Chapter 4
"What did you lose?" His voice was so soothing, so friendly. She couldn't help herself.
"It was a doll." She hadn't meant to tell him, but it had just slipped out.
"Was it special?"
"My parents gave it to me before I was taken to the Order. It was falling apart and people found ugly, but I loved it." She couldn't help herself; she hadn't talked for so long. He made it so easy for her to forget who he was.
"Where did you lose it?" he smiled.
Road shrugged, determined not to speak again.
"I see."
"Tyki, could you do me a favour?" Allen chirped, waving his hand in front of Tyki's face.
"What do you want?" he sighed, looking up from his book.
"I need you to look after her for a couple of days."
"No." The answer was definite, and anyone else would have given up on him. But Allen wasn't anyone else.
"Please."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Please, please, please, please, pleeeeease."
Tyki growled. "Can't you get the twins to do it?"
"No, they'll hurt her. It has to be you."
Tyki continued to frown.
"I promise I'll stop cheating in poker," Allen pleaded.
"Fine." Tyki sighed. Why was it always him?
"Thank you so much," Allen beamed, before running off.
She was surprised when he didn't deliver her next meal. Instead, it was delivered by another. He was tall, with dark hair. He wore a suit and top hat. He didn't stay with her, and he only spoke to her once.
"I don't get it. Why does he keep you?"
"What do you mean?"
He didn't answer. Turning away, he left the cell without a second glance.
The strange man continued to bring her food for the next few days, but he didn't speak to her again.
When she asked when Allen would be back, he merely shrugged. As if it was of no interest to him.
When Allen brought her next meal, she almost smiled. Then she realised, with a pang of guilt, that she was genuinely happy to see him.
"Hi." he smiled brightly at her. It was more cheerful than his usual greeting. He placed her food down with one hand, his other concealed behind his back.
"I've got a surprise for you," he chirped.
She looked up at him, confused.
"It's got to wait till after you eat though. So you better hurry."
Road finished her meal quickly, while shooting glances at Allen. His back was facing her, making it impossible to see whatever he was holding.
As soon as she finished, he was in front of her, practically jumping up and down in excitement.
"Surprise," He grinned, taking out a ragged doll from behind his back and holding it out towards her.
"I... You...' Road was at a loss for words. Jumping up, she threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered.
"My pleasure," Allen murmured into her hair, wrapping his arms around her waist.