Chapter Text
Painkiller (6)
I knew I had my chance now that Eicca and Perttu would be away and Patrik needed someone to comfort him. His pain was killing me as much as it was killing him. I had to do something to help.
I decided to give Patrik a call on Sunday morning to see how he was doing. I let the phone ring over and over again but he didn’t pick it up. I would have to pay him a visit. I just couldn’t leave him alone that day. I was really anxious when I stood behind his door and waited for him to open up. It took a long time and a stubborn person like me to make him finally open the door. I’d never seen him in such a miserable condition. Maybe I looked the same when I thought Perttu had left me for good.
“Can I come in? I think you need a friend today.” I said and stepped in without waiting for his answer.
“How did you know about this?” he asked sounding like he had a severe cold. He must have been crying most of the night.
“I have my information sources”, I replied not wanting to tell him about my spirit travels. “I know Eicca is travelling today with Perttu to Nashville and Perttu told me that you had joined their dinner last night. I just put two and two together.”
“Thanks for coming. I don’t feel especially good at the moment”, Patrik admitted and smiled just a little.
“I know how it feels. But think about the bright side. Eicca cares for you a lot judging by the pendant you’re wearing. That’s his lucky charm, has been for many years, and now you have it.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that this was something special.”
“It is, don’t lose it”, I warned him and headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make some breakfast for you while you take a shower and put your clothes on. I thought we could go out and have some fresh air after you have eaten.
The weather was exceptionally good considering that it was late autumn. The sun was shining and there was a feeling of early spring rather than autumn. We took a long stroll along the shores of close by Seurasaari island. It’s outdoor museum area and wild nature made it an unique place to calm down in the middle of a hectic city.
“You’re not planning to leave Eicca”, I stated the obvious fact, when we were standing on a rocky shore facing south, cool breeze blowing in our faces.
“No, at the moment that feels impossible”, he admitted quietly and kicked small pebbles at his feet into the water his hands tugged deep into his pockets. “But you never know what happens. Maybe he chooses to leave me. Six weeks away is a long time. He will be working together with both Franky and Perttu. I’m just an unemployed consultant…”
“Don’t undermine your charm. I know how it feels to miss you… more than anything”, I confessed and turned my face to follow a boat passing by. I didn’t want him to see the pain in my eyes.
“I’m sorry if I’ve made you suffer. I care for you deeply, but it’s not the same as with Eicca.”
“You know that I’ll be there for you if you need me, especially during these coming weeks”, I reminded him. That was the message I wanted him to understand. Maybe I wasn’t the best option for him but being second best was enough for me.
“I will keep that in mind”, he promised and hugged me. It felt again so good to be in his arms and feel his closeness. I didn’t mind being his painkiller.