ground in front of the piano next to the green acoustic he had brought in.

She began playing a piano cover of The Sacrament Marcus had found. She had it memorized by heart. As the familiar notes began to ring out Liv snuck a peak at Ville who had begun to laugh. She noticed Burton silently come in, smiling at her playing, he stopped to listen with Ville, taking off his aviators. Linde, Gas, and Mige slowly filed in after Burton, they looked on in surprise a Liv still played the opening chords.

Gas quickly jumped up and hopped on the drum set, chiming in. The rest of the guys took his lead, Linde pulling out his guitar and plugging it in, Mige doing the same with his bass. Ville got up and turned on the mic, strumming his acoustic. Laughing Burton took a seat next to Liv at the piano, watching her fingers at work.

Soon the lot of them were playing the song, Liv laughing the entire time. Singing Ville kept turning to smile at Liv. They all play with great vigor, not having played the song in a long time. A smile on every face. Linde’s dreads swaying. Mige dramatically stomping. Gas thrusting his head along with his hands. As the song came to an end everyone faded out their instruments, letting Liv’s notes end the song.

The all clapped as Liv sat smiling.

“You never told us you could play” said Burton beside Liv as he gently nudged her.

“You guys never asked” Liv said, getting up and grabbing her camera from her purse.

“Well you play beautifully” Chimed in Gas.

“You better watch out Janne, we have your replacement lined up.” Chuckled Mige, strumming random chords on his bass.

“Hey now, I’m just here to take pictures. Don’t insult the master” Liv said, taking a shot of Burton as he adjusted his seat at the piano.

“I’m frightened, do you play another other instruments we should know about” Linde teased as Liv turned her camera on him.

“No, don’t worry, though I do play a mean spoons.” Liv joked. “Now don’t you guys have some rehearsing to do?”

“Yeah mom” said Mige and Burton simultaneously. Everyone burst out into laughter.

***

Liv checked her phone, no reply and only twenty minutes to eight. She chewed her lip nervously as she looked at herself in the mirror. She didn’t know what type of date Ville was taking her on. She’d texted him asking him what to expect, but he hadn’t replied, she’d figured as much.

She put on a tight black high waisted skirt with a sheer maroon blouse overtop a black tank. A pair of black crushed velvet flats on her feet and her leather jacket draped over her bed, ready to go. She had curled her black hair, running her fingers through it, loosening the curls a bit.

Why am I so nervous, Liv thought. I had a boyfriend, I’ve been on dates, but, but this feels different. She wasn’t sure how the date was going to end up. Getting dressed however Liv had purposefully put on a black lace bra and panty set. He’s older, he might expect…, she had told herself. She just really wasn’t sure how the night was going to end, she did know though that that night, back in Oulu, outside the club, she would have let him have her. She would still let him have her. Liv’s heartbeat picked up as she continued to chew on her lip. Stop, you’ll chew off all your lipstick, she scolded herself. I need to calm down. She grabbed her jacket and purse and left her hotel room.

The night was cold, goosebumps ran up her bare legs. Dark clouds had slowly taken over the sky throughout the day, and looking up Liv could tell that it was going to start raining at any moment. Fidgeting, she leaned against the wall of the hotel and stuck a cigarette between her lips, lighting it, instantly feeling slightly less nervous, despite the thoughts that swirled around her mind. Ville’s bare chest, the taste of his lips on hers.

***

He fidgeted with the lapel of his black sports coat. You are being ridiculous, he told himself, why does this have to be any different? He hadn’t a clue what he was doing. He had never taken the woman he’d liked on dates, at least not since he was young. He would skip all that cliché crap, just be with the woman. But Ville felt like he owed it to Liv, owed it to her to take her out on a proper date, to not just jump into a relationship, a relationship which they would both have to keep secret. He wanted to give her time, time before things got too serious, time to opt out if she so chose. She’s young, he thought, she doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into.

