The sky was black tranquility married to the poetry of stars. It was the softness that called the body and brain to rest and let the heart go to its steady rhythm. Night came as a reward of sorts, a restfulness above to calm the soul.
~Sunset city, near the slum, inside a certain bar.
In this very bar, Irina had scheduled a meeting with Dante after the phone call.
The bar is hundreds of conversations told in loud voices, all of them competing with the rock music that dominates the atmosphere. The crowd is young, students from the university for the most part. Irina winds her way through the warm bodies to order a drink - the dark local beer.
Nobody tried anything toward her as they knew her well, better not mess with the tigress.
As Irina sat around the counter enjoying her beer she soon lost herself in her fantasy.
'If I could melt into this bar I'd be the vibe, move around as easily as the smoke. I'd soak in the laughter and the smiles, dance upon each octave in microscopic disco shoes. But meanwhile, back in reality instead of my imaginary world, I'm life-size, and so... instead, I'll step into the shaded room that opens my eyes all the wider, see the muted colors of the bottles and the glitter than finds every spark of light. As the night goes on, I'll be more comfortable in this crowd, intoxicated by spirits and the moments all the same.'
Irina was still lost in her fantasy when she felt someone approaching her and smiled as she immediately knew this person's identity, some may wonder how she did this but it is her secret.
''Welcome young master.'' Irina welcomed Dante while at the same time ordering a drink for him. She was trying to tease him but was unsuccessful.
''You won't mind whisky right?" Irina tilted her head to the side while at the same time observing Dante's profile, those beautiful heterochromia eyes are always the most eye-catching sight.
Dante nodded while sitting next to the assassin's lady. His drink was served with ice cubes. Ice cubes in whiskey gold bring a hue to Dante's eyes that speak of sunshine and better days ahead.
Irina asked for the same thing before suggesting that they switched to a better but quiet place, not quiet but somewhere where they would be alone with nobody else around.
While savoring her whisky Irina declared while observing Dante's reaction.
''The whisky turns down the volume on my thoughts. It brings memories of good times past, and I let myself dwell on them rather than think. And at that moment I am here and not, existing in two perfect moments. Somehow it steadies me, gives me the resolve to go on.''
Upon seeing that she was not getting any reaction from Dante which left her disappointed, Irina pouted.
''Mmh! You are no fun.''
''My name is not fun nor I'm a part of a circus.''
Silence followed this sentence as Irina was not expecting such a response.
For several seconds while the young lady, the assassin's lady was reeling in shock the silence continued.
It was not a few more seconds later that she managed to get over her shock and smiled. A smile of relief, she was feeling tense for this meeting but now most of her tensions have vanished in front of this lame joke.
''You can joke. I thought you were not human.''
She jokingly said and Dante as one would expect did not respond to her disappointment but having interacted with him a few times already, Irina started to understand this young man's personality.
He is full of mysteries which represent one of his charms. As one would expect, Irina did her little research not only on the task given but also on this young man but all she found was more mystery, no information on him before he appeared in this city which is weird, as nobody can exist without leaving some information around that those with a specific ability could dig, only the big shots or the angels could, however, this young man managed to do it which intrigued her but unlike the curious cat, Irina knew when to stop digging or else problems would arise because they always do when you are too curious.
''As you, the reason I contacted you, is because I succeeded in my mission. I have acquired the information you asked me to.'' Irina declared after finishing her whisky tumbler.
''I know. Well, I'm listening.'' Dante responded while slowly enjoying his drink. He really appreciated this drink called whisky, it's strong at the same time not too much, and the perfect balance.
Looking at the young man busy enjoying his whisky, Irina felt somehow irritated, almost as if what she painstakingly acquired the other party was already aware of it. Shelving her dissatisfaction, she opened her mouth.