Chapter Text
A week had passed since the engagement of the two Norwegian lovebirds: Sturla Holm Lægreid and Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen. They were back in Lillehammer. They had things to do like a little cleaning session. Sturla almost made himself out of breath again. Vetle stopped him immediately as he noticed his love gasping for air. He made his fiancé sit down and asked him if he could take care of him. Just a little massage and embrace were the things that Sturla needed sometimes. Vetle taught him to prioritize his health both mentally and physically. This was the main reason why Sturla had agreed to go to therapy when they had been on their back home. Vetle could convince him of the fact that there was no shame in asking for help from a professional. Maybe it would ease the process of moving on.
The first step was inevitable. Literally, the next day, his friend Johannes Dale had brought the news of Erling’s funeral, Sturla had known that he had to be there in order to be move on. He didn’t want to leave his ex alone on his last journey. He feared that Erling would have literally no-one to care about him because of his fast and furious lifestyle. Vetle had no problem with Sturla’s reasoning. He asked Sturla if his fiancé needed him to be there accompanying him. Sturla said a soft yes with a nod. Vetle helped out him and got some flowers for Erling on the coming Wednesday. He chose every single one of them with Sturla’s approval. He used Sturla’s knowledge on flower language for his advantage. Vetle had ordered a smaller funeral wreath consisting of white flowers: chrysanthemums, roses and carnations. When he got back from the florist, he called over his love to ask if it is okay. Sturla was impressed by Vetle. He complimented Vetle on how well he had nailed the task. While he had been away, he had been working on ironing their suits for the funeral to look at least decent on that day. Just in case someone would be there from Erling’s distant family.
Two days later on Friday, they attended the Mortensen boy’s funeral in Trondheim. It was held at the Moholt cemetery. Vetle drove there so Sturla could prepare himself mentally for the final farewell. He didn’t tell Sturla but it was a hard to swallow pill for him as well. It was a bittersweet moment of their life. Sweet as Sturla could finally move on but bitter at the very same time as Erling had been lost at a very young age. No matter how hard he had been on Sturla, he had been a human who once roamed the Earth’s grounds. He had been someone’s son, grandchild, friend or in his dear Sturla’s case… He had been someone who had been someone’s partner in the past.
They arrived at the cemetery at around noon. They were greeted by the funeral director. The woman asked how they were related to Erling. Sturla answered that he was a friend. He didn’t want to go into details. They just wanted to say goodbye to him. As 2 pm rolled around, they were shocked how few people attended Erling’s funeral. There were less than 30 people. As the priest said goodbye from people, a woman leant on his coffin sobbing. Sturla immediately recognised who she was. It was Erling’s mom. He saw the crocodile tears in her eyes. The woman, who had never loved Erling, acted like she did love her son. Sturla was disgusted and livid but he hid his true feelings and softly whispered if they could leave immediately once the black ebony coffin was let down in the cold ground. Vetle just nodded. 45 minutes later, the ceremony and funeral was over. Sturla and Vetle rushed to their car. Sturla didn’t want to talk to the woman. He was pissed at her for ruining Erling and being absent for almost all of Erling’s short life. As Vetle was driving, Sturla finally let out his raw emotions. He cried uncontrollably. He felt bad for the man who ruined him eventually. With the funeral, Sturla could finally let Erling go and start the new chapter with his dear Vetle by his side.
“Is everything okay?” Vetle asked Sturla.
“Yes… I just feel bad for Erling.”
“I know. Who was the woman who leant over his coffin?”
“It was his mom, Vetle.” Sturla started to explain, “She left him for a man. She caused the break in Erling’s heart. She never loved him. Now, we have seen her acting up.”
“It’s heartbreaking. Thankfully, we can learn from this and not make this mistake.”
“Agreed. I think I can go for my healing sessions with so much hope in my heart.” Sturla sighed “Monday is my first appointment with the therapist.”
They talked about things that was on their minds. Slowly but surely they arrived home around 8 pm. It was time to have dinner. They had some leftovers so Sturla warmed it up while Vetle set the table. While they were eating, they talked about things that they had to do before their eventual wedding. One uncertainty was the theme. As soon as Sturla uttered the word, Vetle remembered what he wanted to ask his love about in Tangstad. His soon-to-be father-in-law’s words echoed in his mind as he was eating while he was holding his fiancé’s hand to soothe his love. Sturla was grateful this small gesture. Vetle quickly finished the meal and offered to wash up the dishes. He didn’t let Sturla to do it. He wanted to take care of Sturla’s right hand as it was in pain sometimes. All he asked him to do is rest. His love gladly did it and went outside to his roses.
