A/N: Big big THANKS to my partner/consultant sesshou-chan who helped me a LOOOOOOOOOOT creating this (pitching in ideas, editing some coughJUICYcough parts of this) and seriously without her this fic wouldn't be molded as it is. And also, for putting up with my everyday rants as I wrote this. BREW. I FVKIN LOVE YOU.
And also to my beta reader, FivePastTwo *smooches*
Cover image done by papaphinks
(FEMCHROLLO IS A GODDESS. GDI.)
Once there was a witch who lived deep within the woods, faraway from human civilization. She had an otherworldly beauty that needed no sorcery to enchant males or even females for it was a magic itself and powers which could invade nations, even bring the whole world into her submission in just a flick of her finger. She had resided in the world far longer than a mortal's lifetime for she was an immortal. Indeed a creature of near omnipotence; yet she decided to never depart from her woods. These woods which were a part of herself.
Solitude was her comfort; and books were her eternal companion in life. She needed no one else; her home and all the living creatures that resided here were all that mattered to her.
She neither loathed nor adored humans. Humans were mere creatures who lived in the same soil as her, her knowledge of these frail beings were limited to the thick volumes of dust-covered books she owned and those rare times she had encountered them in her forest; those who meant harm, she gave them wrath; those who meant peace, she gave them kindness.
Stories about her were passed down. She became an urban legend, given the title of, 'The Enigmatic Black Witch of the Woods.' Some spoke praises of her; a savior who could grant wishes, while others spoke ill of her as a spawn of evil who would bring destruction to everything.
The humans believed the latter; blinded by the envy and fear of her magnificence. She was declared as threat. They joined; torches at hand, angry mob marching towards her woods. They burned her home to ashes in hopes of obliterating her in the face of Earth.
For the first time, she was freed from her cage. Flying up to the dark tinted sky, she looked down on her tormentors.
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; you took away what's dearest to me, then you shall despair the existence of a dearest one, humans. From this generation onwards, unfortunate children of yours shall bear the cursed eyes; eyes that lit through the dark, as crimson as blood, whose kiss shall perish the life of their true love. And only my death shall break this curse."
She disappeared into the thin air leaving no traces of her behind.
The woods were her life; her strength and her weakness. And now it was gone.
-x-x-x-
The tips of my fingers void of sensation shivered as I rang the doorbell. The chime seeming like a whisper; trounced by the sound of heavy downpour surrounding me. I stepped back and waited, hoping that the concrete walls of this building were able to mute or at least minimize the noise of the rain. My keys were left inside my room, and the front door was my only entrance inside (the back door was still for repair and it had been that way even before I had resided here) lest I prefer climbing the tree to access the window of my room. The latter option might be plausible though, if the door would be left unanswered. The numbing cold was starting to affect my body, and the sticky feeling of the drenched suit on my skin ticked me off. Just seeing the color of my suit is enough to dampen my mood, because black gave off a gloomy feeling, amplified by this weather. And black reminded me a lot of things. But it was needed nevertheless, just for this day; to commemorate that night.
'Wear all black, it's my favorite. Oh, and don't forget, three pieces of pudding from my favorite bake shop.'
Her voice suddenly echoed in my head. Not that she would see it anyway.
Shaking off the thoughts, I focused on the door in front of me again. My body began seeking for the warmth inside.
Before I could give another ring, the door opened.
"Kurapika!" Leorio greeted, his brows knitted; a mixture of worry and relief in his voice as soon as he saw me by the door.
A curt nod was my only response. I walked past him and began taking off my shoe as I entered the premises. I grimaced as I saw that even my socks didn't escape the damping wrath of the rain.
"It's freaking twelve in the midnight! We were so worried about you!" he shouted. And that was the cue for him to begin his lecture. I could only hope it was not enough to disturb sleep of the other residents in the dorm. " You didn't even bring your umbrella! You saw the weather forecast this morning, right?!" he continued, but I was too busy spewing light curses towards my socks that I didn't have the time to defend myself or even listen to him. Exhaustion was getting the better out of me. My body's aching for my bed. I badly needed rest. "Why the hell are you wearing that anyway?!" His hand gestured closing the door," Just where were you the whole d―"
Leorio's statement was left hanging in the air. I assumed he just had enough talking or that something had caught in his throat. Either way, I was relieved to be spared from his continuous preaching. He's just on the same age as me; a high school student on his senior year, yet he seemed like some old man due to his words and actions; more so with his appearance that had tricked anyone at first glance about his real age. And I firmly believe it was his side burns' fault and the stubble he maintained.
I do understand the root of his concerns; but it's been crowded enough in my thoughts. His preaches would just be gibberish noise that would spill right away from my mind once heard.
"And who the hell is that chick?!"
