"Mr. President, we're almost at your destination."
"That's excellent news. I'm anxious to see him again."

I took one last sip of my soda and tossed the can to the side of the vehicle while I asked the driver to turn up the radio. I looked out the window and watched the scenery as we passed by numerous buildings in downtown Stockholm. It was almost pitch black with the shops closed and lights turned off. The only light present were streetlights, lampposts and the beautiful moonlight given off by a full moon. As we got closer to the our destination, I could feel my anxiety building in my stomach. But it wasn't a bad kind of anxiety. It was a good kind of anxiety. An anxiety mixed with excitement.

It had been a while since I last saw him in person. We had only seen and heard each other through webcams and video phones. There were days I used to cry at night. Laying awake in my bed, longing to hear the sounds of his voice and feel his touch. There were days I wanted to quit my job as the Finnish President and run away to Stockholm to be with him and vice versa. But I held out and pushed my feelings aside. Because I love my job and I love my country and all of its people.

It was his idea to get together in secret. Not like we have a choice. It's bad enough that rumours of the two of us being in a romantic long-distance are rampant everywhere. It all started when someone posted some false info that was linked to a celebrity news site on a social networking site. Of course in today's world, news like that spreads like wild fire. And boy did it ever. It seemed like in seconds the world knew about us. Were we mad? Nope. Why?

Well… because it's kind of true. We are in a secret romantic relationship. And I love him. I love him with all my heart. And he feels the same way.

"Mr. President, we're here."

I removed my seat belt and my bodyguards were all huddled together in front of the door. One of the guards opened the door for me. I stepped out of the car while I fixed my jacket. I reached back into the vehicle for my matching hat, placed it on my head and shut the car door. I began walking towards my destination but quickly stopped after hearing footsteps behind me.

"I'm sorry but I order you stay here. I need to be alone."
They gasped, "Mr. President, we can't let you do that! We have to stay by your side at all times!" One of the male guards replied.
"He's right. We have to be by your side at all times to make sure you're safe. What happens if someone tries to assassinate you and we're not there to protect you? We don't even know who you're seeing," One of the female guards remarked. I laughed at their comments.
"Guys, you do realize that I'm in Stockholm right? I think I'll be okay. Besides if that does happen, the person I'm seeing will protect me. I can guarantee that. Now if you want to keep your jobs, you'll let me be alone," I replied as I began walking away from the stunned group of bodyguards. I grabbed a pair of dark shades from my coat pocket and put them on as I got to the steel door. I took a deep breath, opened the door, quickly glanced around my surroundings and in I went.

I walked down the barely-lit narrow stairway as I headed for the first floor of a free underground parking garage. When I got to the first floor, I had gone through 3 flights of stairs. I once again glared around my surroundings before I opened the door and went through. I began walking around; looking around for Edvard as I listened to the echoes of my footsteps.

"That's odd. I can't find him. I hope he didn't forget…"

Suddenly, I heard the sounds of a soft instrumental piece playing in the background. I smiled. I know that tune from anywhere. I slowly walked up to a concrete post placed at the end of the room, placed my shades in my pocket and removed my hat.

"Did you miss me?" I smiled. He slowly appeared from behind the post, placing his phone in his pocket. He was expressionless but I continued to smile and stare. We didn't need to communicate with words. Our hearts did the talking. I knew what he wanted. We ran towards each other and in a flash our soft lips met. I placed my hand on his cheek while my other hand gripped onto part of his jacket. He had one hand going through my hair while his other arm was wrapped around my waist. Neither of us could describe the feeling we were receiving through this. We felt like we were in our own world and without any cares. If someone were to have spotted us right now, I don't think we would really care.

"You have no idea how much I missed you," He whispered softly.
"I missed you too. It feels like forever since we last met in person. Seeing you through webcams and video phones just isn't the same. I missed feeling your touches and your kisses."
"Vesa, I want you to come with me to the Sager House. I want us to have some privacy. I don't want us getting caught here."
"That sounds good. We can take my car. My bodyguards are waiting."

Edvard took out his phone and went through his contact book. He selected someone who's photograph looked like the many bodyguards he has working for him. He pressed the call button and the phone began to ring. After 3 rings, the video chat was launched.