The cab pulled up outside Liv’s hotel. Ville could see her leaning outside, rouged lips around a cigarette, smoking. His breath hitched in his throat. Her hair was beautifully curled, streaming down her shoulders. Her legs looks lean and pale in the short black skirt she wore. She had on a sheer dark red blouse over a thin black tank top, it looked blood red, irresistible. She looked nervous. She’s going to chew that bottom lip I love so much right off, Ville thought as he asked the cab driver to wait for him, stepping out into the street.

He approached Liv, she didn’t notice him until he had walked right up to her. Ville watched as her expression turned from delight to worry. “What?” He asked as she flicked the remains of her cigarette.

“Ville, you, you’re in a dress shirt and sports jacket, what kind of place are we going to?” She looked at her own attire nervously.

Ville couldn’t help but laugh at her as he took her hand, leading her to the awaiting cab. “Darling, you had me worried I’d done something wrong.”

Liv slid in, Ville beside her. He told the balding cab driver where to go than turned to Liv as he buckled up his seat belt.

“Seriously though, where are we going?” Liv asked, raising a brow, than looking down at her leather jacket and back at Ville’s attire.

“Surprise” He smirked, lifting a hand to stroke her cheek. “But if you must know, we are going to a restaurant.”

Liv looked back at him surprised. “Aren’t you afraid of being seen on a date with me?”

“Honestly? Yes and no. But I doubt we’ll see anyone we know at a vegan restaurant.” He chuckled.

“Oh” Liv replied. She became quiet. Looking out the window of the cab as the night lights of Helsinki rushed by.

The cab came to a stop, Ville quickly paid the driver than steppe out of the cab to get the door for Liv who had already begun to make her way out.

She’s being awfully quiet, Ville thought as he held the restaurant door open for Liv.

The restaurant was one of the fancier ones in Helsinki. The place was small, but packed. Low lulling lights highlighted the deep reds which decorated the restaurant. A hostess stood just in the door, smiling as Ville and Liv approached. She was tall, skinny and blonde.

“Voimmeko istua kopissa kiitos.” (Can we be seated in a booth please) Ville said as the hostess took out two menus for them.

She seated them in the back in a secluded booth. A flickering candle in the center of the table created dancing shadows as Ville and Liv took a seat, the hostess placing menus in front of them, promising to return with some water to start off with.

Liv’s silence was eating at Ville. What is she thinking? Did I do something wrong? Liv had immediately taken off her leather jacket and was looking around at the restaurant, chewing her bottom lip.

“What’s on your mind?” Ville asked, unable to take it much longer. He ran a hand through his loose hair.

“Ville, this place, it looks really expensive. I, I wasn’t expecting this.” She turned her hazel eyes upon him, fidgeting with her napkin.

“You don’t like it?” He asked worried. Now I know I haven’t been on a traditional date in a while but this is generally what woman like, don’t they? He thought.

“I do, but honestly, it’s a bit much, it doesn’t really seem you, if you know what I mean. The fancy restaurant, you all dressed up.” She said motioning towards him, her other hand still fidgeting with her napkin.

Ville reached out and placed his hand over hers. “Let’s go” He said earnestly, holding her gaze.

“No, no Ville we don’t have to”

He cut her off “No, you’re right. I was nervous, I had this idea in my head that you wanted some sort of traditional date. Darling you deserve a traditional date, but if it’s not what you want, let’s get out of here.” His thumb rubbed the back of her hand as he spoke. The candles flickering light dancing on Liv’s face.

Liv chuckled as she intertwined their fingers. “We are far from traditional”

Ville laughed aloud. Still holding Liv’s hand he got up, helping her up from her seat, holding her leather jacket for her. They quickly left the restaurant and stumbled out into the night.

“Would you like to come over? Watch a devilish movie perhaps? Something to have you squealing and in tears by the end?” Ville smirked as he helped Liv put on her leather jacket, admiring the buttons on them.