I lift my eyes upwards and saw Leorio giving an accusatory finger behind me. I stopped taking off the excess water in my socks as I followed the direction it was pointed. A girl stood by the door.
'Visual hallucination' came first to mind as I recognized her; forcing the logical side of my brain to process. But if even Leorio were able to see her, then I shouldn't worry for the stability of my mental state.
Black long hair cascading to her waist, black sailor uniform with black socks and shoes then her eyes ―an endless pit of black; she blended well with the dim surroundings brought by the downpour yet at the same time, she stood out in this dark, gloomy place. The sway of her body, with its natural elegance, implying that she'd been waiting for her presence to be acknowledged; patiently like an obedient kid. She was just as drenched as I am, yet her face didn't show anything. It remained bland.
She pushed the part of her bangs obstructing her vision to the side, revealing that trademark birthmark of a cross in her forehead.
It's her. She's back. In flesh. Standing in her usual stance. One year. In front of me. With me. For me.
Flood of thoughts came to my mind, I'm even surprised it didn't explode that moment. Overlapping one another; begging to be recognized, to be spoken.
She was all I could see amongst other things.
She was all my eyes wanted to gaze at.
But of all the muddle of thoughts, that one sentence that silenced everything was,
'Goddammit. She's so beautiful.'
She stared at me, her black orbs that held no emotion yet it pierced through my soul. Then she eyed Leorio, and back to me. A grin followed, just a slight curve on her lips ―challenging me, waiting for an amusing answer from me.
I shrugged, looking back at Leorio while taking off the other shoe. I stood up, "Oh that?" I pointed her with my thumb, "She's my girlfriend."
Leorio's jaw dropped, the sight was too comical to be real; as though I told him that I was actually girl all throughout the years. I wish I had preserved the moment and photographed it.
The sound of her shoes spluttering the mud for every step were echoing to my ears; getting nearer and nearer. She closed the door for Leorio.
"Quwrof Wrlccywrlir." She said, offering a hand to Leorio.
Leorio shook hands with her albeit with unease. An awkward curve on his lips formed, his futile attempt of a natural smile and leaned towards my ear, "K-kurapika. Can you translate what she just said? Was that German? French? I swear I think I just heard some Hogwarts spell."
"That's my name." She answered before I could reciprocate Leorio's query. "And Chrollo's fine actually, Leorio."
Surprise was the first response his body had told him that he was immobilized for seconds. And Chrollo, reading Leorio like an open book ―he'd always been a transparent person whose face spoke what's on his mind― responded to the inquiry before it was released from his mouth.
"Kurapika told me your name. After all, I'm his girlfriend."
There was distinct emphasis of possessiveness ―or was it plain amusement? ― on the word 'girlfriend.'
Leorio withdrew his hand from her as he scooted closer to me once again, and whispered ―it was loud anyway even Chrollo can hear it, "Oi Kurapika! Why didn't you tell us about this? I've always thought you swung the other way."
A drawn-out silence passed by to reminisce the occasions where guys would randomly ask me out, or give me love letters and some persistent ones who wouldn't succumb regardless of my gender.
I glared at him, while Chrollo only snorted.
"Shut up." I spoke with palpable sharpness in it; which was directed for the both of them.
After I finished cleaning my shoes, I felt a hand gripping onto my palm. The same feel, the same pattern of palm I have mastered through countless times of being with her. I looked up and saw Chrollo. An expectant stare was on her eyes matched with a playful grin on her lips. I stood up and towered over her; just a few inches though. Chrollo's height was slightly above the average for females after all; or it might just be me and my genes.
Leorio then stopped me with a vice grip on my arm, "Wai- wai- wait! You're not seriously gonna bring your girl inside the dorm?! I mean, this is the boys' dorm, you know?" he asked with his panic-stricken voice, "Boys only dorm?" he added, probably to wake up my common sense.
Oh, it's always been completely roused, just not in the mood to rise from its cradle and do its job properly.
"Don't worry. They'll never find me. I'm great at hide-and-seek." Chrollo said, turning her head back to Leorio.
"What she said." I added, pointing her.
"Kurapika! You know you can get suspended―"
But I wasn't able to hear his whole statement. It was not necessary anyway because I could easily discern its full content. Chrollo and I had gone upstairs, leaving tracks of small puddles along the way. Cleaning them was the least of my concern at that time.
She propped her shoulders onto mine, our hands were caught in between our bodies. "Hi there, boyfriend."
She even stressed the tease in her tone as she spoke. She's really enjoying every second of this.
"So, am I going to wear one of your overly sized T-shirts? I don't have any extra undergarments just to inform you."
I didn't have the energy to retort regarding her provocative words. Because my mind was filled with the softness of her hand, the slickness of our clothes joining together both drenched by the rain, the crown of her head leaning on my shoulder and just the feel of her presence beside me.
