Content/warnings: Fluff, cursing obvi, spoilers for Heavy Trip and Heavier Trip, living on a prayer that this is in character 😭
Summary: Whilst working in the record store, Pasi catches a glimpse of a new girl in town browsing through his section.
It was a normal day for Pasi, reorganizing the vinyls and cds, ignoring customers that ask him questions about pop music, and of course trying to slowly replace tween pop music with Uruguayan grindcore metal. But today was different, he saw you. He knew everyone in town and beyond, knowing that everyone and their mothers stray away from this kind of music, he assumed fairly that you were a foreigner.
He moved from where he was organizing, walking over in his stiff usual fashion, peeking over your shoulder as he whispered “Abbath? Good shit.” With the turn of your head and a smile, you spoke in a similar fashion “oh- yeah. I’ve been looking for this album everywhere.”
The record you picked up was Abbaths self titled album, a moderately rare pick, and a good one. Pasi took note of your taste “What brings you here to Finland then? Just the album?”you clicked your tongue, delicately holding the album to you “No, no, I’m going to go see that music festival in Norway that’s happening soon, but my friends convinced me to do a full holiday, see the sights and such.”
Pasi knew exactly what you were talking about, by this point the entire town was still under the impression that they were to perform on the big stage on live TV for all to see, so not knowing any better, and enjoying the nice conversation you were having, Pasi offered “I’ll be there, you should come see me play.” Your mouth opened in surprise “you play?” He nodded proudly “I’m a bassist, and not only that but I have an incredible library of metal knowledge that helps keep the band original.”
His fast pacing of words and serious tone caused you to giggle slightly, there was just something charming about it you couldn’t describe “yeah- I’d love to see you play. What kind of metal does your band perform?”
You were in for it now, his favorite question in the world could only be described as “Symphonic, post-apocalyptic, reindeer-grinding, Christ-abusing, extreme war pagan, Fennoscandian metal.” All he earned from that slurry of words was a confused look before an awkward smile “sounds cool- but I should probably check this out, I have to go catch up with some friends.” You gestured to the album, and he was more than happy to help.
You were about to leave before he stopped you “…you should come see us play.” “I already said I was goin-“ “no. We have a gig in a few days here as well, the bar not too far from here. I want you to come.” His words left no room for arguing, your smile grew bright as you nodded “yeah, I’ll see you there.” Pasi felt that odd satisfaction he usually got from being right bubble within himself. He chose to ignore it, but he was a smart man, he knew why and what he felt, he was just stubborn- which he was also aware of.
The day of their performance as an opening band arrived, though the venue was just a town bar you were still thrilled. All good moments must end, and unfortunately the moment ended in a blaze of Jynkkys pyrotechnics and Turo’s sickness.
You caught up with Pasi after the tension died down and his bandmates were now distracted “hey, so… that went well.” He tilted his head up slightly “I think so too.” He was more serious than you were, but you brushed if off “I know you guys played for like ten seconds… but you look and sound so natural up on stage. You have a great stage presence.”
That feeling coiled around him again, but this was Xytrax you were talking to now. “You will see me play again soon… I know the festival performance was a lie, but I’ll make sure you hear my music in due time.” You sighed softly “that’s the only problem, after the festival I go back home… I don’t live here.” Xytrax looked more like a sad raccoon than ever before, but he readjusted himself “I can make arrangements…”
That beautiful smile of yours returned, and there it was. You, shining the dim light of the colorful stage, he was taken a back by this revelation he felt course through his veins, whispering through his teeth “enkeli…” you weren’t sure what it meant, but by the small eye movements you assumed it was a good thing
“Oh, uhm… would you maybe wanna have a drink or two before you go?” Your words snapped him out of his trance, the figment light luminating above you disappearing instantly as he cleared his throat “Sure.” Some of his band looked over a little confused, surely he wasn’t the first one in the band to get a girl right?
As you sat down and ordered your drinks you had a lovely conversation, asking him about his pseudonym, Xytrax. He explained to you in great detail of what he hopes to become if the band were to still succeed, but you saw the dumpster fire of a performance. “You still think the band will succeed?” “Of course. Our first concert and we’ve already racked up two incidents and a scandal, this is probably the best it could’ve went.” You shrugged taking a sip from your drink as he did his. Slowly as time went on the questions had changed, slowly unraveling into you acting like the embodiment of wonder and adoration. “God- you’re just really beautiful… sorry, I’m aware of how weird that sounds, but I’ve just never seen anyone like you before.” This compliment took him off guard, and if you were paying attention, you’d notice the ever so subtle shift in his breathing. “You’re… ethereal even-“ you stopped yourself before you could embarrass yourself any further, taking another sip of your drink.
