A Boy
The sigh never escaped from him when water, hot enough to redden skin but not enough to burn, poured down his body. He stood under the shower and let his body be warmed.
Kuroro was back in his business suit, his tie perfectly knotted, his shirt perfectly pressed, as if they had not been pulled off earlier. He was waiting, sitting on the edge of the bed, when Illumi came out of the shower, naked as the day he was born, and began to pick up his clothes from the floor. Illumi glanced at the man as he dressed. His smile never reached his lips.
His eyes never blinked when he turned to Kuroro. Kuroro stood. Kuroro walked to him, put a hand into his wet hair and kissed him. He kissed back. His eyes never closed.
Kuroro stared at him, searching. Illumi did not know what Kuroro was looking for because he never felt it himself. Kuroro had something to say but Illumi never waited for anyone. He started for the door.
"Next week?"
Illumi stopped. Kuroro had once mentioned an upcoming contract for him. "Send the advance to my account."
"No. Can I see you again next week?"
"Call me." Illumi replied, because he would never care enough to make the call.
The door clicked shut behind him. There were no echos of footsteps when he walked down the corridor, there were no sounds of clothes rustling when he pulled out a phone from his pocket. He pressed a speed-dial button.
"Killua."
"A...Aniki." A pause. "What do you want?" The voice was surprised at first, and then wary.
"Nothing. Mother told me to check on you."
"Oh. Is that all?"
"Of course. What else can there be?"
Illumi's teeth grazed his lip. He leaned against a wall. He sighed. He closed his eyes. He smiled.
At the door, Kuroro watched. And understood.
-end-