I stayed silent, letting her intertwine our fingers. We stopped as we reached the door of my room.
"It looks good on you." She uttered.
I cocked my head and saw her eyes rolled to my direction.
"The earring." She pointed her finger on my left ear. I fiddled with my earlobe and trailed down the chain to feel the dangling diamond shaped jewel at the end. "I am pleased that you still wear it." A pause. She then inclined her head in a meager degree, "I'm back, Kurapika."
I must've pressed deeper that I felt the jewel had begun creating dents on my fingers.
Silence was engulfing the atmosphere, as it was just our eyes speaking to each other conveying more meaning than words.
A smile slowly crept on her lips, "Missed me?"
I released the earring from my grip and squeezed her hand, lifting it to my mouth and brushed my lips on her knuckles; pressing it deeper so as to carve my lips on her flesh. I moved the doorknob.
"I hate you."
The door opened and both of us entered the room.
-x-x-x-
The witch ventured the mortal soil then; far away from her woods. She had veiled her witch self and disguised as a human. Time went by, and the witches had become a thing of the past; reduced to myths for scaring children. Her infamous title long forgotten.
She lived like a human; using different names, in different lives. Some were stolen identities, most were created from her imagination.
Living and dying repeatedly; erasing the proof of each existence in the world as though they were some dress she would denude when she had enough wearing.
She neither loathe nor adore humans, undeterred by their deed of destroying her only home, never once did she care about them. They were mere means of her amusement ―saving their lives whilst ending them, leading them to victory whilst bringing their fall ― her living entertainment to fritter away all the time she had.
She had everything yet she was empty.
She had no goals; just living. So she lived her life in random directions. After all, any path she took would only lead to one end.
A century had passed and she enrobed the character of a high school student whom she had given her birth name.
-x-x-x-
The sun's rays reflected from my window crawled to my bed, stretching to the lids of my eyes. Rubbing them as my consciousness stirred, I moved my upper body to get up but it was hindered by the additional weight on my chest. Chrollo's arm was fully encasing my torso while the other one was curled beside me; leaning her head on my shoulder. Her leg tangled above mine had also trapped my lower limbs. With the pressure she applied against my body, she had officially declared me as her personal human body pillow.
I shifted my position and rolled away from her with caution so as not to disturb her sleep. My feet dangled at edge of the bed. I glanced through the night stand. The little container resting beside the lamp was glaring at me. It had been a year since I began using this as a part of my daily life yet I'll never acquaint myself to it. I snatched the receptacle together with the eye drops then I stood up and went to the bathroom to fix myself.
Last night was uneventful, we slept together after cleaning ourselves and changing our clothes. She did wear one of my long sleeves and thankfully my cotton pants ―despite her grand declaration that she'd go with the kareshi T-shirt as her pajamas, but the magical words 'You might catch a cold' did its job to prevent her legs to be exposed, even her undergarments remained beneath her clothes.
It was a normal occurrence in the past; seeing her face first thing in the morning. It was the proof of her successful ambushes in my room, disturbing my sleep during unearthly hours by knocking on my window; geared with her ever-ready-ever-complete 'sleep over' bag pack. She always had her own ways of forcibly staying inside my room until morning. Sometimes through her lip reverence, 'Because I couldn't sleep thinking of you, so take responsibility' or through her words of threat 'If you kick me out, I will yell "RAPE! HELP ME!"' The first months she did that, it was well-received by slamming shut of my windows right into her face. Then I'd ask any of my dorm mates still awake at that time―though mostly it would be Leorio or Killua or Gon― to escort her back to her apartment.
She got more creative with her ways of trespassing my room like picking the lock or do some underhanded methods ―exploiting her 'inhumane' skills. And when I had enough of her antics, I'd deliberately leave my window unlocked and feign sleeping while she soundlessly crawled on my bed; staying there until morning. Since then I had this habit of allowing my windows to remain unlocked.
Because I knew that if it opened; it would be Chrollo.
The mattress sank as I dropped myself on its coziness once again, burying the lower part of my body beneath the blanket I shared with her. I faced Chrollo, lying on my side. Her black orbs were still concealed behind her lids, her breathing remained even with light snores I could only hear when I moved my ear near her mouth. She was probably in the midst of her dream. The warm breath she exhaled through her parted lips tickled my skin. A part of her face shone beneath the sun's rays.
Angelic. I thought. She looked too angelic to be real as though she was just a mirage. My fingers traced the soft curves of her face unbeknownst to me. Decreasing the distance between our faces, I settled my palm on her cheek.
The warmth, the solidity, the life pulsing from her; she felt so real.
Thumbing her cheek, I kissed her forehead. Then looked down to have another run down on her sleeping face which I regretted right away.
