Purge
Logically, he could explain why he had decided to ask the Geneiryodan to disperse and go about their own ways for a little while: Smaller groups of people were less suspicious, and his members were less likely to get caught that way. There was safety in numbers, that was for certain, but the Geneiryodan were extremely hardy opponents in battle and could protect themselves against most attacks and more.
What he couldn't defend for the life of him, however, was his decision to keep Kurapika close to his side. The Kuruta could hardly be called a Spider, and would probably be overlooked in the war between the world and every criminal gang of B-class and above. Logically speaking, Kurapika would be safer if he was as far away from his lover as possible, and with all the criminals that mattered busy saving their own skin, Kurapika as a Kuruta would have no problems either.
There was always the excuse that Kurapika had insisted on it, despite everyone else's better judgment. If Feitan was staying with Phinx, Kurapika had argued, what was stopping him from staying with Kuroro? He wasn't as powerful as most of the members of the Geneiryodan, granted, but he had brains and adequate skill if push came to shove and he had to defend himself.
Kuroro hadn't put much of a fight. If Kurapika was with him, then he'd be able to protect the blond. Or so he told himself. Logically speaking.
He was trying to convince himself again.
Across the room, Kurapika was arranging a pile of rags and miscellaneous items into what seemed to be a bed. Kuroro looked up from the Skill Hunter and turned to watching his charge putter quietly around.
The chase had lasted three days, this time. Kuroro knew he could go on for more, but concern for his companion had forced him to opt for a short rest instead of putting as much distance between them and the army after their hides. They could afford six hours, and that was as far as he would allow it to stretch.
"I'll take first watch," the man said as soon as Kurapika was done. The blond glanced at him before nodding and hunting around their supplies for dinner. There were no arguments this time around; Kurapika didn't show it, but he was exhausted after three days of running and fighting and tense hiding. He wasn't used to criminal life yet, no matter how much he tried to insist he was fine.
"Here. We need to stock up on supplies soon."
"Thank you." Granola bars, dinner he could eat in six bites. Extremely nutritious, though.
Kurapika lingered. "Will you be all right…?"
The Skill Hunter lay open on his lap with his hand flat on top of it; a picture of a woman peeked out from between his fingers. The only reason why they could afford six hours of rest was because of this. "Yes."
There was no doubt in Kurapika's eyes, but the worry still remained. Kurapika pressed his lips to the older man in a chaste kiss before pulling away and settling down on the pile of rags. "Good night, Kuroro."
"Rest well."
Their conversations had been reduced to this. Two weeks ago, they could talk for hours without feeling the need to stop to conserve their energy. Now all that remained were two-bit sentences and silence. It didn't bother either of them; silence was something they were both comfortable with. Sometimes, though, Kuroro wondered if he had done the right thing.
Kurapika wouldn't have taken anything else, he reminded himself, and that was the end of the discussion.
He wondered why he had chosen to protect the blond. Logically, it would be probable to assume that it was because the blond needed it. And he did, now, because of his company of choice. What Kuroro wasn't certain about was why he felt the need to provide the protection.
"You think too much." Kuroro almost started, but he blinked and glanced at the younger man instead.
"You are the last person I know who'd make a remark about it."
A small smile graced Kurapika's lips. He chuckled, and shifted in the makeshift bed. "Stop brooding about it. I'm here because I want to be."
Kuroro smiled back and shook his head. "Mm. Fair enough."
3:21 PM 7/18/2006