In his casual monotone voice, he responded thusly “You remind me of old depictions of death angels. Beautiful, yet capable of sending chills down the spines of anyone they were after. They helped to ease the transition into the afterlife with their grace.” You just paused for a moment letting his words ring through your head “you think I’m beautiful?” Your words grew quiet as you asked him in a sheepish manner, to which he simply nodded. He tried to keep his air of calm authority but he felt like a kid again, even if he tried to not show it. “I do.”
Somewhere along the way between then and the concert things got fucked. You were dragged along in a purple van with a bunch of Metalheads- including your sweet Xytrax- and a corpse. You and the band ended up traveling across borders, across seas, eventually ending up at the music festival where the manager let them play.
Everything happened faster than you could keep track, and noticing your brain spiraling Xytrax came over “Are you alright? You look more sick than Turo, and he has a fifty percent chance of puking.” With a nod, you just leaned against him “yes, I’m sorry. This is all just so crazy- I mean, I was supposed to be in that violent sea of people probably entirely unaware of your band and yet I’m here with you… with your band backstage at one of Norways biggest metal festivals.” As you spoke, his scrawny fingers moved to hold your back in a delicate touch. “I will make sure you have the best seat in the house…”
His words never failed to get into your head, you just smiled holding him close. The manager came around to call him up to the stage, and with a strong command and a kiss to your cheek, he was off. He had one of the assistants take you around to the security walkway between the stage and the barricades. There you had the perfect view of the band, the perfect view of Turo vomiting once more but absolutely saving himself as he pushed past it and continued singing. The bands sound resonated within the venue, their sound heavy and when all was said and done the police raided the stage to take them out. And in a moment of pure chaos, you jumped the stage, attempting to punch one headed straight for Xytrax. You dint expect it to work at all, especially since you struggled even getting on the stage, but I did. Xytrax just looked at you in surprise “Nice.” Was all that was said before more came and brought you with them.
Being the only woman in a men’s prison wasn’t nearly as bad as you thought. You got your meals alone, a private bathroom that was used by the female guards- most of whom were chill with you. Besides dealing with a lot of quiet time, it could have been… so much worse for a first time jail experience. However, your favorite part of jail time was seeing Pasi as he roamed the halls with his music cart. He’d often visit you, saying sweet things like “If I have to kill someone today, you tell me. I’m ready.” or “You look malnourished. I will bring you more food today.” His charm never failed to melt your heart, even pressing kisses to your hand or head through the thin bars when he was sure no one was looking.
But today was different. Extremely different. A riot broke out in the cafeteria, stepping out of the bathroom with your guard, she stupidly abandoned you as the band snuck past her in a clear attempt to escape. They began running, Pasi grabbing your hand as they ran around the facility. Once again you were looped into a long treacherous and agonizing journey with the band that ended right back in jail.
This time- the band was so popular they were doing performances in the prison, and since they brought in a lot of company, the prison would turn a blind eye and let you visit him from time to time. When you did see him, he held you so dearly in the confines of his cell, knowing it was just you and him. Lying down, his arms wrapped around you as you bathed in the little light that streamed through the barred window, he spoke “I grow bored of prison life, yet you make it easier. After we’re released I will take you out properly.” With a smile you squeezed him tightly, he smirked at the feeling, moving a hand up to caress your hair. “Where would you take me?” His fingers moved rhythmically across your scalp as he spoke “Telling you would ruin the surprise, besides, I have a few months to plan.” There was an air of silence before you asked “So you’re like totally aware I’m-“ “-staying? Of course I know.” He spoke matter-of-factly “You may be a little minx, but you’d crush my soul in a much crueler way before you’d leave me… that and you hold onto me like a lifeline.” He continued to read you like a book, which had you burrowing your face in his prison garb “God damnit- yeah, maybe…”
“No ‘maybe’, I speak the truth. You know this.”you just groaned as he caught you once more. “You’re lucky I love you.” His brows furrowed, scoffing quietly “No, you’re lucky to have my love.” The way he answered just made you laugh, “fine, fine… I’m forever grateful for your love, Pasi.” “And I, yours, minun oma.”