The swell of her breasts poured out from the constraints of the unbuttoned part of her shirt. Two or maybe even three buttons lesser than what was needed to fully cover them. I buried half of my face into my hand as I closed my eyes and sighed of exasperation. I felt the threat of a blush in my cheeks. They were quite warm to touch. Then the sensation of its softness was pressed further against my chest, and one thigh slipped in between mine almost rubbing against my crotch. Her grip tightened with the slightest movement of my muscle trying to escape from her.
I knew sleep had already abandoned her.
"I'm still waiting for my 'Wake Up Kiss.'"
Her eyes were still closed when I looked back at her face.
"I doubt it would still be agreeable to call it 'Wake Up Kiss' now that you've woken up."
"The 'Kiss' part would suffice for me."
She finally opened her eyes, sneaking her hand beneath my shirt; rubbing small circles on my hips. "And Kurapika," she called. Loving the feel of her palm against my skin, I just allowed her to bunch up my shirt, its hem reached just below my ribs. The fabric of the blanket covering us moved along her hand as it went up and down my side.
"Don't worry," Her thumb played with the garter of my undergarments," I'm real."
I closed my eyes, sighed through a smile forming in my lips. Hearing those words from her washed away the doubts I had a while ago. I feel relieved.
I grabbed her wrist, taking advantage of her relaxed muscles.
"I know." I was able to roll away from her. I sat on the bed, with my back facing her. "And please wear another shirt. Something that completely covers your front."
"I feel comfortable with this."
I half turned my head to see her, "I'm not comfortable with other guys seeing that."
She blinked. Twice. If she were caught off guard, she didn't show it. She stared at me through her lashes, "I like it when you're possessive."
"I like it more that you are mine."
The shock in her face was quite pronounced this time, "I didn't know you had the skills as a smooth talker."
"One year is more than enough to learn the basics." I tore away the blanket from my lap, "I'm going downstairs. Are you going with me?"
She yawned, shaking her head lightly, "I need to continue my beauty sleep." She had brought the blanket to her neck. Her eyes were closed and she was already sinking into the comfort of the mattress.
Afterwards I headed downstairs.
Nothing special in our kitchen, just the common one. The cabinets hanging from the ceiling were occupied with kitchen utensils forming a reverse 'L.' The lavatory and the dishwasher were located in front, then the dirty kitchen part was on the left side along the entrance of the room. The stove/oven beside it, a microwave and a toaster were standing on the corner. A table in the middle of the kitchen with enough seats to occupy the eight inhabitants of the dorm.
I was alone in the kitchen. There were still hours away from the start of classes so my dorm mates were still on their bed, either sleeping or refusing to escape the warmth of their sheets. I was solely focused on the slicing of onions that I failed to sense Chrollo entering the kitchen. Her footsteps were as light as feathers that it was masked by the sound of my chopping. The moment I felt her was when she had clutched my shoulder, tiptoed, and leaned up to reach my lips. I jolted. The knife escaping my grip but I didn't hear the clanking it should've produced when it hit the floor.
I saw her lips curving upwards seconds before her mouth reached mine, telling me, 'You won't refuse me.'
I gave in and closed my eyes then she kissed me. Just a quick peck on the lips; too short to crave for more yet long enough to memorize the familiar mold that branded her lips. Not too shallow, not too deep yet enough for her taste to linger in my mouth. Always the cunning one; exploiting every opportunity she sees to her benefit.
She pulled away and I opened my eyes. I saw the knife now belonged to her hand; dangling it carelessly on her arms like it was just some glittery purse.
She stared with the usual innocence, hiding all emotions from her eyes, "I had to comfort you. You were crying."
I pilfered the threatening knife from her hand in one swift movement. I snorted, just noticing the liquid forming in my eyes. I wiped it with my sleeve.
"Excuses. You know it's just the onions."
"But there were still tears."
She stood by the counter as I continued my task; not within her kissing distance but mine. It was her silent invitation of having me initiate the next one.
She stared at me from her position as though cutting onions was the most interesting thing to watch in the world. Then I noticed her scanning the other ingredients scattered around the chopping board, trying to determine the menu for the day.
"We're having omelets." I said; getting a step ahead of her inquiries.
A disinterested hum was her response. She propped her elbow on the tiles, lowering her chin on her palm. Her abysmal eyes reeled on my direction, "I thought it's been your talent to bring demise to every egg―Oh, excuse me. I meant, every dish you cook." Then I heard a sigh of mocking grief from her, "Those poor things."
I glared at her through a sideway glance, "Just to tell you, I've improved through the year."
She smiled, "Ohhh. Tell me about it."
"About what?"
"The whole year you've been through."
My hand stilled. The whole year she asked. I tried to remember any significant events that happened this year, but I failed to do so. Everything was a blur. Every day was just a whole day of routines waiting for the day to end. Exams, home works, school activities, chores; everything was programmed and my body would just move according to its pre-determined course. It was my life before her. I acted so normally, it scared even myself.