Not long after Vetle went outside and joined Sturla by sitting down in their swinging bed. The other appreciated him being near. The roses in their garden were blooming. Sturla took a really good care of them. Each and every single one of them were tagged so they knew who was their namesake. Sturla was watering one of the pink ones when Vetle saw tag. The name? Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Sturla’s dad, Tor’s voice echoed in his mind yet again. He asked Sturla to stop for a moment as he wanted to know something. Sturla closed the garden tap as he finished with the watering. He sat down next to his love.
“So what did you want to ask?”
“Well… I have been thinking about this since our engagement.” Vetle started, “Your dad told me about something. He said that you’ll know what we mean by this: ‘You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.’ He said that it is something meaningful for you.”
Sturla didn’t answer. He jumped up and rushed to the garage. Not long after, he came out with an old book in his hands. It was ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. His face lit up showing his dimples in their glory. Sturla told Vetle how much the book meant for him. It taught him how important little things are and the most important things in life were invisible for the eyes. That day it was revealed what it was. It was Sturla’s pure soul. A long time since Sturla showed his child-like innocent nature. The older Norwegian finally saw what Tor had meant when he had told him the quote. Sturla’s real personality had been kept hidden for so long. Vetle realised that he was Sturla’s little prince. He had tamed Sturla who was his fox and vicaversa. He was responsible for his love just like the main character for his rose in the book. The time he had spent so far with him was what made Sturla so important in his eyes. Everything had made sense for him.
“Now, I know everything.” Vetle let out a loud sigh, “I am so happy to see you like this. Being happy like a small child. I can understand why you hid it. We have thought that…”
“Erling had taken it away from me?” Sturla sat down again next to Vetle, kissed him then he continued, “No. I purposefully hid it and eventually I forgot about what it is like to be a happy kid. You have just brought it out inside me to the surface. Thank you, Vetle.”
“I am glad that you are happy. We thought that we lost it forever.”
“Honestly… me too. For this reason, it makes me even more happy that you were told this.”
“Sturla… my kjære, can I call you, my little prince to remind you how special you are?”
“Well… I will melt every single time but yes.” Sturla blushed.
“So, my little prince, can we make an early night?” Vetle suggested while stroking his love’s face. “I’m a bit tired after today.”
Not long after, they hit the sack. Sturla slept close to Vetle on his strong arm making him safe. By the time Vetle woke up his arms were almost numb. He slowly pulled out letting Sturla sleep a little more and let the feeling back to his arm. Once everything was fine and dandy, he prepared a small breakfast to surprise Sturla a little. He knew that the other one loved the meals he made for them. He made scrambled eggs with some veggies. He was portioning their meals when Sturla came downstairs. The scent of the food woke him up. Sturla looked at Vetle and brewed some tea for the both of them. Black for Vetle and lavender himself.
5 minutes later, the tea was ready. Sturla carefully grabbed the two mugs, walked to their table and sat down facing Vetle. He handed the mug and told that tea is still hot. They were talking about their plans for the coming week. Sturla had to miss a morning training on Monday as he had to go to the therapist. Vetle offered that he would go with him for support. He just needed to call Siegfried to let him know that he would be there for his fiancé. Sturla’s heart got softer immediately. He knew that Vetle supported him but not the through 9 yards. He had to get to used to this. Once they finished breakfast, Sturla was ready to start the day. A little roller-skating wouldn’t hurt and while they were at it, they could make Johannes Dale join them. While he went to their garage to put on his skates, Vetle made the call to their trainer.
“Hello Ziggy! This is Vetle. I hope it’s not early.”
“Hey! No, it’s not. What’s the matter?”
“Is it okay if I miss tomorrow morning training? I would like to support Sturla while he is at the therapist.”
“Of course. I would have known that you are with him.” Siegfried laughed, “You might not have noticed it but you have matured a lot in this relationship. You still joke a lot but you go all in when it comes to Sturla. Keep it up. It is a good thing.”
