A/N: I just had to put this in! Originally, it was only supposed to be a part of a chapter but I enlarged upon the theme and this is the product. What am I talking about? Well, you just have to read on to find out, ne? I also apologize in advance for the uncharacteristic display of drama in this chapter. The story's about to be finished you see +wink+
Standard disclaimer applies: I don't claim to own any of these characters so please don't sue.
Chapter 5: A Duel of Words
"I don't know what's the matter with me," Hisoka thought to himself as he nodded coolly to two female students waving coyly at him. Then he shook his head in disgust as he told himself silently that he should have done more than nod at them. He was starting to act differently he knew and it annoyed him that Irumi always looked as if he was laughing secretly. He had a nagging suspicion that it was him Irumi was amused about and he would have greatly loved to strangle his friend because of it.
"Of course you know what's the matter," that little voice in his head argued, "it's her!" He had been ignoring that voice ever since he met Machi, as well as the conclusions it presented him when it accounted his actions for the past weeks. Take for example that stupid incident yesterday. What possessed him to wait for her so that he could walk her to class? And to cover it up by saying that he was returning a book? Taking advantage of the moment is one thing, but purposely creating a chance meeting was another.
Hisoka continued walking to the campus clubhouse, his thoughts still in turmoil. The clubhouse itself resembled an English country manor but on a smaller scale. It was communal property for all the student organizations but in reality, the Genei Ryodan had virtually the run of the place.
Hisoka passed some students as he entered the hall but continued walking without acknowledging any of them. He came at last to what was called the drawing-room and went inside. There was already someone in the room.
"Konnichiwa," Hisoka greeted forming what he hoped was a friendly smile.
Machi looked up from the book she was reading. "You're early," she said, "our meeting doesn't start till 3."
Hisoka took the couch in front of her. "I didn't have anything else to do," he shrugged. "What are you reading?"
"Shakespeare," then as Machi saw his raised eyebrow she added, "it's for a class paper."
"Ah," Hisoka nodded, "need any help?"
Machi looked at him coolly, "I doubt you could. I'm going to argue in my paper that women are more perceptive writers than men." Then because she couldn't help herself, she added a little sarcastically, "besides, you wouldn't happen to know anything about literature, would you?"
Hisoka sighed, "Oh, Machi. Still so cruel…"
"Still so constant, lord," Machi finished the quote and held up the book in her hand for Hisoka to see. It was 'Twelfth Night'.
Hisoka laughed softly, "what a coincidence!"
Machi answered wryly, "or maybe it was because you could read the page I'm on." Hisoka grinned sheepishly. "I would be very surprised if you have even heard of Lord Byron," she added before turning back to reading her book.
"She walks in beauty like the night,
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And what was dull and bright,
Meet in the aspect of her ice-cold eyes."
Machi did look up in surprise at that but all she said was, "you misquoted. I don't remember that poem having the word 'ice-cold' in it."
"Oh that," Hisoka said airily, "I just added it to make it more appropriate. Then he added softly, "You have to admit though, when it comes to describing a woman he loves, that poem takes the price."
"Love?" Machi said scornfully although she could feel herself blushing, "I could only heed Rossetti:
The hope I dreamed of was a dream,
Was but a dream; and now I wake,
Exceeding comfortless, worn and old,
For a dream's sake"
Hisoka countered, "Then I would have to say with Marlowe:
It lies not in our power to love or hate,
For will in us is overruled by fate."
Then he added before Machi could say anything, "and with Shelley:
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law divine,
In another's being mingle
Why not I with thine?"
He had planned to say the last line flippantly but it came out more seriously than he thought.
Then Machi said scathingly, her eyes more colder than before, "any more quotes about love, oh wise one? I admit to be surprised that you should know any but then someone who thinks nothing about flirting should be armed with quotes like that."
Hisoka looked hurt and asked, "have I been anything but a gentleman these past days, Machi?"
"Oh, I agree. It must have been a big strain for you. You really don't have to pretend anymore. Why don't you just say what's on your mind?" Machi taunted, urged on by an inexplicable frustration.
Hisoka felt unexpected anger rising from him and blurted out the quote that that part of his brain handed out to him without pausing to consider it:
"If I loved you less I would be able to talk about it more!"
There was complete silence. They were silent as each struggled with their thoughts. Machi was the first one to recover however. "Jane Austen. Your favorite author, I presume?" she asked lightly. She stood up and said, "well, I still have this paper to finish. I might not make it to our meeting after all." She struggled for something else to say and in her rush said the wrong thing, "don't worry, I'll tell Kuroro about it."
Hisoka watched as she crossed the room and closed the door behind her. The knowledge of what he had said now filled his mind and with that, he surrendered to what he didn't acknowledge before.
"Actually, my favorite is Rossetti," he said softly and a little irrelevantly under his breath. He put a hand to his chest and felt the fast beating of his heart. He looked again at the closed door and remembered her last words before he said bitterly to the pounding in his chest:
"Lie still, lie still, my breaking heart,
My silent heart, lie still and break."
