Lyfers OLD VERSION

Chapter 15 - A Sky Full of Stars

 Night already fell on Dufferdale when the three Lieutenants finished their patrols: today was a bloody one for Downtown. Twenty-two fighters died in the fight against the Skinners, and for some hours, the city was on fire. Everyone was speaking of the battles between the two gangs, and it was on every medias to the point the Mayor announced a raise of police's funds in a desperate attempt to reassure the population. But Leto did not care about all of this chaos: after all, she was part of it.

– Are you sure you don't want to come with us, sis? Asked Ishael as he parked his car in front of her apartment block. That would relax you.

– Isha's right, girl, agreed Gesh. This has been a rough day for every single of us, you shouldn't stay alone tonight.

– It's okay, bros, I'm doing alright.

She gave them a smile, bending above the seats to give them both a peck on the cheek.

– Have fun, you two. Don't drink too much, though, she said.

– No worries, sis. Rest well!

She got out of the car, waving at them as they drove off, watching them left with a sigh: she wasn't in the mood to go to a nightclub. Everything she wanted was for Rhy to knock at her door at ten, as he said he would do, yesterday. Their encounter earlier left her nerves on the edge: what if he wouldn't want to see her again, after he hurt one of his gang's member to protect her? What if it brought him problems? She climbed the dark stairs with a heavy heart. She would also be in trouble, sooner or later: after all, she proposed this alliance only because this was his gang. What would Soohun think of that? Nevertheless, it would be the last thing she would care about if Rhy came tonight.

As soon as she got in her apartment, Leto took a warm, well-deserved shower, then put on the outfit she prepared earlier to go out with the young man: a red off-shoulders dress along black combat boots. She dried her hair, and started to brush it, but did not have time to finish: someone knocked at her door. She ran to the entrance, a happy expression on her face, which became brighter when she opened: the red-haired man was standing there, dressed simpler than the last time they saw each other, in a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans. He showed her a smile.

– Hey, Sugar.

– Hey! I was afraid you wouldn't come.

– Wouldn't have missed that. Are ya ready?

– Yes!

Her excited answer made him chuckle. She closed the door of her place, then looked at him.

– So, where are we going?

– Still a surprise.

They went downstairs, exiting the building. Rhy leaded her to a black sport car, which stunned her.

– Did you buy a new car?

– Eh, not really...

The duo got in, and left. While he was driving, Leto observed him: she couldn't get over how handsome he was.

– Are ya daydreaming about me? He teased her, amused.

– Wh-... Not at all! Focus on the road, already.

The blush on her cheeks said otherwise, though.

– Hey, Rhy.

– Yeah?

– About today...

She hesitated a bit.

– I'm sorry, I must ask, she sighed. Did that get you into trouble?

Hearing her phrase, he couldn't hide his surprise.

– Is it all you're worrying about?

– Wh... What else should I worry about?

He didn't answer right away, searching for his words.

– To be honest... I thought ya wouldn't want to see me again. 'Cause of, y'know, the fact I'm just some basic thug and-...

– Wait, this is what you are worrying about?

Rhy abruptly braked, stopping the car on the side of the road and turning to watch her.

– Okay but what are ya worrying about?

– I was afraid that... That you wouldn't want to see me again because I've put you in trouble earlier. Because you chose to defend me rather than standing with your gang.

She looked away for a while, passing a hand on her face before turning back to him: expressing her emotions have always been something stressful for her.

– Okay, your turn now, she said.

– I thought that who I am would bother ya. I've planned to tell ya tonight, but when we met in that hangar... I seriously freaked out.

– ... So apparently we are two idiots who were dead worried about a thing the other doesn't even care about?

– Yeah, sounds like it.

They shared a wholehearted laugh, as he drove off again. Some minutes passed, during which they did not say a word, giving each other a smile from time to time until they finally arrived to an empty parking lot, outside of Dufferdale, halting here. Leto giggled, watching around.

– Are we there?

– Not yet. Follow me.

He got out of the car, and she imitated him, but when he climbed on top of it, the young woman showed a confused face.

– What are you doing? She questioned him.

– Take my hand.

He reached his hand out to her and when she took it, he pulled her up, catching her in his arms and helping her sit on the top.

– Look above.

And as soon as she did, Leto's confusion let its place to admiration: the dark, cold night sky was illuminated by million of stars, shining so brightly and so purely she couldn't help but smile: it was the first time she saw such a wonderful view.

– Oh my, that's beautiful, she exclaimed.

– See? I wasn't lying when I said it would be a good surprise.

– That's an awesome one. I've never got to see the stars that well before.

She then looked at him.

– Thank you so much for showing me this, she whispered.

– No need to thank me, Sugar. I'm happy to share it with ya.

The young woman laid down, her head on his lap, and he gently combed her pink hair with his fingers.

– Do you come here often? She asked him.

– Not really. But if ya like it, maybe I'll have a reason to do so.

She nodded, taking his free hand and intertwining his fingers with hers.

– I love it. That kinda feels like a dream.

Butterflies in her stomach were replaced with a warm, reassuring feeling now that she was close to him, and she could not deny it.

– Rhy? She called, even if he was watching her.

– Yeah?

– Can I... Can I ask you the question I've wanted to ask you last week?

– Of course.

For a while, she stood silent, before finally finding the courage to ask:

– Is... Is it...