“Lure me to your tower eh? This is the real horror movie.” Liv grinned, looking up at Ville, tucking her freezing hands into her jacket sleeves.

“Ha! Why must I always be the villain?” He brought his face to hers “ You my dear are the temptress” He practically growled the words, his lips grazing Liv’s.

***

Liv sat, her back against Ville’s chest, his arms wrapped around her, a blanket tossed over the both of them. The sounds of screams filling Ville’s living room as the two watched Evil Dead. The only light came from the TV set. Liv sighed to herself. There is nowhere else I’d rather be, she thought. Ville fiddled with her hair as she watched, the familiar movie drawing to an end.

“Liv” Ville cooed from behind Liv as the credits began to roll.

“Hmm” Liv sighed, closing her eyes, nestling her head deeper into his chest.

“Tell me, tell me about your past relationships.”

Liv was caught off guard by the question, she turned around so that she was facing Ville, her legs strewn over his lap. “I had a high school boyfriend and that’s pretty much the extent of it. My father left me and my mum and I became very introverted so we broke up. I’ve been too much of a recluse ever since, aside from going on a few dates here and there.” Liv shrugged, uncomfortable about the topic. Having Marcus, a big fan of the band, as a friend, she’d inadvertently heard all about Ville’s past relationships. Ville slid his hands under the blanket and began soothingly sliding his hands up and down Liv’s bare legs. “Does that unnerve you?” She asked him.

[Recommendation: Listen to Just For Tonight by Manna ft. Ville Valo, once through from here on]

He turned to her, his face becoming serious. “That you aren’t learned in the ways of relationships? No. Every woman I’ve been with, it was as if I started afresh. All prior knowledge wiped away. What really unnerves me is you, how fast you’ve entered my life, how suddenly you grabbed onto my heart.” He pulled her back onto his lap, the movie having cut out.

He slid his hands through her hair, pulling her even closer. Liv’s heart began to nervously thump faster. Their lips locked. Liv placed her hands on his neck, thumbs stroking his jawline. She nipped his lower lip as his breathing became more labored. He opened his eyes, surprised by her playfulness. He smirked and in one swift move he had Liv lying on her back on the couch as he hovered over her, dangling dark curls framing his face as he looked down at Liv smirking.

“You look very menacing you know that” Liv smiled as Ville gently lowered himself onto her, keeping most of his weight off.

He kissed her deeply, his tongue entering her mouth, he slid his hands under her, tugging her tucked in shirt free from the skirt and running his hands beneath her shirt, large palms pressed against her flesh, holding her to him. Liv broke free of his kiss, practically gasping for air. She tried to catch her breath as Ville kissed a line up her neck.

“Still menacing darling?” He whispered against her skin, hot breath washing over her.

“More so than ever” She smiled.

Ville nipped at her neck causing her back to arch into him, her hips colliding into his. Ville laughed at her reaction. “Tender” He whispered, bringing his lips back to Liv’s. She wound her arms around his neck, lacing her fingers into his hair. She tugged slightly as their kissing became more urgent, bodies practically writhing against one another. Their erratic breathing the only sound in the room.

Liv knew, she knew that she should be taking things slow. She didn’t have a clue what she was doing, but a longing had grown inside, Ville’s tongue in her mouth, the taste of him on her lips, his body pinning her to the couch, the dim TV set illuminating his hungry eyes, she got caught up in the moment. Her hands detangled themselves from his dark curls, they slid in between their close pressed body’s, and latched onto his belt buckled, which she began to undo.

Ville’s movement against Liv’s lips came to a sudden stop. He pulled his hands out from under Liv, holding himself up. “Liv.” She stopped, looking up at him. “Darling, I’m not going to have sex with you” He slid off of Liv and took a seat at the end of the couch, doing back up his belt buckle, his breathing still uneven.

Hurt and rejecting washed over Liv as she sat up. “Why” She asked meekly, drawing her knees up and wrapping her arms around them.