They talked a few more minutes before they ended the call. Vetle quickly joined Sturla. Sturla was patient and understanding as the other one was on the phone talking to their trainer. He grabbed his fanny pack Vetle put on his skates as Sturla closed the doors before leaving. Then they started skating around town. They stopped at Dale’s house and rang the bell. Johannes came outside and saw his friends. Sturla asked him if he wants to join. His friend asked for a little and got his roller-skates. Sturla and Vetle waited patiently for him. Johannes joining made them have a good time. They shared a lot of inside jokes. The youngest of the three was amused by Sturla being a carefree person. Johannes didn’t think of seeing his closest friend like this ever again after the first breakup with Erling. He knew that something must have happened between Sturla and Vetle. He wasn’t afraid to ask them about it when they stopped for a coffee and a little ice-cream.
“Do you know his all-time favourite book?” Vetle asked.
“I know that Sturla loves Stephen King. He loves horror.” Johannes answered, “This is what he always told me.”
“Then, he hid it from you as well.”
“Wait a moment… WHAT?”
“Are you talking about me and ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry?” Sturla chimed in while treating himself to the ice-cream.
“Yes, my only one.”
“There is no way that you like it. It is for chil…”
“For everyone. It teaches you to be responsible, keep your child-like nature and see the good things around you.” Sturla interrupted Johannes as he took a sip from his coffee, “I did not talk about it because something we know what stopped me.”
The answer surprised Johannes but he saw what his friends mean. He saw Sturla in a somewhat new but the same wholesome light. They were good friends since childhood. They continued talking. Johannes asked them about their plans for the wedding. Sturla said that they hadn’t started the plans yet but if Vetle was okay with it, he would like to plan their big day in peace. Even if he had just come back from Lofoten, he wanted to go somewhere far away yet they could still focus on each other and his healing. However, the training sessions had just started for the new season. They told Johannes that all they were sure in getting married during the next summer so they waited. The coffee hangout with Johannes went really well.
While they were talking, the light bulb lit up in Sturla’s head. He grabbed his smartphone and wrote a small note on it for himself. He wanted to surprise Vetle during their eventual wedding with a small gesture for all the things Vetle had done in the past for him to allow him healing completely. Sturla felt like being in his fiancé’s debt. He knew exactly how he could melt the gentle giant’s heart. Music. Something that was Sturla’s safest spot. He was ready to get back into the everyday music. He was about to play almost everyday. He knew the song that was told everything instead of him. He thought of “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban. On the other hand, he wanted to keep it as a secret from Vetle so he could not play at home. A name immediately popped in his head: Ingrid. His closest gal pal might be able to help him making this small dream come true.
Fast forward to Monday, Sturla and Vetle left to Oslo for the first therapy session. Sturla was a bit anxious about the meeting that started at 4 pm. Vetle told him that he didn’t need to worry about it. He also mentioned if Sturla was okay with it, he would wait for him outside at the park near the centre by a fountain. Sturla hugged Vetle to calm down a little before when he went inside. Vetle left to the park and sat down. As he was waiting for his fiancé, a beautiful idea came in his mind. He made a quick note on the first dance song. Vetle thought of “Å kunne æ skrive” by Lars Bremnes. He knew very well that it’d make Sturla cry rivers and probably calm down as they were building their future together. The future looked brighter even if there were some not so easy difficulties. Vetle was aware that Sturla needed to heal. He sincerely hoped that Sturla’s hand would heal enough to hold his hand in both marriage and physically. Vetle knew that if he touched Sturla’s palm at the wrong spot, the younger one would hiss in pain. It still hadn’t healed from attack of Erling. With him being gone forever, maybe just maybe Sturla would probably stop feeling those stubborn phantom pains. Hopefully, he could be tender with him again after all those long years.
Vetle had been in his thoughts for an hour or two when Sturla appeared on the horizon. The older Norwegian jumped up and ran to his love to catch up with him. It surprised the other one but he hugged him without a single drop of hesitation. Sturla got lost in Vetle’s bear hug. He caught his fiancé’s perfume in the wind. It was a soothing fragrance for him. It felt like being finally safe and at home. Something that calmed him down as soon as their bodies met. Vetle gave him back the feeling that he thought he had lost. They kept up the embracing for a few more minutes before Vetle asked anything about the session. He knew that Sturla would surely ask him for one if he hadn’t done it. He soon realised what Siegfried meant. He matured. He put Sturla first then everything else. It was his mission. To make sure that his fiancé was well.
