Valenthio's POV:

There she was, wearing a light brown dress that matched her curly hair and hugged her body perfectly.

She was scanning my body, her lips parted. Guess the outfit I chose was doing a good job.

She lifted her gaze and met my eyes but they suddenly widened as she realized that I know she's been watching me. She looked at the ground, blushing. Mm.

<<You've been checking me out for some time, huh?>> My eyes narrowed and I stepped closer. There was almost no distance between us. I could feel her breathing become heavy.

She looked away, smiling.

<<Oh c'mon. Of course not.>>

Why's she always looking away?

I put my hand on her neck, turning her head to me and I finally met that beautiful eyes of hers.

Then I whispered
<<Do I make you nervous?>>

She shook her head. I felt goosebumps form in her body.

Well, let's tease her more.

<<Your body is telling me otherwise->>

<<How was your stay at your grandma's!>> Her voice came out rushed.

I pulled away.

<<Good, Helena. It was good. How were your days here?>> I smiled. I recall her telling me about having trouble sleeping. I wish I'd be there so that I could help her. We could talk and I would comfort her. I know that probably her mind would be racing with thoughts, worrying. I also know that when we get close enough and I try to get her to talk to me, to let it out, she's always trying to hold herself and never says what's bothering her.

That's not healthy because when you keep everything inside, your feelings get bottled up which can be harmful in many ways. And I don't want my love to hurt. I don't want her to suffer in silence. But I know that I'll have to try in order for her to feel comfortable enough to talk to me.

<<Fine, they were good! I'm glad you had a good time.>> She said smiling but I felt like she wasn't saying the truth. There was a hint of sadness, a hint of pain in her eyes.

I hugged her. Her body tensed but soon relaxed. I know that this would make her feel a bit vulnerable but I just wanted to hug her, I've missed her and I wanted to be strong for her when she couldn't.

<<What is this for?>> She said, her voice sounding weak still trying to laugh to make it sound better. Oh, Helena. You don't have to do this. Not with me.

<< Nothing. I just missed you.>> I said but as I was about to pull away she held me closer.

<<Just one more minute>> she whispered.

<<As long as it takes, there's no rush Hele.>> I smiled and rubbed soothing circles in her back to make her calm down completely and feel better.

Soon enough we were at my house. It was wooden, black on the outside and white on the inside. There were three rooms two of which were  bedrooms wile the other one was basically a theatre. There I'd practice with other actors or practice the songs with the band.

I looked at my left to find Helena admiring the house with a shocked expression in her face. Well, it's quite big.

<<Wow>> she said looking at me in awe. She smirked- or tried to at least which was so cute- and said

<<Well the house fits your character.>> Huh? What was that supposed to mean?

<<In what way? >> My eyebrows furrowed.

<<It's all big and dark>> she said and then put her hand in her mouth shocked. Guess that slipped.

I took a step forward and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
<<So you like big and dark?>>

I was the one smirking now.

Her cheeks were burning and she looked so embarrassed. Her eyes were looking behind me, not daring look in mine.

Suddenly the bell rang.

Fuck. They're here.

<<Who is it? >> Helena asked a bit worried.

Don't worry, love, they're good.

<<The rest of the band. They'll love you, don't be afraid.>> I reassured her.

I opened the door. Here they are. Bryan is grinning as always and pulls me in a hug. Mary is smiling and doing her usual side hug with me.

They're both dressed in black. Good, we're matching.

Helena is standing behind me and I can feel her nervousness. I put my hand in her back and gently bring her infront of them.

<<Here's Helena>>

Bryan was looking at her, his eyes wide. You okay, buddy. Um.

<<Damn, V. She's so pretty. Is she that girl you've been ->>

I shot him my serious shut-up-death-stare and he chuckled.

<<Okay, okay! Don't kill me, bro.>> He lifted his hands up in surrender. I kept on giving him the death stare like I was telling him that he's going to regret it. But he didn't seem afraid, not one bit.

He hugged her slightly and I was a bit unsure. I mean Bryan's got the looks. But nah, he loves Mary deep down even if he won't admit it.

<<Hey!>> He gritted excitedly.
<<I'm Bryan, that cold creature's close friend. It's nice to meet you>>

She smiled at him.

<<It's nice to meet you too>> she said, feeling a bit embarrassed. I could tell she was.

Mary was watching Bryan the whole time, jealous? She looked mad.

Aw, she does love Bryan.

<<Hi, I'm Mary.>> She tried to smile but she was acting distant. Like the day when we first met. She's acting like that till she gets to know you.

<<Nice to meet you>> Helena smiled.

Mary just smiled in response.

C'mon Mary. No, okay I should respect that she's not feeling comfortable enough around her yet but isn't that a bit rude. But maybe she's feeling nervous. It's okay, anyways. I hope Hele is not scared of her or I don't know.

<<Let's get inside.>> I say.

We head to the theatre.

<<It's so pretty in here!>> Helena says which makes me smile.

<<Hey, I'm sorry but I have to tell two other people were this house is because they won't know where to come for the party. >> She says blushing.

What is she blushing for, now?

<<It's okay, go! We'll be here rehearsing. Just give me some songs you two like and we'll do our best.>>

She gave me a small piece of paper and run out of the room.

In the paper, there was written:
Play whatever you like but also play happy birthday and forever young. Thanks

And there was a :) in the end. Aw.

After a bit, age was back. Bryan kept on telling me she was pretty, teasing me and I kept on getting mad and he kept on laughing while she was away. Mary still seemed jealous whenever the name of Helena was brought up and she'd look at Bryan, shooting him death stareslike I'd do and he'd smile more.

Helena opened the door.

<<Um, I'm - I'm going t- to meet the others and being them there but I have to catch the bus so I have to g- go>> she said looking at the three of us, feeling nervous for sure. There was no reason but I know that's not how it works.

Wait, bus?! What bus?! Doesn't she have a car?

<<Wait, do you drive?>>

I got off the stage leaving Bryan and Mary argue about Helena's beauty.

There was a hint of fear in her eyes.

<<I- I do but I d- don't have a car.>> She said looking at the ground.
I took her small hand in mine.

<<Hey, hey it's okay. Take mine.>> There was a hint of doubt in her eyes.

<<Please>> I said, giving her the best puppy eyes ever.

<<Alright!>> She said.

<<Be careful love>>

She turned around, her cheeks red I will.

She took my keys from my hand and left.

I turned around and saw something o thought I'd never see: Mary and Bryan were kissing!

<<Aw, guys you're so cute together>> I teased to take revenge on Bryan.

Bryan pulled away.

<<Well, we weren't together since highschool but thanks>>

He winked.

<<Oh fuck you.>>

Mary was blushing looking at Bryan the whole time.

<<Sorry, guys but you'll have to wait a bit, we've got to rehearse now. >>

Bryan rolled his eyes looking at Mary. As she was about to get back at playing the violin, he kissed her again.

Okay.

Okay.

Well, after they were done, we got back to it. We teased each other and laughed and it felt nice. Whenever I'd say something about Bryan loving Mary, Mary would get so shy. She was trying to act as if nothing happened but I'll never allow that.

We decided to play some of our songs that were the most happy because half of our songs were sad.

They're about life. About the ups and downs. We chose the ups for this occasion.

It's Helena's closest friend's birthday after all. It means a lot to her so it means a lot to me.