“Because Liv, just, just not now.” He got up and walked over to the kitchen.

Hurt turned to frustration. Liv got up and followed him, crossing her arms. Ville had walked over to the sink, splashing cold water on his face and neck, running a wet hand through his hair.

“That’s not an answer. Why? Did I do something wrong? Or…” She leaned against the kitchen counter behind Ville.

He shut off the tap and turned to face her, rolling up the sleeves of his dress shirt. “Liv, darling, you didn’t do anything. As much as I’d love to have my way with you, darling I know you’re a virgin, and I’m not just going to, not just going to rush you into anything.” He crossed his arms, staring into her eyes earnestly, his mind having been completely made up.

“Why do you have such a complete say over this? Don’t I have a say, it’s my body. Why do you have such a definite say in this?” Liv said, trying to be bold, but failing utterly as she lowered her eyes, chewing on her bottom lip. She finally looked up from lowered lashes.

“ First of all you don’t have a clue what you would be getting yourself into. Secondly because I you’re your best interests at heart. Now drop it Liv.” He said as he walked back into his living room to take out the video.

Liv was angry. Steaming, she followed him. “You think that just because you’re older than me that…”

She was cut off suddenly by a knock at the door. The two stopped and turned towards the door. Liv looked over at Ville questioningly, he shrugged going over to look through the peep hole. Liv watched as Ville’s expression turned from annoyance to surprise. He turned and motioned for her to hide. She rolled her eyes, still angry at him, and reluctantly walked up his winding staircase, far enough up that she couldn’t be seen, but close enough so that she could listen in.

She took a seat, listening as Ville opened the door for his unexpected guest.

“Sandra, I uh, I didn’t expect you”

Liv’s heart sank. Sandra? Hadn’t he talked to her? Is that why he didn’t want to sleep with me? Cause Sandra was still doing that job?

“Well nice to see you too.” She laughed.

“Sandra I tried calling you, I’ve been trying to reach you for the past three days in fact.”

“I saw, sorry, I’ve been kind of busy, my manager had me over in Germany doing a shoot, I just flew back yesterday, thought I’d come surprise you tonight.”

Liv could hear her heels on the hardwood floor. I, he, he asked me out tonight while he was still with Sandra? Liv thought. I shouldn’t have come out tonight. What am I even thinking, me and this, this man. I don’t know what I’m doing, I pale in comparison to that gorgeous woman down there. Tears threatened to spill over as she continued to listen.

“Look Sandra, the reason I’ve been trying to reach you is to inform you that I can’t see you anymore. There’s another woman.”

“Oh”

“Dear, we did decide that our relationship, based on a mutual need, would be temporary.”

“We did, I, I just didn’t expect you to find someone. Especially not after that night you told me how broken you felt after you’re last serious relationship.”

“Yes well, I found someone else. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, you’ll be back”

Liv heard her slam the door. The sound of a car engine roaring to life outside. She heard Ville sigh downstairs. A moment of silence passed as Liv continued to sit in the dark upstairs. The tears had spilled over. She couldn’t help but think on all the reasons why she just wasn’t good enough for Ville. I’m being stupid, Liv thought. He’d just left her for me, but, but he’d been with her, with her while he was with me, on the couch, rejecting me. I don’t deserve him. He deserves better than some, some girl.

She got up suddenly, almost running down the stairs, past her shoes, past her leather jacket, past Ville who was still standing by the door, rubbing his face in frustration. She closed his front door behind her and walked out into the night. The day’s clouds had given way to rain and she was already drenched as she walked down Ville’s walkway to the street.

She heard the front door open behind her. “Liv! What the hell are you doing” Called Ville as he came after her.

She didn’t stop, she kept walking, the water streaming down her face, her thin blouse already soaked through, bare feet freezing. She turned onto the road just as Ville caught up with her, matching her pace.

“Liv stop. Liv.” He angrily said as she kept walking, looking straight ahead.