Everyone went on with their lives like she never existed, and I let myself get caught up with that flow. That it almost had me thinking, she's just my imagination. She was just from a well-detailed dream I brought into my reality.
I could only hold onto the intangible evidence of her existence. The ruby earring accompanied with her words of, 'I'll come back. Just wait for me.'
So I waited for that day. Without any specific date, without any assurance that it would come. I just waited and believed into her words.
She shouldn't have asked a question as cruel as that. A question she could answer herself. But before I could go on further to the dark part of my memories, there were another pair of footsteps inside the kitchen. I looked up and saw Hanzo, our dorm leader. I should've known, he'd always been the one to get up early, due to his morning exercises for his judo club.
He entered the room, with towel wrapped around his neck. He headed towards me. The threat of suspension echoing from every step he made. He looked around, I knew he was finding something or rather someone that didn't need to be there. When he had searched enough, he scratched his bald head, "Gee, it was only Kurapika. I thought a girl had sneaked inside."
I didn't look at him as I cracked the eggs. A little bit of the egg white got into the tile, I took a paper towel near me and wiped it. I shrugged, "Must be your imagination."
"Yeah." He replied, wiping the sweat in his head. The shine it created as it was reflected on the sun, blinded me. It might even be used as a make-shift mirror with its unblemished appearance. He busied himself with the fridge, and I heard him getting something from it. Then he closed it. He peered his eyes to see what I was doing for a moment, and saw him holding a bottle of water from my peripheral vision. When he had deciphered the meaning of my actions, he gestured his feet to go outside. He said, with his back on me, giving a lazy wave, "Bye." One more glance on me, "And make sure to make your dish is at least edible." Then he left the room, his footsteps echoing in the hallways.
"What happened to improvement?" Chrollo said emerging from the table, in front of the lavatory. She must've moved there when I was still busy with my thoughts.
"It's not poisonous anymore at the very least."
She shrugged, "I see that he's as clean-shaven as ever."
"He's our new dorm leader, by the way." I said, now beating the eggs. I didn't look at her.
"And the old one?"
"Graduated."
"Oh."
She walked past me which had me assuming that she'd return to her position before Hanzo came in. But she did not; instead, she turned around, grabbed my arm, squeezed it and held my cheek as she leaned up to steal another kiss. This time it was longer, deeper; even biting my lip. She detached herself as she slid her palm away from my arm; a mischievous grin plastered on her, satisfied with her deed.
I held the knife up and told her, "Next time you steal a kiss, it would be this" I lift the knife again, emphasizing the object. "to fill your mouth. So stop interrupting me."
Her head was tilted ever so slightly, "Looking forward to it."
She turned her heels and advanced her feet towards the exit. One, two, three more steps; in gradual movement, as if waiting for something more to happen. No, she really wanted more. The way her hips swayed with effortless seduction and how her black flowing tresses moving along with it; magnifying her allure. On her fourth step, the sound of knife dropping on the chopping board echoed on the room. I grabbed her waist, turned her around and pushed her to the counter. There was a loud thump sound when her back came in contact with the wood. Both of us, too occupied to even notice or voice it. My fingers slithered down the curve of her waist, resting them on her hips.
I stared into her obsidian eyes; urging me, pulling me into abyss. Then her fingers reached for my eyes, searching something in its depths, "As crimson as blood." I flinched, unwary of my constricting grip on her. "The hue I've always ador―"
I pulled her and crashed my lips into hers.
The next thing my mind had processed, we were kissing hard, needy; insistent mouths adequately answering each other's desires. Going deeper and deeper; muffling moans and groans, to hell with the audience we might invoke with our noises. Because what mattered is 'us', this moment is 'ours.' Then it was just tongue and teeth; lapping, colliding; harsh yet achingly pleasurable. Uncontainable desires bursting like fireworks lit in the sky, and I can't bring myself to stop. Not that I wanted to anyway.
Her fingers dug on my neck, nails grazing up and down, urging me further. Her caged moans within my mouth were more than enough to drive me to insanity leading my hands on the small of her bare back, bunching her shirt upwards; pulling her closer to my body. The heat emanating from her body implied how badly she wanted me and so do I. This is what I wanted, what I needed. To hold her, touch her in different places, to feel each and every curves of her body, elicit the pleasing sounds she does right now, the way she conceded into my touch; everything. Everything about her. The kiss broke just to catch our breaths. I saw the loss of orientation in her face when I pulled away. Another open mouthed kiss that would surely steal the breath out of us. Our hips grinding, personal space be damned.
Definitely not the sweetest kiss ever done.