“How was the session?” Vetle asked gently in a voice that Sturla had probably never heard before.
“It was okay…” Sturla answered as a little teardrop ran down on his cheek, “I need to come a few more times before I get a complete diagnosis.”
“I will come with you. No need to be afraid.” Vetle wiped down Sturla’s teardrop with his white hoodie, “Your well-being is just as important to me as my own is.”
Sturla tried to speak but Vetle left him speechless. He hugged the one who dearest to his heart with tears in his eyes. He tried to whisper a couple of soft yet meaningful words. He couldn’t. He just looked at his fiancé. Vetle didn’t need him to speak. He understood him without words. Sturla’s eyes filled with tears. Vetle wiped his tears with the sleeve of his hoodie. They were cuddling for a few more minutes when Vetle’s phone rang. It was Tarjei who asked if they go to the meet up and dinner. He said yes. The older Bø brother informed them that he would set the table for two extra people as they hadn’t expect them to be able to make it. Vetle was happy to take Sturla to the dinner. Vetle and Tarjei talked for less than 5 minutes when they ended the call. After that Vetle kept Sturla in his arms for a moment before they headed to the their meet up with the team.
They arrived at 6 pm. Ingrid greeted them. She asked about the session. Sturla told everything to his gal pal. Ingrid cracked a few jokes to lighten his mood. Eventually, Sturla smiled at her and Vetle. Sturla noticed Tarjei and greeted his teammate with a loud hello. When every single Norwegian arrived, they sat down and started talking about the preparation for the new season. Vetle took out his phone and took notes for them. Training camps, test competitions and other things were on the menu. Siegfried detailed everything before making a generous suggestion. He offered Sturla and Vetle an easier training schedule. He mentioned that he had thought of them having duties around their eventual wedding. All he asked from them was let him or anyone in the team know when they were missing a day. Vetle asked if it was possible to miss out the following week so he and Sturla could talk through the most important things around their wedding and Sturla’s healing process.
“Well…”
“Yes?”
“Fine but if you two travel, please keep in mind to train a little every single day.” Siegfried commented, “I don’t want your shapes to suffer.”
“Don’t worry boss. I will take care of both Sturla and myself.”
“Uhm?” Sturla coughed.
“Yes, Sturla. Would you like to say something, brother?” Ingrid asked.
Sturla looked at Vetle for a moment before he spoke. His fiancé had reassured him. Sturla wanted to give the team a safe word to them as well as he had one with Vetle. He told the idea behind it. It had a purpose. Vetle and Sturla used one since their engagement. Its purpose was to help Sturla get out from a situation he didn’t want to be in. The others loved the idea of the team having one. Johannes Dale asked about the one Vetle and Sturla had. Sturla refused to tell what it is. He didn’t tell what their word was. It was understandable for him as someone nosy might have heard it. Sturla wanted to be safe. This little thing made the others think of a word that they used rarely.
Eventually, Tarjei came up with the team’s safe word for Sturla to use. The word was matcha. It lined in perfectly with the martial arts past of Sturla. Something that he really loved, something that had a soothing chime. The green tea was something that he truly treasured for its calming effect. He rarely got his hands on Japanese matcha and that’s why it was the best code word for him to use in sticky situations. Vetle told that he would use something else but if Sturla wrote him the word matcha, he would know as well that his fiancé needed an escape. Sturla was happy to be able to trust his friends with a safe word. His mood started to turn in a more positive direction. He knew that they were supporting him on the tough road of recovery. He truly enjoyed the time around them. It was already Tuesday when he and Vetle went home to Lillehammer. He fell asleep with a huge smile on his face.
It was 11 am when Sturla woke up. He didn’t find Vetle in their bed so he went outside the balcony to get soaked in sunlight. He saw his love downstairs watering his loved roses. He said a loud hi and Vetle waved back. He was ready to get prepared for the day. He washed his face first then he grabbed a blue comb for his wild and curly hair. As he was preparing himself, his hand was struck by pain. He screamed from agony. The comb fell out of his right hand. Vetle, who was still outside taking care of Sturla’s rose garden, had rushed to him and noticed the comb on the bathroom floor. Sturla cried in pain as he was sitting down on the bathtub.