He finally stopped her, grabbing her by her upper arms and holding her still. “Didn’t you hear her? I was broken. I was broken and I found you. I found you, and I want you, don’t you see that?”

“But” Liv whispered, looking away from Ville as he held her in place.

“But nothing. Darling there’s nothing to be insecure about.” He held her chin, making her look at him. “I’m yours, I’m yours until you don’t want me anymore.” He placed a tender kiss on her lips, the rain dripping from his hair.

As his words began to sink in, his lips kissing away all doubt, rain soaked hair clinging to her face, Liv flung her arms around him, kissing him back. Still unsure whether she would ever be good enough for him, but willing to take what he was giving her.

“Come” Ville smiled against her lips. “We’ll catch our death of cold. And I for one prefer a more dramatic death.” He led the shivering Liv back up the road into the tower, and arm wrapped around her shoulder.

Liv stepped in to the warm home, suddenly realizing how wet she had actually become. Her teeth were chattering “Shit” She said staring down at the pool of water which had formed around her bare feet.

“I have towels and a change of clothes for you upstairs” Ville said. He flicked off the downstairs lights. Taking Liv’s hand he led her up his winding staircase in the dark.

“Ville, I, I’ll never not want you” Liv said as she followed him up.

He stopped and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, than continued up the stairs. At the top he turned a corner, walking into the first room at the top of the stairs. He turned on the light. It was a huge room, covered in music and horror movie memorabilia, much like the living room. A large queen sized bed decked in a black blanket, sheets, and pillows, had its head up against the left side of the room, small black nightstands on either side of it. Dressers and bookshelves lined the walls with books and clothing strewn on the floor. Across the bed was a door to what Liv assumed was a bathroom.

Ville let go of Liv, crossing the room and rummaging through some clothes in a drawer. He held one up, showing Liv. “Is this one long enough”

She laughed aloud. It had a huge picture of Ville on it, face turned up in prayer. “Yeah it’ll be fine” She chuckled. “Though it’s a little egotistical.”

He smiled and shrugged, tossing it over to Liv. “You know you love it darling.” Liv rolled her eyes, catching it. “You can change in the washroom, there are clean towels in there too.”

Liv quickly changed, drying herself off and hanging her soaked clothes over the side of the bear claw tub which lay to the one of the bathroom, an enclosed shower across from it. She wrung out her hair and shrugged on the tee shirt which went to her knees.

Turning off the light she slowly crept out of the bathroom. Ville had turned off his bedroom light and now sat on his bed in the glow of his bedside lamp. He sat over the covers, legs crossed, wet hair slicked back, wearing flannel pajama bottoms and a black Elvis tee shirt. She made her way around the bed and sat next to him.

“So you won’t sleep with me but you’ll sleep next to me” She smirked, pulling the covers over her.

“Of course, and not to forget, I’ll sleep on you” He laughed pointing to the shirt she wore.

Liv rolled her eyes, and laid down. Her back to Ville.

He wriggled under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp. Darkness enveloping the room. Liv felt him reach over and pull her over to him so that her back was pressed up against his chest. He nestled his face in her hair, stroking his nose against her neck. She smiled, turning her head to kiss him and then lay her head back on her pillow. “Good night my forlorn hero”

Ville held her tighter, and slowly Liv began to drift to sleep. Her lids drooping, her mind losing thought, but suddenly Ville whispered in her ear.

“Liv”

“hm?”

“Promise me something” Came his deep voice from behind her.

Liv turned, sensing the seriousness in his tone. She placed her hands on his chest, facing him. “Anything”

“That night I first met you, thinking back on it now, the rush of hospital staff, the worry on the face of your roommate, your unconsciousness. I, I don’t think I could possibly endure seeing that now. Promise me, as long as you care about me, never let me see you in the hospital again.”

Liv lifted a hand to his cheek. “I promise” She whispered in the dark.” Vowing to herself to always keep that promise.