Once upon a time, I would've not dared to kiss her. I've always had this imaginary chain in me that had me leashed so well. Self-control was my forte, and I thought I'd be able to hold onto it. But now, things had changed. It didn't matter anymore. I had to make the best of it, before she slipped away from my grasp, again.
Pulling away, I leaned on her shoulder and whispered breathlessly, "I― really hate you."
-x-x-x-
Then she met this boy. The boy who had a golden hair; those locks with its blinding luster under the sun. She was lured into him; a forthwith resemblance to a crow plunging on her auspicious find.
She saw his eyes. They were as crimson as the blood. She was enticed by their fiery glow, her eyes refused to depart from his ethereal gaze. She paid no heed to the nagging sense of connection with him. Because for the first time of her co-existence with the humans, a foreign feeling bubbled inside her; admiration.
The long forgotten curse she gave ages ago came back to her.
"Do you want to shatter your sealed fate?"
The boy then recognized her at that instant.
"Then, why don't you kill me with that curse of yours, bearer of the Cursed Eyes?"
His voice was sharp, secured utmost certainty with his words.
"I won't and I will never fall in love with you."
She had decided then and there, he'd be a treasure she would claim to herself.
The prospect of shattering the boy's conviction evoked excitement in her veins; spreading like wild fire in her body. After all, the more challenge there is, the more interesting things would ensue.
She now had a goal; becoming the boy's True Love.
It was all for her entertainment.
-x-x-x-
"You can go first. I'll skip classes today."
Leorio's jaw dropped (lower than last night), Killua's eyes bulged almost escaping their sockets while Gon was the only one who was able to speak; scream rather; his 'EHHHHHHH?!' resonating to the whole dorm ―which was responded by Hanzo with generous intensity, 'Keep your voice down!' from the first floor. No need for words, their facial expressions had said it all; 'This is not a drill. The world is coming to its end.'
Once again, I regret the absence of a camera at that moment to take a snap shot of their ludicrous reactions for keep sake. Leorio's comical show before was already a treasure to be preserved for a lifetime but this had thrice the worth than that. A good source of laugh during stressful times.
Their responses didn't faze me, though. After all, they've known me for two, no, almost three years and we've been school mates ―Leorio's my classmate while Gon and Killua are still in their third year of middle school ― since then. And they were witnesses of my stubbornness and determination when maintaining my perfect attendance in school. Not even a forty degree Celsius fever could stop me from attending my classes, and they concluded that even with an IV stand I would still go. That was the extent of my studies' importance to my life. Having straight A's in my class card might have its own benefits, but it was not all about the grades; I just have this belief that missing a day also meant missing the added knowledge I should've gained for that day.
Leorio ―with the most logical yet stupid reason he could think of― asked, "Are you dying Kurapika?!"
There seemed to be murmurs of agreement from his two companions hearing his query. I crossed my arms and leaned on the door frame, "I assure you. I am in perfect health."
"Then why?"
That was Gon. That look of candid apprehension from him would always bring out the truth from me―his big and hypnotic hazel eyes were a big factor. There was no point in lying anyway. "Quality time with my girlfriend."
The Chrollo radar within me detected the fascinated smirk she obscured behind the thick pages of the book she's reading.
I covered my ears, same with Killua and Gon, anticipating Leorio's "HUHHHHHHHHHH?!" that reverberated louder than Gon's. This time it was Tonpa, 'The Legendary Forever Repeater' of our school, who responded from the neighbor room, 'SHUT UP! I'M STILL SLEEPING HERE!' He'd be late for his class again, or today might be a further expansion of his collection on his ever growing absences.
Killua, Gon and I took off our hands from our ears at the same time; all of us unperturbed by Leorio's tactless scream. He had always been the loudest one among us, nothing unusual.
"You're really hoarding her in your room?!" He asked, this time with less uncouth intensity.
"You make it sound like she's some illegal drugs." I replied.
"Can we see her, Kurapika?" Gon asked, his eyes pleading like a puppy. Beside him, Killua was lax with his hands behind his neck; but his eyes expressed the same curiosity.
I responded by twisting my shoulder to lean on the door and created enough opening for them to peer inside. Killua and Gon moved a few steps pass the door, while Leorio stayed behind them since he had already seen her.
Chrollo was sitting on my bed. Her legs crossed while her back was flat on the wall. A thumb was pressed lightly at the base of the open book while the rest of her fingers were on its spine acting as support. Her other hand was resting on her lap. The finesse in her posture was noticeable in every part of her body. Acknowledging their presence, she closed the book in one swift movement and gave a quick wave to them which the three of them copied. Then she resumed reading right away.
I motioned the door to be closed, so the three of them would return outside our room.
"She just dislikes being disturbed while reading." I explained.
Killua was just staring at the door, "Wow. She really exists. I thought Leorio was just possessed or drunk last night when he told us." Then he eyed at me," So you're just gonna screw her the whole day?"