Vetle asked what the matter was. Sturla told what had happened only a moment ago. Vetle knew that Sturla might need a little assistance from him. He picked up the comb and grabbed a hair brush. The older Norwegian helped Sturla to the balcony and made him sit down. Vetle also took a seat and started taking care of Sturla’s wild hair. He started whispering sweet things for his love. He was gently combing the brown curls and giving them a little care with a hair brush making them look more organised. Sturla, who had felt so powerless a few moments ago, felt being taken care of. He hoped that one day, the pain would be gone forever.
“You shouldn't have…” Sturla sighed.
“I have to take care of you. That’s my nature. I will never leave you alone when you are in this vulnerable state. You can count on me, my little prince. Your fox will take care of you.”
“You are…”
“Yes?” Vetle interrupted his love as he was brushing Sturla’s hair, “Sorry, my darling. What did you want to say?”
“You are more like a rose to me.”
“I know, kjære, I know. However, I prefer to be the fox. You have tamed me time after time. Siegfried was right. I matured next to you.”
“So… Will you stop joking around?”
“Never. If I want to hear you laugh, I will everything in my power to make you…” Vetle explained and put the down the hair brush “…You are done, darling. You look wonderful.”
“Thanks for taking care of me.” Sturla smiled.
“My pleasure.”
Sturla’s hand stopped aching after Vetle’s care so he could continue his day. He told Vetle that he would be in a garage as he was looking for something. The dairy notes from his past came in his mind. He hid the thick black notebook there from everyone including Vetle under a pile of books that he had to get a shelf for. Sturla wrote almost every single week in the past 10 years. He didn’t write anything on the week of the proposal and the week after. He grabbed the notebook and before he came back, he checked if Vetle was inside. He didn’t want him to read it yet. Maybe once he was in peace with himself, he would show a vulnerable side of his to the one who loved him the most for who he was. Vetle showed Sturla what love and trust should be about. A complete opposite side that he had almost never seen.
As Sturla made sure that Vetle was mowing the grass, he went inside the room where he and Vetle meditated on a regular basis. He opened the diary and wrote 2 or 3 pages. He was about to finish when Vetle opened the door on him. Vetle noticed the big notebook in Sturla’s hands. He asked what it was. Sturla sighed and told that it was his diary. Vetle came closer for a hug. Sturla put thick notebook on the ground and hugged Vetle. His love soothed his soul and encouraged him to write if it was something that helped him. Sturla looked at him and asked if he wanted to read some of the notes. Vetle nodded and opened Sturla’s diary. Sturla had written letters to those whom he cared about a lot. He was reading a note from the early stages of their relationship. As he was reading a note addressed to him, a sentence broke Vetle’s big heart. It said:
“I fear that you will break me just like Erling Mortensen had done.
I cannot forget the summer night when he wanted to end me for once and all.
Maybe… Just maybe it would be better if I let you go before it is too late.”
Vetle held back his tears. He straight away knew that his dear Sturla feared of the worst scenario. Vetle had seen the dark side. Sturla was broken and vulnerable. The road of recovery was long and rocky. For some reason he kept on staying with him. He continued reading and he found out why. He was used to being hurt. Knowing the dark side, Vetle had a new mission in his life. He was ready to walk with Sturla on this road. The young one needed to relearn the beauty of life. He was determined to help him. He read the notes for an hour when he looked up and noticed that Sturla left the room. Sturla leaving him alone gave an opportunity to Vetle. He took Sturla’s diary, grabbed a pen and paper on the way and went to their balcony. He decided to do something he had never done. He decided writing a simple love letter to the one who trusted him with his diary.