"Hello?" The man asked.
"Adolvsson? I need you to do something for me," Edvard said. You could see a bit of a sparkle in the other man's eyes.
"Really?! Of course! Anything for you Prime Minister Bergström!"
"I want you take the vehicle and drive it back to the Sager House. I'm hitching a ride with someone else."
The man began to panic, "Bu-But sir! We can't let you do that! Who are you going with?!"
"That's none of your business," Edvard replied as he shut off the phone and placed it back in his pocket. We began walking towards the exit so we could head to the surface, arm and arm.

"Edvard, that sounded mean."
"Says the guy who threatens to fire his bodyguards all the time," He laughed.
"Edvard!!" I yelled as I gently punched him in the arm. He always took great pleasure in making fun of me. But I was okay with that. He never does it to hurt me but rather to play. Hurting me is the last thing he ever wants to do. To see me in tears would shatter his heart. My happiness is his number one priority.

Walking up the 3 flights of stairs, we got to the top floor. Just before we exited, we took out our sunglasses and put them on as well as our matching hats. He asked if I was ready. I simply just nodded. He opened up the door and the two of us walked out of the underground parking garage. Edvard looked around the area and gently nudged my arm with his elbow as a signal that it was okay to remove our sunglasses and hats.

"So where's your vehicle? I only see your guards," he asked.
"It's that car over there," I said as I pointed out to a small black car. "Heikkinen is leaning against it."
Edvard appeared to be disgusted by my response, "In that thing? In a 2023 Volvo?! Oh Vesa, you should have said something. I wouldn't have told Adolvsson to bring the vehicle back to the house."
"Well, you never asked," I laughed. "I might as well use a rental car. It's not so secret if I came in a limousine. Though it appears one is missing…"
"Hmm? There's two of them?"
"Yeah, most of my guards were in the other vehicle and were closely following me since we drove from the airport."

I whistled to get the guards' attention. They quickly responded by getting in a straight line, standing tall. We walked towards them. They were quick to greet us.

"Mr. President! Prime Minister Bergström! It's good to see you again!" One of the male guards said.
"Likewise. Though apparently it seems you're short one person," Edvard replied. The guards quickly glanced at each other nervously.
"Alright guys. What's the deal? We're on a tight schedule. I don't have time to be dealing with this kind of crap."
"Er… well…" One of the female guards quietly said as a vehicle pulled up near us. The person turned off the car and came out of the vehicle carrying cups of coffee.
"Hey guys! I'm back with co-" The man said as he caught my glare. He began to shake nervously.
"Mr. President! It's good to see you again!" He said. I wasn't buying his cheerful tone.
"Left your post again Mäkelä?"
"…Yes," He said as placed his head down in shame.
"I'll deal with you later when we head back to Helsinki. All of you get in the car! We're off to the Sager House," I ordered.
"Yes Mr. President!" they all replied as they all took their respective spots. One of the guards opened the door for us to get in. I was the first to enter, then Edvard. The driver started up the car and drove off. The guards followed closely behind. The driver turned on the radio and playing was one of our favourite songs. We knew we couldn't show any public displays of affection so Edvard placed his hat on a slant against my hat, effectively creating a block to prevent the driver from seeing our hand-holding. I gave off a warm smile as my eyes glanced at him; his fingers gently brushed against the top of my hand. For the rest of the ride, our fingers intertwined with each other's.

Arriving no later than 20 minutes since we departed, our driver stopped the car in front the Sager House. My guards parked closely behind, each of them slowly getting out of the car to assist us. One opened the door on my side of the car while another one of my guards opened the door on Edvard's side of the vehicle. Two of my guards assisted with my suitcases from the trunk.

"Mr. President, would you like us to bring your bags inside?" One of the male guards asked.
"That won't be necessary. I'll take them," I smiled.
"What would you like us to do now?" One of the female guards asked.
"I want all of you to guard the area with Bergström's guards. Heikkinen and Mäkelä will park the vehicles out back. They will join you afterwards. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Mr. President!!"

I smiled at each of them before walking off to the house with Edvard. We were greeted by two of his guards who gently just nodded their heads with a smile. I returned the favour by repeating the action to the both of them. We entered the house and we were quickly greeted by one of the maids.

