Shuffle The Deck

Chapter 49 - The Missing Piece

Standing in the foyer of the house was a man in a sharp suit, ironed flat with the tie done as neatly as possible. Yet he adjusted it once more, pushing the hair out of his face once his collar was loosened.

"I'm never going to get over how handsome you look in a suit."

He turned his gaze to the wonder of a woman coming down the stairs, her hair in a messy updo. Never had he seen someone make an old sweatshirt look so breathtaking.

"You flatter me, my dear." He kissed the top of her forehead and trailed his eyes to her stomach. "Pregnancy has a marvelous look on you."

She raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "Imagine how it feels."

He stifled a laugh and placed his slender hand on her growing stomach. "I can't even begin."

"You'll be late for the ship, you know. Don't want to miss out on a continent exploration, do you now?" 

"Of course not, but can I not admire my beautiful wife for a few more moments?"

Her expression fell to fondness. "Don't be too long. Keep me waiting longer than a few weeks and I'll call Gon and Killua to attend to my every need."

His eyes widened. "Not again. They almost had me kicked out of the house."

She laughed, slapping him gently on the chest. "I'm joking, my dear. Write to me whenever you have the chance."

He kissed her lips gently, his palm resting against her cheek. "I will never leave you waiting."

She placed her hand over his own and sunk into his rigid touch. "I know."

Watching him leave from the front door was a pain in her heart she never grew accustomed to. He would always throw her one of those gut-wrenching smiles as he disappeared into the air, allowing her to quietly weep in the loneliness of her own home.

Lilah and Hisoka had married just about a year and a half ago, having a remote wedding in the large field adjacent to their home. It was a peaceful ceremony, with some of the most important people in their lives being present. After their adventures had come to an abrupt halt because of a war between humans and chimera ants, they decided it would be best to settle down for the time being.

During this period, Hisoka had come back into contact with Illumi and shared the news of his engagement with Lilah. Though hesitant to accept it as reality, there wasn't much he could say to either side of the party. The woman had also had the pleasure of reconnecting with the young Alluka and sheltered her for a few months before she set off on her journey with Killua.

Gon recovered from his injuries a few weeks before the wedding and visited Lilah after meeting with his father for the first time. It was safe to say that he had a lot to tell the woman from the past few months of his adventures with Killua. She had never been more relieved to see him as enthusiastic and as healthy as he could ever be, after all that had occurred.

Kurapika was on his own path, as well. He had made it to her reception but left abruptly after the ceremony had concluded. He did send his regards by post a few weeks later, but Lilah understood the importance of his resolve. His life was only just beginning.

Leorio was still his usual self, now a renowned doctor, and was in a head position at the hospital in Yorknew City. He was the first to inform Lilah of her pregnancy and was determined to help her through it with all the support he could gather. Being able to see her friends achieve their dreams was a feeling unlike any other, and her heart soared with pride for them all.

One of the greatest curiosities was the arrival of a letter on the day of her ceremony. To her surprise, there was no mailing address, no stamp, or even the location of her home. Simply her name and Hisoka's on the cover, with simple text on the inside of a blank card.