Vetle almost finished the letter with tears in his eyes when Sturla called him over. They had a visitor. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold popped in asking if they needed something as she wanted to help out everyone in the team that week. Vetle told that Sturla should go with her as the other needed some fresh air and winked at him. Sturla was okay with the sudden idea as he loved spending time with Ingrid. He asked if they could get a shelf for the books in the garage. Vetle gave his okay to his dear love. Sturla raised the question if Vetle wanted to come with them. He refused and made up an excuse. He didn’t want Sturla to find out about his plan. As soon as Sturla left with Ingrid, he called Johannes Dale. He had to ask for a small help. Johannes was ready. Vetle asked where he was. When he found out the other one was near a stationery shop, he asked if Johannes could get him a hardcover notebook and rush to him as it was a surprise for Sturla. Johannes said yes. Not even 10 minutes later, he showed up with a notebook. Vetle invited his friend in and then he paid for the notebook. Johannes asked if it was something Vetle had wanted. The older Norwegian checked the stationery out. It was a beautiful black notebook with a red rose on the cover. It was blank so it was perfect for him to both write and draw for Sturla. He thanked Johannes one more time before the other one was about to go.
As soon as Johannes Dale left, Vetle started copying the letter he had written for his Sturla. He wrote slowly and took care of his handwriting. He wanted it to be as beautiful as it could. When he finished with a letter, he looked up a simple rose drawing that he could copy in the notebook. Once he finished with his little surprise, he walked to the front door and looked outside. He saw Ingrid’s car rolling in. He put the notebook along with Sturla’s diary on the coffee table in the living room. Sturla came inside shortly after and greeted him with a kiss. Vetle asked if he was feeling better. Sturla nodded and sat down in the living room to rest a little. He immediately noticed the new notebook on the coffee table next to his diary. He opened it and saw what Vetle had left him in it. He started reading the letter which said:
“My dearest one, my dear Sturla,
You have made me read your diary. I feel honoured and it left me utterly speechless. I am seeing clearly now. But please don’t worry. I am here for you. I know that you are terrified of me possibly causing you harm. However, you must know, I will never cause you pain. I saw you suffering in the past which I don’t want to repeat. It would break me as well if I saw you being heartbroken. I love you and I am ready to show you how beautiful life is. Remember the good times we had so far. I am sure that we will make many more memories. Together. I am ready to show you the world that cares about you like me.
I love when I see you smile. Your whole body lights up when you do. I know that in your current state, it is a hard task but one day it will be the easiest thing you will do. Please never give up on the better future. I am here to aid you.
Did I ever say that I love your eyes? They remind me of the rich soil. You know what grows from that? Roses. Red, white, pink, yellow, purple… They say that eyes are the mirror of the soul. Well… Your soul is the most beautiful thing that I have ever experienced. So pure and so magnificent. It is like a red rose after a rainstorm. I am sure it will bloom under the care you are about to receive from me. Please Sturla, let me be the gardener of your soul.
I love you. If this is something that heals you, I am ready to show you in a form you’ve always deserved to get. I might not say with but show it as an action. Think of cooking for you or just combing your wild curls. You can be sure that you will see the beauty of life again. I will NEVER give up on you.
Kisses,
the one who you love dearly:
Vetle Sj å stad Christiansen”
Sturla’s eyes started to get wet and hugged Vetle who had sat down next to him in the meanwhile. It dawned on him after a long time. Vetle was a keeper and wanted the best for him. The man next to kept him in the highest regards. Sturla finally saw the light at the end of the seemingly endless tunnel. Vetle truly loved him. He showed him the complete opposite side. Him loving Sturla showed what it is like to be each other’s soulmate. He felt something happening inside. The long and tall walls of his pain started to crumble down. Vetle was a new pillar in his broken soul. A pillar that he could and should build on. Quickly he made the promise to himself and started to trust Vetle without a single drop of hesitation. Sturla hugged Vetle and asked him to keep writing as it eased his soul’s pain. He needed those little reminders that he mattered to people.
“Vetle?” Sturla sighed, “I know we were in Lofoten only a little more than a week ago. Can we go somewhere where I can focus on myself and our wedding? I feel like I can’t stay home to think rationally.”
Vetle nodded even if he wanted to say that they had time. Sturla might have been right. Time flies quick. Sometimes it is way too rapidly. They needed to start the preparations. But first, they let Siegfried Mazet know that they would be away yet again as they needed to discuss the most important things around the wedding. So, they invited Siegfried for a small dinner to discuss the matter. Sturla took the opportunity to cook for the three of them. Vetle sent a text to the French man asking if he could come over for dinner at 6 pm. Siegfried texted back a short yes and asked if he needed to bring something. After a small discussion they said no. Sturla wanted to try the wine they got from the mysterious person. Vetle had a guess who might have surprised them with the drink. He almost immediately thought of Martin Fourcade. He might have helped Quentin to get there. As form of respect, he hadn’t attended their failed and eventual proposal as he didn’t get an invitation. On the other hand, he had wanted to say congratulations to them on the occasion. According to Vetle, this might have been the only reason why he had left the wine for them.