I almost fell on my footing hearing his words. Thank God for the door knob I was holding into. He lacked restrictions with his language; something I'm still contemplating if he had adapted from his family or was heavily influenced by Leorio.
Gon's 'what does screw her mean' reached my ears despite its whispering volume only meant for Leorio; same with Chrollo's repressed chuckle even when it was subdued behind the door.
"I'd be more than pleased if he did that." She interrupted, voicing her opinion loud enough for them to hear.
I turned my head to the door, raising my voice as I replied, "Sorry to disappoint you then."
Then there was a little tug on the hem of my shirt, I looked down just to see Gon and his trademark face of apprehension.
"But Kurapika, the teachers might know you're just cutting classes." He said.
Leorio ruffled his spiky tresses, "I'm just gonna cover up for him," He reasoned, "I bet they'd give him a slack. He's a teacher's pet after all."
"It's just one day. I don't think it would hurt for Kurapika." Killua seconded.
They didn't ask the deeper meaning for my sudden act, didn't try to force it out on me. There was this unspoken understanding from them that whatever my reasons were, they just knew this was something of great importance for me; more significant than my hunger for knowledge that I'd even do this one day act of delinquency. They would just be there to support me.
Sometimes I even wonder if I deserve great friends like them.
I smiled at them, the most sincere smile I could give, "Thank you. Really, thank you. "I spoke and ushered them, "You better go to school now or you'd be late like Tonpa."
They bid me their goodbyes and went their way to school. When they were out of sight, I came inside my room and crawled on my bed to join Chrollo. She flexed her knees to provide space for me; with her eyes centered on the book. I grabbed the one I was reading ―my History textbook, to at least be productive for today― a while ago before my friends knocked on the door. She curled her feet onto mine while I lied with my back on the mattress. No words were exchanged between us, just the usual routine of how we spent our times together. Silence occupied the room.
My mind was filled with important dates and events, repeating them in my thoughts so as to memorize them. She was the one who broke the silence.
"I love the witch in that story."
I looked up from my textbook, and saw her pointing at the book hidden beneath my pillow. I pulled it up. A little worn out with some ragged pages that had forgotten its original hue and a whiff of wood, signifying the long years it had endured in the bookshelves back in our house. Yet the leather cover and its gold linings were still intact. An embossed 'The Enigmatic Black Witch of the Woods' in its center was written in golden letters.
"Mom! Mom!" I remember the five-year-old me running frantically towards my mother, tugging on her dress as I reached her, "Read this to me! Pleaaaaase!"
I was so proud of myself at that time, finding this treasure from the most secluded corners of our basement. I couldn't understand the reason behind her conflicted expression back then. She smiled at me as she took the book from my hand. And just like any other night, I would sit on her lap, eagerly waiting for her to begin her bedtime stories. It differed every day and every book she read me would become 'my most favorite book of the day' or sometimes it lasted until one week. I liked them all, but none of them would stand out among others.
But there was something more with this book the moment I saw it; the cover itself had awed me enough, but when I scanned inside and saw the black haired witch, I was captivated then and there.
I remember how impatient I was for every leaf to be read, I was flipping the pages even before my mom did.
"Is she still alone, Mom?" I asked her as she closed the closed the book after finishing the story. She just stared at me, dumb founded.
"I….think so." She replied.
"Then…"
What came next must've been one of the biggest shock in my mother's life. I'll never forget the way her face looked at me with utter disbelief.
"Can I be with her? Just like Mom is with Dad?"
Because she's so beautiful, I would repeatedly tell my mother afterwards.
That was the last time she read that book for me. She locked it somewhere beyond my reach, afraid that I would read it again; that it would produce horrifying thoughts in me.
Because it was definitely weird. Witches were meant to be hated by children because they were always the bad guys in a fairy tale. They should even be scared of these villains.
Yet I broke the norm and ended up admiring one of them, because her appearance enchanted me and because at that time, I didn't view her as the evil one.
When I was old enough to understand, she told me of my curse and repeatedly relayed the stories of how our ancestors suffered because of her. Some committed double suicide with their lovers, some just lived alone their whole lives. 'She's an evil witch 'was what my mother would tell me always.
Those thoughts were pummeled into my brain, forcing anger into my system, and I thought it was my responsibility to take it. After all, I am one of those unfortunate ones who bore the cursed eyes.
Yet the moment I saw her, that moment when the witch whom I only saw in the book appeared in front me. She was real after all. She existed in this world with me.
All the anger forced within my system crashed down. It had a weak foundation to begin with, foundation filled with self-deceit. Seeing her in person had reignited the flame I forced myself to extinguish. The feelings lying dormant within me crawled in my body, dominating everything; my sheer admiration for her.