"Welcome back Mr. Bergström. Good evening President Lassila," The woman greeted.
"Please Maria, we've been over this numerous times! You don't need to call me that. Just Mr. Lassila is fine!" I laughed as I removed my coat and hat.
"My apologies Mr. Lassila. May I take your coat and bags?"
"Of course," I said as I handed her my belongings.
"Bring his stuff to my room Maria. And please, no questions. Just do it," He said as he directed me to the living room. Maria followed her orders and brought the stuff upstairs. In the living room, I sat on a love-seat while Edvard sat in his favourite dark blue recliner chair across from me. The only thing separating us was a dark brown coffee table, complete with a glass vase filled with lilies and carnations.

Hearing foot steps in the hallway, Maria was quick to complete her task and entered the living room with another maid.

"Is there anything you would like to drink?" She asked. Edvard turned to me with a smile on his face.
"Did you want some vodka or rum? I just had some imported from Finland."
"Oh no thanks! I'm actually trying to cut down on my alcohol intake. Just some tea is fine."
"You sure? It doesn't have to be hard liquor. We can have wine instead."
"No thanks. I'll stick with my tea. I hope you don't mind…" I trailed off.
"Not at all. Maria, bring us some red tea and a glass of white wine," He ordered and she left to prepare the drinks.
"So what's the deal? You didn't tell me you were cutting back!"
I laughed, "Long story short; I had a terrible day last Thursday. The Presidential car broke down, one of my tax bills failed to pass, and now I have a scandal building all thanks to my womanizing Defence Minister. Since I couldn't call you because you were visiting Belle on business, I drowned my sorrows with 4 glasses of vodka. That was a very bad idea."
Edvard buried his face in his palm but he was clearly laughing at me, "It seemed like a good idea at the time!" I laughed. Maria came quickly through the living room with his glass of white wine. She turned to me with a smile.
"Your tea will be ready shortly. It shouldn't be much longer."
"Thank you Maria," I smiled back at her. Edvard called her as she was about to leave.
"You and Anna should take the rest of the night off. You've been working really hard. You deserve the break."
"Oh thank you! I'll let her know. We'll just finish making the tea and we'll be on our way," She said as walked off into the hallway. Edvard took a sip of his wine and sparked up another conversation.
"How's the planning going for the climate change meeting at the end of the month?"
"Great! We have all the venues booked including the convention center and the hotel rooms. I have the papers upstairs if you want to have a look."
"Sure. But keep in mind, I don't want this visit to be just about business you know," He smirked. I saw a bit of a sparkle in his eye. I couldn't help but blush.

As we were leaving the living room, Maria showed up with the tea. I thanked her as I took the tray and she smiled back at me. She told Edvard that they were getting ready to leave for the night and they would be back in the morning. As they were preparing to leave, we walked up the stairs and into the bedroom. I placed the tray on the desk and we tossed our jackets on the chair. I went to grab my suitcase off the bed but he gently pulled my hand away.

"Go out on the balcony. I'll meet you there in a bit."

Unsure what to make of his request, I did what I was told and walked out to the balcony. I leaned against the railing as I looked up at the sky, the moon shining brightly down on the city. Not a cloud could be seen. It was truly a beautiful sight to take in.

"It's such a beautiful night," I said. Edvard came out and joined me on the balcony. He stood closely next me as he leaned against the railing.
"It sure is. I love the view here. I often come out here before turning in for the night," He said. We stood in silence for a few minutes as we watched the city. To ease the tension, I decided to speak up again.
"Edvard, why did you bring me out here?"
"I wanted to ask you something," He replied.
"What is it?" I asked. When I didn't get a response, I looked over to him to see his face completely flushed. He appeared to be anxious as he clutched his hands together.
"Edvard?"
"Vesa, do you enjoy spending time with me here?"
"Of course I do! If anything, I wish I could see you more often. I miss you a lot. I think about you everyday. Why?" I asked. He once again seemed hesitant and anxious.
"Have you ever thought about us… as a married couple?"
"Sometimes. Why do you ask?" I asked. But then it hit me, "Unless…"

Sure enough I was right. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box and placed it in my hand. I opened it up and inside was a silver ring. I was at a loss of words and ready to cry. But he somehow knew my answer. He took the ring and placed it on my finger. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer and I cried in his chest. He lifted my chin up and placed a kiss on my lips and I pulled him into an embrace. I couldn't be any happier than what I was feeling at this moment. And I knew he felt the same.

In the end, we never actually read the papers. We just curled up in bed together. I had to catch a flight back to Helsinki at 5 in the morning. But knowing me, I'll refuse to get up, miss my flight and end up skipping work for the day. It's the same every time. I always feel at home here. And now I have another reason to feel that way.