While they had been waiting for Siegfried, Vetle asked what they should prepare as a meal to match the wine. Sturla had no idea but he made a call to Antonin Guigonnat and asked for help. The French was more than excited to help them out. He told Sturla that the red wine, that they had received, went well with roast lamb, venison or duck breast. Antonin suggested that even a dish based on beef would compliment the wine quite well. Sturla took notes and thanked for the help. After the call, they started the cooking process. Sturla tried to use his hand but subsequently he had to stop as the pain was still there. Vetle jumped in and continued for him. Sturla wanted to help out and his fiancé let him do it. Vetle was hopeful about Sturla’s healing. Sturla helping in such short time after the hand pain struck might have been a sign of getting better.
They were about to finish cooking the meal when their door bell rang. Sturla rushed to open the door. Siegfried had arrived. Sturla invited him in and asked him to sit inside while Vetle was setting the table. Siegfried was grateful for Sturla and Vetle being completely trusting towards him. They were chatting through the whole meal. Sturla told that he wanted to be away for a few days maybe a week as he wanted to focus on their wedding next year a little. The older French man joked that he was hoping for an invite. Sturla returned the joke with saying that he might make it if he behaved well. He made both Vetle and Siegfried laugh. They laughed for a few minutes before they could continue the conversation. Vetle didn’t expect that Sturla would crack a joke with the mood he was in sometimes. The good old Sturla started to come back. It was a sign that he had stepped on the road of recovery. When Sturla asked Siegfried how he felt about the food, Siegfried said that he enjoyed the meal. Vetle offered the wine to drink but their trainer refused as he had to drive back. So, the red wine from France stayed unopened for the two of them to enjoy together as it was meant for them.
After Siegfried went home around 9, Sturla went to the balcony and sat down. He opened the black notebook and reread the letter Vetle left him. He was tasting the words on the paper. Each word Vetle had written was a balm to his soul. They spoke louder than voiced ones. Vetle had written that letter with so much love and care. Sturla was completely aware of the fact that Vetle wrote poetry on a quite regular basis. Knowing his fiancé thing for poetry made him wonder what else will be in the notebook in hands. In his notebook of healing, love and care. When Vetle joined him, he handed back the notebook and thanked him for the touching letter. Vetle was happy to hear that Sturla had appreciated his effort to make him feel better. He asked where he wanted to go as they would be in France for a competition and training camp sooner than later.
“Why don’t we surprise Émilien in Villard-de-Lans?”
“Well, I have nothing against that. Do you think that we can brainstorm there?”
“You never know… Maybe something comes to our minds there.”
“You are absolutely right.”
“So, could we arrive earlier?”
Vetle agreed with him. Sturla closed his eyes and Vetle planted a soft kiss on his lips. A cold shiver ran on his back. Vetle could make him shake in his boots almost instantly. It also soothed Sturla’s broken soul healing him in the most gentle and soft way possible. He found everything in Vetle’s kiss. The splinters of his soul were getting placed back together. Step by step. One by one. Vetle had been always serious about their relationship. The older Norwegian wanted to give his life back with the help of everyone who meant the most for him. People cared about him. He just had to get used to trust the action. Healing was a slow process. Maybe planning their wedding makes him let go the tough times and move on.
Sturla kept his eyes closed to enjoy the tender moment. His heart let out many pulses of warmth. He just sighed as the flow of warmth started to spread in his body. It was magical and electrical at the same time. Something he experienced after a long time. He failed to notice but he whispered Vetle’s name. The other one noticed it and kissed him again to keep him in the state. It took a few minutes maybe a half of an hour till he came back to the real world. He opened his brown eyes. His sight met with ice blue eyes of his beloved. Vetle looked at him and knew that something had happened inside Sturla. To let him enjoy the magic, he stayed silent for a moment. Only a short time later, he asked his fiancé if he was ready to go to bed for the night and the next day, they would prepare for the journey.