She sat at the bar, and he stood behind it.

They spoke quietly, painstakingly avoiding the subject that occupied both of their minds, pretending not to feel its weight.

The couple were alone inside The Last Drop, confined with their thoughts and a low, muffled and fizzling stream of music.

Hiedra was tapping the heel of her right boot repeatedly against the legs of the stool she sat upon, to tame her growing restlessness. The infinite amount of repressed emotions, which wafted in the air around her, was driving her positively insane.

Unknowingly, she was following the faint rhythm of the song as she hit the legs of the stool.

The musical piece ended, emphasizing the silence between them; her last joke had not deserved a response from him.

The prostitute ceased knocking on her seat's supports and distractedly watched her lover exit the enclosure of the bar. He could be heard inserting a new record into the music player, fidgeting with its dysfunctional mechanisms and buttons. With a momentary spike of anger, he punched the side of the machine to activate it. This jolt of emotion nearly brought Hiedra to her knees, but she merely slouched lower over the counter, exhaling deeply to prolong the delightful feeling.

Pleasant notes filled the dimly lit room, informing her that he had turned up the volume of the record player. The first lyrics of the song reached her ears, while her focus was on her partner's slow steps behind her.

There's a girl in town, and word's gone around she's just fine

His right hand landed above her hip, causing her to smirk. His warm thumb gently brushed her exposed skin, and she deftly stood up as she spun to face him. He instinctively moved his fingers away to grasp her left hand.

So I don't worry my head 'cause I know her heart is tied to mine

The bartender lifted it to his lips and kissed it.

The sensation of his lips against her skin sparked a desire in her that burned recklessly, spreading through her at intolerable speed.

The life that we live, and the love that I give to her

"Dance with me." His voice was hoarse and the imperative nature of his tone was loving, not commanding in any manner.

He attempted to pull her in, beginning with her outstretched arm, but was bewildered to feel her stiffening immediately. The courtesan rapidly yanked her arm back, crossing it against her chest, and backed up so impulsively that her behind bumped into the bar stool she had chosen earlier.

... I'm sure, it shows, well...

"I don't dance."

Her statement was cold and husky as her eyes uncharacteristically averted his.

The man approached her.

"I've seen you dance," he commented humorously.

Our love, that flows into a sea

Defensive, she retorted. "And it's the only kind of dancing I do."

There was an expression which was alien to him on her face. This was one of the first times that he was seeing her so obviously unwilling to compromise, in all the years they had known each other.

Our love, for eternity

He joked again, "I'll forgive you if you step on my feet."

He grabbed her midsection to inch her into his embrace. She let him, but with an annoyed sigh.

... I pray our love will always stay pure

"Vander..."

He did not understand why her habitual playfulness sounded so bitter, he had never known her to display a sour mood solely because of anxiety.

"I don't wanna do this." This time, she looked up into his eyes.

While the world turns around he holds me down for sure

The Hound of the Underground was discerning enough to know her sudden contempt was not aimed at him, even if his girlfriend's irises shone bright teal. The tall man carefully stepped back, easing her into following his lead. Soon, he stood away from the bar, Hiedra remaining pressed against him in an idle rebellion.

Our love, deeper than any ocean

Reluctantly, the sex worker wrapped her arms over his shoulders. After all, she was able to sense his disappointment and confusion. They both needed the comfort.

Her boyfriend swayed tentatively to one side.

Noticing an uncommon and unmistakable form of panic hardening her facial traits, he swiftly pressed his mouth to her right ear.

"Please? Hiedra..."

But I'll keep moving on proud and strong with you

She uttered sultrily, "You know what I want."

Her partner had warned her that he needed to keep his strength tonight, that he could not risk exhaustion.

The next day, Vander would be leading the inhabitants of the Lanes across the bridge.

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