And I put up another defense, a more potent self-deceit that would evolve as the truth. That this superficial physical attraction would remain in the surface and would never go deeper. That it would remain passive and would never penetrate my half-assed defenses.
And she crashed them down so easily.
I stared at her with incredulity, "Of course you do, you narcissist."
She closed her book, an amused smirk was on her lips. She laid down to use my arm as her pillow. She took the book in my hand and gestured herself to read it.
"Love thyself, before loving thy neighbor." Then she scooted closer, taking away the last inches of distance between us as she leaned into my shoulder. "I must say the artist had gotten the accuracy of my captivating appearance."
I looked at the book I'm holding again, and picked up from the last page I've reviewed. "You're loving yourself too much; nothing's left for thy neighbor."
My fingers twirled around her hair, straightening the knots in them. She would try catching my digits with her teeth when it is within her range, all the while reading her book. Sometimes she'd prey for my index finger, but mostly, it was my middle one who'd be taken captive between her teeth. She'd let go right away, only to seize another one.
Only the sound of flipping pages, the wind that blew from the window, and our breathing can be heard. It was so peaceful, like we own the world. Hard to believe that just meters away from here, there were students hurrying to their classes. Some were still on their morning training. I heard Tonpa slamming his door, running hurriedly towards the stairs.
"Let's go on a date." Chrollo said, it was more like an order. I stopped combing her hair and she took that opportunity to bite my ring finger, which she released right away.
I didn't answer right away. I was on the part of a very important topic. I had to thoroughly read and understand this.
"Now?" I asked, not looking at her.
She shifted, turning sideways while she gripped my hand and re-positioned it on her waist. I could totally feel her breast she purposely pressed against my side.
"After we're finished reading."
"Where?" I traced the curve of her waist, up and down.
"The usual place. Our favorite bookstore."
I turned to my side, facing her, looking into her eyes. She looked up from her book, and dragged it down to see my whole face. The hand that held the textbook a while ago was now the one resting on the curve of her waist, the other one lay flat on the pillow.
Being with her this close that our breaths mingled with one another, the words just spilled on my lips. "I wanted to marry you when I was a kid, right after reading that book." I confessed.
"Until now?"
I pulled her closer to my body, "And if I said yes?"
She smiled, "Then I'm afraid I have to refuse your proposal."
I leaned my forehead to hers, "Hah. Shit." I closed my eyes feeling her warmth," I just― hate you."
-x-x-x-
And they began playing this dangerous game of tag. It was a one-sided game whose victor had been declared the moment it began. The boy avoided falling in love, while the witch pursued him.
The more he ran away, the more she chased.
The stronger he clung to his belief, the stronger her desire to shatter them into pieces.
The witch played in his pace, while she waited with undeterred patience for the trophy destined to be in her possession.
The moment he acquiesced to his defeat, would be the moment she'd depart from him; reaping away all of her from his life. As though she was a dream he'd never knew having once he woke up from his slumber.
No needless attachments left.
After all, it was just a little game she began as her pass time.
And reciprocating this 'True Love' was not part of the plan.
Little did she know it had been long rewritten even before she had it formulated.
It began with a drop, that harmless drop of admiration in their first meeting. Prospering within her in measly progress she thought of its presence as meaningless.
But no one told her it could be viral if left unaided that it was consuming her whole being. He was invading her heart, her soul.
Lethal, even.
Because it was mutating into 'something.'
Yet she still ignored it and allowed this 'something' to remain unnamed.
Their game shall continue.
Even when the end of her road was just within her sight.
"Why are you so keen on committing suicide?"
"I never said I wanted to commit suicide."
"Then what?"
"Simple. I wanted to kiss you."
"I told you. I won't ever fall in love with you."
"Then I get to kiss you more. But that means you don't belong to me."
"So what do you prefer?"
The gleam of the ruby earring almost blinded her as she stared at it through the sun's rays.
"Third option; I kiss you more and you're still mine…"
She placed the jewel in his palm, closed his hand as she looked at his face,
"…even for just one day."
A/N: To the lovely you (yes, you reading this author' note) who allotted some of his/her precious time reading this and is waiting for the next chapter; fret not my dear, part 2(the last part and where the juicyyyy parts are and a fair reminder that the next one would have twice the number of word count in this one) is on its way. Yeah. Maybe after 10 yrs, or when HxH manga updates *sweat drops* I-it's just that, writing a full smut scene for the first time fries my brain to ashes. Lol. But the rough draft is completed, just some coughMAJORcough polishing is needed.
And oh, uhhhh, it would mean the world to me if you share your thoughts with regards to this fic to me; or if you have suggestions or correct some mistakes I had here. I will love you forever if you do that.
*plops down on my imaginary fluffy fluffy bed* *hugs my imaginary pika dakimakura*
Finally, I can take a break…FOR NOW.