Tag the Boredom Away

"I'm so bored…!"

The childish, whiney voice belongs to none other than a sixteen year old fortune teller by the name of Neon Nostrade. As much as she wanted to go out, a certain blonde bodyguard would not allow it. And usually when that happened, she would usually sneak out, but that certain guard was keeping an extra sharp eye on her as she had done that very thing and snuck out a couple days prior. Needless to say she got an earful when she was caught sneaking back in.

Even if it was not Kurapika himself keeping tabs on her, he did make sure that she had at least one guard nearby at all times, not risking her sneaking off again. Of course, she ratted him off to her father over the phone, whining and complaining on how unfair and mean he was. Which of course, usually resulted in Mr. Nostrade calling him, but after talking to the man rationally he was let off the hook, explaining it was for her safety, which was the reason he was hired.

Slumping in her chair, Neon gazed around her bedroom, wracking her brain for something to do. That's when she got a great idea.

"KURAPIKAAAAA!"

Her summons rang throughout the mansion, it was so loud. It only caused the particular Kurta to wince. Sighing, he set down the papers he had been going through, reports on possible leads for scarlet eyes, and left the small room he used for his research.

"Kurapikaaaaa, hurry up and come here!"

Not bothering to respond, he let her continue to call and yell for him as he took his time getting to her room. Opening the door, he was caught up in one final "KURAPIKA!" as she had yet to notice him, her arms flailing childishly as she was getting close to one of her tantrums. Once the ringing in his ears from the screech stopped, he squared his shoulders and bowed.

"You called, Neon-sama?"

"It's about time, Kurapika! I've been calling you for HOURS!"

A sweat drop formed on his temple, amazed at how overdramatic she could be.

"I apologize, I was rather busy. What is it you've summoned me for?"

At the reminder of her summons, a bright smile took over her features as her bratty annoyance melted away.

"That's right! I want you to take me outside!"

"Outside…? Neon-sama, you are free to do that without me…"

"Nooooooo I want you to escort me out! Come on, Kurapika just do it!"

Contemplating her request, he stares blankly for a moment, only for him to sigh inwardly with his eyes closed.

"Alright, Neon-sama…come along."

"Yay!"

Hopping out of her chair, she skips past the blonde, reaching out and grabbing the fabric of his sleeve to drag him along behind her. Slightly thrown off balance by the sudden tug on his arm, Kurapika stumbles for a bit before righting himself, his sleeve still in her clutches. Forced into being dragged, he simply followed the energetic girl outside the confinements of the mansion and into the rather large yard behind it.

"Ok! Kurapika I want you to play with me!"

"Ah…"

That was what she wanted from him? Pressing his fingertips against his temple, he sighs. "Neon-sama, I can't right now…I have a lot of work to do."

"Aww come on! Why don't you try to relax and have fun for once? You're always so dull and boring!"

"Why not ask one of the others..?"

"No way! I want you to play with me!"

Using one of the oldest tricks in the book, she widens her eyes and juts out her lower lip, pulling a puppy dog face on him. Caught off guard yet again, he couldn't help but look away from the cuteness she radiated. "A-alright…"

Hissing out a yes, she squeals, tackling him with a quick hug. "This is going to be so much fun! How about tag? Maybe hide-and-go-seek!"

Confused, the blonde boy raises a brow, glancing at her. "Um, Neon-sama…I'm not really sure what those are…"

"What? Kurapika you don't know how to play tag? No wonder you're so boring!"

Ignoring the unintentional insult, he takes a deep breath to keep cool. "In that case, maybe it would be better to play with someone else…"

"Nuh-uh! I'll just tell you how to play! It's super easy."

Still unable to worm his way out of playing with her, he accepts the offer with no other choice. "Well then…How does one play?"

"Not one, but two! Seriously Kurapika, why else do you think I wanted you to play with me?"

"My mistake, Neon-sama. Please continue."

"So, basically we just chase each other!"

"…That's it?"

"That's it!"

"Then why is it called tag…"

"Oh yeah! You have to tag the other like this!" To demonstrate, she reaches out a hand and taps his arm. "See? Super easy right?"

"Um, sure…"

"Okay, ready? You can be it first!" She giggles, waiting for him to acknowledge he understood everything.

Raising his left hand, he looks at it, then glances at her. The corners of his mouth twitching up into a smirk, he taps her shoulder before backing away, a small glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Alright Neon-sama…But I do believe that by the rules, you are now it."

Dumbfounded, she stares at him with wide eyes. She had never expected to see such a playful side from her head guard. "Hey, wait! Kurapikaaaaa that's so unfair! Get back here!"

His smirk forming into a small grin, he shakes his head, turning away and running, only for Neon to run after him. "Kurapika…!"

"Sorry Neon-sama, but that's the rules. You'll have to catch me!"

"Oh, you are soooooo going to get it!"

Needless to say, Neon ended up laughing as the two continued their game of tag, with Kurapika finally opening up a little and having some fun.

END

Epilogue:

"Hey, Kurapika! That was a lot of fun!"

Hating to admit it, he nods in agreement. "Surprisingly…"

"Oh I know! Next time it'll be hide-and-go-seek!"

"There's more…?"

"Of course, silly! It would get boring if it was only tag!" She giggles lightly.

"Oh dear…"