Shuffle The Deck

Chapter 40 - A Requiem

She blinked at his words, raw and unfiltered.

Then, finally, she giggled. Laughed. Began losing her breath. And near the end, she cried.

"There you go! Was that so difficult?"

He stood, dumbfounded. He had just shown someone a side of himself that he had forgotten existed within his soul. And she was crying of laughter.

"I'm not sure I understand-"

She held her fingertip to his lips, his eyes directly looking at it in confusion. "Of course, I know that you love me. All I wanted was for you to let go and simply speak honest, true feelings."

Suddenly her actions had finally made sense to him. "You opened yourself up to me with nothing to offer but pure trust," she said generously, "which leads me to believe that there is so much more to who you are beneath all," she gestured to his appearance, "this."

"You are a curious woman," he chuckled. "Simply fascinating."

She grinned broadly, tipping on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Fascinating indeed. Now come, let us grab a drink and watch the chaos ensue."

"I thought you'd never ask," he said slyly, offering his hand. Taking it graciously, they ran further into the forest, leaving an unnamed tension in the air behind them.

The lush greenery flew by them as they maneuvered through the trees, and finally saw the outskirts of the main city. The auction house was heavily lit as they approached the main roads bustling with cars, Lilah turning her attention to the direction Hisoka was leading her.

They walked through the dark city streets, hand in hand. It was around seven in the evening, and there was a bar just a few meters ahead of them.

Lilah yawned quietly as they walked, blinking her eyes as a car's headlights flashed her with a stunning beam. With a quick rub, she continued marching forward, noticing Hisoka's scowling face looking straight ahead.

"You can join the fighting too if it amuses you. I don't have an issue with it."

He turned his head in her direction and shook it steadily. "That doesn't concern me at the moment."

"Suit yourself. I'm going to get a drink. Where should I meet you?"

He looked around their location, spotting a tall hill near some corporate buildings. "There's a high point near the auction hall, about eight or nine blocks from here. It lies at the Rivet and Cambridge intersection. Meet me there once you're finished."

She nodded affirmatively. "Any preference?"

"Anything strong. Wine if you so please, but nothing sparkling."

She laid her head on his chest, feeling his breath against the top of her head. His arms wrapped around her body, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'll be waiting, my dear."

Lilah walked into the bar silently, looking around curiously. Most people were drunk and slurring strings of muddled words, and others were laughing their heads off. Some guests were aimlessly sitting at tables and in booths silently, contemplating life and regretting past choices with a drink to wallow in pity. There was an active band on a small stage near the bar counter, the music filling the air with a lively aura that lifted Lilah's spirits.

Taking a seat before a wide assortment of glasses, something caught her attention.

"Good evening, Delilah," came Wing's voice, a quaint smile present on his lips.

"Ah, what a pleasure seeing you here." She shook his hand firmly and requested a whiskey on the rocks and a classic red wine from the bartender.

"So, what brings you to Yorknew? Business, perhaps?"